Oxford Advanced Learner's DictionaryOxford University Press15/03/03Oxford University Pressen-us

© Oxford University Press 2003

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Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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A
noun, symbol, abbr.
noun (also a) (pl.A’s, a’s )
1 [C, U] the first letter of the English alphabet: ‘Apple’ begins with (an) A / ‘A’.
2 (A) [C, U] (music) the 6th note in the scale of C MAJOR
3 [C, U] the highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work or course of study: She got (an) A in / for Biology.  He had straight A’s (= nothing but A’s) all through high school.
4 (A) [U] used to represent the first of two or more possibilities: Shall we go for plan A or plan B?
5 (A) [U] used to represent a person, for example in an imagined situation or to hide their identity: Let’s assume A knows B is guilty.—see also A-FRAME , A LEVEL , A-ROAD
IDM from A to B from one place to another: I don’t care what a car looks like as long as it gets me from A to B. from A to Z including everything there is to know about sth: By the end of the week we knew the subject from A to Z.

symbol
1 used in Britain before a number to refer to a particular important road: the A34 to Newbury
2 used (but not in the US) before numbers which show standard metric sizes of paper: a sheet of A4 paper (= 297×210mm)

abbr. (in writing) AMP(S)

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a
(also an ) indefinite article
HELP The form a is used before consonant sounds and the form an before vowel sounds. When saying abbreviations like ‘FM’ or ‘UN’, use a or an according to how the first letter is said. For example, F is a consonant, but begins with the sound / e / and so you say: an FM radio. U is a vowel but begins with / j / and so you say: a UN declaration.
1 used before countable or singular nouns referring to people or things that have not already been mentioned: a man / horse / unit  an aunt / egg / hour / x-ray  I can only carry two at a time.  There’s a visitor for you.  She’s a friend of my father’s (= one of my father’s friends).
2 used before uncountable nouns when these have an adjective in front of them, or phrase following them: a good knowledge of French  a sadness that won’t go away
3 any; every: A lion is a dangerous animal.
4 used to show that sb/sth is a member of a group or profession: Their new car’s a BMW.  She’s a Buddhist.  He’s a teacher.  Is that a Monet (= a painting by Monet)?
5 used in front of two nouns that are seen as a single unit: a knife and fork
6 used instead of one before some numbers: A thousand people were there.
7 used when talking about prices, quantities and rates
SYN PER : They cost 50p a kilo.  I can type 50 words a minute.  He was driving at 50 miles an hour.
8 a person like sb: She’s a little Hitler.
9 used before sb’s name to show that the speaker does not know the person: There’s a Mrs Green to see you.
10 used before the names of days of the week to talk about one particular day: She died on a Tuesday.
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a-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) not; without: atheist  atypical  asexually
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AA
abbr. Automobile Association (a British organization which provides services for car owners)
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AAA
abbr. American Automobile Association (an American organization which provides services for car owners)
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A & E
abbr. ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
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aard.vark
noun an animal from southern Africa that has a long nose and tongue and that eats insects
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aback
adv.
IDM be taken a'back (by sb/sth) to be shocked or surprised by sb/sth: She was completely taken aback by his anger.—see also TAKE SB ABACK
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aba.cus
noun (pl.aba.cuses ) a frame containing rods with small balls that slide along them. It is used as a tool or toy for counting.
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aban.don
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (to sth) to leave sb, especially sb you are responsible for, with no intention of returning: The baby had been abandoned by its mother.  People often simply abandon their pets when they go abroad.  The study showed a deep fear among the elderly of being abandoned to the care of strangers.
2 ~ sth (to sb/sth) to leave a thing or place, especially because it is impossible or dangerous to stay: Snow forced many drivers to abandon their vehicles.  They had to abandon their lands and property to the invading forces.  He gave the order to abandon ship (= to leave the ship because it was sinking).
3 to stop supporting or helping sb; to stop believing in sth: The country abandoned its political leaders after the war.  By 1930 he had abandoned his Marxist principles.
4 to stop doing sth, especially before it is finished; to stop having sth: They had to abandon the match because of rain.  I have abandoned hope of any reconciliation.
5 ~ yourself to sth (literary) to feel an emotion so strongly that you can feel nothing else: He abandoned himself to despair.

noun [U] (written) an uncontrolled way of behaving that shows that sb does not care what other people think: He signed cheques with careless abandon.
IDM see GAY adj.

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aban.doned
adj.
1 left and no longer wanted, used or needed: an abandoned car / house  The child was found abandoned but unharmed.
2 (written) (of people or their behaviour) wild; not following accepted standards
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aban.don.ment
noun [U] (written)
1 the act of leaving a person, thing or place with no intention of returning: their childhood abandonment by their mother
2 the act of giving up an idea or stopping an activity with no intention of returning to it: the government’s abandonment of its new economic policy
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abase
verb [vn] ~ yourself (formal) to act in a way that shows that you accept sb’s power over you
abase.ment noun [U]
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abashed
adj. [not before noun] embarrassed and ashamed because of sth that you have done
OPP UNABASHED
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abate
verb (formal) to become less strong; to make sth less strong: [v] The storm showed no signs of abating.  [vn] Steps are to be taken to abate pollution.
abate.ment noun [U]
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ab.at.toir
noun (BrE ) = SLAUGHTERHOUSE
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ab.bess
noun a woman who is the head of a CONVENT
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abbey
noun a large church together with a group of buildings in which MONKS or NUNS live or lived in the past: Westminster Abbey  a ruined abbey
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abbot
noun a man who is the head of a MONASTERY or an ABBEY
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ab.bre.vi.ate
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (to sth) to make a word, phrase or name shorter by leaving out letters or using only the first letter of each word: the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (usually abbreviated to JPL)
ab.bre.vi.ated adj.: Where appropriate, abbreviated forms are used.
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ab.bre.vi.ation
noun
1 [C] ~ (of / for sth) a short form of a word, etc: What’s the abbreviation for ‘Saint’?
2 [U] the process of abbreviating sth
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ABC
noun, abbr.
noun [sing.] (BrE ) (AmE ABCs [pl.])
1 all the letters of the alphabet, especially as they are learnt by children: Do you know your ABC?
2 the basic facts about a subject: the ABC of gardening
IDM see EASY

abbr. American Broadcasting Company (a large national American television company)

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ab.di.cate
verb
1 to give up the position of being king or queen: [v] He abdicated in favour of his son.  [vn] She was forced to abdicate the throne of Spain.
2 [vn] ~ responsibility / your responsibilities to fail or refuse to perform a duty
ab.di.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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ab.do.men
noun
1 the part of the body below the chest that contains the stomach, bowels, etc.
2 the end part of an insect’s body that is attached to its THORAX —
ab.dom.inal adj. [only before noun]: abdominal pains
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ab.duct
verb [vn] to take sb away illegally, especially using force KIDNAP : He had attempted to abduct the two children.
ab.duc.tion noun [U, C]: child abduction
ab.duct.or noun
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Aber.do.nian
noun a person from Aberdeen in Scotland
Aber.do.nian adj.
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ab.er.rant
adj. (formal) not usual or not socially acceptable: aberrant behaviour
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ab.er.ra.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) a fact, an action or a way of behaving that is not usual, and that may be unacceptable
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abet
verb (-tt-) [vn] to help or encourage sb to do sth wrong: He was abetted in the deception by his wife.
IDM see AID v.
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abey.ance
noun [U]
IDM in abeyance (formal) not being used, or being stopped for a period of time
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abhor
verb (-rr-) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to hate sth, for example a way of behaving or thinking, especially for moral reasons
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ab.hor.rence
noun [U, sing.] (formal) a feeling of strong hatred, especially for moral reasons
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ab.hor.rent
adj. (formal) ~ (to sb) causing hatred, especially for moral reasons: Discrimination of any sort is abhorrent to a civilized society.
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abide
verb (abided, abided)
HELP In sense 2 abode is also used for the past tense and past participle.
1 [vn] can’t / couldn’t ~ sb/sth to dislike sb/sth so much that you hate having to be with or deal with them: I can’t abide people with no sense of humour.  He couldn’t abide the thought of being cooped up in an office.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (old use or formal) to stay or live in a place: May joy and peace abide in us all.
PVR V a'bide by sth to accept and act according to a law, an agreement, etc: You’ll have to abide by the rules of the club.  We will abide by their decision.
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abid.ing
adj. (written) (of a feeling or belief) lasting for a long time and not changing
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abil.ity
noun
1 [sing.] ~ to do sth the fact that sb/sth is able to do sth: The system has the ability to run more than one program at the same time.  Everyone has the right to good medical care regardless of their ability to pay.  A gentle form of exercise will increase your ability to relax.
OPP INABILITY
2 [C, U] a level of skill or intelligence: Almost everyone has some musical ability.  He was a man of extraordinary abilities.  students of mixed abilities  A woman of her ability will easily find a job.  I try to do my job to the best of my ability (= as well as I can).
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-ability, -ibility
-ABLE
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ab.ject
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 terrible and without hope: abject poverty / misery / failure
2 without any pride or respect for yourself: an abject apology
ab.ject.ly adv.
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ab.jure
verb [vn] (formal) to promise publicly that you will give up or reject a belief or a way of behaving RENOUNCE
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ablaze
adj. [not before noun] (written)
1 burning quickly and strongly: The whole building was soon ablaze.  Cars and buses were set ablaze during the riot.
2 ~ (with sth) full of bright colours or light: The trees were ablaze with the colours of autumn.  There were lights still ablaze as they drove up to the house.
3 ~ (with sth) full of strong emotion or excitement: He turned to her, his eyes ablaze with anger.
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able
adj.
1 ~ to do sth (used as a modal verb) to have the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do sth: You must be able to speak French for this job.  A viral illness left her barely able to walk.  I didn’t feel able to disagree with him.  Will you be able to come?
OPP UNABLE   note at CAN^1
2 (abler , ablest ) intelligent; good at sth: the ablest student in the class  We aim to help the less able in society to lead an independent life.—see also ABLY
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-able
(BrE also -ible) suffix (in adjectives)
1 that can or must be: calculable  taxable
2 having the quality of: fashionable  comfortable  changeable
-ability , -ibility (in nouns): capability  responsibility
-ably , -ibly (in adverbs): noticeably  incredibly
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,able-'bodied
adj. physically healthy, fit and strong in contrast to sb who is weak or DISABLED : Military service is compulsory for every able-bodied male between 18 and 27.
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,able 'seaman
noun a sailor of lower rank in the British navy
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ab.lu.tions
noun [pl.] (formal or humorous) the act of washing yourself
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ably
adv. skilfully and well: We were ably assisted by a team of volunteers.—see also ABLE (2)
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ab.nor.mal
adj. different from what is usual or expected, especially in a way that is worrying, harmful or not wanted: abnormal levels of sugar in the blood  They thought his behaviour was abnormal.
OPP NORMAL
ab.nor.mal.ly adv.: abnormally high blood pressure
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ab.nor.mal.ity
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] a feature or characteristic in a person’s body or behaviour that is not usual and may be harmful, worrying or cause illness: abnormalities of the heart  congenital / foetal abnormality
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aboard
adv., prep. on or onto a ship, plane, bus or train: We finally went aboard.  He was already aboard the plane.  The plane crashed killing all 157 passengers aboard.  All aboard! (= the bus, boat, etc. is leaving soon)  Welcome aboard! (= used as a greeting to passengers or to a person joining a new organization, etc.)
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abode
noun [usually sing.] (formal or humorous) the place where sb lives: homeless people of no fixed abode (= with no permanent home)  You are most welcome to my humble abode.—see also ABIDE v. , RIGHT OF ABODE
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abol.ish
verb [vn] to officially end a law, a system or an institution: This tax should be abolished.
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abo.li.tion
noun [U] the ending of a law, a system or an institution: the abolition of slavery / apartheid / the death penalty
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abo.li.tion.ist
noun a person who is in favour of the abolition of sth
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abom.in.able
adj. extremely unpleasant and causing disgust: The judge described the attack as an abominable crime.  We were served the most abominable coffee.
abom.in.ably adv.: She treated him abominably.
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A,bominable 'Snowman
noun = YETI
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abom.in.ate
verb [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to feel hatred or disgust for sth/sb
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abom.in.ation
noun (formal) a thing that causes disgust and hatred, or is considered extremely offensive: a concrete abomination masquerading as a hotel
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abo.ri.ginal
adj., noun
adj.
1 (usually Aboriginal) relating to the original people living in Australia: the issue of Aboriginal land rights
2 relating to the original people, animals, etc. of a place and to a period of time before Europeans arrived: the aboriginal peoples of Canada  aboriginal art / culture

noun (usually Aboriginal) a member of a race of people who were the original people living in a country, especially Australia

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abo.ri.gine
noun a member of a race of people who were the original people living in a country, especially Australia
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abort
verb
1 [vn] to end a pregnancy early in order to prevent a baby from developing and being born alive: to abort a child / pregnancy / foetus
2 [v] (technical) to give birth to a child or young animal too early for it to survive: The virus can cause pregnant animals to abort.—see also MISCARRY
3 [often passive] to end or cause sth to end before it has been completed, especially because it is likely to fail: [vn] We had no option but to abort the mission.  [v] (computing) If the wrong password is given the program aborts.
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abor.tion
noun
1 [U] the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage: to support / oppose abortion  a woman’s right to abortion  abortion laws  I’ve always been anti-abortion.
2 [C] a medical operation to end a pregnancy at an early stage: She decided to have an abortion .—compare MISCARRIAGE
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abor.tion.ist
noun a person who performs abortions , especially illegally
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abort.ive
adj. (formal) (of an action) not successful; failed: an abortive military coup  abortive attempts to divert the course of the river
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abound
verb [v] (written) to exist in great numbers or quantities: Stories about his travels abound.
PVR V a'bound with / in sth to have sth in great numbers or quantities: The lakes abound with fish.—see also ABUNDANCE , ABUNDANT
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about
adv., prep., adj.
adv.
1 a little more or less than; a little before or after
SYN APPROXIMATELY : It costs about $10.  They waited (for) about an hour.  He arrived (at) about ten.
2 nearly; very close to: I’m just about ready.  This is about the best we can hope for.
3 (especially BrE) in many directions; here and there: The children were rushing about in the garden.
4 (especially BrE) in no particular order; in various places: Her books were lying about on the floor.
5 (especially BrE) doing nothing in particular: People were standing about in the road.
6 (especially BrE) able to be found in a place: There was nobody about.  There’s a lot of flu about.  She’s somewhere about—I saw her a few minutes ago.
7 (technicalor formal) facing the opposite direction: He brought the ship about.  note at AROUND
IDM that’s about 'all | that’s about 'it used to say that you have finished telling sb about sth and there is nothing to add: ‘Anything else?’‘No, that’s about it for now.’—more at JUST adv. , OUT adv.

prep.
1 on the subject of sb/sth; in connection with sb/sth: a book about flowers  Tell me all about it.  What’s she so angry about?  There’s something strange about him.  I don’t know what you’re on about (= talking about).  There’s nothing you can do about it now.
2 used to describe the purpose of sth: Movies are all about making money these days.  What was all that about? (= what was the reason for what has just happened?)
3 busy with sth; doing sth: Everywhere people were going about their daily business.  And while you’re about it  … (= while you’re doing that)
4 (especially BrE) in many directions in a place; here and there: We wandered about the town for an hour or so.  He looked about the room.
5 (especially BrE) in various parts of a place; here and there: The papers were strewn about the room.
6 (especially BrE) next to a place or person; in the area mentioned: She’s somewhere about the office.
7 (literary) surrounding sb/sth: She wore a shawl about her shoulders.
IDM how / what about?
1 used when asking for information about sb/sth: How about Ruth? Have you heard from her?  I’m having fish. What about you?
2 used to make a suggestion: How about going for a walk?  What about a break?

adj.
IDM be about to do sth to be close to doing sth; to be going to do sth very soon: I was just about to ask you the same thing. not be about to do sth to not be willing to do sth; to not intend to do sth: I’ve never done any cooking and I’m not about to start now.

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a,bout-'turn
(BrE ) (also a,bout-'faceAmE, BrE) noun [sing.] a complete change of opinion, plan or behaviour: The government did an about-turn over nuclear energy.
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above
prep., adv., adj.
prep.
1 at or to a higher place or position than sth/sb: The water came above our knees.  We were flying above the clouds.  the people in the apartment above mine  A captain in the navy ranks above a captain in the army.  They finished the year six places above their local rivals.
2 more than sth; greater in number, level or age than sb/sth: Inflation is above 6%.  Temperatures have been above average.  We cannot accept children above the age of 10.
3 of greater importance or of higher quality than sb/sth: I rate her above most other players of her age.
4 too good or too honest to do sth: She’s not above lying when it suits her.  He’s above suspicion (= he is completely trusted).
5 (of a sound) louder or clearer than another sound: I couldn’t hear her above the noise of the traffic.
IDM above 'all most important of all; especially: Above all, make sure you keep in touch. a'bove yourself (disapproving) having too high an opinion of yourself—more at OVER prep.

adv.
1 at or to a higher place: Put it on the shelf above.  Seen from above the cars looked tiny.  They were acting on instructions from above (= from sb in a higher position of authority).
2 greater in number, level or age: increases of 5% and above  A score of 70 or above will get you an ‘A’.  children aged 12 and above
3 earlier in sth written or printed: As was stated above …  See above, page 97.

adj. [only before noun] mentioned or printed previously in a letter, book, etc: Please write to us at the above address.
the above noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.]: Please notify us if the above is not correct.  All the above (= people mentioned above) have passed the exam.

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a,bove-'mentioned
adj. [only before noun] (written) mentioned or named earlier in the same letter, book, etc.
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abra.ca.dabra
exclamation a word that people say when they do a magic trick, in order to make it successful
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ab.rade
verb [vn] (technical ) to rub the surface of sth, such as rock or skin, and damage it or make it rough
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ab.ra.sion
noun (technical )
1 [C] a damaged area of the skin where it has been rubbed against sth hard and rough: He suffered cuts and abrasions to the face.
2 [U] damage to a surface caused by rubbing sth very hard against it: Diamonds have extreme resistance to abrasion.
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abra.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 an abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean a surface or to make it smooth: abrasive kitchen cleaners
2 (of a person or their manner) rude and unkind; acting in a way that may hurt other people’s feelings
abra.sive.ly adv.
abra.sive.ness noun [U]

noun a substance used for cleaning surfaces or for making them smooth

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abreast
adv. ~ (of sb/sth) next to sb/sth and facing the same way: cycling two abreast  A police car drew abreast of us and signalled us to stop.
IDM keep abreast of sth to make sure that you know all the most recent facts about a subject: It is almost impossible to keep abreast of all the latest developments in computing.
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abridge
verb [vn] to make a book, play, etc. shorter by leaving parts out
abridged adj.: an abridged edition / version
OPP UNABRIDGED
abridge.ment (also abridg.ment) noun [U, C]
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abroad
adv. (especially BrE )
1 in or to a foreign country: to be / go / travel / live abroad  She worked abroad for a year.  imports of cheap food from abroad  He was famous, both at home and abroad (= in his own country and in other countries).
2 (formal) being talked about or felt by many people: There was news abroad that a change was coming.
3 (old use) outside; outdoors
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ab.ro.gate
verb [vn] (technical ) to officially end a law, an agreement, etc.
ab.ro.ga.tion noun [U]
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ab.rupt
adj.
1 sudden and unexpected, often in an unpleasant way: an abrupt change / halt / departure
2 speaking or acting in a way that seems unfriendly and rude; not taking time to say more than is necessary: an abrupt manner  She was very abrupt with me in our meeting.
ab.rupt.ly adv.: The interview ended abruptly.
ab.rupt.ness noun [U]
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ABS
abbr. anti-lock braking system
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ab.scess
noun a swollen and infected area on your skin or in your body, full of a thick yellowish liquid (called PUS ): a painful abscess on the gum
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ab.scond
verb [v]
1 ~ (from sth) to escape from a place that you are not allowed to leave without permission: She absconded from every children’s home they placed her in.
2 ~ (with sth) to leave secretly and take with you sth, especially money, that does not belong to you: He absconded with the company funds.
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ab.seil
(BrE ) (AmE rap.pel) verb [v] ~ (down, off, etc. sth) to go down a steep cliff or rock while attached to a rope, pushing against the slope or rock with your feet
ab.seil (BrE) (AmE rap.pel) noun
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ab.sence
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (from … ) the fact of sb being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when sb is away: absence from work  repeated absences from school  The decision was made in my absence (= while I was not there).  We did not receive any news during his long absence.—see also LEAVE
2 [U] the fact of sb/sth not existing or not being available; a lack of sth: The case was dismissed in the absence of any definite proof.  the absence of any women on the board of directors
OPP PRESENCE
IDM see CONSPICUOUS
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ab.sent
adj., verb
adj.
1 ~ (from sth) not in a place because of illness, etc: to be absent from work / school / a meeting
OPP PRESENT
2 ~ (from sth) not present in sth: Love was totally absent from his childhood.
OPP PRESENT
3 showing that you are not really looking at or thinking about what is happening around you: an absent expression / look / stare—see also ABSENTLY

verb [vn] ~ yourself (from sth) (formal) to not go to or be in a place where you are expected to be: He had absented himself from the office for the day.

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ab.sen.tee
noun a person who is not at a place where they were expected to be
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,absentee 'ballot
noun (AmE ) = POSTAL VOTE
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ab.sen.tee.ism
noun [U] the fact of being frequently away from work or school, especially without good reasons
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,absentee 'landlord
noun a person who rents their property to sb, but does not live in it and rarely visits it
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ab.sen.tia
IN ABSENTIA
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ab.sent.ly
adv. in a way that shows you are not looking at or thinking about what is happening around you: He nodded absently, his attention absorbed by the screen.
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,absent-'minded
adj. tending to forget things, perhaps because you are not thinking about what is around you, but about sth else: Grandpa’s becoming quite absent-minded.
,absent-'minded.ly adv.
,absent-'minded.ness noun [U]
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ab.so.lute
adj., noun
adj.
1 total and complete: a class for absolute beginners  absolute confidence / trust / silence / truth  ‘You’re wrong,’ she said with absolute certainty.
2 [only before noun] used, especially in spoken English, to give emphasis to what you are saying: There’s absolute rubbish on television tonight.  He must earn an absolute fortune.
3 definite and without any doubt or uncertainty: There was no absolute proof.  He taught us that the laws of physics were absolute.  The divorce became absolute last week.—see also DECREE ABSOLUTE
4 not limited or restricted: absolute power / authority  an absolute ruler / monarchy (= one with no limit to their power)
5 existing or measured independently and not in relation to sth else: Although prices are falling in absolute terms , energy is still expensive.  Beauty cannot be measured by any absolute standard.—compare RELATIVE

noun an idea or a principle that is believed to be true or valid in any circumstances: Right and wrong are, for her, moral absolutes.

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ab.so.lute.ly
adv. (especially spoken)
1 used to emphasize that sth is completely true: You’re absolutely right.  He made it absolutely clear.
2 ~ no … | ~ nothing used to emphasize sth negative: She did absolutely no work.  There’s absolutely nothing more the doctors can do.
3 used with adjectives or verbs that express strong feelings or extreme qualities to mean ‘extremely’: I was absolutely furious with him.  She absolutely adores you.  He’s an absolutely brilliant cook.
4 used to emphasize that you agree with sb, or to give sb permission to do sth: ‘They could have told us, couldn’t they?’‘Absolutely!’  ‘Can we leave a little early?’‘Absolutely!’
5 ~ not used to emphasize that you strongly disagree with sb, or to refuse permission: ‘Was it any good?’‘No, absolutely not.’
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,absolute ma'jority
noun (in an election) more than half of the total number of votes or winning candidates: 280 seats are needed for an absolute majority in the National Assembly.
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,absolute 'zero
noun [U] the lowest temperature that is thought to be possible
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ab.so.lu.tion
noun [U] (especially in the Christian Church) a formal statement that a person is forgiven for what he or she has done wrong
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ab.so.lut.ism
noun [U]
1 a political system in which a ruler or government has total power at all times
2 belief in a political, religious or moral principle which is thought to be true in any circumstances
ab.so.lut.ist noun, adj.
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ab.solve
verb [vn] ~ sb (from / of sth)
1 to state formally that sb is not guilty or responsible for sth: The court absolved him of all responsibility for the accident.
2 to give ABSOLUTION to sb: I absolve you from all your sins.
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ab.sorb
verb [vn]
LIQUID / GAS|
1 to take in a liquid, gas or other substance from the surface or space around: Plants absorb oxygen.  The cream is easily absorbed into the skin.
MAKE PART OF STH LARGER|
2 [often passive] to make sth smaller become part of sth larger: The surrounding small towns have been absorbed into the city.  The country simply cannot absorb this influx of refugees.
INFORMATION|
3 to take sth into the mind and learn or understand it: It’s a lot of information to absorb all at once.
INTEREST SB|
4 to interest sb very much so that they pay no attention to anything else: This work had absorbed him for several years.
HEAT / LIGHT / ENERGY|
5 to take in and keep heat, light, energy, etc. instead of reflecting it: Black walls absorb a lot of heat during the day.
SHOCK / IMPACT|
6 to reduce the effect of a blow, hit, etc: This tennis racket absorbs shock on impact.—see also SHOCK ABSORBER
MONEY / TIME / CHANGES|
7 to use up a large supply of sth, especially money or time: The new proposals would absorb $80 billion of the federal budget.
8 to deal with changes, effects, costs, etc: The company is unable to absorb such huge losses.
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ab.sorbed
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ in sth/sb very interested in sth/sb so that you are not paying attention to anything else: She seemed totally absorbed in her book.
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ab.sorb.ent
adj. able to take in sth easily, especially liquid: absorbent paper / materials
ab.sorb.ency noun [U]
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ab.sorb.ing
adj. interesting and enjoyable and holding your attention completely: an absorbing book / game
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ab.sorp.tion
noun [U]
1 the process of a liquid, gas or other substance being taken in: Vitamin D is necessary to aid the absorption of calcium from food.
2 the process of a smaller group, country, etc. becoming part of a larger group or country: the absorption of immigrants into the host country
3 ~ (in sth) the fact of sb being very interested in sth so that it takes all their attention: His work suffered because of his total absorption in sport.
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ab.stain
verb [v] ~ (from sth)
1 to choose not to use a vote, either in favour of or against sth: Ten people voted in favour, five against and two abstained.
2 to decide not to do sth, especially sth you like or enjoy, because it is bad for your health or considered morally wrong: to abstain from alcohol / sex / drugs—see also ABSTINENCE , ABSTENTION
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ab.stain.er
noun
1 a person who chooses not to vote either in favour of or against sth
2 a person who never drinks alcohol
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ab.ste.mi.ous
adj. (formal) not allowing yourself to have much food or alcohol, or to do things that are enjoyable
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ab.sten.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (from sth) an act of choosing not to use a vote either in favour of or against sth: The voting was 15 in favour, 3 against and 2 abstentions.
2 [U] (formal) the act of not allowing yourself to have or do sth enjoyable or sth that is considered bad—see also ABSTAIN
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ab.stin.ence
noun [U] (formal) the practice of not allowing yourself sth, especially food, alcoholic drinks or sex, for moral, religious or health reasons: total abstinence from strong drink—see also ABSTAIN
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ab.stract
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation: abstract knowledge / principles  The research shows that pre-school children are capable of thinking in abstract terms.—compare CONCRETE adj. (2)
2 existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical reality: We may talk of beautiful things but beauty itself is abstract.
3 (of art) not representing people or things in a realistic way, but expressing the artist’s ideas about them—compare FIGURATIVE (2) , REPRESENTATIONAL
ab.stract.ly adv.

noun
1 an abstract work of art
2 a short piece of writing containing the main ideas in a document
SYN SUMMARY
IDM in the 'abstract in a general way, without referring to a particular real person, thing or situation: Legal questions rarely exist in the abstract; they are based on real cases.  I’m just talking in the abstract now.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth from somewhere: She abstracted the main points from the argument.  a plan to abstract 8 million gallons of water from the river
2 (technical) to make a written summary of a book, etc.

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ab.stract.ed
adj. (formal) thinking deeply about sth and not paying attention to what is around you
ab.stract.ed.ly adv.
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ab.strac.tion
noun
1 [C, U] (formal) a general idea not based on any particular real person, thing or situation; the quality of being abstract : ideological / mathematical abstractions
2 [U] (formal) the state of thinking deeply about sth and not paying attention to what is around you: She was gazing in abstraction at the far corner of the room.
3 [U, C] (technical) the action of removing sth from sth else; the process of being removed from sth else: water abstraction from rivers
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,abstract 'noun
noun (grammar ) a noun, for example goodness or freedom, that refers to an idea or a general quality, not to a physical object—compare COMMON NOUN , PROPER NOUN
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ab.struse
adj. (formal, often disapproving) difficult to understand: an abstruse argument
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ab.surd
adj.
1 completely ridiculous; not logical and sensible: That uniform makes the guards look absurd.  Of course it’s not true, what an absurd idea.
2 (the absurd) noun [sing.] things that are or that seem to be absurd : He has a good sense of the absurd.
ab.surd.ity noun [U, C] (pl.-ties): It was only later that she could see the absurdity of the situation.
ab.surd.ly adv.: The paintings were sold for absurdly high prices.
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abun.dance
noun [sing., U] ~ (of sth) (formal) a large quantity that is more than enough
IDM in abundance in large quantities: Fruit and vegetables grew in abundance on the island.
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abun.dant
adj. (formal) existing in large quantities; more than enough
SYN PLENTIFUL : Fish are abundant in the lake.  We have abundant evidence to prove his guilt.
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abun.dant.ly
adv.
1 ~ clear very clear: She made her wishes abundantly clear.
2 in large quantities: Calcium is found most abundantly in milk.
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abuse
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the use of sth in a way that is wrong or harmful: alcohol / drug / solvent abuse  He was arrested on charges of corruption and abuse of power.  The system of paying cash bonuses is open to abuse (= might be used in the wrong way).  What she did was an abuse of her position as manager.
2 [U, pl.] unfair, cruel or violent treatment of sb: child abuse  sexual abuse  reported abuses by the secret police  She suffered years of physical abuse.
3 [U] rude and offensive remarks, usually made when sb is very angry: to scream / hurl / shout abuse  a stream / torrent of abuse

verb [vn]
1 to make bad use of sth, or to use so much of sth that it harms your health: to abuse alcohol / drugs  He systematically abused his body with heroin and cocaine.
2 to use power or knowledge unfairly or wrongly: She abused her position as principal by giving jobs to her friends.  He felt they had abused his trust by talking about him to the press (= deceived him, although he had trusted them).
3 to treat a person or an animal in a cruel or violent way, especially sexually: All the children had been physically and emotionally abused.  He had abused his own daughter (= had sex with her).  The boy had been viciously assaulted and sexually abused.
4 to make rude or offensive remarks to or about sb: Journalists covering the case have been threatened and abused.
ab.user noun: a drug abuser  a child abuser

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abu.sive
adj.
1 (of speech or of a person) rude and offensive; criticizing rudely and unfairly: abusive language / remarks  He became abusive when he was drunk.
2 (of behaviour) involving violence: an abusive relationship
abu.sive.ly adv. (rare)
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abut
verb (-tt-) ~ (on / onto sth) (formal) (of land or a building) to be next to sth or to have one side touching the side of sth: [v] His land abuts onto a road. [alsovn]
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abys.mal
adj. extremely bad or of a very low standard
SYN TERRIBLE : His manners are abysmal.
abys.mal.ly adv.
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abyss
noun [usually sing.] (formal or literary) a very deep wide space or hole that seems to have no bottom: Ahead of them was a gaping abyss.   (figurative) an abyss of ignorance / despair / loneliness   (figurative) The country is stepping back from the edge of an abyss.
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AC
abbr.
1 (also ac, a / c) (especially AmE) AIR CONDITIONING
2 ALTERNATING CURRENT (an electric current that changes direction at regular intervals many times a second)—compare DC
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a / c
(in writing) abbr.
1 account
2 AIR CONDITIONING
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aca.cia
(also a'cacia tree) noun a tree with yellow or white flowers. There are several types of acacia tree, some of which produce a sticky liquid used in making glue.
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aca.demia
(also formal or humorous aca.deme ) noun [U] the world of learning, teaching, research, etc. at universities, and the people involved in it
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aca.dem.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with education, especially studying in schools and universities: The students return in October for the start of the new academic year.  high / low academic standards  an academic career
2 [usually before noun] involving a lot of reading and studying rather than practical or technical skills: academic subjects / qualifications
3 good at subjects involving a lot of reading and studying: She wasn’t very academic and hated school.
4 not connected to a real or practical situation and therefore not important: It is a purely academic question.  The whole thing’s academic now—we can’t win anyway.
aca.dem.ic.al.ly adv.: You have to do well academically to get into medical school.

noun a person who teaches and/or does research at a university or college

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acad.em.ician
noun a member of an academy (2)
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acad.emy
(pl.-ies)
1 nouna school or college for special training: the Royal Academy of Music  a police / military academy
2 (usually Academy) a type of official organization which aims to encourage and develop art, literature, science, etc: the Royal Academy of Arts
3 a secondary school in Scotland or a private school in the US
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A,cademy A'ward
(also Oscar) noun one of the awards given every year by the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievement in the making of films/movies
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a cap.pella
adj. (of music) for singing voices alone, without musical instruments
a cap.pella adv.
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ACAS
abbr. (in Britain) Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. ACAS is an organization that helps employers and employees settle disagreements.
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ac.cede
verb ~ (to sth) (formal)
1 to agree to a request, proposal, etc: [v] He acceded to demands for his resignation. [alsov speech]
2 [v] to achieve a high position, especially to become king or queen: Queen Victoria acceded to the throne in 1837.—see also ACCESSION
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ac.cel.er.ate
verb
1 to happen or to make sth happen faster or earlier than expected: [v] Inflation continues to accelerate.  [vn] Exposure to the sun can accelerate the ageing process.
2 [v] (of a vehicle or person) to start to go faster: The runners accelerated smoothly around the bend.  The car accelerated to overtake me.
OPP DECELERATE
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ac.cel.er.ation
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (in sth) an increase in how fast sth happens: an acceleration in the rate of economic growth
2 [U] the rate at which a vehicle increases speed: a car with good acceleration
3 [U] (physics) the rate at which the VELOCITY (= speed in a particular direction) of an object changes
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ac.cel.er.ator
noun
1 (BrE) (also 'gas pedalAmE, BrE) the PEDAL in a car or other vehicle that you press with your foot to control the speed of the engine—picture at CAR
2 (physics) a machine for making ELEMENTARY PARTICLES move at high speeds
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ac.cent
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a way of pronouncing the words of a language that shows which country or area a person comes from: a northern / Dublin / Indian accent  a strong / broad Scottish accent (= one that is very noticeable)  She spoke English with a faint Dutch accent.—compare DIALECT
2 [sing.] a special importance that is given to sth: In all our products the accent is on quality.
3 [C] the emphasis that you should give to part of a word when saying it: In ‘today’ the accent is on the second syllable.
4 [C] a mark on a letter to show that it should be pronounced in a particular way: Canapé has an accent on the ‘e’.

verb [vn] (rare) to emphasize a part of sth: The women accent their eyes with make-up.

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ac.cent.ed
adj.
1 spoken with a foreign accent : He spoke heavily accented English.
2 (technical) spoken with particular emphasis: accented vowels / syllables
3 (technical) (of a letter of the alphabet) written or printed with a special mark on it to show it should be pronounced in a particular way: accented characters
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ac.cen.tu.ate
verb [vn] to emphasize sth or make it more noticeable: Her short hair accentuated her huge eyes.
ac.cen.tu.ation noun [U]
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ac.cept
verb
OFFER / INVITATION|
1 to take willingly sth that is offered; to say ‘yes’ to an offer, invitation, etc: [v] He asked me to marry him and I accepted.  [vn] Please accept our sincere apologies.  He is charged with accepting bribes from a firm of suppliers.  It was pouring with rain so I accepted his offer of a lift.  She’s decided not to accept the job.  She said she’d accept $15 for it.
RECEIVE AS SUITABLE|
2 [vn] to receive sth as suitable or good enough: My article has been accepted for publication.  This machine only accepts coins.  Will you accept a cheque?
AGREE|
3 [vn] to agree to or approve of sth: They accepted the court’s decision.  He accepted all the changes we proposed.  She won’t accept advice from anyone.
RESPONSIBILITY|
4 [vn] to admit that you are responsible or to blame for sth: He accepts full responsibility for what happened.  You have to accept the consequences of your actions.
BELIEVE|
5 ~ sth (as sth) to believe that sth is true: [vn] I don’t accept his version of events.  Can we accept his account as the true version?  [v that] I accept that this move will not be a popular one.  [vn that] It is generally accepted that people are motivated by success.  [vn to inf] The workforce is generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
6 ~ sth (as sth) to continue in a difficult situation without complaining, because you realize that you cannot change it: [vn] You just have to accept the fact that we’re never going to be rich.  Nothing will change as long as the workers continue to accept these appalling conditions.  They accept the risks as part of the job.  [v that] He just refused to accept that his father was no longer there.
WELCOME|
7 [vn] ~ sb (into sth)| ~ sb (as sth) to make sb feel welcome and part of a group: It may take years to be completely accepted by the local community.  She had never been accepted into what was essentially a man’s world.  He never really accepted her as his own child.
ALLOW SB TO JOIN|
8 ~ sb (into sth)| ~ sb (as sth) to allow sb to join an organization, attend an institution, use a service, etc: [vn] The college he applied to has accepted him.  She was disappointed not to be accepted into the club.  The landlord was willing to accept us as tenants.  [vn to inf] She was accepted to study music.
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ac.cept.able
adj.
1 agreed or approved of by most people in a society: Children must learn socially acceptable behaviour.
2 ~ (to sb) that sb agrees is satisfactory or allowed: We want a political solution that is acceptable to all parties.  For this course a pass in English at grade B is acceptable.  Air pollution in the city had reached four times the acceptable levels.
3 not very good but good enough: The food was acceptable, but no more.  note at ENOUGH
ac.cept.abil.ity noun [U]
ac.cept.ably adv.
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ac.cept.ance
noun
1 [U, C] the act of accepting a gift, an invitation, an offer, etc: Please confirm your acceptance of this offer in writing.  He made a short acceptance speech / speech of acceptance.
2 [U] the act of agreeing with sth and approving of it: The new laws have gained widespread acceptance .
3 [U] the process of allowing sb to join sth or be a member of a group: Your acceptance into the insurance plan is guaranteed.  Social acceptance is important for most young people.
4 [U] willingness to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation: acceptance of death / suffering
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ac.cess
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 ~ (to sth) a way of entering or reaching a place: The only access to the farmhouse is across the fields.  Disabled visitors are welcome; there is good wheelchair access to most facilities.  The police gained access through a broken window.
2 ~ (to sth) the opportunity or right to use sth or to see sb/sth: Students must have access to good resources.  You need a password to get access to the computer system.  access to confidential information  Journalists were denied access to the President.  Many divorced fathers only have access to their children at weekends (= they are allowed by law to see them only at weekends).—compare VISITATION

verb [vn]
1 (computing) to open a computer file in order to get or add information
2 (formal) to reach, enter or use sth: The loft can be accessed by a ladder.

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'access course
noun (BrE ) a course of education that prepares students without the usual qualifications, in order that they can study at university or college
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ac.cess.ible
adj. ~ (to sb)
1 that can be reached, entered, used, seen, etc: The remote desert area is accessible only by helicopter.  These documents are not accessible to the public.
2 easy to understand: Her poetry is always very accessible.  a programme making science more accessible to young people
3 (of a person) easy to talk to and get to know
OPP INACCESSIBLE
ac.ces.si.bil.ity noun [U]
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ac.ces.sion
noun ~ (to sth)
1 [U] the act of becoming a ruler of a country: the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne—see also ACCEDE
2 [U] the act of becoming part of an international organization: the accession of new member states to the EU
3 [C] (technical) a thing that is added to a collection of objects, paintings, etc. in a library or museum
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ac.ces.sory
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [usually pl.] an extra piece of equipment that is useful but not essential or that can be added to sth else as a decoration: bicycle accessories  a range of furnishings and accessories for the home
2 [usually pl.] a thing that you can wear or carry that matches your clothes, for example a belt or a bag: fashion accessories to dress up your wardrobe
3 ~ (to sth) (law) a person who helps sb to commit a crime or who knows about it and protects the person from the police: He was charged with being an accessory to murder.  an accessory before / after the fact (= before / after the crime was committed)

adj. (technical ) not the most important when compared to others: the accessory muscles of respiration

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'access road
noun a road used for driving into or out of a particular place: an access road to an industrial estate—compare SLIP ROAD
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'access time
noun [U, C] (computing ) the time taken to obtain data stored in a computer: an average access time of less than 100 milliseconds
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ac.ci.dent
noun
1 [C] an unpleasant event, especially in a vehicle, that happens unexpectedly and causes injury or damage: a car / road / traffic accident  He was killed in an accident .  One in seven accidents is caused by sleepy drivers.  The accident happened at 3 p.m.  to have an accident  a serious / minor accident  a fatal accident (= in which sb is killed)  accidents in the home  a climbing / riding accident   (BrE) the hospital accident and emergency department  Take out accident insurance before you go on your trip.  I didn’t mean to break it—it was an accident.
2 [C, U] something that happens unexpectedly and is not planned in advance: Their early arrival was just an accident.  It is no accident that men fill most of the top jobs in nursing.  an accident of birth / fate / history (= describing facts and events that are due to chance or circumstances)
IDM ,accidents ,will 'happen people say accidents will happen to tell sb who has had an accident, for example breaking sth, that it does not matter and they should not worry by accident in a way that is not planned or organized: We met by accident at the airport.  Helen got into acting purely by accident.—more at CHAPTER , WAIT v.
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ac.ci.den.tal
adj. happening by chance; not planned: a verdict of accidental death  I didn’t think our meeting was accidental—he must have known I would be there.
ac.ci.den.tal.ly adv.: As I turned around, I accidentally hit him in the face.  The damage couldn’t have been caused accidentally.
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,accident and e'mergency
(BrE) (abbr. A & E) (AmE e'mergency room) noun the part of a hospital where people who need urgent treatment are taken—see also CASUALTY
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'accident-prone
adj. more likely to have accidents than other people
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ac.claim
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to praise or welcome sb/sth publicly: a highly / widely acclaimed performance  The work was acclaimed as a masterpiece.

noun [U] praise and approval for sb/sth, especially an artistic achievement: international / popular acclaim

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ac.clam.ation
noun [U]
1 (formal) loud and enthusiastic approval or welcome
2 (technical) the act of electing sb using a spoken not written vote: The decision was taken by acclamation.
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ac.cli.ma.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb ~ (yourself) (to sth) to get used to a new place, situation or climate: [v] Arrive two days early in order to acclimatize.  [vn] She was fine once she had acclimatized herself to the cold.
ac.cli.ma.tiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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ac.col.ade
noun (formal) praise or an award for an achievement that people admire
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ac.com.mo.date
verb
1 [vn] to provide sb with a room or place to sleep, live or sit: The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests.
2 [vn] to provide enough space for sb/sth: Over 70 minutes of music can be accommodated on one CD.
3 [vn] (formal) to consider sth, such as sb’s opinion or a fact, and be influenced by it when you are deciding what to do or explaining sth: Our proposal tries to accommodate the special needs of minority groups.
4 [vn] ~ sb (with sth) (formal) to help sb by doing what they want
SYN OBLIGE : I have accommodated the press a great deal, giving numerous interviews.
5 ~ to sth| ~ sth / yourself to sth (formal) to change your behaviour so that you can deal with a new situation better: [v] I quickly needed to accommodate to the new schedule. [alsovn]
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ac.com.mo.dat.ing
adj. willing to help and do things for other people: They are very accommodating to foreign visitors.
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ac.com.mo.da.tion
noun
1 [U] (BrE) a place to live, work or stay in: rented / temporary / furnished accommodation  Hotel accommodation is included in the price of your holiday.  The building plans include much needed new office accommodation.  First-class accommodation is available on all flights.
2 (accommodations) [pl.] (AmE) somewhere to live or stay, often also providing food or other services: More and more travelers are looking for bed and breakfast accommodations in private homes.
3 [C, U] (formal) a satisfactory agreement or arrangement between people or groups with different opinions; the process of reaching this agreement: They were forced to reach an accommodation with the rebels.
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ac.com.pani.ment
noun ~ (to sth)
1 [C, U] music that is played to support singing or another instrument: traditional songs with piano and flute accompaniment
2 [C] something that you eat, drink or use together with sth else: These wines make a good accompaniment to most fish dishes.
3 [C] (formal) something that happens at the same time as another thing: High blood pressure is a common accompaniment to this disease.
IDM to the accompaniment of sth
1 while a musical instrument is being played: They performed to the accompaniment of Spanish guitars.
2 while sth else is happening: She made her speech to the accompaniment of loud laughter.
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ac.com.pan.ist
noun a person who plays a musical instrument, especially a piano, while sb else plays or sings the main part of the music
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ac.com.pany
verb (ac.com.pan.ies, ac.com.pany.ing, ac.com.pan.ied, ac.com.pan.ied) [vn]
1 (formal) to travel or go somewhere with sb: His wife accompanied him on the trip.  I must ask you to accompany me to the police station.
2 to happen or appear with sth else: strong winds accompanied by heavy rain  Each pack contains a book and accompanying cassette.
3 ~ sb (at / on sth) to play a musical instrument, especially a piano, while sb else sings or plays the main tune: The singer was accompanied on the piano by her sister.
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ac.com.plice
noun a person who helps another to commit a crime or to do sth wrong
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ac.com.plish
verb [vn] to succeed in doing or completing sth ACHIEVE : The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished.  I don’t feel I’ve accomplished very much today.  That’s it. Mission accomplished (= we have done what we aimed to do).
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ac.com.plished
adj. very good at a particular thing; having a lot of skills: an accomplished artist / actor / chef  She was an elegant and accomplished woman.
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ac.com.plish.ment
noun
1 [C] an impressive thing that is done or achieved after a lot of work: It was one of the President’s greatest accomplishments.  The series of paintings is quite an accomplishment.
2 [C, U] a skill or special ability: Drawing and singing were among her many accomplishments.  a poet of rare accomplishment
3 [U] (formal) the successful completing of sth: Money will be crucial to the accomplishment of our objectives.
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ac.cord
noun, verb
noun a formal agreement between two organizations, countries, etc: The two sides signed a peace accord last July.
IDM in accord (with sth/sb) (formal) in agreement with: This action would not be in accord with our policy. of your own ac'cord without being asked, forced or helped: He came back of his own accord.  The symptoms will clear up of their own accord after a few days. with ,one ac'cord (BrE, formal) if people do sth with one accord, they do it at the same time, because they agree with each other

verb (formal)
1 ~ sth to sb/sth| ~ sb/sth sth to give sb/sth authority, status or a particular type of treatment: [vn, vnn] Our society accords great importance to the family.  Our society accords the family great importance.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) to agree with or match sth: These results accord closely with our predictions.

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ac.cord.ance
noun
IDM in accordance with sth (formal) according to a rule or the way that sb says that sth should be done: in accordance with legal requirements  We acted in accordance with my parents' wishes.
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ac.cord.ing.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is appropriate to what has been done or said in a particular situation: We have to discover his plans and act accordingly.
2 (used especially at the beginning of a sentence) for that reason; therefore: The cost of materials rose sharply last year. Accordingly, we were forced to increase our prices.
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ac.cord.ing to
prep.
1 as stated or reported by sb/sth: According to Mick, it’s a great movie.  You’ve been absent six times according to our records.
2 following or agreeing with sth: The work was done according to her instructions.  Everything went according to plan .  The salary will be fixed according to qualifications and experience.
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ac.cor.dion
(BrE also pi,ano ac'cordion) noun a musical instrument that you hold in both hands to produce sounds. You press the two ends together and pull them apart and press keys and buttons to produce the different notes.
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ac.cost
verb [vn] (written) to go up to sb and speak to them, especially in a way that is rude or threatening: She was accosted in the street by a complete stranger.
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ac.count
noun, verb
noun
AT BANK|
1 (abbr.a / c) an arrangement that sb has with a bank, etc. to keep money there, take some out, etc: I don’t have a bank account.  to have an account at / with a bank  to open / close an account  What’s your account number please?  I paid the cheque into my savings account.  a joint account (= one in the name of more than one person)—see also BUDGET ACCOUNT , CHECKING ACCOUNT , CURRENT ACCOUNT , DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
BUSINESS RECORDS|
2 [usually pl.] a written record of money that is owed to a business and of money that has been paid by it: to do the accounts  to keep the accounts up to date  the accounts department—see also EXPENSE ACCOUNT
WITH SHOP / STORE|
3 (BrE also 'credit account) (AmE also 'charge account) an arrangement with a shop/store or business to pay bills for goods or services at a later time, for example in regular amounts every month: Put it on my account please.  We have accounts with most of our suppliers.
REGULAR CUSTOMER|
4 (business) a regular customer: The advertising agency has lost several of its most important accounts.
COMPUTING|
5 an arrangement that sb has with a company that allows them to use the Internet, send and receive messages by e-mail, etc: an Internet / e-mail account
DESCRIPTION|
6 a written or spoken description of sth that has happened: She gave the police a full account of the incident.  The diaries contained detailed accounts of the writer’s experiences in China.
7 an explanation or a description of an idea, a theory or a process: the Biblical account of the creation of the world by / from all accounts according to what other people say: I’ve never been there, but it’s a lovely place, by all accounts. by your own account according to what you say yourself: By his own account he had an unhappy childhood. give a good / poor ac'count of yourself (BrE) to do sth or perform well or badly, especially in a contest: The team gave a good account of themselves in the match on Saturday. of no / little ac'count (formal) not important: Emotional matters were of no account to them during the war. on account if you buy sth or pay on account, you pay nothing or only a small amount immediately and the rest later on sb’s account because of what you think sb wants: Please don’t change your plans on my account. on account of sth because of sth: She retired early on account of ill health. on no account | not on any account (used to emphasize sth) not for any reason: On no account should the house be left unlocked. on your own ac'count
1 for yourself: In 1992 Smith set up in business on his own account.
2 because you want to and you have decided, not sb else: No one sent me, I am here on my own account. on this / that account (formal) because of the particular thing that has been mentioned: Weather conditions were poor, but he did not delay his departure on that account. put / turn sth to good ac'count (formal) to use sth in a good or helpful way take account of sth | take sth into account to consider particular facts, circumstances, etc. when making a decision about sth: The company takes account of environmental issues wherever possible.  Coursework is taken into account as well as exam results.  The defendant asked for a number of other offences to be taken into account.—more at BLOW n. , CALL v. , SETTLE v.

verb [usually passive] (formal) to have the opinion that sb/sth is a particular thing: [vn-adj] In English law a person is accounted innocent until they are proved guilty.  [vn-n] The event was accounted a success. there’s no accounting for 'taste (saying) used to say how difficult it is to understand why sb likes sb/sth that you do not like at all: She thinks he’s wonderful—oh well, there’s no accounting for taste. ac'count for sth
1 to be the explanation or cause of sth: The poor weather may have accounted for the small crowd.  Oh well, that accounts for it (= I understand now why it happened).
2 to give an explanation of sth: How do you account for the show’s success?
3 to be a particular amount or part of sth: The Japanese market accounts for 35% of the company’s revenue. ac'count for sb/sth
1 to know where sb/sth is or what has happened to them, especially after an accident: All passengers have now been accounted for.
2 (informal) to defeat or destroy sb/sth: Our anti-aircraft guns accounted for five enemy bombers. ac'count for sth (to sb) to give a satisfactory record of how the money in your care has been spent: We have to account for every penny we spend on business trips.

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ac.count.able
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb) (for sth) responsible for your decisions or actions and expected to explain them when you are asked: Politicians are ultimately accountable to the voters.  Someone must be held accountable for the killings.
ac.count.abil.ity noun [U]: proposals for greater police accountability  the accountability of a company’s directors to the shareholders
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ac.count.ancy
noun [U] the work or profession of an accountant
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ac.count.ant
noun a person whose job is to keep or check financial accounts
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ac.coutre.ments
(AmE also ac.cou.ter.ments ) noun [pl.] (formal or humorous) pieces of equipment that you need for a particular activity
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ac.credit
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth to sb| ~ sb with sth (formal) to believe that sb is responsible for doing or saying sth: The discovery of distillation is usually accredited to the Arabs of the 11th century.  The Arabs are usually accredited with the discovery of distillation.
2 [usually passive] ~ sb to … (technical) to choose sb for an official position, especially as an AMBASSADOR : He was accredited to Madrid.
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ac.credit.ation
noun [U] official approval given by an organization stating that sb/sth has achieved a required standard: He carried a letter of accreditation.
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ac.credit.ed
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of a person) officially recognized as sth; with official permission to be sth: our accredited representative  Only accredited journalists were allowed entry.
2 officially approved as being of an accepted quality or standard: a fully accredited school / university / course
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ac.cre.tion
noun (technical or formal)
1 [C] a layer of a substance that is slowly added to sth
2 [U] the process of new layers being slowly added to sth: the accretion of sand by wind action
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ac.crue
verb (formal)
1 [v] ~ (to sb) (from sth) to increase over a period of time: economic benefits accruing to the country from tourism  Interest will accrue if you keep your money in a savings account.
2 [vn] to allow a sum of money or debts to grow over a period of time
SYN ACCUMULATE : The firm had accrued debts of over $6m.
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ac.cu.mu.late
verb
1 [vn] to gradually get more and more of sth over a period of time: I seem to have accumulated a lot of books.  By investing wisely she accumulated a fortune.
2 [v] to gradually increase in number or quality over a period of time
SYN BUILD UP : Debts began to accumulate.
ac.cu.mu.la.tion noun [U, C]: the accumulation of wealth  an accumulation of toxic chemicals
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ac.cur.acy
noun [U] the state of being exact or correct; the ability to do sth skilfully without making mistakes: They questioned the accuracy of the information in the file.  Candidates are judged on technical accuracy as well as artistic expression.  She hits the ball with great accuracy.
OPP INACCURACY
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ac.cur.ate
adj.
1 correct and true in every detail: an accurate description / account / calculation  accurate information / data  Accurate records must be kept.
2 able to give completely correct information or to do sth in an exact way: a highly accurate electronic compass  accurate to within 3 mm  My watch is not very accurate.
3 an accurate throw, shot, weapon, etc. hits or reaches the thing that it was aimed at
OPP INACCURATE
ac.cur.ate.ly adv.: The article accurately reflects public opinion.  You need to hit the ball accurately.
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ac.cur.sed
adj. (old-fashioned) having a CURSE (= a bad magic SPELL ) on it: an accursed house
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ac.cus.ation
noun [C, U] ~ (of sth) (against sb)| ~ (that … ) a statement saying that you think a person is guilty of doing sth wrong, especially of committing a crime; the fact of ACCUSING sb: accusations of corruption / cruelty / racism  I don’t want to make an accusation until I have some proof.  No one believed her wild accusations against her husband.  He denied the accusation that he had ignored the problems.  There was a hint of accusation in her voice.
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ac.cusa.tive
noun (grammar ) (in some languages) the form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective when it is the DIRECT OBJECT of a verb, or connected with the DIRECT OBJECT : In the sentence, ‘I saw him today’, the word ‘him’ is in the accusative .—compare DATIVE , GENITIVE , NOMINATIVE , VOCATIVE
ac.cusa.tive adj.
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ac.cusa.tory
adj. (formal) suggesting that you think sb has done sth wrong
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ac.cuse
verb [vn] ~ sb (of sth) to say that sb has done sth wrong or is guilty of sth: to accuse sb of murder / theft  She accused him of lying.  The government was accused of incompetence.   (formal) They stand accused of crimes against humanity.
ac.cuser noun
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the ac.cused
noun (pl.the ac.cused) a person who is on trial for committing a crime: The accused was found innocent.  All the accused have pleaded guilty.—compare DEFENDANT
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ac.cus.ing
adj. showing that you think sb has done sth wrong: an accusing look / finger / tone  Her accusing eyes were fixed on him.
ac.cus.ing.ly adv.
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ac.cus.tom
verb
PVR V ac'custom yourself / sb to sth to make yourself/sb familiar with sth or become used to it: It took him a while to accustom himself to the idea.
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ac.cus.tomed
adj.
1 ~ to sth / to doing sth familiar with sth and accepting it as normal or usual: to become / get accustomed to sth  My eyes slowly grew accustomed to the dark.  She was a person accustomed to having eight hours' sleep a night.
2 [usually before noun] (formal) usual: He took his accustomed seat by the fire.
OPP UNACCUSTOMED
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ace
noun, adj.
noun
1 a playing card with a large single symbol on it, which has either the highest or the lowest value in a particular card game: the ace of spades / hearts / diamonds / clubs—
2 (informal) a person who is very good at doing sth: a soccer / tennis / flying ace  an ace pilot / marksman
3 (in tennis) a SERVE (= the first hit) that is so good that your opponent cannot reach the ball: He served 20 aces in the match.
IDM an ace up your sleeve (BrE) (AmE an ace in the hole) (informal) a secret advantage, for example a piece of information or a skill, that you are ready to use if you need to hold all the aces to have all the advantages in a situation play your 'ace to use your best argument, etc. in order to get an advantage in a situation within an ace of sth / of doing sth (BrE) very close to sth: We came within an ace of victory.

adj. (informal) very good: We had an ace time.

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acerb.ic
adj. (formal) (of a person or what they say) critical in a direct and rather cruel way: The letter was written in her usual acerbic style.
acerb.ity noun [U] (rare)
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acet.ate
noun [U]
1 a chemical compound made from acetic acid , used in making plastics, etc.
2 a type of smooth artificial fabric
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acet.ic acid
noun [U] the acid in VINEGAR that gives it its taste and smell
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acet.one
noun [U] a colourless liquid with a strong smell used for cleaning things, making paint thinner and producing various chemicals
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acetyl.ene
noun [U] (symb C2H2) a gas that burns with a very hot bright flame, used for cutting or joining metal
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ache
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to feel a continuous dull pain: I’m aching all over.  Her eyes ached from lack of sleep.   (figurative) It makes my heart ache (= it makes me sad) to see her suffer.
2 ~ for sb/sth (written) to have a strong desire for sb/sth or to do sth
SYN LONG : [v] I was aching for home.  [v to inf] He ached to see her.

noun (often in compounds) a continuous feeling of pain in a part of the body: Mummy, I’ve got a tummy ache.  Muscular aches and pains can be soothed by a relaxing massage.   (figurative) an ache in my heart (= a continuous sad feeling) —see also BELLYACHE , HEARTACHE
achy adj. (informal): I felt hot and achy all over.

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achieve
verb
1 [vn] to succeed in reaching a particular goal, status or standard, especially by making an effort for a long time: He had finally achieved success.  They could not achieve their target of less than 3% inflation.
2 [vn] to succeed in doing sth or causing sth to happen
SYN ACCOMPLISH : I haven’t achieved very much today.  All you’ve achieved is to upset my parents.
3 [v] to be successful: Their background gives them little chance of achieving at school.
achiev.able adj.: Profits of $20m look achievable.  achievable goals
OPP UNACHIEVABLE
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achieve.ment
noun
1 [C] a thing that sb has done successfully, especially using their own effort and skill: the greatest scientific achievement of the decade  It was a remarkable achievement for such a young player.  They were proud of their children’s achievements.
2 [U] the act or process of achieving sth: the need to raise standards of achievement in education  Even a small success gives you a sense of achievement (= a feeling of pride).
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Achil.les heel
noun [sing.] a weak point or fault in sb’s character, which can be attacked by other people
ORIGIN Named after the Greek hero Achilles. When he was a small child, his mother dipped him into the river Styx, which made him invulnerable (= he could not be injured). She held him by his heel, which therefore was not touched by the water. Achilles died after being wounded by an arrow in the heel.
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A,chil.les 'ten.don
(also Achil.les) noun the TENDON that connects the muscles at the back of the lower part of the leg to the heel
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acid
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U, C] (chemistry) a chemical compound, usually a liquid, that contains HYDROGEN and has a PH of less than seven. The HYDROGEN can be replaced by a metal to form a SALT . Acids are usually sour and can often burn holes in or damage things they touch.—compare ALKALI —see also ACETIC ACID , AMINO ACID , CITRIC ACID , HYDROCHLORIC ACID , LACTIC ACID , NITRIC ACID , NUCLEIC ACID , SULPHURIC ACID
2 [U] (slang) = LSD

adj.
1 (technical) that contains acid or has the essential characteristics of an acid; that has a PH of less than seven: Rye is tolerant of poor, acid soils.—compare ALKALINE
2 that has a bitter sharp taste
SYN SOUR : acid fruit
3 (written) (of a person’s remarks) critical and unkind
SYN SARCASTIC : an acid wit

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'acid house
noun [U] a type of electronic music with a strong steady beat, often played at parties where some people take harmful drugs
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acid.ic
adj.
1 very sour: Some fruit juices are very acidic.
2 containing acid: acidic soil
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acid.ify
verb (acid.ifies, acid.ify.ing, acid.ified, acid.ified) [v, vn] (technical ) to become or make sth become an acid
acid.ifi.ca.tion noun [U]
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acid.ity
noun [U] the state of having a sour taste or of containing acid
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acid.ly
adv. (written) in an unpleasant or critical way: ‘Thanks for nothing,’ she said acidly.
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,acid 'rain
noun [U] rain that contains harmful chemicals from factory gases and that damages trees, crops and buildings
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,acid 'test
(also 'litmus test especially in AmE) noun [sing.] a way of deciding whether sth is successful or true: The acid test of a good driver is whether he or she remains calm in an emergency.
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ac.know.ledge
verb
ADMIT|
1 to accept that sth is true: [vn] She refuses to acknowledge the need for reform.  a generally acknowledged fact  [v that] I did not acknowledge that he had done anything wrong.  [vn to inf] It is generally acknowledged to be true. [alsov -ing]
ACCEPT STATUS|
2 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to accept that sb/sth has a particular authority or status RECOGNIZE : [vn] The country acknowledged his claim to the throne.  [vn, vn to inf] He is widely acknowledged as the best player in the world.  He is widely acknowledged to be the best player in the world.
REPLY TO LETTER|
3 [vn] to tell sb that you have received sth that they sent to you: All applications will be acknowledged.  Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
SMILE / WAVE|
4 [vn] to show that you have noticed sb/sth by smiling, waving, etc: I was standing right next to her, but she didn’t even acknowledge me.
EXPRESS THANKS|
5 [vn] to publicly express thanks for help you have been given: I gratefully acknowledge financial support from several local businesses.
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ac.know.ledge.ment
(also ac.know.ledg.ment) noun
1 [sing., U] an act of accepting that sth exists or is true, or that sth is there: This report is an acknowledgement of the size of the problem.  She gave me a smile of acknowledgement (= showed that she had seen and recognized me).
2 [C, U] an act or a statement expressing thanks to sb; something that is given to sb as thanks: I was sent a free copy in acknowledgement of my contribution.  The flowers were a small acknowledgement of your kindness.
3 [C] a letter saying that sth has been received: I didn’t receive an acknowledgement of my application.
4 [C, usually pl.] a statement, especially at the beginning of a book, in which the writer expresses thanks to the people who have helped
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acme
noun [usually sing.] (formal) the highest stage of development or the most excellent example of sth
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acne
noun [U] a skin condition, common among young people, that produces many PIMPLES (= spots), especially on the face and neck: to suffer from / have acne
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aco.lyte
noun
1 (formal) a person who follows and helps a leader
2 (technical) a person who helps a priest in some church ceremonies
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acon.ite
noun [C, U] a wild plant with yellow or blue flowers and a poisonous root that is sometimes used to make drugs
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acorn
noun the small brown nut of the OAK tree, that grows in a base shaped like a cup
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acous.tic
adj. (AmE also acous.tic.al )
1 related to sound or to the sense of hearing
2 [usually before noun] (of a musical instrument) designed to make natural sound, not sound produced by electrical equipment
acous.tic.al.ly adv.
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acous.tics
noun
1 [pl.] (also acous.tic [sing.]) the shape, design, etc. of a room or theatre that make it good or bad for carrying sound: The acoustics of the new concert hall are excellent.
2 [U] the scientific study of sound
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ac.quaint
verb [vn] ~ sb / yourself with sth (formal) to make sb/yourself familiar with or aware of sth: Please acquaint me with the facts of the case.  You will first need to acquaint yourself with the filing system.
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ac.quaint.ance
noun
1 [C] a person that you know but who is not a close friend: Claire has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances .  He’s just a business acquaintance.
2 [U, C] ~ (with sb) (formal) slight friendship: He hoped their acquaintance would develop further.
3 [U, C] ~ with sth (formal) knowledge of sth: I had little acquaintance with modern poetry.
IDM make sb’s acquaintance | make the acquaintance of sb (formal) to meet sb for the first time: I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs Baker.  I made the acquaintance of several musicians around that time. of your ac'quaintance (formal) that you know: No one else of my acquaintance was as rich or successful. on first ac'quaintance (formal) when you first meet sb: Even on first acquaintance it was clear that he was not ‘the right type’.—more at NOD v.
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ac.quaint.ance.ship
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal) a slight friendship with sb or knowledge of sth: It was unfair to judge her on such a brief acquaintanceship.
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ac.quaint.ed
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ with sth (formal) familiar with sth, having read, seen or experienced it: The students are already acquainted with the work of Shakespeare.  Employees should be fully acquainted with emergency procedures.
2 ~ (with sb) not close friends with sb, but having met a few times before: I am well acquainted with her family.  We got acquainted at the conference (= met and started to get to know each other).
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ac.qui.esce
verb [v] ~ (in sth) (formal) to accept sth without arguing, even if you do not really agree with it: Senior government figures must have acquiesced in the cover-up.
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ac.qui.es.cence
noun [U] (formal) the fact of being willing to do what sb wants and to accept their opinions, even if you are not sure that they are right: There was general acquiescence in the UN sanctions.
ac.qui.es.cent adj.
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ac.quire
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to gain sth by your own efforts, ability or behaviour: She has acquired a good knowledge of English.  He has acquired a reputation for dishonesty.  I have recently acquired a taste for olives.
2 to obtain sth by buying or being given it: The company has just acquired new premises.  I’ve suddenly acquired a stepbrother.
IDM an acquired 'taste a thing that you do not like much at first but gradually learn to like: Abstract art is an acquired taste.
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ac.qui.si.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of getting sth, especially knowledge, a skill, etc: theories of child language acquisition
2 [C] something that sb buys to add to what they already own, usually sth valuable: His latest acquisition is a racehorse.  The money will be spent on acquisitions for the university library.
3 [C, U] (business) a company, piece of land, etc. bought by sb, especially another company; the act of buying it: They have made acquisitions in several EU countries.  the acquisition of shares by employees
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ac.quisi.tive
adj. (formal, disapproving) wanting very much to buy or get new possessions
ac.quisi.tive.ness noun [U]
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ac.quit
verb (-tt-) [vn]
1 ~ sb (of sth) to decide and state officially in a court of law that sb is not guilty of a crime: The jury acquitted him of murder.  Both defendants were acquitted.
OPP CONVICT
2 ~ yourself well, badly, etc. (formal) to perform or behave well, badly, etc: He acquitted himself brilliantly in the exams.
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ac.quit.tal
noun [C, U] an official decision in a court of law that a person is not guilty of a crime: The case resulted in an acquittal.  The jury voted for acquittal.
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acre
noun a unit for measuring an area of land; 4 840 square YARDS or about 4 050 square metres: 3 000 acres of parkland  a three-acre wood   (informal) Each house has acres of space around it (= a lot of space).
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acre.age
noun [U, C] an area of land measured in acres
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acrid
adj. having a strong, bitter smell or taste that is unpleasant: acrid smoke from burning tyres
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acri.mo.ni.ous
adj. (formal) (of an argument, etc.) angry and full of strong bitter feelings and words: His parents went through an acrimonious divorce.
acri.mo.ni.ous.ly adv.
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acri.mony
noun [U] (formal) angry bitter feelings or words: The dispute was settled without acrimony.
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acro.bat
noun an entertainer who performs difficult acts such as balancing on high ropes, especially at a CIRCUS
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acro.bat.ic
adj. involving or performing difficult acts or movements with the body: acrobatic feats  an acrobatic dancer
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acro.bat.ics
noun [pl.] acrobatic acts and movements: acrobatics on the high wire   (figurative) vocal acrobatics (= performing skilfully with the voice when singing)
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acro.nym
noun a word formed from the first letters of the words that make up the name of sth, for example ‘Aids’ is an acronym for ‘acquired immune deficiency syndrome’
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across
adv., prep.
adv.
HELP For the special uses of across in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example come across is in the phrasal verb section at come.
1 from one side to the other side: It’s too wide. We can’t swim across.  The yard measures about 50 feet across.
2 in a particular direction towards or at sb/sth: When my name was called, he looked across at me.
3 (across from) opposite: There’s a school just across from our house.
4 (of an answer in a CROSSWORD ) written from side to side: I can’t do 3 across.

prep.
1 from one side to the other side of sth: He walked across the field.  I drew a line across the page.  A grin spread across her face.  Where’s the nearest bridge across the river?
2 on the other side of sth: There’s a bank right across the street.
3 on or over a part of the body: He hit him across the face.  It’s too tight across the back.
4 in every part of a place, group of people, etc.
SYN THROUGHOUT : Her family is scattered across the country.  This view is common across all sections of the community.

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acryl.ic
adj., noun
adj. made of a substance or fabric produced by chemical processes from a type of acid: acrylic paints / fibres  an acrylic sweater

noun
1 [U] a type of plastic or artificial fabric produced by chemical processes
2 [C, usually pl.] a type of paint used by artists

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ACT
abbr. American College Test (an exam that some high school students take before they go to college)
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act
noun, verb
noun
STH THAT SB DOES|
1 [C] a particular thing that sb does: an act of kindness / generosity  acts of terrorism  a serious criminal act  The murder was the act of a psychopath.
LAW|
2 [C] a law that has been passed by a parliament: an Act of Congress  the Further and Higher Education Act 1992
PRETENDING|
3 [sing.] a way of behaving that is not sincere but is intended to have a particular effect on others: Don’t take her seriously—it’s all an act.  You could tell she was just putting on an act .
IN PLAY / ENTERTAINMENT|
4 [C] one of the main divisions of a play, an opera, etc: a play in five acts  The hero dies in Act 5, Scene 3.
5 [C] one of several short pieces of entertainment in a show: a circus / comedy / magic act
6 [C] a performer or group of musicians: Oasis had a reputation as one of rock’s most impressive live acts. ,act of 'God (law) an event caused by natural forces beyond human control, such as a storm, a flood or an earthquake be / get in on the act (informal) to be/become involved in an activity that sb else has started, especially to get sth for yourself do, perform, stage a disap'pearing / 'vanishing act (informal) to go away or be impossible to find when people need or want you get your 'act together (informal) to organize yourself and your activities in a more effective way in order to achieve sth: He needs to get his act together if he’s going to pass. in the act (of doing sth) while you are doing sth: He was caught in the act of stealing a car.—more at CLEAN v. , READ v.

verb
DO STH|
1 [v] to do sth for a particular purpose or in order to deal with a situation: It is vital that we act to stop the destruction of the rainforests.  The girl’s life was saved because the doctors acted so promptly.  He claims he acted in self-defence.
BEHAVE|
2 [v] to behave in a particular way: John’s been acting very strangely lately.  Stop acting like spoilt children!
HELP In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though in this meaning, especially in AmE: She was acting like she’d seen a ghost. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.
PRETEND|
3 to pretend by your behaviour to be a particular type of person: [v-n] He’s been acting the devoted husband all day.  [v-adj] I decided to act dumb.
PERFORM IN PLAY / MOVIE|
4 to perform a part in a play or film/movie: [v] Have you ever acted?  Most of the cast act well.  [vn] Who’s acting (= taking the part of) Hamlet?  She is acting the role of Juliet.  The play was well acted.
PERFORM FUNCTION|
5 [v] ~ as / like sth to perform a particular role or function: Can you act as interpreter?  hormones in the brain that act like natural painkillers
HAVE EFFECT|
6 [v] ~ (on sth) to have an effect on sth: Alcohol acts quickly on the brain.
IDM see AGE n. , FOOL n. , OWN v. 'act for / on behalf of sb to be employed to deal with sb’s affairs for them, for example by representing them in a court of law 'act on / upon sth to take action as a result of advice, information, etc: Acting on information from a member of the public, the police raided the club.  Why didn’t you act on her suggestion? ,act sth<->'out
1 to perform a ceremony or show how sth happened, as if performing a play: The ritual of the party conference is acted out in the same way every year.  The children started to act out the whole incident.
2 to act a part in a real situation: She acted out the role of the wronged lover. ,act 'up (informal)
1 to behave badly: The kids started acting up.
2 to not work as it should: How long has your ankle been acting up?

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act.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U] the activity or profession of performing in plays, films/movies, etc.

adj. [only before noun] doing the work of another person for a short time: the acting manager

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ac.tion
noun, verb
noun
WHAT SB DOES|
1 [U] the process of doing sth in order to make sth happen or to deal with a situation: The time has come for action if these beautiful animals are to survive.  Firefighters took action immediately to stop the blaze spreading.  What is the best course of action in the circumstances?  She began to explain her plan of action to the group.—see also DIRECT ACTION , INDUSTRIAL ACTION
2 [C] a thing that sb does: Her quick action saved the child’s life.  Each of us must take responsibility for our own actions.
LEGAL PROCESS|
3 [C, U] a legal process to stop a person or company from doing sth, or to make them pay for a mistake, etc: A libel action is being brought against the magazine that published the article.  He is considering taking legal action against the hospital.
IN WAR|
4 [U] fighting in a battle or war: military action  soldiers killed in action
IN STORY / PLAY|
5 [U] the events in a story, play, etc: The action takes place in France.
EXCITING EVENTS|
6 [U] exciting events: I like films with plenty of action.  If you want to know where all the action is around here, just ask Jo.  New York is where the action is .
EFFECT|
7 [U] ~ of sth (on sth) the effect that one substance or chemical has on another: the action of sunlight on the skin
OF PART OF THE BODY|
8 [U, C] (technical) the way a part of the body moves or functions: a study of the action of the liver
OF MACHINE|
9 [sing.] the mechanism of a piano, gun, clock, etc. or the way the parts move actions speak louder than 'words (saying) what a person actually does means more than what they say they will do in 'action if sb/sth is in action, they are doing the activity or work that is typical for them: Just press the button to see your favourite character in action.  I’ve yet to see all the players in action. into 'action if you put an idea or a plan into action, you start making it happen or work: The new plan for traffic control is being put into action on an experimental basis. out of 'action not able to work or be used because of injury or damage: Jon is out of action for weeks with a broken leg.  The photocopier is out of action today. a piece / slice of the 'action (informal) a share or role in an interesting or exciting activity, especially in order to make money: Foreign firms will all want a piece of the action if the new airport goes ahead.—more at EVASIVE , SPRING v. , SWING v.

verb [vn] to take appropriate steps to make sure that sth is done or dealt with: Your request will be actioned.

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ac.tion.able
adj. giving sb a valid reason to bring a case in a court of law
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'action group
noun (often as part of a name) a group that is formed to work for social or political change: the Child Poverty Action Group
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'action-packed
adj. full of exciting events and activity: an action-packed weekend
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,action 'replay
noun (BrE )
1 (AmE ,instant 'replay) part of sth, for example a football game on television, that is immediately repeated, often more slowly, so that you can see a goal or another exciting or important moment again
2 an event or a situation that repeats sth that has happened before: It was an action replay of the problems of his first marriage.
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'action stations
noun [pl.] the positions to which soldiers go to be ready for fighting
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ac.ti.vate
verb [vn] to make sth such as a device or chemical process start working: The burglar alarm is activated by movement.  The gene is activated by a specific protein.
ac.ti.vation noun [U]
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ac.tive
adj., noun
adj.
BUSY|
1 always busy doing things, especially physical activities: Although he’s nearly 80, he is still very active.
TAKING PART|
2 involved in sth; making a determined effort and not leaving sth to happen by itself: They were both politically active.  active involvement / participation / support / resistance  She takes an active part in school life.  The parents were active in campaigning against cuts to the education budget.  They took active steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
DOING AN ACTIVITY|
3 doing sth regularly; functioning: sexually active teenagers  animals that are active only at night  The virus is still active in the blood.  an active volcano (= likely to ERUPT )
LIVELY|
4 lively and full of ideas: That child has a very active imagination.
CHEMICAL|
5 having or causing a chemical effect: What is the active ingredient in aspirin?
GRAMMAR|
6 connected with a verb whose subject is the person or thing that performs the action: In ‘He was driving the car’, the verb is active.—compare PASSIVE
ac.tive.ly adv.: Your proposal is being actively considered.  She was actively looking for a job.

noun (also 'active voice) [sing.] the form of a verb in which the subject is the person or thing that performs the action—compare PASSIVE

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,active 'service
(AmE also ,active 'duty) noun [U] the work of a member of the armed forces, especially during a war: troops on active service
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ac.tiv.ist
noun a person who works to achieve political or social change, especially as a member of an organization with particular aims: gay activists
ac.tiv.ism noun [U]
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ac.tiv.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a situation in which sth is happening or a lot of things are being done: economic activity  The streets were noisy and full of activity.  Muscles contract and relax during physical activity.—compare INACTIVITY
2 [C, often pl.] a thing that you do for interest or pleasure, or in order to achieve a particular aim: leisure / outdoor / classroom activities  The club provides a wide variety of activities including tennis, swimming and squash.  illegal / criminal activities
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actor
noun a person who performs on the stage, on television or in films/movies, especially as a profession
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ac.tress
noun a woman who performs on the stage, on television or in films/movies, especially as a profession
HELP Many women now prefer to be called actors, although when the context is not clear, an actor is usually understood to refer to a man.
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ac.tual
adj. [only before noun]
1 used to emphasize sth that is real or exists in fact: What were his actual words?  The actual cost was much higher than we had expected.  James looks younger than his wife but in actual fact (= really) he is several years older.
2 used to emphasize the most important part of sth: The wedding preparations take weeks but the actual ceremony takes less than an hour.
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ac.tu.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the state of sth existing in reality: The building looked as impressive in actuality as it did in photographs.
2 [C, usually pl.] things that exist; facts: the grim actualities of prison life
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ac.tu.al.ly
adv.
1 used in speaking to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that sth is really true: Well, what did she actually say?  It’s not actually raining at the moment.  That’s the only reason I’m actually going.  There are lots of people there who can actually help you.  I didn’t want to say anything without actually reading the letter first.
2 used to show a contrast between what is true and what sb believes, and to show surprise about this contrast: It was actually quite fun after all.  The food was not actually all that expensive.  Our turnover actually increased last year.
3 used to correct sb in a polite way: We’re not American, actually. We’re Canadian.  Actually, it would be much more sensible to do it later.  They’re not married, actually.
4 used to get sb’s attention, to introduce a new topic or to say sth that sb may not like, in a polite way: Actually, I’ll be a bit late home.  Actually, I’m busy at the moment—can I call you back?  note at ACTUAL
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ac.tu.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a person whose job involves calculating insurance risks and payments for insurance companies by studying how frequently accidents, fires, deaths, etc. happen
ac.tu.ar.ial adj.
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ac.tu.ate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make a machine or device start to work
SYN ACTIVATE : The timer must have been actuated by radio control.
2 [usually passive] to make sb behave in a particular way
SYN MOTIVATE : He was actuated entirely by malice.
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acu.ity
noun [U] (formal) the ability to think, see or hear clearly: a child’s visual acuity
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acu.men
noun [U] the ability to understand and judge things quickly and clearly: business / commercial / financial acumen
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acu.punc.ture
noun [U] a Chinese method of treating pain and illness using special thin needles which are pushed into the skin in particular parts of the body
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acu.punc.tur.ist
noun a person who is trained to perform acupuncture
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acute
adj.
1 very serious or severe: There is an acute shortage of water.  acute pain  the world’s acute environmental problems  Competition for jobs is acute.
2 an acute illness is one that has quickly become severe and dangerous: acute appendicitis—compare CHRONIC
3 (of the senses) very sensitive and well developed: Dogs have an acute sense of smell.
4 intelligent and quick to notice and understand things: He is an acute observer of the social scene.  Her judgement is acute.
5 (geometry) (of an angle) less than 90°
acute.ness noun [U] (rare)
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a,cute 'accent
noun the mark placed over a vowel to show how it should be pronounced, as over the e in fiancé—compare CIRCUMFLEX , GRAVE^2 , TILDE , UMLAUT
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a,cute 'angle
noun an angle of less than 90°—compare OBTUSE ANGLE , REFLEX ANGLE , RIGHT ANGLE
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acute.ly
adv.
1 ~ aware / conscious noticing or feeling sth very strongly: I am acutely aware of the difficulties we face.
2 (describing unpleasant feelings) very; very strongly: acutely embarrassed
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-acy
-CY
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AD
(BrE ) (AmEA.D.) abbr. used in the Christian CALENDAR to show a particular number of years since the year when Christ was believed to have been born (from Latin ‘Anno Domini’): in (the year) AD 55  in 55 AD  in the fifth century AD—compare BC , BCE , CE
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ad
noun (informal) = ADVERTISEMENT : We put an ad in the local paper.  an ad for a new chocolate bar
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adage
noun a well-known phrase expressing a general truth about people or the world
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ada.gio
noun (pl.-os) (music ) a piece of music to be played in a slow and graceful manner
ada.gio adj., adv.
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Adam
noun
IDM see KNOW v.
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ad.am.ant
adj. determined not to change your mind or to be persuaded about sth: Eva was adamant that she would not come.
ad.am.ant.ly adv.: His family were adamantly opposed to the marriage.
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,Adam’s 'apple
noun the lump at the front of the throat that sticks out, particularly in men, and moves up and down when you swallow
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adapt
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to change sth in order to make it suitable for a new use or situation
SYN MODIFY : Most of these tools have been specially adapted for use by disabled people.  These styles can be adapted to suit individual tastes.
2 ~ (yourself) (to sth) to change your behaviour in order to deal more successfully with a new situation
SYN ADJUST : [v] We have had to adapt quickly to the new system.  A large organization can be slow to adapt to change.  The organisms were forced to adapt in order to survive.  It’s amazing how soon you adapt.  [vn] It took him a while to adapt himself to his new surroundings.
3 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) (from sth) to change a book or play so that it can be made into a play, film/movie, television programme, etc: Three of her novels have been adapted for television.
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adapt.able
adj. (approving) able to change or be changed in order to deal successfully with new situations: Older workers can be as adaptable and quick to learn as anyone else.  Successful businesses are highly adaptable to economic change.
adapt.abil.ity noun [U]
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adap.ta.tion
(also less frequent adap.tion) noun
1 [C] a film/movie, book or play that is based on a particular piece of work but that has been changed for a new situation: a screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’
2 [U] the process of changing sth, for example your behaviour, to suit a new situation: the adaptation of desert species to the hot conditions
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adap.tion
noun (rare) = ADAPTATION
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adap.tive
adj. (technical ) concerned with changing; able to change when necessary in order to deal with different situations
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adap.tor
(also adap.ter) noun
1 a device for connecting pieces of electrical equipment that were not designed to fit together
2 a device for connecting more than one piece of equipment to the same SOCKET (= a place in the wall where equipment is connected to the electricity supply)
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ADC
abbr. AIDE-DE-CAMP
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add
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to put sth together with sth else so as to increase the size, number, amount, etc: A new wing was added to the building.  Shall I add your name to the list?  Next add the flour.  The juice contains no added sugar.  The plan has the added (= extra) advantage of bringing employment to rural areas.
2 [vn] ~ A to B| ~ A and B (together) to put numbers or amounts together to get a total: Add 9 to the total.  If you add all these amounts together you get a huge figure.
OPP SUBTRACT
3 ~ sth (to sth) to say sth more; to make a further remark: [vn] I have nothing to add to my earlier statement.  [v speech] ‘And don’t be late,’ she added.  [v that] He added that they would return a week later.
4 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to give a particular quality to an event, a situation, etc: The suite will add a touch of class to your bedroom.
IDM add ,fuel to the 'fire / 'flames to do or say sth that makes a bad situation even worse, especially by making sb more angry add ,insult to 'injury to make your relationship with sb even worse by offending them as well as actually harming them 'added to this … | 'add to this … used to introduce another fact that helps to emphasize a point you have already made: Add to this the excellent service and you can see why it’s the most popular hotel on the island.
PVR V ,add sth<->'in to include sth with sth else: Remember to add in the cost of drinks. ,add sth<->'on (to sth) to include or attach sth extra: A service charge of 15% was added on to the bill.—related noun ADD-ON 'add to sth to increase sth in size, number, amount, etc: The bad weather only added to our difficulties.  The house has been added to (= new rooms, etc. have been built on to it) from time to time. ,add 'up (informal)
1 (especially in negative sentences) to seem reasonable; to make sense: His story just doesn’t add up.
2 (not used in the progressive tenses) to increase by small amounts until there is a large total: When you’re feeding a family of six the bills soon add up. ,add 'up| ,add sth<->'up to calculate the total of two or more numbers or amounts: The waiter can’t add up.  Add up all the money I owe you. ,add 'up to sth
1 to make a total amount of sth: The numbers add up to exactly 100.
2 to lead to a particular result; to show sth: These clues don’t really add up to very much (= give us very little information).
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ad.den.dum
noun (pl.ad.denda ) (formal) a section of extra information that is added to sth, especially to a book
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adder
noun a small poisonous snake, often with diamond-shaped marks on its back. Adders are the only poisonous snakes in Britain.
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ad.dict
noun
1 a person who is unable to stop taking harmful drugs: a heroin / drug / nicotine addict
2 a person who is very interested in sth and spends a lot of their free time on it: a video game addict
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ad.dict.ed
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to sth)
1 unable to stop taking harmful drugs, or using or doing sth as a habit: to become addicted to drugs / alcohol / gambling
2 spending all your free time doing sth because you are so interested in it: Her son is addicted to computer games.
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ad.dic.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (to sth) the condition of being addicted to sth: cocaine addiction  He is now fighting his addiction to alcohol.
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ad.dict.ive
adj.
1 if a drug is addictive, it makes people unable to stop taking it: Heroin is highly addictive.
2 if an activity or type of behaviour is addictive, people need to do it as often as possible because they enjoy it: I find jogging very addictive.
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add.ition
noun
1 [U] the process of adding two or more numbers together to find their total: children learning addition and subtraction
OPP SUBTRACTION
2 [C] ~ (to sth) a thing that is added to sth else: the latest addition to our range of cars  an addition to the family (= another child)   (AmE) to build a new addition onto a house
3 [U] ~ (of sth) the act of adding sth to sth else: Pasta’s basic ingredients are flour and water, sometimes with the addition of eggs or oil.
IDM in addition (to sb/sth) used when you want to mention another person or thing after sth else: In addition to these arrangements, extra ambulances will be on duty until midnight.  There is, in addition, one further point to make.
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add.ition.al
adj. extra; more than was first mentioned or is usual: additional resources / funds / security  The government is providing an additional £25 million to expand the service.
add.ition.al.ly adv. (written): Additionally, the bus service will run on Sundays, every two hours.
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addi.tive
noun a substance that is added in small amounts to sth, especially food, in order to improve it, give it colour, make it last longer, etc: Food additives can cause allergies.  additive-free orange juice  chemical additives in petrol
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ad.dled
adj.
1 confused; unable to think clearly: his addled brain
2 (of an egg) not fresh; bad to eat
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'add-on
noun a thing that is added to sth else: The company offers scuba-diving as an add-on to the basic holiday price.  add-on software (= added to a computer)
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ad.dress
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] details of where sb lives or works and where letters, etc. can be sent: What’s your name and address ?  I’ll give you my address and telephone number.  Is that your home address ?  an address book (= that you write addresses and phone numbers in)  an e-mail address  Please note my change of address .  Police found him at an address (= a house or flat / apartment) in West London.  people of no fixed address (= with no permanent home)—see also FORWARDING ADDRESS
2 [C] a formal speech that is made in front of an audience: tonight’s televised presidential address
3 [U] form / mode of ~ the correct title, etc. to use when you talk to sb

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (to sb/sth) to write on an envelope, etc. the name and address of the person, company, etc. that you are sending it to by mail: The letter was correctly addressed, but delivered to the wrong house.  Address your application to the Personnel Manager.—see also SAE , SASE
2 to make a formal speech to a group of people: to address a meeting / rally / conference
3 ~ sb| ~ sth to sb (formal) to say sth directly to sb: I was surprised when he addressed me in English.  Any questions should be addressed to your teacher.
4 ~ sb (as sth) to use a particular name or title for sb when you speak or write to them: There are different ways in which to address a member of the royal family.  The judge should be addressed as ‘Your Honour’.
5 ~ (yourself to) sth (formal) to think about a problem or a situation and decide how you are going to deal with it: Your essay does not address the real issues.  We must address ourselves to the problem of traffic pollution.

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ad.dress.ee
noun a person that a letter is addressed to
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ad.duce
verb [vn] [often passive] (formal) to provide evidence, reasons, facts, etc. in order to explain sth or to show that sth is true: Several factors have been adduced to explain the fall in the birth rate.
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ad.en.oids
noun [pl.] pieces of soft tissue at the back of the nose and throat that can swell up and cause breathing difficulties, especially in children
ad.en.oid.al adj. [only before noun]
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adept
adj. (written) ~ (at / in sth)| ~ (at / in doing sth) good at doing sth that is quite difficult
adept noun
adeptl.y adv.
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ad.equate
adj. ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) enough in quantity, or good enough in quality, for a particular purpose or need: an adequate supply of hot water  The room was small but adequate.  The space available is not adequate for our needs.  There is a lack of adequate provision for disabled students.  He didn’t give an adequate answer to the question.  training that is adequate to meet the future needs of industry
OPP INADEQUATE   note at ENOUGH
ad.equacy noun [U]: The adequacy of the security arrangements has been questioned.
ad.equate.ly adv.: Are you adequately insured?
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ad.here
verb [v] ~ (to sth) (formal) to stick firmly to sth: Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria adhere to the surface of the red cells.
PVR V ad'here to sth (formal) to behave according to a particular law, rule, set of instructions, etc.; to follow a particular set of beliefs or a fixed way of doing sth: For ten months he adhered to a strict no-fat low-salt diet.  She adheres to teaching methods she learned over 30 years ago.
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ad.her.ence
noun [U] the fact of behaving according to a particular rule, etc., or of following a particular set of beliefs, or a fixed way of doing sth: strict adherence to the rules
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ad.her.ent
noun (written) a person who supports a political party or set of ideas
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ad.he.sion
noun [U] (technical ) the ability to stick or become attached to sth
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ad.he.sive
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] a substance that you use to make things stick together: Use a good waterproof adhesive in addition to the screws.

adj. that can stick to sth: adhesive tape—see also SELF-ADHESIVE

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ad hoc
adj. (from Latin ) arranged or happening when necessary and not planned in advance: an ad hoc meeting to deal with the problem  The meetings will be held on an ad hoc basis .
ad hoc adv.
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adieu
exclamation (old use or literary) goodbye: I bid you adieu.
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ad in.fin.itum
adv. (from Latin ) without ever coming to an end; again and again: You cannot stay here ad infinitum without paying rent.  The problem would be repeated ad infinitum.
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ad.ja.cent
adj. ~ (to sth) (of an area, a building, a room, etc.) situated next to or near sth: The planes landed on adjacent runways.  Our farm land was adjacent to the river.
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ad.jec.tive
noun (grammar ) a word that describes a person or thing, for example big, red and clever in a big house, red wine and a clever idea: ‘Reliable’ is not an adjective that could be applied to my car.
ad.jec.tival adj.: an adjectival phrase
ad.jec.tival.ly adv.: In ‘bread knife’, the word ‘bread’ is used adjectivally.
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ad.join
verb (written) to be next to or joined to sth: [vn] A barn adjoins the farmhouse. [alsov]
ad.join.ing adj. [usually before noun]: They stayed in adjoining rooms.  We’ll have more space if we knock down the adjoining wall (= the wall between two rooms).
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ad.journ
verb [often passive] to stop a meeting or an official process for a period of time, especially in a court of law: [v] The court adjourned for lunch.  [vn] The trial has been adjourned until next week.  The chairman may adjourn the meeting at any time.
ad.journ.ment noun [C, U]: The judge granted us a short adjournment.
PVR V ad'journ to … (formal or humorous) to go to another room or place, especially in order to relax: I suggest we adjourn to the bar for a drink.
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ad.judge
verb [usually passive] (formal) to make a decision about sb/sth based on the facts that are available: [vn-adj] The company was adjudged bankrupt.  [vn-n] The tour was adjudged a great success.  [vn to inf] The reforms were generally adjudged to have failed.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
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ad.ju.di.cate
verb
1 ~ (on / upon / in sth)| ~ (between A and B) to make an official decision about who is right in a disagreement between two groups or organizations: [v] A special subcommittee adjudicates on planning applications.  [vn] Their purpose is to adjudicate disputes between employers and employees.
2 [v] to be a judge in a competition: Who is adjudicating at this year’s contest?
ad.ju.di.ca.tion noun [U, C]: The case was referred to a higher court for adjudication.
ad.ju.di.ca.tor noun: You may refer your complaint to an independent adjudicator.
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ad.junct
noun
1 (grammar) an adverb or a phrase that adds meaning to the verb in a sentence or part of a sentence: In ‘She went home yesterday’ and ‘He ran away in a panic’, ‘yesterday’ and ‘in a panic’ are adjuncts.
2 (formal) a thing that is added or attached to sth larger or more important: The memory expansion cards are useful adjuncts to the computer.
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ad.jure
verb [vn to inf] (formal) to ask or to order sb to do sth: He adjured them to tell the truth.
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ad.just
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to change sth slightly to make it more suitable for a new set of conditions or to make it work better: Watch out for sharp bends and adjust your speed accordingly.  This button is for adjusting the volume.  Adjust your language to the age of your audience.
2 ~ (to sth / to doing sth)| ~ (yourself to sth) to get used to a new situation by changing the way you behave and/or think: [v] It took her a while to adjust to living alone after the divorce.  It took several seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dark.  [vn] You’ll quickly adjust yourself to student life.
3 [vn] to move sth slightly so that it looks neater or feels more comfortable: He smoothed his hair and adjusted his tie.—see also WELL ADJUSTED
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ad.just.able
adj. that can be moved to different positions or changed in shape or size: adjustable seat belts  The height of the bicycle seat is adjustable.
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,adjustable 'spanner
(BrE ) (also 'monkey wrenchAmE, BrE) noun a tool that can be adjusted to hold and turn things of different widths—compare SPANNER , WRENCH —picture at TOOL
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ad.just.ment
noun [C, U]
1 a small change made to sth in order to correct or improve it: I’ve made a few adjustments to the design.  Some adjustment of the lens may be necessary.
2 a change in the way a person behaves or thinks: She went through a period of emotional adjustment after her marriage broke up.
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ad.ju.tant
noun an army officer who does office work and helps other officers
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ad lib
verb (-bb-) to say sth in a speech or a performance that you have not prepared or practised
SYN IMPROVISE : [v] The pair have often been known to abandon their script and begin ad libbing.  [vn] I lost my notes and had to ad lib the whole speech.
ad lib noun: The speech was full of ad libs and witty asides.
ad lib adj.: an ad lib speech
ad lib adv.: She delivered her lines ad lib.
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adman
noun (pl.admen ) (informal) a person who works in advertising
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admin
noun [U] (BrE , informal) = ADMINISTRATION : a few admin problems  She works in admin.
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ad.min.is.ter
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to manage and organize the affairs of a company, an organization, a country, etc.
SYN MANAGE : to administer a charity / fund / school  the high cost of administering medical services  The pension funds are administered by commercial banks.
2 to make sure that sth is done fairly and in the correct way: to administer justice / the law  The questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers.
3 ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give or to provide sth, especially in a formal way: The teacher has the authority to administer punishment.
4 [often passive] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give drugs, medicine, etc. to sb: The dose was administered to the child intravenously.  Police believe his wife could not have administered the poison.
5 ~ a kick, a punch, etc. (to sb/sth) (formal) to kick or to hit sb/sth: He administered a severe blow to his opponent’s head.
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ad.min.is.tra.tion
noun
1 (also BrE informal admin) [U] the activities that are done in order to plan, organize and run a business, school or other institution: Administration costs are passed on to the customer.  the day-to-day administration of a company  I work in the Sales Administration department.
2 [U] the process or act of organizing the way that sth is done: the administration of justice
3 [C] the people who plan, organize and run a business, institution, etc: university administrations
4 (often Administration) [C] the government of a country, especially the US: This happened frequently during the Nixon Administration.  Successive administrations have failed to solve the country’s economic problems.
5 [U] (formal) the act of giving a drug to sb: the administration of antibiotics
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ad.min.is.tra.tive
adj. connected with organizing the work of a business or an institution: an administrative job / assistant / error
ad.min.is.tra.tive.ly adv.
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ad.min.is.tra.tor
noun
1 a person whose job is to manage and organize the public or business affairs of a company or an institution: a hospital administrator
2 a person who is good at organizing things: She’s a brilliant organizer and administrator.
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ad.mir.able
adj. (formal) having qualities that you admire and respect: Her dedication to her work was admirable.  He made his points with admirable clarity.
ad.mir.ably adv.: Joe coped admirably with a difficult situation.
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ad.miral
noun an officer of very high rank in the navy: The admiral visited the ships under his command.  Admiral Lord Nelson  Good morning, Admiral.—see also REAR ADMIRAL
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,Admiral of the 'Fleet
(BrE ) (AmE 'Fleet Admiral) noun an admiral of the highest rank in the navy
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ad.mir.alty
noun (the Admiralty) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (in Britain in the past) the government department controlling the navy
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ad.mir.ation
noun [U] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling of respect and liking for sb/sth: I have great admiration for her as a writer.  to watch / gaze in admiration
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ad.mire
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (for sth)| ~ sb (for doing sth) to respect sb for what they are or for what they have done: I really admire your enthusiasm.  The school is widely admired for its excellent teaching.  You have to admire the way he handled the situation.  I don’t agree with her, but I admire her for sticking to her principles.
2 to look at sth and think that it is attractive and/or impressive: He stood back to admire his handiwork.  I’ve just been admiring your new car.
ad.mir.ing adj.: She was used to receiving admiring glances from men.
ad.mir.ing.ly adv.
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ad.mirer
noun
1 ~ of sb/sth a person who admires sb/sth, especially a well-known person or thing: He is a great admirer of Picasso’s early paintings.
2 a man who is attracted to a woman and admires her: She never married but had many admirers.
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ad.mis.sible
adj. that can be allowed or accepted, especially in a court of law: Photographs are usually admissible evidence provided it can be proved that they are authentic.
OPP INADMISSIBLE
ad.mis.si.bil.ity noun [U]
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ad.mis.sion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (to sth) the act of accepting sb into an institution, organization, etc.; the right to enter a place or to join an institution or organization: Hospital admission is not necessary in most cases.  Hospital admissions for asthma attacks have doubled.  countries applying for admission to the European Union  the university admissions policy / office  Last admissions to the park are at 4 p.m.  They tried to get into the club but were refused admission.  She failed to gain admission to the university of her choice.  note at ENTRANCE^1
2 [C] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) a statement in which sb admits that sth is true, especially sth wrong or bad that they have done: an admission of guilt / failure / defeat  The minister’s resignation was an admission that she had lied.  He is a thief by his own admission (= he has admitted it).
3 [U] the amount of money that you pay to go into a building or to an event: admission charges / prices  £5 admission  What’s the admission?
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admit
verb (-tt-)
ACCEPT TRUTH|
1 ~ (to sth / to doing sth)| ~ (to sb) (that … ) to agree, often unwillingly, that sth is true
SYN CONFESS : [v] She admits to being strict with her children.  Don’t be afraid to admit to your mistakes.  It was a stupid thing to do, I admit.  [vn] He admitted all his mistakes.  She stubbornly refuses to admit the truth.  Why don’t you just admit defeat (= recognize that you cannot do sth) and let someone else try?  Admit it! You were terrified!  [v (that)] They freely admit (that) they still have a lot to learn.  I couldn’t admit to my parents that I was finding the course difficult.  You must admit that it all sounds very strange.  [vn that] It was generally admitted that the government had acted too quickly.  [v speech] ‘I’m very nervous,’ she admitted reluctantly.  [vn to inf] The appointment is now generally admitted to have been a mistake.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
ACCEPT BLAME|
2 ~ (to sth / to doing sth) to say that you have done sth wrong or illegal
SYN CONFESS : [v] She admitted to having stolen the car.  He refused to admit to the other charges.  [vn] She admitted theft.  He refused to admit his guilt.  [v -ing] She admitted having driven the car without insurance.
ALLOW TO ENTER / JOIN|
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (to / into sth) to allow sb/sth to enter a place: Each ticket admits one adult and one child.  The narrow windows admit little light into the room.  You will not be admitted to the theatre after the performance has started.
4 [vn] ~ sb (to / into sth) to allow sb to become a member of a club, a school, or an organization: The society admits all US citizens over 21.  Women were only admitted into the club last year.
TO HOSPITAL|
5 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb to / into a hospital, an institution, etc. to take sb to a hospital, or other institution where they can receive special care: Two crash victims were admitted to the local hospital. ad'mit of sth (formal) to show that sth is possible or probable as a solution, an explanation, etc.
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ad.mit.tance
noun [U] (formal) the right to enter or the act of entering a building, an institution, etc: Hundreds of people were unable to gain admittance to the hall.
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ad.mit.ted.ly
adv. used, especially at the beginning of a sentence, when you are accepting that sth is true: Admittedly, it is rather expensive but you don’t need to use much.
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ad.mon.ish
verb (formal)
1 ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to tell sb firmly that you do not approve of sth that they have done: [vn] She was admonished for chewing gum in class. [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 to strongly advise sb to do sth: [vn to inf] A warning voice admonished him not to let this happen. [alsov speech, vn speech]
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ad.mon.ition
(also less frequent ad.mon.ish.ment ) noun [C, U] (formal) a warning to sb about their behaviour
ad.moni.tory adj.
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ad nau.seam
adv. (from Latin ) if a person says or does sth ad nauseam, they say or do it again and again so that it becomes boring or annoying: Television sports commentators repeat the same phrases ad nauseam.
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ado
noun
IDM without further / more ado (old-fashioned) without delaying; immediately
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adobe
noun [U] mud that is dried in the sun, mixed with STRAW and used as a building material
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ado.les.cence
noun [U] the time in a person’s life when he or she develops from a child into an adult
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ado.les.cent
noun a young person who is developing from a child into an adult: adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 and the problems they face
ado.les.cent adj.: adolescent boys / girls / experiences
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adopt
verb
CHILD|
1 to take sb else’s child into your family and become its legal parent(s): [v] a campaign to encourage childless couples to adopt  [vn] to adopt a child  She was forced to have her baby adopted.—compare FOSTER
METHOD|
2 [vn] to start to use a particular method or to show a particular attitude towards sb/sth: All three teams adopted different approaches to the problem.
SUGGESTION|
3 [vn] to formally accept a suggestion or policy by voting: to adopt a resolution  The council is expected to adopt the new policy at its next meeting.
NEW NAME / COUNTRY|
4 [vn] to choose a new name, a country, a custom, etc. and begin to use it as your own: to adopt a name / title / language  Early Christians in Europe adopted many of the practices of the older, pagan religions.
WAY OF BEHAVING|
5 [vn] (formal) to use a particular manner, way of speaking, expression, etc: He adopted an air of indifference.
CANDIDATE|
6 [vn] ~ sb (as sth) (BrE, politics) to choose sb as a candidate in an election or as a representative: She was adopted as parliamentary candidate for Wood Green.
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adopt.ed
adj.
1 an adopted child has legally become part of a family which is not the one in which he or she was born: Danny is their adopted son.
2 an adopted country is one in which sb chooses to live although it is not the one they were born in
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adop.tion
noun
1 [C, U] the act of adopting a child: She put the baby up for adoption.
2 [U] the decision to start using sth such as an idea, a plan or a name: the adoption of new technology
3 [C, U] (BrE, politics) the act of choosing sb as a candidate for an election: his adoption as the Labour candidate
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adop.tive
adj. [usually before noun] an adoptive parent or family is one that has legally adopted a child
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ador.able
adj. very attractive and easy to feel love for: What an adorable child!
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ad.or.ation
noun [U] a feeling of great love or worship: He gazed at her with pure adoration.  The painting is called ‘Adoration of the Infant Christ’.
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adore
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 [vn] to love sb very much: It’s obvious that she adores him.
2 (informal) to like sth very much: [vn] I simply adore his music!  [v -ing] She adores working with children.
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ador.ing
adj. [usually before noun] showing much love and admiration: her adoring grandmother  He waved to the adoring crowds.
ador.ing.ly adv.
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adorn
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth/sb (with sth) (formal) to make sth/sb look more attractive by decorating it or them with sth: The walls were adorned with paintings.  The children adorned themselves with flowers.  Gold rings adorned his fingers.   (ironic) Graffiti adorned the walls.
adorn.ment noun [U, C]: A plain necklace was her only adornment.
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ad.rena.lin
noun [U] a substance produced in the body when you are excited, afraid or angry. It makes the heart beat faster and increases your energy and ability to move quickly: The excitement at the start of a race can really get the adrenalin flowing .
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adrift
adj. [not before noun]
1 if a boat or a person in a boat is adrift, the boat is not tied to anything or is floating without being controlled by anyone: The survivors were adrift in a lifeboat for six days.
2 (BrE) (of a person) feeling alone and without a direction or an aim in life: young people adrift in the big city
3 no longer attached or fixed in the right position: I nearly suffocated when the pipe on my breathing apparatus came adrift .   (figurative) She had been cut adrift from everything she had known.   (figurative) Our plans had gone badly adrift.
4 ~ (of sb/sth) (BrE) (in sport) behind the score or position of your opponents: The team are now just six points adrift of the leaders.
IDM cast / set sb adrift (usually passive) to leave sb to be carried away on a boat that is not being controlled by anyone: (figurative) Without language human beings are cast adrift.
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adroit
adj. (written) skilful and clever, especially in dealing with people: an adroit negotiator
adroit.ly adv.: He adroitly avoided answering my questions.
adroit.ness noun [U]
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adu.la.tion
noun [U] (formal) admiration and praise, especially when this is greater than is necessary: The band enjoy the adulation of their fans wherever they go.
adu.la.tory adj.
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adult
noun, adj.
noun
1 a fully grown person who is legally responsible for their actions: Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Why can’t you two act like civilized adults?
2 a fully grown animal: The fish return to the river as adults in order to breed.

adj.
1 fully grown or developed: preparing young people for adult life  the adult population  adult monkeys
2 behaving in an intelligent and responsible way; typical of what is expected of an adult: When my parents split up, it was all very adult and open.
3 [only before noun] intended for adults only, because it is about sex or contains violence: an adult movie—see also ADULTHOOD

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,adult edu'cation
(also con,tinuing edu'cation) noun [U] education for adults that is available outside the formal education system, for example at evening classes
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adul.ter.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to make food or drink less pure by adding another substance to it—see also UNADULTERATED
adul.ter.ation noun [U]
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adul.ter.er
noun (formal) a person who commits adultery
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adul.ter.ess
noun (formal) a woman who commits adultery
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adul.tery
noun [U] sex between a married person and sb who is not their husband or wife: She suspected her husband had committed adultery.
adul.ter.ous adj.: an adulterous relationship
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adult.hood
noun [U] the state of being an adult: a child reaching adulthood
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ad.um.brate
verb [vn] (rare, formal) to give a general idea or description of sth without details
SYN OUTLINE
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ad.vance
noun, verb, adj.
noun
FORWARD MOVEMENT|
1 [C] the forward movement of a group of people, especially armed forces: We feared that an advance on the capital would soon follow.  enemy advances
DEVELOPMENT|
2 [C, U] ~ (in sth) progress or a development in a particular activity or area of understanding: recent advances in medical science  We live in an age of rapid technological advance.
MONEY|
3 [C, usually sing.] money paid for work before it has been done or money paid earlier than expected: They offered an advance of £5 000 after the signing of the contract.  She asked for an advance on her salary.
SEXUAL|
4 (advances) [pl.] attempts to start a sexual relationship with sb: He had made advances to one of his students.
PRICE INCREASE|
5 [C] ~ (on sth) an increase in the price or value of sth: Share prices showed significant advances today. in advance (of sth)
1 before the time that is expected; before sth happens: a week / month / year in advance  It’s cheaper if you book the tickets in advance.  People were evacuated from the coastal regions in advance of the hurricane.
2 more developed than sb/sth else: Galileo’s ideas were well in advance of the age in which he lived.

verb
MOVE FORWARD|
1 [v] ~ (on / towards sb/sth) to move forward towards sb/sth, often in order to attack or threaten them or it: The mob advanced on us, shouting angrily.  The troops were finally given the order to advance.  They had advanced 20 miles by nightfall.  the advancing Allied troops—compare RETREAT
DEVELOP|
2 if knowledge, technology, etc. advances, it develops and improves: [v] Our knowledge of the disease has advanced considerably over recent years.  [vn] This research has done much to advance our understanding of language learning.
HELP TO SUCCEED|
3 [vn] to help sth to succeed
SYN FURTHER : Studying for new qualifications is one way of advancing your career.  They worked together to advance the cause of democracy.
MONEY|
4 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to give sb money before the time it would usually be paid: [vn, vnn] We are willing to advance the money to you.  We will advance you the money.
SUGGEST|
5 [vn] (formal) to suggest an idea, a theory, or a plan for other people to discuss
SYN PUT FORWARD : The article advances a new theory to explain changes in the climate.
MAKE EARLIER|
6 [vn] (formal) to change the time or date of an event so that it takes place earlier
SYN BRING FORWARD : The date of the trial has been advanced by one week.
OPP POSTPONE
TO LATER PART|
7 (formal) to move forward to a later part of sth; to move sth forward to a later part: [v] Users advance through the program by answering a series of questions.  [vn] This button advances the tape to the beginning of the next track.
INCREASE|
8 [v] (business) (of prices, costs, etc.) to increase in price or amount: Inflation advanced sharply during the 1980s.

adj. [only before noun]
1 done or given before sth is going to happen: Please give us advance warning of any changes to the schedule.  We need advance notice of the numbers involved.  No advance booking is necessary on most departures.
2 ~ party / team a group of people who go somewhere first, before the main group

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ad.vanced
adj.
1 having the most modern and recently developed ideas, methods, etc: advanced technology  advanced industrial societies
2 (of a course of study) at a high or difficult level: There were only three of us on the advanced course.  an advanced student of English
3 at a late stage of development: the advanced stages of the disease
IDM of advanced 'years | sb’s advanced 'age used in polite expressions to describe sb as ‘very old’: He was a man of advanced years.   (humorous) Even at my advanced age I still know how to enjoy myself!
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ad'vanced level
noun = A LEVEL : For this course, you need two GCE Advanced Level passes.
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ad.vance.ment
noun (formal)
1 [U, C] the process of helping sth to make progress or succeed; the progress that is made: the advancement of knowledge / education / science
2 [U] progress in a job, social class, etc: There are good opportunities for advancement if you have the right skills.
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ad.van.cing
adj. ~ years / age used as a polite way of referring to the fact of time passing and of sb growing older: She is still very active, in spite of her advancing years.
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ad.van.tage
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 ~ (over sb) a thing that helps you to be better or more successful than other people: a big / great / definite advantage  Being tall gave him an advantage over the other players.  an unfair advantage (= sth that benefits you, but not your opponents)  She had the advantage of a good education.  Is there any advantage in getting there early?  You will be at an advantage (= have an advantage) if you have thought about the interview questions in advance.
2 a quality of sth that makes it better or more useful: A small car has the added advantage of being cheaper to run.  the advantages of living in a small town  Each of these systems has its advantages and disadvantages.
3 (in tennis) the first point scored after a score of 40–40: Advantage Henman.
IDM be / work to your ad'vantage to give you an advantage; to change a situation in a way that gives you an advantage: It would be to your advantage to attend this meeting.  Eventually, the new regulations will work to our advantage. take ad'vantage of sth/sb
1 to make use of sth well; to make use of an opportunity: We took full advantage of the hotel facilities.  She took advantage of the children’s absence to tidy their rooms.
2 to make use of sb/sth in a way that is unfair or dishonest: He took advantage of my generosity (= for example, by taking more than I had intended to give). to (good / best) ad'vantage in a way that shows the best of sth: The photograph showed him to advantage. turn sth to your ad'vantage to use or change a bad situation so that it helps you

verb [vn] (formal) to put sb in a better position than other people or than they were in before

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ad.van.taged
adj. being in a good social or financial situation: We aim to improve opportunities for the less advantaged in society.
OPP DISADVANTAGED
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ad.van.ta.geous
adj. ~ (to sb) good or useful in a particular situation: A free trade agreement would be advantageous to both countries.
OPP DISADVANTAGEOUS
ad.van.ta.geous.ly adv.
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ad.vent
noun
1 [sing.] (the ~ of sth/sb) (written) the coming of an important event, person, invention, etc: the advent of new technology
2 (Advent) [U] the period of four weeks before Christmas in the Christian religion
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'Advent calendar
noun a piece of stiff paper with a picture and 24 small doors with numbers on. Children open a door each day during Advent and find a picture or a piece of chocolate behind each one.
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ad.ven.ti.tious
adj. (rare, formal) happening accidentally; not planned
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ad.ven.ture
noun
1 [C] an unusual, exciting or dangerous experience, journey or series of events: her adventures travelling in Africa  When you’re a child, life is one big adventure.  adventure stories
2 [U] excitement and the willingness to take risks, try new ideas, etc: a sense / spirit of adventure
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ad,venture 'playground
noun (BrE ) an area where children can play, with large structures, ropes, etc. for climbing on
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ad.ven.turer
noun
1 a person who enjoys exciting new experiences, especially going to unusual places
2 (often disapproving) a person who is willing to take risks or act in a dishonest way in order to gain money or power
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ad.ven.ture.some
adj. (AmE ) = ADVENTUROUS
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ad.ven.tur.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) a willingness to take risks in business or politics in order to gain sth for yourself
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ad.ven.tur.ous
adj.
1 (AmE also ad.ven.ture.some) (of a person) willing to take risks and try new ideas; enjoying being in new, exciting situations: For the more adventurous tourists, there are trips into the mountains with a local guide.  Many teachers would like to be more adventurous and creative.
2 including new and interesting things, methods and ideas: The menu contained traditional favourites as well as more adventurous dishes.
3 full of new, exciting or dangerous experiences: an adventurous trip / lifestyle
OPP UNADVENTUROUS
ad.ven.tur.ous.ly adv. (rare)
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ad.verb
noun (grammar ) a word that adds more information about place, time, manner, cause or degree to a verb, an adjective, a phrase or another adverb: In ‘speak kindly’, ‘incredibly deep’, ‘just in time’ and ‘too quickly’, ‘kindly’, ‘incredibly’, ‘just’ and ‘too’ are all adverbs.
ad.ver.bial adj.: ‘Very quickly indeed’ is an adverbial phrase.
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ad,verbial 'particle
noun (grammar ) an adverb used especially after a verb to show position, direction of movement, etc: In ‘come back’, ‘break down’ and ‘fall off’, ‘back’, ‘down’ and ‘off’ are all adverbial particles.
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ad.ver.sar.ial
adj. (formal ortechnical ) (especially of political or legal systems) involving people who are in opposition and who make attacks on each other: the adversarial nature of the two-party system  an adversarial system of justice
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ad.ver.sary
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) a person that sb is opposed to and competing with in an argument or a battle
SYN OPPONENT : his old political adversary
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ad.verse
adj. [usually before noun] negative and unpleasant; not likely to produce a good result: adverse change / circumstances / weather conditions  Lack of money will have an adverse effect on our research programme.  They have attracted strong adverse criticism.  This drug is known to have adverse side effects.
ad.verse.ly adv.: Her health was adversely affected by the climate.
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ad.ver.sity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) a difficult or unpleasant situation: courage in the face of adversity  He overcame many personal adversities.
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ad.vert
noun (BrE ) = ADVERTISEMENT : the adverts on television
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ad.ver.tise
verb
1 ~ sth (as sth) to tell the public about a product or a service in order to encourage people to buy or to use it: [v] If you want to attract more customers, try advertising in the local paper.  [vn] to advertise a product / a business / your services  The cruise was advertised as the ‘journey of a lifetime’.
2 ~ (for sb/sth) to let people know that sth is going to happen, or that a job is available by giving details about it in a newspaper, on a notice in a public place, etc: [v] We are currently advertising for a new sales manager.  [vn] We should have advertised the concert much more widely.
3 [vn] to show or tell sth about yourself to other people: If I were you, I wouldn’t advertise the fact that you don’t have a work permit.
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ad.ver.tise.ment
noun
1 [C] (also informal ad) (BrE also ad.vert) ~ (for sth) a notice, picture or film telling people about a product, job or service: Put an advertisement in the local paper to sell your car.—see also CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
2 [C] (BrE also ad.vert) ~ for sth an example of sth that shows its good qualities: Dirty streets and homelessness are no advertisement for a prosperous society.
3 [U] the act of advertising sth and making it public
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ad.ver.tiser
noun a person or company that advertises
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ad.ver.tis.ing
noun [U] the activity and industry of advertising things to people on television, in newspapers, etc: A good advertising campaign will increase our sales.  Cigarette advertising has been banned.  radio / TV advertising  Val works for an advertising agency (= a company that designs advertisements).  a career in advertising
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ad.vice
noun [U] ~ (on sth) an opinion or a suggestion about what sb should do in a particular situation: advice on road safety  They give advice for people with HIV and Aids.  You should follow your doctor’s advice .  We were advised to seek legal advice.  Let me give you a piece of advice .  A word of advice —don’t wear that dress.  Take my advice —don’t get married.  I did it on his advice .
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ad'vice column, ad'vice columnist
noun (AmE ) = AGONY COLUMN , AGONY AUNT
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ad.vis.able
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) sensible and a good idea in order to achieve sth: Early booking is advisable.  It is advisable to practise each exercise individually before doing the whole routine.
OPP INADVISABLE
ad.vis.abil.ity noun [U]
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ad.vise
verb
1 ~ (sb) (against sth / against doing sth) to tell sb what you think they should do in a particular situation: [v] I would strongly advise against going out on your own.  [vn] Her mother was away and couldn’t advise her.  I’d advise extreme caution.  [vn to inf] Police are advising fans without tickets to stay away.  I’d advise you not to tell him.  [v that] They advise that a passport be carried with you at all times.  [vn that] It is strongly advised that you take out some form of medical insurance.  [v -ing] I’d advise buying your tickets well in advance if you want to travel in August.  [v speech, vn speech] ‘Get there early,’ she advised (them).—see also ILL-ADVISED , WELL ADVISED
2 ~ (sb) on sth| ~ (sb) about sth / doing sth to give sb help and information on a subject that you know a lot about: [v] We employ an expert to advise on new technology.  [vn] She advises the government on environmental issues.  [v wh-] The pharmacist will advise which medicines are safe to take.  [vn wh-] Your lawyer can advise you whether to take any action.
3 ~ sb (of sth) (formal) to officially tell sb sth: [vn] Please advise us of any changes in your personal details.  [vn wh-] I will contact you later to advise you when to come.  [vn that] I regret to advise you that the course is now full.
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ad.vised.ly
adv. (formal) if you say that you are using a word advisedly, you mean that you have thought carefully before choosing it
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ad.viser
(also less frequent ad.visor) noun ~ (to sb) (on sth) a person who gives advice, especially sb who knows a lot about a particular subject: a financial adviser  a special adviser to the President on foreign affairs
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ad.vis.ory
adj., noun
adj. having the role of giving professional advice: an advisory committee / body / service  He acted in an advisory capacity only.

noun (pl.-ies) (AmE ) an official warning that sth bad is going to happen: a tornado advisory

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ad.vo.cacy
noun [U]
1 ~ (of sth) (formal) the giving of public support to an idea, a course of action or a belief
2 (technical) the work of lawyers who speak about cases in courts of law
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ad.vo.cate
verb, noun
verb (formal) to support sth publicly
SYN RECOMMEND : [vn] The group does not advocate the use of violence.  [v -ing] Many experts advocate rewarding your child for good behaviour.  [v that] The report advocated that all buildings be fitted with smoke detectors.   (BrE also) The report advocated that all buildings should be fitted with smoke detectors. [alsovn -ing]

noun
1 ~ (of / for sth/sb) a person who supports or speaks in favour of sb or of a public plan or action: an advocate for hospital workers  a staunch advocate of free speech—see also DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
2 a person who defends sb in a court of law  note at LAWYER

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adze
(BrE ) (AmE adz) noun a heavy tool with a curved blade at RIGHT ANGLES to the handle, used for cutting or shaping large pieces of wood
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aegis
noun
IDM under the aegis of sb/sth (formal) with the protection or support of a particular organization or person
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aeon
(BrE ) (also eonAmE, BrE) noun (formal) an extremely long period of time; thousands of years: aeons of geological history
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aer.ate
verb [vn]
1 to make it possible for air to become mixed with soil, water, etc: Earthworms do the important job of aerating the soil.
2 to add a gas, especially CARBON DIOXIDE , to a liquid under pressure: aerated water
aer.ation noun [U]
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aer.ial
noun, adj.
noun (BrE ) (also an.tennaAmE, BrE) a piece of equipment made of wire or metal rods for receiving or sending radio and television signals—picture at HOUSE

adj.
1 from a plane: aerial attacks / bombardment / photography  an aerial view of Palm Island
2 in the air; existing above the ground: The banyan tree has aerial roots.

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aerie
(AmE ) = EYRIE
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aero-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with air or aircraft: aerodynamic  aerospace
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aero.bat.ics
noun [pl.] exciting and skilful movements performed in aircraft, such as flying upside down, especially in front of an audience
aero.batic adj.: an aerobatic display
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aer.obics
noun [U] physical exercises intended to strengthen the heart and lungs, often done in classes, with music: to do aerobics
aer.ob.ic adj.: aerobic exercise
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aero.drome
(BrE ) (AmE air.drome) noun (old-fashioned) a small airport, used mainly by private planes
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aero.dy.nam.ics
noun
1 [pl.] the qualities of an object that affect the way it moves through the air: Research has focused on improving the car’s aerodynamics.
2 [U] the science that deals with how objects move through air
aero.dy.nam.ic adj.: the car’s aerodynamic shape (= making it able to move faster)
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aero.gramme
(BrE ) (AmEaero.gram) (also 'air letter) noun a sheet of light paper that can be folded and sent by air as a letter
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aero.naut.ics
noun [U] the science or practice of building and flying aircraft
aero.naut.ic.al adj.: an aeronautical engineer
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aero.plane
(BrE ) (AmE air.plane) (also planeBrE, AmE) noun a flying vehicle with wings and one or more engines
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aero.sol
noun a metal container in which a liquid such as paint or HAIRSPRAY is kept under pressure and released as a spray: ozone-friendly aerosols  an aerosol can / spray
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aero.space
noun [U] (often used as an adjective) the industry of building aircraft and vehicles and equipment to be sent into space: jobs in aerospace and defence  the aerospace industry
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aes.thete
(AmE also es.thete) noun (formal, sometimes disapproving) a person who has a love and understanding of art and beautiful things
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aes.thet.ic
(AmE also es.thet.ic) adj., noun
adj.
1 concerned with beauty and art and the understanding of beautiful things: an aesthetic appreciation of the landscape  The benefits of conservation are both financial and aesthetic.
2 made in an artistic way and beautiful to look at: Their furniture was more aesthetic than functional.
aes.thet.ic.al.ly (AmE also es-) adv.: aesthetically pleasing colour combinations

noun
1 [C] the aesthetic qualities and ideas of sth: The students debated the aesthetic of the poems.
2 (aesthetics) [U] the branch of philosophy that studies the principles of beauty, especially in art
aes.theti.cism (AmE also es-) noun [U]

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aeti.ology
(BrE ) (AmEeti.ology) noun [U] the scientific study of the causes of disease
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afar
adv.
IDM from a'far (literary) from a long distance away: He loved her from afar (= did not tell her he loved her).
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af.fable
adj. pleasant, friendly and easy to talk to
af.fa.bil.ity noun [U]
af.fably adv.
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af.fair
noun
PUBLIC / POLITICAL ACTIVITIES|
1 (affairs) [pl.] events that are of public interest or political importance: world / international / business affairs  an expert on foreign affairs (= political events in other countries)  affairs of state—see also CURRENT AFFAIRS
EVENT|
2 [C, usually sing.] an event that people are talking about or describing in a particular way: The newspapers exaggerated the whole affair wildly.  The debate was a pretty disappointing affair.  She wanted the celebration to be a simple family affair.  the Whitewater affair
RELATIONSHIP|
3 [C] a sexual relationship between two people, usually when one or both of them is married to sb else: She is having an affair with her boss.—see also LOVE AFFAIR
PRIVATE BUSINESS|
4 (affairs) [pl.] matters connected with a person’s private business and financial situation: I looked after my father’s financial affairs.
5 [sing.] a thing that sb is responsible for (and that other people should not be concerned with): How I spend my money is my affair.
OBJECT|
6 [C] (old-fashioned) (with an adjective) an object that is unusual or difficult to describe: Her hat was an amazing affair with feathers and a huge brim.
IDM see STATE n.
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af.fect
verb
1 [vn] [often passive] to produce a change in sb/sth
SYN INFLUENCE : How will these changes affect us?  Your opinion will not affect my decision.  The south of the country was worst affected by the drought.
2 [vn] [often passive] (of a disease) to attack sb or a part of the body; to make sb become ill/sick
SYN AFFLICT : The condition affects one in five women.  Rub the cream into the affected areas.
3 [vn] [often passive] to make sb have strong feelings of sadness, pity, etc.
SYN TOUCH , MOVE : They were deeply affected by the news of her death.
4 (formal) to pretend to be feeling or thinking sth: [vn] She affected a calmness she did not feel. [alsov to inf]
5 [vn] (formal, disapproving) to use or wear sth that is intended to impress other people
SYN PUT ON : I wish he wouldn’t affect that ridiculous accent.
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af.fect.ation
noun [C, U] behaviour or an action that is not natural or sincere and that is often intended to impress other people: His little affectations irritated her.  Kay has no affectation at all.  He raised his eyebrows with an affectation of surprise (= pretending to be surprised).
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af.fect.ed
adj. (of a person or their behaviour) not natural or sincere: an affected laugh / smile
OPP UNAFFECTED
af.fect.ed.ly adv.
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af.fect.ing
adj. (formal) producing strong feelings of sadness and sympathy
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af.fec.tion
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) the feeling of liking or loving sb/sth very much and caring about them: Mr Darcy’s affection for his sister  Children need lots of love and affection.  He didn’t show his wife any affection .  She was held in deep affection by all her students.  I have a great affection for New York.
2 (affections) [pl.] (written) a person’s feelings of love: Anne had two men trying to win her affections.
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af.fec.tion.ate
adj. showing caring feelings and love for sb: He is very affectionate towards his children.  Rosie gave her an affectionate kiss on each cheek.
af.fec.tion.ate.ly adv.: William was affectionately known as Billy.
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af.fi.da.vit
noun (law ) a written statement that you swear is true, and that can be used as evidence in a court of law
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af.fili.ate
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with / to sb/sth) to link a group, a company, or an organization very closely with another larger one: The group is not affiliated to any political party.  The hospital is affiliated with the local university.
2 ~ (yourself) (with sb/sth) to join, to be connected with, or to work for an organization: [vn] The majority of people questioned affiliated themselves with a religious group. [alsov]

noun a company, an organization, etc. that is connected with or controlled by another larger one

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af.fili.ated
adj. [only before noun] closely connected to or controlled by a group or an organization: All affiliated members can vote.  a government-affiliated institute
OPP UNAFFILIATED
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af.fili.ation
noun [U, C] (formal)
1 a person’s connection with a political party, religion, etc: He had been detained without trial because of his political affiliation.
2 one group or organization’s official connection with another
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af.fin.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [sing.] ~ (for / with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) a strong feeling that you understand sb/sth and like them or it: Sam was born in the country and had a deep affinity with nature.
2 [U, C] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) a close relationship between two people or things that have similar qualities, structures or features: There is a close affinity between Italian and Spanish.
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af.firm
verb (formal) to state firmly or publicly that sth is true or that you support sth strongly: [vn] Both sides affirmed their commitment to the ceasefire.  [v that] I can affirm that no one will lose their job. [alsov speech]
af.firm.ation noun [U, C]: She nodded her head in affirmation.
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af.firma.tive
adj., noun
adj. (formal) an affirmative word or reply means ‘yes’ or expresses agreement: an affirmative response to the question
OPP NEGATIVE
af.firma.tive.ly adv.: 90% voted affirmatively.

noun (formal) a word or statement that means ‘yes’; an agreement or a CONFIRMATION : (formal) She answered in the affirmative (= said ‘yes’).
OPP NEGATIVE

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af,firmative 'action
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION
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affix
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (to sth) (formal) to stick or attach sth to sth else: The label should be firmly affixed to the package.

noun (grammar ) a letter or group of letters added to the beginning or end of a word to change its meaning. The PREFIX un- in unhappy and the SUFFIX -less in careless are both affixes .

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af.flict
verb [vn] [often passive] (formal) to affect sb/sth in an unpleasant or harmful way: About 40% of the country’s population is afflicted with the disease.  Aid will be sent to the afflicted areas.
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af.flic.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) pain and suffering or sth that causes it
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af.flu.ent
adj. having a lot of money and a good standard of living: affluent Western countries  a very affluent neighbourhood
af.flu.ence noun [U]
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af.ford
verb
1 [no passive] (usually used with can, could or be able to, especially in negative sentences or questions) to have enough money or time to be able to buy or to do sth: [vn] Can we afford a new car?  None of them could afford £50 for a ticket.  She felt she couldn’t afford any more time off work.  [v to inf] We can’t afford to go abroad this summer.  She never took a taxi, even though she could afford to.  [vn to inf] He couldn’t then afford the money to go on the trip.
2 [no passive] (usually used with can or could, especially in negative sentences and questions) if you say that you can’t afford to do sth, you mean that you should not do it because it will cause problems for you if you do: [v to inf] We cannot afford to ignore this warning.   (formal) They could ill afford to lose any more staff.  [vn] We cannot afford any more delays.
3 (formal) to provide sb with sth: [vn] The tree affords some shelter from the sun.  [vnn] The programme affords young people the chance to gain work experience.
af.ford.abil.ity noun [U]
af.ford.able adj.: affordable prices / housing
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af.for.est.ation
noun [U] the process of planting areas of land with trees in order to form a forest—compare DEFORESTATION
af.for.est verb [vn] [usually passive]
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af.fray
noun [C usually sing, U] (law ) a fight or violent behaviour in a public place
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af.front
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a remark or an action that insults or offends sb/sth: His speech was an affront to many in the local community.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to insult or offend sb: He hoped they would not feel affronted if they were not invited.  an affronted expression

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Afghan hound
noun a tall dog with long soft hair and a pointed nose
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afi.cion.ado
noun (pl.-os) a person who likes a particular sport, activity or subject very much and knows a lot about it: a ballet aficionado / an aficionado of ballet
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afield
adv.
IDM far / farther / further a'field far away from home; to or in places that are not near: You can hire a car if you want to explore further afield.  Journalists came from as far afield as China and Brazil.
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aflame
adj. [not before noun] (literary)
1 burning; on fire: The whole building was soon aflame.
2 full of bright colours and lights: The woods were aflame with autumn colours.
3 showing excitement or embarrassment: eyes / cheeks aflame
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AFL-CIO
abbr. American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. The AFL-CIO is an organization of trade unions.
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afloat
adj. [not before noun]
1 floating on water: Somehow we kept the boat afloat.  He could not swim and only a life jacket kept him afloat.
2 (of a business, etc.) having enough money to pay debts; able to survive: They will have to borrow £10 million next year, just to stay afloat .
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afoot
adj. [not before noun] being planned; happening: There are plans afoot to increase taxation.  Changes were afoot but we had no idea what they would turn out to be.
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afore.men.tioned
(also afore.said ) (also said) adj. [only before noun] (formal orlaw ) mentioned before, in an earlier sentence: The aforementioned person was seen acting suspiciously.
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afore.thought
adj.
IDM see MALICE
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afoul
adv. (AmE )
IDM run a'foul of sth to do sth that is not allowed by a law or rule or sth that people in authority disapprove of: to run afoul of the law
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afraid
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (of doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) feeling fear; frightened because you think that you might be hurt or suffer: Don’t be afraid.  It’s all over. There’s nothing to be afraid of now.  Are you afraid of spiders?  I started to feel afraid of going out alone at night.  She was afraid to open the door.
2 ~ of doing sth| ~ to do sth| ~ (that … ) worried about what might happen: She was afraid of upsetting her parents.  Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand.  We were afraid (that) we were going to capsize the boat.
3 ~ for sb/sth worried or frightened that sth unpleasant, dangerous, etc. will happen to a particular person or thing: I’m not afraid for me, but for the baby.  They had already fired three people and he was afraid for his job.
IDM I’m afraid (spoken) used as a polite way of telling sb sth that is unpleasant or disappointing, or that you are sorry about: I can’t help you, I’m afraid.  I’m afraid we can’t come.  I’m afraid that it’s not finished yet, Mr Lewis.  ‘Is there any left?’‘I’m afraid not .’  ‘Will it hurt?’‘I’m afraid so .’
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'A-frame
(also ,A-frame 'house) noun (especially AmE ) a house with very steep sides that meet at the top in the shape of the letter A
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afresh
adv. (written) again, especially from the beginning or with new ideas: He left his job to start life afresh.
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Af.ri.can
adj., noun
adj. of or connected with Africa

noun a person from Africa, especially a black person

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,African A'merican
noun a person from America who is a member of a race of people who have dark skin, originally from Africa
,African A'merican adj.
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Af.ri.kaans
noun [U] a language that has developed from Dutch, spoken in South Africa
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Af.ri.kaner
noun a person from South Africa, usually with Dutch ancestors, whose native language is Afrikaans
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Afro
noun (pl.-os) a style of hair sometimes worn by black people and popular in the 1970s, in which the hair forms a round mass of tight curls
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Afro-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) African: Afro-Asian
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aft
adv. (technical ) in, near or towards the back of a ship or an aircraft
aft adj.—compare FORE
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after
prep., conj., adv., adj.
prep.
1 later than sth; following sth in time: We’ll leave after lunch.  They arrived shortly after 5.  Not long after that he resigned.  Let’s meet the day after tomorrow / the week after next .  After winning the prize she became famous overnight.  After an hour I went home (= when an hour had passed).   (AmE) It’s ten after seven in the morning (= 7.10 a.m.)
2 (… after …) used to show that sth happens many times or continuously: day after day of hot weather  I’ve told you time after time not to do that.—see also one after another at ONE
3 behind sb when they have left; following sb: Shut the door after you.  I’m always having to clean up after the children (= clean the place after they have left it dirty and untidy).  He ran after her with the book.  She was left staring after him.
4 next to and following sb/sth in order or importance: Your name comes after mine in the list.  He’s the tallest, after Richard.  After you (= Please go first).  After you with the paper. (= Can I have it next?)
5 in contrast to sth: It was pleasantly cool in the house after the sticky heat outside.
6 as a result of or because of sth that has happened: I’ll never forgive him after what he said.
7 in spite of sth; although sth has happened: I can’t believe she’d do that, not after all I’ve done for her.
8 trying to find or catch sb/sth: The police are after him.  He’s after a job at our place.
9 about sb/sth: She asked after you (= how you were).
10 in the style of sb/sth; following the example of sb/sth: a painting after Goya  We named the baby ‘Ena’ after her grandmother.
11 (after-) (used in adjectives) happening or done later than the time or event mentioned: after-hours drinking (= after closing time)  an after-school club  after-dinner mints
IDM ,after 'all
1 in spite of what has been said or expected: So you made it after all!
2 used when you are explaining sth, or giving a reason: He should have paid. He suggested it, after all. be after doing sth (IrishE)
1 to be going to do sth soon; to be intending to do sth soon
2 to have just done sth

conj. at a time later than sth; when sth has finished: I’ll call you after I’ve spoken to them.  Several years after they’d split up they met again by chance in Paris.

adv. later in time; afterwards: That was in 1996. Soon after , I heard that he’d died.  I could come next week, or the week after.  And they all lived happily ever after .

adj. [only before noun] (old use) following; later: in after years

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after.birth
noun (usually the afterbirth) [sing.] the material that comes out of a woman or female animal’s body after a baby has been born, and which was necessary to feed and protect the baby
SYN PLACENTA
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after.care
noun [U]
1 care or treatment given to a person who has just left hospital, prison, etc: aftercare services
2 (BrE) service and advice that is offered by some companies to customers who have bought a car, washing machine, etc.
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'after-effect
noun [usually pl.] the after-effects of a drug, an illness or an unpleasant event are the feelings that you experience later as a result of it
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after.glow
noun [usually sing.] (literary)
1 the light that is left in the sky after the sun has set
2 a warm pleasant feeling after a good experience: He was basking in the afterglow of love.
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after.life
noun [sing.] a life that some people believe exists after death
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after.math
noun [usually sing.] the situation that exists as a result of an important (and usually unpleasant) event, especially a war, an accident, etc: A lot of rebuilding took place in the aftermath of the war.  the assassination of the Prime Minister and its immediate aftermath
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after.noon
noun [U, C] the part of the day from 12 midday until about 6 o’clock: this / yesterday / tomorrow afternoon  In the afternoon they went shopping.  She studies art two afternoons a week.  Are you ready for this afternoon’s meeting?  The baby always has an afternoon nap.  Come over on Sunday afternoon.  Where were you on the afternoon of May 21?  Good afternoon! (= as a formal greeting)
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after.noons
adv. (especially AmE ) during the afternoon every day: Afternoons he works at home.
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af.ters
noun [U] (BrE , informal) a sweet dish that you eat at the end of a meal: fruit salad for afters—see also DESSERT , PUDDING , SWEET n.
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after.shave
noun [U, C] a liquid with a pleasant smell that men sometimes put on their faces after they shave
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after.shock
noun a small earthquake that happens after a bigger one
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after.taste
noun [sing.] a taste (usually an unpleasant one) that stays in your mouth after you have eaten or drunk sth
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after.thought
noun [usually sing.] a thing that is thought of, said or added later, and is often not carefully planned: They only invited Jack and Sarah as an afterthought .
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after.wards
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually after.ward) adv. at a later time; after an event that has already been mentioned: Afterwards she was sorry for what she’d said.  Let’s go to the theatre first and eat afterwards.  Shortly afterwards he was seen in a bar in town.
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again
adv.
1 one more time; on another occasion: Could you say it again, please?  When will I see you again?  This must never happen again.  Once again (= as had happened several times before), the train was late.  I’ve told you again and again (= many times) not to do that.  I’ll have to write it all over again (= again from the beginning).
2 showing that sb/sth is in the same place or state that they were in originally: He was glad to be home again.  She spends two hours a day getting to work and back again .  You’ll soon feel well again.
3 added to an amount that is already there: The cost is about half as much again as it was two years ago.  I’d like the same again (= the same amount or the same thing), please.
4 used to show that a comment or fact is connected with what you have just said: And again, we must think of the time involved.
5 then / there ~ used to introduce a fact or an opinion that contrasts with what you have just said: We might buy it but then again we might not.
6 (spoken) used when you ask sb to tell you sth or repeat sth that you think they have told you already: What was the name again?
IDM see NOW adv. , SAME pron. , TIME n.
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against
prep.
HELP For the special uses of against in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example count against sb is in the phrasal verb section at count.
1 opposing or disagreeing with sb/sth: the fight against terrorism  We’re playing against the league champions next week.  We were rowing against the current.  That’s against the law.  She was forced to marry against her will.  Are you for or against the death penalty?  She is against seeing (= does not want to see) him.  I’d advise you against doing that.
2 not to the advantage or favour of sb/sth: The evidence is against him.  Her age is against her.—compare FOR prep. (7)
3 close to, touching or hitting sb/sth: Put the piano there, against the wall.  The rain beat against the windows.
4 in order to prevent sth from happening or to reduce the harm caused by sth: an injection against rabies  They took precautions against fire.  Are we insured against theft?
5 with sth in the background, as a contrast: His red clothes stood out clearly against the snow.   (figurative) The love story unfolds against a background of civil war.
6 used when you are comparing two things: You must weigh the benefits against the cost.  Check your receipts against the statement.  What’s the rate of exchange against the dollar?
IDM see AS conj. , STACKED
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agape
adj. [not before noun] (written) if a person’s mouth is agape, it is wide open, especially because they are surprised or shocked
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agate
noun [U, C] a hard stone with bands or areas of colour, used in jewellery
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age
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the number of years that a person has lived or a thing has existed: He left school at the age of 18.  She needs to find more friends of her own age.  children from 5–10 years of age   Young people of all ages go there to meet.  When I was your age I was already married.  He started playing the piano at an early age .  All ages admitted.  Children over the age of 12 must pay full fare.  She was beginning to feel her age (= feel that she was getting old).  ways of calculating the age of the earth
2 [C, U] a particular period of a person’s life: middle age  15 is an awkward age.  He died of old age.
3 [C] a particular period of history: the nuclear age  the age of the computer—see also BRONZE AGE , IRON AGE , NEW AGE , STONE AGE
4 [U] the state of being old: Fine wine improves with age .  The jacket was showing signs of age.  the wisdom that comes with age
5 (ages) [pl.] (also an age [sing.]) (informal, especially BrE) a very long time: I waited for ages .  It’ll probably take ages to find a parking space.  Carlos left ages ago .  It’s been an age since we’ve seen them.
IDM ,be / ,act your 'age to behave in a way that is suitable for sb of your age and not as though you were much younger ,come of 'age
1 when a person comes of age, they reach the age when they have an adult’s legal rights and responsibilities
2 if sth comes of age, it reaches the stage of development at which people accept and value it ,look your 'age to seem as old as you really are and not younger or older ,under 'age not legally old enough to do a particular thing: It is illegal to sell cigarettes to children who are under age.  under-age driving / drinking / sex—more at ADVANCED , DAY , FEEL v. , GRAND adj. , RIPE , TENDER adj.

verb (ag.ing, aged, aged
HELP In BrE the present participle can also be spelled age.ing.)
1 [v] to become older: As he aged, his memory got worse.  The population is aging (= more people are living longer).
2 [vn] to make sb/sth look, feel or seem older: The shock has aged her enormously.  Exposure to the sun ages the skin.
3 to develop in flavour over a period of time; to allow sth to do this: [v] The cheese is left to age for at least a year.  [vn] The wine is aged in oak casks.

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-age
suffix (in nouns)
1 the action or result of: breakage
2 a state or condition of: bondage
3 a set or group of: baggage
4 an amount of: mileage
5 the cost of: postage
6 a place where: anchorage
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aged
adj.
1 [not before noun] of the age of: They have two children aged six and nine.  volunteers aged between 25 and 40
2 (formal) very old: my aged aunt
3 (the aged) noun [pl.] very old people: services for the sick and the aged
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'age group
(also less frequent 'age bracket) noun people of a similar age or within a particular range of ages: men in the older age group  education for the 16–18 age group  Which age bracket are you? (Please tick the box).
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age.ing
(BrE ) (also agingAmE, BrE) noun, adj.
noun [U] the process of growing old: signs / effects of ageing

adj. [usually before noun] becoming older and usually less useful, safe, healthy, etc: ageing equipment  an ageing rock star

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age.ism
(AmE also agism) noun [U] unfair treatment of people because they are considered too old
age.ist adj.
age.ist noun
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age.less
adj. (literary)
1 never looking old or never seeming to grow old: Her beauty appeared ageless.
2 existing for ever; impossible to give an age to: the ageless mystery of the universe
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'age limit
noun the oldest or youngest age at which you are allowed to do sth: the upper / lower age limit
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agency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a business or an organization that provides a particular service especially on behalf of other businesses or organizations: an advertising / employment agency  You can book at your local travel agency.  international aid agencies caring for refugees—see also DATING AGENCY , NEWS AGENCY , PRESS AGENCY
2 (especially AmE) a government department that provides a particular service: the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
IDM through the agency of (formal) as a result of the action of sb/sth
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agenda
noun a list of items to be discussed at a meeting: The next item on the agenda is the publicity budget.  For the government, education is now at the top of the agenda (= most important).  In our company, quality is high on the agenda .  Newspapers have been accused of trying to set the agenda for the government (= decide what is important).—see also HIDDEN AGENDA
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agent
noun
1 a person whose job is to act for, or manage the affairs of, other people in business, politics, etc: an insurance agent  Our agent in New York deals with all US sales.—see also ESTATE AGENT , LAND AGENT , TRAVEL AGENT
2 a person whose job is to find work for an actor, musician, etc. or to find sb who will publish a writer’s work: a theatrical / literary agent—see also PRESS AGENT
3 = SECRET AGENT : an enemy agent—see also DOUBLE AGENT , SPECIAL AGENT
4 (written) a person or thing that has an important effect on a situation: The charity has been an agent for social change.
5 (technical) a chemical or a substance that produces an effect or a change or is used for a particular purpose: cleaning / oxidizing agents—see also FREE AGENT
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agent pro.voca.teur
(also pro.voca.teur) noun (pl.agents pro.voca.teurs ) (from French ) a person who is employed by a government to encourage people in political groups to do sth illegal so that they can be arrested
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,age of con'sent
noun [sing.] the age at which sb is legally old enough to agree to have a sexual relationship
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,age-'old
adj. [usually before noun] having existed for a very long time: an age-old custom / problem
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ag.glom.er.ation
noun [C, U] (formal) a group of things put together in no particular order or arrangement
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ag.grand.ize.ment
(BrE also -ise.ment) noun [U] (formal, disapproving) an increase in the power or importance of a person or country: Her sole aim is personal aggrandizement.
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ag.gra.vate
verb [vn]
1 to make an illness or a bad or unpleasant situation worse
SYN WORSEN : Pollution can aggravate asthma.  Military intervention will only aggravate the conflict even further.
2 (informal) to annoy sb, especially deliberately
SYN IRRITATE
ag.gra.vat.ing adj.
ag.gra.va.tion noun [U, C]: The drug may cause an aggravation of the condition.  I don’t need all this aggravation at work.
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ag.gra.vat.ed
adj. [only before noun] (law ) an aggravated crime involves further unnecessary violence or unpleasant behaviour
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ag.gre.gate
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [C] a total number or amount made up of smaller amounts that are collected together: a record aggregate of 285 points  The three smaller parties gained an aggregate of 25 per cent of the vote.
2 [U, C] (technical) sand or broken stone that is used to make CONCRETE or for building roads, etc.
IDM in (the) 'aggregate (formal) added together as a total or single amount on 'aggregate (BrE, sport) when the scores of a number of games are added together: They won 4–2 on aggregate.

adj. [only before noun] (economics orsport ) made up of several amounts that are added together to form a total number: aggregate demand / investment / turnover  an aggregate win over their rivals

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ (sth) (with sth) (formal ortechnical ) to combine different items, amounts, etc. into a single group or total: The scores were aggregated with the first round totals to decide the winner.
ag.gre.ga.tion noun [U, C]: the aggregation of data

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ag.gres.sion
noun [U]
1 feelings of anger and hatred that may result in threatening or violent behaviour: The research shows that computer games may cause aggression.
2 a violent attack or threats by one country against another country: unprovoked military aggression
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ag.gres.sive
adj.
1 angry, and behaving in a threatening way; ready to attack: As a teenager Sean was aggressive and moody.  a dangerous aggressive dog
2 behaving in a very determined and forceful way in order to succeed: an aggressive advertising campaign  A good salesperson has to be aggressive in today’s competitive market.
ag.gres.sive.ly adv.: ‘What do you want?’ he demanded aggressively.  aggressively marketed products
ag.gres.sive.ness noun [U]
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ag.gres.sor
noun a person, country, etc. that attacks first
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ag.grieved
adj.
1 (written) ~ (at / by sth) feeling that you have been treated unfairly: He had every right to feel aggrieved at the decision.
2 (law) suffering unfair or illegal treatment and making a complaint: the aggrieved party (= person) in the case
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aggro
noun [U] (BrE , spoken, informal)
1 violent aggressive behaviour: Don’t give me any aggro or I’ll call the police.
2 problems and difficulties that are annoying: I had a lot of aggro at the dole office.
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aghast
adj. [not before noun] ~ (at sth) (written) filled with horror and surprise when you see or hear sth: Erica looked at him aghast.  He stood aghast at the sight of so much blood.
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agile
adj.
1 able to move quickly and easily: a strong and agile athlete
2 able to think quickly and in an intelligent way: an agile mind / brain
agil.ity noun [U]: He had the agility of a man half his age.
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aging, agism
= AGEING , AGEISM
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agi.tate
verb
1 ~ (for / against sth) to argue strongly for sth you want, especially for changes in a law, in social conditions, etc: [v] political groups agitating for social change  [v to inf] Her family are agitating to have her transferred to a prison in the UK.
2 [vn] to make sb feel angry, anxious or nervous: This remark seemed to agitate her guest.
3 [vn] (technical) to make sth, especially a liquid, move around by stirring or shaking it: Agitate the mixture to dissolve the powder.
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agi.tated
adj. showing in your behaviour that you are anxious and nervous: Calm down! Don’t get so agitated.
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agi.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] worry and anxiety that you show by behaving in a nervous way: Dot arrived in a state of great agitation.
2 [U, C] ~ (for / against sth) public protest in order to achieve political change: widespread agitation for social reform
3 [U] (technical) the act of stirring or shaking a liquid
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agi.ta.tor
noun (disapproving) a person who tries to persuade people to take part in political protest
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aglow
adj. [not before noun] (literary) shining with warmth and colour or happiness: Christmas trees aglow with lights  children’s faces all aglow
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AGM
abbr. (BrE ) the abbreviation for ‘annual general meeting’ (an important meeting which the members of an organization hold once a year in order to elect officers, discuss past and future activities and examine the accounts)
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ag.nos.tic
noun a person who is not sure whether or not God exists or who believes that we cannot know whether God exists or not—compare ATHEIST
ag.nos.tic adj.
ag.nos.ti.cism noun [U]
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ago
adv. used in expressions of time with the simple past tense to show how far in the past sth happened: two weeks / months / years ago  The letter came a few days ago.  She was here just a minute ago.  a short / long time ago  How long ago did you buy it?  It was on TV not (so) long ago.  He stopped working some time ago (= quite a long time ago).  They’re getting married? It’s not that long ago (= it’s only a short time ago) that they met!
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agog
adj. [not before noun] excited and very interested to find out sth
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ag.on.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (over / about sth) to spend a long time thinking and worrying about a difficult situation or problem: I spent days agonizing over whether to take the job or not.
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ag.on.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. suffering or expressing severe pain or anxiety: agonized cries
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ag.on.iz.ing
(BrE also -is.ing) adj. causing great pain, anxiety or difficulty: his father’s agonizing death  It was the most agonizing decision of her life.
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ag.on.iz.ing.ly
(BrE also -is.ing.ly) adv. used meaning ‘extremely’ to emphasize sth negative: an agonizingly slow process
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agony
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] extreme physical or mental pain: Jack collapsed in agony on the floor.  It was agony not knowing where the children were.  She waited in an agony of suspense.  The worst agonies of the war were now beginning.
IDM see PILE v.
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'agony aunt
(BrE ) (AmE ad'vice columnist) noun a person who writes in a newspaper or magazine giving advice in reply to people’s letters about their personal problems
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'agony column
(BrE ) (AmE ad'vice column) noun part of a newspaper or magazine in which sb gives advice to readers who have sent letters about their personal problems
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agora.pho.bia
noun [U] (technical ) a fear of being in public places where there are many other people—compare CLAUSTROPHOBIA
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agora.pho.bic
noun a person who suffers from agoraphobia
agora.pho.bic adj.
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agrar.ian
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with farming and the use of land for farming
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agree
verb
SHARE OPINION|
1 ~ (with sb) (about / on sth)| ~ (with sth) to have the same opinion as sb; to say that you have the same opinion: [v] When he said that, I had to agree.  He agreed with them about the need for change.  I agree with her analysis of the situation.  ‘He’s a lousy cook.’‘I couldn’t agree more (= I completely agree)!’  [v (that)] We agreed (that) the proposal was a good one.  [v speech] ‘That’s true’, she agreed.
OPP DISAGREE
2 be agreed (on / about sth)| be agreed (that … ) if people are agreed or sth is agreed, everyone has the same opinion about sth: [vn] Are we all agreed on this?  [vn (that)] It was agreed (that) we should hold another meeting.
SAY YES|
3 ~ (to sth) to say ‘yes’; to say that you will do what sb wants or that you will allow sth to happen
SYN CONSENT : [v] I asked for a pay rise and she agreed.  Do you think he’ll agree to their proposal?  [v (that)] She agreed (that) we could finish early.  [v to inf] He agreed to let me go early.
DECIDE|
4 to decide with sb else to do sth or to have sth: [vn] They met at the agreed time.  Can we agree a price?  They left at ten, as agreed .  [v] Can we agree on a date?  [v to inf] We agreed to meet on Thursday.  [v wh-] We couldn’t agree what to do.
ACCEPT|
5 [vn] to officially accept a plan, request, etc.
SYN APPROVE : Next year’s budget has been agreed.
BE THE SAME|
6 [v] ~ (with sth) to be the same as sth
SYN TALLY : The figures do not agree.  Your account of the accident does not agree with hers.
OPP DISAGREE
GRAMMAR|
7 [v] ~ (with sth) to match a word or phrase in NUMBER , GENDER or PERSON : In ‘Tom likes jazz’, and ‘They like rock music’, the singular verb ‘likes’ agrees with the subject ‘Tom’ and the plural verb ‘like’ agrees with the pronoun ‘they’. a,gree to 'differ if two people agree to differ, they accept that they have different opinions about sth, but they decide not to discuss it any longer: We must just agree to differ on this. not a'gree with sb (of food) to make you feel ill/sick: I love strawberries, but they don’t agree with me.
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agree.able
adj. (formal)
1 pleasant and easy to like: We spent a most agreeable day together.  He seemed extremely agreeable.
OPP DISAGREEABLE
2 [not before noun] ~ (to sth) willing to do sth or allow sth: Do you think they will be agreeable to our proposal?
3 ~ (to sb) able to be accepted by sb: The deal must be agreeable to both sides.
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agree.ably
adv. (formal) in a pleasant, nice way: an agreeably warm day  They were agreeably surprised by the quality of the food.
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agree.ment
noun
1 [C] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) an arrangement, a promise or a contract made with sb: an international peace agreement  The agreement (= the document recording the agreement) was signed during a meeting at the UN.  An agreement was finally reached between management and employees.  They had made a verbal agreement to sell.  They had an agreement never to talk about work at home.—see also GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT
2 [U] the state of sharing the same opinion or feeling: Are we in agreement about the price?  The two sides failed to reach agreement .
OPP DISAGREEMENT
3 [U] the fact of sb approving of sth and allowing it to happen: You’ll have to get your parents' agreement if you want to go on the trip.
4 [U] ~ (with sth) (grammar) (of words in a phrase) the state of having the same NUMBER , GENDER or PERSON .
SYN CONCORD : In the sentence ‘They live in the country’, the plural form of the verb ‘live’ is in agreement with the plural subject ‘they’.
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agri-
AGRO-
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agri.busi.ness
noun [U] (technical ) the industry concerned with the production and sale of farm products, especially involving large companies
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agri.cul.tur.al.ist
noun an expert in agriculture who gives advice to farmers
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agri.cul.ture
noun [U] the science or practice of farming: the Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Fisheries
agri.cul.tural adj.: agricultural policy / land / production / development
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agro-
(also agri- ) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with farming: agro-industry  agriculture
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agrono.mist
noun a scientist who studies the relationship between crops and the environment
agron.omy noun [U]
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aground
adv. if a ship runs/goes aground, it touches the ground in shallow water and cannot move
aground adj.
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ah
exclamation used to express surprise, pleasure, admiration or sympathy, or when you disagree with sb: Ah, there you are.  Ah, this coffee is good.  Ah well, better luck next time.  Ah, but that may not be true.
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aha
exclamation used when you are expressing pleasure that you have understood sth or found sth out: Aha! So that’s where I left it!
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ahchoo
exclamation = ATISHOO
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ahead
adv.
HELP For the special uses of ahead in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example press ahead (with sth) is in the phrasal verb section at press.
1 further forward in space or time; in front: I’ll run ahead and warn them.  The road ahead was blocked.  We’ve got a lot of hard work ahead.  This will create problems in the months ahead.  He was looking straight ahead (= straight forward, in front of him).
2 earlier; in advance: The party was planned weeks ahead.
3 winning; further advanced: Our team was ahead by six points.  You need to work hard to keep ahead.
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a'head of
prep.
1 further forward in space or time than sb/sth; in front of sb/sth: Three boys were ahead of us.  Ahead of us lay ten days of intensive training.
2 earlier than sb/sth: I finished the work several days ahead of the deadline.
3 further advanced than sb/sth; in front of sb, for example in a race or competition: She was always well ahead of the rest of the class.  His ideas were way ahead of his time .
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ahem
exclamation used in writing to show the sound of a short cough made by sb who is trying to get attention or to say sth that is difficult or embarrassing: Ahem, can I make a suggestion?
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ahoy
exclamation used by people in boats to attract attention: Ahoy there!  Ship ahoy! (= there is a ship in sight)
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AI
abbr.
1 ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION : AID or artificial insemination by a donor
2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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aid
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] money, food, etc. that is sent to help countries in difficult situations: economic / humanitarian / emergency aid  An extra £10 million in foreign aid has been promised.  aid agencies (= organizations that provide help)  medical aid programmes—see also FINANCIAL AID , LEGAL AID
2 [U] help that you need to perform a particular task: He was breathing only with the aid of a ventilator.  This job would be impossible without the aid of a computer.
3 [U] (formal) help that is given to a person: One of the station staff saw he was in difficulty and came to his aid (= helped him).—see also FIRST AID
4 [C] an object, a machine, a tool, etc. that you use to help you do sth: a hearing aid  Photographs make useful teaching aids.
IDM in aid of sth/sb (BrE) in order to help sb/sth: collecting money in aid of charity what’s … in aid of? (BrE, spoken) used to ask why sth is happening: What’s all this crying in aid of?

verb ~ (sb/sth) (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ sb (with sth) (written) to help sb/sth to do sth, especially by making it easier: [v] The new test should aid in the early detection of the disease.  [vn] This feature is designed to aid inexperienced users.  They were accused of aiding his escape.  They were accused of aiding him in his escape.  Aided by heat and strong winds, the fire quickly spread. [alsovn to inf]   note at HELP
IDM ,aid and a'bet (law) to help sb to do sth illegal or wrong: She stands accused of aiding and abetting the bombing.

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aide
noun a person who helps another person, especially a politician, in their job: White House aides
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aide-de-camp
noun (pl.aides-de-camp ) (abbr. ADC) an officer in the army or navy who helps a more senior officer
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Aids
(BrE ) (also AIDSAmE, BrE) noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome’ (an illness which attacks the body’s ability to resist infection and which usually causes death): Aids research / education / victims  He developed full-blown Aids five years after contracting HIV.
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ail
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to cause problems for sb/sth: They discussed the problems ailing the steel industry.
2 (old use) to make sb ill/sick: What is ailing you?
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ail.eron
noun (technical ) a part of the wing of a plane that moves up and down to control the plane’s balance—picture at PLANE
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ail.ing
adj. (formal)
1 ill and not improving: She looked after her ailing father.
2 (of a business, government, etc.) having problems and getting weaker: measures to help the ailing economy
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ail.ment
noun an illness that is not very serious: childhood / common / minor ailments
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aim
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the purpose of doing sth; what sb is trying to achieve: the aims of the lesson  She went to London with the aim of finding a job.  Our main aim is to increase sales in Europe.  Bob’s one aim in life is to earn a lot of money.  Teamwork is required in order to achieve these aims .  She set out the company’s aims and objectives in her speech.
2 [U] the action or skill of pointing a weapon at sb/sth: Her aim was good and she hit the lion with her first shot.  The gunman took aim (= pointed his weapon) and fired.
IDM take 'aim at sb/sth (AmE) to direct your criticism at sb/sth

verb
1 ~ (at doing sth)| ~ (at / for sth) to try or plan to achieve sth: [v] The government is aiming at a 50% reduction in unemployment.  They’re aiming at training everybody by the end of the year.  We should aim for a bigger share of the market.  He has always aimed high (= tried to achieve a lot).  [v to inf] They are aiming to reduce unemployment by 50%.  We aim to be there around six.
2 [vn] (be aimed at) to have sth as an aim: These measures are aimed at preventing violent crime.
3 ~ (sth) (at sb/sth)| ~ (for sb/sth) to point or direct a weapon, a shot, a kick, etc. at sb/sth: [v] I was aiming at the tree but hit the car by mistake.  Aim for the middle of the target.  [vn] The gun was aimed at her head.
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth at sb to say or do sth that is intended to influence or affect a particular person or group: The book is aimed at very young children.  My criticism wasn’t aimed at you.

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aim.less
adj. having no direction or purpose: My life seemed aimless.
aim.less.ly adv.: She drifted aimlessly from one job to another.
aim.less.ness noun [U]
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ain’t
short form (non-standard or humorous)
1 am not/is not/are not: Things ain’t what they used to be.
2 has not/have not: I ain’t got no money.  You ain’t seen nothing yet.
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air
noun, verb
noun
GAS|
1 [U] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that we breathe: air pollution  Let’s go out for some fresh air .  I need to put some air in my tyres.  currents of warm air
SPACE|
2 [U] (usually the air) the space above the ground or that is around things: I kicked the ball high in / into the air .  Spicy smells wafted through the air .  Music filled the night air.
FOR PLANES|
3 [U] the space above the earth where planes fly: It only takes three hours by air (= in a plane).  air travel / traffic / fares  The temple was clearly visible from the air.  A surprise air attack (= from aircraft) was launched at night.
IMPRESSION|
4 [sing.] the particular feeling or impression that is given by sb/sth; the way sb does sth: The room had an air of luxury.  She looked at him with a defiant air.
TUNE|
5 [C] (old-fashioned) (often used in the title of a piece of music) a tune: Bach’s Air on a G string
BEHAVIOUR|
6 (airs) [pl.] (disapproving) a way of behaving that shows that sb thinks that they are more important, educated, etc. than they really are: I hate the way she puts on airs . ,airs and 'graces (BrE, disapproving) a way of behaving that shows that sb thinks that they are more important, educated, etc. than they really are
SYN AIRS : Even when he became a star he didn’t have any airs and graces. float / walk on 'air to feel very happy in the 'air felt by a number of people to exist or to be happening: There’s romance in the air. ,on / ,off (the) 'air broadcasting or not broadcasting on television or radio: We will be back on air tomorrow morning at 7.  The programme was taken off the air over the summer. up in the 'air not yet decided: Our travel plans are still up in the air.—more at BREATH , CASTLE , CLEAR v. , NOSE n. , PLUCK v. , THIN adj.

verb
CLOTHES|
1 (especially BrE ) to put clothing, etc. in a place that is warm or has plenty of air so that it dries completely and smells fresh; to be left to dry somewhere: [vn] Air the sheets well.  [v] Leave the towels out to air.
A ROOM|
2 (BrE ) (AmE ,air (sth) 'out) to allow fresh air into a room or a building; to be filled with fresh air: [vn] The rooms had all been cleaned and freshly aired. [alsov]
OPINIONS|
3 [vn] to express your opinions publicly: The weekly meeting enables employees to air their grievances .
RADIO / TV PROGRAMME|
4 (especially AmE ) to broadcast a programme on the radio or on television; to be broadcast: [vn] The show will be aired next Tuesday night.  [v] The program aired last week. ,air 'out| ,air sth<->'out (AmE) = AIR (2)

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'air bag
noun a safety device in a car that fills with air if there is an accident, to protect the people in the car
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air.base
noun a place where military aircraft fly from and are kept, and where some staff live
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'air bed
(BrE ) (also 'air mattressAmE, BrE) noun a large plastic or rubber bag that can be filled with air and used as a bed
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air.borne
adj.
1 [not before noun] (of a plane or passengers) in the air: Do not leave your seat until the plane is airborne.
2 [only before noun] carried through the air: airborne seeds / viruses—compare WATER-BORNE
3 [only before noun] (of soldiers) trained to jump out of aircraft onto enemy land in order to fight: an airborne division
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'air brake
noun a BRAKE in a vehicle that is worked by air pressure
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air.brush
noun, verb
noun an artist’s tool for spraying paint onto a surface, that works by air pressure

verb [vn] ~ sth (out) to paint sth with an airbrush ; to change a detail in a photograph with an airbrush : an airbrushed photograph of a model  Somebody had been airbrushed out of the picture.

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,air chief 'marshal
noun an officer of very high rank in the British air force: Air Chief Marshal Sir Robin Hall
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,air 'commodore
noun an officer of high rank in the British air force: Air Commodore Peter Shaw
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'air conditioner
noun a machine that cools and dries air: a window air conditioner
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'air conditioning
noun [U] (abbr. AC, a / c) a system that cools and dries the air in a building or car
'air-conditioned adj.: air-conditioned offices
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air.craft
noun (pl.air.craft) any vehicle that can fly and carry goods or passengers: fighter / transport / military aircraft—see also LIGHT AIRCRAFT
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'aircraft carrier
noun a large ship that carries aircraft which use it as a base to land on and take off from
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air.craft.man, air.craft.woman
noun (pl.-men , -women ) the lowest rank in the British air force: Aircraftman John Green
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air.crew
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the pilot and other people who fly a plane, especially in the air force: RAF aircrew training
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air.drome
noun (AmE ) = AERODROME
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air.field
noun an area of flat ground where military or private planes can take off and land
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'air force
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the part of a country’s armed forces that fights using aircraft: the US Air Force  air-force officers
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'air gun
(also 'air rifle) noun a gun that uses air pressure to fire small metal balls (called PELLETS )
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air.head
noun (informal, disapproving) a stupid person: She’s a total airhead!
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'air hostess
(also stew.ard.ess) noun a woman whose job is to serve and take care of passengers on an aircraft
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air.ily
adv. (written) in a way that shows that you are not worried or that you are not treating sth as serious: ‘There’s nothing wrong with him,’ she said airily.
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air.ing
noun [sing.]
1 the expression or discussion of opinions in front of a group of people: an opportunity to give your views an airing  The subject got a thorough airing in the British press.
2 the act of allowing warm air to make clothes, beds, etc. fresh and dry
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'airing cupboard
noun (BrE ) a warm cupboard in which clean sheets, clothes, etc. are put to make sure they are completely dry
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air.less
adj. (written) not having any fresh or moving air or wind, and therefore unpleasant: a stuffy, airless room  The night was hot and airless.
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'air letter
noun = AEROGRAMME
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air.lift
noun, verb
noun an operation to take people, soldiers, food, etc. to or from an area by plane, especially in an emergency or when roads are closed or dangerous

verb [vn] to take sb/sth to or from an area by plane, especially in an emergency or when roads are closed or dangerous: Two casualties were airlifted to safety .

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air.line
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a company that provides regular flights to take passengers and goods to different places: international airlines  an airline pilot
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air.liner
noun a large plane that carries passengers
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air.lock
noun
1 a small room with a tightly closed door at each end, which you go through to reach another area at a different air pressure, for example on a spacecraft or SUBMARINE
2 a bubble of air that blocks the flow of liquid in a pump or pipe
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air.mail
noun [U] the system of sending letters, etc. by air: Send it airmail / by airmail.
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air.man, air.woman
noun (pl.-men , pl.-women )
1 a member of the British air force, especially one below the rank of an officer
2 a member of one of the lowest ranks in the US air force: Airman Brines
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,air 'marshal
noun an officer of very high rank in the British air force: Air Marshal Gordon Black
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'air mattress
noun (especially AmE ) = AIR BED
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air.plane
noun (AmE ) = PLANE : They arrived in Belgium by airplane .  an airplane crash / flight  a commercial / jet / military airplane
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'air pocket
noun
1 a closed area that becomes filled with air: Make sure there are no air pockets around the roots of the plant.
2 an area of low air pressure that makes a plane suddenly drop while flying: The plane hit an air pocket.
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air.port
noun a place where planes land and take off and that has buildings for passengers to wait in: Gatwick Airport  waiting in the airport lounge
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'air pump
noun a piece of equipment for pumping air into or out of sth
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'air raid
noun an attack by a number of aircraft dropping many bombs on a place: The family was killed in an air raid.  an air-raid shelter / warning
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'air rifle
noun = AIR GUN
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,air-sea 'rescue
noun [U] (especially BrE ) the process of rescuing people from the sea using aircraft
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air.ship
noun a large aircraft without wings, filled with a gas which is lighter than air, and driven by engines
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air.space
noun [U] the part of the sky where planes fly, usually the part above a particular country that is legally controlled by that country: The airspace over Europe is becoming more and more crowded.  The jet entered Chinese airspace without permission.
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'air speed
noun the speed at which an aircraft moves through the air
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air.strip
(also 'landing strip) noun a narrow piece of cleared land that an aircraft can land on
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'air terminal
noun
1 a building at an airport that provides services for passengers travelling by plane
2 (BrE) an office in a city from which passengers can catch buses to the airport
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air.tight
adj. not allowing air to get in or out: Store the cake in an airtight container.   (figurative) an airtight alibi (= one that cannot be proved to be false)
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air.time
noun [U]
1 the amount of time that is given to a particular subject on radio or television
2 the amount of time that is paid for when you are using a MOBILE PHONE : This deal gives you 180 minutes free airtime a month.
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,air-to-'air
adj. [usually before noun] from one aircraft to another while they are both flying: an air-to-air missile
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,air traffic con'trol
noun [U]
1 the activity of giving instructions by radio to pilots of aircraft so that they know when and where to take off or land
2 the group of people or the organization that provides an air traffic control service: The pilot was given clearance to land by air traffic control.
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,air traffic con'troller
noun a person at an airport whose job is to give instructions by radio to pilots of aircraft so that they know when and where to take off or land
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,air vice-'marshal
noun an officer of very high rank in the British air force: Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Burns
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air.waves
noun [pl.] radio waves that are used in broadcasting radio and television: More and more TV and radio stations are crowding the airwaves.  A well-known voice came over the airwaves .
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air.way
noun
1 (medical) the passage from the nose and throat to the lungs, through which you breathe
2 (often used in names of airlines) a route regularly used by planes: British Airways
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air.worthy
adj. (of aircraft) safe to fly
air.worthi.ness noun [U]
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airy
adj.
1 with plenty of fresh air because there is a lot of space: The office was light and airy.
2 (written) acting or done in a way that shows that you are not worried or that you are not treating sth as serious: He dismissed her with an airy wave.—see also AIRILY
3 (written, disapproving) not serious or practical: airy promises / speculation
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,airy-'fairy
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) not clear or practical
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aisle
noun a passage between rows of seats in a church, theatre, train, etc., or between rows of shelves in a SUPERMARKET : an aisle seat (= in a plane)  Coffee and tea are in the next aisle.—compare GANGWAY
IDM go / walk down the 'aisle (informal) to get married—more at ROLL v.
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aitch
noun the letter H written as a word: He spoke with a cockney accent and dropped his aitches (= did not pronounce the letter H at the start of words).
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ajar
adj. [not before noun] (of a door) slightly open: I’ll leave the door ajar.
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aka
abbr. also known as: Antonio Fratelli, aka ‘Big Tony’
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akimbo
adv.
IDM (with) arms a'kimbo with your hands on your hips and your elbows pointing outwards
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akin
adj. ~ to sth (formal) similar to: What he felt was more akin to pity than love.
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-al
suffix
1 (in adjectives) connected with: magical  verbal—see also -ALLY
2 (in nouns) a process or state of: survival
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à la
prep. (from French ) in the same style as sb/sth else: a new band that sings à la Beatles
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ala.bas.ter
noun [U] a type of white stone that is often carved to make statues and ornaments: an alabaster tomb   (literary) her pale, alabaster (= white and smooth) skin
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à la carte
adj., adv. (from French ) if food in a restaurant is à la carte, or if you eat à la carte, you choose from a list of dishes that have separate prices, rather than having a complete meal at a fixed price
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alac.rity
noun [U] (formal) great willingness or enthusiasm: They accepted the offer with alacrity.
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à la mode
adj., adv. (from French )
1 [not before noun] (old-fashioned) fashionable; in the latest fashion
2 [after noun] (AmE) served with ice cream: apple pie à la mode
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alarm
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] fear and anxiety that sb feels when sth dangerous or unpleasant might happen: ‘What have you done?’ Ellie cried in alarm .  I felt a growing sense of alarm when he did not return that night.  The doctor said there was no cause for alarm .
2 [C, usually sing.] a loud noise or a signal that warns people of danger or of a problem: She decided to sound the alarm (= warn people that the situation was dangerous).  I hammered on all the doors to raise the alarm .—see also FALSE ALARM
3 [C] a device that warns people of a particular danger: a burglar / fire / smoke alarm  The cat set off the alarm (= made it start ringing).  A car alarm went off in the middle of the night (= started ringing).
4 = ALARM CLOCK : The alarm went off at 7 o’clock.
IDM a'larm bells ring / start ringing if you say that alarm bells are ringing, you mean that people are starting to feel worried and suspicious

verb
1 to make sb anxious or afraid: [vn] The captain knew there was an engine fault but didn’t want to alarm the passengers. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn] to fit sth such as a door with a device that warns people when sb is trying to enter illegally

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a'larm clock
(also alarm) noun a clock that you can set to ring a bell, etc. at a particular time and wake you up: I set the alarm clock for 7 o’clock.
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alarmed
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (at / by sth) anxious or afraid that sth dangerous or unpleasant might happen: She was alarmed at the prospect of travelling alone.
2 protected by an alarm : This door is alarmed.
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alarm.ing
adj. causing worry and fear: an alarming increase in the number of cases of skin cancer  The rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate .
alarm.ing.ly adv.: Prices have risen alarmingly.
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alarm.ist
adj. (disapproving) causing unnecessary fear and anxiety: A spokesperson for the food industry said the TV programme was alarmist.
alarm.ist noun
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alas
exclamation (old use or literary) used to show you are sad or sorry: For many people, alas, hunger is part of everyday life.
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al.ba.tross
noun
1 a very large white seabird with long wings that lives in the Pacific and Southern Oceans
2 [usually sing.] (written) a thing that causes problems or prevents you from doing sth: The national debt is an albatross around the president’s neck.—
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al.beit
conj. (formal) although: He finally agreed, albeit reluctantly, to help us.
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al.bin.ism
noun (technical ) the condition of being an albino
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al.bino
noun (pl.-os) a person or an animal that is born with no colour (= PIGMENT) in the hair or skin, which are white, or in the eyes, which are pink
al.bino adj. [only before noun]
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album
noun
1 a book in which you keep photographs, stamps, etc: a photo album
2 a collection of pieces of music that have been recorded on one record, CD or cassette: the band’s latest album—compare SINGLE
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al.bu.men
noun [U] (technical ) the colourless inside part of an egg that is white when cooked—see also WHITE —compare YOLK
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al.chem.ist
noun a person who studied alchemy
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al.chemy
noun [U]
1 a form of chemistry studied in the Middle Ages which involved trying to discover how to change ordinary metals into gold
2 (literary) a mysterious power or magic that can change things
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al.co.hol
noun [U]
1 drinks such as beer, wine, etc. that can make people drunk: He never drinks alcohol.  alcohol abuse
2 the colourless liquid that is found in drinks such as beer, wine, etc. and is used in medicines, cleaning products, etc: Wine usually contains about 10% alcohol.  levels of alcohol in the blood  He pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.  low-alcohol beer  Choose an alcohol-free skin toner if you have dry skin.
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al.co.hol.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with or containing alcohol: alcoholic drinks
2 caused by drinking alcohol: The guests left in an alcoholic haze.

noun (also AmE informal lush) a person who regularly drinks too much alcohol and cannot easily stop drinking, so that it has become an illness

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al.co.hol.ism
noun [U] the medical condition caused by drinking too much alcohol regularly
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al.co.pop
noun (BrE ) a sweet FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) that contains alcohol
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al.cove
noun an area in a room that is formed by part of a wall being built farther back than the rest of the wall: The bookcase fits neatly into the alcove.
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alder
noun a tree like a BIRCH that grows in northern countries, usually in wet ground
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al.der.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (in England and Wales in the past) a senior member of a town, BOROUGH or county council, below the rank of a MAYOR , chosen by other members of the council
2 (in the US, Canada and Australia) an elected member of a town or city council: Alderman Tim Evans
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ale
noun
1 [U, C] a type of beer, usually sold in bottles or cans. There are several kinds of ale : brown / pale ale
2 [C] a glass, bottle or can of ale : Two light ales please.
3 [U] (old-fashioned) beer generally—see also GINGER ALE , REAL ALE
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alec, aleck
SMART ALEC
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ale.house
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a place where people used to drink beer
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alert
adj., verb, noun
adj.
1 able to think quickly; quick to notice things: Suddenly he found himself awake and fully alert.  Two alert scientists spotted the mistake.
2 ~ to sth aware of sth, especially a problem or danger: We must be alert to the possibility of danger.
alert.ly adj.
alert.ness noun [U]

verb [often passive]
1 to warn sb about a dangerous or urgent situation: [vn] Neighbours quickly alerted the emergency services.  Alerted by a noise downstairs, he sat up and turned on the light. [alsovn (that), vn to inf]
2 [vn] ~ sb to sth to make sb aware of sth: They had been alerted to the possibility of further price rises.

noun
1 [sing., U] a situation in which people are watching for danger and ready to deal with it: Police are warning the public to be on the alert for suspicious packages.  More than 5 000 troops have been placed on (full) alert .
2 [C] a warning of danger or of a problem: a bomb / fire alert—see also RED ALERT

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A level
(also ad'vanced level) noun [C, U] a British exam taken in a particular subject, usually in the final year of school at the age of 18: You need three A levels to get onto this university course.  What A levels are you doing?  I’m doing maths A level.  two A level passes / two passes at A level—compare GCE , GCSE , GNVQ
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al.fal.fa
noun [U] a plant with small divided leaves and purple flowers, grown as food for farm animals and as a salad vegetable
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al.fresco
adj. in the open air: an alfresco lunch party
al.fresco adv.: eating alfresco
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algae
noun [U, pl.] (sing.alga ) (technical ) very simple plants with no real leaves, stems or roots that grow in or near water, including SEAWEED
algal adj. [only before noun]: algal blooms / growth
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al.ge.bra
noun [U] a type of mathematics in which letters and symbols are used to represent quantities
al.ge.bra.ic adj.: an algebraic equation
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al.go.rithm
noun (especially computing ) a set of rules that must be followed when solving a particular problem
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alias
adv., noun
adv. used when a person, especially a criminal or an actor, is known by two names: Mick Clark, alias Sid Brown  Inspector Morse, alias John Thaw (= John Thaw plays the part of Inspector Morse)  John Thaw, alias Inspector Morse of the famous TV series

noun a false or different name, especially one that is used by a criminal: He checked into the hotel under an alias.

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alibi
noun
1 evidence that proves that a person was in another place at the time of a crime and so could not have committed it: The suspects all had alibis for the day of the robbery.
2 an excuse for sth that you have done wrong
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alien
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) strange and frightening; different from what you are used to: an alien environment  In a world that had suddenly become alien and dangerous, he was her only security.
2 (often disapproving) from another country or society; foreign: an alien culture
3 ~ to sb/sth (disapproving) not usual or acceptable: The idea is alien to our religion.  Cruelty was quite alien to him.
4 connected with creatures from another world: alien beings from outer space

noun
1 (AmE also ,non-'citizen) (lawortechnical) a person who is not a citizen of the country in which they live or work: an illegal alien
2 a creature from another world: aliens from outer space

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alien.ate
verb [vn]
1 to make sb less friendly or sympathetic towards you: His comments have alienated a lot of young voters.
2 ~ sb (from sth/sb) to make sb feel that they do not belong in a particular group: Very talented children may feel alienated from the others in their class.
alien.ation noun [U]: The new policy resulted in the alienation of many voters.  Many immigrants suffer from a sense of alienation.
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alight
adj., verb
adj. [not before noun]
1 on fire: A cigarette set the dry grass alight .  Her dress caught alight in the fire.
2 (written) (of faces or eyes) showing a feeling of happiness or excitement
IDM see WORLD

verb [v] (formal or literary)
1 ~ (in / on / upon sth) (of a bird or an insect) to land in or on sth after flying to it
2 ~ (from sth) to get out of a bus, a train or other vehicle
SYN GET OFF : Do not alight from a moving bus.
PVR V a'light on / upon sth to think of, find or notice sth, especially by chance: Eventually, we alighted on the idea of seeking sponsorship.  Her eyes suddenly alighted on the bundle of documents.

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align
verb
1 ~ (sth) (with sth) to arrange sth in the correct position, or to be in the correct position, in relation to sth else, especially in a straight line: [vn] Make sure the shelf is aligned with the top of the cupboard.  [v] The top and bottom line of each column on the page should align.
2 [vn] ~ sth (with / to sth) to change sth slightly so that it is in the correct relationship to sth else: Domestic prices have been aligned with those in world markets.
PVR V align yourself with sb/sth to publicly support an organization, a set of opinions or a person that you agree with
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align.ment
noun [U, C]
1 arrangement in a straight line: the alignment of the sun, moon and earth at a particular time  A bone in my spine was out of alignment .
2 political support given to one country or group by another: Japan’s alignment with the West
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alike
adj., adv.
adj. [not before noun] very similar: My sister and I do not look alike.—compare UNLIKE

adv.
1 in a very similar way: They tried to treat all their children alike.
2 used after you have referred to two people or groups, to mean ‘both’ or ‘equally’: Good health and safety management benefits employers and employees alike.
IDM see SHARE v.

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ali.men.tary canal
noun the passage in the body that carries food from the mouth to the ANUS
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ali.mony
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the money that a court of law orders sb to pay regularly to their former wife or husband when the marriage is ended—compare PALIMONY
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alive
adj. [not before noun]
1 living; not dead: We don’t know whether he’s alive or dead.  Is your mother still alive ?  Doctors kept the baby alive for six weeks.  I was glad to hear you’re alive and well .  She had to steal food just to stay alive .  He was buried alive in the earthquake.
2 ~ (with sth) full of emotion, excitement, activity, etc: Edward was alive with happiness.
3 continuing to exist: to keep a tradition / memory / hope alive
4 ~ with sth full of living or moving things: The pool was alive with goldfish.
5 ~ to sth aware of sth; knowing sth exists and is important: to be alive to the dangers / facts / possibilities
IDM a,live and 'kicking very active, healthy or popular bring sth a'live to make sth interesting: Maps and pictures bring the book alive. come a'live
1 (of a subject or an event) to become interesting and exciting: The game came alive in the second half.
2 (of a place) to become busy and full of activity: The city starts to come alive after dark.
3 (of a person) to show interest in sth and become excited about it: She came alive as she talked about her job.—more at EAT
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al.kali
noun [C, U] (chemistry ) a chemical substance that reacts with acids to form a salt and has a PH of more than seven—compare ACID
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al.ka.line
adj.
1 (chemistry) having the nature of an alkali
2 (technical) containing alkali : alkaline soil—compare ACID
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al.kal.oid
noun (biology ormedical ) a poisonous substance found in some plants. There are many different alkaloids and some are used as the basis for drugs.
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all
det., pron., adv.
det.
1 (used with plural nouns. The noun may have the, this, that, my, her, his, etc. in front of it, or a number.) the whole number of: All horses are animals, but not all animals are horses.  Cars were coming from all directions (= every direction).  All the people you invited are coming.  All my plants have died.  All five men are hard workers.
2 (used with uncountable nouns. The noun may have the, this, that, my, her, his, etc. in front of it.) the whole amount of: All wood tends to shrink.  You’ve had all the fun and I’ve had all the hard work.  All this mail must be answered.  He has lost all his money.
3 used with singular nouns showing sth has been happening for a whole period of time: He’s worked hard all year.  She was unemployed for all that time.
4 the greatest possible: In all honesty (= being as honest as I can), I can’t agree.
5 consisting or appearing to consist of one thing only: The magazine was all advertisements.  She was all smiles (= smiling a lot).
6 any whatever: He denied all knowledge of the crime.
IDM and all 'that (jazz, rubbish, etc.) (informal) and other similar things: I’m bored by history—dates and battles and all that stuff. not all that good, well, etc. not particularly good, well, etc: He doesn’t sing all that well. not as bad(ly), etc. as all 'that not as much as has been suggested: They’re not as rich as all that. of 'all people, things, etc. (informal) used to express surprise because sb/sth seems the least likely person, example, etc: I didn’t think you, of all people, would become a vegetarian. of 'all the … (informal) used to express anger: I’ve locked myself out. Of all the stupid things to do!—more at FOR prep.

pron.
1 the whole number or amount: All of the food has gone.  They’ve eaten all of it.  They’ve eaten it all.  I invited some of my colleagues but not all.  Not all of them were invited.  All of them enjoyed the party.  They all enjoyed it.  His last movie was best of all.
2 (followed by a relative clause, often without that) the only thing; everything: All I want is peace and quiet.  It was all that I had.  note at ALTOGETHER
IDM all in 'all when everything is considered: All in all it had been a great success. all in 'one having two or more uses, functions, etc: It’s a corkscrew and bottle-opener all in one. all or 'nothing a situation which will end either in complete success or complete failure and 'all
1 also; included; in addition: She jumped into the river, clothes and all (= with her clothes on).
2 (spoken) as well; too: ‘I’m freezing.’‘Yeah, me and all.’ (not) at all in any way; to any degree: I didn’t enjoy it at all. in all as a total
SYN ALTOGETHER : There were twelve of us in all for dinner.  That’s £25.40 in all. ,not at 'all used as a polite reply to an expression of thanks: ‘Thanks very much for your help.’‘Not at all, it was a pleasure.’ your 'all everything you have: They gave their all (= fought and died) in the war.—more at ABOVE prep. , AFTER prep. , END v. , END n. , FOR prep. , SIDE n.

adv.
1 completely: She was dressed all in white.  He lives all alone.  The coffee went all over my skirt.
2 (informal) very: She was all excited.  Now don’t get all upset about it.
3 ~ too … used to show that sth is more than you would like: I’m all too aware of the problems.  The end of the trip came all too soon.
4 (in sports and games) to each side: The score was four all.
IDM all a'long all the time; from the beginning: I realized it was in my pocket all along. all a'round  ALL ROUND all the better, harder, etc. so much better, harder, etc: We’ll have to work all the harder with two people off sick. all but
1 almost: The party was all but over when we arrived.  It was all but impossible to read his writing.
2 everything or everyone except sth/sb: All but one of the plates were damaged. all 'in
1 physically tired
SYN EXHAUSTED : At the end of the race he felt all in.
2 (BrE) including everything: The holiday cost £250 all in.—see also ALL-IN all of sth (often ironic) used to emphasize an amount, a size, etc. usually when it is very small: It must be all of 100 metres to the car! all 'over
1 everywhere: We looked all over for the ring.
2 what you would expect of the person mentioned: That sounds like my sister all over. all 'round (BrE) (AmE all a'round)
1 in every way; in all respects: a good performance all round
2 for each person: She bought drinks all round. ,all 'there (informal) having a healthy mind; thinking clearly: He behaves very oddly at times—I don’t think he’s quite all there. be all about sb/sth : This book is all about Greece.   (informal) Now then, what’s this all about (= what is the problem)?  It’s all about money these days. be all for sth / for doing sth to believe strongly that sth should be done: They’re all for saving money where they can. be all 'over sb (informal) to show a lot of affection for or enthusiasm about sb: He was all over her at the party. be all up (with sb) (old-fashioned, informal) to be the end for sb: It looks as though it’s all up with us now (= we are ruined, have no further chances, etc.).

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all-
combining form (in adjectives and adverbs)
1 completely: an all-American show  an all-inclusive price
2 in the highest degree: all-important  all-powerful
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Allah
noun the name of God among Muslims
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,all-a'round
adj. (AmE ) = ALL-ROUND
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allay
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth, especially a feeling, less strong: to allay fears / concern / suspicion
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,all-'clear
noun (the all-clear) [sing.]
1 if a doctor gives sb the all-clear, they tell the person that he/she does not have any health problems
2 permission to do sth: The ship was given the all-clear to sail again.
3 a signal (often a sound) which shows that a place or situation is no longer dangerous
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al.le.ga.tion
noun ~ (of sth) (against sb)| ~ (that … )| ~ (about sb/sth) a public statement that is made without giving proof, accusing sb of doing sth that is wrong or illegal: Several newspapers made allegations of corruption in the city’s police department.  allegations of dishonesty against him  an allegation that he had been dishonest  to investigate / deny / withdraw an allegation
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al.lege
verb [often passive] (formal) to state sth as a fact but without giving proof: [v (that)] The prosecution alleges (that) she was driving carelessly.  [vn that] It is alleged that he mistreated the prisoners.  [vn to inf] He is alleged to have mistreated the prisoners.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive. [vn] This procedure should be followed in cases where dishonesty has been alleged. [alsov speech]
al.leged adj. [only before noun] (formal): the alleged attacker / victim / killer (= that sb says is one)  the alleged attack / offence / incident (= that sb says has happened)
al.leged.ly adv.: crimes allegedly committed during the war
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al.le.giance
noun [U, C] ~ (to sb/sth) a person’s continued support for a political party, religion, ruler, etc: to pledge / swear allegiance to sb/sth  to switch / transfer / change allegiance  an oath / a vow / a statement of allegiance  People of various party allegiances joined the campaign.
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al.le.gory
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) a story, play, picture, etc. in which each character or event is a symbol representing an idea or a quality, such as truth, evil, death, etc.; the use of such symbols: a political allegory  the poet’s use of allegory—see also FABLE
al.le.gor.ic.al adj.: an allegorical figure / novel
al.le.gor.ic.al.ly adv.
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al.legro
noun (pl.-os) (music ) a piece of music to be played in a fast and lively manner
al.legro adj., adv.
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al.le.luia
noun, exclamation = HALLELUJAH
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,all-em'bracing
adj. (written) including everything: an all-embracing theory
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Allen key
™ (BrE ) (AmE 'Allen wrench™) noun a small tool used for turning an Allen screw
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'Allen screw
™noun a SCREW with a hole that has six sides
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al.ler.gic
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) having an allergy to sth: I like cats but unfortunately I’m allergic to them.
2 caused by an allergy : an allergic reaction / rash
3 [not before noun] ~ to sth (informal, humorous) having a strong dislike of sth/sb: You could see he was allergic to housework.
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al.lergy
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (to sth) a medical condition that causes you to react badly or feel ill when you eat or touch a particular substance: I have an allergy to animal hair.
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al.le.vi.ate
verb [vn] (written) to make sth less severe
SYN EASE : to alleviate suffering  A number of measures were taken to alleviate the problem.
al.le.vi.ation noun [U]
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alley
noun
1 (also al.ley.way ) a narrow passage behind or between buildings: a narrow / dark alley—see also BLIND ALLEY , BOWLING ALLEY
2 (AmE) = TRAMLINES
IDM (right) up your 'alley (AmE) = (RIGHT) UP YOUR STREET at STREET
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al.li.ance
noun
1 ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) an agreement between countries, political parties, etc. to work together in order to achieve sth that they all want: to form / make a political alliance  The Social Democrats are now in alliance with the Greens.
2 a group of people, political parties, etc. who work together in order to achieve sth that they all want
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al.lied
adj.
1 (often Allied) [only before noun] connected with countries that unite to fight a war together, especially the countries that fought together against Germany in the First and Second World Wars: Italy joined the war on the Allied side in 1915.  allied forces / troops
2 ~ (to / with sth) (written) (of two or more things) similar or existing together; connected with sth: medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and other allied professions  In this job you will need social skills allied with technical knowledge.—see also ALLY
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al.li.ga.tor
noun a large reptile of the CROCODILE family, with a long tail, hard skin and very big jaws, that lives in rivers and lakes in America and China
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,all-im'portant
adj. extremely important
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,all-'in
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) including the cost of all parts of sth: an all-in price of £500 with no extras to pay
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all-in-'one
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) able to do the work of two or more things that are usually separate: an all-in-one shampoo and conditioner
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al.lit.er.ation
noun [U] (technical ) the use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words that are close together, as in sing a song of sixpence
al.lit.era.tive adj.
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'all-night
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a place) open through the night: an all-night cafe
2 (of an activity) continuing through the night: an all-night party
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,all-'nighter
noun (AmE , informal) a time when you stay awake all night studying
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al.lo.cate
verb ~ sth (for sth)| ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb/sth) sth to give sth officially to sb/sth for a particular purpose: [vn] They intend to allocate more places to mature students this year.  A large sum has been allocated for buying new books for the library.  [vn, vnn] More resources are being allocated to the project.  The project is being allocated more resources.
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al.lo.ca.tion
noun
1 [C] an amount of money, space, etc. that is given to sb for a particular purpose: We have spent our entire allocation for the year.
2 [U] the act of giving sth to sb for a particular purpose: the allocation of food to those who need it most
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allot
verb (-tt-) ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb/sth) sth to give time, money, tasks, etc. to sb/sth as a share of what is available: [vn] I managed to complete the test within the time allotted .  [vn, vnn] How much money has been allotted to us?  How much money have we been allotted?
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al.lot.ment
noun
1 [C] (BrE) a small area of land in a town which a person can rent in order to grow vegetables on it
2 [C, U] (formal) an amount of sth that sb is given or allowed to have; the process of giving sth to sb: Water allotments to farmers were cut back in the drought.  the allotment of shares to company employees
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,all-'out
adj. [only before noun] using or involving every possible effort and done in a very determined way: All-out war was almost inevitable now.  an all-out attack on the opposition
,all 'out adv.: We’re going all out to win.
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allow
verb
LET SB / STH DO STH|
1 to let sb/sth do sth; to let sth happen or be done: [vn to inf] His parents won’t allow him to stay out late.  He is not allowed to stay out late.  They shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it.  She won’t allow herself to be dictated to.  He allowed his mind to wander.  [vn] Smoking is not allowed in the hall.  [v -ing] We do not allow smoking in the hall.
2 [vnn] to let sb have sth: You’re allowed half an hour to complete the test.  I’m not allowed visitors.
3 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] to let sb/sth go into, through, out of, etc. a place: No dogs allowed (= you cannot bring them in).  The prisoners are allowed out of their cells for two hours a day.  The crowd parted to allow her through .  You won’t be allowed up (= out of bed) for several days.
MAKE POSSIBLE|
4 to make sth possible: [vn] A ramp has been installed to allow better access for wheelchairs. [alsov -ing]
TIME / MONEY / FOOD, etc.|
5 [vn] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to make sure that you have enough of sth for a particular purpose: How much time would you allow for the trip?  You need to allow three metres of fabric for the dress.
ACCEPT / ADMIT|
6 (formal) to accept or admit sth; to agree that sth is true or correct: [vn] The judge allowed my claim.  ‘Objection!’‘I’ll allow it.’  [v that] He refuses to allow that such a situation could arise.  [vnn] She was very helpful when my mother was ill—I’ll allow you that. [alsov speech] —compare DISALLOW allow 'me (spoken) used to offer help politely—more at REIN n. al'low for sb/sth to include sb/sth when calculating sth: It will take about an hour to get there, allowing for traffic delays.  All these factors must be allowed for. al'low of sth (formal) to make sth possible: The facts allow of only one explanation.
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al.low.able
adj.
1 that is allowed, especially by law or by a set of rules
2 (BrE) allowable amounts of money are amounts that you do not have to pay tax on
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al.low.ance
noun
1 an amount of money that is given to sb regularly or for a particular purpose: an allowance of $20 a day  a clothing / living / travel allowance  Do you get an allowance for clothing?
2 the amount of sth that is allowed in a particular situation: a baggage allowance of 20 kilos
3 (BrE) an amount of money that can be earned or received before you start paying tax: personal tax allowances
4 (especially AmE) = POCKET MONEY
IDM make allowance(s) for sth to consider sth, for example when you are making a decision or planning sth: The budget made allowance for inflation.  The plan makes no allowance for people working at different rates. make allowances (for sb) to allow sb to behave in a way that you would not usually accept, because of a problem or because there is a special reason
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alloy
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a metal that is formed by mixing two types of metal together, or by mixing metal with another substance: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.  alloy steel

verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) (technical ) to mix one metal with another, especially one of lower value

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,all-'purpose
adj. [only before noun] having many different uses; able to be used in many situations
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all 'right
(also non-standard or informal al.right) adj., adv., exclamation
adj., adv.
1 satisfactory; in a satisfactory manner: Is the coffee all right?  Are you getting along all right in your new job?  ‘They’re off to Spain next week.’‘It’s all right for some , isn’t it? (= some people are lucky)’
2 safe and well: I hope the children are all right.  Do you feel all right?
3 only just good enough: Your work is all right but I’m sure you could do better.
4 that can be allowed: Are you sure it’s all right for me to leave early?
5 used to emphasize that there is no doubt about sth: ‘Are you sure it’s her?’‘Oh, it’s her all right.’
IDM I’m all 'right, Jack (BrE, informal) used by or about sb who is happy with their own life and does not care about other people’s problems it’ll be all ,right on the 'night (spoken) used to say that a performance, an event, etc. will be successful even if the preparations for it have not gone well—more at BIT

exclamation
1 used to check that sb agrees or understands: We’ve got to get up early, all right?
2 used to say that you agree: ‘Can you do it?’‘Oh, all right.’
3 used when accepting thanks or when sb says they are sorry: ‘I’m really sorry.’‘That’s all right, don’t worry.’
4 used to get sb’s attention: All right class, turn to page 20.

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,all-'round
(BrE ) (AmE ,all-a'round) adj. [only before noun]
1 including many different subjects, skills, etc: an all-round education
2 (of a person) with a wide range of skills or abilities: She’s a good all-round player.
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all-'rounder
noun (BrE ) a person who has many different skills and abilities
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,all 'singing ,,all 'dancing
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , informal) (of a machine or system) having a lot of advanced technical features and therefore able to perform many different functions
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all.spice
noun [U] the dried berries of a W Indian tree, used in cooking as a spice
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'all-star
adj. [only before noun] including many famous actors, players, etc: an all-star cast
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,all-terrain 'vehicle
noun = ATV
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'all-time
adj. [only before noun] (used when you are comparing things or saying how good or bad sth is) of any time: one of the all-time great tennis players  my all-time favourite song  Unemployment reached an all-time record of 3 million.  Profits are at an all-time high / low.
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al.lude
verb
PVR V al'lude to sb/sth (formal) to mention sth in an indirect way: The problem had been alluded to briefly in earlier discussions.—see also ALLUSION
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al.lure
noun [U] (written) the quality of being attractive and exciting: sexual allure  the allure of the big city
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al.lur.ing
adj. attractive and exciting in a mysterious way: an alluring smile
al.lur.ing.ly adv.
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al.lu.sion
noun [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) something that is said or written that refers to or mentions another person or subject in an indirect way: His statement was seen as an allusion to the recent drug-related killings.  Her poetry is full of obscure literary allusion.
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al.lu.sive
adj. (formal) containing allusions : an allusive style of writing
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al.lu.vial
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) made of sand and earth that is left by rivers or floods
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ally
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a country that has agreed to help and support another country, especially in case of a war: our European / NATO allies
2 [C] a person who helps and supports sb who is in a difficult situation, especially a politician: a close ally and friend of the prime minister
3 (the Allies) [pl.] the group of countries including Britain and the US that fought together in the First and Second World Wars

verb (al.lies, ally.ing, al.lied, al.lied) ~ (yourself) with sb/sth (written) to give your support to another group or country: [vn] The prince allied himself with the Scots. [alsov]

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-ally
suffix (makes adverbs from adjectives that end in -al): magically  sensationally
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Alma Mater
(also alma mater) noun [sing.] (especially AmE ) the school or university that sb went to
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al.manac
(also less frequent al.man.ack) noun
1 a book that is published every year giving information for that year about a particular subject or activity
2 a book that gives information about the sun, moon, times of the TIDES (= the rise and fall of the sea level), etc. for each day of the year
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al.mighty
adj.
1 (in prayers) having complete power: Almighty God, have mercy on us.
2 [only before noun] (informal) very great or severe: an almighty bang / crash / roar
3 ( , offensive) used in the expressions shown in the example, to express surprise or anger: Christ / God Almighty! What the hell do you think you are doing?
4 (the Almighty) noun [sing.] God
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al.mond
noun the flat pale sweet nut of the almond tree used in cooking and to make almond oil: flaked / ground almonds  blanched almonds (= with their skins removed)  almond essence / paste  almond eyes (= eyes shaped like almonds)—picture at NUT
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al.most
adv. not quite; NEARLY : I like almost all of them.  It’s a mistake they almost always make.  The story is almost certainly false.  It’s almost time to go.  Dinner’s almost ready.  He slipped and almost fell.  Their house is almost opposite ours.  They’ll eat almost anything.  Almost no one (hardly anyone) believed him.
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alms
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) money, clothes and food that are given to poor people
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alms.house
noun (in the past in Britain) a house owned by a charity where poor people (usually the old) lived without paying rent
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aloe
noun a tropical plant with thick, prickly leaves that contain a lot of water. The juice of some types of aloe is used in medicine and COSMETICS .
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aloft
adv. (formal) high in the air: She held the glass aloft.
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alone
adj. [not before noun] adv.
1 without any other people: I don’t like going out alone at night.  He lives alone.  Finally the two of us were alone together .  She was sitting all alone in the hall.  Tom is not alone in finding Rick hard to work with.
2 without the help of other people or things: It’s hard bringing up children alone.  The assassin said he had acted alone.
3 lonely and unhappy or without any friends: Carol felt all alone in the world.  I’ve been so alone since you went away.
4 used after a noun or pronoun to show that the person or thing mentioned is the only one: You can’t blame anyone else; you alone made the decision.
5 used after a noun or pronoun to emphasize one particular thing: The shoes alone cost £200.
IDM go it a'lone to do sth without help from anyone: Andrew decided to go it alone and start his own business. leave / let sb alone to stop annoying sb or trying to get their attention: She’s asked to be left alone but the press photographers follow her everywhere. leave / let sth alone to stop touching, changing, or moving sth: I’ve told you before—leave my things alone! let alone used after a statement to emphasize that because the first thing is not true or possible, the next thing cannot be true or possible either: There isn’t enough room for us, let alone any guests. stand a'lone
1 to be independent or not connected with other people, organizations or ideas: These islands are too small to stand alone as independent states.
2 to be not near other objects or buildings: The arch once stood alone at the entrance to the castle.—more at TIME n.
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along
prep., adv.
prep.
1 from one end to or towards the other end of sth: They walked slowly along the road.  I looked along the shelves for the book I needed.
2 in a line that follows the side of sth long: Houses had been built along both sides of the river.
3 at a particular point on or beside sth long: You’ll find his office just along the corridor.

adv.
HELP For the special uses of along in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get along with sb is in the phrasal verb section at get.
1 forward: I was just walking along singing to myself.  He pointed out various landmarks as we drove along.
2 with sb: We’re going for a swim. Why don’t you come along?  I’ll be along (= I’ll join you) in a few minutes.
3 towards a better state or position: The book’s coming along nicely.
IDM along with sb/sth in addition to sb/sth; in the same way as sb/sth: She lost her job when the factory closed, along with hundreds of others.

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along.side
prep.
1 next to or at the side of sth: A police car pulled up alongside us.
2 together with or at the same time as sth/sb: Traditional beliefs still flourish alongside a modern urban lifestyle.
along.side adv.: Nick caught up with me and rode alongside.
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aloof
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (from sb/sth) not friendly or interested in other people: He was a cold man, aloof and distant.
aloof.ness noun [U]
IDM keep / hold (yourself) aloof | remain / stand aloof to not become involved in sth; to show no interest in people: The Emperor kept himself aloof from the people.
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aloud
adv.
1 in a voice that other people can hear: The teacher listened to the children reading aloud .  He read the letter aloud to us.  ‘What am I going to do?’ she wondered aloud.  note at LOUD
2 in a loud voice: She cried aloud in protest.
IDM see THINK v.
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al.paca
noun
1 [C] a S American animal that is related to the LLAMA and has long hair
2 [U] a type of soft wool or fabric made from the hair of the alpaca , used especially for making expensive clothes: an alpaca coat
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alpha
noun the first letter of the Greek alphabet (A, α)
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al.pha.bet
noun a set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used for writing a language
ORIGIN From alpha and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet.
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al.pha.bet.ic.al
adj. according to the correct order of the letters of the alphabet: The names on the list are in alphabetical order .
al.pha.bet.ic.al.ly adv.: arranged / listed / stored alphabetically
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al.pha.bet.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to arrange a list of words in alphabetical order
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al.pine
adj., noun
adj. existing in or connected with high mountains, especially the Alps in Central Europe

noun any plant that grows best on mountains

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al.ready
adv.
1 before now or before a particular time in the past: ‘Lunch?’‘No thanks, I’ve already eaten.’  We got there early but Mike had already left.
2 used to express surprise that sth has happened so soon or so early: Is it 10 o’clock already?  You’re not leaving already, are you?
3 used to emphasize that a situation or problem exists: I’m already late.  There are far too many people already. We can’t take any more.
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al.right
adv. (informal) = ALL RIGHT
HELP Some people consider that this form should not be used in formal writing.
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Al.sa.tian
(BrE ) (also ,German 'shepherdAmE, BrE) noun a large dog, often trained to help the police, to guard buildings or (especially in the US) to help blind people find their way
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also
adv. (not used with negative verbs) in addition; too: She’s fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian.  rubella, also known as German measles   (informal) I didn’t like it that much. Also, it was much too expensive.  Jake’s father had also been a doctor (= both Jake and his father were doctors).  She was not only extremely intelligent but also very practical.
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'also-ran
noun a person who is not successful, especially in a competition or an election or when compared with other people
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altar
noun a holy table in a church or TEMPLE : the high altar (= the most important one in a particular church)
IDM at / on the altar of sth (written) because of sth that you think is worth suffering for: He was willing to sacrifice his happiness on the altar of fame.
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alter
verb
1 to become different; to make sb/sth different: [v] Property prices did not significantly alter during 1999.  He had altered so much I scarcely recognized him.  [vn] It doesn’t alter the way I feel.  Nothing can alter the fact that we are to blame.  The old landscape has been radically altered, severely damaging wildlife.
2 [vn] to make changes to a piece of clothing so that it will fit you better  note at CHANGE
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al.ter.ation
noun
1 [C] a change to sth that makes it different: major / minor alterations  They are making some alterations to the house.  an alteration in the baby’s heartbeat
2 [U] the act of making a change to sth: The dress will not need much alteration.
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al.ter.ca.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) a noisy argument or disagreement
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alter ego
noun (pl.alter egos) (from Latin )
1 a person whose personality is different from your own but who shows or acts as another side of your personality: Superman’s alter ego was Clark Kent.
2 a close friend who is very like yourself
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al.ter.nate
adj., verb, noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of two things) happening or following one after the other regularly: alternate layers of fruit and whipped cream
2 if sth happens on alternate days, nights, etc. it happens on one day, etc. but not on the next: John has to work on alternate Sundays.
3 (especially AmE) = ALTERNATIVE
al.ter.nate.ly adv.: He felt alternately hot and cold with anxiety.

verb
1 [vn] ~ A and B| ~ A with B to make things or people follow one after the other in a repeated pattern: Alternate cubes of meat and slices of red pepper.  Alternate cubes of meat with slices of red pepper.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) (of things or people) to follow one after the other in a repeated pattern: alternating dark and pale stripes  Dark stripes alternate with pale ones.
3 [v] ~ between A and B to keep changing from one thing to another and back again: Her mood alternated between happiness and despair.
al.ter.na.tion noun [U, C]: the alternation of day and night

noun (AmE ) a person who does a job for sb who is away

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,alternating 'current
noun [U, C] (abbr. AC) an electric current that changes its direction at regular intervals many times a second—compare DIRECT CURRENT
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al.ter.na.tive
noun, adj.
noun a thing that you can choose to do or have out of two or more possibilities: You can be paid in cash weekly or by cheque monthly; those are the two alternatives.  We had no alternative but to fire Gibson.  There is a vegetarian alternative on the menu every day.

adj. [only before noun]
1 (also al.ter.nate especially in AmE) that can be used instead of sth else: an alternative method of doing sth  Do you have an alternative solution to the problem?
2 different from the usual or traditional way in which sth is done: alternative comedy / lifestyles / values  alternative energy (= electricity or power that is produced using the energy from the sun, wind, water, etc.)  alternative medicine (= any type of treatment that does not use the usual scientific methods of Western medicine, for example one using herbs instead of artificial drugs)

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al.ter.na.tive.ly
adv. used to introduce a suggestion that is a second choice or possibility: The agency will make travel arrangements for you. Alternatively, you can organize your own transport.
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al.ter.na.tor
noun a device, used especially in a car, that produces an ALTERNATING CURRENT
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al.though
(also AmEinformal altho) conj.
1 used for introducing a statement that makes the main statement in a sentence seem surprising
SYN THOUGH : Although the sun was shining it wasn’t very warm.  Although small, the kitchen is well designed.
2 used to mean ‘but’ or ‘however’ when you are commenting on a statement: I felt he was wrong, although I didn’t say so at the time.
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al.tim.eter
noun an instrument for showing height above sea level, used especially in an aircraft
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al.ti.tude
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the height above sea level: We are flying at an altitude of 6 000 metres.  The plane made a dive to a lower altitude.
2 [C, usually pl., U] a place that is high above sea level: Snow leopards live at high altitudes .  The athletes trained at altitude in Mexico City.
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alto
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-os)
1 (also con.tralto) [C] a singing voice with a lower range than that of a SOPRANO ; a person with an alto voice
2 [sing.] a musical part that is written for an alto voice—compare BARITONE , BASS , COUNTER-TENOR , TENOR

adj. [only before noun] (of a musical instrument) with the second highest range of notes in its group: an alto saxophone—compare SOPRANO , TENOR

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al.together
adv., noun
adv.
1 (used to emphasize sth) completely; in every way: The train went slower and slower until it stopped altogether.  I don’t altogether agree with you.  I am not altogether happy about the decision.  It was an altogether different situation.
2 used to give a total number or amount: You owe me £68 altogether.
3 used to introduce a summary when you have mentioned a number of different things: The food was good and we loved the atmosphere and the people. Altogether it was a great evening.

noun
IDM in the alto'gether (old-fashioned, informal) without any clothes on

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al.tru.ism
noun [U] (formal) the fact of caring about the needs and happiness of other people more than your own
al.tru.is.tic adj.: altruistic behaviour
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alu.min.ium
(BrE ) (AmE alu.mi.num ) noun [U] (symb Al) a chemical element. Aluminium is a light, silver-grey metal used for making pans, etc: aluminium saucepans / window frames  aluminium foil (= for example, for wrapping food)
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alumna
noun (pl.alum.nae ) (formal, especially AmE ) a former woman student of a school, college or university
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alumni
noun [pl.] (especially AmE ) the former male and female students of a school, college or university: Harvard Alumni Association
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alum.nus
noun (pl.alumni ) (formal, especially AmE ) a former male student of a school, college or university
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al.veo.lar
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound made with the tongue touching the part of the mouth behind the upper front teeth, for example or
al.veo.lar adj.
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al.ways
adv.
1 at all times; on every occasion: There’s always somebody at home in the evenings.  Always lock your car whenever you leave it.  She always arrives at 7.30.  The children always seem to be hungry.  We’re not always this busy!
2 for a long time; since you can remember: Pat has always loved gardening.  This is the way we’ve always done it.  This painting is very good—Ellie always was very good at art (= so it is not very surprising).  Did you always want to be an actor?
3 for all future time: I’ll always love you.
4 if you say a person is always doing sth, or sth is always happening, you mean that they do it, or it happens, very often, and that this is annoying: She’s always criticizing me.  That phone’s always ringing.
5 (can / could always …, there’s always …) used to suggest a possible course of action: If it doesn’t fit, you can always take it back.  If he can’t help, there’s always John.
IDM as 'always as usually happens or is expected: As always, Polly was late for school.—more at ONCE adv.
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Alz.heim.er’s dis.ease
(also Alz.heim.er’s) noun [U] a serious disease, especially affecting older people, that prevents the brain from functioning normally and causes loss of memory, loss of ability to speak clearly, etc.
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AM
abbr. amplitude magnification (one of the main methods of broadcasting sound by radio)
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am
BE
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a.m.
(AmE also A.M.) abbr. between midnight and midday (from Latin ‘ante meridiem’): It starts at 10 a.m.—compare P.M.
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amal.gam
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) a mixture or combination of things: The film script is an amalgam of all three books.  an amalgam of several companies and organizations
2 [U] (technical) a mixture of MERCURY and another metal, used especially to fill holes in teeth
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amal.gam.ate
verb ~ (sth) (with / into sth)
1 if two organizations amalgamate or are amalgamated, they join together to form one large organization: [v] The company has now amalgamated with another local firm.  A number of colleges have amalgamated to form the new university.  [vn] The two companies were amalgamated into one.  They decided to amalgamate the two schools.
2 [vn] ~ sth (into / with sth) to put two or more things together so that they form one: This information will be amalgamated with information obtained earlier
amal.gam.ation noun [U, C]: the amalgamation of small farms into larger units
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amass
verb [vn] to collect sth, especially in large quantities: He amassed a fortune from silver mining.
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ama.teur
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who takes part in a sport or other activity for enjoyment or interest, not as a job: The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
2 (usually disapproving) a person who is not skilled: This work was done by a bunch of amateurs!
OPP PROFESSIONAL
ama.teur.ism noun [U]: New regulations on amateurism allow payment for promotional work.

adj.
1 [usually before noun] doing sth for enjoyment or interest, not as a job: an enthusiastic amateur photographer
2 [usually before noun] done for enjoyment or interest, not as a job: amateur athletics
3 = AMATEURISH
OPP PROFESSIONAL

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,amateur dra'matics
noun [U] (BrE ) the activity of producing and acting in plays for the theatre, by people who do it for enjoyment, not as a job
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ama.teur.ish
(also ama.teur) adj. (usually disapproving) not done or made well or with skill: Detectives described the burglary as ‘crude and amateurish’.
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amaze
verb to surprise sb very much: [vn] Just the size of the place amazed her.  [vn wh-] It never ceases to amaze me what some people will do for money.  What amazes me is how long she managed to hide it from us.  [vn (that)] It amazed her that he could be so calm at such a time. [alsovn to inf]
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amazed
adj. ~ (at / by sb/sth)| ~ (how / that … )| ~ (to see, find, learn, etc.) very surprised: an amazed silence  I was amazed at her knowledge of French literature.  We were amazed by his generosity.  I was banging so loudly I’m amazed (that) they didn’t hear me.  She was amazed how little he had changed.  We were amazed to find that no one was hurt.
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amaze.ment
noun [U] a feeling of great surprise: To my amazement , he was able to recite the whole poem from memory.  She looked at him in amazement .
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amaz.ing
adj. very surprising, especially in a way that makes you feel pleasure or admiration: an amazing achievement / discovery / success / performance  That’s amazing, isn’t it?  It’s amazing how quickly people adapt.
amaz.ing.ly adv.: Amazingly, no one noticed.  The meal was amazingly cheap.
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Amazon
noun
1 (in ancient Greek stories) a woman from a tribe of female WARRIORS (= soldiers)
2 (amazon) (literary) a tall strong woman
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am.bas.sador
noun an official who lives in a foreign country as the senior representative there of his or her own country: the British Ambassador to Italy / in Rome  a former ambassador to the UN   (figurative) The best ambassadors for the sport are the players.
am.bas.sador.ial adj.
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amber
noun [U]
1 a hard clear yellowish-brown substance, used in making ornaments or jewellery: amber beads
2 a yellowish-brown colour: The traffic lights were on amber.
amber adj.: amber eyes / lights
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ambi-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) referring to both of two: ambidextrous  ambivalent
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ambi.dex.trous
adj. able to use the left hand or the right hand equally well
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am.bi.ence
(also am.bi.ance) noun [sing.] the character and atmosphere of a place: the relaxed ambience of the city
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am.bi.ent
adj.
1 [only before noun] (technical) relating to the surrounding area; on all sides: ambient temperature / light / conditions
2 (especially of music) creating a relaxed atmosphere: a compilation of ambient electronic music  soft, ambient lighting
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am.bi.gu.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of having more than one possible meaning: Write clear definitions in order to avoid ambiguity.  A lot of humour depends on ambiguity.
2 [C] a word or statement that can be understood in more than one way: There were several inconsistencies and ambiguities in her speech.
3 [C, U] the state of being difficult to understand or explain because of involving many different aspects: You must understand the ambiguity of my position.
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am.bigu.ous
adj.
1 that can be understood in more than one way; having different meanings: an ambiguous word / term / statement  Her account was deliberately ambiguous.
2 not clearly stated or defined: His role has always been ambiguous.
OPP UNAMBIGUOUS
am.bigu.ous.ly adv.: an ambiguously worded agreement
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ambit
noun [sing.] (formal) the range of the authority or influence of sth: This case falls clearly within the ambit of the 1994 act.
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am.bi.tion
noun ~ (to be / do sth)| ~ (of being / doing sth)
1 [C] something that you want to do or achieve very much: She never achieved her ambition of becoming a famous writer.  His burning ambition was to study medicine.  It had been her lifelong ambition .  political / literary / sporting ambitions
2 [U] the desire or determination to be successful, rich, powerful, etc: motivated by personal ambition  She was intelligent but suffered from a lack of ambition.
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am.bi.tious
adj.
1 determined to be successful, rich, powerful, etc: a fiercely ambitious young manager  They were very ambitious for their children (= they wanted them to be successful).
2 needing a lot of effort, money or time to succeed: the government’s ambitious plans for social reform  Jogging every morning? That’s very ambitious, isn’t it?
OPP UNAMBITIOUS
am.bi.tious.ly adv.
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am.biva.lent
adj. ~ (about / towards sb/sth) (written) having or showing both good and bad feelings about sb/sth: She seems to feel ambivalent about her new job.  He has an ambivalent attitude towards her.
am.biva.lence noun [U, sing.] ~ (about / towards sb/sth): There was ambivalence among church members about women becoming priests.  Many people feel some ambivalence towards television and its effect on our lives.
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amble
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk at a slow relaxed speed: We ambled down to the beach.
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am.bu.lance
noun a vehicle with special equipment, used for taking sick or injured people to a hospital: the ambulance service  ambulance staff  Call an ambulance!
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'ambulance chaser
noun (AmE , disapproving, informal) a lawyer who earns money by encouraging people who have been in an accident to make claims in a court of law
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'ambulance man
(also 'ambulance worker) noun (BrE ) a person who drives an AMBULANCE and treats sick or injured people before they are taken to a hospital—compare PARAMEDIC
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am.bush
noun, verb
noun [C, U] the act of hiding and waiting for sb and then making a surprise attack on them: Two soldiers were killed in a terrorist ambush.  They were lying in ambush , waiting for the aid convoy.

verb [vn] to make a surprise attack on sb/sth from a hidden position: The guerrillas ambushed them near the bridge.   (figurative) She was ambushed by reporters and cameramen.

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ameba
(AmE ) = AMOEBA
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ameli.or.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth better: Steps have been taken to ameliorate the situation.
ameli.or.ation noun [U]
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amen
(also Amen) exclamation, noun a word used at the end of prayers and HYMNS , meaning ‘may it be so’: We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.  Amen to that (= I certainly agree with that).
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amen.able
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) (of people) easy to control; willing to be influenced by sb/sth: They had three very amenable children.  He seemed most amenable to my idea.
2 ~ to sth (formal) that you can treat in a particular way: ‘Hamlet’ is the least amenable of all Shakespeare’s plays to being summarized.
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amend
verb [vn] to change a law, document, statement, etc. slightly in order to correct a mistake or to improve it: He asked to see the amended version.
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amend.ment
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (to sth) a small change or improvement that is made to a law or a document; the process of changing a law or a document: to introduce / propose / table an amendment (= to suggest it)  She made several minor amendments to her essay.  Parliament passed the bill without further amendment.
2 (Amendment) [C] a statement of a change to the CONSTITUTION of the US: The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
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amends
noun [pl.]
IDM make amends (to sb) (for sth / for doing sth) to do sth for sb in order to show that you are sorry for sth wrong or unfair that you have done
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amen.ity
noun [usually pl.] (pl.-ies) a feature that makes a place pleasant, comfortable or easy to live in: The campsite is close to all local amenities.  Many of the houses lacked even basic amenities (= for example, baths, showers, hot water).
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Amer.asian
noun a person with one American and one Asian parent
Amer.asian adj.
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Ameri.can
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person from America, especially the US—see also AFRICAN AMERICAN , NATIVE AMERICAN
2 (also A'merican English) the English language as spoken in the US

adj. of or connected with N or S America, especially the US: I’m American.  American culture / tourists
IDM as A,merican as apple 'pie used to say that sth is typical of America

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Ameri.cana
noun [pl.] things connected with the US that are thought to be typical of it
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A,merican 'football
noun [U] (BrE ) (AmEfoot.ball) an American game played by two teams of 11 players, using an OVAL ball which players kick, throw, or carry up and down the playing field. Teams try to put the ball over the other team’s line.
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A,merican 'Indian
noun = NATIVE AMERICAN
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Ameri.can.ism
noun
1 [C] a word, phrase or spelling that is typical of American English, used in another variety of English
2 [U] the essential quality of being American
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Ameri.can.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sb/sth American in character
Ameri.can.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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Amer.in.dian
noun (old-fashioned) = NATIVE AMERICAN
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ameth.yst
noun [C, U] a purple precious stone, used in making jewellery: an amethyst ring
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ami.able
adj. pleasant; friendly and easy to like: an amiable tone of voice  Her parents seemed very amiable.
ami.abil.ity noun [U]
ami.ably adv.: ‘That’s fine,’ he replied amiably.
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am.ic.able
adj. done or achieved in a polite or friendly way and without quarrelling: an amicable relationship  An amicable settlement was reached.
am.ic.ably adv.: The policeman chatted amicably to the bystanders.
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amid
(also mid, amidst ) prep. (formal)
1 in the middle of or during sth, especially sth that causes excitement or fear: He finished his speech amid tremendous applause.  The firm collapsed amid allegations of fraud.
2 surrounded by sth: The hotel was in a beautiful position amid lemon groves.
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amid.ships
adv. (technical ) in or near the middle part of a ship
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amino acid
noun (chemistry ) any of the substances which combine to form PROTEINS
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amiss
adj., adv.
adj. [not before noun] wrong; not as it should be: She sensed something was amiss and called the police.

adv.
IDM not come / go a'miss (BrE) to be useful or pleasant in a particular situation: A little luck wouldn’t go amiss right now! take sth a'miss (BrE) to feel offended by sth, perhaps because you have understood it in the wrong way: Would she take it amiss if I offered to help?

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amity
noun [U] (rare, formal) a friendly relationship between people or countries
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am.meter
noun an instrument for measuring the strength of an electric current
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ammo
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) = AMMUNITION
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am.mo.nia
noun [U] (symb NH3) a colourless gas with a strong smell; a clear liquid containing ammonia , used as a cleaning substance
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am.mu.ni.tion
noun [U]
1 a supply of bullets, etc. to be fired from guns
2 information that can be used against another person in an argument: The letter gave her all the ammunition she needed.
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am.nesia
noun [U] a medical condition in which sb partly or completely loses their memory
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am.nesty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C usually sing, U] an official statement that allows people who have been put in prison for crimes against the state to go free: The president granted a general amnesty for all political prisoners.
2 [C, usually sing.] a period of time during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without being punished: 2 000 knives have been handed in during the month-long amnesty.
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am.nio.cen.tesis
noun [U, sing.] a medical test that involves taking some liquid from a pregnant woman’s WOMB in order to find out if the baby has particular illnesses or health problems
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amoeba
(AmE also ameba) noun (pl.amoe.bas or amoe.bae ) a very small living creature that consists of only one cell
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amok
adv.
IDM run amok to suddenly become very angry or excited and start behaving violently, especially in a public place
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among
(also amongst ) prep.
1 surrounded by sb/sth; in the middle of sb/sth: a house among the trees  They strolled among the crowds.  I found the letter amongst his papers.  It’s OK, you’re among friends now.
2 being included or happening in groups of things or people: A British woman was among the survivors.  He was among the last to leave.  This attitude is common among the under-25s.  ‘What was wrong with the job?’‘Well, the pay wasn’t good, among other things .’  Discuss it among yourselves first (= with each other).
3 used when you are dividing or choosing sth, and three or more people or things are involved: They divided the money up among the children.
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amoral
adj. not following any moral rules and not caring about right and wrong: Guy was greedy, amoral and dishonest.—compare IMMORAL , MORAL
amor.al.ity noun [U]
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am.or.ous
adj. showing sexual desire and love towards sb: Mary rejected Tony’s amorous advances.
am.or.ous.ly adv.
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amorph.ous
adj. [usually before noun] (written) having no definite shape, form or structure: an amorphous mass of cells with no identity at all
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amort.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (business ) to pay back a debt by making small regular payments over a period of time
amort.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
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amount
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 a sum of money: The insurance company will refund any amount due to you.  You will receive a bill for the full amount.
2 ~ (of sth) (used especially with uncountable nouns) a quantity of sth: an amount of time / money / information  We’ve had an enormous amount of help from people.  The server is designed to store huge amounts of data.
IDM any amount of sth a large quantity of sth: There’s been any amount of research into the subject. no amount of sth used for saying that sth will have no effect: No amount of encouragement would make him jump into the pool.

verb
PVR V a'mount to sth
1 to add up to sth; to make sth as a total: His earnings are said to amount to £300 000 per annum.  They gave me some help in the beginning but it did not amount to much (= they did not give me much help).
2 to be equal to or the same as sth: Her answer amounted to a complete refusal.  Their actions amount to a breach of contract.  We were jailed for a week—well, confined to quarters, but it amounted to the same thing .

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amp
noun
1 (also am.pere ) (abbr.A) the unit for measuring electric current: a 13 amp fuse / plug
2 (informal) = AMPLIFIER
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am.per.sand
noun the symbol ( & ) used to mean ‘and’: She works for Bond & Green.
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am.phet.amine
noun [C, U] a drug that makes you feel excited and full of energy. Amphetamines are sometimes taken illegally.
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am.phib.ian
noun any animal that can live both on land and in water. Amphibians have cold blood and skin without scales. FROGS , TOADS and NEWTS are all amphibians .—compare REPTILE —
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am.phibi.ous
adj.
1 able to live both on land and in water
2 (of military operations) involving soldiers landing at a place from the sea
3 suitable for use on land or water: amphibious vehicles
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amphi.theatre
(BrE ) (AmE-ter) noun
1 a circular building without a roof and with rows of seats that rise in steps around an open space. Amphitheatres were used especially in ancient Greece and Rome for public entertainments.
2 a room, hall or theatre with rows of seats that rise in steps
3 (technical) an open space that is surrounded by high land in a circular slope
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ample
adj.
1 enough or more than enough: ample opportunity / evidence / space / proof  There was ample time to get to the airport.  Ample free parking is available.
2 (of a person’s figure) large, often in an attractive way: an ample bosom
amply adv.: His efforts were amply rewarded.
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amp.li.fier
(also informal amp) noun an electrical device or piece of equipment that makes sounds or radio signals louder: a 25 watt amplifier
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amp.lify
verb (amp.li.fies, amp.li.fy.ing, amp.li.fied, amp.li.fied)
1 [vn] to increase sth in strength, especially sound: to amplify a guitar / an electric current / a signal
2 (formal) to add details to a story, statement, etc: [v] She refused to amplify further.  [vn] You may need to amplify this point.
amp.li.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: electronic amplification  That comment needs some amplification.
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amp.li.tude
noun [U, C] (physics ) the greatest distance that a wave, especially a sound or radio wave, VIBRATES (= moves up and down)—picture at WAVELENGTH
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am.poule
(AmE also am.pule) noun a small container, usually made of glass, containing a drug that will be used for an INJECTION
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am.pu.tate
verb to cut off sb’s arm, leg or finger in a medical operation: [vn] He had to have both legs amputated.  [v] They may have to amputate.
am.pu.ta.tion noun [U, C]
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am.pu.tee
noun a person who has had an arm or a leg amputated
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amu.let
noun a piece of jewellery that some people wear because they think it protects them from bad luck, illness, etc.
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amuse
verb
1 [often passive] to make sb laugh or smile: [vn] My funny drawings amused the kids.  This will amuse you.  [vn to inf] It amused him to think that they were probably talking about him at that very moment.
2 [vn] to make time pass pleasantly for sb/yourself: She suggested several ideas to help Laura amuse the twins.  I’m sure I’ll be able to amuse myself for a few hours.
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amused
adj. ~ (at / by sth)| ~ (to see, find, learn, etc.) thinking that sb/sth is funny, so that you smile or laugh: There was an amused look on the President’s face.  We were all amused at his stories.  He was amused to see how seriously she took the game.  Janet was not amused (= she was annoyed or angry).
IDM keep sb a'mused to give sb interesting things to do, or to entertain them so that they do not become bored: Playing with water can keep children amused for hours.
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amuse.ment
noun
1 [U] the feeling that you have when sth is funny or amusing, or it entertains you: She could not hide her amusement at the way he was dancing.  To my amusement he couldn’t get the door open.  Her eyes twinkled with amusement .  His son was a continuous source of amusement and delight to him.
2 [C, usually pl.] a game, an activity, etc. that provides entertainment and pleasure: traditional seaside amusements including boats, go-karts and a funfair
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a'musement arcade
(BrE ) (also ar.cadeAmE, BrE) noun a place where you can play games on machines which you use coins to operate
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a'musement park
noun a large park which has a lot of things that you can ride and play on and many different activities to enjoy
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amus.ing
adj. funny and enjoyable: an amusing story / game / incident  She writes very amusing letters.  I didn’t find the joke at all amusing.
amus.ing.ly adv.
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an
indefinite article  A
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-an, -ana
-IAN-IANA
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ana.bol.ic ster.oid
noun an artificial HORMONE (= a chemical substance) that increases the size of the muscles. It is sometimes taken illegally by people who play sports.—see also STEROID
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an.achron.ism
noun
1 a person, a custom or an idea that seems old-fashioned and does not belong to the present: The monarchy is seen by many people as an anachronism in the modern world.
2 something that is placed, for example in a book or play, in the wrong period of history: The book is full of anachronisms which suggests there were parts rewritten in later centuries.
ana.chron.is.tic adj.
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ana.conda
noun a large S American snake of the BOA family, that crushes other animals to death before eating them
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an.aemia
(BrE ) (AmEan.e.mia) noun [U] a medical condition in which sb has too few red cells in their blood, making them look pale and feel weak
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an.aemic
(BrE ) (AmEan.emic) adj.
1 suffering from anaemia : She looks anaemic.
2 (written) weak and not having much effect: an anaemic performance
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an.aer.obic
adj. (technical ) not needing OXYGEN : anaerobic bacteria
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an.aes.the.sia
(BrE ) (AmEan.es.the.sia ) noun [U]
1 the use of anaesthetic during medical operations
2 (technical) the state of being unable to feel anything, especially pain
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an.aes.thet.ic
(BrE ) (AmEan.es.thet.ic) noun, adj.
noun [C, U] a drug that makes a person or an animal unable to feel anything, especially pain, either in the whole body or in a part of the body: How long will I be under the anaesthetic ?  They gave him a general anaesthetic (= one that makes you lose consciousness).  (a) local anaesthetic (= one that affects only a part of the body)

adj. [only before noun] containing a substance that makes a person or an animal unable to feel pain in all or part of the body: an anaesthetic drug / spray

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an.aes.the.tist
(BrE ) (AmEan.es.the.tist) noun a person who is trained to give anaesthetics to patients
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an.aes.the.tize
(BrE also -ise) (especially BrE ) (AmE usually an.es.the.tize) verb [vn] to make a person unable to feel pain, etc., especially by giving them an anaesthetic before a medical operation
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ana.gram
noun a word or phrase that is made by arranging the letters of another word or phrase in a different order: An anagram of ‘Elvis’ is ‘lives’.
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anal
adj.
1 connected with the ANUS : the anal region
2 (also ,anal-re'tentive) (disapproving) caring too much about small details and about how things are organized
anal.ly adv.
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an.al.gesia
noun [U] (medical ) the loss of the ability to feel pain while still CONSCIOUS
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an.al.gesic
noun (medical ) a substance that reduces pain
SYN PAINKILLER : Aspirin is a mild analgesic.
an.al.gesic adj.: analgesic drugs / effects
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analo.gous
adj. (formal) ~ (to / with sth) similar in some way to another thing or situation and therefore able to be compared with it: Sleep has often been thought of as being in some way analogous to death.
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ana.logue
(BrE ) (AmEana.log) adj., noun
adj. (technical )
1 (of an electronic process) using a continuously changing range of physical quantities to measure or store data: an analogue circuit / computer / signal
2 (BrE also ana.log) (of a clock or watch) showing the time using hands on a DIAL and not with a display of numbers—compare DIGITAL

noun (formal ortechnical ) a thing that is similar to another thing: Scientists are attempting to compare features of extinct animals with living analogues.

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ana.logy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sth) a comparison of one thing with another thing that has similar features; a feature that is similar: The teacher drew an analogy between the human heart and a pump.  There are no analogies with any previous legal cases.
2 [U] the process of comparing one thing with another thing that has similar features in order to explain it: learning by analogy
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,anal-re'tentive
adj. = ANAL
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ana.lyse
(BrE ) (AmEana.lyze) verb
1 to examine the nature or structure of sth, especially by separating it into its parts, in order to understand or explain it: [vn] The job involves gathering and analysing data.  He tried to analyse his feelings.  [v wh-] We need to analyse what went wrong.
2 [vn] = PSYCHOANALYSE
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an.aly.sis
noun (pl.an.aly.ses )
1 [U, C] the detailed study or examination of sth in order to understand more about it; the result of the study: statistical analysis  The book is an analysis of poverty and its causes.
2 [U, C] a careful examination of a substance in order to find out what it consists of: The blood samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis .  You can ask for a chemical analysis of your tap water.
3 [U] = PSYCHOANALYSIS : In analysis the individual resolves difficult emotional conflicts.
IDM in the ,final / ,last a'nalysis used to say what is most important after everything has been discussed, or considered: In the final analysis, humour is a matter of individual interpretation.
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ana.lyst
noun
1 a person whose job involves examining facts or materials in order to give an opinion on them: a political / food analyst  City analysts forecast pre-tax profits of £40 billion this year.—see also SYSTEMS ANALYST
2 = PSYCHOANALYST
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ana.lyt.ic.al
() (also ana.lyt.ic ) adj.
1 using a logical method of thinking about sth in order to understand it, especially by looking at all the parts separately: She has a clear analytical mind.  an analytic approach to the problem
2 using scientific analysis in order to find out about sth: analytical methods of research  analytical chemistry
ana.lyt.ic.al.ly adv.
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ana.lyze
(AmE ) = ANALYSE
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an.arch.ism
noun [U] the political belief that laws and governments are not necessary
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an.arch.ist
noun a person who believes that laws and governments are not necessary
an.arch.is.tic adj.
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an.archy
noun [U] a situation in a country, an organization, etc. in which there is no government, order or control: The overthrow of the military regime was followed by a period of anarchy.  There was complete anarchy in the classroom when their usual teacher was away.
an.arch.ic (also less frequent an.arch.ic.al ) adj.
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anath.ema
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal) a thing or an idea which you hate because it is the opposite of what you believe: Racial prejudice is (an) anathema to me.
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anato.mist
noun a scientist who studies anatomy
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anat.omy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the scientific study of the structure of human or animal bodies: the department of anatomy and physiology
2 [C, U] the structure of an animal or a plant: the anatomy of the horse  human anatomy
3 [C] (humorous) a person’s body: Various parts of his anatomy were clearly visible.
4 [C] (formal) an examination of what sth is like, the way it works or why it happens: an anatomy of the current recession
ana.tom.ical adj.: anatomical diagrams
ana.tom.ic.al.ly adv.
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-ance, -ence
suffix (in nouns) the action or state of: assistance  confidence
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an.ces.tor
noun
1 a person in your family who lived a long time ago: His ancestors had come to America from Ireland.
SYN FOREBEAR
2 an animal that lived in the past which a modern animal has developed from: a reptile that was the common ancestor of lizards and turtles
3 an early form of a machine which later became more developed
SYN FORERUNNER : The ancestor of the modern bicycle was called a penny-farthing.—compare DESCENDANT
an.ces.tral adj.: her ancestral home (= that had belonged to her ancestors and that she had inherited from them)
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an.ces.try
noun [C usually sing, U] (pl.-ies) the family or the race of people that you are descended from: to have Scottish ancestry  He was able to trace his ancestry back over 1 000 years.
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an.chor
noun, verb
noun
1 a heavy metal object that is attached to a rope or chain and dropped over the side of a ship or boat to keep it in one place: to drop anchor   The ship lay at anchor two miles off the rocky coast.  We weighed anchor (= pulled it out of the water).
2 (written) a person or thing that gives sb a feeling of safety: the anchor of the family
3 (especially AmE) = ANCHORMAN , ANCHORWOMAN

verb
1 to lower an anchor from a boat or ship in order to prevent it from moving away: [v] We anchored off the coast of Spain. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to fix sth firmly in position so that it cannot move: Make sure the table is securely anchored.
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in / to sth) to firmly base sth on sth else: Her novels are anchored in everyday experience.
4 (AmE ) to be the person who introduces reports or reads the news on television or radio: [vn] She anchored the evening news for seven years. [alsov]

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an.chor.age
noun [C, U]
1 a place where ships or boats can anchor
2 a place where sth can be fastened to sth else: anchorage points for a baby’s car seat
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an.chor.man, an.chor.woman
nouns (pl.-men ) (-women ) (also an.chor especially in AmE) a man or woman who presents a radio or television programme and introduces reports by other people
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an.chovy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) a small fish with a strong salty flavour: a pizza topped with cheese and anchovies
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an.cient
adj.
1 belonging to a period of history that is thousands of years in the past: ancient history / civilization  ancient Greece
2 very old; having existed for a very long time: an ancient oak tree  ancient monuments   (humorous) He’s ancient—he must be at least fifty!
3 (the ancients) noun [pl.] the people who lived in ancient times, especially the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans
an.cient.ly adv. (rare): The area where the market was anciently held (= in ancient times).
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an.cil.lary
adj. ~ (to sth)
1 providing necessary support to the main work or activities of an organization: ancillary staff / services / equipment  Ancillary workers in the health service such as cooks and cleaners are often badly paid.
2 in addition to sth else but not as important: ancillary rights under the law
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-ancy, -ency
suffix (in nouns) the state or quality of: expectancy  complacency
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and
conj. (used to connect words or parts of sentences)
1 also; in addition to: bread and butter  a table, two chairs and a desk  Sue and I left early.  Do it slowly and carefully.  Can he read and write?  I cooked lunch. And I made a cake. (= you are emphasizing how much you have done)
HELP When and is used in common phrases connecting two things or people that are closely linked, the determiner is not usually repeated before the second: a knife and fork  my father and mother, but a knife and a spoon  my father and my uncle.
2 added to PLUS : 5 and 5 makes 10.  What’s 47 and 16?
HELP When numbers (but not dates) are spoken, and is used between the hundreds and the figures that follow: 2 264—two thousand, two hundred and sixty-four, but 1964—nineteen sixty-four.
3 then; following this: She came in and took her coat off.
4 go, come, try, stay, etc. ~ used before a verb instead of to, to show purpose: Go and get me a pen please.  I’ll come and see you soon.  We stopped and bought some bread.
HELP In this structure try can only be used in the infinitive or to tell somebody what to do.
5 used to introduce a comment or a question: ‘We talked for hours.’‘And what did you decide?’
6 as a result: Miss another class and you’ll fail.
7 used between repeated words to show that sth is repeated or continuing: He tried and tried but without success.  The pain is getting worse and worse.
8 used between repeated words to show that there are important differences between things or people of the same kind: I like city life but there are cities and cities.—see also AND / OR
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an.dante
noun (music ) a piece of music to be played fairly slowly
an.dante adv., adj.
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and / or
conj. (informal) used when you say that two situations exist together, or as an ALTERNATIVE to each other: There is no help for those with lots of luggage and / or small children.
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an.drogy.nous
adj. having both male and female characteristics; looking neither strongly male nor strongly female
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an.droid
noun a ROBOT that looks like a real person
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an.ec.dotal
adj. based on anecdotes and possibly not true or accurate: anecdotal evidence
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an.ec.dote
noun [C, U]
1 a short, interesting or amusing story about a real person or event: amusing anecdotes about his brief career as an actor
2 a personal account of an event: This research is based on anecdote not fact.
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an.emia, an.emic
(AmE ) = ANAEMIA , ANAEMIC
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anem.one
noun a small plant with white, red, blue or purple flowers that are shaped like cups and have dark centres—see also SEA ANEMONE
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an.es.the.sia, an.es.thet.ican.es.the.tistan.es.the.tize
(AmE ) = ANAESTHESIA , ANAESTHETIC , ANAESTHETIST , ANAESTHETIZE
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an.es.the.sio.logist
noun (AmE ) a doctor who studies the use of anaesthetics
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anew
adv. (written) if sb does sth anew, they do it again from the beginning or do it in a different way: They started life anew thousands of miles away.
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angel
noun
1 a spirit who is believed to be a messenger or servant of God. Angels are often shown dressed in white, with wings.—see also GUARDIAN ANGEL
2 a person who is very good and kind; a child who behaves well: John is no angel , believe me (= he does not behave well).  Mary’s children are little angels.
3 (informal) used when you are talking to sb and you are grateful to them: Thanks Dad, you’re an angel .  Be an angel and make me a cup of coffee.
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an.gel.ic
adj. good, kind or beautiful; like an angel : an angelic smile
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an.gel.ica
noun [U] pieces of a plant with a sweet smell, that have been boiled in sugar and are used to decorate cakes
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an.gelus
(also the Angelus) noun [sing.] (in the Roman Catholic Church) prayers said in the morning, at midday and in the evening; a bell rung when it is time for these prayers
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anger
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (at sb/sth) the strong feeling that you have when sth has happened that you think is bad and unfair: He was filled with anger at the way he had been treated.  Jan slammed her fist on the desk in anger .  the growing anger and frustration of young unemployed people

verb [vn] [often passive] to make sb angry: The question clearly angered him.

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an.gina
noun [U] (medical ) severe pain in the chest caused by a low supply of blood to the heart during exercise because the ARTERIES are partly blocked
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angle
noun, verb
noun
1 the space between two lines or surfaces that join, measured in degrees: a 45° angle—see also ACUTE ANGLE , OBTUSE ANGLE , RIGHT ANGLE , WIDE-ANGLE LENS
2 the direction that sth is leaning or pointing in when it is not in a vertical or horizontal line: The tower of Pisa leans at an angle .  The plane was coming in at a steep angle.  His hair was sticking up at all angles.
3 a position from which you look at sth: The photo was taken from an unusual angle.
4 a particular way of presenting or thinking about a situation, problem, etc: We’re looking for a new angle for our next advertising campaign.  You can look at the issue from many different angles.  The article concentrates on the human angle (= the part that concerns people’s emotions) of the story.

verb
1 [vn] to move or place sth so that it is not straight or not directly facing sb/sth: He angled his chair so that he could sit and watch her.
2 [vn] to present information, a report, etc. from a particular point of view or for a particular audience: The programme is angled towards younger viewers.
3 (usually go angling) [v] to catch fish with a line and a hook
PVR V 'angle for sth to try to get a particular reaction or response from sb, without directly asking for what you want: It was obvious she was angling for sympathy.

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'angle bracket
noun [usually pl.] one of a pair of marks, < >, used to enclose words or figures to separate them from the text around them
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ang.ler
noun a person who catches fish (= goes angling) as a hobby—compare FISHERMAN
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An.gli.can
noun a member of the Church of England or of a Church connected with it in another country
An.gli.can adj.: the Anglican Church
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An.gli.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sb/sth English in character: Gutmann anglicized his name to Goodman.
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an.gling
noun [U] (BrE ) the art or sport of catching fish with a fishing rod, usually in rivers and lakes rather than in the sea
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Anglo-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) English or British: Anglo-American  Anglophile
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,Anglo-'Catholic
noun a member of the part of the Church of England that is most similar to the Roman Catholic Church in its beliefs and practices
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Anglo.phile
noun a person who is not British but who likes Britain or British things very much
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anglo.phone
noun a person who speaks English, especially in countries where English is not the only language that is spoken
anglo.phone adj.: anglophone communities
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,Anglo-'Saxon
noun
1 [C] a person whose ancestors were English
2 [C] an English person of the period before the Norman Conquest
3 [U] OLD ENGLISH
,Anglo-'Saxon adj.: Anglo-Saxon kings
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an.gora
noun
1 [C] a breed of cat, goat or rabbit that has long smooth hair
2 [U] a type of soft wool or fabric made from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit: an angora sweater
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an.gos.tura
noun [U] a bitter liquid, flavoured with the bark of a tropical tree, that is used to give flavour to alcoholic drinks
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angry
adj. (an.grier, an.gri.est)
HELP You can also use more angry and most angry.
1 ~ (with / at sb) (at / about sth) having strong feelings about sth that you dislike very much or about an unfair situation: Please don’t be angry with me. It wasn’t my fault.  The passengers grew angry about the delay.  He felt angry at the injustice of the situation.  Thousands of angry demonstrators filled the square.  The comments provoked an angry response from union leaders.  I was very angry with myself for making such a stupid mistake.  Her behaviour really made me angry .
2 (literary) (of the sea or the sky) dark and STORMY
3 (literary) (of a wound) red and infected
an.grily adv.: Some senators reacted angrily to the President’s remarks.  He swore angrily.
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angst
noun [U] (from German ) a feeling of anxiety and worry about a situation, or about your life: songs full of teenage angst
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an.guish
noun [U] (formal) severe pain, mental suffering or unhappiness: He groaned in anguish.  Tears of anguish filled her eyes.
an.guished adj.: anguished cries  an anguished letter from her prison cell
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an.gu.lar
adj.
1 (written) (of a person) thin and without much flesh so that the bones are noticeable: an angular face  a tall angular woman
2 having angles or sharp corners: an abstract design of large angular shapes
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ani.mal
noun, adj.
noun
1 a creature that is not a bird, a fish, a reptile, an insect or a human being: the animals and birds of South America  a small furry animal  Fish oils are less saturated than animal fats.  domestic animals such as dogs and cats
2 any living being that is not a plant or a human: the animal kingdom  This product has not been tested on animals.  animal rights (= the rights of animals to be treated well by human beings)
3 any living creature, including human beings: Humans are the only animals to have developed speech.—compare VEGETABLE
4 a person who behaves in a cruel or unpleasant way, or who is very dirty: The person who did this is an animal, a brute.
5 a particular type of person, thing, organization, etc: She’s not a political animal.  The government which followed the election was a very different animal.—see also DUMB ANIMALS , HIGHER ANIMALS

adj. [only before noun] relating to the physical needs and basic feelings of people: animal desires / passion / instincts  animal magnetism (= a quality in sb that other people find attractive, usually in a sexual way)

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,animal 'husbandry
noun [U] (technical ) farming that involves keeping animals to produce food
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an.im.ate
verb, adj.
verb [vn]
1 to make sth more lively or full of energy: A smile suddenly animated her face.
2 [usually passive] to make models, toys, etc. seem to move in a film/movie by rapidly showing slightly different pictures of them in a series, one after another

adj. (formal) living; having life: animate beings
OPP INANIMATE

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ani.mated
adj.
1 full of interest and energy
SYN LIVELY : an animated discussion / conversation  Her face suddenly became animated.
2 (of pictures, drawings, etc. in a film) made to look as if they are moving: animated cartoons / graphics / models
ani.mated.ly adv.: People were talking animatedly.
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ani.ma.tion
noun
1 [U] energy and enthusiasm in the way you look, behave or speak: His face was drained of all colour and animation.—see also SUSPENDED ANIMATION
2 [U] the process of making films/movies, videos and computer games in which drawings or models of people and animals seem to move: computer / cartoon animation
3 [C] a film/movie in which drawings of people and animals seem to move: The electronic dictionary included some animations.
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ani.ma.tor
noun a person who makes animated films
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ani.mos.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) ~ (toward(s) sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) a strong feeling of opposition, anger or hatred
SYN HOSTILITY : He felt no animosity towards his critics.  personal animosities between members of the two groups
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ani.mus
noun [U, sing.] ~ (against sb/sth) (formal) a strong feeling of opposition, anger or hatred
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anise
noun [U] a plant with seeds that smell sweet
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ani.seed
noun [U] the dried seeds of the anise plant, used to give flavour to alcoholic drinks and sweets/candy
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ankle
noun the joint connecting the foot to the leg: to sprain / break your ankle  My ankles have swollen.  We found ourselves ankle-deep in water.  ankle socks / boots (= that cover the ankle)—picture at BODY
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ank.let
noun a piece of jewellery worn around the ankle—picture at JEWELLERY
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annals
noun [pl.]
1 an official record of events or activities year by year; historical records: His deeds went down in the annals of British history.
2 used in the title of academic JOURNALS : Annals of Science, vol. viii
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an.neal
verb [vn] (technical ) to heat metal or glass and allow it to cool slowly, in order to make it harder
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annex
verb [vn] to take control of a country, region, etc., especially by force: Germany annexed Austria in 1938.
an.nex.ation noun [U, C]
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an.nexe
(BrE ) (also annexAmE, BrE) noun
1 a building that is added to, or is near, a larger one and that provides extra living or work space: Our rooms were in the annexe.
2 (formal) an extra section of a document
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an.ni.hi.late
verb [vn]
1 to destroy sb/sth completely: The human race has enough weapons to annihilate itself.
2 to defeat sb/sth completely: She annihilated her opponent, who failed to win a single game.
an.ni.hi.la.tion noun [U]: the annihilation of the whole human race
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an.ni.ver.sary
noun (pl.-ies) a date that is an exact number of years after the date of an important or special event: on the anniversary of his wife’s death  to celebrate your wedding anniversary  the theatre’s 25th anniversary celebrations
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an.no.tate
verb [vn] to add notes to a book or text, giving explanations or comments
an.no.ta.tion noun [C, U]: It will be published with annotations and index.
an.no.tated adj.: an annotated edition
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an.nounce
verb
1 ~ (sth) (to sb) to tell people sth officially, especially about a decision, plans, etc: [vn] They haven’t formally announced their engagement yet.  The government yesterday announced to the media plans to create a million new jobs.   (figurative) A ring at the doorbell announced the late arrival of Jack.
HELP You cannot ‘announce somebody something’: They announced us their decision. [v that] We are pleased to announce that all five candidates were successful.  [vn that] It was announced that new speed restrictions would be introduced. [alsov wh-]
2 to give information about sth in a public place, especially through a LOUDSPEAKER : [vn] Has our flight been announced yet?  [v that] They announced that the flight would be delayed. [alsov speech]
3 to say sth in a loud and/or serious way: [v speech] ‘I’ve given up smoking,’ she announced.  [v that] She announced that she’d given up smoking. [alsovn]
4 [vn] ~ yourself / sb to tell sb your name or sb else’s name when you or they arrive at a place: Would you announce the guests as they arrive? (= call out their names, for example at a formal party)
5 [vn] to introduce, or give information about, a programme on radio or television
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an.nounce.ment
noun
1 [C] a spoken or written statement that informs people about sth: Today’s announcement of a peace agreement came after weeks of discussion.  Announcements of births, marriages and deaths appear in some newspapers.
2 [U] the act of publicly informing people about sth: Announcement of the verdict was accompanied by shouts and cheers.
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an.noun.cer
noun
1 a person who introduces, or gives information about, programmes on radio or television
2 a person who gives information about sth in a station, an airport, etc., especially through a LOUDSPEAKER
3 (AmE) = PRESENTER
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annoy
verb
1 to make sb slightly angry IRRITATE : [vn] His constant joking was beginning to annoy her.  It really annoys me when people forget to say thank you.  [vn to inf] It annoys me to see him getting ahead of me.
2 [vn] to make sb uncomfortable or unable to relax
SYN BOTHER : He swatted a fly that was annoying him.
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an.noy.ance
noun
1 [U] the feeling of being slightly angry: He could not conceal his annoyance at being interrupted.  Much to our annoyance, they decided not to come after all.  She stamped her foot in annoyance .
2 [C] something that makes you slightly angry
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annoy.ed
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (with sb) (at / about sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ to find, see, etc. slightly angry: He was beginning to get very annoyed with me about my carelessness.  I was annoyed with myself for giving in so easily.  I bet she was annoyed at having to write it out again.  I was annoyed that they hadn’t turned up.  He was annoyed to find himself going red.
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annoy.ing
adj. making sb feel slightly angry
SYN IRRITATING : This interruption is very annoying.  Her most annoying habit was eating with her mouth open.
an.noy.ing.ly adv.
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an.nual
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 happening or done once every year: an annual meeting / event / report
2 relating to a period of one year: an annual income / subscription / budget  an average annual growth rate of 8%  annual rainfall—compare BIANNUAL

noun
1 a book, especially one for children, that is published once a year, with the same title each time, but different contents
2 any plant that grows and dies within one year or season—compare BIENNIAL n. , PERENNIAL n.

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an.nu.al.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (technical ) calculated for a period of a year but based on the amounts for a shorter period
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an.nu.al.ly
adv. once a year: The exhibition is held annually.
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an.nu.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a fixed amount of money paid to sb each year, usually for the rest of their life
2 a type of insurance that pays a fixed amount of money to sb each year
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annul
verb (-ll-) [vn] to state officially that sth is no longer legally valid: Their marriage was annulled after just six months.
an.nul.ment noun [C, U]
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an.nun.ci.ation
noun [sing.] (the Annunciation) (in the Christian religion) the occasion when Mary was told that she was to be the mother of Christ, celebrated on 25 March
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anode
noun (technical ) the point (or TERMINAL ) in a battery or other electrical device where the electric current enters.—compare CATHODE
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ano.dyne
adj. (formal) unlikely to cause disagreement or offend anyone; not expressing strong opinions
SYN BLAND
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anoint
verb ~ sb/sth (with sth) to put oil or water on sb’s head as part of a religious ceremony: [vn] The priest anointed her with oil. [alsovn-n]
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anom.al.ous
adj. (formal) different from what is normal or expected: He is in an anomalous position as the only part-time worker in the firm.
anom.al.ous.ly adv.
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anom.aly
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (in sth) a thing, situation, etc. that is different from what is normal or expected: the many anomalies in the tax system  the apparent anomaly that those who produced the wealth, the workers, were the poorest
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anon
adv. (old-fashioned or literary) soon: See you anon.
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anon.
abbr. ANONYMOUS
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ano.nym.ity
noun [U] the state of remaining unknown to most other people: Names of people in the documentary were changed to preserve anonymity.  the anonymity of the big city (= where people do not know each other)   (especially AmE ) He agreed to give an interview on condition of anonymity (= if his name was not mentioned).
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an.onym.ous
adj.
1 (of a person) with a name that is not known or that is not made public: an anonymous donor / caller / buyer / benefactor / source  The money was donated by a local businessman who wishes to remain anonymous .
2 (abbr.anon.) written, given, made, etc. by sb who does not want their name to be known or made public: an anonymous letter / gift
3 (written) without any unusual or interesting features: long stretches of dull and anonymous countryside
an.onym.ous.ly adv.
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ano.rak
noun
1 (especially BrE) a short coat with a HOOD that is worn as protection against rain, wind and cold—
2 (BrE, informal) a person who spends so much of their time learning facts or collecting things that most other people think they are boring
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an.or.exia
(also an.or.exia ner.vosa ) noun [U] an emotional disorder, especially affecting young women, in which there is an ABNORMAL fear of being fat, causing the person to stop eating, leading to dangerous weight loss—compare BULIMIA
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an.or.exic
noun a person who is suffering from anorexia
an.or.exic adj.: She’s anorexic.
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an.other
det., pron.
1 one more; an extra thing or person: Would you like another drink?  ‘Finished?’‘No, I’ve got another three questions to do.’  We’ve still got another (= a further) forty miles to go.  ‘It’s a bill.’‘Oh no, not another!’  I got another of those calls yesterday.—compare OTHER
HELP Another can be followed by a singular noun, by of and a plural noun, or by a number and a plural noun.
2 different; a different person or thing: Let’s do it another time.  We need another computer (= a new one).  We can try that—but whether it’ll work is another matter .  The room’s too small. Let’s see if they’ve got another one .  I don’t like this room. I’m going to ask for another.
3 a person or thing of a very similar type: She’s going to be another Kate Moss (= as famous as her).  There’ll never be another like him.—see also ONE ANOTHER
IDM of one kind, sort, etc. or a'nother used when you are referring to various types of a thing, without saying exactly what you mean: We’ve all got problems of one kind or another.—more at ONE
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an.swer
noun, verb
noun ~ (to sth)
1 something that you say, write or do to react to a question or situation: I can’t easily give an answer to your question.  Have you had an answer to your letter?  As if in answer to our prayers, she offered to lend us £10 000.  I rang the bell, but there was no answer.  She had no answer to the accusations.
2 something that you write or say in reply to a question in a test, an exam, an exercise, etc.; the correct reply to a question in a test, etc: Write your answers on the sheet provided.  Do you know the answer to question 12? (= the right one)
3 a solution to a problem: There is no easy answer.  This could be the answer to all our problems.  The obvious answer would be to cancel the party.
4 a person or thing from one place that may be thought to be as good as a famous person or thing from another place: The new theme park will be Britain’s answer to Disneyland.
IDM have / know all the 'answers (informal, often disapproving) to be confident that you know sth, especially when you actually do not: He thinks he knows all the answers.—more at NO exclam.

verb
1 to say, write or do sth as a reaction to a question or situation
SYN REPLY : [v] I repeated the question, but she didn’t answer.  [vn] You haven’t answered my question .  to answer a letter / an advertisement  to answer the phone (= to pick up the phone when it rings)  to answer the door (= to open the door when sb knocks / rings)  My prayers have been answered (= I have got what I wanted).  He refused to answer the charges against him.  Come on, answer me! Where were you?  He answered me with a smile.  [v speech] ‘I’d prefer to walk,’ she answered.  [vn speech] ‘I’d prefer to walk,’ she answered him.  [v that] She answered that she would prefer to walk.  [vnn] Answer me this: how did they know we were here? [alsovn that]
2 [vn] (formal) to be suitable for sth; to match sth: Does this answer your requirements?
IDM answer to the name of sth (especially of a pet animal) to be called sth—more at DESCRIPTION
PVR V ,answer 'back to defend yourself against criticism: He was given the chance to answer back in a radio interview. ,answer 'back| ,answer sb 'back to speak rudely to sb in authority, especially when they are criticizing you or telling you to do sth: Don’t answer back!  Stop answering your mother back! 'answer for sth
1 to accept responsibility or blame for sth: You will have to answer for your behaviour one day.  This government has a lot to answer for (= is responsible for a lot of bad things).
2 to promise that sb has a particular quality or can be relied on to do sth: I can answer for her honesty. 'answer for sb (usually in negative sentences) to say that sb else will do sth or have a particular opinion: I agree, but I can’t answer for my colleagues. 'answer to sb (for sth) to have to explain your actions or decisions to sb: All sales clerks answer to the store manager.

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an.swer.able
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ to sb (for sth) having to explain your actions to sb in authority over you: She was a free agent, answerable to no one for her behaviour.
2 [not before noun] ~ (for sth) responsible for sth and ready to accept punishment or criticism for it: Ministers must be made answerable for their decisions.
3 (of a question) that can be answered
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'answering machine
(BrE also an.swer.phone ) noun a machine which you connect to your telephone to answer your calls and record any message left by the person calling: I called several times, but only got the answering machine.
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an.swer.phone
noun (BrE ) = ANSWERING MACHINE : She left her name and number on his answerphone.
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ant
noun a small insect that lives in highly organized groups. There are many types of ant : an ants' nest  an ant colony——see also ANTHILL
IDM have 'ants in your pants (informal) to be very excited or impatient about sth and unable to stay still
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-ant, -ent
suffix
1 (in adjectives) that is or does sth: different  significant
2 (in nouns) a person or thing that: inhabitant  deterrent
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ant.acid
noun a medicine that prevents or corrects ACIDITY , especially in the stomach
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an.tag.on.ism
noun [U, pl.] ~ (to / toward(s) sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) (written) feelings of hatred and opposition: The antagonism he felt towards his old enemy was still very strong.  the racial antagonisms in society
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an.tag.on.ist
noun (formal) a person who strongly opposes sb/sth
SYN OPPONENT
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an.tag.on.is.tic
adj. ~ (to / toward(s) sb/sth) (formal) showing or feeling opposition
SYN HOSTILE
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an.tag.on.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to do sth to make sb angry with you: Not wishing to antagonize her further, he said no more.
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Ant.arc.tic
noun [sing.] (the Antarctic) the regions of the world around the South Pole
Ant.arc.tic adj. [only before noun]: Antarctic explorers—compare ARCTIC
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the An,tarctic 'Circle
noun [sing.] the line of LATITUDE 66° 30′ South—compare ARCTIC
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ante
noun [sing.]
IDM raise / up the 'ante to increase the level of sth, especially demands or sums of money: His ex-wife has upped the ante in her alimony suit against him.
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ante-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives and verbs) before; in front of: ante-room  antenatal  antedate—compare POST- , PRE-
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ant.eat.er
noun an animal with a long nose and tongue that eats ANTS
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ante.ce.dent
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] (formal) a thing or an event that exists or comes before another, and may have influenced it
2 (antecedents) [pl.] (formal) the people in sb’s family who lived a long time ago
SYN ANCESTORS
3 [C] (grammar) a word or phrase to which the following word, especially a pronoun, refers: In ‘He grabbed the ball and threw it in the air’, ‘ball’ is the antecedent of ‘it’.

adj. (formal) previous: antecedent events

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ante.cham.ber
noun (formal) = ANTE-ROOM
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ante.date
verb [vn] = PRE-DATE
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ante.di.lu.vian
adj. (formal or humorous) very old-fashioned
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ante.lope
noun (pl.ante.lope or ante.lopes) an African animal like a deer, that runs very fast. There are many types of antelope .
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ante.natal
(BrE ) (also pre.natalAmE, BrE) adj. [only before noun] relating to the medical care given to pregnant women: antenatal care / classes / screening  an antenatal clinic—compare POSTNATAL
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an.tenna
noun
1 (pl.an.ten.nae ) either of the two long thin parts on the heads of some insects and some animals that live in shells, used to feel and touch things with
SYN FEELER : (figurative) The minister was praised for his acute political antennae (= ability to understand complicated political situations).—
2 (pl.an.ten.nas or an.ten.nae) (especially AmE) = AERIAL : radio antennas—picture at HOUSE
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an.ter.ior
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) (of a part of the body) at or near the front
OPP POSTERIOR
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'ante-room
(also formal ante.cham.ber) noun a room where people can wait before entering a larger room, especially in a palace or an important public building
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an.them
noun
1 a song which has a special importance for a country or an organization and is sung on special occasions: The European anthem was played at the opening and closing ceremonies.—see also NATIONAL ANTHEM
2 a short religious song for a CHOIR (= a group of singers), often with an ORGAN
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an.ther
noun (technical ) the part of a flower at the top of a STAMEN that produces POLLEN
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ant.hill
noun a pile of earth formed by ANTS over their nests
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an.thol.ogy
noun (pl.-ies) a collection of poems, stories, letters, etc. that have been written by different people and published together in a book
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an.thra.cite
noun [U] a very hard type of coal that burns slowly without producing a lot of smoke or flames
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an.thrax
noun [U] a serious disease that affects sheep and cows and sometimes people, and can cause death
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an.thro.po-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with human beings: anthropology
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an.thro.poid
adj., noun (technical )
adj. (of an APE ) looking like a human

noun any type of APE that is similar to a human

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an.thro.polo.gist
noun a person who studies anthropology
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an.thro.pol.ogy
noun [U] the study of the human race, especially of its origins, development, customs and beliefs
an.thro.po.logic.al adj.
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an.thro.po.morph.ic
adj. (of beliefs or ideas) treating gods, animals or objects as if they had human qualities
an.thro.po.morph.ism noun [U]
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anti
prep. (informal) if sb is anti sb/sth, they do not like or agree with that person or thing
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anti-
prefix (in nouns and adjectives)
1 opposed to; against: anti-tank weapons  antisocial—compare PRO-
2 the opposite of: anti-hero  anticlimax
3 preventing: antifreeze
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,anti-'aircraft
adj. [only before noun] designed to destroy enemy aircraft: anti-aircraft fire / guns / missiles
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anti.bi.ot.ic
noun [usually pl.] a substance, for example PENICILLIN , that can destroy or prevent the growth of bacteria and cure infections: The doctor put her on antibiotics (= told her to take them).
anti.bi.ot.ic adj.: an antibiotic drug  effective antibiotic treatment
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anti.body
noun (pl.-ies) a substance that the body produces in the blood to fight disease
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,anti-'choice
adj. (AmE , disapproving) against giving women the right to have an ABORTION —compare PRO-CHOICE
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Anti.christ
(usually the Antichrist) noun [sing.] (in Christianity) the devil; Christ’s greatest enemy
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an.tici.pate
verb
1 to expect sth: [vn] We don’t anticipate any major problems.  [v -ing] They anticipate moving to bigger premises by the end of the year.  [vn -ing] I don’t anticipate it being a problem.  [v that] We anticipate that sales will rise next year.  [vn that] It is anticipated that inflation will stabilize at 3%.
2 to see what might happen in the future and take action to prepare for it: [vn] We need someone who can anticipate and respond to changes in the fashion industry.  [v wh-] Try and anticipate what the interviewers will ask. [alsov that]
3 to think with pleasure and excitement about sth that is going to happen: [vn] We eagerly anticipated the day we would leave school. [alsov -ing, vn -ing]
4 (formal) to do sth before it can be done by sb else: [vn] When Scott reached the South Pole he found that Amundsen had anticipated him. [alsovn -ing]
an.tici.pa.tory adj. (formal): a fast anticipatory movement by the goalkeeper
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an.tici.pa.tion
noun [U]
1 the fact of seeing that sth might happen in the future and perhaps doing sth about it now: He bought extra food in anticipation of more people coming than he’d invited.
2 a feeling of excitement about sth (usually sth good) that is going to happen: happy / eager / excited anticipation  The courtroom was filled with anticipation.
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anti.cli.max
noun [C, U] a situation that is disappointing because it happens at the end of sth that was much more exciting, or because it is not as exciting as you expected: Travelling in Europe was something of an anticlimax after the years he’d spent in Africa.  a sense / feeling of anticlimax—compare CLIMAX
anti.cli.mac.tic adj.
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anti.clock.wise
(BrE ) (AmE coun.ter.clock.wise) adv., adj. in the opposite direction to the movement of the hands of a clock: Turn the key anticlockwise / in an anticlockwise direction.
OPP CLOCKWISE
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anti.coagu.lant
noun (medical ) a substance that stops the blood from becoming thick and forming CLOTS
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antics
noun [pl.]
1 behaviour which is silly and funny in a way that people usually like: The bank staff got up to all sorts of antics to raise money for charity.
2 behaviour which is ridiculous or dangerous
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anti.cyc.lone
noun an area of high air pressure that produces calm weather conditions with clear skies—compare DEPRESSION
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anti.depres.sant
noun a drug used to treat DEPRESSION
anti.depres.sant adj. [only before noun]: antidepressant drugs
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anti.dote
noun ~ (to sth)
1 a substance that controls the effects of a poison or disease: There is no known antidote to the poison produced by the fish.
2 anything that takes away the effects of sth unpleasant: A Mediterranean cruise was the perfect antidote to a long cold winter.
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anti.freeze
noun [U] a chemical that is added to the water in the RADIATOR of cars and other vehicles to stop it from freezing
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anti.gen
noun (medical ) a substance that enters the body and can cause disease. The body then usually produces ANTIBODIES to fight the antigens .
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'anti-hero
noun the main character in a story, but one who does not have the qualities of a typical HERO , and is either more like an ordinary person or is very unpleasant
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anti.his.ta.mine
noun [C, U] a drug used to treat ALLERGIES , especially HAY FEVER . There are several types of antihistamine : antihistamine cream / injections / shots
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'anti-lock
adj. [only before noun] anti-lockBRAKES stop the wheels of a vehicle locking if you have to stop suddenly, and so make the vehicle easier to control: an anti-lock braking system or ABS
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an.tim.ony
noun [U] (symb Sb) a chemical element. Antimony is a silver-white metal that breaks easily, used especially in making ALLOYS .
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an.tip.athy
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (pl.-ies) ~ (between A and B)| ~ (to / toward(s) sb/sth) (formal) a strong feeling of dislike: personal / mutual / general antipathy  a growing antipathy towards the idea
anti.path.et.ic adj.~ (to sb/sth): antipathetic to change
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,anti-person'nel
adj. [only before noun] (of weapons) designed to kill or injure people, not to destroy buildings or vehicles, etc.
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anti.per.spir.ant
noun [U, C] a substance that people use, especially under their arms, to prevent or reduce sweat—see also DEODORANT
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An.tipo.des
noun (the Antipodes) [pl.] (BrE ) a way of referring to Australia and New Zealand, often used in a humorous way
An.tipo.dean adj.
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anti.quar.ian
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the study, collection or sale of valuable old objects, especially books: an antiquarian bookshop

noun (also less frequent anti.quary ) a person who studies, collects or sells old and valuable objects

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anti.quated
adj. (usually disapproving) (of things or ideas) old-fashioned and no longer suitable for modern conditions
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an.tique
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (of furniture, jewellery, etc.) old and often valuable: an antique mahogany desk

noun an object such as a piece of furniture that is old and often valuable: Priceless antiques were destroyed in the fire.  an antique shop (= one that sells antiques)  an antique dealer (= a person who sells antiques)

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an.tiquity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the ancient past, especially the times of the Greeks and Romans: The statue was brought to Rome in antiquity .
2 [U] the state of being very old or ancient: A number of the monuments are of considerable antiquity.
3 [C, usually pl.] an object from ancient times: Egyptian / Roman antiquities
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anti-Semitism
noun [U] hatred of Jews; unfair treatment of Jews
anti-Semitic adj.: anti-Semitic propaganda
anti-Semite noun: He was a notorious anti-Semite.
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anti.sep.tic
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] a substance that helps to prevent infection in wounds by killing bacteria
SYN DISINFECTANT

adj.
1 able to prevent infection: antiseptic cream / lotion / wipes  Essential oils have powerful antiseptic properties.
2 very clean and free from bacteria
SYN STERILE : Cover the burn with an antiseptic dressing.

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anti.social
adj.
1 harmful or annoying to other people, or to society in general: antisocial behaviour  antisocial tendencies / activities / habits
2 not wanting to spend time with other people: They’ll think you’re being antisocial if you don’t go.—compare SOCIABLE   note at UNSOCIABLE
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an.tith.esis
noun [C, U] (pl.an.tith.eses ) (formal)
1 the opposite of sth: Love is the antithesis of selfishness.  Students finishing their education at 16 is the very antithesis of what society needs.
2 a contrast between two things: There is an antithesis between the needs of the state and the needs of the people.
an.ti.thet.ic.al adj.
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ant.ler
noun [usually pl.] one of the two horns that grow on the head of male deer—
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ant.onym
noun (technical ) a word that means the opposite of another word: ‘Old’ has two possible antonyms: ‘young’ and ‘new’.—compare SYNONYM
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antsy
adj. (AmE , informal) impatient; not able to keep still
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anus
noun (anatomy ) the opening in a person’s bottom through which solid waste leaves the body—see also ANAL —picture at BODY
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anvil
noun an iron block on which a BLACKSMITH puts hot pieces of metal before shaping them with a hammer
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anx.iety
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] ~ (about / over sth) the state of feeling nervous or worried that sth bad is going to happen: acute / intense / deep anxiety  Some hospital patients experience high levels of anxiety.
2 [C] a worry or fear about sth: If you’re worried about your health, share your anxieties with your doctor.
3 [U] ~ to do sth| ~ for sth a strong feeling of wanting to do sth or of wanting sth to happen: the candidate’s anxiety to win the vote  the people’s anxiety for the war to end
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anx.ious
adj.
1 ~ (about sth)| ~ (for sb) feeling worried or nervous: He seemed anxious about the meeting.  Parents are naturally anxious for their children.
2 causing anxiety; showing anxiety: There were a few anxious moments in the baseball game.  an anxious look / face / expression
3 ~ to do sth| ~ for sth| ~ for sb to do sth| ~ that … wanting sth very much: She was anxious to finish school and get a job.  There are plenty of graduates anxious for work.  He was anxious not to be misunderstood.  I’m anxious for her to do as little as possible.  She was anxious that he should meet her father.  note at WORRIED
anx.ious.ly adv.: to ask / look / wait anxiously  Residents are anxiously awaiting a decision.
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any
det., pron., adv.
det.
1 used with uncountable or plural nouns in negative sentences and questions, after if or whether, and after some verbs such as prevent, ban, avoid, etc. to refer to an amount or a number of sth, however large or small: I didn’t eat any meat.  Are there any stamps in that drawer?  I’ve got hardly any money.  You can’t go out without any shoes.  He forbids any talking in class.  She asked if we had any questions.
HELP In positive sentences some is usually used instead of any: I’ve got some paper if you want it. It is also used in questions that expect a positive answer: Would you like some milk in your tea?
2 used with singular countable nouns to refer to one of a number of things or people, when it does not matter which one: Take any book you like.  Any colour will do.  Any teacher will tell you that students learn at different rates.—see also in any case at CASE n. , in any event at EVENT , at any rate at RATE n.
3 not just ~ used to show that sb/sth is special: It isn’t just any day—it’s my birthday!

pron.
1 used in negative sentences and in questions and after if or whether to refer to an amount or a number, however large or small: We need some more paint; there isn’t any left.  I need some stamps. Are there any in your bag?  Please let me know how many are coming, if any.  She spent hardly any of the money.  He returned home without any of the others.
HELP In positive sentences some is usually used instead of any. It is also used in questions that expect a positive reply: I’ve got plenty of paper—would you like some?
2 one or more of a number of people or things, especially when it does not matter which: I’ll take any you don’t want.  ‘Which colour do you want?’‘Any of them will do.’
IDM sb isn’t having any (of it) (informal) sb is not interested or does not agree: I suggested sharing the cost, but he wasn’t having any of it.

adv.
1 used to emphasize an adjective or adverb in negative sentences or questions, meaning ‘at all’: He wasn’t any good at French.  I can’t run any faster.  Is your father feeling any better?  I don’t want any more.  If you don’t tell them, nobody will be any the wiser .
2 (AmE, informal) used at the end of a negative sentence to mean ‘at all’: That won’t hurt you any.

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any.body
pron. = ANYONE
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any.how
adv.
1 = ANYWAY
2 in a careless way; not arranged in an order: She piled the papers in a heap on her desk, just anyhow.
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any 'more
(BrE ) (also any.moreAmE, BrE) adv. often used at the end of negative sentences and at the end of questions, to mean ‘any longer’: She doesn’t live here any more.  Why doesn’t he speak to me any more?  Next year she won’t have to go out to work any more.
HELP Do not use ‘no more’ with this meaning: She doesn’t live here no more.
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any.one
(also any.body) pron.
1 used instead of someone in negative sentences and in questions after if/whether, and after verbs such as prevent, ban, avoid: Is anyone there?  Does anyone else want to come?  Did anyone see you?  Hardly anyone came.  I forbid anyone to touch that clock.
HELP The difference between anyone and someone is the same as the difference between any and some. Look at the notes there.
2 any person at all; it does not matter who: Anybody can see that it’s wrong.  The exercises are so simple that almost anyone can do them.
3 (in negative sentences) an important person: She wasn’t anybody before she got that job.
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any.place
adv. (AmE ) = ANYWHERE
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any.thing
pron.
1 used instead of something in negative sentences and in questions; after if/whether; and after verbs such as prevent, ban, avoid: Would you like anything else?  There’s never anything worth watching on TV.  If you remember anything at all, please let us know.  We hope to prevent anything unpleasant from happening.
HELP The difference between anything and something is the same as the difference between any and some. Look at the notes there.
2 any thing at all, when it does not matter which: I’m so hungry, I’ll eat anything.
3 any thing of importance: Is there anything (= any truth) in these rumours?
IDM anything but definitely not: The hotel was anything but cheap.  It wasn’t cheap. Anything but. as happy, quick, etc. as anything (informal) very happy, quick, etc: I felt as pleased as anything. like 'anything (BrE, informal) very much: They’re always slagging me off like anything. not anything like sb (informal) not at all like; completely different from: He isn’t anything like my first boss. not anything like used to emphasize that sth is not as good, not enough, etc: The book wasn’t anything like as good as her first one. not for 'anything (informal) definitely not: I wouldn’t give it up for anything. or anything (spoken) or another thing of a similar type: If you want to call a meeting or anything, just let me know.
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'any time
(BrE ) (also any.timeAmE, BrE) adv. at a time that is not fixed: Call me any time.
IDM ,anytime 'soon (AmE) used in negative sentences and questions to refer to the near future: Do you think she’ll be back anytime soon?
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any.way
(also any.how) adv.
1 used when adding sth to support an idea or argument
SYN BESIDES : It’s too expensive and anyway the colour doesn’t suit you.  It’s too late now, anyway.
2 in spite of sth; even so: The water was cold but I took a shower anyway.  I’m afraid we can’t come, but thanks for the invitation anyway.
3 used when changing the subject of a conversation, ending the conversation, or returning to a subject: Anyway, let’s forget about that for the moment.  Anyway, I’d better go now—I’ll see you tomorrow.  Anyhow, as I was saying …
4 used to correct or slightly change what you have said: She works in a bank. She did when I last saw her, anyway.
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any.where
(AmE also any.place) adv.
1 used in negative sentences and in questions instead of somewhere: I can’t see it anywhere.  Did you go anywhere interesting?  Many of these animals are not found anywhere else.  He’s never been anywhere outside Britain.
HELP The difference between anywhere and somewhere is the same as the difference between any and some. Look at the notes there.
2 in, at or to any place, when it does not matter where: Put the box down anywhere.  An accident can happen anywhere.
any.where pron.: I don’t have anywhere to stay.  Do you know anywhere I can buy a second-hand computer?
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AOB
abbr. any other business (the things that are discussed at the end of an official meeting that are not on the AGENDA )
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aorta
noun (anatomy ) the main ARTERY that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body
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apace
adv. (formal) at a fast speed; quickly: to continue / grow / proceed / develop apace
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apart
adv.
1 separated by a distance, of space or time: The two houses stood 500 metres apart.  Their birthdays are only three days apart.   (figurative) The two sides in the talks are still a long way apart (= are far from reaching an agreement).
2 not together; separate or separately: We’re living apart now.  Over the years, Rosie and I had drifted apart.  She keeps herself apart from other people.  I can’t tell the twins apart (= see the difference between them).
3 into pieces: The whole thing just came apart in my hands.  We had to take the engine apart .  When his wife died, his world fell apart .
4 used to say that sb/sth is not included in what you are talking about: Colin apart, not one of them seems suitable for the job.
IDM see JOKE v. , POLE n. , RIP v. , WORLD
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a'part from
(also a'side from especially in AmE) prep.
1 except for: I’ve finished apart from the last question.
2 in addition to; as well as: Apart from their house in London, they also have a villa in Spain.  It was a difficult time. Apart from everything else, we had financial problems.  You’ve got to help. Apart from anything else you’re my brother.  note at BESIDES
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apart.heid
noun [U] the former political system in South Africa in which only white people had full political rights and other people, especially black people, were forced to live away from white people, go to separate schools, etc.
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apart.ment
noun
1 (especially AmE) a set of rooms rented for living in, usually on one floor of a building—compare CONDOMINIUM , FLAT
2 a set of rooms rented for a holiday/vacation: self-catering holiday apartments
3 [usually pl.] (BrE) a room in a house, especially a large or famous house: You can visit the whole palace except for the private apartments.
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a'partment block
(BrE ) (AmE a'partment building) noun a large building with flats/apartments on each floor
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a'partment house
noun (AmE ) a small apartment building
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apa.thet.ic
adj. showing no interest or enthusiasm: The illness made her apathetic and unwilling to meet people.
apa.thet.ic.al.ly adv.
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ap.athy
noun [U] the feeling of not being interested in or enthusiastic about anything: There is widespread apathy among the electorate.
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ape
noun, verb
noun a large animal like a monkey, with no tail. There are different types of ape : the great apes (for example, ORANG-UTANS or CHIMPANZEES )
IDM go 'ape / 'apeshit (slang, especially AmE) to become extremely angry or excited

verb [vn]
1 (BrE, disapproving) to do sth in the same way as sb else, especially when it is not done very well: For years the British film industry merely aped Hollywood.
2 (especially AmE) to copy the way sb else behaves or talks, in order to make fun of them
SYN MIMIC : We used to ape the teacher’s southern accent.

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aperi.tif
noun (especially BrE ) a drink, usually one containing alcohol, that people sometimes have just before a meal
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aper.ture
noun
1 (formal) a small opening in sth: The soldier fired the rifle through a narrow aperture in a pile of sandbags.
2 (technical) an opening that allows light to reach a LENS , especially in cameras: For flash photography, set the aperture at f.5.6.
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ape.shit
noun
IDM go 'apeshit = GO APE
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Apex
(also APEX) abbr. (BrE ) Advanced Purchase Excursion (a system that offers cheaper travel tickets when they are bought in advance)
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apex
noun [usually sing.] (pl.apexes) the top or highest part of sth: the apex of the roof / triangle   (figurative) At 37, she’d reached the apex of her career.
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aphid
noun a very small insect that is harmful to plants. There are several types of aphid , including, for example, GREENFLY .
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aph.or.ism
noun (formal) a short phrase that says sth true or wise
aph.or.is.tic adj.
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aph.ro.dis.iac
noun a food or drug that is said to give people a strong desire to have sex: a powerful aphrodisiac
aph.ro.dis.iac adj.: the aphrodisiac properties / qualities of ginseng
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apiece
adv. (used after a noun or number) having, costing or measuring a particular amount each: Yorke and Cole scored a goal apiece.  The largest stones weigh over five tonnes apiece.
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aplenty
adv., adj. [after noun] (formal) in large amounts, especially more than is needed: Criticisms of the government were to be found aplenty.
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aplomb
noun [U] if sb does sth with aplomb, they do it in a confident and successful way, often in a difficult situation: with considerable / great / remarkable aplomb  He delivered the speech with his usual aplomb .
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apoca.lypse
noun
1 [sing., U] the destruction of the world: Civilization is on the brink of apocalypse.
2 (the Apocalypse) [sing.] the end of the world, as described in the Bible
3 [sing.] a situation causing very serious damage and destruction: an environmental apocalypse
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apoca.lyp.tic
adj.
1 describing very serious damage and destruction in past or future events: an apocalyptic view of history  apocalyptic warnings of the end of society
2 like the end of the world: an apocalyptic scene
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apoc.ryph.al
adj. (of a story) well known, but probably not true: Most of the stories about him are apocryphal.
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apo.gee
noun [sing.]
1 (formal) the highest point of sth, where it is greatest or most successful: a religious community that was at its apogee in the twelfth century
2 (astronomy) the point in the ORBIT of the moon, a planet or other object in space when it is furthest from the earth
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apol.it.ical
adj.
1 (of a person) not interested in politics; not thinking politics are important
2 not connected with a political party: an apolitical organization
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apolo.get.ic
adj. ~ (about / for sth) feeling or showing that you are sorry for doing sth wrong or for causing a problem: ‘Sorry,’ she said, with an apologetic smile.  They were very apologetic about the trouble they’d caused.
apolo.get.ic.al.ly adv.: ‘I’m sorry I’m late,’ he murmured apologetically.
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apolo.gist
noun ~ (for sb/sth) a person who tries to explain and defend sth, especially a political system or religious ideas
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apolo.gize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (to sb) (for sth) to say that you are sorry for doing sth wrong or causing a problem: Why should I apologize?  Go and apologize to her.  We apologize for the late departure of this flight.
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apol.ogy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] ~ (to sb) (for sth) a word or statement saying sorry for sth that has been done wrong or that causes a problem: to offer / make / demand / accept an apology  You owe him an apology for what you said.  We should like to offer our apologies for the delay to your flight today.  We received a letter of apology.
2 [C, usually pl.] information that you cannot go to a meeting or must leave early: The meeting started with apologies (= the names of people who said they could not go to the meeting).   (formal) She made her apologies and left early.
IDM make no a'pology / a'pologies for sth if you say that you make no apology/apologies for sth, you mean that you do not feel that you have said or done sth wrong
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apo.plec.tic
adj.
1 (written) very angry: He was apoplectic with rage at the decision.
2 (old-fashioned) connected with apoplexy : an apoplectic attack / fit
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apo.plexy
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the sudden loss of the ability to feel or move caused by an injury in the brain
SYN STROKE
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apos.tate
noun (formal) a person who has rejected their religious or political beliefs
apos.tasy noun [U]
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a pos.teri.ori
adj., adv. (from Latin , formal) analysing sth by starting from known facts and then thinking about the possible causes of the facts, for example saying ‘Look, the streets are wet so it must have been raining’.—compare A PRIORI
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apos.tle
noun
1 (Apostle) any one of the twelve men that Christ chose to tell people about him and his teachings
2 ~ (of sth) (formal) a person who strongly believes in a policy or an idea and tries to make other people believe in it: an apostle of free enterprise
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apos.tolic
adj. (technical )
1 connected with the Apostles or their teaching
2 connected with the Pope or Popes, who are considered to have had authority passed down to them from Christ’s Apostles
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apos.tro.phe
noun
1 the mark ( ' ) used to show that one or more letters or numbers have been left out, as in she’s for she is and '63 for 1963
2 the mark ( ' ) used before or after the letter ‘s’ to show that sth belongs to sb, as in Sam’s watch and the horses' tails
3 the mark ( ' ) used before the letter ‘s’ to show the plural of a letter or number, as in How many 3’s are there in 9? and There are two m’s in ‘comma’.
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apoth.ecary
noun (pl.-ies) a person who made and sold medicines in the past
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apothe.osis
noun [usually sing.] (pl.apothe.oses ) (formal)
1 the highest or most perfect development of sth
2 the best time in sb’s life or career
3 a formal statement that a person has become a god: the apotheosis of a Roman Emperor
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appal
(BrE ) (AmEap.pall) verb (-ll-) to shock sb very much: [vn] The brutality of the crime has appalled the public.  The idea of sharing a room appalled her.  The thought of having to do it all again appals me.  [vn that] It appalled me that they could simply ignore the problem. [alsovn to inf]
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ap.palled
adj. ~ (at sth) feeling or showing horror or disgust at sth unpleasant or wrong: an appalled expression / silence  We watched appalled as the child ran in front of the car.  They were appalled at the waste of recyclable material.
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ap.pal.ling
adj.
1 shocking; extremely bad: The prisoners were living in appalling conditions.
2 (informal) very bad: The bus service is appalling now.
ap.pal.ling.ly adv.: appallingly bad / difficult  The essay was appallingly written.
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ap.par.at.chik
noun (from Russian , disapproving or humorous) an official in a large political organization: party apparatchiks
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ap.par.atus
noun (pl.ap.par.atuses)
1 [U] the tools or other pieces of equipment that are needed for a particular activity or task: a piece of laboratory apparatus  Firefighters needed breathing apparatus to enter the burning house.
2 [C, usually sing.] the structure of a system or an organization, particularly that of a political party or a government: the power of the state apparatus
3 [C, usually sing.] (technical) a system of organs in the body: the sensory apparatus
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ap.parel
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) clothing, when it is being sold in shops/stores: The store sells women’s and children’s apparel.
2 (old-fashioned or formal) clothes, particularly those worn on a formal occasion: lords and ladies in fine apparel
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ap.par.ent
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (from sth) (that … )| ~ (to sb) (that … ) easy to see or understand OBVIOUS : It was apparent from her face that she was really upset.  Their devotion was apparent.  It soon became apparent to everyone that he couldn’t sing.  Then, for no apparent reason , the train suddenly stopped.
2 [usually before noun] that seems to be real or true but may not be: My parents were concerned at my apparent lack of enthusiasm for school.—see also APPEAR
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ap.par.ent.ly
adv. according to what you have heard or read; according to the way sth appears: Apparently they are getting divorced soon.  He paused, apparently lost in thought.  I thought she had retired, but apparently (= in fact) she hasn’t.
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ap.par.ition
noun a ghost or an image of a person who is dead
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ap.peal
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (against sth) a formal request to a court of law or to sb in authority for a judgement or a decision to be changed: (BrE) to lodge an appeal   (AmE) to file an appeal   (BrE) an appeal court / judge   (AmE) an appeals court / judge  an appeal against the 3-match ban—see also COURT OF APPEAL
2 [U] a quality that makes sb/sth attractive or interesting: mass / wide / popular appeal  The Beatles have never really lost their appeal .  The prospect of living in a city holds little appeal for me.—see also SEX APPEAL
3 [C, U] ~ (to sb) (for sth)| ~ to sb to do sth an urgent and deeply felt request for money, help or information, especially one made by a charity or by the police: to launch a TV appeal for donations to the charity  a look of silent appeal  The child’s mother made an emotional appeal on TV for his return.  The police made an appeal to the public to remain calm.
4 [C] ~ to sth an indirect suggestion that any good, fair or reasonable person would act in a particular way: I relied on an appeal to his finer feelings.

verb
1 [v] ~ (to sb/sth) (against sth) to make a formal request to a court of law or to sb in authority for a judgement or a decision to be changed: He said he would appeal after being found guilty on four counts of murder.  The company is appealing against the ruling.
2 [v] ~ (to sb) to attract or interest sb: The prospect of a long wait in the rain did not appeal.  The design has to appeal to all ages and social groups.
3 [v] ~ (to sb) (for sth) to make a serious and urgent request: Nationalist leaders appealed for calm.  I am appealing on behalf of the famine victims (= asking for money).  Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.  Organizers appealed to the crowd not to panic.
4 ~ (to sth) to try to persuade sb to do sth by suggesting that it is a fair, reasonable, or honest thing to do: [v] They needed to appeal to his sense of justice. [alsov speech]

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ap.peal.ing
adj.
1 attractive or interesting: Spending the holidays in Britain wasn’t a prospect that I found particularly appealing.
OPP UNAPPEALING
2 showing that you want people to help you or to show you pity or sympathy: ‘Would you really help?’ he said with an appealing look.
ap.peal.ing.ly adv.: The dog looked up at her appealingly.
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ap.pear
verb
LOOK / SEEM|
1 linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to give the impression of being or doing sth
SYN SEEM : [v-adj] She didn’t appear at all surprised at the news.  [v-n] He appears a perfectly normal person.  [v to inf] She appeared to be in her late thirties.  They appeared not to know what was happening.  There appears to have been a mistake.  [v (that)] It appears there has been a mistake.  It appears unlikely that interest rates will fall further.  It would appear that this was a major problem.
BE SEEN|
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to start to be seen: A bus appeared around the corner.  Smoke appeared on the horizon.  Three days later a rash appeared.  Posters for the gig appeared all over town.
BEGIN TO EXIST|
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to begin to exist or be known or used for the first time: When did mammals appear on the earth?  This problem first appeared in the inner cities.
OF BOOK / PROGRAMME|
4 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to be published or broadcast: His new book will be appearing in the spring.  It was too late to prevent the story from appearing in the national newspapers.
IN MOVIE / PLAY|
5 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take part in a film/movie, play, television programme, etc: He has appeared in over 60 movies.  She regularly appears on TV.  Next month he will be appearing as Clinton in a new play on Broadway.
ARRIVE|
6 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to arrive at a place: By ten o’clock Lee still hadn’t appeared.
BE WRITTEN / MENTIONED|
7 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to be written or mentioned somewhere: Your name will appear at the front of the book.
IN COURT|
8 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to be present in a court of law in order to give evidence or answer a CHARGE : A man will appear in court today charged with the murder.  She appeared on six charges of theft.  They will appear before magistrates tomorrow.  He has been asked to appear as a witness for the defence.
9 [v] ~ for / on behalf of sb to act as sb’s lawyer in court: Cherie Booth is the lawyer appearing for the defendant.—see also APPARENT —compare DISAPPEAR
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ap.pear.ance
noun
WAY STH LOOKS / SEEMS|
1 [C, U] the way that sb/sth looks on the outside; what sb/sth seems to be: the physical / outward / external appearance of sth  She had never been greatly concerned about her appearance.  The dog was similar in general appearance to a spaniel.  He gave every appearance of (= seemed very much to be) enjoying himself.  Judging by appearances can be misleading.  To all appearances (= as far as people could tell) he was dead.  When she lost all her money, she was determined to keep up appearances (= hide the true situation and pretend that everything was going well).
SB / STH ARRIVING|
2 [C, usually sing.] the fact of sb/sth arriving, especially when it is not expected: The sudden appearance of a security guard caused them to drop the money and run.  I don’t want to go to the party, but I suppose I’d better put in an appearance (= go there for a short time).
3 [C, usually sing.] the moment at which sth begins to exist or starts to be seen or used: the early appearance of daffodils in spring  the appearance of organic vegetables in the supermarkets
IN PUBLIC|
4 [C] an act of appearing in public, especially as a performer, politician, etc., or in a court of law: The Dutch player will make his first appearance for Liverpool this Saturday.  The singer’s first public appearance was at the age of eight.  the defendant’s appearance in court
BEING PUBLISHED / BROADCAST|
5 [C, usually sing.] an act of being published or broadcast: the appearance of claims about the minister’s private life in the press
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ap.pease
verb [vn] (formal, usually disapproving)
1 to make sb calmer or less angry by giving them what they want: The move was widely seen as an attempt to appease critics of the regime.
2 to give a country what it wants in order to avoid war
ap.pease.ment noun [U]: a policy of appeasement
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ap.pel.lant
noun (law ) a person who APPEALS against a decision made in a court of law
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ap.pel.late court
noun (technical ) a court of law in which people can APPEAL against decisions made in other courts of law
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ap.pel.la.tion
noun (formal) a name or title
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ap.pend
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth) (formal) to add sth to the end of a piece of writing: Footnotes have been appended to the document.
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ap.pend.age
noun (formal) a smaller or less important part of sth larger
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ap.pend.ec.tomy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (medical ) the removal of the APPENDIX by SURGERY
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ap.pen.di.citis
noun [U] a painful swelling of the appendix that can be very serious
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ap.pen.dix
noun (pl.ap.pen.di.ces )
1 a small bag of tissue that is attached to the large INTESTINE . In humans, the appendix has no real function: He had to have his appendix out (= removed).—picture at BODY
2 a section giving extra information at the end of a book or document: Full details are given in Appendix 3.
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ap.per.tain
verb
PVR V apper'tain to sb/sth (formal) to belong or refer to sb/sth: rights appertaining to the property  These figures appertain to last year’s sales.
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ap.pe.tite
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] physical desire for food: He suffered from headaches, insomnia and loss of appetite .  The walk has given me a good appetite.  Don’t spoil your appetite by eating between meals.
2 [C] ~ (for sth) a strong desire for sth: The public have an insatiable appetite for scandal.  sexual appetites  The preview was intended to whet your appetite (= make you want more).
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ap.pet.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun a small amount of food or a drink that you have before a meal
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ap.pe.tiz.ing
(BrE also -is.ing) adj. (of food, etc.) that smells or looks attractive; making you feel hungry or thirsty: the appetizing aroma of sizzling bacon  The meals he cooked were always nourishing but never particularly appetizing.
OPP UNAPPETIZING
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ap.plaud
verb
1 to show your approval of sb/sth by CLAPPING your hands: [v] He started to applaud and the others joined in.  [vn] The conference rose to applaud the speaker.  She was applauded as she came on stage.
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth) (formal) to express praise for sb/sth because you approve of them or it: We applaud her decision.  His efforts to improve the situation are to be applauded.  I applaud her for having the courage to refuse.
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ap.plause
noun [U] the noise made by a group of people CLAPPING their hands and sometimes shouting to show their approval or enjoyment: Give her a big round of applause !  The audience broke into rapturous applause.
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apple
noun a round fruit with shiny red or green skin and firm white flesh: an apple pie  apple sauce  a garden with three apple trees——see also ADAM’S APPLE , BIG APPLE , COOKING APPLE , CRAB APPLE , EATING APPLE , TOFFEE APPLE
IDM the ,apple of sb’s 'eye a person or thing that is loved more than any other: She is the apple of her father’s eye.—more at AMERICAN adj. , ROTTEN
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'apple cart
noun
IDM see UPSET v.
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ap.pli.ance
noun a machine that is designed to do a particular thing in the home, such as preparing food, heating or cleaning: electrical / household appliances  They sell a wide range of domestic appliances —washing machines, dishwashers and so on.
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ap.plic.able
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) that can be said to be true in the case of sb/sth
SYN RELEVANT : Much of the form was not applicable (= did not apply) to me.  Give details of children where applicable (= if you have any).
ap.plic.abil.ity noun [U]: The new approach had wide applicability to all sorts of different problems.
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ap.pli.cant
noun ~ (for sth) a person who makes a formal request for sth (= applies for it), especially for a job, a place at a college or university, etc: There were over 500 applicants for the job.
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ap.pli.ca.tion
noun
FOR JOB / COURSE|
1 [C, U] ~ (to sb) (for sth / to do sth) a formal (often written) request for sth, such as a job, permission to do sth or a place at a college or university: a planning / passport application  His application to the court for bail has been refused.  an application for membership / a loan / a licence  an application form (= a piece of paper on which to apply for sth)  Further information is available on application to the principal.
PRACTICAL USE|
2 [U, C] ~ (of sth) (to sth) the practical use of sth, especially a theory, discovery, etc: the application of new technology to teaching  The new invention would have wide application / a wide range of applications in industry.
OF PAINT / CREAM|
3 [C, U] an act of putting or spreading sth, such as paint or medical creams, onto sth else: lotion for external application only (= to be put on the skin, not swallowed)  It took three applications of paint to cover the graffiti.
OF RULE / LAW|
4 [U] the act of making a rule, etc. operate or become effective: strict application of the law
COMPUTING|
5 [C] a program designed to do a particular job; a piece of SOFTWARE : a database application—
HARD WORK|
6 [U] (formal) determination to work hard at sth; great effort: Success as a writer demands great application.
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ap.plied
adj. [usually before noun] (especially of a subject of study) used in a practical way; not THEORETICAL : applied mathematics (= as used by engineers, etc.)—compare PURE (7)
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ap.pli.qué
noun [U] a type of NEEDLEWORK in which small pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck in a pattern onto a larger piece
ap.pli.quéd adj.: appliquéd cushions
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apply
verb (ap.plies, ap.ply.ing, ap.plied, ap.plied)
FOR JOB / COURSE|
1 ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) to make a formal request, usually in writing, for sth such as a job, a place, at college, university, etc: [v] to apply for a job / passport / grant  to apply to a company / university  You should apply in person / by letter.  [v to inf] He has applied to join the army.
USE|
2 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to use sth or make sth work in a particular situation: to apply economic sanctions / political pressure  The new technology was applied to farming.
PAINT / CREAM|
3 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to put or spread sth such as paint, cream, etc. onto a surface: Apply the cream sparingly to your face and neck.
BE RELEVANT|
4 (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ (to sb/sth) to concern or relate to sb/sth: [v] Special conditions apply if you are under 18.  What I am saying applies only to some of you.  [vn] The word ‘unexciting’ could never be applied to her novels.
WORK HARD|
5 [vn] ~ yourself (to sth / to doing sth) to work at sth or study sth very hard: You would pass your exams if you applied yourself.  We applied our minds to finding a solution to our problem.
PRESS HARD|
6 [vn] to press on sth hard with your hand, foot, etc. to make sth work or have an effect on sth: to apply the brakes (of a vehicle)  Pressure applied to the wound will stop the bleeding.
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ap.point
verb
1 ~ sb (to sth)| ~ sb (as) sth to choose sb for a job or position of responsibility: [vn] They have appointed a new head teacher at my son’s school.  She has recently been appointed to the committee.  [vn-n] They appointed him (as) captain of the English team.  [vn to inf] A lawyer was appointed to represent the child.
2 [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to arrange or decide on a time or place for doing sth: A date for the meeting is still to be appointed.  Everyone was assembled at the appointed time .
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ap.point.ee
noun a person who has been chosen for a job or position of responsibility: the new appointee to the post
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ap.point.ment
noun
1 [C] ~ (with sb) a formal arrangement to meet or visit sb at a particular time, especially for a reason connected with their work: She made an appointment for her son to see the doctor.  I’ve got a dental appointment at 3 o’clock.  an appointment with my lawyer  to keep an appointment  Viewing is by appointment only (= only at a time that has been arranged in advance).
2 [C, U] ~ (as / to sth) the act of choosing a person for a job or position of responsibility; the fact of being chosen for a job, etc: Following her recent appointment to the post …  his appointment as principal  the appointment of a new captain for the England team
3 [C] (especially BrE) a job or position of responsibility: a permanent / first appointment
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ap.por.tion
verb [vn] ~ sth (among / between / to sb) (written) to divide sth among people; to give a share of sth to sb: They apportioned the land among members of the family.  The programme gives the facts but does not apportion blame .
ap.por.tion.ment noun [U, sing.] (formal): The contract defines the apportionment of risks between employer and contractor.  an apportionment of land
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ap.po.site
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) very appropriate for a particular situation or in relation to sth: Her remarks are extremely apposite to the present discussion.
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ap.pos.ition
noun [U] (grammar ) the use of a noun phrase immediately after another noun phrase which refers to the same person or thing: In the phrase ‘Paris, the capital of France’, ‘the capital of France’ is in apposition to ‘Paris’.
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ap.prais.al
noun [C, U] a judgement of the value, performance or nature of sb/sth: He had read many detailed critical appraisals of her work.  staff / performance appraisal (= a discussion with staff members of their strengths and weaknesses in a job)  I have my appraisal today (= a meeting to discuss my work with my manager).
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ap.praise
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to consider or examine sb/sth and form an opinion about them or it: an appraising glance / look  She stepped back to appraise her workmanship.  His eyes coolly appraised the young woman before him.
2 to make a formal judgement about the value of a person’s work, usually after a discussion with them about it: Managers must appraise all staff.
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ap.pre.ciable
adj. large enough to be noticed or thought important CONSIDERABLE : The new regulations will not make an appreciable difference to most people.  an appreciable effect / increase / amount
ap.pre.ciably adv.: The risk of infection is appreciably higher among children.
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ap.preci.ate
verb
1 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to recognize the good qualities of sb/sth: You can’t really appreciate foreign literature in translation.  His talents are not fully appreciated in that company.  Her family doesn’t appreciate her.
2 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be grateful for sth that sb has done; to welcome sth: [vn] I’d appreciate some help.  Your support is greatly appreciated.   (spoken) Thanks for coming. I appreciate it .  I would appreciate it if you paid in cash.  [v -ing] I don’t appreciate being treated like a second-class citizen.  [vn -ing] We would appreciate you letting us know of any problems.
3 (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or realize that sth is true: [vn] What I failed to appreciate was the distance between the two cities.  [v wh-] I don’t think you appreciate how expensive it will be.  [v that] We didn’t fully appreciate that he was seriously ill.
4 [v] to increase in value over a period of time: Their investments have appreciated over the years.
OPP DEPRECIATE
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ap.pre.ci.ation
noun
1 [U] pleasure that you have when you recognize and enjoy the good qualities of sb/sth: She shows little appreciation of good music.  The crowd murmured in appreciation .
2 [U, sing.] ~ of sth a full or sympathetic understanding of sth, such as a situation or a problem, and of what it involves: I had no appreciation of the problems they faced.
3 [U] ~ (of / for sth) the feeling of being grateful for sth: Please accept this gift in appreciation of all you’ve done for us.
4 [U, sing.] ~ (in sth) increase in value over a period of time
5 [C] ~ (of sth) (formal) a piece of writing or a speech in which the strengths and weaknesses of sb/sth, especially an artist or a work of art, are discussed and judged
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ap.pre.cia.tive
adj.
1 ~ (of sth) feeling or showing that you are grateful for sth: The company was very appreciative of my efforts.
2 showing pleasure or enjoyment: an appreciative audience / smile  appreciative laughter / comments
ap.pre.cia.tive.ly adv.
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ap.pre.hend
verb [vn]
1 (formal) (of the police) to catch sb and arrest them
2 (old-fashioned) to understand or recognize sth: He was slow to apprehend danger.
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ap.pre.hen.sion
noun
1 [U, C] worry or fear that sth unpleasant may happen ANXIETY : There is growing apprehension that fighting will begin again.  He watched the election results with some apprehension .
2 [U] (formal) the act of capturing or arresting sb, usually by the police: the apprehension of the terrorists in the early hours of this morning
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ap.pre.hen.sive
adj. ~ (about / of sth)| ~ (that … ) worried or frightened that sth unpleasant may happen: I was a little apprehensive about the effects of what I had said.  You have no reason to be apprehensive of the future.  She was deeply apprehensive that something might go wrong.  an apprehensive face / glance / look
ap.pre.hen.sive.ly adv.
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ap.pren.tice
noun, verb
noun a young person who works for an employer for a fixed period of time in order to learn the particular skills needed in their job: an apprentice electrician / chef

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (to sb) (as sth) (old-fashioned) to make sb an apprentice

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ap.pren.tice.ship
noun [C, U] a period of time working as an apprentice ; a job as an apprentice : She was in the second year of her apprenticeship as a carpenter.  He had served his apprenticeship as a plumber.
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ap.prise
verb [vn] ~ sb of sth (formal) to tell or inform sb of sth
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ap.proach
verb, noun
verb
MOVE NEAR|
1 to come near to sb/sth in distance or time: [v] We heard the sound of an approaching car / a car approaching  Winter is approaching.  [vn] As you approach the town, you’ll see the college on the left.
OFFER / ASK|
2 [vn] ~ sb (about / for sth)| ~ sb (about doing sth) to speak to sb about sth, especially to ask them for sth or to offer to do sth: She approached the bank for a loan.  We have been approached by a number of companies that are interested in our product.  I’d like to ask his opinion but I find him difficult to approach (= not easy to talk to in a friendly way).
AMOUNT / QUALITY|
3 [vn] to come close to sth in amount, level or quality: profits approaching 30 million dollars  Few writers approach his richness of language.
PROBLEM / TASK|
4 [vn] to start dealing with a problem, task, etc. in a particular way: What’s the best way of approaching this problem?

noun
TO PROBLEM / TASK|
1 [C] ~ (to sth) a way of dealing with sb/sth; a way of doing or thinking about sth such as a problem or a task: The school has decided to adopt a different approach to discipline.  She took the wrong approach in her dealings with them.
MOVEMENT NEARER|
2 [sing.] movement nearer to sb/sth in distance or time: She hadn’t heard his approach and jumped as the door opened.  the welcome approach of spring
OFFER / REQUEST|
3 [C] the act of speaking to sb about sth, especially when making an offer or a request: The club has made an approach to a local company for sponsorship.  She resented his persistent approaches.
PATH / ROAD|
4 [C] a path, road, etc. that leads to a place: All the approaches to the palace were guarded by troops.  a new approach road to the port
OF AIRCRAFT|
5 [C] the part of an aircraft’s flight immediately before landing: to begin the final approach to the runway
STH SIMILAR|
6 [sing.] a thing that is like sth else that is mentioned: That’s the nearest approach to an apology you’ll get from him.
IDM see CARROT

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ap.proach.able
adj.
1 friendly and easy to talk to; easy to understand: Despite being a big star, she’s very approachable.  an approachable piece of music
OPP UNAPPROACHABLE
2 [not before noun] that can be reached by a particular route or from a particular direction: The summit was approachable only from the south.
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ap.pro.ba.tion
noun [U] (formal) approval or agreement
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ap.pro.pri.ate
adj., verb
adj. ~ (for / to sth) suitable, acceptable or correct for the particular circumstances: an appropriate response / measure / method  Now that the problem has been identified, appropriate action can be taken.  Jeans are not appropriate for a formal party.  The book was written in a style appropriate to the age of the children.  Is now an appropriate time to make a speech?  Please debit my Mastercard / Visa / American Express card (delete as appropriate).
OPP INAPPROPRIATE
ap.pro.pri.ate.ly adv.: The government has been accused of not responding appropriately to the needs of the homeless.  The chain of volcanoes is known, appropriately enough , as the ‘Ring of Fire’.
ap.pro.pri.ate.ness noun [U]

verb [vn] (written)
1 to take sth, sb’s ideas, etc. for your own use, especially illegally or without permission: He was accused of appropriating club funds.  Some of the opposition party’s policies have been appropriated by the government.
2 ~ sth (for sth) to take or give sth, especially money for a particular purpose: Five million dollars has been appropriated for research into the disease.—compare MISAPPROPRIATE

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ap.pro.pri.ation
noun
1 [U, sing.] (formal orlaw) the act of taking sth which belongs to sb else, especially without permission: dishonest appropriation of property—compare MISAPPROPRIATION
2 [U, sing.] (formal) the act of keeping or saving money for a particular purpose: a meeting to discuss the appropriation of funds
3 [C] (formal) a sum of money to be used for a particular purpose, especially by a government or company: an appropriation of £20 000 for payment of debts
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ap.prov.al
noun
1 [U] the feeling that sb/sth is good or acceptable; a positive opinion of sb/sth: She desperately wanted to win her father’s approval.  Do the plans meet with your approval ?  Several people nodded in approval .
2 [U, C] ~ (for sth) (from sb) agreement to, or permission for sth, especially a plan or request: The plan will be submitted to the committee for official approval.  parliamentary / congressional / government approval  Senior management have given their seal of approval (= formal approval) to the plans.  I can’t agree to anything without my partner’s approval.  planning approvals
3 [U] if you buy goods, or if goods are sold on approval, you can use them for a time without paying, until you decide if you want to buy them or not
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ap.prove
verb
1 [v] ~ (of sb/sth) to think that sb/sth is good, acceptable or suitable: I told my mother I wanted to marry Jan but she didn’t approve.  Do you approve of my idea?  He doesn’t approve of me leaving school this year.   (formal) He doesn’t approve of my leaving school this year.
OPP DISAPPROVE
2 [vn] to officially agree to a plan, proposal, request, etc: The committee unanimously approved the plan.
3 [vn] [often passive] to say that sth is good enough to be used, or is correct: The course is approved by the Department for Education.
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ap'proved school
noun (BrE ) a special school where young people who had committed crimes were sent in the past
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ap.prov.ing
adj. showing that you believe that sb/sth is good or acceptable: He gave me an approving nod.
ap.prov.ing.ly adv.: She looked at him approvingly and smiled.
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approx
abbr. APPROXIMATE , APPROXIMATELY
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ap.proxi.mate
adj., verb
adj. (abbr. approx) almost correct or accurate, but not completely so; not exact: an approximate number / total / cost  The cost given is only approximate.  Use these figures as an approximate guide in your calculations.
ap.proxi.mate.ly adv.: The journey took approximately seven hours.  note at ABOUT

verb (written)
1 ~ (to) sth to be similar or close to sth in nature, quality, amount, etc., but not exactly the same: [vn] The animals were reared in conditions which approximated the wild as closely as possible.  The total cost will approximate £15 billion.  [v] His story approximates to the facts that we already know.
2 [vn] to calculate or estimate sth fairly accurately: a formula for approximating the weight of a horse

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ap.proxi.ma.tion
noun
1 an estimate of a number or an amount that is almost correct, but not exact: That’s just an approximation, you understand.
2 ~ (of / to sth) a thing that is similar to sth else, but is not exactly the same: Our results should be a good approximation to the true state of affairs.
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ap.pur.ten.ance
noun [usually pl.] (formal or humorous) a thing that forms a part of sth larger or more important
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APR
noun [sing.] the abbreviation for ‘annual percentage rate’ (the amount of interest a bank charges on money that it lends, calculated for a period of a year): a rate of 26.4% APR
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après-ski
noun [U] (from French ) social activities and entertainments which take place in hotels and restaurants after a day’s skiing
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apri.cot
noun
1 [C] a round fruit with yellow or orange skin and a stone/pit inside: dried apricots
2 [U] a yellowish-orange colour
apri.cot adj.: The room was painted apricot and white.
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April
noun [U, C] (abbr. Apr.) the fourth month of the year, between March and May: She was born in April.   (BrE ) The meeting is on the fifth of April / April the fifth.   (AmE ) The meeting is on April fifth.  We went to Japan last April.  I arrived at the end of April.  last April’s election  April showers  an April wedding
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,April 'Fool
noun
1 a trick that is traditionally played on sb on 1 April (called April Fool’s Day or All Fools' Day)
2 a person who has a trick played on them on April Fool’s Day
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a pri.ori
adj., adv. (from Latin , written) using facts or principles that are known to be true in order to decide what the probable effects or results of sth will be, for example saying ‘They haven’t eaten anything all day so they must be hungry.’—compare A POSTERIORI
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ap.ron
noun
1 a piece of clothing worn over the front of the body, from the chest or the waist down, and tied around the waist. Aprons are worn over other clothes to keep them clean, for example when cooking.—compare PINAFORE
2 (technical) an area with a hard surface at an airport, where aircraft are turned around, loaded, etc.
3 (also 'apron stage) (technical) (in a theatre) the part of the stage that is in front of the curtain
IDM (tied to) your mother’s, wife’s, etc. apron strings (too much under) the influence and control of your mother, etc: The British prime minister is too apt to cling to Washington’s apron strings.
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apro.pos
(also apro.pos of) prep. concerning or related to sb/sth: Apropos (of) what you were just saying …
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apse
noun a small area, often in the shape of a SEMICIRCLE , usually at the east end of a church
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apt
adj.
1 suitable or appropriate in the circumstances: a particularly apt description / name / comment  The song would have been more apt for a bass voice.
2 ~ to be …| ~ to do sth likely or having a natural tendency to do sth: apt to be forgetful / careless  Babies are apt to put objects into their mouths.
3 ~ pupil a person who has a natural ability to learn and understand
aptly adv.: the aptly named Grand Hotel
apt.ness noun [U]
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ap.ti.tude
noun [U, C] ~ (for sth)| ~ (for doing sth) natural ability or skill at doing sth: She showed a natural aptitude for the work.  His aptitude for dealing with children got him the job.  an aptitude test (= one designed to show whether sb has the natural ability for a particular job or educational course)
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aqua.mar.ine
noun
1 [C, U] a pale greenish-blue precious stone
2 [U] a pale greenish-blue colour
aqua.mar.ine adj.: an aquamarine sea
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aqua.plane
(BrE ) (AmE hydro.plane) verb [v] (of a motor vehicle) to slide out of control on a wet road
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aquar.ium
noun (pl.aquar.iums or aqua.ria )
1 a large glass container in which fish and other water creatures and plants are kept
2 a building where people can go to see fish and other water creatures
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Aquar.ius
noun
1 [U] the 11th sign of the ZODIAC , the Water Carrier
2 [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 January and 19 February
Aquar.ian noun, adj.
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aqua.tic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 growing or living in, on or near water: aquatic plants
2 connected with water: swimming, windsurfing and other aquatic sports
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aque.duct
noun a structure for carrying water, usually one built like a bridge across a valley or low ground
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aque.ous
adj. (technical ) containing water; like water
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aqui.fer
noun (geology ) a layer of rock or soil that can absorb and hold water
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aquil.ine
adj. (written) a person with an aquiline nose or aquiline features has a nose that is thin and curved, similar to that of an EAGLE
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Arab
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person from the Middle East or N Africa, whose ancestors lived in the Arabian Peninsula
2 a type of horse originally from Arabia

adj. of or connected with Arabia or Arabs: Arab countries

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ar.ab.esque
noun
1 [C] (in ballet) a position in which the dancer balances on one leg with the other leg lifted and stretched out behind parallel to the ground
2 [C, U] (in art) a type of design where lines wind around each other
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Ara.bian
adj. of or connected with Arabia
HELP Arabian is used to describe places: the Arabian peninsula. The people are Arabs and the adjective to describe them is Arab: Arab children. The language is Arabic: Arabic script
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Arab.ic
noun, adj.
noun [U] the language of the Arabs

adj. of or connected with the literature and language of Arab people: Arabic poetry

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,Arabic 'numeral
noun any of the symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. used for writing numbers in many countries—compare ROMAN NUMERAL
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ar.able
adj., noun
adj. connected with growing crops such as wheat or corn: arable farming / farms / crops  arable land / fields (= used or suitable for growing crops)

noun [U] (technical ) arable land or crops

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arach.nid
noun (technical ) any small creature of the class that includes spiders, SCORPIONS , MITES and TICKS —compare INSECT —
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ar.bi.ter
noun ~ (of sth) (written) a person with the power or influence to make judgements and decide what will be done or accepted: The law is the final arbiter of what is considered obscene.  an arbiter of taste / style / fashion
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ar.bi.trage
noun [U] (business ) the practice of buying sth (for example, shares or foreign money) in one place and selling it in another place where the price is higher
ar.bi.tra.geur (also ar.bi.trager ) noun
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ar.bi.trary
adj.
1 (of an action, a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair: The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary.  He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions.
2 (formal) using power without restriction and without considering other people: the arbitrary powers of officials
ar.bi.trar.ily adv.: The leaders of the groups were chosen arbitrarily.
ar.bi.trari.ness noun [U]
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ar.bi.trate
verb ~ (in / on sth) to officially settle an argument or a disagreement between two people or groups: [v] to arbitrate in a dispute  A committee was created to arbitrate between management and the unions. [alsovn]
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ar.bi.tra.tion
noun [U] the official process of settling an argument or a disagreement by sb who is not involved: Both sides in the dispute have agreed to go to arbitration .
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ar.bi.tra.tor
noun a person who is chosen to settle a dispute
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ar.bor.eal
adj. (technical ) relating to trees; living in trees
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ar.bor.etum
noun (pl.ar.bor.etums or ar.bor.eta ) a garden where many different types of tree are grown, for people to look at or for scientific study
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ar.bour
(BrE ) (AmEarbor) noun a shelter in a garden/yard for people to sit under, made by growing climbing plants over a frame
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arc
noun, verb
noun
1 (geometry) part of a circle or a curved line—picture at CIRCLE
2 a curved shape: the arc of a rainbow  The beach swept around in an arc.
3 (technical) an electric current passing across a space between two TERMINALS —see also ARC LAMP

verb (arc.ing , arced, arced ) [v] (technical )
1 to move in the shape of an arc
2 to form an electric arc

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ar.cade
noun
1 a covered passage with arches along the side of a row of buildings (usually a row of shops/stores)
2 a covered passage between streets, with shops/stores on either side
3 (also 'shopping arcade) (both BrE) (also mall, 'shopping mallAmE, BrE) a large building with a number of shops/stores in it
4 = AMUSEMENT ARCADE : arcade games
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ar.cane
adj. (formal) secret and mysterious and therefore difficult to understand: the arcane rules of cricket
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arch
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 a curved structure that supports the weight of sth above it, such as a bridge or the upper part of a building: a bridge with three arches—picture at ARCADE
2 a structure with a curved top that is supported by straight sides, sometimes forming an entrance or built as a MONUMENT : Go through the arch and follow the path.  Marble Arch is a famous London landmark.
3 the raised part of the foot formed by a curved section of bones
4 anything that forms a curved shape at the top: the delicate arch of her eyebrows

verb
1 if you arch part of your body, or if it arches, it moves and forms a curved shape: [vn] The cat arched its back and hissed. [alsov]
2 [v] to be in a curved line or shape across or over sth: Tall trees arched over the path.

adj. [usually before noun] (often disapproving) an arch look, tone of voice, etc. deliberately shows amusement because the person knows more than other people or more than they pretend about a situation: He tapped the side of his nose in an uncharacteristically arch gesture.
arch.ly adv.: ‘Guess what?’ she said archly.

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arch-
combining form (in nouns) main; most important or most extreme: archbishop  arch-enemy
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archae.olo.gist
(AmE also arche.olo.gist) noun a person who studies archaeology
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archae.ology
(AmE also arche.ology) noun [U] the study of cultures of the past, and of periods of history by examining the remains of buildings and objects found in the ground—see also INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY
arch.aeo.logic.al (AmE also arch.eo.logic.al) adj.: archaeological excavations / evidence
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ar.chaic
adj.
1 old and no longer used: ‘Thou art’ is an archaic form of ‘you are’.
2 very old-fashioned: The system is archaic and unfair and needs changing.
3 from a much earlier or ancient period of history: archaic art
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archa.ism
noun (technical ) a very old word or phrase that is no longer used
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arch.an.gel
noun an ANGEL of the highest rank: the Archangel Gabriel
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arch.bishop
noun a BISHOP of the highest rank, responsible for all the churches in a large area: the Archbishop of Canterbury (= the head of the Church of England)
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arch.bish.op.ric
noun
1 the position of an archbishop
2 the district for which an archbishop is responsible
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arch.deacon
noun a priest just below the rank of BISHOP , especially in the Anglican Church
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arch.dio.cese
noun a district under the care of an ARCHBISHOP
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arch.duch.ess
noun (in the past) the wife of an archduke or a daughter of the EMPEROR of Austria
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arch.duke
noun (in the past) a son of the EMPEROR of Austria: Archduke Franz Ferdinand—compare GRAND DUKE
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,arch-'enemy
noun a person’s main enemy
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arche.olo.gist, arche.ology
(AmE ) = ARCHAEOLOGIST , ARCHAEOLOGY
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arch.er
noun a person who shoots with a BOW and arrows
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arch.ery
noun [U] the art or sport of shooting arrows with a BOW
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arche.typal
adj. (written) having all the important qualities and characteristics that make sb/sth a typical example of a particular kind of person or thing: The Beatles were the archetypal pop group.
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arche.type
noun (written) the most typical or perfect example of a particular kind of person or thing: She is the archetype of an American movie star.
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archi.pel.ago
noun (pl.-os or -oes) a group of islands and the sea surrounding them
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archi.tect
noun
1 a person whose job is designing buildings, etc.
2 a person who is responsible for planning or creating an idea, an event or a situation: He was one of the principal architects of the revolution.
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archi.tec.tural
adj. connected with architecture: architectural design / features / style
archi.tec.tur.al.ly adv.: The house is of little interest architecturally.
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archi.tec.ture
noun
1 [U] the art and study of designing buildings: to study architecture
2 [U] the design or style of a building or buildings: the architecture of the eighteenth century  modern architecture
3 [C, U] (computing) the design and structure of a computer system
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arch.ive
noun, verb
noun (also arch.ives [pl.]) a collection of historical documents or records of a government, a family, a place or an organization; the place where these records are stored: the National Sound Archive  archive film  The BBC’s archives are bulging with material.

verb [vn]
1 to put or store a document or other material in an archive
2 (computing) to move information that is not often needed to a tape or disk to store it

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arch.iv.ist
noun a person whose job is to develop and manage an archive
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,arch-'rival
noun a person’s main opponent
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arch.way
noun a passage or an entrance with an arch over it: We went through a stone archway into the courtyard.
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'arc lamp
(also 'arc light) noun a lamp that gives very bright light that is produced by an electric ARC
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Arc.tic
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] related to or happening in the regions around the North Pole: Arctic explorers—compare ANTARCTIC
2 (arctic) extremely cold: TV pictures showed the arctic conditions.

noun [sing.] (the Arctic) the regions of the world around the North Pole

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the ,Arctic 'Circle
noun [sing.] the line of LATITUDE 66° 30′ North—compare ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
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ar.dent
adj. [usually before noun] (written) very enthusiastic and showing strong feelings about sth/sb
SYN PASSIONATE : an ardent supporter of European unity
ar.dent.ly adv.
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ar.dour
(BrE ) (AmEardor) noun [U] (formal) very strong feelings of enthusiasm or love
SYN PASSION
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ar.du.ous
adj. involving a lot of effort and energy, especially over a period of time: an arduous journey across the Andes  The work was arduous.
ar.du.ous.ly adv. (rare)
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are^1
BE
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are^2
noun a unit for measuring an area of land; 100 square metres
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area
noun
PART OF PLACE|
1 [C] part of a place, town, etc., or a region of a country or the world: mountainous / desert areas  rural / urban / inner-city areas  There is heavy traffic in the downtown area tonight.  She knows the local area very well.  John is the London area manager.  Wreckage from the plane was scattered over a wide area .  The farm and surrounding area was flooded.—see also CATCHMENT AREA , CONSERVATION AREA , DEVELOPMENT AREA , NO-GO AREA
2 [C] a part of a room, building or particular space that is used for a special purpose: the hotel reception area  a play / parking / dining area—see also PENALTY AREA , REST AREA , SERVICE AREA
PARTICULAR PLACE|
3 [C] a particular place on an object: Move the cursor to a blank area of the screen and double click with the mouse.  The tumour had not spread to other areas of the body.
SUBJECT / ACTIVITY|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a particular subject or activity, or an aspect of it: the areas of training and development  Finance is Mark’s area.  The big growth area of recent years has been in health clubs.—see also GREY AREA
MEASUREMENT|
5 [C, U] the amount of space covered by a flat surface or piece of land, described as a measurement: the area of a triangle  The room is 12 square metres in area.
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'area code
noun (especially AmE ) the numbers for a particular area or city, that you use when you are making a telephone call from outside the local area—compare DIALLING CODE
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arena
noun
1 a place with a flat open area in the middle and seats around it where people can watch sports and entertainment: a concert at Wembley Arena
2 (written) an area of activity that concerns the public, especially one where there is a lot of opposition between different groups or countries: the political / international arena
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aren’t
short form
1 are not
2 (in questions) am not: Aren’t I clever?
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argon
noun [U] (symb Ar) a chemical element. Argon is a colourless gas that does not react with anything and is used in electric lights.
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argot
noun [sing., U] (from French ) informal words and phrases that are used by a particular group of people and not easily understood by others
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ar.gu.able
adj. (formal)
1 that you can give good reasons for: It is arguable that giving too much detail may actually be confusing.
2 not certain; that you do not accept without question: It is arguable whether the case should have ever gone to trial (= perhaps it should not have).
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ar.gu.ably
adv. used, often before a comparative or superlative adjective, when you are stating an opinion which you believe you could give reasons to support: He is arguably the best actor of his generation.
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argue
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to speak angrily to sb because you disagree with them: My brothers are always arguing.  We’re always arguing with each other about money.  I don’t want to argue with you—just do it!
2 ~ (for / against sth)| ~ (for / against doing sth) to give reasons why you think that sth is right/wrong, true/not true, etc., especially to persuade people that you are right: [v] They argued for the right to strike.  [vn] She argued the case for bringing back the death penalty.  He was too tired to argue the point (= discuss the matter).  a well-argued article  [v that] He argued that they needed more time to finish the project.  [vn that] It could be argued that laws are made by and for men. [alsov wh-]
3 [vn] (formal) to show clearly that sth exists or is true: These latest developments argue a change in government policy.
IDM ,argue the 'toss (BrE, informal) to continue to disagree about a decision, especially when it is too late to change it or it is not very important
PVR V argue sb into / out of doing sth to persuade sb to do/not do sth by giving them reasons: They argued him into withdrawing his complaint. 'argue with sth (usually used in negative sentences) (informal) to disagree with a statement: He’s a really successful man—you can’t argue with that.
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ar.gu.ment
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) a conversation or discussion in which two or more people disagree, often angrily: We had an argument with the waiter about the bill.  She got into an argument with the teacher.  to win / lose an argument  After some heated argument a decision was finally taken.
2 [C] ~ (for / against sth)| ~ (that … ) a reason or set of reasons that sb uses to show that sth is true or correct: There are strong arguments for and against euthanasia.  His argument was that public spending must be reduced.  Her main argument was a moral one.
3 [U] ~ (about sth) the act of disagreeing in a conversation or discussion using a reason or set of reasons: Let’s assume for the sake of argument (= in order to discuss the problem completely) that we can’t start till March.
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ar.gu.men.ta.tive
adj. a person who is argumentative likes arguing or often starts arguing
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argy-bargy
noun [U] (BrE , informal) noisy disagreement
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aria
noun a song for one voice, especially in an opera or ORATORIO
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-arian
suffix (in nouns and adjectives) believing in; practising: humanitarian  disciplinarian
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arid
adj.
1 (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; very dry: arid and semi-arid deserts
2 (formal) with nothing new or interesting in it: an arid discussion
arid.ity noun [U]
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Aries
noun
1 [U] the first sign of the ZODIAC , the RAM
2 [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 March and 20 April
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aright
adv. (old-fashioned) correctly: Do I hear you aright?
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arise
verb (arose , arisen ) [v]
1 (rather formal) (especially of a problem or a difficult situation) to happen; to start to exist
SYN OCCUR : A new crisis has arisen.  We keep them informed of any changes as they arise.  Children should be disciplined when the need arises (= when it is necessary).  A storm arose during the night.
2 ~ (out of / from sth) (rather formal) to happen as a result of a particular situation: injuries arising out of a road accident  Emotional or mental problems can arise from a physical cause.  Are there any matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting?
3 (formal) to begin to exist or develop: Several new industries arose in the town.
4 (old use or literary) to get out of bed; to stand up: He arose at dawn.
5 (old use) to come together to protest about sth or to fight for sth: The peasants arose against their masters.
6 (literary) (of a mountain, a tall building, etc.) to become visible gradually as you move towards it
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ar.is.toc.racy
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (in some countries) people born in the highest social class, who have special titles: members of the aristocracy
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ar.is.to.crat
noun a member of the aristocracy —compare COMMONER
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ar.is.to.crat.ic
adj. belonging to or typical of the ARISTOCRACY : an aristocratic name / family / lifestyle
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arith.met.ic
noun [U]
1 the type of mathematics that deals with the adding, multiplying, etc. of numbers: He’s not very good at arithmetic.
2 sums involving the adding, multiplying, etc. of numbers: a quick bit of mental arithmetic   I think there’s something wrong with your arithmetic.
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arith.met.ic.al
(also arith.met.ic) adj. relating to arithmetic : an arithmetical calculation
arith.met.ic.al.ly adv.
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arith,metic 'mean
noun = MEAN
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arith,metic pro'gression
(also arith,metical pro'gression) noun a series of numbers that decrease or increase by the same amount each time, for example 2, 4, 6, 8—compare GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION
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ark
(the ark) (also ,Noah’s 'ark) noun [sing.] (in the Bible) a large boat which Noah built to save his family and two of every type of animal from the flood
IDM out of the 'ark | sth went out with the 'ark (BrE, spoken) if sb says that an object or a custom is out of the ark or went out with the ark, they think that it is old or old-fashioned
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arm
noun, verb
noun —see also ARMS
PART OF BODY|
1 either of the two long parts that stick out from the top of the body and connect the shoulders to the hands: He escaped with only a broken arm.  She threw her arms around his neck.  The officer grabbed him by the arm (= grabbed his arm).  She touched him gently on the arm.  He held the dirty rag at arm’s length (= as far away from his body as possible).  They walked along arm in arm (= with the arm of one person linked with the arm of the other).  She cradled the child in her arms .  They fell asleep in each other’s arms (= holding each other).  He was carrying a number of files under his arm (= between his arm and his body).  He walked in with a tall blonde on his arm (= next to him and holding his arm).—picture at BODY
OF CLOTHING|
2 the part of a piece of clothing that covers the arm
SYN SLEEVE : The arms will need shortening.
OF CHAIR|
3 the part of a chair, etc. on which you rest your arms : She perched on the arm of his chair.—picture at CHAIR
OF MACHINERY|
4 a long narrow part of an object or a piece of machinery, especially one that moves, for example a record player—picture at GLASS
OF WATER / LAND|
5 a long narrow piece of water or land that is joined to a larger area: A small bridge spans the arm of the river.
OF ORGANIZATION|
6 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a section of a large organization that deals with one particular activity
SYN WING : the research arm of the company cost / pay an ,arm and a 'leg (informal) to cost/pay a lot of money keep sb at arm’s length to avoid having a close relationship with sb: He keeps all his clients at arm’s length.—more at AKIMBO , BABE , BEAR v. , CHANCE v. , FOLD v. , LONG adj. , OPEN adj. , RIGHT adj. , SHOT n. , TWIST v.

verb
1 ~ yourself / sb (with sth) to provide weapons for yourself/sb in order to fight a battle or a war: [vn] The crowd armed themselves with sticks and stones.   (figurative) She had armed herself for the meeting with all the latest statistics.  [v] The country was arming against the enemy.—see also ARMED
2 [vn] to make a bomb, etc. ready to explode—compare DISARM ,armed to the 'teeth (written) having many weapons

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ar.mada
noun a large group of ships sailing together: The Spanish Armada was sent to attack England in 1588.   (figurative) a vast armada of football fans
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ar.ma.dillo
noun (pl.-os) an American animal with a hard shell made of pieces of bone, that eats insects and rolls into a ball if sth attacks it
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Ar.ma.ged.don
noun [sing., U]
1 (in the Bible) a battle between good and evil at the end of the world
2 a terrible war that could destroy the world: nuclear Armageddon
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ar.ma.ment
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] weapons, especially large guns, bombs, TANKS , etc: the armaments industry
2 [U] the process of increasing the amount of weapons an army or a country has, especially to prepare for war.—compare DISARMAMENT
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arm.band
noun
1 a band of fabric worn around the arm as a sign of sth, for example that sb has an official position: The stewards all wore armbands.  Many people at the funeral service were wearing black armbands.
2 either of two plastic rings that can be filled with air and worn around the arms by sb who is learning to swim
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arm.chair
noun, adj.
noun a comfortable chair with sides on which you can rest your arms: to sit in an armchair—picture at CHAIR

adj. [only before noun] knowing about a subject through books and television, rather than by doing it for yourself: an armchair critic / traveller

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armed
adj.
1 involving the use of weapons: an armed robbery  an international armed conflict (= a war)
OPP UNARMED
2 ~ (with a gun, etc.) carrying a weapon, especially a gun: The man is armed and dangerous.  armed guards  Police were heavily armed .  He was armed with a rifle.
OPP UNARMED
3 ~ (with sth) knowing sth or carrying sth that you need in order to help you to perform a task: He was armed with all the facts.  I sat down by the lake armed with a pair of binoculars.
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the ,armed 'forces
(BrE also the ,armed 'services) noun [pl.] a country’s army, navy and air force
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arm.ful
noun a quantity that you can carry in one or both arms
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arm.hole
noun the place in a coat, shirt, dress, etc. that your arm goes through
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ar.mis.tice
noun [sing.] a formal agreement during a war to stop fighting and discuss making peace
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arm.lock
noun (in WRESTLING ) a way of holding an opponent’s arm so that they cannot move: He had him in an armlock.
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ar.mour
(BrE ) (AmEarmor) noun [U]
1 special metal clothing that soldiers wore in the past to protect their bodies while fighting: a suit of armour   (figurative) Monkeys do not have any kind of protective armour and use their brains to solve problems.
2 metal covers that protect ships and military vehicles such as TANKS
3 (technical) military vehicles used in war: an attack by infantry and armour
IDM see CHINK n. , KNIGHT n.
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ar.moured
(BrE ) (AmEar.mored) adj.
1 (especially of a military vehicle) protected by metal covers: The cruiser was heavily armoured.  an armoured car
2 using armoured vehicles: an armoured division
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ar.mour.er
(BrE ) (AmEar.mor.er) noun a person who makes or repairs weapons and armour
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,armour-'plated
(BrE ) (AmEarmor-) adj. (of vehicles) covered with sheets of metal to provide protection against bullets, etc.
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ar.moury
(BrE ) (AmEar.mory) noun (pl.-ies)
1 a place where weapons and armour are kept
SYN ARSENAL
2 (AmE) a building which is the HEADQUARTERS for the National Guard or an Army Reserve Unit
3 (written) the things that sb has available to help them achieve sth: Doctors have an armoury of drugs available.
4 all the weapons and military equipment that a country has: Britain’s nuclear armoury
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arm.pit
(also AmEinformal pit) noun the part of the body under the arm where it joins the shoulder—see also UNDERARM —picture at BODY
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arm.rest
noun the part of some types of seat, especially in planes or cars, which supports your arm
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arms
noun [pl.]
1 (formal) weapons, especially as used by the army, navy or air force: arms and ammunition  Police officers in the UK do not usually carry arms .—see also FIREARM , SMALL ARMS
2 = COAT OF ARMS : the King’s Arms (= used as the name of a pub)
IDM be under 'arms to have weapons and be ready to fight in a war lay down your 'arms to stop fighting take up arms (against sb) to prepare to fight (be) up in 'arms (about / over sth) (informal) (of a group of people) to be very angry about sth and ready to protest strongly about it—more at BEAR v. , PRESENT v.
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army
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a large organized group of soldiers who are trained to fight on land: The two opposing armies faced each other across the battlefield.
2 (the army) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the part of a country’s armed forces that fights on land: Her husband is in the army .  After leaving school, Mike went into the army .  an army officer
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a large number of people or things, especially when they are organized in some way or involved in a particular activity: an army of advisers / volunteers  An army of ants marched across the path.
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'A-road
noun (in Britain) a road that is less important than a motorway, but wider and straighter than a B-ROAD
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aroma
noun a pleasant, noticeable smell: the aroma of fresh coffee
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aroma.ther.apy
noun [U] the use of natural oils that smell sweet for controlling pain or for rubbing into the body during MASSAGE
aroma.ther.ap.ist noun
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aro.mat.ic
adj. having a pleasant noticeable smell
SYN FRAGRANT : aromatic oils / herbs
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arose
pt of ARISE
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around
adv., prep.
adv.
HELP For the special uses of around in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example come around to sth is in the phrasal verb section at come.
1 approximately: He arrived around five o’clock.  The cost would be somewhere around £1 500.
2 on every side; surrounding sb/sth: I could hear laughter all around.  a yard with a fence all around
3 (especially AmE) (BrE usually round) moving in a circle: How do you make the wheels go around?
4 (especially AmE) (BrE usually round) measured in a circle: an old tree that was at least ten feet around
5 in or to many places: We were all running around trying to get ready in time.  This is our new office—Kay will show you around.  There were papers lying around all over the floor.
6 used to describe activities that have no real purpose: There were several young people sitting around looking bored.
7 present in a place; available: There was more money around in those days.  I knocked but there was no one around.  Digital television has been around for some time now.
8 active and well known in a sport, profession, etc: a new tennis champion who could be around for a long time  She’s been around as a film director since the 1980s.
9 (especially AmE) (BrE usually round) in a circle or curve to face another way or the opposite way: She turned the car around and drove off.  They looked around when he called.—see also ABOUT , ROUND
IDM have been around to have gained knowledge and experience of the world

prep. (especially AmE ) (BrE usually round)
1 surrounding sb/sth; on each side of sth: The house is built around a central courtyard.  He put his arms around her.
2 on, to or from the other side of sb/sth: Our house is just around the corner.  The bus came around the bend.  There must be a way around the problem.
3 in a circle: They walked around the lake.
4 to fit in with particular people, ideas, etc: I can’t arrange everything around your timetable!
5 in or to many places in an area: They walked around the town looking for a place to eat.

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a,round-the-'clock
adj. = ROUND-THE-CLOCK
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arouse
verb [vn]
1 to make sb have a particular feeling or attitude: to arouse sb’s interest / curiosity / anger  Her strange behaviour aroused our suspicions.
2 to make sb feel sexually excited
3 to make you feel more active and want to start doing sth: The whole community was aroused by the crime.
4 ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to wake sb from sleep—see also ROUSE
arousal noun [U]: emotional / sexual arousal
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ar.peg.gio
noun (pl.-os) (music ) the notes of a CHORD played quickly one after the other
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arr.
abbr.
1 (in writing) arrives; ARRIVAL : arr. London 06.00—compare DEP.
2 (music) (in writing) arranged by: Handel, arr. Mozart
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ar.raign
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) (law ) to bring sb to court in order to formally accuse them of a crime: He was arraigned for murder.  He was arraigned on a charge of murder.
ar.raign.ment noun [C, U]
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ar.range
verb
1 to plan or organize sth in advance: [vn] The party was arranged quickly.  She arranged a loan with the bank.  Can I arrange an appointment for Monday?  We met at six, as arranged .  [v wh-] We’ve still got to arrange how to get to the airport.  [v] We arranged for a car to collect us from the airport.  I’ve arranged with the neighbours about feeding the cat while we are away.  [v to inf] Have you arranged to meet him?  [v that] I’ve arranged that we can borrow their car.
2 [vn] to put sth in a particular order; to make sth neat or attractive: The books are arranged alphabetically by author.  I must arrange my financial affairs and make a will.  She arranged the flowers in a vase.
3 [vn] ~ sth (for sth)(abbr.arr.) to write or change a piece of music so that it is suitable for a particular instrument or voice: He arranged traditional folk songs for the piano.
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ar,ranged 'marriage
noun a marriage in which the parents choose the husband or wife for their child
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ar.range.ment
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] ~ (for sth) a plan or preparation that you make so that sth can happen: travel arrangements  I’ll make arrangements for you to be met at the airport.
2 [C, usually pl.] the way things are done or organized: She’s happy with her unusual living arrangements.  new security arrangements  There are special arrangements for people working overseas.
3 [C, U] ~ (with sb) (to do sth) an agreement that you make with sb that you can both accept: an arrangement between the school and the parents  We can come to an arrangement over the price.  They had an arrangement that the children would spend two weeks with each parent.  You can cash cheques here by prior arrangement with the bank.
4 [C, U] a group of things that are organized or placed in a particular order or position; the act of placing things in a particular order: plans of the possible seating arrangements  a class on the art of flower arrangement
5 [C, U] a piece of music that has been changed, for example for another instrument to play
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ar.ran.ger
noun
1 a person who arranges music that has been written by sb different
2 a person who arranges things: arrangers of care services for the elderly
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ar.rant
adj. [only before noun] (old-fashioned) used to emphasize how bad sth/sb is: arrant nonsense
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array
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually sing.] a group or collection of things or people, often one that is large or impressive: a vast array of bottles of different shapes and sizes  a dazzling array of talent
2 (computing) a way of organizing and storing related data in a computer memory
3 (technical) a set of numbers, signs or values arranged in rows and columns

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal)
1 to arrange a group of things in a pleasing way or so that they are in order: Jars of all shapes and sizes were arrayed on the shelves.
2 to arrange soldiers in a position from which they are ready to attack

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array.ed
adj. [not before noun] ~ (in sth) (literary) dressed in a particular way, especially in beautiful clothes: She was arrayed in a black velvet gown.
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ar.rears
noun [pl.] money that sb owes that they have not paid at the right time: rent / mortgage / tax arrears
IDM be in arrears | get / fall into arrears to be late in paying money that you owe: We’re two months in arrears with the rent. in arrears if money or a person is paid in arrears for work, the money is paid after the work has been done
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ar.rest
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth) if the police arrest sb, the person is taken to a POLICE STATION and kept there because the police believe they may be guilty of a crime: A man has been arrested in connection with the robbery.  Five people were arrested for drug-related offences.  You could get arrested for doing that.
2 [vn] (formal) to stop a process or a development: They failed to arrest the company’s decline.
3 [vn] (formal) to make sb notice sth and pay attention to it: An unusual noise arrested his attention .
4 [v] if sb arrests, their heart stops beating: He arrested in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

noun [C, U]
1 the act of arresting sb: The police made several arrests.  a citizen’s arrest (= by a member of the public, not the police)  She was under arrest on suspicion of murder.  Opposition leaders were put under house arrest (= not allowed to leave their houses).
2 an act of sth stopping or being interrupted: He died after suffering a cardiac arrest (= when his heart suddenly stopped).

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ar.rest.ing
adj. (written) attracting a lot of attention; very attractive
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ar.rival
noun
1 [U, C] an act of coming or being brought to a place: Guests receive dinner on / upon arrival at the hotel.  We apologize for the late arrival of the train.  the arrival of the mail in the morning  daily arrivals of refugees  There are 120 arrivals and departures every day.
2 [C] a person or a thing that comes to a place: The first arrivals at the concert got the best seats.  early / late / new arrivals  We’re expecting a new arrival (= a baby) in the family soon.
3 [U] the time when a new technology or idea is introduced: the arrival of pay TV
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ar.rive
verb [v]
1 (abbr.arr.) ~ (at / in / on … ) to get to a place, especially at the end of a journey: I’ll wait until they arrive.  I was pleased to hear you arrived home safely.  to arrive early / late (for a meeting)  She’ll arrive in New York at noon.  The train arrived at the station 20 minutes late.  By the time I arrived on the scene , it was all over.  We didn’t arrive back at the hotel until very late.  The police arrived to arrest him.
2 (of things) to be brought to sb: A letter arrived for you this morning.  Send your application to arrive by 31 October.  We waited an hour for our lunch to arrive.  The new product will arrive on supermarket shelves (= be available) early next year.
3 (of an event or a moment) to happen or to come, especially when you have been waiting for it: The wedding day finally arrived.  The baby arrived (= was born) early.
IDM sb has ar'rived (informal) somebody has become successful: He knew he had arrived when he was shortlisted for the Booker prize.
PVR V ar'rive at sth to decide on or find sth, especially after discussion and thought
SYN REACH : to arrive at an agreement / a decision / a conclusion  to arrive at the truth
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ar.ro.gance
noun [U] the behaviour of a person when they feel that they are more important than other people, so that they are rude to them or do not consider them
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ar.ro.gant
adj. behaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other people
ar.ro.gant.ly adv.
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ar.ro.gate
verb
PVR V arrogate to yourself sth (formal) to claim or take sth that you have no right to: I do not arrogate to myself the right to decide.
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arrow
noun
1 a thin stick with a sharp point at one end, which is shot from a BOW : a bow and arrow  to fire / shoot an arrow  The road continues as straight as an arrow.
2 a mark or sign like an arrow (->), used to show direction or position: Follow the arrows.  Use the arrow keys to move the cursor.
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ar.row.head
noun the sharp pointed end of an arrow
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ar.row.root
noun [U] a powder which is prepared from the root of an American plant and used in cooking, especially to make sauces thick
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arse
noun, verb
noun (BrE ,  , slang)
1 (AmE ass) the part of the body that you sit on; your bottom: Get off your arse (= stop sitting around doing nothing)!
2 (usually following an adjective) a stupid person—see also SMART-ARSE
IDM My arse! used by some people to show they do not believe what sb has said work your 'arse off to work very hard—more at KISS v. , KNOW v. , LICK v. , PAIN n.

verb
IDM can’t be 'arsed (to do sth) (BrE,  , slang) to not want to do sth because it is too much trouble: I was supposed to do some work this weekend but I couldn’t be arsed.
PVR V ,arse a'bout / a'round (BrE,  , slang) to waste time by behaving in a silly way

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arse.hole
(BrE ) (AmE ass.hole) noun ( , slang)
1 the ANUS
2 a stupid or unpleasant person: What an arsehole!
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ar.senal
noun
1 a collection of weapons such as guns and explosives: Britain’s nuclear arsenal
2 a building where military weapons and explosives are made or stored
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ar.senic
noun [U] (symb As) a chemical element. Arsenic is an extremely poisonous white powder.
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arson
noun [U] the crime of deliberately setting fire to sth, especially a building: to carry out an arson attack
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ar.son.ist
noun [U] a person who commits the crime of arson
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art
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing or SCULPTURE : modern / contemporary / American art  an art critic / historian / lover  Can we call television art?  an art form (= a particular type of artistic activity)  stolen works of art   Her performance displayed great art.—see also FINE ART
2 [U] examples of objects such as paintings, drawings or SCULPTURES : an art gallery / exhibition  a collection of art and antiques
3 [U] the skill of creating objects such as paintings and drawings, especially when you study it: She’s good at art and design.  an art teacher / student / college / class
4 (the arts) [pl.] art, music, theatre, literature, etc. when you think of them as a group: lottery funding for the arts—see also PERFORMING ARTS
5 [C] a type of VISUAL or performing art: Dance is a very theatrical art.
6 [C, usually pl.] the subjects you can study at school or university which are not scientific, such as languages, history or literature: an arts degree—compare SCIENCE
7 [C, U] an ability or a skill that you can develop with training and practice: a therapist trained in the art of healing  Letter-writing is a lost art nowadays.  Appearing confident at interviews is quite an art (= rather difficult).
IDM see FINE adj.

verb (thou art) (old use) used to mean ‘you are’, when talking to one person

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art deco
(also Art Deco) noun [U] a popular style of decorative art in the 1920s and 1930s that has GEOMETRIC shapes with clear outlines and bright strong colours. It was used especially on objects in the house, and in architecture.
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arte.fact
(also ar.ti.fact especially in AmE) noun (technical ) an object that is made by a person, especially sth of historical or cultural interest
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ar.terio.scler.osis
noun [U] (medical ) a condition in which the walls of the arteries become thick and hard, making it difficult for blood to flow
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ar.tery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 any of the tubes that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body: blocked arteries—compare VEIN —see also CORONARY ARTERY
2 a large and important road, river, railway/railroad line, etc.
ar.ter.ial adj. [only before noun]: arterial blood / disease  an arterial road  arterial traffic
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ar.te.sian well
noun a hole made in the ground through which water rises to the surface by natural pressure
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art.ful
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (disapproving) clever at getting what you want, sometimes by not telling the truth
SYN CRAFTY
2 (of things or actions) designed or done in a clever way
art.ful.ly adv.
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'art gallery
(also gal.lery) noun a building where paintings and other works of art are shown to the public
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'art-house
adj. art-house films/movies are usually made by small film companies and are not usually seen by a wide audience
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arth.ri.tic
adj. suffering from or caused by arthritis : arthritic hands / pains
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arth.ritis
noun [U] a disease that causes pain and swelling in one or more joints of the body—see also OSTEOARTHRITIS , RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
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ar.ti.choke
noun [C, U]
1 (also ,globe 'arti.choke) a round vegetable with a lot of thick green leaves. The bottom part of the leaves and the inside of the artichoke can be eaten when cooked.—
2 (BrE) = JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE
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art.icle
noun
1 ~ (on / about sth) a piece of writing about a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine: Have you seen that article about young fashion designers?—see also LEADING ARTICLE
2 (law) a separate item in an agreement or a contract: The proposal breaches article 10 of the European Convention, which guarantees free speech.
3 (formal) a particular item or separate thing, especially one of a set: articles of clothing  toilet articles such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo  The articles found in the car helped the police to identify the body.
4 (grammar) the words a and an ( the indefinite article) or the ( the definite article)
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art.icled
adj. (BrE ) employed by a group of lawyers, ARCHITECTS or ACCOUNTANTS while training to become qualified: an articled clerk (= a trainee solicitor)  She was articled to a firm of solicitors.
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,article of 'faith
noun (pl.articles of faith) something you believe very strongly, as if it were a religious belief
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ar.ticu.late
verb, adj.
verb
1 [vn] (formal) to express or explain your thoughts or feelings clearly in words: She struggled to articulate her thoughts.
2 to speak, pronounce or play sth in a clear way: [v] He was too drunk to articulate properly.  [vn] Every note was carefully articulated. [alsov speech]
3 [v] ~ (with sth) (written) to be related to sth so that together the two parts form a whole: [v] These courses are designed to articulate with university degrees.
4 (technical ) ~ (with sth) to be joined to sth else by a joint, so that movement is possible; to join sth in this way: [v] bones that articulate with others  [vn] a robot with articulated limbs

adj.
1 (of a person) good at expressing ideas or feelings clearly in words: He was unusually articulate for a ten-year-old.
2 (of speech) clearly expressed or pronounced: All we could hear were loud sobs, but no articulate words.
OPP INARTICULATE

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ar.ticu.lated
adj. (BrE ) (of a vehicle) with two or more sections joined together in a way that makes it easier to turn corners: an articulated lorry / truck—see also TRACTOR-TRAILER —picture at TRUCK
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ar.ticu.la.tion
noun
1 [U] (formal) the expression of an idea or a feeling in words: the articulation and defence of his theory
2 [U] (formal) the act of making sounds in speech or music: The singer worked hard on the clear articulation of every note.
3 [U, C, usually sing.] (technical) a joint or connection that allows movement
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ar.ti.fact
(especially AmE ) = ARTEFACT
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ar.ti.fice
noun [U, C] (formal) the clever use of tricks to deceive sb
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ar.ti.fi.cial
adj.
1 made or produced to copy sth natural; not real: an artificial limb / flower / sweetener / fertilizer  artificial lighting / light
2 created by people; not happening naturally: A job interview is a very artificial situation.  the artificial barriers of race, class and gender
3 false; not what it appears to be: artificial emotion
ar.ti.fi.ci.al.ity noun [U]
ar.ti.fi.cial.ly adv.: artificially created lakes  artificially low prices
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,artificial insemi'nation
noun [U] (abbr. AI) the process of making a woman or female animal pregnant by an artificial method of putting male SPERM inside her, and not by sexual activity: artificial insemination by a donor, abbreviated to ‘AID’
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,artificial in'telligence
noun [U] (abbr. AI) (computing ) an area of study concerned with making computers copy intelligent human behaviour
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,artificial respi'ration
(BrE also ,artificial venti'lation) noun [U] the process of helping a person who has stopped breathing begin to breathe again, usually by blowing into their mouth or nose—compare MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION
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ar.til.lery
noun
1 [U] large, heavy guns which are often moved on wheels: The town is under heavy artillery fire.  artillery attacks / barrages / shells
2 (the artillery) [sing.] the section of an army trained to use these guns
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ar.ti.san
noun (formal) a person who does skilled work, making things with their hands
SYN CRAFTSMAN
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art.ist
noun
1 a person who creates works of art, especially paintings or drawings: an exhibition of work by contemporary British artists  a graphic artist  a make-up artist  Police have issued an artist’s impression of her attacker.   (figurative) Whoever made this cake is a real artist.
2 = ARTISTE : a recording / solo artist
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ar.tiste
(also art.ist) noun (especially BrE ) a professional entertainer such as a singer, a dancer or an actor
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art.is.tic
adj.
1 connected with art or artists: the surviving artistic works of the period  a work of great artistic merit  the artistic director of the theatre
2 showing a natural skill in or enjoyment of art, especially being able to paint or draw well: artistic abilities / achievements / skills / talent  She comes from a very artistic family.
3 done with skill and imagination; attractive or beautiful: an artistic arrangement of dried flowers
IDM see LICENCE
art.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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art.is.try
noun [U] the skill of an artist: He played the piece with effortless artistry.
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art.less
adj. (formal)
1 simple, natural and honest: the artless sincerity of a young child
2 made without skill or art
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,arts and 'crafts
noun [pl.] activities that need both artistic and practical skills, such as weaving, making jewellery and POTTERY
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artsy
adj. (AmE ) = ARTY
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art.work
noun
1 [U] photographs and pictures prepared for books, advertisements and magazines
2 [C] a work of art, especially one in a museum
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arty
(BrE ) (AmE artsy) adj. (informal, usually disapproving) seeming or wanting to be very artistic or interested in the arts: She hangs out with the arty types she met at drama school.
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aru.gula
noun [U] (AmE ) = ROCKET (4)
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-ary
suffix (in adjectives and nouns) connected with: planetary  budgetary
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as
prep., adv., conj.
prep.
1 used to describe sb/sth appearing to be sb/sth else: They were all dressed as clowns.  The bomb was disguised as a package.
2 used to describe the fact that sb/sth has a particular job or function: She works as a courier.  Treat me as a friend.  I respect him as a doctor.  You can use that glass as a vase.  The news came as a shock.  She had been there often as a child (= when she was a child).

adv.
1 as … as … used when you are comparing two people or things, or two situations: You’re as tall as your father.  He was as white as a sheet.  She doesn’t play as well as her sister.  I haven’t known him as long as you (= as you have known him).  He doesn’t earn as much as me.  He doesn’t earn as much as I do.  It’s not as hard as I thought.  Run as fast as you can.  We’d like it as soon as possible.
2 used to say that sth happens in the same way: As always, he said little.  The ‘h’ in honest is silent, as in ‘hour’.

conj.
1 while sth else is happening: He sat watching her as she got ready.  As she grew older she gained in confidence.
2 in the way in which: They did as I had asked.  Leave the papers as they are.  She lost it, just as I said she would.
3 used to state the reason for sth: As you were out, I left a message.  She may need some help as she’s new.
4 used to make a comment or to add information about what you have just said: As you know, Julia is leaving soon.  She’s very tall, as is her mother.
5 (written) used to say that in spite of sth being true, what follows is also true
SYN THOUGH : Happy as they were, there was something missing.  Try as he might (= however hard he tried), he couldn’t open the door.
IDM as against sth in contrast with sth: They got 27% of the vote as against 32% at the last election. ,as and 'when used to say that sth may happen at some time in the future, but only when sth else has happened: We’ll decide on the team as and when we qualify.  I’ll tell you more as and when (= as soon as I can). as for sb/sth used to start talking about sb/sth
SYN REGARDING : As for Jo, she’s doing fine.  As for food for the party, that’s all being taken care of. as from … / as of … used to show the time or date from which sth starts: Our fax number is changing as from May 12. as if / as though in a way that suggests sth: He behaved as if nothing had happened.  It sounds as though you had a good time.  It’s my birthday. As if you didn’t know!  ‘Don’t say anything’‘As if I would! ’ (= surely you do not expect me to) ,as it 'is considering the present situation; as things are: We were hoping to finish it by next week—as it is, it may be the week after.  I can’t help—I’ve got too much to do as it is (= already). as it 'were used when a speaker is giving his or her own impression of a situation or expressing sth in a particular way: Teachers must put the brakes on, as it were, when they notice students looking puzzled. as to sth | as regards sth used when you are referring to sth: As to tax, that will be deducted from your salary. as you 'do used as a comment on sth that you have just said: He smiled and I smiled back. As you do.—more at WELL , YET

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ASA
abbr.
1 Advertising Standards Authority (an organization in Britain which controls the standard of advertising)
2 American Standards Association (used especially to show the speed of film): a 400 ASA film
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asap
abbr. as soon as possible
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as.bes.tos
noun [U] a soft grey mineral that does not burn, used especially in the past in building as a protection against fire or to prevent heat loss
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as.cend
verb (formal) ~ (to sth) to rise; to go up; to climb up: [v] The path started to ascend more steeply.  Mist ascended from the valley.  The air became colder as we ascended.  The results, ranked in ascending order (from the lowest to the highest) are as follows:   (figurative) He ascended to the peak of sporting achievement.  [vn] Her heart was thumping as she ascended the stairs.   (figurative) to ascend the throne (= become king or queen)
OPP DESCEND
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as.cend.ancy
(also as.cend.ency) noun [U] (formal) ~ (over sb/sth) the position of having power or influence over sb/sth: moral / political / intellectual ascendancy  The opposition party was in the ascendancy (= gaining control).
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as.cend.ant
(also as.cend.ent) noun
IDM in the ascendant (formal) being or becoming more powerful or popular: British pop music is once again in the ascendant.
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as.cen.sion
noun [sing.]
1 (the Ascension) (in the Christian religion) the journey of Jesus from the earth into heaven
2 (formal) the act of moving up or of reaching a high position: her ascension to the throne
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As'cension Day
noun [U, C] (in the Christian religion) the 40th day after Easter when Christians remember when Jesus left the earth and went into heaven
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as.cent
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the act of climbing or moving up; an upward journey: the first ascent of Mount Everest  The cart began its gradual ascent up the hill.
OPP DESCENT
2 [C, usually sing.] an upward path or slope: At the other side of the valley was a steep ascent to the top of the hill.
OPP DESCENT
3 [U] (formal) the process of moving forward to a better position or of making progress: man’s ascent to civilization
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as.cer.tain
verb (formal) to find out the true or correct information about sth: [vn] It can be difficult to ascertain the facts.  [v that] I ascertained that the driver was not badly hurt.  [vn that] It should be ascertained that the plans comply with the law.  [v wh-] The police are trying to ascertain what really happened.  Could you ascertain whether she will be coming to the meeting?  [vn wh-] It must be ascertained if the land is still owned by the government.
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as.cet.ic
adj. [usually before noun] not allowing yourself physical pleasures, especially for religious reasons; related to a simple and strict way of living: The monks lived a very ascetic life.
as.cet.ic noun: monks, hermits and ascetics
as.ceti.cism noun [U]
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ASCII
noun [U] (computing ) a standard CODE used so that data can be moved between computers that use different programs (the abbreviation for ‘American Standard Code for Information Interchange’): Save the text as an ASCII file.
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ascot
noun (AmE ) = CRAVAT
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ascribe
verb
PVR V ascribe sth to sb to consider or state that a book, etc. was written by a particular person
SYN ATTRIBUTE : This play is usually ascribed to Shakespeare. ascribe sth to sb/sth (formal)
1 to consider that sth is caused by a particular thing or person: He ascribed his failure to bad luck.
2 to consider that sb/sth has or should have a particular quality: We ascribe great importance to these policies.
SYN ATTRIBUTE
ascrib.able adj.~ to sb/sth: Their success is ascribable to the quality of their goods.
ascrip.tion noun [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth): the ascription of meaning to objects and events
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ASEAN
abbr. Association of South East Asian Nations
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asep.tic
adj. (medical ) free from harmful bacteria
OPP SEPTIC
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asex.ual
adj.
1 (technical) not involving sex; not having sexual organs: asexual reproduction
2 not having sexual qualities; not interested in sex: the tendency to see old people as asexual
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ash
noun
1 [U] the grey or black powder that is left after sth, especially tobacco, wood or coal, has burnt: cigarette ash  black volcanic ash
2 (ashes) [pl.] what is left after sth has been destroyed by burning: The town was reduced to ashes in the fighting.  the glowing ashes of the campfire   (figurative) The party had risen, like a phoenix, from the ashes of electoral disaster.
3 (ashes) [pl.] the powder that is left after a dead person’s body has been CREMATED (= burned): She wanted her ashes to be scattered at sea.
4 [C, U] (also 'ash tree) a forest tree with grey bark—see also MOUNTAIN ASH
5 [U] the hard pale wood of the ash tree
IDM see SACKCLOTH
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ashamed
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (of sth/sb / yourself)| ~ (that … )| ~ (to be sth) feeling shame or embarrassment about sb/sth or because of sth you have done: She was deeply ashamed of her behaviour at the party.  His daughter looked such a mess that he was ashamed of her.  You should be ashamed of yourself for telling such lies.  I feel almost ashamed that I’ve been so lucky.  The football riots made me ashamed to be English.
2 ~ to do sth unwilling to do sth because of shame or embarrassment: I’m ashamed to say that I lied to her.  I cried at the end and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
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ashen
adj. (usually of sb’s face) very pale; without colour because of illness or fear: They listened ashen-faced to the news.  His face was ashen and wet with sweat.
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ashore
adv. towards, onto or on land, having come from an area of water such as the sea or a river: to come / go ashore  a drowned body found washed ashore on the beach  The cruise included several days ashore.
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ash.ram
noun a place where Hindus who wish to live apart from society live together as a group; a place where other Hindus go for a short time to say prayers before returning to society
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ash.tray
noun a container into which people who smoke put tobacco ash, cigarette ends, etc.
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,Ash 'Wednesday
noun [U, C] the first day of Lent—see also SHROVE TUESDAY
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Asian
noun, adj.
noun a person from Asia, or whose family originally came from Asia: British Asians
HELP In BrEAsian is used especially to refer to people from India or Pakistan. In AmE it is used especially to refer to people from the Far East.

adj. of or connected with Asia: Asian music

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,Asian A'merican
noun a person from America whose family come from Asia, especially E Asia
,Asian-A'merican adj.
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Asi.at.ic
adj. (technical ) of or connected with Asia: the Asiatic tropics
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aside
adv., noun
adv.
1 to one side; out of the way: She pulled the curtain aside.  Stand aside and let these people pass.  He took me aside (= away from a group of people) to give me some advice.   (figurative) Leaving aside (= not considering at this stage) the cost of the scheme, let us examine its benefits.  All our protests were brushed aside (= ignored).
2 to be used later: We set aside some money for repairs.
3 used after nouns to say that except for one thing, sth is true: Money worries aside, things are going well.

noun
1 (in the theatre) something which a character in a play says to the audience, but which the other characters on stage are not intended to hear
2 a remark, often made in a low voice, which is not intended to be heard by everyone present
3 a remark that is not directly connected with the main subject that is being discussed: I mention it only as an aside …

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a'side from
prep. (especially AmE ) = APART FROM
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as.in.ine
adj. (formal) stupid or silly
SYN RIDICULOUS
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ask
verb
QUESTION|
1 ~ (sb) (about sb/sth) to say or write sth in the form of a question, in order to get information: [v speech] ‘Where are you going?’ she asked.  [vn speech] ‘Are you sure?’ he asked her.  [v] He asked about her family.  How old are you—if you don’t mind me / my asking ?  [vn] The interviewer asked me about my future plans.  Can I ask a question ?  Did you ask the price?  [vnn] She asked the students their names.  I often get asked that!  [v wh-] He asked where I lived.  [vn wh-] I had to ask the teacher what to do next.  I was asked if / whether I could drive.
HELP You cannot say ‘ask to sb’: I asked to my friend what had happened.
REQUEST|
2 to tell sb that you would like them to do sth or that you would like sth to happen: [vn to inf] All the students were asked to complete a questionnaire.  Eric asked me to marry him.  [v wh-] I asked whether they could change my ticket.  [vn wh-] She asked me if I would give her English lessons.  [v that] (formal) She asked that she be kept informed of developments.   (BrE also) She asked that she should be kept informed.
3 ~ (sb) (for sth) to say that you would like sb to give you sth: [v] to ask for a job / a drink / an explanation  I am writing to ask for some information about courses.  [vn] Why don’t you ask his advice?  Can I ask a favour of you?  [vnn] Why don’t you ask him for his advice?  Can I ask you a favour?
PERMISSION|
4 to request permission to do sth: [v to inf] Did you ask to use the car?  I asked to see the manager.  [v wh-] I’ll ask if it’s all right to park here.  [vn wh-] She asked her boss whether she could have the day off.
INVITE|
5 [usually +adv. / prep.] to invite sb: [vn] They’ve asked me to dinner.  I didn’t ask them in (= to come into the house).  We must ask the neighbours round (= to our house).  [vn to inf] She’s asked him to come to the party.
MONEY|
6 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to request a particular amount of money for sth that you are selling: He’s asking £2 000 for the car.
EXPECT / DEMAND|
7 ~ sth (of sb) to expect or demand sth: [vn] I know I’m asking a great deal.  You’re asking too much of him.  [vn to inf] I know it’s asking a lot to expect them to win again. 'ask for it (informal) to deserve sth bad that happens to you or that sb does to you be 'asking for trouble | be 'asking for it (informal) to behave in a way that is very likely to result in trouble ,don’t 'ask (spoken, informal) if you say don’t ask to sb, you mean that you do not want to reply to their question, because it would be awkward, embarrassing, etc. ,don’t ask 'me (spoken, informal) if you say don’t ask me, you mean that you do not know the answer to a question and are annoyed you have been asked for the 'asking if you can have sth for the asking, it is very easy for you to get it if you ask for it: The job is yours for the asking. I 'ask you (spoken, informal) if you say I ask you, you are expressing disapproval, shock or anger about sth/sb if you ask 'me (spoken, informal) in my personal opinion: Their marriage was a mistake, if you ask me. 'ask after sb (BrE) to say that you would like to know how sb is, what they are doing, etc: He always asks after you in his letters. ,ask a'round to speak to a number of different people in order to try and get some information: I don’t know of any vacancies in the company but I’ll ask around. ,ask sb 'back (especially BrE) to invite sb to come back to your house when you are both out together: I hoped he wouldn’t ask me back. 'ask for sb/sth to say that you want to speak to sb or be directed to a place: When you arrive, ask for Jane. ,ask sb 'out to invite sb to go out with you, especially as a way of starting a romantic relationship: He’s too shy to ask her out.
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askance
adv.
IDM look askance (at sb/sth) | look (at sb/sth) askance (written) to look at or react to sb/sth with suspicion or doubt, or in a critical way
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askew
adv., adj. [not before noun] not in a straight or level position: Her hat was slightly askew.  His glasses had been knocked askew by the blow.
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'asking price
noun the price that sb wants to sell sth for—compare SELLING PRICE
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asleep
adj. [not before noun] sleeping: The baby was sound asleep (= sleeping deeply) upstairs.  I waited until they were all fast asleep (= sleeping deeply).  He was so exhausted that he fell asleep at his desk.  She was still half asleep (= not fully awake) when she arrived at work.  The police found him asleep in a garage.
IDM see SOUND adv.
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asp
noun a small poisonous snake found especially in N Africa
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as.para.gus
noun [U] a plant whose young green or white stems are cooked and eaten as a vegetable—
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as.pect
noun
1 [C] a particular part or feature of a situation, an idea, a problem, etc.; a way in which it may be considered: The book aims to cover all aspects of city life.  the most important aspect of the debate  She felt she had looked at the problem from every aspect.  This was one aspect of her character he hadn’t seen before.
2 [U, sing.] (formal) the appearance of a place, a situation or a person: Events began to take on a more sinister aspect.
3 [C, usually sing.] (formal) the direction in which a building, window, piece of land, etc. faces; the side of a building which faces a particular direction
4 [U, C] (grammar) the form of a verb that shows, for example, whether the action happens once or repeatedly, is completed or still continuing—see also PERFECT adj. (7) , PROGRESSIVE adj.
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aspen
noun a type of POPLAR tree, with leaves that move even when there is very little wind
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as.per.ity
noun [U] (rare, formal) the fact of being harsh or severe, especially in the way you speak to or treat sb
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as.per.sions
noun [pl.] (formal) critical or unpleasant remarks or judgements: I wouldn’t want to cast aspersions on your honesty.
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as.phalt
noun [U] a thick black sticky substance used especially for making the surface of roads
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as.phyxia
noun [U] the state of being unable to breathe, causing death or loss of consciousness
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as.phyxi.ate
verb [vn] to make sb become unconscious or die by preventing them from breathing
SYN SUFFOCATE : He was asphyxiated by the smoke.  asphyxiating gases
as.phyxi.ation noun [U]
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aspic
noun [U] clear jelly which food can be put into when it is being served cold: chicken breast in aspic
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as.pi.dis.tra
noun a plant with broad green pointed leaves, often grown indoors
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as.pir.ant
noun ~ (to / for sth) (formal) a person with a strong desire to achieve a position of importance or to win a competition: aspirants to the title of world champion
as.pir.ant adj. [only before noun] = ASPIRING
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as.pir.ate
noun, verb
noun (phonetics ) the sound of the letter ‘h’: The word ‘hour’ is pronounced without an initial aspirate.

verb [vn]
1 (medical) to remove liquid from a person’s body with a machine
2 (phonetics) to pronounce sth with an ‘h’ sound or with a breath

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as.pir.ation
noun
1 [C, usually pl., U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) a strong desire to have or do sth: I didn’t realize you had political aspirations.  He has never had any aspiration to earn a lot of money.
2 [U] (phonetics) the action of pronouncing sth with an ‘h’ sound
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as.pire
verb ~ (to sth) to have a strong desire to achieve or to become sth: [v] She aspired to a scientific career.  [v to inf] He aspired to be their next leader.
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as.pirin
noun [U, C] (pl.as.pirin or as.pir.ins) a drug used to reduce pain, fever and INFLAMMATION : Do you have any aspirin?  Take two aspirin(s) for a headache.
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as.pir.ing
(also less frequent as.pir.ant) adj. [only before noun]
1 wanting to start the career or activity that is mentioned: Aspiring musicians need hours of practice every day.
2 wanting to be successful in life: He came from an aspiring working-class background.
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ass
noun
1 (AmE,  , slang) = ARSE
2 (BrE, informal) a stupid person: Don’t be such an ass!  I made an ass of myself at the meeting—standing up and then forgetting the question.
3 (BrE, old use) a DONKEY
IDM get your 'ass in gear | move your 'ass (slang, especially AmE) a rude way of telling sb to hurry get your ass over / in 'here, etc. (slang, especially AmE) a rude way of telling sb to come here, etc.—more at KICK v. , KISS v. , PAIN n.
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as.sail
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to attack sb violently, either physically or with words: He was assailed with fierce blows to the head.  The proposal was assailed by the opposition party.   (figurative) A vile smell assailed my nostrils.
2 [usually passive] to disturb or upset sb severely: to be assailed by worries / doubts / fears
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as.sail.ant
noun (formal) a person who attacks sb, especially physically
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as.sas.sin
noun a person who murders sb important or famous, for money or for political reasons
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as.sas.sin.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] to murder an important or famous person, especially for political reasons: The prime minister was assassinated by extremists.  a plot to assassinate the president
as.sas.sin.ation noun [U, C]: The president survived a number of assassination attempts.  the assassination of John F. Kennedy
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as.sault
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (on / upon sb) the crime of attacking sb physically: Both men were charged with assault.  A significant number of indecent assaults on women go unreported.  sexual assaults
2 [C] ~ (on / upon / against sb/sth) (by an army, etc.) the act of attacking a building, an area, etc. in order to take control of it: An assault on the capital was launched in the early hours of the morning.
3 [C] ~ (on / upon sth) the act of trying to achieve sth that is difficult or dangerous: The government has mounted a new assault on unemployment (= in order to reduce it).  Three people died during an assault on the mountain (= while trying to climb it).
4 [C] ~ (on / upon / against sb/sth) an act of criticizing sb/sth severely: The paper’s assault on the president was totally unjustified.  The suggested closures came under assault from all parties.

verb [vn]
1 to attack sb violently, especially when this is a crime: He has been charged with assaulting a police officer.  Four women have been sexually assaulted in the area recently.
2 (formal) to affect your senses in a way that is very unpleasant or uncomfortable: Loud rock music assaulted our ears.

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as,sault and 'battery
noun [U] (law ) the crime of threatening to harm sb and then attacking them physically
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as'sault course
(BrE ) (AmE 'obstacle course) noun an area of land with many objects that are difficult to climb, jump over or go through, which is used, especially by soldiers, for improving physical skills and strength
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assay
noun [C, U] (technical ) the testing of metals and chemicals for quality, often to see how pure they are
assay verb [vn]
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as.sem.blage
noun (formal, technical ) a collection of things; a group of people: Tropical rainforests have the most varied and abundant assemblage of plants in the world.
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as.sem.ble
verb
1 to come together as a group; to bring people or things together as a group: [v] All the students were asked to assemble in the main hall.  She then addressed the assembled company (= all the people there).  [vn] to assemble evidence / data  The manager has assembled a world-class team.
2 [vn] to fit together all the separate parts of sth, for example a piece of furniture: The shelves are easy to assemble.
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as.sem.bly
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also Assembly) [C] a group of people who have been elected to meet together regularly and make decisions or laws for a particular region or country: State / legislative / federal / local assemblies  Power has been handed over to provincial and regional assemblies.  The national assembly has voted to adopt the budget.  the California Assembly  the UN General Assembly
2 [U, C] the meeting together of a group of people for a particular purpose; a group of people who meet together for a particular purpose: They were fighting for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.  He was to address a public assembly on the issue.  an assembly point (= a place where people have been asked to meet)
3 [C, U] a meeting of the teachers and students in a school, usually at the start of the day, to give information, discuss school events or say prayers together
4 [U] the process of putting together the parts of sth such as a vehicle or piece of furniture: Putting the bookcase together should be a simple assembly job.  a car assembly plant
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as'sembly line
noun = PRODUCTION LINE : workers on the assembly line
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as.sent
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (to sth) (formal) official agreement to or approval of sth: The director has given her assent to the proposals.  He nodded (his) assent.  There were murmurs of both assent and dissent from the crowd.  The bill passed in Parliament has now received the Royal Assent (= been approved by the king / queen).

verb ~ (to sth) (formal) to agree to a request, an idea or a suggestion: [v] Nobody would assent to the terms they proposed. [alsov speech]

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as.sert
verb
1 to state clearly and firmly that sth is true: [v that] She continued to assert that she was innocent.  [vn] She continued to assert her innocence.  [v speech] ‘That is wrong,’ he asserted.  [vn that] It is commonly asserted that older people prefer to receive care from family members.
2 [vn] ~ yourself to behave in a confident and determined way so that other people pay attention to your opinions
3 [vn] to make other people recognize your right or authority to do sth, by behaving firmly and confidently: to assert your independence / rights  I was determined to assert my authority from the beginning.
4 [vn] ~ itself to start to have an effect: Good sense asserted itself.
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as.ser.tion
noun
1 [C] a statement saying that you strongly believe sth to be true
SYN CLAIM : He was correct in his assertion that the minister had been lying.  Do you have any evidence to support your assertions?
2 [U, C] the act of stating, using or claiming sth strongly: the assertion of his authority  The demonstration was an assertion of the right to peaceful protest.
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as.sert.ive
adj. expressing opinions or desires strongly and with confidence, so that people take notice: You should try and be more assertive.  assertive behaviour
OPP SUBMISSIVE
as.sert.ive.ly adv.
as.sert.ive.ness noun [U]: an assertiveness training course
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as.sess
verb
1 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to make a judgement about the nature or quality of sb/sth: [vn] It’s difficult to assess the effects of these changes.  to assess a patient’s needs  The young men were assessed as either safe or unsafe drivers.  I’d assess your chances as low.  [v wh-] The committee assesses whether a building is worth preserving.  We are trying to assess how well the system works.
2 [vn] ~ sth (at sth) to calculate the amount or value of sth: They have assessed the amount of compensation to be paid.  Damage to the building was assessed at £40 000.
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as.sess.ment
noun
1 [C] an opinion or a judgement about sb/sth that has been thought about very carefully
SYN EVALUATION : a detailed assessment of the risks involved  What is your assessment of the situation?
2 [U] the act of judging or forming an opinion about sb/sth: written and oral exams and other forms of assessment  Objective assessment of the severity of the problem was difficult.—see also CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
3 [C] an amount that has been calculated and that must be paid: a tax assessment
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as.ses.sor
noun
1 an expert in a particular subject who is asked by a court of law or other official group to give advice
2 a person who calculates the value or cost of sth or the amount of money to be paid: an insurance / tax assessor
3 a person who judges how well sb has done in an exam, a competition, etc: College lecturers acted as external assessors of the exam results.
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asset
noun
1 ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that is valuable or useful to sb/sth: I’m sure she’ll be an asset to the team.  In his job, patience is an invaluable asset.
2 [usually pl.] a thing of value, especially property, that a person or company owns, which can be used or sold to pay debts: the net asset value of the company  Her assets include shares in the company and a house in France.  asset sales / management  income from fixed asset investments  financial / capital assets—compare LIABILITY
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'asset-stripping
noun [U] (business ) (usually disapproving) the practice of buying a company which is in financial difficulties at a low price and then selling everything that it owns in order to make a profit
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ass.hole
noun (AmE ,  , slang) = ARSEHOLE
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as.sidu.ous
adj. (formal) working very hard and taking great care that everything is done as well as it can be
SYN DILIGENT : one of the most assiduous members of the team
as.si.du.ity noun [U] (rare)
as.sidu.ous.ly adv.
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as.sign
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to give sb sth that they can use, or some work or responsibility: [vn] The two large classrooms have been assigned to us.  The teacher assigned a different task to each of the children.  [vnn] We have been assigned the two large classrooms.  The teacher assigned each of the children a different task.
2 ~ sb (to sth / as sth) to provide a person for a particular task or position: [vn] They’ve assigned their best man to the job.  [vn to inf] British forces have been assigned to help with peacekeeping.
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb to sb/sth to send a person to work under the authority of sb or in a particular group: I was assigned to B platoon.
4 ~ sth to sth to say that sth has a particular value or function, or happens at a particular time or place: [vn] Assign a different colour to each different type of information.  [vnn] The painting cannot be assigned an exact date.
5 [vn] ~ sth to sb (law) to say that your property or rights now belong to sb else: The agreement assigns copyright to the publisher.
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as.sig.na.tion
noun (formal or humorous) a meeting, especially a secret one, often with a lover
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as.sign.ment
noun
1 [C] a task or piece of work that sb is given to do, usually as part of their job or studies: You will need to complete three written assignments per semester.  She is in Greece on an assignment for one of the Sunday newspapers.  one of our reporters on assignment in China  I had set myself a tough assignment.
2 [U] the act of giving sth to sb; the act of giving sb a particular task: his assignment to other duties in the same company
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as.simi.late
verb
1 [vn] to fully understand an idea or some information so that you are able to use it yourself: The committee will need time to assimilate this report.
2 ~ (sb) (into / to sth) to become, or allow sb to become, a part of a country or community rather than remaining in a separate group: [v] New arrivals find it hard to assimilate, and may not wish to.  [vn] Immigrants have been successfully assimilated into the community.
3 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth into / to sth to make an idea, a person’s attitude, etc. fit into sth or be acceptable: These changes were gradually assimilated into everyday life.
as.simi.la.tion noun [U]: the rapid assimilation of new ideas  his assimilation into the political community
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as.sist
verb
1 ~ (sb) (in / with sth)| ~ (sb) (in doing sth) (especially written) to help sb to do sth: [vn] We’ll do all we can to assist you.  We will assist you in finding somewhere to live.  The play was directed by Mike Johnson, assisted by Sharon Gale.  Two men are assisting the police with their enquiries (= are being questioned by the police).  [vn to inf] a course to assist adults to return to the labour market  [v] Anyone willing to assist can contact this number.  We are looking for people who would be willing to assist in the group’s work.
2 [vn] to help sth to happen more easily: activities that will assist the decision-making process  note at HELP
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as.sist.ance
noun [U] ~ (with sth)| ~ (in doing sth / to do sth) (formal) help or support: technical / economic / military assistance  financial assistance for people on low incomes  Can I be of any assistance ?  Despite his cries, no one came to his assistance .  She offered me practical assistance with my research.  The company provides advice and assistance in finding work.  He can walk only with the assistance of crutches.
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as.sist.ant
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who helps or supports sb, usually in their job: My assistant will now demonstrate the machine in action.  a senior research assistant—see also PERSONAL ASSISTANT , TEACHING ASSISTANT
2 (BrE) = SHOP ASSISTANT : a sales assistant in a department store
3 (BrE) a student at university or college who spends time in a foreign country teaching their language in a school

adj. [only before noun] (abbr. Asst) (often in titles) having a rank below a senior person and helping them in their work: the assistant manager  Assistant Chief Constable Owen  Assistant Attorney General William Weld

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as,sistant pro'fessor
noun (in the US and Canada) a teacher at a college or university who has a rank just below the rank of an ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
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as.sizes
noun a court of law in the past which travelled to each county of England and Wales
as.size adj. [only before noun]: the assize court
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Assoc.
abbr. (in writing) Association
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as.so.ci.ate
verb, adj., noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sb/sth) to make a connection between people or things in your mind: I always associate the smell of baking with my childhood.  He is closely associated in the public mind with horror movies.
2 [v] ~ with sb to spend time with sb, especially a person or people that sb else does not approve of: I don’t like you associating with those people.
3 [vn] ~ yourself with sth (formal) to show that you support or agree with sth: May I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks? (= I agree with them)
OPP DISSOCIATE

adj. [only before noun]
1 (often in titles) of a lower rank, having fewer rights in a particular profession or organization: associate membership of the European Union  an associate member / director / editor
2 joined to or connected with a profession or an organization: their dealings with an associate company in Japan

noun
1 a person that you work with, do business with or spend a lot of time with: business associates
2 (also Associate) an associate member
3 (Associate) (AmE) a person who has an Associate’s degree (= one that is given after completing two years of study at a junior college)

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as.so.ci.ated
adj.
1 if one thing is associated with another, the two things are connected because they happen together or one thing causes the other: the risks associated with taking drugs  Salaries and associated costs have risen substantially.
2 if a person is associated with an organization, etc. they support it: He no longer wished to be associated with the party’s policy on education.
3 (Associated) used in the name of a business company that is made up of a number of smaller companies: Associated Newspapers
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as,sociate pro'fessor
noun (in the US and Canada) a teacher at a college or university who has a rank just below the rank of a PROFESSOR
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as.so.ci.ation
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbr.Assoc.) an official group of people who have joined together for a particular purpose
SYN ORGANIZATION : Do you belong to any professional or trade associations?  the Football Association  a residents' association—see also HOUSING ASSOCIATION
2 [C, U] ~ (with sb/sth) a connection or relationship between people or organizations: his alleged association with terrorist groups  They have maintained a close association with a college in the US.  The book was published in association with (= together with) British Heritage.  She became famous through her association with the group of poets.
3 [C, usually pl.] an idea or a memory that is suggested by sb/sth; a mental connection between ideas: The seaside had all sorts of pleasant associations with childhood holidays for me.  The cat soon made the association between human beings and food.
4 [C] a connection between things where one is caused by the other: a proven association between passive smoking and cancer
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As,sociation 'football
noun [U] (BrE , formal) = FOOTBALL
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as.son.ance
noun [U] (technical ) the effect created when two syllables in words that are close together have the same vowel sound, but different consonants, or the same consonants but different vowels, for example, sonnet and porridge or cold and killed
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as.sort.ed
adj. of various different sorts: The meat is served with salad or assorted vegetables.  The jumper comes in assorted colours.
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as.sort.ment
noun [usually sing.] a collection of different things or of different types of the same thing
SYN MIXTURE : a wide assortment of gifts to choose from  He was dressed in an odd assortment of clothes.
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Asst
(also Asst. especially in AmE) abbr. (in writing) Assistant: Asst Manager
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as.suage
verb [vn] (formal) to make an unpleasant feeling less severe: His reply did little to assuage my suspicions.
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as.sume
verb
1 to think or accept that sth is true but without having proof of it: [v (that)] It is reasonable to assume (that) the economy will continue to improve.  Let us assume for a moment that the plan succeeds.  I hope to go to college next year, always assuming (that) I pass my exams.  She would, he assumed, be home at the usual time.  [vn that] It is generally assumed that stress is caused by too much work.  [vn] Don’t always assume the worst (= that sth bad has happened).  In this example we have assumed a unit price of $10.  [vn to inf] I had assumed him to be a Belgian.
2 [vn] (formal) to take or begin to have power or responsibility: The court assumed responsibility for the girl’s welfare.  Rebel forces have assumed control of the capital.
3 [vn] (formal) to begin to have a particular quality or appearance
SYN TAKE ON : This matter has assumed considerable importance.  In the story the god assumes the form of an eagle.
4 [vn] (formal) to pretend to have a particular feeling or quality
SYN PUT ON : He assumed an air of concern.
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as.sumed
adj. [only before noun] that you suppose to be true or to exist: the assumed differences between the two states
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as,sumed 'name
noun a name that sb uses that is not their real name
SYN PSEUDONYM : He was living under an assumed name .
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as.sump.tion
noun
1 [C] a belief or feeling that sth is true or that sth will happen, although there is no proof: an underlying / implicit assumption  We need to challenge some of the basic assumptions of western philosophy.  We are working on the assumption that everyone invited will turn up.  It was impossible to make assumptions about people’s reactions.  His actions were based on a false assumption.
2 [C, U] ~ of sth (formal) the act of taking or beginning to have power or responsibility: their assumption of power / control
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as.sur.ance
noun
1 [C] a statement that sth will certainly be true or will certainly happen, particularly when there has been doubt about it
SYN PROMISE : Opposition parties are calling for further assurances that the government is committed to its education policy.  Unemployment seems to be rising, despite repeated assurances to the contrary .
2 (also ,self-as'surance) [U] belief in your own abilities or strengths
SYN CONFIDENCE : There was an air of easy assurance and calm about him.
3 [U] (BrE) a type of insurance in which money is paid out when sb dies or after an agreed period of time: a life assurance company—see also QUALITY ASSURANCE
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as.sure
verb
1 ~ sb (of sth) to tell sb that sth is definitely true or is definitely going to happen, especially when they have doubts about it: [vn (that)] I know you think I did it deliberately, but I assure you (that) I did not.  We were assured that everything possible was being done.  [vn] She’s perfectly safe, I can assure you .  We assured him of our loyal support.  [vn speech] ‘He’ll come back,’ Susan assured her.
2 ~ yourself (of sth) to make yourself certain about sth: [vn] He assured himself of her safety.  [vn that] She assured herself that the letter was still in the drawer.
3 to make sth certain to happen
SYN GUARANTEE : [vn] Victory would assure a place in the finals.  [vnn] Victory would assure them a place in the finals.
4 [vn] (BrE) to INSURE sth, especially against sb’s death: What is the sum assured?
IDM see REST v.
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as.sured
adj.
1 (also ,self-as'sured) confident in yourself and your abilities: He spoke in a calm, assured voice.
2 certain to happen
SYN GUARANTEED : Success seemed assured.
3 ~ of sth (of a person) certain to get sth: You are assured of a warm welcome at this hotel.
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as.sured.ly
adv. (formal) certainly; definitely: Their attempts will most assuredly fail.
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aster
noun a garden plant that has pink, purple, blue or white flowers with many long narrow PETALS around a dark centre
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as.ter.isk
noun the symbol ( * ) placed next to a particular word or phrase to make people notice it or to show that more information is given in another place: I’ve placed an asterisk next to the tasks I want you to do first.
as.ter.isk verb : [vn] I’ve asterisked the tasks I want you to do first.
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astern
adv. (technical )
1 in, at or towards the back part of a ship or boat
2 if a ship or boat is moving astern, it is moving backwards
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as.ter.oid
noun any one of the many small planets which go around the sun
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asthma
noun [U] a medical condition of the chest that makes breathing difficult: a severe asthma attack
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asth.mat.ic
noun a person who suffers from asthma
asth.mat.ic adj.: asthmatic patients  an asthmatic attack
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astig.ma.tism
noun [U] a fault in the shape of a person’s eye that prevents them from seeing clearly
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as.ton.ish
verb to surprise sb very much: [vn] You astonish me!  The news astonished everyone.  She astonished us by saying she was leaving.  [vn (that)] It astonishes me (that) he could be so thoughtless.
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as.ton.ished
adj. ~ (to find / hear / learn / see sth)| ~ (at / by sth/sb)| ~ (that … ) very surprised: He was astonished to learn he’d won the competition.  My parents looked astonished at my news.  She seemed astonished (that) I had never been to Paris.  The helicopter landed before our astonished eyes.
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as.ton.ish.ing
adj. very surprising; difficult to believe: She ran 100m in an astonishing 10.9 seconds.  I find it absolutely astonishing that you didn’t like it.
as.ton.ish.ing.ly adv.: Jack took the news astonishingly well.  Astonishingly, a crowd of several thousands turned out to hear him.
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as.ton.ish.ment
noun [U] a feeling of very great surprise: To my utter astonishment , she remembered my name.  He stared in astonishment at the stranger.
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as.tound
verb [vn] to surprise or shock sb very much: His arrogance astounded her.  She was astounded by his arrogance.
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as.tound.ed
adj. ~ (to find, learn, see, etc. sth)| ~ (at / by sth)| ~ (that … ) very surprised or shocked by sth, because it seems very unlikely: an astounded expression  How can you say that? I’m absolutely astounded.  I was astounded to see her appear from the house.  She looked astounded at the news.  The doctors were astounded (that) he survived.
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as.tound.ing
adj. so surprising that it is difficult to believe: There was an astounding 20% increase in sales.
as.tound.ing.ly adv.
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as.tra.khan
noun [U] a black tightly-curled fabric made from the wool of a particular type of young sheep, used especially for making coats and hats; an artificial fabric that looks like this
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astray
adv.
IDM go a'stray
1 to become lost; to be stolen: Several letters went astray or were not delivered.  We locked up our valuables so they would not go astray.
2 to go in the wrong direction or to have the wrong result: Fortunately the gunman’s shots went astray.  Jack’s parents thought the other boys might lead him astray (= make him do things that are wrong).
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astride
prep., adv.
prep. with one leg on each side of sth: to sit astride a horse / bike / chair   (figurative) a town astride the river

adv.
1 with legs or feet wide apart
2 with one leg on each side

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astrin.gent
adj., noun
adj.
1 (technical) (of a liquid or cream) able to make the skin feel less OILY or to stop a cut from bleeding
2 (formal) critical in a harsh or clever way: astringent writers / comments
3 (formal) (of a taste or smell) slightly bitter but fresh: the astringent taste of lemon juice
astrin.gency noun [U]

noun a liquid or cream used in COSMETICS or medicine to make the skin less OILY or to stop a cut from bleeding

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astro-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the stars or outer space: astronaut  astrophysics
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as.trol.oger
noun a person who uses astrology to tell people about their character, about what might happen to them in the future, etc.
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as.trol.ogy
noun [U] the study of the positions of the stars and the movements of the planets in the belief that they influence human affairs
astro.logic.al adj.: astrological influences
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astro.naut
noun a person whose job involves travelling and working in a spacecraft
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as.tron.omer
noun a scientist who studies astronomy
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astro.nom.ic.al
adj.
1 connected with ASTRONOMY : astronomical observations
2 (also astro.nom.ic) (informal) (of an amount, a price, etc.) very large: the astronomical costs of land for building  The figures are astronomical.
astro.nom.ic.al.ly adv.: Interest rates are astronomically high.
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as.tron.omy
noun [U] the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.
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astro.phys.ics
noun [U] the scientific study of the physical and chemical structure of the stars, planets, etc.
astro.physi.cist noun
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Astro.Turf
™noun [U] an artificial surface that looks like grass, for playing sports on
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as.tute
adj. very clever and quick at seeing what to do in a particular situation, especially how to get an advantage
SYN SHREWD : an astute businessman / politician / observer  It was an astute move to sell the shares just then.
as.tute.ly adv.
as.tute.ness noun [U]
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asun.der
adv. (old-fashioned or literary) into pieces; apart: families rent / torn asunder by the revolution
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asy.lum
noun
1 (also formal po,litical a'sylum) [U] protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons: to seek / apply for / be granted asylum  the rights of asylum seekers (= people asking for political asylum)
2 [C] (old use) a hospital where people who were mentally ill could be cared for, often for a long time
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asym.met.ric
(also asym.met.ric.al ) adj.
1 having two sides or parts that are not the same in size or shape: Most people’s faces are asymmetric.
OPP SYMMETRICAL
2 (technical) not equal, for example in the way each side or part behaves: Linguists are studying the asymmetric use of Creole by parents and children (= parents use one language and children reply in another).
asym.met.ric.al.ly adv.
asym.met.ry noun [C, U]
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at
prep.
1 used to say where sth/sb is or where sth happens: at the corner of the street  We changed at Crewe.  They arrived late at the airport.  At the roundabout take the third exit.  I’ll be at home all morning.  She’s at Tom’s (= at Tom’s house).  I met her at the hospital.  How many people were there at the concert?
2 used to say where sb works or studies: He’s been at the bank longer than anyone else.  She’s at Yale (= Yale University).
3 used to say when sth happens: We left at 2 o’clock.  at the end of the week  We woke at dawn.  I didn’t know at the time of writing (= when I wrote).  At night you can see the stars.   (BrE) What are you doing at the weekend?
4 used to state the age at which sb does sth: She got married at 25.  He left school at the age of 16.
5 in the direction of or towards sb/sth: What are you looking at?  He pointed a gun at her.  Somebody threw paint at the prime minister.
6 used after a verb to show that sb tries to do sth, or partly does sth, but does not succeed or complete it: He clutched wildly at the rope as he fell.  She nibbled at a sandwich (= ate only small bits of it).
7 used to state the distance away from sth: I held it at arm’s length.  Can you read a car number plate at fifty metres?
8 used to show the situation sb/sth is in, what sb is doing or what is happening: The country is now at war.  I felt at a disadvantage.  I think Mr Harris is at lunch.
9 used to show a rate, speed, etc: He was driving at 70 mph.  The noise came at two-minute intervals (= once every two minutes).
10 ~ sb’s / sth’s best / worst, etc. used to say that sb/sth is as good, bad, etc. as they can be: This was Henman at his best.  The garden’s at its most beautiful in June.
11 used with adjectives to show how well sb does sth: I’m good at French.  She’s hopeless at managing people.
12 used with adjectives to show the cause of sth: They were impatient at the delay.  She was delighted at the result.
13 (formal) in response to sth: They attended the dinner at the chairman’s invitation.
IDM at that used when you are giving an extra piece of information: He managed to buy a car after all—and a nice one at that. ,where it’s 'at (informal) a place or an activity that is very popular or fashionable: Judging by the crowds waiting to get in, this seems to be where it’s at.
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at.av.is.tic
adj. (formal) related to the attitudes and behaviour of the first humans: an atavistic urge / instinct / fear
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ate
pp ofEAT
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-ate
suffix
1 (in adjectives) full of or having the quality of: passionate  Italianate
2 (in verbs) to give the thing or quality mentioned to: hyphenate  activate
3 (in nouns) the status or function of: a doctorate
4 (in nouns) a group with the status or function of: the electorate
5 (in nouns) (chemistry) a SALT formed by the action of a particular acid: sulphate
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atel.ier
noun a room or building in which an artist works
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athe.ism
noun [U] the belief that God does not exist
OPP THEISM
athe.is.tic adj.
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athe.ist
noun a person who believes that God does not exist—compare AGNOSTIC
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ath.lete
noun
1 a person who competes in sports: Olympic athletes
2 (BrE) a person who competes in sports such as running and jumping
3 a person who is good at sports and physical exercise: She is a natural athlete.
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,athlete’s 'foot
noun [U] an infectious skin disease that affects the feet, especially between the toes
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ath.let.ic
adj.
1 physically strong, fit and active: an athletic figure / build  a tall, slim athletic girl
2 [only before noun] (BrE) connected with sports such as running, jumping and throwing (= athletics ): an athletic club / coach
ath.let.ical.ly adv.
ath.leti.cism noun [U]: She moved with great athleticism about the court.
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ath.let.ics
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (AmE ,track and 'field) sports that people compete in, such as running and jumping—
2 (AmE) any sports that people compete in: students involved in all forms of college athletics
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ath'letic shoe
noun (AmE ) = TENNIS SHOE
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ath,letic sup'porter
noun (especially AmE ) = JOCKSTRAP
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-ation
-ION
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atishoo
(BrE ) (also ahchooAmE, BrE) exclamation the word for the sound people make when they SNEEZE
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-ative
suffix (in adjectives) doing or tending to do sth: illustrative  talkative
-atively suffix (in adverbs): creatively
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atlas
noun a book of maps: a world atlas  a road atlas of Europe
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ATM
noun automated teller machine CASH MACHINE
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,AT'M card
noun (AmE ) = CASH CARD
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at.mos.phere
noun
1 (the atmosphere) [sing.] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth: the upper atmosphere  pollution of the atmosphere
2 [C] a mixture of gases that surrounds another planet or a star: Saturn’s atmosphere
3 [C] the air in a room or in an enclosed space; the air around a place: a smoky / stuffy atmosphere  These plants love warm, humid atmospheres.
4 [C, U] the feeling or mood that you have in a particular place or situation; a feeling between two people or in a group of people: a party atmosphere  The hotel offers a friendly atmosphere and personal service.  Use music and lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.  There was an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between them.  The children grew up in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity.  The old house is full of atmosphere (= it’s very interesting).
IDM see HEAVY adj.
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at.mos.pher.ic
adj.
1 [only before noun] related to the earth’s atmosphere: atmospheric pollution / conditions  atmospheric pressure
2 creating an exciting or emotional mood: atmospheric music
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at.mos.pher.ics
noun [pl.]
1 qualities in sth that create a particular atmosphere
2 noises that sometimes interrupt a radio broadcast
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atoll
noun an island made of CORAL and shaped like a ring with a lake of sea water (called a LAGOON ) in the middle
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atom
noun the smallest part of a chemical ELEMENT that can take part in a chemical reaction: the splitting of the atom  Two atoms of hydrogen combine with one atom of oxygen to form a molecule of water.
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atom.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with atoms or an atom : atomic structure
2 related to the energy that is produced when atoms are split; related to weapons that use this energy: atomic energy / power  the atomic bomb
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a,tomic 'number
noun (chemistry ) the number of PROTONS in the NUCLEUS (= centre) of an atom, which is characteristic of a chemical element. Elements are placed in the PERIODIC TABLE according to their atomic numbers .
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a,tomic 'theory
noun (physics ) the theory that atoms are made up of a central NUCLEUS surrounded by moving ELECTRONS
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atom.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to reduce sth to atoms or very small pieces
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atonal
adj. (of a piece of music) not written in any particular KEY
OPP TONAL
aton.al.ity noun [U]
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atone
verb [v] ~ (for sth) (formal) to act in a way that shows you are sorry for doing sth wrong in the past: to atone for a crime  a desire to atone
atone.ment noun [U]: to make atonement for his sins  Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement
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atop
prep. (especially AmE ) (old-fashioned or literary in BrE) on top of; at the top of: a flag high atop a pole  a scoop of ice cream atop a slice of apple pie
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-ator
suffix (in nouns) a person or thing that does sth: creator  percolator
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at.rium
noun
1 a large high open space in the centre of a modern building: The reception was held in the atrium.
2 an open space in the centre of an Ancient Roman VILLA (= a large house)
3 (anatomy) either of the two upper spaces in the heart used to pump blood
SYN AURICLE
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atro.cious
adj.
1 very bad or unpleasant
SYN TERRIBLE : She speaks French with an atrocious accent.  Isn’t the weather atrocious?
2 very cruel and shocking: atrocious acts of brutality
atro.cious.ly adv.
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atro.city
noun [C, usually pl., U] (pl.-ies) a terrible, cruel and violent act, especially in a war
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at.ro.phy
noun, verb
noun [U] (medical ) the condition of losing flesh, muscle, strength, etc. in a part of the body because it does not have enough blood: (figurative, formal) The cultural life of the country will sink into atrophy unless more writers and artists emerge.

verb (at.ro.phies, at.ro.phy.ing, at.ro.phied, at.ro.phied) [v] if a part of the body atrophies, it becomes weak because it is not used or because it does not have enough blood: (figurative) Memory can atrophy through lack of use.
at.ro.phied adj.: atrophied muscles  atrophied religious values

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at.tach
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to fasten or join one thing to another: Attach the coupon to the front of your letter.   (written) I attach a copy of my notes for your information.   (figurative) They have attached a number of conditions to the agreement (= said that the conditions must be part of the agreement).—compare DETACH
2 [vn] ~ importance, significance, value, weight, etc. (to sth) to believe that sth is important or worth thinking about: I attach great importance to this research.
3 [vn] ~ yourself to sb to join sb for a time, sometimes when you are not welcome or have not been invited: He attached himself to me at the party and I couldn’t get rid of him.
4 ~ to sb/sth (formal) to be connected with sb/sth; to connect sth to sth: [v] No one is suggesting that any health risks attach to this product.  No blame attaches to you.  [vn] This does not attach any blame to you.
IDM see STRING n.
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at.taché
noun a person who works at an EMBASSY , usually with a special responsibility for a particular area of activity: a cultural / military attaché
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at'taché case
noun a small hard flat case used for carrying business documents—compare BRIEFCASE —picture at BAG
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at.tached
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (to sb/sth) full of affection for sb/sth: I’ve never seen two people so attached to each other.  We’ve grown very attached to this house and would hate to move.—compare UNATTACHED
2 [not before noun] ~ to sth working for or forming part of an organization: The research unit is attached to the university.
3 ~ (to sth) joined to sth: Please complete the attached application form.
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at.tach.ment
noun
1 [C, U] a strong feeling of affection for sb/sth: a child’s deep attachment to its parents
2 [C, U] belief in and continued support for an idea or a set of values: the popular attachment to democratic government
3 [C] an object or a device that you can fix onto a machine, to make it do another job: an electric drill with a range of different attachments
4 [U, C] the act of joining one thing to another; a thing that joins two things together: All cars built since 1981 have points for the attachment of safety restraints.  They discussed the attachment of new conditions to the peace plans.  They had to check the strength of the seat attachments to the floor of the plane.
5 [U, C] (BrE) a short time spent working with an organization such as a hospital, school or part of the armed forces: She’s on attachment to the local hospital.  a 4-month training attachment
6 [C] (computing) a document that you send to sb using e-mail—
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at.tack
noun, verb
noun
VIOLENCE|
1 [C, U] ~ (on sb) an act of using violence to try to hurt or kill sb: a series of racist attacks
IN WAR|
2 [C, U] ~ (on sb/sth) an act of trying to kill or injure the enemy in war, using weapons such as guns and bombs: to launch / make / mount an attack  The patrol came under attack from all sides.—see also COUNTER-ATTACK
CRITICISM|
3 [C, U] ~ (on sb/sth) strong criticism of sb/sth in speech or in writing: a scathing attack on the government’s policies  The school has come under attack for failing to encourage bright pupils.
ACTION TO STOP STH|
4 [C] ~ (on sth) an action that you take to try to stop or change sth that you feel is bad: to launch an all-out attack on poverty / unemployment / smoking
OF ILLNESS|
5 [C] a sudden, short period of illness, usually severe, especially an illness that you have often: to suffer an asthma / migraine attack  an acute attack of food poisoning  a panic attack   (figurative) an attack of the giggles—see also HEART ATTACK
OF EMOTION|
6 [C] a sudden period of feeling an emotion such as fear: an attack of nerves
DAMAGE|
7 [U, C] the action of sth such as an insect, or a disease, that causes damage to sth/sb: The roof timbers were affected by rot and insect attack.
IN SPORT|
8 [sing.] (BrE) (AmE of.fense) the players in a team whose job is to try to score goals or points: Germany’s attack has been weakened by the loss of some key players through injury.—compare DEFENCE
9 [C, U] the actions that players take to try to score a goal or win the game: a sustained attack on the Arsenal goal

verb
USE VIOLENCE|
1 to use violence to try to hurt or kill sb: [vn] [often passive] A woman was attacked and robbed by a gang of youths.  The man attacked him with a knife.  [v] Most dogs will not attack unless provoked.
IN WAR|
2 to use weapons, such as guns and bombs against an enemy in a war, etc: [vn] At dawn the army attacked the town.  [v] The guerrillas usually attack at night.
CRITICIZE|
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) to criticize sb/sth severely: a newspaper article attacking the England football manager  She has been attacked for ignoring her own party members.
DAMAGE|
4 [vn] to have a harmful effect on sth: a disease that attacks the brain  The vines had been attacked by mildew.
DO STH WITH ENERGY|
5 [vn] to deal with sth with a lot of energy and determination: Let’s attack one problem at a time.
IN SPORT|
6 [v] to go forward in a game in order to try to score goals or points: Spain attacked more in the second half and deserved a goal.

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at.tack.er
noun a person who attacks sb: She didn’t really see her attacker.
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at.tain
verb [vn]
1 to succeed in getting sth, usually after a lot of effort: Most of our students attained five ‘A’ grades in their exams.
2 (formal) to reach a particular age, level or condition: The cheetah can attain speeds of up to 97 kph.
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at.tain.able
adj. that you can achieve: attainable goals / objectives / targets  This standard is easily attainable by most students.
OPP UNATTAINABLE
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at.tain.ment
noun (formal)
1 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) something that you learned or achieved: a young woman of impressive educational attainments
2 [U] success in achieving sth: The attainment of his ambitions was still a dream.  attainment targets (= for example in education)
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at.tempt
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (at sth / at doing sth) an act of trying to do sth, especially sth difficult, often with no success: Two factories were closed in an attempt to cut costs.  They made no attempt to escape.  I passed my driving test at the first attempt .  The couple made several unsuccessful attempts at a compromise.
2 [C] ~ (on sb/sb’s life) an act of trying to kill sb: Someone has made an attempt on the President’s life .
3 [C] ~ (on sth) an effort to do better than sth, such as a very good performance in sport: the latest attempt on the world land speed record

verb to make an effort or try to do sth, especially sth difficult: [v to inf] I will attempt to answer all your questions.  Do not attempt to repair this yourself.  [vn] The prisoners attempted an escape, but failed.

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at.tempted
adj. [only before noun] (of a crime, etc.) that sb has tried to do but without success: attempted rape / murder / robbery
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at.tend
verb
1 to be present at an event: [vn] The meeting was attended by 90% of shareholders.  to attend a wedding / funeral  [v] We’d like as many people as possible to attend.  note at HELP
2 [vn] to go regularly to a place: Our children attend the same school.  How many people attend church every Sunday?
3 [v] ~ (to sb/sth) (formal) to pay attention to what sb is saying or to what you are doing: She hadn’t been attending during the lesson.
4 [vn] (formal) to happen at the same time as sth: She dislikes the loss of privacy that attends TV celebrity.
5 [vn] (formal) to be with sb and help them: The President was attended by several members of his staff.
PVR V at'tend to sb/sth to deal with sb/sth; to take care of sb/sth: I have some urgent business to attend to.  A nurse attended to his needs constantly.   (BrE, formal) Are you being attended to, Sir? (= for example, in a shop).
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at.tend.ance
noun
1 [U, C] the act of being present at a place, for example at school: Attendance at these lectures is not compulsory.  Teachers must keep a record of students' attendances.
2 [C, U] the number of people present at an organized event: high / low / falling / poor attendances  There was an attendance of 42 at the meeting.
IDM be in at'tendance (formal) to be present at a special event: Several heads of state were in attendance at the funeral. be in at'tendance (on sb) (formal) to be with or near sb in order to help them if necessary: He always has at least two bodyguards in attendance. take at'tendance (AmE) to check who is present and who is not present at a place and to mark this information on a list of names—more at DANCE v.
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at.tend.ant
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person whose job is to serve or help people in a public place: a cloakroom / parking / museum attendant—see also FLIGHT ATTENDANT
2 a person who takes care of and lives or travels with an important person or a sick or DISABLED person

adj. [usually before noun] ~ (upon sth) (formal) closely connected with sth that has just been mentioned: attendant problems / risks / circumstances  We had all the usual problems attendant upon starting a new business.

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at.tend.er
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually at.tend.ee) noun a person who goes to a place or an event, often on a regular basis: She’s a regular attender at evening classes.
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at.ten.tion
noun, exclamation
noun
LISTENING / LOOKING CAREFULLY|
1 [U] the act of listening to, looking at or thinking about sth/sb carefully: the report’s attention to detail  He turned his attention back to the road again.  Small children have a very short attention span .  Please pay attention (= listen carefully) to what I am saying.  Don’t pay any attention to what they say (= don’t think that it is important).  She tried to attract the waiter’s attention .  I tried not to draw attention to (= make people notice) the weak points in my argument.  An article in the newspaper caught my attention .  I couldn’t give the programme my undivided attention .   (formal) It has come to my attention (= I have been informed) that …   (formal) He called (their) attention to the fact that many files were missing.   (formal, spoken) Can I have your attention please?
INTEREST|
2 [U] interest that people show in sb/sth: Films with big stars always attract great attention .  As the youngest child, she was always the centre of attention .
3 [C, usually pl.] things that sb does to try to please you or to show their interest in you: She tried to escape the unwanted attentions of her former boyfriend.
TREATMENT|
4 [U] special care, action or treatment: She was in need of medical attention.  The roof needs attention (= needs to be repaired).  for the attention of … (= written on the envelope of an official letter to say who should deal with it)
SOLDIERS|
5 [U] the position soldiers take when they stand very straight with their feet together and their arms at their sides: to stand at / to attention—compare (STAND) AT EASE at EASE n.

exclamation
1 used for asking people to listen to sth that is being announced: Attention, please! Passengers for flight KL412 are requested to go to gate 21 immediately.
2 used for ordering soldiers to stand to attention

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at.ten.tive
adj.
1 listening or watching carefully and with interest: an attentive audience
2 ~ (to sb/sth) helpful; making sure that people have what they need: The hotel staff are friendly and attentive.  Ministers should be more attentive to the needs of families.
at.ten.tive.ly adv.
at.ten.tive.ness noun [U]
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at.tenu.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth weaker or less effective: an attenuated strain of the virus
at.tenu.ation noun [U]
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at.test
verb (formal)
1 ~ (to sth) to show or prove that sth is true: [v] Contemporary accounts attest to his courage and determination. [alsov that, vn]
2 to state that you believe that sth is true or genuine, for example in a court of law: [vn] to attest a will  The signature was attested by two witnesses. [alsov that]
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attic
noun a room or space just below the roof of a house, often used for storing things: furniture stored in the attic  an attic bedroom—compare GARRET , LOFT
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at.tire
noun [U] (formal) clothes: dressed in formal evening attire
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at.tired
adj. [not before noun] (formal or literary) dressed in a particular way
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at.ti.tude
noun
1 [C] ~ (to / towards sb/sth) the way that you think and feel about sb/sth; the way that you behave towards sb/sth that shows how you think and feel: changes in public attitudes to marriage  the government’s attitude towards single parents  to have a good / bad / positive / negative attitude towards sb/sth  Youth is simply an attitude of mind .  If you want to pass your exams you’d better change your attitude!  You’re taking a pretty selfish attitude over this, aren’t you?
2 [U] confident, sometimes aggressive behaviour that shows you do not care about other people’s opinions and that you want to do things in an individual way: a band with attitude   You’d better get rid of that attitude and shape up, young man.  A lot of drivers have a serious attitude problem (= they do not behave in a way that is acceptable to other people).
3 [C] (formal) a position of the body: Her hands were folded in an attitude of prayer.
IDM see STRIKE v.
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at.ti.tu.din.al
adj. (formal) related to the attitudes that people have: attitudinal changes in society
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attn
(also attn. especially in AmE) abbr. (business ) (in writing) for the attention of: Sales Dept, attn C Biggs
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at.tor.ney
noun
1 (especially AmE) a lawyer, especially one who can act for sb in a court of law—see also DISTRICT ATTORNEY   note at LAWYER
2 a person who is given the power to act on behalf of another in business or legal matters: She was made her father’s attorney when he became ill.—see also POWER OF ATTORNEY
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At,torney-'General
noun (pl.Attorneys General or Attorney Generals)
1 the most senior legal officer in some countries or states, who advises the government or head of state on legal matters
2 (the Attorney-General) the head of the US Department of Justice and a member of the President’s CABINET (= a group of senior politicians who advise the President)
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at.tract
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sb (to sb/sth) if you are attracted by sth, it interests you and makes you want it; if you are attracted by sb, you like or admire them: I had always been attracted by the idea of working abroad.  What first attracted me to her was her sense of humour.
2 ~ sb/sth (to sth) to make sb/sth come somewhere or take part in sth: The warm damp air attracts a lot of mosquitoes.  The exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors.
3 to make people have a particular reaction: This proposal has attracted a lot of interest .  His comments were bound to attract criticism .  She tried to attract the attention of the waiter.
4 (physics) if a MAGNET or GRAVITY attracts sth, it makes it move towards it
OPP REPEL
IDM see OPPOSITE n.
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at.trac.tion
noun
1 [U, sing.] a feeling of liking sb, especially sexually: She felt an immediate attraction for him.  Sexual attraction is a large part of falling in love.
2 [C] an interesting or enjoyable place to go or thing to do: Buckingham Palace is a major tourist attraction .  The main attraction at Giverny is Monet’s garden.
3 [C, U] a feature, quality or person that makes sth seem interesting and enjoyable, and worth having or doing: I can’t see the attraction of sitting on a beach all day.  City life holds little attraction for me.  She is the star attraction of the show.  And there’s the added attraction of free champagne on all flights.
4 [U] (physics) a force which pulls things towards each other: gravitational / magnetic attraction—compare REPULSION
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at.tract.ive
adj.
1 (of a person) pleasant to look at, especially in a sexual way: an attractive woman  I like John but I don’t find him attractive physically.
2 (of a thing or a place) pleasant to look at: a big house with an attractive garden
3 having features or qualities that make sth seem interesting and worth having
SYN APPEALING : an attractive offer / proposition
OPP UNATTRACTIVE
at.tract.ive.ly adv.: The room is arranged very attractively.  attractively priced hotel rooms
at.tract.ive.ness noun [U]: the attractiveness of travelling abroad
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at.trib.ut.able
adj. [not before noun] ~ to sb/sth (written) probably caused by the thing mentioned: Their illnesses are attributable to a poor diet.
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at.tri.bute
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth to sth to say or believe that sth is the result of a particular thing: She attributes her success to hard work and a little luck.
2 ~ sth (to sb) to say or believe that sb is responsible for doing sth, especially for saying, writing or painting sth: The committee refused to attribute blame without further information.  This play is usually attributed to Shakespeare.
at.tri.bu.tion noun [U]: The attribution of this painting to Rembrandt has never been questioned.

noun a quality or feature of sb/sth: Patience is one of the most important attributes in a teacher.

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at.tribu.tive
adj. (grammar ) (of adjectives or nouns) used before a noun to describe it: In ‘the blue sky’ and ‘a family business’, ‘blue’ and ‘family’ are attributive.—compare PREDICATIVE
at.tribu.tive.ly adv.: Some adjectives can only be used attributively.
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at.tri.tion
noun [U] (formal)
1 a process of making sb/sth, especially your enemy, weaker by repeatedly attacking them or creating problems for them: It was a war of attrition .
2 (especially AmE) = NATURAL WASTAGE
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at.tuned
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) familiar with sb/sth so that you can understand or recognize them or it and act in an appropriate way: She wasn’t yet attuned to her baby’s needs.
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ATV
noun (especially AmE ) the abbreviation for ‘all-terrain vehicle’ (a small open motor vehicle with one seat and four wheels with very thick tyres, designed especially for use on rough ground without roads)—see also FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE —picture at CAR
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atyp.ical
adj. not typical or usual: atypical behaviour
OPP TYPICAL
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au.ber.gine
(BrE ) (AmE egg.plant) noun [C, U] a large vegetable with shiny dark purple skin and soft white flesh—
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au.burn
adj. (of hair) reddish-brown in colour
au.burn noun [U]: the rich auburn of her hair
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auc.tion
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a public event at which things are sold to the person who offers the most money for them: an auction of paintings  The house is up for auction (= will be sold at an auction).  A classic Rolls Royce fetched (= was sold for)£25 000 at auction .

verb [vn] [usually passive] to sell sth at an auction : The costumes from the movie are to be auctioned for charity.
PVR V ,auction sth<->'off to sell sth at an auction , especially sth that is no longer needed or wanted: The Army is auctioning off a lot of surplus equipment.

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auc.tion.eer
noun a person whose job is to direct an auction and sell the goods
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au.da.cious
adj. (written) willing to take risks or to do sth shocking: an audacious decision
au.da.cious.ly adv.
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au.da.city
noun [U] brave but rude or shocking behaviour: He had the audacity to tell me I was too fat.
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aud.ible
adj. that can be heard clearly: Her voice was barely audible above the noise.
OPP INAUDIBLE
audi.bil.ity noun [U]
aud.ibly adv.
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audi.ence
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] the group of people who have gathered to watch or listen to sth (a play, concert, sb speaking, etc.): The audience was / were clapping for 10 minutes.  an audience of 10 000  The debate was televised in front of a live audience .
2 [C] a number of people or a particular group of people who watch, read or listen to the same thing: An audience of millions watched the wedding on TV.  TV / cinema / movie audiences  His book reached an even wider audience when it was made into a movie.  The target audience for this advertisement was mainly teenagers.
3 [C] a formal meeting with an important person: an audience with the Pope
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audio
adj. [only before noun] connected with sound that is recorded: audio and video cassettes
audio noun [U]
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audio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with hearing or sound: an audiobook (= a reading of a book on cassette)  audio-visual
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'audio tape
noun [U] MAGNETIC tape on which sound can be recorded
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,audio-'visual
adj. (abbr. AV) using both sound and pictures: audio-visual aids for the classroom
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audit
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 an official examination of business and financial records to see that they are true and correct: an annual audit  a tax audit
2 an official examination of the quality or standard of sth

verb [vn]
1 to officially examine the financial accounts of a company: We have just had our accounts audited.
2 (AmE) to attend a course at college or university but without taking any exams or receiving CREDIT : She audited classes at the University of California.

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au.di.tion
noun, verb
noun a short performance given by an actor, a singer, etc., so that sb can decide whether they are suitable to act in a play, sing in a concert, etc.

verb
1 [v] ~ (for sth) to take part in an audition : She was auditioning for the role of Lady Macbeth.  Hundreds of people auditioned.
2 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to watch, listen to and judge sb at an audition : We auditioned over 200 children for the part.

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au.dit.or
noun
1 a person who officially examines the business and financial records of a company
2 (AmE) a person who attends a college course, but without having to take exams and without receiving CREDIT
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audi.tor.ium
noun (pl.audi.tor.iums or audi.toria )
1 the part of a theatre, concert hall, etc. in which the audience sits
2 (AmE) a large building or room in which public meetings, concerts, etc. are held
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audi.tory
adj. (technical ) connected with hearing: auditory stimuli
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au fait
adj. [not before noun] ~ (with sth) (from French ) completely familiar with sth: It’s my first week here so I’m not completely au fait with the system.
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aught
pron. (old use) anything
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aug.ment
verb [vn] (formal) to increase the amount, value, size, etc. of sth
aug.men.ta.tion noun [U, C]
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augur
verb [v] ~ well / badly (formal) to be a sign that sth will be successful or not successful in the future: Conflicts among the various groups do not augur well for the future of the peace talks.
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au.gury
noun (pl.-ies) (literary) a sign of what will happen in the future
SYN OMEN
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Au.gust
noun [U, C] (abbr. Aug.) the 8th month of the year, between July and September: (BrE ) August Bank Holiday (= a public holiday on the last Monday in August in Britain)
HELP To see how August is used, look at the examples at April.
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au.gust
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) impressive, making you feel respect: an august group of statesmen
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auk
noun a northern seabird with short narrow wings
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aunt
noun
1 the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle: Aunt Alice  My aunt lives in Canada.
2 (informal) used by children, with a first name, to address a woman who is a friend of their parents—see also AGONY AUNT
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aun.tie
(also aunty) noun (informal) aunt: Auntie Mary
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au pair
noun (BrE ) a young person, usually a woman, who lives with a family in a foreign country in order to learn the language. An au pair helps in the house and takes care of children and receives a small wage.
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aura
noun ~ (of sth) a feeling or particular quality that is very noticeable and seems to surround a person or place: She always has an aura of confidence.
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aural
adj. (technical ) connected with hearing and listening: aural and visual images  aural comprehension tests
aur.al.ly adv.
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aure.ole
noun (literary) a circle of light
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au re.voir
exclamation (from French ) goodbye (until we meet again)
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aur.icle
noun (anatomy )
1 either of the two upper spaces in the heart used to pump blood
SYN ATRIUM —compare VENTRICLE
2 the outer part of the ear
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aur.ora bor.ealis
noun [sing.] = THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
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aus.pices
noun [pl.]
IDM under the auspices of sb/sth with the help, support or protection of sb/sth: The community centre was set up under the auspices of a government initiative.
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aus.pi.cious
adj. (formal) showing signs that sth is likely to be successful in the future
SYN PROMISING : an auspicious start to the new school year
OPP INAUSPICIOUS
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Aus.sie
noun (informal) a person from Australia
Aus.sie adj.
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aus.tere
adj.
1 simple and plain; without any decorations: her austere bedroom with its simple narrow bed
2 (of a person) strict and serious in appearance and behaviour: My father was a distant, austere man.
3 allowing nothing that gives pleasure; not comfortable: the monks' austere way of life
aus.tere.ly adv.
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aus.ter.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a situation when people do not have much money to spend because there are bad economic conditions: War was followed by many years of austerity.
2 [U] the quality of being austere : the austerity of the monks' life
3 [C, usually pl.] something that is part of an austere way of life: the austerities of wartime Europe
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Aus.tra.lian
adj., noun
adj. of or connected with Australia

noun a person from Australia

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Au,stralian 'Rules
noun [U] an Australian game, similar to rugby and played by two teams of 18 players
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au.then.tic
adj.
1 known to be real and genuine and not a copy: I don’t know if the painting is authentic.
2 true and accurate: an authentic account of life in the desert  the authentic voice of young black Americans
3 made to be exactly the same as the original: an authentic model of the ancient town
au.then.tic.al.ly adv.: authentically flavoured Mexican dishes
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au.then.ti.cate
verb [vn] ~ (sth as sth) to prove that sth is genuine, real or true: The letter has been authenticated by handwriting experts.  Experts have authenticated the writing as that of Byron himself.
au.then.ti.ca.tion noun [U]
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au.then.ti.city
noun [U] the quality of being genuine or true: The authenticity of the letter is beyond doubt.
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author
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who writes books or the person who wrote a particular book: Who is your favourite author?  He is the author of three books on art.  best-selling author Joan Collins  Who’s the author?
2 the person who creates or starts sth, especially a plan or an idea: As the author of the proposal I cannot agree with you.

verb [vn] (formal) to be the author of a book, report, etc.

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author.ess
noun (old-fashioned) a woman author
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au.thor.ial
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) coming from or connected with the author of sth
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author.ing
noun [U] (computing ) creating computer programs without using programming language, for use in MULTIMEDIA products
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au.thori.tar.ian
adj. believing that people should obey authority and rules, even when these are unfair, and even if it means that they lose their personal freedom: an authoritarian regime / government / state  The school was very authoritarian and exam-orientated.
au.thori.tar.ian noun: Father was a strict authoritarian.
au.thori.tar.ian.ism noun [U]
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au.thori.ta.tive
adj.
1 showing that you expect people to obey and respect you: an authoritative tone of voice
2 that you can trust and respect as true and correct: the most authoritative and up-to-date book on the subject
au.thori.ta.tive.ly adv.
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au.thor.ity
noun
POWER|
1 [U] the power to give orders to people: in a position of authority  She now has authority over the people who used to be her bosses.  Nothing will be done because no one in authority (= who has a position of power) takes the matter seriously.
2 [U] ~ (to do sth) the power or right to do sth: Only the manager has the authority to sign cheques.  We have the authority to search this building.
PERMISSION|
3 [U] official permission to do sth: It was done without the principal’s authority.  We acted under the authority of the UN.
ORGANIZATION|
4 [C, usually pl.] the people or an organization who have the power to make decisions or who have a particular area of responsibility in a country or region: The health authorities are investigating the problem.  I have to report this to the authorities.—see also LOCAL AUTHORITY
KNOWLEDGE|
5 [U] the power to influence people because they respect your knowledge or official position: He spoke with authority on the topic.
EXPERT|
6 [C] ~ (on sth) a person with special knowledge: She’s an authority on criminal law. have sth on good au'thority to be able to believe sth because you trust the person who gave you the information
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au.thor.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun
1 [U, C] official permission or power to do sth; the act of giving permission: You may not enter the security area without authorization.  Who gave the authorization to release the data?
2 [C] a document that gives sb official permission to do sth: Can I see your authorization?
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au.thor.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb to give official permission for sth, or for sb to do sth: [vn] I can authorize payments up to £5 000.  an authorized biography  [vn to inf] [often passive] I have authorized him to act for me while I am away.  The soldiers were authorized to shoot at will.—see also UNAUTHORIZED
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author.ship
noun [U]
1 the identity of the person who wrote sth, especially a book: The authorship of the poem is unknown.
2 the activity or fact of writing a book
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aut.ism
noun [U] a mental condition in which a person is unable to communicate or form relationships with others
aut.is.tic adj.: autistic behaviour / children
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auto
noun (pl.autos) (AmE ) a car: the auto industry
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auto-
(also aut-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)
1 of or by yourself: autobiography
2 by itself without a person to operate it: automatic
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auto.biog.raphy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) the story of a person’s life, written by that person; this type of writing—compare BIOGRAPHY
auto.bio.graph.ic.al adj.: an autobiographical novel (= one that contains many of the writer’s own experiences)
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au.toc.racy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a system of government of a country in which one person has complete power
2 [C] a country that is ruled by one person who has complete power
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auto.crat
noun
1 a ruler who has complete power
SYN DESPOT
2 a person who expects to be obeyed by other people and does not care about their opinions or feelings
auto.crat.ic adj.: an autocratic manager
auto.crat.ic.al.ly adv.
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Auto.cue
™ (BrE ) (also tele.prompt.erAmE, BrE) noun a device used by people who are speaking in public, especially on television, which displays the words that they have to say
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auto.graph
noun, verb
noun a famous person’s signature, especially when sb asks them to write it: Could I have your autograph?

verb [vn] (of a famous person) to sign your name on sth for sb to keep: The whole team has autographed a football, which will be used as a prize.

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auto.immune
adj. [only before noun] (medical ) an autoimmune disease or medical condition is one which is caused by substances that usually prevent illness
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auto.maker
noun (AmE ) a company that makes cars
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auto.mate
verb [vn] [usually passive] to use machines and computers instead of people to do a job or task: The entire manufacturing process has been automated.  The factory is now fully automated .
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,automated 'teller machine
noun (abbr. ATM) = CASH MACHINE
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auto.mat.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of a machine, device, etc.) having controls that work without needing a person to operate them: automatic doors  a fully automatic driverless train  automatic transmission (= in a car, etc.)  an automatic rifle (= one that continues to fire as long as the trigger is pressed)
2 done or happening without thinking
SYN INSTINCTIVE : Breathing is an automatic function of the body.  My reaction was automatic.
3 always happening as a result of a particular action or situation: A fine for this offence is automatic.
auto.mat.ic.al.ly adv.: The heating switches off automatically.  I turned left automatically without thinking.  You will automatically get free dental treatment if you are under 18.

noun
1 a gun that can fire bullets continuously as long as the TRIGGER is pressed
2 (BrE) a car with a system of GEARS that operates without direct action from the driver—compare STICK SHIFT

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,automatic 'pilot
(also auto.pilot) noun a device in an aircraft or a ship that keeps it on a fixed course without the need for a person to control it
IDM be on ,automatic 'pilot to do sth without thinking because you have done the same thing many times before: I got up and dressed on automatic pilot.
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,automatic trans'mission
noun [U, C] a system in a motor vehicle that changes the GEARS for the driver automatically
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auto.ma.tion
noun [U] the use of machines to do work that was previously done by people: Automation meant the loss of many factory jobs.
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au.toma.ton
noun (pl.au.toma.tons or au.tom.ata )
1 a person who behaves like a machine, without thinking or feeling anything
SYN ROBOT
2 a machine that moves without human control; a small ROBOT
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auto.mo.bile
noun (AmE ) a car: the automobile industry  an automobile accident
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auto.mo.tive
adj. (written) connected with motor vehicles: the automotive industry
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au.tono.mous
adj.
1 (of a country, a region or an organization) able to govern itself or control its own affairs: an autonomous republic / state / province
2 (of a person) able to do things and make decisions without help from anyone else
au.tono.mous.ly adv.
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au.ton.omy
noun [U]
1 the freedom for a country, a region or an organization to govern itself independently: a campaign in Wales for greater autonomy
2 the ability to act and make decisions without being controlled by anyone else: giving individuals greater autonomy in their own lives
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auto.pilot
noun = AUTOMATIC PILOT
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aut.opsy
noun (pl.-ies) an official examination of a dead body by a doctor in order to discover the cause of death
SYN POST-MORTEM : an autopsy report  to perform an autopsy
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,auto-su'ggestion
noun [U] (psychology ) a process that makes you believe sth or act in a particular way according to ideas that come from within yourself without you realizing it
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au.tumn
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually fall) noun [U, C] the season of the year between summer and winter, when leaves change colour and the weather becomes colder: in the autumn of 1995  in early / late autumn  the autumn term (= for example at a school or college in Britain)  autumn colours / leaves  It’s been a very mild autumn this year.
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au.tum.nal
adj. [usually before noun] like or connected with autumn: autumnal colours
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aux.il.iary
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of workers) giving help or support to the main group of workers: auxiliary nurses / workers / services
2 (technical) (of a piece of equipment) used if there is a problem with the main piece of equipment: an auxiliary pump

noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also au,xiliary 'verb) (grammar) a verb such as be, do and have used with main verbs to show tense, etc. and to form questions and negatives
2 a worker who gives help or support to the main group of workers: nursing auxiliaries

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AV
abbr. AUDIO-VISUAL
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avail
noun, verb
noun
IDM to little / no a'vail (formal) with little or no success: The doctors tried everything to keep him alive but to no avail. of little / no a'vail (formal) of little or no use: Your ability to argue is of little avail if the facts are wrong.

verb [vn] (formal or old-fashioned) to be helpful or useful to sb
PVR V a'vail yourself of sth (formal) to make use of sth, especially an opportunity or offer: Guests are encouraged to avail themselves of the full range of hotel facilities.

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avail.able
adj.
1 (of things) that you can get, buy or find: available resources / facilities  readily / freely / publicly / generally available  Tickets are available free of charge from the school.  When will the information be made available ?  Further information is available on request.  This was the only room available.  We’ll send you a copy as soon as it becomes available .  Every available doctor was called to the scene.
2 (of a person) free to see or talk to people: Will she be available this afternoon?  The director was not available for comment.
avail.abil.ity noun [U]: the availability of cheap flights   (BrE) This offer is subject to availability .
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ava.lanche
noun a mass of snow, ice and rock that falls down the side of a mountain: alpine villages destroyed in an avalanche   (figurative) We received an avalanche of letters in reply to our advertisement.
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avant-garde
noun (the avant-garde) (from French )
1 [sing.] new and very modern ideas in art, music or literature that are sometimes surprising or shocking
2 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a group of artists, etc. who introduce new and very modern ideas
avant-garde adj.
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avar.ice
noun [U] (formal) extreme desire for wealth
SYN GREED
avar.icious adj.
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Ave.
(AmE also Av.) abbr. (used in written addresses) Avenue: Fifth Ave.
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avenge
verb [vn] ~ sth| ~ yourself on sb (formal) to punish or hurt sb in return for sth bad or wrong that they have done to you, your family or friends: He promised to avenge his father’s murder.  She was determined to avenge herself on the man who had betrayed her.
aven.ger noun
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av.enue
noun
1 (abbr.Ave.) a street in a town or city: a hotel on Fifth Avenue
2 (BrE) a wide straight road with trees on both sides, especially one leading to a big house
3 a choice or way of making progress towards sth: Several avenues are open to us.  We will explore every avenue until we find an answer.
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aver
verb (-rr-) (rare, formal) to state firmly and strongly that sth is true: [v that] She averred that she had never seen the man before. [alsovn, v speech]
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aver.age
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 [only before noun] calculated by adding several amounts together, finding a total, and dividing the total by the number of amounts: an average rate / cost / price  Average earnings are around £20 000 per annum.  at an average speed of 100 miles per hour
2 typical or normal: 40 hours is a fairly average working week for most people.  children of above / below average intelligence  £20 for dinner is about average.
3 ordinary; not special: I was just an average sort of student.
aver.age.ly adv. (rare): He was attractive and averagely intelligent.

noun [C, U]
1 the result of adding several amounts together, finding a total, and dividing the total by the number of amounts: The average of 4, 5 and 9 is 6.  Parents spend an average of $220 a year on toys for their children.  If I get an A on this essay, that will bring my average (= average mark / grade) up to a B+.—see also GRADE POINT AVERAGE
2 a level which is usual: Temperatures are above / below average for the time of year.  400 people a year die of this disease on average .  Class sizes in the school are below the national average .
IDM see LAW

verb
1 [vn] [no passive] to be equal to a particular amount as an average: Economic growth is expected to average 2% next year.  Drivers in London can expect to average about 12 miles per hour (= to have that as their average speed).
2 to calculate the average of sth: [vn] Earnings are averaged over the whole period. [alsov] ,average 'out (at sth) to result in an average amount over a period of time or when several things are considered: The cost should average out at about £6 per person.  Sometimes I pay, sometimes he pays—it seems to average out (= result in us paying the same amount). ,average sth<->'out (at sth) to calculate the average of sth

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averse
adj. [not before noun]
1 not ~ to sth / to doing sth liking sth or wanting to do sth; not opposed to doing sth: I mentioned it to Kate and she wasn’t averse to the idea.
2 ~ to sth / to doing sth (formal) not liking sth or wanting to do sth; opposed to doing sth: He was averse to any change.
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aver.sion
noun [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) a strong feeling of not liking sb/sth: a strong aversion  He had an aversion to getting up early.  feelings of aversion and disgust
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avert
verb [vn] (written)
1 to prevent sth bad or dangerous from happening: A disaster was narrowly averted.  He did his best to avert suspicion.
2 ~ your eyes, gaze, face (from sth) to turn your eyes, etc. away from sth that you do not want to see: She averted her eyes from the terrible scene in front of her.
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avi.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a large cage or building for keeping birds in, for example in a ZOO
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avi.ation
noun [U] the designing, building and flying of aircraft: civil / military aviation  the aviation business / industry
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avi.ator
noun (old-fashioned) a person who flies an aircraft
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avid
adj.
1 [usually before noun] very enthusiastic about sth (often a hobby): an avid reader / collector  She has taken an avid interest in the project (= she is extremely interested in it).
2 ~ for sth wanting to get sth very much: He was avid for more information.
avid.ity noun [U] (rare)
avid.ly adv.: She reads avidly.
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avi.on.ics
noun
1 [U] the science of ELECTRONICS when used in designing and making aircraft
2 [pl.] the electronic devices in an aircraft or a spacecraft
avi.on.ic adj.
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avo.cado
noun (pl.-os) (BrE also ,avocado 'pear) a tropical fruit with hard, dark green skin, soft, light green flesh and a large stone/pit inside. Avocados are not sweet and are sometimes eaten at the beginning of a meal.—
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avoid
verb
1 to prevent sth bad from happening: [vn] The accident could have been avoided.  They narrowly avoided defeat in the semi-final.  The name was changed to avoid confusion with another firm.  [vn -ing] They built a wall to avoid soil being washed away.
2 to keep away from sb/sth; to try not to do sth: [vn] He’s been avoiding me all week.  She kept avoiding my eyes (= avoided looking at me).  I left early to avoid the rush hour.  [v -ing] I’ve been avoiding getting down to work all day.  You should avoid mentioning his divorce.
3 [vn] to prevent yourself from hitting sth: I had to swerve to avoid a cat.
IDM avoid sb/sth like the 'plague (informal) to try very hard not to meet sb, do sth, etc.—more at TRAP n.
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avoid.able
adj. that can be prevented: Many deaths from heart disease are actually avoidable.
OPP UNAVOIDABLE
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avoid.ance
noun [U] ~ (of sth) not doing sth; preventing sth from existing or happening: A person’s health improves with the avoidance of stress.—see also TAX AVOIDANCE
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avoir.du.pois
noun [U] the system of weights based on the pound
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avow
verb (formal) to say firmly and often publicly what your opinion is, what you think is true, etc: [v that] An aide avowed that the President had known nothing of the deals. [alsovn, v speech]
avow.al noun (formal): an avowal of love
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avowed
adj. [only before noun] (formal) that has been admitted or stated in public: an avowed anti-communist  an avowed aim / intention / objective / purpose
avow.ed.ly adv.
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avun.cu.lar
adj. (formal) behaving in a kind and friendly way towards young people, similar to the way an uncle treats his NIECES or NEPHEWS
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await
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to wait for sb/sth: He is in custody awaiting trial .  Her latest novel is eagerly awaited.
2 to be going to happen to sb: A warm welcome awaits all our guests.
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awake
adj., verb
adj. [not before noun] not asleep (especially immediately before or after sleeping): to be half / fully awake  to be wide awake (= fully awake)  I was still awake when he came to bed.  The noise was keeping everyone awake .  I was finding it hard to stay awake .  He lies awake at night worrying about his job.  She was awake (= not unconscious) during the operation on her leg.

verb (awoke , awoken ) (formal)
1 ~ (sb) (from / to sth) to wake up; to make sb wake up: [v] I awoke from a deep sleep.  [v to inf] He awoke to find her gone.  [vn] Her voice awoke the sleeping child.
2 if an emotion awakes or sth awakes an emotion, you start to feel that emotion: [vn] His speech is bound to awake old fears and hostilities. [alsov] a'wake to sth to become aware of sth and its possible effects or results: It took her some time to awake to the dangers of her situation.—compare WAKE

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awaken
verb (formal)
1 [often passive] ~ (sb) (from / to sth) to wake up; to make sb wake up: [v] She awakened to the sound of birds singing.  [v to inf] We awakened to find the others gone.  [vn] He was awakened at dawn by the sound of crying.
2 if an emotion awakens or sth awakens an emotion, you start to feel that emotion: [vn] The dream awakened terrible memories. [alsov] a'waken (sb) to sth to become aware or to make sb aware of sth and its possible effects or results: I gradually awakened to the realization that our marriage was over.—compare WAKEN
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awaken.ing
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] an occasion when you realize sth or become aware of sth: If they had expected a warm welcome, they were in for a rude awakening (= they would soon realize that it would not be warm).
2 [C, U] the act of beginning to understand or feel sth; the act of sth starting or waking: sexual awakening  the awakening of interest in the environment
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award
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (for sth) (often in names of particular awards) a prize such as money, etc. for sth that sb has done: to win / receive / get an award for sth  He was nominated for the best actor award.  an award presentation / ceremony  the Housing Design Award—see also ACADEMY AWARD
2 [C] an increase in the amount of money sb earns: an annual pay award
3 [C, U] the amount of money that a court decides should be given to sb who has won a case; the decision to give this money: an award of £600 000 libel damages
4 [U] the official decision to give sth (such as a DIPLOMA ) to sb: Satisfactory completion of the course will lead to the award of the Diploma of Social Work.
5 [C] (BrE) money that students get to help pay for living costs while they study or do research

verb ~ (sb) sth| ~ sth (to sb) to make an official decision to give sth to sb as a payment, prize, etc: [vn] He was awarded damages of £50 000.  [vn, vnn] The judges awarded equal points to both finalists.  The judges awarded both finalists equal points.

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a'ward-winning
adj. having won a prize: the award-winning TV drama
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aware
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) knowing or realizing sth: I don’t think people are really aware of just how much it costs.  He was well aware of the problem.  Were you aware that something was wrong?  Everybody should be made aware of the risks involved.  As you’re aware, this is not a new problem.  As far as I’m aware , nobody has done anything about it.  acutely / painfully (= very) aware
2 [not before noun] ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) noticing that sth is present, or that sth is happening: She slipped away without him being aware of it.  They suddenly became aware of people looking at them.  I was aware that she was trembling.
3 (used with an adverb) interested in and knowing about sth, and thinking it is important: Young people are more environmentally aware than their parents.
OPP UNAWARE
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aware.ness
noun [U, sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) knowing sth; knowing that sth exists and is important; being interested in sth: an awareness of the importance of eating a healthy diet  There was an almost complete lack of awareness of the issues involved.  It is important that students develop an awareness of how the Internet can be used.  to raise / heighten / increase public awareness of sth  a greater / a growing / an increasing awareness of sth  environmental awareness (= knowing that looking after the environment is important)  Energy Awareness Week
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awash
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (with water) covered or flooded with water
2 ~ with sth having sth in large quantities: The city is awash with drugs.
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away
adv.
HELP For the special uses of away in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get away with sth is in the phrasal verb section at get.
1 ~ (from sb/sth) to or at a distance from sb/sth in space or time: The beach is a mile away.  The station is a few minutes' walk away.  Christmas is still months away.
2 to a different place or in a different direction: Go away!  Put your toys away.  The bright light made her look away.
3 ~ (from sb/sth) not present
SYN ABSENT : She was away from work for a week.  There were ten children away yesterday.  Sorry, he’s away.
4 used after verbs to say that sth is done continuously or with a lot of energy: She was still writing away furiously when the bell went.  They were soon chatting away like old friends.
5 until disappearing completely: The water boiled away.  The music faded away.  They danced the night away (= all night).
6 (sport) at the opponent’s ground or STADIUM : Chelsea are playing away this Saturday.  an away match / game—compare HOME
IDM away with … (literary) used to say that you would like to be rid of sb/sth: Away with all these rules and regulations!—more at COBWEBS , FAR adv. , DANCE v. , RIGHT adv. , STRAIGHT adv.
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awe
noun, verb
noun [U] feelings of respect and slight fear; feelings of being very impressed by sth/sb: awe and respect  awe and wonder  He speaks of her with awe .  ‘It’s magnificent,’ she whispered in awe .
IDM be / stand in 'awe of sb/sth to admire sb/sth and be slightly frightened of them/it: While Diana was in awe of her grandfather, she adored her grandmother.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to fill sb with awe : She seemed awed by the presence of so many famous people.
awed adj.: We watched in awed silence.

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'awe-inspiring
adj. impressive; making you feel respect and admiration: The building was awe-inspiring in size and design.
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awe.some
adj.
1 very impressive or very difficult and perhaps rather frightening: an awesome sight  awesome beauty / power  They had an awesome task ahead.
2 (AmE, informal) very good, enjoyable, etc: Hey, dudes! I just bought this awesome new CD!  Wow! That’s totally awesome!
awe.some.ly adv. (rare): awesomely beautiful
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awe.struck
adj. (written) feeling very impressed by sth: People were awestruck by the pictures the satellite sent back to earth.
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awful
adj., adv.
adj.
1 (especially spoken) very bad or unpleasant: That’s an awful colour.  ‘They didn’t even offer to pay.’‘Oh that’s awful.’  It’s awful, isn’t it?  The weather last summer was awful.  I feel awful about forgetting her birthday.  to look / feel awful (= to look / feel ill)  There’s an awful smell in here.  The awful thing is, it was my fault.
2 (especially spoken) used to emphasize sth, especially that there is a large amount or too much of sth: It’s going to cost an awful lot of money.  There’s not an awful lot of room.  I feel an awful lot better than I did yesterday.   (BrE) I had an awful job persuading him to come (= it was very difficult).
3 very shocking
SYN TERRIBLE : the awful horrors of war
aw.ful.ness noun [U]: the sheer awfulness of the situation

adv. (informal, especially AmE ) very; extremely: Clint is awful smart.

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aw.ful.ly
adv. very; extremely: I’m awfully sorry about that problem the other day.
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awhile
adv. (formal or literary) for a short time
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awk.ward
adj.
1 making you feel embarrassed: There was an awkward silence.
2 difficult to deal with: Don’t ask awkward questions.  You’ve put me in an awkward position.  an awkward customer (= a person who is difficult to deal with)  Please don’t be awkward about letting him come.
3 not convenient: Have I come at an awkward time?
4 difficult or dangerous because of its shape or design: This box is very awkward for one person to carry.
5 not graceful; not comfortable: He tried to dance, but he was too clumsy and awkward.  I must have slept in an awkward position—I’m aching all over.
awk.ward.ly adv.: ‘I’m sorry,’ he said awkwardly.  She fell awkwardly and broke her ankle.  an awkwardly shaped room
awk.ward.ness noun [U]: She laughed to cover up her feeling of awkwardness.
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awn.ing
noun a sheet of fabric that stretches out from above a door or window to keep off the sun or rain
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awoke
pt of AWAKE
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awoken
pp of AWAKE
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AWOL
abbr. absent without leave (used especially in the armed forces when sb has left their group without permission): He’s gone AWOL from his base.   (humorous) The guitarist went AWOL in the middle of the recording.
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awry
adv.
1 if sth goes awry, it does not happen in the way that was planned: All my plans for the party had gone awry.
2 not in the right position
SYN UNTIDY : She rushed out, her hair awry.
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axe
noun, verb
noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually ax)
1 a tool with a wooden handle and a heavy metal blade, used for chopping wood, cutting down trees, etc.—see also BATTLEAXE , ICE AXE , PICKAXE
2 (the axe) [sing.] (informal) if sb gets the axe, they lose their job; if an institution or a project gets the axe, it is closed or stopped, usually because of a lack of money: Up to 300 workers are facing the axe at a struggling Merseyside firm.  Patients are delighted their local hospital has been saved from the axe.
IDM ,have an 'axe to grind to have private reasons for being involved in sth or for arguing for a particular cause: She had no axe to grind and was only acting out of concern for their safety.

verb (BrE ) (AmEax) [vn] [often passive]
1 to get rid of a service, system, etc. or to reduce the money spent on it by a large amount: Other less profitable services are to be axed later this year.
2 to remove sb from their job: Jones has been axed from the team.
3 to kill sb with an axe

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axe.man
noun (pl.-men ) (especially BrE ) (AmE usually axman) (informal) a man who attacks other people with an axe
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axiom
noun (formal) a rule or principle that most people believe to be true
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axio.mat.ic
adj. [not usually before noun] (formal) true in such an obvious way that you do not need to prove it: It is axiomatic that life is not always easy.
axio.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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axis
noun (pl.axes )
1 an imaginary line through the centre of an object, around which the object turns: Mars takes longer to revolve on its axis than the earth.
2 (technical) a fixed line against which the positions of points are measured, especially points on a GRAPH : the vertical / horizontal axis
3 (geometry) a line that divides a shape into two equal parts: an axis of symmetry  The axis of a circle is its diameter
4 [usually sing.] (formal) an agreement or ALLIANCE between two or more countries: the Franco-German axis
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axle
noun a rod that connects a pair of wheels on a vehicle: the front / rear axle
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aya.tol.lah
noun a religious leader of Shiite Muslims in Iran
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aye
(also ay) exclamation (old use ordialect ) yes: ‘Did you see what happened?’‘Oh aye, I was there.’
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ayes
noun [pl.] the total number of people voting ‘yes’ in a formal debate, for example in a parliament: The ayes have it (= more people have voted for sth than against it).
OPP NOES
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aza.lea
noun a plant or bush with large flowers that may be pink, purple, white or yellow, grown in a pot or in a garden
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azi.muth
noun (astronomy ) an angle related to a distance around the earth’s HORIZON , used to find out the position of a star, planet, etc.
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azure
adj. (written) bright blue in colour like the sky: The sun shone out of a clear azure sky.
azure noun [U]
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B
noun, symbol
noun (also b) (pl.B’s, b’s )
1 [C, U] the second letter of the English alphabet: ‘Butter’ begins with (a) B / ‘B’.
2 (B) [C, U] (music) the 7th note in the scale of C MAJOR
3 (B) [C, U] the second highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work: She got (a) B in / for History.
4 (B) [U] used to represent the second of two or more possibilities: Shall we go for plan A or plan B?
5 (B) [U] used to represent a person, for example in an imagined situation or to hide their identity: Let’s pretend A meets B in the park.—see also B-ROAD
IDM see A

symbol used in Britain before a number to refer to a particular secondary road: the B1224 to York

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b.
abbr. born: Emily Clifton, b. 1800
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BA
(BrE ) (AmE B.A.) noun the abbreviation for ‘Bachelor of Arts’ (a first university degree in an ARTS subject): to be / have / do a BA   (BrE ) Darren Green BA
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baa
noun the sound made by sheep or LAMBS
baa verb [v] (baa.ing, baaed or baa’d)
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bab.ble
noun, verb
noun [sing.]
1 the sound of many people speaking at the same time: a babble of voices
2 talking that is confused or silly and is difficult to understand: I can’t listen to his constant babble.
3 the sounds a baby makes before beginning to say actual words—see also PSYCHOBABBLE

verb
1 ~ (away / on) to talk in a quick and excited way that is difficult to understand: [v] They were all babbling away in a foreign language.  I realized I was babbling like an idiot. [alsov speech, vn]
2 [v] to make the sound of water flowing over rocks, like a stream: a babbling brook

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babby
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE, dialect ) a baby
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babe
noun
1 (old use) a baby
2 (slang) a word used to address a young woman, or your wife, husband or lover, usually expressing affection but sometimes considered offensive if used by a man to a woman he does not know: What’re you doing tonight, babe?
3 (informal) an attractive young woman
IDM a ,babe in 'arms (old-fashioned) a very small baby that cannot yet walk—more at MOUTH n.
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babel
noun [sing.] (written) the sound of many voices talking at one time, especially when more than one language is being spoken
ORIGIN From the Bible story in which God punished the people who were trying to build a tower to reach heaven (the tower of Babel) by making them unable to understand each others' languages.
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ba.boon
noun a large African or Asian monkey with a long face like a dog’s
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baby
noun, adj., verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a very young child or animal: The baby’s crying!  a newborn baby  My sister’s expecting a baby.  She had a baby last year.  a baby boy / girl  baby food / clothes  a baby monkey / blackbird
2 (informal) the youngest member of a family or group: He’s the baby of the team.
3 (disapproving) a person who behaves like a young child and is easily upset: Stop crying and don’t be such a baby.
4 (slang, especially AmE) a word used to address sb, especially your wife, husband or lover, in a way that expresses affection but that can be offensive if used by a man to a woman he does not know
IDM be your / sb’s baby (informal) to be a plan or project that sb is responsible for and cares about because they have created it leave sb holding the 'baby (informal) to suddenly make sb responsible for sth important that is really your responsibility: He changed to another job and we were left holding the baby. throw the baby out with the 'bathwater (informal) to lose sth that you want at the same time as you are trying to get rid of sth that you do not want—more at SLEEP v.

adj. [only before noun] baby vegetables are a very small version of particular vegetables, or are picked when they are very small: baby carrots

verb (ba.bies, baby.ing, ba.bied, ba.bied) [vn] to treat sb with too much care, as if they were a baby

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'baby boom
noun a period when many more babies are born than usual
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'baby boomer
(AmE also boom.er) noun a person born during a baby boom , especially after the Second World War
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'Baby Buggy
™noun
1 (BrE) = BUGGY
2 (old-fashioned, AmE) = PRAM
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'baby carriage
noun (AmE ) = PRAM
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'baby fat
noun [U] (AmE ) = PUPPY FAT
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Baby.gro
™noun (pl.-os) (BrE ) a piece of clothing for babies, usually covering the whole body except the head and hands, made of a fabric that stretches easily
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ba.by.hood
noun [U] the period of your life when you are a baby
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baby.ish
adj. (usually disapproving) typical of or suitable for a baby
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baby.sit
verb (baby.sit.ting, baby.sat, baby.sat) (also sit) to take care of babies or children for a short time while their parents are out: [v] She regularly babysits for us.  [vn] He’s babysitting the neighbour’s children.
baby.sit.ting noun [U]
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baby.sit.ter
(also sit.ter especially in AmE) noun a person who takes care of babies or children while their parents are away from home and is usually paid to do this: I can’t find a babysitter for tonight.—see also CHILDMINDER
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'baby talk
noun [U] the words or sounds a baby says when it is learning to talk; the special language adults sometimes use when talking to babies
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'baby tooth
noun = MILK TOOTH
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'baby walker
(BrE ) (AmE walk.er) noun a frame with wheels and a HARNESS for a baby who can walk around a room, supported by the frame—picture at CHAIR
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bac.ca.laur.eate
noun
1 the last secondary school exam in France and other countries, and in some international schools: to sit / take / pass / fail your baccalaureate
2 (in the US) a religious service or talk for students who have completed high school or college
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baccy
noun [U] (BrE , informal) tobacco
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bach.elor
noun
1 a man who has never been married: an eligible bachelor (= one that many people want to marry, especially because he is rich)  He was a confirmed bachelor (= a person who intended never to marry; often used in newspapers to refer to a homosexual man)   (BrE) a bachelor flat (= one suitable for a person living alone)—compare SPINSTER
2 (usually Bachelor) a person who has a Bachelor’s degree (= a first university degree): a Bachelor of Arts / Engineering / Science—see also BA , BED , BSC
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bach.elor.hood
noun [U] the time in a man’s life before he is married
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'bachelor party
noun (AmE ) = STAG NIGHT
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ba.cil.lus
noun (pl.ba.cilli ) a type of bacteria. There are several types of bacillus , some of which cause disease.
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back
noun, adj., adv., verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 the part of the human body that is on the opposite side to the chest, between the neck and the tops of the legs; the part of an animal’s body that CORRESPONDS to this: Do you sleep on your back or your front?  He stood with his back to the door.  They had their hands tied behind their backs.  back pain  a back massage  A small boy rode on the elephant’s back.—see also BAREBACK , HORSEBACK —picture at BODY
2 the row of bones in the middle of the back
SYN BACKBONE , SPINE : She broke her back in a riding accident.  He put his back out (= DISLOCATED sth in his back) lifting the crates.
PART FURTHEST FROM FRONT|
3 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the part or area of sth that is furthest from the front: We could only get seats at the back (= of the room).  I found some old photos at the back of the drawer.  He was shot in the back of the knee.   (BrE) There’s room for three people in the back .   (AmE) There’s room for three people in back .  The house has three bedrooms at the front and two at the back .   (BrE) If you’d like to come round the back (= to the area behind the house), I’ll show you the garden.—see also HARDBACK , PAPERBACK , SHORT BACK AND SIDES
OF PIECE OF PAPER|
4 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the part of a piece of paper, etc. that is on the opposite side to the one that has information or the most important information on it: Write your name on the back of the cheque.
OF BOOK|
5 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the last few pages of a book, etc: The television guide is at the back of the paper.
OF CHAIR|
6 the part of a chair, etc. against which you lean your back
-BACKED|
7 (in adjectives) used to describe furniture which has the type of back mentioned: a high-backed sofa
IN SPORT|
8 (in football, hockey, etc.) a player whose main role is to defend their team’s goal—compare FORWARD n. —see also FULLBACK , HALFBACK at / in the back of your mind if a thought, etc. is at the back of your mind, you are aware of it but it is not what you are mainly thinking about the ,back of be'yond (informal) a place that is a long way from other houses, towns, etc. ,back to 'back
1 if two people stand back to back, they stand with their backs facing or touching each other—see also BACK-TO-BACK
2 if two or more things happen back to back, they happen one after the other ,back to 'front (BrE) (AmE back.wards) if you put on a piece of clothing back to front, you make a mistake and put the back where the front should be: I think you’ve got that sweater on back to front.—compare INSIDE OUT at INSIDE n. —picture at INSIDE n. be glad, etc. to see the back of sb/sth (informal, especially BrE) to be happy that you will not have to deal with or see sb/sth again because you do not like them: Was I pleased to see the back of her! behind sb’s 'back without sb’s knowledge or permission: Have you been talking about me behind my back?  They went ahead and sold it behind my back.—compare TO SB’S FACE at FACE n. be on sb’s 'back (informal) to keep asking or telling sb to do sth that they do not want to do, in a way that they find annoying break the 'back of sth to finish the largest or most important part of a task get / put sb’s 'back up (informal) to annoy sb: That sort of attitude really gets my back up! get off sb’s 'back (informal) to stop annoying sb, for example by criticizing them, or asking them to do sth: Just get off my back, will you! have your ,back to the 'wall (informal) to be in a difficult situation in which you are forced to do sth but are unable to make the choices that you would like off the ,back of a 'lorry (BrE, informal, humorous) goods that fell off the back of a lorry were probably stolen. People say or accept that they came ‘off the back of a lorry’ to avoid saying or asking where they really came from. on the back of sth as a result of an achievement or a success: The profits growth came on the back of a 26 per cent rise in sales. (flat) on your back (informal) in bed because you are ill/sick: She’s been flat on her back for over a week now.   (figurative) The UK market was flat on its back (= business was very bad). put your 'back into sth to use a lot of effort and energy on a particular task turn your back to turn so that you are facing in the opposite direction turn your back on sb/sth
1 to move so that you are standing or sitting with your back facing sb/sth: When on stage, try not to turn your back on the audience.
2 to reject sb/sth that you have previously been connected with: She turned her back on them when they needed her.—more at EYE n. , KNOW v. , PAT n. , PAT v. , PUSH v. , ROD , SCRATCH v. , SHIRT , STAB n. , STAB v. , STRAW , WATER n.

adj. [only before noun]
AWAY FROM FRONT|
1 situated behind or at the back of sth: the back door  We were sitting in the back row.  back teeth  a back room (= one at the back of a building)  the back page of a newspaper—compare FRONT adj.
FROM PAST|
2 of or from a past time: a back number of the magazine
OWED|
3 owed for a time in the past: back pay / taxes / rent by / through the back door in an unfair or indirect way: He used his friends to help him get into the civil service by the back door.—see also BACK-DOOR on the back 'burner (informal) (of an idea, a plan, etc.) left for the present time, to be done or considered later—compare ON THE FRONT BURNER at FRONT adj.

adv.
HELP For the special uses of back in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example pay sb back is in the phrasal verb section at pay.
AWAY FROM FRONT|
1 away from the front or centre; behind you: I stepped back to let them pass.  Sit back and relax.  You’ve combed your hair back.  He turned and looked back.  She fell back towards the end of the race.
OPP FORWARD
AT A DISTANCE|
2 at a distance away from sth: The barriers failed to keep the crowds back.  Stand back and give me some room.
UNDER CONTROL|
3 under control; prevented from being expressed or coming out: He could no longer hold back his tears.
AS BEFORE|
4 to or into the place, condition, situation or activity where sb/sth was before: Put the book back on the shelf.  Please give me my ball back.  He’ll be back (= will return) on Monday.  It takes me an hour to walk there and back .  Could you go back to the beginning of the story?  She woke up briefly and then went back to sleep.  We were right back where we started , only this time without any money.
IN PAST|
5 in or into the past; ago: The village has a history going back to the Middle Ages.  She left back in November.  That was a few years back.
AT A PREVIOUS PLACE|
6 at a place previously left or mentioned: We should have turned left five kilometres back.  Back at home, her parents were worried.  I can’t wait to get back home.
IN RETURN|
7 in return or reply: If he kicks me, I’ll kick him back.  Could you call back later, please? ,back and 'forth from one place to another and back again repeatedly: ferries sailing back and forth between the island and the mainland back of sth (AmE, informal) behind sth: the houses back of the church—more at EARTH n.

verb
MOVE BACKWARDS|
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move or make sth move backwards: [v] He backed against the wall, terrified.  [vn] If you can’t drive in forwards, try backing it in.—compare REVERSE
SUPPORT|
2 [vn] to give help or support to sb/sth: Her parents backed her in her choice of career.  Doctors have backed plans to raise the tax on cigarettes.  The programme of economic reform is backed (= supported financially) by foreign aid.  a United Nations-backed peace plan
BET MONEY|
3 [vn] to bet money on a horse in a race, a team in a competition, etc: I backed the winner and won fifty pounds.
MUSIC|
4 [vn] to play or sing music that supports the main singer or instrument—see also BACKING
COVER BACK|
5 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) [usually passive] to cover the back of sth in order to support or protect it
BE BEHIND|
6 [vn] [usually passive] (BrE) to be situated behind sth: The house is backed by fields. ,back the wrong 'horse (BrE) to support sb/sth that is not successful ,back a'way (from sb/sth) to move away backwards from sth that is frightening or unpleasant; to avoid doing sth that is unpleasant ,back 'down (on / from sth) (AmE also ,back 'off) to take back a demand, an opinion, etc. that other people are strongly opposed to; to admit defeat: She refused to back down on a point of principle. ,back 'off (from sth) to move away from sb, especially in order to stop threatening or annoying them or to avoid a difficult situation: The government has backed off from a fundamental reform of the system.  Back off! There’s no need to yell at me. ,back 'onto sth (BrE) (of a building) to have sth directly behind it: Our house backs onto the river. ,back 'out (of sth) to decide that you are no longer going to take part in sth that has been agreed: He lost confidence and backed out of the deal at the last minute. ,back 'up| ,back sth<->'up to move backwards, especially in a vehicle: You can back up another two feet or so.  I backed the car up to the door. ,back sb/sth<->'up to support sb/sth; to say that what sb says, etc. is true: I’ll back you up if they don’t believe you. ,back sth<->'up
1 (computing) to prepare a second copy of a file, program, etc. that can be used if the main one fails or needs extra support—related noun BACK-UP
2 to provide support for sb/sth: The rebels backed up their demands with threats.  two doctors backed up by a team of nurses—related noun BACK-UP

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back.ache
noun [U, C] a continuous pain in the back: (BrE ) to have backache / a backache   (AmE ) to have a backache
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,back 'bench
noun [usually pl.] (in Britain) any of the seats in the House of Commons for Members of Parliament who do not have senior positions in the government or the other parties: He resigned as Home Secretary and returned to the back benches.  back-bench MPs—compare THE FRONT BENCH
,back-'bencher noun—compare FRONTBENCHER
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back.bit.ing
noun [U] unpleasant and unkind talk about sb who is not present
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back.board
noun the board behind the basket in the game of basketball—
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back.bone
noun
1 [C] the row of small bones that are connected together down the middle of the back
SYN SPINE —picture at BODY
2 [sing.] the most important part of a system, an organization, etc. that gives it support and strength: Agriculture forms the backbone of the rural economy.
3 [U] the strength of character that you need to do sth difficult: He doesn’t have the backbone to face the truth.
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'back-breaking
adj. (of physical work) very hard and tiring
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back.chat
(BrE ) (AmE 'back talk) noun [U] (informal) a way of answering that shows no respect for sb in authority
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back.cloth
noun (BrE ) = BACKDROP
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back.comb
(BrE ) (AmE tease) verb [vn] to comb your hair in the opposite direction to the way it grows so that it looks thicker
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,back 'copy
noun (BrE ) = BACK ISSUE
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'back country
noun [U] (AmE ) an area away from roads and towns, especially in the mountains
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back.date
verb [vn]
1 to write a date on a cheque or other document that is earlier than the actual date—compare POST-DATE
2 (BrE) to make sth, especially a payment, take effect from an earlier date: Postal workers are getting a 5.2% pay rise, backdated to February.
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,back-'door
adj. [only before noun] using indirect or secret means in order to achieve sth
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back.drop
(BrE also back.cloth) noun
1 a painted piece of fabric that is hung behind the stage in a theatre as part of the scenery
2 (written) the scenery surrounding an event: The mountains provided a dramatic backdrop for our picnic.
3 (written) the general conditions in which an event takes place, which sometimes help to explain that event: It was against this backdrop of racial tension that the civil war began.
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back.er
noun a person or company that gives support to sb/sth, especially financial support
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back.fire
verb [v]
1 ~ (on sb) to have the opposite effect to the one intended, with bad or dangerous results: Unfortunately the plan backfired.
2 (of an engine or a vehicle) to make a sudden noise like an explosion—compare MISFIRE
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back.gam.mon
noun [U] a game for two people played on a board marked with long thin triangles. Players throw DICE and move pieces around the board.—
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back.ground
noun
FAMILY / EDUCATION, etc.|
1 [C] the details of a person’s family, education, experience etc: a person’s family / social / cultural / educational / class background  The job would suit someone with a business background.
PAST|
2 [C usually sing, U] the circumstances or past events which help explain why sth is how it is; information about these: the historical background to the war  background information / knowledge  The elections are taking place against a background of violence.  Can you give me more background on the company’s financial position?
OF PICTURE / PHOTO|
3 [C, usually sing.] the part of a picture, photograph or view behind the main objects, people, etc: a photograph with trees in the background —compare FOREGROUND
LESS IMPORTANT POSITION|
4 [sing.] a position in which people are not paying attention to sb/sth or not as much attention as they are paying to sb/sth else: He prefers to remain in the background and let his assistant talk to the press.  A piano tinkled gently in the background .  background music  There was a lot of background noise (= that you could hear, but were not listening to).—compare FOREGROUND
COLOUR UNDER STH|
5 [C, usually sing.] a colour or design on which sth is painted, drawn, etc: The name of the company is written in red on a white background.
IDM see MERGE
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back.hand
noun [usually sing.] (in tennis, etc.) a stroke played with the back of the hand turned in the direction towards which the ball is hit: He has a good backhand (= he can make good backhand strokes).  a backhand volley / drive—compare FOREHAND
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back.han.ded
adj. having a meaning that is not directly or clearly expressed, or that is not intended
IDM a ,backhanded 'compliment (AmE also ,left-handed 'compliment) a remark that seems to express admiration but could also be understood as an insult
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back.hand.er
noun (BrE , informal) a secret and illegal payment made to sb in exchange for a favour
SYN BRIBE
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back.hoe
noun a large vehicle with machinery for digging, used in building roads, etc.—picture at TRUCK
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back.ing
noun
1 [U] help; support: financial backing  The police gave the proposals their full backing.
2 [U] material attached to the back of sth in order to protect it or make it stronger
3 [U, C, usually sing.] (in pop songs) music that ACCOMPANIES (= is played with) the main singer or tune: a backing group / singer / track
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,back 'issue
(BrE also ,back 'copy, ,back 'number) noun a copy of a newspaper or magazine from a date in the past
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back.lash
noun [sing.] ~ (against sth)| ~ (from sb) a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, for example to sth that has recently changed in society: The government is facing an angry backlash from voters over the new tax.
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back.less
adj. (of a dress) not covering most of the back
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back.log
noun a quantity of work that should have been done already, but has not yet been done
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,back 'number
noun (BrE ) = BACK ISSUE
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back.pack
noun, verb
noun (especially AmE ) = RUCKSACK

verb [v] (usually go backpacking) to travel on holiday/vacation carrying your equipment and clothes in a backpack : They went backpacking in Spain last year.
back.pack.er noun

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,back-'pedal
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v]
1 ~ (on sth) to change an earlier statement or opinion; to not do sth that you promised to do: The protests have forced the government to back-pedal on plans to introduce a new tax.
2 to PEDAL backwards on a bicycle; to walk or run backwards
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,back 'room
noun a room at the back of a building, away from the entrance, often where secret activities take place
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'back-room boys
noun [pl.] (BrE ) people who do important work for a person or an organization but who are not well known themselves
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back.scratch.ing
noun [U] (informal, often disapproving) the fact of giving sb help in return for help that they have given you, often in connection with sth that might be illegal
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,back 'seat
noun a seat at the back of a vehicle
IDM a ,back-seat 'driver
1 a passenger in a vehicle who keeps giving advice to the driver about how he or she should drive
2 a person who wants to be in control of sth that is not really their responsibility take a back seat to allow sb else to play a more active and important role in a particular situation than you do
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back.side
noun (informal) the part of the body that you sit on
SYN BEHIND , BOTTOM : Get up off your backside and do some work!
IDM see PAIN n.
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back.slap.ping
noun [U] loud and enthusiastic behaviour when people are praising each other for sth good they have done
back.slap.ping adj. [only before noun]: backslapping tributes
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back.slash
noun a mark ( \ ), used in computer COMMANDS
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back.slid.ing
noun [U] the situation when sb fails to do sth that they agreed to do and returns to their former bad behaviour
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back.stage
adv.
1 in the part of the theatre where the actors and artists get ready and wait to perform: After the show, we were allowed to go backstage to meet the cast.
2 away from the attention of the public; in secret: I’d like to know what really goes on backstage in government.
back.stage adj.
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back.street
noun, adj.
noun a small quiet street, usually in a poor part of a town or city, away from main roads: He was born in the backstreets of Leeds.

adj. [only before noun] acting or happening secretly, often dishonestly or illegally: backstreet dealers

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back.stroke
noun [U, sing.] a style of swimming in which you lie on your back: Can you do (the) backstroke?  He won the 100 metres backstroke (= the race).—picture at SWIMMING
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back.swing
noun (sport ) the backwards movement of your arm or arms before you hit the ball
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'back talk
noun [U] (AmE ) = BACKCHAT
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,back-to-'back
noun (BrE ) a house in a row of houses which share walls with the houses on each side and behind: back-to-backs and tenements built for the poor in the 19th century
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back.track
verb [v]
1 to go back along the same route that you have just come along: The path suddenly disappeared and we had to backtrack.
2 to change an earlier statement, opinion or promise because of pressure from sb/sth
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'back-up
noun [U, C]
1 extra help or support that you can get if necessary: The police had back-up from the army.  We can use him as a back-up if one of the other players drops out.  a back-up power supply
2 (computing) a copy of a file, etc. that can be used if the original is lost or damaged: Always make a back-up of your work.  a back-up copy
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'backup light
noun (AmE ) = REVERSING LIGHT
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back.ward
adj.
1 [only before noun] directed or moving towards the back: She strode past him without a backward glance .
2 moving in a direction that means that no progress is being made
SYN RETROGRADE : She felt that going back to live in her home town would be a backward step.
3 having made less progress than normal; developing slowly: a backward part of the country, with no paved roads and no electricity  a backward child   (BrE, spoken) She’s not backward in coming forward (= she’s not shy).—compare FORWARD
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back.ward.ness
noun [U] the state of having made less progress than normal: the backwardness of rural areas
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back.wards
(also back.ward especially in AmE) adv.
1 towards a place or position that is behind: I lost my balance and fell backwards.  He took a step backwards.
OPP FORWARD
2 in the opposite direction to the usual one: ‘Ambulance’ is written backwards so you can read it in the mirror.  In the movie they take a journey backwards through time.
3 towards a worse state: I felt that going to live with my parents would be a step backwards.
OPP FORWARD
4 (AmE) = BACK TO FRONT at BACK n.
IDM ,backward(s) and 'forward(s) from one place or position to another and back again many times: She rocked backwards and forwards on her chair. bend / lean over 'backwards (to do sth) to make a great effort, especially in order to be helpful or fair: I’ve bent over backwards to help him.—more at KNOW v.
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back.wash
noun [sing.]
1 (written) the unpleasant result of an event
2 waves caused by a boat or ship moving through water; the movement of water back into the sea after a wave has hit the beach
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back.water
noun
1 a part of a river away from the main part, where the water only moves slowly
2 (often disapproving) a place that is away from the places where most things happen, and is therefore not affected by events, progress, new ideas, etc: a sleepy / quiet / rural backwater
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back.woods
noun [pl.] a place that is away from any big towns and from the influence of modern life
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back.yard
noun
1 (BrE) an area with a hard surface behind a house, often surrounded by a wall
2 (AmE) the whole area behind and belonging to a house, including an area of grass and the garden: a backyard barbecue—see also YARD
IDM in your (own) backyard in or near the place where you live or work: The residents didn’t want a new factory in their backyard.  The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard (= from his own members).
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bacon
noun [U] meat from the back or sides of a pig that has been CURED (= preserved using salt or smoke), usually served in thin slices: a rasher of bacon  bacon and eggs  smoked / unsmoked bacon—compare GAMMON , HAM (1) , PORK
IDM see HOME adv. , SAVE v.
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bac.teria
noun [pl.] (sing.bac.ter.ium ) the simplest and smallest forms of plant life. Bacteria exist in large numbers in air, water and soil, and also in living and dead creatures and plants, and are often a cause of disease
bac.ter.ial adj.: bacterial infections / growth
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bac.teri.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of bacteria
bac.terio.logic.al adj.
bac.teri.olo.gist noun
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bad
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (worse worst )
UNPLEASANT|
1 unpleasant; full of problems: bad news / weather / dreams / habits  I’m having a really bad day.  It was the worst experience of her life.  Smoking gives you bad breath.  Things are bad enough without our own guns shelling us.
POOR QUALITY|
2 of poor quality; below an acceptable standard: bad conditions / driving  a bad copy / diet  I thought it was a very bad article.  This isn’t as bad as I thought.  That’s not a bad idea.
NOT GOOD AT STH|
3 ~ at sth / at doing sth (of a person) not able to do sth well or in a satisfactory way
SYN POOR : a bad teacher  You’re a bad liar!  He’s a bad loser (= he complains when he loses a game).  She is so bad at keeping secrets.
SERIOUS|
4 serious; severe: You’re heading for a bad attack of sunburn.  The engagement was a bad mistake.  My headache is getting worse.
NOT APPROPRIATE|
5 [only before noun] not appropriate in a particular situation: I know that this is a bad time to ask for help.  He now realized that it had been a bad decision on his part.
WICKED|
6 morally unacceptable: The hero gets to shoot all the bad guys.  He said I must have done something bad to deserve it.
CHILDREN|
7 [usually before noun] (especially of children) not behaving well
SYN NAUGHTY : Have you been a bad boy?
HARMFUL|
8 [not before noun] ~ for sb/sth harmful; causing or likely to cause damage: Those shoes are bad for her feet.  Weather like this is bad for business.
PAINFUL|
9 [usually before noun] (of parts of the body) not healthy; painful: I’ve got a bad back.
FOOD|
10 not safe to eat because it has decayed: Put the meat in the fridge so it doesn’t go bad .
TEMPER / MOOD|
11 ~ temper / mood the state of feeling annoyed or angry: It put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.
GUILTY / SORRY|
12 feel ~ to feel guilty or sorry about sth: She felt bad about leaving him.  Why should I want to make you feel bad?
ILL / SICK|
13 feel / look ~ to feel or look ill/sick: I’m afraid I’m feeling pretty bad.
EXCELLENT|
14 (bad.der, bad.dest) (slang, especially AmE) good; excellent Most idioms containing bad are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example be bad news (for sb/sth) is at news.  can’t be bad (spoken) used to try to persuade sb to agree that sth is good: You’ll save fifty dollars, which can’t be bad, can it? not 'bad (spoken) quite good; better than you expected: ‘How are you?’‘Not too bad.’  That wasn’t bad for a first attempt. too bad (spoken)
1 (ironic) used to say ‘bad luck’ or ‘it’s a shame’ when you do not really mean it: If sometimes they’re the wrong decisions, too bad.
2 a shame; a pity: Too bad every day can’t be as good as this.
3 (old-fashioned, spoken) annoying: Really, it was too bad of you to be so late.

noun (the bad) [U] bad people, things, or events: You will always have the bad as well as the good in the world. ,go to the 'bad (old-fashioned) to begin behaving in an immoral way: I hate to see you going to the bad. take the ,bad with the 'good to accept the bad aspects of sth as well as the good ones to the 'bad (BrE) used to say that sb now has a particular amount less money than they did before: After the sale they were £300 to the bad.

adv. (AmE , informal) badly: She wanted it real bad.  Are you hurt bad?

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,bad 'debt
noun [C, U] a debt that is unlikely to be paid
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baddy
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a bad or evil character in a film/movie, book, play, etc: As usual, the cops get the baddies in the end.
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bade
pt of BID
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badge
noun
1 (BrE) a small piece of metal, fabric or plastic, with a design or words on it, that a person wears to show that they belong to an organization, support sth, have achieved sth, have a particular rank, etc: the school badge  She wore a badge saying ‘Vote for Coates’.  All employees have to wear name badges.—compare BUTTON
2 a small piece of metal that you carry or wear to prove who you are, used, for example, by police officers: He pulled out a badge and said he was a cop.
3 (written) something that shows that a particular quality is present: His gun was a badge of power for him.
4 (especially AmE) = PATCH
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badger
noun, verb
noun an animal with grey fur and wide black and white lines on its head. Badgers are NOCTURNAL (= active mostly at night) and live in holes in the ground.

verb ~ sb (into doing sth)| ~ sb (about sth) to put pressure on sb by repeatedly asking them questions or asking them to do sth: [vn] I finally badgered him into coming with us.  Reporters constantly badger her about her private life.  [vn to inf] His daughter was always badgering him to let her join the club.

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bad.in.age
noun [U] (from French , literary) friendly joking between people
SYN BANTER
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,bad 'language
noun [U] words that many people find offensive
SYN SWEAR WORDS
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badly
adv. (worse, worst)
1 not skilfully or not carefully: to play / sing badly  badly designed / organized
2 not successfully: Things have been going badly .  I did badly (= was not successful) in my exams.
3 not in a satisfactory way: to behave / sleep badly  badly paid / treated  The kids took the dog’s death very badly (= they were very unhappy).
4 in a way that makes people get a bad opinion about sth: The economic crisis reflects badly on the government’s policies.  She’s only trying to help, so don’t think badly of her.
5 used to emphasize how much you want, need, etc. sb/sth: The building is badly in need of repair.  They wanted to win so badly.  I miss her badly.
6 used to emphasize how serious a situation or an event is: badly damaged / injured / hurt  The country has been badly affected by recession.  Everything’s gone badly wrong !
IDM badly 'off
1 not having much money; poor
2 not in a good situation: I’ve got quite a big room so I’m not too badly off. be badly 'off for sth (BrE) to not have enough of sth
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bad.min.ton
noun [U] a game like tennis played by two or four people, usually indoors. Players hit a small light kind of ball, originally with feathers around it (= a SHUTTLECOCK ) across a high net using a RACKET .
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'bad-mouth
verb [vn] (informal) to say unpleasant things about sb: No one wants to employ somebody who badmouths their former employer.
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bad.ness
noun [U] the fact of being morally bad: There was not a hint of badness in him.
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,bad-'tempered
adj. often angry; in an angry mood: She gets very bad-tempered when she’s tired.
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baf.fle
verb, noun
verb to confuse sb completely; to be too difficult or strange for sb to understand or explain: [vn] His behaviour baffles me.  [vn, vn wh-] I’m baffled as to why she hasn’t called.  I’m baffled why she hasn’t called.
baffle.ment noun [U]: His reaction was one of bafflement.
baf.fling adj.: Some of the country’s customs are baffling to outsiders.

noun (technical ) a screen used to control or prevent the flow of sound, light or liquid

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bag
noun, verb
noun
CONTAINER|
1 [C] (often in compounds) a container made of paper or plastic, that opens at the top, used especially in shops/stores: a plastic / polythene / paper bag  a laundry / mail bag  a black plastic rubbish / garbage bag
2 [C] a strong container made from cloth, plastic, leather, etc., usually with one or two handles, used to carry things in when shopping or travelling: a shopping bag  a make-up bag  He’s upstairs unpacking his bags.  She opened her bag (= her handbag) and took out her comb.—see also AIR BAG , BEANBAG , BUMBAG , PUNCHBAG , SANDBAG , TEA BAG
AMOUNT|
3 [C] ~ (of sth) the amount contained in a bag: She ate a bag of chips.—see also MIXED BAG , RAGBAG —picture at PACKAGING
4 (bags (of sth)) [U, pl.] (BrE, informal) a large amount or a large number of sth: Get in! There’s bags of room.
UNDER EYES|
5 (bags) [pl.] dark circles or loose folds of skin under the eyes, because of old age or lack of sleep
UNPLEASANT WOMAN|
6 [C] (informal, especially BrE) an insulting word for an unpleasant or bad-tempered older woman: Stupid old bag!—see also RATBAG , SCUMBAG , WINDBAG
BIRDS / ANIMALS|
7 [C, usually sing.] all the birds, animals, etc. shot or caught on one occasion: We got a good bag today.
HELP There are many other compounds ending in bag. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. ,bag and 'baggage with all your possessions, especially secretly or suddenly: He threw her out onto the street, bag and baggage. a ,bag of 'bones (informal) a very thin person or animal be in the 'bag (informal) if sth is in the bag, it is almost certain to be won or achieved (not) sb’s 'bag (informal) (not) sth that you are interested in or good at: Poetry isn’t really my bag.—more at CAT , NERVE n. , PACK v. , TRICK n.

verb (-gg-) [vn]
PUT INTO BAGS|
1 ~ sth (up) to put sth into bags: The fruit is washed, sorted and bagged at the farm.
CATCH ANIMAL|
2 (informal) to catch or kill an animal: We bagged ten fish in two hours.
IN SPORT|
3 (informal) to score a goal, point, etc: Dublin bagged two goals in last night’s win.
CLAIM STH|
4 (BrE, informal) to claim sth as yours before sb else claims it; to take sth before sb else can get it: Sally had managed to bag the two best seats.  Quick, bag that table over there! bags (I) … (BrE) (AmE 'dibs on …) used to claim sth as yours before sb else can claim it: Bags I sit in the front seat!

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bagel
noun a hard bread roll that is shaped like a ring—
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bag.gage
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) = LUGGAGE : excess baggage (= weighing more than the limit allowed on a plane)  baggage handlers (= people employed to load and unload baggage at airports)
2 the beliefs and attitudes that sb has as a result of their past experiences
IDM see BAG n.
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'baggage car
noun (AmE ) = LUGGAGE VAN
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'baggage reclaim
(BrE ) (AmE 'baggage claim) noun [U] the place at an airport where you get your suitcases, etc. again after you have flown
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baggy
adj. (of clothes) fitting loosely; not tight: a baggy T-shirt
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'bag lady
noun a woman who has no home and who walks around carrying her possessions with her
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'bag lunch
noun (AmE ) = PACKED LUNCH
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bag.pipes
(also pipes) noun [pl.] (AmE also bag.pipe [sing.]) a musical instrument played especially in Scotland. The player blows air into a bag held under the arm and then slowly forces the air out through pipes to produce a noise.
bag.pipe adj.: bagpipe music
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ba.guette
noun
1 (also ,French 'loaf, ,French 'stick) a LOAF of white bread in the shape of a long thick stick that is crisp on the outside and soft inside—
2 a small baguette or part of one that is filled with food and eaten as a sandwich: a cheese baguette—
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bah
exclamation used to show a sound that people make to express disapproval
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bail
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] money that sb agrees to pay if a person accused of a crime does not appear at their trial. When bail has been arranged, the accused person is allowed to go free until the trial: Can anyone put up bail for you?  She was released on £2 000 bail .  Bail was set at $1 million.  He committed another offence while he was out on bail (= after bail had been agreed).  The judge granted / refused bail .  She jumped / skipped bail (= did not appear at her trial).
2 [C, usually pl.] (in cricket) either of the two small pieces of wood on top of each set of three wooden posts (called STUMPS )

verb (BrE also bale) to release sb on bail : [vn to inf] He was bailed to appear in court on 15 March. [alsovn] ,bail 'out (of sth) to jump out of a plane that is going to crash: The pilot bailed out and parachuted into the sea. ,bail 'out| ,bail sth<->'out to empty water from sth by lifting it out with your hand or a container: He had to stop rowing to bail water out of the boat.  The boat will sink unless we bail out. ,bail sb<->'out to pay sb’s bail for them ,bail sb<->'out (of sth) to rescue sb from a difficult situation: The government had to bail the company out of financial difficulty.  Ryan’s late goal bailed out his team.

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bailey
noun the open area of a castle, inside the outer wall
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bail.iff
noun
1 (BrE) a law officer whose job is to take the possessions and property of people who cannot pay their debts
2 (BrE) a person employed to manage land or a large farm for sb else
3 (AmE) an official who keeps order in a court of law, takes people to their seats, watches prisoners, etc.
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bairn
noun (ScotE, NorthE ) a child
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bait
noun, verb
noun [U, C]
1 food put on a hook to catch fish or in nets, traps, etc. to catch animals or birds: Live worms are used as bait.  The fish took the bait.
2 a person or thing that is used to catch sb or to attract them, for example to make them do what you want: He had chosen the right bait to persuade her to go.

verb [vn]
1 to place food on a hook, in a trap, etc. in order to attract or catch an animal: He baited the trap with a piece of meat.
2 to deliberately try to make sb angry by making cruel or insulting remarks
3 (- baiting) (in compound nouns) the activity of attacking a wild animal with dogs: bear-baiting  badger-baiting

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baize
noun [U] a thick woollen fabric that is usually green, used especially for covering card tables and BILLIARD , SNOOKER or POOL tables
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bake
verb
1 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ (sb) sth to cook food in an oven without extra fat or liquid; to be cooked in this way: [vn] baked potatoes  [vn, vnn] I’m baking a birthday cake for Alex.  I’m baking Alex a cake.  [v] the delicious smell of baking bread
2 to become or to make sth become hard by heating: [v] The bricks are left in the kiln to bake.  [vn-adj] The sun had baked the ground hard. [alsovn]
3 [v] (informal) to be or become very hot: We sat baking in the sun.—see also HALF-BAKED
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baked 'beans
(AmE also ,Boston baked 'beans) noun [pl.] small white beans cooked in a tomato sauce and usually sold in cans
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Bake.lite
™noun [U] a type of hard plastic, often dark brown, used in the past for electrical equipment, etc.
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baker
noun
1 a person whose job is baking and selling bread and cakes
2 (baker’s) (pl.bakers) (BrE) a shop that sells bread and cakes: I’m just going to the baker’s.
IDM a baker’s 'dozen (old-fashioned) 13
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bakery
noun (pl.-ies) (AmE also 'bake shop) a place where bread and cakes are made and/or sold
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'bake shop
noun (AmE ) = BAKERY
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bak.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U] the process of cooking using dry heat in an oven: a baking dish / sheet / tin

adj. (also ,baking 'hot) extremely hot

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'baking flour
noun [U] (AmE ) = SELF-RAISING FLOUR
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'baking powder
noun [U] a mixture of powders that are used to make cakes rise and become light as they are baked
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'baking soda
noun [U] = SODIUM BICARBONATE
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'baking tray
noun a small sheet of metal used for baking food on
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bala.clava
(also ,balaclava 'helmet) noun (especially BrE ) a type of woollen hat that covers most of the head, neck and face
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bala.laika
noun a musical instrument like a guitar with a body shaped like a triangle and two, three, or four strings, popular especially in Russia
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bal.ance
noun, verb
noun
EQUAL AMOUNTS|
1 [U, sing.] ~ (between A and B) a situation in which different things exist in equal, correct or good amounts: Try to keep a balance between work and relaxation.  This newspaper maintains a good balance in its presentation of different opinions.  Tourists often disturb the delicate balance of nature on the island.  His wife’s death disturbed the balance of his mind .
OF BODY|
2 [U] the ability to keep steady with an equal amount of weight on each side of the body: Athletes need a good sense of balance.  I struggled to keep my balance on my new skates.  She cycled round the corner, lost her balance and fell off.
MONEY|
3 [C, usually sing.] the amount that is left after taking numbers or money away from a total: to check your bank balance (= to find out how much money there is in your account)
4 [C, usually sing.] an amount of money still owed after some payment has been made: The balance of $500 must be paid within 90 days.
INSTRUMENT FOR WEIGHING|
5 [C] an instrument for weighing things, with a bar that is supported in the middle and has dishes hanging from each end (on) the balance of 'evidence / proba'bility (formal) (considering) the evidence on both sides of an argument, to find the most likely reason for or result of sth: The balance of evidence suggests the Liberal party’s decline began before the First World War. (be / hang) in the 'balance if the future of sth/sb, or the result of sth is/hangs in the balance, it is uncertain: The long-term future of the space programme hangs in the balance. (catch / throw sb) off 'balance
1 to make sb/sth unsteady and in danger of falling: I was thrown off balance by the sudden gust of wind.
2 to make sb surprised and no longer calm: The senator was clearly caught off balance by the unexpected question. on 'balance after considering all the information: On balance, the company has had a successful year.—more at REDRESS v. , STRIKE v. , SWING v. , TIP v.

verb
KEEP STEADY|
1 ~ (sth) (on sth) to put your body or sth else into a position where it is steady and does not fall: [v] How long can you balance on one leg?  [vn] The television was precariously balanced on top of a pile of books.  She balanced the cup on her knee.
BE / KEEP EQUAL|
2 ~ (sth) (out) to be equal in value, amount, etc. to sth else that has the opposite effect
SYN OFFSET : [vn] This year’s profits will balance our previous losses.  His lack of experience was balanced by a willingness to learn.  [v] The good and bad effects of any decision will usually balance out.
3 [vn] ~ A with / and B to give equal importance to two contrasting things or parts of sth: She tries to balance home life and career.
COMPARE|
4 ~ A against B to compare the relative importance of two contrasting things: The cost of obtaining legal advice needs to be balanced against its benefits.
MONEY|
5 [vn] (finance) to show that in an account the total money spent is equal to the total money received; to calculate the difference between the two totals

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the 'balance beam
noun (AmE ) = BEAM
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bal.anced
adj. [usually before noun] (approving) keeping or showing a balance so that different things or different parts of sth exist in equal or correct amounts: The programme presented a balanced view of the two sides of the conflict.  a balanced diet (= one with the quantity and variety of food needed for good health)
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,balance of 'payments
noun [sing.] the difference between the amount a country pays for imports and the amount it receives for exports in a particular period of time
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,balance of 'power
noun [sing.]
1 a situation in which political or military strength is divided between two countries or groups of countries
2 the power held by a small group which can give its support to either of two larger and equally strong groups
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,balance of 'trade
(also 'trade balance) noun [sing.] the difference in value between imports and exports: a balance-of-trade deficit (= when a country spends more on imports than it earns from exports)
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'balance sheet
noun (finance ) a written statement showing the amount of money and property that a company has and listing what has been received and paid out
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'bal.an.cing act
noun a process in which sb tries to please two or more people or groups who want different things: The UN must perform a delicate balancing act between the different sides in the conflict.
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bal.cony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a platform that is built on the upstairs outside wall of a building, with a wall or rail around it. You can get out onto a balcony from an upstairs room.—picture at HOUSE , MINARET
2 an area of seats upstairs in a theatre—see also CIRCLE , FIRST BALCONY
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bald
adj.
1 having little or no hair on the head: He started going bald in his twenties.—picture at HAIR
2 without any of the usual hair, marks, etc. covering the skin or surface of sth: Our dog has a bald patch on its leg.  a bald tyre (= a tyre whose surface has become smooth)
3 without any extra explanation or detail to help you understand or accept what is being said: The bald fact is that we don’t need you any longer.  The letter was a bald statement of our legal position.—see also BALDLY
bald.ness noun [U]
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,bald 'eagle
noun a N American BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) with a white head and white tail feathers. The bald eagle is used as a symbol of the US.
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bal.der.dash
noun [U] (old-fashioned) nonsense
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,bald-'faced
adj. (disapproving, especially AmE ) making no attempt to hide your dishonest behaviour: bald-faced lies
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bald.ing
adj. starting to lose the hair on your head: a short balding man with glasses
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bald.ly
adv. in a few words with nothing extra or unnecessary: ‘You’re lying,’ he said baldly.
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bale
noun, verb
noun a large amount of a light material pressed tightly together and tied up: bales of hay / straw / cotton / wool

verb
1 [vn] to make sth into bales : The waste paper is baled, then sent for recycling.
2 [vn, vn to inf] (BrE) = BAIL
PVR V ,bale 'out| ,bale sth<->'out| ,bale sb<->'out (BrE) = BAIL OUT , BAIL STH OUT , BAIL SBOUT

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bale.ful
adj. (literary) threatening evil or harm: a baleful look / influence
bale.ful.ly adv.
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balk
(especially AmE ) = BAULK
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balky
adj. (AmE ) (of a person or machine) refusing or failing to do what you want them to do
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ball
noun, verb
noun
1 a round object used for throwing, hitting or kicking in games and sports: a golf / tennis / cricket ball  Bounce the ball and try and hit it over the net.—picture at HOCKEY —
2 a round object or a thing that has been formed into a round shape: The sun was a huge ball of fire low on the horizon.  a ball of string  Some animals roll themselves into a ball for protection.
3 a kick or hit of the ball in some sports, or (in cricket) a throw of the ball by the BOWLER to the BATSMAN : He sent over a high ball.
4 (in baseball) a throw by the PITCHER that the BATTER does not have to hit because it is not accurate
5 ~ of the foot / hand the part underneath the big toe or the thumb
6 [usually pl.] ( , informal) a TESTICLE —see also BALLS
7 a large formal party with dancing
IDM a ,ball and 'chain (BrE) a problem that prevents you from doing what you would like to do the ball is in your / sb’s 'court it is your/sb’s responsibility to take action next: They’ve offered me the job, so the ball’s in my court now. get / set / start / keep the ball 'rolling to make sth start happening; to make sure that sth continues to happen have a 'ball (informal) to enjoy yourself a lot have something / a lot on the 'ball (AmE, informal) to be capable of doing a job very well; to be intelligent (be) on the 'ball to be aware of and understand what is happening and able to react quickly: The new publicity manager is really on the ball. play 'ball (with sb) (informal) to be willing to work with other people in a helpful way, especially so that sb can get what they want

verb
1 to form sth or be formed into the shape of a ball: [v] Her hands balled into fists.  [vn] My hands were balled into fists.
2 [vn] (AmE,  , slang) (of a man) to have sex with a woman

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bal.lad
noun
1 a song or poem that tells a story: a medieval ballad about a knight and a lady
2 a slow popular song about love: Her latest single is a ballad.
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bal.last
noun [U]
1 heavy material placed in a ship or HOT-AIR BALLOON to make it heavier and keep it steady
2 a layer of stones that makes a strong base on which a road, railway/railroad, etc. can be built
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,ball 'bearing
noun a ring of small metal balls used in a machine to enable the parts to turn smoothly; one of these small metal balls
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ball.boy
noun a boy who picks up the balls for the players in a tennis match—see also BALLGIRL
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ball.cock
noun a device with a floating ball that controls the amount of water going into a container, for example the water TANK of a toilet
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bal.ler.ina
noun a female dancer in ballet—see also PRIMA BALLERINA
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bal.let
noun
1 [U] a style of dancing that tells a dramatic story with music but no talking or singing: She wants to be a ballet dancer .  ballet shoes
2 [C] a story or work of art performed by a group of ballet dancers: ‘Swan Lake’ is one of the great classical ballets.
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of dancers who work and perform ballet together: members of the Royal Ballet
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'ball game
noun
1 any game played with a ball
2 (AmE) a game of baseball: Are you going to the ball game?
IDM a (whole) different / new 'ball game (informal) a completely different kind of situation
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ball.girl
noun a girl who picks up the balls for the players in a tennis match—see also BALLBOY
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bal.listic
adj. connected with ballistics
IDM go bal'listic (informal) to become very angry: He went ballistic when I told him.
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bal,listic 'missile
noun a MISSILE that is fired into the air at a particular speed and angle in order to fall in the right place
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bal.lis.tics
noun [U] the scientific study of things that are shot or fired through the air, such as bullets and MISSILES
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bal.loon
noun, verb
noun
1 a small bag made of very thin rubber that becomes larger and rounder when you fill it with air or gas. Balloons are brightly coloured and used as decorations or toys: to blow up / burst / pop a balloon  My balloon has burst!
2 (also hot-'air balloon) a large balloon made of strong fabric that is filled with hot air or gas to make it rise in the air, usually carrying a basket for passengers
IDM when the bal'loon goes up (BrE, informal) when the trouble that you are expecting begins—more at LEAD^2

verb [v]
1 ~ (out / up) to suddenly swell out or get bigger: Her skirt ballooned out in the wind.
2 (usually go ballooning) to travel in a HOT-AIR BALLOON as a sport

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bal.loon.ist
noun a person who travels in a balloon as a sport
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bal.lot
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the system of voting in writing and usually in secret; an occasion on which a vote is held: The chairperson is chosen by secret ballot .  The union cannot call a strike unless it holds a ballot of members.
2 (BrE also 'ballot paper) [C] the piece of paper on which sb marks who they are voting for: What percentage of eligible voters cast their ballots ?
3 (the ballot) [sing.] the total number of votes in an election: She won 58.8% of the ballot.—see also POLL

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (on sth) to ask sb to vote in writing and secretly about sth
SYN POLL : The union balloted its members on the proposed changes.
2 [v] to vote secretly about sth: The workers balloted for a strike.

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'ballot box
noun
1 [C] a box in which people put their ballots after voting
2 (the ballot box) [sing.] the system of voting in an election: The people make their wishes known through the ballot box.
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'ballot paper
noun (BrE ) = BALLOT (2)
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ball.park
noun
1 [C] (especially AmE) a place where baseball is played
2 [sing.] an area or a range within which an amount is likely to be correct or within which sth can be measured: The offers for the contract were all in the same ballpark.  If you said five million you’d be in the ballpark.  Give me a ballpark figure (= a number that is approximately right).
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ball.point
(also ,ballpoint 'pen) noun a pen with a very small metal ball at its point, that rolls ink onto the paper—compare BIRO —picture at STATIONERY
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ball.room
noun a very large room used for dancing on formal occasions—compare DANCE HALL
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,ballroom 'dancing
noun [U] a type of dancing done with a partner and using particular fixed steps and movements to particular types of music such as the WALTZ
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balls
noun, verb
noun ( , slang)
1 [U] (BrE) nonsense: That’s a load of balls!
2 [pl.] courage: She’s got balls, I’ll say that for her.  It took a lot of balls to do that.
3 (Balls!) (BrE) exclamationused as a swear word when you are disagreeing with sth, or when you are angry about sth
HELP Less offensive ways to express this are ‘Nonsense!’, or ‘Come off it!’

verb
PVR V ,balls sth<->'up (BrE,  , slang) to spoil sth; to do sth very badly—related noun BALLS-UP
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is foul sth up, cock sth up (slang), or bungle sth.

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'balls-up
noun (  slang, especially BrE ) something that has been done very badly: I made a real balls-up of my exams.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is foul-up or (BrE) cock-up.
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bally.hoo
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) unnecessary noise and excitement
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balm
noun [U, C, usually sing.]
1 (also bal.sam) oil with a pleasant smell that is obtained from some types of trees and plants, used in the past to help heal wounds, for example
2 a liquid, cream, etc. that has a pleasant smell and is used to make wounds less painful or skin softer: He used a skin balm after shaving.
3 (literary) something that makes you feel calm or relaxed: The gentle music was a balm to his spirit.
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balmy
adj. (approving) (of the air, weather, etc.) warm and pleasant: a balmy summer evening
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ba.lo.ney
noun [U]
1 (informal, especially AmE) nonsense; lies: Don’t give me that baloney!
2 (AmE) = BOLOGNA
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balsa
(also 'balsa wood) noun [U] the light wood of the tropical American balsa tree, used especially for making models
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bal.sam
noun
1 [U, C] = BALM
2 [C] any plant or tree from which BALM is obtained
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bal.us.trade
noun a row of posts, joined together at the top, built along the edge of a BALCONY , bridge, etc. to prevent people from falling off, or as a decoration
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bam.boo
noun [C, U] (pl.-oos) a tall tropical plant that is a member of the grass family and has hard hollow stems that are used for making furniture, poles, etc: a bamboo grove  a bamboo chair  bamboo shoots (= young bamboo plants that can be eaten)
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bam.boo.zle
verb [vn] (informal) to confuse sb, especially by tricking them
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ban
verb, noun
verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 to forbid sth officially: Chemical weapons are banned internationally.  a campaign to ban smoking in public places
2 [usually passive] ~ sb from sth / from doing sth to forbid sb to do sth, go somewhere, etc., especially officially: He was banned from the meeting.  She’s been banned from leaving Greece while the allegations are investigated.   (BrE) He was banned from driving for six months.

noun ~ (on sth) an official rule that says that sth is not allowed: There is to be a total ban on smoking in the office.  to impose / lift a ban

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banal
adj. (disapproving) very ordinary and containing nothing that is interesting or important
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ban.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] (disapproving) the quality of being banal ; things, remarks, etc. that are banal : the banality of modern city life  They exchanged banalities for a couple of minutes.
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ba.nana
noun a long curved fruit with a thick yellow skin and soft flesh, that grows on trees in hot countries: a bunch of bananas—
IDM go ba'nanas (slang) to become angry, crazy or silly
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ba,nana re'public
noun (disapproving, offensive) a small poor country with a weak government, that depends on foreign money
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ba'nana skin
noun (BrE , informal) something that could cause difficulty or embarrassment, especially to sb in a public position
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ba,nana 'split
noun a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from a BANANA that is cut in half along its length and filled with ice cream, nuts, etc.
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band
noun, verb
noun
GROUP OF MUSICIANS|
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a small group of musicians who play popular music together, often with a singer or singers: a rock / jazz band  She’s a singer with a band.
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of musicians who play BRASS and PERCUSSION instruments: a military band—see also BRASS BAND , MARCHING BAND , ONE-MAN BAND
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who do sth together or who have the same ideas: a band of outlaws  He persuaded a small band of volunteers to help.
STRIP OF MATERIAL / COLOUR|
4 [C] a thin flat strip or circle of any material that is put around things, for example to hold them together or to strengthen them: She always ties her hair back in a band.  All babies in the hospital have name bands on their wrists.  She wore a simple band of gold on her finger.—see also ARMBAND , HAIRBAND , HATBAND , RUBBER BAND , SWEATBAND , WAISTBAND —picture at HAT
5 [C] a strip of colour or material on sth that is different from what is around it: a white plate with a blue band around the edge
OF RADIO WAVES|
6 (also wave.band) [C] a range of radio waves: Short-wave radio uses the 20-50 metre band.
RANGE|
7 [C] a range of numbers, ages, prices, etc. within which people or things are counted or measured: the 25-35 age band  tax bands

verb [vn] [usually passive]
WITH COLOUR / MATERIAL|
1 to put a band of a different colour or material around sth: [vn-adj] Many insects are banded black and yellow. [alsovn]
PUT INTO RANGE|
2 (BrE) to be organized into bands of price, income, etc: Tax is banded according to income. ,band to'gether to form a group in order to achieve sth: Local people banded together to fight the drug dealers.

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ban.dage
noun, verb
noun a strip of fabric used for tying around a part of the body that has been hurt in order to protect or support it—

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) to wrap a bandage around a part of the body in order to protect it because it is injured: Don’t bandage the wound too tightly.  His injured leg was all bandaged up.

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'Band-Aid
™noun (especially AmE )
1 = PLASTER (3)
2 (disapproving) a temporary solution to a problem that does not really solve it at all
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ban.danna
noun a piece of brightly coloured fabric worn around the neck or head
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B and B
(also b and b) abbr. (informal, especially BrE ) bed and breakfast
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ban.dit
noun a member of an armed group of thieves who attack travellers
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ban.dit.ry
noun [U] (written) acts of stealing and violence by bandits
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ban.do.lier
(also ban.do.leer) noun a belt made for carrying bullets and worn over the shoulder
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bands.man
noun (pl.-men ) a musician who plays in a military or BRASS band
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band.stand
noun a covered platform outdoors, where musicians, especially a BRASS or military band, can stand and play
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band.wagon
noun [usually sing.] an activity that more and more people are becoming involved in: The World Cup bandwagon is starting to roll.
IDM climb / jump on the 'bandwagon (informal, disapproving) to join others in doing sth that is becoming fashionable because you hope to become popular or successful yourself: politicians eager to jump on the environmental bandwagon
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bandy
adj., verb
adj. (of the legs) curving outwards so that the knees are wide apart: to be bandy-legged

verb (ban.dies, bandy.ing, ban.died, ban.died)
IDM bandy 'words (with sb) (old-fashioned) to argue with sb or speak rudely to them
PVR V ,bandy sth<->a'bout / a'round [usually passive] if a name, a word, a story, etc., is bandied about/around, it is mentioned frequently by many people: His name was being bandied about as a future prime minister.

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bane
noun [sing.] the ~ of sb/sth something that causes trouble and makes people unhappy: The neighbours' kids are the bane of my life .
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bane.ful
adj. (literary) evil or causing evil
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bang
verb, noun, adv., exclamation
verb
1 ~ (on) sth to hit sth in a way that makes a loud noise: [vn] The baby was banging the table with his spoon.  [v] She banged on the door angrily.
2 to close sth or to be closed with a loud noise: [vn] Don’t bang the door when you go out!  [v] A window was banging somewhere (= opening and closing noisily).  [v-adj] The door banged shut behind her.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth somewhere suddenly and violently: He banged the money down on the counter.  She banged saucepans around irritably.
4 [vn] to hit sth, especially a part of the body, against sth by accident: She tripped and banged her knee on the desk.
5 [vn] ( , slang) (of a man) to have sex with a woman
IDM see DRUM n. , HEAD n.
PVR V ,bang a'bout / a'round to move around noisily: We could hear the kids banging around upstairs. ,bang 'into sth to crash into or hit sth by mistake: I banged into a chair and hurt my leg. ,bang 'on about sth (BrE, informal) to talk a lot about sth in a boring way: He keeps banging on about his new job.

noun
1 a sudden loud noise: The door swung shut with a bang.  Suddenly there was a loud bang and a puff of smoke.—see also BIG BANG
2 a sudden painful blow on a part of the body: a bang on the head
3 (bangs) [pl.] (AmE) = FRINGE (1)
IDM with a 'bang (informal)
1 very successfully: The party went with a bang .
2 in a way that everyone notices; with a powerful effect: The team won their last four games, ending the season with a bang.—more at EARTH n. , SLAP adv.

adv. (informal, especially BrE ) exactly; completely: Our computers are bang up to date .  My estimate was bang on target.  You’re bang on time, as usual—see also SLAP BANG
IDM bang goes sth (BrE, informal) used when you say that sth you hoped to have or achieve is no longer possible: Bang went my hopes of promotion. go 'bang (informal) to burst or explode with a loud noise; to make a sudden loud noise: A balloon suddenly went bang.

IDM see RIGHT n.
exclamation used to show the sound of sth loud, like a gun: ‘Bang, bang, you’re dead!’ shouted the little boy.

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bang.er
noun (BrE , informal)
1 a sausage: bangers and mash
2 (AmE beat.er) an old car that is in bad condition
3 a FIREWORK that makes a loud noise when it explodes
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ban.gle
noun a piece of jewellery in the form of a large ring of gold, silver, etc. worn loosely around the wrist—picture at JEWELLERY
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'bang-up
adj. (AmE , informal) very good
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ban.ish
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sb (from … ) (to … ) to order sb to leave a place, especially a country, as a punishment: He was banished to Australia, where he died five years later.  The children were banished from the dining room.
2 ~ sb/sth (from sth) (written) to make sb/sth go away; to get rid of sb/sth: The sight of food banished all other thoughts from my mind.
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ban.ish.ment
noun [U] the punishment of being sent away from a place, especially from a country
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ban.is.ter
(also ban.nis.ter) noun (BrE also ban.is.ters [pl.]) the posts and rail at the side of a staircase: to hold on to the banister / banisters
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banjo
noun (pl.-os) a musical instrument like a guitar, with a long neck, a round body and four or more strings
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bank
noun, verb
noun
FOR MONEY|
1 an organization that provides various financial services, for example keeping or lending money: My salary is paid directly into my bank.  I need to go to the bank (= the local office of a bank).  a bank account / loan  a bank manager
IN GAMBLING|
2 a supply of money or things that are used as money in some games, especially those in which gambling is involved
STH COLLECTED / STORED|
3 an amount of sth that is collected; a place where sth is stored ready for use: a bank of knowledge  a blood / sperm bank  a databank
OF RIVER / CANAL|
4 the side of a river, canal, etc. and the land near it: He jumped in and swam to the opposite bank.  It’s on the north bank of the Thames.  They built a house on the banks of the River Severn (= on land near the river).
SLOPE|
5 a raised area of ground that slopes at the sides, often at the edge of sth or dividing sth: There were low banks of earth between the rice fields.  The girls ran down the steep grassy bank.
6 an artificial slope built at the side of a road, so that cars can drive fast around bends
OF CLOUD / SNOW, etc.|
7 a mass of cloud, snow, etc., especially one formed by the wind: The sun disappeared behind a bank of clouds.
OF MACHINES, etc.|
8 a row or series of similar objects, especially machines: a bank of lights / switches / computers not ,break the 'bank (informal, humorous) if you say sth won’t break the bank, you mean that it won’t cost a lot of money, or more than you can afford—more at LAUGH v.

verb
MONEY|
1 [vn] to put money into a bank account: She is believed to have banked (= been paid)£10 million in two years.
2 [v] ~ (with / at … ) to have an account with a particular bank: The family had banked with Coutts for generations.
OF PLANE|
3 [v] to travel with one side higher than the other when turning: The plane banked steeply to the left.
FORM PILES|
4 [vn] ~ sth (up) to form sth into piles: They banked the earth (up) into a mound.
A FIRE|
5 [vn] ~ sth (up) to pile coal, etc. on a fire so that the fire burns slowly for a long time: The fire was banked up as high as if it were midwinter. 'bank on sb/sth to rely on sb/sth: I’m banking on your help. [+ to inf] I’m banking on you to help me. [+ -ing] I was banking on getting something to eat on the train. ,bank 'up to form into piles, especially because of the wind: The snow had banked up against the wall.

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bank.able
adj. (informal) likely to make money for sb: The movie’s success has made her one of the world’s most bankable stars.
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'bank balance
noun the amount of money that sb has in their bank account at a particular time
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'bank card
noun
1 (also 'banker’s card) (both BrE) a plastic card provided by your bank that may be used as a CHEQUE CARD or DEBIT CARD or to get money from your account out of a machine
2 (AmE) a CREDIT CARD provided by your bank, that can also be used as a DEBIT CARD and to get money from your account out of a machine
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'bank draft
(also 'banker’s draft) noun a cheque paid by a bank to another bank or to a particular person or organization
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bank.er
noun
1 a person who owns a bank or has an important job at a bank: a merchant banker
2 a person who is in charge of the money in particular games
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,banker’s 'order
noun (BrE ) an instruction to your bank to pay money to sb directly from your bank account—compare STANDING ORDER
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,bank 'holiday
(BrE) noun a public holiday, for example Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, etc: Bank Holiday Monday  a bank holiday weekend (= a weekend followed by a Monday which is a holiday)—see also HOLIDAY —compare LEGAL HOLIDAY , PUBLIC HOLIDAY
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bank.ing
noun [U] the business activity of banks: She’s thinking about a career in banking.
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bank.note
noun (especially BrE ) = NOTE : forged (= illegally copied) banknotes
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'bank rate
noun the rate of interest charged by a bank for lending money, which is fixed by a central bank in a country
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bank.roll
verb, noun
verb [vn] (informal, especially AmE ) to support sb/sth financially: They claimed his campaign had been bankrolled with drug money.

noun (especially AmE ) a supply of money: He is the candidate with the biggest campaign bankroll.

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bank.rupt
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 without enough money to pay what you owe: They went bankrupt in 1993.  The company was declared bankrupt in the High Court.
2 ~ (of sth) (formal, disapproving) completely lacking in anything that has value: a government bankrupt of new ideas  a society that is morally bankrupt

noun (law ) a person who has been judged by a court of law to be unable to pay his or her debts

verb [vn] to make sb bankrupt : The company was almost bankrupted by legal costs.

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bank.rupt.cy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) the state of being bankrupt : The company filed for bankruptcy (= asked to be officially bankrupt) in 1993.  moral / political bankruptcy  There could be further bankruptcies among small farmers.
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'bank statement
(also state.ment) noun a printed record of all the money paid into and out of a customer’s bank account within a particular period
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ban.ner
noun a long piece of fabric with a message on it that is carried between two poles or hung in a public place to show support for sth: A huge banner over the street said ‘Welcome home’.  Protesters carried a banner reading ‘Save our Wildlife’.
IDM under the banner (of sth) (written)
1 claiming to support a particular set of ideas: They fought the election under the banner of ‘No new taxes’.
2 as part of a particular group or organization: Troops are in the country under the banner of the United Nations.
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,banner 'headline
noun a line of words printed in large letters across the front page of a newspaper
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,banner 'year
noun (AmE ) a year in which sth is especially successful: It was a banner year for Mexico’s tourist industry.
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ban.nis.ter
= BANISTER
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banns
noun [pl.] a public statement in church that two people intend to marry each other: to read / publish the banns
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ban.quet
noun
1 a formal meal for a large number of people, usually for a special occasion, at which speeches are often made: a state banquet in honour of the visiting President
2 a large impressive meal
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ban.quet.ing
adj. connected with banquets : a banqueting hall
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ban.quette
noun a long soft seat along a wall in a restaurant, etc.
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ban.shee
noun (in Irish stories) a female spirit who gives a long sad cry as a warning to people that sb in their family is going to die soon
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ban.tam
noun a type of small chicken
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ban.tam.weight
noun a boxer weighing between 51 and 53.5 kilograms, or a WRESTLER who weighs between 52 and 57 kilograms, heavier than a FLYWEIGHT : a bantamweight champion
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ban.ter
noun, verb
noun [U] friendly remarks and jokes: He enjoyed exchanging banter with the customers.

verb [v] ~ (with sb) to joke with sb: He bantered with reporters and posed for photographers.

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ban.ter.ing
adj. (of a way of talking) amusing and friendly: There was a friendly, bantering tone in his voice.
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ban.yan
(also 'banyan tree) noun an Indian fruit tree with branches that grow down to the ground and form new roots
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bap
noun (BrE ) a small round flat bread roll—see also BUN —
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bap.tism
noun a Christian ceremony in which a few drops of water are poured on sb or they are covered with water, to welcome them into the Christian Church and often to name them—compare CHRISTENING
IDM a ,baptism of 'fire a difficult introduction to a new job or activity
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bap.tis.mal
adj. [only before noun] connected with baptism : a baptismal service / ceremony
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Bap.tist
noun a member of a Christian Protestant Church that believes that baptism should take place when a person is old enough to understand what it means, and not as a baby
Bap.tist adj. [usually before noun]: a Baptist church
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bap.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [usually passive] to give sb BAPTISM : [vn-n] She was baptized Mary.  I was baptized a Catholic. [alsovn] —see also CHRISTEN
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bar
noun, verb, prep.
noun
FOR DRINKS / FOOD|
1 [C] a place where you can buy and drink alcoholic and other drinks: He’s been working at a bar called the Flamingo.  the island’s only licensed bar (= one that is allowed to sell alcoholic drinks)  a cocktail bar   (BrE) I found David in the bar of the Red Lion (= a room in a pub where drinks are served).—see also BAR ROOM , LOUNGE BAR , MINIBAR , PUBLIC BAR , SALOON BAR
2 [C] a long wide wooden surface where drinks, etc. are served: She was sitting at the bar.  It was so crowded I couldn’t get to the bar.
3 [C] (especially in compounds) a place in which a particular kind of food or drink is the main thing that is served: a sandwich bar  a coffee bar—see also SNACK BAR , WINE BAR
OF CHOCOLATE / SOAP|
4 [C] a piece of sth with straight sides: a bar of chocolate / soap  The kids never eat candy bars.
OF METAL / WOOD|
5 [C] a long straight piece of metal or wood. Bars are often used to stop sb from getting through a space: He smashed the window with an iron bar.  All the ground floor windows were fitted with bars.  a five-bar gate (= one made with five bars of wood)—see also SPACE BAR , TOW BAR
IN ELECTRIC FIRE|
6 [C] a piece of metal with wire wrapped around it that becomes red and hot when electricity is passed through it: Switch another bar on if you’re cold.
OF COLOUR / LIGHT|
7 [C] a band of colour or light: Bars of sunlight slanted down from the tall narrow windows.
THAT PREVENTS STH|
8 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that stops sb from doing sth: At that time being a woman was a bar to promotion in most professions.—see also COLOUR BAR
IN MUSIC|
9 (BrE) (AmE meas.ure) [C] one of the short sections of equal length that a piece of music is divided into, and the notes that are in it: four beats to the bar  Hum the opening bars of your favourite piece of music.—picture at MUSIC
LAW|
10 (the Bar) [sing.] (BrE) the profession of BARRISTER (= a lawyer in a higher court): to be called to the Bar (= allowed to work as a qualified BARRISTER )
11 (the Bar) [sing.] (AmE) the profession of any kind of lawyer
MEASUREMENT|
12 = MILLIBAR —see also SCROLL BAR be,hind 'bars (informal) in prison: The murderer is now safely behind bars.

verb (-rr-) [vn]
CLOSE WITH BARS|
1 [usually passive] to close sth with a bar or bars: All the doors and windows were barred.
BLOCK|
2 to block a road, path, etc. so that nobody can pass: Two police officers were barring her exit.  We found our way barred by rocks.
PREVENT|
3 ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to forbid or prevent sb from doing sth: The players are barred from drinking alcohol the night before a match.
IDM see HOLD n.

prep. except for sb/sth: The students all attended, bar two who were ill.  It’s the best result we’ve ever had, bar none (= none was better).
IDM see SHOUTING

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barb
noun
1 the point of an arrow or a hook that is curved backwards to make it difficult to pull out
2 a remark that is meant to hurt sb’s feelings—see also BARBED
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bar.bar.ian
noun
1 a person long ago in the past who belonged to a European tribe which was considered wild and UNCIVILIZED : barbarian invasions of the fifth century
2 a person who behaves very badly and has no respect for art, education, etc.
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bar.bar.ic
adj.
1 cruel and violent and not as expected from people who are educated and respect each other: a barbaric act / custom / ritual  The way these animals are killed is barbaric.
2 connected with a tribe of BARBARIANS (1)
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bar.bar.ism
noun [U] (written)
1 a state of not having any education, respect for art, etc.
2 cruel or violent behaviour: the barbarism of war
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bar.bar.ity
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] behaviour that deliberately causes extreme pain or suffering to others: The barbarity of the old regime was eventually exposed.
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bar.bar.ous
adj. (written)
1 extremely cruel and shocking: the barbarous treatment of these prisoners of war
2 showing a lack of education and good manners
bar.bar.ous.ly adv.
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bar.be.cue
noun, verb
noun (abbr. BBQ) (also informal bar.bieBrE, AustralE)
1 a metal frame for cooking food on over an open fire outdoors: I put another steak on the barbecue.  a barbecue sausage (= cooked in this way)  barbecue sauce (= a spicy sauce eaten with barbecue food)
2 an outdoor meal or party when food is cooked in this way: Let’s have a barbecue!—compare COOKOUT

verb [v, vn] to cook food on a barbecue —compare BROIL—

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barbed
adj.
1 (of an arrow or a hook) having a point that is curved backwards (called a BARB )
2 (of a remark or comment) meant to hurt sb’s feelings
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,barbed 'wire
noun [U] strong wire with short sharp points on it, used especially for fences: a barbed wire fence
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bar.bell
noun a long metal bar with weights at each end, used in the sport of WEIGHTLIFTING and for exercise
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bar.ber
noun
1 a person whose job is to cut men’s hair and sometimes to shave them
2 (also barber’s) (both BrE) (pl.bar.bers) a shop where men can have their hair cut—compare HAIRDRESSER
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bar.ber.shop
noun
1 (especially AmE) (BrE usually barber’s) [C] a place where a barber works
2 [U] a type of light music for four parts sung by men, without instruments: a barbershop quartet
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bar.bie
noun (BrE, AustralE , informal) = BARBECUE
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bar.bit.ur.ate
noun a powerful drug that makes you feel calm and relaxed or puts you to sleep. There are several types of barbiturate : He died from an overdose of barbiturates.
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'bar chart
(AmE also 'bar graph) noun a diagram which uses narrow bands of different heights to show different amounts, so that they can be compared—picture at CHART
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'bar code
noun a pattern of thick and thin lines that is printed on things you buy. It contains information that a computer can read.—picture at BAR
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bard
noun (literary) a person who writes poems
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bare
adj., verb
adj. (barer, bar.est)
1 not covered by any clothes: She likes to walk around in bare feet.
2 (of trees or countryside) not covered with leaves; without plants or trees: the bare branches of winter trees  a bare mountainside
3 (of surfaces) not covered with or protected by anything: bare wooden floorboards  Bare wires were sticking out of the cable.  The walls were bare except for a clock.
4 (of a room, cupboard, etc.) empty: The fridge was completely bare.  bare shelves
5 [only before noun] just enough; the most basic or simple: The family was short of even the bare necessities of life.  We only had the bare essentials in the way of equipment.  He did the bare minimum of work but still passed the exam.  She gave me only the bare facts of the case.  It was the barest hint of a smile.  note at NAKED
bare.ness noun [U]
IDM the bare 'bones (of sth) the basic facts: the bare bones of the story with your bare 'hands without weapons or tools: He was capable of killing a man with his bare hands. lay sth 'bare (written) to show sth that was covered or to make sth known that was secret: Every aspect of their private lives has been laid bare.—more at CUPBOARD

verb [vn] to remove the covering from sth, especially from part of the body: She was paid several thousand dollars to bare all (= take all her clothes off) for the magazine.
IDM bare your 'soul (to sb) to tell sb your deepest and most private feelings bare your 'teeth to show your teeth in a fierce and threatening way: The dog bared its teeth and growled.

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bare.back
adj., adv. on a horse without a SADDLE : a bareback rider  riding bareback
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bare.faced
adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) showing that you do not care about offending sb or about behaving badly: a barefaced lie  barefaced cheek
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bare.foot
(also less frequent bare.foot.ed) adj., adv. not wearing anything on your feet: poor children going barefoot in the street
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bare.head.ed
adj., adv. not wearing anything to cover your head
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bare.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is just possible but only with difficulty: He could barely read and write.  The music was barely audible.  She was barely able to stand.  We barely had time to catch the train.
2 in a way that almost does not happen or exist: She barely acknowledged his presence.  There was barely any smell.
3 just; certainly not more than (a particular amount, age, time, etc.): Barely 50% of the population voted.  He was barely 20 years old and already running his own company.  They arrived barely a minute later.
4 only a very short time before: I had barely started speaking when he interrupted me.  note at HARDLY
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barf
verb [v] (AmE , informal) to VOMIT
barf noun [U]
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bar.gain
noun, verb
noun
1 a thing bought for less than the usual price: I picked up a few good bargains in the sale.  The car was a bargain at that price.  bargain prices
2 ~ (with sb) an agreement between two or more people or groups, to do sth for each other: He and his partner had made a bargain to tell each other everything.  I’ve done what I promised and I expect you to keep your side of the bargain (= do what you agreed in return).  Finally the two sides struck a bargain (= reached an agreement).
IDM into the 'bargain (BrE) (AmE in the 'bargain) (used to emphasize an extra piece of information) also; as well: Volunteers learn a lot and enjoy themselves into the bargain.—more at HARD adj. , STRIKE v.

verb [v] ~ (with sb) (about / over / for sth) to discuss prices, conditions, etc. with sb in order to reach an agreement that is satisfactory: He said he wasn’t prepared to bargain.  In the market dealers were bargaining with growers over the price of coffee.
PVR V ,bargain sth<->a'way to give sth away and not get sth of equal value in return: They felt that their leaders had bargained away their freedom. 'bargain for / on sth (usually in negative sentences) to expect sth to happen and be prepared for it: We hadn’t bargained for this sudden change in the weather.  When he agreed to answer a few questions, he got more than he bargained for (= he got more questions, or more difficult ones, than he had expected). [+ -ing] I didn’t bargain on finding them here as well.  I hadn’t bargained on them being here.

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,bargain 'basement
noun a part of a large shop/store, usually in the floor below street level, where goods are sold at reduced prices: bargain-basement prices
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'bargain hunter
noun a person who is looking for goods that are good value for money, usually because they are being sold at prices that are lower than usual
'bargain hunting noun [U]
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bar.gain.ing
noun [U] discussion of prices, conditions, etc. with the aim of reaching an agreement that is satisfactory: After much hard bargaining we reached an agreement with the finance committee.  wage bargaining  Exporters are in a strong bargaining position at the moment.—see also COLLECTIVE BARGAINING , PLEA BARGAINING
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'bargaining counter
(BrE ) (AmE 'bargaining chip) noun a fact or a thing that a person or a group of people can use to get an advantage for themselves when they are trying to reach an agreement with another group
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'bargaining power
noun [U] the amount of control a person or group has when trying to reach an agreement with another group in a work, business or political situation
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barge
noun, verb
noun a large boat with a flat bottom, used for carrying goods and people on canals and rivers—picture at BOAT

verb [+adv. / prep.] to move in an awkward way, pushing people out of the way or crashing into them: [v] He barged past me to get to the bar.  [vn] They barged their way through the crowds.
PVR V ,barge 'in (on sb/sth) to enter a place or join a group of people rudely interrupting what sb else is doing or saying: I hope you don’t mind me barging in like this.  He barged in on us while we were having a meeting.

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barge.pole
noun
IDM see TOUCH v.
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'bar graph
noun (AmE ) = BAR CHART
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bari.tone
noun a man’s singing voice with a range between TENOR and BASS ; a man with a baritone voice—compare ALTO , BASS , TENOR
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bar.ium
noun [U] (symb Ba) a chemical element. Barium is a soft silver-white metal that is often combined with other elements to form PIGMENTS .
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,barium 'meal
noun a substance containing barium that a doctor gives sb to swallow before an X-RAY because it makes organs in the body easier to see
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bark
noun, verb
noun [U, C]
1 the outer covering of a tree
2 the short loud sound made by dogs and some other animals
3 a short loud sound made by a gun or a voice: a bark of laughter
IDM sb’s bark is worse than their bite (informal) used to say that sb is not really as angry or as fierce as they sound

verb
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) when a dog barks, it makes a short loud sound: The dog suddenly started barking at us.
2 ~ (out) sth to give orders, ask questions, etc. in a loud, unfriendly way: [vn] She barked out an order.  He barked questions at her. [alsov speech]
3 (especially BrE) to rub the skin off your knee, etc. by falling or by knocking against sth
SYN GRAZE : I barked my shins when I fell on the steps.
IDM be barking up the wrong 'tree (informal) to have the wrong idea about how to get or achieve sth: You’re barking up the wrong tree if you’re expecting us to lend you any money.

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bark.er
noun a person who stands outside a place where there is entertainment and shouts to people to go in
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,bark.ing 'mad
(also bark.ing) adj. (BrE , informal) completely crazy
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bar.ley
noun [U] a plant grown for its grain that is used for making food, beer and WHISKY ; the grains of this plant—picture at CEREAL
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'barley sugar
noun [U] a hard clear sweet/candy made from boiled sugar
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'barley water
noun [U] (BrE ) a drink made by boiling BARLEY in water. It is usually flavoured with orange or lemon: lemon barley water
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bar.maid
noun (BrE ) (AmE bar.tend.er) a woman who works in a bar, serving drinks
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bar.man
noun (pl.-men ) (especially BrE ) (AmE usually bar.tend.er) a man who works in a bar, serving drinks
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bar mitz.vah
noun
1 a ceremony and celebration for a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13, at which he accepts the religious responsibilities of an adult
2 the boy who is celebrating this occasion—compare BAT MITZVAH
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barmy
adj. (BrE , informal) slightly crazy
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barn
noun
1 a large farm building for storing grain or keeping animals in: a hay barn  They live in a converted barn (= a barn that has been turned into a house).—see also DUTCH BARN
2 a large plain ugly building: They live in a great barn of a house.
3 (AmE) a building in which buses, trucks, etc. are kept when not being used
IDM close, etc. the barn door after the horse has e'scaped (AmE) = CLOSE, LOCK, ETC. THE STABLE DOOR AFTER THE HORSE HAS BOLTED at STABLE n.
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bar.nacle
noun a small shellfish that attaches itself to objects under water, for example to rocks and the bottoms of ships
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'barn dance
noun an informal social event at which people dance traditional COUNTRY DANCES
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'barn owl
noun a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the OWL family, that often makes its nest in BARNS and other buildings—
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barn.storm
verb (especially AmE ) to travel quickly through an area making political speeches, or getting a lot of attention for your organization, ideas, etc: [v] He barnstormed across the southern states in an attempt to woo the voters. [alsovn]
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barn.storm.ing
adj. [only before noun] a barnstorming performance or show of skill in a sports game, etc. is one that people find very exciting to watch
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barn.yard
noun an area on a farm that is surrounded by farm buildings
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bar.om.eter
noun
1 an instrument for measuring air pressure to show when the weather will change: The barometer is falling (= showing that it will probably rain).
2 (written) something that shows the changes that are happening in an economic, social or political situation: Infant mortality is a reliable barometer of socio-economic conditions.
baro.metric adj.: barometric pressure
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baron
noun
1 a NOBLEMAN of the lowest rank. In Britain, barons use the title Lord; in other countries they use the title Baron .
2 a person who owns or controls a large part of a particular industry: a press baron  drug / oil barons
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bar.on.ess
noun
1 a woman who has the same rank as a baron . In Britain, baronesses use the title Lady or Baroness: Baroness Thatcher
2 the wife of a baron
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bar.onet
noun (abbr. Bart, Bt) (in Britain) a man who has the lowest rank of honour which can be passed from a father to his son when he dies. Baronets use the title Sir.—compare KNIGHT (2)
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bar.on.et.cy
noun (pl.-ies) the rank or position of a baronet
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bar.on.ial
adj. [usually before noun] connected with or typical of a BARON : a baronial hall
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bar.ony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 the rank or position of a BARON
2 an area of land that is owned and controlled by a BARON
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bar.oque
(also Bar.oque) adj. [usually before noun] used to describe European architecture, art and music of the 17th and early 18th centuries that has a grand and highly decorated style: baroque churches / music  the baroque period
bar.oque (also Bar.oque) noun [sing.]: paintings representative of the baroque
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barque
noun a sailing ship with three or more MASTS (= posts that support the sails)
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bar.rack
verb [v, vn]
1 (BrE) to shout criticism or protests at players in a game, speakers at a meeting, performers, etc.
2 (AustralE) to shout encouragement to a person or team that you support
bar.rack.ing noun [U]
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bar.racks
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (pl.bar.racks)
1 a large building or group of buildings for soldiers to live in: an army barracks  The troops were ordered back to barracks .
2 any large ugly building or buildings
bar.rack adj. [only before noun]: a barrack unit
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bar.ra.cuda
noun a large fierce fish with sharp teeth, that lives in warm seas
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bar.rage
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the continuous firing of a large number of guns in a particular direction, especially to protect soldiers while they are attacking or moving towards the enemy
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a large number of sth, such as questions or comments, that are directed at sb very quickly, one after the other, often in an aggressive way: a barrage of questions / criticisms / complaints
3 [C] a wall or barrier built across a river to store water, prevent a flood, etc.
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bar.rel
noun, verb
noun
1 a large round container, usually made of wood or metal, with flat ends and, usually, curved sides: a beer / wine barrel
2 the contents of or the amount contained in a barrel ; a unit of measurement in the oil industry equal to between 120 and 159 litres: They got through two barrels of beer.  Oil prices fell to $9 a barrel.
3 the part of a gun like a tube through which the bullets are fired
IDM a barrel of 'laughs (often ironic) very amusing; a lot of fun: Life hasn’t exactly been a barrel of laughs lately. (get / have sb) over a barrel (informal) (to put/have sb) in a situation in which they must accept or do what you want: They’ve got us over a barrel. Either we agree to their terms or we lose the money.—more at LOCK n. , SCRAPE v.

verb (-l-) [v + adv.  /  prep.] (AmE , informal) to move very fast in a particular direction, especially in a way that you cannot control: He came barreling down the hill and smashed into a phone booth.

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'barrel organ
noun a musical instrument that is played by turning a handle, usually played in the streets for money—see also ORGAN-GRINDER
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bar.ren
adj.
1 (of land or soil) not good enough for plants to grow on it: a barren desert  a barren landscape (= one that is bare, with few plants)
2 (of plants or trees) not producing fruit or seeds
3 (old-fashioned or formal) (of women or female animals) not able to produce children or young animals
SYN INFERTILE
4 [usually before noun] not producing anything useful or successful: The team will come through this barren patch and start to win again.
bar.ren.ness noun [U]
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bar.rette
noun (AmE ) = HAIRSLIDE
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bar.ri.cade
noun, verb
noun a line of objects placed across a road, etc. to stop people from getting past: The police stormed the barricades the demonstrators had put up.

verb [vn] to defend or block sth by building a barricade : They barricaded all the doors and windows.
PVR V barricade yourself in / inside (sth) to build a barricade in front of you in order to prevent anyone from coming in: He had barricaded himself in his room.

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bar.rier
noun
1 an object like a fence that prevents people from moving forward from one place to another: The crowd had to stand behind barriers.  Show your ticket at the barrier.—see also CRASH BARRIER
2 ~ (to sth) a problem, rule or situation that prevents sb from doing sth, or that makes sth impossible: the removal of trade barriers  Lack of confidence is a psychological barrier to success.
3 ~ (between A and B)| ~ (against sth) something that exists between one thing or person and another and keeps them separate: The Yangtze river is a natural barrier to the north-east.  There was no real barrier between reality and fantasy in his mind.  Ozone is the earth’s barrier against ultra-violet radiation.  the language barrier (= when people cannot communicate because they do not speak the same language)
4 a particular amount, level or number which it is difficult to get past: the first player whose earnings passed the $10 million barrier
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,barrier 'reef
noun a line of rock and CORAL in the sea, often not far from the shore
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bar.ring
prep. except for; unless there is/are: Barring accidents, we should arrive on time.
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bar.ris.ter
noun a lawyer in Britain who has the right to argue cases in the higher courts of law  note at LAWYER
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'bar room
noun a room in which alcoholic drinks are served at a bar: a topic much discussed in bar rooms across the country  a bar-room brawl
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bar.row
noun
1 (BrE) a small open vehicle with two wheels from which fruit, vegetables, etc. are sold in the street
2 a large pile of earth built over a place where people were buried in ancient times
3 = WHEELBARROW
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Bart
abbr. BARONET
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bar.tend.er
noun (especially AmE ) = BARMAID , BARMAN
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bar.ter
verb ~ sth (for sth)| ~ (with sb) (for sth) to exchange goods, property, services, etc. for other goods, etc. without using money: [vn] The local people bartered wheat for farm machinery.  [v] The prisoners tried to barter with the guards for items like writing paper and books.
bar.ter noun [U]: The islanders use a system of barter instead of money.
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bas.alt
noun [U] a type of dark rock that comes from VOLCANOES
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base
noun, verb, adj.
noun
LOWEST PART|
1 [C, usually sing.] the lowest part of sth, especially the part or surface on which it rests or stands: the base of a column / pyramid / glass  a pain at the base of the spine  The lamp has a heavy base.—picture at ARCADE , BED
ORIGINAL IDEA / SITUATION|
2 [C] an idea, a fact, a situation, etc. from which sth is developed: She used her family’s history as a base for her novel.  His arguments have a sound economic base.
OF SUPPORT / INCOME / POWER|
3 [C, usually sing.] the people, activity, etc. from which sb/sth gets most of their support, income, power, etc: The party’s main power base is in the agricultural regions.  These policies have a broad base of support.  an economy with a solid manufacturing base   Our business needs to build up its customer base .
FIRST / MAIN SUBSTANCE|
4 [C, usually sing.] the first or main part of a substance to which other things are added: a drink with a rum base  Put some moisturizer on as a base before applying your make-up.
MAIN PLACE|
5 [C] the main place where you live or stay or where a business operates from: I spend a lot of time in Britain but Paris is still my base.  The town is an ideal base for touring the area.  The company has its base in New York, and branch offices all over the world.
OF ARMY / NAVY / AIR FORCE|
6 [C, U] a place where an army, a navy or an air force operates from: a military / naval base  an air base  After the attack, they returned to base.
CHEMISTRY|
7 [C] a chemical substance, for example an ALKALI , that can combine with an acid to form a salt
MATHEMATICS|
8 [C, usually sing.] a number on which a system of counting and expressing numbers is built up, for example 10 in the DECIMAL system and 2 in the BINARY system
IN BASEBALL / ROUNDERS|
9 [C] one of the four positions that a player must reach in order to score points—see also DATABASE off base (AmE, informal) completely wrong about sth: If that’s what you think, you’re way off base.—more at FIRST BASE , TOUCH v.

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth / yourself in … to use a particular city, town, etc. as the main place for a business, holiday/vacation, etc.: They decided to base the new company in York.  We’re going to base ourselves in Tokyo and make trips from there. 'base sth on / upon sth to use an idea, a fact, a situation, etc. as the point from which sth can be developed: What are you basing this theory on?—see also BASED

adj. (baser, bas.est) (formal) not having moral principles or rules: He acted from base motives.
base.ly adv.

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base.ball
noun
1 [U] a game played especially in the US by two teams of nine players, using a bat and ball. Each player tries to hit the ball and then run around four bases before the other team can return the ball: a baseball bat / team / stadium—compare ROUNDERS —
2 [C] the ball used in this game
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'baseball cap
noun a cap with a long PEAK (= a curved part sticking out in front), originally worn by baseball players—picture at HAT
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base.board
noun (AmE ) = SKIRTING BOARD
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based
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (on sth) if one thing is based on another, it uses it or is developed from it: The movie is based on a real-life incident.  The report is based on figures from six different European cities.
2 (also in compounds) if a person or business is based in a particular place, that is where they live or work, or where the work of the business is done: We’re based in Chicago.  a Chicago-based company
3 (-based) (in compounds) containing sth as an important part or feature: lead-based paints  a class-based society—see also BROAD-BASED
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'base jumping
(also 'BASE jumping) noun [U] the sport of jumping with a PARACHUTE from a high place such as a building or a bridge
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base.less
adj. (formal) not supported by good reasons or facts: The rumours were completely baseless.
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base.line
noun [usually sing.]
1 (sport) a line marking each end of the court in tennis or the edge of the area where a player can run in baseball
2 (technical) a line or measurement that is used as a starting point when comparing facts: The figures for 1999 were used as a baseline for the study.
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base.ment
noun a room or rooms in a building, partly or completely below the level of the ground: Kitchen goods are sold in the basement.  a basement flat / apartment
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,base 'metal
noun a metal that is not a precious metal such as gold
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'base rate
noun (finance ) a rate of interest, set by a central bank, that banks in Britain use when calculating the amount of interest that they charge on money they lend—compare PRIME RATE
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bases

1 pl. of BASIS
2 pl. of BASE
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bash
verb, noun
verb (informal)
1 ~ (into sb/sth) to hit sb/sth very hard: [vn] He bashed her over the head with a hammer.  [v] I braked too late and bashed into the car in front.
2 [vn] to criticize sb/sth strongly: Bashing politicians is normal practice in the press.  a liberal-bashing administration—see also BASHING
PVR V ,bash a'way (on / at sth)| ,bash 'on (with sth) (BrE) to continue working hard at sth: He sat bashing away at his essay all day.  We’ll never get finished at this rate. We’d better bash on. ,bash sth<->'down / 'in to destroy sth by hitting it very hard and often: The police bashed the door down.  I’ll bash your head in if you do that again. ,bash sth<->'out to produce sth quickly and in large quantities, but not of very good quality: She bashed out about four books a year. ,bash sb 'up (BrE, informal) to attack sb violently

noun (informal)
1 a hard hit: He gave Mike a bash on the nose.
2 a large party or celebration: a birthday bash
IDM have a bash (at sth) (BrE, spoken) to try to do sth, especially when you are not sure if you will succeed: I’m not sure I’ll be any good but I’ll have a bash.

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bash.ful
adj. shy and easily embarrassed
bash.ful.ly adv.: She smiled bashfully.
bash.ful.ness noun [U]
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bash.ing
noun [U, C] (often in compounds)
1 (used especially in newspapers) very strong criticism of a person or group: union-bashing
2 a physical attack, or a series of attacks, on a person or group of people: gay-bashing (= attacking homosexuals)  to give sb a bashing
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BASIC
noun [U] a simple language, using familiar English words, for writing computer programs
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basic
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) forming the part of sth that is most necessary and from which other things develop: basic information / facts / ideas  the basic principles of law  Drums are basic to African music.
2 of the simplest kind or at the simplest level: The campsite provided only basic facilities.  My knowledge of French is pretty basic.
3 [only before noun] necessary and important to all people: basic human rights  the cost of basic foods
4 before anything extra is added: The basic pay of the average worker has risen by 3 per cent.
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ba.sic.ally
adv.
1 in the most important ways, without considering things that are less important: Yes, that’s basically correct.  The two approaches are basically very similar.  There have been some problems but basically it’s a good system.
2 used when you are giving your opinion or stating what is important about a situation: Basically, there’s not a lot we can do about it.  He basically just sits there and does nothing all day.  And that’s it, basically.
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basics
noun [pl.]
1 ~ (of sth) the most important and necessary facts, skills, ideas, etc. from which other things develop: the basics of computer programming
2 the simplest and most important things that people need in a particular situation: Some schools lack money for basics like books and pencils.
IDM go / get back to 'basics to think about the simple or most important ideas within a subject or an activity instead of new ideas or complicated details
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basil
noun [U] a plant with shiny green leaves that smell sweet and are used in cooking as a herb
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ba.sil.ica
noun a large church or hall with a curved end and two rows of columns inside
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basi.lisk
noun (in ancient stories) a creature like a snake, that can kill people by looking at them or breathing on them
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basin
noun
1 (especially BrE) = WASHBASIN
2 a large round bowl for holding liquids or (in British English) for preparing foods in; the amount of liquid, etc. in a basin : a pudding basin
3 an area of land around a large river with streams running down into it: the Amazon Basin
4 (technical) a place where the earth’s surface is lower than in other areas of the world: the Pacific Basin
5 a sheltered area of water providing a safe harbour for boats: a yacht basin
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basis
noun (pl.bases )
1 [sing.] the reason why people take a particular action: She was chosen for the job on the basis of her qualifications and ideas.  Some videos have been banned on the basis that they are too violent.
2 [sing.] the way things are organized or arranged: on a regular / permanent / part-time / temporary basis  on a daily / day-to-day / weekly basis
3 [C usually sing, U] the important facts, ideas or events that support sth and that it can develop from: The basis of a good marriage is trust.  This article will form the basis for our discussion.  This theory seems to have no basis in fact.
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bask
verb [v] ~ (in sth)
1 to enjoy sitting or lying in the heat or light of sth, especially the sun: We sat basking in the warm sunshine.
2 to enjoy the good feelings that you have when other people praise or admire you, or when they give you a lot of attention: He had always basked in his parents' attention, but now things were different.  I never minded basking in my wife’s reflected glory (= enjoying the praise, attention, etc. she got).
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bas.ket
noun
1 a container for holding or carrying things. Baskets are made of thin strips of material that bends and twists easily, for example plastic, wood, or wire: a shopping basket  a picnic basket  a clothes / laundry basket (= in which dirty clothes are put before being washed)  a wicker / wire basket  a cat / dog basket (= in which a cat or dog sleeps or is carried around)—see also WASTE-PAPER BASKET
2 the amount contained in a basket: a basket of fruit
3 the net and the metal ring it hangs from, high up at each end of a basketball court; a point that is scored by throwing the ball through this net: to make / shoot a basket—
4 (economics) a number of different goods or CURRENCIES : the value of the rupee against a basket of currencies
IDM see EGG n.
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bas.ket.ball
noun
1 [U] a game played by two teams of five players, using a large ball which players try to throw into a high net hanging from a ring: a basketball game / coach / team—
2 [C] the ball used in this game
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'basket case
noun (informal)
1 a country or an organization whose economic situation is very bad
2 a person who is slightly crazy and who has problems dealing with situations
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bas mitzvah
noun = BAT MITZVAH
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basque
noun a piece of women’s underwear that covers the body from just under the arms to the tops of the legs
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bass^1
noun, adj. —see also BASS^2
noun
1 [U] the lowest tone or part in music, for instruments or voices: He always plays his stereo with the bass turned right up.  He sings bass.  a pounding bass line—compare TREBLE
2 [C] a man’s singing voice with a low range; a man with a bass voice—compare ALTO , BARITONE , TENOR
3 [sing.] a musical part that is written for a bass voice
4 (also ,bass gui'tar) [C] an electric guitar that plays very low notes: a bass player  bass and drums  Jackie Carrera on (= playing) bass.
5 [C] = DOUBLE BASS

adj. [only before noun] low in tone: a bass drum / voice  the bass clef (= the symbol in music showing that the notes following it are low)—picture at MUSIC —compare TREBLE

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bass^2
noun [C, U] (pl.bass) a sea or FRESHWATER fish that is used for food: Fresh sea bass is a great delicacy.—see also BASS^1
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bas.set
(also 'basset hound) noun a dog with short legs, a long body and long ears
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bas.sinet
noun a small bed for a baby, that looks like a basket
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bass.ist
noun a person who plays the BASS GUITAR or the DOUBLE BASS
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bas.soon
noun a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group. It is shaped like a large wooden tube with a double REED that you blow into, and produces notes with a low sound.—
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bas.soon.ist
noun a person who plays the bassoon
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bas.tard
noun
1 ( , slang) used to insult sb, especially a man, who has been rude, unpleasant or cruel: He’s a real bastard.  You bastard! You’ve made her cry.
2 (BrE, slang) a word that some people use about or to sb, especially a man, who they feel very jealous of or sorry for: What a lucky bastard!  You poor bastard!
3 (BrE, slang) used about sth that causes difficulties or problems: It’s a bastard of a problem.
4 (old-fashioned, disapproving) a person whose parents were not married to each other when he or she was born
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bas.tard.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to copy sth, but change parts of it so that it is not as good as the original
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baste
verb [vn]
1 to pour liquid fat or juices over meat, etc. while it is cooking
2 to sew pieces of fabric together temporarily with long loose stitches
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bas.tion
noun
1 (formal) a group of people or a system that protects a way of life or a belief when it seems that it may disappear: a bastion of male privilege  a bastion of freedom
2 a place that military forces are defending
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bat
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of wood with a handle, made in various shapes and sizes, and used for hitting the ball in games such as baseball, cricket and table tennis: a baseball / cricket bat—compare RACKET
2 an animal like a mouse with wings, that flies and feeds at night (= it is NOCTURNAL ). There are many types of bat .—see also FRUIT BAT , OLD BAT , VAMPIRE BAT —
IDM like a bat out of 'hell (informal) very fast off your own 'bat (BrE, informal) if you do sth off your own bat, it is your own idea and you do it without help or encouragement from anyone else (right) off the 'bat (informal, especially AmE) immediately; without delay—more at BLIND adj.

verb (-tt-) to hit a ball with a bat, especially in a game of cricket or baseball: [v] He bats very well.  Who’s batting first for the Orioles? [alsovn] —
IDM ,bat your 'eyes / 'eyelashes to open and close your eyes quickly, in a way that is supposed to be attractive bat a 'thousand (AmE, informal) to be very successful go to 'bat for sb (AmE, informal) to give sb help and support not bat an 'eyelid (BrE) (AmE not bat an 'eye) (informal) to show no surprise or embarrassment when sth unusual happens: She didn’t bat an eyelid when I told her my news.
PVR V ,bat sth<->a'round (informal) to discuss whether an idea or a plan is good or not, before deciding what to do: It’s just an idea we’ve been batting around.

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batch
noun, verb
noun
1 a number of people or things that are dealt with as a group: Each summer a new batch of students tries to find work.  We deliver the goods in batches .
2 an amount of food, medicine, etc. produced at one time: a batch of cookies
3 (computing) a set of jobs that are processed together on a computer: to process a batch job  a batch file / program

verb to put things into groups in order to deal with them: [vn] The service will be improved by batching and sorting enquiries. [alsov]

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,batch 'processing
noun [U] (computing ) a way of running a group of programs at the same time, usually automatically
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bated
adj.
IDM with bated 'breath (formal) feeling very anxious or excited: We waited with bated breath for the winner to be announced.
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bath
noun, verb
noun (pl.baths )
1 [C] (BrE) (also bath.tub, informal tubAmE, BrE) a large, long container that you put water in and then get into to wash your whole body
2 [C] (BrE) the water in a bath, ready to use: a long soak in a hot bath  Please run a bath for me (= fill the bath with water).
3 [C] an act of washing your whole body by sitting or lying in water: I think I’ll have a bath and go to bed.   (especially AmE) to take a bath —see also BUBBLE BATH
4 (baths) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a public building where you can go to swim—see also SWIMMING BATH , SWIMMING POOL
5 [C, usually pl.] a public place where people went in the past to wash or have a bath: Roman villas and baths—see also TURKISH BATH
6 [C] (technical) a container with a liquid such as water or a DYE in it, in which sth is washed or placed for a period of time. Baths are used in industrial, chemical and medical processes.—see also BLOODBATH
IDM take a 'bath (AmE) to lose money on a business agreement

verb (BrE ) (AmE bathe)
1 [vn] to give a bath to sb: It’s your turn to bath the baby.
2 [v] (old-fashioned) to have a bath

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bathe
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to wash sth with water, especially a part of your body: Bathe the wound and apply a clean dressing.
2 (AmE ) = BATH : [vn] Have you bathed the baby yet?  [v] I bathe every day.  note at BATH
3 [v] (old-fashioned) to go swimming in the sea, a river, etc. for enjoyment—see also SUNBATHE
4 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) (literary) to fill or cover sth with light: A full moon bathed the countryside in a silver light.

noun [sing.] (BrE , formal) an act of swimming in the sea, a river, etc: to go for a bathe

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bathed
adj. ~ in sth
1 (literary) covered with light: The castle was bathed in moonlight.
2 wet because covered with sweat or tears: I was so nervous that I was bathed in perspiration.
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bather
noun
1 [C] (BrE) a person who is swimming in the sea, a river, etc.
2 (bathers) [pl.] (AustralE) = SWIMMING COSTUME , SWIMMING TRUNKS
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bath.ing
noun [U] (BrE ) the activity of going into the sea, a river, etc. to swim: facilities for bathing and boating  a safe bathing beach
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'bathing cap
noun (especially AmE ) = SWIMMING CAP
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'bathing costume
noun (BrE , becoming old-fashioned) = SWIMMING COSTUME
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'bathing suit
noun (AmE or old-fashioned) = SWIMMING COSTUME
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'bath mat
noun
1 a piece of material that you put beside the bath to stand on when you get out
2 a piece of rubber that you put on the bottom of the bath so that you do not slip
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bathos
noun [U] (formal) (in writing or speech) a sudden change, that is not always intended, from a serious subject or feeling to sth that is silly or not important: a serious play with moments of comic bathos
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bath.robe
(also robe) noun
1 a loose piece of clothing worn before and after taking a bath
2 (AmE) = DRESSING GOWN
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bath.room
noun
1 a room in which there is a bath, a WASHBASIN and often a toilet: Go and wash your hands in the bathroom.
2 (AmE) a room in which there is a toilet, a SINK and sometimes a bath or shower: I have to go to the bathroom (= use the toilet).  Where’s the bathroom? (= for example in a restaurant)  note at TOILET
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bath.tub
noun (especially AmE ) = BATH
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bath.water
noun [U] water in a bath
IDM see BABY n.
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batik
noun [U, C] a method of printing patterns on fabric using WAX (=a solid substance made from fat or oil) on the parts that will not have any colour; a piece of fabric printed in this way
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bat.man
noun (pl.-men ) (BrE ) the personal servant of an officer in the armed forces
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bat mitzvah
(also bas mitzvah) noun
1 a ceremony and celebration that is held for a Jewish girl between the ages of 12 and 14 at which she accepts the religious responsibilities of an adult
2 the girl who is celebrating this occasion—compare BAR MITZVAH
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baton
noun
1 (especially BrE) = TRUNCHEON : a baton charge (= one made by police carrying batons, to force a crowd back)
2 a thin light stick used by the person (called a CONDUCTOR ) who is in control of an orchestra, etc.—picture at STICK
3 a small light stick that one member of a team in a RELAY race passes to the next person to run: to pass / hand over the baton   (figurative) The President handed over the baton (= passed responsibility) to his successor.—
4 a long stick that is held and thrown in the air by a person marching in front of a band, or by a MAJORETTE
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'baton round
noun (BrE ) a rubber or plastic bullet that is fired to control a crowd that has become violent
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bats.man
noun (pl.-men ) (in cricket) the player who is hitting the ball—
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bat.tal.ion
noun
1 (BrE) a large group of soldiers that form part of a BRIGADE
2 (written) a large group of people, especially an organized group with a particular purpose: a battalion of supporters
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bat.ten
noun, verb
noun (technical ) a long strip of wood that is used to keep other building materials in place on a wall or roof

verb
IDM ,batten down the 'hatches
1 to prepare yourself for a period of difficulty or trouble
2 (on a ship) to firmly shut all the entrances to the lower part, especially because a storm is expected
PVR V ,batten sth<->'down to fix sth firmly in position with wooden boards: He was busy battening down all the shutters and doors. 'batten on sb (BrE, disapproving, formal) to live well by using other people’s money, etc.

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bat.ter
verb, noun
verb [often passive] ~ (at / on) sth to hit sb/sth hard many times, especially in a way that causes serious damage: [v] She battered at the door with her fists.  [vn] He had been badly battered about the head and face.  Somebody had battered her to death .  Severe winds have been battering the north coast.
PVR V ,batter sth<->'down to hit sth hard many times until it breaks or comes down: The police had to batter the door down.

noun
1 [U, C] a mixture of eggs, milk and flour used in cooking to cover food such as fish or chicken before you fry it, or to make PANCAKES
2 [U, C] (AmE) a mixture of eggs, milk, flour, etc. used for making cakes
3 [C] (AmE) (in baseball) the player who is hitting the ball—

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bat.tered
adj.
1 old, used a lot, and not in very good condition: a battered old car
2 [usually before noun] attacked violently and injured; attacked and badly damaged by weapons or by bad weather: battered women / children  The child had suffered what has become known as ‘battered baby syndrome.’  Rockets and shells continued to hit the battered port.
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bat.ter.ing
noun [U, sing.] a violent attack that injures or damages sb/sth: wife battering   (figurative) The film took a battering from critics in the US.
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'battering ram
noun a long, heavy piece of wood used in war in the past for breaking down doors and walls
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bat.tery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a device that is placed inside a car engine, clock, radio, etc. and that produces the electricity that makes it work: to replace the batteries  a rechargeable battery  battery-powered / -operated  a car battery  The battery is flat (= it is no longer producing electricity).
2 [C] ~ (of sth) (written) a large number of things or people of the same type: He faced a battery of questions.  a battery of reporters
3 [C] (technical) a number of large guns that are used together
4 [C] (BrE) (often used as an adjective) a number of small cages that are joined together and are used for keeping chickens, etc. in on a farm: a battery hen  battery eggs—compare FREE-RANGE
5 [U] (law) the crime of attacking sb physically—see also ASSAULT AND BATTERY
IDM see RECHARGE
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'battery farm
noun (BrE ) a farm where large numbers of chickens or other animals are kept in very small cages or crowded conditions—compare FACTORY FARM , FREE-RANGE
'battery farming noun [U]
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bat.tle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a fight between armies, ships or planes, especially during a war; a violent fight between groups of people: the battle of Waterloo  to be killed in battle   a gun battle—see also PITCHED BATTLE
2 [C] ~ (with sb) (for sth) a competition, an argument or a struggle between people or groups of people trying to win power or control: a legal battle for compensation  a battle with an insurance company  a battle of wits (= when each side uses their ability to think quickly to try to win)  a battle of wills (= when each side is very determined to win)
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (against / for sth) a determined effort that sb makes to solve a difficult problem or succeed in a difficult situation: her long battle against cancer  to fight an uphill battle against prejudice  a battle for survival
IDM the battle lines are 'drawn used to say that people or groups have shown which side they intend to support in a dispute or contest that is going to begin do 'battle (with sb) (over sth) to fight or argue with sb half the 'battle the most important or difficult part of achieving sth—more at FIGHT v. , JOIN v.

verb ~ (with / against sb/sth) (for sth) to try very hard to achieve sth difficult or to deal with sth unpleasant or dangerous: [v] She’s still battling with a knee injury.  Both teams battled hard.  The two leaders are battling for control of the government.  I had to battle hard just to stay afloat.  [vn] The two sides will battle it out in the final next week.   (AmE ) He battled cancer for four years.

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battle.axe
(BrE ) (AmEbattle.ax) noun
1 (informal, disapproving) a fierce and unpleasant older woman
2 a heavy AXE with a long handle, used in the past as a weapon
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battle.cruiser
noun a large fast ship used in war in the past, faster and lighter than a BATTLESHIP
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'battle cry
noun
1 a shout that soldiers used to give in battle to encourage their own army or to frighten the enemy
2 a word or phrase used by a group of people who work together for a particular purpose, especially a political one
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battle.dress
noun [U] (BrE ) the uniform that soldiers wear for training and when they go to fight
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battle.field
(also battle.ground ) noun
1 a place where a battle is being fought or has been fought: heavy casualties on the battlefield
2 a subject that people feel strongly about and argue about
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battle.ments
noun [pl.] a low wall around the top of a castle with spaces in it that people inside could shoot through
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'battle-scarred
adj. a person or place that is battle-scarred has been in a war or fight and shows the signs of injury or damage
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battle.ship
noun a very large ship used in war, with big guns and heavy ARMOUR (= metal plates that cover the ship to protect it)
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batty
adj. (informal, especially BrE ) (of people or ideas) slightly crazy, in a harmless way
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bau.ble
noun
1 a piece of jewellery that is cheap and has little artistic value
2 (BrE) a decoration for a Christmas tree in the shape of a ball
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baulk
(BrE ) (AmE usually balk) verb
1 [v] ~ (at sth) to be unwilling to do sth or become involved in sth because it is difficult, dangerous, etc: Many parents may baulk at the idea of paying $100 for a pair of shoes.
2 [v] ~ (at sth) (of a horse) to stop suddenly and refuse to jump a fence, etc.
3 [vn] ~ sb (of sth) [usually passive] (formal) to prevent sb from getting sth or doing sth: She looked like a lion baulked of its prey.
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baux.ite
noun [U] a soft mineral from which ALUMINIUM/ALUMINUM is obtained
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bawdy
adj. (bawd.ier, bawd.iest) (old-fashioned) (of songs, plays, etc.) loud, and dealing with sex in an amusing way
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bawl
verb
1 ~ (sth) (at sb)| ~ (sth) (out) to shout loudly, especially in an unpleasant or angry way: [v] She bawled at him in front of everyone.  [vn] He sat in his office bawling orders at his secretary.  [v speech] ‘Get in here now!’ she bawled.
2 to cry loudly, especially in an unpleasant and annoying way: [v] A child was bawling in the next room.  [vn] He was bawling his eyes out (= crying very loudly). [alsov speech] ,bawl sb<->'out (informal) to speak angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong: The teacher bawled him out for being late.
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bay
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 a part of the sea, or of a large lake, enclosed by a wide curve of the shore: the Bay of Bengal  Hudson Bay  a magnificent view across the bay—picture at COAST
2 a marked section of ground either inside or outside a building, for example for a vehicle to park in, for storing things, etc: a parking / loading bay  Put the equipment in No 3 bay.—see also SICKBAY
3 a curved area of a room or building that sticks out from the rest of the building
4 a horse of a dark brown colour: He was riding a big bay.
5 a deep noise, especially the noise made by dogs when hunting
IDM at 'bay when an animal that is being hunted is at bay, it must turn and face the dogs and HUNTERS because it is impossible to escape from them hold / keep sb/sth at 'bay to prevent an enemy from coming close or a problem from having a bad effect: I’m trying to keep my creditors at bay.  Charlotte bit her lip to hold the tears at bay.

verb [v]
1 (of a dog or WOLF ) to make a long deep sound, especially while hunting: a pack of baying hounds
2 ~ (for sth) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to demand sth in a loud and angry way: The referee’s decision left the crowd baying for blood (= threatening violence towards him).

adj. (of a horse) dark brown in colour: a bay mare

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'bay leaf
noun the dried leaf of the BAY TREE that is used in cooking as a herb
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bay.onet
noun, verb
noun a long, sharp knife that is fastened onto the end of a RIFLE and used as a weapon in battle

verb [vn] to push a bayonet into sb in order to kill them

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bayou
noun a branch of a river in the southern US that moves very slowly and has many plants growing in it
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'bay tree
noun a small tree with dark green leaves with a sweet smell that are used in cooking—see also BAY LEAF
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,bay 'window
noun a large window, usually with glass on three sides, that sticks out from the outside wall of a house—picture at HOUSE
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ba.zaar
noun
1 (in some eastern countries) a street or an area of a town where there are many small shops
2 (in Britain, the US, etc.) a sale of goods, often items made by hand, to raise money for a charity or for people who need help
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ba.zooka
noun a long gun, shaped like a tube, which is held on the shoulder and used to fire rockets at military vehicles
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BBC
abbr. British Broadcasting Corporation. The BBC is a national company which broadcasts television and radio programmes and which is paid for by the public and not by advertising: The news is on BBC1 at 9.  BBC Radio 5
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BBQ
abbr. BARBECUE
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BC
(AmEB.C.) abbr. before Christ (used in the Christian CALENDAR to show a particular number of years before the year when Christ is believed to have been born): in (the year) 2000 BC  the third century BC—compare AD , BCE , CE
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BCE
(also B.C.E. especially in AmE) abbr. before the Common Era (= before the birth of Christ, when the Christian CALENDAR starts counting years. BCE can be used to give dates in the same way as BC ): in (the year) 2 000 BCE  the third century BCE—compare AD , BC , CE
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be
verb, auxiliary verb
verb
1 linking verb [v-n] there is / are to exist; to be present: Is there a God?  Once upon a time there was a princess …  I tried phoning but there was no answer.  There’s a bank down the road.  Was there a pool at the hotel?
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to be situated; to be in a place: The town is three miles away.  If you’re looking for your file, it’s on the table.  Mary’s upstairs.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to happen at a time or in a place: The party is on Friday evening.  The meetings are always in the main conference room.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to remain in a place: She has been in her room for hours.  They’re here till Christmas.
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to attend an event; to be present in a place: I’ll be at the party.  He’ll be here soon (= will arrive soon).
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (only used in the perfect tenses) to visit or call: I’ve never been to Spain.  He had been abroad many times.   (BrE) Has the postman been yet?   (AmE) Has the mailman come yet?
7 [v] ~ from … used to say what sb’s native country, home town, etc. is: She’s from Italy.
8 linking verb used when you are naming people or things, describing them or giving more information about them: [v-n] Today is Monday.  ‘Who is that?’‘It’s my brother.’  She’s a great beauty.  Susan is a doctor.  He wants to be (= become) a pilot when he grows up.  [v-adj] It’s beautiful!  Life is unfair.  He is ten years old.  ‘How are you?’‘I’m very well, thanks.’  Be quick!  [v (that)] The fact is (that) we don’t have enough money.  [v -ing, v to inf] The problem is getting it all done in the time available.  The problem is to get it all done in the time available.
9 linking verb it is / was used when you are describing a situation or saying what you think about it: [v-adj] It was really hot in the sauna.  It’s strange how she never comes to see us any more.  He thinks it’s clever to make fun of people.  [v-n] It would be a shame if you lost it.  It’s going to be a great match.
10 linking verb it is / was used to talk about time: [v-n] It’s two thirty.  [v-adj] It was late at night when we finally arrived.
11 linking verb [v-n] used to say what sth is made of: Is your jacket real leather?
12 linking verb [v] ~ mine, yours, etc.| ~ for me, you, etc. used to say who sth belongs to or who it is intended for: The money’s not yours, it’s John’s.  This package is for you.
13 linking verb [v-n] to cost: ‘How much is that dress?’‘Eighty dollars.’
14 linking verb [v-n] to be equal to: Three and three is six.  How much is a thousand pounds in euros?  Let x be the sum of a and b.  London is not England (= do not think that all of England is like London).
15 linking verb [v-n] ~ everything, nothing, etc. (to sb) used to say how important sth is to sb: Money isn’t everything (= it is not the only important thing).  A thousand dollars is nothing to somebody as rich as he is.
IDM Most idioms containing be are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example be the death of sb is at death.  the ,be-all and 'end-all (of sth) (informal) the most important part; all that matters: Her career is the be-all and end-all of her existence. as / that was as sb/sth used to be called: Jill Davis that was (= before her marriage)  the Soviet Union, as was (he, she, etc. has) been and 'done sth (BrE, informal) used to show that you are surprised and annoyed by sth that sb has done: Someone’s been and parked in front of the entrance!—see also GO AND DO STH if it wasn’t / weren’t for … used to say that sb/sth stopped sb/sth from happening: If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be alive today. ,leave / ,let sb/sth 'be to leave sb/sth alone without disturbing them or it: Leave her be, she obviously doesn’t want to talk about it.  Let the poor dog be (= don’t annoy it). -to-be (in compounds) future: his bride-to-be  mothers-to-be (= pregnant women)

auxiliary verb
1 used with a past participle to form the passive: He was killed in the war.  Where were they made?  The house was still being built.  You will be told what to do.
2 used with a present participle to form progressive tenses: I am studying Chinese.  I’ll be seeing him soon.  What have you been doing this week?  I’m always being criticized.
3 used to make QUESTION TAGS (= short questions added to the end of statements): You’re not hungry, are you?  Ben’s coming, isn’t he?  The old theatre was pulled down, wasn’t it?
4 used to avoid repeating the full form of a verb in the passive or a progressive tense: Karen wasn’t beaten in any of her games, but all the others were.  ‘Are you coming with us?’‘No, I’m not.’
5 ~ to do sth used to say what must or should be done: I am to call them once I reach the airport.  You are to report this to the police.  What is to be done about this problem?
6 ~ to do sth used to say what is arranged to happen: They are to be married in June.
7 ~ to do sth used to say what happened later: He was to regret that decision for the rest of his life (= he did regret it).
8 ~ not, never, etc. to be done used to say what could not or did not happen: Anna was nowhere to be found (= we could not find her anywhere).  He was never to see his wife again (= although he did not know it would be so at the time, he did not see her again).  She wanted to write a successful novel, but it was not to be (= it turned out never to happen).
9 if sb / it were to do sth …| were sb / it to do sth … (formal) used to express a condition: If we were to offer you more money, would you stay?  Were we to offer you more money, would you stay?

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be-
prefix
1 (in verbs) to make or treat sb/sth as: Don’t belittle his achievements (= say they are not important).  An older girl befriended me.
2 (in adjectives ending in -ed) wearing or covered with: heavily bejewelled fingers  bespattered with mud
3 (in verbs and adjectives ending in -ed) to cause sth to be: The ship was becalmed.  The rebels besieged the fort.
4 used to turn INTRANSITIVE verbs (= without an object) into TRANSITIVE verbs (= with an object): She is always bemoaning her lot.
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beach
noun, verb
noun an area of sand, or small stones (called SHINGLE ), beside the sea or a lake: tourists sunbathing on the beach  a sandy / pebble / shingle beach  a beach bar

verb to come or bring sth out of the water and onto the shore: [vn] He beached the boat and lifted the boy onto the shore.  a beached whale (= a whale that has become stuck on the shore and cannot get back into the water) [alsov]

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'beach buggy
(also 'dune buggy) noun a small car used for driving on sand
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beach.comb.er
noun a person who walks along beaches collecting interesting or valuable things, either for pleasure or to sell
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beach.head
noun a strong position on a beach from which an army that has just landed prepares to go forward and attack—see also BRIDGEHEAD
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beach.wear
noun [U] (used especially in shops / stores) clothes for wearing on the beach
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bea.con
noun
1 a light that is placed somewhere to guide vehicles and warn them of danger: a navigation beacon   (figurative) He was a beacon of hope for the younger generation.—see also BELISHA BEACON
2 a radio station whose signal helps ships and aircraft to find their position
3 (in the past) a fire lit on top of a hill as a signal
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bead
noun
1 [C] a small piece of glass, wood, etc. with a hole through it, that can be put on a string with others of the same type and worn as jewellery, etc: a necklace of wooden beads  A bead curtain separated the two rooms.—see also WORRY BEADS —picture at JEWELLERY
2 (beads) [pl.] a ROSARY
3 [C] a small drop of liquid: There were beads of sweat on his forehead.
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bead.ed
adj.
1 decorated with beads : a beaded dress
2 ~ with sth with small drops of a liquid on it: His face was beaded with sweat.
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bead.ing
noun [U]
1 a strip of wood, stone or plastic with a pattern on it, used for decorating walls, doors and furniture
2 BEADS that are sewn together and used as a decoration on clothes
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beady
adj. (of eyes) small, round and bright; watching everything closely or with suspicion: (BrE ) I shall certainly keep a beady eye on his behaviour.
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bea.gle
noun a small dog with short legs, used in hunting
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beak
noun
1 the hard pointed or curved outer part of a bird’s mouth
SYN BILL : The gull held the fish in its beak.—
2 (humorous) a person’s nose, especially when it is large and/or pointed
3 (old-fashioned, BrE, slang) a person in a position of authority, especially a judge
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beaked
adj. (usually in compounds) having a beak, or the type of beak mentioned: flat-beaked
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bea.ker
noun
1 (BrE) a plastic or paper cup, often without a handle, used for drinking from
2 (BrE) the amount contained in a beaker : a beaker of coffee
3 a glass cup with straight sides and a lip, used in chemistry, for example for measuring liquids—picture at LABORATORY
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beam
noun, verb
noun
1 a line of light, electric waves or PARTICLES : narrow beams of light / sunlight   the beam of a torch / flashlight  a laser / electron beam   (BrE) The approaching car’s headlights were on full beam (= shining as brightly as possible and not directed downwards).   (AmE) a car with its high beams on
2 a long piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support weight, especially as part of the roof in a building: The cottage had an original fireplace and exposed oak beams.
3 (especially BrE) (AmE usually the 'balance beam) a wooden bar that is used in the sport of GYMNASTICS for people to move and balance on: The gymnast performed a somersault on the beam.
4 a wide and happy smile: a beam of satisfaction
IDM off 'beam (informal) not correct; wrong: Your calculation is way off beam.

verb
1 [no passive] ~ (sth) (at sb) to have a big happy smile on your face: [v] He beamed at the journalists.  She was positively beaming with pleasure.  [vn] The barman beamed a warm smile at her.  [v speech] ‘I’d love to come,’ she beamed (= said with a large smile).
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to send radio or television signals over long distances using electronic equipment: Live pictures of the ceremony were beamed around the world.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to produce a ray of light and/or heat: The morning sun beamed down on us.  Light beamed through a hole in the curtain.
IDM see EAR

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beamed
adj. having beams of wood: a high beamed ceiling
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bean
noun
1 a seed, or POD containing seeds, of a climbing plant, eaten as a vegetable. There are several types of bean and the plants that they grow on are also called beans: broad beans  runner beans  beans (= BAKED BEANS ) on toast—
2 (usually in compounds) a seed from a coffee plant, or some other plants: coffee / cocoa beans—see also JELLY BEAN
IDM full of 'beans / 'life having a lot of energy not have a 'bean (BrE, informal) to have no money—more at HILL , SPILL v.
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bean.bag
noun
1 a very large bag made of fabric and filled with small pieces of plastic, used for sitting on
2 a small bag made of fabric filled with dried beans and used as a ball
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'bean curd
noun [U] = TOFU
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bean.feast
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a party or celebration
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beanie
noun a small, round close-fitting hat—picture at HAT
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bean.pole
noun (informal, usually disapproving) a tall thin person
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'bean sprouts
noun [pl.] bean seeds that are just beginning to grow, often eaten raw—
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bear
verb, noun
verb (bore borne )
ACCEPT / DEAL WITH|
1 (used with can / could in negative sentences and questions) to be able to accept and deal with sth unpleasant
SYN STAND : [vn] The pain was almost more than he could bear.  She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him.  [v -ing] I can’t bear having cats in the house.  [v to inf] How can you bear to eat that stuff?  [v -ing, v to inf] He can’t bear being laughed at.  He can’t bear to be laughed at. [alsovn -ing]
NOT BE SUITABLE|
2 not ~ sth / doing sth to not be suitable for sth: [vn] Her later work does not bear comparison with her earlier novels (= because it is not nearly as good).  The plan won’t bear close inspection (= it will be found to be not satisfactory when carefully examined).  [v -ing] The joke doesn’t bear repeating (= because it is not funny or may offend people).  His sufferings don’t bear thinking about (= because they are so terrible).
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR STH|
3 [vn] (written) to take responsibility for sth: She bore the responsibility for most of the changes.  Do parents have to bear the whole cost of tuition fees?  You shouldn’t have to bear the blame for other people’s mistakes.
NEGATIVE FEELING|
4 ~ sth (against / towards sb)| ~ sb sth (written) to have a feeling, especially a negative feeling: [vn] He bears no resentment towards them.  [vnn] She bore him no ill will .  [vn, vnn] He’s borne a grudge against me ever since that day.  He’s borne me a grudge ever since that day.
SUPPORT WEIGHT|
5 [vn] to support the weight of sb/sth: The ice is too thin to bear your weight.
SHOW|
6 [vn] (written) to show sth; to carry sth so that it can be seen: The document bore her signature.  He was badly wounded in the war and still bears the scars.  She bears little resemblance to (= is not much like) her mother.  The title of the essay bore little relation to (= was not much connected with) the contents.
NAME|
7 [vn] (formal) to have a particular name: a family that bore an ancient and honoured name
CARRY|
8 [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) to carry sb/sth, especially while moving: three kings bearing gifts
YOURSELF|
9 [vn] ~ yourself well, etc. (written) to move, behave or act in a particular way: He bears himself (= stands, walks, etc.) proudly, like a soldier.  She bore herself with dignity throughout the funeral.
CHILD|
10 (formal) to give birth to a child: [vn] She was not able to bear children.  [vnn] She had borne him six sons.
OF TREES / PLANTS|
11 [vn] (formal) to produce flowers or fruit
TURN|
12 [v] ~ (to the) left, north, etc. to go or turn in the direction mentioned: When you get to the fork in the road, bear right. bear 'arms (old use) to be a soldier; to fight bear 'fruit to have a successful result bear 'hard, 'heavily, se'verely, etc. on sb (formal) to be a cause of difficulty or suffering to sb: Taxation bears heavily on us all. be borne 'in on sb (formal, especially BrE) to be realized by sb, especially after a period of time: It was gradually borne in on us that defeat was inevitable. bring sth to bear (on sb/sth) (formal) to use energy, pressure, influence, etc. to try to achieve sth or make sb do sth: We must bring all our energies to bear upon the task.  Pressure was brought to bear on us to finish the work on time.—more at CROSS n. , BRUNT , GRIN v. , MIND n. , WITNESS n. ,bear 'down on sb/sth
1 (especially BrE) to move quickly towards sb/sth in a determined or threatening way
2 (especially AmE) to press on sb/sth: Bear down on it with all your strength so it doesn’t move. 'bear on sth (written) to relate to sth
SYN AFFECT : These are matters that bear on the welfare of the community. ,bear sb/sth<->'out (especially BrE) to show that sb is right or that sth is true: The other witnesses will bear me out.  The other witnesses will bear out what I say. ,bear 'up (against / under sth) to remain as cheerful as possible during a difficult time: He’s bearing up well under the strain of losing his job.  ‘How are you?’‘Bearing up.’ 'bear with sb/sth to be patient with sb/sth: She’s under a lot of strain. Just bear with her.  If you will bear with me (= be patient and listen to me) a little longer, I’ll answer your question.

noun
1 a heavy wild animal with thick fur and sharp CLAWS (= pointed parts on the ends of its feet). There are many types of bear : a black bear—see also GRIZZLY BEAR , POLAR BEAR , TEDDY BEAR
2 (finance) a person who sells shares in a company, etc., hoping to buy them back later at a lower price: a bear market (= in which share prices are falling)—compare BULL —see also BEARISH like a bear with a sore 'head (informal) bad-tempered

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bear.able
adj. a person or thing that is bearable can be accepted or dealt with: She was the only thing that made life bearable.
OPP UNBEARABLE
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beard
noun, verb
noun [C, U] hair that grows on the chin and cheeks of a man’s face; similar hair that grows on some animals: He has decided to grow a beard and a moustache.  a week’s growth of beard  a goat’s beard—compare MOUSTACHE —picture at HAIR
beard.ed adj.: a bearded face / man

verb [vn] to beard the lion in his 'den to go to see an important or powerful person to tell them that you disagree with them, that you want sth, etc.

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bear.er
noun
1 a person whose job it is to carry sth, especially at a ceremony: coffin bearers—see also PALL-BEARER , STANDARD-BEARER , STRETCHER-BEARER
2 a person who brings a message, a letter, etc: I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
3 (formal) a person who has sth with them or is the official owner of sth, such as a document: A pass will allow the bearer to enter the building.
4 a person who has knowledge of sth, such as an idea or a tradition, and makes sure that it is not forgotten, by teaching others about it
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'bear hug
noun an act of showing affection for sb by holding them very tightly and strongly in your arms
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bear.ing
noun
1 [U] ~ on sth the way in which sth is related to sth or influences it: Recent events had no bearing on our decision.  Regular exercise has a direct bearing on fitness and health.
2 [sing.] the way in which you stand, walk or behave: Her whole bearing was alert.
3 [C] (technical) a direction measured from a fixed point using a COMPASS
4 [C] (technical) a part of a machine that supports a moving part, especially one that is turning—see also BALL BEARING
IDM get / find / take your 'bearings to make yourself familiar with your surroundings in order to find out where you are or to feel comfortable in a place lose your 'bearings to become lost or confused
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bear.ish
adj. (finance ) showing or expecting a fall in the prices of SHARES : a bearish market  Japanese banks remain bearish.—compare BULLISH
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bear.skin
noun
1 the skin and fur of a bear: a bearskin rug
2 a tall hat of black fur worn for special ceremonies by some British soldiers
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beast
noun
1 (old-fashioned or formal) an animal, especially one that is large or dangerous, or one that is unusual: wild / savage / ferocious beasts  mythical beasts such as unicorns and dragons
2 a person who is cruel and whose behaviour is uncontrolled
3 (informal, often humorous) an unpleasant person or thing: The maths exam was a real beast.
4 (informal) a thing of a particular kind: His new guitar is a very expensive beast.
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beast.ly
adj. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) unpleasant
SYN HORRIBLE , NASTY : Don’t be so beastly to him!
beast.li.ness noun [U]
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,beast of 'burden
noun an animal used for heavy work such as carrying or pulling things
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beat
verb, noun, adj.
verb (beat, beaten )
IN GAME|
1 [vn] ~ sb (at sth) to defeat sb in a game or competition: He beat me at chess.  Their recent wins have proved they’re still the ones to beat (= the most difficult team to beat).
CONTROL|
2 [vn] to get control of sth
SYN DEFEAT : The government’s main aim is to beat inflation.
BE TOO DIFFICULT|
3 to be too difficult for sb
SYN DEFEAT : [vn] a problem that beats even the experts  [vn wh-] It beats me (= I don’t know) why he did it.  What beats me is how it was done so quickly (= I don’t understand how).
BE BETTER|
4 [vn] to do or be better than sth: Nothing beats home cooking.  You can’t beat Italian shoes.  They want to beat the speed record (= go faster than anyone before).
AVOID|
5 [vn] to avoid sth: If we go early we should beat the traffic.  We were up and off early to beat the heat .
HIT|
6 to hit sb/sth many times, usually very hard: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Somebody was beating at the door.  Hailstones beat against the window.  [vn, often + adv.  /  prep.] Someone was beating a drum.  She was beating dust out of the carpet (= removing dust from the carpet by beating it).  An elderly man was found beaten to death .  At that time children were regularly beaten for quite minor offences (= a punishment).  [vn-adj] They beat him unconscious (= hit him until he became unconscious).
OF HEART / DRUMS / WINGS|
7 to make, or cause sth to make, a regular sound or movement: [v] She’s alive—her heart is still beating .  We heard the drums beating .  [vn] The bird was beating its wings (= moving them up and down) frantically.
MIX|
8 [vn] ~ sth (up)| ~ A and B together to mix sth with short quick movements with a fork, etc: Beat the eggs up to a frothy consistency.  Beat the flour and milk together.
SHAPE METAL|
9 ~ sth (out) (into sth) to change the shape of sth, especially metal, by hitting it with a hammer, etc: [vn] beaten silver  The gold is beaten out into thin strips.  [vn-adj] The metal had been beaten flat.
MAKE PATH|
10 [vn] ~ sth (through, across, along, etc. sth) to make a path, etc. by walking somewhere or by pressing branches down and walking over them: a well-beaten track (= one that has been worn hard by much use)  The hunters beat a path through the undergrowth. beat about the 'bush (BrE) (AmE beat around the 'bush) to talk about sth for a long time without coming to the main point: Stop beating about the bush and tell me what you want. beat sb at their own 'game to defeat or do better than sb in an activity which they have chosen or in which they think they are strong beat your 'brains out (informal, especially AmE) to think very hard about sth for a long time beat your 'breast to show great sadness or guilt, especially in public and in an exaggerated way beat the 'clock to finish a task, race, etc. before a particular time 'beat it (spoken, slang) (usually used in orders) to go away immediately: This is private land, so beat it! beat a path to sb’s 'door if a lot of people beat a path to sb’s door, they are all interested in sth that person has to sell, or can do or tell them: Top theatrical agents are beating a path to the teenager’s door. beat the 'rap (AmE, slang) to escape without being punished beat a (hasty) re'treat to go away or back quickly, especially to avoid sth unpleasant beat 'time (to sth) to mark or follow the rhythm of music, by waving a stick, TAPPING your foot, etc: She beat time with her fingers. beat sb to the 'punch (informal) to get or do sth before sb else can can you beat that / it! (spoken) used to express surprise or anger if you can’t beat them, 'join them (saying) if you cannot defeat sb or be as successful as they are, then it is more sensible to join them in what they are doing and perhaps get some advantage for yourself by doing so ,off the ,beaten 'track far away from other people, houses, etc: They live miles off the beaten track. a rod / stick to 'beat sb with a fact, an argument, etc. that is used in order to blame or punish sb take some 'beating to be difficult to beat: That score is going to take some beating.  For sheer luxury, this hotel takes some beating.—more at BLACK adj. , DAYLIGHTS , DRUM n. , HELL ,beat sth<->'down to hit a door, etc. many times until it breaks open ,beat 'down (on sb/sth) if the sun beats down it shines with great heat ,beat sb/sth 'down (to sth) to persuade sb to reduce the price at which they are selling sth: He wanted $8 000 for the car but I beat him down to $6 000.  I beat down the price to $6 000. ,beat 'off (AmE,  , slang) to MASTURBATE ,beat sb/sth<->'off to force sb/sth back or away by fighting: The attacker was beaten off.  She beat off a challenge to her leadership. ,beat sth<->'out
1 to produce a rhythm by hitting sth many times
2 to put a fire out by beating: We beat the flames out.
3 to remove sth by hitting it with a hammer, etc: They can beat out the dent in the car’s wing. 'beat sb out of sth (AmE, informal) to cheat sb by taking sth from them: Her brother beat her out of $200. 'beat sb to sth / …| ,beat sb 'to it to get somewhere or do sth before sb else: She beat me to the top of the hill.  I was about to take the last cake, but he beat me to it. ,beat sb<->'up to hit or kick sb hard, many times: He was badly beaten up by a gang of thugs. ,beat 'up on sb (AmE) to hit sb hard, especially sb who is young or weak: I’ve heard people say he used to beat up on his wife.

noun
OF DRUMS / HEART / WINGS|
1 [C] a single blow to sth, such as a drum, or a movement of sth, such as your heart; the sound that this makes: several loud beats on the drum  His heart missed a beat when he saw her.
2 [sing.] a series of regular blows to sth, such as a drum; the sound that this makes: the steady beat of the drums—see also HEARTBEAT
RHYTHM|
3 [C] the main rhythm, or a unit of rhythm, in a piece of music, a poem, etc: This type of music has a strong beat to it.  The piece has four beats to the bar.
OF POLICE OFFICER|
4 [C] the area which a police officer walks around regularly and which he or she is responsible for: More police officers out on the beat may help to cut crime.
IDM see HEART , WALK v.

adj. [not before noun] (informal) = DEAD BEAT

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,beaten-'up
adj. = BEAT-UP
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beat.er
noun
1 (often in compounds) a tool used for beating things: a carpet beater  an egg beater
2 a person employed to drive birds and animals out of bushes, etc., into the open, so they can be shot for sport
3 (AmE, informal) = BANGER —see also WORLD-BEATER
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bea.tif.ic
adj. (formal) showing great joy and peace: a beatific smile / expression
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be.atify
verb (be.ati.fies, be.ati.fy.ing, be.ati.fied, be.ati.fied) [vn] (of the Pope) to give a dead person a special honour by stating officially that he/she is very holy—compare BLESS , CANONIZE
be.ati.fi.ca.tion noun [C, U]
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beat.ing
noun
1 [C] an act of hitting sb hard and repeatedly, as a punishment or in a fight: to give sb a beating
2 [C] (informal) a very heavy defeat: The team has taken a few beatings this season.
3 [U] a series of regular blows to sth such as a drum, or movements of sth, such as your heart; the sound that this makes: He could hear the beating of his own heart.  the beating of drums / wings
IDM take some 'beating (BrE) to be difficult to do or be better than: As a place to live, Oxford takes some beating.
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beat.nik
noun a young person in the 1950s and early 1960s who rejected the way of life of ordinary society and showed this by behaving and dressing differently from most people
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,beat-'up
(also ,beaten-'up) adj. [usually before noun] (informal) old and damaged: a beat-up old truck
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beau
noun (pl.beaux or beaus ) (old-fashioned) a woman’s male lover or friend
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beaut
noun, adj., exclamation
noun (AmE, AustralE , informal) an excellent or beautiful person or thing

adj., exclamation (AustralE , informal) excellent; very good

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beaut.eous
adj. (literary) beautiful
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beaut.ician
noun a person, usually a woman, whose job is to give beauty treatments to the face and body
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beau.ti.ful
adj.
1 having beauty; pleasing to the senses or to the mind: a beautiful woman / face / baby / voice / poem / smell / evening  beautiful countryside / weather / music
2 very good or skilful: What beautiful timing!
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beau.ti.ful.ly
adv.
1 in a beautiful way: She sings beautifully.  a beautifully decorated house
2 very well; in a pleasing way: It’s all working out beautifully.
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beaut.ify
verb (beau.ti.fies, beau.ti.fy.ing, beau.ti.fied, beau.ti.fied) [vn] to make sb/sth beautiful or more beautiful
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beauty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the quality of being pleasing to the senses or to the mind: the beauty of the sunset / of poetry / of his singing  a woman of great beauty  The woods were designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.  beauty products / treatment (= intended to make a person more beautiful)
2 [C] a person or thing that is beautiful: She had been a beauty in her day.
3 [C] an excellent example of its type: That last goal was a beauty!
4 [C] a pleasing feature
SYN ADVANTAGE : One of the beauties of living here is that it’s so peaceful.  The project will require very little work to start up; that’s the beauty of it .
IDM beauty is in the eye of the 'beholder (saying) people all have different ideas about what is beautiful beauty is only skin-'deep (saying) how sb looks is less important than their character
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'beauty contest
noun (BrE ) a competition to choose the most beautiful from a group of women—compare PAGEANT
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'beauty mark
noun (AmE ) = BEAUTY SPOT
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'beauty queen
noun a woman who is judged to be the most beautiful in a BEAUTY CONTEST
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'beauty salon
(also 'beauty parlour) (AmE also 'beauty shop) noun a place where you can pay for treatment to your face, hair, nails, etc., which is intended to make you more beautiful
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'beauty sleep
noun [U] (humorous) enough sleep at night to make sure that you look and feel healthy and beautiful
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'beauty spot
noun
1 (BrE) a place in the countryside famous for its beautiful scenery
2 (AmE also 'beauty mark) a small dark spot on a woman’s face, which used to be thought to make her more beautiful
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beaux
pl. of BEAU
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bea.ver
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an animal with a wide flat tail and strong teeth. Beavers live in water and on land and can build DAMS (= barriers across rivers), made of pieces of wood and mud.—see also EAGER BEAVER —
2 [U] the fur of the beaver , used in making hats and clothes

verb
PVR V ,beaver a'way (at sth) (informal) to work very hard at sth: He’s been beavering away at the accounts all morning.

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bebop
(also bop) noun [U] a type of jazz with complicated rhythms
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be.calmed
adj. (of a ship with a sail) unable to move because there is no wind
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be.came
pt of BECOME
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be.cause
conj. for the reason that: I did it because he told me to.  Just because I don’t complain, people think I’m satisfied.
because of prep.: They are here because of us.  He walked slowly because of his bad leg.  Because of his wife('s) being there, I said nothing about it.
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beck
noun (BrE, dialect ) a small river
SYN STREAM
IDM at sb’s ,beck and 'call always ready to obey sb’s orders: She is constantly at the beck and call of her invalid father.  Don’t expect to have me at your beck and call.
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beckon
verb
1 ~ to sb (to do sth) to give sb a signal using your finger or hand, especially to tell them to move nearer or to follow you: [v] He beckoned to the waiter to bring the bill.  [vn] He beckoned her over with a wave.  The boss beckoned him into her office.  [vn to inf] She beckoned him to come and join them.
2 to appear very attractive to sb: [v] The clear blue sea beckoned.  [vn] The prospect of a month without work was beckoning her.
3 [v] to be sth that is likely to happen or will possibly happen to sb in the future: For many kids leaving college the prospect of unemployment beckons.
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be.come
verb (be.came , be.come)
1 linking verb to start to be sth: [v-adj] It was becoming more and more difficult to live on his salary.  It soon became apparent that no one was going to come.  She was becoming confused.  [v-n] She became queen in 1952.  The bill will become law next year.
2 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to be suitable for sb: Such behaviour did not become her.
3 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to look attractive on sb
SYN SUIT : Short hair really becomes you.
IDM what became, has become, will become of sb/sth? used to ask what has happened or what will happen to sb/sth: What became of that student who used to live with you?  I dread to think what will become of them if they lose their home.
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be.com.ing
adj. (formal)
1 (of clothes, etc.) making the person wearing them look more attractive
SYN FLATTERING
2 suitable or appropriate for sb or their situation
SYN FITTING : It was not very becoming behaviour for a teacher.
OPP UNBECOMING
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BEd
(also B.Ed. especially in AmE) noun the abbreviation for ‘Bachelor of Education’ (a first university degree in education): (BrE ) Sarah Wells BEd
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bed
noun, verb
noun
FURNITURE|
1 [C, U] a piece of furniture for sleeping on: a single / double bed  She lay on the bed (= on top of the covers).  He lay in bed (= under the covers).  I’m tired—I’m going to bed .  It’s time for bed (= time to go to sleep).  I’ll just put the kids to bed .  He likes to have a mug of cocoa before bed (= before going to bed).  to get into / out of bed   to make the bed (= arrange the covers in a tidy way)  Could you give me a bed for the night (= somewhere to sleep)?  There’s a shortage of hospital beds (= not enough room for patients to be admitted).  He has been confined to bed with flu for the past couple of days.—see also AIR BED , CAMP BED , SOFA BED , TWIN BED , WATERBED
OF RIVER / LAKE / SEA|
2 [C] the bottom of a river, the sea, etc: the ocean bed  oyster beds (= an area in the sea where there are many OYSTERS )
FOR FLOWERS / VEGETABLES|
3 [C] an area of ground in a garden/yard or park for growing flowers, vegetables, etc: flower beds—see also SEEDBED
BOTTOM LAYER|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a layer of sth that other things lie or rest on: grilled chicken, served on a bed of rice  The blocks should be laid on a bed of concrete.
GEOLOGY|
5 [C] a layer of clay, rock, etc. in the ground—see also BEDROCK (not) a bed of 'roses (not) an easy or a pleasant situation: Their life together hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses. get out of bed on the wrong side (BrE) (AmE get up on the wrong side of the bed) to be bad-tempered for the whole day for no particular reason go to bed with sb (informal) to have sex with sb in bed used to refer to sexual activity: What’s he like in bed?  I caught them in bed together (= having sex). you’ve made your bed and you must 'lie on it (saying) you must accept the results of your actions take to your 'bed to go to bed and stay there because you are ill/sick—more at DIE v. , WET v.

verb (-dd-) [vn]
1 ~ sth (in sth) to fix sth firmly in sth: The bricks were bedded in sand to improve drainage.  Make sure that you bed the roots firmly in the soil.
2 (old-fashioned) to have sex with sb ,bed 'down to sleep in a place where you do not usually sleep: You have my room and I’ll bed down in the living room.

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,bed and 'board
noun [U] (BrE ) a room to sleep in and food
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,bed and 'breakfast
noun (abbr. B and B)
1 [U] (BrE) a service that provides a room to sleep in and a meal the next morning in private houses and small hotels: Do you do bed and breakfast?  Bed and breakfast costs £30 a night.—compare FULL BOARD , HALF BOARD
2 [C] a place that provides this service: There were several good bed and breakfasts in the area.
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bed.bug
noun a small insect that lives in dirty houses, especially in beds, where it bites people and sucks their blood
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bed.cham.ber
noun (old use) a bedroom: the royal bedchamber
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bed.clothes
(BrE also bed.covers) noun [pl.] the sheets and other covers that you put on a bed
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bed.cover
noun (BrE )
1 = BEDSPREAD
2 (bedcovers) = BEDCLOTHES
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bed.ding
noun [U]
1 the sheets and covers that you put on a bed, often also the MATTRESS and the PILLOWS
2 STRAW , etc. for animals to sleep on
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'bedding plant
noun a plant that is planted out in a garden bed, usually just before it gets flowers. It usually grows and dies within one year.
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be.deck
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth/sb (with / in sth) (literary) to decorate sth/sb with flowers, flags, jewels, etc.
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be.devil
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] (formal) to cause a lot of problems for sb/sth over a long period of time: The expedition was bedevilled by bad weather.
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bed.fel.low
noun a person or a thing that is connected with or related to another, often in a way that you would not expect: strange / unlikely bedfellows
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bed.head
noun the part of the bed which is at the end, behind the head of the person sleeping on it
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bed.lam
noun [U] a scene full of disorder and noise
SYN CHAOS : It was bedlam at our house on the morning of the wedding.
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bed.linen
noun [U] sheets and PILLOWCASES for a bed
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Bed.ouin
noun (pl.Bed.ouin) a member of an Arab tribe that traditionally lives in tents in the desert
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bed.pan
noun a container used as a toilet by a person who is too ill to get out of bed
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bed.post
noun one of the four upright supports at the corners of a bed (especially an old type of bed with a wooden or metal frame)
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be.drag.gled
adj. made wet, dirty or untidy by rain, mud, etc: bedraggled hair / clothes
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bed.rid.den
adj. having to stay in bed all the time because of illness, injury or old age
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bed.rock
noun
1 [sing.] a strong base for sth, especially the facts or the principles on which it is based: The poor suburbs traditionally formed the bedrock of the party’s support.  Honesty is the bedrock of any healthy relationship.
2 [U] the solid rock in the ground below the loose soil and sand
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bed.room
noun
1 a room for sleeping in: the spare bedroom  a hotel with 20 bedrooms
2 (-bedroomed) having the number of bedrooms mentioned: a three-bedroomed house
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'bedroom community
(also 'bedroom suburb) noun (both AmE ) = DORMITORY TOWN
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bed.side
noun [usually sing.] the area beside a bed: His mother has been at his bedside throughout his illness.  a bedside lamp
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,bedside 'manner
noun [sing.] the way in which a doctor or other person talks to sb who is ill
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,bedside 'table
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually night.stand, 'night table) noun a small table beside a bed
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bed.sit
(also bed.sit.ter) (also formal ,bed'sitting room) noun (all BrE ) a room that a person rents and uses for both living and sleeping in
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bed.sore
noun a painful and sometimes infected place on a person’s skin, caused by lying in bed for a long time
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bed.spread
(BrE also bed.cover) (AmE also spread) noun an attractive cover put on top of all the sheets and covers on a bed—picture at BED
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bed.stead
noun the wooden or metal frame of an old-fashioned type of bed
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bed.time
noun [U] the time when sb usually goes to bed: It’s way past your bedtime.  Will you read me a bedtime story?
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'bed-wetting
noun [U] the problem of URINATING in bed, usually by children while they are asleep
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bee
noun
1 a black and yellow flying insect that can sting. Bees live in large groups and make HONEY (= a sweet sticky substance that is good to eat): a swarm of bees  a bee sting  Bees were buzzing in the clover.—see also BEEHIVE , BEESWAX , BUMBLEBEE , QUEEN BEE
2 (AmE) a meeting in a group where people combine work, competition and pleasure: a sewing / spelling bee
IDM the ,bee’s 'knees (informal) an excellent person or thing: She thinks she’s the bee’s knees (= she has a very high opinion of herself). have a 'bee in your bonnet (about sth) (informal) to think or talk about sth all the time and to think that it is very important—more at BIRD , BUSY adj.
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beech
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'beech tree) a tall forest tree with smooth grey bark, shiny leaves and small nuts: forests planted with beech  beech hedges  The great beeches towered up towards the sky.—see also COPPER BEECH
2 (also 'beech.wood ) [U] the wood of the beech tree
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beef
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] meat that comes from a cow: roast / minced beef  The farm has both beef and dairy cattle.—see also CORNED BEEF
2 [C] (informal) a complaint: What’s his latest beef?

verb [v] ~ (about sb/sth) (informal) to complain a lot about sb/sth: Don’t just beef about it—do something!
PVR V ,beef sth<->'up (informal) to make sth bigger, better, more interesting, etc.

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beef.bur.ger
noun (BrE ) = HAMBURGER
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beef.cake
noun [U] (slang) men with big muscles, especially those that appear in sex shows and magazines
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beef.steak
noun [C, U] (rare) = STEAK
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beefy
adj. (beef.ier, beefi.est) (informal) (of a person or their body) big or fat: beefy men / arms / thighs
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bee.hive
noun
1 = HIVE
2 a style of hair for women, piled high on top of the head
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'bee-keeper
noun a person who owns and takes care of bees
'bee-keeping noun [U]
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bee.line
noun
IDM make a 'beeline for sth/sb (informal) to go straight towards sth/sb as quickly as you can
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been
pp of BE —see also GO
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beep
noun, verb
noun a short high sound such as that made by a car horn or by electronic equipment

verb
1 [v] (of an electronic machine) to make a short high sound: The microwave beeps to let you know when it has finished.
2 when a car horn, etc. beeps or when you beep it, it makes a short noise: [v] The car behind started beeping at us.  [vn] He beeped his horn at the cyclist.
3 [vn] (AmE) = BLEEP

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beep.er
noun (especially AmE ) = BLEEPER
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beer
noun
1 [U, C] a bitter alcoholic drink made from MALT and flavoured with HOPS . There are many types of beer: a barrel / bottle / glass of beer  beers brewed in Germany  a beer glass  Are you a beer drinker?
2 [C] a glass, bottle or can of beer: Shall we have a beer?—see also GINGER BEER , KEG BEER , ROOT BEER , SMALL BEER
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'beer belly
(also 'beer gut) noun (informal) a man’s very fat stomach, caused by drinking a lot of beer over a long period
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'beer mat
noun (BrE ) a small piece of cardboard that you put under a glass, usually in a bar, etc. in order to protect the surface below—picture at GLASS
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beery
adj. smelling of beer; influenced by the drinking of beer
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bees.wax
noun [U] a yellow sticky substance that is produced by bees and is used especially for making candles and polish for wood
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beet
noun [C, U]
1 a plant with a root that is used as a vegetable, especially for feeding animals or making sugar—see also SUGAR BEET
2 (AmE) = BEETROOT —
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bee.tle
noun, verb
noun an insect, often large and black, with a hard case on its back, covering its wings. There are several types of beetle : a black beetle  a dung beetle—see also DEATH-WATCH BEETLE —

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to move somewhere quickly: I last saw him beetling off down the road.

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beet.root
(BrE ) (AmE beet) noun [U, C] a plant with a round dark red root that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable—
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be.fall
verb (be.fell , be.fallen ) [vn] (used only in the third person) (literary) (of sth unpleasant) to happen to sb: They were unaware of the fate that was to befall them.
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befit
verb (-tt-) [vn] (used only in the third person) (formal) to be suitable and good enough for sb/sth: It was a lavish reception as befitted a visitor of her status.
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be.fore
prep., conj., adv.
prep.
1 earlier than sb/sth: before lunch  the day before yesterday  The year before last he won a gold medal, and the year before that he won a silver.  She’s lived there since before the war.  He arrived before me.  She became a lawyer as her father had before her.  Leave your keys at reception before departure.  Something ought to have been done before now.  We’ll know before long (= soon).  Turn left just before (= before you reach) the bank.
2 (rather formal) used to say that sb/sth is in a position in front of sb/sth: They knelt before the throne.  Before you is a list of the points we have to discuss.—compare BEHIND
3 used to say that sb/sth is ahead of sb/sth in an order or arrangement: Your name is before mine on the list.  He puts his work before everything (= regards it as more important than anything else).
4 used to say that sth is facing sb in the future: The task before us is a daunting one.  The whole summer lay before me.
5 in the presence of sb who is listening, watching, etc: He was brought before the judge.  She said it before witnesses.  They had the advantage of playing before their home crowd.
6 (formal) used to say how sb reacts when they have to face sb/sth: They retreated before the enemy.

conj.
1 earlier than the time when: Do it before you forget.  Did she leave a message before she went?  Before I made a decision, I thought carefully about it.
2 until: It may be many years before the situation improves.  It was some time before I realized the truth.
3 used to warn or threaten sb that sth bad could happen: Put that away before it gets broken.
4 (formal) rather than: I’d die before I apologized to them!

adv. at an earlier time; in the past; already: You should have told me so before.  It had been fine the week before (= the previous week).  That had happened long before (= a long time earlier).  I think we’ve met before.

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be.fore.hand
adv. earlier; before sth else happens or is done: two weeks / three days / a few hours beforehand  I wish we’d known about it beforehand.
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be.friend
verb [vn] [usually passive] to become a friend of sb, especially sb who has just arrived in a place or who needs your help: Shortly after my arrival at the school, I was befriended by an older girl.
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be.fud.dled
adj. confused and unable to think normally: He was befuddled by drink.
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beg
verb (-gg-)
1 ~ (sb) (for sth)| ~ (sth) (of / from sb) to ask sb for sth especially in an anxious way because you want or need it very much: [vn] They begged him for help.  I managed to beg a lift from a passing motorist.  She begged permission to leave.  [v] He wants to see them beg for mercy.   (formal) Don’t leave me here, I beg of you!  [vn to inf] She begged him not to go.  [v to inf] He begged to be told the truth.  [v speech] ‘Give me one more chance,’ he begged.  [v that] (formal) She begged that she be allowed to go.   (BrE also) She begged that she should be allowed to go. [alsovn speech]
2 ~ (for sth) (from sb)| ~ sth (from sb) to ask sb for money, food, etc., especially in the street: [v] London is full of homeless people begging in the streets.  The children went from door to door begging for food.  a begging letter (= one that asks sb for money)  [vn] We managed to beg a meal from the cafe owner.
3 [v] if a dog begs, it sits on its back legs with its front legs in the air, waiting to be given sth
IDM beg 'leave to do sth (formal) to ask sb for permission to do sth be going 'begging (BrE, spoken) if sth is going begging, it is available because nobody else wants it beg sb’s 'pardon (formal, especially BrE) to ask sb to forgive you for sth you have said or done beg the 'question
1 to make sb want to ask a question that has not yet been answered: All of which begs the question as to who will fund the project.
2 to talk about sth as if it were definitely true, even though it might not be: These assumptions beg the question that children learn languages more easily than adults. I beg to differ used to say politely that you do not agree with sth that has just been said I beg your pardon (spoken)
1 (formal) used to tell sb that you are sorry for sth you have said or done: I beg your pardon, I thought that was my coat.
2 used to ask sb to repeat what they have just said because you did not hear: ‘It’s on Duke Street.’‘I beg your pardon.’‘Duke Street.’
3 (especially BrE) used to tell sb that you are offended by what they have just said or by the way that they have said it: ‘Get me a drink.’‘I beg your pardon!’
PVR V ,beg 'off to say that you are unable to do sth that you have agreed to do: He’s always begging off at the last minute.
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began
pt of BEGIN
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beget
verb (be.get.ting, begot, begot In sense 1 begat is used for the past tense, and be.got.ten is used for the past participle.) [vn]
1 (old use, for example in the Bible) to become the father of a child: Isaac begat Jacob.
2 (formal or old-fashioned) to make sth happen: Violence begets violence.
be.get.ter noun
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beg.gar
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who lives by asking people for money or food
2 (BrE, spoken) used with an adjective to describe sb in a particular way: Aren’t you dressed yet, you lazy beggar?
IDM ,beggars can’t be 'choosers (saying) people say beggars can’t be choosers when there is no choice and sb must be satisfied with what is available

verb [vn] to make sb/sth very poor: Why should I beggar myself for you?
IDM beggar be'lief / de'scription to be too extreme, shocking, etc. to believe/describe: It beggars belief how things could have got this bad.

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begin
verb (be.gin.ning, began , begun )
1 to start doing sth; to do the first part of sth: [vn] We began work on the project in May.  I began (= started reading) this novel last month and I still haven’t finished it.  He always begins his lessons with a warm-up exercise.  She began by thanking us all for coming.  He began his political career as a student (= when he was a student).  [v] Shall I begin?  Let’s begin at page 9.  [v to inf] I began to feel dizzy.  At last the guests began to arrive.  She began to cry.  It was beginning to snow.  I was beginning to think you’d never come.  [v -ing] Everyone began talking at once.  When will you begin recruiting?
2 [v] to start to happen or exist, especially from a particular time: When does the concert begin?  Work on the new bridge is due to begin in September.  The evening began well.
3 ~ as sth [v] to be sth first, before becoming sth else: He began as an actor, before starting to direct films.  What began as a minor scuffle turned into a full-scale riot.
4 [v] to have sth as the first part or the point where sth starts: Use ‘an’ before words beginning with a vowel.  ‘I’m thinking of a country in Asia.’‘What does it begin with (= what is the first letter)?’  Each chapter begins with a quotation.  Where does Europe end and Asia begin?  The path begins at Livingston village.
5 [v speech] to start speaking: ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he began, ‘welcome to the Town Hall.’
6 to start or make sth start for the first time: [v] The school began in 1920, with only ten pupils.  [vn] He began a new magazine on post-war architecture.
7 [v to inf] not ~ to make no attempt to do sth or have no chance of doing sth: I can’t begin to thank you enough.  He didn’t even begin to understand my problem.
IDM to be'gin with
1 at first: I found it tiring to begin with but I soon got used to it.  We’ll go slowly to begin with.
2 used to introduce the first point you want to make: ‘What was it you didn’t like?’‘Well, to begin with, our room was far too small.’—more at CHARITY
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be.gin.ner
noun a person who is starting to learn sth and cannot do it very well yet: She’s in the beginners' class.
IDM beginner’s 'luck good luck or unexpected success when you start to do sth new
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be.gin.ning
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the time when sth starts; the first part of an event, a story, etc: We’re going to Japan at the beginning of July.  She’s been working there since the beginning of last summer.  We missed the beginning of the movie.  Let’s start again from the beginning .  The birth of their first child marked the beginning of a new era in their married life.  I’ve read the whole book from beginning to end and still can’t understand it.
HELP At the beginning (of) is used for the time and place when something begins. In the beginning = at first and suggests a contrast with a later situation.
2 (beginnings) [pl.] the first or early ideas, signs or stages of sth: Did democracy have its beginnings in ancient Greece?  He built up his multimillion pound music business from small beginnings .
IDM the beginning of the 'end the first sign of sth ending
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be.gone
exclamation (old use) a way of telling sb to go away immediately
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be.go.nia
noun a plant with large shiny flowers that may be pink, red, yellow or white, grown indoors or in a garden
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begot
pt of BEGET
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be.got.ten
pp of BEGET
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be.grudge
verb (often used in negative sentences)
1 to feel unhappy that sb has sth because you do not think that they deserve it: [vnn] You surely don’t begrudge him his happiness.  [vn -ing] I don’t begrudge her being so successful.
2 to feel unhappy about having to do, pay or give sth: [vn] I begrudge every second I spent trying to help him.  [v -ing] Many people begrudge paying so much money for a second-rate service.
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be.grudg.ing.ly
adv. (rare) = GRUDGINGLY
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be.guile
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb into doing sth, especially by being nice to them: She beguiled them into believing her version of events.
2 to attract or interest sb: He was beguiled by her beauty.
3 to make time pass pleasantly by doing sth enjoyable: They sang songs to beguile the long winter evenings.
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be.guil.ing
adj. (formal) attractive and interesting but sometimes mysterious or trying to trick you: beguiling advertisements  Her beauty was beguiling.
be.guil.ing.ly adv.
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begum
noun a title of respect used for a Muslim woman of high rank and for a married Muslim woman: Begum Zia
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begun
pp of BEGIN
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be.half
noun
IDM in behalf of sb | in sb’s behalf (AmE) in order to help sb: We collected money in behalf of the homeless. on behalf of sb | on sb’s behalf
1 as the representative of sb or instead of them: On behalf of the department I would like to thank you all.  Mr Knight cannot be here, so his wife will accept the prize on his behalf.
2 because of sb; for sb: Don’t worry on my behalf.
3 in order to help sb: They campaigned on behalf of asylum seekers.
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be.have
verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to do things in a particular way
SYN ACT : The doctor behaved very unprofessionally.  They behaved very badly towards their guests.  He behaved like a true gentleman.  She behaved with great dignity.  He behaved as if / though nothing had happened.  They behave differently when you’re not around.
HELP In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though, especially in AmE: He behaved like nothing had happened. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.
2 ~ (yourself) to do things in a way that people think is correct or polite: [v] Will you kids just behave!  She doesn’t know how to behave in public.  [vn] I want you to behave yourselves while I’m away.
OPP MISBEHAVE
3 (-behaved) (in adjectives) behaving in the way mentioned: well- / badly-behaved children
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (technical) to naturally react, move, etc. in a particular way: a study of how metals behave under pressure
IDM see OWN v.
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be.hav.iour
(BrE ) (AmEbe.hav.ior) noun
1 [U] the way that sb behaves, especially towards other people: good / bad behaviour  social / sexual / criminal behaviour  His behaviour towards her was becoming more and more aggressive.
2 [U, C] the way a person, an animal, a plant, a chemical, etc. behaves or functions in a particular situation: the behaviour of insects / dolphins / chromosomes  studying human and animal behaviour   (technical) to study learned behaviours and attitudes
be.hav.iour.al (BrE) (AmEbe.hav.ior.al ) adj.: children with behavioural difficulties  behavioural science (= the study of human behaviour)
IDM be on your best be'haviour to behave in the most polite way you can
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be.hav.iour.ism
(BrE ) (AmEbe.hav.ior.ism) noun [U] (psychology ) the theory that all human behaviour is learnt by adapting to outside conditions and that learning is not influenced by thoughts and feelings
be.hav.iour.ist (BrE) (AmEbe.hav.ior.ist) noun
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be.head
verb [vn] [usually passive] to cut off sb’s head, especially as a punishment
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be.held
pt, pp of BEHOLD
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be.hest
noun [sing.]
IDM at sb’s be'hest (old use or formal) because sb has ordered or requested it
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be.hind
prep., adv., noun
prep.
1 at or towards the back of sb/sth, and often hidden by it or them: Who’s the girl standing behind Jan?  Stay close behind me.  a small street behind the station  She glanced behind her.  Don’t forget to lock the door behind you (= when you leave).  The sun disappeared behind the clouds.—compare IN FRONT OF   note at BACK
2 making less progress than sb/sth: He’s behind the rest of the class in reading.  We’re behind schedule (= late).
3 giving support to or approval of sb/sth: She knew that, whatever she decided, her family was right behind her.
4 responsible for starting or developing sth: What’s behind that happy smile (= what is causing it)?  He was the man behind the plan to build a new hospital.
5 used to say that sth is in sb’s past: The accident is behind you now, so try to forget it.  She has ten years' useful experience behind her.

adv.
1 at or towards the back of sb/sth; further back: She rode off down the road with the dog running behind.  The others are a long way behind.  He was shot from behind as he ran away.  I had fallen so far behind that it seemed pointless trying to catch up.
2 in the place where sb/sth is or was: I was told to stay behind after school (= remain in school).  This bag was left behind after the class.
3 ~ (with / in sth) late in paying money or completing work: She’s fallen behind with the payments.  He was terribly behind in his work.

noun (informal) a person’s bottom. People often say ‘behind’ to avoid saying ‘bottom’.
SYN BACKSIDE : The dog bit him on his behind.

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be.hold
verb (be.held , be.held) [vn] (old use or literary) to look at or see sb/sth: Her face was a joy to behold.  They beheld a bright star shining in the sky.
IDM see LO
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be.holden
adj. ~ to sb (for sth) (formal) owing sth to sb because of sth that they have done for you: She didn’t like to be beholden to anyone.
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be.hold.er
noun
IDM see BEAUTY
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be.hove
(BrE ) (AmE be.hoove ) verb [vn to inf] (it behoves sb to do sth) (formal) it is right or necessary for sb to do sth: It behoves us to study these findings carefully.
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beige
adj. light yellowish-brown in colour
beige noun [U]
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being
noun
1 [U] existence: The Irish Free State came into being in 1922.  A new era was brought into being by the fall of Communism.—see also WELL-BEING
2 [C] a living creature: human beings  a strange being from another planet
3 [U] (formal) your mind and all of your feelings: I hated Stefan with my whole being.—see also BE v.
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be.jew.elled
(BrE ) (AmEbe.jew.eled) adj. (literary) decorated with jewels; wearing jewels
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be.la.bour
(BrE ) (AmEbe.la.bor) verb [vn] belabour the 'point (formal) to repeat an idea, argument, etc. many times to emphasize it, especially when it has already been mentioned or understood: I don’t want to belabour the point, but it’s vital you understand how important this is.
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be.lated
adj. coming or happening late: a belated birthday present
be.lated.ly adv.
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belay
verb [v, vn] (technical ) (in climbing) to attach a rope to a rock, etc.; to make a person safe while climbing by attaching a rope to the person and to a rock, etc.
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belch
verb
1 [v] to let air come up noisily from your stomach and out through your mouth: He wiped his hand across his mouth, then belched loudly.—compare BURP
2 [v, vn] ~ (out / forth) (sth) to send out large amounts of smoke, flames, etc.; to come out of sth in large amounts
belch noun: He sat back and gave a loud belch.
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be.lea.guered
adj.
1 (formal) experiencing a lot of criticism and difficulties: The beleaguered party leader was forced to resign.
2 surrounded by an enemy: supplies for the beleaguered city
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bel.fry
noun (pl.-ies) a tower in which bells hang, especially as part of a church
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belie
verb (be.lies, be.ly.ing, be.lied, be.lied) [vn] (formal)
1 to give a false impression of sb/sth: Her energy and youthful good looks belie her 65 years.
2 to show that sth cannot be true or correct: Government claims that there is no poverty are belied by the number of homeless people on the streets.
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be.lief
noun
1 [U] ~ (in sth/sb) a strong feeling that sth/sb exists or is true; confidence that sth/sb is good or right: I admire his passionate belief in what he is doing.  belief in God / democracy
2 [sing., U] ~ (that … ) an opinion about sth; sth that you think is true: She acted in the belief that she was doing good.  Contrary to popular belief (= in spite of what people may think), he was not responsible for the tragedy.  There is a general belief that things will soon get better.
3 [C, usually pl.] something that you believe, especially as part of your religion: religious / political beliefs—compare DISBELIEF , UNBELIEF
IDM beyond be'lief (in a way that is) too great, difficult, etc. to be believed: Dissatisfaction with the government has grown beyond belief.  icy air that was cold beyond belief—more at BEGGAR v. , BEST n.
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be.liev.able
adj. that can be believed
SYN PLAUSIBLE : Her explanation certainly sounded believable.  a play with believable characters
OPP UNBELIEVABLE
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be.lieve
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
FEEL CERTAIN|
1 to feel certain that sth is true or that sb is telling you the truth: [vn] I don’t believe you!  I believed his lies for years.  The man claimed to be a social worker and the old woman believed him.  I find that hard to believe.  Believe me, she’s not right for you.  Don’t believe a word of it (= don’t believe any part of what sb is saying).  [v (that)] People used to believe (that) the earth was flat.  He refused to believe (that) his son was involved in drugs.
THINK POSSIBLE|
2 to think that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain: [v (that)] Police believe (that) the man may be armed.  [vn (that)] It is believed that the couple have left the country.  [vn to inf] The vases are believed to be worth over $20 000 each.  [v] ‘Where does she come from?’‘Spain, I believe.’  ‘Does he still work there?’‘I believe so / not .’  [vn-adj] Three sailors are missing, believed drowned.
HAVE OPINION|
3 [v (that)] to have the opinion that sth is right or true: The party believes (that) education is the most important issue facing the government.
BE SURPRISED / ANNOYED|
4 (don’t / can’t ~ sth) used to say that you are surprised or annoyed at sth: [v (that)] She couldn’t believe (that) it was all happening again.  [v wh-] I can’t believe how much better I feel.
RELIGION|
5 [v] to have a religious faith: The god appears only to those who believe. believe it or 'not (spoken) used to introduce information that is true but that may surprise people: Believe it or not, he asked me to marry him! believe (you) 'me (spoken) used to emphasize that you strongly believe what you are saying: You haven’t heard the last of this, believe you me! don’t you be'lieve it! (spoken) used to tell sb that sth is definitely not true I don’t be'lieve it! (spoken) used to say that you are surprised or annoyed about sth: I don’t believe it! What are you doing here? if you believe that, you’ll believe 'anything (spoken) used to say that you think sb is stupid if they believe that sth is true make believe (that … ) to pretend that sth is true—related noun MAKE-BELIEVE not believe your 'ears / 'eyes (spoken) to be very surprised at sth you hear/see: I couldn’t believe my eyes when she walked into the room. seeing is be'lieving (saying) used to say that sb will have to believe that sth is true when they see it, although they do not think it is true now would you be'lieve (it)? (spoken) used to show that you are surprised and annoyed about sth: And, would you believe, he didn’t even apologize! you / you’d better be'lieve it! (spoken) used to tell sb that sth is definitely true: ‘He’s not a bad player, is he?’‘You’d better believe it!’—more at GIVE v. be'lieve in sb/sth to feel certain that sb/sth exists: Do you believe in God? be'lieve in sb to feel that you can trust sb and/or that they will be successful: They need a leader they can believe in. be'lieve in sth to think that sth is good, right or acceptable: [+ -ing] I don’t believe in hitting children. be'lieve sth of sb to think that sb is capable of sth: Are you sure he was lying? I can’t believe that of him.
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be.liever
noun a person who believes in the existence or truth of sth, especially sb who believes in a god or religious faith
OPP UNBELIEVER
IDM be a (great / firm) believer in sth to believe strongly that sth is good, important or valuable
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Be.li.sha bea.con
noun (in Britain) a post with an orange flashing light on top marking a place where cars must stop to allow people to cross the road
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be.lit.tle
verb [vn] to make sb or the things that sb does seem unimportant: She felt her husband constantly belittled her achievements.
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bell
noun
1 a hollow metal object, often shaped like a cup, that makes a ringing sound when hit by a small piece of metal inside it; the sound that it makes: A peal of church bells rang out in the distance.  a bicycle bell  His voice came down the line as clear as a bell .
2 an electrical device which makes a ringing sound when a button on it is pushed; the sound that it makes, used as a signal or a warning: Ring the bell to see if they’re in.  The bell’s ringing !  The bell went for the end of the lesson.  An alarm bell went off.  Warning bells started ringing in her head as she sensed that something was wrong.
IDM give sb a 'bell (BrE, informal) to call sb by telephone—more at ALARM n. , PULL v. , RING v. , SOUND adj.
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bella.donna
noun [U]
1 = DEADLY NIGHTSHADE
2 a poisonous drug made from DEADLY NIGHTSHADE
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'bell-bottoms
noun [pl.] trousers/pants with legs that become very wide below the knee
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bell.boy
(especially AmE ) (AmE also bell.hop ) noun = PAGEBOY (1)
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belle
noun (old-fashioned) a beautiful woman; the most beautiful woman in a particular place
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bel.li.cose
adj. (formal) having or showing a desire to argue or fight
SYN AGGRESSIVE , WARLIKE
bel.li.cos.ity noun [U]
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-bellied
BELLY
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bel.liger.ent
adj., noun
adj.
1 unfriendly and aggressive
SYN HOSTILE : a belligerent attitude
2 [only before noun] (formal) (of a country) fighting a war: the belligerent countries / states / nations
bel.liger.ence noun [U]
bel.liger.ent.ly adv.

noun (formal) a country or group that is fighting a war

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bel.low
verb
1 ~ (sth) (at sb) to shout in a loud deep voice, especially because you are angry: [v] They bellowed at her to stop but it was too late.  [vn] The coach bellowed instructions from the sidelines. [alsov speech]
2 [v] when a large animal such as a BULL bellows, it makes a loud deep sound
bel.low noun: to let out a bellow of rage / pain
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bel.lows
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a piece of equipment for blowing air into or through sth. Bellows are used for making a fire burn better or for producing sound in some types of musical instruments: a pair of bellows (= a small bellows with two handles to be pushed together)
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'bell pepper
noun (AmE ) = PEPPER
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'bell-push
noun (BrE ) a button that you press to make an electric bell ring
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'bell-ringer
(also ringer) noun a person who rings church bells as a hobby
'bell-ringing noun [U] —see also CAMPANOLOGIST , CAMPANOLOGY
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,bells and 'whistles
noun [pl.] (especially computing ) attractive extra features
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belly
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 the part of the body below the chest
SYN STOMACH , GUT : They crawled along on their bellies.—see also BEER BELLY , POT BELLY
2 (literary) the round or curved part of an object: the belly of a ship
3 (-bellied) (in adjectives) having the type of belly mentioned: swollen-bellied  round-bellied

verb (bel.lies, belly.ing, bel.lied, bel.lied) [v] ~ (out) (especially of sails) to fill with air and become rounder

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belly.ache
noun, verb
noun [C, U] (informal) a pain in the stomach: I’ve got (a) bellyache.

verb [v] (informal) to complain a lot about sth in an annoying or unreasonable way

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'belly button
noun (informal) = NAVEL
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'belly dance
noun a dance, originally from the Middle East, in which a woman moves her belly and hips around
'belly dancer noun
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belly.flop
noun (informal) a bad DIVE into water, in which the front of the body hits the water flat
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belly.ful
noun
IDM have had a 'bellyful of sb/sth (informal) to have had more than enough of sb/sth, so that you cannot deal with any more: I’ve had a bellyful of your moaning.
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be.long
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to be in the right or suitable place: Where do these plates belong (= where are they kept)?  Are you sure these documents belong together?
2 [v] to feel comfortable and happy in a particular situation or with a particular group of people: I don’t feel as if I belong here.
be.long.ing noun [U]: to feel a sense of belonging
PVR V be'long to sb
1 to be owned by sb: Who does this watch belong to?  The islands belong to Spain.
2 an event, a competition, etc. that belongs to sb is one in which they are the most successful or popular: British actors did well at the award ceremony, but the evening belonged to the Americans. be'long to sth
1 to be a member of a club, an organization, etc: Have you ever belonged to a political party?
2 to be part of a particular group type, or system: Lions and tigers belong to the cat family.
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be.long.ings
noun [pl.] the things that you own which can be moved, for example not land or buildings: insurance of property and personal belongings  She packed her few belongings in a bag and left.
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be.loved
adj., noun
adj. (written)
1 ~ by / of sb loved very much by sb; very popular with sb: the deep purple flowers so beloved by artists
2 [only before noun] loved very much: in memory of our dearly beloved son, John

noun (old use or literary) a person who is loved very much by sb: It was a gift from her beloved.

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below
prep., adv.
prep.
1 at or to a lower level or position than sb/sth: He dived below the surface of the water.  Please do not write below this line.  Skirts will be worn below (= long enough to cover) the knee.
2 of a lower amount or standard than sb/sth: The temperatures remained below freezing all day.  Her work was well below average for the class.
3 of a lower rank or of less importance than sb/sth: A police sergeant is below an inspector.  They’re two places below Chelsea in the table.  note at UNDER

adv.
1 at or to a lower level, position or place: They live on the floor below.  I could still see the airport buildings far below.  See below (= at the bottom of the page) for references.  The passengers who felt seasick stayed below (= on a lower deck).
2 (of a temperature) lower than zero: The thermometer had dropped to a record 40 below (= −40 degrees).
3 at a lower rank: This ruling applies to the ranks of Inspector and below.

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belt
noun, verb
noun
1 a long narrow piece of leather, fabric, etc. that you wear around the waist: to do up / fasten / tighten a belt  a belt buckle—see also BLACK BELT , LIFEBELT , SEAT BELT , SUSPENDER BELT —
2 a continuous band of material that moves round and is used to carry things along or to drive machinery—see also CONVEYOR BELT , FAN BELT
3 an area with particular characteristics or where a particular group of people live: the country’s corn / industrial belt  We live in the commuter belt.  a belt of rain moving across the country—see also GREEN BELT
4 (informal) an act of hitting sth/sb hard: She gave the ball a terrific belt.
IDM below the 'belt (of a remark) unfair or cruel: That was distinctly below the belt! ,belt and 'braces (informal) taking more actions than are really necessary to make sure that sth succeeds or works as it should: a belt-and-braces policy have sth under your 'belt (informal) to have already achieved or obtained sth: She already has a couple of good wins under her belt.—more at TIGHTEN

verb
1 [vn] (informal) to hit sb/sth hard: He belted the ball right out of the park.  I’ll belt you if you do that again.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal, especially BrE) to move very fast: A truck came belting up behind us.
3 [vn] to fasten a belt around sth: The dress was belted at the waist.
PVR V ,belt sth<->'out (informal) to sing a song or play music loudly: Nobody can belt out a tune like she can. ,belt 'up (BrE)
1 (AmE ,buckle 'up) (informal) to fasten your SEAT BELT (= a belt worn by a passenger in a vehicle)
2 (spoken) used to tell sb rudely to be quiet: Just belt up, will you!

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belt.ed
adj. with a belt around it: a belted jacket
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belt.way
noun (AmE ) a RING ROAD , especially the one around Washington DC
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be.moan
verb [vn] (formal) to complain or say that you are not happy about sth: They sat bemoaning the fact that no one would give them a chance.
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be.mused
adj. showing that you are confused and unable to think clearly: a bemused expression / smile
be.mus.ed.ly adv.
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bench
noun
1 [C] a long seat for two or more people, usually made of wood: a park bench—picture at CHAIR
2 (the bench) [sing.] (law) a judge in a court of law or the seat where he/she sits; the position of being a judge or MAGISTRATE : His lawyer turned to address the bench.  She has recently been appointed to the bench.
3 [C, often pl.] (in the British Parliament) a seat where a particular group of politicians sit: There was cheering from the Opposition benches.—see also BACK BENCH , THE FRONT BENCH
4 (the bench) [sing.] (sport) the seats where players sit when they are not playing in the game: the substitutes' bench
5 [C] = WORKBENCH : a carpenter’s bench
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bench.mark
noun something which can be measured and used as a standard that other things can be compared with: Tests at the age of seven provide a benchmark against which the child’s progress at school can be measured.
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bend
verb, noun
verb (bent, bent )
1 [often +adv. / prep.] (especially of sb’s body or head) to lean, or make sth lean, in a particular direction: [v] He bent and kissed her.  fields of poppies bending in the wind  His dark head bent over her.  She bent forward to pick up the newspaper.  Slowly bend from the waist and bring your head down to your knees.  [vn] He bent his head and kissed her.  She was bent over her desk writing a letter.
2 if you bend your arm, leg, etc. or if it bends, you move it so that it is no longer straight: [vn] Bend your knees, keeping your back straight.  [v] Lie flat and let your knees bend.
3 [vn] to force sth that was straight into an angle or a curve: Mark the pipe where you want to bend it.  The knives were bent out of shape.  He bent the wire into the shape of a square.
4 to change direction to form a curve or an angle; to make sth change direction in this way: [v] The road bent sharply to the right.  [vn] Glass and water both bend light.
IDM bend sb’s 'ear (about sth) (informal) to talk to sb a lot about sth, especially about a problem that you have bend your 'mind / 'efforts to sth (formal) to think very hard about or put a lot of effort into one particular thing bend the 'truth to say sth that is not completely true on bended 'knee(s) if you ask for sth on bended knee(s), you ask for it in a very anxious and/or HUMBLE way—more at BACKWARDS , RULE n.
PVR V 'bend sb to sth (formal) to force or persuade sb to do what you want or to accept your opinions: He manipulates people and tries to bend them to his will (= make them do what he wants).

noun
1 [C] a curve or turn, especially in a road or river: a sharp bend in the road—see also HAIRPIN BEND
2 (the bends) [pl.] severe pain and difficulty in breathing experienced by a DIVER who comes back to the surface of the water too quickly
IDM round the bend / twist (informal, especially BrE) crazy: She’s gone completely round the bend.  The children have been driving me round the bend today (= annoying me very much).

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bend.er
noun (slang) a period of drinking a lot of alcohol or taking a lot of drugs: to go on a bender
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bendy
adj. (BrE , informal)
1 that can be bent easily
SYN FLEXIBLE
2 with many bends: a bendy road
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be.neath
prep. (formal)
1 in or to a lower position than sb/sth; under sb/sth: They found the body buried beneath a pile of leaves.  The boat sank beneath the waves.
2 not good enough for sb: He considers such jobs beneath him.  They thought she had married beneath her (= married a man of lower social status).  note at UNDER
be.neath adv.: Her careful make-up hid the signs of age beneath.
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Bene.dic.tine
noun a member of a Christian group of MONKS or NUNS following the rules of St Benedict
Bene.dic.tine adj.: a Benedictine monastery
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bene.dic.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) a Christian prayer of BLESSING
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bene.fac.tion
noun [C] (formal) a gift, usually of money, that is given to a person or an organization in order to do good
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bene.fac.tor
noun (formal) a person who gives money or other help to a person or an organization such as a school or charity
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bene.fice
noun the paid position of a Christian priest in charge of a PARISH
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be.nefi.cent
adj. (formal) giving help; showing kindness
SYN GENEROUS : the beneficent powers of Nature
be.nefi.cence noun [U]
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bene.fi.cial
adj. ~ (to sth/sb) (written) improving a situation; having a helpful or useful effect
SYN FAVOURABLE , ADVANTAGEOUS : a good diet is beneficial to health
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bene.fi.ciary
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (of sth)
1 a person who gains as a result of sth: Who will be the main beneficiary of the cuts in income tax?
2 a person who receives money or property when sb dies
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bene.fit
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] an advantage that sth gives you; a helpful and useful effect that sth has: I’ve had the benefit of a good education.  The new regulations will be of benefit to everyone concerned.  It will be to your benefit to arrive early.  He couldn’t see the benefit of arguing any longer.  the benefits of modern medicine  It was good to see her finally reaping the benefits (= enjoying the results) of all her hard work.—see also COST-BENEFIT , FRINGE BENEFIT
2 [U, C] (BrE) money provided by the government to people who need financial help because they are unemployed, ill, etc.—see also CHILD BENEFIT , HOUSING BENEFIT , SICKNESS BENEFIT
3 [C, usually pl.] advantages that you get from a company in addition to the money that you earn; money from an insurance company: The insurance plan will provide substantial cash benefits to your family in case of your death.—see also FRINGE BENEFIT
4 [C] an event such as a performance, a dinner, etc., organized in order to raise money for a particular person or charity: a benefit match / concert
IDM for sb’s benefit especially in order to help or be useful to sb: I have typed out some lecture notes for the benefit of those people who were absent last week.  Don’t go to any trouble for my benefit! give sb the ,benefit of the 'doubt to accept that sb has told the truth or has not done sth wrong because you cannot prove that they have not

verb (-t- or -tt-)
1 [vn] to be useful to sb or improve their life in some way: We should spend the money on something that will benefit everyone.
2 [v] ~ (from / by sth) to be in a better position because of sth: Who exactly stands to benefit from these changes?

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be.nevo.lent
adj.
1 (formal) (especially of people in authority) kind, helpful and generous: a benevolent smile / attitude  belief in the existence of a benevolent god
OPP MALEVOLENT
2 used in the names of some organizations that give help and money to people in need: the RAF Benevolent Fund
be.nevo.lence noun [U]
be.nevo.lent.ly adv.
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Ben.gali
noun
1 [C] a person from Bangladesh or West Bengal
2 [U] the language of people from Bangladesh or West Bengal
Ben.gali adj.
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be.night.ed
adj. (old-fashioned)
1 (of people) without understanding
2 (of places) without the benefits of modern life
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be.nign
adj.
1 (formal) (of people) kind and gentle; not causing any harm
2 (medical) (of TUMOURS growing in the body) not dangerous or likely to cause death—compare MALIGNANT
be.nign.ly adv.: He smiled benignly.
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bent
adj., noun —see also BEND , BENT , BENT
adj.
1 not straight: a piece of bent wire  Do this exercise with your knees bent (= not with your legs straight).—picture at CURL
2 (of a person) not able to stand up straight, usually because of old age or disease: a small bent old woman  He was bent double with laughter.
3 (BrE, informal) (of a person in authority) dishonest
IDM be 'bent on sth / on doing sth to be determined to do sth (usually sth bad): She seems bent on making life difficult for me.—see also HELL-BENT

noun [usually sing.] ~ (for sth) a natural skill or interest in sth: She has a bent for mathematics.

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ben.zene
noun [U] a colourless liquid obtained from PETROLEUM and COAL TAR , used in making plastics and many chemical products
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be.queath
verb ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth (formal)
1 to say in a WILL that you want sb to have your property, money, etc. after you die: [vn, vnn] He bequeathed his entire estate to his daughter.  He bequeathed his daughter his entire estate.
2 [vn, vnn] to leave the results of your work, knowledge, etc. for other people to use, especially after you have died
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be.quest
noun (formal) money or property that you ask to be given to a particular person when you die: He left a bequest to each of his grandchildren.
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be.rate
verb [vn] (formal) to criticize or speak angrily to sb because you do not approve of sth they have done
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be.reave
verb [vn] (be bereaved) if sb is bereaved, a relative or close friend has just died: The ceremony was an ordeal for those who had been recently bereaved.
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be.reaved
adj. (formal)
1 having lost a relative or close friend who has recently died: recently bereaved families
2 (the bereaved) noun (pl.the bereaved) a person who is bereaved : an organization offering counselling for the bereaved
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be.reave.ment
noun
1 [U] the state of having lost a relative or close friend because they have died: the pain of an emotional crisis such as divorce or bereavement
2 [C] the death of a relative or close friend: A family bereavement meant that he could not attend the conference.
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be.reft
adj. [not before noun] (formal)
1 ~ of sth completely lacking sth; having lost sth: bereft of ideas / hope
2 (of a person) sad and lonely because you have lost sth: He was utterly bereft when his wife died.
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beret
noun a round flat cap made out of soft fabric and with a tight band around the head—picture at HAT
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berk
noun (BrE , slang, disapproving) a stupid person
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Bermuda shorts
(also Ber.mu.das ) noun [pl.] SHORTS (= short trousers/pants) that come down to just above the knee: a pair of Bermudas
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berry
noun (pl.-ies) (often in compounds) a small fruit that grows on a bush. There are several types of berry , some of which can be eaten: Birds feed on nuts and berries in the winter.  blackberries / raspberries—
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ber.serk
adj. [not usually before noun] very angry: He went berserk when he found out where I’d been.
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berth
noun, verb
noun
1 a place to sleep on a ship or train, or in a CARAVAN /CAMPER : a cabin with three berths
2 a place where a ship or boat can stop and stay, usually in a harbour: a berth in dock
IDM see WIDE adj.

verb to put a ship in a berth or keep it there; to sail into a berth : [vn] The ship is berthed at Southampton. [alsov]

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be.seech
verb (be.sought, be.sought ) or (be.seeched, be.seeched) (formal) to ask sb for sth in an anxious way because you want or need it very much
SYN IMPLORE , BEG : [vn] Let him go, I beseech you! [alsovn to inf, v]
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be.seech.ing
adj. [only before noun] (formal) (of a look, tone of voice, etc.) showing that you want sth very much
be.seech.ing.ly adv.
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beset
verb (be.set.ting, beset, beset) [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to affect sb/sth in an unpleasant or harmful way: The team had been beset by injury all season.  It’s one of the most difficult problems besetting our modern way of life.
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be.side
prep.
1 next to or at the side of sb/sth: He sat beside her all night.  a mill beside a stream
2 compared with sb/sth: My painting looks childish beside yours.
IDM be'side yourself (with sth) unable to control yourself because of the strength of emotion you are feeling: He was beside himself with rage when I told him what I had done.
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be.sides
prep., adv.
prep. in addition to sb/sth; apart from sb/sth: We have lots of things in common besides music.  Besides working as a doctor, he also writes novels in his spare time.  I’ve got no family besides my parents.  note at BESIDE

adv.
1 used for making an extra comment that adds to what you have just said: I don’t really want to go. Besides, it’s too late now.  note at BESIDE
2 in addition; also: discounts on televisions, stereos and much more besides

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be.siege
verb [vn]
1 to surround a building, city, etc. with soldiers until the people inside are forced to let you in: Paris was besieged for four months and forced to surrender.   (figurative) Fans besieged the box office to try and get tickets for the concert.
2 [usually passive] (especially of sth unpleasant or annoying) to surround sb/sth in large numbers: The actress was besieged by reporters at the airport.
3 ~ sb (with sth) to send so many letters, ask so many questions, etc. that it is difficult for sb to deal with them all: The radio station was besieged with calls from angry listeners.
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be.smirch
verb [vn] (formal) to damage the opinion that people have of sb/sth
SYN SULLY : He had deliberately set out to besmirch her reputation.
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be.sot.ted
adj. ~ (by / with sb/sth) loving sb/sth so much that you do not behave in a sensible way: He is completely besotted with his new girlfriend.
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be.sought
pt, pp of BESEECH
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be.spec.tacled
adj. (formal) wearing SPECTACLES
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be.spoke
adj. [usually before noun] (especially BrE , formal)
1 (AmE usually ,custom-'made) (of a product) made specially, according to the needs of an individual customer: bespoke software  a bespoke suit
2 making products specially, according to the needs of an individual customer: a bespoke tailor
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best
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (superlative of good)
1 of the most excellent type or quality: That’s the best movie I’ve ever seen!  He wrote his best songs before he was 25.  She was one of the best tennis players of her generation.  Is that your best suit?  They’ve been best friends (= closest friends) since they were children.  the company’s best-ever results  We want the kids to have the best possible education.
2 most enjoyable; happiest: Those were the best years of my life.
3 most suitable or appropriate: What’s the best way to cook steak?  The best thing to do would be to apologize.  He’s the best man for the job.  It’s best if you go now.  I’m not in the best position to advise you.
IDM Idioms containing bestadj. are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example on your best behaviour is at behaviour.

adv. (superlative of well, often used in adjectives)
1 most; to the greatest extent: Which one do you like best?  Well-drained soil suits the plant best.  her best-known poem
2 in the most excellent way; to the highest standard: He works best in the mornings.  Britain’s best-dressed woman  The beaches are beautiful, but, best of all , there are very few tourists.
3 in the most suitable or appropriate way: Painting is best done in daylight.  Do as you think best (= what you think is the most suitable thing to do).
IDM as ,best you 'can not perfectly but as well as you are able: We’ll manage as best we can.

noun [sing.] (usually the best)
1 the most excellent thing or person: We all want the best for our children.  They only buy the best.  They’re all good players, but she’s the best of all.  We’re the best of friends (= very close friends).
2 the highest standard that sb/sth can reach: She always brings out the best in people.  The town looks its best (= is most attractive) in the spring.  Don’t worry about the exam—just do your best .  The roses are past their best now.  I don’t really feel at my best today.
3 something that is as close as possible to what you need or want: Fifty pounds is the best I can offer you.  The best we can hope for in the game is a draw.
4 the highest standard that a particular person has reached, especially in a sport: She won the race with a personal best of 2 minutes 22.
IDM all the 'best (informal) used when you are saying goodbye to sb or ending a letter, to give sb your good wishes at 'best used for saying what is the best opinion you can have of sb/sth, or the best thing that can happen, when the situation is bad: Their response to the proposal was, at best, cool.  We can’t arrive before Friday at best. be (all) for the 'best used to say that although sth appears bad or unpleasant now, it will be good in the end: I don’t want you to leave, but perhaps it’s for the best. the best of 'three, 'five, etc. (especially in games and sports) up to three, five, etc. games played to decide who wins, the winner being the person who wins most of them do, mean, etc. sth for the 'best to do or say sth in order to achieve a good result or to help sb: I just don’t know what to do for the best.  I’m sorry if my advice offended you—I meant it for the best. have / get the 'best of sth to gain more advantage from sth than sb else: I thought you had the best of that discussion. make the best of sth / it | make the best of things | make the best of a bad job to accept a bad or difficult situation and do as well as you can to the best of your 'knowledge / be'lief as far as you know: He never made a will, to the best of my knowledge. with the 'best (of them) as well as anyone: He’ll be out there, dancing with the best of them.—more at BUNCH n. , HOPE v. , LUCK n. , SUNDAY

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to defeat or be more successful than sb

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bes.tial
adj. (formal) cruel and disgusting; of or like a BEAST : bestial acts / cruelty / noises
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bes.ti.al.ity
noun [U]
1 (technical) sexual activity between a human being and an animal
2 (formal) cruel or disgusting behaviour
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be.stir
verb (-rr-) [vn] ~ yourself (formal or humorous) to start doing things after a period during which you have been doing nothing
SYN ROUSE
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,best 'man
noun [sing.] a male friend or relative of the BRIDEGROOM at a wedding, who helps him during the wedding ceremony—compare BRIDESMAID
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be.stow
verb [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb) (formal) to give sth to sb, especially to show how much they are respected: It was a title bestowed upon him by the king.
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,best-'seller
noun a product, usually a book, which is bought by large numbers of people: the best-seller list
,best-'selling adj.: a best-selling novel / author
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bet
verb, noun
verb (bet.ting, bet, bet)
1 ~ (sth) (on / against sth) to risk money on a race or an event by trying to predict the result: [v] You have to be over 16 to bet.  [vn] He bet $2 000 on the final score of the game.  [vnn] She bet me £20 that I wouldn’t do it. [alsov that, vn that] —see also BETTING , GAMBLE
2 (spoken) used to say that you are almost certain that sth is true or that sth will happen: [v (that)] I bet (that) we’re too late.  You can bet (that) the moment I sit down, the phone will ring.  [vn (that)] I’ll bet you (that) he knows all about it.
IDM I / I’ll bet! (spoken)
1 used to show that you can understand what sb is feeling, describing, etc: ‘I nearly died when he told me.’‘I bet!’
2 used to tell sb that you do not believe what they have just said: ‘I’m going to tell her what I think of her.’‘Yeah, I bet!’ I wouldn’t 'bet on it | don’t 'bet on it (spoken) used to say that you do not think that sth is very likely: ‘She’ll soon get used to the idea.’‘I wouldn’t bet on it.’ ,you 'bet! (spoken) used instead of ‘yes’ to emphasize that sb has guessed sth correctly or made a good suggestion: ‘Are you nervous?’‘You bet!’ you can bet your 'life / your bottom 'dollar (on sth / (that) … ) (spoken) used to say that you are certain that sth will happen: You can bet your bottom dollar that he’ll be late.

noun
1 an arrangement to risk money, etc. on the result of a particular event; the money that you risk in this way: to win / lose a bet  We’ve got a bet on who’s going to arrive first.  He had a bet on the horses.  ‘Liverpool are bound to win.’‘Do you want a bet?’ (= I disagree with you, I don’t think they will.)  They all put a bet on the race.  I hear you’re taking bets on whether she’ll marry him.  I did it for a bet (= because sb had agreed to pay me money if I did).
2 (informal) an opinion about what is likely to happen or to have happened: My bet is that they’ve been held up in traffic.
IDM the / your best bet (informal) used to tell sb what is the best action for them to take to get the result they want: If you want to get around London fast, the Underground is your best bet. a ,good / ,safe 'bet something that is likely to happen, to succeed or to be suitable: Clothes are a safe bet as a present for a teenager.—more at HEDGE v.

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beta
noun the second letter of the Greek alphabet (B, β)
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'beta blocker
noun a drug used to control heart rhythm, treat severe chest pain and reduce high blood pressure
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betel
noun [U] the leaves of a climbing plant, also called betel, chewed by people in Asia
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'betel nut
noun the slightly bitter nut of a tropical Asian PALM , that is cut into small pieces, wrapped in the leaves of a plant, (called betel), and chewed
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bête noire
noun (pl.bêtes noires ) (from French ) a person or thing that particularly annoys you and that you do not like
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be.tide
verb
IDM see WOE
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be.token
verb [vn] (literary) to be a sign of sth: a clear blue sky betokening a fine day
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be.tray
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (to sb) to give information about sb/sth to an enemy: For years they had been betraying state secrets to Russia.  He was offered money to betray his colleagues.
2 to hurt sb who trusts you, especially by not being loyal or faithful to them: She felt betrayed when she found out the truth about him.  She betrayed his trust over and over again.  I have never known her to betray a confidence (= tell other people sth that should be kept secret).
3 to ignore your principles or beliefs in order to achieve sth or gain an advantage for yourself: He has been accused of betraying his former socialist ideals.
4 ~ sth / yourself to tell sb or make them aware of a piece of information, a feeling, etc., usually without meaning to: His voice betrayed the worry he was trying to hide.  She was terrified of saying something that would make her betray herself (= show her feelings or who she was).
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be.tray.al
noun [U, C] the act of betraying sb/sth or the fact of being betrayed : a sense / a feeling / an act of betrayal  I saw her actions as a betrayal of my trust.  the many disappointments and betrayals in his life
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be.troth.al
noun ~ (to sb) (formal or old-fashioned) an agreement to marry sb
SYN ENGAGEMENT
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be.trothed
adj. (formal or old-fashioned)
1 ~ (to sb) having promised to marry sb
SYN ENGAGED
2 (sb’s betrothed) noun [sing.] the person that sb has promised to marry
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bet.ter
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (comparative of good)
1 of a higher standard or less poor quality; not as bad as sth else: We’re hoping for better weather tomorrow.  Her work is getting better and better .  He is in a much better mood than usual.  The meal couldn’t have been better.  There’s nothing better than a long soak in a hot bath.  If you can only exercise once a week, that’s better than nothing (= better than taking no exercise at all).
2 more able or skilled: She’s far better at science than her brother.
3 more suitable or appropriate: Can you think of a better word than ‘nice’?  It would be better for him to talk to his parents about his problems.  You’d be better going by bus.
4 less ill/sick or unhappy: She’s a lot better today.  His leg was getting better.  You’ll feel all the better for a good night’s sleep.
IDM Most idioms containing better are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example better luck next time is at luck.  little / no better than almost or just the same as; almost or just as bad as: The path was no better than a sheep track. that’s (much) 'better
1 used to give support to sb who has been upset and is trying to become calmer: Dry your eyes now. That’s better.
2 used to praise sb who has made an effort to improve: That’s much better—you played the right notes this time. the ,bigger, ,smaller, ,faster, ,slower, etc. the 'better used to say that sth should be as big, small, etc. as possible: As far as the hard disk is concerned, the bigger the better.—more at DISCRETION , HEAD n. , PART n. , PREVENTION

adv. (comparative of well)
1 in a more excellent or pleasant way; not as badly: She sings much better than I do.  Sound travels better in water than in air.  People are better educated now.
2 more; to a greater degree: You’ll like her when you know her better.  A cup of tea? There’s nothing I’d like better!  Fit people are better able to cope with stress.
3 used to suggest that sth would be a suitable or appropriate thing to do: The money could be better spent on more urgent cases.  Some things are better left unsaid.  You’d do better to tell her everything before she finds out from someone else.
IDM Most idioms containing better are at the entries for the nouns, adjectives and verbs in the idioms, for example better the devil you know is at devil.  be better 'off to have more money: Families will be better off under the new law.  Her promotion means she’s $100 a week better off. be better off (doing sth) used to say that sb is/would be happier or more satisfied if they were in a particular position or did a particular thing: She’s better off without him.  The weather was so bad we’d have been better off staying at home. had better / best (do sth) used to tell sb what you think they should do: You’d better go to the doctor about your cough.  We’d better leave now or we’ll miss the bus.  You’d better not do that again.  ‘I’ll give you back the money tomorrow.’‘You’d better!’ (= as a threat)  note at SHOULD

noun
1 [sing., U] something that is better: the better of the two books  I expected better of him (= I thought he would have behaved better).
2 (your betters) [pl.] (old-fashioned) people who are more intelligent or more important than you
IDM for ,better or (for) 'worse used to say that sth cannot be changed, whether the result is good or bad get the better of sb/sth to defeat sb/sth or gain an advantage: No one can get the better of her in an argument.  She always gets the better of an argument.  His curiosity got the better of him (= he didn’t intend to ask questions, but he wanted to know so badly that he did). so much the 'better / 'worse used to say that sth is even better/worse: We don’t actually need it on Tuesday, but if it arrives by then, so much the better.—more at CHANGE n. , ELDER n. , THINK v.

verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to be better or do sth better than sb/sth else: The work he produced early in his career has never really been bettered.
2 ~ yourself to improve your social position through education, a better job, etc: Thousands of Victorian workers joined educational associations in an attempt to better themselves.

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bet.ter.ment
noun [U] (formal) the process of becoming or making sth/sb better
SYN IMPROVEMENT
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bet.ting
noun [U] the act of risking money, etc. on the unknown result of an event: illegal betting
IDM What’s the betting … ? | The betting is that … (informal) it seems likely that …: What’s the betting that he gets his own way?  The betting is that he’ll get his own way.
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'betting shop
noun (BrE ) a shop where you can bet on horse races and other competitions
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be.tween
prep., adv.
prep.
1 in or into the space separating two or more points, objects, people, etc: Q comes between P and R in the English alphabet.  I sat down between Jo and Diana.  Switzerland lies between France, Germany, Austria and Italy.  The paper had fallen down between the desk and the wall.   (figurative) My job is somewhere between a secretary and a personal assistant.
2 in the period of time that separates two days, years, events, etc: It’s cheaper between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.  Don’t eat between meals.  Children must attend school between the ages of 5 and 16.  Many changes took place between the two world wars.
3 at some point along a scale from one amount, weight, distance, etc. to another: It weighed between nine and ten kilos.  The temperature remained between 25 ° C and 30 ° C all week.
4 (of a line) separating one place from another: the border between Sweden and Norway
5 from one place to another: We fly between Rome and Paris twice daily.
6 used to show a connection or relationship: a difference / distinction / contrast between two things  a link between unemployment and crime  There’s a lot of bad feeling between them.  I had to choose between the two jobs.
7 shared by two or more people or things: We drank a bottle of wine between us.  This is just between you and me  / between ourselves (= it is a secret).
8 ~ doing sth used to show that several activities are involved: Between working full-time and taking care of the kids, he didn’t have much time for hobbies.

adv. (usually in between) in the space or period of time separating two or more points, objects, etc. or two dates, events, etc.: The house was near a park but there was a road in between.  I see her most weekends but not very often in between.
IDM see BETWIXT

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be.twixt
adv., prep. (literary or old use) between
IDM be,twixt and be'tween (old-fashioned) in a middle position; neither one thing nor the other
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bevel
noun
1 a sloping edge or surface, for example at the side of a picture frame or sheet of glass
2 a tool for making sloping edges or surfaces on wood or stone
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bev.elled
(BrE ) (AmEbev.eled) adj. [usually before noun] having a sloping edge or surface: a bevelled mirror
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bev.er.age
noun (formal) any type of drink except water: laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages
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bevy
noun [sing.] (informal) a large group of people or things of the same kind: a bevy of beauties (= beautiful young women)
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be.wail
verb [vn] (formal or humorous) to express great sadness about sth
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be.ware
verb ~ (of sb/sth / of doing sth) (used only in infinitives and in orders) if you tell sb to beware, you are warning them that sb/sth is dangerous and that they should be careful: [v] Motorists have been warned to beware of icy roads.  Beware of saying anything that might reveal where you live.  [vn] It’s a great place for swimming, but beware dangerous currents. [alsov -ing]
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be.wil.der
verb [vn] [usually passive] to confuse sb: She was totally bewildered by his sudden change of mood.
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be.wil.der.ing
adj. making you feel confused because there are too many things to choose from or because sth is difficult to understand: a bewildering array / range  There is a bewildering variety of software available.
be.wil.der.ing.ly adv.: All the houses looked bewilderingly similar.
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be.wil.der.ment
noun [U] a feeling of being completely confused: to look / stare in bewilderment
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be.witch
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] (written) to attract or impress sb so much that they cannot think in a sensible way: He was completely bewitched by her beauty.
2 to put a magic SPELL on sb
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be.witch.ing
adj. (written) so beautiful or interesting that you cannot think about anything else: a bewitching girl / smile  a bewitching performance
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be.yond
prep., adv.
prep.
1 on or to the further side of sth: The road continues beyond the village up into the hills.
2 later than a particular time: It won’t go on beyond midnight.  I know what I’ll be doing for the next three weeks but I haven’t thought beyond that.
3 more than sth: Our success was far beyond what we thought possible.  She’s got nothing beyond her state pension.
4 used to say that sth is not possible: The bicycle was beyond repair (= is too badly damaged to repair).  The situation is beyond our control.
5 too far or too advanced for sb/sth: The handle was just beyond my reach.  The exercise was beyond the abilities of most of the class.
IDM be beyond sb (informal) to be impossible for sb to imagine, understand or do: It’s beyond me why she wants to marry Jeff.

adv. on the other side; further on: Snowdon and the mountains beyond were covered in snow.  The immediate future is clear, but it’s hard to tell what lies beyond.  the year 2000 and beyond
IDM see BACK n. , DOUBT n.

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bi-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) two; twice; double: bilingual  bicentenary
HELP Bi- with a period of time can mean either ‘happening twice’ in that period of time, or ‘happening once in every two’ periods.
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bi.an.nual
adj. [only before noun] happening twice a year: a biannual meeting—compare ANNUAL —see also BIENNIAL
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bias
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] a strong feeling in favour of or against one group of people, or one side in an argument, often not based on fair judgement: accusations of political bias in news programmes (= that reports are unfair and show favour to one political party)  Employers must consider all candidates impartially and without bias.  Some institutions still have a strong bias against women.
2 [C, usually sing.] an interest in one thing more than others; a special ability: The course has a strong practical bias.
3 [U, sing.] the bias of a piece of cloth is an edge cut DIAGONALLY across the threads: The skirt is cut on the bias.

verb (-s- or -ss-) [vn] ~ sb/sth (towards / against / in favour of sb/sth) to unfairly influence sb’s opinions or decisions: The newspapers have biased people against her.

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biased
(also biassed) adj.
1 ~ (toward(s) / against / in favour of sb/sth) having a tendency to show favour towards or against one group of people or one opinion for personal reasons; making unfair judgements: biased information / sources / press reports  a biased jury / witness
OPP UNBIASED
2 ~ toward(s) sth/sb having a particular interest in one thing more than others: a school biased towards music and art
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bi.ath.lon
noun [sing., U] a sporting event that combines CROSS-COUNTRY skiing and RIFLE shooting—compare DECATHLON , HEPTATHLON , PENTATHLON , TRIATHLON
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bib
noun
1 a piece of fabric or plastic that you put under babies' chins to protect their clothes while they are eating
2 (especially BrE) a piece of fabric or plastic with a number or special colours on it that people wear on their chests and backs when they are taking part in a sport, for example a race or a football match, so that people know who they are
IDM your best bib and 'tucker (humorous) your best clothes that you only wear on special occasions
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bible
noun
1 (the Bible) [sing.] the holy book of the Christian religion, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament
2 (the Bible) [sing.] the holy book of the Jewish religion, consisting of the Torah (or Law), the PROPHETS , and the Writings
3 [C] a copy of the holy book of the Christian or Jewish religion
4 [C] a book containing important information on a subject, that you refer to very often: the stamp-collector’s bible
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bib.lical
(also Biblical) adj. connected with the Bible; in the Bible: biblical scholarship / times / scenes  biblical stories / passages
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biblio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with books: bibliophile
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bibli.og.raphy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a list of books or articles about a particular subject or by a particular author; the list of books, etc. that have been used by sb writing an article, etc: There is a useful bibliography at the end of each chapter.
2 [U] the study of the history of books and their production
bibli.og.raph.er noun
bib.lio.graph.ic.al adj.
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bib.lio.phile
noun (formal) a person who loves or collects books
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'bib overalls
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = DUNGAREES (1)
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bi.cam.eral
adj. (technical ) (of a parliament) having two main parts, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives in the US, and the House of Commons and the House of Lords in Britain
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bi.carb
noun [U] (informal) = SODIUM BICARBONATE
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bi.car.bon.ate
noun [U] (chemistry ) a salt containing a double amount of CARBON DIOXIDE
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bi,carbonate of 'soda
noun [U] = SODIUM BICARBONATE
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bi.cen.ten.ary
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) (AmE bi.cen.ten.nial) the year, or the day, when you celebrate an important event that happened exactly 200 years earlier: Mozart’s bicentenary  to celebrate / mark the bicentenary of sb/sth
bi.cen.ten.ary adj. [only before noun]: bicentenary celebrations
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bi.cen.ten.nial
noun (AmE ) = BICENTENARY
bi.cen.ten.nial adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE): bicentennial celebrations
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bi.ceps
noun (pl.bi.ceps) the large muscle at the front of the top part of the arm: He showed off his bulging biceps.—compare TRICEPS
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bicker
verb [v] ~ (about / over sth) to argue about things that are not important SQUABBLE : The children are always bickering about something or other.
bicker.ing noun [U]
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bi.cycle
noun, verb
noun (also informal bike) a road vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing the PEDALS with your feet: He got on his bicycle and rode off.  We went for a bicycle ride on Sunday.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (old-fashioned) to go somewhere on a bicycle—compare BIKE , CYCLE

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'bicycle clip
noun one of the two bands that people wear around their ankles when they are riding a bicycle to stop their trousers/pants getting caught in the chain
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'bicycle lane
(also informal 'bike lane) noun (both AmE ) = CYCLE LANE
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bi.cyc.list
noun (old-fashioned in British English, formal in American English) a person who rides a bicycle—compare CYCLIST
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bid^1
verb, noun —see also BID^2
verb (bid.ding, bid, bid)
1 to offer to pay a particular price for sth, especially at an AUCTION : [vn] I bid £2 000 for the painting.  [v] We wanted to buy the chairs but another couple were bidding against us.
2 ~ (for sth)| (AmE ) ~ (on sth) to offer to do work or provide a service for a particular price, in competition with other companies, etc.
SYN TENDER : [v] A French firm will be bidding for the contract. [alsov to inf]
3 [v to inf] (used especially in newspapers) to try to do, get or achieve sth
SYN ATTEMPT : The team is bidding to retain its place in the league.
4 (in some card games) to say how many points you expect to win: [vn] She bid four hearts. [alsov] what am I 'bid? used by an AUCTIONEER when he or she is selling sth: What am I bid for this vase?

noun
1 ~ (for sth) an offer by a person or a business company to pay a particular amount of money for sth: Granada mounted a hostile takeover bid for Forte.  At the auction (= a public sale where things are sold to the person who offers most), the highest bid for the picture was £200 000.  Any more bids?
2 ~ (for sth)| (AmE also) ~ (on sth) an offer to do work or provide a service for a particular price, in competition with other companies, etc.
SYN TENDER : The company submitted a bid for the contract to clean the hospital.
3 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) (used especially in newspapers) an effort to do sth or to obtain sth: a bid for power  a desperate bid to escape from his attackers
4 (in some card games) a statement of the number of points a player thinks he or she will win

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bid^2
verb —see also BID^1 (bid.ding, bade bidden ) or (bid.ding, bid, bid)
1 ~ (sb) good morning, farewell, etc. (formal) to say ‘good morning’, etc. to sb: [vn, vnn] I bade farewell to all the friends I had made in Paris.  I bade all my friends farewell.
2 (old use or literary) to tell sb to do sth: [vn inf] He bade me come closer. [alsovn to inf, vn]
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bid.dable
adj. (rare, especially BrE ) (of people) willing to obey and to do what they are told to
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bid.der
noun
1 a person or group that offers to pay an amount of money to buy sth: The house went to the highest bidder (= the person who offered the most money).
2 a person or group that offers to do sth or to provide sth for a particular amount of money, in competition with others: There were six bidders for the catering contract.
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bid.ding
noun [U]
1 the act of offering prices, especially at an AUCTION : There was fast bidding between private collectors and dealers.  Several companies remained in the bidding .
2 the act of offering to do sth or to provide sth for a particular price: competitive bidding for the contract
3 (in some card games) the process of stating the number of points that players think they will win
4 (old-fashioned or formal) what sb asks or orders you to do: to do sb’s bidding (= to obey sb)
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bide
verb [v] (old use) = ABIDE
IDM bide your 'time to wait for the right time to do sth: He decided to bide his time until he got an opportunity to talk to her alone.
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bidet
noun a low bowl in the bathroom, usually with taps/faucets, that you fill with water and sit on to wash your bottom
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bi.en.nial
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] happening once every two years: a biennial convention
bi.en.ni.al.ly adv.—see also ANNUAL , BIANNUAL

noun any plant that lives for two years, producing flowers in the second year—compare ANNUAL , PERENNIAL

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bier
noun a frame on which the dead body or the COFFIN is placed or carried at a funeral
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biff
verb [vn] (old-fashioned, informal) to hit sb hard with your FIST : He biffed me on the nose.
biff noun
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bi.focals
noun [pl.] a pair of glasses with each LENS made in two parts. The upper part is for looking at things at a distance, and the lower part is for reading or for looking at things that are close to you.
bi.focal adj.
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bi.fur.cate
verb [v] (formal) (of roads, rivers, etc.) to divide into two separate parts
bi.fur.ca.tion noun [C, U]
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big
adj., adv.
adj. (big.ger, big.gest)
LARGE|
1 large in size, degree, amount, etc: a big man / house / increase  This shirt isn’t big enough.  It’s the world’s biggest computer company.   (informal) He had this great big grin on his face.  They were earning big money.  The news came as a big blow.
OLDER|
2 (informal) older: You’re a big girl now.  my big brother
IMPORTANT|
3 [only before noun] important; serious: a big decision  Tonight is the biggest match of his career.  You are making a big mistake.  She took the stage for her big moment .   (informal) Do you really think we can take on the big boys (= compete with the most powerful people)?
AMBITIOUS|
4 (informal) (of a plan) needing a lot of effort, money or time to succeed: They’re full of big ideas.
POPULAR|
5 ~ (in … ) (informal) popular with the public; successful: Orange is the big colour this year.  The band’s very big in Japan.
ENTHUSIASTIC|
6 (informal) enthusiastic about sb/sth: I’m a big fan of hers.
DOING STH A LOT|
7 doing sth often or to a large degree: a big eater / drinker / spender
GENEROUS|
8 ~ of sb (usually ironic) kind or generous: He gave me an extra five pounds for two hours' work. I thought ‘That’s big of you’.
big.ness noun [U] (rare) be / get too big for your 'boots to be/become too proud of yourself; to behave as if you are more important than you really are a ,big 'cheese (informal, humorous) an important and powerful person, especially in an organization ,big 'deal (spoken) used to say that you are not impressed by sth: So he earns more than me. Big deal! the big enchi'lada (AmE, informal, humorous) the most important person or thing a big fish (in a small pond) an important person (in a small community) a big noise / shot / name an important person the big 'picture (informal, especially AmE) the situation as a whole: Right now forget the details and take a look at the big picture. the big stick (informal) the use or threat of force or power: The authorities used quiet persuasion instead of the big stick. the big three, four, etc. the three, four, etc. most important countries, people, companies, etc: She works for one of the Big Six. give sb / get a big 'hand to show your approval of sb by CLAPPING your hands; to be APPLAUDED in this way: Ladies and gentlemen, give a big hand for our special guests tonight … have / be a big mouth
1 to be bad at keeping secrets
2 to talk too much, especially about your own abilities and achievements me and my big 'mouth (spoken) used when you realize that you have said sth that you should not have said no big 'deal (spoken) used to say that sth is not important or not a problem: If I don’t win it’s no big deal.—more at EYE n. , FISH n. , THING , WAY n.

adv. in an impressive way: We need to think big. go over 'big (with sb) (informal) to make a good impression on sb; to be successful: This story went over big with my kids. make it 'big to be very successful: He’s hoping to make it big on TV.—more at HIT v.

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bigam.ist
noun a person who commits the crime of bigamy
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big.amy
noun [U] the crime of marrying sb when you are still legally married to sb else—compare MONOGAMY , POLYGAMY
big.am.ous adj.: a bigamous relationship
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the ,Big 'Apple
noun [sing.] (informal) New York City
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'big band
noun a large group of musicians playing jazz or dance music: the big-band sound
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,big 'bang
noun [sing.] (usually the big bang) the single large explosion that some scientists suggest created the universe
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,Big 'Brother
noun [sing.] a leader, a person in authority, or a government that tries to control people’s behaviour and thoughts, but pretends to act for their benefit
ORIGIN From George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, in which the leader of the government, Big Brother, had total control over the people. The slogan ‘Big Brother is watching you’ reminded people that he knew everything they did.
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,big 'bucks
noun [pl.] (AmE , informal) a large amount of money
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,big 'business
noun [U]
1 large companies which have a lot of power and influence, considered as a group: links between politics and big business
2 something that has become important because people are willing to spend a lot of money on it: Health and fitness have become big business.
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,big 'cat
noun any large wild animal of the cat family. Lions, TIGERS and LEOPARDS are all big cats .
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,big 'dipper
noun
1 (old-fashioned, BrE) a small train at an AMUSEMENT PARK , which goes very quickly up and down a steep track and around bends—see also ROLLER COASTER
2 (the ,Big 'Dipper) (AmE) = THE PLOUGH
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,big 'game
noun [U] large wild animals that people hunt for sport, for example elephants and lions
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big.gie
noun (informal) an important thing, person or event
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,big-'headed
adj. (informal, disapproving) having a very high opinion of how important and clever you are; too proud
'big-head noun
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,big-'hearted
adj. very kind; generous
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bight
noun (rare) a long curve in a coast: the Great Australian Bight
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bigot
noun a person who has very strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions about race, religion or politics and who will not listen to or accept the opinions of anyone who disagrees: a religious / racial bigot
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big.ot.ed
adj. showing strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions and a refusal to change them
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big.ot.ry
noun [U] the state of feeling, or the act of expressing, strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions
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the ,big 'screen
noun [sing.] the cinema (when contrasted with television): The movie hits the big screen in July.  her first big-screen success
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'big-ticket
adj. [only before noun] (AmE ) costing a lot of money: big-ticket items
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'big time
noun, adv. (informal)
noun (the big time) great success in a profession, especially the entertainment business: a bit-part actor who finally made / hit the big time —compare SMALL-TIME

adv. on a large scale; to a great extent: This time they’ve messed up big time!

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,big 'toe
noun the largest toe on a person’s foot—picture at BODY
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,big 'top
(usually the big top) noun the large tent in which a CIRCUS gives performances
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,big 'wheel
noun
1 (usually the Big Wheel) (BrE) (also Fer.ris wheelAmE, BrE) a large upright wheel at an AMUSEMENT PARK with seats hanging at its edge for people to ride in
2 (AmE, informal) an important person in a company or an organization
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big.wig
noun (informal) an important person: She had to entertain some boring local bigwigs.
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bijou
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , sometimes ironic) (of a building or a garden) small but attractive and fashionable: The house was terribly small and cramped, but the agent described it as a bijou residence.
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bike
noun, verb
noun (informal)
1 a bicycle: She got on her bike and rode off.  I usually go to work by bike .—see also MOUNTAIN BIKE , PUSHBIKE
2 a motorcycle
IDM on your bike! (BrE, informal) a rude way of telling sb to go away

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to go somewhere on a bicycle or motorcycle: My dad bikes to work every day.
bik.ing noun [U]: The activities on offer include horseback riding and mountain biking .—compare BICYCLE , CYCLE

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biker
noun
1 a person who rides a motorcycle, usually as a member of a large group: a biker’s leather jacket
2 a person who rides a bicycle, especially a MOUNTAIN BIKE
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bi.kini
noun a piece of clothing in two pieces that women wear for swimming and lying in the sun
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bi.la.bial
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound made by using both lips, such as , and
bi.la.bial adj.
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bi.lat.eral
adj.
1 involving two groups of people or two countries: bilateral relations / agreements / trade / talks
2 (medical) involving both of two parts or sides of the body or brain
bi.lat.eral.ly adv.—compare MULTILATERAL , UNILATERAL
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bil.berry
(pl.-ies) noun a small dark blue berry that grows on bushes on hills and in woods in northern Europe and can be eaten. The bush is also called a bilberry.—compare BLUEBERRY
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bile
noun [U]
1 the greenish brown liquid with a bitter unpleasant taste that is produced by the LIVER to help the body to deal with fats, and that comes into your mouth when you VOMIT with an empty stomach
2 (written) anger or hatred: The critic’s review of the play was just a paragraph of bile.
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bilge
noun
1 [C] (also bilges [pl.]) the almost flat part of the bottom of a boat or a ship, inside or outside
2 (also 'bilge water) [U] dirty water that collects in a ship’s bilge
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bil.har.zia
noun [U] a serious disease, common in parts of Africa and S America, caused by small worms that get into the blood
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bi.lin.gual
adj.
1 able to speak two languages equally well because you have used them since you were very young: She is bilingual in English and Punjabi.
2 using two languages; written in two languages: bilingual education / communities  a bilingual dictionary
bi.lin.gual noun: Welsh / English bilinguals—compare MONOLINGUAL , MULTILINGUAL
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bili.ous
adj.
1 feeling as if you might VOMIT soon
2 (of colours, usually green or yellow) creating an unpleasant effect: a bilious green dress
3 (written) bad-tempered; full of anger
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bilk
verb (informal, especially AmE ) [vn] ~ sb (out of sth)| ~ sth (from sb) to cheat sb, especially by taking money from them: a con man who bilked investors out of millions of dollars
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bill
noun, verb
noun
FOR PAYMENT|
1 a piece of paper that shows how much you owe sb for goods or services: the telephone / electricity / gas bill  We ran up a massive hotel bill .  She always pays her bills on time.  The bills are piling up (= there are more and more that have still not been paid).
2 (especially BrE) (AmE usually check) a piece of paper that shows how much you have to pay for the food and drinks that you have had in a restaurant: Let’s ask for the bill.
MONEY|
3 (AmE) = NOTE : a ten-dollar bill
IN PARLIAMENT|
4 a written suggestion for a new law that is presented to a country’s parliament so that its members can discuss it: to introduce / approve / reject a bill  the Education Reform Bill
AT THEATRE|
5 a programme of entertainment at a theatre, etc: a horror double bill (= two horror films / movies shown one after the other)  Topping the bill (= the most important performer) is Robbie Williams.
ADVERTISEMENT|
6 a notice in a public place to advertise an event
SYN POSTER —see also HANDBILL
OF BIRDS|
7 the hard pointed or curved outer part of a bird’s mouth
SYN BEAK
8 (-billed) (in adjectives) having the type of bill mentioned: long-billed waders
ON HAT|
9 (AmE) = PEAK (4) —see also THE OLD BILL fill / fit the 'bill to be what is needed in a particular situation or for a particular purpose: On paper, several of the applicants fit the bill.—more at CLEAN adj. , FOOT v.

verb
ASK FOR PAYMENT|
1 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to send sb a bill for sth: Please bill me for the books.  You will be billed monthly for the service.
ADVERTISE|
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth as sth to advertise or describe sb/sth in a particular way: He was billed as the new Tom Cruise.
3 [vn to inf] [usually passive] to advertise that sb/sth will do sth: She was billed to speak on ‘China—Yesterday and Today’. bill and 'coo (old-fashioned, informal) if two people who are in love bill and coo, they kiss and speak in a loving way to each other

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bill.board
noun (especially AmE ) = HOARDING
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bil.let
noun, verb
noun a place, often in a private house, where soldiers live temporarily

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] to send soldiers to live somewhere temporarily, especially in private houses during a war: The troops were billeted in the town with local families.

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bill.fold
noun (AmE ) = WALLET
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bill.hook
noun a tool with a long handle and a curved blade, used for cutting the small branches off trees
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bil.liards
noun [U] a game for two people played with CUES (= long sticks) and three balls on a long table covered with green fabric. Players try to hit the balls against each other and into pockets at the edge of the table: a game of billiards—compare POOL , SNOOKER
bil.liard adj. [only before noun]: a billiard cue
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bill.ing
noun
1 [U] the position, especially an important one, that sb is advertised or described as having in a show, etc: to have top / star billing
2 [U] the act of preparing and sending bills to customers
3 [C, usually pl.] the total amount of business that a company does in a particular period of time: billings around $7 million
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bil.lion
number (plural verb)
1 (abbr.bn) 1 000 000 000; one thousand million
HELP You say a, one, two, several, etc. billion without a final ‘s’ on ‘billion’. Billions (of … ) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with billion or billions: Worldwide sales reached 2.5 billion.  half a billion dollars  a few tens of billions of yen  They have spent billions on the problem (= billions of dollars, etc.).
HELP There are more examples of how to use numbers at the entry for hundred.
2 (a billion or billions) (informal) a very large amount: Our immune systems are killing billions of germs right now.
3 (old-fashioned, BrE) 1 000 000 000 000; one million million
SYN TRILLION
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bil.lion.aire
noun an extremely rich person, who has at least a thousand million pounds, dollars, etc. in money or property
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,bill of ex'change
noun (pl.bills of exchange) (business ) a written order to pay a sum of money to a particular person on a particular date
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,bill of 'lad.ing
noun (pl.bills of lad.ing) (business ) a list giving details of the goods that a ship, etc. is carrying
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,bill of 'rights
noun [sing.] a written statement of the basic rights of the citizens of a country
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,bill of 'sale
noun (pl.bills of sale) (business ) an official document showing that sth has been bought
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bil.low
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 (of a sail, skirt, etc.) to fill with air and swell out: The curtains billowed gently in the breeze.
2 if smoke, cloud, etc. billows, it rises and moves in a large mass: A great cloud of smoke billowed out of the chimney.

noun [usually pl.] a moving mass or cloud of smoke, steam, etc. like a wave

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billy
noun (pl.-ies) (also billy.can ) (BrE ) a metal can with a lid and a handle used for boiling water or for cooking when you are camping
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'billy club
noun (AmE ) a short wooden stick used as a weapon by police officers
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'billy goat
noun a male goat—compare NANNY GOAT
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bimbo
noun (pl.-os) (informal, disapproving) a young person, usually a woman, who is sexually attractive but not very intelligent: He’s going out with an empty-headed bimbo half his age.
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bi.month.ly
adj., adv. produced or happening every two months or twice each month
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bin
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) a container that you put waste in: a rubbish bin—see also DUSTBIN
2 a large container, usually with a lid, for storing things in: a bread bin

verb (-nn-) [vn] (BrE , informal) to throw sth away: Do you need to keep these letters or shall we bin them?

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bin.ary
adj.
1 (computing, mathematics) using only 0 and 1 as a system of numbers: the binary system   binary arithmetic
2 (technical) based on only two numbers; consisting of two parts: binary codes / numbers
bin.ary noun [U]: The computer performs calculations in binary and converts the results to decimal.
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bind
verb, noun
verb (bound, bound )
TIE WITH ROPE / FABRIC|
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (to sth)| ~ sb/sth (together) to tie sb/sth with rope, string, etc. so that they cannot move or are held together firmly: She was bound to a chair.  They bound his hands together.  He was left bound and gagged (= tied up and with a piece of fabric tied over his mouth).
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to tie a long thin piece of fabric around sth: She bound up his wounds.
UNITE|
3 [vn] ~ A and B (together)| ~ A to B to unite people, organizations, etc. so that they live or work together more happily or effectively: Organizations such as schools, factories and clubs bind a community together.  She thought that having his child would bind him to her forever.
MAKE SB DO STH|
4 [usually passive] ~ sb (to sth) to force sb to do sth by making them promise to do it or by making it their duty to do it: [vn] He had been bound to secrecy (= made to promise not to tell people about sth).  [vn to inf] The agreement binds her to repay the debt in full within six months.—see also BINDING , BOUND
STICK TOGETHER|
5 ~ (sth) (together) to stick together or to make things stick together in a solid mass: [v] Add an egg yolk to make the mixture bind.  [vn] Add an egg yolk to bind the mixture together.
BOOK|
6 [vn] [usually passive] to fasten the pages of a book together and put them inside a cover: two volumes bound in leather
SEW EDGE|
7 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to sew the edge of sth to decorate it or to make it stronger: The blankets were bound with satin.
IDM see HAND n. ,bind sb 'over [usually passive]
1 (AmE, law) to give sb BAIL while they are waiting to go to trial: He was bound over for trial.
2 (BrE, law) to give sb a formal warning that if they break the law again they will be punished: She was bound over to keep the peace for a year.

noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) an annoying situation that is often difficult to avoid—see also DOUBLE BIND in a 'bind (AmE) in a difficult situation that you do not know how to get out of

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bind.er
noun
1 [C] a hard cover for holding sheets of paper, magazines, etc. together: a ring binder
2 [C] a person or machine that puts covers on books
3 [C, U] a substance that makes things stick or mix together in a solid form
4 [C] a machine that fastens corn into bunches after it has been cut
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bind.ing
adj., noun
adj. ~ (on / upon sb) that must be obeyed because it is accepted in law: a binding promise / agreement / contract

noun
1 [C, U] the cover that holds the pages of a book together
2 [C, U] fabric that is fastened to the edge of sth to protect or decorate it
3 [C] a device on a ski that holds the heel and toe of your boot in place and releases the boot automatically if you fall—picture at SKIING

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bind.weed
noun [U] a wild plant that twists itself around other plants
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binge
noun, verb
noun (informal) a short period of time when you do too much of a particular activity, especially eating or drinking alcohol: to go on a binge

verb (binge.ing or bin.ging, binged, binged) [v] ~ (on sth) to eat or drink too much, especially without being able to control yourself: When she’s depressed she binges on chocolate.

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bingo
noun, exclamation
noun [U] a game in which each player has a card with numbers on. Numbers are called out in no particular order and the first player whose numbers are all called out, or who has a line of numbers called out, wins a prize: to play bingo  a bingo hall

exclamation used to express pleasure and/or surprise because you have found sth that you were looking for, or done sth that you were trying to do: The computer program searches, and bingo! We’ve got a match.

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'bin-liner
noun (BrE ) a plastic bag that is placed inside a container for holding waste
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bin.man
noun (pl.-men ) (BrE , informal) = DUSTMAN
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bin.ocu.lars
(also 'field glasses) noun [pl.] an instrument, like two small TELESCOPES fixed together, that makes objects that are far away seem nearer when you look through it: a pair of binoculars  We looked at the birds through binoculars.—picture at GLASS
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bi.no.mial
noun (mathematics ) an expression that has two groups of numbers or letters, joined by the sign + or −
bi.no.mial adj.
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bio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with living things or human life: biodegradable  biography
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bio.chem.ist
noun a scientist who studies biochemistry
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bio.chem.is.try
noun
1 [U] the scientific study of the chemistry of living things
2 [U, C] the chemical structure and behaviour of a living thing: Your biochemistry is almost identical to that of your cat.
bio.chem.ical adj.
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bio.degrad.able
adj. a substance or chemical that is biodegradable can be changed back to a harmless natural state by the action of bacteria, and will therefore not damage the environment
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bio.di.ver.sity
(also less frequent ,bio,logical di'versity) noun [U] the existence of a large number of different kinds of animals and plants which make a balanced environment
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biog.raph.er
noun a person who writes the story of another person’s life
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biog.raphy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) the story of a person’s life written by sb else; this type of writing: Boswell’s biography of Johnson—compare AUTOBIOGRAPHY
bio.graph.ic.al adj.
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bio.logic.al
adj.
1 connected with the science of biology: the biological sciences
2 connected with the processes that take place within living things: the biological effects of radiation  the biological control of insect pests (= using living organisms to destroy them, not chemicals)  a child’s biological parents (= natural, not adoptive parents)
3 (of washing powder, etc.) using ENZYMES (= chemical substances that are found in plants and animals) to get clothes, etc. clean: biological and non-biological powders
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,bio,logical 'clock
noun (technical ) a mechanism in plants and animals that controls regular physical activities such as sleeping: (figurative) At 35, Kate’s biological clock was ticking (= she was beginning to think that she would soon be too old to have children).
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,bio,logical di'versity
noun (rare) = BIODIVERSITY
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,bio,logical 'warfare
(also ,germ 'warfare) noun [U] the use of harmful bacteria as weapons of war
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biolo.gist
noun a scientist who studies biology
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biol.ogy
noun [U]
1 the scientific study of the life and structure of plants and animals: a degree in biology—compare BOTANY , ZOOLOGY
2 the way in which the body and cells of a living thing behave: How far is human nature determined by biology?  the biology of marine animals
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bio.mass
noun [U, sing.] (technical ) the total quantity or weight of plants and animals in a particular area or volume
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bi.onic
adj. (in SCIENCE FICTION stories) having parts of the body that are electronic, and therefore able to do things that are not possible for normal human beings
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bio.phys.ics
noun [U] the science which uses the laws and methods of physics to study biology
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bio.pic
noun (informal) a film/movie about the life of a particular person
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bi.opsy
noun (pl.-ies) the removal and examination of tissue from the body of sb who is ill, in order to find out more about their disease
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bio.sphere
noun [sing.] (technical ) the part of the earth’s surface and atmosphere in which plants and animals can live
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bio.tech.nol.ogy
noun [U] (technical ) the use of living cells and bacteria in industrial and scientific processes
bio.tech.no.logic.al adj.: biotechnological research
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bi.par.tisan
adj. (written) involving two political parties: a bipartisan policy
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biped
noun (technical ) any creature with two feet—compare QUADRUPED
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bi.plane
noun an early type of plane with two sets of wings, one above the other—compare MONOPLANE
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birch
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'birch tree [C]) a tree with smooth bark and thin branches, that grows in northern countries—see also SILVER BIRCH
2 (also birch.wood ) [U] the hard pale wood of the birch tree
3 (the birch) [sing.] the practice of hitting sb with a bunch of birch sticks, as a punishment
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bird
noun
1 a creature that is covered with feathers and has two wings and two legs. Most birds can fly: a bird’s nest with two eggs in it  a species of bird  The area has a wealth of bird life.—see also GAME BIRD , SEABIRD , SONGBIRD , WATERBIRD —
2 (BrE, slang, sometimes offensive) a way of referring to a young woman
3 (informal) a person of a particular type, especially sb who is strange or unusual in some way: a wise old bird  She is that rare bird: a politician with a social conscience.
IDM be (strictly) for the birds (informal) to not be important or practical the bird has 'flown the wanted person has escaped a bird in the 'hand is worth two in the 'bush (saying) it is better to keep sth that you already have than to risk losing it by trying to get much more the birds and the 'bees (humorous) the basic facts about sex, especially as told to children a ,bird’s-,eye 'view (of sth) a view of sth from a high position looking down birds of a 'feather (flock to'gether) (saying) people of the same sort (are found together) give sb / get the 'bird (informal)
1 (BrE) to shout at sb as a sign of disapproval; to be shouted at
2 (AmE) to make a rude sign at sb with your middle finger; to have this sign made at you—more at EARLY adj. , KILL v. , LITTLE adj.
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bird.brain
noun (especially AmE ) a stupid person
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bird.cage
noun a cage in which birds are kept, usually one in a house
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bir.die
noun
1 (spoken) a child’s word for a little bird
2 (in golf) a score of one stroke less than PAR (= the standard score for a hole)—compare BOGEY , EAGLE
3 (AmE) = SHUTTLECOCK
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,bird of 'paradise
noun (pl.birds of paradise) a bird with very bright feathers, found mainly in New Guinea
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,bird of 'passage
noun (pl.birds of passage)
1 a bird that travels regularly from one part of the world to another at different seasons of the year
2 a person who passes through a place without staying there long
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,bird of 'prey
noun (pl.birds of prey) a bird that hunts and kills other creatures for food. EAGLES , HAWKS and OWLS are all birds of prey .—
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bird.song
noun [U] the musical sounds made by birds
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'bird table
noun (BrE ) a wooden platform in a garden on which people put food for birds
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bird.watch.er
noun a person who watches birds in their natural environment and identifies different breeds
bird.watch.ing noun [U]
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Biro
™noun (pl.-os) (BrE ) a plastic pen with a metal ball at the top that rolls ink onto the paper—compare BALLPOINT —picture at STATIONERY
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birth
noun
1 [U, C] the time when a baby is born; the process of being born: The baby weighed three kilos at birth .  John was present at the birth of both his children.  It was a difficult birth.  a hospital / home birth  Mark has been blind from birth .  Please state your date of birth .
2 [sing.] the beginning of a new situation, idea, place, etc: the birth of a new society in South Africa
3 [U] a person’s origin or the social position of their family: Anne was French by birth but lived most of her life in Italy.  a woman of noble birth
IDM give 'birth (to sb/sth) to produce a baby or young animal: She died shortly after giving birth.  Mary gave birth to a healthy baby girl.   (figurative) It was the study of history that gave birth to the social sciences.
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'birth certificate
noun an official document that shows when and where a person was born
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'birth control
noun [U] the practice of controlling the number of children a person has, using various methods of CONTRACEPTION : a reliable method of birth control
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birth.day
noun the day in each year which is the same date as the one on which you were born: Happy Birthday!  Oliver’s 13th birthday  a birthday card / party / present
IDM in your 'birthday suit (humorous) not wearing any clothes
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birth.ing
noun [U] the action or process of giving birth: a birthing pool
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birth.mark
noun a red or brown mark on a person’s skin that has been there since they were born
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'birth mother
noun the woman who gave birth to a child who has been ADOPTED
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birth.place
noun
1 the house or area where a person was born, especially a famous person
2 the place where sth first happened: Hawaii was the birthplace of surfing.
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'birth rate
noun the number of births every year for every 1 000 people in the population of a place: a low / high birth rate
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birth.right
noun a thing that sb has a right to because of the family or country they were born in, or because it is a basic right of all human beings: The property is the birthright of the eldest child.  Education is every child’s birthright.
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bis.cuit
noun
1 [C] (BrE) a small flat dry cake for one person, usually sweet, and baked until crisp: a packet of chocolate biscuits  a selection of cheese biscuits—compare COOKIE —see also DIGESTIVE BISCUIT , DOG BISCUIT
2 [C] (AmE) a soft bread roll, often eaten with GRAVY
3 [U] a pale yellowish-brown colour
IDM take the 'biscuit (BrE) (also take the 'cakeAmE, BrE) (informal) to be the most surprising, annoying, etc. thing that has happened or that sb has done: You’ve done some stupid things before, but this really takes the biscuit!
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bi.sect
verb [vn] (technical ) to divide sth into two equal parts
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bi.sex.ual
adj., noun
adj.
1 sexually attracted to both men and women
2 (biology) having both male and female sexual organs
bi.sexu.al.ity noun [U]

noun a person who is bisexual —compare HETEROSEXUAL , HOMOSEXUAL

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bishop
noun
1 a senior priest in charge of the work of the Church in a city or district: the Bishop of Oxford  Bishop Harries—see also ARCHBISHOP
2 a piece used in the game of CHESS that is shaped like a bishop’s hat and can move any number of squares in a DIAGONAL line—
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bish.op.ric
noun
1 the position of a bishop
2 the district for which a bishop is responsible
SYN DIOCESE
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bison
noun (pl.bison) a large hairy wild animal of the cow family. There are two types of bison , the N American (also called BUFFALO ) and the European: a herd of bison
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bis.tro
noun (pl.-os) a small informal restaurant
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bit
noun
SMALL AMOUNT|
1 (a bit) [sing.] (used as an adverb) (especially BrE) rather; a little: These trousers are a bit tight.  ‘Are you tired?’‘Yes, I am a bit.’  It costs a bit more than I wanted to spend.  I can lend you fifty pounds, if you want. That should help a bit.
2 (a bit) [sing.] (especially BrE) a short time or distance: Wait a bit!  Can you move up a bit?  Greg thought for a bit before answering.
3 [C] ~ of sth (especially BrE) a small amount or piece of sth: some useful bits of information  With a bit of luck , we’ll be there by 12.  I’ve got a bit of shopping to do.  a bit of cake  bits of grass / paper
PART OF STH|
4 [C] (especially BrE) a part of sth larger: The best bit of the holiday was seeing the Grand Canyon.  The school play was a huge success—the audience roared with laughter at all the funny bits.
LARGE AMOUNT|
5 [sing.] a ~ (of sth) (informal, especially BrE) a large amount: ‘How much does he earn?’‘Quite a bit!’   The new system will take a bit of getting used to (= it will take a long time to get used to).
COMPUTING|
6 [C] the smallest unit of information used by a computer
FOR HORSE|
7 [C] a metal bar that is put in a horse’s mouth so that the rider can control it
TOOL|
8 [C] a tool or part of a tool for DRILLING (= making) holes—see also DRILL —picture at TOOL
MONEY|
9 (AmE, informal) an amount of money equal to 12½ cents—see also BITE , BIT , BITTEN v. the (whole) … bit (informal, disapproving) behaviour or ideas that are typical of a particular group, type of person or activity: She couldn’t accept the whole drug-culture bit. bit by 'bit a piece at a time; gradually: He assembled the model aircraft bit by bit.  Bit by bit memories of the night came back to me. a bit 'much (informal) not fair or not reasonable: It’s a bit much calling me at three in the morning. a bit of a … (informal, especially BrE) used when talking about unpleasant or negative things or ideas, to mean ‘rather a … ’: We may have a bit of a problem on our hands.  The rail strike is a bit of a pain. a bit of all 'right (BrE, slang) a person that you think is sexually attractive a bit of 'rough (BrE, slang) a person of a low social class who has a sexual relationship with sb of a higher class a bit on the 'side (BrE, slang) the boyfriend or girlfriend of sb who is already married or in a steady sexual relationship with sb else ,bits and 'pieces / 'bobs (BrE, informal) small objects or items of various kinds: She stuffed all her bits and pieces into a bag and left. do your 'bit (informal) to do your share of a task: We can finish this job on time if everyone does their bit. every bit as good, bad, etc. (as sb/sth) just as good, bad, etc.; equally good, bad, etc: Rome is every bit as beautiful as Paris. get the bit between your teeth (informal) to become very enthusiastic about sth that you have started to do so that you are unlikely to stop until you have finished not a 'bit | not one (little) 'bit not at all; not in any way: ‘Are you cold?’‘Not a bit.’  It’s not a bit of use (= there’s no point in) complaining.  I don’t like that idea one bit. not a 'bit of it! (informal, BrE) used for saying that sth that you had expected to happen did not happen: You’d think she’d be tired after the journey but not a bit of it! to bits
1 into small pieces: The book fell to bits in my hands.  She took the engine to bits, then carefully put it together again.
2 (spoken, informal) very much: I love my kids to bits.  She was thrilled to bits when I said I’d come.—more at BLIND adj. , CHAMP v.
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bitch
noun, verb
noun
1 a female dog: a greyhound bitch
2 (slang, disapproving) an offensive way of referring to a woman, especially an unpleasant one: You stupid little bitch!  She can be a real bitch.
3 (slang) a thing that causes problems or difficulties: Life’s a bitch .—see also SON OF A BITCH

verb [v] ~ (about sb/sth) (informal) to make unkind and critical remarks about sb/sth, especially when they are not there

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bitchy
adj. (informal) saying unpleasant and unkind things about other people: bitchy remarks
bitchi.ness noun [U]
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bite
verb, noun
verb (bit , bit.ten )
USE TEETH|
1 ~ (into / through / off sth) to use your teeth to cut into or through sth: [vn] She was bitten by the family dog.  Stop biting your nails!  [v] She bit into a ripe juicy pear.  Does your dog bite?   (spoken) Come here! I won’t bite! (= you don’t need to be afraid)  He bit off a large chunk of bread / He bit a large chunk of bread off.
OF INSECT / SNAKE|
2 to wound sb by making a small hole or mark in their skin: [vn] We were badly bitten by mosquitoes.  [v] Most European spiders don’t bite.
OF FISH|
3 [v] if a fish bites, it takes food from the hook of a FISHING LINE and may get caught
HAVE EFFECT|
4 [v] to have an unpleasant effect: The recession is beginning to bite. be bitten by sth to develop a strong interest in or enthusiasm for sth: He’s been bitten by the travel bug . bite the 'bullet (informal) to start to deal with an unpleasant or difficult situation which cannot be avoided
ORIGIN From the custom of giving soldiers a bullet to bite on during a medical operation without anaesthetic. bite the 'dust (informal)
1 to fail, or to be defeated or destroyed: Thousands of small businesses bite the dust every year.
2 (humorous) to die bite the hand that 'feeds you to harm sb who has helped you or supported you bite your 'lip to stop yourself from saying sth or from showing an emotion bite off more than you can 'chew to try to do too much, or sth that is too difficult bite your 'tongue to stop yourself from saying sth that might upset sb or cause an argument, although you want to speak: I didn’t believe her explanation but I bit my tongue. I, etc. could have bitten my / his / her 'tongue out / off used when sb says sth stupid or embarrassing and immediately wishes they had not said it—more at HEAD n. , ONCE adv. ,bite 'back (at sb/sth) to react angrily, especially when sb has criticized or harmed you: The election was a chance for the people to bite back at the government. ,bite sth<->'back to stop yourself from saying sth or from showing your feelings: She bit back her anger. ,bite 'into sth to cut into the surface of sth: The horses' hooves bit deep into the soft earth.

noun
USING TEETH|
1 [C] an act of biting: The dog gave me a playful bite.  He has to wear a brace to correct his bite (= the way the upper and lower teeth fit together).
FOOD|
2 [C] a small piece of food that you can bite from a larger piece: She took a couple of bites of the sandwich.  He didn’t eat a bite of his dinner (= he ate nothing).
3 a ~ (to eat) [sing.] (informal) a small amount of food; a small meal: How about a bite of lunch?  We just have time for a bite to eat before the movie.
OF INSECT / ANIMAL|
4 [C] a wound made by an animal or insect: Dog bites can get infected.  a mosquito / snake bite
STRONG TASTE|
5 [U] a pleasant strong taste: Cheese will add extra bite to any pasta dish.
COLD|
6 [sing.] a sharp cold feeling: There’s a bite in the air tonight.
POWERFUL EFFECT|
7 [U] a quality that makes sth effective or powerful: The performance had no bite to it.
OF FISH|
8 [C] the act of a fish biting food on a hook—see also FROSTBITE , LOVE BITE , SOUND BITE a bite at / of the 'cherry (BrE) an opportunity to do sth: They were eager for a second bite of the cherry.—more at BARK n.

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'bite-sized
(also 'bite-size) adj. [usually before noun] small enough to put into the mouth and eat: Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
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bit.ing
adj.
1 (of a wind) very cold and unpleasant
2 (of remarks) cruel and critical: biting sarcasm / wit
bit.ing.ly adv.
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bit.map
noun (computing ) a way in which an image is stored with a fixed number of BITS (= units of information) for each unit of the image
bit.map verb (-pp-) [vn]
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'bit part
noun a small part in a film/movie
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bit.ten
pp of BITE
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bit.ter
adj., noun
adj.
HELP more bitter and most bitter are the usual comparative and superlative forms, but bitterest can also be used.
1 (of arguments, disputes, etc.) very fierce and unpleasant, with a lot of anger and hatred involved: a long and bitter dispute
2 (of people) feeling angry and unhappy because you feel that you have been treated unfairly: She is very bitter about losing her job.
3 [usually before noun] making you feel very unhappy; caused by great unhappiness: to weep / shed bitter tears  Losing the match was a bitter disappointment for the team.  I’ve learnt from bitter experience not to trust what he says.
4 (of food, etc) having a strong, unpleasant taste; not sweet: Black coffee leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.—compare SWEET
5 (of weather conditions) extremely cold and unpleasant: bitter cold  a bitter wind  It’s really bitter out today.
bit.ter.ness noun [U]: The pay cut caused bitterness among the staff.  The flowers of the hop plant add bitterness to the beer.
IDM a bitter 'pill (for sb) (to swallow) a fact or an event that is unpleasant and difficult to accept to / until the bitter 'end continuing until you have done everything you can, or until sth is completely finished, in spite of difficulties and problems: They were prepared to fight to the bitter end for their rights.

noun (BrE )
1 [U, C] a type of beer with a dark colour and a strong bitter taste, that is very popular in Britain: A pint of bitter, please.—compare MILD
2 (bitters) [U+sing./pl. v.] a strong bitter alcoholic liquid that is made from plants and added to other alcoholic drinks to give flavour: gin with a dash of bitters

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,bitter 'lemon
noun [U] (BrE ) a FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) that tastes of lemon and is slightly BITTER
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bit.ter.ly
adv.
1 in a way that shows feelings of sadness or anger: She wept bitterly.  They complained bitterly.  The development was bitterly opposed by the local community.
2 (describing unpleasant or sad feelings) extremely: bitterly disappointed / ashamed
3 ~ cold very cold
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,bitter-'sweet
adj. (BrE )
1 bringing pleasure mixed with sadness: bitter-sweet memories
2 (of tastes or smells) bitter and sweet at the same time
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bitty
adj. (BrE , informal) made up of many small separate parts, which do not seem to fit together well
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bitu.men
noun [U] a black sticky substance obtained from oil, used for covering roads or roofs
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bi.tu.min.ous
adj. containing bitumen
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bi.valve
noun (technical ) any shellfish with a shell in two parts, for example a MUSSEL —compare MOLLUSC
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biv.ouac
noun, verb
noun a temporary camp or shelter, without using a tent, that is made and used especially by people climbing mountains or by soldiers

verb (-ck-) [v] to spend the night in a bivouac

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bi.zarre
adj. very strange or unusual
SYN WEIRD : a bizarre situation / incident / story  bizarre behaviour
bi.zarre.ly adv.: bizarrely dressed
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blab
verb (-bb-) ~ (to sb) (about sth) (informal) to tell sb information that should be kept secret: [v] Someone must have blabbed to the police. [alsovn]
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blab.ber
verb [v] ~ (on) (about sth) (informal) to talk in a way that other people think is silly and annoying: What was she blabbering on about this time?
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black
adj., noun, verb
adj. (black.er, black.est)
COLOUR|
1 having the very darkest colour, like night or coal: a shiny black car  black storm clouds
WITH NO LIGHT|
2 without light; completely dark: a black night
PEOPLE|
3 (also Black) belonging to a race of people who have dark skin; connected with black people: a black woman writer  black culture
HELP Black is the word most widely used and generally accepted in Britain. In the US the currently accepted term is African American.
TEA / COFFEE|
4 without milk: Two black coffees, please.—compare WHITE
DIRTY|
5 very dirty; covered with dirt: chimneys black with smoke  Go and wash your hands; they’re absolutely black!
ANGRY|
6 full of anger or hatred: She’s been in a really black mood all day.  Rory shot her a black look.
DEPRESSING|
7 without hope; very depressing: The future looks pretty black, I’m afraid.  It’s been another black day for the north-east with the announcement of further job losses.
EVIL|
8 (literary) evil or wicked: black deeds / lies
HUMOUR|
9 dealing with unpleasant or terrible things, such as murder, in a humorous way: ‘Good place to bury the bodies,’ she joked with black humour.  The play is a black comedy .
black.ness noun [U, sing.]: She peered out into the blackness of the night. (beat sb) black and 'blue (to hit sb until they are) covered with BRUISES (= blue, brown or purple marks on the body) not as black as he / she / it is 'painted not as bad as people say he/she/it is: He’s not very friendly, but he’s not as black as he’s painted.—more at POT n.

noun
COLOUR|
1 [U] the very darkest colour, like night or coal: the black of the night sky  Everyone at the funeral was dressed in black.
PEOPLE|
2 (also Black) [C, usually pl.] a member of a race of people who have dark skin
HELP In this meaning black is more common in the plural. It can sound offensive in the singular. Instead, you can use the adjective (‘a black man / woman’) or, in the US, African American. be in the 'black to have money, for example in your bank account: The company has managed to stay in the black for the year ending December 31.—compare (BE IN) THE RED at RED ,black and 'white having no colours except black, white and shades of grey (in photographs, on television, etc.): a film made in black and white  black-and-white photos in black and white in writing or in print: I never thought they’d put it in black and white on the front page. (in) black and white in a way that makes people or things seem completely bad or good, or completely right or wrong: It’s a complex issue, but he only sees it in black and white.  This is not a black-and-white decision (= where the difference between two choices is completely clear).

verb [vn]
1 (BrE) to refuse to deal with goods or to do business with sb as a political protest
SYN BOYCOTT : The unions have blacked all imports from the country.
2 (rare) to make sth black
SYN BLACKEN ,black 'out to lose consciousness for a short time: The driver had probably blacked out at the wheel.—related noun BLACKOUT ,black sth<->'out
1 to make a place dark by turning off lights, covering windows, etc: A power failure blacked out the city last night.  a house with blacked out windows—related noun BLACKOUT
2 to prevent sth such as a piece of writing or a television broadcast from being read or seen: Some lines of the document have been blacked out for security reasons.

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the ,black 'arts
noun [pl.] = BLACK MAGIC
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black.ball
verb [vn] to prevent sb from joining a club or a group by voting against them
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,black 'belt
noun
1 a belt that you can earn in a sport such as JUDO or KARATE which shows that you have reached a very high standard
2 a person who has gained a black belt
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black.berry
(pl.-ies) (BrE also bram.ble) noun a small soft black fruit that grows on a prickly bush in gardens/yards or in the countryside. The bush is also called a blackberry/bramble: blackberry and apple pie—
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black.berry.ing
noun [U] the act of picking blackberries : Shall we go blackberrying ?
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black.bird
noun
1 a European bird: the male is black with a yellow beak and the female is brown with a brown beak
2 a black N American bird, larger than the European blackbird , related to the STARLING
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black.board
(also chalk.board especially in AmE) noun a large board with a smooth black or dark green surface that teachers write on with a piece of chalk: to write on the blackboard—compare WHITEBOARD
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,black 'box
noun
1 (also 'flight recorder) a small machine in a plane that records all the details of each flight and is useful for finding out the cause of an accident
2 [usually sing.] (technical) a complicated piece of equipment, usually electronic, that you know produces particular results, but that you do not completely understand
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black.cur.rant
noun a small black berry that grows in bunches on a garden bush and can be eaten: blackcurrant jam  a blackcurrant bush
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the ,black e'conomy
noun [sing.] (BrE ) business activity or work that is done without the knowledge of the government or other officials so that people can avoid paying tax on the money they earn
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black.en
verb
1 to make sth black; to become black: [vn] Their faces were blackened with soot.  Smoke had blackened the walls. [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ sb’s name / reputation / character to say unpleasant things that give people a bad opinion of sb: He accused the newspaper of trying to blacken his name.
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,black 'eye
noun an area of dark skin (called a BRUISE ), that can form around sb’s eye when they receive a blow on it
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black.guard
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a man who is dishonest and has no sense of what is right and what is wrong
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black.head
noun a small spot on the skin, often on the face, with a black top
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,black 'hole
noun an area in space that nothing, not even light, can escape from, because GRAVITY (= the force that pulls objects in space towards each other) is so strong there: (figurative) The company viewed the venture as a financial black hole (= it would use a lot of the company’s money with no real result).
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,black 'ice
noun [U] ice in a thin layer on the surface of a road
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black.jack
noun
1 (BrE also pon.toon) [U] a card game in which players try to collect cards with a total value of 21
2 (especially AmE) a type of CLUB used as a weapon, especially a metal pipe covered with leather
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black.leg
noun (BrE , disapproving) a person who continues to work when the people they work with are on strike; a person who is employed to work instead of those who are on strike—compare STRIKE-BREAKER —see also SCAB
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black.list
noun, verb
noun a list of the names of people, companies, products or countries that an organization or a government considers unacceptable and that must be avoided

verb [vn] to put the name of a person, a company, a product or a country on a blacklist : She was blacklisted by all the major Hollywood studios because of her political views.

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,black 'magic
noun [U] (also the black 'arts [pl.]) a type of magic which is believed to use the power of the Devil in order to do evil
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black.mail
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the crime of demanding money from a person by threatening to tell sb else a secret about them
2 the act of putting pressure on a person or a group to do sth they do not want to do, for example by making threats or by making them feel guilty: emotional / moral blackmail

verb [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to force sb to give you money or do sth for you by threatening them, for example by saying you will tell people a secret about them: She blackmailed him for years by threatening to tell the newspapers about their affair.  The President said he wouldn’t be blackmailed into agreeing to the terrorists' demands.

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black.mail.er
noun a person who commits blackmail
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Black Maria
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a police van for transporting prisoners in
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,black 'mark
noun (BrE ) a note, either in writing on an official record, or in sb’s mind, of sth you have done or said that makes people think badly of you: She earned a black mark for opposing company policy.  The public scandal was a black mark against him.
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,black 'market
noun [usually sing.] an illegal form of trade in which foreign money, or goods that are difficult to obtain, are bought and sold: to buy / sell goods on the black market   a flourishing black market in foreign currency
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,black marke'teer
noun a person who sells goods on the black market
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,Black 'Muslim
noun a member of a group of black people, especially in the US, who follow the religion of Islam and want a separate black society
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black.out
noun
1 a period of darkness caused by an electrical power failure
2 a situation when the government or the police will not allow any news or information on a particular subject to be given to the public
3 (especially BrE) a period of time during a war when all lights must be put out or covered at night, so that they cannot be seen by an enemy attacking by air
4 [usually pl.] (BrE) a covering for windows that stops light being seen from outside, or light from outside from coming into a room
5 a temporary loss of consciousness, sight or memory: She had a blackout and couldn’t remember anything about the accident.
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,black 'pudding
(BrE ) (AmE 'blood sausage) noun [U, C] a type of large dark sausage made from pig’s blood, fat and grain
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,black 'sheep
noun [usually sing.] a person who is different from the rest of their family or another group, and who is considered bad or embarrassing: the black sheep of the family
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black.smith
(also smith) noun a person whose job is to make and repair things made of iron, especially HORSESHOES —compare FARRIER
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'black spot
noun (BrE ) a place, a situation or an event that is a problem or that causes a lot of problems: an environmental black spot  That corner is a notorious accident black spot (= a lot of accidents happen there).
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black.thorn
noun [U] a prickly bush with black branches, white flowers and sour purple fruit called SLOES : a blackthorn bush / hedge
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,black 'tie
noun a black BOW TIE worn with a DINNER JACKET
,black 'tie adj.: The party is black tie (= dinner jackets should be worn).  a black-tie dinner
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black.top
noun, verb (AmE ) = TARMAC
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,black 'widow
noun a poisonous American spider. The female black widow often eats the male.
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blad.der
noun
1 an organ that is shaped like a bag in which liquid waste (= URINE ) collects before it is passed out of the body—see also GALL BLADDER —picture at BODY
2 a bag made of rubber, leather, etc. that can be filled with air or liquid, such as the one inside a football
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blade
noun
1 the flat part of a knife, tool or machine, which has a sharp edge or edges for cutting—see also RAZOR BLADE , SWITCHBLADE —picture at CUTLERY , SCISSORS
2 one of the flat parts that turn around in an engine or on a HELICOPTER : the blades of a propeller  rotor blades on a helicopter
3 the flat wide part of an OAR (= one of the long poles that are used to row a boat) that goes in the water—picture at BOAT
4 a single flat leaf of grass—see also SHOULDER BLADE
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blah
noun, adj.
noun [U] (spoken) people say blah, blah, blah, when they do not want to give the exact words that sb has said or written because they think they are not important or are boring: They said, ‘Come in, sit down, blah, blah, blah, sign here’.

adj. (AmE , informal)
1 not interesting: The movie was pretty blah.
2 not feeling well; feeling slightly unhappy: I don’t know what’s wrong with me; I just feel kind of blah.

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blame
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth)| ~ sth on sb/sth to think or say that sb/sth is responsible for sth bad: She doesn’t blame anyone for her father’s death.  A dropped cigarette is being blamed for the fire.  Police are blaming the accident on dangerous driving.
IDM be to blame (for sth) to be responsible for sth bad: If anyone’s to blame, it’s me.  Which driver was to blame for the accident? don’t blame 'me (spoken) used to advise sb not to do sth, when you think they will do it despite your advice: Call her if you like, but don’t blame me if she’s angry. I don’t 'blame you / her, etc. (for doing sth) (spoken) used to say that you think that what sb did was reasonable and the right thing to do: ‘I just slammed the phone down when he said that.’‘I don’t blame you!’ only have yourself to 'blame used to say that you think sth is sb’s own fault: If you lose your job, you’ll only have yourself to blame.

noun [U] ~ (for sth) responsibility for doing sth badly or wrongly; saying that sb is responsible for sth: to lay / put the blame for sth on sb  The government will have to take the blame for the riots.  Why do I always get the blame for everything that goes wrong?—compare CREDIT n. (7)

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blame.less
adj. (written) doing no wrong; free from responsibility for doing sth bad
SYN INNOCENT : to lead a blameless life  None of us is entirely blameless in this matter.
blame.less.ly adv.
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blame.worthy
adj. (formal) deserving disapproval and criticism; responsible for doing sth wrong
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blanch
verb
1 [v] ~ (at sth) (written) to become pale because you are shocked or frightened: He blanched visibly when he heard the news.
2 [vn] to prepare food, especially vegetables, by putting it into boiling water for a short time
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blanc.mange
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) that looks like jelly, made with milk and flavoured with fruit
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bland
adj. (bland.er, bland.est)
1 with little colour, excitement or interest; without anything to attract attention: bland background music
2 not having a strong or interesting taste: a rather bland diet of soup, fish and bread
3 showing no strong emotions or excitement; not saying anything very interesting: a bland expression / smile  After the meeting, a bland statement was issued.
bland.ly adv.
bland.ness noun [U]
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bland.ish.ments
noun [pl.] (formal) pleasant things that you say to sb or do for them to try to persuade them to do sth
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blank
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 empty, with nothing written, printed or recorded on it: Sign your name in the blank space below.  a blank cassette  Write on one side of the paper and leave the other side blank.  She turned to a blank page in her notebook.
2 (of a wall or screen) empty; with no pictures, marks or decoration: blank whitewashed walls  Suddenly the screen went blank .
3 showing no feeling, understanding or interest: She stared at me with a blank expression on her face.  Steve looked blank and said he had no idea what I was talking about.  Suddenly my mind went blank (= I could not remember anything).
4 [only before noun] (of negative things) complete and total: a blank refusal / denial—see also POINT-BLANK
blank.ly adv.: She stared blankly into space, not knowing what to say next.
blank.ness noun [U]

noun
1 [C] an empty space on a printed form or document for you to write answers, information, etc. in: Please fill in the blanks with a black pen.  If you can’t answer the question, leave a blank.
2 [sing.] a state of not being able to remember anything: My mind was a blank and I couldn’t remember her name.
3 [C] (also ,blank 'cartridge) a CARTRIDGE in a gun that contains an explosive but no bullet: The troops fired blanks in the air.
IDM see DRAW v.

verb
1 [vn] (BrE, informal) to ignore sb completely: I saw her on the bus this morning, but she totally blanked me.
2 [v] (AmE) to be suddenly unable to remember or think of sth: I knew the answer, but I totally blanked during the test.
PVR V ,blank 'out to suddenly become empty: The screen blanked out. ,blank sth<->'out
1 to cover sth completely so that it cannot be seen: All the names in the letter had been blanked out.
2 to deliberately forget sth unpleasant: She had tried to blank out the whole experience.

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,blank 'cheque
(BrE ) (AmE,blank 'check) noun
1 a cheque that is signed but which does not have the amount of money to be paid written on it
2 permission or authority to do sth that is necessary in a particular situation: The President was given a blank check by Congress to continue the war.
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blan.ket
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 a large cover, often made of wool, used especially on beds to keep people warm—see also ELECTRIC BLANKET —picture at BED
2 [usually sing.] ~ of sth a thick layer or covering of sth: a blanket of fog / snow / cloud   (figurative) The trial was conducted under a blanket of secrecy.—see also WET BLANKET

adj. [only before noun] including or affecting all possible cases, situations or people: a blanket ban on tobacco advertising  a blanket refusal

verb [vn] [often passive] (written) to cover sth completely with a thick layer: Snow soon blanketed the frozen ground.

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blankety-blank
adj. [only before noun] (spoken) used in place of a rude word that the speaker does not want to say: It’s not my blankety-blank fault!
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,blank 'verse
noun [U] (technical ) poetry that has a regular rhythm, usually with ten syllables and five stresses in each line, but which does not RHYME —compare FREE VERSE
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blare
verb, noun
verb ~ (sth) (out) to make a loud unpleasant noise: [v] police cars with lights flashing and sirens blaring  Music blared out from the open window.  [vn] The radio was blaring (out) rock music.

noun [sing.] a loud unpleasant noise: the blare of car horns

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blar.ney
noun [U] (informal) talk that is friendly and amusing but probably not true, and which may be used to persuade or trick you
ORIGIN From Blarney, a castle in Ireland where there is a stone which is said to have magical powers: anyone who kisses the ‘Blarney stone’ is given the gift of speaking persuasively (‘the gift of the gab’).
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blasé
adj. ~ (about sth) not impressed, excited or worried about sth, because you have seen or experienced it many times before
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blas.pheme
verb [v, vn] to speak about God or the holy things of a particular religion in an offensive way; to swear using the names of God or holy things
blas.phemer noun
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blas.phemy
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] behaviour or language that insults or shows a lack of respect for God or religion
blas.phem.ous adj.: Many people found the film blasphemous.
blas.phem.ous.ly adv.
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blast
noun, verb, exclamation
noun
EXPLOSION|
1 [C] an explosion or a powerful movement of air caused by an explosion: a bomb blast  27 schoolchildren were injured in the blast.
OF AIR|
2 [C] a sudden strong movement of air: A blast of hot air hit us as we stepped off the plane.  the wind’s icy blasts
LOUD NOISE|
3 [C] a sudden loud noise, especially one made by a musical instrument that you blow, or by a whistle or a car horn: three short blasts on the ship’s siren
CRITICISM|
4 [C] (used especially in newspapers) strong criticism: Blast for prison governors in judge’s report.
FUN|
5 [sing.] (AmE) a very enjoyable experience that is a lot of fun: The party was a blast.  We had a blast at the party. (at) full 'blast with the greatest possible volume or power: She had the car stereo on at full blast.

verb
EXPLODE|
1 to violently destroy or break sth into pieces, using explosives: [vn] They blasted a huge crater in the runway.  Builders had to blast a tunnel through the mountain.  All the windows were blasted inwards with the force of the explosion.  The jumbo jet was blasted out of the sky.  [v] Danger! Blasting in Progress! [alsovn-adj]
MAKE LOUD NOISE|
2 ~ (sth) (out) to make a loud unpleasant noise, especially music: [v] Music suddenly blasted out from the speakers.  [vn] The radio blasted out rock music at full volume.
CRITICIZE|
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) (informal) to criticize sb/sth severely: The movie was blasted by all the critics.
HIT / KICK|
4 [vn] (informal) to hit or kick sb/sth with a lot of force: He blasted the ball past the goalie.  He blasted the policeman right between the eyes.
AIR / WATER|
5 [vn] to direct air, water, etc. at sb/sth with a lot of force: Police blasted the demonstrators with water cannons.
DESTROY WITH DISEASE, etc.|
6 [vn] [usually passive] to destroy sth such as a plant with disease, cold, heat, etc: Their whole crop had been blasted by a late frost. ,blast a'way if a gun or sb using a gun blasts away, the gun fires continuously and loudly: The machine guns blasted away non-stop. ,blast 'off (of spacecraft) to leave the ground; to take off—related noun BLAST-OFF

exclamation (informal) people sometimes say Blast! when they are annoyed about sth: Oh blast! The car won’t start.

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blast.ed
adj. [only before noun] (spoken) used when you are very annoyed about sth: Make your own blasted coffee!
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'blast furnace
noun a large structure like an oven in which iron ORE (= rock containing iron) is melted in order to take out the metal
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'blast-off
noun [U] the moment when a spacecraft leaves the ground
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bla.tant
adj. (disapproving) (of actions that are considered bad) done in an obvious and open way without caring if people object or are shocked
SYN FLAGRANT : a blatant attempt to buy votes  It was a blatant lie.
bla.tant.ly adv.: a blatantly unfair decision
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blather
(also bleth.er ) verb [v] ~ (on) (about sth) (informal, especially BrE ) to talk continuously about things that are silly or unimportant: What are you blathering on about now?
blather (also blether) noun [U]
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blaze
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to burn brightly and strongly: A huge fire was blazing in the fireplace.  Within minutes the whole building was blazing.  He rushed back into the blazing house.
2 [v] to shine brightly: The sun blazed down from a clear blue sky.  The garden blazed with colour.
3 [v] ~ (with sth) (written) if sb’s eyes blaze, they look extremely angry: Her eyes were blazing with fury.
4 (also blazon) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (across / all over sth) to make news or information widely known by telling people about it in a way they are sure to notice: The story was blazed all over the daily papers.
5 ~ (away) if a gun or sb using a gun blazes, the gun fires continuously: In the distance machine guns were blazing.
IDM blaze a 'trail to be the first to do or to discover sth that others follow: The department is blazing a trail in the field of laser surgery.—compare TRAILBLAZER
PVR V ,blaze 'up
1 to suddenly start burning very strongly
2 to suddenly become very angry

noun
1 [C] (used especially in newspapers) a very large fire, especially a dangerous one: Five people died in the blaze.
2 [sing.] strong bright flames in a fire: Dry wood makes a good blaze.
3 [sing.] a ~ of sth a very bright show of lights or colour; an impressive or noticeable show of sth: The gardens in summer are a blaze of colour.  a blaze of lights in the city centre  the bright blaze of the sun  a blaze of glory  They got married in a blaze of publicity.
4 [sing.] (a) ~ of sth a sudden show of very strong feeling: a blaze of anger / passion / hate
5 [C, usually sing.] a white mark on an animal’s face
IDM what / where / who the 'blazes … ? (old-fashioned, spoken) used to emphasize that you are annoyed and surprised, to avoid using the word ‘hell’: What the blazes have you done? like blazes (old-fashioned, spoken) very hard; very fast

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blazer
noun a jacket, not worn with matching trousers/pants, often showing the colours or BADGE of a club, school, team, etc.
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blaz.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 (also ,blazing 'hot) extremely hot: blazing heat  a blazing hot day
2 extremely angry or full of strong emotion: She had a blazing row with Eddie and stormed out of the house.
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blazon
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (on / across / over sth) = EMBLAZON : He had the word ‘Cool’ blazoned across his chest.
2 = BLAZE (4)
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bleach
verb, noun
verb to make sth white or pale by a chemical process or by the effect of sunlight; to become white or pale in this way: [vn] His hair was bleached by the sun .  bleached cotton / paper  [vn-adj] She bleached her hair blonde.  [v] bones of animals bleaching in the sun

noun [U, C] a chemical that is used to make sth become white or pale and as a DISINFECTANT (= to prevent infection from spreading)

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bleach.ers
noun [pl.] (AmE ) cheap seats at a sports ground
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bleak
adj. (bleak.er, bleak.est)
1 (of a situation) not hopeful or encouraging: a bleak outlook / prospect  The future looks bleak for the fishing industry.  The medical prognosis was bleak.
2 (of the weather) cold and unpleasant: a bleak winter’s day
3 (of a place) bare, empty or with no pleasant features: a bleak landscape / hillside / moor  bleak concrete housing
bleak.ly adv.: ‘There seems no hope,’ she said bleakly.  bleakly lit corridors  It was a bleakly impressive coastline.
bleak.ness noun [U]
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blear.ily
adv. with bleary eyes; in a tired way: ‘I was asleep,’ she explained blearily.
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bleary
adj. (of eyes) not able to see clearly, especially because you are tired: She had bleary red eyes from lack of sleep.
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,bleary-'eyed
adj. with bleary eyes and seeming tired: He appeared at breakfast bleary-eyed and with a hangover.
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bleat
verb
1 [v] to make the sound that sheep and goats make
2 ~ (on) (about sth) to speak in a weak or complaining voice: [v speech] ‘But I’ve only just got here,’ he bleated feebly. [alsov that, v]
bleat noun: The lamb gave a faint bleat.
bleat.ing noun [U, C]: the distant bleating of sheep
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bleed
verb (bled, bled )
1 [v] to lose blood, especially from a wound or an injury: My finger’s bleeding.  She slowly bled to death .  He was bleeding from a gash on his head.
2 [vn] (in the past) to take blood from sb as a way of treating disease
3 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to force sb to pay a lot of money over a period of time: My ex-wife is bleeding me for every penny I have.
4 [vn] to remove air or liquid from sth so that it works correctly
5 [v] to spread from one area of sth to another area: Keep the paint fairly dry so that the colours don’t bleed into each other.
IDM bleed sb 'dry (disapproving) to take away all sb’s money: The big corporations are bleeding some of these small countries dry.—more at HEART
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bleed.er
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , spoken) a rude way of referring to a person
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bleed.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , slang) = BLOODY

noun [U] the process of losing blood from the body: Press firmly on the wound to stop the bleeding.

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,bleeding 'heart
noun (disapproving) a person who is too kind and sympathetic towards people that other people think do not deserve kindness: a bleeding-heart liberal
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bleep
noun, verb
noun a short high sound made by a piece of electronic equipment

verb
1 [v] to make a short high electronic sound: The microwave will bleep when your meal is ready.
2 (BrE ) (AmE beep) [vn] to call sb on their bleeper : Please bleep the doctor on duty immediately.—see also PAGE

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bleep.er
(AmE beep.er) noun a small electronic device that you carry around with you and that lets you know when sb is trying to contact you, by making a sound: All the doctors in the hospital carry a bleeper.
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blem.ish
noun, verb
noun a mark on the skin or on an object that spoils it and makes it look less beautiful or perfect: make-up to cover blemishes   (figurative) His reputation is without a blemish.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to spoil sth that is beautiful or perfect in all other ways

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blench
verb [v] (BrE , formal) to react to sth in a way that shows you are frightened: He blenched when he heard her name announced.
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blend
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ A with B| ~ A and B (together) to mix two or more substances together: Blend the flour with the milk to make a smooth paste.  Blend together the eggs, sugar and flour.
2 [v] ~ (with sth)| ~ (together) to form a mixture with sth: Oil does not blend with water.  Oil and water do not blend.
3 ~ (with sth)| ~ (together) to combine with sth in an attractive or effective way; to combine sth in this way: [v] The old and new buildings blend together perfectly.  [vn] Their music blends traditional and modern styles.
4 [vn] [usually passive] to produce sth by mixing different types together: blended whisky / tea
IDM see WOODWORK
PVR V ,blend 'in (with sth/sb) if sth blends in, it is similar to its surroundings or matches its surroundings: Choose curtains that blend in with your decor. ,blend sth<->'in (in cooking) to add another substance and mix it in with the others: Beat the butter and sugar; then blend in the egg. ,blend 'into sth to look so similar to the background that it is difficult for you to see it separately: He blended into the crowd.

noun
1 a mixture of different types of the same thing: a blend of tea / coffee / whisky
2 [usually sing.] a pleasant or useful combination of different things: a blend of youth and experience

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blend.er
(BrE also li.quid.izer) noun an electric machine for mixing soft food or liquid—picture at MIXER
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bless
verb (blessed, blessed ) [vn]
1 to ask God to protect sb/sth: They brought the children to Jesus and he blessed them.  God bless you!—compare BEATIFY
2 to make sth holy by saying a prayer over it: The priest blessed the bread and wine.
3 (formal) to call God holy; to praise God: We bless your holy name, O Lord.
4 (old-fashioned, spoken) used to express surprise: Bless my soul! Here comes Bill!  ‘Where’s Joe?’‘I’m blessed if I know (= I don’t know)!’
IDM be blessed with sth/sb to have sth good such as ability, great happiness, etc: She’s blessed with excellent health.  We’re blessed with five lovely grandchildren. 'bless you, her, him, etc. (spoken) used to show that you are pleased with sb, especially because of sth they have done: Sarah, bless her, had made a cup of tea. 'bless you (spoken) said to sb after they have SNEEZED —more at GOD
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blessed
adj.
1 holy: the Blessed Virgin Mary
2 (in religious language) lucky: Blessed are the poor.
3 [only before noun] enjoyable in a way that gives you a sense of peace or RELIEF from anxiety or pain: a moment of blessed calm
4 [only before noun] (old-fashioned, informal) used to express mild anger: I can’t see a blessed thing without my glasses.
bless.ed.ly adv.: The kitchen was warm and blessedly familiar.
bless.ed.ness noun [U]
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bless.ing
noun
1 [usually sing.] God’s help and protection, or a PRAYER asking for this: to pray for God’s blessing  The bishop said the blessing.
2 [usually sing.] approval of or permission for sth: The government gave its blessing to the new plans.  He went with his parents' blessing .
3 something that is good or helpful: Lack of traffic is one of the blessings of country life.  It’s a blessing that nobody was in the house at the time.—see also MIXED BLESSING
IDM a blessing in dis'guise something that seems to be a problem at first, but that has good results in the end—more at COUNT v.
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blether
verb, noun = BLATHER
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blew
pt of BLOW
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blight
verb, noun
verb [vn] to spoil or damage sth, especially by causing a lot of problems: His career has been blighted by injuries.  an area blighted by unemployment

noun
1 [U, C] any disease that kills plants, especially crops: potato blight
2 [sing., U] ~ (on sb/sth) something that has a bad effect on a situation, a person’s life or the environment: His death cast a blight on the whole of that year.  urban blight (= ugly or neglected areas in a city)

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blight.er
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a way of referring to a person (usually a man) that you either find unpleasant or that you feel some sympathy or ENVY for
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bli.mey
(also cor blimey ) exclamation (BrE , informal, slang) used to express surprise or anger: Blimey, it’s hot today.
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blimp
noun
1 (especially AmE) a small AIRSHIP (= an aircraft without wings)
2 (also ,Colonel 'Blimp) (old-fashioned, BrE, disapproving) an older person, especially an old army officer, with very old-fashioned political opinions
blimp.ish adj.
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blind
adj., verb, noun, adv.
adj. (blind.er, blind.est)
1 not able to see: Doctors think he will go blind .  blind and partially sighted people  One of her parents is blind.
2 (the blind) noun [pl.] people who are blind: recorded books for the blind  guide dogs for the blind
3 ~ (to sth) not noticing or realizing sth: She is blind to her husband’s faults.  I must have been blind not to realize the danger we were in.
4 [usually before noun] (of strong feelings) seeming to be unreasonable, and accepted without question; seeming to be out of control: blind faith / obedience  blind panic
5 [usually before noun] (of a situation or an event) that cannot be controlled by reason: blind chance  the blind force of nature
6 that a driver in a car cannot see, or cannot see around: a blind driveway  a blind bend / corner
blind.ness noun [U]: total / temporary / partial blindness—see also BLINDLY
IDM (as) blind as a 'bat (humorous) not able to see well the blind leading the 'blind a situation in which people with almost no experience or knowledge give advice to others who also have no experience or knowledge not a blind bit / the blindest bit of … (BrE, spoken) not any: He didn’t take a blind bit of notice of me (= he ignored me).  It won’t make the blindest bit of difference (= it will make no difference at all). turn a blind 'eye (to sth) to pretend not to notice sth bad that is happening, so you do not have to do anything about it

verb [vn]
1 to permanently destroy sb’s ability to see: She was blinded in the explosion.
2 to make it difficult for sb to see for a short time: When she went outside she was temporarily blinded by the sun.
3 ~ sb (to sth) to make sb no longer able to think clearly or behave in a sensible way: His sense of loyalty blinded him to the truth.
IDM blind sb with science to confuse sb by using technical or complicated language that they do not understand—more at EFF

noun
1 (AmE also shade, 'window shade) [C] a covering for a window, especially one made of a roll of fabric that is fixed at the top of the window and can be pulled up and down—see also VENETIAN BLIND
2 [sing.] something people say or do to hide the truth about sth in order to deceive other people

adv. (in connection with flying) without being able to see; using instruments only
IDM blind 'drunk extremely drunk—more at ROB , SWEAR

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,blind 'alley
noun a way of doing sth that seems useful at first, but does not produce useful results, like following a path that suddenly stops
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,blind 'date
noun a meeting between two people who have not met each other before. The meeting is usually organized by their friends because they want them to develop a romantic relationship.
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blind.er
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) something which is excellent, especially in sport: United are playing a blinder of a game.
2 (blinders) [pl.] (AmE) = BLINKERS
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blind.fold
noun, verb, adj., adv.
noun something that is put over sb’s eyes so they cannot see

verb [vn] to cover sb’s eyes with a piece of fabric or other covering so that they cannot see: The hostages were tied up and blindfolded.

adj., adv. (BrE ) (also blind.fold.edBrE, AmE) with the eyes covered: The reporter was taken blindfold to a secret location.  I knew the way home blindfold (= because it was so familiar).  I could do that blindfold (= very easily, with no problems).

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blind.ing
adj. [usually before noun]
1 very bright; so strong that you cannot see: a blinding flash of light  blinding rain / snow   (figurative) a blinding (= very bad) headache
2 (BrE, spoken) very good or enjoyable
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blind.ing.ly
adv. very; extremely: The reason is blindingly obvious .  The latest computers can work at a blindingly fast speed.
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blind.ly
adv.
1 without being able to see what you are doing: She groped blindly for the light switch in the dark room.
2 without thinking about what you are doing: He wanted to decide for himself instead of blindly following his parents' advice.  note at BLIND
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,blind man’s 'buff
(BrE ) (AmE ,blind man’s 'bluff) noun [U] a children’s game in which a player whose eyes are covered with a piece of fabric tries to catch and identify the other players
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blind.side
verb [vn] (AmE )
1 to attack sb from the direction where they cannot see you coming
2 [usually passive] to give sb an unpleasant surprise that leaves them in a state of shock: Just when it seemed life was going well, she was blindsided by a devastating illness.
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'blind spot
noun
1 an area that sb cannot see, especially an area of the road when they are driving a car
2 if sb has a blind spot about sth, they ignore it or they are unwilling or unable to understand it
3 the part of the RETINA in the eye that is not sensitive to light
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blink
verb, noun
verb
1 when you blink or blink your eyes or your eyes blink, you shut and open your eyes quickly: [v] He blinked in the bright sunlight.  I’ll be back before you can blink (= very quickly).  When I told him the news he didn’t even blink (= showed no surprise at all). [alsovn] —compare WINK
2 [v] to shine with an unsteady light; to flash on and off: Suddenly a warning light blinked.
PVR V ,blink sth<->a'way / 'back to try to control tears or clear your eyes by blinking : She bravely blinked back her tears.

noun [usually sing.] the act of shutting and opening your eyes very quickly
IDM in the blink of an 'eye very quickly; in a short time on the 'blink (informal) (of a machine) no longer working correctly

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blink.er
noun
1 [C] (informal) = INDICATOR
2 (blinkers) (AmE also blind.ers) [pl.] pieces of leather that are placed at the side of a horse’s eyes to stop it from looking sideways: (figurative) We need to have a fresh look at the plan, without blinkers (= we need to consider every aspect of it).
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blink.ered
adj. (disapproving) not aware of every aspect of a situation; not willing to accept different ideas about sth
SYN NARROW-MINDED : a blinkered policy / attitude / approach
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blink.ing
adj., adv. (BrE , spoken) a mild swear word that some people use when they are annoyed, to avoid saying ‘bloody’: Shut the blinking door!
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blip
noun
1 a bright light flashing on the screen of a piece of equipment, sometimes with a short high sound
2 a change in a process or situation, usually when it gets worse for a short time before it gets better; a temporary problem: a temporary blip
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bliss
noun [U] extreme happiness; joy: married / wedded / domestic bliss  My idea of bliss is a month in the Bahamas.
IDM see IGNORANCE
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bliss.ful
adj. extremely happy; showing happiness: We spent three blissful weeks away from work.  a blissful smile  We preferred to remain in blissful ignorance of (= not to know) what was going on.
bliss.ful.ly adv.: blissfully happy  blissfully ignorant / unaware
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blis.ter
noun, verb
noun a swelling on the surface of the skin that is filled with liquid and is caused, for example, by rubbing or burning

verb
1 to form blisters ; to make sth form blisters : [v] His skin was beginning to blister.  [vn] Her face had been blistered by the sun.
2 [v, vn] when a surface blisters or sth blisters it, it swells and cracks
blis.tered adj.: cracked and blistered skin  blistered paintwork

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blis.ter.ing
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (describing actions in sport) done very fast or with great energy: The runners set off at a blistering pace.
2 extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable: a blistering July day  blistering heat
3 very critical: a blistering attack
blis.ter.ing.ly adv.
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blithe
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (disapproving) showing you do not care or are not anxious about what you are doing: He drove with blithe disregard for the rules of the road.
2 (literary) happy; not anxious: a blithe and carefree girl
blithe.ly adv.: He was blithely unaware of the trouble he’d caused.  ‘It’ll be easy,’ she said blithely.
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blitz
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] something which is done with a lot of energy: an advertising / a media blitz (= a lot of information about sth on television, in newspapers, etc.)
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (on sth) a sudden attack: Five shops were damaged in a firebomb blitz.   (figurative) a blitz on passengers who avoid paying fares   (figurative) I’ve had a blitz on the house (= cleaned it very thoroughly).
3 (the Blitz) [sing.] the German air attacks on Britain in 1940

verb [vn] to attack or damage a city by dropping a large number of bombs on it in a short time

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blitz.krieg
noun (from German ) a sudden military attack intended to win a quick victory
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bliz.zard
noun
1 a SNOWSTORM with very strong winds: blizzard conditions
2 (written) a large quantity of things that may seem to be attacking you: a blizzard of documents
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bloat
verb to swell or make sth swell, especially in an unpleasant way: [vn] Her features had been bloated by years of drinking and drug-taking. [alsov]
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bloat.ed
adj.
1 full of liquid or gas and therefore bigger than normal, in a way that is unpleasant: a bloated body floating in the canal   (figurative) a bloated organization (= with too many people in it)
2 full of food and feeling uncomfortable: I felt bloated after the huge meal they’d served.
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blob
noun a small amount or drop of sth, especially a liquid; a small area of colour: a blob of ink  a pink blob
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bloc
noun a group of countries that work closely together because they have similar political interests: the former Soviet bloc—see also EN BLOC
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block
noun, verb
noun
SOLID MATERIAL|
1 [C] a large piece of a solid material that is square in shape and usually has flat sides: a block of ice / concrete / stone  a chopping block (= for cutting food on)—see also BREEZE BLOCK , BUILDING BLOCK , CINDER BLOCK
FOR PUNISHMENT|
2 (the block) [sing.] (in the past) the piece of wood on which a person’s head was cut off as a punishment
BUILDING|
3 [C] (BrE) a tall building that contains flats or offices; buildings that form part of a school, hospital, etc. which are used for a particular purpose: a tower block  a block of flats  an office block  the university’s science block
STREETS|
4 [C] a group of buildings with streets on all sides: She took the dog for a walk around the block.
5 [C] (AmE) the length of one side of a piece of land or group of buildings, from the place where one street crosses it to the next: His apartment is three blocks away from the police station.
AREA OF LAND|
6 [C] (especially AmE) a large area of land
AMOUNT|
7 [C] a quantity of sth or an amount of time that is considered as a single unit: a block of shares  a block of text in a document   (BrE) The theatre gives discounts for block bookings (= a large number of tickets bought at the same time).  The three-hour class is divided into four blocks of 45 minutes each.
THAT STOPS PROGRESS|
8 [C, usually sing.] something that makes movement or progress difficult or impossible OBSTACLE : Lack of training acts as a block to progress in a career.  Tony had writer’s block for two years (= he couldn’t write anything).—see also ROADBLOCK , STUMBLING BLOCK
IN SPORT|
9 [C] a movement that stops another player from going forward
10 (the blocks) [pl.] = STARTING BLOCKS go on the 'block to be sold, especially at an AUCTION (= a sale in which items are sold to the person who offers the most money) put / lay your head / neck on the block to risk losing your job, damaging your reputation, etc. by doing or saying sth: It’s not a matter that I’m prepared to put my head on the block for.—more at CHIP n. , KNOCK v.

verb [vn]
1 to stop sth from moving or flowing through a pipe, a passage, a road, etc. by putting sth in it or across it: After today’s heavy snow, many roads are still blocked.  a blocked sink
2 ~ sb’s way, exit, view, etc. to stop sb from going somewhere or seeing sth by standing in front of them or in their way: One of the guards moved to block her path.  An ugly new building blocked the view from the window.
3 to prevent sth from happening, developing or making progress: The proposed merger has been blocked by the government.
4 to stop a ball, blow, etc. from reaching somewhere by moving in front of it: Zola’s shot was blocked by the goalie. ,block sb/sth<->'in to prevent a car from being able to be driven away by parking too close to it ,block sth<->'in to draw or paint sth roughly, without showing any detail: I have blocked in the shapes of the larger buildings. ,block sth<->'off to close a road or an opening by placing a barrier at one end or in front of it: The main roads of the city have been blocked off. ,block sth<->'out
1 to stop light or noise from coming in: Black clouds blocked out the sun.
2 to stop yourself from thinking about or remembering sth unpleasant: Over the years she had tried to block out that part of her life. ,block sth<->'up to completely fill a hole or an opening and so prevent anything from passing through it: One door had been blocked up.  My nose is blocked up.

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block.ade
noun, verb
noun
1 the action of surrounding or closing a place, especially a port, in order to stop people or goods from coming in or out: a naval blockade  to impose / lift a blockade  an economic blockade (= stopping goods from entering or leaving a country)
2 a barrier that stops people or vehicles from entering or leaving a place: The police set up blockades on highways leading out of the city.

verb [vn] to surround a place, especially a port, in order to stop people or goods from coming in or out

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block.age
noun
1 a thing that blocks flow or movement, for example of a liquid in a narrow place: a blockage in an artery / a pipe / a drain
2 the state of being blocked: to cause / clear the blockage
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,block and 'tackle
noun [sing.] a piece of equipment for lifting heavy objects, which works by a system of ropes and PULLEYS (= small wheels around which the ropes are stretched)
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block.bust.er
noun (informal) something very successful, especially a very successful book or film/movie: the latest Hollywood blockbuster
block.bust.ing adj.: a blockbusting performance
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,block 'capitals
(also ,block 'letters) noun [pl.] separate capital letters: Please fill out the form in block capitals.
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block.head
noun (informal) a very stupid person
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,block 'vote
noun a voting system in which each person who votes represents a number of people
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bloke
noun (BrE , informal) a man: He seemed like a nice bloke.
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blonde
adj., noun
adj. (also blond)
1 (of hair) pale gold in colour
2 (of a person) having blonde hair: a small, blond boy

noun a woman with hair that is pale gold in colour: Is she a natural blonde (= Is her hair naturally blonde)?

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blood
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the red liquid that flows through the bodies of humans and animals: He lost a lot of blood in the accident.  Blood was pouring out of a cut on her head.  to give blood (= to have blood taken from you so that it can be used in the medical treatment of other people)  to draw blood (= to make a person bleed)  a blood cell / sample
2 (-blooded) (in adjectives) having the type of blood mentioned: cold-blooded reptiles—see also BLUE-BLOODED , HOT-BLOODED , RED-BLOODED
3 [U] (formal) family origins: She is of noble blood.
4 [C] (old-fashioned, BrE) a rich and fashionable man
IDM bad 'blood (between A and B) (old-fashioned) feelings of hatred or strong dislike be after / out for sb’s 'blood (informal, often humorous) to be angry with sb and want to hurt or punish them be / run in your 'blood to be a natural part of your character and of the character of other members of your family blood is thicker than 'water (saying) family relationships are stronger than any others sb’s 'blood is up (BrE) somebody is very angry and ready to argue or fight blood, sweat and 'tears very hard work; a lot of effort: The only way to succeed is through old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears. have sb’s 'blood on your hands to be responsible for sb’s death: a dictator with the blood of thousands on his hands like getting blood out of / from a 'stone almost impossible to obtain: Getting an apology from him was like getting blood from a stone. make sb’s 'blood boil to make sb extremely angry make sb’s blood run cold to make sb very frightened or fill them with horror new / fresh 'blood new members or employees, especially young ones, with new ideas, skills or ways of doing things—more at COLD adj. , FLESH n. , FREEZE v. , SPILL v. , SPIT v. , SWEAT v.

verb [vn] (especially BrE ) to give sb their first experience of an activity

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'blood bank
noun a place where blood is kept for use in hospitals, etc.
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blood.bath
noun [sing.] a situation in which many people are killed violently
SYN MASSACRE
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'blood brother
noun a man who has promised to treat another man as his brother, usually in a ceremony in which their blood is mixed together
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'blood clot
(also clot) noun a lump that is formed when blood dries or becomes thicker: a blood clot on the brain
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'blood count
noun the number of red and white cells in sb’s blood; a medical test to count these
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'blood-curdling
adj. (of a sound or a story) filling you with horror; extremely frightening: a blood-curdling scream / story
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'blood donor
noun a person who gives some of his or her blood to be used in the medical treatment of other people
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'blood group
(also 'blood type especially in AmE) noun any of the different types that human blood is separated into for medical purposes: (BrE ) What blood group are you?   (AmE ) What blood type do you have?  blood group / type O
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'blood heat
noun [U] the normal temperature of a human body
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blood.hound
noun a large dog with a very good sense of smell, used to follow or look for people
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blood.ied
adj. covered in blood: his bruised and bloodied nose
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blood.less
adj.
1 without any killing: a bloodless coup / revolution
2 (of a person or a part of the body) very pale: bloodless lips
3 lacking human emotion
SYN COLD , UNEMOTIONAL
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blood.let.ting
noun [U]
1 (formal) the killing or wounding of people
SYN BLOODSHED
2 a medical treatment used in the past in which some of a patient’s blood was removed
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blood.lust
noun [U] a strong desire to kill or be violent
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'blood money
noun [U] (disapproving)
1 money paid to a person who is hired to murder sb
2 money paid to the family of a murdered person
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'blood orange
noun a type of orange with red flesh
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'blood poisoning
noun an illness where the blood becomes infected with harmful bacteria, especially because of a cut or a wound
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'blood pressure
noun [U] the pressure of blood as it travels around the body: to have high / low blood pressure  to take (= measure) sb’s blood pressure
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,blood-'red
adj. bright red in colour, like fresh blood
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'blood relation
(also 'blood relative) noun a person related to sb by birth rather than by marriage
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'blood sausage
noun [U, C] (AmE ) = BLACK PUDDING
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blood.shed
noun [U] the killing or wounding of people, usually during fighting or a war: The two sides called a truce to avoid further bloodshed.
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blood.shot
adj. (of eyes) with the part that is usually white full of red lines because of lack of sleep, etc.
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'blood sport
noun [usually pl.] a sport in which animals or birds are killed
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blood.stain
noun a mark or spot of blood on sth
blood.stained adj.: a bloodstained shirt
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blood.stock
noun [U] horses of pure breed, bred especially for racing
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blood.stream
noun [sing.] the blood flowing through the body: They injected the drug directly into her bloodstream.
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'blood test
noun an examination of a small amount of your blood by doctors in order to make judgements about your medical condition
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blood.thirsty
adj.
1 wanting to kill or wound; enjoying seeing or hearing about killing and violence
2 (of a book, film / movie, etc.) describing or showing killing and violence
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'blood transfusion
(also transfusion) noun [C, U] the process of putting new blood into the body of a person or an animal: He was given a blood transfusion.
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'blood type
noun (especially AmE ) = BLOOD GROUP
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'blood vessel
noun any of the tubes through which blood flows through the body—see also ARTERY , VEIN
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bloody^1
adj. [only before noun] adv. —see also BLOODY^2 (BrE ,  , spoken) a swear word that many people find offensive that is used to emphasize a comment or an angry statement: Don’t be such a bloody fool.  That was a bloody good meal!  What bloody awful weather!  She did bloody well to win that race.  He doesn’t bloody care about anybody else.  ‘Will you apologize?’‘Not bloody likely (= Certainly not)!’
IDM bloody well (BrE,  , spoken) used to emphasize an angry statement or an order: You can bloody well keep your job—I don’t want it!
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bloody^2
adj. —see also BLOODY^1 (blood.ier, bloodi.est)
1 involving a lot of violence and killing: a bloody battle  The terrorists have halted their bloody campaign of violence.
2 covered with blood; bleeding: to give sb a bloody nose (= in a fight)
blood.ily adv.
IDM see SCREAM v.
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,bloody-'minded
adj. (BrE , informal) behaving in a way that makes things difficult for other people; refusing to be helpful
,bloody-'minded.ness noun [U]
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bloom
noun, verb
noun (written ortechnical )
1 [C] a flower (usually one on a plant that people admire for its flowers): the exotic blooms of the orchid
2 [sing., U] a healthy fresh appearance: the bloom in her cheeks
IDM in (full) bloom (of trees, plants, gardens, etc.) with the flowers fully open

verb [v]
1 to produce flowers: Most roses will begin to bloom from late May.
2 to become healthy, happy or confident: The children had bloomed during their stay on the farm.

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bloom.er
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a mistake
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bloom.ers
noun [pl.]
1 (informal) an old-fashioned piece of women’s underwear like long loose UNDERPANTS
2 short loose trousers/pants that fit tightly at the knee, worn in the past by women for games, riding bicycles, etc: a pair of bloomers
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bloom.ing
adj. [only before noun] adv. (BrE , spoken) a mild swear word, used to emphasize a comment or a statement, especially an angry one: What blooming awful weather!
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bloop.er
noun (AmE ) an embarrassing mistake that you make in public
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blos.som
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a flower or a mass of flowers, especially on a fruit tree or bush: cherry / orange / apple blossom  The trees are in blossom .

verb [v]
1 (of a tree or bush) to produce blossom
2 ~ (into sth) to become more healthy, confident or successful: She has visibly blossomed over the last few months.  Their friendship blossomed into love.

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blot
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) [vn]
1 to remove liquid from a surface by pressing soft paper or cloth on it
2 to make a spot or spots of ink fall on paper
IDM blot your 'copybook (old-fashioned, informal) to do sth to spoil the opinion that other people have of you
PVR V ,blot sth<->'out
1 to cover or hide sth completely: Clouds blotted out the sun.
2 to deliberately try to forget an unpleasant memory or thought: He tried to blot out the image of Helen’s sad face.

noun
1 a spot or dirty mark on sth, made by ink, etc.
2 ~ (on sth) something that spoils the opinion that other people have of you, or your happiness: Her involvement in the fraud has left a serious blot on her character.
IDM a blot on the 'landscape an object, especially an ugly building, that spoils the beauty of a place

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blotch
noun a mark, usually not regular in shape, on skin, plants, material, etc: Overnight he had come out in (= become covered in) dark red blotches.
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blotchy
(BrE also blotched) adj. covered in blotches : her blotchy and swollen face
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blot.ter
noun
1 a large piece of blotting paper in a cover with a stiff back which is kept on a desk
2 (AmE) the record of ARRESTS in a police district
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'blotting paper
noun [U] soft thick paper used for drying ink after you have written sth on a piece of paper
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blotto
adj. [not before noun] (old-fashioned, informal) very drunk
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blouse
noun a piece of clothing like a shirt, worn by women—
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blow
verb, noun, exclamation
verb (blew blown In sense 13 blowed is used for the past participle.)
FROM MOUTH|
1 [+adv. / prep.] to send out air from the mouth: [v] You’re not blowing hard enough!  The policeman asked me to blow into the breathalyser.  [vn] He drew on his cigarette and blew out a stream of smoke.
OF WIND|
2 when the wind or a current of air blows, it is moving; when it blows, the wind is blowing : [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] : A cold wind blew from the east.  It was blowing hard.  [vn] It was blowing a gale (= there was a strong wind).
MOVE WITH WIND / BREATH|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to be moved by the wind, sb’s breath, etc.; to move sth in this way: [v] My hat blew off.  [v-adj] The door blew open.  [vn] I was almost blown over by the wind.  She blew the dust off the book.  The ship was blown onto the rocks. [alsovn-adj]
WHISTLE / INSTRUMENT|
4 if you blow a whistle, musical instrument, etc. or if a whistle, etc. blows, you produce a sound by blowing into the whistle, etc: [vn] The referee blew his whistle.  [v] the sound of trumpets blowing
YOUR NOSE|
5 [vn] ~ your nose to clear your nose by blowing strongly through it into a HANDKERCHIEF
A KISS|
6 [vn, vnn] ~ (sb) a kiss to kiss your hand and then pretend to blow the kiss towards sb
SHAPE STH|
7 [vn] to make or shape sth by blowing : to blow smoke rings  to blow bubbles (= for example, by blowing onto a thin layer of water mixed with soap)  to blow glass (= to send a current of air into melted glass to shape it)
ELECTRICITY|
8 [v, vn] if a FUSE blows or you blow a FUSE , the electricity stops flowing suddenly because the FUSE (= a thin wire) has melted because the current was too strong
WITH EXPLOSIVES|
9 [vn] to break sth open with explosives: The safe had been blown by the thieves.
SECRET|
10 [vn] (informal) to make known sth that was secret: One mistake could blow your cover (= make your real name, job, intentions, etc. known).
MONEY|
11 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) (informal) to spend or waste a lot of money on sth: He inherited over a million dollars and blew it all on drink and gambling.
OPPORTUNITY|
12 [vn] (informal) to waste an opportunity: She blew her chances by arriving late for the interview.  You had your chance and you blew it .
EXCLAMATION|
13 [vn] (BrE, informal) used to show that you are annoyed, surprised or do not care about sth: Blow it! We’ve missed the bus.  Well, blow me down! I never thought I’d see you again.  I’m blowed if I’m going to (= I certainly will not) let him treat you like that.  Let’s take a taxi and blow (= never mind) the expense.
LEAVE SUDDENLY|
14 (AmE , slang) to leave a place suddenly: [vn] Let’s blow this joint. [alsov] blow your / sb’s 'brains out to kill yourself/sb by shooting yourself/them in the head blow a 'fuse (informal) to get very angry blow the 'gaff (on sb/sth) (BrE, informal) to tell sth secret, especially by mistake blow hot and 'cold (about sth) (informal) to change your opinion about sth often blow your 'mind (informal) to produce a very strong pleasant or shocking feeling: Wait till you hear this. It’ll blow your mind.—see also MIND-BLOWING blow your own 'trumpet (especially BrE) (AmE usually blow / toot your own 'horn) (informal) to praise your own abilities and achievements
SYN BOAST blow your 'top (BrE) (AmE blow your 'stack) (informal) to get very angry blow up in sb’s 'face if a plan, etc. blows up in your face, it goes wrong in a way that causes you damage, embarrassment, etc. blow the 'whistle on sb/sth (informal) to tell sb in authority about sth wrong or illegal that sb is doing—see also WHISTLE-BLOWER
IDM see COBWEB , ILL adj. , LARK n. , LID , PUFF v. , SOCK n. , WAY n. ,blow sb<->a'way (informal, especially AmE)
1 to kill sb by shooting them
2 to impress sb a lot or to make them very happy ,blow 'in| ,blow 'into sth (informal) to arrive or enter a place suddenly: Look who’s just blown in! ,blow sb<->'off (AmE) to deliberately not meet sb when you said you would
SYN STAND UP ,blow 'out
1 if a flame, etc. blows out, it is put out by the wind, etc: Somebody opened the door and the candle blew out.
2 if an oil or gas WELL blows out, it sends out gas suddenly and forcefully—related noun BLOW-OUT ,blow itself 'out when a storm blows itself out, it finally loses its force ,blow sb<->'out (AmE, informal) to defeat sb easily ,blow sth<->'out to put out a flame, etc. by blowing ,blow 'over to go away without having a serious effect: The storm blew over in the night.  The scandal will soon blow over. ,blow 'up
1 to explode; to be destroyed by an explosion: The bomb blew up.  A police officer was killed when his car blew up.
2 to start suddenly and with force: A storm was blowing up.  A crisis has blown up over the President’s latest speech. ,blow sth<->'up
1 to destroy sth by an explosion: The police station was blown up by terrorists.
2 to fill sth with air or gas so that it becomes firm: The tyres on my bike need blowing up.
3 to make a photograph bigger
SYN ENLARGE —related noun BLOW-UP
4 to make sth seem more important, better, worse, etc. than it really is: The whole affair was blown up out of all proportion . ,blow 'up (at sb) (informal) to get angry with sb: I’m sorry I blew up at you.—related noun BLOW-UP

noun
1 a hard hit with the hand, a weapon, etc: She received a severe blow on the head.  He was knocked out by a single blow to the head.  The two men were yelling at each other and exchanging blows .  He landed a blow on Hill’s nose.
2 ~ (to sb/sth) a sudden event which has damaging effects on sb/sth, causing sadness or disappointment: Losing his job came as a terrible blow to him.  It was a shattering blow to her pride.—see also BODY BLOW
3 the action of blowing: Give your nose a good blow (= clear it completely). a ,blow-by-,blow ac'count, de'scription, etc. (of sth) (informal) a description of an event which gives you all the details in the order in which they happen come to 'blows (over sth) to start fighting because of sth soften / cushion the 'blow to make sth unpleasant seem less unpleasant and easier to accept—more at DEAL v. , STRIKE v.

exclamation (old-fashioned, BrE ) used to show that you are annoyed about sth: Blow! I forgot to tell them I’d be late.

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'blow-dry
verb [vn] to dry hair with a HAIRDRYER and shape it into a particular style
'blow-dry noun: a cut and blow-dry
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blow.er
noun
1 [C] a device that produces a current of air: a hot-air blower
2 (the blower) [sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) the telephone—see also WHISTLE-BLOWER
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blow.hard
noun (AmE , informal, disapproving) a person who talks too proudly about sth they own or sth they have done
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blow.hole
noun
1 a hole in the top of a WHALE’S head through which it breathes—
2 a hole in a large area of ice, through which SEALS , etc. breathe
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'blow job
noun ( , slang) the act of touching a man’s PENIS with the tongue and lips to give sexual pleasure
SYN FELLATIO
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blow.lamp
(BrE ) (AmE torch, 'blow.torch) noun a tool for directing a very hot flame onto part of a surface, for example to remove paint—picture at TORCH
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blown
pp of BLOW
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'blow-out
noun
1 an occasion when a tyre suddenly bursts on a motor vehicle while it is moving: to have a blow-out
2 [usually sing.] (informal) a large meal at which people eat too much
3 (AmE, informal) a large party or social occasion
4 (AmE, informal) an easy victory
5 a sudden escape of oil or gas from an OIL WELL
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blowsy
(also blowzy) adj. (BrE , disapproving) a woman who is blowsy is big and fat and looks untidy
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blow.torch
noun (AmE ) = BLOWLAMP
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'blow-up
noun
1 an ENLARGEMENT of a photograph, picture or design: Can you do me a blow-up of his face?
2 (AmE) an occasion when sb suddenly becomes angry
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BLT
abbr. bacon, lettuce and tomato, (used to refer to a sandwich filled with this): I’ll have a BLT with extra mayonnaise.
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blub.ber
noun, verb
noun [U] the fat of WHALES and other sea animals

verb (informal, disapproving) to cry noisily: [v] There he sat, blubbering like a baby. [alsov speech]

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bludg.eon
verb [vn] (written)
1 to hit sb several times with a heavy object
2 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to force sb to do sth, especially by arguing with them: They tried to bludgeon me into joining their protest.
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blue
adj., noun
adj. (bluer, blu.est)
1 having the colour of a clear sky or the sea/ocean on a clear day: piercing blue eyes  a blue shirt
2 (of a person or part of the body) looking slightly blue in colour because the person is cold or cannot breathe easily: Her hands were blue with cold.
3 (informal) sad; depressed: He’d been feeling blue all week.
4 films/movies, jokes or stories that are blue are about sex: a blue movie—see also TRUE-BLUE
blue.ness noun [U, sing.]: the blueness of the water
IDM sb’s ,blue-eyed 'boy (BrE, informal, often disapproving) a person treated with special favour by sb: He’s the manager’s blue-eyed boy. do sth till you are blue in the 'face (informal) to try to do sth as hard and as long as you possibly can but without success: You can argue till you’re blue in the face, but you won’t change my mind.—more at BLACK adj. , DEVIL , ONCE adv. , SCREAM v.

noun —see also BLUES
1 [C, U] the colour of a clear sky or the sea/ocean on a clear day: bright / dark / light / pale blue  The room was decorated in vibrant blues and yellows.  She was dressed in blue.
2 (BrE) a person who has played a particular sport for Oxford or Cambridge University; a title given to them
IDM out of the 'blue unexpectedly; without warning: His resignation came right out of the blue.—more at BOLT n. , BOY n.

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,blue 'baby
noun a baby whose skin is slightly blue at birth because there is sth wrong with its heart
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blue.bell
noun
1 a garden or wild flower with a short stem and small blue or white flowers shaped like bells
2 (ScotE) = HAREBELL
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blue.berry
noun (pl.-ies) a dark blue berry that grows on bushes in N America and can be eaten—compare BILBERRY
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blue.bird
noun a small N American bird with blue feathers on its back or head
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,blue-'blooded
adj. from a royal or NOBLE family
,blue 'blood noun [U]
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blue.bot.tle
noun a large fly with a blue body
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,blue 'cheese
noun [U, C] cheese with lines of blue MOULD in it
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,blue-'chip
adj. [only before noun] (finance ) a blue-chipINVESTMENT is thought to be safe and likely to make a profit: blue-chip companies / stocks
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,blue-'collar
adj. [only before noun] connected with people who do physical work in industry: blue-collar workers / voters / votes—compare WHITE-COLLAR
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,blue 'funk
noun = FUNK
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blue.grass
noun [U] a type of traditional American country music played on guitars and BANJOS
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blue.jay
noun a large N American bird with blue feathers on its back and a row of feathers (called a CREST ) standing up on its head
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blue.print
noun
1 a photographic print of a plan for a building or a machine, with white lines on a blue background: blueprints of a new aircraft
2 ~ (for sth) a plan which shows what can be achieved and how it can be achieved: a blueprint for the privatization of health care
3 (technical) the pattern in every living cell, which decides how the plant, animal or person will develop and what it will look like: DNA carries the genetic blueprint which tells any organism how to build itself.
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blue riband
(BrE ) (also ,blue 'ribbonAmE, BrE) noun an honour (sometimes in the form of a piece of blue RIBBON ) given to the winner of the first prize in a competition: a blue-riband event (= a very important one)
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blues
noun
1 (often the blues) [U] a type of slow sad music with strong rhythms, developed by African American musicians in the southern US: a blues band / singer
2 [C] (pl.blues) a blues song
3 (the blues) [pl.] feelings of deep sadness: the Monday morning blues
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blue.stock.ing
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , sometimes disapproving) a well-educated woman who is more interested in ideas and studying than in traditionally FEMININE things
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bluesy
adj. having the slow strong rhythms and sad mood of blues music: a bluesy sound / voice
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'blue tit
noun a small European bird of the TIT family, with a blue head, wings and tail and yellow parts underneath
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,blue 'whale
noun a type of WHALE that is the largest known living animal
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bluff
verb, noun, adj.
verb to try to make sb believe that you will do sth that you do not really intend to do, or that you know sth that you do not really know: [v] I don’t think he’ll shoot—I think he’s just bluffing. [alsovn] 'bluff sb into doing sth to make sb do sth by tricking them, especially by pretending you have more experience, knowledge, etc. than you really have ,bluff it 'out to get out of a difficult situation by continuing to deceive sb, especially when they suspect you are not being honest ,bluff your way 'in / 'out / 'through| ,bluff your way 'into / 'out of / 'through sth to succeed in dealing with a difficult situation by deceiving other people: She successfully bluffed her way through the interview.

noun
1 [U, C] an attempt to trick sb by making them believe that you will do sth when you really have no intention of doing it, or that you know sth when you do not, in fact, know it: It was just a game of bluff.  He said he would resign if he didn’t get more money, but it was only a bluff.—see also DOUBLE BLUFF
2 [C] a steep cliff or slope, especially by the sea or a river
IDM see CALL v.

adj. (of people or their manner) very direct and cheerful, with good intentions, although not always very polite: Beneath his bluff exterior he was really quite a sensitive man.

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blu.ish
adj. fairly blue in colour: a bluish-green carpet
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blun.der
noun, verb
noun a stupid or careless mistake: to make a terrible blunder  a series of political blunders

verb [v] to make a stupid or careless mistake: The government had blundered in its handling of the affair.
PVR V ,blunder a'bout, a'round, etc. to move around in an awkward way, knocking into things, as if you cannot see where you are going: I could hear him blundering around the bathroom in the dark. ,blunder 'into sth
1 to knock into sth because you are awkward or are not able to see
2 to accidentally find yourself in a difficult or unpleasant situation: She realized that she had blundered into a trap. ,blunder 'on to continue doing sth in a careless or stupid way

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blun.der.buss
noun an old type of gun with a wide end
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blunt
adj., verb
adj. (blunt.er, blunt.est)
1 without a sharp edge or point: a blunt knife  This pencil’s blunt!  The police said he had been hit with a blunt instrument .
OPP SHARP
2 (of a person or remark) very direct; saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite: She has a reputation for blunt speaking.  To be blunt, your work is appalling.
blunt.ness noun [U]

verb [vn]
1 to make sth weaker or less effective: Age hadn’t blunted his passion for adventure.
2 to make a point or an edge less sharp

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blunt.ly
adv. in a very direct way, without trying to be polite or kind: To put it bluntly , I want a divorce.  ‘Is she dead?’ he asked bluntly.
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blur
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.]
1 a shape that you cannot see clearly, often because it is moving too fast: His arm was a rapid blur of movement as he struck.  Everything is a blur when I take my glasses off.
2 something that you cannot remember clearly: The events of that day were just a blur.

verb (-rr-)
1 if the shape or outline of sth blurs, or if sth blurs it, it becomes less clear and sharp: [v] The writing blurred and danced before his eyes.  [vn] The mist blurred the edges of the buildings.
2 if sth blurs your eyes or vision , or your eyes or vision blur, you cannot see things clearly: [vn] Tears blurred her eyes. [alsov]
3 to become or make sth become difficult to distinguish clearly: [v] The differences between art and life seem to have blurred.  [vn] She tends to blur the distinction between her friends and her colleagues.

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blurb
noun a short description of a book, a new product, etc., written by the people who have produced it, that is intended to attract your attention and make you want to buy it
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blurred
adj.
1 not clear; without a clear outline or shape: She suffered from dizziness and blurred vision.  a blurred image / picture
2 difficult to remember clearly: blurred memories
3 difficult to distinguish, so that differences are not clear: blurred distinctions / boundaries
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blurry
adj. (informal) without a clear outline; not clear: blurry, distorted photographs   (figurative) a blurry policy
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blurt
verb ~ sth (out) to say sth suddenly and without thinking carefully enough: [vn] She blurted it out before I could stop her.  [v speech] ‘She’s pregnant,’ Jack blurted. [alsov that, v wh-]
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blush
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (with sth) (at sth) to become red in the face because you are embarrassed or ashamed: [v] to blush with embarrassment / shame  She blushed furiously at the memory of the conversation.  [v-adj] He blushed scarlet at the thought. [alsov-n]
2 [v to inf] to be ashamed or embarrassed about sth: I blush to admit it, but I quite like her music.

noun
1 the red colour that spreads over your face when you are embarrassed or ashamed: She felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks.  He turned away to hide his blushes.
2 (AmE) = BLUSHER
IDM see SPARE v.

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blush.er
(AmE also blush) noun [U, C] a coloured cream or powder that some people put on their cheeks to give them more colour
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blus.ter
verb
1 to talk in an aggressive or threatening way, but with little effect: [v speech] ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ he blustered.  [v] a blustering bully
2 [v] (of the wind) to blow violently
blus.ter noun [U]: I wasn’t frightened by what he said—it was all bluster.
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blus.tery
adj. (of weather) with strong winds: blustery winds / conditions / weather  The day was cold and blustery.
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Blu-tack
™noun [U] (BrE ) a blue sticky material used to attach paper to walls
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Blvd.
abbr. (used in written addresses) BOULEVARD
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bn
abbr. (BrE ) (in writing) BILLION
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BO
noun [U] an unpleasant smell from a person’s body, especially of sweat (the abbreviation for ‘body odour’): She’s got BO.
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boa
noun
1 = BOA CONSTRICTOR
2 = FEATHER BOA
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boa constrictor
(also boa) noun a large S American snake that kills animals for food by winding its long body around them and crushing them
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boar
noun (pl.boar or boars)
1 (also ,wild 'boar) a wild pig
2 a male pig that has not been CASTRATED —compare HOG , SOW
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board
noun, verb
noun
PIECE OF WOOD|
1 [C, U] a long thin piece of strong hard material, especially wood, used, for example, for making floors, building walls and roofs and making boats: He had ripped up the carpet, leaving only the bare boards.—see also CHIPBOARD , FLOORBOARD , HARDBOARD , SKIRTING BOARD
2 [C] (especially in compounds) a piece of wood, or other strong material, that is used for a special purpose: a blackboard  I’ll write it up on the board.   (BrE) a noticeboard   (AmE) a bulletin board  The exam results went up on the board.  a diving board  She jumped off the top board.  a chessboard  He removed the figure from the board.
IN WATER SPORTS|
3 [C] = SAILBOARD , SURFBOARD
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who have power to make decisions and control a company or other organization: She has a seat on the board of directors.  The board is / are unhappy about falling sales.  members of the board  discussions at board level  the academic board (= for example, of a British university)   (AmE) the Board of Education (= a group of elected officials who are in charge of all the public schools in a particular area)
ORGANIZATION|
5 [C] used in the name of some organizations: the Welsh Tourist Board (= responsible for giving tourist information)  the Cambridge Examination Board (= responsible for organizing some public exams)
MEALS|
6 [U] the meals that are provided when you stay in a hotel, GUEST HOUSE , etc.; what you pay for the meals: He pays £90 a week board and lodging.—see also BED AND BOARD , FULL BOARD , HALF BOARD
EXAMS|
7 (boards) [pl.] (old-fashioned, AmE) exams that you take when you apply to go to college in the US
IN THEATRE|
8 (the boards) [pl.] (old-fashioned, informal) the STAGE in a theatre: His play is on the boards on Broadway.  She’s treading the boards (= working as an actress).
HELP There are many other compounds ending in board. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. a,cross the 'board involving everyone or everything in a company, an industry, etc: The industry needs more investment across the board.  an across-the-board wage increase be above 'board (especially of a business arrangement) to be honest and open: Don’t worry; the deal was completely above board. ,go by the 'board (BrE) (of plans or principles) to be rejected or ignored; to be no longer possible: All her efforts to be polite went by the board and she started to shout. on 'board on or in a ship, an aircraft or a train: Have the passengers gone on board yet?   (figurative) It’s good to have you on board (= working with us) for this project. take sth on 'board to accept and understand an idea or a suggestion: I told her what I thought, but she didn’t take my advice on board.—more at SWEEP v.

verb
GET ON PLANE / SHIP, etc.|
1 to get on a ship, train, plane, bus, etc: [vn] The ship was boarded by customs officials.  [v] Passengers are waiting to board.
2 [v] (be boarding) when a plane or ship is boarding, it is ready for passengers to get on: Flight BA193 for Paris is now boarding at Gate 37.
LIVE SOMEWHERE|
3 [v] ~ at … / with sb to live and take meals in sb’s home, in return for payment: She always had one or two students boarding with her.
4 [v] to live at a school during the TERM/SEMESTER ,board sb 'out to arrange for sb to live somewhere away from their place of work, school, etc. in return for payment ,board sth<->'up to cover a window, door, etc. with wooden boards

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board.er
noun (especially BrE )
1 a child who lives at school and goes home for the holidays: boarders and day pupils
2 a person who pays money to live in a room in sb else’s house
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'board game
noun any game played on a board, often using DICE and small pieces that are moved around
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board.ing
noun [U]
1 (BrE) long pieces of wood that are put together to make a wall, etc.
2 the arrangement by which school students live at their school, going home during the holidays: boarding fees
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'boarding card
(BrE ) (also 'boarding passAmE, BrE) noun a card that you show before you get on a plane or boat
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'boarding house
noun a private house where people can pay for accommodation and meals
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'boarding kennel
noun [usually pl.] (BrE ) a place where people can leave their dogs to be looked after when they go on holiday/vacation—see also KENNEL (2)
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'boarding school
noun a school where children can live during the TERM/SEMESTER —compare DAY SCHOOL
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board.room
noun a room in which the meetings of the board of a company (= the group of people who control it) are held: a boardroom row
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board.walk
noun (especially AmE ) a path made of wooden boards, especially on a beach or near water
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boast
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (about / of sth) to talk with too much pride about sth that you have or can do: [v] I don’t want to boast, but I can actually speak six languages.  She is always boasting about how wonderful her children are.  He openly boasted of his skill as a burglar.  [v that] Sam boasted that she could beat anyone at poker. [alsov speech]
2 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) (written) to have sth that is impressive and that you can be proud of: The hotel also boasts two swimming pools and a golf course.

noun ~ (that … ) (often disapproving) something that a person talks about in a very proud way, often to seem more important or clever: Despite his boasts that his children were brilliant, neither of them went to college.  It was her proud boast that she had never missed a day’s work because of illness.

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boast.ful
adj. (disapproving) talking about yourself in a very proud way: I tried to emphasize my good points without sounding boastful.
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boat
noun
1 a vehicle (smaller than a ship) that travels on water, moved by OARS , sails or a motor: a rowing / sailing / motor boat  a fishing boat  You can take a boat trip along the coast.—see also LIFEBOAT , POWERBOAT , SPEEDBOAT , STEAMBOAT
2 any ship: ‘How are you going to France?’‘We’re going by boat (= by ferry).’—see also GRAVY BOAT , SAUCE BOAT
IDM be in the same 'boat to be in the same difficult situation—more at BURN v. , MISS v. , PUSH v. , ROCK v.
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boat.er
noun a hard STRAW hat with a flat top—picture at HAT
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boat.hook
noun a long pole with a hook at one end, used for pulling or pushing boats
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boat.house
noun a building beside a river or lake for keeping a boat in
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boat.ing
noun [U] the activity of using a small boat for pleasure: to go boating   Local activities include walking, boating and golf.
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boat.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who earns money from small boats, either by carrying passengers or good on them, or by renting them out
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'boat people
noun [pl.] people who escape from their own country in small boats to try to find safety in another country
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boat.yard
noun a place where boats are built, repaired or kept
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Bob
noun
IDM Bob’s your 'uncle (BrE, informal) used to say how easy and quick it is to do a particular task: Press here and Bob’s your uncle! It’s disappeared.
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bob
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 ~ (sth) (up and down) to move or make sth move quickly up and down, especially in water: [v] Tiny boats bobbed up and down in the harbour.  [vn] She bobbed her head nervously.
2 [vn] to cut sb’s hair so that it is the same length all the way around
PVR V ,bob 'up to come to the surface suddenly: The dark head of a seal bobbed up a few yards away.

noun
1 a quick movement down and up of your head and body: a bob of the head
2 a style of a woman’s hair in which it is cut the same length all the way around: She wears her hair in a bob.—picture at HAIR
3 (pl.bob) (informal) an old British coin, the SHILLING , worth 12 old pence: That’ll cost a few bob (= a lot of money).
4 = BOBSLEIGH
IDM see BIT

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bobbed
adj. (of hair) cut so that it hangs loosely to the level of the chin all around the back and sides
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bob.bin
noun a small device on which you wind thread, used, for example, in a sewing machine—picture at REEL
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bob.ble
noun (BrE ) a small, soft ball, usually made of wool, that is used especially for decorating clothes
SYN POMPOM : a woolly hat with a bobble on top—picture at HAT
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bobby
noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a police officer
ORIGIN Named after Sir Robert Peel, the politician who created London’s police force in the 19th century. Bobby is a familiar form of ‘Robert’.
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'bobby pin
noun (AmE ) = HAIRGRIP
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bob.cat
noun a N American wild cat
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bobs
noun [pl.]
IDM see BIT n.
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bob.sleigh
(BrE ) (AmE bob.sled ) (also bob) noun a racing SLEDGE (= a vehicle for two or more people that slides over snow)
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bod
noun (informal)
1 (BrE) a person: She’s a bit of an odd bod (= rather strange).
2 a person’s body: He’s got a great bod.
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bode
verb
IDM bode 'well / 'ill (for sb/sth) (written) to be a good/bad sign for sb/sth: These figures do not bode well for the company’s future.
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bodge
verb [vn] ~ sth (up / together) (BrE , informal) to make or repair sth in a way that is not as good as it should be
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bod.ice
noun the top part of a woman’s dress, above the waist
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bod.ily
adj., adv.
adj. [only before noun] connected with the human body: bodily functions / changes / needs  bodily fluids  bodily harm (= physical injury)

adv.
1 by moving the whole of sb’s body; by force: The force of the blast hurled us bodily to the ground.  He lifted her bodily into the air.
2 in one piece; completely: The monument was moved bodily to a new site.

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body
noun (pl.-ies)
OF PERSON / ANIMAL|
1 [C] the whole physical structure of a human being or an animal: a human / female / male / naked body  parts of the body  His whole body was trembling.  body weight / temperature / size / heat  body fat / tissues
2 [C] the main part of a body not including the head, or not including the head, arms and legs: She had injuries to her head and body.  He has a large body, but thin legs.
3 [C] the body of a dead person or animal: a dead body  The family of the missing girl has been called in by the police to identify the body.
MAIN PART|
4 [sing.] the ~ of sth the main part of sth, especially a building, a vehicle or a book, an article, etc: the body of a plane (= the central part where the seats are)  the main body of the text / book / report
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who work or act together, often for an official purpose, or who are connected in some other way: a regulatory / an advisory / a review body  The governing body of the school is / are concerned about discipline.  recognized professional bodies such as the Law Association  An independent body has been set up to investigate the affair.  A large body of people will be affected by the tax cuts.  The protesters marched in a body (= all together) to the White House.
LARGE AMOUNT|
6 [C] ~ of sth a large amount or collection of sth: a vast body of evidence / information / research  large bodies of water (= lakes or seas)  There is a powerful body of opinion against the ruling.
OBJECT|
7 [C] (formal) an object: heavenly bodies (= stars, planets, etc.)  an operation to remove a foreign body (= sth that would not usually be there) from a wound
OF DRINK / HAIR|
8 [U] the full strong flavour of alcoholic drinks or the thick healthy quality of sb’s hair: a wine with plenty of body  Regular use of conditioner is supposed to give your hair more body.
-BODIED|
9 (in adjectives) having the type of body mentioned: full-bodied red wines  soft-bodied insects—see also ABLE-BODIED
CLOTHING|
10 [C] (BrE) (AmE body.suit) a piece of clothing which fits tightly over a woman’s upper body and bottom, usually fastening between the legs body and 'soul with all your energy
SYN COMPLETELY : She committed herself body and soul to fighting for the cause. keep body and 'soul together to stay alive with just enough of the food, clothing, etc. that you need
SYN SURVIVE : They barely have enough money to keep body and soul together.—more at DEAD adj. , SELL v.
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'body armour
noun [U] protective clothing worn by the police, etc.
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'body bag
noun a bag for carrying a dead body in, for example in a war
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'body blow
noun something which has damaging effects on sb/sth, creating problems or causing severe disappointment
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body.build.ing
noun [U] the activity of doing regular exercises in order to make your muscles bigger and stronger
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'body clock
noun the natural tendency that your body has to sleep, eat, etc. at particular times of the day
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'body double
noun a person who takes part in a film/movie in place of an actor when the scene involves being naked, or using special or dangerous skills
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body.guard
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a person or a group of people who are employed to protect sb: The President’s bodyguard is / are armed.
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'body language
noun [U] the process of communicating what you are feeling or thinking by the way you place and move your body rather than by words
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'body odour
noun [U] (abbr. BO) an unpleasant smell from a person’s body, especially of sweat
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'body piercing
noun [U] the making of holes in parts of the body as a decoration: tattooing and body piercing
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the ,body 'politic
noun [sing.] (formal) all the people of a particular nation considered as an organized political group
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'body search
noun a search of a person’s body, for example by the police or by a CUSTOMS official, for drugs, weapons, etc.
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'body shop
noun
1 the part of a car factory where the main bodies of the cars are made
2 (especially AmE) a place where repairs are made to the main bodies of cars
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'body stocking
noun a piece of clothing that fits closely over the whole body from the neck to the ankles, often including the arms, worn for example by dancers
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body.suit
noun (AmE ) = BODY (10)
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body.work
noun [U] the main outside structure of a vehicle, usually made of painted metal: The car had damaged bodywork but a very good engine.
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Boer
noun a South African whose family originally came from the Netherlands: the Boer War (= the war between the Boers and the British (1899-1902))—see also AFRIKANER
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bof.fin
noun (BrE , informal) a scientist, especially one doing research
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bog
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] (an area of) wet soft ground, formed of decaying plants: a peat bog—see also BOGGY
2 [C] (BrE, slang) a toilet: Have you got any bog roll (= toilet paper)?

verb (-gg-)
PVR V ,bog sth/sb 'down (in sth) [usually passive]
1 to make sth sink into mud or wet ground: The tank became bogged down in mud.
2 to prevent sb from making progress in an activity: We mustn’t get bogged down in details.

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bogey
(also bogy) noun
1 a thing that causes fear, often without reason: the bogey of unemployment
2 (BrE) (AmE boo.ger) (informal) a piece of dried MUCUS from inside your nose
3 (BrE) = BOGEYMAN
4 (in golf) a score of one stroke over PAR (= the standard score for a hole)—compare BIRDIE , EAGLE
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bo.gey.man
(also bogy.man) noun (BrE also bogey, bogy) (AmE usually boo.gey.man) (pl.-men ) an imaginary evil spirit that is used to frighten children: The bogeyman’s coming!
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bog.gle
verb [v] ~ (at sth) (informal) to be slow to do or accept sth because you are surprised or shocked by it: Even I boggle at the idea of spending so much money.
IDM sth boggles the 'mind (also the mind 'boggles) (informal) if sth boggles the mind or the mind boggles at it, it is so unusual that people find it hard to imagine or accept: The vastness of space really boggles the mind.  ‘He says he’s married to his cats!’‘The mind boggles!’—compare MIND-BOGGLING
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boggy
adj. (of land) soft and wet, like a BOG : boggy ground / areas
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,bog 'standard
adj. (BrE , informal) ordinary; with no special features
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bogus
adj. pretending to be real or genuine
SYN FALSE : a bogus doctor / contract  bogus claims of injury by workers
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bogy, bogy.man
= BOGEY , BOGEYMAN
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bo.he.mian
noun a person, often sb who is involved with the arts, who lives in a very informal way without following accepted rules of behaviour
bo.he.mian adj.: a bohemian existence / lifestyle
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boil
verb, noun
verb
1 when a liquid boils or when you boil it, it is heated to the point where it forms bubbles and turns to steam or VAPOUR : [v] The water was bubbling and boiling away.  [vn] Boil plenty of salted water, then add the spaghetti.
2 when a KETTLE, pan, etc. boils or when you boil a KETTLE, etc., it is heated until the water inside it boils: [vn] I’ll boil the kettle and make some tea.  [v] (BrE ) The kettle’s boiling.  [v-adj] She left the gas on by mistake and the pan boiled dry (= the water boiled until there was none left).
3 to cook or wash sth in boiling water; to be cooked or washed in boiling water: [v] She put some potatoes on to boil.  [vn] boiled carrots / cabbage  [vn, vnn] to boil an egg for sb  to boil sb an egg
4 [v] (written) if you boil with anger, etc. or anger, etc. boils inside you, you are very angry: He was boiling with rage.
IDM see BLOOD n.
PVR V ,boil 'down| ,boil sth<->'down to be reduced or to reduce sth by boiling ,boil sth 'down (to sth) to make sth, especially information, shorter by leaving out the parts that are not important: The original speech I had written got boiled down to about ten minutes. ,boil 'down to sth (not used in the progressive tenses) (of a situation, problem, etc.) to have sth as a main or basic part: In the end, what it all boils down to is money, or the lack of it. ,boil 'over
1 (of liquid) to boil and flow over the side of a pan, etc: The milk is boiling over.
2 (informal) to become very angry
3 (of a situation, an emotion, etc.) to change into sth more dangerous or violent EXPLODE : Racial tension finally boiled over in the inner city riots. ,boil 'up if a situation or an emotion boils up, it becomes dangerous, worrying, etc: I could feel anger boiling up inside me. ,boil sth<->'up to heat a liquid or some food until it boils

noun
1 [sing.] a period of boiling; the point at which liquid boils: (BrE) Bring the soup to the boil , then allow it to simmer for five minutes.   (AmE) Bring the soup to a boil .
2 [C] a painful infected swelling under the skin which is full of a thick yellow liquid (called PUS )
IDM off the 'boil (BrE) less good than before: The second series of the show really went off the boil. on the 'boil very active: We have several projects all on the boil at once.

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,boiled 'sweet
(BrE ) (AmE ,hard 'candy [U]) noun a hard sweet/candy made from boiled sugar, often with fruit flavours
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boil.er
(also fur.nace especially in AmE) noun a container in which water is heated to provide hot water and heating in a building or to produce steam in an engine
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'boiler suit
noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually cov.er.alls) a piece of clothing like trousers/pants and a jacket in one piece, worn for doing dirty work—compare OVERALLS
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boil.ing
(also ,boiling 'hot) adj. very hot: You must be boiling in that sweater!  a boiling hot day
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'boiling point
noun
1 the temperature at which a liquid starts to boil
2 the point at which a person becomes very angry, or a situation is likely to become violent: Racial tension has reached boiling point .
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bois.ter.ous
adj. (of people, animals or behaviour) noisy and full of life and energy: It was a challenge, keeping ten boisterous seven-year-olds amused.
bois.ter.ous.ly adv.
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bok choy
noun [U] (AmE ) = CHINESE CABBAGE
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bold
adj. (bold.er, bold.est)
1 (of people or behaviour) brave and confident; not afraid to say what you feel or to take risks: It was a bold move on their part to open a branch of the business in France.  The wine made him bold enough to approach her and introduce himself.
2 (of shape, colour, lines, etc.) that can be easily seen; having a strong clear appearance: the bold outline of a mountain against the sky  She paints with bold strokes of the brush.
3 (technical) (of printed words or letters) in a thick, dark TYPE : Highlight the important words in bold (type).  bold lettering
bold.ly adv.
bold.ness noun [U]
IDM be / make so bold (as to do sth) (formal) used especially when politely asking a question or making a suggestion which you hope will not offend anyone (although it may criticize them slightly): If I may be so bold as to suggest that he made a mistake in his calculations … (as) bold as 'brass (BrE, informal) without showing any respect, shame or fear: She marched in here, bold as brass, and demanded a pay rise.
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bole
noun (rare) the main stem of a tree
SYN TRUNK
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bol.ero
noun (pl.-os)
1 a traditional Spanish dance; a piece of music for this dance
2 a women’s short jacket that is not fastened at the front
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boll
noun the part of the cotton plant that contains the seeds
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bol.lard
noun
1 (BrE) a short thick post that is used to stop motor vehicles from going on to a road or part of a road
2 a short thick post on a ship, or on land close to water, to which a ship’s rope may be tied
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bol.lock.ing
noun (BrE ,  ) an occasion when sb tells you that they are very angry with you, often by shouting at you: to give sb a bollocking  to get a bollocking
HELP There are more polite ways to express this, for example to give sb / to get a rocket, or to tear a strip off sb.
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bol.locks
noun (BrE ,  , slang)
1 [U] nonsense: You’re talking a load of bollocks!
2 [pl.] a man’s TESTICLES
3 (Bollocks!) exclamationused as a swear word when sb is disagreeing with sth, or when they are angry about sth: Bollocks! He never said that!
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bol.ogna
(also ba.lo.ney) noun [U] (AmE ) a type of sausage that is put in sandwiches, made of a mixture of meats
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bolo tie
noun (AmE ) a string worn around the neck and fastened with a decorative CLASP or bar
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bol.shie
(also bol.shy) adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) (of a person) creating difficulties or arguments deliberately, and refusing to be helpful: She was in a bolshie mood.
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bol.ster
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (up) to improve sth or make it stronger: to bolster sb’s confidence / courage / morale  Falling interest rates may help to bolster up the economy.

noun a long thick PILLOW that is placed across the top of a bed under the other pillows

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bolt
noun, verb, adv.
noun
1 a long, narrow piece of metal that you slide across the inside of a door or window in order to lock it
2 a piece of metal like a screw without a point which is used with a circular piece of metal (= a NUT ) to fasten things together: nuts and bolts—picture at TOOL
3 ~ of lightning a sudden flash of LIGHTNING in the sky, appearing as a line
4 a short heavy arrow shot from a CROSSBOW
5 a long piece of fabric wound in a roll around a piece of cardboard
IDM a ,bolt from the 'blue an event or a piece of news which is sudden and unexpected; a complete surprise: Her dismissal came as a bolt from the blue. make a 'bolt for sth | make a 'bolt for it to run away very fast, in order to escape—more at NUT n. , SHOT v.

verb
1 to fasten sth such as a door or window by sliding a bolt across; to be able to be fastened in this way: [vn] Don’t forget to bolt the door.  [v] The gate bolts on the inside.
2 [vn] ~ A to B| ~ A and B together to fasten things together with a bolt : The vice is bolted to the workbench.  The various parts of the car are then bolted together.
3 [v] if an animal, especially a horse, bolts, it suddenly runs away because it is frightened
4 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person) to run away, especially in order to escape: When he saw the police arrive, he bolted down an alley.
5 [vn] ~ sth (down) to eat sth very quickly: Don’t bolt your food!
6 (AmE ) to stop supporting a particular group or political party: [vn] Many Democrats bolted the party to vote Republican. [alsov]
7 [v] (of a plant, especially a vegetable) to grow too quickly and start producing seeds and so become less good to eat
IDM see STABLE n.

adv.
IDM sit / stand bolt 'upright to sit or stand with your back straight

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'bolt-hole
noun (BrE ) a place that you can escape to, for example when you are in a difficult situation
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bomb
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a weapon designed to explode at a particular time or when it is dropped or thrown: a bomb attack / blast / explosion  a bomb goes off / explodes  extensive bomb damage  Hundreds of bombs were dropped on the city.
2 (the bomb) [sing.] nuclear weapons (ATOMIC or HYDROGEN bombs): countries which have the bomb
3 (a bomb) [sing.] (BrE, informal) a lot of money: That dress must have cost a bomb!
4 (a bomb) [sing.] (AmE, informal) a complete failure: The musical was a complete bomb on Broadway.
IDM go down a 'bomb | go (like) a 'bomb (BrE) to be very successful: Our performance went down a bomb.  The party was really going (like) a bomb. go like a 'bomb (BrE) (of a vehicle) to go very fast

verb
1 [vn] to attack sb/sth by leaving a bomb in a place or by dropping bombs from a plane: Terrorists bombed several army barracks.  Coventry was heavily bombed during the last war.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE, informal) to move very fast, especially in a vehicle, in a particular direction: They were bombing down the road at about 80 miles an hour.
3 [vn] (AmE , informal) to fail a test or an exam very badly: [vn] The exam was impossible! I definitely bombed it. [alsov]
4 [v] (informal) (of a play, show, etc.) to fail very badly: His latest musical bombed and lost thousands of dollars.
PVR V be ,bombed 'out (of sth)
1 if you are bombed out, your home is destroyed by bombs
2 if a building is bombed out, it has been destroyed by bombs

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'bomb alert
noun (BrE ) = BOMB SCARE
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bom.bard
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth)
1 to attack a place by firing large guns at it or dropping bombs on it continuously: Madrid was heavily bombarded for several months.
2 to attack sb with a lot of questions, criticisms, etc. or by giving them too much information: We have been bombarded with letters of complaint.
bom.bard.ment noun [U, C]: The city came under heavy bombardment.
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bom.bard.ier
noun
1 the person on a military plane in the US air force who is responsible for aiming and dropping bombs
2 a member of a low rank in the Royal Artillery (= a part of the British army that uses large guns)
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bom.bast
noun [U] (formal) words which sound important but have little meaning, used to impress people
bom.bas.tic adj.: a bombastic speaker
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'bomb disposal
noun [U] the job of removing or exploding bombs in order to make an area safe: a bomb disposal expert / squad / team
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bomb.er
noun
1 a plane that carries and drops bombs
2 a person who puts a bomb somewhere illegally
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'bomber jacket
noun a short jacket that fits tightly around the waist and fastens with a ZIP/ZIPPER
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bomb.ing
noun [C, U] an occasion when a bomb is dropped or left somewhere; the act of doing this: recent bombings in major cities  enemy bombing
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'bomb scare
(also 'bomb threat especially in AmE) (BrE also 'bomb alert) noun an occasion when sb says that they have put a bomb somewhere and everyone has to leave the area
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bomb.shell
noun [usually sing.] (informal)
1 an event or a piece of news which is unexpected and usually unpleasant: The news of his death came as a bombshell.  She dropped a bombshell at the meeting and announced that she was leaving.
2 (a blond(e) bombshell) (informal) a very attractive woman with BLONDE hair
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'bomb site
noun an area where all the buildings have been destroyed by bombs
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bona fide
adj. [usually before noun] (from Latin ) genuine, real or legal; not false: a bona fide reason  Is it a bona fide, reputable organization?
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bona fides
noun [pl.] (from Latin ) evidence that sb is who they say that they are; evidence that sb/sth is honest
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bon.anza
noun [sing.]
1 a situation in which people can make a lot of money or be very successful: a cash bonanza for investors  a bonanza year for the computer industry
2 a situation where there is a large amount of sth pleasant: the usual bonanza of sport in the summer
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bon.bon
noun a sweet/candy, especially one with a soft centre
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bonce
noun (BrE , informal) a person’s head
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bond
noun, verb
noun
STRONG CONNECTION|
1 [C] ~ (between A and B) something that forms a connection between people or groups, such as a feeling of friendship or shared ideas and experiences: A bond of friendship had been forged between them.  The agreement strengthened the bonds between the two countries.  the special bond between mother and child
MONEY|
2 [C] an agreement by a government or a company to pay you interest on the money you have lent; a document containing this agreement: government bonds—see also JUNK BOND
3 [U] (law) (especially AmE) a sum of money that is paid as BAIL : He was released on $5 000 bond.
ROPES / CHAINS|
4 (bonds) [pl.] (formal) the ropes or chains keeping sb prisoner; anything that stops you from being free to do what you want: to release sb from their bonds  the bonds of oppression / injustice
LEGAL AGREEMENT|
5 [C] (formal) a legal written agreement or promise: We entered into a solemn bond.
JOIN|
6 [C] the way in which two things are joined together: a firm bond between the two surfaces
CHEMISTRY|
7 [C] the way in which ATOMS are held together in a chemical compound
IDM see WORD n.

verb
JOIN FIRMLY|
1 ~ (A and B) (together)| ~ (A) to B to join two things firmly together; to join firmly to sth else: [vn] This new glue bonds a variety of surfaces in seconds.  It cannot be used to bond wood to metal.  [v] The atoms bond together to form a molecule.
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIP|
2 ~ (with sb) to develop or create a relationship of trust and affection with sb: Mothers who are depressed sometimes fail to bond with their children. [alsovn]

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bond.age
noun
1 (old-fashioned or formal) the state of being a slave or prisoner: (figurative) women’s liberation from the bondage of domestic life
2 the practice of being tied with ropes, chains, etc. in order to gain sexual pleasure
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bond.ing
noun [U]
1 the process of forming a special relationship with sb or with a group of people: mother-child bonding  male bonding
2 (chemistry) the process of atoms joining together: hydrogen bonding
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bone
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] any of the hard parts that form the SKELETON of the body of a human or an animal: He survived the accident with no broken bones.  This fish has a lot of bones in it.
2 [U] the hard substance that bones are made of: knives with bone handles
3 (-boned) (in adjectives) having bones of the type mentioned: fine-boned
IDM a bone of con'tention a subject which causes disagreement and arguments between people close to the 'bone (BrE, informal) (of a remark, joke, story, etc.) so honest or clearly expressed that it is likely to cause offence to some people: His comments about her size were a bit close to the bone. cut, pare, etc. sth to the 'bone to reduce sth, such as costs, as much as you possibly can have a 'bone to pick with sb (spoken) to be angry with sb about sth and want to discuss it with them make no bones about (doing) sth to be honest and open about sth; to not hesitate to do sth: She made no bones about telling him exactly what she thought of him. to the 'bone affecting you very strongly: His threats chilled her to the bone.—more at BAG n. , BARE adj. , FEEL v. , FINGER n. , FLESH n. , SKIN n.

verb [vn] to take the bones out of fish or meat
PVR V ,bone 'up on sth (informal) to try to learn about sth or to remind yourself of what you already know about it: She had boned up on the city’s history before the visit.

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,bone 'china
noun [U] thin delicate CHINA made of clay mixed with crushed bone; cups, plates, etc. made of this
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,bone 'dry
adj. [not usually before noun] completely dry
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,bone 'idle
adj. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) very lazy
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'bone marrow
(also mar.row) noun [U] a soft substance that fills the hollow parts of bones: a bone marrow transplant
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bone.meal
noun [U] a substance made from crushed animal bones which is used to make soil richer
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boner
noun (AmE , informal)
1 ( ) an ERECTION of the PENIS
2 an embarrassing mistake
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bon.fire
noun a large outdoor fire for burning waste or as part of a celebration
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'Bonfire Night
(also ,Guy 'Fawkes night) noun [U, C] (in Britain) the night of 5 November when people light bonfires and have FIREWORKS to celebrate the failure of the plan in 1605 to destroy the parliament buildings with explosives
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bongo
(pl.-os) (also 'bongo drum) noun a small drum, usually one of a pair, that you play with your fingers
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bon.homie
noun [U] (from French , formal) a feeling of cheerful friendship
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bonk
noun, verb
noun (BrE , informal)
1 [sing.] an act of having sex with sb
2 [C] the act of hitting sb on the head or of hitting your head on sth

verb (BrE , informal)
1 to have sex with sb: [vn] He’s been bonking one of his students. [alsov]
2 [vn] to hit sb lightly on the head or to hit yourself by mistake: I bonked my head on the doorway.

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bonk.ers
adj. [not before noun] (informal) completely crazy and silly: I’ll go bonkers if I have to wait any longer.
IDM see RAVING adv.
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bon mot
noun (pl.bons mots ) (from French , formal) a funny and clever remark
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bon.net
noun
1 a hat tied with strings under the chin, worn by babies and, especially in the past, by women
2 (BrE) (AmE hood) the metal part over the front of a motor vehicle, usually covering the engine—picture at CAR
IDM see BEE
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bonny
(also bonnie) adj. (bon.nier, bon.ni.est) (dialect, especially ScotE ) very pretty; attractive: a bonny baby / lass
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bon.sai
noun (pl.bonsai)
1 [C] a small tree that is grown in a pot and prevented from reaching its normal size
2 [U] the Japanese art of growing bonsai
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bonus
noun (pl.-es)
1 an extra amount of money that is added to a payment, especially to sb’s wages as a reward: All employees received a £100 Christmas bonus.  productivity bonuses
2 anything pleasant that is extra and more or better than you were expecting: Being able to walk to work is an added bonus of the new job.—see also NO-CLAIMS BONUS
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bony
adj.
1 (of a person or part of the body) very thin so that the bones can be seen under the skin
2 (of fish) full of small bones
3 consisting of or like bone
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boo
exclamation, noun, verb
exclamation, noun
1 a sound that people make to show that they do not like an actor, speaker, etc: ‘Boo!’ they shouted, ‘Get off!’.  The speech was greeted with loud boos from the audience.
2 people shout Boo! when they want to surprise or frighten sb

verb to show that you do not like a person, performance, idea, etc. by shouting ‘boo’: [v] The audience booed as she started her speech.  [vn] He was booed off the stage .

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boob
noun, verb
noun
1 (slang) a woman’s breast
2 (BrE) (also boo.boo , AmE, BrE) (informal) a stupid mistake: I made a bit of a boob throwing that file away.
3 (AmE) a stupid person

verb [v] (informal) to make a stupid mistake

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'boob tube
noun
1 (BrE, informal) (AmE 'tube top) a piece of women’s clothing that is made of fabric that stretches and covers the chest
2 (AmE, informal, disapproving) the television
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booby prize
noun a prize that is given as a joke to the person who is last in a competition
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'booby trap
noun
1 a hidden bomb that explodes when the object that it is connected to is touched
2 a hidden device that is meant as a joke to surprise sb, for example an object placed above a door so that it will fall on the first person who opens the door
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'booby-trap
verb (-pp-) [vn] to place a booby trap in or on sth
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boo.ger
noun (AmE ) = BOGEY (2)
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boo.gey.man
noun (AmE ) = BOGEYMAN
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boo.gie
noun, verb
noun (also ,boogie-'woogie ) [U] a type of blues music played on the piano, with a fast strong rhythm

verb [v] (informal) to dance to fast pop music

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boo.hoo
exclamation used in written English to show the sound of sb crying
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book
noun, verb
noun
PRINTED WORK|
1 [C] a set of printed pages that are fastened inside a cover so that you can turn them and read them: a pile of books  hardback / paperback books
2 [C] a written work published in printed or electronic form: She’s reading a book by Stephen King.  a book about / on wildlife  reference / children’s / library books
FOR WRITING IN|
3 [C] a set of sheets of paper that are fastened together inside a cover and used for writing in: an exercise book  an address book  a notebook
OF STAMPS / TICKETS / MATCHES, etc.|
4 [C] a set of things that are fastened together like a book: a book of stamps / tickets / matches  a chequebook
ACCOUNTS|
5 (books) [pl.] the written records of the financial affairs of a business
SYN ACCOUNTS : to do the books (= to check the accounts)
SECTION OF BIBLE, etc.|
6 [C] a section of a large written work: the books of the Bible be in sb’s good / bad 'books (informal) used to say that sb is pleased/annoyed with you: I’m in her good books at the moment because I cleared up the kitchen. bring sb to 'book (for sth) (formal, especially BrE) to punish sb for doing sth wrong and make them explain their behaviour by the 'book following rules and instructions in a very strict way: She always does everything by the book. in my 'book (spoken) used when you are giving your opinion: That’s cheating in my book. (be) on sb’s 'books (to be) on an organization’s list, for example of people who are available for a particular type of work: We have very few nurses on our books at the moment.  Most of the houses on our books are in the north of the city. throw the 'book at sb (informal) to punish sb who has committed an offence as severely as possible—more at CLOSE^1v. , CLOSED , COOK v. , HISTORY , JUDGE v. , LEAF n. , OPEN adj. , READ v. , SUIT v. , TRICK n.

verb
1 (especially BrE ) to arrange with a hotel, restaurant, theatre, etc. to have a room, table, seat, etc. on a particular date: [v] Book early to avoid disappointment.  [vn] I’d like to book a table for two for 8 o’clock tonight.  The performance is booked up (= there are no more tickets available).  I’m sorry—we’re fully booked .—compare RESERVE
2 [vn] to arrange for sb to have a seat on a plane, etc: I’ve booked you on the 10 o’clock flight.
3 [vn] to arrange for a singer, etc. to perform on a particular date: We’ve booked a band for the wedding reception.
4 [vn] (informal) to write down sb’s name and address because they have committed a crime or an offence: He was booked for possession of cannabis.
5 [vn] (BrE, informal) (of a referee) to write down in an official book the name of a player who has broken the rules of the game ,book 'in / 'into sth to arrive at a hotel, etc. and arrange to stay there: I got in at ten and booked straight into a hotel. ,book sb 'in / 'into sth to arrange for sb to have a room at a hotel, etc.

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book.able
adj.
1 tickets, etc. that are bookable can be ordered in advance
2 (BrE) if an offence in football is bookable, the name of the player responsible is written down in a book by the REFEREE as a punishment
3 (AmE) if a crime is a bookable offence, the person responsible can be arrested
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book.bind.er
noun a person whose job is fastening the pages of books together and putting covers on them
book.bind.ing noun [U]
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book.case
noun a piece of furniture with shelves for keeping books on
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'book club
noun an organization that sells books cheaply to its members
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book.end
noun [usually pl.] one of a pair of objects used to keep a row of books upright
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bookie
noun (informal) = BOOKMAKER
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book.ing
noun
1 [C, U] (especially BrE) an arrangement that you make in advance to buy a ticket to travel somewhere, go to the theatre, etc: a booking form / office / hall / clerk  Can I make a booking for Friday afternoon?  Early booking is strongly recommended.  No advance booking is necessary.  We can’t take any more bookings.—compare BOOKING
2 [C] an arrangement for sb to perform at a theatre, in a concert, etc.
3 [C] (BrE) (in football) an act of the REFEREE writing a player’s name in a book, as a punishment because an offence has been committed
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book.ish
adj. (often disapproving) interested in reading and studying, rather than in more active or practical things
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book.keep.er
noun a person whose job is to keep an accurate record of the accounts of a business
book.keep.ing noun [U]
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book.let
noun a small thin book with a paper cover that contains information about a particular subject
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book.maker
(also informal bookie) (also BrE formal 'turf accountant) noun a person whose job is to take bets on the result of horse races, etc. and pay out money to people who win
book.mak.ing noun [U]
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book.mark
noun
1 a strip of paper, etc. that you put between the pages of a book when you finish reading so that you can easily find the place again
2 (computing) a record of the address of a file, a page on the Internet, etc. that enables you to find it quickly
book.mark verb : [vn] Do you want to bookmark this site?
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book.plate
noun a decorative piece of paper that is stuck in a book to show the name of the person who owns it
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book.sel.ler
noun a person whose job is selling books
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book.shop
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually book.store ) noun a shop/store that sells books
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book.stall
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually news-stand) noun a small shop/store that is open at the front, where you can buy books, newspapers or magazines, for example at a station or an airport
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'book token
noun (BrE ) a card, usually given as a gift, that you can exchange for books of a particular value
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book.worm
noun a person who likes reading very much
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boom
noun, verb
noun
IN BUSINESS / ECONOMY|
1 ~ (in sth) a sudden increase in trade and economic activity; a period of wealth and success: a boom in car sales  Living standards improved rapidly during the post-war boom.  a boom year (for trade, exports, etc.)—compare SLUMP —see also BABY BOOM
POPULAR PERIOD|
2 [usually sing.] a period when sth such as a sport or a type of music suddenly becomes very popular and successful: The only way to satisfy the golf boom was to build more courses.
ON BOAT|
3 a long pole that the bottom of a sail is attached to and that you move to change the position of the sail—picture at YACHT
SOUND|
4 [usually sing.] a loud deep sound: the distant boom of the guns—see also SONIC BOOM
IN RIVER / HARBOUR|
5 a floating barrier that is placed across a river or the entrance to a harbour to prevent ships or other objects from coming in or going out
FOR MICROPHONE|
6 a long pole that carries a MICROPHONE or other equipment

verb
MAKE LOUD SOUND|
1 [v] to make a loud deep sound: Outside, thunder boomed and crashed.
2 ~ (out) to say sth in a loud deep voice: [v speech] ‘Get out of my sight!’ he boomed.  [v] A voice boomed out from the darkness.
OF BUSINESS / ECONOMY|
3 [v] to have a period of rapid growth; to become bigger, more successful, etc: By the 1980s, the computer industry was booming.  Business is booming!

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'boom box
noun (especially AmE ) = GHETTO BLASTER
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boom.er
noun (AmE ) = BABY BOOMER
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boom.er.ang
noun, verb
noun a curved flat piece of wood that you throw and that can fly in a circle and come back to you. Boomerangs were first used by Australian ABORIGINES as weapons when they were hunting.

verb [v] if a plan boomerangs on sb, it hurts them instead of the person it was intended to hurt
SYN BACKFIRE

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'boom town
noun a town that has become rich and successful because trade and industry has developed there
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boon
noun ~ (to / for sb) something that is very helpful and makes life easier for you: The new software will prove a boon to home computer users.
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,boon com'panion
noun (literary) a very good friend
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boon.docks
(also boon.ies) noun [pl.] (AmE , informal, disapproving) an area far away from cities or towns
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boon.dog.gle
noun (AmE , informal) a piece of work that is unnecessary and that wastes time and/or money
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boon.ies
noun = BOONDOCKS
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boor
noun (old-fashioned) a rude unpleasant person
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boor.ish
adj. (of people and their behaviour) very unpleasant and rude
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boost
verb, noun
verb [vn] to make sth increase, or become better or more successful: to boost exports / profits  The movie helped boost her screen career.  to boost sb’s confidence / morale  Getting that job did a lot to boost his ego (= make him feel more confident).

noun [usually sing.]
1 something that helps or encourages sb/sth: a great / tremendous / welcome boost  The tax cuts will give a much needed boost to the economy.  Winning the competition was a wonderful boost for her morale.
2 an increase in sth: a boost in car sales
3 an increase in power in an engine or a piece of electrical equipment
4 (especially AmE) an act of pushing sb up from behind: He gave her a boost over the fence.

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boost.er
noun
1 (also 'booster rocket) a rocket that gives a spacecraft extra power when it leaves the earth, or that makes a MISSILE go further
2 a device that gives extra power to a piece of electrical equipment
3 an extra small amount of a drug that is given to increase the effect of one given earlier, for example to protect you from a disease for longer: a tetanus booster
4 a thing that helps, encourages or improves sb/sth: a morale / confidence booster
5 (especially AmE) a person who gives their support to sb/sth, especially in politics: a meeting of Republican boosters
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'booster seat
noun a seat that you put on a car seat, or on a chair at a table, so that a small child can sit higher
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boot
noun, verb
noun
1 a strong shoe that covers the foot and ankle and often the lower part of the leg: (BrE) walking boots   (AmE) hiking boots  a pair of black leather boots  cowboy boots—see also DESERT BOOT , FOOTBALL BOOT , WELLINGTON —picture at SHOE
2 (BrE) (AmE trunk) the enclosed space at the back of a car that you put bags, cases, etc. in: I’ll put the luggage in the boot.—see also CAR BOOT SALE —picture at CAR
3 [usually sing.] (informal) a quick hard kick: He gave the ball a tremendous boot.
4 (AmE) = CLAMP
IDM be given the 'boot | get the 'boot (informal) to be told that you must leave your job or that a relationship you are having with sb is over the boot is on the other 'foot (BrE) (AmE the shoe is on the other 'foot) used to say that a situation has changed so that sb now has power or authority over the person who used to have power or authority over them put / stick the 'boot in (BrE, informal)
1 to kick sb very hard, especially when they are on the ground
2 to attack sb by criticizing them when they are in a difficult situation to boot (old-fashioned or humorous) used to add a comment to sth that you have said: He was a vegetarian, and a fussy one to boot.—more at BIG adj. , FILL v. , LICK v. , TOUGH adj.

verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to kick sb/sth hard with your foot: He booted the ball clear of the goal.
2 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (up) (computing) to prepare a computer for use by loading its OPERATING SYSTEM
3 [vn] (be / get booted) (AmE, informal) if you or your car is booted, a piece of equipment is fixed to the car’s wheel so that you cannot drive it away, usually because the car is illegally parked—see also CLAMP
PVR V ,boot sb<->'out (of sth) (informal) to force sb to leave a place or job

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'boot camp
noun
1 a training camp for new members of the armed forces, where they have to work hard
2 a type of prison for young criminals where there is strict discipline
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bootee
(also bootie) noun
1 a baby’s sock, worn instead of shoes: a pair of pink bootees
2 a woman’s short boot
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booth
noun
1 a small enclosed place where you can do sth privately, for example make a telephone call, or vote: a phone booth  a polling / voting booth—see also PHOTO BOOTH , TOLLBOOTH
2 a small tent or temporary structure at a market, an EXHIBITION or a FAIRGROUND , where you can buy things, get information or watch sth: The stalls and booths were doing a brisk trade.
3 a place to sit in a restaurant which consists of two long seats with a table between them
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boot.lace
noun [usually pl.] a long thin piece of leather or string used to fasten boots or shoes
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boot.leg
adj., verb
adj. [only before noun] made and sold illegally: a bootleg cassette (= for example, one recorded illegally at a concert)—see also PIRATE
boot.leg noun: a bootleg of the concert

verb (-gg-) [vn] to make or sell goods, especially alcohol, illegally
boot.leg.ger noun
boot.leg.ging noun [U]

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boot.strap
noun
IDM pull / drag yourself up by your (own) 'bootstraps (informal) to improve your situation yourself, without help from other people
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booty
noun [U] valuable things that are stolen, especially by soldiers in a time of war
SYN LOOT
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booze
noun, verb
noun [U] (informal) alcoholic drink

verb [v] (informal) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to drink alcohol, especially in large quantities: He’s out boozing with his mates.

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boozer
noun (informal)
1 (BrE) a pub
2 a person who drinks a lot of alcohol
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'booze-up
noun (BrE , informal) an occasion when people drink a lot of alcohol
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boozy
adj. (informal) liking to drink a lot of alcohol; involving a lot of alcoholic drink: one of my boozy friends  a boozy lunch
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bop
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (BrE, informal) a dance to pop music; a social event at which people dance to pop music: Fancy a bop?  There’s a bop on in the village hall tonight.
2 [U] = BEBOP

verb (-pp-)
1 [v] (BrE, informal) to dance to pop music
2 [vn] to hit sb lightly

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bor.age
noun [U] a Mediterranean plant with blue flowers that are shaped like stars, and hairy leaves that are eaten raw as a salad vegetable
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borax
noun [U] a white mineral, usually in powder form, used in making glass and as an ANTISEPTIC (= a substance that helps to prevent infection in wounds)
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bor.dello
noun (pl.-os) (especially AmE ) = BROTHEL
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bor.der
noun, verb
noun
1 the line that divides two countries or areas; the land near this line: a national park on the border between Kenya and Tanzania  Denmark’s border with Germany  in the US, near the Canadian border  Nevada’s northern border  to cross the border  to flee across / over the border  border guards / controls  a border dispute / incident  a border town / state   (figurative) It is difficult to define the border between love and friendship.
2 a strip around the edge of sth such as a picture or a piece of fabric: a pillowcase with a lace border
3 (in a garden) a strip of soil which is planted with flowers, along the edge of the grass—picture at HOUSE

verb [vn]
1 (of a country or an area) to share a border with another country or area: the countries bordering the Baltic
2 (written) to form a line along or around the edge of sth: Meadows bordered the path to the woods.  The large garden is bordered by a stream.
PVR V 'border on sth
1 to come very close to being sth, especially a strong or unpleasant emotion or quality: She felt an anxiety bordering on hysteria.
2 to be next to sth: areas bordering on the Black Sea

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bor.der.land
noun
1 [C] an area of land close to a border between two countries
2 [sing.] an area between two qualities, ideas or subjects that has features of both but is not clearly one or the other: the murky borderland between history and myth
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bor.der.line
adj., noun
adj. not clearly belonging to a particular condition or group; not clearly acceptable: In doubtful and borderline cases teachers will take the final decision, based on the student’s previous work.  a borderline pass / fail in an exam

noun the division between two qualities or conditions: This biography sometimes crosses the borderline between fact and fiction.

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bore
verb, noun —see also BEAR , BORE , BORNE v.
verb
1 [vn] to make sb feel bored, especially by talking too much: I’m not boring you, am I?  Has he been boring you with his stories about China?
2 ~ (into / through sth) to make a long deep hole with a tool or by digging: [v] The drill is strong enough to bore through solid rock.  [vn] to bore a hole in sth
3 [v] ~ into sb/sth (of eyes) to stare in a way that makes sb feel uncomfortable: His blue eyes seemed to bore into her.

noun
1 [C] a person who is very boring, usually because they talk too much
2 [sing.] a situation or thing that is boring or that annoys you: It’s such a bore having to stay late this evening.
3 (also gauge especially in AmE) (especially in compounds) the hollow inside of a tube, such as a pipe or a gun; the width of the hole: a tube with a wide / narrow bore  a twelve-bore shotgun
4 a strong, high wave that rushes along a river from the sea at particular times of the year
5 (also bore.hole) a deep hole made in the ground, especially to find water or oil
IDM see CRASH v.

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bored
adj. ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (with doing sth) feeling tired and impatient because you have lost interest in sb/sth or because you have nothing to do: The children quickly got bored with staying indoors.  There was a bored expression on her face.
IDM bored 'stiff | bored to 'death / 'tears | bored out of your 'mind extremely bored—more at WITLESS
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bore.dom
noun [U] the state of feeling bored; the quality of being very boring: I started to eat too much out of sheer boredom.  Television helps to relieve the boredom of the long winter evenings.
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bore.hole
noun = BORE (5)
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bor.ing
adj. not interesting; making you feel tired and impatient: He’s such a boring man!  a boring job / book / evening
bor.ing.ly adv.: boringly normal
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born
verb, adj.
verb (be born) (used only in the passive, without by)
1 (abbr. b.) to come out of your mother’s body at the beginning of your life: [vn] I was born in 1976.  She was born into a very musical family.  He was born of / to German parents.  She was born with a weak heart.  [vn-adj] Her brother was born blind (= was blind when he was born).  [vn-n] John Wayne was born Marion Michael Morrison (= that was his name at birth).
2 [vn] (of an idea, an organization, a feeling, etc.) to start to exist: ‘Solidarity’ was born as a protest movement, not a political party.  She acted with a courage born (out) of desperation.
3 (-born) (in compounds) born in the order, way, place, etc. mentioned: firstborn  nobly-born  French-born—see also NEWBORN
IDM be 'born to be / do sth to have sth as your DESTINY (= what is certain to happen to you) from birth: He was born to be a great composer. ,born and 'bred born and having grown up in a particular place with a particular background and education: He was born and bred in Boston.  I’m a Londoner, born and bred. born with a silver 'spoon in your mouth (saying) having rich parents in all my born 'days (old-fashioned, informal) used when you are very surprised at sth you have never heard or seen before: I’ve never heard such nonsense in all my born days. not be born 'yesterday (spoken) used to say that you are not stupid enough to believe what sb is telling you: Oh yeah? I wasn’t born yesterday, you know. there’s one born every 'minute (saying) used to say that sb is very stupid—more at KNOW v. , MANNER , WAY n.

adj. [only before noun] having a natural ability or skill for a particular activity or job: a born athlete / writer / leader  a born loser (= a person who always loses or is unsuccessful)

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,born-a'gain
adj. [usually before noun] having come to have a strong belief in a particular religion (especially EVANGELICAL Christianity) or idea, and wanting other people to have the same belief: a born-again Christian  a born-again vegetarian
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borne

1 pp ofBEAR
2 (-borne) (in compounds) carried by: water-borne diseases
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bor.ough
noun a town or part of a city that has its own local government: the London borough of Westminster  The Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York.  a borough council
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bor.row
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to take and use sth that belongs to sb else, and return it to them at a later time: Can I borrow your umbrella?  Members can borrow up to ten books from the library at any one time.—compare LEND
2 ~ (sth) (from sb/sth) to take money from a person or bank and agree to pay it back to them at a later time: [vn] How much did you have to borrow to pay for this?  She borrowed £2 000 from her parents.  [v] I don’t like to borrow from friends.—compare LEND
3 ~ (sth) (from sb/sth) to take words, ideas, etc. from another language, person, etc. and use them, as your own: [v] The author borrows heavily from Henry James.  [vn] Some musical terms are borrowed from Italian.
IDM be (living) on borrowed 'time
1 to still be alive after the time when you were expected to die
2 to be doing sth that other people are likely to soon stop you from doing
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bor.row.er
noun a person or an organization that borrows money, especially from a bank—compare LENDER
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bor.row.ing
noun
1 [C, U] the money that a company, an organization or a person borrows; the act of borrowing money: an attempt to reduce bank borrowings  High interest rates help to keep borrowing down.
2 [C] a word, a phrase or an idea that sb has taken from another person’s work or from another language and used in their own
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bor.stal
noun [C, U] (in Britain in the past) a type of prison for young criminals—see also YOUTH CUSTODY
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bosom
noun
1 [C] a woman’s chest or breasts: her ample bosom  She pressed him to her bosom.
2 [C] the part of a piece of clothing that covers a woman’s bosom : a rose pinned to her bosom
3 the ~ of sth [sing.] a situation in which you are with people who love and protect you: to live in the bosom of your family
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,bosom 'friend
(AmE also ,bosom 'buddy) noun a very close friend
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boss
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 a person who is in charge of other people at work and tells them what to do: I’ll ask my boss if I can have the day off.  I like being my own boss (= working for myself and making my own decisions).  Who’s the boss (= who’s in control) in this house?
2 (informal) a person who is in charge of a large organization: the new boss at IBM  Hospital bosses protested at the decision.
IDM see SHOW v.

verb [vn] ~ sb (about / around) to tell sb what to do in an aggressive and/or annoying way: I’m sick of you bossing me around!

adj. (slang, especially BrE ) very good

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bossy
adj. (disapproving) always telling people what to do
boss.ily adv.
bossi.ness noun [U]
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,Boston baked 'beans
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = BAKED BEANS
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bo.tan.ic.al
adj. connected with the science of botany
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bo,tanical 'garden
(also bo,tanic 'garden) noun [usually pl.] a park where plants, trees and flowers are grown for scientific study
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bot.an.ist
noun a scientist who studies botany
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bot.any
noun [U] the scientific study of plants and their structure—compare BIOLOGY , ZOOLOGY
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botch
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth (up) (informal) to spoil sth by doing it badly: He completely botched up the interview.  The work they did on the house was a botched job.

noun (also 'botch-up) (BrE , informal) a piece of work or a job that has been done badly: I’ve made a real botch of the decorating.

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both
det., pron.
1 used with plural nouns to mean ‘the two’ or ‘the one as well as the other’: Both women were French.  Both the women were French.  Both of the women were French.  I talked to the women. Both of them were French / They were both French.  I liked them both.  We were both tired.  Both of us were tired.  We have both seen the movie.  I have two sisters. Both of them live in London / They both live in London.  Both (my) sisters live in London.
2 both … and … not only … but also …: Both his mother and his father will be there.  For this job you will need a good knowledge of both Italian and Spanish.
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bother
verb, noun, exclamation
verb
1 (often used in negative sentences and questions) ~ (with / about sth) to spend time and/or energy doing sth: [v] ‘Shall I wait?’‘No, don’t bother’.  It’s not worth bothering with (= using) an umbrella—the car’s just outside.  I don’t know why I bother! Nobody ever listens!  I don’t know why you bother with that crowd (= why you spend time with them).  [v to inf] He didn’t even bother to let me know he was coming.  [v -ing] Why bother asking if you’re not really interested?
2 ~ sb (about / with sth) to annoy, worry or upset sb; to cause sb trouble or pain: [vn] The thing that bothers me is …  You don’t sound too bothered about it.  I don’t want to bother her with my problems at the moment.  That sprained ankle is still bothering her (= hurting).  ‘I’m sorry he was so rude to you.’‘It doesn’t bother me.’  [vn that] Does it bother you that she earns more than you?  [vn to inf] It bothers me to think of her alone in that big house.
3 [vn] to interrupt sb; to talk to sb when they do not want to talk to you: Stop bothering me when I’m working.  Let me know if he bothers you again.  Sorry to bother you , but there’s a call for you on line two.
IDM be bothered (about sb/sth) (especially BrE) to think that sb/sth is important: I’m not bothered about what he thinks.  ‘Where shall we eat?’‘I’m not bothered.’ (= I don’t mind where we go). can’t be bothered (to do sth) used to say that you do not want to spend time and/or energy doing sth: I should really do some work this weekend but I can’t be bothered.  All this has happened because you couldn’t be bothered to give me the message. not bother yourself / your head with / about sth (especially BrE) to not spend time/effort on sth, because it is not important or you are not interested in it—more at HOT adj.

noun
1 [U] trouble or difficulty: You seem to have got yourself into a spot of bother.  I don’t want to put you to any bother (= cause you any trouble).  Don’t go to the bother of tidying up on my account (= don’t make the effort to do it).  ‘Thanks for your help!’‘It was no bother.’  Call them and save yourself the bother of going round.
2 (a bother) [sing.] (BrE) an annoying situation, thing or person
SYN NUISANCE : I hope I haven’t been a bother.

exclamation (BrE ) used to express the fact that you are annoyed about sth/sb: Bother! I’ve left my wallet at home.  Oh, bother him! He’s never around when you need him.

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both.er.some
adj. (old-fashioned) causing trouble or difficulty
SYN ANNOYING
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bothy
noun (pl.-ies) a mountain hut in Scotland built for farm workers to live in or for people to shelter in
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bot.tle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a glass or plastic container, usually round with straight sides and a narrow neck, used especially for storing liquids: a wine / beer / milk bottle  Put the top back on the bottle.—picture at PACKAGING
2 [C] (also bottle.ful ) the amount contained in a bottle: We drank a whole bottle of wine.
3 (the bottle) [sing.] (informal) alcoholic drink: After his wife died, he really hit the bottle (= started drinking heavily).
4 [C, usually sing.] a bottle used to give milk to a baby; the milk from such a bottle (used instead of mother’s milk): It’s time for her bottle.
5 [U] (BrE, informal) courage or confidence, for example to do sth that is dangerous or unpleasant: It took a lot of bottle to do that.  I didn’t think she’d have the bottle to ask him.

verb [vn]
1 to put a liquid into a bottle: The wines are bottled after three years.
2 to put fruit or vegetables into glass containers in order to preserve them
bot.tled adj.: bottled beer / water / pickles  bottled gas (= sold in metal containers for use in heating and cooking)
IDM 'bottle it (BrE, informal) to not do sth, or not finish sth, because you are frightened
PVR V ,bottle 'out (of sth / doing sth) (BrE, informal) to not do sth that you had intended to do because you are too frightened ,bottle sth<->'up to not allow other people to see that you are unhappy, angry, etc., especially when this happens over a long period of time: Try not to bottle up your emotions.

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'bottle bank
noun (BrE ) a large container in a public place where people can leave their empty bottles so that the glass can be used again (= RECYCLED ); a public place with several of these containers
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'bottle-feed
verb [vn, v] to feed a baby with artificial milk from a bottle—compare BREASTFEED
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,bottle-'green
adj. (especially BrE ) dark green in colour: a bottle-green coat
,bottle 'green noun [U]
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bottle.neck
noun
1 a narrow or busy section of road where the traffic often slows down and stops
2 anything that slows down development or progress, particularly in business or industry
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'bottle-opener
noun a small tool for opening bottles with metal tops, for example beer bottles—picture at KITCHEN
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bot.tom
noun, adj., verb
noun
LOWEST PART|
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the lowest part of sth: Footnotes are given at the bottom of each page.  I waited for them at the bottom of the hill.  The book I want is right at the bottom (= of the pile).
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the part of sth that faces downwards and is not usually seen: The manufacturer’s name is on the bottom of the plate.
OF CONTAINER|
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the lowest surface on the inside of a container: I found some French coins at the bottom of my bag.
OF RIVER / POOL|
4 [sing.] the ground below the water in a lake, river, swimming pool, etc: He dived in and hit his head on the bottom.
END OF STH|
5 the ~ (of sth) [sing.] (especially BrE) the part of sth that is furthest from you, your house, etc: I went to the school at the bottom of our street.  There was a stream at the bottom of the garden.
LOWEST POSITION|
6 ~ (of sth) [sing.] the lowest position in a class, on a list, etc.; a person, team, etc. that is in this position: a battle between the teams at the bottom of the league  You have to be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.  I was always bottom of the class in math.
PART OF BODY|
7 [C] (especially BrE) the part of the body that you sit on: I’ll smack your bottom if you do that again!
SYN BACKSIDE , BEHIND —picture at BODY
CLOTHING|
8 [C, usually pl.] the lower part of a set of clothes that consists of two pieces: a bikini bottom  a pair of pyjama / tracksuit bottoms
OF SHIP|
9 [C] the lower part of a ship that is below the surface of the water
SYN HULL
-BOTTOMED|
10 (in adjectives) having the type of bottom mentioned: a flat-bottomed boat—see also ROCK-BOTTOM at bottom used to say what sb/sth is really like: Their offer to help was at bottom self-centred. be / lie at the bottom of sth to be the original cause of sth, especially sth unpleasant the bottom drops / falls out (of sth) people stop buying or using the products of a particular industry: The bottom has fallen out of the travel market. bottoms 'up! (spoken) used to express good wishes when drinking alcohol, or to tell sb to finish their drink get to the bottom of sth to find out the real cause of sth, especially sth unpleasant—more at HEAP n. , HEART , PILE n. , SCRAPE v. , TOP n. , TOUCH v.

adj. [only before noun] in the lowest, last or furthest place or position: the bottom line (on a page)  your bottom lip  the bottom step (of a flight of stairs)  on the bottom shelf  Put your clothes in the bottom drawer.  Their house is at the bottom end of Bury Road (= the end furthest from where you enter the road).  Sign in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.  the bottom end of the price range  to go up a hill in bottom gear
IDM see BET v.

verb ,bottom 'out (of prices, a bad situation, etc.) to stop getting worse: The recession is finally beginning to show signs of bottoming out.

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bot.tom.less
adj. (formal) very deep; seeming to have no bottom or limit: a bottomless abyss
IDM a bottomless 'pit (of sth) a thing or situation which seems to have no limits or seems never to end: There isn’t a bottomless pit of money for public spending.  the bottomless pit of his sorrow
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,bottom 'line
noun [sing.]
1 (the bottom line) the most important thing that you have to consider or accept; the essential point in a discussion, etc: The bottom line is that we have to make a decision today.
2 (business) the amount of money that is a profit or a loss after everything has been calculated: The bottom line for 1999 was a pre-tax profit of £85 million.
3 the lowest price that sb will accept: Two thousand—and that’s my bottom line!
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botu.lism
noun [U] a serious illness caused by bacteria in badly preserved food
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bou.doir
noun (old-fashioned) a woman’s small private room or bedroom
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bouf.fant
adj. (of a person’s hair) in a style that raises it up and back from the head in a high round shape
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bou.gain.vil.lea
(also bou.gain.vil.laea) noun a tropical climbing plant with red, purple, white or pink flowers
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bough
noun (formal or literary) a large branch of a tree
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bought
pt, pp of BUY
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bouil.lon
noun [U, C] a liquid made by boiling meat or vegetables in water, used for making clear soups or sauces
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boul.der
noun a very large rock which has been shaped by water or the weather
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boule.vard
noun
1 (BrE) a wide city street, often with trees on either side
2 (abbr.Blvd.) (AmE) a wide main road (often used in the name of streets): Sunset Boulevard
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bounce
verb, noun
verb
MOVE OFF SURFACE|
1 if sth bounces or you bounce it, it moves quickly away from a surface it has just hit or you make it do this: [v] The ball bounced twice before he could reach it.  Short sound waves bounce off even small objects.  The light bounced off the river and dazzled her.  [vn] She bounced the ball against the wall.
MOVE UP AND DOWN|noun
2 [v] (of a person) to jump up and down on sth: She bounced up and down excitedly on the bed.
3 [vn] to move a child up and down while he or she is sitting on your knee in order to entertain him or her
4 to move up and down; to move sth up and down: [v] Her hair bounced from side to side as she walked. [alsovn]
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move up and down in a particular direction: The bus bounced down the hill.
MOVE WITH ENERGY|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person) to move somewhere in a lively and cheerful way: He bounced across the room to greet them.
CHEQUE|
7 [v, vn] (informal) if a cheque bounces, or a bank bounces it, the bank refuses to accept it because there is not enough money in the account
IDEAS|
8 [vn] ~ ideas (off sb) / (around) to tell sb your ideas in order to find out what they think about them: He bounced ideas off colleagues everywhere he went.
COMPUTING|
9 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (back) if an e-mail bounces or the system bounces it, it returns to the person who sent it because the system cannot deliver it ,bounce 'back to become healthy, successful or confident again after being ill/sick or having difficulties
SYN RECOVER : He’s had a lot of problems, but he always seems to bounce back pretty quickly. ,bounce sb 'into sth (BrE) to make sb do sth without giving them enough time to think about it

noun
MOVEMENT|
1 [C] the action of bouncing : one bounce of the ball   (AmE) a bounce (= increase) in popularity
2 [U] the ability to bounce or to make sth bounce : There’s not much bounce left in these balls.  Players complained about the uneven bounce of the tennis court.
ENERGY|
3 [U, C] the energy that a person has: All her old bounce was back.  There was a bounce to his step which I hadn’t seen before.
OF HAIR|
4 [U] the quality in a person’s hair that shows that it is in good condition and means that it does not lie flat: thin fine hair, lacking in bounce

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boun.cer
noun
1 a person employed to stand at the entrance to a club, pub, etc. to stop people who are not wanted from going in, and to throw out people who are causing trouble inside
2 (in cricket) a ball thrown very fast that rises high after it hits the ground
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boun.cing
adj. ~ (with sth) healthy and full of energy: a bouncing baby boy  He was bouncing with health.
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bouncy
adj.
1 that bounces well or that has the ability to make sth bounce : a very bouncy ball  his bouncy blond curls   (BrE) a bouncy castle (= a plastic castle or other shape which is filled with air and which children can jump and play on)
2 lively and full of energy
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bound
adj., verb, noun —see also BIND , BOUND , BOUND v.
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ to do / be sth certain or likely to happen, or to do or be sth: There are bound to be changes when the new system is introduced.  It’s bound to be sunny again tomorrow.  You’ve done so much work—you’re bound to pass the exam.  It was bound to happen sooner or later (= we should have expected it).  You’re bound to be nervous the first time (= it’s understandable).
2 ~ (by sth)| ~ (by sth) (to do sth) forced to do sth by law, duty or a particular situation: We are not bound by the decision.  You are bound by the contract to pay before the end of the month.   (BrE, formal) I am bound to say I disagree with you on this point.
3 (in compounds) prevented from going somewhere or from working normally by the conditions mentioned: Strike-bound travellers face long delays.  fogbound airports
4 ~ (for … ) (also in compounds) travelling, or ready to travel, in a particular direction or to a particular place: homeward bound (= going home)  a plane bound for Dublin  Paris-bound  northbound / southbound / eastbound / westbound
IDM be bound to'gether by / in sth to be closely connected: communities bound together by customs and traditions be bound 'up in sth very busy with sth; very interested or involved in sth: He’s too bound up in his work to have much time for his children. bound 'up with sth closely connected with sth: From that moment my life became inextricably bound up with hers. 'I’ll be bound (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) I feel sure—more at HONOUR n.

verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to run with long steps, especially in an enthusiastic way: The dogs bounded ahead.
2 [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to form the edge or limit of an area: The field was bounded on the left by a wood.

noun (written) a high or long jump—see also BOUNDS
IDM see LEAP n.

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bound.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a real or imagined line that marks the limits or edges of sth and separates it from other things or places; a dividing line: national boundaries   (BrE) county boundaries  boundary changes / disputes  The fence marks the boundary between my property and hers.  Scientists continue to push back the boundaries of human knowledge.  the boundary between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour
2 (in cricket) a hit of the ball that crosses the boundary of the playing area and scores extra points
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bound.en
adj.
IDM a / your bounden 'duty (old-fashioned, formal) something that you feel you must do; a responsibility which cannot be ignored
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bound.less
adj. (written) without limits; seeming to have no end: boundless energy / enthusiasm
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bounds
noun [pl.] the accepted or furthest limits of sth: beyond / outside / within the bounds of decency  Public spending must be kept within reasonable bounds.  It was not beyond the bounds of possibility that they would meet again one day.  His enthusiasm knew no bounds (= was very great).
IDM out of 'bounds (to / for sb) (especially BrE) (AmE usually ,off 'limits) if a place is out of bounds or off limits, people are not allowed to go there out of 'bounds
1 (in some sports) outside the area of play which is allowed: His shot went out of bounds.
2 (AmE) not reasonable or acceptable: His demands were out of bounds.—more at LEAP n.
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boun.teous
adj. (formal or literary) giving very generously
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boun.ti.ful
adj. (formal or literary)
1 in large quantities; large: a bountiful supply of food
2 giving generously
SYN GENEROUS : belief in a bountiful god
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bounty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] (literary) generous actions; sth provided in large quantities: to thank the Lord for his bounty
2 [C] money given as a reward: a bounty hunter (= sb who catches criminals or kills people for a reward)
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bou.quet
noun
1 [C] a bunch of flowers arranged in an attractive way so that it can be carried in a ceremony or presented as a gift
2 [C, U] the pleasant smell of a type of food or drink, especially of wine
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bou.quet garni
noun (pl.bou.quets gar.nis ) (from French ) a bunch of different herbs in a small bag, used in cooking to give extra flavour to food
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bour.bon
noun
1 [U, C] a type of American whisky made with MAIZE and RYE
2 [C] a glass of bourbon
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bour.geois
adj.
1 belonging to the middle class: a traditional bourgeois family—see also PETIT BOURGEOIS
2 (disapproving) interested mainly in possessions and social status and supporting traditional values: bourgeois attitudes / tastes  They’ve become very bourgeois since they got married.
3 (politics) supporting the interests of CAPITALISM : bourgeois ideology
bour.geois noun (pl.bour.geois)
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bour.geoisie
noun (the bourgeoisie) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .]
1 the middle classes in society: the rise of the bourgeoisie in the nineteenth century
2 (politics) the CAPITALIST class: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie
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bout
noun
1 ~ (of sth / of doing sth) a short period of great activity; a short period during which there is a lot of a particular thing, usually sth unpleasant: They had been fighting after a drinking bout.  the latest bout of inflation
2 ~ (of sth) an attack or period of illness: a severe bout of flu / coughing  He suffered occasional bouts of depression.   (AmE) a bout with the flu
3 a boxing or WRESTLING match
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bou.tique
noun a small shop/store that sells fashionable clothes or expensive gifts
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bou.ton.nière
noun (AmE ) = BUTTONHOLE (2)
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bo.vine
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (technical) connected with cows: bovine diseases
2 (written, disapproving) (of a person) stupid and slow
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bow^1
verb, noun —see also BOW^2
verb
1 [v] ~ (down) (to / before sb/sth) to move your head or the top half of your body forwards and downwards as a sign of respect or as a greeting: He bowed low to the assembled crowd.  The people all bowed down before the Emperor.
2 [vn] to move your head forwards and downwards: She bowed her head in shame.  They stood in silence with their heads bowed.
3 to bend or make sth bend: [v] The pines bowed in the wind.  [vn] Their backs were bowed under the weight of their packs.
IDM ,bow and 'scrape (disapproving) to be too polite to an important person in order to gain their approval—more at SHOT n.
PVR V ,bow 'down to sb/sth (disapproving) to allow sb to tell you what to do ,bow 'out (of sth) to stop taking part in an activity, especially one in which you have been successful in the past: She has finally decided it’s time to bow out of international tennis. 'bow to sth to agree unwillingly to do sth because other people want you to: They finally bowed to pressure from the public.  She bowed to the inevitable (= accepted a situation in which she had no choice) and resigned.

noun
1 the act of bending your head or the upper part of your body forward in order to greet sb or to show respect
2 (also bows [pl.]) the front part of a boat or ship—compare STERN n. —picture at BOAT , YACHT
IDM take a / your 'bow (of a performer) to bow to the audience as they are APPLAUDING you—more at SHOT

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bow^2
noun, verb —see also BOW^1
noun
1 a weapon used for shooting arrows, consisting of a long curved piece of wood with a tight string joining its ends: He was armed with a bow and arrow .
2 a knot with two LOOPS and two loose ends which is used for decoration on clothes, in hair, etc. or for tying shoes: to tie your shoelaces in a bow  Her hair was tied back in a neat bow.
3 a long thin piece of wood with thin string stretched along it, used for playing musical instruments such as the violin—
IDM see STRING n.

verb [v, vn] to use a bow to play a musical instrument that has strings

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bowd.ler.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (usually disapproving) to remove the parts of a book, play, etc. that you think are likely to shock or offend people
SYN EXPURGATE
ORIGIN Named after Dr Thomas Bowdler, who in 1818 produced a version of Shakespeare from which he had taken out all the material which he considered unsuitable for family use.
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bowel
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] one of a system of tubes below the stomach in which solid waste collects before it is passed out of the body: (medical) to empty / move / open your bowels (= to pass solid waste out of the body)  bowel cancer / cancer of the bowel
2 (the bowels of sth) [pl.] (literary) the part that is deepest inside sth: A rumble came from the bowels of the earth (= deep underground).
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'bowel movement
(also movement) noun (medical ) an act of emptying waste material from the bowels; the waste material that is emptied
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bower
noun (literary) a pleasant place in the shade under trees or climbing plants in a wood or garden/yard
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bowl
noun, verb
noun
CONTAINER|
1 [C] (especially in compounds) a deep round dish with a wide open top, used especially for holding food or liquid: a salad / fruit / sugar bowl  a washing-up bowl
AMOUNT|
2 [C] (also bowl.ful ) the amount contained in a bowl: a bowl of soup
SHAPE|
3 [C] the part of some objects that is shaped like a bowl: the bowl of a spoon  a toilet / lavatory bowl
THEATRE|
4 [C] (especially AmE) (in names) a large round theatre without a roof, used for concerts, etc. in the open air
SYN STADIUM : the Hollywood Bowl
BALL|
5 [C] a heavy wooden ball that is used in the game of bowls
GAME|
6 (bowls) [U] (AmE also 'lawn bowling) a game played on an area of very smooth grass, in which players take turns to roll bowls as near as possible to a small ball
FOOTBALL GAME|
7 [C] (AmE) (in names) a football game played after the main season between the best teams: the Super Bowl

verb
ROLL BALL|
1 [v, vn] to roll a ball in the games of bowls and BOWLING
IN CRICKET|
2 [v, vn] to throw a ball to the BATSMAN (= the person who hits the ball)—
3 [vn] ~ sb (out) to make the BATSMAN have to leave the field by throwing a ball that hits the WICKET
MOVE QUICKLY|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE, written) to move quickly in a particular direction, especially in a vehicle: Soon we were bowling along the country roads. ,bowl sb 'over
1 to run into sb and knock them down
2 to surprise or impress sb a lot

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bow legs
noun [pl.] legs that curve out at the knees
bow-legged adj.
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bowl.er
noun
1 (in cricket) a player who throws the ball at the BATSMAN —
2 (also ,bowler 'hat) (both especially BrE) (AmE usually derby) a hard black hat with a curved BRIM and round top, worn, for example, in the past by men in business in Britain—picture at HAT
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bowl.ing
noun [U] a game in which players roll heavy balls (called BOWLS ) along a special track towards a group of PINS (= bottle-shaped objects) and try to knock over as many of them as possible
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'bowling alley
noun a building or part of a building where people can go bowling
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'bowling green
noun an area of grass that has been cut short on which the game of BOWLS is played
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bow.man
noun (pl.-men ) (old-fashioned) = ARCHER
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bow tie
noun a man’s tie that is tied in the shape of a bow and that does not hang down—
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bow-wow
noun a child’s word for a dog
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box
noun, verb
noun
CONTAINER|
1 [C] (especially in compounds) a container made of wood, cardboard, metal, etc. with a flat stiff base and sides and often a lid, used especially for holding solid things: She kept all the letters in a box.  a money box  cardboard boxes  a toolbox  a matchbox—picture at PACKAGING
2 [C] a box and its contents: a box of chocolates / matches—picture at PACKAGING
IN THEATRE / COURT|
3 [C] a small area in a theatre or court of law separated off from where other people sit: a box at the opera  the witness / jury box
HUT|
4 [C] a small hut used for a particular purpose: a sentry / signal box   (BrE) a telephone box  I called him from the phone box on the corner.
SHAPE|
5 [C] a small square or RECTANGLE drawn on a page for people to write information in: Put a cross in the appropriate box.  to tick / check a box
TELEVISION|
6 (the box) [sing.] (informal) the television: What’s on the box tonight?
ON ROAD|
7 [C] (BrE) = BOX JUNCTION : Only traffic turning right may enter the box.
IN SPORT|
8 [C] an area on a sports field that is marked by lines and used for a particular purpose: (BrE) He was fouled in the box (= the penalty box).
FOR MAIL|
9 [C] = BOX NUMBER —see also PO BOX
PROTECTION|
10 [C] (BrE) a piece of plastic that a man wears over his sex organs to protect them while he is playing a sport, especially cricket
TREE / WOOD|
11 [C, U] a small EVERGREEN tree or bush with thick dark leaves, used especially for garden HEDGES
12 (also box.wood) [U] the hard wood of this bush give sb a box on the 'ears (old-fashioned) to hit sb with your hand on the side of their head as a punishment—more at TRICK n.

verb
FIGHT|
1 [v, vn] to fight sb in the sport of boxing
PUT IN CONTAINER|
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to put sth in a box box sb’s 'ears (old-fashioned) to hit sb with your hand on the side of their head as a punishment ,box sb/sth 'in
1 to prevent sb/sth from being able to move by surrounding them with people, vehicles, etc: Someone had parked behind us and boxed us in.
2 [usually passive] (of a situation) to prevent sb from doing what they want by creating unnecessary problems: She felt boxed in by all their petty rules.

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box.car
noun (especially AmE ) a closed railway carriage with a sliding door, used for carrying goods
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boxed
adj. put and/or sold in a box: a boxed set of original recordings
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boxer
noun
1 a person who boxes , especially as a job: a professional / amateur / heavyweight boxer
2 a large dog with smooth hair, a short flat nose and a tail that has usually been cut very short
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'boxer shorts
(also boxers) (AmE also shorts) noun [pl.] men’s UNDERPANTS similar to the SHORTS worn by boxers: a pair of boxer shorts
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box.ful
noun a full box (of sth)
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box.ing
noun [U] a sport in which two people fight each other with their hands, while wearing very large thick gloves (called boxing gloves): a boxing champion / match  heavyweight boxing
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'Box.ing Day
noun [U, C] (BrE ) the first day after Christmas Day that is not a Sunday. Boxing Day is an official holiday in Britain.
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'box junction
(also box) noun (BrE ) a place where two roads cross or join, marked with a pattern of yellow lines to show that vehicles must not stop
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'box number
(also box) noun a number used as an address, especially one given in newspaper advertisements to which replies can be sent
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'box office
noun the place at a theatre, cinema/movie theater, etc. where the tickets are sold: The movie has been a huge box-office success (= many people have been to see it).
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box.room
noun (BrE ) a small room in a house for storing things in
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box.wood
noun [U] = BOX (12)
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boy
noun, exclamation
noun
1 [C] a male child or a young male person: a little / small / young boy  I used to play here as a boy.  The older boys at school used to tease him.  Now she’s a teenager, she’s starting to be interested in boys.—see also OLD BOY
2 [C] a young son: They have two boys and a girl.  Her eldest boy is at college.
3 [C] (in compounds; offensive when used of an older man) a boy or young man who does a particular job: a delivery boy—see also BACK-ROOM BOYS
4 [C] a way of talking about sb who comes from a particular place, etc: He’s a local boy .  a city / country boy
5 (the boys) [pl.] (informal) a group of male friends who often go out together: a night out with the boys
6 (our boys) [pl.] a way of talking with affection about your country’s soldiers
7 (AmE,  ) used as an offensive way of addressing a black man
IDM the boys in 'blue (informal) the police ,boys ,will be 'boys (saying) you should not be surprised when boys or men behave in a noisy or rough way as this is part of typical male behaviour—more at BLUE , JOB n. , MAN n.

exclamation (informal, especially AmE ) used to express feelings of surprise, pleasure, pain, etc: Boy, it sure is hot!  Oh boy! That’s great!

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boy.cott
verb, noun
verb [vn] to refuse to buy, use or take part in sth as a way of protesting: We are asking people to boycott goods from companies that use child labour.

noun ~ (of / on sth) an act of boycotting sb/sth: a trade boycott of British goods  a boycott on the use of tropical wood

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boy.friend
noun a man or boy that sb has a romantic or sexual relationship with
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boy.hood
noun [U] (becoming old-fashioned) the time in a man’s life when he is a boy: boyhood days / memories / friends
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boy.ish
adj. (approving) looking or behaving like a boy, in a way that is attractive: boyish charm / enthusiasm  her slim boyish figure
boy.ishl.y adv.
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,Boy 'Scout
noun (AmE or old-fashioned) a boy who is a member of THE SCOUTS
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bozo
noun (pl.-os) (informal, especially AmE ) a stupid person
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Br.
abbr. (in writing) British
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bra
(also formal brassière) noun a piece of women’s underwear worn to cover and support the breasts
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brace
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a device that holds things firmly together or holds and supports them in position: a neck brace (= worn to support the neck after an injury)
2 [C] (AmE braces [pl.]) a metal device that children wear inside the mouth to help their teeth grow straight
3 (braces) (BrE) (AmE sus.pend.ers) [pl.] straps for holding trousers/pants up. They are fastened to the top of the trousers/pants at the front and back and passed over the shoulders: a pair of braces—
4 [C, usually pl.] (AmE) = CALLIPER
5 [C] either of the two marks, {}, used to show that the words, etc. between them are connected—compare BRACKET
6 [C] (pl.brace) a pair of birds or animals that have been killed in hunting: two brace of partridge(s)
IDM see BELT n.

verb
1 ~ sb / yourself (for sth) to prepare sb/yourself for sth difficult or unpleasant that is going to happen: [vn] UN troops are braced for more violence.  They are bracing themselves for a long legal battle. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn] ~ sth / yourself (against sth) to press your body or part of your body firmly against sth in order to stop yourself from falling: They braced themselves against the wind.
3 [vn] to tighten the muscles in your body or part of your body before doing sth that is physically difficult: He stood with his legs and shoulders braced, ready to lift the weights.
4 [vn] (technical) to make sth stronger or more solid by supporting it with sth: The roof was braced by lengths of timber.

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brace.let
noun a piece of jewellery worn around the wrist or arm—picture at JEWELLERY
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brac.ing
adj. (especially of weather) making you feel full of energy because it is cold: bracing sea air
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bracken
noun [U] a wild plant with large leaves that grows thickly on hills and in woods and turns brown in the autumn/fall
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bracket
noun, verb
noun
1 (also 'round bracket) (both BrE) (also par.en.thesisAmEor formal) [usually pl.] either of a pair of marks, ( ) placed around extra information in a piece of writing or part of a problem in mathematics: Publication dates are given in brackets after each title.  Add the numbers in brackets first.—see also ANGLE BRACKET —compare BRACE
2 [usually pl.] (AmE) = SQUARE BRACKET
3 price, age, income, etc. ~ prices, etc. within a particular range: people in the lower income bracket  Most of the houses are out of our price bracket.  the 30–34 age bracket (= people aged between 30 and 34)
4 a piece of wood, metal or plastic fixed to the wall to support a shelf, lamp, etc.

verb [vn]
1 to put words, information, etc. between brackets
2 ~ A and B (together)| ~ A (together) with B [often passive] to consider people or things to be similar or connected in some way: It is unfair to bracket together those who cannot work with those who will not.

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brack.ish
adj. (of water) salty in an unpleasant way: brackish lakes / lagoons / marshes
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brae
noun (ScotE ) (often in place names) a steep slope or hill
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brag
verb (-gg-) ~ to sb (about / of sth) (disapproving) to talk too proudly about sth you own or sth you have done
SYN BOAST : [v] He bragged to his friends about the crime. [alsov that, v speech]
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brag.gart
noun (old-fashioned) a person who brags
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Brah.man
noun (also Brah.min ) a Hindu who belongs to the highest CASTE (= division of society), in which all the members are priests
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braid
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] thin coloured rope that is used to decorate furniture and military uniforms: The general’s uniform was trimmed with gold braid.—picture at TASSEL
2 [C] (especially AmE) = PLAIT : She wears her hair in braids.

verb [vn] (especially AmE ) = PLAIT : She’d braided her hair.

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Braille
(also braille) noun [U] a system of printing for blind people in which the letters of the alphabet and the numbers are printed as raised dots that can be read by touching them
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brain
noun, verb
noun
IN HEAD|
1 [C] the organ inside the head that controls movement, thought, memory and feeling: damage to the brain  brain cells  She died of a brain tumour.  a device to measure brain activity during sleep—picture at BODY
FOOD|
2 (brains) [pl.] the brain of an animal, eaten as food: sheep’s brains
INTELLIGENCE|
3 [U, C, usually pl.] the ability to learn quickly and think about things in a logical and intelligent way: It doesn’t take much brain to work out that both stories can’t be true.  Teachers spotted that he had a good brain at an early age.  You need brains as well as brawn (= intelligence as well as strength) to do this job.
INTELLIGENT PERSON|
4 [C, usually pl.] (informal) an intelligent person: We have the best scientific brains in the country working on this.
5 (the brains) [sing.] the most intelligent person in a particular group; the person who is responsible for thinking of and organizing sth: He’s always been the brains of the family.  The band’s drummer is the brains behind their latest venture. have sth on the brain (informal) to think about sth all the time, especially in a way that is annoying: He has sex on the brain.—more at BEAT v. , BLOW v. , CUDGEL v. , PICK v. , RACK v.

verb [vn] (informal) to kill a person or an animal by hitting them very hard on the head: I nearly brained myself on that low beam.

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brain.child
noun [sing.] the ~ (of sb) an idea or invention of one person or a small group of people
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'brain damage
noun [U] permanent damage to the brain caused by illness or an accident
'brain-damaged adj.
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'brain-dead
adj.
1 suffering from serious damage to the brain and needing machines to stay alive
2 (humorous) very stupid and boring; not thinking in an intelligent way
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'brain death
noun [U] very serious damage to the brain that cannot be cured. A person who is suffering from brain death needs machines to keep them alive, even though their heart is still beating.
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'brain drain
noun [sing.] (informal) the movement of highly skilled and qualified people to a country where they can work in better conditions and earn more money
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brain.less
adj. stupid; not able to think or talk in an intelligent way
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brain.power
noun [U] the ability to think; intelligence
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brain.storm
noun [sing.]
1 (BrE) a sudden inability to think clearly which causes unusual behaviour: She had a brainstorm in the exam and didn’t answer a single question.
2 (AmE) = BRAINWAVE
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brain.storm.ing
noun [U] a way of making a group of people all think about sth at the same time, often in order to solve a problem or to create good ideas: a brainstorming session
brain.storm verb : [vn] Brainstorm as many ideas as possible. [alsov]
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'brain-teaser
noun a problem that is difficult but fun to solve
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brain.wash
verb ~ sb (into doing sth) to force sb to accept your ideas or beliefs, for example by repeating the same thing many times or by preventing the person from thinking clearly: [vn] The group is accused of brainwashing its young members.  Women have been brainwashed into thinking that they must go out to work in order to fulfil themselves. [alsovn, vn to inf]
brain.wash.ing noun [U]: the victims of brainwashing and torture
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brain.wave
noun
1 (AmE also brain.storm) a sudden good idea: I’ve had a brainwave that might help.
2 an electrical signal in the brain
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brainy
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) very intelligent
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braise
verb [vn] to cook meat or vegetables very slowly with a little liquid in a closed container: braising steak (= that is suitable for braising)
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brake
noun, verb
noun
1 a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle: to put / slam on the brakes  the brake pedal—see also AIR BRAKE , DISC BRAKE , HANDBRAKE —picture at BICYCLE , CAR
2 ~ (on sth) a thing that stops sth or makes it difficult: High interest rates are a brake on the economy.
IDM see JAM v.

verb to slow down or make a vehicle slow down using the brake : [v] The car braked and swerved.  The truck braked to a halt .  You don’t need to brake at every bend.  She had to brake hard to avoid running into the car in front.  [vn] He braked the car and pulled in to the side of the road.

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'brake light
(AmE also 'stop light) noun a red light on the back of a vehicle that comes on when the brakes are used
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bram.ble
noun
1 (especially BrE) a prickly wild bush on which BLACKBERRIES grow
2 (BrE) = BLACKBERRY
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bran
noun [U] the outer covering of grain which is left when the grain is made into flour
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branch
noun, verb
noun
OF TREE|
1 a part of a tree that grows out from the main stem and on which leaves, flowers and fruit grow: She climbed the tree and hid in the branches.
OF COMPANY|
2 a local office or shop/store belonging to a large company or organization: The bank has branches all over the country.  Our New York branch is dealing with the matter.
OF GOVERNMENT|
3 a part of a government or other large organization that deals with one particular aspect of its work
SYN DEPARTMENT : the anti-terrorist branch
OF KNOWLEDGE|
4 a division of an area of knowledge or a group of languages: the branch of computer science known as ‘artificial intelligence’
OF RIVER / ROAD|
5 a smaller or less important part of a river, road, railway/railroad, etc. that leads away from the main part: a branch of the Rhine  a branch line (= a small line off a main railway line, often in country areas)
OF FAMILY|
6 a group of members of a family who all have the same ancestors: My uncle’s branch of the family emigrated to Canada.
IDM see ROOT n.

verb [v] to divide into two or more parts, especially smaller or less important parts: The accident happened where the road branches. ,branch 'off
1 (of a road or river) to be joined to another road or river but lead in a different direction: Just after the lake, the path branches off to the right.
2 (of a person) to leave a road or path and travel in a different direction ,branch 'out (into sth) to start to do an activity that you have not done before, especially in your work or business: The company has now branched out into selling insurance.  I decided to branch out on my own .

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brand
noun, verb
noun
1 a type of product made by a particular company: Which brand of toothpaste do you use?   (BrE) You pay less for the supermarket’s own brand .   (AmE) You pay less for the store brand .  brand loyalty (= the tendency of customers to continue buying the same brand)  Champagne houses owe their success to brand image .  the leading brand of detergent—see also OWN-BRAND
2 a particular type or kind of sth: an unorthodox brand of humour
3 a mark made with a piece of hot metal, especially on farm animals to show who owns them

verb [often passive]
1 ~ sb (as) sth to describe sb as being sth bad or unpleasant, especially unfairly: [vn] They were branded as liars and cheats.  [vn-n] The newspapers branded her a hypocrite. [alsovn-adj]
2 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to mark an animal with a brand to show who owns it

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brand.ed
adj. [only before noun] (of a product) made by a well-known company and having that company’s name on it: branded drugs / goods / products
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'branding iron
noun a metal tool that is heated and used for marking farm animals by branding them
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bran.dish
verb [vn] (written) to hold or wave sth, especially a weapon, in an aggressive or threatening way
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'brand name
(also 'trade name) noun the name given to a product by the company that produces it
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,brand 'new
adj. completely new: a brand new computer  She bought her car brand new.
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brandy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] a strong alcoholic drink made from wine. There are several types of brandy : The finest brandies are made in Cognac.
2 [C] a glass of brandy
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'brandy snap
noun (especially BrE ) a thin crisp biscuit/cookie in the shape of a tube, flavoured with GINGER and often filled with cream
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brash
adj. (disapproving)
1 confident in an aggressive way: Beneath his brash exterior, he’s still a little boy inside.
2 (BrE) (of things and places) too bright or too noisy in a way that is not attractive
brash.ly adv.
brash.ness noun [U]
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brass
noun
METAL|
1 [U] a bright yellow metal made by mixing COPPER and ZINC ; objects made of brass : solid brass fittings / door handles  a brass plate (= a sign outside a building giving the name and profession of the person who works there)  to clean / polish the brass
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS|
2 [U+sing./pl. v.] the musical instruments made of metal, such as TRUMPETS or FRENCH HORNS , that form a band or section of an orchestra; the people who play them: music for piano, strings and brass—compare PERCUSSION , STRINGS , WOODWIND , WIND INSTRUMENT —
ORNAMENT|
3 [C] (BrE) a decorated piece of brass used as an ornament, especially a round flat piece attached to a horse’s HARNESS
IN CHURCH|
4 [C] (especially BrE) a flat piece of brass with words or a picture on it, fixed to the floor or wall of a church in memory of sb who has died: a memorial brass
IMPORTANT PEOPLE|
5 [U+sing./pl. v.] (especially AmE) = TOP BRASS
MONEY|
6 [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) money—see also BRASSY ,brass 'monkeys | ,brass 'monkey weather (BrE, slang) if you say that it is brass monkeys or brass monkey weather, you mean that it is very cold weather ,brass 'neck / 'nerve (BrE, informal) a combination of confidence and lack of respect: I didn’t think she would have the brass neck to do that. (get down to) brass 'tacks (informal) (to start to consider) the basic facts or practical details of sth—more at BOLD , MUCK n.
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,brass 'band
noun a group of musicians who play brass instruments
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,brassed 'off
adj. (BrE , slang) annoyed
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bras.serie
noun a type of restaurant, often one that serves both food and drinks or drinks alone
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brass.ière
noun (formal) = BRA
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,brass 'knuckles
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = KNUCKLEDUSTER
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'brass rubbing
noun [U, C] the art of rubbing a soft pencil or chalk on a piece of paper placed over a BRASS in a church; the pattern you get by doing this
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brassy
adj.
1 (sometimes disapproving) (of music) loud and harsh
2 (informal, disapproving) (of a woman) dressing in a way that makes her sexual attraction obvious, but without style: the brassy blonde behind the bar
3 like BRASS (1) in colour; too yellow and bright
4 (AmE, informal) saying what you think, without caring about other people
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brat
noun (informal, disapproving) a person, especially a child, who behaves badly: a spoiled / spoilt brat
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bra.vado
noun [U] a confident way of behaving that is intended to impress people, sometimes as a way of hiding a lack of confidence: an act of sheer bravado
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brave
adj., verb, noun
adj. (braver, brav.est)
1 (of a person) willing to do things which are difficult, dangerous or painful; not afraid
SYN COURAGEOUS : brave men and women  Be brave!  I wasn’t brave enough to tell her what I thought of her.
2 (of an action) requiring or showing courage: a brave decision  She died after a brave fight against cancer.  He felt homesick, but made a brave attempt to appear cheerful.
3 ~ new (sometimes ironic) new in an impressive way: a vision of a brave new Britain
brave.ly adv.
bravery noun [U]: an award for outstanding bravery  acts of skill and bravery
IDM (a) ,brave new 'world a situation or society that changes in a way that is meant to improve people’s lives but is often a source of extra problems: the brave new world of technology put on a brave 'face | put a brave 'face on sth to pretend that you feel confident and happy when you do not

verb [vn] to have to deal with sth difficult or unpleasant in order to achieve sth: He did not feel up to braving the journalists at the airport.  Over a thousand people braved the elements (= went outside in spite of the bad weather) to attend the march.

noun
1 (the brave) [pl.] people who are brave: America—the land of the free and the home of the brave
2 [C] (old-fashioned) a Native American WARRIOR

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bravo
exclamation (becoming old-fashioned) people say Bravo! at the end of sth they have enjoyed, such as a play at the theatre
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bra.vura
noun [U] (formal) great skill and enthusiasm in doing sth artistic: a bravura performance
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brawl
noun, verb
noun a noisy and violent fight involving a group of people, usually in a public place: a drunken brawl

verb [v] to take part in a noisy and violent fight, usually in a public place: They were arrested for brawling in the street.
brawl.er noun

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brawn
noun [U]
1 physical strength: In this job you need brains as well as brawn.
2 (BrE) (AmE head.cheese) meat made from the head of a pig or CALF that has been boiled and pressed into a container, served cold in thin slices
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brawny
adj. (informal) having strong muscles: He was a great brawny brute of a man.
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bray
verb
1 [v] when a DONKEY brays, it makes a loud harsh sound
2 (of a person) to talk or laugh in a loud unpleasant voice: [v] He brayed with laughter.  a braying voice [alsov speech]
bray noun
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bra.zen
adj., verb
adj.
1 (disapproving) open and without SHAME , usually about sth that people find shocking: She had become brazen about the whole affair.  his brazen admission that he was cheating
2 made of, or the colour of, BRASS (1)
brazen.ly adv.: She had brazenly admitted allowing him back into the house.

verb
PVR V ,brazen it 'out to behave as if you are not ashamed or embarrassed about sth even though you should be: Now that everyone knew the truth, the only thing to do was to brazen it out.

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bra.zier
noun a large metal container that holds a fire and is used to keep people warm when they are outside
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bra.zil
(also bra'zil nut) noun the curved nut of a large S American tree. It has a hard shell with three sides.—picture at NUT
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breach
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ of sth a failure to do sth that must be done by law: a breach of contract / copyright / warranty  They are in breach of Article 119.   (BrE) (a) breach of the peace (= the crime of behaving in a noisy or violent way in public)
2 [C, U] ~ of sth an action that breaks an agreement to behave in a particular way: a breach of confidence / trust  a breach of security (= when sth that is normally protected is no longer secure)
3 [C] a break in a relationship between people or countries: a breach in Franco-German relations
4 [C] an opening that is created during a military attack or by strong winds or seas: They escaped through a breach in the wire fence.
IDM see STEP v.

verb [vn]
1 to not keep to an agreement or not keep a promise: The government is accused of breaching the terms of the treaty.
2 to make a hole in a wall, fence, etc. so that sb/sth can go through it: The dam had been breached.  Demonstrators breached police lines around the embassy.

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bread
noun [U]
1 a type of food made from flour, water and usually YEAST mixed together and baked: a loaf / slice / piece of bread  white / brown / wholemeal bread—see also CRISPBREAD , FRENCH BREAD , GINGERBREAD —
2 (old-fashioned, slang) money
IDM take the bread out of sb’s 'mouth to take away sb’s job so that they are no longer able to earn enough money to live—more at DAILY adj. , KNOW v. , THING
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,bread and 'butter
noun [U]
1 slices of bread that have been spread with butter: a piece of bread and butter
2 (informal) a person or company’s main source of income
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,bread-and-'butter
adj. [only before noun] basic; very important: Employment and taxation are the bread-and-butter issues of politics.
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bread.bas.ket
noun [sing.] (especially AmE ) the part of a country or region that produces large amounts of food, especially grain, for the rest of the country or region
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bread.board
noun a flat board used for cutting bread on
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bread.crumbs
noun [pl.] very small pieces of bread that can be used in cooking
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bread.ed
adj. covered in breadcrumbs : breaded cod
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bread.fruit
noun [C, U] (pl.bread.fruit) a large tropical fruit with a thick skin, that tastes and feels like bread when it is cooked
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bread.line
noun (the breadline) [sing.] (BrE ) the level of income of very poor people: Many people without jobs are living on the breadline (= are very poor).
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,bread 'roll
noun = ROLL
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breadth
noun [U, C]
1 (also broad.ness) the distance or measurement from one side to the other; how BROAD or wide sth is
SYN WIDTH : She estimated the breadth of the lake to be 500 metres.—compare LENGTH
2 a wide range (of knowledge, interests, etc.): He was surprised at her breadth of reading.  The curriculum needs breadth and balance.  a new political leader whose breadth of vision (= willingness to accept new ideas) can persuade others to change
IDM see LENGTH
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bread.win.ner
noun a person who supports their family with the money they earn: When the baby was born, I became the sole breadwinner.
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break
verb, noun
verb (broke broken )
IN PIECES|
1 ~ (sth) (in / into sth) to be damaged and separated into two or more parts, as a result of force; to damage sth in this way: [v] All the windows broke with the force of the blast.  She dropped the plate and it broke into pieces .  [vn] to break a cup / window  She fell off a ladder and broke her arm.  He broke the chocolate in two .
STOP WORKING|
2 to stop working as a result of being damaged; to damage sth and stop it from working: [v] My watch has broken.  [vn] I think I’ve broken the washing machine.
SKIN|
3 [vn] to cut the surface of the skin and make it bleed: The dog bit me but didn’t break the skin.
LAW / PROMISE|
4 [vn] to do sth that is against the law; to not keep a promise, etc: to break the law / rules / conditions  to break an agreement / a contract / a promise / your word  to break an appointment (= not to come to it)  He was breaking the speed limit (= travelling faster than the law allows).
STOP FOR SHORT TIME|
5 ~ (for sth) to stop doing sth for a while, especially when it is time to eat or have a drink: [v] Let’s break for lunch.  [vn] a broken night’s sleep (= a night during which you often wake up)   (especially BrE) We broke our journey at Oxford (= stopped in Oxford on the way to the place we were going to).
END STH|
6 [vn] to interrupt sth so that it ends suddenly: She broke the silence by coughing.  A tree broke his fall (= stopped him as he was falling).  The phone rang and broke my train of thought.
7 [vn] to make sth end by using force or strong action: an attempt to break the year-long siege  Management has not succeeded in breaking the strike .
8 [vn] to end a connection with sth or a relationship with sb: He broke all links with the Communist party.
ESCAPE|
9 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ free (from sb/sth) (of a person or an object) to get away from or out of a position in which they are stuck or trapped: He finally managed to break free from his attacker.
DESTROY|
10 to destroy sth or make sb/sth weaker; to become weak or be destroyed: [vn] to break sb’s morale / resistance / resolve / spirit  The government was determined to break the power of the trade unions.  The scandal broke him (= ruined his reputation and destroyed his confidence).  [v] She broke under questioning (= was no longer able to bear it) and confessed to everything.
MAKE SB FEEL BAD|
11 [vn] to make sb feel so sad, lonely, etc. that they cannot live a normal life: The death of his wife broke him completely.
OF WEATHER|
12 [v] to change suddenly, usually after a period when it has been fine
SHOW OPENING|
13 [v] to show an opening: The clouds broke and the sun came out.
OF DAY / DAWN / STORM|
14 [v] when the day or DAWN or a storm breaks, it begins: Dawn was breaking when they finally left.—see also DAYBREAK
OF NEWS|
15 [v] if a piece of news breaks, it becomes known: There was a public outcry when the scandal broke.
OF VOICE|
16 [v] if sb’s voice breaks, it changes its tone because of emotion: Her voice broke as she told us the dreadful news.
17 [v] when a boy’s voice breaks, it becomes permanently deeper at about the age of 13 or 14
A RECORD|
18 [vn] to do sth better, faster, etc. than anyone has ever done it before: She had broken the world 100 metres record.  The movie broke all box-office records.
OF WAVES|
19 [v] when waves break, they fall and are dissolved into FOAM , usually near the shore: the sound of waves breaking on the beach  The sea was breaking over the wrecked ship.
STH SECRET|
20 [vn] to find the meaning of sth secret: to break a code
MONEY|
21 [vn] (especially AmE) to change a BANKNOTE for coins: Can you break a twenty dollar bill? Idioms containing break are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example break sb’s heart is at heart.  ,break a'way (from sb/sth)
1 to escape suddenly from sb who is holding you or keeping you prisoner: The prisoner broke away from his guards.
2 to leave a political party, state, etc., especially to form a new one: The people of the province wished to break away and form a new state.—related noun BREAKAWAY
3 to move away from a crowd or group, especially in a race: She broke away from the pack and opened up a two second lead.,break 'down
1 (of a machine or vehicle) to stop working because of a fault: The telephone system has broken down.  We (= the car) broke down on the freeway.—related noun BREAKDOWN
2 to fail: Negotiations between the two sides have broken down.—related noun BREAKDOWN
3 to become very bad: Her health broke down under the pressure of work.—see also NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
4 to lose control of your feelings and start crying: He broke down and wept when he heard the news.
5 to divide into parts to be analysed: Expenditure on the project breaks down as follows: wages $10m, plant $4m, raw materials $5m. ,break sth<->'down
1 to make sth fall down, open, etc. by hitting it hard: Firefighters had to break the door down to reach the people trapped inside.
2 to destroy sth or make it disappear, especially a particular feeling or attitude that sb has: to break down resistance / opposition  to break down sb’s reserve / shyness  Attempts must be made to break down the barriers of fear and hostility which divide the two communities.
3 to divide sth into parts in order to analyse it or make it easier to do: Break your expenditure down into bills, food and other.  Each lesson is broken down into several units.—related noun BREAKDOWN
4 to make a substance separate into parts or change into a different form in a chemical process: Sugar and starch are broken down in the stomach.—related noun BREAKDOWN 'break for sth to suddenly run towards sth when you are trying to escape: She had to hold him back as he tried to break for the door.,break 'in to enter a building by force: Burglars had broken in while we were away.—related noun BREAK-IN ,break sb/sth 'in
1 to train sb/sth in sth new that they must do: to break in new recruits  The young horse was not yet broken in (= trained to carry a rider).
2 to wear sth, especially new shoes, until they become comfortable ,break 'in (on sth) to interrupt or disturb sth: She longed to break in on their conversation but didn’t want to appear rude. [+ speech] ‘I didn’t do it!’ she broke in.,break 'into sth
1 to enter a building by force; to open a car, etc. by force: We had our car broken into last week.—related noun BREAK-IN
2 to begin laughing, singing, etc. suddenly: As the President’s car drew up, the crowd broke into loud applause.
3 to suddenly start running; to start running faster than before: He broke into a run when he saw the police.  Her horse broke into a trot.
4 (BrE) to use a BANKNOTE of high value to buy sth that costs less: I had to break into a £20 to pay the bus fare.
5 to open and use sth that has been kept for an emergency: They had to break into the emergency food supplies.
6 to be successful when you get involved in sth: The company is having difficulty breaking into new markets.,break 'off
1 to become separated from sth as a result of force: The back section of the plane had broken off.
2 to stop speaking or stop doing sth for a time: He broke off in the middle of a sentence. ,break sth<->'off
1 to separate sth, using force: She broke off a piece of chocolate and gave it to me.
2 to end sth suddenly: Britain threatened to break off diplomatic relations.  They’ve broken off their engagement.,break 'out (of war, fighting or other unpleasant events) to start suddenly: They had escaped to America shortly before war broke out in 1939.  Fighting had broken out between rival groups of fans.  Fire broke out during the night.—related noun OUTBREAK ,break 'out (of sth) to escape from a place or situation: Several prisoners broke out of the jail.  She needed to break out of her daily routine and do something exciting.—related noun BREAKOUT ,break 'out in sth to suddenly become covered in sth: Her face broke out in a rash.  He broke out in a cold sweat (= for example, through fear).,break 'through to make new and important discoveries: Scientists think they are beginning to break through in the fight against cancer.—related noun BREAKTHROUGH ,break 'through| ,break 'through sth
1 to make a way through sth using force: Demonstrators broke through the police cordon.
2 (of the sun or moon) to appear from behind clouds: The sun broke through at last in the afternoon. 'break through sth to succeed in dealing with an attitude that sb has and the difficulties it creates
SYN OVERCOME : He had finally managed to break through her reserve.,break 'up
1 to separate into smaller pieces: The ship broke up on the rocks.
2 to come to an end: Their marriage has broken up.—related noun BREAK-UP
3 to go away in different directions: The meeting broke up at eleven o’clock.
4 (especially BrE) to begin the holidays when school closes at the end of a TERM : When do you break up for Christmas?
5 (BrE) to become very weak: He was breaking up under the strain.
6 (AmE) to laugh very hard: Woody Allen makes me just break up. ,break sth<->'up
1 to make sth separate into smaller pieces; to divide sth into smaller parts: The ship was broken up for scrap metal.  Sentences can be broken up into clauses.
2 to end a relationship, a company, etc: They decided to break up the partnership.—related noun BREAK-UP
3 to make people leave sth or stop doing sth, especially by using force: Police were called in to break up the fight. ,break 'up (with sb) to end a relationship with sb: She’s just broken up with her boyfriend.—related noun BREAK-UP 'break with sth to end a connection with sth: to break with tradition / old habits / the past

noun
SHORT STOP / PAUSE|
1 [C] a short period of time when you stop what you are doing and rest, eat, etc: a coffee / lunch / tea break  Let’s take a break .  a break for lunch  She worked all day without a break.
2 (also 'break time) (both BrE) (AmE re.cess) [U] a period of time between lessons at school: Come and see me at break.
3 [C] a pause or period of time when sth stops before starting again: a break in my daily routine  She wanted to take a career break in order to have children.
4 [C] a pause for advertisements in the middle of a television or radio programme: More news after the break.
HOLIDAY / VACATION|
5 [C] a short holiday/vacation: We had a weekend break in New York.  a well-earned break
CHANGE IN SITUATION|
6 [sing.] ~ (in sth)| ~ (with sb/sth) the moment when a situation that has existed for a time changes, ends or is interrupted: He needed to make a complete break with the past.  a break with tradition / convention (= a change from what is accepted, in sth such as art, behaviour, etc.)  a break in the weather (= a change from one type of weather to a different one)  a break in diplomatic relations
OPENING / SPACE|
7 [C] ~ (in sth) a space or an opening between two or more things: We could see the moon through a break in the clouds.
OPPORTUNITY|
8 [C] (informal) an opportunity to do sth, usually to get sth that you want or to achieve success: I got my lucky break when I won a ‘Young Journalist of the Year’ competition.  We’ve had a few bad breaks (= pieces of bad luck) along the way.
OF BONE|
9 [C] a place where sth, especially a bone in your body, has broken: The X-ray showed there was no break in his leg.
IN TENNIS|
10 (also break of 'serve) [C] a win in a game in which your opponent is SERVING : It was her second break in the set.  break point (= a situation in which, if you win the next point, you win the game)
IN BILLIARDS / SNOOKER|
11 [C] a series of successful shots by one player; the number of points scored in a series of successful shots: He’s put together a magnificent break.  a 147 break (= the highest possible break in SNOOKER ) break of 'day / 'dawn (literary) the moment in the early hours of the morning when it begins to get light give me a 'break! (spoken) used when sb wants sb else to stop doing or saying sth that is annoying, or to stop saying sth that is not true give sb a 'break to give sb a chance; to not judge sb too harshly: Give the lad a break—it’s only his second day on the job. make a 'break for sth / for it to run towards sth in order to try and escape: He suddenly leapt up and made a break for the door.  They decided to make a break for it (= to try and escape) that night.—more at CLEAN adj.

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break.able
adj. likely to break; easily broken
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break.age
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] an object that has been broken: The last time we moved house there were very few breakages.
2 [U, C] the act of breaking sth: Wrap it up carefully to protect against breakage.
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break.away
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (of a political group, an organization, or a part of a country) having separated from a larger group or country: a breakaway faction / group / section  a breakaway republic

noun [sing.]
1 an occasion when members of a political party or an organization leave it in order to form a new party, etc.
2 a change from an accepted style: a breakaway from his earlier singing style

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'break-dancing
noun [U] a style of dancing with ACROBATIC movements, often performed in the street
'break-dance verb [v]
'break-dancer noun
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break.down
noun
1 [C] an occasion when a vehicle or machine stops working: a breakdown on the motorway  a breakdown recovery service
2 [C, U] a failure of a relationship, discussion or system: the breakdown of a marriage  marriage breakdown  a breakdown in communications  The breakdown of the negotiations was not unexpected.  the breakdown of law and order
3 [C, usually sing.] detailed information that you get by studying a set of figures: First, let’s look at a breakdown of the costs.
4 [U] (technical) the breaking of a substance into the parts of which it is made: the breakdown of proteins in the digestive system
5 [C] = NERVOUS BREAKDOWN : She’s still recovering from her breakdown.
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'breakdown lane
noun (AmE ) = HARD SHOULDER
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'breakdown truck
(BrE ) (AmE 'tow truck) noun a truck that is used for taking cars away to be repaired when they have had a breakdown —picture at TRUCK
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break.er
noun a large wave covered with white bubbles that is moving towards the shore—see also CIRCUIT-BREAKER , ICE-BREAKER , HOUSEBREAKER , LAWBREAKER , RECORD-BREAKER , STRIKE-BREAKER , TIEBREAKER
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break.fast
noun, verb
noun [C, U] the first meal of the day: a big / hearty / light breakfast   (especially BrE ) a cooked breakfast  Do you want bacon and eggs for breakfast ?  They were having breakfast when I arrived.  She doesn’t eat much breakfast.—see also BED AND BREAKFAST , CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST , ENGLISH BREAKFAST , WEDDING BREAKFAST
IDM see DOG n.

verb [v] ~ (on sth) (formal) to eat breakfast

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'break-in
noun an entry into a building using force, usually to steal sth
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,breaking and 'entering
noun [U] (AmE or old-fashioned) the crime of entering a building illegally and using force
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'breaking point
noun [U] the time when problems become so great that a person, an organization or a system can no longer deal with them: to be at / to reach breaking point  to be stretched to breaking point
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break.neck
adj. [only before noun] very fast and dangerous: to drive / travel / do sth at breakneck speed
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break.out
noun an escape from prison, usually by a group of prisoners: a mass breakout from a top security prison
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break.through
noun an important development that may lead to an agreement or achievement: to make / achieve a breakthrough  a significant breakthrough in negotiations  a major breakthrough in cancer research
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'break time
noun [U] (BrE ) = BREAK
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'break-up
noun
1 the ending of a relationship or an association: He did nothing to stop the break-up of their marriage.  family break-ups
2 the division of a large organization or country into smaller parts: the break-up of the company
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break.water
noun a wall built out into the sea to protect the shore or harbour from the force of the waves
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bream
noun (pl.bream) a FRESHWATER or sea fish that is used for food
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breast
noun, verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] either of the two round soft parts at the front of a woman’s body that produce milk when she has had a baby: She put the baby to her breast.  breast cancer  breast milk
2 [C] the similar, smaller part on a man’s body, which does not produce milk
3 [C] (literary) the top part of the front of your body, below your neck
SYN CHEST : She cradled the child against her breast.
CLOTHING|
4 [C] the part of a piece of clothing that covers your chest: A row of medals was pinned to the breast of his coat.
OF BIRD|
5 [C] the front part of a bird’s body: breast feathers  The robin has a red breast.
MEAT|
6 [C, U] meat from the front part of the body of a bird or an animal: chicken / turkey breasts  breast of lamb
-BREASTED|
7 (in adjectives) having the type of chest or breasts mentioned: a small-breasted / full-breasted woman  bare-breasted  the yellow-breasted male of the species—see also DOUBLE-BREASTED , SINGLE-BREASTED
HEART|
8 [C] (literary) the part of the body where the feelings and emotions are thought to be: a troubled breast—see also CHIMNEY BREAST
IDM see BEAT v. , CLEAN adj.

verb [vn] (formal)
1 to reach the top of a hill, etc: As they breasted the ridge, they saw the valley and lake before them.
2 to push through sth, touching it with your chest: He strode into the ocean, breasting the waves.

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breast.bone
noun the long flat bone in the chest that the seven top pairs of RIBS are connected to STERNUM —picture at BODY
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breast.feed
verb (breast.fed, breast.fed ) [v, vn] when a woman breastfeeds, she feeds her baby with milk from her breasts.—compare BOTTLE-FEED , NURSE v. (6)
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breast.plate
noun a piece of ARMOUR worn by soldiers in the past to protect the upper front part of the body
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,breast 'pocket
noun a pocket on a shirt, or on the outside or inside of the part of a jacket that covers the chest—
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breast.stroke
noun [U, sing.] a style of swimming that you do on your front, moving your arms and legs away from your body and then back towards it in a circular movement—picture at SWIMMING
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breath
noun
1 [U] the air that you take into your lungs and send out again: His breath smelt of garlic.  bad breath (= that smells bad)  We had to stop for breath before we got to the top.  She was very short of breath (= had difficulty breathing).
2 [C] an amount of air that enters the lungs at one time: to take a deep breath  He recited the whole poem in one breath.
3 ~ of sth [sing.] (formal) a small amount of sth; slight evidence of sth: a breath of suspicion / scandal
4 a ~ of air, wind [sing.] (literary) a slight movement of air
IDM a breath of (fresh) 'air clean air breathed in after being indoors or in a dirty atmosphere: We’ll get a breath of fresh air at lunchtime. a breath of fresh 'air a person, thing or place that is new and different and therefore interesting and exciting the breath of 'life to / for sb (literary) an essential part of a person’s existence get your 'breath (again / back) (BrE) (also catch your 'breathAmE, BrE) to breathe normally again after running or doing some tiring exercise hold your 'breath
1 to stop breathing for a short time: Hold your breath and count to ten.
2 to be anxious while you are waiting for sth that you are worried about: He held his breath while the results were read out.
3 (informal) people say don’t hold your breath! to emphasize that sth will take a long time or may not happen: She said she’d do it this week, but don’t hold your breath! in the same 'breath immediately after saying sth that suggests the opposite intention or meaning: He praised my work and in the same breath told me I would have to leave. his / her last / dying 'breath the last moment of a person’s life out of 'breath having difficulty breathing after exercise: We were out of breath after only five minutes. say sth, speak, etc. under your 'breath to say sth quietly so that people cannot hear: ‘Rubbish!’ he murmured under his breath. take sb’s 'breath away to be very surprising or beautiful: My first view of the island from the air took my breath away.—more at BATED , CATCH v. , DRAW v. , SAVE v. , WASTE v.
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breath.able
adj. (technical ) (of fabric used in making clothes) allowing air to pass through: Breathable, waterproof clothing is essential for most outdoor sports.
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breath.alyse
(BrE ) (AmEbreath.alyze) verb [vn] [usually passive] to check how much alcohol a driver has drunk by making him or her breathe into a breathalyser : Both drivers were breathalysed at the scene of the accident.
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breath.alyser
(BrE ) (AmEBreath.alyzer™) noun a device used by the police to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath
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breathe
verb
AIR / BREATH|
1 to take air into your lungs and send it out again through your nose or mouth: [v] He breathed deeply before speaking again.  The air was so cold we could hardly breathe.  She was beginning to breathe more easily.  [vn] Most people don’t realize that they are breathing polluted air.
2 [vn] to send air, smoke or a particular smell out of your mouth: He came up close, breathing alcohol fumes all over me.
SAY QUIETLY|
3 (literary) to say sth quietly: [v speech] ‘I’m over here,’ she breathed. [alsovn]
OF WINE|
4 [v] if you allow wine to breathe, you open the bottle and let air get in before you drink it
OF FABRIC / SKIN|
5 [v] if fabric, leather, skin, etc. can breathe, air can move around or through it: Cotton clothing allows your skin to breathe.
FEELING / QUALITY|
6 [vn] (formal) to be full of a particular feeling or quality: Her performance breathed wit and charm. breathe (easily / freely) again to feel calm again after sth unpleasant or frightening has ended breathe down sb’s 'neck (informal) to watch closely what sb is doing in a way that makes them feel anxious and/or annoyed ,breathe (new) 'life into sth to improve sth by introducing new ideas and making people more interested in it breathe your 'last (literary) to die—more at LIVE^1 ,breathe 'in to take air into your lungs through your nose or mouth ,breathe sth<->'in to take air, smoke, etc. into your lungs through your nose or mouth: His illness is a result of breathing in paint fumes over many years. ,breathe 'out to send air out of your lungs through your nose or mouth ,breathe sth<->'out to send air, smoke, etc. out of your lungs through your nose or mouth: Humans take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.
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breather
noun (informal) a short pause for rest or to relax: Tell me when you need a breather.  to take / have a five-minute breather—see also HEAVY BREATHER
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breath.ing
noun [U] the action of taking air into the lungs and sending it out again: Her breathing became steady and she fell asleep.  Deep breathing exercises will help you relax.  Heavy (= loud) breathing was all I could hear.
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'breathing space
noun [C, U] a short rest in the middle of a period of mental or physical effort
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breath.less
adj.
1 having difficulty in breathing; making it difficult for sb to breathe: He arrived breathless at the top of the stairs.  They maintained a breathless (= very fast) pace for half an hour.
2 ~ (with sth) (written) experiencing, or making sb experience, a strong emotional reaction: breathless with terror  the breathless excitement of seeing each other again
3 (written) with no air or wind: the breathless heat of a summer afternoon
breath.less.ly adv.
breath.less.ness noun [U]
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breath.tak.ing
adj. very exciting or impressive (usually in a pleasant way); very surprising: a breathtaking view of the mountains  The scene was one of breathtaking beauty.  He spoke with breathtaking arrogance.
breath.tak.ing.ly adv.: a breathtakingly expensive diamond
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'breath test
noun a test used by the police to show the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath
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breathy
adj. speaking or singing with a noticeable sound of breathing
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bred
pt, pp of BREED
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breech
noun the part of a gun at the back where the bullets are loaded
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'breech birth
(also ,breech de'livery) noun a birth in which the baby’s bottom or feet come out of the mother first
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breeches
noun [pl.] short trousers/pants fastened just below the knee: a pair of breeches  riding breeches
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breed
verb, noun
verb (bred, bred )
1 [v] (of animals) to have sex and produce young: Many animals breed only at certain times of the year.—see also INTERBREED
2 [vn] ~ sth (for / as sth) to keep animals or plants in order to produce young ones in a controlled way: The rabbits are bred for their long coats.—see also CROSS-BREED , PURE-BRED , THOROUGHBRED
3 [vn] to be the cause of sth: Nothing breeds success like success.
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth into sb to educate sb in a particular way as they are growing up: Fear of failure was bred into him at an early age.—see also WELL BRED
IDM see BORN v. , FAMILIARITY

noun
1 a particular type of animal that has been developed by people in a controlled way, especially a type of dog, cat or farm animal: Labradors and other large breeds of dog  a breed of cattle / sheep
2 [usually sing.] a type of person: He represents a new breed of politician.  Players as skilful as this are a rare breed .

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breed.er
noun a person who breeds animals: a dog / horse / cattle breeder
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breed.ing
noun [U]
1 the keeping of animals in order to breed from them: the breeding of horses
2 the producing of young animals, plants, etc: the breeding season
3 the family or social background that is thought to result in good manners: a sign of good breeding
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'breeding ground
noun
1 [usually pl.] a place where wild animals go to produce their young
2 ~ (for sth) [usually sing.] a place where sth, especially sth bad, is able to develop: This area of the city has become a breeding ground for violent crime.
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breeze
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a light wind: a sea breeze  The flowers were gently swaying in the breeze .  A light breeze was blowing.
2 [sing.] (informal) a thing that is easy to do: It was a breeze.
IDM see SHOOT v.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move in a cheerful and confident way in a particular direction: She just breezed in and asked me to help.
PVR V ,breeze 'through sth to do sth successfully and easily: He breezed through the tests.

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'breeze block
(BrE ) (AmE 'cinder block) noun a light building block, made of sand, coal ashes and CEMENT
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breezy
adj.
1 with the wind blowing quite strongly: It was a bright, breezy day.  the breezy east coast
2 having or showing a cheerful and relaxed manner: You’re very bright and breezy today!
breez.ily adv.: ‘Hi folks,’ he said breezily.
breezi.ness noun [U]
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breth.ren
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned)
1 used to talk to people in church or to talk about the members of a male religious group: Let us pray, brethren.
2 people who are part of the same society as yourself: We should do all we can to help our less fortunate brethren.
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brev.ity
noun [U] (formal)
1 the quality of using few words when speaking or writing: The report is a masterpiece of brevity.
2 the fact of lasting a short time: the brevity of human life—see also BRIEF
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brew
verb, noun
verb
1 to make beer: [vn] The beer is brewed in the Czech Republic. [alsov]
2 [vn] to make a hot drink of tea or coffee: freshly brewed coffee
3 [v] (especially BrE) (of tea or coffee) to mix with hot water and become ready to drink: Always let tea brew for a few minutes.
4 [v] ~ (up) (usually used in the progressive tenses) if sth unpleasant is brewing or brewing up, it seems likely to happen soon
PVR V ,brew 'up| ,brew sth<->'up (BrE, informal) to make a hot drink of tea or coffee: Whose turn is it to brew up?—related noun BREW-UP

noun
1 [C, U] a type of beer, especially one made in a particular place: I thought I’d try the local brew.  home brew (= beer made at home)
2 [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) an amount of tea made at one time: I’ll make a fresh brew.  Let’s have a brew.
3 [C, usually sing.] a mixture of different ideas, circumstances, events, etc: The movie is a potent brew of adventure, sex and comedy.  His music is a heady brew (= a powerful mixture) of heavy metal and punk.
IDM a witch’s / an evil 'brew (BrE) an unpleasant drink that is a mixture of different things

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brew.er
noun a person or company that makes beer
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brew.ery
noun (pl.-ies) a factory where beer is made; a company that makes beer
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'brew-up
noun (BrE , informal) an act of making tea: We always have a brew-up at 11 o’clock.
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briar
(also brier) noun
1 any prickly wild bush, especially a wild rose bush
2 a bush with a hard root that is used for making tobacco pipes; a tobacco pipe made from this root
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bribe
noun, verb
noun a sum of money or sth valuable that you give or offer to sb to persuade them to help you, especially by doing sth dishonest: It was alleged that he had taken bribes while in office.  She had been offered a $50 000 bribe to drop the charges.

verb ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sb (into doing sth) to give sb money or sth valuable in order to persuade them to help you, especially by doing sth dishonest: [vn] They bribed the guards with cigarettes.  She was bribed into handing over secret information.  He managed to bribe his way onto the ship. [alsovn to inf]

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brib.ery
noun [U] the giving or taking of bribes : She was arrested on bribery charges.  allegations of bribery and corruption
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bric-a-brac
noun [U] ornaments and other small decorative objects of little value: market stalls selling cheap bric-a-brac
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brick
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] baked clay used for building walls, houses and other buildings; an individual block of this: The school is built of brick.  a pile of bricks  a brick wall—see also RED-BRICK —picture at HOUSE
2 [C] a plastic or wooden block, used as a toy for young children to build things with
3 [C, usually sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a friend that you can rely on when you need help
IDM be up against a brick 'wall to be unable to make any progress because there is a difficulty that stops you bricks and 'mortar a building, when you are thinking of it in connection with how much it cost to build or how much it is worth: A home isn’t just bricks and mortar. make bricks without 'straw (BrE) to try to work without the necessary material, money, information, etc.—more at CAT n. , DROP v. , HEAD n. , TON n.

verb
PVR V ,brick sth<->'in / 'up to fill an opening in a wall with bricks: The windows had been bricked up.

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brick.bat
noun [usually pl.] an insulting remark made in public
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brick.lay.er
(also BrE informal brickie) noun a person whose job is to build walls, etc. with bricks
brick.lay.ing noun [U]
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brick.work
noun
1 [U] the bricks in a wall, building, etc: Plaster had fallen away in places, exposing the brickwork.
2 (brick.works) [C] (pl.brick.works) (BrE) a place where bricks are made
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bri.dal
adj. [only before noun] connected with a BRIDE or a wedding: a bridal gown  the bridal party (= the bride and the people helping her at her wedding)  a bridal suite (= a set of rooms in a hotel for a couple who have just got married)   (AmE ) a bridal shower (= a party for a woman who will get married soon)
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bride
noun a woman on her wedding day, or just before or just after it: a toast to the bride and groom   He introduced his new bride.
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bride.groom
(also groom) noun a man on his wedding day, or just before or just after it
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brides.maid
noun a young woman or girl who helps a BRIDE before and during the marriage ceremony: Jo asked her sister to be (a) bridesmaid.—compare BEST MAN , PAGEBOY
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bridge
noun, verb
noun
OVER ROAD / RIVER|
1 [C] a structure that is built over a road, railway/railroad, river, etc. so that people or vehicles can cross from one side to the other: We crossed the bridge over the river Windrush.—see also SUSPENSION BRIDGE , SWING BRIDGE
CONNECTION|
2 [C] a thing that provides a connection or contact between two different things: Cultural exchanges are a way of building bridges between countries.
OF SHIP|
3 (usually the bridge) the part of a ship where the captain and other officers stand when they are controlling and steering the ship: Who was on the bridge when the collision took place?
CARD GAME|
4 [U] a card game for two pairs of players who have to predict how many cards they will win. They score points if they succeed in winning that number of cards and lose points if they fail.
OF NOSE|
5 the ~ of sb’s nose [sing.] the hard part at the top of the nose, between the eyes
OF GLASSES|
6 [C] the part of a pair of glasses that rests on your nose—picture at GLASS
OF GUITAR / VIOLIN|
7 [C] a small piece of wood on a guitar, violin, etc. over which the strings are stretched
FALSE TEETH|
8 [C] a false tooth or false teeth that are held permanently in place by being fastened to natural teeth on either side
IDM see BURN v. , CROSS v. , WATER n.

verb
BUILD / FORM BRIDGE| [vn] to build or form a bridge over sth: The valley was originally bridged by the Romans.  A plank of wood bridged the stream. bridge the 'gap / 'gulf / di'vide (between A and B) to reduce or get rid of the differences that exist between two things or groups of people

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bridge.head
noun
1 a strong position that an army has captured in enemy land, from which it can go forward or attack the enemy
2 [usually sing.] (written) a good position from which to make progress: This agreement will be a bridgehead for further talks.
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'bridging loan
noun (BrE ) an amount of money that a bank lends you for a short time, especially so that you can buy a new house while you are waiting to sell your old one
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bridle
noun, verb
noun a set of leather bands, attached to REINS , which is put around a horse’s head and used for controlling it

verb
1 [vn] to put a bridle on a horse
2 [v] ~ (at sth) (literary) to show that you are annoyed and/or offended at sth, especially by moving your head up and backwards in a proud way: She bridled at the suggestion that she was lying.

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'bridle path
(BrE also bridle.way) noun a rough path that is suitable for people riding horses or walking, but not for cars
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Brie
noun [U, C] a type of soft French cheese
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brief
adj., noun, verb
adj. (brief.er, brief.est)
1 lasting only a short time; short: a brief visit / meeting / conversation  a brief pause / silence  Mozart’s life was brief.
2 using few words: a brief description / summary / account  Please be brief (= say what you want to say quickly).
3 (of clothes) short and not covering much of the body: a brief skirt—see also BREVITY , BRIEFLY
IDM in brief in a few words, without details: In brief, the meeting was a disaster.  Now the rest of the news in brief.

noun —see also BRIEFS
1 (BrE) the instructions that a person is given explaining what their job is and what their duties are: It wasn’t part of his brief to speak to the press.  I was given the brief of reorganizing the department.  to stick to your brief (= to only do what you are asked to do)  to prepare / produce a brief for sb
2 (BrE, law) a legal case that is given to a lawyer to argue in court; a piece of work for a BARRISTER
3 (AmE, law) a written summary of the facts that support one side of a legal case, that will be presented to a court
4 (BrE, informal) a SOLICITOR or a defence lawyer: I want to see my brief.
IDM hold no brief for sb/sth (BrE, formal) to not support or be in favour of sb/sth: I hold no brief for either side in this war.

verb
1 ~ sb (on / about sth) to give sb information about sth so that they are prepared to deal with it: [vn] The officer briefed her on what to expect.  I expect to be kept fully briefed at all times. [alsovn to inf] —compare DEBRIEF
2 [vn, vn to inf] (BrE, law) to give a lawyer, especially a BARRISTER , the main facts of a legal case so that it can be argued in a court of law

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brief.case
noun a flat case used for carrying papers and documents—compare ATTACHÉ CASE —picture at BAG
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brief.ing
noun
1 [C] a meeting in which people are given instructions or information: a press briefing
2 [C, U] the detailed instructions or information that are given at such a meeting: Captain Trent gave his men a full briefing.  a briefing session / paper
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brief.ly
adv.
1 for a short time: He had spoken to Emma only briefly .
2 in few words: Briefly, the argument is as follows …  Let me tell you briefly what happened.
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briefs
noun [pl.] men’s UNDERPANTS or women’s KNICKERS : a pair of briefs
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brier
= BRIAR
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brig
noun
1 a ship with two MASTS (= posts that support the sails) and square sails
2 (AmE) a prison, especially one on a WARSHIP
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Brig.
abbr. (in writing) BRIGADIER
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bri.gade
noun
1 a large group of soldiers that forms a unit of an army
2 [usually sing.] (often disapproving) used, always with a word or phrase in front of it, to describe a group of people who share the same opinions or are similar in some other way: the anti-smoking brigade—see also FIRE BRIGADE
IDM see HEAVY adj.
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briga.dier
noun (abbr. Brig.) an officer of high rank in the British army: Brigadier Michael Swift
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,brigadier 'general
noun an officer of high rank in the US army, air force and MARINES
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brig.and
noun (old-fashioned) a member of a group of criminals that robs people, especially one that attacks travellers
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bright
adj., adv.
adj. (bright.er, bright.est)
1 full of light; shining strongly: bright light / sunshine  a bright room  Her eyes were bright with tears.  a bright morning (= with the sun shining)
2 (of a colour) strong and easy to see: I like bright colours.  a bright yellow dress  Jack’s face turned bright red .
3 cheerful and lively: His eyes were bright and excited.  She gave me a bright smile.  Why are you so bright and cheerful today?  His face was bright with excitement.
4 intelligent; quick to learn: the brightest pupil in the class  Do you have any bright ideas (= clever ideas)?
5 hopeful; likely to be successful: This young musician has a bright future .  Prospects for the coming year look bright.  a bright start to the week
bright.ly adv.: a brightly lit room  ‘Hi!’ she called brightly.
bright.ness noun [U]
IDM bright and 'early very early in the morning: You’re up bright and early today! (as) bright as a 'button (BrE) intelligent and quick to understand the bright 'lights the excitement of city life: Although he grew up in the country, he’s always had a taste for the bright lights. a bright 'spark (BrE, informal, often ironic) a lively and intelligent person, especially sb young: Some bright spark (= stupid person) left the tap running all night. a / the 'bright spot a good or pleasant part of sth that is unpleasant or bad in all other ways: The win last week was the only bright spot in their last ten games. look on the 'bright side to be cheerful or hopeful about a bad situation, for example by thinking only of the advantages and not the disadvantages

adv. (bright.er, bright.est) (literary) (usually with the verbs burn and shine) brightly: The stars were shining bright.

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bright.en
verb
1 to become or make sth lighter or brighter in colour: [v] In the distance, the sky was beginning to brighten.  [vn] a shampoo to brighten and condition your hair
2 ~ (sth) (up) to become, feel or look happier; to make sb look happier: [v] Her eyes brightened.  He brightened up at their words of encouragement.  [vn] A smile brightened her face.
3 ~ (sth) (up) to become or make sth become more pleasant, enjoyable or hopeful: [vn] A personal letter will usually brighten up a person’s day. [alsov]
4 [vn] ~ sth (up) to make sth look more colourful and attractive: Fresh flowers will brighten up any room in the house.
5 [v] ~ (up) (of the weather) to improve and become brighter: According to the forecast, it should brighten up later.
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,bright-'eyed
(also less frequent ,bright-eyed and ,bushy-'tailed) adj. (of a person) full of interest and enthusiasm
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brill
adj. (BrE , informal) very good
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bril.liant
adj.
1 extremely clever or impressive: What a brilliant idea!  a brilliant performance / invention
2 very successful: a brilliant career  The play was a brilliant success.
3 very intelligent or skilful: a brilliant young scientist  She has one of the most brilliant minds in the country.
4 (of light or colours) very bright: brilliant sunshine  brilliant blue eyes
5 (BrE, spoken) very good; excellent: ‘How was it?’‘Brilliant!’  Thanks. You’ve been brilliant (= very kind).
bril.liance noun [U]
bril.li.ant.ly adv.: The plan worked brilliantly.  It was brilliantly sunny.
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brim
noun, verb
noun
1 the top edge of a cup, bowl, glass, etc: two wine glasses, filled to the brim
2 the flat edge around the bottom of a hat that sticks out—picture at HAT
3 (-brimmed) (in adjectives) having the type of brim mentioned: a wide-brimmed hat

verb (-mm-) [v] ~ (with sth) to be full of sth; to fill sth: Her eyes brimmed with tears.  Tears brimmed in her eyes.  The team were brimming with confidence before the game.
PVR V ,brim 'over (with sth) (of a cup, container, etc.) to be so full of a liquid that it flows over the edge
SYN OVERFLOW : (figurative) Her heart was brimming over with happiness.

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brim.ful
adj. (especially BrE ) ~ of sth completely full of sth: She’s certainly brimful of energy.  a jug brimful of cream
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brim.stone
noun (old use) the chemical element SULPHUR
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brin.dle
(also brin.dled ) adj. (of dogs, cats and cows) brown with bands or marks of another colour
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brine
noun [U] very salty water, used especially for preserving food—see also BRINY
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bring
verb (brought, brought )
COME WITH SB / STH|
1 ~ sb/sth (with you)| ~ sth (for sb)| ~ (sb) sth to come to a place with sb/sth: [vn] Don’t forget to bring your books with you.  She brought her boyfriend to the party.  [vn, vnn] Bring a present for Helen.  Bring Helen a present.
PROVIDE|
2 ~ sb/sth sth| ~ sth to sb/sth to provide sb/sth with sth: [vnn] His writing brings him $10 000 a year.  [vn] The team’s new manager brings ten years' experience to the job.
CAUSE|
3 [vn] to cause sth: The revolution brought many changes.  The news brought tears to his eyes (= made him cry).  Retirement usually brings with it a massive drop in income.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to cause sb/sth to be in a particular condition or place: to bring a meeting to an end / a close / a conclusion  Bring the water to the boil .  The article brought her into conflict with the authorities.  Hello Simon! What brings you here?
MAKE SB / STH MOVE|
5 to make sb/sth move in a particular direction or way: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : The judge brought his hammer down on the table.  [vn -ing] Her cries brought the neighbours running (= made them run to her).
ACCUSATION|
6 [vn] ~ sth (against sb) to officially accuse sb of a crime: to bring a charge / a legal action / an accusation against sb
FORCE YOURSELF|
7 [vn to inf] ~ yourself to do sth to force yourself to do sth: She could not bring herself to tell him the news. Idioms containing bring are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example bring sb/sth to heel is at heel.  ,bring sth<->a'bout to make sth happen
SYN CAUSE : What brought about the change in his attitude?,bring sb a'round (AmE) = BRING SB ROUND ,bring sth a'round (AmE) = BRING STH ROUND ,bring sb/sth<->'back to return sb/sth: Please bring back all library books by the end of the week.  He brought me back (= gave me a ride home) in his car. ,bring sth<->'back
1 to make sb remember sth or think about it again: The photographs brought back many pleasant memories.
2 to make sth that existed before be introduced again
SYN REINTRODUCE : Most people are against bringing back the death penalty. ,bring sb sth<->'back| ,bring sth<->'back (for sb) to return with sth for sb: What did you bring the kids back from Italy?  I brought a T-shirt back for Mark.'bring sb/sth before sb (formal) to present sb/sth for discussion or judgement: The matter will be brought before the committee.  He was brought before the court and found guilty.,bring sb<->'down
1 to make sb lose power or be defeated: The scandal may bring down the government.
2 (in football and rugby) to make sb fall over: He was brought down in the penalty area. ,bring sth<->'down
1 to lower or reduce sth: We aim to bring down prices on all our computers.
2 to land an aircraft: The pilot managed to bring the plane down in a field.
3 to make an aircraft fall out of the sky: Twelve enemy fighters had been brought down.
4 to make an animal or a bird fall down or fall out of the sky by killing or wounding it: He brought down the bear with a single shot.,bring sb/sth<->'forth (old use or formal) to give birth to sb; to produce sth: She brought forth a son.  trees bringing forth fruit,bring sth<->'forward
1 to move sth to an earlier date or time: The meeting has been brought forward from 10 May to 3 May.
2 to suggest sth for discussion: Please bring the matter forward at the next meeting.
3 to move a total sum from the bottom of one page or column of numbers to the top of the next: A credit balance of $50 was brought forward from his September account.,bring sb<->'in
1 to ask sb to do a particular job or to be involved in sth: Local residents were angry at not being brought in on (= asked for their opinion about) the new housing proposal. [+ to inf] Experts were brought in to advise the government.
2 (of the police) to bring sb to a police station in order to ask them questions or arrest them: Two men were brought in for questioning. ,bring sth<->'in
1 to introduce a new law: They want to bring in a bill to limit arms exports.
2 to attract sb/sth to a place or business: We need to bring in a lot more new business.
3 to give a decision in a court of law: The jury brought in a verdict of guilty. ,bring sb 'in sth| ,bring 'in sth to make or earn a particular amount of money: His freelance work brings him in about $20 000 a year.  How much does she bring in now?,bring sth<->'off to succeed in doing sth difficult: It was a difficult task but we brought it off.  The goalie brought off a superb save.,bring sb<->'on to help sb develop or improve while they are learning to do sth ,bring sth<->'on
1 to make sth develop, usually sth unpleasant
SYN CAUSE : He was suffering from stress brought on by overwork.
2 to make crops, fruit, etc. grow well 'bring sth on yourself / sb to be responsible for sth unpleasant that happens to you/sb: I have no sympathy—you brought it all on yourself.,bring sb<->'out (BrE) to make people go on strike ,bring sb 'out of himself, herself, etc. to help sb to feel more confident: She’s a shy girl who needs friends to bring her out of herself. ,bring sth<->'out
1 to make sth appear: A crisis brings out the best in her .
2 to make sth easy to see or understand: That dress really brings out the colour of your eyes.
3 to produce sth; to publish sth: The band have just brought out their second album. ,bring sth 'out in sth to make sb’s skin be covered in spots, etc: The heat brought him out in a rash.,bring sb 'round (BrE) (AmE ,bring sb a'round) (also ,bring sb 'to) to make sb who is unconscious become conscious again ,bring sb 'round (to … ) (BrE) (AmE ,bring sb a'round) to bring sb to sb’s house: Bring the family round one evening; we’d love to meet them. ,bring sb 'round (to sth) (BrE) (AmE ,bring sb a'round) to persuade sb to agree to sth: He didn’t like the plan at first, but we managed to bring him round. ,bring sth 'round to sth (BrE) (AmE ,bring sth a'round to sth) to direct a conversation to a particular subject,bring sb 'to = BRING SB ROUND ,bring A and B to'gether to help two people or groups to end a quarrel: The loss of their son brought the two of them together.,bring sb<->'up
1 [often passive] to care for a child, teaching him or her how to behave, etc: She brought up five children.  He was brought up by his aunt.  a well / badly brought up child [+ to inf] They were brought up to (= taught as children to) respect authority. [+n] I was brought up a Catholic.—compare RAISE —related noun UPBRINGING
2 (law) to make sb appear for trial: He was brought up on a charge of drunken driving. ,bring sth<->'up
1 to mention a subject or start to talk about it
SYN RAISE : Bring it up at the meeting.
2 (BrE) to VOMIT : to bring up your lunch
3 to make sth appear on a computer screen: Click with the right mouse button to bring up a new menu. ,bring sb 'up against sth to force sb to know about sth and have to deal with it: Working in the slums brought her up against the realities of poverty.
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,bring-and-'buy sale
noun (BrE ) a sale, usually for charity, at which people bring things for sale and buy those brought by others
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brink
noun [sing.]
1 the ~ (of sth) if you are on the brink of sth, you are almost in a very new, dangerous or exciting situation: on the brink of collapse / war / death / disaster  Scientists are on the brink of making a major new discovery.  He’s pulled the company back from the brink (= he has saved it from disaster).
2 (literary) the extreme edge of land, for example at the top of a cliff or by a river: the brink of the precipice
IDM see TEETER
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brink.man.ship
(AmE also brinks.man.ship ) noun [U] the activity, especially in politics, of getting into a situation that could be very dangerous in order to frighten people and make them do what you want
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briny
adj. (of water) containing a lot of salt—see also BRINE
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brio
noun [U] (written) enthusiasm and individual style
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bri.quette
noun a small hard block made from coal dust and used as fuel
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brisk
adj. (comparativebrisk.er no superlative)
1 quick; busy: a brisk walk  to set off at a brisk pace  Ice-cream vendors were doing a brisk trade (= selling a lot of ice cream).
2 (of a person, their voice or manner) practical and confident; showing a desire to get things done quickly: His tone became brisk and businesslike.
3 (of wind and the weather) cold but pleasantly fresh: a brisk wind / breeze
brisk.ly adv.
brisk.ness noun [U]
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bris.ket
noun [U] meat that comes from the chest of an animal, especially a cow
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bris.tle
noun, verb
noun
1 a short stiff hair: the bristles on his chin
2 one of the short stiff hairs or wires in a brush

verb [v]
1 ~ (with sth) (at sth) to suddenly become very annoyed or offended at what sb says or does: His lies made her bristle with rage.
2 (of an animal’s fur) to stand up on the back and neck because the animal is frightened or angry
PVR V 'bristle with sth (written) to contain a large number of sth: The whole subject bristles with problems.

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brist.ly
adj. like or full of bristles ; rough: a bristly chin / moustache
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Brit
noun (informal) a person from Britain  note at BRITISH
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Brit.ish
adj.
1 (abbr.Br.) connected with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the people who live there: the British Government  He was born in France but his parents are British.  British-based / British-born / British-made
2 (the British) noun [pl.] the people of the United Kingdom
Brit.ish.ness noun [U]
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,British 'English
noun [U] the English language as spoken in Britain
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Brit.ish.er
noun (AmE , informal) a person from Britain
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Briton
noun (formal) a person from Britain: the ancient Britons  the first Briton to climb Everest without oxygen  note at BRITISH
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Brit.pop
noun [U] a type of popular music played by British groups in the 1990s, influenced by a variety of British musical traditions
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brit.tle
adj.
1 hard but easily broken: brittle bones / nails
2 a brittle mood or state of mind is one that appears to be happy or strong but is actually nervous and easily damaged: brittle confidence / gaiety  a brittle temperament
3 (of a sound) hard and sharp in an unpleasant way: a brittle laugh
brittle.ness noun [U]
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bro
noun (pl.bros) (spoken)
1 a brother
2 (especially AmE) a friendly way of addressing a male person: Thanks, bro!
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broach
verb [vn] ~ (sth) (to / with sb) to begin talking about a subject that is difficult to discuss, especially because it is embarrassing or because people disagree about it: She was dreading having to broach the subject of money to her father.
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'B-road
noun (in Britain) a road that is less important than an A-ROAD and usually joins small towns and villages
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broad
adj., noun
adj. (broad.er, broad.est)
WIDE|
1 wide: a broad street / avenue / river  broad shoulders  He is tall, broad and muscular.  a broad smile / grin (= one in which your mouth is stretched very wide because you are very pleased or amused)
OPP NARROW (1)
2 used after a measurement of distance to show how wide sth is: two metres broad and one metre high
WIDE RANGE|
3 including a great variety of people or things: a broad range of products  a broad spectrum of interests  There is broad support for the government’s policies.  She took a broad view of the duties of being a teacher (= she believed her duties included a wide range of things).
OPP NARROW
GENERAL|
4 [only before noun] general; not detailed: the broad outline of a proposal  The negotiators were in broad agreement on the main issues.  She’s a feminist, in the broadest sense of the word .  In broad terms , the paper argues that each country should develop its own policy.
OPP NARROW
LAND / WATER|
5 covering a wide area: a broad expanse of water
ACCENT|
6 if sb has a broad accent, you can hear very easily which area they come from: a broad Yorkshire accent
HINT|
7 if sb gives a broad hint, they make it very clear what they are thinking or what they want—see also BREADTH , BROADLY   note at WIDE a broad 'church (BrE) an organization that accepts a wide range of opinions (in) broad 'daylight (in) the clear light of day, when it is easy to see: The robbery occurred in broad daylight, in a crowded street. it’s as ,broad as it’s 'long (BrE, spoken) it makes no real difference which of two possible choices you make—more at PAINT v.

noun (old-fashioned, AmE , slang) an offensive way of referring to a woman

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,broad-'based
(also ,broadly-'based) adj. based on a wide variety of people, things or ideas; not limited: broad-based support
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,broad 'bean
noun (BrE ) a type of round, pale green bean. Several broad beans grow together inside a fat POD .
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'broad-brush
adj. [only before noun] dealing with a subject or problem in a general way rather than considering details: a broad-brush approach
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broad.cast
verb, noun
verb (broad.cast, broad.cast)
1 to send out programmes on television or radio: [vn] The concert will be broadcast live (= at the same time as it takes place) tomorrow evening.  [v] They began broadcasting in 1922.
2 [vn] to tell a lot of people about sth: I don’t like to broadcast the fact that my father owns the company.

noun a radio or television programme: (BrE ) a party political broadcast (= for example, before an election)  We watched a live broadcast of the speech (= one shown at the same time as the speech was made).

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broad.cast.er
noun
1 a person whose job is presenting or talking on television or radio programmes
2 a company that sends out television or radio programmes: the new Australian rugby broadcaster, Channel Ten
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broad.cast.ing
noun [U] the business of making and sending out radio and television programmes: to work in broadcasting  the British Broadcasting Corporation (= the BBC)
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broad.en
verb
1 [v] to become wider: Her smile broadened.
2 to affect or make sth affect more people or things: [vn] a promise to broaden access to higher education  The party needs to broaden its appeal to voters. [alsov]
3 [vn] to increase your experience, knowledge, etc: Few would disagree that travel broadens the mind (= helps you to understand other people’s beliefs, customs, etc.)  Spending a year working in the city helped to broaden his horizons .
PVR V ,broaden 'out (of a road, river, etc.) to become wider
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the 'broad jump
noun [sing.] (AmE ) = THE LONG JUMP
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broad.leaved
(also less frequent broad.leaf ) adj. (technical ) (of plants) having broad flat leaves
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broad.ly
adv.
1 generally, without considering details: Broadly speaking , I agree with you.  broadly similar / comparable / equivalent / consistent
2 if you smile broadly, you smile with your mouth stretched very wide because you are very pleased or amused
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,broad-'minded
adj. willing to listen to other people’s opinions and accept behaviour that is different from your own
SYN TOLERANT
OPP NARROW-MINDED
,broad-'minded.ness noun [U]
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broad.ness
noun [U] = BREADTH
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broad.sheet
noun
1 a newspaper printed on a large size of paper, generally considered more serious than smaller newspapers—compare TABLOID
2 a large piece of paper printed on one side only with information or an advertisement
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broad.side
noun, adv., verb
noun a fierce attack in words, whether written or spoken: The prime minister fired a broadside at his critics.

adv. with one side facing sth
SYN SIDEWAYS : The car skidded and crashed broadside into another car.   (BrE ) The boat swung broadside on to the current of the river.

verb [vn] (AmE ) to crash into the side of sth: The driver ran a stop light and broadsided the truck.

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broad.sword
noun a large SWORD with a broad flat blade
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bro.cade
noun [U, C] a thick heavy fabric with a raised pattern woven especially from gold or silver silk thread: brocade curtains  rich velvets and brocades
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broc.coli
noun [U] a vegetable with a thick green stem and several dark green or purple flower heads—
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bro.chure
noun a small magazine or book containing pictures and information about sth or advertising sth: a travel brochure
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brogue
noun
1 [usually pl.] a strong shoe which usually has a pattern in the leather: a pair of brogues
2 [usually sing.] the ACCENT that sb has when they are speaking, especially the accent of Irish or Scottish speakers of English
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broil
verb
1 [vn] (AmE) to cook meat or fish under direct heat or over heat on metal bars: broiled chicken—compare BARBECUE , GRILL —
2 to become or make sb become very hot: [v] They lay broiling in the sun. [alsovn]
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broil.er
noun
1 (also 'broiler chicken) (especially AmE) a young chicken suitable for broiling or ROASTING
2 (AmE) the part inside the oven of a cooker/stove that directs heat downwards to cook food that is placed underneath it—compare GRILL
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broke
adj. [not before noun] (informal) having no money: I’m always broke by the end of the month.  During the recession thousands of small businesses went broke (= had to stop doing business).  flat / stony broke (= completely broke)—see also BREAK
IDM go for 'broke (informal) to risk everything in one determined effort to do sth
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broken
adj.
DAMAGED|
1 that has been damaged or injured; no longer whole or working correctly: a broken window / plate  a broken leg / arm  pieces of broken glass  How did this dish get broken ?  The TV’s broken.—see also BROKEN HEART
RELATIONSHIP|
2 [usually before noun] ended or destroyed: a broken marriage / engagement—see also BROKEN HOME
PROMISE / AGREEMENT|
3 [usually before noun] not kept
NOT CONTINUOUS|
4 [usually before noun] not continuous; disturbed or interrupted: a night of broken sleep  a single broken white line across the road
PERSON|
5 [only before noun] made weak and tired by illness or difficulties: He was a broken man after the failure of his business.
LANGUAGE|
6 [only before noun] (of a language that is not your own) spoken slowly and with a lot of mistakes; not FLUENT : to speak in broken English
GROUND|
7 having a rough surface: an area of broken, rocky ground—see also BREAK , BROKE , BROKEN v.
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,broken-'down
adj. [usually before noun] in a very bad condition; not working correctly; very tired and sick: a broken-down old car / horse
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,broken 'heart
noun a feeling of great sadness, especially when sb you love has died or left you: No one ever died of a broken heart.
,broken-'hearted adj.: He was broken-hearted when his wife died.—compare HEARTBROKEN
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,broken 'home
noun a family in which the parents are divorced or separated: She comes from a broken home.
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broken.ly
adv. (formal) (of sb’s manner of speaking) in phrases that are very short or not complete, with a lot of pauses; not FLUENTLY
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broker
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who buys and sells things, for example, shares in a business, for other people: an insurance broker
2 = STOCKBROKER —see also HONEST BROKER , PAWNBROKER , POWER BROKER

verb [vn] to arrange the details of an agreement, especially between different countries: a peace plan brokered by the UN

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broker.age
noun [U]
1 the business of being a broker : a brokerage firm / house
2 an amount of money charged by a broker for work that he/she does
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brolly
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) = UMBRELLA
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brom.ide
noun [C, U] a chemical compound used in medicine to make people feel calm
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bron.chial
adj. [usually before noun] (medical ) of or affecting the two main branches of the WINDPIPE (called bronchial tubes) leading to the lungs: bronchial pneumonia—picture at BODY
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bron.chitis
noun [U] an illness that affects the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs: He was suffering from chronic bronchitis.
bron.chit.ic adj.: a bronchitic cough
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bronco
noun (pl.-os) a wild horse of the western US: a bucking bronco in the rodeo
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bron.to.saurus
noun a very large DINOSAUR (= a reptile that lived millions of years ago) with a long neck and tail
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Bronx cheer
noun (AmE , informal) = RASPBERRY (2)
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bronze
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] a dark reddish-brown metal made by mixing COPPER and tin: a bronze statue  a figure cast in bronze
2 [U] a dark reddish-brown colour, like bronze
3 [C] a work of art made of bronze , for example a statue: a fine collection of bronzes
4 [C, U] = BRONZE MEDAL

adj. dark reddish-brown in colour: bronze skin

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the 'Bronze Age
noun [sing.] the period in history between the Stone Age and the Iron Age when people used tools and weapons made of bronze
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bronzed
adj. having skin that has been turned brown in an attractive way by the sun: strong bronzed arms
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,bronze 'medal
(also bronze) noun [C, U] a medal given as third prize in a competition or race: an Olympic bronze medal winner  She won (a) bronze at the Olympics.—compare GOLD MEDAL , SILVER MEDAL
,bronze 'medallist (BrE) (AmE,bronze 'medalist) noun: She’s an Olympic bronze medallist.
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brooch
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually pin) noun a piece of jewellery with a pin on the back of it, that can be fastened to your clothes—picture at JEWELLERY
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brood
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (over / on / about sth) to think a lot about sth that makes you annoyed, anxious or upset: You’re not still brooding over what he said, are you?
2 [v, vn] if a bird broods, or broods its eggs, it sits on the eggs in order to HATCH them (= make the young come out of them)

noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 all the young birds or creatures that a mother produces at one time
2 (humorous) a large family of children: She grew up amidst a lively brood of brothers and sisters.

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brood.ing
adj. (literary) sad and mysterious or threatening: dark, brooding eyes  a brooding silence  Ireland’s brooding landscape
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'brood mare
noun a female horse kept for breeding
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broody
adj.
1 (of a woman) wanting very much to have a baby: I reached the age of 27 and suddenly started to feel broody.
2 (of a female bird) wanting to lay eggs and sit on them: a broody hen
3 silent and thinking about sth because you are unhappy or disappointed
broodi.ness noun [U]
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brook
noun, verb
noun a small stream

verb (not brook sth / brook no) (formal) to not allow sth
SYN TOLERATE : [vn] The tone in his voice brooked no argument. [alsovn -ing]

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broom
noun
1 [C] a brush on the end of a long handle, used for SWEEPING floors—see also NEW BROOM
2 [U] a wild bush with small yellow flowers
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'broom cupboard
noun (BrE )
1 a large built-in cupboard used for keeping cleaning equipment, etc. in
2 (often humorous) a very small room: I couldn’t afford more than a broom cupboard to set up office in.
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broom.stick
noun a broom with a long handle and small thin sticks at the end, or the handle of a broom . In stories WITCHES (= women with evil magic powers) ride through the air on broomsticks .
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Bros
(also Bros. especially in AmE) abbr. (used in the name of a company) Brothers: Warner Bros
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broth
noun [U, C] thick soup made by boiling meat or fish and vegetables in water: chicken broth
IDM see COOK n.
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brothel
(also bor.dello especially in AmE) noun a house where people pay to have sex with prostitutes
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brother
noun, exclamation
noun
IN FAMILY|
1 a boy or man who has the same mother and father as another person: We’re brothers.  He’s my brother.  an older / younger brother  a twin brother   Does she have any brothers and sisters ?  Edward was the youngest of the Kennedy brothers.  He was like a brother to me (= very close).—see also HALF-BROTHER , STEPBROTHER
OTHER MEN|
2 (pl.brothers or old-fashioned brethren) used for talking to or talking about other male members of an organization or other men who have the same ideas, purpose, etc. as yourself: We must work together, brothers!  We are all brothers in the fight against injustice.  He was greatly respected by his brother officers.  We must support our weaker brethren.
IN RELIGIOUS GROUP|
3 (also Brother) (pl.brethren or brothers) a male member of a religious group, especially a MONK : Brother Luke  The Brethren meet regularly for prayer.
FORM OF ADDRESS|
4 (AmE, informal) used by black people as a form of address for a black man
AT COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY|
5 (in the US) a member of a FRATERNITY (= a club for a group of male students at a college or university)

exclamation (old-fashioned, especially AmE ) used to express the fact that you are annoyed or surprised: Oh brother!

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brother.hood
noun
1 [U] friendship and understanding between people: to live in peace and brotherhood
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] an organization formed for a particular purpose, especially a religious society or political organization: the Russian Orthodox Brotherhood
3 [U] the relationship of brothers: the ties of brotherhood
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'brother-in-law
(pl.brothers-in-law) noun the brother of your husband or wife; your sister’s husband; the husband of your husband or wife’s sister—compare SISTER-IN-LAW
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brother.ly
adj. [usually before noun] showing feelings of affection and kindness that you would expect a brother to show: brotherly love / advice  He gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek.
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brougham
noun a type of carriage used in the past, which had a closed roof and four wheels and was pulled by one horse
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brought
pt, pp of BRING
IDM see LOW adj.
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brow
noun
1 the part of the face above the eyes and below the hair
SYN FOREHEAD : The nurse mopped his fevered brow.  Her brow furrowed in concentration.
2 [usually pl.] = EYEBROW : One dark brow rose in surprise.
3 [usually sing.] the top part of a hill: The path disappeared over the brow of the hill.—see also HIGHBROW , MIDDLEBROW , LOWBROW
IDM see KNIT v.
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brow.beat
verb (brow.beat, brow.beat.en ) [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to frighten or threaten sb in order to make them do sth
SYN INTIMIDATE : They were browbeaten into accepting the offer.
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brown
adj., noun, verb
adj. (brown.er, brown.est)
1 having the colour of earth, or coffee mixed with milk: brown eyes  brown bread  dark brown shoe polish  a package wrapped in brown paper
2 (especially BrE) having skin that is naturally brown or has been made brown by the sun: I don’t go brown very easily.  After the summer in Spain, the children were brown as berries .

noun [U, C] the colour of earth, or coffee mixed with milk: leaves of various shades of brown  Brown doesn’t (= brown clothes don’t) suit you.

verb to become brown; to make sth brown: [v] Heat the butter until it browns.  The grass was browning in patches.  [vn] Brown the onions before adding the meat.
IDM ,browned 'off (with sb) (BrE, informal) bored, unhappy and/or annoyed: By now the passengers were getting browned off with the delay.

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brown.field
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) used to describe an area of land in a city that was used by industry or for offices in the past and that may now be cleared for new building development: a brownfield site
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brownie
noun
1 [C] a thick soft flat cake made with chocolate and sometimes nuts: a fudge brownie
2 (the Brownies) [pl.] a branch of the SCOUT ASSOCIATION for girls between the ages of seven and ten or eleven: to join the Brownies
3 [C] (Brownie) (BrE also 'Brownie Guide) a member of the Brownies —compare CUB , GUIDE , SCOUT
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'brownie point
noun [usually pl.] (informal) if sb does sth to earn brownie points, they do it to make sb in authority have a good opinion of them
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brown.ish
(also less frequent browny ) adj. fairly brown in colour: You can’t see in this light, but my new coat is a sort of brownish colour.
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'brown-nose
verb [v] (slang, disapproving) to treat sb in authority with special respect in order to make them approve of you or treat you better
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brown.stone
noun (AmE ) a house built of, or with a front made of, a type of reddish-brown stone, which is also called brownstone: New York brownstones
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,brown 'sugar
noun [U] sugar that has a brown colour and has only been partly REFINED (= it is not completely pure)
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browse
verb
1 to look at a lot of things in a shop/store rather than looking for one particular thing: [v] You are welcome to come in and browse.  [vn] She browsed the shelves for something interesting to read.
2 ~ (through sth) to look through the pages of a book, newspaper, etc. without reading everything: [v] I found the article while I was browsing through some old magazines. [alsovn]
3 [v, vn] (computing) to look for information on a computer
4 [v] ~ (on sth) (of cows, goats, etc.) to eat leaves, etc. that are growing high up
browse noun [sing.]: The gift shop is well worth a browse.
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browser
noun
1 (computing) a program that lets you look at or read documents on the Internet: a Web browser—
2 a person who looks through books, magazines, etc. or at things for sale, but may not seriously intend to buy anything
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bruise
verb, noun
verb
1 to develop a bruise , or make a bruise or bruises appear on the skin of sb/sth: [v] Strawberries bruise easily.  [vn] She had slipped and badly bruised her face.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to affect sb badly and make them feel unhappy and less confident: They had been badly bruised by the defeat.
bruised adj.: He suffered badly bruised ribs in the crash.  bruised fruit  a bruised ego
bruis.ing noun [U]: She suffered severe bruising, but no bones were broken.  internal bruising—see also BRUISING adj.

noun
1 a blue, brown or purple mark that appears on the skin after sb has fallen, been hit, etc: to be covered in bruises  cuts and bruises
2 a mark on a fruit or vegetable where it is damaged

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bruiser
noun (informal) a large strong aggressive man
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bruis.ing
adj. difficult and unpleasant, making you feel tired or weak: a bruising meeting / experience
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Brum.mie
noun (BrE , informal) a person from the city of Birmingham in England
Brum.mie adj.: a Brummie accent
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brunch
noun [C, U] (informal) a meal that you eat in the late morning as a combination of breakfast and lunch
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bru.nette
noun a white-skinned woman with dark brown hair
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brunt
noun
IDM bear, take, etc. the 'brunt of sth to receive the main force of sth unpleasant: Schools will bear the brunt of cuts in government spending.
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brush
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an object made of short stiff hairs (called BRISTLES ) or wires set in a block of wood or plastic, usually attached to a handle. Brushes are used for many different jobs, such as cleaning, painting and tidying your hair: a paintbrush  a hairbrush  a toothbrush  brush strokes (= the marks left by a brush when painting)  a dustpan and brush  Apply the paint with a fine brush.
2 [sing.] an act of brushing: to give your hair / teeth a good brush
3 [sing.] a light touch made in passing sth/sb: the brush of his lips on her cheek
4 [C] ~ with sb/sth a short unfriendly meeting with sb; an occasion when you nearly experience sth unpleasant: She had a nasty brush with her boss this morning.  In his job he’s had frequent brushes with death.  a brush with the law
5 [U] land covered by small trees or bushes: a brush fire
6 [C] the tail of a FOX
IDM see DAFT adj. , PAINT v. , TAR v.

verb
1 to clean, polish, or make smooth with a brush: [vn] to brush your hair / teeth / shoes  [vn-adj] A tiled floor is easy to brush clean.
2 [vn] ~ A with B| ~ B over A to put sth, for example oil, milk or egg, on sth using a brush: Brush the pastry with beaten egg.  Brush beaten egg over the pastry.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth from a surface with a brush or with your hand: He brushed the dirt off his jacket.  She brushed the fly away.
4 ~ (against / by / past) sb/sth to touch sb/sth lightly while moving close to them/it: [v] She brushed past him.  His hand accidentally brushed against hers.  [vn] The leaves brushed her cheek.  He brushed her lips with his.
PVR V ,brush sb/sth<->a'side to ignore sb/sth; to treat sb/sth as unimportant
SYN DISMISS : He brushed aside my fears. ,brush sb / yourself 'down (BrE) = BRUSH SB / YOURSELF OFF ,brush sth<->'down to clean sth by brushing it: to brush a coat / horse down ,brush 'off to be removed by brushing : Mud brushes off easily when it is dry. ,brush sb<->'off to rudely ignore sb or refuse to listen to them: She brushed him off impatiently.—related noun BRUSH-OFF ,brush sb / yourself 'off to make sb/yourself tidy, especially after you have fallen, by brushing your clothes, etc. with your hands ,brush sth<->'up| ,brush 'up on sth to quickly improve a skill, especially when you have not used it for a time: I must brush up on my Spanish before I go to Seville.

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'brush-off
noun [sing.] (informal) rude or unfriendly behaviour that shows that a person is not interested in sb: Paul asked Tara out to dinner but she gave him the brush-off .
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brush.wood
noun [U] small broken or dead branches of trees, often used to make fires
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brush.work
noun [U] the particular way in which an artist uses a brush to paint
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brusque
adj. using very few words and sounding rude: The doctor spoke in a brusque tone.
brusque.ly adv.: ‘What’s your name?’ he asked brusquely.
brusque.ness noun [U]
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Brus.sels sprout
(also Brussel sprout, sprout) noun a small round green vegetable like a very small CABBAGE —
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bru.tal
adj.
1 violent and cruel: a brutal attack / murder / rape / killing
2 direct and clear about sth unpleasant; not thinking of people’s feelings: With brutal honesty she told him she did not love him.
bru.tal.ity noun [U, C] (pl.-ies): police brutality  the brutalities of war
bru.tal.ly adv.: He was brutally assaulted.  Let me be brutally frank about this.
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brutalize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to make sb unable to feel normal human emotions such as pity: soldiers brutalized by war
2 to treat sb in a cruel or violent way
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brute
noun, adj.
noun
1 (sometimes humorous) a man who treats people in an unkind, cruel way: His father was a drunken brute.  You’ve forgotten my birthday again, you brute!
2 a large strong animal

adj. [only before noun]
1 involving physical strength only and not thought or intelligence: brute force / strength
2 basic, simple and unpleasant: the brute facts of inequality

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bru.tish
adj. unkind and violent and not showing thought or intelligence
bru.tish.ness noun [U]
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BS
(BrE ) (AmEB.S.) abbr.
1 (AmE) = BSC
2 (BrE) the abbreviation for ‘Bachelor of Surgery’ (a university degree in medicine)
3 British Standard (used on labels, etc. showing a number given by the British Standards Institution which controls the quality of products): produced to BS4353
4 (AmE,  , slang) BULLSHIT : That guy’s full of BS.
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BSc
(BrE ) (AmE B.S.) noun the abbreviation for ‘Bachelor of Science’ (a first university degree in science): to be / have / do a BSc in Zoology   (BrE ) Jill Ayres BSc
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BSE
(also informal ,mad 'cow disease) noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘bovine spongiform encephalopathy’ (a brain disease of cows that causes death)
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BST
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘British Summer Time’
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BTEC
noun used to refer to any of a large group of British qualifications that can be taken in many different subjects at several levels (the abbreviation for ‘Business and Technician Education Council’): a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Public Service Studies
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btw
abbr. used in writing to mean ‘by the way’
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bub.ble
noun, verb
noun
1 a ball of air or gas in a liquid, or a ball of air inside a solid substance such as glass: champagne bubbles  a bubble of oxygen  blowing bubbles into water through a straw
2 a round ball of liquid, containing air, produced by soap and water: The children like to have bubbles in their bath.
3 a small amount of a feeling that sb wants to express: a bubble of laughter / hope / enthusiasm—see also SPEECH BUBBLE
IDM the bubble 'bursts there is a sudden end to a good or lucky situation: When the bubble finally burst, hundreds of people lost their jobs.—more at BURST v.

verb [v]
1 to form bubbles: The water in the pan was beginning to bubble.  Add the white wine and let it bubble up .
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to make a bubbling sound, especially when moving in the direction mentioned: I could hear the soup bubbling away.  A stream came bubbling between the stones.
3 ~ (over) with sth to be full of a particular feeling: She was bubbling over with excitement.
4 [+adv. / prep.] (of a feeling) to be felt strongly by a person; to be present in a situation: Laughter bubbled up inside him.  the anger that bubbled beneath the surface

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,bubble and 'squeak
noun [U] a type of British food made from cold cooked potatoes and CABBAGE that are mixed together and fried
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'bubble bath
noun
1 [U] a liquid soap that smells pleasant and makes a lot of bubbles when it is added to bath water
2 [C] a bath with bubble bath in the water
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bubble.gum
noun [U] a type of CHEWING GUM that can be blown into bubbles
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bubble.jet printer
noun a type of printer that uses bubbles of air to blow small dots of ink in order to form letters, numbers, etc. on paper
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bubb.ly
adj., noun
adj.
1 full of bubbles
2 (of a person) always cheerful, friendly and enthusiastic

noun [U] (informal) CHAMPAGNE

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bu.bon.ic plague
(also the plague) noun [U] a disease spread by rats that causes fever, swellings on the body and usually death
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buc.can.eer
noun
1 (in the past) a sailor who attacked and robbed ships at sea
SYN PIRATE
2 (especially in business) a person who achieves success in a skilful but not always honest way
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buck
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a US or an Australian dollar: They cost ten bucks.  We’re talking big bucks (= a lot of money) here.
2 [C] a male deer, HARE or rabbit (also called a buck rabbit)—compare DOE , HART , STAG
3 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a young man
4 (the buck) [sing.] used in some expressions to refer to the responsibility or blame for sth: It was my decision. The buck stops here (= nobody else can be blamed).  I was tempted to pass the buck (= make sb else responsible).
ORIGIN From buck, an object which in a poker game is placed in front of the player whose turn it is to deal.
IDM make a fast / quick buck (informal, often disapproving) to earn money quickly and easily—more at MILLION

verb
1 [v] (of a horse) to jump with the two back feet or all four feet off the ground
2 [v] to move up and down suddenly or in a way that is not controlled: The boat bucked and heaved beneath them.
3 [vn] (informal) to resist or oppose sth: One or two companies have managed to buck the trend of the recession.  He admired her willingness to buck the system (= oppose authority or rules).
IDM buck your i'deas up (BrE, informal) to start behaving in a more acceptable way, so that work gets done better, etc.
PVR V ,buck 'up (informal)
1 (often in orders) to become more cheerful: Buck up kid! It’s not the end of the game.
2 (buck up!) (old-fashioned) used to tell sb to hurry ,buck sb 'up (BrE, informal) to make sb more cheerful: The good news bucked us all up.

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bucket
noun, verb
noun
1 (AmE also pail) [C] a round open container with a handle, used for carrying or holding liquids, sand, etc: a plastic bucket  They were playing on the beach with their buckets and spades.
2 (also bucket.ful ) (AmE also pail, pail.ful) [C] the amount contained in a bucket : two buckets / bucketfuls of water  They used to drink tea by the bucket / bucketful (= in large quantities).
3 (buckets) [pl.] (informal) a large amount: To succeed in show business, you need buckets of confidence.  We wept buckets .  He was sweating buckets by the end of the race.  The rain was coming down in buckets (= it was raining very heavily).
IDM see DROP n. , KICK v.

verb
PVR V 'bucket down (BrE, informal) to rain heavily: It’s bucketing down.

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'bucket seat
noun a seat with a curved back for one person, especially in a car
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'bucket shop
noun (informal, especially BrE ) a place that sells cheap plane tickets
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buckle
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth on / up) to fasten sth or be fastened with a buckle : [vn] She buckled her belt.  He buckled on his sword.  [v] These shoes buckle at the side.—
2 to become crushed or bent under a weight or force; to crush or bend sth in this way: [v] The steel frames began to buckle under the strain.   (figurative) A weaker man would have buckled under the pressure.  [vn] The crash buckled the front of my car.
3 [v] when your knees or legs buckle or when you buckle at the knees, your knees become weak and you start to fall
PVR V ,buckle 'down (to sth) (informal) to start to do sth seriously: I’d better buckle down to those reports. ,buckle 'up (AmE) = BELT UP at BELT v.

noun a piece of metal or plastic used for joining the ends of a belt or for fastening a strap on a bag, shoe, etc.—picture at FASTENER

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buck 'naked
adj. (AmE , informal) (of a person) not wearing any clothes at all
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buck.ram
noun [U] a stiff fabric made especially from cotton or LINEN , used in the past for covering books and for making clothes stiffer
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buck.shot
noun [U] balls of LEAD that are fired from a SHOTGUN
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buck.skin
noun [U] soft leather made from the skin of deer or goats, used for making gloves, bags, etc.
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,buck-'teeth
noun [pl.] top teeth that stick forward
,buck-'toothed adj.
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buck.wheat
noun [U] small dark grain that is grown as food for animals and for making flour
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bu.col.ic
adj. (literary) connected with the countryside or country life
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bud
noun, verb
noun
1 a small lump that grows on a plant and from which a flower, leaf or stem develops: the first buds appearing in spring  The magnolia tree is in bud already.—picture at PLANT
2 a flower or leaf that is not fully open
3 (AmE, informal) = BUDDY : Listen, bud, enough of the wisecracks, OK?—see also COTTON BUD , ROSEBUD , TASTE BUD
IDM see NIP v.

verb [v] to produce buds

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Bud.dhism
noun [U] an Asian religion based on the teaching of Gautama Siddhartha (or Buddha)
Bud.dhist noun: a devout Buddhist
Bud.dhist adj. [usually before noun]: a Buddhist monk / temple
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bud.ding
adj. [only before noun] beginning to develop or become successful: a budding artist / writer  our budding romance
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buddy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (AmE also bud) (informal) a friend: an old college buddy of mine
2 (also bud) (both AmE) used to speak to a man you do not know: ‘Where to, buddy?’ the driver asked.
3 (especially AmE) a partner who does an activity with you so that you can help each other: The school uses a buddy system to pair newcomers with older students.  Her driving buddy was in trouble.

verb (bud.dies, buddy.ing, bud.died, bud.died)
PVR V ,buddy 'up (to / with sb) (AmE)
1 = PAL UP (WITH SB) : You and your neighbour might want to buddy up to make the trip more enjoyable.
2 to become friendly with sb in order to get an advantage for yourself

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budge
verb (usually used in negative sentences)
1 to move slightly; to make sth/sb move slightly: [v] She pushed at the door but it wouldn’t budge.  The dog refused to budge.  [vn] I heaved with all my might but still couldn’t budge it.
2 to change your opinion about sth; to make sb change their opinion: [v] He won’t budge an inch on the issue.  [vn] He was not to be budged on the issue.
PVR V ,budge 'up (BrE, informal) to move, so that there is room for other people: Budge up a bit!
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budg.eri.gar
noun (also informal budgie) (both BrE ) a small bird of the PARROT family, often kept in a cage as a pet
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budget
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] the money that is available to a person or an organization and a plan of how it will be spent over a period of time: a monthly / an annual / a family budget  the education / defence budget (= the amount of money that can be spent on this)  an advertising budget of $2 million  a big-budget movie  We decorated the house on a tight budget (= without much money to spend).  The work was finished on time and within budget (= did not cost more money than was planned).  They went over budget (= spent too much money).  budget cuts
2 (BrE also Budget) an official statement by the government of a country’s income from taxes, etc. and how it will be spent: tax cuts in this year’s budget  a budget deficit (= when the government spends more money than it earns)

verb ~ (sth) (for sth)| ~ sth (at sth) to be careful about the amount of money you spend; to plan to spend an amount of money for a particular purpose: [v] If we budget carefully we’ll be able to afford the trip.  I’ve budgeted for two new members of staff.  [vn] Ten million francs has been budgeted for the project.  The project has been budgeted at ten million francs.
budget.ing noun [U]

adj. [only before noun] (used in advertising, etc.) low in price: a budget flight / hotel

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'budget account
noun (BrE ) an arrangement with a shop/store or company to pay your bills in fixed regular amounts and not as one large payment
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budget.ary
adj. connected with a budget : budgetary control / policies / reform
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budgie
noun (BrE , informal) = BUDGERIGAR
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buff
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [C] (used in compounds) a person who is very interested in a particular subject or activity and knows a lot about it: a computer / opera / wine buff
2 [U] a pale yellow-brown colour
3 [U] soft strong yellowish-brown leather made especially from the skin of BUFFALO and OXEN —see also BLIND MAN’S BUFF
IDM in the 'buff (informal) wearing no clothes

adj. pale yellow-brown in colour: a buff envelope

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) to polish sth with a soft cloth

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buf.falo
noun (pl.buf.falo or buf.faloes)
1 a large animal of the cow family. There are two types of buffalo , the African and the Asian, which has wide, curved horns.
2 = BISON —see also WATER BUFFALO
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buf.fer
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (against sth)| ~ (between sth and sth) a thing or person that reduces a shock or protects sb/sth against difficulties: Support from family and friends acts as a buffer against stress.  She often had to act as a buffer between father and son.  a buffer state (= a small country between two powerful states that helps keep peace between them)  a buffer zone (= an area of land between two opposing armies or countries)
2 (BrE) one of two round metal devices on the front or end of a train, or at the end of a railway track, that reduce the shock if the train hits sth
3 (also old buffer) (old-fashioned, BrE) a silly old man
IDM see HIT v.

verb [vn]
1 to reduce the harmful effects of sth: to buffer the effects of stress on health
2 ~ sb (against sth) to protect sb from sth: They tried to buffer themselves against problems and uncertainties.

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buf.fet^1
noun —see also BUFFET^2
1 a meal at which people serve themselves from a table and then stand or sit somewhere else to eat: a buffet lunch / supper  Dinner will be a cold buffet, not a sit-down meal.
2 a place, for example in a train or bus station, where you can buy food and drinks to eat or drink there, or to take away
3 (BrE) = BUFFET CAR
4 (especially AmE) = SIDEBOARD (1)
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buf.fet^2
verb [vn] [often passive] to knock or push sb/sth roughly from side to side: to be buffeted by the wind   (figurative, formal) The nation had been buffeted by a wave of strikes.—see also BUFFET^1
buf.fet.ing noun [U, C, usually sing.]
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buffet car
(also buffet) noun (BrE ) the part of a train where you can buy sth to eat and drink
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buf.foon
noun (old-fashioned) a person who does silly but amusing things
buf.foon.ery noun [U]
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bug
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (especially AmE) any small insect
2 [C] (informal) an infectious illness that is usually fairly mild: a flu bug  There’s a stomach bug going round (= people are catching it from each other).  I picked up a bug in the office.
3 (usually the … bug) [sing.] (informal) an enthusiastic interest in sth such as a sport or a hobby: the travel bug  She was never interested in fitness before but now she’s been bitten by the bug .
4 [C] (informal) a small hidden device for listening to other people’s conversations
5 [C] a fault in a machine, especially in a computer system or program—see also THE MILLENNIUM BUG

verb (-gg-) [vn]
1 to put a special device (= a bug ) somewhere in order to listen secretly to other people’s conversations: They bugged her hotel room.  They were bugging his telephone conversations.  a bugging device
2 (informal) to annoy or irritate sb: Stop bugging me!  It’s something that’s been bugging me a lot recently.  She’s really beginning to bug me.
IDM bug 'off! (AmE, spoken) a rude way of telling sb to go away

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bug.bear
noun (especially BrE ) a thing that annoys people and that they worry about: Inflation is the government’s main bugbear.
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'bug-eyed
adj. (informal) having eyes that stick out
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bug.ger
noun, verb
noun (BrE ,  , slang)
1 an offensive word used to insult sb, especially a man, and to show anger or dislike: Come here, you little bugger!  You stupid bugger! You could have run me over!
2 used to refer to a person, especially a man, that you like or feel sympathy for: Poor bugger! His wife left him last week.  He’s a tough old bugger.
3 a thing that is difficult or causes problems: This door’s a bugger to open.  Question 6 is a real bugger.
IDM see SILLY adj.

verb
1 (BrE ,  , slang) used as a swear word when sb is annoyed about sth or to show that they do not care about sth at all: [v] Bugger! I’ve left my keys at home.  [vn] Bugger it! I’ve burnt the toast.  Oh, bugger the cost! Let’s get it anyway.
2 [vn] (BrE,  , slang) to break or ruin sth: I think I’ve buggered the computer.
3 [vn] (  orlaw) to have ANAL sex with sb
IDM ,bugger 'me (BrE,  , spoken) used to express surprise: Bugger me! Did you see that?
PVR V ,bugger a'bout / a'round (BrE,  , slang) to waste time by behaving in a silly way or with no clear purpose: Stop buggering about and get back to work.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess about (BrE) or mess around (AmE,BrE). ,bugger sb a'bout / a'round (BrE,  , slang) to treat sb in a way that is deliberately not helpful to them or wastes their time: I’m sick of being buggered about by the company.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess sb about / around (BrE). ,bugger 'off (BrE,  , slang) (often used in orders) to go away: Bugger off and leave me alone.  Where is everyone? They’ve all buggered off. ,bugger sth<->'up (BrE,  , slang) to do sth badly or spoil sth: I buggered up the exam.  Sorry for buggering up your plans.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is foul sth up, cock sth up (slang), mess sth up or bungle sth.

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,bugger 'all
noun [U] (BrE ,  , slang) nothing at all; none at all: There’s bugger all on TV tonight.  Well, she was bugger all help (= no help at all).
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bug.gered
adj. [not before noun] (BrE ,  , slang)
1 very tired
2 broken or ruined: Oh no, the TV’s buggered.
IDM I’ll be buggered (BrE,  , spoken) used to express great surprise: Well, I’ll be buggered! Look who’s here. I’m 'buggered if … (BrE,  , spoken) used to say that you do not know sth or to refuse to do sth: ‘What’s this meeting all about?’‘I’m buggered if I know.’  Well I’m buggered if I’m going to help her after what she said to me.
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bug.gery
noun [U] (BrE ,  , slang orlaw ) ANAL sex
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buggy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE) (AmE cart) a small car, often without a roof or doors, used for a particular purpose: a garden / golf buggy—see also BEACH BUGGY
2 (also 'Baby Buggy™) (both BrE) (AmE strol.ler) a type of light folding chair on wheels in which a baby or small child is pushed along—compare PUSHCHAIR
3 a light carriage for one or two people, pulled by one horse
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bugle
noun a musical instrument like a small TRUMPET , used in the army for giving signals
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bu.gler
noun a person who plays the bugle
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build
verb, noun
verb (built, built )
1 ~ sth (of / in / from sth)| ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb sth to make sth, especially a building, by putting parts together: [vn] They have permission to build 200 new houses.  Robins build nests almost anywhere.  a house built of stone  They had a house built for them.  [vnn] David built us a shed in the back yard.  [v] They’re going to build on the site of the old power station.
2 [vn] to create or develop sth: She’s built a new career for herself.  We want to build a better life.  This information will help us build a picture of his attacker.
3 [v] (written) (of a feeling) to become gradually stronger: The tension and excitement built gradually all day.
IDM see CASTLE , ROME
PVR V ,build sth a'round sth [usually passive] to create sth, using sth else as a basis: The story is built around a group of high school dropouts. ,build sth<->'in| ,build sth 'into sth [often passive]
1 to make sth a permanent part of a larger structure: We’re having new wardrobes built in.  The pipes were built into the concrete.
2 to make sth a permanent part of a system, plan, etc: A certain amount of flexibility is built into the system.—see also BUILT-IN 'build on sth to use sth as a basis for further progress: This study builds on earlier work. 'build sth on sth [usually passive] to base sth on sth: an argument built on sound logic ,build sth<->'on| ,build sth 'onto sth to add sth (for example, an extra room) to an existing structure by building: They’ve built an extension on.  The new wing was built onto the hospital last year. ,build 'up (to sth) to become greater, more powerful or larger in number: All the pressure built up and he was off work for weeks with stress.  The music builds up to a rousing climax.—related noun BUILD-UP (1) ,build 'up to sth| ,build yourself 'up to sth to prepare for a particular moment or event: Build yourself up to peak performance on the day of the exam.—related noun BUILD-UP (2) ,build sb/sth 'up [usually passive] to give a very positive and enthusiastic description of sb/sth, often exaggerating your claims: The play was built up to be a masterpiece but I found it very disappointing.—related noun BUILD-UP (3) ,build sb / yourself<->'up to make sb/yourself healthier or stronger: You need more protein to build you up. ,build sth<->'up
1 to create or develop sth: She’s built up a very successful business.  These finds help us build up a picture of life in the Middle Ages.  I am anxious not to build up false hopes (= to encourage people to hope for too much).
2 to make sth higher or stronger than it was before

noun [U, C, usually sing.] the shape and size of the human body: a man of average build

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build.er
noun
1 a person or company whose job is to build or repair houses or other buildings
2 (usually in compounds) a person or thing that builds, creates or develops sth: a shipbuilder  a confidence builder  a bodybuilder
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build.ing
noun
1 [C] a structure such as a house or school that has a roof and walls: tall / old / historic buildings
2 [U] the process and work of building: the building of the Channel Tunnel  There’s building work going on next door.  the building trade  building materials / costs / regulations
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'building block
noun
1 [C] a piece of wood or plastic used as a toy for children to build things with—
2 (building blocks) [pl.] parts that are joined together in order to make a large thing exist: Single words are the building blocks of language.
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'building site
noun (especially BrE ) an area of land where sth is being built
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'building society
noun (BrE ) (AmE ,savings and 'loan association) an organization like a bank that lends money to people who want to buy a house. People also save money with a building society .
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'build-up
noun
1 [sing., U] an increase in the amount of sth over a period of time: a steady build-up of traffic in the evenings
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth) the time before an important event, when people are preparing for it: the build-up to the President’s visit
3 [C, usually sing.] a very positive and enthusiastic description of sth that is going to happen, that is intended to make people excited about it: The media has given the show a huge build-up.
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built
combining form (after adverbs and in compound adjectives) made in the particular way that is mentioned: a newly built station  American-built cars—see also PURPOSE-BUILT , WELL BUILT
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,built-'in
(also less frequent ,in-'built) adj. [only before noun] included as part of sth and not separate from it: built-in cupboards—compare INBUILT
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,built-'up
adj. [usually before noun] (especially BrE ) (of an area of land) covered in buildings, roads, etc: to reduce the speed limit in built-up areas
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bulb
noun
1 (also 'light bulb) the glass part that fits into an electric lamp, etc. to give light when it is switched on: a 60-watt bulb  a room lit by bare bulbs (= with no decorative cover)
2 the round underground part of some plants, shaped like an onion, that grows into a new plant every year: daffodil bulbs—picture at PLANT
3 an object shaped like a bulb , for example the end of a THERMOMETER
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bulb.ous
adj. (written) shaped like a bulb ; round and fat in an ugly way: a bulbous red nose
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bulge
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (with sth) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to be completely full (of sth): Her pockets were bulging with presents.  a bulging briefcase
2 to stick out from sth in a round shape: His eyes bulged.
IDM see SEAM

noun
1 a lump that sticks out from sth in a round shape: the bulge of a gun in his pocket
2 (informal) fat on the body that sticks out in a round shape: That skirt’s too tight. It shows all your bulges.
3 a sudden temporary increase in the amount of sth: After the war there was a bulge in the birth rate.

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bu.limia
(also bulimia nervosa ) noun [U] an emotional disorder in which a person repeatedly eats too much and then forces him- or herself to VOMIT —compare ANOREXIA
bu.lim.ic adj.
bu.lim.ic noun
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bulk
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the main part of sth; most of sth: The bulk of the population lives in cities.
2 [U] the (large) size or quantity of sth: Despite its bulk and weight, the car is extremely fast.  a bulk order (= one for a large number of similar items)  bulk buying (= buying in large amounts, often at a reduced price)  It’s cheaper to buy in bulk .
3 [sing.] the weight or shape of sb/sth large: She heaved her bulk out of the chair.

verb [v] bulk 'large (BrE, formal) to be the most important part of sth
PVR V ,bulk sth<->'out / 'up to make sth bigger, thicker or heavier

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bulk.head
noun (technical ) a wall that divides a ship or an aircraft into separate parts
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bulky
adj. (bulk.ier, bulki.est)
1 (of a thing) large and difficult to move or carry: Bulky items will be collected separately.
2 (of a person) tall and heavy: The bulky figure of Inspector Jones appeared at the door.
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bull
noun
1 [C] the male of any animal in the cow family: a bull neck (= a short thick neck like a bull’s)—compare BULLOCK , COW , OX , STEER
2 [C] the male of the elephant, WHALE and some other large animals—compare COW
3 [C] (finance) a person who buys shares in a company, hoping to sell them soon afterwards at a higher price: a bull market (= a situation in which share prices are rising)—compare BEAR
4 [C] an official order or statement from the POPE (= the head of the Roman Catholic Church): a papal bull
5 [U] (slang) = BULLSHIT : That’s a load of bull!
6 [C] = BULLSEYE —see also COCK AND BULL STORY
IDM a bull in a 'china shop a person who is careless, or who moves or acts in a rough or awkward way, in a place or situation where skill and care are needed take the bull by the 'horns to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage—more at RED adj. , SHOOT v.
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bull.dog
noun a short strong dog with a large head, a short flat nose and a short thick neck
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'Bulldog clip
™noun (BrE ) a metal device for holding papers together—picture at STATIONERY
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bull.doze
verb
1 [vn] to destroy buildings, trees, etc. with a bulldozer : The trees are being bulldozed to make way for a new superstore.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to force your way somewhere; to force sth somewhere: [v] Andy Roland bulldozed through to score.  [vn] He bulldozed his way to victory.  They bulldozed the tax through Parliament.
3 [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to force sb to do sth: They bulldozed him into selling.
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bull.dozer
noun a powerful motor vehicle with a broad steel blade in front, used for moving earth or knocking down buildings—picture at TRUCK
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bul.let
noun a small metal object that is fired from a gun: bullet wounds  There were bullet holes in the door.  He was killed by a bullet in the head.—see also PLASTIC BULLET , RUBBER BULLET
IDM see BITE v.
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bul.letin
noun
1 a short news report on the radio or television
2 an official statement about sth important: a medical bulletin on the President’s health
3 a printed report that gives news about an organization or a group
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'bulletin board
noun
1 (AmE) = NOTICEBOARD
2 (computing) a place in a computer system where any user can write or read messages
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bul.let.proof
adj. that can stop bullets from passing through it: a bulletproof vest
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bull.fight
noun a traditional public entertainment, popular especially in Spain, in which BULLS are fought and usually killed
bull.fight.er noun
bull.fight.ing noun [U] —see also MATADOR
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bull.finch
noun a small European bird of the FINCH family, with a strong curved beak and a pink breast
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bull.frog
noun a large American FROG with a loud CROAK
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bull.horn
noun (AmE ) = LOUDHAILER
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bul.lion
noun [U] gold or silver in large amounts or in the form of bars: gold bullion
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bull.ish
adj.
1 confident and hopeful about the future: in a bullish mood
2 (finance) causing, or connected with, an increase in the price of shares: a bullish market—compare BEARISH
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bul.lock
noun a young BULL (= a male cow) that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed)—compare OX , STEER
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bull.ring
noun the large circular area, like an outdoor theatre, where BULLFIGHTS take place
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'bull session
noun (AmE , informal) an occasion when people meet and talk in an informal way
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bulls.eye
(also bull) noun [usually sing.] the centre of the TARGET that you shoot or throw at in shooting, ARCHERY or DARTS ; a shot or throw that hits this: He scored a bullseye.
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bull.shit
noun, verb
noun [U] ( , slang) (also informal bull) (abbr. BS) nonsense: That’s just bullshit.

verb (-tt-) ( , slang) to say things that are not true, especially in order to deceive sb: [v] She’s just bullshitting.  [vn] Don’t try to bullshit me!
bull.shit.ter noun

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,bull 'terrier
noun a strong dog with short hair, a thick neck and a long nose—see also PIT BULL TERRIER
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bully
noun, verb, exclamation
noun (pl.-ies) a person who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people: the school bully

verb (bul.lies, bully.ing, bul.lied, bul.lied) [vn] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to frighten or hurt a weaker person; to use your strength or power to make sb do sth: My son is being bullied at school.  I won’t be bullied into signing anything.
bully.ing noun [U]: Bullying is a problem in many schools.  He refused to give in to bullying and threats.  bullying behaviour / tactics

exclamation
IDM bully for you, etc. (spoken) used to show that you do not think that what sb has said or done is very impressive: He’s got a job in New York? Well, bully for him!

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'bully boy
noun (BrE , informal) an aggressive violent man: The group have frequently used bully-boy tactics.
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bul.rush
noun a tall plant with long narrow leaves and a long brown head of flowers, that grows in or near water
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bul.wark
noun
1 ~ (against sth) (formal) a person or thing that protects or defends sth: a bulwark against communism
2 a wall built as a defence
3 [usually pl.] the part of a ship’s side that is above the level of the DECK
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bum
noun, verb, adj.
noun (informal)
1 (BrE) the part of the body that you sit on
SYN BACKSIDE , BEHIND , BOTTOM
2 (especially AmE) a person who has no home or job and who asks other people for money or food: a beach bum (= sb who spends all their time on the beach, without having a job)
3 a lazy person who does nothing for other people or for society: He’s nothing but a no-good bum!
IDM bums on 'seats (BrE, informal) used to refer to the number of people who attend a show, talk, etc., especially when emphasizing the need or desire to attract a large number: They’re not bothered about attracting the right audience—they just want bums on seats.

verb (-mm-) [vn]
1 ~ sth (off sb) (informal) to get sth from sb by asking: Can I bum a cigarette off you?
2 ~ sb (out) (AmE, informal) to make sb feel upset or disappointed
PVR V ,bum a'round / a'bout (informal) to travel around or spend your time with no particular plans: He bummed around the world for a year.

adj. [only before noun] (informal) of bad quality; wrong or useless: He didn’t play one bum note.  a bum deal (= a situation where you do not get what you deserve or have paid for)

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bum.bag
(BrE ) (AmE 'fanny pack) noun (informal) a small bag attached to a belt and worn around the waist, to keep money, etc. in—picture at BAG
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bum.ble
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to act or move in an awkward or confused way: I could hear him bumbling around in the kitchen.
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bumble.bee
noun a large hairy bee that makes a loud noise as it flies—
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bum.bling
adj. [only before noun] behaving in an awkward confused way, often making careless mistakes
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bumf
(also bumph) noun [U] (BrE , informal) written information, especially advertisements, official documents, forms, etc., that seem boring or unnecessary: He threw away my letter, thinking it was just more election bumf.
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bum.mer
noun (a bummer) [sing.] (informal) a disappointing or unpleasant situation: It’s a real bummer that she can’t come.
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bump
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ against / into sb/sth to hit sb/sth accidentally: In the dark I bumped into a chair.  The car bumped against the kerb.
2 [vn] ~ sth (against / on sth) to hit sth, especially a part of your body, against or on sth: Be careful not to bump your head on the beam when you stand up.
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move across a rough surface: [v] The jeep bumped along the dirt track.  [vn] The car bumped its way slowly down the drive.
PVR V ,bump 'into sb (informal) to meet sb by chance ,bump sb<->'off (informal) to murder sb ,bump sth<->'up (informal) to increase or raise sth

noun
1 [C] the action or sound of sth hitting a hard surface: He fell to the ground with a bump .  We could hear loud bumps from upstairs where the children were playing.
2 [C] a swelling on the body, often caused by a blow
SYN LUMP : She was covered in bumps and bruises.  How did you get that bump on your forehead?
3 [C] a part of a flat surface that is not even, but raised above the rest of it: a bump in the road—see also BUMPY
4 [C] a slight accident in which your vehicle hits sth
5 (the bumps) [pl.] (BrE) (on a child’s birthday) the act of lifting the child in the air and then putting them down on the ground, once for every year of their age: We gave her the bumps.
IDM see EARTH n. , THING

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bump.er
noun, adj.
noun a bar fixed to the front and back of a car, etc. to reduce the effect if it hits anything: a bumper sticker (= a sign that people stick on the bumper of their cars with a message on it)  The cars were bumper to bumper on the road to the coast (= so close that their bumpers were nearly touching).—picture at CAR

adj. [only before noun] (approving) unusually large; producing an unusually large amount: a bumper issue (= of a magazine, etc.)  a bumper crop / harvest / season / year

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'bumper car
noun (especially AmE ) = DODGEM
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bumph
= BUMF
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bump.kin
noun = COUNTRY BUMPKIN
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bump.tious
adj. (disapproving) showing that you think that you are very important; often giving your opinions in a loud, confident and annoying way
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bumpy
adj. (bump.ier, bumpi.est)
1 (of a surface) not even; with a lot of bumps : a bumpy road / track  bumpy ground
2 (of a journey) uncomfortable with a lot of sudden unpleasant movements caused by the road surface, weather conditions, etc: a bumpy ride / flight
IDM have / give sb a bumpy 'ride to have a difficult time; to make a situation difficult for sb
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bun
noun
1 [C] (BrE) a small round sweet cake: an iced bun—see also HOT CROSS BUN
2 [C] (BrE also bap) a small round flat bread roll: a hamburger bun—compare ROLL —
3 [C] long hair that has been twisted into a round shape and is worn on top or at the back of the head: She wore her hair in a bun.—picture at HAIR
4 (buns) [pl.] (slang, especially AmE) the two sides of a person’s bottom
IDM have a 'bun in the oven (informal, humorous) to be pregnant
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bunch
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ of sth a number of things of the same type which are growing or fastened together: a bunch of bananas / grapes  a bunch of keys  She picked me a bunch of flowers.—
2 [sing.] a ~ (of sth) (especially AmE) a large amount of sth; a large number of things or people: I have a whole bunch of stuff to do this morning.
3 [sing.] (informal) a group of people: The people that I work with are a great bunch.
4 (bunches) [pl.] (BrE) long hair that is divided in two and tied at each side of the head: She wore her hair in bunches.—picture at HAIR
IDM the best / pick of the 'bunch the best out of a group of people or things

verb ~ (sth) (up) to become tight or to form tight folds; to make sth do this: [v] His muscles bunched under his shirt.  Her skirt had bunched up round her waist.  [vn] His forehead was bunched in a frown.
PVR V ,bunch 'up / to'gether| ,bunch sb/sth 'up / to'gether to move closer and form into a group; to make people or things do this: The sheep bunched together as soon as they saw the dog.

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bun.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a number of things tied or wrapped together; sth that is wrapped up: a bundle of rags / papers / firewood  She held her little bundle (= her baby) tightly in her arms.
2 [C] a number of things that belong, or are sold together: a bundle of ideas / considerations  a bundle of graphics packages for your PC
3 [sing.] a ~ of laughs, fun, joy, etc. (informal) a person or thing that makes you laugh: He wasn’t exactly a bundle of laughs (= a happy person to be with) last night.
4 (a bundle) [sing.] (informal) a large amount of money: That car must have cost a bundle.
IDM not go a bundle on sb/sth (BrE, informal) to not like sb/sth very much—more at NERVE n.

verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push or send sb somewhere quickly and not carefully: They bundled her into the back of a car.  He was bundled off to boarding school.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere quickly in a group: We bundled out onto the street.
3 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to supply extra equipment, especially SOFTWARE when selling a new computer, at no extra cost: A further nine applications are bundled with the system.
PVR V ,bundle sth<->'up| ,bundle sth<->to'gether to make or tie sth into a bundle : He bundled up the dirty clothes and stuffed them into the bag.  The papers were all bundled together, ready to be thrown out. ,bundle sb 'up (in sth) to put warm clothes or coverings on sb: I bundled her up in a blanket and gave her a hot drink.

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bung
verb, noun
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE , informal) to put or throw sth somewhere, carelessly and quickly: Bung this in the bin, can you?
PVR V ,bung sth 'up (with sth) [usually passive] to block sth: My nose is all bunged up.  The drains are bunged up with dead leaves.

noun
1 a round piece of wood, rubber, etc. used for closing the hole in a container such as a BARREL or JAR
2 (BrE, informal) an amount of money that is given to sb to persuade them to do sth illegal

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bun.ga.low
(BrE) noun a house built all on one level, without stairs—compare RANCH HOUSE
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bun.gee jump.ing
noun [U] a sport in which a person jumps from a high place, such as a bridge or a cliff, with a long elastic rope (called a bungee) tied to their feet: to go bungee jumping
bun.gee jump noun: to do / make a bungee jump
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bun.gle
verb, noun
verb to do sth badly or without skill; to fail at sth: [vn] They bungled the job.  a bungled robbery / raid / attempt [alsov]
bun.gler noun
bun.gling adj.: bungling incompetence

noun [usually sing.] something that is done badly and that causes problems: Their pay was late because of a computer bungle.

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bun.ion
noun a painful swelling on the foot, usually on the big toe
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bunk
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a narrow bed that is fixed to a wall, especially on a ship or train
2 [C] (also 'bunk bed) one of two beds that are fixed together, one above the other, especially for children—picture at BED
3 [U] (old-fashioned, informal) nonsense
IDM do a 'bunk (BrE, informal) to run away from a place without telling anyone

verb
PVR V ,bunk 'off| ,bunk off 'school / 'work (BrE, informal) to stay away from school or work when you should be there; to leave school or work early
SYN SKIVE

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bun.ker
noun, verb
noun
1 a strongly built shelter for soldiers or guns, usually underground: a concrete / underground / secret bunker
2 a container for storing coal, especially on a ship or outside a house: a coal bunker
3 (AmE also 'sand trap, trap) a small area filled with sand on a golf course—picture at GOLF

verb [vn] (be bunkered) (in golf) to have hit your ball into a bunker (and therefore to be in a difficult position)

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bunk.house
noun a building for workers to sleep in
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bun.kum
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) nonsense
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bunny
noun (pl.-ies) (also 'bunny rabbit) a child’s word for a rabbit
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'bunny slope
noun (AmE ) = NURSERY SLOPE
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Bun.sen burn.er
noun an instrument used in scientific work that produces a hot gas flame—picture at LABORATORY
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bunt
verb [vn, v] (AmE ) (in baseball) to deliberately hit the ball only a short distance
bunt noun
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bunt.ing
noun
1 [U] coloured flags or paper used for decorating streets and buildings in celebrations
2 [C] a small bird related to the FINCH and SPARROW families. There are several types of bunting : a corn / reed / snow bunting
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buoy
noun, verb
noun an object which floats on the sea or a river to mark the places where it is dangerous and where it is safe for boats to go—see also LIFEBUOY

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sb (up) to make sb feel cheerful or confident: Buoyed by their win yesterday the team feel confident of further success.
2 ~ sb/sth (up) to keep sb/sth floating on water
3 ~ sth (up) to keep prices at a high or satisfactory level

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buoy.ant
adj.
1 (of prices, business activity, etc.) tending to increase or stay at a high level, usually showing financial success: a buoyant economy / market  buoyant sales / prices  a buoyant demand for homes
2 cheerful and feeling sure that things will be successful: They were all in buoyant mood.
3 floating, able to float or able to keep things floating: The boat bobbed like a cork on the waves: light and buoyant.  Salt water is more buoyant than fresh water.
buoy.ancy noun [U]: the buoyancy of the market  a mood of buoyancy  a buoyancy aid (= sth to help you float)
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bur
= BURR
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bur.ble
verb
1 ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE , disapproving) to speak in a confused or silly way that is difficult to hear or understand: [v] What’s he burbling about? [alsov speech]
2 [v] to make the gentle sound of a stream flowing over stones
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burbs
noun (the burbs) [pl.] (AmE , informal) = SUBURBS
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bur.den
noun, verb
noun
1 the ~ (of sth)| a ~ (on / to sb) a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work: to bear / carry / ease / reduce / share the burden  The main burden of caring for old people falls on the state.  the heavy tax burden on working people  I don’t want to become a burden to my children when I’m old.
2 (formal) a heavy load that is difficult to carry—see also BEAST OF BURDEN

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb / yourself (with sth) to give sb a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work: They have burdened themselves with a high mortgage.  I don’t want to burden you with my worries.  to be burdened by high taxation
OPP UNBURDEN
2 (be burdened with sth) to be carrying sth heavy: She got off the bus, burdened with two heavy suitcases.

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the ,burden of 'proof
noun [sing.] (law ) the task or responsibility of proving that sth is true
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bur.den.some
adj. (formal) causing worry, difficulty or hard work
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bur.eau
noun (pl.bur.eaux or bur.eaus )
1 (BrE) a desk with drawers and usually a top that opens down to make a table to write on
2 (AmE) = CHEST OF DRAWERS
3 an office or organization that provides information on a particular subject: an employment bureau
4 (in the US) a government department or part of a government department: the Federal Bureau of Investigation
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bur.eau.cracy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (often disapproving) the system of official rules and ways of doing things that a government or an organization has, especially when these seem to be too complicated: unnecessary / excessive bureaucracy
2 [U, C] a system of government in which there are a large number of state officials who are not elected; a country with such a system: the power of the state bureaucracy  living in a modern bureaucracy
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bur.eau.crat
noun (often disapproving) an official working in an organization or a government department, especially one who follows the rules of the department too strictly
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bur.eau.crat.ic
adj. (often disapproving) connected with a bureaucracy or bureaucrats and involving complicated official rules which may seem unnecessary: bureaucratic power / control / procedures / organizations  The report revealed a great deal of bureaucratic inefficiency.
bur.eau.crat.ic.al.ly adv.
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bur.ette
(AmE also buret) noun a glass tube with measurements on it and a tap/faucet at one end, used, for example, in chemical experiments for measuring out amounts of a liquid—picture at LABORATORY
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bur.geon
verb [v] (formal) to begin to grow or develop rapidly
bur.geon.ing adj.: a burgeoning population  burgeoning demand
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bur.ger
noun
1 = HAMBURGER
2 (-bur.ger) (in compounds) finely chopped fish, vegetables, nuts, etc. made into flat round shapes like HAMBURGERS : a spicy beanburger—see also CHEESEBURGER , VEGGIE BURGER
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burgh
noun (old-fashioned orScotE ) a town or district which is an administrative unit
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bur.gher
noun (old use or humorous) a citizen of a particular town
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burg.lar
noun a person who enters a building illegally in order to steal  note at STEAL
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'burglar alarm
noun an electronic device, often fixed to a wall, that rings a loud bell if sb tries to enter a building by force
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burg.lary
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) the crime of entering a building illegally and stealing things from it
SYN HOUSEBREAKING : The youth was charged with three counts of burglary.  a rise in the number of burglaries committed in the area—compare ROBBERY , THEFT
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bur.gle
(BrE ) (AmE burg.lar.ize ) verb [vn] to enter a building illegally, usually using force, and steal from it: We were burgled while we were away (= our house was burgled).  The house next door has been burgled three times.  note at STEAL
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bur.gundy
noun
1 (Burgundy) [U, C] (pl.-ies) a red or white wine from the Burgundy area of eastern France. There are several types of Burgundy .
2 [U] a dark red colour
bur.gundy adj.: a burgundy leather briefcase
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bur.ial
noun [U, C] the act or ceremony of burying a dead body: a burial place / mound / site  Her body was sent home for burial.  His family insisted he should be given a proper burial.
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'burial ground
noun a place where dead bodies are buried, especially an ancient place
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bur.lap
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = HESSIAN
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bur.lesque
noun
1 [C] a performance or piece of writing which tries to make sth look ridiculous by representing it in a humorous way
SYN PARODY : a burlesque of literary life
2 [U] (AmE) a type of entertainment, popular in the past in the US, involving humorous acts, singing, dancing, etc. and often including STRIPTEASE
bur.lesque adj. [usually before noun]
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burly
adj. (of a man or a man’s body) big, strong and heavy
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burn
verb, noun
verb (burnt, burnt ) or (burned, burned )
FIRE|
1 [v] to produce flames and heat: A welcoming fire was burning in the fireplace.  Fires were burning all over the city.
2 [v] (used especially in the progressive tenses) to be on fire: By nightfall the whole city was burning.  Two children were rescued from the burning car.  The smell of burning rubber filled the air.
3 to destroy, damage, injure or kill sb/sth by fire; to be destroyed, etc. by fire: [vn] to burn waste paper / dead leaves  All his belongings were burnt in the fire.  The cigarette burned a hole in the carpet.  The house was burnt to the ground (= completely destroyed) by protesters.  [vn-adj] His greatest fear is of being burnt alive .  [v] The house burned to the ground .  Ten people burned to death in the hotel fire.
FUEL|
4 if you burn a fuel, or a fuel burns, it produces heat, light or energy: [vn] a furnace that burns gas / oil / coke   (figurative) Some people burn calories (= use food to produce energy) faster than others.  [v] Which fuel burns most efficiently?
FOOD|
5 if food burns, or if you burn it, it is spoiled because it gets too hot: [v] I can smell something burning in the kitchen.  [vn] Sorry—I burnt the toast.
SUN / HEAT / ACID|
6 to be damaged or injured by the sun, heat, acid, etc.; to damage or injure sb/sth in this way: [v] My skin burns easily (= in the sun).  [vn] I got badly burned by the sun yesterday.  The soup’s hot. Don’t burn your mouth.  I burned myself on the stove.
OF PART OF BODY|
7 [v] if part of your body burns or is burning, it feels very hot and painful: Your forehead’s burning. Have you got a fever?  Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.
OF A LIGHT|
8 [v] to produce light: Lights were burning upstairs, but no one answered the door.
FEEL EMOTION / DESIRE|
9 ~ (with sth) (written) to feel a very strong emotion or desire: [v] to be burning with rage / ambition / love  [v to inf] He was burning to go climbing again. burn your 'bridges (BrE also burn your 'boats) to do sth that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation later: Think carefully before you resign—you don’t want to burn your bridges. burn the candle at both 'ends to become very tired by trying to do too many things and going to bed late and getting up early burn your 'fingers | get your 'fingers burnt to suffer as a result of doing sth without realizing the possible bad results, especially in business: He got his fingers badly burnt dabbling in the stock market. burn a 'hole in your pocket if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you have it burn the midnight 'oil to study or work until late at night burn sth to a 'cinder / 'crisp to cook sth for too long or with too much heat, so that it becomes badly burnt—more at EAR , MONEY ,burn a'way| ,burn sth<->a'way to disappear as a result of burning; to make sth do this: Half the candle had burnt away.  The clothing on his back got burnt away in the fire. ,burn 'down if a fire burns down, it becomes weaker and has smaller flames ,burn 'down| ,burn sth<->'down to be destroyed, or to destroy sth, by fire: The house burned down in 1995. ,burn sth<->'off
1 to remove sth by burning: Burn off the old paint before repainting the door.
2 to use energy by doing exercise: This workout helps you to burn off fat and tone muscles. ,burn 'out| ,burn itself 'out (of a fire) to stop burning because there is nothing more to burn: The fire had burnt (itself) out before the fire engines arrived. ,burn 'out| ,burn sth<->'out to stop working or to make sth stop working because it gets too hot or is used too much: The clutch has burnt out. ,burn 'out| ,burn yourself / sb 'out to become extremely tired or sick by working too hard over a period of time: If he doesn’t stop working so hard, he’ll burn himself out.  By the age of 25 she was completely burned out and retired from the sport.—related noun BURNOUT ,burn sth 'out [usually passive] to destroy sth completely by fire so that only the outer frame remains: The hotel was completely burnt out.  the burnt-out wreck of a car ,burn 'up
1 to be destroyed by heat: The spacecraft burned up as it entered the earth’s atmosphere.
2 (usually used in the progressive tenses) (informal) to have a high temperature: You’re burning up—have you seen a doctor?
3 (of a fire) to burn more strongly and with larger flames ,burn sb 'up (AmE, informal) to make sb very angry ,burn sth<->'up
1 to get rid of or destroy sth by burning: The fire burned up 1 500 acres of farmland.
2 to use CALORIES or energy by doing exercise: Which burns up more calories—swimming or cycling?

noun
INJURY|
1 [C] an injury or a mark caused by fire, heat or acid: minor / severe / third-degree burns  cigarette burns on the furniture  burn marks  a specialist burns unit in a hospital
IN MUSCLES|
2 (the burn) [sing.] the feeling that you get in your muscles when you have done a lot of exercise: Feel the burn!
RIVER|
3 [C] (ScotE) a small river
SYN STREAM
IDM see SLOW adj.

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burn.er
noun
1 the part of a cooker/stove, etc. that produces a flame—picture at RING
2 a large, solid, metal piece of equipment for burning wood or coal, used for heating a room: a wood burner—see also BUNSEN BURNER
IDM see BACK adj. , FRONT adj.
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burn.ing
adj., adv.
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of feelings, etc.) very strong; extreme: a burning desire to win  He’s always had a burning ambition to start his own business.
2 a ~ issue / question a very important and urgent problem: one of the burning issues of the day
3 (of pain, etc.) very strong and giving a feeling of burning
4 very hot; looking and feeling very hot: the burning sun  her burning face
5 ~ eyes (literary) eyes that seem to be staring at you very hard

adv. (burning hot) very hot

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bur.nish
verb [vn] (formal) to polish metal until it is smooth and shiny
bur.nished adj. [usually before noun]: burnished gold / copper
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burn.out
noun [C, U]
1 the state of being extremely tired or ill, either physically or mentally, because you have worked too hard
2 the point at which a rocket has used all of its fuel and has no more power
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burnt
adj. damaged or injured by burning: burnt toast  Your hand looks badly burnt.
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burp
verb (informal)
1 [v] to let out air from the stomach through the mouth, making a noise—compare BELCH
2 [vn] to make a baby bring up air from the stomach, especially by rubbing or PATTING its back
burp noun
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burr
noun
1 [usually sing.] a strong pronunciation of the ‘r’ sound, typical of some ACCENTS in English; an ACCENT with this type of pronunciation: She speaks with a soft West Country burr.
2 [usually sing.] the soft regular noise made by parts of a machine moving quickly
3 (also bur) the seed container of some plants which is covered in very small hooks that stick to clothes or fur
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bur.rito
noun (pl.-os) (from Spanish ) a Mexican dish consisting of a TORTILLA filled with meat or beans
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bur.row
verb, noun
verb
1 to make a hole or a tunnel in the ground by digging: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : Earthworms burrow deep into the soil.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] The rodent burrowed its way into the sand.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to press yourself close to sb or under sth: [v] He burrowed down beneath the blankets.  [vn] She burrowed her face into his chest.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to search for sth under or among things: She burrowed in the drawer for a pair of socks.  He was afraid that they would burrow into his past.

noun a hole or tunnel in the ground made by animals such as rabbits for them to live in

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bur.sar
noun (especially BrE ) a person whose job is to manage the financial affairs of a school or college
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bur.sary
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) an amount of money that is given to sb so that they can study, usually at a college or university
SYN SCHOLARSHIP , GRANT
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burst
verb, noun
verb (burst, burst)
1 to break open or apart, especially because of pressure from inside; to make sth break in this way: [v] That balloon will burst if you blow it up any more.  The dam burst under the weight of water.  Shells were bursting (= exploding) all around us.   (figurative) He felt he would burst with anger and shame.  a burst pipe  [vn] Don’t burst that balloon!  The river burst its banks and flooded nearby towns.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go or move somewhere suddenly with great force; to come from somewhere suddenly: He burst into the room without knocking.  The sun burst through the clouds.  The words burst from her in an angry rush.
3 [v] be bursting (with sth) to be very full of sth; to be very full and almost breaking open: The roads are bursting with cars.  to be bursting with ideas / enthusiasm / pride  The hall was filled to bursting point .  The hall was full to bursting .   (informal) I’m bursting (for a pee)! (= I need to use the toilet right now).
IDM be bursting to do sth to want to do sth so much that you can hardly stop yourself: She was bursting to tell him the good news. ,burst sb’s 'bubble to bring an end to sb’s hopes, happiness, etc. ,burst 'open | ,burst (sth) 'open to open suddenly or violently; to make sth open in this way: The door burst open.  Firefighters burst the door open and rescued them.—more at BUBBLE n. , SEAM
PVR V ,burst 'in| ,burst into a 'room, 'building, etc. to enter a room or building suddenly and noisily ,burst 'in on sb/sth to interrupt sb/sth by entering a place suddenly and noisily: He burst in on the meeting. 'burst into sth to start producing sth suddenly and with great force: The aircraft crashed and burst into flames (= suddenly began to burn).  She burst into tears (= suddenly began to cry). 'burst on / onto sth to appear somewhere suddenly in a way that is very noticeable: A major new talent has burst onto the literary scene . ,burst 'out
1 to speak suddenly, loudly and with strong feeling: [+ speech] ‘For heavens' sake!’ he burst out.—related noun OUTBURST
2 to begin doing sth suddenly: [+ -ing] Karen burst out laughing .

noun
1 a short period of a particular activity or strong emotion that often starts suddenly: a sudden burst of activity / energy / anger / enthusiasm  Her breath was coming in short bursts .  I tend to work in bursts .  spontaneous bursts of applause
2 an occasion when sth bursts; the hole left where sth has burst: a burst in a water pipe
3 a short series of shots from a gun: frequent bursts of machine-gun fire

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bur.ton
noun
IDM gone for a 'burton (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) lost or destroyed
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bury
verb (bur.ies, bury.ing, bur.ied, bur.ied)
DEAD PERSON|
1 [vn] to place a dead body in a grave: He was buried in Highgate Cemetery.   (figurative) Their ambitions were finally dead and buried .
2 [vn] (old-fashioned) to lose sb by death: She’s 85 and has buried three husbands.
HIDE IN GROUND|
3 [vn] to hide sth in the ground: buried treasure  The dog had buried its bone in the garden.
COVER|
4 [often passive] to cover sb/sth with soil, rocks, leaves, etc: [vn] The house was buried under ten feet of snow.  [vn-adj] The miners were buried alive when the tunnel collapsed.
5 [vn] to cover sth so that it cannot be seen: Your letter got buried under a pile of papers.  He buried his face in his hands and wept.
HIDE FEELING|
6 [vn] to ignore or hide a feeling, a mistake, etc: She had learnt to bury her feelings.
PUT DEEPLY INTO STH|
7 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to put sth deeply into sth else: He walked slowly, his hands buried in his pockets.  She always has her head buried in a book. ,bury the 'hatchet | ,bury your 'differences to stop being unfriendly and become friends again—more at HEAD n. 'bury yourself in sth
1 to give all your attention to sth: Since she left, he’s buried himself in his work.
2 to go to or be in a place where you will not meet many people: She buried herself in the country to write a book.
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bus
noun, verb
noun (pl.buses, AmE also busses) a large road vehicle that carries passengers, especially one that travels along a fixed route and stops regularly to let people get on and off: Shall we walk or go by bus ?  A regular bus service connects the train station with the town centre.  a bus company / driver  a school bus—compare COACH —see also BUS LANE , BUS SHELTER , BUS STATION , BUS STOP , MINIBUS , TROLLEY BUS

verb (-s- or -ss-) [vn]
1 ~ sb (from / to … ) to transport sb by bus: We were bussed from the airport to our hotel.
2 (AmE) to transport young people by bus to another area so that students of different races can be educated together
3 (AmE) to take the dirty plates, etc. off the tables in a restaurant, as a job

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bus.boy
noun (AmE ) a person who works in a restaurant and whose job is to clear the dirty dishes, etc.
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busby
noun (pl.-ies) a tall fur hat worn by some British soldiers for special ceremonies
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bush
noun
1 [C] a plant that grows thickly with several hard stems coming up from the root: a rose bush  holly bushes—compare TREE
2 [C] a thing that looks like a bush, especially an area of thick hair or fur
3 (often the bush) [U] an area of wild land that has not been cleared, especially in Africa and Australia
IDM see BEAT v. , BIRD
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bushed
adj. [not before noun] (informal) very tired
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bushel
noun
1 [C] a unit for measuring grain and fruit (equal in volume to 8 GALLONS )
2 (bushels) [pl.] ~ (of sth) (AmE, informal) a large amount of sth
IDM see HIDE v.
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'bush-league
adj. (AmE , informal) of very low quality
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Bush.man
noun (pl.-men ) a member of one of the races of people from southern Africa who live and hunt in the African BUSH
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bushy
adj.
1 (of hair or fur) growing thickly: a bushy beard / tail  bushy eyebrows
2 (of plants) growing thickly, with a lot of leaves
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,bushy-'tailed
adj.  BRIGHT-EYED
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busily
BUSY
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busi.ness
noun
TRADE|
1 [U] the activity of making, buying, selling or supplying goods or services for money
SYN COMMERCE , TRADE : business contacts / affairs / interests  a business investment  It’s been a pleasure to do business with you.  She has set up in business as a hairdresser.  When he left school, he went into business with his brother.  She works in the computer business.—see also AGRIBUSINESS , BIG BUSINESS , SHOW BUSINESS
WORK|
2 [U] work that is part of your job: Is the trip to Rome business or pleasure ?  a business lunch  He’s away on business .
3 [U] the amount of work done by a company, etc.; the rate or quality of this work: Business was bad.  Business was booming.  Her job was to drum up (= increase) business.  How’s business?
COMPANY|
4 [C] a commercial organization such as a company, shop/store or factory: to have / start / run your own business  business premises  She works in the family business.  They’ve got a small catering business.
RESPONSIBILITY|
5 [U] something that concerns a particular person or organization: It is the business of the police to protect the community.  I shall make it my business to find out who is responsible.  My private life is none of your business (= does not concern you).  It’s no business of yours who I invite to the party.
IMPORTANT MATTERS|
6 [U] important matters that need to be dealt with or discussed: the main business of the meeting  He has some unfinished business to deal with.
EVENT|
7 [sing.] (usually with an adjective) a matter, an event or a situation: That plane crash was a terrible business.  I found the whole business very depressing.  The business of the missing tickets hasn’t been sorted out.
BEING A CUSTOMER|
8 [U] (especially AmE) = CUSTOM (3) : We’re grateful for your business. any other 'business the things that are discussed at the end of an official meeting that do not appear on the AGENDA : I think we’ve finished item four. Now is there any other business?—see also AOB be in 'business (informal) to have everything that you need in order to be able to start sth immediately: All we need is a car and we’ll be in business. be the 'business (spoken, slang) to be very good business as 'usual a way of saying that things will continue as normal in spite of a difficult situation ,business is 'business a way of saying that financial and commercial matters are the important things to consider and you should not be influenced by friendship, etc. get down to 'business to start dealing with the matter that needs to be dealt with, or doing the work that needs to be done: Let’s get down to business right away—we’ll stop for coffee later. go about your 'business to do the things that you normally do: streets filled with people going about their daily business have no business doing sth | have no business to do sth to have no right to do sth: You have no business being here. like 'nobody’s business (BrE, spoken) very much, very fast, very well, etc: I’ve been working like nobody’s business to get it finished in time. not be in the business of doing sth not intending to do sth (which it would be surprising for you to do): I’m not in the business of getting other people to do my work for me. out of 'business having stopped operating as a business because there is no more money or work available: The new regulations will put many small businesses out of business .  Some travel companies will probably go out of business this summer.—more at MEAN v. , MIND v. , PLY v.
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'business card
(also card) noun a small card printed with sb’s name and details of their job and company—compare VISITING CARD
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the 'business end
noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) (informal) the end of a tool or weapon which performs its main function: Never hold a gun by the business end.
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'business hours
noun [pl.] the hours in a day that a shop/store or company is open
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busi.ness.like
adj. (of a person) working in an efficient and organized way and not wasting time or thinking about personal things: Wearing a suit made him feel more businesslike.  She adopted a brisk businesslike tone.
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busi.ness.man, busi.ness.woman
noun (pl.-men , -women )
1 a person who works in business, especially at a high level
2 a person who is skilful in business and financial matters: I should have got a better price for the car, but I’m not much of a businessman.
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'business park
noun an area of land that is specially designed for offices and small factories
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'business studies
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] the study of subjects connected with money and managing a business: a degree in business studies
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busk
verb [v] (informal, especially BrE ) to perform music in a public place and ask for money from people passing by
busk.er noun
busk.ing noun [U]
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'bus lane
noun a part of a road that only buses are allowed to use
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bus.load
noun (especially AmE ) a large group of people on a bus
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,bus.man’s 'holi.day
noun [sing.] a holiday that is spent doing the same thing that you do at work
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'bus shelter
noun a structure with a roof where people can stand while they are waiting for a bus
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'bus station
noun the place in a town or city where buses (especially to or from other towns) leave and arrive
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'bus stop
noun a place at the side of a road that is marked with a sign, where buses stop
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bust
verb, noun, adj.
verb (bust, bust) or (bust.ed, bust.ed) [vn] (informal)
1 to break sth: I bust my camera.  The lights are busted.  Come out, or I’ll bust the door down!
2 ~ sb/sth (for sth) (of the police) to suddenly enter a place and search it or arrest sb: He’s been busted for drugs.
3 (especially AmE) to make sb lower in military rank as a punishment
IDM bust a 'gut (doing sth / to do sth) (informal) to make a great effort to do sth: It’s a problem which nobody is going to bust a gut trying to solve. … or 'bust (informal) used to say that you will try very hard to get somewhere or achieve sth: For him it’s the Olympics or bust.
PVR V ,bust 'up (informal) (of a couple, friends, partners, etc.) to quarrel and separate: They bust up after five years of marriage.—related noun BUST-UP ,bust sth<->'up (informal) to make sth end by disturbing or ruining it: It was his drinking that bust up his marriage.

noun
1 a stone or metal model of a person’s head, shoulders and chest
2 (used especially when talking about clothes or measurements) a woman’s breasts or the measurement around the breasts and back: What is your bust measurement, Madam?
3 (informal) an unexpected visit made by the police in order to arrest people for doing sth illegal: a drug bust

adj. [not usually before noun] (informal)
1 (BrE) broken: My watch is bust.
2 (of a person or business) failed because of a lack of money: We’re bust!  We lost our money when the travel company went bust .

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bus.ter
noun
1 (AmE, informal) used to speak to a man you do not like: Get lost, buster!
2 (usually in compounds; often used in newspapers) a person or thing that stops or gets rid of sth: crime busters
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bus.tier
noun a woman’s tight top without sleeves or shoulder straps
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bus.tle
verb, noun
verb [+adv. / prep.] to move around in a busy way or to hurry sb in a particular direction: [v] She bustled around in the kitchen.  [vn] The nurse bustled us out of the room.

noun
1 [U] busy and noisy activity: the hustle and bustle of city life
2 [C] a frame that was worn under a skirt by women in the past in order to hold the skirt out at the back

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bust.ling
adj. ~ (with sth) full of people moving about in a busy way: a bustling city / port  The market was bustling with life.
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'bust-up
noun (informal, especially BrE )
1 a bad argument or very angry disagreement: Sue and Tony had a bust-up and aren’t speaking to each other.
2 the end of a relationship: the final bust-up of their marriage
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busty
adj. (informal) (of a woman) having large breasts
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busy
adj., verb
adj. (busier, busi.est)
DOING STH|
1 ~ (with sth/sb) having a lot to do; perhaps not free to do sth else because you are working on sth: Are you busy tonight?  Kate’s busy with her homework.  I’m afraid the doctor is busy at the moment. Can he call you back?  I’ll be too busy to come to the meeting.  The principal is a very busy woman.  She was always too busy to listen.  a very busy life
2 ~ (doing sth) spending a lot of time on sth: James is busy practising for the school concert.  Let’s get busy with the clearing up.
PLACE|
3 full of people, activity, vehicles, etc: a busy main road  Victoria is one of London’s busiest stations.
PERIOD OF TIME|
4 full of work and activity: Have you had a busy day?  This is one of the busiest times of the year for the department.
TELEPHONE|
5 (especially AmE) being used
SYN ENGAGED : The line is busy—I’ll try again later.  the busy signal
PATTERN / DESIGN|
6 too full of small details
busily adv.: He was busily engaged repairing his bike. as busy as a 'bee very busy keep yourself 'busy to find enough things to do: Since she retired she’s kept herself very busy.

verb (busies, busy.ing, busied, busied) ~ yourself (with sth)| ~ yourself (in / with) doing sth to fill your time doing an activity or a task: [vn -ing] While we talked, Bill busied himself fixing lunch.  [vn] She busied herself with the preparations for the party.

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busy.body
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving) a person who is too interested in what other people are doing: He’s an interfering old busybody!
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busy Lizzie
noun a small plant with a lot of red, pink or white flowers, often grown indoors or in gardens
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busy.work
noun [U] (AmE ) work that is given to sb to keep them busy, without really being useful
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but
conj., prep., adv., noun
conj.
1 used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before: I got it wrong. It wasn’t the red one but the blue one.  His mother won’t be there, but his father might.  It isn’t that he lied exactly, but he did tend to exaggerate.
2 however; in spite of this: I’d asked everybody but only two people came.  By the end of the day we were tired but happy.
3 used when you are saying sorry about sth: I’m sorry but I can’t stay any longer.
4 used to introduce a statement that shows that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree: But that’s not possible!  ‘Here’s the money I owe you.’‘But that’s not right—it was only £10.’
5 except: I had no choice but to sign the contract.
6 used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it: Nothing, but nothing would make him change his mind.
7 (literary) used to emphasize that sth is always true: She never passed her old home but she thought of the happy years she had spent there (= she always thought of them).
IDM but then (again)
1 however; on the other hand: He might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion.
2 used before a statement that explains or gives a reason for what has just been said: She speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year (= so it’s not surprising). you cannot / could not but … (formal) used to show that everything else is impossible except the thing that you are saying: What could he do but forgive her? (= that was the only thing possible)

prep. except; apart from: We’ve had nothing but trouble with this car.  The problem is anything but easy.  Who but Rosa could think of something like that?  Everyone was there but him.  I came last but one in the race (= I wasn’t last but next to last).  Take the first turning but one (= not the first one but the one after it).

adv. only: I don’t think we’ll manage it. Still, we can but try.  There were a lot of famous people there: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, to name but two.

noun [usually pl.] a reason that sb gives for not doing sth or not agreeing: ‘Let us have no buts,’ he said firmly. ‘You are coming.’

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bu.tane
noun [U] a gas produced from PETROLEUM , used in liquid form as a fuel for cooking, heating, etc.
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butch
adj. (informal)
1 (of a woman) behaving or dressing like a man
2 (of a man) big, and often behaving in an aggressive way
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butcher
noun, verb
noun
1 a person whose job is cutting up and selling meat in a shop/store or killing animals for this purpose
2 (butcher’s) (pl.butchers) a shop/store that sells meat: He owns the butcher’s in the main street.
3 a person who kills people in a cruel and violent way
IDM have / take a 'butcher’s (BrE, slang) to have a look at sth
ORIGIN From rhyming slang, in which butcher’s hook stands for ‘look’.

verb [vn]
1 to kill people in a very cruel and violent way
2 to kill animals and cut them up for use as meat
3 (especially AmE) to spoil sth by doing it very badly: The script was good, but those guys butchered it.

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butch.ery
noun [U]
1 cruel, violent and unnecessary killing
2 the work of preparing meat to be sold
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but.ler
noun the main male servant in a large house
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butt
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to hit or push sb/sth hard with your head
2 if an animal butts sb/sth, it hits them or it hard with its horns and head
PVR V ,butt 'in (on sb/sth)
1 to interrupt a conversation rudely: How can I explain if you keep butting in? [+ speech] ‘Is that normal?’ Josie butted in.
2 (informal) to become involved in a situation that does not concern you: I didn’t ask you to butt in on my private business. ,butt 'out (spoken, especially AmE) used to tell sb rudely to go away or to stop interfering in sth that does not concern them: Butt out, Neil! This is none of your business.

noun
1 the thick end of a weapon or tool: a rifle butt
2 the part of a cigarette or CIGAR that is left after it has been smoked
3 (BrE) a large round container for storing or collecting liquids: a water butt
4 (informal, especially AmE) the part of the body that you sit on
SYN BUTTOCKS : Get off your butt and do some work!  Get your butt over here! (= Come here!)
5 the act of hitting sb with your head: a head butt
IDM be the butt of sth to be the person or thing that other people often joke about or criticize: She was the butt of some very unkind jokes.—more at PAIN n.

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but.ter
noun, verb
noun [U] a soft yellow food made from cream or milk, used in cooking and for spreading on bread: Fry the onions in butter.—see also BREAD AND BUTTER , PEANUT BUTTER
IDM butter wouldn’t melt in sb’s 'mouth (spoken) used to say that sb seems to be innocent, kind, etc. when they are not really—more at KNIFE v.

verb [vn] to spread or put butter on sth: She buttered four thick slices of bread.
IDM see KNOW v.
PVR V ,butter sb<->'up (informal) to say nice things to sb so that they will help you or give you sth

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'butter bean
noun (BrE ) a large pale yellow bean. Butter beans are often sold dried.
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but.ter.cup
noun a wild plant with small shiny yellow flowers that are shaped like cups
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but.ter.fin.gers
noun [sing.] (informal) a person who often drops things
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but.ter.fly
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a flying insect with a long thin body and four large, usually brightly coloured, wings: butterflies and moths  She’s like a butterfly. She flits in and out of people’s lives.—
2 [U] a swimming stroke in which you swim on your front and lift both arms forward at the same time while your legs move up and down together: She was third in the 200m butterfly (= a swimming race).—picture at SWIMMING
IDM have 'butterflies (in your stomach) (informal) to have a nervous feeling in your stomach before doing sth
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but.ter.milk
noun [U] the liquid that remains after butter has been separated from milk, used in cooking or as a drink
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but.ter.scotch
noun [U]
1 a type of hard pale brown sweet/candy made by boiling butter and brown sugar together
2 (especially AmE) a sauce flavoured with butterscotch , used for pouring on ice cream, etc.
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but.tery
adj. like, containing or covered with butter
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but.tock
noun [usually pl.] either of the two round soft parts at the top of a person’s legs: The beating had left red weals on his buttocks (= on his bottom).—picture at BODY
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but.ton
noun, verb
noun
1 a small round piece of metal, plastic, etc. that is sewn onto a piece of clothing and used for fastening two parts together: (BrE) to do up / undo your buttons   (AmE) to button / unbutton your buttons  to sew on a button  shirt buttons—picture at FASTENER
2 a small part of a machine that you press to make it work: the play / stop / rewind button  Adam pressed a button and waited for the lift.  Choose ‘printer’ from the menu and click with the right mouse button.  The windows slide down at the touch of a button .—see also PUSH-BUTTON
3 (especially AmE) a BADGE , especially one with a message printed on it—picture at BADGE —see also BELLY BUTTON
IDM see BRIGHT adj.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to fasten sth with buttons: She hurriedly buttoned (up) her blouse.
2 [v] ~ (up) to be fastened with buttons: [v] The dress buttons (up) at the back.
IDM 'button it! (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb rudely to be quiet

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,button-'down
adj. a button-down collar, shirt, etc. has the ends of the collar fastened to the shirt with buttons—
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but.ton.hole
noun, verb
noun
1 a hole on a piece of clothing for a button to be put through—picture at FASTENER
2 (BrE) (AmE bou.ton.nière) a flower that is worn in the buttonhole of a coat or jacket

verb (informal) [vn] to make sb stop and listen to you, especially when they do not want to

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,button 'mushroom
noun a small young MUSHROOM used in cooking
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but.tress
noun, verb
noun a stone or brick structure that supports a wall

verb [vn] (formal) to support or give strength to sb/sth: The sharp increase in crime seems to buttress the argument for more police officers on the street.

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butty
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a sandwich: a jam butty
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buxom
adj. (of a woman) large in an attractive way, and with large breasts
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buy
verb, noun
verb (bought, bought )
WITH MONEY|
1 ~ sb sth| ~ sth (for sb) to obtain sth by paying money for it: [vnn, vn] He bought me a new coat.  He bought a new coat for me.  [vn] Where did you buy that dress?  I bought it from a friend for £10.  [v] If you’re thinking of getting a new car, now is a good time to buy.  [vn-adj] I bought my car second-hand.
2 [vn] (of money) to be enough to pay for sth: He gave his children the best education that money can buy.  Five pounds doesn’t buy much nowadays.
3 [vn] to persuade sb to do sth dishonest in return for money
SYN BRIBE : He can’t be bought (= he’s too honest to accept money in this way).
OBTAIN|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to obtain sth by losing sth else of great value: Her fame was bought at the expense of her marriage.
BELIEVE|
5 [vn] (informal) to believe that sth is true, especially sth that is not very likely: You could say you were ill but I don’t think they’d buy it (= accept the explanation). (have) 'bought it (BrE, informal) to be killed, especially in an accident or a war buy 'time to do sth in order to delay an event, a decision, etc.—more at PIG n. , PUP ,buy sth<->'in (BrE) to buy sth in large quantities ,buy 'into sth
1 to buy shares in a company, especially in order to gain some control over it
2 (informal) to believe sth, especially an idea that many other people believe in: She had never bought into the idea that to be attractive you have to be thin. ,buy sb<->'off to pay sb money, especially dishonestly, to prevent them from doing sth you do not want them to do ,buy sb<->'out
1 to pay sb for their share in a business, usually in order to get total control of it for yourself—related noun BUYOUT
2 to pay money so that sb can leave an organization, especially the army, before the end of an agreed period ,buy sth<->'up to buy all or as much as possible of sth: Developers are buying up all the land on the island.

noun
STH BOUGHT|
1 a good, better, etc. ~ a thing that is worth the money that you pay for it: That jacket was a really good buy.  Best buys this week are carrots and cabbages.
2 something that is bought or that is for sale; the act of buying sth: Computer games are a popular buy this Christmas.

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buyer
noun
1 a person who buys sth, especially sth expensive: Have you found a buyer for your house?—compare PURCHASER
2 a person whose job is to choose goods that will be sold in a large shop/store
IDM a ,buyer’s 'market a situation in which there is a lot of a particular item for sale, so that prices are low and people buying have a choice
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buy.out
noun a situation in which a person or group gains control of a company by buying all or most of its shares: a management buyout
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buzz
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of a bee) to make a continuous low sound: Bees buzzed lazily among the flowers.
2 [v] to make a sound like a bee buzzing : The doorbell buzzed loudly.  My ears were buzzing (= were filled with a continuous sound).
3 [v] ~ (with sth) to be full of excitement, activity, etc: The place was buzzing with journalists.  New York buzzes from dawn to dusk.  My head was still buzzing after the day’s events.
4 ~ (for sb/sth) to call sb to come by pressing a BUZZER : [v] The doctor buzzed for the next patient to come in. [alsovn]
5 [vn] (informal) to fly very close to sb/sth, especially as a warning or threat
PVR V ,buzz a'bout / a'round to move around quickly, especially because you are very busy: I’ve been buzzing around town all day sorting out my trip. ,buzz 'off (informal) used to tell sb rudely to go away: Just buzz off and let me get on with my work.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] (also buzz.ing [U, sing.]) a continuous sound like the one that a bee, a BUZZER or other electronic device makes: the buzz of bees hunting nectar  The buzz of the Entryphone interrupted our conversation.  hums and buzzes from the amplifier
2 [sing.] the sound of people talking, especially in an excited way: The buzz of conversation suddenly stopped when she came into the room.
3 [sing.] (informal) a strong feeling of pleasure, excitement or achievement: a buzz of excitement / expectation  She gets a buzz out of her work.  Flying gives me a real buzz .  You can sense the creative buzz in the city.
4 (the buzz) [sing.] (informal) news that people tell each other that may or may not be true
SYN RUMOUR
IDM give sb a 'buzz (informal) to telephone sb: I’ll give you a buzz on Monday, OK?

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buz.zard
noun
1 (BrE) a large European BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the HAWK family
2 (AmE) a large American bird like a VULTURE that eats the flesh of animals that are already dead
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buzz.er
noun an electrical device that produces a BUZZING sound as a signal
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buzz.word
noun a word or phrase, especially one connected with a particular subject, that has become fashionable and popular and is used a lot in newspapers, etc: Digital is the buzzword of the moment in communications technology.
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by
prep., adv.
prep.
1 near sb/sth; at the side of sb/sth; beside sb/sth: a house by the river  The telephone is by the window.  Come and sit by me.
2 used, usually after a passive verb, to show who or what does, creates or causes sth: He was knocked down by a bus.  a play by Ibsen  Who’s that book by?  I was frightened by the noise.
3 used for showing how or in what way sth is done: The house is heated by gas.  May I pay by cheque?  I will contact you by letter.  to travel by boat / bus / car / plane   to travel by air / land / sea   Switch it on by pressing this button.
4 used before particular nouns without the, to say that sth happens as a result of sth: They met by chance.  I did it by mistake.  The coroner’s verdict was ‘death by misadventure’.
5 not later than the time mentioned; before: Can you finish the work by five o’clock?  I’ll have it done by tomorrow.  By this time next week we’ll be in New York.  He ought to have arrived by now / by this time .  By the time (that) this letter reaches you I will have left the country.
6 past sb/sth: He walked by me without speaking.
7 during sth; in a particular situation: to travel by day / night   We had to work by candlelight.
8 used to show the degree or amount of sth: The bullet missed him by two inches.  House prices went up by 10%.  It would be better by far (= much better) to …
9 from what sth shows or says; according to sth: By my watch it is two o’clock.  I could tell by the look on her face that something terrible had happened.  By law, you are a child until you are 18.
10 used to show the part of sb/sth that sb touches, holds, etc: I took him by the hand.  She seized her by the hair.  Pick it up by the handle!
11 used with the to show the period or quantity used for buying, selling or measuring sth: We rented the car by the day.  They’re paid by the hour.  We only sell it by the metre.
12 used to state the rate at which sth happens: They’re improving day by day.  We’ll do it bit by bit.  The children came in two by two (= in groups of two).
13 used for giving more information about where sb comes from, what sb does, etc: He’s German by birth.  They’re both doctors by profession.
14 used when swearing to mean ‘in the name of’: I swear by Almighty God …
15 used to show the measurements of sth: The room measures fifteen feet by twenty feet.
16 used when multiplying or dividing: 6 multiplied by 2 equals 12.  6 divided by 2 equals 3.
IDM by the 'by / 'bye = BY THE WAY at WAY

adv.
1 past: Just drive by. Don’t stop.  He hurried by without speaking to me.  Excuse me, I can’t get by.  Time goes by so quickly.
2 used to say that sth is saved so that it can be used in the future: I’ve put some money by for college fees.
3 in order to visit sb for a short time: I’ll come by this evening and pick up the books.
IDM by and 'by (old-fashioned) before long; soon: By and by she met an old man with a beard.

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by-
(also bye-) prefix (in nouns and verbs)
1 less important: a by-product
2 near: a bystander
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bye
exclamation, noun
exclamation (also ,bye-'bye, 'bye-bye) (informal) goodbye: Bye! See you next week.  She waved bye-bye and got into the car.  Bye for now Dad!

noun (sport ) a situation in which a player or team does not have an opponent in one part of the competition and continues to the next part as if they had won
IDM see BY

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'by-election
noun (BrE ) an election of a new Member of Parliament to replace sb who has died or left parliament—compare GENERAL ELECTION
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by.gone
adj. [only before noun] happening or existing a long time ago: a bygone age / era
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by.gones
noun [pl.]
IDM let ,bygones be 'bygones to decide to forget about disagreements that happened in the past
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'by-law
(also 'bye-law) noun
1 (BrE) a law that is made by a local authority and that applies only to that area
2 (AmE) a law or rule of a club or company
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by.line
noun a line at the beginning or end of a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine that gives the writer’s name
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by.pass
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) a road that passes around a town or city rather than through the centre
2 a medical operation on the heart in which blood is directed along a different route so that it does not flow through a part that is damaged or blocked; the new route that the blood takes: heart bypass surgery  a triple bypass operation

verb [vn]
1 to go around or avoid a place: A new road now bypasses the town.
2 to ignore a rule, an official system or sb in authority, especially in order to get sth done quickly

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'by-product
noun
1 a substance that is produced during the process of making or destroying sth else: When burnt, plastic produces dangerous by-products.
2 a thing that happens, often unexpectedly, as the result of sth else: One of the by-products of unemployment is an increase in crime.
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byre
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a farm building in which cows are kept
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by.stand.er
noun a person who sees sth that is happening but is not involved ONLOOKER : innocent bystanders at the scene of the accident
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byte
noun a unit of information stored in a computer, equal to 8 BITS . A computer’s memory is measured in bytes .
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byway
noun
1 [C] a small road that is not used very much
2 (byways) [pl.] the less important areas of a subject
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by.word
noun [usually sing.]
1 a ~ for sth a person or thing that is a well-known or typical example of a particular quality: The name Chanel became a byword for elegance.
2 (especially AmE) a word or phrase that is well known or often used
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By.zan.tine
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with Byzantium or the Eastern Roman Empire
2 used to describe architecture of the 5th to the 15th centuries in the Byzantine Empire, especially churches with high central DOMES and MOSAICS
3 (also byzantine) (formal) (of an idea, a system, etc.) complicated, secret and difficult to change: an organization of byzantine complexity
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C
noun, abbr., symbol
noun (also c) [C, U] (pl.C’s, c’s )
1 the third letter of the English alphabet: ‘Cat’ begins with (a) C / ‘C’.
2 (C) (music) the first note in the scale of C MAJOR —see also MIDDLE C
3 (C) the third highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work: She got (a) C / ‘C’ in / for Physics.

abbr.
1 (C.) CAPE : C. Horn (= for example, on a map)
2 CELSIUS , CENTIGRADE : Water freezes at 0° C.
3 (also ©) (AmE also C.) COPYRIGHT : © Oxford University Press 1999—see also C. OF E. , C. & W.

symbol (also c) the number 100 in ROMAN NUMERALS

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c
(BrE ) (also c.AmE, BrE) abbr.
1 (in writing) CENT(S)
2 (also C) (in writing) century: in the 19th c   (AmE) a C19th church—see also CENT.
3 (also ca) (especially before dates) about; approximately (from Latin circa): c1890
4 (AmE) (in cooking) cup: add 2c. flour
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cab
noun
1 a taxi
2 the place where the driver sits in a bus, train or lorry/truck
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cabal
noun (formal, usually disapproving) a small group of people who are involved in secret plans to get political power
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caba.ret
noun
1 [C, U] entertainment with singing and dancing that is performed in restaurants or clubs in the evenings: a cabaret act / singer / band
2 [C] a restaurant or club where cabaret entertainment is performed
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cab.bage
noun
1 [U, C] a round vegetable with large green, purplish-red or white leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked: Do you like cabbage?  two cabbages  white / red cabbage
2 (BrE) = VEGETABLE (2) —
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cabby
(also cab.bie) noun (pl.-ies) (informal) a person who drives a taxi
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caber
noun a long heavy wooden pole that is thrown into the air as a test of strength in the traditional Scottish sport of tossing the caber
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cabin
noun
1 a small room on a ship in which you live or sleep—picture at YACHT
2 one of the areas for passengers to sit in a plane—picture at PLANE
3 a small house or shelter, usually made of wood: a log cabin
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'cabin boy
noun a boy or young man who works as a servant on a ship
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'cabin crew
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the people whose job is to take care of passengers on a plane
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'cabin cruiser
noun = CRUISER
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cab.inet
noun
1 (usually the Cabinet) [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of the most important government ministers, or ADVISERS to a president, responsible for advising and deciding on government policy: a cabinet meeting   (BrE) a cabinet minister   (BrE) the shadow Cabinet (= the most important members of the opposition party)
2 [C] a piece of furniture with doors, drawers and/or shelves, that is used for storing or showing things: kitchen cabinets  a medicine cabinet  The china was displayed in a glass cabinet.—see also FILING CABINET
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cab.inet.maker
noun a person who makes fine wooden furniture, especially as a job
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cable
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] thick strong metal rope used on ships, for supporting bridges, etc.—picture at ROPE
2 [C, U] a set of wires, covered in plastic or rubber, that carries electricity, telephone signals, etc: overhead / underground cables  a 10 000 volt cable  fibre-optic cable
3 [U] = CABLE TELEVISION : We can receive up to 500 cable channels.
4 [C] (old-fashioned) a message sent by electrical signals and printed out

verb [v, vn] (old-fashioned) to send sb a message by cable

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'cable car
noun
1 a vehicle that hangs from and is pulled by a moving cable and that carries passengers up and down a mountain
2 (especially AmE) a vehicle that runs on tracks and is pulled by a moving cable
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,cable 'television
(also cable, ,cable T'V) noun [U] a system of broadcasting television programmes along wires rather than by radio waves
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cab.ling
noun [U] all the cables that are required for particular equipment or a particular system
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ca.boo.dle
noun
IDM the whole (kit and) ca'boodle everything: I had new clothes, a new hairstyle—the whole caboodle.
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ca.boose
noun (AmE ) the part at the back of a train where the person who is in charge of the train rides
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cache
noun
1 a hidden store of things such as weapons: an arms cache
2 (computing) a part of a computer’s memory that stores copies of data that is often needed while a program is running. This data can be ACCESSED very quickly.
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cachet
noun [U, sing.] (formal) if sth has cachet, it has a special quality that people admire and approve of: No other brand name has quite the same cachet.
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cack-handed
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) a cack-handed person often drops or breaks things or does things badly
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cackle
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of a chicken) to make a loud unpleasant noise
2 to laugh in a loud unpleasant way: [v] They all cackled with delight. [alsov speech]

noun
1 the loud noise that a HEN makes
2 a harsh unpleasant laugh

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cac.oph.ony
noun [U, sing.] (formal) a mixture of loud unpleasant sounds
cac.oph.on.ous adj.
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cac.tus
noun (pl.cac.tuses or cacti ) a plant that grows in hot dry regions, especially one with thick stems covered in SPINES but without leaves. There are many different types of cactus .
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CAD
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘computer-aided design’ (the use of computers to design machines, buildings, vehicles, etc.)
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cad
noun (old-fashioned) a man who behaves in a dishonest or unfair way
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ca.da.ver
noun (technical ) a dead human body
SYN CORPSE
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ca.da.ver.ous
adj. (literary) (of a person) extremely pale, thin and looking ill/sick
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cad.die
(also caddy) noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) (in the game of golf) a person who helps a player by carrying his or her CLUBS and equipment during a game

verb (cad.dies, caddy.ing, cad.died, cad.died) [v] to act as a caddie in the game of golf

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caddy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (especially BrE) = TEA CADDY
2 (AmE) a small bag for storing or carrying small objects: a sewing / make-up caddy
3 = CADDIE
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ca.dence
noun
1 (formal) the rise and fall of the voice in speaking: He delivered his words in slow, measured cadences.
2 the end of a musical phrase
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ca.denza
noun (music ) a short passage, usually near the end of a piece of classical music, which is played or sung by the SOLOIST alone, and intended to show the performer’s skill
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cadet
noun a young person who is training to become an officer in the police or armed forces: army cadets
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cadge
verb ~ (sth) (from / off sb) (BrE , informal) to ask sb for food, money, etc. especially because you cannot or do not want to pay for sth yourself: [vn] I managed to cadge some money off my dad. [alsov]
cadger noun
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cad.mium
noun [U] (symb Cd) a chemical element. Cadmium is a soft poisonous bluish-white metal that is used in batteries and nuclear REACTORS .
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cadre
noun (formal)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a small group of people who are specially chosen and trained for a particular purpose
2 [C] a member of this kind of group: They were to become the cadres of the new Communist party.
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Cae.sar.ean
(also Cae.sar.ian, Cae,sarean 'section, Cae,sarian 'section) (AmE also ce.sar.ean, 'C-section, ce.sar.ian) noun [C, U] a medical operation in which an opening is cut in a woman’s body in order to take out a baby: an emergency Caesarean  The baby was born by Caesarean section.  She had to have a Caesarean.
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cae.sium
(BrE ) (AmEces.ium) noun [U] (symb Cs) a chemical element. Caesium is a soft silver-white metal, used in PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS .
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caes.ura
noun (technical ) a pause near the middle of a line of poetry—compare ENJAMBEMENT
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cafe
noun a place where you can buy drinks and simple meals. Alcohol is not usually served in British or American cafes .—compare RESTAURANT
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cafe.teria
noun a restaurant where you choose and pay for your meal at a COUNTER and carry it to a table. Cafeterias are often found in factories, colleges, hospitals, etc.
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cafe.tière
noun a special glass container for making coffee with a metal FILTER that you push down
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caff
noun (BrE , informal) a cafe serving simple, basic food: a transport caff
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caf.feine
noun [U] a drug found in coffee and tea that makes you feel more active—see also DECAFFEINATED
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caffè latte
(also latte) noun (from Italian ) a drink made by adding a small amount of strong coffee to a glass or cup of FROTHY steamed milk
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caf.tan
noun = KAFTAN
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cage
noun, verb
noun a structure made of metal bars or wire in which animals or birds are kept: a birdcage—see also RIBCAGE
IDM see RATTLE v.

verb ~ sth (up) [vn] [usually passive] to put or keep an animal in a cage: The dogs are caged (up) at night.
caged adj.: He paced the room like a caged animal .

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cagey
adj. (cagi.er, cagi.est) ~ (about sth) (informal) not wanting to give sb information
SYN SECRETIVE : Tony is very cagey about his family.
cagi.ly adv.
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ca.goule
noun (BrE ) a long light jacket with a HOOD , worn to give protection from wind and rain—
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ca.hoots
noun
IDM be in cahoots (with sb) (informal) to be planning or doing sth dishonest with sb else
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cai.man
= CAYMAN
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cairn
noun a pile of stones which mark a special place such as the top of a mountain or a place where sb is buried
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ca.jole
verb ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth)| ~ sth out of sb to make sb do sth by talking to them and being very nice to them
SYN COAX : [vn] He cajoled me into agreeing to do the work.  I managed to cajole his address out of them.  [v] Her voice was soft and cajoling. [alsov speech]
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Cajun
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a person from Louisiana whose ancestors were French and who speaks an old form of French, also called Cajun
2 [U] a type of music originally played by Cajuns , that is a mixture of BLUES and FOLK MUSIC

adj. connected with the Cajuns , their language, music or spicy cooking: Cajun chicken / cuisine

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cake
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a sweet food made from a mixture of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, etc. that is baked in an oven. Cakes are made in various shapes and sizes and are often decorated, for example with cream or ICING : a piece / slice of cake  to make / bake a cake  a chocolate cake  a birthday cake   (BrE) a cake tin (= for cooking a cake in)   (AmE) a cake pan—see also CHRISTMAS CAKE , FRUIT CAKE , SPONGE CAKE , WEDDING CAKE —
2 [C] a food mixture that is cooked in a round flat shape: potato cakes—see also FISH CAKE
IDM have your cake and 'eat it (BrE) (also have your cake and eat it tooAmE, BrE) to have the advantages of sth without its disadvantages; to have both things that are available a slice / share of the 'cake (BrE) (AmE a piece / slice / share of the 'pie) a share of the available money or benefits that you believe you have a right to take the 'cake (especially AmE) = TAKE THE BISCUIT at BISCUIT —more at HOT adj. , ICING , PIECE n.

verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in / with sth) to cover sth with a thick layer of sth soft that becomes hard when it dries: Her shoes were caked with mud.
2 [v] if a substance cakes, it becomes hard when it dries
caked adj.: caked blood

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CAL
abbr. computer assisted learning—compare CALL
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cala.mine
(also 'calamine lotion) noun [U] a pink liquid that you put on burnt or sore skin to make it less painful
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ca.lami.t.ous
adj. (formal) causing great harm or damage
SYN DISASTROUS
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ca.lam.ity
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) an event that causes great harm or damage
SYN DISASTER
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cal.cify
verb (cal.ci.fies, cal.ci.fy.ing, cal.ci.fied, cal.ci.fied) [v, vn] (technical ) to become hard or make sth hard by adding CALCIUM salts
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cal.cium
noun [U] (symb Ca) a chemical element. Calcium is a soft silver-white metal that is found as a compound in bones, teeth and chalk.
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cal.cul.able
adj. that can be calculated: a calculable risk—compare INCALCULABLE
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cal.cu.late
verb
1 to use numbers to find out a total number, amount, distance, etc: [vn] Use the formula to calculate the volume of the container.  Benefit is calculated on the basis of average weekly earnings.  We haven’t really calculated the cost of the vacation yet.  [v wh-] You’ll need to calculate how much time the assignment will take.  [vn that] It has been calculated that at least 47 000 jobs were lost last year.
2 to guess sth or form an opinion by using all the information available: [v that] Conservationists calculate that hundreds of species could be lost in this area.  [v wh-] It is impossible to calculate what influence he had on her life.
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cal.cu.lated
adj. [usually before noun] carefully planned to get what you want: a calculated insult  He took a calculated risk (= a risk that you decide is worth taking even though you know it might have bad results).
IDM be calculated to do sth to be intended to do sth; to be likely to do sth: Her latest play is calculated to shock.  This sort of life is not calculated to appeal to a young man of 20.
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cal.cu.lat.ing
adj. (disapproving) good at planning things so that you have an advantage, without caring about other people: a cold and calculating killer  I never realized you could be so calculating.
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cal.cu.la.tion
noun
1 [C, U] the act or process of using numbers to find out an amount: Cathy did a rough calculation.  By my calculation(s), we made a profit of £20 000 last year.  Our guess was confirmed by calculation.
2 [C, U] the process of using your judgement to decide what the results would be of doing sth
3 [U] (disapproving) careful planning for yourself without caring about other people: an act of cold calculation
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cal.cu.la.tor
noun a small electronic device for calculating with numbers: a pocket calculator
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cal.cu.lus
noun [U] the type of mathematics that deals with rates of change, for example in the slope of a curve or the speed of a falling object
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cal.dron
(AmE ) = CAULDRON
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cal.en.dar
noun
1 a page or series of pages showing the days, weeks and months of a particular year, especially one that you hang on a wall: a calendar for 2001—see also ADVENT CALENDAR
2 (AmE) a record of what you have to do each day; the book in which you write this down
3 [usually sing.] a list of important events or dates of a particular type during the year: This is one of the biggest weeks in the racing calendar.
4 a system by which time is divided into fixed periods, showing the beginning and end of a year: the Islamic calendar
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,calendar 'month
noun (technical )
1 one of the twelve months of the year—compare LUNAR MONTH
2 a period of time from a particular date in one month to the same date in the next one
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,calendar 'year
noun (technical ) the period of time from 1 January to 31 December in the same year
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calf
noun (pl.calves )
1 [C] the back part of the leg between the ankle and the knee: I’ve torn a calf muscle.—picture at BODY
2 [C] a young cow
3 [C] a young animal of some other type such as a young elephant or WHALE
4 [U] = CALFSKIN
IDM in / with 'calf (of a cow) pregnant
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calf.skin
(also calf) noun [U] soft thin leather made from the skin of calves , used especially for making shoes and clothing
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cali.brate
verb [vn] (technical ) to mark units of measurement on an instrument such as a THERMOMETER so that it can be used for measuring sth accurately
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cali.bra.tion
noun (technical )
1 [U] the act of calibrating : a calibration error
2 [C] the units of measurement marked on a THERMOMETER or other instrument
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cali.bre
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually cali.ber) noun
1 [U] the quality of sth, especially a person’s ability: He was impressed by the high calibre of applicants for the job.  The firm needs more people of your calibre.
2 [C] the width of the inside of a tube or gun; the width of a bullet
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cal.ico
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) a heavy cotton fabric that is usually plain white
2 (especially AmE) a rough cotton fabric that has a pattern printed on it
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'calico cat
noun (AmE ) = TORTOISESHELL (2)
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cali.per
(especially AmE ) = CALLIPER
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ca.liph
noun a title used by Muslim rulers, especially in the past
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ca.liph.ate
noun
1 the position of a caliph
2 an area of land that is ruled over by a caliph
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cal.is.then.ics
noun (AmE ) = CALLISTHENICS
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CALL
abbr. computer assisted language learning—compare CAL
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call
verb, noun
verb
GIVE NAME|
1 to give sb/sth a particular name; to use a particular name or title when you are talking to sb: [vn-n] They decided to call the baby Brooklyn.  His name’s Hiroshi but everyone calls him Hiro.  What do they call that new fabric?  [vn] They called their first daughter after her grandmother.  We call each other by our first names here.—see also CALLED
DESCRIBE|
2 to describe sb/sth in a particular way; to consider sb/sth to be sth: [vn-n] I wouldn’t call German an easy language.  Are you calling me a liar?  He was in the front room, or the lounge or whatever you want to call it.  [vn-adj] Would you call it blue or green?  [vn-n] I make it ten pounds forty-three you owe me. Let’s call it ten pounds.
SHOUT|
3 ~ (sth) (out)| ~ (out) to sb (for sth) to shout or say sth loudly to attract sb’s attention: [v] I thought I heard somebody calling.  She called out to her father for help.  [vn] Did somebody call my name?  He called out a warning from the kitchen.  [v speech] ‘See you later!’ she called.
4 to ask sb to come by shouting or speaking loudly: [vn] Will you call the kids in for lunch?  [v] Did you call?
TELEPHONE|
5 to ask sb/sth to come quickly to a particular place by telephoning: [vn] to call the fire department / the police / a doctor / an ambulance  The doctor has been called to an urgent case.  [vn, vnn] I’ll call a taxi for you.  I’ll call you a taxi.
6 to telephone sb: [v] I’ll call again later.  [vn] I called the office to tell them I’d be late.  My brother called me from Germany last night.  note at PHONE
ORDER SB TO COME|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] (formal) to order sb to come to a place: Several candidates were called for a second interview.  The ambassador was called back to London by the prime minister.  He felt called to the priesthood (= had a strong feeling that he must become a priest).
VISIT|
8 (especially BrE ) to make a short visit to a person or place: [v] Let’s call on John.  I’ll call round and see you on my way home.  He was out when I called to see him.
MEETING / STRIKE, etc.|
9 [vn] to order sth to happen; to announce that sth will happen: to call a meeting / an election / a strike
OF BIRD / ANIMAL|
10 [v] to make the cry that is typical for it
IN GAMES|
11 to say which side of a coin you think will face upwards after it is thrown: [vn] to call heads / tails [alsov] call sb’s 'bluff to tell sb to do what they are threatening to do, because you believe that they will not be cruel or brave enough to do it call sth into 'play (written) to make use of sth: Chess is a game that calls into play all your powers of concentration. call sth into 'question to doubt sth or make others doubt sth: His honesty has never been called into question. call it a 'day (informal) to decide or agree to stop doing sth: After forty years in politics I think it’s time for me to call it a day (= to retire). call it 'quits (informal)
1 to agree to stop a contest, quarrel, etc. because both sides seem equal
2 to decide to stop doing sth call sb 'names to use insulting words about sb call the 'shots / 'tune (informal) to be the person who controls a situation call a spade a 'spade to say exactly what you think without trying to hide your opinion call 'time (on sth) (BrE) to say or decide that it is time for sth to finish call sb to ac'count (for / over sth) to make sb explain a mistake, etc. because they are responsible for it call sb/sth to 'order to ask people in a meeting to be silent so that the meeting can start or continue—more at CARPET n. , MIND n. , PAY v. , POT n. , WHAT 'call at … (BrE) (of a train, etc.) to stop at a place for a short time: This train calls at Didcot and Reading. ,call sb a'way to ask sb to stop what they are doing and to go somewhere else: She was called away from the meeting to take an urgent phone call. ,call 'back| ,call sb 'back to telephone sb again or to telephone sb who telephoned you earlier: She said she’d call back.  I’m waiting for someone to call me back with a price. 'call for sb (especially BrE) to collect sb in order to go somewhere: I’ll call for you at 7 o’clock. 'call for sth
1 to need sth: The situation calls for prompt action.  ‘I’ve been promoted.’‘This calls for a celebration!’—see also UNCALLED FOR
2 to publicly ask for sth to happen: They called for the immediate release of the hostages.  The opposition have called for him to resign. ,call sth<->'forth (formal) to produce a particular reaction: His speech called forth an angry response. ,call 'in to telephone a place, especially the place where you work: Several people have called in sick today. ,call sb<->'in to ask for the services of sb: to call in a doctor / the police ,call sth<->'in to order or ask for the return of sth: Cars with serious faults have been called in by the manufacturers. ,call sb/sth<->'off to order a dog or a person to stop attacking, searching, etc. ,call sth<->'off to cancel sth; to decide that sth will not happen: to call off a deal / trip / strike  They have called off their engagement (= decided not to get married).  The game was called off because of bad weather. 'call on / upon sb (formal)
1 to formally invite or ask sb to speak, etc: I now call upon the chairman to address the meeting.
2 to ask or demand that sb do sth: I feel called upon (= feel that I ought) to warn you that … ,call sb 'out
1 to ask sb to come, especially to an emergency: to call out an engineer / a plumber / the troops
2 to order or advise workers to stop work as a protest—related noun CALL-OUT ,call sb<->'up
1 (especially AmE) to make a telephone call to sb
2 to make sb do their training in the army, etc. or fight in a war
SYN CONSCRIPT , DRAFT
3 to give sb the opportunity to play in a sports team, especially for their country—related noun CALL-UP ,call sth<->'up
1 to bring sth back to your mind
SYN RECALL : The smell of the sea called up memories of her childhood.
2 to use sth that is stored or kept available: I called his address up on the computer.  She called up her last reserves of strength.

noun
ON TELEPHONE|
1 [C] (also 'phone call) the act of speaking to sb on the telephone: to get / have / receive a call from sb  to give sb / to make a call  Were there any calls for me while I was out?  I’ll take (= answer)the call upstairs.  I left a message but he didn’t return my call .  a local call   a long-distance call   note at PHONE
LOUD SOUND|
2 [C] a loud sound made by a bird or an animal, or by a person to attract attention: the distinctive call of the cuckoo  a call for help
VISIT|
3 [C] a short visit to sb’s house: The doctor has five calls to make this morning.   (old-fashioned) to pay a call on an old friend
REQUEST / DEMAND|
4 [C] ~ (for sth) a request, an order or a demand for sb to do sth or to go somewhere: calls for the minister to resign  calls for national unity  This is the last call for passengers travelling on British Airways flight 199 to Rome.   (formal) a call to arms (= a strong request to fight in the army, etc.)—see also CURTAIN CALL
5 [U] no ~ for sth| no ~ (for sb) to do sth no demand for sth; no reason for sb’s behaviour: There isn’t a lot of call for small specialist shops nowadays.
6 [C] ~ on sb/sth a demand or pressure placed on sb/sth: She is a busy woman with many calls on her time.
OF A PLACE|
7 [sing.] ~ (of sth) (literary) a strong feeling of attraction that a particular place has for you: the call of the sea / your homeland
TO A PARTICULAR JOB|
8 [sing.] ~ (to do sth) a strong feeling to do sth, especially a particular job
DECISION|
9 [C] (informal) a decision: It’s your call!
IN TENNIS|
10 [C] a decision made by the UMPIRE : There was a disputed call in the second set.
IN CARD GAMES|
11 [C] a player’s BID or turn to BID the call of 'nature (humorous) the need to go to the toilet have first 'call (on sb/sth) to be the most important person or thing competing for sb’s time, money, etc. and to be dealt with or paid for before other people or things: The children always have first call on her time. (be) on 'call (of a doctor, police officer, etc.) available for work if necessary, especially in an emergency: I’ll be on call the night of the party.—more at BECK , CLOSE^2adj.

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'call box
noun
1 (BrE) = PHONE BOX
2 (AmE) a small box beside a road, with a telephone in it, to call for help after an accident, etc.
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'call centre
(BrE ) (AmE'call center) noun an office in which a large number of people work using telephones, for example arranging insurance for people, or taking customers' orders and answering questions
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called
adj. [not before noun] to have a particular name: What’s their son called?  I don’t know anyone called Scott.  I’ve forgotten what the firm he works for is called.  What’s it called again? Yeah, that’s right. A modem.—see also SO-CALLED
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call.er
noun
1 a person who is making a telephone call: The caller hung up.  an anonymous caller
2 a person who goes to a house or a building
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'call girl
noun a prostitute who makes her arrangements by telephone
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cal.lig.raphy
noun [U] beautiful HANDWRITING that you do with a special pen or brush; the art of producing this: I’m teaching myself calligraphy.
cal.lig.raph.er noun
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'call-in
noun (AmE ) = PHONE-IN
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call.ing
noun
1 a strong desire or feeling of duty to do a particular job, especially one in which you help other people
SYN VOCATION : He realized that his calling was to preach the gospel.
2 (formal) a profession or career
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'calling card
noun (AmE ) = VISITING CARD
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cal.li.per
noun (BrE ) (also cali.perAmE, BrE)
1 (callipers) [pl.] an instrument with two long thin parts joined at one end, used for measuring the DIAMETER of tubes and round objects (= the distance across them): a pair of callipers
2 (BrE) (AmE brace) [C, usually pl.] a metal support for weak or injured legs
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cal.lis.then.ics
(BrE ) (AmEcal.is.then.ics) noun [U+sing./pl. v .] physical exercises intended to develop a strong and graceful body
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'call letters
noun [pl.] (AmE ) the letters that are used to identify a radio or television station: the call letters WNBC
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cal.lous
adj. not caring about other people’s feelings or suffering: a callous killer / attitude / act  a callous disregard for the feelings of others
cal.lous.ly adv.
cal.lous.ness noun [U]
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cal.loused
adj. (of the skin) made rough and hard, usually by hard work: calloused hands
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'call-out
noun an occasion when sb is called to do repairs, rescue sb, etc: a call-out charge  ambulance call-outs
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cal.low
adj. (formal, disapproving) young and without experience: a callow youth
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'call sign
noun the letters and numbers used in radio communication to identify the person who is sending a message
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'call-up
(BrE) noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] an order to join the armed forces
SYN CONSCRIPTION , THE DRAFT : to receive your call-up papers
2 [C] the opportunity to play in a sports team, especially for your country: Fowler’s recent form has earned him a call-up to the England squad.
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cal.lus
noun an area of thick hard skin on a hand or foot, usually caused by rubbing
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calm
adj., verb, noun
adj. (calm.er, calm.est)
1 not excited, nervous or upset: It is important to keep calm in an emergency.  Try to remain calm .  Her voice was surprisingly calm.  The city is calm again (= free from disorder and fighting) after yesterday’s riots.
2 (of the sea) without large waves
3 (of the weather) without wind: a calm, cloudless day
calm.ly adv.: ‘I’ll call the doctor,’ he said calmly.
calm.ness noun [U]

verb [vn] to make sb/sth become quiet and more relaxed, especially after strong emotion or excitement: Have some brandy; it’ll calm your nerves.  His presence had a calming influence .—see also TRAFFIC CALMING
PVR V ,calm 'down| ,calm sb/sth<->'down to become or make sb become calm: Look, calm down! We’ll find her.  We waited inside until things calmed down.  He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

noun [C, U]
1 a quiet and peaceful time or situation: the calm of a summer evening  The police appealed for calm .
2 a quiet and relaxed manner: Her previous calm gave way to terror.
IDM the calm before the storm a calm time immediately before an expected period of violent activity or argument

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Calor gas
™ (BrE ) (AmE 'cooking gas) noun [U] a type of gas stored as a liquid under pressure in metal containers and used for heating and cooking in places where there is no gas supply
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cal.orie
noun
1 a unit for measuring how much energy food will produce: No sugar for me, thanks—I’m counting my calories .  a low-calorie drink / diet
2 (technical) a unit for measuring a quantity of heat; the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a gram of water by one degree Celsius
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cal.or.if.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with or producing heat: the calorific value of food (= the quantity of heat or energy produced by a particular amount of food)
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cal.umny
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [C] a false statement about a person that is made to damage their reputation
2 [U] the act of making such a statement
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calve
verb [v] (of a cow) to give birth to a CALF
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calves
pl. of CALF
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Cal.vin.ist
adj., noun
adj. (also Cal.vin.is.tic)
1 connected with Calvinism
2 having very strict moral attitudes

noun a member of a Church that follows the teaching of the French Protestant John Calvin
Cal.vin.ism noun [U]

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ca.lypso
noun [C, U] (pl.-os) a Caribbean song about a subject of current interest; this type of music
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calyx
noun (pl.ca.lyxes or ca.ly.ces ) (technical ) the ring of small green leaves, (called SEPALS ), that protect a flower before it opens
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CAM
abbr. computer aided manufacturing
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cam
noun a part on a wheel that sticks out and changes the circular movement of the wheel into up-and-down or backwards-and-forwards movement
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cama.rad.erie
noun [U] (written) a feeling of friendship and trust among people who work or spend a lot of time together
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cam.ber
noun a slight downward curve from the middle of a road to each side
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cam.bric
noun [U] a thin white fabric made from cotton or LINEN
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cam.cord.er
noun a video camera that records pictures and sound and that can be carried around
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came
pt of COME
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camel
noun
1 [C] an animal with a long neck and one or two HUMPS on its back, used in desert countries for riding on or for carrying goods—compare DROMEDARY
2 [U] = CAMEL HAIR : a camel coat
IDM see STRAW
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'camel hair
noun [U]
1 (also camel) a thick soft pale brown fabric made from camel’s hair or a mixture of camel’s hair and wool, used especially for making coats: a camel-hair coat
2 the fine soft hair from a SQUIRREL’S tail, used for making artists' PAINTBRUSHES
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cam.el.lia
noun a bush with shiny leaves and white, red or pink flowers that look like roses and are also called camellias
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Cam.em.bert
noun [U, C] a type of soft French cheese with a strong flavour
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cameo
noun (pl.-os)
1 a small part in a film/movie or play for a famous actor: a cameo role / appearance
2 a short piece of writing that gives a good description of sb/sth
3 a piece of jewellery that consists of a raised design, often of a head, on a background of a different colour: a cameo brooch / ring
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cam.era
noun a piece of equipment for taking photographs, moving pictures or television pictures: Just point the camera and press the button.  Cameras started clicking as soon as she stepped out of the car.  a TV / video camera  a camera crew
IDM in 'camera (law) in a judge’s private room, without the press or the public being present: The trial was held in camera. on 'camera being filmed or shown on television: Are you prepared to tell your story on camera?
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cam.era.man, came.ra.woman
noun (pl.-men ) (pl.-women ) a person whose job is operating a camera for making films/movies or television programmes
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cam.era.work
noun [U] the style in which sb takes photographs or uses a film camera
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cami.sole
noun a short piece of women’s underwear that is worn on the top half of the body and has thin shoulder straps
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camo.mile
= CHAMOMILE
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cam.ou.flage
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a way of hiding soldiers and military equipment, using paint, leaves or nets, so that they look like part of their surroundings: a camouflage jacket (= covered with green and brown marks and worn by soldiers)  troops dressed in camouflage
2 [U, sing.] the way in which an animal’s colour or shape matches its surroundings and makes it difficult to see
3 [U, sing.] behaviour that is deliberately meant to hide the truth: Her angry words were camouflage for the way she felt.

verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to hide sb/sth by making them or it look like the things around, or like sth else: The soldiers camouflaged themselves with leaves and twigs.  Her size was camouflaged by the long loose dark dress she wore.

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camp
noun, verb, adj.
noun
IN TENTS|
1 [C, U] a place where people live temporarily in tents or huts: Let’s return to camp.  to pitch / make camp (= put up tents)  to break camp (= to take down tents)—see also HOLIDAY CAMP
HOLIDAY / VACATION|
2 [C, U] a place where young people go on holiday/vacation and take part in various activities or a particular activity: a tennis camp  He spent two weeks at camp this summer.  summer camp
PRISON, etc.|
3 [C] (used in compounds) a place where people are kept in huts or tents, especially by a government and often for long periods: a refugee camp  a camp guard—see also CONCENTRATION CAMP , PRISON CAMP , TRANSIT CAMP
ARMY|
4 [C, U] a place where soldiers live while they are training or fighting: an army camp
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
5 [C] a group of people who have the same ideas about sth and oppose people with other ideas: the socialist camp  We were in opposing camps.
6 [C] one of the sides in a competition and the people connected with it: There was an air of confidence in the England camp.
IDM see FOOT n.

verb
LIVE IN TENT|
1 [v] to put up a tent and live in it for a short time: I camped overnight in a field.
2 [v] (go camping) to stay in a tent, especially while you are on holiday/vacation: They go camping in France every year.
STAY FOR SHORT TIME|
3 [v] ~ (out) to live in sb’s house for a short time, especially when you do not have a bed there: I’m camping out at a friend’s apartment at the moment. ,camp 'out to live outside for a short time: Dozens of reporters camped out on her doorstep. ,camp it 'up (BrE, informal) to behave in a very exaggerated manner, especially to attract attention to yourself or to make people laugh

adj.
1 (BrE) (of a man or his manner) deliberately behaving in a way that some people think is typical of a HOMOSEXUAL
SYN EFFEMINATE
2 exaggerated in style, especially in a deliberately amusing way: The movie is a camp celebration of the fashion industry.

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cam.paign
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (against / for sth) a series of planned activities that are intended to achieve a particular social, commercial or political aim: to conduct a campaign  a campaign against ageism in the workplace  the campaign for parliamentary reform  an anti-smoking campaign  Today police launched (= began) a campaign to reduce road accidents.  an advertising campaign  an election campaign  the President’s campaign team / manager
2 a series of attacks and battles that are intended to achieve a particular military aim during a war

verb ~ (for / against sb/sth) to take part in or lead a campaign , for example to achieve political change or in order to win an election: [v] We have campaigned against whaling for the last 15 years.  The party campaigned vigorously in the north of the country.  [v to inf] They are campaigning to save the area from building development.
cam.paign.ing noun [U]

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cam.paign.er
noun a person who leads or takes part in a campaign , especially one for political or social change: a leading human rights campaigner  a campaigner on environmental issues  a campaigner for women priests  an old / veteran / seasoned campaigner (= a person with a lot of experience of a particular activity)   (especially AmE ) Bush campaigners (= people working for Bush in a campaign)
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cam.pa.nile
noun a tower that contains a bell, especially one that is not part of another building
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cam.pan.ology
noun [U] (formal) the study of bells and the art of ringing bells
cam.pan.olo.gist noun—see also BELL-RINGER
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,camp 'bed
(BrE ) (AmE cot) noun a light narrow bed that you can fold up and carry easily—picture at BED
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camp.er
noun
1 a person who spends a holiday/vacation living in a tent or at a holiday camp
2 (also 'camper van) (both BrE) (AmE RV, recre,ational 'vehicle) (also motor.homeAmE, BrE) a large motor vehicle designed for people to live and sleep in when they are travelling—picture at BUS
3 (AmE) = CARAVAN
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camp.fire
noun an outdoor fire made by people who are sleeping outside or living in a tent
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,camp 'follower
noun
1 a person who supports a particular group or political party but is not a member of it
2 (in the past) a person who was not a soldier but followed an army from place to place to sell goods or services
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camp.ground
noun (AmE ) = CAMPSITE
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cam.phor
noun [U] a white substance with a strong smell, used in medicine, for making plastics and to keep insects away from clothes
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camp.ing
noun [U] living in a tent, etc. on holiday/vacation: Do you go camping ?  a camping trip
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camp.site
noun
1 (also 'camping site) (both BrE) (AmE 'camp.ground) a place where people on holiday/vacation can put up their tents, park their CARAVAN , CAMPER , etc., often with toilets, water, etc.
2 (AmE) a place in a campground where you can put up one tent or park one CAMPER , etc.
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cam.pus
noun the buildings of a university or college and the land around them: She lives on campus (= within the main university area).  campus life
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cam.shaft
noun a rod with a CAM on it joining parts of machinery, especially in a motor vehicle
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can^1
modal verb —see also CAN^2 (negativecan.not , short formcan’t , ptcould , negativecould not, short formcouldn’t )
1 used to say that it is possible for sb/sth to do sth, or for sth to happen: I can run fast.  Can you call back tomorrow?  He couldn’t answer the question.  The stadium can be emptied in four minutes.  I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do what I can.
2 used to say that sb knows how to do sth: She can speak Spanish.  Can he cook?  I could drive a car before I left school.
3 used with the verbs ‘feel’, ‘hear’, ‘see’, ‘smell’, ‘taste’: She could feel a lump in her breast.  I can hear music.
4 used to show that sb is allowed to do sth: You can take the car, if you want.  We can’t wear jeans at work.
5 (spoken) used to ask permission to do sth: Can I read your newspaper?  Can I take you home?
6 (spoken) used to ask sb to help you: Can you help me with this box?  Can you feed the cat, please?
7 used in the negative for saying that you are sure sth is not true: That can’t be Mary—she’s in New York.  He can’t have slept through all that noise.
8 used to express doubt or surprise: What can they be doing?  Can he be serious?  Where can she have put it?
9 used to say what sb/sth is often like: He can be very tactless sometimes.  It can be quite cold here in winter.
10 used to make suggestions: We can eat in a restaurant, if you like.  I can take the car if necessary.
11 (spoken) used to say that sb must do sth, usually when you are angry: You can shut up or get out!  note at MODAL
IDM can’t be doing with sth (informal) used to say that you do not like sth and are unwilling to accept it: I can’t be doing with people who complain all the time.
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can^2
noun, verb —see also CAN^1
noun
1 (BrE also tin) [C] a metal container in which food and drink is sold: a can of beans  a beer / paint can—picture at PACKAGING
HELP In AmEcan is the usual word used for both food and drink. In BrEcan is always used for drink, but tin or can can be used for food, paint, etc.
2 [C] the amount contained in a can: We drank a can of Coke each.
3 [C] a metal or plastic container for holding or carrying liquids: an oil can  a watering can
4 [C] a metal container in which liquids are kept under pressure and let out in a fine spray when you press a button on the lid: a can of hairspray—picture at PACKAGING
5 (the can) [sing.] (AmE, slang) prison
6 (the can) [sing.] (AmE, slang) the toilet
IDM a can of 'worms (informal) if you open up a can of worms, you start doing sth that will cause a lot of problems and be very difficult be in the 'can (informal) (especially of filmed or recorded material) to be completed and ready for use—more at CARRY

verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 (especially AmE) to preserve food by putting it in a can
2 (AmE, informal) to dismiss sb from their job

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canal
noun
1 a long straight passage dug in the ground and filled with water for boats and ships to travel along; a smaller passage used for carrying water to fields, crops, etc: the Panama / Suez Canal  an irrigation canal
2 a tube inside the body through which air or food passes—see also ALIMENTARY CANAL
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can.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 (technical) to make a river wider, deeper or straighter; to make a river into a canal
2 (formal) to control an emotion, activity, etc. so that it is aimed at a particular purpose
SYN CHANNEL
can.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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can.apé
noun [usually pl.] a small biscuit or piece of bread with cheese, meat, fish, etc. on it, usually served with drinks at a party—
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can.ard
noun (formal) a false report or piece of news
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can.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a small yellow bird with a beautiful song, often kept in a cage as a pet
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can.can
noun (often the cancan) [sing.] a fast dance in which a line of women kick their legs high in the air
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can.cel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
1 [vn] to decide that sth that has been arranged will not now take place: All flights have been cancelled because of bad weather.  Don’t forget to cancel the newspaper (= arrange for it not to be delivered) before going away.—compare POSTPONE
2 to say that you no longer want to continue with an agreement, especially one that has been legally arranged: [vn] to cancel a policy / subscription  Is it too late to cancel my order?  The US has agreed to cancel debts (= say that they no longer need to be paid) totalling $10 million.  [v] No charge will be made if you cancel within 10 days.
3 [vn] to mark a ticket or stamp so that it cannot be used again
PVR V ,cancel 'out| ,cancel sth<->'out if two or more things cancel out or one cancels out the other, they are equally important but have an opposite effect on a situation so that the situation does not change: Recent losses have cancelled out any profits made at the start of the year.  The advantages and disadvantages would appear to cancel each other out .
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can.cel.la.tion
(AmE also can.cel.ation) noun
1 [U, C] a decision to stop sth that has already been arranged from happening; a statement that sth will not happen: We need at least 24 hours' notice of cancellation.  a cancellation fee / charge  Heavy seas can cause cancellation of ferry services.  Cancellations must be made in writing.
2 [C] something that has been cancelled: Are there any cancellations for this evening’s performance? (= tickets that have been returned)
3 [U] the fact of making sth no longer valid: the cancellation of the contract
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Can.cer
noun
1 [U] the fourth sign of the ZODIAC , the CRAB
2 [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 22 June and 22 July, approximately
Can.cer.ian noun, adj.
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can.cer
noun
1 [U, C] a serious disease in which growths of cells, also called cancers , form in the body and kill normal body cells. The disease often causes death: lung / breast cancer  cancer of the bowel / stomach  Most skin cancers are completely curable.  The cancer has spread to his stomach.  cancer patients  cancer research
2 [C] (literary) an evil or dangerous thing that spreads quickly: Violence is a cancer in our society.
can.cer.ous adj.: to become cancerous  cancerous cells / growths / tumours
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can.de.la.bra
(also less frequent can.de.la.brum ) noun (pl.can.de.la.bra, can.de.la.bras, AmE also can.de.la.brums) an object with several branches for holding candles or lights
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can.did
adj.
1 saying what you think openly and honestly; not hiding your thoughts: a candid statement / interview  You must be absolutely honest and candid.—see also CANDOUR
2 a candid photograph is one that is taken without the person in it knowing that they are being photographed
can.did.ly adv.
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can.di.dacy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (also can.di.da.ture especially in BrE) the fact of being a candidate in an election: to announce / declare / withdraw your candidacy for the post
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can.di.date
noun
1 ~ (for sth) a person who is trying to be elected or is applying for a job: one of the leading candidates for the presidency  a presidential candidate   (BrE) He stood as a candidate in the local elections.  There were a large number of candidates for the job.
2 (BrE) a person taking an exam: a candidate for the degree of MPhil
3 ~ (for sth) a person or group that is considered suitable for sth or that is likely to get sth or to be sth: Our team is a prime candidate for relegation this year.  Your father is an obvious candidate for a heart attack.
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can.di.da.ture
noun (especially BrE ) = CANDIDACY
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can.died
adj. [only before noun] (of fruit or other food) preserved by boiling in sugar; cooked in sugar: candied fruit
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can.dle
noun a round stick of WAX with a piece of string (called a WICK ) through the middle which is lit to give light as it burns
IDM cannot hold a candle to sb/sth is not as good as sb or sth else: His singing can’t hold a candle to Pavarotti’s.—more at BURN v. , WORTH adj.
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candle.light
noun [U] the light that a candle produces: to read by candlelight
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candle.lit
adj. [only before noun] lit by candles: a romantic candlelit dinner
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candle.stick
noun an object for holding a candle
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candle.wick
noun [U] a soft cotton fabric with a raised pattern of threads, used especially for making BEDSPREADS
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,can-'do
adj. [only before noun] (informal) willing to try new things and expecting that they will be successful: a can-do attitude / spirit
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cand.our
(BrE ) (AmEcan.dor) noun [U] the quality of saying what you think openly and honestly: ‘I don’t trust him,’ he said, in a rare moment of candour.—see also CANDID
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C & W
abbr. COUNTRY AND WESTERN
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candy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (AmE ) sweet food made of sugar and/or chocolate, eaten between meals; a piece of this
SYN SWEET : a box of candy  a candy store  a candy bar  Who wants the last piece of candy?
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'candy apple
noun (AmE ) = TOFFEE APPLE
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candy.floss
(BrE ) (AmE ,cotton 'candy) noun [U] a type of sweet/candy in the form of a mass of sticky threads made from melted sugar and served on a stick, especially at FAIRGROUNDS
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cane
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the hard hollow stem of some plants, for example BAMBOO or sugar: bean plants supported by bamboo canes
2 [U] these stems used as a material for making furniture, etc: a cane chair
3 [C] a piece of cane or a thin rod, used to help sb to walk—see also WALKING STICK
4 [C] a piece of cane or a thin rod, used in the past in some schools for beating children as a punishment: to get the cane (= be punished with a cane)

verb [vn] to hit a child with a cane as a punishment
can.ing noun [U, C]: the abolition of caning in schools

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'cane sugar
noun [U] sugar obtained from the juice of SUGAR CANE
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ca.nine
adj., noun
adj. connected with dogs

noun
1 (also 'canine tooth) one of the four pointed teeth in the front of a human being’s mouth—compare INCISOR , MOLAR
2 (formal) a dog

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can.is.ter
noun
1 a container with a lid for holding tea, coffee, etc.
2 a strong metal container containing gas or a chemical substance, especially one that bursts when it is fired from a gun or thrown: tear-gas canisters
3 a flat round metal container used for storing film: a film canister
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can.ker
noun
1 [U] a disease that destroys the wood of plants and trees
2 [U] a disease that causes sore areas in the ears of animals, especially dogs and cats
3 [C] (literary) an evil or dangerous influence that spreads and affects people’s behaviour
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'canker sore
noun (AmE ) = MOUTH ULCER
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can.na.bis
noun [U] a drug made from the dried leaves and flowers or RESIN of the HEMP plant, which gives a feeling of being relaxed when it is smoked or eaten. Use of the drug is illegal in many countries.
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canned
adj.
1 (BrE also tinned) (of food) preserved in a can: canned food / soup
2 ~ laughter / music laughter or music that has been previously recorded and used in television and radio programmes
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can.nery
noun (pl.-ies) a factory where food is put into cans
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can.ni.bal
noun
1 a person who eats human flesh: a tribe of cannibals
2 an animal that eats the flesh of other animals of the same kind
can.ni.bal.ism noun [U]: to practise cannibalism
can.ni.bal.is.tic adj.
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can.ni.bal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to take the parts of a machine, vehicle, etc. and use them to repair or build another
can.ni.bal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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can.non
noun, verb
noun (pl.can.non or can.nons)
1 an old type of large heavy gun, usually on wheels, that fires solid metal or stone balls—see also LOOSE CANNON , WATER CANNON
2 an AUTOMATIC gun that is fired from an aircraft

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to hit sb/sth with a lot of force while you are moving: He ran around the corner, cannoning into a group of kids.

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can.non.ade
noun a continuous firing of large guns
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can.non.ball
noun a large metal or stone ball that is fired from a CANNON
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'cannon fodder
noun [U] soldiers who are thought of not as people whose lives are important, but as material to be used up in war
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can.not
= CAN NOT
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canny
adj. intelligent, careful and showing good judgement, especially in business or politics: a canny politician  a canny move
can.nily adv.
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canoe
noun, verb
noun a light narrow boat which you move along in the water with a PADDLE —see also KAYAK —picture at BOAT

verb (ca.noe.ing, ca.noed, ca.noed) [v] (often go canoeing) to travel in a canoe

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ca.noe.ing
noun [U] the sport of travelling in or racing a CANOE : to go canoeing
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ca.noe.ist
noun a person travelling in a canoe
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canon
noun
1 a Christian priest with special duties in a CATHEDRAL
2 (formal) a generally accepted rule, standard or principle by which sth is judged: the canons of good taste
3 a list of the books or other works that are generally accepted as the genuine work of a particular writer or as being important: the Shakespeare canon  ‘Wuthering Heights’ is a central book in the canon of English literature.
4 a piece of music in which singers or instruments take it in turns to repeat the MELODY (= tune)
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ca.non.ic.al
adj.
1 included in a list of holy books that are accepted as genuine; connected with works of literature that are highly respected
2 according to the law of the Christian Church
3 (technical) in the simplest accepted form in mathematics
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can.on.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] (of the POPE ) to state officially that sb is now a saint—compare BEATIFY
can.on.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [C, U]
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,canon 'law
noun [U] the law of the Christian church
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ca.noo.dle
verb [v] (BrE , informal) (of two people) to kiss and touch each other in a sexual way
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'can-opener
noun (especially AmE ) = TIN-OPENER
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can.opy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a cover that is fixed or hangs above a bed, seat, etc. as a shelter or decoration—picture at BED , PUSHCHAIR
2 a layer of sth that spreads over an area like a roof, especially branches of trees in a forest: a canopy of leaves  a glorious canopy of stars
3 a cover for the COCKPIT of an aircraft
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cant
noun, verb
noun [U] statements, especially about moral or religious issues, that are not sincere and that you cannot trust
SYN HYPOCRISY

verb [v, vn] (formal) to be or put sth in a sloping position

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can’t
short form cannot
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Cantab
abbr. (used after degree titles) of Cambridge University: James Cox MA (Cantab)
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can.tan.ker.ous
adj. bad-tempered and always complaining: a cantankerous old man
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can.tata
noun a short musical work, often on a religious subject, sung by SOLO singers, often with a CHOIR and orchestra—compare ORATORIO , MOTET
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can.teen
noun
1 (especially BrE) a place where food and drink are served in a factory, a school, etc.
2 a small container used by soldiers, travellers, etc. for carrying water or other liquid
3 ~ of cutlery (BrE) a box containing a set of knives, forks and spoons
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can.ter
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] a movement of a horse at a speed that is fairly fast but not very fast; a ride on a horse moving at this speed: She set off across the field at a canter.

verb (of a horse or rider) to move or make a horse move at a canter : [v] We cantered along the beach. [alsovn] —compare GALLOP , TROT

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can.ticle
noun a religious song with words taken from the Bible
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can.ti.lever
noun a long piece of metal or wood that sticks out from a wall to support the end of a bridge or other structure
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canto
noun (pl.-os) one of the sections of a long poem
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can.ton
noun one of the official regions which some countries, such as Switzerland, are divided into
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can.tor
noun the person who leads the singing in a SYNAGOGUE or in a church CHOIR
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can.vas
noun
1 [U] a strong heavy rough fabric used for making tents, sails, etc. and by artists for painting on
2 [C] a piece of canvas used for painting on; a painting done on a piece of canvas , using oil paints: a sale of the artist’s early canvases
IDM under 'canvas in a tent: They spent the night under canvas.
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can.vass
verb
1 ~ (sb) (for sth) to ask sb to support a particular person, political party, etc., especially by going around an area and talking to people: [v] He spent the whole month canvassing for votes.  [vn] Party workers are busy canvassing local residents.
2 [vn] to ask people about sth in order to find out what they think about it: He has been canvassing opinion on the issue.  People are being canvassed for their views on the proposed new road.
3 [vn] ~ support to try and get support from a group of people
4 [vn] to discuss an idea thoroughly: The proposal is currently being canvassed.
can.vass noun: to carry out a canvass
can.vass.er noun
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can.yon
noun a deep valley with steep sides of rock
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can.yon.ing
noun [U] a sport in which you jump into a mountain stream and allow yourself to be carried down at high speed
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CAP
abbr. Common Agricultural Policy (of the European Union)
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cap
noun, verb
noun
HAT|
1 a type of soft flat hat with a PEAK (= a hard curved part sticking out in front). Caps are worn especially by men and boys, often as part of a uniform: a school cap—see also BASEBALL CAP , CLOTH CAP , MOB CAP —picture at HAT
2 (usually in compounds) a soft hat that fits closely and is worn for a particular purpose: a shower cap
3 a soft hat with a square flat top worn by some university teachers and students at special ceremonies—compare MORTAR BOARD
IN SPORT|
4 (BrE) a cap given to sb who is chosen to play for a school, country, etc.; a player chosen to play for their country, etc: He won his first cap (= was first chosen to play) for England against France.  There are three new caps in the side.
ON PEN / BOTTLE|
5 a protective cover or top for a pen, bottle, etc: a lens cap—see also FILLER CAP , HUBCAP —picture at PACKAGING
LIMIT ON MONEY|
6 an upper limit on an amount of money that can be spent or borrowed by a particular institution or in a particular situation: The government has placed a cap on local council spending.
IN TOY GUNS|
7 a small paper container with explosive powder inside it, used especially in toy guns
FOR WOMAN|
8 (BrE) = DIAPHRAGM (2) —see also ICE CAP , THINKING CAP go cap in 'hand (to sb) (BrE) (AmE go hat in 'hand) to ask sb for sth, especially money, in a very polite way that makes you seem less important: There’s no way he’ll go cap in hand to his brother. if the cap fits (, wear it) (BrE) (AmE if the shoe fits (, wear it)) (spoken) if you feel that a remark applies to you, you should accept it and take it as a warning or criticism: I didn’t actually say that you were lazy, but if the cap fits …—more at FEATHER n.

verb (-pp-) [vn]
COVER TOP|
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover the top or end of sth with sth: mountains capped with snow  snow-capped mountains
LIMIT MONEY|
2 [often passive] (especially BrE) to limit the amount of money that can be charged for sth or spent on sth: a capped mortgage
BEAT|
3 (especially BrE) to say or do sth that is funnier, more impressive, etc. than sth that has been said or done before: What an amazing story. Can anyone cap that?
TOOTH|
4 [usually passive] to put an artificial covering on a tooth to make it look more attractive: He’s had his front teeth capped.
SYN CROWN
IN SPORT|
5 [usually passive] (BrE) to choose sb to play football, cricket, etc. in their country’s national team: He has been capped more than 30 times for Wales. to cap / top it 'all (spoken) used to introduce the final piece of information that is worse than the other bad things that you have just mentioned

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cap.abil.ity
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (to do sth / of doing sth) the ability or qualities necessary to do sth: Animals in the zoo have lost the capability to catch / of catching food for themselves.  beyond / within the capabilities of current technology  Age affects the range of a person’s capabilities.
2 the power or weapons that a country has for war or for military action: Britain’s nuclear / military capability
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cap.able
adj.
1 ~ of sth / of doing sth having the ability or qualities necessary for doing sth: He’s quite capable of lying to get out of trouble.  I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself, thank you.  You are capable of better work than this.
2 having the ability to do things well
SYN SKILLED , COMPETENT : She’s a very capable teacher.  I’ll leave the organization in your capable hands.
OPP INCAPABLE
cap.ably adv.
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cap.acious
adj. (formal) having a lot of space to put things in
SYN ROOMY : capacious pockets
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cap.acity
noun (pl.-ies)
OF CONTAINER|
1 [U, C, usually sing.] the number of things or people that a container or space can hold: The theatre has a seating capacity of 2 000.  a fuel tank with a capacity of 50 litres  The hall was filled to capacity (= was completely full).  They played to a capacity crowd (= one that filled all the space or seats).
ABILITY|
2 [C usually sing, U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) the ability to understand or to do sth: She has an enormous capacity for hard work.  His capacity for learning languages astonished me.  your capacity to enjoy life  intellectual capacity  Limited resources are restricting our capacity for developing new products.
ROLE|
3 [C, usually sing.] the official position or function that sb has: acting in her capacity as manager / in her managerial capacity
OF FACTORY / MACHINE|
4 [sing., U] the quantity that a factory, machine, etc. can produce: The factory is working at full capacity.
OF ENGINE|
5 [C, U] the size or power of a piece of equipment, especially the engine of a vehicle: an engine with a capacity of 1 600 ccs
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cape
noun
1 a loose outer piece of clothing that has no sleeves, fastens at the neck and hangs from the shoulders, like a CLOAK but shorter: a bullfighter’s cape
2 (abbr.C.) (often in place names) a piece of high land that sticks out into the sea: Cape Horn
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caped
adj. wearing a cape
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caper
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually pl.] the small green flower BUD of a Mediterranean bush, preserved in VINEGAR and used to flavour dishes and sauces
2 (informal) an activity, especially one that is illegal or dangerous: A call to the police should put an end to their little caper.
3 a short jump or dance: He cut a little celebratory caper (= jumped or danced a few steps) in the middle of the road.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to run or jump around in a happy and excited way

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ca.pil.lary
noun (pl.-ies) (anatomy ) any of the smallest tubes in the body that carry blood—picture at BODY
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ca'pillary action
noun [U] (technical ) the force that makes a liquid move up a narrow tube
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cap.ital
noun, adj.
noun
CITY|
1 (also ,capital 'city) [C] the most important town or city of a country, usually where the central government operates from: Cairo is the capital of Egypt.   (figurative) Paris, the fashion capital of the world
MONEY|
2 [sing.] a large amount of money that is invested or is used to start a business: to set up a business with a starting capital of £100 000
3 [U] wealth or property that is owned by a business or a person: capital assets  capital expenditure (= money that an organization spends on buildings, equipment, etc.)
4 [U] (technical) people who use their money to start businesses, considered as a group: capital and labour
LETTER|
5 (also ,capital 'letter) [C] a letter of the form and size that is used at the beginning of a sentence or a name (= A,B,C rather than a,b,c): Use block capitals (= separate capital letters).  Please write in capitals / in capital letters.
ARCHITECTURE|
6 the top part of a column—picture at ARCADE make capital (out) of sth to use a situation for your own advantage: The opposition parties are all making political capital out of the disagreements within the government.

adj.
PUNISHMENT|
1 [only before noun] involving punishment by death: a capital offence
LETTER|
2 [only before noun] (of letters of the alphabet) having the form and size used at the beginning of a sentence or a name: English is written with a capital ‘E’.—compare LOWER CASE
EXCELLENT|
3 (old-fashioned, BrE) excellent with a capital A, B, etc. used to emphasize that a word has a stronger meaning than usual in a particular situation: He was romantic with a capital R.

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,capital 'gains
noun [pl.] profits that you make from selling sth, especially property: to pay capital gains tax
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'capital goods
noun [pl.] (business ) goods such as factory machines that are used for producing other goods—compare CONSUMER GOODS
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,capital-in'tensive
adj. (of a business, an industry, etc.) needing large amounts of money in order to operate well—compare LABOUR-INTENSIVE
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cap.it.al.ism
noun [U] an economic system in which a country’s businesses and industry are controlled and run for profit by private owners rather than by the government: the growth of industrial capitalism in the West—compare SOCIALISM
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cap.it.al.ist
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who supports capitalism
2 a person who owns or controls a lot of wealth and uses it to produce more wealth

adj. (also less frequent cap.it.al.is.tic ) based on the principles of capitalism : a capitalist society / system / economy

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cap.it.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to write or print a letter of the alphabet as a CAPITAL ; to begin a word with a capital letter
2 (business) to sell possessions in order to change them into money
3 [usually passive] (business) to provide a company etc. with the money it needs to function
cap.it.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, sing.] 'capitalize on / upon sth to gain a further advantage for yourself from a situation
SYN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STH : The team failed to capitalize on their early lead.
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,capital 'pun.ish.ment
noun [U] punishment by death
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,capital 'sum
noun a single payment of money that is made to sb, for example by an insurance company
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capi.ta.tion
noun [C, U] (technical ) a tax or payment of an equal amount for each person; the system of payments of this kind: a capitation fee for each pupil
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ca.pitu.late
verb [v] ~ (to sb/sth)
1 to agree to do sth that you have been refusing to do for a long time
SYN YIELD : They were finally forced to capitulate to the terrorists' demands.
2 to stop resisting an enemy and accept that you are defeated
SYN SURRENDER : The town capitulated after a three-week siege.
ca.pitu.la.tion noun [C, U]
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capon
noun a male chicken that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed) and made fat for eating
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cap.pella
A CAPPELLA
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cap.puc.cino
noun (pl.-os)
1 [U] a type of coffee made with hot FROTHY milk and sometimes with chocolate powder on the top
2 [C] a cup of cappuccino
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ca.price
noun (formal)
1 [C] a sudden change in attitude or behaviour for no obvious reason
SYN WHIM
2 [U] the tendency to change your mind suddenly or behave unexpectedly
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ca.pri.cious
adj. (formal)
1 showing sudden changes in attitude or behaviour: a movie star who was capricious and difficult to please
2 changing suddenly and quickly: a capricious climate
ca.pri.cious.ly adv.
ca.pri.cious.ness noun [U]
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Cap.ri.corn
noun
1 [U] the 10th sign of the ZODIAC , the Goat
2 [C] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 December and 20 January, approximately
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cap.sicum
noun (technical ) a type of PEPPER (= a hollow fruit, which may be green, red or yellow, eaten as a vegetable raw or cooked)
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cap.size
verb [v, vn] if a boat capsizes or sth capsizes it, it turns over in the water
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cap.stan
noun
1 a thick CYLINDER that winds up a rope, used for lifting heavy objects such as an ANCHOR on a ship
2 the round bar on a TAPE RECORDER that guides the tape at a speed that does not change
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cap.sule
noun
1 a small container which has a measured amount of a medicine inside and which dissolves when you swallow it—
2 a small plastic container with a substance or liquid inside
3 the part of a spacecraft in which people travel and that often separates from the main rocket
4 (technical) a shell or container for seeds or eggs in some plants and animals—see also TIME CAPSULE
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Capt.
abbr. captain (not used for captains in sports teams)
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cap.tain
noun, verb
noun
1 the person in charge of a ship or commercial aircraft: Captain Cook  The captain gave the order to abandon ship.  Captain Jones and his co-pilot
2 an officer of fairly high rank in the navy, the army and the US air force: Captain Lance Price—see also GROUP CAPTAIN
3 the leader of a group of people, especially a sports team: She was captain of the hockey team at school.
4 an officer of high rank in a US police or fire department

verb [vn] to be a captain of a sports team or a ship

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cap.tain.cy
noun [C usually sing, U] (pl.-ies) the position of captain of a team; the period during which sb is captain
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,captain of 'industry
noun (pl.captains of industry) used in newspapers, etc. to describe a person who manages a large business company
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cap.tion
noun, verb
noun words that are printed underneath a picture, CARTOON , etc. that explain or describe it—see also CLOSED-CAPTIONED

verb [vn] [usually passive] to write a caption for a picture, photograph, etc.

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cap.tiv.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] (written) to keep sb’s close attention by being extremely interesting, attractive, etc: The children were captivated by her stories.
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cap.tiv.at.ing
adj. (written) taking all your attention; very attractive and interesting: He found her captivating.
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cap.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 kept as a prisoner or in an enclosed space; unable to escape: captive animals  They were taken captive by masked gunmen.  captive breeding (= the catching and breeding of wild animals)
2 [only before noun] not free to leave a particular place or to choose what you want do to: A salesman loves to have a captive audience (= listening because they have no choice).

noun a person who is kept as a prisoner, especially in a war

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cap.tiv.ity
noun [U] the state of being kept as a prisoner or in an enclosed space: He was held in captivity for three years.  The bird had escaped from captivity.
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cap.tor
noun (written) a person who captures a person or an animal and keeps them as a prisoner: The hostages were treated well by their captors.
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cap.ture
verb, noun
verb [vn]
CATCH|
1 to catch a person or an animal and keep them as a prisoner or in an enclosed space: Allied troops captured over 300 enemy soldiers.  The animals are captured in nets and sold to local zoos.
TAKE CONTROL|
2 to take control of a place, building, etc. using force: The city was captured in 1941.
3 to succeed in getting control of sth that other people are also trying to control: The company has now captured almost 90% of the market.
MAKE SB INTERESTED|
4 ~ sb’s attention / imagination / interest to make sb interested in sth: They use puppets to capture the imagination of younger audiences.
FEELING / ATMOSPHERE|
5 to succeed in accurately expressing a feeling, an atmosphere, etc. in a picture, piece of writing, film/movie, etc: The article captured the mood of the nation.
FILM / RECORD / PAINT|
6 [often passive] ~ sb/sth on film / tape / canvas, etc. to film/record/paint, etc. sb/sth: The attack was captured on film by security cameras.
SB’S HEART|
7 ~ sb’s heart to make sb love you
COMPUTING|
8 to put sth into a computer in a form it can use

noun [U] the act of capturing sb/sth or of being captured: the capture of enemy territory  He evaded capture for three days.  data capture

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car
(also BrEformal 'motor car) (AmE also auto.mo.bile) noun
1 a road vehicle with an engine and four wheels that can carry a small number of passengers: Paula got into the car and drove off.  ‘How did you come?’‘By car .’  Are you going in the car ?  a car driver / manufacturer / dealer  a car accident / crash  Where can I park the car?
2 (AmE) any carriage on a train: Several cars went off the rails.
3 (BrE) (in compounds) a railway carriage of a particular type: a sleeping / dining car
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ca.rafe
noun a glass container with a wide neck in which wine or water is served at meals; the amount contained in a carafe
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cara.mel
noun
1 [U, C] a type of hard sticky sweet/candy made from butter, sugar and milk; a small piece of this
2 [U] burnt sugar used for adding colour and flavour to food: ice cream with caramel sauce—see also CRÈME CARAMEL
3 [U] a light brown colour
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cara.mel.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [v] (of sugar) to turn into caramel
2 [vn] to cook sth, especially fruit, with sugar so that it is covered with caramel
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cara.pace
noun (technical ) the hard shell on the back of some animals such as CRABS , that protects them
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carat
noun (abbr. ct)
1 a unit for measuring the weight of diamonds and other precious stones, equal to 200 MILLIGRAMS
2 (especially BrE) (AmE usually karat) [usually sing.] a unit for measuring how pure gold is. The purest gold is 24 carats : an 18-carat gold ring
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cara.van
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE camp.er) a road vehicle without an engine that is pulled by a car, designed for people to live and sleep in, especially when they are on holiday/vacation: a caravan site / park—picture at BUS
2 (BrE) a covered vehicle that is pulled by a horse and used for living in: a gypsy caravan
3 a group of people with vehicles or animals who are travelling together, especially across the desert
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cara.van.ning
noun [U] (BrE ) the activity of spending a holiday/vacation in a caravan : Camping and caravanning attract people of all ages.
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cara.way
noun [U] the dried seeds of the caraway plant, used to give flavour to food: caraway seeds
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car.bine
noun a short light RIFLE
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carbo.hy.drate
noun
1 [C, U] a substance such as sugar or STARCH that consists of CARBON , HYDROGEN and OXYGEN . Carbohydrates in food provide the body with energy and heat.
2 (carbohydrates) [pl.] foods such as bread, potatoes and rice that contain a lot of carbohydrate : I’m trying to cut down on carbohydrates.
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car.bol.ic
(also car,bolic 'acid) noun [U] a chemical that kills bacteria, used as an ANTISEPTIC and as a DISINFECTANT (= to prevent infection from spreading): carbolic soap
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'car bomb
noun a bomb hidden inside or under a parked car
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car.bon
noun
1 [U] (symbC) a chemical element. Carbon is found in all living things, existing in a pure state as diamond and GRAPHITE : carbon fibre
2 [C] = CARBON COPY
3 [C] a piece of CARBON PAPER
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car.bon.ated
adj. (technical ) (of a drink) containing small bubbles of CARBON DIOXIDE
SYN FIZZY : carbonated mineral water
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,carbon 'copy
(also car.bon) noun
1 a copy of a document, letter, etc. made with CARBON PAPER —see also CC
2 a person or thing that is very similar to sb/sth else: She is a carbon copy of her sister.
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,carbon 'dating
(also formal ,radiocarbon 'dating) noun a method of calculating the age of very old objects by measuring the amounts of different forms of carbon in them
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,carbon di'oxide
noun [U] (symb CO2) a gas breathed out by people and animals from the lungs or produced by burning CARBON
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car.bon.ifer.ous
adj. (geology )
1 producing or containing coal
2 (Carboniferous) of the period in the earth’s history when layers of coal were formed underground
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,carbon mon'oxide
noun [U] (symb CO) a poisonous gas formed when CARBON burns partly but not completely. It is produced when petrol/gas is burnt in car engines.
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'carbon paper
noun thin paper with a dark substance on one side, that is used between two sheets of paper for making copies of written or typed documents
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,car 'boot sale
noun (BrE ) an outdoor sale where people sell things that they no longer want from the backs of their cars
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car.boy
noun a large round glass or plastic bottle, usually protected by an outer frame of wood and used for storing and transporting dangerous liquids
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car.bun.cle
noun
1 a large painful swelling under the skin
2 a bright red jewel, usually cut into a round shape
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car.bur.et.tor
(BrE ) (AmEcar.bur.etor ) noun the part of an engine, for example in a car, where petrol/gas and air are mixed together and burn to provide power
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car.cass
(BrE also less frequent car.case) noun the dead body of an animal, especially of a large one or of one that is ready for cutting up as meat
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car.cino.gen
noun a substance that can cause CANCER : exposure to chemical carcinogens in cigarette smoke
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car.cino.gen.ic
adj. likely to cause CANCER : the carcinogenic effects of some pesticides used on fruit
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card
noun, verb
noun
PAPER|
1 [U] (BrE) thick stiff paper: a piece of card  The model of the building was made of card.
WITH INFORMATION|
2 [C] a small piece of stiff paper or plastic with information on it, especially information about sb’s identity: a membership card  an appointment card—see also GREEN CARD , IDENTITY CARD , RED CARD , REPORT CARD , YELLOW CARD
3 [C] = BUSINESS CARD : Here’s my card if you need to contact me again.
4 [C] = VISITING CARD
FOR MONEY|
5 [C] a small piece of plastic, especially one given by a bank or shop/store, used for buying things or obtaining money: I put the meal on (= paid for it using) my card.  a phone card—see also CASH CARD , CHARGE CARD , CHEQUE CARD , CREDIT CARD , SMART CARD , SWIPE CARD
WITH GREETINGS|
6 [C] a piece of stiff paper that is folded in the middle and has a picture on the front of it, used for sending sb a greeting, an invitation, etc: a birthday / get-well / good luck card  a card shop / store—see also CHRISTMAS CARD , GREETINGS CARD
7 [C] = POSTCARD : Did you get my card from Italy?
IN GAMES|
8 [C] = PLAYING CARD : Let’s have a game of cards.   (BrE) a pack of cards   (AmE) a deck of cards—see also TRUMP CARD , WILD CARD —
9 (cards) [pl.] a game or games in which playing cards are used: Who wants to play cards?  I’ve never been very good at cards.  She won £20 at cards.
COMPUTING|
10 [C] a small device containing an electronic CIRCUIT that is part of a computer or added to it, enabling it to perform particular functions: a printed circuit card  a graphics / network / sound card
PERSON|
11 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) an unusual or amusing person
HORSE RACES|
12 [C] a list of all the races at a particular RACE MEETING (= a series of horse races): a race card
FOR WOOL / COTTON|
13 [C] (technical) a machine or tool used for cleaning and combing wool or cotton before it is spun sb’s best / strongest / winning 'card something that gives sb an advantage over other people in a particular situation get your 'cards (BrE, informal) to be told to leave a job give sb their 'cards (BrE, informal) to make sb leave their job have a card up your 'sleeve to have an idea, a plan, etc. that will give you an advantage in a particular situation and that you keep secret until it is needed hold all the 'cards (informal) to be able to control a particular situation because you have an advantage over other people hold / keep / play your cards close to your 'chest to keep your ideas, plans, etc. secret lay / put your cards on the 'table to tell sb honestly what your plans, ideas, etc. are on the 'cards (BrE) (AmE in the 'cards) (informal) likely to happen: The merger has been on the cards for some time now. play your 'cards right to deal successfully with a particular situation so that you achieve some advantage or sth that you want—more at SHOW v. , STACKED

verb [vn]
1 (technical) to clean wool using a wire instrument
2 (AmE, informal) to ask a person to show their identity card as a means of checking how old they are, for example if they want to buy alcohol

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car.da.mom
noun [U] the dried seeds of a SE Asian plant, used in cooking as a spice: cardamom pods
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card.board
noun, adj.
noun [U] stiff material like very thick paper, often used for making boxes: a cardboard box  a piece of cardboard  a model made out of cardboard

adj. [only before noun] not seeming real or genuine: With its superficial cardboard characters, the novel was typical of her work.

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,cardboard 'city
noun an area of a city where people who have nowhere to live sleep outside, protected only by cardboard boxes
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'card-carrying
adj. [only before noun] known to be an official and usually active member of a political organization: a card-carrying member of the Conservative party
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'card catalog
noun (AmE ) = CARD INDEX
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'card game
noun a game in which playing cards are used
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card.hold.er
noun a person who has a CREDIT CARD from a bank, etc.
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car.diac
adj. [only before noun] (medical ) connected with the heart or heart disease: cardiac disease / failure / surgery  to suffer cardiac arrest (= an occasion when a person’s heart stops temporarily or permanently)
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car.di.gan
(AmE also ,cardigan 'sweater) noun a knitted woollen jacket, usually with no collar and fastened with buttons at the front—
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car.din.al
noun, adj.
noun
1 a priest of the highest rank in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals elect and advise the POPE : Cardinal Hume
2 (also ,cardinal 'number) a number, such as 1, 2 and 3, used to show quantity rather than order—compare ORDINAL
3 a N American bird. The male cardinal is bright red.

adj. [only before noun] (formal) most important; having other things based on it: Respect for life is a cardinal principle of English law.

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,cardinal 'points
noun [pl.] (technical ) the four main points (North, South, East and West) of the COMPASS
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,cardinal 'sin
noun
1 (sometimes humorous) an action that is a serious mistake or that other people disapprove of: He committed the cardinal sin of criticizing his teammates.
2 a serious SIN in the Christian Church
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'card index
(also index) (both BrE ) (AmE 'card catalog) noun a box of cards with information on them, arranged in alphabetical order—picture at STATIONERY
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cardio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the heart: cardiogram
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car.di.olo.gist
noun a doctor who studies and treats heart diseases
car.di.ology noun [U]
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'card table
noun a small table for playing card games on, especially one that you can fold
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care
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the process of caring for sb/sth and providing what they need for their health or protection: medical / patient care  How much do men share housework and the care of the children?  the provision of care for the elderly  skin / hair care products—see also DAY CARE , HEALTH CARE , INTENSIVE CARE
2 [U] attention or thought that you give to sth that you are doing so that you will do it well and avoid mistakes or damage: She chose her words with care .  Great care is needed when choosing a used car.  Fragile—handle with care (= written on a container holding sth which is easily broken or damaged)
3 [C, usually pl., U] (formal) a feeling of worry or anxiety; something that causes problems or anxiety: I felt free from the cares of the day as soon as I left the building.  Sam looked as if he didn’t have a care in the world .
IDM 'care of sb (AmE also in 'care of sb) (abbr.c / o) used when writing to sb at another person’s address: Write to him care of his lawyer. in 'care (BrE) (of children) living in an institution run by the local authority rather than with their parents: The two girls were taken into care after their parents were killed. in the care of sb / in sb’s care being cared for by sb: The child was left in the care of friends.  You won’t come to any harm while you’re in their care. take 'care (spoken) used when saying goodbye: Bye! Take care! take care (that … / to do sth) to be careful: Take care (that) you don’t drink too much!  Care should be taken to close the lid securely. take care of sb/sth / yourself
1 to care for sb/sth/yourself; to be careful about sth: Who’s taking care of the children while you’re away?  She takes great care of her clothes.  He’s old enough to take care of himself.
2 to be responsible for or to deal with a situation or task: Don’t worry about the travel arrangements. They’re all being taken care of.  Celia takes care of the marketing side of things. under the care of sb receiving medical care from sb: He’s under the care of Dr Parks.

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 ~ (about sth) to feel that sth is important and worth worrying about: [v] She cares deeply about environmental issues.  I don’t care (= I will not be upset) if I never see him again!  He threatened to fire me, as if I cared! .  [v wh-] I don’t care what he thinks.  [v that] She doesn’t seem to care that he’s been married four times before.
2 [v] ~ (about sb) to like or love sb and worry about what happens to them: He genuinely cares about his employees.
3 [v to inf] to make the effort to do sth: I’ve done this job more times than I care to remember.
IDM couldn’t care 'less (informal) used to say, often rudely, that you do not think that sb/sth is important or worth worrying about: Quite honestly, I couldn’t care less what they do. for all you, I, they, etc. care (spoken) used to say that a person is not worried about or interested in what happens to sb/sth: I could be dead for all he cares! who 'cares? | What do I, you, etc. care? (spoken) used to say, often rudely, that you do not think that sth is important or interesting: Who cares what she thinks? would you care for … | would you care to … (formal) used to ask sb politely if they would like sth or would like to do sth, or if they would be willing to do sth: Would you care for another drink?  If you’d care to follow me, I’ll show you where his office is.  note at WANT —more at DAMN n. , FIG n. , HOOT n. , TUPPENCE
PVR V 'care for sb
1 to look after sb who is sick, very old, very young, etc: She moved back home to care for her elderly parents.—see also UNCARED FOR
2 to love or like sb very much: He cared for her more than she realized. not 'care for sb/sth (formal) to not like sb/sth: He didn’t much care for her friends.

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'care assistant
noun (BrE ) = CARE WORKER
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car.een
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially AmE ) (of a person or vehicle) to move forward very quickly especially in a way that is dangerous or uncontrolled
SYN HURTLE
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car.eer
noun, verb
noun
1 the series of jobs that a person has in a particular area of work, usually involving more responsibility as time passes: a career in medicine / politics  a teaching / academic career  What made you decide on a career as a vet?  She has been concentrating on her career.  a change of career  a career soldier / diplomat (= a professional one)   (BrE) a careers adviser / officer (= a person whose job is to give people advice and information about jobs)
2 the period of time that you spend in your life working or doing a particular thing: She started her career as an English teacher.  He is playing the best tennis of his career.  My school career was not very impressive.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person or vehicle) to move forward very quickly, especially in an uncontrolled way
SYN HURTLE : The vehicle careered across the road and hit a cyclist.

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ca'reer break
noun a period of time when you do not do your usual job, for example because you have children to care for
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car.eer.ist
noun (often disapproving) a person whose career is more important to them than anything else
car.eer.ism noun [U]
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ca'reer woman
noun a woman whose career is more important to her than getting married and having children
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care.free
adj. having no worries or responsibilities: He looked happy and carefree.  a carefree attitude / life
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care.ful
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (not to do sth)| ~ (when / what / how, etc.)| ~ (of / about / with sth) giving attention or thought to what you are doing so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging sth or doing sth wrong: Be careful!  He was careful to keep out of sight.  Be careful not to wake the baby.  You must be careful when handling chemicals.  Be careful of the traffic.  Please be careful with my glasses (= Don’t break them).  Be careful you don’t bump your head.
2 giving a lot of attention to details: a careful piece of work  a careful examination of the facts  After careful consideration we have decided to offer you the job.
care.ful.ly adv.: Please listen carefully.  She put the glass down carefully.  Drive carefully.
care.ful.ness noun [U]
IDM you can’t be too 'careful (spoken) used to warn sb that they should take care to avoid danger or problems: Don’t stay out in the sun for too long—you can’t be too careful. careful with money not spending money on unimportant things
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care.giver
noun (AmE ) = CARER
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care.less
adj.
1 not giving enough attention and thought to what you are doing, so that you make mistakes: It was careless of me to leave the door open.  Don’t be so careless about / with spelling.  a careless worker / driver
2 resulting from a lack of attention and thought: a careless mistake / error
3 ~ of sth (formal) not at all worried about sth: He seemed careless of his own safety.
4 not showing interest or effort
SYN CASUAL : She gave a careless shrug.  a careless laugh / smile
care.less.ly adv.: Someone had carelessly left a window open.  She threw her coat carelessly onto the chair.  ‘I don’t mind,’ he said carelessly.
care.less.ness noun [U]: a moment of carelessness
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carer
(BrE ) (AmE care.giver) noun a person who looks after a sick or old person at home
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ca.ress
verb, noun
verb [vn] to touch sb/sth gently, especially in a sexual way or in a way that shows affection: His fingers caressed the back of her neck.

noun a gentle touch or kiss to show you love sb

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care.taker
noun, adj.
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE , ScotE jani.tor) (AmE also cus.to.dian) a person whose job is to take care of a building such as a school or a block of flats or an apartment building
2 (especially AmE) a person who takes care of a house or land while the owner is away
3 (especially AmE) a person such as a teacher, parent, nurse, etc., who takes care of other people

adj. [only before noun] in charge for a short time, until a new leader or government is chosen: a caretaker manager / government

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'care worker
(also 'care assistant) (both BrE) noun a person whose job is to help and take care of people who are mentally ill, sick or DISABLED , especially those who live in special homes or hospitals
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care.worn
adj. (written) looking tired because you have a lot of worries
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cargo
noun [C, U] (pl.-oes, AmE also -os) the goods carried in a ship or plane: The tanker began to spill its cargo of oil.  a cargo ship
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cari.bou
noun (pl.cari.bou) a N American REINDEER
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cari.ca.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a funny drawing or picture of sb that exaggerates some of their features
2 [C] a description of a person or thing that makes them seem ridiculous by exaggerating some of their characteristics: He had unfairly presented a caricature of my views.
3 [U] the art of drawing or writing caricatures
cari.ca.tur.ist noun

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to produce a caricature of sb; to describe or present sb as a type of person you would laugh at or not respect: She was unfairly caricatured as a dumb blonde.

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car.ies
noun [U] (medical ) decay in teeth or bones: dental caries
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car.il.lon
noun
1 a set of bells on which tunes can be played, sometimes using a piano keyboard
2 a tune played on bells
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car.ing
adj. [usually before noun] kind, helpful and showing that you care about other people: He’s a very caring person.  Children need a caring environment.   (BrE ) a caring profession (= a job that involves looking after or helping other people)
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car.jack.ing
noun [U, C] (especially AmE ) the crime of forcing the driver of a car to take you somewhere or give you their car, using threats and violence—compare HIJACKING
car.jack verb [vn]
car.jack.er noun
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car.load
noun the number of people or things that a car is carrying or is able to carry
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car.mine
adj. (rare, formal) dark red in colour
car.mine noun [U]
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carn.age
noun [U] the violent killing of a large number of people: a scene of carnage
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car.nal
adj. [usually before noun] (formal orlaw ) connected with the body or with sex: carnal desires / appetites
car.nal.ly adv.
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,carnal 'knowledge
noun [U] (old-fashioned orlaw ) = SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
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car.na.tion
noun a white, pink or red flower, often worn as a decoration on formal occasions: He was wearing a carnation in his buttonhole.
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car.ni.val
noun
1 [C, U] a public festival, usually one that happens at a regular time each year, that involves music and dancing in the streets, for which people wear colourful clothes: There is a local carnival every year.  the carnival in Rio  a carnival atmosphere
2 [C] (AmE) = FAIR n. (1)
3 [C] (AmE) = FÊTE
4 [sing.] ~ of sth (written) an exciting or colourful mixture of things: this summer’s carnival of sport
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car.ni.vore
noun any animal that eats meat—compare HERBIVORE , INSECTIVORE , OMNIVORE
car.ni.vor.ous adj.: a carnivorous diet—compare OMNIVOROUS
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carob
(also 'carob tree) noun a southern European tree with dark brown fruit that can be made into a powder that tastes like chocolate
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carol
noun, verb
noun (also ,Christmas 'carol) a Christian religious song sung at Christmas

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v, vn, v speech] (written) to sing sth in a cheerful way

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ca.rotid ar.tery
noun (anatomy ) either of the two large ARTERIES in the neck that carry blood to the head
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ca.rouse
verb [v] (literary) to spend time drinking alcohol, laughing and enjoying yourself in a noisy way with other people
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car.ou.sel
noun
1 (especially AmE) = MERRY-GO-ROUND (1)
2 a moving belt from which you collect your bags at an airport
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carp
noun, verb
noun [C, U] (pl.carp) a large FRESHWATER fish that is used for food

verb [v] ~ (at sb) (about sth) to keep complaining about sb/sth in an annoying way

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car.pal tun.nel syn.drome
noun [U] (medical ) a painful condition of the hand and fingers caused by pressure on a nerve because of repeated movements over a long period
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'car park
noun (BrE ) an area or a building where people can leave their cars—see also GARAGE , MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK —compare PARKING LOT
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car.pen.ter
noun a person whose job is making and repairing wooden objects and structures—compare JOINER
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car.pen.try
noun [U]
1 the work of a carpenter
2 things made by a carpenter
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car.pet
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] thick woollen or artificial fabric for covering floors or stairs: a roll of carpet
2 [C] a piece of carpet used as a floor covering, especially when shaped to fit a room: to lay a carpet  a bedroom carpet   (BrE) We have fitted carpets (= carpets from wall to wall) in our house.—see also CARPETING , RED CARPET , RUG
3 [C] ~ (of sth) (written) a thick layer of sth on the ground: a carpet of snow
IDM (be / get called) on the 'carpet (informal, especially AmE) called to see sb in authority because you have done sth wrong: I got called on the carpet for being late.—more at SWEEP v.

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to cover the floor of a room with a carpet: The hall was carpeted in blue.
2 ~ sth (with / in sth) (written) to cover sth with a thick layer of sth: The forest floor was carpeted with wild flowers.
3 (informal, especially BrE) to speak angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong
SYN REPRIMAND : Senior officials were carpeted for leaking information to the press.

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car.pet.bag.ger
noun
1 (disapproving) a politician who tries to be elected in an area where he or she is not known and is therefore not welcome
2 a person from the northern states of the US who went to the South after the Civil War in order to make money or get political power
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car.pet.ing
noun
1 [U] carpets in general or the material used for carpets: new offices with wall-to-wall carpeting   (AmE) We need new carpeting (= a new carpet) in the living room.
2 [C] (BrE, informal) an act of speaking angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong
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'carpet slipper
noun [usually pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) a type of SLIPPER (= a shoe that you wear in the house), with the upper part made of fabric
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'carpet sweeper
noun a simple machine for cleaning carpets, with a long handle and brushes that go round
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'car phone
noun a radio telephone for use in a car
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'car pool
noun
1 a group of car owners who take turns to drive everyone in the group to work, so that only one car is used at a time
2 (BrE) (also 'motor poolAmE, BrE) a group of cars owned by a company or an organization, that its staff can use
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car.port
noun a shelter for a car, usually built beside a house and consisting of a roof supported by posts
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car.rel
noun a small enclosed area with a desk, where one person can work in a library
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car.riage
noun
1 (also coach) (both BrE) (AmE car) [C] a separate section of a train for carrying passengers: a railway carriage
2 [C] a road vehicle, usually with four wheels, that is pulled by one or more horses and was used in the past to carry people: a horse-drawn carriage
3 (BrE) (also hand.lingAmE, BrE) [U] (formal) the act or cost of transporting goods from one place to another: £16.95 including VAT and carriage
4 [C] a moving part of a machine that supports or moves another part, for example on a TYPEWRITER : a carriage return (= the act of starting a new line when typing)
5 [sing.] (old-fashioned) the way in which sb holds and moves their head and body—see also BABY CARRIAGE , UNDERCARRIAGE
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'carriage house
noun (AmE ) = MEWS HOUSE
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car.riage.way
noun (BrE )
1 one of the two sides of a motorway or other large road, intended for traffic moving in one direction: the eastbound carriageway of the M50 motorway—see also DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
2 the part of a road intended for vehicles, not people walking, etc.
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car.rier
noun
1 a company that carries goods or passengers from one place to another, especially by air
2 a military vehicle or ship that carries soldiers or equipment from one place to another: an armoured personnel carrier—see also AIRCRAFT CARRIER , PEOPLE CARRIER
3 a person who passes a disease to other people but does not suffer from it
4 a metal frame that is fixed to a bicycle and used for carrying bags
5 a person or thing that carries sth: Aquarius, the Water Carrier  a baby carrier (= for carrying a baby on your back or in front of you)—picture at PUSHCHAIR
6 (BrE) = CARRIER BAG
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'carrier bag
(also car.rier) noun (BrE ) a paper or plastic bag for carrying shopping—picture at BAG
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'carrier pigeon
noun a PIGEON (= a type of bird) that has been trained to carry messages tied to its leg or neck
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car.rion
noun [U] the decaying flesh of dead animals: crows feeding on carrion—
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car.rot
noun
1 [U, C] a long pointed orange root vegetable: grated carrot  a pound of carrots—
2 [C] a reward promised to sb in order to persuade them to do sth: They are holding out a carrot of $120 million in economic aid.
IDM the carrot and (the) stick (approach) if you use the carrot and stick approach, you persuade sb to try harder by offering them a reward if they do, or a punishment if they do not
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car.roty
adj. (sometimes disapproving) (of hair) orange in colour
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carry
verb (car.ries, carry.ing, car.ried, car.ried)
TAKE WITH YOU|
1 [vn] to support the weight of sb/sth and take them or it from place to place; to take sb/sth from one place to another: He was carrying a suitcase.  She carried her baby in her arms.  The injured were carried away on stretchers.  a train carrying commuters to work
2 [vn] to have sth with you and take it wherever you go: Police in many countries carry guns.  I never carry much money on me.  note at WEAR
OF PIPES / WIRES|
3 [vn] to contain and direct the flow of water, electricity, etc: a pipeline carrying oil  The veins carry blood to the heart.
DISEASE|
4 if a person, an insect, etc. carries a disease, they are infected with it and might spread it to others although they might not become sick themselves: Ticks can carry a nasty disease which affects humans.
REMEMBER|
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ sth in your head / mind to be able to remember sth
SUPPORT WEIGHT|
6 [vn] to support the weight of sth: A road bridge has to carry a lot of traffic.
RESPONSIBILITY|
7 [vn] to accept responsibility for sth; to suffer the results of sth: He is carrying the department (= it is only working because of his efforts).  Their group was targeted to carry the burden of job losses.
HAVE AS QUALITY / FEATURE|
8 [vn] to have sth as a quality or feature: Her speech carried the ring of authority.  My views don’t carry much weight with (= have much influence on) the boss.  Each bike carries a ten-year guarantee.
9 [vn] to have sth as a result: Crimes of violence carry heavy penalties.  Being a combat sport, karate carries with it the risk of injury.
OF THROW / KICK|
10 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] if sth that is thrown, kicked, etc. carries a particular distance, it travels that distance before stopping: The fullback’s kick carried 50 metres into the crowd.
OF SOUND|
11 [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] if a sound carries, it can be heard a long distance away
TAKE TO PLACE / POSITION|
12 [vn] ~ sth/sb to / into sth to take sth/sb to a particular point or in a particular direction: The war was carried into enemy territory.  Her abilities carried her to the top of her profession.
APPROVAL / SUPPORT|
13 [vn] [usually passive] to approve of sth by more people voting for it than against it: The resolution was carried by 340 votes to 210.
14 [vn] to win the support or sympathy of sb; to persuade people to accept your argument: His moving speech was enough to carry the audience.  She nodded in agreement, and he saw he had carried his point.
HAVE LABEL|
15 [vn] to have a particular label or piece of information attached: Cigarettes must carry a health warning.
NEWS STORY|
16 [vn] if a newspaper or broadcast carries a particular story, it publishes or broadcasts it
ITEM IN STORE|
17 [vn] if a shop/store carries a particular item, it has it for sale: We carry a range of educational software.
BABY|
18 [vn] (be carrying sb) to be pregnant with sb: She was carrying twins.
YOURSELF|
19 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to hold or move your head or body in a particular way: to carry yourself well / proudly be / get carried a'way to get very excited or lose control of your feelings: I got carried away and started shouting at the television. carry all / everything be'fore you (written) to be completely successful carry the 'can (for sb/sth) (BrE, informal) to accept the blame for sth, especially when it is not your fault carry a torch for sb to be in love with sb, especially sb who does not love you in return—more at DAY , FAR adv. , FAST adv. , FETCH ,carry sb 'back (to sth) to make sb remember a time in the past: The smell of the sea carried her back to her childhood. ,carry sth<->'forward (also ,carry sth<->'over) to move a total amount from one column or page to the next ,carry sth<->'off
1 to win sth: He carried off most of the prizes.
2 to succeed in doing sth that most people would find difficult: She’s had her hair cut really short, but she can carry it off . ,carry 'on
1 (especially BrE) to continue moving: Carry on until you get to the junction, then turn left.
2 (informal) to argue or complain noisily: He was shouting and carrying on.—related noun CARRY-ON ,carry 'on (with sth)| ,carry sth<->'on to continue doing sth: Carry on with your work while I’m away.  After he left I just tried to carry on as normal (= do the things I usually do).  Carry on the good work! [+ -ing] He carried on peeling the potatoes. ,carry 'on (with sb) (old-fashioned) to have a sexual relationship with sb when you should not: His wife found out he’d been carrying on with another woman. ,carry sth<->'out
1 to do sth that you have said you will do or have been asked to do: to carry out a promise / a threat / a plan / an order
2 to do and complete a task: to carry out an inquiry / an investigation / a survey  Extensive tests have been carried out on the patient. ,carry 'over to continue to exist in a different situation: Attitudes learned at home carry over into the playground. ,carry sth<->'over
1 to keep sth from one situation and use it or deal with it in a different situation
2 to delay sth until a later time: The match had to be carried over until Sunday.
3 = CARRY STH FORWARD ,carry sb 'through| ,carry sb 'through sth to help sb to survive a difficult period: His determination carried him through the ordeal. ,carry sth 'through to complete sth successfully: It’s a difficult job but she’s the person to carry it through. ,carry 'through (on / with sth) (AmE) to do what you have said you will do: He has proved he can carry through on his promises.
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carry.cot
noun (BrE ) a small bed for a baby, with handles at the sides so you can carry it—picture at PUSHCHAIR
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'carry-on
noun
1 [usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a display of excitement, anger or silly behaviour over sth unimportant: What a carry-on!
2 (AmE) a small bag or case that you carry onto a plane with you: Only one carry-on is allowed.  carry-on baggage
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'carry-out
noun (AmE, ScotE ) = TAKEAWAY : Let’s get a carry-out.  carry-out coffees
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'car seat
noun
1 (also 'child seat) a special safety seat for a child, that can be fitted into a car—picture at CHAIR
2 a seat in a car
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car.sick
adj. [not usually before noun] feeling ill/sick because you are travelling in a car: Do you get carsick?
car.sick.ness noun [U]
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cart
noun, verb
noun
1 a vehicle with two or four wheels that is pulled by a horse and used for carrying loads: a horse and cart
2 (also hand.cart) a light vehicle with wheels that you pull or push by hand
3 (AmE) = TROLLEY : a shopping / baggage cart  a serving cart
4 (AmE) = BUGGY : a golf cart
IDM put the ,cart before the 'horse to put or do things in the wrong order

verb [vn]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to carry sth in a cart or other vehicle: The rubbish is then carted away for recycling.
2 [+adv. / prep.] (informal) to carry sth that is large, heavy or awkward in your hands: We had to cart our luggage up six flights of stairs.
3 [+adv. / prep.] (informal) to take sb somewhere, especially with difficulty: The demonstrators were carted off to the local police station.

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carte blanche
noun [U] (from French ) ~ (to do sth) the complete freedom or authority to do whatever you like: He was given carte blanche to say what he liked in the report.
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car.tel
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of separate companies that agree to increase profits by fixing prices and not competing with each other
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cart.horse
noun a large strong horse used especially in the past for heavy work on farms
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car.til.age
noun [U, C] the strong white FLEXIBLE substance found between the joints in the body; a piece of this: I’ve damaged the cartilage in my knee.
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cart.load
noun
1 the amount of sth that fills a CART
2 [usually pl.] (informal) a large amount of sth
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car.tog.raph.er
noun a person who draws or makes maps
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car.tog.raphy
noun [U] the art or process of drawing or making maps
carto.graph.ic adj.
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car.ton
noun
1 a light cardboard or plastic box or pot for holding goods, especially food or liquid; the contents of a carton : a milk carton / a carton of milk—picture at PACKAGING
2 (AmE) a large container in which goods are packed in smaller containers: a carton of cigarettes
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car.toon
noun
1 an amusing drawing in a newspaper or magazine, especially one about politics or events in the news
2 = COMIC STRIP
3 (also ,animated car'toon) a film/movie made by photographing a series of gradually changing drawings or models, so that they look as if they are moving: a Walt Disney cartoon  a cartoon character
4 (technical) a drawing made by an artist as a preparation for a painting
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car.toon.ist
noun a person who draws cartoons
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cart.ridge
noun
1 (AmE also shell) a tube or case containing explosive and a bullet or SHOT , for shooting from a gun
2 a case containing sth that is used in a machine, for example photographic film for a camera, ink for a printer, etc. Cartridges are put into the machine and can be removed and replaced when they are finished or empty.
3 a thin tube containing ink which you put inside a pen
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'cartridge paper
noun [U] (BrE ) thick strong paper for drawing on
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'cart track
noun (BrE ) a rough track that is not suitable for ordinary motor vehicles
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cart.wheel
noun
1 a fast physical movement in which you turn in a circle sideways by putting your hands on the ground and bringing your legs, one at a time, over your head: to do / turn cartwheels
2 the wheel of a CART
cart.wheel verb [v]
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carve
verb
1 to make objects, patterns, etc. by cutting away material from wood or stone: [vn] a richly carved doorway  The statue was carved out of a single piece of stone.  The piece of wood had been carved into the shape of a flower.  [v] She carves in both stone and wood.
2 [vn] to write sth on a surface by cutting into it: They carved their initials on the desk.
3 to cut a large piece of cooked meat into smaller pieces for eating: [vn] Who’s going to carve the turkey? [alsov, vnn]
4 [vn] [no passive] ~ sth (out) (for yourself) to work hard in order to have a successful career, reputation, etc: She has carved a place for herself in the fashion world.  Against all odds, he succeeded in carving out a career in the media.
IDM carved in 'stone (of a decision, plan, etc.) unable to be changed: People should remember that our proposals aren’t carved in stone.
PVR V ,carve sth<->'up (disapproving) to divide a company, an area of land, etc. into smaller parts in order to share it between people: They have been accused of carving up the industry for their own benefit.
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car.very
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) a restaurant that serves ROAST meat
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carv.ing
noun
1 [C, U] an object or a pattern made by cutting away material from wood or stone
2 [U] the art of making objects in this way
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'carving knife
noun a large sharp knife for cutting cooked meat—picture at CUTLERY
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'car wash
noun a place with special equipment, where you can pay to have your car washed
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Casa.nova
noun a man who has a lot of lovers
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cas.cade
noun, verb
noun
1 a small WATERFALL , especially one of several falling down a steep slope with rocks
2 a large amount of water falling or pouring down: a cascade of rainwater
3 (written) a large amount of sth hanging down: Her hair tumbled in a dark brown cascade down her back.
4 (written) a large number of things falling or coming quickly at the same time: He crashed to the ground in a cascade of oil cans.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to flow downwards in large amounts: Water cascaded down the mountainside.
2 (written) to fall or hang in large amounts: Blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders.
cas.cad.ing adj. [only before noun]: cascading waterfalls / hair

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case
noun, verb
noun
SITUATION|
1 [C] a particular situation or a situation of a particular type: In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.  The company only dismisses its employees in cases of gross misconduct.  It’s a classic case (= a very typical case) of bad planning.—see also WORST-CASE
2 (the case) [sing.] ~ (that … ) the true situation: If that is the case (= if the situation described is true), we need more staff.  It is simply not the case that prison conditions are improving.
3 [C, usually sing.] a situation that relates to a particular person or thing: In your case, we are prepared to be lenient.  I cannot make an exception in your case (= for you and not for others).
POLICE INVESTIGATION|
4 [C] a matter that is being officially investigated, especially by the police: a murder case  a case of theft
IN COURT OF LAW|
5 [C] a question to be decided in a court of law: The case will be heard next week.  a court case  to win / lose a case—see also TEST CASE
ARGUMENTS|
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for / against sth) a set of facts or arguments that support one side in a court of law, discussion, etc: the case for the defence / prosecution  Our lawyer didn’t think we had a case (= had enough good arguments to win in a court of law).  the case for / against private education  The report makes out a strong case (= gives good arguments) for spending more money on hospitals.
CONTAINER|
7 [C] (often in compounds) a container or covering used to protect or store things; a container with its contents or the amount that it contains: a pencil case  a jewellery case  a packing case (= a large wooden box for packing things in)  The museum was full of stuffed animals in glass cases.  a case (= 12 bottles) of champagne—picture at GRANDFATHER CLOCK
8 [C] = SUITCASE : Let me carry your case for you.
OF DISEASE|
9 [C] the fact of sb having a disease or an injury; a person suffering from a disease or an injury: a severe case of typhoid  The most serious cases were treated at the scene of the accident.
PERSON|
10 [C] a person who needs, or is thought to need, special treatment or attention: He’s a hopeless case.
GRAMMAR|
11 [C, U] the form of a noun, an adjective or a pronoun in some languages, that shows its relationship to another word: the nominative / accusative / genitive case  Latin nouns have case, number and gender. as the ,case may 'be used to say that one of two or more possibilities is true, but which one is true depends on the circumstances: There may be an announcement about this tomorrow—or not, as the case may be. be on sb’s 'case (informal) to criticize sb all the time: She’s always on my case about cleaning my room. be on the 'case to be dealing with a particular matter, especially a criminal investigation: We have two agents on the case. get off my 'case (spoken) used to tell sb to stop criticizing you a case in 'point a clear example of the problem, situation, etc. that is being discussed in 'any case whatever happens or may have happened: There’s no point complaining now—we’re leaving tomorrow in any case. (just) in case ( … ) because of the possibility of sth happening: You’d better take the keys in case I’m out.  You probably won’t need to call—but take my number, just in case.  In case (= if it is true that) you’re wondering why Jo’s here—let me explain … in case of sth (often on official notices) if sth happens: In case of fire, ring the alarm bell. in 'that case if that happens or has happened; if that is the situation: ‘I’ve made up my mind.’‘In that case, there’s no point discussing it’—more at REST v.

verb [vn] case the joint (informal) to look carefully around a building so that you can plan how to steal things from it at a later time

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case.book
noun a written record kept by doctors, lawyers, etc. of cases they have dealt with
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cased
adj. ~ in sth completely covered with a particular material: The towers are made of steel cased in granite.—see also CASING
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,case 'history
noun a record of a person’s background, past illnesses, etc. that a doctor or SOCIAL WORKER studies
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'case law
noun [U] (law ) law based on decisions made by judges in earlier cases —compare COMMON LAW , STATUTE LAW —see also TEST CASE
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case.load
noun all the people that a doctor, SOCIAL WORKER , etc. is responsible for at one time: a heavy caseload
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case.ment
(also ,casement 'window) noun a window that opens on HINGES like a door—picture at HOUSE
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'case study
noun a detailed account of the development of a person, a group of people or a situation over a period of time
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case.work
noun [U] social work (= work done to help people in the community with special needs) involving the study of a particular person’s family and background
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case.work.er
noun (especially AmE ) a SOCIAL WORKER who helps a particular person or family in the community with special needs
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cash
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 money in the form of coins or notes/bills: How much cash do you have on you?  Payments can be made by cheque or in cash .  Customers are offered a 10% discount if they pay cash .  The thieves stole £500 in cash .—see also HARD CASH , PETTY CASH
2 (informal) money in any form: The museum needs to find ways of raising cash.  I’m short of cash right now.  I’m constantly strapped for cash (= without enough money).
IDM cash 'down (BrE) (also ,cash up 'frontAmE, BrE) with immediate payment of cash : to pay for sth cash down ,cash in 'hand (BrE, informal) if you pay for goods and services cash in hand, you pay in cash , especially so that the person being paid can avoid paying tax on the amount ,cash on de'livery (abbr.COD) a system of paying for goods when they are delivered

verb [vn] ~ a cheque / check to exchange a cheque/check for the amount of money that it is worth
PVR V ,cash 'in (on sth) (disapproving) to gain an advantage for yourself from a situation, especially in a way that other people think is wrong or immoral: The film studio is being accused of cashing in on the singer’s death. ,cash sth<->'in to exchange sth, such as an insurance policy, for money before the date on which it would normally end ,cash 'up (BrE) (AmE ,cash 'out) to add up the amount of money that has been received in a shop/store, club, etc., especially at the end of the day

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,cash and 'carry
noun [C, U] a large WHOLESALE shop/store that sells goods in large quantities at low prices to customers from other businesses who pay in cash and take the goods away themselves; the system of buying and selling goods in this way
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'cash card
noun (BrE ) (AmE AT'M card) a plastic card used to get money from a CASH DISPENSER (= a machine in or outside a bank)—compare CHEQUE CARD , DEBIT CARD
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'cash cow
noun (business ) the part of a business that always makes a profit and that provides money for the rest of the business
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'cash crop
noun a crop grown for selling, rather than for use by the person who grows it—compare SUBSISTENCE
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'cash desk
noun (BrE ) the place in a shop/store where you pay for goods that you have bought
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'cash dispenser
noun (BrE ) = CASH MACHINE
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cashew
(also 'cashew nut) noun the small curved nut of the tropical American cashew tree, used in cooking and often eaten salted with alcoholic drinks—picture at NUT
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'cash flow
noun [C, U] the movement of money into and out of a business as goods are bought and sold: a healthy cash flow (= having enough money to make payments when necessary)  cash-flow problems
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cash.ier
noun, verb
noun a person whose job is to receive and pay out money in a bank, shop/store, hotel, etc.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb leave the army, navy or air force because they have done sth wrong

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cash.less
adj. done or working without using cash: We are moving towards the cashless society.
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'cash machine
(BrE also 'cash dispenser, 'cash.point) (also ATMAmE, BrE) noun a machine in or outside a bank, etc., from which you can get money from your bank account using a special plastic card
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cash.mere
noun [U] fine soft wool made from the long hair of a type of goat, used especially for making expensive clothes: a cashmere sweater  The scarf is 70% cashmere.
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'cash register
(BrE also till) (AmE also regis.ter) noun a machine used in shops/stores, restaurants, etc. that has a drawer for keeping money in, and that shows and records the amount of money received for each thing that is sold
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'cash-starved
adj. [only before noun] without enough money, usually because another organization, such as the government, has failed to provide it: cash-starved public services
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'cash-strapped
adj. [only before noun] without enough money: cash-strapped governments / shoppers
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cas.ing
noun [C, U] a covering that protects sth
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ca.sino
noun (pl.-os) a public building or room where people play gambling games for money
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cask
noun a small wooden BARREL used for storing liquids, especially alcoholic drinks; the amount contained in a cask : a wine cask / a cask of wine
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cas.ket
noun
1 a small decorated box for holding jewels or other valuable things, especially in the past
2 (AmE) = COFFIN
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cas.sava
noun [U] a type of flour made from the thick roots of a tropical plant
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cas.ser.ole
noun
1 [C, U] a hot dish made with meat, vegetables, etc. that are cooked slowly in liquid in an oven: a chicken casserole  Is there any casserole left?
2 [C] (also 'casserole dish) a container with a lid used for cooking meat, etc. in liquid in an oven—picture at PAN
cas.ser.ole verb [vn] —
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cas.sette
noun
1 a small flat plastic case containing tape for playing or recording music or sound: a cassette recorder / player  available on cassette   a video cassette (= for recording sound and pictures)
2 a plastic case containing photographic film that can be put into a camera
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cas.sock
noun a long piece of clothing, usually black or red, worn by some Christian priests and other people with special duties in a church
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cast
verb, noun
verb (cast, cast)
A LOOK / GLANCE / SMILE|
1 to look, smile, etc. in a particular direction: [vn] She cast a welcoming smile in his direction. [alsovnn]
LIGHT / A SHADOW|
2 [vn] to make light, a shadow, etc. appear in a particular place: The setting sun cast an orange glow over the mountains.   (figurative) The sad news cast a shadow over the proceedings (= made people feel unhappy).
DOUBT|
3 [vn] ~ doubt / aspersions (on / upon sth) to say, do or suggest sth that makes people doubt sth or think that sb is less honest, good, etc: This latest evidence casts serious doubt on his version of events.
FISHING LINE|
4 [v, vn] to throw one end of a FISHING LINE into a river, etc.
THROW|
5 [vn] (literary) to throw sb/sth somewhere, especially using force: The priceless treasures had been cast into the Nile.  They cast anchor at nightfall.
SKIN|
6 [vn] when a snake casts its skin, the skin comes off as part of a natural process
SYN SHED
SHOE|
7 [vn] if a horse casts a shoe, the shoe comes off by accident
ACTORS|
8 ~ sb (as sb) to choose actors to play the different parts in a film/movie, play, etc.; to choose an actor to play a particular role: [vn] The play is being cast in both the US and Britain.  He has cast her as an ambitious lawyer in his latest movie. [alsov]
DESCRIBE|
9 [vn] ~ sb (as sth)| ~ sb (in sth) to describe or present sb in a particular way: He cast himself as the innocent victim of a hate campaign.  The press were quick to cast her in the role of ‘the other woman’.
VOTE|
10 [vn] ~ a / your vote / ballot (for sb/sth) to vote for sb/sth
SHAPE METAL|
11 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to shape hot liquid metal, etc. by pouring it into a hollow container (called a MOULD ): a statue cast in bronze   (figurative) an artist cast in the mould of (= very similar to) Miro cast your mind back (to sth) to make yourself think about sth that happened in the past: I want you to cast your minds back to the first time you met. cast your net wide to consider a lot of different people, activities, possibilities, etc. when you are looking for sth: It’s worth casting your net wide when applying for your first job. cast a 'spell (on sb/sth) to use words that are thought to be magic and have the power to change or influence sb/sth—more at ADRIFT , CAUTION n. , DIE n. , EYE n. , LIGHT n. , LOT n. ,cast a'bout / a'round for sth (written) to try hard to think of or find sth, especially when this is difficult: She cast around desperately for a safe topic of conversation. ,cast sb/sth<->a'side (formal) to get rid of sb/sth because you no longer want or need them
SYN DISCARD be ,cast a'way to be left somewhere after a SHIPWRECK —related noun CASTAWAY be ,cast 'down (by sth) (literary) to be sad or unhappy about sth—see also DOWNCAST ,cast 'off| ,cast sth<->'off
1 to undo the ropes that are holding a boat in a fixed position, in order to sail away
2 (in knitting) to remove stitches from the needles in a way that forms an edge that will not come undone ,cast sth<->'off (written) to get rid of sth because you no longer want or need it: The town is still trying to cast off its dull image. ,cast 'on| ,cast sth<->'on (in knitting) to put the first row of stitches on a needle ,cast sb/sth<->'out (literary) to get rid of sb/sth, especially by using force: He claimed to have the power to cast out demons.—related noun OUTCAST

noun
ACTORS|
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people who act in a play or film/movie: The whole cast performs / perform brilliantly.  members of the cast  an all-star cast (= including many well-known actors)  the supporting cast (= not the main actors, but the others)  a cast list
IN SHAPING METAL|
2 [C] an object that is made by pouring hot liquid metal, etc. into a MOULD (= a specially shaped container)
3 [C] a shaped container used to make an object
SYN MOULD
APPEARANCE|
4 [sing.] (BrE, formal) the way that a person or a thing is or appears: He has an unusual cast of mind .  I disliked the arrogant cast to her mouth.
THROW|
5 [C] an act of throwing sth, especially a fishing line
ON ARM / LEG|
6 [C] = PLASTER CAST : Her leg’s in a cast .—see also OPENCAST

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cas.ta.nets
noun [pl.] a musical instrument that consists of two small round pieces of wood that you hold in the hand and hit together with the fingers to make a noise. Castanets are used especially by Spanish dancers.
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cast.away
noun a person whose ship has sunk (= who has been SHIPWRECKED ) and who has had to swim to a lonely place, usually an island
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caste
noun
1 [C] any of the four main divisions of Hindu society, originally those made according to functions in society: the caste system  high-caste Brahmins
2 [C] a social class, especially one whose members do not allow others to join it: the ruling caste
3 [U] the system of dividing society into classes based on differences in family origin, rank or wealth
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cas.tel.lated
adj. (architecture ) built in the style of a castle with BATTLEMENTS
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cas.ter
(AmE ) = CASTOR
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,caster 'sugar
(also ,castor 'sugar) noun [U] (BrE ) white sugar in the form of very fine grains, used in cooking
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cas.ti.gate
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth) (formal) to criticize sb/sth severely: He castigated himself for being so stupid.
cas.ti.ga.tion noun [U]
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cast.ing
noun
1 [U] the process of choosing actors for a play or film/movie
2 [C] an object made by pouring hot liquid metal, etc. into a MOULD (= a specially shaped container)
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,casting 'vote
noun [usually sing.] the vote given by the person in charge of an official meeting to decide an issue when votes on each side are equal
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,cast 'iron
noun [U] a hard type of iron that does not bend easily and is shaped by pouring the hot liquid metal into a MOULD (= a specially shaped container)—compare WROUGHT IRON
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,cast-'iron
adj.
1 made of cast iron : a cast-iron bridge
2 very strong or certain; that cannot be broken or fail: a cast-iron guarantee / promise  a cast-iron excuse / alibi
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cas.tle
noun
1 a large strong building with thick high walls and towers, built in the past by kings or queens, or other important people, to defend themselves against attack: Windsor Castle  a medieval castle—see also SANDCASTLE
2 (also rook) (in the game of CHESS ) any of the four pieces placed in the corner squares of the board at the start of the game, usually made to look like a castle —
IDM (build) castles in the 'air (BrE) (to have) plans or dreams that are not likely to happen or come true—more at ENGLISHMAN
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'cast-off
(BrE ) (also 'hand-me-downAmE, BrE) noun [usually pl.] a piece of clothing that the original owner no longer wants to wear
'cast-off (BrE) (also 'hand-me-downAmE, BrE) adj.: a cast-off overcoat
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cas.tor
(BrE ) (AmEcas.ter) noun one of the small wheels fixed to the bottom of a piece of furniture so that it can be moved easily—picture at CHAIR
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,castor 'oil
noun [U] a thick yellow oil obtained from a tropical plant and used in the past as a type of medicine, usually as a LAXATIVE
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,castor 'sugar
noun [U] = CASTER SUGAR
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cas.trate
verb [vn] to remove the TESTICLES of a male animal or person
cas.tra.tion noun [U, C]
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cas.ual
adj., noun
adj.
WITHOUT CARE / ATTENTION|
1 [usually before noun] not showing much care or thought; seeming not to be worried; not wanting to show that sth is important to you: a casual manner  It was just a casual remark—I wasn’t really serious.  He tried to sound casual, but I knew he was worried.  They have a casual attitude towards safety (= they don’t care enough).
2 [usually before noun] without paying attention to detail: a casual glance  It’s obvious even to the casual observer.
NOT FORMAL|
3 not formal: casual clothes (= comfortable clothes that you choose to wear in your free time)  family parties and other casual occasions
WORK|
4 [usually before noun] (BrE) not permanent; not done, or doing sth regularly: casual workers / labour  Students sometimes do casual work in the building or tourist trades.  They are employed on a casual basis (= they do not have a permanent job with the company).
RELATIONSHIP|
5 [usually before noun] without deep affection: a casual acquaintance  a casual friendship  to have casual sex (= to have sex without having a steady relationship with that partner)
BY CHANCE|
6 [only before noun] happening by chance; doing sth by chance: a casual encounter / meeting  a casual passer-by  The exhibition is interesting to both the enthusiast and the casual visitor.  The disease is not spread by casual contact.
cas.ual.ly adv.: ‘What did he say about me?’ she asked as casually as she could.  They chatted casually on the phone.  dressed casually in jeans and T-shirt
cas.ual.ness noun [U]: He was sure that the casualness of the gesture was deliberate.

noun (BrE )
CLOTHES|
1 (casuals) [pl.] informal clothes or shoes: dressed in casuals
WORKER|
2 [C] a casual worker (= one who does not work permanently for a company)

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casu.alty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a person who is killed or injured in war or in an accident: road casualties  Both sides had suffered heavy casualties (= many people had been killed).
2 [C] a person that suffers or a thing that is destroyed when sth else takes place: She became a casualty of the reduction in part-time work (= she lost her job).  Small shops have been a casualty of the recession.
3 [U] (also 'casualty department, ,accident and e'mergency) (all BrE) (AmE e'mergency room) the part of a hospital where people who need urgent treatment are taken: The victims were rushed to casualty in an ambulance.
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casu.is.try
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) a way of solving moral or legal problems by using clever arguments that may be false
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cat
noun
1 a small animal with soft fur that people often keep as a pet. Cats catch and kill birds and mice: cat food—see also KITTEN , TOMCAT
2 a wild animal of the cat family: the big cats (= lions, TIGERS , etc.)—see also FAT CAT , WILDCAT
IDM be the cat’s 'whiskers / py'jamas (informal) to be the best thing, person, idea, etc: He thinks he’s the cat’s whiskers (= he has a high opinion of himself). let the 'cat out of the bag to tell a secret carelessly or by mistake: I wanted it to be a surprise, but my sister let the cat out of the bag. like a ,cat on hot 'bricks (BrE) very nervous: She was like a cat on hot bricks before her driving test. like a cat that’s got the 'cream very pleased with yourself
SYN SMUG look like sth the 'cat brought in (informal) (of a person) to look dirty and untidy not have / stand a cat in 'hell’s chance (of doing sth) to have no chance at all play (a game of) ,cat and 'mouse with sb | play a ,cat-and-'mouse game with sb to play a cruel game with sb in your power by changing your behaviour very often, so that they become nervous and do not know what to expect put / set the cat among the 'pigeons (BrE) to say or do sth that is likely to cause trouble when the cat’s a'way the mice will 'play (saying) people enjoy themselves more and behave with greater freedom when the person in charge of them is not there—more at RAIN v. , ROOM n.
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cata.clysm
noun (formal) a sudden disaster or a violent event that causes change, for example a flood or a war
cata.clys.mic adj. [usually before noun]
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cata.combs
noun [pl.] a series of underground tunnels used for burying dead people, especially in ancient times
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cata.logue
(AmE also cata.log) noun, verb
noun
1 a complete list of items, for example of things that people can look at or buy: a mail-order catalogue (= a book showing goods for sale to be sent to people’s homes)  to consult the library catalogue  An illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition.  an online catalogue
2 a long series of things that happen (usually bad things): a catalogue of disasters / errors / misfortunes

verb [vn]
1 to arrange a list of things in order in a catalogue ; to record sth in a catalogue
2 to give a list of things connected with a particular person, event, etc: Interviews with the refugees catalogue a history of discrimination and violence.

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cata.lyse
(BrE ) (AmEcata.lyze) verb [vn] (chemistry ) to make a chemical reaction happen faster
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cata.lyst
noun
1 (chemistry) a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen faster without being changed itself
2 ~ (for sth) a person or thing that causes a change: I see my role as being a catalyst for change.
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cata.lyt.ic con.vert.er
noun a device used in the EXHAUST system of motor vehicles to reduce the damage caused to the environment
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cata.ma.ran
noun a fast sailing boat with two HULLS —picture at BOAT —compare TRIMARAN
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cata.pult
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE sling.shot) a stick shaped like a Y with a rubber band attached to it, used by children for shooting stones
2 a weapon used in the past to throw heavy stones
3 a machine used for sending planes up into the air from a ship

verb [+adv. / prep.] to throw sb/sth or be thrown suddenly and violently through the air: [vn] She was catapulted out of the car as it hit the wall.   (figurative) The movie catapulted him to international stardom. [alsov]

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cat.ar.act
noun
1 a medical condition that affects the LENS of the eye and causes a gradual loss of sight
2 (literary) a large steep WATERFALL
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ca.tarrh
noun [U] thick liquid (called PHLEGM ) that you have in your nose and throat because, for example, you have a cold
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ca.tas.trophe
noun
1 a sudden disaster that causes many people to suffer: Early warnings of rising water levels prevented another major catastrophe.
2 an event that causes one person or a group of people personal suffering, or that makes difficulties: The attempt to expand the business was a catastrophe for the firm.  We’ve had a few catastrophes with the food for the party.
cata.stroph.ic adj.: catastrophic effects / losses / results   (AmE) a catastrophic illness (= one that costs a very large amount to treat)
cata.stroph.ic.al.ly adv.
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cata.ton.ic
adj. (medical ) not able to move or show any reaction to things because of illness, shock, etc: a catatonic trance
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'cat burglar
noun a thief who climbs up the outside of a building in order to enter it and steal sth
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cat.call
noun [usually pl.] a noise or shout expressing anger at or disapproval of sb who is speaking or performing in public
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catch
verb, noun
verb (caught, caught )
HOLD|
1 [vn] to stop and hold a moving object, especially in your hands: She managed to catch the keys as they fell.  ‘Throw me over that towel, will you?’‘OK. Catch!’  The dog caught the stick in its mouth.
2 [vn] to hold a liquid when it falls: The roof was leaking and I had to use a bucket to catch the drips.
3 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take hold of sb/sth: He caught hold of her arm as she tried to push past him.
CAPTURE|
4 [vn] to capture a person or an animal that tries or would try to escape: The murderer was never caught.  Our cat is hopeless at catching mice.  How many fish did you catch?
SB DOING STH|
5 to find or discover sb doing sth, especially sth wrong: [vn -ing] I caught her smoking in the bathroom.  You wouldn’t catch me working (= I would never work) on a Sunday!  She caught herself wondering whether she had made a mistake.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] He was caught with bomb-making equipment in his home.  Mark walked in and caught them at it (= in the act of doing sth wrong).  thieves caught in the act   You’ve caught me at a bad time (= at a time when I am busy).
BE IN TIME|
6 [vn] to be in time to do sth, talk to sb, etc: I caught him just as he was leaving the building.  I was hoping to catch you at home (= to telephone you at home when you were there).  The illness can be treated provided it’s caught (= discovered) early enough.   (BrE) to catch the post (= post letters before the box is emptied)   (BrE, spoken) Bye for now! I’ll catch you later (= speak to you again later).
BUS / TRAIN / PLANE|
7 [vn] to be in time for a bus, train, plane, etc. and get on it: We caught the 12.15 from Oxford.  I must go—I have a train to catch.
HAPPEN UNEXPECTEDLY|
8 [vn] to happen unexpectedly and put sb in a difficult situation: His arrival caught me by surprise .  She got caught in a thunderstorm.
SEE / HEAR|
9 [vn] (informal, especially AmE) to see or hear sth; to attend sth: Let’s eat now and maybe we could catch a movie later.
ILLNESS|
10 [vn] to get an illness: to catch measles  I think I must have caught this cold from you.
BECOME STUCK|
11 ~ (sth) (in / on sth) to become stuck in or on sth; to make sth become stuck: [v] Her dress caught on a nail.  [vn] He caught his thumb in the door.
HIT|
12 [+adv. / prep.] to hit sb/sth: [vn] The stone caught him on the side of the head.  [vnn] She caught him a blow on the chin.
NOTICE|
13 [vn] to notice sth only for a moment: She caught sight of a car in the distance.  He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.  I caught a look of surprise on her face.  He caught a whiff of her perfume.
HEAR / UNDERSTAND|
14 [vn] to hear or understand sth: Sorry, I didn’t quite catch what you said.
INTEREST|
15 [vn] ~ sb’s interest, imagination, attention, etc. if sth catches your interest, etc., you notice it and feel interested in it
SHOW ACCURATELY|
16 [vn] to show or describe sth accurately: The artist has caught her smile perfectly.
LIGHT|
17 [vn] if sth catches the light or the light catches it, the light shines on it and makes it shine too: The knife gleamed as it caught the light .
THE SUN|
18 [vn] (informal) if you catch the sun, you become red or brown because of spending time in the sun
BURN|
19 to begin to burn: [vn] The wooden rafters caught fire .  [v] These logs are wet: they won’t catch.
IN CRICKET|
20 [vn] to make a player unable to continue BATTING by catching the ball they have hit before it touches the ground catch your 'breath
1 to stop breathing for a moment because of fear, shock, etc.
2 to breathe normally again after running or doing some tiring exercise catch your 'death (of 'cold) (old-fashioned, informal) to catch a very bad cold catch sb’s 'eye to attract sb’s attention: Can you catch the waiter’s eye? 'catch it (BrE) (AmE catch 'hell, 'get it) (spoken) to be punished or spoken to angrily about sth: If your dad finds out you’ll really catch it! catch sb 'napping (BrE) to get an advantage over sb by doing sth when they are not expecting it and not ready for it catch sb on the 'hop to surprise sb by doing sth when they are not expecting it and not ready for it catch sb red-'handed to catch sb in the act of doing sth wrong or committing a crime catch sb with their 'pants down (BrE also catch sb with their 'trousers down) (informal) to arrive or do sth when sb is not expecting it and not ready, especially when they are in an embarrassing situation—more at BALANCE n. , CLEFT adj. , FANCY n. , RAW n. , ROCK n. , SHORT adj. 'catch at sth = CLUTCH AT STH ,catch 'on to become popular or fashionable: He invented an electric car, but it never really caught on. ,catch 'on (to sth) (informal) to understand sth: He is very quick to catch on to things. ,catch sb 'out
1 to surprise sb and put them in a difficult position: Many investors were caught out by the fall in share prices.
2 to show that sb does not know much or is doing sth wrong: They tried to catch her out with a difficult question. ,catch 'up on sth
1 to spend extra time doing sth because you have not done it earlier: I have a lot of work to catch up on.
2 to find out about things that have happened: We spent the evening catching up on each other’s news. be / get ,caught 'up in sth to become involved in sth, especially when you do not want to be: Innocent passers-by got caught up in the riots. ,catch 'up (with sb) (BrE also ,catch sb 'up)
1 to reach sb who is ahead by going faster: Go on ahead. I’ll catch up with you.  I’ll catch you up.
2 to reach the same level or standard as sb who was better or more advanced: After missing a term through illness he had to work hard to catch up with the others. ,catch 'up with sb
1 to finally start to cause problems for sb after they have managed to avoid this for some time: She was terrified that one day her past problems would catch up with her.
2 if the police or authorities catch up with sb, they find and punish them after some time: The law caught up with him years later when he had moved to Spain.

noun
OF BALL|
1 [C] an act of catching sth, for example a ball: to make a catch
AMOUNT CAUGHT|
2 [C] the total amount of things that are caught: a huge catch of fish
FASTENING|
3 [C] a device used for fastening sth: a catch on the door  safety catches for the windows
DIFFICULTY|
4 [C, usually sing.] a hidden difficulty or disadvantage: All that money for two hours' work—what’s the catch?
CHILD’S GAME|
5 [U] a child’s game in which two people throw a ball to each other
PERSON|
6 [sing.] (old-fashioned) a person that other people see as a good person to marry, employ, etc. (a) catch-22 | a catch-22 situation (informal) a difficult situation from which there is no escape because you need to do one thing before doing a second, and you cannot do the second thing before doing the first: I can’t get a job because I haven’t got anywhere to live but I can’t afford a place to live until I get a job—it’s a catch-22 situation.

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'catch-all
noun
1 (especially AmE) a thing for holding many small objects
2 a group or a description that includes different things and that does not state clearly what is included or not
'catch-all adj. [only before noun]: a catch-all phrase / term
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catch.er
noun
1 (in baseball) the player who stands behind the BATTER and catches the ball if he or she does not hit it—
2 (usually in compounds) a person or thing that catches sth: a rat catcher
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catch.ing
adj. [not before noun]
1 (of a disease) easily caught by one person from another
SYN INFECTIOUS
2 (of an emotion or a mood) passing quickly from one person to another
SYN INFECTIOUS : Try to be as enthusiastic as possible (enthusiasm is catching)!
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catch.ment area
noun
1 (BrE) the area from which a school takes its students, a hospital its patients, etc.
2 (also catch.ment) (technical) the area from which rain flows into a particular river or lake
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catch.phrase
noun a popular phrase that is connected with the politician or entertainer who used it and made it famous
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catchy
adj. (informal) (of music or the words of an advertisement) pleasing and easily remembered: a catchy tune / slogan
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cat.ech.ism
noun [usually sing.] a set of questions and answers that are used for teaching people about the beliefs of the Christian religion
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cat.egor.ic.al
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) expressed clearly and in a way that shows that you are very sure about what you are saying: to make a categorical statement  to give a categorical assurance
cat.egor.ic.al.ly adv.: He categorically rejected our offer.
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cat.egor.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to put people or things into groups according to what type they are
SYN CLASSIFY : Participants were categorized according to age and sex.  His latest work cannot be categorized as either a novel or an autobiography.
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cat.egory
noun (pl.-ies) a group of people or things with particular features in common: Students over 25 fall into a different category .  The results of this survey can be divided into three main categories .
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cater
verb ~ (for sb/sth) to provide food and drinks for a social event: [v] (BrE ) Most of our work now involves catering for weddings.  [vn] (AmE ) Who will be catering the wedding?
PVR V 'cater for sb/sth to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants: The class caters for all ability ranges. 'cater to sb/sth to provide the things that a particular type or person wants, especially things that you do not approve of: They only publish novels which cater to the mass market.
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cater.er
noun a person or company whose job is to provide food and drinks at a business meeting or for a special occasion such as a wedding
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cater.ing
noun [U] the work of providing food and drinks for meetings or social events: Who did the catering for your son’s wedding?
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cat.er.pil.lar
noun a small creature like a worm with legs, that develops into a BUTTERFLY or MOTH (= flying insects with large, sometimes colourful, wings). Caterpillars eat the leaves of plants.—
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cat.er.waul
verb [v] to make the loud unpleasant noise that is typical of a cat
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cat.fish
noun (pl.cat.fish) a large fish with long stiff hairs, like a cat’s WHISKERS , around its mouth. There are several types of catfish , most of which are FRESHWATER fish.
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'cat flap
(BrE ) (AmE 'cat door) noun a hole cut in the bottom of the door to a house, covered by a piece of plastic that swings, so a pet cat can go in and out
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cat.gut
(also gut) noun [U] thin strong twisted string made from the INTESTINES of sheep and used in making musical instruments
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cath.ar.sis
noun [U, C] (pl.catharses ) (technical ) the process of releasing strong feelings, for example through plays or other artistic activities, as a way of providing RELIEF from anger, suffering, etc.
cath.ar.tic adj.: It was a cathartic experience.
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cath.edral
noun the main church of a district, under the care of a BISHOP (= a priest of high rank): St Paul’s Cathedral   (BrE ) a cathedral city
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Cath.er.ine wheel
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually pin.wheel) noun a flat, circular FIREWORK that spins around when lit
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cath.eter
noun a thin tube that is put into the body in order to remove liquid such as URINE
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cath.ode
noun (technical ) the point (or TERMINAL ) in a battery or other electrical device where the electric current leaves.—compare ANODE
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,cathode 'ray tube
noun a VACUUM tube inside a television or computer screen, etc. from which a beam of ELECTRONS produces images on the screen
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Cath.olic
noun = ROMAN CATHOLIC : They’re Catholics.
Cath.oli.cism noun [U] = ROMAN CATHOLICISM
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cath.olic
adj.
1 (Catholic) = ROMAN CATHOLIC : Are they Catholic or Protestant?  a Catholic church
2 (often Catholic) (technical) connected with all Christians or the whole Christian Church
3 (formal) including many or most things: to have catholic tastes (= to like many different things)
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cat.kin
noun a long thin hanging bunch, or short upright group, of soft flowers on the branches of trees such as the WILLOW
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cat.mint
(BrE ) (also cat.nip , AmE, BrE) noun [U] a plant that has white flowers with purple spots, hairy leaves and a smell that is attractive to cats
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cat.nap
noun a short sleep
cat.nap verb (-pp-) [v]
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,cat’s 'cradle
noun
1 [U] a game in which you wrap string around the fingers of both hands to make different patterns
2 [C] a pattern made with string in a game of cat’s cradle
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Cats.eye
™noun (BrE ) one of a line of small objects that are fixed into a road and that reflect a car’s lights in order to guide traffic at night
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cat.suit
noun a piece of women’s clothing that fits closely and covers the body and legs
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cat.tery
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) a place where people can pay to leave their cats to be cared for while they are away
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cat.tle
noun [pl.] cows and BULLS that are kept as farm animals for their milk or meat: a herd of cattle  twenty head of cattle (= twenty cows)  dairy / beef cattle
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'cattle grid
(BrE ) (AmE 'cattle guard) noun metal bars that are placed over a hole that has been made in the road. Cars can pass over the metal bars but animals such as sheep and cows cannot.
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catty
adj. (informal) (of a woman) saying unkind things about other people
SYN BITCHY , SPITEFUL : a catty comment
cat.ti.ness noun [U]
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,catty-'corner(ed)
(also ,kitty-'corner(ed)) adj., adv. (AmE , informal) opposite and at a DIAGONAL angle from sth/sb: a restaurant catty-corner from the theater  Motorcyclists cut catty-cornered across his yard.
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cat.walk
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE run.way) the long stage that models walk on during a fashion show
2 a narrow platform for people to walk on, for example along the outside of a building or a bridge
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Cau.ca.sian
noun a member of any of the races of people who have pale skin
Cau.ca.sian adj.: The police are looking for a Caucasian male in his forties.
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cau.cus
noun
1 (especially AmE) a meeting of the members or leaders of a political party to choose candidates or to decide policy; the members or leaders of a political party as a group: 20 states will hold precinct caucuses on Tuesday to choose delegates to the parties' national conventions.
2 a group of people with similar interests, often within a larger organization or political party: the Congressional Black Caucus
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caught
pt, pp of CATCH
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caul.dron
(AmE also cal.dron) noun a large deep pot for boiling liquids or cooking food over a fire: a witch’s cauldron   (figurative) The stadium was a seething cauldron of emotion.
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cauli.flower
noun [U, C] a vegetable with green leaves around a large hard white head of flowers: Do you like cauliflower?  two cauliflowers—
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,cauliflower 'cheese
(BrE ) (AmE ,cauliflower with 'cheese) noun [U] a hot dish of cauliflower cooked and served in a cheese sauce
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,cauliflower 'ear
noun an ear that is permanently SWOLLEN because it has been hit many times
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caulk
verb [vn] to fill the holes or cracks in sth, especially a ship, with a substance that keeps out water
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causal
adj.
1 (formal) connected with the relationship between two things, where one causes the other to happen: the causal relationship between poverty and disease
2 ~ conjunction / connective (grammar) a word such as because that introduces a statement about the cause of sth
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caus.al.ity
(also caus.ation) noun [U] (formal) the relationship between sth that happens and the reason for it happening; the principle that nothing can happen without a cause
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caus.ation
noun [U] (formal)
1 the process of one event causing or producing another event
2 = CAUSALITY
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causa.tive
adj.
1 (formal) acting as the cause of sth: Smoking is a causative factor in several major diseases.
2 (grammar) a causative verb expresses a cause, for example blacken which means ‘to cause to become black’
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cause
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the person or thing that makes sth happen: Unemployment is a major cause of poverty.  There was discussion about the fire and its likely cause.  Drinking and driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents.
2 [U] ~ (for sth) a reason for having particular feelings or behaving in a particular way: There is no cause for concern .  The food was excellent—I had no cause for complaint .  with / without good cause (= with / without a good reason)
3 [C] an organization or idea that people support or fight for: Animal welfare campaigners raised £70 000 for their cause last year.  a good cause (= an organization that does good work, such as a charity)  fighting for the Republican cause—see also LOST CAUSE
4 [C] (law) a case that goes to a court of law
IDM be for / in a good 'cause worth doing, because it is helping other people—more at COMMON adj.

verb to make sth happen, especially sth bad or unpleasant: [vn] Do they know what caused the fire?  Are you causing trouble again?  The bad weather is causing problems for many farmers.  deaths caused by dangerous driving  [vn to inf] The poor harvest caused prices to rise sharply.  [vnn] The project is still causing him a lot of problems.

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cause.way
noun a raised road or path across water or wet ground: The islands are linked by causeways and bridges.
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caus.tic
adj.
1 (of a chemical substance) able to destroy or dissolve other substances
2 critical in a bitter or SARCASTIC way: caustic comments / wit
caus.tic.al.ly adv.
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,caustic 'soda
noun [U] a chemical used in making paper and soap
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caut.er.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (medical ) to burn a wound, using a chemical or heat, in order to stop it from bleeding or becoming infected
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cau.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] care that you take in order to avoid danger or mistakes; not taking any risks: extreme / great caution  Statistics should be treated with caution .
2 [C] (BrE) a warning that is given by the police to sb who has committed a crime that is not too serious: As a first offender, she got off with a caution.
3 [U, C] (formal) a warning or a piece of advice about a possible danger or risk: a word / note of caution  Some cautions must be mentioned—for example good tools are essential to do the job well.
IDM throw / cast caution to the 'wind(s) to stop caring about how dangerous sth might be; to start taking risks: He threw caution to the wind and dived into the water after the child.

verb
1 ~ (sb) against sth| ~ sb about sth to warn sb about the possible dangers or problems of sth: [v] I would caution against getting too involved.  [vn] Sam cautioned him against making a hasty decision.  [v that] The government cautioned that pay increases could lead to job losses. [alsovn to inf, vn that, v speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] (BrE, law) to warn sb officially that anything they say may be used as evidence against them in a court of law: Suspects must be cautioned before any questions are asked.
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to warn sb officially that they will be punished if they do sth wrong or illegal again: She wasn’t sent to the juvenile court; instead she was cautioned.

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cau.tion.ary
adj. giving advice or a warning: a cautionary tale about the problems of buying a computer  In her conclusion, the author sounds a cautionary note .
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cau.tious
adj. ~ (about sb/sth)| ~ (about doing sth) being careful about what you say or do, especially to avoid danger or mistakes; not taking any risks: He was very cautious about committing himself to anything.  The government has been cautious in its response to the report.  They’ve taken a very cautious approach .  They expressed cautious optimism about a solution to the crisis.
cau.tious.ly adv.: She looked cautiously around and then walked away from the house.
cau.tious.ness noun [U]
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cav.al.cade
noun a line of people on horses or in vehicles forming part of a ceremony
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cava.lier
adj. [usually before noun] not caring enough about sth important or about the feelings of other people: The government takes a cavalier attitude to the problems of prison overcrowding.
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cav.alry
noun (usually the cavalry) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (in the past) the part of the army that fought on horses; the part of the modern army that uses ARMOURED vehicles
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cave
noun, verb
noun a large hole in the side of a hill or under the ground: the mouth (= the entrance) of the cave  The area contains vast underground cave systems.—picture at COAST

verb
PVR V ,cave 'in (on sb/sth) (of a roof, wall, etc.) to fall down and inwards: The ceiling suddenly caved in on top of them.—related noun CAVE-IN ,cave 'in (to sth) to finally do what sb wants after you have been strongly opposing them: The President is unlikely to cave in to demands for a public inquiry.—see also CAVING

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cav.eat
noun (formal, from Latin ) a warning that particular things need to be considered before sth can be done
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cav.eat emp.tor
noun (from Latin ) the principle that a person who buys sth is responsible for finding any faults in the thing they buy
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'cave-in
noun the fact of sth suddenly falling inwards or of COLLAPSING
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cave.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a person who lived in a CAVE thousands of years ago
2 (informal) a man who behaves in an aggressive way
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caver
(also pot.holer) (both BrE ) (AmE spe.lunk.er ) noun a person who goes into CAVES under the ground as a sport or hobby—compare SPELEOLOGIST
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cav.ern
noun a CAVE , especially a large one
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cav.ern.ous
adj. (written) (of a room or space) very large and often empty and/or dark; like a CAVE : the vast, cavernous space of the empty concert hall
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cav.iar
(also cavi.are) noun [U] the eggs of some types of fish, especially the STURGEON , that are preserved using salt and eaten as a very special and expensive type of food
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cavil
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v] ~ (at sth) (rare, formal) to make unnecessary complaints about sth
SYN QUIBBLE
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cav.ing
(also pot.hol.ing) (both BrE ) (AmE spe.lunk.ing) noun [U] the sport or activity of going into CAVES under the ground: He had always wanted to go caving .
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cav.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a hole or empty space inside sth solid: the abdominal cavity
2 a hole in a tooth
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,cavity 'wall
noun a wall consisting of two walls with a space between them, designed to prevent heat from escaping: cavity wall insulation
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ca.vort
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to jump or move around in a noisy, excited and often sexual way: The photos showed her cavorting on the beach with her new lover.
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caw
noun the harsh sound that is made by birds such as CROWS and ROOKS
caw verb [v]
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cay.enne
(also ,cayenne 'pepper) noun [U] a type of red pepper used in cooking to give a hot flavour to food
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cay.man
(also cai.man) noun (pl.-mans) a N American reptile similar to an ALLIGATOR
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CB
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘Citizens' Band’ (a range of waves on a radio on which people can talk to each other over short distances, especially when driving): A truck driver used his CB radio to call for help.
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CBE
noun the abbreviation for ‘Commander (of the Order) of the British Empire’ (an award given in Britain to some people for a special achievement): He was made a CBE in 1995.  Jon Adams CBE
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CBI
abbr. Confederation of British Industry (an important organization to which businesses and industries belong)
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CBS
abbr. Columbia Broadcasting System (an American recording and broadcasting company that produces records, television programmes, etc.)
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cc
abbr.
1 carbon copy (to) (used on business letters and e-mails to show that a copy is being sent to another person): to Luke Peters, cc Janet Gold—
2 cubic centimetre(s): an 850cc engine
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CCTV
abbr. CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION
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CD
(also disc) noun a small disc on which sound or information is recorded. CDs are played on a special machine called a CD player. CD is an abbreviation for ‘compact disc’.
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Cdr
(also Cdr. especially in AmE) abbr. (in writing) COMMANDER : Cdr (John) Stone
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CD-ROM
(AmECD / ROM) noun [C, U] a CD on which large amounts of information, sound and pictures can be stored, for use on a computer (an abbreviation for ‘compact disc read-only memory’): The software package contains 5 CD-ROMs.  The encyclopedia is available on CD-ROM.  a CD-ROM drive (= in a computer)—compare ROM —
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CE
abbr.
1 (in Britain) Church of England
2 (also C.E. especially in AmE) Common Era (= the period since the birth of Christ when the Christian CALENDAR starts counting years). CE can be used to give dates in the same way as AD .—compare AD , BC , BCE
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cease
verb (formal) to stop happening or existing; to stop sth from happening or existing: [v] Welfare payments cease as soon as an individual starts a job.  [v to inf] You never cease to amaze me!  [vn] They voted to cease strike action immediately.  He ordered his men to cease fire (= stop shooting).  [v -ing] The company ceased trading in June.—see also CESSATION
IDM see WONDER n.
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cease.fire
noun a time when enemies agree to stop fighting, usually while a way is found to end the fighting permanently
SYN TRUCE : a call for an immediate ceasefire  Observers have reported serious violations of the ceasefire.
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cease.less
adj. (formal) not stopping; seeming to have no end: the ceaseless rain
cease.less.ly adv.
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cedar
noun
1 [C] a tall EVERGREEN tree with wide spreading branches
2 (also cedar.wood) [U] the hard red wood of the cedar tree, that has a sweet smell
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cede
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give sb control of sth or give them power, a right, etc., especially unwillingly: Cuba was ceded by Spain to the US in 1898.—see also CESSION
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ce.dilla
noun the mark placed under the letter c, especially in French, to show that it is pronounced like an s rather than a k (as in façade); a similar mark under s in Turkish and other eastern languages
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cei.lidh
noun a social occasion with music and dancing, especially in Scotland and Ireland
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ceil.ing
noun
1 the top inside surface of a room: She lay on her back staring up at the ceiling.  a large room with a high ceiling
2 the highest limit or amount of sth: price ceilings—compare FLOOR
3 (technical) the greatest height at which a particular aircraft is able to fly—see also GLASS CEILING
IDM see HIT v.
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'ceiling rose
(also rose) noun (technical ) a circular object that is fixed to the ceiling of a room for the wires of an electric light to go through
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celeb
noun (informal) = CELEBRITY
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cele.brant
noun
1 a priest who leads a church service, especially the COMMUNION service; a person who attends a service
2 (AmE) a person who is celebrating sth, for example at a party
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cele.brate
verb
1 to show that a day or an event is important by doing sth special on it: [v] Jake’s passed his exams. We’re going out to celebrate.  [vn] We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Florence.  How do people celebrate New Year in your country?
2 [vn] to perform a religious ceremony, especially the Christian COMMUNION service
3 [vn] (formal) to praise sb/sth: a movie celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King
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cele.brated
adj. famous for having good qualities: a celebrated painter
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cele.bra.tion
noun
1 [C, often pl.] a special event that people organize in order to celebrate sth: birthday / wedding celebrations
2 [U, C] the act of celebrating sth: Her triumph was a cause for celebration .  a party in celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary  The service was a celebration of his life (= praised what he had done in his life).
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cele.bra.tory
adj. celebrating sth or marking a special occasion: a celebratory drink / dinner
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ce.leb.rity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also informal celeb) [C] a famous person: TV celebrities
2 [U] the state of being famous FAME : Does he find his new celebrity intruding on his private life?
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cel.eri.ac
noun [U] a large white root vegetable which is a type of CELERY and which is eaten raw or cooked
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cel.ery
noun [U] a vegetable with long crisp light green stems that are often eaten raw: a stick of celery—
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ce.les.tial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal or literary) of the sky or of heaven: celestial bodies (= the sun, moon, stars, etc.)  celestial light / music—compare TERRESTRIAL
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celi.bate
adj., noun
adj.
1 not married and not having sex, especially for religious reasons: celibate priests
2 not having sex: I’ve been celibate for the past six months.
celi.bacy noun [U]: a vow of celibacy

noun (formal) a person who has chosen not to marry; a person who never has sex

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cell
noun
1 a room for one or more prisoners in a prison or police station—see also PADDED CELL
2 a small room without much furniture in which a MONK or NUN lives
3 the smallest unit of living matter that can exist on its own. All plants and animals are made up of cells : red blood cells  the nucleus of a cell
4 each of the small sections that together form a larger structure, for example a HONEYCOMB
5 a device for producing an electric current, for example by the action of chemicals or light: a photoelectric cell
6 a small group of people who work as part of a larger political organization, especially secretly: a terrorist cell
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cel.lar
noun
1 an underground room often used for storing things: a coal cellar
2 = WINE CELLAR —see also SALT CELLAR
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cell.ist
noun a person who plays the CELLO
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cell.mate
noun a prisoner with whom another prisoner shares a cell
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cello
noun (pl.-os) a musical instrument with strings, shaped like a large violin. The player sits down and holds the cello between his or her knees.—
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Cel.lo.phane
™noun [U] a thin transparent plastic material used for wrapping things: a cellophane wrapper / bag
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cell.phone
noun (especially AmE ) = MOBILE PHONE
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cel.lu.lar
adj.
1 connected with or consisting of the cells of plants or animals: cellular structure / processes
2 connected with a telephone system that works by radio instead of wires: a cellular network  cellular radio
3 (BrE) (of fabric) loosely woven for extra warmth: cellular blankets
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,cellular 'phone
(also cell.phone) noun (especially AmE ) = MOBILE PHONE
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cel.lu.lite
noun [U] a type of fat that some people get below their skin, which stops the surface of the skin looking smooth
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cel.lu.loid
noun [U]
1 a thin transparent plastic material made in sheets, used in the past for photographic film
2 (old-fashioned) used as a way of referring to films/movies
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cel.lu.lose
noun [U]
1 a natural substance that forms the cell walls of all plants and trees and is used in making plastics, paper, etc.
2 any compound of cellulose used in making paint, LACQUER , etc.
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Cel.sius
(also centi.grade) adj. (abbr. C) of or using a scale of temperature in which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°: It will be a mild night, around nine degrees Celsius.  the Celsius Scale
Cel.sius noun [U]: temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit
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Celt
noun
1 a member of a race of people from western Europe who settled in Ancient Britain before the Romans came
2 a person whose ancestors were Celts , especially one from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall or Brittany
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Cel.tic
adj. connected with the Celts or their language: Celtic history
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ce.ment
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a grey powder made by burning clay and LIME that sets hard when it is mixed with water. Cement is used in building to stick bricks together and to make very hard surfaces.
2 the hard substance that is formed when cement becomes dry and hard: a floor of cement  a cement floor—see also CONCRETE , MORTAR
3 a soft substance that becomes hard when dry and is used for sticking things together or filling in holes: dental cement (= for filling holes in teeth)
4 something that unites people in a common interest: values which are the cement of society

verb [vn]
1 [often passive] ~ A and B (together) to join two things together using cement , glue, etc.
2 to make a relationship, an agreement, etc. stronger: The President’s visit was intended to cement the alliance between the two countries.

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ce'ment mixer
(also 'concrete mixer) noun a machine with a drum that holds sand, water and cement and turns to mix them together—picture at TRUCK
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cem.et.ery
noun (pl.-ies) an area of land used for burying dead people, especially one that is not beside a church—compare CHURCHYARD , GRAVEYARD
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ceno.taph
noun a MONUMENT built in memory of soldiers killed in war who are buried somewhere else
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cen.sor
noun, verb
noun a person whose job is to examine books, films/movies, etc. and remove parts which are considered offensive, immoral or politically dangerous

verb [vn] to remove the parts of a book, film/movie, etc. that are considered offensive, immoral or politically dangerous: The news reports had been heavily censored .

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cen.sori.ous
adj. (formal) tending to criticize people or things a lot
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cen.sor.ship
noun [U] the act or policy of CENSORING books, etc: press censorship  The decree imposed strict censorship of the media.
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cen.sure
noun, verb
noun [U] (formal) strong criticism: a vote of censure on the government’s foreign policy

verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to criticize sb severely, and often publicly, because of sth they have done: He was censured by the council for leaking information to the press.

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cen.sus
noun (pl.cen.suses) the process of officially counting sth, especially a country’s population, and recording various facts
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cent
noun (abbr. c, ct) a coin and unit of money worth 1% of the main unit of money in many countries, for example of the US dollar—see also PER CENT , RED CENT
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cent.
abbr. century: in the 20th cent.
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cen.taur
noun (in ancient Greek stories) a creature with a man’s head, arms and upper body on a horse’s body and legs
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cen.ten.ar.ian
noun a person who is 100 years old or more
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cen.ten.ary
(pl.-ies) (BrE ) (also cen.ten.nialAmE, BrE) noun the 100th anniversary of an event: The club will celebrate its centenary next year.  the centenary year—see also BICENTENARY , TERCENTENARY
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cen.ten.nial
noun (especially AmE ) = CENTENARY —see also BICENTENNIAL
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cen.ter
(AmE ) = CENTRE
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centi-
combining form (in nouns)
1 hundred: centipede
2 (often used in units of measurement) one HUNDREDTH : centimetre
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centi.grade
adj. = CELSIUS (abbr. C): a temperature of 40 degrees centigrade
centi.grade noun [U]: temperatures in centigrade and Fahrenheit
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centi.gram
(also centi.gramme) noun a unit for measuring weight. There are 100 centigrams in a gram.
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centi.litre
(BrE ) (AmEcenti.liter) noun (abbr. cl) a unit for measuring liquids. There are 100 centilitres in a litre.
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centi.metre
(BrE ) (AmEcenti.meter) noun (abbr. cm) a unit for measuring length. There are 100 centimetres in a metre.
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centi.pede
noun a small creature like an insect, with a long thin body and many legs
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cen.tral
adj.
1 most important; main: The central issue is that of widespread racism.  She has been a central figure in the campaign.  Prevention also plays a central role in traditional medicine.  Reducing inflation is central to (= is an important part of) the government’s economic policy.
2 having power or control over other parts: the central committee (= of a political party)  The organization has a central office in York.  The car has power steering and a central locking system.
3 in the centre of an area or object: central London  Central America / Europe / Asia  the central area of the brain
4 easily reached from many areas: The flat is very central—just five minutes from Princes Street.  a central location
cen.tral.ity noun [U] (formal): the centrality of the family as a social institution
cen.tral.ly adv.: The hotel is centrally located for all major attractions.  a centrally planned economy  Is the house centrally heated (= does it have central heating)?
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,central 'bank
noun a national bank that does business with the government and other banks, and ISSUES the country’s coins and paper money
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,central 'government
noun [U, C] the government of a whole country, rather than LOCAL GOVERNMENT which is concerned with smaller areas
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,central 'heating
noun [U] a system for heating a building from one source which then pumps the hot water or hot air through pipes all around the building
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the ,Central In'telligence Agency
= CIA
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cen.tral.ism
noun [U] a way of organizing sth, such as government or education, that involves one central group of people controlling the whole system
cen.tral.ist adj.: centralist control of schools
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cen.tral.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to give the control of a country or an organization to a group of people in one particular place: a highly centralized system of government
cen.tral.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the centralization of political power
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,central 'nervous system
noun (anatomy ) the part of the system of nerves in the body that consists of the brain and the SPINAL CORD —see also NERVOUS SYSTEM
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,central 'processing unit
noun (computing) (abbr. CPU) the part of a computer that controls all the other parts of the system
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,central reser'vation
(BrE ) (AmE me.dian, 'median strip) noun a narrow strip of land that separates the two sides of a motorway/freeway
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centre
(BrE ) (AmEcen.ter) noun, verb
noun [vn]
MIDDLE|
1 [C] the middle point or part of sth: the centre of a circle  a long table in the centre of the room  chocolates with soft centres—picture at CIRCLE
TOWN / CITY|
2 [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually down.town [usually sing.]) the main part of a town or city where there are a lot of shops/stores and offices: in the town / city centre   the centre of town  a town centre car park
3 [C] a place or an area where a lot of people live; a place where a lot of business or cultural activity takes place: major urban / industrial centres  a centre of population  Small towns in South India serve as economic and cultural centres for the surrounding villages.
BUILDING|
4 [C] a building or place used for a particular purpose or activity: a shopping / sports / leisure / community centre  the Centre for Policy Studies
OF EXCELLENCE|
5 [C] ~ of excellence a place where a particular kind of work is done extremely well
OF ATTENTION|
6 [C, usually sing.] the point towards which people direct their attention: Children like to be the centre of attention .  The prime minister is at the centre of a political row over leaked Cabinet documents.
-CENTRED|
7 (in adjectives) having the thing mentioned as the most important feature or FOCUS (= point) of attention: a child-centred approach to teaching—see also SELF-CENTRED
IN POLITICS|
8 (usually the centre) [sing.] a MODERATE (= middle) political position or party, between the extremes of LEFT-WING and RIGHT-WING parties: a party of the centre
IN SPORT|
9 [C] = CENTRE FORWARD
IDM see FRONT n. , LEFT adv.

verb [vn] to move sth so that it is in the centre of sth else: Carefully centre the photograph on the page and stick it in place. 'centre around / on / round / upon sb/sth| 'centre sth around / on / round / upon sb/sth to be or make sb/sth become the person or thing around which most activity, etc. takes place: State occasions always centred around the king himself.  Discussions were centred on developments in Eastern Europe. 'centre sth in … [usually passive] to make somewhere the place where an activity or event takes place: Most of the fighting was centred in the north of the capital.

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,centre 'back
(BrE ) (AmE,center 'back) noun (in football and some other sports) a player or position in the middle of the back line of players
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centre.board
(BrE ) (AmEcenter.board) noun a board that can be lowered through a hole in the bottom of a sailing boat to keep it steady when sailing
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centre.fold
(BrE ) (AmEcen.ter.fold) noun
1 a large picture, often of a young woman with few or no clothes on, folded to form the middle pages of a magazine
2 a person whose picture is the centrefold of a magazine
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,centre 'forward
(also centre) (both BrE ) (AmE,center 'forward, cen.ter) noun (in football and some other sports) a player or position in the middle of the front line of players
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,centre 'half
(BrE ) (AmE,center 'half) noun (in football and some other sports) a player or position in the middle of the HALFBACK line of players
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,centre of 'gravity
noun (pl.centres of gravity) the point in an object around which its MASS (= weight) is evenly DISTRIBUTED (= spread)
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centre.piece
(BrE ) (AmEcen.ter.piece) noun
1 [sing.] the most important item: This treaty is the centrepiece of the government’s foreign policy.
2 an ornament or a decoration for the centre of a table
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,centre 'spread
noun the two facing middle pages of a newspaper or magazine
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,centre 'stage
(BrE ) (AmE,center 'stage) noun [U] an important position where sb/sth can easily get people’s attention: Education is taking centre stage in the government’s plans.  The Balkans continue to occupy centre stage in world affairs.
,centre 'stage adv.: The minister said, ‘We are putting full employment centre stage’.
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cen.tri.fu.gal
adj. (technical ) moving or tending to move away from a centre
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cen,trifugal 'force
noun (physics ) a force that appears to cause an object travelling around a centre to fly outwards and away from its circular path
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cen.tri.fuge
noun a machine with a part that spins around to separate substances, for example liquids from solids, by forcing the heavier substance to the outer edge
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cen.tri.pet.al
adj. (technical ) moving or tending to move towards a centre
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cen.trist
noun a person with political views that are not extreme
SYN MODERATE
cen.trist adj.: a centrist politician
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cen.tur.ion
noun (in ancient Rome) an army officer who commanded 100 soldiers
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cen.tury
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a period of 100 years
2 (abbr.c, cent.) any of the periods of 100 years before or after the birth of Christ: the 20th century (= AD1901–2000 or 1900–1999)  eighteenth-century writers
3 (in cricket) a score of 100 RUNS by one player in one INNINGS
IDM see TURN n.
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CEO
abbr. chief executive officer (the person with the highest rank in a business company)
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cer.am.ic
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a pot or other object made of clay that has been made permanently hard by heat: an exhibition of ceramics by Picasso
2 (ceramics) [U] the art of making and decorating ceramics
cer.am.ic adj.: ceramic tiles
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cer.eal
noun
1 [C] one of various types of grass that produce grains that can be eaten or are used to make flour or bread. Wheat, BARLEY and RYE are all cereals : cereal crops
2 [U] the grain produced by cereal crops
3 [C, U] food made from the grain of cereals , often eaten for breakfast with milk: breakfast cereals  a bowl of cereal
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ce.re.bel.lum
noun (pl.ce.re.bel.lums or cere.bella ) (anatomy ) the part of the brain at the back of the head that controls the activity of the muscles
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cere.bral
adj.
1 relating to the brain: a cerebral haemorrhage
2 (formal) relating to the mind rather than the feelings
SYN INTELLECTUAL : His poetry is very cerebral.
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,cerebral 'palsy
noun [U] a medical condition usually caused by brain damage before or at birth that causes the loss of control of movement of the limbs
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cere.brum
noun (pl.ce.re.bra ) (anatomy ) the front part of the brain, responsible for thoughts, emotions and personality
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cere.mo.nial
adj., noun
adj. relating to or used in a ceremony: ceremonial occasions  a ceremonial sword
cere.mo.ni.al.ly adv.

noun [U, C] the system of rules and traditions that states how things should be done at a ceremony or formal occasion: The visit was conducted with all due ceremonial.

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cere.mo.ni.ous
adj. (written) behaving or performed in an extremely formal way
OPP UNCEREMONIOUS
cere.mo.ni.ous.ly adv.: Dr North ceremoniously raised his glass to offer a toast.
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cere.mony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a public or religious occasion that includes a series of formal or traditional actions: an awards / opening ceremony  a wedding / marriage ceremony
2 [U] formal behaviour; traditional actions and words used on particular formal occasions
IDM stand on 'ceremony (BrE) to behave formally: Please don’t stand on ceremony (= Please be natural and relaxed) with me. without 'ceremony in a very rough or informal way: He found himself pushed without ceremony out of the house and the door slammed in his face.—see also MASTER OF CEREMONIES
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cer.ise
adj. pinkish-red in colour
cer.ise noun [U]
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cert
noun (BrE , informal) a thing that is sure to happen or be successful
SYN CERTAINTY : That horse is a dead cert for (= is sure to win) the next race.
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cert.
abbr.
1 CERTIFICATE
2 CERTIFIED
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cer.tain
adj., pron.
adj.
1 ~ (that … )| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (of sth / of doing sth) that you can rely on to happen or to be true: It is certain that they will agree / They are certain to agree.  She looks certain to win an Oscar.  The climbers face certain death if the rescue today is unsuccessful.  If you want to be certain of getting a ticket, book now.  note at SURE
2 ~ (that … )| ~ (of / about sth) firmly believing sth; having no doubts: She wasn’t certain (that) he had seen her.  Are you absolutely certain about this?  I’m not certain who was there.  To my certain knowledge he was somewhere else at the time (= I am sure about it).
3 used to mention a particular thing, person or group without giving any more details about it or them: For certain personal reasons I shall not be able to attend.  Certain people might disagree with this.  They refused to release their hostages unless certain conditions were met.
4 (formal) used when mentioning a person who has been named, but who is not known: It was a certain Dr Davis who performed the operation.
5 slight; noticeable, but difficult to describe: That’s true, to a certain extent .  I felt there was a certain coldness in her manner.
IDM for 'certain without doubt: I can’t say for certain when we’ll arrive. make certain (that … ) to find out whether sth is definitely true: I think there’s a bus at 8 but you’d better call to make certain. make certain of sth / of doing sth to do sth in order to be sure that sth else will happen: You’ll have to leave soon to make certain of getting there on time.

pron. (certain of …) (formal) used for talking about some members of a group of people or things without giving their names: Certain of those present were unwilling to discuss the matter further.

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cer.tain.ly
adv.
1 without doubt; definitely: Without treatment, she will almost certainly die.  Certainly, the early learning years are crucial to a child’s educational development.  I’m certainly never going there again.  note at SURELY
2 (used in answer to questions) of course: ‘May I see your passport, Mr Scott?’‘Certainly.’  ‘Do you think all this money will change your life?’‘Certainly not.’
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cer.tainty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a thing that is certain: political / moral certainties  Her return to the team now seems a certainty.
2 [U] the state of being certain: There is no certainty that the president’s removal would end the civil war.  I can’t say with any certainty where I’ll be next week.
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cer.ti.fi.able
adj.
1 (BrE) a person who is certifiable can or should be officially stated to be INSANE : (informal) He’s certifiable (= he’s crazy).
2 (especially AmE) good enough to be officially accepted or recommended
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cer.tifi.cate
noun, verb
noun (abbr. cert.)
1 an official document that may be used to prove that the facts it states are true: a birth / marriage / death certificate
2 an official document proving that you have completed a course of study or passed an exam; a qualification obtained after a course of study or an exam: a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (= a British qualification for teachers)  note at DEGREE

verb [vn, vn to inf] (BrE ) to give sb an official document proving that they have successfully completed a training course, especially for a particular profession

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cer.tifi.cated
adj. (BrE ) having the certificate which shows that the necessary training for a particular job has been done
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cer.ti.fi.ca.tion
noun [U] (technical )
1 the act of CERTIFYING sth: the medical certification of the cause of death
2 the process of giving CERTIFICATES for a course of education: the certification of the exam modules
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,certified 'cheque
(BrE ) (AmE,certified 'check) noun a cheque that a bank GUARANTEES
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,certified 'mail
noun [U] (AmE ) = RECORDED DELIVERY
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,certified ,public ac'countant
noun (AmE ) = CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
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cer.tify
verb (cer.ti.fies, cer.ti.fy.ing, cer.ti.fied, cer.ti.fied)
1 ~ sb/sth (as) sth to state officially, especially in writing, that sth is true: [v (that)] He handed her a piece of paper certifying (that) she was in good health.  This (= this document) is to certify that …  [vn-adj] He was certified dead on arrival.  The accounts were certified (as) correct by the finance department. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sth) to give sb an official document proving that they are qualified to work in a particular profession
3 [usually passive] (BrE , law ) to officially state that sb is mentally ill, so that they can be given medical treatment: [vn] Patients must be certified before they can be admitted to the hospital. [alsovn-adj]
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cer.ti.tude
noun [U, C] (formal) a feeling of being certain; a thing about which you are certain: ‘You will like Rome,’ he said, with absolute certitude.  the collapse of moral certitudes
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cer.vical
adj. [only before noun] (anatomy )
1 connected with the cervix : cervical cancer
2 connected with the neck: the cervical spine
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,cervical 'smear
noun (BrE ) = SMEAR TEST
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cer.vix
noun (pl.cer.vi.ces or cer.vi.xes ) (anatomy ) the narrow passage at the opening of a woman’s WOMB
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ce.sar.ean, ce.sar.ian
(AmE ) = CAESAREAN
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ces.ium
(AmE ) = CAESIUM
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ces.sa.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) the stopping of sth; a pause in sth: Mexico called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
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ces.sion
noun [U, C] (formal) the act of giving up land or rights, especially to another country after a war—see also CEDE
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cess.pit
(also cess.pool ) noun
1 a covered hole or container in the ground for collecting waste from a building, especially from the toilets
2 a place where dishonest or immoral people gather: a cesspit of corruption
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cf.
abbr. (in writing) compare
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CFC
noun [C, U] a type of gas used especially in AEROSOLS (= types of container that release liquid in the form of a spray). CFCs are harmful to the layer of the gas OZONE in the earth’s atmosphere. (abbreviation for ‘chlorofluorocarbon’)
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cha-cha
(also 'cha-cha-cha) noun a S American dance with small fast steps: to dance / do the cha-cha
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chafe
verb
1 if skin chafes, or if sth chafes it, it becomes sore because the thing is rubbing against it: [v] Her wrists chafed where the rope had been.  [vn] The collar was far too tight and chafed her neck.
2 [v] ~ (at / under sth) (formal) to feel annoyed and impatient about sth, especially because it limits what you can do: He soon chafed at the restrictions of his situation.
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chaff
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the outer covering of the seeds of grain such as wheat, which is separated from the grain before it is eaten
2 STRAW (= the dried stems of wheat) and HAY (= dried grass) cut up as food for cows
IDM see WHEAT

verb [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) to make jokes about sb in a friendly way TEASE

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chaf.finch
noun a small European bird of the FINCH family
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chag.rin
noun [U] (formal) a feeling of being disappointed or annoyed
chag.rined adj.
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chain
noun, verb
noun
METAL RINGS|
1 [C, U] a series of connected metal rings, used for pulling or fastening things; a length of chain used for a particular purpose: a short length of chain  She wore a heavy gold chain around her neck.  The mayor wore his chain of office.  a bicycle chain  The prisoners were kept in chains (= with chains around their arms and legs, to prevent them from escaping).—picture at BICYCLE
CONNECTED THINGS|
2 [C] a series of connected things or people: to set in motion a chain of events   a chain of command (= a system in an organization by which instructions are passed from one person to another)  mountain / island chains  Volunteers formed a human chain to rescue precious items from the burning house.—see also FOOD CHAIN
OF SHOPS / HOTELS|
3 [C] a group of shops/stores or hotels owned by the same company: a chain of supermarkets / a supermarket chain
RESTRICTION|
4 [C, usually pl.] (formal or literary) a thing that restricts sb’s freedom or ability to do sth: the chains of fear / misery
IN HOUSE BUYING|
5 [C, usually sing.] (BrE) a situation in which a number of people selling and buying houses must each complete the sale of their house before buying from the next person
IDM see BALL n. , LINK n. , WEAK

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (to sb/sth)| ~ sb/sth (up) to fasten sth with a chain; to fasten sb/sth to another person or thing with a chain, so that they do not escape or get stolen: The doors were always locked and chained.  She chained her bicycle to the gate.  The dog was chained up for the night.   (figurative) I’ve been chained to my desk all week (= because there was so much work).

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'chain gang
noun a group of prisoners chained together and forced to work
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'chain letter
noun a letter sent to several people asking them to make copies of the letter and send them on to more people
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,chain-,link 'fence
noun a fence made of wire in a diamond pattern—picture at HOUSE
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'chain mail
(also mail) noun [U] ARMOUR (= protective covering for the body worn when fighting) made of small metal rings linked together
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,chain re'action
noun
1 (chemistry) a chemical change that forms products which themselves cause more changes and new products
2 a series of events, each of which causes the next: It set off a chain reaction in the international money markets.
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chain.saw
noun a tool made of a chain with sharp teeth set in it, that is driven by a motor and used for cutting wood
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'chain-smoke
verb [v, vn] to smoke cigarettes continuously, lighting the next one from the one you have just smoked
'chain-smoker noun
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'chain store
(BrE also mul.tiple, ,multiple 'store) noun a shop/store that is one of a series of similar shops/stores owned by the same company
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chair
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, with a back, a seat and four legs: a table and chairs  Sit on your chair!  an old man asleep in a chair (= an armchair)—see also ARMCHAIR , DECKCHAIR , EASY CHAIR , HIGH CHAIR , MUSICAL CHAIRS , ROCKING CHAIR , WHEELCHAIR
2 (the chair) [sing.] the position of being in charge of a meeting or committee; the person who holds this position: She takes the chair in all our meetings.  Who is in the chair today?  He was elected chair of the city council.
3 [C] the position of being in charge of a department in a university: He holds the chair of philosophy at Oxford.
4 (the chair) [sing.] (AmE, informal) = THE ELECTRIC CHAIR

verb [vn] to act as the CHAIRPERSON of a meeting, discussion, etc: Who’s chairing the meeting?

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chair.lift
noun a series of chairs hanging from a moving cable, for carrying people up and down a mountain
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chair.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 the person in charge of a meeting, who tells people when they can speak, etc: Sir Herbert took it upon himself to act as chairman.
2 the person in charge of a committee, a company, etc: the chairman of the board of governors (= of a school)  The chairman of the company presented the annual report.  note at GENDER
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chair.man.ship
noun
1 [C] the position of a CHAIRMAN or CHAIRWOMAN : the chairmanship of the committee
2 [U] the state of being a CHAIRMAN or CHAIRWOMAN : under her skilful chairmanship
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chair.per.son
noun (pl.-per.sons) a CHAIRMAN or CHAIRWOMAN —see also CHAIR (2)
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chair.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a woman in charge of a meeting, a committee or an organization  note at GENDER
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chaise longue
noun (pl.chaises longues ) (from French )
1 a long low seat with a back and one arm, on which the person sitting can stretch out their legs
2 (AmE) (also informal chaise lounge) a long chair with a back that can be upright for sitting on or flat for lying on outdoors—picture at CHAIR
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cha.let
noun
1 a wooden house with a roof that slopes steeply down over the sides, usually built in mountain areas, especially in Switzerland
2 (BrE) a small house or HUT , especially one used by people on holiday/vacation at the sea
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chal.ice
noun a large cup for holding wine, especially one from which wine is drunk in the Christian COMMUNION service
IDM see POISON v.
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chalk
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a type of soft white stone: the chalk cliffs of southern England
2 (also chalks [pl.]) a substance similar to chalk made into white or coloured sticks for writing or drawing: a piece / stick of chalk  drawing diagrams with chalk on the blackboard  a box of coloured chalks
IDM ,chalk and 'cheese (BrE) if two people or things are like chalk and cheese or as different as chalk and cheese, they are completely different from each other—more at LONG adj.

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) (on sth) to write or draw sth with chalk : She chalked (up) the day’s menu on the board.
IDM chalk it up to ex'perience (spoken, especially AmE) used to say that you should think of a failure as being sth that you can learn from
PVR V ,chalk 'up sth (informal) to achieve or record a success, points in a game, etc: The team chalked up their tenth win this season. ,chalk sth 'up to sth (AmE, informal) to consider that sth is caused by sth: We can chalk that win up to a lot of luck.

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chalk.board
noun (especially AmE ) = BLACKBOARD
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chalky
adj. containing chalk or like chalk
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chal.lenge
noun, verb
noun
1 a new or difficult task that tests sb’s ability and skill: an exciting / interesting challenge  The role will be the biggest challenge of his acting career.  to face a challenge (= to have to deal with one)  Destruction of the environment is one of the most serious challenges we face.  Schools must meet the challenge of new technology (= deal with it successfully).
2 an invitation or a suggestion to sb that they should enter a competition, fight, etc: to accept / take up a challenge  to mount a challenge
3 ~ (to sth) a statement or an action that shows that sb refuses to accept sth and questions whether it is right, legal, etc: It was a direct challenge to the president’s authority.  Their legal challenge was unsuccessful.

verb
1 [vn] to question whether a statement or an action is right, legal, etc.; to refuse to accept sth: The story was completely untrue and was successfully challenged in court.  She does not like anyone challenging her authority.  This discovery challenges traditional beliefs.
2 ~ sb (to sth) to invite sb to enter a competition, fight, etc.; to suggest strongly that sb should do sth (especially when you think that they might be unwilling to do it): [vn] Mike challenged me to a game of chess.  [vn to inf] The opposition leader challenged the prime minister to call an election.
3 [vn] to test sb’s ability and skills, especially in an interesting way: The job doesn’t really challenge her.
4 [vn] to order sb to stop and say who they are or what they are doing: We were challenged by police at the border.

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chal.lenged
adj. (especially AmE ) (used with an adverb) a polite way of referring to sb who has a DISABILITY of some sort: a competition for physically challenged athletes   (humorous) I’m financially challenged at the moment (= I have no money).
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chal.len.ger
noun a person who competes with sb else in sport or in politics for an important position that the other person already holds: the official challenger for the world championship title
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chal.len.ging
adj.
1 difficult in an interesting way that tests your ability: challenging work / questions / problems  a challenging and rewarding career as a teacher
2 done in a way that invites people to disagree or argue with you, or shows that you disagree with them: She gave him a challenging look. ‘Are you really sure?’ she demanded.
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cham.ber
noun
1 [C] a hall in a public building that is used for formal meetings: The members left the council chamber.  the Senate / House chamber—see also CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] one of the parts of a parliament: the Lower / Upper Chamber (= in Britain, the House of Commons / House of Lords)  the Chamber of Deputies in the Italian parliament  Under Senate rules, the chamber must vote on the bill by this Friday.
3 [C] (in compounds) a room used for the particular purpose that is mentioned: a burial chamber  Divers transfer from the water to a decompression chamber.—see also GAS CHAMBER
4 [C] an enclosed space in the body, in a plant or in a machine: the chambers of the heart  the rocket’s combustion chamber  the chamber of a gun (= the part that holds the bullets)
5 [C] an enclosed space under the ground: They found themselves in a vast underground chamber.
6 [C] (old use) a bedroom or private room
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cham.ber.lain
noun an official who managed the home and servants of a king, queen or important family in past centuries
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cham.ber.maid
noun a woman whose job is to clean bedrooms, usually in a hotel
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'chamber music
noun [U] classical music written for a small group of instruments
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,Chamber of 'Commerce
noun a group of local business people who work together to help business and trade in a particular town
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'chamber orchestra
noun a small group of musicians who play classical music together
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'chamber pot
noun a round container that people in the past had in the bedroom and used for URINATING in at night—compare POTTY
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cha.meleon
noun
1 a small LIZARD (= a type of reptile) that can change colour according to its surroundings
2 (often disapproving) a person who changes their behaviour or opinions according to the situation
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cham.ois
noun (pl.chamois)
1 [C] an animal like a small deer, that lives in the mountains of Europe and Asia
2 (BrE also ,chamois 'leather) [U, C] a type of soft leather, made from the skin of goats, sheep, etc.; a piece of this, used especially for cleaning windows
3 [U] (AmE) a soft thick cotton fabric, used especially for making shirts
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chamo.mile
(also camo.mile) noun [U] a plant with a sweet smell and small white and yellow flowers. Its dried leaves and flowers are used to make tea, medicine, etc: chamomile tea
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champ
verb, noun
verb [v, vn] (especially of horses) to bite or eat sth noisily
IDM ,champing at the 'bit (informal) impatient to do or start doing sth

noun an informal way of referring to a CHAMPION , often used in newspapers: Scottish champs celebrate victory!

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cham.pagne
noun [U, C] a French SPARKLING white wine (= one with bubbles) that is drunk on special occasions: a glass of champagne
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cham.pers
noun [U] (BrE , informal) = CHAMPAGNE
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cham.pion
noun, verb
noun
1 a person, team, etc. that has won a competition, especially in a sport: the world basketball champions  a champion jockey / boxer / swimmer  the reigning champion (= the person who is champion now)
2 ~ (of sth) a person who fights for, or speaks in support of, a group of people or a belief: She was a champion of the poor all her life.

verb [vn] to fight for or speak in support of a group of people or a belief: He has always championed the cause of gay rights.

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cham.pion.ship
noun
1 (also cham.pion.ships [pl.]) a competition to find the best player or team in a particular sport: the National Basketball Association Championship  He won a silver medal at the European Championships.
2 the position of being a champion : They’ve held the championship for the past two years.
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chance
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] ~ of doing sth| ~ that …| ~ of sth happening| ~ of sth a possibility of sth happening, especially sth that you want: Is there any chance of getting tickets for tonight?  She has only a slim chance of passing the exam.  There’s a slight chance that he’ll be back in time.  There is no chance that he will change his mind.  What chance is there of anybody being found alive?  Nowadays a premature baby has a very good chance of survival.  The operation has a fifty-fifty chance of success.  The chances are a million to one against being struck by lightning.  an outside chance (= a very small one)  note at POSSIBILITY
2 [C] ~ (of sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sb to do sth) a suitable time or situation when you have the opportunity to do sth: We won’t get another chance of a holiday this year.  Please give me a chance to explain.  It was the chance she had been waiting for.  There will be a chance for parents to look around the school.  Jeff deceived me once already—I won’t give him a second chance .  This is your big chance (= opportunity for success).  Tonight is your last chance to catch the play at your local theatre.
3 [C] an unpleasant or dangerous possibility: When installing electrical equipment don’t take any chances . A mistake could kill.
4 [U] the way that some things happen without any cause that you can see or understand
SYN LUCK : I met her by chance (= without planning to) at the airport.  Chess is not a game of chance .  It was pure chance that we were both there.  We’ll plan everything very carefully and leave nothing to chance .
IDM as ,chance would 'have it happening in a way that was lucky, although it was not planned: As chance would have it, John was going to London too, so I went with him. by 'any chance used especially in questions, to ask whether sth is true, possible, etc: Are you in love with him, by any chance? the chances 'are (that) … (informal) it is likely that …: The chances are you won’t have to pay. 'chance would be a fine thing (BrE, spoken) people say chance would be a fine thing to show that they would like to do or have the thing that sb has mentioned, but that they do not think that it is very likely give sb/sth half a 'chance to give sb/sth some opportunity to do sth: That dog will give you a nasty bite, given half a chance. 'no chance (spoken) there is no possibility: ‘Do you think he’ll do it?’‘No chance.’ on the 'off chance (that) because of the possibility of sth happening, although it is unlikely: I didn’t think you’d be at home but I just called by on the off chance. stand a 'chance (of doing sth) to have the possibility of succeeding or achieving sth: The driver didn’t stand a chance of stopping in time. take a 'chance (on sth) to decide to do sth, knowing that it might be the wrong choice: We took a chance on the weather and planned to have the party outside. take your 'chances to take a risk or to use the opportunities that you have and hope that things will happen in the way that you want: He took his chances and jumped into the water.—more at CAT , DOG n. , EVEN adj. , EYE n. , FAT adj. , FIGHT v. , SNOWBALL n. , SPORTING

verb
1 (informal) to risk sth, although you know the result may not be successful: [vn] She was chancing her luck driving without a licence.  ‘Take an umbrella.’‘No, I’ll chance it ’ (= take the risk that it may rain).  [v -ing] I stayed hidden; I couldn’t chance coming out.
2 (written or formal) to happen or to do sth by chance: [v to inf] If I do chance to find out where she is, I’ll inform you immediately.  They chanced to be staying at the same hotel.  [v (that)] It chanced (that) they were staying at the same hotel.
IDM ,chance your 'arm (BrE, informal) to take a risk although you will probably fail
PVR V 'chance on / upon sb/sth (formal) to find or meet sb/sth unexpectedly or by chance: One day he chanced upon Emma’s diary and began reading it.

adj. [only before noun] not planned: a chance meeting / encounter

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chan.cel
noun the part of a church near the ALTAR , where the priests and the CHOIR (= singers) sit during services
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chan.cel.lery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, usually sing.] the place where a chancellor has his or her office
2 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the staff in the department of a chancellor
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chan.cel.lor
(also Chan.cel.lor) noun (often used in a title)
1 the head of government in Germany or Austria: Chancellor Schröder
2 (BrE) = CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER : MPs waited for the chancellor’s announcement.  the Shadow Chancellor Francis Maude
3 the official head of a university in Britain. Chancellor is an HONORARY title.—compare VICE CHANCELLOR
4 the head of some American universities
5 used in the titles of some senior state officials in Britain: the Lord Chancellor (= a senior law official)
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,Chancellor of the Ex'chequer
noun (in Britain) the government minister who is responsible for financial affairs
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chan.cery
noun [sing.]
1 (Chancery) (law) a division of the High Court in Britain
2 (especially BrE) an office where public records are kept
3 (also 'chancery court) a court of law in the US that decides legal cases based on the principle of EQUITY
4 the offices where the official representative of a country works, in another country
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chancy
adj. (informal) involving risks and uncertainty
SYN RISKY
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chan.de.lier
noun a large round frame with branches that hold lights or candles. Chandeliers are decorated with many small pieces of glass and hang from the ceiling.
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chand.ler
(also 'ship’s chandler) noun a person or shop/store that sells equipment for ships
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change
verb, noun
verb
BECOME / MAKE DIFFERENT|
1 [v] to become different: Rick hasn’t changed. He looks exactly the same as he did at school.  changing attitudes towards education  Her life changed completely when she won the lottery.
2 [vn] to make sb/sth different: Fame hasn’t really changed him.  Information technology has changed the way people work.
3 ~ (sb/sth) (from A) to / into B to pass or make sb/sth pass from one state or form into another: [v] Caterpillars change into butterflies.  Wait for the traffic lights to change.  The lights changed from red to green.  [vn] With a wave of her magic wand, she changed the frog into a handsome prince.
4 [vn] to stop having one state, position or direction and start having another: Leaves change colour in autumn.  The wind has changed direction.  Our ship changed course.
REPLACE|
5 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sb/sth)| ~ sth (to sth) to replace one thing, person, service, etc. with sth new or different: I want to change my doctor.  We change our car every two years.  We changed the car for a bigger one.  Marie changed her name when she got married.  She changed her name to his.  That back tyre needs changing.
EXCHANGE|
6 [vn] ~ sth (with sb) (used with a plural object) to exchange positions, places, etc. with sb else, so that you have what they have, and they have what you have: At half-time the teams change ends.  Can we change seats?  Can I change seats with you?
CLOTHES|
7 ~ (into sth)| ~ (out of sth) to put on different or clean clothes: [v] I went into the bedroom to change.  She changed into her swimsuit.  You need to change out of those wet things.  [vn] (especially BrE) I didn’t have time to get changed before the party (= to put different clothes on).   (especially AmE) I didn’t have time to change clothes before the party.
BABY|
8 [vn] to put clean clothes or a clean NAPPY / DIAPER on a baby: She can’t even change a nappy.  The baby needs changing.  There are baby changing facilities in all our stores.
BED|
9 [vn] to put clean sheets, etc. on a bed: to change the sheets  Could you help me change the bed?
MONEY|
10 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to exchange money into the money of another country: Where can I change my traveller’s cheques?  to change dollars into yen
11 [vn] ~ sth (for / into sth) to exchange money for the same amount in different coins or notes: Can you change a £20 note?  to change a dollar bill for four quarters
GOODS|
12 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) (BrE) to exchange sth that you have bought for sth else, especially because there is sth wrong with it; to give a customer a new item because there is sth wrong with the one they have bought: This shirt I bought’s too small—I’ll have to change it for a bigger one.  Of course we’ll change it for a larger size, Madam.
BUS / TRAIN / PLANE|
13 to go from one bus, train, etc. to another in order to continue a journey: [v] Where do I have to change?  Change at Reading (for London).  [vn] I stopped in Moscow only to change planes.—see also UNCHANGING change 'hands to pass to a different owner: The house has changed hands several times. change horses in mid'stream to change to a different or new activity while you are in the middle of sth else; to change from supporting one person or thing to another change your / sb’s 'mind to change a decision or an opinion: Nothing will make me change my mind. change your 'tune (informal) to express a different opinion or behave differently when your situation changes: Wait until it happens to him—he’ll soon change his tune. change your 'ways to start to live or behave in a different way from before—more at CHOP v. , LEOPARD , PLACE n. ,change 'back (into sb/sth) to return to a previous situation, form, etc. ,change 'back (into sth) to take off your clothes and put on what you were wearing earlier: She changed back into her work clothes. ,change sth 'back (into sth) to exchange an amount of money into the CURRENCY that it was in before: You can change back unused dollars into pounds at the bank. ,change 'down (BrE) to start using a lower GEAR when you are driving a car, etc: Change down into second. ,change 'over (from sth) (to sth) to change from one system or position to another: The farm has changed over to organic methods.—related noun CHANGEOVER ,change 'up (BrE) to start using a higher GEAR when driving a car, etc: Change up into fifth.

noun
DIFFERENCE|
1 [C, U] ~ (in / to sth) the act or result of sth becoming different: a change in the weather  important changes to the tax system  There was no change in the patient’s condition overnight.  She is someone who hates change.  social / political / economic change
STH NEW AND INTERESTING|
2 (a change) [sing.] ~ (from sth) the fact of a situation, a place or an experience being different from what is usual and therefore likely to be interesting, enjoyable, etc: Finishing early was a welcome change .  Let’s stay in tonight for a change .  Can you just listen for a change ?  It makes a change to read some good news for once.
REPLACING STH|
3 [C] ~ (of sth)| ~ (from sth to sth) the process of replacing sth with sth new or different; a thing that is used to replace sth: a change of address  The country needs a change of government.  a change from agriculture to industry  There will be a crew change when we land at Dubai.   (BrE) Let’s get away for the weekend. A change of scene (= time in a different place) will do you good.
OF CLOTHES|
4 ~ of clothes, etc. [C] an extra set of clothes, etc: She packed a change of clothes for the weekend.  I keep a change of shoes in the car.
MONEY|
5 [U] the money that you get back when you have paid for sth giving more money than the amount it costs: Don’t forget your change!  That’s 40p change.  The ticket machine gives change.
6 [U] coins rather than paper money: Do you have any change for the phone?  a pound / dollar in change (= coins that together are worth one pound / dollar)  I didn’t have any small change (= coins of low value) to leave as a tip.  He puts his loose change in a money box for the children.  Could you give me change for a ten pound note (= coins or notes that are worth this amount)?
OF BUS / TRAIN / PLANE|
7 [C] an occasion when you go from one bus, train or plane to another during a journey: The journey involved three changes. a change for the 'better / 'worse a person, thing, situation, etc. that is better/worse than the previous or present one a ,change of 'heart if you have a change of heart, your attitude towards sth changes, usually making you feel more friendly, helpful, etc. the ,change of 'life (informal) = MENOPAUSE a ,change of 'mind an act of changing what you think about a situation, etc. get no change out of sb (BrE, spoken) to get no help or information from sb—more at RING v. , WIND^1n.

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change.able
adj. likely to change; often changing: The weather is very changeable at this time of year.—compare UNCHANGEABLE
change.abil.ity noun [U]
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changed
adj. [only before noun] (of people or situations) very different from what they were before: She’s a changed woman since she got that job.  This will not be possible in the changed economic climate.
OPP UNCHANGED
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change.less
adj. (formal) never changing
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change.ling
noun (literary) a child who is believed to have been secretly left in exchange for another, especially (in stories) by FAIRIES
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change.over
noun a change from one system, or method of working to another: the changeover from a manual to a computerized system  a changeover period
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'change purse
noun (AmE ) a small bag made of leather, plastic, etc. for carrying coins—compare PURSE —picture at MONEY
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'changing room
noun (BrE ) a room for changing clothes in, especially before playing sports—compare LOCKER ROOM
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chan.nel
noun, verb
noun
ON TELEVISION / RADIO|
1 [C] a television station: What’s on Channel 4 tonight?  a movie / sports channel  to change / switch channels
2 [C] a band of radio waves used for broadcasting television or radio programmes: terrestrial / satellite channels
FOR COMMUNICATING|
3 [C] (also chan.nels [pl.]) a method or system that people use to get information, to communicate, or to send sth somewhere: Complaints must be made through the proper channels .  The newsletter is a useful channel of communication between teacher and students.  The company has worldwide distribution channels.
FOR IDEAS / FEELINGS|
4 [C] a way of expressing ideas and feelings: The campaign provided a channel for protest against the war.  Music is a great channel for releasing your emotions.
WATER|
5 [C] a passage that water can flow along, especially in the ground, on the bottom of a river, etc: drainage channels in the rice fields
6 [C] a deep passage of water in a river or near the coast that can be used as route for ships
7 [C] a passage of water that connects two areas of water, especially two seas: the Bristol Channel
8 (the Channel) [sing.] the area of sea between England and France, also known as the English Channel: the Channel Tunnel  cross-Channel ferries

verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [vn]
IDEAS / FEELINGS|
1 ~ sth (into sth) to direct money, feelings, ideas, etc. towards a particular thing or purpose: He channels his aggression into sport.
MONEY / HELP|
2 ~ sth (through sth) to send money, help, etc. using a particular route: Money for the project will be channelled through local government.
WATER / LIGHT|
3 to carry or send water, light, etc. through a passage: A sensor channels the light signal along an optical fibre.

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chant
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] words or phrases that a group of people shout or sing again and again: The crowd broke into chants of ‘Out! Out!’  football chants
2 [C, U] a religious song or prayer or a way of singing, using only a few notes that are repeated many times: a Buddhist chant—see also GREGORIAN CHANT

verb
1 to sing or shout the same words or phrases many times: [vn] The crowd chanted their hero’s name.  [v] A group of protesters, chanting and carrying placards, waited outside.  [v speech] ‘Resign! Resign!’ they chanted.
2 [v, vn] to sing or say a religious song or prayer using only a few notes that are repeated many times
chant.ing noun [U]: The chanting rose in volume.

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chanty, chantey
(AmE ) = SHANTY (2)
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Cha.nuk.kah
= HANUKKAH
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chaos
noun [U] a state of complete confusion and disorder: economic / political / domestic chaos  Heavy snow has caused total chaos on the roads.  The house was in chaos after the party.
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'chaos theory
noun [U] (mathematics ) the study of a group of connected things that are very sensitive so that small changes in conditions affect them very much
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cha.ot.ic
adj. in a state of complete confusion and disorder: The traffic in the city is chaotic in the rush hour.
cha.ot.ic.al.ly adv.
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chap
noun (BrE , informal, becoming old-fashioned) used to talk about a man in a friendly way: He isn’t such a bad chap really.
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chap.
abbr. (in writing) chapter
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chap.ar.ral
noun [U] (AmE ) an area of dry land that is covered with small bushes
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cha.patti
(also cha.pati) noun a type of flat round Indian bread
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chapel
noun
1 [C] a small building or room used for Christian worship in a school, prison, large private house, etc: a college chapel
2 [C] a separate part of a church or CATHEDRAL , with its own ALTAR , used for some services and private prayer
3 [C, U] (BrE) the word for a church used in some Christian DENOMINATIONS , for example by Nonconformists in Britain: a Methodist chapel  a Mormon chapel  She always went to chapel on Sundays.
4 [C] a small church: a tiny chapel in the mountains
5 [C] a small building or room used for funeral services, especially at a CEMETERY or CREMATORIUM : a chapel of rest
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chap.er.one
(BrE also chap.eron) noun, verb
noun
1 (in the past) an older woman who, on social occasions, took care of a young woman who was not married
2 a person who takes care of children in public, especially when they are working, for example as actors
3 (AmE) a person, such as a parent or a teacher, who goes with a group of young people on a trip or to a dance to encourage good behaviour

verb [vn] to act as a chaperone for sb, especially a woman

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chap.lain
noun a priest or other Christian minister who is responsible for the religious needs of people in a prison, hospital, etc. or in the armed forces—compare PADRE , PRIEST
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chap.lain.cy
noun (pl.-ies) the position or work of a chaplain ; the place where a chaplain works
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chapped
adj. (of the skin or lips) rough, dry and sore, especially because of wind or cold weather
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chaps
noun [pl.] protective leather coverings worn over trousers/pants by COWBOYS , etc. when riding a horse: a pair of chaps
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chap.ter
noun
1 (abbr.chap.) [C] a separate section of a book, usually with a number or title: I’ve just finished Chapter 3.  in the previous / next / last chapter  Have you read the chapter on the legal system?
2 [C] a period of time in a person’s life or in history: a difficult chapter in our country’s history
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the priests of a CATHEDRAL or members of a religious community: a meeting of the dean and chapter
4 [C] (especially AmE) a local branch of a society, club, etc: the local chapter of the Rotary club
IDM ,chapter and 'verse the exact details of sth, especially the exact place where particular information may be found: I can’t give chapter and verse, but that’s the rough outline of our legal position. a ,chapter of 'accidents (BrE, written) a series of unfortunate events
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'chapter house
noun a building where all the priests of a CATHEDRAL or members of a religious community meet
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char
verb, noun
verb (-rr-)
1 [v, vn] to become black by burning; to make sth black by burning it—see also CHARRED
2 [v] (old-fashioned, BrE) to work as a cleaner in a house

noun (old-fashioned, BrE )
1 [C] = CHARWOMAN
2 [U] (informal) tea: a cup of char

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chara.banc
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) an early type of bus, used in the past especially for pleasure trips
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char.ac.ter
noun
QUALITIES / FEATURES|
1 [C, usually sing.] all the qualities and features that make a person, groups of people, and places different from others: to have a strong / weak character  character traits / defects  The book gives a fascinating insight into Mrs Blair’s character.  Generosity is part of the American character.  The character of the neighbourhood hasn’t changed at all.
2 [C usually sing, U] the way that sth is, or a particular quality or feature that a thing, an event or a place has: the delicate character of the light in the evening  buildings that are very simple in character
3 [U] (approving) strong personal qualities such as the ability to deal with difficult or dangerous situations: Everyone admires her strength of character and determination.  He showed great character returning to the sport after his accident.  Adventure camps are considered to be character-building (= meant to improve sb’s strong qualities).
4 [U] (usually approving) the interesting or unusual quality that a place or a person has: The modern hotels here have no real character.  a face with a lot of character
STRANGE / INTERESTING PERSON|
5 [C] (informal) (used with an adjective) a person, particularly an unpleasant or strange one: There were some really strange characters hanging around the bar.
6 [C] (informal) an interesting or unusual person: She’s a character!
REPUTATION|
7 [C, U] (formal) the opinion that people have of you, particularly of whether you can be trusted or relied on: a man of good character and integrity  She was a victim of character assassination (= an unfair attack on the good opinion people had of her).  a slur / attack on his character
IN BOOK / PLAY / MOVIE|
8 [C] a person or an animal in a book, play or film/movie: a major / minor character in the book  cartoon characters
SYMBOL / LETTER|
9 [C] a letter, sign, mark or symbol used in writing, printing or on computers: Chinese characters  a line 30 characters long ,in 'character | ,out of 'character typical/not typical of a person’s character: Her behaviour last night was completely out of character. ,in 'character (with sth) in the same style as sth: The new wing of the museum was not really in character with the rest of the building.
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'character actor
noun an actor who always takes the parts of interesting or unusual people
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char.ac.ter.ful
adj. (written) very interesting and unusual
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char.ac.ter.is.tic
adj., noun
adj. ~ (of sth/sb) very typical of sth or of sb’s character: She spoke with characteristic enthusiasm.
OPP UNCHARACTERISTIC
char.ac.ter.is.tic.al.ly adv.: Characteristically, Helen paid for everyone.

noun ~ (of sth/sb) a typical feature or quality that sth/sb has: The need to communicate is a key characteristic of human society.  The two groups of children have quite different characteristics.  Personal characteristics, such as age, sex and marital status are taken into account.  genetic characteristics

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char.ac.ter.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun [U, C]
1 the way that a writer makes characters in a book or play seem real
2 (formal) the way in which sb/sth is described or defined: the characterization of physics as the study of simplicity
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char.ac.ter.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal)
1 to be typical of a person, place or thing: the rolling hills that characterize this part of England
2 [often passive] to give sth its typical or most noticeable qualities or features: The city is characterized by tall modern buildings in steel and glass.
3 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to describe or show the qualities of sb/sth in a particular way: activities that are characterized as ‘male’ or ‘female’ work  How would you characterize the mood of the 1990s?
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char.ac.ter.less
adj. having no interesting qualities
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cha.rade
noun
1 [C] a situation in which people pretend that sth is true when it clearly is not: Their whole marriage had been a charade—they had never loved each other.
2 (charades) [U] a game in which one player acts out the syllables of a word or title and the other players try to guess what it is: Let’s play charades.
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char.coal
noun [U]
1 a black substance made by burning wood slowly in an oven with little air. Charcoal is used as a fuel or for drawing: charcoal grilled steaks  a charcoal drawing
2 (also ,charcoal 'grey) a very dark grey colour
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chard
(also ,Swiss 'chard) noun [U] a vegetable with thick white stems and large leaves
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charge
noun, verb
noun
MONEY|
1 [C, U] ~ (for sth) the amount of money that sb asks for goods and services: We have to make a small charge for refreshments.  admission charges  Delivery is free of charge .  note at PRICE
2 [C, U] (AmE, informal) = CHARGE ACCOUNT , CREDIT ACCOUNT : Would you like to put that on your charge?  ‘Are you paying cash?’‘No, it’ll be a charge.’
OF CRIME / STH WRONG|
3 [C, U] an official claim made by the police that sb has committed a crime: criminal charges  a murder / assault charge  He will be sent back to England to face a charge of (= to be on trial for) armed robbery.  They decided to drop the charges against the newspaper and settle out of court.  After being questioned by the police, she was released without charge .
4 [C] a statement accusing sb of doing sth wrong or bad: She rejected the charge that the story was untrue.  Be careful you don’t leave yourself open to charges of political bias.
RESPONSIBILITY|
5 [U] a position of having control over sb/sth; responsibility for sb/sth: She has charge of the day-to-day running of the business.  They left the au pair in charge of the children for a week.  He took charge of the farm after his father’s death.  I’m leaving the school in your charge.
6 [C] (formal or humorous) a person that you have responsibility for and care for
ELECTRICITY|
7 [C, U] the amount of electricity that is put into a battery or carried by a substance: a positive / negative charge
RUSH / ATTACK|
8 [C] a sudden rush or violent attack, for example by soldiers, wild animals or players of a game such as football: He led the charge down the field.
EXPLOSIVE|
9 [C] the amount of explosive material needed to fire a gun or make an explosion—see also DEPTH CHARGE
STRONG FEELING|
10 [sing.] the power to cause strong feelings: the emotional charge of the piano piece
TASK|
11 [sing.] (formal) a task or duty: His charge was to obtain specific information. bring / press / prefer 'charges against sb (law) to accuse sb formally of a crime so that there can be a trial in a court of law get a 'charge out of sth (AmE) to get a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure from sth—more at REVERSE v.

verb
MONEY|
1 ~ (sb/sth) for sth| ~ (sb) sth (for sth) to ask an amount of money for goods or a service: [vn] What did they charge for the repairs?  The restaurant charged £20 for dinner.  We won’t charge you for delivery.  They’re charging £3 for the catalogue.  [vnn] He only charged me half price.  [v] Do you think museums should charge for admission? [alsov to inf, vn to inf]
2 [vn] ~ sth to sth to record the cost of sth as an amount that sb has to pay: They charge the calls to their credit-card account.   (AmE) Don’t worry. I’ll charge it (= pay by credit card).
WITH CRIME / STH WRONG|
3 [vn] ~ sb (with sth / with doing sth) to accuse sb formally of a crime so that there can be a trial in a court of law: He was charged with murder.  Several people were arrested but nobody was charged.
4 [vn] ~ sb (with sth / with doing sth) (formal) to accuse sb publicly of doing sth wrong or bad: Opposition MPs charged the minister with neglecting her duty.
RUSH / ATTACK|
5 to rush forward and attack sb/sth: [v] The bull put its head down and charged.  We charged at the enemy. [alsovn]
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to rush in a particular direction: The children charged down the stairs.  He came charging into my room and demanded to know what was going on.
WITH RESPONSIBILITY / TASK|
7 [vn] (usually passive) ~ sb with sth (formal) to give sb a responsibility or task: The committee has been charged with the development of sport in the region.  The governing body is charged with managing the school within its budget.
WITH ELECTRICITY|
8 [vn] ~ (sth) (up) to pass electricity through sth so that it is stored there: Before use, the battery must be charged.  The shaver can be charged up and used when travelling.
WITH STRONG FEELING|
9 [vn] (usually passive) ~ sth (with sth) (written) to fill sb with an emotion: The room was charged with hatred.  a highly charged atmosphere
GLASS|
10 [vn] (BrE, formal) to fill a glass: Please charge your glasses and drink a toast to the bride and groom!
GUN|
11 [vn] (old use) to load a gun

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charge.able
adj. ~ (to sb/sth)
1 (of a sum of money) that must be paid by sb: Any expenses you may incur will be chargeable to the company.
2 (of income or other money that you earn) that you must pay tax on: chargeable earnings / income
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'charge account
noun (AmE ) = ACCOUNT n (3)
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'charge capping
noun [U] (BrE ) the act of setting a limit on the amount of money that the local government of an area can charge people in order to pay for public services
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'charge card
noun a small plastic card provided by a shop/store which you use to buy goods there, paying for them later—see also CREDIT CARD
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chargé d’af.faires
noun (pl.chargés d’af.faires ) (from French )
1 an official who takes the place of an AMBASSADOR in a foreign country when he or she is away
2 an official below the rank of AMBASSADOR who acts as the senior representative of his or her country in a foreign country where there is no AMBASSADOR
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charge.hand
noun (BrE ) a worker in charge of others on a particular job, but below the rank of a FOREMAN
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'charge nurse
noun (BrE ) a nurse, especially a man, who is in charge of a hospital WARD
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char.ger
noun
1 a piece of equipment for loading a battery with electricity
2 (old use) a horse that a soldier or KNIGHT rode in battle in the past
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'charge sheet
noun (BrE ) a record kept in a police station of the names of people that the police have stated to be guilty of a crime (= that they have charged)
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char.iot
noun an open vehicle with two wheels, pulled by horses, used in ancient times in battle and for racing
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char.iot.eer
noun the driver of a chariot
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cha.risma
noun [U] the powerful personal quality that some people have to attract and impress other people: The President has great personal charisma.  a lack of charisma
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cha.ris.mat.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 having charisma : a charismatic figure / leader / personality
2 (of a Christian religious group) believing in special gifts from God; worshipping in a very enthusiastic way: the charismatic movement

noun (often Charismatic) a charismatic Christian

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char.it.able
adj.
1 connected with a charity or charities: a charitable institution / foundation / trust  a charitable donation / gift   (BrE) to have charitable status (= to be an official charity)
2 helping people who are poor or in need: His later years were devoted largely to charitable work .
3 kind in your attitude to other people, especially when you are judging them: Let’s be charitable and assume she just made a mistake.
OPP UNCHARITABLE
char.it.ably adv.: Try to think about him a little more charitably.
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char.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] an organization for helping people in need: Many charities sent money to help the victims of the famine.  The concert will raise money for local charities.
2 [U] the aim of giving money, food, help, etc. to people who are in need: Most of the runners in the London Marathon are raising money for charity .  Do you give much to charity?  a charity concert (= organized to get money for charity)  to live on / off charity (= to live on money which other people give you because you are poor)
3 [U] (formal) kindness and sympathy towards other people, especially when you are judging them: Her article showed no charity towards her former friends.
IDM charity begins at 'home (saying) you should help and care for your own family, etc. before you start helping other people
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'charity shop
noun (BrE ) a shop that sells clothes and other goods given by people to raise money for a charity
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char.lady
noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned, BrE ) = CHARWOMAN
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char.la.tan
noun a person who claims to have knowledge or skills that they do not really have
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Charles.ton
noun (usually the Charleston) [sing.] a fast dance that was popular in the 1920s
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char.ley horse
noun [usually sing.] (AmE , informal) = CRAMP : Ow! I just got a charley horse in my leg.
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char.lie
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , spoken) a silly person: You must have felt a proper charlie!
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charm
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the power of pleasing or attracting people: a man of great charm  The hotel is full of charm and character.
2 [C] a feature or quality that is pleasing or attractive: her physical charms (= her beauty)
3 [C] a small object worn on a chain or BRACELET , that is believed to bring good luck: a lucky charm  a charm bracelet—picture at JEWELLERY
4 [C] an act or words believed to have magic power
SYN SPELL
IDM ,work like a 'charm to be immediately and completely successful—more at THIRD

verb
1 to please or attract sb in order to make them like you or do what you want: [vn] He was charmed by her beauty and wit.  [v] Her words had lost their power to charm.
2 [vn] to control or protect sb/sth using magic, or as if using magic: He has led a charmed life (= he has been lucky even in dangerous or difficult situations).
PVR V ,charm sth 'out of sb to obtain sth such as information, money, etc. from sb by using charm

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,charmed 'circle
noun [sing.] (written) a group of people who have special influence
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charm.er
noun a person who acts in a way that makes them attractive to other people, sometimes using this to influence others—see also SNAKE CHARMER
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charm.ing
adj.
1 very pleasant or attractive: The cottage is tiny, but it’s charming.  She’s a charming person.
2 (ironic, spoken) used to show that you have a low opinion of sb’s behaviour: They left me to tidy it all up myself. Charming, wasn’t it?
charm.ing.ly adv.
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charm.less
adj. (written) not at all pleasant or interesting: a charmless industrial town
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'charm offensive
noun a situation in which a person, for example a politician, is especially friendly and pleasant in order to get other people to like them and to support their point of view
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char.nel house
noun a place used in the past for keeping dead human bodies or bones
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charred
adj. [usually before noun] burnt and black: the charred remains of a burnt-out car
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chart
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a page or sheet of information in the form of diagrams, lists of figures, etc: a weather chart  a sales chart (= showing the level of a company’s sales)—see also BAR CHART , FLOW CHART , PIE CHART
2 [C] a detailed map of the sea: a naval chart
3 (the charts) [pl.] (especially BrE) a list, produced each week, of the pop music records that have sold the most copies: ‘Two Tribes’ went straight into the charts at number 1.  to top the charts (= to be the record that has sold more copies than all the others)

verb [vn]
1 to record or follow the progress or development of sb/sth: The exhibition charts the history of the palace.
2 to plan a course of action: She had carefully charted her route to the top of her profession.
3 to make a map of an area
SYN MAP : Cook charted the coast of New Zealand in 1768.

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char.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a written statement describing the rights that a particular group of people should have: the European Union’s Social Charter of workers' rights
2 [C] a written statement of the principles and aims of an organization CONSTITUTION : the United Nations Charter
3 [C] an official document stating that a ruler or government allows a new organization, town or university to be established and gives it particular rights and privileges: The Royal College received its charter as a university in 1967.
4 [sing.] ~ (for sth) (BrE) a law or policy that seems likely to help criminals: The new law will be a charter for unscrupulous financial advisers.  a blackmailer’s charter
5 [U] the hiring of a plane, boat, etc: a yacht available for charter

verb [vn]
1 to hire/rent a plane, boat, etc. for your own use: a chartered plane
2 to state officially that a new organization, town or university has been established and has special rights and privileges

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char.tered
adj. [only before noun]
1 (BrE) qualified according to the rules of a professional organization that has a royal charter : a chartered surveyor / engineer
2 (of an aircraft, a ship or a boat) hired for a particular purpose: a chartered plane
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,chartered ac'countant
(BrE ) (AmE ,certified public ac'countant) noun a fully trained and qualified ACCOUNTANT
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'charter flight
noun a flight in an aircraft in which all the seats are paid for by a travel company and then sold to their customers, usually at a lower cost than that of a SCHEDULED FLIGHT
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,charter 'member
noun (AmE ) = FOUNDER MEMBER
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char.treuse
noun [U]
1 a green or yellow LIQUEUR (= a strong sweet alcoholic drink)
2 a pale yellow or pale green colour
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char.woman
noun (pl.-women ) (BrE also char, char.lady) (old-fashioned) a woman whose job is to clean a house, an office building, etc.
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chary
adj. ~ of sth / of doing sth not willing to risk doing sth; fearing possible problems if you do sth WARY
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chase
verb, noun
verb
RUN / DRIVE AFTER|
1 [vn] ~ (after) sb/sth to run, drive, etc. after sb/sth in order to catch them: [vn] My dog likes chasing rabbits.  The kids chased each other around the kitchen table.  [v] He chased after the burglar but couldn’t catch him.
MONEY / WORK / SUCCESS|
2 [vn] to try to obtain or achieve sth, for example money, work or success: Too many people are chasing too few jobs nowadays.  The team is chasing its first win in five games.
MAN / WOMAN|
3 ~ (after) sb (informal) to try to persuade sb to have a sexual relationship with you: [v] Kevin’s been chasing after Jan for months.  [vn] Girls are always chasing him.
REMIND SB|
4 [vn] (informal) to persuade sb to do sth that they should have done already: I need to chase him about organizing the meeting.
RUSH|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to rush or hurry somewhere: I’ve been chasing around town all morning looking for a present for Sharon.
METAL|
6 [vn] (technical) to cut patterns or designs on metal: chased silver ,chase sb/sth<->a'way, 'off, 'out, etc. to force sb/sth to run away: Chase the cat out—we don’t want her in the kitchen. ,chase sb<->'up
1 to remind sb to do sth that they should have done already: We need to chase up all members who have not yet paid.
2 (BrE) (AmE ,chase sth<->'down) to find sth that is needed; to deal with sth that has been forgotten: My job was to chase up late replies.

noun
RUNNING / DRIVING AFTER|
1 [C] (often used with the) an act of running or driving after sb/sth in order to catch them: The thieves were caught by police after a short chase.  a high-speed car chase  We lost him in the narrow streets and had to give up the chase (= stop chasing him).  to take up the chase (= start chasing sb)
FOR SUCCESS / MONEY / WORK|
2 [sing.] a process of trying hard to get sth: Three teams are involved in the chase for the championship.
IN SPORT|
3 (the chase) [sing.] hunting animals as a sport
4 [C] = STEEPLECHASE —see also WILD GOOSE CHASE give 'chase to begin to run after sb/sth in order to catch them: We gave chase along the footpath.

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chaser
noun
1 a drink that you have after another of a different kind, for example a stronger alcoholic drink after a weak one: a beer with a whisky chaser
2 a horse for STEEPLECHASE racing (= in which horses must jump over a series of fences)
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chasm
noun
1 [C] (literary) a deep crack or opening in the ground
2 [sing.] ~ (between A and B) (formal) a very big difference between two people or groups, for example because they have different attitudes
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chas.sis
noun (pl.chas.sis) the frame that a vehicle is built on
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chaste
adj.
1 (old-fashioned) not having sex with anyone; only having sex with the person that you are married to: to remain chaste
2 (formal) not expressing sexual feelings: She gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek.
3 (formal) simple and plain in style; not decorated: the cool, chaste interior of the hall  She wore a chaste gold chain around her neck.
chaste.ly adv.: He kissed her chastely on the cheek.
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chas.ten
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to make sb feel sorry for sth they have done: He felt suitably chastened and apologized.  She gave them a chastening lecture.
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chas.tise
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize sb for doing sth wrong: He chastised the team for their lack of commitment.
2 (old-fashioned) to punish sb physically
chas.tise.ment noun [U]
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chas.tity
noun [U] the state of not having sex with anyone or only having sex with the person you are married to; being CHASTE : vows of chastity (= those taken by some priests)
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chat
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) [v] ~ (away) (to / with sb)| ~ (about sth/sb) to talk in a friendly informal way to sb: My kids spend hours chatting on the phone to their friends.  Within minutes of being introduced they were chatting away like old friends.  What were you chatting about?
PVR V ,chat sb<->'up (BrE, informal) to talk in a friendly way to sb you are sexually attracted to: She went straight over and tried to chat him up.

noun
1 [C] (especially BrE) a friendly informal conversation: I just called in for a chat.  I had a long chat with her.
2 [U] talking, especially informal conversation: That’s enough chat from me—on with the music!

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cha.teau
(also châ.teau) noun (pl.cha.teaux or cha.teaus ) (from French ) a castle or large country house in France
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chat.line
noun a telephone service which allows a conversation among a number of people who call in separately
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'chat room
noun an area on the Internet where people can communicate with each other, usually about one particular topic
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'chat show
(BrE ) (also 'talk showAmE, BrE) noun a television or radio programme in which people are asked questions and talk in an informal way about their work and opinions on various topics: a chat-show host
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chat.tel
noun [C, U] (law or old-fashioned) something that belongs to you: Women are now considered as equal partners, not as chattels or housekeepers.—see also GOODS AND CHATTELS
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chat.ter
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (away / on) (to sb) (about sth) to talk quickly and continuously, especially about things that are not important: They chattered away happily for a while.  The children chattered to each other excitedly about the next day’s events.
2 (of teeth) to knock together continuously because you are cold or frightened
3 (of birds or monkeys) to make a series of short high sounds
IDM the 'chattering classes (BrE) the people in society who like to give their opinions on political or social issues

noun [U]
1 continuous rapid talk about things that are not important: Jane’s constant chatter was beginning to annoy him.  idle chatter
2 a series of quick short high sounds that some animals make: the chatter of monkeys
3 a series of short sounds made by things knocking together: the chatter of teeth

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chat.ter.box
noun (informal) a person who talks a lot, especially a child
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chatty
adj. (informal, especially BrE )
1 talking a lot in a friendly way: You’re very chatty today, Alice.
2 having a friendly informal style: a chatty letter
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chauf.feur
noun, verb
noun a person whose job is to drive a car, especially for sb rich or important

verb [vn] to drive sb in a car, usually as your job: He was chauffeured to all his meetings.  a chauffeured limousine

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chau.vin.ism
noun [U] (disapproving)
1 an aggressive and unreasonable belief that your own country is better than all others: It was a typical case of British chauvinism and insularity.
2 = MALE CHAUVINISM
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chau.vin.ist
noun
1 = MALE CHAUVINIST
2 a person who has an aggressive and unreasonable belief that their own country is better than all others
chau.vin.is.tic (also less frequent chau.vin.ist) adj.
chau.vin.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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ChB
abbr. (BrE ) Bachelor of Surgery
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cheap
adj., adv.
adj. (cheap.er, cheap.est)
LOW PRICE|
1 costing little money or less money than you expected: cheap fares  Personal computers are cheap and getting cheaper.  Cycling is a cheap way to get around.   (BrE) The printer isn’t exactly cheap at £200.  immigrant workers, used as a source of cheap labour (= workers who are paid very little, especially unfairly)—see also DIRT CHEAP
2 charging low prices: a cheap restaurant / hotel   (BrE) We found a cheap and cheerful cafe (= one that is simple and charges low prices but is pleasant).
POOR QUALITY|
3 (disapproving) low in price and quality: cheap perfume / jewellery / shoes   (BrE) a cheap and nasty bottle of wine
UNKIND|
4 unpleasant or unkind and rather obvious: I was tired of his cheap jokes at my expense.
LOW STATUS|
5 (disapproving) having a low status and therefore not deserving respect: He’s just a cheap crook.  His treatment of her made her feel cheap (= ashamed, because she had lost her respect for herself).
NOT GENEROUS|
6 (AmE) (BrE mean) (informal, disapproving) not liking to spend money: Don’t be so cheap!
cheap.ness noun [U] cheap at the 'price (BrE) (AmE cheap at 'twice the price) so good or useful that the cost does not seem too much on the 'cheap spending less money than you usually need to spend to do sth: a guide to decorating your house on the cheap—more at LIFE

adv. (comparativecheap.er no superlative) (informal) for a low price: I got this dress cheap in a sale. be ,going 'cheap to be offered for sale at a lower price than usual sth does not come 'cheap something is expensive: Violins like this don’t come cheap.

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cheap.en
verb [vn]
1 to make sb lose respect for himself or herself
SYN DEGRADE : She never cheapened herself by lowering her standards.
2 to make sth lower in price: to cheapen the cost of raw materials
3 to make sth appear to have less value: The movie was accused of cheapening human life.
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cheap.ly
adv. without spending or costing much money: I’m sure I could buy this more cheaply somewhere else.  a cheaply made movie
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cheapo
adj. [only before noun] (informal, disapproving) cheap and often of poor quality
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cheap.skate
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who does not like to spend money
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cheat
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to trick or deceive sb, especially when they trust you: She is accused of attempting to cheat the taxman.  Many people feel cheated by the government’s refusal to hold a referendum.  He cheated his way into the job.
2 [v] ~ (at sth) to act in a dishonest way in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, a competition, an exam, etc: He cheats at cards.  You’re not allowed to look at the answers—that’s cheating .
3 [v] ~ (on sb) (of sb who is married or who has a regular sexual partner) to have a secret sexual relationship with sb else
IDM cheat 'death (often used in newspapers) to survive in a situation where you could have died
PVR V 'cheat sb ('out) of sth to prevent sb from having sth, especially in a way that is not honest or fair: They cheated him out of his share of the profits.

noun (especially BrE )
1 (also cheat.er especially in AmE) [C] a person who cheats, especially in a game: You little cheat!
2 [sing.] something that seems unfair or dishonest, for example a way of doing sth with less effort than it usually needs: It’s really a cheat, but you can use ready-made pastry if you want.

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check
verb, noun, exclamation
verb
EXAMINE|
1 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to examine sth to see if it is correct, safe or satisfactory: Check the container for cracks or leaks.  She gave me the minutes of the meeting to read and check.  Check the oil and water before setting off.  Check your work before handing it in.
MAKE SURE|
2 ~ (with sb) to find out if sth is correct or true or if sth is how you think it is: [v (that)] Go and check (that) I’ve locked the windows.  [v] ‘Is Mary in the office?’‘Just a moment. I’ll go and check.’  [v wh-] You’d better check with Jane what time she’s expecting us tonight.—see also CROSS-CHECK , DOUBLE-CHECK
CONTROL|
3 [vn] to control sth; to stop sth from increasing or getting worse: The government is determined to check the growth of public spending.
4 [vn] to stop yourself from saying or doing sth or from showing a particular emotion: to check your anger / laughter / tears  She wanted to tell him the whole truth but she checked herself—it wasn’t the right moment.
COATS / BAGS / CASES|
5 [vn] (AmE) to leave coats, bags, etc. in an official place (called a CHECKROOM ) while you are visiting a club, restaurant, etc: Do you want to check your coats?
6 [vn] (AmE) to leave bags or cases with an official so that they can be put on a plane or train
MAKE MARK|
7 [vn] (AmE) = TICK : Check the box next to the right answer. ,check 'in (at … )| 'check into … to go to a desk in a hotel, an airport, etc. and tell an official there that you have arrived: Please check in at least an hour before departure.—related noun CHECK-IN ,check sth<->'in to leave bags or cases with an official to be put on a plane or train: We checked in our luggage and went through to the departure lounge.—related noun CHECK-IN ,check sb/sth<->'off (AmE) = TICK SB/STH OFF : Check the names off as the guests arrive. 'check on sb/sth to make sure that there is nothing wrong with sb/sth: I’ll just go and check on the children. ,check 'out (of … ) to pay your bill and leave a hotel, etc: Guests should check out of their rooms by noon.—related noun CHECKOUT (2) ,check sth<->'out
1 to find out if sth is correct, true or acceptable: The police are checking out his alibi.
2 (informal) to look at or examine sth that seems interesting or attractive: Check out the prices at our new store!  Hey, check out that car!
3 to borrow sth from an official place, for example a book from a library: The book has been checked out in your name. ,check 'over / 'through<->sth to examine sth carefully to make sure that it is correct or acceptable: Check over your work for mistakes. ,check 'up on sb to make sure that sb is doing what they should be doing: My parents are always checking up on me. ,check 'up on sth to find out if sth is true or correct: I need to check up on a few things before I can decide.

noun
EXAMINATION|
1 [C] ~ (on sth) an act of making sure that sth is safe, correct or in good condition by examining it: Could you give the tyres a check?  a health check  The drugs were found in their car during a routine check by police.  I’ll just have a quick check to see if the letter’s arrived yet.  It is vital to keep a check on your speed (= look at it regularly in order to control it).
INVESTIGATION|
2 [C] ~ (on sth) an investigation to find out more information about sth: The police ran a check on the registration number of the car.  Was any check made on Mr Morris when he applied for the post?
CONTROL|
3 [C] ~ (on / to sth) (formal) something that slows down the progress of sth else or stops it from getting worse: A cold spring will provide a natural check on the number of insects.
PATTERN|
4 [C, U] a pattern of squares, usually of two colours: Do you prefer checks or stripes?  a check shirt / suit  a yellow and red check skirt—see also CHECKED
MONEY|
5 [C] (AmE) = CHEQUE
6 [C] (AmE) = BILL : Can I have the check, please?
FOR COATS / BAGS|
7 [C] (AmE) coat ~ a place in a club, restaurant, etc. where you can leave your coat or bag
8 [C] (AmE) a ticket that you get when you leave your coat, bag, etc. in, for example, a restaurant or theatre
IN GAME|
9 [U] (in the game of CHESS ) a position in which a player’s king (= the most important piece) can be directly attacked by the other player’s pieces: There, you’re in check.—see also CHECKMATE
MARK|
10 (also 'check mark) [C] (AmE) = TICK hold / keep sth in 'check to keep sth under control so that it does not spread or get worse—more at RAIN CHECK

exclamation used to show that you agree with sb or that sth on a list has been dealt with: ‘Do you have your tickets?’‘Check.’‘Passport?’‘Check.’

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check.book
= CHEQUEBOOK
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checked
adj. having a pattern of squares, usually of two colours: checked material—see also CHECK
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check.er
noun —see also CHECKERS
1 (AmE) a person who works at the CHECKOUT in a supermarket
2 (in compounds) a computer program that you use to check sth, for example the spelling and grammar of sth you have written: a spelling / grammar / virus checker
3 a person who checks things: a quality control checker
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check.er.board
noun (AmE ) = DRAUGHTBOARD
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check.ered
adj. (especially AmE ) = CHEQUERED
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check.ers
noun [U] (AmE ) = DRAUGHTS
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'check-in
noun
1 [C, U] the place where you go first when you arrive at an airport, to show your ticket, etc: The airline apologizes for long delays at check-ins today.
2 [U] the act of showing your ticket, etc. when you arrive at an airport: Do you know your check-in time?   (BrE) the check-in desk   (AmE) the check-in counter
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'checking account
noun (AmE ) = CURRENT ACCOUNT
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check.list
noun a list of the things that you must remember to do, to take with you or to find out
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check.mate
(also mate) noun [U]
1 (in the game of CHESS ) a position in which one player cannot prevent his or her king (= the most important piece) being captured and therefore loses the game—see also CHECK —compare STALEMATE
2 a situation in which sb has been completely defeated
check.mate (also mate) verb : [vn] His king had been checkmated.  She hoped the plan would checkmate her opponents.
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check.out
noun
1 [C] the place where you pay for the things that you are buying in a supermarket: a checkout assistant / operator
2 [U] the time when you leave a hotel at the end of your stay: At checkout, your bill will be printed for you.
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check.point
noun a place, especially on a border between two countries, where people have to stop so their vehicles and documents can be checked: There are border guards at the checkpoint crossing.
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check.room
noun (AmE ) = CLOAKROOM
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'check-up
noun an examination of sth, especially a medical one to make sure that you are healthy: to go for / to have a check-up  a medical / dental / routine / thorough check-up
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Ched.dar
(also ,Cheddar 'cheese) noun [U] a type of hard yellow cheese
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cheek
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] either side of the face below the eyes: chubby / rosy / pink cheeks  He kissed her on both cheeks.  Couples were dancing cheek to cheek .—picture at BODY
2 (-cheeked) (in adjectives) having the type of cheeks mentioned: chubby-cheeked / rosy-cheeked / hollow-cheeked
3 [C] (informal) either of the BUTTOCKS
4 [U, sing.] (BrE) talk or behaviour that people think is annoying, rude or lacking in respect: What a cheek!  He had the cheek to ask his ex-girlfriend to babysit for them.  I think they’ve got a cheek making you pay to park the car.
IDM ,cheek by 'jowl (with sb/sth) very close to sb/sth turn the other 'cheek to make a deliberate decision to remain calm and not to act in an aggressive way when sb has hurt you or made you angry—more at ROSE n. , TONGUE n.

verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to speak to sb in a rude way that shows a lack of respect

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cheek.bone
noun the bone below the eye—picture at BODY
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cheeky
adj. (cheek.ier, cheeki.est) (BrE , especially spoken) rude in an amusing or an annoying way: You cheeky monkey!  a cheeky grin  You’re getting far too cheeky!
cheek.ily adv.
cheeki.ness noun [U]
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cheep
verb [v] (of young birds) to make short high sounds
cheep noun
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cheer
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a shout of joy, support or praise: A great cheer went up from the crowd.  cheers of encouragement  Three cheers for the winners! (= used when you are asking a group of people to cheer three times, in order to congratulate sb, etc.)
2 [C] (AmE) a special song or poem used by CHEERLEADERS
3 [U] (formal or literary) an atmosphere of happiness: Christmas and New Year are a time of good cheer in the company of family and friends.

verb
1 to shout loudly, to show support or praise for sb, or to give them encouragement: [v] We all cheered as the team came on to the field.  Cheering crowds greeted their arrival.  [vn] The crowd cheered the President as he drove slowly by.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to give hope, comfort or encouragement to sb: She was cheered by the news from home.
cheer.ing noun [U]: He came on stage amid clapping and cheering.
cheer.ing adj.: The results of the test were very cheering.
PVR V ,cheer sb<->'on to give shouts of encouragement to sb in a race, competition, etc: The spectators cheered the runners on. ,cheer 'up| ,cheer sb/sth<->'up to become more cheerful; to make sb/sth more cheerful: Oh, come on—cheer up!  Give Mary a call; she needs cheering up.  Bright curtains can cheer up a dull room.

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cheer.ful
adj.
1 happy, and showing it by the way that you behave: You’re not your usual cheerful self today.  He felt bright and cheerful and full of energy.  a cheerful, hard-working employee  a cheerful smile / voice
2 giving you a feeling of happiness: a bright, cheerful restaurant  walls painted in cheerful (= light and bright) colours  a chatty, cheerful letter
cheer.ful.ly adv.: to laugh / nod / whistle cheerfully  I could cheerfully have killed him when he said that (= I would have liked to).  She cheerfully admitted that she had no experience at all (= she wasn’t afraid to do so).
cheer.ful.ness noun [U]
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cheerio
exclamation (BrE , informal) goodbye: Cheerio! I’ll see you later.
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cheer.lead.er
noun
1 (in the US) one of the members of a group of young people (usually women) wearing special uniforms, who encourage the crowd to CHEER for their team at a sports event
2 a person who supports a particular politician, idea, or way of doing sth: one of the leading cheerleaders for the President’s welfare policies
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cheer.less
adj. (written) (of a place, etc.) without warmth or colour so it makes you feel depressed GLOOMY : a dark and cheerless room  a damp and cheerless December afternoon
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cheers
exclamation
1 a word that people say to each other as they lift up their glasses to drink
2 (BrE, informal) goodbye: Cheers then. See you later.
3 (BrE, informal) thank you
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cheery
adj. (cheer.ier, cheeri.est) (informal) (of a person or their behaviour) happy and cheerful: a cheery remark / smile / wave  He left with a cheery ‘See you again soon’.
cheer.ily adv.
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cheese
noun
1 [U, C] a type of food made from milk that can be either soft or hard and is usually white or yellow in colour; a particular type of this food: Cheddar cheese  goat’s cheese (= made from the milk of a goat)  a cheese sandwich / salad  a chunk / piece / slice of cheese  a selection of French cheeses  a cheese knife (= a knife with a special curved blade with two points on the end, used for cutting and picking up pieces of cheese)—picture at CUTLERY —see also BLUE CHEESE , CAULIFLOWER CHEESE , COTTAGE CHEESE , CREAM CHEESE , MACARONI CHEESE
2 (cheese!) what you ask sb to say before you take their photograph
IDM see BIG adj. , CHALK n. , HARD adj.
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cheese.board
noun (BrE )
1 a board that is used to cut cheese on
2 a variety of cheeses that are served at the end of a meal
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cheese.bur.ger
noun a hamburger with a slice of cheese on top of the meat
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cheese.cake
noun [C, U] a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from a soft mixture of CREAM CHEESE , sugar, eggs, etc. on a base of cake or crushed biscuits/cookies, sometimes with fruit on top: a strawberry cheesecake  Is there any cheesecake left?—
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cheese.cloth
noun [U] a loosely-woven cotton fabric used especially for making shirts
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,cheesed 'off
adj. [not before noun] ~ (with / about sb/sth) (BrE , informal) annoyed or bored: I was extremely cheesed off to be woken so early.
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cheesy
adj.
1 (slang) of low quality and without style CORNY , TACKY : an incredibly cheesy love song
2 smelling or tasting of cheese
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chee.tah
noun a wild animal of the cat family, with black spots, that runs very fast
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chef
noun a professional cook, especially the most senior cook in a restaurant, hotel, etc.
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chef-d’oeuvre
noun (pl.chefs-d’oeuvre ) (from French , formal) a very good piece of work, especially the best work by a particular artist, writer, etc.
SYN MASTERPIECE
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chem.ical
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with chemistry: a chemical element  the chemical industry
2 produced by or using processes which involve changes to atoms or MOLECULES : chemical reactions / processes
chem.ic.al.ly adv.: The raw sewage is chemically treated.

noun a substance obtained by or used in a chemical process

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,chemical engi'neering
noun [U] the study of the design and use of machines in industrial chemical processes
,chemical engi'neer noun
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,chem.ical 'war.fare
noun [U] the use of poisonous gases and chemicals as weapons in a war
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che.mise
noun a loose dress or piece of women’s underwear that hangs straight from the shoulders
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chem.ist
noun
1 (also dis'pensing chemist) (both BrE) (AmE drug.gist) a person whose job is to prepare and sell medicines, and who works in a shop—compare PHARMACIST
2 (chemist’s) (pl.chem.ists) (BrE) a shop/store that sells medicines and usually also soap, MAKE-UP , etc: You can obtain the product from all good chemists.  Take this prescription to the chemist’s.  I’ll get it at the chemist’s.  a chemist’s / chemist shop—see also DRUGSTORE —compare PHARMACY
3 a scientist who studies chemistry: a research chemist
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chem.is.try
noun [U]
1 the scientific study of the structure of substances, how they react when combined or in contact with one another, and how they behave under different conditions: a degree in chemistry  the university’s chemistry department  inorganic / organic chemistry—see also BIOCHEMISTRY
2 (technical) the chemical structure and behaviour of a particular substance: the chemistry of copper  The patient’s blood chemistry was monitored regularly.
3 the relationship between two people, usually a strong sexual attraction: sexual chemistry  The chemistry just wasn’t right.
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chemo.ther.apy
noun [U] the treatment of disease, especially CANCER , with the use of chemical substances—compare RADIATION , RADIOTHERAPY
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che.nille
noun [U] a type of thick, soft thread; fabric made from this: a chenille sweater
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cheque
(BrE ) (AmEcheck) noun a printed form that you can write on and sign as a way of paying for sth instead of using money: a cheque for £50  to write a cheque  to make a cheque out to sb  to pay by cheque  to cash a cheque (= to get or give money for a cheque)—see also BLANK CHEQUE , TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE —picture at MONEY
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cheque.book
(BrE ) (AmEcheck.book) noun a book of printed cheques
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,chequebook 'journalism
noun [U] (BrE , disapproving) the practice of journalists paying people large amounts of money to give them personal or private information for a newspaper story
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'cheque card
(also ,cheque guaran'tee card) noun (both BrE ) a card that you must show when you pay by cheque to prove that the bank you have an account with will pay the money on the cheque—compare CASH CARD
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che.quered
(BrE ) (also check.eredAmE, BrE) adj.
1 ~ past / history / career a person’s past, etc. that contains both successful and not successful periods
2 having a pattern of squares of different colours
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the ,chequered 'flag
(BrE ) (also check.ered flagAmE, BrE) noun a flag with black and white squares that is waved when a driver has finished a motor race
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cher.ish
verb [vn] (written)
1 to love sb/sth very much and want to protect them or it: Children need to be cherished.  her most cherished possession
2 to keep an idea, a hope or a pleasant feeling in your mind for a long time: Cherish the memory of those days in Paris.
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che.root
noun a type of CIGAR with two open ends
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cherry
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a small soft round fruit with shiny red or black skin and a stone/pit inside—
2 (also 'cherry tree) [C] a tree on which cherries grow, or a similar tree, grown for its flowers: cherry blossom  a winter-flowering cherry
3 (also cherry.wood ) [U] the wood of the cherry tree
4 (also ,cherry 'red) [U] a bright red colour
IDM see BITE n.

adj. (also ,cherry 'red) bright red in colour: cherry lips

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'cherry-pick
verb [vn, v] to choose the best people or things from a group and leave those which are not so good
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cherub
noun
1 (in art) a type of ANGEL , shown as a small fat, usually male, child with wings—compare SERAPH
2 (informal) a pretty child; a child who behaves well
cher.ub.ic adj. (formal): a cherubic face (= plump, and with the innocence of a small child)
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cher.vil
noun [U] a plant with leaves that are used in cooking as a herb and to decorate food
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chess
noun [U] a game for two people played on a board marked with black and white squares on which each playing piece (representing a king, queen, castle, etc.) is moved according to special rules. The aim is to put the other player’s king in a position from which it cannot escape (= to CHECKMATE it).—
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chess.board
noun a board with 64 black and white squares that chess is played on—
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chess.man
noun (pl.-men ) any of the 32 pieces used in the game of chess —
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chest
noun
1 the top part of the front of the body, between the neck and the stomach: The bullet hit him in the chest.  She gasped for breath, her chest heaving.  a chest infection  chest pains  a hairy chest—picture at BODY
2 (-chested) (in adjectives) having the type of chest mentioned: flat-chested  broad-chested
3 a large strong box, usually made of wood, used for storing things in and/or moving them from one place to another: a medicine chest  a treasure chest—see also TEA CHEST —see also WAR CHEST
IDM ,get sth off your 'chest to talk about sth that has been worrying you for a long time so that you feel less anxious—more at CARD n.
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chest.nut
noun, adj.
noun
1 (also 'chestnut tree) [C] a large tree with spreading branches, that produces smooth brown nuts inside prickly cases. There are several types of chestnut tree.—see also HORSE CHESTNUT
2 [C] a smooth brown nut of a chestnut tree, some types of which can be eaten: roast chestnuts—see also WATER CHESTNUT —compare CONKER —picture at NUT
3 [U] a deep reddish-brown colour
4 [C] a horse of a reddish-brown colour
5 [C] (informal) an old joke or story that has been told so many times that it is no longer amusing or interesting

adj. reddish-brown in colour

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,chest of 'drawers
noun (pl.chests of drawers) (AmE also bur.eau, dresser) a piece of furniture with drawers for keeping clothes in
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chesty
adj. (informal, especially BrE ) suffering from or showing signs of chest disease
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chev.ron
noun
1 a line or pattern in the shape of a V
2 a piece of fabric in the shape of a V which soldiers and police officers wear on their uniforms to show their rank
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chew
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at / on / through sth)| ~ sth (up) to bite food into small pieces in your mouth with your teeth to make it easier to swallow: [v] After the operation you may find it difficult to chew and swallow.  [vn] teeth designed for chewing meat  He is always chewing gum.
2 ~ (on sth) to bite sth continuously, for example because you are nervous or to taste it: [v] Rosa chewed on her lip and stared at the floor.  The dog was chewing on a bone.  [vn] to chew your nails
IDM ,chew the 'fat (informal) to have a long friendly talk with sb about sth—more at BITE v.
PVR V ,chew sth<->'over to think about or discuss sth slowly and carefully

noun
1 an act of chewing sth
2 a type of sweet/candy that you chew
3 a piece of tobacco that you chew

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'chewing gum
(also gum) noun [U] a sweet/candy that you chew but do not swallow
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chewy
adj. (of food) needing to be chewed a lot before it can be swallowed
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chic
adj. very fashionable and elegant: She is always so chic, so elegant.  a chic new restaurant
chic noun [U]: a perfectly dressed woman with an air of chic that was unmistakably French
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chi.cane
noun (BrE ) a sharp double bend, either on a track where cars race, or on an ordinary road to stop vehicles from going too fast
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chi.can.ery
noun [U] (rare, formal) the use of complicated plans and clever talk in order to deceive people
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Chi.cano
noun (pl.-os) (especially AmE ) a N American person whose family came from Mexico—compare LATINO
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chick
noun
1 a baby bird, especially a baby chicken
2 (old-fashioned, sometimes offensive) a way of referring to a young woman
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chicka.dee
noun a small N American bird of the TIT family. There are many types of chickadee .
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chick.en
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C] a large bird that is often kept for its eggs or meat: They keep chickens in the back yard.  free-range chickens—compare COCK , HEN —
2 [U] meat from a chicken : fried / roast chicken  chicken stock / soup  chicken breasts / livers / thighs  chicken and chips—see also SPRING CHICKEN
IDM a ,chicken-and-'egg situation, problem, etc. a situation in which it is difficult to tell which one of two things was the cause of the other—more at COUNT v. , HEADLESS , HOME adv.

verb
PVR V ,chicken 'out (of sth / of doing sth) (informal) to decide not to do sth because you are afraid: You’re not going to chicken out, are you?

adj. [not before noun] (informal) not brave; afraid to do sth COWARDLY

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'chicken feed
noun [U] (informal) an amount of money that is not large enough to be important
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chick.en.pox
noun [U] a disease, especially of children, that causes a slight fever and many spots on the skin: to catch / get chickenpox
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chick.en.shit
noun, adj.
noun [U] (AmE , slang) nonsense

adj. (AmE , slang) (of a person) not brave
SYN COWARDLY

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chick.pea
noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually gar.ban.zo, gar'banzo bean) a hard round seed, like a light brown pea, that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable
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chic.ory
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (AmE en.dive) [C, U] a small pale green plant with bitter leaves that are eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. The root can be dried and used with or instead of coffee.
2 (AmE) = ENDIVE (1)
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chide
verb ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize or blame sb because they have done sth wrong: [vn] She chided herself for being so impatient with the children.  [v speech] ‘Isn’t that a bit selfish?’ he chided. [alsovn speech]
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chief
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 most important; main: the chief cause / problem / reason  one of the President’s chief rivals
2 (often Chief) highest in rank: the Chief Education Officer  the chief financial officer of the company  Detective Chief Inspector Williams
3 (-in-'chief) (in nouns) of the highest rank: commander-in-chief—see also CHIEFLY

noun
1 a person with a high rank or the highest rank in a company or an organization: army / industry / police chiefs
2 (often as a title) a leader or ruler of a tribe: Chief Buthelezi  Chief Crazy Horse
IDM there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians (BrE, informal) used to describe a situation in which there are too many people telling other people what to do, and not enough people to do the work

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,chief 'constable
noun (in Britain) a senior police officer who is in charge of the police force in a particular area: Chief Constable Brian Turner
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,chief e'xecutive
noun
1 the person with the highest rank in a company or an organization: The chief executive addressed the board.
2 (Chief Executive) the President of the US
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,chief e'xecutive officer
noun (abbr. CEO) the person in a company who has the most power and authority
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,chief in'spector
noun (in Britain) a police officer above the rank of an INSPECTOR
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,chief 'justice
(also Chief Justice) noun the most important judge in a court of law, especially the US Supreme Court
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chief.ly
adv. not completely, but as a most important part
SYN PRIMARILY , MAINLY : We are chiefly concerned with improving educational standards.  He’s travelled widely, chiefly in Africa and Asia.
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,chief of 'staff
noun (pl.,chiefs of 'staff) an officer of very high rank, responsible for advising the person who commands each of the armed forces—see also JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
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,chief superin'tendent
noun (in Britain) a police officer above the rank of SUPERINTENDENT
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chief.tain
noun the leader of a tribe or a CLAN in Scotland
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chif.fon
noun [U] a fine transparent silk or NYLON fabric, used especially for making clothes
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chi.gnon
noun (from French ) a style for women’s hair in which the hair is pulled back and twisted into a smooth knot at the back
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chi.hua.hua
noun a very small dog with smooth hair
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chil.blain
noun [usually pl.] a painful red swelling on the hands or feet that is caused by cold or bad CIRCULATION of the blood
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child
noun (pl.chil.dren )
1 a young human being who is not yet an adult: a child of three / a three-year-old child  men, women and children  an unborn child  not suitable for young children  I lived in London as a child.  a child star—see also BRAINCHILD , LATCHKEY CHILD , SCHOOLCHILD
2 a son or daughter of any age: They have three grown-up children.  a support group for adult children of alcoholics—see also GODCHILD , GRANDCHILD , LOVE CHILD , ONLY CHILD , STEPCHILD —compare KID
3 a person who is strongly influenced by the ideas and attitudes of a particular time or person: a child of the 90s
4 (disapproving) an adult who behaves like a child and is not MATURE or responsible
IDM be with 'child (old-fashioned) to be pregnant be 'child’s play (informal) to be very easy to do, so not even a child would find it difficult
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'child abuse
noun [U] the crime of harming a child in a physical, sexual or emotional way: victims of child abuse
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child.bear.ing
noun [U] the process of giving birth to children: women of childbearing age
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,child 'bene.fit
noun [U] (in Britain) money that the government regularly pays to parents of children up to a particular age
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child.birth
noun [U] the process of giving birth to a baby: pregnancy and childbirth  His wife died in childbirth .
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child.care
noun [U] the care of children, especially while parents are at work: childcare facilities for working parents
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child.hood
noun [U, C] the period of sb’s life when they are a child: childhood, adolescence and adulthood  in early childhood  childhood memories / experiences  She had a happy childhood.  childhood cancer
IDM a / sb’s second 'childhood a time in the life of an adult person when they behave like a child again
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child.ish
adj.
1 connected with or typical of a child: childish handwriting
2 (disapproving) (of an adult) behaving in a stupid or silly way
SYN IMMATURE : Don’t be so childish!—compare CHILDLIKE
child.ish.ly adv.: to behave childishly
child.ish.ness noun [U]
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child.less
adj. having no children: a childless couple / marriage
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child.like
adj. (usually approving) having the qualities that children usually have, especially INNOCENCE : childlike enthusiasm / simplicity / delight—compare CHILDISH
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child.mind.er
noun (BrE ) a person, usually a woman, who is paid to care for children while their parents are at work. A childminder usually does this in his or her own home.—see also BABYSITTER
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child.proof
adj. designed so that young children cannot open, use, or damage it: childproof containers for medicines
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'child restraint
noun a belt, or small seat with a belt, that is used in a car to control and protect a child
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'child seat
noun = CAR SEAT
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chili
(AmE )
1 = CHILLI
2 = CHILLI CON CARNE
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chill
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [sing.] a feeling of being cold: There’s a chill in the air this morning.  A small fire was burning to take the chill off the room.
2 [C] an illness caused by being cold and wet, causing fever and SHIVERING (= shaking of the body)
3 [sing.] a feeling of fear: a chill of fear / apprehension  His words sent a chill down her spine .

verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] to make sb very cold: They were chilled by the icy wind.  Let’s go home, I’m chilled to the bone (= very cold).
2 when food or a drink chills or when sb chills it, it is made very cold but it does not freeze: [v] Let the pudding chill for an hour until set.  [vn] This wine is best served chilled.  chilled foods (= for example in a supermarket)
3 [vn] [usually passive] (literary) to frighten sb: His words chilled her.  We were chilled at the prospect of war.  What he saw chilled his blood .
PVR V ,chill 'out (informal) to relax and stop feeling angry or nervous about sth: They sometimes meet up to chill out and drink a few beers.  Sit down and chill out!

adj. (formal) (especially of weather and the wind) cold, in an unpleasant way: the chill grey dawn  a chill wind

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chilli
(BrE ) (AmEchili) noun (pl.chil.lies, AmEchilies)
1 (AmE also 'chili pepper) [C, U] the small green or red fruit of a type of pepper plant that is used in cooking to give a hot taste to food, often dried or made into powder, also called chilli or chilli powder
2 [U] = CHILLI CON CARNE
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chilli con carne
(especially BrE ) (BrE also chilli) (AmE also chili) noun [U] a hot spicy Mexican dish made with meat, beans and chillies
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chill.ing
adj. frightening, usually because it is connected with sth violent or cruel: a chilling story  The film evokes chilling reminders of the war.
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chilly
adj.
1 (especially of the weather or a place, but also of people) too cold to be comfortable: It’s chilly today.  I was feeling chilly.
2 not friendly: The visitors got a very chilly reception.
chil.li.ness noun [U]
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chime
verb, noun
verb (of a bell or a clock) to ring; to show the time by making a ringing sound: [v] I heard the clock chime.  Eight o’clock had already chimed.  [vn] The clock chimed midday.
PVR V ,chime 'in (with sth) to join or interrupt a conversation: He kept chiming in with his own opinions. [+ speech] ‘And me!’ she chimed in. chime (in) with sth (written) (of plans, ideas, etc.) to agree with sth; to be similar to sth: His opinions chimed in with the mood of the nation.

noun a ringing sound, especially one that is made by a bell: door chimes

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chi.mera
(also chi.maera) noun
1 (in ancient Greek stories) a creature with a lion’s head, a goat’s body and a snake’s tail, that can breathe out fire
2 (formal) an impossible idea or hope
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chim.ney
noun
1 a structure through which smoke or steam is carried up away from a fire, etc. and through the roof of a building; the part of this that is above the roof: He threw the paper onto the fire and it flew up the chimney.  the factory chimneys of an industrial landscape—picture at HOUSE
2 (technical) a narrow opening in an area of rock that a person can climb up
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'chim.ney breast
noun (BrE ) the wall around the bottom part of a chimney, above a FIREPLACE
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'chim.ney piece
noun (BrE ) a brick or stone structure that is built over a FIREPLACE
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'chim.ney pot
noun (BrE ) a short wide pipe that is placed on top of a chimney—picture at HOUSE
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'chim.ney stack
noun (BrE )
1 the part of the chimney that is above the roof of a building
2 (AmE smoke.stack) a very tall chimney, especially one in a factory
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'chimney sweep
(also sweep) noun a person whose job is to clean the inside of chimneys
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chim.pan.zee
(also informal chimp) noun a small intelligent African APE (= an animal like a large monkey without a tail)—
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chin
noun the part of the face below the mouth and above the neck: A strap fastens under the chin to keep the helmet in place.—picture at BODY —see also DOUBLE CHIN
IDM (keep your) 'chin up (spoken) used to tell sb to try to stay cheerful even though they are in a difficult or unpleasant situation: Chin up! Only two exams left. take sth on the 'chin (informal) to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining, trying to make excuses, etc.—more at CHUCK v.
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china
noun [U]
1 white clay which is baked and used for making delicate cups, plates, etc: a china vase—see also BONE CHINA
2 cups, plates, etc. that are made of china : She got out the best china.
IDM see BULL , TEA
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,china 'clay
noun [U] = KAOLIN
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,Chinese 'cabbage
noun [U] (BrE also ,Chinese 'leaf, ,pak 'choi [U] ,Chinese 'leaves [pl.]) a vegetable like CABBAGE with long, pale green leaves
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,Chinese 'chequers
(BrE ) (AmE,Chinese 'checkers) noun [U] a game for two to six players who try to move the playing pieces from one corner to the opposite corner of the board, which is shaped like a star
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,Chinese 'whispers
noun [U] (BrE ) the situation when information is passed from one person to another and gets slightly changed each time
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Chink
noun ( , slang) a very offensive word for a Chinese person
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chink
noun, verb
noun
1 a narrow opening in sth, especially one that lets light through: a chink in the curtains
2 ~ of light a small area of light shining through a narrow opening
3 [usually sing.] the light ringing sound that is made when glass objects or coins touch: the chink of glasses
IDM a chink in sb’s 'armour a weak point in sb’s argument, character, etc., that can be used in an attack

verb when glasses, coins or other glass or metal objects chink or when you chink them, they make a light ringing sound: [v] the sound of bottles chinking  [vn] We chinked glasses and drank to each other’s health.

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chinos
noun [pl.] informal trousers/pants made from strong woven cotton: a pair of chinos
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chintz
noun [U, C] a shiny cotton fabric with a printed design, especially of flowers, used for making curtains, covering furniture, etc.
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chintzy
adj.
1 (BrE) covered in or decorated with chintz
2 (AmE, informal) cheap and not attractive
3 (AmE, humorous) not willing to spend money
SYN CHEAP , STINGY
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'chin-up
noun (especially AmE ) = PULL-UP
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chin.wag
noun [sing.] (BrE , spoken) a friendly, informal conversation with sb that you know well
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chip
noun, verb
noun
1 the place from which a small piece of wood, glass, etc. has broken from an object: This mug has a chip in it.
2 a small piece of wood, glass, etc. that has broken off an object: chips of wood  chocolate chip cookies (= biscuits containing small pieces of chocolate)
3 (BrE) (also ,French 'fry, fryAmE, BrE) [usually pl.] a long thin piece of potato fried in oil or fat: All main courses are served with chips or baked potato.—see also FISH AND CHIPS
4 (AmE) = CRISP : potato chips
5 = MICROCHIP : chip technology
6 a small flat piece of plastic used to represent a particular amount of money in some types of gambling: (figurative) The release of prisoners was used as a bargaining chip .
7 (also 'chip shot) (in golf, football, etc.) an act of hitting or kicking a ball high in the air so that it lands within a short distance: She left herself with a short chip to the green.—see also BLUE-CHIP
IDM a ,chip off the old 'block (informal) a person who is very similar to their mother or father in the way that they look or behave have a 'chip on your shoulder (about sth) (informal) to be sensitive about sth that happened in the past and become easily offended if it is mentioned because you think that you were treated unfairly have had your 'chips (BrE, informal) to be in a situation in which you are certain to be defeated or killed when the chips are 'down (informal) used to refer to a difficult situation in which you are forced to decide what is important to you: I’m not sure what I’ll do when the chips are down.

verb (-pp-)
1 to damage sth by breaking a small piece off it; to become damaged in this way: [vn] a badly chipped saucer  She chipped one of her front teeth.  [v] These plates chip easily.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to cut or break small pieces off sth with a tool: Chip away the damaged area.  The fossils had been chipped out of the rock.
3 [vn, v] (especially in golf and football) to hit or kick the ball so that it goes high in the air and then lands within a short distance
4 [vn] ~ potatoes (BrE) to cut potatoes into long thin pieces and fry them in deep oil
PVR V ,chip a'way at sth to keep breaking small pieces off sth: He was chipping away at the stone.   (figurative) They chipped away at the power of the government (= gradually made it weaker). ,chip 'in (with sth) (informal)
1 to join in or interrupt a conversation; to add sth to a conversation or discussion: Pete and Anne chipped in with suggestions. [+ speech] ‘That’s different,’ she chipped in.
2 (also ,chip 'in sth) to give some money so that a group of people can buy sth together: If everyone chips in we’ll be able to buy her a really nice present.  We each chipped in (with) £5. ,chip 'off| ,chip sth<->'off to damage sth by breaking a small piece off it; to be damaged in this way: He chipped off a piece of his tooth.  Use a good varnish that will not chip off.

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chip.board
noun [U] a type of board that is used for building, made of small pieces of wood that are pressed together and stuck with glue
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chip.munk
noun a small N American animal of the SQUIRREL family, with light and dark marks on its back
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chipo.lata
noun (especially BrE ) a small thin sausage
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chip.pings
noun [pl.] (BrE ) small pieces of stone or wood
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chippy
noun, adj.
noun (also chip.pie) (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal)
1 = CHIP SHOP
2 = CARPENTER

adj. (informal) (of a person) getting annoyed or offended easily

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'chip shop
(also informal chip.py, chip.pie) noun (in Britain) a shop that cooks and sells fish and chips and other fried food for people to take home and eat
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chir.opo.dist
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually po.dia.trist) noun a person whose job is the care and treatment of people’s feet
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chir.opody
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually po.dia.try) noun [U] the work of a chiropodist
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chiro.prac.tic
noun [U] the work of a chiropractor
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chiro.prac.tor
noun a person whose job involves treating some diseases and physical problems by pressing and moving the bones in a person’s SPINE or joints—compare OSTEOPATH
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chirp
(also chir.rup ) verb
1 [v] (of small birds and some insects) to make short high sounds
2 [v, v speech] to speak in a lively and cheerful way
chirp (also chir.rup) noun
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chirpy
adj. (informal) lively and cheerful; in a good mood
chirp.ily adv.
chirpi.ness noun [U]
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chisel
noun, verb
noun a tool with a sharp flat edge at the end, used for shaping wood, stone or metal—picture at TOOL

verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [often +adv. / prep.] to cut or shape wood or stone with a chisel : [vn] A name was chiselled into the stone.  She was chiselling some marble. [alsov]

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chis.elled
(BrE ) (AmEchis.eled) adj. (of a person’s face) having clear strong features
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chit
noun (BrE )
1 a short written note, signed by sb, showing an amount of money that is owed, or giving sb permission to do sth
2 (old-fashioned, disapproving) a young woman or girl, especially one who is thought to have no respect for older people
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'chit-chat
noun [U] (informal) conversation about things that are not important
SYN CHAT
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chiv.al.rous
adj. (of men) polite, kind and behaving with honour, especially towards women
chiv.al.rous.ly adv.
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chiv.alry
noun [U]
1 polite and kind behaviour that shows a sense of honour, especially by men towards women
2 (in the Middle Ages) the religious and moral system of behaviour which the perfect KNIGHT was expected to follow: the age of chivalry
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chives
noun [pl.] the long thin leaves of a plant with purple flowers. Chives taste like onions and are used to give flavour to food.
chive adj. [only before noun]: a chive and garlic dressing
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chivvy
verb (chiv.vies, chivvy.ing, chiv.vied, chiv.vied) ~ sb (into sth)| ~ sb (along) (BrE ) to try and make sb hurry or do sth quickly, especially when they do not want to do it: [vn] He chivvied them into the car. [alsovn to inf]
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chlor.ide
noun [U, C] (chemistry ) a compound of CHLORINE and another chemical element—see also SODIUM CHLORIDE
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chlor.in.ate
verb [vn] to put chlorine in sth, especially water
chlor.in.ation noun [U]: a chlorination plant
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chlor.ine
noun [U] (symb Cl) a chemical element. Chlorine is a poisonous greenish-yellow gas with a strong smell. It is often used in swimming pools to keep the water clean.
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chloro.fluoro.car.bon
noun (chemistry ) a CFC
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chloro.form
noun [U] (symb CHCl3) a colourless liquid used in the past in medicine, etc. to make people unconscious, for example before an operation
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chloro.phyll
noun [U] the green substance in plants that absorbs light from the sun to help them grow—see also PHOTOSYNTHESIS
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choc
noun (BrE , informal) a chocolate: a box of chocs
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choca.hol.ic
= CHOCOHOLIC
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'choc ice
noun (BrE ) a small block of ice cream covered with chocolate
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chock-a-block
adj. [not before noun] ~ (with sth/sb) (BrE , informal) very full of things or people pressed close together: The shelves were chock-a-block with souvenirs and ornaments.  It was chock-a-block in town today (= full of people).
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chock-full
adj. [not before noun] ~ (of sth/sb) (informal) completely full
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choco.hol.ic
(also choca.hol.ic) noun (informal) a person who likes chocolate very much and eats a lot of it
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choc.olate
noun
1 [U] a hard brown sweet food made from COCOA beans, used in cooking to add flavour to cakes, etc. or eaten as a sweet/candy: a bar / piece of chocolate  a chocolate cake  a chocolate factory—see also MILK CHOCOLATE , PLAIN CHOCOLATE
2 [C] a sweet/candy that is made of or covered with chocolate : a box of chocolates
3 [U, C] (BrE) = HOT CHOCOLATE : a mug of drinking chocolate—compare COCOA
4 [U] a dark brown colour
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'chocolate-box
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) (especially of places) very pretty, but in a way that does not seem real: a chocolate-box village
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choice
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] ~ (between A and B) an act of choosing between two or more possibilities; something that you can choose: women forced to make a choice between family and career  We are faced with a difficult choice.  We aim to help students make more informed career choices.  There is a wide range of choices open to you.
2 [U, sing.] the right to choose or the possibility of choosing: If I had the choice, I would stop working tomorrow.  He had no choice but to leave (= this was the only thing he could do).  She’s going to do it. She doesn’t have much choice , really, does she?  This government is committed to extending parental choice in education.
3 [C] a person or thing that is chosen: She’s the obvious choice for the job.  Hawaii remains a popular choice for winter vacation travel.  This colour wasn’t my first choice.  She wouldn’t be my choice as manager.
4 [sing., U] the number or range of different things from which to choose: The menu has a good choice of desserts.  There wasn’t much choice of colour.—see also HOBSON’S CHOICE , MULTIPLE-CHOICE
IDM by 'choice because you have chosen: I wouldn’t go there by choice. of 'choice (for sb/sth) (used after a noun) that is chosen by a particular group of people or for a particular purpose: It’s the software of choice for business use. of your 'choice that you choose yourself: First prize will be a meal for two at the restaurant of your choice.—more at SPOILT

adj. (choicer, choicest) [only before noun]
1 (especially of food) of very good quality
2 (AmE) (of meat) of very good, but not the highest, quality
3 ~ words / phrases carefully chosen words or phrases: She summed up the situation in a few choice phrases.   (humorous) He used some pretty choice (= rude or offensive) language.

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choir
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who sing together, especially in church services or public performances: She sings in the school choir.
2 [C] the part of a church where the choir sits during services
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choir.boy, choir.girl
noun a boy or girl who sings in the choir of a church or CATHEDRAL —see also CHORISTER
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choir.mas.ter
noun a person who trains a CHOIR to sing
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choke
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (on sth) to be unable to breathe because the passage to your lungs is blocked or you cannot get enough air; to make sb unable to breathe: [v] He was choking on a piece of toast.  She almost choked to death in the thick fumes.  [vn] Very small toys can choke a baby.
2 [vn] to make sb stop breathing by squeezing their throat
SYN STRANGLE : He may have been choked or poisoned.
3 ~ (with sth) to be unable to speak normally especially because of strong emotion; to make sb feel too emotional to speak normally: [v] His voice was choking with rage.  [vn] Despair choked her words.  ‘I can’t bear it,’ he said in a choked voice.—see also CHOKED
4 [vn] ~ sth (up) (with sth) to block or fill a passage, space, etc. so that movement is difficult: The pond was choked with rotten leaves.  The roads are choked up with traffic.
5 [v] (AmE, informal) to fail at sth, for example because you are nervous
PVR V ,choke sth<->'back to try hard to prevent your feelings from showing: to choke back tears / anger / sobs ,choke sth<->'down to swallow sth with difficulty ,choke sth<->'off
1 to prevent or limit sth: High prices have choked off demand.
2 to interrupt sth; to stop sth: Her screams were suddenly choked off. ,choke 'out| choke out sth to say sth with great difficulty because you feel a strong emotion: He choked out a reply. [+ speech] ‘I hate you!’ she choked out. ,choke 'up (AmE) to find it difficult to speak, because of the strong emotion that you are feeling: She choked up when she began to talk about her mother.

noun
1 a device that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine of a vehicle
2 an act or the sound of choking

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choked
adj. [not before noun] ~ up (about sth)| (BrE also) ~ (about sth) (informal) upset or angry about sth, so that you find it difficult to speak
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choker
noun a piece of jewellery or narrow band of fabric worn closely around the neck: a pearl choker
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chol.era
noun [U] a disease caught from infected water that causes severe DIARRHOEA and VOMITING and often causes death
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chol.er.ic
adj. (rare, formal) easily made angry; bad-tempered
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chol.es.terol
noun [U] a substance found in blood, fat and most tissues of the body. Too much cholesterol can cause heart disease: a high cholesterol level
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chomp
verb ~ (on / through sth) to eat or bite food noisily: [vn] He chomped his way through two hot dogs.  [v] She was chomping away on a bagel.
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choose
verb (chose , chosen )
1 ~ (between A and / or B)| ~ (A) (from B)| ~ sb/sth as sth to decide which thing or person you want out of the ones that are available: [v] You choose, I can’t decide.  There are plenty of restaurants to choose from.  She had to choose between giving up her job or hiring a nanny.  [vn] Sarah chose her words carefully.  We have to choose a new manager from a shortlist of five candidates.  This site has been chosen for the new school.  He chose banking as a career.  We chose Paul Stubbs as / for chairperson.  [v wh-] You’ll have to choose whether to buy it or not.  [v to inf] We chose to go by train.  [vn to inf] We chose Paul Stubbs to be chairperson.
2 to prefer or decide to do sth: [v] Employees can retire at 60 if they choose.  [v to inf] Many people choose not to marry.—see also CHOICE n.
IDM there is nothing / not much / little to choose between A and B there is very little difference between two or more things or people—more at PICK v.
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chooser
noun
IDM see BEGGAR n.
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choosy
adj. (informal) careful in choosing; difficult to please
SYN PICKY : I’m very choosy about my clothes.
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chop
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 ~ sth (up) (into sth) to cut sth into pieces with a sharp tool such as a knife: [vn] Chop the carrots up into small pieces.  Add the finely chopped onions.  He was chopping logs for firewood.   (figurative) The country was chopped up into small administrative areas. [alsov]
2 [vn] [usually passive] (informal) to reduce sth by a large amount; to stop sth
SYN CUT : The share price was chopped from 50 pence to 20 pence.
3 [vn] to hit sth with a short downward stroke or blow
IDM ,chop and 'change (BrE, informal) to keep changing your mind or what you are doing
PVR V 'chop (away) at sth to aim blows at sth with a heavy sharp tool such as an AXE ,chop sth<->'down to make sth, such as a tree, fall by cutting it at the base with a sharp tool ,chop sth<->'off (sth) to remove sth by cutting it with a sharp tool: He chopped a branch off the tree.   (informal) Anne Boleyn had her head chopped off.

noun
1 [C] a thick slice of meat with a bone attached to it, especially from a pig or sheep: a pork / lamb chop
2 [C] an act of cutting sth with a quick downward movement using an AXE or a knife
3 [C] an act of hitting sth with the side of your hand in a quick downward movement: a karate chop
4 (chops) [pl.] (informal) the part of a person’s or an animal’s face around the mouth: The dog sat licking its chops.
IDM get / be given the 'chop (BrE, informal)
1 (of a person) to be dismissed from a job: The whole department has been given the chop.
2 (of a plan, project, etc.) to be stopped or ended: Three more schemes have got the chop. be for the 'chop (BrE, informal)
1 (of a person) to be likely to be dismissed from a job: Who’s next for the chop?
2 (of a plan, project, etc.) to be likely to be stopped or ended

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,chop-'chop
exclamation (BrE , informal) hurry up!: Chop-chop! We haven’t got all day!
ORIGIN From pidgin English based on a Chinese dialect word for ‘quick’.
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chop.per
noun
1 (informal) = HELICOPTER
2 a large heavy knife or small AXE
3 (AmE) a type of motorcycle with a long piece of metal connecting the front wheel to the HANDLEBARS
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'chopping board
(BrE ) (AmE 'cutting board) noun a board made of wood or plastic used for cutting meat or vegetables on
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choppy
adj.
1 (of the sea, etc.) with a lot of small waves; not calm: choppy waters
2 (AmE, disapproving) (of a style of writing) containing a lot of short sentences and changing topics too often
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chop.stick
noun [usually pl.] either of a pair of thin sticks that are used for eating with, especially in Asian countries—picture at CUTLERY , STICK
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chop suey
noun [U] a Chinese-style dish of small pieces of meat fried with vegetables and served with rice
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choral
adj. connected with, written for or sung by a CHOIR (= a group of singers): choral music
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chor.ale
noun
1 a piece of church music with an impressive but simple tune
2 (especially AmE) a group of singers; a CHOIR
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chord
noun
1 (music) two or more notes played together
2 (mathematics) a straight line that joins two points on a curve—picture at CIRCLE —see also VOCAL CORDS
IDM strike / touch a 'chord (with sb) to say or do sth that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasm: The speaker had obviously struck a chord with his audience.
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chore
noun
1 a task that you do regularly: doing the household / domestic chores
2 an unpleasant or boring task: Shopping’s a real chore for me.
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choreo.graph
verb [vn] to design and arrange the steps and movements for dancers in a ballet or a show: (figurative) There was some carefully choreographed flag-waving as the President drove by.
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chore.og.raphy
noun [U] the art of designing and arranging the steps and movements in dances, especially in ballet; the steps and movements in a particular ballet or show
chore.og.raph.er noun
choreo.graph.ic adj.
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chor.is.ter
noun a person, especially a boy, who sings in the CHOIR of a church
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chor.tle
verb to laugh loudly with pleasure or amusement: [v] Gill chortled with delight. [alsov speech]
chor.tle noun
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chorus
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] part of a song that is sung after each verse
SYN REFRAIN : Everyone joined in the chorus.
2 [C] a piece of music, usually part of a larger work, that is written for a CHOIR (= a group of singers): the Hallelujah Chorus
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] (often in names) a large group of singers
SYN CHOIR : the Bath Festival Chorus
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of performers who sing and dance in a musical show: the chorus line (= a line of singers and dancers performing together)
5 a ~ of sth [sing.] the sound of a lot of people expressing approval or disapproval at the same time: a chorus of praise / complaint  a chorus of voices calling for her resignation—see also DAWN CHORUS
6 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (in ancient Greek drama) a group of performers who comment together on the events of the play
7 [sing.] (especially in 16th century drama) an actor who speaks the opening and closing words of the play
IDM in chorus all together
SYN IN UNISON : ‘Thank you,’ they said in chorus.

verb to sing or say sth all together: [v speech] ‘Hello, Paul,’ they chorused. [alsovn]

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'chorus girl
noun a girl or young woman who is a member of the chorus in a musical show, etc.
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chose
pt of CHOOSE
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chosen
pp of CHOOSE
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chow
noun
1 [U] (slang) food
2 (also 'chow chow) [C] a dog with long thick hair, a curled tail and a blue-black tongue, originally from China
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chow.der
noun [U] a thick soup made with fish and vegetables: clam chowder
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Christ
(also Jesus, ,Jesus 'Christ) noun, exclamation
noun the man that Christians believe is the son of God and on whose teachings the Christian religion is based

exclamation ( , informal) a swear word that many people find offensive, used to show that you are angry, annoyed or surprised: Christ! Look at the time—I’m late!

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chris.ten
verb (informal)
1 to give a name to a baby at his or her baptism to welcome him or her into the Christian Church: [vn-n] The child was christened Mary.  [vn] Did you have your children christened?
2 to give a name to sb/sth: [vn-n] This area has been christened ‘Britain’s last wilderness’.  They christened the boat ‘Oceania’. [alsovn]
3 [vn] (informal) to use sth for the first time: Let’s have a drink to christen our new wine glasses.
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Chris.ten.dom
noun [U] (old-fashioned) all the Christian people and countries of the world
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chris.ten.ing
noun a Christian ceremony in which a baby is officially named and welcomed into the Christian Church—compare BAPTISM
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Chris.tian
adj., noun
adj.
1 based on or believing the teachings of Jesus Christ: the Christian Church / faith / religion  She had a Christian upbringing.  a Christian country
2 connected with Christians : the Christian sector of the city
3 (also christian) showing the qualities that are thought of as typical of a Christian ; good and kind

noun a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ or has been BAPTIZED in a Christian church: Only 10% of the population are now practising Christians.

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Chris.tian.ity
noun [U] the religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief that he was the son of God
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'Christian name
noun (BrE ) (in western countries) a name given to sb when they are born or when they are CHRISTENED ; a personal name, not a family name: We’re all on Christian name terms here.
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Christ.mas
noun [U, C]
1 (also ,Christmas 'Day) 25 December, the day when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ: Christmas dinner / presents—see also BOXING DAY
2 (also Christ.mas.time) the period that includes Christmas Day and the days close to it: the Christmas holidays / vacation  Are you spending Christmas with your family?  Happy Christmas!  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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'Christmas box
noun (BrE , old-fashioned) a small gift, usually of money, given at Christmas to sb who provides a service during the year, for example a POSTMAN
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'Christmas cake
noun [C, U] a fruit cake covered with MARZIPAN and ICING , traditionally eaten in Britain at Christmas
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'Christmas card
noun a card with a picture on it that you send to friends and relatives at Christmas with your good wishes
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,Christmas 'cracker
noun = CRACKER
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,Christmas 'Eve
noun [U, C] the day before Christmas Day, 24 December; the evening of this day
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,Christmas 'pudding
noun [C, U] a hot PUDDING (= a sweet dish) like a dark fruit cake, traditionally eaten in Britain at Christmas—
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,Christmas 'stocking
(also stock.ing) noun a long sock which children leave out when they go to bed on Christmas Eve so that it can be filled with presents
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Christ.massy
adj. (informal) typical of Christmas: We put up the decorations and the tree and started to feel Christmassy at last.
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Christ.mas.time
noun [U, C] = CHRISTMAS (2)
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'Christmas tree
noun an EVERGREEN tree, or an artificial tree that looks similar, that people decorate with coloured lights and ornaments and have in their homes or outside at Christmas
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chro.mat.ic
adj. (music ) of the chromatic scale, a series of musical notes that rise and fall in SEMITONES/HALF-TONES —compare DIATONIC
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chrome
noun [U] a hard shiny metal used especially as a protective covering for other metals; chromium or an ALLOY of chromium and other metals: glittering modern buildings of chrome, steel and glass
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chro.mium
noun [U] (symb Cr) a chemical element. Chromium is a hard grey metal that shines brightly when polished and is often used to cover other metals in order to prevent them from RUSTING : chromium-plated steel
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chromo.some
noun (biology ) one of the very small parts like threads in the NUCLEI (= central parts) of animal and plant cells, that carry the GENES —see also SEX CHROMOSOME , X CHROMOSOME , Y CHROMOSOME
chromo.somal adj.: chromosomal abnormalities / DNA
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chron.ic
adj.
1 (especially of a disease) lasting for a long time; difficult to cure or get rid of: chronic bronchitis / arthritis / asthma  the country’s chronic unemployment problem  a chronic shortage of housing in rural areas—compare ACUTE
2 having had a disease for a long time: a chronic alcoholic / depressive
3 (BrE, informal) very bad: The film was just chronic.
chron.ic.al.ly adv.: a hospital for the chronically ill
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,chronic fa'tigue syndrome
noun [U] = ME
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chron.icle
noun, verb
noun a written record of events in the order in which they happened: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle  Her latest novel is a chronicle of life in a Devon village.

verb [vn] (written) to record events in the order in which they happened: Her achievements are chronicled in a new biography out this week.
chron.ic.ler noun

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chrono-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with time: chronological
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chrono.logic.al
adj.
1 (of a number of events) arranged in the order in which they happened: The facts should be presented clearly and in chronological order .
2 ~ age (formal) the number of years a person has lived as opposed to their level of physical, mental or emotional development—compare MENTAL AGE
chrono.logic.al.ly adv.
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chron.ology
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] the order in which a series of events happened; a list of these events in order: Historians seem to have confused the chronology of these events.  a problem of chronology  a chronology of Mozart’s life
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chron.om.eter
noun a very accurate clock, especially one used at sea
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chrys.alis
noun (also chrys.alid) the form of an insect, especially a BUTTERFLY or MOTH , while it is changing into an adult inside a hard case, also called a chrysalis—compare PUPA —
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chrys.an.the.mum
noun a large, brightly coloured garden flower that is shaped like a ball and made up of many long narrow PETALS
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chub
noun (pl.chub) a FRESHWATER fish with a thick body
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chubby
adj. slightly fat in a way that people usually find attractive: chubby cheeks / fingers / hands
chub.bi.ness noun [U]
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chuck
verb, noun
verb (informal)
1 (especially BrE ) to throw sth carelessly or without much thought: [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : He chucked the paper in a drawer.  [vnn] Chuck me the newspaper, would you? [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ sth (in / up) to give up or stop doing sth: You haven’t chucked your job!  I’m going to chuck it all in (= give up my job) and go abroad.
3 [vn] (BrE) to leave your boyfriend or girlfriend and stop having a relationship with him or her: Has he chucked her?
4 [vn] (spoken) to throw sth away: That’s no good—just chuck it.
IDM chuck sb under the chin (old-fashioned, BrE) to touch sb gently under the chin in a friendly way it’s 'chucking it down (BrE, spoken) it’s raining heavily
PVR V ,chuck sth<->a'way| ,chuck sth<->'out to throw sth away: Those old clothes can be chucked out. ,chuck sb 'off (sth)| ,chuck sb 'out (of sth) to force sb to leave a place or a job: They got chucked off the bus.  You can’t just chuck him out.

noun
1 [C] a part of a tool such as a DRILL that can be adjusted to hold sth tightly—picture at TOOL
2 [sing.] (NorthE, informal) a friendly way of addressing sb: What’s up with you, chuck?
3 (also ,chuck 'steak) [U] meat from the shoulder of a cow

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chuckle
verb ~ (at / about sth) to laugh quietly: [v] She chuckled at the memory. [alsov speech]
chuckle noun: She gave a chuckle of delight.
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chuffed
adj. [not before noun] ~ (about sth) (BrE , informal) very pleased
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chug
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to move making the sound of an engine running slowly: The boat chugged down the river.
2 [vn] (AmE, slang) to drink all of sth quickly without stopping

noun the sound made by a chugging engine

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chum
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a friend: an old school chum
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chummy
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) very friendly
chum.mily adv.
chum.mi.ness noun [U]
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chump
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a stupid person: Don’t be such a chump!
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chun.der
verb [v] (AustralE , informal) to VOMIT
chun.der noun [U]
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chunk
noun
1 a thick solid piece that has been cut or broken off sth: a chunk of cheese / masonry
2 (informal) a fairly large amount of sth: I’ve already written a fair chunk of the article.
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chunky
adj.
1 thick and heavy: a chunky gold bracelet   (BrE) a chunky sweater
2 having a short strong body: a squat chunky man
3 (of food) containing thick pieces: chunky marmalade
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chun.ter
verb [v] ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE , informal) to talk or complain about sth in a way that other people think is boring or annoying: He’s always chuntering on about something or other.
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church
noun
1 [C] a building where Christians go to worship: a church tower  The procession moved into the church.  church services
2 [U] a service or services in a church : How often do you go to church ?   (BrE) They’re at church (= attending a church service).   (AmE) They’re in church .  Church is at 9 o’clock.  note at SCHOOL
3 (Church) [C] a particular group of Christians: the Anglican Church  the Catholic Church  the Free Churches—see also DENOMINATION
4 ((the) Church) [sing.] the ministers of the Christian religion; the institution of the Christian religion: The Church has a duty to condemn violence.  the conflict between Church and State  to go into the Church (= to become a Christian minister)
IDM see BROAD adj.
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church.goer
noun a person who goes to church services regularly
church.going noun [U]
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church.man, church.woman
noun (pl.-men , -women ) = CLERGYMAN , CLERGYWOMAN
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the ,Church of 'England
noun (abbr. CE, C. of E.) [sing.] the official Church in England, whose leader is the Queen or King
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church.war.den
noun (in the Anglican Church) a person who is chosen by the members of a church to take care of church property and money
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church.yard
noun an enclosed area of land around a church, often used for burying people—compare CEMETERY , GRAVEYARD
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churl.ish
adj. (formal) rude or bad-tempered: It would be churlish to refuse such a generous offer.
churl.ish.ly adv.
churl.ish.ness noun [U]
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churn
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (up) if water, mud, etc. churns, or if sth churns it (up), it moves or is moved around violently: [v] The water churned beneath the huge ship.  [vn] Vast crowds had churned the field into a sea of mud.
2 if your stomach churns or if sth churns your stomach, you feel a strong, unpleasant feeling of worry, disgust or fear: [v] My stomach churned as the names were read out. [alsovn]
3 ~ (sb) (up) to feel or to make sb feel upset or emotionally confused: [v] Conflicting emotions churned inside him. [alsovn]
4 [vn] to turn and stir milk in a special container in order to make butter
PVR V ,churn sth<->'out (informal, often disapproving) to produce sth quickly and in large amounts: She churns out novels at the rate of three a year.

noun
1 a machine in which milk or cream is shaken to make butter
2 (BrE) a large metal container in which milk was carried from a farm in the past

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chute
noun
1 a tube or passage down which people or things can slide: a water chute (= at a swimming pool)  a laundry / rubbish / garbage chute (= from the upper floors of a high building)
2 (informal) = PARACHUTE
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,Chutes and 'Ladders
™noun [U] (AmE ) = SNAKES AND LADDERS
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chut.ney
noun [U] a cold thick sauce made from fruit, sugar, spices, and VINEGAR , eaten with cold meat, cheese, etc.
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chutz.pah
noun [U] (often approving) behaviour, or a person’s attitude, that is rude or shocking but so confident that people may feel forced to admire it
SYN NERVE
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CIA
abbr. Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA is a department of the US government which collects information about other countries, often secretly.
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ciao
exclamation (from Italian , informal) goodbye
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ci.cada
noun a large insect with transparent wings, common in hot countries, that makes a continuous high sound by rubbing its legs together: Cicadas buzzed in the heat of the day.
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CID
abbr. Criminal Investigation Department. The CID is the department of the British police force that is responsible for solving crimes.
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-cide
combining form (in nouns)
1 the act of killing: suicide  genocide
2 a person or thing that kills: insecticide
-cidal (in adjectives): homicidal
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cider
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE 'hard cider) [U, C] an alcoholic drink made from the juice of apples: dry / sweet cider  cider apples  a cider press (= for squeezing the juice from apples)
2 (AmE) [U, C] a drink made from the juice of apples that does not contain alcohol
3 [C] a glass of cider —compare PERRY
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cigar
noun a roll of dried tobacco leaves that people smoke, like a cigarette but bigger and without paper around it: cigar smoke
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cig.ar.ette
noun a thin tube of paper filled with tobacco, for smoking: a packet / pack of cigarettes  to light a cigarette
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ciga'rette end
(BrE ) (also ciga'rette buttAmE, BrE) noun the part of a cigarette that is left when sb has finished smoking it
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ciga'rette holder
noun a narrow tube for holding a cigarette in while you are smoking
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ciga'rette lighter
noun = LIGHTER
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ciga'rette paper
noun a thin piece of paper in which people roll tobacco to make their own cigarettes
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ciggy
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) a cigarette
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ci.lan.tro
noun [U] (AmE ) the leaves of the CORIANDER plant, used in cooking as a herb
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C.-in-C.
abbr. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
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cinch
noun, verb
noun [sing.] (informal)
1 something that is very easy: The first question is a cinch.
2 (especially AmE) a thing that is certain to happen; a person who is certain to do sth: He’s a cinch to win the race.

verb [vn]
1 (especially AmE) to fasten sth tightly around your waist; to be fastened around sb’s waist
2 (AmE) to fasten a GIRTH around a horse
3 (AmE, informal) to make sth certain

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cin.der
noun [usually pl.] a small piece of ash or partly burnt coal, wood, etc. that is no longer burning but may still be hot: a cinder track (= a track for runners made with finely crushed cinders)
IDM see BURN v.
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'cinder block
noun (AmE ) = BREEZE BLOCK
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Cin.der.ella
noun [usually sing.] a person or thing that has been ignored and deserves to receive more attention: For years radio has been the Cinderella of the media world.
ORIGIN From the European fairy tale about a beautiful girl, Cinderella, who was treated harshly by her two ugly sisters. She had to do all the work and received no reward or thanks until she met and married Prince Charming.
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cine
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) connected with films/movies and the film/movie industry: a cine camera / film / photographer
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cin.ema
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE 'movie theater, theater) [C] a building in which films/movies are shown: the local cinema
2 (the cinema) [sing.] (BrE) (AmE the movies [pl.]) when you go to the cinema or to the movies, you go to a cinema/movie theater to see a film/movie: I used to go to the cinema every week.
3 [U, sing.] (especially BrE) (AmE usually the movies [pl.]) films/movies as an art or an industry: one of the great successes of British cinema
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'cinema-goer
noun (BrE ) = FILM-GOER
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cine.mat.ic
adj. (technical ) connected with films/movies and how they are made: cinematic effects / techniques
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cine.ma.tog.raphy
noun [U] (technical ) the art or process of making films/movies
cine.ma.tog.raph.er noun
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cin.na.mon
noun [U] the inner bark of a SE Asian tree, used in cooking as a spice, especially to give flavour to sweet foods
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ci.pher
(also cy.pher) noun
1 [U, C] a secret way of writing, especially one in which a set of letters or symbols is used to represent others: a message in cipher—see also DECIPHER
2 [C] (formal, disapproving) a person or thing of no importance: To her employers she was a mere cipher, with no human feelings at all.
3 (BrE) the first letters of sb’s name combined in a design and used to mark things
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circa
prep. (from Latin) (abbr. c) (used with dates) about: born circa 150 BC
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cir.ca.dian
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) connected with the changes in the bodies of people or animals over each period of 24 hours
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cir.cle
noun, verb
noun
1 a completely round flat shape: Cut out two circles of paper.—see also SEMICIRCLE
2 the line that encloses a circle: Draw a circle.  She walked the horse round in a circle .—see also ANTARCTIC CIRCLE , ARCTIC CIRCLE , TURNING CIRCLE
3 a thing or a group of people or things shaped like a circle : a circle of trees / chairs  The children stood in a circle.—see also CORN CIRCLE , CROP CIRCLE
4 (BrE) (also bal.conyAmE, BrE) an upper floor of a theatre or cinema/movie theater where the seats are arranged in curved rows: We had seats in the circle.—see also DRESS CIRCLE
5 a group of people who are connected because they have the same interests, jobs, etc: the family circle  She’s well known in theatrical circles.  a large / wide circle of friends —see also CHARMED CIRCLE , INNER CIRCLE , VICIOUS CIRCLE
IDM come, turn, etc. full 'circle to return to the situation in which you started, after a series of events or experiences go round in 'circles to work hard at sth or discuss sth without making any progress run round in 'circles (informal) to be busy doing sth without achieving anything important or making progress

verb
1 ~ (around) (above / over sb/sth) to move in a circle, especially in the air: [v] Seagulls circled around above his head.  [vn] The plane circled the airport to burn up excess fuel.
2 [vn] to draw a circle around sth: Spelling mistakes are circled in red ink.

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circ.let
noun a circular band made of precious metal, flowers, etc., worn around the head as an ornament
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cir.cuit
noun
1 a line, route, or journey around a place: The race ended with eight laps of a city centre circuit.  The earth takes a year to make a circuit of (= go around) the sun.
2 the complete path of wires and equipment along which an electric current flows: an electrical circuit  a circuit diagram (= one showing all the connections in the different parts of the circuit)—see also INTEGRATED CIRCUIT , PRINTED CIRCUIT , SHORT CIRCUIT
3 (in sport) a series of games or matches in which the same players regularly take part: the women’s tennis circuit
4 a track for cars or motorcycles to race around
5 a series of places or events of a particular kind at which the same people appear or take part: the lecture / cabaret circuit—see also CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION
6 a regular journey made by a judge to hear court cases in each of the courts of law in a particular area: a circuit judge
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'circuit board
noun a board that holds electrical circuits inside a piece of electrical equipment
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'circuit-breaker
noun a device that can automatically stop an electric current if it becomes dangerous
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cir.cu.it.ous
adj. (formal) (of a route or journey) long and not direct: He took us on a circuitous route to the hotel.
cir.cu.it.ous.ly adv.
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cir.cuit.ry
noun [U] a system of electrical CIRCUITS or the equipment that forms this
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'circuit training
noun [U] (BrE ) a type of training in sport in which different exercises are each done for a short time
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cir.cu.lar
adj., noun
adj.
1 shaped like a circle; round: a circular building
2 moving around in a circle: a circular tour of the city on an open-topped bus
3 (of an argument or a theory) using an idea or a statement to prove sth which is then used to prove the idea or statement at the beginning
4 (of a letter) sent to a large number of people
cir.cu.lar.ity noun [U]: There is a dangerous circularity about this argument.

noun a printed letter, notice or advertisement that is sent to a large number of people at the same time

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,circular 'saw
noun a SAW in the form of a metal disc that turns quickly, driven by a motor, and is used for cutting wood, etc.
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cir.cu.late
verb
1 when a liquid, gas, or air circulates or is circulated, it moves continuously around a place or system: [v] The condition prevents the blood from circulating freely.  [vn] Cooled air is circulated throughout the building.
2 if a story, an idea, information, etc. circulates or if you circulate it, it spreads or it is passed from one person to another: [v] Rumours began to circulate about his financial problems. [alsovn]
3 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to send goods or information to all the people in a group: The document will be circulated to all members.
4 [v] to move around a group, especially at a party, talking to different people
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cir.cu.la.tion
noun
1 the movement of blood around the body: Regular exercise will improve blood circulation.  to have good / bad circulation
2 [U] the passing or spreading of sth from one person or place to another: the circulation of money / information / ideas  A number of forged tickets are in circulation .  The coins were taken out of circulation .  Copies of the magazine were withdrawn from circulation .
3 [U] the fact that sb takes part in social activities at a particular time: Anne has been ill but now she’s back in circulation .  I was out of circulation for months after the baby was born.
4 [C, usually sing.] the usual number of copies of a newspaper or magazine that are sold each day, week, etc: a daily circulation of more than one million
5 [U, C] the movement of sth (for example air, water, gas, etc.) around an area or inside a system or machine
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cir.cu.la.tory
adj. relating to the circulation of the blood: the circulatory system
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cir.cum.cise
verb [vn]
1 to remove the FORESKIN of a boy or man for religious or medical reasons
2 to cut off part of the sex organs of a girl or woman
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cir.cum.ci.sion
noun [U, C] the act of circumcising sb; the religious ceremony when sb, especially a baby, is circumcised
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cir.cum.fer.ence
noun [C, U] a line that goes around a circle or any other curved shape; the length of this line: the circumference of the earth  The earth is almost 25 000 miles in circumference .—compare PERIMETER —picture at CIRCLE
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cir.cum.flex
(also ,circumflex 'accent) noun the mark placed over a vowel in some languages to show how it should be pronounced, as over the o in rôle—compare ACUTE ACCENT , GRAVE^2 , TILDE , UMLAUT
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cir.cum.lo.cu.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) using more words than are necessary, instead of speaking or writing in a clear, direct way
cir.cum.lo.cu.tory adj.
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cir.cum.navi.gate
verb [vn] (formal) to sail all the way around sth, especially all the way around the world
cir.cum.navi.ga.tion noun [U]: the circumnavigation of the globe
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cir.cum.scribe
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] (formal) to limit sb/sth’s freedom, rights, power, etc: The power of the monarchy was circumscribed by the new law.
2 (technical) to draw a circle around another shape
cir.cum.scrip.tion noun [U]
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cir.cum.spect
adj. (formal) thinking very carefully about sth before doing it, because there may be risks involved
SYN CAUTIOUS
cir.cum.spec.tion noun [U]
cir.cum.spect.ly adv.
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cir.cum.stance
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action: The company reserves the right to cancel this agreement in certain circumstances.  changing social and political circumstances  I know I can trust her in any circumstance.  Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.  The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.  She never discovered the true circumstances of her birth.
2 (circumstances) [pl.] the conditions of a person’s life, especially the money they have: Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances.  family / domestic / personal circumstances
3 [U] (formal) situations and events that affect and influence your life and that are not in your control: a victim of circumstance (= a person who has suffered because of a situation that they cannot control)  He had to leave the country through force of circumstance (= events or the situation made it necessary).
IDM in / under the 'circumstances used before or after a statement to show that you have thought about the conditions that affect a situation before making a decision or a statement: Under the circumstances, it seemed better not to tell him about the accident.  She did the job very well in the circumstances. in / under no circumstances used to emphasize that sth should never happen or be allowed: Under no circumstances should you lend Paul any money.  Don’t open the door, in any circumstances.—more at POMP , REDUCE
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cir.cum.stan.tial
adj.
1 (law) containing information and details that strongly suggest that sth is true but do not prove it: circumstantial evidence  The case against him was largely circumstantial.
2 (formal) connected with particular circumstances : Their problems were circumstantial rather than personal.
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cir.cum.vent
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to find a way of avoiding a difficulty or a rule: They found a way of circumventing the law.
2 to go or travel around sth that is blocking your way
cir.cum.ven.tion noun [U]
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cir.cus
noun
1 [C] a group of entertainers, sometimes with trained animals, who perform skilful or amusing acts in a show that travels around to different places: circus acrobats / clowns / elephants
2 (the circus) [sing.] a show performed by circus entertainers, usually in a large tent called a BIG TOP : We took the children to the circus.
3 [sing.] (informal, disapproving) a group of people or an event that attracts a lot of attention: A media circus surrounded the royal couple wherever they went.  the American electoral circus
4 [C] (BrE) (used in some place names) a round open area in a town where several streets meet: Piccadilly Circus
5 [C] (in ancient Rome) a place like a big round outdoor theatre for public games, races, etc.
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cir.rho.sis
noun a serious disease of the LIVER , caused especially by drinking too much alcohol
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cir.rus
noun [U] (technical ) a type of light cloud that forms high in the sky
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cissy
(BrE ) = SISSY
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cis.tern
noun (BrE ) a container in which water is stored in a building, especially one in the roof or connected to a toilet
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cita.del
noun (in the past) a castle on high ground in or near a city where people could go when the city was being attacked: (figurative) citadels of private economic power
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cit.ation
noun
1 [C] words or lines taken from a book or a speech
SYN QUOTATION
2 [C] an official statement about sth special that sb has done, especially about acts of courage in a war: a citation for bravery
3 [U] (formal) an act of citing or being cited : Space does not permit the citation of the examples.
4 [C] (AmE) = SUMMONS : The judge issued a contempt citation against the woman for violating a previous court order.
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cite
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sth (as sth) to mention sth as a reason or an example, or in order to support what you are saying: He cited his heavy workload as the reason for his breakdown.
2 to speak or write the exact words from a book, an author, etc.
SYN QUOTE : She cited a passage from the President’s speech.
3 (law) to order sb to appear in a court of law; to name sb officially in a legal case: He was cited for contempt of court.  She was cited in the divorce proceedings.
4 ~ sb (for sth) to mention sb officially or publicly because they deserve special praise: He was cited for bravery in the Vietnam War.
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citi.zen
noun
1 a person who has the legal right to belong to a particular country: She’s Italian by birth but is now an Australian citizen.  British citizens living in other parts of the European Union
2 a person who lives in a particular place: the citizens of Budapest  When you’re old, people treat you like a second-class citizen .—see also SENIOR CITIZEN —compare SUBJECT (6)
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citi.zen.ry
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (formal) (less formal in AmE) all the citizens of a particular town, country, etc.
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'Citizens' Band
noun [U] = CB
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citi.zen.ship
noun [U]
1 the legal right to belong to a particular country: French citizenship  You can apply for citizenship after five years' residency.
2 the state of being a citizen and accepting the responsibilities of it: educational methods that prepare young people for citizenship
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cit.ric acid
noun [U] a weak acid found in the juice of oranges and other sour fruits
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cit.rus
noun [U] fruit belonging to the group of fruit that includes oranges, lemons, LIMES and GRAPEFRUIT : citrus fruit / trees / growers  fabric in bright citrus shades (= orange, yellow or green)—
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city
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a large and important town: We live ten minutes from the city centre by bus.  one of the world’s most beautiful cities  Mexico City—see also INNER CITY
2 [C] (BrE) a town that has been given special rights by a king or queen, usually one that has a CATHEDRAL : the city of York
3 [C] (AmE) a town that has been given special rights by the state government
4 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] all the people who live in a city: The city turned out to welcome the victorious team home.
5 (the City) [sing.] (BrE) Britain’s financial and business centre, in the oldest part of London: a City stockbroker  What is the City’s reaction to the cut in interest rates?
6 [U] (informal) used after other nouns to say that a place is full of a particular thing: It’s not exactly fun city here is it?
IDM see FREEDOM
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'city desk
noun
1 (BrE) the department of a newspaper that deals with financial news
2 (AmE) the department of a newspaper that deals with local news
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'city editor
noun
1 (BrE) a journalist who is responsible for financial news in a newspaper or magazine
2 (AmE) a journalist who is responsible for local news in a newspaper or magazine
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,city 'hall
noun [C, U] (AmE ) the local government of a city and the offices it uses
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,city 'slicker
noun (informal, often disapproving) a person who behaves in a way that is typical of people who live in big cities
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,city 'state
noun (especially in the past) an independent state consisting of a city and the area around it (for example, Athens in ancient times)
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civet
noun
1 [C] a wild animal like a cat, that lives in central Africa and S Asia
2 [U] a substance with a strong smell, obtained from a civet , and used in making PERFUME
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civic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 officially connected with a town or city: civic buildings / leaders
2 connected with the people who live in a town or city: a sense of civic pride (= pride that people feel for their town or city)  civic duties / responsibilities
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,civic 'centre
noun
1 (BrE) the area where the public buildings are, in a town
2 (civic center) (AmE) a large building where public entertainments and meetings are held: Atlanta Civic Center
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civ.ics
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the school subject which studies the way government works and deals with the rights and duties that you have as a citizen and a member of a particular society
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civil
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the people who live in a country: civil unrest (= that is caused by groups of people within a country)—see also CIVIL WAR
2 [only before noun] connected with the state rather than with religion or with the armed forces: a civil marriage ceremony
3 [only before noun] involving personal legal matters and not criminal law: a civil court—compare CRIMINAL —see also CIVIL LAW
4 polite in a formal way but possibly not friendly: The less time I have to spend being civil to him the better!
OPP UNCIVIL
civ.il.ly adv.: She greeted him civilly but with no sign of affection.
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,civil de'fence
(BrE ) (AmE,civil de'fense) noun [U] the organization and training of ordinary people to protect themselves from attack during a war or, in the US, from natural disasters such as HURRICANES
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,civil diso'bedience
noun [U] refusal by a large group of people to obey particular laws or pay taxes, usually as a form of peaceful political protest
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,civil engi'neering
noun [U] the design, building and repair of roads, bridges, canals, etc.; the study of this as a subject
,civil engi'neer noun
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ci.vil.ian
noun a person who is not a member of the armed forces or the police
ci.vil.ian adj. [usually before noun]: He left the army and returned to civilian life.—compare MILITARY
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ci.vil.ity
noun (formal)
1 [U] polite behaviour: Staff members are trained to treat customers with civility at all times.
2 (civilities) [pl.] remarks that are said only in order to be polite
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civ.il.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun
1 [U] a state of human society that is very developed and organized: the technology of modern civilization  The Victorians regarded the railways as bringing progress and civilization.
2 [U, C] a society, its culture and its way of life during a particular period of time or in a particular part of the world: the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome  diseases that are common in Western civilization
3 [U] all the people in the world and the societies they live in, considered as a whole: Environmental damage threatens the whole of civilization.
4 [U] (often humorous) a place that offers you the comfortable way of life of a modern society: It’s good to be back in civilization after two weeks in a tent!
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civ.il.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to educate and improve a person or a society; to make sb’s behaviour or manners better: The girls in a class tend to have a civilizing influence on the boys.
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civ.il.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj.
1 well-organized socially with a very developed culture and way of life: the civilized world  rising crime in our so-called civilized societies  civilized peoples
2 having laws and customs that are fair and morally acceptable: No civilized country should allow such terrible injustices.
3 having or showing polite and reasonable behaviour: We couldn’t even have a civilized conversation any more.
4 typical of a comfortable and pleasant way of life: Breakfast on the terrace—how civilized!
OPP UNCIVILIZED
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,civil 'law
noun [U] law that deals with the rights of private citizens rather than with crime
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,civil 'liberty
noun [C, usually pl., U] the right of people to be free to say or do what they want while respecting others and staying within the law
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the 'Civil List
noun [sing.] a sum of money that is given to the British royal family each year by Parliament
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,civil 'rights
noun [pl.] the rights that every person in a society has, for example to be treated equally, to be able to vote, work, etc. whatever their sex, race or religion: the civil rights leader Martin Luther King
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,civil 'servant
noun a person who works in the civil service
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the ,civil 'service
noun [sing.] the government departments in a country, except the armed forces, and the people who work for them
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,civil 'war
noun [C, U] a war between groups of people in the same country: the Spanish Civil War  30 years of bitter civil war
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civ.vies
noun [pl.] (slang) (used by people in the armed forces) ordinary clothes, not military uniform
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Civvy Street
noun [U] (old-fashioned, BrE , slang) ordinary life outside the armed forces
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CJD
abbr. CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE
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cl
abbr. (pl.cl or cls) CENTILITRE : 75cl
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clack
verb [v] if two hard objects clack, they make a short loud sound when they hit each other: Her heels clacked on the marble floor.
clack noun [sing.]: the clack of high heels on the floor  the click-clack of her knitting needles
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clad
adj. (usually written)
1 ~ (in sth) (often used after an adverb or in compounds) wearing a particular type of clothing: She was clad in blue velvet.  warmly / scantily clad  leather-clad motorcyclists
2 (-clad) (in compounds) covered in a particular thing: snow-clad hills
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clad.ding
noun [U] a protective covering of a hard material: metal / plastic cladding—picture at HOUSE
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claim
verb, noun
verb
SAY STH IS TRUE|
1 to say that sth is true although it has not been proved and other people may not believe it: [v (that)] He claims (that) he was not given a fair hearing.  [v to inf] I don’t claim to be an expert.  [vn] Scientists are claiming a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer.  [vn that] It was claimed that some doctors were working 80 hours a week. [alsov speech, vn to inf]
DEMAND LEGAL RIGHT|
2 [vn] to demand or ask for sth because you believe it is your legal right to own or to have it: A lot of lost property is never claimed.  The family arrived in the UK in the 1990s and claimed political asylum.
MONEY|
3 to ask for money from the government or a company because you have a right to it: [vn] He’s not entitled to claim unemployment benefit.  She claimed damages from the company for the injury she had suffered.  You could have claimed the cost of the hotel room from your insurance.  [v] You can claim on your insurance for that coat you left on the train.
ATTENTION / THOUGHT|
4 [vn] to get or take sb’s attention: A most unwelcome event claimed his attention.
GAIN / WIN|
5 [vn] (written) to gain, win or achieve sth: She has finally claimed a place on the team.
CAUSE DEATH|
6 [vn] (written) (of a disaster, an accident, etc.) to cause sb’s death: The car crash claimed three lives. ,claim sth<->'back to ask or demand to have sth returned because you have a right to it: You can claim back the tax on your purchases.

noun
SAYING STH IS TRUE|
1 [C] ~ (that … ) a statement that sth is true although it has not been proved and other people may not agree with or believe it: The singer has denied the magazine’s claim that she is leaving the band.
LEGAL RIGHT|
2 [C, U] ~ (on / to sth) a right that sb believes they have to sth, especially property, land, etc: They had no claim on the land, which was believed to be rich in oil.  She has more claim to the book’s success than anybody (= she deserves to be praised for it).
FOR MONEY|
3 [C] ~ (for sth) a request for a sum of money that you believe you have a right to, especially from a company, the government, etc: You can make a claim on your insurance policy.  to put in a claim for an allowance  a claim for £2 000  Make sure your claims for expenses are submitted by the end of the month.  a three per cent pay claim   Complete a claim form (= an official document which you must use in order to request money from an organization). ,claim to 'fame (often humorous) one thing that makes a person or place important or interesting: His main claim to fame is that he went to school with the Prime Minister. have a claim on sb to have the right to demand time, attention, etc. from sb lay claim to sth to state that you have a right to own sth make no claim used when you are saying that you cannot do sth: I make no claim to understand modern art.—more at STAKE v.

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claim.ant
noun
1 a person who claims sth because they believe they have a right to it: a claimant to the throne
2 (BrE) a person who is receiving money from the state because they are unemployed, etc.
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clair.voy.ance
noun [U] the power that some people are believed to have to be able to see future events or to communicate with people who are dead or far away
clair.voy.ant noun: to consult a clairvoyant
clair.voy.ant adj.
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clam

noun a large shellfish that can be eaten. It has a shell in two parts that can open and close: clam chowder / soup

verb (-mm-)
PVR V ,clam 'up (on sb) (informal) to refuse to speak, especially when sb asks you about sth

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clam.bake
noun (AmE ) an outdoor party, especially for eating clams and other SEAFOOD
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clam.ber
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to climb or move with difficulty or a lot of effort, using your hands and feet: The children clambered up the steep bank.
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clammy
adj. damp and sticky in an unpleasant way: His skin felt cold and clammy.  clammy hands
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clam.our
(BrE ) (AmEclamor) verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (for sth) (written) to demand sth loudly: [v] People began to clamour for his resignation.  [v to inf] Everyone was clamouring to know how much they would get.  [v speech] ‘Play with us!’ the children clamoured.
2 [v] (of many people) to shout loudly, especially in a confused way: A crowd of reporters clamoured around the car.

noun [sing., U] (formal)
1 a loud noise especially one that is made by a lot of people or animals: the clamour of the market
2 ~ (for sth) a demand for sth made by a lot of people: The clamour for her resignation grew louder.
clam.or.ous adj.

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clamp
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ A to B| ~ A and B (together) to hold sth tightly, or fasten two things together, with a clamp : [vn] Clamp one end of the plank to the edge of the table.  Clamp the two halves together until the glue dries. [alsovn-adj]
2 [+adv. / prep.] to hold or fasten sth very tightly so that it does not move; to be held tightly: [vn] He had a cigar clamped between his teeth.  She clamped a pair of headphones over her ears.  I clamped a hand on his shoulder.  [v] Her lips clamped tightly together.
3 [vn] [often passive] (BrE) to fix a clamp to a car’s wheel so that the car cannot be driven away
PVR V ,clamp 'down (on sb/sth) to take strict action in order to prevent sth, especially crime: a campaign by police to clamp down on street crime—related noun CLAMPDOWN 'clamp sth on sb (especially AmE) to force sb to accept sth such as a restriction or law: The army clamped a curfew on five towns.

noun
1 a tool for holding things tightly together, usually by means of a screw—picture at VICE , LABORATORY
2 (also 'wheel clamp) (both BrE) (AmE ,Denver 'Boot, boot) a device that is attached to the wheel of a car that has been parked illegally, so that it cannot be driven away

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clamp.down
noun [usually sing.] sudden action that is taken in order to stop an illegal activity: a clampdown on drinking and driving
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clan
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a group of families who are related to each other, especially in Scotland: the Macleod clan  clan warfare
2 (informal, sometimes humorous) a very large family, or a group of people who are connected because of a particular thing: one of a growing clan of stars who have left Hollywood
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clan.des.tine
adj. (formal) done secretly or kept secret: a clandestine meeting / relationship
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clang
verb [usually +adv. / prep.] to make a loud ringing sound like that of metal being hit; to cause sth to make this sound: [v] Bells were clanging in the tower.  [v-adj] The gates clanged shut .  [vn] The trams clanged their way along the streets.
clang (also clang.ing) noun [usually sing.]
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clang.er
noun (BrE , informal) an obvious and embarrassing mistake: Mentioning her ex-husband was a bit of a clanger.
IDM see DROP v.
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clank
verb to make a loud sound like pieces of metal hitting each other; to cause sth to make this sound: [v] clanking chains  [v-adj] I heard a door clank shut.  [vn] The guard clanked his heavy ring of keys.
clank (also clank.ing) noun [usually sing.]
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clan.nish
adj. (often disapproving) (of members of a group) not showing interest in people who are not in the group
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clans.man
noun (pl.-men ) a member of a CLAN
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clap
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 to hit your open hands together several times to show that you approve of or have enjoyed sth: [v] The audience cheered and clapped.  [vn] Everyone clapped us when we went up to get our prize.
2 ~ (your hands) to hit your open hands together: [vn] She clapped her hands in delight.  He clapped his hands for silence.  [v] Everyone clapped in time to the music.
3 [vn] ~ sb on the back / shoulder to lightly hit sb with your open hand, usually in a friendly way
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth/sb somewhere quickly and suddenly: ‘Oh dear!’ she cried, clapping a hand over her mouth.  to clap sb in irons / jail / prison
IDM see EYE n.

noun
1 [sing.] an act of clapping the hands; the sound this makes: Give him a clap! (= to praise sb at the end of a performance)
2 [C] a sudden loud noise: a clap of thunder
3 (also the clap) [U] (slang) a disease of the sexual organs, caught by having sex with an infected person
SYN GONORRHOEA

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clap.board
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = WEATHERBOARD
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,clapped 'out
adj. (BrE , informal) (of a car or machine) old and in bad condition: The van’s totally clapped out.  a clapped-out old Mini
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clap.per
noun the piece of metal inside a bell that hits the sides and makes the bell ring
IDM like the 'clappers (BrE, informal) extremely fast: to run / ride / drive like the clappers
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clap.per.board
noun a device that is used when making films/movies. It consists of two connected boards that are hit together at the start of a scene, and its purpose is to help to match the pictures with the sound.
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clap.trap
noun [U] (informal) stupid talk that has no value
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claret
noun
1 [U, C] a dry red wine, especially from the Bordeaux area of France. There are several types of claret .
2 [U] a dark red colour
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clar.ify
verb (clari.fies, clari.fy.ing, clari.fied, clari.fied)
1 (formal) to make sth clearer or easier to understand: [vn] to clarify a situation / problem / issue  I hope this clarifies my position .  [v wh-] She asked him to clarify what he meant.
2 [vn] to make sth, especially butter, pure by heating it: clarified butter
clari.fi.ca.tion noun [U, C]: I am seeking clarification of the regulations.
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clari.net
noun a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group. It is shaped like a pipe and has a REED and a MOUTHPIECE at the top that you blow into.—
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cla.ri.net.tist
(also cla.ri.net.ist) noun a person who plays the clarinet
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clar.ion call
noun [sing.] (formal) a clear message or request for people to do sth
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clar.ity
noun [U]
1 the quality of being expressed clearly: a lack of clarity in the law
2 the ability to think about or understand sth clearly: clarity of thought / purpose / vision
3 if a picture, substance or sound has clarity, you can see or hear it very clearly, or see through it easily: the clarity of sound on a compact disc
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clash
noun, verb
noun
FIGHT|
1 ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) a short fight between two groups of people: Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators.
ARGUMENT|
2 ~ (with sb) (over sth)| ~ (between A and B) (over sth) an argument between two people or groups of people who have different beliefs and ideas: a head-on clash between the two leaders over education policy
DIFFERENCE|
3 the difference that exists between two things that are opposed to each other: a clash of interests / opinions / cultures  a personality clash with the boss
OF TWO EVENTS|
4 a situation in which two events happen at the same time so that you cannot go to or see them both: a clash in the timetable / schedule
OF COLOURS|
5 the situation when two colours, designs, etc. look ugly when they are put together
LOUD NOISE|
6 a loud noise made by two metal objects being hit together: a clash of cymbals / swords
IN SPORT|
7 (used in newspapers, about sports) an occasion when two teams or players compete against each other: Bayern’s clash with Real Madrid in the European Cup

verb
FIGHT / COMPETE|
1 [v] ~ (with sb) to come together and fight or compete in a contest: The two sets of supporters clashed outside the stadium.  The two teams clash in tomorrow’s final.
ARGUE|
2 [v] ~ (with sb) (over / on sth) to argue or disagree seriously with sb about sth, and to show this in public: The leaders clashed with party members on the issue.  The leaders and members clashed on the issue.
BE DIFFERENT|
3 [v] ~ (with sth) (of beliefs, ideas or personalities) to be very different and opposed to each other: His left-wing views clashed with his father’s politics.  His views and his father’s clashed.  They have clashing personalities.
OF TWO EVENTS|
4 [v] ~ (with sth) (of events) to happen at the same time so that you cannot go to or see them both: Unfortunately your party clashes with a wedding I’m going to.  There are two good movies on TV tonight, but they clash.
OF COLOURS|
5 [v] ~ (with sth) (of colours, patterns or styles) to look ugly when put together: The wallpaper clashes with the carpet.  The wallpaper and the carpet clash.
MAKE LOUD NOISE|
6 ~ (sth) (together) to hit together and make a harsh ringing noise; to make two metal objects do this: [v] The long blades clashed together.  [vn] She clashed the cymbals.

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clasp
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to hold sth tightly in your hand: He leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly together.  They clasped hands (= held each other’s hands).  I stood there, clasping the door handle.
2 to hold sb/sth tightly with your arms around them: She clasped the children in her arms.  He clasped her to him .
3 to fasten sth with a clasp : She clasped the bracelet around her wrist.

noun
1 [C] a device that fastens sth, such as a bag or the ends of a belt or a piece of jewellery: the clasp of a necklace / handbag—picture at JEWELLERY
2 [sing.] a tight hold with your hand or in your arms: He took her hand in his firm warm clasp.

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class
noun, verb, adj.
noun
IN EDUCATION|
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of students who are taught together: We were in the same class at school.  She is the youngest in her class.  He came top of the class .  The whole class was / were told to stay behind after school.
2 [C, U] an occasion when a group of students meets to be taught
SYN LESSON : I was late for a class.  See me after class.  She works hard in class (= during the class).  I have a history class at 9 o’clock.
3 [C] (also classes [pl.]) a series of classes on a particular subject
SYN COURSE : I’ve been taking classes in pottery.  Are you still doing your French evening class?
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] (especially AmE) a group of students who finish their studies at school, college or university in a particular year: the class of 98
IN SOCIETY|
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] one of the groups of people in a society that are thought of as being at the same social or economic level: the working / middle / upper class  The party tries to appeal to all classes of society.  the professional classes
6 [U] the way that people are divided into different social and economic groups: differences of class, race or gender  the class system  a society in which class is more important than ability
GROUP OF PEOPLE / ANIMALS|
7 [C] a group of people, animals or things that have similar characteristics or qualities: It was good accommodation for a hotel of this class.  different classes of drugs  Dickens was in a different class from (= was much better than) most of his contemporaries.  As a jazz singer she’s in a class of her own (= better than most others).—see also FIRST-CLASS , HIGH-CLASS , LOW-CLASS , SECOND-CLASS
SKILL / STYLE|
8 [U] an elegant quality or a high level of skill that is impressive: She has class all right—she looks like a model.  There’s a real touch of class about this team.
IN TRAIN / PLANE|
9 [C] (especially in compounds) each of several different levels of comfort that are available to travellers in a plane, etc: He always travels business class.  The first-class compartment is situated at the front of the train.—see also SECOND-CLASS , THIRD-CLASS , TOURIST CLASS
OF UNIVERSITY DEGREE|
10 [C] (especially in compounds) one of the levels of achievement in a British university degree exam: a first- / second- / third-class degree
BIOLOGY|
11 [C] a group into which animals, plants, etc. that have similar characteristics are divided, below a PHYLUM —compare FAMILY , GENUS , SPECIES
IDM see CHATTER v.

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth)
PUT INTO GROUP| to think or decide that sb/sth is a particular type of person or thing: Immigrant workers were classed as aliens.  One in five people in the country are classed as poor.

adj. [only before noun] (informal)
WITH SKILL / STYLE| very good: a class player / performer  She’s a real class act .

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,class 'action
noun (AmE ) a type of LAWSUIT that is started by a group of people who have a problem in common
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'class-conscious
adj. very aware of belonging to a particular social class and of the differences between social classes
'class-consciousness noun [U]
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clas.sic
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 accepted or deserving to be accepted as one of the best or most important of its kind: a classic novel / study / goal
2 (also clas.sic.al) with all the features you would expect to find; very typical: a classic example of poor communication  She displayed the classic symptoms of depression.  I made the classic mistake of clapping in a pause in the music!
3 elegant, but simple and traditional in style or design; not affected by changes in fashion: a classic grey suit  classic design  classic cars (= cars which are no longer made, but which are still popular)
4 (informal) people say That’s classic! when they find sth very amusing, when they think sb has been very stupid or when sth annoying, but not surprising, happens: She’s not going to help? Oh, that’s classic!

noun
1 [C] a book, film/movie or song which is well known and considered to be of very high quality, setting standards for other books, etc: English classics such as ‘Alice in Wonderland’  The novel may become a modern classic.
2 [C] a thing that is an excellent example of its kind: That match was a classic.
3 (Classics) [U] the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture, especially their languages and literature: a degree in Classics

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clas.sic.al
adj. [usually before noun]
1 widely accepted and used for a long time; traditional in style or idea: the classical economics of Smith and Ricardo  the classical theory of unemployment  classical and modern ballet / dance
2 connected with or influenced by the culture of ancient Greece and Rome: classical studies  a classical scholar (= an expert in Latin and Greek)
3 (of music) written in a Western musical tradition, usually using an established form (for example a SYMPHONY ) and not played on electronic instruments. Classical music is generally considered to be serious and to have a lasting value: He plays classical music, as well as pop and jazz.  a classical album / composer / violinist
4 = CLASSIC : These are classical examples of food allergy.
5 (of a language) ancient in its form and no longer used in a spoken form: classical Arabic
6 simple and attractive: the classical elegance of the design
clas.sic.al.ly adv.: Her face is classically beautiful.  a classically educated reader  classically trained singers / dancers
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clas.si.cism
noun [U]
1 a style of art and literature that is simple and elegant and is based on the styles of ancient Greece and Rome. Classicism was popular in Europe in the 18th century.
2 a style or form that has simple, natural qualities and pleasing combinations of parts
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clas.si.cist
noun
1 a person who studies ancient Greek or Latin
2 a person who follows classicism in art or literature
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clas.si.fi.able
adj. that you can or should CLASSIFY : The information was not easily classifiable.  top-secret or classifiable information
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clas.si.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [U] the act or process of putting people or things into a group or class (= of CLASSIFYING them): a style of music that defies classification (= is like no other)
2 [C] a group, class, division, etc. into which sb or sth is put
3 [U] (biology) the act of putting animals, plants, etc. into groups, classes or divisions according to their characteristics: The classification of bony fish is extremely complicated.
4 [C] (technical) a system of arranging books, tapes, magazines, etc. in a library into groups according to their subject
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clas.si.fied
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of information) officially secret and available only to particular people: classified information / documents / material
OPP UNCLASSIFIED
2 with information arranged in groups according to subjects: a classified catalogue
3 (classifieds) noun [pl.] = CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
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,classified ad'vertisements
(also ,classified 'ads, 'classifieds) (BrE also 'small ads) (AmE also 'want ads) noun [pl.] the section in a newspaper with small advertisements arranged in groups according to their subject, that are placed by people or small companies who want to buy or sell sth, find or offer a job, etc.
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clas.sify
verb (clas.si.fies, clas.si.fy.ing, clas.si.fied, clas.si.fied) [vn]
1 to arrange sth in groups according to features that they have in common: The books in the library are classified according to subject.  Patients are classified into three categories.
2 ~ sb/sth as sth to decide which type or group sb/sth belongs to: Only eleven of these accidents were classified as major.  Would you classify it as a hard drug or a soft drug?
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class.less
adj.
1 (approving) with no divisions into social classes: Will Britain ever become a classless society?
2 not clearly belonging to a particular social class: a classless accent
class.less.ness noun [U]
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class.mate
noun a person who is or was in the same class as you at school or college
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class.room
noun a room where a class of children or students is taught: classroom activities  the use of computers in the classroom
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,class 'struggle
(also ,class 'war) noun [U, sing.] (politics ) opposition between the different social classes in society, especially that described in Marxist theory
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classy
adj. (class.ier, classi.est) (informal) of high quality; expensive and/or fashionable: a classy player  a classy hotel / restaurant
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clat.ter
verb
1 [v] if hard objects clatter, they knock together and make a loud noise: He dropped the knife and it clattered on the stone floor.  Her cup clattered in the saucer.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move making a loud noise like hard objects knocking together: The cart clattered over the cobbles.  She heard him clattering around downstairs.
clat.ter (also clat.ter.ing) noun [sing.]: the clatter of horses' hoofs
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clause
noun
1 (grammar) a group of words that includes a subject and a verb, and forms a sentence or part of a sentence: In the sentence ‘They often go to Italy because they love the food’, ‘They often go to Italy’ is the main clause and ‘because they love the food’ is a subordinate clause.
2 an item in a legal document that says that a particular thing must or must not be done
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claus.tro.pho.bia
noun [U] an extreme fear of being in a small enclosed place; the unpleasant feeling that a person gets in a situation which restricts them: to suffer from claustrophobia  She felt she had to escape from the claustrophobia of suburban family life.—compare AGORAPHOBIA
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claus.tro.pho.bic
adj. giving you claustrophobia ; suffering from claustrophobia : the claustrophobic atmosphere of the room  to feel claustrophobic
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clavi.chord
noun an early type of musical instrument, like a piano with a very soft tone
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clav.icle
noun (anatomy ) the COLLARBONE
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claw
noun, verb
noun
1 one of the sharp curved nails on the end of an animal’s or a bird’s foot: The cat lashed out with its claws.—
2 a long, sharp curved part of the body of some types of SHELLFISH , used for catching and holding things: the claws of a crab
3 part of a tool or machine, like a claw , used for holding, pulling or lifting things: a claw hammer (= used for pulling out nails)—picture at TOOL
IDM get your claws into sb
1 (disapproving) if a woman gets her claws into a man, she tries hard to make him marry her or to have a relationship with her
2 to criticize sb severely: Wait until the media gets its claws into her.—more at RED adj.

verb ~ (at) sb/sth to scratch or tear sb/sth with claws or with your fingernails: [v] The cat was clawing at the leg of the chair.  [vn] She had clawed Stephen across the face.   (figurative) His hands clawed the air.
IDM claw your way back, into sth, out of sth, to sth, etc. to gradually achieve sth or move somewhere by using a lot of determination and effort: She clawed her way to the top of her profession.  Slowly, he clawed his way out from under the collapsed building.
PVR V ,claw sth<->'back
1 to get sth back that you have lost, usually by using a lot of effort
2 (of a government) to get back money that has been paid to people, usually by taxing them—related noun CLAWBACK

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claw.back
noun (BrE, business ) the act of getting money back from people it has been paid to; the money that is paid back
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clay
noun [U] a type of heavy, sticky earth that becomes hard when it is baked and is used to make things such as pots and bricks—picture at POT
IDM see FOOT n.
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'clay court
noun a tennis court that has a surface made of clay
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clay.more
noun a large SWORD with a broad blade with two sharp edges that was used in Scotland in the past
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,clay 'pigeon shooting
(BrE ) (AmE 'skeet shooting) noun a sport in which a disc of baked clay (called a clay pigeon) is thrown into the air for people to shoot at
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clean
adj., verb, adv., noun
adj. (clean.er, clean.est)
NOT DIRTY|
1 not dirty: Are your hands clean?  to wipe / brush sth clean  The hotel was spotlessly (= extremely)clean .   (BrE) It is your responsibility to keep the room clean and tidy .   (AmE) Keep your room neat and clean .  I can’t find a clean shirt (= one I haven’t worn since it was washed).
2 having a clean appearance and clean surroundings: Cats are very clean animals.
NOT HARMFUL|
3 free from harmful or unpleasant substances: clean drinking water  clean air  the cleaner cars of the future (= not producing so many harmful substances)
PAPER|
4 [usually before noun] with nothing written on it: a clean sheet of paper
NOT OFFENSIVE|
5 not offensive or referring to sex; not doing anything that is considered immoral or bad: The entertainment was good clean fun for the whole family.  Keep the jokes clean please!  The sport has a very clean image.
NOT ILLEGAL|
6 not showing or having any record of doing sth that is against the law: a clean driving licence / driver’s license  a clean police record
7 (slang) not owning or carrying anything illegal such as drugs or weapons: The police searched her but she was clean.
FAIR|
8 played or done in a fair way and within the rules: It was a tough but clean game.
SMOOTH / SIMPLE|
9 having a smooth edge, surface or shape; simple and regular: A sharp knife makes a clean cut.  a modern design with clean lines and a bright appearance
ACCURATE|
10 done in a skilful and accurate way: The plane made a clean take-off.
TASTE / SMELL|
11 tasting, smelling or looking pleasant and fresh: The wine has a clean taste and a lovely golden colour.—compare UNCLEAN as clean as a 'whistle (informal) very clean a clean bill of 'health a report that says sb is healthy or that sth is in good condition a clean 'break
1 a complete separation from a person, an organization, a way of life, etc: She wanted to make a clean break with the past.
2 a break in a bone in one place a clean 'sheet / 'slate a record of your work or behaviour that does not show any mistakes or bad things that you have done: No government operates with a completely clean sheet.  They kept a clean sheet in the match (= no goals were scored against them). make a clean 'breast of sth to tell the truth about sth so that you no longer feel guilty make a clean sweep (of sth)
1 to remove all the people or things from an organization that are thought to be unnecessary or need changing
2 to win all the prizes or parts of a game or competition; to win an election completely: China made a clean sweep of the medals in the gymnastics events.  The opinion poll suggests a clean sweep for the Democrats.—more at NOSE n. , WIPE v.

verb
1 to make sth free from dirt or dust by washing or rubbing it: [vn] to clean the windows / bath / floor  to clean a wound  Have you cleaned your teeth ?  The villa is cleaned twice a week.  [v] I spent all day cooking and cleaning.—see also DRY-CLEAN , SPRING-CLEAN
2 [v] to become clean: This oven cleans easily (= is easy to clean).
3 [vn] = DRY-CLEAN : This coat is filthy. I’ll have it cleaned .
4 [vn] to remove the inside parts of a fish, chicken, etc. before you cook it clean 'house (AmE)
1 to remove people or things that are not necessary or wanted: The new manager said he wanted to clean house.
2 to make your house clean clean up your 'act (informal) to start behaving in a moral or responsible way: He cleaned up his act and came off drugs. ,clean sth<->'down to clean sth thoroughly: All the equipment should be cleaned down regularly. 'clean sth off / from sth| ,clean sth<->'off to remove sth from sth by brushing, rubbing, etc: I cleaned the mud off my shoes. ,clean sth<->'out to clean the inside of sth thoroughly: I must clean the fish tank out. ,clean sb 'out (informal) to use all of sb’s money: Paying for all those drinks has cleaned me out. ,clean sb/sth 'out (informal) to steal everything from a person or place: The burglars totally cleaned her out. ,clean (yourself) 'up (informal) to make yourself clean, usually by washing: I need to change and clean up.  Go and clean yourself up.  You’d better get cleaned up .—related noun CLEAN-UP ,clean 'up| ,clean sth<->'up
1 to remove dirt, etc. from somewhere: He always expected other people to clean up after him (= when he had made the place dirty or untidy).  Who’s going to clean up this mess?  to clean up beaches after an oil spillage—related noun CLEAN-UP
2 (informal) to win or make a lot of money: This film should clean up at the box offices. ,clean sth<->'up to remove crime and immoral behaviour from a place or an activity: The new mayor is determined to clean up the city.  Soccer needs to clean up its image .—related noun CLEAN-UP

adv. (informal) used to emphasize that an action takes place completely: The thief got clean away.  I clean forgot about calling him. come clean (with sb) (about sth) to admit and explain sth that you have kept as a secret: Isn’t it time the government came clean about their plans for education?

noun [sing.] the act or process of cleaning sth: The house needed a good clean.

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,clean-'cut
adj. (especially of a young man) looking neat and clean and therefore socially acceptable: Simon’s clean-cut good looks
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clean.er
noun
1 a person whose job is to clean other people’s houses or offices, etc: an office cleaner
2 a machine or substance that is used for cleaning: a vacuum cleaner  a bottle of kitchen cleaner
3 (cleaner’s) (pl.cleaners) (also ,dry-'cleaner’s) a shop/store where clothes and fabrics are cleaned, especially with chemicals: Can you pick up my suit from the cleaner’s?
IDM take sb to the 'cleaners (informal)
1 to rob or cheat sb of all their money, etc.
2 to defeat sb completely: Our team got taken to the cleaners.
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clean.ing
noun [U] the work of making the inside of a house, etc. clean: They pay someone to do the cleaning .
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'cleaning lady
(also 'cleaning woman) noun a woman whose job is to clean the rooms and furniture in an office, a house, etc.
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clean.li.ness
noun [U] the state of being clean or the habit of keeping things clean: Some people are obsessive about cleanliness.
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clean.ly
adv.
1 easily and smoothly in one movement: The boat moved cleanly through the water.
2 in a clean way: fuel that burns cleanly
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cleanse
verb [vn]
1 to clean your skin or a wound: a cleansing cream
2 ~ sb (of / from sth) (literary) to make sb free from guilt or SIN —see also ETHNIC CLEANSING
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cleans.er
noun
1 a liquid or cream for cleaning your face, especially for removing MAKE-UP
2 a substance that contains chemicals and is used for cleaning things
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,clean-'shaven
adj. a man who is clean-shaven does not have a BEARD or MOUSTACHE (= hair that has been allowed to grow on the face)
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'clean-up
noun [usually sing.] the process of removing dirt, POLLUTION , or things that are considered bad or immoral from a place: The clean-up of the river is going to take months.  a clean-up campaign / operation / programme
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clear
adj., verb, adv.
adj. (clear.er, clear.est)
WITHOUT CONFUSION / DOUBT|
1 easy to understand and not causing any confusion: She gave me clear and precise directions.  Are these instructions clear enough?  You’ll do as you’re told, is that clear?  This behaviour must stop—do I make myself clear (= express myself clearly so there is no doubt about what I mean)?  I hope I made it clear to him that he was no longer welcome here.
2 ~ (to sb) (that)| ~ what, how, whether, etc. obvious and leaving no doubt at all: This is a clear case of fraud.  She won the election by a clear majority.  His height gives him a clear advantage.  It was quite clear to me that she was lying.  It is not clear what they want us to do.
3 ~ (about / on sth)| ~ what, how, whether, etc. having or feeling no doubt or confusion: Are you clear about the arrangements for tomorrow?  My memory is not clear on that point.  I’m still not clear what the job involves.  We need a clear understanding of the problems involved.
MIND|
4 thinking in a sensible and logical way, especially in a difficult situation: a clear thinker  You’ll need to keep a clear head for your interview.
EASY TO SEE / HEAR|
5 easy to see or hear: The photo wasn’t very clear.  The voice on the phone was clear and strong.  She was in Australia but I could hear her voice as clear as a bell .
TRANSPARENT|
6 that you can see through: The water was so clear we could see the bottom of the lake.  clear glass  a clear colourless liquid
SKY / WEATHER|
7 without cloud or MIST : a clear blue sky  On a clear day you can see France.
SKIN|
8 without spots or marks: clear skin  a clear complexion
EYES|
9 bright and lively
NOT BLOCKED|
10 ~ (of sth) free from things that are blocking the way or covering the surface of sth: The road was clear and I ran over.  All exits must be kept clear of baggage.  You won’t get a clear view of the stage from here.  I always leave a clear desk at the end of the day.
CONSCIENCE|
11 if you have a clearCONSCIENCE or your CONSCIENCE is clear, you do not feel guilty
FREE FROM STH BAD|
12 ~ of sth free from sth that is unpleasant: They were still not clear of all suspicion.  We are finally clear of debt.
NOT TOUCHING / NEAR|
13 [not before noun] ~ (of sb/sth) not touching sth; a distance away from sth: The plane climbed until it was clear of the clouds.  Make sure you park your car clear of the entrance.
PERIOD OF TIME|
14 [only before noun] whole or complete: Allow three clear days for the letter to arrive.
SUM OF MONEY|
15 [only before noun] remaining when taxes, costs, etc. have been taken away; NET : They had made a clear profit of £2 000. be clear 'sailing (AmE) = BE PLAIN SAILING at PLAIN adj. (as) clear as 'day easy to see or understand (as) clear as 'mud (spoken) not clear at all; not easy to understand: Oh well, that’s all as clear as mud, then. in the 'clear (informal) no longer in danger or thought to be guilty of sth: It seems that the original suspect is in the clear.—more at FIELD n. , HEAD n. , LOUD adv.

verb
REMOVE STH / SB|
1 [vn] ~ A (of B)| ~ B (from / off A) to remove sth that is not wanted or needed from a place: I cleared my desk of papers and got down to work.  Clear all those papers off the desk.  I had cleared my desk before I left.  It’s your turn to clear the table (= to take away the dirty plates, etc. after a meal).  She cleared a space on the sofa for him to sit down.  The streets had been cleared of snow.  The remains of the snow had been cleared from the streets.  It was several hours before the road was cleared after the accident.—see also CLEAR AWAY
2 [vn] to make people leave a place: After the bomb warning, police cleared the streets.
NOT BE BLOCKED|
3 [v] to move freely again; to no longer be blocked: The traffic took a long time to clear after the accident.  The boy’s lungs cleared and he began to breathe more easily.
OF SKY / WEATHER|
4 [v] when the sky or the weather clears, it becomes brighter and free of cloud or rain: The sky cleared after the storm.  The rain is clearing slowly.
OF LIQUID|
5 [v] when a liquid clears, it becomes transparent and you can see through it: The muddy water slowly cleared.
OF SMOKE, etc.|
6 [v] ~ (away) when smoke, FOG , etc. clears, it disappears so that it is easier to see things: The mist will clear by mid-morning.
YOUR HEAD / MIND|
7 if your head or mind clears, or you clear it, you become free of thoughts that worry or confuse you or the effects of alcohol, a blow, etc. and you are able to think clearly: [v] As her mind cleared, she remembered what had happened.  [vn] I went for a walk to clear my head.
OF FACE / EXPRESSION|
8 [v] if your face or expression clears, you stop looking angry or worried
PROVE SB INNOCENT|
9 [vn] ~ sb (of sth) to prove that sb is innocent: She was cleared of all charges against her.  Throughout his years in prison, he fought to clear his name .
GIVE OFFICIAL PERMISSION|
10 [vn] ~ sth (with sb/sth) to give or get official approval for sth to be done: His appointment had been cleared by the board.  I’ll have to clear it with the manager before I can refund your money.
11 [vn] to give official permission for a person, a ship, a plane or goods to leave or enter a place: The plane had been cleared for take-off.  to clear goods through customs
12 [vn] to decide officially, after finding out information about sb, that they can be given special work or allowed to see secret papers: She hasn’t been cleared by security.
MONEY|
13 if a cheque that you pay into your bank account clears, or a bank clears it, the money is available for you to use: [v] Cheques usually take three working days to clear. [alsovn]
14 [vn] to gain or earn a sum of money as profit: She cleared £1 000 on the deal.
15 [vn] if you clear a debt or a LOAN (= money you have borrowed), you pay all the money back
GET OVER / PAST|
16 [vn] to jump over or get past sth without touching it: The horse cleared the fence easily.  The car only just cleared (= avoided hitting) the gatepost.
IN SPORT|
17 [v, vn] (in football and some other sports) if you clear a ball, or a ball clears, it is kicked or hit away from the area near your own goal clear the 'air to improve a difficult or tense situation by talking about worries, doubts, etc. clear the 'decks (informal) to prepare for an activity, event, etc. by removing anything that is not essential to it clear your 'throat to cough so that you can speak clearly clear the way (for sth / for sth to happen) to remove things that are stopping the progress or movement of sth: The ruling could clear the way for extradition proceedings.—more at COAST n. , COBWEB ,clear a'way| ,clear sth<->a'way to remove sth because it is not wanted or needed, or in order to leave a clear space: He cleared away and made coffee.  It’s time your toys were cleared away. ,clear 'off (informal) to go or run away: He cleared off when he heard the police siren.   (spoken) You’ve no right to be here. Clear off! ,clear 'out (of … ) (informal) to leave a place quickly: He cleared out with all the money and left her with the kids. ,clear 'out| ,clear sth<->'out to make sth empty and clean by removing things or throwing things away: to clear out a drawer / room  We cleared out all our old clothes.  I found the letters when I was clearing out after my father died.—related noun CLEAR-OUT ,clear 'up
1 (of the weather) to become fine or bright: I hope it clears up this afternoon.
2 (of an illness, infection, etc.) to disappear: Has your rash cleared up yet? ,clear 'up| ,clear sth<->'up to make sth clean and neat: It’s time to clear up.  I’m fed up with clearing up after you !  Clear up your own mess! ,clear sth<->'up to solve or explain sth: to clear up a mystery / difficulty / misunderstanding

adv.
NOT NEAR / TOUCHING|
1 ~ (of sth) away from sth; not near or touching sth: Stand clear of the train doors.  He injured his arm as he jumped clear of the car.  By the end of the first lap Walker was two metres clear of the rest of the runners.
ALL THE WAY|
2 (especially AmE) all the way to sth that is far away: She could see clear down the highway into the town. keep / stay / steer clear (of sb/sth) to avoid a person or thing because it may cause problems: Steer clear of the centre of town at this time of the evening.—more at WAY n.

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clear.ance
noun
1 [C, U] the removal of things that are not wanted: There were forest clearances in Java thousands of years ago.  slum clearance (= the removal of houses that are in very bad condition in an area of a town)  a clearance sale (= in a shop / store, when goods are sold cheaply to get rid of them quickly)
2 [U, C] the amount of space or distance that is needed between two objects so that they do not touch each other: There is not much clearance for vehicles passing under this bridge.  a clearance of one metre
3 [U, C] official permission that is given to sb before they can work somewhere, have particular information, or do sth they want to do: I’m waiting for clearance from headquarters.  All employees at the submarine base require security clearance.
4 [U] official permission for a person or vehicle to enter or leave an airport or a country: The pilot was waiting for clearance for take-off.
5 [U, C] the process of a cheque being paid by a bank
6 [C] a clearance in football and some other sports is when a player kicks or hits the ball away from the goal of his or her own team
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,clear-'cut
adj. definite and easy to see or identify: There is no clear-cut answer to this question.  a clear-cut distinction
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,clear-'headed
adj. able to think in a clear and sensible way, especially in a difficult situation
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clear.ing
noun an open space in a forest where there are no trees
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'clearing bank
noun (in Britain) a bank that uses a clearing house when dealing with other banks
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'clearing house
noun
1 a central office that banks use in order to pay each other money and exchange cheques, etc.
2 an organization that collects and exchanges information on behalf of people or other organizations: a clearing house for applications to universities
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clear.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is easy to see or hear: Please speak clearly after the tone.
2 in a way that is sensible and easy to understand: She explained everything very clearly.
3 used to emphasize that what you are saying is obvious and true: Clearly, this will cost a lot more than we realized.
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clear.ness
noun [U] (much less frequent than clarity) the state of being clear
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'clear-out
noun [usually sing.] (informal, especially BrE ) a process of getting rid of things or people that you no longer want: If you are really living in a mess, have a grand clear-out and put the whole place straight.
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,clear-'sighted
adj. understanding or thinking clearly; able to make good decisions and judgements
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clear.way
noun (in Britain) a road on which vehicles must not stop
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cleat
noun
1 [C] a small wooden or metal bar fastened to sth, on which ropes may be fastened by winding
2 [C] a piece of rubber on the bottom of a shoe, etc. to stop it from slipping—picture at SHOE
3 (cleats) [pl.] (AmE) shoes with cleats , often worn for playing sports—compare FOOTBALL BOOT , SPIKE (2) , STUD (3) —picture at SHOE
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cleav.age
noun
1 [C, U] the space between a woman’s breasts that can be seen above a dress that does not completely cover them
2 [C] (formal) a difference or division between people or groups: a deep cleavage between rich and poor in society
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cleave
verb (cleaved, cleaved
HELP Less commonly, cleft and clove are used for the past tense, and cleft for the past participle.)
1 [vn] (old-fashioned or literary) to split or cut sth in two using sth sharp and heavy: She cleaved his skull (in two) with an axe.   (figurative) His skin was cleft with deep lines.
2 ~ (through) sth (old-fashioned or literary) to move quickly through sth: [v] a ship cleaving through the water  [vn] The huge boat cleaved the darkness.
3 ~ to sb/sth [v] (literary) to stick close to sth/sb: Her tongue clove to the roof of her mouth.
4 (cleaved, cleaved) [v] (formal) to continue to believe in or be loyal to sth: to cleave to a belief / idea
IDM see CLEFT
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cleav.er
noun a heavy knife with a broad blade, used for cutting large pieces of meat
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clef
noun (music ) a symbol at the beginning of a line of printed music (called a STAVE or STAFF ) that shows the PITCH of the notes on it: the treble / bass clef
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cleft
noun, adj. —see also CLEAVE v.
noun a natural opening or crack, for example in the ground or in rock, or in a person’s chin: a cleft in the rocks

adj.
IDM be (caught) in a cleft 'stick to be in a difficult situation when any action you take will have bad results

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,cleft 'lip
noun a condition in which sb is born with their upper lip split
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,cleft 'palate
noun a condition in which sb is born with the roof of their mouth split, making them unable to speak clearly
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cle.ma.tis
noun [C, U] a climbing plant with large white, purple or pink flowers
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clem.ency
noun [U] (formal) kindness shown to sb when they are being punished; willingness not to punish sb so severely
SYN MERCY : a plea for clemency
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clem.ent
adj. (formal)
1 (especially of weather) mild and pleasant
OPP INCLEMENT
2 showing kindness and MERCY to sb who is being punished
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clem.en.tine
noun a fruit like a small orange
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clench
verb
1 when you clench your hands, teeth, etc., or when they clench, you press or squeeze them together tightly, usually showing that you are angry, determined or upset: [vn] He clenched his fists in anger.  Through clenched teeth she told him to leave.  [v] His fists clenched slowly until his knuckles were white.
2 [vn] ~ sth (in / between sth) to hold sth tightly and firmly: She sat at the desk, her pen clenched between her teeth.
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clergy
(often the clergy) noun [pl.] the priests or ministers of a religion, especially of the Christian Church: All the local clergy were asked to attend the ceremony.  The new proposals affect both clergy and laity.—compare LAITY
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cler.gy.man
(also church.man) noun (pl.-men ) a male priest or minister in the Christian Church—compare PRIEST
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cler.gy.wo.man
noun (pl.-women ) a female priest or minister in the Christian Church
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cler.ic
noun
1 (old-fashioned or formal) a clergyman
2 a religious leader in any religion: Muslim clerics
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cler.ic.al
adj.
1 connected with office work: clerical workers / staff / assistants  a clerical error (= one made in copying or calculating sth)
2 connected with the CLERGY (= priests): a clerical collar (= one that fastens at the back, worn by some priests)
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clerk
noun, verb
noun
1 a person whose job is to keep the records or accounts in an office, shop/store etc: an office clerk—see also FILING CLERK
2 an official in charge of the records of a council, court, etc: the Town Clerk  the Clerk of the Court—see also COUNTY CLERK , PARISH CLERK , CLERK OF WORKS
3 (also 'sales clerk) (both AmE) = SHOP ASSISTANT
4 (also 'desk clerk) (both AmE) a person whose job is dealing with people arriving at or leaving a hotel
SYN RECEPTIONIST

verb (AmE ) [v] to work as a clerk : a clerking job

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,clerk of 'works
noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to be in charge of repairs to buildings or of building works, for an organization or institution
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clever
adj. (clever.er, clever.est)
HELP You can also use more clever and most clever.
1 (especially BrE) quick at learning and understanding things
SYN INTELLIGENT : a clever child  Clever girl!  How clever of you to work it out!  He’s too clever by half , if you ask me (= it annoys me or makes me suspicious).
2 ~ (at sth) (especially BrE) skilful: She’s clever at getting what she wants.  He’s clever with his hands.
3 showing intelligence or skill, for example in the design of an object, in an idea or sb’s actions: a clever little gadget  What a clever idea!  That (= what you just did) wasn’t very clever, was it? (= it wasn’t sensible)
4 (BrE, informal, disapproving) quick with words in a way that annoys people or does not show respect: Don’t you get clever with me!
clev.er.ly adv.
clev.er.ness noun [U]
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'clever Dick
(also 'clever clogs) noun (both BrE , informal, disapproving) a person who thinks they are always right or that they know everything
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cli.ché
(also cliche) noun (disapproving)
1 [C] a phrase or an idea that has been used so often that it no longer has much meaning and is not interesting: She trotted out the old cliché that ‘a trouble shared is a trouble halved.’
2 [U] the use of clichés in writing or speaking
cli.chéd (also cli.ché'd, cliched) adj.: a clichéd view of upper-class life
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click
verb, noun
verb
1 to make or cause sth to make a short sharp sound: [v] The cameras clicked away.  The bolt clicked into place.  [v-adj] The door clicked shut .  [vn] He clicked his fingers at the waiter.  Polly clicked her tongue in annoyance.
2 ~ (on sth) to choose a particular function or item on a computer screen, etc., by pressing one of the buttons on a mouse: [vn] Click the OK button to start.  [v] I clicked on the link to the next page of the website.  To run a window, just double-click on the icon.
3 [v] (informal) to suddenly become clear or understood: Suddenly it clicked —we’d been talking about different people.  It all clicked into place .
4 [v] (informal) to become friends with sb at once; to become popular with sb: We met at a party and clicked immediately.  He’s never really clicked with his students.
5 [v] (informal) to work well together: The team don’t seem to have clicked yet.

noun
1 a short sharp sound: The front door closed with a click.
2 the act of pressing the button on a computer mouse

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cli.ent
noun
1 a person who uses the services or advice of a professional person or organization: a well-known lawyer with many famous clients  to act on behalf of a client  Social workers must consider the best interests of their clients in every situation.  note at CUSTOMER
2 (computing) a computer that is linked to a SERVER
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cli.en.tele
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] all the customers or clients of a shop/store, restaurant, organization, etc: an international clientele
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,client-'server
adj. [only before noun] (computing ) (of a computer system) in which a central SERVER provides data to a number of computers connected together in a NETWORK
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,client 'state
noun a country which depends on a larger and more powerful country for support and protection
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cliff
noun a high area of rock with a very steep side, often at the edge of the sea or ocean: the cliff edge / top  the chalk cliffs of Southern England  a castle perched high on the cliffs above the river—picture at COAST
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cliff.hang.er
noun a situation in a story, film/movie, competition, etc. that is very exciting because you cannot guess what will happen next, or you do not find out immediately what happens next: The first part of the serial ended with a real cliffhanger.
cliff.hang.ing adj.
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cliff.top
noun the area of land at the top of a cliff
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cli.mac.tic
adj. (written) (of an event or a point in time) very exciting, most important: The play builds up to a final climactic scene between father and daughter.
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cli.mate
noun
1 [C, U] the regular pattern of weather conditions of a particular place: a mild / temperate / warm / wet climate  the threat of global climate change
2 [C] an area with particular weather conditions: They wanted to move to a warmer climate.
3 [C] a general attitude or feeling; an atmosphere or a situation which exists in a particular place: the present political climate  the current climate of opinion (= what people generally are thinking about a particular issue)  a climate of suspicion / violence  We need to create a climate in which business can prosper.
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cli.mat.ic
adj. [only before noun] connected with the weather of a particular area: climatic changes / conditions
cli.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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cli.mat.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of climate
cli.ma.to.logic.al adj.
cli.mat.olo.gist noun
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cli.max
noun, verb
noun
1 the most exciting or important event or point in time: to come to / reach a climax  the climax of his political career
2 the most exciting part of a play, piece of music, etc. that usually happens near the end: The book’s powerful climax is the murder of Nancy by her lover Bill Sikes.
3 the highest point of sexual pleasure
SYN ORGASM —compare ANTICLIMAX

verb (written)
1 ~ with / in sth to come to or form the best, most exciting, or most important point in sth: [v] The festival will climax on Sunday with a gala concert.  [vn] (especially AmE) The sensational verdict climaxed a six-month trial.
2 [v] to have an ORGASM

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climb
verb, noun
verb
GO UP|
1 ~ (up) (sth) to go up sth towards the top: [vn] to climb a mountain / hill / tree / wall  She climbed up the stairs.  The car slowly climbed the hill.  [v] As they climbed higher, the air became cooler.
GO THROUGH / DOWN / OVER|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere, especially with difficulty or effort: I climbed through the window.  Sue climbed into bed.  Can you climb down?  The boys climbed over the wall.
MOUNTAIN / ROCK, etc.|
3 (go climbing) to go up mountains or climb rocks as a hobby or sport: He likes to go climbing most weekends.
AIRCRAFT / SUN, etc.|
4 [v] to go higher in the sky: The plane climbed to 33 000 feet.
SLOPE UP|
5 [v] to slope upwards: From here the path climbs steeply to the summit.
OF PLANTS|
6 [v] to grow up a wall or frame: a climbing rose
INCREASE|
7 [v] (of temperature, a country’s money, etc.) to increase in value or amount: The dollar has been climbing all week.  The paper’s circulation continues to climb.
IMPROVE POSITION / STATUS|
8 [v] to move to a higher position or social rank by your own effort: In a few years he had climbed to the top of his profession.  The team has now climbed to fourth in the league.
IDM see BANDWAGON ,climb 'down (over sth) to admit that you have made a mistake or that you were wrong—related noun CLIMBDOWN

noun
MOUNTAIN / STEPS|
1 an act of climbing up a mountain, rock or large number of steps; a period of time spent climbing: an exhausting climb  It’s an hour’s climb to the summit.
2 a mountain or rock which people climb up for sport: Titan’s Wall is the mountain’s hardest rock climb.
INCREASE|
3 [usually sing.] an increase in value or amount: the dollar’s climb against the euro
TO A HIGHER POSITION OR STATUS|
4 [usually sing.] progress to a higher status, standard or position: a rapid climb to stardom  the long slow climb out of the recession

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climb.down
noun an act of admitting that you were wrong, or of changing your position in an argument: The Chancellor was forced into a humiliating climbdown on his economic policies.
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climb.er
noun
1 a person who climbs (especially mountains) or an animal that climbs: climbers and hill walkers  Monkeys are efficient climbers.
2 a climbing plant—see also SOCIAL CLIMBER
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climb.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of climbing rocks or mountains: to go climbing   a climbing accident  a climbing wall (= one that is especially made to practise climbing on)
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'climbing frame
(BrE ) (AmE 'jungle gym) noun a structure made of metal bars joined together for children to climb and play on—picture at FRAME
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clime
noun [usually pl.] (literary or humorous) a country with a particular kind of climate: I’m heading for sunnier climes next month.
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clinch
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to succeed in achieving or winning sth: to clinch an argument / a deal / a victory
2 to provide the answer to sth; to settle sth that was not certain: ‘I’ll pay your air fare.’‘Okay, that clinches it —I’ll come with you.’  a clinching argument

noun
1 (informal) a position in which two lovers hold each other tightly
SYN EMBRACE
2 a position in a fight in which two opponents hold each other tightly with the arms

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clinch.er
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a fact, a remark or an event that settles an argument, a decision or a competition
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cline
noun a series of similar items in which each is almost the same as the ones next to it, but the last is very different from the first
SYN CONTINUUM
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cling
verb (clung, clung ) [v]
1 ~ (on) to sb/sth| ~ on / together to hold on tightly to sb/sth: survivors clinging to a raft  She clung on to her baby.  Cling on tight!  They clung together, shivering with cold.
2 ~ (to sth) to stick to sth: a dress that clings (= fits closely and shows the shape of your body)  The wet shirt clung to his chest.  The smell of smoke still clung to her clothes.
3 ~ (to sb) (usually disapproving) to stay close to sb, especially because you are emotionally dependent on them: After her mother’s death, Sara clung to her aunt more than ever.
PVR V 'cling to sth| ,cling 'on to sth to be unwilling to get rid of sth, or stop doing sth: Throughout the trial she had clung to the belief that he was innocent.  He had one last hope to cling on to.  She managed to cling on to life for another couple of years.
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'cling film
(BrE ) (AmE 'plastic wrap) noun [U] a thin transparent plastic material that sticks to a surface and to itself, used especially for wrapping food
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cling.ing
(also clingy ) adj.
1 (of clothes or fabric) sticking to the body and showing its shape
2 (usually disapproving) too dependent on another person: a clinging child
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clin.ic
noun
1 a building or part of a hospital where people can go for special medical treatment or advice: the local family planning clinic
2 (especially BrE) a period of time during which doctors give special medical treatment or advice: The antenatal clinic is on Wednesdays.
3 (especially BrE) a private hospital or one that treats health problems of a particular kind: He is being treated at the London clinic.  a rehabilitation clinic for alcoholics
4 (AmE) a building where visiting patients can get medical treatment; a building shared by a group of doctors who work together
5 an occasion in a hospital when medical students learn by watching a specialist examine and treat patients
6 an occasion at which a professional person, especially a SPORTSMAN or SPORTSWOMAN gives advice and training: a coaching clinic for young tennis players
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clin.ic.al
adj.
1 [only before noun] relating to the examination and treatment of patients and their illnesses: clinical research (= done on patients, not just considering theory)  clinical training (= the part of a doctor’s training done in a hospital)  clinical trials of a drug
2 (disapproving) cold and calm and without feeling or sympathy: He watched her suffering with clinical detachment.
3 (disapproving) (of a room, building, etc.) very plain; without decoration
clin.ic.al.ly adv.: clinically dead (= judged to be dead from the condition of the body)  clinically depressed
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clin.ician
noun a doctor, PSYCHOLOGIST , etc. who has direct contact with patients
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clink
verb, noun
verb to make or cause sth to make a sharp ringing sound, like that of glasses being hit against each other: [v] clinking coins  [vn] They clinked glasses and drank to each other’s health.

noun [sing.]
1 (also clink.ing) a sharp ringing sound like the sound made by glasses being hit against each other
2 (old-fashioned, slang) prison

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clink.er
noun
1 [U, C] the hard rough substance left after coal has burnt at a high temperature; a piece of this substance
2 [sing.] (AmE) a wrong musical note: The singer hit a clinker.
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clip
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (often in compounds) a small metal or plastic object used for holding things together or in place: a hair clip  toe clips on a bicycle—see also BICYCLE CLIP , BULLDOG CLIP , PAPER CLIP —picture at BICYCLE , STATIONERY
2 [C] a piece of jewellery that fastens to your clothes: a diamond clip
3 [sing.] the act of cutting sth to make it shorter: He gave the hedge a clip.
4 [C] a short part of a film/movie that is shown separately: Here is a clip from her latest movie.
5 [C] (BrE, informal) a quick hit with your hand: She gave him a clip round the ear for being cheeky.
6 [C] a set of bullets in a metal container that is placed in or attached to a gun for firing
IDM at a fast, good, steady, etc. 'clip (especially AmE) quickly: Land prices will rise at a healthy clip.

verb (-pp-)
1 [+adv. / prep.] to fasten sth to sth else with a clip ; to be fastened with a clip : [vn] He clipped the microphone (on) to his collar.  Clip the pages together .  [v] Do those earrings clip on?
2 [vn] ~ sth (off / from sth) to cut sth with scissors or SHEARS , in order to make it shorter or neater; to remove sth from somewhere by cutting it off: to clip a hedge  He clipped off a length of wire.
3 [vn] to hit the edge or side of sth: The car clipped the kerb as it turned.  She clipped the ball into the net.
4 [vn] ~ sth (out of / from sth) to cut sth out of sth else using scissors: to clip a coupon (out of the paper)
IDM clip sb’s 'wings to restrict a person’s freedom or power
PVR V ,clip sth 'off sth (informal) to reduce the time that it takes to do sth by a particular length of time: She clipped two seconds off her previous best time.

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clip.board
noun
1 a small board with a clip at the top for holding papers, used by sb who wants to write while standing or moving around—picture at STATIONERY
2 (computing) a place where information from a computer file is stored temporarily until it is added to another file
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clip-clop
noun a sound like the sound of a horse’s HOOVES on a hard surface
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'clip joint
noun (informal, disapproving) a NIGHTCLUB which charges prices that are too high
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'clip-on
adj. [only before noun] fastened to sth with a CLIP : clip-on earrings—picture at JEWELLERY
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clipped
adj. (of a person’s way of speaking) clear and fast but not very friendly: his clipped military tones
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clip.per
noun
1 (clippers) [pl.] a tool for cutting small pieces off things: a pair of clippers  nail clippers
2 a fast sailing ship, used in the past
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clip.ping
noun
1 [usually pl.] a piece cut off sth: hedge / nail clippings
2 (especially AmE) = CUTTING
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clique
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (often disapproving) a small group of people who spend their time together and do not allow others to join them
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cliquey
(also cliqu.ish ) adj. (disapproving) tending to form a clique ; controlled by cliques : He found the school very cliquey and elitist.
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clit.oris
noun the small sensitive organ just above the opening of a woman’s VAGINA which becomes larger when she is sexually excited
clit.or.al adj. [only before noun]
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Cllr
abbr. (BrE ) (used before names in writing) COUNCILLOR : Cllr Michael Booth
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cloak
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a type of coat that has no sleeves, fastens at the neck and hangs loosely from the shoulders, worn especially in the past
2 [sing.] (literary) a thing that hides or covers sb/sth: They left under the cloak of darkness.

verb [vn] ~ sth (in sth) [often passive] (written) to cover or hide sth: The hills were cloaked in thick mist.  The meeting was cloaked in mystery .
cloaked adj.: a tall cloaked figure (= a person wearing a cloak)

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,cloak-and-'dagger
adj. [only before noun] cloak-and-dagger activities are secret and mysterious, sometimes in a way that people think is unnecessary or ridiculous
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cloak.room
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually check.room, 'coat check, coat.room) a room in a public building where people can leave coats, bags, etc. for a time
2 (BrE) a room in a public building where there are toilets: the ladies' cloakroom
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clob.ber
verb, noun
verb [vn] (informal)
1 to hit sb very hard: If you do that again, I’ll clobber you!
2 [often passive] to affect sb badly or to punish them, especially by making them lose money: The paper got clobbered with libel damages of half a million pounds.
3 [usually passive] to defeat sb completely: We got clobbered in the game on Saturday.

noun [U] (BrE , informal) a person’s clothes or equipment

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cloche
noun
1 (also ,cloche 'hat) a woman’s hat, shaped like a bell, and fitting close to the head, worn especially in the 1920s
2 a glass or plastic cover placed over young plants to protect them from cold weather
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clock
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an instrument for measuring and showing time, in a room or on the wall of a building (not worn or carried like a watch): It was ten past six by the kitchen clock.  The clock struck twelve / midnight.  The clock is fast / slow.  The clock has stopped.  the clock face (= the front part of a clock with the numbers on)  The hands of the clock crept slowly around.  Ellen heard the loud ticking of the clock in the hall.—see also ALARM CLOCK , BIOLOGICAL CLOCK , BODY CLOCK , CUCKOO CLOCK , GRANDFATHER CLOCK , O’CLOCK , TIME CLOCK
2 (the clock) [sing.] (informal) = MILOMETER : a used car with 20 000 miles on the clock
IDM against the 'clock if you do sth against the clock, you do it fast in order to finish before a particular time around / round the 'clock all day and all night without stopping put the clocks forward / back (BrE) (AmE set / move the clocks ahead / back) to change the time shown by clocks, usually by one hour, when the time changes officially, for example at the beginning and end of summer put / turn the 'clock back
1 to return to a situation that existed in the past; to remember a past age: I wish we could turn the clock back two years and give the marriage another chance.
2 (disapproving) to return to old-fashioned methods or ideas: The new censorship law will turn the clock back 50 years. run out the clock (AmE) if a sports team tries to run out the clock at the end of a game, it stops trying to score and just tries to keep hold of the ball to stop the other team from scoring the clocks go forward / back the time changes officially, for example at the beginning and end of summer—more at BEAT v. , RACE n. , STOP v. , WATCH v.

verb
1 [vn] to reach a particular time or speed: He clocked 10.09 seconds in the 100 metres final.
2 ~ sb/sth (at sth) to measure the speed at which sb/sth is travelling: [vn -ing] The police clocked her doing over 100 miles an hour.  [vn] Wind gusts at 80 m.p.h. were clocked at Rapid City.
3 (BrE , informal) to notice or recognize sb: [vn] I clocked her in the driving mirror. [alsov wh-, v that] ,clock 'in / 'on (BrE) (AmE ,punch 'in) to record the time at which you arrive at work, especially by putting a card into a machine ,clock 'out / 'off (BrE) (AmE ,punch 'out) to record the time at which you leave work, especially by putting a card into a machine ,clock 'up sth to reach a particular amount or number: On the trip we clocked up over 1 800 miles.  He has clocked up more than 25 years on the committee.

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,clock 'radio
noun a clock combined with a radio that can be set to come on at a particular time in order to wake sb up
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'clock tower
noun a tall tower, usually part of another building, with a clock at the top
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'clock-watcher
noun (disapproving) a worker who is always checking the time to make sure that they do not work longer than they need to
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clock.wise
adv., adj. moving around in the same direction as the hands of a clock: Turn the key clockwise.  a clockwise direction
OPP ANTICLOCKWISE , COUNTERCLOCKWISE
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clock.work
noun [U] machinery with wheels and SPRINGS like that inside a clock: clockwork toys (= toys that you wind up with a key)  He is home by six every day regular as clockwork .
IDM go / run like 'clockwork to happen according to plan; to happen without difficulties or problems
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clod
noun
1 [usually pl.] a lump of earth or clay
2 (informal) a stupid person
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clod.hop.per
noun (informal)
1 [usually pl.] a large heavy shoe
2 (disapproving) an awkward or CLUMSY person
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clog
verb, noun
verb (-gg-) ~ (up) (with sth)| ~ sth (up) (with sth) to block sth or to become blocked: [vn] [often passive] The narrow streets were clogged with traffic.  Tears clogged her throat.  [v] Within a few years the pipes began to clog up.

noun a shoe that is completely made of wood or one that has a thick wooden sole and a leather top—picture at SHOE
IDM see POP v.

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clois.ter
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a covered passage with arches around a square garden, usually forming part of a CATHEDRAL , CONVENT or MONASTERY
2 [sing.] life in a CONVENT or MONASTERY : the calm of the cloister
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clois.tered
adj. (formal) protected from the problems and dangers of normal life: a cloistered life  the cloistered world of the university
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clone
noun, verb
noun
1 (biology) a plant or an animal that is produced artificially from the cells of another plant or animal and is therefore exactly the same as it
2 (sometimes disapproving) a person or thing that seems to be an exact copy of another
3 (computing) a computer designed to work in exactly the same way as another, usually one made by a different company and more expensive

verb [vn] to produce an exact copy of an animal or a plant from its cells: A team from the UK were the first to successfully clone an animal.  Dolly, the cloned sheep
clon.ing noun [U]

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clonk
noun (BrE , informal) a short loud sound of heavy things hitting each other
clonk verb [v, vn]
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close^1
verb, noun —see also CLOSE^2
verb
WINDOW / DOOR, etc.|
1 to put sth into a position so that it covers an opening; to get into this position
SYN SHUT : [vn] Would anyone mind if I closed the window?  She closed the gate behind her.  It’s dark now—let’s close the curtains.  I closed my eyes against the bright light.  [v] The doors open and close automatically.
OPP OPEN
BOOK / UMBRELLA, etc.|
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to move the parts of sth together so that it is no longer open
SYN SHUT : to close a book / an umbrella
OPP OPEN
SHOP / STORE / BUSINESS|
3 ~ (sth) (to sb/sth) to make the work of a shop/store, etc. stop for a period of time; to not be open for people to use: [vn] [often passive] The museum has been closed for renovation.  The road was closed to traffic for two days.  [v] What time does the bank close?  We close for lunch between twelve and two.
OPP OPEN
4 (also ,close 'down, ,close sth<->'down) if a company, shop/store, etc. closes, or if you close it, it stops operating as a business: [vn] The club was closed by the police.  [v] The hospital closed at the end of last year.  The play closed after just three nights.
OPP OPEN
END|
5 to end or make sth end: [vn] to close a meeting / debate  to close a case / an investigation  to close an account (= to stop keeping money in a bank account)  The subject is now closed (= we will not discuss it again).  [v] The meeting will close at 10.00 p.m.  The offer closes at the end of the week.
OPP OPEN
FINANCE|
6 [v] to be worth a particular amount at the end of the day’s business: Shares in the company closed at 265p.  closing prices [alsov-adj]
DISTANCE / DIFFERENCE|
7 to make the distance or difference between two people or things smaller; to become smaller or narrower: [vn] These measures are aimed at closing the gap between rich and poor.  [v] The gap between the two top teams is closing all the time.
HOLD FIRMLY|
8 ~ (sth) about / around / over sb/sth to hold sth/sb firmly: [vn] She closed her hand over his. [alsov] close the book on sth to stop doing sth because you no longer believe you will be successful or will find a solution: The police have closed the book on the case (= they have stopped trying to solve it). close its doors (of a business, etc.) to stop trading: The factory closed its doors for the last time in 1997. close your 'mind to sth to refuse to think about sth as a possibility close 'ranks
1 if a group of people close ranks, they work closely together to defend themselves, especially when they are being criticized: It’s not unusual for the police to close ranks when one of their officers is being investigated.
2 if soldiers close ranks, they move closer together in order to defend themselves—more at DOOR , EAR , EYE n. ,close 'down (BrE) when a radio or television station closes down, it stops broadcasting at the end of the day—related noun CLOSE-DOWN ,close 'down| ,close sth<->'down = CLOSE (4) : All the steelworks around here were closed down in the 1980s.—related noun CLOSE-DOWN
OPP OPEN UP ,close 'in
1 when the days close in, they become gradually shorter during the autumn/fall
2 if the weather closes in, it gets worse
3 when the night closes in, it gets darker: They huddled around the fire as the night closed in. ,close 'in (on sb/sth) to move nearer to sb/sth, especially in order to attack them: The lions closed in on their prey. ,close sth<->'off to separate sth from other parts so that people cannot use it: The entrance to the train station was closed off following the explosion. ,close 'out sth (AmE)
1 to sell goods very cheaply in order to get rid of them quickly—related noun CLOSEOUT
2 to finish or settle sth: A rock concert closed out the festivities. ,close 'over sb/sth to surround and cover sb/sth: The water closed over his head. ,close 'up
1 when a wound closes up, it heals
2 to hide your thoughts or emotions: She closed up when I asked about her family. ,close 'up| ,close sth<->'up
1 to shut and lock sth such as a shop/store or a building, especially for a short period of time: Why don’t we close up and go out for lunch?  Can the last one out close up the office?
OPP OPEN UP
2 to come closer together; to bring people or things closer together: Traffic was heavy and cars were closing up behind each other.
3 to become narrower and less open: Every time he tried to speak, his throat closed up with fear.
OPP OPEN UP

noun [sing.] (formal) the end of a period of time or an activity: at the close of the 17th century  His life was drawing to a close .  Can we bring this meeting to a close ?

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close^2
adj., adv., noun —see also CLOSE^1
adj. (closer, clos.est)
NEAR|
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (together) near in space or time: Our new house is close to the school.  I had no idea the beach was so close.  The two buildings are close together .  This is the closest we can get to the beach by car.  We all have to work in close proximity (= near each other).  The President was shot at close range (= from a short distance away).  The children are close to each other in age.  Their birthdays are very close together .  note at NEAR
ALMOST / LIKELY|
2 [not before noun] ~ (to sth)| ~ (to doing sth) almost in a particular state; likely to do sth soon: He was close to tears.  The new library is close to completion.  She knew she was close to death.  We are close to signing the agreement.
RELATIONSHIP|
3 ~ (to sb) knowing sb very well and liking them very much: Jo is a very close friend .  She is very close to her father.  She and her father are very close.  We’re a very close family.
4 near in family relationship: close relatives, such as your mother and father, and brothers and sisters  The groom and his close family took their places.
5 very involved in the work or activities of sb else, usually seeing and talking to them regularly: He is one of the prime minister’s closest advisers.  The college has close links with many other institutions.  She has kept in close contact with the victims' families.  We keep in close touch with the police.
CAREFUL|
6 [only before noun] careful and thorough: Take a close look at this photograph.  On closer examination the painting proved to be a fake.  Pay close attention to what I am telling you.
SIMILAR|
7 ~ (to sth) very similar to sth else or to an amount: There’s a close resemblance (= they are very much alike).  His feeling for her was close to hatred.  The unemployment total was close to 20% of the workforce.  We tried to match the colours, but this is the closest we could get.
COMPETITION / ELECTION, etc.|
8 won by only a small amount or distance: a close contest / match / election  It was a very close finish .  I think it’s going to be close.  The game was closer than the score suggests.  The result is going to be too close to call (= either side may win).
ALMOST BAD RESULT|
9 used to describe sth, usually a dangerous or unpleasant situation, that nearly happens: Phew! That was close—that car nearly hit us.  We caught the bus in the end but it was close (= we nearly missed it).
WITHOUT SPACE|
10 with little or no space in between: over 1 000 pages of close print  The soldiers advanced in close formation.
CUT SHORT|
11 cut very short, near to the skin: a close haircut / shave
GUARDED|
12 [only before noun] carefully guarded: The donor’s identity is a close secret .  She was kept under close arrest .
WEATHER / ROOM|
13 warm in an uncomfortable way because there does not seem to be enough fresh air
SYN STUFFY : It’s very close today—I think there’s going to be a storm.
PRIVATE|
14 [not before noun] ~ (about sth) not willing to give personal information about yourself: He was close about his past.
MEAN|
15 [not before noun] (BrE) not liking to spend money: She’s always been very close with her money.
PHONETICS|
16 (of vowels) pronounced with the tongue raised near to the top of the mouth
close.ly adv.: I sat and watched everyone very closely (= carefully).  He walked into the room, closely followed by the rest of the family.  a closely contested election  She closely resembled her mother at the same age.  The two events are closely connected.
close.ness noun [U] at / from ,close 'quarters very near: fighting at close quarters a ,close 'call / 'shave (informal) a situation in which you only just manage to avoid an accident, etc. a close 'thing a situation in which success or failure is equally possible: We got him out in the end, but it was a close thing. close to 'home if a remark or topic of discussion is close to home, it is accurate or connected with you in a way that makes you uncomfortable or embarrassed: Her remarks about me were embarrassingly close to home. keep a close 'eye / 'watch on sb/sth to watch sb/sth carefully: Over the next few months we will keep a close eye on sales.—more at HEART

adv. (closer, clos.est) near; not far away: They sat close together .  Don’t come too close !  She held Tom close and pressed her cheek to his.  I couldn’t get close enough to see.  A second police car followed close behind . close at 'hand near; in a place where sb/sth can be reached easily: There are good cafes and a restaurant close at hand. close 'by (sb/sth) at a short distance (from sb/sth): Our friends live close by.  The route passes close by the town. close on | close to almost; nearly: She is close on sixty.  It is close on midnight.  a profit close to £200 million a close run 'thing a situation in which sb only just wins or loses, for example in a competition or an election: Mr Taylor’s election defeat was a close run thing. close 'to | close 'up in a position very near to sth: The picture looks very different when you see it close to. close up to sb/sth very near in space to sb/sth: She snuggled close up to him. come close (to sth / to doing sth) to almost reach or do sth: He’d come close to death.  We didn’t win but we came close. run sb/sth 'close (BrE) to be nearly as good, fast, successful, etc. as sb/sth else: Germany ran Argentina very close in the final.—more at CARD n. , MARK n. , SAIL v.

noun
1 (BrE) (especially in street names) a street that is closed at one end: Brookside Close
2 the grounds and buildings that surround and belong to a CATHEDRAL

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close-cropped
adj. (of hair, grass, etc.) cut very short
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closed
adj.
1 [not before noun] shut: Keep the door closed.
2 [not before noun] shut, especially of a shop/store or public building that is not open for a period of time: The museum is closed on Mondays.  This road is closed to traffic.
3 not willing to accept outside influences or new ideas: a closed society  He has a closed mind.
4 [usually before noun] limited to a particular group of people; not open to everyone: a closed membership
OPP OPEN   note at CLOSE^1
IDM behind closed 'doors without the public being allowed to attend or know what is happening; in private a closed 'book (to sb) a subject or person that you know nothing about
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,closed-'captioned
adj. (AmE ) (of a TV programme) having CAPTIONS that can only be read if you have a special machine (= a DECODER )
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,closed-,circuit 'television
noun [U] (abbr. CCTV) a television system that works within a limited area, for example a public building, to protect it from crime
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close-down
noun [U, sing.]
1 the stopping of work, especially permanently, in an office, a factory, etc.
2 (BrE) the end of broadcasting on television or radio at the end of a day
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'closed season
noun [sing.] = CLOSE SEASON
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,closed 'shop
noun a factory, business, etc. in which employees must all be members of a particular TRADE/LABOR UNION
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close-fitting
adj. (of clothes) fitting tightly, showing the shape of the body
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close-knit
(also less frequent ,closely-'knit) adj. (of a group of people) having strong relationships with each other and taking a close, friendly interest in each other’s activities and problems: the close-knit community of a small village
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close-mouthed
adj. [not usually before noun] not willing to say much about sth because you want to keep a secret
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close.out
noun (AmE ) an occasion when goods are sold cheaply in order to get rid of them quickly
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close-range
adj. [only before noun] at or from a short distance: The close-range shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.
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close-run
adj. [usually before noun] (of a race or competition) won by a very small amount or distance: The election was a close-run thing.
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close season
noun [sing.] (BrE )
1 (also 'closed seasonAmE, BrE) the time of year when it is illegal to kill particular kinds of animal, bird and fish because they are breeding
OPP OPEN SEASON
2 (AmE 'off season) (in sport) the time during the summer when teams do not play important games
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close-set
adj. very close together: close-set eyes
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closet
noun, adj., verb
noun (especially AmE ) a small room or a space in a wall with a door that reaches the floor, used for storing things: a walk-in closet—compare CUPBOARD , WARDROBE —see also WATER CLOSET
IDM come out of the closet to admit sth openly that you kept secret before, especially because of shame or embarrassment: Homosexuals in public life are now coming out of the closet.—more at SKELETON

adj. [only before noun] used to describe people who want to keep some fact about themselves secret: closet gays  I suspect he’s a closet fascist.

verb [vn] to put sb in a room away from other people, especially so that they can talk privately with sb, or so that they can be alone: He was closeted with the President for much of the day.  She had closeted herself away in her room.

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close-up
noun [C, U] a photograph, or picture in a film/movie, taken very close to sb/sth so that it shows a lot of detail: a close-up of a human eye  It was strange to see her own face in close-up on the screen.  close-up pictures of the planet
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clos.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] coming at the end of a speech, a period of time or an activity: his closing remarks  the closing stages of the game
OPP OPENING

noun [U] the act of shutting sth such as a factory, hospital, school, etc. permanently: the closing of the local school

OPP OPENING
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'closing date
noun the last date by which sth must be done, such as applying for a job or entering a competition: The closing date for applications is 25 May.
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'closing time
noun [C, U] the time when a pub, shop/store, bar, etc. ends business for the day and people have to leave
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clos.ure
noun [C, U]
1 the situation when a factory, school, hospital, etc. shuts permanently: factory closures  The hospital has been threatened with closure.
2 the temporary closing of a road or bridge: There will be road closures and diversions in the area from 8 p.m.
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clot
noun, verb
noun
1 = BLOOD CLOT : They removed a clot from his brain.
2 (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a stupid person

verb (-tt-) when blood or cream clots or when sth clots it, it forms thick lumps or clots : [v] a drug that stops blood from clotting during operations  [vn] the blood clotting agent, Factor 8

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cloth
noun (pl.cloths )
1 [U] fabric made by weaving or knitting cotton, wool, silk, etc: woollen / cotton cloth  bandages made from strips of cloth  the cloth industry / trade  a cloth bag
2 [C] (often in compounds) a piece of cloth , often used for a special purpose, especially cleaning things or covering a table: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.  a floor cloth—see also DISHCLOTH , TABLECLOTH
3 (the cloth) [sing.] (literary) used to refer to Christian priests as a group: a man of the cloth
IDM see COAT n.
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,cloth 'cap
(also ,flat 'cap) (both BrE) noun a soft cap, normally made of wool, traditionally a symbol of working men: The party has successfully shed its cloth cap image (= it is not just a working-class party any more).—picture at HAT
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clothe
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb / yourself (in sth) (formal) to dress sb/yourself: They clothe their children in the latest fashions.   (figurative) Climbing plants clothed the courtyard walls.
2 to provide clothes for sb to wear: the costs of feeding and clothing a family
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clothed
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (in sth) dressed in a particular way: a man clothed in black  She jumped fully clothed into the water.   (figurative) The valley was clothed in trees and shrubs.
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clothes
noun [pl.] the things that you wear, such as trousers/pants, dresses and jackets: I bought some new clothes for the trip.  to put on / take off your clothes  Bring a change of clothes with you.  She has no clothes sense (= she does not know what clothes look attractive).—
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'clothes-hanger
noun = HANGER
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'clothes horse
noun
1 (BrE) a wooden or plastic folding frame that you put clothes on to dry after you have washed them
2 (disapproving) a person, especially a woman, who is too interested in fashionable clothes
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'clothes line
(BrE ) (also lineAmE, BrE) (BrE also 'washing line) noun a piece of thin rope or wire, attached to posts, that you hang clothes on to dry outside after you have washed them
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'clothes peg
(BrE ) (AmE 'clothes.pin) noun = PEG (3)
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cloth.ing
noun [U] clothes, especially a particular type of clothes: protective / warm clothing  the high cost of food, clothing and shelter  an item / article of clothing  note at CLOTHES
IDM see WOLF n.
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,clot.ted 'cream
noun [U] a very thick type of cream made by slowly heating milk, made and eaten especially in Britain: scones and jam with clotted cream—
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cloud
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a grey or white mass made of very small drops of water, that floats in the sky: The sun went behind a cloud.  The plane was flying in cloud most of the way.—see also STORM CLOUD , THUNDERCLOUD
2 [C] a large mass of sth in the air, for example dust or smoke, or a number of insects flying all together
3 [C] something that makes you feel sad or anxious: Her father’s illness cast a cloud over her wedding day.  The only dark cloud on the horizon was that they might have to move house.  He still has a cloud of suspicion hanging over him.
IDM every cloud has a silver 'lining (saying) every sad or difficult situation has a positive or hopeful side on cloud 'nine (old-fashioned, informal) extremely happy under a 'cloud if sb is under a cloud, other people think that they have done sth wrong and are suspicious of them—more at HEAD n.

verb
1 [vn] if sth clouds your judgement, memory, etc., it makes it difficult for you to understand or remember sth clearly: Doubts were beginning to cloud my mind.  His judgement was clouded by jealousy.
2 ~ (over) (written) (of sb’s face) to show sadness, fear, anger, etc.; to make sb look sad, afraid, angry, etc: [v] Her face clouded over with anger.  [vn] Suspicion clouded his face.
3 [vn] ~ the issue to make sth you are discussing or considering less clear, especially by introducing subjects that are not connected with it
4 [v] ~ (over) (of the sky) to fill with clouds: It was beginning to cloud over.
5 [vn] to make sth less pleasant or enjoyable: His last years were clouded by financial worries.
6 if glass, water, etc. clouds, or if sth clouds it, it becomes less transparent: [v] Her eyes clouded with tears.  [vn] Steam had clouded the mirror.

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cloud.burst
noun a sudden very heavy fall of rain
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,cloud-'cuckoo-land
(BrE ) (AmE cloud.land, 'la-la land) noun [U] (informal, disapproving) if you say that sb is living in cloud-cuckoo-land, you mean that they do not understand what a situation is really like, but think it is much better than it is
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cloud.less
adj. (written) clear; with no clouds: a cloudless sky
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cloudy
adj.
1 (of the sky or the weather) covered with clouds; with a lot of clouds: a grey, cloudy day
2 (of liquids) not clear or transparent
cloudi.ness noun [U]
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clout
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] power and influence: political / financial clout  The World Bank can use its clout with poorer countries to insist on reforms.  I knew his opinion carried a lot of clout.
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a blow with the hand or a hard object

verb [vn] (informal) to hit sb hard, especially with your hand

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clove
noun
1 [C, U] the dried flower of a tropical tree, used in cooking as a spice, especially to give flavour to sweet foods. Cloves look like small nails.
2 [C] a garlic ~ | a ~ of garlic one of the small separate sections of a BULB (= the round underground part) of GARLIC ——see also CLEAVE v.
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,cloven 'hoof
noun the foot of an animal such as a cow, a sheep, or a goat, that is divided into two parts
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clo.ver
noun [U] a small wild plant that usually has three leaves on each stem and purple, pink or white flowers that are shaped like balls: a four-leaf clover (= one with four leaves instead of three, thought to bring good luck)
IDM be / live in clover (informal) to have enough money to be able to live a very comfortable life
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clown
noun, verb
noun
1 an entertainer who wears funny clothes and a large red nose and does silly things to make people laugh: (figurative) Robert was always the class clown (= he did silly or funny things to make the other students laugh).
2 (disapproving) a person that you disapprove of because they act in a stupid way: What do those clowns in the government think they are doing?

verb [v] ~ (around) (often disapproving) to behave in a silly way, especially in order to make other people laugh

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clown.ish
adj. like a clown ; silly
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cloy.ing
adj. (formal)
1 (of food, a smell, etc.) so sweet that it is unpleasant
2 using emotion in a very obvious way, so that the result is unpleasant: His acting was passionate, but never cloying or sentimental.
cloy.ing.ly adv.
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cloze test
noun a type of test in which you have to put suitable words in spaces in a text where words have been left out
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club
noun, verb
noun
FOR ACTIVITY / SPORT|
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] (especially in compounds) a group of people who meet together regularly, for a particular activity, sport, etc: a golf / tennis club  a chess / film / movie club  to join / belong to a club  The club has / have voted to admit 50 new members.—see also FAN CLUB , YOUTH CLUB
2 [C] the building or rooms that a particular club uses: We had lunch at the golf club.  the club bar—see also COUNTRY CLUB , HEALTH CLUB
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] (BrE) a professional sports organization that includes the players, managers, owners and members: Manchester United Football Club
MUSIC / DANCING|
4 [C] a place where people, especially young people, go and listen to music, dance, etc: a jazz club  the club scene in Newcastle—see also CLUBBING , NIGHTCLUB , STRIP CLUB
SOCIAL|
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] (especially in Britain) an organization and a place where people, usually men only, can meet together socially or stay: He’s a member of several London clubs.
SELLING BOOKS / CDS|
6 [C] an organization that sells books, CDs, etc. cheaply to its members: a music / record club—see also BOOK CLUB
WEAPON|
7 [C] a heavy stick with one end thicker than the other, that is used as a weapon—see also BILLY CLUB
IN GOLF|
8 [C] = GOLF CLUB
IN CARD GAMES|
9 (clubs) [pl., U] one of the four set of cards (called SUITS ) in a pack/deck of cards. The clubs have a black design shaped like three black leaves on a short stem: the five / queen / ace of clubs—
10 [C] one card from the SUIT called clubs : I played a club. be in the club (BrE, informal) to be pregnant—more at JOIN v.

verb (-bb-)
1 [vn] to hit a person or an animal with a heavy stick or similar object: The victim was clubbed to death with a baseball bat.
2 [v] (go clubbing) (BrE, informal) to spend time dancing and drinking in NIGHTCLUBS ,club to'gether (BrE) if two or more people club together, they each give an amount of money and the total is used to pay for sth: We clubbed together to buy them a new television.

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club.bing
noun [U] the activity of going to NIGHTCLUBS regularly: They go clubbing most weekends.
club.ber noun: The venue was packed with 3 000 clubbers.
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,club 'foot
noun [C, U] a foot that has been DEFORMED (= badly shaped) since birth
,club-'footed adj.
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club.house
noun the building used by a club, especially a sports club
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club.land
noun [U] (BrE ) popular NIGHTCLUBS in general and the people who go to them; an area of a town where there are a lot of NIGHTCLUBS : modern clubland  London’s clubland
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,club 'sandwich
noun a sandwich consisting of three slices of bread with two layers of food between them—
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cluck
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] when a chicken clucks, it makes a series of short low sounds
2 to make a short low sound with your tongue to show that you feel sorry for sb or that you disapprove of sth: [v] The teacher clucked sympathetically at the child’s story. [alsovn, v speech]

noun the low, short sounds that a chicken makes: (figurative) a cluck of impatience / annoyance

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clue
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (to sth) an object, a piece of evidence or some information that helps the police solve a crime: The police think the videotape may hold some vital clues to the identity of the killer.
2 ~ (to sth) a fact or a piece of evidence that helps you discover the answer to a problem: Diet may hold the clue to the causes of migraine.
3 some words or a piece of information that helps you find the answers to a CROSSWORD , a game or a question: ‘You’ll never guess who I saw today!’‘Give me a clue.’
IDM not have a 'clue (informal)
1 to know nothing about sth or about how to do sth: I don’t have a clue where she lives.
2 (disapproving) to be very stupid: Don’t ask him to do it—he doesn’t have a clue!

verb
PVR V ,clue sb 'in (on sth) (informal) to give sb the most recent information about sth: He’s just clued me in on the latest developments.

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,clued-'up
(BrE ) (AmE ,clued-'in) adj. ~ (on sth) (informal) knowing a lot about sth; having a lot of information about sth
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clue.less
adj. (informal, disapproving) very stupid; not able to understand or to do sth: He’s completely clueless about computers.
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clump
noun, verb
noun
1 a small group of things or people very close together, especially trees or plants; a bunch of sth such as grass or hair: a clump of trees / bushes
2 the sound made by sb putting their feet down very heavily

verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially BrE) to put your feet down noisily and heavily as you walk: The children clumped down the stairs.
2 ~ (together)| ~ A and B (together) to come together or be brought together to form a tight group: [v] Galaxies tend to clump together in clusters. [alsovn]

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clumpy
adj. (BrE ) (of shoes and boots) big, thick and heavy
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clumsy
adj. (clum.sier, clum.si.est)
1 (of people and animals) moving or doing things in a very awkward way: I spilt your coffee. Sorry—that was clumsy of me.  His clumsy fingers couldn’t untie the knot.
2 (of actions and statements) done without skill or in a way that offends people: She made a clumsy attempt to apologize.
3 (of objects) difficult to move or use easily; not well designed
4 (of processes) awkward; too complicated to understand or use easily: The complaints procedure is clumsy and time-consuming.
clum.si.ly adv.
clum.si.ness noun [U]
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clung
pt, pp of CLING
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clunk
noun a dull sound made by two heavy objects hitting each other: the clunk of a car door being shut
clunk verb [v]
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clunk.er
noun (AmE , informal)
1 an old car in bad condition
2 a serious mistake
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clunky
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) heavy and awkward: clunky leather shoes
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clus.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 a group of things of the same type that grow or appear close together: a cluster of stars  The plant bears its flowers in clusters.  a leukaemia cluster (= an area where there are more cases of the disease than you would expect)
2 a group of people, animals or things close together: a cluster of spectators  a little cluster of houses

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (together) to come together in a small group or groups: The children clustered together in the corner of the room.  The doctors clustered anxiously around his bed.

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'cluster bomb
noun a type of bomb that throws out smaller bombs when it explodes
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clutch
verb, noun
verb
1 to hold sb/sth tightly: [vn] He clutched the child to him.  She stood there, the flowers still clutched in her hand.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] I clutched on to the chair for support
2 ~ (at) sb/sth to take hold of sth suddenly, because you are afraid or in pain: [vn] He gasped and clutched his stomach.   (figurative) [v] Fear clutched at her heart.
IDM see STRAW
PVR V 'clutch / 'catch at sth/sb to try to quickly get hold of sth/sb

noun
1 [C] the PEDAL in a car or other vehicle that you press with your foot so that you can change GEAR : Put your foot on the clutch.
2 [C] a device in a machine that connects and DISCONNECTS working parts, especially the engine and the GEARS : The car needs a new clutch.—picture at CAR
3 a ~ of sth [sing.] (BrE) a group of people, animals or things: He’s won a whole clutch of awards.
4 (clutches) [pl.] (informal) power or control: He managed to escape from their clutches .  Now that she had him in her clutches , she wasn’t going to let go.
5 [C, usually sing.] a tight hold on sb/sth: (figurative) She felt the sudden clutch of fear.
6 [C] a group of eggs that a bird lays at one time; the young birds that come out of a group of eggs at the same time
7 [C] (AmE) = CLUTCH BAG

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'clutch bag
(AmE also clutch) noun a small, flat bag that women carry in their hands, especially on formal occasions
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clut.ter
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth (up) (with sth/sb) to fill a place with too many things, so that it is untidy: Don’t clutter the page with too many diagrams.  I don’t want all these files cluttering up my desk.   (figurative) Try not to clutter your head with trivia.

noun [U, sing.] (disapproving) a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not necessary or are not being used; a state of disorder: There’s always so much clutter on your desk!  There was a clutter of bottles and tubes on the shelf.

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clut.tered
adj. ~ (up) (with sb/sth) covered with, or full of, a lot of things or people, in a way that is untidy: a cluttered room / desk   (figurative) a cluttered mind
OPP UNCLUTTERED
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cm
abbr. (pl.cm or cms) CENTIMETRE
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CNN
abbr. Cable News Network (an American broadcasting company that sends television news programmes all over the world)
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CO
abbr. Commanding Officer (an officer who commands a group of soldiers, sailors, etc.)
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Co.
abbr.
1 (business) company: Pitt, Briggs & Co.
2 (in writing) county
3 (and co.) (BrE, spoken) and other members of a group of people: Were Jane and co. at the party?
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co-
prefix (used in adjectives, adverbs, nouns and verbs) together with: co-produced  cooperatively  co-author  coexist
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c / o
abbr. (used on letters to a person staying at sb else’s house) care of: Mr P Brown, c / o Ms M Jones
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coach
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] somebody who trains a person or team in sport: a basketball / football / tennis coach  Italy’s national coach
2 [C] (BrE) a person who gives private lessons to sb, often to prepare them for an exam: a maths coach
3 [C] (BrE) a comfortable bus for carrying passengers over long distances: They went to Italy on a coach tour .  Travel is by coach overnight to Berlin.  a coach station (= where coaches start and end their journey)  a coach party (= a group of people travelling together on a coach)—picture at BUS
4 [C] (BrE) = CARRIAGE : a railway coach
5 [C] a large carriage with four wheels, pulled by horses, used in the past for carrying passengers—see also STAGECOACH
6 [U] (AmE) the cheapest seats in a plane: to fly coach  coach fares / passengers / seats
IDM see DRIVE v.

verb ~ sb (in / for sth)
1 to train sb to play a sport, to do a job better, or to improve a skill: [vn] Her father coached her for the Olympics.  She has coached hundreds of young singers.  He coaches basketball and soccer. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn] (especially BrE) to give a student extra teaching in a particular subject especially so that they will pass an exam
3 ~ sb (in / on sth) to give sb special instructions for what they should do or say in a particular situation: [vn] They believed the witnesses had been coached on what to say. [alsovn to inf]

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'coach house
noun a building where carriages pulled by horses are or were kept
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coach.ing
noun [U]
1 the process of training sb to play a sport, to do a job better or to improve a skill: a coaching session
2 (especially BrE) the process of giving a student extra teaching in a particular subject
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coach.load
noun (BrE ) a group of people travelling together in a coach : Tourists were arriving by the coachload .
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coach.man
noun (pl.-men ) (in the past) a man who drove a carriage pulled by horses
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'coach station
noun (BrE ) a place where coaches start and finish their journeys
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co.agu.late
verb if a liquid coagulates or sth coagulates it, it becomes thick and partly solid: [v] Blood began to coagulate around the edges of the wound. [alsovn]
co.agu.la.tion noun [U]
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coal
noun
1 [U] a hard black mineral that is found below the ground and burnt to produce heat: I put more coal on the fire.  a lump of coal  a coal fire  a coal mine  the coal industry
2 [C] a piece of coal , especially one that is burning: A hot coal fell out of the fire and burnt the carpet.
IDM carry, take, etc. coals to 'Newcastle (BrE) to take goods to a place where there are already plenty of them; to supply sth where it is not needed—more at HAUL v. , RAKE v.
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,coal-'black
adj. very dark in colour: coal-black eyes
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co.alesce
verb [v] ~ (into / with sth) (formal) to come together to form one larger group, substance, etc.
SYN AMALGAMATE : The puddles had coalesced into a small stream.
co.ales.cence noun [U]
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coal.face
(also face) noun the place deep inside a mine where the coal is cut out of the rock
IDM at the 'coalface (BrE) where the real work is done, not just where people talk about it: Many of the best ideas come from doctors at the coalface.
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coal.field
noun a large area where there is a lot of coal under the ground
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,coal-'fired
adj. using coal as fuel: a coal-fired power station
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'coal gas
noun [U] a mixture of gases produced from coal, that can be used for electricity and heating
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co.ali.tion
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a government formed by two or more political parties working together: to form a coalition  a two-party coalition  a coalition government
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group formed by people from several different groups, especially political ones, agreeing to work together for a particular purpose: a coalition of environmental and consumer groups
3 [U] the act of two or more groups joining together: They didn’t rule out coalition with the Social Democrats.
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'coal mine
(also pit) noun a place underground where coal is dug
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'coal miner
noun a person whose job is digging coal in a coal mine
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'coal scuttle
(also scuttle) noun a container with a handle, used for carrying coal and usually kept beside the FIREPLACE
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'coal tar
noun [U] a thick black sticky substance produced when gas is made from coal
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coarse
adj. (coars.er, coars.est)
1 (of skin or fabric) rough; not soft: coarse hands / linen
2 consisting of relatively large pieces; not fine: coarse sand / salt / hair
3 rude and offensive, especially about sex
SYN VULGAR : coarse manners / laughter
coarse.ly adv.: coarsely chopped onions (= cut into large pieces)  He laughed coarsely at her embarrassment.
coarse.ness noun [U]
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,coarse 'fish
noun (pl.coarse fish) (BrE ) any fish, except SALMON and TROUT , that lives in rivers and lakes rather than in the sea
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,coarse 'fishing
noun [U] (BrE ) the sport of catching coarse fish : to go coarse fishing
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coars.en
verb
1 to become or make sth become thicker and/or rougher: [v] Her hair gradually coarsened as she grew older.  [vn] His features had been coarsened by the weather.
2 to become or make sb become less polite and often offensive in the way they behave: [vn] The six long years in prison had coarsened him. [alsov]
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coast
noun, verb
noun [C, U] the land beside or near to the sea or ocean: a town on the south coast of England  islands off the west coast of Ireland  a trip to the coast  We walked along the coast for five miles.  a mountainous area near the Welsh coast  a pretty stretch of coast  the coast road
IDM the ,coast is 'clear (informal) there is no danger of being seen or caught: As soon as the coast was clear he climbed in through the window.

verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] (of a car or a bicycle) to move, especially down a hill, without using any power: The car coasted along until it stopped.  She took her feet off the pedals and coasted downhill.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] (of a vehicle) to move quickly and smoothly, without using much power: The plane coasted down the runway.
3 ~ (through / to sth) to be successful at sth without having to try hard: He coasted through his final exams.
4 ~ (along) (disapproving) to put very little effort into sth: You’re just coasting—it’s time to work hard now.
5 (of a ship) to stay close to land while sailing around the coast

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coast.al
adj. [usually before noun] of or near a coast: coastal waters / resorts / scenery  a coastal path (= one that follows the line of the coast)—compare INLAND
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coast.er
noun
1 a small flat object which you put under a glass to protect the top of a table
2 a ship that sails from port to port along a coast—see also ROLLER COASTER
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coast.guard
noun
1 (usually the coastguard) [sing.] an official organization (in the US a branch of the armed forces) whose job is to watch the sea near a coast in order to help ships and people in trouble, and to stop people from breaking the law: The coastguard was alerted.  They radioed Dover Coastguard.  a coastguard station
2 [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually coast.guard.man) a member of this organization
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coast.line
noun the land along a coast, especially when you are thinking of its shape or appearance: a rugged / rocky / beautiful coastline  to protect the coastline from oil spillage
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coat
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of outdoor clothing that is worn over other clothes to keep warm or dry. Coats have sleeves and may be long or short: a fur / leather coat  a long winter coat  to put on / take off your coat—see also DUFFEL COAT , GREATCOAT , HOUSECOAT , OVERCOAT , PETTICOAT , RAINCOAT , TRENCH COAT —
2 (AmE) (old-fashioned in BrE) a jacket that is worn as part of a suit—see also FROCK COAT , MORNING COAT , TAILCOAT , WAISTCOAT
3 the fur, hair or wool that covers an animal’s body: a dog with a smooth / shaggy coat—
4 a layer of paint or some other substance that covers a surface: to give the walls a second coat of paint—see also TOPCOAT , UNDERCOAT
IDM ,cut your 'coat ac,cording to your 'cloth (saying) to do only what you have enough money to do and no more

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with / in sth) to cover sth with a layer of a substance: cookies thickly coated with chocolate  A film of dust coated the table.  The mask was coated in gold leaf.—see also SUGAR-COATED

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'coat check
noun (AmE ) = CLOAKROOM
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'coat hanger
noun = HANGER
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coat.ing
noun a thin layer of a substance covering a surface: a thin coating of chocolate  magnetic coating on a floppy disk
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,coat of 'arms
noun (pl.coats of arms) (also arms [pl.]) a design or a SHIELD that is a special symbol of a family, city or other organization: the royal coat of arms
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coat.room
noun (AmE ) = CLOAKROOM (1)
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'coat-tails
noun [pl.]
IDM on sb’s coat-tails using the success and influence of another person to help yourself become successful: She got where she is today on her brother’s coat-tails.
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,co-'author
noun a person who writes a book or an article with sb else
,co-'author verb [vn]
,co-'authorship noun [U]
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coax
verb ~ sb (into doing sth)| ~ sb (into / out of sth) to persuade sb to do sth by talking to them in a kind and gentle way: [vn] She coaxed the horse into coming a little closer.  He was coaxed out of retirement to help the failing company.  She had to coax the car along.  [v speech] ‘Nearly there,’ she coaxed. [alsovn speech] coax sth out of / from sb to gently persuade sb to do sth or give you sth: The director coaxed a brilliant performance out of the cast.
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coax.ing
noun [U] gentle attempts to persuade sb to do sth or to get a machine to start: No amount of coaxing will make me change my mind.
coax.ing adj.
coax.ing.ly adv.
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cob
noun
1 = CORN COB : corn on the cob
2 a strong horse with short legs
3 (BrE) a round LOAF of bread: a crusty cob
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co.balt
noun [U]
1 (symbCo) a chemical element. Cobalt is a hard silver-white metal, often mixed with other metals and used to give a deep blue-green colour to glass.
2 (also ,cobalt 'blue) a deep blue-green colour
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cob.ber
noun (AustralE , informal) (used especially by a man addressing another man) a friend
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cob.ble
verb [vn] (old-fashioned) to make or repair shoes
PVR V ,cobble sth<->to'gether to produce sth quickly and without great care or effort, so that it can be used but is not perfect: The essay was cobbled together from some old notes.
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cob.bled
adj. (of streets and roads) having a surface that is made of COBBLES
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cob.bler
noun
1 [C] (especially AmE) a type of fruit pie with thick pastry on top: peach cobbler
2 [C] (old-fashioned) a person who repairs shoes—compare SHOEMAKER
3 [U] (cobblers) (BrE, spoken) nonsense: He said it was all a load of cobblers.
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cob.bles
(also cobble.stones) noun [pl.] small round stones used to make the surfaces of roads, especially in the past: a cart clattering over the cobbles
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cobble.stones
noun [pl.] = COBBLES
cobble.stone adj.
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cobra
noun a poisonous snake that can spread the skin at the back of its neck to make itself look bigger. Cobras live in India and Africa.—
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cob.web
noun a fine net of threads made by a spider to catch insects; a single thread of this net (usually used when it is old and covered with dirt): Thick cobwebs hung in the dusty corners.  He brushed a cobweb out of his hair.—see also WEB , SPIDER’S WEB
cob.webbed adj.: cobwebbed corners
IDM blow / clear the 'cobwebs away to help sb start sth in a fresh, lively state of mind: A brisk walk should blow the cobwebs away.
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Coca-Cola
™ (also informal Coke™) noun
1 [U, C] a popular type of COLA drink
2 [C] a glass, bottle or can of Coca-Cola
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co.caine
(also informal coke) noun [U] a powerful drug that some people take illegally for pleasure and can become ADDICTED to. Doctors sometimes use it as an ANAESTHETIC .
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coc.cyx
noun (pl.coc.cyxes or coc.cy.ges ) (anatomy ) the small bone at the bottom of the SPINE
SYN TAILBONE —picture at BODY
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coch.in.eal
noun [U] a bright red substance used to give colour to food
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cock
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) (also roost.erAmE, BrE) [C] an adult male chicken: The cock crowed.—compare HEN
2 [C] (especially in compounds) a male of any other bird: a cock pheasant—see also PEACOCK
3 [C] ( , slang) a PENIS
4 [C] = STOPCOCK —see also BALLCOCK
5 [sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE, slang) used as a friendly form of address between men—see also HALF-COCK

verb [vn]
1 to raise a part of your body so that it is upright or at an angle: The dog cocked its leg by every tree on our route (= in order to urinate).  He cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at her.  She cocked her head to one side and looked at me.  The dog stood listening, its ears cocked.
2 ~ a gun / pistol / rifle to raise the HAMMER on a gun so that it is ready to fire
IDM cock an ear / eye at sth/sb to look at or listen to sb/sth carefully and with a lot of attention cock a snook at sb/sth (BrE) to say or do sth that clearly shows you do not respect sb/sth: to cock a snook at authority
PVR V ,cock sth<->'up (BrE, slang) to ruin sth by doing it badly, or by making a careless or stupid mistake
SYN BUNGLE : I really cocked that exam up!  She cocked up all the arrangements for the party.—related noun COCK-UP

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cock-a-doodle-doo
noun the word for the sound that a COCK / ROOSTER makes
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,cock-a-'hoop
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (about / at / over sth) (informal) very pleased and excited, especially about achieving sth
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cock.ama.mie
(also cock.ama.my) adj. (AmE , informal) (of an idea, a story, etc.) silly; not to be believed
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,cock and 'bull story
noun a story that is unlikely to be true but is used as an explanation or excuse
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cocka.too
noun (pl.-oos) an Australian bird of the PARROT family, with a large row of feathers (called a CREST ) standing up on its head
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,cocked 'hat
noun
IDM see KNOCK v.
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cock.erel
noun a young male chicken
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'cock-eyed
adj. (informal)
1 not level or straight
SYN CROOKED : Doesn’t that picture look cock-eyed to you?
2 not practical; not likely to succeed: a cock-eyed scheme to make people use less water
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cock.fight
noun a fight between two adult male chickens, watched as a sport and illegal in many countries
cock.fight.ing noun [U]
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cockle
noun a small shellfish that can be eaten
IDM see WARM v.
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cock.ney
noun
1 [C] a person from the East End of London
2 [U] the way of speaking that is typical of cockneys : a cockney accent
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cock.pit
noun an enclosed area in a plane, boat or racing car where the pilot or driver sits
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cock.roach
(also AmEinformal roach) noun a large brown insect with wings, that lives in houses, especially where there is dirt: The kitchens were discovered to be infested with cockroaches.
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cock.sure
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) confident in a way that is annoying to other people and that they might find offensive
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cock.tail
noun
1 [C] a drink usually made from a mixture of one or more SPIRITS (= strong alcoholic drinks) and fruit juice. It can also be made without alcohol: a cocktail bar / cabinet / lounge
2 [C, U] a dish of small pieces of food, usually served cold: a prawn cocktail  fruit cocktail
3 [C] a mixture of different substances, usually ones that do not mix together well: a lethal cocktail of drugs—see also MOLOTOV COCKTAIL
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'cocktail dress
noun a dress that is suitable for formal social occasions
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'cocktail party
noun a formal social occasion, usually in the early evening, when people drink COCKTAILS or other alcoholic drinks
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'cocktail stick
noun (BrE ) a small, sharp piece of wood on which small pieces of food are placed, for guests to eat at parties
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'cock-up
noun (BrE , informal, spoken) a mistake that spoils people’s arrangements; sth that has been spoilt because it was badly organized: There’s been a bit of a cock-up over the travel arrangements.
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cocky
adj. (informal) too confident about yourself in a way that annoys other people: For a young man on his first day at work he’s remarkably cocky.
cocki.ness noun [U]
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cocoa
noun
1 [U] dark brown powder made from the crushed seeds (called cocoa beans) of a tropical tree
2 [U] a hot drink made by mixing cocoa powder with milk and/or water and usually sugar: a mug of cocoa
3 [C] a cup of cocoa —compare CHOCOLATE , DRINKING CHOCOLATE
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'cocoa butter
noun [U] fat that is obtained from cocoa beans and used in making chocolate and COSMETICS
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co.co.nut
noun
1 [C] the large nut of a tropical tree called a coconut palm. It has a hard hairy shell containing a soft white substance that can be eaten and juice that can be drunk: coconut milk—picture at NUT
2 [U] the soft white substance inside a coconut , used in cooking: desiccated coconut  coconut biscuits / cookies  coconut oil
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,coconut 'matting
noun [U] (BrE ) a material used to cover floors that is made from the hair on the shells of coconuts
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'coconut shy
noun (pl.coconut shies) (BrE ) an outdoor entertainment in which people try to knock coconuts off stands by throwing balls at them
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co.coon
noun, verb
noun
1 a covering of silk threads that some insects make to protect themselves before they become adults
2 a soft covering that wraps all around a person or thing and forms a protection: (figurative) the cocoon of a caring family

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) to protect sb/sth by surrounding them or it completely with sth: We were warm and safe, cocooned in our sleeping bags.

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cod
noun [C, U] (pl.cod) a large sea fish with white flesh that is used for food: fishing for cod  cod fillets  cod and parsley sauce
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COD
abbr. cash on delivery or (in American English) collect on delivery (payment for goods will be made when the goods are delivered)
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coda
noun the final passage of a piece of music: (figurative) The final two months were a miserable coda to de Gaulle’s first period in office.
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cod.dle
verb [vn]
1 (often disapproving) to treat sb with too much care and attention: She coddles him like a child.—compare MOLLYCODDLE
2 to cook eggs in water slightly below boiling point
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code
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] (often in compounds) a system of words, letters, numbers or symbols that represent a message or record information secretly or in a shorter form: to break / crack a code (= to understand and read the message)  It’s written in code .  Tap your code number into the machine.  In the event of the machine not operating correctly, an error code will appear.—see also AREA CODE , BAR CODE , MORSE CODE , POSTCODE , ZIP CODE
2 [C] = DIALLING CODE : There are two codes for London.
3 [U] (computing) a system of computer PROGRAMMING instructions—see also MACHINE CODE , SOURCE CODE
4 [C] a set of moral principles or rules of behaviour that are generally accepted by society or a social group: a strict code of conduct
5 [C] a system of laws or written rules that state how people in an institution or a country should behave: the penal code—see also HIGHWAY CODE

verb [vn]
1 to write or print words, letters, numbers, etc. on sth so that you know what it is, what group it belongs to, etc: Each order is coded separately.
2 to put a message into code so that it can only be understood by a few people
3 (computing) to write a computer program by putting one system of numbers, words and symbols into another system
SYN ENCODE

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coded
adj.
1 [only before noun] a coded message or coded information is written or sent using a special system of words, letters, numbers, etc. that can only be understood by a few other people or by a computer: a coded warning of a bomb at the airport
2 expressed in an indirect way: There was coded criticism of the government from some party members.
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co.deine
noun [U] a drug used to reduce pain
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'code name
noun a name used for a person or thing in order to keep the real name secret
'code-named adj. [not before noun]: a drug investigation, code-named Snoopy
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,code of 'practice
noun (pl.codes of practice) a set of standards that members of a particular profession agree to follow in their work
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cod.ger
noun (informal) (old codger) an informal way of referring to an old man that shows that you do not respect him
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co.di.cil
noun (law ) an instruction that is added later to a WILL , usually to change a part of it
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co.dify
verb (co.di.fies, co.di.fy.ing, co.di.fied, co.di.fied) [vn] (technical ) to arrange laws, rules, etc. into a system
co.difi.ca.tion noun [U]
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,cod liver 'oil
noun [U] a thick yellow oil from the LIVER of COD (= a type of fish), containing a lot of VITAMINS A and D and often given as a medicine, especially to children
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cods.wal.lop
noun [U] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) nonsense: I’ve never heard such a load of old codswallop in my life.
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coed
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a female student at a co-educational school or college
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,co-edu'cational
(also informal coed) adj. (of a school or an EDUCATIONAL system) where girls and boys are taught together
,co-edu'cation noun [U]
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co.ef.fi.cient
noun
1 (mathematics) a number which is placed before another quantity and which multiplies it, for example 3 in the quantity 3x
2 (physics) a number that measures a particular PROPERTY (= characteristic) of a substance: the coefficient of friction / expansion
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co.erce
verb ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (formal) to force sb to do sth by using threats: [vn] They were coerced into negotiating a settlement. [alsovn to inf]
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co.er.cion
noun [U] (formal) the action of making sb do sth that they do not want to do, using force or threatening to use force: He claimed he had only acted under coercion.
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co.er.cive
adj. (formal) using force or the threat of force: coercive measures / powers
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co.ex.ist
verb [v] ~ (with sb/sth) (formal) to exist together in the same place or at the same time, especially in a peaceful way: The illness frequently coexists with other chronic diseases.  English speakers now coexist peacefully with their Spanish-speaking neighbours.  Different traditions coexist successfully side by side.
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co.ex.ist.ence
noun [U] the state of being together in the same place at the same time: to live in uneasy / peaceful coexistence within one nation
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C. of E.
abbr. Church of England—see also CE
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cof.fee
noun
1 [U, C] the ROASTED seeds (called coffee beans) of a tropical bush; a powder made from them: decaffeinated / instant coffee  ground / real coffee  a jar of coffee  a blend of Brazilian and Colombian coffees  coffee ice cream
2 [U] a hot drink made from coffee powder and boiling water. It may be drunk with milk and/or sugar added: black / white coffee (= without / with milk)  Tea or coffee?  I’ll just make the coffee.  Let’s talk over coffee (= while drinking coffee).  a coffee machine
3 [C] a cup of coffee : Two strong black coffees, please.
4 [U] the colour of coffee mixed with milk; light brown
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'coffee bar
noun
1 (BrE) (also 'coffee shopAmE, BrE) a small restaurant, often in a store, hotel, etc., where coffee, tea, other drinks without alcohol and simple food are served
2 (AmE) a small restaurant that sells special sorts of coffee and cakes
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'coffee break
noun a short period of rest when you stop working and drink coffee: to have a coffee break
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'coffee house
noun
1 a restaurant serving coffee, etc., especially one of a type popular in Britain in the 18th century or one in a city in Central Europe: the coffee houses of Vienna
2 (AmE) a restaurant serving coffee, etc. where people go to listen to music, poetry, etc.
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'coffee morning
noun (BrE ) a social event held in the morning, often at a person’s house, where money is usually given to help a charity
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'coffee shop
noun (especially AmE ) = COFFEE BAR
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'coffee table
noun a small low table for putting magazines, cups, etc. on, usually in front of a SOFA
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'coffee-table book
noun a large expensive book containing many pictures or photographs, that is designed for people to look through rather than to read carefully
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cof.fer
noun
1 [C] a large strong box, used in the past for storing money or valuable objects
2 (also cof.fers) [pl.] (written) a way of referring to the money that a government, an organization, etc. has available to spend: The nation’s coffers are empty.
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cof.fin
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually cas.ket) noun a box in which a dead body is buried or CREMATED
IDM see NAIL n.
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cog
noun
1 one of a series of teeth on the edge of a wheel that fit between the teeth on the next wheel and cause it to move
2 = COGWHEEL
IDM a cog in the ma'chine / 'wheel (informal) a person who is a small part of a large organization
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co.gent
adj. (formal) strongly and clearly expressed in a way that influences what people believe: She put forward some cogent reasons for abandoning the plan.
co.gency noun [U]
co.gent.ly adv.
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cogi.tate
verb [v] ~ (about / on sth) (formal) to think carefully about sth
cogi.ta.tion noun [U, C]
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co.gnac
noun
1 [U, C] a type of fine BRANDY made in western France
2 [C] a glass of cognac : Would you like a cognac with your coffee?
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cog.nate
adj., noun
adj.
1 (linguistics) having the same origin as another word or language: ‘Haus’ in German is cognate with ‘house’ in English.  German and Dutch are cognate languages.
2 (formal) related in some way and therefore similar: a cognate development / field / group

noun (linguistics ) a word that has the same origin as another: ‘Haus’ and ‘house’ are cognates.

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cog.ni.tion
noun [U] (psychology ) the process by which knowledge and understanding is developed in the mind: child studies centring on theories of cognition
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cog.ni.tive
adj. [usually before noun] connected with mental processes of understanding: a child’s cognitive abilities / behaviour / development  cognitive psychology
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cog.ni.zance
(BrE also -i.sance) noun [U] (formal) knowledge or understanding of sth
cog.ni.zant , -i.santadj. [not before noun]: cognizant of the importance of the case
IDM take cognizance of sth (law) to understand or consider sth; to take notice of sth
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co.gnos.centi
noun [pl.] (the cognoscenti) (from Italian , formal) people with a lot of knowledge about a particular subject
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cog.wheel
(also cog) noun a wheel with a series of teeth on the edge that fit between the teeth on the next wheel and cause it to move—picture at COG
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co.habit
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (formal) (usually of a man and a woman) to live together and have a sexual relationship without being married: cohabiting couples  She refused to cohabit with him before the wedding.
co.hab.it.ation noun [U]
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co.here
verb [v] ~ (with sth) (formal)
1 (of different ideas, arguments, sentences, etc.) to have a clear logical connection so that together they make a whole: This view does not cohere with their other beliefs.
2 (of people) to work closely together: It can be difficult to get a group of people to cohere.
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co.her.ence
noun [U] the situation in which all the parts of sth fit together well: The points you make are fine, but the whole essay lacks coherence.
OPP INCOHERENCE
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co.her.ent
adj.
1 (of ideas, thoughts, arguments, etc.) logical and well organized; easy to understand and clear: a coherent narrative / account / explanation  a coherent policy for the transport system
2 (of a person) able to talk and express yourself clearly: She only became coherent again two hours after the attack.
OPP INCOHERENT
co.her.ent.ly adv.: to express yourself coherently
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co.he.sion
noun [U]
1 (formal) the act or state of sticking together
SYN UNITY : the cohesion of the nuclear family  social / political / economic cohesion
2 (physics, chemistry) the force causing MOLECULES of the same substance to stick together
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co.he.sive
adj. (formal)
1 forming a united whole: a cohesive group
2 causing people or things to become united: the cohesive power of shared suffering  well-structured sentences illustrating the use of cohesive markers such as ‘nevertheless’ and ‘however’
co.he.sive.ness noun [U]: a strong sense of cohesiveness within the family
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co.hort
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 (technical) a group of people who share a common feature or aspect of behaviour: the 1989 birth cohort (= all those born in 1989)
2 (disapproving) a member of a group of people who support another person: Robinson and his cohorts were soon ejected from the hall.
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coif.fure
noun (from French , formal or humorous) the way in which a person’s hair is arranged
SYN HAIRSTYLE
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coil
verb, noun
verb ~ (sth) round, around, etc. sth| ~ (sth) up to wind into a series of circles; to make sth do this: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The snake coiled up, ready to strike.  Mist coiled around the tops of the hills.  [vn] to coil a rope into a loop  Her hair was coiled on top of her head.  a coiled spring

noun
1 a series of circles formed by winding up a length of rope, wire, etc: a coil of wire
2 one circle of rope, wire, etc. in a series: Shake the rope and let the coils unwind.  a snake’s coils
3 a length of wire, wound into circles, that can carry electricity
4 = IUD

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coin
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small flat piece of metal used as money: a pound coin—picture at MONEY
2 [U] money made of metal: notes and coin
IDM see SIDE n. , TWO

verb [vn]
1 to invent a new word or phrase that other people then begin to use: The term ‘cardboard city’ was coined to describe communities of homeless people living in cardboard boxes.
2 to make coins out of metal
IDM be 'coining it (in) | be ,coining 'money (BrE, informal) to earn a lot of money quickly or easily
SYN RAKE IN to coin a 'phrase
1 used to show that you are aware that you are using an expression that is not new: Oh well, no news is good news, to coin a phrase.
2 used to introduce a well-known expression that you have changed slightly in order to be funny

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coin.age
noun
1 [U] the coins used in a particular place or at a particular time; coins of a particular type: Roman coinage  gold / silver / bronze coinage
2 [U] the system of money used in a particular country: decimal coinage
3 [C, U] a word or phrase that has been invented recently; the process of inventing a word or phrase: new coinages
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co.in.cide
verb [v] ~ (with sth/sb)
1 (of two or more events) to take place at the same time: It’s a pity our trips to New York don’t coincide.  The strike was timed to coincide with the party conference.
2 (of ideas, opinions, etc.) to be the same or very similar: The interests of employers and employees do not always coincide.  Her story coincided exactly with her brother’s.
3 (formal) (of objects or places) to meet; to share the same space: At this point the two paths coincide briefly.  The present position of the house coincides with that of an earlier dwelling.
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co.in.ci.dence
noun
1 [C, U] the fact of two things happening at the same time by chance, in a surprising way: a strange / an extraordinary / a remarkable coincidence  What a coincidence! I wasn’t expecting to see you here.  It’s not a coincidence that none of the directors are women (= it did not happen by chance).  By (sheer) coincidence , I met the person we’d been discussing the next day.
2 [sing.] (formal) the fact of things being present at the same time: the coincidence of inflation and unemployment
3 [sing.] (formal) the fact of two or more opinions, etc. being the same: a coincidence of interests between the two partners
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co.in.ci.dent
adj. ~ (with sth) (formal) happening in the same place or at the same time
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co.in.ci.dent.al
adj. [not usually before noun] happening by chance; not planned: I suppose your presence here today is not entirely coincidental .  It’s purely coincidental that we both chose to call our daughters Emma.
co.in.ci.den.tal.ly adv.: Coincidentally, they had both studied in Paris.
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coir
noun [U] rough material made from the shells of COCONUTS , used for making ropes, for covering floors, etc.
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co.itus
noun [U] (medical or formal) = SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
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coitus interruptus
noun [U] an act of SEXUAL INTERCOURSE in which the man removes his PENIS from the woman’s body before he EJACULATES , in order to prevent the woman from becoming pregnant
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Coke
™noun [C, U] (informal) = COCA-COLA : Can I have a Diet Coke?
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coke
noun [U]
1 (informal) = COCAINE
2 a black substance that is produced from coal and burnt to provide heat
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cola
noun
1 [U, C] a sweet brown, FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) that does not contain alcohol. Its flavour comes from the seeds of a W African tree and other substances.
2 [C] a glass, can or bottle of cola —see also COCA-COLA , COKE
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Col.
abbr. (in writing) COLONEL : Col. Stewart
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col
noun (technical ) a low point between two higher points in a mountain range
SYN PASS
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col.
abbr. (in writing) COLUMN
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col.an.der
noun a metal or plastic bowl with a lot of small holes in it, used for DRAINING water from vegetables, etc. after washing or cooking—picture at KITCHEN
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cold
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (cold.er, cold.est)
LOW TEMPERATURE|
1 having a lower than usual temperature; having a temperature lower than the human body: I’m cold. Turn the heating up.  to feel / look cold  cold hands and feet  a cold room / house  hot and cold water in every room  Isn’t it cold today?  It’s freezing cold .  to get / turn colder  bitterly cold weather  the coldest May on record   (BrE) The water has gone cold.
FOOD / DRINK|
2 not heated; cooled after being cooked: a cold drink  Hot and cold food is available in the cafeteria.  cold chicken for lunch
UNFRIENDLY|
3 (of a person) without emotion; unfriendly: to give sb a cold look / stare / welcome  Her manner was cold and distant .  He was staring at her with cold eyes .
LIGHT / COLOURS|
4 seeming to lack warmth, in an unpleasant way: clear cold light  cold grey skies
ROUTE|
5 not easy to find: The police followed the robbers to the airport but then the trail went cold .
IN GAMES|
6 used in children’s games to say that the person playing is not close to finding a person or thing, or to guessing the correct answer
UNCONSCIOUS|
7 (out ~) [not before noun] (informal) unconscious: He was knocked out cold in the second round.
FACTS|
8 (the ~ facts / truth) facts with nothing added to make them more interesting or pleasant—see also COLDLY , COLDNESS a cold 'fish a person who seems unfriendly and without strong emotions get / have cold 'feet (informal) to suddenly become nervous about doing sth that you had planned to do: He was going to ask her but he got cold feet and said nothing. give sb the cold 'shoulder (informal) to treat sb in an unfriendly way—see also COLD-SHOULDER in cold 'blood acting in a way that is deliberately cruel; with no pity: to kill / murder / shoot sb in cold blood in the cold light of day when you have had time to think calmly about sth; in the morning when things are clearer: These things always look different in the cold light of day. leave sb 'cold to fail to affect or interest sb: Most modern art leaves me cold. pour / throw cold 'water on sth to give reasons for not being in favour of sth; to criticize sth: She immediately poured cold water on his plans to expand the business.—more at BLOOD , BLOW v. , HOT adj.

noun
LOW TEMPERATURE|
1 [U] a lack of heat or warmth; a low temperature, especially in the atmosphere: He shivered with cold.  Don’t stand outside in the cold .  She doesn’t seem to feel the cold .  You’ll catch your death of cold (= used to warn sb they could become very ill if they do not keep warm in cold weather).
ILLNESS|
2 [C] (also less frequent the ,common 'cold [sing.]) a common illness that affects the nose and/or throat, making you cough, SNEEZE , etc: I’ve got a cold.  a bad / heavy / slight cold  to catch a cold come in from the 'cold to become accepted or included in a group, etc. after a period of being outside it leave sb ,out in the 'cold to not include sb in a group or an activity—more at CATCH v.

adv.
1 (AmE) suddenly and completely: His final request stopped her cold.
2 without preparing: I can’t just walk in there cold and give a lesson on the passive!

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,cold-'blooded
adj.
1 (of people and their actions) showing no feelings or pity for other people: a cold-blooded killer  cold-blooded murder
2 (biology) (of animals, for example fish or snakes) having a body temperature that depends on the temperature of the surrounding air or water—compare WARM-BLOODED
,cold-'bloodedly adv.
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,cold-'calling
noun [U] the practice of telephoning sb that you do not know, in order to sell them sth
,cold 'call noun
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,cold 'cash
noun [U] (AmE ) = HARD CASH
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,cold 'comfort
noun [U] the fact that sth that would normally be good does not make you happy because the whole situation is bad: A small drop in the inflation rate was cold comfort for the millions without a job.
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'cold cream
noun [U] a thick white cream that people use for cleaning their face or making their skin soft
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'cold cuts
noun [pl.] (especially AmE ) slices of cooked meat that are served cold
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'cold frame
(also frame) noun a small wooden or metal frame covered with glass that you grow seeds or small plants in to protect them from cold weather
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,cold-'hearted
adj. not showing any love or sympathy for other people; unkind—compare WARM-HEARTED
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cold.ly
adv. without any emotion or warm feelings; in an unfriendly way: to stare / smile / reply coldly
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cold.ness
noun [U]
1 the lack of warm feelings; unfriendly behaviour: She was hurt by the coldness in his voice.
2 the state of being cold: the icy coldness of the water
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,cold-'shoulder
verb [vn] to treat sb in an unfriendly way—see also GIVE SB THE COLD SHOULDER at COLD adj.
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'cold snap
noun (informal) a sudden short period of very cold weather
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'cold sore
noun a small painful spot on the lips or inside the mouth that is caused by a VIRUS
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'cold spell
noun a period when the weather is colder than usual
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,cold 'storage
noun [U] a place where food, etc. can be kept fresh or frozen until it is needed; the storing of sth in such a place: (figurative) I’ve had to put my plans into cold storage (= I’ve decided not to carry them out immediately but to keep them for later).
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'cold store
noun a room where food, etc. can be kept at a low temperature in order to keep it in good condition
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,cold 'sweat
noun [usually sing.] a state when you have sweat on your face or body but still feel cold, usually because you are very frightened or anxious: to break out into a cold sweat  I woke up in a cold sweat about the interview.
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,cold 'turkey
noun [U] the unpleasant state that drug ADDICTS experience when they suddenly stop taking a drug; a way of treating drug ADDICTS that makes them experience this state
,cold 'turkey adv.: I quit smoking cold turkey.
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,cold 'war
noun [sing., U] (often Cold War) a very unfriendly relationship between two countries who are not actually fighting each other, usually used about the situation between the US and the Soviet Union after the Second World War
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cole.slaw
noun [U] finely chopped pieces of raw CABBAGE , CARROT , onion, etc., mixed with MAYONNAISE and eaten with meat or salads
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colic
noun [U] severe pain in the stomach and bowels, suffered especially by babies
col.icky adj.
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col.itis
noun [U] (medical ) a disease that causes pain and swelling in the COLON (= part of the bowels)
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col.lab.or.ate
verb [v]
1 ~ (with sb) (on sth)| ~ (with sb) (in sth / in doing sth) to work together with sb in order to produce or achieve sth: [v] We have collaborated on many projects over the years.  She agreed to collaborate with him in writing her biography.  Researchers around the world are collaborating to develop a new vaccine.
2 ~ (with sb) (disapproving) to help the enemy who has taken control of your country during a war: He was accused of collaborating with the enemy.
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col.lab.or.ation
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (with sb) (on sth)| ~ (between A and B) the act of working with another person or group of people to create or produce sth: She wrote the book in collaboration with one of her students.  The government worked in close collaboration with teachers on the new curriculum.  collaboration between the teachers and the government  It was a collaboration that produced extremely useful results.
2 [C] a piece of work produced by two or more people or groups of people working together
3 [U] (disapproving) the act of helping the enemy during a war when they have taken control of your country
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col.lab.ora.tive
adj. [only before noun] (formal) involving, or done by, several people or groups of people working together: collaborative projects / studies / research  a collaborative effort / venture
col.lab.ora.tive.ly adv.
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col.lab.or.ator
noun
1 a person who works with another person to create or produce sth such as a book
2 (disapproving) a person who helps the enemy in a war, when they have taken control of the person’s country
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col.lage
noun
1 [U, C] the art of making a picture by sticking pieces of coloured paper, fabric, or photographs onto a surface; a picture that you make by doing this
2 [C] a collection of things, which may be similar or different: an interesting collage of 1960s songs
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col.lapse
verb, noun
verb
OF BUILDING|
1 [v] to fall down or fall in suddenly, often after breaking apart
SYN GIVE WAY : The roof collapsed under the weight of snow.
OF SICK PERSON|
2 [v] to fall down (and usually become unconscious), especially because you are very ill/sick: He collapsed in the street and died two hours later.
RELAX|
3 [v] (informal) to sit or lie down and relax, especially after working hard: When I get home I like to collapse on the sofa and listen to music.
FAIL|
4 [v] to fail suddenly or completely
SYN BREAK DOWN : Talks between management and unions have collapsed.  All opposition to the plan has collapsed.
OF PRICES / CURRENCIES|
5 [v] to decrease suddenly in amount or value: Share prices collapsed after news of poor trading figures.
FOLD|
6 to fold sth into a shape that uses less space; to be able to be folded in this way: [v] The table collapses for easy storage. [alsovn]
MEDICAL|
7 [v, vn] if a lung or BLOOD VESSEL collapses or is collapsed, it falls inwards and becomes flat and empty
col.lapsed adj.: collapsed buildings  a collapsed investment bank  a collapsed lung

noun
FAILURE|
1 [C usually sing, U] a sudden failure of sth, such as an institution, a business or a course of action: the collapse of law and order in the area  The peace talks were on the verge of collapse .
OF BUILDING|
2 [U] the action of a building suddenly falling: The walls were strengthened to protect them from collapse.
ILLNESS|
3 [U, C, usually sing.] a medical condition when a person suddenly becomes very ill/sick, or when sb falls because they are ill/sick or weak: a state of mental / nervous collapse  She was taken to hospital after her collapse at work.
OF PRICES / CURRENCIES|
4 [C, usually sing.] a sudden fall in value: the collapse of share prices / the dollar / the market

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col.laps.ible
adj. that can be folded flat or made into a smaller shape that uses less space: a collapsible chair / boat / bicycle
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col.lar
noun, verb
noun
1 the part around the neck of a shirt, jacket or coat that usually folds down: a coat with a fur collar  I turned up my collar against the wind (= to keep warm).  He always wears a collar and tie for work.—see also BLUE-COLLAR , DOG COLLAR , WHITE-COLLAR , WING COLLAR —
2 a band of leather or plastic put around the neck of an animal, especially a dog: a collar and lead / leash
3 (technical) a band made of a strong material that is put round sth, such as a pipe or a piece of machinery, to strengthen it or to join two parts together
IDM see HOT adj.

verb [vn] (informal)
1 to capture sb and hold them tightly so that they cannot escape from you: Police collared the culprit as he was leaving the premises.
2 to stop sb in order to talk to them: I was collared in the street by a woman doing a survey.

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col.lar.bone
noun either of the two bones that go from the base of the neck to the shoulders
SYN CLAVICLE —picture at BODY
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col.lard greens
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = KALE
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col.lar.less
adj. with no collar: a collarless shirt
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col.late
verb [vn]
1 to collect information together from different sources in order to examine and compare it: to collate data / information / figures
2 to collect pieces of paper or the pages of a book, etc. and arrange them in the correct order
col.la.tion noun [U]: the collation of information
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col.lat.eral
noun, adj.
noun [U] (finance ) property or sth valuable that you promise to give to sb if you cannot pay back money that you borrow

adj. (formal)
1 connected with sth else, but in addition to it and less important: collateral benefits  The government denied that there had been any collateral damage (= injury to ordinary people or buildings) during the bombing raid.
2 (technical) (of people) in the same family, but not closely related

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col.league
noun a person that you work with, especially in a profession or a business: a colleague of mine from the office  We were friends and colleagues for more than 20 years.  the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues
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col.lect
verb, adj., adv.
verb
BRING TOGETHER|
1 [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to bring things together from different people or places
SYN GATHER : to collect data / evidence / information  We’re collecting signatures for a petition.  Samples were collected from over 200 patients.
AS HOBBY|
2 [vn] to buy or find things of a particular type and keep them as a hobby: to collect stamps / postcards / fossils—see also STAMP COLLECTING
OF PEOPLE|
3 [v] to come together in one place to form a larger group
SYN GATHER : A crowd began to collect in front of the embassy.
INCREASE IN AMOUNT|
4 to gradually increase in amount in a place; to gradually obtain more and more of sth in a place
SYN ACCUMULATE : [v] Dirt had collected in the corners of the room.  [vn] We seem to have collected an enormous number of boxes (= without intending to).  That guitar’s been sitting collecting dust (= not being used) for years now.
TAKE AWAY|
5 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from … ) to go somewhere in order to take sb/sth away: What day do they collect the rubbish / garbage?  The package is waiting to be collected.   (BrE) She’s gone to collect her son from school.
MONEY|
6 ~ (sth) (for sth) to ask people to give you money for a particular purpose: [v] We’re collecting for local charities.  [vn] We collected over £300 for the appeal.
7 [vn] to obtain the money, etc. that sb owes, for example by going to their house to get it: to collect rent / debts / tax
RECEIVE / WIN|
8 to receive sth; to win sth: [vn] to collect a prize / a medal  She collected £25 000 in compensation.  She collected $50 000 on her husband’s life insurance policies. [alsov] collect yourself / your thoughts
1 to try to control your emotions and become calm: I’m fine—I just need a minute to collect myself.
2 to prepare yourself mentally for sth: She paused to collect her thoughts before entering the interview room. col,lect sth<->'up to bring together things that are no longer being used: Would somebody collect up all the dirty glasses?

adj. (AmE ) (of a telephone call) paid for by the person who receives the call: to make a collect call—see also REVERSE v. (7)
col.lect adv.: to call sb collect

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col.lect.able
(also col.lect.ible) adj. worth collecting because it is beautiful or may become valuable
col.lect.able (also col.lect.ible) noun [usually pl.]
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col.lect.ed
adj. [not before noun]
1 very calm and in control of yourself: She always stays cool, calm and collected in a crisis.
2 ~ works, papers, poems, etc. all the books, etc. written by one author, published in one book or in a set: the collected works of Edgar Allan Poe
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col.lec.tion
noun
GROUP OF OBJECTS / PEOPLE|
1 [C] a group of objects, often of the same sort, that have been collected: a stamp / coin collection  The painting comes from his private collection.
2 [C] a group of objects or people: There was a collection of books and shoes on the floor.  There is always a strange collection of runners in the London Marathon.
TAKING AWAY / BRINGING TOGETHER|
3 [C, U] an act of taking sth away from a place; an act of bringing things together into one place: refuse / garbage collection  The last collection from this postbox is at 5.15.  Your suit will be ready for collection on Tuesday.  The first stage in research is data collection.—compare PICKUP
POEMS / STORIES / MUSIC|
4 [C] a group of poems, stories or pieces of music published together as one book or disc: a collection of stories by women writers
MONEY|
5 [C] an act of collecting money to help a charity or during a church service; the money collected: a house-to-house collection for Cancer Research  The total collection last week amounted to £250.
NEW CLOTHES|
6 [C] a range of new clothes or items for the home that are designed, made and offered for sale, often for a particular season: Armani’s stunning new autumn collection
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col.lect.ive
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 done or shared by all members of a group of people; involving a whole group or society: collective leadership / decision-making  collective responsibility  collective consciousness / memory (= things that a group of people or a community know or remember, that are often passed from parents to children)
2 used to refer to all members of a group: The collective name for mast, boom and sails on a boat is the ‘rig’.
col.lect.ive.ly adv.: the collectively agreed rate  We have had a successful year, both collectively and individually.  rain, snow and hail, collectively known as ‘precipitation’ (= as a group)

noun a group of people who own a business or a farm and run it together; the business that they run: an independent collective making films for television

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col,lective 'bargaining
noun [U] discussions between a TRADE/LABOR UNION and an employer about the pay and working conditions of the union members
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col,lective 'farm
noun a large farm, or a group of farms, owned by the government and run by a group of people
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col,lective 'noun
noun (grammar ) a singular noun, such as committee or team, that refers to a group of people, animals or things and, in British English, can be used with either a singular or a plural verb. In American English it must be used with a singular verb.
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col.lect.iv.ism
noun [U] the political system in which all farms, businesses and industries are owned by the government or by all the people
col.lect.iv.ist adj.: collectivist ideology
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col.lect.iv.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive] to join several private farms, industries, etc. together so that they are controlled by the community or by the government
col.lect.iv.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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col.lect.or
noun (especially in compounds) a person who collects things, either as a hobby, or as a job: an art / a stamp collector  ticket / tax / debt collectors
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col'lector’s item
noun a thing that is valued because it is very old or rare, or because it has some special interest
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col.leen
noun
1 (IrishE) a girl or young woman
2 a girl or young woman from Ireland
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col.lege
noun
1 [C, U] (often in names) (in Britain) a place where students go to study or to receive training after they have left school: a college of further education (= providing education and training for people over 16)  a technical / secretarial college  the Royal College of Art  a college course / library / student  She’s at college .—see also COMMUNITY COLLEGE (1) , SIXTH-FORM COLLEGE
2 [C, U] (often in names) (in the US) a university where students can study for a degree after they have left school: Carleton College  a college campus / student  a private college  He got interested in politics when he was in college .  She’s away at college in California.—see also COMMUNITY COLLEGE (2)
3 [C, U] one of the separate institutions that some British universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, are divided into: King’s College, Cambridge  a tour of Oxford colleges  Most students live in college.
4 (in the US) one of the main divisions of some large universities: The history department is part of the College of Arts and Sciences.
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] the teachers and/or students of a college
6 [C] (especially in names, in Britain and some other countries) a secondary school, especially one where you must pay: Eton College
7 [C] (formal) (usually in names) an organized group of professional people with special interests, duties or powers: the Royal College of Physicians  the American College of Cardiology—see also ELECTORAL COLLEGE
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col.le.gi.ate
adj.
1 relating to a college or its students: collegiate life
2 (BrE) divided into a number of colleges: a collegiate university
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col.lide
verb [v] ~ (with sth/sb)
1 if two people, vehicles, etc. collide, they crash into each other; if a person, vehicle, etc. collides with another, or with sth that is not moving, they crash into it: The car and the van collided head-on in thick fog.  The car collided head-on with the van.  As he fell, his head collided with the table.
2 ~ (with sb) (over sth) (written) (of people, their opinions, etc.) to disagree strongly: They regularly collide over policy decisions.—see also COLLISION
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col.lie
noun a dog of which there are several types. Those with long pointed noses and long thick hair are popular as pets. Smaller collies with shorter hair are often trained to help control sheep on a farm.
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col.lier
noun
1 (old-fashioned, especially BrE) = COAL MINER
2 a ship that carries coal
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col.liery
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) a coal mine with its buildings and equipment
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col.li.sion
noun [C, U] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between / of A and B)
1 an accident in which two vehicles or people crash into each other: a collision between two trains  Stewart was injured in a collision with another player.  a head-on collision (= between two vehicles that are moving towards each other)  a mid-air collision (= between two aircraft while they are flying)  His car was in collision with a motorbike.
2 (written) a strong disagreement between two people or between opposing ideas, opinions, etc.; the meeting of two things that are very different: a collision between two opposing points of view  In his work we see the collision of two different traditions.
IDM be on a col'lision course (with sb/sth)
1 to be in a situation which is almost certain to cause a disagreement or dispute: I was on a collision course with my boss over the sales figures.
2 to be moving in a direction in which it is likely that you will crash into sb/sth: A giant iceberg was on a collision course with the ship.
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col.lo.cate
verb [v] (linguistics ) ~ (with sth) (of words) to be often used together in a language: ‘Bitter’ collocates with ‘tears’ but ‘sour’ does not.  ‘Bitter’ and ‘tears’ collocate.
col.lo.cate noun: ‘Bitter’ and ‘tears’ are collocates.
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col.lo.ca.tion
noun (linguistics )
1 [C] a combination of words in a language, that happens very often and more frequently than would happen by chance: ‘Resounding success’ and ‘crying shame’ are English collocations.
2 [U] the fact of two or more words often being used together, in a way that happens more frequently than would happen by chance: Advanced students need to be aware of the importance of collocation.
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col.lo.quial
adj. (of words and language) used in conversation but not in formal speech or writing
col.lo.qui.al.ly adv.
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col.lo.qui.al.ism
noun a word or phrase that is used in conversation but not in formal speech or writing
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col.lo.quium
noun (pl.col.lo.quia ) a formal academic SEMINAR or CONFERENCE
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col.lo.quy
noun (pl.-ies) (rare, formal) a conversation
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col.lude
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ (with sb) (to do sth) (formal, disapproving) to work together secretly or illegally in order to deceive other people: Several people had colluded in the murder.  They colluded with terrorists to overthrow the government.
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col.lu.sion
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) secret agreement especially in order to do sth dishonest or to deceive people: The police were operating in collusion with the drug dealers.  There was collusion between the two witnesses (= they gave the same false evidence).
col.lu.sive adj.
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co.logne
(also eau de cologne) noun [U] a type of light PERFUME
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colon
noun
1 the mark ( : ) used to introduce a list, a summary, an explanation, etc. or before reporting what sb has said—compare SEMICOLON
2 (anatomy) the lower part of the large INTESTINE (= part of the bowels)—picture at BODY
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col.onel
noun (abbr. Col.) an officer of high rank in the army, the Marines, or the US air force: Colonel Jim Edge
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,Colonel 'Blimp
noun = BLIMP
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co.lo.nial
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with or belonging to a country that controls another country: a colonial power  Tunisia achieved independence from French colonial rule in 1956.  Western colonial attitudes—see also COLONY
2 (often Colonial) typical or connected with the US at the time when it was still a British COLONY : life in colonial times  the Colonial government of Vermont

noun a person who lives in a COLONY and who comes from the country that controls it: British colonials in India

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co.lo.ni.al.ism
noun [U] the practice by which a powerful country controls another country or other countries: European colonialism
co.lo.ni.al.ist adj., noun: colonialist laws
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co.lo.nic
adj. (anatomy ) connected with the COLON (= part of the bowels): colonic irrigation (= the process of washing out the COLON with water)
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col.on.ist
noun a person who settles in an area that has become a COLONY
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col.on.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to take control of an area or a country that is not your own, especially using force, and send people from your own country to live there: The area was colonized by the Vikings.
2 (biology) (of animals or plants) to live or grow in large numbers in a particular area: The lower slopes are colonized by flowering plants.  Thousands of bats had colonized the ruins.
col.on.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the colonization of the ‘New World’  plant colonization
col.on.izer , -isernoun
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col.on.nade
noun a row of stone columns with equal spaces between them, usually supporting a roof
col.on.naded adj.
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col.ony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a country or an area that is governed by people from another, more powerful, country: former British colonies
2 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a group of people who go to live permanently in a colony
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people from the same place or with the same work or interests who live in a particular city or country or who live together: the American colony in Paris  an artists' colony
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] (biology) a group of plants or animals that live together or grow in the same place: a colony of ants  a bird colony
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color
(AmE ) = COLOUR
HELP You will find most words formed with color at the spelling colour.
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col.or.ation
(BrE also col.our.ation) noun [U] (technical ) the natural colours and patterns on a plant or an animal
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col.ora.tura
noun [U] (music ) complicated passages for a singer, for example in opera: a coloratura soprano (= one who often sings coloratura passages)
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'color guard
noun (AmE ) a small group of people who carry official flags in a ceremony
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col.or.ist
(AmE ) = COLOURIST
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col.or.ize
(BrE also col.our.ize) verb [vn] (technical ) to add colour to a black and white film/movie, using a computer process
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'color line
noun (AmE ) = COLOUR BAR
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col.os.sal
adj. extremely large: a colossal statue  The singer earns a colossal amount of money.
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col.os.sus
noun
1 [sing.] (formal) a person or thing that is extremely important or large in size
2 [C] (pl.co.lossi ) an extremely large statue
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col.our
(BrE ) (AmEcolor) noun, verb
noun
RED, GREEN, etc.|
1 [C, U] the appearance that things have that results from the way in which they reflect light. Red, orange and green are colours : What’s your favourite colour?  bright / dark / light colours  available in 12 different colours  the colour of the sky  Her hair is a reddish-brown colour.  to add / give / lend colour to sth (= make it more colourful)  Foods which go through a factory process lose much of their colour, flavour and texture.  The garden was a mass of colour.
2 [U] (usually before another noun) the use of all the colours, not only black and white: a colour TV in every room  colour photography / printing  a full-colour brochure  Do you dream in colour ?
OF FACE|
3 [U] a red or pink colour in sb’s face, especially when it shows that they look healthy or that they are embarrassed: The fresh air brought colour to their cheeks.  Colour flooded her face when she thought of what had happened.  His face was drained of colour (= he looked pale and ill).
OF SKIN|
4 [U, C] the colour of a person’s skin, when it shows the race they belong to: discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or religion   (especially AmE) a person / man / woman of colour (= who is not white)
SUBSTANCE|
5 [C, U] a substance that is used to give colour to sth: a semi-permanent hair colour that lasts six to eight washes—see also WATERCOLOUR
INTERESTING DETAILS|
6 [U] interesting and exciting details or qualities: The old town is full of colour, character and attractions.  Her acting added warmth and colour to the production.—see also LOCAL COLOUR
OF TEAM / COUNTRY, etc.|
7 (colours) [pl.] the particular colours that are used on clothes, flags, etc. to represent a team, school, political party or country: Red and white are the team colours.  Spain’s national colours   (figurative) There are people of different political colours on the committee.
8 (colours) [pl.] (especially BrE) a flag, BADGE , etc. that represents a team, country, ship, etc: Most buildings had a flagpole with the national colours flying.  sailing under the French colours off 'colour [not before noun] (BrE, informal)
1 not in good health; looking or feeling ill: Jo seems a little off colour today.
2 [usually before noun] (especially AmE) an off-colour joke is one that people think is rude, usually because it is about sex see the colour of sb’s 'money (especially spoken) to make sure that sb has enough money to pay for sth—more at NAIL v. , TRUE adj. , FLYING adj.

verb
PUT COLOUR ON STH|
1 to put colour on sth using paint, coloured pencils, etc: [v] The children love to draw and colour.  a colouring book (= with pictures that you can add colour to)  [vn] How long have you been colouring (= dyeing) your hair?  [vn-adj] He drew a monster and coloured it red.
OF FACE|
2 [v] ~ (at sth) (written) (of a person or their face) to become red with embarrassment
SYN BLUSH : She coloured at his remarks.
AFFECT|
3 [vn] to affect sth, especially in a negative way: This incident coloured her whole life.  Don’t let your judgement be coloured by personal feelings. ,colour sth<->'in to put colour inside a particular area, shape, etc. using coloured pencils, CRAYONS , etc: I’ll draw a tree and you can colour it in.

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col.our.ant
(BrE ) (AmEcol.or.ant) noun a substance that is used to put colour in sth, especially a person’s hair
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col.our.ation
(BrE ) = COLORATION
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'colour bar
(BrE ) (AmE 'color bar, color line) noun [usually sing.] a social system which does not allow black people the same rights as white people
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'colour-blind
(BrE ) (AmE'color-blind) adj.
1 unable to see the difference between some colours, especially red and green
2 treating people with different coloured skin in exactly the same way
'colour-blindness (BrE) (AmE'color-blindness) noun [U]
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'colour code
(BrE ) (AmE'color code) noun a system of marking things with different colours so that you can easily identify them
'colour-coded (BrE) (AmE'color-coded) adj.: The files have labels that are colour-coded according to subject.
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col.oured
(BrE ) (AmEcol.ored) adj., noun
adj.
1 (often in compounds) having a particular colour or different colours: brightly coloured balloons  coloured lights / glass / paper  She was wearing a cream-coloured suit.
2 (old-fashioned or offensive) (of a person) from a race that does not have white skin
3 (Coloured) (in South Africa) having parents who are of different races

noun
1 (old-fashioned or offensive) a person who does not have white skin
2 (Coloured) (in South Africa) a person whose parents are of different races

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'colour fast
(BrE ) (AmE'color.fast) adj. fabric that is colour fast will not change or lose colour when it is washed
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col.our.ful
(BrE ) (AmEcol.or.ful) adj.
1 full of bright colours or having a lot of different colours: colourful shop windows  The male birds are more colourful than the females.
2 interesting or exciting; full of variety, sometimes in a way that is slightly shocking: a colourful history / past / career  one of the book’s most colourful characters
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col.our.ing
(BrE ) (AmEcol.or.ing) noun
1 [U, C] a substance that is used to give a particular colour to food: red food colouring
2 [U] the colour of a person’s skin, eyes and hair: Blue suited her fair colouring.
3 [U] the colours that exist in sth, especially a plant or an animal: insects with vivid yellow and black colouring
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col.our.ist
(BrE ) (AmEcol.or.ist) noun a person who uses colour, especially an artist or a HAIRDRESSER
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col.our.ize
(BrE ) = COLORIZE
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col.our.less
(BrE ) (AmEcol.or.less) adj.
1 without colour or very pale: a colourless liquid like water  colourless lips
2 not interesting
SYN DULL : a colourless personality / world
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'colour scheme
(BrE ) (AmE 'color scheme) noun the way in which colours are arranged, especially in the furniture and decoration of a room
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'colour supplement
noun (BrE ) a magazine printed in colour and forming an extra part of a newspaper, particularly on Saturdays or Sundays
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col.our.way
noun (BrE ) a colour or combination of colours which a piece of clothing, etc. is available in: The designs are available in two colourways: red / grey or blue / grey.
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colt
noun
1 a young male horse up to the age of four or five—compare FILLY , STALLION
2 (BrE) a member of a sports team consisting of young players
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col.umn
noun
1 a tall, solid, vertical post, usually round and made of stone, which supports or decorates a building or stands alone as a MONUMENT : The temple is supported by marble columns.  Nelson’s Column in London—picture at ARCADE
2 a thing shaped like a column: a column of smoke (= smoke rising straight up)—see also SPINAL COLUMN , STEERING COLUMN
3 (abbr.col.) one of the vertical sections into which the printed page of a book, newspaper, etc. is divided: a column of text  a dictionary with two columns per page  Put a mark in the appropriate column.  Their divorce filled a lot of column inches in the national papers (= got a lot of attention).
4 a part of a newspaper or magazine which appears regularly and deals with a particular subject or is written by a particular writer: the gossip / financial column  I always read her column in the local paper.—see also AGONY COLUMN , PERSONAL COLUMN
5 a series of numbers or words arranged one under the other down a page: to add up a column of figures
6 a long, moving line of people or vehicles: a long column of troops and tanks—see also FIFTH COLUMN
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col.um.nist
noun a journalist who writes regular articles, usually on a particular topic, for a newspaper or magazine
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coma
noun a deep unconscious state, usually lasting a long time and caused by serious illness or injury: to go into / be in a coma
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co.ma.tose
adj.
1 (medical) deeply unconscious; in a coma
2 (humorous) extremely tired and lacking in energy; sleeping deeply
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comb
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a flat piece of plastic or metal with a row of thin teeth along one side, used for making your hair neat; a smaller version of this worn by women in their hair to hold it in place or as an ornament
2 [C, usually sing.] the act of using a comb on your hair: Your hair needs a good comb.
3 [C, U] = HONEYCOMB
4 [C] the soft, red piece of flesh on the head of a male chicken
IDM see FINE-TOOTH COMB adj.

verb
1 [vn] to pull a comb through your hair in order to make it neat: Don’t forget to comb your hair!  Her hair was neatly combed back.
2 ~ (through) sth (for sb/sth) to search sth carefully in order to find sb/sth: [vn] The police combed the area for clues.  I combed the shops looking for something to wear.  [v] They combed through the files for evidence of fraud.
3 [vn] (technical) to make wool, cotton, etc. clean and straight using a special comb so that it can be used to make fabric
PVR V ,comb sth<->'out to pull a comb through hair in order to make it neat or to remove knots from it

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com.bat
noun, verb
noun [U, C] fighting or a fight, especially during a time of war: armed / unarmed combat (= with / without weapons)  combat troops / aircraft / uniform  He was killed in combat .—see also SINGLE COMBAT

verb (-t- or -tt-) [vn]
1 to stop sth unpleasant or harmful from happening or from getting worse: measures to combat crime / inflation / unemployment / disease
2 (formal) to fight against an enemy

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com.bat.ant
noun a person or group involved in fighting in a war or battle—compare NON-COMBATANT
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com.bat.ive
adj. ready and willing to fight or argue: in a combative mood / spirit
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com.bin.ation
noun
1 [C] two or more things joined or mixed together to form a single unit: His treatment was a combination of surgery, radiation and drugs.  What an unusual combination of flavours!  Technology and good management:a winning combination (= one that will certainly be successful).
2 [U] the act of joining or mixing together two or more things to form a single unit: The firm is working on a new product in combination with several overseas partners.  These paints can be used individually or in combination.
3 [C] a series of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock : I can’t remember the combination.
4 (combinations) (BrE) [pl.] a piece of underwear covering the body and legs, worn in the past
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combi'nation lock
noun a type of lock which can only be opened by using a particular series of numbers or letters
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com.bine
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (with sth)| ~ A and B (together) to come together to form a single thing or group; to join two or more things or groups together to form a single one: [v] Hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.  Hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water.  Several factors had combined to ruin our plans.  [vn] Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.  Combine the eggs with a little flour and heat the mixture gently.  The German team scored a combined total of 652 points.
2 [vn] ~ A and / with B to have two or more different features or characteristics; to put two or more different things, features or qualities together: The hotel combines comfort with convenience.  This model combines a telephone and fax machine.  a kitchen and dining-room combined  We are still looking for someone who combines all the necessary qualities.  They have successfully combined the old with the new in this room.
3 [vn] ~ A and / with B to do two or more things at the same time: The trip will combine business with pleasure.  She has successfully combined a career and bringing up a family.
4 to come together in order to work or act together; to put two things or groups together so that they work or act together: [v] The gangs combined against a common enemy.  [vn] the combined effects of the two drugs  You should try to combine exercise with a healthy diet.  It took the combined efforts of both the press and the public to bring about a change in the law.
IDM see FORCE n.

noun
1 (BrE also ,combine 'harvester) a large farm machine which cuts a crop and separates the grains from the rest of the plant
2 a group of people or organizations acting together in business

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com'bining form
noun (grammar ) a form of a word that can combine with another word or another combining form to make a new word, for example techno- and -phobe in technophobe
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combo
noun (pl.-os)
1 a small band that plays jazz or dance music
2 (AmE, informal) a number of different things combined together, especially different types of food: I’ll have the steak and chicken combo platter.
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com.bust.ible
adj. able to begin burning easily: combustible material / gases
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com.bus.tion
noun [U]
1 the process of burning
2 (technical) a chemical process in which substances combine with the OXYGEN in the air to produce heat and light
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com'bustion chamber
noun an enclosed space in which combustion takes place, for example in an engine
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come
verb, exclamation, noun
verb (came come)
TO A PLACE|
1 to move to or towards a person or place: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : He came into the room and shut the door.  She comes to work by bus.  My son is coming home soon.  Come here!  Come and see us soon!  Here comes Jo (= Jo is coming)!  He has come all the way from Tokyo.  There’s a storm coming.  [v to inf] They’re coming to stay for a week.
HELP In spoken English come can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, to show purpose or to tell sb what to do: When did she last come and see you?  Come and have your dinner. The and is sometimes left out, especially in AmE: Come have your dinner.
2 [v] ~ (to … ) to arrive at or reach a place: They continued until they came to a river.  What time did you come (= to my house)?  Spring came late this year.  Your breakfast is coming soon.  Have any letters come for me?  Help came at last.  The CD comes complete with all the words of the songs.  The time has come (= now is the moment) to act.
3 ~ for / about sth| ~ to do sth to arrive somewhere in order to do sth or get sth: [v] I’ve come for my book.  I’ve come about my book.  I’ve come to get my book.  [v -ing] He came looking for me.
4 ~ (to sth) (with sb) to move or travel, especially with sb else, to a particular place or in order to be present at an event: [v] I’ve only come for an hour.  Are you coming to the club with us tonight?  Thanks for coming (= to my house, party, etc.).  [v -ing] Why don’t you come skating tonight?
RUNNING / HURRYING etc.|
5 [v -ing, usually +adv. / prep.] to move in a particular way or while doing sth else: The children came running into the room.
TRAVEL|
6 [vn] to travel a particular distance: We’ve come 50 miles this morning.   (figurative) The company has come a long way (= made lot of progress) in the last 5 years.
HAPPEN|
7 [v] to happen: The agreement came after several hours of negotiations.  The rains came too late to do any good.  Her death came as a terrible shock to us.  His resignation came as no surprise.
8 [v to inf] used in questions to talk about how or why sth happened: How did he come to break his leg?  How do you come to be so late?—see also HOW COME?
TO A POSITION / STATE|
9 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular position: That comes a long way down my list of priorities.  His family comes first (= is the most important thing in his life).  She came second (= received the second highest score) in the exam.
10 [v] ~ to / into sth used in many expressions to show that sth has reached a particular state: At last winter came to an end .  He came to power in 1959.  When will they come to a decision ?  The trees are coming into leaf.
11 ~ (in sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) (of goods, products, etc.) to be available or to exist in a particular way: [v] This dress comes in black, brown and red.  [v-adj] (informal) New cars don’t come cheap (= they are expensive).
12 to become: [v-adj] The buttons on her blouse had come undone.  The handle came loose.  Everything will come right in the end.  [v to inf] This design came to be known as the Oriental style.
13 [v to inf] to reach a point where you realize, understand or believe sth: In time she came to love him.  She had come to see the problem in a new light.  I’ve come to expect this kind of behaviour from him.
TIME|
14 (come) [vn] (old-fashioned, informal) when the time mentioned comes: They would have been married forty years come this June.
SEX|
15 [v] (slang) to have an ORGASM Most idioms containing come are at the entries for the nouns or adjectives in the idioms, for example come a cropper is at cropper.  be as ,clever, ,stupid, etc. as they 'come (informal) to be very clever, stupid, etc. ,come a'gain? (spoken, informal) used to ask sb to repeat sth: ‘She’s an entomologist.’‘Come again?’‘An entomologist—she studies insects.’ ,come and 'go
1 to arrive and leave; to move freely: They had a party next door—we heard people coming and going all night.
2 to be present for a short time and then go away: The pain in my leg comes and goes. come 'easily, 'naturally, etc. to sb (of an activity, a skill, etc.) to be easy, natural, etc. for sb to do: Acting comes naturally to her. ,come over (all) 'faint, 'dizzy, 'giddy, etc. (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to suddenly feel ill/sick or FAINT come to 'nothing | not 'come to anything to be unsuccessful; to have no successful result: How sad that all his hard work should come to nothing.  Her plans didn’t come to anything. come to 'that | if it comes to 'that (informal, especially BrE) used to introduce sth extra that is connected with what has just been said: I don’t really trust him—nor his wife, come to that. ,come what 'may in spite of any problems or difficulties you may have: He promised to support her come what may. how come ( … )? (spoken) used to say you do not understand how sth can happen and would like an explanation: If she spent five years in Paris, how come her French is so bad? not 'come to much to not be important or successful to 'come (used after a noun) in the future: They may well regret the decision in years to come .  This will be a problem for some time to come (= for a period of time in the future). when it comes to sth / to doing sth when it is a question of sth: When it comes to getting things done, he’s useless. where sb is 'coming from (informal, spoken) somebody’s ideas, beliefs, personality, etc. that makes them say what they have said: I see where you’re coming from (= I understand what you mean). ,come a'bout (that … ) to happen: Can you tell me how the accident came about?,come a'cross (also ,come 'over)
1 to be understood: He spoke for a long time but his meaning didn’t really come across.
2 to make a particular impression: She comes across well in interviews.  He came over as a sympathetic person. 'come across sb/sth [no passive] to meet or find sb/sth by chance: I came across children sleeping under bridges.  She came across some old photographs in a drawer. ,come a'cross (with sth) [no passive] to provide or supply sth when you need it: I hoped she’d come across with some more information.,come 'after sb [no passive] to chase or follow sb,come a'long
1 to arrive; to appear: When the right opportunity comes along, she’ll take it.
2 to go somewhere with sb: I’m glad you came along.
3 to improve or develop in the way that you want: Your French has come along a lot recently.
4 used in orders to tell sb to hurry, or to try harder: Come along! We’re late already.  Come along! It’s easy!,come a'part to break into pieces: The book just came apart in my hands.   (figurative) My whole life had come apart at the seams .,come a'round / 'round
1 (also ,come 'to) to become conscious again: Your mother hasn’t yet come round from the anaesthetic.
2 (of a date or a regular event) to happen again: My birthday seems to come around quicker every year. ,come a'round / 'round (to … ) to come to a place, especially sb’s house, to visit for a short time: Do come around and see us some time. ,come a'round / 'round (to sth) to change your mood or your opinion: He’ll never come round to our way of thinking.'come at sb [no passive] to move towards sb as though you are going to attack them: She came at me with a knife.   (figurative) The noise came at us from all sides. 'come at sth to think about a problem, question, etc. in a particular way: We’re getting nowhere—let’s come at it from another angle.,come a'way (from sth) to become separated from sth: The plaster had started to come away from the wall. ,come a'way with sth [no passive] to leave a place with a particular feeling or impression: We came away with the distinct impression that all was not well with their marriage.,come 'back
1 to return: You came back (= came home) very late last night.  The colour was coming back to her cheeks.   (figurative) United came back from being two goals down to win 3–2.
2 to become popular or successful again: Long hair for men seems to be coming back in.—related noun COMEBACK (2) ,come 'back (at sb) (with sth) to reply to sb forcefully or angrily: She came back at the speaker with some sharp questions.—related noun COMEBACK (3) ,come 'back (to sb) to return to sb’s memory: It’s all coming back to me now.  Once you’ve been in France a few days, your French will soon come back. ,come 'back to sth [no passive] to return to a subject, an idea, etc: Let’s come back to the point at issue.  It all comes back to a question of money.'come before sb/sth [no passive] (formal) to be presented to sb/sth for discussion or a decision: The case comes before the court next week.,come be'tween sb and sb [no passive] to damage a relationship between two people: I’d hate anything to come between us.,come 'by (AmE) to make a short visit to a place, in order to see sb: She came by the house. 'come by sth
1 to manage to get sth: Jobs are hard to come by these days.
2 to receive sth: How did you come by that scratch on your cheek?,come 'down
1 to break and fall to the ground: The ceiling came down with a terrific crash.
2 (of rain, snow, etc.) to fall: The rain came down in torrents.
3 (of an aircraft) to land or fall from the sky: We were forced to come down in a field.
4 if a price, a temperature, a rate, etc. comes down, it gets lower: The price of gas is coming down.  Gas is coming down in price.
5 to decide and say publicly that you support or oppose sb: The committee came down in support of his application.
6 to reach as far down as a particular point: Her hair comes down to her waist. ,come 'down (from … ) (BrE, formal) to leave a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge, at the end of a TERM or after finishing your studies
OPP COME UP (TO … ) ,come 'down (from … ) (to … ) to come from one place to another, usually from the north of a country to the south, or from a larger place to a smaller one ,come 'down on sb [no passive] (informal) to criticize sb severely or punish sb: Don’t come down too hard on her.  The courts are coming down heavily on young offenders. ,come 'down (to sb) to have come from a long time in the past: The name has come down from the last century. ,come 'down to sth [no passive] to be able to be explained by a single important point: What it comes down to is, either I get more money or I leave. ,come 'down with sth [no passive] to get an illness that is not very serious: I think I’m coming down with flu.,come 'forward to offer your help, services, etc: Several people came forward with information.  Police have asked witnesses of the accident to come forward.'come from … (not used in the progressive tenses) to have as your place of birth or the place where you live: She comes from London.  Where do you come from? 'come from sth
1 to start in a particular place or be produced from a particular thing: Much of our butter comes from New Zealand.  This wool comes from goats, not sheep.  This poem comes from his new book.  Where does her attitude come from?  Where’s that smell coming from?  He comes from a family of actors.  ‘She doesn’t try hard enough.’‘That’s rich, coming from you (= you do not try hard either).’
2 = COME OF STH ,come 'in
1 when the TIDE comes in, it moves towards the land
OPP GO OUT
2 to finish a race in a particular position: My horse came in last.
3 to become fashionable: Long hair for men came in in the sixties.
4 to become available: We’re still waiting for copies of the book to come in.
5 to have a part in sth: I understand the plan perfectly, but I can’t see where I come in.
6 to arrive somewhere; to be received: The train is coming in now.  News is coming in of a serious plane crash in France.  She has over a thousand pounds a month coming in from her investments.
7 to take part in a discussion: Would you like to come in at this point, Susan?
8 (of a law or rule) to be introduced; to begin to be used ,come 'in for sth [no passive] to receive sth, especially sth unpleasant: The government’s economic policies have come in for a lot of criticism. ,come 'in (on sth) to become involved in sth: If you want to come in on the deal, you need to decide now.,come 'into sth [no passive]
1 to be left money by sb who has died: She came into a fortune when her uncle died.
2 to be important in a particular situation: I’ve worked very hard to pass this exam—luck doesn’t come into it.'come of / from sth to be the result of sth: I made a few enquiries, but nothing came of it in the end.  [+ -ing]That comes of eating too much!,come 'off
1 to be able to be removed: Does this hood come off?  That mark won’t come off.
2 (informal) to take place; to happen: Did the trip to Rome ever come off?
3 (informal) (of a plan, etc.) to be successful; to have the intended effect or result: They had wanted it to be a surprise but the plan didn’t come off.
4 ~ well, badly, etc. (informal) to be successful/not successful in a fight, contest, etc: I thought they came off very well in the debate. ,come 'off (sth)
1 to fall from sth: to come off your bicycle / horse
2 to become separated from sth: When I tried to lift the jug, the handle came off in my hand.  A button had come off my coat. ,come 'off it (spoken) used to disagree with sb rudely: Come off it! We don’t have a chance. ,come 'off sth [no passive] to stop taking medicine, a drug, alcohol, etc: I’ve tried to get him to come off the tranquillizers.,come 'on
1 (of an actor) to walk onto the stage
2 (of a player) to join a team during a game: Owen came on for Fowler ten minutes before the end of the game.
3 to improve or develop in the way you want: The project is coming on fine.
4 used in orders to tell sb to hurry or to try harder: Come on! We don’t have much time.  Come on! Try once more.
5 used to show that you know what sb has said is not correct: Oh, come on—you know that isn’t true!
6 (usually used in the progressive tenses) (of an illness or a mood) to begin: I can feel a cold coming on.  I think there’s rain coming on. [+ to inf] It came on to rain.
7 (of a TV programme, etc.) to start: What time does the news come on?
8 to begin to operate: Set the oven to come on at six.  When does the heating come on? 'come on / upon sb/sth [no passive] (formal) to meet or find sb/sth by chance ,come 'on to sb (informal) to behave in a way that shows sb that you want to have a sexual relationship with them—related noun COME-ON ,come 'on to sth [no passive] to start talking about a subject: I’d like to come on to that question later.,come 'out
1 when the sun, moon or stars come out, they appear: The rain stopped and the sun came out.
2 (of flowers) to open: The daffodils came out early this year.
3 to be produced or published: When is her new novel coming out?
4 (of news, the truth, etc.) to become known: The full story came out at the trial. [+ that] It came out that he’d been telling lies.
5 if a photograph comes out, it is a clear picture when it is developed and printed: The photos from our trip didn’t come out.
6 to be shown clearly: Her best qualities come out in a crisis.
7 when words come out, they are spoken: I tried to say ‘I love you,’ but the words wouldn’t come out.
8 to say publicly whether you agree or disagree with sth: He came out against the plan.  In her speech, the senator came out in favour of a change in the law.
9 (BrE) to stop work and go on strike
10 to no longer hide the fact that you are HOMOSEXUAL
11 (of a young UPPER-CLASS girl, especially in the past) to be formally introduced into society ,come 'out (of sth)
1 (of an object) to be removed from a place where it is fixed: This nail won’t come out.
2 (of dirt, a mark, etc.) to be removed from sth by washing or cleaning: These ink stains won’t come out of my dress.  Will the colour come out (= fade or disappear) if I wash it? ,come 'out at sth [no passive] to add up to a particular cost or sum: The total bill comes out at £500. ,come 'out in sth [no passive] (of a person) to become covered in spots, etc. on the skin: Hot weather makes her come out in a rash. ,come 'out of yourself to relax and become more confident and friendly with other people: It was when she started drama classes that she really came out of herself. ,come 'out of sth [no passive] to develop from sth: The book came out of his experiences in India.  Rock music came out of the blues. ,come 'out with sth [no passive] to say sth, especially sth surprising or rude: He came out with a stream of abuse.  She sometimes comes out with the most extraordinary remarks.,come 'over
1 (BrE , informal) to suddenly feel sth: [+adj] I suddenly came over all shy.
2 = COME ACROSS : He came over well in the interview. ,come 'over (to … ) to come to a place, especially sb’s house, to visit for a short time ,come 'over (to … ) (from … ) to travel from one place to another, usually over a long distance: Why don’t you come over to England in the summer?  Her grandparents came over from Ireland during the famine. ,come 'over (to sth) to change from one side, opinion, etc. to another ,come 'over sb [no passive] to affect sb: A fit of dizziness came over her.  I can’t think what came over me (= I do not know what caused me to behave in that way).,come 'round| ,come 'round (to sth) (BrE) = COME AROUND ,come 'through (of news or a message) to arrive by telephone, radio, etc. or through an official organization: A message is just coming through. ,come 'through (sth) to get better after a serious illness or to avoid serious injury: With such a weak heart she was lucky to come through the operation. ,come 'through (with sth) to successfully do or complete sth that you have promised to do: We were worried she wouldn’t be able to handle it, but she came through in the end.  The bank finally came through with the money.,come 'to = COME AROUND (1) ,come to your'self (old-fashioned) to return to your normal state 'come to sb [no passive] (of an idea) to enter your mind: The idea came to me in the bath. [+ that] It suddenly came to her that she had been wrong all along. 'come to sth [no passive]
1 to add up to sth: The bill came to $30.  I never expected those few items to come to so much.
2 to reach a particular situation, especially a bad one: The doctors will operate if it proves necessary—but it may not come to that.  Who’d have thought things would come to this (= become so bad or unpleasant)?,come to'gether if two or more different people or things come together, they form a united group: Three colleges have come together to create a new university.  Bits and pieces of things he’d read and heard were coming together, and he began to understand.'come under sth [no passive]
1 to be included in a particular group: What heading does this come under?
2 to be a person that others are attacking or criticizing: The head teacher came under a lot of criticism from the parents.
3 to be controlled or influenced by sth: All her students came under her spell.,come 'up
1 (of plants) to appear above the soil: The daffodils are just beginning to come up.
2 (of the sun) to rise: We watched the sun come up.
3 to happen: I’m afraid something urgent has come up.  We’ll let you know if any vacancies come up.
4 to be mentioned or discussed: The subject came up in conversation.  The question is bound to come up at the meeting.
5 (of an event or a time) to be going to happen very soon: Her birthday is coming up soon.
6 to be dealt with by a court of law: Her divorce case comes up next month.
7 if your number, name, ticket, etc. comes up in a betting game, it is chosen and you win sth
8 (spoken, informal) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to arrive; to be ready soon: ‘Is lunch ready?’‘Coming up!’ ,come 'up (to … ) (BrE, formal) to arrive at a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge, at the beginning of a TERM or in order to begin your studies
OPP COME DOWN (FROM … ) ,come 'up (to … ) (from … ) to come from one place to another, especially from the south of a country to the north or from a smaller place to a larger one: Why don’t you come up to Scotland for a few days? ,come 'up (to sb) to move towards sb, in order to talk to them: He came up to me and asked for a light. ,come 'up against sb/sth [no passive] to be faced with or opposed by sb/sth: We expect to come up against a lot of opposition to the plan. ,come 'up for sth [no passive]
1 to be considered for a job, an important position, etc: She comes up for re-election next year.
2 to be reaching the time when sth must be done: His contract is coming up for renewal. ,come 'up to sth [no passive]
1 to reach as far as a particular point: The water came up to my neck.
2 to reach an acceptable level or standard: His performance didn’t really come up to his usual high standard.  Their trip to France didn’t come up to expectations. ,come 'up with sth [no passive] to find or produce an answer, a sum of money, etc: She came up with a new idea for increasing sales.  How soon can you come up with the money?'come upon sb/sth = COME ON SB/STH

exclamation (old-fashioned) used when encouraging sb to be sensible or reasonable, or when showing slight disapproval: Oh come now, things aren’t as bad as all that.  Come, come, Miss Jones, you know perfectly well what I mean.

noun [U] (slang) SEMEN

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come.back
noun
1 [usually sing.] if a person in public life makes a comeback, they start doing sth again which they had stopped doing, or they become popular again: an ageing pop star trying to stage a comeback
2 if a thing makes a comeback, it becomes popular and fashionable or successful again
3 (informal) a quick reply to a critical remark
4 a way of holding sb responsible for sth wrong which has been done to you: You agreed to the contract in writing, so now you have no comeback.
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com.edian
noun an entertainer who makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories: a stand-up comedian
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com.edi.enne
noun (old-fashioned) a female entertainer who makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories
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come.down
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a situation in which a person is not as important as before, or does not get as much respect from other people
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com.edy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] a play or film/movie that is intended to be funny, usually with a happy ending; plays and films/movies of this type: a romantic comedy—compare TRAGEDY
2 [U] an amusing aspect of sth
SYN HUMOUR : He didn’t appreciate the comedy of the situation.  slapstick comedy—see also BLACK adj. (9) , SITUATION COMEDY
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come.ly
adj. (literary) (especially of a woman) pleasant to look at
SYN ATTRACTIVE
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'come-on
noun [usually sing.] (informal) an object or action which is intended to attract sb or to persuade them to do sth: She was definitely giving him the come-on (= trying to attract him sexually).
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comer
noun
1 (all comers) [pl.] anyone who is interested in, or comes forward for, sth, especially a competition: The event is open to all comers.
2 (with adjectives) a person who arrives somewhere—see also LATECOMER , NEWCOMER
3 (AmE, informal) a person who is likely to be successful
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comet
noun a mass of ice and dust that moves around the sun and looks like a bright star with a tail: Halley’s Comet
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comeuppance
noun [sing.] (informal) a punishment for sth bad that you have done, that other people feel you really deserve: I was glad to see that the bad guy got his comeuppance at the end of the movie.
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com.fort
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the state of being physically relaxed and free from pain; the state of having a pleasant life, with everything that you need: These tennis shoes are designed for comfort and performance.  With video, you can watch the latest movies in the comfort of your own home.  The hotel offers a high standard of comfort and service.  They had enough money to live in comfort in their old age.
2 [U] a feeling of not suffering or worrying so much; a feeling of being less unhappy
SYN CONSOLATION : to take / draw comfort from sb’s words  I tried to offer a few words of comfort .  The sound of gunfire was too close for comfort .  If it’s any comfort to you, I’m in the same situation.  His words were of little comfort in the circumstances.  comfort food (= food that makes you feel better)
3 [sing.] a person or thing that helps you when you are suffering, worried or unhappy: The children have been a great comfort to me through all of this.  It’s a comfort to know that she is safe.—see also COLD COMFORT
4 [C, usually pl.] a thing that makes your life easier or more comfortable: The hotel has all modern comforts / every modern comfort.  material comforts (= money and possessions)—see also CREATURE COMFORTS

verb to make sb who is worried or unhappy feel better by being kind and sympathetic towards them: [vn] The victim’s widow was today being comforted by family and friends.  She comforted herself with the thought that it would soon be spring.  [vn to inf] It comforted her to feel his arms around her.

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com.fort.able
adj.
CLOTHES / FURNITURE|
1 (of clothes, furniture, etc.) making you feel physically relaxed; pleasant to wear, sit on, etc: It’s such a comfortable bed.  These new shoes are not very comfortable.  a warm comfortable house
OPP UNCOMFORTABLE
PHYSICALLY RELAXED|
2 feeling pleasantly physically relaxed; warm enough, without pain, etc: Are you comfortable?  She shifted into a more comfortable position on the chair.  Please make yourself comfortable while I get some coffee.  The patient is comfortable (= not in pain) after his operation.
OPP UNCOMFORTABLE
CONFIDENT|
3 confident and not worried or afraid: He’s more comfortable with computers than with people.  I never feel very comfortable in her presence.
OPP UNCOMFORTABLE
HAVING MONEY|
4 having enough money to buy what you want without worrying about the cost: They’re not millionaires, but they’re certainly very comfortable.
VICTORY|
5 quite large; allowing you to win easily: The party won with a comfortable majority.  a comfortable 2–0 win
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com.fort.ably
adv.
1 in a comfortable way: All the rooms were comfortably furnished.  If you’re all sitting comfortably, then I’ll begin.
2 with no problem
SYN EASILY : He can comfortably afford the extra expense.  They are comfortably ahead in the opinion polls.
IDM ,comfortably 'off having enough money to buy what you want without worrying about the cost
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com.fort.er
noun
1 a person or thing that makes you feel calmer or less worried
2 (AmE) a type of thick cover for a bed—picture at BED —compare QUILT
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com.fort.ing
adj. making you feel calmer and less worried or unhappy: her comforting words  It’s comforting to know that you’ll be there.
com.fort.ing.ly adv.
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com.fort.less
adj. (formal) without anything to make a place more comfortable
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comfy
adj. (com.fier, com.fi.est) (informal) comfortable: a comfy armchair / bed
HELP more comfy is also common as a comparative.
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comic
adj., noun
adj.
1 amusing and making you laugh: a comic monologue / story  The play is both comic and tragic.  She can always be relied on to provide comic relief (= sth to make you relax and laugh) at a boring party.
2 [only before noun] connected with COMEDY (= entertainment that is funny and that makes people laugh): a comic opera  a very fine comic actor

noun
1 an entertainer who makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories
SYN COMEDIAN
2 (AmE also 'comic book) a magazine, especially for children, that tells stories through pictures
3 (the comics) [pl.] (AmE) the section of a newspaper that contains COMIC STRIPS

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com.ic.al
adj. (old-fashioned) funny or amusing because of being strange or unusual
com.ic.al.ly adv.
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'comic strip
(also car.toon) (BrE also ,strip car'toon) (AmE also strip) noun a series of drawings inside boxes that tell a story and are often printed in newspapers
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com.ing
noun, adj.
noun [sing.] the ~ of sth the time when sth new begins: With the coming of modern technology, many jobs were lost.
IDM ,comings and 'goings (informal) the movement of people arriving at and leaving a particular place: It’s hard to keep track of the children’s comings and goings.

adj. [only before noun] happening soon; next: in the coming months  This coming Sunday is her birthday.

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comma
noun the mark ( , ) used to separate the items in a list or to show where there is a slight pause in a sentence—see also INVERTED COMMAS
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com.mand
noun, verb
noun
ORDER|
1 [C] an order given to a person or an animal: Begin when I give the command.  You must obey the captain’s commands.
FOR COMPUTER|
2 [C] an instruction given to a computer
CONTROL|
3 [U] control and authority over a situation or a group of people: He has 1 200 men under his command.  He has command of 1 200 men.  The police arrived and took command of the situation.  For the first time in years, she felt in command of her life.  He looked relaxed and totally in command of himself .  Who is in command here?—see also SECOND IN COMMAND
IN ARMED FORCES|
4 (Command) [C] a part of an army, air force, etc. that is organized and controlled separately; a group of officers who give orders: Bomber Command
KNOWLEDGE|
5 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) your knowledge of sth; your ability to do or use sth, especially a language: Applicants will be expected to have (a) good command of English. at your com'mand if you have a skill or an amount of sth at your command, you are able to use it well and completely be at sb’s com'mand (formal) to be ready to obey sb: I’m at your command—what would you like me to do?—more at WISH n.

verb
ORDER|
1 (of sb in a position of authority) to tell sb to do sth
SYN ORDER : [vn to inf] He commanded his men to retreat.  [vn] She commanded the release of the prisoners.  [v that] (formal) The commission intervened and commanded that work on the building cease.   (BrE also) The commission commanded that work on the building should cease. [alsov speech, vn speech, v]   note at ORDER
IN ARMED FORCES|
2 to be in charge of a group of people in the army, navy or air force: [vn] The troops were commanded by General Haig. [alsov]
DESERVE AND GET|
3 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to deserve and get sth because of the special qualities you have: to command sympathy / support  She was able to command the respect of the class.  The headlines commanded her attention.  As a top lawyer, he can expect to command a six-figure salary.
VIEW|
4 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to be in a position from where you can see or control sth: The hotel commands a fine view of the valley.
CONTROL|
5 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to have control of sth; to have sth available for use: The party was no longer able to command a majority in Parliament.  the power and finances commanded by the police

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com.mand.ant
noun the officer in charge of a particular military group or institution
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com.man.deer
verb [vn] to take control of a building, a vehicle, etc. for military purposes during a war, or by force for your own use
SYN REQUISITION
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com.mand.er
noun
1 a person who is in charge of sth, especially an officer in charge of a particular group of soldiers or a military operation: military / allied / field / flight commanders  the commander of the expedition
2 (abbr.Cdr) an officer of fairly high rank in the British or American navy
3 (abbr.Cdr) (in Britain) a London police officer of high rank
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com,mander-in-'chief
(abbr. C.-in-C.) noun (pl.commanders-in-chief) the officer who commands all the armed forces of a country or all its forces in a particular area
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com.mand.ing
adj.
1 [only before noun] in a position of authority that allows you to give formal orders: Who is your commanding officer?
2 [usually before noun] if you are in a commanding position or have a commanding lead, you are likely to win a race or competition
3 [usually before noun] powerful and making people admire and obey you: a commanding figure / presence / tone / voice
4 [only before noun] if a building is in a commanding position or has a commanding view, you can see the area around very well from it: The castle occupies a commanding position on a hill.
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com.mand.ment
noun a law given by God, especially any of the Ten Commandments given to the Jews in the Bible
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com.mando
noun (pl.-os) a soldier or a group of soldiers who are trained to make quick attacks in enemy areas
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com,mand per'formance
noun [usually sing.] a special performance, for example at a theatre, that is given for a head of state
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com.mem.or.ate
verb [vn] to remind people of an important person or event from the past with a special action or object; to exist to remind people of a person or an event from the past: A series of movies will be shown to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death.  Many of the people and places in the book have been commemorated in the names of streets.  A plaque commemorates the battle.
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com.mem.or.ation
noun [U, C] an action, or a ceremony, etc. that makes people remember and show respect for an important person or event in the past: a commemoration service  a statue in commemoration of a national hero
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com.mem.ora.tive
adj. intended to help people remember and respect an important person or event in the past: commemorative stamps / medals
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com.mence
verb ~ (with sth) (formal) to begin to happen; to begin sth
SYN START : [v] The meeting is scheduled to commence at noon.  The day commenced with a welcome from the principal.  I will be on leave during the week commencing 15 February.  [vn] She commenced her medical career in 1956.  [v -ing] We commence building next week. [alsov to inf]
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com.mence.ment
noun [U, C, usually sing.]
1 (formal) beginning: the commencement of the financial year
2 (AmE) a ceremony at which students receive their academic degrees or DIPLOMAS
SYN GRADUATION
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com.mend
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ sb (on sth / on doing sth) to praise sb/sth, especially publicly: She was commended on her handling of the situation.  His designs were highly commended by the judges (= they did not get a prize but they were especially praised).
2 ~ sb/sth (to sb) (formal) to recommend sb/sth to sb: She is an excellent worker and I commend her to you without reservation.  The movie has little to commend it (= it has few good qualities).
3 (formal) if sth commends itself to sb, they approve of it: His outspoken behaviour did not commend itself to his colleagues.
4 ~ sb/sth to sb (formal) to give sb/sth to sb in order to be taken care of: We commend her soul to God.
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com.mend.able
adj. (formal) deserving praise and approval: commendable honesty
com.mend.ably adv.
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com.men.da.tion
noun
1 [U] (formal) praise; approval
2 [C] ~ (for sth) an award or official statement giving public praise for sb/sth: a commendation for bravery
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com.men.sur.ate
adj. ~ (with sth) (formal) matching sth in size, importance, quality, etc: Salary will be commensurate with experience.
com.men.sur.ate.ly adv.
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com.ment
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (about / on sth) something that you say or write which gives an opinion on or explains sb/sth: Have you any comment to make about the cause of the disaster?  She made helpful comments on my work.  The director was not available for comment.  He handed me the document without comment.   (especially BrE) What she said was fair comment (= a reasonable criticism).
2 [sing., U] criticism that shows the faults of sth: The results are a clear comment on government education policy.  There was a lot of comment about his behaviour.
IDM ,no 'comment (said in reply to a question, usually from a journalist) I have nothing to say about that: ‘Will you resign, sir?’‘No comment!’

verb ~ (on / upon sth) to express an opinion about sth: [v] I don’t feel I can comment on their decision.  He refused to comment until after the trial.  [v that] A spokesperson commented that levels of carbon dioxide were very high.  [v speech] ‘Not his best performance,’ she commented to the woman sitting next to her.

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com.men.tary
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (on sth)
1 [C, U] a spoken description of an event that is given while it is happening, especially on the radio or television: a sports commentary  Our reporters will give a running commentary (= a continuous one) on the election results as they are announced.  He kept up a running commentary on everyone who came in or went out.
2 [C] a written explanation or discussion of sth such as a book or a play: a critical commentary on the final speech of the play
3 [C, U] a criticism or discussion of sth: The petty quarrels were a sad commentary on the state of the government.  political / social commentary
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com.men.tate
verb [v] ~ (on sth) to give a spoken description of an event as it happens, especially on television or radio: Who will be commentating on the game?
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com.men.ta.tor
noun ~ (on sth)
1 a person who is an expert on a particular subject and talks or writes about it on television or radio, or in a newspaper: a political commentator
2 a person who describes an event while it is happening, especially on television or radio: a television / radio / sports commentator
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com.merce
noun [U] trade, especially between countries; the buying and selling of goods and services: leaders of industry and commerce—see also CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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com.mer.cial
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with the buying and selling of goods and services: the commercial heart of the city  a commercial vehicle (= one that is used for carrying goods or passengers who pay)  commercial baby foods  the first commercial flights across the Atlantic
2 [only before noun] making or intended to make a profit: The movie was not a commercial success (= did not make money).
3 (disapproving) more concerned with profit and being popular than with quality: Their more recent music is far too commercial.
4 (of television or radio) paid for by the money charged for broadcasting advertisements: a commercial radio station / TV channel
com.mer.cial.ly adv.: commercially produced / grown / developed  The product is not yet commercially available.  His invention was not commercially successful.

noun an advertisement on the radio or on television: a commercial break (= a time during or between programmes when advertisements are broadcast)

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com.mer.cial.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) the fact of being more interested in making money than in the value or quality of things
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com.mer.cial.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive] to use sth to try to make a profit, especially in a way that other people do not approve of: Their music has become very commercialized in recent years.
com.mer.cial.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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com,mercial 'traveller
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) = SALES REPRESENTATIVE
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com.mie
noun (especially AmE ) an insulting way of referring to sb that you think has ideas similar to those of COMMUNISTS or SOCIALISTS , or who is a member of a COMMUNIST or SOCIALIST party
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com.mis.er.ate
verb ~ (with sb) (on / about / for / over sth) to show sb sympathy when they are upset or disappointed about sth: [v] She commiserated with the losers on their defeat. [alsov speech]
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com.mis.er.ation
noun [U, C] (formal) an expression of sympathy for sb who has had sth unpleasant happen to them, especially not winning a competition: I offered him my commiseration.  Commiserations to the losing team.
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com.mis.sary
noun (pl.-ies) (AmE )
1 a shop/store that sells food, etc. in a military base, a prison, etc.
2 a restaurant for people working in a large organization, especially a film STUDIO
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com.mis.sion
noun, verb
noun
OFFICIAL GROUP|
1 (often Commission) [C] an official group of people who have been given responsibility to control sth, or to find out about sth, usually for the government: the European Commission   (BrE) The government has set up a commission of inquiry into the disturbances at the prison.  a commission on human rights
MONEY|
2 [U, C] an amount of money that is paid to sb for selling goods and which increases with the amount of goods that are sold: You get a 10% commission on everything you sell.  He earned £2 000 in commission last month.  In this job you work on commission (= are paid according to the amount you sell).
3 [U] an amount of money that is charged by a bank, etc. for providing a particular service: One per cent commission is charged for cashing traveller’s cheques.
FOR ART / MUSIC, etc.|
4 [C] a formal request to sb to design or make a piece of work such as a building or a painting: a commission to design the new parliament building
IN ARMED FORCES|
5 [C] an officer’s position in the armed forces: He resigned his commission when he got married.
OF CRIME|
6 [U] (formal) the act of doing sth wrong or illegal: the commission of a crime in / out of com'mission available/not available to be used: Several of the airline’s planes are temporarily out of commission and undergoing safety checks.

verb
PIECE OF ART / MUSIC, etc.|
1 to officially ask sb to write, make or create sth or to do a task for you: [vn to inf] She has been commissioned to write a new national anthem.  [vn] Publishers have commissioned a French translation of the book.  The survey on consumer taste was commissioned by local stores.
IN ARMED FORCES|
2 [usually passive] ~ sb (as) sth to choose sb as an officer in one of the armed forces: [vn] She was commissioned in 1992.  [vn-n] He has just been commissioned (as a) pilot officer.

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com.mis.sion.aire
noun (BrE , becoming old-fashioned) a person in uniform whose job is to stand at the entrance to a hotel, theatre, cinema/movie theater, etc. and open the door for visitors, find them taxis, etc.—see also DOORMAN
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com,missioned 'officer
noun an officer in the armed forces who has a higher rank, such as a captain or a GENERAL —compare NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
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com.mis.sion.er
noun
1 (usually Commissioner) a member of a COMMISSION (= an official group of people who are responsible for controlling sth or finding out about sth): the Church Commissioners (= the group of people responsible for controlling the financial affairs of the Church of England)  European Commissioners
2 (also po'lice commissioner especially in AmE) the head of a particular police force in some countries: the Metropolitan Police Commissioner (= in London)
3 the head of a government department in some countries: the agriculture / health commissioner  Commissioner Rhodes was unavailable for comment.—see also HIGH COMMISSIONER
4 (in the US) an official chosen by a sports association to control it: the baseball commissioner
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com,missioner for 'oaths
noun (BrE ) a lawyer who has official authority to be present when sb makes a formal promise that a written statement that they will use as evidence in a court of law is true
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com.mit
verb (-tt-)
CRIME|
1 [vn] ~ a crime, etc. to do sth wrong or illegal: to commit murder / adultery, etc.  Most crimes are committed by young men.  appalling crimes committed against innocent children
SUICIDE|
2 [vn] ~ suicide to kill yourself deliberately
PROMISE / SAY DEFINITELY|
3 ~ sb / yourself (to sth / to doing sth) [often passive] to promise sincerely that you will definitely do sth, keep to an agreement or arrangement, etc: [vn] The President is committed to reforming health care.  Borrowers should think carefully before committing themselves to taking out a loan.  [vn to inf] Both sides committed themselves to settle the dispute peacefully.
4 [vn] ~ yourself (to sth) to give an opinion or make a decision openly so that it is then difficult to change it: You don’t have to commit yourself now, just think about it.—see also NON-COMMITTAL
BE LOYAL|
5 [v] ~ (to sb/sth) to be completely loyal to one person, organization, etc. or give all your time and effort to your work, an activity, etc: Why are so many men scared to commit? (= say they will be loyal to one person).—see also COMMITTED
MONEY / TIME|
6 [vn] to spend money or time on sth/sb: The council has committed large amounts of money to housing projects.
TO HOSPITAL / PRISON|
7 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb to sth to order sb to be sent to a hospital, prison, etc: She was committed to a psychiatric hospital.
SB FOR TRIAL|
8 [vn] to send sb for trial in a court of law
STH TO MEMORY|
9 [vn] to learn sth well enough to remember it exactly: She committed the instructions to memory.
STH TO PAPER / WRITING|
10 [vn] to write sth down
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com.mit.ment
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ to do sth a promise to do sth or to behave in a particular way; a promise to support sb/sth; the fact of committing yourself: She doesn’t want to make a big emotional commitment to Steve at the moment.  The company’s commitment to providing quality at a reasonable price has been vital to its success.  the government’s commitment to public services
2 [U] ~ (to sb/sth) the willingness to work hard and give your energy and time to a job or an activity: A career as an actor requires one hundred per cent commitment.
3 [C] a thing that you have promised or agreed to do, or that you have to do: He’s busy for the next month with filming commitments.  Women very often have to juggle work with their family commitments.
4 [C] the fact of having to pay an amount of money regularly: Buying a house is a big financial commitment .
5 [U, C] ~ (of sth) (to sth) agreeing to use money, time or people in order to achieve sth: the commitment of resources to education  Achieving success at this level requires a commitment of time and energy.
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com.mit.tal
noun [U] (technical ) the official process of sending sb to prison or to a mental hospital: He was released on bail pending committal proceedings.
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com.mit.ted
adj. (approving) willing to work hard and give your time and energy to sth; believing strongly in sth: a committed member of the team  They are committed socialists.
OPP UNCOMMITTED
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com.mit.tee
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of people who are chosen, usually by a larger group, to make decisions or to deal with a particular subject: She’s on the management committee.  The committee has / have decided to close the restaurant.  a committee member / a member of the committee  a committee meeting  The player was fined by the disciplinary committee.
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com.mode
noun
1 a piece of furniture that looks like a chair but has a toilet under the seat
2 a piece of furniture, especially an old or ANTIQUE one, with drawers for storing things in
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com.modi.ous
adj. (formal) having a lot of space
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com.mod.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (economics) a product or a raw material that can be bought and sold, especially between countries: rice, flour and other basic commodities  a drop in commodity prices  Crude oil is the world’s most important commodity.
2 a thing that is useful or has a useful quality: Water is a precious commodity that is often taken for granted in the West.
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com.mo.dore
noun (abbr. Cdre) an officer of high rank in the navy: Commodore John Barry
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com.mon
adj., noun
adj. (com.mon.er, com.mon.est)
HELP more common and most common are more frequent
1 happening often; existing in large numbers or in many places: Jackson is a common English name.  Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in this country.  Some kinds of birds which were once a common sight are now becoming rare.  a common spelling mistake  Allergies to milk are quite common in childhood.
OPP UNCOMMON
2 [usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) shared by or belonging to two or more people or by the people in a group: They share a common interest in photography.  basic features which are common to all human languages  We are working together for a common purpose.  common ownership of the land  This decision was taken for the common good (= the advantage of everyone).  It is, by common consent , Scotland’s prettiest coast (= everyone agrees that it is).
3 [only before noun] ordinary; not unusual or special: the common garden frog  Shakespeare’s work was popular among the common people in his day.  In most people’s eyes she was nothing more than a common criminal .  You’d think he’d have the common courtesy to apologize (= this would be the polite behaviour that people would expect).  It’s only common decency to let her know what’s happening (= people would expect it).
4 (BrE, disapproving) typical of sb from a low social class and not having good manners: She thought he was very common and uneducated.
IDM ,common or 'garden (BrE) (AmE 'garden-variety) (informal) ordinary; with no special features the ,common 'touch the ability of a powerful or famous person to talk to and understand ordinary people make common 'cause with sb (formal) to be united with sb about sth that you both agree on, believe in or wish to achieve—more at KNOWLEDGE

noun
1 [C] an area of open land in a town or village that anyone may use: We went for a walk on the common.  Wimbledon Common
2 (commons) [sing.] (AmE) a large room where students can eat in a school, college, etc: The commons is next to the gym.
IDM have sth in common (with sb) (of people) to have the same interests, ideas, etc. as sb else: Jane and I have nothing in common. / I have nothing in common with Jane. have sth in common (with sth) (of things, places, etc.) to have the same features, characteristics, etc: The two cultures have a lot in common. in common (technical) by everyone in a group: They hold the property as tenants in common. in common with sb/sth (formal) in the same way as sb/sth: Britain, in common with many other industrialized countries, has experienced major changes over the last 100 years.

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the ,common 'cold
noun [sing.] = COLD
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,common de'nominator
noun
1 (mathematics) a number that can be divided exactly by all the numbers below the line in a set of FRACTIONS —compare DENOMINATOR
2 an idea, attitude or experience that is shared by all the members of a group—see also LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR
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com.mon.er
noun a person who does not come from a NOBLE family: It was not acceptable for royalty to marry commoners in those days.—compare ARISTOCRAT
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,common 'ground
noun [U] opinions, interests and aims that you share with sb, although you may not agree with them about other things: Despite our disagreements, we have been able to find some common ground.
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'common land
noun [U] (BrE ) land that belongs to or may be used by the local community
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,common 'law
noun [U] (in England) a system of laws that have been developed from customs and from decisions made by judges, not created by Parliament—compare CASE LAW , STATUTE LAW
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,common-law 'husband, ,common-law 'wife
noun a person that a woman or man has lived with for a long time and who is recognized as a husband or wife, without a formal marriage ceremony
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com.mon.ly
adv. usually; very often; by most people: Christopher is commonly known as Kit.  commonly held opinions  This is one of the most commonly used methods.
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,common 'noun
noun (grammar ) a word such as table, cat, or sea, that refers to an object or a thing but is not the name of a particular person, place or thing—compare ABSTRACT NOUN , PROPER NOUN
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com.mon.place
adj., noun
adj. done very often, or existing in many places, and therefore not unusual: Computers are now commonplace in primary classrooms.

noun (formal)
1 [usually sing.] an event, etc. that happens very often and is not unusual
2 a remark, etc. that is not new or interesting: The speech was full of commonplaces.

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'common room
noun (especially BrE ) a room used by the teachers or students of a school, college, etc. when they are not teaching or studying
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Com.mons
noun (the Commons) [pl.] = THE HOUSE OF COMMONS —compare THE LORDS
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,common 'sense
noun [U] the ability to think about things in a practical way and make sensible decisions: For goodness' sake, just use your common sense!  a common-sense approach to a problem
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com.mon.wealth
noun [sing.]
1 (the Commonwealth) an organization consisting of the United Kingdom and most of the countries that used to be part of the British Empire: a member of the Commonwealth  Commonwealth countries
2 (usually the Commonwealth) used in the official names of, and to refer to, some states of the US (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia): the Commonwealth of Virginia  The city and the Commonwealth have lost a great leader.
3 (AmE) an independent country that is strongly connected to the US: Puerto Rico remains a US commonwealth, not a state.
4 (usually Commonwealth) used in the names of some groups of countries or states that have chosen to be politically linked with each other: the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
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com.mo.tion
noun [C usually sing, U] sudden noisy confusion or excitement: I heard a commotion and went to see what was happening.  The crowd waiting outside was causing a commotion.
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com.mu.nal
adj.
1 shared by, or for the use of, a number of people, especially people who live together: a communal kitchen / garden  As a student he tried communal living for a few years.
2 involving different groups of people in a community: communal violence between religious groups
com.mu.nal.ly adv.: The property was owned communally.
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com.mune
noun, verb
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a group of people who live together and share responsibilities, possessions, etc: a 1970s hippy commune
2 the smallest division of local government in France and some other countries

verb
PVR V com'mune with sb/sth (formal) to share your emotions and feelings with sb/sth without speaking: He spent much of this time communing with nature .

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com.mu.nic.able
adj. (formal) that sb can pass on to other people or communicate to sb else: communicable diseases
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com.mu.ni.cant
noun a person who receives COMMUNION in a Christian church service
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com.mu.ni.cate
verb
EXCHANGE INFORMATION|
1 ~ (with sb) to exchange information, news, ideas, etc. with sb: [v] We only communicate by e-mail.  They communicated in sign language.  Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other.  [vn] to communicate information / a message to sb
SHARE IDEAS / FEELINGS|
2 to make your ideas, feelings, thoughts, etc. known to other people so that they understand them: [vn] He was eager to communicate his ideas to the group.  Her nervousness was communicating itself to the children.  [v] Candidates must be able to communicate effectively. [alsov wh-]
3 [v] ~ (with sb) to have a good relationship because you are able to understand and talk about your own and other people’s thoughts, feelings, etc: The novel is about a family who can’t communicate with each other.
DISEASE|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to pass a disease from one person, animal, etc. to another: The disease is communicated through dirty drinking water.
OF TWO ROOMS|
5 [v] if two rooms communicate, they are next to each other and you can get from one to the other: a communicating door (= one that connects two rooms)
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com.mu.ni.ca.tion
noun
1 [U] the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information: Speech is the fastest method of communication between people.  All channels of communication need to be kept open.  Doctors do not always have good communication skills .  non-verbal communication  We are in regular communication by letter.
2 [U] (also com.mu.ni.ca.tions [pl.]) methods of sending information, especially telephones, radio, computers, etc. or roads and railways: communication systems / links / technology  The new airport will improve communications between the islands.  Snow has prevented communication with the outside world for three days.
3 [C] (formal) a message, letter or telephone call: a communication from the leader of the party
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com.mu.ni.ca.tive
adj.
1 able and willing to talk and give information to other people: I don’t find him very communicative.
OPP UNCOMMUNICATIVE
2 connected with the ability to communicate in a language, especially a foreign language: communicative skills
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com.mu.ni.ca.tor
noun a person who is able to describe their ideas and feelings clearly to others: an effective / skilled / successful communicator
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com.mu.nion
noun
1 (also Com.mu.nion, ,Holy Com'munion) [U] a ceremony in the Christian Church during which people eat bread and drink wine in memory of the last meal that Christ had with his DISCIPLES : to go to Communion (= attend church for this celebration)  to take / receive communion (= receive the bread and wine)—see also EUCHARIST , MASS
2 [U] ~ (with sb/sth) (formal) the state of sharing or exchanging thoughts and feelings; the feeling of being part of sth: poets living in communion with nature
3 [C] (technical) a group of people with the same religious beliefs: the Anglican communion
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com.mu.ni.qué
noun an official statement or report, especially to newspapers
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com.mun.ism
noun [U]
1 a political movement that believes in an economic system in which the state controls the means of producing everything on behalf of the people. It aims to create a society in which everyone is treated equally.
2 (Communism) the system of government by a ruling Communist Party, such as in the former Soviet Union—compare CAPITALISM
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com.mun.ist
noun
1 a person who believes in or supports communism
2 (Communist) a member of a Communist Party
com.mun.ist (also Com.mun.ist) adj.: communist ideology  a Communist country / government / leader
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the 'Communist Party
noun a political party that supports COMMUNISM or rules in a COMMUNIST country
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com.mu.nity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [sing.] all the people who live in a particular area, country, etc. when talked about as a group: The local community was shocked by the murders.  health workers based in the community (= working with people in a local area)  the international community (= the countries of the world as a group)  good community relations with the police   (AmE) community parks / libraries (= paid for by the local town / city)
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who share the same religion, race, job, etc: the Polish community in London  ethnic communities  the farming community
3 [U] the feeling of sharing things and belonging to a group in the place where you live: There is a strong sense of community in this town.  community spirit
4 [C] (biology) a group of animals or plants living or growing in the same place
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com'munity centre
(BrE ) (AmEcom'munity center) noun a place where people from the same area can meet for social events or sports or to take classes
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com'munity college
noun
1 (also com'munity school) (in Britain) a secondary school that is open to adults from the local community as well as to its own students
2 (in the US) a college that is mainly for students from the local community and that offers programmes that are two years long, including programmes in practical skills. Some students go to a university or college offering four-year programmes after they have finished studying at a community college .
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com,munity 'service
noun work helping people in the local community that sb does without being paid, either because they want to, or because they have been ordered to by a court of law as a punishment
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com.mu.ta.tion
noun [C, U]
1 (law) the act of making a punishment less severe: He appealed for a commutation of the death sentence to life imprisonment.
2 (finance) the act of replacing one method of payment with another; a payment that is replaced with another
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com.mute
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to travel regularly by bus, train, car, etc. between your place of work and your home: She commutes from Oxford to London every day.  He spent that year commuting between New York and Chicago.  I live within commuting distance of Dublin.  [vn] People are prepared to commute long distances if they are desperate for work.
2 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) (law) to replace one punishment with another that is less severe: The death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
3 [vn] ~ sth (for / into sth) (finance) to exchange one form of payment, for sth else

noun (especially AmE ) the journey that a person makes when they commute to work: a two-hour commute into downtown Washington  I have only a short commute to work.  I plan my day’s work during the morning commute.

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com.muter
noun a person who travels into a city to work each day, usually from quite far away: (BrE ) the commuter belt (= the area around a city where people live and from which they travel to work in the city)
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com.pact
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 small and easy to carry: a compact camera
2 using or filling only a small amount of space: The kitchen was compact but well equipped.
3 closely and firmly packed together: a compact mass of earth
4 (of a person or an animal) small and strong: He had a compact and muscular body.
com.pact.ly adv.
com.pact.ness noun [U]

noun
1 (AmE) a small car—compare SUBCOMPACT
2 a small flat box with a mirror, containing powder that women use on their faces
3 (formal) a formal agreement between two or more people or countries

verb [vn] [usually passive] to press sth together firmly: a layer of compacted snow

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,compact 'disc
noun = CD
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com.pan.ion
noun
1 a person or an animal that travels with you or spends a lot of time with you: travelling companions  Geoff was my companion on the journey.   (figurative) Fear was the hostages' constant companion.
2 a person who has similar tastes, interests, etc. to your own and whose company you enjoy: She was a charming dinner companion.  His younger brother is not much of a companion for him.  They’re drinking companions (= they go out drinking together).
3 a person who shares in your work, pleasures, sadness, etc: We became companions in misfortune.
4 a person, usually a woman, employed to live with and help sb, especially sb old or ill/sick
5 one of a pair of things that go together or can be used together: A companion volume is soon to be published.
6 used in book titles to describe a book giving useful facts and information on a particular subject: A Companion to French Literature—see also BOON COMPANION
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com.pan.ion.able
adj. (written) friendly
com.pan.ion.ably adv.
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com.pan.ion.ship
noun [U] the pleasant feeling that you have when you have a friendly relationship with sb and are not alone: They meet at the club for companionship and advice.  She had only her cat for companionship.
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com.pan.ion.way
noun (technical ) a staircase on a ship
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com.pany
noun (pl.-ies)
BUSINESS|
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbr.Co.) (often in names) a business organization that makes money by producing or selling goods or services: one of the largest computer companies in the world  the National Bus Company  She joined the company in 1992.  Mike gets a company car with his new job.  Company profits were 5% lower than last year.
THEATRE / DANCE|
2 (often in names) [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who work or perform together: a theatre / dance company  the Royal Shakespeare Company
BEING WITH SB|
3 [U] the fact of being with sb else and not alone: I enjoy Jo’s company (= I enjoy being with her).  She enjoys her own company (= being by herself) when she is travelling.  The children are very good company (= pleasant to be with) at this age.  a pleasant evening in the company of friends  He’s coming with me for company .
GUESTS|
4 [U] (formal) guests in your house: I didn’t realize you had company .
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
5 [U] (formal) a group of people together: She told the assembled company what had happened.  It is bad manners to whisper in company (= in a group of people).
SOLDIERS|
6 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of soldiers that is part of a BATTALION the 'company sb keeps the people that sb spends time with: Judging by the company he kept, Mark must have been a wealthy man. get into / keep bad 'company to be friends with people that others disapprove of in company with sb/sth (formal) together with or at the same time as sb/sth: She arrived in company with the ship’s captain.  The US dollar went through a difficult time, in company with the oil market. in good 'company if you say that sb is in good company, you mean that they should not worry about a mistake, etc. because sb else, especially sb more important, has done the same thing keep sb 'company to stay with sb so that they are not alone: I’ll keep you company while you’re waiting. two’s 'company (, three’s a 'crowd) (saying) used to suggest that it is better to be in a group of only two people than have a third person with you as well—more at PART v. , PRESENT adj.
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com.par.able
adj. ~ (to / with sb/sth) similar to sb/sth else and able to be compared: A comparable house in the south of the city would cost twice as much.  The situation in the US is not directly comparable to that in the UK.  Inflation is now at a rate comparable with that in other European countries.
com.par.abil.ity noun [U]: Each group will have the same set of questions, in order to ensure comparability.
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com.para.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with studying things to find out how similar or different they are: comparative linguistics  a comparative study of the educational systems of two countries
2 measured or judged by how similar or different it is to sth else: Then he was living in comparative comfort (= compared with others or with his own life at a previous time).  The company is a comparative newcomer to the software market (= other companies have been in business much longer).
3 (grammar) relating to adjectives or adverbs that express more in amount, degree or quality, for example better, worse, slower and more difficult—compare SUPERLATIVE

noun (grammar ) the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses more in amount, degree or quality: ‘Better’ is the comparative of ‘good’ and ‘more difficult’ is the comparative of ‘difficult’.—compare SUPERLATIVE

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com.para.tive.ly
adv. as compared to sth/sb else: The unit is comparatively easy to install and cheap to operate.  We prefer to work with a comparatively small number of clients.  He died comparatively young (= at a younger age than most people die).  comparatively few / low / rare / recent
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com.pare
verb, noun
verb
1 (abbr. cf., cp.) [vn] ~ A and B| ~ A with / to B to examine people or things to see how they are similar and how they are different: It is interesting to compare their situation and ours.  We compared the two reports carefully.  We carefully compared the first report with the second.  My own problems seem insignificant compared with other people’s.  Standards in health care have improved enormously compared to 40 years ago.
2 [v] ~ with / to sb/sth to be similar to sb/sth else, either better or worse: This school compares with the best in the country (= it is as good as them).  This house doesn’t compare with our previous one (= it is not as good).  I’ve had some difficulties, but they were nothing compared to yours (= they were not nearly as bad as yours).  Their prices compare favourably with those of their competitors.
3 [vn] ~ A to B to show or state that sb/sth is similar to sb/sth else: The critics compared his work to that of Martin Amis.
IDM compare 'notes (with sb) if two or more people compare notes, they each say what they think about the same event, situation, etc.

noun
IDM beyond / without com'pare (literary) better than anything else of the same kind: a diamond beyond compare

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com.pari.son
noun
1 [U] ~ (with sb/sth) the process of comparing two or more people or things: Comparison with other oil-producing countries is extremely interesting.  I enclose the two plans for comparison .  The education system bears / stands no comparison with that in many Eastern European countries (= it is not as good).
2 [C] ~ (of A and / to / with B)| ~ (between A and B) an occasion when two or more people or things are compared: a comparison of the rail systems in Britain and France  comparisons between Britain and the rest of Europe  a comparison of men’s salaries with those of women  It is difficult to make a comparison with her previous book—they are completely different.  You can draw comparisons with the situation in Ireland (= say how the two situations are similar).  a comparison of the brain to a computer (= showing similarities)
IDM by comparison (written) used especially at the beginning of a sentence when the next thing that is mentioned is compared with sth in the previous sentence: By comparison, expenditure on education increased last year. by / in comparison (with sb/sth) when compared with sb/sth: The second half of the game was dull by comparison with the first.  The tallest buildings in London are small in comparison with New York’s skyscrapers. there’s no com'parison used to emphasize the difference between two people or things that are being compared: In terms of price there’s no comparison (= one thing is much more expensive than the other).—more at PALE v.
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com.part.ment
noun
1 one of the separate sections which a railway carriage is divided into
2 one of the separate sections that sth such as a piece of furniture or equipment has for keeping things in: The desk has a secret compartment.  There is a handy storage compartment beneath the oven.—see also GLOVE COMPARTMENT
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com.part.men.tal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sth (into sth) (written) to divide sth into separate sections, especially so that one thing does not affect the other: Life today is rigidly compartmentalized into work and leisure.
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com.pass
noun
1 (also mag,netic 'compass) [C] an instrument for finding direction, with a needle that always points to the north: a map and compass  the points of the compass (= N, S, E, W, etc.)
2 [C] (also com.passes [pl.]) an instrument with two long thin parts joined together at the top, used for drawing circles and measuring distances on a map: a pair of compasses
3 [sing.] (formal) a range or an extent, especially of what can be achieved in a particular situation: We need to bring research techniques within the compass of normal teaching.  the compass of a singer’s voice (= the range from the lowest to the highest note that he or she can sing)
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com.pas.sion
noun [U] ~ (for sb) a strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them: to feel / show compassion
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com.pas.sion.ate
adj. feeling or showing sympathy for people who are suffering: He was allowed to go home on compassionate grounds (= because he was suffering).
com.pas.sion.ate.ly adv.
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com,passionate 'leave
noun [U] (BrE ) time that you are allowed to be away from work because sb in your family is ill/sick or has died, or for other personal reasons
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com.pati.bil.ity
noun [U] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B)
1 the ability of people or things to live together without problems
2 the ability of machines, especially computers, and computer programs to be used together
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com.pat.ible
adj. ~ (with sb/sth)
1 (of machines, especially computers) able to be used together: compatible software  The new system will be compatible with existing equipment.
2 (of ideas, methods or things) able to exist or be used together without causing problems: Are measures to protect the environment compatible with economic growth?  compatible blood groups
3 if two people are compatible, they can have a good relationship because they have similar ideas, interests, etc.
com.pat.ibly adv.
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com.pat.riot
noun a person who was born in, or is a citizen of, the same country as sb else
SYN COUNTRYMAN : He played against one of his compatriots in the semi-final.
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com.pel
verb (-ll-) (formal)
1 to force sb to do sth; to make sth necessary: [vn to inf] The law can compel fathers to make regular payments for their children.  I feel compelled to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your book.  [vn] Last year ill health compelled his retirement.
2 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to cause a particular reaction: He spoke with an authority that compelled the attention of the whole crowd.—see also COMPULSION
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com.pel.ling
adj. (written)
1 that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting: Her latest book makes compelling reading.
2 so strong that you must do sth about it: a compelling need / desire
3 that makes you think it is true: There is no compelling reason to believe him.  compelling evidence
com.pel.ling.ly adv.: compellingly attractive
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com.pen.dium
noun (pl.com.pen.dia or com.pen.diums) a collection of facts, drawings and photographs on a particular subject, especially in a book: a compendium of natural history
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com.pen.sate
verb
1 [v] ~ (for sth) to provide sth good to balance or reduce the bad effects of damage, loss, etc.
SYN MAKE UP FOR : Nothing can compensate for the loss of a loved one.
2 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to pay sb money because they have suffered some damage, loss, injury, etc: Her lawyers say she should be compensated both for her injuries and for the suffering she had been caused.
com.pen.sa.tory adj.: He received a compensatory payment of $20 000.
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com.pen.sa.tion
noun ~ (for sth)
1 [U, C] something, especially money, that sb gives you because they have hurt you, or damaged sth that you own; the act of giving this to sb: to claim / award / receive compensation  to pay compensation for injuries at work  to receive £10 000 in compensation .  Compensation has cost the company a lot of money.
2 [C, usually pl.] things that make a bad situation better: I wish I were young again, but getting older has its compensations.
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com.père
noun, verb
noun (BrE ) a person who introduces the people who perform in a television programme, show in a theatre, etc.
SYN EMCEE : to act as (a) compère

verb [vn, v] (BrE ) to act as a compère for a show

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com.pete
verb
1 ~ (with / against sb) (for sth) to try to be more successful or better than sb else who is trying to do the same as you: [v] Several companies are competing for the contract.  We can’t compete with them on price.  Young children will usually compete for their mother’s attention.  Small traders cannot compete in the face of cheap foreign imports. [alsov to inf]
2 [v] ~ (in sth) (against sb) to take part in a contest or game: He’s hoping to compete in the London marathon.
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com.pe.tence
noun
1 (also less frequent com.pe.ten.cy) [U, C] ~ (in sth)| ~ (in doing sth) the ability to do sth well: to gain a high level of competence in English  professional / technical competence
2 [U] (law) the power that a court, an organization or a person has to deal with sth: The judge has to act within the competence of the court.  outside sb’s area of competence
3 [C] (also less frequent com.pe.ten.cytechnical) a skill that you need in a particular job or for a particular task: The syllabus lists the knowledge and competences required at this level.
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com.pe.tency
noun (pl.-ies) = COMPETENCE
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com.pe.tent
adj. ~ (to do sth)
1 having enough skill or knowledge to do sth well or to the necessary standard: Make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work.  He’s very competent in his work.  a highly confident and competent teacher
OPP INCOMPETENT
2 having the power to decide sth: the case was referred to a competent authority
com.pe.tent.ly adv.: to perform competently
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com.pe.ti.tion
noun
1 ~ (between / with sb)| ~ (for sth) [U] a situation in which people or organizations compete with each other for sth that not everyone can have: There is now intense competition between schools to attract students.  We are in competition with four other companies for the contract.  We won the contract in the face of stiff competition .
2 [C] an event in which people compete with each other to find out who is the best at sth: a music / photo / swimming competition  to enter / win / lose a competition
3 (the competition) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the people who are competing against sb: We’ll be able to assess the competition at the conference.
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com.peti.tive
adj.
1 used to describe a situation in which people or organizations compete against each other: competitive games / sports  Graduates have to fight for jobs in a highly competitive market.
2 ~ (with sb/sth) as good as or better than others: a shop selling clothes at competitive prices (= as low as any other shop)  We need to work harder to remain competitive with other companies.  to gain a competitive advantage over rival companies
OPP UNCOMPETITIVE
3 (of a person) trying very hard to be better than others: You have to be highly competitive to do well in sport these days.
com.peti.tive.ly adv.: competitively priced goods
com.peti.tive.ness noun: an attempt to improve the competitiveness of British industry
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com.peti.tor
noun [C]
1 a person or an organization that competes against others, especially in business: our main / major / nearest competitor  We produce cheaper goods than our competitors.
2 a person who takes part in a competition: Over 200 competitors entered the race.
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com.pil.ation
noun
1 [C] a collection of items, especially pieces of music or writing, taken from different places and put together: Her latest CD is a compilation of all her best singles.  a compilation album
2 [U] the process of compiling sth: the compilation of a dictionary
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com.pile
verb [vn]
1 to produce a book, list, report, etc. by bringing together different items, articles, songs, etc: We are trying to compile a list of suitable people for the job.  The album was compiled from live recordings from last year’s tour.
2 (computing) to translate instructions from one computer language into another so that a particular computer can understand them
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com.piler
noun
1 a person who compiles sth
2 (computing) a program that translates instructions from one computer language into another for a computer to understand
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com.pla.cency
noun [U] (usually disapproving) a feeling of satisfaction with yourself or with a situation, so that you do not think any change is necessary; the state of being complacent : His early success as a writer led to complacency and arrogance.  Despite signs of an improvement in the economy, there is no room for complacency.
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com.pla.cent
adj. ~ (about sb/sth) (usually disapproving) too satisfied with yourself or with a situation, so that you do not feel that any change is necessary; showing or feeling complacency : a complacent smile  a dangerously complacent attitude to the increase in unemployment  We must not become complacent about progress.
com.pla.cent.ly adv.: to nod / smile / speak complacently
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com.plain
verb ~ (to sb) (about / of sth) to say that you are annoyed, unhappy or not satisfied about sb/sth: [v] I’m going to complain to the manager about this.  She never complains, but she’s obviously exhausted.  The defendant complained of intimidation during the investigation.   (spoken) ‘How are you?’‘Oh, I can’t complain (= I’m all right).’  [v (that)] He complained bitterly that he had been unfairly treated.  [v speech] ‘It’s not fair,’ she complained.
PVR V com'plain of sth to say that you feel ill or are suffering from a pain: She left early, complaining of a headache.
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com.plain.ant
noun (BrE ) = PLAINTIFF
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com.plaint
noun
1 [C] ~ (about / against sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) a reason for not being satisfied; a statement that sb makes saying that they are not satisfied: The most common complaint is about poor service.  We received a number of complaints from customers about the lack of parking facilities.  I believe you have a complaint against one of our nurses.  I’d like to make a complaint about the noise.  a formal complaint   a complaint that he had been unfairly treated   (formal) to file / lodge (= make) a complaint
2 [U] the act of complaining: I can see no grounds for complaint .  a letter of complaint
3 [C] an illness, especially one that is not serious, and often one that affects a particular part of the body: a skin complaint
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com.plai.sant
adj. (old-fashioned) ready to accept other people’s actions and opinions and to do what other people want
com.plai.sance noun [U]
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com.plect.ed
adj. (AmE , informal) (used with adjectives) with skin and a COMPLEXION of the type mentioned: fair / dark complected
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com.ple.ment
verb, noun
verb [vn] to add to sth in a way that improves it or makes it more attractive: The excellent menu is complemented by a good wine list.  The team needs players who complement each other .  note at COMPLIMENT

noun
1 ~ (to sth) a thing that adds new qualities to sth in a way that improves it or makes it more attractive
2 the complete number or quantity needed or allowed: We’ve taken our full complement of trainees this year.
3 (grammar) a word or words, especially an adjective or a noun, that is used after linking verbs such as be and become, and describes the subject of the verb: In the sentences ‘I’m angry’ and ‘He became a politician.’, ‘angry’ and ‘politician’ are complements.

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com.ple.men.tary
adj. ~ (to sth) two people or things that are complementary are different but together form a useful or attractive combination of skills, qualities or physical features: The school’s approach must be complementary to that of the parents.  note at COMPLIMENT
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,complementary 'angle
noun (geometry ) either of two angles which together make 90°
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,complementary 'medicine
noun [U] (BrE ) medical treatment that is not part of the usual scientific treatment used in Western countries, for example ACUPUNCTURE
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com.plete
adj., verb
adj.
1 [usually before noun] used when you are emphasizing sth, to mean ‘to the greatest degree possible’
SYN TOTAL : We were in complete agreement.  a complete change  in complete silence  a complete stranger  It came as a complete surprise.  I felt a complete idiot.
2 including all the parts, etc. that are necessary; whole: I’ve collected the complete set.  a complete guide to events in Oxford  the complete works of Tolstoy  You will receive payment for each complete day that you work.
OPP INCOMPLETE
3 ~ with sth [not before noun] including sth as an extra part or feature: The furniture comes complete with tools and instructions for assembly.  The book, complete with cassette, costs £35.
4 [not before noun] finished: Work on the office building will be complete at the end of the year.
OPP INCOMPLETE
com.plete.ness noun [U]: the accuracy and completeness of the information  For the sake of completeness, all names are given in full.

verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to finish making or doing sth: She’s just completed a master’s degree in Law.  The project should be completed within a year.
2 to write all the information you are asked for on a form: 2 000 shoppers completed our questionnaire.
3 to make sth whole or perfect: I only need one more card to complete the set.

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com.plete.ly
adv. (used to emphasize the following word or phrase) in every way possible
SYN TOTALLY : completely different  completely and utterly broke  I’ve completely forgotten her name.  The explosion completely destroyed the building.
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com.ple.tion
noun
1 [U] the act or process of finishing sth; the state of being finished and complete: the completion of the new hospital building  Satisfactory completion of the course does not ensure you a job.  The project is due for completion in the spring.  The road is nearing completion (= it is nearly finished).  the date of completion / the completion date
2 [U, C] (BrE) the formal act of completing the sale of property, for example the sale of a house
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com.plex
adj., noun
adj.
1 made of many different things or parts that are connected; difficult to understand: complex machinery  the complex structure of the human brain  a complex argument / problem / subject
2 (grammar) (of a word or sentence) containing one main part (= the ROOT of a word or MAIN CLAUSE of a sentence) and one or more other parts (AFFIXES or SUBORDINATE CLAUSES )—compare COMPOUND adj.

noun
1 a group of buildings of a similar type together in one place: a sports complex  an apartment complex  an industrial complex (= a site with many factories)
2 a group of things that are connected: This is just one of a whole complex of issues.
3 (especially in compounds) a mental state that is not normal: to suffer from a guilt complex—see also INFERIORITY COMPLEX , OEDIPUS COMPLEX , PERSECUTION COMPLEX
4 if sb has a complex about sth, they are worried about it in way that is not normal

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com.plex.ion
noun
1 the natural colour and condition of the skin on a person’s face: a pale / bad complexion
2 [usually sing.] the general character of sth: a move which changed the political complexion of the northern states
IDM put a new / different com'plexion on sth to change the way that a situation appears
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com.plex.ity
noun
1 [U] the state of being formed of many parts; the state of being difficult to understand: the increasing complexity of modern telecommunication systems  I was astonished by the size and complexity of the problem.
2 (complexities) [pl.] the features of a problem or situation that are difficult to understand: the complexities of the system
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com.pli.ance
noun [U] ~ (with sth) (written) the practice of obeying rules or requests made by people in authority: procedures that must be followed to ensure full compliance with the law  Safety measures were carried out in compliance with paragraph 6 of the building regulations.
OPP NON-COMPLIANCE —see also COMPLY
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com.pli.ant
adj. (written)
1 (usually disapproving) willing to agree with other people or to obey rules: By then, Henry seemed less compliant with his wife’s wishes than he had six months before.  We should not be producing compliant students who do not dare to criticize.
2 in agreement with a set of rules: computer software that is year 2000 compliant—see also COMPLY
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com.pli.cate
verb [vn] to make sth more difficult to do, understand or deal with: I do not wish to complicate the task more than is necessary.  To complicate matters further, there will be no transport available till 8 o’clock.  The issue is complicated by the fact that a vital document is missing.
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com.pli.cated
adj. made of many different things or parts that are connected; difficult to understand: a complicated system  The instructions look very complicated.  The story is extremely complicated.  It’s all very complicated—but I’ll try and explain.
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com.pli.ca.tion
noun
1 [C, U] a thing that makes a situation more complicated or difficult: The bad weather added a further complication to our journey.
2 [C, usually pl.] (medical) a new problem or illness that makes treatment of a previous one more complicated or difficult: She developed complications after the surgery.
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com.pli.city
noun [U] ~ (in sth) (formal) the act of taking part with another person in a crime COLLUSION : to be guilty of complicity in the murder  evident complicity between the two brothers
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com.pli.ment
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a remark that expresses praise or admiration of sb: to pay sb a compliment (= to praise them for sth)  ‘You understand the problem because you’re so much older.’‘I’ll take that as a compliment !’  It’s a great compliment to be asked to do the job.  to return the compliment (= to treat sb in the same way as they have treated you)
2 (compliments) [pl.] (formal) greetings, especially when used to express praise and admiration: My compliments to the chef!   (BrE) Compliments of the season! (= for Christmas or the New Year)  Please accept these flowers with the compliments of (= as a gift from) the manager.
IDM see BACKHANDED

verb [vn] ~ sb (on sth) to tell sb that you like or admire sth they have done, their appearance, etc: She complimented him on his excellent German.

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com.pli.men.tary
adj.
1 given free of charge: complimentary tickets for the show
2 ~ (about sth) expressing admiration, praise, etc: a complimentary remark  She was extremely complimentary about his work.—compare UNCOMPLIMENTARY   note at COMPLIMENT
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'compliments slip
noun a small piece of paper printed with the name of a company, that is sent out together with information, goods, etc.
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com.ply
verb (com.plies, com.ply.ing, com.plied, com.plied) [v] ~ (with sth) to obey a rule, an order, etc: They refused to comply with the UN resolution.—see also COMPLIANCE
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com.pon.ent
noun one of several parts of which sth is made: the components of a machine  the car component industry  Key components of the government’s plan are …  Trust is a vital component in any relationship.
com.pon.ent adj. [only before noun]: to break sth down into its component parts
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com.port
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (~ yourself) (formal) to behave in a particular way: She always comports herself with great dignity.
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com.pose
verb
1 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to combine together to form a whole: Ten men compose the committee.—see also COMPOSED   note at COMPRISE
2 to write music: [vn] Mozart composed his last opera shortly before he died. [alsov]
3 [vn] ~ a letter / speech / poem to write a letter, etc. usually with a lot of care and thought: She composed a letter of protest.
4 [vn] [no passive] (formal) to manage to control your feelings or expression: Emma frowned, making an effort to compose herself .  I was so confused that I could hardly compose my thoughts.—see also COMPOSURE
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com.posed
adj.
1 (be composed of sth) to be made or formed from several parts, things or people: The committee is composed mainly of lawyers.
2 [not usually before noun] calm and in control of your feelings: She seemed outwardly composed.
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com.poser
noun a person who writes music, especially classical music
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com.pos.ite
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] made of different parts or materials: a composite picture (= one made from several pictures)

noun
1 something made by putting together different parts or materials: The document was a composite of information from various sources.
2 (AmE) = IDENTIKIT

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com.pos.ition
noun
1 [U] the different parts which sth is made of; the way in which the different parts are organized: the chemical composition of the soil  the composition of the board of directors  the size and composition of an average class
2 [C] a piece of music or art, or a poem: one of Beethoven’s finest compositions
3 [U] the act of COMPOSING sth: pieces performed in the order of their composition
4 [U] the art of writing music: to study composition
5 [C] a short text that is written as a school exercise; a short ESSAY
6 [U] (art) the arrangement of people or objects in a painting or photograph
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com.pos men.tis
adj. [not before noun] (from Latin , formal or humorous) having full control of your mind: Are you sure she was fully compos mentis when she said it?
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com.post
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a mixture of decayed plants, food, etc. that can be added to soil to help plants grow: potting compost (= a mixture of soil and compost that you can buy to grow new plants in)  a compost heap (= a place in the garden where leaves, plants, etc. are piled, to make compost)

verb [vn]
1 to make sth into compost
2 to put compost on or in sth

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com.pos.ure
noun [U] the state of being calm and in control of your feelings or behaviour: to keep / lose / recover / regain your composure
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com.pote
noun [C, U] a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made of fruit that has been cooked slowly with sugar
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com.pound
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 a thing consisting of two or more separate things combined together
2 (chemistry) a substance formed by a chemical reaction of two or more elements in fixed amounts relative to each other: Common salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.—compare ELEMENT , MIXTURE
3 (grammar) a noun, an adjective or a verb made of two or more words or parts of words, written as one or more words, or joined by a HYPHEN . Travel agent, dark-haired and bathroom are all compounds.
4 an area surrounded by a fence or wall in which a factory or other group of buildings stands: a prison compound

adj. [not before noun] (technical ) formed of two or more parts: a compound adjective, such as fair-skinned  A compound sentence contains two or more clauses.  the compound eye of a wasp

verb [vn]
1 [often passive] (written) to make sth bad become even worse by causing further harm: The problems were compounded by severe food shortages.
2 (be compounded of / from sth) (formal) to be formed from sth: The DNA molecule is compounded from many smaller molecules.
3 [often passive] (formal ortechnical) to mix sth together: liquid soaps compounded with disinfectant
4 (finance) to pay or charge interest on an amount of money that includes any interest already earned or charged

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,compound 'fracture
noun an injury in which a bone in the body is broken and part of the bone comes through the skin—compare SIMPLE FRACTURE
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,compound 'interest
noun [U] interest that is paid both on the original amount of money saved and on the interest that has been added to it—compare SIMPLE INTEREST
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com.pre.hend
verb (often used in negative sentences) (formal) to understand sth fully: [vn] The infinite distances of space are too great for the human mind to comprehend.  [v wh-] She could not comprehend how someone would risk people’s lives in that way.  [v] He stood staring at the dead body, unable to comprehend. [alsov that]
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com.pre.hen.sible
adj. ~ (to sb) (formal) that can be understood by sb: easily / readily comprehensible to the average reader
com.pre.hen.sib.il.ity noun [U]
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com.pre.hen.sion
noun [U, C]
1 [U] (especially written) the ability to understand: speech and comprehension  The task requires a good comprehension of complex instructions.  His behaviour was completely beyond comprehension (= impossible to understand).  She had no comprehension of what was involved.
2 an exercise that trains students to understand a language: listening comprehension  a reading comprehension
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com.pre.hen.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 including all, or almost all, the items, details, facts, information, etc., that may be concerned: a comprehensive list of addresses  a comprehensive report / study / survey  comprehensive insurance (= covering all risks)
2 (BrE) (of education) designed for students of all abilities in the same school
com.pre.hen.sive.ness noun [U]

noun (also compre'hensive school) (in Britain) a secondary school for young people of all levels of ability

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com.pre.hen.sive.ly
adv. completely; thoroughly: They were comprehensively beaten in the final.  The matter has been comprehensively discussed.
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com.press
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (into sth) to press or squeeze sth together or into a smaller space; to be pressed or squeezed in this way: [vn] compressed air / gas  [v] Her lips compressed into a thin line.
2 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to reduce sth and fit it into a smaller space or amount of time
SYN CONDENSE : The main arguments were compressed into one chapter.
3 [vn] (computing) to make computer files, etc. smaller so that they use less space on a disk, etc.
OPP DECOMPRESS
com.pres.sion noun [U]: the compression of air  data compression

noun a cloth that is pressed onto a part of the body to stop bleeding, reduce pain, etc: to apply a cold compress

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com.pres.sor
noun a machine that compresses air or other gases
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com.prise
verb [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 (also be comprised of) to have sb/sth as parts or members; to consist of sb/sth: The collection comprises 327 paintings.  The committee is comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors.
2 to be the parts or members that form sth
SYN MAKE STH UP : Older people comprise a large proportion of those living in poverty.
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com.prom.ise
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an agreement made between two people or groups in which each side gives up some of the things they want so that both sides are happy at the end: After lengthy talks the two sides finally reached a compromise .  In any relationship, you have to make compromises .  a compromise solution / agreement / candidate
2 [C] ~ (between A and B) a solution to a problem in which two or more things cannot exist together as they are, in which each thing is reduced or changed slightly so that they can exist together: This model represents the best compromise between price and quality.
3 [U] the act of reaching a compromise : Compromise is an inevitable part of life.  There is no prospect of compromise in sight.

verb
1 [v] ~ (with sb) (on sth) to give up some of your demands after a dispute with sb, in order to reach an agreement: Neither side is prepared to compromise.  After much argument, the judges finally compromised on (= agreed to give the prize to) the 18-year old pianist.  They were unwilling to compromise with the Communists.
2 ~ (on sth) to do sth that is against your principles or does not reach standards that you have set: [vn] I refuse to compromise my principles.  [v] We are not prepared to compromise on safety standards.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself to bring sb/sth/yourself into danger or under suspicion, especially by acting in a way that is not very sensible: She had already compromised herself by accepting his invitation.  Defeat at this stage would compromise their chances (= reduce their chances) of reaching the finals of the competition.

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com.prom.is.ing
adj. if sth is compromising, it shows or tells people sth that you want to keep secret, because it is wrong or embarrassing: compromising photos / circumstances
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comp.trol.ler
noun = CONTROLLER (3)
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com.pul.sion
noun ~ (to do sth)
1 [U, C] strong pressure that makes sb do sth that they do not want to do: You are under no compulsion to pay immediately.  There are no compulsions on students to attend classes.
2 [C] a strong desire to do sth, especially sth that is wrong, silly or dangerous: He felt a great compulsion to drive too fast.  Obsessions and compulsions often develop in people who live stressful lives.—see also COMPEL
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com.pul.sive
adj.
1 (of behaviour) that is difficult to stop or control: compulsive eating / spending / gambling
2 (of people) not being able to control their behaviour: a compulsive drinker / gambler / liar
3 that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting: The programme made compulsive viewing.
com.pul.sive.ly adv.: She watched him compulsively.  a compulsively readable book
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com.pul.sory
adj. that must be done because of a law or a rule: It is compulsory for all motorcyclists to wear helmets.  English is a compulsory subject at this level.  compulsory education / schooling  compulsory redundancies
OPP VOLUNTARY
com.pul.sor.ily adv.: Over 600 workers were made compulsorily redundant.
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com.punc.tion
noun [U] (also [C] in AmE) ~ (about doing sth) (formal) a feeling of guilt about doing sth: She felt no compunction about leaving her job.  He had lied to her without compunction.   (AmE ) She has no compunctions about rejecting the plan.
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com.pu.ta.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) an act or the process of calculating sth: All the statistical computations were performed by the new software system.  an error in the computation
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com.pu.ta.tion.al
adj. [usually before noun] using or connected with computers: computational linguistics / theory / methods / skills  a computational approach
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com.pute
verb [vn] (formal) to calculate sth: The losses were computed at £5 million.
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com.puter
noun an electronic machine that can store, organize and find information, do calculations and control other machines: a personal computer  Our sales information is processed by computer.  a computer program  computer software / hardware / graphics  a computer error  computer-aided design—see also DESKTOP COMPUTER , MICROCOMPUTER , PERSONAL COMPUTER , SUPERCOMPUTER —
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com'puter game
noun a game played on a computer
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com.pu.ter.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to provide a computer or computers to do the work of sth: The factory has been fully computerized.
2 to store information on a computer: computerized databases / information  The firm has computerized its records.
com.pu.ter.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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com,puter-'literate
adj. able to use computers well
com,puter 'literacy noun [U]
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com,puter 'science
noun [U] the study of computers and how they can be used: a degree in computer science
com,puter 'scientist noun
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com.put.ing
noun [U] the fact of using computers: to work in computing  to study computing  educational / network / scientific computing  computing power / services / skills / systems—
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com.rade
noun
1 a person who is a member of the same COMMUNIST or SOCIALIST political party as the person speaking: We must fight for our rights, comrades!
2 (BrE also ,comrade-in-'arms) (old-fashioned) a friend or other person that you work with, especially as soldiers during a war: They were old army comrades.
com.rade.ly adj.
com.rade.ship noun [U]: There was a sense of comradeship between them.
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Con
abbr. (in British politics) CONSERVATIVE : Jim Crofton (Con)
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con
noun, verb
noun (informal)
1 [sing.] (also BrEformal 'confidence trick) (also AmEformal 'confidence game) a trick; an act of cheating sb: The so-called bargain was just a big con!   (BrE) a con trick   (AmE) a con game  He’s a real con artist (= a person who regularly cheats others).—see also CON MAN , MOD CONS
2 [C] = CONVICT
IDM see PRO n.

verb (-nn-) [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth / out of sth) (informal) to trick sb, especially in order to get money from them or persuade them to do sth for you: I was conned into buying a useless car.  They had been conned out of £100 000.  He conned his way into the job using false references.

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con.cat.en.ation
noun (formal) a series of things or events that are linked together
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con.cave
adj. (of an outline or a surface) curved inwards: a concave lens / mirror
OPP CONVEX
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con.cav.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (technical )
1 [U] the quality of being concave (= curved inwards)
2 [C] a shape or place that is curved inwards
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con.ceal
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) (formal) to hide sb/sth: The paintings were concealed beneath a thick layer of plaster.  For a long time his death was concealed from her.  Tim could barely conceal his disappointment.  She sat down to conceal the fact that she was trembling.—see also ILL-CONCEALED
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con.ceal.ment
noun [U] (formal) the act of hiding sth; the state of being hidden: the concealment of crime  Many animals rely on concealment for protection.
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con.cede
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to admit that sth is true, logical, etc: [v speech] ‘Not bad,’ she conceded grudgingly.  [v (that)] He was forced to concede (that) there might be difficulties.  [vn] I had to concede the logic of this.  [vn, vnn] He reluctantly conceded the point to me.  He reluctantly conceded me the point.  [vn that] It must be conceded that different judges have different approaches to these cases.
2 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to give sth away, especially unwillingly; to allow sb to have sth: [vn] The President was obliged to concede power to the army.  England conceded a goal immediately after half-time.  [vnn] Women were only conceded full voting rights in the 1950s.
3 ~ (defeat) to admit that you have lost a game, an election, etc: [v] After losing this decisive battle, the general was forced to concede.  [vn] Injury forced Hicks to concede defeat.—see also CONCESSION
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con.ceit
noun
1 [U] (disapproving) too much pride in yourself and what you do
2 [C] (formal) an artistic effect or device, especially one that is very clever or tries to be very clever but does not succeed: The ill-advised conceit of the guardian angel dooms the film from the start.
3 (technical) a clever or FANCIFUL expression in writing or speech that involves a comparison between two things
SYN METAPHOR : The idea of the wind singing is a romantic conceit.
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con.ceit.ed
adj. (disapproving) having too much pride in yourself and what you do: a very conceited person  It’s very conceited of you to assume that your work is always the best.
con.ceit.ed.ly adv.
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con.ceiv.able
adj. that you can imagine or believe
SYN POSSIBLE : It is conceivable that I’ll see her tomorrow.  a beautiful city with buildings of every conceivable age and style
OPP INCONCEIVABLE
con.ceiv.ably adv.: The disease could conceivably be transferred to humans.
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con.ceive
verb
1 ~ (of) sth (as sth) (formal) to form an idea, a plan, etc. in your mind; to imagine sth: [vn] He conceived the idea of transforming the old power station into an arts centre.  God is often conceived of as male.  [v (that)] I cannot conceive (= I do not believe) (that) he would wish to harm us.  [v wh-] I cannot conceive what it must be like.
2 when a woman conceives or conceives a child, she becomes pregnant: [v] She is unable to conceive.  [vn] Their first child was conceived on their wedding night.—see also CONCEPTION
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con.cen.trate
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (on sth / on doing sth) to give all your attention to sth and not think about anything else: [v] I can’t concentrate with all that noise going on.  [vn] Nothing concentrates the mind better than the knowledge that you could die tomorrow (= it makes you think very clearly).  I decided to concentrate all my efforts on finding somewhere to live.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to bring sth together in one place: Power is largely concentrated in the hands of a small elite.  We need to concentrate resources on the most run-down areas.  Fighting was concentrated around the towns to the north.
3 [vn] (technical) to increase the strength of a substance by reducing its volume, for example by boiling it
PVR V 'concentrate on sth to spend more time doing one particular thing than others: In this lecture I shall concentrate on the early years of Charles’s reign.

noun [C, U] a substance that is made stronger because water or other substances have been removed: mineral concentrates found at the bottom of rivers  jams made with fruit juice concentrate

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con.cen.trated
adj.
1 showing determination to do sth: He made a concentrated effort to finish the work on time.
2 (of a substance) made stronger because water or other substances have been removed: concentrated orange juice  a concentrated solution of salt in water
3 if sth exists or happens in a concentrated way, there is a lot of it in one place or at one time: concentrated gunfire
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con.cen.tra.tion
noun
1 [U] the ability to direct all your effort and attention on one thing, without thinking of other things: This book requires a great deal of concentration.  Stress and tiredness affect your powers of concentration.
2 [U] ~ (on sth) the process of people directing effort and attention on a particular thing: a need for greater concentration on environmental issues
3 [C] ~ (of sth) a lot of sth in one place: a concentration of industry in the north of the country
4 [C, U] the amount of a substance in a liquid or in another substance: glucose concentrations in the blood
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concen'tration camp
noun a type of prison, often consisting of a number of buildings inside a fence, where political prisoners are kept in extremely bad conditions: a Nazi concentration camp
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con.cen.tric
adj. (geometry ) (of circles) having the same centre: concentric rings
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con.cept
noun ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) an idea or a principle that is connected with sth ABSTRACT : the concept of social class  concepts such as ‘civilization’ and ‘government’  He can’t grasp the basic concepts of mathematics.  the concept that everyone should have equality of opportunity
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con.cep.tion
noun
1 [U] the process of forming an idea or a plan: The plan was brilliant in its conception but failed because of lack of money.
2 [C, U] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) an understanding or a belief of what sth is or what sth should be: Marx’s conception of social justice  He has no conception of how difficult life is if you’re unemployed.
3 [U, C] the process of an egg being FERTILIZED inside a woman’s body so that she becomes pregnant: the moment of conception—see also CONCEIVE
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con.cep.tual
(formal) related to or based on ideas: a conceptual framework within which children’s needs are assessed  a conceptual model
con.cep.tu.al.ly adv.: conceptually similar / distinct
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con.cep.tu.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to form an idea of sth in your mind: These people do not conceptualize hunting as a violent act.
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con.cern
verb, noun
verb
AFFECT / INVOLVE|
1 [vn] [often passive] to affect sb; to involve sb: Don’t interfere in what doesn’t concern you.  The loss was a tragedy for all concerned (= all those affected by it).  Where our children’s education is concerned, no compromise is acceptable.  The individuals concerned have some explaining to do.  To whom it may concern  … (= used for example, at the beginning of a public notice or of a job reference about sb’s character and ability)  Everyone who was directly concerned in (= had some responsibility for) the incident has now resigned.
BE ABOUT|
2 [vn] (also be concerned with sth) to be about sth: The story concerns the prince’s efforts to rescue Pamina.  The book is primarily concerned with Soviet-American relations during the Cold War.  This chapter concerns itself with the historical background.  One major difference between these computers concerns the way in which they store information.
WORRY SB|
3 to worry sb: [vn] What concerns me is our lack of preparation for the change.  [vn that] It concerns me that you no longer seem to care.—see also CONCERNED
TAKE AN INTEREST|
4 [vn] ~ yourself with / about sth to take an interest in sth: He didn’t concern himself with the details.
CONSIDER IMPORTANT|
5 [vn to inf] (be concerned to do sth) (formal) to think it is important to do sth: She was concerned to write about situations that everybody could identify with.
IDM see FAR adv.

noun
WORRY|
1 [U, C] ~ (about / for / over sth/sb)| ~ (that … ) a feeling of worry, especially one that is shared by many people: There is growing concern about violence on television.  She hasn’t been seen for four days and there is concern for her safety.  The report expressed concern over continuing high unemployment.  There is widespread concern that new houses will be built on protected land.  Stress at work is a matter of concern to staff and management.  The President’s health was giving serious cause for concern .  Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any queries or concerns about this work.  In the meeting, voters raised concerns about health care.—compare UNCONCERN
DESIRE TO PROTECT|
2 [U] a desire to protect and help sb/sth: parents' concern for their children
STH IMPORTANT|
3 [C] something that is important to a person, an organization, etc: What are your main concerns as a writer?  The government’s primary concern is to reduce crime.
RESPONSIBILITY|
4 [C, usually sing.] (formal) something that is your responsibility or that you have a right to know about: This matter is their concern.  How much money I make is none of your concern.
COMPANY|
5 [C] a company or business: a major publishing concern
IDM see GOING adj.

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con.cerned
adj.
1 ~ (about / for sth)| ~ (that … ) worried and feeling concern about sth: Concerned parents held a meeting.  The President is deeply concerned about this issue.  He didn’t seem in the least concerned for her safety.  She was concerned that she might miss the turning and get lost.  note at WORRIED
2 ~ (about / with sth) interested in sth: They were more concerned with how the other women had dressed than in what the speaker was saying.
OPP UNCONCERNED
IDM see FAR adv.
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con.cern.ing
prep. (formal) about sth; involving sb/sth: He asked several questions concerning the future of the company.  All cases concerning children are dealt with in a special children’s court.
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con.cert
noun a public performance of music: a concert of music by Bach  a rock / pop concert  Oasis in concert at Wembley Arena  a concert hall / pianist
IDM in concert with sb/sth (formal) working together with sb/sth
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con.cert.ed
adj. [only before noun] done in a planned and determined way, especially by more than one person, government, country, etc: a concerted approach / attack / campaign  She has begun to make a concerted effort to find a job.
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'concert-goer
noun a person who regularly goes to concerts, especially of classical music
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con.cer.tina
noun, verb
noun a musical instrument like a small ACCORDION , that you hold in both hands. You press the ends together and pull them apart to produce sounds.

verb (con.cer.tina.ing, con.cer.tinaed, con.cer.tinaed) [v] (BrE ) to fold up like a concertina : The truck crashed into the tree and concertinaed.

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con.cert.mas.ter
noun (especially AmE ) = LEADER (3)
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con.certo
noun (pl.-os) a piece of music for one or more SOLO instruments playing with an orchestra: a piano concerto  a concerto for flute and harp
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con.ces.sion
noun
1 [C, U] something that you allow or do, or allow sb to have, in order to end an argument or to make a situation less difficult: The firm will be forced to make concessions if it wants to avoid a strike.  to win a concession from sb  a major / an important concession  She made no concession to his age; she expected him to work as hard as she did.—see also CONCEDE
2 [U] the act of giving sth or allowing sth; the act of CONCEDING : the concession of university status to some colleges   (especially AmE) Dole’s concession speech (= when he admitted that he had lost the election)
3 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) a reduction in an amount of money that has to be paid; a ticket that is sold at a reduced price to a particular group of people: tax concessions  Tickets are £3; there is a £1 concession for students.  Adults £2.50, concessions £2, family £5
4 [C] a right or an advantage that is given to a group of people, an organization, etc., especially by a government or an employer: The Bolivian government has granted logging concessions covering 22 million hectares.
5 [C] (especially AmE) the right to sell sth in a particular place; the place where you sell it, sometimes an area which is part of a larger building or store: the burger concessions at the stadium  They went to the concession stand to get a hot dog.
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con.ces.sion.aire
noun (especially BrE ) a person or a business that has been given a concession to sell sth
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con.ces.sion.ary
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE ) costing less money for people in particular situations; given as a CONCESSION (2) : concessionary rates / fares / travel
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conch
noun the shell of a sea creature which is also called a conch
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con.cili.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb less angry or more friendly, especially by being kind and pleasant or by giving them sth
con.cili.ation noun [U]: A conciliation service helps to settle disputes between employers and workers.
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con.cili.ator
noun a person or an organization that tries to make angry people calm so that they can discuss or solve their problems successfully
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con.cili.atory
adj. having the intention or effect of making angry people calm: a conciliatory approach / attitude / gesture / move
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con.cise
adj.
1 giving only the information that is necessary and important, using few words: a concise statement / summary  clear and concise instructions
2 [only before noun] (of a book) shorter than the original book, on which it was based: a concise dictionary
con.cise.ly adv.
con.cise.ness noun [U]
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con.clave
noun (formal) a meeting to discuss sth in private; the people at this meeting
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con.clude
verb
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sth (from sth)| ~ (from sth) that … to decide or believe sth as a result of what you have heard or seen: [vn] What do you conclude from that?  [v (that)] The report concluded (that) the cheapest option was to close the laboratory.  [v that] He concluded from their remarks that they were not in favour of the plan.  [vn that] It was concluded that the level of change necessary would be low. [alsov speech]
2 ~ (sth) (with sth) (formal) to come to an end; to bring sth to an end: [v] Let me make just a few concluding remarks.  The programme concluded with Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’.  He concluded by wishing everyone a safe trip home.  [vn] The commission concluded its investigation last month.  [v speech] ‘Anyway, she should be back soon,’ he concluded.
3 [vn] ~ sth (with sb) to arrange and settle an agreement with sb formally and finally: They concluded a treaty with Turkey.  A trade agreement was concluded between the two countries.
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con.clu.sion
noun
1 [C] something that you decide when you have thought about all the information connected with the situation: I’ve come to the conclusion that he’s not the right person for the job.  It took the jury some time to reach the conclusion that she was guilty.  New evidence might lead to the conclusion that we are wrong.  We can safely draw some conclusions from our discussion.
2 [C, usually sing.] the end of sth such as a speech or a piece of writing: The conclusion of the book was disappointing.  In conclusion , (= finally) I would like to thank …  If we took this argument to its logical conclusion  …
3 [U] the formal and final arrangement of sth official: the successful conclusion of a trade treaty
IDM jump / leap to con'clusions | jump / leap to the con'clusion that … to make a decision about sb/sth too quickly, before you know or have thought about all the facts: There I go again—jumping to conclusions.—more at FOREGONE
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con.clu.sive
adj. proving sth, and allowing no doubt or uncertainty: conclusive evidence / proof / results
OPP INCONCLUSIVE
con.clu.sive.ly adv.: to demonstrate / establish / prove / show sth conclusively
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con.coct
verb [vn]
1 to make sth, especially food or drink, by mixing different things: The soup was concocted from up to a dozen different kinds of fish.
2 to invent a story, an excuse, etc.
SYN COOK UP : She concocted some elaborate story to explain her absence.
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con.coc.tion
noun a strange or unusual mixture of things, especially drinks or medicines: a concoction of cream and rum
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con.comi.tant
adj., noun
adj. (formal) happening at the same time as sth else, especially because one thing is related to or causes the other: an increase in student numbers and the concomitant increase in class size

noun (formal) a thing that happens at the same time as sth else

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con.cord
noun [U]
1 ~ (with sb) (formal) peace and agreement
SYN HARMONY : living in concord with neighbouring states
OPP DISCORD
2 [U] ~ (with sth) (grammar) (of words in a phrase) the fact of having the same NUMBER , GENDER or PERSON
SYN AGREEMENT
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con.cord.ance
noun
1 [C] an alphabetical list of the words used in a book, etc. showing where and how often they are used: a Bible concordance
2 [C] a list produced by a computer that shows all the examples of an individual word in a book, etc.
3 [U] (technical) the state of being similar to sth or CONSISTENT with it: There is reasonable concordance between the two sets of results.
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con.cordat
noun an agreement, especially between the Roman Catholic Church and the state
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con.course
noun
1 a large, open part of a public building, especially an airport or a train station: the station concourse
2 (formal) a large group of people; a crowd
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con.crete
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 made of concrete : a concrete floor / wall / building
2 based on facts, not on ideas or guesses: concrete evidence / proposals / proof  ‘It’s only a suspicion,’ she said, ‘nothing concrete.’  It is easier to think in concrete terms rather than in the abstract.—compare ABSTRACT (1)
3 a concrete object is one that you can see and feel
con.crete.ly adv.

noun [U] building material that is made by mixing together CEMENT , sand, small stones and water: a slab of concrete

verb [vn] ~ sth (over) to cover sth with concrete : The garden had been concreted over.

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,concrete 'jungle
noun [usually sing.] a way of describing a city or an area that is unpleasant because it has many large modern buildings and no trees or parks
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'concrete mixer
noun = CEMENT MIXER
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con.cu.bine
noun (especially in some societies in the past) a woman who lives with a man, often in addition to his wife or wives, but who is less important than they are
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con.cur
verb (-rr-) ~ (with sb) (in sth)| ~ (with sth) (formal) to agree: [v] Historians have concurred with each other in this view.  The coroner concurred with this assessment. [alsov that, v speech]
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con.cur.rence
noun (formal)
1 [U, sing.] agreement: The doctor may seek the concurrence of a relative before carrying out the procedure.
2 [sing.] an example of two or more things happening at the same time: an unfortunate concurrence of events
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con.cur.rent
adj. ~ (with sth) existing or happening at the same time: He was imprisoned for two concurrent terms of 30 months and 18 months.
con.cur.rent.ly adv.: The prison sentences will run concurrently.
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con.cuss
verb [vn] [usually passive] to hit sb on the head, making them become unconscious or confused for a short time: She was concussed after being thrown from her horse.
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con.cus.sion
noun [U] (This word is only [C] in AmE.) a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a blow to the head; the effects of a severe blow to the head such as confusion and temporary loss of physical and mental abilities: (BrE ) He was taken to hospital with concussion.   (AmE ) He was taken to the hospital with a concussion.
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con.demn
verb
EXPRESS DISAPPROVAL|
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for / as sth) to express very strong disapproval of sb/sth, usually for moral reasons: The government issued a statement condemning the killings.  The editor of the newspaper was condemned as lacking integrity.
SB TO PUNISHMENT|
2 [usually passive] ~ sb (to sth) to say what sb’s punishment will be
SYN SENTENCE : [vn] He was condemned to death for murder and later hanged.  [vn to inf] She was condemned to hang for killing her husband.
SB TO DIFFICULT SITUATION|
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb to sth to force sb to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation
SYN DOOM : They were condemned to a life of hardship.  He was condemned to spend the rest of the football season on the bench.
STH DANGEROUS|
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (as sth) to say officially that sth is not safe enough to be used: a condemned building  The meat was condemned as unfit to eat.
SHOW GUILT|
5 [vn] to show or suggest that sb is guilty of sth: She is condemned out of her own mouth (= her own words show her guilt).
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con.dem.na.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (of sb/sth) an expression of very strong disapproval: There was widespread condemnation of the invasion.
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con,demned 'cell
noun (BrE ) a prison cell where a person who is going to be punished by death is kept
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con.den.sa.tion
noun
1 [U] drops of water that form on a cold surface when warm water VAPOUR becomes cool
2 [U] the process of a gas changing to a liquid
3 [C usually sing, U] (formal) the process of making a book, etc. shorter by taking out anything that is not necessary
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con.dense
verb
1 ~ (sth) (into sth) to change from a gas into a liquid; to make a gas change into a liquid: Steam condenses into water when it cools.  [vn] The steam was condensed rapidly by injecting cold water into the cylinder.
2 if a liquid condenses or you condense it, it becomes thicker and stronger because it has lost some of its water: [vn] Condense the soup by boiling it for several minutes. [alsov]
3 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to put sth such as a piece of writing into fewer words; to put a lot of information into a small space: The article was condensed into just two pages.  The author has condensed a great deal of material into just 100 pages.
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con,densed 'milk
noun [U] a type of thick sweet milk that is sold in cans
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con.dens.er
noun
1 a device that cools gas in order to change it into a liquid
2 a device that receives or stores electricity, especially in a car engine
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con.des.cend
verb
1 [v to inf] (often disapproving) to do sth that you think it is below your social or professional position to do DEIGN : We had to wait almost an hour before he condescended to see us.
2 [v] ~ to sb to behave towards sb as though you are more important and more intelligent than they are: When giving a talk, be careful not to condescend to your audience.
con.des.cen.sion noun [U]: Her smile was a mixture of pity and condescension.
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con.des.cend.ing
adj. behaving as though you are more important and more intelligent than other people: He has a condescending attitude towards women.
con.des.cend.ing.ly adv.
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con.di.ment
noun [usually pl.]
1 (BrE) a substance such as salt or pepper that is used to give flavour to food
2 (especially AmE) a sauce, etc. that is used to give flavour to food, or that is eaten with food: hot condiments made from a variety of chili peppers
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con.di.tion
noun, verb
noun
STATE OF STH|
1 [U, sing.] the state that sth is in: to be in bad / good / excellent condition   a used car in perfect condition
MEDICAL|
2 [U, sing.] the state of sb’s health or how fit they are: He is overweight and out of condition (= not physically fit).  You are in no condition (= too ill, etc.) to go anywhere.  The motorcyclist was in a critical condition in hospital last night.
3 [C] an illness or a medical problem that you have for a long time because it is not possible to cure it: a medical condition  He suffers from a serious heart condition .
CIRCUMSTANCES|
4 (conditions) [pl.] the circumstances or situation in which people live, work or do things: living / housing / working conditions  changing economic conditions  neglected children living under the most appalling conditions   a strike to improve pay and conditions
5 (conditions) [pl.] the physical situation that affects how sth happens: The plants grow best in cool, damp conditions.  freezing / icy / humid conditions  Conditions are ideal (= the weather is very good) for sailing today.  treacherous driving conditions
RULE|
6 [C] a rule or decision that you must agree to, sometimes forming part of a contract or an official agreement: the terms and conditions of employment  The offer is subject to certain conditions .  They agreed to lend us the car on condition that (= only if) we returned it before the weekend.  They will give us the money on one condition —that we pay it back within six months.   (especially AmE) They agreed under the condition that the matter be dealt with promptly.  Congress can impose strict conditions on the bank.  They have agreed to the ceasefire provided their conditions are met .
NECESSARY SITUATION|
7 [C] a situation that must exist in order for sth else to happen: a necessary condition for economic growth  A good training programme is one of the conditions for successful industry.
STATE OF GROUP|
8 [sing.] (formal) the state of a particular group of people because of their situation in life, their problems, etc: He spoke angrily about the condition of the urban poor.  Work is basic to the human condition (= the fact of being alive). on 'no condition (AmE also under 'no condition) (formal) not in any situation; never: You must on no condition tell them what happened.—more at MINT n.

verb
1 [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (to sth / to do sth) to train sb/sth to behave in a particular way or to become used to a particular situation: [vn] the difference between inborn and conditioned reflexes (= reactions that are learned / not natural)  Patients can become conditioned to particular forms of treatment.  [vn to inf] The rats had been conditioned to ring a bell when they wanted food.
2 [vn] to have an important effect on sb/sth; to influence the way that sth happens: Gender roles are often conditioned by cultural factors.
3 [vn] to keep sth such as your hair or skin healthy: a shampoo that cleans and conditions hair  a polish for conditioning leather

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con.di.tion.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (on / upon sth) depending on sth: conditional approval / acceptance  Payment is conditional upon delivery of the goods (= if the goods are not delivered the money will not be paid)  He was found guilty and given a conditional discharge (= allowed to go free on particular conditions).  a conditional offer (= that depends on particular conditions being fulfilled)
2 [only before noun] (grammar) expressing sth that must happen or be true if another thing is to happen or be true: a conditional sentence / clause
con.di.tion.al.ly adv.: The offer was made conditionally.

noun (grammar )
1 [C] a sentence or CLAUSE that begins with if or unless and expresses a condition
2 (the conditional) [sing.] the form of a verb that expresses a conditional action, for example should in If I should die …: the present / past / perfect conditional  the first / second / third conditional

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con.di.tion.er
noun [C, U]
1 a liquid that makes hair soft and shiny after washing: shampoo and conditioner
2 a liquid, used after washing clothes, that makes them softer: fabric conditioner
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con.di.tion.ing
noun [U] the training or experience that an animal or a person has that makes them behave in a particular way in a particular situation: Is personality the result of conditioning from parents and society, or are we born with it?—see also AIR CONDITIONING
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condo
noun (pl.-os) (AmE , informal) = CONDOMINIUM
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con.dol.ence
noun [C, usually pl., U] sympathy that you feel for sb when a person in their family or that they know well has died; an expression of this sympathy: to give / offer / express your condolences  Our condolences go to his wife and family.  a letter of condolence
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con.dom
noun
1 (BrE also sheath) (also AmE formal ortechnical prophy.lac.tic) a thin rubber covering that a man wears over his PENIS during sex to stop a woman from becoming pregnant or to protect against disease
2 (female condom) a thin rubber device that a woman wears inside her VAGINA during sex to prevent herself from becoming pregnant
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con.do.min.ium
(also informal condo) noun (especially AmE ) an apartment building in which each flat/apartment is owned by the person living in it but the building and shared areas are owned by everyone together; a flat/apartment in such a building
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con.done
verb to accept behaviour that is morally wrong or to treat it as if it were not serious: [vn] Terrorism can never be condoned. [alsov -ing, vn -ing]
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con.dor
noun a large bird of the VULTURE family, that lives mainly in S America
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con.du.cive
adj. ~ to sth (written) making it easy, possible or likely for sth to happen: Chairs in rows are not as conducive to discussion as chairs arranged in a circle.
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con.duct
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to organize and/or do a particular activity: to conduct an experiment / an inquiry / a survey  The negotiations have been conducted in a positive manner.
2 to direct a group of people who are singing or playing music: [vn] a concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis [alsov]
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to lead or guide sb through or around a place: a conducted tour of Athens (= one with a guide, giving information about it)  The guide conducted us around the ruins of the ancient city.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ yourself … (formal) to behave in a particular way: He conducted himself far better than expected.
5 [vn] (physics) (of a substance) to allow heat or electricity to pass along or through it: Copper conducts electricity better than other materials do.

noun [U] (formal)
1 a person’s behaviour in a particular place or in a particular situation: The sport has a strict code of conduct.  improving standards of training and professional conduct
2 ~ of sth the way in which a business or an activity is organized and managed: There was growing criticism of the government’s conduct of the war.—see also SAFE CONDUCT

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con.duc.tion
noun [U] (physics ) the process by which heat or electricity passes through a material
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con.duct.ive
adj. (physics ) able to CONDUCT electricity, heat, etc.
con.duct.iv.ity noun [U]
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con.duct.or
noun
1 a person who stands in front of an orchestra, a group of singers etc., and directs their performance, especially sb who does this as a profession
2 (BrE also guard) a person who is in charge of a train and travels with it, but does not drive it
3 (BrE) a person whose job is to collect money from passengers on a bus or check their tickets: a bus conductor
4 (physics) a substance that allows electricity or heat to pass along it or through it: Wood is a poor conductor.—see also LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR
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con.duc.tress
noun (BrE , old-fashioned) a woman who collects money from passengers on a bus or checks their tickets
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con.duit
noun
1 (technical) a pipe, channel or tube which liquid, gas or electrical wire can pass through
2 (formal) a person, an organization or a country that is used to pass things or information to other people or places: The organization had acted as a conduit for money from the arms industry.
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cone
noun, verb
noun
1 a solid or hollow object with a round flat base and sides that slope up to a point—see also CONICAL —picture at SOLID
2 a solid or hollow object that is shaped like a cone : a paper cone full of popcorn  the cone of a volcano—see also NOSE-CONE
3 (also 'traffic cone) a plastic object shaped like a cone and often red and white, or yellow, in colour, used on roads to show where vehicles are not allowed to go, for example while repairs are being done
4 (also old-fashioned cornet) a piece of thin crisp biscuit shaped like a cone , which you can put ice cream in to eat it
5 the hard dry fruit of a PINE or FIR tree: a pine cone—see also FIR CONE

verb
PVR V ,cone sth<->'off to close a road or part of a road by putting a line of cones across it

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con.fec.tion
noun
1 (formal) a cake or other sweet food that looks very attractive
2 (written) a thing such as a building or piece of clothing, that is made in a skilful or complicated way: Her hat was an elaborate confection of satin and net.
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con.fec.tion.er
noun a person or a business that makes or sells cakes and sweets/candy
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con'fectioners' sugar
noun [U] (AmE ) = ICING SUGAR
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con.fec.tion.ery
noun [U] (written) sweets/candy, chocolate, etc: Confectionery is a multi-million-pound business.
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con.fed.er.acy
noun [sing.] a union of states, groups of people or political parties with the same aim
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con.fed.er.ate
noun, adj.
noun a person who helps sb, especially to do sth illegal or secret
SYN ACCOMPLICE

adj. belonging to a confederacy

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con.fed.er.ation
noun an organization consisting of countries, businesses, etc. that have joined together in order to help each other: the Confederation of British Industry
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con.fer
verb (-rr-) (formal)
1 [v] ~ (with sb) (on / about sth) to discuss sth with sb, especially in order to exchange opinions or get advice: He wanted to confer with his colleagues before reaching a decision.
2 [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb) to give sb an award, a university degree or a particular honour or right: An honorary degree was conferred on him by Oxford University in 1995.
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con.fer.ence
noun
1 a large official meeting, usually lasting for a few days, at which people with the same work or interests come together to discuss their views: The hotel is used for exhibitions, conferences and social events.  a conference room / centre / hall  She is attending a three-day conference on Aids education.  The Aids conference will be held in Glasgow.  delegates to the Labour Party’s annual conference
2 a meeting at which people have formal discussions: Ministers from all four countries involved will meet at the conference table this week.  He was in conference with his lawyers all day.—see also PRESS CONFERENCE
3 (especially AmE) a group of sports teams that play against each other in a LEAGUE : Southeast Conference football champions
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'conference call
noun a telephone call in which three or more people take part
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con.fer.ment
noun [U, C] (formal) the action of giving sb an award, a university degree or a particular honour or right
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con.fess
verb
1 ~ (to sth / to doing sth) to admit, especially formally or to the police, that you have done sth wrong or illegal: [v] She confessed to the murder.  After hours of questioning, the suspect confessed.  [v (that)] He confessed that he had stolen the money.  [vn] We persuaded her to confess her crime.
2 ~ (to sth / to doing sth) to admit sth that you feel ashamed or embarrassed about: [vn] She was reluctant to confess her ignorance.  [v] I must confess to knowing nothing about computers.  [vn-adj] (formal) I confess myself bewildered by their explanation. [alsov (that), v speech] —see also SELF-CONFESSED
3 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (to sb) (especially in the Roman Catholic Church) to tell God or a priest about the bad things you have done so that you can say that you are sorry and be forgiven
4 [vn] (of a priest) to hear sb confess their SINS (= the bad things they have done)
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con.fes.sion
noun
1 [C, U] a statement that a person makes, admitting that they are guilty of a crime; the act of making such a statement: After hours of questioning by police, she made a full confession.
2 [C, U] a statement admitting sth that you are ashamed or embarrassed about; the act of making such a statement: I’ve a confession to make—I lied about my age.
3 [U, C] (especially in the Roman Catholic Church) a private statement to a priest about the bad things that you have done: to go to confession  to hear sb’s confession
4 [C] (formal) a statement of your religious beliefs, principles, etc: a confession of faith
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con.fes.sion.al
noun a private enclosed place in a church where a priest listens to people making confessions
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con.fes.sor
noun a Roman Catholic priest who listens to CONFESSIONS
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con.fetti
noun [U] small pieces of coloured paper that people often throw over a man and woman who have just been married or (in the US) at other special events
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con.fi.dant
(femininealso con.fi.dante) noun a person that you trust and who you talk to about private or secret things: a close / trusted confidant of the President
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con.fide
verb ~ (sth) (to sb) to tell sb secrets and personal information that you do not want other people to know: [vn] She confided all her secrets to her best friend.  [v that] He confided to me that he had applied for another job. [alsov speech] con'fide in sb to tell sb secrets and personal information because you feel you can trust them: It is important to have someone you can confide in.
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con.fi.dence
noun
BELIEF IN OTHERS|
1 [U] ~ (in sb/sth) the feeling that you can trust, believe in and be sure about the abilities or good qualities of sb/sth: The players all have confidence in their manager.  A fall in unemployment will help to restore consumer confidence.  a lack of confidence in the government  The new contracts have undermined the confidence of employees.  She has every confidence in her students' abilities.—see also VOTE OF CONFIDENCE , VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE
BELIEF IN YOURSELF|
2 [U] a belief in your own ability to do things and be successful: He answered the questions with confidence .  Women often lose confidence when they stop work to have a baby.  He gained confidence when he went to college.  She suffers from a lack of confidence .  While girls lack confidence , boys often overestimate their abilities.  I didn’t have any confidence in myself at school.
FEELING CERTAIN|
3 [U] the feeling that you are certain about sth: They could not say with confidence that he would be able to walk again after the accident.  He expressed his confidence that they would win.
TRUST|
4 [U] a feeling of trust that sb will keep information private: Eva told me about their relationship in confidence .  This is in the strictest confidence .  It took a long time to gain her confidence (= make her feel she could trust me).
A SECRET|
5 [C] (formal) a secret that you tell sb: The girls exchanged confidences.  I could never forgive Mike for betraying a confidence. be in sb’s confidence to be trusted with sb’s secrets: He is said to be very much in the President’s confidence. take sb into your confidence to tell sb secrets and personal information about yourself: She took me into her confidence and told me about the problems she was facing.
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'confidence trick
(BrE ) (AmE 'confidence game) noun (formal) = CON
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con.fi.dent
adj.
1 feeling sure about your own ability to do things and be successful: She was in a relaxed, confident mood.  The teacher wants the children to feel confident about asking questions when they don’t understand.—see also SELF-CONFIDENT
2 ~ of sth| ~ that … feeling certain that sth will happen in the way that you want or expect: I’m confident that you will get the job.  The team feels confident of winning.
con.fi.dent.ly adv.
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con.fi.den.tial
adj.
1 meant to be kept secret and not told to or shared with other people: confidential information / documents  Your medical records are strictly confidential (= completely secret).
2 (of a way of speaking) showing that what you are saying is private or secret: He spoke in a confidential tone, his voice low.
3 [only before noun] trusted with private or secret information: a confidential secretary
con.fi.den.tial.ly adv.: She told me confidentially that she is going to retire early.
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con.fi.den.tial.ity
noun [U] a situation in which you expect sb to keep information secret: They signed a confidentiality agreement.  All letters will be treated with complete confidentiality.
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con.fid.ing
adj. [usually before noun] showing trust; showing that you want to tell sb a secret: a confiding relationship
con.fid.ing.ly adv.
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con.fig.ur.ation
noun
1 (formal ortechnical) an arrangement of the parts of sth or a group of things; the form or shape that this arrangement produces
2 (computing) the equipment and programs that form a computer system and the way that these are set up to run
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con.fig.ure
verb [vn] [usually passive] (technical ) to arrange sth in a particular way, especially computer equipment; to make equipment or SOFTWARE work in the way that the user prefers
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con.fine
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth to sth [often passive] to keep sb/sth inside the limits of a particular activity, subject, area, etc.
SYN RESTRICT : The work will not be confined to the Glasgow area.  I will confine myself to looking at the period from 1900 to 1916.
2 ~ sb/sth (in sth) [usually passive] to keep a person or an animal in a small or closed space: Keep the dog confined in a suitable travelling cage.  Here the river is confined in a narrow channel.  The soldiers concerned were confined to barracks (= had to stay in the barracks, as a punishment)
3 be confined to bed, a wheelchair, etc. to have to stay in bed, in a WHEELCHAIR , etc: She was confined to bed with the flu.  He was confined to a wheelchair after the accident.
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con.fined
adj. [usually before noun] (of a space or an area) small and enclosed by walls or sides: It is cruel to keep animals in confined spaces.
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con.fine.ment
noun
1 [U] the state of being forced to stay in a closed space, prison, etc., the act of putting sb there: her confinement to a wheelchair  years of confinement as a political prisoner—see also SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
2 [U, C] (formal or old-fashioned) the time when a woman gives birth to a baby: the expected date of confinement  a hospital / home confinement
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con.fines
noun [pl.] (formal) limits or borders: It is beyond the confines of human knowledge.  the confines of family life
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con.firm
verb
1 to state or show that sth is definitely true or correct, especially by providing evidence: [vn] Rumours of job losses were later confirmed  His guilty expression confirmed my suspicions.  Please write to confirm your reservation (= say that it is definite).  [v (that)] Has everyone confirmed (that) they’re coming?  [v wh-] Can you confirm what happened?  [vn that] It has been confirmed that Lewis’s next fight will be against Bruno.
2 [vn] ~ sth| ~ sb (in sth) to make sb feel or believe sth even more strongly: The walk in the mountains confirmed his fear of heights.
3 [vn] to make a position, an agreement, etc. more definite or official; to establish sb/sth firmly: After a six-month probationary period, her position was confirmed.  He was confirmed as captain for the rest of the season.
4 [vn] [usually passive] to make sb a full member of the Christian Church: She was baptized when she was a month old and confirmed when she was thirteen.
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con.firm.ation
noun [U, C]
1 a statement, letter, etc. that shows that sth is true, correct or definite: I’m still waiting for confirmation of the test results.
2 a ceremony at which a person becomes a full member of the Christian Church: a confirmation service
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con.firmed
adj. [only before noun] having a particular habit or way of life and not likely to change: a confirmed bachelor (= a man who is not likely to get married, often used in newspapers to refer to a HOMOSEXUAL man)
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con.fis.cate
verb [vn] to officially take sth away from sb, especially as a punishment: Their land was confiscated after the war.  The teacher threatened to confiscate their Yo Yos if they kept playing in class.
con.fis.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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con.flag.ra.tion
noun (formal) a very large fire that destroys a lot of land or buildings
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con.flate
verb [vn] (formal) to put two or more things together to make one new thing: The issues of race and class are separate and should not be conflated.
con.fla.tion noun [U, C]
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con.flict
noun, verb
noun [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (over sth)
1 a situation in which people, groups or countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument: a conflict between two cultures  The violence was the result of political and ethnic conflicts.  She found herself in conflict with her parents over her future career.  John often comes into conflict with his boss.  The government has done nothing to resolve the conflict over nurses' pay.
2 a violent situation or period of fighting between two countries: armed / military conflict
3 a situation in which there are opposing ideas, opinions, feelings or wishes; a situation in which it is difficult to choose: The story tells of a classic conflict between love and duty.  Her diary was a record of her inner conflict.  Many of these ideas appear to be in conflict with each other.
IDM conflict of 'interest(s) a situation in which there are two jobs, aims, roles, etc. and it is not possible for both of them to be treated equally and fairly at the same time: There was a conflict of interest between his business dealings and his political activities.

verb [v] ~ (with sth) if two ideas, beliefs, stories, etc. conflict, it is not possible for them to exist together or for them both to be true
SYN CLASH : conflicting emotions / interests / loyalties  These results conflict with earlier findings.  Reports conflicted on how much of the aid was reaching the famine victims.

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con.flu.ence
noun [usually sing.]
1 (technical) the place where two rivers flow together and become one
2 (formal) the fact of two or more things becoming one: a confluence of social factors
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con.form
verb [v]
1 ~ (to sth) to behave and think in the same way as most other people in a group or society: There is considerable pressure on teenagers to conform.  He refused to conform to the local customs.
2 ~ to / with sth to obey a rule, law, etc.
SYN COMPLY : The building does not conform with safety regulations.
3 ~ to sth to agree with or match sth: It did not conform to the usual stereotype of an industrial city.
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con.form.ation
noun [U, C] (formal) the way in which sth is formed; the structure of sth, especially an animal
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con.form.ist
noun (often disapproving) a person who behaves and thinks in the same way as most other people and who does not want to be different
con.form.ist adj.: Boys tend to be less conformist than girls.—see also NONCONFORMIST
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con.form.ity
noun [U] ~ (to / with sth) (formal) behaviour or actions that follow the accepted rules of society
IDM in con'formity with sth following the rules of sth; conforming to sth: regulations that are in conformity with European law
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con.found
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to confuse and surprise sb: The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists.
2 to prove sb/sth wrong: to confound expectations / an argument / expert opinion  She confounded her critics and proved she could do the job.
3 (old-fashioned) to defeat an enemy
IDM con'found it / you! (old-fashioned) used to show that you are angry about sth/with sb
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con.found.ed
adj. [only before noun] (old-fashioned) used when describing sth to show that you are annoyed
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con.front
verb [vn]
1 (of problems or a difficult situation) to appear and need to be dealt with by sb: the economic problems confronting the country  The government found itself confronted by massive opposition.
2 to deal with a problem or difficult situation: She knew that she had to confront her fears.
3 to face sb so that they cannot avoid seeing and hearing you, especially in an unfriendly or dangerous situation: This was the first time he had confronted an armed robber.
4 ~ sb with sb/sth to make sb face or deal with an unpleasant or difficult person or situation: He confronted her with a choice between her career or their relationship.
5 (be confronted with sth) to have sth in front of you that you have to deal with or react to: Most people when confronted with a horse will pat it.
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con.fron.ta.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) a situation in which there is an angry disagreement between people or groups who have different opinions: She wanted to avoid another confrontation with her father.  confrontation between employers and unions
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con.fuse
verb [vn]
1 to make sb unable to think clearly or understand sth: They confused me with conflicting accounts of what happened.
2 ~ A and / with B to think wrongly that sb/sth is sb/sth else
SYN MIX UP : People often confuse me and my twin sister.  Be careful not to confuse quantity with quality.
3 to make a subject more difficult to understand: His comments only served to confuse the issue further.
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con.fused
adj.
1 unable to think clearly or to understand what is happening or what sb is saying: People are confused about all the different labels on food these days.  He was depressed and in a confused state of mind.  I’m confused—say all that again.
2 not clear or easy to understand: The children gave a confused account of what had happened.
con.fused.ly adv.
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con.fus.ing
adj. difficult to understand; not clear: The instructions on the box are very confusing.  a very confusing experience
con.fus.ing.ly adv.
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con.fu.sion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (about / over sth)| ~ (as to sth) a state of uncertainty about what is happening, what you should do, what sth means, etc: There is some confusion about what the correct procedure should be.  a confusion as to what to do next
2 [U, C] ~ (between A and B) the fact of making a mistake about who sb is or what sth is: To avoid confusion, please write the children’s names clearly on all their school clothes.  confusion between letters of the alphabet like ‘o’ or ‘a’
3 [U] a feeling of embarrassment when you do not understand sth and are not sure what to do in a situation: He looked at me in confusion and did not answer the question.  Sacha felt confusion sweeping over her as she read the letter.
4 [U] a situation of disorder in which people do not know what action to take: Fighting had broken out and all was chaos and confusion.  Her unexpected arrival threw us into total confusion.
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con.fute
verb [vn] (rare, formal) to prove a person or an argument to be wrong
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conga
noun a fast dance in which the dancers follow a leader in a long winding line, with each person holding on to the person in front; a piece of music for this dance
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con.geal
verb [v] (of blood, fat, etc.) to become thick or solid: congealed blood  The cold remains of supper had congealed on the plate.   (figurative) The bitterness and tears had congealed into hatred.
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con.gen.ial
adj. (formal)
1 (of a person) pleasant to spend time with because their interests and character are similar to your own: a congenial colleague
2 ~ (to sb) (of a place, job, etc.) pleasant because it suits your character: a congenial working environment
3 ~ (to sth) (formal) suitable for sth: a situation that was congenial to the expression of nationalist opinions
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con.geni.tal
adj.
1 (of a disease or medical condition) existing since or before birth: congenital abnormalities
2 [only before noun] existing as part of a person’s character and not likely to change: a congenital inability to tell the truth
3 [only before noun] (of a person) born with a particular illness: (figurative) a congenital liar (= one who will not change)
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con.ger
(also ,conger 'eel) noun a large EEL (= a long thin fish) that lives in the sea
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con.gest.ed
adj.
1 ~ (with sth) crowded; full of vehicles or traffic: congested city streets  Many of Europe’s airports are heavily congested.
2 (medical) (of a part of the body) blocked with blood or MUCUS
con.ges.tion noun [U]: traffic congestion and pollution  congestion of the lungs  medicine to relieve nasal congestion
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con.glom.er.ate
noun
1 [C] (business) a large company formed by joining together different firms: a media conglomerate
2 [sing.] (written) a number of things or parts that are put together to form a whole
3 [U] (geology) a type of rock made of small stones held together by dried clay
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con.glom.er.ation
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a ~ (of sth) (formal) a mixture of different things that are found all together: a conglomeration of buildings of different sizes and styles
2 [U] the process of forming a conglomerate or the state of being a conglomerate
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con.gratu.late
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (on sth) to tell sb that you are pleased about their success or achievements: I congratulated them all on their results.  The authors are to be congratulated on producing such a clear and authoritative work.
2 ~ yourself (on sth) to feel pleased and proud because you have achieved sth or been successful at sth: You can congratulate yourself on having done an excellent job.
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con.gratu.la.tion
noun
1 (congratulations) [pl.] a message congratulating sb (= saying that you are happy about their good luck or success): to offer / send your congratulations to sb
2 (Congratulations!) used when you want to congratulate sb: ‘We’re getting married!’‘Congratulations!’  Congratulations on your exam results!
3 [U] the act of congratulating sb: a letter of congratulation
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con.gratu.la.tory
adj. expressing congratulations : a congratulatory message
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con.gre.gate
verb [v] to come together in a group: Young people often congregate in the main square in the evenings.
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con.gre.ga.tion
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a group of people who are gathered together in a church to worship God, not including the priest and CHOIR : The congregation stood to sing the hymn.
2 the group of people who belong to a particular church and go there regularly to worship
con.gre.ga.tion.al adj.: congregational singing
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Con.gre.ga.tion.al.ism
adj. a type of Christianity in which the congregation of each church is responsible for its own affairs
Con.gre.ga.tion.al adj.
Con.gre.ga.tion.al.ist noun
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con.gress
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a large formal meeting or series of meetings where representatives from different groups discuss ideas, make decisions, etc: an international congress of trades unions
2 (Congress) (in the US and some other countries) the name of the group of people who are elected to make laws, in the US consisting of the SENATE and the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES : Congress will vote on the proposals tomorrow.
3 used in the names of political parties in some countries: the African National Congress
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con.gres.sion.al
adj. [only before noun] related to or belonging to a congress or the Congress in the US: a congressional committee / bill  the midterm Congressional elections
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Con.gress.man, Con.gress.woman
noun (pl.-men -women ) (also Con.gress.person ) a member of Congress in the US, especially the House of Representatives
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con.gru.ent
adj.
1 (geometry) having the same size and shape: congruent triangles
2 ~ (with sth) (formal) suitable for sth; appropriate in a particular situation
con.gru.ence noun [U]
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con.ic.al
adj. shaped like a CONE
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con.ifer
noun any tree that produces hard dry fruit called CONES . Most conifers are EVERGREEN (= have leaves that stay on the tree all year).
con.ifer.ous adj.: coniferous trees / forests
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con.jec.ture
noun, verb
noun (formal)
1 [C] an opinion or idea that is not based on definite knowledge and is formed by guessing
SYN GUESS : The truth of his conjecture was confirmed by the newspaper report.
2 [U] the forming of an opinion or idea that is not based on definite knowledge
SYN GUESS : What was going through the killer’s mind is a matter for conjecture.
con.jec.tural adj.

verb (formal) to form an opinion about sth even though you do not have much information on it
SYN GUESS : [v] We can only conjecture about what was in the killer’s mind.  [v that] He conjectured that the population might double in ten years.  [vn] She conjectured the existence of a completely new species. [alsov wh-, vn to inf]

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con.join
verb [v, vn] (formal) to join together; to join two or more things together
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con,joined 'twin
noun (technical ) = SIAMESE TWIN
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con.ju.gal
adj. [only before noun] (formal) connected with marriage and the sexual relationship between a husband and wife: conjugal love / rights
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con.ju.gate
verb (grammar )
1 [vn] to give the different forms of a verb, as they vary according to NUMBER , PERSON , tense, etc.
2 [v] (of a verb) to have different forms, showing NUMBER , PERSON , tense, etc: How does this verb conjugate?—compare DECLINE
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con.ju.ga.tion
noun (grammar )
1 [C, U] the way in which a verb conjugates : a verb with an irregular conjugation
2 [C] a group of verbs that conjugate in the same way: Latin verbs of the second conjugation
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con.junc.tion
noun
1 [C] (grammar) a word that joins words, phrases or sentences, for example ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’
2 [C] (formal) a combination of events, etc., that causes a particular result: The conjunction of low inflation and low unemployment came as a very pleasant surprise.
3 [C, U] (astronomy) the fact of stars, planets, etc. passing close together as seen from the earth
IDM in con'junction with (formal) together with: The police are working in conjunction with tax officers on the investigation.  The system is designed to be used in conjunction with a word processing program.
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con.junc.tiv.itis
noun [U] an infectious eye disease that causes pain and swelling in part of the eye
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con.jure
verb to do clever tricks such as making things seem to appear or disappear as if by magic: [v] Her grandfather taught her to conjure.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] He could conjure coins from behind people’s ears.
PVR V ,conjure sth<->'up
1 to make sth appear as a picture in your mind
SYN EVOKE : That smell always conjures up memories of holidays in France.
2 to ask the spirit of a dead person to appear by using special words conjure sth from / out of sth to create sth or make sth appear in a surprising or unexpected way: He conjured a delicious meal out of a few leftovers.
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con.jur.ing
noun [U] entertainment in the form of magic tricks, especially ones which seem to make things appear or disappear: a conjuring trick
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con.juror
(also con.jurer) noun a person who performs conjuring tricks
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conk
verb, noun
verb [vn] (informal, especially AmE ) to hit sb hard on their head
PVR V ,conk 'out (informal)
1 (of a machine, etc.) to stop working: The car conked out halfway up the hill.
2 (especially AmE) (of a person) to fall asleep because you are very tired

noun (BrE , slang) a person’s nose

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conk.er
noun (informal, especially BrE )
1 [C] the smooth shiny brown nut of the HORSE CHESTNUT tree—compare CHESTNUT , HORSE CHESTNUT
2 (conkers) [U] (BrE) a children’s game played with conkers on strings, in which two players take turns to try to hit and break each other’s conker
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'con man
noun (informal) a man who tricks others into giving him money, etc.
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con.nect
verb
JOIN|
1 ~ A to / with B| ~ A and B to join together two or more things; to be joined together: [vn] The towns are connected by train and bus services.  The canal was built to connect Sheffield with the Humber estuary.  a connecting door (= one that connects two rooms)  [v] The rooms on this floor connect.
ELECTRICITY / GAS / WATER|
2 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to join sth to the main supply of electricity, gas, water, etc. or to another piece of equipment: First connect the printer to the computer.  We’re waiting for the telephone to be connected.
OPP DISCONNECT
LINK|
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with sb/sth) to have a link with sb/sth: They are connected by marriage.  The two subjects are closely connected .  jobs connected with the environment—see also UNCONNECTED , WELL CONNECTED
4 [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sb/sth) to notice or make a link between people, things, events, etc.
SYN ASSOCIATE : There was nothing to connect him with the crime.  I was surprised to hear them mentioned together: I had never connected them before.
OF TRAIN / BUS / PLANE|
5 [v] ~ (with sth) to arrive just before another one leaves so that passengers can change from one to the other: His flight to Amsterdam connects with an afternoon flight to New York.  There’s a connecting flight at noon.
TELEPHONE LINES|
6 [vn] to join telephone lines so that people can speak to each other
SYN PUT THROUGH : Hold on please, I’m trying to connect you.
OPP DISCONNECT
FORM RELATIONSHIP|
7 [v] ~ (with sb) (especially AmE) to form a good relationship with sb so that you like and understand each other: They met a couple of times but they didn’t really connect.
HIT|
8 [v] (especially AmE) ~ (with sb/sth) (informal) to hit sb/sth: The blow connected and she felt a surge of pain. con,nect sth<->'up (to sth)| con,nect 'up (to sth) to join sth to a supply of electricity, gas, etc. or to another piece of equipment; to be joined in this way: She connected up the two computers.
OPP DISCONNECT
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con.nec.tion
(BrE also less frequent con.nex.ion) noun
LINK|
1 [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sth) something that connects two facts, ideas, etc: Scientists have established a connection between cholesterol levels and heart disease.  His resignation must have some connection with the recent scandal.  a direct / close / strong connection with sth  How did you make the connection (= realize that there was a connection between two facts that did not seem to be related)?
BEING CONNECTED|
2 [U] ~ (to sth) the act of connecting or the state of being connected: Connection to the gas supply was delayed for three days.
IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM|
3 [C] a point, especially in an electrical system, where two parts connect: A faulty connection caused the machine to stop.
TRAIN / BUS / PLANE|
4 [C] a train, bus or plane at a station or an airport that a passenger can take soon after getting off another in order to continue their journey: We arrived in good time for the connection to Paris.
5 [C, usually pl.] a means of travelling to another place: There are good bus and train connections between the resort and major cities.
PERSON / ORGANIZATION|
6 [C, usually pl.] a person or an organization that you know and that can help or advise you in your social or professional life: One of my business connections gave them my name.
DISTANT RELATIVES|
7 (connections) [pl.] people who are your relatives, but not members of your close family: She is British but also has German connections. in connection with sb/sth (written) for reasons connected with sb/sth: A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of the teenager.  I am writing to you in connection with your recent job application. in this / that connection (formal) for reasons connected with sth recently mentioned
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con.nect.ive
adj., noun
adj. (especially medical ) that connects things: connective tissue

noun (grammar ) a word that connects two parts of a sentence: Don’t overuse a causal connective like ‘because’.

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con.niv.ance
noun [U] (disapproving) help in doing sth wrong; the failure to stop sth wrong from happening: The crime was committed with the connivance of a police officer.
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con.nive
verb [v] (disapproving)
1 ~ at / in sth to seem to allow sth wrong to happen: She knew that if she said nothing she would be conniving in an injustice.
2 ~ (with sb) (to do sth) to work together with sb to do sth wrong or illegal
SYN CONSPIRE : The government was accused of having connived with the security forces to permit murder.
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con.niv.ing
adj. (disapproving) behaving in a way that secretly harms others or deliberately fails to prevent harm to others
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con.nois.seur
noun an expert on matters involving the judgement of beauty, quality or skill in art, food or music: a connoisseur of Italian painting  a wine connoisseur
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con.no.ta.tion
noun an idea suggested by a word in addition to its main meaning: The word ‘professional’ has connotations of skill and excellence.  negative connotations
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con.note
verb [vn] (formal) (of a word) to suggest a feeling, an idea, etc. as well as the main meaning: Very soon ‘Third World’ came to connote poverty.—compare DENOTE
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con.quer
verb [vn]
1 to take control of a country or city and its people by force: The Normans conquered England in 1066.  conquered peoples / races / territories
2 to defeat sb, especially in a competition, race, etc: The world champion conquered yet another challenger last night.  The team members were greeted like conquering heroes .
3 to succeed in dealing with or controlling sth: The only way to conquer a fear is to face it.  Mount Everest was conquered (= successfully climbed) in 1953.
4 to become very popular or successful in a place: The band is now setting out to conquer the world.
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con.queror
noun a person who conquers : William the Conqueror (= King William I of England)
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con.quest
noun
1 [sing., U] the act of taking control of a country, city, etc. by force: the Norman Conquest (= of England in 1066)
2 [C] an area of land taken by force: the Spanish conquests in South America
3 [C] (usually humorous) a person that sb has persuaded to love them or to have sex with them: I’m just one of his many conquests.
4 [U] the act of gaining control over sth that is difficult or dangerous: the conquest of inflation
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con.san.guin.ity
noun [U] (formal) relationship by birth in the same family
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con.science
noun
1 [C, U] the part of your mind that tells you whether your actions are right or wrong: to have a clear / guilty conscience (= to feel that you have done right / wrong)  This is a matter of individual conscience (= everyone must make their own judgement about it).  He won’t let it trouble his conscience.—see also SOCIAL CONSCIENCE
2 [U, C] a feeling of guilt about sth you have done or failed to do: She was seized by a sudden pang of conscience.  I have a terrible conscience about it.
3 [U] the fact of behaving in a way that you feel is right even though this may cause problems: freedom of conscience (= the freedom to do what you believe to be right)  Emilia is the voice of conscience in the play.—see also PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE
IDM in (all / good) conscience (formal) believing your actions to be fair
SYN HONESTLY : We cannot in all conscience refuse to help. on your 'conscience making you feel guilty for doing or failing to do sth: I’ll write and apologize. I’ve had it on my conscience for weeks.—more at PRICK v.
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'conscience-stricken
adj. feeling guilty about sth you have done or failed to do
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con.scien.tious
adj. taking care to do things carefully and correctly: a conscientious student / teacher
con.scien.tious.ly adv.: She performed all her duties conscientiously.
con.scien.tious.ness noun [U]
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,conscientious ob'jector
noun a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces for moral reasons—compare DRAFT DODGER , PACIFIST
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con.scious
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ of (doing) sth| ~ that aware of sth; noticing sth: She’s very conscious of the problems involved.  He became acutely conscious of having failed his parents.  I was vaguely conscious that I was being watched.
OPP UNCONSCIOUS —see also SELF-CONSCIOUS
2 able to use your senses and mental powers to understand what is happening: A patient who is not fully conscious should never be left alone.
OPP UNCONSCIOUS
3 (of actions, feelings, etc.) deliberate or controlled: to make a conscious decision   I made a conscious effort to get there on time.  a conscious act of cruelty
OPP UNCONSCIOUS —compare SUBCONSCIOUS
4 being particularly interested in sth: environmentally-conscious  They have become increasingly health-conscious.
con.scious.ly adv.: Whether consciously or unconsciously, you made a choice.
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con.scious.ness
noun [U]
1 the state of being able to use your senses and mental powers to understand what is happening: I can’t remember any more—I must have lost consciousness .  She did not regain consciousness and died the next day.
2 the state of being aware of sth: his consciousness of the challenge facing him  surviving traces of class-consciousness (= consciousness of different classes in society)
3 the ideas and opinions of a person or group: her newly-developed political consciousness—see also STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS
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'consciousness-raising
noun [U] the process of making people aware of important social and political issues
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con.script
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (into sth) (especially BrE ) (AmE usually draft) to make sb join the armed forces
SYN CALL UP : He was conscripted into the army in 1939.

noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually draft.ee) a person who has been conscripted to join the armed forces: young army conscripts  conscript soldiers / armies—compare VOLUNTEER

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con.scrip.tion
noun [U] (especially BrE ) (AmE usually the draft [sing.]) the practice of ordering people by law to serve in the armed forces
SYN CALL-UP
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con.se.crate
verb
1 [vn] to state officially in a religious ceremony that sth is holy and can be used for religious purposes: The church was consecrated in 1853.  consecrated ground
2 [vn] (in Christian belief) to make bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ
3 ~ sb (as) (sth) to state officially in a religious ceremony that sb is now a priest, etc: [vn-n] He was consecrated (as) bishop last year. [alsovn]
4 [vn] ~ sth/sb / yourself to sth (formal) to give sth/sb or yourself to a special purpose, especially a religious one
con.se.cra.tion noun [C, U]: the consecration of a church / bishop
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con.secu.tive
adj. [usually before noun] following one after another in a series, without interruption: She was absent for nine consecutive days.  He is beginning his fourth consecutive term of office.
con.secu.tive.ly adv.
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con.sen.su.al
adj. (formal)
1 which people in general agree with: a consensual approach
2 (of an activity) which the people taking part have agreed to: consensual sex
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con.sen.sus
noun [sing., U] ~ (among sb)| ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … ) an opinion that all members of a group agree with: There is a general consensus among teachers about the need for greater security in schools.  There seems to be a consensus that the plan should be rejected.  There is a growing consensus of opinion on this issue.  an attempt to reach a consensus   She is skilled at achieving consensus on sensitive issues.
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con.sent
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] ~ (to sth) permission to do sth, especially given by sb in authority: Children under 16 cannot give consent to medical treatment.  The written consent of a parent is required.  to refuse / withhold your consent  He is charged with taking a car without the owner’s consent .—see also AGE OF CONSENT
2 [U] agreement about sth: She was chosen as leader by common consent (= everyone agreed to the choice).  By mutual consent they didn’t go out (= they both agreed not to).
3 [C] an official document giving permission for sth

verb ~ (to sth) (rather formal) to agree to sth or give your permission for sth: [v] When she told them what she intended they readily consented.  He reluctantly consented to his daughter’s marriage.  [v to inf] She finally consented to answer our questions.

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con,senting 'adult
noun a person who is considered old enough, by law, to decide whether they should agree to have sex; a person who has agreed to have sex
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con.se.quence
noun
1 [C, often pl.] ~ (for sb/sth) a result of sth that has happened: This decision could have serious consequences for the future of the industry.  Two hundred people lost their jobs as a direct consequence of the merger.  He drove too fast with tragic consequences.  to suffer / face / take the consequences of your actions
2 [U] (formal) importance: Don’t worry. It’s of no consequence.
IDM in consequence (of sth) (formal) as a result of sth: The child was born deformed in consequence of an injury to its mother.
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con.se.quent
adj. ~ (on / upon sth) (formal) happening as a result of sth: the lowering of taxes and the consequent increase in spending  the responsibilities consequent upon the arrival of a new child
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con.se.quen.tial
adj. (formal)
1 happening as a result or an effect of sth: retirement and the consequential reduction in income
2 important; that will have important results: The report discusses a number of consequential matters that are yet to be decided.
OPP INCONSEQUENTIAL
con.se.quen.tial.ly adv.
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con.se.quent.ly
adv. (written) as a result; therefore: This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health.
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con.ser.vancy
noun
1 (Conservancy) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a group of officials who control the use of a port, a river, an area of land, etc: the Thames Conservancy  Texas Nature Conservancy
2 [U] (formal) the protection of the natural environment
SYN CONSERVATION : nature conservancy
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con.ser.va.tion
noun [U]
1 the protection of the natural environment: to be interested in wildlife conservation
2 the act of preventing sth from being lost, wasted, damaged or destroyed: to encourage the conservation of water / fuel  energy conservation—see also CONSERVE
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conser'vation area
noun (BrE ) an area where the natural environment or the buildings are protected by law from being damaged or changed
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con.ser.va.tion.ist
noun a person who takes an active part in the protection of the environment: a meeting of local conservationists
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con.ser.va.tism
noun [U]
1 the tendency to resist great or sudden change: the innate conservatism of older people
2 (also Conservatism) the political belief that society should change as little as possible: an examination of the political theories of conservatism and liberalism
3 (usually Conservatism) the principles of the Conservative Party in British politics
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con.ser.va.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values: the conservative views of his parents  Her style of dress was never conservative.
2 (usually Conservative) connected with the British Conservative Party: Conservative members / supporters
3 (of an estimate) lower than what is probably the real amount or number: At a conservative estimate , he’ll be earning £50 000.
con.ser.va.tive.ly adv.

noun
1 (usually Conservative) (abbr.Con) a member or supporter of the British Conservative Party
2 a conservative person

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the Con'servative Party
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] one of the main British political parties, on the political right, which especially believes in FREE ENTERPRISE and that industry should be privately owned
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con.ser.va.toire
(BrE ) (AmE con.ser.va.tory) noun a school or college at which people are trained in music and theatre
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con.ser.va.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE) a room with glass walls and a glass roof that is built on the side of a house. Conservatories are used for sitting in to enjoy the sun, and to protect plants from cold weather.
2 (AmE) = CONSERVATOIRE
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con.serve
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to use as little of sth as possible so that it lasts a long time: Help to conserve energy by insulating your home.
2 to protect sth and prevent it from being changed or destroyed: new laws to conserve wildlife in the area—see also CONSERVATION —compare PRESERVE

noun [C, U] jam containing large or whole pieces of fruit: a strawberry conserve

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con.sider
verb
1 to think about sth carefully, especially in order to make a decision: [vn] She considered her options.  a carefully considered response / decision  The company is being actively considered as a potential partner (= it is thought possible that it could become one).  [v -ing] We’re considering buying a new car.  [v wh-] We need to consider how the law might be reformed.  He was considering what to do next.  [v] I’d like some time to consider.
2 ~ sb/sth (as) sth to think of sb/sth in a particular way: [vn-n] This award is considered (to be) a great honour.  He considers himself an expert on the subject.  These workers are considered (as) a high-risk group.  [vn-adj] Who do you consider (to be) responsible for the accident?  Consider yourself lucky you weren’t fired.  [v (that)] She considers that it is too early to form a definite conclusion.  [vn to inf] He’s generally considered to have the finest tenor voice in the country. [alsovn that]
3 [vn] to think about sth, especially the feelings of other people, and be influenced by it when making a decision, etc: You should consider other people before you act.
4 [vn] (formal) to look carefully at sb/sth: He stood there, considering the painting.
IDM your con,sidered o'pinion your opinion that is the result of careful thought
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con.sid.er.able
adj. (formal) great in amount, size, importance, etc: The project wasted a considerable amount of time and money.  Damage to the building was considerable.
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con.sid.er.ably
adv. (formal) much; a lot: The need for sleep varies considerably from person to person.
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con.sid.er.ate
adj. always thinking of other people’s wishes and feelings; careful not to hurt or upset others THOUGHTFUL : She is always polite and considerate towards her employees.  It was very considerate of him to wait.
OPP INCONSIDERATE
con.sid.er.ate.ly adv.
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con.sid.er.ation
noun
1 [U, C] (formal) the act of thinking carefully about sth: Careful consideration should be given to issues of health and safety.  The proposals are currently under consideration (= being discussed).  After a few moments' consideration, he began to speak.  a consideration of the legal issues involved
2 [C] something that must be thought about when you are planning or deciding sth: economic / commercial / environmental / practical considerations  Time is another important consideration.
3 [U] ~ (for sb/sth) the quality of being sensitive towards others and thinking about their wishes and feelings: They showed no consideration whatsoever for my feelings.  Journalists stayed away from the funeral out of consideration for the bereaved family.  Their kindness and consideration will not be forgotten.
4 [C] (formal) a reward or payment for a service
IDM in consideration of sth (formal) as payment for sth: a small sum in consideration of your services take sth into consideration to think about and include a particular thing or fact when you are forming an opinion or making a decision: The candidates' experience and qualifications will be taken into consideration when the decision is made.  Taking everything into consideration, the event was a great success.—more at MATURE adj.
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con.sider.ing
prep., conj. used to show that you are thinking about a particular fact, and are influenced by it, when you make a statement about sth: She’s very active, considering her age.  Considering he’s only just started, he knows quite a lot about it.  You’ve done very well, considering (= in the difficult circumstances).
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con.sign
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sb/sth to sth to put sb/sth somewhere in order to get rid of them: I consigned her letter to the waste basket.  What I didn’t want was to see my mother consigned to an old people’s home.
2 ~ sb/sth to sth to put sb/sth in an unpleasant situation: The decision to close the factory has consigned 6 000 people to the scrap heap .  A car accident consigned him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
3 to give or send sth to sb
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con.sign.ment
noun
1 [C] a quantity of goods that are sent or delivered somewhere: a consignment of medicines
2 [U] the act of sending or delivering sb/sth
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con'signment store
noun (AmE ) a shop/store where people take their old clothes, etc. to be sold to sb else. The consignment store keeps part of the money after an item is sold and gives the other part to the person who brought it in.
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con.sist
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
PVR V con'sist in sth (formal) to have sth as the main or only part or feature: The beauty of the city consists in its magnificent buildings. [+ -ing] True education does not consist in simply being taught facts. con'sist of sth to be formed from the things or people mentioned: The committee consists of ten members.  Their diet consisted largely of vegetables. [+ -ing] Most of the fieldwork consisted of making tape recordings.  note at COMPRISE
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con.sist.ency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (approving) the quality of always behaving in the same way or of having the same opinions, standard, etc.; the quality of being consistent : She has played with great consistency all season.  We need to ensure the consistency of service to our customers.
OPP INCONSISTENCY
2 [C, U] the consistency of a mixture or a liquid substance is how thick, smooth, etc. it is: Beat the ingredients together to a creamy consistency.  The cement should have the consistency of wet sand.
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con.sist.ent
adj.
1 (approving) always behaving in the same way, or having the same opinions, standards, etc: She’s not very consistent in the way she treats her children.  He has been Milan’s most consistent player this season.  We must be consistent in applying the rules.  a consistent approach to the problem  We need results that are consistent (= of the same standard) throughout the year.
2 happening in the same way and continuing for a period of time: the party’s consistent failure to come up with any new policies  a pattern of consistent growth in the economy
3 ~ with sth in agreement with sth; not CONTRADICTING sth: The results are entirely consistent with our earlier research.  injuries consistent with a fall from an upper storey (= similar to those such a fall would have caused)
4 (of an argument or a set of ideas) having different parts that all agree with each other: a well-thought-out and consistent argument
OPP INCONSISTENT
con.sist.ent.ly adv.: Her work has been of a consistently high standard.  We have argued consistently for a change in the law.
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con.sola.tion
noun [U, C] a person or thing that makes you feel better when you are unhappy or disappointed COMFORT : a few words of consolation  If it’s any consolation, she didn’t get the job, either.  The children were a great consolation to him when his wife died.
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conso'lation prize
noun a small prize given to sb who has not won a competition
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con.sola.tory
adj. (formal) intended to make sb who is unhappy or disappointed feel better
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con.sole^1
verb ~ sb / yourself (with sth) to give comfort or sympathy to sb who is unhappy or disappointed: [vn] Nothing could console him when his wife died.  She put a consoling arm around his shoulders.  Console yourself with the thought that you did your best.  [vn that] I didn’t like lying but I consoled myself that it was for a good cause.  [vn speech] ‘Never mind,’ Anne consoled her.
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con.sole^2
noun a flat surface which contains all the controls and switches for a machine, a piece of electronic equipment, etc.—
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con.soli.date
verb
1 to make a position of power or success stronger so that it is more likely to continue: [vn] With this new movie he has consolidated his position as the country’s leading director.  Italy consolidated their lead with a second goal. [alsov]
2 (technical ) to join things together into one; to be joined into one: [vn] All the debts have been consolidated.  consolidated accounts  [v] The two companies consolidated for greater efficiency.
con.soli.da.tion noun [U]: the consolidation of power / authority / democracy  the consolidation of Japan’s banking industry
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con.sommé
noun [U] a clear soup made with the juices from meat
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con.son.ance
noun
1 [U] ~ (with sth) (formal) agreement: a policy that is popular because of its consonance with traditional party doctrine
2 [U, C] (music) a combination of musical notes that sound pleasing together
OPP DISSONANCE
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con.son.ant
noun, adj.
noun (phonetics )
1 a speech sound made by completely or partly stopping the flow of air being breathed out through the mouth
2 a letter of the alphabet that represents a consonant sound, for example ‘b’, ‘c’, ‘d’, ‘f’, etc.—compare VOWEL

adj. ~ with sth (formal) agreeing with or being the same as sth else

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con.sort
noun, verb
noun
1 the husband or wife of a ruler: the prince consort (= the queen’s husband)
2 a group of old-fashioned musical instruments, or a group of musicians who play music from several centuries ago

verb [v] ~ with sb (formal) to spend time with sb that other people do not approve of: He is known to have consorted with prostitutes.

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con.sor.tium
noun (pl.con.sor.tiums or con.sor.tia ) a group of people, countries, companies, etc. who are working together on a particular project: the Anglo-French consortium that built the Channel Tunnel
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con.spicu.ous
adj. easy to see or notice; likely to attract attention: Mary’s red hair always made her conspicuous at school.  I felt very conspicuous in my new car.  The advertisements were all posted in a conspicuous place.  The event was a conspicuous success (= a very great one).
OPP INCONSPICUOUS
con.spicu.ous.ly adv.: Women were conspicuously absent from the planning committee.
con.spicu.ous.ness noun [U]
IDM con,spicuous by your 'absence not present in a situation or place, when it is obvious that you should be there: When it came to cleaning up afterwards, Anne was conspicuous by her absence.
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con,spicuous con'sumption
noun [U] the buying of expensive goods in order to impress people and show them how rich you are
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con.spir.acy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) ~ (to do sth)| ~ (against sb/sth) a secret plan by a group of people to do sth harmful or illegal: a conspiracy to overthrow the government  conspiracies against the president  a conspiracy of silence (= an agreement not to talk publicly about sth which should not remain secret)  They were charged with conspiracy to murder.  a conspiracy theory (= the belief that a secret conspiracy is responsible for a particular event)
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con.spir.ator
noun a person who is involved in a conspiracy
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con.spira.tor.ial
adj.
1 connected with, or like, a conspiracy
2 (of a person’s behaviour) suggesting that a secret is being shared: ‘I know you understand,’ he said and gave a conspiratorial wink.
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con.spire
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sb) (against sb)| ~ (together) to secretly plan with other people to do sth illegal or harmful: They were accused of conspiring against the king.  They deny conspiring together to smuggle drugs.  She admitted conspiring with her lover to murder her husband.
2 ~ against sb/sth| ~ to do sth (written) (of events) to seem to work together to make sth bad happen: [v] Circumstances had conspired against them.  [v to inf] Everything conspired to make her life a misery.
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con.stable
noun (used especially when talking to a police officer of the lowest rank) = POLICE CONSTABLE : Have you finished your report, Constable?—see also CHIEF CONSTABLE
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con.stabu.lary
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (pl.-ies) (in Britain) the police force of a particular area or town
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con.stancy
noun [U] (formal)
1 the quality of staying the same and not changing: the constancy of temperature inside the plane
2 (approving) the quality of being faithful FIDELITY : He admired her courage and constancy.
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con.stant
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] happening all the time or repeatedly: constant interruptions  a constant stream of visitors all day  Babies need constant attention.  This entrance is in constant use.
2 that does not change FIXED : travelling at a constant speed of 50 m.p.h.

noun (mathematics, physics ) a number or quantity that does not vary
OPP VARIABLE

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con.stant.ly
adv. all the time; repeatedly: Fashion is constantly changing.  Heat the sauce, stirring constantly.
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con.stel.la.tion
noun
1 a group of stars that forms a shape in the sky and has a name
2 (written) a group of related ideas, things or people: a constellation of Hollywood talent
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con.ster.na.tion
noun [U] (formal) a feeling of great surprise, shock or anxiety DISMAY : The announcement of her retirement caused consternation among tennis fans.
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con.sti.pated
adj. unable to get rid of waste material from the bowels easily
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con.sti.pa.tion
noun [U] the condition of being unable to get rid of waste material from the bowels easily (= being constipated )
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con.stitu.ency
(pl.-ies) noun
1 [C] (in Britain) a district that elects its own representative to parliament: Unemployment is high in her constituency.  He owns a house in his Darlington constituency.
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] (in Britain) the people who live in and vote in a particular district: constituency opinion
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a particular group of people in society who are likely to support sb politically: the Labour party’s traditional constituency among trade unions
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con.stitu.ent
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who lives, and can vote in a constituency : She has the full support of her constituents.
2 one of the parts of sth that combine to form the whole

adj. [only before noun] (formal) forming or helping to make a whole: to break something up into its constituent parts / elements

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con,stituent as'sembly
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of elected representatives with the power to make or change a country’s CONSTITUTION
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con.sti.tute
verb (written)
1 linking verb [v-n] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be considered to be sth: Does such an activity constitute a criminal offence?  The increase in racial tension constitutes a threat to our society.  His action was interpreted as constituting a threat to the community.
2 linking verb [v-n] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the parts that together form sth
SYN MAKE UP : Female workers constitute the majority of the labour force.  note at COMPRISE
3 [vn] [usually passive] to form a group legally or officially: The committee was constituted in 1974 by an Act of Parliament.
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con.sti.tu.tion
noun
1 [C] the system of laws and basic principles that a state, a country or an organization is governed by: your right to vote under the constitution  According to the constitution …  to propose a new amendment to the Constitution (= of the US)  the South African Constitution
2 [C] the condition of a person’s body and how healthy it is: to have a healthy / strong / weak constitution
3 [U, C] (formal) the way sth is formed or organized STRUCTURE : the genetic constitution of cells
4 [U] (formal) the act of forming sth: He recommended the constitution of a review committee.
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con.sti.tu.tion.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the constitution of a country or an organization: constitutional government / reform  a constitutional amendment
2 allowed or limited by the constitution of a country or an organization: They can’t pass this law. It’s not constitutional.  constitutional rights   a constitutional monarchy (= a country with a king or queen, whose power is controlled by a set of laws and basic principles)
OPP UNCONSTITUTIONAL
3 [usually before noun] related to the body’s ability to stay healthy, be strong and fight illness
con.sti.tu.tion.al.ly adv.: constitutionally guaranteed rights

noun (old-fashioned or humorous) a short walk that people take because it is good for their health

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con.sti.tu.tion.al.ism
noun [U] a belief in constitutional government
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con.sti.tu.tion.al.ity
noun [U] (technical ) the fact that sth is acceptable according to a CONSTITUTION : They questioned the constitutionality of the law.
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con.strain
verb (formal)
1 [vn to inf] [usually passive] to force sb to do sth or behave in a particular way: The evidence was so compelling that he felt constrained to accept it.
2 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (from doing sth) to restrict or limit sb/sth: Research has been constrained by a lack of funds.  She felt constrained from continuing by the threat of losing her job.
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con.strained
adj. (formal) not natural; forced or too controlled: constrained emotions
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con.straint
noun
1 [C] ~ (on sth) a thing that limits or restricts sth, or your freedom to do sth RESTRICTION : constraints of time / money / space  financial / economic / legal / political constraints  This decision will impose serious constraints on all schools.  Magistrates are under a constraint not to send young people to prison.
2 [U] strict control over the way that you behave or are allowed to behave: At last we could relax and talk without constraint.
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con.strict
verb
1 to become tighter or narrower; to make sth tighter or narrower: [v] Her throat constricted and she swallowed hard.  [vn] a drug that constricts the blood vessels.
2 [vn] to limit or restrict what sb is able to do: Film-makers of the time were constricted by the censors.  constricting rules and regulations
con.strict.ed adj.: Her throat felt dry and constricted.  a constricted vision of the world
con.stric.tion noun [U, C]: a feeling of constriction in the throat / chest  political constrictions
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con.struct
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] ~ sth (from / out of / of sth) to build or make sth such as a road, building or machine: When was the bridge constructed?  They constructed a shelter out of fallen branches.
2 to form sth by putting different things together: You must learn how to construct a logical argument.  to construct a theory / diagram / plan  a well-constructed novel
3 (geometry) to draw a line or shape according to the rules of mathematics: to construct a triangle

noun (formal)
1 an idea or a belief that is based on various pieces of evidence which are not always true: a contrast between lived reality and the construct held in the mind
2 (linguistics) a group of words that form a phrase
3 a thing that is built or made

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con.struc.tion
noun
OF ROADS / BUILDINGS|
1 [U] the process or method of building or making sth, especially roads, buildings, bridges, etc: the construction industry  road construction  Work has been begun on the construction of the new airport.  Our new offices are still under construction (= being built).  the construction of a new database
2 [U] the way that sth has been built or made: light / strong / weak in construction  ships of steel construction
BUILDING / STRUCTURE|
3 [C] (formal) a thing that has been built or made: The summer house was a simple wooden construction.
GRAMMAR|
4 [C] the way in which words are used together and arranged to form a sentence, phrase, etc: grammatical constructions
OF THEORY, etc.|
5 [U, C] the creating of sth from ideas, opinions and knowledge: the construction of a new theory
MEANING|
6 [C] (formal) the way in which words, actions, statements, etc. are understood by sb INTERPRETATION : What construction do you put on this letter (= what do you think it means)?
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con.struc.tion.al
adj. connected with the making or building of things
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con'struction paper
noun [U] (AmE ) thick coloured paper that people cut out to make designs, models, etc.
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con.struct.ive
adj. having a useful and helpful effect rather than being negative or with no purpose: constructive criticism / suggestions / advice  His work involved helping hyperactive children to use their energy in a constructive way.  The government is encouraging all parties to play a constructive role in the reform process.—compare DESTRUCTIVE
con.struct.ive.ly adv.
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con.struct.or
noun a person or company that builds things, especially cars or aircraft
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con.strue
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to understand the meaning of a word, a sentence, or an action in a particular way: He considered how the remark was to be construed.  Her words could hardly be construed as an apology.
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con.sul
noun a government official who is the representative of his or her country in a foreign city: the British consul in Miami
con.su.lar adj.: consular officials
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con.sul.ate
noun the building where a consul works: the American consulate in Marseilles—compare EMBASSY
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con.sult
verb
1 ~ sb (about sth) to go to sb for information or advice: [vn] If the pain continues, consult your doctor.  Have you consulted your lawyer about this?  [v] a consulting engineer (= one who has expert knowledge and gives advice)
2 ~ (with) sb (about / on sth) to discuss sth with sb to get their permission for sth, or to help you make a decision: [vn] You shouldn’t have done it without consulting me.  I expect to be consulted about major issues.  [v] I need to consult with my colleagues on the proposals.
3 [vn] to look in or at sth to get information
SYN REFER TO : He consulted the manual.
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con.sult.ancy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a company that gives expert advice on a particular subject to other companies, people or organizations: a management / design / computer consultancy
2 [U] expert advice that a company or person is paid to provide on a particular subject: consultancy fees
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con.sult.ant
noun
1 ~ (on sth) a person who knows a lot about a particular subject and is employed to give advice about it to other people: a firm of management consultants  the President’s consultant on economic affairs
2 (BrE) a hospital doctor of the highest rank who is a specialist in a particular area of medicine: a consultant in obstetrics  a consultant surgeon—compare REGISTRAR
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con.sult.ation
noun
1 [U] the act of discussing sth with sb or with a group of people before making a decision about it: a consultation document / paper / period / process  acting in consultation with all the departments involved  The decision was taken after close consultation with local residents.
2 [C] a formal meeting to discuss sth: extensive consultations between the two countries
3 [C] a meeting with an expert, especially a doctor, to get advice or treatment
4 the act of looking for information in a book, etc: There is a large collection of texts available for consultation on-screen.
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con.sulta.tive
adj. giving advice or making suggestions ADVISORY : a consultative committee / body / document
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con'sulting room
noun a room where a doctor talks to and examines patients
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con.sume
verb [vn] (written)
1 to use sth, especially fuel, energy or time: The electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels.
2 to eat or drink sth: Before he died he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol.
3 ~ sb (with sth) [usually passive] to fill sb with a strong feeling: Carolyn was consumed with guilt.  Rage consumed him.
4 (of fire) to completely destroy sth: The hotel was quickly consumed by fire.—see also CONSUMING , CONSUMPTION , TIME-CONSUMING
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con.sumer
noun a person who buys goods or uses services: consumer demand / choice / rights  Health-conscious consumers want more information about the food they buy.  a consumer society (= one where buying and selling is considered to be very important)  Tax cuts will boost consumer confidence after the recession.—compare PRODUCER
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con,sumer 'durables
(BrE ) (AmE 'durable goods) noun [pl.] (business ) goods which are expected to last for a long time after they have been bought, such as cars, televisions, etc.
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con'sumer goods
noun [pl.] goods such as food, clothing, etc. bought by individual customers—compare CAPITAL GOODS
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con.sumer.ism
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) the buying and using of goods and services; the belief that it is good for a society or an individual person to buy and use a large quantity of goods and services
con.sumer.ist adj.: consumerist values
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,consumer 'price index
noun [sing.] (abbr. CPI) (in the US) a list of the prices of some ordinary goods and services which shows how much these prices change each month—see also RETAIL PRICE INDEX
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con.sum.ing
adj. [only before noun] (of a feeling, an interest, etc.) so strong or important that it takes up all your time and energy: Basketball is his consuming passion .—see also TIME-CONSUMING
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con.sum.mate^1
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) extremely skilled; perfect: She was a consummate performer.  He played the shot with consummate skill.   (disapproving) a consummate liar
con.sum.mate.ly adv.
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con.sum.mate^2
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make a marriage or a relationship complete by having sex: The marriage lasted only a week and was never consummated.
2 to make sth complete or perfect
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con.sum.ma.tion
noun [C, U]
1 the act of making a marriage or relationship complete by having sex
2 the fact of making sth complete or perfect: The paintings are the consummation of his life’s work.
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con.sump.tion
noun [U]
1 the act of using energy, food or materials; the amount used: the production of fuel for domestic consumption (= to be used in the country where it is produced)  Gas and oil consumption always increases in cold weather.  The meat was declared unfit for human consumption .  He was advised to reduce his alcohol consumption.  Her speech to party members was not intended for public consumption (= to be heard by the public).—see also CONSUME
2 the act of buying and using products: Consumption rather than saving has become the central feature of contemporary societies.—see also CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION , CONSUME
3 (old-fashioned) a serious infectious disease of the lungs
SYN TUBERCULOSIS
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con.sump.tive
noun (old-fashioned) a person who suffers from consumption (= a disease of the lungs)
con.sump.tive adj.
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cont.
(also contd) abbr. continued: cont. on p74
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con.tact
noun, verb
noun
ACT OF COMMUNICATING|
1 [U] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) the act of communicating with sb, especially regularly: I don’t have much contact with my uncle.  There is little contact between the two organizations.  Have you kept in contact with any of your friends from college (= do you still see them or speak or write to them)?  She’s lost contact with (= no longer sees or writes to) her son.  I finally made contact with (= succeeded in speaking to or meeting) her in Paris.  The organization put me in contact with other people in a similar position (= gave me their addresses or telephone numbers).  two people avoiding eye contact (= avoiding looking directly at each other)  Here’s my contact number (= temporary telephone number) while I’m away.
TOUCHING SB / STH|
2 [U] the state of touching sth: His fingers were briefly in contact with the ball.  This substance should not come into contact with food.  a fear of physical contact  This pesticide kills insects on contact (= as soon as it touches them).
MEETING SB / STH|
3 [U] the state of meeting sb or having to deal with sth: In her job she often comes into contact with (= meets) lawyers.  Children should be brought into contact with poetry at an early age.
RELATIONSHIP|
4 [C, usually pl.] an occasion on which you meet or communicate with sb; a relationship with sb: We have good contacts with the local community.  The company has maintained trade contacts with India.
PERSON|
5 [C] a person that you know, especially sb who can be helpful to you in your work: social / personal contacts  I’ve made some useful contacts in journalism.
ELECTRICAL|
6 [C] an electrical connection: The switches close the contacts and complete the circuit.
FOR EYES|
7 (contacts) [pl.] (informal) = CONTACT LENSES
MEDICAL|
8 [C] a person who may be infectious because he or she has recently been near to sb with a CONTAGIOUS disease
IDM see POINT n.

verb [vn] to communicate with sb, for example by telephone or letter: I’ve been trying to contact you all day.

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'contact lens
(also informal con.tact, lens) noun a small round piece of thin plastic that you put on your eye to help you see better
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con.ta.gion
noun
1 [U] the spreading of a disease by people touching each other: There is no risk of contagion.
2 [C] (old use) a disease that can be spread by people touching each other.
3 [C] (formal) something bad that spreads quickly by being passed from person to person: the contagion of political extremism—compare INFECTION
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con.ta.gious
adj.
1 a contagious disease spreads by people touching each other: Scarlet fever is highly contagious.   (figurative) His enthusiasm was contagious (= spread quickly to other people).  a contagious laugh
2 [not usually before noun] if a person is contagious, they have a disease that can be spread to other people by touch—compare INFECTIOUS
con.ta.gious.ly adv.
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con.tain
verb [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 if sth contains sth else, it has that thing inside it or as part of it: This drink doesn’t contain any alcohol.  Her statement contained one or two inaccuracies.  a brown envelope containing a hundred dollar bills  The bottle contains (= can hold) two litres.
2 (written) to keep your feelings under control: She was unable to contain her excitement.  I was so furious I just couldn’t contain myself (= I had to express my feelings).
3 (written) to prevent sth harmful from spreading or getting worse: to contain an epidemic  Government forces have failed to contain the rebellion.
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con.tain.er
noun
1 a box, bottle, etc. in which sth can be stored or transported: Food will last longer if kept in an airtight container.
2 a large metal or wooden box of a standard size in which goods are packed so that they can easily be lifted onto a ship, train, etc. to be transported: a container ship (= one designed to transport such containers)—picture at BOAT
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con.tain.ment
noun [U] (formal)
1 the act of keeping sth under control so that it cannot spread in a harmful way: the containment of the epidemic / rebellion
2 the act of keeping another country’s power within limits so that it does not become too powerful: a policy of containment
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con.tam.in.ant
noun (technical ) a substance that makes sth IMPURE : Filters do not remove all contaminants from water.
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con.tam.in.ate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) to make a substance or place dirty or no longer pure by adding a substance that is dangerous or carries disease: The drinking water has become contaminated with lead.  contaminated blood / food / soil
2 (formal) to influence people’s ideas or attitudes in a bad way: They were accused of contaminating the minds of our young people.—see also UNCONTAMINATED
con.tam.in.ation noun [U]: radioactive contamination
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contd
abbr. = CONT.
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con.tem.plate
verb
1 to think about whether you should do sth, or how you should do sth
SYN CONSIDER , THINK ABOUT / OF : [vn] You’re too young to be contemplating retirement.  [v -ing] I have never contemplated living abroad. [alsov wh-, vn -ing]
2 to think carefully about and accept the possibility of sth happening: [vn] The thought of war is too awful to contemplate.  [v wh-] I can’t contemplate what it would be like to be alone. [alsov that]
3 (formal) to think deeply about sth for a long time: [vn] to contemplate your future  [v] She lay in bed, contemplating.
4 [vn] (formal) to look at sth in a careful way for a long time: She contemplated him in silence.
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con.tem.pla.tion
noun [U] (formal)
1 the act of thinking deeply about sth: He sat there deep in contemplation.  a few moments of quiet contemplation  a life of prayer and contemplation
2 the act of looking at sth in a calm and careful way: She turned from her contemplation of the photograph.
IDM in contem'plation (formal) being considered: By 1613 even more desperate measures were in contemplation.
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con.tem.pla.tive
adj., noun
adj. (formal)
1 thinking quietly and seriously about sth: She was in contemplative mood.
2 spending time thinking deeply about religious matters: the contemplative life (= life in a religious community)

noun (formal) a person who spends their life thinking deeply about religious matters

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con.tem.por.an.eous
adj. ~ (with sb/sth) (formal) happening or existing at the same time: How do we know that the signature is contemporaneous with the document?  contemporaneous events / accounts
con.tem.por.an.eous.ly adv.
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con.tem.por.ary
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (with sb/sth) belonging to the same time: We have no contemporary account of the battle (= written near the time that it happened).  He was contemporary with the dramatist Congreve.
2 belonging to the present time MODERN : life in contemporary Britain  contemporary fiction / music / dance

noun (pl.-ies) a person who lives or lived at the same time as sb else, especially sb who is about the same age: She and I were contemporaries at college.  He was a contemporary of Freud and may have known him.

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con.tempt
noun [U, sing.]
1 ~ (for sb/sth) the feeling that sb/sth is without value and deserves no respect at all: She looked at him with contempt .  I shall treat that suggestion with the contempt it deserves.  His treatment of his children is beneath contempt (= so unacceptable that it is not even worth feeling contempt for).  Politicians seem to be generally held in contempt by the police.  They had shown a contempt for the values she thought important.
2 ~ for sth a lack of worry or fear about rules, danger, etc: The firefighters showed a contempt for their own safety.  His remarks betray a staggering contempt for the truth (= are completely false).
3 = CONTEMPT OF COURT : He could be jailed for two years for contempt.  She was held in contempt for refusing to testify.
IDM see FAMILIARITY
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con.tempt.ible
adj. (formal) not deserving any respect at all: mean and contemptible behaviour
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con,tempt of 'court
(also con.tempt) noun [U] the crime of refusing to obey an order made by a court of law; not showing respect for a court or judge: Any person who disregards this order will be in contempt of court.  to be guilty of contempt of court
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con.temp.tu.ous
adj. ~ (of sb/sth) feeling or showing that you have no respect for sb/sth: She gave him a contemptuous look.  You’re contemptuous of everything I do.
con.temp.tu.ous.ly adv.: to laugh contemptuously
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con.tend
verb (formal)
1 to say that sth is true, especially in an argument: [v that] I would contend that the minister’s thinking is flawed on this point. [alsovn that]
2 [v] ~ (for sth) to compete against sb in order to gain sth: Three armed groups were contending for power.
PVR V con'tend with sth to have to deal with a problem or difficult situation: Nurses often have to contend with violent or drunken patients.
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con.tend.er
noun a person who takes part in a competition or tries to win sth: Peter is a contender for a gold medal in the Olympics.  a leading / serious / strong contender for the party leadership
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con.tent^1
noun —see also CONTENT^2
1 (contents) [pl.] the things that are contained in sth: He tipped the contents of the bag onto the table.  Fire has caused severe damage to the contents of the building.  She hadn’t read the letter and so was unaware of its contents.
2 (contents) [pl.] the different sections that are contained in a book: a table of contents (= the list at the front of a book)  a contents page
3 [sing.] the subject matter of a book, speech, programme, etc: Your tone of voice is as important as the content of what you have to say.  The content of the course depends on what the students would like to study.  Her poetry has a good deal of political content.
4 [sing.] (following a noun) the amount of a substance that is contained in sth else: food with a high fat content  the alcohol content of a drink
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con.tent^2
adj., verb, noun —see also CONTENT^1
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (with sth) happy and satisfied with what you have: Not content with stealing my boyfriend (= not thinking that this was enough), she has turned all my friends against me.  He seemed more content, less bitter.  He had to be content with third place.
2 ~ to do sth willing to do sth: I was content to wait.—compare CONTENTED

verb [vn]
1 ~ yourself with sth to accept and be satisfied with sth and not try to have or do sth better: Martina contented herself with a single glass of wine.
2 (formal) to make sb feel happy or satisfied: My apology seemed to content him.

noun = CONTENTMENT
IDM see HEART

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con.tent.ed
adj. [usually before noun] showing or feeling happiness or satisfaction, especially because your life is good: a contented smile  He was a contented man.—compare CONTENT^2adj.
OPP DISCONTENTED
con.tent.ed.ly adv.: She smiled contentedly.
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con.ten.tion
noun
1 [U] (formal) angry disagreement between people: One area of contention is the availability of nursery care.  a point of contention
2 [C] ~ (that … ) (formal) a belief or an opinion that you express, especially in an argument: It is our client’s contention that the fire was an accident.  I would reject that contention.
IDM in con'tention (for sth) with a chance of winning sth: Only three teams are now in contention for the title. out of con'tention (for sth) without a chance of winning sth: to slip / drop out of contention—more at BONE n.
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con.ten.tious
adj. (formal)
1 likely to cause disagreement between people: a contentious issue / topic / subject  Both views are highly contentious.  Try to avoid any contentious wording.
OPP UNCONTENTIOUS
2 liking to argue; involving a lot of arguing: a contentious meeting
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con.tent.ment
(also less frequent con.tent) noun [U] a feeling of happiness or satisfaction: He has found contentment at last.  a sigh of contentment—compare DISCONTENT
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con.test
noun, verb
noun
1 a competition in which people try to win sth: a singing / writing / beauty contest  to enter a contest
2 ~ (for sth) a struggle to gain control or power: a contest for the leadership of the party
IDM be ,no 'contest used to say that one side in a competition is so much stronger or better than the other that it is sure to win easily

verb [vn]
1 to take part in a competition, election, etc. and try to win it: Three candidates contested the leadership.  a hotly / fiercely / keenly contested game (= one in which the players try very hard to win and the scores are close)
2 to formally oppose a decision or statement because you think it is wrong: to contest a will (= try to show that it was not correctly made in law)  The divorce was not contested.

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con.test.ant
noun a person who takes part in a contest : Please welcome our next contestant.
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con.text
noun [C, U]
1 the situation in which sth happens and that helps you to understand it: This speech needs to be set in the context of Britain in the 1960s.  His decision can only be understood in context .
2 the words that come just before and after a word, phrase or statement and help you to understand its meaning: You should be able to guess the meaning of the word from the context.  This quotation has been taken out of context (= repeated without giving the circumstances in which it was said).
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con.text.ual
adj. (written) connected with a particular context : contextual factors / information  contextual clues to the meaning
con.text.ual.ly adv.
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con.text.ual.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to consider sth in relation to the situation in which it happens or exists
con.text.ual.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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con.tigu.ous
adj. ~ (with / to) (formal ortechnical ) touching or next to sth: The two countries are contiguous.  The bruising was not contiguous to the wound.
con.tigu.ity noun [U]
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con.tin.ence
noun [U]
1 (formal) the control of your feelings, especially your desire to have sex
2 the ability to control the BLADDER and bowels
OPP INCONTINENCE
con.tin.ent adj.
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con.tin.ent
noun
1 [C] one of the large land masses of the earth such as Europe, Asia or Africa: the continent of Africa  the African continent
2 (the Continent) [sing.] (BrE) the main part of the continent of Europe, not including Britain or Ireland: We’re going to spend a weekend on the Continent.
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con.tin.en.tal
adj., noun
adj.
1 (also Continental) [only before noun] (BrE) of or in the continent of Europe, not including Britain and Ireland: a popular continental holiday resort  Britain’s continental neighbours
2 (BrE) following the customs of countries in western and southern Europe: a continental lifestyle  The shutters and the balconies make the street look almost continental.
3 [only before noun] connected with the main part of the N American continent: Prices are often higher in Hawaii than in the continental United States.
4 forming part of, or typical of, any of the seven main land masses of the earth: continental Antarctica / Asia / Europe  to study continental geography

noun (BrE , often disapproving) a person who lives in the continent of Europe: The continentals have never understood our preference for warm beer.

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,continental 'breakfast
noun a light breakfast, usually consisting of coffee and bread rolls with butter and jam—compare ENGLISH BREAKFAST
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,continental 'drift
noun [U] (geology ) the slow movement of the continents towards and away from each other during the history of the earth—see also PLATE TECTONICS
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,continental 'quilt
noun (BrE ) = DUVET
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,continental 'shelf
noun [usually sing.] (technical ) the area of land on the edge of a continent that slopes into the ocean
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con.tin.gency
noun (pl.-ies) an event that may or may not happen
SYN POSSIBILITY : We must consider all possible contingencies.  to make contingency plans (= plans for what to do if a particular event happens or does not happen)  a contingency fund (= to pay for sth that might happen in the future)
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con'tingency fee
noun (in the US) an amount of money that is paid to a lawyer only if the person he or she is advising wins in court
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con.tin.gent
noun, adj.
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a group of people at a meeting or an event who have sth in common, especially the place they come from, that is not shared by other people at the event: The largest contingent was from the United States.  A strong contingent of local residents were there to block the proposal.
2 a group of soldiers that are part of a larger force: the French contingent in the UN peacekeeping force

adj. ~ (on / upon sth) (formal) dependent on sth that may or may not happen: Any further payments are contingent upon satisfactory completion dates.
con.tin.gent.ly adv.

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con.tin.ual
adj. [only before noun]
1 repeated many times in a way that is annoying: continual complaints / interruptions  Prisoners' families face continual harassment and attack.
2 continuing without interruption
SYN CONTINUOUS : He was in a continual process of rewriting his material.  We lived in continual fear of being discovered.  Her daughter was a continual source of delight to her.  note at CONTINUOUS
con.tinu.al.ly adv.: They argue continually about money.  the need to adapt to new and continually changing circumstances  New products are continually being developed.
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con.tinu.ance
noun [U, sing.] (formal) the state of continuing to exist or function: We can no longer support the President’s continuance in office.
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con.tinu.ation
noun ~ (of / in sth)
1 [U, sing.] an act or the state of continuing: They are anxious to ensure the continuation of the economic reform programme.  This year saw a continuation in the upward trend in sales.
2 [C] something that continues or follows sth else: Her new book is a continuation of her autobiography.
3 [C] something that is joined on to sth else and forms a part of it: There are plans to build a continuation of the by-pass next year.
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con.tinue
verb
1 to keep existing or happening without stopping: [v] The exhibition continues until 25 July.  The trial is expected to continue for three months.  [v to inf] The rain continued to fall all afternoon.  [v -ing] The rain continued falling all afternoon.
2 ~ (with sth) to keep doing sth without stopping: [v -ing] She wanted to continue working after she was married.  [v to inf] He continued to ignore everything I was saying.  [vn] The board of inquiry is continuing its investigations.  [v] Are you going to continue with the project?
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to go or move further in the same direction: The path continued over rough, rocky ground.  He continued on his way.
4 [v] ~ (as sth) to remain in a particular job or condition: I want you to continue as project manager.  She will continue in her present job until a replacement can be found.
5 (abbr. cont.) to start or start sth again after stopping for a time
SYN RESUME : [v] The story continues in our next issue.  [vn] The story will be continued in our next issue.
6 to start speaking again after stopping: [v] Please continue—I didn’t mean to interrupt.  [v speech] ‘In fact,’ he continued, ‘I’d like to congratulate you.’
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con.tinued
(also con.tinu.ing ) adj. [only before noun] existing in the same state without change or interruption: We are grateful for your continued / continuing support.  continued fighting / interest  continuing involvement / opposition
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con,tinuing edu'cation
noun [U] = ADULT EDUCATION
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con.tinu.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the fact of not stopping or not changing: to ensure / provide / maintain continuity of fuel supplies
OPP DISCONTINUITY
2 [U, C] a logical connection between the parts of sth, or between two things: The novel fails to achieve narrative continuity.  There are obvious continuities between diet and health.
OPP DISCONTINUITY
3 [U] (technical) the organization of a film/movie or television programme, especially making sure that people’s clothes, objects, etc. are the same from one scene to the next
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con.tinu.ous
adj.
1 happening or existing for a period of time without interruption: Recovery after the accident will be a continuous process that may take several months.  She was in continuous employment until the age of sixty-five.  The rain has been continuous since this morning.
2 spreading in a line or over an area without any spaces: a continuous line of traffic
3 (informal) repeated many times
SYN CONTINUAL : For four days the town suffered continuous attacks.
HELP Continual is much more frequent in this meaning.
4 (grammar) = PROGRESSIVE : the continuous tenses
con.tinu.ous.ly adv.: He has lived and worked in France almost continuously since 1961.
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con,tinuous as'sessment
noun [U] (BrE ) a system of giving a student a final mark/grade based on work done during a course of study rather than on one exam
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con.tinuum
noun (pl.con.tinua ) a series of similar items in which each is almost the same as the ones next to it but the last is very different from the first
SYN CLINE : It is impossible to say at what point along the continuum a dialect becomes a separate language.
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con.tort
verb to become twisted or make sth twisted out of its natural or normal shape: [v] His face contorted with anger.  [vn] Her mouth was contorted in a snarl.
con.tort.ed adj.: contorted limbs / bodies   (figurative) It was a contorted version of the truth.
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con.tor.tion
noun
1 [U] the state of the face or body being twisted out of its natural shape: Their bodies had suffered contortion as a result of malnutrition.
2 [C] a movement which twists the body out of its natural shape: His facial contortions amused the audience of schoolchildren.   (figurative) We had to go through all the usual contortions to get a ticket (= a difficult series of actions).
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con.tor.tion.ist
noun a performer who does contortions of their body to entertain others
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con.tour
noun
1 the outer edges of sth; the outline of its shape or form: The road follows the natural contours of the coastline.  She traced the contours of his face with her finger.
2 (also 'contour line) a line on a map showing points that are the same height above sea level: a contour map (= a map that includes these lines)
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con.toured
adj.
1 with a specially designed outline that makes sth attractive or comfortable: It is smoothly contoured to look like a racing car.
2 having or showing contours (2) : contoured hills / maps
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contra-
combining form
1 (in nouns, verbs and adjectives) against; opposite: contraflow  contradict
2 (in nouns) (music) having a PITCH an OCTAVE below: a contra-bassoon
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con.tra.band
noun [U] goods that are illegally taken into or out of a country: contraband goods  to smuggle contraband
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con.tra.cep.tion
noun [U] the practice of preventing a woman from becoming pregnant; the methods of doing this: to give advice about contraception
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con.tra.cep.tive
noun a drug, device or practice used to prevent a woman becoming pregnant: oral contraceptives
con.tra.cep.tive adj. [only before noun]: a contraceptive pill  contraceptive advice / precautions / methods
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con.tract
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B)| ~ (for sth / to do sth) an official written agreement: to enter into / make / sign a contract with the supplier  a contract for the supply of vehicles  to win / be awarded a contract to build a new school  These clauses form part of the contract between buyer and seller.  a contract of employment  a research contract  a contract worker (= one employed on a contract for a fixed period of time)  I was on a three-year contract that expired last week.  Under the terms of the contract the job should have been finished yesterday.  She is under contract to (= has a contract to work for) a major American computer firm.  The offer has been accepted, subject to contract (= the agreement is not legally binding before contracts are signed).  They were sued for breach of contract (= not keeping to a contract).
2 ~ (on sb) (informal) an agreement to kill sb for money: to take out a contract on sb

verb
1 to become less or smaller; to make sth become less or smaller: [v] Glass contracts as it cools.  a contracting market  The heart muscles contract to expel the blood.  [vn] ‘I will’ and ‘I shall’ are usually contracted to ‘I’ll’ (= made shorter).  The exercise consists of stretching and contracting the leg muscles.
OPP EXPAND
2 [vn] (written) to get an illness: to contract Aids / a virus / a disease
3 ~ sb (to sth) to make a legal agreement with sb for them to work for you or provide you with a service: [vn to inf] The player is contracted to play until August.  [vn] Several computer engineers have been contracted to the finance department.
4 [v to inf] to make a legal agreement to work for sb or provide them with a service: She has contracted to work 20 hours a week.
5 [vn] ~ a marriage / an alliance (with sb) (formal) to formally agree to marry sb/form an ALLIANCE with sb
PVR V con,tract 'in (to sth) (BrE) to formally agree that you will take part in sth con,tract 'out (of sth) (BrE) to formally agree that you will not take part in sth: Many employees contracted out of the pension plan. con,tract sth<->'out (to sb) to arrange for work to be done by another company rather than your own

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con.trac.tion
noun
1 [U] the process of becoming smaller: the expansion and contraction of the metal  The sudden contraction of the markets left them with a lot of unwanted stock.
2 [C, U] a sudden and painful tightening of muscles, especially the tightening of the muscles around a woman’s WOMB that happen when she is giving birth to a child: The contractions started coming every five minutes.
3 [C] (linguistics) a short form of a word: ‘He’s’ may be a contraction of ‘he is’ or ‘he has’.
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con.tract.or
noun a person or company that has a contract to do work or provide goods or services for another company: a building / haulage contractor  to employ an independent / outside contractor
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con.tract.ual
adj. connected with the conditions of a legal written agreement; agreed in a CONTRACT
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con.tra.dict
verb
1 to say that sth that sb else has said is wrong, and that the opposite is true: [vn] All evening her husband contradicted everything she said.  You’ve just contradicted yourself (= said the opposite of what you said before). [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] (of statements or pieces of evidence) to be so different from each other that one of them must be wrong: The two stories contradict each other.
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con.tra.dic.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (between A and B) a lack of agreement between facts, opinions, actions, etc: There is a contradiction between the two sets of figures.  His public speeches are in direct contradiction to his personal lifestyle.  How can we resolve this apparent contradiction?
2 [U, C] the act of saying that sth that sb else has said is wrong or not true; an example of this: I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, that …  Now you say you both left at ten—that’s a contradiction of your last statement.
IDM a ,contradiction in 'terms a statement containing two words that contradict each other’s meaning: A ‘nomad settlement’ is a contradiction in terms.
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con.tra.dict.ory
adj. containing or showing a contradiction : We are faced with two apparently contradictory statements.  The advice I received was often contradictory.
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con.tra.dis.tinc.tion
noun
IDM in contradistinction to sth/sb (formal) in contrast with sth/sb
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con.tra.flow
noun (BrE ) a system that is used when one half of a large road is closed for repairs, and the traffic going in both directions has to use the other half: A contraflow system is in operation on this section of the motorway.
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con.tra.indi.ca.tion
noun (medical ) a possible reason for not giving sb a particular drug or medical treatment
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con.tralto
noun (pl.-os) = ALTO
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con.trap.tion
noun a machine or piece of equipment that looks strange: She showed us a strange contraption that looked like a satellite dish.
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con.tra.pun.tal
adj. (music ) having two or more tunes played together to form a whole—see also COUNTERPOINT
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con.trari.wise
adv. (formal)
1 used at the beginning of a sentence or CLAUSE to introduce a contrast
2 in the opposite way: It worked contrariwise—first you dialled the number, then you put the money in.
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con.trary^1
adj., noun —see also CONTRARY^2
adj.
1 ~ to sth different from sth; against sth: Contrary to popular belief , many cats dislike milk.  The government has decided that the publication of the report would be ‘contrary to the public interest’.
2 [only before noun] completely different in nature or direction
SYN OPPOSITE : contrary advice / opinions / arguments  The contrary view is that prison provides an excellent education—in crime.

noun (the contrary) [sing.] the opposite fact, event or situation: In the end the contrary was proved true: he was innocent and she was guilty.
IDM on the 'contrary used to introduce a statement that says the opposite of the last one: ‘It must have been terrible.’‘On the contrary, I enjoyed every minute.’ ,quite the 'contrary used to emphasize that the opposite of what has been said is true: I don’t find him funny at all. Quite the contrary. to the 'contrary showing or proving the opposite: Show me some evidence to the contrary (= proving that sth is not true).  I will expect to see you on Sunday unless I hear anything to the contrary (= that you are not coming).

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con.trary^2
adj. (formal, disapproving) (usually of children) behaving badly; choosing to do or say the opposite of what is expected: She was such a contrary child—it was impossible to please her.—see also CONTRARY^1
con.trar.ily adv.
con.trari.ness noun [U]
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con.trast
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (to / with sb/sth) a difference between two or more people or things that you can see clearly when they are compared or put close together; the fact of comparing two or more things in order to show the differences between them: There is an obvious contrast between the cultures of East and West.  The company lost $7 million this quarter in contrast to a profit of $6.2 million a year earlier.  When you look at their new system, ours seems very old-fashioned by contrast .  The situation when we arrived was in marked contrast to the news reports.  to show a sharp / stark / striking contrast with sth  The poverty of her childhood stands in total contrast to her life in Hollywood.  A wool jacket complements the silk trousers and provides an interesting contrast in texture.  Careful contrast of the two plans shows some important differences.
2 [C] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that is clearly different from sb/sth else: The work you did today is quite a contrast to (= very much better / worse than) what you did last week.
3 [U] differences in colour or in light and dark, used in photographs and paintings to create a special effect: The artist’s use of contrast is masterly.
4 [U] the amount of difference between light and dark in a picture on a television screen: Use this button to adjust the contrast.

verb
1 [vn] ~ (A and / with B) to compare two things in order to show the differences between them: It is interesting to contrast the British legal system with the American one.  The poem contrasts youth and age.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) to show a clear difference when close together or when compared: Her actions contrasted sharply with her promises.  Her actions and her promises contrasted sharply.

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con.trast.ing
adj. [usually before noun] very different in style, colour or attitude: bright, contrasting colours  The book explores contrasting views of the poet’s early work.
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con.tra.vene
verb [vn] (written) to do sth that is not allowed by a law or rule: The company was found guilty of contravening safety regulations.
con.tra.ven.tion noun [U, C]: These actions are in contravention of European law.
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con.tre.temps
noun (pl.con.tre.temps) (from French , formal or humorous) an unfortunate event or embarrassing disagreement with another person: They have been ignoring me since our last contretemps.
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con.trib.ute
verb
1 ~ (sth) (to / towards sth) to give sth, especially money or goods, to help sb/sth: [vn] The writer personally contributed £5 000 to the earthquake fund.  [v] Would you like to contribute to our collection?  Do you wish to contribute?
2 [v] ~ (to sth) to be one of the causes of sth: Medical negligence was said to have contributed to her death.  Human error may have been a contributing factor .
3 ~ (sth) to sth to increase, improve or add to sth: [v] Immigrants have contributed to British culture in many ways.  [vn] This book contributes little to our understanding of the subject.
4 ~ (sth) (to sth) to write things for a newspaper, magazine, or a radio or television programme; to speak during a meeting or conversation, especially to give your opinion: [vn] She contributed a number of articles to the magazine.  [v] He contributes regularly to the magazine ‘New Scientist’.  We hope everyone will contribute to the discussion.
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con.tri.bu.tion
noun ~ (to sth)| ~ (toward(s) sth / doing sth)
1 [C] a sum of money that is given to a person or an organization in order to help pay for sth: to make a major / substantial contribution to charity  All contributions will be gratefully received.  valuable contributions towards the upkeep of the cathedral
2 [C] a sum of money that you pay regularly to your employer or the government in order to pay for benefits such as health insurance, a PENSION , etc: You can increase your monthly contributions to the pension scheme.
3 [C, usually sing.] an action or a service that helps to cause or increase sth: He made a very positive contribution to the overall success of the project.  These measures would make a valuable contribution towards reducing industrial accidents.  the car’s contribution to the greenhouse effect
4 [C] an item that forms part of a book, magazine, broadcast, discussion, etc: an important contribution to the debate  All contributions for the May issue must be received by Friday.
5 [U] the act of giving sth, especially money, to help a person or an organization: We rely entirely on voluntary contribution.
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con.tribu.tor
noun ~ (to sth)
1 a person who writes articles for a magazine or a book, or who talks on a radio or television programme or at a meeting
2 a person or a thing that provides money to help pay for sth, or support for a project: Older people are important contributors to the economy.
3 something that helps to cause sth: Sulphur dioxide is a pollutant and a major contributor to acid rain.
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con.tribu.tory
adj. [usually before noun]
1 helping to cause sth: Alcohol is a contributory factor in 10% of all road accidents.
2 involving payments from the people who will benefit: a contributory pension scheme / plan (= paid for by both employers and employees)
OPP NON-CONTRIBUTORY
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con.trite
adj. (formal) very sorry for sth bad that you have done
con.trite.ly adv.
con.tri.tion noun [U]: a look of contrition
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con.triv.ance
noun (formal)
1 [C, U] (usually disapproving) something that sb has done or written that does not seem natural; the fact of seeming artificial: The film is spoilt by unrealistic contrivances of plot.  The story is told with a complete absence of contrivance.
2 [C] a clever or complicated device or tool made for a particular purpose
3 [C, U] a clever plan or trick; the act of using a clever plan or trick: an ingenious contrivance to get her to sign the document without reading it
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con.trive
verb (formal)
1 [v to inf] to manage to do sth in spite of difficulties: She contrived to spend a couple of hours with him every Sunday evening.
2 [vn] to succeed in making sth happen in spite of difficulties: I decided to contrive a meeting between the two of them.
3 [vn] to think of or make sth, for example a plan or a machine, in a clever way: They contrived a plan to defraud the company.
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con.trived
adj. (disapproving) planned in advance and not natural or genuine; written or arranged in a way that is not natural or realistic: a contrived situation  The book’s happy ending seemed contrived.
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con.trol
noun, verb
noun
POWER|
1 [U] ~ (of / over sb/sth) the power to make decisions about how a country, an area, an organization, etc. is run: The party is expecting to gain control of the council in the next election.  The Democrats will probably lose control of Congress.  A military junta took control of the country .  The city is in the control of enemy forces.  The city is under enemy control .  The family has sold most of its shares and will lose control of the company.
2 [U] ~ (of / over sb/sth) the ability to make sb/sth do what you want: The teacher had no control over the children.  She struggled to keep control of her voice.  She lost control of her car on the ice.  He got so angry he lost control (= shouted and said or did things he would not normally do).  Owing to circumstances beyond our control , the flight to Rome has been cancelled.  The coach made the team work hard on ball control (= in a sport such as football).—see also SELF-CONTROL
LIMITING / MANAGING|
3 [U, C] ~ (of / on sth) (often in compounds) the act of restricting, limiting or managing sth; a method of doing this: traffic control  talks on arms control  government controls on trade and industry  A new advance has been made in the control of malaria.  Price controls on food were ended.  a pest control officer—see also BIRTH CONTROL , QUALITY CONTROL
IN MACHINE|
4 [C, usually pl.] the switches and buttons, etc. that you use to operate a machine or a vehicle: the controls of an aircraft  the control panel  the volume control of a CD player  The co-pilot was at the controls when the plane landed.—see also REMOTE CONTROL
IN EXPERIMENT|
5 [C] (technical) a person, thing or group used as a standard of comparison for checking the results of a scientific experiment; an experiment whose result is known, used for checking working methods: One group was treated with the new drug, and the control group was given a sugar pill.
PLACE|
6 [sing.] a place where orders are given or where checks are made; the people who work in this place: air traffic control  We went through passport control and into the departure lounge.  This is Mission Control calling the space shuttle Discovery.
ON COMPUTER|
7 [U] (also con'trol key [sing.]) (on a computer keyboard) a key that you press when you want to perform a particular operation be in control (of sth)
1 to direct or manage an organization, an area or a situation: He’s reached retiring age, but he’s still firmly in control.  There has been some violence after the match, but the police are now in control of the situation.
2 to be able to organize your life well and keep calm: In spite of all her family problems, she’s really in control. be / get / run / etc. out of con'trol to be or become impossible to manage or to control: The children are completely out of control since their father left.  A truck ran out of control on the hill. be under con'trol to be being dealt with successfully: Don’t worry—everything’s under control! bring / get / keep sth under con'trol to succeed in dealing with sth so that it does not cause any harm: It took two hours to bring the fire under control.  Please keep your dog under control!

verb (-ll-)
HAVE POWER|
1 [vn] to have power over a person, company, country, etc. so that you are able to decide what they must do or how it is run: By the age of 21 he controlled the company.  The whole territory is now controlled by the army.  Can’t you control your children?
LIMIT / MANAGE|
2 to limit sth or make it happen in a particular way: [vn] government attempts to control immigration  Many biological processes are controlled by hormones.  [v wh-] Parents should control what their kids watch on television.
3 [vn] to stop sth from spreading or getting worse: Firefighters are still trying to control the blaze.  She was given drugs to control the pain.
MACHINE|
4 [vn] to make sth, such as a machine or system, work in the way that you want it to: This knob controls the volume.  The traffic lights are controlled by a central computer.
STAY CALM|
5 [vn] to manage to make yourself remain calm, even though you are upset or angry: I was so furious I couldn’t control myself and I hit him.  He was finding it difficult to control his feelings.

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con'trol freak
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who always wants to be in control of their own and others' lives, and to organize how things are done
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con.trol.lable
adj. that can be controlled: Cooking with gas is fast, controllable and clean.
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con.trolled
adj.
1 done or arranged in a very careful way: a controlled explosion  a controlled environment
2 limited, or managed by law or by rules: controlled airspace
3 (-controlled) (in compounds) managed by a particular group, or in a particular way: a British-controlled company  computer-controlled systems
4 remaining calm and not getting angry or upset: She remained quiet and controlled.—compare UNCONTROLLED
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,controlled 'substance
noun (technical ) an illegal drug: to be arrested for possession of a controlled substance
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con.trol.ler
noun
1 a person who manages or directs sth, especially a large organization or part of an organization: the controller of BBC Radio 4—see also AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
2 (technical) a device that controls or REGULATES a machine or part of a machine: a temperature controller
3 (also comp.trol.ler) a person who is in charge of the financial accounts of a business company
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con,trolling 'interest
noun [usually sing.] the fact of owning enough shares in a company to be able to make decisions about what the company should do
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con'trol tower
noun a building at an airport from which the movements of aircraft are controlled
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con.tro.ver.sial
adj. causing a lot of angry public discussion and disagreement: a highly controversial issue / topic / decision / book  a controversial plan to build a new road  Winston Churchill and Richard Nixon were both controversial figures.
OPP NON-CONTROVERSIAL , UNCONTROVERSIAL
con.tro.ver.sial.ly adv.
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con.tro.versy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) ~ (over / about / surrounding sb/sth) public discussion and argument about sth that many people strongly disagree about, disapprove of, or are shocked by: to arouse / cause controversy  a bitter controversy over / about the site of the new airport  the controversy surrounding his latest movie  The President resigned amid considerable controversy.
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con.tro.vert
verb [vn] (formal) to say or prove that sth is not true
SYN REFUTE —see also INCONTROVERTIBLE
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con.tu.sion
noun [C, U] (medical ) an injury to part of the body that does not break the skin
SYN BRUISE
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con.un.drum
noun
1 a confusing problem or question that is very difficult to solve
2 a question, usually involving a trick with words, that you ask for fun
SYN RIDDLE
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con.ur.ba.tion
noun (formal, especially BrE ) a large area where towns have grown and joined together, often around a city
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con.va.lesce
verb [v] to spend time getting your health and strength back after an illness
SYN RECUPERATE : She is convalescing at home after her operation.
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con.va.les.cence
noun [sing., U] a period of time when you get well again after an illness or a medical operation; the process of getting well: You need four to six weeks' convalescence.
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con.va.les.cent
adj. connected with convalescence ; in the process of convalescence : a convalescent home (= a type of hospital where people go to get well after an illness)  a convalescent child
con.va.les.cent noun: I treated him as a convalescent, not as a sick man.
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con.vec.tion
noun (technical ) the process in which heat moves through a gas or a liquid as the hotter part rises and the cooler, heavier part sinks: convection currents
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con.vect.or
(also con,vector 'heater) noun a device for heating the air in a room using convection
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con.vene
verb (formal)
1 [vn] to arrange for people to come together for a formal meeting: to convene a meeting / conference  A Board of Inquiry was convened immediately after the accident.
2 [v] to come together for a formal meeting: The committee will convene at 11.30 next Thursday.
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con.vener
(also con.venor) noun
1 a person who arranges meetings of groups or committees
2 (BrE) a senior official of a trade union at a factory or other place of work
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con.veni.ence
noun
1 [U] the quality of being useful, easy or suitable for sb: We have provided seats for the convenience of our customers.  For (the sake of) convenience , the two groups have been treated as one in this report.  The position of the house combines quietness and convenience.  In this resort you can enjoy all the comfort and convenience of modern tourism.—see also FLAG OF CONVENIENCE , MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
2 [C] something that is useful and can make things easier or quicker to do, or more comfortable: It was a great convenience to have the school so near.  The house had all the modern conveniences (= central heating, hot water, etc.) that were unusual at that time.—see also PUBLIC CONVENIENCE
IDM at sb’s con'venience (formal) at a time or a place which is suitable for sb: Can you telephone me at your convenience to arrange a meeting?—more at EARLY adj.
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con'venience food
noun [C, U] food that you buy frozen or in a box or can, that you can prepare and cook very quickly and easily
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con'venience store
noun (especially AmE ) a shop/store that sells food, newspapers, etc. and sometimes gas/petrol and often stays open 24 hours a day
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con.veni.ent
adj.
1 ~ (for sb/sth) useful, easy or quick to do; not causing problems: It is very convenient to pay by credit card.  You’ll find these meals quick and convenient to prepare.  Fruit is a convenient source of vitamins and energy.  A bicycle is often more convenient than a car in towns.  I can’t see him now—it isn’t convenient.  I’ll call back at a more convenient time.   (disapproving) He used his wife’s birthday as a convenient excuse for not going to the meeting.
2 ~ (for sth) near to a particular place; easy to get to: The house is very convenient for several schools.
OPP INCONVENIENT
con.veni.ent.ly adv.: The report can be conveniently divided into three main sections.  The hotel is conveniently situated close to the beach and the shops.  She conveniently forgot to mention that her husband would be at the party, too (= because it suited her not to say).
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con.venor
= CONVENER
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con.vent
noun
1 a building in which NUNS (= members of a female religious community) live together
2 (also 'convent school) a school run by NUNS
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con.ven.tion
noun
1 [C, U] the way in which sth is done that most people in a society expect and consider to be polite or the right way to do it: social conventions  By convention the deputy leader is always a woman.  She is a young woman who enjoys flouting conventions.
2 [C] a large meeting of the members of a profession, a political party, etc.
SYN CONFERENCE : to hold a convention  the Democratic Party Convention (= to elect a candidate for president)
3 [C] an official agreement between countries or leaders: the Geneva convention  the United Nations convention on the rights of the child
4 [C, U] a traditional method or style in literature, art or the theatre: the conventions of Greek tragedy
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con.ven.tion.al
adj.
1 (often disapproving) tending to follow what is done or considered acceptable by society in general; normal and ordinary, and perhaps not very interesting: conventional behaviour / morality  She’s very conventional in her views.
OPP UNCONVENTIONAL
2 [usually before noun] following what is traditional or the way sth has been done for a long time: conventional methods / approaches  It’s not a hotel, in the conventional sense, but rather a whole village turned into a hotel.
OPP UNCONVENTIONAL
3 [usually before noun] (especially of weapons) not nuclear: conventional forces / weapons  a conventional power station (= using oil or coal as fuel, rather than nuclear power)
con.ven.tion.al.ity noun [U]
con.ven.tion.al.ly adv.: conventionally dressed  conventionally grown food (= grown according to conventional methods)
IDM see WISDOM
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con.ven.tion.eer
noun (AmE ) a person who is attending a CONVENTION
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con.verge
verb [v]
1 ~ (on … ) (of people or vehicles) to move towards a place from different directions and meet to form a large crowd: Thousands of supporters converged on London for the rally.
2 (of two or more lines, paths, etc.) to move towards each other and meet at a point: There was a signpost where the two paths converged.
3 if ideas, policies, aims, etc. converge, they become very similar or the same
OPP DIVERGE
con.ver.gent adj.: convergent lines / opinions
con.ver.gence noun [U]
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con.ver.sant
adj. (formal) ˜ with sth knowing about sth; familiar with sth: You need to become fully conversant with the company’s procedures.
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con.ver.sa.tion
noun [C, U] ˜ (with sb) (about sth) an informal talk involving a small group of people or only two; the activity of talking in this way: a telephone conversation  I had a long conversation with her the other day.  The main topic of conversation was the likely outcome of the election.  Don was deep in conversation with the girl on his right.   (BrE ) to get into conversation with sb   (AmE ) to get into a conversation with sb  The conversation turned to gardening.  I tried to make polite conversation (= to speak in order to appear polite).
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con.ver.sa.tion.al
adj.
1 not formal; as used in conversation
SYN COLLOQUIAL : a casual and conversational tone  I learnt conversational Spanish at evening classes.
2 [only before noun] connected with conversation: Men have a more direct conversational style.
con.ver.sa.tion.al.ly adv.: ‘Have you been here long?’ he asked conversationally.
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con.ver.sa.tion.al.ist
noun a person who is good at talking to others, especially in an informal way
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con.verse^1
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (formal) to have a conversation with sb
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con.verse^2
noun (the converse) [sing.] (formal) the opposite or REVERSE of a fact or statement: Building new roads increases traffic and the converse is equally true: reducing the number and size of roads means less traffic.
con.verse adj.: the converse effect
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con.verse.ly
adv. (formal) in a way that is the opposite or REVERSE of sth: You can add the fluid to the powder, or, conversely, the powder to the fluid.
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con.ver.sion
noun
1 [U, C] ˜ (from sth) (into / to sth) the act or process of changing sth from one form, use or system to another: the conversion of farm buildings into family homes  Conversion to gas central heating will save you a lot of money.  No conversion from analogue to digital data is needed.  a metric conversion table (= showing how to change metric amounts into or out of another system)  a firm which specializes in house conversions (= turning large houses into several smaller flats / apartments)
2 [U, C] ˜ (from sth) (to sth) the process or experience of changing your religion or beliefs: the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons by Christian missionaries  his conversion from Judaism to Christianity
3 [C] (in rugby) a way of scoring extra points by kicking the ball over the goal after scoring a TRY
4 [C] barn / loft ~ a building or room that has been changed so that it can be used for a different purpose, especially for living in
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con'version van
(also 'van conversion) noun (AmE ) a motor vehicle in which the back part behind the driver has been arranged as a living space
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con.vert
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (from sth) (into / to sth) to change or make sth change from one form, purpose, system, etc. to another: [vn] The hotel is going to be converted into a nursing home.  What rate will I get if I convert my dollars into euros?  [v] We’ve converted from coal to gas central heating.
2 [v] ~ into / to sth to be able to be changed from one form, purpose, or system to another: a sofa that converts into a bed
3 ~ (sb) (from sth) (to sth) to change or make sb change their religion or beliefs: [v] He converted from Christianity to Islam.  [vn] She was soon converted to the socialist cause.
4 ~ (sb) (from sb) (to sth) to change an opinion, a habit, etc: [v] I’ve converted to organic food.  [vn] I didn’t use to like opera but my husband has converted me.
5 [vn] ~ a try (in rugby) to gain extra points by kicking the ball over the goal
IDM see PREACH

noun ˜ (from sth) (to sth) a person who has changed their religion, beliefs or opinions: a convert to Islam  converts from other faiths

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con.vert.er
(also con.ver.tor) noun
1 a person or thing that converts sth: a catalytic converter
2 (physics) a device for converting ALTERNATING CURRENT into DIRECT CURRENT or the other way around
3 (physics) a device for converting a radio signal from one FREQUENCY to another
4 (technical) a container used in turning liquid metal into steel
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con.vert.ible
adj., noun
adj. ~ (into / to sth) that can be changed to a different form or use: a convertible sofa (= one that can be used as a bed)  convertible currencies (= ones that can be exchanged for those of other countries)  The bonds are convertible into ordinary shares.
con.vert.ibil.ity noun [U]

noun a car with a roof that can be folded down or taken off

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con.vex
adj. (of an outline or a surface) curved outwards: a convex lens / mirror
OPP CONCAVE
con.vex.ity noun [U]
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con.vey
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to make ideas, feelings, etc. known to sb COMMUNICATE : [vn] Colours like red convey a sense of energy and strength.   (formal) Please convey my apologies to your wife.  [v wh-] He tried desperately to convey how urgent the situation was.  [v that] She did not wish to convey that they were all at fault.
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from … ) (to … ) (formal) to take, carry or transport sb/sth from one place to another: Pipes convey hot water from the boiler to the radiators.
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con.vey.ance
noun
1 [U] (formal) the process of taking sb/sth from one place to another: the conveyance of goods by rail
2 [C] (formal) a vehicle: horse-drawn conveyances
3 [C] (law) a legal document that moves property from one owner to another: to draw up a conveyance
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con.vey.an.cer
noun a lawyer who is an expert in conveyancing
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con.vey.an.cing
noun [U] (law ) the branch of law concerned with moving property from one owner to another
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con.vey.or
noun
1 = CONVEYOR BELT
2 (also con.vey.er) (formal) a person or thing that carries sth or makes sth known
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con'veyor belt
(also con.vey.or) noun a continuous moving band used for transporting goods from one part of a building to another, for example products in a factory or suitcases in an airport
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con.vict
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (of sth) to decide and state officially in a court of law that sb is guilty of a crime: a convicted murderer  He was convicted of fraud.
OPP ACQUIT

noun (also informal con) a person who has been found guilty of a crime and sent to prison: an escaped convict

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con.vic.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ˜ (for sth) the act of finding sb guilty of a crime in a court of law; the fact of having been found guilty: She has six previous convictions for theft.  He plans to appeal against his conviction.  an offence which carries, on conviction, a sentence of not more than five years' imprisonment
2 [C, U] ˜ (that … ) a strong opinion or belief: strong political / moral convictions  She was motivated by deep religious conviction.  a conviction that all would be well in the end
3 [U] the feeling or appearance of believing sth strongly and of being sure about it: ‘Not true!’ she said with conviction.  He said he agreed but his voice lacked conviction.  The leader’s speech in defence of the policy didn’t carry much conviction .
IDM see COURAGE
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con.vince
verb
1 ~ sb / yourself (of sth) to make sb/yourself believe that sth is true: [vn] You’ll need to convince them of your enthusiasm for the job.  [vn (that)] I’d convinced myself (that) I was right.
2 [vn to inf] to persuade sb to do sth: I’ve been trying to convince him to see a doctor.  note at PERSUADE
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con.vinced
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (of sth / that … ) completely sure about sth: I am convinced of her innocence.  I am convinced that she is innocent.  Sam nodded but he didn’t look convinced.
OPP UNCONVINCED
2 [only before noun] believing strongly in a particular religion or set of political ideas: a convinced Christian
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con.vin.cing
adj. that makes sb believe that sth is true: a convincing argument / explanation / case  She sounded very convincing to me (= I believed what she said).  a convincing victory / win (= an easy one)
OPP UNCONVINCING
con.vin.cing.ly adv.: Her case was convincingly argued.  They won convincingly.
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con.viv.ial
adj. (especially formal) cheerful and friendly in atmosphere or character: a convivial evening / atmosphere  convivial company
con.vivi.al.ity noun [U]
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con.vo.ca.tion
noun (formal)
1 [C] a large formal meeting, especially of Church officials or members of a university
2 [U] the act of calling together a convocation
3 [C] (AmE) a ceremony held in a university or college when students receive their degrees
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con.vo.luted
adj.
1 extremely complicated and difficult to follow: a convoluted argument / explanation  a book with a convoluted plot
2 (formal) having many twists or curves: a convoluted coastline
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con.vo.lu.tion
noun [usually pl.] (formal)
1 a thing that is very complicated and difficult to follow: the bizarre convolutions of the story
2 a twist or curve, especially one of many: the convolutions of the left hemisphere of the brain
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con.voy
noun a group of vehicles or ships travelling together, especially when soldiers or other vehicles travel with them for protection: a convoy of trucks / lorries / freighters  A United Nations aid convoy loaded with food and medicine finally got through to the besieged town.
IDM in 'convoy (of travelling vehicles) as a group; together: We drove in convoy because I didn’t know the route.
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con.vulse
verb
1 ~ (sb) (with sth) to cause a sudden shaking movement in sb’s body; to make this movement: [vn] A violent shiver convulsed him.  [v] His whole body convulsed.
2 [vn] (be convulsed with laughter, anger, etc.) to be laughing so much, so angry, etc. that you cannot control your movements
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con.vul.sion
noun [usually pl.]
1 a sudden shaking movement of the body that cannot be controlled: The child went into convulsions.
2 a sudden important change that happens to a country or an organization: political convulsions threatening the stability of new democracies
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con.vul.sive
adj. (of movements or actions) sudden and impossible to control: a convulsive movement / attack / fit  Her breath came in convulsive gasps.
con.vul.sive.ly adv.: weeping convulsively
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coo
verb, exclamation
verb (coo.ing, cooed, cooed)
1 [v] when a DOVE or a PIGEON coos, it makes a soft low sound
2 [v, v speech] to say sth in a soft quiet voice, especially to sb you love
IDM see BILL v.
coo noun

exclamation (BrE , informal) used to show that you are surprised: Coo, look at him!

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cook
verb, noun
verb
1 to prepare food by heating it, for example by boiling, baking or frying it: [v] Where did you learn to cook?  [vn] What’s the best way to cook trout?  Who’s going to cook supper?  [vnn, vn] He cooked me lunch.  He cooked lunch for me.
2 [v] (of food) to be prepared by boiling, baking, frying, etc: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.
3 [v] (be cooking) (informal) to be planned secretly: Everyone is being very secretive—there’s something cooking.
IDM be cooking with 'gas (AmE, informal) to be doing sth very well and successfully ,cook the 'books (informal) to change facts or figures dishonestly or illegally: His accountant had been cooking the books for years. cook sb’s 'goose (informal) to ruin sb’s chances of success
PVR V ,cook sth<->'up (informal) to invent sth, especially in order to deceive sb
SYN CONCOCT : to cook up a story

noun a person who cooks food or whose job is cooking: John is a very good cook (= he cooks well).  Who was the cook (= who cooked the food)?  She was employed as a cook in a hotel.—compare CHEF
IDM too many cooks spoil the 'broth (saying) if too many people are involved in doing sth, it will not be done well

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cook.book
(BrE also 'cookery book) noun a book that gives instructions on cooking and how to cook individual dishes
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'cook-chill
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) food prepared by the cook-chill method is cooked, kept at a low temperature and then heated again
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cook.er
(BrE ) (AmE range, stove) noun a large piece of equipment for cooking food, containing an oven and gas or electric rings on top: a gas cooker  an electric cooker—see also PRESSURE COOKER —
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cook.ery
noun [U] the art or activity of preparing and cooking food: a cookery course  Italian cookery
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'cookery book
noun (BrE ) = COOKBOOK
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cook.house
noun an outdoor kitchen, for example in a military camp
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cookie
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (especially AmE) a small flat sweet cake for one person, usually baked until crisp: chocolate chip cookies  a cookie jar—compare BISCUIT , CRACKER —see also FORTUNE COOKIE
2 smart / tough ~ (AmE, informal) a SMART/TOUGH person
IDM see WAY n.
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cook.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 the process of preparing food: My husband does all the cooking.  a book on Indian cooking
2 food that has been prepared in a particular way: The restaurant offers traditional home cooking (= food similar to that cooked at home).  They serve good French cooking.

adj. suitable for cooking rather than eating raw or drinking: cooking oil / sherry

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'cooking apple
noun (BrE ) any type of apple that is suitable for cooking, rather than eating raw—compare EATING APPLE
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'cooking gas
noun [U] (AmE ) = CALOR GAS ™
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cook.out
noun (AmE , informal) a meal or party when food is cooked over an open fire outdoors, for example at a beach—compare BARBECUE
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cook.ware
noun [U] pots and containers used in cooking
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cool
adj., verb, noun
adj. (cool.er, cool.est)
FAIRLY COLD|
1 fairly cold; not hot or warm: a cool breeze / drink / climate  Cooler weather is forecast for the weekend.  Let’s sit in the shade and keep cool.  Store lemons in a cool dry place.
COLOURS|
2 making you feel pleasantly cool: a room painted in cool greens and blues
CALM|
3 calm; not excited, angry or emotional: Keep cool!  She tried to remain cool, calm and collected (= calm).  He has a cool head (= he stays calm in an emergency).
NOT FRIENDLY / ENTHUSIASTIC|
4 not friendly, interested or enthusiastic: She was decidedly cool about the proposal.  He has been cool towards me ever since we had that argument.  They gave the Prime Minister a cool reception .
APPROVING|
5 (informal) used to show that you admire or approve of something because it is fashionable, attractive and often different: You look pretty cool with that new haircut.  It’s a cool movie.
6 (spoken) people say Cool! or That’s cool to show that they approve of sth or agree to a suggestion: ‘We’re meeting Jake for lunch and we can go on the yacht in the afternoon.’‘Cool!’
CONFIDENT|
7 (informal) calm and confident in a way that lacks respect for other people, but makes people admire you as well as disapprove: She just took his keys and walked out with them, cool as you please.
MONEY|
8 [only before noun] used about a sum of money to emphasize how large it is: The car cost a cool thirty thousand.
FINE|
9 used to say that sth is acceptable and not a problem for you: ‘Can you come at 10.30 tomorrow?’‘That’s cool.’   (especially AmE, spoken) I was surprised by her promotion, but I’m cool with it .—see also COOLLY , COOLNESS (as) ,cool as a 'cucumber very calm and controlled, especially in a difficult situation play it 'cool (informal) to deal with a situation in a calm way: For once I felt uncertain about blurting out my real feelings. I decided to play it cool.

verb
BECOME COLDER|
1 to become or to make sb/sth become cool or cooler: [v] Glass contracts as it cools.  [vn] The cylinder is cooled by a jet of water.
BECOME CALMER|
2 [v] to become calmer, less excited or less enthusiastic: I think we should wait until tempers have cooled.  Relations between them have definitely cooled (= they are not as friendly with each other as they were). 'cool it! (informal) used to tell sb to be calmer and less excited or angry ,cool your 'heels (informal) to have to wait for sb/sth ,cool 'down / 'off
1 to become cool or cooler: We cooled off with a swim in the lake.
2 to become calm, less excited or less enthusiastic: I think you should wait until she’s cooled down a little. ,cool sb<->'down / 'off
1 to make sb feel cooler: Drink plenty of cold water to cool yourself down.
2 to make sb calm, less excited or less enthusiastic: A few hours in a police cell should cool him off. ,cool sth<->'down / 'off to make sth cool or cooler

noun (the cool) [sing.] cool air or a cool place: the cool of the evening keep your cool (informal) to remain calm in a difficult situation lose your cool (informal) to become angry or excited

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cool.ant
noun [C, U] a liquid that is used for cooling an engine, a nuclear REACTOR , etc.
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'cool bag, 'cool box
noun (BrE ) a bag or box which keeps food or drinks cold and which can be used for a PICNIC —see also COOLER
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cool.er
noun
1 [C] a container or machine which cools things, especially drinks, or keeps them cold: the office water cooler   (especially AmE) They took a cooler full of drinks to the beach.
2 [C] (AmE) a drink with ice and usually wine in it: a wine cooler
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,cool-'headed
adj. calm; not showing excitement or nerves: a cool-headed assessment of the situation
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coolie
noun (old-fashioned,  ) an offensive word for a worker in Eastern countries with no special skills or training
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,cooling-'off period
noun
1 a period of time during which two sides in a dispute try to reach an agreement before taking further action, for example by going on strike
2 a period of time after sb has agreed to buy sth, such as an insurance plan, during which they can change their mind
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'cooling tower
noun a large high round building used in industry for cooling water before it is used again
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cool.ly
adv. in a way that is not friendly, interested or enthusiastic: ‘We’re just good friends,’ she said coolly.  He received my suggestion coolly.
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cool.ness
noun [U] the quality of being cool: the delicious coolness of the water  I admire her coolness under pressure.  I noticed a certain coolness (= lack of friendly feeling) between them.
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coon
noun ( , slang) a very offensive word for a black person
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coop
noun, verb
noun a cage for chickens, etc.
IDM see FLY v.

verb
PVR V ,coop sb/sth 'up [usually passive] to keep a person or an animal inside a building or in a small space

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'co-op
noun (informal) a COOPERATIVE shop/store, society or business: a food / housing co-op
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coop.er
noun a person who makes BARRELS
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co.oper.ate
(BrE also co-operate) verb [v] ~ (with sb) (in / on sth)
1 to work together with sb else in order to achieve sth: The two groups agreed to cooperate with each other.  They had cooperated closely in the planning of the project.
2 to be helpful by doing what sb asks you to do: Their captors told them they would be killed unless they cooperated.
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co.oper.ation
(BrE also co-operation) noun [U]
1 ˜ (with sb) (in doing sth)| ˜ (between A and B) the fact of doing sth together or of working together towards a shared aim: a report produced by the government in cooperation with the chemical industry  We would like to see close cooperation between colleges and schools in developing computer use.
2 willingness to be helpful and do as you are asked: We would be grateful for your cooperation in clearing the hall as quickly as possible.
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co.opera.tive
(BrE also co-operative) adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] involving doing sth together or working together with others towards a shared aim: Cooperative activity is essential to effective community work.
2 helpful by doing what you are asked to do: Employees will generally be more cooperative if their views are taken seriously.
OPP UNCOOPERATIVE
3 [usually before noun] (business) owned and run by the people involved, with the profits shared by them: a cooperative farm  The cooperative movement started in Britain in the 19th century.
co.opera.tive.ly (BrE also co-operatively) adv.

noun a cooperative business or other organization: agricultural cooperatives in India and China  The factory is now a workers' cooperative.

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,co-'opt
verb [vn] ~ sb (onto / into sth)
1 to make sb a member of a group, committee, etc. by the agreement of all the other members: She was co-opted onto the board.
2 to include sb in sth, often when they do not want to be part of it
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co.ord.in.ate
(BrE also co-ordinate) verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to organize the different parts of an activity and the people involved in it so that it works well: They appointed a new manager to coordinate the work of the team.  We need to develop a coordinated approach to the problem.
2 [vn] to make the different parts of your body work well together—see also UNCOORDINATED
3 ~ (sth) (with sth) if you coordinate clothes, fabrics, etc. or if they coordinate, they look nice together: [v] This shade coordinates with a wide range of other colours. [alsovn]
co.ord.in.ator (BrE also co-ordinator) noun: The campaign needs an effective coordinator.

noun
1 [C] either of two numbers or letters used to fix the position of a point on a map or GRAPH : the x, y coordinates of any point on a line
2 (coordinates) [pl.] (used in shops / stores etc.) pieces of clothing that can be worn together because, for example, the colours look good together

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coordinate clause
noun (grammar ) each of two or more parts of a sentence, often joined by and, or, but, etc. that make separate statements that each have an equal importance—compare SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
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co.ord.in.ation
(BrE also co-ordination) noun [U]
1 the act of making parts of sth, groups of people, etc. work together in an efficient and organized way: We have improved the coordination of services.  a need for greater coordination between departments  a lack of coordination in conservation policy  a pamphlet produced by the government in coordination with (= working together with) the Sports Council  advice on colour coordination (= choosing colours that look nice together, for example in clothes or furniture)
2 the ability to control your movements well: You need good hand-eye coordination to play ball games.
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coot
noun
1 a black bird with a white spot on its forehead that lives on or near water
2 old ~ (AmE, informal) a stupid person
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cop
noun, verb
noun (informal) a police officer: Somebody call the cops!  children playing cops and robbers   a TV cop show
IDM not much 'cop (BrE, slang) not very good: He’s not much cop as a singer.—more at FAIR adj.

verb (-pp-) [vn] (informal)
1 to receive or suffer sth unpleasant: He copped all the hassle after the accident.
2 to notice sth: Cop a load of this (= Listen to this)!
IDM cop hold of sth (BrE, informal) to take hold of sth cop a 'plea (AmE, informal) to admit in a court of law to being guilty of a small crime in the hope of receiving less severe punishment for a more serious crime—compare PLEA BARGAINING 'cop it (BrE, slang)
1 to be punished
2 to be killed
PVR V ,cop 'off (with sb) (BrE, slang) to start a sexual or romantic experience with sb: Who did he cop off with at the party? ,cop 'out (of sth) (informal) to avoid or stop doing sth that you should do because you are afraid, lazy, etc: You’re not going to cop out at the last minute, are you?—related noun COP-OUT

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cope
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (with sth) to deal successfully with sth difficult
SYN MANAGE : I got to the stage where I wasn’t coping any more.  He wasn’t able to cope with the stresses and strains of the job.  Desert plants are adapted to cope with extreme heat.

noun a long loose piece of clothing worn by priests on special occasions

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copier
noun (especially AmE ) = PHOTOCOPIER
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'co-pilot
noun a second pilot who helps the main pilot in an aircraft
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cop.ing
noun (architecture ) the top row of bricks or stones, usually sloping, on a wall
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co.pi.ous
adj. in large amounts
SYN ABUNDANT : copious (= large) amounts of water  I took copious notes.  She supports her theory with copious evidence.
co.pi.ous.ly adv.: bleeding copiously
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'cop-out
noun (informal, disapproving) a way of avoiding doing sth that you should do, or an excuse for not doing it: The ending of the film is a cop-out—the director didn’t really want to face up to the racial issues involved.
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cop.per
noun
1 [U] (symbCu) a chemical element. Copper is a soft reddish-brown metal used for making electric wires, pipes and coins: a copper mine  copper wire / pipes  copper-coloured hair
2 (coppers) [pl.] (BrE) brown coins that do not have much value: I only paid a few coppers for it.
3 [C] (BrE, informal) a police officer
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,copper 'beech
noun a tall type of BEECH tree with smooth bark and reddish-brown leaves
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cop.per.plate
noun [U] a neat old-fashioned way of writing with sloping letters joined together
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cop.pery
adj. similar to or having the colour of COPPER : coppery hair
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cop.pice
verb [vn, v] (technical ) to cut back young trees in order to make them grow faster
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copra
noun [U] the dried white flesh of COCONUTS
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copse
(also cop.pice ) noun a small area of trees or bushes growing together
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'cop shop
noun (BrE , informal) a police station
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cop.ter
noun (informal) = HELICOPTER
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cop.ula
noun (grammar ) = LINKING VERB
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copu.late
verb [v] ~ (with sb/sth) (technical ) to have sex: Some animals perform elaborate mating rituals before they copulate.
copu.la.tion noun [U]
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copy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] ~ (of sth) a thing that is made to look like sth else, especially a document or a work of art: I will send you a copy of the report.  The thieves replaced the original painting with a copy.  You should make a copy of the disk as a back-up.—see also HARD COPY
2 [C] a single example of a book, newspaper, etc. of which many have been made: a copy of ‘The Times’  The book sold 20 000 copies within two weeks.—see also BACK COPY
3 [U] written material that is to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, etc.; news or information that can be used in a newspaper article or advertisement: The subeditors prepare the reporters' copy for the paper and write the headlines.  This will make great copy for the advertisement.
4 = PHOTOCOPY : Could I have ten copies of this page, please?

verb (cop.ies, copy.ing, cop.ied, cop.ied)
1 [vn] to make sth that is exactly like sth else: They copied the designs from those on Greek vases.  Everything in the computer’s memory can be copied onto diskettes.
2 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (into / onto sth)| ~ sth (down / out) to write sth exactly as it is written somewhere else: She copied the phone number into her address book.  I copied out several poems.
3 [vn] to behave or do sth in the same way as sb else
SYN IMITATE : She copies everything her sister does.  Their tactics have been copied by other terrorist organizations.
4 [v] ~ (from / off sb) to cheat in an exam, school work, etc. by writing what sb else has written and pretending it is your own work
5 [vn] (especially AmE) = PHOTOCOPY

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copy.book
noun, adj.
noun a book, used in the past by children in school, containing examples of writing which school students had to copy
IDM see BLOT v.

adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) done exactly how it should be done: It was a copybook operation by the police.

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copy.cat
noun, adj.
noun (informal, disapproving) used especially by children about and to a person who copies what sb else does because they have no ideas of their own

adj. [only before noun] (of crimes) similar to and seen as copying an earlier well-known crime

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'copy editor
noun a person whose job is to correct and prepare a text for printing
'copy-edit verb [vn]
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copy.ist
noun a person who makes copies of written documents or works of art
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copy.right
noun, adj., verb
noun [U, C] ~ (in / on sth) if a person or an organization holds the copyright on a piece of writing, music, etc., they are the only people who have the legal right to publish, broadcast, perform it etc., and other people must ask their permission to use it or any part of it: Who owns the copyright on this song?  Copyright expires seventy years after the death of the author.  They were sued for breach / infringement of copyright.

adj. (abbr. C) protected by copyright ; not allowed to be copied without permission: copyright material

verb [vn] to get the copyright for sth

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copy.writer
noun a person whose job is to write the words for advertising material
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co.quet.ry
noun [U] (literary) behaviour that is typical of a coquette
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co.quette
noun (literary, often disapproving) a woman who behaves in a way that is intended to attract men
SYN FLIRT
co.quet.tish adj.: a coquettish smile
co.quet.tish.ly adv.
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cor
(also ,cor 'bli.mey) exclamation (BrE , informal) used when you are surprised, pleased or impressed by sth: Cor! Look at that!
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cor.acle
noun a small round boat with a wooden frame, used in Wales and Ireland by people catching fish
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coral
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] a hard substance that is red, pink or white in colour, and that forms on the bottom of the sea from the bones of very small creatures. Coral is often used in jewellery: coral reefs / islands  a coral necklace
2 [C] a creature that produces coral

adj. pink or red in colour, like coral : coral lipstick

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cor ang.lais
noun (pl.cors anglais ) (also ,English 'horn especially in AmE) a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group, like an OBOE but larger and playing lower notes
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cord
noun
1 [U, C] strong thick string or thin rope; a piece of this: a piece / length of cord  picture cord (= used for hanging pictures)  a silk bag tied with a gold cord—picture at ROPE , TASSEL
2 [C, U] (especially AmE) = FLEX : an electrical cord  telephone cord—see also CORDLESS —picture at ROPE
3 [U] = CORDUROY : a cord jacket
4 (cords) (also old-fashioned corduroys) [pl.] trousers/pants made of CORDUROY : a pair of cords——see also SPINAL CORD , UMBILICAL CORD , VOCAL CORDS
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cord.ed
adj.
1 (of fabric) having raised lines
SYN RIBBED
2 (of a muscle) tense and standing out so that it looks like a piece of cord
3 that has a cord attached: a corded phone
OPP CORDLESS
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cor.dial
adj., noun
adj. (formal) pleasant and friendly: a cordial atmosphere / meeting / relationship
cor.di.al.ity noun [U]: I was greeted with a show of cordiality.

noun
1 (BrE) [U, C] a sweet drink that does not contain alcohol, made from fruit juice. It is drunk with water added: blackcurrant cordial
2 [U, C] (AmE) = LIQUEUR
3 [C] a glass of cordial

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cor.di.al.ly
adv.
1 (formal) in a pleasant and friendly manner: You are cordially invited to a celebration for Mr Michael Brown on his retirement.
2 (formal) (used with verbs showing dislike) very much: They cordially detest each other.
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cord.ite
noun [U] an explosive used in bullets, bombs, etc.
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cord.less
adj. (of a telephone or an electrical tool) not connected to its power supply by wires: a cordless phone / drill
OPP CORDED
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cor.don
noun, verb
noun a line or ring of police officers, soldiers, etc. guarding sth or stopping people from entering or leaving a place: Demonstrators tried to break through the police cordon.

verb
PVR V ,cordon sth<->'off to stop people from getting into an area by surrounding it with police, soldiers, etc: Police cordoned off the area until the bomb was made safe.

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cor.don bleu
adj. [usually before noun] (from French ) of the highest standard of skill in cooking: a cordon bleu chef  cordon bleu cuisine
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cor.du.roy
noun
1 (also cord) [U] a strong soft cotton fabric with a pattern of raised parallel lines on it, used for making clothes: a corduroy jacket
2 (cor.du.roys) [pl.] (old-fashioned) = CORDS —
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core
noun, verb
noun
1 the hard central part of a fruit such as an apple, that contains the seeds—
2 the central part of an object: the earth’s core  the core of a nuclear reactor   (figurative) Concern for the environment is at the core of our policies.
3 the most important part of sth: the core of the argument  core subjects (= subjects that all the students have to do)  the core curriculum  the core activities of the job
4 a small group of people who take part in a particular activity: He gathered a small core of advisers around him.—see also HARD CORE
IDM to the 'core so that the whole of a thing or a person is affected: She was shaken to the core by the news.  He’s a politician to the core (= in all his attitudes, beliefs and actions).

verb [vn] to take out the core of a fruit

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,co-re'spond.ent
noun (law ) a person who is said to have committed ADULTERY with the husband or wife of sb who is trying to get divorced
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corgi
noun a small dog with short legs and a pointed nose
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cori.an.der
noun [U] a plant whose leaves are used in cooking as a herb and whose seeds are used in cooking as a spice—compare CILANTRO
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cork
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a light, soft material that is the thick bark of a type of Mediterranean OAK tree: a cork mat  cork tiles
2 [C] a small round object made of cork or plastic, that is used for closing bottles, especially wine bottles.—picture at PACKAGING

verb [vn] to close a bottle with a cork
OPP UNCORK

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corked
adj. (of wine) with a bad taste because the cork has decayed
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cork.er
noun [usually sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a person or thing that is extremely good, beautiful or amusing
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cork.screw
noun, verb
noun a tool for pulling CORKS from bottles. Most corkscrews have a handle and a twisted metal rod for pushing into the cork .—picture at KITCHEN

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make a series of circular movements in a particular direction

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corm
noun the small round underground part of some plants, from which the new plant grows every year
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cor.mor.ant
noun a large black seabird with a long neck
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corn
noun
1 (BrE) [U] any plant that is grown for its grain, such as wheat; the grain of these plants: a field of corn  ears / sheaves of corn  corn-fed chicken—picture at CEREAL
2 [U] (AmE) = MAIZE —see also CORN COB , CORN ON THE COB
3 [U] (AmE) = SWEETCORN
4 [C] a small area of hard skin on the foot, especially the toe, that is sometimes painful
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'corn circle
noun = CROP CIRCLE
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'corn cob
(especially BrE ) (also cobAmE, BrE) noun the long hard part of the MAIZE plant that the rows of yellow grains grow on—picture at CEREAL
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cor.nea
noun (anatomy ) the transparent protective layer covering the outer part of the eye—picture at BODY
cor.neal adj. [only before noun]: a corneal transplant
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corned beef
noun [U] beef that has been cooked and preserved using salt, often sold in cans
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cor.ner
noun, verb
noun
OF BUILDING / OBJECT / SHAPE|
1 a part of sth where two or more sides, lines or edges join: the four corners of a square  Write your address in the top right-hand corner of the letter.  I hit my knee on the corner of the table.  A smile lifted the corner of his mouth.  a speck of dirt in the corner of her eye
-CORNERED|
2 (in adjectives) with the number of corners mentioned; involving the number of groups mentioned: a three-cornered hat  a three-cornered fight
OF ROOM / BOX|
3 the place inside a room or a box where two sides join; the area around this place: There was a television in the far corner of the room.  a corner table / seat / cupboard
OF ROADS|
4 a place where two streets join: There was a large group of youths standing on the street corner.  Turn right at the corner of Sunset and Crescent Heights Boulevards.  There’s a hotel on / at the corner of my street.  The wind hit him as he turned the corner .
5 a sharp bend in a road: The car was taking the corners too fast.
AREA / REGION|
6 a region or an area of a place (sometimes used for one that is far away or difficult to reach): She lives in a quiet corner of rural Yorkshire.  Students come here from the four corners of the world.  He knew every corner of the old town.
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
7 [usually sing.] a difficult situation: to back / drive / force sb into a corner  They had got her in a corner, and there wasn’t much she could do about it.  He was used to talking his way out of tight corners .
IN SPORT|
8 (in sports such as football and hockey) a free kick or hit that you take from the corner of your opponent’s end of the field: to take a corner  The referee awarded a corner.—see also CORNER KICK
9 (in boxing and WRESTLING ) any of the four corners of a RING ; the supporters who help in the corner (just) around / round the 'corner very near: Her house is just around the corner.   (figurative) There were good times around the corner (= they would soon come). cut 'corners (disapproving) to do sth in the easiest, cheapest or quickest way, often by ignoring rules or leaving sth out cut the 'corner (also cut off the 'corner especially in BrE) to go across the corner of an area and not around the sides of it, because it is quicker see sth out of the corner of your 'eye to see sth accidentally or not very clearly because you see it from the side of your eye and are not looking straight at it: Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him coming closer. turn the 'corner to pass a very important point in an illness or a difficult situation and begin to improve—more at TIGHT

verb
TRAP SB|
1 [vn] [often passive] to get a person or an animal into a place or situation from which they cannot escape: The man was finally cornered by police in a garage.  If disturbed or cornered, the snake will defend itself.
2 [vn] to go towards sb in a determined way, because you want to speak to them: I found myself cornered by her on the stairs.
THE MARKET|
3 [vn] ~ the market (in sth) to get control of the trade in a particular type of goods: They’ve cornered the market in silver.
OF VEHICLE / DRIVER|
4 [v] (BrE) to go around a corner

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'corner kick
(also cor.ner) noun (in football) a free kick that you take from the corner of your opponent’s end of the field
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'corner shop
noun (BrE ) a small shop that sells food, newspapers, cigarettes, etc., especially one near people’s houses
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cor.ner.stone
noun
1 (especially AmE) a stone at the corner of the base of a building, often laid in a special ceremony
2 the most important part of sth that the rest depends on: This study is the cornerstone of the whole research programme.
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cor.net
noun
1 a BRASS musical instrument like a small TRUMPET
2 (BrE, old-fashioned) = CONE : an ice-cream cornet
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'corn exchange
noun (BrE ) a building where corn used to be bought and sold
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corn.flakes
noun [pl.] small crisp yellow pieces of crushed MAIZE , usually eaten with milk and sugar for breakfast
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corn.flour
(BrE ) (AmE corn.starch) noun [U] fine white flour made from MAIZE , used especially for making sauces thicker
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corn.flower
noun a small wild plant with bluish-purple flowers: cornflower-blue eyes
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cor.nice
noun (architecture ) a decorative border around the top of the walls in a room or on the outside walls of a building—picture at ALCOVE
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Cornish pasty
noun (BrE ) a small pie in the shape of a half circle, containing meat and vegetables
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corn.meal
noun [U] flour made from MAIZE
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,corn on the 'cob
noun [U] corn that is cooked with all the grains still attached to the inner part and eaten as a vegetable—
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'corn pone
(also pone) (both AmE) noun [U] a type of bread made from MAIZE and water
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corn.rows
noun [pl.] a hairstyle worn especially by black women, in which the hair is put into lines of PLAITS along the head—picture at HAIR
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corn.starch
noun [U] (AmE ) = CORNFLOUR
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,corn 'syrup
noun [U] a thick sweet liquid made from MAIZE and used in cooking
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cor.nu.co.pia
noun
1 (also ,horn of 'plenty) a decorative object shaped like an animal’s horn, shown in art as full of fruit and flowers
2 (written) something that is or contains a large supply of good things: The book is a cornucopia of good ideas.
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corny
adj. (corn.ier, corni.est) (informal) not original; used too often to be interesting or to sound sincere: a corny joke / song  I know it sounds corny, but it really was love at first sight!
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cor.ol.lary
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (of / to sth) (formal ortechnical ) a situation, an argument or a fact that is the natural and direct result of another one
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cor.ona
noun (pl.co.ro.nae ) (astronomy ) (also informal halo) a ring of light seen around the sun or moon, especially during an ECLIPSE
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cor.on.ary
adj. (medical ) connected with the heart, particularly the ARTERIES that take blood to the heart: coronary (heart) disease  a coronary patient (= sb suffering from coronary disease).
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,coronary 'artery
noun (anatomy ) either of the two ARTERIES that supply blood to the heart
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,coronary throm'bosis
(also informal cor.on.ary) noun (medical ) a blocking of the flow of blood by a blood CLOT in an ARTERY supplying blood to the heart—compare HEART ATTACK
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cor.on.ation
noun a ceremony at which a CROWN is formally placed on the head of a new king or queen
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cor.on.er
noun an official whose job is to discover the cause of any sudden, violent or suspicious death by holding an INQUEST
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cor.onet
noun
1 a small CROWN worn on formal occasions by princes, princesses, LORDS , etc.
2 a circular decoration for the head, especially one made of flowers
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Corp.
abbr. CORPORATION
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cor.poral
noun (abbr. Cpl) a member of one of the lower ranks in the army, the MARINES or the British air force: Corporal Masters
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,corporal 'punishment
noun [U] the physical punishment of people, especially by hitting or beating them
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cor.por.ate
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with a corporation : corporate finance / planning / strategy  corporate identity (= the image of a company, that all its members share)  corporate hospitality (= when companies entertain customers to help develop good business relationships)
2 (technical) forming a CORPORATION : The BBC is a corporate body.  The law applies to both individuals and corporate bodies.
3 involving or shared by all the members of a group: corporate responsibility
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cor.por.ation
noun
1 (abbr.Corp.) a large business company: multinational corporations  the Chrysler corporation
2 an organization or a group of organizations that is recognized by law as a single unit: urban development corporations
3 (BrE) a group of people elected to govern a large town or city and provide public services
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,corpo'ration tax
noun [U] (BrE ) a tax that companies pay on their profits
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cor.por.at.ism
noun [U] the control of a country, etc. by large groups, especially businesses
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cor.por.eal
adj. (formal)
1 that can be touched; physical rather than spiritual: his corporeal presence
2 of or for the body: corporeal needs
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corps
noun (pl.corps ) [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a large unit of an army, consisting of two or more DIVISIONS : the commander of the third army corps
2 one of the groups of an army with a special responsibility: the Royal Army Medical Corps  the Army Corps of Engineers
3 a group of people involved in a particular job or activity: a corps of trained and experienced doctors—see also DIPLOMATIC CORPS , PRESS CORPS
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corps de bal.let
noun [C+sing./pl. v.] (from French ) dancers in a ballet company who dance together as a group
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corpse
noun a dead body, especially of a human being: The corpse was barely recognizable.
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cor.pu.lent
adj. (formal) (of a person) fat. People say ‘corpulent’ to avoid saying ‘fat’.
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cor.pus
noun (pl.cor.pora or cor.puses ) (technical ) a collection of written or spoken texts: a corpus of 100 million words of spoken English  the whole corpus of Renaissance poetry—see also HABEAS CORPUS
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cor.puscle
noun (anatomy ) any of the red or white cells found in blood: red / white corpuscles
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cor.ral
noun, verb
noun (in N America) a fenced area for horses, cows etc. on a farm or RANCH : They drove the ponies into a corral.

verb [vn] (-ll-, AmE also -l-)
1 to force horses or cows into a corral
2 to gather a group of people together and keep them in a particular place

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cor.rect
adj., verb
adj.
1 accurate or true, without any mistakes RIGHT : Do you have the correct time?  the correct answer  Please check that these details are correct.  ‘Are you in charge here?’‘That’s correct.’  Am I correct in saying that you know a lot about wine?
OPP INCORRECT
2 right and suitable, so that sth is done as it should be done: Do you know the correct way to shut the machine down?  I think you’ve made the correct decision.
3 taking care to speak or behave in a way that follows the accepted standards or rules: a correct young lady  He is always very correct in his speech.
OPP INCORRECT —see also POLITICALLY CORRECT
cor.rect.ly adv.: Have you spelled it correctly?  They reasoned, correctly, that she was away for the weekend.  He was looking correctly grave.
cor.rect.ness noun [U]: The correctness of this decision may be doubted.—see also POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
IDM see PRESENT adj.

verb
1 [vn] to make sth right or accurate, for example by changing it or removing mistakes: Read through your work and correct any mistakes that you find.  Their eyesight can be corrected in just a few minutes by the use of a laser.  They issued a statement correcting the one they had made earlier.
2 [vn] (of a teacher) to mark the mistakes in a piece of work (and sometimes give a mark/grade to the work): I spent all evening correcting essays.
3 to tell sb that they have made a mistake: [vn] Correct me if I’m wrong , but isn’t this last year’s brochure?  Yes, you’re right—I stand corrected (= I accept that I made a mistake).  [vn speech] ‘It’s Yates, not Wates,’ she corrected him. [alsov speech]

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cor.rec.tion
noun, exclamation
noun
1 [C] a change that makes sth more accurate than it was before: I’ve made a few small corrections to your report.  The paper had to publish a correction to the story.
2 [U] the act or process of correcting sth: There are some programming errors that need correction.
3 [U] (old-fashioned) punishment: the correction of young offenders

exclamation (informal) used when you want to correct sth that you have just said: I don’t know. Correction—I do know, but I’m not going to tell you.

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cor.rec.tion.al
adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE ) concerned with improving the behaviour of criminals, usually by punishing them: a correctional center / institution / facility (= a prison)
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cor'rection fluid
noun [U] a white liquid that you use to cover mistakes that you make when you are writing or typing, and that you can write on top of—see also TIPP-EX , WITEOUT —picture at STATIONERY
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cor.rect.ive
adj., noun
adj. (written) designed to make sth right that was wrong before: We need to take corrective action to halt this country’s decline.  corrective measures  corrective surgery / glasses

noun ~ (to sth) (formal) something that helps to give a more accurate or fairer view of sb/sth: I should like to add a corrective to what I have written previously.

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cor.rel.ate
verb
1 [v] if two or more facts, figures, etc. correlate or if a fact, figure, etc. correlates with another, the facts are closely connected and affect or depend on each other: The figures do not seem to correlate.  A high-fat diet correlates with a greater risk of heart disease.
2 [vn] to show that there is a close connection between two or more facts, figures, etc: Researchers are trying to correlate the two sets of figures.
cor.rel.ate noun
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cor.rel.ation
noun [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (of A with B) a connection between two things in which one thing changes as the other does: There is a direct correlation between exposure to sun and skin cancer.  the correlation of social power with wealth
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cor.rela.tive
noun (formal) a fact or an idea that is closely related to or depends on another fact or idea: The child’s right to education is a correlative of the parent’s duty to send the child to school.
cor.rela.tive adj.
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cor.res.pond
verb [v]
1 ~ (to / with sth) to be the same as or match sth: Your account of events does not correspond with hers.  Your account and hers do not correspond.  The written record of the conversation doesn’t correspond to (= is different from) what was actually said.
2 ~ (to sth) to be similar to or the same as sth else: The British job of Lecturer corresponds roughly to the US Associate Professor.
3 ~ (with sb) (formal) to write letters to sb and receive letters from them
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cor.res.pond.ence
noun
1 [U] ~ (with sb) the letters a person sends and receives: personal / private correspondence  The editor welcomes correspondence from readers on any subject.  the correspondence column / page (= in a newspaper)
2 [U, C] ~ (with sb) the activity of writing letters: I refused to enter into any correspondence (= to exchange letters) with him about it.  We have been in correspondence for months.  We kept up a correspondence for many years.
3 [C, U] ~ (between A and B) a connection between two things; the fact of two things being similar: There is a close correspondence between the two extracts.
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corre'spondence course
noun a course of study that you do at home, using books and exercises sent to you by post/mail
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cor.res.pond.ent
noun
1 a person who reports news from a particular country or on a particular subject for a newspaper or a television or radio station: the BBC’s political correspondent  a foreign / war / sports correspondent  our Hong Kong correspondent
2 (used with an adjective) a person who writes letters to another person: She’s a poor correspondent (= she does not write regularly).
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cor.res.pond.ing
adj. ~ (to sth) matching or connected with sth that you have just mentioned: A change in the money supply brings a corresponding change in expenditure.  Profits have risen by 15 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.  Give each picture a number corresponding to its position on the page.  The Redskins lost to the Cowboys in the corresponding game last year.
cor.res.pond.ing.ly adv.: a period of high demand and correspondingly high prices
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cor.ri.dor
noun
1 (AmE also hall.way) a long narrow passage in a building or train, with doors that open into rooms on either side: Go along the corridor, turn left, and you’ll see his office in front of you.
2 a long narrow strip of land belonging to one country that passes through the land of another country: the Polish corridor
IDM the corridors of 'power (sometimes humorous) the higher levels of government, where important decisions are made
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cor.rie
noun a round hollow area in the side of a mountain
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cor.rob.or.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] (formal) to provide evidence or information that supports a statement, theory, etc: The evidence was corroborated by two independent witnesses.  corroborating evidence
cor.rob.or.ation noun [U]
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cor.rob.ora.tive
adj. (formal) [usually before noun] giving support to a statement or theory: Is there any corroborative evidence for this theory?
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cor.rode
verb to destroy sth slowly, especially by chemical action; to be destroyed in this way: [vn] Acid corrodes metal.   (figurative) Corruption corrodes public confidence in a political system.  [v] The copper pipework has corroded in places.
cor.ro.sion noun [U]: Look for signs of corrosion.  Clean off any corrosion before applying the paint.
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cor.ro.sive
adj.
1 tending to destroy sth slowly by chemical action: the corrosive effects of salt water  corrosive acid
2 (written) tending to damage sth gradually: Unemployment is having a corrosive effect on our economy.
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cor.ru.gated
adj. shaped into a series of regular folds that look like waves: a corrugated iron roof  corrugated cardboard
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cor.rupt
adj., verb
adj.
1 (of people) willing to use their power to do dishonest or illegal things in return for money or to get an advantage: a corrupt regime  corrupt officials accepting bribes
2 (of behaviour) dishonest or immoral: corrupt practices  The whole system is inefficient and corrupt.
3 (computing) containing changes or faults, and no longer in the original state: corrupt software  The text on the disk seems to be corrupt.
cor.rupt.ly adv.

verb
1 [vn] to have a bad effect on sb and make them behave in an immoral or dishonest way: He was corrupted by power and ambition.  the corrupting effects of great wealth
2 [vn] [often passive] to change the original form of sth, so that it is damaged or spoiled in some way: a corrupted form of Buddhism
3 (computing ) to cause mistakes to appear in a computer file, etc. with the result that the information in it is no longer correct: [vn] The program has somehow corrupted the system files.  corrupted data  [v] The disk will corrupt if it is overloaded.

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cor.rupt.ible
adj. that can be corrupted
OPP INCORRUPTIBLE
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cor.rup.tion
noun
1 [U] dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially of people in authority: allegations of bribery and corruption   The new district attorney has promised to fight police corruption.
2 [U] the act or effect of making sb change from moral to immoral standards of behaviour: He claimed that sex and violence on TV led to the corruption of young people.
3 [C, usually sing.] the form of a word or phrase that has become changed from its original form in some way: The word ‘holiday’ is a corruption of ‘holy day’.
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cor.sage
noun a small bunch of flowers that is worn on a woman’s dress, for example at a wedding
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cor.set
noun a piece of women’s underwear, fitting the body tightly, worn especially in the past to make the waist look smaller
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cor.tège
(also cor.tege especially in AmE) noun a line of cars or people moving along slowly at a funeral
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cor.tex
noun (pl.cor.ti.ces ) (anatomy ) the outer layer of an organ in the body, especially the brain: the cerebral / renal cortex (= around the brain / kidney)
cor.tic.al adj.
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cor.ti.sone
noun [U] (medical ) a HORMONE used in the treatment of diseases such as ARTHRITIS , to reduce swelling
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cor.vette
noun a small fast ship used in war to protect other ships from attack
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cos^1
(also 'cos) conj. (BrE , spoken) because: I can’t see her at all, cos it’s too dark.
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cos^2
abbr. (in writing) COSINE
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cosh
noun, verb
noun (especially BrE ) a short thick heavy piece of metal or solid rubber that is used as a weapon

verb [vn] (especially BrE ) to hit sb hard with a cosh or sth similar

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,co-'signatory
noun one of two or more people who sign a formal document: co-signatories of / to the treaty
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co.sine
noun (abbr. cos) (mathematics ) the RATIO of the length of the side next to an ACUTE ANGLE in a RIGHT-ANGLED triangle to the length of the longest side (= the HYPOTENUSE )—compare SINE , TANGENT
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cos lettuce
(BrE ) (AmE ro.maine) noun [C, U] a type of LETTUCE with long crisp leaves
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cos.met.ic
noun, adj.
noun [usually pl.] a substance that you put on your face or body to make it more attractive: the cosmetics industry  a cosmetic company  cosmetic products

adj.
1 improving only the outside appearance of sth and not its basic character: These reforms are not merely cosmetic.  She dismissed the moves as a cosmetic exercise to win votes.
2 connected with medical treatment that is intended to improve a person’s appearance: cosmetic surgery  cosmetic dental work
cos.met.ic.al.ly adv.

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cos.mic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the whole universe: Do you believe in a cosmic plan?  cosmic dust
2 very great and important: This was disaster on a cosmic scale.
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,cosmic 'rays
noun [pl.] rays that reach the earth from outer space
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cos.mol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of the universe and its origin and development
cosmo.logic.al adj.
cos.molo.gist noun
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cosmo.naut
noun an ASTRONAUT from the former Soviet Union
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cosmo.pol.itan
adj., noun
adj. (approving)
1 containing people of different types or from different countries, and influenced by their culture: a cosmopolitan city / resort  The club has a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
2 having or showing a wide experience of people and things from many different countries: people with a truly cosmopolitan outlook  cosmopolitan young people

noun a person who has experience of many different parts of the world: She’s a real cosmopolitan.

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cos.mos
(the cosmos) noun [sing.] the universe, especially when it is thought of as an ordered system: the structure of the cosmos  our place in the cosmos
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cos.set
verb [vn] (often disapproving) to treat sb with a lot of care and give them a lot of attention, sometimes too much
SYN PAMPER : As a child, she had been spoiled and cosseted.
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cost
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the amount of money that you need in order to buy, make or do sth: the high / low cost of housing  A new computer system has been installed at a cost of £80 000.  The plan had to be abandoned on grounds of cost.  We did not even make enough money to cover the cost of the food.  Consumers will have to bear the full cost of these pay increases.  The total cost to you (= the amount you have to pay) is £3 000.
2 (costs) [pl.] the total amount of money that needs to be spent by a business: The use of cheap labour helped to keep costs down.  to cut / reduce costs  running / operating / labour costs  We have had to raise our prices because of rising costs.
3 [U, sing.] the effort, loss or damage that is involved in order to do or achieve sth: the terrible cost of the war in death and suffering  the environmental cost of nuclear power  She saved him from the fire but at the cost of her own life (= she died).  He worked non-stop for three months, at considerable cost to his health.  I felt a need to please people, whatever the cost in time and energy.
4 (costs) (AmE also 'court costs) [pl.] the sum of money that sb is ordered to pay for lawyers, etc. in a legal case: He was ordered to pay £2 000 costs.  note at PRICE
IDM at 'all cost / costs whatever is needed to achieve sth: You must stop the press from finding out at all costs. at 'any cost under any circumstances: He is determined to win at any cost. at 'cost for only the amount of money that is needed to make or get sth, without any profit being added on: goods sold at cost know / learn / find sth to your 'cost to know sth because of sth unpleasant that has happened to you: He’s a ruthless businessman, as I know to my cost.—more at COUNT v.

verb (cost, cost)
HELP In sense 4 costed is used for the past tense and past participle.
1 if sth costs a particular amount of money, you need to pay that amount in order to buy, make or do it: [vn] How much did it cost?  I didn’t get it because it cost too much.  Tickets cost ten dollars each.  Calls to the helpline cost 38p per minute.  Don’t use too much of it—it cost a lot of money.  All these reforms will cost money (= be expensive).  Good food need not cost a fortune (= cost a lot of money).  [vnn] The meal cost us about £40.  This is costing the taxpayer £10 billion a year.  [vn to inf] The hospital will cost an estimated £2 million to build.  It costs a fortune to fly first class.
2 to cause the loss of sth: [vnn] That one mistake almost cost him his life.  A late penalty cost United the game (= meant that they did not win the game).  [vn] The closure of the factory is likely to cost 1 000 jobs.
3 [vnn] to involve you in making an effort or doing sth unpleasant: The accident cost me a visit to the doctor.  Financial worries cost her many sleepless nights.
4 (costed, costed) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (out) to estimate how much money will be needed for sth or the price that should be charged for sth: The project needs to be costed in detail.  Their accountants have costed the project at $8.1 million.  Have you costed out these proposals yet?—see also COSTING
IDM cost sb 'dear to make sb suffer a lot: That one mistake has cost him dear over the years. it will 'cost you (spoken) used to say that sth will be expensive: There is a de luxe model available, but it’ll cost you.—more at ARM n.

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'cost accounting
noun [U] (business ) the process of recording and analysing the costs involved in running a business
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'co-star
noun, verb
noun one of two or more famous actors who appear together in a film/movie or play

verb (-rr-)
1 [v] ~ (with sb) to appear as one of the main actors with sb in a play or film/movie: a new movie in which Johnny Depp co-stars with Winona Ryder
2 [vn] (of a film / movie or play) to have two or more famous actors acting in it: a new movie co-starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder

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'cost-benefit
noun [U] (economics ) the relationship between the cost of doing sth and the value of the benefit that results from it: cost-benefit analysis
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'cost-cutting
noun [U] the reduction of the amount of money spent on sth, especially because of financial difficulty: Deliveries of mail could be delayed because of cost-cutting.  a cost-cutting exercise / measure / programme
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,cost-ef'fective
adj. giving the best possible profit or benefits in comparison with the money that is spent: a cost-effective way to fight crime
,cost-ef'fectiveness noun [U]
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cost.ing
noun an estimate of how much money will be needed for sth: Here is a detailed costing of our proposals.  You’d better do some costings.
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cost.ly
adj. (cost.lier, cost.li.est)
HELP You can also use more costly and most costly.
1 costing a lot of money, especially more than you want to pay: Buying new furniture may prove too costly.
2 causing problems or the loss of sth: a costly mistake / failure  Mining can be costly in terms of lives (= too many people can die).
cost.li.ness noun [U]
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the ,cost of 'living
noun [sing.] the amount of money that people need to pay for food, clothing and somewhere to live: a steady rise in the cost of living  the high cost of living in London
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,cost 'price
noun [U] the cost of producing sth or the price at which it is sold without profit: Copies of the CD can be purchased at cost price.—compare SELLING PRICE
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cos.tume
noun
1 [C, U] the clothes worn by people from a particular place or during a particular historical period: Some of the singers wore the Welsh national costume .
2 [C, U] the clothes worn by actors in a play or film/movie, or worn by sb to make them look like sth else: The actors were still in costume and make-up.  She has four costume changes during the play.  He went to the party in a giant chicken costume.  a costume designer
3 [C] (BrE, informal) = SWIMMING COSTUME
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cos.tumed
adj. [usually before noun] wearing a costume
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'costume drama
noun [C, U] a play or film/movie set in the past
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'costume jewellery
noun [U] large heavy jewellery that can look expensive but is made with cheap materials
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cos.tu.mier
(BrE ) (AmE 'cos.tu.mer) noun a person or company that makes COSTUMES or has COSTUMES to hire, especially for the theatre: a firm of theatrical costumiers
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cosy
(BrE ) (AmEcozy) adj. (cosi.er, cosi.est)
1 warm, comfortable and safe, especially because of being small or enclosed: a cosy little room  a cosy feeling  I felt warm and cosy sitting by the fire.
2 friendly and private: a cosy chat with a friend
3 (often disapproving) easy and convenient, but not always honest or right: The firm has a cosy relationship with the Ministry of Defence.  The danger is that things get too cosy.
cosi.ly (BrE) (AmEcozi.ly) adv.: sitting cosily by the fire
cosi.ness (BrE) (AmEcozi.ness) noun [U]: the warmth and cosiness of the kitchen
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cot
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE crib) a small bed with high sides for a baby or young child: a travel cot (= one that can be moved around easily, used when travelling)—see also CARRYCOT —picture at BED
2 (AmE) = CAMP BED
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'cot death
(BrE ) (AmE 'crib death) noun [U, C] the sudden death while sleeping of a baby which appears to be healthy
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co.terie
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (formal, often disapproving) a small group of people who have the same interests and do things together but do not like to include others
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co.ter.min.ous
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) (formal)
1 (of countries or areas) sharing a border
2 (of things or ideas) having so much in common that they are almost the same as each other
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cot.tage
noun a small house, especially in the country: a charming country cottage with roses around the door   (BrE ) a holiday cottage
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,cottage 'cheese
noun [U] soft white cheese with small lumps in it
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,cottage 'hospital
noun (BrE ) a small hospital in a country area
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,cot.tage 'in.dus.try
noun a small business in which the work is done by people in their homes: Weaving and knitting are traditional cottage industries.
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,cottage 'pie
noun [C, U] = SHEPHERD’S PIE
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cot.tager
noun (BrE ) (especially in the past) a person who lives in a small house or COTTAGE in the country
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cot.ta.ging
noun [U] (BrE , slang) the practice of HOMOSEXUAL men looking for sexual partners in a public toilet
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cot.ton
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a plant grown in warm countries for the soft white hairs around its seeds that are used to make fabric and thread: cotton fields / plants  bales of cotton
2 the fabric made from the cotton plant : The sheets are 100% pure cotton.  a cotton shirt / skirt  printed cotton fabric  the cotton industry  a cotton mill
3 (especially BrE) thread that is used for sewing: sewing cotton  a cotton reel
4 (AmE) = COTTON WOOL : Use a cotton ball to apply the lotion.

verb
PVR V ,cotton 'on (to sth) (informal) to begin to understand or realize sth without being told: I suddenly cottoned on to what he was doing. 'cotton (up) to sb/sth (AmE, informal) to make an attempt to be friendly to sb

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,cotton 'bud
(BrE ) (also Q-Tip™AmE, BrE) noun a small stick with COTTON WOOL at each end, used for cleaning inside the ears, etc.
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,cotton 'candy
noun [U] (AmE ) = CANDYFLOSS
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cot.ton.wood
(also 'cottonwood tree) noun a type of N American POPLAR tree, with seeds that are covered in hairs that look like white cotton
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,cotton 'wool
(BrE ) (AmEcot.ton) noun [U] a soft mass of white material that is used for cleaning the skin or a wound: cotton wool balls / pads—
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couch
noun, verb
noun
1 a long comfortable seat for two or more people to sit on
SYN SETTEE , SOFA
2 a long piece of furniture like a bed, especially in a doctor’s office: on the psychiatrist’s couch

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to say or write words in a particular style or manner: The letter was deliberately couched in very vague terms .

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couch.ette
noun a narrow bed on a train, that folds down from the wall
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'couch potato
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television
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cou.gar
noun (especially AmE ) = PUMA
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cough
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to force out air suddenly and noisily through your throat, for example when you have a cold: I couldn’t stop coughing.  to cough nervously / politely / discreetly—
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to force sth out of your throat or lungs by coughing : Sometimes she coughed (up) blood.
3 [v] (of an engine) to make a sudden harsh noise
PVR V ,cough 'up| ,cough sth<->'up (informal) to give sth, especially money, unwillingly: Steve finally coughed up the money he owed us.

noun
1 an act or a sound of coughing: She gave a little cough to attract my attention.
2 an illness or infection that makes you cough often: to have a dry / persistent / hacking cough  My cold’s better, but I can’t seem to shake off this cough.—see also WHOOPING COUGH

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cough.ing
noun [U] the action of coughing : Another fit of coughing seized him.
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'cough mixture
(BrE ) (also 'cough syrup, 'cough medicineBrE, AmE) noun [U] liquid medicine that you take for a cough
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could
modal verb (negativecould not, short formcouldn’t )
1 used as the past tense of ‘can’: She said that she couldn’t come.  I couldn’t hear what they were saying.  Sorry, I couldn’t get any more.  note at CAN^1
2 used to ask if you can do sth: Could I use your phone, please?  Could we stop by next week?
3 used to politely ask sb to do sth for you: Could you babysit for us on Friday?
4 used to show that sth is or might be possible: I could do it now, if you like.  Don’t worry—they could have just forgotten to call.  You couldn’t have left it on the bus, could you?  ‘Have some more cake.’‘Oh, I couldn’t, thank you (= I’m too full).’
5 used to suggest sth: We could write a letter to the director.  You could always try his home number.
6 used to show that you are annoyed that sb did not do sth: They could have let me know they were going to be late!
7 (informal) used to emphasize how strongly you want to express your feelings: I’m so fed up I could scream!  note at MODAL
IDM could do with sth (spoken) used to say that you need or would like to have sth: I could do with a drink!  Her hair could have done with a wash.
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cou.lis
noun (pl.cou.lis) (from French ) a thin fruit sauce
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coun.cil
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a group of people who are elected to govern an area such as a city or county: a city / county / borough / district council  She’s on the local council.  a council member / meeting
2 (BrE) the organization that provides services in a city or county, for example education, houses, libraries, etc: council workers / services
3 a group of people chosen to give advice, make rules, do research, provide money, etc: the Medical Research Council  In Britain, the Arts Council gives grants to theatres.
4 (formal) (especially in the past) a formal meeting to discuss what action to take in a particular situation: The King held a council at Nottingham from 14 to 19 October 1330.—see also PRIVY COUNCIL
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'council chamber
noun (BrE ) a large room in which a council meets
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'council estate
noun (BrE ) a large group of houses built by a local council
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'council house, 'council flat
noun (BrE ) a house or flat rented from the local council
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coun.cil.lor
(AmE also coun.cil.or) noun (abbr. Cllr) a member of a council : Councillor Ann Jones  Talk to your local councillor about the problem.—see also COUNCILMAN , COUNCILWOMAN
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coun.cil.man
noun (pl.-men ) (AmE ) = COUNCILLOR
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,council of 'war
noun (pl.councils of war) (BrE ) a meeting to discuss how to deal with an urgent and difficult situation: She called together senior managers for a council of war.
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'council tax
noun (often the council tax) [sing., U] (in Britain) a tax charged by local councils, based on the value of a person’s home
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coun.cil.woman
noun (pl.-women ) (AmE ) = COUNCILLOR
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coun.sel
noun, verb
noun [U, C]
1 (formal) advice, especially given by older people or experts; a piece of advice: Listen to the counsel of your elders.  In the end, wiser counsels prevailed.
2 (law) a lawyer or group of lawyers representing sb in a court of law: to be represented by counsel  the counsel for the defence / prosecution  defence / prosecuting counsel  The court then heard counsel for the dead woman’s father.—see also KING’S / QUEEN’S COUNSEL   note at LAWYER
IDM a counsel of des'pair (formal) advice not to try to do sth because it is too difficult a counsel of per'fection (formal) advice that is good but that is difficult or impossible to follow keep your own 'counsel (formal) to keep your opinions, plans, etc. secret

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
1 [vn] to listen to and give support or professional advice to sb who needs help: Therapists were brought in to counsel the bereaved.
2 (formal) to advise sb to do sth: [vn] Most experts counsel caution in such cases.  [vn to inf] He counselled them to give up the plan.

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coun.sel.ling
(BrE ) (AmEcoun.sel.ing) noun [U] professional advice about a problem: marriage guidance counselling  a student counselling service
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coun.sel.lor
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually coun.sel.or) noun
1 a person who has been trained to advise people with problems, especially personal problems: a marriage guidance counsellor
2 (AmE, IrishE) a lawyer
3 (AmE) a person who is in charge of young people at a summer camp
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count
verb, noun
verb
SAY NUMBERS|
1 [v] ~ (from sth) (to / up to sth) to say numbers in the correct order: Billy can’t count yet.  She can count up to 10 in Italian.  to count from 1 to 10
FIND TOTAL|
2 ~ (sth) (up) to calculate the total number of people, things, etc. in a particular group: [vn] The diet is based on counting calories.  [v wh-] She began to count up how many guests they had to invite.  [v] There are 12 weeks to go, counting from today.
INCLUDE|
3 [vn] to include sb/sth when you calculate a total: We have invited 50 people, not counting the children.
MATTER|
4 [v] ~ (for sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be important: Every point in this game counts.  The fact that she had apologized counted for nothing with him.  It’s the thought that counts (= used about a small but kind action or gift).
ACCEPT OFFICIALLY|
5 to be officially accepted; to accept sth officially: [v] Don’t go over that line or your throw won’t count.  [vn] Applications received after 1 July will not be counted.
CONSIDER|
6 ~ sb/sth (as) sb/sth| ~ as sb/sth to consider sb/sth in a particular way; to be considered in a particular way: [v, vn] For tax purposes that money counts / is counted as income.  [vn] I count him among my closest friends.  [vn-adj] I count myself lucky to have known him.  [vn-n] She counts herself one of the lucky ones. be able to count sb/sth on (the fingers of) one 'hand used to say that the total number of sb/sth is very small: She could count on the fingers of one hand the people she actually enjoyed being with. count your 'blessings to be grateful for the good things in your life don’t count your 'chickens (before they are 'hatched) (saying) you should not be too confident that sth will be successful, because sth may still go wrong count the cost (of sth) to feel the bad effects of a mistake, an accident, etc: The town is now counting the cost of its failure to provide adequate flood protection. count 'sheep to imagine that sheep are jumping over a fence and to count them, as a way of getting to sleep stand up and be 'counted to say publicly that you support sb or you agree with sth Who’s 'counting? (informal) used to say that you do not care how many times sth happens ,count a'gainst sb| ,count sth a'gainst sb to be considered or to consider sth as a disadvantage in sb: For that job her lack of experience may count against her. ,count 'down (to sth) to think about a future event with pleasure or excitement and count the minutes, days, etc. until it happens: She’s already counting down to the big day.—related noun COUNTDOWN ,count sb 'in to include sb in an activity: I hear you’re organizing a trip to the game next week? Count me in! 'count on sb/sth to trust sb to do sth or to be sure that sth will happen: ‘I’m sure he’ll help.’‘Don’t count on it .’ [+ to inf] I’m counting on you to help me. [+ -ing] Few people can count on having a job for life.  We can’t count on this warm weather lasting. ,count sb/sth<->'out to count things one after the other as you put them somewhere: She counted out £70 in £10 notes. ,count sb 'out to not include sb in an activity: If you’re going out tonight you’ll have to count me out. ,count to'wards / to'ward sth to be included as part of sth that you hope to achieve in the future: Students gain college credits which count towards their degree.

noun
TOTAL|
1 [usually sing.] an act of counting to find the total number of sth; the total number that you find: The bus driver did a quick count of the empty seats.  If the election result is close, there will be a second count.  The body count (= the total number of people who have died) stands at 24.—see also HEADCOUNT
SAYING NUMBERS|
2 [usually sing.] an act of saying numbers in order beginning with 1: Raise your leg and hold for a count of ten.  He was knocked to the ground and stayed down for a count of eight (= in boxing).
MEASUREMENT|
3 [usually sing.] (technical) a measurement of the amount of sth contained in a particular substance or area: a raised white blood cell count—see also BLOOD COUNT , POLLEN COUNT
CRIME|
4 (law) a crime that sb is accused of committing: They were found guilty on all counts.  She appeared in court on three counts of fraud.
IN DISCUSSION / ARGUMENT|
5 [usually pl.] a point made during a discussion or an argument: I disagree with you on both counts.
RANK / TITLE|
6 (in some European countries) a NOBLEMAN of high rank, similar to an EARL in Britain: Count Tolstoy—see also COUNTESS at the last 'count according to the latest information about the numbers of sth: She’d applied for 30 jobs at the last count. keep (a) count (of sth) to remember or keep a record of numbers or amounts of sth over a period of time: Keep a count of your calorie intake for one week. lose count (of sth) to forget the total of sth before you have finished counting it: I lost count and had to start again.  She had lost count of the number of times she’d told him to be careful (= she could not remember because there were so many). ,out for the 'count (BrE) (AmE ,down for the 'count)
1 (of a boxer) unable to get up again within ten seconds after being knocked down
2 in a deep sleep

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count.able
adj. (grammar ) a noun that is countable can be used in the plural or with a or an, for example table, cat and idea
OPP UNCOUNTABLE
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count.down
noun ~ (to sth)
1 [sing., U] the action of counting seconds backwards to zero, for example before a spacecraft is LAUNCHED (= sent into space)
2 [sing.] the period of time just before sth important happens: the countdown to the wedding
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coun.ten.ance
noun, verb
noun (formal or literary) a person’s face or their expression

verb (formal) to support sth or agree to sth happening: [vn] The committee refused to countenance his proposals. [alsov -ing, vn -ing]

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coun.ter
noun, verb, adv.
noun
1 a long flat surface over which goods are sold or business is done in a shop/store, bank, etc: I asked the woman behind the counter if they had any postcards of the church.
2 (especially AmE) = WORKTOP
3 a small disc used for playing or scoring in some board games—see also BARGAINING COUNTER —
4 (especially in compounds) an electronic device for counting sth: The needle on the rev counter soared.—see also GEIGER COUNTER
5 [usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) (formal) a response to sb/sth that opposes their ideas, position, etc: The employers' association was seen as a counter to union power.
IDM over the 'counter goods, especially medicines, for sale over the counter can be bought without a PRESCRIPTION (= written permission from a doctor to buy a medicine) or special LICENCE (= written permission): These tablets are available over the counter.—see also OVER-THE-COUNTER under the 'counter goods that are bought or sold under the counter are sold secretly and sometimes illegally

verb
1 ~ (sb/sth) (with sth) to reply to sb by trying to prove that what they said is not true: [vn] Such arguments are not easily countered.  [v that] I tried to argue but he countered that the plans were not yet finished. [alsov speech, v]
2 [vn] to do sth to reduce or prevent the bad effects of sth: Businesses would like to see new laws to counter late payments of debts.

adv. ~ to sth in the opposite direction to sth; in opposition to sth: The government’s plans run counter to agreed European policy on this issue.

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counter-
combining form (in nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs)
1 against; opposite: counterterrorism  counter-argument
2 CORRESPONDING : counterpart
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coun.ter.act
verb [vn] to do sth to reduce or prevent the bad or harmful effects of sth
SYN COUNTER : These exercises aim to counteract the effects of stress and tension.
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'counter-attack
noun, verb
noun an attack made in response to the attack of an enemy or opponent in war, sport or an argument: Loyal armed forces launched a counter-attack against the rebels.  The Inter player was swift to respond with a counter-attack.

verb [v, vn] to make an attack in response to the attack of an enemy or opponent in war, sport or an argument
SYN RETALIATE

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coun.ter.bal.ance
verb, noun
verb [vn] (formal) to have an equal but opposite effect to sth else
SYN OFFSET : Parents' natural desire to protect their children should be counterbalanced by the child’s need for independence.

noun (also coun.ter.weight) [usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that has an equal but opposite effect to sth else and can be used to limit the bad effects of sth: The accused’s right to silence was a vital counterbalance to the powers of the police.

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coun.ter.claim
noun a claim made in reply to another claim and different from it: Amid all the claims and counterclaims it was hard to say who was telling the truth.
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coun.ter.clock.wise
adv., adj. (AmE ) = ANTICLOCKWISE
OPP CLOCKWISE
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coun.ter.cul.ture
noun [C, U] a way of life and set of ideas that are opposed to those accepted by most of society; a group of people who share such a way of life and such ideas: the anti-military counterculture of the 1960s
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,counter-'espionage
noun [U] secret action taken by a country to prevent an enemy country from finding out its secrets
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coun.ter.feit
adj., verb
adj. (of money and goods for sale) made to look exactly like sth in order to trick people into thinking that they are getting the real thing; not genuine: counterfeit watches  Are you aware these notes are counterfeit?
coun.ter.feit noun—compare FORGERY

verb [vn] to make an exact copy of sth in order to trick people into thinking that it is the real thing—compare FORGE
coun.ter.feit.ing noun [U]

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coun.ter.feit.er
noun a person who counterfeits money or goods—compare FORGER
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coun.ter.foil
noun (BrE ) the part of a cheque, ticket, etc. that you keep when you give the other part to sb else
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,counter-in'surgency
noun [U] action taken against a group of people who are trying to take control of a country by force: counter-insurgency operations
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,counter-in'telligence
noun [U] secret action taken by a country to prevent an enemy country from finding out its secrets, for example by giving them false information; the department of a government, etc. that is responsible for this
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coun.ter.mand
verb [vn] (formal) to cancel an order that has been given, especially by giving a different order
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coun.ter.meas.ure
noun [often pl.] a course of action taken to protect against sth that is considered bad or dangerous: countermeasures to neutralize the threat of terrorism
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coun.ter.of.fen.sive
noun an attack made in order to defend against enemy attacks
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coun.ter.pane
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) = BEDSPREAD
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coun.ter.part
noun a person or thing that has the same position or function as sb/sth else in a different place or situation: The Foreign Minister held talks with his Chinese counterpart.  The women’s shoe, like its male counterpart, is specifically designed for the serious tennis player.
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coun.ter.point
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] (music) the combination of two or more tunes played together to form a single piece of music
SYN POLYPHONY : The two melodies are played in counterpoint.—see also CONTRAPUNTAL
2 [C] ~ (to sth) (music) a tune played in combination with another one
3 [U, C] (written) a pleasing or interesting contrast: This work is in austere counterpoint to that of Gaudi.

verb [vn] ~ sth (with / against sth) (formal) to contrast sth with sth else; to form a contrast with sth

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coun.ter.pro.duct.ive
adj. [not usually before noun] having the opposite effect to the one which was intended: Increases in taxation would be counterproductive.—compare PRODUCTIVE
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,counter-,revo'lution
noun [C, U] opposition to or violent action against a government that came to power as a result of a revolution, in order to destroy and replace it: to stage a counter-revolution  the forces of counter-revolution
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,counter-,revo'lutionary
noun a person involved in a counter-revolution
,counter-,revo'lutionary adj.
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coun.ter.sign
verb [vn] (technical ) to sign a document that has already been signed by another person, especially in order to show that it is valid
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,counter-'tenor
noun a man who is trained to sing with a very high voice; a male ALTO —compare ALTO
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,counter-'terrorism
noun [U] action taken to prevent the activities of political groups who use violence to try to achieve their aims
,counter-'terrorist adj.
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coun.ter.vail.ing
adj. [only before noun] (formal) having an equal but opposite effect
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coun.ter.weight
noun [usually sing.] = COUNTERBALANCE
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count.ess
noun
1 a woman who has the rank of a COUNT or an EARL
2 the wife of a COUNT or an EARL : the Earl and Countess of Rosebery
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count.less
adj. [usually before noun] very many; too many to be counted or mentioned: I’ve warned her countless times.  The new treatment could save Emma’s life and the lives of countless others.—compare UNCOUNTABLE
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'count noun
noun (grammar ) a COUNTABLE noun
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coun.tri.fied
adj. (often disapproving) like the countryside or the people who live there
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coun.try
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] an area of land that has or used to have its own government and laws: European countries  leading industrial countries  She didn’t know what life in a foreign country would be like.  It’s good to meet people from different parts of the country .
2 [U] (often following an adjective) an area of land, especially with particular physical features, suitable for a particular purpose or connected with a particular person or people: open / wooded country  superb walking country  Explore Thomas Hardy country.
3 (the country) [sing.] the people of a country ; the nation as a whole: They have the support of most of the country.  The rich benefited from the reforms, not the country as a whole .—see also MOTHER COUNTRY , THE OLD COUNTRY , UP-COUNTRY
4 (the country) [sing.] any area outside towns and cities, with fields, woods, farms, etc: to live in the country   We spent a pleasant day in the country.  a country lane  note at LANDSCAPE
5 [U] = COUNTRY-AND-WESTERN : pop, folk and country
IDM across country directly across fields, etc.; not by a main road: riding across country—see also CROSS-COUNTRY go to the 'country (BrE) (of a government) to hold an election to choose a new parliament—more at FREE adj.
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,country and 'western
(abbr. C & W) (also 'country music, country, hill.billy) noun [U] a type of music in the style of the traditional music of the southern and western US: a country and western singer
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,country 'bumpkin
(also bump.kin) noun (disapproving) a person from the countryside who seems stupid
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'country club
noun a club in the country, or on the edge of a town, where people can play sports and go to social events
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,country 'dance
noun (BrE ) a type of traditional dance, especially one in which couples dance in long lines or circles
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,country 'house
noun (BrE ) a large house in the country, especially one that belongs or used to belong to a rich important family
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coun.try.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a person born in or living in the same country as sb else
SYN COMPATRIOT : Sampras looks set to play his fellow countryman Agassi in the final.
2 a man living or born in the country, not in the town
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'country music
noun [U] = COUNTRY AND WESTERN
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,country 'seat
noun (BrE ) = SEAT (7)
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coun.try.side
noun [U] land outside towns and cities, with fields, woods, etc: The surrounding countryside is windswept and rocky.  magnificent views over open countryside  Everyone should enjoy the right of access to the countryside.  note at LANDSCAPE
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coun.try.wide
adj. over the whole of a country: a countrywide mail-order service
coun.try.wide adv.: The film will be released in London in March and countrywide in May.
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coun.try.woman
noun (pl.-women )
1 a woman living or born in the country, not the town
2 (rare) a woman born or living in the same country as sb else
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county
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) (abbr. Co.) an area of Britain, Ireland or the US that has its own government: the southern counties  county boundaries  Orange County—see also THE HOME COUNTIES

adj. (BrE , usually disapproving) typical of English upper-class people

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,county 'clerk
noun (in the US) an elected county official who is responsible for elections and who keeps records of who owns buildings in the county, etc.
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,county 'council
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (in Britain) a group of people elected to the local government of a county: a member of Lancashire County Council
,county 'councillor noun
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,county 'court
noun a local court of law. In Britain county courts only deal with private disputes but in the US they also deal with criminal cases.—compare CROWN COURT
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,county 'town
(BrE ) (AmE ,county 'seat) noun the main town of a county, where its government is
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coun.ty.wide
adj. over the whole of a county
coun.ty.wide adv.
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coup
noun (pl.coups )
1 (also coup d'état) a sudden, illegal and often violent, change of government: He seized power in a military coup in 1981.  to stage / mount a coup  an attempted coup  a failed / an abortive coup  She lost her position in a boardroom coup (= a sudden change of power among senior managers in a company).
2 the fact of achieving sth that was difficult to do: Getting this contract has been quite a coup for us.
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coup de grâce
noun [sing.] (from French , formal)
1 an action or event that finally ends sth that has been getting weaker or worse: My disastrous exam results dealt the coup de grâce to my university career.
2 a hit or shot that finally kills a person or an animal, especially to put an end to their suffering
SYN DEATH BLOW
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coup d'état
noun (pl.coups d'état ) = COUP
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coupé
(AmE also coupe ) noun a car with two doors and usually a sloping back—picture at CAR
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couple
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sth) two people or things: I saw a couple of men get out.
HELP In BrE a plural verb is usually used in all 3 senses.
2 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sth) a small number of people or things
SYN A FEW : a couple of minutes  We went there a couple of years ago.  I’ve seen her a couple of times before.  I’ll be with you in a minute. There are a couple of things I have to do first.  There are a couple more files to read first.  We can do it in the next couple of weeks.  The last couple of years have been difficult.
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] two people who are seen together, especially if they are married or in a romantic or sexual relationship: married couples  a young / an elderly couple  Several couples were on the dance floor.  The couple was / were married in 1976.
IDM see SHAKE n.
a couple pron.: Do you need any more glasses? I’ve got a couple I can lend you.
couple det. (AmE): It’s only a couple blocks away.

verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ A (to B)| ~ A and B together to join together two parts of sth, for example two vehicles or pieces of equipment: The two train cars had been coupled together.  CDTV uses a CD-ROM system that is coupled to a powerful computer.
2 [v] (formal) (of two people or animals) to have sex
PVR V 'couple sb/sth with sb/sth [usually passive] to link one thing, situation, etc. to another: Overproduction, coupled with falling sales, has led to huge losses for the company.

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coup.let
noun two lines of poetry of equal length one after the other: a poem written in rhyming couplets
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coup.ling
noun
1 [usually sing.] an action of joining or combining two things: a coupling of Mozart’s Prague Symphony and Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony (= for example, on the same CD)
2 (formal) an act of having sex: illicit couplings
3 (technical) a thing that joins together two parts of sth, two vehicles or two pieces of equipment
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cou.pon
noun
1 a small piece of printed paper that you can exchange for sth or that gives you the right to buy sth at a cheaper price than normal: money-off coupons  clothing / petrol coupons  Enclose a stamped addressed envelope or an international reply coupon.  note at VOUCHER
2 a printed form, often cut out from a newspaper, that is used to enter a competition, order goods, etc: Fill in and return the attached coupon.
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cour.age
noun [U] the ability to do sth dangerous, or to face pain or opposition, without showing fear
SYN BRAVERY : He showed great courage and determination.  I haven’t yet plucked up the courage to ask her.  moral / physical courage  courage in the face of danger—see also DUTCH COURAGE
IDM have / lack the courage of your con'victions to be/not be brave enough to do what you feel to be right take courage (from sth) to begin to feel happier and more confident because of sth take your ,courage in both 'hands to make yourself do sth that you are afraid of: Taking her courage in both hands, she opened the door and walked in.—more at SCREW v.
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cour.age.ous
adj. showing courage
SYN BRAVE : a very courageous decision  I hope people will be courageous enough to speak out against this injustice.
cour.age.ous.ly adv.
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cour.gette
(BrE ) (AmE zuc.chini) noun a long vegetable with dark green skin and white flesh—
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cour.ier
noun
1 a person or company whose job is to take packages or important papers somewhere: We sent the documents by courier.
2 (BrE) a person who is employed by a travel company to give advice and help to a group of tourists on holiday
cour.ier verb : [vn] Courier that letter—it needs to get there today (= send it by courier).
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course
noun, verb
noun
EDUCATION|
1 [C] ~ (in / on sth) a series of lessons or LECTURES on a particular subject: a French / chemistry course  to take / do a course in art and design  to go on a management training course  The college runs specialist language courses.—see also CORRESPONDENCE COURSE , CRASH adj. , FOUNDATION COURSE , INDUCTION COURSE , REFRESHER COURSE , SANDWICH COURSE
2 [C] (especially BrE) a period of study at a college or university that leads to an exam or a qualification: a degree course  a two-year postgraduate course leading to a master’s degree—compare PROGRAMME n. (5)
DIRECTION|
3 [U, C, usually sing.] a direction or route followed by a ship or an aircraft: The plane was on / off course (= going / not going in the right direction).  He radioed the pilot to change course .  They set a course for the islands.
4 [C, usually sing.] the general direction in which sb’s ideas or actions are moving: The president appears likely to change course on some key issues.  Politicians are often obliged to steer a course between incompatible interests.
ACTION|
5 (also ,course of 'action) [C] a way of acting in or dealing with a particular situation: There are various courses open to us.  What course of action would you recommend?  The wisest course would be to say nothing.
DEVELOPMENT|
6 [sing.] ˜ of sth the way sth develops or should develop: an event that changed the course of history   The unexpected course of events aroused considerable alarm.
PART OF MEAL|
7 [C] any of the separate parts of a meal: a four-course dinner  The main course was roast duck.
FOR GOLF|
8 [C] = GOLF COURSE : He set a new course record.
FOR RACES|
9 [C] an area of land or water where races are held: She was overtaken on the last stretch of the course.—see also ASSAULT COURSE , RACECOURSE
OF RIVER|
10 [C, usually sing.] the direction a river moves in: The path follows the course of the river.
MEDICAL TREATMENT|
11 [C] ~ (of sth) a series of medical treatments, PILLS , etc: to prescribe a course of antibiotics
IN WALL|
12 [C] a continuous layer of bricks, stone, etc. in a wall: A new damp-proof course could cost £1 000 or more. in course of sth (formal) going through a particular process: The new textbook is in course of preparation. in / over the course of … (used with expressions for periods of time) during: He’s seen many changes in the course of his long life.  The company faces major challenges over the course of the next few years. in the course of 'time when enough time has passed
SYN EVENTUALLY : It is possible that in the course of time a cure for cancer will be found. in the ordinary, normal, etc. course of events, things, etc. as things usually happen
SYN NORMALLY : In the normal course of things we would not treat her disappearance as suspicious. of course
1 (also informal course) (spoken) used to emphasize that what you are saying is true or correct: ‘Don’t you like my mother?’‘Of course I do!’  ‘Will you be there?’‘Course I will.’
2 (also informal course) (spoken) used as a polite way of giving sb permission to do sth: ‘Can I come, too?’‘Course you can.’  ‘Can I have one of those pens?’‘Of course—help yourself.’
3 (spoken) used as a polite way of agreeing with what sb has just said: ‘I did all I could to help.’‘Of course,’ he murmured gently.
4 used to show that what you are saying is not surprising or is generally known or accepted: Ben, of course, was the last to arrive.  Of course, there are other ways of doing this. of 'course not (also informal 'course not) used to emphasize the fact that you are saying ‘no’: ‘Are you going?’‘Of course not.’  ‘Do you mind?’‘No, of course not.’ on 'course for sth / to do sth likely to achieve or do sth because you have already started to do it: The American economy is on course for higher inflation than Britain by the end of the year. run / take its 'course to develop in the usual way and come to the usual end: When her tears had run their course, she felt calmer and more in control.  With minor ailments the best thing is often to let nature take its course.—more at COLLISION , DUE adj. , HORSE n. , MATTER n. , MIDDLE adj. , PAR , PERVERT v. , STAY v.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) (of liquid) to move or flow quickly

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course.book
noun (BrE ) a book for studying from, used regularly in class
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,course of 'action
noun (pl.,courses of 'action) = COURSE (5)
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course.work
noun [U] work that students do during a course of study, not in exams, that is included in their final mark/grade: Coursework accounts for 40% of the final marks.
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court
noun, verb
noun
LAW|
1 [C, U] the place where legal trials take place and where crimes, etc. are judged: the civil / criminal courts  Her lawyer made a statement outside the court.  She will appear in court tomorrow.  They took their landlord to court for breaking the contract.  The case took five years to come to court (= to be heard by the court).  There wasn’t enough evidence to bring the case to court (= start a trial).  He won the court case and was awarded damages.  She can’t pay her tax and is facing court action .  The case was settled out of court (= a decision was reached without a trial).—see also COURTHOUSE , COURTROOM   note at SCHOOL
2 (the court) [sing.] the people in a court , especially those who make the decisions, such as the judge and JURY : Please tell the court what happened.—see also CONTEMPT OF COURT , COUNTY COURT , CROWN COURT , HIGH COURT , JUVENILE COURT , SUPREME COURT
FOR SPORT|
3 [C] a place where games such as tennis are played: a tennis / squash / badminton court  He won after only 52 minutes on court .—see also CLAY COURT , GRASS COURT —
KINGS / QUEENS|
4 [C, U] the official place where kings and queens live: the court of Queen Victoria
5 (the court) [sing.] the king or queen, their family, and the people who work for them and/or give advice to them
BUILDINGS|
6 [C] = COURTYARD
7 (abbr.Ct) [C] used in the names of blocks of flats or apartment buildings, or of some short streets; (in Britain) used in the name of some large houses
8 [C] a large open section of a building, often with a glass roof: the food court at the shopping mall hold 'court (with sb) to entertain people by telling them interesting or funny things rule / throw sth out of 'court to say that sth is completely wrong or not worth considering, especially in a court of law: The charges were thrown out of court.  Well that’s my theory ruled out of court.—more at BALL n. , LAUGH v. , PAY v.

verb
TRY TO PLEASE|
1 [vn] to try to please sb in order to get sth you want, especially the support of a person, an organization, etc.
SYN CULTIVATE : The company is courting French distributors with a view to selling its products in France.
TRY TO GET|
2 [vn] (formal) to try to obtain sth: He has never courted popularity.
INVITE STH BAD|
3 [vn] (formal) to do sth that might result in sth unpleasant happening: to court danger / death / disaster  As a politician he has often courted controversy.
HAVE RELATIONSHIP|
4 [vn] (old-fashioned) if a man courts a woman, he spends time with her and tries to make her love him, so that they can get married
5 [v] (be courting) (old-fashioned) (of a man and a woman) to have a romantic relationship before getting married: At that time they had been courting for several years.—see also COURTSHIP

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'court card
(BrE ) (also 'face cardAmE, BrE) noun a playing card with a picture of a king, queen or JACK on it—
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'court costs
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = COSTS at COST n.
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cour.te.ous
adj. polite, especially in a way that shows respect: a courteous young man  The hotel staff are friendly and courteous.
OPP DISCOURTEOUS
cour.te.ous.ly adv.
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cour.tesan
noun (in the past) a prostitute, especially one with rich customers
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cour.tesy
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] polite behaviour that shows respect for other people: I was treated with the utmost courtesy by the staff.  It’s only common courtesy to tell the neighbours that we’ll be having a party (= the sort of behaviour that people would expect).
2 [C, usually pl.] (formal) a polite thing that you say or do when you meet people in formal situations: an exchange of courtesies before the meeting
IDM courtesy of sb/sth
1 (also by courtesy of sb/sth) with the official permission of sb/sth and as a favour: The pictures have been reproduced by courtesy of the British Museum.
2 given as a prize or provided free by a person or an organization: Win a weekend in Rome, courtesy of Fiat.
3 as the result of a particular thing or situation: Viewers can see the stadium from the air, courtesy of a camera fastened to the plane. do sb the courtesy of doing sth to be polite by doing the thing that is mentioned: Please do me the courtesy of listening to what I’m saying. have the courtesy to do sth to know when you should do sth in order to be polite: You think he’d at least have the courtesy to call to say he’d be late.

adj. [only before noun] (of a bus, car, etc.) provided free, at no cost to the person using it: A courtesy bus operates between the hotel and the town centre.  The dealer will provide you with a courtesy car while your vehicle is being repaired.

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'courtesy call
(also 'courtesy visit) noun a formal or official visit, usually by one important person to another, just to be polite, not to discuss important business
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'courtesy title
noun a title that sb is allowed to use but which has no legal status
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court.house
noun
1 (especially AmE) a building containing courts of law  note at COURT
2 (in the US) a building containing the offices of a county government
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court.ier
noun (especially in the past) a person who is part of the COURT of a king or queen
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court.ly
adj. (formal or literary) extremely polite and full of respect, especially in an old-fashioned way
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,court 'martial
noun [C, U] (pl.courts martial) a military court that deals with members of the armed forces who break military law; a trial at such a court: He was convicted at a court martial.  All the men now face court martial.
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,court-'mar.tial
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] [often passive] to hold a trial of sb in a military court: He was court-martialled for desertion.
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,court of ap'peal
noun
1 (pl.courts of appeal) a court of law that people can go to in order to try and change decisions that have been made by a lower court—see also APPELLATE COURT
2 (,Court of Ap'peal) [sing.] (BrE) the highest court in Britain (apart from the HOUSE OF LORDS ), that can change decisions made by a lower court
3 (,Court of Ap'peals) [C] (AmE) one of the courts of law in the US that can change decisions made by a lower court
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,court of en'quiry
(also ,court of in'quiry) noun (pl.courts of enquiry / inquiry) (BrE ) a special official group of people that investigates a particular problem
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,court of 'law
noun (pl.courts of law) (also law court) a room or building where legal cases are judged  note at COURT
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,court 'order
noun a decision that is made in a court of law about what must happen in a particular situation
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court.room
noun a room in which trials or other legal cases are held  note at COURT
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court.ship
noun
1 [C, U] (old-fashioned) the time when two people have a romantic relationship before they get married; the process of developing this relationship: They married after a short courtship.  Mr Elton’s courtship of Harriet
2 [U] the special way animals behave in order to attract a MATE for producing young animals: courtship displays
3 ~ (of sb/sth) (written) the process or act of attracting a business partner, etc: the company’s courtship by the government
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'court shoe
(BrE ) (AmE pump) noun a woman’s formal shoe that is plain and does not cover the top part of the foot—picture at SHOE
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court.yard
(also court) noun an open space that is partly or completely surrounded by buildings and is usually part of a castle, a large house, etc: the central / inner courtyard
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cous.cous
noun [U] a type of N African food made from crushed wheat; a dish of meat and/or vegetables with couscous
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cousin
noun
1 (also ,first 'cousin) a child of your aunt or uncle: She’s my cousin.  We’re cousins.—see also SECOND COUSIN , REMOVE
2 a person who is in your wider family but who is not closely related to you: He’s a distant cousin of mine.
3 [usually pl.] a way of describing people from another country who are similar in some way to people in your own country: our American cousins
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cou.ture
noun [U] (from French ) the design and production of expensive and fashionable clothes; these clothes: a couture evening dress—see also HAUTE COUTURE
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cou.tur.ier
noun (from French ) a person who designs, makes and sells expensive, fashionable clothes, especially for women
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cove
noun
1 a small BAY (= an area of sea that is partly enclosed by land): a secluded cove
2 (old-fashioned, BrE, slang) a man
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coven
noun a group or meeting of WITCHES
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cov.en.ant
noun a promise to sb, or a legal agreement, especially one to pay a regular amount of money to sb/sth: God’s covenant with Abraham  a covenant to a charity
cov.en.ant verb : [vn] All profits are covenanted to medical charities.
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Cov.en.try
noun
IDM send sb to 'Coventry (BrE) to refuse to speak to sb, as a way of punishing them for sth that they have done
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cover
verb, noun
verb
HIDE / PROTECT|
1 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to place sth over or in front of sth in order to hide or protect it: Cover the chicken loosely with foil.  She covered her face with her hands.   (figurative) He laughed to cover (= hide) his nervousness.
SPREAD OVER SURFACE|
2 [vn] to lie or spread over the surface of sth: Snow covered the ground.  Much of the country is covered by forest.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth in / with sth to put or spread a layer of liquid, dust, etc. on sb/sth: The players were soon covered in mud.  The wind blew in from the desert and covered everything with sand.
INCLUDE|
4 [vn] to include sth; to deal with sth: The survey covers all aspects of the business.  The lectures covered a lot of ground (= a lot of material, subjects, etc.).  the sales team covering the northern part of the country (= selling to people in that area)  Do the rules cover (= do they apply to) a case like this?
MONEY|
5 [vn] to be or provide enough money for sth: $100 should cover your expenses.  Your parents will have to cover your tuition fees.  The show barely covered its costs .
DISTANCE / AREA|
6 [vn] to travel the distance mentioned: By sunset we had covered thirty miles.  They walked for a long time and covered a good deal of ground .
7 [vn] to spread over the area mentioned: The reserve covers an area of some 1 140 square kilometres.
REPORT NEWS|
8 [vn] to report on an event for television, a newspaper, etc.; to show an event on television: She’s covering the party’s annual conference.  The BBC will cover all the major games of the tournament.
FOR SB|
9 [v] ~ for sb to do sb’s work or duties while they are away: I’m covering for Jane while she’s on leave.
10 [v] ~ for sb to invent a lie or an excuse that will stop sb from getting into trouble: I have to go out for a minute—will you cover for me if anyone asks where I am?
WITH INSURANCE|
11 ~ sb/sth (against / for sth) to protect sb against loss, injury, etc. by insurance: [vn] Are you fully covered for fire and theft?  [vn to inf] Does this policy cover my husband to drive?
AGAINST BLAME|
12 [vn] ~ yourself (against sth) to take action in order to protect yourself against being blamed for sth: One reason doctors take temperatures is to cover themselves against negligence claims.
WITH GUN|
13 [vn] to protect sb by threatening to shoot at anyone who tries to attack them: Cover me while I move forward.
14 [vn] to aim a gun at a place or person so that nobody can escape or shoot: The police covered the exits to the building.  Don’t move—we’ve got you covered !
SONG|
15 [vn] to record a new version of a song that was originally recorded by another band or singer: They’ve covered an old Rolling Stones number. cover your 'tracks to try and hide what you have done, because you do not want other people to find out about it: He had attempted to cover his tracks by making her death appear like suicide.—more at MULTITUDE ,cover sth<->'in to put a covering or roof over an open space ,cover sth<->'over to cover sth completely so that it cannot be seen: The Roman remains are now covered over by office buildings. ,cover 'up| ,cover yourself 'up to put on more clothes ,cover sth<->'up
1 to cover sth completely so that it cannot be seen: He covered up the body with a sheet.
2 (disapproving) to try to stop people from knowing the truth about a mistake, a crime, etc.—related noun COVER-UP

noun
PROTECTION / SHELTER|
1 [C] a thing that is put over or on another thing, usually to protect it or to decorate it: a cushion cover  a plastic waterproof cover for the stroller—see also DUST COVER , LOOSE COVER —picture at LABORATORY
2 [U] a place that provides shelter from bad weather or protection from an attack: Everyone ran for cover when it started to rain.  The climbers took cover from the storm in a cave.  After the explosion the street was full of people running for cover .
OF BOOK|
3 [C] the outside of a book or a magazine: the front / back cover  Her face was on the cover (= the front cover) of every magazine.  He always reads the paper from cover to cover (= everything in it).
INSURANCE|
4 (BrE) (AmE cov.er.age) [U] ~ (against sth) protection that an insurance company provides by promising to pay you money if a particular event happens: accident cover  cover against accidental damage
WITH WEAPONS|
5 [U] support and protection that is provided when sb is attacking or in danger of being attacked: The ships needed air cover (= protection by military planes) once they reached enemy waters.
TREES / PLANTS|
6 [U] trees and plants that grow on an area of land: The total forest cover of the earth is decreasing.
CLOUD / SNOW|
7 [U] the fact of the sky being covered with cloud or the ground with snow: Fog and low cloud cover are expected this afternoon.  In this area there is snow cover for six months of the year.
ON BED|
8 (the covers) [pl.] the sheets BLANKETS , etc. on a bed: She threw back the covers and leapt out of bed.
SONG|
9 [C] = COVER VERSION
HIDING STH|
10 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth) activities or behaviour that seem honest or true but that hide sb’s real identity or feelings, or that hide sth illegal: His work as a civil servant was a cover for his activities as a spy.  Her over-confident attitude was a cover for her nervousness.  It would only take one phone call to blow their cover (= make known their true identities and what they were really doing).
FOR SB’S WORK|
11 [U] the fact of sb doing another person’s job when they are away or when there are not enough staff: It’s the manager’s job to organize cover for staff who are absent.  Ambulance drivers provided only emergency cover during the dispute. break 'cover to leave a place that you have been hiding in, usually at a high speed under 'cover
1 pretending to be sb else in order to do sth secretly: a police officer working under cover
2 under a structure that gives protection from the weather under (the) cover of sth hidden or protected by sth: Later, under cover of darkness, they crept into the house. under separate 'cover (business) in a separate envelope: The information you requested is being forwarded to you under separate cover.—more at JUDGE v.

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cov.er.age
noun [U]
1 the reporting of news and sport in newspapers and on the radio and television: media / newspaper / press coverage  tonight’s live coverage of the hockey game
2 the range or quality of information that is included in a book or course of study, on television, etc: magazines with extensive coverage of diet and health topics
3 the amount of sth that sth provides; the amount or way that sth covers an area: Immunization coverage against fatal diseases has increased to 99% in some countries.
4 (AmE) = COVER (3) : insurance coverage  Medicaid health coverage for low-income families
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cov.er.alls
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = OVERALLS
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'cover charge
noun [usually sing.] an amount of money that you pay in some restaurants or clubs in addition to the cost of the food and drink
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covered
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ in / with sth having a layer or amount of sth on it: His face was covered in blood.  The walls were covered with pictures.
2 having a roof over it: a covered area of the stadium with seats
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,covered 'wagon
noun a large wooden vehicle with a curved roof made of cloth, that is pulled by horses, used especially in the past in N America by people travelling across the land to the west
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'cover girl
noun a young woman whose photograph is on the front of a magazine
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cov.er.ing
noun
1 a layer of sth that covers sth else: a thick covering of snow on the ground
2 a layer of material such as carpet or WALLPAPER , used to cover, decorate and protect floors, walls, etc: floor / wall coverings
3 a piece of material that covers sth: He pulled the plastic covering off the dead body.
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,covering 'letter
(BrE ) (AmE 'cover letter) noun a letter containing extra information that you send with sth
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cov.er.let
noun (old-fashioned) a type of BEDSPREAD to cover a bed
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'cover story
noun
1 the main story in a magazine especially one that goes with the picture shown on the front cover
2 a story that is invented in order to hide sth, especially a person’s identity or their reasons for doing sth
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cov.ert
adj., noun
adj. (formal) secret or hidden, making it difficult to notice: covert operations / surveillance  He stole a covert glance at her across the table.—compare OVERT
cov.ert.ly adv.: He watched her covertly in the mirror.

noun an area of thick low bushes and trees where animals can hide

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'cover-up
noun [usually sing.] action that is taken to hide a mistake or illegal activity from the public: Government sources denied there had been a deliberate cover-up.
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'cover version
(also cover) noun a new recording of an old song by a different band or singer
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covet
verb [vn] (formal) to want sth very much, especially sth that belongs to sb else: [vn] He had long coveted the chance to work with a famous musician.  They are this year’s winners of the coveted trophy (= that everyone would like to win).
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cov.et.ous
adj. (formal) having a strong desire for the things that other people have
cov.et.ous.ness noun [U]
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cow
noun, verb
noun
1 a large female animal kept on farms to produce milk or beef: cow’s milk  a herd of dairy cows (= cows kept for their milk)—compare BULL , CALF , HEIFER —see also CATTLE
2 the female of the elephant, WHALE and some other large animals—compare BULL
3 (slang, disapproving) an offensive word for a woman: You stupid cow!  That interfering old cow has never liked me.—see also CASH COW , SACRED COW
IDM till the 'cows come home (informal) for a very long time; for ever

verb [vn] [usually passive] to frighten sb in order to make them obey you
SYN INTIMIDATE : She was easily cowed by people in authority.

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cow.ard
noun (disapproving) a person who is not brave or who does not have the courage to do things that other people do not think are especially difficult: You coward! What are you afraid of?  I’m a real coward when it comes to going to the dentist.
cow.ard.ly adj.: a cowardly attack on a defenceless man
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cow.ard.ice
noun [U] fear or lack of courage
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cow.boy
noun
1 a man who rides a horse and whose job is to take care of CATTLE in the western parts of the US: cowboy boots / hats
2 a man like this as a character in a film/movie about the American West: children playing a game of cowboys and Indians
3 (BrE, informal, disapproving) a dishonest person in business, especially sb who produces work of bad quality or charges too high a price
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'cowboy hat
noun a hat with a wide BRIM , worn by American cowboys —picture at HAT
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cow.catch.er
noun (AmE ) a pointed metal structure at the front of a train that is used for pushing things off the track
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cowed
adj. made to feel afraid and that you are not as good as sb else—see also COW v.
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cower
verb [v] to bend low and/or move backwards because you are frightened: A gun went off and people cowered behind walls and under tables.
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cow.girl
noun a female cowboy in the American West
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cow.hand
noun a person whose job is taking care of cows
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cowl
noun
1 a large loose covering for the head, worn especially by MONKS
2 a cover for a chimney, etc., usually made of metal. Cowls often turn with the wind and are designed to improve the flow of air or smoke.
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cowl.ing
noun (technical ) a metal cover for an engine, especially on an aircraft—picture at PLANE
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'co-worker
noun a person that sb works with, doing the same kind of job
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'cow parsley
noun [U] a European wild plant with a lot of very small white flowers that look like LACE
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cow.pat
(BrE) noun a round flat piece of solid waste from a cow
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cow.poke
noun (AmE , old-fashioned or humorous) = COWBOY
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cow.rie
noun a small shiny shell that was used as money in the past in parts of Africa and Asia
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cow.shed
noun (BrE ) a farm building in which cows are kept
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cow.slip
noun a small wild plant with yellow flowers with a sweet smell
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cox
noun, verb
noun (also cox.swain) the person who controls the direction of a ROWING BOAT while other people are rowing

verb [vn, v] to control the direction of a ROWING BOAT while other people are rowing; to act as a cox

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cox.swain
noun
1 the person who is in charge of a LIFEBOAT and who controls its direction
2 = COX
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coy
adj.
1 shy or pretending to be shy and innocent, especially about love or sex, and sometimes in order to make people more interested in you: She gave me a coy smile.
2 ~ (about sth) not willing to give information about sth, or answer questions that tell people too much about you
SYN RETICENT : She was a little coy about how much her dress cost.
coyly adv.
coy.ness noun [U]
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coy.ote
noun a N American wild animal of the dog family
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cozy
(AmE ) = COSY
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cp.
abbr. (in writing) compare
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CPI
abbr. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
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Cpl
(BrE ) (AmECpl.) abbr. (in writing) CORPORAL
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CPU
abbr. (computing ) the abbreviation for ‘central processing unit’ (the part of a computer that controls all the other parts of the system)
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crab
noun
1 [C] a sea creature with a hard shell, eight legs and two PINCERS (= curved and pointed limbs for catching and holding things). Crabs move sideways on land.—see also HERMIT CRAB —
2 [U] meat from a crab , used for food: dressed crab
3 (crabs) (informal) the condition caused by having LICE (called crab lice) in the hair around the GENITALS
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'crab apple
noun a tree that produces fruit like small hard sour apples, also called crab apples: crab-apple jelly
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crabbed
adj.
1 (rare or literary) (of sb’s writing) small and difficult to read
2 (old-fashioned) = CRABBY
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crabby
adj. (informal) (of people) bad-tempered and unpleasant
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crab.grass
noun [U] (especially AmE ) a type of grass that grows where it is not wanted, spreads quickly and is hard to get rid of
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crack
verb, noun, adj.
verb
BREAK|
1 to break without dividing into separate parts; to break sth in this way: [v] The ice cracked as I stepped onto it.  [vn] He has cracked a bone in his arm.  Her lips were dry and cracked.
2 to break open or into pieces; to break sth in this way: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A chunk of the cliff had cracked off in a storm.   (figurative) His face cracked into a smile.  [vn] to crack a nut  She cracked an egg into the pan.
HIT|
3 [vn] ~ sth/sb (on / against sth) to hit sth/sb with a short hard blow: I cracked my head on the low ceiling.  He cracked me on the head with a ruler.
MAKE SOUND|
4 to make a sharp sound; to make sth do this: [v] A shot cracked across the ridge.  [vn] [no passive] He cracked his whip and galloped away.
OF VOICE|
5 [v] if your voice cracks, it changes in depth, volume, etc. suddenly and in a way that you cannot control: In a voice cracking with emotion, he told us of his son’s death.
UNDER PRESSURE|
6 [v] to no longer be able to function normally because of pressure: Things are terrible at work and people are cracking under the strain.  They questioned him for days before he cracked.  The old institutions are cracking.
FIND SOLUTION|
7 [vn] to find the solution to a problem, etc.; to find the way to do sth difficult: to crack the enemy’s code   (spoken) After a year in this job I think I’ve got it cracked !
STOP SB / STH|
8 [vn] to find a way of stopping or defeating a criminal or an enemy: Police have cracked a major drugs ring.
OPEN BOTTLE|
9 [vn] ~ (open) a bottle (informal) to open a bottle, especially of wine, and drink it
A JOKE|
10 [vn] ~ a joke (informal) to tell a joke get 'cracking (informal) to begin immediately and work quickly: There’s a lot to be done, so let’s get cracking. not all, everything, etc. sb’s cracked 'up to be (informal) not as good as people say: He’s not nearly such a good writer as he’s cracked up to be.—more at SLEDGEHAMMER ,crack 'down (on sb/sth) to try harder to prevent an illegal activity and deal more severely with those who are caught doing it: Police are cracking down on drug dealers.—related noun CRACKDOWN ,crack 'on (with sth) (BrE, informal) to work hard at sth so that you finish it quickly; to pass or continue quickly: If we crack on with the painting we should finish it today.  Time was cracking on and we were nowhere near finished. ,crack 'up (informal)
1 to become ill, either physically or mentally, because of pressure: You’ll crack up if you carry on working like this.
2 to start laughing a lot: He walked in and everyone just cracked up. ,crack sb 'up (informal) to make sb laugh a lot: Gill’s so funny, she just cracks me up.

noun
BREAK|
1 [C] ~ (in sth) a line on the surface of sth where it has broken but not split into separate parts: This cup has a crack in it.  Cracks began to appear in the walls.   (figurative) The cracks (= faults) in the government’s economic policy are already beginning to show.
NARROW OPENING|
2 [C] a narrow space or opening: She peeped through the crack in the curtains.  The door opened a crack (= a small amount).
SOUND|
3 [C] a sudden loud noise: a crack of thunder  the sharp crack of a rifle shot
HIT|
4 [C] ~ (on sth) a sharp blow that can be heard: She fell over and got a nasty crack on the head.
ATTEMPT|
5 [C] ~ (at sth)| ~ (at doing sth) (informal) an occasion when you try to do sth: She hopes to have another crack at the world record this year.
DRUG|
6 (also ,crack co'caine) [U] a powerful, illegal drug that is a form of COCAINE : a crack addict
JOKE|
7 [C] (informal) a joke, especially a critical one: He made a very unfair crack about her looks.
CONVERSATION|
8 (also craic) [U, sing.] (IrishE, spoken) a good time; friendly, enjoyable talk: Where’s the crack tonight?  He’s a person who enjoys a drink and a bit of crack. at the crack of 'dawn (informal) very early in the morning—more at FAIR adj.

adj. [only before noun] expert and highly trained; excellent at sth: crack troops  He’s a crack shot (= accurate and skilled at shooting).

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crack.down
noun ~ (on sb/sth) severe action taken to restrict the activities of criminals or of people opposed to the government or authorities: a military crackdown on student protesters  Police officers are confident their successful crackdown on crime will continue.
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cracked
adj.
1 damaged with lines in its surface but not completely broken: a cracked mirror / mug  He suffered cracked ribs and bruising.  She passed her tongue over her cracked lips and tried to speak.
2 (of sb’s voice) sounding rough with sudden changes in how loud or high it is, because the person is upset: ‘I’m just fine,’ she said in a cracked voice.
3 [not before noun] (informal) crazy: I think he must be cracked, don’t you?
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crack.er
noun
1 a thin dry biscuit that is often salty and usually eaten with cheese
2 (also ,Christmas 'cracker) a tube of coloured paper that makes a loud explosive sound when it is pulled open by two people. Crackers usually contain a paper hat, a small present and a joke, and are used in Britain at Christmas parties and meals: Who wants to pull this cracker with me?—see also FIRECRACKER
3 (BrE, informal) something that you think is very good, funny, etc: It was a cracker of a goal.  I’ve got a joke for you. It’s a real cracker!
4 (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) an attractive woman
5 (AmE, slang) an offensive word for a poor white person with little education from the southern US
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crack.er.jack
noun (AmE , informal) an excellent person or thing
crack.er.jack adj.
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crack.ers
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) crazy: That noise is driving me crackers.  You must be absolutely crackers even to think of it.
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crack.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 lines on a surface where it is damaged or beginning to break: All planes are being inspected for possible cracking and corrosion.
2 the sound of sth cracking: the cracking of thunder / twigs

adj. [usually before noun] (BrE , informal) excellent: That was a cracking goal.  She’s in cracking form at the moment.  We set off at a cracking pace (= very quickly)
crack.ing adv.: a cracking good (= extremely good) dinner

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crackle
verb, noun
verb [v] to make short sharp sounds like sth that is burning in a fire: A log fire crackled in the hearth.  The radio crackled into life.   (figurative) The atmosphere crackled with tension.

noun [U, C] a series of short sharp sounds: the distant crackle of machine-gun fire
crack.ly adj.: She picked up the phone and heard a crackly voice saying: ‘Pat here.’

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crack.ling
noun
1 [U, sing.] a series of sharp sounds: He could hear the crackling of burning trees.
2 [U] (BrE) (AmE crack.lings [pl.]) the hard skin of PORK (= meat from a pig) that has been cooked in the oven
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crack.pot
noun (informal) a person with strange or crazy ideas
crack.pot adj. [only before noun]: crackpot ideas / theories
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-cracy
combining form (in nouns) the government or rule of: democracy  bureaucracy
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cra.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 a small bed for a baby which can be pushed gently from side to side: She rocked the baby to sleep in its cradle.—picture at BED
2 [usually sing.] ~ of sth the place where sth important began: Greece, the cradle of Western civilization
3 (BrE) a small platform that can be moved up and down the outside of a high building, used by people cleaning windows, etc.
4 the part of a telephone on which the RECEIVER rests
IDM from the ,cradle to the 'grave a way of referring to the whole of a person’s life, from birth until death

verb [vn] to hold sb/sth gently in your arms or hands: The old man cradled the tiny baby in his arms.

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craft
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] an activity involving a special skill at making things with your hands: traditional crafts like basket-weaving  a craft fair / workshop  Craft, Design and Technology (= a subject in some British schools)—see also ARTS AND CRAFTS
2 [sing.] all the skills needed for a particular activity: chefs who learned their craft in top hotels  the writer’s craft
3 [U] (formal, disapproving) skill in making people believe what you want them to believe: He knew how to win by craft and diplomacy what he could not gain by force.
4 [C] (pl.craft) a boat or ship: Hundreds of small craft bobbed around the liner as it steamed into the harbour.  a landing / pleasure craft
5 [C] (pl.craft) an aircraft or spacecraft

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sth using special skills, especially with your hands: All the furniture is crafted from natural materials.  a carefully crafted speech

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'craft knife
noun (BrE ) a very sharp knife used for cutting paper or thin pieces of wood
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crafts.man
(also crafts.person) noun (pl.-men ) a skilled person, especially one who makes beautiful things by hand: rugs handmade by local craftsmen  It is clearly the work of a master craftsman.—see also CRAFTSWOMAN
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crafts.man.ship
noun [U]
1 the level of skill shown by sb in making sth beautiful with their hands: The whole house is a monument to her craftsmanship.
2 the quality of design and work shown by sth that has been made by hand: the superb craftsmanship of the carvings
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crafts.person
noun (pl.-people ) = CRAFTSMAN
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crafts.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a skilled woman, especially one who makes beautiful things by hand
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craft.work
noun [U] work done by a CRAFTSMAN
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crafty
adj. (craft.ier, crafti.est) (usually disapproving) clever at getting what you want, especially by indirect or dishonest methods: He’s a crafty old devil.  one of the party’s craftiest political strategists
craft.ily adv.
crafti.ness noun [U]
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crag
noun a high steep rough mass of rock: a castle set on a crag above the village
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craggy
adj.
1 having many crags : a craggy coastline
2 (usually approving) (of a man’s face) having strong features and deep lines
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craic
noun = CRACK (8)
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cram
verb (-mm-)
1 ~ (sth) into / onto sth| ~ (sth) in to push or force sb/sth into a small space; to move into a small space with the result that it is full: [vn] He crammed eight people into his car.  I could never cram in all that she does in a day.  I managed to cram down a few mouthfuls of food.  Supporters crammed the streets.  [v] We all managed to cram into his car. [alsovn-adj]
2 [v] ~ (for sth) (rather old-fashioned) to learn a lot of things in a short time, in preparation for an exam: He’s been cramming for his exams all week.
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crammed
adj. ~ (with sb/sth)
1 full of things or people: All the shelves were crammed with books.  The room was crammed full of people.  The article was crammed full of ideas.
2 [not before noun] if people are crammed into a place, there is not much room for them in it: We were crammed four to an office.
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cram.mer
noun (BrE ) a school or book that prepares people quickly for exams
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cramp
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] (AmE also 'charley horse [C]) a sudden pain that you get when the muscles in a particular part of your body tighten, usually caused by cold or too much exercise: (BrE) to get cramp in your leg   (AmE) to get a cramp in your leg—see also WRITER’S CRAMP
2 (cramps) [pl.] severe pain in the stomach

verb [vn] to prevent the development or progress of sb/sth: Tighter trade restrictions might cramp economic growth.
IDM cramp sb’s 'style (informal) to stop sb from behaving in the way they want to: She didn’t want me to go with her to the party in case I cramped her style.

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cramped
adj.
1 a cramped room, etc. does not have enough space for the people in it: working in cramped conditions
2 (of people) not having room to move freely
3 (of sb’s writing) with small letters close together and therefore difficult to read
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cram.pon
noun [usually pl.] a metal plate with pointed pieces of metal underneath, worn on sb’s shoes when they are walking or climbing on ice and snow
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cran.berry
noun (pl.-ies) a small sour red berry that grows on a small bush and is used in cooking: cranberry sauce
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crane
noun, verb
noun
1 a tall machine with a long arm, used to lift and move building materials and other heavy objects
2 a large bird with long legs and a long neck

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to lean or stretch over sth in order to see sth better; to stretch your neck: [v] People were craning out of the windows and waving.  [vn] She craned her neck to get a better view of the stage.

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'crane fly
(also informal ,daddy-'long-legs) noun a flying insect with very long legs
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cra.nium
noun (pl.cra.ni.ums or cra.nia ) (anatomy ) the bone structure that forms the head and surrounds and protects the brain
SYN SKULL
cra.nial adj. [only before noun]: cranial nerves / injuries
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crank
noun, verb
noun
1 (disapproving) a person with ideas that other people find strange: Vegetarians are no longer dismissed as cranks.
2 (AmE) a person who easily gets angry or annoyed
3 a bar and handle in the shape of an L that you pull or turn to produce movement in a machine, etc.—picture at BICYCLE

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) to make sth turn or move by using a crank : to crank an engine   (figurative) He has a limited time to crank the reforms into action.
PVR V ,crank sth<->'out (AmE, informal) to produce a lot of sth quickly, especially things of low quality
SYN TURN OUT ,crank sth<->'up (informal)
1 to make a machine, etc. work or work at a higher level
2 to make music, etc. louder
SYN TURN UP : Crank up the volume!

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crank.shaft
noun (technical ) a metal rod in a vehicle that connects the engine to the wheels and helps turn the engine’s power into movement
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cranky
adj. (informal)
1 (BrE) strange ECCENTRIC : cranky ideas / schemes
2 (especially AmE) bad-tempered: The kids were getting tired and a little cranky.
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cranny
noun (pl.-ies) a very small hole or opening, especially in a wall
IDM see NOOK
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crap
noun, adj., verb
noun ( , slang)
1 [U] nonsense: He’s so full of crap.  Let’s cut the crap and get down to business.   (BrE) You’re talking a load of crap !   (AmE) What a bunch of crap !
2 [U] something of bad quality: This work is complete crap.   (BrE) Her latest film is a load of crap .   (AmE) Her latest movie is a bunch of crap .
HELP More acceptable words are rubbish, garbage, trash or junk.
3 [U] criticism or unfair treatment: I’m not going to take this crap any more.
4 [U] solid waste matter from the bowels EXCREMENT
5 [sing.] an act of emptying solid waste matter from the bowels: to have a crap

adj. (BrE ,  , slang) bad; of very bad quality: a crap band  The concert was crap.
crap adv.: The team played crap yesterday.

verb (-pp-) [v] ( , slang) to empty solid waste from the bowels
SYN DEFECATE
HELP A more polite way of expressing this is ‘to go to the toilet / lavatory’ (BrE), ‘to go to the bathroom’ (AmE), or ‘to go’. A more formal expression is ‘to empty the bowels’.

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crappy
adj. [usually before noun] (slang) of very bad quality: a crappy novel
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craps
noun [U] (AmE ) a gambling game played with two DICE : to shoot craps (= play this game)
crap adj. [only before noun]: a crap game
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crash
noun, verb, adj.
noun
VEHICLE ACCIDENT|
1 (AmE also wreck) an accident in which a vehicle hits sth, for example another vehicle, usually causing damage and often injuring or killing the passengers: A girl was killed yesterday in a crash involving a stolen car.  a car / plane crash
LOUD NOISE|
2 [usually sing.] a sudden loud noise made, for example, by sth falling or breaking: The tree fell with a great crash.  The first distant crash of thunder shook the air.
IN FINANCE / BUSINESS|
3 a sudden serious fall in the price or value of sth; the occasion when a business, etc. fails: the 1987 stock market crash
COMPUTING|
4 a sudden failure of a machine or system, especially of a computer or computer system

verb
OF VEHICLE|
1 ~ (sth) (into sth) if a vehicle crashes or the driver crashes it, it hits an object or another vehicle, causing damage: [v] I was terrified that the plane would crash.  We’re going to crash, aren’t we?  A truck went out of control and crashed into the back of a bus.  [vn] He crashed his car into a wall.
HIT HARD / LOUD NOISE|
2 to hit sth hard while moving, causing noise and/or damage; to make sth hit sb/sth in this way: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A brick crashed through the window.  With a sweep of his hand he sent the glasses crashing to the floor.  [v-adj] The door crashed open.  [vn-adj] She stormed out of the room and crashed the door shut behind her.
3 [v] to make a loud noise: Thunder crashed overhead.
IN FINANCE / BUSINESS|
4 [v] (of prices, a business, shares, etc.) to lose value or fail suddenly and quickly: Share prices crashed to an all-time low yesterday.  The company crashed with debts of £50 million.
COMPUTING|
5 if a computer crashes or you crash a computer, it stops working suddenly: [v] Files can be lost if the system suddenly crashes. [alsovn]
PARTY|
6 [vn] (informal) = GATECRASH
IN SPORT|
7 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (especially BrE) to lose very badly in a sports game: The team crashed to their worst defeat this season.
SLEEP|
8 [v] ~ (out) (informal) to fall asleep; to sleep somewhere you do not usually sleep: I was so tired I crashed out on the sofa.  I’ve come to crash on your floor for a couple of nights.
MEDICAL|
9 [v] if sb crashes, their heart stops beating a crashing 'bore (old-fashioned, BrE) a very boring person

adj. [only before noun] involving hard work or a lot of effort over a short period of time in order to achieve quick results: a crash course in computer programming  a crash diet

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'crash barrier
(BrE ) (AmE 'guard rail) noun a strong low fence or wall at the side of a road or between the two halves of a motorway/freeway, designed to prevent accidents
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'crash helmet
noun a hat made of very strong material and worn when riding a motorcycle to protect the head—picture at HAT
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'crash-land
verb [v, vn] if a plane crash-lands or a pilot crash-lands it, the pilot lands it roughly in an emergency, usually because it is damaged and cannot land normally
,crash 'landing noun: to make a crash landing
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crass
adj. very stupid and showing no sympathy or understanding: the crass questions all disabled people get asked  an act of crass (= great) stupidity
crass.ly adv.
crass.ness noun [U]
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-crat
combining form (in nouns) a member or supporter of a particular type of government or system: democrat  bureaucrat
-cratic (in adjectives): aristocratic
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crate
noun, verb
noun
1 a large wooden container for transporting goods: a crate of bananas
2 a container made of plastic or metal divided into small sections, for transporting or storing bottles: a beer crate
3 the amount of sth contained in a crate : They drank two crates of beer.

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) to pack sth in a crate

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crater
noun
1 a large hole in the top of a VOLCANO —picture at VOLCANO
2 a large hole in the ground caused by the explosion of a bomb or by sth large hitting it: a meteorite crater
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cra.vat
(AmE also ascot) noun a short wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck, folded inside the collar of a shirt—
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crave
verb
1 (written) to have a very strong desire for sth: [vn] She has always craved excitement. [alsov, v to inf]
2 [vn] (BrE, old use) to ask for sth seriously: I must crave your pardon.
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cra.ven
adj. (formal, disapproving) lacking courage
SYN COWARDLY
craven.ly adv.
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crav.ing
noun ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) a strong desire for sth: a craving for chocolate  a desperate craving to be loved
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craw
noun the part of a bird’s throat where food is kept
IDM see STICK v.
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craw.fish
noun (especially AmE ) = CRAYFISH
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crawl
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to move forward on your hands and knees, with your body close to the ground: Our baby is just starting to crawl.  A man was crawling away from the burning wreckage.—picture at KNEEL
2 when an insect crawls, it moves forward on its legs: There’s a spider crawling up your leg.
3 to move forward very slowly: The traffic was crawling along.  The weeks crawled by.
4 ~ (to sb) (informal, disapproving) to be too friendly or helpful to sb in authority, in a way that is not sincere, especially in order to get an advantage from them: She’s always crawling to the boss.
IDM see SKIN n. , WOODWORK
PVR V be 'crawling with sth (informal) to be full of or completely covered with people, insects or animals, in a way that is unpleasant: The place was crawling with journalists.  Her hair was crawling with lice.

noun
1 [sing.] a very slow speed: The traffic slowed to a crawl.—see also PUB CRAWL
2 (often the crawl) [sing., U] a fast swimming stroke that you do lying on your front moving one arm over your head, and then the other, while kicking with your feet: a swimmer doing the crawl—picture at SWIMMING

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crawl.er
noun (informal)
1 (BrE, disapproving) a person who tries to get sb’s favour by praising them, doing what will please them, etc.
2 a thing or person that crawls , such as a vehicle, an insect or a baby—see also KERB-CRAWLER
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cray.fish
(especially BrE ) (also craw.fishAmE, BrE) noun [C, U] (pl.cray.fish, craw.fish) a shellfish like a small LOBSTER , that lives in rivers and lakes and can be eaten, or one like a large LOBSTER , that lives in the sea and can be eaten
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crayon
noun a coloured pencil or stick of soft coloured chalk or WAX , used for drawing
crayon verb [v, vn]
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craze
noun ˜ (for sth) an enthusiastic interest in sth that is shared by many people but that usually does not last very long; a thing that people have a craze for: the latest fitness craze to sweep the country  Pet pigs are the latest craze.
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crazed
adj. ˜ (with sth) (written) full of strong feelings and lacking control: crazed with fear / grief / jealousy  a crazed killer roaming the streets
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crazy
adj., noun
adj. (cra.zier, crazi.est) (informal)
1 (especially AmE) not sensible; stupid: Are you crazy? We could get killed doing that.  She must be crazy to lend him money.  He drove like a madman, passing in the craziest places.  What a crazy idea!  I know it sounds crazy but it just might work.
2 very angry: That noise is driving me crazy .  Marie says he went crazy , and smashed the room up.
3 ˜ (about sth) (often in compounds) very enthusiastic or excited about sth: Rick is crazy about football.  He’s football-crazy.  I’m not crazy about Chinese food (= I don’t like it very much).  The crowd went crazy when the band came on stage.  You’re so beautiful you’re driving me crazy .
4 ~ about sb liking sb very much; in love with sb: I’ve been crazy about him since the first time I saw him.
5 (especially AmE) mentally ill; INSANE : She’s crazy—she ought to be locked up.
crazi.ly adv.
cra.zi.ness noun [U]
IDM like 'crazy / 'mad (informal) very fast, hard, much, etc: We worked like crazy to get it done on time.

noun (pl.-ies) (informal, especially AmE ) a crazy person

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,crazy 'paving
noun [U] (BrE ) pieces of stone of different shapes and sizes, fitted together on the ground to make a path or PATIO
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creak
verb, noun
verb to make the sound that a door sometimes makes when you open it or that a wooden floor sometimes makes when you step on it: [v] She heard a floorboard creak upstairs.  a creaking bed / gate / stair  The table creaked and groaned under the weight.  [v-adj] The door creaked open.
IDM ,creak under the 'strain if a system or service creaks under the strain, it cannot deal effectively with all the things it is expected to do or provide

noun [C] (also creak.ing [U, C]) a sound, for example that sometimes made by a door when it opens or shuts, or by a wooden floor when you step on it: the creak / creaking of the door  Distant creaks and groans echoed eerily along the dark corridors.

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creaky
adj.
1 making creaks : a creaky old chair
2 old and not in good condition: the country’s creaky legal machinery
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cream
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [U] the thick pale yellowish-white FATTY liquid that rises to the top of milk, used in cooking or as a type of sauce to put on fruit, etc: strawberries and cream  Would you like milk or cream in your coffee?  fresh / whipped cream   (BrE) cream cakes (= containing cream)   (BrE) double / single (= thick / thin cream)—see also CLOTTED CREAM , ICE CREAM , SALAD CREAM , SOUR CREAM , WHIPPING CREAM —
2 [C] (in compounds) a sweet/candy that has a soft substance like cream inside: a chocolate / peppermint cream
3 [U, C] a soft substance or thick liquid used on your skin to protect it or make it feel soft; a similar substance used for cleaning things: hand / moisturizing cream  antiseptic cream  a cream cleaner—see also COLD CREAM , FACE CREAM , SHAVING CREAM
4 [U] a pale yellowish-white colour: Do you have this blouse in cream?
5 the ~ of sth the best people or things in a particular group: the cream of New York society  the cream of the crop of this season’s movies
IDM see CAT

adj. pale yellowish-white in colour: a cream linen suit

verb [vn]
1 to mix things together into a soft smooth mixture: Cream the butter and sugar together.
2 (AmE, informal) to completely defeat sb: We got creamed in the first round.
PVR V ,cream sb/sth<->'off to take sth away, usually the best people or things or an amount of money, in order to get an advantage for yourself: The best students were creamed off by the grammar schools.

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,cream 'cheese
noun [U, C] soft white cheese containing a lot of cream
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cream.er
noun [U] a liquid or powder that you can put in coffee, etc. instead of cream or milk: non-dairy creamer
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cream.ery
noun (pl.-ies) a place where milk and cream are made into butter and cheese
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,cream 'puff
noun (AmE )
1 = PROFITEROLE
2 (slang, disapproving) a person who is not strong or brave
SYN WIMP
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,cream 'soda
noun [U, C] (especially AmE ) a FIZZY drink (= one with bubbles) that tastes of VANILLA
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,cream 'tea
noun (BrE ) a special meal eaten in the afternoon, consisting of tea with SCONES , jam and thick cream
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creamy
adj. (cream.ier, creami.est)
1 thick and smooth like cream; containing a lot of cream: a creamy sauce / soup
2 pale yellowish-white in colour: creamy skin
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crease
noun, verb
noun
1 an untidy line that is made in fabric or paper when it is pressed or crushed: She smoothed the creases out of her skirt.  a shirt made of crease-resistant material—
2 a neat line that you make in sth, for example when you fold it: trousers with a sharp crease in the legs
3 a line in the skin, especially on the face: creases around the eyes
4 (in cricket) a white line on the ground near each WICKET that marks the position of the BOWLER and the BATSMAN

verb
1 to make lines on fabric or paper by folding or crushing it; to develop lines in this way: [vn] Pack your suit carefully so that you don’t crease it. [alsov]
2 to make lines in the skin; to develop lines in the skin: [vn] A frown creased her forehead.  [v] Her face creased into a smile.
creased adj.: I can’t wear this blouse. It’s creased.
PVR V ,crease 'up| ,crease sb 'up (BrE, informal) to start laughing or make sb start laughing: Ed creased up laughing.  Her jokes really creased me up.

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cre.ate
verb
1 [vn] to make sth happen or exist: Scientists disagree about how the universe was created.  The main purpose of industry is to create wealth.  The government plans to create more jobs for young people.  Create a new directory and put all your files into it.  Try this new dish, created by our head chef.
2 [vn] to produce a particular feeling or impression: The company is trying to create a young energetic image.  The announcement only succeeded in creating confusion.  They’ve painted it red to create a feeling of warmth.
3 to give sb a particular rank or title: [vn] The government has created eight new peers.  [vn-n] He was created a baronet in 1715.
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cre.ation
noun
1 [U] the act or process of making sth that is new, or of causing sth to exist that did not exist before: the process of database creation  wealth creation  He had been with the company since its creation in 1979.—see also JOB CREATION
2 [C] (often humorous) a thing that sb has made, especially sth artistic or imaginative: a literary creation  The cake was a delicious creation of sponge, cream and fruit.
3 (usually the Creation) [sing.] the making of the world, especially by God as described in the Bible
4 (often Creation) [U] the world and all the living things in it
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cre.ative
adj.
1 [only before noun] involving the use of skill and the imagination to produce sth new or a work of art: a course on creative writing (= writing stories, plays and poems)  the creative and performing arts  creative thinking (= thinking about problems in a new way or thinking of new ideas)  the company’s creative team  the creative process
2 having the skill and ability to produce sth new, especially a work of art; showing this ability: She’s very creative—she writes poetry and paints.  Do you have any ideas? You’re the creative one.
cre.ative.ly adv.
cre.ativ.ity noun [U]: Creativity and originality are more important than technical skill.
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cre,ative ac'counting
noun [U] (disapproving) a way of doing or presenting the accounts of a business that might not show what the true situation really is
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cre.ator
noun
1 [C] a person who has made or invented a particular thing: Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse
2 (the Creator) [sing.] God
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crea.ture
noun
1 a living thing, real or imaginary, that can move around, such as an animal: The dormouse is a shy, nocturnal creature.  respect for all living creatures   strange creatures from outer space
2 (especially following an adjective) a person, considered in a particular way: You pathetic creature!  She was an exotic creature with long red hair and brilliant green eyes.  He always goes to bed at ten—he’s a creature of habit (= he likes to do the same things at the same time every day).
IDM a / the creature of sb | sb’s creature (formal, disapproving) a person or thing that is completely dependent on sb else and is controlled by them
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,creature 'comforts
noun [pl.] all the things that make life, or a particular place, comfortable, such as good food, comfortable furniture or modern equipment
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crèche
(also creche) noun
1 (BrE) a place where babies and small children are looked after while their parents are working, studying, shopping, etc.
2 (AmE) = CRIB (3) —compare DAY NURSERY
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cred
noun [U] = STREET CRED
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cre.dence
noun [U] (formal)
1 a quality that an idea or a story has that makes you believe it is true: Historical evidence lends credence to his theory.
2 belief in sth as true: They could give no credence to the findings of the survey.  Alternative medicine has been gaining credence (= becoming more widely accepted) in recent years.
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cre.den.tial
verb [vn] (AmE ) to provide sb with credentials
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cre.den.tials
noun [pl.]
1 ~ (as / for sth) the qualities, training or experience that make you suitable to do sth: He has all the credentials for the job.  She will first have to establish her leadership credentials.
2 documents such as letters that prove that you are who you claim to be, and can therefore be trusted: to examine sb’s credentials
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cred.ibil.ity
noun [U] the quality that sb/sth has that makes people believe or trust them: to gain / lack / lose credibility  The prosecution did its best to undermine the credibility of the witness.  Newspapers were talking of a credibility gap between what he said and what he did.—see also STREET CRED
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cred.ible
adj.
1 that can be believed or trusted
SYN CONVINCING : a credible explanation / witness  It is just not credible that she would cheat.
2 that can be accepted, because it seems possible that it could be successful: Community service is seen as the only credible alternative to imprisonment.
cred.ibly adv.: We can credibly describe the band’s latest album as their best yet.
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credit
noun, verb
noun
BUY NOW-PAY LATER|
1 [U] an arrangement that you make, with a shop/store for example, to pay later for sth you buy: to get / refuse credit  We bought the dishwasher on credit .  to give / offer interest-free credit (= allow sb to pay later, without any extra charge)  a credit agreement  credit facilities / terms  Your credit limit is now £2 000.  He’s a bad credit risk (= he is unlikely to pay the money later).—compare HIRE PURCHASE
MONEY BORROWED|
2 [U, C] money that you borrow from a bank; a LOAN : The bank refused further credit to the company.
3 [U] the status of being trusted to pay back money to sb who lends it to you: Her credit isn’t good anywhere now.
MONEY IN BANK|
4 [U] if you or your bank account are in credit, there is money in the account
5 [C, U] a sum of money paid into a bank account; a record of the payment: a credit of £50  You’ll be paid by direct credit into your bank account.—compare DEBIT
MONEY BACK|
6 [C, U] (technical) a payment that sb has a right to for a particular reason: a tax credit
PRAISE|
7 [U] ~ (for sth) praise or approval because you are responsible for sth good that has happened: He’s a player who rarely seems to get the credit he deserves.  I can’t take all the credit for the show’s success—it was a team effort.  We did all the work and she gets all the credit!  Credit will be given in the exam for good spelling and grammar.  At least give him credit for trying (= praise him because he tried, even if he did not succeed).—compare BLAME , DISCREDIT
8 [sing.] ~ to sb/sth a person or a thing whose qualities or achievements are praised and who therefore earns respect for sb/sth else: She is a credit to the school.
ON MOVIE / TV PROGRAMME|
9 [C, usually pl.] the act of mentioning sb who worked on a project such as a film/movie or a television programme: She was given a programme credit for her work on the costumes for the play.  The credits (= the list of all the people involved) seemed to last almost as long as the film!
UNIT OF STUDY|
10 [C] a unit of study at a college or university (in the US, also at a school); the fact of having successfully completed a unit of study: My math class is worth three credits. do sb credit | do credit to sb/sth if sth does credit to a person or an organization, they deserve to be praised for it: Your honesty does you great credit. have sth to your credit to have achieved sth: He’s only 30, and he already has four novels to his credit. on the 'credit side used to introduce the good points about sb/sth, especially after the bad points have been mentioned to sb’s credit making sb deserve praise or respect: To his credit, Jack never told anyone exactly what had happened.

verb
PUT MONEY IN BANK|
1 [vn] ~ A (with B)| ~ B to A to add an amount of money to sb’s bank account: Your account has been credited with $50 000.  $50 000 has been credited to your account.
WITH ACHIEVEMENT|
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ A (with B)| ~ B to A to believe or say that sb is responsible for doing sth, especially sth good: The company is credited with inventing the industrial robot.  The invention of the industrial robot is credited to the company.  All the contributors are credited on the title page.
WITH QUALITY|
3 [vn] ~ A with B to believe that sb/sth has a particular good quality or feature: I credited you with a little more sense.
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth as sth to believe that sb/sth is of a particular type or quality: The cheetah is generally credited as the world’s fastest animal.
BELIEVE|
5 (BrE ) (used mainly in questions and negative sentences) to believe sth, especially sth surprising or unexpected: [vn] He’s been promoted—would you credit it? [alsov wh-, v that]

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cred.it.able
adj. (formal)
1 of a quite good standard and deserving praise or approval: It was a very creditable result for the team.
2 morally good: There was nothing very creditable in what he did.
cred.it.ably adv.
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'credit account
noun (BrE ) = ACCOUNT (3)
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'credit card
noun a small plastic card that you can use to buy goods and services and pay for them later: All major credit cards are accepted at our hotels.—see also CHARGE CARD , CHEQUE CARD , DEBIT CARD , STORE CARD —picture at MONEY
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'credit note
noun (BrE ) a letter that a shop/store gives you when you have returned sth and that allows you to have goods of the same value in exchange
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cred.it.or
noun a person, company, etc. that sb owes money to: The property will be sold to pay off their creditors.
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'credit rating
noun a judgement made by a bank, etc. about how likely sb is to pay back money that they borrow, and how safe it is to lend money to them
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'credit transfer
noun (BrE ) the process of sending money from one person’s bank account to another’s
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'credit union
noun an organization that lends money to its members at low rates of interest
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credit.worthy
adj. able to be trusted to pay back money that is owed; safe to lend money to
credit.worthi.ness noun [U]
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credo
noun (pl.credos) (formal) a set of beliefs
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cre.du.lity
noun [U] (formal) the ability or willingness to believe that sth is real or true: The plot of the novel stretches credulity to the limit (= it is almost impossible to believe).
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credu.lous
adj. (formal) too ready to believe things and therefore easy to deceive—compare INCREDULOUS
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creed
noun
1 a set of principles or religious beliefs: people of all races, colours and creeds  What is his political creed?
2 (the Creed) [sing.] a statement of Christian belief that is spoken as part of some church services
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creek
noun
1 (BrE) a narrow area of water where the sea flows into the land
SYN INLET
2 (AmE, AustralE) a small river or stream
IDM up the 'creek (without a 'paddle) (spoken) in a difficult or bad situation: I was really up the creek without my car.
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creel
noun a basket for holding fish that have just been caught
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creep
verb, noun
verb (crept, crept ) [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 (of people or animals) to move slowly, quietly and carefully, because you do not want to be seen or heard: I crept up the stairs, trying not to wake my parents.
2 (AmE) to move with your body close to the ground; to move slowly on your hands and knees
SYN CRAWL
3 to move or develop very slowly: A slight feeling of suspicion crept over me.
4 (of plants) to grow along the ground or up walls using long stems or roots—see also CREEPER
5 ~ (to sb) (BrE, informal, disapproving) to be too friendly or helpful to sb in authority in a way that is not sincere, especially in order to get an advantage from them
IDM see FLESH n.
PVR V ,creep 'in / 'into sth to begin to happen or affect sth: As the doctors became more tired, errors began to creep into their work. ,creep 'up to gradually increase in amount, price, etc: House prices are creeping up again. ,creep 'up on sb
1 to move slowly nearer to sb, usually from behind, without being seen or heard: Don’t creep up on me like that!
2 to begin to affect sb, especially before they realize it: Tiredness can easily creep up on you while you’re driving.

noun (informal)
1 a person that you dislike very much and find very unpleasant: He’s a nasty little creep!
2 (BrE) a person who is not sincere but tries to win your approval by being nice to you: He’s the sort of creep who would do that kind of thing!
IDM give sb the 'creeps (informal) to make sb feel nervous and slightly frightened, especially because sb/sth is unpleasant or strange: This old house gives me the creeps.

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creep.er
noun a plant that grows along the ground, up walls, etc., often winding itself around other plants—see also VIRGINIA CREEPER
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creep.ing
adj. [only before noun] (of sth bad) happening or moving gradually and not easily noticed: creeping inflation over the past few years
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creepy
adj. (creep.ier, creepi.est) (informal)
1 causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or slight horror: a creepy ghost story  It’s kind of creepy down in the cellar!
2 strange in a way that makes you feel nervous: What a creepy coincidence.
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creepy-crawly
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) an insect, a worm, etc. when you think of it as unpleasant
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cre.mate
verb [vn] [often passive] to burn a dead body, especially as part of a funeral ceremony
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cre.ma.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of cremating sb
2 [C] a funeral at which the dead person is cremated
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crema.tor.ium
noun (pl.crema.toria or crema.tor.iums) (AmE also crema.tory pl.-ies) a building in which the bodies of dead people are burned
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crème brûlée
noun [C, U] (pl.crèmes brûlées ) (from French ) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from cream, with burnt sugar on top—
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crème caramel
noun [C, U] (pl.crèmes caramels ) (from French ) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from milk, eggs and sugar
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crème de la crème
noun [sing.] (from French , formal or humorous) the best people or things of their kind: This school takes only the crème de la crème.
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cren.el.lated
(AmE also cren.el.ated) adj. (technical ) (of a tower, castle, etc.) having BATTLEMENTS
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Cre.ole
(also creole) noun
1 [C] a person of mixed European and African race, especially one who lives in the West Indies
2 [C] a person whose ancestors were among the first Europeans who settled in the West Indies or Spanish America, or one of the French or Spanish people who settled in the southern states of the US: Creole cookery
3 [U] a language formed from a mixture of a European language with a local language (especially an African language spoken by SLAVES in the West Indies)—see also PIDGIN
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creo.sote
noun, verb
noun [U] a thick brown liquid that is made from COAL TAR , used to preserve wood

verb [vn] to paint or preserve sth with creosote

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crêpe
(also crepe) noun
1 [U] a light thin fabric, made especially from cotton or silk, with a surface that is covered in lines and folds: a black crêpe dress  a crêpe bandage
2 [U] a type of strong rubber with a rough surface, used for making the soles of shoes: crêpe-soled shoes
3 [C] a thin PANCAKE
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'crêpe paper
noun [U] a type of thin brightly coloured paper that stretches and has a surface covered in lines and folds, used especially for making decorations
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crept
pt, pp of CREEP
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cres.cendo
noun (pl.-os) [C, U]
1 (music) a gradual increase in how loudly a piece of music is played or sung
OPP DIMINUENDO
2 a gradual increase in noise; the loudest point of a period of continuous noise
SYN SWELL : Voices rose in a crescendo and drowned him out.   (figurative) The advertising campaign reached a crescendo just before Christmas.
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cres.cent
noun
1 [C] a curved shape that is wide in the middle and pointed at each end: a crescent moon
2 [C] (often used in street names) a curved street with a row of houses on it: I live at 7 Park Crescent.
3 (the Crescent) [sing.] the curved shape that is used as a symbol of Islam—see also THE RED CRESCENT
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cress
noun [U] a small plant with thin stems and very small leaves, often eaten in salads and sandwiches—see also WATERCRESS
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crest
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the top part of a hill or wave: surfers riding the crest of the wave
2 a design used as the symbol of a particular family, organization, etc., especially one that has a long history: the family / school crest
3 a group of feathers that stand up on top of a bird’s head: The male is recognizable by its yellow crest.—
IDM the crest of a / the 'wave a situation in which sb is very successful, happy, etc.—more at RIDE v.

verb
1 [vn] (written) to reach the top of a hill, mountain or wave: He slowed the pace as they crested the ridge.
2 [v] (AmE) (of a flood, wave, etc.) to reach its highest level before it falls again: (figurative) The level of debt crested at a massive $290 billion in 1992.

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crest.ed
adj.
1 marked with a crest : crested notepaper
2 used especially in names of birds or animals which have a crest : crested newts
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crest.fall.en
adj. sad and disappointed because you have failed and you did not expect to
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cre.tin
noun (spoken, offensive) a very stupid person: Why did you do that, you cretin?
cret.in.ous adj.
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Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
noun [U] (abbr. CJD) a brain disease that causes gradual loss of control of the mind and body and, finally, death. It is believed to be caused by PRIONS and is linked to BSE in cows.
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cre.vasse
noun a deep open crack, especially in ice, for example in a GLACIER —picture at MOUNTAIN
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crev.ice
noun a narrow crack in a rock or wall
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crew
noun, verb
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people working on a ship, plane, etc: None of the passengers and crew were injured.  crew members—see also AIRCREW , CABIN CREW , FLIGHT CREW
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people working on a ship, plane etc. except the officers who are in charge: the officers and crew
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people with special technical skills working together: a film / camera crew  an ambulance crew—see also GROUND CREW
4 [sing.] (usually disapproving) a group of people: The people she invited were a pretty motley crew (= a strange mix of types of people).
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] a team of people who row boats in races: a member of the Cambridge crew
6 [U] (AmE) the sport of rowing with other people in a boat: I’m thinking of going out for crew this semester (= joining the rowing team).

verb to be part of a crew , especially on a ship: [vn] Normally the boat is crewed by five people.  [v] I crewed for him on his yacht last summer.

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'crew cut
noun a style of hair for men in which the hair is cut very short—picture at HAIR
'crew-cut adj.: crew-cut teenagers
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crew.man
noun (pl.-men ) a member of a CREW , usually a man
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,crew 'neck
noun a round neck on a sweater, etc.
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crib
noun, verb
noun
1 (AmE) = COT
2 a long open box that horses and cows can eat from
SYN MANGER
3 (BrE) (AmE crèche) a model of the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth, placed in churches and homes at Christmas
4 (informal) written information such as answers to questions, often used dishonestly by students in tests: a crib sheet
5 = CRIBBAGE

verb (-bb-) [v, vn] ~ (sth) (from sb) (old-fashioned, BrE ) to dishonestly copy work from another student or from a book

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crib.bage
(also crib) noun [U] a card game in which players score points by collecting different combinations of cards. The score is kept by putting small PEGS in holes in a board.
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'crib death
noun (AmE ) = COT DEATH
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crick
(AmE also kink) noun [usually sing.] a sudden painful stiff feeling in the muscles of your neck or back
crick verb : [vn] I suffered a cricked neck during a game of tennis.
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cricket
noun
1 [U] a game played on grass by two teams of 11 players. Players score points (called RUNS ) by hitting the ball with a wooden bat and running between two sets of upright wooden sticks, called STUMPS : a cricket match / team / club / ball—
2 [C] a small brown jumping insect that makes a loud high sound by rubbing its wings together: the chirping of crickets
IDM not 'cricket (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) unfair; not HONOURABLE
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crick.et.er
noun a cricket player
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cricket.ing
adj. [only before noun] playing cricket; connected with cricket: cricketing nations  a cricketing jersey
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cried
pt, pp of CRY
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crier
noun = TOWN CRIER
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cri.key
exclamation (BrE , old-fashioned, spoken) used to show that sb is surprised or annoyed: Crikey, is that the time?
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crime
noun
1 [U] activities that involve breaking the law: an increase in violent crime  the fight against crime  Stores spend more and more on crime prevention every year.  petty / serious crime  the connection between drugs and organized crime   He turned to crime when he dropped out of school.  The crime rate is rising.  crime fiction / novels (= stories about crime)  crime figures / statistics
2 [C] ~ (against sb) an illegal act or activity that can be punished by law: to commit a crime (= do sth illegal)  The massacre was a crime against humanity.—see also WAR CRIME
3 (a crime) [sing.] an act that you think is immoral or is a big mistake: It’s a crime to waste so much money.
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'crime wave
noun [sing.] a situation in which there is a sudden increase in the number of crimes that are committed
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crim.inal
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with or involving crime: criminal offences / behaviour  criminal damage (= the crime of damaging sb’s property deliberately)  criminal negligence (= the illegal act of sb failing to do sth that they should do, with the result that sb else is harmed)
2 [only before noun] connected to the laws that deal with crime: criminal law  the criminal justice system  a criminal lawyer  to bring criminal charges against sb—compare CIVIL
3 morally wrong: This is a criminal waste of resources.

noun a person who commits a crime: Society does not know how to deal with hardened criminals (= people who regularly commit crimes and are not sorry for what they do).   (especially AmE ) a career criminal

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crim.in.al.ity
noun [U] the fact of people being involved in crime; criminal acts
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crim.in.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to make sth illegal by passing a new law: The use of opium was not criminalized until fairly recently.
2 to treat sb as a criminal
crim.in.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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crim.in.al.ly
adv. according to the laws that deal with crime: criminally insane
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,criminal 'record
noun = RECORD (5)
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crim.in.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of crime and criminals
crim.ino.logic.al adj.
crim.in.olo.gist noun
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crimp
verb [vn]
1 to make curls in sb’s hair by pressing it with a heated tool: crimped blonde hair
2 to press fabric or paper into small folds
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crim.son
adj. dark red in colour: She went crimson (= her face became very red because she was embarrassed).
crim.son noun [U]
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cringe
verb [v]
1 to move back and/or away from sb because you are afraid
SYN COWER : a child cringing in terror
2 to feel very embarrassed and uncomfortable about sth: I cringe when I think of the poems I wrote then.
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crin.kle
verb, noun
verb to become covered with or to form a lot of thin folds or lines, especially in skin, fabric, or paper: [v] He smiled, his eyes crinkling .  Her face crinkled up in a smile.  The pages crinkled and curled and turned to ashes in the fire. [alsovn]

noun a very thin fold or line made on paper, fabric or skin

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crin.kly
adj.
1 having a lot of thin folds or lines: crinkly silver foil
2 (of hair) having a lot of small curls or waves
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crin.ol.ine
noun a frame that was worn under a skirt by some women in the past in order to give the skirt a very round full shape
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crip.ple
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to damage sb’s body so that they are no longer able to walk or move normally: He was crippled by polio as a child.  to be crippled with arthritis
2 to seriously damage or harm sb/sth: The pilot tried to land his crippled plane.
crip.pling adj.: a crippling disease  crippling debts

noun (old-fashioned or offensive) a person who is unable to walk or move normally because of a disease or injury: (figurative) He’s an emotional cripple (= he cannot express his feelings).
HELP People now use disabled person instead of ‘cripple’.

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cri.sis
noun [C, U] (pl.cri.ses )
1 a time of great danger, difficulty or uncertainty when problems must be solved or important decisions must be made: a political / financial crisis  the government’s latest economic crisis  The business is still in crisis but it has survived the worst of the recession.  The Communist Party was facing an identity crisis .  an expert in crisis management   We provide help to families in crisis situations.  In times of crisis I know which friends I can turn to.  The party was suffering a crisis of confidence among its supporters (= they did not trust it any longer).
2 a time when a problem, a bad situation or an illness is at its worst point: Their marriage has reached crisis point.  The fever has passed its crisis.—see also CRITICAL
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crisp
adj., noun, verb
adj. (crisp.er, crisp.est) (usually approving)
1 (of food) (also crispy) pleasantly hard and dry: Bake until the pastry is golden and crisp.
2 (of fruit and vegetables) (also crispy) firm and fresh: a crisp apple / lettuce
3 (of paper or fabric) fresh and clean; new and slightly stiff without any folds in it: a crisp new $5 bill  a crisp white shirt
4 (of the air or the weather) pleasantly dry and cold: a crisp winter morning  The air was crisp and clear and the sky was blue.
5 (of snow, leaves, etc.) firm or dry and making a pleasant noise when crushed: deep, crisp snow
6 (of sounds, images, etc.) pleasantly clear and sharp: The recording sounds very crisp, considering its age.
7 (sometimes disapproving) (of a person’s way of speaking) quick and confident in a way that suggests that the person is busy or is not being friendly: Her answer was crisp, and she gave no details.
crisp.ly adv.: crisply fried potatoes  ‘Take a seat,’ she said crisply.
crisp.ness noun [U]: The salad had lost its crispness.

noun (also po,tato 'crisp) (both BrE ) (AmE chip, po'tato chip) a thin round slice of potato that is fried until hard then dried and eaten cold. Crisps are sold in bags and have many different flavours.
IDM see BURN v.

verb [v, vn] to become or make sth crisp

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crisp.bread
noun [C, U] a thin crisp biscuit made of wheat or RYE , often eaten with cheese or instead of bread, for example by people who are trying to lose weight
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crispy
adj. (approving) = CRISP : crispy batter
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criss-cross
adj., verb
adj. [usually before noun] with many straight lines that cross each other: a criss-cross pattern
criss-cross noun [sing.]: a criss-cross of streets

verb to make a pattern on sth with many straight lines that cross each other: [vn] The city is criss-crossed with canals. [alsov]

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cri.ter.ion
noun (pl.cri.teria ) a standard or principle by which sth is judged, or with the help of which a decision is made: The main criterion is value for money.  What criteria are used for assessing a student’s ability?
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crit.ic
noun
1 a person who expresses opinions about the good and bad qualities of books, music, etc: a music / theatre / literary critic  The critics loved the movie.
2 a person who expresses disapproval of sb/sth and talks about their bad qualities, especially publicly: She is one of the ruling party’s most outspoken critics.  a critic of private health care
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crit.ic.al
adj.
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL|
1 ~ (of sb/sth) expressing disapproval of sb/sth and saying what you think is bad about them: a critical comment / report  The supervisor is always very critical.  Tom’s parents were highly critical of the school.
IMPORTANT|
2 extremely important because a future situation will be affected by it
SYN CRUCIAL : a critical factor in the election campaign  Reducing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is of critical importance .  Your decision is critical to our future.
SERIOUS / DANGEROUS|
3 serious, uncertain and possibly dangerous: The first 24 hours after the operation are the most critical.  a critical moment in our country’s history  One of the victims of the fire remains in a critical condition .—see also CRISIS
MAKING CAREFUL JUDGEMENTS|
4 involving making fair, careful judgements about the good and bad qualities of sb/sth: Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking instead of accepting everything they are told without questioning it.
OF ART / MUSIC / BOOKS, etc.|
5 [only before noun] according to the judgement of critics of art, music, literature, etc: the film director’s greatest critical success  In her day she never received the critical acclaim (= praise from the critics) she deserved.
crit.ic.al.ly adv.: She spoke critically of her father.  He is critically ill in intensive care.  I looked at myself critically in the mirror.
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,critical 'mass
noun (physics ) the amount of a substance that is needed for a nuclear CHAIN REACTION to take place
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,critical 'path
noun [sing.] (technical ) the order of work that should be followed to complete a project as fast and as cheaply as possible
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criti.cism
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) the act of expressing disapproval of sb/sth and opinions about their faults or bad qualities; a statement showing disapproval: The plan has attracted criticism from consumer groups.  There was widespread criticism of the government’s handling of the disaster.  People in public life must always be open to criticism (= willing to accept being criticized).  Ben is very sensitive, he just can’t take criticism .  to offer sb constructive criticism (= that is meant to be helpful)  I didn’t mean it as a criticism.  criticisms levelled at (= aimed at / made about) journalists  My only criticism of the house is that it is on a main road.
2 [U] the work or activity of making fair, careful judgements about the good and bad qualities of sb/sth, especially books, music, etc: literary criticism
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criti.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 ~ sb/sth (for sth) to say that you disapprove of sb/sth; to say what you do not like or think is wrong about sb/sth: [vn] The decision was criticized by environmental groups.  The government has been criticized for not taking the problem seriously.  [v] All you ever do is criticize!
2 [vn] (BrE) to judge the good and bad qualities of sth: We were taught how to criticize poems.
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cri.tique
noun, verb
noun a piece of written criticism of a set of ideas, a work of art, etc: a feminist critique of Freud’s theories

verb [vn] to write or give your opinion of, or reaction to, a set of ideas, a work of art, etc: Her job involves critiquing designs by fashion students.

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crit.ter
noun (AmE , informal) a living creature: wild critters
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croak
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a low harsh sound, like the sound a FROG makes
2 to speak or say sth with a low harsh voice: [v] I had a sore throat and could only croak.  [vn] He managed to croak a greeting. [alsov speech]
3 [v] (slang) to die

noun a low harsh sound made in the throat, like the sound made by a FROG

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cro.chet
noun, verb
noun [U] a way of making clothes, etc. from wool or cotton using a special thick needle with a hook at the end to make a pattern of connected threads—picture at SEW

verb (cro.chet.ing, cro.cheted) to make sth using crochet : [vn] a crocheted shawl [alsov]

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crock
noun
1 (crocks) [pl.] (old-fashioned) cups, plates, dishes, etc.
2 [C] (old use) a large pot made of baked clay: a bread crock
3 [C] (BrE, informal) an old person
4 [C] (BrE, informal) an old car in bad condition
IDM a ,crock of 'shit (  slang, especially AmE) something that is not true—more at GOLD n.
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crocked
adj. [not before noun] (AmE , slang) drunk
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crock.ery
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) plates, cups, dishes, etc: They would like crockery and cutlery as wedding presents.
2 (AmE) dishes, etc. that you use in the oven
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croco.dile
noun
1 [C] a large reptile with a long tail, hard skin and very big jaws. Crocodiles live in rivers and lakes in hot countries.
2 [U] crocodile skin made into leather: crocodile shoes
3 [C] (BrE) a long line of people, especially children, walking in pairs: a school crocodile
IDM 'crocodile tears if sb SHEDS (= cries)crocodile tears, they pretend to be sad about sth, but they are not really sad at all
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cro.cus
noun a small yellow, purple or white flower that appears in early spring
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croft
noun (BrE ) a small farm or the house on it, especially in Scotland
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croft.er
noun (BrE ) a person who rents or owns a small family farm, especially in Scotland
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crois.sant
noun (from French ) a small sweet roll with a curved shape, eaten especially at breakfast—
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crone
noun (literary) an ugly old woman
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crony
noun [usually pl.] (pl.-ies) (often disapproving) a person that sb spends a lot of time with: He was playing cards with his cronies.
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cro.ny.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) the situation in which people in power give jobs to their friends
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crook
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 (informal) a dishonest person
SYN CRIMINAL : That salesman is a real crook.
2 ~ of your arm / elbow the place where your arm bends at the elbow
3 a long stick with a hook at one end, used especially in the past by SHEPHERDS for catching sheep
IDM see HOOK n.

verb [vn] to bend your finger or arm

adj. [not usually before noun] (AustralE , informal) ill

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crooked
adj.
1 not in a straight line; bent or twisted: a crooked nose / smile  a village of crooked streets and white-walled houses  Your glasses are on crooked.
2 dishonest: a crooked businessman / deal
crook.ed.ly adv.
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croon
verb to sing sth quietly and gently: [vn] She gently crooned a lullaby. [alsov]
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croon.er
noun (old-fashioned) a male singer who sings slow romantic songs
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crop
noun, verb
noun
PLANTS FOR FOOD|
1 [C] a plant that is grown in large quantities, especially as food: Sugar has always been an important crop on the island.  crop rotation / production / yield  The crops are regularly sprayed with pesticides.—see also CASH CROP
2 [C] the amount of grain, fruit, etc. that is grown in one season: a fall in this year’s coffee crop  We are looking forward to a bumper crop (= a very large one).
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
3 [sing.] a ~ of sth a group of people who do sth at the same time; a number of things that happen at the same time: the current crop of graduate trainees  She is really the cream of the crop (= the best in her group).  a crop of disasters / injuries
WHIP|
4 [C] a short whip used by horse riders: a riding crop
HAIR|
5 [C] a very short hairstyle—picture at HAIR
6 [sing.] a ~ of dark, fair, etc. hair / curls hair that is short and thick: He had a thick crop of black curly hair.
OF BIRD|
7 (technical) a part of a bird’s throat shaped like a bag where food is stored before it passes into the stomach

verb (-pp-)
HAIR|
1 to cut sb’s hair very short: [vn] closely cropped hair [alsovn-adj] —picture at HAIR
PHOTOGRAPH|
2 [vn] (technical) to cut off part of a photograph
OF ANIMALS|
3 [vn] to bite off and eat the tops of plants, especially grass: The horses were quietly cropping the grass.
PLANTS|
4 [v] (of plants) to produce a crop: The potatoes cropped well this year.
5 [vn] to use land to grow crops: The river valley is intensively cropped. ,crop 'up to appear or happen, especially when it is not expected: His name just cropped up in conversation.  I’ll be late—something’s cropped up at the office.

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'crop circle
(also 'corn circle) noun a circular area in a field of crops that has suddenly become flat. Some people say that crop circles were made by creatures from outer space.
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crop.per
noun
IDM come a 'cropper (BrE, informal)
1 (of a person) to fall over
2 to have a failure or near disaster: We nearly came a cropper in the second half of the game.
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,crop 'top
noun a woman’s informal piece of clothing for the upper body, cut short to leave the stomach bare—
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cro.quet
noun [U] a game played on grass in which players use wooden MALLETS (= hammers with long handles) to knock wooden balls through a series of HOOPS (= curved wires)
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cro.quette
noun a small amount of MASHED potato, fish, etc., shaped into a ball or tube, covered with BREADCRUMBS and fried
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cro.sier
(also croz.ier) noun a long stick, usually curved at one end, carried by a BISHOP (= a Christian priest of high rank) at religious ceremonies
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cross
noun, verb, adj.
noun
MARK ON PAPER|
1 [C] a mark or an object formed by two lines crossing each other (X or +); the mark (X) is often used on paper to show sth: I’ve put a cross on the map to show where the hotel is.  Put a tick if the answer is correct and a cross if it’s wrong.  Sign your name on the form where I’ve put a cross.  Those who could not write signed with a cross.—see also NOUGHTS AND CROSSES —compare TICK
FOR PUNISHMENT|
2 [C] a long upright piece of wood with a shorter piece across it near the top. In the past people were hung on crosses and left to die as a punishment.
CHRISTIAN SYMBOL|
3 (the Cross) [sing.] the cross that Jesus Christ died on, used as a symbol of Christianity
4 [C] an object, a design, a piece of jewellery, etc. in the shape of a cross , used as a symbol of Christianity: She wore a small gold cross on a chain around her neck.
MEDAL|
5 (usually Cross) [C] a small decoration in the shape of a cross that is given to sb as an honour for doing sth very brave
MIXTURE|
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ (between A and B) a mixture of two different things, breeds of animal, etc: The play was a cross between a farce and a tragedy.  A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey.—see also HYBRID
IN SPORT|
7 [C] (in football or hockey) a kick or hit of the ball across the field rather than up or down it—see also THE RED CROSS have a (heavy) 'cross to bear to have a difficult problem that makes you worried or unhappy but that you have to deal with: We all have our crosses to bear.

verb
GO / PUT ACROSS|
1 ~ (over) (from … ) (to / into … )| ~ (over) (sth) to go across; to pass or stretch from one side to the other: [v] I waved and she crossed over (= crossed the road towards me).  We crossed from Dover to Calais.  [vn] to cross a road / the sea / the mountains  He crossed over the road and joined me.  to cross France by train  The bridge crosses the River Dee.  A look of annoyance crossed her face .  They crossed the finishing line together (= in a race).
2 [v] to pass across each other: The roads cross just outside the town.  The straps cross over at the back and are tied at the waist.  Our letters must have crossed in the mail (= each was sent before the other was received).  We seem to have a crossed line (= a telephone call that interrupts another call because of a wrong connection).
3 [vn] to put or place sth across or over sth else: to cross your arms / legs (= place one arm or leg over the other)  She sat with her legs crossed.  a flag with a design of two crossed keys—picture at CROSS-LEGGED
OPPOSE|
4 [vn] to oppose sb or speak against them or their plans or wishes: She’s really nice until you try to cross her.   (literary) He had been crossed in love (= was betrayed by the person he loved).
MIX ANIMALS / PLANTS|
5 [vn] ~ A with B| ~ A and B to make two different types of animal breed together; to mix two types of plant to form a new one: A mule is the product of a horse crossed with a donkey.   (figurative) He behaved like an army officer crossed with a professor.
IN SPORT|
6 [v] (in football, etc.) to kick or pass a ball sideways across the field: Merson crossed to Joachim.
DRAW LINE|
7 [vn] to draw a line across sth: to cross your t’s (= the letters in writing)   (BrE) to cross a cheque (= to draw two lines across it so that it can only be paid through a bank account)
MAKE CHRISTIAN SYMBOL|
8 [vn] ~ yourself to make the sign of the CROSS (= the Christian symbol) on your chest ,cross your ,bridges when you 'come to them to worry about a problem when it actually happens and not before cross your 'fingers to hope that your plans will be successful (sometimes putting one finger across another as a sign of hoping for good luck): I’m crossing my fingers that my proposal will be accepted.  Keep your fingers crossed! cross my 'heart (and hope to die) (informal) used to emphasize that you are telling the truth or will do what you promise: I saw him do it—cross my heart. cross your 'mind (of thoughts, etc.) to come into your mind: It never crossed my mind that she might lose (= I was sure that she would win). ,cross sb’s ,palm with 'silver to give sb money so that they will do you a favour, especially tell your FORTUNE ,cross sb’s 'path | people’s ,paths 'cross if sb crosses sb’s path or their paths cross, they meet by chance: I hope I never cross her path again.  Our paths were to cross again many years later. cross 'swords (with sb) to fight or argue with sb—more at DOT v. , WIRE n. ,cross sb/sth<->'off| ,cross sb/sth 'off sth to draw a line through a person’s name or an item on a list because they/it is no longer required or involved: We can cross his name off; he’s not coming. ,cross sth<->'out / 'through to draw a line through a word, usually because it is wrong ,cross 'over (to / into sth) to move or change from one type of culture, music, political party, etc. to another: a cult movie that has crossed over to mass appeal—related noun CROSSOVER

adj. (cross.er, cross.est) ~ (with sb) (especially BrE ) annoyed or quite angry: I was cross with him for being late.  Please don’t get cross . Let me explain.
cross.ly adv.: ‘Well what did you expect?’ she said crossly.

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cross-
combining form (in nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs) involving movement or action from one thing to another or between two things: cross-Channel ferries  cross-fertilize  crossfire
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cross.bar
noun
1 the bar joining the two upright posts of a football goal
2 the bar between the seat and the HANDLEBARS of a man’s bicycle—picture at BICYCLE
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cross.bones
noun [pl.]  SKULL AND CROSSBONES
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'cross-border
adj. [only before noun] involving activity across a border between two countries: a cross-border raid by guerrillas
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cross.bow
noun a weapon which consists of a BOW^2 (1) that is fixed onto a larger piece of wood, and that shoots short heavy arrows (called BOLTS )
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'cross-breed
verb, noun
verb to make an animal or a plant breed with a different breed; to breed with an animal or a plant of a different breed: [vn] cross-bred sheep [alsov]
,cross-'breeding noun [U]

noun an animal or a plant that is a result of cross-breeding —compare HYBRID

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,cross-'check
verb ~ sth (against sth) to make sure that information, figures etc. are correct by using a different method or system to check them: [vn] Cross-check your answers with a calculator.  Baggage should be cross-checked against the names of individual passengers. [alsov]
'cross-check noun
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,cross-'country
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] adv.
1 across fields or open country rather than on roads or a track: cross-country running / skiing  We rode cross-country.—picture at SKIING
2 from one part of a country to the other, especially not using main roads or routes: cross-country train journeys

noun
1 (the cross-country) [sing.] a cross-country running or skiing race
2 [U] the sport of running or skiing across country—compare DOWNHILL n.

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,cross-'cultural
adj. involving or containing ideas from two or more different countries or cultures
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'cross-current
noun
1 a current of water in a river or in the sea that flows across the main current
2 [often pl.] (formal) a set of beliefs, opinions or ideas that are different from others, especially from those that most people hold
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,cross-cur'ricular
adj. (BrE ) affecting or connected with different parts of the school CURRICULUM : cross-curricular themes
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,cross-'dressing
noun [U] the practice of wearing clothes usually worn by a person of the opposite sex, especially for sexual pleasure
SYN TRANSVESTISM
,cross-'dresser noun
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,cross-e'xamine
verb [vn] to question sb carefully and in a lot of detail about answers that they have already given, especially in a court of law: The witness was cross-examined for over two hours.
,cross-e,xami'nation noun [U, C]: He broke down under cross-examination (= while he was being cross-examined) and admitted his part in the assault.
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,cross-'eyed
adj. having one or both eyes looking inwards towards the nose
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,cross-'fertil.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 (biology) to FERTILIZE a plant using POLLEN from a different type of plant
2 (written) to help sth develop in a useful or positive way by mixing ideas from a different area: The study of psychology has recently been widely cross-fertilized by new discoveries in genetics.
,cross-,fertil.i'za.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, sing.]
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cross.fire
noun [U] the firing of guns from two or more directions at the same time, so that the bullets cross: The doctor was killed in crossfire as he went to help the wounded.   (figurative) When two industrial giants clash, small companies can get caught in the crossfire (= become involved and suffer as a result).
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'cross-hatch
verb [vn] (technical ) to mark or colour sth with two sets of parallel lines crossing each other
'cross-hatching noun [U]
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cross.ing
noun
1 a place where you can safely cross a road, a river, etc., or from one country to another: The child was killed when a car failed to stop at the crossing.  The next crossing point is a long way downstream.  He was arrested by guards at the border crossing.—see also LEVEL CROSSING , PEDESTRIAN CROSSING , PELICAN CROSSING , ZEBRA CROSSING
2 a place where two lines, two roads or two tracks cross
3 a journey across a sea or a wide river: a three-hour ferry crossing  a rough crossing from Dover to Calais  the first Atlantic crossing
4 an act of going from one side to another: attempted crossings of the border
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cross-legged
adv. sitting on the floor with your legs pulled up in front of you and with one leg or foot over the other
cross-legged adj.: the cross-legged figure of the Hindu god
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cross.over
noun the process or result of changing from one area of activity or style of doing sth to another: The album was an exciting jazz-pop crossover.
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cross.piece
noun (technical ) a piece of a structure or a tool that lies or is fixed across another piece
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,cross 'purposes
noun [pl.] if two people are at cross purposes, they do not understand each other because they are talking about or aiming at different things, without realizing it: I think we’re talking at cross purposes; that’s not what I meant at all.
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,cross-'question
verb [vn] to question sb thoroughly and often in a way that seems aggressive: Two police officers spent the next hour cross-questioning me.
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,cross-'reference
noun, verb
noun ~ (to sth) a note that tells a reader to look in another part of a book or file for further information

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (to / with sth) to provide a book with cross-references

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cross.roads
noun (pl.cross.roads) a place where two roads meet and cross each other: At the next crossroads, turn right.   (figurative) He has reached a career crossroads (= he must decide which way to go next in his career).—see also INTERSECTION , JUNCTION
IDM at a / the 'crossroads at an important point in sb’s life or development
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'cross section
noun
1 [C, U] what you see when you cut through the middle of sth so that you can see the different layers it is made of; a drawing of this view: a diagram representing a cross section of the human eye  the human eye in cross section
2 [C, usually sing.] a group of people or things that are typical of a larger group: a representative cross section of society
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'cross stitch
noun [C, U] a stitch in EMBROIDERY formed by two stitches crossing each other; SEWING in which this stitch is used
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'cross street
noun (AmE ) a street that crosses another street
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cross.town
adj. (AmE ) going from one side of a town or city to the other: a crosstown bus
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cross.walk
noun (AmE ) = PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
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cross.wind
noun a wind that is blowing across the direction that you are moving in: Strong crosswinds blew the plane off course.
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cross.wise
adv.
1 across, especially from one corner to the opposite one: Cut the fabric crosswise.
2 in the form of a cross
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cross.word
(also 'crossword puzzle) noun a game in which you have to fit words across and downwards into spaces with numbers in a square diagram. You find the words by solving CLUES : to do a / the crossword  I’ve finished the crossword apart from 3 across and 10 down.
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crotch
(also crutch) noun
1 the part of the body where the legs join at the top, including the area around the GENITALS
2 the part of a pair of trousers/pants, etc. that covers the crotch : There’s a hole in the crotch.
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crot.chet
(BrE ) (AmE 'quarter note) noun (music ) a note that lasts half as long as a MINIM/HALF NOTE —picture at MUSIC
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crot.chety
adj. (informal) bad-tempered; easily made angry: He was tired and crotchety.
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crouch
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to lower your body close to the ground by bending your legs under you: He crouched down beside her.  Doyle crouched behind a hedge.—picture at KNEEL
crouched adj.: She sat crouched in a corner.
PVR V 'crouch over sb/sth to bend over sb/sth so that you are very close to them or it: He crouched over the papers on his desk.

noun [sing.] a crouching position: She dropped to a crouch.

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croup
noun [U] a disease of children that makes them cough a lot and have difficulty breathing
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croup.ier
noun a person whose job is to be in charge of a gambling table and collect and pay out money, give out cards, etc.
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crou.ton
noun a small piece of cold crisp fried bread served in soup or as part of a salad
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crow
noun, verb
noun
1 a large black bird with a harsh cry
2 a sound like that of a COCK / ROOSTER crowing : She gave a little crow of triumph.
IDM as the 'crow flies in a straight line: The villages are no more than a mile apart as the crow flies.—more at EAT , STONE v.

verb
1 [v] (of a COCK  / ROOSTER ) to make repeated loud high sounds, especially early in the morning
2 ~ (about / over sth) (disapproving) to talk too proudly about sth you have achieved, especially when sb else has been unsuccessful
SYN BOAST : [v] He won’t stop crowing about his victory.  [v speech] ‘I’ve won, I’ve won!’ she crowed. [alsov that]
3 [v] (BrE) (of a baby) to make happy sounds

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crow.bar
noun a straight iron bar, usually with a curved end, used for forcing open boxes and moving heavy objects
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crowd
noun, verb
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a large number of people gathered together in a public place, for example in the streets or at a sports game: He pushed his way through the crowd.  A small crowd had gathered outside the church.  Police had to break up the crowd.  Crowds of people poured into the street.  I want to get there early to avoid the crowds.  The match attracted a capacity crowd of 80 000.  The crowd cheered the winning hit.  crowd control  crowd trouble  A whole crowd of us are going to the ball (= a lot of us).  He left the hotel surrounded by crowds of journalists.
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] (informal, often disapproving) a particular group of people: Bob introduced her to some of the usual crowd (= people who often meet each other).  the bright young theatrical crowd
3 (the crowd) [sing.] (sometimes disapproving) ordinary people, not special or unusual in any way: We all like to think we stand out from the crowd (= are different from and better than other people).  He prefers to be one of the crowd .  She’s quite happy to follow the crowd .

verb [vn]
1 to fill a place so there is little room to move: Thousands of people crowded the narrow streets.
2 to fill your mind so that you can think of nothing else: Memories crowded his mind.
3 (informal) to stand very close to sb so that they feel uncomfortable or nervous
PVR V ,crowd a'round / 'round| ,crowd a'round / 'round sb/sth to gather in large numbers around sb/sth: We all crowded around the stove to keep warm.  Photographers were crowding around outside. ,crowd 'in (on sb)| ,crowd 'into sth (written) (of thoughts, questions etc.) to fill your mind so that you can think of nothing else: Too many uncomfortable thoughts were crowding in on her.  Memories came crowding into her mind. ,crowd 'into / 'onto sth| ,crowd 'in to move in large numbers into a small space: We all crowded into her office to sing ‘Happy Birthday’. ,crowd sb/sth 'into / 'onto sth| ,crowd sb/sth 'in to put many people or things into a small space: Guests were crowded into the few remaining rooms. ,crowd sb/sth 'out (BrE) to fill a place so that other people or things are kept out

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crowd.ed
adj. ˜ (with sth)
1 having a lot of people or too many people: crowded streets  a crowded bar  In the spring the place is crowded with skiers.  London was very crowded.—compare UNCROWDED
2 full of sth: a room crowded with books  We have a very crowded schedule.
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'crowd-pleaser
noun (informal) a person or performance that always pleases an audience
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'crowd-puller
noun (informal) a person or thing that always attracts a large audience
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crown
noun, verb
noun
OF KING / QUEEN|
1 [C] a circular ornament, usually made of gold and jewels, that a king or queen wears on his or her head on official occasions—picture at HAT
2 (the Crown) [sing.] the government of a country, thought of as being represented by a king or queen: land owned by the Crown  a Minister of the Crown  Who’s appearing for the Crown (= bringing a criminal charge against sb on behalf of the state) in this case?
3 (the crown) [sing.] the position or power of a king or queen: She refused the crown (= refused to become queen).  his claim to the French crown
OF FLOWERS / LEAVES|
4 [C] a circle of flowers, leaves, etc. that is worn on sb’s head, sometimes as a sign of victory
IN SPORTS COMPETITION|
5 [C, usually sing.] (informal) the position of winning a sports competition: She is determined to retain her Wimbledon crown.
OF HEAD / HAT|
6 (usually the crown) [sing.] the top part of the head or a hat
HIGHEST PART|
7 (usually the crown) [sing.] the highest part of sth: the crown of a hill
ON TOOTH|
8 [C] an artificial cover for a damaged tooth
SHAPE|
9 [C] anything in the shape of a crown , especially an ornament or a BADGE
MONEY|
10 [C] a unit of money in several European countries: Czech crowns
11 [C] an old British coin worth five SHILLINGS (= now 25p)
IDM see JEWEL

verb
KING / QUEEN|
1 to put a crown on the head of a new king or queen as a sign of royal power: [vn] Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953.  [vn-n] The prince was soon to be crowned King of England.
COVER TOP|
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) (written) to form or cover the top of sth: His head was crowned with a mop of brown curls.
MAKE COMPLETE|
3 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to make sth complete or perfect, especially by adding an achievement, a success, etc: The award of the Nobel Prize has crowned a glorious career in physics.  Their efforts were finally crowned with success.
HIT ON HEAD|
4 [vn] (old-fashioned, slang) to hit sb on the head
TOOTH|
5 [vn] to put an artificial cover on a tooth
SYN CAP : I’ve had one of my teeth crowned. to crown it 'all (BrE) used to say that sth is the final and worst event in a series of unpleasant or annoying events: It was cold and raining, and, to crown it all, we had to walk home.

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,crown 'colony
noun a COLONY ruled directly by the British government
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,Crown 'Court
noun (in England and Wales) a court of law which deals with criminal cases, with a judge and JURY —compare COUNTY COURT
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crown.ing
adj. [only before noun] making sth perfect or complete: The cathedral is the crowning glory of the city.  His ‘Beethoven’ sculpture is seen as the crowning achievement of his career.
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,crown 'jewels
noun [pl.] the CROWN and other royal ornaments worn or carried by a king or queen on formal occasions
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,Crown 'prince
noun (in some countries), a prince who will become king when the present king or queen dies: Crown Prince Wilhelm
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,Crown prin'cess
noun
1 the wife of a Crown prince
2 (in some countries), a princess who will become queen when the present king or queen dies: Crown Princess Beatrice
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'crow’s feet
noun [pl.] lines in the skin around the outer corner of a person’s eye
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'crow’s-nest
noun a platform at the top of a ship’s MAST (= the post that supports the sails) from which sb can see a long way and watch for land, danger, etc.
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croz.ier
= CROSIER
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cru.cial
adj. ˜ (to / for sth)| ˜ (that … ) extremely important, because it will affect other things: a crucial factor / issue / decision  topics of crucial importance for education  Winning this contract is crucial to the success of the company.  The next few weeks are going to be crucial.  It is crucial that we get this right.  Parents play a crucial role in preparing their child for school.  He wasn’t there at the crucial moment (= when he was needed most).
cru.cial.ly adv.: crucially important
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cru.cible
noun
1 a pot in which substances are heated to high temperatures, metals are melted, etc.—picture at LABORATORY
2 (formal or literary) a place or situation in which people or ideas are tested severely, often creating sth new or exciting in the process
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cru.ci.fix
noun a model of a cross with a figure of Jesus Christ on it, as a symbol of the Christian religion
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cru.ci.fix.ion
noun (sometimes Crucifixion)
1 [C, U] the act of killing sb by fastening them to a cross: the Crucifixion (= of Jesus)
2 [C] a painting or other work of art representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
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cru.ci.form
adj. (technical ) (especially of buildings) in the shape of a cross
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cru.cify
verb (cru.ci.fies, cru.ci.fy.ing, cru.ci.fied, cru.ci.fied) [vn]
1 to kill sb as a punishment by fastening them to a wooden cross
2 (informal) to criticize or punish sb very severely: The prime minister was crucified in the press for his handling of the affair.
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crud
noun [U] (informal) any dirty or unpleasant substance
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crude
adj., noun
adj. (cruder, cru.dest)
1 simple and not very accurate but giving a general idea of sth: In crude terms , the causes of mental illness seem to be of three main kinds.
2 (of objects or works of art) simply made, not showing much skill or attention to detail: a crude drawing of a face
3 (of people or the way they behave) offensive or rude, especially about sex
SYN VULGAR : crude jokes / language
4 [usually before noun] (of oil and other natural substances) in its natural state, before it has been treated with chemicals: crude oil / metal
crude.ly adv.: a crudely drawn ship  To put it crudely, the poor are going without food so that the rich can drive cars.
crude.ness noun [U]

noun (also ,crude 'oil) [U] oil in its natural state, before it has been treated with chemicals: 50 000 barrels of crude

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cru.di.tés
noun [pl.] (from French ) pieces of raw vegetables that are eaten at the beginning of a meal
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cru.dity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (written) the fact of being CRUDE ; an example of sth CRUDE : Despite the crudity of their methods and equipment, the experiment was a considerable success.  the novel’s structural crudities  The crudity of her language shocked him.
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cruel
adj. (cruel.ler, cruel.lest)
1 ˜ (to sb/sth) having a desire to cause pain and suffering: a cruel dictator  I can’t stand people who are cruel to animals.  Her eyes were cruel and hard.  Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind (= make sb suffer because it will be good for them later).
2 causing pain or suffering: a cruel punishment / joke  Her father’s death was a cruel blow .
cruel.ly adv.: The dog had been cruelly treated.  I was cruelly deceived.
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cruelty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] ˜ (to sb/sth) behaviour that causes pain or suffering to others, especially deliberately: cruelty to animals  The deliberate cruelty of his words cut her like a knife.
2 [C, usually pl.] a cruel action
3 [C, U] something that happens that seems unfair: the cruelties of life
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cruet
noun a small container, or set of containers, for salt, pepper, oil, etc. for use on the table at meals
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cruise
noun, verb
noun a journey by sea, visiting different places, especially as a holiday/vacation: I’d love to go on a round-the-world cruise.  a luxury cruise ship

verb
1 to travel in a ship or boat visiting different places, especially as a holiday/vacation: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : They cruised down the Nile.  [vn] We spent two weeks cruising the Bahamas.
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a car, plane, etc.) to travel at a steady speed: a light aircraft cruising at 4 000 feet  a cruising speed of 50 miles an hour
3 (of a car, etc. or its driver) to drive along slowly, especially when you are looking at or for sth: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : She cruised around the block looking for a parking space.  [vn] Taxis cruised the streets, looking for fares.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to win or achieve sth easily: The home team cruised to victory.
5 [v, vn] (slang) to go around in public places looking for a sexual partner

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'cruise control
noun [U] a device in a motor vehicle that allows it to stay at the speed that the driver has chosen
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,cruise 'missile
noun a large weapon with a nuclear WARHEAD that flies close to the ground and is guided by its own computer to an exact place
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cruiser
noun
1 a large fast ship used in war
2 (also 'cabin cruiser) a motor boat which you can sleep in, used for pleasure trips—picture at BOAT
3 (AmE) a police car
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crumb
noun
1 a very small piece of food, especially of bread or cake, that has fallen off a larger piece: She stood up and brushed the crumbs from her sweater.
2 a small piece or amount: a few crumbs of useful information  The government’s only crumb of comfort is that their opponents are as confused as they are.
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crum.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 to break or break sth into very small pieces: [v] Rice flour makes the cake less likely to crumble.  [vn] Crumble the cheese over the salad.
2 [v] if a building or piece of land is crumbling, parts of it are breaking off: buildings crumbling into dust  crumbling stonework  The cliff is gradually crumbling away.
3 [v] ~ (into / to sth)| ~ (away) to begin to fail or get weaker or to come to an end: a crumbling business / relationship  All his hopes began to crumble away.  The empire finally crumbled into dust.
IDM see WAY n.

noun [U, C] (BrE ) a DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from fruit that is covered with a rough mixture of flour, butter and sugar, cooked in the oven and usually served hot: apple crumble and custard

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crum.bly
adj. that easily breaks into very small pieces: crumbly soil / cheese
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crumbs
exclamation (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) used to show that you are surprised: Oh crumbs! Is that the time?
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crummy
adj. (informal) of very bad quality: Most of his songs are pretty crummy.
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crum.pet
noun (BrE )
1 [C] a small flat round cake with small holes in the top, eaten hot with butter
2 [U] (slang) an offensive way of referring to people who are sexually attractive, usually women
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crum.ple
verb
1 ~ (sth) (up) (into sth) to crush sth into folds; to become crushed into folds: [vn] She crumpled the letter up into a ball and threw it on the fire.  [v] This material crumples very easily.—picture at CRINKLE
2 [v] ~ (up) if your face crumples, you look sad and disappointed, as if you might cry
3 [v] ~ (up) to fall down in an uncontrolled way because you are injured, unconscious, drunk, etc.
SYN COLLAPSE : He crumpled up in agony.
crump.led adj.: crumpled clothes / papers  A crumpled figure lay motionless in the doorway.
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crunch
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a noise like the sound of sth firm being crushed: the crunch of feet on snow  The car drew up with a crunch of gravel.
2 (the crunch) [sing.] an important and often unpleasant situation or piece of information: The crunch came when she returned from America.  He always says he’ll help but when it comes to the crunch (= when it is time for action or decision) he does nothing.  The crunch is that we can’t afford to go abroad this year.
3 [C, usually sing.] (especially AmE) a situation in which there is suddenly not enough of sth, especially money: a budget / energy / housing crunch

verb
1 ~ (on sth) to crush sth noisily between your teeth when you are eating: [vn] She crunched her apple noisily. [alsov]
2 to make or cause sth to make a noise like sth hard being crushed
SYN SCRUNCH : [v] The snow crunched under our feet. [alsovn]
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move over a surface, making a loud crushing noise: I crunched across the gravel to the front door.
4 [vn] (computing) to deal with large amounts of data very quickly—see also NUMBER CRUNCHING
PVR V ,crunch sth<->'up to crush sth completely: He crunched up the empty pack and threw it out of the window.

adj. [only before noun] (informal) a crunch meeting, sports game, etc. is very important and may be the last chance to succeed: Sunday’s crunch game with Leeds

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crunchy
adj. (approving) (especially of food) firm and crisp and making a sharp sound when you bite or crush it: a crunchy salad
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cru.sade
noun, verb
noun
1 ˜ (for / against sth)| ˜ (to do sth) a long and determined effort to achieve sth that you believe to be right or to stop sth that you believe to be wrong: to lead a crusade against crime  a moral crusade
2 (sometimes Crusade) any of the wars fought in Palestine by European Christian countries against the Muslims in the Middle Ages

verb [v] to make a long and determined effort to achieve sth that you believe to be right or to stop sth you believe to be wrong
SYN CAMPAIGN

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cru.sader
noun a person who takes part in a crusade : moral crusaders
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crush
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to press or squeeze sth so hard that it is damaged or injured, or loses its shape: The car was completely crushed under the truck.  They crush the olives with a heavy wooden press.  Several people were crushed to death in the accident.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to push or press sb/sth into a small space: Over twenty prisoners were crushed into a small dark cell.
3 to break sth into small pieces or into a powder by pressing hard: Add two cloves of crushed garlic.
4 to become or make sth full of folds or lines
5 to use violent methods to defeat people who are opposing you: The army was sent in to crush the rebellion.
6 to destroy sb’s confidence or happiness: She felt completely crushed by the teacher’s criticism.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a crowd of people pressed close together in a small space: a big crush in the theatre bar  I couldn’t find a way through the crush.
2 [C] ˜ (on sb) a strong feeling of love, that usually does not last very long, that a young person has for sb older: a schoolgirl crush  I had a huge crush on her.
3 [U] a drink made from fruit juice

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crush.er
noun (often in compounds) a machine or tool for crushing sth
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crush.ing
adj. [usually before noun] used to emphasize how bad or severe sth is: a crushing defeat in the election  The shipyard has been dealt another crushing blow with the failure to win this contract.
crush.ing.ly adv.
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crust
noun
1 [C, U] the hard outer surface of bread: sandwiches with the crusts cut off—
2 [C, usually sing.] a layer of pastry, especially on top of a pie: Bake until the crust is golden.
3 [C, U] a hard layer or surface, especially above or around sth soft or liquid: a thin crust of ice  the earth’s crust—see also THE UPPER CRUST
IDM see EARN
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crust.acean
noun (technical ) any creature with a soft body that is divided into sections, and a hard outer shell. Most crustaceans live in water. CRABS , LOBSTERS and SHRIMPS are all crustaceans .—compare SHELLFISH —
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crust.ed
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) having a hard layer or covering of sth
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crusty
adj.
1 (of food) having a hard outer layer: fresh crusty bread
2 (informal) (especially of older people) bad-tempered; easily irritated: a crusty old man
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crutch
noun
1 one of two long sticks that you put under your arms to help you walk after you have injured your leg or foot: After the accident I spent six months on crutches .—
2 (usually disapproving) a person or thing that gives you help or support but often makes you depend on them too much
3 = CROTCH
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crux
noun [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the most important or difficult part of a problem or an issue: Now we come to the crux of the matter .
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cry
verb, noun
verb (cries, cry.ing, cried, cried)
1 ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (about / over sth) to produce tears from your eyes because you are unhappy or hurt: [v] It’s all right. Don’t cry.  The baby was crying for (= because it wanted) its mother.  There’s nothing to cry about.  He felt like crying with rage.  I just couldn’t stop crying.  [vn] I found him crying his eyes out (= crying very much).  That night she cried herself to sleep . [alsov speech]
2 ~ (for sth) to shout loudly: [v] She ran to the window and cried for help.  [v speech] ‘You’re safe!’ Tom cried in delight.  note at SHOUT
3 [v] (of a bird or an animal) to make a loud harsh noise: Seagulls followed the boat, crying loudly.
IDM ,cry 'foul (informal) to complain that sb else has done sth wrong or unfair cry over spilt 'milk (BrE) (AmE cry over spilled 'milk) to waste time worrying about sth that has happened that you cannot do anything about cry 'wolf to call for help when you do not need it, with the result that when you do need it people do not believe you for ,crying out 'loud (spoken, informal) used to show you are angry or surprised: For crying out loud! Why did you have to do that?—more at LAUGH v. , SHOULDER n.
PVR V ,cry 'off (BrE) to say that you cannot do sth that you promised to do: She said she was coming to the party, but cried off at the last moment. ,cry 'out to make a loud sound without words because you are hurt, afraid, surprised, etc: She tried to stop herself from crying out.  to cry out in fear / alarm / pain ,cry 'out / ,cry 'out sth to shout sth loudly: She cried out for help.  She cried out his name. [+ speech] ‘Help!’ he cried out. ,cry 'out for sth (usually used in the progressive tenses) to need sth very much: The company is crying out for fresh new talent.

noun (pl.cries)
1 [C] a loud sound without words that expresses a strong feeling: to give a cry of anguish / despair / relief / surprise / terror
2 [C] a loud shout: With a cry of ‘Stop thief!’ he ran after the boy.  Her answer was greeted with cries of outrage.
3 [C] the sound made by a bird or an animal: the cry of gulls circling overhead
4 [sing.] an action or a period of crying: I felt a lot better after a good long cry.
5 [C] ˜ (for sth) an urgent demand or request for sth: Her suicide attempt was really a cry for help .
6 [C] (especially in compounds) a word or phrase that expresses a group’s beliefs and calls people to action: a battle cry
IDM in full 'cry talking or shouting loudly and in an enthusiastic way: The Leeds supporters were in full cry.—more at FAR adj. , HUE

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cry.baby
noun (pl.-ies) (informal, disapproving) a person, especially a child, who cries too often or without good reason: Don’t be such a crybaby.
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cry.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
IDM be a crying 'shame (spoken) used to emphasize that you think sth is extremely bad or shocking: It’s a crying shame to waste all that food. a crying 'need (for sth) a great and urgent need for sth

noun [U] the sound or act of crying: the crying of terrified children

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cryo.gen.ic
adj. (technical ) involving the use of very low temperatures: a cryogenic storage system
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cryo.gen.ics
noun [U] (physics ) the scientific study of the production and effects of very low temperatures—compare CRYONICS
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cry.on.ics
noun [U] (medical ) the process of freezing a body at the moment of its death with the hope that it will be brought back to life at some future time—compare CRYOGENICS
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crypt
noun a room under the floor of a church, used especially in the past as a place for burying people
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cryp.tic
adj. with a meaning that is hidden or not easily understood: a cryptic message / remark / smile  a cryptic crossword clue
cryp.tic.al.ly adv.: ‘Yes and no,’ she replied cryptically.
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crypto-
combining form (in nouns) secret: a crypto-communist
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crys.tal
noun
1 [C] a small piece of a substance with many even sides, that is formed naturally when the substance becomes solid: ice / salt crystals  a crystal structure
2 [U, C] a clear mineral, such as QUARTZ , used in making jewellery and ornaments: a pair of crystal earrings
3 [U] glass of very high quality: a crystal chandelier / vase
4 [C] (AmE) a piece of glass or plastic that covers the face of a watch—see also LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
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,crystal 'ball
noun a clear glass ball used by people who claim they can predict what will happen in the future by looking into it: Without a crystal ball, it’s impossible to say where we’ll be next year.
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,crystal 'clear
adj.
1 (of glass, water, etc.) completely clear and bright
2 very easy to understand; completely obvious: I want to make my meaning crystal clear.
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crys.tal.line
adj.
1 (technical) made of or similar to CRYSTALS : crystalline structure / rocks
2 (formal) very clear
SYN TRANSPARENT : water of crystalline purity
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crys.tal.lize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 (of thoughts, plans, beliefs, etc.) to become clear and fixed; to make thoughts, beliefs, etc. clear and fixed: [v] Our ideas began to crystallize into a definite plan.  [vn] The final chapter crystallizes all the main issues.
2 (technical ) to form or make sth form into CRYSTALS : [v] The salt crystallizes as the water evaporates. [alsovn]
crys.tal.lization , -isa.tionnoun [U, sing.]
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crys.tal.lized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (especially of fruit) preserved in and covered with sugar
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'C-section
noun (AmE ) = CAESAREAN
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CS gas
noun [U] a gas that stings the eyes, producing tears and making it difficult to breathe. CS gas is sometimes used to control crowds.—see also TEAR GAS
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CST
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘Central Standard Time’
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CSYS
abbr. Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (an exam taken by some Scottish school students at the age of 18)
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Ct
(also Ct. especially in AmE) abbr. (used in written addresses) COURT : 30 Willow Ct
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ct
(also ct. especially in AmE) abbr.
1 (in writing) CARAT : an 18ct gold ring
2 (in writing) CENT(S) : 50 cts
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cu.
abbr. (in writing) CUBIC : a volume of 2 cu. m (= 2 cubic metres)
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cub
noun
1 [C] a young bear, lion, FOX , etc: a lioness guarding her cubs
2 (the Cubs) (BrE) (AmEthe 'Cub Scouts) [pl.] a branch of the SCOUT ASSOCIATION for boys between the ages of eight and ten or eleven: to join the Cubs
3 (Cub) (also 'Cub Scout) [C] a member of the Cubs —compare BROWNIE
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cub.by.hole
noun a small room or a small enclosed space: My office is a cubbyhole in the basement.
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cube
noun, verb
noun
1 a solid or hollow figure with six equal square sides—picture at SOLID
2 a piece of sth, especially food, with six sides : Cut the meat into cubes.—see also ICE CUBE , STOCK CUBE , SUGAR CUBE
3 (mathematics) the number that you get when you multiply a number by itself twice: The cube of 5 (5³) is 125 (5×5×5).

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] (mathematics) to multiply a number by itself twice: 10 cubed is 1 000
2 to cut food into cubes
SYN DICE

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,cube 'root
noun (mathematics ) a number which, when multiplied by itself twice, produces a particular number: The cube root of 64 (364) is 4.—compare SQUARE ROOT
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cubic
adj.
1 (abbr.cu) [only before noun] used to show that a measurement is the volume of sth, that is the height multiplied by the length and the width: cubic centimetres / inches / metres
2 measured or expressed in cubic units: The cubic capacity of a car’s engine.
3 having the shape of a cube : a cubic figure
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cu.bicle
noun a small room that is made by separating off part of a larger room: a shower cubicle   (BrE ) a changing cubicle (= for example at a public swimming pool)   (especially AmE ) an office / a library cubicle
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cu.bism
(also Cu.bism) noun [U] a style and movement in early 20th century art in which objects and people are represented as GEOMETRIC shapes, often shown from many different angles at the same time
cu.bist (also Cu.bist) noun: The exhibition includes works by the Impressionists and the Cubists.
cu.bist (also Cu.bist) adj. [usually before noun]: cubist paintings and sculpture
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cu.boid
noun, adj.
noun (geometry ) a solid object which has six RECTANGULAR sides at RIGHT ANGLES to each other

adj. shaped approximately like a CUBE

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,cub re'porter
noun a young newspaper REPORTER without much experience
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cuck.old
noun, verb
noun (old use, disapproving) a man whose wife has sex with another man

verb [vn] (old use)
1 (of a man) to make another man a cuckold by having sex with his wife
2 (of a woman) to make her husband a cuckold by having sex with another man

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cuckoo
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-oos) a bird with a call that sounds like its name. Cuckoos leave their eggs in the nests of other birds.—see also CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND

adj. [not before noun] (old-fashioned, informal) crazy

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'cuckoo clock
noun a clock that has a small toy bird inside that comes out every hour and marks the hours with a sound like that of a cuckoo
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cu.cum.ber
noun [C, U] a long vegetable with dark green skin and light green flesh, that is usually eaten raw
IDM see COOL adj. —
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cud
noun [U] the food that cows and similar animals bring back from the stomach into the mouth to chew again: cows chewing the cud
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cud.dle
verb, noun
verb to hold sb/sth close in your arms to show love or affection
SYN HUG : [v] A couple of teenagers were kissing and cuddling on the doorstep.  [vn] The little boy cuddled the teddy bear close.
PVR V cuddle up (to / against sb/sth)| cuddle up (together) to sit or lie very close to sb/sth: She cuddled up against him.  We cuddled up together under the blanket.

noun [usually sing.] the action of holding sb close in your arms to show love or affection
SYN HUG : to give sb a cuddle

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cud.dly
adj. (informal)
1 (approving) if a person is cuddly, they make you want to cuddle them
2 [only before noun] (of a child’s toy) soft and designed to be cuddled : a cuddly rabbit
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cudgel
noun, verb
noun a short thick stick that is used as a weapon
IDM take up (the) cudgels on behalf of sb/sth (old-fashioned, written) to defend or support sb/sth strongly

verb (BrE ) (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [vn] to hit sb with a cudgel
IDM cudgel your brains (old-fashioned, BrE) to think very hard

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cue
noun, verb
noun
1 ˜ (for sth)| ˜ (to do sth) an action or event that is a signal for sb to do sth: Jon’s arrival was a cue for more champagne.  I think that’s my cue to explain why I’m here.
2 a few words or an action in a play that is a signal for another actor to do sth: She stood in the wings and waited for her cue to go on.
3 a long wooden stick with a leather tip, used for hitting the ball in the games of BILLIARDS , POOL and SNOOKER —
IDM (right) on cue at exactly the moment you expect or that is appropriate: ‘Where is that boy?’ As if on cue, Simon appeared in the doorway. take your 'cue from sb/sth to copy what sb else does as an example of how to behave or what to do: Investors are taking their cue from the big banks and selling sterling.

verb (cue.ing, cued, cued) [vn] to give sb a signal so they know when to start doing sth: Can you cue me when you want me to begin speaking?

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cuff
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the end of a coat or shirt sleeve at the wrist: a collar and cuffs of white lace—picture at JEWELLERY —
2 (cuffs) [pl.] (informal) = HANDCUFFS
3 [C] (AmE) = TURN-UP
4 [C] a light hit with an open hand: to give sb a friendly cuff
IDM ,off the 'cuff (of speaking, remarks, etc.) without previous thought or preparation: I’m just speaking off the cuff here—I haven’t seen the results yet.  an off-the-cuff remark

verb [vn] to hit sb quickly and lightly with your hand, especially in a way that is not serious: She cuffed him lightly around his head.

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cuff.link
noun [usually pl.] one of a pair of small decorative objects used for fastening shirt cuffs together: a pair of gold cufflinks
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cuis.ine
noun [U, C] (from French )
1 a style of cooking: Italian cuisine
2 the food served in a restaurant (usually an expensive one): The hotel restaurant is noted for its excellent cuisine.—see also HAUTE CUISINE , NOUVELLE CUISINE
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cul-de-sac
noun (pl.cul-de-sacs or culs-de-sac) (from French ) a street that is closed at one end
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cu.lin.ary
adj. [only before noun] (formal) connected with cooking or food: culinary skills / efforts / masterpieces  Savour the culinary delights of Mexico.
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cull
verb, noun
verb [vn] to kill a particular number of animals of a group in order to prevent the group from getting too large
PVR V 'cull sth from sth to choose or collect sth from a source or several different sources: an exhibition of paintings culled from regional art galleries

noun the act of killing some animals (usually the weakest ones) of a group in order to prevent the group from getting too large: the annual seal cull

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cul.min.ate
verb [v] ~ (in / with sth) (written) to end with a particular result, or at a particular point: a gun battle which culminated in the death of two police officers  Months of hard work culminated in success.  Their summer tour will culminate at a spectacular concert in London.
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cul.min.ation
noun [sing.] (written) the highest point or end of sth, usually happening after a long time: The reforms marked the successful culmination of a long campaign.
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cu.lottes
noun [pl.] women’s wide short trousers/pants that are made to look like a skirt: a pair of culottes
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culp.able
adj. (formal) responsible and deserving blame for having done sth wrong: The accident was the result of a culpable failure to consider the risks involved.
culp.abil.ity noun [U]
culp.ably adv.
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cul.prit
noun
1 a person who has done sth wrong or against the law: The police quickly identified the real culprits.
2 a person or thing responsible for causing a problem: The main culprit in the current crisis seems to be modern farming techniques.
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cult
noun, adj.
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a way of life, an attitude, an idea, etc. that has become very popular: the cult of physical fitness  An extraordinary personality cult had been created around the leader.
2 a small group of people who have extreme religious beliefs and who are not part of any established religion: Their son ran away from home and joined a cult.
3 (formal) a system of religious beliefs and practices: the Chinese cult of ancestor worship

adj. [only before noun] very popular with a particular group of people; treating sb/sth as a cult figure, etc: a cult movie / book  The singer has become a cult figure in America.  The cartoon has achieved cult status .  The TV series has a cult following among young people.

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cul.ti.vate
verb [vn]
1 to prepare and use land for growing plants or crops: The land around here has never been cultivated.
2 to grow plants or crops: The people cultivate mainly rice and beans.
3 (sometimes disapproving) to try to get sb’s friendship or support: He purposely tried to cultivate good relations with the press.  It helps if you go out of your way to cultivate the local people.
4 to develop an attitude, a way of talking or behaving, etc: She tried to cultivate an air of sophistication.
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cul.ti.vated
adj.
1 (of people) having a high level of education and showing good manners: a cultivated young woman  His voice was pleasant and cultivated.
2 (of land) used to grow crops: cultivated fields
3 (of plants that are also wild) grown on a farm, etc. in order to be sold: cultivated mushrooms
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cul.ti.va.tion
noun [U]
1 the preparation and use of land for growing plants or crops: fertile land that is under cultivation (= being CULTIVATED )  rice / wheat cultivation
2 the deliberate development of a particular relationship, quality or skill: the cultivation of a good relationship with local firms
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cul.ti.va.tor
noun
1 a person who CULTIVATES (= grows crops on) the land
2 a machine for breaking up soil and destroying WEEDS (= plants growing where they are not wanted)
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cul.tural
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the culture of a particular society or group, its customs, beliefs, etc: cultural differences between the two communities  economic, social and cultural factors
2 connected with art, literature, music, etc: a cultural event  Europe’s cultural heritage  The orchestra is very important for the cultural life of the city.
cul.tur.al.ly adv.
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cul.ture
noun, verb
noun
WAY OF LIFE|
1 [U] the customs and beliefs, art, way of life and social organization of a particular country or group: European / Islamic / American culture  working-class culture
2 [C] a country, group, etc. with its own beliefs, etc: The children are taught to respect different cultures.  the effect of technology on traditional cultures
ART / MUSIC / LITERATURE|
3 [U] art, music, literature, etc., thought of as a group: Venice is a beautiful city full of culture and history.  popular culture (= that is enjoyed by a lot of people)  the Minister for Culture
BELIEFS / ATTITUDES|
4 [C, U] the beliefs and attitudes about sth that people in a particular group or organization share: The political cultures of the United States and the United Kingdom are very different.  A culture of failure exists in some schools.  company culture  We are living in a consumer culture.
GROWING / BREEDING|
5 [U] (technical) the growing of plants or breeding of particular animals in order to get a particular substance or crop from them: the culture of silkworms (= for silk)
CELLS / BACTERIA|
6 [C] (biology, medical) a group of cells or bacteria, especially one taken from a person or an animal and grown for medical or scientific study; the process of obtaining and growing these cells: a culture of cells from the tumour  Yogurt is made from active cultures.  to do / take a throat culture

verb [vn] (biology, medical ) to grow a group of cells or bacteria for medical or scientific study

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cul.tured
adj.
1 (of people) well educated and able to understand and enjoy art, literature, etc.
2 (of cells or bacteria) grown for medical or scientific study
3 (of pearls) grown artificially
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'culture shock
noun [C, U] a feeling of confusion and anxiety that sb may feel when they live in or visit another country
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cul.vert
noun a pipe for water that goes under a road, etc.
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cum
prep. (used for linking two nouns) and; as well as: a bedroom-cum-study
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cum.ber.some
adj.
1 large and heavy; difficult to carry: cumbersome machinery
2 slow and complicated: cumbersome legal procedures
3 (of words or phrases) long or complicated: The organization changed its cumbersome title to something easier to remember.
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cumin
noun [U] the dried seeds of the cumin plant, used in cooking as a spice: cumin seeds
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cum laude
adv., adj. (from Latin ) (in the US) at the third of the three highest levels of achievement that students can reach when they finish their studies at college: He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University.—compare MAGNA CUM LAUDE , SUMMA CUM LAUDE
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cum.mer.bund
noun a wide band of fabric worn around the waist, especially under a DINNER JACKET
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cu.mu.la.tive
adj.
1 having a result that increases in strength or importance each time more of sth is added: the cumulative effect of human activity on the world environment
2 including all the amounts that have been added previously: the monthly sales figures and the cumulative total for the past six months
cu.mu.la.tive.ly adv.
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cu.mu.lus
noun [U] (technical ) a type of thick white cloud
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cun.ni.lin.gus
noun [U] the act of touching a woman’s sex organs with the mouth and tongue in order to give sexual pleasure
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cun.ning
adj., noun
adj.
1 (disapproving) able to get what you want in a clever way, especially by tricking or deceiving sb: a cunning liar  He was as cunning as a fox.
2 clever and skilful: It was a cunning piece of detective work.
cun.ning.ly adv.: The microphone was cunningly concealed in the bookcase.

noun [U] the ability to achieve sth by tricking or deceiving other people in a clever way: It took energy and cunning just to survive.  She used low cunning (= dishonest behaviour) to get what she wanted.

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cunt
noun ( , slang)
1 a woman’s VAGINA and outer sexual organs
2 a very offensive word used to insult sb and to show anger or dislike: You stupid cunt!
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cup
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small container shaped like a bowl, usually with a handle, used for drinking tea, coffee, etc: a teacup  a coffee cup  a cup and saucer  a paper cup
2 [C] the contents of a cup: She drank the whole cup.  Would you like a cup of tea?
3 [C] (also cup.ful) a unit for measuring quantity used in cooking in the US: two cups of flour and half a cup of butter
4 [C] a thing shaped like a cup: an egg cup
5 [C] a gold or silver cup on a stem, often with two handles, that is given as a prize in a competition: She’s won several cups for skating.  He lifted the cup for the fifth time this year (= it was the fifth time he had won).
6 [sing.] (usually Cup) a sports competition in which a cup is given as a prize: the World Cup
7 [C] one of the two parts of a BRA that cover the breast: a C cup
8 [C, U] a drink made from wine mixed with, for example, fruit juice
IDM not sb’s cup of 'tea (informal, spoken) not what sb likes or is interested in: An evening at the opera isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.  He’s nice enough but not really my cup of tea.

verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 ~ your hand(s) (around / over sth) to make your hands into the shape of a bowl: She held the bird gently in cupped hands.
2 ~ sth (in your hands) to hold sth, making your hands into a round shape: He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

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cup.board
noun
1 a piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storing dishes, food, clothes, etc: kitchen cupboards
2 (BrE) (AmE closet) a space in a wall with a door that reaches the ground, used for storing things: built-in cupboards—see also AIRING CUPBOARD , BROOM CUPBOARD
IDM the ,cupboard is 'bare (BrE) used to say that there is no money for sth: They are seeking more funds but the cupboard is bare. 'cupboard love (BrE) affection that sb, especially a child, shows towards sb else in order to get sth—more at SKELETON
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cup.cake
nounnoun (especially AmE ) = FAIRY CAKE
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'cup final
(also 'Cup Final) noun (BrE ) (especially in football) the last match in a series of matches in a competition that gives a CUP as a prize to the winners: cup final tickets  the FA Cup Final
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cup.ful
noun the amount that a cup will hold: 3 cupfuls of water—see also CUP
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Cupid
noun
1 the Roman god of love who is shown as a beautiful baby boy with wings, carrying a BOW and arrow
2 (cupid) [C] a picture or statue of a baby boy who looks like Cupid
IDM play 'Cupid to try to start a romantic relationship between two people
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cu.pid.ity
noun [U] (rare, formal) (disapproving) a strong desire for more wealth, possessions, power, etc. than a person needs
SYN GREED
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cu.pola
noun a round part on top of a building (like a small DOME )
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cuppa
noun (BrE , informal) a cup of tea: Do you fancy a cuppa?
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'cup tie
noun (BrE ) (especially in football) a match between two teams in a competition that gives a CUP as a prize to the winner
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cur
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) an aggressive dog, especially a MONGREL
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cur.able
adj. (of an illness) that can be cured: Most skin cancers are curable if treated early.
OPP INCURABLE
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cur.acy
noun (pl.-ies) the position of a curate ; the time that sb is a curate
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cur.ate
noun (in the Anglican Church) an assistant to a VICAR (= a priest, who is in charge of the church or churches in a particular area)
IDM the / a ,curate’s 'egg (BrE) something that has some good parts and some bad ones
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cura.tive
adj. (formal) able to cure illness
SYN HEALING : the curative properties of herbs—compare PREVENTIVE
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cur.ator
noun a person whose job is to be in charge of the objects or works of art in a museum or art gallery , etc.
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curb
verb, noun
verb [vn] to control or limit sth, especially sth bad
SYN CHECK : He needs to learn to curb his temper.  A range of policies have been introduced aimed at curbing inflation.

noun
1 ~ (on sth) something that controls and puts limits on sth: curbs on government spending
2 (AmE) = KERB

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curb.side
(AmE ) = KERBSIDE
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curd
noun [U] (also curds [pl.]) a thick soft substance that is formed when milk turns sour
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cur.dle
verb [v, vn]
1 when a liquid, especially milk, curdles or sth curdles it, it separates into solid and liquid parts
2 if sth curdles your blood or makes your blood curdle, it makes you extremely frightened or shocked—see also BLOOD-CURDLING
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cure
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (of sth) to make a person or an animal healthy again after an illness: Will you be able to cure him, Doctor?
2 to make an illness go away: TB is a serious illness, but it can be cured.
3 to deal with a problem successfully: I finally managed to cure the rattling noise in my car.
4 ~ sb of sth to stop sb from behaving in a particular way, especially a way that is bad or annoying
5 to treat food or tobacco with smoke, salt, etc. in order to preserve it
IDM see KILL v.

noun
1 ~ (for sth) a medicine or medical treatment that cures an illness: the search for a cure for cancer  There is no known cure but the illness can be treated.
2 the act of curing sb of an illness or the process of being cured: Doctors cannot effect a cure if the disease has spread too far.  The cure took six weeks.
3 ~ (for sth) something that will solve a problem, improve a bad situation, etc: a cure for poverty
IDM see PREVENTION

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'cure-all
noun something that people believe can cure any problem or any disease
SYN PANACEA
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cur.few
noun [C, U]
1 a law which says that people must not go outside after a particular time at night until the morning; the time after which nobody must go outside: The army imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew.  You must get home before curfew.
2 (AmE) a time when children must be home in the evening: I have a 10 o’clock curfew.
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curio
noun (pl.-os) a small object that is rare or unusual, often sth that people collect
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curi.os.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, sing.] ~ (about sth)| ~ (to do sth) a strong desire to know about sth: Children show curiosity about everything.  a certain curiosity to see what would happen next  The letter wasn’t addressed to me but I opened it out of curiosity .  His answer did not satisfy my curiosity at all.  Sophie’s curiosity was aroused by the mysterious phone call.  intellectual curiosity  ‘Why do you ask?’‘Oh, just idle curiosity ’ (= no particular reason).
2 [C] an unusual and interesting thing: The museum is full of historical curiosities.
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curi.ous
adj.
1 ~ (about sth)| ~ (to do sth) having a strong desire to know about sth: They were very curious about the people who lived upstairs.  I was curious to find out what she had said.  Everyone was curious as to why Mark was leaving.  He is such a curious boy, always asking questions.
2 ~ (that … ) strange and unusual: There was a curious mixture of people in the audience.  It was a curious feeling, as though we were floating on air.  It was curious that she didn’t tell anyone.
curi.ous.ly adv.: ‘Are you really an artist?’ Sara asked curiously.  His clothes were curiously old-fashioned.  Curiously enough, a year later exactly the same thing happened again.
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curl
verb, noun
verb
1 to form or make sth form into a curl or curls: [v] His hair curls naturally. [alsovn]
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to form or make sth form into a curved shape: [v] The cat curled into a ball and went to sleep.  [vn] She curled her legs up under her.
3 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move while forming into a twisted or curved shape; to make sth do this: [v] The smoke curled steadily upwards.  [vn] He turned and curled the ball around the goalkeeper.
4 [v, vn] if you curl your lip or your lip curls, you move your lip upwards and sideways to show that you think sb/sth is stupid or that you are better than they are
IDM see TOE n.
PVR V ,curl 'up| be ,curled 'up to lie or sit with your back curved and your arms and legs bent close to your body: She curled up and closed her eyes. ,curl 'up| ,curl sb 'up (BrE, informal) to become or make sb become very embarrassed ,curl 'up| ,curl sth<->'up to form or make sth form into a tightly curled shape: The paper started to shrivel and curl up in the heat.

noun
1 [C] a small bunch of hair that forms a curved or round shape: Her hair was a mass of curls.  The baby had dark eyes and dark curls.
2 [C, U] the tendency of hair to form curls: His hair had a natural curl.
3 [C] a thing that forms a curved or round shape: a curl of smoke  Decorate the cake with curls of chocolate.  a contemptuous curl of the lip (= an expression showing disapproval)

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curl.er
noun [usually pl.] a small plastic or metal tube which you can wrap wet hair around in order to make it curl
SYN ROLLER
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cur.lew
noun a bird with a long thin beak that curves downwards, that lives near water
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curl.ing
noun [U] a game played on ice, in which players slide heavy flat stones towards a mark
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curly
adj. (curl.ier, curli.est) having a lot of curls or a curved shape: short curly hair  a dog with a curly tail—picture at CURL
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cur.mudg.eon
noun (old-fashioned) a bad-tempered person, often an old one
cur.mudg.eon.ly adj.
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cur.rant
noun
1 a small dried grape, used in cakes, etc: a currant bun
2 (usually in compounds) a small black, red or white berry that grows in bunches on bushes: blackcurrants  redcurrants  currant bushes
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cur.rency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] the system of money that a country uses: trading in foreign currencies  a single European currency  You’ll need some cash in local currency but you can also use your credit card.—see also HARD CURRENCY
2 [U] the fact that sth is used or accepted by a lot of people: The term ‘post-industrial’ now has wide currency .  The qualification has gained currency all over the world.
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cur.rent
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] happening now; of the present time: current prices  a budget for the current year  your current employer  note at ACTUAL
2 being used by or accepted by most people: words that are no longer current

noun
1 the movement of water in the sea or a river; the movement of air in a particular direction: He swam to the shore against a strong current .  Birds use warm air currents to help their flight.
2 the flow of electricity through a wire, etc: a 15 amp electrical current—see also AC , DC
3 the fact of particular ideas, opinions or feelings being present in a group of people: Ministers are worried by this current of anti-government feeling.

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'current account
(BrE ) (AmE 'checking account) noun a type of bank account that you can take money out of at any time, and that provides you with a CHEQUEBOOK and CASH CARD —compare DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
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,current af'fairs
noun [pl.] events of political or social importance that are happening now
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cur.rent.ly
adv. at the present time: The hourly charge is currently £35.  Currently, over 500 students are enrolled on the course.  All the options are currently available .  This matter is currently being discussed.
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cur.ricu.lar
adj. connected with the curriculum of a school, etc.—see also EXTRA-CURRICULAR
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cur.ricu.lum
noun (pl.cur.ric.ula or cur.ricu.lums) the subjects that are included in a course of study or taught in a school, college, etc: the school curriculum   (BrE ) Spanish is on the curriculum.   (AmE ) Spanish is in the curriculum.—compare SYLLABUS
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cur.ricu.lum vitae
(abbr. CV) noun
1 (BrE) (AmE re.sumé) a written record of your education and employment, that you send when you are applying for a job: Applications with a full curriculum vitae and two references should reach the Principal by June 12th.
2 (AmE) a record of a university/college teacher’s education and employment, also including a list of books and articles that they have published and courses that they have taught, used when they are applying for a job
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cur.ried
adj. [only before noun] cooked with hot spices: curried chicken / beef / eggs
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curry
noun, verb
noun [C, U] an Indian dish of meat, vegetables, etc. cooked with hot spices, often served with rice: a chicken curry  Would you like some more curry?

verb (cur.ries, curry.ing, cur.ried, cur.ried) [vn] to make curry out of meat or vegetables
IDM curry 'favour (with sb) (disapproving) to try to get sb to like or support you by praising or helping them a lot

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'curry powder
noun [U] a powder made from a mixture of spices, used to give a hot flavour to food, especially curry
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curse
noun, verb
noun
1 (also cuss) [C] a rude or offensive word or phrase that some people use when they are very angry: He muttered a curse at the other driver.
2 [C] a word or phrase that has a magic power to make sth bad happen: The family thought that they were under a curse .—compare HEX
3 [C] something that causes harm or evil: the curse of drug addiction  Noise is a curse of modern city life.
4 (the curse) [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) MENSTRUATION

verb
1 [v] to swear: He hit his head as he stood up and cursed loudly.
2 [vn] ~ (sb/sth) (for sth) to say rude things to sb or think rude things about sb/sth: She cursed her bad luck.  He cursed himself for his stupidity.
3 [vn] to use a magic word or phrase against sb in order to harm them: Legend has it that the whole village had been cursed by a witch.—compare HEX
PVR V be 'cursed with sth to continuously suffer from or be affected by sth bad: She seems cursed with bad luck.

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cursed
adj.
1 having a curse (2) on it; suffering from a curse (2) : The necklace was cursed.  The whole family seemed cursed.
2 [only before noun] (old-fashioned) unpleasant; annoying
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cur.sive
adj. (technical ) (of HANDWRITING ) with the letters joined together
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cur.sor
noun a small mark on a computer screen that can be moved and that shows the position on the screen where, for example, text will be added—
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curs.ory
adj. (often disapproving) done quickly and without giving enough attention to details: a cursory glance / examination / inspection
cur.sor.ily adv.
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curt
adj. (of a person’s manner or behaviour) appearing rude because very few words are used, or because sth is done in a very quick way: a curt reply  a curt nod  His tone was curt and unfriendly.
curt.ly adv.
curt.ness noun [U]
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cur.tail
verb [vn] (formal) to limit sth or make it last for a shorter time: Spending on books has been severely curtailed.  The lecture was curtailed by the fire alarm going off.
cur.tail.ment noun [U]: the curtailment of civil liberties
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cur.tain
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a piece of fabric that is hung to cover a window: to draw / pull / close the curtains (= to pull them across the window so they cover it)  to draw / draw back / pull back the curtains (= to open them, so that the window is no longer covered)  It was ten in the morning but the curtains were still drawn (= closed).  a pair of curtains—see also DRAPE
2 (AmE) = NET CURTAIN
3 [C] a piece of fabric that is hung up as a screen in a room or around a bed, for example: a shower curtain—see also THE IRON CURTAIN
4 [sing.] a piece of thick, heavy fabric that hangs in front of the stage in the theatre: The audience was waiting for the curtain to rise (= for the play to begin).  There was tremendous applause when the curtain came down (= the play ended).  We left just before the final curtain .   (figurative) The curtain has fallen on her long and distinguished career (= her career has ended).   (figurative) It’s time to face the final curtain (= the end; death).
5 [C, usually sing.] a thing that covers, hides or protects sth: a curtain of rain / smoke  She pushed back the curtain of brown hair from her eyes.
IDM be curtains (for sb) (informal) to be a situation without hope or that you cannot escape from: When I saw he had a gun, I thought it was curtains for me. bring down the 'curtain on sth | bring the 'curtain down on sth to finish or mark the end of sth: His sudden decision to retire brought down the curtain on a distinguished career.

verb [vn] to provide curtains for a window or a room
PVR V ,curtain sth<->'off to separate an area of a room with a curtain or curtains

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'curtain call
noun the time in the theatre when the actors come to the front of the stage at the end of a play to receive the APPLAUSE of the audience
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'curtain-raiser
noun ~ (to sth)
1 a small event that prepares for a similar, more important one
2 a short performance before the main performance in a theatre, etc.
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curtsy
(also curt.sey) noun (pl.-ies or -eys) a formal greeting made by a woman or girl in a dance or to an important person, by bending her knees with one foot in front of the other
curtsy verb (curt.sies, curt.sy.ing, curt.sied, curt.sied) (also curt.sey): [v] She curtsied to the Queen.
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curv.aceous
adj. (informal) used in newspapers, etc. to describe a woman whose body has attractive curves
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curv.ature
noun [U] (technical ) the state of being curved; the amount that sth is curved: the curvature of the earth  curvature of the spine
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curve
noun, verb
noun
1 a line or surface that bends gradually; a smooth bend: the delicate curve of her ear  a pattern of straight lines and curves   (especially AmE) a curve in the road   (especially AmE) The driver lost control on a curve and the vehicle hit a tree.  to plot a curve on a graph   (technical) the unemployment-income curve (= a line on a GRAPH showing the relationship between the number of unemployed people and national income)—see also LEARNING CURVE
2 (also 'curve ball) (AmE) (in the game of baseball) a ball that moves in a curve when it is thrown to the BATTER : (figurative) One of the journalists threw the senator a curve (= surprised him by asking a difficult question).

verb [usually +adv. / prep.] to move or make sth move in the shape of a curve; to be in the shape of a curve: [v] The road curved around the bay.  The ball curved through the air.  His lips curved in a smile. [alsovn]

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curved
adj. having a round shape: a curved path / roof / blade—picture at CURL
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curvy
adj. (informal) having curves: a curvy body  curvy lines
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cush.ion
noun, verb
noun
1 (AmE also pil.low) a fabric bag filled with soft material or feathers that is used, for example, to make a seat more comfortable: matching curtains and cushions  a floor cushion (= a large cushion that you put on the floor to sit on)  a pile of scatter cushions (= small cushions, often in bright colours, that you put on chairs, etc.)   (figurative) a cushion of moss on a rock
2 a layer of sth between two surfaces that keeps them apart: A hovercraft rides on a cushion of air.
3 [usually sing.] ~ (against sth) something that protects you against sth unpleasant that might happen: His savings were a comfortable cushion against financial problems.  The team built up a safe cushion of two goals in the first half.
4 (in the game of BILLIARDS , etc.) the soft inside edge along each side of the table, that the balls bounce off—

verb [vn]
1 to soften the effect of a fall or hit: My fall was cushioned by the deep snow.
2 ~ sb/sth (against / from sth) to protect sb/sth from harm or the unpleasant effects of sth: The south of the country has been cushioned from the worst effects of the recession.  He broke the news of my brother’s death to me, making no effort to cushion the blow (= make the news less shocking).
3 [usually passive] to make sth soft with a cushion

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cushy
adj. (cush.ier, cushi.est) (informal, often disapproving) very easy and pleasant; needing little or no effort: a cushy job
IDM a cushy 'number (BrE) an easy job; a pleasant situation that other people would like
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cusp
noun
1 (technical) a pointed end where two curves meet: the cusp of a leaf
2 the time when one sign of the ZODIAC ends and the next begins: I was born on the cusp between Virgo and Libra.   (figurative) He was on the cusp between small acting roles and moderate fame.
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cuss
verb, noun
verb (old-fashioned, informal) to swear at sb: [v] My dad used to come home drunk, shouting and cussing. [alsovn]

noun (old-fashioned, informal)
1 used with a negative adjective to describe a person: He’s an awkward cuss.
2 = CURSE : cuss words

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cussed
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) (of people) not willing to be helpful
SYN STUBBORN
cuss.ed.ly adv.
cuss.ed.ness noun [U]
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cus.tard
noun
1 [U] (especially BrE) (AmE usually ,custard 'sauce) a sweet yellow sauce made from milk, sugar, eggs and flour, usually served hot with cooked fruit, PUDDINGS , etc: apple pie and custard—
2 [C, U] a mixture of eggs, milk and sugar baked until it is firm
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,custard 'pie
noun a flat pie filled with sth soft and wet that looks like custard , that performers throw at each other to make people laugh
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cus.to.dial
adj. [usually before noun] (law )
1 involving sending sb to prison: The judge gave him a custodial sentence (= sent him to prison).
2 connected with the right or duty of looking after sb; having CUSTODY : The mother is usually the custodial parent after a divorce.
OPP NON-CUSTODIAL
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cus.to.dian
noun
1 a person who takes responsibility for taking care of or protecting sth: the museum’s custodians  a self-appointed custodian of public morals
2 (AmE) = CARETAKER
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cus.tody
noun [U]
1 the legal right or duty to take care of or keep sb/sth; the act of taking care of sth/sb: Who will have custody of the children?  The divorce court awarded custody to the child’s mother.  The parents were locked in a bitter battle for custody.  The bank provides safe custody for valuables.  The castle is now in the custody of the state.
2 the state of being in prison, especially while waiting for trial: After the riot, 32 people were taken into police custody .   (BrE) He was remanded in custody , charged with the murder of a policeman.—see also YOUTH CUSTODY
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cus.tom
noun, adj.
noun —see also CUSTOMS
1 [C, U] ~ (of doing sth) an accepted way of behaving or of doing things in a society or a community: an old / ancient custom  the custom of giving presents at Christmas  It’s a local custom .  It is the custom in that country for women to marry young.
2 [sing.] (formal or literary) the way a person always behaves; a habit or practice: It was her custom to rise early.  As was his custom, he knocked three times.
3 [U] (BrE, formal) (also businessAmE, BrE) the fact of a person or people buying goods or services at a shop/store or business: Thank you for your custom. Please call again.  We’ve lost a lot of custom since prices went up.

adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE ) = CUSTOM-BUILT , CUSTOM-MADE : a custom motorcycle

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cus.tom.ary
adj.
1 if sth is customary, it is what people usually do in a particular place or situation: Is it customary to tip hairdressers in this country?
2 typical of a particular person: She arranged everything with her customary efficiency.
cus.tom.ar.ily adv.
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,custom-'built
(also custom especially in AmE) adj. designed and built for a particular person: a custom-built house
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cus.tom.er
noun
1 a person or an organization that buys sth from a shop/store or business: one of the shop’s best / biggest customers  They know me—I’m a regular customer .  the customer service department  The firm has excellent customer relations.
2 (old-fashioned, informal) used after an adjective to describe a particular type of person: an awkward / tough customer
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cus.tom.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make or change sth to suit the needs of the owner: You can customize the software in several ways.
cus.tom.ized adj.: a customized car
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,custom-'made
(also cus.tom especially in AmE) adj. designed and made for a particular person: custom-made clothes—see also BESPOKE
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cus.toms
noun [pl.]
1 (usually Customs) (BrE also Customs and Excise) (AmE also US Customs Service) the government department that collects taxes on goods bought and sold and on goods brought into the country, and that checks what is brought in: The Customs have seized large quantities of smuggled heroin.  a customs officer
HELP AmE uses a singular verb with customs in this meaning.
2 the place at a port or an airport where your bags are checked as you come into a country: to go through customs and passport control
3 the taxes that must be paid to the government when goods are brought in from other countries: to pay customs on sth  customs duty / duties—compare EXCISE
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cut
verb, noun
verb (cut.ting, cut, cut)
WOUND / HOLE|
1 to make an opening or a wound in sth, especially with a sharp tool such as a knife or scissors: [vn] She cut her finger on a piece of glass.  He cut himself (= his face) shaving.  Workmen cut a hole in the pipe.  You need a powerful saw to cut through metal.   (figurative) The canoe cut through the water.  [vn-adj] She had fallen and cut her head open .
DIVIDE|
2 ~ sth (from sth)| ~ sth (in / into sth)| ~ (sb) sth| ~ sth (for sb) to remove sth from sth large, using a knife, etc.; to divide sth into two or more pieces with a knife, etc: [vn] He cut four thick slices from the loaf.  He cut the loaf into thick slices.  cut flowers  The bus was cut in two by the train.  Don’t cut the string, untie the knots.  [vnn, vn] I cut them all a piece of birthday cake.  I cut a piece of birthday cake for them all.
SHAPE / FORM|
3 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to make or form sth by removing material with a knife, etc: The climbers cut steps in the ice.
HAIR / NAILS / GRASS, etc.|
4 to make sth shorter by cutting : [vn] to cut your hair / nails  to cut the grass / lawn / hedge  [vn-adj] He’s had his hair cut really short.
RELEASE|
5 ~ sb (from sth) to allow sb to escape from somewhere by cutting the rope, object, etc. that is holding them: [vn] The injured driver had to be cut from the wreckage.  [vn-adj] Two survivors were cut free after being trapped for twenty minutes.
CLOTHING|
6 [vn-adj] [usually passive] to design and make a piece of clothing in a particular way: The swimsuit was cut high in the leg.
ABLE TO CUT / BE CUT|
7 [v] to be capable of cutting : This knife won’t cut.
8 [v] to be capable of being cut: Sandstone cuts easily.
REDUCE|
9 [vn] ~ sth (by … )| ~ sth (from … ) (to … ) to reduce sth by removing a part of it: to cut prices / taxes / spending / production  Buyers will bargain hard to cut the cost of the house they want.  His salary has been cut by ten per cent.  Could you cut your essay from 5 000 to 3 000 words?
REMOVE|
10 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth from sth: This scene was cut from the final version of the movie.
COMPUTING|
11 to DELETE (= remove) part of a text on a computer screen in order to place it somewhere else: [v] You can cut and paste between different programs. [alsovn]
STOP|
12 [vn] (informal) used to tell sb to stop doing sth: Cut the chatter and get on with your work!
IN MOVIE / TV|
13 [vn] to prepare a film/movie or tape by removing parts of it or putting them in a different order
SYN EDIT
14 [v] (usually used in orders) to stop filming or recording: The director shouted ‘Cut!’
15 [v] ~ (from sth) to sth (in films / movies, radio or television) to move quickly from one scene to another: The scene cuts from the bedroom to the street.
MISS CLASS|
16 [vn] (informal, especially AmE) to stay away from a class that you should go to: He’s always cutting class .
UPSET|
17 [vn] (written) to hurt sb emotionally: His cruel remarks cut her deeply.
IN CARD GAMES|
18 to lift and turn up a pack/deck of playing cards in order to decide who is to play first, etc: [v] Let’s cut for dealer. [alsovn]
GEOMETRY|
19 [vn] (of a line) to cross another line: The line cuts the circle at two points.
A TOOTH|
20 [vn] ~ a tooth to have a new tooth beginning to appear through the GUM : When did she cut her first tooth?
A DISC|
21 [vn] ~ a disc to make a recording of music on a record, CD, etc: The Beatles cut their first disc in 1962.
DRUG|
22 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to mix an illegal drug such as HEROIN with another substance Most idioms containing cut are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example cut your losses is at loss.  cut and 'run (BrE, informal) to make a quick or sudden escape ,cut a'cross sth
1 to affect or be true for different groups that usually remain separate: Opinion on this issue cuts across traditional political boundaries.
2 (also ,cut 'through sth) to go across sth in order to make your route shorter: I usually cut across the park on my way home.,cut sth<->a'way (from sth) to remove sth from sth by cutting : They cut away all the dead branches from the tree.,cut sth<->'back
1 (also ,cut 'back (on sth)) to reduce sth: If we don’t sell more we’ll have to cut back production.  to cut back on spending—related noun CUTBACK
2 to make a bush, etc. smaller by cutting branches off
SYN PRUNE : to cut back a rose bush,cut sb<->'down (formal) to kill sb: He was cut down by an assassin’s bullet. ,cut sth<->'down to make sth fall down by cutting it at the base: to cut down a tree ,cut sth<->'down (to … )| ,cut 'down (on sth) to reduce the size, amount or number of sth: We need to cut the article down to 1 000 words.  The doctor told him to cut down on his drinking.  I won’t have a cigarette, thanks—I’m trying to cut down (= smoke fewer).,cut 'in
1 if a motor or an engine cuts in, it starts working: Emergency generators cut in.
2 (AmE) = PUSH IN ,cut 'in (on sb/sth)
1 to interrupt sb when they are speaking: She kept cutting in on our conversation. [+ speech] ‘Forget it!’ she cut in.
2 (of a vehicle or its driver) to move suddenly in front of another vehicle, leaving little space between the two vehicles ,cut sb 'in (on sth) (informal) to give sb a share of the profit in a business or an activity,cut sb<->'off
1 [often passive] to interrupt sb who is speaking on the telephone by breaking the connection: We were cut off in the middle of our conversation.
2 (also ,cut sb<->'out (of sth)) to refuse to let sb receive any of your property after you die
SYN DISINHERIT : He cut his son off without a penny . ,cut sb/sth<->'off
1 to interrupt sb and stop them from speaking: My explanation was cut off by loud protests.
2 [often passive] to stop the supply of sth to sb: Our water supply has been cut off.  They were cut off for not paying their phone bill. ,cut sth<->'off
1 (also ,cut sth 'off sth) to remove sth from sth larger by cutting : He had his finger cut off in an accident at work.   (figurative) The winner cut ten seconds off (= ran the distance ten seconds faster than) the world record.—see also CUT-OFF
2 to block or get in the way of sth: They cut off the enemy’s retreat.  The new factory cuts off our view of the hills. ,cut sb/sth 'off (from sb/sth) [often passive] to prevent sb/sth from leaving or reaching a place or communicating with people outside a place: The army was cut off from its base.  She feels very cut off living in the country.  He cut himself off from all human contact.,cut 'out if a motor or an engine cuts out, it suddenly stops working—related noun CUT-OUT ,cut sb<->'out (of sth) = CUT SB OFF : Furious, her mother cut her out of her will. ,cut sth<->'out
1 to make sth by cutting : She cut the dress out of some old material.   (figurative) He’s cut out a niche for himself (= found a suitable job) in journalism.—related noun CUT-OUT
2 (informal) used to tell sb to stop doing or saying sth annoying: I’m sick of you two arguing—just cut it out !
3 to leave sth out of a piece of writing, etc.
SYN OMIT : I would cut out the bit about working as a waitress.
4 to block sth, especially light: Thick overhanging branches cut out the sunlight. ,cut sth<->'out (of sth)
1 to remove sth from sth larger by cutting , usually with scissors: I cut this article out of the newspaper.
2 to stop doing, using or eating sth: I’ve been advised to cut sugar out of my diet. be ,cut 'out for sth| be ,cut 'out to be sth (informal) to have the qualities and abilities needed for sth: He’s not cut out for teaching.  He’s not cut out to be a teacher.,cut 'through sth
1 = CUT ACROSS STH
2 (also ,cut sth 'through sth) to make a path or passage through sth by cutting : They used a machete to cut through the bush.  The prisoners cut their way through the barbed wire.,cut sb<->'up (informal)
1 to injure sb badly by cutting or hitting them: He was very badly cut up in the fight.
2 [usually passive] to upset sb emotionally: She was pretty cut up about them leaving. ,cut sth<->'up to divide sth into small pieces with a knife, etc: He cut up the meat on his plate.

noun
WOUND|
1 a wound caused by sth sharp: cuts and bruises on the face  Blood poured from the deep cut on his arm.
HOLE|
2 a hole or an opening in sth, made with sth sharp: Using sharp scissors, make a small cut in the material.
REDUCTION|
3 ~ (in sth) a reduction in amount, size, supply, etc: price / tax / job cuts  They had to take a 20% cut in pay.  They announced cuts in public spending.—see also POWER CUT , SHORT CUT
OF HAIR|
4 [usually sing.] an act of cutting sb’s hair; the style in which it is cut: Your hair could do with a cut (= it is too long).  I want to make an appointment for a cut and blow-dry.
OF CLOTHING|
5 [usually sing.] the shape and style that a piece of clothing has because of the way the fabric is cut: the elegant cut of her dress
SHARE OF MONEY|
6 a share in sth, especially money: They were rewarded with a cut of 5% from the profits.
OF MOVIE / PLAY, etc.|
7 ~ (in sth) an act of removing part of a film/movie, play, piece of writing, etc: The director objected to the cuts ordered by the censor.  She made some lengthy cuts before handing over the finished novel.
MEAT|
8 a piece of meat cut from an animal: a lean cut of pork  cheap cuts of stewing lamb—see also COLD CUTS a cut above sb/sth better than sb/sth: His latest novel is a cut above the rest . the cut and 'thrust (of sth) (BrE) the lively or aggressive way that sth is done: the cut and thrust of political debate

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,cut and 'dried
adj. [not usually before noun] decided in a way that cannot be changed or argued about: The inquiry is by no means cut and dried.
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cut.back
noun [usually pl.] ~ (in sth) a reduction in sth: cutbacks in public spending  staff cutbacks
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cute
adj. (cuter, cutest)
1 pretty and attractive: a cute little baby   (BrE) an unbearably cute picture of two kittens (= it seems sentimental)
2 (informal, especially AmE) sexually attractive: Check out those cute guys over there!
3 (informal, especially AmE) clever, sometimes in an annoying way because a person is trying to get an advantage for him or herself: She had a really cute idea.  Even as a child, he was always cute enough to get what he wanted.  Don’t get cute with me!
cute.ly adv.: to smile cutely
cute.ness noun [U]
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cutesy
adj. (informal) too pretty or attractive in a way that is annoying or not realistic: She is trying to get away from her cutesy girl-next-door image.
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,cut 'glass
noun [U] glass with patterns cut in it: a cut-glass vase—picture at GLASS
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cut.icle
noun an area of hard skin at the base of the nails on the fingers and toes
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cutie
noun (informal) a person who is attractive or kind: He’s a real cutie.
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cut.lass
noun a short SWORD with a curved blade that was used as a weapon by sailors and PIRATES in the past
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cut.lery
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (AmE flat.ware, sil.ver.ware) knives, forks and spoons, used for eating and serving food: Put the cutlery in the drawer.  a stainless steel cutlery set
2 (AmE) knives, etc. that are sharp
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cut.let
noun
1 a thick slice of meat, especially LAMB or PORK (= meat from a pig), that is cooked and served with the bone still attached
2 (in compounds) finely chopped pieces of meat, fish, vegetables, etc. that are pressed together into a flat piece, covered with BREADCRUMBS and cooked: nut cutlets
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'cut-off
noun, adj.
noun
1 a point or limit when you stop sth: The government announced a cut-off in overseas aid.  Is there a cut-off point between childhood and adulthood?
2 (cut-offs) [pl.] cut-off trousers/pants: wearing frayed cut-offs

adj. [only before noun] (of trousers / pants) made shorter by cutting off part of the legs: cut-off jeans

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'cut-out
noun
1 a shape cut out of paper, wood, etc: a cardboard cut-out
2 a piece of safety equipment that stops an electric current from flowing through sth: A cut-out stops the kettle boiling dry.
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,cut-'price
adj. [only before noun] (especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,cut-'rate)
1 sold at a reduced price: cut-price goods / fares
2 selling goods at a reduced price: a cut-price store / supermarket
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cut.ter
noun
1 (usually in compounds) a person or thing that cuts: a pastry cutter
2 (cutters) [pl.] (usually in compounds) a tool for cutting: a pair of wire-cutters
3 a small fast ship
4 a ship’s boat, used for travelling between the ship and the shore
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'cut-throat
adj. [usually before noun] (of an activity) in which people compete with each other in aggressive and unfair ways: rival companies engaged in cut-throat competition  the cut-throat world of politics
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,cut-throat 'razor
noun a RAZOR (= a tool used for shaving) with a long sharp blade—compare SAFETY RAZOR
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cut.ting
noun, adj.
noun
1 (also 'press cutting) (both BrE) (also clip.ping, 'press clippingAmE, BrE) an article or a story that you cut from a newspaper or magazine and keep: newspaper / press cuttings
2 a piece cut off a plant that will be used to grow a new plant
3 (BrE) a narrow open passage that is dug through high ground for a road, railway or canal

adj. [usually before noun]
1 unkind and likely to hurt sb’s feelings: a cutting remark
2 (of winds) cold in a sharp and unpleasant way

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'cutting board
noun (AmE ) = CHOPPING BOARD
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,cutting 'edge
noun [sing.]
1 the ~ (of sth) the newest, most advanced stage in the development of sth: working at the cutting edge of computer technology
2 an aspect of sth that gives it an advantage: We’re relying on him to give the team a cutting edge.
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'cutting room
noun a room in which the different parts of a film/movie are cut and put into order
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cuttle.fish
noun (pl.cuttle.fish) a sea creature with ten arms and a wide flat shell inside its body, that produces a black substance like ink when it is attacked
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cutup
noun (AmE , informal) a person who behaves in a silly way in order to attract attention and make people laugh
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CV
(AmE resumé) noun a written record of your education and employment that you send when you are applying for a job (abbreviation for ‘curriculum vitae’): Send a full CV with your job application.
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cwt.
abbr. (pl.cwt.) (in writing) HUNDREDWEIGHT
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-cy
(BrE also -acy) suffix (in nouns)
1 the state or quality of: infancy  accuracy
2 the status or position of: chaplaincy
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cyan
noun [U] (technical ) a greenish-blue colour, used in printing
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cy.an.ide
noun [U] a highly poisonous chemical compound
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cyber-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) connected with electronic communication NETWORKS , especially the Internet: cybernetics  cybercafe
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cy.ber.cafe
noun a cafe with computers on which customers can use the Internet, send electronic mail, etc.
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cy.ber.net.ics
noun [U] the scientific study of communication and control, especially concerned with comparing human and animal brains with machines and electronic devices
cy.ber.net.ic adj.
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cy.ber.space
noun [U] the imaginary place where electronic messages, pictures, etc. exist while they are being sent between computers: A new electronic link-up that will connect 500 hospitals around the world has checked into cyberspace.
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cy.borg
noun (in SCIENCE FICTION stories) a creature that is part human, part machine
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cyc.la.men
noun (pl.cyc.la.men or cyc.la.mens) a plant with pink, purple or white flowers that grow on long stems pointing downwards, often grown indoors
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cycle
noun, verb
noun
1 a bicycle or motorcycle: We went for a cycle ride on Sunday.  a cycle route / track—see also BIKE
2 the fact of a series of events being repeated many times, always in the same order: the cycle of the seasons—see also LIFE CYCLE
3 a complete set or series, for example of movements in a machine: eight cycles per second  the rinse cycle (= in a washing machine)

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (especially BrE ) to ride a bicycle; to travel by bicycle: I usually cycle home through the park.—compare BICYCLE , BIKE

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'cycle lane
(BrE ) (AmE 'bicycle lane, 'bike lane) noun a part of a road or path that only bicycles are allowed to use
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cyc.lic
(also cyc.lic.al ) adj. [usually before noun] repeated many times and always happening in the same order: the cyclic processes of nature  Economic activity often follows a cyclical pattern.
cyc.lic.al.ly adv.: events that occur cyclically
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cyc.ling
noun [U] the sport or activity of riding a bicycle: to go cycling  Cycling is Europe’s second most popular sport.  cycling shorts
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cyc.list
noun a person who rides a bicycle—compare BICYCLIST
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cyc.lone
noun a violent tropical storm in which strong winds move in a circle—compare HURRICANE , TYPHOON
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cyg.net
noun a young SWAN (= a large white bird with a long neck that lives on or near water)
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cy.lin.der
noun
1 a solid or hollow figure with round ends and long straight sides—picture at SOLID
2 an object shaped like a cylinder , especially one used as a container: a gas / oxygen cylinder
3 the hollow tube in an engine, shaped like a cylinder , inside which the PISTON moves: a six-cylinder engine
IDM working / firing on all 'cylinders (informal) using all your energy to do sth; working as well as possible
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cy.lin.dric.al
adj. shaped like a cylinder : huge cylindrical gas tanks
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cym.bal
noun a musical instrument in the form of a round metal plate. It is hit with a stick, or two cymbals are hit against each other: a clash / crash of cymbals—
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cynic
noun
1 a person who believes that people only do things to help themselves, rather than for good or sincere reasons: Don’t be such a cynic!
2 a person who does not believe that sth good will happen or that sth is important: Cynics will say that there is not the slightest chance of success.
cyni.cism noun [U]: In a world full of cynicism she was the one person I felt I could trust.
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cyn.ic.al
adj.
1 believing that people only do things to help themselves rather than for good or honest reasons: Do you have to be so cynical about everything?  a cynical view / smile
2 not caring that sth might hurt other people, if there is some advantage for you: a cynical disregard for the safety of others  a deliberate and cynical foul
cyn.ic.al.ly adv.
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cy.pher
= CIPHER
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cy.press
noun a tall straight EVERGREEN tree
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cyst
noun a GROWTH containing liquid that forms in or on a person’s or an animal’s body and may need to be removed
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cys.tic fi.bro.sis
noun [U] a serious medical condition that some people are born with, in which GLANDS in the lungs and other organs do not work correctly. It often leads to infections and can result in early death.
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cyst.itis
noun [U] an infection of the BLADDER , especially in women, that causes frequent, painful URINATION
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czar, czar.inaczar.ismczar.ist
= TSAR , TSARINA , TSARISM , TSARIST
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D
noun, abbr., symbol
noun (also d) [C, U] (pl.D’s, d’s )
1 the fourth letter of the English alphabet: ‘Dog’ begins with (a) D / ‘D’.
2 (D) (music) the second note in the scale of C MAJOR
3 (D) the fourth highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work, showing that it is not very good: He got (a) D / ‘D’ in / for Geography.—see also D-DAY

abbr. (also D. especially in AmE) (in politics in the US) DEMOCRAT ; DEMOCRATIC

symbol the number 500 in ROMAN NUMERALS

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d.
abbr.
1 (in writing) died: Emily Clifton, d. 1865
2 (d) (in the system of money used in the past in Britain) a PENNY
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-d
suffix  -ED
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DA
(BrE ) (AmED.A.) abbr. DISTRICT ATTORNEY
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dab
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 ~ (at) sth to touch sth lightly, usually several times: [vn] She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose.  [v] He dabbed at the cut with his handkerchief.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth on a surface with quick light movements: She dabbed a little perfume behind her ears.

noun
1 a small amount of a liquid, cream or powder that is put on a surface in a quick gentle movement: She put a dab of perfume behind her ears.
2 an act of gently touching or pressing sth without rubbing: He gave the cut a quick dab with the corner of a towel.
3 a small flat fish

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dab.ble
verb
1 [v] ~ (in / with sth) to take part in a sport, an activity, etc. but not very seriously: She is a talented musician but is content to just dabble.  He dabbles in local politics.
2 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to move your hands, feet, etc. around in water: She dabbled her toes in the stream.
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,dab 'hand
noun (BrE , informal) a person who is very good at doing sth or using sth: He’s a dab hand at cooking spaghetti.  She’s a dab hand with a paintbrush.
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dacha
noun a Russian country house
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dachs.hund
(also BrE informal 'sausage dog) noun a small dog with a long body, long ears and very short legs
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dad
noun (informal) (often used as a name) father: That’s my dad over there.  Do you live with your mum or your dad?  Is it OK if I borrow the car, Dad?
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daddy
noun used especially by and to young children, and often as a name, to mean ‘father’: What does your daddy look like?  Daddy, where are you?  Come to Daddy.
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,daddy-'long-legs
noun (pl.daddy-long-legs) (informal)
1 = CRANE FLY
2 (AmE) a small creature like a spider with very long legs
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dado
noun (pl.-os, AmE-oes) the lower part of the wall of a room when it is a different colour or material from the top part
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dae.mon
noun a creature in stories from ancient Greece that is half man and half god
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daf.fo.dil
noun a tall yellow spring flower shaped like a TRUMPET . It is a national symbol of Wales.
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daft
adj. (daft.er, daft.est) (BrE , informal) silly, often in a way that is amusing: Don’t be so daft!  She’s not as daft as she looks.  What a daft thing to say!
daft.ness noun [U]
IDM ,daft as a 'brush (BrE, spoken) very silly
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dag.ger
noun a short pointed knife that is used as a weapon—see also CLOAK-AND-DAGGER
IDM at daggers 'drawn (BrE) if two people are at daggers drawn, they are very angry with each other look 'daggers at sb to look at sb in a very angry way
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dago
noun (pl.-os or -oes) ( , slang) a very offensive word for a person from Italy, Spain or Portugal
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dah.lia
noun a large brightly coloured garden flower, often shaped like a ball
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daily
adj., adv., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 happening, done or produced every day: a daily routine / visit / newspaper  events affecting the daily lives of millions of people  Invoices are signed on a daily basis .
2 connected with one day’s work: They charge a daily rate.
IDM your daily 'bread the basic things that you need to live, especially food

adv. every day: The machines are inspected twice daily.

noun (pl.-ies)
1 a newspaper published every day except Sunday: The story was in all the dailies.
2 (also ,daily 'help) (old-fashioned, BrE) a person employed to come to sb’s house each day to clean it and do other jobs

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dainty
adj. (dain.tier, dain.ti.est)
1 (of people and things) small and delicate in a way that people find attractive: dainty feet  a dainty porcelain cup
2 (of movements) careful, often in a way that suggests good manners: She took a dainty little bite of the apple.
dain.tily adv.: She blew her nose as daintily as possible.
dain.ti.ness noun [U]
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dai.quiri
noun an alcoholic drink made from RUM mixed with fruit juice, sugar, etc: a strawberry daiquiri
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dairy
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a place on a farm where milk is kept and where butter and cheese are made
2 a company that sells milk, eggs, cheese and other milk products

adj. [only before noun]
1 made from milk: dairy products / produce
2 connected with the production of milk rather than meat: the dairy industry  dairy cattle / farmers  a dairy cow / farm

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dairy.maid
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who works in a dairy (1)
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dairy.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a man who works in a dairy (1)
2 a man who owns or manages a dairy (2) and sells the products
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dais
noun a stage, especially at one end of a room, on which people stand to make speeches to an audience
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daisy
noun (pl.-ies) a small wild flower with white PETALS around a yellow centre; a taller plant with similar but larger flowers—see also MICHAELMAS DAISY
IDM see PUSH v.
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'daisy wheel
noun a small disc, used in some printers and TYPEWRITERS , that has metal rods around its edge with letters, etc. on them: a daisy wheel printer
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dale
noun (literary ordialect ) a valley, especially in northern England: the Yorkshire Dales
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dal.li.ance
noun [U, C] (old-fashioned or humorous)
1 the behaviour of sb who is dallying with sb/sth: It turned out to be his last dalliance with the education system.
2 a sexual relationship that is not serious
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dally
verb (dal.lies, dally.ing, dal.lied, dal.lied) [v] (old-fashioned) to do sth too slowly; to take too much time making a decision
PVR V 'dally with sb/sth (old-fashioned) to treat sb/sth in a way that is not serious enough—see also DILLY-DALLY
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Dal.ma.tian
noun a large dog that has short white hair with black spots
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dam
noun, verb
noun
1 a barrier that is built across a river in order to stop the water from flowing, used especially to make a RESERVOIR (= a lake for storing water) or to produce electricity: the Narmada dam in India  The dam burst.
2 (technical) the mother of some animals, especially horses—compare SIRE

verb (-mm-) [vn] ~ sth (up) to build a dam across a river, especially in order to make an artificial lake for use as a water supply, etc: plans to dam Colorado’s South Platte river

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dam.age
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] ~ (to sth) physical harm caused to sth which makes it less attractive, useful or valuable: serious / severe / extensive / permanent damage  brain / liver damage  smoke / bomb / storm damage  The earthquake caused damage to property estimated at $6 million.  The storm didn’t do much damage.  Let’s take a look at the damage.  I insist on paying for the damage.  Make sure you insure your camera against loss or damage.
2 [U] ~ (to sb/sth) harmful effects on sb/sth: emotional damage resulting from divorce  damage to a person’s reputation  This could cause serious damage to the country’s economy.  I’m going—I’ve done enough damage here already.
3 (damages) [pl.] an amount of money that is paid to sb by the person, company, etc. that has caused them harm or injury: He was ordered to pay damages totalling £30 000.  They intend to sue for damages.  Ann was awarded £6 000 (in) damages.
IDM what’s the 'damage? (spoken) a way of asking how much sth costs

verb [vn] to harm or spoil sth/sb: The fire badly damaged the town hall.  Several vehicles were damaged in the crash.  Smoking seriously damages your health.  The allegations are likely to damage his political career.  emotionally damaged children

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,damage limi'tation
(also ,damage con'trol especially in AmE) noun [U] the process of trying to limit the amount of damage that is caused by sth
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dam.aging
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) causing damage; having a bad effect on sb/sth: damaging consequences / effects  Lead is potentially damaging to children’s health.
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dam.ask
noun [U] a thick fabric, usually made from silk or LINEN , with a pattern that is visible on both sides: a damask tablecloth
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dame
noun
1 (Dame) (in Britain) a title given to a woman as a special honour because of the work she has done: Dame Maggie Smith
2 (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) a woman
3 = PANTOMIME DAME
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damn
exclamation, adj., verb, adv., noun
exclamation (also old-fashioned dam.mit damn it) (informal) a swear word that people use to show that they are annoyed, disappointed, etc: Oh damn! I forgot he was coming.

adj. (also damned) [only before noun] (informal)
1 a swear word that people use to show that they are annoyed with sb/sth: Where’s that damn book!  The damned thing won’t start!  It’s none of your damn business!  He’s a damn nuisance!
2 a swear word that people use to emphasize what they are saying: What a damn shame!
IDM see THING

verb [vn]
1 used when swearing at sb/sth to show that you are angry: Damn you! I’m not going to let you bully me.  Damn this machine! Why won’t it work?
2 (of God) to decide that sb must suffer in HELL
3 to criticize sb/sth very strongly: The film was damned by the critics for its mindless violence.
IDM damn the consequences, expense, etc. (spoken) used to say that you are going to do sth even though you know it may be expensive, have bad results, etc: Let’s celebrate and damn the expense! damn sb/sth with faint 'praise to praise sb/sth only a little, in order to show that you do not really like them/it I’ll be damned! (old-fashioned, spoken) used to show that you are very surprised about sth I’m damned if … (spoken) used to show that you refuse to do sth or do not know sth: I’m damned if I’ll apologize!  I’m damned if I know who he is.—more at NEAR adv.

adv. (also damned) (informal)
1 a swear word that people use to show that they are annoyed with sb/sth: Don’t be so damn silly!  What a damn stupid question!  You know damn well (= you know very well) what I mean!  I’ll damn well leave tonight (= I am determined to).
2 a swear word that people use to emphasize what they are saying: damn good / clever / lucky  We got out pretty damned fast!  I’m damn sure she had no idea.
IDM damn 'all (BrE) nothing: I know damn all about computers.

noun
IDM not care / give a 'damn (about sb/sth) (informal) to not care at all about sb/sth

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dam.nable
adj. (old-fashioned) bad or annoying
dam.nably adv.
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dam.na.tion
noun [U] the state of being in HELL ; the act of sending sb to HELL : eternal damnation
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damned
adj., adv., noun
adj., adv. = DAMN

noun (the damned) [pl.] people who are forced to live in HELL after they die

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damned.est
noun, adj. (informal)
IDM the damnedest … (especially AmE) the most surprising …: It’s the damnedest thing I ever saw. do / try your 'damnedest (to do sth) to try as hard as you can (to do sth): She did her damnedest to get it done on time.
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damn.ing
adj. critical of sb/sth; suggesting that sb is guilty: damning criticism / evidence  a damning conclusion / report  Her report is expected to deliver a damning indictment of education standards.
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Damo.cles
noun
IDM see SWORD
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damp
adj., noun, verb
adj. (damp.er, damp.est) slightly wet, often in a way that is unpleasant: The cottage was cold and damp.  It feels damp in here.  damp clothes  Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
damp.ly adv. (rare): The blouse clung damply to her skin.
IDM a damp 'squib (BrE, informal) an event that is disappointing because it is not as exciting or impressive as expected

noun [U] (BrE ) the state of being damp ; areas on a wall, etc. that are damp : The old house smells of damp.  Those marks above the window look like damp to me.

verb [vn] (rare) = DAMPEN : She damped a towel and wrapped it round his leg.
PVR V ,damp 'down sth to make an emotion or a feeling less strong ,damp sth<->'down to make a fire burn more slowly or stop burning

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'damp course
(also 'damp-proof course) noun (both BrE ) a layer of material near the bottom of a wall that is used to stop damp rising from the ground
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damp.en
verb [vn]
1 (also less frequent damp) to make sth slightly wet: Perspiration dampened her face and neck.  He dampened his hair to make it lie flat.
2 to make sth such as a feeling or a reaction less strong: None of the setbacks could dampen his enthusiasm for the project.  She wasn’t going to let anything dampen her spirits today.
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damp.er
noun
1 a piece of metal that can be moved to allow more or less air into a fire so that the fire burns more or less strongly
2 a device in a piano that is used to reduce the level of the sound produced
IDM put a 'damper on sth (informal) to make sth less enjoyable, successful, etc.
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damp.ness
noun [U] the fact or state of being damp: To avoid dampness, air the room regularly.
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'damp-proof course
noun = DAMP COURSE
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dam.sel
noun (old use) a young woman who is not married
IDM a ,damsel in di'stress (humorous) a woman who needs help
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dam.son
noun a small purple fruit, like a PLUM : a damson tree
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dance
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a series of movements and steps that are usually performed to music; a particular example of these movements and steps: a dance class / routine  Find a partner and practise these new dance steps.  Do you know any other Latin American dances?  The next dance will be a waltz.
2 [U] the art of dancing, especially for entertainment: an evening of drama, music and dance  modern / classical dance  a dance company / troupe
3 [C] an act of dancing: Let’s have a dance.  He did a little dance of triumph.
4 [C] a social event at which people dance: We hold a dance every year to raise money for charity.
5 [C] a piece of music for dancing to: The band finished with a few slow dances.
IDM see LEAD^1v. , SONG

verb
1 [v] to move your body to the sound and rhythm of music: Do you want to dance?  He asked me to dance.  They stayed up all night singing and dancing.  They danced to the music of a string quartet.  Ruth danced all evening with Richard.  Ruth and Richard danced together all evening.
2 [vn] to do a particular type of dance: to dance the tango  to dance a waltz
3 [v] to move in a lively way: The children danced around her.  The sun shone on the sea and the waves danced and sparkled.  The words danced before her tired eyes.
IDM ,dance at'tendance on sb (BrE, formal) to be with sb and do things to help and please them ,dance the 'night away to dance for the whole evening or night dance to sb’s 'tune (BrE) to do whatever sb tells you to

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'dance floor
noun an area where people can dance in a hotel, restaurant, etc.
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'dance hall
noun a large public room where people pay to go and dance (more common in the past than now)—compare BALLROOM
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dan.cer
noun a person who dances or whose job is dancing: She’s a fantastic dancer.  He’s a dancer with the Royal Ballet.
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dan.cing
noun [U] moving your body to music: dancing classes / shoes  There was music and dancing till two in the morning.  disco dancing
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dan.delion
noun a small wild plant with a bright yellow flower that becomes a soft white ball of seeds called a dandelion clock
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dan.dle
verb [vn] (old-fashioned) to play with a baby or young child by moving them up and down on your knee
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dan.druff
noun [U] very small pieces of dead skin, seen as a white dust in a person’s hair
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dandy
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned) a man who cares a lot about his clothes and appearance

adj. (old-fashioned, especially AmE ) very good

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dang
adj., exclamation (AmE , informal) a mild swear word, used instead of DAMN : It’s just dang stupid!
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dan.ger
noun
1 [U] ~ (of sth) the possibility of sth happening that will injure, harm or kill sb, or damage or destroy sth: Danger! Keep Out!  Children’s lives are in danger every time they cross this road.  Doctors said she is now out of danger (= not likely to die).
2 [C, U] ~ of sth| ~ that the possibility of sth bad or unpleasant happening: There is no danger of a bush fire now.  The building is in danger of collapsing.  How many factory workers are in danger of losing their jobs?  There is a danger that the political disorder of the past will return.  ‘Nicky won’t find out, will she?’‘Oh, no, there’s no danger of that.’
3 [C] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that may cause damage, or harm sb: Smoking is a serious danger to health.  Police said the man was a danger to the public.  the hidden dangers in your home—see also ENDANGER
IDM be on / off the 'danger list (BrE) to be so ill that you may die; to no longer be very ill
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'danger money
(BrE ) (AmE 'danger pay) noun [U] extra pay for doing work that is dangerous
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dan.ger.ous
adj. ~ (for sb) (to do sth) likely to injure or harm sb, or to damage or destroy sth: a dangerous road / illness / sport  The traffic here is very dangerous for children.  dangerous levels of carbon monoxide  The prisoners who escaped are violent and dangerous.  a conviction for dangerous driving  The situation is highly dangerous .  It would be dangerous for you to stay here.
dan.ger.ous.ly adv.: She was standing dangerously close to the fire.  His father is dangerously ill (= so ill that he might die).  Mel enjoys living dangerously (= doing things that involve risk or danger).
IDM dangerous 'ground a situation or subject that is likely to make sb angry, or that involves risk: We’d be on dangerous ground if we asked about race or religion.
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dan.gle
verb
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to hang or swing freely: Gold charms dangled from her bracelet.  There was a cigarette dangling from his mouth.  A single light bulb dangled from the ceiling.  His legs dangled over the side of the boat.  He sat on the edge with his legs dangling over the side.
2 [vn] to hold sth so that it hangs or swings freely: She dangled her car keys nervously as she spoke.
PVR V dangle sth before / in front of sb to offer sb sth good in order to persuade them to do sth: He had a company directorship dangled in front of him.
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Danish pastry
(especially BrE ) (also Dan.ishAmE, BrE) noun a sweet cake made of light pastry, often containing apple, nuts, etc. and/or covered with ICING —
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dank
adj. (especially of a place) damp, cold and unpleasant: a dark dank cave
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dap.per
adj. (of a man) small with a neat appearance and nice clothes
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dap.pled
adj. marked with spots of colour, or shade: the cool dappled light under the trees
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Darby and Joan
noun [pl.] (BrE ) a way of referring to an old couple who are happily married
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dare
verb, noun
verb
1 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be brave enough to do sth: She said it as loudly as she dared.  He didn’t dare (to) say what he thought.  They daren’t ask for any more money.   (literary) She dared not breathe a word of it to anybody.  There was something, dare I say it , a little unusual about him.
2 to persuade sb to do sth dangerous, difficult or embarrassing so that they can show that they are not afraid: [vn] Go on! Take it! I dare you.  [vn to inf] Some of the older boys had dared him to do it.  note at MODAL
IDM Don’t you dare! (spoken) used to tell sb strongly not to do sth: ‘I’ll tell her about it.’‘Don’t you dare!’  Don’t you dare say anything to anybody. How 'dare you, etc. used to show that you are angry about sth that sb has done: How dare you talk to me like that?  How dare she imply that I was lying? I dare say (also I daresay especially in BrE) used when you are saying that sth is probable: I dare say you know about it already.

noun [usually sing.] something dangerous, difficult or embarrassing that you try to persuade sb to do, to see if they will do it: (BrE ) He climbed onto the roof for a dare .   (AmE ) She learned to fly on a dare .

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dare.devil
noun a person who enjoys doing dangerous things, in a way that other people may think is stupid: a reckless daredevil
dare.devil adj. [only before noun]: Don’t try any daredevil stunts.
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dar.ing
adj., noun
adj. brave; willing to do dangerous or unusual things; involving danger or taking risks: a daring walk in space  There are plenty of activities at the resort for the less daring.  The gallery was known for putting on daring exhibitions.  a daring strapless dress in black silk
dar.ing.ly adv.

noun [U] courage and the willingness to take risks: the skill and daring of the mountain climbers

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dark
adj., noun
adj. (dark.er, dark.est)
WITH LITTLE LIGHT|
1 with no or very little light, especially because it is night: a dark room / street / forest  What time does it get dark in summer?  It was dark outside and I couldn’t see much.
OPP LIGHT
COLOURS|
2 not light; closer in shade to black than to white: dark blue / green / red  Darker colours are more practical and don’t show stains.
OPP LIGHT , PALE
3 having a colour that is close to black: a dark suit  dark-coloured wood  The dark clouds in the sky meant that a storm was coming.
HAIR / SKIN / EYES|
4 brown or black in colour: Sue has long dark hair.  Even if you have dark skin, you still need protection from the sun.
5 (of a person) having dark hair, eyes, etc: a dark handsome stranger
MYSTERIOUS|
6 mysterious; hidden and not known about: There are no dark secrets in our family.
EVIL|
7 evil or frightening: There was a darker side to his nature.  the dark forces of the imagination
WITHOUT HOPE|
8 unpleasant and without any hope that sth good will happen: the darkest days of Fascism  The film is a dark vision of the future. a dark 'horse
1 (BrE) a person who does not tell other people much about their life, and who surprises other people by having interesting qualities
2 an unknown competitor in a race, etc. who surprises everyone by winning keep sth 'dark (BrE, informal) to keep sth secret and not tell people about it

noun
NO LIGHT|
1 (the dark) [sing.] the lack of light in a place, especially because it is night: All the lights went out and we were left in the dark .  Are the children afraid of the dark?  animals that can see in the dark
COLOUR|
2 [U] an amount of sth that is dark in colour: patterns of light and dark after / before dark after/before the sun goes down and it is night: Try to get home before dark.  Don’t go out alone after dark. in the 'dark (about sth) knowing nothing about sth: Workers were kept in the dark about the plans to sell the company.  She arrived at the meeting as much in the dark as everyone else. a shot / stab in the 'dark a guess; sth you do without knowing what the result will be: The figure he came up with was really just a shot in the dark.—more at LEAP n.

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the 'dark ages
noun [pl.]
1 (the Dark Ages) the period of European history between the end of the Roman Empire and the 10th century AD
2 (often humorous) a period of history or a time when sth was not developed or modern: Back in the dark ages of computing, in about 1980, they started a software company.
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dark.en
verb (written)
1 to become dark; to make sth dark: [v] The sky began to darken as the storm approached.  [vn] We walked quickly through the darkened streets.  a darkened room
2 to make sb unhappy or angry; to become unhappy or angry: [vn] It was a tragedy that darkened his later life.  [v] Her mood darkened at the news.  Luke’s face darkened (= he looked angry).
IDM never darken my 'door again (old-fashioned, humorous) used to tell sb never to come to your home again
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,dark 'glasses
noun [pl.] glasses that have dark-coloured LENSES —see also SUNGLASSES
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dark.ly
adv. (written)
1 in a threatening or unpleasant way: He hinted darkly that all was not well.
2 showing a dark colour: Her eyes burned darkly.
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dark.ness
noun [U]
1 the state of being dark, without any light: After a few minutes our eyes got used to the darkness.  The house was plunged into total darkness when the electricity was cut off.  In the west the sun went down and darkness fell (= it became night).  There is an extra hour of darkness on winter mornings.  Parking is not allowed during the hours of darkness .  Her face was in darkness .  They managed to escape under cover of darkness .
2 the quality or state of being dark in colour: It depends on the darkness of your skin.
3 (literary) evil: the forces of darkness
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dark.room
noun a room that can be made completely dark, where you can take film out of a camera and develop photographs
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dar.ling
noun, adj.
noun
1 (spoken) a way of addressing sb that you love: What’s the matter, darling?
2 a person who is very friendly and kind: You are a darling, Hugo.
3 the ~ of sb/sth a person who is especially liked and very popular: She is the darling of the newspapers and can do no wrong.

adj. [only before noun] (informal) much loved; very attractive, special, etc: My darling daughter.  ‘Darling Henry,’ the letter began.

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darn
verb, noun, adj., adv.
verb to repair a hole in a piece of clothing by sewing stitches across the hole: [vn] to darn socks [alsov] 'darn it! (spoken, especially AmE) used as a mild swear word to show that you are angry or annoyed about sth, to avoid saying ‘damn’: Darn it! I’ve lost my keys! I’ll be 'darned! (spoken, especially AmE) used to show that you are surprised about sth

noun a place on a piece of clothing that has been repaired by darning

adj. (also darned) (spoken) used as a mild swear word, to emphasize sth: Why don’t you switch the darn thing off and listen to me!

adv. (also darned) (spoken) used as a mild swear word, instead of saying DAMN , to mean ‘extremely’ or ‘very’: You had a darn good try.  It’s darn cold tonight.

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darned
adj., adv. (AmE ) a mild swear word that people use to emphasize what they are saying. People say ‘darned’ to avoid saying ‘damn’: That’s a darned good idea!
darned.est adj.
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dart
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small pointed object, sometimes with feathers to help it fly, that is shot as a weapon or thrown in the game of darts : a poisoned dart—
2 (darts) [U] a game in which darts are thrown at a round board marked with numbers for scoring. Darts is often played in British pubs: a darts match—
3 [sing.] a sudden quick movement: She made a dart for the door.
4 [sing.] (written) a sudden feeling of a strong emotion: Nina felt a sudden dart of panic.
5 [C] a pointed fold that is sewn in a piece of clothing to make it fit better

verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move suddenly and quickly in a particular direction: A dog darted across the road in front of me.  Her eyes darted around the room, looking for Greg.
2 ~ a glance / look (at sb) to look at sb suddenly and quickly: [vn, vnn] He darted an impatient look at Vicky.  He darted Vicky an impatient look.

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dart.board
noun a circular board used in the game of darts —
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dash
noun, verb
noun
STH DONE QUICKLY|
1 [sing.] a ~ (for sth) an act of going somewhere suddenly and/or quickly: When the doors opened, there was a mad dash for seats.  a 60-mile dash to safety  He jumped off the bus and made a dash for the nearest bar.  We waited for the police to leave then made a dash for it (= left quickly in order to escape).
2 [sing.] an act of doing sth quickly because you do not have enough time: a last-minute dash to buy presents
SMALL AMOUNT|
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a small amount of sth that is added to sth else: Add a dash of lemon juice.  The rug adds a dash of colour to the room.—compare SPLASH
SYMBOL|
4 [C] the mark(—) used to separate parts of a sentence, often instead of a COLON or in pairs instead of BRACKETS —compare HYPHEN
RACE|
5 [C, usually sing.] (especially AmE) a race in which the competitors run very fast over a short distance
SYN SPRINT : the 100-meter dash
WAY OF BEHAVING|
6 [U] (old-fashioned, approving) a way of behaving that combines style, enthusiasm and confidence
PART OF CAR|
7 [C] (informal) = DASHBOARD —see also PEBBLE-DASH cut a 'dash (BrE) to look attractive in a particular set of clothes, especially in a way that makes other people notice you: He cut quite a dash in his uniform.

verb
GO QUICKLY|
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere very quickly: I must dash (= leave quickly), I’m late.  She dashed off to keep an appointment.  He dashed along the platform and jumped on the train.
THROW / BEAT|
2 [+adv. / prep.] to throw sth or make sth fall violently onto a hard surface; to beat against a surface: [vn] The boat was dashed repeatedly against the rocks.  [v] The waves were dashing against the harbour wall. dash sb’s 'hopes to destroy sb’s hopes by making what they were hoping for impossible dash (it)! | dash it all! (old-fashioned, BrE) used to show that you are annoyed about sth ,dash sth<->'off to write or draw sth very quickly: I dashed off a note to my brother.

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dash.board
(also fa.scia) (also dash especially in AmE) noun the part of a car in front of the driver that has instruments and controls in it—picture at CAR
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dash.ing
adj. (written)
1 (usually of a man) attractive, confident and elegant: a dashing young officer  his dashing good looks
2 (of a thing) attractive and fashionable: his dashing red waistcoat
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das.tard.ly
adj. (old-fashioned) wicked and cruel: My first part was Captain O’Hagarty, a dastardly villain in a children’s play.
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DAT
abbr. digital audio tape
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data
noun (used as a plural noun in technical English, when the singular is datum)
1 [U, pl.] facts or information, especially when examined and used to find out things or to make decisions: This data was collected from 69 countries.  the analysis / interpretation of the data  raw data (= that has not been analysed)  demographical / historical / personal data   (technical) These data show that most cancers are detected as a result of clinical follow-up.
2 [U] information that is stored by a computer: data capture / retrieval (= ways of storing or finding information on a computer)
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data.bank
noun a large amount of data on a particular subject that is stored in a computer
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data.base
noun an organized set of data that is stored in a computer and can be looked at and used in various ways
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dat.able
adj. that can be DATED to a particular time: pottery that is datable to the second century
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'data mining
noun [U] (computing ) looking at large amounts of information that has been collected on a computer and using it to provide new information
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,data 'processing
noun [U] (computing ) a series of actions that a computer performs on data to produce an OUTPUT (= information that has been analysed)
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,data pro'tection
noun [U] legal restrictions that keep information stored on computers private and that control who can read it or use it
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date
noun, verb
noun
PARTICULAR DAY|
1 [C] a particular day of the month, sometimes in a particular year, given in numbers and words: ‘What’s the date today?’‘The 10th.’  Write today’s date at the top of the page.  We need to fix a date for the next meeting.  They haven’t set a date for the wedding yet.  I can’t come on that date.  Please give your name, address and date of birth .   (especially AmE) name, address and birth date   There’s no date on this letter.—see also CLOSING DATE , SELL-BY DATE
PAST TIME / FUTURE|
2 [sing., U] a time in the past or future that is not a particular day: The details can be added at a later date .  The work will be carried out at a future date .  a building of late Roman date
ARRANGEMENT TO MEET|
3 [C] (BrE) an arrangement to meet sb at a particular time: Call me next week and we’ll try and make a date .
ROMANTIC MEETING|
4 [C] a meeting that you have arranged with a boyfriend or girlfriend or with sb who might become a boyfriend or girlfriend: I’ve got a date with Lucy tomorrow night.  Paul’s not coming. He’s got a hot date (= an exciting one).—see also BLIND DATE
5 [C] (especially AmE) a boyfriend or girlfriend with whom you have arranged a date : My date is meeting me at seven.
FRUIT|
6 [C] a sweet sticky brown fruit that grows on a tree called a date palm, common in N Africa and W Asia to 'date until now: To date, we have received over 200 replies.  The exhibition contains some of his best work to date.—see also OUT OF DATE , UP TO DATE

verb
WRITE DATE|
1 [vn] to write or print the date on sth: Thank you for your letter dated 24th March.
FIND AGE|
2 [vn] to say when sth old existed or was made: The skeleton has been dated at about 2 000 BC.
OF CLOTHES / WORDS|
3 [v] to become old-fashioned: She designs classic clothes which do not date.
PERSON|
4 [vn] if sth dates you, it shows that you are fairly old or older than the people you are with: I was at the Woodstock festival—that dates me, doesn’t it?
HAVE RELATIONSHIP|
5 (old-fashioned, AmE ) to have a romantic relationship with sb: [vn] She’s been dating Ron for several months. [alsov] date back (to … )| date from … to have existed since a particular time in the past or for the length of time mentioned: The college dates back to medieval times.  The custom dates back hundreds of years.  a law dating from the 17th century

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date.book
noun (AmE ) = DIARY
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dated
adj. old-fashioned; belonging to a time in the past—compare UNDATED
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'date line
noun = INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
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'date rape
noun [U] the crime of RAPING a girl or woman, committed by sb she has gone out with on a DATE
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'dating agency
(also 'dating service) noun a business or an organization that arranges meetings between single people who want to begin a romantic relationship: He met his wife through a computer dating agency .
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dat.ive
noun (grammar ) (in some languages) the form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective when it is the INDIRECT OBJECT of a verb or is connected with the INDIRECT OBJECT : In the sentence, ‘I sent her a postcard’, the word ‘her’ is in the dative .—compare ACCUSATIVE , GENITIVE , NOMINATIVE , VOCATIVE
dat.ive adj.
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datum
noun (pl.data) (technical ) a fact or piece of information—see also DATA
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daub
verb, noun
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ A on, etc. B| ~ B with A to spread a substance such as paint, mud, etc. thickly and/or carelessly onto sth: The walls of the building were daubed with red paint.

noun
1 [U] a mixture of clay, etc. that was used in the past for making walls: walls made of wattle and daub
2 [C] a small amount of a substance such as paint that has been spread carelessly: a daub of lipstick
3 [C] a badly painted picture

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daugh.ter
noun a person’s female child—see also GOD-DAUGHTER , GRANDDAUGHTER , STEPDAUGHTER
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'daughter-in-law
noun (pl.daughters-in-law) the wife of your son—compare SON-IN-LAW
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daunt
verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb feel nervous and less confident about doing sth: She was a brave woman but she felt daunted by the task ahead.
daunt.ing adj.: She has the daunting task of cooking for 20 people every day.  Starting a new job can be a daunting prospect .
daunt.ing.ly adv.
IDM nothing 'daunted (BrE, formal) confident about sth difficult you have to do: Nothing daunted, the people set about rebuilding their homes.
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daunt.less
adj. (literary) not easily frightened or stopped from doing sth difficult
SYN RESOLUTE
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daw.dle
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take a long time to do sth or go somewhere: Stop dawdling! We’re going to be late!  They dawdled along by the river, laughing and talking.
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dawn
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the time of day when light first appears
SYN DAYBREAK , SUNRISE : They start work at dawn .  It’s almost dawn.  We arrived in Sydney as dawn broke (= as the first light could be seen).  I woke up just before dawn.  summer’s early dawns  He works from dawn till dusk (= from morning till night).—compare DUSK
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the beginning or first signs of sth: the dawn of civilization / time / history  Peace marked a new dawn in the country’s history.
IDM see BREAK n. , CRACK n.

verb [v]
1 (written) (of a day or a period of time) to begin: The following morning dawned bright and warm.  A new technological age had dawned.
2 to become obvious or easy to understand: Slowly the awful truth dawned.
IDM see LIGHT n.
PVR V 'dawn on sb [no passive] if sth dawns on you, you begin to realize it for the first time: [+ that] Suddenly it dawned on me that they couldn’t possibly have met before.

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the ,dawn 'chorus
noun [sing.] (BrE ) the sound of birds singing very early in the morning
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day
noun
1 [C] a period of 24 hours: I saw Tom three days ago.  ‘What day is it today?’‘Monday.’  We’re going away in a few days / in a few days' time .  They left the day before yesterday (= two days ago).  We’re meeting the day after tomorrow (= in two days).  New Year’s Day  Take the medicine three times a day .  We can’t go there today. You can go another day .—see also FIELD DAY , OFF DAY , RED-LETTER DAY , SPORTS DAY
2 [U] the time between when it becomes light in the morning and when it becomes dark in the evening: The sun was shining all day .  I could sit and watch the river all day long .  He works at night and sleeps during the day .  Nocturnal animals sleep by day and hunt by night.
3 [C, usually sing.] the hours of the day when you are awake, working, etc: a seven-hour working day   It’s been a long day (= I’ve been very busy).  Did you have a good day?  She didn’t do a full day’s work .  I took a half day off yesterday.   (AmE) Have a nice day!—see also WORKDAY
4 [C, usually pl.] a particular period of time or history: in Queen Victoria’s day  the early days of computers  Most women stayed at home in those days .   (spoken) in the old days (= in the past)—see also GLORY DAYS , HEYDAY , NOWADAYS , THE PRESENT DAY
HELP There are many other compounds ending in day. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
IDM all in a day’s 'work part of your normal working life and not unusual any day (now) (spoken) very soon: The letter should arrive any day now. carry / win the 'day (formal) to be successful against sb/sth: Despite strong opposition, the ruling party carried the day. day after 'day each day repeatedly (used especially when sth is boring or annoying): She hates doing the same work day after day. day by 'day all the time; a little at a time and gradually: Day by day his condition improved. day 'in, day 'out every day for a long period of time a day of 'reckoning the time when sb will have to deal with the result of sth that they have done wrong, or be punished for sth bad that they have done sb’s / sth’s days are 'numbered a person or thing will not continue to live, exist or be successful for much longer: His days as leader of the party are numbered. from day 'one (spoken) from the beginning: It’s never worked from day one. from day to 'day
1 with no thoughts or plans for the future: They live from day to day, looking after their sick daughter.
2 if a situation changes from day to day, it changes often: A baby’s need for food can vary from day to day. from ,one day to the 'next if a situation changes from one day to the next, it is uncertain and not likely to stay the same each day: I never know what to expect from one day to the next. have had your 'day to no longer be successful, powerful, etc: She’s had her day as a supermodel. have seen / known better 'days (humorous) to be in poor condition: Our car has seen better days! if he’s, she’s, etc. a 'day (spoken) (used when talking about sb’s age) at least: He must be 70 if he’s a day! in sb’s 'day
1 during the part of sb’s life when they were most successful, famous, etc: She was a great dancer in her day.
2 when sb was young: In my day, there were plenty of jobs when you left school. in 'this day and age now, in the modern world it’s not sb’s 'day (spoken) used when several unfortunate or unpleasant things happen on the same day: My car broke down and then I locked myself out—it’s just not my day! make sb’s 'day to make sb feel very happy on a particular day: The phone call from Mike really made my day. make a day of it (spoken) to make a particular enjoyable activity last for a whole day instead of only part of it not have all 'day to not have much time: Come on! We don’t have all day! of sb’s 'day during a particular period of time when sb lived: the best writer / actor / player of his day  Bessie Smith was the Madonna of her day. of the 'day that is served on a particular day in a restaurant: soup of the day 'one day at some time in the future, or on a particular day in the past: One day, I want to leave the city and move to the country.  One day, he walked out of the house with a small bag and never came back. 'one of these days before a long time has passed: One of these days you’ll come back and ask me to forgive you. one of those 'days (spoken) a day when there are a lot of mistakes and a lot of things go wrong: It’s been one of those days! 'some day at an unknown time in the future: Some day I’ll be famous. take it / things one ,day at a 'time (spoken) to not think about what will happen in the future: I don’t know if he’ll get better. We’re just taking it one day at a time. 'that’ll be the day (spoken, ironic) used when you are saying that sth is very unlikely to happen: Paul? Apologize? That’ll be the day! 'these days (spoken) used to talk about the present, especially when you are comparing it with the past: These days kids grow up so quickly. 'those were the days (spoken) used to suggest that a time in the past was happier or better than now to the 'day exactly: It’s been three years to the day since we met. to this 'day even now, when a lot of time has passed: To this day, I still don’t understand why he did it.—more at BORN , BREAK n. , CALL v. , CLEAR adj. , COLD adj. , DEED , DOG n. , EARLY adj. , END n. , END v. , FORTH , GIVE v. , HIGH adj. , LATE adv. , LIVE^1 , NICE , NIGHT , OLD , ORDER n. , OTHER adj. , PASS v. , PLAIN adj. , RAINY , ROME , SALAD , SAVE v.
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'day boy
noun (BrE ) a boy DAY PUPIL
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day.break
noun [U] the time of day when light first appears
SYN DAWN : We left before daybreak.
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'day care
noun [U] care for small children, or for old or sick people, away from home, during the day: Day care is provided by the company she works for.  a day care centre
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'day centre
noun (BrE ) a place that provides care for old or sick people during the day
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day.dream
noun pleasant thoughts that make you forget about the present: She stared out of the window, lost in a daydream.
day.dream verb [v] ˜ (about sb/sth): I would spend hours daydreaming about a house of my own.
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'day girl
noun (BrE ) a girl DAY PUPIL
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Day-Glo
™adj. having a very bright orange, yellow, green or pink colour: Day-Glo cycling shorts
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'day job
noun [sing.] the paid work that sb normally does
IDM don’t give up the 'day job (informal, humorous) used to tell sb that they should continue doing what they are used to, rather than trying sth new which they are likely to fail at: So you want to be a writer? Well my advice is, don’t give up the day job.
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day.light
noun [U] the light that comes from the sun during the day: They emerged from the church into the bright daylight.  The street looks very different in daylight .  They left before daylight (= before the sun had risen).
IDM ,daylight 'robbery (informal) the fact of sb charging too much money for sth: You wouldn’t believe some of the prices they charge; it’s daylight robbery.—more at BROAD adj.
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day.lights
noun [pl.]
IDM beat / knock the (living) 'daylights out of sb (informal) to hit sb very hard several times and hurt them very much frighten / scare the (living) 'daylights out of sb (informal) to frighten sb very much
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,daylight 'saving time
(also 'daylight time) noun (abbr. DST) [U] (AmE ) = SUMMER TIME
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day.long
adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE ) lasting for a whole day: a daylong conference / meeting
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'day nursery
(also nursery) (both BrE ) (AmE 'day care center) noun a place where small children are cared for while their parents are at work—compare CRÈCHE , NURSERY SCHOOL
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,day 'off
noun (pl.days off) a day on which you do not have to work: Most weeks, Sunday is my only day off.  Why not take a few days off?
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the ,Day of 'Judgement
noun [sing.] = JUDGEMENT DAY
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,day 'out
noun (pl.days out) a trip or visit somewhere for a day: We had a day out in the country.
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'day pupil
(BrE ) (also 'day studentAmE, BrE) noun a school student who lives at home but who goes to a school where other students live in the school
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,day re'lease
noun (BrE ) [U] a system of allowing employees days off work for education: time off for study on day release  a day release course
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,day re'turn
noun (BrE ) a ticket at a reduced price for a journey to a place and back again on the same day
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'day room
noun a room in a hospital or other institution where people can sit, relax, watch television, etc. during the day
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'day school
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a private school with students who live at home and only go to school during the day—compare BOARDING SCHOOL
2 (BrE) a course of education lasting one day, at which a particular topic is discussed: a day school at Leeds University on women in Victorian times
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'day student
noun (especially AmE ) = DAY PUPIL
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day.time
noun [U] the period during the day between the time when it gets light and the time when it gets dark: You don’t often see this bird in (the) daytime .  The park is open during (the) daytime throughout the summer.  Daytime temperatures never fell below 80°F.  Please give your name, address and daytime phone number.
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,day-to-'day
adj. [only before noun]
1 planning for only one day at a time: I have organized the cleaning on a day-to-day basis , until our usual cleaner returns.
2 involving the usual events or tasks of each day: She has been looking after the day-to-day running of the school.
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'day trip
noun a trip or visit completed in one day: a day trip to France
'day tripper noun (BrE)
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daze
noun
IDM in a daze in a confused state: I’ve been in a complete daze since hearing the news.
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dazed
adj. unable to think clearly, especially because of a shock or blow: Survivors waited for the rescue boats, dazed and frightened.  Jimmy was still dazed by the blow to his head.
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daz.zle
verb, noun
verb [often passive]
1 if a strong light dazzles you, it is so bright that you cannot see for a short time: [vn] He was momentarily dazzled by the strong sunlight. [alsov]
2 [vn] to impress sb a lot with your beauty, skill, knowledge, etc: He was dazzled by the warmth of her smile.
daz.zling adj.: a dazzling display of oriental dance and music
daz.zlingly adv.: She was dazzlingly beautiful.

noun [U, sing.]
1 the quality that bright light has that stops you from seeing clearly
2 a thing or quality that impresses you but may prevent you from understanding or thinking clearly: the dazzle of publicity

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d.b.a.
abbr. (AmE ) doing business as: Philip Smith, d.b.a. Phil’s Signs
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DC
abbr.
1 direct current (an electric current that flows in one direction)—compare AC
2 District of Columbia in the US: Washington, DC
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'D-Day
noun [U] a date on which sth important is expected to happen
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DDT
noun [U] a colourless chemical used, especially in the past, for killing insects that harm crops
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de-
prefix (in verbs and related nouns, adjectives and adverbs)
1 the opposite of: decentralization
2 removing sth: to defrost the refrigerator (= remove layers of ice from it)
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dea.con
noun
1 (in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches) a religious leader just below the rank of a priest
2 (in some Nonconformist Churches) a person who is not a member of the CLERGY , but who helps a MINISTER with church business affairs
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dea.con.ess
noun (in some Christian Churches) a woman who has duties that are similar to those of a deacon
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dead
adj., noun, adv.
adj.
NOT ALIVE|
1 no longer alive: My mother’s dead; she died in 1987.  a dead person / animal  dead leaves / wood / skin  He was shot dead by a gunman outside his home.  Catherine’s dead body lay peacefully on the bed.  He dropped dead (= died suddenly) last week.  The poor child looks more dead than alive .   (figurative) In ten years he’ll be dead and buried as a politician.
IDEA / BELIEF / PLAN|
2 [not before noun] no longer believed in or aimed for: Many believe the peace plan is dead.  Unfortunately racism is not yet dead.  Though the idea may be dead, it is far from being buried (= people still talk about it, even though there is nothing new to say).
NOT USED|
3 belonging to the past; no longer practised or fashionable: Is the Western a dead art form?  a dead language (= one that is no longer spoken, for example Latin)  By the seventies the suit was dead, kept for weddings, funerals and job interviews.
FINISHED|
4 (informal) finished; not able to be used any more: dead matches  There were two dead bottles of wine on the table.
MACHINE|
5 (of machines or equipment) not working because of a lack of power: a dead battery / engine  The hard disk seems to be dead.  Suddenly the phone went dead .
PLACE|
6 (informal, disapproving) very quiet, without activity or interest: There were no theatres, no cinemas, no coffee bars. It was dead as anything.
BUSINESS|
7 (informal, disapproving) without activity; with nobody buying or selling anything: ‘The market is absolutely dead this morning,’ said one foreign exchange trader.  Winter is traditionally the dead season for the housing market.
TIRED|
8 [not usually before noun] (informal) extremely tired; not well: half dead with cold and hunger  She felt dead on her feet and didn’t have the energy to question them further.
WITHOUT FEELING|
9 [not before noun] (of a part of the body) unable to feel because of cold, etc.
SYN NUMB : My left arm had gone dead.
10 ˜ to sth unable to feel or understand emotions
SYN INSENSITIVE : He was dead to all feelings of pity.
11 (especially of sb’s voice, eyes or face) showing no emotion
SYN EXPRESSIONLESS : She said, ‘I’m sorry, too,’ in a quiet, dead voice.  His usually dead grey eyes were sparkling.
COMPLETE / EXACT|
12 [only before noun] complete or exact: a dead silence / calm  the dead centre of the target  The car gave a sudden jerk and came to a dead stop.   (BrE) This horse is a dead cert for (= will certainly win) the race tomorrow.  She crumpled to the floor in a dead faint (= completely unconscious).
NEVER ALIVE|
13 never having been alive: dead matter (= for example rock)  a dead planet (= one with no life on it)
IN SPORT|
14 outside the playing area be a dead 'ringer for sb (informal) to look very like sb: She’s a dead ringer for a girl I used to know. (as) ,dead as a / the 'dodo (BrE, informal) completely dead; no longer interesting or valid (as) ,dead as a 'doornail (informal) completely dead a ,dead 'duck (informal) a plan, an event, etc. that has failed or is certain to fail and that is therefore not worth discussing be dead and 'gone (informal) to be dead: You’ll be sorry you said that when I’m dead and gone. the dead hand of sth (written) an influence that controls or restricts sth: We need to free business from the dead hand of bureaucracy. ,dead in the 'water a person or plan that is dead in the water has failed and has little hope of succeeding in the future: His leadership campaign is dead in the water. dead 'meat (informal) in serious trouble: If anyone finds out, you’re dead meat. ,dead to the 'world fast asleep over ,my dead 'body (spoken) used to show you are strongly opposed to sth: She moves into our home over my dead body. sb wouldn’t be seen / caught 'dead … (spoken) used to say that you would not like to wear particular clothes, or to be in a particular situation: She wouldn’t be seen dead in a hat.  He wouldn’t be caught dead going to a club with his mother.—more at FLOG , KNOCK v.

noun (the dead)
1 [pl.] people who have died: The dead and wounded in that one attack amounted to 6 000.
2 [sing.] the state of being dead: Christians believe that God raised Jesus from the dead.   (figurative) In nine years he has brought his party back from the dead almost to the brink of power. in the ,dead of 'night (BrE also at ,dead of 'night) in the quietest part of the night: I crept out of bed in the dead of night and sneaked downstairs. in the ,dead of 'winter in the coldest part of winter

adv. (informal)
COMPLETELY|
1 completely; exactly: You’re dead right!   (BrE) a dead straight road   (BrE) The train was dead on time.  He’s dead against the idea.  The sight made him stop dead in his tracks (= stop suddenly).  She’s dead set on getting (= determined to get) this new job.
VERY|
2 (BrE, informal) very; extremely: The instructions are dead easy to follow.  You were dead lucky to get that job.  I was dead scared. cut sb 'dead (BrE) to pretend not to have seen sb; to refuse to greet sb: She saw me, recognized me and cut me dead.—more at RIGHT n.

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,dead 'beat
(also informal beat) adj. [not before noun] (informal) very tired: You look dead beat.
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dead.beat
noun (informal)
1 (especially AmE) a lazy person; a person with no job and no money, who is not part of normal society
2 (AmE) a person or company that tries to avoid paying their debts
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dead.bolt
noun (especially AmE ) = DEADLOCK
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dead.en
verb [vn] to make sth such as a sound, a feeling, etc. less strong
SYN DULL : He was given drugs to deaden the pain.
dead.en.ing adj. [only before noun]: the deadening effect of alcohol on your reactions
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,dead 'end
noun
1 a road, passage, etc. that is closed at one end: The first street we tried turned out to be a dead end.
2 a point at which you can make no further progress in what you are doing: We had come to a dead end in our research.  This line of investigation could prove to be a complete dead end.  He’s in a dead-end job in the local factory (= one with low wages and no hope of promotion).
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,dead 'heat
noun
1 (especially BrE) a result in a race when two competitors finish at exactly the same time
2 (AmE) a situation during a race or competition, etc. when two or more people are at the same level: The two candidates are in a dead heat in the polls.
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,dead 'letter
noun
1 [usually sing.] a law or an agreement that still exists but that is ignored
2 (especially AmE) a letter that cannot be delivered to an address or to the person who sent it
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dead.line
noun ~ (for sth) a point in time by which sth must be done: I prefer to work to a deadline .  The deadline for applications is 30 April.  the January 15 deadline set by the United Nations
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dead.lock
noun
1 [sing., U] a complete failure to reach agreement or settle a dispute: European agriculture ministers failed to break the deadlock over farm subsidies.   (BrE) The strike appeared to have reached deadlock.   (AmE, BrE) The strike has reached a deadlock.
2 [C] (BrE) (also dead.boltAmE, BrE) a type of lock on a door that needs a key to open or close it
dead.locked adj. [not before noun]: Despite months of discussion the negotiations remained deadlocked.
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,dead 'loss
noun [usually sing.] (BrE , informal) a person or thing that is not helpful or useful: He may be a very talented designer, but as a manager he’s a dead loss.
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dead.ly
adj., adv.
adj. (dead.lier, dead.li.est)
HELP More deadly and deadliest are the usual forms. You can also use most deadly.
1 causing or likely to cause death: a deadly weapon / disease  deadly poison  The cobra is one of the world’s deadliest snakes.  The terrorists have chosen to play a deadly game with the civilian population.  the seven deadly sins (= for which you could be sent to HELL )
2 [only before noun] extreme; complete: I’m in deadly earnest .  We sat in deadly silence .  They are deadly enemies (= will always remain enemies, and are full of hatred for each other).
3 extremely effective, so that no defence is possible: His aim is deadly (= so accurate that he can kill easily).  It was the deadly striker’s 11th goal of the season.
4 (BrE, informal) very boring: The lecture was absolutely deadly.

adv.
1 (informal) extremely: deadly serious / dull
2 (rare) = DEATHLY : deadly pale / cold

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,dead.ly 'night.shade
(also bella.donna) noun [U] a very poisonous plant with purple flowers and black berries
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dead.pan
adj. without any expression or emotion; often pretending to be serious when you are joking: deadpan humour
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dead.weight
noun [usually sing.]
1 a thing that is very heavy and difficult to lift or move
2 a person or thing that makes it difficult for sth to succeed or change
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,dead 'wood
noun [U] people or things that have become useless or unnecessary in an organization
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deaf
adj. (deaf.er, deaf.est)
1 unable to hear anything or unable to hear very well: to become / go deaf  She was born deaf.—see also STONE DEAF , TONE-DEAF
2 (the deaf) noun [pl.] people who cannot hear: television subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
3 [not before noun] ~ to sth not willing to listen or pay attention to sth: He was deaf to my requests for help.
deaf.ness noun [U]
IDM (as) ,deaf as a 'post (informal) very deaf fall on deaf 'ears to be ignored or not noticed by other people: Her advice fell on deaf ears. turn a deaf 'ear (to sb/sth) to ignore or refuse to listen to sb/sth: He turned a deaf ear to the rumours.
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deaf.en
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to make sb unable to hear the sounds around them because there is too much noise: The noise of the siren was deafening her.
2 to make sb deaf
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deaf.en.ing
adj. very loud: deafening applause  The noise of the machine was deafening.  The government’s response to the report has been a deafening silence (= it was very noticeable that nothing was said or done).
deaf.en.ing.ly adv.
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,deaf 'mute
noun (sometimes offensive) a person who is unable to hear or speak
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deal
verb, noun
verb (dealt, dealt )
CARDS|
1 ~ (sth) (out)| ~ (sth) (to sb) to give cards to each player in a game of cards: [v] Whose turn is it to deal?  [vn] Start by dealing out ten cards to each player.  [vnn] He dealt me two aces.
DRUGS|
2 to buy and sell illegal drugs: [v] You can often see people dealing openly on the streets. [alsovn] deal sb/sth a 'blow | deal a 'blow to sb/sth (formal)
1 to be very shocking or harmful to sb/sth: Her sudden death dealt a blow to the whole country.
2 to hit sb/sth—more at WHEEL v. 'deal in sth
1 to buy and sell a particular product: The company deals in computer software.
2 to accept sth as a basis for your decisions, attitudes, or actions: We don’t deal in rumours or guesswork. ,deal sth<->'out
1 to share sth out among a group of people
SYN DISTRIBUTE : The profits were dealt out among the investors.
2 to say what punishment sb should have: Many judges deal out harsher sentences to men than to women. 'deal with sb to take appropriate action in a particular situation or according to who you are talking to, managing, etc.
SYN HANDLE : She is used to dealing with all kinds of people in her job. 'deal with sb/sth to do business with a person, a company or an organization 'deal with sth
1 to solve a problem, carry out a task, etc: to deal with enquiries / issues / complaints  Have you dealt with these letters yet?  He’s good at dealing with pressure.
2 to be about sth: Her poems often deal with the subject of death.

noun
A LOT|
1 [sing.] a good / great ~ much; a lot: They spent a great deal of money.  It took a great deal of time.  I’m feeling a good deal better.  We see them a great deal (= often).
BUSINESS AGREEMENT|
2 [C] an agreement, especially in business, on particular conditions for buying or doing sth: to make / sign / conclude / close a deal (with sb)   (informal) Did you cut a deal (= make one)?  We did a deal with the management on overtime.  They were hoping for a better pay deal.  A deal was struck after lengthy negotiations.  The deal fell through (= no agreement was reached).  I got a good deal on the car (= bought it cheaply).  It’s a deal! (= I agree to your terms)  Listen. This is the deal (= this is what we have agreed and are going to do).—see also PACKAGE
TREATMENT|
3 [C, usually sing.] the way that sb/sth is treated: If elected, the party has promised a new deal (= better and fairer treatment) for teachers.  They knew they’d been given a raw / rough deal (= been treated unfairly).  We tried to ensure that everyone got a fair deal .  It was a square deal for everyone.
IN CARD GAMES|
4 [C, usually sing.] the action of giving out cards to the players: It’s your deal.
WOOD|
5 [U] (especially BrE) the soft pale wood of FIR or PINE trees, especially when it is cut into boards for making things: a deal table
IDM see BIG adj. , STRIKE v.

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deal.er
noun
1 ~ (in sth) a person whose business is buying and selling a particular product: an art / antique dealer  He’s a dealer in second-hand cars.—see also WHEELER-DEALER
2 a person who sells illegal drugs
3 the person who gives out the cards in a card game
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deal.er.ship
noun a business that buys and sells products, especially cars, for a particular company; the position of being a dealer who can buy and sell sth: a Ford dealership
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deal.ing
noun
1 (dealings) [pl.] business activities; the relations that you have with sb in business: Have you had any previous dealings with this company?  I knew nothing of his business dealings.  She has always been very polite in her dealings with me.
2 [U] a way of doing business with sb: a reputation for fair / honest dealing
3 [U, C] buying and selling: drug dealing  dealings in shares
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dealt
pt, pp of DEAL
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dean
noun
1 (in the Anglican Church) a priest of high rank who is in charge of the other priests in a CATHEDRAL
2 (also ,rural 'dean) (BrE) a priest who is in charge of the priests of several churches in an area
3 a person in a university who is in charge of a department of studies: the dean of the Faculty of Medicine
4 (in a college or university, especially at Oxford or Cambridge) a person who is responsible for the discipline of students
5 (AmE) = DOYEN
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dean.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a group of PARISHES controlled by a dean (2)
2 the office or house of a dean (1, 2)
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dear
adj., exclamation, noun, adv.
adj. (dear.er, dear.est)
1 ~ (to sb) loved by or important to sb: He’s one of my dearest friends.  Her daughter is very dear to her.
2 (Dear) used at the beginning of a letter before the name or title of the person that you are writing to: Dear Sir or Madam  Dear Mrs Jones
3 [not usually before noun] (BrE) expensive; costing a lot of money: Everything’s so dear now, isn’t it?
4 (dear old / little …) (BrE) used to describe sb in a way that shows affection: Dear old Sue! I knew she’d help.  Their baby’s a dear little thing.
IDM hold sb/sth 'dear (formal) to care very much for sb/sth; to value sb/sth highly: He had destroyed everything we held dear.—more at HEART , LIFE , NEAR adj.

exclamation used in expressions that show that you are surprised, upset, annoyed or worried: Oh dear! I think I’ve lost my purse!  Oh dear! What a shame.  Dear me! What a mess!  Dear oh dear! What are you going to do now?

noun
1 (BrE, spoken) a kind person: Isn’t he a dear?  Be a dear and fetch me my coat.
2 used when speaking to sb you love: Would you like a drink, dear?  Come here, my dear.
3 used when speaking to sb in a friendly way, for example by an older person to a young person or a child: What’s your name, dear?—compare DUCK

adv. (BrE ) at a high price: to buy cheap and sell dear
IDM see COST v.

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dear.est
adj., noun
adj. (old-fashioned)
1 used when writing to sb you love: ‘Dearest Nina’, the letter began.
2 [usually before noun] that you feel deeply: It was her dearest wish to have a family.

noun (old-fashioned) used when speaking to sb you love: Come (my) dearest, let’s go home.
IDM see NEAR n.

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dearie
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , spoken) used to address sb in a friendly way: Sit down, dearie.
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dear.ly
adv.
1 very much: She loves him dearly.  I would dearly like / love to know what he was thinking.  dearly beloved (= used by a minister at a Christian church service to address people)
2 in a way that causes a lot of suffering or damage, or that costs a lot of money: Success has cost him dearly .  She paid dearly for her mistake.
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dearth
noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) a lack of sth; the fact of there not being enough of sth: There was a dearth of reliable information on the subject.
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death
noun
1 [C] the fact of sb dying or being killed: a sudden / violent / peaceful death  the anniversary of his wife’s death  an increase in deaths from cancer  He died a slow and painful death.
2 [U] the end of life; the state of being dead: Two children were burnt to death in the fire (= they died as a result of the fire).  He’s drinking himself to death (= so that it will kill him).  Police are still trying to establish the cause of death.  Do you believe in life after death?  a death camp (= a place where prisoners are killed, usually in a war)  He was sentenced to death (= to be executed).
3 [U] ~ of sth the permanent end or destruction of sth: the death of all my plans  the death of communism
4 (also Death) [U] (literary) the power that destroys life, imagined as human in form: Death is often shown in paintings as a human skeleton.—see also SUDDEN DEATH
IDM at death’s 'door (often humorous) so ill that you may die be the 'death of sb to worry or upset sb very much: Those kids will be the death of me. ,do sth to 'death to do or perform sth so often that people become tired of seeing or hearing it: That joke’s been done to death. frighten / scare sb to 'death to frighten sb very much look / feel like death warmed 'up (BrE) (AmE like death warmed 'over) (spoken) to look or feel very ill or tired put sb to death to kill sb as a punishment
SYN EXECUTE : The prisoner will be put to death at dawn. to death extremely; very much: to be bored / frightened / scared / worried to death  I’m sick to death of your endless criticism. to the death until sb is dead: a fight to the death—more at CATCH v. , CHEAT v. , DICE v. , DIE v. , FATE , FIGHT v. , FLOG , GRIM , KISS n. , LIFE , MATTER n.
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death.bed
noun [usually sing.] the bed in which sb is dying or dies: a deathbed confession / conversion / repentance  He told me the truth on his deathbed (= as he lay dying).  She was on her deathbed (= going to die very soon).   (humorous) You’d have to be practically on your deathbed before the doctor would come and see you!
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'death blow
noun an event that destroys or puts an end to sth: They thought the arrival of television would deal a death blow to mass cinema audiences.
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'death certificate
noun an official document, signed by a doctor, that states the cause and time of sb’s death
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'death duty
noun [usually pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) = INHERITANCE TAX
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'death knell
(also knell) noun [sing.] an event that means that the end or destruction of sth will come soon
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death.less
adj. (written) never dying or forgotten: (ironic) written in his usual deathless prose (= very bad)
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death.ly
(also less frequent dead.ly) adv. like a dead person; suggesting death: Her face was deathly pale.  The house was deathly still.
death.ly adj.: A deathly hush fell over the room as he walked in.
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'death mask
noun a model of the face of a person who has just died, made by pressing a soft substance over their face and removing it when it becomes hard
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the 'death penalty
noun [sing.] the punishment of being killed that is used in some countries for very serious crimes: the abolition / return of the death penalty
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'death rate
noun
1 the number of deaths every year for every 1 000 people in the population of a place: a high / low death rate
2 the number of deaths every year from a particular disease or in a particular group: Death rates from heart disease have risen considerably in recent years.
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'death rattle
noun [sing.] a sound sometimes heard in the throat of a dying person
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,death 'row
noun [U] the cells in a prison for prisoners who are waiting to be killed as punishment for a serious crime: prisoners on death row
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'death sentence
noun the legal punishment of being killed for a serious crime: to be given / to receive the death sentence for murder
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'death’s head
noun a human SKULL (= the bone structure of the head) used as a symbol of death
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'death toll
noun the number of people killed in an accident, a war, a disaster, etc.
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'death trap
noun (informal) a building, road, vehicle, etc. that is dangerous and could cause sb’s death: The cars blocking the exits could turn this place into a death trap.
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'death warrant
noun an official document stating that sb should receive the punishment of being killed for a crime that they have committed: The President signed the death warrant .  If you pay the ransom, you may be signing your son’s death warrant.   (figurative) By withdrawing the funding, the government signed the project’s death warrant.
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,death-watch 'beetle
noun a small insect that eats into old wood, making sounds like a watch TICKING
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'death wish
noun [sing.] a desire to die, often that sb is not aware of
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deb
noun (informal) = DEBUTANTE
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de.bacle
noun an event or a situation that is a complete failure and causes embarrassment
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debar
verb (-rr-) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) (formal) to prevent sb from doing sth, joining sth, etc: He was debarred from holding public office.
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de.base
verb [vn] to make sb/sth less valuable or respected: Sport is being debased by commercial sponsorship.
de.base.ment noun [U]
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de.bat.able
adj. not certain because people can have different ideas and opinions about the thing being discussed: a debatable point  It is highly debatable whether conditions have improved for low-income families.
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de.bate
noun, verb
noun [C, U] ~ (on / about / over sth)
1 a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue: a debate on abortion  The minister opened the debate (= was the first to speak).  The motion under debate (= being discussed) was put to a vote.  After a long debate, Congress approved the proposal.
2 an argument or discussion expressing different opinions: a heated / wide-ranging / lively debate  the current debate about tax  There had been much debate on the issue of childcare.  Whether he deserves what has happened to him is open to debate / a matter for debate (= cannot be certain or decided yet).  The theatre’s future is a subject of considerable debate.

verb
1 to discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decision or finding a solution: [vn] Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.  The question of the origin of the universe is still hotly debated (= strongly argued about) by scientists.  [v wh-] The committee will debate whether to lower the age of club membership to 16. [alsov]
2 ~ (with yourself) to think carefully about sth before making a decision: She debated with herself for a while, and then picked up the phone.  [v wh-] We’re debating whether or not to go skiing this winter. [alsov -ing]

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de.bater
noun a person who is involved in a debate
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de.bauched
adj. a debauched person is immoral in their sexual behaviour, drinks a lot of alcohol, takes drugs, etc.
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de.bauch.ery
noun [U] immoral behaviour involving sex, alcohol or drugs
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de.ben.ture
noun (BrE, finance ) an official document that is given by a company, showing it has borrowed money from a person and stating the interest payments that it will make to them
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de.bili.tate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make sb’s body or mind weaker: a debilitating disease  The troops were severely debilitated by hunger and disease.
2 to make a country, an organization, etc. weaker: Prolonged strike action debilitated the industry.
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de.bil.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) physical weakness, especially as a result of illness: chronic muscle debility
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debit
noun, verb
noun
1 a written note in a bank account or other financial record of a sum of money owed or spent: on the debit side of an account   (figurative) On the debit side (= a negative result will be that) the new shopping centre will increase traffic problems.
2 a sum of money taken from a bank account—compare CREDIT n. —see also DIRECT DEBIT

verb [vn] when a bank debits an account, it takes money from it: The money will be debited from your account each month.

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'debit card
noun a plastic card that can be used to take money directly from your bank account when you pay for sth—compare CREDIT CARD
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de.bon.air
adj. (old-fashioned) (usually of men) fashionable and confident
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de.brief
verb [vn] ~ sb (on sth) to ask sb questions officially, in order to get information about the task that they have just completed: He was taken to a US airbase to be debriefed on the mission.—compare BRIEF
de.brief.ing noun [U, C]: a debriefing session
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deb.ris
noun [U]
1 pieces of wood, metal, brick, etc. that are left after sth has been destroyed: Emergency teams are still clearing the debris from the plane crash.
2 (written or formal) pieces of material that are not wanted and rubbish/garbage that are left somewhere: Clear away leaves and other garden debris from the pond.
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debt
noun
1 [C] a sum of money that sb owes: I need to pay off all my debts before I leave the country.  an outstanding debt of £300  He had run up credit card debts of thousands of dollars.
2 [U] the situation of owing money, especially when you cannot pay: He died heavily in debt .  The club is £4 million in debt .  We were poor but we never got into debt .  It’s hard to stay out of debt when you are a student.  a country’s foreign debt burden—see also BAD DEBT
3 [C, usually sing.] the fact that you should feel grateful to sb because they have helped you or been kind to you: to owe a debt of gratitude to sb  I would like to acknowledge my debt to my teachers.
IDM be in sb’s 'debt (formal) to feel grateful to sb for their help, kindness, etc.
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debt.or
noun a person, a country or an organization that owes money
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debug
verb (-gg-) [vn] (computing ) to look for and remove the faults in a computer program
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de.bunk
verb [vn] to show that an idea, a belief, etc. is false; to show that sth is not as good as people think it is: His theories have been debunked by recent research.
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debut
(also début) noun the first public appearance of a performer or sports player: He will make his debut for the first team this week.  the group’s debut album
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debu.tante
(also informal deb) noun a young, rich or UPPER-CLASS woman who is going to fashionable social events for the first time
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deca-
combining form (in nouns) ten; having ten: decathlon—compare DECI-
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dec.ade
noun a period of ten years, especially a period such as 1910–1919 or 1990–1999
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deca.dence
noun [U] (disapproving) behaviour, attitudes, etc. which show a fall in standards, especially moral ones, and an interest in pleasure and enjoyment rather than more serious things: the decadence of modern Western society
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deca.dent
adj. (disapproving) having or showing low standards, especially moral ones, and an interest only in pleasure and enjoyment rather than serious things: the decadent rich  a decadent lifestyle / society
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de.caf.fein.ated
(also informal decafAmE, BrE) (BrE also decaff) adj. (of coffee or tea) with most or all of the CAFFEINE removed
de.caf.fein.ated (also informal decafAmE, BrE) (BrE also decaff) noun [U, C]: Regular coffee or decaf?  I’ll have a decaff, please.
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decal
noun (AmE ) = TRANSFER (5)
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de.camp
verb [v] ~ (from … ) (to … ) to leave a place suddenly, often secretly
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de.cant
verb [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to pour liquid, especially wine, from one container into another
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de.cant.er
noun a glass bottle, often decorated, that wine and other alcoholic drinks are poured into from an ordinary bottle before serving
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de.capi.tate
verb [vn] to cut off sb’s head: His decapitated body was found floating in a canal.
de.capi.ta.tion noun [U, C]
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dec.ath.lete
noun a person who competes in a decathlon
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dec.ath.lon
noun [sing., U] a sporting event in which people compete in ten different sports—compare BIATHLON , HEPTATHLON , PENTATHLON , TRIATHLON
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decay
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the process or result of being destroyed by natural causes or by not being cared for (= of decaying ): tooth decay  The landlord had let the building fall into decay .  The smell of death and decay hung over the town.
2 the gradual destruction of a society, an institution, a system, etc: economic / moral / urban decay  the decay of the old industries

verb
1 to be destroyed gradually by natural processes; to destroy sth in this way
SYN ROT : [v] decaying leaves / teeth / food [alsovn]
2 [v] if a building or an area decays, its condition slowly becomes worse: decaying inner city areas
3 [v] to become less powerful and lose influence over people, society, etc: decaying standards of morality

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de.cease
noun [U] (law or formal) the death of a person
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de.ceased
adj. (law or formal)
1 dead: her deceased parents
2 (the deceased) noun (pl.the deceased) a person who has died, especially recently
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de.ceit
noun [U, C] dishonest behaviour that is intended to make sb believe sth that is not true; an example of this behaviour: He was accused of lies and deceit.  Everyone was involved in this web of deceit.  Their marriage was an illusion and a deceit.
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de.ceit.ful
adj. behaving in a dishonest way by telling lies and making people believe things that are not true
de.ceit.ful.ly adv.
de.ceit.ful.ness noun [U]
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de.ceive
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to make sb believe sth that is not true: Her husband had been deceiving her for years.  She deceived him into handing over all his savings.
2 ~ yourself to refuse to admit to yourself that sth unpleasant is true: [vn] You’re deceiving yourself if you think he’ll change his mind. [alsovn that]
3 to make sb have a wrong idea about sb/sth
SYN MISLEAD : [vn] Unless my eyes deceive me, that’s the woman he introduced as his wife. [alsov] —see also DECEPTIVE
de.ceiver noun
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de.cel.er.ate
verb (written)
1 [v, vn] to reduce the speed at which a vehicle is travelling
2 to become or make sth become slower: [v] Economic growth decelerated sharply in January. [alsovn] ACCELERATE
de.cel.er.ation noun [U]
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De.cem.ber
noun [U, C] (abbr. Dec.) the 12th and last month of the year
HELP To see how December is used, look at the examples at April.
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de.cency
noun
1 [U] honest, polite behaviour that follows accepted moral standards and shows respect for others: Her behaviour showed a total lack of common decency .  Have you no sense of decency ?  He might have had the decency to apologize.
2 (the decencies) [pl.] (formal) standards of behaviour in society that people think are acceptable: the basic decencies of civilized society
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de.cent
adj.
1 (especially spoken) of a good enough standard or quality: a decent meal / job / place to live  I need a decent night’s sleep.
2 (of people or behaviour) honest and fair; treating people with respect: ordinary, decent, hard-working people  Everyone said he was a decent sort of guy.
3 acceptable to people in a particular situation: a decent burial  That dress isn’t decent.  She ought to have waited for a decent interval before getting married again.
4 (informal) wearing enough clothes to allow sb to see you: I can’t go to the door—I’m not decent.—compare INDECENT
de.cent.ly adv.
IDM to do the decent 'thing to do what people or society expect, especially in a difficult situation: He did the decent thing and resigned.
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de.cen.tral.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb to give some of the power of a central government, organization, etc. to smaller parts or organizations around the country: [vn] decentralized authority / administration  Many European governments were decentralized after the war. [alsov]
de.cen.tral.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, sing.]
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de.cep.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of deliberately making sb believe sth that is not true: a drama full of lies and deception  He was accused of obtaining property by deception.
2 [C] a trick intended to make sb believe sth that is not true: The whole episode had been a cruel deception.
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de.cep.tive
adj. likely to make you believe sth that is not true
SYN MISLEADING : a deceptive advertisement  Appearances can often be deceptive (= things are not always what they seem to be).  the deceptive simplicity of her writing style (= it seems simple but is not really)
de.cep.tive.ly adv.: a deceptively simple idea
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deci-
combining form (in nouns; often used in units of measurement) one TENTH : decilitre—compare DECA-
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deci.bel
noun a unit for measuring how loud a sound is: Noise from the disco reached 110 decibels.
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de.cide
verb
1 ~ (between A and B)| ~ (against sth) to think carefully about the different possibilities that are available and choose one of them: [v] It was difficult to decide between the two candidates.  They decided against taking legal action.  It’s up to you to decide.  [v wh-] I can’t decide what to wear.  [v (that)] She decided (that) she wanted to live in France.  [v to inf] We’ve decided not to go away after all.  [vn] We might be hiring more people but nothing has been decided yet.  [vn (that)] It was decided (that) the school should purchase new software.
2 (law ) ~ (for / against sb) to make an official or legal judgement: [vn] The case will be decided by a jury.  [v] The Appeal Court decided in their favour .  It is always possible that the judge may decide against you.
3 to affect the result of sth: [vn] A mixture of skill and good luck decided the outcome of the game.  [v wh-] A number of factors decide whether a movie will be successful or not. [alsov]
4 to be the reason why sb does sth: [vn] They offered me free accommodation for a year, and that decided me. [alsovn to inf] de'cide on / upon sth to choose sth from a number of possibilities: We’re still trying to decide on a venue.
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de.cided
adj. [only before noun] obvious and definite: His height was a decided advantage in the job.—compare UNDECIDED
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de.cided.ly
adv.
1 (used with an adjective or adverb) definitely and in an obvious way: Amy was looking decidedly worried.  Their relationship is beginning to look decidedly shaky.
2 (BrE) in a way that shows that you are sure and determined about sth: ‘I won’t go,’ she said decidedly.
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de.cider
noun [usually sing.] the game, race, etc. that will decide who the winner is in a competition
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de.cidu.ous
adj. (of a tree, bush etc.) that loses its leaves every year—compare EVERGREEN
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deci.litre
(BrE ) (AmEdeci.liter) noun a unit for measuring liquids. There are 10 decilitres in a litre.
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deci.mal
adj., noun
adj. based on or counted in tens or TENTHS : the decimal system  The figure is accurate to two decimal places (= shows two figures after the decimal point).

noun (also ,decimal 'fraction) a FRACTION (= a number less than one) that is shown as a dot or point followed by the number of TENTHS , HUNDREDTHS , etc: The decimal 0.61 stands for 61 hundredths.—compare VULGAR FRACTION

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,decimal 'point
noun a dot or point used to separate the whole number from the TENTHS , HUNDREDTHS , etc. of a decimal , for example in 0.61
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deci.mate
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to kill large numbers of animals, plants or people in a particular area: The rabbit population was decimated by the disease.
2 (informal) to severely damage sth or make sth weaker: Cheap imports decimated the British cycle industry.
deci.ma.tion noun [U]
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deci.metre
(BrE ) (AmEdeci.meter) noun a unit for measuring length. There are 10 decimetres in a metre.
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de.cipher
verb [vn] to succeed in finding the meaning of sth that is difficult to read or understand: to decipher a code  Can anyone decipher his handwriting?—see also INDECIPHERABLE
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de.ci.sion
noun
1 [C] ~ (on / about sth)| ~ (to do sth) a choice or judgement that you make after thinking and talking about what is the best thing to do: to take a decision (= to decide)   (BrE) to make a decision (= to decide)  We need a decision on this by next week.  Who took the decision to go ahead with the project?  He is really bad at making decisions .  We finally reached a decision (= decided after some difficulty).  We must come to a decision about what to do next by tomorrow.  a big (= an important) decision  The final decision is yours.  It’s a difficult decision for any doctor.  The editor’s decision is final.  Mary is the decision-maker in the house.
2 (also de.cisive.ness) [U] the ability to decide sth clearly and quickly: This is not a job for someone who lacks decision.—compare INDECISION
3 [U] the process of deciding sth: The moment of decision had arrived.
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de'cision-making
noun [U] the process of deciding about sth important, especially in a group of people or in an organization
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de.cisive
adj.
1 very important for the final result of a particular situation: a decisive factor / victory / battle  She has played a decisive role in the peace negotiations.  a decisive step (= an important action that will change a situation) towards a cleaner environment
2 able to decide sth quickly and with confidence: decisive management  The government must take decisive action on gun control.—compare INDECISIVE
de.cisive.ly adv.
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de.cisive.ness
noun [U] = DECISION (2)
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deck
noun, verb
noun
1 the top outside floor of a ship or boat: I was the only person on deck at that time of night.  As the storm began, everyone disappeared below deck(s) .
2 one of the floors of a ship or a bus: the upper / lower / main deck of a ship  We sat on the top deck of the bus.  My cabin is on deck C.—see also DOUBLE-DECKER , FLIGHT DECK , SINGLE-DECKER
3 (also ,deck of 'cards) (especially AmE) = PACK —
4 (especially AmE) a wooden floor that is built outside the back of a house where you can sit and relax—picture at HOUSE
5 a part of a music system that records and/or plays sounds on a disc or tape: a cassette / tape deck
IDM see CLEAR v. , HIT v.

verb [vn]
1 [often passive] ~ sb/sth (out) (in / with sth) to decorate sb/sth with sth: The room was decked out in flowers and balloons.
2 (slang) to hit sb very hard so that they fall to the ground

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deck.chair
noun a folding chair with a long fabric seat on a wooden or metal frame, used for example on a beach or beside a swimming pool—picture at CHAIR
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deck.hand
noun a worker on a ship who does work that is not skilled
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'deck shoe
noun a flat shoe made of strong fabric
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de.claim
verb (formal) to say sth loudly; to speak loudly and forcefully about sth you feel strongly about, especially in public: [vn] She declaimed the famous opening speech of the play.  [v] He declaimed against the evils of alcohol. [alsov speech, v that]
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dec.lam.ation
noun (formal)
1 [U] the act of speaking or of expressing sth to an audience in a formal way
2 [C] a speech or piece of writing that strongly expresses feelings and opinions
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de.clama.tory
adj. (formal) expressing feelings or opinions in a strong way in a speech or a piece of writing
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dec.lar.ation
noun
1 [C, U] an official or formal statement, especially about the plans of a government or an organization; the act of making such a statement: to issue / sign a declaration  the declaration of war  the Declaration of Independence (= of the United States)
2 [C] a written or spoken statement, especially about what people feel or believe: a declaration of love / faith / guilt
3 [C] an official written statement giving information: a declaration of income  customs declarations (= giving details of goods that have been brought into a country)
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de.clare
verb
1 to say sth officially or publicly: [vn] The government has declared a state of emergency.  Germany declared war on France on 1 August 1914.  The government has declared war on (= officially stated its intention to stop) illiteracy.  [v that] The court declared that strike action was illegal.  [vn-n] The area has been declared a national park.  [vn to inf] The painting was declared to be a forgery.  [vn-adj] The contract was declared void.  I declare this bridge open.
2 to state sth firmly and clearly: [v speech] ‘I’ll do it!’ Tom declared.  [v that] He declared that he was in love with her.  [vn] Few people dared to declare their opposition to the regime.  [vn-adj] She declared herself extremely hurt by his lack of support. [alsovn-n]
3 [vn] to tell the tax authorities how much money you have earned: All income must be declared.
4 [vn] to tell CUSTOMS officers (= at the border of a country) that you are carrying goods on which you should pay tax: Do you have anything to declare?
5 [v] (in cricket) to decide to end your INNINGS (= the period during which your team is BATTING ) before all your players have BATTED
PVR V de,clare a'gainst sb/sth (BrE, formal) to say publicly that you do not support sb/sth de'clare for sb/sth (BrE, formal) to say publicly that you support sb/sth
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de.clared
adj. [only before noun] stated in an open way so that people know about it: the government’s declared intention to reduce crime
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de.clas.sify
verb (de.clas.si.fies, de.clas.si.fy.ing, de.clas.si.fied, de.clas.si.fied) [vn] to state officially that secret government information is no longer secret: declassified information / documents
de.clas.si.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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de.cline
noun, verb
noun [C usually sing, U] ~ (in sth)| ~ (of sth) a continuous decrease in the number, value, quality, etc. of sth: a rapid / sharp / gradual decline  urban / economic decline  The company reported a small decline in its profits.  An increase in cars has resulted in the decline of public transport.  The town fell into (a) decline (= started to be less busy, important, etc.) after the mine closed.  Industry in Britain has been in decline since the 1970s.

verb
1 [v] to become smaller, fewer, weaker, etc: Support for the party continues to decline.  The number of tourists to the resort declined by 10% last year.  Her health was declining rapidly.
2 (formal) to refuse politely to accept or to do sth: [v] I offered to give them a lift but they declined.  [vn] to decline an offer / invitation  [v to inf] Their spokesman declined to comment on the allegations.
3 [v, vn] (grammar) if a noun, an adjective or a pronoun declines, it has different forms according to whether it is the subject or the object of a verb, whether it is in the singular or plural, etc. When you decline a noun, etc., you list these forms.—compare CONJUGATE
IDM sb’s declining years (literary) the last years of sb’s life

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de.code
verb [vn]
1 to find the meaning of sth, especially sth that has been written in CODE
SYN DECIPHER : I was involved in decoding enemy documents.—compare ENCODE
2 to receive an electronic signal and change it into pictures that can be shown on a television screen: decoding equipment
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de.coder
noun a device that changes an electronic signal into a form that people can understand, such as sound and pictures: a satellite / video decoder
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dé.col.le.tage
(also dé.col.leté ) noun (from French ) the top edge of a woman’s dress, etc. that is designed to be very low in order to show her shoulders and the top part of her breasts
dé.col.leté adj.
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de.col.on.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun [U] the process of a COLONY or COLONIES becoming independent
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de.com.mis.sion
verb [vn] to officially stop using weapons, a nuclear power station, etc.
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de.com.pose
verb
1 to be destroyed gradually by natural chemical processes
SYN DECAY , ROT : [v] a decomposing corpse  As the waste materials decompose, they produce methane gas.  [vn] a decomposed body
2 [vn, v] ~ (sth) (into sth) (technical) to divide sth into smaller parts; to divide into smaller parts
de.com.pos.ition noun [U]: the decomposition of organic waste
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de.com.press
verb
1 [v, vn] to have the air pressure in sth reduced to a normal level or to reduce it to its normal level
2 [vn] (computing) to return files, etc. to their original size after they have been COMPRESSED
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de.com.pres.sion
noun [U]
1 a reduction in air pressure; the act of reducing the pressure of the air: a decompression chamber (= a piece of equipment that divers sit in so that they can return slowly to normal air pressure after being deep in the sea)  decompression sickness (= severe pain and difficulty in breathing experienced by divers who come back to the surface of deep water too quickly)—see also BENDS
2 (technical) the act or process of allowing sth that has been compressed (= made smaller) to fill the space that it originally took up
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de.con.gest.ant
noun a medicine that helps sb with a cold to breathe more easily: a nasal decongestant
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de.con.struct
verb [vn] (technical ) (in literature and philosophy) to analyse a text in order to show that there is no fixed meaning within the text but that the meaning is created each time in the act of reading
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de.con.struc.tion
noun [U] (technical ) (in literature and philosophy) a theory that states that it is impossible for a text to have one fixed meaning, and emphasizes the role of the reader in the production of meaning—compare STRUCTURALISM
de.con.struc.tion.ist noun, adj.: a deconstructionist critic / approach
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de.con.tam.in.ate
verb [vn] to remove harmful substances from a place or thing: the process of decontaminating areas exposed to radioactivity
de.con.tam.in.ation noun [U]
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de.con.trol
verb (-ll-) [vn] (formal, especially AmE ) if a government decontrols sth, it removes legal controls from it
SYN DEREGULATE
de.con.trol noun [U]
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decor
noun [U, C, usually sing.] the style in which the inside of a building is decorated: interior decor  the restaurant’s elegant new decor
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dec.or.ate
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to make sth look more attractive by putting things on it: They decorated the room with flowers and balloons.  The cake was decorated to look like a car.
2 (especially BrE ) to put paint, WALLPAPER , etc. on the walls and ceilings of a room or house: [v] I hate decorating.  He has his own painting and decorating business.  [vn] We need to decorate the sitting room.  The sitting room needs decorating.
3 [vn] to be placed on sth in order to make it look more attractive
SYN ADORN : Photographs of actors decorated the walls of the restaurant.
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to give sb a medal as a sign of respect for sth they have done
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dec.or.ation
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a thing that makes sth look more attractive on special occasions: Christmas decorations  a table decoration
2 [U, C] a pattern, etc. that is added to sth and that stops it from being plain: the elaborate decoration on the carved wooden door
3 [U] the style in which sth is decorated: a Chinese theme in the interior decoration
4 [U] (BrE) the act or process of decorating sth such as the inside of a house by painting it, etc.
5 [C] a medal that is given to sb as an honour
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dec.ora.tive
adj. (of an object or a building) decorated in a way that makes it attractive; intended to look attractive or pretty: The mirror is functional yet decorative.  purely decorative arches
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dec.or.ator
noun a person whose job is painting and decorating houses
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dec.or.ous
adj. (formal) polite and appropriate in a particular social situation; not shocking: a decorous kiss
dec.or.ous.ly adv.
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de.corum
noun [U] (formal) polite behaviour that is appropriate in a social situation: a sense of decorum
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de.couple
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (formal) to end the connection or relationship between two things
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decoy
noun [C]
1 an animal or a bird, or a model of one, that attracts other animals or birds, especially so that they can be shot by people who are hunting them
2 a thing or a person that is used to trick sb into doing what you want them to do; going where you want them to go, etc.
decoy verb [vn]
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de.crease
verb, noun
verb ~ (from sth) (to sth) to become or make sth become smaller in size, number, etc: [v] The number of new students decreased from 210 to 160 this year.  The price of wheat has decreased by 15%.  This species of bird is decreasing in numbers every year.  a decreasing population  [vn] People should decrease the amount of fat they eat.
OPP INCREASE

noun [C, U] ~ (in sth)| ~ (of sth) the process of reducing sth or the amount that sth is reduced by: There has been some decrease in military spending this year.  a decrease of nearly 6% in the number of visitors to the museum
OPP INCREASE

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de.cree
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] an official order from a ruler or a government that becomes the law: to issue / sign a decree  a leader who rules by decree (= not in a DEMOCRATIC way)
2 [C] a decision that is made in a court of law

verb (de.cree.ing, de.creed, de.creed) to decide, judge or order sth officially: [vn] The government decreed a state of emergency.  [vn that] It was decreed that the following day would be a holiday. [alsov, v wh-]

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de,cree 'absolute
noun [sing.] (BrE, law ) an order from a court of law that finally ends a marriage, making the two people divorced: The period between the decree nisi and the decree absolute was six weeks.
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decree nisi
noun [sing.] (BrE, law ) an order from a court of law that a marriage will end after a fixed amount of time unless there is a good reason why it should not
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de.crepit
adj. (of a thing or person) very old and not in good condition or health: a decrepit building / vehicle  a decrepit old man
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de.crepi.tude
noun [U] (formal) the state of being old and in poor condition or health
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de.crim.in.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to change the law so that sth is no longer illegal: There are moves to decriminalize some soft drugs.
de.crim.in.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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decry
verb (de.cries, de.cry.ing, de.cried, de.cried) [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to strongly criticize sb/sth, especially publicly
SYN CONDEMN : The measures were decried as useless. [alsovn]
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dedi.cate
verb [vn]
1 ~ yourself / sth to sth / to doing sth to give a lot of your time and effort to a particular activity or purpose because you think it is important: She dedicates herself to her work.  He dedicated his life to helping the poor.
2 ~ sth to sb to say at the beginning of a book, a piece of music or a performance that you are doing it for sb, as a way of thanking them or showing respect: This book is dedicated to my parents.
3 ~ sth (to sb/sth) to hold an official ceremony to say that a church, or other building, or an object has a special purpose or is special to the memory of a particular person: The chapel was dedicated in 1880.  A memorial stone was dedicated to those who lost their lives in the war.
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dedi.cated
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) working hard at sth because it is very important to you
SYN COMMITTED : a dedicated teacher  She is dedicated to her job.
2 [only before noun] designed to do only one particular type of work; used for one particular purpose only: a dedicated word processor / server  Software is exported through a dedicated satellite link.
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ded.ica.tion
noun
1 [U] ~ (to sth) (approving) the hard work and effort that sb puts into an activity or purpose because they think it is important: hard work and dedication
2 [C] a ceremony that is held to show that a church or other building, or an object, has a special purpose or is special to the memory of a particular person
3 [C] the words that are used at the beginning of a book, piece of music, a performance, etc. to offer it to sb as a sign of thanks or respect
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de.duce
verb ~ (sth) (from sth) (formal) to form an opinion about sth based on the information or evidence that is available
SYN INFER : [v that] Can we deduce from your silence that you do not approve?  [vn] We can deduce a lot from what people spend their money on. [alsov wh-] —see also DEDUCTION
de.du.cible adj.
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de.duct
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (from sth) to take away money, points, etc. from a total amount: The cost of your uniform will be deducted from your wages.  Ten points will be deducted for a wrong answer.
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de.duct.ible
adj. that can be taken away from an amount of money you earn, from tax, etc: These costs are deductible from profits.  tax-deductible expenses (= that you do not have to pay tax on)
de.duct.ible noun [C] (AmE): The donation he made was a deductible on his tax form.  After a $75 deductible, Medicare pays 80 per cent of doctors' bills.
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de.duc.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the process of using information you have in order to understand a particular situation or to find the answer to a problem: He arrived at the solution by a simple process of deduction.  If my deductions are correct, I can tell you who the killer was.—see also DEDUCE —compare INDUCTION (3)
2 [U, C] the process of taking an amount of sth, especially money, away from a total; the amount that is taken away: deductions from your pay for tax, pension contributions, etc.  tax deductions
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de.duct.ive
adj. [usually before noun] using knowledge about things that are generally true in order to think about and understand particular situations or problems: deductive logic / reasoning—compare INDUCTIVE
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deed
noun
1 (formal, literary) a thing that sb does that is usually very good or very bad: a brave / charitable / evil deed  a tale of heroic deeds
2 (often plural in British English) a legal document that you sign, especially one that proves that you own a house or a building: the deeds of the house—see also TITLE DEED
IDM your good deed for the 'day a helpful, kind thing that you do
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,deed of 'covenant
noun (BrE ) an agreement to pay a regular amount of money to sb/sth, especially a charity, that means that they also receive the tax that would have to be paid on this money: Signing a deed of covenant makes £1 worth £1.33.
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'deed poll
noun [U, sing.] (BrE ) a legal document signed by only one person, especially in order to change their name: Smith changed his name by deed poll to Jervis-Smith.
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deem
verb (formal) (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular opinion about sth
SYN CONSIDER : [vn-n] The evening was deemed a great success.  [vn-adj] She deemed it prudent not to say anything.  They would take any action deemed necessary . [alsov (that), vn to inf]
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deep
adj., adv., noun
adj. (deep.er, deep.est)
TOP TO BOTTOM|
1 having a large distance from the top or surface to the bottom: a deep hole / well / river  deep water / snow
OPP SHALLOW
FRONT TO BACK|
2 having a large distance from the front edge to the furthest point inside: a deep cut / wound  a deep space
OPP SHALLOW
MEASUREMENT|
3 used to describe or ask about the depth of sth: The water is only a few inches deep.  How deep is the wound?
FAR INSIDE|
4 ~ in sth far inside or down in sth: deep in the desert / forest  He stood with his hands deep in his pockets.
-DEEP|
5 (in adjectives) as far up or down as the point mentioned: The water was only waist-deep so I walked ashore.
6 (in adjectives) in the number of rows mentioned, one behind the other: They were standing three-deep at the bar.
BREATH / SIGH|
7 [usually before noun] taking in or giving out a lot of air: She took a deep breath.  He gave a deep sigh.
SOUNDS|
8 low: I heard his deep warm voice filling the room.  a deep roar / groan
COLOURS|
9 strong and dark: a rich deep red
OPP PALE
SLEEP|
10 a person in a deep sleep is difficult to wake: to be in a deep sleep / trance / coma
OPP LIGHT
SERIOUS|
11 extreme or serious: He’s in deep trouble .  a deep economic recession  The affair had exposed deep divisions within the party.  a place of great power and of deep significance
EMOTIONS|
12 strongly felt; sincere: deep concern / regret / affection / respect  a deep sense of loss
KNOWLEDGE|
13 showing great knowledge or understanding: a deep understanding / insight / analysis
DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND|
14 difficult to understand
SYN PROFOUND : This discussion’s getting too deep for me.  He pondered, as if over some deep philosophical point.
INVOLVED|
15 ~ in sth fully involved in an activity or a state: to be deep in thought / conversation / prayer  He is often so deep in his books that he forgets to eat.  The firm ended up deep in debt .
PERSON|
16 if a person is deep, they hide their real feelings and opinions: She’s always been a deep one, trusting no one.
IN SPORT|
17 to or from a position far down or across the field: a deep ball from Beckham—see also DEPTH go off the 'deep end (informal) to suddenly become very angry or emotional in deep 'water(s) (informal) in trouble or difficulty jump / be thrown in at the 'deep end (informal) to start or be made to start a new and difficult activity that you are not prepared for: Junior hospital doctors are thrown in at the deep end in their first jobs.—more at DEVIL , SHIT n.

adv. (deep.er, deep.est) ~ (below, into, under, etc.) a long way below the surface of sth or a long way inside or into sth: Dig deeper!  The miners were trapped deep underground.  whales that feed deep beneath the waves  He gazed deep into her eyes.  They sat and talked deep into the night (= until very late). deep 'down
1 if you know sth deep down, you know your true feelings about sth, although you may not admit them to yourself: Deep down I still loved him.
2 if sth is true deep down, it is really like that, although it may not be obvious to people: He seems confident but deep down he’s quite insecure. go / run 'deep (of emotions, beliefs, etc.) to be felt in a strong way, especially for a long time: Dignity and pride run deep in this community.—more at DIG v. , STILL

noun [sing.] (the deep) (literary) the sea

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deep.en
verb
1 if an emotion or a feeling deepens, or if sth deepens it, it becomes stronger: [v] Their friendship soon deepened into love. [alsovn]
2 to become worse; to make sth worse: [v] Warships were sent in as the crisis deepened.  a deepening economic recession [alsovn]
3 [v] to become deeper; to make sth deeper: [v] The water deepened gradually.  His frown deepened.  [vn] There were plans to deepen a stretch of the river.
4 [vn] to improve your knowledge or understanding of sth: an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of different cultures
5 [v, vn] if colour or light deepens or if sth deepens it, it becomes darker: deepening shadows
6 if a sound or voice deepens or if you deepen it, it becomes lower or you make it lower: [v] His voice deepened to a growl. [alsovn]
7 [v] if your breathing deepens, you breathe more deeply than usual
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,deep 'freeze
(BrE ) (AmE Deep.freeze™,deep 'freezer) noun = FREEZER
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,deep-'frozen
adj. preserved at an extremely low temperature
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,deep-'fry
verb [vn] [usually passive] to cook food in oil that covers it completely: deep-fried chicken pieces
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deep.ly
adv.
1 very; very much: She is deeply religious.  They were deeply disturbed by the accident.  Opinion is deeply divided on this issue.  deeply rooted customs / ideas  deeply held beliefs / convictions / views (= that sb feels very strongly)
2 used with some verbs to show that sth is done in a very complete way: to breathe / sigh / exhale deeply (= using all of the air in your lungs)  sleep deeply (= in a way that makes it difficult for you to wake up)  to think deeply (= about all the aspects of sth)
3 to a depth that is quite a long way from the surface of sth: to drill deeply into the wood  note at DEEP
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,deep-'rooted, ,deep-'seated
adj. [usually before noun] (of feelings and beliefs) very fixed and strong; difficult to change or to destroy: a deep-rooted desire / fear / problem  The country’s political divisions are deep-seated.
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'deep-sea
(also less frequent 'deep-water) adj. [only before noun] of or in the deeper parts of the sea: a deep-sea diver  deep-sea fishing / diving
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,deep-'set
adj. (written) eyes that are deep-set seem to be quite far back in a person’s face
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,deep-'six
verb [vn] [usually passive] (AmE , informal) to decide not to do or use sth that you had planned to do or use: Plans to build a new mall were deep-sixed after protests from local residents.
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the ,Deep 'South
noun [sing.] the southern states of the US, especially Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina
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deer
noun (pl.deer) an animal with long legs, that eats grass, leaves, etc. and can run fast. Most male deer have ANTLERS (= horns shaped like branches). There are many types of deer : a herd of red deer  a deer park—see also FALLOW DEER , REINDEER , ROE DEER , DOE , FAWN , STAG
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deer.stalk.er
noun a cap with two PEAKS , one in front and one behind, and two pieces of fabric which are usually tied together on top but can be folded down to cover the ears
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de.face
verb [vn] to damage the appearance of sth especially by drawing or writing on it
de.face.ment noun [U]
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de facto
adj. [usually before noun] (from Latin , formal) existing as a fact although it may not be legally accepted as existing: The general took de facto control of the country.
de facto adv.: He continued to rule the country de facto.—compare DE JURE
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def.am.ation
noun [U, C] (formal) the act of causing harm to sb by saying or writing bad or false things about them: The company sued for defamation.
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de.fama.tory
adj. (formal) (of speech or writing) intended to harm sb by saying or writing bad or false things about them
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de.fame
verb [vn] (formal) to harm sb by saying or writing bad or false things about them
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de.fault
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] failure to do sth that must be done by law, especially paying a debt: The company is in default on the loan.  Mortgage defaults have risen in the last year.
2 [U, C, usually sing.] (especially computing) what happens or appears if you do not make any other choice or change: The default option is to save your work every five minutes.  On this screen, 256 colours is the default.
IDM by de'fault
1 a game or competition can be won by default if there are no other competitors
2 if sth happens by default, it happens because you have not made any other decision or choices which would make things happen differently in de'fault of sth (formal) because of a lack of sth: They accepted what he had said in default of any evidence to disprove it.

verb [v]
1 ~ (on sth) to fail to do sth that you legally have to do, especially by not paying a debt: to default on a loan / debt  defaulting borrowers / tenants
2 ~ (to sth) (especially computing) to happen when you do not make any other choice or change
de.fault.er noun: mortgage defaulters

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de.feat
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to win against sb in a war, competition, sports game, etc.
SYN BEAT : He defeated the champion in three sets.  a defeated army
2 (formal) if sth defeats you, you cannot understand it: The instruction manual completely defeated me.
3 to stop sth from being successful: The motion was defeated by 19 votes.  Staying late at the office to discuss shorter working hours rather defeats the object of the exercise !

noun
1 [U, C] failure to win or to be successful: The party faces defeat in the election.  a narrow / heavy defeat  The world champion has only had two defeats in 20 fights.  They finally had to admit defeat (= stop trying to be successful).
2 [C, usually sing.] the act of winning a victory over sb/sth: the defeat of fascism

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de.feat.ist
adj. expecting not to succeed, and showing it in a particular situation: a defeatist attitude / view
de.feat.ist noun: He is a pessimist and a defeatist.
de.feat.ism noun [U]
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defe.cate
verb [v] (formal) to get rid of solid waste from your body through your bowels
defe.ca.tion noun [U]
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de.fect
noun, verb
noun a fault in sth or in the way it has been made which means that it is not perfect: a speech defect  a defect in the glass

verb [v] ~ (from sth) (to sth) to leave a political party, country, etc. to join another that is considered to be an enemy: A number of writers and musicians defected from the Soviet Union to the West in the 1960s.
de.fec.tion noun [U, C] ~ (from sth) (to sth): There have been several defections from the ruling party.
de.fect.or noun

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de.fect.ive
adj. having a fault or faults; not perfect or complete
SYN FAULTY : defective goods  Her hearing was found to be slightly defective.
de.fect.ive.ly adv.
de.fect.ive.ness noun [U]
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de.fence
(BrE ) (AmEde.fense) noun
PROTECTION AGAINST ATTACK|
1 [U] the act of protecting sb/sth from attack, criticism, etc: soldiers who died in defence of their country  When her brother was criticized she leapt to his defence .  What points can be raised in defence of this argument?  I have to say in her defence that she knew nothing about it beforehand.—see also SELF-DEFENCE
2 [C, U] ~ (against sth) something that provides protection against attack from enemies, the weather, illness, etc: The town walls were built as a defence against enemy attacks.  The harbour’s sea defences are in poor condition.  The body has natural defence mechanisms to protect it from disease.  Humour is a more effective defence than violence.
3 [U] the organization of the people and systems that are used by a government to protect a country from attack: (BrE) the Ministry of Defence   (AmE) the Department of Defense  Further cuts in defence spending are being considered.
SUPPORT|
4 [C] something that is said or written in order to support sth: a defence of Marxism
LAW|
5 [C] what is said in a court of law to prove that a person did not commit a crime; the act of presenting this argument in a court of law: Her defence was that she was somewhere completely different at the time of the crime.  He wanted to conduct his own defence.
6 (the defence) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the lawyer or lawyers whose job is to prove in a court of law that a person did not commit a crime—compare PROSECUTION
IN SPORT|
7 [sing., U] the players who must prevent the other team from scoring; the position of these players on the sports field: Welford cut through the defence to score the winning goal.   (BrE) She plays in defence .   (AmE) He plays on defense .—compare ATTACK , OFFENSE
8 [C] a contest, game, etc. in which the previous winner or winners compete in order to try to win again: Milan’s defence of the European Cup
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de.fence.less
adj. weak; not able to protect yourself; having no protection: defenceless animals / children  The village is defenceless against attack.
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de.fend
verb
PROTECT AGAINST ATTACK|
1 ~ (sb / yourself / sth) (from / against sb/sth) to protect sb/sth from attack: [vn] All our officers are trained to defend themselves against knife attacks.  Troops have been sent to defend the borders.  [v] It is impossible to defend against an all-out attack.
SUPPORT|
2 [vn] ~ sb / yourself / sth (from / against sb/sth) to say or write sth in support of sb/sth that has been criticized: Politicians are skilled at defending themselves against their critics.  How can you defend such behaviour?
IN SPORT|
3 [v, vn] (in football, hockey, etc.) to protect your own goal to stop your opponents from scoring
IN COMPETITIONS|
4 [vn] to take part in a competition that you won the last time and try to win it again: He is defending champion .  She will be defending her title at next month’s championships.   (politics) He intends to defend his seat in the next election.
LAW|
5 to act as a lawyer for sb who has been charged with a crime: [vn] He has employed one of the UK’s top lawyers to defend him. [alsov]
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de.fend.ant
noun the person in a court of law who is accused of committing a crime, or who is being sued by another person—compare PLAINTIFF , ACCUSED
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de.fend.er
noun
1 a player who must stop the other team from scoring in games such as football
2 a person who defends and believes in protecting sth: a passionate defender of human rights
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de.fense
(AmE ) = DEFENCE
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de.fens.ible
adj.
1 able to be supported by reasons or arguments that show that it is right or should be allowed: Is abortion morally defensible?
2 (of a place) able to be defended from an attack
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de.fen.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 protecting sb/sth against attack: a defensive measure  Troops are taking up a defensive position around the town.—compare OFFENSIVE
2 behaving in a way that shows that you feel that people are criticizing you: Don’t ask him about his plans—he just gets defensive.
3 (sport) connected with trying to prevent the other team or player from scoring points or goals: defensive play—compare OFFENSIVE
de.fen.sive.ly adv.
de.fen.sive.ness noun [U]

noun
IDM on / onto the defensive acting in a way that shows that you expect to be attacked or criticized; having to defend yourself: Their questions about the money put her on the defensive.  Warnings of an enemy attack forced the troops onto the defensive.

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defer
verb (-rr-) to delay sth until a later time: [vn] The department deferred the decision for six months.  She had applied for deferred admission to college. [alsov -ing]
de.fer.ment , de.fer.ral noun [U, C] de'fer to sb/sth (formal) to agree to accept what sb has decided or what they think about sb/sth because you respect him or her: We will defer to whatever the committee decides.
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def.er.ence
noun [U] (written) behaviour that shows that you respect sb/sth: The women wore veils in deference to the customs of the country.  The flags were lowered out of deference to the bereaved family.
def.er.en.tial adj.
def.er.en.tial.ly adv.
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de.fi.ance
noun [U] open refusal to obey sb/sth: a look / an act / a gesture of defiance  Nuclear testing was resumed in defiance of an international ban.
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de.fi.ant
adj. openly refusing to obey sb/sth, sometimes in an aggressive way: a defiant teenager  The terrorists sent a defiant message to the government.
de.fi.ant.ly adv.
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de.fib.ril.la.tor
noun (medical ) a piece of equipment used to control the movements of the heart muscles by giving the heart a controlled electric shock
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de.fi.ciency
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (in / of sth)
1 [U, C] the state of not having, or not having enough of, sth that is essential: Vitamin deficiency in the diet can cause illness.  a deficiency of Vitamin B
2 [C] a fault or a weakness in sth/sb that makes it or them less successful: deficiencies in the computer system
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de.fi.cient
adj.
1 ~ (in sth) not having enough of sth, especially sth that is essential: a diet that is deficient in vitamin A
2 (formal) not good enough: Deaf people are sometimes treated as being mentally deficient.
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def.icit
noun
1 (economics) the amount by which money spent or owed is greater than money earned in a particular period of time: a budget / trade deficit  The trade balance has been in deficit for the past five years.—compare SURPLUS
2 the amount by which sth, especially an amount of money, is too small or smaller than sth else: There’s a deficit of $3 million in the total needed to complete the project.  The team has to come back from a 2–0 deficit in the first half.
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de.fied
pt, pp of DEFY
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de.file^1
verb [vn] (formal or literary) to make sth dirty or no longer pure, especially sth that people consider important or holy: Many victims of burglary feel their homes have been defiled.  The altar had been defiled by vandals.
de.file.ment noun
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de.file^2
noun (formal) a narrow way through mountains
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de.fine
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to say or explain what the meaning of a word or phrase is: The term ‘mental illness’ is difficult to define.  Life imprisonment is defined as 60 years under state law.
2 to describe or show sth accurately: [vn] We need to define the task ahead very clearly.  The difficulty of a problem was defined in terms of how long it took to complete.  [v wh-] It is difficult to define what makes him so popular.
3 [vn] to show clearly a line, shape or edge: The mountain was sharply defined against the sky.
de.fin.able adj.
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def.in.ite
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (that … ) sure or certain; unlikely to change: Can you give me a definite answer by tomorrow?  Is it definite that he’s leaving?  I’ve heard rumours, but nothing definite.  a definite offer of a job  I’m not sure—I can find out for definite if you like.  That’s definite then, is it?  They have very definite ideas on how to bring up children.
2 easily or clearly seen or understood; obvious: The look on her face was a definite sign that sth was wrong.  There was a definite feeling that things were getting worse.
3 [not before noun] ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … ) (of a person) sure that sth is true or that sth is going to happen and stating it to other people: I’m definite about this.

noun [sing.] (informal) something that you are certain about or that you know will happen; sb who is sure to do sth: ‘We’re moving our office to Glasgow.’‘That’s a definite, is it?’  ‘Is Sarah coming to the party?’‘Yes, she’s a definite.’

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,definite 'article
noun (grammar ) the word the—compare INDEFINITE ARTICLE
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def.in.ite.ly
adv.
1 (especially spoken) a way of emphasizing that sth is true and that there is no doubt about it: I definitely remember sending the letter.  ‘Was it what you expected?’‘Yes, definitely.’  ‘Do you plan to have children?’‘Definitely not!’  Some old people want help; others most definitely do not.
2 in a way that is certain or that shows that you are certain: The date of the move has not been definitely decided yet (= it may change).  Please say definitely whether you will be coming or not.
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def.in.ition
noun
1 [C, U] an explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase, especially in a dictionary; the act of stating the meanings of words and phrases: clear simple definitions  Neighbours by definition live close by (= this is what being a neighbour means).
2 [C] what an idea, etc. means: What’s your definition of happiness?
3 [U] the quality of being clear and easy to see: The definition of the digital TV pictures is excellent.
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de.fini.tive
adj.
1 final; not able to be changed: a definitive agreement / answer / statement  The definitive version of the text is ready to be published.
2 [usually before noun] considered to be the best of its kind and almost impossible to improve: the definitive biography of Einstein
de.fini.tive.ly adv.
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de.flate
verb
1 [vn, v] to let air or gas out of a tyre, BALLOON , etc.; to become smaller because of air or gas coming out
2 [vn] [often passive] to make sb feel less confident; to make sb/sth feel or seem less important: All the criticism had left her feeling totally deflated.
3 [vn] (economics) to reduce the amount of money being used in a country so that prices fall or stay steady—compare INFLATE (3) , REFLATE
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de.fla.tion
noun [U]
1 (economics) a reduction in the amount of money in a country’s economy so that prices fall or remain the same
2 the action of air being removed from sth
OPP INFLATION
de.fla.tion.ary adj.: deflationary policies
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de.flect
verb
1 to change direction or make sth change direction, especially after hitting sth: [v] The ball deflected off Reid’s body into the goal.  [vn] He raised his arm to try to deflect the blow.
2 [vn] to succeed in preventing sth from being directed towards you: All attempts to deflect attention from his private life have failed.  She sought to deflect criticism by blaming her family.
3 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) to prevent sb from doing sth that they are determined to do: The government will not be deflected from its commitments.
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de.flec.tion
noun [U, C, usually sing.] a sudden change in the direction that sth is moving in, usually after it has hit sth; the act of causing sth to change direction: the angle of deflection  the deflection of the missile away from its target  The goal was scored with a deflection off the goalkeeper.
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de.flower
verb [vn] (old-fashioned, literary) to have sex with a woman who has not had sex before
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defog
verb [vn, v] (AmE ) = DEMIST
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de.foli.ate
verb [vn] (technical ) to destroy the leaves of trees or plants, especially with chemicals
de.foli.ation noun [U]
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de.for.est
(also dis.af.for.est) verb [vn] [usually passive] to cut down and destroy all the trees in a place: Two thirds of the region has been deforested in the past decade.
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de.for.est.ation
noun [U] the act of cutting down or burning the trees in an area: land erosion caused by widespread deforestation—compare AFFORESTATION , REFORESTATION
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de.form
verb [vn] to change or spoil the usual or natural shape of sth: The disease had deformed his spine.
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de.form.ation
noun
1 [U] the process or result of changing and spoiling the normal shape of sth
2 [C] a change in the normal shape of sth as a result of injury or illness: a deformation of the spine
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de.formed
adj. (of a person or a part of the body) having a shape that is not normal because it has grown wrongly: She was born with deformed hands.
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de.form.ity
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] a condition in which a part of the body is not the normal shape because of injury, illness or because it has grown wrongly: Drugs taken during pregnancy may cause physical deformity in babies.
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de.fraud
verb ~ sb (of sth) to get money illegally from a person or an organization by tricking them: [vn] They were accused of defrauding the company of $14 000.  [v] All three men were charged with conspiracy to defraud.
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de.fray
verb [vn] ~ costs / expenses (formal) to give sb back the money that they have spent on sth
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de.frock
verb [vn] [usually passive] to officially remove a priest from his or her job, because he or she has done sth wrong: a defrocked priest
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de.frost
verb
1 to become or make sth warmer, especially food, so that it is no longer frozen: [vn] Make sure you defrost the chicken completely before cooking.  [v] It will take about four hours to defrost.
2 [vn, v] when you defrost a refrigerator or FREEZER , or when it defrosts, you remove the ice from it—compare DE-ICE , MELT , THAW , UNFREEZE
3 [vn] (AmE) to remove ice from the surface of a car’s windows
de.frost.er noun—picture at CAR
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deft
adj. (especially written)
1 (of a person’s movements) skilful and quick: deft hands / fingers / footwork  He finished off the painting with a few deft strokes of the brush.
2 skilful: her deft command of the language
deft.ly adv.: I threw her a towel which she deftly caught.  They deftly avoided answering my questions.
deft.ness noun [U]
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de.funct
adj. (formal) no longer existing, operating or being used
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de.fuse
verb [vn]
1 to stop a possibly dangerous or difficult situation from developing, especially by making people less angry or nervous: Local police are trying to defuse racial tension in the community.
2 to remove the FUSE from a bomb so that it cannot explode
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defy
verb (de.fies, defy.ing, de.fied, de.fied) [vn]
1 to refuse to obey or show respect for sb in authority, a law, a rule, etc: I wouldn’t have dared to defy my teachers.  Hundreds of people today defied the ban on political gatherings.
2 ~ belief, explanation, description, etc. to be impossible or almost impossible to believe, explain, describe, etc: a political move that defies explanation  The beauty of the scene defies description.
3 to successfully resist sb/sth to a very unusual degree: The baby boy defied all the odds and survived (= stayed alive when it seemed certain that he would die).
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deg.
abbr. degree(s): 26 deg. C
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de.gen.er.ate
verb, adj., noun
verb [v] ~ (into sth) to become worse, for example by becoming lower in quality or weaker: The march degenerated into a riot.  Her health degenerated quickly.

adj.
1 having moral standards that have fallen to a level that is very low and unacceptable to most people: a degenerate popular culture
2 (technical) having returned to a simple structure; lacking sth that is usually present
de.gen.er.acy noun [U]

noun (written) a person whose behaviour shows moral standards that have fallen to a very low level

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de.gen.er.ation
noun [U] the process of becoming worse or less acceptable in quality or condition: social / moral degeneration  Intensive farming in the area has caused severe degeneration of the land.
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de.gen.era.tive
adj. (technical ) (of an illness) getting or likely to get worse as time passes: degenerative diseases such as arthritis
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de.grad.able
adj. (especially AmE, technical ) that can be changed to a simpler form—see also BIODEGRADABLE
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deg.rad.ation
noun [U]
1 a situation in which sb has lost all SELF-RESPECT and the respect of other people: the degradation of being sent to prison
2 (technical) the process of sth being damaged or made worse: environmental degradation
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de.grade
verb
1 [vn] to show or treat sb in a way that makes them seem not worth any respect or not worth taking seriously: This poster is offensive and degrades women.
2 [v, vn] (technical) to change or make sth change to a simpler chemical form
3 [vn] (technical) to make sth become worse, especially in quality
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de.grad.ing
adj. treating sb as if they have no value, so that they lose their SELF-RESPECT and the respect of other people: the inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners
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de.gree
noun
1 [C] a unit for measuring angles: an angle of ninety degrees (90°)
2 [C] (abbr.deg.) a unit for measuring temperature: Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (32°F) or zero / nought degrees Celsius (0°C).
3 [C, U] the amount or level of sth: Her job demands a high degree of skill.  I agree with you to a certain degree .  To what degree can parents be held responsible for a child’s behaviour?  Most pop music is influenced, to a greater or lesser degree, by the blues.
4 [C] the qualification obtained by students who successfully complete a university or college course: My brother has a master’s degree from Harvard.  She has a degree in Biochemistry from London University.  a four-year degree course
5 [C] (BrE) a university or college course, normally lasting three years or more: I’m hoping to do a chemistry degree.
6 [C] a level in a scale of how serious sth is: murder in the first degree (= of the most serious kind)  first-degree murder  third-degree (= very serious) burns
IDM by de'grees slowly and gradually: By degrees their friendship grew into love.—more at NTH
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de.hu.man.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sb lose their human qualities such as kindness, pity, etc: the dehumanizing effects of poverty and squalor
de.hu.man.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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de.hu.midi.fier
noun an electrical machine for removing water from the air—see also HUMIDIFIER
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de.hy.drate
verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] to remove the water from sth, especially food, in order to preserve it
2 to lose too much water from your body; to make a person’s body lose too much water: [v] Runners can dehydrate very quickly in this heat.  [vn] the dehydrating effects of alcohol
de.hy.dra.tion noun [U]: to suffer from dehydration
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de-ice
verb [vn] to remove the ice from sth—compare DEFROST , MELT , THAW , UNFREEZE
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deify
verb (dei.fies, dei.fy.ing, dei.fied, dei.fied) [vn] (formal) to treat or worship sb as a god
dei.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: the deification of medieval kings
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deign
verb [v to inf] (disapproving) to do sth in a way that shows you think you are too important to do it
SYN CONDESCEND : She just grunted, not deigning to look up from the page.
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deity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a god or GODDESS : Greek / Roman / Hindu deities
2 (the Deity) [sing.] (formal) God
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déjà vu
noun [U] (from French ) the feeling that you have previously experienced sth which is happening to you now: I had a strong sense of déjà vu as I entered the room.
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de.ject.ed
adj. unhappy and disappointed: She looked so dejected when she lost the game.
de.ject.ed.ly adv.
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de.jec.tion
noun [U] a feeling of unhappiness and disappointment
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de jure
adj., adv. (from Latin, law ) according to the law: He held power de jure and de facto (= both according to the law and in reality).—compare DE FACTO
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delay
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a period of time when sb/sth has to wait because of a problem that makes sth slow or late: Commuters will face long delays on the roads today.  We apologize for the delay in answering your letter.  a delay of two hours / a two-hour delay
2 [C, U] a situation in which sth does not happen when it should; the act of delaying: There’s no time for delay.  Report it to the police without delay (= immediately).

verb
1 to not do sth until a later time or to make sth happen at a later time: [vn] The judge will delay his verdict until he receives medical reports on the offender.  She’s suffering a delayed reaction (= a reaction that did not happen immediately) to the shock.  [v -ing] He delayed telling her the news, waiting for the right moment.  [v] Don’t delay—call us today!
2 [vn] to make sb late or force them to do sth more slowly: Thousands of commuters were delayed for over an hour.  The government is accused of using delaying tactics (= deliberately doing sth to delay a process, decision, etc.).

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de.lect.able
adj. (written)
1 (of food and drink) extremely pleasant to taste, smell or look at: the delectable smell of freshly baked bread
2 (humorous) (of a person) very attractive: his delectable body
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de.lect.ation
noun [U] (formal or humorous) enjoyment or entertainment
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dele.gate
noun, verb
noun a person who is chosen or elected to represent the views of a group of people and vote and make decisions for them: The conference was attended by delegates from 56 countries.

verb
1 ~ (sth) (to sb) to give part of your work, power or authority to sb in a lower position than you: [v] Some managers find it difficult to delegate.  [vn] The job had to be delegated to an assistant.
2 [vn to inf] [usually passive] to choose sb to do sth: I’ve been delegated to organize the Christmas party.

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dele.ga.tion
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who represent the views of an organization, a country, etc: the Dutch delegation to the United Nations  a delegation of teachers
2 [U] the process of giving sb work or responsibilities that would usually be yours: delegation of authority / decision-making
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de.lete
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth that has been written or printed, or that has been stored on a computer: Your name has been deleted from the list.  This command deletes files from the directory.   (BrE ) Mr / Mrs / Ms (delete as appropriate)
de.le.tion noun [U, C]: He made several deletions to the manuscript.
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dele.teri.ous
adj. (formal) harmful and damaging: the deleterious effect of stress on health
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deli
noun = DELICATESSEN
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de.lib.er.ate
adj., verb
adj.
1 done on purpose rather than by accident
SYN PLANNED : a deliberate act of vandalism  The speech was a deliberate attempt to embarrass the government.
2 (of a movement or an action) done slowly and carefully: She spoke in a slow and deliberate way.

verb to think very carefully about sth, usually before making a decision: [v] The jury deliberated for five days before finding him guilty.  They deliberated on whether to continue with the talks. [alsov wh-]

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de.lib.er.ate.ly
adv.
1 done in a way that was planned, not by chance
SYN INTENTIONALLY , ON PURPOSE : She’s been deliberately ignoring him all day.
2 slowly and carefully: He packed up his possessions slowly and deliberately.
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de.lib.er.ation
noun
1 [U, C, usually pl.] the process of carefully considering or discussing sth: After ten hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of ‘not guilty’.  The deliberations of the committee are completely confidential.
2 [U] the quality of being slow and careful in what you say or do: She signed her name with great deliberation.
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deli.cacy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the quality of being, or appearing to be, easy to damage or break: the delicacy of the fabric
2 [U] the quality of being done carefully and gently: the delicacy of his touch
3 [U] very careful behaviour in a difficult situation so that nobody is offended: She handled the situation with great sensitivity and delicacy.
4 [U] the fact that a situation is difficult and sb may be easily offended: I need to talk to you about a matter of some delicacy.
5 [C] a type of food considered to be very special in a particular place: local delicacies
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deli.cate
adj.
1 easily damaged or broken
SYN FRAGILE : delicate china teacups  The eye is one of the most delicate organs of the body.  the delicate ecological balance of the rainforest  Babies have very delicate skin.  a cool wash cycle for delicate fabrics
2 (of a person) not strong and easily becoming ill: a delicate child / constitution
3 small and having a beautiful shape or appearance: his delicate hands  Women were treated like delicate flowers needing special treatment.
4 made or formed in a very careful and detailed way: the delicate mechanisms of a clock
5 showing or needing skilful, careful or sensitive treatment: I admired your delicate handling of the situation.  a delicate problem  The delicate surgical operation took five hours.
6 (of colours, flavours and smells) light and pleasant; not strong: a delicate fragrance / flavour  a river scene painted in delicate watercolours
deli.cate.ly adv.: He stepped delicately over the broken glass.  delicately balanced flavours
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deli.ca.tes.sen
(also deli) noun a shop/store or part of one that sells cooked meats and cheeses, and special or unusual foods that come from other countries
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de.li.cious
adj.
1 having a very pleasant taste or smell: Who cooked this? It’s delicious.
2 (literary) extremely pleasant or enjoyable: the delicious coolness of the breeze
de.li.cious.ly adv.: deliciously creamy soup
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de.light
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a feeling of great pleasure: a feeling of sheer / pure delight  The children squealed with delight when they saw the puppy.  She won the game easily, to the delight of all her fans.  He takes (great) delight in (= enjoys) proving others wrong.
2 [C] something that gives you great pleasure: This guitar is a delight to play.  the delights of living in the country

verb [vn] to give sb a lot of pleasure and enjoyment: This news will delight his fans all over the world.
PVR V delight in sth / doing sth [no passive] to enjoy doing sth very much, especially sth that makes other people feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, etc.

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de.light.ed
adj. ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ (by / at / with sth) very pleased: a delighted smile  I’d be absolutely delighted to come.  I was delighted that you could stay.  She was delighted by / at the news of the wedding.  I was delighted with my presents.
de.light.ed.ly adv.
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de.light.ful
adj. very pleasant: a delightful book / restaurant / town  a delightful child
de.light.ful.ly adv.
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de.limit
verb [vn] (formal) to decide what the limits of sth are
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de.lin.eate
verb [vn] (formal) to describe, draw or explain sth in detail: Our objectives need to be precisely delineated.  The ship’s route is clearly delineated on the map.
de.lin.ea.tion noun [U, C]
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de.lin.quency
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) bad or criminal behaviour, usually of young people: an increase in juvenile delinquency
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de.lin.quent
adj.
1 (especially of young people or their behaviour) showing a tendency to commit crimes: delinquent teenagers
2 (AmE, finance) having failed to pay money that is owed: a delinquent borrower
3 (AmE, finance) (of a sum of money) not having been paid in time: a delinquent loan
de.lin.quent noun—see also JUVENILE DELINQUENT
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de.li.ri.ous
adj.
1 in an excited state and not able to think or speak clearly, usually because of fever: He became delirious and couldn’t recognize people.
2 extremely excited and happy: The crowds were delirious with joy.
de.li.ri.ous.ly adv.
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de.lir.ium
noun [U] a mental state where sb becomes delirious , usually because of illness: fits of delirium
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delirium tremens
noun [U] (medical ) = DTS
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de.liver
verb
TAKE GOODS / LETTERS|
1 ~ (sth) (to sb/sth) to take goods, letters, etc. to the person or people they have been sent to; to take sb somewhere: [vn] Leaflets have been delivered to every household.  Do you have your milk delivered?  [v] We promise to deliver within 48 hours.
GIVE SPEECH|
2 [vn] to give a speech, talk, etc. or other official statement: She is due to deliver a lecture on genetic engineering.  He delivered his lines confidently.  The jury finally delivered its verdict.
KEEP PROMISE|
3 ~ (on sth) to do what you promised to do or what you are expected to do; to produce or provide what people expect you to: [v] He has promised to finish the job by June and I am sure he will deliver.  She always delivers on her promises.  [vn] If you can’t deliver improved sales figures, you’re fired.  The team delivered a stunning victory last night.
GIVE TO SB’S CONTROL|
4 [vn] ~ sb/sth (up / over) (to sb) (formal) to give sb/sth to sb else so that they are under this person’s control: They delivered their prisoner over to the invading army.
BABY|
5 [vn] ~ a baby to help a woman to give birth to a baby: The baby was delivered by Caesarean section.
6 [vn] be delivered of a baby (formal) to give birth to a baby: She was delivered of a healthy boy.
THROW|
7 [vn] to throw or aim sth: He delivered the blow (= hit sb hard) with all his force.
RESCUE|
8 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) (old use) to rescue sb from sth bad
IDM see GOODS , SIGN v.
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de.liver.able
noun [usually pl.] a product that a company promises to have ready for a customer: computer software deliverables
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de.liv.er.ance
noun [U] ~ (from sth) (formal) the state of being rescued from danger, evil or pain
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de.liv.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the act of taking goods, letters, etc. to the people they have been sent to: a delivery van  Please pay for goods on delivery (= when you receive them).  Allow 28 days for delivery .  Is there a postal / mail delivery on Saturdays?   (formal) When can you take delivery of (= be available to receive) the car?   (figurative) the delivery of public services
2 [C, U] the process of giving birth to a baby: an easy / difficult delivery  a delivery room / ward (= in a hospital, etc.)
3 [sing.] the way in which sb speaks, sings a song, etc. in public: The beautiful poetry was ruined by her poor delivery.
4 [C] a ball that is thrown, especially in cricket or baseball: a fast delivery
IDM see CASH n.
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dell
noun (literary) a small valley with trees growing in or around it
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del.phin.ium
noun a tall garden plant with blue or white flowers growing up its stem
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delta
noun
1 the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Δ,δ)
2 an area of land, shaped like a triangle, where a river has split into several smaller rivers before entering the sea: the Nile Delta
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de.lude
verb ~ sb / yourself (into doing sth) to make sb believe sth that is not true
SYN DECEIVE : [vn] Don’t be deluded into thinking that we are out of danger yet.  You poor deluded creature.  He’s deluding himself if he thinks it’s going to be easy.  [vn that] She had been deluding herself that he loved her.—see also DELUSION
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del.uge
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.]
1 a sudden very heavy fall of rain; a flood
2 a large number of things that happen or arrive at the same time: a deluge of calls / complaints / letters

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (with sth) [usually passive] to send or give sb/sth a large number of things at the same time
SYN INUNDATE : We have been deluged with applications for the job.
2 [often passive] (formal) to flood a place with water: The campsite was deluged by a flash flood.

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de.lu.sion
noun
1 [C] a false belief or opinion about yourself or your situation: the delusions of the mentally ill  Don’t go getting delusions of grandeur (= a belief that you are more important than you actually are).
2 [U] the act of believing or making yourself believe sth that is not true
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de luxe
adj. [usually before noun] of a higher quality and more expensive than usual: a de luxe hotel
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delve
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to search for sth inside a bag, container, etc: She delved in her handbag for a pen.
PVR V delve into sth to try hard to find out more information about sth
SYN PROBE : She had started to delve into her father’s distant past.
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Dem.
abbr. (in politics in the US) DEMOCRAT ; DEMOCRATIC
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dema.gogue
noun (disapproving) a political leader who tries to win support by using arguments based on emotion rather than reason
dema.gog.ic adj.
dema.gogy noun [U]
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de.mand
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (for sth / that … ) a very firm request for sth; sth that sb needs: a demand for higher pay  demands that the law on gun ownership should be changed  firms attempting to meet / satisfy their customers' demands (= to give them what they are asking for)
2 (demands) [pl.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (on sb) things that sb/sth makes you do, especially things that are difficult, make you tired, worried, etc: the demands of children / work  Flying makes enormous demands on pilots.
3 [U, C] ~ (for sth/sb) the desire or need of customers for goods or services which they want to buy or use: to meet the demand for a product  There’s an increased demand for organic produce these days.  Demand is exceeding supply.
IDM by popular de'mand because a lot of people have asked for sth: By popular demand, the play will run for another week. in de'mand wanted by a lot of people: Good secretaries are always in demand on de'mand done or happening whenever sb asks: Feed the baby on demand.—see also SUPPLY AND DEMAND

verb
1 to ask for sth very firmly: [vn] She demanded an immediate explanation.  [v that] The UN has demanded that all troops be withdrawn.   (BrE also) They are demanding that all troops should be withdrawn.  [v to inf] I demand to see the manager.  [v speech] ‘Who the hell are you?’ he demanded angrily.
2 [vn] to need sth in order to be done successfully: This sport demands both speed and strength.

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de.mand.ing
adj.
1 (of a piece of work) needing a lot of skill, patience, effort, etc: The work is physically demanding.
2 (of a person) expecting a lot of work or attention from others; not easily satisfied: a demanding boss / child
OPP UNDEMANDING
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de.mar.cate
verb [vn] (formal) to mark or establish the limits of sth: Plots of land have been demarcated by barbed wire.
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de.mar.ca.tion
noun [U, C] a border or line that separates two things, such as types of work, groups of people or areas of land: It was hard to draw clear lines of demarcation between work and leisure.  social demarcations
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de.mean
verb [vn]
1 ~ yourself to do sth that makes people have less respect for you: I wouldn’t demean myself by asking for charity.
2 to make people have less respect for sb/sth
SYN DEGRADE : Such images demean women.
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de.mean.ing
adj. putting sb in a position that does not give them the respect that they should have: He found it demeaning to work for his former employee.
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de.mean.our
(BrE ) (AmEde.meanor) noun [U] (formal) the way that sb looks or behaves: He maintained a professional demeanour throughout.
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de.men.ted
adj.
1 (especially BrE) behaving in a crazy way because you are extremely upset or worried: I’ve been nearly demented with worry about you.
2 (old-fashioned ormedical) having a mental illness
de.men.ted.ly adv.
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de.men.tia
noun [U] (medical ) a serious mental disorder caused by brain disease or injury, that affects the ability to think, remember and behave normally—see also SENILE DEMENTIA
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dem.er.ara sugar
noun [U] (BrE ) a type of rough brown sugar
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de.merit
noun (formal)
1 [usually pl.] a fault in sth or a disadvantage of sth: the merits and demerits of the scheme
2 (AmE) a mark on sb’s school record showing that they have done sth wrong: You’ll get three demerits if you’re caught smoking on school grounds.
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demi-
prefix (in nouns) half; partly: demigod
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de.mili.tar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to remove military forces from an area: a demilitarized zone
OPP MILITARIZE
de.mili.tar.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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de.mise
noun [sing.]
1 the end or failure of an institution, an idea, a company, etc.
2 (formal or humorous) death: his imminent / sudden / sad demise
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de.mist
(BrE ) (AmE de.fog) verb [vn] to remove the CONDENSATION from a car’s windows so that you can see clearly
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demo
noun (pl.-os) (informal)
1 (especially BrE) = DEMONSTRATION (1) : They all went on the demo.
2 = DEMONSTRATION (2) : I’ll give you a demo .
3 a record or tape with an example of sb’s music on it: a demo tape
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demo-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with people or population: democracy  democratic
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demob
verb (-bb-) [vn] [usually passive] (BrE , informal) = DEMOBILIZE : He was demobbed in 1946.
demob noun [U] (BrE)
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de.mo.bil.ize
(BrE also -ise) (also BrE informal demob) verb [vn] to release sb from military service, especially at the end of a war—compare MOBILIZE
de.mo.bil.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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dem.oc.racy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a system of government in which all the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives: parliamentary democracy  the principles of democracy
2 [C] a country which has this system of government: Western democracies  I thought we were supposed to be living in a democracy.
3 [U] fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization, etc., and their right to take part in making decisions: the fight for justice and democracy
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demo.crat
noun
1 a person who believes in or supports democracy
2 (Democrat) (abbr.D, Dem.) a member or supporter of the Democratic party of the US—compare REPUBLICAN
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demo.crat.ic
adj.
1 (of a country, state, system, etc.) controlled by representatives who are elected by the people of a country; connected with this system: a democratic country  a democratic system / election  democratic government / rule / accountability  They are aiming to make the institutions of the EU truly democratic.
2 based on the principle that all members have an equal right to be involved in running an organization, etc: democratic involvement / participation  a democratic decision
3 based on the principle that all members of society are equal rather than divided by money or social class: a democratic society / outlook  democratic values / reforms
4 (Democratic) (abbr.Dem., D) connected with the Democratic party in the US: the Democratic senator from Oregon
demo.crat.ic.al.ly adv.: a democratically elected government / leader  democratically accountable / controlled  The decision was taken democratically.
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the Demo'cratic Party
noun [sing.] one of the two main political parties in the US, usually considered to be in favour of social REFORM —compare THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
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dem.oc.ra.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to make a country or an institution more democratic
dem.oc.ra.tiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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dem.og.raphy
noun [U] the changing number of births, deaths, diseases, etc. in a community over a period of time; the scientific study of these changes: the social demography of Africa
dem.og.raph.er noun
demo.graph.ic adj.: demographic changes / trends / factors
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de.mol.ish
verb [vn]
1 to pull or knock down a building: The factory was demolished in 1980.
2 to show that an idea or theory is completely wrong: A recent book has demolished this theory.
3 to defeat sb easily and completely: They demolished New Zealand 22–6 in the final.
4 (BrE, informal) to eat sth very quickly: The children demolished their burgers and chips.
demo.li.tion noun [U, C]: The whole row of houses is scheduled for demolition.  His speech did a very effective demolition job on the government’s proposals.
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,demolition 'derby
noun (AmE ) = STOCK-CAR RACING
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demon
noun
1 an evil spirit: demons torturing the sinners in Hell
2 (informal) a person who does sth very well or with a lot of energy: He skis like a demon.
3 something that causes a person to worry and makes them unhappy: the demons of jealousy
IDM the demon 'drink (BrE, humorous) alcoholic drink
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de.mon.ic
adj. connected with, or like, a demon (1) : demonic forces / powers  a demonic appearance / nature
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dem.on.strable
adj. (formal) that can be shown or proved: a demonstrable need
dem.on.strably adv.: demonstrably unfair
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dem.on.strate
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to show sth clearly by giving proof or evidence: [v that] These results demonstrate convincingly that our campaign is working.  [vn] Let me demonstrate to you some of the difficulties we are facing.  [v wh-] His sudden departure had demonstrated how unreliable he was.  [vn to inf] The theories were demonstrated to be false.  [vn that] It has been demonstrated that this drug is effective.
2 [vn] to show by your actions that you have a particular quality, feeling or opinion
SYN DISPLAY : You need to demonstrate more self-control.  We want to demonstrate our commitment to human rights.
3 ~ sth (to sb) to show and explain how sth works or how to do sth: [vn] Her job involves demonstrating new educational software. [alsov wh-]
4 [v] ~ (against sth)| ~ (in favour / support of sth) to take part in a public meeting or march, usually as a protest or to show support for sth
SYN PROTEST : students demonstrating against the war  They are demonstrating in favour of free higher education.
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de.mon.stra.tion
noun
1 (also informal demo especially in BrE) [C] ~ (against sb/sth) a public meeting or march at which people show that they are protesting against or supporting sb/sth: to take part in / go on a demonstration  to hold / stage a demonstration  mass demonstrations in support of the exiled leader  anti-government demonstrations  a peaceful / violent demonstration—compare MARCH
2 (also informal demo) [C, U] an act of showing or explaining how sth works or is done: We were given a brief demonstration of the computer’s functions.  a practical demonstration  We provide demonstration of videoconferencing over the Internet.
3 [C, U] an act of giving proof or evidence for sth: a demonstration of the connection between the two sets of figures  a demonstration of how something that seems simple can turn out to be very complicated
4 [C] an act of showing a feeling or an opinion: a public demonstration of affection  a demonstration of support for the reforms
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de.mon.stra.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 showing feelings openly, especially feelings of affection: Some people are more demonstrative than others.  a demonstrative greeting / friendship
2 (grammar) used to identify the person or thing that is being referred to: ‘This’ and ‘that’ are demonstrative pronouns.

noun (grammar ) a demonstrative pronoun or DETERMINER

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dem.on.stra.tor
noun
1 a person who takes part in a public meeting or march in order to protest against sb/sth or to show support for sb/sth: pro-democracy demonstrators
2 a person whose job is to show or explain how sth works or is done
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de.mor.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb lose confidence or hope
SYN DISHEARTEN : Constant criticism is enough to demoralize anybody.
de.mor.al.ized , -isedadj.: The workers here seem very demoralized.
de.mor.al.iz.ing , -is.ingadj.: the demoralizing effects of unemployment
de.mor.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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de.mote
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (from sth) (to sth) to move sb to a lower position or rank, often as a punishment
OPP PROMOTE
de.mo.tion noun [C, U]
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dem.ot.ic
adj. (formal) used by or typical of ordinary people
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demur
verb, noun
verb (-rr-) (formal) to say that you do not agree with sth or that you refuse to do sth: [v] At first she demurred, but then finally agreed. [alsov speech]

noun
IDM without de'mur (formal) without objecting or hesitating: They accepted without demur.

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de.mure
adj.
1 (of a woman or a girl) behaving in a way that does not attract attention to herself or her body; quiet and serious: a demure young lady
2 suggesting that a woman or girl is demure : a demure smile  a demure navy blouse with a white collar
de.mure.ly adv.
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de.mys.tify
verb (de.mys.ti.fies, de.mys.ti.fy.ing, de.mys.ti.fied, de.mys.ti.fied) [vn] (written) to make sth easier to understand and less complicated by explaining it in a clear and simple way
de.mys.ti.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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den
noun
1 the hidden home of some types of wild animal: a bear’s / lion’s den
2 (disapproving) a place where people meet in secret, especially for some illegal or immoral activity: a den of thieves  a drinking / gambling den  He thought of New York as a den of iniquity .
3 (AmE) a room in a house where people go to relax, watch television, etc.
4 (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a room in a house where a person can work or study without being disturbed: He would often retire to his den.
5 a secret enclosed place where children play: They made themselves a den in the woods.
IDM see BEARD v. , LION
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de.nation.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to sell a company or an industry so that it is no longer owned by the government
SYN PRIVATIZE
OPP NATIONALIZE
de.nation.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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de.nial
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth / that … ) a statement that says sth is not true or does not exist: the prisoner’s repeated denials of the charges against him  The terrorists issued a denial of responsibility for the attack.  an official denial that there would be an election before the end of the year
2 [C, U] (a) ~ of sth a refusal to allow sb to have sth they have a right to expect: the denial of basic human rights
3 [U] (psychology) a refusal to accept that sth unpleasant or painful is true: The patient is still in denial .
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den.ier
noun (especially BrE ) a unit for measuring how fine threads of NYLON , silk, etc. are: 15 denier stockings
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deni.grate
verb [vn] (formal) to criticize sb/sth unfairly; to say sb/sth does not have any value or is not important: I didn’t intend to denigrate her achievements.
deni.gra.tion noun [U]
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denim
noun
1 [U] a strong cotton fabric that is usually blue and is used for making clothes, especially JEANS : a denim jacket—
ORIGIN From the French serge de Nîmes, meaning serge (a type of fabric) from the town of Nîmes.
2 (denims) [pl.] (old-fashioned) trousers/pants made of denim
SYN JEANS
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deni.zen
noun (formal or humorous) a person, an animal or a plant that lives, grows or is often found in a particular place: polar bears, denizens of the frozen north  the denizens of the local pub
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de.nom.in.ation
noun (formal)
1 a branch of the Christian Church: Christians of all denominations attended the conference.
2 a unit of value, especially of money: coins and banknotes of various denominations
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de.nom.in.ation.al
adj. belonging to a particular branch of the Christian Church
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de.nom.in.ator
noun (mathematics ) the number below the line in a FRACTION showing how many parts the whole is divided into, for example 4 in ¾—compare NUMERATOR , COMMON DENOMINATOR
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de.note
verb (formal)
1 to be a sign of sth
SYN INDICATE : [vn] A very high temperature often denotes a serious illness. [alsov that]
2 to mean sth REPRESENT : [vn] In this example ‘X’ denotes the time taken and ‘Y’ denotes the distance covered.  The red triangle denotes danger.  Here ‘family’ denotes mother, father and children. [alsov wh-] —compare CONNOTE
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de.noue.ment
(also dé.noue.ment) noun (from French ) the end of a play, book, etc., in which everything is explained or settled; the end result of a situation: an exciting / unexpected denouement
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de.nounce
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to strongly criticize sb/sth that you think is wrong, illegal, etc: She publicly denounced the government’s handling of the crisis.  The project was denounced as a scandalous waste of public money.
2 ~ sb (as sth) to tell the police, the authorities, etc. about sb’s illegal political activities: They were denounced as spies.  Many people denounced their friends and neighbours to the secret police.—see also DENUNCIATION
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dense
adj. (dens.er, dens.est)
1 containing a lot of people, things, plants, etc. with little space between them: a dense crowd / forest  areas of dense population
2 difficult to see through: dense fog / smoke / fumes
3 (informal) stupid: How can you be so dense?
4 difficult to understand because it contains a lot of information: a dense piece of writing
5 (technical) heavy in relation to its size: Less dense substances move upwards to form a crust.
dense.ly adv.: a densely populated area  densely covered / packed
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dens.ity
noun (pl.-ities)
1 [U] the quality of being dense ; the degree to which sth is dense : population density  low density forest
2 [C, U] (physics) the thickness of a solid, liquid or gas measured by its MASS (= weight) per unit of volume: the density of a gas
3 [U] (computing) the amount of space available on a disk for recording data: a high / double density floppy
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dent
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to make a hollow place in a hard surface, usually by hitting it: The back of the car was badly dented in the collision.
2 to damage sb’s confidence, reputation, etc: It seemed that nothing could dent his confidence.

noun a hollow place in a hard surface, usually caused by sth hitting it: a large dent in the passenger door
IDM make, etc. a 'dent in sth to reduce the amount of sth, especially money: The lawyer’s fees will make a dent in our finances.

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dent.al
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the teeth: dental disease / care / treatment / health  a dental appointment  dental records   (BrE) a dental surgery (= where a dentist sees patients)
2 (phonetics) (of a consonant) produced with the tongue against the upper front teeth, for example , or against the RIDGE of the teeth, for example
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'dental floss
(also floss) noun [U] a type of thread that is used for cleaning between the teeth
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'dental hygienist
noun (especially AmE ) = HYGIENIST
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'dental surgeon
noun (formal) = DENTIST
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den.tist
noun
1 (also formal 'dental surgeon) a person whose job is to take care of people’s teeth
2 (dentist’s) a place where a dentist sees patients: an appointment at the dentist’s
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den.tis.try
noun [U]
1 the medical study of the teeth and mouth
2 the work of a dentist: preventive dentistry
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den.tures
noun [pl.] artificial teeth on a thin piece of plastic (= a PLATE ), worn by sb who no longer has all their own teeth
den.ture adj.: denture adhesive—compare FALSE TEETH , PLATE n. (14)
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de.nude
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (of sth) (formal) to make sth bare: hillsides denuded of trees
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de.nun.ci.ation
noun [C, U] ~ (of sb/sth) an act of criticizing sb/sth strongly in public: an angry denunciation of the government’s policies  All parties joined in bitter denunciation of the terrorists.—see also DENOUNCE
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Denver boot
noun (AmE ) = CLAMP (2)
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deny
verb (de.nies, deny.ing, de.nied, de.nied)
1 to say that sth is not true: [vn] to deny a claim / a charge / an accusation  The spokesman refused either to confirm or deny the reports.  There’s no denying (the fact) that quicker action could have saved them.  [v -ing] He denies attempting to murder his wife.  [v (that)] She denied (that) there had been any cover-up.  [vn that] It can’t be denied that we need to devote more resources to this problem.
2 [vn] to refuse to admit or accept sth: She denied all knowledge of the incident.  The department denies responsibility for what occurred.
3 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) (sth) (formal) to refuse to allow sb to have sth that they want or ask for: [vnn, vn] They were denied access to the information.  Access to the information was denied to them.
4 [vn] ~ yourself (sth) (formal) to refuse to let yourself have sth that you would like to have, especially for moral or religious reasons
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de.odor.ant
noun [C, U] a substance that people put on their bodies to remove or hide unpleasant smells: (a) roll-on deodorant—see also ANTIPERSPIRANT
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dep.
abbr. (in writing) DEPART(S) ; DEPARTURE —compare ARR.
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de.part
verb (rather formal)
1 ~ (for … ) (from … ) to leave a place, especially to start a trip: [v] Flights for Amsterdam depart from Terminal 3.  She waited until the last of the guests had departed.  [vn] (AmE) The train departed Amritsar at 6.15 p.m.
2 (AmE ) to leave your job: [v] the departing president  [vn] He departed his job December 16.—see also DEPARTURE
IDM depart this 'life to die. People say ‘depart this life’ to avoid saying ‘die’.
PVR V de'part from sth to behave in a way that is different from usual: Departing from her usual routine, she took the bus to work.
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de.part.ed
adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 dead. People say ‘departed’ to avoid saying ‘dead’: your dear departed brother
2 (the departed) noun (pl.the de.part.ed) the person who has died
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de.part.ment
noun (abbr. Dept) a section of a large organization such as a government, business, university, etc: the Department of the Environment  the Treasury Department  a government / university department  the marketing / sales department  the children’s department (= in a large store)  the English department—see also THE STATE DEPARTMENT
IDM be sb’s department (spoken) to be sth that sb is responsible for or knows a lot about: Don’t ask me about it—that’s her department.
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de.part.ment.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with a department rather than with the whole organization: a departmental manager / meeting
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de'partment store
noun a large shop/store that is divided into several parts, each part selling a different type of goods
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de.part.ure
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (from … ) the act of leaving a place; an example of this: His sudden departure threw the office into chaos.  Flights should be confirmed 48 hours before departure.  They had received no news of him since his departure from the island.
2 [C] a plane, train, etc. leaving a place at a particular time: arrivals and departures  All departures are from Manchester.  the departure lounge / time / gate  the departures board
3 [C] a ~ (from sth) an action that is different from what is usual or expected: It was a radical departure from tradition.  Their latest single represents a new departure for the band.
IDM see POINT n.
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de.pend
verb
IDM that de'pends | it (all) de'pends used to say that you are not certain about sth because other things have to be considered: ‘Is he coming?’‘That depends. He may not have the time.’  I don’t know if we can help—it all depends.  I might not go. It depends how tired I am.  ‘Your job sounds fun.’‘It depends what you mean by ‘fun’.’  I shouldn’t be too late. But it depends if the traffic’s bad.
PVR V de'pend on / upon sb/sth
1 to rely on sb/sth and be able to trust them: He was the sort of person you could depend on. [+ to inf] He knew he could depend upon her to deal with the situation.
2 to be sure or expect that sth will happen: Depend upon it (= you can be sure) we won’t give up. [+ -ing] Can we depend on you coming in on Sunday?   (formal) You can depend on his coming in on Sunday. [+ to inf] (ironic) You can depend on her to be (= she always is) late. de'pend on / upon sb/sth (for sth) (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to need money, help, etc. from sb/sth else for a particular purpose: The community depends on the shipping industry for its survival.  I don’t want to depend too much on my parents. de'pend on / upon sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to be affected or decided by sth: Does the quality of teaching depend on class size?  It would depend on the circumstances. [+ wh-] We might need more food depending on how many people turn up.
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de.pend.able
adj. that can be relied on to do what you want or need: a dependable person / car
de.pend.abil.ity noun [U]
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de.pend.ant
(BrE ) (also de.pend.entAmE, BrE) noun a person, especially a child, who depends on another person for a home, food, money, etc.
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de.pend.ence
noun [U]
1 ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the state of needing the help and support of sb/sth in order to survive or be successful: his dependence on his parents  Our relationship was based on mutual dependence.  the dependence of Europe on imported foods  financial / economic dependence
OPP INDEPENDENCE
2 (also de.pend.ency) the state of being ADDICTED to sth (= unable to stop taking or using it): drug / alcohol dependence
3 ~ of A and B (technical) the fact of one thing being affected by another: the close dependence of soil and landforms
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de.pend.ency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the state of relying on sb/sth for sth, especially when this is not normal or necessary: financial / economic dependency  Their aim is to reduce people’s dependency on the welfare state.  the dependency culture (= a way of life on which people are too dependent on money from the government)
2 [C] a country, an area, etc. that is controlled by another country: The Orkney islands were formerly dependencies of Norway and Denmark.
3 = DEPENDENCE (2)
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de.pend.ent
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (on / upon sb/sth) (for sth) needing sb/sth in order to survive or be successful: a woman with several dependent children  You can’t be dependent on your parents all your life.  The festival is heavily dependent on sponsorship for its success.
2 ~ on / upon sth ADDICTED to sth (= unable to stop taking or using it): to be dependent on drugs / alcohol
3 ~ on / upon sth (formal) affected or decided by sth: A child’s development is dependent on many factors.  The price is dependent on how many extras you choose.

noun (especially AmE ) = DEPENDANT

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de,pendent 'clause
noun (grammar ) = SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
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de.per.son.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive] (written) to make sth less personal so that it does not seem as if human beings with feelings and personality are involved
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de.pict
verb ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) (rather formal)
1 to show an image of sb/sth in a picture: [vn] a painting depicting the Virgin and Child  [vn -ing] The artist had depicted her lying naked on a bed.
2 [vn] to describe sth in words, or give an impression of sth in words or with a picture: The novel depicts French society in the 1930s.  The advertisements depict smoking as glamorous and attractive.
de.pic.tion noun [U, C]: They object to the movie’s depiction of gay people.
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de.pila.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a substance used for removing body hair
de.pila.tory adj. [only before noun]: depilatory creams
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de.plane
verb [v] (AmE ) to get off a plane
SYN DISEMBARK
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de.plete
verb [vn] [usually passive] to reduce sth by a large amount so that there is not enough left: Food supplies were severely depleted.
de.ple.tion noun [U]: ozone depletion  the depletion of fish stocks
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de.plor.able
adj. (formal) very bad and unacceptable, often in a way that shocks people: a deplorable episode / incident  They were living in the most deplorable conditions.  The acting was deplorable.
de.plor.ably adv.: They behaved deplorably.  deplorably high / low / bad
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de.plore
verb [vn] (formal) to strongly disapprove of sth and criticize it, especially publicly: Like everyone else, I deplore and condemn this killing.
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de.ploy
verb [vn]
1 (technical) to move soldiers or weapons into a position where they are ready for military action: US forces deployed in the Gulf  At least 5 000 missiles were deployed along the border.
2 (formal) to use sth effectively: to deploy arguments / resources
de.ploy.ment noun [U]
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de.popu.late
verb [vn] [usually passive] to reduce the number of people living in a place: Whole stretches of land were laid waste and depopulated.
de.popu.la.tion noun [U]
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de.port
verb [vn] to force sb to leave a country, usually because they have broken the law or because they have no legal right to be there: He was convicted of drug offences and deported.
de.port.ation [C, U]: Several of the asylum seekers now face deportation.  a deportation order
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de.port.ment
noun [U] (formal)
1 (BrE) the way in which a person stands and moves: lessons for young ladies in deportment and etiquette
2 (old-fashioned, especially AmE) the way in which a person behaves
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de.pose
verb [vn] to remove sb, especially a ruler, from power: The president was deposed in a military coup.
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de.posit
noun, verb
noun
MONEY|
1 [usually sing.] a ~ (on sth) a sum of money that is given as the first part of a larger payment: We’ve put down a 5% deposit on the house.  They normally ask you to pay £100 (as a) deposit.
2 [usually sing.] a sum of money that is paid by sb when they rent sth and that is returned to them if they do not lose or damage the thing they are renting: to pay a deposit
3 a sum of money that is paid into a bank account: Deposits can be made at any branch.
4 (in Britain) the amount of money that a candidate in an election to Parliament has to pay, and that is returned if he/she gets enough votes: All the other candidates lost their deposits .
SUBSTANCE|
5 a layer of a substance that has formed naturally underground: mineral / gold / coal deposits
6 a layer of a substance that has been left somewhere, especially by a river, flood, etc., or is found at the bottom of a liquid: The rain left a deposit of mud on the windows.  Turkish coffee always leaves a thick deposit at the bottom of the cup.  fatty deposits in the arteries of the heart

verb [vn]
PUT DOWN|
1 [+adv. / prep.] to put or lay sb/sth down in a particular place: She deposited a pile of books on my desk.   (informal) I was whisked off in a taxi and deposited outside the hotel.
LEAVE SUBSTANCE|
2 (especially of a river or a liquid) to leave a layer of sth on the surface of sth, especially gradually and over a period of time: Sand was deposited which hardened into sandstone.
MONEY|
3 to put money into a bank account: Millions were deposited in Swiss bank accounts.
4 to pay a sum of money as the first part of a larger payment; to pay a sum of money that you will get back if you return in good condition sth that you have rented
PUT IN SAFE PLACE|
5 ~ sth (in sth)| ~ sth (with sb/sth) to put sth valuable or important in a place where it will be safe: Guests may deposit their valuables in the hotel safe.

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de'posit account
noun (BrE ) a type of account at a bank or BUILDING SOCIETY that pays interest on money that is left in it—compare CURRENT ACCOUNT
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de.pos.ition
noun
1 [U, C] (technical) the natural process of leaving a layer of a substance on rocks or soil; a substance left in this way: marine / river deposition
2 [U, C] the act of removing sb, especially a ruler, from power: the deposition of the King
3 [C] (law) a formal statement, taken from sb and used in a court of law
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de.pos.it.or
noun a person who puts money in a bank account
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de.posi.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a place where things can be stored
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depot
noun
1 a place where large amounts of food, goods or equipment are stored: an arms depot
2 (BrE) a place where vehicles, for example, buses are kept and repaired
3 (AmE) a small station where trains or buses stop
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de.prave
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb morally bad
SYN CORRUPT : In my view this book would deprave young children.
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de.praved
adj. (formal) morally bad WICKED , EVIL : This is the work of a depraved mind.
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de.prav.ity
noun [U] (formal) the state of being morally bad: a life of depravity
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dep.re.cate
verb [vn] (formal) to feel and express strong disapproval of sth
dep.re.cat.ing (also less frequent dep.re.ca.tory ) adj.: a deprecating comment
dep.re.cat.ing.ly adv.
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de.pre.ci.ate
verb
1 [v] to become less valuable over a period of time: New cars start to depreciate as soon as they are on the road.  Shares continued to depreciate on the stock markets today.
OPP APPRECIATE
2 [vn] (business) to reduce the value, as stated in the company’s accounts, of a particular ASSET over a particular period of time: The bank depreciates PCs over a period of five years.
3 [vn] (formal) to make sth seem unimportant or of no value: I had no intention of depreciating your contribution.
de.pre.ci.ation noun [U]: currency depreciation  the depreciation of fixed assets
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dep.re.da.tion
noun [usually pl.] (formal) acts that cause harm or damage
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de.press
verb
1 to make sb sad and without enthusiasm or hope: [vn] Wet weather always depresses me.  [vn to inf] It depresses me to see so many young girls smoking.
2 [vn] to make trade, business, etc. less active: The recession has depressed the housing market.
3 [vn] to lower the value of prices or wages: to depress wages / prices
4 [vn] (formal) to press or push sth down, especially part of a machine: to depress the clutch pedal (= when driving).
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de.pressed
adj.
1 very sad and without hope: She felt very depressed about the future.
2 suffering from the medical condition of DEPRESSION
3 (of a place or an industry) without enough economic activity or employment: an attempt to bring jobs to depressed areas
4 having a lower amount or level than usual: depressed rates / prices
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de.press.ing
adj. making you feel very sad and without enthusiasm: a depressing sight / thought / experience  Looking for a job these days can be very depressing.
de.press.ing.ly adv.: a depressingly familiar experience
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de.pres.sion
noun
1 [U] a medical condition in which a person feels very sad and anxious and often has physical SYMPTOMS such as being unable to sleep, etc: clinical depression  She suffered from severe depression after losing her job.  post-natal depression
2 [U, C] the state of feeling very sad and without hope: There was a feeling of gloom and depression in the office when the news of the job cuts was announced.
3 [C, U] a period when there is little economic activity and many people are poor or without jobs: The country was in the grip of (an) economic depression.  the great Depression of the 1930s
4 [C] (written) a part of a surface that is lower than the parts around it HOLLOW : Rainwater collects in shallow depressions on the ground.
5 [C] (technical) a weather condition in which the pressure of the air becomes lower, often causing rain—compare ANTICYCLONE
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de.pres.sive
adj., noun
adj. connected with the medical condition of depression : depressive illness

noun a person who is suffering from the medical condition of depression —see also MANIC-DEPRESSIVE

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de.pres.sor
TONGUE DEPRESSOR
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de.priv.ation
noun [U] the fact of not having sth that you need, like enough food, money or a home; the process that causes this: neglected children suffering from social deprivation  sleep deprivation  government policies to reduce urban / rural deprivation  the deprivation of war (= the suffering caused by not having enough of some things)
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de.prive
verb
PVR V de'prive sb/sth of sth to prevent sb from having or doing sth, especially sth important: They were imprisoned and deprived of their basic rights.  Why should you deprive yourself of such simple pleasures?
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de.prived
adj. without enough food, education, and all the things that are necessary for people to live a happy and comfortable life: a deprived childhood / background / area  economically / emotionally / socially deprived
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Dept
(also Dept. especially in AmE) abbr. (in writing) department
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depth
noun
MEASUREMENT|
1 [C, U] the distance from the top or surface to the bottom of sth: What’s the depth of the water here?  Water was found at a depth of 30 metres.  They dug down to a depth of two metres.  Many dolphins can dive to depths of 200 metres.  The oil well extended several hundreds of feet in depth .  the depth of a cut / wound / crack
2 [C, U] the distance from the front to the back of sth: The depth of the shelves is 30 centimetres.
OF FEELINGS|
3 [U] the strength and power of feelings: the depth of her love / friendship / anger / fear
OF KNOWLEDGE|
4 [U] (approving) the quality of knowing or understanding a lot of details about sth; the ability to provide and explain these details: a writer of great wisdom and depth  a job that doesn’t require any great depth of knowledge   His ideas lack depth.
DEEPEST PART|
5 [C, usually pl.] the deepest, most extreme or serious part of sth: the depths of the ocean  to live in the depths of the country (= a long way from a town)  in the depths of winter (= when it is coldest)  She was in the depths of despair   He gazed into the depths of her eyes.  Her paintings reveal hidden depths (= unknown and interesting things about her character).
OF COLOUR|
6 [U] the strength of a colour: Strong light will affect the depth of colour of your carpets and curtains.
PICTURE / PHOTOGRAPH|
7 [U] (technical) the quality in a work of art or a photograph which makes it appear not to be flat—see also DEEP ,in 'depth in a detailed and thorough way: I haven’t looked at the report in depth yet.  an in-depth study be out of your 'depth
1 (BrE) to be in water that is too deep to stand in with your head above water
2 to be unable to understand sth because it is too difficult; to be a situation that you cannot control: He felt totally out of his depth in his new job.—more at PLUMB v.
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'depth charge
noun a bomb that is set to explode underwater, used to destroy SUBMARINES
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depu.ta.tion
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a small group of people who are asked or allowed to act or speak for others
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de.pute
verb [vn to inf] [often passive] (formal) to give sb else the authority to represent you or do sth for you
SYN DELEGATE : He was deputed to put our views to the committee.
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depu.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (for sb) to do sth that sb in a higher position than you would usually do: Ms Green has asked me to deputize for her at the meeting.
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dep.uty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a person who is the next most important person below a business manager, a head of a school, a political leader, etc. and who does the person’s job when he or she is away: I’m acting as deputy till the manager returns.  the deputy head of a school
2 the name for a member of parliament in some countries
3 (in the US) a police officer who helps the SHERIFF of an area
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de.rail
verb [vn] to make a train leave the track: (figurative) This latest incident could derail the peace process.
de.rail.ment noun [C, U]
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de.ranged
adj. unable to behave and think normally, especially because of mental illness: mentally deranged  a deranged attacker / mind / laugh
de.range.ment noun [U]: He seemed to be on the verge of total derangement.
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derby
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (AmE) = BOWLER (2)
2 (BrE) a sports competition between teams from the same area or town: a local derby between the two North London sides  a derby match
3 a race or sports competition: a motorcycle derby—see also DEMOLITION DERBY
4 (Derby) used in the name of several horse races which happen every year: the Epsom Derby  the Kentucky Derby
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de.regu.late
verb [vn] [often passive] to free a trade, a business activity, etc. from rules and controls
SYN DECONTROL : deregulated financial markets
de.regu.la.tion noun [U]
de.regu.la.tory adj. [only before noun]: deregulatory reforms
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dere.lict
adj., noun
adj. (especially of land or buildings) not used or cared for and in bad condition: derelict land / buildings / sites

noun (formal) a person without a home, a job or property: derelicts living on the streets
SYN VAGRANT

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dere.lic.tion
noun (written)
1 [U] the state of being derelict : industrial / urban dereliction  a house in a state of dereliction
2 [U, sing.] ~ of duty (formal orlaw) the fact of deliberately not doing what you ought to do, especially when it is part of your job: The police officers were found guilty of serious dereliction of duty .
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de.ride
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to treat sb/sth as ridiculous and not worth considering seriously
SYN MOCK : His views were derided as old-fashioned. [alsov speech]
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de ri.gueur
adj. [not before noun] (from French ) considered necessary if you wish to be accepted socially: Evening dress is de rigueur at the casino.
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de.ri.sion
noun [U] unkind laughter or remarks that show you think sb/sth is ridiculous and not worth considering seriously: Her speech was greeted with howls of derision.  He became an object of universal derision.
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de.ri.sive
(also less frequent de.ri.sory) adj. unkind and showing that you think sb/sth is ridiculous: She gave a short, derisive laugh.
de.ri.sive.ly adv.
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de.ri.sory
adj. (formal)
1 too small or of too little value to be considered seriously
SYN LAUGHABLE : They offered us a derisory £10 a week.
2 (rare) = DERISIVE
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der.iv.ation
noun [U, C] the origin or development of sth, especially a word: a word of Greek derivation
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de.riva.tive
noun, adj.
noun a word or thing that has been developed or produced from another word or thing: ‘Happiness’ is a derivative of ‘happy’.  Crack is a highly potent and addictive derivative of cocaine.

adj. (usually disapproving) copied from sth else; not having new or original ideas: a derivative design / style  I found the novel thin and derivative. I had expected more.

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de.rive
verb
PVR V de'rive sth from sth
1 (formal) to get sth from sth: He derived great pleasure from painting.
2 (technical) to obtain a substance from sth: The new drug is derived from fish oil. de'rive from sth| be de'rived from sth to come or develop from sth: The word ‘politics’ is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘city’.
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derma.titis
noun [U] (medical ) a skin condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen and sore
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derma.tolo.gist
noun a doctor who studies and treats skin diseases
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derma.tol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of skin diseases
derma.to.logi.cal adj.
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de.roga.tory
adj. showing a critical attitude towards sb
SYN INSULTING : derogatory remarks / comments
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der.rick
noun
1 a tall machine used for moving or lifting heavy weights, especially on a ship; a type of CRANE
2 a tall structure over an oil WELL for holding the DRILL (= the machine that makes the hole in the ground for getting the oil out)
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derring-do
noun [U] (old-fashioned, humorous) brave actions, like those in adventure stories
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der.vish
noun a member of a Muslim religious group whose members make a promise to stay poor and live without comforts or pleasures. They perform a fast lively dance as part of their worship: He threw himself around the stage like a whirling dervish.
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de.sal.in.ation
noun [U] the process of removing salt from sea water: a desalination plant
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de.scale
verb [vn] (BrE ) to remove the SCALE (= the hard white material left on pipes, etc. by water when it is heated) from sth
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des.cant
noun (music ) a tune that is sung or played at the same time as, and usually higher than, the main tune
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des.cend
verb
1 (formal) to come or go down from a higher to a lower level: [v] The plane began to descend.  The results, ranked in descending order (= from the highest to the lowest) are as follows:  [vn] She descended the stairs slowly.
OPP ASCEND
2 [v] (formal) (of a hill, etc.) to slope downwards: At this point the path descends steeply.
OPP ASCEND
3 [v] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) (literary) (of night, darkness, a mood, etc.) to arrive and begin to affect sb/sth
SYN FALL : Night descends quickly in the tropics.  Calm descended on the crowd.
PVR V be des'cended from sb to be related to sb who lived a long time ago: He claims to be descended from a Spanish prince. des'cend into sth [no passive] (formal) to gradually get into a bad state: The country was descending into chaos. des'cend on / upon sb/sth to visit sb/sth in large numbers, sometimes unexpectedly: Hundreds of football fans descended on the city. des'cend to sth [no passive] to do sth that makes people stop respecting you: They descended to the level of personal insults.
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des.cend.ant
noun
1 a person’s descendants are their children, their children’s children, and all the people who live after them who are related to them: He was an O’Conor and a direct descendant of the last High King of Ireland.  Many of them are descendants of the original settlers.
2 something that has developed from sth similar in the past
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des.cent
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] an action of coming or going down: The plane began its descent to Heathrow.   (figurative) the country’s swift descent into anarchy
OPP ASCENT
2 [C] a slope going downwards: There is a gradual descent to the sea.
OPP ASCENT
3 [U] ˜ (from sb) a person’s family origins
SYN ANCESTRY : to be of Scottish descent  He traces his line of descent from the Stuart kings.
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de.scribe
verb
1 ~ sb/sth (to / for sb)| ~ sb/sth (as sth) to say what sb/sth is like: [vn] Can you describe him to me?  The man was described as tall and dark, and aged about 20.  Jim was described by his colleagues as ‘unusual’.  [v wh-] Describe how you did it.  [v -ing] Several people described seeing strange lights in the sky. [alsovn -ing]
2 [vn] (formal ortechnical) to make a movement which has a particular shape; to form a particular shape: The shark described a circle around the shoal of fish.
de.scrib.able adj.
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de.scrip.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ˜ (of sb/sth) a piece of writing or speech that says what sb/sth is like; the act of writing or saying in words what sb/sth is like: to give a detailed / full description of the procedure  a brief / general description of the software  Police have issued a description of the gunman.  'Scared stiff' is an apt description of how I felt at that moment.  a personal pain that goes beyond description (= is too great to express in words)  the novelist’s powers of description
2 [C] of some, all, every, etc. ˜ of some, etc. type: boats of every description / all descriptions  Their money came from trade of some description.  medals, coins and things of that description
IDM answer / fit a description (of sb/sth) to be like a particular person or thing: A child answering the description of the missing boy was found safe and well in London yesterday.—more at BEGGAR v.
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de.scrip.tive
adj.
1 saying what sb/sth is like; describing sth: the descriptive passages in the novel  The term I used was meant to be purely descriptive (= not judging).
2 (linguistics) saying how language is actually used, without giving rules for how it should be used
OPP PRESCRIPTIVE
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dese.crate
verb [vn] to damage a holy thing or place or treat it without respect: desecrated graves
dese.cra.tion noun [U]: the desecration of a cemetery   (figurative) the desecration of the countryside by new roads
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de.seg.re.gate
verb [vn] to end the policy of SEGREGATION in a place in which people of different races are kept separate in public places, etc: to desegregate schools
de.seg.re.ga.tion noun [U]
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de.select
verb [vn]
1 if the local branch of a political party in Britain deselects the existing Member of Parliament, it does not choose him or her as a candidate at the next election
2 (computing) to remove sth from the list of possible choices on a computer MENU
de.selec.tion noun [U]
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des.ert
noun, verb
noun —see also DESERTS [C, U] a large area of land that has very little water and very few plants growing on it. Many deserts are covered by sand: the Sahara Desert  Somalia is mostly desert.  burning desert sands   (figurative) a cultural desert (= a place without any culture)

verb
1 [vn] to leave sb without help or support
SYN ABANDON : She was deserted by her husband.
2 [vn] [often passive] to go away from a place and leave it empty
SYN ABANDON : The villages had been deserted.  The owl seems to have deserted its nest.
3 to leave the armed forces without permission: [v] Large numbers of soldiers deserted as defeat became inevitable. [alsovn]
4 [vn] to stop using, buying or supporting sth: Why did you desert teaching for politics?
5 [vn] (written) if a particular quality deserts you, it is not there when you need it: Her courage seemed to desert her for a moment.
de.ser.tion noun [U, C]: She felt betrayed by her husband’s desertion.  The army was badly affected by desertions.
IDM see SINK v.

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'desert boot
noun a SUEDE boot that just covers the ankle
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des.ert.ed
adj.
1 (of a place) with no people in it: deserted streets  The office was completely deserted.
2 left by a person or people who do not intend to return
SYN ABANDONED : a deserted village  deserted wives
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de.sert.er
noun a person who leaves from the army, navy, etc. without permission (= DESERTS )
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desert.ifi.ca.tion
noun [U] (technical ) the process of becoming or making sth a DESERT
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,desert 'island
noun a tropical island where no people live
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des.erts
noun [pl.]
IDM sb’s (just) deserts what sb deserves, especially when it is sth bad: The family of the victim said that the killer had got his just deserts when he was jailed for life.
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de.serve
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) if sb/sth deserves sth, it is right that they should have it, because of the way they have behaved or because of what they are: [vn] You deserve a rest after all that hard work.  The report deserves careful consideration.  One player in particular deserves a mention.  What have I done to deserve this?  [v to inf] They didn’t deserve to win.  He deserves to be locked up for ever for what he did. [alsov -ing] sb de,serves a 'medal (spoken) used to say that you admire sb because they have done sth difficult or unpleasant ,get what you de'serve | de,serve all / everything you 'get (informal) used to say that you think sb has earned the bad things that happen to them—more at TURN n.
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de.served.ly
adv. in the way that is deserved; correctly: The restaurant is deservedly popular.  He has just been chosen for the top job, and deservedly so .
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de.serv.ing
adj. ˜ (of sth) (formal) that deserves help, praise, a reward, etc: to give money to a deserving cause  This family is one of the most deserving cases.  an issue deserving of attention
OPP UNDESERVING
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des.ic.cated
adj.
1 (of food) dried in order to preserve it: desiccated coconut
2 (technical) completely dry: treeless and desiccated soil
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des.ic.ca.tion
noun [U] (technical ) the process of becoming completely dry
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de.sid.er.atum
noun (pl.-ata ) (from Latin , formal) a thing that is wanted or needed
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de.sign
noun, verb
noun
ARRANGEMENT|
1 [U, C] the general arrangement of the different parts of sth that is made, such as a building, book, machine etc: The basic design of the car is very similar to that of earlier models.  special new design features  The machine’s unique design prevents it from overheating.  The magazine will appear in a new design from next month.
DRAWING / PLAN / MODEL|
2 [U] the art or process of deciding how sth will look, work, etc. by drawing plans, making models, etc: a course in art and design  a design studio  computer-aided design  the design and development of new products—see also INTERIOR DESIGN
3 [C] ˜ (for sth) a drawing or plan from which sth may be made: designs for aircraft  new and original designs
PATTERN|
4 [C] an arrangement of lines and shapes as a decoration: floral / abstract / geometric designs  The tiles come in a huge range of colours and designs.
INTENTION|
5 [U, C] a plan or an intention: It happened—whether by accident or design —that the two of them were left alone after all the others had gone.  It is all part of his grand design for government. have designs on sb (formal or humorous) to want to start a sexual relationship with sb: He was quite aware of her marital designs on him. have designs on sth to be planning to get sth for yourself, often in a way that other people do not approve of: Rumours spread that the Duke had designs on the crown (= wanted to make himself king).

verb
DRAW PLANS|
1 ~ sth (for sb/sth) to decide how sth will look, work, etc., especially by drawing plans or making models: [vn] to design a car / a dress / an office  a badly designed kitchen  They asked me to design a poster for the campaign. [alsovnn]
PLAN STH|
2 [vn] to think of and plan a system, a way of doing sth, etc: We need to design a new syllabus for the third year.
FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE|
3 [usually passive] ~ sth (for sth)| ~ sth (as sth) to make, plan or intend sth for a particular purpose or use: [vn] The method is specifically designed for use in small groups.  [vn to inf] The programme is designed to help people who have been out of work for a long time.

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des.ig.nate
verb, adj.
verb [often passive]
1 ~ sth (as) sth| ~ sth (as being sth) to say officially that sth has a particular character or name; to describe sth in a particular way: [vn-n] This area has been designated (as) a National Park.  This floor has been designated a no-smoking area.  [vn] Several pupils were designated as having moderate or severe learning difficulties.  a designated nature reserve  designated seats for the elderly
2 ~ sb (as) sth to choose or name sb for a particular job or position: [vn] The director is allowed to designate his / her successor.  [vn-n] Who has she designated (as) her deputy?  [vn to inf] the man designated to succeed the president
3 [vn] to show sth using a particular mark or sign: The different types are designated by the letters A, B and C.

adj. [after noun] (written) chosen to do a job but not yet having officially started it: an interview with the director designate

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,designated 'driver
noun (informal) the person who agrees to drive and not drink alcohol when people go to a party, a bar, etc.
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,designated 'hitter
noun (in baseball) a player who is named at the start of the game as the person who will hit the ball instead of the PITCHER
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des.ig.na.tion
noun (formal)
1 [U] ˜ (as sth) the action of choosing a person or thing for a particular purpose, or of giving them or it a particular status: The district is under consideration for designation as a conservation area.
2 [C] a name, title or description: Her official designation is Financial Controller.
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de.sign.er
noun, adj.
noun a person whose job is to decide how things such as clothes, furniture, tools, etc. will look or work by making drawings, plans or patterns: a fashion / jewellery designer  an industrial designer

adj. [only before noun] made by a famous designer ; expensive and having a famous BRAND name: designer jeans / jewellery / labels  designer beer / water  He had a trendy haircut, an earring and designer stubble (= a short beard, grown for two or three days and thought to look fashionable).

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de,signer 'drug
noun a drug produced artificially, usually one that is illegal: a tablet of the designer drug Ecstasy
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de.sir.able
adj.
1 (formal) ~ (that) …| ~ (for sb) (to do sth) that you would like to have or do; worth having or doing: (BrE) It is desirable that interest rates should be reduced.   (AmE) It is desirable that interest rates be reduced.  highly desirable  The house has many desirable features.  It is no longer desirable for adult children to live with their parents.  She chatted for a few minutes about the qualities she considered desirable in a secretary.  Such measures are desirable if not essential.
OPP UNDESIRABLE
2 (of a person) causing other people to feel sexual desire: She suddenly saw herself as a desirable young woman.
de.sir.abil.ity noun [U] (formal): No one questions the desirability of cheaper fares.
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de.sire
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ˜ (for sth)| ˜ (to do sth) a strong wish to have or do sth: a strong desire for power  enough money to satisfy all your desires  She felt an overwhelming desire to return home.   (formal) I have no desire (= I do not want) to discuss the matter further.   (formal) He has expressed a desire to see you.
2 [U, C] ˜ (for sb) a strong wish to have sex with sb: She felt a surge of love and desire for him.
3 [C, usually sing.] a person or thing that is wished for: When she agreed to marry him he felt he had achieved his heart’s desire .

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 (formal) to want sth; to wish for sth: [vn] We all desire health and happiness.  The house had everything you could desire.  The medicine did not achieve the desired effect .  [v to inf] Fewer people desire to live in the north of the country. [alsovn to inf]
2 to be sexually attracted to sb: [vn] He still desired her, and she him.
IDM leave a lot, much, something, etc. to be de'sired to be bad or unacceptable

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de.sir.ous
adj. [not before noun] ˜ (of sth / of doing sth)| ˜ (to do sth) (formal) having a wish for sth; wanting sth: At that point Franco was desirous of prolonging the war.
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de.sist
verb [v] ~ (from sth / from doing sth) (formal) to stop doing sth: They agreed to desist from the bombing campaign.
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desk
noun
1 a piece of furniture like a table, usually with drawers in it, that you sit at to read, write, work, etc: He used to be a pilot but now he has a desk job .
2 a place where you can get information or be served at an airport, a hotel, etc: the check-in desk  the reception desk—see also CASH DESK
3 an office at a newspaper, television company, etc. that deals with a particular subject: the news / sports desk—see also CITY DESK
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'desk clerk
noun (AmE ) = CLERK
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de.skill
verb [vn] (technical ) to reduce the amount of skill that is needed to do a particular job
de.skill.ing noun [U]
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desk.top
noun
1 the top of a desk
2 = DESKTOP COMPUTER
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,desktop com'puter
(also desk.top) noun a computer with a keyboard, screen and main processing unit, that fits on a desk—compare LAPTOP , NOTEBOOK
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,desktop 'publishing
noun [U] (abbr. DTP) the use of a small computer and a printer to produce a small book, a magazine, or other printed material
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deso.late
adj., verb
adj.
1 (of a place) empty and without people, making you feel sad or frightened: a bleak and desolate landscape
2 very lonely and unhappy: The thought that her husband did not want the baby made her feel utterly desolate.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (literary) to make sb feel sad and without hope: She had been desolated by the death of her friend.

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deso.la.tion
noun [U] (written)
1 the feeling of being very lonely and unhappy: Her death left him with a terrible sense of desolation.
2 the state of a place that is ruined or destroyed and offers no joy or hope to people: a scene of utter desolation
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des.pair
noun, verb
noun [U] the feeling of having lost all hope: She uttered a wordless cry of despair.  A deep sense of despair overwhelmed him.  He gave up the struggle in despair .  One harsh word would send her into the depths of despair .  Eventually, driven to despair , he threw himself under a train.—see also DESPERATE
IDM be the despair of sb to make sb worried or unhappy, because they cannot help: My handwriting was the despair of my teachers.—more at COUNSEL n.

verb [v] ~ (of sth/sb)| ~ (of doing sth) to stop having any hope that a situation will change or improve: Don’t despair! We’ll think of a way out of this.  They’d almost despaired of ever having children.  I despair of him; he can’t keep a job for more than six months.

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des.pair.ing
adj. showing or feeling the loss of all hope: a despairing cry / look / sigh  With every day that passed he became ever more despairing.
des.pair.ing.ly adv.: She looked despairingly at the mess.
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des.patch
(BrE ) = DISPATCH
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des.per.ado
noun (pl.-oes or -os) (old-fashioned) a man who does dangerous and criminal things without caring about himself or other people
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des.per.ate
adj.
1 feeling or showing that you have little hope and are ready to do anything without worrying about danger to yourself or others: The prisoners grew increasingly desperate.  Stores are getting desperate after two years of poor sales.  Somewhere out there was a desperate man, cold, hungry, hunted.  I heard sounds of a desperate struggle, just above my room.
2 [usually before noun] (of an action) giving little hope of success; tried when everything else has failed: a desperate bid for freedom  She clung to the edge in a desperate attempt to save herself.  His increasing financial difficulties forced him to take desperate measures.  Doctors were fighting a desperate battle to save the little girl’s life.
3 [not usually before noun] ˜ (for sth)| ˜ (to do sth) needing or wanting sth very much: He was so desperate for a job he would have done anything.  I was absolutely desperate to see her.   (informal) I’m desperate for a cigarette.
4 (of a situation) extremely serious or dangerous: The children are in desperate need of love and attention.  They face a desperate shortage of clean water.
des.per.ate.ly adv.: desperately ill / unhappy / lonely  He took a deep breath, desperately trying to keep calm.  They desperately wanted a child.  She looked desperately around for a weapon.
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des.per.ation
noun [U] the state of being desperate : In desperation , she called Louise and asked for her help.  There was a note of desperation in his voice.  an act of sheer desperation
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de.spic.able
adj. (formal) very unpleasant or evil: a despicable act / crime  I hate you! You’re despicable.
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des.pise
verb [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to dislike and have no respect for sb/sth: She despised gossip in any form.  He despised himself for being so cowardly.
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des.pite
prep.
1 used to show that sth happened or is true in spite of sth: Her voice was shaking despite all her efforts to control it.  Despite applying for hundreds of jobs, he is still out of work.  She was good at physics despite the fact that she found it boring.
2 (despite yourself) used to show that sb did not intend to do the thing mentioned: He had to laugh despite himself.
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de.spoil
verb [vn] ~ sth (of sth) (literary) to steal sth valuable from a place; to make a place less attractive by damaging or destroying it
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des.pond.ent
adj. ˜ (about sth)| (especially AmE ) ˜ (over sth) sad, without much hope: She was becoming increasingly despondent about the way things were going.
des.pond.ency noun [U]: a mood of despondency  Life’s not all gloom and despondency.
des.pond.ent.ly adv.
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des.pot
noun a ruler with great power, especially one who uses it in a cruel way: an enlightened despot (= one who tries to use his / her power in a good way)
des.pot.ic adj.: despotic power / rule
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des.pot.ism
noun [U] the rule of a despot
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des.sert
noun [U, C] sweet food eaten at the end of a meal: What’s for dessert ?  a rich chocolate dessert  a dessert wine   (BrE ) the dessert trolley (= a table on wheels from which you choose your dessert in a restaurant)—compare AFTERS , PUDDING , SWEET —
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des.sert.spoon
noun
1 a spoon of medium size—picture at CUTLERY
2 (also des.sert.spoon.ful ) the amount a dessertspoon can hold
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de.sta.bil.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make a system, country, government, etc. become less firmly established or successful: Terrorist attacks on senior officials were threatening to destabilize the government.  The news had a destabilizing effect on the stock market.—compare STABILIZE
de.sta.bil.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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des.tin.ation
noun a place to which sb/sth is going or being sent: popular holiday destinations like the Bahamas  to arrive at / reach your destination  Our luggage was checked all the way through to our final destination.
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des.tined
adj. (formal)
1 ˜ for sth| ˜ to do sth having a future which has been decided or planned at an earlier time, especially by fate: He was destined for a military career, like his father before him.  We seem destined never to meet.
2 ˜ for on the way to or intended for a place: goods destined for Poland
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des.tiny
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] what happens to sb or what will happen to them in the future, especially things that they cannot change or avoid: the destinies of nations  He wants to be in control of his own destiny.
2 [U] the power believed to control events
SYN FATE : I believe there’s some force guiding us—call it God, destiny or fate.  She was spurred on by a strong sense of destiny and ambition.
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des.ti.tute
adj.
1 without money, food and the other things necessary for life: When he died, his family was left completely destitute.
2 (the destitute) noun [pl.] people who are destitute : homes and refuges for the destitute
3 ˜ of sth (formal) lacking sth: They seem destitute of ordinary human feelings.
des.ti.tu.tion noun [U]: homelessness and destitution
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des.troy
verb [vn]
1 to damage sth so badly that it no longer exists, works, etc: The building was completely destroyed by fire.  They’ve destroyed all the evidence.  Heat gradually destroys vitamin C.  You have destroyed my hopes of happiness.  Failure was slowly destroying him (= making him less and less confident and happy).
2 to kill an animal deliberately, usually because it is sick or not wanted: The injured horse had to be destroyed.—see also SOUL-DESTROYING
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des.troy.er
noun
1 a small fast ship used in war, for example to protect larger ships
2 a person or thing that destroys: Sugar is the destroyer of healthy teeth.
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de.struc.tion
noun [U] the act of destroying sth; the process of being destroyed: the destruction of the rainforests  weapons of mass destruction  a tidal wave bringing death and destruction in its wake  The central argument is that capitalism sows the seeds of its own destruction (= creates the forces that destroy it).
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de.struc.tive
adj. causing destruction or damage: the destructive power of modern weapons  the destructive effects of anxiety—compare CONSTRUCTIVE
de.struc.tive.ly adv.
de.struc.tive.ness noun [U]
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des.ul.tory
adj. (formal) going from one thing to another, without a definite plan and without enthusiasm: I wandered about in a desultory fashion.  a desultory conversation
des.ul.tor.ily adv.
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Det
abbr. (BrE ) (in writing) DETECTIVE : Det Insp (= Inspector) Cox
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de.tach
verb
1 ~ (sth) (from sth) to remove sth from sth larger; to become separated from sth: [vn] Detach the coupon and return it as soon as possible  One of the panels had become detached from the main structure.  [v] The skis should detach from the boot if you fall.
2 [vn] ~ yourself (from sb/sth) (formal) to leave or separate yourself from sb/sth: She detached herself from his embrace.   (figurative) I tried to detach myself from the reality of these terrible events.—compare ATTACH
3 [vn] (technical) to send a group of soldiers, etc. away from the main group, especially to do special duties
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de.tach.able
adj. that can be taken off: a coat with a detachable hood
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de.tached
adj.
1 (of a house) not joined to another house on either side—compare SEMI-DETACHED
2 showing a lack of feeling
SYN INDIFFERENT : She wanted him to stop being so cool, so detached, so cynical.
3 (approving) not influenced by other people or by your own feelings
SYN IMPARTIAL : a detached observer
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de.tach.ment
noun
1 [U] the state of not being involved in sth in an emotional or personal way: He answered with an air of detachment.  She felt a sense of detachment from what was going on.
2 [U] (approving) the state of not being influenced by other people or by your own feelings: In judging these issues a degree of critical detachment is required.
3 [C] a group of soldiers, ships, etc. sent away from a larger group, especially to do special duties: a detachment of artillery
4 [U] the act of detaching sth; the process of being detached from sth: to suffer detachment of the retina
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de.tail
noun, verb
noun
FACTS / INFORMATION|
1 [C] a small individual fact or item; a less important fact or item: an expedition planned down to the last detail  He stood still, absorbing every detail of the street.  Tell me the main points now; leave the details till later.
2 [U] the small facts or features of sth, when you consider them all together: This issue will be discussed in more detail in the next chapter.  The research has been carried out with scrupulous attention to detail .  The sketch was from memory but he had an eye for detail (= noticed and remembered small details).  The fine detail of the plan has yet to be worked out.
3 (details) [pl.] information about sth: Please supply the following details: name, age and sex.  Further details and booking forms are available on request.  They didn’t give any details about the game.  ‘We had a terrible time—’‘Oh, spare me the details (= don’t tell me any more).’
SMALL PARTS|
4 [C, U] a small part of a picture or painting; the smaller or less important parts of a picture, pattern, etc. when you consider them all together: This is a detail from the 1844 Turner painting.  a huge picture with a lot of detail in it
SOLDIERS|
5 [C] a group of soldiers given special duties go into 'detail(s) to explain sth fully: I can’t go into details now; it would take too long.

verb
GIVE FACTS / INFORMATION|
1 [vn] to give a list of facts or all the available information about sth: The brochure details all the hotels in the area and their facilities.
ORDER SOLDIER|
2 [often passive] to give an official order to sb, especially a soldier, to do a particular task: [vn to inf] Several of the men were detailed to form a search party. [alsovn]
CLEAN CAR|
3 [vn] (AmE) to clean a car extremely thoroughly: He got work for a while detailing cars.

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de.tailed
adj. giving many details and a lot of information; paying great attention to details: a detailed description / analysis / study  detailed instructions
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de.tail.ing
noun [U] small details put on a building, piece of clothing, etc., especially for decoration
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de.tain
verb [vn]
1 to keep sb in an official place, such as a police station, a prison or a hospital, and prevent them from leaving: One man has been detained for questioning.
2 (formal) to delay sb or prevent them from going somewhere: I’m sorry—he’ll be late; he’s been detained at a meeting.—see also DETENTION
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de.tain.ee
noun a person who is kept in prison, usually because of his or her political opinions
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de.tect
verb [vn] to discover or notice sth, especially sth that is not easy to see, hear, etc: The tests are designed to detect the disease early.  an instrument that can detect small amounts of radiation  Do I detect a note of criticism?
de.tect.able adj.: The noise is barely detectable by the human ear.
OPP UNDETECTABLE
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de.tec.tion
noun [U] the process of detecting sth; the fact of being detected : crime prevention and detection  Last year the detection rate for car theft was just 13%.  Many problems, however, escape detection.  Early detection of cancers is vitally important.
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de.tect.ive
noun (abbr. Det)
1 a person, especially a police officer, whose job is to examine crimes and catch criminals: Detective Inspector (Roger) Brown  detectives from the anti-terrorist squad  a detective story / novel—see also STORE DETECTIVE
2 a person employed by sb to find out information about sb/sth—see also PRIVATE DETECTIVE
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de.tect.or
noun a piece of equipment for discovering the presence of sth, such as metal, smoke, explosives or changes in pressure or temperature: a smoke detector
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dé.tente
(also de.tente especially in AmE) noun [U] (from French , formal) an improvement in the relationship between two or more countries which have been unfriendly towards each other in the past: a new international climate of détente
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de.ten.tion
noun
1 [U] the state of being kept in a place, especially a prison, and prevented from leaving: a sentence of 12 months' detention in a young offender institution  police powers of arrest and detention  allegations of torture and detention without trial  a detention camp
2 [U, C] the punishment of being kept at school for a time after other students have gone home: They can’t give me (a) detention for this.—see also DETAIN
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de'tention centre
(BrE ) (AmE de'tention center) noun
1 a place where young people who have committed offences are kept in detention
2 a place where people are kept in detention , especially people who have entered a country illegally
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deter
verb (-rr-) ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to make sb decide not to do sth or continue doing sth, especially by making them understand the difficulties and unpleasant results of their actions: [vn] I told him I wasn’t interested, but he wasn’t deterred.  The high price of the service could deter people from seeking advice. [alsov] —see also DETERRENT
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de.ter.gent
noun [U, C] a liquid or powder that helps remove dirt, for example from clothes or dishes
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de.teri.or.ate
verb [v] ~ (into sth) to become worse: Her health deteriorated rapidly and she died shortly afterwards.  deteriorating weather conditions  The discussion quickly deteriorated into an angry argument.
de.teri.or.ation noun [U, C]: a serious deterioration in relations between the two countries
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de.ter.min.able
adj. (formal) that can be found out or calculated: During the third month of pregnancy the sex of the child becomes determinable.
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de.ter.min.ant
noun (formal) a thing that decides whether or how sth happens: Interest rates are a major determinant of currency trends.
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de.ter.min.ate
adj. (formal) fixed and definite: a sentence with a determinate meaning
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de.ter.min.ation
noun
1 [U] ˜ (to do sth) the quality that makes you continue trying to do sth even when this is difficult: fierce / grim / dogged determination  He fought the illness with courage and determination.  I admire her determination to get it right.  They had survived by sheer determination.
2 [U] (formal) the process of deciding sth officially: factors influencing the determination of future policy
3 [U, C] (technical) the act of finding out or calculating sth: Both methods rely on the accurate determination of the pressure of the gas.
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de.ter.mine
verb (formal)
1 to discover the facts about sth; to calculate sth exactly: [vn] An inquiry was set up to determine the cause of the accident.  [v wh-] We set out to determine exactly what happened that night. [alsovn that]
2 to make sth happen in a particular way or be of a particular type: [vn] Age and experience will be determining factors in our choice of candidate.  Upbringing plays an important part in determining a person’s character. [alsov wh-]
3 to officially decide and/or arrange sth: [vn] A date for the meeting has yet to be determined.  [v (that)] The court determined (that) the defendant should pay the legal costs.
4 ~ on sth / to do sth to decide definitely to do sth: [v to inf] They determined to start early. [alsov, v (that)]
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de.ter.mined
adj.
1 [not before noun] ˜ (to do sth) if you are determined to do sth, you have made a firm decision to do it and you will not let anyone prevent you: I’m determined to succeed.
2 showing a person’s determination to do sth: a determined effort to stop smoking  The proposal had perished in the face of determined opposition.
de.ter.mined.ly adv.
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de.ter.miner
noun (grammar ) (abbreviated as det. in this dictionary) a word such as the, some, my, etc. that comes before a noun to show how the noun is being used
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de.ter.min.ism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the belief that people are not free to choose what they are like or how they behave, because these things are decided by their background, surroundings and other things over which they have no control
de.ter.min.is.tic adj.
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de.ter.rent
noun ˜ (to sb/sth) a thing that makes sb less likely to do sth (= that deters them): Hopefully his punishment will act as a deterrent to others.  the country’s nuclear deterrents (= nuclear weapons that are intended to stop an enemy from attacking)
de.ter.rence noun [U] (formal)
de.ter.rent adj.: a deterrent effect
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de.test
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to hate sb/sth very much: [vn] They detested each other on sight. [alsov -ing]
de.test.ation noun [U]
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de.test.able
adj. that deserves to be hated: All terrorist crime is detestable, whoever the victims.  ‘You’re detestable!’ she said, shaking.
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de.throne
verb [vn] to remove a king or queen from power; to remove sb from a position of authority or power
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det.on.ate
verb to explode, or to make a bomb or other device explode: [v] Two other bombs failed to detonate. [alsovn]
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det.on.ation
noun [C, U] an explosion; the action of making sth explode
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det.on.ator
noun a device for making sth, especially a bomb, explode
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de.tour
noun, verb
noun
1 a longer route that you take in order to avoid a problem or to visit a place: We had to make a detour around the flooded fields.  It’s well worth making a detour to see the village.
2 (AmE) = DIVERSION

verb (AmE ) ~ (to … ) to take a longer route in order to avoid a problem or to visit a place; to make sb/sth take a longer route: [v] The President detoured to Chicago for a special meeting. [alsovn]

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de.toxi.fi.ca.tion
(also informal detox ) noun [U] treatment given to people to help them stop drinking alcohol or taking drugs: a detoxification unit
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de.tox.ify
verb (de.toxi.fies, de.toxi.fy.ing, de.toxi.fied, de.toxi.fied) [vn]
1 to remove harmful substances or poisons from sth
2 to treat sb in order to help them stop drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
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de.tract
verb
PVR V de'tract from sth| de'tract sth from sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sth seem less good or enjoyable: He was determined not to let anything detract from his enjoyment of the trip.
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de.tract.or
noun [usually pl.] (especially written) a person who tries to make sb/sth seem less good or valuable by criticizing it
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de.train
verb [v, vn] (formal) to leave a train or make sb leave a train
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det.ri.ment
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal) the act of causing harm or damage; sth that causes harm or damage
IDM to the detriment of sb/sth | to sb/sth’s detriment resulting in harm or damage to sb/sth: He was engrossed in his job to the detriment of his health. without detriment (to sb/sth) not resulting in harm or damage to sb/sth
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det.ri.ment.al
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) harmful: the sun’s detrimental effect on skin  The policy will be detrimental to the peace process.
det.ri.men.tal.ly adv.
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de.tritus
noun [U]
1 (technical) natural waste material that is left after sth has been used or broken up: organic detritus from fish and plants
2 (formal) any kind of rubbish/garbage that is left after an event or when sth has been used: the detritus of everyday life
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de trop
adj. [not before noun] (from French , formal) not wanted, especially in a social situation with other people
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deuce
noun
1 [U, C] (in tennis) the situation when both players have 40 as a score, after which one player must win two points one after the other in order to win the game
2 [C] (AmE) a playing card with two PIPS on it: the deuce of clubs
3 (the deuce) [sing.] (old-fashioned, spoken) used in questions to show that you are annoyed: What the deuce is he doing?
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deus ex machina
noun [sing.] (literary) an unexpected power or event that saves a situation that seems without hope, especially in a play or novel
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Deutsch.mark
(also mark) noun (abbr. DM)
1 [C] the unit of money in Germany (to be replaced by the euro)
2 (the Deutschmark) [sing.] (finance) the value of the Deutschmark compared with the value of the money of other countries: The pound slumped to 2.47 against the Deutschmark.
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de.value
verb
1 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (against sth) (finance) to reduce the value of the money of one country when it is exchanged for the money of another country
OPP REVALUE
2 [vn] to give a lower value to sth, making it seem less important than it really is: Work in the home is often ignored and devalued.
de.valu.ation noun [C, U]: There has been a further small devaluation against the dollar.
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dev.as.tate
verb [vn]
1 to completely destroy a place or an area: The bomb devastated much of the old part of the city.
2 [often passive] to make sb feel very shocked and sad
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dev.as.tated
adj. extremely upset and shocked: His family is absolutely devastated.
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dev.as.tat.ing
adj.
1 causing a lot of damage and destruction: a devastating explosion / fire / cyclone  Oil spills are having a devastating effect on coral reefs in the ocean.  He received devastating injuries in the accident.  It will be a devastating blow to the local community if the factory closes.
2 extremely shocking to a person: the devastating news that her father was dead
3 impressive and powerful: his devastating performance in the 100 metres  Her smile was devastating.  a devastating attack on the President’s economic record
dev.as.tat.ing.ly adv.: a devastatingly handsome man
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dev.as.ta.tion
noun [U] great destruction or damage, especially over a wide area: The bomb caused widespread devastation.
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de.velop
verb
GROW BIGGER / STRONGER|
1 ~ (sth) (from sth) (into sth) to gradually grow or become bigger, more advanced, stronger, etc.; to make sth do this: [v] The child is developing normally.  The place has rapidly developed from a small fishing community into a thriving tourist resort.  [vn] She developed the company from nothing.
NEW IDEA / PRODUCT|
2 [vn] to think of or produce a new idea, product, etc. and make it successful: The company develops and markets new software.
DISEASE / PROBLEM|
3 to begin to have sth such as a disease or a problem; to start to affect sb/sth: [vn] Her son developed asthma when he was two.  The car developed engine trouble and we had to stop. [alsov]
BECOME SERIOUS / IMPORTANT|
4 [v] to start to happen and then become more serious or important: A crisis was rapidly developing in the Gulf.
BECOME BETTER|
5 to start to have a skill, ability, quality, etc. that becomes better and stronger; to become better and stronger: [vn] He’s developed a real flair for management.  [v] Their relationship has developed over a number of years.
BUILD HOUSES|
6 [vn] to build new houses, factories, etc. on an area of land, especially land that was not being used effectively before: The site is being developed by a French company.
IDEA / STORY|
7 [vn] to make an idea, a story, etc. clearer by explaining it further: She develops the theme more fully in her later books.
PHOTOGRAPHS|
8 [vn] to treat photographic film with chemicals so that the pictures can be seen: I had the film developed yesterday.
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de.veloped
adj.
1 (of a country, society, etc.) having many industries and a complicated economic system: financial aid to less developed countries  The average citizen in the developed world uses over 155kg of paper per year.—compare UNDERDEVELOPED
2 in an advanced state: children with highly developed problem-solving skills—see also WELL DEVELOPED
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de.vel.op.er
noun
1 [C] a person or company that buys land or buildings in order to build new houses, shops/stores, etc., or to improve the old ones, and makes a profit from doing this: property developers
2 [C] a person or a company that designs and creates new products: a software developer
3 [U] a chemical substance that is used for developing photographs from a film
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de.vel.op.ing
adj. [only before noun] (of a country, society, etc.) poor, and trying to make its industry and economic system more advanced: developing countries / nations / economies—compare UNDERDEVELOPED
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de.vel.op.ment
noun
GROWTH|
1 [U] the gradual growth of sth so that it becomes more advanced, stronger, etc: a baby’s development in the womb  the development of basic skills such as literacy and numeracy  career development
NEW PRODUCT|
2 [U, C] the process of producing or creating sth new or more advanced; a new or advanced product: the development of vaccines against tropical diseases  The government is encouraging the development of small businesses.  developments in aviation technology  This piece of equipment is an exciting new development.—see also RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
NEW EVENT|
3 [C] a new event or stage that is likely to affect what happens in a continuing situation: the latest developments in the war  Are there further developments in the investigation?
NEW BUILDINGS|
4 [C] a piece of land with new buildings on it: a commercial / business / housing development
5 [U] the process of using an area of land especially to make a profit by building on it, etc: He bought the land for development.
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de.vel.op.men.tal
adj.
1 in a state of developing or being developed: The product is still at a developmental stage.
2 connected with the development of sb/sth: developmental psychology
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de'velopment area
noun (BrE ) an area where new industries are encouraged in order to create jobs
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de.vi.ant
adj. different from what most people consider to be normal and acceptable: deviant behaviour / sexuality
de.vi.ant noun: sexual deviants
de.vi.ance , de.vi.ancy noun [U]: a study of social deviance and crime
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de.vi.ate
verb [v] ~ (from sth) to be different from sth; to do sth differently from what is usual or expected: The bus had to deviate from its usual route because of a road closure.  He never deviated from his original plan.
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de.vi.ation
noun ~ (from sth)
1 [U, C] the act of moving away from what is normal or acceptable; a difference from what is expected or acceptable: deviation from the previously accepted norms  sexual deviation  a deviation from the plan
2 [C] (technical) the amount by which a single measurement is different from the average: a compass deviation of 5° (= from true north)—see also STANDARD DEVIATION
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de.vice
noun
1 an object or a piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job: a water-saving device  electrical labour-saving devices around the home
2 a bomb or weapon that will explode: A powerful device exploded outside the station.  the world’s first atomic device
3 a method of doing sth that produces a particular result or effect: Sending advertising by mail is very successful as a marketing device.
4 a plan or trick that is used to get sth that sb wants: The report was a device used to hide rather than reveal problems.
IDM leave sb to their own de'vices to leave sb alone to do as they wish, and not tell them what to do
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devil
noun
1 (the Devil) (in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions) the most powerful evil being SATAN
2 a wicked evil spirit: They believed she was possessed by devils.
3 (informal) a person who behaves badly, especially a child: a naughty little devil
4 (informal) used to talk about sb and to emphasize an opinion that you have of them: I miss the old devil, now that he’s gone.  She’s off to Greece for a month—lucky devil!
IDM be a 'devil (BrE) people say Be a devil! to encourage sb to do sth that they are not sure about doing: Go on, be a devil, buy both of them. better the ,devil you 'know (than the ,devil you 'don’t) (saying) used to say that it is easier and wiser to stay in a bad situation that you know and can deal with rather than change to a new situation which may be much worse between the ,devil and the ,deep blue 'sea in a difficult situation where there are two equally unpleasant or unacceptable choices the 'devil (old-fashioned) very difficult or unpleasant: These berries are the devil to pick because they’re so small. a devil of a job / time (old-fashioned) a very difficult or unpleasant job or time: I’ve had a devil of a job finding you. go to the 'devil! (old-fashioned, spoken) used, in an unfriendly way, to tell sb to go away like the 'devil (old-fashioned, informal) very hard, fast, etc: We ran like the devil. speak / talk of the 'devil (informal) people say speak/talk of the devil when sb they have been talking about appears unexpectedly: Well, speak of the devil—here’s Alice now! what, where, who, why, etc. the 'devil … (old-fashioned) used in questions to show that you are annoyed or surprised: What the devil do you think you’re doing?—more at PAY v.
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devil.ish
adj.
1 cruel or wicked: a devilish conspiracy
2 morally bad, but in a way that people find attractive: He was handsome, with a devilish charm.
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devil.ish.ly
adv. (old-fashioned) extremely; very: a devilishly hot day
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,devil-may-'care
adj. [not usually before noun] cheerful and not worrying about the future: a devil-may-care attitude to life
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dev.il.ment
(also dev.il.ry ) noun (formal) wild behaviour that causes trouble MISCHIEF
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,devil’s 'advocate
noun a person who expresses an opinion that they do not really hold in order to encourage a discussion about a subject: Often the interviewer will need to play devil’s advocate in order to get a discussion going.
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de.vi.ous
adj.
1 behaving in a dishonest or indirect way, or deceiving people, in order to get sth CUNNING : a devious politician  He got rich by devious means.
2 ~ route / path a route or path that is not straight but has many changes in direction; not direct: a devious route from the airport
de.vi.ous.ly adv.
de.vi.ous.ness noun [U]
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de.vise
verb [vn] to invent sth new or a new way of doing sth
SYN THINK UP : A new system has been devised to control traffic in the city.
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de.void
adj. ~ of sth (written) completely lacking in sth: The letter was devoid of warmth and feeling.
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de.vo.lu.tion
noun [U] the act of giving power from a central authority or government to an authority or a government in a local region: a supporter of devolution for Scotland
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de.volve
verb
PVR V de'volve on / upon sb/sth (written)
1 if property, money, etc. devolves on/upon you, you receive it after sb else dies
2 if a duty, responsibility, etc. devolves on/upon you, it is given to you by sb at a higher level of authority devolve sth to / on / upon sb to give a duty, responsibility, power, etc. to sb who has less authority than you: The central government devolved most tax-raising powers to the regional authorities.
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de.volved
adj. if power or authority is devolved, it has been passed to sb who has less power: devolved responsibility  a system of devolved government
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de.vote
verb
PVR V devote yourself to sb/sth to give most of your time, energy, attention, etc. to sb/sth: She devoted herself to her career. devote sth to sth to give an amount of time, attention, etc. to sth: I could only devote two hours a day to work on the project.
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de.voted
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) having great love for sb/sth and being loyal to them: They are devoted to their children.  a devoted son / friend / fan
de.voted.ly adv.
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de.votee
noun ~ (of sb/sth)
1 a person who admires and is very enthusiastic about sb/sth: a devotee of science fiction
2 a very religious person who belongs to a particular group: devotees of Krishna
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de.vo.tion
noun ~ (to sb/sth)
1 [U, sing.] great love, care and support for sb/sth: His devotion to his wife and family is touching.
2 [U, sing.] the action of spending a lot of time or energy on sth: devotion to duty / a cause  Her devotion to the job left her with very little free time.
3 (devotions) [pl.] prayers and other religious practices
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de.vo.tion.al
adj. (of music, literature, etc.) connected with or used in religious services
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de.vour
verb [vn]
1 to eat all of sth quickly especially because you are very hungry: He devoured half of his burger in one bite.
2 to read or look at sth with great interest and enthusiasm: She devoured everything she could lay her hands on: books, magazines and newspapers.
3 (formal) to destroy sb/sth: Flames devoured the house.
IDM be devoured by sth to be filled with a strong emotion that seems to control you: She was devoured by envy and hatred.
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de.vout
adj. (of a person) believing strongly in a particular religion and obeying its laws and practices: a devout Christian / Muslim
de.vout.ly adv.: She devoutly (= very strongly) hoped he was telling the truth.  a devoutly Catholic region
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dew
noun [U] the very small drops of water that form on the ground, etc. during the night: The grass was wet with early morning dew.
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dew.drop
noun a small drop of dew or other liquid
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dewy
adj. wet with DEW
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,dewy-'eyed
adj. (disapproving) showing emotion about sth, perhaps with a few tears in the eyes
SYN SENTIMENTAL
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dex.ter.ity
noun [U]
1 skill in using your hands: You need manual dexterity to be good at video games.
2 the ability to do sth skilfully: mental / verbal dexterity
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dex.ter.ous
(also dex.trous) adj. (written) skilful with your hands; skilfully done: animals that are naturally dexterous
dex.ter.ous.ly (also dex.trous.ly) adv.
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dex.trose
noun [U] (chemistry ) a form of GLUCOSE (= a type of natural sugar)
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DfEE
abbr. Department for Education and Employment (the government department in Britain that is responsible for education and employment policy)
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dhow
noun an Arab ship with one large sail in the shape of a triangle
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di-
combining form (chemistry ) (in nouns that are names of chemical compounds) containing two atoms or groups of the type mentioned: carbon dioxide
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dia.betes
noun [U] a medical condition caused by a lack of INSULIN , which makes the patient produce a lot of URINE and feel very thirsty
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dia.bet.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 having or connected with diabetes : She’s diabetic.  a diabetic patient  diabetic complications
2 suitable for or used by sb who has diabetes : a diabetic diet

noun a person who suffers from DIABETES

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dia.bol.ical
adj.
1 (informal, especially BrE) extremely bad or annoying: The traffic was diabolical.
2 (also less frequent dia.bol.ic ) evil and wicked; like a devil
dia.bol.ic.al.ly adv.
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dia.crit.ic
noun (linguistics ) a mark such as an ACCENT , placed over, under or through a letter in some languages, to show that the letter should be pronounced differently from the same letter without a mark
dia.crit.ic.al adj.: diacritical marks
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dia.dem
noun a CROWN , worn especially as a sign of royal power
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diag.nose
verb ~ sb (as / with) (sth)| ~ sth (as sth) to say exactly what an illness or the cause of a problem is: [vn] The test is used to diagnose a variety of diseases.  The illness was diagnosed as cancer.  He has recently been diagnosed with angina.  [vn-n] He was diagnosed (as) a diabetic when he was 64. [alsov, vn-adj]
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diag.no.sis
noun [C, U] (pl.diag.noses ) ~ (of sth) the act of discovering or identifying the exact cause of an illness or a problem: diagnosis of lung cancer  They are waiting for the doctor’s diagnosis.  An accurate diagnosis was made after a series of tests.
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diag.nos.tic
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with identifying sth, especially an illness: to carry out diagnostic assessments / tests  specific conditions which are diagnostic of Aids

noun (computing )
1 (also ,diag'nostic program) a program used for identifying a computer fault
2 a message on a computer screen giving information about a fault

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di.ag.onal
adj., noun
adj. (of a straight line) at an angle; joining two opposite sides of sth at an angle: diagonal stripes
di.ag.onal.ly adv.: Walk diagonally across the field to the far corner and then turn left.

noun a straight line that joins two opposite sides of sth at an angle; a straight line that is at an angle

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dia.gram
noun a simple drawing using lines to explain where sth is, how sth works, etc: a diagram of the wiring system  The results are shown in diagram 2.
dia.gram.mat.ic adj.
dia.gram.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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dial
noun, verb
noun
1 the face of a clock or watch, or a similar control on a machine, piece of equipment or vehicle that shows a measurement of time, amount, speed, temperature, etc: an alarm clock with a luminous dial  Check the tyre pressure on the dial.—see also SUNDIAL
2 the round control on a radio, cooker/stove, etc. that you turn in order to adjust sth, for example to choose a particular station or to choose a particular temperature
3 the round part on some older telephones, with holes for the fingers, that you move around to call a particular number

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) to use a telephone by turning the dial or pushing buttons to call a number: [vn] He dialled the number and waited.  Dial 0033 for France. [alsov]

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dia.lect
noun [C, U] the form of a language that is spoken in one area with grammar, words and pronunciation that may be different from other forms of the same language: the Yorkshire dialect—compare ACCENT , IDIOLECT
dia.lect.al adj.
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dia.lect.ic
noun [sing.] (also less frequent dia.lect.ics [U])
1 (philosophy) a method of discovering the truth of ideas by discussion and logical argument and by considering ideas that are opposed to each other
2 (formal) the way in which two aspects of a situation affect each other
dia.lect.ic.al adj.
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'dialling code
(also code) noun (BrE ) the numbers that are used for a particular town, area or country, in front of an individual telephone number: international dialling codes—compare AREA CODE
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'dialling tone
(BrE ) (AmE 'dial tone) noun the sound that you hear when you pick up a telephone that means you can make a call
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dia.logue
(AmE also dia.log) noun [C, U]
1 conversations in a book, play, or film/movie: The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue.  dialogues for language learners
2 a formal discussion between two groups or countries, especially when they are trying to solve a problem, end a dispute, etc: The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.—compare MONOLOGUE
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'dialogue box
(BrE ) (also 'dialog boxAmE, BrE) noun a box that appears on a computer screen asking the user to choose what they want to do next—
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dia.ly.sis
noun [U] (technical ) a process for separating substances from a liquid, especially for taking waste substances out of the blood of people with damaged KIDNEYS : kidney / renal dialysis  a dialysis machine
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dia.manté
adj. decorated with glass that is cut to look like diamonds: diamanté earrings
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diam.eter
noun
1 a straight line going from one side of a circle or any other round object to the other side, passing through the centre—compare RADIUS : the diameter of a tree trunk  The dome is 42.3 metres in diameter .—picture at CIRCLE
2 (technical) a measurement of the power of an instrument to MAGNIFY sth: a lens magnifying 300 diameters (= making sth look 300 times larger than it really is).
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dia.met.ric.al.ly
adv. ~ opposed / opposite completely different: We hold diametrically opposed views.
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dia.mond
noun
1 [U, C] a clear colourless precious stone of pure CARBON , the hardest substance known. Diamonds are used in jewellery and also in industry, especially for cutting glass: a ring with a diamond in it  a diamond ring / necklace  She was wearing her diamonds (= jewellery with diamonds in it).  The lights shone like diamonds.—see also ROUGH DIAMOND
2 [C] a shape with four straight sides of equal length and with angles that are not RIGHT ANGLES
3 (diamonds) [pl., U] one of the four SUITS (= sets) in a pack/deck of cards. The cards are marked with red diamond shapes: ten of diamonds—
4 [C] a card of this SUIT : You must play a diamond if you have one.
5 [C] (in baseball) the space inside the lines that connect the four BASES ; also used to mean the whole baseball field
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,dia.mond in the 'rough
noun (AmE ) = ROUGH DIAMOND
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,diamond 'jubilee
noun [usually sing.] the 60th anniversary of an important event, especially of sb becoming king/queen; a celebration of this event—compare GOLDEN JUBILEE , SILVER JUBILEE
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,diamond 'wedding
(BrE ) (AmE ,diamond anni'versary) (also ,diamond 'wedding anniversaryAmE, BrE) noun the 60th anniversary of a wedding—compare GOLDEN WEDDING , RUBY WEDDING , SILVER WEDDING
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di.aper
noun (AmE ) = NAPPY : a diaper rash
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di.aph.an.ous
adj. (written) (of cloth or fabric) so light, delicate and fine that you can almost see through it
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dia.phragm
noun
1 (anatomy) the layer of muscle between the lungs and the stomach, used especially to control breathing
2 (BrE also cap) a rubber or plastic device that a woman places inside her VAGINA before having sex to prevent SPERM from entering the WOMB and making her pregnant
3 any thin piece of material used to separate the parts of a machine, etc.
4 (technical) a thin disc used to turn electronic signals into sound and sound into electronic signals in telephones, LOUDSPEAKERS , etc.
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diar.ist
noun a person who writes a diary , especially one that is later published: Samuel Pepys, the famous 17th century diarist
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diar.rhoea
(BrE ) (AmEdiar.rhea) (also informal the runs) noun [U] an illness in which waste matter is emptied from the bowels much more frequently than normal, and in liquid form: Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting.
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diary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE) (AmE date.book) a book with spaces for each day of the year in which you can write down things you have to do in the future: a desk diary  I’ll make a note of our next meeting in my diary.
2 a book in which you can write down the experiences you have each day, your private thoughts, etc: Do you keep a diary (= write one regularly)?  The writer’s letters and diaries are being published next year.—compare JOURNAL   note at AGENDA
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dias.pora
noun [sing.] (formal)
1 (the diaspora) the movement of the Jewish people away from their own country to live and work in other countries
2 the movement of people from any nation or group away from their own country
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dia.ton.ic
adj. (music ) using only the notes of the appropriate MAJOR or MINOR scale—compare CHROMATIC
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dia.tribe
noun ~ (against sb/sth) (formal) a long and angry speech or piece of writing attacking and criticizing sb/sth: He launched a bitter diatribe against the younger generation.
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dibs

IDM dibs on … (AmE) = BAGS (I) … at BAG v.
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dice
noun, verb
noun (pl.dice)
1 (also die especially in AmE) [C] a small CUBE of wood, plastic, etc., with a different number of spots on each of its sides, used in games of chance: a pair of dice  to roll / throw / shake the dice
2 [U] a game played with dice : We played dice all night.—
IDM no 'dice (spoken, especially AmE) used to show that you refuse to do sth or that sth cannot be done: ‘Did you get that job?’‘No dice.’—more at LOAD v.

verb [vn] to cut meat, vegetables, etc. into small square pieces: diced carrots
IDM dice with death (informal) to risk your life by doing sth that you know is dangerous

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dicey
adj. (BrE , informal) uncertain and dangerous RISKY : The fog made driving pretty dicey.
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di.chot.omy
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-ies) ~ (between A and B) (formal) the separation that exists between two groups or things that are completely opposite to and different from each other
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dick
noun ( , slang)
1 a man’s PENIS
2 = DICKHEAD —see also CLEVER DICK
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dick.ens
noun (the dickens) (old-fashioned, informal)
1 used in questions instead of ‘devil’ to show that you are annoyed or surprised: Where the dickens did he go?
2 (AmE) used when you are saying how attractive, etc. sb is: cute as the dickens
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Dick.ens.ian
adj. connected with or typical of the novels of Charles Dickens, which often describe social problems and bad social conditions: a Dickensian slum
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dicker
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (over sth) (especially AmE ) to argue about or discuss sth with sb, especially in order to agree on a price
SYN BARGAIN
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dick.head
(also dick) noun ( , slang) a very rude way of referring to sb, especially a man, that you think is stupid IDIOT
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dicky
adj. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) not healthy; not working correctly: a dicky heart
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'dicky bird
noun (BrE ) (used by or when speaking to young children) a bird
IDM not say, hear, etc. a dicky bird (BrE, informal) to say, hear, etc. nothing: He won’t say a dicky bird but we think he knows who did it.
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Dicta.phone
™noun a small machine used to record on tape people speaking, so that their words can be played back later and written down
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dic.tate
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (to sb) to say words aloud for sb else to write down: [vn] He dictated a letter to his secretary. [alsov]
2 ~ (sth) (to sb) to tell sb what to do, especially in an annoying way: [vn] They are in no position to dictate terms (= tell other people what to do).  [v wh-] What right do they have to dictate how we live our lives? [alsov that]
3 to control or influence how sth happens: [vn] When we take our vacations is very much dictated by Greg’s work schedule.  [v wh-] It’s generally your job that dictates where you live now. [alsov, v that] dic'tate to sb [often passive] to give orders to sb, often in a rude or aggressive way: She refused to be dictated to by anyone.

noun [usually pl.] (formal) an order, a rule or a command that you must obey: to follow the dictates of fashion

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dic.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of speaking or reading aloud so that sb can write down the words
2 [C, U] a test in which students write down what is being read aloud to them, especially in language lessons
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dic.ta.tor
noun (disapproving)
1 a ruler who has complete power over a country, especially one who has gained it using military force
2 a person who behaves as if they have complete power over other people, and tells them what to do
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dic.ta.tor.ial
adj. (disapproving)
1 connected with or controlled by a dictator : a dictatorial ruler  a dictatorial regime
2 using power in an unreasonable way by telling people what to do and not listening to their views or wishes: dictatorial behaviour
dic.ta.tori.al.ly adv.
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dic.ta.tor.ship
noun
1 [C, U] government by a dictator
2 [C] a country that is ruled by a dictator
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dic.tion
noun [U]
1 the way that sb pronounces words: clear diction
2 (technical) the choice and use of words in literature
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dic.tion.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a book that gives a list of the words of a language in alphabetical order and explains what they mean, or gives a word for them in a foreign language: a Spanish-English dictionary
2 a book that explains the words that are used in a particular subject: a dictionary of mathematics
3 a list of words in electronic form, for example stored in a computer’s SPELLCHECKER
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dic.tum
noun (pl.dicta or dic.tums) (formal) a statement that expresses sth that people believe is always true or should be followed
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did
pt of DO
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di.dac.tic
adj. (formal)
1 designed to teach people sth, especially a moral lesson: didactic art / poetry
2 (usually disapproving) telling people things rather than letting them find out for themselves
di.dac.tic.al.ly adv.
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did.dle
verb [vn] ~ sb (out of sth) (BrE , informal) to get money or some advantage from sb by cheating them
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diddly
(also diddly.squat ) noun (AmE , informal) (used in negative sentences) not anything; nothing: She doesn’t know diddly about it.
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didn’t
short form did not
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die
verb, noun
verb (dies, dying, died, died)
1 ~ (of / from sth)| ~ (for sth) to stop living: [v] to die of / from cancer  Her husband died suddenly last week.  He died for his beliefs.  That plant’s died.  I’ll never forget it to my dying day (= until I die).   (spoken) I nearly died when I saw him there (= it was very embarrassing).  [vn] to die a violent / painful / natural death  [v-adj] She died young.  At least they died happy.  [v-n] He died a poor man.
2 [v] to stop existing; to disappear: The old customs are dying.  His secret died with him (= he never told anyone).  The words died on my lips (= I stopped speaking).
3 [v] (of a machine) to stop working: The engine spluttered and died.  My car just died on me .
IDM be 'dying for sth / to do sth (informal) to want sth or want to do sth very much: I’m dying for a glass of water.  I’m dying to know what happened. die a / the 'death (BrE, informal) to fail completely: The play got terrible reviews and quickly died a death. die in your 'bed to die of old age or illness die 'laughing to find sth extremely funny: I nearly died laughing when she said that. old ,habits, ,traditions, etc. die 'hard used to say that things change very slowly to 'die for (informal) if you think sth is to die for, you really want it, and would do anything to get it: She was wearing a dress to die for.—more at CROSS v. , FLY n. , SAY v.
PVR V ,die a'way to become gradually weaker or fainter and finally disappear: The sound of their laughter died away. ,die 'back if a plant dies back, it loses its leaves but remains alive ,die 'down to become gradually less strong, loud, noticeable, etc: The flames finally died down.  When the applause had died down, she began her speech. ,die 'off to die one after the other until there are none left ,die 'out to stop existing: This species has nearly died out because its habitat is being destroyed.

noun
1 a block of metal with a special shape or with a pattern cut into it, that is used for shaping other pieces of metal such as coins, or for making patterns on paper or leather
2 (especially AmE) = DICE
IDM the die is cast (saying) used to say that an event has happened or a decision has been made that cannot be changed

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die.hard
adj. strongly opposing change and new ideas: diehard supporters of the exiled king
die.hard noun: A few diehards are trying to stop the reforms.
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diesel
noun
1 (also 'diesel fuel, 'diesel oil) [U] a type of heavy oil used as a fuel instead of petrol/gas: a diesel engine (= one that burns diesel)  diesel cars / locomotives / trains—compare PETROL
2 [C] a vehicle that uses diesel fuel: Our new car is a diesel.
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diet
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the food that you eat and drink regularly: to have a healthy, balanced diet  the Japanese diet of rice, vegetables and fish  to receive advice on diet
2 [C] a limited variety or amount of food that you eat for medical reasons or because you want to lose weight; a time when you only eat this limited variety or amount: a low-fat, salt-free diet  diet drinks (= with fewer calories than normal)  I decided to go on a diet (= to lose weight) before my holiday.
3 [sing.] a ~ of sth (disapproving) a large amount of a restricted range of activities: Children today are brought up on a diet of television cartoons and soap operas.
diet.ary adj. [usually before noun]: dietary advice / changes / habits  dietary fibre

verb [v] to eat less food or only food of a particular type in order to lose weight: She’s always dieting but she never seems to lose any weight.

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diet.er
noun a person who is trying to lose weight on a DIET
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diet.et.ics
noun [U] the scientific study of DIET and healthy eating
diet.et.ic adj.: dietetic advice
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diet.ician
(also diet.itian) noun a person whose job is to advise people on what kind of food they should eat to keep healthy
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dif.fer
verb [v]
1 A and B ~ (from each other)| A ~s from B to be different from sb/sth: They hold differing views.  French differs from English in this respect.  French and English differ in this respect.  Ideas on childcare may differ considerably between the parents.
2 ~ (with sb) (about / on / over sth) to disagree with sb: I have to differ with you on that.  Medical opinion differs as to how to treat the disease.
IDM see AGREE , BEG
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dif.fer.ence
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (in sth) the way in which two people or things are not like each other; the way in which sb/sth has changed: There are no significant differences between the education systems of the two countries.  He was studying the complex similarities and differences between humans and animals.  There’s no difference in the results.  She noticed a marked difference in the children on her second visit.  I can never tell the difference (= distinguish) between the twins  There’s a world of difference between liking someone and loving them.  What a difference! You look great with your hair like that.
OPP SIMILARITY
2 [sing., U] ~ (in sth) (between A and B) the amount that sth is greater or smaller than sth else: There’s not much difference in price between the two computers.  There’s an age difference of six years between the boys (= one is six years older than the other).  I’ll lend you £500 and you’ll have to find the difference (= the rest of the money that you need).  We measured the difference in temperature.
3 [C] a disagreement between people: We have our differences , but she’s still my sister.  Why don’t you settle your differences and be friends again?  There was a difference of opinion over who had won.
IDM make a, no, some, etc. difference (to / in sb/sth) to have an effect/no effect on sb/sth: The rain didn’t make much difference to the game.  Your age shouldn’t make any difference to whether you get the job or not.  Changing schools made a big difference to my life.  What difference will it make if he knows or not?  I don’t think it makes a lot of difference what colour it is (= it is not important).  ‘Shall we go on Friday or Saturday?’‘It makes no difference (to me).’ make all the 'difference (to sb/sth) to have an important effect on sb/sth; to make sb feel better: A few kind words at the right time make all the difference. same 'difference (spoken) used to say that you think the differences between two things are not important: ‘That’s not a xylophone, it’s a glockenspiel.’‘Same difference.’ with a 'difference (informal) (after nouns) used to show that sth is interesting or unusual: The traditional backpack with a difference—it’s waterproof.—more at BURY , SINK v. , SPLIT v. , WORLD
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dif.fer.ent
adj.
1 ~ (from / to / than sb/sth) not the same as sb/sth; not like sb/sth else: American English is significantly different from British English.   (BrE) It’s very different to what I’m used to.   (AmE) He saw he was no different than anybody else.  It’s different now than it was a year ago.  People often give very different accounts of the same event.  My son’s terribly untidy; my daughter’s no different .
OPP SIMILAR
2 [only before noun] separate and individual: She offered us five different kinds of cake.  The programme was about customs in different parts of the country.  They are sold in many different colours.  I looked it up in three different dictionaries.
3 [not usually before noun] (informal) unusual; not like other people or things: ‘Did you enjoy the play?’‘Well, it was certainly different!’
dif.fer.ent.ly adv.: Boys and girls may behave differently.  The male bird has a differently shaped head.
IDM a different kettle of fish (informal) a completely different situation or person from the one previously mentioned—more at COMPLEXION , KNOW v. , MATTER n. , SING v. , TELL
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dif.fer.en.tial
noun, adj.
noun
1 ~ (between A and B) a difference in the amount, value or size of sth, especially the difference in rates of pay for people doing different work in the same industry or profession: wage / pay / income differentials
2 (also ,differential 'gear) a GEAR that makes it possible for a vehicle’s back wheels to turn at different speeds when going around corners

adj. [only before noun] (formal) showing or depending on a difference; not equal: the differential treatment of prisoners based on sex and social class  differential rates of pay

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dif.fer.en.ti.ate
verb
1 ~ (between) A and B| ~ A (from B) to recognize or show that two things are not the same
SYN DISTINGUISH : [v] It’s difficult to differentiate between the two varieties.  [vn] I can’t differentiate one variety from another.
2 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to be the particular thing that shows that things or people are not the same
SYN DISTINGUISH : The male’s yellow beak differentiates it from the female.
3 [v] ~ between A and B to treat people or things in a different way, especially in an unfair way
SYN DISCRIMINATE
dif.fer.en.ti.ation noun [U]
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dif.fi.cult
adj.
1 ~ (for sb) (to do sth) not easy; needing effort or skill to do or to understand: a difficult problem / task / exam  It’s difficult for them to get here much before seven.  It’s really difficult to read your writing.  Your writing is really difficult to read.  She finds it very difficult to get up early.
2 full of problems; causing a lot of trouble: to be in a difficult position / situation  My boss is making life very difficult for me.  13 is a difficult age.
3 (of people) not easy to please; not helpful: a difficult child / customer / boss  Don’t pay any attention to her—she’s just being difficult.
IDM see JOB , LIFE
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dif.fi.culty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, usually pl., U] a problem; a thing or situation that causes problems: the difficulties of English syntax  children with severe learning difficulties  We’ve run into difficulties / difficulty with the new project.  He got into difficulties while swimming and had to be rescued.  The bank is in difficulty / difficulties .  It was a time fraught with difficulties and frustration.
2 [U] the state or quality of being hard to do or to understand; the effort that sth involves: I had considerable difficulty (in) persuading her to leave.  I had no difficulty (in) making myself understood.  The changes were made with surprisingly little difficulty.  He spoke slowly and with great difficulty.  We found the house without difficulty .  They discussed the difficulty of studying abroad.
HELP You cannot say ‘have difficulty to do sth’: I had difficulty to persuade her to leave.
3 [U] how hard sth is: varying levels of difficulty  questions of increasing difficulty
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dif.fi.dent
adj. ~ (about sth) not having much confidence in yourself; not wanting to talk about yourself SHY : a diffident manner / smile  He was modest and diffident about his own success.
dif.fi.dence noun [U]: She overcame her natural diffidence and spoke with great frankness.
dif.fi.dent.ly adv.
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dif.fract
verb [vn] (physics ) to break up a beam of light into a series of dark and light bands or into the different colours of the SPECTRUM
dif.frac.tion noun [U]
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dif.fuse
adj., verb
adj.
1 spread over a wide area: diffuse light  a diffuse community
2 not clear or easy to understand; using a lot of words: a diffuse style of writing
dif.fuse.ly adv.
dif.fuse.ness noun [U]

verb
1 (formal) to spread sth or become spread widely in all directions: [vn] The problem is how to diffuse power without creating anarchy.  [v] Technologies diffuse rapidly.
2 [v, vn] (technical) if a gas or liquid diffuses or is diffused in a substance, it becomes slowly mixed with that substance
3 [vn] (formal) to make light shine less brightly by spreading it in many directions: The moon was fuller than the night before, but the light was diffused by cloud.
dif.fu.sion noun [U]

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dig
verb, noun
verb (dig.ging, dug, dug )
1 ~ (for sth) to make a hole in the ground or to move soil from one place to another using your hands, a tool or a machine: [v] to dig for coal / gold / Roman remains  They dug deeper and deeper but still found nothing.  I think I’ll do some digging in the garden.  [vn] to dig a ditch / grave / hole / tunnel   (BrE) I’ve been digging the garden.
2 [vn] to remove sth from the ground with a tool: I’ll dig some potatoes for lunch.
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to search in sth in order to find an object in sth: I dug around in my bag for a pen.
4 [vn] (old-fashioned, spoken) (slang) to approve of or like sth very much
IDM dig 'deep (into sth)
1 to search thoroughly for information: You’ll need to dig deep into the records to find the figures you want.
2 to try hard to provide the money, equipment, etc. that is needed: We’re asking you to dig deep for the earthquake victims. dig your 'heels / 'toes in to refuse to do sth or to change your mind about sth: They dug in their heels and would not lower the price. dig (deep) in / into your pocket(s), savings, etc. to spend a lot of your own money on sth dig sb in the 'ribs to push your finger or your elbow into sb’s side, especially to attract their attention dig yourself into a 'hole to get yourself into a bad situation that it will be very difficult to get out of dig your own 'grave | dig a 'grave for yourself to do sth that will have very harmful results for you
PVR V ,dig 'in (spoken)
1 used to tell sb to start to eat: Help yourselves, everybody! Dig in!
2 to wait, or deal with a difficult situation, with great patience: There is nothing we can do except dig in and wait. ,dig sth<->'in
1 to mix soil with another substance by digging the two substances together: The manure should be well dug in.
2 to push sth into sth else: He dug his fork into the steak. ,dig yourself 'in (of soldiers) to protect yourself against an attack by making a safe place in the ground ,dig 'into sth
1 (informal) to start to eat food with enthusiasm: She dug into her bowl of pasta.
2 to push or rub against your body in a painful or uncomfortable way: His fingers dug painfully into my arm.
3 to find out information by searching or asking questions: Will you dig a little into his past and see what you find? ,dig sth 'into sth
1 to mix soil with another substance by digging the two substances together
2 to push or press sth into sth else: She dug her hands deeper into her pockets. ,dig sb/sth<->'out (of sth)
1 to remove sb/sth from somewhere by digging the ground around them or it: More than a dozen people were dug out of the avalanche alive.
2 to find sth that has been hidden or forgotten for a long time: I went to the attic and dug out Grandad’s medals. ,dig sth<->'over to prepare ground by digging the soil to remove stones, etc. ,dig sth<->'up
1 to break the ground into small pieces before planting seeds, building sth, etc: They are digging up the football field to lay a new surface.
2 to remove sth from the ground by digging
SYN UNEARTH : An old Roman vase was dug up here last month.
3 to discover information about sb/sth
SYN UNEARTH : Tabloid newspapers love to dig up scandal.

noun —see also DIGS
1 a small push with your finger or elbow: She gave him a dig in the ribs .
2 ~ (at sb/sth) a remark that is intended to annoy or upset sb: He kept making sly little digs at me.  to have a dig at sb/sth
3 an occasion when an organized group of people dig in the ground to discover old buildings or objects, in order to find out more about their history EXCAVATION : to go on a dig  an archaeological dig

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di.gest
verb, noun
verb
1 when you digest food, or it digests, it is changed into substances that your body can use: [vn] Humans cannot digest plants such as grass.  [v] You should allow a little time after a meal for the food to digest.
2 [vn] to think about sth so that you fully understand it: He paused, waiting for her to digest the information.

noun a short report containing the most important facts of a longer report or piece of writing; a collection of short reports: a monthly news digest

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di.gest.ible
adj. easy to digest ; pleasant to eat or easy to understand
OPP INDIGESTIBLE
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di.ges.tion
noun
1 [U] the process of digesting food—compare INDIGESTION
2 [C, usually sing.] the ability to digest food: to have a good / poor digestion
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di.gest.ive
adj. [only before noun] connected with the digestion of food: the digestive system / tract  digestive problems
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di'gestive biscuit
(also digestive) noun (BrE ) a round sweet biscuit made from WHOLEMEAL flour, sometimes covered with chocolate: a packet of chocolate digestives
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dig.ger
noun
1 a large machine that is used for digging up the ground
2 a person or an animal that digs—see also GOLD-DIGGER
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digit
noun
1 any of the ten numbers from 0 to 9: The number 57306 contains five digits.
2 (anatomy) a finger, thumb or toe
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digit.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 using a system of receiving and sending information as a series of the numbers one and zero, showing that an electronic signal is there or is not there: a digital camera  digital terrestrial and digital satellite broadcasting
2 (of clocks, watches, etc.) showing information by using figures, rather than with HANDS that point to numbers: a digital clock / watch—compare ANALOGUE
digit.al.ly : digitally remastered tapes

noun [U] digital television: How long have you had digital?  With digital you can choose the camera angle you want.

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,digital re'cording
noun [C, U] a recording in which sounds or pictures are represented by a series of numbers showing that an electronic signal is there or is not there; the process of making a recording in this way
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,digital 'television
noun
1 [U] the system of broadcasting television using digital signals
2 [C] a television set that can receive digital signals
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digit.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to change data into a DIGITAL form that can be easily read and processed by a computer: a digitized map
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dig.ni.fied
adj. calm and serious and deserving respect: a dignified person / manner / voice  Throughout his trial he maintained a dignified silence.
OPP UNDIGNIFIED
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dig.nify
verb (dig.ni.fies, dig.ni.fy.ing, dig.ni.fied) [vn] (formal)
1 to make sb/sth seem impressive: The mayor was there to dignify the celebrations.
2 to make sth appear important when it is not really: I’m not going to dignify his comments by reacting to them.
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dig.ni.tary
noun (pl.-ies) a person who has an important official position
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dig.nity
noun [U]
1 a calm and serious manner that deserves respect: She accepted the criticism with quiet dignity.
2 the fact of being given honour and respect by people: the dignity of work  The terminally ill should be allowed to die with dignity.
3 a sense of your own importance and value: It’s difficult to preserve your dignity when you have no job and no home.
IDM be,neath your 'dignity below what you see as your own importance or worth ,stand on your 'dignity (formal) to demand to be treated with the respect that you think that you deserve
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di.gress
verb [v] (formal) to start to talk about sth that is not connected with the main point of what you are saying
di.gres.sion noun [C, U]: After several digressions, he finally got to the point.
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digs
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a room or rooms that you rent to live in
SYN LODGINGS
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dike
noun = DYKE
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dik.tat
noun [C, U] (disapproving) an order given by a government, for example, that people must obey: an EU diktat from Brussels  government by diktat
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di.lapi.dated
adj. (of furniture and buildings) old and in very bad condition
di.lapi.da.tion noun [U]: in a state of dilapidation
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di.late
verb to become or to make sth larger, wider or more open: [v] Her eyes dilated with fear.  [vn] dilated pupils / nostrils  Red wine can help to dilate blood vessels.
dila.tion noun [U, C]
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dila.tory
adj. ~ (in doing sth) (formal) not acting quickly enough; causing delay: The government has been dilatory in dealing with the problem of unemployment.
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dildo
noun (pl.dildos or dildoes) an object shaped like a PENIS that is used for sexual pleasure
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di.lemma
noun a situation which makes problems, often one in which you have to make a very difficult choice between things of equal importance: to face a dilemma  to be in a dilemma
IDM see HORN
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dil.et.tante
noun (pl.dil.et.tanti or dil.et.tan.tes) (disapproving) a person who does or studies sth but is not serious about it and does not have much knowledge
di.let.tante adj.: a dilettante artist
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dili.gence
noun [U] (formal) careful and thorough work or effort: She shows great diligence in her schoolwork.  The captain exercised all reasonable diligence to prevent the ship from sinking.
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dili.gent
adj. (formal) showing care and effort in your work or duties: a diligent student / worker  After a diligent search, the police found the missing child.
dili.gent.ly adv.
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dill
noun [U] a plant with yellow flowers whose leaves and seeds have a strong taste and are used in cooking as a herb. Dill is often added to vegetables kept in VINEGAR : dill pickles
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dilly-dally
verb (dilly-dallies, dilly-dallying, dilly-dallied, dilly-dallied) [v] (old-fashioned, informal) to take too long to do sth, go somewhere or make a decision
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di.lute
verb, adj.
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid to it
SYN WATER DOWN : The paint can be diluted with water to make a lighter shade.
2 to make sth weaker or less effective
SYN WATER DOWN : Large classes dilute the quality of education that children receive.
di.lu.tion noun [U]: the dilution of sewage  This is a serious dilution of their election promises.

adj. (also di.luted) (of a liquid) made weaker by adding water or another substance: a dilute acid / solution

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dim
adj., verb
adj. (dim.mer, dim.mest)
LIGHT|
1 not bright: the dim glow of the fire in the grate  This light is too dim to read by.
PLACE|
2 where you cannot see well because there is not much light: a dim room / street
OBJECT|
3 that you cannot see well because there is not much light: the dim outline of a house in the moonlight  I could see a dim shape in the doorway.
EYES|
4 not able to see well: His eyesight is getting dim.
MEMORIES|
5 that you cannot remember or imagine clearly: dim memories  She had a dim recollection of a visit to a big house.   (humorous) in the dim and distant past
PERSON|
6 (informal, especially BrE) not intelligent: He’s very dim.
SITUATION|
7 not hopeful or good: Her future career prospects look dim.
dim.ness noun [U]: It took a while for his eyes to adjust to the dimness.—see also DIMLY take a dim view of sb/sth to disapprove of sb/sth; to not have a good opinion of sb/sth: She took a dim view of my suggestion.

verb (-mm-)
LIGHT|
1 if a light dims or if you dim it, it becomes or you make it less bright: [v] The lights in the theatre dimmed as the curtain rose. [alsovn]
FEELING / QUALITY|
2 if a feeling or quality dims, or if sth dims it, it becomes less strong: [v] Her passion for dancing never dimmed over the years. [alsovn]

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dime
noun a coin of the US and Canada worth ten cents
IDM a ,dime a 'dozen (AmE) = TWO / TEN A PENNY
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di.men.sion
noun
1 a measurement in space for example, the height, width or length of sth: We measured the dimensions of the kitchen.  Computer design tools that work in three dimensions.—see also THE FOURTH DIMENSION
2 [usually pl.] the size and extent of a situation: a problem of considerable dimensions
3 an aspect, or way of looking at or thinking about sth: Her job added a new dimension to her life.  the social dimension of unemployment
4 (-dimensional) (in adjectives) having the number of dimensions mentioned: a multi-dimensional model—see also THREE-DIMENSIONAL , TWO-DIMENSIONAL
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'dime store
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) = FIVE-AND-DIME
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di.min.ish
verb
1 to become or to make sth become smaller, weaker, etc.
SYN DECREASE : [v] The world’s resources are rapidly diminishing.  His influence has diminished with time.  Our efforts were producing diminishing returns (= we achieved less although we spent more time or money). [alsovn]
2 [vn] to make sb/sth seem less important than they really are: I don’t wish to diminish the importance of their contribution.
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di,minished responsi'bility
noun [U] (BrE, law ) a state in which a person who is accused of a crime is not considered to be responsible for their actions, because they are mentally ill: He was found not guilty of murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
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di.minu.endo
noun (pl.-os) [C, U] (music ) a gradual decrease in how loudly a piece of music is played or sung
OPP CRESCENDO
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dim.in.ution
noun ~ (of / in sth) (formal)
1 [U] the act of reducing sth or of being reduced: the diminution of political power
2 [C, usually sing.] a reduction; an amount reduced: a diminution in population growth
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di.minu.tive
adj., noun
adj. (formal) very small: She was a diminutive figure beside her husband.

noun
1 a word or an ending of a word that shows that sb/sth is small, for example piglet (= a young pig), kitchenette (= a small kitchen)
2 a short informal form of a word, especially a name: ‘Nicky’ is a common diminutive of ‘Nicholas’

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dimly
adv. not very brightly or clearly: a dimly lit room  I was dimly aware (= only just aware) of the sound of a car in the distance.  I did remember, but only dimly.
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'dim.mer switch
(also dim.mer) noun
1 a switch that allows you to make an electric light brighter or less bright
2 (AmE) = DIP SWITCH
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dimple
verb, noun
verb [v] to make a hollow place appear on each of your cheeks, especially by smiling

noun
1 a small hollow place in the skin, especially in the cheek or chin: She had a dimple which appeared when she smiled.
2 any small hollow place in a surface: a pane of glass with a dimple pattern
dimpled : a dimpled chin

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,dim-'witted
adj. (informal) stupid: a dim-witted child
dim.wit noun
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din
noun [sing.] a loud, unpleasant noise that lasts for a long time: The children were making an awful din.
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dinar
noun a unit of money in Yugoslavia, Bosnia and various countries in the Middle East and N Africa
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dine
verb [v] (formal) to eat dinner: We dined with my parents at a restaurant in town.
PVR V 'dine on sth to have a particular type of food for dinner ,dine 'out to eat dinner in a restaurant or sb else’s home ,dine 'out on sth (informal) to tell other people about sth that has happened to you, in order to make them interested in you
IDM see WINE v.
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diner
noun
1 a person eating a meal, especially in a restaurant: a restaurant capable of seating 100 diners
2 (especially AmE) a small, usually cheap, restaurant: a roadside diner
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din.ette
noun (especially AmE ) a small room or part of a room for eating meals
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ding.bat
noun (AmE , slang) a stupid person
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ding-dong
noun
1 [U] used to represent the sound made by a bell: I rang the doorbell. Ding-dong! No answer.
2 (BrE, informal) an argument or fight: The two men were having a real ding-dong on the doorstep.
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dinghy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a small open boat that you sail or row: a sailing dinghy—picture at BOAT
2 = RUBBER DINGHY —compare YACHT
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dingo
noun (pl.-oes) a wild Australian dog
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dingy
adj. (din.gier, din.gi.est) dark and dirty: a dingy room / hotel  dingy curtains / clothes
din.gi.ness noun [U]
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'dining car
(BrE also 'restaurant car) noun a railway carriage in which meals are served
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'dining room
noun a room used mainly for eating meals in
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'dining table
noun a table for having meals on—compare DINNER TABLE
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dinky
adj. (informal)
1 (BrE, approving) small and neat in an attractive way: What a dinky little hat!
2 (AmE, disapproving) too small: I grew up in a dinky little town that didn’t even have a movie theater.
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din.ner
noun
1 [U, C] the main meal of the day, eaten either in the middle of the day or in the evening: It’s time for dinner.  Have you had dinner yet?  What time do you serve dinner?  Let’s invite them to dinner tomorrow.  What shall we have for dinner tonight?  It’s your turn to cook dinner.  She didn’t eat much dinner.  I never eat a big dinner.  Christmas dinner  a three-course dinner  I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight.   (BrE) school dinners (= meals provided at school in the middle of the day)  note at MEAL
2 [C] a large formal social gathering at which dinner is eaten: The club’s annual dinner will be held on 3 June.—see also DINNER PARTY
IDM see DOG n.
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'dinner dance
noun a social event in the evening that includes a formal meal and dancing
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'dinner jacket
(BrE) noun a black or white jacket worn with a BOW TIE at formal occasions in the evening—compare TAILS n. (6) , TUXEDO
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'dinner lady
noun (in Britain) a woman whose job is to serve meals to children in schools
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'dinner party
noun a social event at which a small group of people eat dinner at sb’s house
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'dinner service
noun a set of matching plates, dishes, etc. for serving a meal
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'dinner suit
(BrE ) (AmE tux.edo) noun a DINNER JACKET and trousers/pants, worn with a BOW TIE at formal occasions in the evening
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'dinner table
noun (often the dinner table) [usually sing.] the table at which people are eating dinner; an occasion when people are eating together: conversation at the dinner table—compare DINING TABLE
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'dinner theater
noun (AmE ) a restaurant where you see a play after your meal
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'dinner time
noun the time at which dinner is normally eaten
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din.ner.ware
noun [U] (AmE ) plates, dishes, etc. used for serving a meal
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dino.saur
noun
1 an animal that lived millions of years ago but is now EXTINCT (= it no longer exists). There were many types of dinosaur , some of which were very large.
2 (disapproving) a person or thing that is old-fashioned and cannot change in the changing conditions of modern life
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dint
noun
IDM by dint of sth / of doing sth (formal) by means of sth: He succeeded by dint of hard work.
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dio.cese
noun (in the Christian Church) a district for which a BISHOP is responsible
dio.cesan adj.
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diode
noun (technical ) an electronic device in which the electric current passes in one direction only, for example a SILICON CHIP
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di.ox.ide
noun [U, C] (chemistry ) a compound formed by combining two atoms of OXYGEN and one atom of another chemical element—see also CARBON DIOXIDE
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di.oxin
noun a chemical used in industry and farming. Most dioxins are poisonous.
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dip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 [vn] ~ sth (into sth)| ~ sth (in) to put sth quickly into a liquid and take it out again: He dipped the brush into the thick white paint.  Dip your hand in to see how hot the water is.  The fruit had been dipped in chocolate.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to go downwards or to a lower level; to make sth do this: [v] The sun dipped below the horizon.  Sales for this quarter have dipped from 38.7 million to 33 million.  The road dipped suddenly as we approached the town.  [vn] The plane dipped its wings.
3 [vn] (BrE) if you dip your HEADLIGHTS when driving a car at night, you make the beam from them point down so that other drivers do not have the light in their eyes
4 [vn] when farmers dip animals, especially sheep, they put them in a bath of a liquid containing chemicals in order to kill insects, etc.
IDM dip into your 'pocket (informal) to spend some of your own money on sth dip a 'toe in / into sth | dip a 'toe in / into the water (informal) to start doing sth very carefully to see if it will be successful or not
PVR V ,dip 'into sth
1 to put your hand into a container to take sth out: She dipped into her purse and took out some coins.
2 to read or watch only parts of sth: I have only had time to dip into the report.
3 to take an amount from money that you have saved: We took out a loan for the car because we didn’t want to dip into our savings.

noun
1 [C] (informal) a quick swim: Let’s go for a dip before breakfast.
2 [C] a decrease in the amount or success of sth, usually for only a short period: a sharp dip in earnings / profits
3 [C] a place where a surface suddenly drops to a lower level and then rises again: a dip in the road  Puddles had formed in the dips.
4 [C, U] a thick mixture into which biscuits and pieces of raw vegetables are dipped before being eaten
5 [U, C] a liquid containing a chemical into which sheep and other animals can be dipped in order to kill insects on them
6 [sing.] ~ into sth a quick look at sth: A brief dip into history serves to confirm this view.
7 [C, usually sing.] a quick movement of sth down and up: He gave a dip of his head.—see also LUCKY DIP

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diph.theria
noun [U] a serious infectious disease of the throat that causes difficulty in breathing
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diph.thong
noun (phonetics ) a combination of two vowel sounds or vowel letters, for example the sounds in pipe or the letters ou in doubt
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dip.loma
noun
1 (BrE) a course of study at a college or university: a two-year diploma course  She is taking a diploma in management studies.
2 a document showing that you have completed a course of study or part of your education: a High School diploma  note at DEGREE
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dip.lo.macy
noun [U]
1 the activity of managing relations between different countries; the skill in doing this: international diplomacy  Diplomacy is better than war.
2 skill in dealing with people in difficult situations without upsetting or offending them
SYN TACT —see also SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY
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dip.lo.mat
noun
1 (also old-fashioned dip.lo.ma.tist) a person whose job is to represent his or her country in a foreign country, for example, in an EMBASSY
2 a person who is skilled at dealing with other people
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dip.lo.mat.ic
adj.
1 connected with managing relations between countries (= DIPLOMACY ): a diplomatic crisis  Attempts are being made to settle the dispute by diplomatic means.  to break off / establish / restore diplomatic relations with a country
2 having or showing skill in dealing with people in difficult situations: a diplomatic answer / move / smile
dip.lo.mat.ic.al.ly adv.: The country remained diplomatically isolated.  ‘Why don’t we take a break for coffee?’ she suggested diplomatically.
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,diplo,matic 'bag
noun a container that is used for sending official letters and documents between a government and its representatives in another country and that cannot be opened by CUSTOMS officers
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,diplo'matic corps
noun (usually the diplomatic corps) [C+sing./pl. v .] (pl.diplomatic corps) all the DIPLOMATS who work in a particular city or country
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,diplo,matic im'munity
noun [U] special rights given to diplomats working in a foreign country which mean they cannot be arrested, taxed, etc. in that country
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the Diplo'matic Service
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually the 'Foreign Service) noun [sing.] the government department concerned with representing a country in foreign countries
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dip.lo.ma.tist
noun (old-fashioned) = DIPLOMAT
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dip.per
noun a bird that lives near rivers—see also BIG DIPPER
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dippy
adj. (informal) stupid; crazy
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dipso.maniac
noun a person who has a strong desire for alcoholic drink that they cannot control
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dip.stick
noun
1 a metal rod used for measuring the amount of liquid in a container, especially the amount of oil in an engine
2 (informal) a stupid person
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'dip switch
(BrE ) (AmE 'dimmer switch) noun a switch that allows you to make the beam from the front lights on a car point downwards
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dire
adj. (direr, dir.est)
1 [usually before noun] (formal) very serious: living in dire poverty  dire warnings / threats  Such action may have dire consequences.  We’re in dire need of your help.  The firm is in dire straits (= in a very difficult situation) and may go bankrupt.
2 (BrE, informal) very bad: The acting was dire.
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dir.ect
adj., verb, adv.
adj.
NOBODY / NOTHING IN BETWEEN|
1 [usually before noun] happening or done without involving other people, actions, etc. in between: They are in direct contact with the hijackers.  His death was a direct result of your action.  We are looking for somebody with direct experience of this type of work.  This information has a direct bearing on (= it is closely connected with) the case.
OPP INDIRECT
JOURNEY / ROUTE|
2 going in the straightest line between two places without stopping or changing direction: the most direct route / course  a direct flight (= a flight that does not stop)  There’s a direct train to Leeds (= it may stop at other stations but you do not have to change trains).  a direct hit (= a hit that is accurate and does not touch sth else first)
OPP INDIRECT
HEAT / LIGHT|
3 [only before noun] with nothing between sth and the source of the heat or light: Protect your child from direct sunlight by using a sunscreen.
EXACT|
4 [only before noun] exact: That’s the direct opposite of what you told me yesterday.  a direct quote (= one using a person’s exact words)
SAYING WHAT YOU MEAN|
5 saying exactly what you mean in a way that nobody can pretend not to understand: a direct answer / question  You’ll have to get used to his direct manner.
OPP INDIRECT
RELATIONSHIP|
6 [only before noun] related through parents and children rather than brothers, sisters, aunts, etc: a direct descendant of the country’s first president
OPP INDIRECT

verb
AIM|
1 [vn] ~ sth to / towards sth/sb| ~ sth at / against sth/sb to aim sth in a particular direction or at a particular person: The machine directs a powerful beam at the affected part of the body.  There are three main issues that we need to direct our attention to.  Most of his anger was directed against himself.  Was that remark directed at me?
CONTROL|
2 [vn] to control or be in charge of sb/sth: A new manager has been appointed to direct the project.  He was asked to take command and direct operations .
MOVIE / PLAY / MUSIC|
3 to be in charge of actors in a play, or a film/movie, or musicians in an orchestra, etc: [v] She prefers to act rather than direct.  [vn] The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg.  She now directs a large choir.
SHOW THE WAY|
4 [vn] ~ sb (to … ) to tell or show sb how to get to somewhere or where to go: Could you direct me to the station?  A police officer was directing the traffic.
GIVE ORDER|
5 (formal) to give an official order: [vn to inf] The police officers had been directed to search the building.  [v that] The judge directed that the mother be given custody of the children.   (BrE also) The judge directed that the mother should be given custody of the children.
LETTER / COMMENT|
6 [vn] ~ sth to … (formal) to send a letter, etc. to a particular place or to a particular person: Direct any complaints to the Customer Services department.

adv.
JOURNEY / ROUTE|
1 without stopping or changing direction: It costs more to fly direct to Hong Kong.  The 10.40 goes direct to Leeds.
NOBODY IN BETWEEN|
2 without involving other people: I prefer to deal with him direct.

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di,rect 'access
noun [U] (computing ) the ability to get data immediately from any part of a computer file
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di,rect 'action
noun [U, C] the use of strikes, protests, etc. instead of discussion in order to get what you want
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di,rect 'current
noun [C, U] (abbr. DC) an electric current that flows in one direction only—compare ALTERNATING CURRENT
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di,rect 'debit
noun [U, C] (in Britain) an instruction to your bank to allow sb else to take an amount of money from your account on a particular date, especially to pay bills: We pay all our bills by direct debit.—compare STANDING ORDER
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di,rect de'posit
noun [U] (AmE ) the system of paying sb’s wages straight into their bank account
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dir.ec.tion
noun
WHERE TO|
1 [C, U] the general position a person or thing moves or points towards: Tom went off in the direction of the post office.  She glanced in his direction.  The aircraft was flying in a northerly direction.  The road was blocked in both directions.  They hit a truck coming in the opposite direction .  Has the wind changed direction?  When the police arrived, the crowd scattered in all directions .  I lost all sense of direction (= I didn’t know which way to go).
DEVELOPMENT|
2 [C, U] the general way in which a person or thing develops: The exhibition provides evidence of several new directions in her work.  I am very unhappy with the direction the club is taking.  It’s only a small improvement but at least it’s a step in the right direction .
WHERE FROM|
3 [C] the general position a person or thing comes or develops from: Support came from an unexpected direction.  Let us approach the subject from a different direction.
PURPOSE|
4 [U] a purpose; an aim: We are looking for somebody with a clear sense of direction .  Once again her life felt lacking in direction.
INSTRUCTIONS|
5 [C, usually pl.] instructions about how to do sth, where to go, etc: Let’s stop and ask for directions.  Simple directions for assembling the model are printed on the box.
CONTROL|
6 [U] the art of managing or guiding sb/sth: All work was produced by the students under the direction of John Williams.
FILM / MOVIE|
7 [U] the instructions given by sb directing a film/movie: There is some clever direction and the film is very well shot.
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dir.ec.tion.al
adj. (technical )
1 producing or receiving signals, sound, etc. better in one particular direction: a directional microphone / aerial
2 connected with the direction in which sth is moving: directional control / stability
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dir.ec.tion.less
adj. (written) without a direction or purpose
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dir.ect.ive
noun, adj.
noun an official instruction: The EU has issued a new set of directives on pollution.

adj. (formal) giving instructions: They are seeking a central, directive role in national energy policy.

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dir.ect.ly
adv., conj.
adv.
1 in a direct line or manner: He drove her directly to her hotel.  She looked directly at us.  He’s directly responsible to the boss.  We have not been directly affected by the latest cuts.
OPP INDIRECTLY
2 exactly in a particular position: directly opposite / below / ahead  They remain directly opposed to these new plans.
3 immediately: She left directly after the show.
4 (old-fashioned, BrE) soon: Tell them I’ll be there directly.

conj. (BrE ) as soon as: I went home directly I had finished work.

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di,rect 'mail
noun [U] advertisements that are sent to people through the post/mail
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di,rect 'marketing
noun [U] the business of selling products or services directly to customers who order by mail or by telephone instead of going to a shop/store
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dir.ect.ness
noun [U] the quality of being simple and clear, so that it is impossible not to understand: ‘What’s that?’ she asked with her usual directness.
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di,rect 'object
noun (grammar ) a noun, noun phrase or pronoun that refers to a person or thing that is directly affected by the action of a verb: In ‘I met him in town’, the word ‘him’ is the direct object.—compare INDIRECT OBJECT
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dir.ect.or
noun
1 one of a group of senior managers who run a company: the managing director  an executive / non-executive director  He’s on the board of directors .
2 a person who is in charge of a particular activity or department in a company, a college, etc: a musical / art director  a regional / technical / finance director  the director of education / finance
3 a person in charge of a film/movie or play who tells the actors and staff what to do—compare PRODUCER
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dir.ect.or.ate
noun
1 a section of a government department in charge of one particular activity: the environmental directorate
2 the group of directors who run a company
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di,rector-'general
noun (especially BrE ) the head of a large organization, especially a public organization: the director-general of the BBC
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dir.ect.or.ial
adj. [only before noun] connected with the position or work of a DIRECTOR , especially of a director of films/movies: The film marks her directorial debut.
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Di,rector of ,Public Prose'cutions
noun (abbr. DPP) (in England and Wales) a public official whose job is to decide whether people who are suspected of a crime should be brought to trial
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dir.ect.or.ship
noun the position of a company DIRECTOR ; the period during which this is held
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dir.ec.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a book containing lists of information, usually in alphabetical order, for example people’s telephone numbers or the names and addresses of businesses in a particular area: a telephone / trade directory  a directory of European Trade Associations
2 a file containing a group of other files or programs in a computer
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di,rectory en'quiries
(BrE ) (AmE di,rectory as'sistance or informal in.for.ma.tion) noun [U+sing./pl. v .] a telephone service that you can use to find out a person’s telephone number
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di,rect 'rule
noun [U] government of a region by a central government, when that region has had its own government in the past
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di,rect 'speech
noun [U] (grammar ) a speaker’s actual words; the use of these in writing: Only direct speech should go inside inverted commas.—compare INDIRECT SPEECH , REPORTED SPEECH
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di,rect 'tax
noun (technical ) a tax which is collected directly from the person who pays it, for example income tax—compare INDIRECT TAX
di,rect tax'ation noun [U]
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dirge
noun
1 a song sung in the past at a funeral or for a dead person
2 (informal, disapproving) any song or piece of music that is too slow and sad
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dirk
noun a long heavy pointed knife that was used as a weapon in Scotland in the past
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dirt
noun [U]
1 any substance that makes sth dirty, for example dust, soil or mud: His clothes were covered in dirt.  First remove any grease or dirt from the surface.
2 (especially AmE) loose earth or soil: He picked up a handful of dirt and threw it at them.  Pack the dirt firmly round the plants.  They lived in a shack with a dirt floor.
3 (informal) unpleasant or harmful information about sb that could be used to damage their reputation, career, etc: Do you have any dirt on the new guy?
4 (informal) = EXCREMENT : dog dirt
IDM see DISH v. , TREAT v.
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,dirt 'cheap
adj., adv. (informal) very cheap: It was dirt cheap.  I got it dirt cheap.
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'dirt farmer
noun (AmE ) a farmer who has poor land and does not make much money, and who does not pay anyone else to work on the farm
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,dirt 'poor
adj. (AmE , informal) extremely poor
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'dirt road
(AmE also 'dirt track) noun a rough road in the country that is made from hard earth
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'dirt track
noun
1 (AmE) = DIRT ROAD
2 a track made of CINDERS , soil etc. used for motorcycle racing: a dirt-track race / meeting
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dirty
adj., verb, adv.
adj. (dirt.ier, dirti.est)
NOT CLEAN|
1 not clean: dirty hands / clothes  a dirty mark  Try not to get too dirty!  I always get given the dirty jobs (= jobs that make you become dirty).
OFFENSIVE|
2 [usually before noun] connected with sex in an offensive way: a dirty joke / book  He’s got a dirty mind (= he often thinks about sex).
UNPLEASANT / DISHONEST|
3 [usually before noun] unpleasant or dishonest: a dirty lie / liar  She’s a dirty player.  He’s a great man for doing the dirty jobs (= jobs which are unpleasant because they involve being dishonest or mean to people).
COLOURS|
4 [only before noun] dull: a dirty brown carpet
DRUGS|
5 (AmE, slang) using illegal drugs be a dirty 'word to be a subject or an idea that people think is bad or immoral: Profit is not a dirty word around here. (do sb’s) 'dirty work (to do) the unpleasant or dishonest jobs that sb else does not want to do do the 'dirty on sb (BrE, informal) to cheat or betray sb; to treat sb unfairly: I’d never do the dirty on my friends. give sb a dirty 'look to look at sb in a way that shows you are annoyed with them—more at HAND n. , WASH v.

verb (dirt.ies, dirty.ing, dirt.ied, dirt.ied) [vn] to make sth dirty

adv. dirty great / big (BrE, informal) used to emphasize how large sth is: When I turned round he was pointing a dirty great gun at me. play 'dirty (informal) to behave or play a game in an unfair way—more at TALK v.

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,dirty old 'man
noun (informal) an older man whose interest in sex or in sexually attractive young women is considered to be offensive or not natural for sb of his age
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,dirty 'trick
noun
1 [usually pl.] dishonest, secret and often illegal activity by a political group or other organization, that is intended to harm the reputation or success of an opponent: a dirty tricks campaign
2 an unpleasant and dishonest act: What a dirty trick to play!
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,dirty week'end
noun (BrE , humorous) a WEEKEND spent away with a sexual partner, often in secret
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dis
(also diss) verb (-ss-) [vn] (slang, especially AmE ) to show a lack of respect for sb, especially by saying insulting things to them: If he disses me again, I’ll hit him.
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dis-
prefix (in adjectives, adverbs, nouns and verbs) not; the opposite of: dishonest  disagreeably  disadvantage  disappear
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dis.abil.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a physical or mental condition that means you cannot use a part of your body completely or easily, or that you cannot learn easily: a physical / mental / permanent disability  people with severe learning disabilities
2 [U] the state of not being able to use a part of your body completely or easily; the state of not being able to learn easily: He qualifies for help on the grounds of disability.  note at DISABLED
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dis.able
verb [vn]
1 to injure or affect sb permanently so that, for example, they cannot walk or cannot use a part of their body: He was disabled in a car accident.  a disabling condition / illness
2 to prevent sth from working correctly: The burglars gained entry to the building after disabling the alarm.
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dis.abled
adj.
1 unable to use a part of your body completely or easily because of a physical condition, illness, injury, etc.; unable to learn easily: physically / mentally disabled  severely disabled  He was born disabled.  facilities for disabled people
2 (the disabled) noun [pl.] people who are disabled : caring for the sick, elderly and disabled
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dis.able.ment
noun [U] (formal) the state of being disabled or the process of becoming disabled : The insurance policy covers sudden death or disablement.
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dis.abuse
verb [vn] ~ sb (of sth) (formal) to tell sb that what they think is true is, in fact, not true
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dis.ad.van.tage
noun [C, U] ~ (of sth)| ~ (to sth) something that causes problems and tends to stop sb/sth from succeeding or making progress: a serious / severe / considerable disadvantage  One major disadvantage of the area is the lack of public transport.  There are disadvantages to the plan.  What’s the main disadvantage?  I was at a disadvantage compared to the younger members of the team.  The fact that he didn’t speak a foreign language put him at a distinct disadvantage .  I hope my lack of experience won’t be to my disadvantage .  The advantages of the scheme far outweighed the disadvantages.  Many children in the class suffered severe social and economic disadvantage.
dis.ad.van.tage verb [vn]
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dis.ad.van.taged

1 adj.not having the things, such as education, and enough money, that people need in order to succeed in life
SYN DEPRIVED : disadvantaged groups / children  a severely disadvantaged area
OPP ADVANTAGED
2 (the disadvantaged) noun [pl.] people who are disadvantaged
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dis.ad.van.ta.geous
adj. ~ (to / for sb) (formal) causing sb to be in a worse situation compared to other people: The deal will not be disadvantageous to your company.
OPP ADVANTAGEOUS
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dis.af.fect.ed
adj. not longer satisfied with your situation, organization, belief etc. and therefore not loyal to it: Some disaffected members left to form a new party.
dis.af.fec.tion noun [U]: There are signs of growing disaffection amongst voters.
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dis.af.for.est
verb [vn] = DEFOREST
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dis.agree
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sb) (about / on / over sth) if two people disagree or one person disagrees with another about sth, they have a different opinion about it: Even friends disagree sometimes.  He disagreed with his parents on most things.  Some people disagree with this argument.  No, I disagree. I don’t think it would be the right thing to do. [alsov that]
2 [v] if statements or reports disagree, they give different information
OPP AGREE
PVR V disa'gree with sb if sth, especially food, disagrees with you, it has a bad effect on you and makes you feel ill disa'gree with sth / with doing sth to believe that sth is bad or wrong; to disapprove of sth: I disagree with violent protests.
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dis.agree.able
adj. (formal)
1 not nice or enjoyable
SYN UNPLEASANT : a disagreeable smell / experience / job
2 (of a person) rude and unfriendly
SYN UNPLEASANT : a disagreeable bad-tempered man
OPP AGREEABLE
dis.agree.ably adv.
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dis.agree.ment
noun [U, C] ~ (about / on / over / as to sth)| ~ (among … )| ~ between A and B a situation where people disagree about sth and often argue: Disagreement arose about exactly how to plan the show.  disagreement on the method to be used  There is considerable disagreement over the safety of the treatment.  It was a source of disagreement between the two states.  There is disagreement among archaeologists as to the age of the sculpture.  They have had several disagreements with their neighbours.
OPP AGREEMENT
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dis.allow
verb [vn] [often passive] to officially refuse to accept sth because it is not valid: to disallow a claim / an appeal  The second goal was disallowed.—compare ALLOW (6)
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dis.ap.pear
verb [v]
1 [often +adv. / prep.] to become impossible to see
SYN VANISH : The plane disappeared behind a cloud.  Lisa watched until the train disappeared from view .
2 to stop existing
SYN VANISH : Her nervousness quickly disappeared once she was on stage.  The problem won’t just disappear.  Our countryside is disappearing at an alarming rate.
3 to be lost or impossible to find
SYN VANISH : I can never find a pen in this house. They disappear as soon as I buy them.  The child disappeared from his home some time after four.
dis.ap.pear.ance noun [U, C]: the disappearance of many species of plants and animals from our planet  Police are investigating the disappearance of a young woman.
IDM see ACT n. , FACE n.
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dis.ap.point
verb
1 to make sb feel sad because sth that they hope for or expect to happen does not happen or is not as good as they hoped: [vn] Her decision to cancel the concert is bound to disappoint her fans.  I hate to disappoint you, but I’m just not interested.  The movie had disappointed her (= it wasn’t as good as she had expected).  [v] His latest novel does not disappoint. [alsovn that]
2 [vn] to prevent sth that sb hopes for from becoming a reality: The new government had soon disappointed the hopes of many of its supporters.
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dis.ap.point.ed
adj. ~ (at / by sth)| ~ (in / with sb/sth)| ~ (to see, hear, etc.)| ~ (that … )| ~ (not) to be … upset because sth you hoped for has not happened or been as good, successful, etc. as you expected: They were bitterly disappointed at the result of the game.  I was disappointed by the quality of the wine.  I’m disappointed in you—I really thought I could trust you!  I was very disappointed with myself.  He was disappointed to see she wasn’t at the party.  I’m disappointed (that) it was sold out.  She was disappointed not to be chosen.
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dis.ap.point.ing
adj. not as good, successful, etc. as you had hoped; making you feel disappointed: a disappointing result / performance  The outcome of the court case was disappointing for the family involved.
dis.ap.point.ing.ly adv.: The room was disappointingly small.
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dis.ap.point.ment
noun
1 [U] sadness because sth has not happened or been as good, successful, etc. as you expected or hoped: Book early for the show to avoid disappointment.  To our great disappointment , it rained every day of the trip.  He found it difficult to hide his disappointment when she didn’t arrive.
2 [C] ~ (to sb) a person or thing that is disappointing: a bitter / major disappointment  That new restaurant was a big disappointment.  I always felt I was a disappointment to my father.
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dis.ap.pro.ba.tion
noun [U] (formal) disapproval of sb/sth that you think is morally wrong
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dis.ap.proval
noun [U] ~ (of sb/sth) a feeling that you do not like an idea, an action or sb’s behaviour because you think it is bad, not suitable or going to have a bad effect on sb else: disapproval of his methods  to show / express disapproval  He shook his head in disapproval .  She looked at my clothes with disapproval .
OPP APPROVAL
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dis.ap.prove
verb [v] ~ (of sb/sth) to think that sb/sth is not good or suitable; to not approve of sb/sth: She wants to be an actress but her parents disapprove.  He strongly disapproved of the changes that had been made.
OPP APPROVE
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dis.ap.prov.ing
adj. showing that you do not approve of sb/sth: a disapproving glance / tone / look
OPP APPROVING
dis.ap.prov.ing.ly adv.: He looked disapprovingly at the row of empty wine bottles.
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dis.arm
verb
1 [vn] to take a weapon or weapons away from sb: Most of the rebels were captured and disarmed.
2 [v] (of a country or a group of people) to reduce the size of an army or to give up some or all weapons, especially nuclear weapons
3 [vn] (written) to make sb feel less angry or critical: He disarmed her immediately by apologizing profusely.  The best way to disarm your critics is to make them laugh.—compare ARM
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dis.arma.ment
noun [U] the fact of a country reducing the size of its armed forces or the number of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, that it has: nuclear disarmament  disarmament talks—compare ARMAMENT
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dis.arm.ing
adj. making people feel less angry or suspicious than they were before: a disarming smile
dis.arm.ing.ly adv.: disarmingly frank
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dis.ar.range
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to make sth untidy
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dis.array
noun [U] a state of confusion and lack of organization in a situation or a place: The peace talks broke up in disarray .  Our plans were thrown into disarray by her arrival.
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dis.as.so.ci.ate
verb [vn] = DISSOCIATE
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dis.as.ter
noun
1 [C] an unexpected event such as a very bad accident, a flood or a fire that kills a lot of people or causes a lot of damage
SYN CATASTROPHE : an air / a ferry disaster  environmental disasters  Thousands died in the disaster.  a natural disaster (= one that is caused by nature)
2 [C, U] a very bad situation that causes problems: Losing your job doesn’t have to be such a disaster.  Disaster struck when the wheel came off.  financial disaster  Letting her organize the party is a recipe for disaster (= something that is likely to go badly wrong).
3 [C, U] (informal) a complete failure: As a teacher, he’s a disaster.  The play’s first night was a total disaster.
IDM see WAIT v.
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di'saster area
noun
1 a place where a disaster has happened and which needs special help
2 (informal) a place or situation that has a lot of problems, is a failure, or is badly organized
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dis.as.trous
adj. very bad, harmful or unsuccessful: a disastrous harvest / fire / result  Lowering interest rates could have disastrous consequences for the economy.
dis.as.trous.ly adv.: How could everything go so disastrously wrong?
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dis.avow
verb [vn] (formal) to state publicly that you have no knowledge of sth or that you are not responsible for sth/sb: They disavowed claims of a split in the party.
dis.avowal noun [C, U]
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dis.band
verb to stop sb/sth from operating as a group; to separate or no longer operate as a group: [vn] They set about disbanding the terrorist groups.  [v] The committee formally disbanded in August.
dis.band.ment noun [U]
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dis.bar
verb (-rr-) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to stop a lawyer from working in the legal profession, especially because he or she has done sth illegal
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dis.be.lief
noun [U] the feeling of not being able to believe sth: He stared at me in disbelief .  To enjoy the movie you have to suspend your disbelief (= pretend to believe sth, even if it seems very unlikely).—compare BELIEF (3) —compare UNBELIEF
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dis.be.lieve
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to not believe that sth is true or that sb is telling the truth: [vn] Why should I disbelieve her story? [alsov]
dis.be.liev.ing adj.: a disbelieving look / smile / laugh
dis.be.liev.ing.ly adv. disbe'lieve in sth to not believe that sth exists
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dis.burse
verb [vn] (formal) to pay money to sb from a large amount that has been collected for a purpose
dis.burse.ment noun [U, C]: the disbursement of funds  aid disbursements
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disc
(also disk especially in AmE) noun
1 a thin flat circular object: He wears an identity disc around his neck.
2 = CD : This recording is available on disc or cassette.
3 (BrE, rare) a disk for a computer
4 (old-fashioned) = RECORD (2)
5 one of the layers of CARTILAGE between the bones of the back: He’s been off work with a slipped disc (= one that has moved from its correct position, causing pain).
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dis.card
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to get rid of sth that you no longer want or need
SYN CAST ASIDE : The room was littered with discarded newspapers.  He had discarded his jacket because of the heat.  10% of the data was discarded as unreliable   (figurative) She could now discard all thought of promotion.
2 [vn, v] (in card games) to get rid of a card that you do not want

noun a person or a thing that is not wanted or thrown away, especially a card in a card game

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'disc brake
noun [usually pl.] a BRAKE that works by two surfaces pressing onto a disc in the centre of a wheel
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dis.cern
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal)
1 to know, recognize or understand sth, especially sth that is not obvious: [vn] It is possible to discern a number of different techniques in her work.  He discerned a certain coldness in their welcome.  [v wh-] It is often difficult to discern how widespread public support is. [alsov that]
2 [vn] to see or hear sth, but not very clearly: We could just discern the house in the distance.
dis.cern.ible adj.: There is often no discernible difference between rival brands.  His face was barely discernible in the gloom.
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dis.cern.ing
adj. (approving) able to show good judgement about the quality of sb/sth
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dis.cern.ment
noun [U] (formal, approving) the ability to show good judgement about the quality of sb/sth: He shows great discernment in his choice of friends.
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dis.charge
verb, noun
verb
FROM HOSPITAL / JOB|
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (from sth) to give sb official permission to leave a place or job; to make sb leave a job: Patients were being discharged from the hospital too early.  She had discharged herself against medical advice.  He was discharged from the army following his injury.  She was discharged from the police force for bad conduct.
FROM PRISON / COURT|
2 [vn] [often passive] to allow sb to leave prison or a court of law: He was conditionally discharged after admitting the theft.
GAS / LIQUID|
3 ~ (sth) (into sth) when a gas or a liquid discharges or is discharged, or sb discharges it, it flows somewhere: [v] The river is diverted through the power station before discharging into the sea.  [vn] The factory was fined for discharging chemicals into the river.
FORCE / POWER|
4 (technical ) to release force or power: [vn] Lightning is caused by clouds discharging electricity. [alsov]
DUTY|
5 [vn] (formal) to do everything that is necessary to perform and complete a particular duty: to discharge your responsibilities / obligations  to discharge a debt (= to pay it)
GUN|
6 [vn] (formal) to fire a gun, etc.

noun
OF LIQUID / GAS|
1 [U, C] the action of releasing a substance such as a liquid or gas; a substance that comes out from inside somewhere: a ban on the discharge of toxic waste  thunder and lightning caused by electrical discharges  nasal / vaginal discharge (= from the nose / vagina)
FROM HOSPITAL / JOB|
2 [U, C] ~ (from sth) the act of officially allowing sb, or of telling sb, to leave somewhere, especially sb in a hospital or the army
OF DUTY|
3 [U] (formal) the act of carrying out a task or a duty or of paying money that is owed: the discharge of debts / obligations

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dis.ciple
noun
1 a person who believes in and follows the teachings of a religious or political leader: a disciple of the economist John Maynard Keynes
2 one of the people who followed Jesus Christ and his teachings when he was living on earth, especially one of the twelve APOSTLES
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dis.cip.lin.ar.ian
noun a person who believes in using rules and punishments for controlling people: She’s a very strict disciplinarian.
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dis.cip.lin.ary
adj. connected with the punishment of people who break rules: a disciplinary hearing (= to decide if sb has done sth wrong)  The company will be taking disciplinary action against him.
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dis.cip.line
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the practice of training people to obey rules and orders and punishing them if they do not; the controlled behaviour or situation that results from this training: The school has a reputation for high standards of discipline.  Strict discipline is imposed on army recruits.  She keeps good discipline in class.
2 [C] a method of training your mind or body or of controlling your behaviour; an area of activity where this is necessary: Yoga is a good discipline for learning to relax.
3 [U] the ability to control your behaviour or the way you live, work, etc: He’ll never get anywhere working for himself—he’s got no discipline.—see also SELF-DISCIPLINE
4 [C] an area of knowledge; a subject that people study or are taught, especially in a university

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to punish sb for sth they have done: The officers were disciplined for using racist language.
2 [vn] to train sb, especially a child, to obey particular rules and control the way they behave: a guide to the best ways of disciplining your child
3 ~ yourself to control the way you behave and make yourself do things that you believe you should do: [vn to inf] He disciplined himself to exercise at least three times a week.  [vn] Dieting is a matter of disciplining yourself.
dis.cip.lined adj.: a disciplined army / team  a disciplined approach to work

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'disc jockey
noun (abbr. DJ) a person whose job is to introduce and play popular recorded music, on radio or television or at a club
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dis.claim
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to state publicly that you have no knowledge of sth, or that you are not responsible for sth
SYN DENY : She disclaimed any knowledge of her husband’s whereabouts.  The rebels disclaimed all responsibility for the explosion.
2 to give up your right to sth, such as property or a title
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dis.claim.er
noun
1 (formal) a statement in which sb says that they are not connected with or responsible for sth, or that they do not have any knowledge of it
2 (law) a statement in which a person says officially that they do not claim the right to do sth
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dis.close
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to give sb information about sth, especially sth that was previously secret
SYN REVEAL : [vn] The spokesman refused to disclose details of the takeover to the press.  [v that] The report discloses that human error was to blame for the accident.  [vn that] It was disclosed that two women were being interviewed by the police. [alsov wh-]
2 [vn] (written) to allow sth that was hidden to be seen
SYN REVEAL : The door swung open, disclosing a long dark passage.
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dis.clo.sure
noun (formal)
1 [U] the act of making sth known or public that was previously secret or private
SYN REVELATION : the newspaper’s disclosure of defence secrets
2 [C] information or a fact that is made known or public that was previously secret or private
SYN REVELATION : startling disclosures about his private life
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disco
noun
1 (also old-fashioned disco.theque) a club, a party, etc. where people dance to recorded pop music: disco music / dancing  the youth club disco
2 the lights and sound equipment for such an event
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dis.col.or.ation
(BrE also dis.col.our.ation) noun
1 [U] the process of becoming discoloured : discoloration caused by the sun
2 [C] a place where sth has become discoloured
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dis.col.our
(BrE ) (AmEdis.color) verb to change colour, or to make the colour of sth change, in a way that makes it look less attractive: [v] Plastic tends to discolour with age.  [vn] The pipes were beginning to rust, discolouring the water.
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dis.comfit
verb [vn] [often passive] (literary) to make sb feel confused or embarrassed
dis.com.fit.ure noun [U]: He was clearly taking delight in her discomfiture.
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dis.com.fort
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a feeling of slight pain or of being physically uncomfortable: You will experience some minor discomfort during the treatment.  abdominal discomfort
2 [U] a feeling of worry or embarrassment: John’s presence caused her considerable discomfort.
3 [C] (formal) something that makes you feel uncomfortable or causes you a slight feeling of pain

verb [vn] [often passive] (formal) to make sb feel anxious or embarrassed

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dis.com.pose
verb [vn] (rare, formal) to disturb sb and make them feel anxious
dis.com.pos.ure noun [U]
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dis.con.cert
verb [vn] to make sb feel anxious, confused or embarrassed: His answer rather disconcerted her.
dis.con.cert.ed adj.: I was very disconcerted to find that everyone else already knew it.
dis.con.cert.ing adj.: She had the disconcerting habit of saying exactly what she thought.
dis.con.cert.ing.ly adv.
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dis.con.nect
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to remove a piece of equipment from a supply of gas, water or electricity: First, disconnect the boiler from the water mains.
2 [usually passive] to officially stop the supply of telephone lines, water, electricity or gas to a building: You may be disconnected if you do not pay the bill.
3 ~ sth (from sth) to separate sth from sth: The ski had become disconnected from the boot.
4 [usually passive] to break the contact between two people who are talking on the telephone: We were suddenly disconnected.
OPP CONNECT
dis.con.nec.tion noun [U, C]
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dis.con.nect.ed
adj.
1 not related to or connected with the things or people around: disconnected images / thoughts / ideas  I felt disconnected from the world around me.
2 (of speech or writing) with the parts not connected in a logical order
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dis.con.so.late
adj. (formal) very unhappy and disappointed
SYN DEJECTED : The disconsolate players left for home without a trophy.
dis.con.so.late.ly adv.
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dis.con.tent
(also dis.con.tent.ment ) noun [U, C] ~ (at / over / with sth) a feeling of being unhappy because you are not satisfied with a particular situation; sth that makes you have this feeling
SYN DISSATISFACTION : There is widespread discontent among the staff at the proposed changes to pay and conditions.—compare CONTENTMENT
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dis.con.tent.ed
adj. ~ (with sth) unhappy because you are not satisfied with your situation
OPP CONTENTED
dis.con.tent.ed.ly adv.
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dis.con.tinue
verb
1 to stop doing, using or providing sth, especially sth that you have been doing, using or providing regularly: [vn] It was decided to discontinue the treatment after three months. [alsov -ing]
2 [vn] [usually passive] to stop making a product: a sale of discontinued china
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dis.con.tinu.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the state of not being continuous: discontinuity in the children’s education
2 [C] a break or change in a continuous process: Changes in government have led to discontinuities in policy.
OPP CONTINUITY
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dis.con.tinu.ous
adj. (formal) not continuous; stopping and starting again
SYN INTERMITTENT
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dis.cord
noun
1 [U] (formal) disagreement; quarrelling: marital / family discord  A note of discord surfaced during the proceedings.
OPP CONCORD —compare HARMONY
2 [C, U] (music) a combination of musical notes that sound harsh together
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dis.cord.ant
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (formal) not in agreement; combining with other things in a way that is strange or unpleasant: discordant views
2 (of sounds) sounding harsh together
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disco.theque
noun (old-fashioned) = DISCO
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dis.count
noun, verb
noun [C, U] an amount of money that is taken off the usual cost of sth
SYN REDUCTION : to get / give / offer a discount  discount rates / prices  a 10% discount  They were selling everything at a discount (= at reduced prices).  a discount shop (= one that regularly sells goods at reduced prices)  Do you give any discount?

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to think or say that sth is not important or not true: We cannot discount the possibility of further strikes.  The news reports were being discounted as propaganda.
2 to take an amount of money off the usual cost of sth; to sell sth at a discount : discounted prices / fares

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dis.counter
(also 'discount store) noun a shop/store that sells things very cheaply, often in large quantities or from a limited range of goods
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dis.cour.age
verb
1 ~ sth| ~ sb from doing sth to try to prevent sth or to prevent sb from doing sth, especially by making it difficult to do or by showing that you do not approve of it: [vn] a campaign to discourage smoking among teenagers  I leave a light on when I’m out to discourage burglars.  His parents tried to discourage him from being an actor. [alsov -ing]
2 [vn] ~ sb (from doing sth) to make sb feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing sth: Don’t be discouraged by the first failure—try again!  The weather discouraged most people from attending.
OPP ENCOURAGE
dis.cour.aged adj. [not usually before noun]: Learners can feel very discouraged if an exercise is too difficult.
dis.cour.aging adj.: a discouraging experience / response / result
dis.cour.aging.ly adv.
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dis.cour.age.ment
noun
1 [U] a feeling that you no longer have the confidence or enthusiasm to do sth: an atmosphere of discouragement and despair
2 [U] the action of trying to stop sth: the government’s discouragement of political protest
3 [C] a thing that discourages sb from doing sth: Despite all these discouragements, she refused to give up.
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dis.course
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] (formal) a long and serious treatment or discussion of a subject in speech or writing: a discourse on issues of gender and sexuality  He was hoping for some lively political discourse at the meeting.
2 [U] (linguistics) the use of language in speech and writing in order to produce meaning; language that is studied, usually in order to see how the different parts of a text are connected: spoken / written discourse  discourse analysis

verb
PVR V dis'course on / upon sth (formal) to talk or give a long speech about sth that you know a lot about

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dis.cour.teous
adj. (formal) having bad manners and not showing respect for other people
SYN IMPOLITE : He didn’t wish to appear discourteous.
OPP COURTEOUS
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dis.cour.tesy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) behaviour or an action that is not polite
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dis.cover
verb
1 [vn] to be the first person to become aware that a particular place or thing exists: Cook is credited with discovering Hawaii.  Scientists around the world are working to discover a cure for Aids.
2 to find sb/sth that was hidden or that you did not expect to find: [vn] Police discovered a large stash of drugs while searching the house.  We discovered this beach while we were sailing around the island.  [vn -ing] He was discovered hiding in a shed.  [vn-adj] She was discovered dead at her home in Leeds.
3 to find out about sth; to find some information about sth: [vn] I’ve just discovered hang-gliding!  [v (that)] It was a shock to discover (that) he couldn’t read.  [v wh-] We never did discover why she gave up her job.  [vn that] It was later discovered that the diaries were a fraud.  [vn to inf] He was later discovered to be seriously ill.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive.
4 [vn] [often passive] to be the first person to realize that sb is very good at singing, acting, etc. and help them to become successful and famous: The singer was discovered while still at school.
dis.cov.er.er noun: the discoverer of penicillin
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dis.cov.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) an act or the process of finding sb/sth, or learning about sth that was not known about before: the discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century  The discovery of a child’s body in the river has shocked the community.  Researchers in this field have made some important new discoveries .  He saw life as a voyage of discovery.  She was shocked by the discovery that he had been unfaithful.  the discovery of new talent in the art world
2 [C] a thing, fact or person that is found or learned about for the first time: The drug is not a new discovery—it’s been known about for years.
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dis.credit
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to make people stop respecting sb/sth: The photos were deliberately taken to discredit the President.  a discredited government / policy
2 to make people stop believing that sth is true; to make sth appear unlikely to be true: These theories are now largely discredited among linguists.

noun [U] (formal) damage to sb’s reputation; loss of respect: Violent football fans bring discredit on the teams they support.  Britain, to its discredit , did not speak out against these atrocities.—compare CREDIT n. (7)

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dis.cred.it.able
adj. (formal) bad and unacceptable; causing people to lose respect for sb/sth
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dis.creet
adj. careful in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty for sb
SYN TACTFUL : He was always very discreet about his love affairs.  You ought to make a few discreet enquiries before you sign anything.
dis.creet.ly adv.: She coughed discreetly to announce her presence.
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dis.crep.ancy
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] ~ (in sth)| ~ (between A and B) a difference between two or more things that should be the same: wide discrepancies in prices quoted for the work  What are the reasons for the discrepancy between girls' and boys' performance in school?
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dis.crete
adj. (formal ortechnical ) independent of other things of the same type
SYN SEPARATE : The organisms can be divided into discrete categories.
dis.crete.ly adv.
dis.crete.ness noun [U]
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dis.cre.tion
noun [U]
1 the freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation: I’ll leave it up to you to use your discretion .  How much to tell terminally ill patients is left to the discretion of the doctor.
2 care in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty for sb; the quality of being DISCREET : This is confidential, but I know that I can rely on your discretion.—compare INDISCRETION
IDM at sb’s di'scretion according to what sb decides or wishes to do: Bail is granted at the discretion of the court.  There is no service charge and tipping is at your discretion. di,scretion is the ,better part of 'valour (saying) you should avoid danger and not take unnecessary risks
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dis.cre.tion.ary
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) decided according to the judgement of a person in authority about what is necessary in each particular situation; not decided by rules: You may be eligible for a discretionary grant for your university course.
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dis.crim.in.ate
verb
1 ~ (between A and B)| ~ A from B to recognize that there is a difference between people or things; to show a difference between people or things: [v] The computer program was unable to discriminate between letters and numbers.  [vn] When do babies learn to discriminate voices?  A number of features discriminate this species from others.
2 [v] ~ (against sb)| ~ (in favour of sb) to treat one person or group worse/better than another in an unfair way: practices that discriminate against women and in favour of men  It is illegal to discriminate on grounds of race, sex or religion.
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dis.crim.in.at.ing
adj. (approving) able to judge the good quality of sth: a discriminating audience / customer
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dis.crim.in.ation
noun
1 [U] ~ (against sb) the practice of treating sb or a particular group in society less fairly than others: racial / sex / sexual discrimination (= because of sb’s race or sex)  discrimination against the elderly  discrimination in favour of the young  discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, or sexual orientation—see also POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION
2 [U] (approving) the ability to judge what is good, true, etc.
SYN DISCERNMENT : He showed great discrimination in his choice of friends.
3 (formal) [U, C] the ability to recognize a difference between one thing and another; a difference that is recognized: to learn discrimination between right and wrong  fine discriminations
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dis.crim.in.atory
adj. unfair; treating sb or one group of people worse than others: discriminatory practices / rules / measures  sexually / racially discriminatory laws
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dis.cur.sive
adj. (of a style of writing or speaking) moving from one point to another without any strict structure: the discursive style of the novel
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dis.cus
noun
1 [C] a heavy flat circular object thrown in a sporting event
2 (the discus) [sing.] the event or sport of throwing a discus as far as possible—
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dis.cuss
verb
1 ~ sth (with sb) to talk about sth with other people, especially in order to decide sth: [vn] Have you discussed the problem with anyone?  I’m not prepared to discuss this on the phone.  [v wh-] We need to discuss when we should go.  [v -ing] We briefly discussed buying a second car. [alsovn -ing] You cannot say ‘discuss about sth’: I discussed about my problem with my parents. Look also at discussion.
2 to write or talk about sth in detail, showing the different ideas and opinions about it: [vn] This topic will be discussed at greater length in the next chapter. [alsov wh-]
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dis.cus.sion
noun
1 [U, C] the process of discussing sb/sth; a conversation about sb/sth: a topic / subject for discussion  After considerable discussion, they decided to accept our offer.  The plans have been under discussion (= being talked about) for a year now.  Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders.  We had a discussion about the differences between Britain and the US.
2 [C] a speech or a piece of writing that discusses many different aspects of a subject: Her article is a discussion of the methods used in research.
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dis.dain
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) the feeling that sb/sth is not good enough to deserve your respect or attention
SYN CONTEMPT : to treat sb with disdain   a disdain for the law

verb (formal)
1 [vn] to think that sb/sth is not good enough to deserve your respect: She disdained his offer of help.
2 [v to inf] to refuse to do sth because you think that you are too important to do it: He disdained to turn to his son for advice.

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dis.dain.ful
adj. ~ (of sb/sth) showing disdain : She’s always been disdainful of people who haven’t been to college.
dis.dain.ful.ly adv.
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dis.ease
noun [U, C]
1 an illness affecting humans, animals or plants, often caused by infection: heart / liver / kidney disease  health measures to prevent the spread of disease  an infectious / contagious disease (= one that can be passed to sb very easily)  It is not known what causes the disease.  protection against sexually transmitted diseases  He suffers from a rare blood disease.
2 [C] (formal) something that is very wrong with people’s attitudes, way of life or with society: Greed is a disease of modern society.
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dis.eased
adj. suffering from a disease: diseased tissue  the diseased social system
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dis.em.bark
verb [v] ~ (from sth) (informal) to leave a vehicle, especially a ship or an aircraft, at the end of a journey
OPP EMBARK
dis.em.bark.ation noun [U]
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dis.em.bod.ied
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of sounds) coming from a person or place that cannot be seen or identified: a disembodied voice
2 separated from the body: disembodied spirits
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dis.em.bowel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] to take the stomach, bowels and other organs out of a person or animal
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dis.en.chant.ed
adj. ~ (with sb/sth) no longer feeling enthusiasm for sb/sth; not believing sth is good or worth doing: He was becoming disenchanted with his job as a lawyer.
dis.en.chant.ment noun [U]: a growing sense / feeling of disenchantment with his job
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dis.en.fran.chise
verb [vn] to take away sb’s rights, especially their right to vote: a disenfranchised group / minority
OPP ENFRANCHISE
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dis.en.gage
verb
1 ~ (sth/sb) (from sth/sb)| ~ yourself (from sb/sth) (formal) to free sb/sth from the person or thing that is holding them or it; to become free: [vn] She gently disengaged herself from her sleeping son.  to disengage the clutch (= when driving a car)   (figurative) They wished to disengage themselves from these policies.  [v] We saw the booster rockets disengage and fall into the sea.
2 [v, vn] (technical) if an army disengages or sb disengages it, it stops fighting and moves away—compare ENGAGE
dis.en.gage.ment noun [U]
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dis.en.tan.gle
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to separate different arguments, ideas, etc. that have become confused: It’s not easy to disentangle the truth from the official statistics.
2 ~ sth/sb (from sth) to free sb/sth from sth that has become wrapped or twisted around it or them: He tried to disentangle his fingers from her hair.   (figurative) She has just disentangled herself from a painful relationship.
3 to get rid of the twists and knots in sth: He was sitting on the deck disentangling a coil of rope.
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dis.equi.lib.rium
noun [U] (formal ortechnical ) a loss or lack of balance in a situation
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dis.es.tab.lish
verb [vn] (formal) to end the official status of a national Church: a campaign to disestablish the Church of England
dis.es.tab.lish.ment noun [U]
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dis.favour
(BrE ) (AmEdis.favor) noun [U] (formal) the feeling that you do not like or approve of sb/sth: They looked upon the birth of a girl with disfavour .
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dis.fig.ure
verb [vn] to spoil the appearance of a person, thing or place: Her face was disfigured by a long red scar.
dis.fig.ure.ment noun [U, C]: He suffered permanent disfigurement in the fire.
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dis.gorge
verb [vn] (written)
1 to pour sth out in large quantities: The pipe disgorges sewage into the sea.
2 if a vehicle or building disgorges people, they come out of it in large numbers: The bus disgorged a crowd of noisy children.
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dis.grace
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the loss of other people’s respect and approval because of the bad way sb has behaved
SYN SHAME : Her behaviour has brought disgrace on her family.  The swimmer was sent home from the Olympics in disgrace .  There is no disgrace in being poor.  Sam was in disgrace with his parents.
2 [sing.] a ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that is so bad that people connected with them or it feel or should feel ashamed: Your homework is an absolute disgrace.  That sort of behaviour is a disgrace to the legal profession.  The state of our roads is a national disgrace.  It’s a disgrace that (= it is very wrong that) they are paid so little.

verb [vn]
1 to behave badly in a way that makes you or other people feel ashamed: I disgraced myself by drinking far too much.  He had disgraced the family name.
2 (be disgraced) to lose the respect of people, usually so that you lose a position of power: He was publicly disgraced and sent into exile.  a disgraced politician / leader

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dis.grace.ful
adj. very bad or unacceptable; that people should feel ashamed about: His behaviour was absolutely disgraceful!  It’s disgraceful that none of the family tried to help her.  a disgraceful waste of money
dis.grace.ful.ly adv.
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dis.grun.tled
adj. ~ (at sb/sth) annoyed or disappointed because sth has happened to upset you: I left feeling disgruntled at the way I’d been treated.  disgruntled employees
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dis.guise
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (as sb/sth) to change your appearance so that people cannot recognize you: The hijackers were heavily disguised.  She disguised herself as a boy.  They got in disguised as security guards.
2 to hide sth or change it, so that it cannot be recognized: She made no attempt to disguise her surprise.  It was a thinly disguised attack on the President.  She couldn’t disguise the fact that she felt uncomfortable.

noun
1 [C, U] a thing that you wear or use to change your appearance so that people do not recognize you: She wore glasses and a wig as a disguise.  The star travelled in disguise (= wearing a disguise).   (figurative) A vote for the Liberal Democrats is just a Labour vote in disguise.
2 [U] the art of changing your appearance so that people do not recognize you: He is a master of disguise.
IDM see BLESSING

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dis.gust
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (at / with sth)| ~ (for sb) a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval for sb/sth that you feel is unacceptable, or for sth that looks, smells, etc. unpleasant: She expressed her disgust at the programme by writing a letter to complain.  The idea fills me with disgust .  I can only feel disgust for these criminals.  He walked away in disgust .  Much to my disgust , they refused to help.  She wrinkled her nose in disgust at the smell of urine.

verb [vn] if sth disgusts you, it makes you feel shocked and almost ill because it is so unpleasant: The level of violence in the film really disgusted me.

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dis.gust.ed
adj. ~ (at / by / with sb/sth / yourself) feeling or showing disgust : I was disgusted at / by the thought that he had touched her.  He was disgusted to see such awful living conditions.  I was disgusted with myself for eating so much.
dis.gust.ed.ly adv.: ‘This champagne is warm!’, he said disgustedly.
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dis.gust.ing
adj.
1 extremely unpleasant: The kitchen was in a disgusting state when she left.  What a disgusting smell!
2 unacceptable and shocking: I think it’s disgusting that they’re closing the local hospital.  His language is disgusting (= he uses a lot of obscene words).
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dis.gust.ing.ly
adv.
1 (sometimes humorous) extremely (in a way that other people feel jealous of): He looked disgustingly healthy when he got back from the Bahamas.
2 in a disgusting way: disgustingly dirty
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dish
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a flat shallow container for cooking food in or serving it from: a glass dish  an ovenproof dish  a baking / serving dish  They helped themselves from a large dish of pasta.
2 (the dishes) [pl.] the plates, bowls, cups, etc. that have been used for a meal and need to be washed: I’ll do the dishes (= wash them).
3 [C] food prepared in a particular way as part of a meal: a vegetarian / fish dish  This makes an excellent hot main dish.  I can recommend the chef’s dish of the day.—see also SIDE DISH
4 [C] any object that is shaped like a dish or bowl: a soap dish—see also SATELLITE DISH
5 [C] (informal) a sexually attractive person: What a dish!

verb
IDM ,dish the 'dirt (on sb) (informal) to tell people unkind or unpleasant things about sb, especially about their private life
PVR V ,dish it 'out (disapproving) to criticize other people: He enjoys dishing it out, but he really can’t take it (= cannot accept criticism from other people). ,dish sth<->'out
1 (informal) to give sth, often to a lot of people or in large amounts: Students dished out leaflets to passers-by.  She’s always dishing out advice, even when you don’t want it.
2 to serve food onto plates for a meal: Can you dish out the potatoes please? ,dish 'up| ,dish sth<->'up to serve food onto plates for a meal ,dish 'up sth to offer sth to sb, especially sth that is not very good

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dis.har.mony
noun [U] (formal) a lack of agreement about important things, which causes bad feelings between people or groups of people: marital / racial / social disharmony
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dish.cloth
(AmE usually dish.rag) noun a cloth for washing dishes
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dis.heart.en
verb [vn] (written) to make sb lose hope or confidence: Don’t let this defeat dishearten you.
dis.heart.ened adj.: a disheartened team / community
dis.heart.en.ing adj.: a disheartening experience / failure
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dish.ev.elled
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually dish.ev.eled) adj. (of hair, clothes or sb’s general appearance) very untidy: He looked tired, dishevelled and very pale.
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dis.hon.est
adj. not honest; intending to deceive people: Beware of dishonest traders in the tourist areas.  I don’t like him, and it would be dishonest of me to pretend otherwise.
dis.hon.est.ly adv.
dis.hon.esty noun [U]
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dis.hon.our
(BrE ) (AmEdis.honor) noun, verb
noun [U] (formal) a loss of honour or respect because you have done sth immoral or unacceptable

verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make sb/sth lose the respect of other people: You have dishonoured the name of the school.
2 to refuse to keep an agreement or promise: He had dishonoured nearly all of his election pledges.
OPP HONOUR

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dis.hon.our.able
(BrE ) (AmE dis.hon.or.able) adj. not deserving respect; immoral or unacceptable: It would have been dishonourable of her not to keep her promise.  He was given a dishonourable discharge (= an order to leave the army for unacceptable behaviour).
dis.hon.our.ably adv.
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dish.pan
noun (AmE ) a bowl for washing plates, etc. in
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dish.rag
noun (AmE ) = DISHCLOTH
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dish.towel
noun (AmE ) = TEA TOWEL
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dish.wash.er
noun
1 a machine for washing plates, cups, etc: to load / stack the dishwasher
2 a person whose job is to wash plates, etc., for example in a restaurant
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dish.water
noun [U] water that sb has used to wash dirty plates, etc.
IDM see DULL adj.
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dishy
adj. (old-fashioned informal, especially BrE ) (of a person) physically attractive
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dis.il.lu.sion
verb [vn] to destroy sb’s belief in or good opinion of sb/sth: I hate to disillusion you, but not everyone is as honest as you.
dis.il.lu.sion noun [U] = DISILLUSIONMENT
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dis.il.lu.sioned
adj. ~ (by / with sb/sth) disappointed because the person you admired or the idea you believed to be good and true now seems without value: I soon became disillusioned with the job.
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dis.il.lu.sion.ment
(also dis.il.lu.sion) noun [U, sing.] ~ (with sth) the state of being disillusioned : There is widespread disillusionment with the present government.
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dis.in.cen.tive
noun [C] ~ (to sth) a thing that makes sb less willing or less keen to do sth: A sudden fall in profits provided a further disincentive to new investors.
OPP INCENTIVE
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dis.in.clin.ation
noun [sing., U] (formal) a lack of willingness to do sth; a lack of enthusiasm for sth: There was a general disinclination to return to the office after lunch.
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dis.in.clined
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) (formal) not willing
SYN RELUCTANT : He was strongly disinclined to believe anything that she said.
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dis.in.fect
verb [vn]
1 to clean sth using a substance that kills bacteria: to disinfect a surface / room / wound
2 to run a computer program to get rid of a computer VIRUS
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dis.in.fect.ant
noun [U, C] a substance that disinfects : a strong smell of disinfectant
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dis.in.for.ma.tion
noun [U] false information that is given deliberately, especially by government organizations
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dis.in.genu.ous
adj. [not usually before noun] (formal) not sincere, especially when you pretend to know less about sth than you really do: It would be disingenuous of me to claim I had never seen it.—compare INGENUOUS
dis.in.genu.ous.ly adv.
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dis.in.herit
verb [vn] to prevent sb, especially your son or daughter, from receiving your money or property after your death—compare INHERIT (1)
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dis.in.te.grate
verb [vn]
1 to break into small parts or pieces and be destroyed: The plane disintegrated as it fell into the sea.
2 to become much less strong or united and be gradually destroyed: The authority of the central government was rapidly disintegrating.
dis.in.te.gra.tion noun [U]: the gradual disintegration of traditional values
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dis.in.ter
verb (-rr-) [vn] (formal)
1 to dig up sth, especially a dead body, from the ground
OPP INTER
2 ~ sth (from sth) to find sth that has been hidden or lost for a long time
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dis.in.ter.est
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth) lack of interest: His total disinterest in money puzzled his family.
2 the fact of not being involved in sth
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dis.in.ter.est.ed
adj.
1 not influenced by personal feelings, or by the chance of getting some advantage for yourself: a disinterested onlooker / spectator  Her advice appeared to be disinterested.
2 (informal) not interested  note at INTERESTED
dis.in.ter.est.ed.ly adv.
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dis.in.vest.ment
noun [U] (finance ) the process of selling the shares you have bought in a company
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dis.joint.ed
adj. not communicated or described in a clear or logical way; not connected: the disjointed thoughts of a dying man
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dis.junc.tion
(also less frequent dis.junc.ture ) noun ~ (between A and B) (formal) a difference between two things that you would expect to be in agreement with each other
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disk
noun
1 (especially AmE) = DISC
2 (also mag,netic 'disk) (computing) a device for storing information on a computer, with a MAGNETIC surface that records information received in electronic form—see also FLOPPY DISK , HARD DISK
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'disk drive
noun a device that passes data between a disk and the memory of a computer or from one disk or computer to another: a floppy / hard disk
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disk.ette
noun = FLOPPY DISK
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dis.like
verb, noun
verb (rather formal) to not like sb/sth: [vn] Why do you dislike him so much?  He disliked it when she behaved badly in front of his mother.  [v -ing] I dislike being away from my family.  Much as she disliked going to funerals (= although she did not like it at all), she knew she had to be there.  [vn -ing] He disliked her staying away from home.

noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of / for sb/sth) a feeling of not liking sb/sth: He did not try to hide his dislike of his boss.  She took an instant dislike to the house and the neighbourhood.
2 [C, usually pl.] a thing that you do not like: I’ve told you all my likes and dislikes .

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dis.locate
verb [vn]
1 to put a bone out of its normal position in a joint: He dislocated his shoulder in the accident.  a dislocated finger
2 to stop a system, plan etc. from working or continuing in the normal way
SYN DISRUPT
dis.loca.tion noun [C, U]: a dislocation of the shoulder  These policies could cause severe economic and social dislocation.
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dis.lodge
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to force or knock sth out of its position: The wind dislodged one or two tiles from the roof.
2 ~ sb (from sth) to force sb to leave a place, position or job: The rebels have so far failed to dislodge the President.
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dis.loyal
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) not loyal or faithful to your friends, family, country, etc: He was accused of being disloyal to the government.
dis.loy.alty noun [U]
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dis.mal
adj.
1 causing or showing sadness
SYN MISERABLE , GLOOMY : dismal conditions / surroundings / weather  Christmas will be dismal without the children.
2 (informal) not skilful or successful; of very low quality: The singer gave a dismal performance of some old songs.  Their recent attempt to increase sales has been a dismal failure .
dis.mal.ly adv.: I tried not to laugh but failed dismally (= was completely unsuccessful).
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dis.man.tle
verb [vn]
1 to take apart a machine or structure so that it is in separate pieces: I had to dismantle the engine in order to repair it.  The steel mill was dismantled piece by piece.
2 to end an organization or system gradually in an organized way: The government was in the process of dismantling the state-owned industries.
dis.mant.ling noun [U]
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dis.may
noun, verb
noun [U] a worried, sad feeling after you have received an unpleasant surprise: She could not hide her dismay at the result.  He looked at her in dismay .  To her dismay , her name was not on the list.  The news has been greeted with dismay by local business leaders.

verb [vn] to make sb feel shocked and disappointed: Their reaction dismayed him.
dis.mayed adj.~ (at / by sth)| ~ to find, hear, see, etc.: He was dismayed at the change in his old friend.  The suggestion was greeted by a dismayed silence.  They were dismayed to find that the ferry had already left.

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dis.mem.ber
verb [vn]
1 to cut or tear the dead body of a person or an animal into pieces: Police say the body had been dismembered.
2 (formal) to divide a country, an organization, etc. into smaller parts
dis.mem.ber.ment noun [U]
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dis.miss
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to decide that sb/sth is not important and not worth thinking or talking about
SYN WAVE ASIDE : I think we can safely dismiss their objections.  Vegetarians are no longer dismissed as cranks.  He dismissed the opinion polls as worthless.  The suggestion should not be dismissed out of hand (= without thinking about it).
2 ~ sth (from sth) to put thoughts or feelings out of your mind: Dismissing her fears, she climbed higher.  He dismissed her from his mind.
3 ~ sb (from sth) to officially remove sb from their job: She claims she was unfairly dismissed from her post.
4 to send sb away or allow them to leave: At 12 o’clock the class was dismissed.
5 (law) to say that a trial or legal case should not continue, usually because there is not enough evidence: The case was dismissed.
6 (in cricket) to end the INNINGS of a player or team
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dis.missal
noun
1 [U, C] the act of dismissing sb from their job; an example of this: He still hopes to win his claim against unfair dismissal .  The dismissals followed the resignation of the chairman.
2 [U] the failure to consider sth as important: Her casual dismissal of the threats seemed irresponsible.
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dis.mis.sive
adj. ~ (of sb/sth) showing that you do not believe a person or thing to be important or worth considering: a dismissive gesture / tone
dis.mis.sive.ly adv.: to shrug / wave dismissively
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dis.mount
verb [v] ~ (from sth) to get off a horse, bicycle or motorcycle
OPP MOUNT
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dis.obedi.ence
noun [U] failure or refusal to obey—see also CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
OPP OBEDIENCE
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dis.obedi.ent
adj. failing or refusing to obey: a disobedient child
OPP OBEDIENT
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dis.obey
verb to refuse to do what a person, law, order, etc. tells you to do; to refuse to obey: [vn] He was punished for disobeying orders. [alsov] OBEY
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dis.order
noun
1 [U] an untidy state; a lack of order or organization: His financial affairs were in complete disorder.  The room was in a state of disorder.
OPP ORDER
2 [U] violent behaviour of large groups of people: an outbreak of rioting and public disorder—compare ORDER (3)
3 [C, U] an illness that causes a part of the body to stop functioning correctly: a blood / bowel disorder  eating disorders  He was suffering from some form of psychiatric disorder.
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dis.ordered
adj.
1 showing a lack of order or control: disordered hair  a disordered state
OPP ORDERED
2 (technical) suffering from a mental or physical disorder : emotionally disordered children
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dis.or.der.ly
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 (of people or behaviour) showing lack of control; publicly violent or noisy: disorderly conduct  They were arrested for being drunk and disorderly .
2 untidy: newspapers in a disorderly pile by the door
OPP ORDERLY
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dis.or.gan.ized
(BrE also -ised) (also less frequent un.or.gan.ized, -ised) adj. badly planned; not able to plan or organize well: It was a hectic disorganized weekend.  She’s so disorganized.—compare ORGANIZED
dis.or.gan.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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dis.orien.tate
(BrE ) (also dis.orient , AmE, BrE) verb [vn]
1 to make sb unable to recognize where they are or where they should go: The darkness had disorientated him.
2 to make sb feel confused: Ex-soldiers can be disorientated by the transition to civilian life.—compare ORIENT
dis.orien.tated (also dis.orient.ed) adj.: She felt shocked and totally disorientated.
dis.orien.ta.tion noun [U]
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dis.own
verb [vn] to decide that you no longer want to be connected with or responsible for sb/sth: Her family disowned her for marrying a foreigner.
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dis.par.age
verb [vn] (formal) to suggest that sb/sth is not important or valuable: I don’t mean to disparage your achievements.
dis.par.age.ment noun [U]
dis.para.ging adj.: disparaging remarks
dis.para.ging.ly adv.: He spoke disparagingly of his colleagues.
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dis.par.ate
adj. (formal)
1 made up of parts or people that are very different from each other: a disparate group of individuals
2 (of two or more things) so different from each other that they cannot be compared or cannot work together
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dis.par.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) a difference, especially one connected with unfair treatment: the wide disparity between rich and poor
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dis.pas.sion.ate
adj. (approving) not influenced by emotion
SYN IMPARTIAL : taking a calm, dispassionate view of the situation  a dispassionate observer
dis.pas.sion.ate.ly adv.
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dis.patch
(BrE also des.patch) verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (to … ) (formal) to send sb/sth somewhere, especially for a special purpose: Troops have been dispatched to the area.  A courier was dispatched to collect the documents.
2 ~ sth (to sb/sth) (formal) to send a letter, parcel/package or message somewhere: Goods are dispatched within 24 hours of your order reaching us.
3 (formal) to deal or finish with sb/sth quickly and completely: He dispatched the younger player in straight sets.
4 (old-fashioned) to kill a person or an animal

noun
1 [U] (formal) the act of sending sb/sth somewhere: More food supplies are ready for immediate dispatch.
2 [C] a message or report sent quickly from one military officer to another or between government officials
3 [C] a report sent to a newspaper by a journalist who is working in a foreign country: dispatches from the war zone
IDM with di'spatch (formal) quickly and efficiently: He carries out his duties with efficiency and dispatch.

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di'spatch box
(also de'spatch box) (both BrE) noun
1 [C] a container for carrying official documents
2 (the Dispatch Box) [sing.] a box on a table in the centre of the House of Commons in the British parliament, which ministers stand next to when they speak
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dis.patch.er
noun (AmE ) a person whose job is to see that trains, buses, planes, etc. leave on time
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di'spatch rider
(also de'spatch rider) noun (both BrE ) a person whose job is to carry messages or packages by motorcycle
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dis.pel
verb (-ll-) [vn] to make sth, especially a feeling or belief, go away or disappear: His speech dispelled any fears about his health.
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dis.pens.able
adj. [not usually before noun] not necessary; that can be got rid of: They looked on music and art lessons as dispensable.
OPP INDISPENSABLE , ESSENTIAL
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dis.pens.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a place in a hospital, shop/store, etc. where medicines are prepared for patients
2 (old-fashioned) a place where patients are treated, especially one run by a charity
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dis.pen.sa.tion
noun
1 [C, U] special permission, especially from a religious leader, to do sth that is not usually allowed or legal: She needed a special dispensation to remarry.  The sport’s ruling body gave him dispensation to compete in national competitions.
2 [U] (formal) the act or process of providing sth, especially by sb in authority: the dispensation of justice
3 [C] (technical) a political or religious system that operates in a country at a particular time
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dis.pense
verb [vn]
1 ˜ sth (to sb) to give out sth to people: The machine dispenses a range of drinks and snacks.
2 ˜ sth (to sb) (formal) to provide sth, especially a service, for people: The organization dispenses free health care to the poor.  to dispense justice / advice
3 to prepare medicine and give it to people, as a job: to dispense a prescription   (BrE) to dispense medicine   (BrE) a dispensing chemist
PVR V di'spense with sb/sth to get rid of sth or stop using it because you no longer need it: Debit cards dispense with the need for cash altogether.  I think we can dispense with the formalities (= speak openly and naturally to each other).
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dis.pens.er
noun a machine or container holding money, drinks, paper towels, etc., that you can obtain quickly, for example by pulling a handle or pressing buttons: a soap dispenser—see also CASH DISPENSER
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dis'pensing chemist
noun (BrE ) = CHEMIST (1)
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dis.pers.al
noun [U, C] (written) the process of sending sb/sth in different directions; the process of spreading sth over a wide area: police trained in crowd dispersal  the dispersal of seeds
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dis.perse
verb
1 to move apart and go away in different directions; to make sb/sth do this: [v] The fog began to disperse.  The crowd dispersed quickly.  [vn] Police dispersed the protesters with tear gas.
2 to spread or to make sth spread over a wide area: [vn] The seeds are dispersed by the wind. [alsov]
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dis.per.sion
noun [U] (technical ) the process by which people or things are spread over a wide area: population dispersion  the dispersion of light
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dis.pirited
adj. (written) having no hope or enthusiasm: She looked tired and dispirited.—compare SPIRITED
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dis.pir.it.ing
adj. (written) making sb lose their hope or enthusiasm: a dispiriting experience / failure
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dis.place
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to take the place of sb/sth: Gradually factory workers have been displaced by machines.   (technical) The ship displaces 58 000 tonnes (= as a way of measuring of its size).
2 to force people to move away from their home to another place: Around 10 000 people have been displaced by the fighting.
3 to move sth from its usual position: Check for roof tiles that have been displaced by the wind.
4 (especially AmE) to remove sb from a job or position: The nation’s displaced workers are not receiving enough help with job-seeking.
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di,splaced 'person
noun (pl.di,splaced 'persons) (technical ) a REFUGEE
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dis.place.ment
noun [U]
1 (formal) the act of displacing sb/sth; the process of being displaced : the largest displacement of civilian population since World War Two
2 [C] (physics) the amount of a liquid moved out of place by sth floating or put in it, especially a ship floating in water: a ship with a displacement of 10 000 tonnes
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dis.play
verb, noun
verb ˜ sth (to sb)
1 [vn] to put sth in a place where people can see it easily; to show sth to people: The exhibition gives local artists an opportunity to display their work.  She displayed her bruises for all to see.
2 [vn] to show signs of sth, especially a quality or feeling: I have rarely seen her display any sign of emotion.  These statistics display a definite trend.
3 [vn] (of a computer, etc.) to show information: The screen will display the user name in the top right-hand corner.  This column displays the title of the mail message.
4 [v] (technical) (of male birds and animals) to show a special pattern of behaviour that is intended to attract a female bird or animal

noun
1 an arrangement of things in a public place to inform or entertain people or advertise sth for sale: a beautiful floral display outside the Town Hall  a window display  a display cabinet
2 an act of performing a skill or of showing sth happening, in order to entertain: a firework display  a breathtaking display of aerobatics
3 an occasion when you show a particular quality, feeling or ability by the way that you behave: a display of affection / strength / wealth
4 the words, pictures, etc. shown on a computer screen: a high resolution colour display—see also LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY , VDU
IDM on di'splay put in a place where people can look at it: Designs for the new sports hall are on display in the library.  to put sth on temporary / permanent display

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dis.please
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb feel upset, annoyed or not satisfied: The tone of the letter displeased her.
OPP PLEASE
dis.pleased adj.˜ (with sb/sth): Are you displeased with my work?
dis.pleas.ing adj.˜ (to sb/sth): His remarks were clearly not displeasing to her.
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dis.pleas.ure
noun [U] ~ (at / with sb/sth) (formal) the feeling of being upset and annoyed: She made no attempt to hide her displeasure at the prospect.—compare PLEASURE
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dis.port
verb [vn] ~ yourself (old-fashioned or humorous) to enjoy yourself by doing sth active
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dis.pos.able
adj. [usually before noun]
1 made to be thrown away after use: disposable gloves / razors   (BrE) disposable nappies   (AmE) disposable diapers
2 (finance) available for use: disposable assets / capital / resources  a person’s disposable income (= money they are free to spend after paying taxes, etc.)
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dis.pos.ables
noun [pl.] NAPPIES/DIAPERS that are thrown away after use
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dis.posal
noun
1 [U] the act of getting rid of sth: a bomb disposal squad  sewage disposal systems  the disposal of nuclear waste
2 [C] (business) the sale of part of a business, property, etc.
3 [C] (AmE) = WASTE-DISPOSAL UNIT
IDM at your / sb’s disposal available for use as you prefer/sb prefers: He will have a car at his disposal for the whole month.  Well, I’m at your disposal (= I am ready to help you in any way I can).
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dis.pose
verb (formal)
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to arrange things or people in a particular way or position
2 ˜ sb to / toward(s) sth to make sb behave in a particular way: [vn] a drug that disposes the patient towards sleep [alsovn to inf] di'spose of sb/sth
1 to get rid of sb/sth that you do not want or cannot keep: the difficulties of disposing of nuclear waste  to dispose of stolen property
2 to deal with a problem, question or threat successfully: That seems to have disposed of most of their arguments.
3 to defeat or kill sb: It took her a mere 20 minutes to dispose of her opponent.
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dis.posed
adj. [not before noun] (formal)
1 ~ (to do sth) willing or prepared to do sth: I’m not disposed to argue.  You’re most welcome to join us if you feel so disposed.
2 (following an adverb) ~ to / towards sb/sth having a good/bad opinion of a person or thing: She seems favourably disposed to the move.—see also ILL-DISPOSED , WELL DISPOSED
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dis.pos.ition
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the natural qualities of a person’s character: to have a cheerful disposition  people of a nervous disposition
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ to / towards sth| ~ to do sth (formal) a tendency to behave in a particular way: to have / show a disposition towards acts of violence
3 [C, usually sing.] (formal) the way sth is placed or arranged
4 [C, U] (law) a formal act of giving property or money to sb
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dis.pos.sess
verb [vn] [usually passive] ˜ sb (of sth) (formal) to take sb’s property, land or house away from them
dis.pos.ses.sion noun [U]
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the dis.pos.sessed
noun [pl.] people who have had property taken away from them
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dis.pro.por.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (between A and B) (written) the state of two things not being at an equally high or low level; an example of this: the disproportion between the extra responsibilities and the small salary increase  a profession with a high disproportion of male to female employees
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dis.pro.por.tion.ate
adj. ~ (to sth) too large or too small when compared with sth else: The area contains a disproportionate number of young middle-class families.—compare PROPORTIONATE
dis.pro.por.tion.ately adv.: The lower-paid spend a disproportionately large amount of their earnings on food.
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dis.prove
verb [vn] to show that sth is wrong or false: The theory has now been disproved.
OPP PROVE
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dis.put.able
adj. (formal) that can or should be questioned or argued about—compare INDISPUTABLE
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dis.pu.ta.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) a discussion about sth that people cannot agree on
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dis.pute
noun, verb
noun [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (over / about sth) an argument or a disagreement between two people, groups or countries; discussion about a subject where there is disagreement: a dispute between the two countries about the border  the latest dispute over fishing rights  industrial / pay disputes  The union is in dispute with management over working hours.  The cause of the accident was still in dispute (= being argued about).  The matter was settled beyond dispute by the court judgment (= it could no longer be argued about).  His theories are open to dispute (= can be disagreed with).

verb
1 to question whether sth is true and valid: [vn] These figures have been disputed.  to dispute a decision / claim  The family wanted to dispute the will.  [v that] No one is disputing that there is a problem. [alsov wh-]
2 to argue or disagree strongly with sb about sth, especially about who owns sth: [vn] The ownership of this land has been disputed for centuries.  disputed territory  The issue remains hotly disputed . [alsov]
3 [vn] to fight to get control of sth or to win sth: On the last lap three runners were disputing the lead.

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dis.qual.ify
verb (dis.quali.fies, dis.quali.fy.ing, dis.quali.fied, dis.quali.fied) [vn] ˜ sb (from sth / from doing sth)| ˜ sb (for sth) to prevent sb from doing sth because they have broken a rule or are not suitable: He was disqualified from the competition for using drugs.   (BrE ) You could be disqualified from driving for up to three years.  A heart condition disqualified him for military service.
dis.quali.fi.ca.tion noun [C, U]: Any form of cheating means automatic disqualification.
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dis.quiet
noun [U] ~ (about / over sth) (formal) feelings of worry and unhappiness about sth: There is considerable public disquiet about the safety of the new trains.
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dis.quiet.ing
adj. (formal) causing worry and unhappiness
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dis.quisi.tion
noun (formal) a long complicated speech or written report on a particular subject
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dis.re.gard
verb, noun
verb [vn] to not consider sth; to treat sth as unimportant: The board completely disregarded my recommendations.  Safety rules were disregarded.

noun [U] ~ (for / of sb/sth) the act of treating sb/sth as unimportant and not caring about them/it: She shows a total disregard for other people’s feelings.

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dis.re.pair
noun [U] a building, road, etc. that is in a state of disrepair has not been looked after and is broken or in bad condition: The station quickly fell into disrepair after it was closed.
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dis.rep.ut.able
adj. that people consider to be dishonest and bad
OPP RESPECTABLE : She spent the evening with her disreputable brother Stefan.  a disreputable area of the city—compare REPUTABLE
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dis.re.pute
noun [U] the fact that sb/sth loses the respect of other people: The players' behaviour on the field is likely to bring the game into disrepute .
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dis.res.pect
noun [U, C] ~ (for / to sb/sth) a lack of respect for sb/sth: disrespect for the law / the dead  No disrespect intended sir; it was just a joke.
dis.res.pect.ful adj.~ (to sb/sth)
dis.res.pect.ful.ly adv.
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dis.robe
verb (formal or humorous) to take off your or sb else’s clothes; to take off clothes worn for an official ceremony: [v] She went behind the screen to disrobe. [alsovn]
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dis.rupt
verb [vn] to make it difficult for sth to continue in the normal way: Demonstrators succeeded in disrupting the meeting.  Bus services will be disrupted tomorrow because of the bridge closure.
dis.rup.tion noun [U, C]: We aim to help you move house with minimum disruption to yourself.  disruptions to rail services  The strike caused serious disruptions for several days.
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dis.rup.tive
adj. causing problems, noise, etc. so that sth cannot continue normally: She had a disruptive influence on the rest of the class.
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diss
= DIS
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dis.sat.is.fac.tion
noun [U] ~ (with / at sb/sth) a feeling that you are not pleased and satisfied: Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the arrangement.
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dis.sat.is.fied
adj. ~ (with sb/sth) not happy or satisfied with sth: dissatisfied customers  If you are dissatisfied with our service, please write to the manager.
OPP SATISFIED —compare UNSATISFIED
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dis.sect
verb [vn]
1 to cut up a dead person, animal or plant in order to study it
2 to study sth closely and/or discuss it in great detail: Her latest novel was dissected by the critics.
3 to divide sth into smaller pieces, areas, etc: The city is dissected by a network of old canals.
dis.sec.tion noun [U, C]: anatomical dissection  Your enjoyment of a novel can suffer from too much analysis and dissection.
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dis.sem.ble
verb (formal) to hide your real feelings or intentions, often by pretending to have different ones: [v] She was a very honest person who was incapable of dissembling. [alsovn]
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dis.sem.in.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to spread information, knowledge, etc. so that it reaches many people: Their findings have been widely disseminated .
dis.sem.in.ation noun [U]
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dis.sen.sion
noun [U] (formal) disagreement between people or within a group: dissension within the government
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dis.sent
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the fact of having or expressing opinions that are different from those that are officially accepted: political / religious dissent
2 [C] (AmE) a judge’s statement giving reasons why he or she disagrees with a decision made by the other judges in a court case

verb [v] ~ (from sth) (formal) to have or express opinions that are different from those that are officially accepted: Only two ministers dissented from the official view.
dis.sent.ing adj.: dissenting groups / voices / views / opinion

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dis.sent.er
noun
1 a person who does not agree with opinions that are officially or generally accepted
2 (Dissenter) (in Britain in the past) a Protestant who refused to accept the teachings of the Church of England—compare NONCONFORMIST
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dis.ser.ta.tion
noun ~ (on sth) a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one written for a university degree
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dis.ser.vice
noun [sing.]
IDM do sb a dis'service to do sth that harms sb and the opinion that other people have of them: The minister’s comments do teachers a great disservice.
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dis.si.dent
noun a person who strongly disagrees with and criticizes their government, especially in a country where this kind of action is dangerous: left-wing dissidents
dis.si.dence noun [U]
dis.si.dent adj.
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dis.simi.lar
adj. ~ (from / to sb/sth) not the same: These wines are not dissimilar (= are similar).
OPP SIMILAR
dis.simi.lar.ity noun [C, U]
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dis.simu.late
verb [vn, v] (formal) to hide your real feelings or intentions, often by pretending to have different ones
SYN DISSEMBLE
dis.simu.la.tion noun [U]: He was capable of great dissimulation and hypocrisy.
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dis.si.pate
verb (formal)
1 to gradually become or make sth become weaker until it disappears: [v] Eventually, his anger dissipated.  [vn] Her laughter soon dissipated the tension in the air.
2 [vn] to waste sth, such as time or money, especially by not planning the best way of using it
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dis.si.pated
adj. (disapproving) enjoying activities that are harmful such as drinking too much alcohol
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dis.si.pa.tion
noun [U] (formal)
1 the process of disappearing or of making sth disappear: the dissipation of energy in the form of heat
2 the act of wasting money or spending money until there is none left: concerns about the dissipation of the country’s wealth
3 (disapproving) living a life of harmful but enjoyable activities
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dis.so.ci.ate
verb [vn]
1 (also dis.as.so.ci.ate) ~ yourself / sb from sb/sth to say or do sth to show that you are not connected with or do not support sb/sth; to make it clear that sth is not connected with a particular plan, action, etc: He tried to dissociate himself from the party’s more extreme views.  They were determined to dissociate the UN from any agreement to impose sanctions.
2 ~ sb/sth (from sth) (formal) to think of two people or things as separate and not connected with each other: She tried to dissociate the two events in her mind.
OPP ASSOCIATE
dis.so.ci.ation noun [U]: the dissociation of political and moral ideas
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dis.sol.ute
adj. (formal, disapproving) enjoying immoral activities and not caring about behaving in a morally acceptable way
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dis.sol.ution
noun [U] ~ (of sth) (written)
1 the act of officially ending a marriage, a business agreement, or a parliament
2 the process in which sth gradually disappears: the dissolution of barriers of class and race
3 the act of breaking up an organization, etc: the dissolution of the Soviet Union
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dis.solve
verb
1 [v] ~ (in sth) (of a solid) to mix with a liquid and become part of it: Salt dissolves in water.  Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
2 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to make a solid become part of a liquid: Dissolve the tablet in water.
3 [vn] to officially end a marriage, business agreement or parliament: Their marriage was dissolved in 1989.  The election was announced and parliament was dissolved.
4 (written) to disappear; to make sth disappear: [v] When the ambulance had gone, the crowd dissolved.  [vn] His calm response dissolved her anger.
5 [v] ~ into laughter, tears, etc. to suddenly start laughing, crying, etc: When the teacher looked up, the children dissolved into giggles.  Every time she heard his name, she dissolved into tears.
6 ~ (sth) (away) to remove or destroy sth, especially by a chemical process; to be destroyed in this way: [vn] a new detergent that dissolves stains  [v] All the original calcium had dissolved away.
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dis.son.ance
noun
1 [C, U] (music) a combination of musical notes that sound harsh together
OPP CONSONANCE
2 [U] (formal) lack of agreement
dis.son.ant adj.: dissonant voices / notes
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dis.suade
verb [vn] ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to persuade sb not to do sth: I tried to dissuade him from giving up his job.  They were going to set off in the fog, but were dissuaded.
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dis.taff
noun a stick that was used in the past for holding wool when it was spun by hand
IDM on the distaff side (old-fashioned) on the woman’s side of the family
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dis.tance
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the amount of space between two places or things: a short / long distance  the distance of the earth from the sun  a distance of 200 kilometres  What’s the distance between New York City and Boston / from New York City to Boston?  In the US, distance is measured in miles.  The beach is within walking distance of my house (= you can walk there easily).  Paul has to drive very long distances as part of his job.  Our parents live some distance away (= quite far away).—see also LONG-DISTANCE , MIDDLE DISTANCE , OUTDISTANCE
2 [U] being far away in space or in time: Distance is no problem on the Internet.
3 [sing.] a point that is a particular amount of space away from sth else: You’ll never get the ball in from that distance.
4 [U, C] a situation in which there is a lack of friendly feelings or of a close relationship between two people or groups of people: The coldness and distance in her voice took me by surprise.
IDM at / from a 'distance from a place or time that is not near; from far away: She had loved him at a distance for years. go the (full) 'distance to continue playing in a competition or sports contest until the end: Nobody thought he would last 15 rounds but he went the full distance. in / into the 'distance far away but still able to be seen or heard: We saw lights in the distance.  Alice stood staring into the distance. keep sb at a 'distance to refuse to be friendly with sb; to not let sb be friendly towards you keep your 'distance (from sb/sth)
1 to make sure you are not too near sb/sth
2 to avoid getting too friendly or involved with a person, group, etc: She was warned to keep her distance from Charles if she didn’t want to get hurt.—more at SHOUTING , SPIT v. , STRIKE v.

verb [vn] ~ yourself sb/sth (from sb/sth) to become less involved or connected with sb/sth: When he retired, he tried to distance himself from politics.  It’s not always easy for nurses to distance themselves emotionally.

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dis.tant
adj.
1 far away in space or time: the distant sound of music  distant stars / planets  The time we spent together is now a distant memory.   (formal) The airport was about 20 kilometres distant.  a star 30 000 light years distant from the Earth   (figurative) Peace was just a distant hope (= not very likely).
2 ~ (from sth) not like sth else: Their life seemed utterly distant from his own.
3 [only before noun] (of a person) related to you but not closely: a distant cousin / aunt / relative
4 not friendly; not wanting a close relationship with sb: Pat sounded very cold and distant on the phone.
5 not paying attention to sth but thinking about sth completely different: There was a distant look in her eyes, her mind was obviously on something else.
dis.tant.ly adv.: Somewhere, distantly, he could hear the sound of the sea.  We’re distantly related.  Holly smiled distantly.
IDM the (,dim and) ,distant 'past a long time ago: stories from the distant past in the not too ,distant 'future not a long time in the future but fairly soon
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dis.taste
noun [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling that sb/sth is unpleasant or offensive: He looked around the filthy room in distaste.  a distaste for politics of any sort
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dis.taste.ful
adj. unpleasant or offensive
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dis.tem.per
noun [U]
1 an infectious disease of animals, especially cats and dogs, that causes fever and coughing
2 (BrE) a type of paint that is mixed with water and used on walls
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dis.tend
verb (formal ormedical ) to swell or make sth swell because of pressure from inside: [vn] starving children with huge distended bellies [alsov]
dis.ten.sion noun [U]: distension of the stomach
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dis.til
(AmE also dis.till) verb (-ll-) [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to make a liquid pure by heating it until it becomes a gas, then cooling it and collecting the drops of liquid that form: to distil fresh water from sea water  distilled water
2 to make sth such as a strong alcoholic drink in this way: The factory distils and bottles whisky.
3 ~ sth (from / into sth) (formal) to get the essential meaning or ideas from thoughts, information, experiences, etc: The notes I made on my travels were distilled into a book.
dis.til.la.tion noun [C, U]: the distillation process
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dis.til.ler
noun a person or company that produces SPIRITS (= strong alcoholic drinks) such as whisky by distilling them
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dis.til.lery
noun (pl.-ies) a factory where strong alcoholic drink is made by the process of distilling
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dis.tinct
adj.
1 easily or clearly heard, seen, felt, etc: There was a distinct smell of gas.  His voice was quiet but every word was distinct.
2 ~ (from sth) clearly different or of a different kind: The results of the survey fell into two distinct groups.  Jamaican reggae music is quite distinct from North American jazz or blues.  rural areas, as distinct from major cities
3 [only before noun] used to emphasize that you think an idea or situation definitely exists and is important: Being tall gave Tony a distinct advantage.  I had the distinct impression I was being watched.  A strike is now a distinct possibility.
dis.tinct.ly adv.: I distinctly heard someone calling me.  a distinctly Australian accent  He could remember everything very distinctly.
dis.tinct.ness noun [U]
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dis.tinc.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (between A and B) a clear difference or contrast especially between people or things that are similar or related: distinctions between traditional and modern societies  Philosophers did not use to make a distinction between arts and science.
2 [U] the quality of being excellent or important: a writer of distinction
3 [sing.] the quality of being sth that is special: She had the distinction of being the first woman to fly the Atlantic.
4 [U] the separation of people or things into different groups: The new law makes no distinction between adults and children (= treats them equally).  All groups are entitled to this money without distinction .
5 [C, U] a special mark/grade or award that is given to sb, especially a student, for excellent work: Naomi got a distinction in maths.  He graduated with distinction .
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dis.tinct.ive
adj. having a quality or characteristic that makes sth different and easily noticed: clothes with a distinctive style  The male bird has distinctive black and white markings on its head.
dis.tinct.ive.ly adv.: a distinctively nutty flavour
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dis.tin.guish
verb
1 ~ (between) A and B| ~ A from B to recognize the difference between two people or things: [v] At what age are children able to distinguish between right and wrong?  [vn] It was hard to distinguish one twin from the other.  Sometimes reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish.
2 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ A (from B) to be a characteristic that makes two people, animals or things different: What was it that distinguished her from her classmates?  The male bird is distinguished from the female by its red beak.  Does your cat have any distinguishing marks?
3 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be able to see or hear sth: I could not distinguish her words, but she sounded agitated.
4 [vn] ~ yourself (as sth) to do sth so well that people notice and admire you: She has already distinguished herself as an athlete.
dis.tin.guish.able adj.~ (from sb/sth): The male bird is easily distinguishable from the female.  The coast was barely distinguishable in the mist.
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dis.tin.guished
adj.
1 very successful and admired by other people: a distinguished career in medicine
2 having an appearance that makes sb look important or that makes people admire or respect them: I think grey hair makes you look very distinguished.
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dis.tort
verb [vn]
1 to change the shape, appearance or sound of sth so that it is strange or not clear: a fairground mirror that distorts your shape  The loudspeaker seemed to distort his voice.
2 to twist or change facts, ideas, etc. so that they are no longer correct or true: Newspapers are often guilty of distorting the truth.  The article gave a distorted picture of his childhood.
dis.tort.ion [C, U]: modern alloys that are resistant to wear and distortion  a distortion of the facts
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dis.tract
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth) to take sb’s attention away from what they are trying to do: You’re distracting me from my work.  Don’t talk to her—she’s very easily distracted.  It was another attempt to distract attention from the truth.
dis.tract.ing adj.: distracting thoughts  a distracting noise
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dis.tract.ed
adj. ~ (by sb/sth) unable to pay attention to sb/sth, because you are worried or thinking about sth else
dis.tract.ed.ly adv.
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dis.trac.tion
noun
1 [C, U] a thing that takes your attention away from what you are doing or thinking about: I find it hard to work at home because there are too many distractions.  cinema audiences looking for distraction
2 [C] an activity that amuses or entertains you
IDM to di'straction so that you become upset, excited, or angry and not able to think clearly: The children are driving me to distraction today.
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dis.traught
adj. extremely upset and anxious so that you cannot think clearly: She’s still too distraught to speak about the tragedy.
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dis.tress
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a feeling of great worry or unhappiness; great suffering: The newspaper article caused the actor considerable distress.  She was obviously in distress after the attack.  deep emotional distress
2 suffering and problems caused by not having enough money, food, etc: economic / financial distress
3 a situation in which a ship, plane, etc. is in danger or difficulty and needs help: a distress signal (= a message asking for help)  It is a rule of the sea to help another boat in distress .
IDM see DAMSEL

verb [vn] to make sb feel very worried or unhappy: It was clear that the letter had deeply distressed her.  Don’t distress yourself (= don’t worry).

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dis.tressed
adj.
1 upset and anxious: He was too distressed and confused to answer their questions.
2 suffering pain; in a poor physical condition: When the baby arrived, it was blue and distressed.
3 (of a piece of clothing or furniture) made to look older and more worn than it really is: a distressed leather jacket
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dis.tress.ing
adj. making you feel extremely upset, especially because of sb’s suffering
dis.tress.ing.ly adv.
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dis.trib.ute
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (to / among sb/sth) to give things to a large number of people; to share sth between a number of people: The organization distributed food and blankets to the earthquake victims.  The newspaper is distributed free.  The money was distributed among schools in the area.
2 to send goods to shops/stores and businesses so that they can be sold: ‘Plastika’ distributes our products in the UK.
3 [often passive] to spread sth, or different parts of sth, over an area: Make sure that your weight is evenly distributed.
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dis.tri.bu.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the way that sth is shared or exists over a particular area or among a particular group of people: the unfair distribution of wealth  The map shows the distribution of this species across the world.  They studied the geographical distribution of the disease.
2 [U] the act of giving or delivering sth to a number of people: the distribution of food and medicines to the flood victims  He was arrested on drug distribution charges.
3 [U] (business) the system of transporting and delivering goods: distribution costs  worldwide distribution systems  marketing, sales and distribution
dis.tri.bu.tion.al adj.
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dis.tribu.tive
adj. [usually before noun] (business ) connected with distribution
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dis.tribu.tor
noun
1 a person or company that supplies goods to shops/stores, etc: Japan’s largest software distributor
2 a device in an engine that sends electric current to the SPARK PLUGS
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dis.trict
noun
1 an area of a country or town, especially one that has particular features: the City of London’s financial district
2 an area of a country, town or state that has official BOUNDARIES (= borders), for administrative purposes: a tax / postal district  a school district  congressional districts  district councils
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,district a'ttorney
noun (abbr. DA) (in the US) a lawyer who is responsible for bringing criminal CHARGES against sb in a particular area or state
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,district 'nurse
noun (in Britain) a nurse who visits patients in their homes
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dis.trust
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) a feeling of not being able to trust sb/sth: They looked at each other with distrust.  He has a deep distrust of all modern technology.
dis.trust.ful adj.: distrustful of authority

verb [vn] to feel that you cannot trust or believe sb/sth: She distrusted his motives for wanting to see her again.—compare MISTRUST

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dis.turb
verb
1 [vn] to interrupt sb when they are trying to work, sleep, etc: I’m sorry to disturb you, but can I talk to you for a moment?  If you get up early, try not to disturb everyone else.  She awoke early after a disturbed night.
2 [vn] to move sth or change its position: Don’t disturb the papers on my desk.
3 to make sb worry: [vn] The letter shocked and disturbed me.  [vn to inf] It disturbed her to realize that she was missing him.
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dis.turb.ance
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] actions that make you stop what you are doing, or that upset the normal state that sth is in; the act of disturbing sb/sth or the fact of being disturbed : The building work is creating constant noise, dust and disturbance.  a disturbance in the usual pattern of events  the disturbance of the local wildlife by tourists
2 [C] a situation in which people behave violently in a public place: serious disturbances in the streets  He was charged with causing a disturbance after the game.
3 [U, C] a state in which sb’s mind or a function of the body is upset and not working normally: emotional disturbance
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dis.turbed
adj.
1 mentally ill, especially because of very unhappy or shocking experiences: a special school for emotionally disturbed children
2 unhappy and full of bad or shocking experiences: The killer had a disturbed family background.
3 very anxious and unhappy about sth: I was deeply disturbed and depressed by the news.—compare UNDISTURBED
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dis.turb.ing
adj. making you feel anxious and upset or shocked: a disturbing piece of news
dis.turb.ing.ly adv.
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dis.unite
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to make a group of people unable to agree with each other or work together: a disunited political party
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dis.unity
noun [U] (formal) a lack of agreement between people: disunity within the Conservative party
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dis.use
noun [U] a situation in which sth is no longer being used: The factory fell into disuse twenty years ago.
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dis.used
adj. [usually before noun] no longer used: a disused station—compare UNUSED
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ditch
noun, verb
noun a long channel dug at the side of a field or road, to hold or take away water

verb
1 [vn] (informal) to get rid of sth/sb because you no longer want or need it/them: The new road building programme has been ditched.  He ditched his girlfriend.
2 [vn, v] if a pilot ditches an aircraft, or if it ditches, it lands in the sea in an emergency

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ditch.water
noun [U]
IDM see DULL adv.
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dither
noun, verb
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) a state of not being able to decide what you should do: to be in a dither about sth

verb [v] ~ (over sth) (especially BrE ) to hesitate about what to do because you are unable to decide: She was dithering over what to wear.  Stop dithering and get on with it.

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ditto
noun
1 (abbr.do.) (symb") used, especially in a list, underneath a particular word or phrase, to show that it is repeated and to avoid having to write it again
2 (informal) used instead of a particular word or phrase, to avoid repeating it: The waiters were rude and unhelpful, the manager ditto.
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ditty
noun (pl.-ies) (often humorous) a short simple song
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di.ur.et.ic
noun (medical ) a substance that causes an increase in the flow of URINE
di.ur.et.ic adj.: diuretic drugs / effects
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di.ur.nal
adj.
1 (biology) (of animals) active during the day
OPP NOCTURNAL
2 (astronomy) taking one day: the diurnal rotation of the earth
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Div.
abbr. (in writing) DIVISION : League Div. 1 (= in football)
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diva
noun a famous woman singer, especially an opera singer
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Di.vali
= DIWALI
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divan
noun
1 (also di,van 'bed) (both BrE) a bed with a thick base and a MATTRESS and no HEADBOARD —picture at BED
2 a long low soft seat without a back or arms
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dive
verb, noun
verb (dived, dived, AmE also dove dived) [v]
JUMP INTO WATER|
1 ~ (from / off sth) (into sth)| ~ (in) to jump into water with your head and arms going in first: We dived into the river to cool off.
UNDERWATER|
2 (usually go diving) to swim underwater wearing breathing equipment, collecting or looking at things: to dive for pearls  The main purpose of his holiday to Greece was to go diving.—see also DIVING
3 to go to a deeper level underwater: The whale dived as the harpoon struck it.
OF BIRDS / AIRCRAFT|
4 to go steeply down through the air: The seagulls soared then dived.—see also NOSEDIVE
OF PRICES|
5 to fall suddenly: The share price dived from 49p to an all-time low of 40p.
MOVE / JUMP / FALL|
6 [+adv. / prep.] ~ (for sth) (informal) to move or jump quickly in a particular direction, especially to avoid sth, to try to catch a ball, etc: We heard an explosion and dived for cover (= got into a place where we would be protected).  The goalie dived for the ball, but missed it.  It started to rain so we dived into the nearest cafe.
7 (BrE) (in football) to fall deliberately when sb TACKLES you, so that the REFEREE awards a FOUL 'dive into sth (informal) to put your hand quickly into sth such as a bag or pocket: She dived into her bag and took out a couple of coins.

noun
JUMP INTO WATER|
1 a jump into deep water with your head first and your arms in front of you: a spectacular high dive (= from high above the water)
UNDERWATER|
2 an act of going underwater and swimming there with special equipment: a dive to a depth of 18 metres
OF BIRDS / AIRCRAFT|
3 an act of suddenly flying downwards
BAR / CLUB|
4 (informal) a bar, music club, etc. that is cheap, and perhaps dark or dirty: The band played in every smoky dive in town. make a 'dive (for sth) to suddenly move or jump forward to do sth or reach sb/sth: The goalkeeper made a dive for the ball. take a 'dive (informal) to suddenly get worse: Profits really took a dive last year.

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'dive-bomb
verb [vn] (of an aircraft or its pilot) to dive steeply through the air and drop bombs on sth
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diver
noun
1 a person who works underwater, usually with special equipment: a deep-sea diver—compare FROGMAN
2 a person who jumps into the water with their head first and their arms in front of them
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di.verge
verb [v] (written)
1 ~ (from sth) to separate and go in different directions: The parallel lines appear to diverge.  The coastal road diverges from the freeway just north of Santa Monica.  Many species have diverged from a single ancestor.  We went through school and college together, but then our paths diverged.
2 ~ (from sth) (formal) (of opinions, views, etc.) to be different: Opinions diverge greatly on this issue.
3 ~ from sth to be or become different from what is expected, planned, etc: to diverge from the norm  He diverged from established procedure.
OPP CONVERGE
di.ver.gence noun [C, U]: a wide divergence of opinion
di.ver.gent adj.: divergent paths / opinions
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divers
adj. [only before noun] (old use) of many different kinds
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di.verse
adj. very different from each other and of various kinds: people from diverse cultures  My interests are very diverse.
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di.ver.sify
verb (di.ver.si.fies, di.ver.si.fy.ing, di.ver.si.fied, di.ver.si.fied)
1 ~ (sth) (into sth) (especially of a business or company) to develop a wider range of products, interests, skills, etc. in order to be more successful or reduce risk: [v] Farmers are being encouraged to diversify into new crops. [alsovn]
2 to change or to make sth change so that there is greater variety: [v] Patterns of family life are diversifying and changing.  [vn] The culture has been diversified with the arrival of immigrants.
di.ver.si.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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di.ver.sion
noun
1 [C, U] the act of changing the direction that sb/sth is following, or what sth is used for: a river diversion project  We made a short diversion to go and look at the castle.  the diversion of funds from the public to the private sector of industry
2 [C] something that takes your attention away from sb/sth while sth else is happening: For the government, the war was a welcome diversion from the country’s economic problems.  A smoke bomb created a diversion while the robbery took place.
3 [C] (BrE) (AmE de.tour) a road or route that is used when the usual one is closed: Diversions will be signposted.
4 [C] (formal) an activity that is done for pleasure, especially because it takes your attention away from sth else: The party will make a pleasant diversion.  The city is full of diversions.
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di.ver.sion.ary
adj. intended to take sb’s attention away from sth
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di.ver.sity
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] a range of many people or things that are very different from each other: the biological diversity of the rainforests  a great / wide / rich diversity of opinion
2 [U] the quality or fact of including a range of many people or things: There is a need for greater diversity and choice in education.
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di.vert
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth) (to sth)
1 to make sb/sth change direction: Northbound traffic will have to be diverted onto minor roads.
2 to use money, materials, etc. for a different purpose from their original purpose
3 to take sb’s thoughts or attention away from sth
SYN DISTRACT : The war diverted people’s attention away from the economic situation.
4 (formal) to entertain people: Children are easily diverted.
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di.vert.ing
adj. (formal) entertaining and amusing
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di.vest
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sb / yourself of sth to remove clothes: He divested himself of his jacket.
2 ~ yourself of sth to get rid of sth: The company is divesting itself of some of its assets.
3 ~ sb/sth of sth to take sth away from sb/sth: After her illness she was divested of much of her responsibility.
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di.vest.ment
noun [U, C] (finance ) the act of selling the shares you have bought in a company or of taking money away from where you have invested it
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div.ide
verb, noun
verb
SEPARATE|
1 ~ (sth) (up) (into sth) to separate or make sth separate into parts: [v] The cells began to divide rapidly.  [vn] A sentence can be divided up into meaningful segments.
2 [vn] ~ sth (up / out) (between / among sb) to separate sth into parts and give a share to each of a number of different people, etc: Jack divided up the rest of the cash.  We divided the work between us.
3 [vn] ~ sth (between A and B) to use different parts of your time, energy, etc. for different activities, etc: He divides his energies between politics and business.
4 [vn] ~ A from B (formal) to separate two people or things: Can it ever be right to divide a mother from her child?
5 [vn] ~ sth (off)| ~ A from B to be the real or imaginary line or barrier that separates two people or things: A fence divides off the western side of the grounds.
CAUSE DISAGREEMENT|
6 [vn] to make two or more people disagree: The issue has divided the government.  The government is divided on this issue.  a divided society
MATHEMATICS|
7 [vn] ~ sth by sth to find out how many times one number is contained in another: 30 divided by 6 is 5 (30 ÷ 6 = 5).
8 [vn] ~ into sth to be able to be multiplied to give another number: 5 divides into 30 6 times. di,vide and 'rule to keep control over people by making them disagree with and fight each other, therefore not giving them the chance to unite and oppose you together: a policy of divide and rule divided a'gainst itself (of a group which should be united) split by disagreements: The regime is profoundly divided against itself.

noun [usually sing.]
DIFFERENCE|
1 ~ (between A and B) a difference between two groups of people that separates them from each other: the North / South divide  the divide between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland
BETWEEN RIVERS|
2 (especially AmE) a line of high land that separates two river systems
SYN WATERSHED
IDM see BRIDGE v.

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di,vided 'highway
noun (AmE ) = DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
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divi.dend
noun
1 an amount of the profits that a company pays to people who own shares in the company: dividend payments of 50 cents a share
2 (BrE) a money prize that is given to winners in the FOOTBALL POOLS
IDM see PAY v.
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div.ider
noun
1 [C] a thing that divides sth: a room divider (= a screen or door that divides a room into two parts)
2 (dividers) [pl.] an instrument made of two long thin metal parts joined together at the top, used for measuring lines and angles: a pair of dividers
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di'viding line
noun [usually sing.]
1 something that marks the separation between two things or ideas: There is no clear dividing line between what is good and what is bad.
2 a place that separates two areas: The river was chosen as a dividing line between the two districts.
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div.in.ation
noun [U] the act of finding out and saying what will happen in the future
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di.vine
adj., verb
adj.
1 [usually before noun] coming from or connected with God or a god: divine law / love / will  divine intervention (= help from God to change or improve a situation)
2 (old-fashioned) wonderful; beautiful
div.ine.ly adv.

verb
1 (formal) to find out sth by guessing: [v wh-] She could divine what he was thinking just by looking at him. [alsovn]
2 [vn, v] to search for underground water using a stick in the shape of a Y, called a divining rod

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div.ing
noun [U]
1 the sport or activity of diving into water with your head and arms first: a diving competition
2 the activity of swimming underwater using special breathing equipment: I’d love to go diving in the Aegean.  a diving suit—see also SKIN DIVING
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'diving board
noun a board at the side of or above a swimming pool from which people can jump or DIVE into the water
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div.in.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the quality of being a god or like God: the divinity of Christ
2 [C] a god or GODDESS : Roman / Greek / Egyptian divinity
3 [U] the study of the nature of God and religious belief
SYN THEOLOGY : a doctor of Divinity
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div.is.ible
adj. [not before noun] ~ (by sth) that can be divided, usually with nothing remaining: 8 is divisible by 2 and 4, but not by 3.
OPP INDIVISIBLE
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div.ision
noun
INTO SEPARATE PARTS|
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth between A and B)| (of sth) (into sth) the process or result of dividing into separate parts; the process or result of dividing sth or sharing it out: cell division  the division of labour between the sexes  a fair division of time and resources  the division of the population into age groups  a distinction which cuts right across the familiar division into arts and sciences
MATHEMATICS|
2 [U] the process of dividing one number by another: the division sign (÷)—compare MULTIPLICATION —see also LONG DIVISION
DISAGREEMENT / DIFFERENCE|
3 [C, U] ~ (in / within sth)| ~ (between A and B) a disagreement or difference in opinion, way of life, etc., especially between members of a society or an organization: There are deep divisions in the party over European monetary union.  the work of healing the divisions within society  divisions between rich and poor  social / class divisions
PART OF ORGANIZATION|
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbr.Div.) a large and important unit or section of an organization: the company’s sales division
IN SPORT|
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbr.Div.) (in Britain) one of the group of teams that a sport competition is divided into, especially in football: the first division / division one  a first-division team
PART OF ARMY|
6 [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbr.Div.) a unit of an army, consisting of several BRIGADES or REGIMENTS : the Guards Armoured Division
BORDER|
7 [C] a line that divides sth: A hedge forms the division between their land and ours.
IN PARLIAMENT|
8 [C] (technical) the separation of members of the British parliament into groups to vote for or against sth: The Bill was read without a division.
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div.ision.al
adj. [only before noun] belonging to or connected with a division (= a section of the army or department of an organization): the divisional commander / headquarters
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div.isive
adj. (disapproving) causing people to be split into groups that disagree with or oppose each other: He believes that unemployment is socially divisive.—see also DIVIDE
div.isive.ly adv.
div.isive.ness noun [U]
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di.vorce
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the legal ending of a marriage: The marriage ended in divorce in 1996.  an increase in the divorce rate (= the number of divorces in a year)  They have agreed to get a divorce .  Divorce proceedings (= the legal process of divorce) started today.—compare SEPARATION
2 [C] (formal) ~ (between A and B) a separation; the ending of a relationship between two things: the divorce between religion and science

verb
1 to end your marriage to sb legally: [vn] They’re getting divorced .  She’s divorcing her husband.  [v] I’d heard they’re divorcing.
2 [vn] [often passive] (formal) ~ sb/sth from sth to separate, a person, an idea, a subject, etc. from sth; to keep two things separate: They believed that art should be divorced from politics.  When he was depressed, he felt utterly divorced from reality.

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di.vorcé
noun (AmE ) a man whose marriage has been legally ended
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di.vorced
adj.
1 no longer married: Many divorced men remarry and have second families.  My parents are divorced.  Are they going to get divorced ?
2 ~ from sth (formal) appearing not to be affected by sth; separate from sth: He seems completely divorced from reality.
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di.vor.cee
noun (BrE ) a person whose marriage has been legally ended, especially a woman
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divot
noun a piece of grass and earth that is dug out by accident, for example by a CLUB when sb is playing golf
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di.vulge
verb ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give sb information that is supposed to be secret
SYN REVEAL : [vn] Police refused to divulge the identity of the suspect. [alsov wh-]
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divvy
verb (div.vies, divvy.ing, div.vied, div.vied)
PVR V ,divvy sth<->'up (informal) to divide sth, especially money into two or more parts
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Di.wali
(also Di.vali) noun [U] a Hindu festival that is held in the autumn/fall, celebrated by lighting candles and clay lamps, and with FIREWORKS
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Dixie.land
noun [U] a type of traditional jazz—see also TRAD
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DIY
noun [U] (BrE ) the activity of making, repairing or decorating things in the home yourself, instead of paying sb to do it (abbreviation for ‘do it yourself’): a DIY store
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dizzy
adj.
1 feeling as if everything is spinning around you and that you are not able to balance: Climbing so high made me feel dizzy .  I suffer from dizzy spells (= short periods when I am dizzy).
2 making you feel dizzy ; making you feel that a situation is changing very fast: the dizzy descent from the summit  the dizzy pace of life in Hong Kong
3 (informal, especially AmE) silly or stupid: a dizzy blonde
diz.zily adv.
diz.zi.ness noun [U]
IDM the dizzy 'heights (of sth) (informal) an important or impressive position
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dizzy.ing
adj. making you feel dizzy : The car drove past with dizzying speed.
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DJ
noun a person who plays records and talks about music on the radio or in a club (abbreviation for ‘disc jockey’)
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djinn
noun (in Arabian stories) a spirit with magic powers
SYN GENIE
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DNA
noun [U] (chemistry ) the chemical in the cells of animals and plants that carries GENETIC information and is a type of NUCLEIC ACID : DNA fingerprinting
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do^1
verb, auxiliary verb, noun —see also DO^2
verb (does did done )
ACTION|
1 [vn] used to refer to actions that you do not mention by name or do not know about: What are you doing this evening?  We will do what we can to help.  Are you doing anything tomorrow evening?  The company ought to do something about the poor service.  There’s nothing to do (= no means of passing the time in an enjoyable way) in this place.  There’s nothing we can do about it (= we can’t change the situation).  What can I do for you (= how can I help)?
BEHAVE|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (as … ) to act or behave in the way mentioned: Do as you’re told!  They are free to do as they please.  You would do well to (= I advise you to) consider all the options before buying.
SUCCEED / PROGRESS|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] used to ask or talk about the success or progress of sb/sth: How is the business doing?  She did well out of (= made a big profit from) the deal.  He’s doing very well at school (= his work is good).  Both mother and baby are doing well (= after the birth of the baby).   (informal) How are you doing (= how are you)?
TASK / ACTIVITY|
4 [vn] to work at or perform an activity or a task: I’m doing some research on the subject.  I have a number of things to do today.  I do aerobics once a week.   (especially AmE) Let’s do (= meet for) lunch.   (spoken) Sorry. I don’t do funny (= I can’t be funny).
5 [vn] used with nouns to talk about tasks such as cleaning, washing, arranging, mending, etc: to do (= wash) the dishes  to do (= arrange) the flowers  I like the way you’ve done your hair.
6 [vn] ~ the ironing, cooking, shopping, etc. | ~ some, a little, etc. acting, writing, etc. to perform the activity or task mentioned: I like listening to the radio when I’m doing the ironing.  She did a lot of acting when she was at college.
JOB|
7 [vn] (usually used in questions) to work at sth as a job: What do you do (= what is your job)?  What does she want to do when she leaves school?  What did she do for a living ?  What’s Tom doing these days?
STUDY|
8 [vn] to learn or study sth: I’m doing physics, biology and chemistry.  Have you done any (= studied anything by) Keats?
SOLVE|
9 [vn] to find the answer to sth; to solve sth: I can’t do this sum.  Are you good at doing crosswords?
MAKE|
10 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ (sb) sth to produce or make sth: [vn] to do a drawing / painting / sketch  Does this pub do (= provide) lunches?  Who’s doing (= organizing and preparing) the food for the wedding reception?  [vn, vnn] I’ll do a copy for you.  I’ll do you a copy.
PERFORM|
11 [vn] to perform or produce a play, an opera, etc: The local dramatic society is doing ‘Hamlet’ next month.
COPY SB|
12 [vn] to copy sb’s behaviour or the way sb speaks, sings, etc., especially in order to make people laugh: He does a great Elvis Presley.  Can you do a Welsh accent?
FINISH|
13 (have / be done, get sth done) (formal) to finish sth: [v] Sit there and wait till I’ve done.  [v -ing] I’ve done talking—let’s get started.  [vn] Did you get your article done in time?
TRAVEL|
14 [vn] to travel a particular distance: How many miles did you do during your tour?  My car does 40 miles to the gallon (= uses one GALLON of petrol / gas to travel 40 miles).
15 [vn] to complete a journey/trip: We did the round trip in two hours.
SPEED|
16 [vn] to travel at or reach a particular speed: The car was doing 90 miles an hour.
VISIT|
17 [vn] (informal) to visit a place as a tourist: We did Tokyo in three days.
SPEND TIME|
18 [vn] to spend a period of time doing sth: She did a year at college, but then dropped out.  He did six years (= in prison) for armed robbery.
DEAL WITH|
19 [vn] to deal with or attend to sb/sth: The hairdresser said she could do me (= cut my hair) at three.
BE SUITABLE / ENOUGH|
20 ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (as sth) to be suitable or be enough for sb/sth: [v] These shoes won’t do for the party.  ‘Can you lend me some money?’‘Sure—will $20 do ?’  The box will do fine as a table.  [vn] (especially BrE) This room will do me nicely, thank you (= it has everything I need).  note at ENOUGH
COOK|
21 [vn] to cook sth: How would you like your steak done?
CHEAT|
22 [vn] [usually passive] (BrE, informal) to cheat sb: This isn’t a genuine antique—you’ve been done.
PUNISH|
23 (BrE) ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to punish sb: They did him for tax evasion.  She got done for speeding.
ROB|
24 [vn] (informal) to rob a place: The gang did a warehouse and a supermarket.
TAKE DRUGS|
25 [vn] (informal) to take an illegal drug: He doesn’t smoke, drink or do drugs .
HAVE SEX|
26 [vn] ~ it (slang) to have sex Most idioms containing do are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example do a bunk is at bunk.  be / have to do with sb/sth to be about or connected with sb/sth: ‘What do you want to see me about?’‘It’s to do with that letter you sent me.’ have (got) something, nothing, a lot, etc. to do with sb/sth used to talk about how much sb/sth is connected with sb/sth: Her job has something to do with computers.  ‘How much do you earn?’‘What’s it got to do with you?’  Hard work has a lot to do with (= is an important reason for) her success.  We don’t have very much to do with our neighbours (= we do not speak to them very often).  I’d have nothing to do with him, if I were you. it won’t 'do (especially BrE) used to say that a situation is not satisfactory and should be changed or improved: This is the third time you’ve been late this week; it simply won’t do. not 'do anything / a lot / much for sb (informal) used to say that sth does not make sb look attractive: That hairstyle doesn’t do anything for her. ,nothing 'doing (informal) used to refuse a request: ‘Can you lend me ten dollars?’‘Nothing doing!’ no you 'don’t (spoken) used to show that you intend to stop sb from doing sth that they were going to do: Sharon went to get into the taxi. ‘Oh no you don’t,’ said Steve. that 'does it (informal) used to show that you will not accept sth any longer: That does it, I’m off. I’m not having you swear like that at me. that’s 'done it (informal) used to say that an accident, a mistake, etc. has spoiled or ruined sth: That’s done it. You’ve completely broken it this time. that will 'do used to order sb to stop doing or saying sth: That’ll do, children—you’re getting far too noisy. what do you do for sth? used to ask how sb manages to obtain the thing mentioned: What do you do for entertainment out here? what is sb/sth doing … ? used to ask why sb/sth is in the place mentioned: What are these shoes doing on my desk? ,do a'way with sb / yourself (informal) to kill sb/yourself ,do a'way with sth (informal) to stop doing or having sth; to make sth end
SYN ABOLISH : He thinks it’s time we did away with the monarchy. ,do sb/sth 'down (BrE, informal) to criticize sb/sth unfairly 'do for sb/sth [usually passive] (informal) to ruin, destroy or kill sb/sth: Without that contract, we’re done for. ,do sb / yourself 'in (informal)
1 to kill sb/yourself: He was so depressed he felt like doing himself in.
2 [usually passive] to make sb very tired: Come and sit down—you look done in. ,do sth<->'in (informal) to injure a part of the body: He did his back in lifting heavy furniture. ,do sb 'out of sth (informal) to unfairly prevent sb from having what they ought to have: She was done out of her promotion. ,do sb 'over (informal, especially BrE) to attack and beat sb severely: He was done over by a gang of thugs. ,do sth<->'over
1 to clean or decorate sth again: The paintwork will need doing over soon.
2 (AmE) to do sth again: She insisted that everything be done over. ,do 'up to be fastened: The skirt does up at the back. ,do sth<->'up
1 to fasten a coat, skirt, etc: He never bothers to do his jacket up.
OPP UNDO
2 to make sth into a package
SYN WRAP : She was carrying a package done up in brown paper.
3 (BrE) to repair and decorate a house, etc: He makes money by buying old houses and doing them up. ,do yourself 'up (informal) to make yourself more attractive by putting on MAKE-UP , attractive clothes, etc. 'do sth with sb/sth (used in negative sentences and questions with what): I don’t know what to do with (= how to use) all the food that’s left over.  What have you done with (= where have you put) my umbrella?  What have you been doing with yourselves (= how have you been passing the time)?—see also COULD DO WITH , CAN’T BE DOING WITH ,do with'out| ,do with'out sb/sth to manage without sb/sth: She can’t do without a secretary.  If they can’t get it to us in time, we’ll just have to do without. [+ -ing] (ironic) I could have done without being (= I wish I had not been) woken up at three in the morning.

auxiliary verb (does did done )
1 used before a full verb to form negative sentences and questions: I don’t like fish.  They didn’t go to Paris.  Don’t forget to write.  Does she speak French?
2 used to make QUESTION TAGS (= short questions at the end of statements): You live in New York, don’t you?  She doesn’t work here, does she?
3 used to avoid repeating a full verb: He plays better than he did a year ago.  She works harder than he does.  ‘Who won?’‘I did.’  ‘I love peaches.’‘So do I .  ‘I don’t want to go back.’‘Neither do I .’
4 used when no other AUXILIARY verb is present, to emphasize what you are saying: He does look tired.  She did at least write to say thank you.   (BrE) Do shut up!
5 used to change the order of the subject and verb when an adverb is moved to the front: Not only does she speak Spanish, she’s also good with computers.

noun (pl.dos or do’s ) (BrE , informal) a party; a social event: Are you having a big do for your birthday? do’s and don’ts (informal) rules that you should follow: Here are some do’s and don’ts for exercise during pregnancy.—more at FAIR adj.

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do^2
noun = DOH —see also DO^1
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do.
abbr. DITTO
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dob
verb (BrE, AustralE , informal)
PVR V ,dob sb 'in (to sb) to tell sb about sth that another person has done wrong: Sue dobbed me in to the teacher.
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Dobermann (pinscher)
(also Doberman (pinscher) especially in AmE) noun a large dog with short dark hair, often used for guarding buildings
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doc
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a way of addressing or talking about a doctor
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do.cile
adj. quiet and easy to control: a docile child / horse / temperament
do.cile.ly adv. (rare)
do.cil.ity noun [U]
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dock
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a part of a port where ships are repaired or where goods are put onto or taken off them: dock workers  a dock strike  The ship was in dock .—see also DRY DOCK
2 (docks) [pl.] a group of docks in a port and the buildings around them that are used for repairing ships, storing goods, etc.
3 [C] (AmE) = JETTY
4 [C] (AmE) a raised platform for loading vehicles or trains
5 [C] the part of a court of law where the person who has been accused of a crime stands or sits during a trial: He’s been in the dock (= on trial for a crime) several times already.
6 [U] a wild plant of Northern Europe with large thick leaves that can be rubbed on skin that has been stung by NETTLES to make it less painful: dock leaves

verb
1 if a ship docks or you dock a ship, it sails into a harbour and stays there: [v] The ferry is expected to dock at 6. [alsovn]
2 if two spacecraft dock, or are docked, they are joined together in space: [vn] Next year, a technology module will be docked on the space station. [alsov]
3 [vn] ~ sth (from / off sth) to take away part of sb’s wages, etc: If you’re late, your wages will be docked.  They’ve docked 15% off my pay for this week.
4 [vn] to cut an animal’s tail short

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dock.er
noun a person whose job is moving goods on and off ships
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docket
noun
1 (business) a document or label that shows what is in a package, which goods have been delivered, which jobs have been done, etc.
2 (AmE) a list of cases to be dealt with in a particular court of law
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dock.land
noun [U] (also dock.lands [pl.]) (BrE ) the district near DOCKS (= the place where ships are loaded and unloaded in a port): plans to further redevelop Bristol’s docklands
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dock.side
noun [sing.] the area around the DOCKS (= the place where ships are loaded and unloaded) in a port
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dock.yard
noun an area with DOCKS (= the place where ships are loaded and unloaded in a port) and equipment for building and repairing ships
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doc.tor
noun, verb
noun (abbr. Dr)
1 a person who has been trained in medical science, whose job is to treat people who are ill or injured: You’d better see a doctor about that cough.  Doctor Staples (= as a title / form of address)
2 (doctor’s) a place where a doctor sees patients: an appointment at the doctor’s
3 a person who has received the highest university degree: a Doctor of Philosophy / Law  Doctor Franks (= as a title / form of address)
4 (especially AmE) used as a title or form of address for a dentist

verb [vn]
1 to change sth in order to deceive sb
SYN FALSIFY : He was accused of doctoring the figures.
2 to add sth harmful to food or drink: The wine had been doctored.
3 (informal) to remove part of the sex organs of an animal
SYN NEUTER

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doc.tor.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with a doctorate : (BrE ) a doctoral thesis   (AmE ) a doctoral dissertation
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doc.tor.ate
noun the highest university degree: She’s studying for her doctorate.
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doc.trin.aire
adj. (disapproving) strictly following a theory in all circumstances, even if there are practical problems or disagreement: a doctrinaire communist  doctrinaire attitudes / beliefs / policies
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doc.tri.nal
adj. (formal) relating to a doctrine or doctrines : the doctrinal position of the English church  doctrinal beliefs / disputes   (disapproving) a rigidly doctrinal approach
doc.tri.nal.ly adv.
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doc.trine
noun
1 [C, U] a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, a political party, etc: the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty  Christian doctrine
2 (Doctrine) [C] (AmE) a statement of government policy: the Monroe Doctrine
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docu.drama
noun a film/movie, usually made for television, in which real events are shown in the form of a story
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docu.ment
noun, verb
noun
1 an official paper or book that gives information about sth, or that can be used as evidence or proof of sth: legal documents  travel documents  Copies of the relevant documents must be filed at court.  One of the documents leaked to the press was a memorandum written by the head of the security police.
2 a computer file that contains text that has a name that identifies it: Save the document before closing.—

verb [vn]
1 to record the details of sth: Causes of the disease have been well documented.
2 to prove or support sth with documents: documented evidence

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docu.men.tary
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) a film or a radio or television programme giving facts about sth: a television documentary about / on the future of nuclear power

adj. [only before noun]
1 consisting of documents: documentary evidence / sources / material
2 giving a record or report of the facts about sth, especially by using pictures, recordings, etc. of people involved: a documentary account of the Vietnam war  The film was given a documentary style by the director.

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docu.men.ta.tion
noun [U]
1 the documents that are required for sth, or that give evidence or proof of sth: I couldn’t enter the country because I didn’t have all the necessary documentation.
2 the act of recording sth in a document; the state of being recorded in a document: the documentation of an agreement
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docu-soap
noun (BrE ) a television programme about the lives of real people, presented as entertainment—see also SOAP OPERA
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DOD
abbr. Department of Defense (the government department in the US that is responsible for defence)
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dod.der.ing
(BrE also dod.dery ) adj. (of people) weak, slow and not able to walk in a steady way, especially because of old age: a doddering old fool
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dod.dle
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) a task or an activity that is very easy: The first year of the course was an absolute doddle.  The machine is a doddle to set up and use.
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dodge
verb, noun
verb
1 to move quickly and suddenly to one side in order to avoid sb/sth: [vn] He ran across the road, dodging the traffic.  [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] The girl dodged behind a tree to hide from the other children.
2 to avoid doing sth, especially in a dishonest way: [vn] He dodged his military service.  [v -ing] She tried to dodge paying her taxes.

noun a clever and dishonest trick, played in order to avoid sth: a tax dodge  When it comes to getting off work, he knows all the dodges.

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dodgem
noun (BrE )
1 (the dodgems) [pl.] a ride at a FUNFAIR in which people drive small electric cars around an enclosed space, trying to chase and hit the other cars: The kids wanted to go on the dodgems.
2 (also 'dodgem car) (also 'bumper carAmE, BrE) one of the small electric cars that you drive in the dodgems
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dodger
noun (informal) a person who dishonestly avoids doing sth: tax dodgers  a crackdown on fare dodgers on trains—see also DRAFT DODGER
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dodgy
adj. (informal, BrE )
1 seeming or likely to be dishonest
SYN SUSPICIOUS : He made a lot of money, using some very dodgy methods.  I don’t want to get involved in anything dodgy.
2 not working well; not in good condition: I can’t play—I’ve got a dodgy knee.  The marriage had been distinctly dodgy for a long time.
3 involving risk, danger or difficulty: If you get into any dodgy situations, call me.
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dodo
noun (pl.-os)
1 a large bird that could not fly and that is now EXTINCT (= no longer exists)
2 (AmE) a stupid person
IDM see DEAD adj.
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doe
noun a female deer, rabbit or HARE —compare BUCK , HIND , STAG
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doer
noun (approving) a person who does things rather than thinking or talking about them: We need fewer organizers and more doers.
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does
DO
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doesn’t
short form does not
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doff
verb [vn] (old-fashioned) to take off your hat, especially to show respect for sb/sth
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dog
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an animal with four legs and a tail, often kept as a pet or trained for work, for example hunting or guarding buildings. There are many types of dog , some of which are wild: I took the dog for a walk.  I could hear a dog barking.  dog food  guard dogs  a dog and her puppies—see also GUIDE DOG , GUN DOG , LAPDOG , SHEEPDOG , SNIFFER DOG , TRACKER DOG
2 [C] a male dog , FOX or WOLF —compare BITCH
3 (the dogs) [pl.] (BrE, informal) GREYHOUND racing
4 [C] (slang, especially AmE) a thing of low quality; a failure: Her last movie was an absolute dog.
5 [C] (slang, especially AmE) an offensive way of describing a woman who is not considered attractive
6 [C] (informal, disapproving) used, especially after an adjective, to describe a man who has done sth bad: You dirty dog!—see also HOT DOG , SHAGGY-DOG STORY , TOP DOG , WATCHDOG
IDM (a case of) ,dog eat 'dog a situation in business, politics, etc. where there is a lot of competition and people are willing to harm each other in order to succeed: I’m afraid in this line of work it’s a case of dog eat dog.  We’re operating in a dog-eat-dog world. a ,dog in the 'manger a person who stops other people from enjoying what he or she cannot use or does not want a dog’s 'breakfast / 'dinner (BrE, informal) a thing that has been done badly
SYN MESS : He’s made a real dog’s breakfast of these accounts. a 'dog’s life an unhappy life, full of problems or unfair treatment every dog has his / its 'day (saying) everyone has good luck or success at some point in their life go to the 'dogs (AmE also go to hell in a 'handbasket) (informal) to get into a very bad state: This firm’s gone to the dogs since the new management took over. not have a 'dog’s chance to have no chance at all: He hasn’t a dog’s chance of passing the exam.—more at HAIR , RAIN v. , SICK adj. , SLEEP v. , TAIL n. , TEACH

verb (-gg-) [vn]
1 (of a problem or bad luck) to cause you trouble for a long time: He had been dogged by bad health all his life.
2 to follow sb closely: She had the impression that someone was dogging her steps.

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'dog biscuit
noun a small hard biscuit fed to dogs
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'dog collar
noun
1 a collar for a dog
2 (informal) a stiff white collar fastened at the back and worn by some Christian priests
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'dog days
noun [pl.] the hottest period of the year: the dog days of summer
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'dog-eared
adj. (of a book) used so much that the corners of many of the pages are turned down—picture at JAGGED
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,dog-'end
noun (BrE , informal) the end of a cigarette that has been smoked
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dog.fight
noun
1 a fight between aircraft in which they fly around close to each other
2 a struggle between two people or groups in order to win sth
3 (dog fight) a fight between dogs, especially one that is arranged illegally, for entertainment
dog.fight.ing noun [U]
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dog.fish
noun (pl.dog.fish) a small SHARK (= a large fierce sea fish with very sharp teeth)
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dog.ged
adj. [usually before noun] (approving) showing determination; not giving up easily: dogged determination / persistence  their dogged defence of the city
dog.ged.ly adv.
dog.ged.ness noun [U]
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dog.gerel
noun [U] poetry that is badly written or ridiculous, sometimes because the writer has not intended it to be serious
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doggo
adv. lie ~ (old-fashioned, informal) to lie still and quiet, so that other people will not notice you
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dog.gone
adj. [only before noun] adv., exclamation (AmE , informal) used to show that you are annoyed or surprised: Where’s the doggone key?  Don’t drive so doggone fast.  Well, doggone it!
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doggy
noun, adj.
noun (also dog.gie) (pl.-ies) (informal) a child’s word for a dog

adj. [only before noun] of or like a dog: a doggy smell

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'doggy bag
(also 'doggie bag) noun (informal) a bag for taking home any food that is left after a meal in a restaurant
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'doggy-paddle
noun = DOG-PADDLE
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'dog handler
noun a police officer who works with a trained dog
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dog.house
noun (AmE ) = KENNEL
IDM be in the doghouse (informal, AmE, BrE) if you are in the doghouse, sb is annoyed with you because of sth that you have done
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dogie
noun (AmE ) a young cow that has lost its mother
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'dog-leg
noun a sharp bend, especially in a road or on a golf course
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dogma
noun [U, C] (often disapproving) a belief or set of beliefs held by a group or organization, which others are expected to accept without argument: political / social / religious / party dogma  He has caused a storm by calling into question one of the central dogmas of the Church.
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dog.mat.ic
adj. (disapproving) being certain that your beliefs are right and that others should accept them, without paying attention to evidence or other opinions: a dogmatic approach / statement  There is a danger of becoming too dogmatic about teaching methods.
dog.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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dog.ma.tism
noun [U] (disapproving) behaviour and attitudes that are dogmatic
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,do-'gooder
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who tries to help other people but who does it in a way that is annoying
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'dog-paddle
(also 'doggy-paddle) noun [U] a simple swimming stroke, with short quick movements like those of a dog in the water
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dogs.body
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a person who does all the boring jobs that nobody else wants to do, and who is treated as being less important than other people: I got myself a job as a typist and general dogsbody on a small magazine.
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dog.sled
noun (AmE ) a SLEDGE (= a vehicle that slides over snow) pulled by dogs, used especially in Canada and Alaska
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'dog tag
noun (AmE , slang) a small piece of metal that US soldiers wear round their necks with their name and number on it
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,dog-'tired
adj. [not usually before noun] (informal) very tired
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dog.wood
noun [U, C] a bush or small tree with red or pink berries and red stems, that grows in northern regions; the hard wood of this tree
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DoH
abbr. (in Britain) Department of Health: the DoH Aids prevention policy
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doh
(also do) noun (music ) the 1st and 8th note of a MAJOR scale
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doily
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE) a small circle of paper or fabric with a pattern of very small holes in it, that you put on a plate under a cake or sandwiches
2 (AmE) a small decorative MAT that you put on top of a piece of furniture
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doing
noun [C, usually pl., U] a thing done or caused by sb: I’ve been hearing a lot about your doings recently.  I promise you this was none of my doing (= I didn’t do it).
IDM take some 'doing | take a lot of 'doing to be hard work; to be difficult: Getting it finished by tomorrow will take some doing.
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,do it your'self
noun [U] (especially BrE ) = DIY : The materials you need are available from any good do-it-yourself store.
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Dolby
™noun [U] a system for reducing background noise in sound recordings
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dol.drums
noun [pl.] (usually the doldrums)
1 the state of feeling sad or depressed: He’s been in the doldrums ever since she left him.
2 a lack of activity or improvement: The bond market normally revives after the summer doldrums.  Despite these measures, the economy remains in the doldrums .
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dole
noun, verb
noun [sing.] (usually the dole) (BrE , informal) money paid by the state to unemployed people: He’s been on the dole (= without a job) for a year.  It is feared the government might change the rules for claiming dole.  lengthening dole queues  We could all be in the dole queue on Monday (= have lost our jobs).

verb
PVR V ,dole sth<->'out (to sb) to give out an amount of food, money, etc. to a number of people in a group

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dole.ful
adj. (written) very sad: a doleful expression / face / song  a doleful looking man
dole.ful.ly adv.
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doll
noun, verb
noun
1 a child’s toy in the shape of a person, especially a baby or a child: a rag doll (= one made out of fabric)
2 (old-fashioned slang, especially AmE) a word used to describe a pretty or attractive woman, now often considered offensive: She’s quite a doll.

verb
PVR V ,doll sb / yourself 'up (informal) to make yourself look attractive for a party, etc., with fashionable clothes: Are you getting dolled up for the party?

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dol.lar
noun
1 [C] (symb$) the unit of money in the US, Canada, Australia and several other countries: You will be paid in American dollars.—compare BUCK
2 [C] a BANKNOTE or coin worth one dollar: Do you have a dollar?  a dollar bill
3 (the dollar) [sing.] (finance) the value of the US dollar compared with the value of the money of other countries: The dollar closed two cents down.
IDM see BET v. , MILLION
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doll.house
noun (AmE ) = DOLL’S HOUSE
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dol.lop
noun (informal)
1 a lump of soft food, often dropped from a spoon: a dollop of whipped cream
2 an amount of sth: A dollop of romance now and then is good for everybody.
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'doll’s house
(BrE ) (AmEdoll.house) noun a toy house with small furniture and sometimes DOLLS in it for children to play with—
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dolly
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a child’s word for a DOLL
2 (especially AmE) a low platform on wheels for moving heavy objects
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'dolly-bird
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a way of referring to a young woman who is considered attractive but not very intelligent
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dol.men
noun a pair or group of upright stones with a large flat stone on top, built in ancient times to mark a place where sb was buried
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dol.phin
noun a sea animal that looks like a large fish with a pointed mouth. Dolphins are very intelligent and often friendly towards humans. There are several types of dolphin : a school of dolphins—compare PORPOISE
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dolt
noun (disapproving) a stupid person
dol.tish adj.
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-dom
suffix (in nouns)
1 the condition or state of: freedom  martyrdom
2 the rank of; an area ruled by: kingdom
3 the group of: officialdom
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do.main
noun
1 an area of knowledge or activity; especially one that sb is responsible for: The care of older people is being placed firmly within the domain of the family.  Physics used to be very much a male domain.—see also PUBLIC DOMAIN
2 lands owned or ruled by a particular person, government, etc., especially in the past: The Spice Islands were within the Spanish domains.
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dome
noun
1 a round roof with a circular base: the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral
2 a thing or a building shaped like a dome : his bald dome of a head  the Millennium Dome in London
3 (AmE) (in names) a sports STADIUM whose roof is shaped like a dome : the Houston Astrodome
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domed
adj. [usually before noun] having or shaped like a dome : a domed forehead / ceiling
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do.mes.tic
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] of or inside a particular country; not foreign or international: domestic affairs / politics  domestic flights (= to and from places within a country)  Output consists of both exports and sales on the domestic market.
2 [only before noun] used in the home; connected with the home or family: domestic appliances  domestic tasks / chores  the growing problem of domestic violence (= violence between members of the same family)  domestic service (= the work of a servant in a large house)  domestic help (= help with the work in a house; the person or people who do this work)
3 liking home life; enjoying or good at cooking, cleaning the house, etc: I’m not a very domestic sort of person.
4 (of animals) kept on farms or as pets; not wild
do.mes.tic.al.ly adv.: domestically produced goods

noun
1 (also ,domestic 'help, ,domestic 'worker) a servant who works in sb’s house, doing the cleaning and other jobs
2 (informal) a fight between two members of the same family: The police were called to sort out a domestic.

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do.mes.ti.cate
verb [vn]
1 to make a wild animal used to living with or working for humans
2 to grow plants or crops for human use
SYN CULTIVATE
3 (often humorous) to make sb good at cooking, caring for a house, etc.; to make sb enjoy home life: Some men are very hard to domesticate.
do.mes.ti.cated adj.: domesticated animals  They’ve become a lot more domesticated since they got married.
do.mes.ti.ca.tion noun [U]: the domestication of cattle
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do.mes.ti.city
noun [U] (written) home or family life: an atmosphere of happy domesticity  a life of domesticity and motherhood
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do,mestic 'science
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) = HOME ECONOMICS
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domi.cile
noun (formal orlaw ) the place where sb lives, especially when it is stated for official or legal purposes
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domi.ciled
adj. [not before noun] (formal orlaw ) living in a particular place: to be domiciled in the United Kingdom
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domi.cil.iary
adj. [only before noun] (formal) in sb’s home: a domiciliary visit (= for example, by a doctor)  domiciliary care / services / treatment
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dom.in.ant
adj.
1 more important, powerful or noticeable than other things: The firm has achieved a dominant position in the world market.  The dominant feature of the room was the large open fireplace.
2 (biology) a dominantGENE causes a person to have a particular physical characteristic, for example brown eyes, even if only one of their parents has passed on this GENE —compare RECESSIVE
dom.in.ance noun [U]: to achieve / assert dominance over sb  political / economic dominance
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dom.in.ate
verb
1 to control or have a lot of influence over sb/sth, especially in an unpleasant way: [vn] As a child he was dominated by his father.  [v] She always says a lot in meetings, but she doesn’t dominate.
2 [vn] to be the most important or noticeable feature of sth: In recent years, social policy has been dominated by cuts in spending.
3 [vn] to be the largest, highest or most obvious thing in a place: The cathedral dominates the city.
dom.in.ation noun [U]: colonial / economic / political domination  companies fighting for domination of the software market
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dom.in.eer.ing
adj. (disapproving) trying to control other people without considering their wishes, opinions or feelings: He was brought up by a cold and domineering father.  a domineering manner / personality
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Do.min.ic.an
noun a member of a Christian group of MONKS or NUNS following the rules of St Dominic
Do.min.ic.an adj.
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do.min.ion
noun
1 [U] ˜ (over sb/sth) (literary) authority to rule; control: Man has dominion over the natural world.  Soon the whole country was under his sole dominion.
2 [C] (formal) an area controlled by one ruler: the vast dominions of the Chinese Empire
3 (often Dominion) [C] (in the past) any of the countries of the British Commonwealth that had their own government—compare COLONY , PROTECTORATE
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dom.ino
noun (pl.-oes)
1 [C] a small flat block, often made of wood, marked on one side with two groups of dots representing numbers, used for playing games—
2 (dominoes) [U] a game played with a set of dominoes , in which players take turns to put them onto a table—
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'domino effect
noun [usually sing.] a situation in which one event causes a series of similar events to happen one after the other
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don
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) a teacher at a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge—see also DONNISH
2 (informal) the leader of a group of criminals involved with the Mafia

verb (-nn-) [vn] (formal) to put clothes, etc. on: He donned his jacket and went out.

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do.nate
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sb/sth)
1 to give money, food, clothes, etc. to sb/sth, especially a charity: He donated thousands of pounds to charity.
2 to allow doctors to remove blood or a body organ in order to help sb who needs it: All donated blood is tested for HIV and other infections.
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do.na.tion
noun [C, U] ˜ (to sb/sth)| ˜ (of … ) something that is given to a person or an organization such as a charity, in order to help them; the act of giving sth in this way: to make a donation to charity  a generous / large / small donation  a donation of £200 / a £200 donation  The work of the charity is funded by voluntary donations.  organ donation (= allowing doctors to use an organ from your body after your death in order to save a sick person’s life)
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done
adj., exclamation —see also DO v.
adj. [not before noun]
1 ˜ (with) finished; completed: When you’re done, perhaps I can say something.  I’ll be glad when this job is over and done with .
2 (of food) cooked enough: The meat isn’t quite done yet.
3 (BrE, informal) socially acceptable, especially among people who have a strict set of social rules: At school, it simply wasn’t done to show that you cared for anything except cricket.
IDM be 'done for (informal) to be in a very bad situation; to be certain to fail: Unless we start making some sales, we’re done for.  When he pointed the gun at me, I thought I was done for (= about to die). be done 'in (informal) to be extremely tired be the ,done 'thing (BrE) to be socially acceptable behaviour be / get 'done for sth / for doing sth (BrE, informal) to be caught and punished for doing sth illegal but not too serious: I got done for speeding on my way back. be / have 'done with sth to have finished dealing with sb, or doing or using sth: If you’ve done with that magazine, can I have a look at it? have 'done with it (BrE) to do sth unpleasant, as quickly as possible, so that it is finished: Why not tell her you’re quitting and have done with it?—more at EASY adv. , HARD adv. , SOON

exclamation used to show that you accept an offer: ‘I’ll give you £800 for it.’‘Done!’

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Don Juan
noun (informal) a man who has sex with a lot of women
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don.key
noun an animal of the horse family, with short legs and long ears. People ride donkeys or use them to carry heavy loads.
IDM 'donkey’s years (BrE, informal) a very long time: We’ve known each other for donkey’s years.  I met him once, but that was donkey’s years ago.—more at TALK v.
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'donkey jacket
noun (BrE ) a thick short coat, usually dark blue, worn especially by people working outside
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'donkey work
noun [U] (BrE , informal) the hard boring part of a job or task
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don.nish
adj. (BrE ) (of a man) serious and concerned with academic rather than practical matters: He has a somewhat donnish air about him.
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donor
noun
1 a person or an organization that makes a gift of money, clothes, food, etc. to a charity, etc: international aid donors (= countries which give money, etc. to help other countries)  She is one of the charity’s main donors.
2 a person who gives blood or a part of his or her body to be used by doctors to help sick people: a blood donor  The heart transplant will take place as soon as a suitable donor can be found.  donor organs  a donor card (= a card that you carry giving permission for doctors to use parts of your body after your death)
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don’t
short form do not
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donut
noun (especially AmE ) = DOUGHNUT
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doo.dah
(BrE ) (AmE doo.dad ) noun (informal) a small object whose name you have forgotten or do not know
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doo.dle
verb [v] to draw lines, shapes, etc., especially when you are bored or thinking about sth else: I often doodle when I’m on the phone.
doo.dle noun
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doo.hickey
noun (AmE , informal) a small object whose name you have forgotten or do not know, especially part of a machine
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doo.lal.ly
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) crazy: The poor chap’s gone doolally.
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doom
noun, verb
noun [U] death or destruction; any terrible event that you cannot avoid: to meet your doom  She had a sense of impending doom (= felt that sth very bad was going to happen).
IDM ,doom and 'gloom | ,gloom and 'doom a general feeling of having lost all hope and of PESSIMISM (= expecting things to go badly): Despite the obvious setbacks, it is not all doom and gloom for the England team. ,prophet of 'doom | 'doom merchant a person who predicts that things will go very badly: The prophets of doom who said television would kill off the book were wrong.

verb [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (to sth) to make sb/sth certain to fail, suffer, die, etc: The plan was doomed to failure .  The marriage was doomed from the start . [alsovn to inf]

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'doom-laden
adj. [usually before noun] predicting or leading to death or destruction: doom-laden economic forecasts
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doom.sayer
(especially AmE ) (BrE also doom.ster ) noun a person who says that sth very bad is going to happen
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dooms.day
noun [sing.] the last day of the world when Christians believe that everyone will be judged by God
IDM till 'doomsday (informal) a very long time; for ever: This job’s going to take me till doomsday.
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door
noun
1 a piece of wood, glass, etc. that is opened and closed so that people can get in and out of a room, building, car, etc.; a similar thing in a cupboard/closet: a knock on the door  to open / shut / close / slam / lock / bolt the door  to answer the door (= to go and open it because sb has knocked on it or rung the bell)  the front / back door (= at the entrance at the front / back of a building)  the bedroom door  the door frame  a four-door saloon car  the fridge door  Shut the door!  Close the door behind you, please.  The door closed behind him.—see also BACK-DOOR , FIRE DOOR , FRENCH DOOR , OPEN-DOOR , REVOLVING DOOR , SLIDING DOOR , STAGE DOOR , SWING DOOR , TRAPDOOR
2 the space when a door is open: Marc appeared through a door at the far end of the room.   (spoken) She’s just arrived—she’s just come in the door .   (spoken) He walked out the door .
3 the area close to the entrance of a building: There’s somebody at the door (= at the front door of a house).  ‘Can I help you?’ asked the man at the door.—see also DOORWAY
4 a building or home that is a particular number of buildings or homes away from another: the family that lives three doors up from us  Our other branch is just a few doors down the road.—see also NEXT DOOR
IDM be on the door to work at the entrance to a theatre, club, etc., for example collecting tickets from people as they enter close / shut the 'door on sth to make it unlikely that sth will happen: She was careful not to close the door on the possibility of further talks. (from) ,door to 'door from building to building: The journey takes about an hour, door to door.  a door-to-door salesman (open) the door to sth (to provide) the means of getting or reaching sth; (to create) the opportunity for sth: The agreement will open the door to increased international trade.  Our courses are the door to success in English. lay sth at sb’s 'door (formal) to say that sb is responsible for sth that has gone wrong leave the door 'open (for sth) to make sure that there is still the possibility of doing sth out of 'doors in the open air
SYN OUTDOORS : You should spend more time out of doors in the fresh air. shut / slam the door in sb’s face
1 to shut a door hard when sb is trying to come in
2 to refuse to talk to sb or meet them, in a rude way—more at BACK adj. , BARN , BEAT v. , CLOSE^1v. , CLOSED , DARKEN , DEATH , FOOT n. , OPEN v. , SHOW v. , STABLE n. , WOLF n.
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door.bell
noun a bell with a button outside a house that you push to let the people inside know that you are there: to ring the doorbell—picture at RING
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door.keeper
noun a person who guards the entrance to a large building, especially to check on people going in
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door.knob
noun a type of round handle for a door, that you turn in order to open the door
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'door knocker
noun = KNOCKER
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door.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man, often in uniform, whose job is to stand at the entrance to a large building such as a hotel or a theatre, and open the door for visitors, find them taxis, etc.—compare PORTER (3)
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door.mat
noun
1 a small piece of strong material near a door that people can clean their shoes on
2 (informal) a person who allows other people to treat them badly but usually does not complain
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door.nail
noun
IDM see DEAD adj.
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door.step
noun
1 a step outside a door of a building, or the area that is very close to the door: The police turned up on their doorstep at 3 o’clock this morning.—picture at HOUSE
2 (BrE, informal) a thick piece of bread, usually one that is made into a sandwich
IDM on the / your 'doorstep very close to where a person lives: The nightlife is great with bars and clubs right on the doorstep.
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door.stop
noun a thing that is used to stop a door from closing or to prevent it from hitting and damaging a wall when it is opened
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door.way
noun an opening into a building or a room, where the door is: She stood in the doorway for a moment before going in.  homeless people sleeping in shop doorways
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dope
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] (informal) a drug that is taken illegally for pleasure, especially CANNABIS or, in the US, HEROIN : to peddle / smoke dope
2 [U] a drug that is taken by a person or given to an animal to affect their performance in a race or sport: The athlete failed a dope test (= a medical test showed that he had taken such drugs).
3 [C] (informal) a stupid person
4 [U] the ~ (on sb/sth) (informal) information on sb/sth, especially details that are not generally known: Give me the dope on the new boss.

verb [vn]
1 to give a drug to a person or an animal in order to affect their performance in a race or sport
2 to give sb a drug, often in their food or drink, in order to make them unconscious: Thieves doped a guard dog and stole $10 000 worth of goods.  The wine was doped.
3 ~ sb (up) [usually passive] (informal) if sb is doped or doped up, they cannot think clearly or act normally because they are under the influence of drugs

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dopey
adj. (informal)
1 rather stupid: a dopey grin
2 not fully awake or thinking clearly, sometimes because you have taken a drug: I felt dopey and drowsy after the operation.
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dork
noun (informal) a stupid or boring person that other people laugh at
dorky adj.
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dorm
noun (informal) = DORMITORY
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dor.mant
adj. not active or growing now but able to become active or to grow in the future: a dormant volcano  During the winter the seeds lie dormant in the soil.
dor.mancy noun [U]
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,dormer 'window
(also dormer) noun a vertical window in a room that is built into a sloping roof—picture at HOUSE , THATCH
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dor.mi.tory
noun (pl.-ies) (also informal dorm)
1 a room for several people to sleep in, especially in a school or other institution
2 (AmE) = HALL OF RESIDENCE
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'dormitory town
(BrE ) (AmE 'bedroom community, 'bedroom suburb) noun a town that people live in and from where they travel to work in a bigger town or city
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dor.mouse
noun (pl.dor.mice ) a small animal like a mouse, with a tail covered in fur
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dor.sal
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) on or connected with the back of a fish or an animal: a shark’s dorsal fin—
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dos.age
noun [usually sing.] an amount of sth, usually a medicine or a drug, that is taken regularly over a particular period of time: a high / low dosage  to increase / reduce the dosage  Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
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do’s and don’ts
DO^1n.
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dose
noun, verb
noun
1 an amount of a medicine or a drug that is taken once, or regularly over a period of time: a high / low / lethal dose  Repeat the dose after 12 hours if necessary.
2 (informal) an amount of sth: A dose of flu kept me off work for two weeks.  Workers at the nuclear plant were exposed to high doses of radiation.  I can cope with her in small doses (= for short amounts of time).
IDM like a dose of 'salts (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) very fast and easily—more at MEDICINE

verb [vn] ~ sb / yourself (up) (with sth) to give sb/yourself a medicine or drug: She dosed herself up with vitamin pills.  He was heavily dosed with painkillers.

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dosh
noun [U] (BrE , slang) money
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doss
verb, noun
verb [v] (BrE , slang)
1 ~ (down) to sleep somewhere, especially somewhere uncomfortable or without a real bed: You can doss down on my floor.
2 ~ (about / around) to spend your time not doing very much: We were just dossing about in lessons today.

noun (BrE , slang) something that does not need much effort

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doss.er
noun (BrE )
1 a person who has no permanent home and who lives and sleeps on the streets or in cheap HOSTELS
2 (spoken) a person who is very lazy
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doss.house
(BrE ) (AmE flop.house) noun (slang) a cheap place to stay for people who have no home
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dos.sier
noun ~ (on sb/sth) a collection of documents that contain information about a person, an event or a subject
SYN FILE : to assemble / compile a dossier  We have a dossier on him.
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dot
noun, verb
noun a small round mark, especially one that is printed: There are dots above the letters i and j.  Text and graphics are printed at 300 dots per inch.  The helicopters appeared as two black dots on the horizon.
IDM on the 'dot (informal) exactly on time or at the exact time mentioned: The taxi showed up on the dot.  Breakfast is served at 8 on the dot.—more at YEAR

verb (-tt-) [vn]
1 to put a dot above or next to a letter or word: Why do you never dot your i’s?
2 [usually passive] to spread things or people over an area; to be spread over an area: The countryside was dotted with small villages.  Small villages dot the countryside.  There are lots of Italian restaurants dotted around London.
3 ~ A on / over B| ~ B with A to put very small amounts of sth in a number of places on a surface: Dot the cream all over your face.  Dot your face with the cream.
IDM dot your ,i’s and cross your 't’s to pay attention to the small details when you are finishing a task

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dot.age
noun
IDM be in your dotage to be old and not always able to think clearly
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dote
verb
PVR V 'dote on / upon sb to feel and show great love for sb, ignoring their faults: He dotes on his children.
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dot.ing
adj. [only before noun] showing a lot of love for sb, often ignoring their faults: a doting mother / father
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,dot 'matrix printer
noun a machine that prints letters, numbers, etc. formed from very small dots
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dot.ted
adj.
1 covered in dots
2 [only before noun] (music) (of a musical note) followed by a DOT to show that it is one and a half times the length of an ordinary note: (BrE) a dotted minim   (AmE) a dotted half note
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,dot.ted 'line
noun a line made of dots: Country boundaries are shown on this map as dotted lines.  A page break is represented as a dotted line on screen.  Fold along the dotted line.  Write your name on the dotted line.
IDM see SIGN v.
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dotty
adj. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal)
1 slightly crazy or silly
SYN ECCENTRIC
2 ~ about sb/sth having romantic feelings for sb; being enthusiastic about sth
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double
adj., det., adv., noun, verb
adj. [usually before noun]
TWICE AS MUCH / MANY|
1 twice as much or as many as usual: a double helping  two double whiskies
WITH TWO PARTS|
2 having or made of two things or parts that are equal or similar: double doors  a double-page advertisement  ‘Otter’ is spelt with a double t.  My extension is two four double 0 (2400).
FOR TWO PEOPLE|
3 made for two people or things: a double bed / room—compare SINGLE adj. (4)
COMBINING TWO THINGS|
4 combining two things or qualities: a double meaning / purpose / aim  It has the double advantage of being both easy and cheap.

det.
TWICE AS MUCH / MANY| twice as much or as many as: His income is double hers.  He earns double what she does.  We need double the amount we already have.

adv.
IN TWO PARTS| in twos or in two parts: I thought I was seeing double (= seeing two of sth).  Fold the blanket double.  I had to bend double to get under the table.

noun
TWICE AS MUCH / MANY|
1 [U] twice the number or amount: He gets paid double for doing the same job I do.
ALCOHOLIC DRINK|
2 [C] a glass of strong alcoholic drink containing twice the usual amount: Two Scotches, please—and make those doubles, will you?
PERSON / THING|
3 [C] a person or thing that looks exactly like another: She’s the double of her mother.
4 [C] an actor who replaces another actor in a film/movie to do dangerous or other special things—see also BODY DOUBLE
BEDROOM|
5 [C] = DOUBLE ROOM : Is that a single or a double you want?—compare SINGLE n. (3)
IN SPORT|
6 (doubles) [pl.] a game, especially of tennis, in which one pair plays another: mixed doubles (= in which each pair consists of a man and a woman)—compare SINGLES n. (5)
7 (the double) [sing.] the fact of winning two important competitions or beating the same player or team twice, in the same season or year at the 'double (BrE) (AmE on the 'double) (informal) quickly; hurrying ,double or 'quits (BrE) (AmE ,double or 'nothing) (in gambling) a risk in which you could win twice the amount you pay, or you could lose all your money

verb
BECOME TWICE AS MUCH / MANY|
1 to become, or make sth become, twice as much or as many: [v] Membership almost doubled in two years.  [vn] Double all the quantities in the recipe to make enough for eight people.
FOLD|
2 [vn] ~ sth (over) to bend or fold sth so that there are two layers: She doubled the blanket and put it under his head.
IN BASEBALL|
3 [v] to hit the ball far enough for you to get to second BASE : He doubled to left field. 'double as sth| ,double 'up as sth to have another use or function as well as the main one: The kitchen doubles as a dining room. ,double 'back to turn back and go in the direction you have come from ,double 'up (on sth / with sb) (informal) to form a pair in order to do sth or to share sth: We’ll have to double up on books; there aren’t enough to go around.  They only have one room left: you’ll have to double up with Peter. ,double 'up / 'over| ,double sb 'up / 'over to bend or to make your body bend over quickly, for example because you are in pain: Jo doubled up with laughter.  I was doubled over with pain.

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'double act
noun two people who work together, usually to entertain an audience
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,double 'agent
noun a person who is a SPY for a particular country, and also for another country which is an enemy of the first one
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,double-'barrelled
(BrE ) (AmE,double-'barreled) adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of a gun) having two BARRELS (= places where the bullets come out)
2 (BrE) (of a family name) having two parts, sometimes joined by a HYPHEN , for example ‘Day-Lewis’
3 (AmE) (of a plan, etc.) having two parts, and therefore likely to be effective
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,double 'bass
(also bass) noun the largest musical instrument in the violin family, that plays very low notes—
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,double 'bill
(AmE also ,double 'feature) noun two films/movies, television programmes, etc. that are shown one after the other: a cartoon double bill
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,double 'bind
noun [usually sing.] a situation in which it is difficult to choose what to do because whatever you choose will have negative results
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,double 'bluff
noun a way of trying to deceive sb by telling them the truth while hoping that they think you are lying
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,double-'book
verb [vn] [often passive] to promise the same room, seat, table, etc. to two different people at the same time—compare OVERBOOK
,double-'booking noun [C, U]
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,double-'breasted
adj. a double-breasted jacket or coat has two front parts so that one part covers the other when the buttons are done up, and two rows of buttons can be seen—compare SINGLE-BREASTED —
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,double-'check
verb to check sth for a second time or with great care: [vn] I’ll double-check the figures. [alsov, v (that)]
,double-'check noun
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,double 'chin
noun a fold of fat under a person’s chin, that looks like another chin
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,double-'cross
verb [vn] to cheat or deceive sb who trusts you (usually in connection with sth illegal or dishonest): He double-crossed the rest of the gang and disappeared with all the money.
,double-'cross noun [usually sing.]
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,double-'dealer
noun (informal) a dishonest person who deceives other people
,double-'dealing noun [U]
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,double-'decker
noun
1 a bus with two floors, one on top of the other—compare SINGLE-DECKER —picture at BUS
2 (AmE) a sandwich made from three pieces of bread with two layers of food between them—
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,double 'digits
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = DOUBLE FIGURES
,double-'digit adj. (AmE) = DOUBLE-FIGURE
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,double 'Dutch
noun [U] (BrE , informal) speech or writing that is impossible to understand, and that seems to be nonsense
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,double-'edged
adj.
1 (of a knife, etc.) having two cutting edges
2 (of a remark, comment, etc.) having two possible meanings
SYN AMBIGUOUS
3 having two different parts or uses, often parts that contrast with each other: the double-edged quality of life in a small town—security and boredom
IDM be a double-edged 'sword / 'weapon to be sth that has both advantages and disadvantages
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double en.ten.dre
noun (from French ) a word or phrase that can be understood in two different ways, one of which usually refers to sex
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,double 'feature
noun (AmE ) = DOUBLE BILL
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,double 'figures
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,double 'digits) noun [pl.] used to describe a number that is not less than 10 and not more than 99: Inflation is in double figures .
,double-'figure (especially BrE) (AmE usually ,double-'digit) adj. [only before noun]: a double-figure pay rise
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,double 'glazing
noun [U] (especially BrE ) windows that have two layers of glass with a space between them, designed to make the room warmer and to reduce noise: We’re having double-glazing fitted.
,double-'glaze verb [vn]
,double-'glazed adj.: double-glazed windows
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,double 'jeopardy
noun (AmE, law ) the fact of taking sb to a court of law twice for the same crime, or punishing sb twice for the same reason
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,double-'jointed
adj. having joints in your fingers, arms, etc. that allow you to bend them both backwards and forwards
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,double 'life
noun a life of a person who leads two different lives which are kept separate from each other, usually because one of them involves secret, often illegal or immoral, activities: to live / lead a double life
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,double-'park
verb [usually passive] to park a car or other vehicle beside one that is already parked in a street: [vn] A red sports car stood double-parked almost in the middle of the road.  I’ll have to rush—I’m double-parked. [alsov]
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,double 'quick
adv. (BrE , informal) very quickly
,double-'quick adj. [only before noun]: The TV was repaired in double-quick time .
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,double 'room
(also double) noun a bedroom for two people
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double.speak
(also 'double.talk) noun [U] language that is intended to deceive people, or that can be understood in two different ways
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,double 'standard
noun a rule or moral principle that is unfair because it is used in one situation, but not in another, or because it treats one group of people differently from another
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doub.let
noun a short, tightly fitting jacket worn by men from the 14th to the 17th century: dressed in doublet and hose
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,double 'take
noun if you do a double take, you wait for a moment before you react to sth that has happened, because it is very surprising
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double.talk
noun [U] = DOUBLESPEAK
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,double 'time
noun [U] twice sb’s normal pay, that they earn for working at times which are not normal working hours
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doubly
adv. (used before adjectives)
1 more than usual: doubly difficult / hard / important  I made doubly sure I locked all the doors when I went out.
2 in two ways; for two reasons: I was doubly attracted to the house—by its size and its location.
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doubt
noun, verb
noun [U, C] ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ (as to sth) a feeling of being uncertain about sth or not believing sth: a feeling of doubt and uncertainty  There is some doubt about the best way to do it.  There is no doubt at all that we did the right thing.  New evidence has cast doubt on the guilt of the man jailed for the crime.  The article raised doubts about how effective the new drug really was.  If you are in any doubt as to whether you should be doing these exercises, consult your doctor.  She knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was lying to her.  Whether he will continue to be successful in future is open to doubt .
IDM beyond (any) 'doubt in a way that shows that sth is completely certain: The research showed beyond doubt that smoking contributes to heart disease.   (law) The prosecution was able to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the woman had been lying. be in 'doubt to be uncertain: The success of the system is not in doubt. have your 'doubts (about sth) to have reasons why you are not certain about whether sth is good or whether sth good will happen: I’ve had my doubts about his work since he joined the firm.  It may be all right. Personally, I have my doubts. if in 'doubt used to give advice to sb who cannot decide what to do: If in doubt, wear black. ,no 'doubt
1 used when you are saying that sth is probable: No doubt she’ll call us when she gets there.
2 used when you are saying that sth is certainly true: He’s made some great movies. There’s no doubt about it . without / beyond 'doubt used when you are giving your opinion and emphasizing the point that you are making: This meeting has been, without doubt, one of the most useful we have had so far.—more at BENEFIT n.

verb
1 to feel uncertain about sth; to feel that sth is not true, will probably not happen, etc: There seems no reason to doubt her story.  ‘Do you think England will win?’—‘I doubt it .’  [v (that)] I never doubted (that) she would come.  [v wh-] I doubt whether / if the new one will be any better.
2 [vn] to not trust sb/sth; to not believe sb: I had no reason to doubt him.
doubt.er noun

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doubt.ful
adj.
1 ~ (about sth)| ~ (about doing sth) (of a person) not sure; uncertain and feeling doubt: Rose was doubtful about the whole idea.  He was doubtful about accepting extra work.
2 ~ (if / that / whether … ) unlikely; not probable: It’s doubtful if this painting is a Picasso.  With her injuries it’s doubtful that she’ll ever walk again.  It’s doubtful whether the car will last another year.  Giggs is injured and is doubtful for the game tomorrow (= unlikely to play).
3 [not usually before noun] (of a thing) uncertain and likely to get worse: At the beginning of the war things were looking very doubtful.
4 [only before noun] of low value; probably not genuine and that you cannot rely on: This wine is of doubtful quality.
doubt.ful.ly adv.
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doubt.ing Thomas
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) a person who is unlikely to believe sth until they see proof of it
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doubt.less
adv. (also less frequent doubt.less.ly) (written) almost certainly: He would doubtless disapprove of what Kelly was doing.
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douche
noun a method of washing inside a woman’s VAGINA using a stream of water
douche verb [v, vn]
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dough
noun
1 [U, sing.] a mixture of flour, water, etc. that is made into bread and pastry: Knead the dough on a floured surface.
2 [U] (old-fashioned, slang) money
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dough.nut
(also donut especially in AmE) noun a small cake made of fried dough , usually in the shape of a ring or round and filled with jam/jelly, fruit, cream, etc.—
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doughty
adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned) brave and strong
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doula
noun (AmE ) a woman whose role is to provide emotional support to a woman who is giving birth—compare MIDWIFE
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dour
adj.
1 (of a person) giving the impression of being unfriendly and severe
2 (of a thing, a place, or a situation) not pleasant; with no features that make it lively or interesting: The city, drab and dour by day, is transformed at night.  The game proved to be a dour struggle, with both men determined to win.
dour.ly adv.
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douse
(also dowse) verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) to stop a fire from burning by pouring water over it; to put out a light: He doused the flames with a fire extinguisher.
2 ~ sb/sth (in / with sth) to pour a lot of liquid over sb/sth; to soak sb/sth in liquid: The car was doused in petrol and set alight.
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dove^1
noun
1 a bird of the PIGEON family. The white dove is often used as a symbol of peace: A dove cooed softly.  He wore a dove-grey suit.—see also TURTLE DOVE
2 a person, especially a politician, who prefers peace and discussion to war—compare HAWK
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dove^2
(AmE) pt of DIVE
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dove.cote
(also dove.cot ) noun a small building for DOVES or PIGEONS to live in
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dove.tail
verb, noun
verb (formal) ~ (sth) (with / into sth) if two things dovetail or if one thing dovetails with another, they fit together well: [v] My plans dovetailed nicely with hers. [alsovn]

noun (also ,dovetail 'joint) a joint for fixing two pieces of wood together

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dow.ager
noun
1 a woman of high social rank who has a title from her dead husband: the dowager Duchess of Norfolk
2 (informal) an impressive, usually rich, old woman
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dowdy
adj.
1 (of a woman) not attractive or fashionable: He had a rather dowdy wife and several children.
2 (of a thing) dull or boring and not attractive: a dowdy dress
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down
adv., prep., verb, adj., noun
adv.
HELP For the special uses of down in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example climb down is in the phrasal verb section at climb.
1 to or at a lower place or position: She jumped down off the chair.  He looked down at her.  We watched as the sun went down.  She bent down to pick up her glove.  Mary’s not down yet (= she is still upstairs).  The baby can’t keep any food down (= in her body).
2 from a standing or upright position to a sitting or horizontal one: Please sit down.  He had to go and lie down for a while.
3 at a lower level or rate: Prices have gone down recently.  We’re already two goals down (= the other team has two goals more).
4 used to show that the amount or strength of sth is lower, or that there is less activity: Turn the music down!  The class settled down and she began the lesson.
5 (in a CROSSWORD ) reading from top to bottom, not from side to side: I can’t do 3 down.
6 to or in the south of a country: They flew down to Texas.  Houses are more expensive down south.
7 on paper; on a list: Did you get that down?  I always write everything down.  Have you got me down for the trip?
8 used to show the limits in a range or an order: Everyone will be there, from the Principal down.
9 having lost the amount of money mentioned: At the end of the day we were £20 down.
10 if you pay an amount of money down, you pay that to start with, and the rest later
11 (informal) used to say how far you have got in a list of things you have to do: Well, I’ve seen six apartments so far. That’s six down and four to go!
IDM be down to sb (informal) to be the responsibility of sb: It’s down to you to check the door. be down to sb/sth to be caused by a particular person or thing: She claimed her problems were down to the media. be down to sth to have only a little money left: I’m down to my last dollar. be / go down with sth to have or catch an illness down through sth (written) during a long period of time: Down through the years this town has seen many changes. down 'under (informal) in Australia down with sb/sth used to say that you are opposed to sth, or to a person: The crowds chanted ‘Down with NATO!’

prep.
1 from a high or higher point on sth to a lower one: The stone rolled down the hill.  Tears ran down her face.  Her hair hung down her back to her waist.
2 along; towards the direction in which you are facing: He lives just down the street.  Go down the road till you reach the traffic lights.  There’s a bridge a mile down the river from here.
3 all through a period of time: an exhibition of costumes down the ages (= from all periods of history)

verb [vn] (informal)
1 to finish a drink or eat sth quickly: We downed our coffees and left.
2 to force sb/sth down to the ground: to down a plane
IDM ,down 'tools (BrE) (of workers) to stop work; to go on strike

adj. [not before noun]
1 (informal) sad or depressed: I feel a bit down today.
2 (of a computer or computer system) not working: The system was down all morning.—see also DOWN TIME
IDM see HIT v. , KICK v. , LUCK n. , MOUTH n.

noun [U]—see also DOWNS
1 the very fine soft feathers of a bird: duck down
2 fine soft hair—see also DOWNY
IDM have a 'down on sb/sth (BrE, informal) to have a bad opinion of sb and not treat them well—more at UP n.

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,down-and-'out
noun a person who has no home or money and lives on the streets
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,down at 'heel
adj. looking less attractive and fashionable than before, usually because of a lack of money: The town has become very down at heel.  a down-at-heel hotel
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down.beat
adj. (informal)
1 dull or depressing; not hopeful about the future: The overall mood of the meeting was downbeat.
OPP UPBEAT
2 not showing strong feelings or enthusiasm
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down.cast
adj. (written)
1 (of eyes) looking down: Eyes downcast, she continued eating and did not speak again.
2 (of a person or an expression) sad or depressed: A group of downcast men stood waiting for food.
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down.er
noun (informal)
1 [usually pl.] a drug, especially a BARBITURATE , that relaxes you or makes you want to sleep—compare UPPER
2 an experience that makes you feel sad or depressed: Not getting the promotion was a real downer.  He’s really on a downer isn’t he? (= very depressed)
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down.fall
noun [sing.] the loss of a person’s money, power, social position, etc.; the thing that causes this: The sex scandal finally led to his downfall.  Greed was her downfall.
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down.grade
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (from sth) (to sth) to move sb/sth down to a lower rank or level: She’s been downgraded from principal to vice-principal.
2 to make sth/sb seem less important or valuable than it/they really are—compare UPGRADE
down.grad.ing noun [U, C]: a downgrading of diplomatic relations
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down.heart.ed
adj. [not before noun] feeling depressed or sad: We’re disappointed by these results but we’re not downhearted.
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down.hill
adv., adj., noun
adv. towards the bottom of a hill; in a direction that goes down: to run / walk / cycle downhill
OPP UPHILL
IDM ,go down'hill to get worse in quality, health, etc.
SYN DETERIORATE : Their marriage went downhill after the first child was born.

adj. going or sloping towards the bottom of a hill: a downhill path
OPP UPHILL
IDM be (all) downhill | be ,downhill all the 'way (informal)
1 to be easy compared to what came before: It’s all downhill from here. We’ll soon be finished.
2 becoming worse or less successful: It’s been all downhill for his career since then, with four defeats in five games.  I started work as a journalist and it was downhill all the way for my health.

noun [U] the type of skiing in which you go directly down a mountain; a race in which people ski down a mountain—compare CROSS-COUNTRY —picture at SKIING

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,down-'home
adj. (AmE ) used to describe a person or thing that reminds you of a simple way of life, typical of the country, not the town
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Down.ing Street
noun [sing.] (not used with the) a way of referring to the British PRIME MINISTER and government, taken from the name of the street where the PRIME MINISTER lives: Downing Street issued a statement late last night.
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down.load
verb [vn] (computing ) to move data to a smaller computer system from a larger one—compare LOAD
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down.mark.et
(BrE ) (AmE down.scale) adj. (disapproving) cheap and of poor quality: The company wants to break away from its downmarket image.
OPP UPMARKET
down.mark.et adv.: To get more viewers the TV station will have to go downmarket .
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down.play
verb [vn] to make people think that sth is less important than it really is: The coach is downplaying the team’s poor performance.
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down.pour
noun [usually sing.] a heavy fall of rain that often starts suddenly
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down.right
adj. [only before noun] used as a way of emphasizing sth negative or unpleasant: There was suspicion and even downright hatred between them.
down.right adv.: She couldn’t think of anything to say that wasn’t downright rude.  It’s not just stupid—it’s downright dangerous.
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down.river
adv. = DOWNSTREAM
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downs
noun (the downs) [pl.] an area of open land with low hills, especially in southern England: the South Downs
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down.scale
adj., adv. (AmE ) = DOWNMARKET
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down.shift
verb [v]
1 (AmE) to change to a lower GEAR in a vehicle
2 to change to a job or style of life where you may earn less but which puts less pressure on you and involves less stress
down.shift noun [C, U] down.shift.er noun
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down.side
noun [sing.] the disadvantages or less positive aspects of sth
OPP UPSIDE
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down.size
verb [v, vn] (business ) to reduce the number of people who work in a company, business, etc. in order to reduce costs
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down.spout
noun (AmE ) = DRAINPIPE
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'Down’s syndrome
noun [U] an ABNORMAL condition in which a person is born with a wide, flat face, sloping eyes and a mental ability that is below average
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down.stairs
adv., noun
adv. down the stairs; on or to a floor or a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level: She rushed downstairs and burst into the kitchen.  Wait downstairs in the hall.
OPP UPSTAIRS
down.stairs adj. [only before noun]: a downstairs bathroom

noun [sing.] the lower floor of a house or building, especially the one at ground level: We’re painting the downstairs.
OPP UPSTAIRS

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down.stream
(also less frequent down.river) adv. ~ (of / from sth) in the direction in which a river flows: to drift / float downstream  downstream of / from the bridge
OPP UPSTREAM
down.stream adj.: downstream areas
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'down time
noun [U] the time during which a machine, especially a computer, is not working
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,down-to-'earth
adj. (approving) sensible and practical, in a way that is helpful and friendly: She was friendly and down-to-earth and quickly put me at my ease.
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down.town
adv. (especially AmE ) in or towards the centre of a city, especially its main business area: to go / work downtown—compare MIDTOWN , TOWN CENTRE , UPTOWN
down.town adj.: a downtown store
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down.trend
noun [sing.] (AmE ) a situation in which business activity or performance decreases or becomes worse over a period of time
OPP UPTREND
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down.trod.den
adj. downtrodden people are treated so badly by the people with authority and power that they no longer have the energy or ability to fight back
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down.turn
noun [usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a fall in the amount of business that is done; a time when the economy becomes weaker: a downturn in sales / trade / business  the economic downturn of the late 1990s
OPP UPTURN
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down.ward
adj. [usually before noun] moving or pointing towards a lower level: the downward slope of a hill  A rise in interest rates would reverse the downward trend in inflation.  She was trapped in a downward spiral of personal unhappiness.
OPP UPWARD
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down.wards
(also down.ward especially in AmE) adv. towards the ground or towards a lower level: She was lying face downwards on the grass.  The garden sloped gently downwards to the river.  It was a policy welcomed by world leaders from the US president downwards.
OPP UPWARDS
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down.wind
adv. ~ (of sth) in the direction in which the wind is blowing: sailing downwind  Warnings were issued to people living downwind of the fire to stay indoors.
OPP UPWIND
down.wind adj.
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downy
adj. covered in sth very soft, especially hair or feathers—see also DOWN n.
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dowry
noun (pl.-ies)
1 money and/or property that, in some societies, a wife or her family must pay to her husband when they get married
2 money and/or property that, in some societies, a husband must pay to his wife’s family when they get married
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dowse
verb
1 [v] to look for underground water or minerals by using a special stick or rod that moves when it comes near water, etc.
2 = DOUSE
dowser noun
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doyen
(femininedoy.enne ) (AmE usually dean) noun the most respected or most experienced member of a group or profession: Clive James, that doyen of television critics …
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doz.
abbr. (in writing) DOZEN : 2 doz. eggs
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doze
verb, noun
verb [v] to sleep lightly for a short time: I dozed fitfully until dawn.
PVR V ,doze 'off to go to sleep, especially during the day: She dozed off in front of the fire.

noun [sing.] a short period of sleep, usually during the day: I had a doze on the train.

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dozen
noun, det. (pl.dozen)
1 [C] (abbr.doz.) a group of twelve of the same thing: Give me a dozen, please.  two dozen eggs  three dozen red roses
2 [C] a group of approximately twelve people or things: several dozen / a few dozen people  The company employs no more than a couple of dozen people.  Only about half a dozen people turned up.  There was only space for a half-dozen tables.
3 (dozens) [pl.] ~ (of sth) (informal) a lot of people or things: They arrived in dozens (= in large numbers).  I’ve been there dozens of times.
IDM see BAKER , DIME , NINETEEN , SIX
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dozy
adj. (informal)
1 not looking or feeling awake
2 (BrE) stupid; not intelligent
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DPhil
noun (BrE ) the abbreviation for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’: to be / have / do a DPhil  James Mendelssohn DPhil
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DPP
abbr. (in England and Wales) DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
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Dr
(BrE ) (also Dr.AmE, BrE) abbr.
1 (in writing) Doctor: Dr (Jane) Walker
2 (in street names) DRIVE
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drab
adj. (drab.ber, drab.best) without interest or colour; dull and boring: a cold drab little office  drab women, dressed in browns and greys
drab.ness [U]
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drabs
noun
IDM see DRIBS
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drachma
noun (pl.drachmas or drachmae ) the unit of money in Greece
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dra.co.nian
adj. (formal) (of a law, punishment, etc.) extremely harsh and severe: a call for draconian measures against drug-related crime
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draft
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [C] a rough written version of sth that is not yet in its final form: I’ve made a rough draft of the letter.  This is only the first draft of my speech.  the final draft (= the final version)  The legislation is still in draft form.  a draft constitution / treaty / agreement
2 [C] (finance) a written order to a bank to pay money to sb: Payment must be made by bank draft drawn on a UK bank.
3 (the draft) [sing.] (especially AmE) = CONSCRIPTION
4 [sing.] (AmE) a system in which professional teams in some sports choose players each year from among college students
5 [C] (AmE) = DRAUGHT

adj. (AmE ) = DRAUGHT

verb (also draught especially in BrE) [vn]
1 to write the first rough version of sth such as a letter, speech, or book: to draft a constitution / contract / bill  I’ll draft a letter for you.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to choose people and send them somewhere for a special task: Extra police are being drafted in to control the crowds.
3 [usually passive] (AmE) = CONSCRIPT : He had been drafted to fight in the Vietnam war.  They were drafted into the army.

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'draft dodger
noun (AmE , disapproving) a person who illegally tries to avoid doing military service—compare CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR
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draft.ee
noun (AmE ) = CONSCRIPT
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draft.er
noun
1 a person who prepares a rough version of a plan, document, etc.
2 (AmE) = DRAFTSMAN (2)
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drafts.man, drafts.woman
noun (pl.-men ) (pl.-women )
1 (AmE) = DRAUGHTSMAN , DRAUGHTSWOMAN
2 (AmE also drafter) a person who writes official or legal documents: the draftsmen of the treaty / bill / constitution
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drafts.pers.on
noun (AmE ) = DRAUGHTSMAN (1)
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drafty
(AmE ) = DRAUGHTY
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drag
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
PULL|
1 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to pull sb/sth along with effort and difficulty: I dragged the chair over to the window.  They dragged her from her bed.
MOVE SLOWLY|
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move yourself slowly and with effort: [vn] I managed to drag myself out of bed.  [v] She always drags behind when we walk anywhere.
PERSUADE SB TO GO|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to persuade sb to come or go somewhere they do not really want to come or go to: I’m sorry to drag you all this way in the heat.  The party was so good I couldn’t drag myself away.
OF TIME|
4 [v] (of time or an event) to pass very slowly: Time dragged terribly.  The meeting really dragged.—see also DRAG ON
TOUCH GROUND|
5 to move, or make sth move, partly touching the ground: [v] This dress is too long—it drags on the ground when I walk.  [vn] He was dragging his coat in the mud.
SEARCH RIVER|
6 [vn] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to search the bottom of a river, lake, etc. with nets or hooks: They dragged the canal for the missing children.
COMPUTING|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move some text, an ICON , etc. across the screen of a computer using the mouse drag your 'feet / 'heels to be deliberately slow in doing sth or in making a decision—more at BOOTSTRAP ,drag sb<->'down to make sb feel weak or unhappy ,drag sb/sth<->'down (to sth) to bring sb/sth to a lower social or economic level, a lower standard of behaviour, etc: If he fails, he’ll drag us all down with him. ,drag sth/sb 'into sth| ,drag sth/sb<->'in
1 to start to talk about sth/sb that has nothing to do with what is being discussed: Do you have to drag politics into everything?
2 to try to get sb involved in a situation who is not connected with it: Don’t drag the children into our argument. ,drag 'on (disapproving) to go on for too long: The dispute has dragged on for months. ,drag sth<->'out to make sth last longer than necessary
SYN PROLONG : Let’s not drag out this discussion; we need to reach a decision. ,drag sth 'out of sb to make sb say sth they do not want to say: We dragged a confession out of him. ,drag sth<->'up to mention an unpleasant story, fact, etc. that people do not want to remember or talk about: Why do you have to keep dragging up my divorce?

noun
BORING PERSON / THING|
1 [sing.] (informal) a boring person or thing; sth that is annoying: He’s such a drag.  Walking’s a drag—let’s drive there.  Having to work late every day is a drag.
SB / STH STOPPING PROGRESS|
2 [sing.] ~ on sb/sth (informal) a person or thing that makes progress difficult: He came to be seen as a drag on his own party’s prospects.
ON CIGARETTE|
3 [C] (informal) an act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette, etc: She took a long drag on her cigarette.
WOMEN’S CLOTHES|
4 [U] (informal) clothes that are usually worn by the opposite sex (usually women’s clothes worn by men): He performed in drag.  a drag queen (= a man dressed in women’s clothes usually in order to entertain people)
PHYSICS|
5 [U] the force of the air that acts against the movement of an aircraft or other vehicle—see also MAIN DRAG —compare LIFT

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dragon
noun
1 (in stories) a large fierce animal with wings and a long tail, that can breathe out fire
2 (disapproving, especially BrE) a woman who behaves in a fierce and frightening way
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dragon.fly
noun (pl.-ies) an insect with a long thin body, often brightly coloured, and two pairs of large transparent wings. Dragonflies are often seen over water.—
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drag.oon
noun, verb
noun a soldier in the past who rode a horse and carried a gun

verb
PVR V dra'goon sb into sth / into doing sth (written) to force or persuade sb to do sth that they do not want to do

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drain
verb, noun
verb
1 to make sth empty or dry by removing all the liquid from it; to become empty or dry in this way: [vn] Drain and rinse the pasta.  The marshes have been drained.  You will need to drain the central heating system before you replace the radiator.  [v] The swimming pool drains very slowly.  Leave the dishes to drain.
2 ~ (sth) (from / out of sth)| ~ (sth) (away / off) to make liquid flow away from sth; to flow away: [vn] We had to drain the oil out of the engine.  Drain off the excess fat from the meat.  [v] She pulled out the plug and the water drained away.  The river drains into a lake.  All the colour drained from his face when I told him the news   (figurative) My anger slowly drained away.
3 [vn] to empty a cup or glass by drinking everything in it: (written) In one gulp, he drained the glass.  She quickly drained the last of her drink.
4 [vn] ~ sb/sth (of sth) to make sb/sth weaker, poorer, etc. by using up their/its strength, money, etc: My mother’s hospital expenses were slowly draining my income.  I felt drained of energy.  The experience left her emotionally drained .  an exhausting and draining experience

noun
1 [C] a pipe that carries away dirty water or other liquid waste: We had to call in a plumber to unblock the drain.  The drains (= the system of pipes) date from the beginning of the century.
2 [C] (BrE) (AmE grate, 'sewer grate) a frame of metal bars over the opening to a drain in the ground—picture at HOUSE
3 [C] (AmE) = PLUGHOLE
4 [sing.] ~ on sb/sth a thing that uses a lot of the time, money, etc. that could be used for sth else: Military spending is a huge drain on the country’s resources.—see also BRAIN DRAIN
IDM (go) down the 'drain (BrE also (go) down the 'plughole) (informal) (to be) wasted; (to get) very much worse: It’s just money down the drain, you know.  Safety standards have gone down the drain.—more at LAUGH v.

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drain.age
noun [U]
1 the process by which water or liquid waste is drained from an area: a drainage system / channel / ditch  The area has good natural drainage.
2 a system of drains
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drained
adj. [not usually before noun] very tired and without energy: She suddenly felt totally drained.
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'draining board
(BrE ) (AmE 'drain.board) noun the area next to a kitchen SINK where cups, plates, etc. are put for the water to run off, after they have been washed
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drain.pipe
noun
1 (AmE also down.spout) a pipe that carries RAINWATER from the roof of a building to a DRAIN —picture at HOUSE
2 a pipe that carries dirty water or other liquid waste away from a building
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drake
noun a male duck
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dram
noun (especially ScotE ) a small amount of an alcoholic drink, especially whisky
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drama
noun
1 [C] a play for the theatre, television or radio: a costume / historical drama
2 [U] plays considered as a form of literature: classical / Elizabethan / modern drama  a drama critic  a drama student  I studied English and Drama at college.
3 [C] an exciting event: A powerful human drama was unfolding before our eyes.
4 [U, C] excitement: You couldn’t help being thrilled by the drama of the situation.
IDM make a drama out of sth to make a small problem or event seem more important or serious than it really is
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dra.mat.ic
adj.
1 (of a change, an event, etc.) sudden, very great and often surprising: a dramatic increase / fall / change / improvement  dramatic results / developments / news  The announcement had a dramatic effect on house prices.
2 exciting and impressive: a dramatic victory / ending  They watched dramatic pictures of the police raid on TV.
3 [usually before noun] connected with the theatre or plays: a local dramatic society
4 exaggerated in order to create a special effect and attract people’s attention: He flung out his arms in a dramatic gesture.  Don’t be so dramatic!
dra.mat.ic.al.ly adv.: Prices have fallen dramatically.  At any point events could have developed in a dramatically different way.  ‘At last!’ she cried dramatically.
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dra,matic 'irony
noun [U] a situation in a play when a character’s words carry an extra meaning to the audience because they know more than the character, especially about what is going to happen
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dra.mat.ics
noun [pl.] behaviour that does not seem sincere because it is exaggerated or too emotional—see also AMATEUR DRAMATICS
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drama.tist
noun a person who writes plays for the theatre, television or radio
SYN PLAYWRIGHT : a TV dramatist
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drama.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [vn] to present a book, an event, etc. as a play or a film/movie: Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ was dramatized on television recently.
2 to make sth seem more exciting or important than it really is: [vn] Don’t worry too much about what she said—she tends to dramatize things. [alsov]
drama.tiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]: a television dramatization of the trial
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drank
pt of DRINK
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drape
verb, noun
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.]
1 ~ sth around / over / across, etc. sth to hang clothes, materials, etc. loosely on sb/sth: She had a shawl draped around her shoulders.  He draped his coat over the back of the chair.
2 ~ sb/sth in / with sth to cover or decorate sb/sth with material: walls draped in ivy  She draped some velvety material over the old sofa.
3 ~ around / round / over, etc. sth to allow part of your body to rest on sth in a relaxed way: His arm was draped casually around her shoulders.

noun (especially AmE ) (AmE also dra.pery) [usually pl.] a long thick curtain: blue velvet drapes

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draper
noun (old-fashioned, BrE )
1 a person who owns or manages a shop that sells fabric, curtains, etc.
2 (draper’s) (pl.drapers) a shop/store that sells fabric, curtains, etc.
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dra.pery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (also dra.per.ies [pl.]) fabric or clothing hanging in loose folds: a cradle swathed in draperies and blue ribbon
2 [C, usually pl.] (AmE) = DRAPE
3 [U] (old-fashioned) fabric and materials for sewing sold by a draper : a drapery shop / business—compare DRY GOODS
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dras.tic
adj. extreme in a way that has a sudden, serious or violent effect on sth: drastic measures / changes  The government is threatening to take drastic action .  a drastic shortage of food  Talk to me before you do anything drastic.
dras.tic.al.ly adv.: Output has been drastically reduced.  Things have started to go drastically wrong.
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drat
exclamation (old-fashioned, informal) used to show that you are annoyed: Drat! I forgot my key.
drat.ted adj. [only before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal): This dratted pen won’t work.
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draught
(BrE ) (AmEdraft ) noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [C] a flow of cool air in a room or other enclosed space: There’s a draught in here.  A cold draught of air blew in from the open window.  I was sitting in a draught .
2 [C] (formal) one continuous action of swallowing liquid; the amount swallowed: He took a deep draught of his beer.
3 [C] (old use or literary) medicine in a liquid form: a sleeping draught (= one that makes you sleep)
4 (draughts) (BrE) (AmE check.ers) [U] a game for two players using 24 round pieces on a board marked with black and white squares
5 [C] (BrE) (AmE check.er) one of the round pieces used in a game of draughts
IDM on 'draught (BrE) (of beer) taken from a large container (= a BARREL ): This beer is not available on draught (= it is available only in bottles or cans).

adj.
1 [usually before noun] served from a large container (= a BARREL ) rather than in a bottle: draught beer
2 [only before noun] used for pulling heavy loads: a draught horse

verb [vn] (especially BrE ) = DRAFT

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draught.board
(BrE ) (AmE 'check.er.board) noun a board with black and white squares, used for playing DRAUGHTS/CHECKERS
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'draught excluder
(BrE ) (AmE 'weather strip) noun [C, U] a piece of material that helps to prevent cold air coming through a door, window, etc.
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draughts.man
(BrE ) (AmEdrafts.man ) noun (pl.-men )
1 a person whose job is to draw detailed plans of machinery, buildings, etc.
2 a person who draws: He’s a poor draughtsman.—see also DRAUGHTSWOMAN , DRAUGHTSPERSON
draughts.man.ship (BrE) (AmE drafts.man.ship) noun [U]
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draughts.person
(BrE ) (AmEdrafts.person ) noun a draughtsman or a draughtswoman
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draughts.woman
(BrE ) (AmEdrafts.woman ) noun (pl.-women )
1 a woman whose job is to draw detailed plans of machinery, buildings, etc.
2 a woman who draws—see also DRAUGHTSMAN
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draughty
(BrE ) (AmEdrafty ) adj. (draught.ier, draughti.est) (of a room, etc.) uncomfortable because cold air is blowing through: a draughty room / corridor
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draw
verb, noun
verb (drew drawn )
MAKE PICTURES|
1 to make pictures, or a picture of sth, with a pencil, pen or chalk (but not paint): [v] You draw beautifully.  [vn] to draw a picture / diagram / graph  She drew a house.  He drew a circle in the sand with a stick.   (figurative) The report drew a grim picture of inefficiency and corruption.
PULL|
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth/sb by pulling it or them gently: He drew the cork out of the bottle.  I drew my chair up closer to the fire.  She drew me onto the balcony.  I tried to draw him aside (for example where I could talk to him privately).   (figurative) My eyes were drawn to the man in the corner.
3 [vn] (of horses, etc.) to pull a vehicle such as a carriage: The Queen’s coach was drawn by six horses.  a horse-drawn carriage
CURTAINS|
4 [vn] to open or close curtains, etc: The blinds were drawn.  It was getting dark so I switched on the light and drew the curtains.  She drew back the curtains and let the sunlight in.
MOVE|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to move in the direction mentioned: The train drew into the station.  The train drew in.  The figures in the distance seemed to be drawing closer.  Their car drew alongside ours.   (figurative) Her retirement is drawing near.   (figurative) The meeting was drawing to a close .
WEAPON|
6 ~ (sth) (on sb) to take out a weapon, such as a gun or a SWORD , in order to attack sb: [vn] She drew a revolver on me.  He came towards them with his sword drawn. [alsov]
ATTRACT|
7 [vn] ~ sb (to sth) to attract or interest sb: The movie is drawing large audiences.  Her screams drew passers-by to the scene.  The course draws students from all over the country.  She felt drawn to the man standing by the door.
GET REACTION|
8 [vn] ~ sth (from sb) to produce a reaction or response: The announcement drew loud applause from the audience.  The plan has drawn a lot of criticism.
MAKE SB TALK|
9 [vn] ~ sb (about / on sth) [often passive] (BrE) to make sb say more about sth: Spielberg refused to be drawn on his next movie.
CONCLUSION|
10 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to have a particular idea after you have studied sth or thought about it: What conclusions did you draw from the report?  We can draw some lessons for the future from this accident.
COMPARISON|
11 [vn] to express a comparison or a contrast: to draw an analogy / a comparison / a parallel / a distinction between two events
CHOOSE|
12 to decide sth by picking cards, tickets or numbers by chance: [v] We drew for partners.  [vn] They had to draw lots to decide who would go.  He drew the winning ticket.  Names were drawn from a hat for the last few places.  Italy has been drawn against Spain in the first round.  [vn to inf] Italy has been drawn to play Spain.
GAME|
13 ~ (with / against sb) to finish a game without either team winning: [v] England and France drew.  England drew with / against France.  England and France drew 3–3.  [vn] England drew their game against France.
MONEY|
14 [vn] ~ sth (from sth)| ~ sth out (of sth)| ~ sth on sth to take money or payments from a bank account or post office: Can I draw $80 out of my account?  I drew out £200.  She went to the post office to draw her pension.  The cheque was drawn on his personal account.
LIQUID / GAS|
15 [vn] to take or pull liquid or gas from somewhere: to draw water from a well  The device draws water along the pipe.
SMOKE / AIR|
16 ~ at / on sth| ~ sth in (written) to breathe in smoke or air: [v] He drew thoughtfully on his pipe.  [vn] She breathed deeply, drawing in the fresh mountain air. draw a 'blank to get no response or result: So far, the police investigation has drawn a blank. draw 'breath (BrE) (AmE draw a 'breath)
1 to stop doing sth and rest: She talks all the time and hardly stops to draw breath.
2 (literary) to live; to be alive: He was as kind a man as ever drew breath. draw sb’s 'fire to make sb direct their anger, criticism, etc. at you, so that others do not have to face it draw the 'line (at sth / at doing sth) to refuse to do sth; to set a limit: I don’t mind helping, but I draw the line at doing everything myself.  We would have liked to invite all our relatives, but you have to draw the line somewhere. draw the 'line (between sth and sth) to distinguish between two closely related ideas: Where do you draw the line between genius and madness? ,draw the short 'straw (BrE) (AmE get the ,short end of the 'stick) to be the person in a group who is chosen or forced to perform an unpleasant duty or task: I drew the short straw and had to clean the toilets. ,draw 'straws (for sth) to decide on sb to do or have sth, by choosing pieces of paper, etc: We drew straws for who went first.—more at BATTLE n. , DAGGER , HEIGHT , HORN , LOT n. , SIDE n. ,draw 'back to move away from sb/sth: He came close but she drew back. ,draw 'back (from sth / from doing sth) to choose not to take action, especially because you feel nervous: We drew back from taking our neighbours to court. 'draw sth from sb/sth to take or obtain sth from a particular source: to draw support / comfort / strength from your family  She drew her inspiration from her childhood experiences. ,draw 'in to become dark earlier in the evening as winter gets nearer: The nights / days are drawing in. 'draw sb into sth / into doing sth| ,draw sb<->'in to involve sb or make sb take part in sth, although they may not want to take part at first: youngsters drawn into a life of crime  The book starts slowly, but it gradually draws you in. ,draw sth<->'off to remove some liquid from a larger supply: The doctor drew off some fluid to relieve the pressure. ,draw 'on (written) if a time or a season draws on, it passes: Night was drawing on. 'draw on / upon sth to use a supply of sth that is available to you: I’ll have to draw on my savings.  The novelist draws heavily on her personal experiences. ,draw 'out to become lighter in the evening as summer gets nearer: The days / evenings are drawing out. ,draw sb<->'out to encourage sb to talk or express themselves freely ,draw sth<->'out to make sth last longer than usual or necessary: She drew the interview out to over an hour.—see also LONG-DRAWN-OUT ,draw 'up if a vehicle draws up, it arrives and stops: The cab drew up outside the house. ,draw sth<->'up to make or write sth that needs careful thought or planning: to draw up a contract / list

noun
CHOOSING|
1 (AmE also draw.ing) [usually sing.] ~ (for sth) the act of choosing sth, for example the winner of a prize or the teams who play each other in a competition, usually by taking pieces of paper, etc. out of a container without being able to see what is written on them: the draw for the second round of the European Cup  The draw for the raffle takes place on Saturday.
SPORTS / GAMES|
2 (especially BrE) a game in which both teams or players finish with the same number of points: The match ended in a two-all draw.  He managed to hold Smith to a draw (= to stop him from winning when he seemed likely to do so).—compare TIE n. (5)
3 (AmE usually draw.ing) a competition in which the winners are chosen in a draw : a prize draw—compare LOTTERY
4 (BrE) a sports match for which the teams or players are chosen in a draw : Liverpool have an away draw against Manchester United.
5 [usually sing.] a set of matches for which the teams or players are chosen in a draw : There are only two seeded players left in the top half of the draw.
ATTRACTION|
6 a person, a thing or an event that attracts a lot of people
SYN ATTRACTION : She is currently one of the biggest draws on the Irish music scene.
SMOKE|
7 an act of breathing in the smoke from a cigarette
SYN DRAG be quick / fast on the 'draw
1 (informal) to be quick to understand or react in a new situation: You can’t fool him, he’s always quick on the draw.
2 to be quick at pulling out a gun in order to shoot it—more at LUCK n.

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draw.back
noun ~ (of / to sth)| ~ (of / to doing sth) a disadvantage or problem that makes sth a less attractive idea: The main drawback to it is the cost.  This is the one major drawback of the new system.
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draw.bridge
noun a bridge that can be pulled up, for example to stop people from entering a castle or to allow ships to pass under it: to raise / lower the drawbridge
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drawer
noun
1 a part of a piece of furniture such as a desk, used for keeping things in. It is shaped like a box and has a handle on the front for pulling it out: in the top / middle / bottom drawer of the desk—see also CHEST OF DRAWERS , TOP DRAWER
2 (formal) a person who writes a cheque
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drawers
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) KNICKERS or UNDERPANTS , especially ones that cover the upper parts of the legs
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draw.ing
noun
1 [C] a picture made using a pencil or pen rather than paint: a pencil / charcoal drawing  a drawing of a yacht  He did / made a drawing of the old farmhouse.
2 [U] the art or skill of making pictures, plans, etc. using a pen or pencil: I’m not very good at drawing.  technical drawing
3 (AmE) = DRAW (1, 3)
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'drawing board
noun a large flat board used for holding a piece of paper while a drawing or plan is being made
IDM (go) back to the 'drawing board to start thinking about a new way of doing sth after a previous plan or idea has failed on the 'drawing board being prepared or considered: It’s just one of several projects on the drawing board.
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'drawing pin
(BrE ) (AmE thumb.tack, tack) noun a short pin with a large round flat head, used especially for fastening paper to a board or wall—picture at STATIONERY
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'drawing power
noun [U] (AmE ) = PULLING POWER
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'drawing room
noun (formal or old-fashioned) a room in a large house in which people relax and guests are entertained—compare LIVING ROOM
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drawl
verb to speak or say sth slowly with vowel sounds that are longer than usual: [v speech] ‘Hi there!’ she drawled lazily.  [v] He had a smooth drawling voice. [alsovn]
drawl noun [sing.]: She spoke in a slow southern drawl.
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drawn
adj. (of a person or their face) looking pale and thin because the person is ill, tired or worried: She looked very pale and drawn.—see also DRAW v.
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draw.string
noun a piece of string sewn inside the material at the top of a bag, pair of trousers/pants, etc. that can be pulled tighter in order to make the opening smaller: They fasten with a drawstring.—picture at FASTENER
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dray
noun a low flat vehicle, pulled by horses, and used in the past for carrying heavy loads, especially BARRELS of beer
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dread
verb, noun
verb to be very afraid of sth; to fear that sth bad is going to happen: [vn] This was the moment he had been dreading.  [v -ing] I dread being sick.  [vn -ing] She dreads her husband finding out.  [v to inf] I dread to think what would happen if there really was a fire here. [alsov that]

noun [U, C, usually sing.] a feeling of great fear about sth that might or will happen in the future; a thing that causes this feeling: The prospect of growing old fills me with dread .  She has an irrational dread of hospitals.  The committee members live in dread of (= are always worried about) anything that may cause a scandal.  My greatest dread is that my parents will find out.

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dread.ed
(also formal dread) adj. [only before noun] causing fear: The dreaded moment had finally arrived.   (humorous) Did I hear the dreaded word ‘homework’?
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dread.ful
adj. (especially BrE )
1 very bad or unpleasant: What dreadful weather!  What a dreadful thing to say!  It’s dreadful the way they treat their staff.  How dreadful!  Jane looked dreadful (= looked ill or tired).
2 [only before noun] used to emphasize how bad sth is: He’s a dreadful snob.  She’s making a dreadful mess of things.  I’m afraid there’s been a dreadful mistake.
3 [usually before noun] causing fear or suffering: a dreadful accident / disease / scream  They suffered dreadful injuries.
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dread.ful.ly
adv. (especially BrE )
1 extremely; very much: I’m dreadfully sorry.  I miss you dreadfully.
2 very badly: They suffered dreadfully during the war.
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dread.locks
(also informal dreads ) noun [pl.] hair that is twisted into long thick pieces that hang down from the head, worn especially by RASTAFARIANS —picture at HAIR
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dream
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a series of images, events and feelings that happen in your mind while you are asleep: I had a vivid dream about my old school.  I thought someone came into the bedroom, but it was just a dream.  ‘Good night. Sweet dreams.’—compare NIGHTMARE —see also WET DREAM
2 [C] a wish to have or be sth, especially one that seems difficult to achieve: Her lifelong dream was to be a famous writer.  He wanted to be rich but it was an impossible dream.  If I win, it will be a dream come true .  She tried to turn her dream of running her own business into reality.  a dream car / house / job  If he thinks it’s easy to get a job he’s living in a dream world .  I’ve finally found the man of my dreams .  a chance to fulfil a childhood dream  It was the end of all my hopes and dreams.—see also PIPE DREAM
3 [sing.] a state of mind or a situation in which things do not seem real or part of normal life: She walked around in a dream all day.—see also DAYDREAM , WET DREAM
4 [sing.] (informal) a beautiful or wonderful person or thing: That meal was an absolute dream.
IDM go / work like a 'dream
1 to work very well: My new car goes like a dream.
2 to happen without problems, in the way that you had planned: The wedding celebrations went like a dream. in your 'dreams (spoken) used to tell sb that sth they are hoping for is not likely to happen: ‘I’ll be a manager before I’m 30.’‘In your dreams.’ like a bad 'dream (of a situation) so unpleasant that you cannot believe it is true: In broad daylight the events of the night before seemed like a bad dream.—more at WILD adj.

verb (dreamt, dreamt ) or (dreamed, dreamed)
1 ~ (of / about sb/sth) to experience a series of images, events and feelings in your mind while you are asleep: [v] Did I talk in my sleep? I must have been dreaming.  I dreamt about you last night.  [vn] Did it really happen or did I just dream it?  [v (that)] I dreamt (that) I got the job.
2 ~ (of / about sth)| ~ (of / about doing sth) to imagine and think about sth that you would like to happen: [v] She dreams of running her own business.  It was the kind of trip most of us only dream about.   (spoken) I wouldn’t dream of going without you (= I would never go without you).  [vn] Who’d have dreamt it? They’re getting married.  [v (that)] I never dreamt (that) I’d actually get the job.
PVR V ,dream sth a'way to waste time just thinking about things you would like to do without actually doing anything ,dream 'on (spoken, informal) you say dream on to tell sb that an idea is not practical or likely to happen ,dream sth<->'up (informal) to have an idea, especially a very unusual or silly one: Trust you to dream up a crazy idea like this!

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dream.er
noun
1 (sometimes disapproving) a person who has ideas or plans that are not practical or realistic
2 (usually disapproving) a person who does not pay attention to what is happening around them, but thinks about other things instead
3 a person who dreams: Dreamers do not always remember their dreams.
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dream.land
noun [U] (especially BrE , disapproving) a pleasant but not very realistic situation that only exists in your mind: You must be living in dreamland if you think he’ll change his mind.
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dream.less
adj. (of sleep) without dreams; deep and peaceful: I fell straight into a dreamless sleep.
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dream.like
adj. as if existing or happening in a dream: The place has an almost dreamlike quality.
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'dream ticket
noun [sing.] (used especially in newspapers about candidates for an election) a combination of people who, together, are considered to be the best
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dreamy
adj. (dream.ier, dreami.est)
1 looking as though you are thinking about other things and not paying attention to what is happening around you: She had a dreamy look in her eyes.  a dreamy expression
2 (of a person or an idea) imaginative, but not very realistic: Paul was dreamy and not very practical.
3 as if you are in a dream or asleep: He moved in the dreamy way of a man in a state of shock.
4 (informal) pleasant and gentle; that makes you feel relaxed: a slow, dreamy melody
5 (informal) beautiful; wonderful: What’s he like? I bet he’s really dreamy.
dream.ily adv.
dreami.ness noun [U]
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dreary
adj. (drear.ier, dreari.est) that makes you feel sad; dull and not interesting: a dreary winter’s day  a dreary film  a long and dreary journey on the train
drear.ily adv.: ‘I didn’t get the job,’ he said drearily.
dreari.ness noun [U]: She hated the dreariness of her everyday life.
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dredge
verb
1 ~ (sth) (for sth) to remove mud, stones, etc. from the bottom of a river, canal, etc. using a boat or special machine, to make it deeper or to search for sth: [vn] They’re dredging the harbour so that larger ships can use it.  They dredge the bay for gravel. [alsov]
2 ~ sth (up) (from sth) to bring sth up from the bottom of a river, etc. using a boat or special machine: [vn] waste dredged (up) from the sea bed
3 [vn] ~ (in / with) to cover food lightly with sugar, flour, etc: Dredge the top of the cake with icing sugar.
PVR V ,dredge sth<->'up
1 (usually disapproving) to mention sth that has been forgotten, especially sth unpleasant or embarrassing: The papers keep trying to dredge up details of his past love life.
2 to manage to remember sth, especially sth that happened a long time ago: Now she was dredging up memories from the depths of her mind.
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dredger
noun a boat or machine that is used to clear mud, etc. from the bottom of a river, or to make the river wider
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dregs
noun [pl.]
1 the last drops of a liquid, mixed with little pieces of solid material that are left in the bottom of a container: She threw the coffee dregs down the sink.
2 the worst and most useless parts of sth: the dregs of society / humanity
3 (literary) the last parts of sth: the last dregs of daylight
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drench
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (in / with sth) to make sb/sth completely wet: We were caught in the storm and got drenched to the skin.  His face was drenched with sweat.   (figurative) She drenched herself in perfume.
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dress
noun, verb
noun
CLOTHES|
1 [C] a piece of women’s clothing that is made in one piece and covers the body down to the legs, sometimes reaching to below the knees, or to the ankles: a long white dress  a wedding dress—see also COCKTAIL DRESS , EVENING DRESS , SUNDRESS
2 [U] clothes for either men or women: to wear casual / formal dress  He has no dress sense (= no idea of how to dress well).  The company has a strict dress code —all male employees are expected to wear suits.—see also EVENING DRESS , FANCY DRESS , MORNING DRESS , HEADDRESS

verb
CLOTHES|
1 ~ (sb) (in sth) to put clothes on yourself/sb: [v] I dressed quickly.  [vn] She dressed herself and the children in their best clothes.  Get up and get dressed !
OPP UNDRESS
2 [v] ~ (sb) (for / in / as sth) to wear a particular type or style of clothes: to dress well / badly / fashionably / comfortably  You should dress for cold weather today.  She always dressed entirely in black.  He was dressed as a woman (= he was wearing women’s clothes).
3 [v] to put on formal clothes: Do they expect us to dress for dinner?
4 [vn] to provide clothes for sb: He dresses many of Hollywood’s most famous young stars.
WOUND|
5 [vn] to clean, treat and cover a wound: The nurse will dress that cut for you.
FOOD|
6 [vn] to prepare food for cooking or eating: to dress a salad (= put oil or vinegar, etc. on it)  to dress a chicken (= clean it ready for cooking)
DECORATE|
7 [vn] (formal) to decorate or arrange sth: to dress a shop window (= arrange a display of clothes or goods in it)
STONE / WOOD / LEATHER|
8 [vn] to prepare a material such as stone, wood, leather, etc. for use
IDM see MUTTON , PART n. ,dress 'down to wear clothes that are more informal than those you usually wear, for example in an office ,dress sb 'down to criticize or be angry with sb because they have done sth wrong ,dress 'up to wear clothes that are more formal than those you usually wear: There’s no need to dress up—come as you are. ,dress 'up| ,dress sb 'up to put on special clothes, especially to pretend to be sb/sth different: Kids love dressing up.  The boys were all dressed up as pirates.   (BrE) dressing-up clothes   (AmE) dress-up clothes ,dress sth 'up to present sth in a way that makes it seem better or different: However much you try to dress it up, office work is not glamorous.

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dress.age
noun [U] a set of controlled movements that a rider trains a horse to perform; a competition in which these movements are performed
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,dress 'circle
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,first 'balcony) noun the first level of seats above the ground floor in a theatre
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dressed
adj. [not before noun]
1 wearing clothes and not naked or wearing clothes for sleeping: Hurry up and get dressed .  fully dressed  I can’t go to the door—I’m not dressed yet.
2 ~ (in … ) wearing clothes of a particular type: smartly dressed  The bride was dressed in white.  He was casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.
IDM dressed to 'kill (informal) wearing the kind of clothes that will make people notice and admire you dressed (up) to the 'nines (informal) wearing very elegant or formal clothes—more at MUTTON
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dress.er
noun
1 (also ,Welsh 'dresser) (BrE) a large piece of wooden furniture with shelves in the top part and cupboards below, used for displaying and storing cups, plates, etc.
2 (AmE) = CHEST OF DRAWERS
3 (used with an adjective) a person who dresses in the way mentioned: a snappy dresser
4 (in a theatre) a person whose job is to look after an actor’s clothes for a play and help him/her to get dressed
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dress.ing
noun
1 (also 'salad dressing) [C, U] a thin sauce used to add flavour to salads, usually made from oil, VINEGAR , salt, pepper, etc: a low-calorie dressing—see also FRENCH DRESSING
2 [U] (AmE) = STUFFING (1)
3 [C] a piece of soft material placed over a wound in order to protect it
4 [U] the act of putting on clothes: Many of our patients need help with dressing.—see also CROSS-DRESSING , POWER DRESSING , WINDOW DRESSING
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,dressing-'down
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) an occasion when sb speaks angrily to a person because they have done sth wrong
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'dressing gown
(BrE ) (AmE bath.robe, robe) noun a long loose piece of clothing, usually with a belt, worn indoors over night clothes, for example when you first get out of bed
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'dressing room
noun
1 a room for changing your clothes in, especially one for actors or, in British English, for sports players
2 a small room next to a bedroom in some large houses, in which clothes are kept and people get dressed
3 (AmE) = FITTING ROOM
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'dressing table
(AmE also van.ity) noun a piece of bedroom furniture like a table with drawers and a mirror on top, used by women to sit at while they comb their hair, etc.
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dress.maker
noun a person who makes women’s clothes, especially as a job
dress.mak.ing noun [U]
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,dress re'hearsal
noun the final practice of a play in the theatre, using the clothes and lights that will be used for the real performance: (figurative) The earlier protests had just been dress rehearsals for full-scale revolution.
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'dress uniform
noun [U] a uniform that army, navy, etc. officers wear for formal occasions and ceremonies: wearing full dress uniform
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dressy
adj. (dress.ier, dressi.est)
1 (of clothes) elegant and formal
2 (of people) liking to wear elegant or fashionable clothes
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drew
pt of DRAW
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drib.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 [v, vn] to let SALIVA or another liquid come out of your mouth and run down your chin
SYN DROOL
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to fall in small drops or in a thin stream: Melted wax dribbled down the side of the candle.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ sth (into / over / onto sth) to pour sth slowly, in drops or a thin stream
SYN DRIZZLE : Dribble a little olive oil over the salad.
4 (in football and some other sports) to move the ball along with several short kicks, hits or bounces: [vn] She dribbled the ball the length of the field.  [v] He dribbled past two defenders and scored a magnificent goal.—

noun
1 [C] a very small amount of liquid, in a thin stream: a dribble of blood  Add just a dribble of oil.
2 [U] (especially BrE) SALIVA (= liquid) from a person’s mouth: There was dribble all down the baby’s front.
3 [C] the act of dribbling the ball in a sport

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dribs
noun [pl.]
IDM in ,dribs and 'drabs (informal) in small amounts or numbers over a period of time: She paid me in dribs and drabs, not all at once.
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dried
pt, pp of DRY
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,dried 'fruit
noun [U, C] fruit (for example, CURRANTS or RAISINS ) that has been dried to be used in cooking or eaten on its own
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drier
= DRYER —see also DRY adj.
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drift
noun, verb
noun
SLOW MOVEMENT|
1 [sing., U] a slow steady movement from one place to another; a gradual change or development from one situation to another, especially to sth bad: a population drift away from rural areas  attempts to halt the drift towards war
OF SHIP|
2 [U] the movement of a ship or plane away from its direction because of currents or wind: Remember to allow for drift.
OF SEA / AIR|
3 [U, C] the movement of the sea or air
SYN CURRENT : the general direction of drift on the east coast  He knew the hidden drifts in that part of the river.
OF SNOW|
4 [C] a large pile of sth, especially snow, made by the wind: The road was blocked by deep drifts of snow.—see also SNOWDRIFT
OF FLOWERS|
5 [C] a large mass of sth, especially flowers: Plant daffodils in informal drifts.
MEANING|
6 [sing.] the general meaning of what sb says or writes: Do you catch my drift ?  My German isn’t very good, but I got the drift of what she said.—see also CONTINENTAL DRIFT

verb
MOVE SLOWLY|
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air: Clouds drifted across the sky.  The empty boat drifted out to sea.  A cool breeze drifted through the open window.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move or go somewhere slowly: The crowd drifted away from the scene of the accident.  Her gaze drifted around the room.
WITHOUT PURPOSE|
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to happen or change or to do sth without a particular plan or purpose: I didn’t intend to be a teacher—I just drifted into it.  He hasn’t decided what to do yet—he’s just drifting.  The conversation drifted onto politics.
INTO STATE / SITUATION|
4 [v] ~ in / into sth to go from one situation or state to another without realizing it: Finally she drifted into sleep.  The injured man tried to speak but soon drifted into unconsciousness.
OF SNOW / SAND|
5 [v] to be blown into large piles by the wind: drifting sand  Some roads are closed because of drifting.
FLOAT|
6 [vn] to make sth float somewhere: The logs are drifted downstream to the mill. ,drift a'part to become less friendly or close to sb: As children we were very close, but as we grew up we just drifted apart. ,drift 'off (to sleep) to fall asleep: I didn’t hear the storm, I must have drifted off by then.

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drift.er
noun (disapproving) a person who moves from one job or place to another with no real purpose
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'drift net
noun a very large net used by fishing boats. The net is hung in the sea behind the boat and pulled along.
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drift.wood
noun [U] wood that the sea carries up onto the shore, or that floats on the water
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drill
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a tool or machine with a pointed end for making holes: an electric drill  a pneumatic drill  a hand drill  a dentist’s drill  a drill bit (= the pointed part at the end of the drill)—picture at TOOL
2 [C, U] a way of learning sth by means of repeated exercises: tense drills
3 [C, U] a practice of what to do in an emergency, for example if there is a fire: There’ll be a fire drill sometime this morning.
4 [U] military training in marching, the use of weapons, etc: rifle drill
5 (the drill) [sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE) the correct or usual way to do sth: What’s the drill for claiming expenses?
6 [U] strong cotton fabric
7 [C] a machine for planting seeds in rows

verb
1 to make a hole in sth, using a drill : [vn] Drill a series of holes in the frame.  [v] They’re drilling for oil off the Irish coast.  He drilled through the wall by mistake.
2 ~ sb (in sth) to teach sb to do sth by making them repeat it a lot of times: [vn to inf] The children were drilled to leave the classroom quickly when the fire bell rang.  [vn] a well-drilled team
3 [vn] to train soldiers to perform military actions: The soldiers were being drilled outside the barracks.
PVR V 'drill sth into sb to make sb remember or learn sth by repeating it often: It was drilled into us at an early age never to drop litter.

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drily
(also dryly) adv. —see also DRY
1 if sb speaks drily, they are being humorous, but not in an obvious way: ‘Well, at least it’s not purple,’ she commented drily.
2 in a way that shows no emotion: He smiled drily and leaned back in his chair.
3 in a way that shows that there is no liquid present: She coughed drily.  He swallowed drily and nodded.
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drink
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a liquid for drinking; an amount of a liquid that you drink: Can I have a drink ?  soft drinks (= cold drinks without alcohol)  a drink of water  food and drink  She took a drink from the glass and then put it down.
2 [C, U] alcohol or an alcoholic drink; sth that you drink on a social occasion: Let’s go for a drink .  The drinks are on me (= I’ll pay for them).  I need a stiff drink (= a very strong drink).   (BrE) He’s got a drink problem .   (AmE) He has a drinking problem .   (humorous) The children are enough to drive me to drink .   (BrE) They came home the worse for drink (= drunk).  She took to drink (= drank too much alcohol) after her marriage broke up.
3 (drinks) [pl.] (BrE) a social occasion where you have alcoholic drinks: Would you like to come for drinks on Sunday?  a drinks party
IDM see DEMON , MEAT

verb (drank , drunk )
1 to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it: [v] What would you like to drink?  [vn] In hot weather, you should drink plenty of water.  I don’t drink coffee.
2 to drink alcohol, especially when it is done regularly: [v] He doesn’t drink.  Don’t drink and drive (= drive a car after drinking alcohol).  She’s been drinking heavily since she lost her job.  [vn] I drank far too much last night.  [vn-adj] He had drunk himself unconscious on vodka.—see also DRUNK
IDM drink sb’s 'health (BrE) to wish sb good health as you lift your glass, and then drink from it drink like a 'fish to drink a lot of alcohol regularly ,drink sb under the 'table (informal) to drink more alcohol than sb else without becoming as drunk as they are
PVR V ,drink sth<->'in to look at or listen to sth with great interest and enjoyment: We just stood there drinking in the scenery. 'drink to sb/sth to wish sb good luck, health or success as you lift your glass and then drink from it
SYN TOAST : All raise your glasses and drink to Katie and Tom! ,drink 'up| ,drink (sth)<->'up to drink all of sth: Drink up and let’s go.  Come on, drink up your juice.

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drink.able
adj.
1 clean and safe to drink
2 pleasant to drink: a very drinkable wine
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,drink-'driver
(BrE ) (also ,drunk 'driverAmE, BrE) noun a person who drives a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol
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,drink-'driving
(also ,drunken 'driving) (both BrE ) (also 'drunk drivingAmE, BrE) noun [U] driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol
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drink.er
noun
1 a person who drinks alcohol regularly, especially sb who drinks too much: a heavy / moderate drinker  I’m not much of a drinker.
2 (after a noun) a person who regularly drinks the particular drink mentioned: a coffee / tea / beer drinker
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drink.ing
noun [U] the act of drinking alcohol: Drinking is not advised during pregnancy.  There are tough penalties for drinking and driving.
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'drinking chocolate
noun [U] (BrE ) a sweet chocolate powder or a hot drink made from this powder mixed with hot milk and/or water—compare COCOA
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'drinking fountain
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'water fountain) noun a device that supplies water for drinking in public places—picture at FOUNTAIN
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'drinking straw
noun = STRAW
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'drinking water
noun [U] water that is safe for drinking
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drip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of liquid) to fall in small drops: She was hot and sweat dripped into her eyes.  Water was dripping down the walls.
2 to produce drops of liquid: [v] The tap was dripping.  Her hair dripped down her back.  [vn] Be careful, you’re dripping paint everywhere!
3 ~ (with) sth (written) to contain or hold a lot of sth: [v] The trees were dripping with fruit.  [vn] His voice dripped sarcasm.

noun
1 [sing.] the sound or action of small drops of liquid falling continuously: The silence was broken only by the steady drip, drip of water from the roof.
2 [C] a small drop of liquid that falls from sth: We put a bucket under the hole in the roof to catch the drips.
3 (AmE also IV) [C] (medical) a piece of equipment that passes liquid food, medicine or blood very slowly through a tube into a patient’s VEIN : She’s been put on a drip .
4 [C] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) a boring or stupid person with a weak personality: Don’t be such a drip—come and join in the fun!

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,drip-'dry
adj. made of a fabric that will dry quickly without CREASES when you hang it up wet: a drip-dry shirt
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'drip-feed
verb (drip-fed, drip-fed) [vn] to give sb sth in separate small amounts
'drip feed noun [U, C]: the steady drip feed of leaked documents in the papers
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drip.ping
adj., noun
adj. ~ (with sth) very wet: Her face was dripping with sweat.  His clothes were still dripping wet .   (figurative) His wife came in, dripping with diamonds.

noun [U] fat that comes out of meat when it is cooked, often kept for frying other food in

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drive
verb, noun
verb (drove , driven )
VEHICLE|
1 to operate a vehicle so that it goes in a particular direction: [v] Can you drive?  Don’t drive so fast!  I drove to work this morning.  Shall we drive (= go there by car) or go by train?  [vn] He drives a taxi (= that is his job).
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take sb somewhere in a car, taxi, etc: Could you drive me home?
3 [vn] to own or use a particular type of vehicle: What car do you drive?
MACHINE|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to provide the power that makes a machine work: a steam-driven locomotive
MAKE SB DO STH|
5 [vn] to force sb to act in a particular way: The urge to survive drove them on.  You’re driving yourself too hard.
6 to make sb very angry, crazy, etc. or to make them do sth extreme: [vn-adj] to drive sb crazy / mad  [vn to inf] Hunger drove her to steal.  [vn] Those kids are driving me to despair.   (humorous) It’s enough to drive you to drink (= to make you start drinking too much alcohol)!
MAKE SB / STH MOVE|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to force sb/sth to move in a particular direction: to drive sheep into a field  The enemy was driven back.
HIT / PUSH|
8 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to force sth to go in a particular direction or into a particular position by pushing it, hitting it, etc: to drive a nail into a piece of wood
MAKE A HOLE|
9 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make an opening in or through sth by using force: They drove a tunnel through the solid rock.
IN SPORT|
10 to hit a ball with force, sending it forward: [vn] to drive the ball into the rough (= in golf) [alsov]
WIND / WATER|
11 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to carry sth along: Huge waves drove the yacht onto the rocks.
12 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to fall or move rapidly and with great force: The waves drove against the shore.  driving rain drive a coach and 'horses through sth to spoil sth, for example a plan drive sth 'home (to sb) to make sb understand or accept sth, by saying it often, loudly, angrily, etc: You will really need to drive your point home. drive sb in'sane to make sb more and more angry or irritated, especially over a long period of time: This job is driving me insane. what sb is 'driving at the thing sb is trying to say: I wish I knew what they were really driving at.—more at GROUND n. , HARD adj. , SNOW n. ,drive a'way| ,drive sb/sth a'way to leave in a vehicle; to take sb away in a vehicle: We heard him drive away.  Someone drove the car away in the night. ,drive sb a'way to make sb not want to stay or not want to go somewhere: Her constant nagging drove him away.  Terrorist threats are driving away tourists. ,drive 'off
1 (of a driver, car, etc.) to leave: The robbers drove off in a stolen vehicle.
2 (in golf) to hit the ball to begin a game ,drive sb/sth<->'off to force sb/sth to go back or away: The defenders drove off each attack. ,drive 'on to continue driving: Don’t stop—drive on! ,drive sb/sth<->'out (of sth) to make sb/sth disappear or stop doing sth: New fashions drive out old ones. ,drive sth<->'up / 'down to make sth such as prices rise or fall quickly

noun
IN / OF VEHICLE|
1 [C] a journey in a car or other vehicle: Let’s go for a drive .  a drive through the mountains  It’s a three-hour drive to London.
2 [C, U] the equipment in a vehicle that takes power from the engine to the wheels: the drive shaft  a car with four-wheel drive  a left- / right-hand drive car (= a car where the driver and the controls are on the left / right)
OUTSIDE HOUSE|
3 (also drive.way) [C] a wide hard path or a private road that leads from the street to a house: There were two cars parked in / on the drive.—picture at HOUSE
EFFORT|
4 [C] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) an organized effort by a group of people to achieve sth: a recruitment / export / economy drive  a drive for greater efficiency  the government’s drive to reduce energy consumption
DESIRE / ENERGY|
5 [C, U] a strong desire or need in people: a strong sexual drive
6 [U] (approving) a strong desire to do things and achieve sth; great energy: He’ll do very well—he has tremendous drive.
IN SPORT|
7 [C] a long hard hit or kick: She has a strong forehand drive (= in tennis).  He scored with a brilliant 25-yard drive (= for example, in football).
COMPUTING|
8 [C] the part of a computer that reads and stores information on disks or tapes: a 224 MB hard drive  a CD drive—see also DISK DRIVE
GAMES|
9 [C] (BrE) a social occasion when a lot of people compete in a game such as WHIST or BINGO
ANIMALS / ENEMY|
10 [C] an act of chasing animals or the enemy and making them go into a smaller area, especially in order to kill or capture them
ROAD|
11 (Drive) (abbr.Dr) used in the names of roads: 21 Island Heights Drive

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'drive-by
adj. (AmE ) [only before noun] a drive-by shooting, etc. is done from a moving car: a drive-by killing
'drive-by noun
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'drive-in
noun a place where you can watch films/movies, eat, etc. without leaving your car: We stopped at a drive-in for a hamburger.  drive-in movies
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drivel
noun, verb
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) silly nonsense: How can you watch that drivel on TV?

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v] ~ (on) (about sth) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to keep talking about silly or unimportant things

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driven
adj. (of a person) determined to succeed, and working very hard to do so—see also DRIVE , DROVE , DRIVEN v.
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driver
noun
1 a person who drives a vehicle: a bus / train / ambulance / taxi driver  She climbed into the driver’s seat.   (BrE) a learner driver (= one who has not yet passed a driving test)   (AmE) a student driver  The car comes equipped with a driver’s airbag.
2 (in golf) a CLUB with a wooden head
3 (computing) software that controls the sending of data between a computer and a piece of equipment that is attached to it such as a printer
IDM see BACK SEAT , SEAT n.
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'driver’s license
noun (AmE ) = DRIVING LICENCE
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'drive-through
(also 'drive-thru) noun (AmE ) a restaurant, bank, etc. where you can be served without having to get out of your car
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drive.way
noun = DRIVE (3) : There was a car parked in / on the driveway.—picture at HOUSE
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driv.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U] the way that sb drives a vehicle; the act of driving: dangerous driving  driving lessons
IDM see SEAT n.

adj. [only before noun]
1 strong and powerful; having a strong influence in making sth happen: Who was the driving force (= the person with the strongest influence) in the band?
2 (of rain, snow, etc.) falling very fast and at an angle

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'driving licence
(BrE ) (AmE 'driver’s license) noun an official document that shows that you are qualified to drive
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'driving school
noun a business that gives people lessons in how to drive a car
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'driving test
noun a test that must be passed before you are qualified to drive
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,driving under the 'influence
noun [U] (abbr. DUI) (AmE ) (in some states in the US) the crime of driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol. It is a less serious crime than ‘driving while intoxicated’.
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,driving while in'toxicated
noun [U] (abbr. DWI) (AmE ) the crime of driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol
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driz.zle
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] when it is drizzling, it is raining lightly
2 [vn] ~ sth (over sth) to pour a small amount of liquid over the surface of sth: Drizzle the lemon juice over the fish.

noun [U, sing.] light fine rain: A light drizzle was falling.
driz.zly adj.: a dull, drizzly morning

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droll
adj. (old-fashioned or ironic) amusing, but not in a way that you expect
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drom.ed.ary
noun (pl.-ies) an animal of the CAMEL family, with only one HUMP , that lives in desert countries
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drone
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually sing.] a continuous low noise: the distant drone of traffic  He spoke in a low drone.
2 [usually sing.] a continuous low sound made by some musical instruments, for example the BAGPIPES , over which other notes are played or sung
3 a male bee that does not work and only lives in order to reproduce—compare QUEEN BEE , WORKER
4 a person who is lazy and gives nothing to society while others work

verb [v] to make a continuous low noise: A plane was droning in the distance.  a droning voice
PVR V ,drone 'on (about sth) to talk for a long time in a boring way

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drool
verb
1 [v] to let SALIVA (= liquid) come out of your mouth
SYN DRIBBLE : The dog was drooling at the mouth .
2 ~ (over sb/sth) (disapproving) to show in a silly or exaggerated way that you want or admire sb/sth very much: teenagers drooling over photos of movie stars
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droop
verb [v]
1 to bend, hang or move downwards, especially because of being weak or tired: She was so tired, her eyelids were beginning to droop.
2 to become sad or depressed: Our spirits drooped when we heard the news.
droop noun [sing.]: the slight droop of her mouth
droopy adj.: a droopy moustache
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drop
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
FALL|
1 to fall or allow sth to fall by accident: [v] The climber slipped and dropped to his death.  [vn] Be careful not to drop that plate.
2 to fall or make sth fall deliberately: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : He staggered in and dropped into a chair.  [vn] Medical supplies are being dropped into the stricken area.   (BrE) He dropped his trousers (= undid them and let them fall).   (AmE) He dropped his pants.
3 [v] to fall down or be no longer able to stand because you are extremely tired: I feel ready to drop .  She expects everyone to work till they drop.
BECOME WEAKER / LESS|
4 to become or make sth weaker, lower or less: [v] The temperature has dropped considerably.  At last the wind dropped.  His voice dropped to a whisper.  The Dutch team have dropped to fifth place.  The price of shares dropped by 14p.  Shares dropped in price by 14p.  [vn] She dropped her voice dramatically.  You must drop your speed in built-up areas.
EYES|
5 ~ your eyes / gaze | your eyes / gaze ~ (written) to look down: [v] Her eyes dropped to her lap. [alsovn]
SLOPE DOWNWARDS|
6 [v] ~ (away) (from sth) to slope steeply downwards: In front of them the valley dropped sharply away from the road.
DELIVER / SEND|
7 [vn] ~ sb/sth (off) to stop so that sb can get out of a car, etc.; to deliver sth on the way to somewhere else: Can you drop me near the bank?  You left your jacket, but I can drop it off on my way to work tomorrow.
8 [vnn] ~ sb a line / note to send a short letter to sb: Drop me a line when you get there.
LEAVE OUT|
9 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth) to leave sb/sth out by accident or deliberately: She’s been dropped from the team because of injury.  He spoke with a cockney accent and dropped his aitches (= did not pronounce the letter ‘h’ at the start of words).
FRIENDS|
10 [vn] to stop seeing sb socially: She’s dropped most of her old friends.
STOP|
11 [vn] to stop doing or discussing sth; to not continue with sth: I dropped German (= stopped studying it) when I was 14.  Drop everything and come at once!  Look, can we just drop it (= stop talking about it)?  I think we’d better drop the subject .  Let’s drop the formalities—please call me Mike.  The police decided to drop the charges against her.
HINT|
12 [vn] ~ a hint to say or do sth in order to show sb, in an indirect way, what you are thinking
IN KNITTING|
13 [vn] ~ a stitch to let a stitch go off the needle drop a 'brick / 'clanger (BrE, informal) to say sth that offends or embarrasses sb, although you did not intend to drop 'dead
1 (informal) to die suddenly and unexpectedly
2 (spoken) used to tell sb, rudely, to stop annoying you, interfering, etc.—see also DROP-DEAD drop sb 'in it (BrE, informal) to put sb in an embarrassing situation, especially by telling a secret that you should not have told drop 'names to mention famous people you know or have met in order to impress others—related noun NAME-DROPPING let sb/sth 'drop
1 to do or say nothing more about sb/sth: I suggest we let the matter drop.
2 to mention sb/sth in a conversation, by accident or as if by accident: He let it drop that the Prime Minister was a close friend of his.—more at BOTTOM n. , FLY n. , HEAR , JAW n. , LAP n. , PENNY ,drop 'back / be'hind| ,drop be'hind sb to move or fall into position behind sb else: We cannot afford to drop behind our competitors. ,drop 'by / 'in / 'round| ,drop 'in on sb| ,drop 'into sth to pay an informal visit to a person or a place: Drop by sometime.  I thought I’d drop in on you while I was passing.  Sorry we’re late—we dropped into the pub on the way. ,drop 'off (BrE, informal)
1 to fall into a light sleep: I dropped off and missed the end of the film.
2 to become fewer or less: Traffic in the town has dropped off since the bypass opened. ,drop 'out (of sth)
1 to no longer take part in or be part of sth: He has dropped out of active politics.  a word that has dropped out of the language
2 to leave school, college, etc. without finishing your studies: She started an engineering degree but dropped out after only a year.—related noun DROPOUT (1)
3 (disapproving) to reject the ideas and ways of behaving that are accepted by the rest of society—related noun DROPOUT (2)

noun
OF LIQUID|
1 [C] a very small amount of liquid that forms a round shape: drops of rain  a drop of blood  Mix a few drops of milk into the cake mixture.—see also RAINDROP , TEARDROP
2 [C, usually sing.] (especially spoken) a small quantity of a liquid: Could I have a drop more milk in my coffee, please?  I haven’t touched a drop (= drunk any alcohol) all evening.
FALL|
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a fall or reduction in the amount, level or number of sth: a drop in prices / temperature  a dramatic / sharp drop in profits  If you want the job, you must be prepared to take a drop in salary.  a five per cent drop
DISTANCE|
4 [sing.] a distance down from a high point to a lower point: There was a sheer drop of fifty metres to the rocks below.  a twenty-foot drop
MEDICINE|
5 (drops) [pl.] a liquid medicine that you put one drop at a time into your eyes, ears or nose: eye drops
DELIVERING|
6 [C] the act of delivering sb/sth in a vehicle or by plane; the act of dropping sth: Aid agencies are organizing food drops to civilians in the war zone.  a parachute drop
SWEET / CANDY|
7 [C] a small round sweet/candy of the type mentioned: fruit drops  cough drops (= sweets / candy to help a cough) at the ,drop of a 'hat immediately; without hesitating: The company can’t expect me to move my home and family at the drop of a hat. a ,drop in the 'ocean (BrE) (AmE a ,drop in the 'bucket) an amount of sth that is too small or unimportant to make any real difference to a situation

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,drop-'dead
adv. (informal) used before an adjective to emphasize that sb/sth is attractive in a very noticeable way: a drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood star
,drop-'dead adj.
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drop.let
noun a small drop of a liquid
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drop.out
noun
1 a person who leaves school or college before they have finished their studies: college dropouts  a university with a high dropout rate
2 (disapproving) a person who rejects the ideas and ways of behaving that are accepted by the rest of society
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drop.per
noun a short glass tube with a hollow rubber end used for measuring medicine or other liquids in drops—picture at LABORATORY
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drop.pings
noun the solid waste matter of birds and animals (usually small animals)
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dross
noun [U]
1 (BrE) something of very low quality; the least valuable part of sth: mass-produced dross
2 (technical) a waste substance, especially that separated from a metal when it is melted
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drought
noun [U, C] a long period of time when there is little or no rain: two years of severe drought  one of the worst droughts on record
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drove
noun [usually pl.] a large number of people or animals, often moving or doing sth as a group: droves of tourists  People were leaving the countryside in droves to look for work in the cities.—see also DRIVE v.
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drover
noun a person who moves groups of cows or sheep from one place to another, especially to market
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drown
verb
1 to die because you have been underwater too long and you cannot breathe; to kill sb in this way: [v] Two children drowned after falling into the river.  He had attempted to rescue the drowning man.  [vn] She tried to drown herself.  He was drowned at sea.  They had drowned the unwanted kittens.
2 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to make sth very wet; to completely cover sth in water or another liquid: The fruit was drowned in cream.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (out) (of a sound) to be louder than other sounds so that you cannot hear them: She turned up the radio to drown out the noise from next door.
drown.ing noun [U, C]: death by drowning  Alcohol plays a part in an estimated 30% of drownings.
IDM drown your 'fears / 'loneliness / 'sorrows, etc. (especially humorous) to get drunk in order to forget your problems
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drowse
verb [v] to be in a light sleep or almost asleep: My mother was sitting on the porch drowsing in the sun.
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drowsy
adj. (drows.ier, drowsi.est)
1 tired and almost asleep
SYN SLEEPY : The tablets may make you feel drowsy.
2 making you feel relaxed and tired: a drowsy afternoon in the sunshine
drows.ily adv.
drow.si.ness noun [U]: The drugs tend to cause drowsiness.
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drub.bing
noun (informal) (in a sport) a situation where one team easily beats another: We gave them a drubbing in the match on Saturday.
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drudge
noun a person who has to do long hard boring jobs
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drudg.ery
noun [U] hard boring work: domestic drudgery
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drug
noun, verb
noun
1 an illegal substance that some people smoke, INJECT , etc. to give them pleasant or exciting feelings: He does not smoke or take drugs .  teenagers experimenting with drugs  I found out Steve was on drugs (= regularly used drugs).  drug and alcohol abuse  a hard (= very harmful)drug such as heroin  a soft drug (= one that is not considered very harmful)  Drugs have been seized with a street value of two million dollars.  She was a drug addict (= could not stop using drugs).  He was charged with pushing drugs (= selling them).   (informal) I don’t do drugs (= use them).  drug rehabilitation
2 a substance used as a medicine or used in a medicine: prescribed drugs  The doctor put me on a course of pain-killing drugs.  drug companies  The drug has some bad side effects.—see also DESIGNER DRUG

verb (-gg-) [vn]
1 to give a person or an animal a drug, especially to make them unconscious, or to affect their performance in a race or competition: He was drugged and bundled into the back of the car.  It’s illegal to drug horses before a race.
2 to add a drug to sb’s food or drink to make them unconscious or sleepy: Her drink must have been drugged.
IDM drugged up to the 'eyeballs to have taken or been given a lot of drugs

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'drug dealer
noun a person who sells illegal drugs
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drug.gie
noun (informal) a person who takes illegal drugs regularly
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drug.gist
noun (AmE ) = CHEMIST (1) , PHARMACIST (1)
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drug.store
noun (AmE ) a shop/store that sells medicines and also other types of goods, for example COSMETICS —see also CHEMIST (2) —compare PHARMACY
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Druid
noun a priest of an ancient Celtic religion
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drum
noun, verb
noun
1 a musical instrument made of a hollow round frame with plastic or skin stretched tightly across one or both ends. You play it by hitting it with sticks or with your hands: a bass drum  Tony Cox on drums  to play the drums  a regular drum beat—
2 a large container for oil or chemicals, shaped like a CYLINDER : a 50 gallon drum  an oil drum
3 a thing shaped like a drum , especially part of a machine: The mixture flows to a revolving drum where the water is filtered out.
IDM beat / bang the 'drum (for sb/sth) (especially BrE) to speak with enthusiasm in support of sb/sth: She’s really banging the drum for the new system.

verb (-mm-)
1 [v] to play a drum
2 ~ (sth) on sth to make a sound by hitting a surface again and again: [vn] Impatiently, he drummed his fingers on the table. [alsov] 'drum sth into sb’s head = DRUM STH INTO SB
PVR V 'drum sth into sb to make sb remember sth by repeating it a lot of times: We had it drummed into us that we should never talk to strangers. ,drum sb 'out (of sth) [usually passive] to force sb to leave an organization as a punishment for doing sth wrong ,drum sth<->'up to try hard to get support or business: He had flown to the north of the country to drum up support for the campaign.

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drum.beat
noun the sound that a beat on a drum makes
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'drum kit
noun a set of drums—
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,drum 'major
noun the leader of a marching band of musicians, especially in the army
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,drum majo'rette
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ma.jor.ette) noun a girl in special brightly coloured clothes who walks in front of a marching band spinning, throwing and catching a long stick (called a BATON )
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drum.mer
noun a person who plays a drum or drums
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drum.ming
noun [U, sing.]
1 the act of playing a drum; the sound of a drum being played
2 a continuous sound or feeling like the beats of a drum: the steady drumming of the rain on the tin roof
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drum.stick
noun
1 the lower part of the leg of a chicken or other bird that is cooked and eaten as food: a chicken / turkey drumstick
2 a stick used for playing a drum—
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drunk
adj., noun —see also DRINK v.
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] having drunk so much alcohol that it is impossible to think or speak clearly: She was too drunk to remember anything about the party.  His only way of dealing with his problems was to go out and get drunk .  They got drunk on vodka.
2 ~ with sth (written) in a great state of excitement because of a particular emotion or situation: drunk with optimism / success
IDM (as) drunk as a 'lord (BrE) (AmE as drunk as a 'skunk) (informal) very drunk—more at BLIND adv. , ROARING

noun a person who is drunk or who often gets drunk

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drunk.ard
noun (old-fashioned) a person who gets drunk very often
SYN ALCOHOLIC
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,drunk 'driver
noun (especially AmE ) = DRINK-DRIVER
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'drunk driving
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = DRINK-DRIVING
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drunk.en
adj. [only before noun]
1 drunk or often getting drunk: a drunken driver  She was often beaten by her drunken husband.
2 showing the effects of too much alcohol; involving people who are drunk: He came home to find her in a drunken stupor.  a drunken brawl
drunk.en.ly adv.: He staggered drunkenly to his feet.
drunk.en.ness noun [U]
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dry
adj., verb
adj. (drier, dri.est)
NOT WET|
1 not wet, damp or sticky; without water or MOISTURE : Is my shirt dry yet?  Store onions in a cool dry place.  I’m afraid this cake has turned out very dry and crumbly.  Her mouth felt as dry as a bone (= completely dry).  When the paint is completely dry, apply another coat.  It was high summer. The trees were dusty and the rivers were dry (= had no water in them).—see also BONE DRY
LITTLE RAIN|
2 with very little rain: weeks of hot dry weather  a dry climate  the dry season  I hope it stays dry for our picnic.  Rattlesnakes occur in the warmer, drier parts of North America.
SKIN / HAIR|
3 without the natural oils that makes it soft and healthy: a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for dry hair
COUGH|
4 that does not produce any PHLEGM (= the thick liquid that forms in the nose and throat): a dry hacking cough
BREAD|
5 eaten on its own without any butter, jam, etc: Breakfast consisted of dry bread and a cup of tea.
WINE|
6 not sweet: a crisp dry white wine  a dry sherry  This wine is too dry for me.
HUMOUR|
7 (approving) very clever and expressed in a quiet way that is not obvious; often using IRONY : He was a man of few words with a delightful dry sense of humour.
WITHOUT EMOTION|
8 not showing emotion: a dry tone / voice / manner
BORING|
9 not interesting: Government reports tend to make dry reading.
WITHOUT ALCOHOL|
10 without alcohol; where it is illegal to buy, sell or drink alcohol: We had a dry wedding (= no alcoholic drinks were served).  a dry county / state
THIRSTY|
11 (informal, especially BrE) thirsty; that makes you thirsty: I’m a bit dry.  This is dry work.
dryly = DRILY
dry.ness noun [U] milk / suck sb/sth 'dry to get from sb/sth all the money, help, information, etc. they have, usually giving nothing in return not a dry eye in the 'house (humorous) used to say that everyone was very emotional about sth: There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when they announced their engagement. run 'dry to stop supplying water; to be all used so that none is left: The wells in most villages in the region have run dry.  Vaccine supplies started to run dry as the flu outbreak reached epidemic proportions.—more at BLEED , HIGH adj. , HOME adv. , POWDER n. , SQUEEZE v.

verb (dries, dry.ing, dried, dried) to become dry; to make sth dry: [v] Be careful. The paint hasn’t dried yet.  You wash the dishes and I’ll dry.  [vn] You can use this towel to dry your hands.  I’ll just finish drying my hair then I’ll come down.  to dry your eyes / tears ,dry'off| ,dry sb/sth<->'off to become dry or make sth dry: We went swimming then lay in the sun to dry off.  We dried our boots off by the fire. ,dry 'out| ,dry sb<->'out (informal) to stop drinking alcohol after you have continuously been drinking too much; to cure sb of drinking too much alcohol: He went to an expensive clinic to dry out. ,dry 'out| ,dry sth<->'out to become or to allow sth to become dry, in a way that is not wanted: Water the plant regularly, never letting the soil dry out.  Hot sun and cold winds can soon dry out your skin. ,dry 'up
1 (of rivers, lakes, etc.) to become completely dry: During the drought the river dried up.
2 if a supply of sth dries up, there is gradually less of it until there is none left: As she got older, offers of modelling work began to dry up.
3 to suddenly stop talking because you do not know what to say next ,dry 'up| ,dry sth<->'up (BrE) to dry dishes with a towel after you have washed them: I’ll wash and you can dry up.

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dryad
noun (in stories) a female spirit who lives in a tree
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,dry 'cell
noun the type of cell in a dry battery which contains chemicals only in solid form
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,dry-'clean
(also clean) verb [vn] to clean clothes using chemicals instead of water: This garment must be dry-cleaned only.
,dry-'cleaning noun [U]
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,dry-'cleaner’s
noun = CLEANER
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,dry 'dock
noun [C, U] an enclosed part of a port, from which the water can be removed, for building or repairing ships: The ship is in dry dock.
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dryer
(also drier) noun (especially in compounds) a machine for drying sth: a hairdryer  Don’t put that sweater in the dryer.—see also SPIN DRYER , TUMBLE-DRYER
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,dry-'eyed
adj. [not before noun] not crying: She remained dry-eyed throughout the trial.
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'dry goods
noun [pl.]
1 types of food that are solid and dry, such as tea, coffee and flour
2 (old-fashioned, AmE) fabric and things that are made out of fabric, such as clothes and sheets: a dry goods store—compare DRAPERY
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,dry 'ice
noun [U] solid CARBON DIOXIDE used for keeping food, etc. cold and producing special effects in the theatre
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,dry 'land
noun [U] land, rather than sea: It was a great relief to be back on dry land after such a rough crossing.
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dryly
= DRILY
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,dry 'rot
noun [U]
1 wood that has decayed and turned to powder
2 any FUNGUS that causes this decay
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,dry 'run
noun [usually sing.] a complete practice of a performance or way of doing sth, before the real one
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dry.stone wall
noun (BrE ) (AmE 'dry wall) a stone wall built without MORTAR (= a substance usually used to hold bricks or stones together in building) between the stones
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'dry wall
noun [U] (AmE )
1 = PLASTERBOARD
2 = DRYSTONE WALL
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DSS
abbr. (in Britain) Department of Social Security
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DST
abbr. daylight saving time
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DTI
abbr. (in Britain) Department of Trade and Industry
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DTP
abbr. DESKTOP PUBLISHING
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DTs
(BrE ) (AmED.T.'s) noun [pl.] a physical condition in which people who drink too much alcohol feel their body shaking and imagine that they are seeing things that are not really there (abbreviation for ‘delirium tremens’)
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dual
adj. [only before noun] having two parts or aspects: his dual role as composer and conductor  She has dual nationality (= is a citizen of two different countries).  The piece of furniture serves a dual purpose as a cupboard and as a table.—see also DUAL-PURPOSE   note at DOUBLE
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,dual 'carriageway
(BrE ) (AmE di,vided 'highway) noun a road with a strip of land in the middle that divides the lines of traffic moving in opposite directions
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dual.ism
noun [U]
1 (philosophy) the theory that there are two opposite principles in everything, for example good and evil
2 (formal) the state of having two parts
dual.ist , dual.ist.ic adj.
dual.ist noun
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dual.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) the state of having two parts or aspects
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,dual-'purpose
adj. that can be used for two different purposes: a dual-purpose vehicle (= for carrying passengers or goods)
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dub
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 [vn-n] to give sb/sth a particular name, often in a humorous or critical way: The Belgian actor Jean Claude Van Damme has been dubbed ‘Muscles from Brussels’.
2 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to replace the original speech in a film/movie or television programme with words in another language: an American movie dubbed into Italian—compare SUBTITLE
3 [vn] (especially BrE) to make a piece of music by mixing sounds from different recordings

noun a type of West Indian music or poetry with a strong beat

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du.bi.ous
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (about sth) / (about doing sth) (of a person) not certain and slightly suspicious about sth; not knowing whether sth is good or bad
SYN DOUBTFUL : I was rather dubious about the whole idea.
2 (disapproving) probably not honest: They indulged in some highly dubious business practices to obtain their current position in the market.
3 that you cannot be sure about; that is probably not good: They consider the plan to be of dubious benefit to most families.   (ironic) She had the dubious honour of being the last woman to be hanged in England (= it was not an honour at all).
du.bi.ous.ly adv.
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ducal
adj. [only before noun] of or belonging to a DUKE : the ducal palace in Rouen
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duch.ess
noun
1 the wife of a DUKE : the Duchess of York
2 a woman who has the rank of a DUKE
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duchy
(also duke.dom) noun an area of land that is owned and controlled by a DUKE or DUCHESS : the Duchy of Cornwall
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duck
noun, verb
noun
1 (pl.ducks or duck) [C] a common bird that lives on or near water, with short legs, WEBBED feet (= feet with thin pieces of skin between the toes) and a wide beak. There are many types of duck , some of which are kept for their meat or eggs: wild ducks  duck eggs  Every afternoon they went to the park to feed the ducks.—
2 [C] a female duck —compare DRAKE
3 [U] meat from a duck : roast duck with orange sauce
4 (also duckie, ducks, ducky) [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a friendly way of addressing sb: Anything else, duck?—compare DEAR , LOVE
5 (a duck) [sing.] (in cricket) a BATSMAN’S score of zero: He was out for a duck.—see also LAME DUCK , SITTING DUCK
IDM (take to sth) like a ,duck to 'water (to become used to sth) very easily, without any problems or fears: She has taken to teaching like a duck to water.—more at DEAD adj. , WATER n.

verb
1 ~ (down)| ~ (behind / under sth) to move your head or body downwards to avoid being hit or seen: [v] He had to duck as he came through the door.  We ducked down behind the wall so they wouldn’t see us.  He just managed to duck out of sight .  [vn] She ducked her head and got into the car.
2 [vn] to avoid sth by moving your head or body out of the way
SYN DODGE : He ducked the first few blows then started to fight back.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere quickly, especially in order to avoid being seen: She ducked into the adjoining room as we came in.
4 ~ (out of) sth to avoid a difficult or unpleasant duty or responsibility: [v] It’s his turn to cook dinner, but I bet he’ll try to duck out of it.  [vn] The government is ducking the issue.
5 (AmE also dunk) [vn] to push sb underwater and hold them there for a short time: The kids were ducking each other in the pool.

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,duck-billed 'platypus
noun = PLATYPUS
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duck.boards
noun [pl.] long narrow wooden boards used to make a path over wet ground
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duck.ling
noun [C, U] a young duck; the meat of a young duck—see also UGLY DUCKLING
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duck.weed
noun [U] a very small plant that grows on the surface of still water
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duct
noun
1 a pipe or tube carrying liquid, gas, electric or telephone wires, etc: a heating / ventilation duct
2 a tube in the body or in plants through which liquid passes: the bile duct
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duc.tile
adj. (technical ) (of a metal) that can be made into a thin wire
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duct.ing
noun [U]
1 a system of ducts
2 material in the form of a duct or ducts : a short piece of ducting
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dud
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] (informal) a thing that is useless, especially because it does not work correctly: Two of the fireworks in the box were duds.
2 (duds) [pl.] (slang) clothes

adj. [only before noun] useless; that does not work correctly: a dud battery  a dud cheque (= written by sb who has not enough money in their bank account)

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dude
noun (slang, especially AmE ) a man: He’s a real cool dude.  Hey, dude, what’s up?
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'dude ranch
noun an American RANCH (= a large farm) where people can go on holiday/vacation and do the sort of activities that COWBOYS do
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dudgeon
noun
IDM see HIGH adj.
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due
adj., noun, adv.
adj.
CAUSED BY|
1 [not before noun] ~ to sth/sb caused by sb/sth; because of sb/sth: The team’s success was largely due to her efforts.  Most of the problems were due to human error.  The project had to be abandoned due to a lack of government funding.
HELP Some people think that it is more correct to use owing to to mean ‘because of’ after a verb or at the beginning of a clause, as due is an adjective.
EXPECTED|
2 [not before noun] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) arranged or expected: When’s the baby due?  Rose is due to start school in January.  The band’s first album is due for release later this month.  The next train is due in five minutes.   (especially AmE) My essay’s due next Friday (= it has to be given to the teacher by then).
OWED|
3 [not usually before noun] when a sum of money is due, it must be paid immediately: Payment is due on 1 October.
4 [not before noun] ~ (to sb) owed to sb as a debt, because it is their right or because they have done sth to deserve it: Have they been paid the money that is due to them?  Our thanks are due to the whole team.
5 [not before noun] ~ (for) sth owed sth; deserving sth: I’m still due 15 day’s leave.  She’s due for promotion soon.
SUITABLE / RIGHT|
6 [only before noun] (formal) that is suitable or right in the circumstances: After due consideration, we have decided to appoint Mr. Davis to the job.  to make due allowance for sth   (BrE) He was charged with driving without due care and attention .—compare UNDUE in ,due 'course at the right time and not before: Your request will be dealt with in due course. with (all) due re'spect used when you are going to disagree, usually quite strongly, with sb: With all due respect, the figures simply do not support you on this.

noun
1 (your / sb’s ~) [U] a thing that should be given to sb by right: He received a large reward, which was no more than his due (= than what he deserved).  She’s a slow worker, but to give her her due (= to be fair to her), she does try very hard.
2 (dues) [pl.] charges, for example to be a member of a club: to pay your dues

adv. ~ north / south / east / west exactly; in a straight line: to sail due east  The village lies five miles due north of York.

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,due 'date
noun [usually sing.] the date on or by which sth, especially a sum of money, is owed or expected
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duel
noun
1 a formal fight with weapons between two people, used in the past to settle a quarrel, especially over a matter of honour: to fight / win a duel  to challenge sb to a duel
2 a competition or struggle between two people or groups: a verbal duel
duel verb (-ll-, AmE-l-): [v] The two men duelled to the death.
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du.el.ling
(BrE ) (AmEdu.el.ing) noun [U] the practice of fighting duels
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duet
(also less frequent duo) noun a piece of music for two players or singers: a piano duet—compare SOLO , TRIO
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duff
adj., noun, verb
adj. (BrE , informal) useless; that does not work as it should: He sold me a duff radio.

noun (AmE , informal) a person’s bottom

verb
PVR V ,duff sb<->'up (BrE, informal) to hit or kick sb severely
SYN BEAT UP

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duf.fel bag
(also duf.fle bag) noun
1 (BrE) a bag made out of fabric, shaped like a tube and closed by a string around the top. It is usually carried over the shoulder.
2 (AmE) a similar bag, but closed with a ZIP along the top and carried in your hand—compare HOLDALL —picture at BAG
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duf.fel coat
(also duf.fle coat) noun a coat made of heavy woollen fabric, that usually has a HOOD and is fastened with TOGGLES
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duf.fer
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a person who is stupid or unable to do anything well: I was a bit of a duffer at school.
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dug
pt, pp of DIG
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dug.out
noun
1 a rough shelter, made by digging a hole in the ground and covering it, used by soldiers
2 a shelter by the side of a football or baseball field where a team’s manager, etc. can sit and watch the game
3 (also ,dugout ca'noe) a CANOE (= a type of light narrow boat) made by cutting out the inside of a tree TRUNK
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DUI
abbr. (AmE ) = DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
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duke
noun
1 a NOBLEMAN of the highest rank: the Duke of Edinburgh
2 (in some parts of Europe, especially in the past) a male ruler of a small independent state—see also ARCHDUKE , DUCHESS , DUCHY , GRAND DUKE
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duke.dom
noun
1 the rank or position of a duke
2 = DUCHY
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dul.cet
adj. [only before noun] (humorous or ironic) sounding sweet and pleasant: I thought I recognized your dulcet tones (= the sound of your voice)
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dul.ci.mer
noun
1 a musical instrument that you play by hitting the metal strings with two hammers
2 a musical instrument with strings, popular in American traditional music, that you lay on your knee and play with your fingers
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dull
adj., verb
adj. (dull.er, dull.est)
BORING|
1 not interesting or exciting: Life in a small town could be deadly dull.  The countryside was flat, dull and uninteresting.  The first half of the game was pretty dull.  There’s never a dull moment when John’s around.
LIGHT / COLOURS|
2 not bright or shiny: a dull colour / glow  dull, lifeless hair  Her eyes were dull with dark shadows beneath them.
SOUNDS|
3 not clear or loud: The gates shut behind him with a dull thud.
WEATHER|
4 not bright, with a lot of clouds: It was a dull, grey day.
PAIN|
5 not very severe, but continuous: a dull ache / pain
PERSON|
6 slow in understanding
SYN STUPID : a dull pupil / class / mind
TRADE|
7 (especially AmE) not busy; slow: Don’t sell into a dull market.
dull.ness noun [U]
dully adv.: ‘I suppose so,’ she said dully.  His leg ached dully. (as) dull as 'ditchwater (BrE) (AmE (as) dull as 'dishwater) extremely boring

verb
PAIN|
1 (of pain or an emotion) to become or be made weaker or less severe: [vn] The tablets they gave him dulled the pain for a while. [alsov]
PERSON|
2 [vn] (written) to make a person slower or less lively: He felt dulled and stupid with sleep.
COLOURS, SOUNDS|
3 to become or to make sth less bright, clean or sharp: [v] His eyes dulled and he slumped to the ground.  [vn] The endless rain seemed to dull all sound.

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dull.ard
noun (old-fashioned) a stupid person with no imagination
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duly
adv.
1 (formal) in the correct or expected manner: The document was duly signed and authorized by the inspector.
2 at the expected and correct time: They duly arrived at 9.30 in spite of torrential rain.—compare UNDULY
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dumb
adj., verb
adj. (dumb.er, dumb.est)
1 (old-fashioned, sometimes offensive) unable to speak: She was born deaf and dumb .
HELP Dumb used in this meaning is old-fashioned and can be offensive. It is better to use speech-impaired instead.
2 temporarily not speaking or refusing to speak: We were all struck dumb with amazement.  We all sat there in dumb silence.
3 (informal, especially AmE) stupid: That was a pretty dumb thing to do.  If the police question you, act dumb (= pretend you do not know anything).  In all her early movies she always played a dumb blonde .
dumb.ly adv.: ‘Are you all right?’ Laura nodded dumbly.
dumb.ness noun [U]

verb
PVR V ,dumb 'down| ,dumb sth<->'down (disapproving) to make sth less accurate or EDUCATIONAL , and of worse quality, by trying to make it easier for people to understand: The BBC denies that its broadcasting has been dumbed down.

,dumbing 'down noun [U]
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,dumb 'animal
noun [usually pl.] (BrE ) an animal, especially when seen as deserving pity
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'dumb-bell
noun
1 a short bar with a weight at each end, used for strengthening the arm and shoulder muscles
2 (AmE, informal) a stupid person
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dumb.found.ed
(also less frequent dumb.struck ) adj. unable to speak because of surprise: She was completely dumbfounded by the news.
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dumbo
noun (pl.-oes) (informal) a stupid person
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,dumb 'waiter
noun a small lift/elevator for carrying food and plates from one floor to another in a restaurant
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dum.dum
(also ,dumdum 'bullet) noun a bullet that spreads out and breaks into many pieces when it hits sb, causing serious injuries
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dummy
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a model of a person, used especially when making clothes or for showing them in a shop window: a tailor’s dummy
2 [C] a thing that seems to be real but is only a copy of the real thing
3 [C] (AmE, informal) a stupid person: Don’t just stand there you dummy.
4 [C] (in some sports, such as football) an occasion when you pretend to pass the ball to another player and then do not do so
5 [C] (BrE) (AmE paci.fier) a specially shaped rubber or plastic object for a baby to suck
6 [U] (in card games, especially BRIDGE ) the cards which are placed facing upwards on the table and which can be seen by all the players

adj. [only before noun] made to look real, although it is actually a copy which does not work: a dummy bomb / rifle

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,dummy 'run
noun (BrE ) a practice attack, performance, etc. before the real one
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dump
verb, noun
verb [vn]
GET RID OF|
1 to get rid of sth you do not want, especially in a place which is not suitable: Too much toxic waste is being dumped at sea.  The dead body was just dumped by the roadside.
2 ~ sth (on sb) (informal) to get rid of sb/sth or leave them for sb else to deal with: He’s got no right to keep dumping his problems on me.
3 (business) to get rid of goods by selling them at a very low price, often in another country
PUT DOWN|
4 to put sth down in a careless or untidy way: Just dump your stuff over there—we’ll sort it out later.
END RELATIONSHIP|
5 (informal) to end a romantic relationship with sb: Did you hear he’s dumped his girlfriend?
COMPUTING|
6 to copy information and move it somewhere to store it
IDM see LAP n. 'dump on sb (AmE) to criticize sb severely or treat them badly

noun —see also DUMPS
FOR WASTE|
1 a place where waste or rubbish/garbage is taken and left: the municipal dump  a toxic / nuclear waste dump
DIRTY PLACE|
2 (informal, disapproving) a dirty or unpleasant place: How can you live in this dump?
FOR WEAPONS|
3 a temporary store for military supplies: an ammunition dump
COMPUTING|
4 an act of copying data stored in a computer; a copy or list of the contents of this data: a screen dump (= a copy of what is on a computer screen)
WASTE FROM BODY|
5 [C] (slang) an act of passing waste matter from the body through the bowels: to have a dump

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dump.er
noun (especially AmE ) a person who throws away dangerous or harmful things, especially in the wrong place
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'dumper truck
(BrE ) (AmE 'dump truck) noun a vehicle for carrying earth, stones, etc. in a container which can be lifted up for the load to fall out—picture at TRUCK
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dump.ing
noun [U] the act or practice of DUMPING sth, especially dangerous substances: a ban on the dumping of radioactive waste at sea
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'dumping ground
noun [usually sing.] a place where sth that is not wanted is DUMPED
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dump.ling
noun
1 a small ball of DOUGH (= a mixture of flour, fat and water) that is cooked and served with meat dishes: chicken with herb dumplings
2 a small ball of pastry often with fruit in it, eaten as a DESSERT : apple dumplings
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dumps
noun [pl.]
IDM down in the 'dumps (informal) feeling unhappy DEPRESSED
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Dump.ster
™noun (AmE ) = SKIP
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'dump truck
noun (AmE ) = DUMPER TRUCK
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dumpy
adj. (especially of a person) short and fat
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dun
adj. greyish-brown in colour
dun noun [U]
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dunce
noun (old-fashioned) a person, especially a child at school, who is stupid or slow to learn
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dune
(also 'sand dune) noun a small hill of sand formed by the wind, near the sea or in a desert
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'dune buggy
noun = BEACH BUGGY
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dung
noun [U] solid waste from animals, especially from large ones: cow dung
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dun.garees
noun [pl.]
1 (BrE) (AmE over.alls, 'bib overalls) a piece of clothing that consists of trousers/pants with an extra piece of fabric covering the chest, held up by straps over the shoulders: a pair of dungarees  His dungarees were covered in grease.
2 (AmE) heavy cotton trousers/pants for working in
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dun.geon
noun a dark underground room used as a prison, especially in a castle: Throw him into the dungeons!
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dunk
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (in / into sth) to put food quickly into liquid before eating it: She sat reading a magazine, dunking cookies in her coffee.
2 [vn] (especially AmE) to push sb underwater for a short time, as a joke; to put sth into water: The camera survived being dunked in the river.
3 [v, vn] (in basketball) to jump very high and put the ball through the basket with great force from above—
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dunno
(non-standard) a way of writing the informal spoken form of ‘I don’t know’
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duo
noun (pl.-os)
1 two people who perform together or are often seen or thought of together: the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy—compare TRIO
2 = DUET
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duo.de.num
noun (pl.duo.de.nums or duo.dena ) (anatomy ) the first part of the small INTESTINE , next to the stomach—picture at BODY
duo.denal adj.: a duodenal ulcer
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du.op.oly
noun (pl.-ies) (business )
1 a right to trade in a particular product or service, held by only two companies or organizations
2 a group of two companies or organizations who hold a duopoly —compare MONOPOLY
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dupe
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick or cheat sb: They soon realized they had been duped.  He was duped into giving them his credit card.

noun (formal) a person who is tricked or cheated

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du.plex
noun (especially AmE )
1 a building divided into two separate homes
2 a flat/apartment with rooms on two floors
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du.pli.cate
verb, adj., noun
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to make an exact copy of sth: a duplicated form / letter
2 to do sth again, especially when it is unnecessary: There’s no point in duplicating work already done.
du.pli.ca.tion noun [U, C]

adj. [only before noun] exactly like sth else; made as a copy of sth else: a duplicate invoice

noun one of two or more things that are the same in every detail COPY : Is this a duplicate or the original?
IDM in duplicate (of documents, etc.) as two copies that are exactly the same in every detail: to prepare a contract in duplicate —compare TRIPLICATE

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du.pli.city
noun [U] (formal) dishonest behaviour that is intended to make sb believe sth which is not true
du.pli.ci.tous adj.
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dur.able
adj. likely to last for a long time without breaking or getting weaker: durable plastics  negotiations for a durable peace
dur.abil.ity noun [U]: the durability of gold—see also CONSUMER DURABLES
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,durable 'goods
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = CONSUMER DURABLES
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dur.ation
noun [U] (formal) the length of time that sth lasts or continues: The school was used as a hospital for the duration of the war.  a contract of three years' duration
IDM for the duration (informal) until the end of a particular situation
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dur.ess
noun [U] (formal) threats or force that are used to make sb do sth: He signed the confession under duress .
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Durex
™noun (pl.Durex) (BrE ) a CONDOM
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durian
noun a large tropical fruit with a strong unpleasant smell but a sweet flavour
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dur.ing
prep.
1 all through a period of time: during the 1990s  There are extra flights to Colorado during the winter.  Please remain seated during the performance.
2 at some point in a period of time: He was taken to the hospital during the night.  I only saw her once during my stay in Rome.
HELP During is used to say when something happens; for answers the question ‘how long?’: I stayed in London for a week.  I stayed in London during a week.
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dusk
noun [U] the time of day when the light has almost gone, but it is not yet dark: The street lights go on at dusk .—compare DAWN
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dusky
adj. (literary) not very bright; dark or soft in colour: the dusky light inside the cave  dusky pink
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dust
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a fine powder that consists of very small pieces of sand, earth, etc: A cloud of dust rose as the truck drove off.  The workers wear masks to avoid inhaling the dust.
2 the fine powder of dirt that forms in buildings, on furniture, floors, etc: The books were all covered with dust.  There wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere in the room.  That guitar’s been sitting gathering dust (= not being used) for years now.
3 a fine powder that consists of very small pieces of a particular substance: coal / gold dust—see also DUSTY
IDM leave sb in the 'dust (AmE) to leave sb far behind let the dust settle | wait for the dust to settle to wait for a situation to become clear or certain—more at BITE v.

verb
1 to clean furniture, a room, etc. by removing dust from surfaces with a cloth: [v] I broke the vase while I was dusting.  [vn] Could you dust the sitting room?
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to remove dirt from sb/sth/yourself with your hands or a brush: She dusted some ash from her sleeve.
3 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to cover sth with fine powder: Dust the cake with sugar.
PVR V ,dust sb/sth<->'down (especially BrE) to remove dust, dirt, etc. from sb/sth: Mel stood up and dusted herself down. ,dust sb/sth<->'off to remove dust, dirt, etc. from sb/sth: (figurative) For the concert, he dusted off some of his old hits.

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dust.bin
(BrE ) (AmE 'garbage can, 'trash can) noun a large container with a lid, used for putting rubbish/garbage in, usually kept outside the house  note at RUBBISH
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'dust bowl
noun an area of land that has been turned into desert by lack of rain or too much farming
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dust.cart
(BrE ) (AmE 'garbage truck) noun a vehicle for collecting rubbish/garbage from outside houses, etc.
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'dust cover
noun
1 = DUST JACKET
2 a hard or soft plastic cover on a piece of equipment, etc. that protects it when it is not being used—picture at COVER
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dust.er
noun
1 a cloth for removing dust from furniture
2 (old-fashioned, AmE) a piece of clothing that you wear over your other clothes when you are cleaning the house, etc.
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'dust jacket
(also 'dust cover) noun a paper cover on a book that protects it but that can be removed
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dust.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also informal bin.man, formal 'refuse collector) (all BrE ) (AmE 'garbage man) a person whose job is to remove waste from outside houses, etc.  note at RUBBISH
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dust.pan
noun a small flat container with a handle into which dust is brushed from the floor
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'dust sheet
noun a large cloth that is used to protect furniture from dust or paint
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'dust storm
noun a storm that carries clouds of dust in the wind over a wide area
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'dust-up
noun (BrE , slang) a quarrel or fight
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dusty
adj. (dust.ier, dusti.est)
1 full of dust; covered with dust: a dusty road  piles of dusty books
2 (of a colour) not bright; dull: dusty pink
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Dutch
adj. of or connected with the Netherlands, its people or its language
IDM go Dutch (with sb) to share the cost of sth with sb
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,Dutch 'barn
noun (BrE ) a farm building without walls that has a roof supported on poles, used for storing HAY (= dried grass), etc.
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,Dutch 'courage
noun [U] (BrE , informal) the false courage or confidence that a person gets from drinking alcohol
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duti.ful
adj. doing everything that you are expected to do; willing to obey and to show respect: a dutiful daughter / son / wife
duti.ful.ly adv.
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duty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] something that you feel you have to do because it is your moral or legal responsibility: It is my duty to report it to the police.  Local councillors have a duty to serve the community.  I don’t want you to visit me simply out of a sense of duty .  your duties as a parent  to do your duty for your country
2 [U] the work that is your job: Report for duty at 8 a.m.—see also NIGHT DUTY
3 (duties) [pl.] tasks that are part of your job: I spend a lot of my time on administrative duties.  Your duties will include setting up a new computer system.—see also HEAVY-DUTY
4 [C, U] ~ (on sth) a tax that you pay on things that you buy especially those that you bring into a country: customs / excise / import duties  duty on wine and beer—see also DEATH DUTY , STAMP DUTY
IDM on / off duty (of nurses, police officers, etc.) working/not working at a particular time: Who’s on duty today?  What time do you go off duty?—see also OFF-DUTY —more at BOUNDEN , LINE n.
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,duty-'bound
adj. [not before noun] (formal) having to do sth because it is your duty: I felt duty-bound to help him.
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,duty-'free
adj. (of goods) that you can bring into a country without paying tax on them: duty-free cigarettes / alcohol / shopping
,duty-'free adv.
,duty-'free noun (BrE, informal): We bought a load of duty-frees (= duty-free goods) at the airport.
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,duty-'free shop
(also ,duty-'free) noun a shop/store in an airport or on a ship, etc. that sells goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, PERFUME , etc. without tax on them
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duvet
(also ,continental 'quilt, quilt) noun (all BrE ) a large fabric bag that is filled with feathers or other soft material and used as a cover on a bed: a duvet cover—picture at BED
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DVD
noun a disk on which large amounts of information, especially photographs and video, can be stored, for use on a computer (an abbreviation for ‘digital videodisc’ or ‘digital versatile disk’): a DVD-ROM drive—
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dwarf
noun, adj., verb
noun (pl.dwarfs or dwarves )
1 (in stories) a creature like a small man, who has magic powers and who is usually described as living and working under the ground, especially working with metal
2 (sometimes offensive) an extremely small person, who will never grow to a normal size because of a physical problem; a person suffering from DWARFISM
HELP There is no other word that is generally considered more acceptable.

adj. [only before noun] (of a plant or an animal) much smaller than the normal size: dwarf conifers

verb [vn] to make sth seem small or unimportant compared with sth else: The old houses were dwarfed by the huge new tower blocks.

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dwarf.ism
noun the medical condition of being a dwarf . People who suffer from this condition are very short and often have short arms and legs.
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dweeb
noun (AmE , slang, disapproving) a person, especially a boy or a man, who does not have good social skills and is not fashionable
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dwell
verb (dwelt, dwelt) or (dwelled, dwelled) [v + adv.  /  prep.] (formal or literary) to live somewhere: He dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside.  For ten years she dwelled among the nomads of North America.
PVR V 'dwell on / upon sth
1 to think or talk a lot about sth, especially sth it would be better to forget: So you made a mistake, but there’s no need to dwell on it.
2 (written) to look at sth for a long time
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dwell.er
noun (especially in compounds) a person or an animal that lives in the particular place that is mentioned: apartment dwellers
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dwell.ing
noun (formal) a house, flat/apartment, etc. where a person lives: The development will consist of 66 dwellings and a number of offices.
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'dwelling house
noun (BrE, law ) a house that people live in, not one that is used as an office, etc.
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'dwelling place
noun (old-fashioned) the place where sb lives
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DWI
abbr. (AmE ) = DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
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dwin.dle
verb [v] ~ (away) (to sth) to become gradually less or smaller: dwindling audiences / numbers / popularity  Support for the party has dwindled away to nothing.  Membership of the club has dwindled from 70 to 20.
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dye
verb, noun
verb (dyes, dye.ing, dyed, dyed) to change the colour of sth, especially by using a special liquid or substance: [vn] to dye wool / fabric / clothes  [vn-adj] She dyed her hair blonde.—see also TIE-DYE

noun [C, U] a substance that is used to change the colour of things such as cloth or hair: black dye  hair dye  natural / chemical / vegetable dyes

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,dyed in the 'wool
adj. [usually before noun] (usually disapproving) having strong beliefs or opinions that are never going to change: dyed in the wool traditionalists
ORIGIN From the idea that dye produced a more even and lasting colour if the wool was dyed in its raw state.
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dying
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with or happening at the time of sb’s death: I will remember it to my dying day .  her dying wishes / words
2 (the dying) noun [pl.] people who are dying: doctors who care for the dying
IDM see BREATH —see also DIE v.
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dyke
(also dike) noun
1 a long thick wall that is built to stop water flooding onto a low area of land, especially from the sea
2 (especially BrE) a channel that carries water away from the land
3 ( , slang) (usually offensive) = LESBIAN
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dy.nam.ic
noun, adj.
noun
1 (dynamics) [pl.] the way in which people or things behave and react to each other in a particular situation: the dynamics of political change  group dynamics (= the way in which members of a group react to each other)
2 (dynamics) [U] the science of the forces involved in movement: fluid dynamics—compare STATICS
3 [sing.] (formal) a force that produces change, action or effects
4 (dynamics) [pl.] (music) changes in volume in music

adj.
1 (approving) (of a person) forceful, and having a lot of energy: a dynamic personality
2 (of a process) always changing and making progress
OPP STATIC
3 (physics) (of a force or power) producing movement
OPP STATIC

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dyna.mism
noun [U] energy and enthusiasm to make new things happen or to make things succeed
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dyna.mite
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a powerful explosive: a stick of dynamite
2 a thing that is likely to cause a violent reaction or a lot of trouble: The abortion issue is political dynamite.
3 (informal, approving) an extremely impressive or exciting person or thing: Their new album is dynamite.

verb [vn] to destroy or damage sth using dynamite

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dy.namo
noun (pl.-os)
1 a device for turning MECHANICAL energy (= energy from movement) into electricity; a GENERATOR
2 (informal) a person with a lot of energy: the team’s midfield dynamo  She’s a human dynamo .
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dyn.asty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a series of rulers of a country who all belong to the same family: the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty
2 a period of years during which members of a particular family rule a country
dyn.as.tic adj. [usually before noun]: dynastic history
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dys.en.tery
noun [U] an infection of the bowels that causes severe DIARRHOEA with loss of blood
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dys.func.tion.al
adj. (technical ) not working in a satisfactory or successful way: children from dysfunctional families
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dys.lexia
noun [U] a slight disorder of the brain that causes difficulty in reading and spelling, for example, but does not affect intelligence
dys.lex.ic adj.: He’s dyslexic.
dys.lex.ic noun: Writing courses for dyslexics.
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dys.pep.sia
noun [U] (medical ) pain caused by difficulty in DIGESTING food
SYN INDIGESTION
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dys.pep.tic
adj.
1 (medical) connected with or suffering from dyspepsia
2 (formal, rare) bad-tempered
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dys.trophy
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
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E
noun, abbr.
noun (also e) [C, U] (pl.E’s, e’s )
1 the fifth letter in the English alphabet: ‘Egg’ begins with (an) E / ‘E’.
2 (E) (music) the third note in the scale of C MAJOR
3 (E) the fifth highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work, showing that it is very bad: He got an E in / for French.—see also E-NUMBER

abbr.
1 East; Eastern: E Asia
2 (slang) the drug ECSTASY

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e-
combining form (in nouns and verbs) connected with the use of electronic communication, especially the Internet, for sending information, doing business, etc: e-commerce  e-business—see also E-FIT , E-MAIL
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each
det., pron. used to refer to every one of two or more people or things, when you are thinking about them separately: Each answer is worth 20 points.  Each of the answers is worth 20 points.  The answers are worth 20 points each.  ‘Red or blue?’‘I’ll take one of each, please.’  We each have our own car.  There aren’t enough books for everyone to have one each.  They lost $40 each.  Each day that passed he grew more and more desperate.
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each 'other
pron. used as the object of a verb or preposition to show that each member of a group does sth to or for the other members: Don and Susie really loved each other (= he loved her and she loved him).  They looked at each other and laughed.  We can wear each other’s clothes.
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,each 'way
adv. (BrE ) if you bet money each way on a race, you win if your horse, etc. comes first, second or third in the race
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eager
adj. ~ (for sth / to do sth) very interested and excited by sth that is going to happen or about sth that you want to do
SYN KEEN : eager crowds outside the stadium  She is eager for (= wants very much to get) her parents' approval.  Everyone in the class seemed eager to learn.  They’re eager to please (= wanting to be helpful).
eager.ly adv.: the band’s eagerly awaited new CD
eager.ness noun [U, sing.]: I couldn’t hide my eagerness to get back home.
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,eager 'beaver
noun (informal) an enthusiastic person who works very hard
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eagle
noun
1 a large BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) with a sharp curved beak and very good sight: eagles soaring overhead—see also BALD EAGLE , GOLDEN EAGLE
2 (in golf) a score of two strokes less than the standard score for a hole (= two under PAR )—compare BIRDIE , BOGEY
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,eagle 'eye
noun [usually sing.] if sb has an eagle eye, they watch things carefully and are good at noticing things: Nothing escaped our teacher’s eagle eye.
,eagle-'eyed adj.: An eagle-eyed tourist found the suspicious package.
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ear
noun
1 [C] either of the organs on the sides of the head that you hear with: an ear infection  the inner / outer ear  She whispered something in his ear.  He put his hands over his ears.  She’s had her ears pierced.  The elephant flapped its ears.  He was always there with a sympathetic ear (= a willingness to listen to people).—see also CAULIFLOWER EAR , GLUE EAR , MIDDLE EAR —picture at BODY
2 (-eared) (in adjectives) having the type of ears mentioned: a long-eared owl
3 [sing.] an ability to recognize and copy sounds well: She has always had an ear for languages.  You need a good ear to master the piano.
4 [C] the top part of a grain plant, such as wheat, that contains the seeds: ears of corn—picture at CEREAL
IDM be all 'ears (informal) to be waiting with interest to hear what sb has to say: ‘Do you know what he said?’‘Go on—I’m all ears.’ be out on your 'ear (informal) to be forced to leave (a job, etc.) be up to your ears in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with: We’re up to our ears in work. sth comes to / reaches sb’s 'ears somebody hears about sth, especially when other people already know about it: News of his affair eventually reached her ears. sb’s 'ears are burning a person thinks that other people are talking about them, especially in an unkind way: ‘I bumped into your ex-wife last night.’‘I thought I could feel my ears burning!’ sb’s 'ears are flapping (BrE, informal) a person is trying to listen to sb else’s conversation go in 'one ear and out the 'other (informal) (of information, etc.) to be forgotten quickly: Everything I tell them just goes in one ear and out the other. have sb’s ear | have the ear of sb to be able to give sb advice, influence them, etc. because they trust you: He had the ear of the monarch. keep / have an / your ear to the 'ground to make sure that you always find out about the most recent developments in a particular situation play (sth) by 'ear to play music by remembering how it sounds rather than by reading it play it by 'ear (informal) to decide how to deal with a situation as it develops rather than by having a plan to follow: I don’t know what they’ll want when they arrive—we’ll have to play it by ear. shut / close your 'ears to sth to refuse to listen to sth: She decided to shut her ears to all the rumours. smile / grin / beam from ear to 'ear to be smiling, etc. a lot because you are very pleased about sth with half an 'ear without giving your full attention to what is being said, etc.—more at BELIEVE , BEND v. , BOX n. , BOX v. , COCK v. , DEAF adj. , EASY adj. , FEEL v. , FLEA , LEND , MUSIC , OPEN adj. , PIG n. , PRICK v. , RING v. , SILK , THICK adj. , WALL n. , WET adj. , WORD n.
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ear.ache
noun [U, C] pain inside the ear: to have (an) earache
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'ear drops
noun [pl.] liquid medicine that can be put into the ears
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ear.drum
noun the piece of thin tightly stretched skin inside the ear which is moved by sound waves, making you able to hear: a perforated eardrum
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ear.ful
noun [sing.] (informal) if sb gives you an earful, they tell you for a long time how angry they are about sth that you have done
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earl
noun a NOBLEMAN of high rank: Earl Spencer  the Earl of Northumberland—see also COUNTESS
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earli.est
noun [sing.] (the earliest) the time before which sth cannot happen: The earliest we can finish is next Friday.  We can’t finish before next Friday at the earliest .
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'ear lobe
(also lobe) noun the soft part at the bottom of the ear—picture at BODY
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early
adj., adv.
adj. (earl.ier, earli.est)
1 near the beginning of a period of time, an event etc: the early morning  my earliest memories  The project is still in the early stages.  the early 1990s  in the early days of space exploration (= when it was just beginning)  The earliest possible date I can make it is the third.  He’s in his early twenties.  Mozart’s early works (= those written at the beginning of his career)  Early booking is essential, as space is limited.
2 arriving, or done before the usual, expected or planned time: You’re early! I wasn’t expecting you till seven.  The bus was ten minutes early.  an early breakfast  Let’s make an early start tomorrow.  She’s an early riser (= she gets up early in the morning)  He learnt to play the piano at an early age .  early potatoes (= that are ready to eat at the beginning of the season)
OPP LATE
earli.ness noun [U]
IDM an 'early bird (humorous) a person who gets up, arrives, etc. very early at your earliest con'venience (written, business) as soon as possible: Please telephone at your earliest convenience. it’s early 'days (yet) (BrE) used to say that it is too soon to be sure how a situation will develop: It’s early days yet. We don’t know if the play will be a success.—more at BRIGHT adj. , HOUR , NIGHT

adv. (earl.ier, earli.est)
1 near the beginning of a period of time, an event, a piece of work, etc: early in the week / year / season / morning  The best rooms go to those who book earliest.  We arrived early the next day.  He started writing music as early as 1989.
OPP LATE   note at SOON
2 before the usual, expected or planned time: The bus came five minutes early.  I woke up early this morning.  The baby arrived earlier than expected.
OPP LATE
3 (earlier) before the present time or the time mentioned: As I mentioned earlier …  a week earlier  She had seen him earlier in the day.
OPP LATER
IDM early 'on at an early stage of a situation, relationship, period of time, etc: I knew quite early on that I wanted to marry her.

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,early 'closing
noun [U] (BrE ) the practice of closing shops on a particular afternoon every week (now no longer very common)
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,early 'warning
noun [U, sing.] a thing that tells you in advance that sth serious or dangerous is going to happen: an early warning of heart disease  an early warning system (= of enemy attack)
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ear.mark
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (for / as sb/sth) to decide that sth will be used for a particular purpose, or to state that sth will happen to sb/sth in the future: The money had been earmarked for spending on new school buildings.  The factory has been earmarked for closure.  She was earmarked early as a possible champion.
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ear.muff
noun [usually pl.] either of a pair of coverings for the ears connected by a band across the top of the head, and worn to protect the ears, especially from cold: a pair of earmuffs—picture at HAT
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earn
verb
1 to get money for work that you do: [vn] He earns about £20 000 a year.  She earned a living as a part-time secretary.  She must earn a fortune (= earn a lot of money).  [vnn] His victory in the tournament earned him $50 000.  [v] All the children are earning now.
2 [vn] to get money as profit or interest on money you lend, have in a bank, etc: Your money would earn more in a high-interest account.
3 to get sth that you deserve, usually because of sth good you have done or because of the good qualities you have: [vn] He earned a reputation as an expert on tax law.  As a teacher, she had earned the respect and admiration of her students.  I need a rest. Think I’ve earned it, don’t you?  She’s having a well-earned rest this week.  [vnn] His outstanding ability earned him a place on the team.
IDM ,earn a / your 'crust (BrE, informal) to earn enough money to live on ,earn your 'keep
1 to do useful or helpful things in return for being allowed to live or stay somewhere
2 to be worth the amount of time or money that is being spent: He felt he no longer deserved such a high salary. He just wasn’t earning his keep.—more at SPUR n.
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earn.er
noun
1 a person who earns money for a job that they do: high / low earners—see also WAGE EARNER
2 an activity or a business that makes a profit: Tourism is the country’s biggest foreign currency earner.   (BrE, informal) Her new business has turned out a nice little earner .
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earn.est
adj. very serious and sincere: an earnest young man  Despite her earnest efforts, she could not find a job.
earn.est.ly adv.
earn.est.ness noun [U]
IDM in 'earnest
1 more seriously and with more force or effort than before: The work on the house will begin in earnest on Monday.
2 very serious and sincere about what you are saying and about your intentions; in a way that shows that you are serious: You may laugh but I’m in deadly earnest .  I could tell she spoke in earnest.
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earn.ings
noun [pl.]
1 the money that you earn for the work that you do: a rise in average earnings  compensation for loss of earnings caused by the accident
2 the profit that a company makes: earnings per share  export earnings
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,earnings-re'lated
adj. (BrE ) (of payments, etc.) connected to and changing according to the amount of money that you earn: an earnings-related pension scheme
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ear.phones
noun [pl.] = HEADPHONES
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ear.piece
noun the part of a telephone or piece of electrical equipment that you hold next to or put into your ear so that you can listen
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ear.plug
noun [usually pl.] a piece of soft material that you put into your ear to keep out noise, water or air
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ear.ring
noun [often pl.] a piece of jewellery that you fasten in or on your ear: a pair of earrings
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ear.shot
noun
IDM out of 'earshot (of sb/sth) too far away to hear sb/sth or to be heard: We waited until Ted was safely out of earshot before discussing it. within 'earshot (of sb/sth) near enough to hear sb/sth or to be heard: As she came within earshot of the group, she heard her name mentioned.
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'ear-splitting
adj. extremely loud
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earth
noun, verb
noun
1 (also Earth, the Earth) [U, sing.] the world; the planet that we live on: the planet Earth  the history of life on earth  the earth’s ozone layer  The earth revolves around the sun.  I must be the happiest person on earth!
2 [U, sing.] land; the hard surface of the world that is not the sea or the sky; the ground: After a week at sea, it was good to feel the earth beneath our feet again.  You could feel the earth shake as the truck came closer.
3 [U] the substance that plants grow in
SYN SOIL : a clod / lump / mound of earth  I cleaned off the earth clinging to my boots.
4 [C] the hole where an animal, especially a FOX , lives
5 (BrE) (AmE ground) [C, usually sing.] a wire that connects an electric CIRCUIT with the ground and makes it safe
IDM charge, cost, pay, etc. the 'earth (BrE, informal) to charge, etc. a lot of money: I’d love that dress, but it costs the earth. come back / down to 'earth (with a 'bang / 'bump) | bring sb (back) down to 'earth (with a 'bang / 'bump) (informal) to return, or to make sb return, to a normal way of thinking or behaving after a time when they have been very excited, not very practical, etc.—see also DOWN-TO-EARTH go to 'earth / 'ground (BrE) to hide, especially to escape from sb who is chasing you how, why, where, who, etc. on 'earth (informal) used to emphasize the question you are asking when you are surprised or angry or cannot think of an obvious answer: What on earth are you doing?  How on earth can she afford that? be, feel, look, taste, etc. like nothing on 'earth (informal) to be, feel, look, taste, etc. very bad on 'earth used after negative nouns or pronouns to emphasize what you are saying: Nothing on earth would persuade me to go with him. run sb/sth to 'earth / 'ground (BrE) to find sb/sth after looking hard for a long time—more at END n. , FACE n. , MOVE v. , PROMISE v. , SALT n. , WIPE v.

verb (BrE ) (AmE ground) [vn] [usually passive] to make electrical equipment safe by connecting it to the ground with a wire

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earth.bound
adj.
1 unable to leave the surface of the earth: birds and their earthbound predators
2 (literary) not imaginative or spiritual
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earth.en
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of floors or walls) made of earth
2 (of objects) made of baked clay: earthen pots
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earth.en.ware
adj. made of very hard baked clay: an earthenware bowl
earth.en.ware noun [U]
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earth.ling
noun a word used in SCIENCE FICTION stories by creatures from other planets to refer to a person living on the earth
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earth.ly
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (written) connected with life on earth and not with any spiritual life: earthly desires  the sorrows of this earthly life
2 (often used in questions and negatives for emphasis) possible: There’s no earthly reason why you shouldn’t go.  What earthly difference is my opinion going to make?  He didn’t have an earthly chance of getting the job.
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'earth mother
noun
1 (also Earth Mother) a GODDESS who represents the earth as the source of life; a GODDESS of FERTILITY
2 (informal) a woman who seems very suited to being a mother
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earth.quake
(also informal quake) noun a sudden, violent shaking of the earth’s surface: damage caused by a powerful earthquake
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'earth science
noun [C, U] a science concerned with studying the earth or part of it. Geography and GEOLOGY are both earth sciences .—compare LIFE SCIENCES , NATURAL SCIENCE
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'earth-shattering
adj. having a very great effect and of great importance: an earth-shattering discovery
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earth.work
noun [usually pl.] a large bank of earth that was built long ago in the past and used as a defence
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earth.worm
noun a common long thin worm that lives in soil
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earthy
adj. (earth.ier, earthi.est)
1 concerned with the body, sex, etc. in an open and direct way that some people find rude or embarrassing: an earthy sense of humour
2 of or like earth or soil: earthy colours / smells
earthi.ness noun [U]
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ear.wig
noun a small brown insect with a long body and two curved pointed parts called PINCERS that stick out at the back end of its body
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ease
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 lack of difficulty: He passed the exam with ease .  The ease with which she learns languages is astonishing.  This computer is popular for its good design and ease of use .  All important points are numbered for ease of reference (= so that you can find them easily).
2 the state of feeling relaxed or comfortable without worries, problems or pain: In his retirement, he lived a life of ease.
IDM (stand) at 'ease used as a command to soldiers to tell them to stand with their feet apart and their hands behind their backs—compare ATTENTION n. (5) at (your) 'ease relaxed and confident and not nervous or embarrassed: I never feel completely at ease with him. put sb at (their) 'ease to make sb feel relaxed and confident, not nervous or embarrassed: Try to put the candidate at ease by being friendly and informal.—more at ILL adj. , MIND n.

verb
1 to become or to make sth less unpleasant, painful, severe, etc: [vn] This should help ease the pain.  The plan should ease traffic congestion in the town.  It would ease my mind (= make me less worried) to know that she was settled.  [v] The pain immediately eased.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move, or to move sb/sth, slowly and carefully: [v] He eased slowly forwards.  [vn] She eased herself into a chair.  He eased off his shoes.
3 [vn] to make sth easier: Ramps have been built to ease access for the disabled.
4 to make sth or to become less tight and more relaxed: [vn] Ease your grip on the wheel a little. [alsov]
5 to become or make sth lower in price or value
SYN REDUCE : [v] Share prices eased back from yesterday’s levels. [alsovn] 'ease into sth| 'ease yourself / sb into sth to become or help sb to become familiar with sth new, especially a new job ,ease 'off| ,ease 'off sth to become or make sth become less strong, unpleasant, etc: We waited until the traffic had eased off.  Ease off the training a few days before the race. ,ease sb<->'out (of sth) to force sb to leave a job or position of authority, especially by making it difficult or unpleasant for them over a period of time ,ease 'up
1 to reduce the speed at which you are travelling
2 to become less strong, unpleasant, etc.

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easel
noun a wooden frame to hold a picture while it is being painted or (in the past) a BLACKBOARD
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eas.ily
adv.
1 without problems or difficulty: I can easily finish it tonight.  The museum is easily accessible by car.
2 very probably; very likely: Are you sure you locked the gate? You could easily have forgotten.  The situation might all too easily have become a disaster.
3 ~ the best, nicest, etc. without doubt; definitely: It’s easily the best play I’ve seen this year.
4 quickly; more quickly than is usual: I get bored easily.  He’s easily distracted.
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east
noun, adj., adv.
noun [U, sing.] (abbr. E)
1 (usually the east) the direction that you look towards to see the sun rise; one of the four main points of the COMPASS : Which way is east?  A gale was blowing from the east.  a town to the east of (= further east than) Chicago—compare NORTH , SOUTH , WEST —picture at COMPASS
2 (also East) the eastern part of a country, region or city: I was born in the East, but now live in San Francisco.
3 (the East) the countries of Asia, especially China, Japan and India
4 (the East) (in the past) the Communist countries of Eastern Europe: East-West relations

adj. [only before noun]
1 (also East) (abbr.E) in or towards the east: East Africa  They live on the east coast.
2 an east wind blows from the east—compare EASTERLY

adv. towards the east: The house faces east.

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east.bound
adj. travelling or leading towards the east: eastbound traffic  the eastbound carriageway of the motorway
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the ,East 'End
noun an area of East London traditionally connected with working people
,East 'Ender noun: He’s a real East Ender.
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Easter
noun
1 [U, C] (also ,Easter 'Day, ,Easter 'Sunday) (in the Christian religion) a Sunday in March or April when Christians remember the death of Christ and his return to life: Easter services
2 (also East.er.time) the period that includes Easter Day and the days close to it: the Easter holidays / vacation
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'Easter egg
noun
1 (BrE) an egg made of chocolate that is given as a present and eaten at Easter
2 an egg with a shell that is painted and decorated at Easter
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east.er.ly
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 in or towards the east: travelling in an easterly direction
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the east: a cold easterly wind—compare EAST

noun (pl.-ies) a wind that blows from the east

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east.ern
adj.
1 (also Eastern) [only before noun] (abbr.E) situated in the east or facing east: eastern Spain  Eastern Europe  the eastern slopes of the mountain
2 (usually Eastern) connected with the part of the world that is to the east of Europe: Eastern cookery
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east.ern.er
noun a person who comes from or lives in the eastern part of a country, especially the US
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east.ern.most
adj. furthest east: the easternmost city in Europe
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the ,Eastern ,Orthodox 'Church
noun = THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
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East.er.time
noun [U, C] = EASTER
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east.wards
(also east.ward) adv. towards the east: to go / look / turn eastwards
east.ward adj.: in an eastward direction
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easy
adj., adv.
adj. (eas.ier, easi.est)
1 not difficult; done or obtained without a lot of effort or problems: an easy exam / job  He didn’t make it easy for me to leave.  Their house isn’t the easiest place to get to.  vegetables that are easy to grow  Several schools are within easy reach (= not far away).  It can’t be easy for her, on her own with the children.  It’s easy for you to tell me to keep calm, but you’re not in my position.
OPP HARD
2 comfortable, relaxed and not worried: I’ll agree to anything for an easy life .  I don’t feel easy about letting the kids go out alone.
OPP UNEASY
3 [only before noun] open to attack; not able to defend yourself: She’s an easy target for their criticisms.  The baby fish are easy prey for birds.
4 [only before noun] pleasant and friendly; not awkward: He had a very easy manner.
5 [not usually before noun] (informal, disapproving) (of women) willing to have sex with many different people—see also EASILY
easi.ness noun [U]
IDM as ,easy as 'anything / as 'pie / as AB'C / as falling off a 'log (informal) very easy or very easily ,easy 'money money that you get without having to work very hard for it ,easy on the 'ear / 'eye (informal) pleasant to listen to or look at have an easy 'time (of it) (BrE) to have no difficulties or problems I’m 'easy (BrE, informal) used to say that you do not have a strong opinion when sb has offered you a choice: ‘Do you want to watch this or the news?’‘Oh, I’m easy. It’s up to you.’ of easy 'virtue (old-fashioned) (of a woman) willing to have sex with anyone on 'easy street (AmE) enjoying a comfortable way of life with plenty of money take the easy way 'out to end a difficult situation by choosing the simplest solution even if it is not the best one—more at FREE adj. , OPTION , REACH n. , RIDE n. , TOUCH n.

adv. (eas.ier, easi.est) used to tell sb to be careful when doing sth: Easy with that chair—one of its legs is loose.
IDM ,easier ,said than 'done much more difficult to do than to talk about: ‘Why don’t you get yourself a job?’‘That’s easier said than done.’ ,easy 'come, ,easy 'go (saying) used to mean that sb does not care very much about money or possessions especially if they spend it or lose sth ,easy 'does it (informal) used to tell sb to do sth, or move sth, slowly and carefully go 'easy on sb (informal) used to tell sb to treat a person in a gentle way and not to be too angry or severe: Go easy on her—she’s having a really hard time at the moment. go 'easy on / with sth (informal) used to tell sb not to use too much of sth: Go easy on the sugar. ,stand 'easy used as a command to soldiers who are already standing AT EASE to tell them that they can stand in an even more relaxed way ,take it 'easy (spoken) used to tell sb not to be worried or angry: Take it easy! Don’t panic. ,take it / things 'easy to relax and avoid working too hard or doing too much: The doctor told me to take it easy for a few weeks.

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,easy 'chair
noun a large comfortable chair: to sit in an easy chair
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,easy-'going
adj. relaxed and happy to accept things without worrying or getting angry: I wish I had such easy-going parents!
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,easy 'listening
noun [U] music that is pleasant and relaxing but that some people think is not very interesting
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easy-peasy
adj. (BrE , spoken) (used especially by children) very easy
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eat
verb (ate , eaten )
1 to put food in your mouth, chew it and swallow it: [v] I was too nervous to eat.  She doesn’t eat sensibly (= doesn’t eat food that is good for her).  [vn] I don’t eat meat.  Would you like something to eat?  I couldn’t eat another thing (= I have had enough food).
2 [v] to have a meal: Where shall we eat tonight?  We ate at a pizzeria in town.
IDM ,eat sb a'live (informal)
1 to criticize or punish sb severely because you are extremely angry with them
2 to defeat sb completely in an argument, a competition, etc: The defence lawyers are going to eat you alive tomorrow.
3 [usually passive] (of insects, etc.) to bite sb many times: I was being eaten alive by mosquitoes. eat your 'heart out! (spoken) used to compare two things and say that one of them is better: Look at him dance! Eat your heart out, John Travolta (= he dances even better than John Travolta). eat your 'heart out (for sb/sth) (especially BrE) to feel very unhappy, especially because you want sb/sth you cannot have eat humble 'pie (BrE) (AmE eat 'crow) to say and show that you are sorry for a mistake that you made
ORIGIN From a pun on the old word umbles, meaning ‘offal’, which was considered inferior food. eat like a 'horse (informal) to eat a lot: She may be thin, but she eats like a horse. eat out of your / sb’s 'hand to trust sb and be willing to do what they say: She’ll have them eating out of her hand in no time. eat sb out of ,house and 'home (informal, often humorous) to eat a lot of sb else’s food eat your 'words to admit that what you said was wrong I could eat a 'horse (spoken) used to say that you are very hungry I’ll eat my 'hat (spoken) used to say that you think sth is very unlikely to happen: If she’s here on time, I’ll eat my hat! what’s eating him, etc.? (spoken) used to ask what sb is annoyed or worried about—more at CAKE n. , DOG n.
PVR V ,eat sth<->a'way to reduce or destroy sth gradually: The coastline is being eaten away year by year. ,eat a'way at sth/sb
1 to reduce or destroy sth gradually: Woodworm had eaten away at the door frame.  His constant criticism ate away at her self-confidence.
2 to worry sb over a period of time 'eat into sth
1 to use up a part of sth, especially sb’s money or time: Those repair bills have really eaten into my savings.
2 to destroy or damage the surface of sth: Rust had eaten into the metal. ,eat 'out to have a meal in a restaurant, etc. rather than at home: Do you feel like eating out tonight? ,eat 'up| ,eat sth<->'up to eat all of sth: Eat up! We’ve got to go out soon.  Come on. Eat up your potatoes. ,eat sb 'up [usually passive] to fill sb with a particular emotion so that they cannot think of anything else: She was eaten up by regrets. ,eat sth<->'up to use sth in large quantities: Legal costs had eaten up all the savings she had.
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eat.able
adj. (rare) good enough to be eaten—see also EDIBLE
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eater
noun (usually after an adjective or a noun) a person or an animal that eats a particular thing or in a particular way: We’re not great meat eaters.  He’s a big eater (= he eats a lot).
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eat.ery
(pl.-ies) noun (informal, especially AmE ) a restaurant or other place that serves food
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eat.ing
noun [U] the act of eating sth: healthy eating  eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
IDM see PROOF
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'eating apple
noun (BrE ) any type of apple that can be eaten raw—compare COOKING APPLE
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eats
noun [pl.] (informal) food, especially at a party
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eau de cologne
noun [U] = COLOGNE
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eaves
noun [pl.] the lower edges of a roof that stick out over the walls: birds nesting under the eaves—picture at HOUSE
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eaves.drop
verb (-pp-) [v] ~ (on sb/sth) to listen secretly to what other people are saying: We caught him eavesdropping outside the window.
eaves.drop.per noun
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ebb
noun, verb
noun (the ebb) [usually sing.] the period of time when the sea flows away from the land: the ebb tide
IDM the ,ebb and 'flow (of sth/sb) the repeated, often regular, movement from one state to another; the repeated change in level, numbers or amount: the ebb and flow of the tides / seasons  the ebb and flow of money  She sat in silence enjoying the ebb and flow of conversation.—more at LOW adj.

verb [v]
1 (formal) (of the TIDE in the sea) to move away from the land
SYN GO OUT
OPP FLOW
2 ~ (away) to become gradually weaker or less
SYN DECREASE : The pain was ebbing.  As night fell, our enthusiasm began to ebb away.

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ebony
noun, adj.
noun [U] the hard black wood of various tropical trees: an ebony carving

adj. black in colour: ebony skin

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ebul.li.ent
adj. (written) full of confidence, energy and good humour: The Prime Minister was in ebullient mood.
ebul.li.ence noun [U]
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ec.cen.tric
adj. considered by other people to be strange or unusual: eccentric behaviour / clothes  an eccentric aunt
ec.cen.tric noun: Most people considered him a harmless eccentric.
ec.cen.tric.al.ly adv.
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ec.cen.tri.city
(pl.-ies) noun
1 [U] behaviour that people think is strange or unusual; the quality of being unusual and different from other people: As a teacher, she had a reputation for eccentricity.  Arthur was noted for the eccentricity of his clothes.
2 [C, usually pl.] an unusual act or habit: We all have our little eccentricities.
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ec.cle.si.as.tic
noun (formal) a priest or MINISTER in the Christian Church
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ec.cle.si.as.tic.al
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the Christian Church: ecclesiastical history
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ECG
(AmE also EKG) noun the abbreviation for ‘electrocardiogram’ (a medical test that measures and records electrical activity of the heart)
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ech.elon
noun
1 [usually pl.] a rank or position of authority in an organization or a society: the lower / upper / top / higher echelons of the Civil Service
2 an arrangement of soldiers, planes, etc. in which each one is behind and to the side of the one in front
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echo
noun, verb
noun (pl.-oes)
1 the reflecting of sound off a wall or inside an enclosed space so that a noise appears to be repeated; a sound that is reflected back in this way: There was an echo on the line and I couldn’t hear clearly.  The hills sent back a faint echo.  the echo of footsteps running down the corridor  ‘So you love him, do you?’ Magda’s voice was a mocking echo of my own.
2 the fact of an idea, event, etc. being like another and reminding you of it; sth that reminds you of sth else: Yesterday’s crash has grim echoes of previous disasters.
3 an opinion or attitude that agrees with or repeats one already expressed or thought: His words were an echo of what she had heard many times before.  The speech found an echo in the hearts of many of the audience (= they agreed with it).

verb (echoes, echo.ing, echoed, echoed)
1 [v] if a sound echoes, it bounces off a wall, the side of a mountain, etc. so that you can hear it again: Her footsteps echoed in the empty room.  The gunshot echoed through the forest.
2 ~ (to / with sth)| ~ sth (back) to send back and repeat a sound; to be full of a sound: [v] The whole house echoed.  The street echoed with the cries of children.  [vn] The valley echoed back his voice.
3 [vn] (written) to repeat an idea or opinion because you agree with it: This is a view echoed by many on the right of the party.
4 (written) to repeat what sb else has just said, especially because you find it surprising: [v speech] ‘He’s gone!’ Viv echoed incredulously. [alsovn]

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eclair
noun a long thin cake for one person, made of light pastry, filled with cream and usually with chocolate on top: a chocolate eclair—
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eclec.tic
adj. (formal) not following one style or set of ideas but choosing from or using a wide variety: She has very eclectic tastes in literature.
eclec.tic.al.ly adv.
eclec.ti.cism noun [U]: Critics praised the originality and eclecticism of her work.
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eclipse
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an occasion when the moon passes between the earth and the sun so that you cannot see all or part of the sun for a time; an occasion when the earth passes between the moon and the sun so that you cannot see all or part of the moon for a time: an eclipse of the sun / moon  a total / partial eclipse
2 [sing., U] (written) a loss of importance, power, etc. especially because sb/sth else has become more important, powerful, etc: The election result marked the eclipse of the right wing.  Her work was in eclipse for most of the 20th century.

verb [vn]
1 [often passive] (of the moon, the earth, etc.) to cause an eclipse
2 (written) to make sb/sth seem dull or unimportant by comparison
SYN OUTSHINE : Though a talented player, he was completely eclipsed by his brother.

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eco-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the environment: eco-friendly  eco-warriors (= people who protest about damage to the environment)
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eco.logic.al
adj.
1 connected with the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment: We risk upsetting the ecological balance of the area.  an ecological disaster (= one that alters the whole balance of ecology in an area)
2 interested in and concerned about the ecology of a place: the ecological movement
eco.logic.al.ly : The system is both practical and ecologically sound .
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ecolo.gist
noun
1 a scientist who studies ecology
2 a person who is interested in ecology and believes the environment should be protected
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ecol.ogy
noun [U] the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment; the study of this: plant / animal / human ecology  the ecology movement  Oil pollution could damage the ecology of the coral reefs.
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eco.nom.ic
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the trade, industry and development of wealth of a country, an area or a society: social, economic and political issues  economic growth / cooperation / development / reform  the government’s economic policy  economic history  the current economic climate
2 (of a process, a business or an activity) producing enough profit to continue
SYN PROFITABLE
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eco.nom.ic.al
adj.
1 providing good service or value in relation to the amount of time or money spent: an economical car to run (= one that does not use too much petrol / gas)  It would be more economical to buy the bigger size.
2 using no more of sth than is necessary: an economical use of land / space  an economical prose style (= one that uses no unnecessary words)
3 not spending more money than necessary: He was economical in all areas of his life.
IDM economical with the 'truth a way of saying that sb has left out some important facts, when you do not want to say that they are lying
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eco.nom.ic.al.ly
adv.
1 in a way connected with the trade, industry and development of wealth of a country, an area or a society: The factory is no longer economically viable.  Economically, the centre of Spain has lost its dominant role.  the economically active / inactive population (= those who are employed / unemployed)
2 in a way that provides good service or value in relation to the amount of time or money spent: I’ll do the job as economically as possible.
3 in a way that uses no more of sth than is necessary: The design is intended to use space as economically as possible.  She writes elegantly and economically.
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eco.nom.ics
noun
1 [U] the study of how a society organizes its money, trade and industry: He studied politics and economics at Yale.  Keynsian / Marxist economics—see also HOME ECONOMICS
2 [pl., U] the way in which money influences, or is organized within an area of business or society: The economics of the project are very encouraging.
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econo.mist
noun a person who studies or writes about economics
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econo.mize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (on sth) to use less money, time, etc. than you normally use: Old people often try to economize on heating, thus endangering their health.
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econ.omy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (often the economy) [C] the relationship between production, trade and the supply of money in a particular country or region: The economy is in recession.  the world economy  a market economy (= one in which the price is fixed according to both cost and demand)
2 [C] a country, when you are thinking about its economic system: Ireland was one of the fastest-growing economies in Western Europe in the 1990s.
3 [C, U] the use of the time, money, etc. that is available in a way that avoids waste: We need to make substantial economies.  It’s a false economy to buy cheap clothes (= it seems cheaper but it is not really since they do not last very long).  She writes with a great economy of words (= using only the necessary words).   (BrE) We’re on an economy drive at home. (= trying to avoid waste and spend as little money as possible)  Buy the large economy pack! (= the one that gives you better value for money)  to fly economy (class) (= by the cheapest class of air travel)  an economy fare (= the cheapest)
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eco.sys.tem
noun all the plants and living creatures in a particular area considered in relation to their physical environment
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ec.stasy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] a feeling or state of very great happiness
2 (Ecstasy) [U] (abbr.E) an illegal drug, taken especially by young people at parties, that gives feelings of great energy and pleasure
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ec.stat.ic
adj. very happy, excited and enthusiastic; feeling or showing great enthusiasm: Sally was ecstatic about her new job.  ecstatic applause / praise / reviews  He gave an ecstatic sigh of happiness.
ec.stat.ic.al.ly adv.: He sighed ecstatically.
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-ec.tomy
combining form (in nouns) a medical operation in which part of the body is removed: appendectomy (= removal of the APPENDIX )
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ecu
(also ECU) noun (pl.ecu or ecus) the abbreviation for European Currency Unit, a unit of money of the European Union. In 1999 it was replaced by the euro.
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ecu.men.ic.al
adj. involving or uniting members of different branches of the Christian Church: an ecumenical committee
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ecu.men.ism
noun [U] the principle or aim of uniting different branches of the Christian Church
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ec.zema
noun [U] a skin condition in which areas of skin become red, rough and sore
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-ed, -d
suffix
1 (in adjectives) having; having the characteristics of: talented  bearded  diseased
2 (makes the past tense and past participle of regular verbs): hated  walked  loved
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ed.
(also Ed.) abbr. EDITED (BY) , EDITION , EDITOR : ‘Eighteenth Century Women Poets’, Ed. Lonsdale  6th ed.
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Edam
noun [U, C] a type of round yellow Dutch cheese that is covered with red WAX
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eddy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) a circular movement of air, dust or water

verb (ed.dies, eddy.ing, ed.died, ed.died) [v] (of air, dust, water, etc.) to move around in a circle: The waves swirled and eddied around the rocks.

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Eden
(also the ,Garden of 'Eden) noun [sing.] (in the Bible) the beautiful garden where Adam and Eve, the first human beings, lived before they did sth God had told them not to and were sent away, often seen as a place of happiness and INNOCENCE
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edge
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the outside limit of an object, a surface or an area; the part furthest from the centre: He stood on the edge of the cliff.  a big house on / at the edge of town   Don’t put that glass so near the edge of the table.  I sat down at the water’s edge.  Stand the coin on its edge.—see also LEADING EDGE
2 [C] the sharp part of a blade, knife or SWORD that is used for cutting: Be careful—it has a sharp edge.—see also KNIFE-EDGE
3 (usually the edge) [sing.] the point at which sth, especially sth bad, may begin to happen
SYN BRINK , VERGE : They had brought the country to the edge of disaster.—see also CUTTING EDGE
4 [sing.] ~ (on / over sb/sth) a slight advantage over sb/sth: The company needs to improve its competitive edge .  They have the edge on us.
5 [sing.] a strong, often exciting, quality: Her show now has a hard political edge to it.
6 [sing.] a sharp tone of voice, often showing anger: He did his best to remain calm, but there was a distinct edge to his voice.
7 (-edged) (in adjectives) having the type of edge or edges mentioned: a lace-edged handkerchief—see also GILT-EDGED
IDM be on 'edge to be nervous, excited or bad-tempered on the edge of your 'seat very excited and giving your full attention to sth: The game had the crowd on the edge of their seats. take the 'edge off sth to make sth less strong, less bad, etc: The sandwich took the edge off my appetite.—more at FRAY v. , RAZOR , ROUGH adj. , TEETER , TOOTH

verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move or to move sth slowly and carefully in a particular direction: [v] She edged a little closer to me.  I edged nervously past the dog.  [vn] Emily edged her chair forward.
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with / in sth) to put sth around the edge of sth: The handkerchief is edged with lace.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to increase or decrease slightly: Prices edged up 2% in the year to December.
PVR V ,edge sb/sth<->'out (of sth) to move sb from their position or job gradually, especially when they are not fully aware of what is happening: She was edged out of the company by the new director.

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edge.ways
(BrE ) (AmE edge.wise ) adv. with the edge upwards or forwards; on one side: You’ll only get the desk through the door if you turn it edgeways.
IDM see WORD n.
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edging
noun [U, C] something that forms the border or edge of sth, usually added to make it more attractive
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edgy
adj. (informal) nervous, especially about what might happen: She’s been very edgy lately.  After the recent unrest there is an edgy calm in the capital.
edgi.ly adv.: ‘I’m not sure I can make it tomorrow,’ he said edgily.
edgi.ness noun [U, sing.]
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ed.ible
adj. fit or suitable to be eaten; not poisonous: The food at the hotel was barely edible.  edible fungi / snails / flowers
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edict
noun [U, C] (formal) an official order or statement given by sb in authority
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edi.fi.ca.tion
noun [U] (formal or humorous) the improvement of sb’s mind or character: The books were intended for the edification of the masses.
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edi.fice
noun (formal) a large impressive building: an imposing edifice from the 19th century   (figurative) Their new manifesto hardly threatens to bring the whole edifice of capitalism crashing down.   (figurative) an edifice of lies
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edify
verb (edi.fies, edify.ing, edi.fied, edi.fied) [v, vn] (formal) to improve people’s minds or characters by teaching them about sth
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edify.ing
adj. (formal or humorous) likely to improve your mind or your character: edifying literature  Watching soccer fans howling racist remarks was not an edifying sight.
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edit
verb
1 to prepare a piece of writing, a book, etc. to be published by correcting the mistakes, making improvements to it, etc: [vn] He’s editing a book of essays by Isaiah Berlin.  This is the edited version of my speech (= some parts have been taken out). [alsov]
2 [vn] when sb edits a film/movie, television programme, etc. they take what has been filmed or recorded and decide which parts to include and in which order: They’re showing the edited highlights of last month’s game.
3 to be responsible for planning and publishing a newspaper, magazine, etc. (= to be the EDITOR ): She used to edit a women’s magazine.
PVR V ,edit sth<->'out (of sth) to remove words, phrases or scenes from a book, programme, etc. before it is published or shown: They edited out references to her father in the interview.
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edi.tion
noun
1 the form in which a book is published: a paperback / hardback / hardcover edition  She collects first editions of Victorian novels.  the electronic edition of ‘The Guardian’
2 a particular newspaper or magazine, or radio or television programme, especially one in a regular series: Tonight’s edition of ‘Panorama’ looks at unemployment.
3 (abbr.ed.) the total number of copies of a book, newspaper or magazine, etc. published at one time: The dictionary is now in its sixth edition.  The article appeared in the evening edition of ‘The Mercury’.—see also LIMITED EDITION —compare IMPRESSION (7)
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edi.tor
noun
1 a person who is in charge of a newspaper, magazine, etc., or part of one, and who decides what should be included: the editor of the Washington Post  the sports / financial / fashion editor
2 a person who prepares a book to be published, for example by checking and correcting the text, making improvements, etc.—see also COPY EDITOR , SUBEDITOR
3 a person who prepares a film/movie, radio or television programme for being shown or broadcast by deciding what to include, and what order it should be in
4 a person who works as a journalist for radio or television reporting on a particular area of news: our economics editor
5 a person who chooses texts written by one or by several writers and prepares them to be published in a book: She’s the editor of a new collection of ghost stories.
6 (computing) a program that allows you to change stored text or data
edit.or.ship noun [U]: the editorship of ‘The Times’
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edi.tor.ial
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the task of preparing sth such as a newspaper, a book or a television or radio programme, to be published or broadcast: the magazine’s editorial staff  an editorial decision

noun (BrE also lead.er, ,leading 'article) an important article in a newspaper, that expresses the editor’s opinion about an item of news or an issue; in the US also a comment on radio or television that expresses the opinion of the STATION or NETWORK

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edu.cate
verb
1 [vn] [often passive] to teach sb over a period of time at a school, university, etc: She was educated in the US.  He was educated at his local comprehensive school and then at Oxford.
2 ~ sb (in / on sth) to teach sb about sth or how to do sth: [vn] Children need to be educated on the dangers of drug-taking.  [vn to inf] The campaign is intended to educate the public to respect the environment.
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edu.cated
adj.
1 (-educated) having had the kind of education mentioned; having been to the school, college or university mentioned: privately educated children  a British-educated lawyer  He’s a Princeton-educated Texan.
2 having had a high standard of education; showing a high standard of education: an educated and articulate person  the educated elite  He spoke in an educated voice.
IDM an ,educated 'guess a guess that is based on some degree of knowledge, and is therefore likely to be correct
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edu.ca.tion
noun
1 [U, sing.] a process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges, to improve knowledge and develop skills: primary / elementary education  secondary education  further / higher / post-secondary education  students in full-time education  adult education classes  a college / university education  the state education system  a man of little education  She completed her formal education in 1995.
2 [U, sing.] a particular kind of teaching or training: health education
3 (also Education) [U] the institutions or people involved in teaching and training: the Education Department  the Department of Health, Education and Welfare  There should be closer links between education and industry.
4 (usually Education) [U] the subject of study that deals with how to teach: a College of Education  a Bachelor of Education degree  She’s an education major.
5 [sing.] (often humorous) an interesting experience that teaches you sth: The rock concert was quite an education for my parents!
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edu.ca.tion.al
adj. connected with education; providing education: children with special educational needs  an educational psychologist  an educational visit  educational games / toys (= that teach you sth as well as amusing you)  Watching television can be very educational.
edu.ca.tion.al.ly adv.: Children living in inner-city areas may be educationally disadvantaged.   (old-fashioned) educationally subnormal
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edu.ca.tion.al.ist
(also edu.ca.tion.ist ) noun a specialist in theories and methods of teaching
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edu.ca.tive
adj. (formal) that teaches sth: the educative role of the community
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edu.ca.tor
noun (formal)
1 a person whose job is to teach or educate people: adult educators (= who teach adults)
2 (especially AmE) a person who is an expert in the theories and methods of education—see also EDUCATIONALIST
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edu.tain.ment
noun [U] products such as books, television programmes and especially computer SOFTWARE that both educate and entertain
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-ee
suffix (in nouns)
1 a person affected by an action: employee—compare -ER , -OR
2 a person described as or concerned with: absentee  refugee
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EEG
noun the abbreviation for ‘electroencephalogram’ (a medical test that measures and records electrical activity in the brain)
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eel
noun [C, U] a long thin sea or FRESHWATER fish that looks like a snake. There are several types of eel , some of which are are used for food: jellied eels
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-eer
suffix
1 (in nouns) a person concerned with: auctioneer  mountaineer
2 (in verbs) (often disapproving) to be concerned with: profiteer  commandeer
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eerie
adj. strange, mysterious and frightening: an eerie yellow light  I found the silence underwater really eerie.
eer.ily adv.
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eff
verb
IDM eff and 'blind (BrE, informal) to use swear words: There was a lot of effing and blinding going on.
PVR V ,eff 'off ( , BrE) a rude way of telling sb to go away, used instead of ‘fuck off’—see also EFFING
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ef.face
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth disappear; to remove sth—see also SELF-EFFACING
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ef.fect
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (on sb/sth) a change that sb/sth causes in sb/sth else; a result: the effect of heat on metal  dramatic / long-term effects  to learn to distinguish between cause and effect   the beneficial effects of exercise  Modern farming methods can have an adverse effect on the environment.  Her criticisms had the effect of discouraging him completely.  Despite her ordeal, she seems to have suffered no ill effects .  I can certainly feel the effects of too many late nights.  ‘I’m feeling really depressed.’‘The winter here has that effect sometimes.’  I tried to persuade him, but with little or no effect.—see also GREENHOUSE EFFECT , KNOCK-ON , SIDE EFFECT   note at AFFECT
2 [C, U] a particular look, sound or impression that sb, such as an artist or a writer, wants to create: The overall effect of the painting is overwhelming.  The stage lighting gives the effect of a moonlit scene.  Add a scarf for a casual effect.  He only behaves like that for effect (= in order to impress people).—see also SPECIAL EFFECTS , SOUND EFFECT
3 (effects) [pl.] (formal, written) your personal possessions: The insurance policy covers all baggage and personal effects.
IDM bring / put sth into ef'fect to cause sth to come into use: The recommendations will soon be put into effect. come into ef'fect to come into use; to begin to apply: New controls come into effect next month. in ef'fect
1 used when you are stating what the facts of a situation are: In effect, the two systems are identical.  His wife had, in effect, run the government for the past six months.
2 (of a law or rule) in use: These laws are in effect in twenty states. take ef'fect
1 to start to produce the results that are intended: The aspirins soon take effect.
2 to come into use; to begin to apply: The new law takes effect from tomorrow. to the effect that … | to this / that ef'fect used to show that you are giving the general meaning of what sb has said or written rather than the exact words: He left a note to the effect that he would not be coming back.  She told me to get out—or words to that effect . to good, great, dramatic, etc. ef'fect producing a good, successful, dramatic, etc. result or impression to no ef'fect not producing the result you intend or hope for: We warned them, but to no effect. with immediate effect | with effect from … (formal) starting now; starting from …: The government has cut interest rates with effect from the beginning of next month.

verb [vn] (formal) to make sth happen: to effect a cure / change / recovery  note at AFFECT

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ef.fect.ive
adj.
1 producing the result that is wanted or intended; producing a successful result: Long prison sentences can be a very effective deterrent for offenders.  Aspirin is a simple but highly effective treatment.  drugs that are effective against cancer  I admire the effective use of colour in her paintings.
OPP INEFFECTIVE —see also COST-EFFECTIVE
2 [only before noun] in reality, although not officially intended: the effective, if not the actual, leader of the party  He has now taken effective control of the country.
3 (formal) (of laws and rules) coming into use: The new speed limit on this road becomes effective from 1 June.
ef.fect.ive.ness (also less frequent ef.fect.iv.ity ) noun [U]: to check the effectiveness of the security system
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ef.fect.ive.ly
adv.
1 in a way that produces the intended result or a successful result: The company must reduce costs to compete effectively.  You dealt with the situation very effectively.
OPP INEFFECTIVELY
2 used when you are saying what the facts of a situation are: He was very polite but effectively he was telling me that I had no chance of getting the job.
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ef.fec.tual
adj. (formal) (of things, not people) producing the result that was intended
SYN EFFECTIVE : an effectual remedy—compare INEFFECTUAL
ef.fec.tual.ly adj.
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ef.fem.in.ate
adj. (disapproving) (of a man or a boy) looking, behaving or sounding like a woman or a girl
ef.fem.in.acy noun [U]
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ef.fer.ves.cent
adj.
1 (approving) (of people and their behaviour) excited, enthusiastic and full of energy
SYN BUBBLY
2 (of a liquid) having or producing small bubbles of gas
ef.fer.ves.cence noun [U]
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ef.fete
adj. (disapproving)
1 weak; without the power that it once had: an effete monarchy
2 (of a man) without strength; looking or behaving like a woman
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ef.fi.ca.cious
adj. (formal) (of things, not of people) producing the result that was wanted or intended
SYN EFFECTIVE : They hope the new drug will prove especially efficacious in the relief of pain.
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ef.fi.cacy
noun [U] (formal) the ability of sth, especially a drug or a medical treatment, to produce the results that are wanted
SYN EFFECTIVENESS
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ef.fi.ciency
noun
1 [U] the quality of doing sth well with no waste of time or money: improvements in efficiency at the factory  I was impressed by the efficiency with which she handled the crisis.
2 (efficiencies) [pl.] ways of wasting less time and money or of saving time or money: We are looking at our business to see where savings and efficiencies can be made.
3 [U] (technical) the relationship between the amount of energy that goes into a machine or an engine, and the amount that it produces
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ef.fi.cient
adj. doing sth well and thoroughly with no waste of time, money, or energy: an efficient secretary / teacher / manager  efficient heating equipment  the efficient use of energy  As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at burning up calories.  fuel-efficient cars (= that do not use much fuel)
OPP INEFFICIENT
ef.fi.cient.ly adv.: a very efficiently organized event
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ef.figy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a statue of a famous person, a saint or a god: stone effigies in the church
2 a model of a person that makes them look ugly: The demonstrators burned a crude effigy of the president.
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eff.ing
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ,  , spoken) a swear word that many people find offensive that is used to emphasize a comment or an angry statement; used instead of saying ‘fucking ’
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ef.flu.ent
noun [U, C] (formal) liquid waste, especially chemicals produced by factories, or SEWAGE
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ef.fort
noun
1 [U, C] the physical or mental energy that you need to do sth; sth that takes a lot of energy: You should put more effort into your work.  A lot of effort has gone into making this event a success.  It’s a long climb to the top, but well worth the effort.  Getting up this morning was quite an effort (= it was difficult).   (BrE) With (an) effort (= with difficulty) she managed to stop herself laughing.
2 [C] ~ (to do sth) an attempt to do sth especially when it is difficult to do: to make a determined / real / special effort to finish on time  The company has laid off 150 workers in an effort to save money.  I didn’t really feel like going out, but I am glad I made the effort .  The local clubs are making every effort to interest more young people.  We need to make a concerted effort to finish on time.  I spent hours cleaning the house, but there isn’t much to show for all my efforts .  With an effort of will he resisted the temptation.  The prospect was a joint / group effort.
3 [C] (usually after a noun) a particular activity that a group of people organize in order to achieve sth: the Russian space effort  the United Nations' peacekeeping effort
4 [C] the result of an attempt to do sth: I’m afraid this essay is a poor effort.
IDM see BEND v.
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ef.fort.less
adj. needing little or no effort, so that it seems easy: She dances with effortless grace.  He made playing the guitar look effortless.
ef.fort.less.ly adv.
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ef.front.ery
noun [U] (formal) behaviour that is confident and very rude, without any feeling of shame
SYN NERVE : He had the effrontery to accuse me of lying!
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ef.fu.sion
noun [C, U]
1 (technical) something, especially a liquid, that flows out of sb/sth; the act of flowing out
2 (formal) the expression of feelings in an exaggerated way; feelings that are expressed in this way
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ef.fu.sive
adj. showing much or too much emotion: an effusive welcome  He was effusive in his praise.
ef.fu.sive.ly adv.
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e-fit
noun (BrE ) a picture of a person who is wanted by the police, made using a computer program that puts together and makes changes to pictures of different features of faces, based on information that is given by sb who has seen the person—compare IDENTIKIT , PHOTO-FIT
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EFL
abbr. (BrE ) English as a foreign language (refers to the teaching of English to people for whom it is not the first language)
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EFTA
abbr. European Free Trade Association (an economic association of some European countries)
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e.g.
abbr. for example (from the Latin ‘exempli gratia’): popular pets, e.g. cats and dogs
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egali.tar.ian
adj. based on, or holding, the belief that everyone is equal and should have the same rights and opportunities: an egalitarian society
egali.tar.ian noun: He described himself as ‘an egalitarian’.
egali.tar.ian.ism noun [U]
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egg
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small OVAL object with a thin hard shell produced by a female bird and containing a young bird; a similar object produced by a female fish, insect, etc: The female sits on the eggs until they hatch.  The fish lay thousands of eggs at one time.  crocodile eggs—
2 [C, U] a bird’s egg , especially one from a chicken, that is eaten as food: a boiled egg  bacon and eggs  fried / poached / scrambled eggs  Bind the mixture together with a little beaten egg.  You’ve got some egg on your shirt.  egg yolks / whites  egg noodles / pasta  ducks' / quails' eggs  a chocolate egg (= made from chocolate in the shape of an egg)—see also EASTER EGG , SCOTCH EGG
3 [C] (in women and female animals) a cell that combines with a SPERM to create a baby or young animal: The male sperm fertilizes the female egg.  an egg donor—see also NEST EGG
IDM have 'egg on / all over your face (informal) to be made to look stupid: They were left with egg on their faces when only ten people showed up. put all your eggs in one 'basket to rely on one particular course of action for success rather than giving yourself several different possibilities: I’ve applied for several jobs. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.—more at CHICKEN n. , CURATE , KILL v. , OMELETTE , SURE adv. , TEACH

verb
PVR V ,egg sb<->'on to encourage sb to do sth, especially sth that they should not do: He hit the other boy again and again as his friends egged him on.

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'egg cup
noun a small cup for holding a boiled egg
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egg.head
noun (informal, disapproving or humorous) a person who is very intelligent and is only interested in studying
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egg.plant
noun [C, U] (AmE ) = AUBERGINE —
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,egg 'roll
noun (AmE ) a type of SPRING ROLL in which the pastry is made with eggs
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egg.shell
noun
1 [C, U] the hard thin outside of an egg
2 [U] (BrE) a type of paint that is smooth but not shiny when it dries
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'egg timer
noun a device that you use to measure the time needed to boil an egg
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ego
noun (pl.-os)
1 your sense of your own value and importance: He has the biggest ego of anyone I’ve ever met.  Winning the prize really boosted her ego.
2 (psychology) the part of the mind that is responsible for your sense of who you are (= your IDENTITY )—see also ALTER EGO —compare SUPEREGO , ID
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ego.cen.tric
adj. thinking only about yourself and not about what other people need or want
SYN SELFISH
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ego.ism
(also egot.ism ) noun [U] (disapproving) the fact of thinking that you are better or more important than anyone else
ego.is.tic (also egot.is.tic.al egot.is.tic ) adj.
egot.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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ego.ist
(also egot.ist ) noun (disapproving) a person who thinks that they are better than other people and who thinks and talks too much about himself or herself: You need to be an egotist to succeed in politics.
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'ego trip
noun (usually disapproving) an activity that sb does because it makes them feel good and important
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egre.gious
adj. (formal) extremely bad
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egret
noun a bird of the HERON family, with long legs and long white tail feathers
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eh
exclamation (BrE ) (AmE usually huh)
1 the sound that people make when they want sb to repeat sth: ‘I’m not hungry.’‘Eh?’‘I said I’m not hungry.’
2 the sound that people make when they want sb to agree or reply: So what do you think, eh?
3 the sound people make when they are surprised: Another new dress, eh!
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Eid
(also Id) noun one of the two main Muslim festivals, either Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, or Eid ul-Adha which celebrates the end of the PILGRIMAGE to Mecca and Abraham’s SACRIFICE of a sheep
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ei.der.down
noun (BrE ) a thick, warm cover for a bed, filled with feathers or other soft material, and usually placed on top of a sheet and BLANKETS
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eider duck
noun a large duck with soft feathers, that lives in northern countries
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eight

1 number8
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
2 nouna team of eight people who row a long narrow boat in races; the boat they row—see also FIGURE OF EIGHT
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eight.een
number 18
eight.eenth ordinal number
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eighth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 8th
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.

noun each of eight equal parts of sth

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'eighth note
noun (AmE, music ) = QUAVER
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eighty
number
1 80
2 (the eight.ies) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 80 to 89
eight.ieth ordinal number
IDM in your eighties between the ages of 80 and 89
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ei.stedd.fod
noun a festival, held in Wales, in which there are singing, music and poetry competitions
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ei.ther
det., pron., adv.
det., pron.
1 one or the other of two; it does not matter which: You can park on either side of the street.  You can keep one of the photos. Either of them—whichever you like.  There are two types of qualification—either is acceptable.  note at NEITHER
2 each of two: The offices on either side were empty.  There’s a door at either end of the corridor.

adv.
1 used after negative phrases to state that a feeling or situation is similar to one already mentioned: Pete can’t go and I can’t either.   (AmE, informal) ‘I don’t like it.’‘Me either.’ (= Neither do I).
2 used to add extra information to a statement: I know a good Italian restaurant. It’s not far from here, either.
3 (either … or …) used to show a choice of two things: Well, I think she’s either Russian or Polish.  I’m going to buy either a camera or a CD player with the money.  Either he could not come or he did not want to.—compare OR   note at NEITHER

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ejacu.late
verb
1 [v, vn] when a man or a male animal ejaculates, SEMEN comes out through the PENIS
2 [v speech] (old-fashioned) to say or shout sth suddenly
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ejacu.la.tion
noun
1 [C, U] the act of ejaculating ; the moment when SPERM comes out of a man’s PENIS : premature ejaculation
2 [C] (formal) a sudden shout or sound that you make when you are angry or surprised
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eject
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to force sb to leave a place: Police ejected a number of violent protesters from the hall.
2 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to push sth out suddenly and with a lot of force: Used cartridges are ejected from the gun after firing.
3 [v] to escape from an aircraft that is going to crash, sometimes using an EJECTOR SEAT : The pilot managed to eject moments before the plane crashed.
4 [vn, v] when you eject a tape, disk, etc., or when it ejects, it comes out of the machine after you have pressed a button
ejec.tion noun [U, C]
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eject.or seat
(AmE also ejec.tion seat) noun a seat that allows a pilot to be thrown out of an aircraft in an emergency
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eke
verb
PVR V ,eke sth<->'out
1 to make a small supply of sth such as food or money last longer by using only small amounts of it: She managed to eke out her student loan till the end of the year.
2 ~ a living, etc. (written) to manage to live with very little money
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EKG
abbr. (AmE ) = ECG
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elab.or.ate
adj., verb
adj. [usually before noun] very complicated and detailed; carefully prepared and organized: elaborate designs / decorations  She had prepared a very elaborate meal.  an elaborate computer system
elab.or.ate.ly adv.: an elaborately decorated room

verb
1 ~ (on / upon sth) to explain or describe sth in a more detailed way: [v] He said he was resigning but did not elaborate on his reasons.  [vn] She went on to elaborate her argument. [alsov speech]
2 [vn] to develop a plan, an idea, etc. and make it complicated or detailed: In his plays he takes simple traditional tales and elaborates them.
elab.or.ation noun [U, C]: The importance of the plan needs no further elaboration.

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elan
noun [U] (from French , written) showing great enthusiasm and energy, style and confidence
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elapse
verb [v] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) (formal) if a period of time elapses, it passes: Many years elapsed before they met again.
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e,lapsed 'time
noun [U] (technical ) used to describe the time that passes between the start and end of a project or a computer operation, in contrast to the actual time needed to do a particular task which is part of the project
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elas.tic
noun, adj.
noun [U] material made with rubber, that can stretch and then return to its original size: This skirt needs some new elastic in the waist.

adj.
1 made with elastic : an elastic headband
2 able to stretch and return to its original size and shape: elastic materials
3 that can change or be changed: The demand for the product is elastic.  Our plans are fairly elastic.

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elas.ti.cated
(BrE ) (AmE elas.ti.cized ) adj. (of clothing, or part of a piece of clothing) made using elastic material that can stretch: a skirt with an elasticated waist
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e,lastic 'band
noun (BrE ) = RUBBER BAND
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elas.ti.city
noun [U] the quality that sth has of being able to stretch and return to its original size and shape (= of being elastic )
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elated
adj. ~ (at / by sth) very happy and excited because of sth good that has happened, or will happen: They were elated at the result.  I was elated by the prospect of the new job ahead.
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ela.tion
noun [U] a feeling of great happiness and excitement
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elbow
noun, verb
noun
1 the joint between the upper and lower parts of the arm where it bends in the middle: She jabbed him with her elbow.  He’s fractured his elbow.—picture at BODY
2 the part of a piece of clothing that covers the elbow : The jacket was worn at the elbows.
3 a part of a pipe, chimney, etc. where it bends at a sharp angle
IDM get the 'elbow (BrE, informal) to be told by sb that they no longer want to have a relationship with you; to be told to go away give sb the 'elbow (BrE, informal) to tell sb that you no longer want to have a relationship with them; to tell sb to go away—more at KNOW v. , POWER n. , RUB v.

verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to push sb with your elbow, usually in order to get past them: She elbowed me out of the way to get to the front of the line.  He elbowed his way through the crowd.

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'elbow grease
noun [U] (informal) the effort used in physical work, especially in cleaning or polishing sth
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'elbow room
noun [U] (informal) enough space to move or walk in
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elder
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] (of people, especially two members of the same family) older: my elder brother  his elder sister
2 (the elder) used without a noun immediately after it to show who is the older of two people: the elder of their two sons
3 (the elder) (formal) used before or after sb’s name to show that they are the older of two people who have the same name: the elder Pitt  Pitt the elder—compare THE YOUNGER at YOUNG adj. (6)   note at OLD

noun
1 (elders) [pl.] people of greater age, experience and authority: Children have no respect for their elders nowadays.  the village elders (= the old and respected people of the village)
2 (my, etc. elder) [sing.] (formal) a person older than me, etc: He is her elder by several years.
3 [C] an official in some Christian churches
4 [C] a small tree with white flowers with a sweet smell ( elderflowers) and bunches of small black berries ( elderberries)
IDM your ,elders and 'betters people who are older and wiser than you and whom you should respect

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elder.berry
noun (pl.-ies) a small black berry that grows in bunches on an elder tree: elderberry wine
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eld.er.ly
adj.
1 (of people) used as a polite word for ‘old’: an elderly couple  elderly relatives
2 (the elderly) noun [pl.] people who are old
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,elder 'statesman
noun
1 an old and respected politician or former politician whose advice is still valued because of his or her long experience
2 any experienced and respected person whose advice or work is valued: an elder statesman of golf
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eld.est
adj.
1 (of people, especially of three or more members of the same family) oldest: Tom is my eldest son.
2 (the eldest) used without a noun immediately after it to show who is the oldest of three or more people: the eldest of their three children  note at OLD
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elect
verb, adj.
verb
1 ~ sb (to sth)| ~ sb (as) sth to choose sb to do a particular job by voting for them: [vn] an elected assembly / leader / representative  the newly elected Labour government  She became the first black woman to be elected to the Senate.  [vn-n] He was elected (as) MP for Oxford East.
2 [v to inf] (formal) to choose to do sth: Increasing numbers of people elect to work from home nowadays.

adj.
1 used after nouns to show that sb has been chosen for a job, but is not yet doing that job: the president elect
2 (the elect) noun [pl.] (religion) people who have been chosen to be saved from punishment after death

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elec.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the process of choosing a person or a group of people for a position, especially a political position, by voting: election campaigns / results  to win / lose an election  to vote in an election  In America, presidential elections are held every four years.   (BrE) How many candidates are standing for election ?   (AmE) to run for election
2 [U] the fact of having been chosen by election : We welcome his election as president.—see also BY-ELECTION , GENERAL ELECTION
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elec.tion.eer.ing
noun [U] the activity of making speeches and visiting people to try to persuade them to vote for a particular politician or political party in an election
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elect.ive
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 using or chosen by election : an elective democracy  an elective assembly  an elective member  He had never held the elective office (= a position which is filled by election).
2 having the power to elect: an elective body
3 (of medical treatment) that you choose to have; that is not urgent: elective surgery
4 (of a course or subject) that a student can choose

noun (especially AmE ) a course or subject at a college or school which a student can choose to do

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elect.or
noun a person who has the right to vote in an election
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elect.or.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with elections: electoral systems / reforms
elect.or.al.ly adv.: an electorally effective campaign
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e,lectoral 'college
noun
1 (the Electoral College) (in the US) a group of people who come together to elect the President and Vice-President, based on the votes of people in each state
2 (BrE) a group of people who are chosen to represent the members of a political party, etc. in the election of a leader
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e,lectoral 'register
(also e,lectoral 'roll) noun (in Britain) the official list of people who have the right to vote in a particular area
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elect.or.ate
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 the people in a country or an area who have the right to vote, thought of as a group: Only 70% of the electorate voted in the last election.
2 (AustralE, NZE) = CONSTITUENCY (1)
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elec.tric
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with electricity; using, produced by or producing electricity: an electric motor  an electric light / guitar  an electric current / charge  an electric generator  an electric plug / socket / switch (= that carries electricity)—see also ELECTRIC SHOCK , ELECTRIC STORM
2 full of excitement; making people excited: The atmosphere was electric.  The news had an electric effect on the waiting crowd.

noun [U] (spoken, informal) used to refer to the supply of electricity to a building: The electric will be off tomorrow.  I haven’t paid the electric (= the bill for the supply of electricity) yet.

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elec.tric.al
adj. connected with electricity; using or producing electricity: an electrical fault in the engine  electrical equipment / appliances  electrical power / energy
elec.tric.al.ly adv.: a car with electrically operated windows  electrically charged particles
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e,lectrical engi'neering
noun [U] the design and building of machines and systems that use or produce electricity; the study of this subject
e,lectrical engi'neer noun
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e,lectrical 'storm
noun (especially AmE ) = ELECTRIC STORM
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e,lectric 'blanket
noun a BLANKET for a bed that is heated by electricity passing through the wires inside it (usually used under the bottom sheet of the bed)
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e,lectric 'blue
noun [U] a bright or METALLIC blue colour
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e,lectric 'chair
(usually the electric chair) (also informal the chair) noun [sing.] (especially in the US) a chair in which criminals are killed by passing a powerful electric current through their bodies; the method of EXECUTION which uses this chair: He was sent to the electric chair.  They face death by the electric chair.
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e,lectric 'fence
noun a wire fence through which an electric current can be passed
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elec.tri.cian
noun a person whose job is to connect, repair, etc. electrical equipment
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elec.tri.city
noun
1 [U] a form of energy from charged ELEMENTARY PARTICLES , usually supplied as electric current through cables, wires, etc. for lighting, heating, driving machines, etc: a waste of electricity  The electricity is off (= there is no electric power supply to the house).
2 [U, sing.] (written) a feeling of great emotion, excitement, etc.
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e,lectric 'razor
noun = SHAVER
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elec.trics
noun [pl.] (BrE , informal) the system of electrical wires in a house, car or machine: There’s a problem with the electrics.
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e,lectric 'shock
(also shock) noun a sudden painful feeling that you get when electricity passes through your body
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e,lectric 'storm
(BrE ) (also e,lectrical 'stormAmE, BrE) noun a violent storm in which electricity is produced in the atmosphere
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elec.tri.fi.ca.tion
noun [U] the process of changing sth so that it works by electricity: the electrification of the railway line from Manchester to Preston
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elec.trify
verb (elec.tri.fies, elec.tri.fy.ing, elec.tri.fied, elec.tri.fied) [vn]
1 [usually passive] to make sth work by using electricity; to pass an electrical current through sth: The railway line was electrified in the 1950s.  He had all the fences around his home electrified.
2 (written) to make sb feel very excited and enthusiastic about sth: Her performance electrified the audience.
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elec.tri.fy.ing
adj. (written) very exciting: The dancers gave an electrifying performance.
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elec.tro-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs) connected with electricity: electromagnetism
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elec.tro.car.dio.gram
noun = ECG
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elec.tro.con.vul.sive therapy
(also e'lec.tro.shock ther.apy) noun [U] a medical treatment of mental illness that passes electricity through the patient’s brain
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elec.tro.cute
verb [vn] [usually passive] to injure or kill sb by passing electricity through their body: The boy was electrocuted when he wandered onto a railway track.  James Roach was electrocuted in South Carolina in 1986 (= punished by being killed in the electric chair).
elec.tro.cu.tion noun [U]: Six people were drowned; five died from electrocution.  He was sentenced to death by electrocution.
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elec.trode
noun either of two points (or TERMINALS ) by which an electric current enters or leaves a battery or other electrical device—see also ANODE , CATHODE
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elec.tro.enceph.alo.gram
noun = EEG
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elec.troly.sis
noun [U]
1 the destruction of the roots of hairs by means of an electric current, as a beauty treatment
2 (chemistry) the separation of a liquid (or electrolyte ) into its chemical parts by passing an electric current through it
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elec.tro.lyte
noun (chemistry ) a liquid that an electric current can pass through, especially in an electric cell or battery
elec.tro.ly.tic adj.
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elec.tro.mag.net.ic
adj. (physics ) having both electrical and MAGNETIC characteristics (or PROPERTIES ): an electromagnetic wave / field
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elec.tro.mag.net.ism
noun [U] (physics ) the production of a MAGNETIC FIELD by means of an electric current, or of an electric current by means of a MAGNETIC FIELD
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elec.tron
noun (physics ) a very small piece of MATTER (= a substance) with a negative electric CHARGE , found in all atoms—see also NEUTRON , PROTON
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elec.tron.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of a device) having or using many small parts, such as MICROCHIPS , that control and direct a small electric current: an electronic calculator  electronic music  This dictionary is available in electronic form.
2 concerned with electronic equipment: an electronic engineer
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elec.tron.ic.al.ly
adv. in an electronic way, or using a device that works in an electronic way: to process data electronically (= using a computer)
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,electronic 'mail
noun [U] (formal) = E-MAIL
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elec.tron.ics
noun
1 [U] the branch of science and technology that studies electronic currents in electronic equipment
2 [U] the use of electronic technology, especially in developing new equipment: the electronics industry
3 (electronics) [pl.] the electronic CIRCUITS and COMPONENTS (= parts) used in electronic equipment: There may be a fault in the electronics.
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elec,tronic 'tagging
noun [U] the system of attaching an electronic device to a person so that the police, etc. know where the person is
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e,lectron 'microscope
noun a very powerful MICROSCOPE that uses ELECTRONS instead of light rays
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elec.tro.plate
verb [vn] [usually passive] to cover sth with a thin layer of metal using ELECTROLYSIS
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elec.tro.shock ther.apy
noun = ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY
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ele.gant
adj.
1 (of people or their behaviour) graceful and attractive: She was tall and elegant.
2 (of clothes, places and things) attractive and designed well: an elegant dress  an elegant room / restaurant
3 (of a plan or an idea) clever but simple: an elegant solution to the problem
ele.gance noun [U]: She dresses with casual elegance.  His writing combines elegance and wit.
ele.gant.ly adv.: elegantly dressed  elegantly furnished  He leaned elegantly against the door.
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ele.giac
adj. (formal or literary) expressing sadness, especially about the past or people who have died: Her poetry has an elegiac quality.
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elegy
noun (pl.-ies) a poem or song that expresses sadness, especially for sb who has died
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elem.ent
noun
PART / AMOUNT|
1 [C] ~ (in / of sth) a necessary or typical part of sth: Cost was a key element in our decision.  The story has all the elements of a soap opera.  Customer relations is an important element of the job.
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ of surprise, risk, truth, etc. a small amount of a quality or feeling: We need to preserve the element of surprise.  There appears to be an element of truth in his story.
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
3 [C, usually pl.] a group of people who form a part of a larger group or society: moderate / radical elements within the party  unruly elements in the school
CHEMISTRY|
4 [C] a simple chemical substance that consists of atoms of only one type and cannot be split by chemical means into a simpler substance. Gold, OXYGEN and CARBON are all elements .—compare COMPOUND
EARTH / AIR / FIRE / WATER|
5 [C] one of the four substances: earth, air, fire and water, which people used to believe everything else was made of
WEATHER|
6 (the elements) [pl.] the weather, especially bad weather: Are we going to brave the elements and go for a walk?  to be exposed to the elements
BASIC PRINCIPLES|
7 (elements) [pl.] the basic principles of a subject that you have to learn first: He taught me the elements of map-reading.
ENVIRONMENT|
8 [C, usually sing.] a natural or suitable environment, especially for an animal: Water is a fish’s natural element.
ELECTRICAL PART|
9 [C] the part of a piece of electrical equipment that gives out heat: The kettle needs a new element. in your 'element doing what you are good at and enjoy: She’s really in her element at parties. out of your 'element in a situation that you are not used to and that makes you feel uncomfortable: I feel out of my element talking about politics.
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elem.en.tal
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 wild and powerful; like the forces of nature: the elemental fury of the storm
2 basic and important: an elemental truth
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elem.en.tary
adj.
1 in or connected with the first stages of a course of study: an elementary English course  a book for elementary students  at an elementary level—compare PRIMARY , SECONDARY
2 of the most basic kind: the elementary laws of economics  an elementary mistake
3 very simple and easy: elementary questions
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,elementary 'particle
noun (physics ) any of the different types of very small pieces of MATTER (= a substance) smaller than an atom
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,ele'mentary school
(also informal 'grade school) noun (in the US) a school for children between the ages of about 6 and 12
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ele.phant
noun a very large animal with thick grey skin, large ears, two curved outer teeth called TUSKS and a long nose called a TRUNK . There are two types of elephant , the African and the Asian: herds of elephants / elephant herds  a baby elephant—see also WHITE ELEPHANT
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ele.phant.ine
adj. (formal or humorous) very large and CLUMSY ; like an elephant
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ele.vate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (to sth)| ~ sth (into sth) (formal) to give sb/sth a higher position or rank, often more important than they deserve RAISE , PROMOTE : He elevated many of his friends to powerful positions within the government.  It was an attempt to elevate football to a subject worthy of serious study.
2 (technicalor formal) to lift sth up or put sth in a higher position: It is important that the injured leg should be elevated.
3 (technical) to make the level of sth increase: Smoking often elevates blood pressure.
4 (formal) to improve a person’s mood, so that they feel happy: The song never failed to elevate his spirits.
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ele.vated
adj. [usually before noun]
1 high in rank: an elevated status
2 (formal) having a high moral or INTELLECTUAL level: elevated language / sentiments / thoughts
3 higher than the area around; above the level of the ground: The house is in an elevated position, overlooking the town.  an elevated highway / railway / road (= one that runs on a bridge above the ground or street)
4 (technical) higher than normal: elevated blood pressure
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ele.va.tion
noun
1 [U] (formal) the process of sb getting a higher or more important rank: his elevation to the presidency
2 [C, usually sing.] (technical) the height of a place, especially its height above sea level: The city is at an elevation of 2 000 metres.
3 [C] (formal) a piece of ground that is higher than the area around
4 [C] (architecture) one side of a building, or a drawing of this by an ARCHITECT : the front / rear / side elevation of a house—compare PLAN n. (4)
5 [U, sing.] (technical) an increase in the level or amount of sth: elevation of blood sugar levels
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ele.va.tor
noun
1 (AmE) = LIFT (1)
2 a place for storing large quantities of grain
3 a part in the tail of an aircraft that is moved to make it go up or down—picture at PLANE
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eleven

1 number11
2 nouna team of eleven players for football, cricket or hockey: She was chosen for the first eleven.
elev.enth ordinal number
IDM at the e,leventh 'hour at the last possible moment; just in time
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e,leven-'plus
noun (usually the eleven-plus) [sing.] an exam that all children used to take in Britain at the age of eleven to decide which type of secondary school they should go to. It is still taken in a few areas.
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elev.enses
noun [U] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a very small meal, for example biscuits with tea or coffee, that people sometimes have at about eleven o’clock in the morning
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elf
noun (pl.elves ) (in stories) a creature like a small person with pointed ears, who has magic powers
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elfin
adj. (written) (of a person or their features) small and delicate: an elfin face
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elicit
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb) (written) to get information or a reaction from sb, often with difficulty: I could elicit no response from him.  Her tears elicited great sympathy from her audience.
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elide
verb [vn] (phonetics ) to leave out the sound of part of a word when you are pronouncing it: The ‘t’ in ‘often’ may be elided.—see also ELISION
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eli.gible
adj.
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) a person who is eligible for sth or to do sth, is able to have or do it because they have the right qualifications, are the right age, etc: Only those over 70 are eligible for the special payment.  When are you eligible to vote in your country?
OPP INELIGIBLE
2 an eligible young man or woman is thought to be a good choice as a husband/wife, usually because they are rich or attractive
eli.gi.bil.ity noun [U]
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elim.in.ate
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth/sb (from sth) to remove or get rid of sth/sb: Credit cards eliminate the need to carry a lot of cash.  The police have eliminated two suspects from their investigation.  This diet claims to eliminate toxins from the body.
2 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) [usually passive] to defeat a person or a team so that they no longer take part in a competition, etc: All the English teams were eliminated in the early stages of the competition.  She was eliminated from the tournament in the first round.
3 [vn] (written) to kill sb, especially an enemy or opponent: Most of the regime’s left-wing opponents were eliminated.
elim.in.ation noun [U, C]: the elimination of disease / poverty / crime  There were three eliminations in the first round of the competition.  the elimination of toxins from the body
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eli.sion
noun [U, C] (phonetics ) the act of leaving out the sound of part of a word when you are pronouncing it, as in we’ll, don’t and let’s—see also ELIDE
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elite
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of people in a society, etc. who are powerful and have a lot of influence, because they are rich, intelligent, etc: a member of the ruling / intellectual elite  Public opinion is influenced by the small elite who control the media.  In these countries, only the elite can afford an education for their children.
elite adj. [only before noun]: an elite group of senior officials  an elite military academy
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elit.ism
noun [U] (often disapproving)
1 a way of organizing a system, society, etc. so that only a few people (= an elite ) have power or influence: Many people believe that private education encourages elitism.
2 the feeling of being better than other people that being part of an elite encourages
elit.ist adj.: an elitist model of society  She accused him of being elitist.
elit.ist noun
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elixir
noun (literary) a magic liquid that is believed to cure illnesses or to make people live for ever: the elixir of life / youth
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Eliza.bethan
adj. connected with the time when Queen Elizabeth I was queen of England (1558–1603)
Eliza.bethan noun: Shakespeare was an Elizabethan.
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elk
noun (pl.elk or elks)
1 (BrE) a large deer that lives in northern Europe and Asia. In N America it is called a MOOSE .
2 (AmE) = WAPITI
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el.lipse
noun (technical ) a regular OVAL shape, like a circle that has been pressed inwards from two sides—picture at OVAL
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el.lip.sis
noun (pl.el.lip.ses ) [C, U]
1 (grammar) the act of leaving out a word or words from a sentence deliberately, when the meaning can be understood without them
2 three dots ( … ) used to show that a word or words have been left out
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el.lip.tic.al
adj.
1 (especially grammar) with a word or words left out of a sentence deliberately: an elliptical remark (= one that suggests more than is actually said)
2 (also less frequent el.lip.tic ) (geometry) connected with or in the form of an ELLIPSE
el.lip.tic.al.ly adv.: to speak / write elliptically
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elm
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'elm tree) a tall tree with broad leaves: a line of stately elms  The hedgerows were planted with elm.
2 [U] the hard wood of the elm tree
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elo.cu.tion
noun [U] the ability to speak clearly and correctly, especially in public and pronouncing the words in a way that is considered to be socially acceptable
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elong.ate
verb to become longer; to make sth longer: [v] The seal pup’s body elongates as it grows older. [alsovn]
elonga.tion noun [U]: the elongation of vowel sounds
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elong.ated
adj. long and thin, often in a way that is not normal: Modigliani’s women have strangely elongated faces.
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elope
verb [v] ~ (with sb) to run away with sb in order to marry them secretly
elope.ment noun [C, U]
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elo.quent
adj.
1 able to use language and express your opinions well, especially when you are speaking in public: an eloquent speech / speaker
2 (of a look or movement) able to express a feeling: His eyes were eloquent.
elo.quence noun [U]: a speech of passionate eloquence  the eloquence of his smile
elo.quen.tly adv.: She spoke eloquently on the subject for about an hour.  His face expressed his grief more eloquently than any words.
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else
adv. (used in questions or after nothing, nobody, something, anything, etc.)
1 in addition to sth already mentioned: What else did he say?  I don’t want anything else, thanks.  I’m taking a few clothes and some books, not much else.
2 different: Ask somebody else to help you.  Haven’t you got anything else to wear?  Why didn’t you come? Everybody else was there.  Yes I did give it to her. What else could I do?
IDM or else
1 if not; OTHERWISE : Hurry up or else you’ll be late.  They can’t be coming or else they’d have called.
2 (informal) used to threaten or warn sb: Just shut up, or else!
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else.where
adv. in, at or to another place: The answer to the problem must be sought elsewhere.  Our favourite restaurant was closed, so we had to go elsewhere.  Elsewhere, the weather today has been fairly sunny.  Prices are higher here than elsewhere.
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ELT
abbr. (BrE ) English Language Teaching (the teaching of English to people for whom it is not the first language)
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elu.ci.date
verb (formal) to make sth clearer by explaining it more fully: [vn] He elucidated a point of grammar.  [v wh-] I will try to elucidate what I think the problems are.  [v] Let me elucidate.
elu.ci.da.tion noun [U, C]: Their objectives and methods require further elucidation.
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elude
verb [vn]
1 to manage to avoid or escape from sb/sth, especially in a clever way: The two men managed to elude the police for six weeks.
2 if sth eludes you, you are not able to achieve it, or not able to remember or understand it: He was extremely tired but sleep eluded him.  They’re a popular band but chart success has eluded them so far.  Finally he remembered the tiny detail that had eluded him the night before.
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elu.sive
adj. difficult to find, define, or achieve: Eric, as elusive as ever, was nowhere to be found.  the elusive concept of ‘literature’  A solution to the problem of toxic waste is proving elusive in the extreme.
elu.sive.ly adv.
elu.sive.ness noun [U]
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elves
pl. of ELF
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em-
EN-
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'em
pron. (informal) = THEM : Don’t let 'em get away.
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ema.ci.ated
adj. thin and weak, usually because of illness or lack of food
ema.ci.ation noun [U]: She was very thin, almost to the point of emaciation.
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e-mail
(also email) noun, verb
noun
1 (also formal ,electronic 'mail) [U] a way of sending messages and data to other people by means of computers connected together in a NETWORK : to send a message by e-mail—
2 [C, U] a message sent by e-mail

verb ~ sth (to sb) to send a message to sb by e-mail : [vn] Patrick e-mailed me yesterday.  [vn, vnn] I’ll e-mail the documents to her.  I’ll e-mail her the documents.

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em.an.ate
verb (formal) [vn] to produce or show sth: He emanates power and confidence.
em.an.ation noun [C, U] 'emanate from sth to come from sth or somewhere: The sound of loud music emanated from the building.  The proposal originally emanated from the UN.
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eman.ci.pate
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (from sth) to free sb, especially from legal, political or social restrictions: Slaves were not emancipated until 1863 in the United States.
eman.ci.pated adj.: Are women now fully emancipated (= with the same rights and opportunities as men)?  an emancipated young woman (= one with modern ideas about women’s place in society)
eman.ci.pa.tion noun [U]: the emancipation of slaves
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emas.cu.late
verb [vn] [often passive] (formal)
1 to make sb/sth less powerful or less effective
2 to make a man feel that he has lost his male role or qualities: He felt emasculated by her dominance.
emas.cu.la.tion noun [U]
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em.balm
verb [vn] to prevent a dead body from decaying by treating it with special substances to preserve it
em.balm.er noun
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em.bank.ment
noun
1 a wall of stone or earth made to keep water back or to carry a road or railway/railroad over low ground
2 a slope made of earth or stone that rises up from either side of a road or railway/railroad
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em.bargo
noun, verb
noun (pl.-oes) ~ (on sth) an official order that forbids trade with another country: an arms embargo  an embargo on arms sales to certain countries  a trade embargo against / on certain countries  to impose / enforce / lift an embargo

verb (em.bar.goes, em.bargo.ing, em.bar.goed, em.bar.goed) [vn] to place an embargo on sth: There have been calls to embargo all arms shipments to the region.

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em.bark
verb to get onto a ship; to put sth onto a ship: [v] We stood on the pier and watched as they embarked.  [vn] They embarked the troops by night.
OPP DISEMBARK
em.bark.ation noun [U, C]: Embarkation will be at 14:20 hours.
PVR V em'bark on / upon sth to start to do sth new or difficult: She is about to embark on a diplomatic career.
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em.bar.rass
verb [vn]
1 to make sb feel shy, awkward or ashamed, especially in a social situation: [vn] Her questions about my private life embarrassed me.  I didn’t want to embarrass him by kissing him in front of his friends.  [vn to inf] It embarrassed her to meet strange men in the corridor at night.
2 to cause problems or difficulties for sb: The speech was deliberately designed to embarrass the prime minister.
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em.bar.rassed
adj.
1 ~ (about / at sth)| ~ (to do sth) (of a person or their behaviour) shy, awkward or ashamed, especially in a social situation: She’s embarrassed about her height.  He felt embarrassed at being the centre of attention.  Some women are too embarrassed to consult their doctor about the problem.  Her remark was followed by an embarrassed silence.  I’ve never felt so embarrassed in my life!  note at ASHAMED
2 financially ~ (informal) not having any money; in a difficult financial situation
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em.bar.rass.ing
adj.
1 making you feel shy, awkward or ashamed: an embarrassing mistake / question / situation  It can be embarrassing for children to tell complete strangers about such incidents.  It was so embarrassing having to sing in public.
2 causing sb to look stupid, dishonest, etc: The report is likely to prove highly embarrassing to the government.
em.bar.rass.ing.ly adv.: The play was embarrassingly bad.
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em.bar.rass.ment
noun
1 [U] shy, awkward or guilty feelings; a feeling of being embarrassed: I nearly died of embarrassment when he said that.  I’m glad you offered—it saved me the embarrassment of having to ask.  Much to her embarrassment she realized that everybody had been listening to her singing.
2 [C] ~ (to / for sb) a situation which causes problems for sb: Her resignation will be a severe embarrassment to the party.
3 [C] ~ (to sb) a person who causes problems for another person or other people and makes them feel embarrassed
IDM an embarrassment of 'riches so many good things that it is difficult to choose just one
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em.bassy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a group of officials led by an AMBASSADOR who represent their government in a foreign country: the American embassy in London  embassy officials  to inform the embassy of the situation
2 the building in which an embassy works: a demonstration outside the Russian Embassy—compare CONSULATE , HIGH COMMISSION
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em.bat.tled
adj. (written)
1 surrounded by problems and difficulties: the embattled party leader
2 (of an army, a city, etc.) involved in war; surrounded by the enemy
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embed
(also imbed) verb (-dd-) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) to fix sth firmly into a substance or solid object: an operation to remove glass that was embedded in his leg  The bullet embedded itself in the wall.   (figurative) These attitudes are deeply embedded in our society (= felt very strongly and difficult to change).
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em.bel.lish
verb [vn] (written)
1 to make sth more beautiful by adding decorations to it
2 to make a story more interesting by adding details that are not always true
SYN EMBROIDER
em.bel.lish.ment noun [U, C]: Good pasta needs very little embellishment.  a 16th century church with 18th century embellishments
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ember
noun [usually pl.] a piece of wood or coal that is not burning but is still red and hot after a fire has died
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em.bez.zle
verb to steal money that you are responsible for or that belongs to your employer: [vn] He was found guilty of embezzling $150 000 of public funds. [alsov]
em.bezzle.ment noun [U]: She was found guilty of embezzlement.
em.bez.zler noun
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em.bit.ter
verb [vn] to make sb feel angry or disappointed about sth over a long period of time: Years of caring for her ageing parents had embittered her.
em.bit.tered adj.: a sick and embittered old man  an embittered laugh
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em.bla.zon
(also blazon) verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] ~ A with B| ~ B on, across, etc. A to decorate sth with a design, a symbol or words so that people will notice it easily: baseball caps emblazoned with the teams’s logo  The team’s logo was emblazoned on the baseball caps.
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em.blem
noun ~ (of sth)
1 a design or picture that represents a country or an organization: America’s national emblem, the bald eagle  the club emblem
2 something that represents a perfect example or a principle: The dove is an emblem of peace.
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em.blem.at.ic
adj. (formal) ~ (of sth)
1 that represents or is a symbol of sth
2 that is considered typical of a situation, an area of work, etc: The violence is emblematic of what is happening in our inner cities.
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em.bodi.ment
noun [usually sing.] (formal) ~ of sth a person or thing that represents or is a typical example of an idea or a quality: He is the embodiment of the young successful businessman.
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em.body
verb (em.bodies, em.body.ing, em.bodied, em.bodied) [vn]
1 to express or represent an idea or a quality: a politician who embodied the hopes of black youth  the principles embodied in the Declaration of Human Rights
2 (formal) to include or contain sth: This model embodies many new features.
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em.bold.en
verb
1 [usually passive] (formal) to make sb feel braver or more confident: [vn] Emboldened by the wine, he went over to introduce himself to her.  [vn to inf] With such a majority, the administration was emboldened to introduce radical new policies.
2 [vn] (technical) to make a piece of text appear in BOLD print
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em.boss
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ A with B| ~ B on A to put a raised design or piece of writing on paper, leather, etc: stationery embossed with the hotel’s name  The hotel’s name was embossed on the stationery.
em.bossed adj.: embossed stationery
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em.brace
verb
1 (written) to put your arms around sb as a sign of love or friendship
SYN HUG : [v] They embraced and wept and promised to keep in touch.  [vn] She embraced her son warmly.
2 [vn] (formal) to accept an idea, a proposal, a set of beliefs, etc., especially when it is done with enthusiasm: to embrace democracy / feminism / Islam  It is unlikely that such countries will embrace capitalist ideas.
3 [vn] (formal) to include sth: The talks embraced a wide range of issues.
em.brace noun [C, U]: He held her in a warm embrace.  There were tears and embraces as they said goodbye.  the country’s eager embrace of foreign influences
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em.bro.ca.tion
noun [U] a liquid for rubbing on sore muscles to make them less painful, for example after too much exercise
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em.broi.der
verb
1 ~ A (on B)| ~ B (with A) to decorate fabric with a pattern of stitches usually using coloured thread: [vn] an embroidered blouse  She embroidered flowers on the cushion covers.  She embroidered the cushion cover with flowers. [alsov]
2 [vn] (written) to make a story more interesting by adding details that are not true
SYN EMBELLISH : He is inclined to embroider the facts.
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em.broi.dery
noun
1 [U, C] patterns that are sewn onto fabric using threads of various colours; fabric that is decorated in this way: a beautiful piece of embroidery  Indian embroideries
2 [U] the skill or activity of decorating fabric in this way—picture at SEW
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em.broil
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb / yourself (in sth) (written) to involve sb/yourself in an argument or a difficult situation: He became embroiled in a dispute with his neighbours.  I was reluctant to embroil myself in his problems.
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em.bryo
noun (pl.-os) a young animal or plant in the very early stages of development before birth, or before coming out of its egg or seed, especially a human egg in the first eight weeks after FERTILIZATION : human embryos   (figurative) the embryo of an idea  an embryo politician (= one who is not yet very experienced)
IDM in embryo existing but not yet fully developed: The idea already existed in embryo in his earlier novels.
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em.bry.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of the development of embryos
em.bryo.logic.al adj.
em.bry.olo.gist noun
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em.bry.on.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (formal) in an early stage of development: The plan, as yet, only exists in embryonic form.
2 (technical) of an embryo : embryonic cells
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emcee
noun (AmE , informal) a person who introduces guests or entertainers at a formal occasion
SYN MASTER OF CEREMONIES
emcee verb [v, vn]
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emend
verb [vn] (formal) to remove the mistakes in a piece of writing, especially before it is printed
SYN CORRECT
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emend.ation
noun [C, U] (formal) a letter or word that has been changed or corrected in a text; the act of making changes to a text
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em.er.ald
noun
1 [C, U] a bright green precious stone: an emerald ring
2 (also ,emerald 'green) [U] a bright green colour
em.er.ald (also ,emerald 'green) adj.
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emerge
verb
1 [v] ~ (from sth) to come out of a dark, enclosed or hidden place: The swimmer emerged from the lake.  She finally emerged from her room at noon.  We emerged into bright sunlight.
2 (of facts, ideas, etc.) to become known: [v] No new evidence emerged during the investigation.  [v that] It emerged that the company was going to be sold.
3 [v] ~ (as sth) to start to exist; to appear or become known: After the elections opposition groups began to emerge.  He emerged as a key figure in the campaign  the emerging markets of South Asia
4 [v] ~ (from sth) to survive a difficult situation or experience: She emerged from the scandal with her reputation intact.
emer.gence noun [U]: the island’s emergence from the sea 3 000 years ago  the emergence of new technologies / evidence
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emer.gency
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] a sudden serious and dangerous event or situation which needs immediate action to deal with it: The government has declared a state of emergency following the earthquake.  This door should only be used in an emergency .  the emergency exit (= to be used in an emergency)  The government had to take emergency action.  The pilot made an emergency landing in a field.  I always have some extra cash with me for emergencies .  The government has been granted emergency powers (= to deal with an emergency).
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e'mergency brake
noun (AmE )
1 = HANDBRAKE
2 a BRAKE on a train that can be pulled in an emergency
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e'mergency room
noun (abbr. ER) (AmE ) = ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
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e'mergency services
noun [pl.] (BrE ) the public organizations that deal with emergencies : the police, fire, AMBULANCE and COASTGUARD services
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emer.gent
adj. [usually before noun] (written) new and still developing: emergent nations / states
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emeri.tus
adj. (often Emeritus) used with a title to show that a person, usually a university teacher, keeps the title as an honour, although he or she has stopped working: the Emeritus Professor of Biology
HELP In AmE the form Emerita is used for women: Professor Emerita Mary Judd
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emery
noun [U] a hard mineral used especially in powder form for polishing things and making them smooth
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'emery board
noun a small strip of wood or cardboard covered in emery , used for shaping the fingernails
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emet.ic
noun (medical ) a substance that makes you VOMIT (= bring up food from the stomach)
emet.ic adj.
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emi.grant
noun a person who leaves their country to live in another: emigrant families / labour / workers  emigrants to Canada—compare IMMIGRANT
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emi.grate
verb [v] ~ (from … ) (to … ) to leave your own country to go and live permanently in another country—compare IMMIGRATE
emi.gra.tion noun [U, C]: the mass emigration of Jews from Eastern Europe—compare IMMIGRATION
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émi.gré
noun (from French ) a person who has left their own country, usually for political reasons: the son of Russian émigrés
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emi.nence
noun
1 [U] (formal) the quality of being famous and respected, especially in a profession: a man of political eminence
2 [C] (His / Your Eminence) a title used in speaking to or about a CARDINAL (= a priest of the highest rank in the Roman Catholic Church): Their Eminences will see you now.
3 [C] (old-fashioned or formal) an area of high ground
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emi.nent
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of people) famous and respected, especially in a particular profession: an eminent architect
2 (of good qualities) unusual; excellent: a man of eminent good sense
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emi.nent.ly
adv. (formal) (used to emphasize a positive quality) very; extremely: She seems eminently suitable for the job.
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emir
noun the title given to some Muslim rulers: the Emir of Kuwait
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emir.ate
noun
1 the position of an emir
2 an area of land that is ruled over by an emir : the United Arab Emirates
3 the period of time that an emir rules
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emis.sary
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) a person who is sent to deliver an official message, especially from one country to another, or to perform a special task: the King’s special emissary
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emis.sion
noun
1 [U] (formal) the production or sending out of light, heat, gas, etc: the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere  emission controls
2 [C] gas, etc. that is sent out into the air: The government has pledged to clean up industrial emissions.
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emit
verb (-tt-) [vn] (formal) to send out sth such as light, heat, sound, gas, etc: The metal container began to emit a clicking sound.  Sulphur gases were emitted by the volcano.
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emol.li.ent
adj., noun
adj. (formal)
1 making a person or situation calmer in the hope of keeping relations peaceful: an emollient reply
2 (technical) used for making your skin soft or less painful: an emollient cream

noun [C, U] (technical ) a liquid or cream that is used to make the skin soft

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emolu.ment
noun [usually pl.] (formal) money paid to sb for work they have done, especially to sb who earns a lot of money
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emote
verb [v] (written) to show emotion in a very obvious way
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emo.tion
noun [C, U] a strong feeling such as love, fear or anger; the part of a person’s character that consists of feelings: He lost control of his emotions.  They expressed mixed emotions at the news.  Emotions are running high (= people are feeling very excited, angry, etc.).  The decision was based on emotion rather than rational thought.  She showed no emotion at the verdict.  Mary was overcome with emotion.
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emo.tion.al
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with people’s feelings (= with the emotions): emotional problems / needs  emotional stress  a child’s emotional and intellectual development  Mothers are often the ones who provide emotional support for the family.
2 causing people to feel strong emotions: emotional language  abortion and other emotional issues
3 (sometimes disapproving) showing strong emotions, sometimes in a way that other people think is unnecessary: an emotional outburst / response / reaction  They made an emotional appeal for help.  He tends to get emotional on these occasions.
emo.tion.al.ly adv.: emotionally disturbed children  I try not to become emotionally involved.  They have suffered physically and emotionally.  an emotionally charged atmosphere
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emo.tion.less
adj. not showing any emotion: an emotionless voice
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emo.tive
adj. causing people to feel strong emotions: emotive language / words  Capital punishment is a highly emotive issue.
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em.panel
= IMPANEL
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em.pa.thize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (with sb/sth) to understand another person’s feelings and experiences, especially because you have been in a similar situation
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em.pathy
noun [U] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) the ability to understand another person’s feelings, experience, etc: the writer’s imaginative empathy with his subject  empathy for other people’s situations  It is important to develop the empathy between dogs and their handlers.
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em.peror
noun the ruler of an empire: the Roman emperors  the Emperor Napoleon—see also EMPRESS
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em.phasis
noun (pl.em.phases ) [U, C]
1 ~ (on / upon sth) special importance that is given to sth: to put / lay / place emphasis on sth  There has been a shift of emphasis from manufacturing to service industries.  The emphasis is very much on learning the spoken language.  The course has a vocational emphasis.  We provide all types of information, with an emphasis on legal advice.  The examples we will look at have quite different emphases.
2 the extra force given to a word or phrase when spoken, especially in order to show that it is important; a way of writing a word (for example drawing a line underneath it) to show that it is important: ‘I can assure you,’ she added with emphasis, ‘the figures are correct.’
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em.pha.size
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 to give special importance to sth: [vn] His speech emphasized the importance of attracting industry to the town.  [v that] She emphasized that their plan would mean sacrifices and hard work.  [v wh-] He emphasized how little was known about the disease.  [vn that] It should be emphasized that this is only one possible explanation. [alsov speech]
2 [vn] to make sth more noticeable: She swept her hair back from her face to emphasize her high cheekbones.
3 [vn] to give extra force to a word or phrase when you are speaking, especially to show that it is important
SYN STRESS
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em.phat.ic
adj.
1 an emphatic statement, answer, etc. is given in a strong and forceful way to show that it is important: an emphatic denial / rejection
2 (of a person) making it very clear what you mean by using forceful language: He was emphatic that he could not work with her.  She was equally emphatic about the importance of discipline.
3 an emphatic victory, win, or defeat is one in which one team or player wins by a large amount
em.phat.ic.al.ly adv.: ‘Certainly not,’ he replied emphatically.  She is emphatically opposed to the proposals.  He has always emphatically denied the allegations.  The proposal was emphatically defeated.
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em.phy.se.ma
noun [U] (medical ) a condition that affects the lungs, making it difficult to breathe
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em.pire
noun
1 a group of countries or states that are controlled by one ruler or government: the Roman empire
2 a group of commercial organizations controlled by one person or company: a business empire
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'empire ,building
noun [U] (usually disapproving) the process of obtaining extra land, authority, etc. in order to increase your own power or position
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em.pir.ic.al
adj. [usually before noun] based on experiments or experience rather than ideas or THEORIES : empirical evidence / knowledge / research  an empirical study
em.pir.ic.al.ly adv.: Such claims need to be tested empirically.
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em.piri.cism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the use of experiments or experience as the basis for your ideas; the belief in these methods
em.piri.cist adj.: an empiricist theory
em.piri.cist noun: the English empiricist, John Locke
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em.place.ment
noun (technical ) a position that has been specially prepared so that a large gun can be fired from it
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em.ploy
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sb (as sth) to give sb a job to do for payment: [vn] How many people does the company employ?  For the past three years he has been employed as a firefighter.  [vn to inf] A number of people have been employed to deal with the backlog of work.—see also SELF-EMPLOYED , UNEMPLOYED
2 [vn] (formal) to use sth such as a skill, method etc. for a particular purpose: He criticized the repressive methods employed by the country’s government.  The police had to employ force to enter the building.
IDM be employed in doing sth (written) if a person or their time is employed in doing sth, the person spends time doing that thing: She was employed in making a list of all the jobs to be done.

noun [U]
IDM in sb’s em'ploy | in the em'ploy of sb (formal) working for sb; employed by sb

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em.ploy.able
adj. having the skills and qualifications that will make sb want to employ you
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em.ploy.ee
noun a person who is paid to work for sb: The firm has over 500 employees.  hospital / government employees  employee rights / relations
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em.ploy.er
noun a person or company that pays people to work for them: They’re very good employers (= they treat the people that work for them well).  one of the largest employers in the area
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em.ploy.ment
noun
1 [U, C] work, especially when it is done to earn money; the state of being employed: to be in paid employment  full-time / part-time employment  conditions / terms of employment  Graduates are finding it more and more difficult to find employment.  pensions from previous employments
2 [U] the situation in which people have work: The government is aiming at full employment .  Changes in farming methods have badly affected employment in the area.
OPP UNEMPLOYMENT
3 [U] the act of employing sb: The law prevented the employment of children under ten in the cotton mills.
4 [U] ~ (of sth) (formal) the use of sth: the employment of artillery in the capture of the town
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em'ployment agency
noun a business that helps people to find work and employers to find workers
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em.por.ium
noun (pl.em.por.iums or em.poria )
1 (old-fashioned) a large shop/store
2 a shop/store that sells a particular type of goods: an arts and crafts emporium
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em.power
verb [often passive]
1 (formal) to give sb the power or authority to do sth
SYN AUTHORIZE : [vn to inf] The courts were empowered to impose the death sentence for certain crimes. [alsovn]
2 to give sb more control over their own life or the situation they are in: [vn] The movement actively empowered women and gave them confidence in themselves. [alsovn to inf]
em.power.ment noun [U]: the empowerment of the individual
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emp.ress
noun
1 a woman who is the ruler of an empire: the Empress of Egypt
2 the wife of an EMPEROR
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emp.ties
noun [pl.] empty bottles or glasses
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emp.ti.ness
noun [U, sing.]
1 a feeling of being sad and lonely because nothing seems to have any value: There was an aching emptiness in her heart.
2 the fact that there is nothing or nobody in a place: The silence and emptiness of the house did not scare her.
3 (formal) a place that is empty: He stared out at the vast emptiness that was the sea.
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empty
adj., verb
adj. (emp.tier, emp.ti.est)
1 ~ (of sth) with no people or things inside: an empty box / glass  empty hands (= not holding anything)  an empty plate (= with no food on it)  The theatre was half empty.  an empty house / room / bus  Is this an empty chair (= not one that another person will be using)?  The house had been standing empty (= without people living in it) for some time.  It’s not good to drink alcohol on an empty stomach (= without having eaten something).   (formal) The room was empty of furniture.
2 [usually before noun] (of sth that sb says or does) with no meaning; not meaning what is said: empty words  an empty promise  an empty gesture aimed at pleasing the crowds
3 (of a person, or a person’s life) unhappy because life does not seem to have a purpose, usually after sth sad has happened: Three months after his death, she still felt empty.  My life seems empty without you.
4 ~ of sth without a quality that you would expect to be there: words that were empty of meaning
emp.ti.ly adv.: She stood staring emptily into space.
IDM the empty 'nest the situation that parents are in when their children have left home: the empty nest syndrome

verb (emp.ties, empty.ing, emp.tied, emp.tied)
1 [vn] ~ sth (out / out of sth)| ~ sth (of sth) to remove everything that is in a container, etc: I emptied out my pockets but could not find my keys.  She emptied the water out of the vase.  He emptied his glass and asked for a refill.  He emptied the ashtrays, washed the glasses and went to bed.  The room had been emptied of all furniture.   (figurative) She emptied her mind of all thoughts of home.
2 [v] ~ (out) to become empty: The tank empties out in five minutes.  The streets soon emptied when the rain started.
3 [vn] ~ sth (out) to take out the contents of sth and put them somewhere else: She emptied the contents of her bag onto the table.  Many factories emptied their waste into the river.
4 [vn] to make sure that everyone leaves a room, building, etc.
SYN EVACUATE : Police had instructions to empty the building because of a bomb threat.
5 [v] ~ (out) into / onto sth to flow or move out from one place to another: The Rhine empties into the North Sea.  Fans emptied out onto the streets after the concert.

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,empty-'handed
adj. [not usually before noun] without getting what you wanted; without taking sth to sb: The robbers fled empty-handed.  She visited every Sunday and never arrived empty-handed.
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,empty-'headed
adj. unable to think or behave in an intelligent way
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EMU
abbr. Economic and Monetary Union (of the European Union)
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emu
noun a large Australian bird that can run fast but cannot fly
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emu.late
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to try to do sth as well as sb else because you admire them: She hopes to emulate her sister’s sporting achievements.
2 (computing) (of a computer program, etc.) to work in the same way as another computer, etc. and perform the same tasks
emu.la.tion noun [U, C]
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emu.la.tor
noun (computing ) a device or piece of SOFTWARE that makes it possible to use programs, etc. on one type of computer even though they have been designed for a different type
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emul.sify
verb (emul.si.fies, emul.si.fy.ing, emul.si.fied, emul.si.fied) [v, vn] (technical ) if two liquids of different thicknesses emulsify or are emulsified, they combine to form a smooth mixture
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emul.sion
noun [C, U]
1 any mixture of liquids that do not normally mix together, such as oil and water
2 (also e'mulsion paint) (BrE) a type of paint used on walls and ceilings that dries without leaving a shiny surface
3 (technical) a substance on the surface of PHOTOGRAPHIC film that makes it sensitive to light
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en-
(also em- before b, m or p) prefix (in verbs)
1 to put into the thing or condition mentioned: encase  endanger  empower
2 to cause to be: enlarge  embolden
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-en
suffix
1 (in verbs) to make or become: blacken  sadden
2 (in adjectives) made of; looking like: wooden  golden
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en.able
verb
1 [vn to inf] to make it possible for sb to do sth: The software enables you to access the Internet in seconds.  a new programme to enable older people to study at college
2 to make it possible for sth to happen or exist by creating the necessary conditions: [vn to inf] Insulin enables the body to use and store sugar.  [vn] a new train line to enable easier access to the stadium
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enact
verb
1 [often passive] (law ) to pass a law: [vn] legislation enacted by parliament [alsovn that]
2 [vn] [often passive] (formal) to perform a play or act a part in a play: scenes from history enacted by local residents
3 [vn] (be enacted) (formal) to take place
SYN BE PLAYED OUT : They seemed unaware of the drama being enacted a few feet away from them.
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en.act.ment
noun [U, C] (law ) the process of a law becoming official; a law which has been made official: the enactment of environmental legislation  legal enactments covering food safety
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en.amel
noun
1 [U, C] a substance that is melted onto metal, pots, etc. and forms a hard shiny surface to protect or decorate them; an object made from enamel : a chipped enamel bowl  a handle inlaid with bone and enamel  an exhibition of enamels and jewellery
2 [U] the hard white outer layer of a tooth
3 (also e,namel 'paint) [U, C] a type of paint that dries to leave a hard shiny surface and is used to protect or decorate objects
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en.am.elled
(BrE ) (AmEen.am.eled) adj. [usually before noun] covered or decorated with enamel
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en.am.oured
(BrE ) (AmE en.amored) adj.
1 ~ of / with sth (formal) (often in negative sentences) liking sth a lot: He was less than enamoured of the music.   (humorous) I’m not exactly enamoured with the idea of spending a whole day with them.
2 ~ of / with sb (literary) in love with sb
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en bloc
adv. (from French ) as a group rather than separately: There are reports of teachers resigning en bloc.
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enc.
= ENCL.
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en.camp
verb (formal) [v, vn] if a group of people encamp or are encamped somewhere, they set up a camp or have set up a camp there
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en.camp.ment
noun a group of tents, huts, etc. where people live together, usually for only a short period of time: a military encampment
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en.cap.su.late
verb [vn] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to express the most important parts of sth in a few words, a small space or a single object: The poem encapsulates many of the central themes of her writing.
en.cap.su.la.tion noun [U, C]
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en.case
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to surround or cover sth completely, especially to protect it: The reactor is encased in concrete and steel.  His upper body was completely encased in bandages.
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en.cash
verb [vn] (BrE , formal) to exchange a cheque, etc. for money
SYN CASH
en.cash.ment noun [U, C]
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-ence
-ANCE
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en.ceph.al.itis
noun [U] (medical ) a condition in which the brain becomes swollen, caused by an infection or ALLERGIC reaction
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en.ceph.al.op.athy
noun [U] (medical ) a disease in which the functioning of the brain is affected by infection, BLOOD POISONING , etc.—see also BSE
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en.chant
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to attract sb strongly and make them feel very interested, excited, etc: The happy family scene had enchanted him.
2 to place sb/sth under a magic SPELL (= magic words that have special powers)
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en.chant.ed
adj.
1 placed under a SPELL (= magic words that have special powers): an enchanted forest / kingdom
2 (formal) filled with great pleasure: He was enchanted to see her again after so long.  The children were enchanted with the present.
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en.chant.er
noun (in stories) a man who has magic powers that he uses to control people
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en.chant.ing
adj. attractive and pleasing: an enchanting view
en.chant.ing.ly adv.
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en.chant.ment
noun
1 [U] (formal) a feeling of great pleasure
2 [U] the state of being under a magic SPELL : It was a place of deep mystery and enchantment.
3 [C] (literary) = SPELL : They had been turned to stone by an enchantment.
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en.chant.ress
noun
1 (in stories) a woman who has magic powers that she uses to control people
2 (literary) a woman that men find very attractive and interesting
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en.chil.ada
noun (from Spanish ) a Mexican dish consisting of a TORTILLA filled with meat and covered with a spicy sauce
IDM see BIG adj.
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en.cir.cle
verb [vn] (written) to surround sb/sth completely in a circular shape or movement: Jack’s arms encircled her waist.  The island is encircled by a coral reef.
en.circle.ment noun [U]
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encl.
(also enc.) abbr. (business ) enclosed (used on business letters to show that another document is being sent in the same envelope)
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en.clave
noun an area of a country or city where the people have a different religion, culture or NATIONALITY from those who live in the country or city that surrounds it
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en.close
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (in / with sth) to build a wall, fence, etc. around sth: The yard had been enclosed with iron railings.  The land was enclosed in the seventeenth century (= in Britain, when public land was made private property).   (figurative) All translated words should be enclosed in brackets.
2 (especially of a wall, fence, etc.) to surround sth: Low hedges enclosed the flower beds.  She felt his arms enclose her.
3 ~ sth (with sth) to put sth in the same envelope, parcel/package, etc. as sth else: Please return the completed form, enclosing a recent photograph.  Please find enclosed a cheque for £100.
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en.closed
adj.
1 with walls, etc. all around: Do not use this substance in an enclosed space.
2 (abbr.encl.) sent with a letter, etc: Please complete the enclosed application form.
3 (of religious communities) having little contact with the outside world: an enclosed order of monks
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en.clos.ure
noun
1 [C] a piece of land that is surrounded by a fence or wall and is used for a particular purpose: a wildlife enclosure
2 [U, C] the act of placing a fence or wall around a piece of land: the enclosure of common land in the seventeenth century
3 [C] something that is placed in an envelope with a letter
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en.code
verb [vn]
1 to change ordinary language into letters, symbols, etc. in order to send secret messages
2 (computing) to change information into a form that can be processed by a computer—compare DECODE
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en.com.pass
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to include a large number or range of things: The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities.  The group encompasses all ages.
2 to surround or cover sth completely: The fog soon encompassed the whole valley.
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en.core
noun, exclamation
noun an extra short performance given at the end of a concert; a request for this made by an audience calling out: She played a Chopin waltz as an encore.  The group got three encores.

exclamation an audience calls out encore! at the end of a concert to ask the performer to play or sing another piece of music

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en.coun.ter
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to experience sth, especially sth unpleasant or difficult, while you are trying to do sth else: We encountered a number of difficulties in the first week.  I had never encountered such resistance before.
2 (formal) to meet sb, or discover or experience sth, especially sb/sth new, unusual or unexpected
SYN COME ACROSS : She was the most remarkable woman he had ever encountered.

noun
1 ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) a meeting, especially one that is sudden, unexpected or violent: Three of them were killed in the subsequent encounter with the police.  The story describes the extraordinary encounter between a man and a dolphin.  a chance encounter  I’ve had a number of close encounters (= situations that could have been dangerous) with bad drivers.  It was his first sexual encounter (= first experience of sex).  Flaubert was her first encounter with French literature.
2 a sports match against a particular player or team: She has beaten her opponent in all of their previous encounters.

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en.cour.age
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (in sth) to give sb support, courage or hope: My parents have always encouraged me in my choice of career.  We were greatly encouraged by the positive response of the public.
2 to persuade sb to do sth by making it easier for them and making them believe it is a good thing to do: [vn to inf] Banks actively encourage people to borrow money. [alsov -ing]
3 ~ sth (in sb/sth) to make sth more likely to happen or develop: [vn] They claim that some computer games encourage violent behaviour in young children.  [vn to inf] Music and lighting are used to encourage shoppers to buy more. [alsov -ing] DISCOURAGE
en.cour.aging adj. [not usually before noun]: This month’s unemployment figures are not very encouraging.  You could try being a little more encouraging!
en.cour.aging.ly adv.: to smile / nod encouragingly  The attendance was encouragingly high.
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en.cour.age.ment
noun [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (to sb) (to do sth) the act of encouraging sb to do sth; something that encourages sb: a few words of encouragement  He needs all the support and encouragement he can get.  With a little encouragement from his parents he should do well.  She was given every encouragement to try something new.  Her words were a great encouragement to them.
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en.croach
verb [v] ~ (on / upon sth) (formal)
1 (disapproving) to begin to affect or use up too much of sb’s time, rights, personal life, etc: I won’t encroach on your time any longer.  He never allows work to encroach upon his family life.
2 to slowly begin to cover more and more of an area: The growing town soon encroached on the surrounding countryside.  the encroaching tide (= that is coming in)
en.croach.ment noun [U, C] ~ (on / upon sth): the regime’s many encroachments on human rights
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en.crust.ation
noun = INCRUSTATION
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en.crust.ed
adj. ~ (with / in sth) covered with a thin hard layer of sth; forming a thin hard layer on sth: a crown encrusted with diamonds  encrusted blood
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en.crypt
verb [vn] (especially computing ) to put information into a special CODE , especially in order to prevent people from looking at it without authority
en.cryp.tion noun [U]
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en.cum.ber
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (written)
1 to make it difficult for sb to do sth or for sth to happen: The police operation was encumbered by crowds of reporters.  The business is encumbered with debt.
2 to be large and/or heavy and make it difficult for sb to move: The frogmen were encumbered by their diving equipment.
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en.cum.brance
noun (formal) a person or thing that prevents sb from moving easily or from doing what they want: I felt I was being an encumbrance to them.
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-ency
-ANCY
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en.cyc.lic.al
noun an official letter written by the Pope and sent to all Roman Catholic BISHOPS
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en.cyc.lo.pe.dia
(BrE also -pae.dia) noun a book or set of books giving information about all areas of knowledge or about different areas of one particular subject, usually arranged in alphabetical order; a similar collection of information on a CD-ROM
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en.cyclo.pe.dic
(BrE also -paedic) adj.
1 connected with encyclopedias or the type of information found in them: encyclopedic information  an encyclopedic dictionary
2 having a lot of information about a wide variety of subjects; containing complete information about a particular subject: She has an encyclopedic knowledge of natural history.
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end
noun, verb
noun
FINAL PART|
1 the final part of a period of time, an event, an activity or a story: at the end of the week / month / year  We didn’t leave until the very end.  They finally get named at the end of the book.  We had to hear about the whole journey from beginning to end .  It’s the end of an era.
FURTHEST PART|
2 the part of an object or a place that is the furthest away from its centre: Turn right at the end of the road.  His office is the room at the other end of the corridor.  I joined the end of the queue.  Go to the end of the line!  You’ve got something on the end of your nose.  Tie the ends of the string together.  That’s his wife sitting at the far end of the table.  These two products are from opposite ends of the price range.  We’ve travelled from one end of Mexico to the other.  They live in the end house.—see also DEAD END , EAST END , SPLIT ENDS , TAIL END
FINISH|
3 a situation in which sth does not exist any more: the end of all his dreams  The meeting came to an end (= finished).  The war was finally at an end .  The coup brought his corrupt regime to an end .  There’s no end in sight to the present crisis.  They have called for an end to violence.  That was by no means the end of the matter.
AIM|
4 an aim or a purpose: They are prepared to use violence in pursuit of their ends.  She is exploiting the current situation for her own ends.  With this end in view (= in order to achieve this) they employed 50 new staff.  We are willing to make any concessions necessary to this end (= in order to achieve this).
PART OF ACTIVITY|
5 [usually sing.] a part of an activity with which sb is concerned, especially in business: We need somebody to handle the marketing end of the business.  Are there any problems at your end?  I have kept my end of the bargain.
OF TELEPHONE LINE / JOURNEY|
6 [usually sing.] either of two places connected by a telephone call, journey, etc: I answered the phone but there was no one at the other end .  Jean is going to meet me at the other end .
OF SPORTS FIELD|
7 one of the two halves of a sports field: The teams changed ends at half-time.
PIECE LEFT|
8 (BrE) a small piece that is left after sth has been used: a cigarette end—see also FAG END , LOOSE END , ODDS AND ENDS
DEATH|
9 [usually sing.] a person’s death. People say ‘end’ to avoid saying ‘death’: She came to an untimely end (= died young).  I was with him at the end (= when he died).   (literary) He met his end (= died) at the Battle of Waterloo. at the ,end of the 'day (BrE, spoken) used to introduce the most important fact after everything has been considered: At the end of the day, he’ll still have to make his own decision. a bad / sticky 'end (BrE) something unpleasant that happens to sb, for example punishment or a violent death, usually because of their own actions: He’ll come to a sticky end one of these days if he carries on like that. be at the end of sth to have almost nothing left of sth: I’m at the end of my patience.  They are at the end of their food supply. be at the ,end of your 'tether (BrE) (AmE be at the ,end of your 'rope) to feel that you cannot deal with a difficult situation any more because you are too tired, worried, etc. be the 'end (BrE, spoken) when you say that people or situations are the end, you mean that you are annoyed with them an ,end in it'self a thing that is itself important and not just a part of sth more important the end justifies the 'means (saying) bad or unfair methods of doing sth are acceptable if the result of that action is good or positive (reach) the end of the 'line / 'road (to reach) the point at which sth can no longer continue in the same way: A defeat in the second round marked the end of the line for last year’s champion. end of 'story (spoken) used when you are stating that there is nothing more that can be said or done about sth ,end to 'end in a line, with the ends touching: They arranged the tables end to end. get / have your 'end away (BrE, slang) to have sex go to the ,ends of the 'earth to do everything possible, even if it is difficult, in order to get or achieve sth: I’d go to the ends of the earth to see her again. in the 'end
1 after a long period of time or series of events: He tried various jobs and in the end became an accountant.
2 after everything has been considered: You can try your best to impress the interviewers but in the end it’s often just a question of luck. keep your 'end up (BrE, informal) to continue to be cheerful in a difficult situation make (both) ends 'meet to earn just enough money to be able to buy the things you need: Many families struggle to make ends meet. no 'end (spoken) very much: It upset me no end to hear they’d split up. no 'end of sth (spoken) a lot of sth: We had no end of trouble getting them to agree. not the end of the 'world (spoken) not the worst thing that could happen to sb: Failing one exam is not the end of the world. on 'end
1 in an upright position: It’ll fit if you stand it on end.
2 for the stated length of time, without stopping: He would disappear for weeks on end . put an 'end to yourself | put an 'end to it all to kill yourself—more at BEGINNING , BITTER adj. , BURN v. , DEEP adj. , HAIR , HEAR , LIGHT n. , LOOSE END , MEANS , RECEIVE , SHARP adj. , SHORT n. , THIN adj. , WIT , WRONG adj.

verb ~ (sth) (with sth) to finish; to make sth finish: [v] The road ends here.  How does the story end?  The speaker ended by suggesting some topics for discussion.  Her note ended with the words: ‘See you soon.’  [vn] They decided to end their relationship.  They ended the play with a song. [alsov speech] ,end your 'days / 'life (in sth) to spend the last part of your life in a particular state or place: He ended his days in poverty. ,end in 'tears (BrE, spoken) if you say that sth will end in tears, you are warning sb that what they are doing will have an unhappy or unpleasant result 'end it all | ,end your 'life to kill yourself the sth to end all sths used to emphasize how large, important, exciting, etc. you think sth is: The movie has a car chase to end all car chases. 'end in sth [no passive]
1 to have sth as an ending: The word I’m thinking of ends in ‘-ous’.
2 to have sth as a result: Their long struggle ended in failure.  The debate ended in uproar. ,end 'up to find yourself in a place or situation that you did not intend or expect to be in: If you go on like this you’ll end up in prison. [+ -ing] At first they hated each other, but they ended up getting married. [+adj] If he carries on driving like that, he’ll end up dead.

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en.dan.ger
verb [vn] to put sb/sth in a situation in which they could be harmed or damaged: The health of our children is being endangered by exhaust fumes.  That one mistake seriously endangered the future of the company.  The sea turtle is an endangered species (= it may soon no longer exist).
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en.dear
verb [vn] en'dear sb / yourself to sb to make sb/yourself popular: Their policies on taxation didn’t endear them to voters.  She was a talented teacher who endeared herself to all who worked with her.
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en.dear.ing
adj. causing people to feel affection: an endearing remark / smile / habit
en.dear.ing.ly adv.: an endearingly old-fashioned idea
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en.dear.ment
noun [C, U] a word or an expression that is used to show affection: They were whispering endearments to each other.  ‘Darling’ is a term of endearment.
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en.deav.our
(BrE ) (AmEen.deavor) noun, verb
noun [U, C] (formal) an attempt to do sth, especially sth new or difficult: Please make every endeavour to arrive on time.  advances in the field of scientific endeavour  The manager is expected to use his or her best endeavours to promote the artist’s career.

verb [v to inf] (formal) to try very hard to do sth
SYN STRIVE : I will endeavour to do my best for my country.

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en.dem.ic
adj. ~ (in / to … ) regularly found in a particular place or among a particular group of people and difficult to get rid of: Malaria is endemic in many hot countries.  Corruption is endemic in the system.  an attitude endemic among senior members of the profession  species endemic to (= only found in) Madagascar  the endemic problem of racism—compare PANDEMIC
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end.ing
noun
1 the last part of a story, film/movie, etc: His stories usually have a happy ending .
OPP OPENING
2 the act of finishing sth; the last part of sth: the anniversary of the ending of the Pacific War  It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
3 the last part of a word, that is added to a main part: verb endings  a masculine / feminine ending
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en.dive
noun [C, U]
1 (BrE) (AmE chic.ory [U]) a plant with green curly leaves that are eaten raw as a vegetable
2 (AmE) = CHICORY (1)
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end.less
adj.
1 very large in size or amount and seeming to have no end: endless patience  endless opportunities for making money  The possibilities are endless.  an endless list of things to do  We don’t have an endless supply of money, you know.
2 continuing for a long time and seeming to have no end: an endless round of parties and visits  The journey seemed endless.  I’ve had enough of their endless arguing.
3 (technical) (of a loop, etc.) having the ends joined together so it forms one piece: an endless loop of tape
end.less.ly adv.: She talks endlessly about her problems.  an endlessly repeated pattern
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en.dorse
verb [vn]
1 to say publicly that you support a person, statement or course of action: I wholeheartedly endorse his remarks.  Members of all parties endorsed a ban on land mines.
2 to say in an advertisement that you use and like a particular product so that other people will want to buy it: I wonder how many celebrities actually use the products they endorse.
3 to write your name on the back of a cheque so that it can be paid into a bank account
4 [usually passive] (BrE) to write details of a driving offence on sb’s DRIVING LICENCE : You risk being fined and having your licence endorsed.
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en.dorse.ment
noun [C, U]
1 a public statement or action showing that you support sb/sth: The election victory is a clear endorsement of their policies.  a letter of endorsement
2 a statement made in an advertisement, usually by sb famous or important, saying that they use and like a particular product
3 (BrE) details of a driving offence written on sb’s DRIVING LICENCE : How many endorsements can you have before you lose your licence?
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endow
verb [vn] to give a large sum of money to a school, a college or another institution to provide it with an income
PVR V be en'dowed with sth to naturally have a particular feature, quality, etc: She was endowed with intelligence and wit.  The stones are believed to be endowed with magical powers.—see also WELL ENDOWED en'dow sb/sth with sth
1 to believe or imagine that sb/sth has a particular quality: She had endowed Marcus with the qualities she wanted him to possess.
2 (formal) to give sth to sb/sth: to endow sb with a responsibility
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en.dow.ment
noun
1 [C, U] money that is given to a school, a college or another institution to provide it with an income; the act of giving this money
2 [C, usually pl.] (formal) a quality or an ability that you are born with
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en'dowment mortgage
noun (BrE ) a type of MORTGAGE (= money borrowed to buy property) in which money is regularly paid into an endowment policy . At the end of a particular period of time this money is then used to pay back the money that was borrowed—compare REPAYMENT MORTGAGE
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en'dowment policy
noun (BrE ) a type of life insurance in which a person regularly pays money to an insurance company, and receives a sum of money from them at the end of a particular period of time
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'end product
noun something that is produced by a particular activity or process
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,end re'sult
noun [usually sing.] the final result of a particular activity or process: The end result of using this method is that learners leave the classroom discouraged.
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en.dur.ance
noun [U] the ability to continue doing sth painful or difficult for a long period of time without complaining: He showed remarkable endurance throughout his illness.  They were humiliated beyond endurance .  This event tests both physical and mental endurance.  powers of endurance  The party turned out to be more of an endurance test than a pleasure.
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en.dure
verb
1 (written) to experience and deal with sth that is painful or unpleasant, especially without complaining
SYN BEAR : [vn] They had to endure a long wait before the case came to trial.  She could not endure the thought of parting.  The pain was almost too great to endure.   (formal) a love that endures all things and never fails  [v -ing, v to inf] He can’t endure being defeated.  He can’t endure to be defeated.
2 [v] (formal) to continue to exist for a long time
SYN LAST : a success that will endure
en.dur.able adj.: I felt that life was no longer endurable.
OPP UNENDURABLE
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en.dur.ing
adj. lasting for a long time: enduring memories  an enduring relationship / influence  What is the reason for the game’s enduring appeal?
en.dur.ing.ly adv.: an enduringly popular style
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,end-'user
noun a person who actually uses a product rather than one who makes or sells it, especially a person who uses a product connected with computers
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'end zone
noun the area at the end of an American football field into which the ball must be carried or passed in order to score points
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enema
noun a liquid that is put into a person’s RECTUM (= the opening through which solid waste leaves the body) in order to clean out the bowels, especially before a medical operation; the act of cleaning out the bowels in this way
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enemy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a person who hates sb or who acts or speaks against sb/sth: He has a lot of enemies in the company.  After just one day, she had already made an enemy of her manager.  It is rare to find a prominent politician with few political enemies.  The state has a duty to protect its citizens against external enemies.  Birds are the natural enemies of many insect pests (= they kill them).—see also ENMITY
2 (the enemy) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a country that you are fighting a war against; the soldiers, etc. of this country: The enemy was / were forced to retreat.  enemy forces / aircraft / territory  behind enemy lines (= the area controlled by the enemy)
3 [C] ~ (of sth) (formal) anything that harms sth or prevents it from being successful: Poverty and ignorance are the enemies of progress.
IDM see WORST adj.
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en.er.get.ic
adj. having or needing a lot of energy and enthusiasm: He knew I was energetic and dynamic and would get things done.  an energetic member / supporter  The heart responds well to energetic exercise.  For the more energetic (= people who prefer physical activities), we offer windsurfing and diving.  I think I’d prefer something a little less energetic.
en.er.get.ic.al.ly adv.: He energetically denied the charge.
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en.er.gize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to make sb enthusiastic about sth
2 to give sb more energy, strength, etc: a refreshing and energizing fruit drink
3 (technical) to supply power or energy to a machine, an atom, etc: positively energized particles
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en.ergy
noun
1 [U] the ability to put effort and enthusiasm into an activity, work, etc: It’s a waste of time and energy.  She’s always full of energy.  nervous energy (= energy produced by feeling nervous)
2 (energies) [pl.] the physical and mental effort that you use to do sth: She put all her energies into her work.  creative / destructive energies
3 [U] a source of power, such as fuel, used for driving machines, providing heat, etc: solar / nuclear energy  It is important to conserve energy.  an energy crisis (= for example when fuel is not freely available)
4 [U] (physics) the ability of MATTER or RADIATION to work because of its MASS , movement, electric CHARGE , etc: kinetic / potential energy
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ener.vate
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb feel weak and tired: an enervating disease / climate
en.er.va.tion noun [U]
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en.fant ter.rible
noun (pl.en.fants ter.ribles ) (from French ) a person who is young and successful and whose behaviour and ideas may be unusual and may shock or embarrass other people
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en.fee.ble
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb/sth weak
en.fee.bled adj.
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en.fold
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (literary)
1 to hold sb in your arms in a way that shows affection: She lay quietly, enfolded in his arms.
2 to surround or cover sb/sth completely: Darkness spread and enfolded him.
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en.force
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (on / against sb/sth) to make sure that people obey a particular law or rule: It’s the job of the police to enforce the law.  The legislation will be difficult to enforce.  United Nations troops enforced a ceasefire in the area.
2 ~ sth (on sb) to make sth happen or force sb to do sth: You can’t enforce cooperation between the players.  a period of enforced absence
en.force.able adj.: A gambling debt is not legally enforceable.
en.force.ment noun [U]: strict enforcement of regulations  law enforcement agencies / officers / procedures
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en.fran.chise
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to give sb the right to vote in an election
OPP DISENFRANCHISE
en.fran.chise.ment noun [U]
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eng.
abbr. (BrE ) (in writing) engineer; engineering
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en.gage
verb
1 [vn] (formal) to succeed in attracting and keeping sb’s attention and interest: It is a movie that engages both the mind and the eye.
2 ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to employ sb to do a particular job: [vn] He is currently engaged as a consultant. [alsovn to inf]
3 [v] ~ (with sth/sb) to become involved with and try to understand sth/sb: She has the ability to engage with young minds.
4 (formal) to begin fighting with sb: [vn] to engage the enemy [alsov]
5 ~ (with sth) when a part of a machine engages, or when you engage it, it fits together with another part of the machine and the machine begins to work: [v] One cogwheel engages with the next.  The cogwheels are not engaging.  [vn] Engage the clutch before selecting a gear.
OPP DISENGAGE
PVR V en'gage in sth| en'gage sb in sth to take part in sth; to make sb take part in sth: Even in prison, he continued to engage in criminal activities.  She tried desperately to engage him in conversation .
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en.gaged
adj.
1 ~ (in / on sth) (formal) busy doing sth: They are engaged in talks with the Irish government.  He is now engaged on his second novel.  I can’t come to dinner on Tuesday—I’m otherwise engaged (= I have already arranged to do something else).  They were engaged in conversation.
2 ~ (to sb) having agreed to marry sb: She’s engaged to Peter.  They are engaged to be married (= to each other).  When did you get engaged ?  an engaged couple
3 (BrE) (AmE busy) (of a telephone line) being used: I couldn’t get through—the line’s engaged.  I phoned earlier but you were engaged (= using your phone).  the engaged tone / signal
4 (BrE) (of a public toilet) being used—compare VACANT
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en.gage.ment
noun
BEFORE MARRIAGE|
1 [C] ~ (to sb) an agreement to marry sb; the period during which two people are engaged : Their engagement was announced in the local paper.  She has broken off her engagement to Charles.  an engagement party  a long / short engagement
ARRANGEMENT TO DO STH|
2 [C] an arrangement to do sth at a particular time, especially sth official or sth connected with your job: an engagement book / diary  He has a number of social engagements next week.  It was her first official engagement.  I had to refuse because of a prior engagement .
FIGHTING|
3 [C, U] (technical) fighting between two armies, etc: The general tried to avoid an engagement with the enemy.
BEING INVOLVED|
4 [U] ~ (with sb/sth) (formal) being involved with sb/sth in an attempt to understand them/it: Her views are based on years of engagement with the problems of the inner city.
EMPLOYMENT|
5 [U, C] (BrE) an arrangement to employ sb; the process of employing sb: The terms of engagement are to be agreed in writing.
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en'gagement ring
noun a ring, usually with precious stones, that a man gives to a woman when they agree to get married
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en.gaging
adj. (written) interesting or pleasant in a way that attracts your attention: an engaging smile / manner / person
en.ga.ging.ly adv.
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en.gen.der
verb [vn] (formal) to make a feeling or situation exist: The issue engendered controversy.
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en.gine
noun
1 the part of a vehicle that produces power to make the vehicle move: a diesel / petrol engine  My car had to have a new engine.  engine trouble / problems  Switch the engine on / off.  the engine room (= the part of a ship where the engine is situated)—see also INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE , JET ENGINE , TRACTION ENGINE
2 (also loco.mo.tive) a vehicle that pulls a train
3 (-engined) (in adjectives) having the type or number of engines mentioned: a twin-engined speedboat—see also FIRE ENGINE
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'engine driver
(BrE , becoming old-fashioned) (AmE en.gin.eer) noun a person whose job is driving a railway/railroad engine
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en.gin.eer
noun, verb
noun
1 a person whose job involves designing and building engines, machines, roads, bridges, etc: an electrical / a mechanical engineer—see also CHEMICAL ENGINEER , CIVIL ENGINEER , LIGHTING ENGINEER , SOFTWARE ENGINEER , SOUND ENGINEER
2 a person who is trained to repair machines and electrical equipment: They’re sending an engineer to fix the phone.
3 a person whose job is to control and repair engines, especially on a ship or an aircraft: a flight engineer  the chief engineer on a cruise liner
4 (AmE) = ENGINE DRIVER
5 a soldier trained to design and build military structures

verb [vn]
1 (often disapproving) to arrange for sth to happen or take place, especially when this is done secretly in order to give yourself an advantage: She engineered a further meeting with him.
2 [usually passive] to design and build sth: The car is beautifully engineered and a pleasure to drive.
3 to change the GENETIC structure of sth: genetically engineered crops

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en.gin.eer.ing
noun [U]
1 the activity of applying scientific knowledge to the design, building and control of machines, roads, bridges, electrical equipment, etc: The bridge is a triumph of modern engineering.
2 (also ,engineering 'science) the study of engineering as a subject: a degree in engineering—see also CHEMICAL ENGINEERING , CIVIL ENGINEERING , ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING , GENETIC ENGINEERING , MECHANICAL ENGINEERING , SOCIAL ENGINEERING
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Eng.lish
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] the language of Britain, Ireland, N America, Australia and some other countries: She speaks good English.  I need to improve my English.
2 [U] English language or literature as a subject of study: a degree in English  English is my best subject.
3 (the English) [pl.] the people of England (sometimes wrongly used to mean the British, including the Scots, the Welsh and the Northern Irish)
IDM the ,King’s / ,Queen’s 'English (old-fashioned) (in Britain) correct standard English—more at PLAIN adj.

adj. connected with England, its people or its language: the English countryside  an English man / woman  typically English attitudes  an English dictionary  note at BRITISH

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,English 'breakfast
noun [C, U] a large breakfast, usually consisting of CEREAL (= food made from grain), cooked BACON and eggs, toast and tea or coffee—compare CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
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,English 'horn
noun (especially AmE ) = COR ANGLAIS
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Eng.lish.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man from England
IDM an ,Englishman’s ,home is his 'castle (BrE) (AmE a ,man’s ,home is his 'castle) (saying) a person’s home is a place where they can be private and safe and do as they like
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,English 'muffin
noun (AmE ) = MUFFIN (1)
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en.grave
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ A (with B)| ~ B on A to cut words or designs on wood, stone, metal, etc: The silver cup was engraved with his name.  His name was engraved on the silver cup.
IDM be engraved on / in your 'heart, 'memory, 'mind, etc. to be sth that you will never forget because it affected you so strongly
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en.graver
noun a person whose job is to cut words or designs on wood, stone, metal, etc.
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en.grav.ing
noun
1 [C] a picture made by cutting a design on a piece of metal and then printing the design on paper
2 [U] the art or process of cutting designs on wood, stone, metal, etc.
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en.gross
verb [vn] if sth engrosses you, it is so interesting that you give it all your attention and time: As the business grew, it totally engrossed him.
en.gross.ing : an engrossing problem
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en.grossed
adj. ~ (in / with sth) so interested or involved in sth that you give it all your attention: She was engrossed in conversation.
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en.gulf
verb [vn] (written)
1 to surround or to cover sb/sth completely: He was engulfed by a crowd of reporters.  The vehicle was engulfed in flames .
2 to affect sb/sth very strongly: Fear engulfed her.
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en.hance
verb [vn] to increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of sb/sth: This is an opportunity to enhance the reputation of the company.  the skilled use of make-up to enhance your best features
en.hanced adj.: enhanced efficiency / security
en.hance.ment noun [U, C]: equipment for the enhancement of sound quality  software enhancements
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en.hancer
noun (technical ) a substance or device that is designed to improve sth: flavour enhancers
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en.igma
noun a person, thing or situation that is mysterious and difficult to understand: Even after years he still remains an enigma to me.
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en.ig.mat.ic
adj. mysterious and difficult to understand: an enigmatic smile
en.ig.mat.ic.al.ly adv.: ‘I might,’ he said enigmatically.
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en.jambe.ment
(also en.jamb.ment) noun [U, C] (from French, technical ) the fact of a sentence continuing beyond the end of a line of poetry—compare CAESURA
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en.join
verb
1 [vn, vn to inf] [often passive] (formal) to order or strongly advise sb to do sth; to say that a particular action or quality is necessary
2 [vn] ~ sb from doing sth (law) to legally prevent sb from doing sth, for example with an INJUNCTION
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enjoy
verb
1 to get pleasure from sth: [vn] We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New York.  Thanks for a great evening. I really enjoyed it .  [v -ing] I enjoy playing tennis and squash.
2 [vn] ~ yourself to be happy and get pleasure from what you are doing: They all enjoyed themselves at the party.
3 [vn] (written) to have sth good that is an advantage to you: People in this country enjoy a high standard of living.  He’s always enjoyed good health.
4 [v] (enjoy!) (spoken) used to say that you hope sb gets pleasure from sth that you are giving them or recommending to them: Here’s that book I promised you. Enjoy!
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en.joy.able
adj. giving pleasure: an enjoyable weekend / experience  highly / really / thoroughly / very enjoyable
en.joy.ably adv.: The evening passed enjoyably.
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en.joy.ment
noun
1 [U] the pleasure that you get from sth: He spoiled my enjoyment of the game by talking all through it.  The rules are there to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.  Children seem to have lost their enjoyment in reading.  I get a lot of enjoyment from my grandchildren.
2 [C] something that gives you pleasure: Children like to share interests and enjoyments with their parents.
3 [U] ~ of sth (formal) the fact of having and using sth: the enjoyment of equal rights
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en.large
verb
1 to make sth bigger; to become bigger: [vn] There are plans to enlarge the recreation area.  Reading will enlarge your vocabulary. [alsov]
2 [vn] [usually passive] to make a bigger copy of a photograph or document: We’re going to have this picture enlarged.
en.larged adj.: an enlarged heart
PVR V en'large on / upon sth (formal) to say or write more about sth that has been mentioned
SYN ELABORATE
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en.large.ment
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the process or result of sth becoming or being made larger: the enlargement of the company’s overseas business activities
2 [C] something that has been made larger, especially a photograph: If you like the picture I can send you an enlargement of it.
OPP REDUCTION
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en.light.en
verb [vn] (formal) to give sb information so that they understand sth better: She didn’t enlighten him about her background.
en.light.en.ing adj.: It was a very enlightening interview.
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en.light.ened
adj. [usually before noun] (approving) having or showing an understanding of people’s needs, a situation, etc. that is not based on old-fashioned attitudes and PREJUDICE : enlightened opinions / attitudes / ideas  an enlightened approach to teaching
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en.light.en.ment
noun
1 [U] knowledge about and understanding of sth; the process of understanding sth or making sb understand it: The newspapers provided little enlightenment about the cause of the accident.  cultural / spiritual enlightenment
2 (the Enlightenment) [sing.] the period in the 18th century when many writers and scientists began to argue that science and reason were more important than religion and tradition
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en.list
verb
1 ~ sth/sb (in sth)| ~ sb (as sth) to persuade sb to help you or to join you in doing sth: [vn] They hoped to enlist the help of the public in solving the crime.  We were enlisted as helpers. [alsovn to inf]
2 ~ (sb) (in / into / for sth)| ~ (sb) (as sth) to join or to make sb join the armed forces
SYN JOIN UP : [v] They both enlisted in 1915.  to enlist as a soldier  [vn] He was enlisted into the US Navy.
en.list.ment [U]: the enlistment of expert help  his enlistment in the Royal Air Force
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en.list.ed
adj. (especially AmE ) (of a member of the army, etc.) having a rank that is below that of an officer: enlisted men and women  enlisted personnel
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en.liven
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth more interesting or more fun
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en masse
adv. (from French ) all together, and usually in large numbers: The young folk were emigrating en masse.
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en.mesh
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (written) to involve sb/sth in a bad situation that it is not easy to escape from
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en.mity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) ~ (between A and B) feelings of hatred towards sb: the traditional problem of the enmity between Protestants and Catholics  personal enmities and political conflicts  Her action earned her the enmity of two or three colleagues.—see also ENEMY
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en.noble
verb [vn] (formal)
1 [usually passive] to make sb a member of the NOBILITY
2 to give sb/sth a better moral character: In a strange way she seemed ennobled by her grief.
en.noble.ment noun [U]
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ennui
noun [U] (from French , literary) feelings of being bored and not satisfied because nothing interesting is happening
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enor.mity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the ~ of sth (of a problem, etc.) the very great size, effect, etc. of sth; the fact of sth being very serious: the enormity of a task / problem / decision  People are still coming to terms with the enormity of the disaster.  The full enormity of the crime has not yet been revealed.
2 [C, usually pl.] (formal) a very serious crime: the enormities of the Hitler regime
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enor.mous
adj. extremely large
SYN HUGE , IMMENSE : an enormous house / dog  an enormous amount of time / money / information  enormous interest / pressure / responsibility  The problems facing the President are enormous.
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enor.mous.ly
adv. very; very much: enormously rich / powerful / grateful  The price of wine varies enormously depending on where it comes from.  She was looking forward to the meeting enormously.
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enough
det., pron., adv.
det. used before plural or uncountable nouns to mean ‘as many or as much as sb needs or wants’
SYN SUFFICIENT : Have you made enough copies?  Is there enough room for me?  I didn’t have enough clothes to last a week.  Don’t ask me to do it. I’ve got enough problems as it is.   (old-fashioned) There was food enough for all.
HELP Although enough after a noun now sounds old-fashioned, time enough is still fairly common: There’ll be time enough to relax when you’ve finished your work.

pron. as many or as much as sb needs or wants: Six bottles should be enough.  Have you had enough (= to eat)?  If enough of you are interested, we’ll organize a trip to the theatre.  There was nowhere near enough for everybody.  We’ve nearly run out of paper. Do you think there’s enough for today?
IDM e,nough is e'nough (saying) used when you think that sth should not continue any longer e,nough 'said used to say that you understand a situation and there is no need to say any more: ‘He’s a politician, remember.’‘Enough said.’ have had e'nough (of sth/sb) used when sth/sb is annoying you and you no longer want to do, have or see it or them: I’ve had enough of driving the kids around.

adv. (used after verbs, adjectives and adverbs)
1 to the necessary degree: I hadn’t trained enough for the game.  This house isn’t big enough for us.  She’s old enough to decide for herself.  We didn’t leave early enough.  Tell them it’s just not good enough .
2 to a satisfactory degree, but not to a very great degree: He seemed pleasant enough to me.
3 to a degree that you do not wish to get any greater: I hope my job’s safe. Life is hard enough as it is.
IDM ,curiously, ,funnily, ,oddly, ,strangely, etc. e'nough used to show that sth is surprising: Funnily enough, I said the same thing myself only yesterday.—more at FAR adv. , FAIR adj. , LIKE adv. , MAN n. , NEAR adv. , RIGHT adj. , SURE adv.

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en pas.sant
adv. (from French ) while talking about sth else and without giving much information: He mentioned en passant that he was going away.
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en.quire
(also inquire especially in AmE) verb ~ (about sb/sth) (rather formal) to ask sb for some information: [v] I called the station to enquire about train times.  She enquired as to your whereabouts.  [v wh-] Might I enquire why you have not mentioned this until now?  [vn] He enquired her name. [alsov speech] en'quire after sb (formal) to ask for information about sb, especially about their health or about what they are doing en'quire into sth to find out more information about sth
SYN INVESTIGATE : A committee was appointed to enquire into the allegations. en'quire sth of sb (formal) to ask sb sth: [+ speech] ‘Will you be staying for lunch?’ she enquired of Charles.
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en.quir.er
(also in.quirer especially in AmE) noun (formal) a person who asks for information
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en.quir.ing
(also in.quir.ing especially in AmE) adj. [usually before noun]
1 showing an interest in learning new things: a child with an enquiring mind
2 asking for information: an enquiring look
en.quir.ing.ly (also in.quir.ing.ly especially in AmE) adv.
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en.quiry
(also in.quiry especially in AmE) noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] ~ (into sth) an official process to find out the cause of sth or to find out information about sth: to hold / order / set up an enquiry into the affair  a murder enquiry  a public enquiry into the environmental effects of the proposed new road
2 [C] ~ (from sb) (about sb/sth) a request for information about sb/sth; a question about sb/sth: a telephone enquiry  We received over 300 enquiries about the job.  I’ll have to make a few enquiries (= try to find out about it) and get back to you.  enquiries from prospective students   (BrE) Two men have been helping police with their enquiries (= are being questioned about a crime, but have not been charged with it).
3 [U] the act of asking questions or collecting information about sb/sth: scientific enquiry  The police are following several lines of enquiry .  a committee of enquiry
4 (enquiries) [pl.] (BrE) a place where you can get information: Ask at enquiries to see if your bag has been handed in.—see also DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES
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en.rage
verb [vn] [usually passive] (written) to make sb very angry
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en.rap.ture
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to give sb great pleasure or joy
SYN ENCHANT
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en.rich
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) to improve the quality of sth, often by adding sth to it: The study of science has enriched all our lives.  Most breakfast cereals are enriched with vitamins.
2 to make sb/sth rich or richer: a nation enriched by oil revenues  They were accused of using their position to enrich themselves.
en.rich.ment noun [U]
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enrol
verb (-ll-) (especially BrE ) (AmE usually en.roll) to arrange for yourself or for sb else to officially join a course, school, etc: [v] You need to enrol before the end of August.   (BrE ) to enrol on a course   (AmE ) to enroll in a course  [vn] The centre will soon be ready to enrol candidates for the new-style programme.
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en.rol.lee
noun (AmE ) a person who has officially joined a course, an organization, etc.
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en.rol.ment
(BrE ) (AmEen.roll.ment) noun [U, C] the act of officially joining a course, school, etc.; the number of people who do this: Enrolment is the first week of September.  School enrolments are currently falling.
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en route
adv. ~ (from … ) (to … )| (BrE ) ~ (for … ) (from French ) on the way; while travelling from/to a particular place: We stopped for a picnic en route.  The bus broke down en route from Boston to New York.  a plane en route for Heathrow
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en.sconce
verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (formal) if you are ensconced or ensconce yourself somewhere, you are made or make yourself comfortable and safe in that place or position
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en.sem.ble
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a small group of musicians, dancers or actors who perform together: a brass / wind / string ensemble  The ensemble is / are based in Lyons.
2 [C, usually sing.] (formal) a number of things considered as a group
3 [C, usually sing.] a set of clothes that are worn together: A pair of pink shoes completed her striking ensemble.
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en.shrine
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to make a law, right, etc. respected or official, especially by stating it in an important written document: These rights are enshrined in the country’s constitution.
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en.shroud
verb [vn] (literary) to cover or surround sth completely so that it cannot be seen or understood: The island was enshrouded in mist.  Secrecy enshrouded the Party’s central committee.
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en.sign
noun
1 a flag flown on a ship to show which country it belongs to: the White Ensign (= the flag of the British Navy)
2 an officer of lower rank in the US navy: Ensign Marshall
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en.slave
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to make sb a slave
2 ~ sb/sth (to sth) (formal) to make sb/sth completely dependent on sth so that they cannot manage without it
en.slave.ment noun [U]
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en.snare
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb/sth unable to escape from a difficult situation or from a person who wants to control them: young homeless people who become ensnared in a life of crime
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ensue
verb [v] (written) to happen after or as a result of another event
SYN FOLLOW : An argument ensued.
en.su.ing adj.: He had become separated from his parents in the ensuing panic.  They lost track of each other in the ensuing years.
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en suite
adj., adv. (BrE, from French ) (of a bathroom) joined onto a bedroom and for use only by people in that bedroom: Each bedroom in the hotel has a bathroom en suite / an en suite bathroom.  an en suite bedroom (= a bedroom with an en suite bathroom)  en suite facilities
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en.sure
(also in.sure especially in AmE) verb to make sure that sth happens or is definite: [vn] The book ensured his success.  [v (that)] Please ensure (that) all lights are switched off. [alsovnn]
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-ent
-ANT
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en.tail
verb to involve sth that cannot be avoided: [vn] The job entails a lot of hard work.  The girls learn exactly what is entailed in caring for a newborn baby.  [v -ing] It will entail driving a long distance every day. [alsovn -ing]
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en.tan.gle
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sb/sth (in / with sth) to make sb/sth become caught or twisted in sth: The bird had become entangled in the wire netting.
2 ~ sb in sth / with sb to involve sb in a difficult or complicated situation: He became entangled in a series of conflicts with the management.  She didn’t want to get entangled (= emotionally involved) with him.
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en.tangle.ment
noun
1 [C] a difficult or complicated relationship with another person or country: emotional / political entanglements
2 [U] the act of becoming entangled in sth; the state of being entangled : Many dolphins die each year from entanglement in fishing nets.
3 (en.tangle.ments) [pl.] (technical) barriers made of BARBED WIRE , used to stop an enemy from getting close
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en.tente
noun [U, sing.] (from French ) a friendly relationship between two countries: the Franco-Russian entente
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en.tente cor.di.ale
noun [U, sing.] (from French ) a friendly relationship between two countries, especially between Britain and France
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enter
verb
COME / GO IN|
1 (not usually used in the passive) (formal) to come or go into sth: [v] Knock before you enter.  [vn] Someone entered the room behind me.  Where did the bullet enter the body?   (figurative) A note of defiance entered her voice.   (figurative) It never entered my head (= I never thought) that she would tell him about me.
JOIN INSTITUTION / START WORK|
2 [vn] [no passive] to become a member of an institution; to start working in an organization or a profession: to enter a school / college / university  to enter politics / the legal profession  to enter Parliament (= become an MP)  to enter the Church (= become a priest)
BEGIN ACTIVITY|
3 [vn] to begin or become involved in an activity, a situation, etc: to enter a relationship / conflict / war  Several new firms have now entered the market.  The investigation has entered a new phase.  The strike is entering its fourth week.
EXAM / COMPETITION|
4 ~ (for sth)| ~ sb (in / for sth) to put your name on the list for an exam, a race, a competition, etc.; to do this for sb: [vn] 1 000 children entered the competition.  Irish trainers have entered several horses in the race.  How many students have been entered for the exam?  [v] Only four British players have entered for the championship.
WRITE INFORMATION|
5 [vn] ~ sth (in / into / on sth) to put names, numbers, details, etc. in a list, book or computer: Enter your name and occupation in the boxes (= on a form).  to enter data into a computer  to enter figures on a spreadsheet
SAY OFFICIALLY|
6 [vn] (formal) to say sth officially so that it can be recorded: to enter a plea of not guilty (= at the beginning of a court case)  to enter a protest / an offer—see also ENTRANCE , ENTRY
IDM see FORCE n. , NAME n. 'enter into sth (formal)
1 to begin to discuss or deal with sth: Let’s not enter into details at this stage.
2 to take an active part in sth: They entered into the spirit of the occasion (= began to enjoy and feel part of it).
3 [no passive] to form part of sth or have an influence on sth: This possibility never entered into our calculations.  Your personal feelings shouldn’t enter into this at all. 'enter into sth (with sb) to begin sth or become involved in sth: to enter into a contract / an agreement  to enter into negotiations / correspondence 'enter on / upon sth (formal) to start to do sth or become involved in it: to enter on a new career
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en.ter.itis
noun [U] (medical ) a painful infection in the INTESTINES that usually causes DIARRHOEA —see also GASTRO-ENTERITIS
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en.ter.prise
noun
1 [C] a company or business: an enterprise with a turnover of $26 billion  state-owned / public enterprises  small and medium-sized enterprises
2 [C] a large project, especially one that is difficult VENTURE : his latest business / commercial enterprise  a joint enterprise
3 [U] the development of businesses by the people of a country rather than by the government: grants to encourage enterprise in the region  an enterprise culture (= in which people are encouraged to develop small businesses)—see also FREE ENTERPRISE , PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
4 [U] (approving) the ability to think of new projects and make them successful: a job in which enterprise is rewarded  a man of enterprise
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en.ter.pris.ing
adj. (approving) having or showing the ability to think of new projects or new ways of doing things and make them successful: One enterprising farmer opened up his field as a car park and charged people £10 to park there.
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en.ter.tain
verb
1 to invite people to eat or drink with you as your guests, especially in your home: [v] The job involves a lot of entertaining.  [vn] Barbecues are a favourite way of entertaining friends.
2 ~ (sb) (with sth) to interest and amuse sb in order to please them: [vn] He entertained us for hours with his stories and jokes.  [v] The aim of the series is both to entertain and inform.
3 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to consider or allow yourself to think about an idea, a hope, a feeling, etc: He had entertained hopes of a reconciliation.  to entertain a doubt / suspicion
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en.ter.tain.er
noun a person whose job is amusing or interesting people, for example, by singing, telling jokes or dancing: a street entertainer
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en.ter.tain.ing
adj. interesting and amusing: an entertaining speech / evening  I found the talk both informative and entertaining.  She was always so funny and entertaining.
en.ter.tain.ing.ly adv.
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en.ter.tain.ment
noun
1 [U, C] films/movies, music, etc. used to entertain people; an example of this: radio, television and other forms of entertainment  live / family entertainment  The entertainment was provided by a folk band.  Local entertainments are listed in the newspaper.  The show was good entertainment value .
2 [U] the act of entertaining sb: a budget for the entertainment of clients
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en.thral
(BrE ) (AmEen.thrall) verb (-ll-) [usually passive] if sth enthrals you, it is so interesting, beautiful, etc. that you give it all your attention: [vn] The child watched, enthralled by the bright moving images. [alsov]
en.thral.ling adj.: an enthralling performance
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en.throne
verb [vn] [usually passive] when a king, queen or important member of a Church is enthroned, they sit on a THRONE (= a special chair) in a ceremony to mark the beginning of their rule
en.throne.ment noun [U, C]
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en.thuse
verb
1 ~ (about / over sth/sb) to talk in an enthusiastic and excited way about sth: [v] The article enthused about the benefits that the new system would bring.  [v speech] ‘It’s a wonderful idea’, he enthused. [alsov that]
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (with sth) to make sb feel very interested and excited: Everyone present was enthused by the idea.
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en.thu.si.asm
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a strong feeling of excitement and interest in sth and a desire to become involved in it: I can’t say I share your enthusiasm for the idea.  She never lost her enthusiasm for teaching.  He had a real enthusiasm for the work.  The news was greeted with a lack of enthusiasm by those at the meeting.  ‘I don’t mind,’ she said, without much enthusiasm.  full of enthusiasm
2 [C] (formal) something that you are very interested in and spend a lot of time doing
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en.thu.si.ast
noun ~ (for / of sth)
1 a person who is very interested in sth and spends a lot of time doing it: a football enthusiast  an enthusiast of jazz
2 a person who approves of sth and shows enthusiasm for it: enthusiasts for a united Europe
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en.thu.si.ast.ic
adj. ~ (about sb/sth)| ~ (about doing sth) feeling or showing a lot of excitement and interest about sb/sth: an enthusiastic supporter / crowd  an enthusiastic welcome  You don’t sound very enthusiastic about the idea.  She was even less enthusiastic about going to Spain.
en.thu.si.as.tic.al.ly adv.
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en.tice
verb [usually +adv. / prep.] ~ sb (into doing sth) to persuade sb/sth to go somewhere or to do sth, usually by offering them sth: [vn] The bargain prices are expected to entice customers away from other stores.  The animal refused to be enticed from its hole.  [vn to inf] Try and entice the child to eat by offering small portions of their favourite food.
en.tice.ment noun [C, U]: The party is offering low taxation as its main enticement.
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en.ticing
adj. something that is enticing is so attractive and interesting that you want to have it or know more about it: The offer was too enticing to refuse.
en.ticing.ly adv.
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en.tire
adj. [only before noun] (used when you are emphasizing that the whole of sth is involved) including everything, everyone or every part WHOLE : The entire village was destroyed.  I wasted an entire day on it.  I have never in my entire life heard such nonsense!  The disease threatens to wipe out the entire population.
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en.tire.ly
adv. in every way possible; completely: I entirely agree with you.  I’m not entirely happy about the proposal.  That’s an entirely different matter.  The audience was almost entirely female.
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en.tir.ety
noun [sing.] (formal) the ~ of sth the whole of sth
IDM in its / their en'tirety as a whole, rather than in parts: The poem is too long to quote in its entirety.
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en.title
verb
1 [often passive] ~ sb to sth to give sb the right to have or to do sth: [vn] You will be entitled to your pension when you reach 65.  Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion.  [vn to inf] This ticket does not entitle you to travel first class.
2 [vn-n] [usually passive] to give a title to a book, play, etc: He read a poem entitled ‘Salt’.
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en.title.ment
noun (formal)
1 [U] ~ (to sth) the official right to have or do sth: This may affect your entitlement to compensation.
2 [C] something that you have an official right to; the amount that you have the right to receive: Your contributions will affect your pension entitlements.
3 [C] (AmE) a government system that provides financial support to a particular group of people: a reform of entitlements  Medicard, Medicare and other entitlement programs
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en.tity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) something that exists separately from other things and has its own identity: The unit has become part of a larger department and no longer exists as a separate entity .  These countries can no longer be viewed as a single entity .
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en.tomb
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (formal)
1 to bury or completely cover sb/sth so that they cannot get out, be seen, etc.
2 to put a dead body in a TOMB
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en.to.mol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of insects
en.to.mo.logic.al adj.
en.to.molo.gist noun
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en.tou.rage
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of people who travel with an important person: the President and members of his immediate entourage  an entourage of adoring fans
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en.trails
noun [pl.] the organs inside the body of a person or an animal, especially their INTESTINES
SYN INNARDS
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en.trance^1
noun —see also ENTRANCE^2
DOOR / GATE|
1 [C] ~ (to / of sth) a door, gate, passage, etc. used for entering a room, building or place: the entrance to the museum / the museum entrance  the front / back / side entrance of the house  A lighthouse marks the entrance to the harbour.  an entrance hall / lobby  I’ll meet you at the main entrance .—compare EXIT n. (1)
GOING IN|
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sb) the act of entering a room, building or place, especially in a way that attracts the attention of other people: His sudden entrance took everyone by surprise.  A fanfare signalled the entrance of the king.  She made her entrance after all the other guests had arrived.  The hero makes his entrance (= walks onto the stage) in Scene 2.
3 [U] ~ (to sth) the right or opportunity to enter a building or place: They were refused entrance to the exhibition.   (BrE) an entrance fee (= money paid to go into a museum, etc.)  The police were unable to gain entrance to the house.
BECOMING INVOLVED|
4 [C] ~ (into sth) the act of becoming involved in sth: The company made a dramatic entrance into the export market.
TO CLUB / INSTITUTION|
5 [U] ~ (to sth) permission to become a member of a club, society, university, etc: a university entrance exam  entrance requirements  Entrance to the golf club is by sponsorship only.—compare ENTRY
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en.trance^2
verb [vn] [usually passive] (written) to make sb feel great pleasure and admiration so that they give sb/sth all their attention: He listened to her, entranced.—see also ENTRANCE^1
en.tran.cing adj.: entrancing music
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'entrance hall
noun (especially BrE ) a large room inside the entrance of a large or public building
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en.trant
noun ~ (to sth)
1 a person who has recently joined a profession, university, etc: new women entrants to the police force  university entrants
2 a person or an animal that enters a race or a competition; a person that enters an exam
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en.trap
verb (-pp-) [vn] [often passive] (formal)
1 to put or catch sb/sth in a place or situation from which they cannot escape: She felt entrapped by her family’s expectations.
2 ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb, and encourage them to do sth, especially to commit a crime, so that they can be arrested for it
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en.trap.ment
noun [U] (law ) the illegal act of tricking sb into committing a crime so that they can be arrested for it
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en.treat
verb (formal) to ask sb to do sth in a serious and often emotional way
SYN BEG , IMPLORE : [vn] Please help me, I entreat you.  [vn to inf] She entreated him not to go. [alsov speech, vn speech]
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en.treaty
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] (formal) a serious and often emotional request
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en.trée
noun (from French )
1 [C] (in a restaurant or at a formal meal) the main dish of the meal or a dish served before the main course
2 [U, C] ~ (into / to sth) (formal) the right or ability to enter a social group or institution: Her wealth and reputation gave her an entrée into upper-class circles.
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en.trench
(also in.trench) verb [vn] [usually passive] (sometimes disapproving) to establish sth very firmly so that it is very difficult to change: Sexism is deeply entrenched in our society.  entrenched attitudes / interests / opposition
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en.trench.ment
noun
1 [U] ~ (of sth) the fact of sth being firmly established
2 [C, usually pl.] a system of TRENCHES (= long narrow holes dug in the ground by soldiers to provide defence)
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entre.pre.neur
noun a person who makes money by starting or running businesses, especially when this involves taking financial risks
en.tre.pre.neur.ial adj.: entrepreneurial skills / flair
entre.pre.neur.ship noun [U]
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en.trust
verb [vn] ~ A (to B)| ~ B with A to make sb responsible for doing sth or taking care of sb: He entrusted the task to his nephew.  He entrusted his nephew with the task.
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entry
noun (pl.-ies)
GOING IN|
1 [C, U] ~ (into sth) an act of going into or getting into a place: She made her entry to the sound of thunderous applause.  The children were surprised by the sudden entry of their teacher.  How did the thieves gain entry into the building?
2 [U] ~ (to / into sth) the right or opportunity to enter a place: No Entry (= for example, on a sign)  Entry to the museum is free.  to be granted / refused entry into the country  note at ENTRANCE^1
JOINING GROUP|
3 [U] ~ (into sth) the right or opportunity to take part in sth or become a member of a group: countries seeking entry into the European Union  the entry of women into the workforce
IN COMPETITION|
4 [C] something that you do, write or make to take part in a competition, for example answering a set of questions: There have been some impressive entries in the wildlife photography section (= impressive photographs).  The closing date for entries is 31 March.  The sender of the first correct entry drawn will win a weekend for two in Venice.
5 [U] the act of taking part in a competition, race, etc: Entry is open to anyone over the age of 18.  an entry form
6 [sing.] the total number of people who are taking part in a competition, race, etc: There’s a record entry for this year’s marathon.
WRITTEN INFORMATION|
7 [C] ~ (in sth) an item, for example a piece of information, that is written or printed in a dictionary, an account book, a DIARY , etc: an encyclopedia entry  There is no entry in his diary for that day.
8 [U] the act of recording information in a computer, book, etc: More keyboarding staff are required for data entry.
DOOR / GATE|
9 (also entry.way ) (both AmE) [C] a door, gate or passage where you enter a building; an entrance hall: You can leave your umbrella in the entry.  note at ENTRANCE^1
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Entry.phone
™noun (BrE ) a type of telephone on the wall next to the entrance to a building enabling a person inside the building to speak to a person outside before opening the door
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en.twine
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sth (with / in / around sth) to twist or wind sth around sth else: They strolled through the park, with arms entwined.
2 (be entwined (with sth)) to be very closely involved or connected with sth: Her destiny was entwined with his.
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'E-number
noun (BrE ) a number beginning with the letter E that is printed on packets and containers to show what artificial flavours and colours have been added to food and drink; an artificial flavour, colour, etc. added to food and drink: This sauce is full of E-numbers.
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enu.mer.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to name things on a list one by one: She enumerated the main points.
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enun.ci.ate
verb
1 to say or pronounce words clearly: [vn] She enunciated each word slowly and carefully. [alsov, v speech]
2 [vn] (formal) to express an idea clearly and exactly: He enunciated his vision of the future.
enun.ci.ation noun [U]
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en.velop
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (formal) to wrap sb/sth up or cover them or it completely: She was enveloped in a huge white towel.  Clouds enveloped the mountain tops.  Darkness fell and enveloped the town.
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en.vel.ope
noun
1 a flat paper container used for sending letters in: writing paper and envelopes  an airmail / padded / prepaid envelope—see also SAE , SASE
2 a flat container made of plastic for keeping papers in
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en.vi.able
adj. something that is enviable is the sort of thing that is good and that other people want to have too: He is in the enviable position of having two job offers to choose from.
OPP UNENVIABLE
en.vi.ably adv.: an enviably mild climate
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en.vi.ous
adj. ~ (of sb/sth) wanting to be in the same situation as sb else; wanting sth that sb else has: Everyone is so envious of her.  They were envious of his success.  He saw the envious look in the other boy’s eyes.
en.vi.ous.ly adv.: They look enviously at the success of their European counterparts.—see also ENVY
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en.vir.on.ment
noun
1 [C, U] the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of sb/sth; the physical conditions that sb/sth exists in: a pleasant working / learning environment  An unhappy home environment can affect a child’s behaviour.  They have created an environment in which productivity should flourish.  These rocks are common to certain climate environments.  the political / financial environment  tests carried out in a controlled environment
2 (the environment) [sing.] the natural world in which people, animals and plants live: the Department of the Environment  measures to protect the environment  pollution of the environment  damage to the environment
3 [C] (computing) the complete structure within which a user, computer or program operates: a desktop development environment
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en.vir.on.men.tal
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the natural conditions in which people, animals and plants live; connected with the environment: the environmental impact of pollution  environmental issues / problems  an environmental group / movement (= that aims to improve or protect the natural environment)  environmental damage
2 connected with the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of sb/sth: environmental influences  an environmental health officer
en.vir.on.men.tal.ly adv.: an environmentally sensitive area (= one that is easily damaged or that contains rare animals, plants, etc.)  environmentally damaging
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en.vir.on.men.tal.ist
noun a person who is concerned about the natural environment and wants to improve and protect it
en.vir.on.ment.al.ism noun [U]
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en,vironmentally 'friendly
(also en,vironment-'friendly) adj. (of products) not harming the environment: environmentally friendly packaging
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en.vir.ons
noun [pl.] (formal) the area surrounding a place: Berlin and its environs  people living in the immediate environs of a nuclear plant
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en.vis.age
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually en.vis.ion) verb to imagine what will happen in the future: [vn] What level of profit do you envisage?  [v -ing] I don’t envisage working with him again.  [vn -ing] I can’t envisage her coping with this job.  [vn that] It is envisaged that the talks will take place in the spring. [alsov that, v wh-]
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en.vis.ion
verb [vn]
1 to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation you intend to work towards: They envision an equal society, free of poverty and disease.
2 (especially AmE) = ENVISAGE : They didn’t envision any problems with the new building.
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envoy
noun a person who represents a government or an organization and is sent as a messenger to talk to other governments and organizations
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envy
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (of sb)| ~ (at / of sth) the feeling of wanting to be in the same situation as sb else; the feeling of wanting sth that sb else has: He couldn’t conceal his envy of me.  She felt a pang of envy at the thought of his success.  They looked with envy at her latest purchase.  Her colleagues were green with envy (= they had very strong feelings of envy).
IDM be the envy of sb/sth to be a person or thing that other people admire and that causes feelings of envy : British television is the envy of the world.—see also ENVIABLE , ENVIOUS

verb (en.vies, envy.ing, en.vied, en.vied) to wish you had the same qualities, possessions, opportunities, etc. as sb else: [vn] He envied her—she seemed to have everything she could possibly want.  She has always envied my success.  [vnn] I don’t envy Ed that job (= I am pleased I do not have it).  [vn -ing] I envy you having such a close family.

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en.zyme
noun (biology ) a substance, usually produced by plants and animals, which helps a chemical change happen or happen more quickly, without being changed itself
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eon
= AEON
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ep.aul.ette
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ep.aulet) noun a decoration on the shoulder of a coat, jacket, etc., especially when part of a military uniform
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ephem.era
noun [pl.] things that are important or used for only a short period of time: a collection of postcards, tickets and other ephemera
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ephem.eral
adj. (formal) lasting or used for only a short period of time: ephemeral pleasures  leaflets, handouts and other ephemeral material
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epic
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] a long poem about the actions of great men and women or about a nation’s history; this style of poetry: one of the great Hindu epics  the creative genius of Greek epic—compare LYRIC
2 [C] a long film/movie or book that contains a lot of action, usually about a historical subject
3 [C] (sometimes humorous) a long and difficult job or activity that you think people should admire: Their four-hour match on Centre Court was an epic.

adj. [usually before noun]
1 having the features of an epic : an epic poem—compare LYRIC
2 taking place over a long period of time and involving a lot of difficulties: an epic journey / struggle
3 very great and impressive: a tragedy of epic proportions

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epi.centre
(BrE ) (AmEepi.cen.ter) noun
1 the point on the earth’s surface where the effects of an earthquake are felt most strongly
2 (formal) the central point of sth
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epi.cure
noun (formal) a person who enjoys food and drink of high quality and knows a lot about it
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epi.dem.ic
noun
1 a large number of cases of a particular disease happening at the same time in a particular community: the outbreak of a flu epidemic  an epidemic of measles
2 a sudden rapid increase in how often sth bad happens: an epidemic of crime in the inner cities
epi.dem.ic adj.: Car theft is now reaching epidemic proportions .—compare PANDEMIC
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epi.demi.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of the spread and control of diseases
epi.demi.ologic.al adj.
epi.demi.olo.gist noun
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epi.der.mis
noun [sing., U] (anatomy ) the outer layer of the skin
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epi.dural
noun (medical ) an ANAESTHETIC that is put into the lower part of the back so that no pain is felt below the waist: Some mothers choose to have an epidural when giving birth.
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epi.glot.tis
noun (anatomy ) a thin piece of tissue at the back of the tongue that prevents food or drink from entering the lungs
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epi.gram
noun a short poem or phrase that expresses an idea in a clever or amusing way
epi.gram.mat.ic adj.
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epi.graph
noun a line of writing, short phrase, etc. on a building or statue, or as an introduction to part of a book
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epi.lepsy
noun [U] a disorder of the nervous system that causes a person to become unconscious suddenly, often with violent movements of the body
epi.lep.tic adj.: an epileptic fit
epi.lep.tic noun: Is she an epileptic?
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epi.logue
noun a speech, etc. at the end of a play, book, or film/movie that comments on or acts as a CONCLUSION to what has happened—compare PROLOGUE
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Epiph.any
noun a Christian festival, held on the 6 January, in memory of the time when the MAGI came to see the baby Jesus at Bethlehem
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epis.cop.al
adj.
1 connected with a BISHOP or BISHOPS : episcopal power
2 (usually Episcopal) (also Epis.co.pa.lian) (of a Christian Church) that is governed by BISHOPS : the Episcopal Church (= the Anglican Church in Scotland and the US)
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Epis.co.pa.lian
noun a member of the Episcopal Church
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epi.sode
noun
1 an event, a situation, or a period of time in sb’s life, a novel, etc. that is important or interesting in some way: I’d like to try and forget the whole episode.  One of the funniest episodes in the book occurs in Chapter 6.
2 one part of a story that is broadcast on television or radio in several parts
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epi.sod.ic
adj. (formal)
1 happening occasionally and not at regular intervals: her episodic acting career
2 (of a story, etc.) containing or consisting of many separate and different events: My memories of childhood are hazy and episodic.
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epis.tle
noun
1 (Epistle) any of the letters in the New Testament of the Bible, written by the first people who followed Christ: the Epistles of St Paul
2 (formal or humorous) a long, serious letter on an important subject
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epis.tol.ary
adj. (formal) written or expressed in the form of letters: an epistolary novel
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epi.taph
noun
1 words that are written or said about a dead person, especially words on a GRAVESTONE
2 ~ (to sb/sth) something which is left to remind people of a particular person, a period of time or an event: These slums are an epitaph to the housing policy of the 1960s.
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epi.thet
noun
1 an adjective or phrase that is used to describe sb/sth’s character or most important quality, especially in order to give praise or criticism: The film is long and dramatic but does not quite earn the epithet ‘epic’.
2 (especially AmE) an offensive word or phrase that is used about a person or group of people: Racial epithets were scrawled on the walls.
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epit.ome
noun [sing.] the ~ of sth a perfect example of sth: He is the epitome of a modern young man.  clothes that are the epitome of good taste
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epit.om.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to be a perfect example of sth: The fighting qualities of the team are epitomized by the captain.  These movies seem to epitomize the 1950s.
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epoch
noun (formal or literary)
1 a period of time in history, especially one during which important events or changes happen: The death of the emperor marked the end of an epoch in the country’s history.
2 (technical) a long period of time in the world’s history or in the earth’s development: geological epochs
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'epoch-making
adj. (formal) having a very important effect on people’s lives and on history: the epoch-making events that ended the Cold War
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epony.mous
adj. [only before noun] the eponymous character of a book, play, film/movie, etc. is the one mentioned in the title: Don Quixote, eponymous hero of the great novel by Cervantes
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epoxy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (also e,poxy 'resin) a type of strong glue
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Epsom salts
noun [pl.] a white powder that can be mixed with water and used as a medicine or LAXATIVE
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equ.able
adj. (formal)
1 calm and not easily upset or annoyed: an equable temperament
2 (of weather) keeping a steady temperature with no sudden changes: an equable climate
equ.ably adv.
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equal
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) the same in size, quantity, value, etc. as sth else: There is an equal number of boys and girls in the class.  One unit of alcohol is equal to half a pint of beer.  two pieces of wood equal in length / of equal length
HELP You can use exactly, precisely, approximately, etc. with equal in this meaning.
2 having the same rights or being treated the same as other people, without differences such as race, religion or sex being considered: equal rights / pay  The company has an equal opportunities policy (= gives the same chances of employment to everyone).  the desire for a more equal society (= in which everyone has the same rights and chances)
HELP You can use more with equal in this meaning.
3 ~ to sth (formal) having the necessary strength, courage and ability to deal with sth successfully: I hope that he proves equal to the challenge.—see also EQUALLY
IDM on ,equal 'terms (with sb) having the same advantages and disadvantages as sb else: Can our industry compete on equal terms with its overseas rivals?—more at THING

noun a person or thing of the same quality or with the same status, rights, etc. as another: She treats the people who work for her as her equals.  Our cars are the equal of those produced anywhere in the world.
IDM be without 'equal | have no 'equal (formal) to be better than anything else or anyone else of the same type: He is a player without equal.—more at FIRST n.

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
1 linking verb [v-n] to be the same in size, quantity, value, etc. as sth else: 2x plus y equals 7 (2x+y=7)  A metre equals 39.38 inches.
2 [vn] to be as good as sth else or do sth to the same standard as sb else: This achievement is unlikely ever to be equalled.  Her hatred of religion is equalled only by her loathing for politicians.  With his last jump he equalled the world record.
3 [vn] to lead to or result in sth: Cooperation equals success.

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equal.ity
noun [U] the fact of being equal in rights, status, advantages, etc: racial / social / sexual equality  equality of opportunity  the principle of equality before the law (= the law treats everyone the same)  Don’t you believe in equality between men and women?
OPP INEQUALITY
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equal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [vn] to make things equal in size, quantity, value, etc. in the whole of a place or group: a policy to equalize the distribution of resources throughout the country
2 [v] (BrE) (especially in football) to score a goal that makes the score of both teams equal: Owen equalized early in the second half.
equal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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equal.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) (especially in football) a goal that makes the score of both teams equal: Owen scored the equalizer for Liverpool.
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equal.ly
adv.
1 to the same degree; in the same or in a similar way: Diet and exercise are equally important.  This job could be done equally well by a computer.  We try to treat every member of staff equally.
2 in equal parts, amounts, etc: The money was divided equally among her four children.  They share the housework equally.
3 used to introduce another phrase or idea that adds to and is as important as what you have just said: I’m trying to do what is best, but equally I’ve got to consider the cost.
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equa.nim.ity
noun [U] (formal) a calm state of mind which means that you do not become angry or upset, especially in difficult situations: She accepted the prospect of her operation with equanimity .
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equate
verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to think that sth is the same as sth else or is as important: Some parents equate education with exam success.  I don’t see how you can equate the two things.
PVR V e'quate to sth to be equal to sth else: A $5 000 raise equates to 25%.
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equa.tion
noun
1 [C] (mathematics) a statement showing that two amounts or values are equal, for example 2x + y = 54
2 [U, sing.] the act of making sth equal or considering sth as equal (= of equating them): The equation of wealth with happiness can be dangerous.
3 [C, usually sing.] a problem or situation in which several things must be considered and dealt with: When children enter the equation , further tensions may arise within a marriage.
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equa.tor
(usually the equator) noun [sing.] an imaginary line around the earth at an equal distance from the North and South Poles
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equa.tor.ial
adj. near the equator or typical of a country that is near the equator : equatorial rainforests  an equatorial climate
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equerry
noun (pl.-ies) a male officer who acts as an assistant to a member of a royal family
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eques.trian
adj. [usually before noun] connected with riding horses, especially as a sport: equestrian events at the Olympic Games
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equi-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) equal; equally: equidistant  equilibrium
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equi.dis.tant
adj. [not before noun] ~ (from sth) (formal) equally far from two or more places: All points on a circle are equidistant from the centre.
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equi.lat.eral
adj. (geometry ) (of a triangle) having all sides the same length—picture at TRIANGLE
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equi.lib.rium
noun [U, sing.]
1 a state of balance, especially between opposing forces or influences: The point at which the solid and the liquid are in equilibrium is called the freezing point.  Any disturbance to the body’s state of equilibrium can produce stress.  We have achieved an equilibrium in the economy.
2 a calm state of mind and a balance of emotions: He sat down to try and recover his equilibrium.
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equine
adj. (formal) connected with horses; like a horse
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equi.nox
noun one of the two times in the year (around 20 March and 22 September) when the sun is above the EQUATOR and day and night are of equal length: the spring / autumn equinox
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equip
verb (-pp-) ~ yourself / sb/sth (with sth) (for sth)
1 [vn] to provide yourself/sb/sth with the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity: to be fully / specially / poorly equipped  She got a bank loan to rent and equip a small workshop.  He equipped himself with a street plan.  The centre is well equipped for canoeing and mountaineering.
2 to prepare sb for an activity or task, especially by teaching them what they need to know: [vn] The course is designed to equip students for a career in nursing. [alsovn to inf]
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equip.ment
noun [U]
1 the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity: a useful piece of equipment for the kitchen  medical / office equipment  new equipment for the sports club
2 the process of providing a place or person with necessary things: The equipment of the photographic studio was expensive.
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equit.able
adj. (formal) fair and reasonable; treating everyone in an equal way: an equitable distribution of resources
OPP INEQUITABLE
equit.ably adv.
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equity
noun
1 [U] (finance) the value of a company’s shares; the value of a property after all charges and debts have been paid—see also NEGATIVE EQUITY
2 (equities) [pl.] (finance) shares in a company which do not pay a fixed amount of interest
3 [U] (formal) a situation in which everyone is treated equally FAIRNESS : a society where justice and equity prevail
4 [U] (law) (especially BrE) a system of natural justice allowing a fair judgement in a situation where the existing laws are not satisfactory
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equiva.lent
adj., noun
adj. ~ (to sth) equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc: Eight kilometres is roughly equivalent to five miles.  250 grams or an equivalent amount in ounces
equiva.lence noun [U] (formal): There is no straightforward equivalence between economic progress and social well-being.

noun ~ (of / to sth) a thing, amount, word, etc. that is equivalent to sth else: Send £20 or the equivalent in your own currency.  Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the human equivalent of BSE  The ‘Gymnasium’ is the closest equivalent to the grammar school in England.  Breathing such polluted air is the equivalent of (= has the same effect as) smoking ten cigarettes a day.

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equivo.cal
adj. (formal)
1 (of words or statements) not having one clear or definite meaning or intention; able to be understood in more than one way AMBIGUOUS : She gave an equivocal answer, typical of a politician.
2 (of actions or behaviour) difficult to understand or explain clearly or easily: The experiments produced equivocal results.
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equivo.cate
verb [v speech, v] (formal) to talk about sth in a way that is deliberately not clear in order to avoid or hide the truth
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equivo.ca.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) a way of behaving or speaking that is not clear or definite and is intended to avoid or hide the truth: These actions must be condemned without equivocation.
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ER
abbr. EMERGENCY ROOM
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er
exclamation (BrE ) the sound that people make when they are deciding what to say next: ‘Will you do it?’‘Er, yes, I suppose so.’
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-er
suffix
1 (in nouns) a person or thing that: lover  computer—compare -EE , -OR
2 (in nouns) a person or thing that has the thing or quality mentioned: three-wheeler  foreigner
3 (in nouns) a person concerned with: astronomer  philosopher
4 (in nouns) a person belonging to: New Yorker
5 (makes comparative adjectives and adverbs): wider  bigger  happier  sooner—compare -EST
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era
noun a period of time, usually in history, that is different from other periods because of particular characteristics or events: the Victorian / modern / post-war era  When she left the firm, it was the end of an era (= things were different after that).
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eradi.cate
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to destroy or get rid of sth completely, especially sth bad: Polio has been virtually eradicated in Brazil.  We are determined to eradicate racism from our sport.
eradi.ca.tion noun [U]
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erase
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth completely: She tried to erase the memory of that evening.  All doubts were suddenly erased from his mind .  You cannot erase injustice from the world.
2 to make a mark or sth you have written disappear, for example by rubbing it, especially in order to correct it: He had erased the wrong word.  All the phone numbers had been erased.
3 to remove a recording from a tape or information from a computer’s memory: Parts of the recording have been erased.
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eraser
noun (AmE or formal) = RUBBER
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eras.ure
noun [U] (formal) the act of removing or destroying sth: the accidental erasure of important computer disks (= the removal of information from them)
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ere
conj., prep. (old use or literary) before: Ere long (= soon) they returned.
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erect
adj., verb
adj.
1 (formal) in an upright position STRAIGHT : Stand with your arms by your side and your head erect.
2 (of the PENIS or NIPPLES ) larger than usual, stiff and upright because of sexual excitement

verb [vn] (formal)
1 to build sth: The church was erected in 1582.  to erect a wall / monument / statue
2 to put sth in position and make it stand upright
SYN PUT STH UP : Police had to erect barriers to keep crowds back.  to erect a tent / sign
3 to create or establish sth: to erect trade barriers

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erec.tion
noun
1 [C] if a man has an erection, his PENIS is hard and upright because he is sexually excited: to get / have an erection
2 [U] (formal) the act of building sth or putting it in an upright position: the erection of temporary scaffolding around the building site
3 [C] (formal) a structure or building, especially a large one
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ergo
adv. (from Latin , formal or humorous) therefore
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er.go.nom.ic
adj. designed to improve people’s working conditions and to help them work more efficiently: the ergonomic design and installation of VDUs
er.go.nom.ic.al.ly adv.: The layout is hard to fault ergonomically.
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er.go.nom.ics
noun [U] the study of working conditions, especially the design of equipment and furniture, in order to help people work more efficiently
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er.mine
noun [U] the white winter fur of the STOAT , used especially to decorate the formal clothes of judges, kings, etc.
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erode
verb [often passive] ~ (sth) (away)
1 to gradually destroy the surface of sth through the action of wind, rain, etc.; to be gradually destroyed in this way
SYN WEAR AWAY : [vn] The cliff face has been steadily eroded by the sea.  [v] The rocks have eroded away over time.
2 (written) to gradually destroy sth or make it weaker over a period of time; to be destroyed or made weaker in this way: [vn] Her confidence has been slowly eroded by repeated failures.  Mortgage payments have been eroded (= decreased in value) by inflation. [alsov]
ero.sion noun [U]: the erosion of the coastline by the sea  soil erosion  the erosion of her confidence
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er.ogen.ous zone
noun an area of the body that gives sexual pleasure when it is touched
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erot.ic
adj. showing or involving sexual desire and pleasure; intended to make sb feel sexual desire: erotic art / poetry / pictures  an erotic dream / fantasy
erot.ic.al.ly adv.
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erot.ica
noun [U] books, pictures, etc. that are intended to make sb feel sexual desire
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eroti.cism
noun [U] the fact of expressing or describing sexual feelings and desire, especially in art, literature, etc: the film’s blatant eroticism
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err
verb [v] (old-fashioned, formal) to make a mistake: To err is human …
IDM err on the side of sth to show too much of a good quality: I thought it was better to err on the side of caution (= to be too careful rather than take a risk).
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er.rand
noun a job that you do for sb that involves going somewhere to take a message, to buy sth, deliver goods, etc: He often runs errands for his grandmother.  Her boss sent her on an errand into town.
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er.rant
adj. [only before noun] (formal or humorous)
1 doing sth that is wrong; not behaving in an acceptable way: errant fathers who refuse to pay maintenance for their children
2 (of a husband or wife) not sexually faithful
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er.rat.ic
adj. (often disapproving) not happening at regular times; not following any plan or regular pattern; that you cannot rely on UNPREDICTABLE : The electricity supply here is quite erratic.  She had learnt to live with his sudden changes of mood and erratic behaviour.  Mary is a gifted but erratic player (= she does not always play well).
er.rat.ic.al.ly adv.: He was obviously upset and was driving erratically.
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er.ratum
noun [usually pl.] (pl.er.rata ) (technical ) a mistake in a book (shown in a list at the back or front)
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er.ro.ne.ous
adj. (formal) not correct; based on wrong information: erroneous conclusions / assumptions
er.ro.ne.ous.ly adv.
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error
noun [C, U] ~ in sth / in doing sth a mistake, especially one that causes problems or affects the result of sth: No payments were made last week because of a computer error.  There are too many errors in your work.  I think you have made an error in calculating the total.  A simple error of judgement meant that there was not enough food to go around.  an error message (= one that tells you sth is wrong in a computer program) on the screen  a grave error (= a very serious mistake)  The delay was due to human error (= a mistake made by a person rather than by a machine).  The computer system was switched off in error (= by mistake).  There is no room for error in this job.
IDM see, realize, etc. the ,error of your 'ways (formal or humorous) to realize or admit that you have done sth wrong and decide to change your behaviour—more at TRIAL n.
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er.satz
adj. artificial and not as good as the real thing or product: ersatz coffee
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Erse
noun [U] the Scottish or Irish Gaelic language—compare GAELIC , IRISH
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erst.while
adj. [only before noun] (formal) former; that until recently was the type of person or thing described but is not any more: an erstwhile opponent / ally / colleague  His erstwhile friends turned against him.
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eru.dite
adj. (formal) having or showing great knowledge that is gained from academic study
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eru.di.tion
noun [U] (formal) great academic knowledge
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erupt
verb
1 when a VOLCANO erupts or burning rocks, smoke, etc. erupt or are erupted, the burning rocks are thrown out from the volcano : [v] The volcano could erupt at any time.  Ash began to erupt from the crater.  [vn] An immense volume of rocks and molten lava was erupted.
2 [v] ~ (into sth) to start happening, suddenly and violently BREAK OUT : Violence erupted outside the embassy gates.  The unrest erupted into revolution.
3 ~ (in / into sth) to suddenly express your feelings very strongly, especially by shouting loudly: [v] My father just erupted into fury.  When Davis scored for the third time the crowd erupted. [alsov speech]
4 [v] (of spots, etc.) to suddenly appear on your skin: A rash had erupted all over his chest and arms.
erup.tion noun [C, U]: a major volcanic eruption  an eruption of violent protest  skin rashes and eruptions
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-ery, -ry
suffix (in nouns)
1 the group or class of: greenery  gadgetry
2 the state or character of: bravery  rivalry
3 the art or practice of: cookery  archery
4 a place where sth is made, grows, lives, etc: bakery  orangery
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es.cal.ate
verb ~ (sth) (into sth) to become or make sth greater, worse, more serious, etc: [v] The fighting escalated into a full-scale war.  the escalating costs of health care  [vn] We do not want to escalate the war.
es.cal.ation noun [C, U]: an escalation in food prices  further escalation of the conflict
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es.cal.ator
noun a moving staircase that carries people between different floors of a large building
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es.cal.ope
noun a thin slice of meat with no bones in it, often covered with BREADCRUMBS and fried: escalopes of veal
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es.cap.ade
noun an exciting adventure (often one that people think is dangerous or stupid): Isabel’s latest romantic escapade
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es.cape
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (from sb/sth) to get away from a place where you have been kept as a prisoner or not allowed to leave: Two prisoners have escaped.  He escaped from prison this morning.
2 ~ (from sth) to get away from an unpleasant or dangerous situation: [v] She managed to escape from the burning car.   (figurative) As a child he would often escape into a dream world of his own.  [vn] They were glad to have escaped the clutches of winter for another year.
3 [no passive] to avoid sth unpleasant or dangerous: [vn] She was lucky to escape punishment.  The pilot escaped death by seconds.  There was no escaping the fact that he was overweight.  [v -ing] He narrowly escaped being killed.
4 ~ (with sth) to suffer no harm or less harm than you would expect: [v] I was lucky to escape with minor injuries.  [v-adj] Both drivers escaped unhurt .
5 [vn] [no passive] to be forgotten or not noticed: Her name escapes me (= I can’t remember it).  It might have escaped your notice , but I’m very busy at the moment.
6 [v] (of gases, liquids, etc.) to get out of a container, especially through a hole or crack: Put a lid on to prevent heat escaping.  toxic waste escaping into the sea
7 (of a sound) to come out from your mouth without you intending it to: [vn] A groan escaped her lips. [alsov]

noun
1 [C, U] ~ (from sth) the act or a method of escaping from a place or an unpleasant or dangerous situation: an escape from a prisoner of war camp  I had a narrow escape (= I was lucky to have escaped).  There was no hope of escape from her disastrous marriage.  He took an elaborate escape route from South Africa to Britain.  As soon as he turned his back, she would make her escape .—see also FIRE ESCAPE
2 [sing., U] a way of forgetting sth unpleasant or difficult for a short time: For her travel was an escape from the boredom of her everyday life.
3 [C] the fact of a liquid, gas, etc. coming out of a pipe or container by accident; the amount that comes out: an escape of gas
IDM make ,good your e'scape (written) to manage to escape completely—more at BARN

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es.caped
adj. [only before noun] having escaped from a place: an escaped prisoner / lion
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es.capee
noun (formal) a person or an animal that has escaped from somewhere, especially sb who has escaped from prison
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es.cap.ism
noun [U] an activity, a form of entertainment, etc. that helps you avoid or forget unpleasant or boring things: the pure escapism of adventure movies  For John, books are a form of escapism .
es.cap.ist adj.
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es.carp.ment
noun a steep slope that separates an area of high ground from an area of lower ground
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es.chew
verb [vn] (formal) to deliberately avoid or keep away from sth
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es.cort
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a person or group of people or vehicles that travels with sb/sth in order to protect or guard them: Armed escorts are provided for visiting heads of state.  Prisoners are taken to court under police escort .
2 [C] (formal or old-fashioned) a person, especially a man, who takes sb to a particular social event
3 [C] a person, especially a woman, who is paid to go out socially with sb: an escort service / agency

verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to go with sb to protect or guard them or to show them the way: The President arrived, escorted by twelve soldiers.

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es.cudo
noun (pl.-os) the unit of money in Portugal (to be replaced by the euro)
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-ese
suffix
1 (in adjectives and nouns) of a country or city; a person who lives in a country or city; the language spoken there: Chinese  Viennese
2 (in nouns) (often disapproving) the style or language of: journalese  officialese
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Es.kimo
noun (pl.Es.kimo or Es.kimos) (sometimes offensive) a member of a race of people from northern Canada, and parts of Alaska, Greenland and Siberia. Many of these people prefer to use the name Inuit.—compare INUIT
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ESL
abbr. English as a second language (refers to the teaching of English as a foreign language to people who are living in a country in which English is either the first or second language)
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ESOL
abbr. English for speakers of other languages
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esopha.gus
(AmE ) = OESOPHAGUS
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eso.ter.ic
adj. (formal) likely to be understood or enjoyed by only a few people with a special knowledge or interest: a programme of music for everyone, even those with the most esoteric taste
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ESP
abbr.
1 English for specific/special purposes (the teaching of English for scientific, technical, etc. purposes to people whose first language is not English)
2 extrasensory perception (the ability to know things without using the senses of sight, hearing, etc., for example to know what people are thinking or what will happen in the future)
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esp.
abbr. (in writing) especially
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es.pa.drille
noun a light shoe made of strong fabric with a sole made of rope
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es.pe.cial
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , formal) greater or better than usual; special in some way or for a particular group: a matter of especial importance  The lecture will be of especial interest to history students.—compare SPECIAL adj. (5)
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es.pe.cial.ly
adv. (abbr. esp.)
1 more with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others PARTICULARLY : The car is quite small, especially if you have children.  Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls.  I love Rome, especially in the spring.
2 for a particular purpose, person, etc: I made it especially for you.
3 very much; to a particular degree: I wasn’t feeling especially happy that day.  ‘Do you like his novels?’‘Not especially.’
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Es.per.anto
noun [U] an artificial language invented in 1887 as a means of international communication, based on the main European languages but with easy grammar and pronunciation
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es.pi.on.age
noun [U] the activity of secretly getting important political or military information about another country or of finding out another company’s secrets by using SPIES : Some of the commercial activities were a cover for espionage.  She may call it research; I call it industrial espionage.—see also COUNTER-ESPIONAGE
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es.plan.ade
noun a level area of open ground in a town for people to walk along, often by the sea or a river
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es.pouse
verb [vn] (formal) to give your support to a belief, policy etc: They espoused the notion of equal opportunity for all in education.
es.pousal noun [U, sing.] ~ of sth: his recent espousal of populism
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es.presso
noun (pl.-os)
1 [U] strong black coffee made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee
2 [C] a cup of espresso : Two espressos, please.
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es.prit de corps
noun [U] (from French ) feelings of pride, care and support for each other, etc. that are shared by the members of a group
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espy
verb (espies, espy.ing, espied, espied) [vn] (literary) to see sb/sth suddenly
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Esq.
abbr.
1 (becoming old-fashioned, especially BrE) Esquire (a polite title written after a man’s name, especially on an official letter addressed to him. If Esq. is used, Mr is not then used): Edward Smith, Esq.
2 (AmE) used as a title after the name of a male or female lawyer
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-esque
suffix (in adjectives) in the style of: statuesque  Kafkaesque
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-ess
suffix (in nouns) female: lioness  actress
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essay
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (on sth) a short piece of writing by a student as part of a course of study: an essay on the causes of the First World War
2 ~ (on sth) a short piece of writing on a particular subject, written in order to be published: The book contains a number of interesting essays on women in society.
3 ~ (in sth) (formal) an attempt to do sth: His first essay in politics was a complete disaster.

verb [vn] (literary) to try to do sth

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es.say.ist
noun a person who writes essays to be published
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es.sence
noun
1 [U] ~ (of sth) the most important quality or feature of sth, that makes it what it is: His paintings capture the essence of France.  In essence (= when you consider the most important points), your situation isn’t so different from mine.
2 [U, C] a liquid taken from a plant, etc. that contains its smell and taste in a very strong form: essence of rosewood   (BrE) coffee / vanilla / almond essence—see also EXTRACT
IDM of the 'essence necessary and very important: In this situation time is of the essence (= we must do things as quickly as possible).
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es.sen.tial
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to / for sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity VITAL : an essential part / ingredient / component of sth  Money is not essential to happiness.  Experience is essential for this job.  essential services such as gas, water and electricity  The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out.  It is essential to keep the two groups separate  Even in small companies, computers are an essential tool.—compare INESSENTIAL , NON-ESSENTIAL
OPP DISPENSABLE
2 [only before noun] connected with the most important aspect or basic nature of sb/sth FUNDAMENTAL : The essential difference between Sara and me is in our attitude to money.  The essential character of the town has been destroyed by the new road.

noun [usually pl.]
1 something that is needed in a particular situation or in order to do a particular thing: I only had time to pack the bare essentials (= the most necessary things).  The studio had all the essentials like heating and running water.
2 an important basic fact or piece of knowledge about a subject: the essentials of English grammar

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es.sen.tial.ly
adv. when you think about the true, important or basic nature of sb/sth BASICALLY , FUNDAMENTALLY : There are three essentially different ways of tackling the problem.  The pattern is essentially the same in all cases.  Essentially, what we are suggesting is that the firm needs to change.  He was, essentially, a teacher, not a manager.  The article was essentially concerned with her relationship with her parents (= it dealt with other things, but this was the most important).
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es,sential 'oil
noun an oil taken from a plant, used because of its strong smell for making PERFUME and in AROMATHERAPY
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-est
suffix (makes superlative adjectives and adverbs): widest  biggest  happiest  soonest—compare -ER
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es.tab.lish
verb
1 [vn] to start or create an organization, a system, etc. that is meant to last for a long time
SYN SET UP : The committee was established in 1912.  The new treaty establishes a free trade zone.
2 [vn] to start having a relationship, especially a formal one, with another person, group or country: The school has established a successful relationship with the local community.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself (in sth) (as sth) to hold a position for long enough or succeed in sth well enough to make people accept and respect you: By then she was established as a star.  He has just set up his own business but it will take him a while to get established.
4 [vn] to make people accept a belief, claim, custom etc: It was this campaign that established the paper’s reputation.  Traditions get established over time.
5 to discover or prove the facts of a situation
SYN ASCERTAIN : [vn] Police are still trying to establish the cause of the accident.  [v that] They have established that his injuries were caused by a fall.  [v wh-] We need to establish where she was at the time of the shooting.  [vn that] It has since been established that the horse was drugged.
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es.tab.lished
adj. [only before noun]
1 respected or given official status because it has existed or been used for a long time: They are an established company with a good reputation.  This unit is now an established part of the course.—see also WELL ESTABLISHED
2 (of a person) well known and respected in a job, etc. that they have been doing for a long time: an established actor
3 (of a Church or a religion) made official for a country
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es.tab.lish.ment
noun
1 [C] (formal) an organization, a large institution or a hotel: an educational establishment  a research establishment  The hotel is a comfortable and well-run establishment.
2 (usually the Establishment) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (often disapproving) the people in a society or a profession who have influence and power and who usually do not support change: the medical / military / political establishment  young people rebelling against the Establishment
3 [U] the act of starting or creating sth that is meant to last for a long time: The speaker announced the establishment of a new college.  the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries
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es.tate
noun
1 a large area of land, usually in the country, that is owned by one person or family
2 (BrE) an area of land with a lot of houses or factories of the same type on it: She lives in a tower block on an estate in London.—see also COUNCIL ESTATE , HOUSING ESTATE , INDUSTRIAL ESTATE , TRADING ESTATE
3 (law) all the money and property that a person owns, especially everything that is left when they die: Her estate was left to her daughter.
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es'tate agent
(BrE ) (AmE Real.tor™'real estate agent) noun a person whose job is to sell houses and land for people
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es'tate car
(BrE ) (AmE 'station wagon) noun a car with a lot of space behind the back seats and a door at the back for loading large items—picture at CAR
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e'state tax
noun [U] (AmE ) = INHERITANCE TAX
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es.teem
noun, verb
noun [U] (formal) great respect and admiration; a good opinion of sb: She is held in high esteem by her colleagues.  Please accept this small gift as a token of our esteem.—see also SELF-ESTEEM

verb (formal) (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 [vn] [usually passive] to respect and admire sb/sth very much: a highly esteemed scientist  Many of these qualities are esteemed by managers.
2 [vn-n] (old-fashioned, formal) to think of sb/sth in a particular way: She was esteemed the perfect novelist.

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es.thete, es.thet.ic
(AmE ) = AESTHETE , AESTHETIC
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es.tim.able
adj. (old-fashioned or formal) deserving respect and admiration
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es.ti.mate
noun, verb
noun
1 a judgement that you make without having the exact details or figures about the size, amount, cost, etc. of sth: I can give you a rough estimate of the amount of wood you will need.  a ballpark estimate (= an approximate estimate)  official government estimates of traffic growth over the next decade  At least 5 000 people were killed, and that’s a conservative estimate (= the real figure will be higher).
2 a statement of how much a piece of work will probably cost

verb [often passive] ~ sth (at sth) to form an idea of the cost, size, value etc. of sth, but without calculating it exactly: [vn] The satellite will cost an estimated £400 million.  Police estimate the crowd at 30 000.  [vn to inf] The deal is estimated to be worth around $1.5 million.  [v (that)] We estimated (that) it would cost about £5 000.  [vn (that)] It is estimated (that) the project will last four years.  [v wh-] It is hard to estimate how many children suffer from dyslexia.

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es.ti.ma.tion
noun (formal)
1 [sing.] a judgement or opinion about the value or quality of sb/sth: Who is the best candidate in your estimation ?  Since he left his wife he’s certainly gone down in my estimation (= I have less respect for him).  She went up in my estimation (= I have more respect for her) when I discovered how much charity work she does.
2 [C] a judgement about the levels or quantity of sth: Estimations of our total world sales are around 50 million.
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es.tranged
adj. (formal)
1 [usually before noun] no longer living with your husband or wife: his estranged wife Emma
2 ~ (from sb) no longer friendly, loyal or in contact with sb: He became estranged from his family after the argument.
3 ~ (from sth) no longer involved in or connected with sth, especially sth that used to be important to you: She felt estranged from her former existence.
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es.trange.ment
noun [U, C] ~ (from sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) the state of being estranged ; a period of being estranged : a period of estrangement from his wife  The misunderstanding had caused a seven-year estrangement between them.
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estrogen
(AmE ) = OESTROGEN
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es.tu.ary
(pl.-ies) noun the wide part of a river where it flows into the sea: the Thames estuary—picture at COAST
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,Estuary 'English
noun [U] a way of speaking which combines standard English with the way of speaking that is typical of London, used by many people in the south-east of England
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et al.
abbr. (used especially after names) and other people or things (from Latin ‘et alii/alia’): research by West et al., 1996
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etc.
abbr. used after a list to show that there are other things that you could have mentioned (the abbreviation for ‘et cetera’): Remember to take some paper, a pen, etc.  We talked about the contract, pay, etc.
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et cet.era
= ETC.
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etch
verb ~ A (with B)| ~ B (in / into / on A)
1 to cut lines into a piece of glass, metal etc. in order to make words or a picture: [vn] a glass tankard with his initials etched on it  a glass tankard etched with his initials [alsov]
2 [vn] [usually passive] (literary) if a feeling is etched on sb’s face, or sb’s face is etched with a feeling, that feeling can be seen very clearly: Tiredness was etched on his face.  His face was etched with tiredness.
3 [vn] [usually passive] to make a strong clear mark or pattern on sth: a mountain etched (= having a clear outline) against the sky
IDM be etched on your 'heart / 'memory / 'mind (written) if sth is etched on your memory, you remember it because it has made a strong impression on you
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etch.ing
noun [C, U] a picture that is printed from an etched piece of metal; the art of making these pictures
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eter.nal
adj.
1 without an end; existing or continuing for ever: the promise of eternal life in heaven  She’s an eternal optimist (= she always expects that the best will happen).  eternal truths (= ideas that are always true and never change)
2 [only before noun] (disapproving) happening often and seeming never to stop: I’m tired of your eternal arguments.
eter.nal.ly adv.: I’ll be eternally grateful to you for this.  women trying to look eternally young
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e,ternal 'triangle
noun a situation where two people are in love with or having a sexual relationship with the same person
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eter.nity
noun
1 [U] (formal) time without end, especially life continuing without end after death: There will be rich and poor for all eternity.  They believed that their souls would be condemned to burn in hell for eternity.
2 (an eternity) [sing.] (informal) a period of time that seems to be very long or to never end: After what seemed like an eternity the nurse returned with the results of the test.
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etha.nol
(also ethyl alcohol) noun [U] (chemistry ) the type of alcohol in alcoholic drinks, also used as a fuel or SOLVENT
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ether
noun [U]
1 a colourless liquid made from alcohol, used in industry as a SOLVENT and, in the past, in medicine to make people unconscious before an operation
2 (the ether) (old use or literary) the upper part of the sky: Her words disappeared into the ether.
3 (the ether) the air, when it is thought of as the air in which radio or electronic communication takes place
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ether.eal
adj. (formal) extremely delicate and light; seeming to belong to another, more spiritual, world: ethereal music  her ethereal beauty
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Ether.net
noun [U] (computing ) a system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a NETWORK
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ethic
noun
1 (ethics) [pl.] moral principles that control or influence a person’s behaviour: professional / business / medical ethics  to draw up a code of ethics   He began to question the ethics of his position.
2 [sing.] a system of moral principles or rules of behaviour: a strongly defined work ethic  the Protestant ethic
3 (ethics) [U] the branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles
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eth.ic.al
adj.
1 connected with beliefs and principles about what is right and wrong: ethical issues / standards / questions  the ethical problems of human embryo research
2 morally correct or acceptable: Is it ethical to promote cigarettes through advertising?  ethical investment (= investing money in businesses that are considered morally acceptable)
eth.ic.al.ly adv.: The committee judged that he had not behaved ethically.
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eth.nic
adj.
1 connected with or belonging to a nation, race or tribe that shares a cultural tradition: ethnic groups / communities  ethnic strife / tensions / violence (= between people from different races or tribes)  ethnic Albanians living in Germany
2 typical of a country or culture that is very different from modern western culture and therefore interesting for people in western countries: ethnic clothes / jewellery / cooking
eth.nic.al.ly adv.: an ethnically divided region
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,ethnic 'cleansing
noun [U] (used especially in news reports) the policy of forcing the people of a particular race or religion to leave an area or a country
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eth.ni.city
noun [U] (technical ) the fact of belonging to a particular race: Many factors are important, for example class, gender, age and ethnicity.
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,ethnic mi'nority
noun a group of people from a particular culture or of a particular race living in a country where the main group is of a different culture or race
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ethno.cen.tric
adj. based on the ideas and beliefs of one particular culture and using these to judge other cultures: a white, ethnocentric school curriculum
ethno.cen.trism noun [U]
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eth.nog.raph.er
noun a person who studies different races and cultures
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eth.nog.raphy
noun [U] the scientific description of different races and cultures
ethno.graph.ic adj.: ethnographic research / studies
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eth.no.logy
noun [U] the scientific study and comparison of human races
ethno.logic.al adj.
eth.nolo.gist noun
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ethos
noun [sing.] (formal) the moral ideas and attitudes that belong to a particular group or society: an ethos of public service
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ethyl alcohol
noun [U] (chemistry ) = ETHANOL
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eti.ology
(AmE ) = AETIOLOGY
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eti.quette
noun [U] the formal rules of correct or polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession: advice on etiquette  medical / legal / professional etiquette
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-ette
suffix (in nouns)
1 small: kitchenette
2 female: usherette
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étude
noun (music) (especially AmE ) = STUDY n. (8)
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ety.mol.ogy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the study of the origin and history of words and their meanings
2 [C] the origin and history of a particular word
etymo.logic.al adj.: an etymological dictionary
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EU
abbr. EUROPEAN UNION
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eu.ca.lyp.tus
noun [C, U] (pl.eu.ca.lyp.ti) (also euca'lyptus tree, 'gum tree) a tall straight tree with leaves that produce an oil with a strong smell, that is used in medicine. There are several types of eucalyptus and they grow especially in Australasia.
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eu.char.ist
noun (the Eucharist) [sing.] a ceremony in the Christian Church during which people eat bread and drink wine in memory of the last meal that Christ had with his DISCIPLES ; the bread and wine taken at this ceremony—see also COMMUNION , MASS
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eu.gen.ics
noun [U] the study of methods to improve the mental and physical characteristics of the human race by choosing who may become parents
eu.gen.ic adj.
eu.gen.ist (also eu.geni.cist) noun
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eu.lo.gize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to praise sb/sth very highly: He was eulogized as a hero.
eu.lo.gis.tic adj.
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eu.logy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (of / to sb/sth) a speech or piece of writing praising sb/sth very much: a eulogy to marriage
2 ~ (for / to sb) (especially AmE) a speech given at a funeral praising the person who has died
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eu.nuch
noun
1 a man who has been CASTRATED , especially one who guarded women in some eastern countries in the past
2 (formal) a person without power or influence: a political eunuch
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eu.phem.ism
noun ~ (for sth) an indirect word or phrase that people often use to refer to sth embarrassing or unpleasant, sometimes to make it seem more acceptable than it really is: ‘Pass away’ is a euphemism for ‘die’.  ‘User fees’ is just a politician’s euphemism for taxes.
eu.phem.is.tic adj.: euphemistic language
eu.phem.is.tic.al.ly adv.: The prison camps were euphemistically called ‘retraining centres’.
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eu.pho.nium
noun a large BRASS musical instrument like a TUBA
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eu.phoria
noun [U] an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement that usually lasts only a short time: I was in a state of euphoria all day.
eu.phor.ic adj.: My euphoric mood could not last.
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eur.eka
exclamation used to show pleasure at having found sth, especially the answer to a problem
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Euro
adj. (informal) (used especially in newspapers) connected with Europe, especially the European Union: Euro rules
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euro
noun (symb €) (pl.-os) (since 1999) a unit of money of eleven countries of the European Union: The price is given in dollars or euros.
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Euro-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) connected with Europe or the European Union: a Euro-MP  Euro-elections
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Euro.crat
noun (sometimes disapproving) an official of the European Union, especially a senior one
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Eur.ope
noun [U]
1 the continent next to Asia in the east, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the south: western / eastern / central Europe
2 the European Union: countries wanting to join Europe  He’s very pro-Europe.
3 (BrE) all of Europe except for Britain: British holidaymakers in Europe
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Euro.pean
adj., noun
adj.
1 of or connected with Europe: European languages
2 of or connected with the European Union: European law  our European partners

noun
1 a person from Europe, or whose ancestors came from Europe
2 (BrE) a person who supports the principles and aims of the European Union: a good European

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the ,European 'Union
noun [sing.] (abbr. EU) an economic and political organization that many European countries belong to
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eu.tha.nasia
noun [U] the practice (illegal in most countries) of killing without pain a person who is suffering from a disease that cannot be cured: They argued in favour of legalizing voluntary euthanasia (= people being able to ask for euthanasia themselves).
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evacu.ate
verb
1 [vn] to move people from a place of danger to a safer place: Police evacuated nearby buildings.  Children were evacuated from London to escape the bombing.
2 to move out of a place because of danger, and leave the place empty: [vn] Employees were urged to evacuate their offices immediately.  [v] Locals were told to evacuate.
3 [vn] (formal) to empty your bowels
evacu.ation noun [U, C]: the emergency evacuation of thousands of people after the earthquake
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evac.uee
noun a person who is sent away from a place because it is dangerous, especially during a war
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evade
verb
1 to escape from sb/sth or avoid meeting sb: [vn] For two weeks they evaded the press.  He managed to evade capture . [alsov -ing]
2 to find a way of not doing sth, especially sth that legally or morally you should do: [vn] to evade payment of taxes  She is trying to evade all responsibility for her behaviour. [alsov -ing]
3 to avoid dealing with or talking about sth: [vn] Come on, don’t you think you’re evading the issue ?  [v -ing] to evade answering a question
4 [vn] (formal) to not come or happen to sb
SYN ELUDE : The answer evaded him (= he could not think of it).—see also EVASION , EVASIVE
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evalu.ate
verb to form an opinion of the amount, value or quality of sth after thinking about it carefully
SYN ASSESS : [vn] Our research attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of the different drugs.  [v wh-] We need to evaluate how well the policy is working.
evalu.ation noun [C, U]: a preliminary evaluation of the health care system
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evan.es.cent
adj. (literary) disappearing quickly from sight or memory
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evan.gel.ic.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 of or belonging to a Christian group that emphasizes the authority of the Bible and the importance of personal SALVATION through faith: They’re evangelical Christians.
2 wanting very much to persuade people to accept your views and opinions: He delivered his speech with evangelical fervour.

noun a member of the evangelical branch of the Christian Church

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evan.gel.ist
noun
1 a person who tries to persuade people to become Christians, especially by travelling around the country holding religious meetings or speaking on radio or television—see also TELEVANGELIST
2 (Evangelist) one of the four writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) of the books called the GOSPELS in the Bible
evan.gel.ism noun [U]
evan.gel.ist.ic adj.: an evangelistic meeting / crusade  evangelistic zeal
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evan.gel.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to try to persuade people to become Christians
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evap.or.ate
verb
1 if a liquid evaporates or if sth evaporates it, it changes into a gas, especially steam: [v] Heat until all the water has evaporated.  [vn] The sun is constantly evaporating the earth’s moisture.
2 [v] to disappear, especially by gradually becoming less and less: Her confidence had now completely evaporated.
evap.or.ation noun [U]
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e,vaporated 'milk
noun [U] thick sweet milk sold in cans, often served with fruit instead of cream
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eva.sion
noun [C, U]
1 the act of avoiding sb or of avoiding sth that you are supposed to do: His behaviour was an evasion of his responsibilities as a father.  She’s been charged with tax evasion .
2 a statement that sb makes that avoids dealing with sth or talking about sth honestly and directly: His speech was full of evasions and half-truths.—see also EVADE
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eva.sive
adj. not willing to give clear answers to a question: evasive answers / comments / replies  Tessa was evasive about why she had not been at home that night.
eva.sive.ly adv.: ‘I’m not sure,’ she replied evasively.
eva.sive.ness noun [U]
IDM take evasive action to act in order to avoid danger or an unpleasant situation
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eve
noun
1 the day or evening before an event, especially a religious festival or holiday: Christmas Eve (= 24 December)  a New Year’s Eve party (= on 31 December)  on the eve of the election
2 (old use or literary) evening
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even
adv., adj., verb
adv.
1 used to emphasize sth unexpected or surprising: He never even opened the letter (= so he certainly didn’t read it).  It was cold there even in summer (= so it must have been very cold in winter).  Even a child can understand it (= so adults certainly can).  She didn’t even call to say she wasn’t coming.
2 used when you are comparing things, to make the comparison stronger: You know even less about it than I do.  She’s even more intelligent than her sister.
3 used to introduce a more exact description of sb/sth: It’s an unattractive building, ugly even.  note at ALTHOUGH even as (formal) just at the same time as sb does sth or as sth else happens: Even as he shouted the warning the car skidded. even if / though in spite of the fact or belief that; no matter whether: I’ll get there, even if I have to walk.  I like her, even though she can be annoying at times.  note at ALTHOUGH ,even 'now / 'then
1 in spite of what has/had happened: I’ve shown him the photographs but even now he won’t believe me.  Even then she would not admit her mistake.
2 (formal) at this or that exact moment: The troops are even now preparing to march into the city. ,even 'so in spite of that: There are a lot of spelling mistakes; even so, it’s quite a good essay.—more at LESS adv.

adj.
SMOOTH / LEVEL|
1 smooth, level and flat: You need an even surface to work on.
OPP UNEVEN
NOT CHANGING|
2 not changing very much in amount, speed, etc: an even temperature all year  Children do not learn at an even pace.
OPP UNEVEN
EQUAL|
3 (of an amount of sth) equal or the same for each person, team, place, etc: Our scores are now even.  the even distribution of food
OPP UNEVEN
4 (of two people or teams) equally balanced or of an equal standard: an even contest  The two players were pretty even.
OPP UNEVEN
NUMBERS|
5 that can be divided exactly by two: 4, 6, 8, 10 are all even numbers
OPP ODD
SAME SIZE|
6 equally spaced and the same size: even features / teeth
OPP UNEVEN
CALM|
7 calm; not changing or becoming upset: She has a very even temperament.  He spoke in a steady, even voice.
even.ness noun [U] be 'even (informal) to no longer owe sb money or a favour: If I pay for the meals then we’re even. be / get 'even (with sb) (informal) to cause sb the same amount of trouble or harm as they have caused you: I’ll get even with you for this, just you wait. break 'even to complete a piece of business, etc. without either losing money or making a profit: The company just about broke even last year. have an even 'chance (of doing sth) to be equally likely to do or not do sth: She has more than an even chance of winning tomorrow. on an even 'keel living, working or happening in a calm way, with no sudden changes, especially after a difficult time—more at HONOUR n.

verb ,even the 'score to harm or punish sb who has harmed or cheated you in the past ,even 'out to become level or steady, usually after varying a lot: House prices keep rising and falling but they should eventually even out. ,even sth<->'out to spread things evenly over a period of time or among a number of people: He tried to even out the distribution of work among his employees. ,even sth<->'up to make a situation or a competition more equal

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,even-'handed
adj. completely fair, especially when dealing with different groups of people: He had an even-handed approach to the negotiations.
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even.ing
noun
1 [C, U] the part of the day between the afternoon and the time you go to bed: I’ll come and see you tomorrow evening.  What do you usually do in the evening ?  She’s going to her sister’s for the evening .  the long winter evenings  the evening performance
2 [C] an event of a particular type happening in the evening: a musical evening at school (= when music is performed)
even.ings adv. (especially AmE): He works evenings.
IDM Good 'evening (also informal Evening) used as a polite greeting, or reply to a greeting, when people first see each other in the evening: Good evening, everyone.  Evening, Mike.—more at OTHER adj.
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'evening class
noun a course of study for adults in the evening: an evening class in car maintenance  to go to / attend evening classes
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'evening dress
noun
1 [U] elegant clothes worn for formal occasions in the evening: Everyone was in evening dress.
2 [C] a woman’s long formal dress
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even.ly
adv.
1 in a smooth, regular or equal way: Make sure the paint covers the surface evenly.  She was fast asleep, breathing evenly.  evenly spaced at four cm apart
2 with equal amounts for each person or in each place: evenly distributed / divided  Incidence of the disease is fairly evenly spread across Europe.  The two teams are very evenly matched (= are equally likely to win).
3 calmly; without showing any emotion: ‘I warned you not to phone me,’ he said evenly.
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,even 'money
noun (BrE also evens [pl.]) (in betting) ODDS that give an equal chance of winning or losing and that mean a person has the chance of winning the same amount of money that he or she has bet
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even.song
noun [U] the service of evening prayer in the Anglican Church—compare MATINS , VESPERS
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event
noun
1 a thing that happens, especially sth important: The election was the main event of 1999.  In the light of later events the decision was proved right.  The decisions we take now may influence the course of events (= the way things happen) in the future.  Everyone was frightened by the strange sequence of events .  In the normal course of events (= if things had happened as expected) she would have gone with him.
2 a planned public or social occasion: a fund-raising event  the social event of the year
3 one of the races or competitions in a sports programme: The 800 metres is the fourth event of the afternoon.—see also FIELD EVENT , TRACK EVENT
IDM in 'any event | at 'all events used to emphasize or show that sth is true or will happen in spite of other circumstances: I think she’ll agree to do it but in any event, all she can say is ‘no’. in the e'vent when the situation actually happened: I got very nervous about the exam, but in the event, I needn’t have worried; it was really easy. in the event of sth | in the event that sth happens if sth happens: In the event of an accident, call this number.  Sheila will inherit everything in the event of his death. in 'that event if that happens: In that event, we will have to reconsider our offer.—more at HAPPY , WISE adj.
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,even-'tempered
adj. not easily made angry or upset
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event.ful
adj. full of things that happen, especially exciting, important or dangerous things: an eventful day / life / journey
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event.ing
(also ,three-day e'venting) noun [U] the sport of taking part in competitions riding horses. These are often held over three days and include riding across country, jumping and DRESSAGE .
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even.tual
adj. [only before noun] happening at the end of a period of time or of a process: the eventual winner of the tournament  It is impossible to predict what the eventual outcome of global warming will be.  The village school may face eventual closure.
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even.tu.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) something that may possibly happen, especially sth unpleasant: We were prepared for every eventuality .  The money had been saved for just such an eventuality .
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even.tu.al.ly
adv. at the end of a period of time or a series of events: Our flight eventually left five hours late.  I’ll get round to mending it eventually.  She hopes to get a job on the local newspaper and eventually work for ‘The Times’.
HELP Use finally for the last in a list of things.
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ever
adv.
1 used in negative sentences and questions, or sentences with if to mean ‘at any time’: Nothing ever happens here.  Don’t you ever get tired?  If you’re ever in Miami, come and see us.  ‘Have you ever thought of changing your job?’‘No, never / No I haven’t.’  ‘Have you ever been to Rome?’‘Yes, I have, actually. Not long ago.’  She hardly ever (= almost never) goes out.  We see them very seldom, if ever .   (informal) I’ll never ever do that again!
2 used for emphasis when you are comparing things: It was raining harder than ever.  It’s my best ever score.
3 (rather formal) all the time or every time; always: Paul, ever the optimist, agreed to try again.  She married the prince and they lived happily ever after .  He said he would love her for ever .  Their debts grew ever larger (= kept increasing).  the ever-growing problem  an ever-present danger
4 used after when, why, etc. to show that you are surprised or shocked: Why ever did you agree?
IDM did you 'ever ( … )! (old-fashioned, informal) used to show that you are surprised or shocked: Did you ever hear anything like it? ever since ( … ) continuously since the time mentioned: He’s had a car ever since he was 18.  I was bitten by a dog once and I’ve been afraid of them ever since. 'ever so / 'ever such a (spoken, especially BrE) very; really: He looks ever so smart.  She’s ever such a nice woman.  It’s ever so easy. if ,ever there 'was (one) (spoken) used to emphasize that sth is certainly true: That was a disaster if ever there was one! yours 'ever / ever 'yours sometimes used at the end of an informal letter, before you write your name
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ever.green
noun a tree or bush that has green leaves all through the year—compare CONIFER , DECIDUOUS
ever.green adj.: evergreen shrubs   (figurative) a new production of Rossini’s evergreen (= always popular) opera
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ever.last.ing
adj.
1 continuing for ever; never changing
SYN ETERNAL : everlasting life / love  an everlasting memory of her smile  To his everlasting credit , he never told anyone what I’d done.
2 (disapproving) continuing too long; repeated too often
SYN INTERMINABLE , NEVER-ENDING : I’m tired of your everlasting complaints.
ever.last.ing.ly adv.
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ever.more
(also for ever'more) adv. (literary) always
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every
det.
1 used with singular nouns to refer to all the members of a group of things or people: She knows every student in the school.  I could hear every word they said.  We enjoyed every minute of our stay.  Every day seemed the same to him.  Every single time he calls, I’m out.  They were watching her every movement.  Every one of their CDs has been a hit.  note at EACH
2 all possible: We wish you every success.  He had every reason to be angry.
3 used to say how often sth happens or is done: The buses go every 10 minutes.  We had to stop every few miles.  One in every three marriages ends in divorce.  He has every third day off (= he works for two days then has one day off then works for two days and so on).  We see each other every now and again .  Every now and then he regretted his decision.
IDM every other each ALTERNATE one (= the first, third, fifth, etc. one, but not the second, fourth, sixth, etc.): They visit us every other week.
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every.body
pron. = EVERYONE : Everybody knows Tom.  Have you asked everybody?  Didn’t you like it? Everybody else did.
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every.day
adj. [only before noun] used or happening every day or regularly; ordinary: everyday objects  The Internet has become part of everyday life .  a small dictionary for everyday use
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every.one
(also every.body) pron. every person; all people: Everyone cheered and clapped.  The police questioned everyone in the room.  The teacher commented on everyone’s work.  Everyone else was there.
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every.place
adv. (AmE ) = EVERYWHERE
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every.thing
pron. (with a singular verb)
1 all things: Everything had gone.  When we confronted him, he denied everything.  Take this bag, and leave everything else to me.  She seemed to have everything —looks, money, intelligence.
2 the situation now; life generally: Everything in the capital is now quiet.  ‘How’s everything with you?’‘Fine, thanks.’
3 the most important thing: Money isn’t everything.  My family means everything to me.
IDM and everything (spoken) and so on; and other similar things: Have you got his name and address and everything?  She told me about the baby and everything.
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every.where
(AmE also every.place) adv. in, to or at every place: I’ve looked everywhere.  He follows me everywhere.  We’ll have to eat here—everywhere else is full.
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evict
verb [vn] ~ sb (from sth) to force sb to leave a house or land, especially when you have the legal right to do so: A number of tenants have been evicted for not paying the rent.  Police had to evict demonstrators from the building.
evic.tion noun [U, C]: to face eviction from your home
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evi.dence
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of / for sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ (to suggest, show, etc.) the facts, signs or objects that make you believe that sth is true: There is convincing evidence of a link between exposure to sun and skin cancer.  We found further scientific evidence for this theory.  There is not a shred of evidence that the meeting actually took place.  Have you any evidence to support this allegation?  The room bore evidence of a struggle.  On the evidence of their recent matches, it is unlikely the Spanish team will win the cup.
2 [U] the information that is used in a court of law to try to prove sth: I was asked to give evidence (= to say what I knew, describe what I had seen, etc.) at the trial.  He was released when the judge ruled there was no evidence against him.—see also CIRCUMSTANTIAL
IDM (be) in 'evidence present and clearly seen: The police were much in evidence at today’s demonstration. turn King’s / Queen’s 'evidence (BrE) (AmE turn State’s 'evidence) to give information against other criminals in order to get a less severe punishment—compare PLEA BARGAINING —more at BALANCE n. , STATE n.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to prove or show sth; to be evidence of sth
SYN TESTIFY TO : The legal profession is still a largely male world, as evidenced by the small number of women judges.

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evi.dent
adj. ~ (to sb) (that … )| ~ (in / from sth) clear; easily seen; obvious: It has now become evident to us that a mistake has been made.  The growing interest in history is clearly evident in the number of people visiting museums and country houses.  The orchestra played with evident enjoyment.—see also SELF-EVIDENT
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evi.dent.ly
adv.
1 clearly; that can be seen or understood easily: She walked slowly down the road, evidently in pain.  ‘I’m afraid I couldn’t finish the work last night.’‘Evidently not.’
2 according to what people say: He evidently hated maths at school, so it’s amazing he became an accountant!  Evidently, she had nothing to do with the whole affair.
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evil
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of people) enjoying harming others; wicked and cruel: an evil man  an evil grin / laugh
2 having a harmful effect on people; morally bad: evil deeds  the evil effects of racism
3 connected with the Devil and with what is bad in the world: evil spirits / beings
4 extremely unpleasant: an evil smell
IDM the evil 'hour / 'day / 'moment the time when you have to do sth difficult or unpleasant: I’d better go and see the dentist—I can’t put off the evil hour any longer.—more at BREW n. , GENIUS n.

noun (formal)
1 [U] a force that causes wicked or bad things to happen; wicked behaviour: the eternal struggle between good and evil  the forces of evil  You cannot pretend there’s no evil in the world.
2 [C, usually pl.] a wicked or harmful thing; the bad effect of sth: the evils of drugs / alcohol  social evils
IDM see LESSER , NECESSARY

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the ,evil 'eye
noun [sing.] the magic power to harm sb by looking at them
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evil.ly
adv. in a wicked or very unpleasant way: to grin evilly  to look evilly at sb
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evince
verb [vn] (formal) to show clearly that you have a feeling or quality: He evinced a strong desire to be reconciled with his family.
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evis.cer.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to remove the inner organs of a body
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evoca.tive
adj. ~ (of sth) (approving) making you think of or remember a strong image or feeling, in a pleasant way: evocative smells / sounds / music  Her new book is wonderfully evocative of village life.
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evoke
verb [vn] (written) to bring a feeling, a memory or an image into your mind: The music evoked memories of her youth.  His case is unlikely to evoke public sympathy.
evo.ca.tion noun [C, U]: a brilliant evocation of childhood in the 1940s
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evo.lu.tion
noun [U]
1 (biology) the gradual development of plants, animals, etc. over many years, from simple to more complicated forms: The evolution of the human species.  Darwin’s theory of evolution
2 the gradual development of sth: In politics Britain has preferred evolution to revolution (= gradual development to sudden violent change).
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evo.lu.tion.ary
adj. connected with evolution ; connected with gradual development and change: evolutionary theory / biology  evolutionary change
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evolve
verb
1 ~ (sth) (from sth) (into sth) to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop sth in this way: [v] The idea evolved from a drawing I discovered in the attic.  The company has evolved into a major chemical manufacturer.  [vn] Each school must evolve its own way of working.
2 ~ (from sth) (biology ) (of plants, animals, etc.) to develop gradually over many GENERATIONS from a simple form to a more complicated one: [v] The three species evolved from a single ancestor.  [vn] The dolphin has evolved a highly developed jaw.
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ewe
noun a female sheep—compare RAM
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ewer
noun a large JUG used in the past for carrying water
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ex
noun, prep.
noun (pl.exes) (informal) a person’s former wife, husband or other partner: The children are spending the weekend with my ex and his new wife.

prep. (BrE ) not including sth: The price is £1 500 ex VAT.

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ex-
prefix (in nouns) former: ex-wife  ex-president
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ex.acer.bate
verb [vn] (written) to make sth worse, especially a disease or problem
SYN AGGRAVATE : His aggressive reaction only exacerbated the situation.  The symptoms may be exacerbated by certain drugs.
ex.acer.ba.tion noun [U, C]
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exact
adj., verb
adj.
1 correct in every detail; accurate: She gave an exact description of the attacker.  an exact copy / replica of the painting  We need to know the exact time the incident occurred.  What were his exact words?  She’s in her mid-thirties—thirty-six to be exact .  The colours were an exact match.  He started to phone me at the exact moment I started to phone him (= at the same time).  The two men were exact contemporaries at university.  Her second husband was the exact opposite of her first (= completely different).
2 (of people) very accurate and careful about details
SYN METICULOUS
3 (of a science) using accurate measurements and following set rules: Assessing insurance risk can never be an exact science.
exact.ness noun [U]

verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb) (formal)
1 to demand and get sth from sb: She was determined to exact a promise from him.
2 to make sth bad happen to sb: Stress can exact a high price from workers (= can affect them badly).  He exacted (= took) a terrible revenge for their treatment of him.
exac.tion noun [C, U] (formal)

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exact.ing
adj. needing or demanding a lot of effort and care about details: exacting work  products designed to meet the exacting standards of today’s international marketplace  He was an exacting man to work for.
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exac.ti.tude
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being very accurate and exact: scientific exactitude
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exact.ly
adv.
1 used to emphasize that sth is correct in every way or in every detail
SYN PRECISELY : I know exactly how she felt.  Do exactly as I tell you.  It happened almost exactly a year ago.  It’s exactly nine o’clock.  You haven’t changed at all—you still look exactly the same .  His words had exactly the opposite effect.  Your answer is exactly right.  It was a warm day, if not exactly hot.
2 (spoken) used to ask for more information about sth: Where exactly did you stay in France?   (disapproving) Exactly what are you trying to tell me?
3 used as a reply, agreeing with what sb has just said, or emphasizing that it is correct: ‘You mean somebody in this room must be the murderer?’‘Exactly.’
IDM not exactly (spoken)
1 used when you are saying the opposite of what you really mean: He wasn’t exactly pleased to see us—in fact he refused to open the door.  It’s not exactly beautiful, is it? (= it’s ugly)
2 used when you are correcting sth that sb has said: ‘So he told you you’d got the job?’‘Not exactly, but he said they were impressed with me.’
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ex.ag.ger.ate
verb to make sth seem longer, better, worse or more important than it really is: [v] The hotel was really filthy and I’m not exaggerating.  [vn] He tends to exaggerate the difficulties.  I’m sure he exaggerates his Irish accent (= tries to sound more Irish than he really is).  Demand for satellite television has been greatly exaggerated.
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ex.ag.ger.ated
adj.
1 made to seem larger, better, worse or more important than it really is or needs to be: to make greatly / grossly / wildly exaggerated claims  She has an exaggerated sense of her own importance.
2 (of an action) done in a way that makes people notice it: an exaggerated laugh  He looked at me with exaggerated surprise.
ex.ag.ger.ated.ly adv.
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ex.ag.ger.ation
noun [C usually sing, U] a statement or description that makes sth seem larger, better, worse or more important than it really is; the act of making a statement like this: a slight / gross / wild exaggeration  It would be an exaggeration to say I knew her well—I only met her twice.  It’s no exaggeration to say that most students have never read a complete Shakespeare play.  He told his story simply and without exaggeration.
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exalt
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make sb rise to a higher rank or position, sometimes to one that they do not deserve
2 to praise sb/sth very much
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exalt.ation
noun [U] (formal)
1 a feeling of very great joy or happiness: a moment of extreme joy and exaltation
2 an act of raising sth/sb to a high position or rank: the exaltation of emotion and intuition above logical reasoning
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exalt.ed
adj.
1 (formal or humorous) of high rank, position or great importance: She was the only woman to rise to such an exalted position.  You’re moving in very exalted circles!
2 (formal) full of great joy and happiness: I felt exalted and newly alive.
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exam
(also formal exam.in.ation) noun a formal written, spoken or practical test, especially at school or college, to see how much you know about a subject, or what you can do: to take an exam   (formal) to sit an exam  to pass / fail an exam   (BrE ) to mark an exam   (AmE ) to grade an exam  an exam paper  I got my exam results today.   (BrE ) She did well in her exams.   (AmE ) She did well on her exams.  A lot of students suffer from exam nerves .  He’s practising hard for his piano exam.
HELP Use take / do / sit an exam not write an exam.
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exam.in.ation
noun
1 [C] (formal) = EXAM : to sit an examination in mathematics  successful candidates in GCSE examinations  Applicants are selected for jobs on the results of a competitive examination.
HELP Use take / do / sit an examination not write an examination.
2 [U, C] the act of looking at or considering sth very carefully: Careful examination of the ruins revealed an even earlier temple.  On closer examination it was found that the signature was not genuine.  Your proposals are still under examination .  The issue needs further examination .  The chapter concludes with a brief examination of some of the factors causing family break-up.
3 [C] a close look at sth/sb, especially to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem: a medical examination  a post-mortem examination—see also CROSS-EXAMINATION
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exam.ine
verb
1 to consider or study an idea, a subject, etc. very carefully: [vn] These ideas will be examined in more detail in Chapter 10.  [v wh-] It is necessary to examine how the proposals can be carried out.
2 [vn] ˜ sth/sb (for sth) to look at sth/sb closely, to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem: The goods were examined for damage on arrival.  The doctor examined her but could find nothing wrong.
3 [vn] ˜ sb (in / on sth) (formal) to give sb a test to see how much they know about a subject or what they can do: The students will be examined in all subjects at the end of term.  You are only being examined on this semester’s work.
4 [vn] (law) to ask sb questions formally, especially in a court of law—see also CROSS-EXAMINE
IDM see NEED v.
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exam.in.er
noun
1 a person who writes the questions for, or marks/grades, a test of knowledge or ability: The papers are sent to external examiners (= ones not connected with the students' school or college).
2 (especially AmE) a person who has the official duty to check that things are being done correctly and according to the rules of an organization; a person who officially examines sth—see also MEDICAL EXAMINER
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ex.ample
noun
1 ~ (of sth) something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say: Can you give me an example of what you mean?  It is important to cite examples to support your argument.  This dictionary has many examples of how words are used.  Just to give you an example of his generosity—he gave me his old car and wouldn’t take any money for it.
2 ~ (of sth) a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set: This is a good example of the artist’s early work.  It is a perfect example of a medieval castle.  Japan is often quoted as the prime example of a modern industrial nation.  It is a classic example of how not to design a new city centre.
3 ~ (to sb) a person or their behaviour that is thought to be a good model for others to copy: Her courage is an example to us all.  He sets an example to the other students.  She is a shining example of what people with disabilities can achieve.  He is a captain who leads by example .
4 a person’s behaviour, either good or bad, that other people copy: It would be a mistake to follow his example .
IDM for example (abbr.e.g.) used to emphasize sth that explains or supports what you are saying; used to give an example of what you are saying: There is a similar word in many languages, for example in French and Italian.  The report is incomplete; it does not include sales in France, for example.  It is possible to combine Computer Science with other subjects, for example Physics. make an example of sb to punish sb as a warning to others not to do the same thing
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ex.as.per.ate
verb [vn] to annoy or irritate sb very much: Her moods exasperated him.
ex.as.per.ation noun [U]: He shook his head in exasperation.  a groan / look / sigh of exasperation
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ex.as.per.ated
adj. extremely annoyed, especially if you cannot do anything to improve the situation: ‘Why won’t you answer me?’ he asked in an exasperated voice.  She was becoming exasperated with all the questions they were asking.
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ex.as.per.at.ing
adj. extremely annoying: He’s the most difficult and exasperating man I know.
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ex.cav.ate
verb [vn]
1 to dig in the ground to look for old buildings or objects that have been buried for a long time; to find sth by digging in this way: The site has been excavated by archaeologists.  pottery and weapons excavated from the burial site
2 (formal) to make a hole, etc. in the ground by digging: The body was discovered when builders excavated the area.
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ex.cav.ation
noun
1 [C, U] the activity of digging in the ground to look for old buildings or objects that have been buried for a long time: the recent excavations at Pompeii
2 [C, usually pl.] a place where people are digging to look for old buildings or objects: The excavations are open to the public.
3 [U] the act of digging, especially with a machine
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ex.cav.ator
noun
1 a large machine that is used for digging and moving earth—picture at TRUCK
2 a person who digs in the ground to look for old buildings and objects
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ex.ceed
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to be greater than a particular number or amount: The price will not exceed £100.  His achievements have exceeded expectations .
2 to do more than the law or an order, etc. allows you to do: She was exceeding the speed limit (= driving faster than is allowed).  The officers had exceeded their authority.—see also EXCESS
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ex.ceed.ing.ly
adv. (formal, becoming old-fashioned) extremely; very; very much
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excel
verb (-ll-)
1 [v] ˜ (in / at sth / at doing sth) to be very good at doing sth: She has always excelled in foreign languages.  The team excels at turning defence into attack.  As a child he excelled at music and art.
2 [vn] ˜ yourself (BrE) to do extremely well and even better than you usually do: Rick’s cooking was always good but this time he really excelled himself.
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ex.cel.lence
noun [U] ~ (in sth) the quality of being extremely good: a reputation for academic excellence  The hospital is recognized as a centre of excellence in research and teaching.—see also PAR EXCELLENCE
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Ex.cel.lency
noun (His / Her / Your Excellency) (pl.-ies) a title used when talking to or about sb who has a very important official position, especially an AMBASSADOR : Good evening, your Excellency.  their Excellencies the French and Spanish Ambassadors
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ex.cel.lent
adj.
1 extremely good: an excellent meal  excellent service  At $300 the bike is excellent value .  She speaks excellent French.   (spoken) It was absolutely excellent.
2 used to show that you are very pleased about sth or that you approve of sth: You can all come? Excellent!
ex.cel.lent.ly adv.
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ex.cept
prep., conj., verb
prep. (also ex'cept for) used before you mention the only thing or person about which a statement is not true
SYN APART FROM : We work every day except Sunday.  They all came except Matt.  I had nothing on except for my socks.  note at BESIDES

conj. ~ (that … ) used before you mention sth that makes a statement not completely true
SYN APART FROM THE FACT THAT : I didn’t tell him anything except that I needed the money.  Our dresses were the same except mine was red.

verb [vn] [usually passive] ˜ sb/sth (from sth) (written) to not include sb/sth: Children under five are excepted from the survey.  The sanctions ban the sale of any products excepting medical supplies and food.  Tours are arranged all year round (January excepted).
IDM see PRESENT adj.

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ex.cep.tion
noun
1 a person or a thing that is not included in a general statement: Most of the buildings in the town are modern, but the church is an exception.  With very few exceptions, private schools get the best exam results.  Nobody had much money at the time and I was no exception .
2 a thing that does not follow a rule: Good writing is unfortunately the exception rather than the rule (= it is unusual).  There are always a lot of exceptions to grammar rules.
IDM the exception that proves the 'rule people say that sth is the exception that proves the rule when they are stating sth that seems to be different from the normal situation, but they mean that the normal situation remains true in general: Most electronics companies have not done well this year, but ours is the exception that proves the rule. make an ex'ception to allow sb not to follow the usual rule on one occasion: Children are not usually allowed in, but I’m prepared to make an exception in this case. take ex'ception to sth to object strongly to sth; to be angry about sth: I take great exception to the fact that you told my wife before you told me.  No one could possibly take exception to his comments. with the ex'ception of except; not including: All his novels are set in Italy with the exception of his last. without ex'ception used to emphasize that the statement you are making is always true and everyone or everything is included: All students without exception must take the English examination.
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ex.cep.tion.al
adj.
1 unusually good: At the age of five he showed exceptional talent as a musician.  The quality of the recording is quite exceptional.
2 very unusual: This deadline will be extended only in exceptional circumstances .
OPP UNEXCEPTIONAL
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ex.cep.tion.al.ly
adv.
1 used before an adjective or adverb to emphasize how strong or unusual the quality is: The weather, even for January, was exceptionally cold.  I thought Bill played exceptionally well.
2 only in unusual circumstances: Exceptionally, students may be accepted without formal qualifications.
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ex.cerpt
noun ~ (from sth) a short piece of writing, music, film, etc. taken from a longer whole
ex.cerpt verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth): The document was excerpted from an unidentified FBI file.
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ex.cess
noun, adj.
noun
1 [sing., U] ~ (of sth) more than is necessary, reasonable or acceptable: Are you suffering from an excess of stress in your life?  In an excess of enthusiasm I agreed to work late.  You can throw away any excess.  He started drinking to excess after losing his job.  The increase will not be in excess of (= more than) two per cent.
2 [C, U] an amount by which sth is larger than sth else: We cover costs up to £600 and then you pay the excess.
3 (excesses) [pl.] extreme behaviour that is unacceptable, illegal or immoral: We need a free press to curb government excesses.

adj. [only before noun] in addition to an amount that is necessary, usual or legal: Excess food is stored as fat.  Driving with excess alcohol in the blood is a serious offence.

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,excess 'baggage
noun [U] bags, cases, etc. taken on to a plane that weigh more than the amount each passenger is allowed to carry without paying extra
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ex.ces.sive
adj. greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate; extreme: They complained about the excessive noise coming from the upstairs flat.  The amounts she borrowed were not excessive.  Excessive drinking can lead to stomach disorders.
ex.ces.sive.ly adv.: excessively high prices
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ex.change
noun, verb
noun
GIVING AND RECEIVING|
1 [C, U] an act of giving sth to sb or doing sth for sb and receiving sth in return: The exchange of prisoners took place this morning.  We need to promote an open exchange of ideas and information.  an exchange of glances / insults  an exchange of fire (= between enemy soldiers)  I get you out of the country and you keep your mouth shut. Is that a fair exchange ?  Would you like my old TV in exchange for this camera?  I’ll type your report if you’ll babysit in exchange .—see also PART EXCHANGE
CONVERSATION / ARGUMENT|
2 [C] a conversation or an argument: There was only time for a brief exchange.  The Prime Minister was involved in a heated exchange with opposition MPs.
OF MONEY|
3 [U] the process of changing an amount of one CURRENCY (= the money used in one country) for an equal value of another: currency exchange facilities  Where can I find the best exchange rate  / rate of exchange ?—see also FOREIGN EXCHANGE
BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES|
4 [C] an arrangement when two people or groups from different countries visit each other’s homes or do each other’s jobs for a short time: Our school does an exchange with a school in France.  Nick went on the French exchange.  trade and cultural exchanges with China
BUILDING|
5 (often Exchange) [C] (in compounds) a building where business people met in the past to buy and sell a particular type of goods: the old Corn Exchange—see also STOCK EXCHANGE
TELEPHONE|
6 [C] = TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

verb [vn]
GIVE AND RECEIVE|
1 ~ sth (with sb) to give sth to sb and at the same time receive the same type of thing from them: to exchange ideas / news / information  Juliet and David exchanged glances (= they looked at each other).  I shook hands and exchanged a few words with the manager.  The two men exchanged blows (= hit each other).  Everyone in the group exchanged telephone numbers.
MONEY / GOODS|
2 ~ A for B to give or return sth that you have and get sth different or better instead: You can exchange your currency for dollars in the hotel.  If it doesn’t fit, take it back and the store will exchange it.
CONTRACTS|
3 ~ contracts (especially BrE) to sign a contract with the person that you are buying sth from, especially a house or land
IDM see WORD n.

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ex.change.able
adj. that can be exchanged: These tokens are exchangeable for CDs and cassettes only.
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ex.chequer
noun [sing.]
1 (often the Exchequer) (in Britain) the government department that controls public money
SYN TREASURY —see also CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
2 the public or national supply of money: This resulted in a considerable loss to the exchequer.
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ex.cise^1
noun [U] a government tax on some goods made, sold or used within a country: new excise duties on low-alcohol drinks  a sharp increase in vehicle excise  an excise officer (= an official whose job is to collect excise)—compare CUSTOMS
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ex.cise^2
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (formal) to remove sth completely: Certain passages were excised from the book.
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ex.ci.sion
noun [U, C] (formal ortechnical ) the act of removing sth completely from sth; the thing removed
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ex.cit.able
adj. (of people or animals) likely to become easily excited: a class of excitable ten-year-olds
ex.cit.abil.ity noun [U]
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ex.cite
verb [vn]
1 to make sb feel very pleased, interested or enthusiastic, especially about sth that is going to happen: The prospect of a year in India greatly excited her.
2 to make sb nervous or upset and unable to relax: Don’t excite yourself (= keep calm).  Try not to excite your baby too much before bedtime.
3 ~ sth (in sb) to make sb feel a particular emotion or react in a particular way AROUSE : The European Parliament is not an institution which excites interest in voters.  to excite attention / criticism / curiosity  The news has certainly excited comment (= made people talk about it).
4 to make sb feel sexual desire AROUSE
5 (formal) to make a part of the body or part of a physical system more active STIMULATE
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ex.cited
adj.
1 ~ (about / at / by sth)| ~ (to do sth) feeling or showing happiness and enthusiasm: The children were excited about opening their presents.  I’m really excited at the prospect of working abroad.  Don’t get too excited by the sight of your name in print.  He was very excited to be asked to play for Wales.  The new restaurant is nothing to get excited about (= not particularly good).  An excited crowd of people gathered around her.  note at WORRIED
2 nervous or upset and unable to relax: Some horses become excited when they’re in traffic.
3 feeling sexual desire
ex.cited.ly adv.: She waved excitedly as the car approached.
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ex.cite.ment
noun
1 [U] the state of feeling excited: The news caused great excitement among her friends.  to feel a surge / thrill / shiver of excitement  He was flushed with excitement at the thought.  The dog leapt and wagged its tail in excitement .  In her excitement she dropped her glass.
2 [C] (formal) something that you find exciting: The new job was not without its excitements.
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ex.cit.ing
adj. causing great interest or excitement: one of the most exciting developments in biology in recent years  They waited and waited for something exciting to happen.  an exciting prospect / possibility  an exciting story / discovery  I still find the job exciting.
ex.cit.ing.ly adv.
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ex.claim
verb (written) to say sth suddenly and loudly, especially because of strong emotion or pain: [v speech] ‘It isn’t fair!’, he exclaimed angrily.  [v] She opened her eyes and exclaimed in delight at the scene. [alsov that]
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ex.clam.ation
noun a short sound, word or phrase spoken suddenly to express an emotion. Oh!, Look out! and Ow! are exclamations : He gave an exclamation of surprise.
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excla'mation mark
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually excla'mation point) noun the mark ( ! ) that is written after an exclamation
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ex.clude
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to deliberately not include sth in what you are doing or considering: The cost of borrowing has been excluded from the inflation figures.  Try excluding sugar and fat from your diet.  Buses run every hour, Sundays excluded.
OPP INCLUDE
2 ~ sb/sth (from sth) to prevent sb/sth from entering a place or taking part in sth: Women are still excluded from some London clubs.   (BrE) Concern is growing over the number of children excluded from school (= forbidden to attend because of bad behaviour).  She felt excluded by the other girls (= they did not let her join in what they were doing).
3 to decide that sth is not possible: We should not exclude the possibility of negotiation.  The police have excluded theft as a motive for the murder.
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ex.clud.ing
prep. not including: Lunch costs £10 per person, excluding drinks.
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ex.clu.sion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sb/sth) (from sth) the act of excluding sb/sth; an example of this: Exclusion of air creates a vacuum in the bottle.  the exclusion of robbery as a motive  Memories of the past filled her mind to the exclusion of all else.   (BrE) the exclusion of disruptive students from school   (BrE) Two exclusions from one school in the same week is unusual.
2 [C] a person or thing that is excluded : Check the list of exclusions in the insurance policy.
OPP INCLUSION
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ex.clu.sion.ary
adj. (formal) designed to prevent a particular person or group of people from taking part in sth or doing sth
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ex'clusion zone
noun an area where people are not allowed to enter because it is dangerous or is used for secret activities
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ex.clu.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 only to be used by one particular person or group; only given to one particular person or group: The hotel has exclusive access to the beach.  exclusive rights to televise the World Cup  His mother has told ‘The Times’ about his death in an exclusive interview (= not given to any other newspaper).
2 (of a group, society, etc.) not very willing to allow new people to become members, especially if they are from a lower social class: He belongs to an exclusive club.
3 of a high quality and expensive and therefore not often bought or used by most people: an exclusive hotel  exclusive designer shops / clothes
4 not able to exist or be a true statement at the same time as sth else: The two options are not mutually exclusive (= you can have them both).
5 ~ of sb/sth not including sb/sth: The price is for accommodation only, exclusive of meals.
OPP INCLUSIVE
ex.clu.sive.ly adv.: a charity that relies almost exclusively on voluntary contributions

noun an item of news or a story about famous people that is published in only one newspaper or magazine

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ex.clu.siv.ity
(also ex.clu.sive.ness ) noun [U] the quality of being exclusive : The resort still preserves a feeling of exclusivity.  a designer whose clothes have not lost their exclusiveness
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ex.com.mu.ni.cate
verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to punish sb by officially stating that they can no longer be a member of a Christian Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church
ex.com.mu.ni.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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ex.cori.ate
verb [vn]
1 (medical) to irritate a person’s skin so that it starts to come off
2 (rare, formal) to criticize sb/sth severely
ex.cori.ation noun [U, C]
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ex.cre.ment
noun [U] (formal) solid waste matter that is passed from the body through the bowels
SYN FAECES : the pollution of drinking water by untreated human excrement
ex.cre.men.tal adj.
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ex.cres.cence
noun (formal) an ugly lump that has grown on a part of an animal’s body or on a plant: (figurative) The new office block is an excrescence (= it is very ugly).
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ex.creta
noun [U] (formal) solid and liquid waste matter passed from the body: human excreta
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ex.crete
verb [v] (technical ) to pass solid or liquid waste matter from the body
ex.cre.tion noun [U, C]
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ex.cru.ci.at.ing
adj. extremely painful: The pain in my back was excruciating.  She groaned at the memory, suffering all over again the excruciating embarrassment of those moments.
ex.cru.ci.at.ing.ly adv.: excruciatingly uncomfortable  excruciatingly painful / boring / embarrassing
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ex.cul.pate
verb [vn] (formal) to prove or state officially that sb is not guilty of sth
ex.cul.pa.tion noun [U]
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ex.cur.sion
noun
1 a short journey made for pleasure, especially one that has been organized for a group of people: They’ve gone on an excursion to York.
2 ~ into sth (formal) a short period of trying a new or different activity: After a brief excursion into drama, he concentrated on his main interest, which was poetry.
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ex.cus.able
adj. [not usually before noun] that can be excused: Doing it once was just about excusable—doing it twice was certainly not.
OPP INEXCUSABLE
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ex.cuse
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour: Late again! What’s your excuse this time?  There’s no excuse for such behaviour.  His excuse for forgetting her birthday was that he had lost his diary.  You don’t have to make excuses for her (= try to think of reasons for her behaviour).  It’s late. I’m afraid I’ll have to make my excuses (= say I’m sorry, give my reasons and leave).  note at REASON
2 ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) a good reason that you give for doing sth that you want to do for other reasons: It’s just an excuse for a party.  It gave me an excuse to take the car.
3 a very bad example of sth: Why get involved with that pathetic excuse for a human being?
4 (AmE) a note written by a doctor or parent to explain why a student cannot go to school

verb
1 ~ sth| ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to forgive sb for sth that they have done, for example not being polite or making a small mistake: [vn] Please excuse the mess.  I hope you’ll excuse me for being so late.  You must excuse my father—he’s not always that rude.   (BrE ) You might be excused for thinking that Ben is in charge (= he is not, but it is an easy mistake to make).  [vn -ing] (formal) Excuse my interrupting you.
2 [vn] ~ sth| ~ sb / yourself (for sth / for doing sth) to make your or sb else’s behaviour seem less offensive by finding reasons for it
SYN JUSTIFY : Nothing can excuse such rudeness.
3 [vn] ~ sb / yourself (from sth) to allow sb to leave; to say in a polite way that you are leaving: Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m a very busy man.  She excused herself and left the meeting early.
4 ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) [usually passive] to allow sb to not do sth that they should normally do: [vn] She was excused from giving evidence because of her age. [alsovnn] ex'cuse me
1 used to politely get sb’s attention, especially sb you do not know: Excuse me, is this the way to the station?
2 used to politely ask sb to move so that you can get past them: Excuse me, could you let me through?
3 used to say that you are sorry for interrupting sb or behaving in a slightly rude way: Guy sneezed loudly. ‘Excuse me,’ he said.
4 used to disagree politely with sb: Excuse me, but I don’t think that’s true.
5 used to politely tell sb that you are going to leave or talk to sb else: ‘Excuse me for a moment,’ she said and left the room.
6 (especially AmE) used to say sorry for pushing sb or doing sth wrong: Oh, excuse me. I didn’t see you there.
7 (excuse me?) (AmE) used when you did not hear what sb said and you want them to repeat it

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,ex-di'rectory
adj. (BrE ) (of a person or telephone number) not listed in the public telephone book, at the request of the owner of the telephone. The telephone company will not give ex-directory numbers to people who ask for them: an ex-directory number  She’s ex-directory.—see also UNLISTED
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exec
noun (informal) an EXECUTIVE in a business: The role of the chief exec is to empower the team.
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exe.crable
adj. (formal) very bad
SYN TERRIBLE : execrable poetry
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exe.cute
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to kill sb, especially as a legal punishment: He was executed for treason.  The prisoners were executed by firing squad.
2 (formal) to do a piece of work, perform a duty, put a plan into action, etc: They drew up and executed a plan to reduce fuel consumption.  The crime was very cleverly executed.  Check that the computer has executed your commands.
3 (formal) to successfully perform a skilful action or movement: The pilot executed a perfect landing.
4 (formal) to make or produce a work of art: Picasso also executed several landscapes at Horta de San Juan.
5 (law) to follow the instructions in a legal document; to make a document legally valid: His will was executed by his lawyers in 1978.
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exe.cu.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of killing sb, especially as a legal punishment: He faced execution by hanging for murder.  Over 200 executions were carried out last year.
2 [U] (formal) the act of doing a piece of work, performing a duty, or putting a plan into action: He had failed in the execution of his duty.  The idea was good, but the execution was poor.
3 [U] (formal) skill in performing or making sth, such as a piece of music or work of art: Her execution of the piano piece was perfect.
4 [U] (law) the act of following the instructions in a legal document, especially those in sb’s WILL : The solicitors are proceeding with the execution of her mother’s will.
IDM see STAY n.
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exe.cu.tion.er
noun a public official whose job is to execute criminals
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ex.ecu.tive
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a person who has an important job as a manager of a company or an organization: advertising / business / sales executives  a chief / senior / top executive in a computer firm
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who run a company or an organization: The union’s executive has / have yet to reach a decision.
3 (the executive) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the part of a government responsible for putting laws into effect—compare JUDICIARY , LEGISLATURE

adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with managing a business or an organization, and with making plans and decisions: She has an executive position in a finance company.  executive decisions / duties / jobs / positions  the executive dining room
2 having the power to put important laws and decisions into effect: executive authority  an executive board / body / committee / officer  Executive power is held by the president.
3 expensive; for the use of sb who is important: an executive car  an executive suite (= in a hotel)  an executive lounge (= at an airport)

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e,xecutive 'privilege
noun [U] (in the US) the right of the President and the executive part of the government to keep official documents secret
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ex.ecu.tor
noun (technical ) a person, bank, etc. that is chosen by sb who is making their WILL to carry out the instructions in it
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exe.gesis
noun [U, C] (pl.exe.geses ) (formal) the detailed explanation of a piece of writing, especially religious writing
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ex.em.plar
noun (formal) a person or thing that is a good or typical example of sth
SYN MODEL
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ex.em.plary
adj.
1 providing a good example for people to copy: Her behaviour was exemplary.  a man of exemplary character
2 [usually before noun] (lawor formal) (of punishment) severe; used especially as a warning to others
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ex.em.plify
verb (ex.em.pli.fies, ex.em.pli.fy.ing, ex.em.pli.fied, ex.em.pli.fied) [vn] [often passive] (formal)
1 to be a typical example of sth: Her early work is exemplified in her book, ‘A Study of Children’s Minds’.  His food exemplifies Italian cooking at its best.
2 to give an example in order to make sth clearer: She exemplified each of the points she was making with an amusing anecdote.
ex.em.pli.fi.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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ex.empt
adj., verb
adj. [not before noun] ~ (from sth) if sb/sth is exempt from sth, they are not affected by it, do not have to do it, pay it, etc: The interest on the money is exempt from tax.  Some students are exempt from certain exams.
-exempt (in compounds, forming adjectives): tax-exempt donations to charity

verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth) (formal) to give or get sb’s official permission not to do sth or not to pay sth they would normally have to do or pay: His bad eyesight exempted him from military service.  In 1983, charities were exempted from paying the tax.

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ex.emp.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (from sth) official permission not to do sth or pay sth that you would normally have to do or pay: She was given exemption from the final examination.
2 [C] a part of your income that you do not have to pay tax on: a tax exemption on money donated to charity
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ex.er.cise
noun, verb
noun
ACTIVITY / MOVEMENTS|
1 [U] physical or mental activity that you do to stay healthy or become stronger: Swimming is good exercise.  I don’t get much exercise sitting in the office all day.  The mind needs exercise as well as the body.  vigorous / gentle exercise   (BrE) to take exercise
2 [C] a set of movements or activities that you do to stay healthy or develop a skill: breathing / relaxation / stretching exercises  exercises for the piano  Repeat the exercise ten times on each leg.
QUESTIONS|
3 [C] a set of questions in a book that tests your knowledge or practises a skill: grammar exercises  Do exercise one for homework.
USE OF POWER / RIGHT / QUALITY|
4 [U] ~ of sth the use of power, a skill, a quality or a right to make sth happen: the exercise of power / authority by the government  the exercise of patience / discretion / judgement
FOR PARTICULAR RESULT|
5 [C] ~ (in sth) an activity that is designed to achieve a particular result: an exercise in public relations  Staying calm was an exercise in self-control.  a communications exercise  In the end it proved a pointless exercise.
FOR SOLDIERS|
6 [C, usually pl.] a set of activities or movements for training soldiers: military exercises
CEREMONIES|
7 (exercises) [pl.] (AmE) ceremonies: college graduation exercises

verb
USE POWER / RIGHT / QUALITY|
1 [vn] (formal) to use your power, rights or personal qualities in order to achieve sth: When she appeared in court she exercised her right to remain silent.  He was a man who exercised considerable influence over people.
DO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY|
2 to do sports or other physical activities in order to stay healthy or become stronger; to make an animal do this: [v] an hour’s class of exercising to music  How often do you exercise?  [vn] Horses need to be exercised regularly.
3 [vn] to give a part of the body the movement and activity it needs to keep strong and healthy: These movements will exercise your arms and shoulders.
BE ANXIOUS|
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (about sth) (formal) if sb is exercised about sth, they are very anxious about it

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'exercise bike
noun a bicycle that does not move forward but is used for getting exercise indoors
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'exercise book
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE note.book) a small book for students to write their work in
2 (AmE) = WORKBOOK
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exert
verb [vn]
1 to use power or influence to affect sb/sth: He exerted all his authority to make them accept the plan.  The moon exerts a force on the earth that causes the tides.
2 ~ yourself to make a big effort: In order to be successful he would have to exert himself.
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ex.er.tion
noun
1 [U] (also ex.er.tions [pl.]) physical or mental effort; the act of making an effort: She was hot and breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill.  He needed to relax after the exertions of a busy day at work.
2 [sing.] the use of power to make sth happen: the exertion of force / strength / authority
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exe.unt
verb [v] (from Latin ) used in a play as a written instruction that tells two or more actors to leave the stage: Exeunt Antony and Cleopatra.—compare EXIT
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ex.foli.ate
verb [v, vn] to remove rough or dead cells from the surface of skin in order to make your skin smoother
ex.foli.ation noun [U]
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ex gra.tia
adj. (written, from Latin ) given or done as a gift or favour, not because there is a legal duty to do it: ex gratia payments
ex gra.tia adv.: The sum was paid ex gratia.
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ex.hale
verb to breathe out the air or smoke, etc. in your lungs: [v] He sat back and exhaled deeply.  [vn] She exhaled the smoke through her nose.
OPP INHALE
ex.hal.ation noun [U, C]
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ex.haust
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] waste gases that come out of a vehicle, an engine or a machine: car exhaust fumes / emissions
2 (also ex'haust pipe) (also tail.pipe especially in AmE) [C] a pipe through which exhaust gases come out: My car needs a new exhaust.—picture at CAR

verb [vn]
1 to make you feel very tired: Even a short walk exhausted her.  There’s no need to exhaust yourself clearing up—we’ll do it.
2 to use all of sth so that there is none left: Within three days they had exhausted their supply of food.  Don’t give up until you have exhausted all the possibilities.
3 to talk about or study a subject until there is nothing else to say about it: I think we’ve exhausted that particular topic.

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ex.haust.ed
adj.
1 very tired: I’m exhausted!  to feel completely / utterly exhausted  The exhausted climbers were rescued by helicopter.
2 completely used or finished: You cannot grow crops on exhausted land.
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ex.haust.ing
adj. making you feel very tired: an exhausting day at work  I find her exhausting—she never stops talking.
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ex.haus.tion
noun [U]
1 the state of being very tired: suffering from physical / mental / nervous exhaustion  Her face was grey with exhaustion.
2 (formal) the act of using sth until it is completely finished: the exhaustion of natural resources
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ex.haust.ive
adj. very thorough; looking at every detail: exhaustive research / tests  an exhaustive study of sth
ex.haust.ive.ly adv.: Every product is exhaustively tested before being sold.
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ex'haust pipe
noun = EXHAUST
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ex.hibit
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (at / in … ) to show sth in a public place for people to enjoy or to give them information: [vn] They will be exhibiting their new designs at the trade fairs this spring.  [v] He exhibits regularly in several local art galleries.
2 [vn] (written) to show clearly that you have or feel a particular feeling, quality or ability: The patient exhibited signs of fatigue and memory loss.

noun
1 an object or a work of art put in a public place, for example a museum, so that people can see it
2 a thing that is used in a court of law to prove that sb is guilty or not guilty: The first exhibit was a knife which the prosecution claimed was the murder weapon.
3 (AmE) = EXHIBITION (1) : The new exhibit will tour a dozen US cities next year.

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ex.hib.ition
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually ex.hibit) [C] a collection of things, for example works of art, that are shown to the public: Have you seen the Picasso exhibition?  an exhibition of old photographs
2 [U] ~ of sth the act of showing sth, for example works of art, to the public: She refused to allow the exhibition of her husband’s work.
3 [sing.] an ~ of sth the act of showing a skill, a feeling, or a kind of behaviour: We were treated to an exhibition of the footballer’s speed and skill.  an appalling exhibition of bad manners
4 [C] (BrE) an amount of money that is given as a prize to a student
IDM make an exhi'bition of yourself (disapproving) to behave in a bad or stupid way in public
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ex.hib.ition.ism
noun [U]
1 (disapproving) behaviour that is intended to make people notice or admire you
2 (psychology) the mental condition that makes sb want to show their sexual organs in public
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ex.hib.ition.ist
noun (usually disapproving) a person who likes to make other people notice him or her: Children are natural exhibitionists.
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ex.hib.it.or
noun a person or a company that shows their work or products to the public
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ex.hil.ar.ate
verb [vn] to make sb feel very happy and excited: Speed had always exhilarated him.
ex.hil.ar.ated adj.: I felt exhilarated after a morning of skiing.
ex.hil.ar.ation noun [U]: the exhilaration of performing on stage
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ex.hil.ar.at.ing
adj. very exciting and enjoyable: My first parachute jump was an exhilarating experience.
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ex.hort
verb ~ sb (to sth / to do sth) (formal) to try hard to persuade sb to do sth
SYN URGE : [vn to inf] The party leader exhorted his members to start preparing for government.  [vn] They had been exhorted to action. [alsov speech, vn speech]
ex.hort.ation noun [C, U]
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ex.hume
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to remove a dead body from the ground especially in order to examine how the person died: The body was exhumed on the order of the judge.
ex.hum.ation noun [U]
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exi.gency
noun [C, usually pl., U] (pl.-ies) (formal) an urgent need or demand that you must deal with: the exigencies of war  political / financial exigencies
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exile
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] the state of being sent to live in another country that is not your own, especially for political reasons or as a punishment: to be / live in exile   to be forced / sent into exile   to go into exile   a place of exile  He returned after 40 years of exile.
2 [C] a person who chooses, or is forced to live away from his or her own country: political exiles  a tax exile (= a rich person who moves to another country where taxes are lower)

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (from … ) to force sb to leave their country, especially for political reasons or as a punishment; to send sb into exile : the party’s exiled leaders  an American, exiled from his homeland

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exist
verb [v]
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to be real; to be present in a place or situation: Does life exist on other planets?  The problem only exists in your head, Jane.  Few of these monkeys still exist in the wild.  A temple existed here hundreds of years ago.
2 ~ (on sth) to live, especially in a difficult situation or with very little money: We existed on a diet of rice and very little else.  They can’t exist on the money he’s earning.
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ex.ist.ence
noun
1 [U] the state or fact of being real or living: I was unaware of his existence until today.  This is the oldest Hebrew manuscript in existence .  Pakistan came into existence as an independent country after the war.  a crisis that threatens the industry’s continued existence
2 [C] a way of living especially when this is difficult or boring: The family endured a miserable existence in a cramped and noisy apartment.  We led a poor but happy enough existence as children.  They eke out a precarious existence (= they have hardly enough money to live on).  The peasants depend on a good harvest for their very existence (= in order to continue to live).
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ex.ist.ent
adj., noun
adj. (formal) existing; real: creatures existent in nature
OPP NON-EXISTENT

noun (philosophy ) a thing that is real and exists: The self is the only knowable existent.

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ex.ist.en.tial
adj. [only before noun]
1 (formal) connected with human existence
2 (philosophy) connected with the theory of existentialism
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ex.ist.en.tial.ism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the theory that human beings are free and responsible for their own actions in a world without meaning
ex.ist.en.tial.ist noun: Sartre was an existentialist.
ex.ist.en.tial.ist adj.: existentialist theory
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existing
adj. [only before noun] found or used now: New laws will soon replace existing legislation.
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exit
noun, verb
noun
1 a way out of a public building or vehicle: Where’s the exit?  There is a fire exit on each floor of the building.  The emergency exit is at the back of the bus.—compare ENTRANCE
2 an act of leaving, especially of an actor from the stage: The heroine made her exit to great applause.  He made a quick exit to avoid meeting her.  an exit visa (= a stamp in a passport giving sb permission to leave a particular country)
3 a place where vehicles can leave a road to join another road: Leave the roundabout at the second exit.  Take the exit for Trento.

verb
1 (formal) to go out; to leave a building, stage, vehicle, etc: [v] The bullet entered her back and exited through her chest.  We exited via a fire door.  [vn] As the actors exited the stage the lights went on.
2 to finish using a computer program: [v] To exit from this page, press the return key.  [vn] I exited the database and switched off the computer.
3 [v] (exit …) used in the instructions printed in a play to say that an actor must leave the stage: Exit Macbeth—compare EXEUNT

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'exit poll
noun in an exit poll immediately after an election, people are asked how they voted, in order to predict the result of the election
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exo.dus
noun [sing.] ~ (from … ) (to … ) (formal or humorous) a situation in which many people leave a place at the same time: the mass exodus from Paris to the country in the summer
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ex of.fi.cio
adj. (from Latin , formal) included or allowed because of your job, position or rank: an ex officio member of the committee
ex of.fi.cio adv.
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ex.on.er.ate
verb [vn] ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to officially state that sb is not responsible for sth that they have been blamed for: The police report exonerated Lewis from all charges of corruption.
ex.on.er.ation noun [U]
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ex.or.bi.tant
adj. (formal) (of a price) much too high: exorbitant costs / fares / fees / prices / rents
ex.or.bi.tant.ly adv.: Prices are exorbitantly high in this shop.
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ex.or.cism
noun [U, C]
1 the act of getting rid of an evil spirit from a place or a person’s body by prayers or magic; a ceremony where this is done
2 (written) the act of making yourself forget a bad experience or memory
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ex.or.cist
noun a person who makes evil spirits leave a place or a person’s body by prayers or magic
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ex.or.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sb/sth) to make an evil spirit leave a place or sb’s body by special prayers or magic: The ghost was exorcized from the house.
2 (written) to remove sth that is bad or painful from your mind: She had managed to exorcize these unhappy memories from her mind.
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exot.ic
adj. from or in another country, especially a tropical one; seeming exciting and unusual because it is connected with foreign countries: brightly-coloured exotic flowers / plants / birds  She travels to all kinds of exotic locations all over the world.
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exot.ica
noun [U] unusual and exciting things, especially from other countries: a sale of antiques and exotica
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ex.pand
verb
1 to become greater in size, number or importance; to make sth greater in size, number or importance: [v] Metals expand when they are heated.  Student numbers are expanding rapidly.  A child’s vocabulary expands through reading.  The waist expands to fit all sizes.  [vn] In breathing the chest muscles expand the rib cage and allow air to be sucked into the lungs.  The new system expanded the role of family doctors.  There are no plans to expand the local airport.
OPP CONTRACT
2 if a business expands or is expanded, new branches are opened, it makes more money, etc: [vn] We’ve expanded the business by opening two more stores.  [v] an expanding economy (= with more businesses starting and growing)
3 [v] to talk more; to add details to what you are saying: I repeated the question and waited for her to expand.
PVR V ex'pand on / upon sth to say more about sth and add some details: Could you expand on that point, please?
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ex.pand.able
adj. ~ (to sth) (especially technical ) that can be expanded : an expandable briefcase  The system is expandable to 16 processors, with a maximum of 512MB RAM.
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ex.panse
noun ~ (of sth) a wide and open area of sth, especially land or water: a wide / vast expanse of blue sky  I looked out over flat expanses of open farmland.
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ex.pan.sion
noun [U, C] an act of increasing or making sth increase in size, amount or importance: a period of rapid economic expansion  Despite the recession the company is confident of further expansion.  The book is an expansion of a series of lectures given last year.
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ex.pan.sion.ary
adj. (formal) encouraging economic expansion : This budget will have a net expansionary effect on the economy.
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ex.pan.sion.ism
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) the belief in and process of increasing the size and importance of sth, especially in a country or a business: the economic expansionism of Europe and America  military / territorial expansionism
ex.pan.sion.ist adj.: expansionist policies  an expansionist state
ex.pan.sion.ist noun: He was a ruthless expansionist.
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ex.pan.sive
adj.
1 covering a large amount of space: She opened her arms wide in an expansive gesture of welcome.  landscape with expansive skies
2 covering a large subject area, rather than trying to be exact and use few words: We need to look at a more expansive definition of the term.  The piece is written in his usual expansive style.
3 friendly and willing to talk a lot: She was clearly relaxed and in an expansive mood.
4 (especially of a period of time) encouraging economic EXPANSION : In the expansive 1960s bright graduates could advance rapidly.
ex.pan.sive.ly adv.: He waved his arms expansively.
ex.pan.sive.ness noun [U]
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ex.pati.ate
verb
PVR V ex'patiate on / upon sth (rare, formal) to write or speak in detail about a subject
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ex.patri.ate
(also informal expat) noun a person living in a country that is not their own: American expatriates in Paris
ex.patri.ate adj. [only before noun]: expatriate Britons in Spain  expatriate workers
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ex.pect
verb
1 to think or believe that sth will happen or that sb will do sth: [vn] We are expecting a rise in food prices this month.  Don’t expect sympathy from me!  That’s not the sort of behaviour I expect of you!  Double the expected number of people came to the meeting.  [v to inf] You can’t expect to learn a foreign language in a few months.  I looked back, half expecting to see someone following me.  [vn to inf] House prices are expected to rise sharply.  I didn’t expect him to become a successful writer.  Do you really expect me to believe you?  [v (that)] Many people were expecting (that) the peace talks would break down.  [vn that] It is expected that the report will suggest some major reforms.
2 (often used in the progressive tenses) to be waiting for sb/sth to arrive, as this has been arranged: [vn] to expect a visit / call / letter from sb  Are you expecting visitors?  [vn, vn to inf] We were expecting him yesterday.  We were expecting him to arrive yesterday.
3 ~ sth (of / from sb) to demand that sb will do sth because it is their duty or responsibility: [vn] Her parents expected high standards from her.  Are you clear what is expected of you?  He’s still getting over his illness, so don’t expect too much from him.  [vn to inf] They expected all their children to be high achievers.  We are expected to work on Saturdays.  [v to inf] I expect to be paid promptly for the work. [alsov that]
4 (informal, especially BrE ) (not used in the progressive tenses) used when you think sth is probably true: [v] ‘Will you be late?’‘I expect so .’  ‘Are you going out tonight?’‘I don’t expect so .’  [v, v that] ‘Who’s eaten all the cake?’‘Tom, I expect / I expect it was Tom.’
HELP ‘That’ is nearly always left out.—compare UNEXPECTED
IDM be expecting a baby / child (informal) to be pregnant: Ann’s expecting a baby in June. be (only) to be ex'pected to be likely to happen; to be quite normal: A little tiredness after taking these drugs is to be expected. what (else) do you ex'pect? (spoken) used to tell sb not to be surprised by sth: She swore at you? What do you expect when you treat her like that?
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ex.pect.ancy
noun [U] the state of expecting or hoping that sth, especially sth good or exciting, will happen: There was an air of expectancy among the waiting crowd.—see also LIFE EXPECTANCY
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ex.pect.ant
adj.
1 hoping for sth, especially sth good and exciting: children with expectant faces waiting for the fireworks to begin  A sudden roar came from the expectant crowd.
2 ~ mother / father / parent used to describe sb who is going to have a baby soon or become a father
ex.pect.ant.ly adv.: She looked at him expectantly.  waiting expectantly
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ex.pect.ation
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) a belief that sth will happen because it is likely: We are confident in our expectation of a full recovery.  There was a general expectation that he would win.  I applied for the post more in hope than expectation.  The expectation is that property prices will rise.  Contrary to expectations , interest rates did not rise.  Against all expectations , she was enjoying herself.
2 [C, usually pl., U] a hope that sth good will happen: She went to college with great expectations.  There was an air of expectation and great curiosity.  The results exceeded our expectations.  The numbers attending fell short of expectations.  The event did not live up to expectations.
3 [C, usually pl.] a strong belief about the way sth should happen or how sb should behave: Some parents have unrealistic expectations of their children.  Unfortunately the new software has failed to meet expectations .
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,expectation of 'life
noun [U] = LIFE EXPECTANCY
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ex.pec.tor.ant
noun (medical ) a cough medicine that helps you to get rid of thick liquid (= PHLEGM ) from the lungs
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ex.pec.tor.ate
verb [v] (formal) to cough and make PHLEGM come up from your lungs into your mouth so you can SPIT it out
ex.pec.tor.ation noun [U]
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ex.pe.di.ent
noun, adj.
noun an action that is useful or necessary for a particular purpose, but not always fair or right: The disease was controlled by the simple expedient of not allowing anyone to leave the city.

adj. [not usually before noun] (of an action) useful or necessary for a particular purpose, but not always fair or right: The government has clearly decided that a cut in interest rates would be politically expedient.
ex.pe.di.ency noun [U]: He acted out of expediency, not principle.

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ex.ped.ite
verb [vn] (formal) to make a process happen more quickly
SYN SPEED UP : We have developed rapid order processing to expedite deliveries to customers.
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ex.ped.ition
noun
1 an organized journey with a particular purpose, especially to find out about a place that is not well known: to plan / lead / go on an expedition to the North Pole  a military / scientific expedition
2 the people who go on an expedition : Three members of the Everest expedition were killed.
3 (sometimes humorous) a short trip that you make when you want or need sth: a shopping / fishing expedition
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ex.ped.ition.ary force
noun a group of soldiers who are sent to another country to fight in a war
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ex.ped.itious
adj. (formal) that works well without wasting time, money, etc.
SYN EFFICIENT
ex.ped.itious.ly adv.: The work was carried out as expeditiously as possible.
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expel
verb (-ll-) [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth)
1 to officially make sb leave a school or an organization: She was expelled from school at 15.  Olympic athletes expelled for drug-taking
2 to force sb to leave a country: Foreign journalists are being expelled.
3 (technical) to force air or water out of a part of the body or from a container: to expel air from the lungs—see also EXPULSION
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ex.pend
verb [vn] ~ sth (in / on sb)| ~ sth (in / on / doing sth) (formal) to use or spend a lot of time, money, energy, etc: She expended all her efforts on the care of home and children.  Smith had expended large sums in pursuing his claim through the court.
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ex.pend.able
adj. (formal) if you consider people or things to be expendable, you think that you can get rid of them when they are no longer needed, or think it is acceptable if they are killed or destroyed
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ex.pend.iture
noun [U, C]
1 the act of spending or using money; an amount of money spent: a reduction in public / government / military expenditure  plans to increase expenditure on health and education  The budget provided for a total expenditure of £27 billion.
2 the use of energy, time, materials, etc: the expenditure of emotion  This study represents a major expenditure of time and effort.—compare INCOME
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ex.pense
noun
1 [U] the money that you spend on sth: The garden was transformed at great expense .  No expense was spared (= they spent as much money as was needed) to make the party a success.  He’s arranged everything, no expense spared .  She always travels first-class regardless of expense.  The results are well worth the expense.
2 [C, usually sing.] something that makes you spend money: Running a car is a big expense.
3 (expenses) [pl.] money spent in doing a particular job, or for a particular purpose: living / household / medical / legal expenses  Can I give you something towards expenses?  financial help to meet the expenses of an emergency  The payments he gets barely cover his expenses.
4 (expenses) [pl.] money that you spend while you are working that your employer will pay back to you later: You can claim back your travelling / travel expenses.   (BrE) to take a client out for a meal on expenses   an all-expenses-paid trip
IDM at sb’s expense
1 paid for by sb: We were taken out for a meal at the company’s expense.
2 if you make a joke at sb’s expense, you laugh at them and make them feel silly at the expense of sb/sth with loss or damage to sb/sth: He built up the business at the expense of his health. go to the expense of sth / of doing sth | go to a lot of, etc. expense to spend money on sth: They went to all the expense of redecorating the house and then they moved. put sb to the expense of sth / of doing sth | put sb to a lot of, etc. expense to make sb spend money on sth: Their visit put us to a lot of expense.—more at OBJECT n
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ex'pense account
noun an arrangement by which money spent by sb while they are at work is later paid back to them by their employer; a record of money spent in this way: Put the cost of the train fare on your expense account.
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ex.pen.sive
adj. costing a lot of money: an expensive car / restaurant / holiday  Art books are expensive to produce.  I can’t afford it, it’s too expensive.  Making the wrong decision could prove expensive .
OPP INEXPENSIVE
ex.pen.sive.ly adv.: expensively dressed / furnished  There are other restaurants where you can eat less expensively.
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ex.peri.ence
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the knowledge and skill that you have gained through doing sth for a period of time; the process of gaining this: to have over ten years' teaching experience  Do you have any previous experience of this type of work?  a doctor with experience in dealing with patients suffering from stress  My lack of practical experience was a disadvantage.  She didn’t get paid much but it was all good experience .  He gained valuable experience whilst working on the project.  We all learn by experience .—see also WORK EXPERIENCE
2 [U] the things that have happened to you that influence the way you think and behave: Experience has taught me that life can be very unfair.  It is important to try and learn from experience .  In my experience , very few people really understand the problem.  She knew from past experience that Ann would not give up easily.  The book is based on personal experience .  direct / first-hand experience of poverty
3 [C] ~ (of sth) an event or activity that affects you in some way: an enjoyable / exciting / unusual / unforgettable experience  It was her first experience of living alone.  Living in Africa was very different from home and quite an experience (= unusual for us).  I had a bad experience with fireworks once.  He seems to have had some sort of religious experience.
4 (the … experience) [sing.] events or knowledge shared by all the members of a particular group in society, that influences the way they think and behave: musical forms like jazz that emerged out of the Black American experience
IDM see CHALK v.

verb [vn]
1 to have a particular situation affect you or happen to you: The country experienced a foreign currency shortage for several months.  Everyone experiences these problems at some time in their lives.
2 to have and be aware of a particular emotion or physical feeling: to experience pain / pleasure / unhappiness  I experienced a moment of panic as I boarded the plane.

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ex.peri.enced
adj.
1 ~ (in sth) having knowledge or skill in a particular job or activity: an experienced teacher  He’s very experienced in looking after animals.
2 having knowledge as a result of doing sth for a long time, or having had a lot of different experiences: She’s very young and not very experienced.  an experienced traveller (= sb who has travelled a lot)
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ex.peri.en.tial
adj. (formal ortechnical ) based on or involving experience: experiential knowledge  experiential learning methods
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ex.peri.ment
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 a scientific test that is carried out in order to study what happens and to gain new knowledge: to do / perform / carry out / conduct an experiment  proved / shown by experiment   laboratory experiments  Many people do not like the idea of experiments on animals.
2 ~ (in sth) a new activity, idea or method that you try out to see what happens or what effect it has: the country’s brief experiment in democracy  I’ve never cooked this before so it’s an experiment.

verb [v] ~ (on sb/sth)| ~ (with sth)
1 to carry out a scientific experiment or experiments : Some people feel that experimenting on animals causes unnecessary suffering.
2 to try or test new ideas, methods, etc. to find out what effect they have: He wanted to experiment more with different textures in his paintings.  I experimented until I got the recipe just right.
ex.peri.ment.er noun

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ex.peri.men.tal
adj.
1 based on new ideas, forms or methods that are used to find out what effect they have: experimental teaching methods  experimental theatre / art / music  The equipment is still at the experimental stage.
2 connected with scientific experiments: experimental conditions / data / evidence
ex.peri.men.tal.ly adv.: This theory can be confirmed experimentally.  The new drug is being used experimentally on some patients.  He moved his shoulder experimentally to see if it still hurt.
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ex.peri.men.ta.tion
noun [U] (formal) the activity or process of EXPERIMENTING : experimentation with new teaching methods  Many people object to experimentation on embryos.
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ex.pert
noun, adj.
noun ~ (at / in / on sth)| ~ (at / in / on doing sth) a person with special knowledge, skill or training in sth: a computer / medical expert  an expert in child psychology  an expert on modern literature  He’s an expert at getting his own way.  Don’t ask me—I’m no expert!

adj. ~ (at / in sth)| ~ (at / in doing sth) done with, having or involving great knowledge or skill: to seek expert advice / an expert opinion  an expert gardener / driver  We need some expert help.  She’s expert at making cheap, but stylish clothes.  They are all expert in this field.—compare INEXPERT
ex.pert.ly adv.: The roads were icy but she stopped the car expertly.  The music was expertly performed.

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ex.pert.ise
noun [U] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) expert knowledge or skill in a particular subject, activity or job: professional / scientific / technical expertise  They have considerable expertise in dealing with oil spills.  We have the expertise to help you run your business.
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,expert 'system
noun (computing ) a computer system that can provide information and expert advice on a particular subject. The program asks users a series of questions about their problem and gives them advice based on its store of knowledge: expert systems to aid medical diagnosis
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ex.pi.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to accept punishment for sth that you have done wrong in order to show that you are sorry: He had a chance to confess and expiate his guilt.
ex.pi.ation noun [U, sing.]
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ex.pir.ation
noun [U] (AmE , formal) = EXPIRY
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expi'ration date
noun (AmE )
1 = EXPIRY DATE : Check the expiration date on your passport.
2 the date by which an item of food should be eaten: The expiration date on this yogurt was November 20.
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ex.pire
verb [v]
1 (of a document, an agreement, etc.) to be no longer valid because the period of time for which it could be used has ended
SYN RUN OUT : When does your driving licence expire?
2 (of a period of time, especially one during which sb holds a position of authority) to end: His term of office expires at the end of June.
3 (literary) to die—see also UNEXPIRED
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ex.piry
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ex.pir.ation) noun [U] an ending of the period of time when an official document can be used, or when an agreement is valid: the expiry of a fixed-term contract  The licence can be renewed on expiry.
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ex'piry date
(BrE ) (AmE expi'ration date) noun the date after which an official document, agreement, etc. is no longer valid
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ex.plain
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to tell sb about sth in a way that makes it easy to understand: [vn] First, I’ll explain the rules of the game.  It was difficult to explain the problem to beginners.  [v] ‘Let me explain!’ he added helpfully.  She explained to them what to do in an emergency.  [v that] I explained that an ambulance would be coming soon.  [v wh-] He explained who each person in the photo was.  Can you explain how the e-mail system works?  [v speech] ‘It works like this,’ she explained. [alsovn that]
2 ~ sth (to sb) to give a reason, or be a reason, for sth: [v] She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.  [v that] Alex explained that his car had broken down.  [v wh-] Well, that doesn’t explain why you didn’t phone.  [vn] Scientific findings that help explain the origins of the universe.  The government now has to explain its decision to the public.   (spoken) Oh well then, that explains it (= I understand now why sth happened).
HELP You cannot say ‘explain me, him, her, etc.’: Can you explain the situation to me?  Can you explain me the situation?  I’ll explain to you why I like it.  I’ll explain you why I like it.
IDM ex'plain yourself
1 to give sb reasons for your behaviour, especially when they are angry or upset because of it: I really don’t see why I should have to explain myself to you.
2 to say what you mean in a clear way: Could you explain yourself a little more—I didn’t understand.
PVR V ex,plain sth<->a'way to give reasons why sth is not your fault or why sth is not important
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ex.plan.ation
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a statement, fact, or situation that tells you why sth happened; a reason given for sth: The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed.  to offer / provide an explanation  I can’t think of any possible explanation for his absence.  She left the room abruptly without explanation .  ‘I had to see you,’ he said, by way of explanation.  She didn’t give a very adequate explanation for being late.  The book opens with an explanation of why some drugs are banned.  an explanation as to why he had left early  note at REASON
2 [C] a statement or piece of writing that tells you how sth works or makes sth easier to understand: For a full explanation of how the machine works, turn to page 5.  The teacher gave the children a detailed explanation of the story.
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ex.plana.tory
adj. [usually before noun] giving the reasons for sth; intended to describe how sth works or to make sth easier to understand: There are explanatory notes at the back of the book.—see also SELF-EXPLANATORY
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ex.ple.tive
noun (formal) a word, especially a rude word, that you use when you are angry, or in pain
SYN SWEAR WORD
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ex.plic.able
adj. [not usually before noun] (formal) that can be explained or understood: His behaviour is only explicable in terms of (= because of) his recent illness.
OPP INEXPLICABLE
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ex.pli.cate
verb [vn] (formal) to explain an idea or a work of literature in a lot of detail: How can we best explicate ‘King Lear’ and understand it?
ex.pli.ca.tion noun [C, U]
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ex.pli.cit
adj.
1 (of a statement or piece of writing) clear and easy to understand: He gave me very explicit directions on how to get there.
2 (of a person) saying sth clearly, exactly and openly: She was quite explicit about why she had left.
3 said, done or shown in an open or direct way, so that you do not doubt what is happening: The reasons for the decision should be made explicit.  She made some very explicit references to my personal life.  a sexually explicit film—compare IMPLICIT
ex.pli.cit.ly adv.: The report states explicitly that the system was to blame.—compare IMPLICITLY
ex.pli.cit.ness noun [U]: He didn’t like the degree of sexual explicitness in the film.
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ex.plode
verb
BURST VIOLENTLY|
1 to burst or make sth burst loudly and violently, causing damage
SYN BLOW UP : [v] Bombs were exploding all around the city.  [vn] There was a huge bang as if someone had exploded a rocket outside.  Bomb disposal experts exploded the device under controlled conditions.—compare IMPLODE
GET ANGRY / DANGEROUS|
2 ~ (into / with sth) (of a person or situation) to suddenly become very angry or dangerous: [v] Suddenly Charles exploded with rage.  The protest exploded into a riot.  [v speech] ‘Of course there’s something wrong!’ Jem exploded.
EXPRESS EMOTION|
3 [v] ~ (into / with sth) to suddenly express an emotion: We all exploded into wild laughter.
MOVE SUDDENLY|
4 [v] ~ (into sth) to suddenly and quickly do sth; to move suddenly with a lot of force: After ten minutes the game exploded into life.
MAKE LOUD NOISE|
5 [v] to make a sudden very loud noise: Thunder exploded overhead.
INCREASE QUICKLY|
6 [v] to increase suddenly and very quickly in number: the exploding world population
SHOW STH IS NOT TRUE|
7 [vn] to show that sth is not true, especially sth that people believe: At last, a women’s magazine to explode the myth that thin equals beautiful.
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ex.ploded
adj. (technical ) (of a drawing or diagram) showing the parts of sth separately but also showing how they are connected to each other—compare UNEXPLODED
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ex.ploit
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 (disapproving) to treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself: He exploited his father’s name to get himself a job.  She realized that her youth and inexperience were being exploited.
2 (disapproving) to treat sb unfairly by making them work and not giving them much in return: What is being done to stop employers from exploiting young people?
3 to use sth well in order to gain as much from it as possible: She fully exploits the humour of her role in the play.
4 ~ sth (for sth) to develop or use sth for business or industry: countries exploiting the rainforests for hardwood  No minerals have yet been exploited in Antarctica.
ex.ploit.er noun [C]

noun [usually pl.] a brave, exciting or interesting act: the daring exploits of Roman heroes

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ex.ploit.ation
noun [U]
1 (disapproving) a situation in which sb treats sb else in an unfair way, especially in order to make money from their work: the exploitation of children
2 the use of land, oil, minerals, etc: commercial exploitation of the mineral resources in Antarctica
3 (disapproving) the fact of using a situation in order to get an advantage for yourself: exploitation of the situation for his own purposes
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ex.ploit.ative
(AmE also ex.ploit.ive ) adj. treating sb unfairly in order to gain an advantage or to make money: an exploitative economic system
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ex.plor.ation
noun [C, U]
1 the act of travelling through a place in order to find out about it or look for sth in it: the exploration of space  oil exploration (= searching for oil in the ground)
2 an examination of sth in order to find out about it: the book’s explorations of the human mind
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ex.plora.tory
adj. done with the intention of examining sth in order to find out more about it: exploratory surgery  exploratory drilling for oil
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ex.plore
verb
1 ~ (sth) (for sth) to travel to or around an area or a country in order to learn about it: [vn] The city is best explored on foot.  They explored the land to the south of the Murray river.  [v] As soon as we arrived on the island we were eager to explore.  companies exploring for (= searching for) oil
2 [vn] to examine sth completely or carefully in order to find out more about it: These ideas will be explored in more detail in chapter 7.
3 [vn] to feel sth with your hands or another part of the body: She explored the sand with her toes.—see also UNEXPLORED
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ex.plorer
noun a person who travels to unknown places in order to find out more about them
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ex.plo.sion
noun
1 [C, U] the sudden violent bursting and loud noise of sth such as a bomb exploding; the act of deliberately causing sth to explode: a bomb / nuclear / gas explosion  There were two loud explosions and then the building burst into flames.  Bomb Squad officers carried out a controlled explosion of the device.  300 people were injured in the explosion.
2 [C] a large, sudden or rapid increase in the amount or number of sth: a population explosion  an explosion of interest in learning Japanese
3 [C] (formal) a sudden, violent expression of emotion, especially anger
SYN OUTBURST
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ex.plo.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 easily able or likely to explode: an explosive device (= a bomb)  an explosive mixture of chemicals
2 likely to cause violence or strong feelings of anger or hatred: a potentially explosive situation
3 often having sudden violent or angry feelings: an explosive temper
4 increasing suddenly and rapidly: the explosive growth of the export market
5 (of a sound) sudden and loud
ex.plo.sive.ly adv.

noun [C, U] a substance that is able or likely to cause an explosion: nuclear / plastic explosives  The bomb was packed with several pounds of high explosive .

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ex.po.nent
noun
1 a person who supports an idea, theory, etc. and persuades others that it is good: She was a leading exponent of free trade during her political career
2 a person who is able to perform a particular activity with skill: the most famous exponent of the art of mime
3 (mathematics) a raised figure or symbol that shows how many times a quantity must be multiplied by itself, for example the figure 4 in a4
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ex.po.nen.tial
adj.
1 (mathematics) of or shown by an exponent : 2 4 is an exponential expression.  an exponential curve / function
2 (written) (of a rate of increase) becoming faster and faster: exponential growth / increase
ex.po.nen.ti.al.ly adv.: to increase exponentially
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ex.port
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (to sb) to sell and send goods to another country: [vn] The islands export sugar and fruit.  90% of the engines are exported to Europe. [alsov]
2 [vn] to introduce an idea or activity to another country or area: American pop music has been exported around the world.
OPP IMPORT

noun
1 [U] the selling and transporting of goods to another country: a ban on the export of live cattle  This is where the fruit is packaged for export .  export earnings / markets / industries  an export licence
2 [C, usually pl.] a product that is sold to another country: the country’s major exports  a fall in the value of exports
OPP IMPORT

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ex.port.ation
noun [U] the process of transporting goods to another country for sale
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ex.port.er
noun a person, company or country that sells goods to another country: the world’s largest / major / leading exporter of cars  The country is now a net exporter of fuel (= it exports more than it imports).—compare IMPORTER
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ex.pose
verb [vn]
SHOW STH HIDDEN|
1 to show sth that is usually hidden: He smiled suddenly, exposing a set of amazingly white teeth.  Miles of sand are exposed at low tide.  My job as a journalist is to expose the truth.  He did not want to expose his fears and insecurity to anyone.
SHOW TRUTH|
2 to tell the true facts about a person or a situation, and show them/it to be immoral, illegal, etc: She was exposed as a liar and a fraud.  He threatened to expose the racism that existed within the police force.
TO STH HARMFUL|
3 ~ sb/sth / yourself (to sth) to put sb/sth in a place or situation where they are not protected from sth harmful or unpleasant: to expose yourself to criticism / ridicule  Do not expose babies to strong sunlight.
GIVE EXPERIENCE|
4 ~ sb to sth to let sb find out about sth by giving them experience of it or showing them what it is like: We want to expose the kids to as much art and culture as possible.
FILM IN CAMERA|
5 to allow light onto the film inside a camera when taking a photograph
YOURSELF|
6 ~ yourself a man who exposes himself, shows his sexual organs in public in a way that is offensive to other people—see also EXPOSURE
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ex.posé
noun an account of the facts of a situation, especially when these are shocking or have deliberately been kept secret
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ex.posed
adj.
1 (of a place) not protected from the weather by trees, buildings or high ground
2 (of a person) not protected from attack or criticism: She was left feeling exposed and vulnerable.
3 (finance) likely to experience financial losses
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ex.pos.ition
noun (formal)
1 [C, U] a full explanation of a theory, plan, etc: a clear and detailed exposition of their legal position
2 [C] (rare) an event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods; a TRADE FAIR
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ex.pos.tu.late
verb [v, v speech] (formal) to argue, disagree or protest about sth
ex.pos.tu.la.tion noun [U, C]
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ex.pos.ure
noun
TO STH HARMFUL|
1 [U] ~ (to sth) the state of being in a place or situation where there is no protection from sth harmful or unpleasant: prolonged exposure to harmful radiation   (finance) the company’s exposure on the foreign exchange markets (= to the risk of making financial losses)
SHOWING TRUTH|
2 [U] the state of having the true facts about sb/sth told after they have been hidden because they are bad, immoral or illegal: exposure as a liar and a fraud  the exposure of illegal currency deals
ON TV / IN NEWSPAPERS, etc.|
3 [U] the fact of being discussed or mentioned on television, in newspapers, etc.
SYN PUBLICITY : Her new movie has had a lot of exposure in the media.
MEDICAL CONDITION|
4 [U] a medical condition caused by being out in very cold weather for too long without protection: Two climbers were brought in suffering from exposure.
FILM IN CAMERA|
5 [C] a length of film in a camera that is used to take a photograph: There are three exposures left on this roll of film.
6 [C] the length of time for which light is allowed to reach the film when taking a photograph: I used a long exposure for this one.
SHOWING STH HIDDEN|
7 [U] the act of showing sth that is usually hidden—see also INDECENT EXPOSURE
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ex.pound
verb ~ sth (to sb)| ~ on sth (formal) to explain sth by talking about it in detail: [vn] He expounded his views on the subject to me at great length.  [v] We listened as she expounded on the government’s new policies.
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ex.press
verb, adj., adv., noun
verb
1 to show or make known a feeling, an opinion, etc. by words, looks or actions: [vn] Teachers have expressed concern about the emphasis on testing.  His views have been expressed in numerous speeches.  to express fears / doubts / reservations  to express interest / regret / surprise  [v wh-] Words cannot express how pleased I am.
2 ~ yourself to speak, write or communicate in some other way what you think or feel: [vn] Teenagers often have difficulty expressing themselves.  Perhaps I have not expressed myself very well.  She expresses herself most fully in her paintings.   (formal) [vn-adj] They expressed themselves delighted.
3 [vn] ~ itself (formal) (of a feeling) to become obvious in a particular way: Their pleasure expressed itself in a burst of applause.
4 [vn] ~ sth as / in sth (especially mathematics) to represent sth in a particular way, for example by symbols: The figures are expressed as percentages.  Educational expenditure is often expressed in terms of the amount spent per student.—see also UNEXPRESSED

adj. [only before noun]
1 travelling very fast; sent or done very quickly: an express bus / coach / train  express delivery services
2 (formal) (of a wish or an aim) clearly and openly stated
SYN DEFINITE : It was his express wish that you should have his gold watch after he died.  I came here with the express purpose of speaking with the manager.

adv. (especially BrE ) using a special fast service: I’d like to send this parcel express, please.

noun
1 (also ex'press train) [C] a fast train that does not stop at many places: the 8.27 express to Edinburgh  the Trans-Siberian Express
2 (also ,special de'livery) [U] (BrE) a service for sending or transporting things quickly

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ex.pres.sion
noun
SHOWING FEELINGS / IDEAS|
1 [U, C] things that people say, write or do in order to show their feelings, opinions and ideas: an expression of support  Expressions of sympathy flooded in from all over the country.  Freedom of expression (= freedom to say what you think) is a basic human right.   (formal) The poet’s anger finds expression in (= is shown in) the last verse of the poem.  Only in his dreams does he give expression to his fears.
ON FACE|
2 [C] a look on a person’s face that shows their thoughts or feelings: There was a worried expression on her face.  an expression of amazement / disbelief / horror  His expression changed from surprise to one of amusement.  The expression in her eyes told me something was wrong.  facial expressions
WORDS|
3 [C] a word or phrase: a polite / slang / old-fashioned expression   (spoken) He’s a pain in the butt, if you’ll pardon the expression .
IN MUSIC / ACTING|
4 [U] a strong show of feeling when you are playing music, speaking, acting, etc: Try to put a little more expression into it!
MATHEMATICS|
5 [C] a group of signs that represent an idea or a quantity
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ex.pres.sion.ism
(also Expressionism) noun [U] a style and movement in early 20th century art, theatre, cinema and music that tries to express people’s feelings and emotions rather than showing events or objects in a realistic way
ex.pres.sion.ist (also Expressionist) noun: the younger Expressionists
ex.pres.sion.ist (also Expressionist) adj.: expressionist art / cinema
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ex.pres.sion.less
adj. not showing feelings, thoughts, etc: an expressionless face / tone / voice—compare EXPRESSIVE
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ex.pres.sive
adj.
1 showing or able to show your thoughts and feelings: She has wonderfully expressive eyes.  the expressive power of his music—compare EXPRESSIONLESS
2 [not before noun] ~ of sth (formal) showing sth; existing as an expression of sth: Every word and gesture is expressive of the artist’s sincerity.
ex.pres.sive.ly adv.
ex.pres.sive.ness noun [U]
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ex.press.ly
adv. (formal)
1 clearly; definitely: She was expressly forbidden to touch my papers.
2 for a special and deliberate purpose
SYN ESPECIALLY : The rule was introduced expressly for this purpose.
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ex.press.way
noun = FREEWAY
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ex.pro.pri.ate
verb [vn]
1 (formal orlaw) (of a government or an authority) to officially take away private property from its owner for public use
2 (formal) to take sb’s property and use it without permission
ex.pro.pri.ation noun [U]
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ex.pul.sion
noun ~ (from … )
1 [U, C] the act of forcing sb to leave a place; the act of EXPELLING sb: These events led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from the country.
2 [U, C] the act of sending sb away from a school or an organization, so that they can no longer belong to it; the act of EXPELLING sb: The headteacher threatened the three girls with expulsion.  The club faces expulsion from the football league.
3 [U] (formal) the act of sending or driving a substance out of your body or a container
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ex.punge
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (formal) to remove or get rid of sth, such as a name, piece of information or a memory, from a book or list, or from your mind: Details of his criminal activities were expunged from the file.  What happened just before the accident was expunged from his memory.
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ex.pur.gate
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to remove or leave out parts of a piece of writing or a conversation when printing or reporting it, because you think those parts could offend people: She gave an expurgated account of what had happened.
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ex.quis.ite
adj.
1 extremely beautiful or carefully made: exquisite craftsmanship  Her wedding dress was absolutely exquisite.
2 (formal) (of a feeling) strongly felt
SYN ACUTE : exquisite pain / pleasure
3 (formal) delicate and sensitive: The room was decorated in exquisite taste.  an exquisite sense of timing
ex.quis.ite.ly adv.
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,ex-'serviceman, ,ex-'service woman
noun (pl.-men -women ) (BrE ) a person who used to be in the armed forces
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ext.
abbr. (used as part of a telephone number) extension: Ext. 4299
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ex.tant
adj. (formal) (of sth very old) still in existence: extant remains of the ancient wall
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ex.tem.pore
adj. (formal) spoken or done without any previous thought or preparation: an extempore speech
ex.tem.pore adv.
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ex.tem.por.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] (formal) to speak or perform without preparing or practising
SYN IMPROVISE
ex.tem.por.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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ex.tend
verb
MAKE LONGER / LARGER / WIDER|
1 [vn] to make sth longer or larger: to extend a fence / road / house  There are plans to extend the no-smoking area.
2 [vn] to make sth last longer: to extend a deadline / visa  The show has been extended for another six weeks.  Careful maintenance can extend the life of your car by several years.
3 [vn] to make a business, an idea, an influence, etc. cover more areas or operate in more places: The company plans to extend its operations into Europe.  The school is extending the range of subjects taught.
INCLUDE|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to relate to or include sb/sth: The offer does not extend to employees' partners.  His willingness to help did not extend beyond making a few phone calls.
COVER AREA / TIME / DISTANCE|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to cover a particular area, distance or length of time: Our land extends as far as the river.  His writing career extended over a period of 40 years.
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make sth reach sth or stretch: to extend a rope between two posts
PART OF BODY|
7 [vn] to stretch part of your body, especially an arm or a leg, away from yourself: He extended his hand to (= offered to shake hands with) the new employee.   (figurative) to extend the hand of friendship to (= try to have good relations with) another country
OFFER / GIVE|
8 [vn] ~ sth to sb (formal) to offer or give sth to sb: I’m sure you will join me in extending a very warm welcome to our visitors.  to extend hospitality to overseas students  to extend an invitation  The bank refused to extend credit to them (= to lend them money). [alsovnn]
USE EFFORT / ABILITY|
9 [vn] [often passive] to make sb/sth use all their effort, abilities, supplies, etc: Jim didn’t really have to extend himself in the exam.  Hospitals were already fully extended because of the epidemic.—see also EXTENSION , EXTENSIVE
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ex.tend.able
(also ex.tend.ible) adj. that can be made longer, or made valid for a longer time: an extendable ladder  The visa is for 14 days, extendable to one month.
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ex.tend.ed
adj. [only before noun] long or longer than usual or expected: an extended lunch hour
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ex,tended 'family
noun a family group with a close relationship among the members that includes not only parents and children but also uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.—compare NUCLEAR FAMILY
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ex.ten.sion
noun
INCREASING INFLUENCE|
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth) the act of increasing the area of activity, group of people, etc. that is affected by sth: the extension of new technology into developing countries  a gradual extension of the powers of central government  The bank plans various extensions to its credit facilities.
OF BUILDING|
2 [C] ~ (to sth) (BrE) (AmE add.ition) a new room or rooms that are added to a house
3 [C] a new part that is added to a building: a planned two-storey extension to the hospital
EXTRA TIME|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) an extra period of time allowed for sth: He’s been granted an extension of the contract for another year.  a visa extension   (BrE) The pub had an extension (= was allowed to stay open longer) on Christmas Eve.
TELEPHONE|
5 [C] (abbr.ext.) an extra telephone line connected to a central telephone in a house or to a SWITCHBOARD in a large building. In a large building, each extension usually has its own number: We have an extension in the bedroom.  What’s your extension number?  Can I have extension 4332 please?
MAKING STH LARGER|
6 [U, C] the act of making sth longer or larger; the thing that is made longer and larger: The extension of the subway will take several months.  extensions to the original railway track  hair extensions (= pieces of artificial hair that are added to your hair to make it longer)
COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY|
7 [C] (AmE) a part of a college or university that offers courses to students who are not studying FULL-TIME ; a programme of study for these students: La Salle Extension University  extension courses
COMPUTING|
8 the set of three letters that are placed after a dot at the end of the name of a file and that show what type of file it is
ELECTRICAL|
9 [C] (BrE) = EXTENSION LEAD by ex'tension (formal) taking the argument or situation one stage further: The blame lies with the teachers and, by extension, with the Education Service.
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ex'tension lead
(also extension) (both BrE ) (AmEex'tension cord) noun an extra length of electric wire, used when the wire on an electrical device is not long enough
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ex.ten.sive
adj.
1 covering a large area; great in amount: The house has extensive grounds.  The fire caused extensive damage.  She suffered extensive injuries in the accident.  Extensive repair work is being carried out.  an extensive range of wines
2 including or dealing with a wide range of information: Extensive research has been done into this disease.  His knowledge of music is extensive.
ex.ten.sive.ly adv.: a spice used extensively in Eastern cooking  She has travelled extensively.
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ex.tent
noun [sing., U]
1 how large, important, serious, etc. sth is: It is difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.  She was exaggerating the true extent of the problem.  I was amazed at the extent of his knowledge.
2 the physical size of an area: You can’t see the full extent of the beach from here.
IDM to … extent used to show how far sth is true or how great an effect it has: To a certain extent, we are all responsible for this tragic situation.  He had changed to such an extent (= so much) that I no longer recognized him.  To some extent what she argues is true.  The pollution of the forest has seriously affected plant life and, to a lesser extent , wildlife.  To what extent is this true of all schools?  The book discusses the extent to which (= how much) family life has changed over the past 50 years.
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ex.tenu.at.ing
adj. [only before noun] (formal) showing reasons why a wrong or illegal act, or a bad situation, should be judged less seriously or excused: There were extenuating circumstances and the defendant did not receive a prison sentence.
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ex.ter.ior
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] the outside of sth, especially a building: The exterior of the house needs painting.
OPP INTERIOR
2 [sing.] the way that sb appears or behaves, especially when this is very different from their real feelings or character: Beneath his confident exterior, he was desperately nervous.

adj. [usually before noun] on the outside of sth; done or happening outdoors: exterior walls / surfaces  The filming of the exterior scenes was done on the moors.
OPP INTERIOR

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ex.ter.min.ate
verb [vn] to kill all the members of a group of people or animals
SYN WIPE OUT : Fur seals were nearly exterminated a few years ago.
ex.ter.min.ation noun [U]
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ex.ter.nal
adj.
1 connected with or situated on the outside of sth/sb: the external walls of the building  The lotion is for external use only (= only for the skin and must not be swallowed).
2 happening or coming from outside a place, an organization, your particular situation, etc: A combination of internal and external factors caused the company to close down.  external pressures on the economy  Many external influences can affect your state of mind.
3 coming from or arranged by sb from outside a school, a university or an organization: (BrE) external examiners / assessors  An external auditor will verify the accounts.
4 connected with foreign countries: The government is committed to reducing the country’s external debt.  the Minister of State for External Affairs
OPP INTERNAL
ex.ter.nal.ly adv.: The building has been restored externally and internally.  The university has many externally funded research projects.
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ex.ter.nal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to show what you are thinking and feeling by what you say or do—compare INTERNALIZE
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ex.ter.nals
noun [pl.] (formal) the outer appearance of sth
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ex.tinct
adj.
1 (of a type of plant, animal, etc.) no longer in existence: an extinct species  to become extinct
2 (of a type of person, job or way of life) no longer in existence in society: Servants are now almost extinct in modern society.
3 (of a VOLCANO ) no longer active
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ex.tinc.tion
noun [U] a situation in which a plant, an animal, a way of life etc. stops existing: a tribe threatened with extinction / in danger of extinction   The mountain gorilla is on the verge of extinction .
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ex.tin.guish
verb [vn]
1 to make a fire stop burning or a light stop shining
SYN PUT OUT : Firefighters tried to extinguish the flames.   (formal) All lights had been extinguished.
2 to destroy sth: News of the bombing extinguished all hope of peace.
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ex.tin.guish.er
noun = FIRE EXTINGUISHER
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ex.tirp.ate
verb [vn] (rare, formal) to destroy or get rid of sth that is bad or not wanted
ex.tir.pa.tion noun [U]
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extol
verb (-ll-) [vn] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to praise sb/sth very much: Doctors often extol the virtues of eating less fat.  She was extolled as a genius.
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ex.tort
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb) to make sb give you sth by threatening them: The gang extorted money from over 30 local businesses.
ex.tor.tion noun [U, C]: He was arrested and charged with extortion.
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ex.tor.tion.ate
adj. (disapproving) (of prices, etc.) much too high
SYN EXCESSIVE , OUTRAGEOUS : They are offering loans at extortionate rates of interest.
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extra
adj., noun, adv.
adj. more than is usual, expected, or than exists already
SYN ADDITIONAL : Breakfast is provided at no extra charge.  The conference is going to be a lot of extra work.  an extra pint of milk  The government has promised an extra £1 billion for health care.  Take extra care on the roads this evening.—see also EXTRA TIME

noun
1 a thing that is added to sth that is not usual, standard or necessary and that costs more: The monthly fee is fixed and there are no hidden extras (= unexpected costs).   (BrE) Music is an optional extra (= a thing you can choose to have or not, but must pay more for if you have it) at our school.
2 a person who is employed to play a very small part in a film/movie, usually as a member of a crowd: We need hundreds of extras for the battle scenes.

adv.
1 in addition; more than is usual, expected or exists already: to charge / pay / cost extra  I need to earn a bit extra this month.  The rate for a room is £30, but breakfast is extra.
2 (with an adjective or adverb) more than usually: You need to be extra careful not to make any mistakes.  an extra large T-shirt  She tried extra hard.

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extra-
prefix (in adjectives)
1 outside; beyond: extramarital sex  extraterrestrial beings
2 (informal) very; more than usual: extra-thin  extra-special
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ex.tract
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (from sth) a short passage from a book, piece of music, etc. that gives you an idea of what the whole thing is like: The following extract is taken from her new novel.
2 [U, C] a substance that has been obtained from sth else using a particular process: yeast / malt extract  face cream containing natural plant extracts   (AmE) vanilla extract—see also ESSENCE

verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth)
1 to remove or obtain a substance from sth, for example by using an industrial or a chemical process: a machine that extracts excess moisture from the air  to extract essential oils from plants
2 to obtain information, money, etc., often by taking it from sb who is unwilling to give it: Journalists managed to extract all kinds of information about her private life.
3 to choose information, etc. from a book, a computer, etc. to be used for a particular purpose: This article is extracted from his new book.
4 (formal) to take or pull sth out, especially when this needs force or effort: The dentist may decide that the wisdom teeth need to be extracted.  He rifled through his briefcase and extracted a file.
5 (formal) to get a particular feeling or quality from a situation
SYN DERIVE : They are unlikely to extract much benefit from the trip.

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ex.trac.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act or process of removing or obtaining sth from sth else: oil / mineral / coal extraction  the extraction of salt from the sea
2 [U] of … extraction (formal) having a particular family origin: an American of Hungarian extraction
3 [C] (technical) the removal of a tooth
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ex.tract.or
(also ex'tractor fan) noun a device that removes hot air, unpleasant smells, etc. from a room
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,extra-cur'ricular
adj. [usually before noun] not part of the usual course of work or studies at a school or college: She’s involved in many extra-curricular activities .
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extra.dite
verb [vn] ~ sb (to … ) (from … ) to officially send back sb who has been accused or found guilty of a crime to the country where the crime was committed: The British government attempted to extradite the suspects from Belgium.
extra.di.tion noun [U, C]: the extradition of terrorist suspects  an extradition treaty  to start extradition proceedings
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extra.judi.cial
adj. happening outside the normal power of the law
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extra.mar.it.al
adj. happening outside marriage: an extramarital affair
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extra.mural
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (BrE) arranged by a university, college, etc. for people who only study PART-TIME : extramural education / studies / departments—see also EXTENSION (7)
2 (formal) happening or existing outside or separate from a place, an organization, etc: The hospital provides extramural care to patients who do not need to be admitted.
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ex.tra.ne.ous
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) not directly connected with the particular situation you are in or the subject you are dealing with
SYN IRRELEVANT : We do not want any extraneous information on the page.  We shall ignore factors extraneous to the problem.
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extra.or.din.aire
adj. (from French , approving, often humorous) used after nouns to say that sb is a good example of a particular kind of person: Houdini, escape artist extraordinaire
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extra.or.din.ary
adj.
1 unexpected, surprising or strange: It’s extraordinary that he managed to sleep through the party.  What an extraordinary thing to say!
2 not normal or ordinary; greater or better than usual: an extraordinary achievement  She was a truly extraordinary woman.  They went to extraordinary lengths to explain their behaviour.—compare ORDINARY
3 [only before noun] (formal) (of a meeting, etc.) arranged for a special purpose and happening in addition to what normally or regularly happens: An extraordinary meeting was held to discuss the problem.
4 (following nouns) (technical) (of an official) employed for a special purpose in addition to the usual staff: an envoy extraordinary
extra.or.din.ar.ily adv.: He behaves extraordinarily for someone in his position.  extraordinarily difficult  She did extraordinarily well.
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ex.trapo.late
verb ~ (sth) (from / to sth) (formal) to estimate sth or form an opinion about sth, using the facts that you have now and that are valid for one situation and supposing that they will be valid for the new one: [v] The figures were obtained by extrapolating from past trends.  [vn] We have extrapolated these results from research done in other countries.
ex.trapo.la.tion [U, C]: Their age can be determined by extrapolation from their growth rate.
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extra.sens.ory perception
noun [U] = ESP
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extra.ter.res.trial
noun, adj.
noun (in stories) a creature that comes from another planet; a creature that may exist on another planet

adj. connected with life existing outside the planet Earth: extraterrestrial beings / life

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,extra 'time
(BrE ) (AmE over.time) noun [U] (sport ) a set period of time that is added to the end of a football game, etc., if there is no winner at the end of the normal period: They won by a single goal after extra time.
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ex.trava.gance
noun
1 [U] the act or habit of spending more money than you can afford or than is necessary
2 [C] something that you buy although it costs a lot of money, perhaps more than you can afford or than is necessary: Going to the theatre is our only extravagance.
3 [C, U] something that is impressive or noticeable because it is unusual or extreme: the extravagance of Strauss’s music
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ex.trava.gant
adj.
1 spending a lot more money or using a lot more of sth than you can afford or than is necessary: I felt very extravagant spending £100 on a dress.  She’s got very extravagant tastes.  Residents were warned not to be extravagant with water, in view of the low rainfall this year.
2 costing a lot more money than you can afford or is necessary: an extravagant present
3 (of ideas, speech or behaviour) very extreme or impressive but not reasonable or practical
SYN EXAGGERATED : the extravagant claims / promises of politicians  I was embarrassed by all the extravagant praise I was getting.
ex.trava.gant.ly adv.: extravagantly expensive  extravagantly high hopes
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ex.trava.ganza
noun a large, expensive and impressive entertainment: a musical extravaganza
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ex.tra.vert
(rare) = EXTROVERT
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ex.treme
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] very great in degree: We are working under extreme pressure at the moment.  thousands of people living in extreme poverty  The heat in the desert was extreme.
2 not ordinary or usual; serious or severe: Children will be removed from their parents only in extreme circumstances .  Don’t go doing anything extreme like leaving the country.  It was the most extreme example of cruelty to animals I had ever seen.  extreme weather conditions  extreme sports (= dangerous sports, for example SNOWBOARDING and BUNGEE JUMPING )
3 (of people, political organizations, opinions, etc.) far from what most people consider to be normal, reasonable or acceptable: extreme left-wing / right-wing views
4 [only before noun] as far as possible from the centre, the beginning or in the direction mentioned: Kerry is in the extreme west of Ireland.  She sat on the extreme edge of her seat.

noun
1 a feeling, situation, way of behaving, etc. that is as different as possible from another or is opposite to it: extremes of love and hate  He used to be very shy, but now he’s gone to the opposite extreme (= changed from one extreme kind of behaviour to another).
2 the greatest or highest degree of sth: extremes of cold, wind or rain
IDM go, etc. to ex'tremes | take sth to ex'tremes to act or be forced to act in a way that is far from normal or reasonable: It’s embarrassing the extremes he’ll go to in order to impress his boss.  Taken to extremes, this kind of behaviour can be dangerous. in the ex'treme (formal) to a great degree: The journey would be dangerous in the extreme.

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ex.treme.ly
adv. (usually with adjectives and adverbs) to a very high degree: extremely important / useful / complicated  She found it extremely difficult to get a job.
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ex.tre.mis
IN EXTREMIS
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ex.trem.ism
noun [U] political, religious, etc. ideas or actions that are extreme and not normal, reasonable or acceptable to most people: political extremism
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ex.trem.ist
noun (usually disapproving) a person whose opinions, especially about religion or politics, are extreme, and who may do things that are violent, illegal, etc. for what they believe: left-wing / right-wing / political / religious extremists
ex.trem.ist adj. [usually before noun]: extremist attacks / groups / policies
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ex.trem.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] the furthest point, end or limit of sth: The lake is situated at the eastern extremity of the mountain range.
2 [C, U] the degree to which a situation, a feeling, an action, etc. is extreme, difficult or unusual: the extremities / extremity of pain
3 (extremities) [pl.] (formal) the parts of your body that are furthest from the centre, especially your hands and feet
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ex.tri.cate
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself (from sth) (written)
1 to escape or enable sb to escape from a difficult situation: He had managed to extricate himself from most of his official duties.
2 to free sb/sth or yourself from a place where they/it or you are trapped: They managed to extricate the pilot from the tangled control panel.
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ex.trin.sic
adj. (formal) not belonging naturally to sb/sth; coming from or existing outside sb/sth rather than within them: extrinsic factors—compare INTRINSIC
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ex.tro.vert
(also less frequent ex.tra.vert) noun a lively and confident person who enjoys being with other people
OPP INTROVERT
ex.tro.vert (BrE) (also ex.tro.vert.edAmE, BrE) adj.
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ex.trude
verb
1 (formal) to force or push sth out of sth; to be forced or pushed in this way: [vn] Lava is extruded from the volcano. [alsov]
2 [vn] (technical) to shape metal or plastic by forcing it through a hole
ex.tru.sion noun [U]
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ex.uber.ant
adj.
1 full of energy, excitement and happiness: She gave an exuberant performance.  an exuberant personality / imagination  a picture painted in exuberant reds and yellows
2 (of plants, etc.) strong and healthy; growing quickly and well
ex.uber.ance noun [U]: We can excuse his behaviour as youthful exuberance.
ex.uber.ant.ly adv.
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exude
verb
1 if you exude a particular feeling or quality, or it exudes from you, people can easily see that you have it: [vn] She exuded confidence. [alsov]
2 if sth exudes a liquid or smell, or a liquid or smell exudes from somewhere, the liquid, etc. comes out slowly: [vn] The plant exudes a sticky fluid.  [v] An awful smell exuded from the creature’s body.
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exult
verb ~ (at / in sth) (formal) to feel and show that you are very excited and happy because of sth that has happened: [v] He leaned back, exulting at the success of his plan.  [v speech] ‘We won!’ she exulted. [alsov that]
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ex.ult.ant
adj. ~ (at sth) (formal) feeling or showing great pride or happiness especially because of sth exciting that has happened
SYN TRIUMPHANT : The fans were exultant at their team’s victory.
ex.ult.ant.ly adv.
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ex.ult.ation
noun [U] (formal) great pride or happiness, especially because of sth exciting that has happened
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-ey
-Y
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eye
noun, verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] either of the two organs on the face that you see with: The suspect has dark hair and green eyes.  to close / open your eyes  to drop / lower your eyes (= to look down)  There were tears in his eyes.  I have something in my eye.  to make / avoid eye contact with sb (= to look / avoid looking at them at the same time as they look at you)  All eyes were on him (= everyone was looking at him) as he walked on to the stage.—see also BLACK EYE , SHUT-EYE —picture at BODY
2 (-eyed) (in adjectives) having the type or number of eyes mentioned: a blue-eyed blonde  a one-eyed monster
ABILITY TO SEE|
3 [sing.] the ability to see: A surgeon needs a good eye and a steady hand.—see also EAGLE EYE
WAY OF SEEING|
4 [C, usually sing.] a particular way of seeing sth: He looked at the design with the eye of an engineer.  She viewed the findings with a critical eye.  To my eye , the windows seem out of proportion.  She can do no wrong in his eyes .
OF NEEDLE|
5 [C] the hole in the end of a needle that you put the thread through—picture at SEW
ON CLOTHES|
6 [C] a small thin piece of metal curved round, that a small hook fits into, used for fastening clothes: It fastens with a hook and eye .—picture at FASTENER
OF STORM|
7 [sing.] a / the ~ of a / the storm, tornado, hurricane, etc. a calm area at the centre of a storm, TORNADO , etc.
ON POTATO|
8 [C] a dark mark on a potato from which another plant will grow—see also CATSEYE , BULLSEYE , THE EVIL EYE , FISHEYE LENS , RED-EYE be all 'eyes to be watching sb/sth carefully and with a lot of interest before / in front of sb’s (very) eyes in sb’s presence; in front of sb: He had seen his life’s work destroyed before his very eyes. be up to your eyes in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with: We’re up to our eyes in work. cast / run an eye / your eyes over sth to look at or examine sth quickly: Could you just run your eyes over this report? clap / lay / set eyes on sb/sth (spoken) (usually used in negative sentences) to see sb/sth: I haven’t clapped eyes on them for weeks.  I hope I never set eyes on this place again! an ,eye for an 'eye (and a ,tooth for a 'tooth) (saying) used to say that you should punish sb by doing to them what they have done to you or to sb else sb’s eyes are bigger than their 'stomach used to say that sb has been GREEDY by taking more food than they can eat for sb’s eyes 'only to be seen only by a particular person: I’ll lend you the letters but they’re for your eyes only. get / keep your 'eye in (BrE) (in ball games) to practise so that you are able to judge more clearly how fast and where the ball is going have an eye for sth to be able to judge if things look attractive, valuable, etc: I’ve never had much of an eye for fashion.  She has an eye for a bargain. have eyes in the back of your 'head to be aware of everything that is happening around you, even things that seem difficult or impossible to see have one eye / half an eye on sth to look at or watch sth while doing sth else, especially in a secret way so that other people do not notice: During his talk, most of the delegates had one eye on the clock. have your 'eye on sb
1 to be watching sb carefully, especially to check that they do not do anything wrong
2 to be thinking about asking sb out, offering sb a job, etc. because you think they are attractive, good at their job, etc: He’s got his eye on the new girl in your class. have your 'eye on sth to be thinking about buying sth in the eyes of the 'law, 'world, etc. according to the law, most people in the world, etc. keep an eye on sb/sth to take care of sb/sth and make sure that they are not harmed, damaged, etc: We’ve asked the neighbours to keep an eye on the house for us while we are away. keep an eye open / out (for sb/sth) to look for sb/sth while you are doing other things: Police have asked residents to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. keep your 'eyes peeled / skinned (for sb/sth) to look carefully for sb/sth: We kept our eyes peeled for any signs of life. look sb in the 'eye(s) / 'face (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to look straight at sb without feeling embarrassed or ashamed: Can you look me in the eye and tell me you’re not lying?  I’ll never be able to look her in the face again! make 'eyes at sb | give sb the 'eye to look at sb in a way that shows that you find them sexually attractive: He’s definitely giving you the eye! ,my 'eye! (BrE, spoken) used to show that you do not believe sb/sth: ‘It’s an antique.’‘An antique, my eye!’ not see eye to 'eye with sb (on sth) to not share the same views as sb about sth not (be able to) take your 'eyes off sb/sth to find sb/sth so interesting, attractive, etc. that you watch them all the time one in the eye (for sb/sth) (informal) a result, action, etc. that represents a defeat or disappointment for sb/sth: The appointment of a woman was one in the eye for male domination. only have eyes for / have eyes only for sb to be in love with only one particular person: He’s only ever had eyes for his wife. see, look at, etc. sth through sb’s eyes to think about or see sth from another person’s point of view: Try looking at it through her eyes for a change. shut / close your eyes to sth to pretend that you have not noticed sth so that you do not have to deal with it under the (watchful) eye of sb being watched carefully by sb: The children played under the watchful eye of their father. with an eye for / on / to the main chance (BrE, usually disapproving) with the hope of using a particular situation in order to gain some advantage for yourself with an eye to sth / to doing sth with the intention of doing sth: He bought the warehouse with an eye to converting it into a hotel. with your 'eyes open fully aware of the possible problems or results of a particular course of action: I went into this with my eyes open so I guess I only have myself to blame. with your 'eyes shut / closed having enough experience to be able to do sth easily: I’ve made this trip so often, I could do it with my eyes shut.—more at APPLE , BAT v. , BEAUTY , BELIEVE , BIRD , BLIND adj. , BLINK n. , BLUE adj. , CATCH v. , CLOSE^2adj. , COCK v. , CORNER n. , DRY n. , EASY adj. , FAR adv. , FEAST v. , HIT v. , MEET v. , MIND n. , NAKED , OPEN adj. , OPEN v. , PLEASE v. , PUBLIC adj. , PULL v. , ROVING , SIGHT n. , TWINKLING , WEATHER n.

verb (eye.ing or eying, eyed, eyed) [vn] to look at sb/sth carefully, especially because you want sth or you are suspicious of sth: to eye sb curiously / doubtfully / suspiciously / thoughtfully  He couldn’t help eyeing the cakes hungrily.  They eyed us with alarm. ,eye sb<->'up (informal) to look at sb in a way that shows you have a special interest in them, especially a sexual interest

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eye.ball
noun, verb
noun the whole of the eye, including the part inside the head that cannot be seen—picture at BODY
IDM ,eyeball to 'eyeball (with sb) very close to sb and looking at them, especially during an angry conversation, meeting, etc: The protesters and police stood eyeball to eyeball.  an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation be up to your eyeballs in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with: They’re up to their eyeballs in work.—more at DRUG v.

verb [vn] (informal) to look at sb/sth in a way that is very direct and not always polite or friendly: They eyeballed each other across the room.

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eye.brow
(also brow) noun [usually pl.] the line of hair above the eye—picture at BODY
IDM be up to your eyebrows in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with: He’s in it (= trouble) up to his eyebrows.—more at RAISE v.
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'eye-catching
adj. (of a thing) immediately noticeable because it is particularly interesting, bright or attractive: an eye-catching advertisement
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eye.ful
noun
1 an amount of sth such as liquid or dust that has been thrown, or blown into your eye: an eyeful of sand
2 (informal) a person or thing that is beautiful or interesting to look at
IDM have / get an eyeful (of sth) (BrE, spoken) to look carefully at sth that is interesting or unusual
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eye.glass
noun
1 a LENS for one eye used to help you see more clearly with that eye
2 (eyeglasses) (AmE) = GLASSES
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eye.lash
(also lash) noun [usually pl.] one of the hairs growing on the edge of the EYELIDS : false eyelashes  She just flutters her eyelashes and the men come running!—picture at BODY
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eye.let
noun a hole with a metal ring around it in a piece of cloth or leather normally used for passing a rope or string through
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'eye level
noun [U] the height of a person’s eyes: Computer screens should be at eye level.  an eye-level grill / oven / monitor
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eye.lid
(also lid) noun either of the pieces of skin above and below the eye that cover it when you BLINK or close the eye—picture at BODY
IDM see BAT v.
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eye.liner
(also liner) noun [U] a type of MAKE-UP , usually black, that is put around the edge of the eyes to make them more noticeable and attractive
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'eye-opener
noun [usually sing.] an event, experience, etc. that is surprising and shows you sth that you did not already know: Travelling around India was a real eye-opener for me.
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eye.patch
noun a piece of fabric worn over one eye, usually because the eye is damaged
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eye.piece
noun the piece of glass (= a LENS ) at the end of a TELESCOPE or MICROSCOPE that you look through—picture at LABORATORY
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eye.shadow
noun [C, U] a type of coloured MAKE-UP that is put on the skin above the eyes (= the EYELIDS ) to make them look more attractive
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eye.sight
noun [U] the ability to see: to have good / bad / poor eyesight  an eyesight test  note at SIGHT
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eye.sore
noun a building, an object, etc. that is unpleasant to look at: That old factory is a real eyesore!
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'eye teeth
noun [pl.]
IDM give your eye teeth for sth / to do sth (informal) used when you are saying that you want sth very much: I’d give my eye teeth to own a car like that.
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eye.wit.ness
noun a person who has seen a crime, accident, etc. and can describe it afterwards: an eyewitness account of the suffering of the refugees—see also WITNESS
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eyrie
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually aerie) noun
1 a nest that is built high up among rocks by a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) such as an EAGLE
2 a room or building in a high place that is often difficult to reach and from which sb can see what is happening below
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F
noun, abbr.
noun (also f) [C, U] (pl.F’s, f’s )
1 the 6th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Fox’ begins with (an) F / ‘F’.
2 (F) (music) the fourth note in the scale of C MAJOR
3 the 6th highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work, showing that it is very bad and the student has failed: He got (an) F / ‘F’ in / for Chemistry.—see also F-WORD

abbr.
1 FAHRENHEIT : Water freezes at 32°F.
2 (BrE) (in academic titles) FELLOW of: FRCM (= Fellow of the Royal College of Music)

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f
(BrE ) (also f.AmE, BrE) abbr.
1 female
2 (grammar) feminine
3 (music) loudly (from Italian ‘forte’)
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fa
= FAH
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fab
adj. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) extremely good
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fable
noun
1 [C, U] a traditional short story that teaches a moral lesson, especially one with animals as characters; these stories considered as a group: Aesop’s Fables  a land rich in fable
2 [U, C] a statement, or an account of sth, that is not true
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fabled
adj. (literary or humorous) famous and often talked about, but rarely seen: a fabled monster  For the first week he never actually saw the fabled Jack.—compare LEGENDARY
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fab.ric
noun
1 [U, C] material made by weaving wool, cotton, silk, etc., used for making clothes, curtains, etc. and for covering furniture: cotton / knitted fabric  furnishing fabrics—picture at SEW —
2 [sing.] the ~ (of sth) (written) the basic structure of a society, an organization, etc. that enables it to function successfully: a trend which threatens the very fabric of society
3 [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the basic structure of a building, such as the walls, floor and roof
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fab.ri.cate
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to invent false information in order to deceive people: The evidence was totally fabricated.
2 (technical) to make or produce goods, equipment, etc. from various different materials
SYN MANUFACTURE
fab.ri.ca.tion noun [C, U]: Her story was a complete fabrication from start to finish.
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fabu.lous
adj.
1 (informal) extremely good: a fabulous performance / view  Jane is a fabulous cook.  The food looks fabulous.
2 (written) very great: fabulous wealth / riches / beauty
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fabu.lous.ly
adv. (written) extremely: fabulously wealthy / rich
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fa.çade
noun
1 the front of a building: a classical façade
2 [usually sing.] the way that sb/sth appears to be, which is different from the way sb/sth really is: She managed to maintain a façade of indifference.  Squalor and poverty lay behind the city’s glittering façade.
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face
noun, verb
noun
FRONT OF HEAD|
1 the front part of the head between the forehead and the chin: a pretty / round / freckled face  He buried his face in his hands.  You should have seen the look on her face when I told her!  The expression on his face never changed.—picture at BODY
EXPRESSION|
2 an expression that is shown on sb’s face : a sad / happy / smiling face  Her face lit up (= showed happiness) when she spoke of the past.  His face fell (= showed disappointment, sadness, etc.) when he read the headlines.  Sue’s face was a picture (= she looked very surprised, angry, etc.) as she listened to her husband’s speech.
-FACED|
3 (in adjectives) having the type of face or expression mentioned: pale-faced  grim-faced
PERSON|
4 (in compounds) used to refer to a person of the type mentioned: She looked around for a familiar face .  a well-known face on our television screens  It’s nice to see some new faces here this evening.  I’m fed up of seeing the same old faces every time we go out!
SIDE / SURFACE|
5 a side or surface of sth: the north face of the mountain  The birds build their nests in the rock face.  How many faces does a cube have?—see also COALFACE
FRONT OF CLOCK|
6 the front part of a clock or watch
CHARACTER / ASPECT|
7 ~ of sth (written) the particular character of sth: the changing face of Britain
8 ~ of sth a particular aspect of sth: the unacceptable face of capitalism—see also IN-YOUR-FACE , TYPEFACE , VOLTE-FACE disappear / vanish off the face of the 'earth to disappear completely: Keep looking—they can’t just have vanished off the face of the earth. sb’s face doesn’t fit used to say that sb will not get a particular job or position because they do not have the appearance, personality, etc. that the employer wants, even when this should not be important: It doesn’t matter how qualified you are, if your face doesn’t fit, you don’t stand a chance. sb’s face is like 'thunder | sb has a face like 'thunder sb looks very angry ,face to 'face (with sb) close to and looking at sb: The two have never met face to face before. ,face to 'face with sth in a situation where you have to accept that sth is true and deal with it: She was at an early age brought face to face with the horrors of war. ,face 'up / 'down
1 (of a person) with your face and stomach facing upwards/downwards: She lay face down on the bed.
2 (of a playing card) with the number or picture facing upwards/downwards: Place the card face up on the pile. have the 'face to do sth (BrE, informal) to do sth that other people think is rude or shows a lack of respect without feeling embarrassed or ashamed in the face of 'sth
1 in spite of problems, difficulties, etc: She showed great courage in the face of danger.
2 as a result of sth: He was unable to deny the charges in the face of new evidence. lose 'face to be less respected or look stupid because of sth you have done on the 'face of it (informal) used to say that sth seems to be good, true, etc. but that this opinion may need to be changed when you know more about it: On the face of it, it seems like a great deal. pull / make 'faces / a 'face (at sb) to produce an expression on your face to show that you do not like sb/sth or in order to make sb laugh: What are you pulling a face at now? put your 'face on (informal) to put on MAKE-UP set your face against sb/sth (written, especially BrE) to be determined to oppose sb/sth: Her father had set his face against the marriage. to sb’s 'face if you say sth to sb’s face, you say it to them directly rather than to other people—compare BEHIND SB’S BACK 'what’s his / her face (spoken) used to refer to a person whose name you cannot remember: Are you still working for what’s her face?—more at BLOW v. , BLUE adj. , BRAVE adj. , DOOR n. , FEED v. , EGG n. , EYE n. , FLAT adv. , FLY v. , LAUGH v. , LONG adj. , NOSE n. , PLAIN adj. , PRETTY adj. , SAVE v. , SHOW v. , SHUT v. , SLAP n. , STARE v. , STRAIGHT n. , WIPE v. , WRITE

verb
BE OPPOSITE|
1 to be opposite sb/sth; to have your face or front pointing towards sb/sth or in a particular direction: [vn] She turned and faced him.  Most of the rooms face the sea.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] The terrace faces south.  a north-facing wall  Stand with your feet apart and your hands facing upwards.  Which direction are you facing?—picture at FRONT n.
SB / STH DIFFICULT|
2 [vn] if you face a particular situation, or it faces you, you have to deal with it: the problems faced by one-parent families  The company is facing a financial crisis.  She’s faced with a difficult decision.
3 [vn] to accept that a difficult situation exists, although you would prefer not to: It’s not always easy to face the truth.  She had to face the fact that her life had changed forever.  Face facts —she isn’t coming back.  Let’s face it , we’re not going to win.
4 if you can’t face sth unpleasant, you feel unable or unwilling to deal with it: [vn] I just can’t face work today.  [v -ing] I can’t face seeing them.
5 [vn] to talk to or deal with sb, even though this is difficult or unpleasant: How can I face Tom? He’ll be so disappointed.
COVER SURFACE|
6 [vn] to cover a surface with another material: a brick building faced with stone face the 'music (informal) to accept and deal with criticism or punishment for sth you have done: The others all ran off, leaving me to face the music. ,face sb<->'down to oppose or beat sb by dealing with them directly and confidently ,face 'off (especially AmE)
1 to start a game such as ice hockey: Both teams are ready to face off.
2 to get ready to argue, fight or compete with sb: The candidates are preparing to face off on TV tonight.—related noun FACE-OFF ,face 'up to sth to accept and deal with sth that is difficult or unpleasant: She had to face up to the fact that she would never walk again.

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'face card
noun (especially AmE ) = COURT CARD
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face.cloth
noun (BrE ) = FLANNEL
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'face cream
noun [U, C] a thick cream that you put on your face to clean the skin or keep it soft
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face.less
adj. [usually before noun] (disapproving) having no noticeable characteristics or identity: faceless bureaucrats  faceless high-rise apartment blocks
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face.lift
noun [usually sing.]
1 a medical operation in which the skin on a person’s face is tightened in order to make them look younger: to have a facelift
2 changes made to a building, room or place to make it look more attractive: The town has recently been given a facelift.
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'face-off
noun
1 (informal, especially AmE) an argument or a fight: a face-off between the presidential candidates  There were minor face-offs between demonstrators and police.
2 the way of starting play in a game of ice hockey
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'face pack
noun (BrE ) a substance that you put on your face and take off after a short period of time, used to clean and improve the quality of your skin
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'face powder
noun powder that you put on your face to make it look less shiny
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'face-saving
adj. [only before noun] intended to protect sb’s reputation and to avoid embarrassment: a face-saving compromise
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facet
noun
1 ~ (of sth) a particular part or aspect of sth: Now let’s look at another facet of the problem.
2 one of the flat sides of a cut stone or jewel
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fa.cetious
adj. trying to appear amusing and intelligent at a time when other people do not think it is appropriate, and when it would be better to be serious: a facetious comment / remark  Stop being facetious; this is serious.
fa.cetious.ly adv.
fa.cetious.ness noun [U]
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,face 'value
noun [U, sing.] the value of a stamp, coin, ticket, etc. that is shown on the front of it: Tickets were changing hands at three times their face value.
IDM take sth at face 'value to believe that sth is what it appears to be, without questioning it: Taken at face value, the figures look very encouraging.  You shouldn’t take anything she says at face value.
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fa.cia
= FASCIA
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fa.cial
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a person’s face; on a person’s face: a facial expression / injury  facial hair
fa.cial.ly adv.: Facially the two men were very different.

noun a beauty treatment in which a person’s face is cleaned using creams, steam, etc. in order to improve the quality of the skin

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fa.cile
adj. (disapproving)
1 produced without effort or careful thought: a facile remark / generalization
2 [only before noun] (formal) obtained too easily and having little value: a facile victory
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fa.cili.tate
verb [vn] (formal) to make an action or a process possible or easier: The new trade agreement should facilitate more rapid economic growth.  Structured teaching facilitates learning.
fa.cili.ta.tion noun [U, sing.]
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fa.cili.ta.tor
noun
1 a person who helps sb do sth more easily by discussing problems, giving advice, etc. rather than telling them what to do: The teacher acts as a facilitator of learning.
2 (formal) a thing that helps a process take place
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fa.cil.ity
noun
1 (facilities) [pl.] buildings, services, equipment, etc. that are provided for a particular purpose: sports / leisure facilities  conference / storage facilities  shopping / banking / cooking facilities  The hotel has special facilities for welcoming disabled people.  All rooms have private facilities (= a private bathroom).
2 [C] a special feature of a machine, service, etc. that makes it possible to do sth extra: a bank account with an overdraft facility  a facility for checking spelling
3 [C] a place, usually including buildings, used for a particular purpose or activity: the world’s largest nuclear waste facility  a new health care facility
4 [sing., U] ~ (for sth) a natural ability to learn or do sth easily: She has a great facility for languages.  He plays the piano with surprising facility.
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fa.cing
noun
1 [C, U] a layer of brick, stone, etc. that covers the surface of a wall to make it look more attractive
2 [C, U] a layer of stiff material sewn around the inside of the neck, ARMHOLES , etc. of a piece of clothing to strengthen them
3 (facings) [pl.] the collar, cuffs , etc. of a piece of clothing that are made in a different colour or material
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fac.sim.ile
noun
1 [C] an exact copy of sth: a facsimile edition  a manuscript reproduced in facsimile
2 [C, U] (formal) = FAX : a facsimile machine
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fact
noun
1 [sing.] ~ (that … ) used to refer to a particular situation that exists: I could no longer ignore the fact that he was deeply unhappy.  Despite the fact that she was wearing a seat belt, she was thrown sharply forward.  Due to the fact that they did not read English, the prisoners were unaware of what they were signing.  She was happy apart from the fact that she could not return home.  Voluntary work was particularly important in view of the fact that women were often forced to give up paid work on marriage.  How do you account for the fact that unemployment is still rising?  The fact remains that we are still two teachers short.  The mere fact of being poor makes such children criminals in the eyes of the police.
2 [C] a thing that is known to be true, especially when it can be proved: Isn’t it a fact that the firm is losing money?   (informal) I haven’t spoken to anyone in English for days and that’s a fact .  I know for a fact (= I am certain) that she’s involved in something illegal.  The judge instructed both lawyers to stick to the facts of the case.  First, some basic facts about healthy eating!  The report is based on hard facts (= information that can be proved to be true).  If you’re going to make accusations, you’d better get your facts right (= make sure your information is correct).  It’s about time you learnt to face (the) facts (= accepted the truth about the situation).
3 [U] things that are true rather than things that have been invented: The story is based on fact.  It’s important to distinguish fact from fiction.
IDM ,after the 'fact after sth has happened or been done when it is too late to prevent it or change it: On some vital decisions employees were only informed after the fact. the fact (of the matter) is (that) … used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned: A new car would be wonderful but the fact of the matter is that we can’t afford one. a ,fact of 'life a situation that cannot be changed, especially one that is unpleasant ,facts and 'figures accurate and detailed information: I’ve asked to see all the facts and figures before I make a decision. the ,facts of 'life the details about sex and about how babies are born, especially as told to children the facts speak for them'selves it is not necessary to give any further explanation about sth because the information that is available already proves that it is true in (actual) fact
1 used to give extra details about sth that has just been mentioned: I used to live in France; in fact, not far from where you’re going.
2 used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned: I thought the work would be difficult. In actual fact, it’s very easy. Is that a 'fact? (spoken) used to reply to a statement that you find interesting or surprising, or that you do not believe: ‘She says I’m one of the best students she’s ever taught.’‘Is that a fact?’—more at MATTER n. , POINT n.
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'fact-finding
adj. [only before noun] that aims to find out information about a country, an organization, a situation, etc: a fact-finding mission / visit
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fac.tion
noun
1 [C] a small group of people within a larger one whose members have some different aims and beliefs to those of the larger group: rival factions within the administration
2 [U] opposition, disagreement, etc. that exists between small groups of people within an organization or political party: a party divided by faction and intrigue
3 [U] films/movies, books, etc. that combine fact with FICTION (= imaginary events)
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fac.tion.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with the factions of an organization or political party: factional conflict / infighting
fac.tion.al.ism noun [U]
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fac.ti.tious
adj. (rare, formal) not genuine but created deliberately and made to appear to be true
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fac.tor
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] one of several things that cause or influence sth: environmental / economic factors  The closure of the mine was the single most important factor in the town’s decline.  the key / crucial / deciding factor
2 [C] (mathematics) a number that divides into another number exactly: 2, 3, 4 and 6 are factors of 12.
3 [C] the amount by which sth increases or decreases: The real wage of the average worker has increased by a factor of over ten in the last 70 years.
4 [C] a particular level on a scale of measurement: a suntan lotion with a protection factor of 10  The wind-chill factor will make it seem colder.
5 [U] (medical) a substance in the blood that helps the CLOTTING process. There are several types of this substance: Haemophiliacs have no factor 8 in their blood
IDM see FEEL-GOOD

verb
PVR V ,factor sth<->'in| factor sth<->into sth (technical) to include a particular fact or situation when you are thinking about or planning sth: Remember to factor in staffing costs when you are planning the project.

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fac.tor.ial
noun (mathematics ) the result when you multiply a whole number by all the numbers below it: factorial 5 (represented as 5!) = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1
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fac.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a building or group of buildings where goods are made: a car factory  factory workers
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'factory farm
noun (BrE ) a type of farm in which animals are kept inside in small spaces and are fed special food so that a large amount of meat, milk, etc. is produced as quickly and cheaply as possible—compare BATTERY FARM
'factory farming noun [U]
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,factory 'floor
noun (often the factory floor) [sing.] the part of a factory where the goods are actually produced: Jobs are at risk, not just on the factory floor (= among the workers, rather than the managers) but throughout the business.
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'factory ship
noun a large ship used for catching fish, that has equipment for cleaning and freezing the fish on board
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fac.to.tum
noun (formal or humorous) a person employed to do a wide variety of jobs for sb
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'fact sheet
noun a piece of paper giving information about a subject, especially (in Britain) one discussed on a radio or television programme
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fac.tual
adj. based on or containing facts: a factual account of events  factual information / knowledge  The essay contains a number of factual errors.
fact.ual.ly adv.: factually correct / accurate
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fac.ulty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, usually pl.] any of the physical or mental abilities that a person is born with: the faculty of sight  She retained her mental faculties (= the ability to think and understand) until the day she died.  to be in full possession of your faculties (= be able to speak, hear, see, understand, etc.)
2 [sing.] ~ of / for (doing) sth (formal) a particular ability for doing sth: the faculty of understanding complex issues  a faculty for seeing his own mistakes
3 [C] a department or group of related departments in a college or university: the Faculty of Law  the Arts Faculty
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the teachers in a faculty of a college or university: the Law School faculty  a faculty meeting  faculty members
5 [C, U] (often the faculty) (AmE) all the teachers of a particular university or college: faculty members
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fad
noun something that people are interested in for only a short period of time: the latest / current fad  a fad for physical fitness  Rap music proved to be more than just a passing fad .
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faddy
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) liking some things and not others, especially food, in a way that other people think is unreasonable: a faddy eater
fad.di.ness noun [U]
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fade
verb
1 to become or to make sth become paler or less bright: [v] All colour had faded from the sky.  The curtains had faded in the sun.  [vn] The sun had faded the curtains.  He was wearing faded blue jeans.
2 [v] ~ (away) to disappear gradually: Her smile faded.  Hopes of reaching an agreement seem to be fading away.  His voice faded to a whisper (= gradually became quieter).  The laughter faded away.  All other issues fade into insignificance compared with the struggle for survival.
3 if a sports player, team, actor, etc. fades, they stop playing or performing as well as they did before: Black faded on the final bend.
IDM see WOODWORK
PVR V ,fade a'way (of a person) to become very weak or ill/sick and die: In the last weeks of her life she simply faded away. ,fade 'in / 'out to become clearer or louder / less clear or quieter: George saw the monitor black out and then a few words faded in. ,fade sth 'in / 'out to make a picture or a sound clearer or louder / less clear or quieter: Fade out the music at the end of the scene.
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'fade-out
noun [U, C] (in cinema or broadcasting) the process of making sound or a picture gradually less loud or clear
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fae.ces
(BrE ) (AmEfeces) noun [pl.] (formal) solid waste material that leaves the body through the ANUS
fae.cal (BrE) (AmEfecal) adj. [only before noun]
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faff
verb
PVR V ,faff a'bout / a'round (BrE, spoken) to spend time doing things in a way that is not well organized and that does not achieve much: Stop faffing about and get on with it!
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fag
noun
1 [C] (BrE, informal) = CIGARETTE
2 [C] (AmE,  , slang) an offensive word for a male HOMOSEXUAL
3 [sing.] (BrE, informal) something that is boring and tiring to do: It’s too much of a fag to go out.
4 [C] (BrE) (especially in the past) a boy at a PUBLIC SCHOOL who has to do jobs for an older boy
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,fag 'end
noun (BrE , informal)
1 [C] the last part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked
2 [sing.] the ~ of sth the last part of sth, especially when it is less important or interesting: I only caught the fag end of their conversation.
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fagged
(also ,fagged 'out) adj. [not before noun] (BrE , spoken) very tired
IDM I can’t be 'fagged (to do sth) used to say that you are too tired or bored to do sth
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fag.got
noun
1 (BrE) a ball of finely chopped meat mixed with bread, baked or fried and eaten hot
2 (also fag) (AmE, informal,  ) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL man
3 a bunch of sticks tied together, used for burning on a fire
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fah
(also fa) noun (music ) the fourth note of a MAJOR scale
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Fahr.en.heit
adj. (abbr. F) of or using a scale of temperature in which water freezes at 32° and boils at 212°: fifty degrees Fahrenheit
Fahr.en.heit noun [U]: to give the temperature in Fahrenheit
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fail
verb, noun
verb
NOT SUCCEED|
1 ~ (in sth) to not be successful in achieving sth: [v] I failed in my attempt to persuade her.  Many diets fail because they are boring.  a failing school  [v to inf] She failed to get into art college.  The song can’t fail to be a hit (= definitely will be a hit).
NOT DO STH|
2 to not do sth: [v to inf] He failed to keep the appointment.  She never fails to e-mail every week.  I fail to see (= I don’t understand) why you won’t even give it a try.  [v] He felt he would be failing in his duty if he did not report it.
TEST / EXAM|
3 to not pass a test or an exam; to decide that sb/sth has not passed a test or an exam: [vn] He failed his driving test.  The examiners failed over half the candidates.  She was disqualified after failing a drugs test.  [v] What will you do if you fail?
OPP PASS
OF MACHINES / PARTS OF BODY|
4 [v] to stop working: The brakes on my bike failed half way down the hill.
OF HEALTH / SIGHT|
5 [v] (especially in the progressive tenses) to become weak: Her eyesight is failing.  His last months in office were marred by failing health.
DISAPPOINT SB|
6 [vn] to DISAPPOINT sb; to be unable to help when needed: When he lost his job, he felt he had failed his family.  She tried to be brave, but her courage failed her.   (figurative) Words fail me (= I cannot express how I feel).
NOT BE ENOUGH|
7 [v] to not be enough when needed or expected: The crops failed again last summer.  The rains had failed and the rivers were dry.
OF COMPANY / BUSINESS|
8 [v] to be unable to continue: Several banks failed during the recession.

noun the result of an exam in which a person is not successful: I got three passes and one fail. without 'fail
1 when you tell sb to do sth without fail, you are telling them that they must do it: I want you here by two o’clock without fail.
2 always: He writes every week without fail.

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failed
adj. [only before noun] not successful: a failed writer  a failed coup
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fail.ing
noun, prep.
noun [usually pl.] a weakness or fault in sb/sth: She is aware of her own failings.  The inquiry acknowledges failings in the judicial system.

prep. used to introduce a suggestion that could be considered if the one just mentioned is not possible: Ask a friend to recommend a doctor or, failing that , ask for a list in your local library.

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'fail-safe
adj. [usually before noun] (of machinery or equipment) designed to stop working if anything goes wrong: a fail-safe device / mechanism / system
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fail.ure
noun
NOT SUCCESSFUL|
1 [U] lack of success in doing or achieving sth: The success or failure of the plan depends on you.  The attempt was doomed to failure .  All my efforts ended in failure.  the problems of economic failure and increasing unemployment  She is still coming to terms with the failure of her marriage.
OPP SUCCESS
2 [C] somebody or something that is not successful: The whole thing was a complete failure.  He was a failure as a teacher.
OPP SUCCESS
NOT DOING STH|
3 [U, C] ~ to do sth an act of not doing sth, especially sth that you are expected to do: the failure of the United Nations to maintain food supplies  Failure to comply with the regulations will result in prosecution.
OF MACHINE / PART OF BODY|
4 [U, C] the state of not working correctly or as expected; an occasion when this happens: patients suffering from heart / kidney failure  A power failure plunged everything into darkness.  The cause of the crash was given as engine failure.
OF BUSINESS|
5 [C, U] (business ~) a situation in which a business has to close because it is not successful
OF CROP / HARVEST|
6 [U, C] crop / harvest ~ a situation in which crops do not grow correctly and do not produce food
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faint
adj., verb, noun
adj. (faint.er, faint.est)
1 that cannot be clearly seen, heard or smelt: a faint glow / glimmer / light  a faint smell of perfume  We could hear their voices growing fainter as they walked down the road.  His breathing became faint.
2 very small; possible but unlikely: There is still a faint hope that she may be cured.  They don’t have the faintest chance of winning.
3 not enthusiastic: a faint show of resistance  a faint smile
4 [not before noun] feeling weak and tired and likely to lose consciousness: She suddenly felt faint.  The walkers were faint from hunger.
faint.ly adv.: She smiled faintly.  He looked faintly embarrassed.
IDM not have the 'faintest (idea) (informal) to not know anything at all about sth: I didn’t have the faintest idea what you meant.—more at DAMN v.

verb [v] to become unconscious when not enough blood is going to your brain, usually because of the heat, a shock, etc: to faint from hunger  Suddenly the woman in front of me fainted.   (informal) I almost fainted (= I was very surprised) when she told me.

noun [sing.] the state of losing consciousness: He fell to the ground in a dead faint.

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,faint-'hearted
adj. lacking confidence and not brave; afraid of failing
SYN COWARDLY : He tried not to appear faint-hearted.
the ,faint-'hearted noun [pl.]: The climb is not for the faint-hearted (= people who are not brave).
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faint.ness
noun [U] the state of feeling weak and tired and likely to lose consciousness: The side effects include nausea and faintness.
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fair
adj., adv., noun
adj. (fair.er, fair.est)
ACCEPTABLE / APPROPRIATE|
1 ~ (to / on sb) acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation: a fair deal / wage / price / question  The punishment was very fair.  Was it really fair to him to ask him to do all the work?  It’s not fair on the students to keep changing the timetable.  It’s only fair to add that they were not told about the problem until the last minute.  It seems only fair that they should give us something in return.  I think it is fair to say that they are pleased with this latest offer.  To be fair , she behaved better than we expected.   (especially BrE) ‘You should really have asked me first.’‘Right, okay, fair comment .’
OPP UNFAIR
TREATING PEOPLE EQUALLY|
2 ~ (to sb) treating everyone equally and according to the rules or law: She has always been scrupulously fair.  demands for a fairer distribution of wealth  We have to be fair to both players.  to receive a fair trial  free and fair elections  It’s not fair! He always gets more than me.  The new tax is fairer than the old system.
OPP UNFAIR
QUITE LARGE|
3 [only before noun] quite large in number, size or amount: A fair number of people came along.  a fair-sized town  We’ve still got a fair bit / amount (= quite a lot) to do.
QUITE GOOD|
4 (especially BrE) quite good: There’s a fair chance that we might win this time.  It’s a fair bet that they won’t turn up.  I have a fair idea of what happened.  His knowledge of French is only fair.
HAIR / SKIN|
5 pale in colour: a fair complexion  She has long fair hair.  All her children are fair (= they all have fair hair).
WEATHER|
6 bright and not raining: a fair and breezy day
7 (literary) (of winds) not too strong and blowing in the right direction: They set sail with the first fair wind.
BEAUTIFUL|
8 (literary or old use) beautiful: a fair maiden all’s fair in love and 'war (saying) in some situations any type of behaviour is acceptable to get what you want be 'fair! (spoken) used to tell sb to be reasonable in their judgement of sb/sth: Be fair! She didn’t know you were coming. by fair means or 'foul using dishonest methods if honest ones do not work a fair crack of the 'whip (BrE, informal) a reasonable opportunity to show that you can do sth: I felt we weren’t given a fair crack of the whip. fair e'nough (spoken, especially BrE) used to say that an idea or suggestion seems reasonable: ‘We’ll meet at 8.’‘Fair enough.’  If you don’t want to come, fair enough, but let Bill know. (give sb) a fair 'hearing (to allow sb) the opportunity to give their point of view about sth before deciding if they have done sth wrong, often in a court of law: I’ll see that you get a fair hearing. fair’s 'fair (spoken) (BrE also fair 'dos / 'do’s) used, especially as an exclamation, to say that you think that an action, decision, etc. is acceptable and appropriate because it means that everyone will be treated fairly: Fair’s fair—you can’t expect them to cancel everything just because you can’t make it. (give sb / get) a fair 'shake (AmE, informal) (to give sb/get) fair treatment that gives you the same chance as sb else (more than) your fair share of sth (more than) an amount of sth that is considered to be reasonable or acceptable: He has more than his fair share of problems.  I’ve had my fair share of success in the past. it’s a fair 'cop (BrE, spoken, humorous) used by sb who is caught doing sth wrong, to say that they admit that they are wrong

adv. according to the rules; in a way that is considered to be acceptable and appropriate: Come on, you two, fight fair!  They’ll respect you as long as you play fair (= behave honestly). fair and 'square (also fairly and 'squarely)
1 honestly and according to the rules: We won the election fair and square.
2 (BrE) in a direct way that is easy to understand: I told him fair and square to pack his bags.
3 (BrE) exactly in the place you were aiming for: I hit the target fair and square. set fair (to do sth / for sth) (BrE) having the necessary qualities or conditions to succeed: She seems set fair to win the championship.  Conditions were set fair for stable economic development.—more at SAY v.

noun
ENTERTAINMENT|
1 (BrE also fun.fair) (AmE also car.ni.val) a type of entertainment in a field or park at which people can ride on large machines and play games to win prizes: Let’s take the kids to the fair.  all the fun of the fair
2 (AmE) a type of entertainment in a field or park at which farm animals and products are shown and take part in competitions: the county / state fair
3 (BrE) = FÊTE
BUSINESS|
4 an event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods: a world trade fair  a craft / a book / an antique fair
ANIMAL MARKET|
5 (BrE) (in the past) a market at which animals were sold: a horse fair
JOBS|
6 job / careers ~ an event at which people who are looking for jobs can get information about companies who might employ them

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,fair 'copy
noun (BrE ) a neat version of a piece of writing
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,fair 'game
noun [U] if a person or thing is said to be fair game, it is considered acceptable to play jokes on them, criticize them, etc: The younger teachers were considered fair game by most of the kids.
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fair.ground
noun
1 an outdoor area where a FAIR with entertainments is held
2 [usually pl.] (AmE) a place where a FAIR showing farm animals, farm products, etc. is held: the Ohio State Fairgrounds
3 [usually pl.] (AmE) a place where companies and businesses hold a FAIR to show their products: the Milan trade fairgrounds
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,fair-'haired
adj. with light or BLONDE hair
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fair.ly
adv.
1 (before adjectives and adverbs) to some extent but not very: a fairly easy book  a fairly typical reaction  I know him fairly well, but I wouldn’t say we were really close friends.  I go jogging fairly regularly.  We’ll have to leave fairly soon (= before very long).  I’m fairly certain I can do the job.  The report was fairly incomprehensible.  I think you’ll find it fairly difficult (= you do not want to say that it is very difficult).  note at QUITE
2 in a fair and reasonable way; honestly: He has always treated me very fairly.  Her attitude could fairly be described as hostile.
3 (old-fashioned) used to emphasize sth that you are saying: I fairly jumped for joy.  The time fairly raced by.
IDM fairly and squarely = FAIR AND SQUARE
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,fair-'minded
adj. (of people) looking at and judging things in a fair and open way
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fair.ness
noun [U]
1 the quality of treating people equally or in a way that is reasonable: the fairness of the judicial system
2 (of skin or hair) a pale colour: A tan emphasized the fairness of her hair.
IDM in (all) fairness (to sb) used to introduce a statement that defends sb who has just been criticized, or that explains another statement that may seem unreasonable: In all fairness to him, he did try to stop her leaving.
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,fair 'play
noun [U] the fact of playing a game or acting honestly, fairly and according to the rules: a player admired for his sense of fair play   The task of the organization is to ensure fair play when food is distributed to the refugees.
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the ,fair 'sex
(also the ,fairer 'sex) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (old-fashioned) women
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fair.way
noun (in golf) the long strip of short grass that you must hit the ball along before you get to the GREEN and the hole—compare THE ROUGH —picture at GOLF
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'fair-weather
adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) (of people) behaving in a particular way or doing a particular activity only when it is pleasant for them: a fair-weather friend (= sb who stops being a friend when you are in trouble)
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fairy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (in stories) a creature like a small person, who has magic powers: a good / wicked fairy
2 (disapproving, slang) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL man
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'fairy cake
(BrE ) (also cup.cakeAmE, BrE) noun a small cake, baked in a paper container shaped like a cup and often with ICING on top—
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,fairy 'godmother
noun a person who rescues you when you most need help
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fairy.land
noun
1 [U] the home of FAIRIES
2 [sing.] a beautiful, special or unusual place: The toyshop is a fairyland for young children.
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'fairy lights
noun [pl.] (BrE ) small coloured electric lights used for decoration, especially on a tree at Christmas
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'fairy tale
(also 'fairy story) noun
1 a story about magic or FAIRIES , usually for children: the prince in a fairy tale
2 a story that sb tells that is not true; a lie: Now tell me the truth: I don’t want any more of your fairy stories.
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'fairy-tale
adj. typical of sth in a fairy tale : a fairy-tale castle on an island  a fairy-tale wedding in the cathedral
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fait ac.com.pli
noun [usually sing.] (pl.faits ac.com.plis ) (from French ) something that has already happened or been done and that you cannot change: We got married secretly and then presented our parents with a fait accompli .
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faith
noun
1 [U] ~ (in sb/sth) trust in sb’s ability or knowledge; trust that sb/sth will do what has been promised: I have great faith in you—I know you’ll do well.  We’ve lost faith in the government’s promises.  Her friend’s kindness has restored her faith in human nature.
2 [U, sing.] strong religious belief: blind / unquestioning faith  to lose your faith  Faith is stronger than reason.
3 [C] a particular religion: the Christian faith  The children are learning to understand people of different faiths.
4 (good ~) [U] the intention to do sth right: They handed over the weapons as a gesture of good faith.
IDM break / keep faith with sb to break/keep a promise that you have made to sb; to stop/continue being loyal to sb in bad 'faith knowing that what you are doing is wrong in good 'faith believing that what you are doing is right; believing that sth is correct: We printed the report in good faith but have now learnt that it was incorrect.  He bought the painting in good faith (= he did not know that it had been stolen).—more at PIN v.
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faith.ful
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) staying with or supporting a particular person, organization or belief
SYN LOYAL : a faithful servant / friend / dog  He remained faithful to the ideals of the party until his death.  She was rewarded for her 40 years' faithful service with the company.  I have been a faithful reader of your newspaper for many years.
2 (the faithful) noun [pl.] people who believe in a religion; the loyal supporters of a political party: The president will keep the support of the party faithful .
3 (of a wife, husband or partner) ~ (to sb) not having a sexual relationship with anyone else
4 ~ (to sth) true and accurate; not changing anything: a faithful copy / account / description / representation  His translation manages to be faithful to the spirit of the original.
5 [only before noun] able to be trusted; that you can rely on: a faithful worker / correspondent  my faithful old car
faith.ful.ness noun [U]: faithfulness to tradition  She had doubts about his faithfulness.
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faith.ful.ly
adv.
1 accurately; carefully: to follow instructions faithfully  The events were faithfully recorded in her diary.
2 in a loyal way; in a way that you can rely on: He had supported the local team faithfully for 30 years.  She promised faithfully not to tell anyone my secret.
IDM Yours faithfully (BrE) used at the end of a formal letter before you sign your name, when you have addressed sb as ‘Dear Sir/Dear Madam, etc.’ and not by their name
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'faith healing
noun [U] a method of treating a sick person through the power of belief and prayer
'faith healer noun
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faith.less
adj. (formal) not loyal; that you cannot rely on or trust: a faithless friend / wife / ally
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fake
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 (disapproving) not genuine; appearing to be sth it is not: fake designer clothing  a fake American accent
2 made to look like sth else: a Jean Paul Gaultier jacket in fake fur  Don’t go out in the sun—get a fake tan from a bottle.

noun
1 an object such as a work of art, a coin or a piece of jewellery that is not genuine but has been made to look as if it is: All the paintings proved to be fakes.
2 a person who pretends to be what they are not in order to deceive people

verb
1 [vn] to make sth false appear to be genuine, especially in order to deceive sb: She faked her mother’s signature on the document.  He arranged the accident in order to fake his own death.
2 to pretend to have a particular feeling, illness, etc: [vn] She’s not really sick—she’s just faking it .  He faked a yawn. [alsov]
faker noun

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fakir
noun a Muslim holy man without possessions who lives by asking other people for money or food (= by BEGGING )
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fal.con
noun a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) with long pointed wings
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fal.con.er
noun a person who keeps and trains falcons , often using them for hunting
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fal.con.ry
noun [U] the art or sport of breeding falcons and training them to hunt and kill other birds or animals
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fall
verb, noun
verb (fell fall.en )
DROP DOWN|
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to drop down from a higher level to a lower level: Several of the books had fallen onto the floor.  One of the kids fell into the river.  The handle had fallen off the drawer.  September had come and the leaves were starting to fall.  He fell 20 metres onto the rocks below.  The rain was falling steadily.  They were injured by falling rocks.
STOP STANDING|
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to suddenly stop standing: She slipped on the ice and fell.  I fell over and cut my knee.  The house looked as if it was about to fall down.—see also FALLEN
OF HAIR / MATERIAL|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to hang down: Her hair fell over her shoulders in a mass of curls.
SLOPE DOWNWARDS|
4 [v] ~ (away / off) to slope downwards: Beyond the hill, the land falls away sharply towards the river.
DECREASE|
5 to decrease in amount, number or strength: [v] Their profits have fallen by 30 per cent.  Prices continued to fall on the stock market today.  The temperature fell sharply in the night.  falling birth rates   (written) Her voice fell to a whisper.  [vn] Share prices fell 30p.
BE DEFEATED|
6 [v] to be defeated or captured: The coup failed but the government fell shortly afterwards.  Troy finally fell to the Greeks.
DIE IN BATTLE|
7 [v] (literary) to die in battle; to be shot: a memorial to those who fell in the two world wars
BECOME|
8 to pass into a particular state; to begin to be sth: [v-adj] He had fallen asleep on the sofa.  The book fell open at a page of illustrations.   (written) The room had fallen silent.  She fell ill soon after and did not recover.  [v] I had fallen into conversation with a man on the train.  The house had fallen into disrepair.  [v-n] She knew she must not fall prey to his charm.
HAPPEN / OCCUR|
9 [v] ~ (on sb/sth) (literary) to come quickly and suddenly
SYN DESCEND : A sudden silence fell.  Darkness falls quickly in the tropics.  An expectant hush fell on the guests.
10 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to happen or take place: My birthday falls on a Monday this year.
11 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move in a particular direction or come in a particular position: My eye fell on (= I suddenly saw) a curious object.  Which syllable does the stress fall on?  A shadow fell across her face.
BELONG TO GROUP|
12 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to belong to a particular class, group or area of responsibility: Out of over 400 staff there are just 7 that fall into this category.  This case falls outside my jurisdiction.  This falls under the heading of scientific research. Idioms containing fall are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example fall by the wayside is at wayside.  ,fall a'bout (BrE , informal) to laugh a lot: [+ -ing] We all fell about laughing.,fall a'part
1 to be in very bad condition so that parts are breaking off: My car is falling apart.
2 to have so many problems that it is no longer possible to exist or function: Their marriage finally fell apart.  The deal fell apart when we failed to agree on a price.,fall a'way to become gradually fewer or smaller; to disappear: His supporters fell away as his popularity declined.  The market for their products fell away to almost nothing.  All our doubts fell away.  The houses fell away as we left the city.,fall 'back
1 to move or turn back
SYN RETREAT : The enemy fell back as our troops advanced.
2 to decrease in value or amount ,fall 'back on sb/sth [no passive] to go to sb for support; to have sth to use when you are in difficulty: I have a little money in the bank to fall back on.  She fell back on her usual excuse of having no time.—related noun FALLBACK ,fall be'hind| ,fall be'hind sb/sth to fail to keep level with sb/sth: She soon fell behind the leaders. ,fall be'hind with sth to not pay or do sth at the right time: They had fallen behind with their mortgage repayments.  He’s fallen behind with his school work again.,fall 'down to be shown to be not true or not good enough: And that’s where the theory falls down.—see also FALL v. (2) 'fall for sb [no passive] (informal) to be strongly attracted to sb; to fall in love with sb: They fell for each other instantly. 'fall for sth [no passive] (informal) to be tricked into believing sth that is not true: I’m surprised you fell for that trick.,fall 'in if soldiers fall in, they form lines: The sergeant ordered his men to fall in. ,fall 'in with sb/sth [no passive] (BrE) to agree to sth: She fell in with my idea at once.'fall into sth to be able to be divided into sth: My talk falls naturally into three parts.,fall 'off to decrease in quantity or quality: Attendance at my lectures has fallen off considerably.'fall on / upon sb/sth [no passive] (especially BrE)
1 to attack or take hold of sb/sth with a lot of energy and enthusiasm: They fell on him with sticks.  The children fell on the food and ate it greedily.
2 to be the responsibility of sb: The full cost of the wedding fell on us.,fall 'out
1 to become loose and drop: His hair is falling out.  My tooth fell out.
2 if soldiers fall out, they leave their lines and move away ,fall 'out (with sb) (BrE) to quarrel with sb so that you are no longer friendly with them,fall 'over sb/sth [no passive] to hit your foot against sth when you are walking and fall, or almost fall: I rushed for the door and fell over the cat in the hallway.—see also FALL v. (2) ,fall 'over yourself to do sth (informal) to try very hard or want very much to do sth: He was falling over himself to be nice to me.,fall 'through to not be completed, or not happen: Our plans fell through because of lack of money.'fall to sth (literary) to begin to do sth: [+ -ing] She fell to brooding about what had happened to her. 'fall to sb to become the duty or responsibility of sb: With his partner away, all the work now fell to him. [+ to inf] It fell to me to inform her of her son’s death.

noun
ACT OF FALLING|
1 [C] an act of falling: I had a bad fall and broke my arm.  She was killed in a fall from a horse.
OF SNOW / ROCKS|
2 [C] ~ (of sth) an amount of snow, rocks, etc. that falls or has fallen: a heavy fall of snow  a rock fall
WAY STH FALLS / HAPPENS|
3 [sing.] ~ of sth the way in which sth falls or happens: the fall of the cards / dice  the dark fall of her hair (= the way her hair hangs down)
OF WATER|
4 (falls) [pl.] (especially in names) a large amount of water falling down from a height
SYN WATERFALL : The falls upstream are full of salmon.  Niagara Falls
AUTUMN|
5 [C] (AmE) = AUTUMN : in the fall of 1990  last fall
DECREASE|
6 [C] ~ (in sth) a decrease in size, number, rate or level: a steep fall in prices / profits  a big fall in unemployment
DEFEAT|
7 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a loss of political, economic, etc. power or success; the loss or defeat of a city, country, etc. in war: the fall of the Roman Empire  the rise and fall of British industry  the fall of Berlin
LOSS OF RESPECT|
8 [sing.] a situation in which a person, an organization, etc. loses the respect of other people because they have done sth wrong: the TV preacher’s spectacular fall from grace
IN BIBLE|
9 (the Fall) [sing.] the occasion when Adam and Eve did not obey God and had to leave the Garden of Eden
IDM see PRIDE n. , RIDE v.

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fal.la.cious
adj. (formal) wrong; based on a false idea: a fallacious argument
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fal.lacy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a false idea that many people believe is true: It is a fallacy to say that the camera never lies.
2 [U, C] a false way of thinking about sth: He detected the fallacy of her argument.—see also PATHETIC FALLACY
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fall.back
noun a plan or course of action that is ready to be used in an emergency if other things fail: What’s our fallback if they don’t come up with the money?  We need a fallback position if they won’t do the job.
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fall.en
adj. [only before noun]
1 lying on the ground, after falling: The road was blocked by a fallen tree.
2 (formal) (of a soldier) killed in a war—see also FALL v.
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,fallen 'woman
noun (old-fashioned) a way of describing a woman in the past who had a sexual relationship with sb who was not her husband
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'fall guy
noun (especially AmE ) a person who is blamed or punished for sth wrong that sb else has done
SYN SCAPEGOAT
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fall.ible
adj. able to make mistakes or be wrong: Memory is selective and fallible.  All human beings are fallible.
OPP INFALLIBLE
fal.li.bil.ity noun [U]: human fallibility
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'falling-off
noun [sing.] (BrE ) = FALL-OFF
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,falling 'star
noun = SHOOTING STAR
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'fall-off
(BrE also less frequent 'falling-off) noun [sing.] ~ (in sth) a reduction in the number, amount or quality of sth: a recent fall-off in sales
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Fal.lo.pian tubes
noun [pl.] (anatomy ) the two tubes in the body of a woman or female animal along which eggs pass from the OVARIES to the UTERUS
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fall.out
noun [U]
1 dangerous RADIOACTIVE dust that is in the air after a nuclear explosion
2 the bad results of a situation or an action: the political fallout of the current crisis
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fal.low
adj.
1 (of farm land) not used for growing crops, especially so that the quality of the land will improve: Farmers are now paid to let their land lie fallow .
2 (of a period of time) when nothing is created or produced; not successful: Contemporary dance is coming onto the arts scene again after a long fallow period.
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'fallow deer
noun a small European deer with white spots on its back
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false
adj.
NOT TRUE|
1 wrong; not correct or true: A whale is a fish. True or false?  Predictions of an early improvement in the housing market proved false.  She gave false information to the insurance company.  He used a false name to get the job.
NOT NATURAL|
2 not natural; artificial: false teeth / eyelashes  a false beard
NOT GENUINE|
3 not genuine, but made to look real to deceive people: a false passport  a suitcase with a false bottom
NOT SINCERE|
4 (of people’s behaviour) not real or sincere: false modesty  She flashed him a false smile of congratulation.
WRONG / MISTAKEN|
5 [usually before noun] wrong or MISTAKEN , because it is based on sth that is not true or correct: a false argument / assumption / belief  to give a false impression of wealth  to lull sb into a false sense of security (= make sb feel safe when they are really in danger)  They didn’t want to raise any false hopes , but they believed her husband had escaped capture.  Buying a cheap computer is a false economy (= will not actually save you money).
NOT FAITHFUL|
6 (literary) (of people) not faithful: a false lover
false.ly adv.: to be falsely accused of sth  She smiled falsely at his joke. by / under / on false pre'tences by pretending to be sth that you are not, in order to gain some advantage for yourself: She was accused of obtaining money under false pretences.—more at RING^2v.
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,false a'larm
noun a warning about a danger that does not happen; a belief that sth bad is going to happen, when it is not: The fire service was called out but it was a false alarm.
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,false 'dawn
noun [usually sing.] (formal) a situation in which you think that sth good is going to happen but it does not: a false dawn for the economy
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,false 'friend
noun
1 a person who seems to be your friend, but who is not loyal and cannot be trusted
2 a word in a foreign language that looks similar to a word in your own language, but has a different meaning: The English word ‘sensible’ and the French word ‘sensible’ are false friends.
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false.hood
noun (formal)
1 [U] the state of not being true; the act of telling a lie: to test the truth or falsehood of her claims
2 [C] a statement that is not true; a lie
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,false im'prisonment
noun [U] (law ) the crime of illegally keeping sb as a prisoner somewhere
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,false 'move
noun [usually sing.] an action that is not allowed or not recommended and that may cause a bad result: One false move and the bomb might blow up.
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,false 'start
noun
1 an attempt to begin sth that is not successful: After a number of false starts, she finally found a job she liked.
2 (sport) a situation when a competitor in a race starts before the official signal has been given
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,false 'teeth
noun [pl.] a set of artificial teeth used by sb who has lost their natural teeth—compare DENTURES
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fal.setto
noun (pl.-os) an unusually high voice, especially the voice that men use to sing very high notes
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fals.ify
verb (fal.si.fies, fal.si.fy.ing, fal.si.fied, fal.si.fied) [vn] to change a written record or information so that it is no longer true: to falsify data / records / accounts
fal.si.fi.ca.tion noun [U, C]: the deliberate falsification of the company’s records
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fal.sity
noun [U] the state of not being true or genuine
OPP TRUTH
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fal.ter
verb
1 [v] to become weaker or less effective: The economy shows no signs of faltering.  Her courage never faltered.
2 to speak in a way that shows that you are not confident: [v] His voice faltered as he began his speech. [alsov speech]
3 [v] to walk or behave in a way that shows that you are not confident: She walked up to the platform without faltering.  He never faltered in his commitment to the party.
fal.ter.ing adj.: the faltering peace talks  the baby’s first faltering steps
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fame
noun [U] the state of being known and talked about by many people: to achieve / win instant fame  to rise / shoot to fame overnight  Andrew Lloyd Webber of ‘Evita’ fame (= famous for ‘Evita’)  The town’s only claim to fame is that there was once a riot there.  She went to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune .—see also FAMOUS
IDM see CLAIM n.
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famed
adj. ~ (for sth) (written) very well known
SYN RENOWNED : Las Vegas, famed for its casinos  a famed poet and musician—see also FAMOUS
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fa.mil.ial
adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 related to or typical of a family: familial obligations
2 (medical) (of diseases, conditions, etc.) affecting several members of a family: familial left-handedness
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fa.mil.iar
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) well known to you; often seen or heard and therefore easy to recognize: to look / sound / taste familiar  He’s a familiar figure in the neighbourhood.  The smell is very familiar to everyone who lives near a bakery.  Something about her voice was vaguely familiar.  Violent attacks are becoming all too familiar (= sadly familiar).
OPP UNFAMILIAR
2 ~ with sth knowing sth very well: an area with which I had been familiar since childhood  Are you familiar with the computer software they use?
OPP UNFAMILIAR
3 ~ (with sb) (of a person’s behaviour) very informal, sometimes in a way that is unpleasant: You seem to be on very familiar terms with your tutor.  After a few drinks her boss started getting too familiar for her liking.
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fa.mil.iar.ity
noun [U]
1 ~ (with sth)| ~ (to sb) the state of knowing sb/sth well; the state of recognizing sb/sth: His familiarity with the language helped him enjoy his stay.  When she saw the house, she had a feeling of familiarity.
2 a friendly informal manner: She addressed me with an easy familiarity that made me feel at home.
IDM familiarity breeds con'tempt (saying) knowing sb/sth very well may cause you to lose admiration and respect for them/it
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fa.mil.iar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ yourself / sb (with sth) to learn about sth or teach sb about sth, so that you/they start to understand it: You’ll need time to familiarize yourself with our office procedures.
fa.mil.iar.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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fa.mil.iar.ly
adv.
1 in a friendly and informal manner, sometimes in a way that is too informal to be pleasant: John Hunt, familiarly known to his friends as Jack  He touched her cheek familiarly.
2 in the way that is well known to people: The elephant’s nose or, more familiarly, trunk is the most versatile organ in the animal kingdom.
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fam.ily
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group consisting of one or two parents and their children: the other members of my family  Almost every family in the country owns a television.  All my family enjoy skiing.  one-parent / single-parent families  a family of four  families with young children—see also NUCLEAR FAMILY
2 [C+sing./pl. v., U] a group consisting of one or two parents, their children and close relations: All our family came to Grandad’s eightieth birthday party.  The support of family and friends is vital.  We’ve only told the immediate family (= the closest relations).  the Royal Family (= the children and close relations of the king or queen)  I always think of you as one of the family .   (informal) She’s family (= she is a relation).—see also EXTENDED FAMILY
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people who are related to each other, including those who are now dead: Some families have farmed in this area for hundreds of years.  This painting has been in our family for generations.
4 [C+sing./pl. v., U] a couple’s or a person’s children, especially young children: They have a large family.  I addressed it to Mr and Mrs Jones and family.  Do they plan to start a family (= have children)?  to bring up / raise a family
5 [C] a group of related animals and plants; a group of related things, especially languages: Lions belong to the cat family.  the Germanic family of languages
IDM (be / get) in the 'family way (old-fashioned, informal) (to be/become) pregnant run in the 'family to be a common feature in a particular family: Heart disease runs in the family.

adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the family or a particular family: family life  your family background
2 owned by a family: a family business
3 suitable for all members of a family, both adults and children: a family show

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,family 'doctor
noun (informal, especially BrE ) = GENERAL PRACTITIONER
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'family man
noun a man who has a wife or partner and children; a man who enjoys being at home with his wife or partner and children: I see he’s become a family man.  a devoted family man
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'family name
noun the part of your name that shows which family you belong to—compare SURNAME
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,family 'planning
noun [U] the process of controlling the number of children you have by using CONTRACEPTION
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,family 'practitioner
noun (especially BrE ) = GENERAL PRACTITIONER
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'family room
noun
1 (AmE) a room in a house where the family can relax, watch television, etc.
2 a room in a hotel for three or four people to sleep in, especially parents and children
3 (in Britain) a room in a pub where children are allowed to sit
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,family 'tree
noun a diagram that shows the relationship between members of a family over a long period of time: How far back can you trace your family tree?
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fam.ine
noun [C, U] a lack of food during a long period of time in a region: a severe famine  disasters such as floods and famine  the threat of widespread famine in Africa  to raise money for famine relief
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fam.ished
adj. [not usually before noun] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) very hungry
SYN STARVING : When’s lunch? I’m famished!
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fam.ous
adj. ~ (for sth)| ~ (as sth) known about by many people: a famous artist / hotel  the most famous lake in Scotland  He became internationally famous for his novels and poetry.  One day, I’ll be rich and famous .  She was more famous as a writer than as a singer.—see also FAME , INFAMOUS , NOTORIOUS , WORLD-FAMOUS
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fam.ous.ly
adv. in a way that is famous: Some newspapers, most famously the New York Times, refuse to print the word Ms.
IDM get on / along 'famously (informal, becoming old-fashioned) to have a very good relationship: My mother and my mother-in-law are getting on famously.
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fan
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who admires sb/sth or enjoys watching or listening to sb/sth very much: movie fans  crowds of football fans  a big fan of Pavarotti  fan mail (= letters from fans to the person they admire)
2 a machine with blades that go round to create a current of air: to switch on the electric fan  a fan heater—see also EXTRACTOR
3 a thing that you hold in your hand and wave to create a current of cool air
IDM see SHIT n.

verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 to make air blow onto sb/sth by waving a fan , your hand, etc: He fanned himself with a newspaper to cool down.
2 to make a fire burn more strongly by blowing on it: Fanned by a westerly wind, the fire spread rapidly through the city.
3 (written) to make a feeling, an attitude, etc. stronger
SYN FUEL : His reluctance to answer her questions simply fanned her curiosity.
IDM fan the 'flames (of sth) to make a feeling such as anger, hatred, etc. worse: His writings fanned the flames of racism.
PVR V ,fan 'out| ,fan sth<->'out to spread out or spread sth out over an area: The police fanned out to surround the house.  The bird fanned out its tail feathers.

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fan.at.ic
noun
1 (informal) a person who is extremely enthusiastic about sth
SYN ENTHUSIAST : a fitness / crossword fanatic
2 (disapproving) a person who holds extreme or dangerous opinions
SYN EXTREMIST : religious fanatics
fan.at.ic.al adj.: a fanatical supporter  fanatical anti-royalists  a fanatical interest in football  She’s fanatical about healthy eating.
fan.at.ic.al.ly adv.: fanatically fit
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fan.ati.cism
noun [U] (disapproving) extreme beliefs or behaviour, especially in connection with religion or politics
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'fan belt
noun a belt that operates the machinery that cools a car engine
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fan.ci.able
adj. (BrE , informal) sexually attractive
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fan.cier
noun (usually in compounds) (especially BrE ) a person who has a special interest in sth, especially sb who keeps or breeds birds, animals or plants: a pigeon fancier
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fan.ci.ful
adj. (written)
1 (disapproving) based on imagination and not facts or reason
2 (of things) decorated in an unusual and imaginative style: a fanciful gold border
fan.ci.ful.ly adv.
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'fan club
noun an organization that a person’s FANS belong to and that sends them information, etc. about that person
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fancy
verb, noun, adj.
verb (fan.cies, fancy.ing, fan.cied, fan.cied)
1 (BrE , informal) to want sth or want to do sth: [vn] Fancy a drink?  She didn’t fancy (= did not like) the idea of going home in the dark.  [v -ing] Do you fancy going out this evening?
2 [vn] (BrE, informal) to be sexually attracted to sb: I think she fancies me.
3 [vn] ~ yourself (BrE, informal, disapproving) to think that you are very popular, attractive or intelligent: He started to chat to me and I could tell that he really fancied himself.
4 [vn-n] ~ yourself (as) sth (BrE) to like the idea of being sth or to believe, often wrongly, that you are sth: She fancies herself (as) a serious actress.
5 (Fancy!) (BrE , spoken, becoming old-fashioned) used to show that you are surprised or shocked by sth: [v] Fancy! She’s never been in a plane before.  [v -ing] Fancy meeting you here!  [vn] ‘She remembered my name after all those years.’‘Fancy that! ’
6 (BrE ) [vn] to think that sb will win or be successful at sth, especially in a race: Which horse do you fancy in the next race?  He’s hoping to get the job but I don’t fancy his chances .
7 [v (that)] (literary) to believe or imagine sth: She fancied (that) she heard footsteps behind her.

noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] something that you imagine; your imagination
SYN FANTASY : teenage / girlish fancies  night-time fancies that disappear in the morning  a child’s wild flights of fancy
2 [sing.] a feeling that you would like to have or to do sth
SYN WHIM : She said she wanted a dog but it was only a passing fancy.
3 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) a small decorated cake
IDM as / whenever, etc. the fancy 'takes you as/whenever, etc. you feel like doing sth: We bought a camper van so we could go away whenever the fancy took us. catch / take sb’s 'fancy to attract or please sb: She looked through the hotel advertisements until one of them caught her fancy. take a 'fancy to sb/sth (especially BrE) to start liking sb/sth, often without an obvious reason—more at TICKLE v.

adj. (fan.cier, fan.ci.est)
1 unusually complicated, often in an unnecessary way: a kitchen full of fancy gadgets  They added a lot of fancy footwork to the dance.
OPP SIMPLE
2 [only before noun] (especially of small things) with a lot of decorations or bright colours: fancy goods (= things sold as ornaments or gifts)—compare PLAIN
3 (sometimes disapproving) expensive or connected with an expensive way of life: fancy restaurants with fancy prices  Don’t come back with any fancy ideas.

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,fancy 'dress
noun [U] (BrE ) clothes that you wear, especially at parties, to make you appear to be a different character: guests in fancy dress —see also COSTUME , MASQUERADE
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,fancy-'free
adj. free to do what you like because you are not emotionally involved with anyone: I was still footloose and fancy-free (= free to enjoy myself) in those days.
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fan.fare
noun
1 [C] a short loud piece of music that is played to celebrate sb/sth important arriving
2 [U, C] a large amount of activity and discussion on television, in newspapers, etc. to celebrate sb/sth: The new century will begin amid much fanfare worldwide.
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fang
noun [usually pl.] either of two long sharp teeth at the front of the mouths of some animals, such as a snake or dog—
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fan.light
(BrE ) (AmE tran.som) noun a small window above a door or another window
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Fanny
noun
IDM see SWEET adj.
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fanny
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE,  , slang) the female sex organs
2 (slang, especially AmE) a person’s bottom
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'fanny pack
noun (AmE ) = BUMBAG
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fan.ta.sia
noun a piece of music that does not have a regular form or style, including one based on several well-known tunes
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fan.ta.size
(BrE also -ise) verb ~ (about sth) to imagine that you are doing sth that you would like to do, or that sth that you would like to happen is happening, even though this is very unlikely: [v] He sometimes fantasized about winning the gold medal. [alsov that]
fan.ta.sist noun
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fan.tas.tic
adj.
1 (informal) extremely good; excellent
SYN GREAT , BRILLIANT : a fantastic beach in Australia  a fantastic achievement  The weather was absolutely fantastic.  You’ve got the job? Fantastic!
2 (informal) very large; larger than you expected
SYN ENORMOUS , AMAZING : The response to our appeal was fantastic.  The car costs a fantastic amount of money.
3 (also less frequent fan.tas.tic.al) [usually before noun] strange and imaginative
SYN WEIRD : fantastic dreams of forests and jungles
4 impossible to put into practice: a fantastic scheme / project
fan.tas.tic.al.ly adv.: fantastically expensive / successful  a fantastically shaped piece of stone
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fan.tasy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a pleasant situation that you imagine but that is unlikely to happen: his childhood fantasies about becoming a famous football player
2 [C] a product of your imagination: Her books are usually escapist fantasies.
3 [U] the act of imagining things; a person’s imagination: a work of fantasy  Stop living in a fantasy world.
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fan.zine
noun a magazine that is written and read by FANS of a musician, sports team, etc.
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FAQ
abbr. used in writing to mean ‘frequently asked questions’
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far
adv., adj.
adv. (far.ther, far.thest or fur.ther, fur.thest)
DISTANCE|
1 ~ (from, away, below, etc.) a long distance away: We didn’t go far.  Have you come far?  It’s not far to the beach.  There’s not far to go now.  The restaurant is not far from here.  countries as far apart as Japan and Brazil  He looked down at the traffic far below.  Far away in the distance, a train whistled.  The farther north they went, the colder it became.
HELP In positive sentences it is more usual to use a long way: We went a long way.  We went far.  The restaurant is a long way from here.
2 used when you are asking or talking about the distance between two places or the distance that has been travelled or is to be travelled: How far is it to your house from here?  How much further is it?  We’ll go by train as far as London, and then take a bus.  We didn’t go as far as the others.  I’m not sure I can walk so far .
TIME|
3 ~ (back / ahead)| ~ (into sth) a long time from the present; for a large part of a particular period of time: The band made their first record as far back as 1980.  Let’s try to plan further ahead.  We worked far into the night.
DEGREE|
4 very much; to a great degree: That’s a far better idea.  There are far more opportunities for young people than there used to be.  It had been a success far beyond their expectations.  He’s fallen far behind in his work.  She always gives us far too much homework.
5 used when you are asking or talking about the degree to which sth is true or possible: How far can we trust him?  His parents supported him as far as they could.  Plan your route in advance, using main roads as far as possible .
PROGRESS|
6 used to talk about how much progress has been made in doing or achieving sth: How far have you got with that report?  I read as far as the third chapter.  note at FARTHER as far as the eye can / could 'see to the HORIZON (= where the sky meets the land or sea): The bleak moorland stretched on all sides as far as the eye could see. as far as I 'know | as far as I can re'member, 'see, 'tell, etc. used to say that you think you know, remember, understand, etc. sth but you cannot be completely sure, especially because you do not know all the facts: As far as we knew, there was no cause for concern.  As far as I can see, you’ve done nothing wrong.  She lived in Chicago, as far as I can remember. as / so far as 'I am concerned used to give your personal opinion on sth: As far as I am concerned, you can do what you like. as / so far as sb/sth is concerned used to give facts or an opinion about a particular aspect of sth as / so far as it 'goes to a limited degree, usually less than is satisfactory: It’s a good plan as far as it goes, but there are a lot of things they haven’t thought of. by 'far (used with comparative or superlative adjectives or adverbs) by a great amount: The last of these reasons is by far the most important.  Amy is the smartest by far. carry / take sth too, etc. 'far to continue doing sth beyond reasonable limits far and a'way (followed by comparative or superlative adjectives) by a very great amount: She’s far and away the best player. far and 'wide over a large area: They searched far and wide for the missing child. far be it from me to do sth (but … ) (informal) used when you are just about to disagree with sb or to criticize them and you would like them to think that you do not really want to do this: Far be it from me to interfere in your affairs but I would like to give you just one piece of advice. far from sth / from doing sth almost the opposite of sth or of what is expected: It is far from clear (= it is not clear) what he intends to do.  Computers, far from destroying jobs, can create employment. far 'from it (informal) used to say that the opposite of what sb says is true: ‘You’re not angry then?’‘Far from it. I’ve never laughed so much in my life.’ go 'far (of people) to be very successful in the future: She is very talented and should go far. go far enough (used in questions and negative sentences) to achieve all that is wanted: The new legislation is welcome but does not go far enough.  Do these measures go far enough?   (disapproving) Stop it now. The joke has gone far enough (= it has continued too long). go so / as far as to … to be willing to go to extreme or surprising limits in dealing with sth: I wouldn’t go as far as to say that he’s a liar (= but I think he may be slightly dishonest). go too 'far | go 'this / 'that far to behave in an extreme way that is not acceptable: He’s always been quite crude, but this time he’s gone too far.  I never thought she’d go this far. in so / as 'far as to the degree that: That’s the truth, in so far as I know it. not far 'off / 'out / 'wrong (informal) almost correct: Your guess wasn’t far out at all. not go 'far
1 (of money) to not be enough to buy a lot of things: Five pounds doesn’t go very far these days.
2 (of a supply of sth) to not be enough for what is needed: Four bottles of wine won’t go far among twenty people. 'so far | 'thus far until now; up to this point: What do you think of the show so far?  Detectives are so far at a loss to explain the reason for his death. ,so 'far (informal) only to a limited degree: I trust him only so far. ,so far, so 'good (saying) used to say that things have been successful until now and you hope they will continue to do so, but you know the task, etc. is not finished yet—more at AFIELD , FEW adj. , NEAR adv.

adj. (far.ther, far.thest or fur.ther, fur.thest) [only before noun]
DISTANT|
1 at a greater distance away from you: I saw her on the far side of the road.  at the far end of the room  They made for an empty table in the far corner.
2 at the furthest point in a particular direction: the far north of Scotland  Who is that on the far left of the photograph?  She is on the far right of the party (= holds extreme RIGHT-WING political views).
3 (old-fashioned or literary) a long distance away: a far country a far cry from sth a very different experience from sth

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far.away
adj. [only before noun]
1 a long distance away: a war in a faraway country
2 a ~ look / expression an expression on your face that shows that your thoughts are far away from your present surroundings: There was a faraway look in her eyes.
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farce
noun
1 [C, U] a funny play for the theatre based on ridiculous and unlikely situations and events; this type of writing or performance: a bedroom farce (= a funny play about sex)
2 [C] a situation or an event that is so unfair or badly organized that it becomes ridiculous: The trial was a complete farce.
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far.ci.cal
adj. ridiculous and not worth taking seriously: It was a farcical trial.  a situation verging on the farcical
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fare
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the money that you pay to travel by bus, plane, taxi, etc: air / bus / taxi fares  train / rail fares  Children travel (at) half fare.  When do they start paying full fare?—see also RETURN FARE
2 [C] a passenger in a taxi: The taxi driver picked up a fare at the station.
3 [U] (old-fashioned or formal) food that is offered as a meal: The restaurant provides good traditional fare.

verb [v] ~ well, badly, better, etc. to be successful/unsuccessful in a particular situation
SYN GET ON : The party fared very badly in the last election.

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the ,Far 'East
noun China, Japan and other countries of E and SE Asia—compare THE MIDDLE EAST
,Far 'Eastern adj.
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fare.well
noun, exclamation
noun [C, U] the act of saying goodbye to sb: She said her farewells and left.  a farewell party / drink

exclamation (old use or formal) goodbye

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,far-'fetched
adj. very difficult to believe: The whole story sounds very far-fetched.
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,far-'flung
adj. [usually before noun] (written)
1 a long distance away: expeditions to the far-flung corners of the world
2 spread over a wide area: a newsletter that helps to keep all our far-flung graduates in touch
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,far 'gone
adj. [not before noun] (informal) very ill/sick, crazy or drunk: She was too far gone to understand anything we said to her.
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farm
noun, verb
noun
1 an area of land, and the buildings on it, used for growing crops and/or keeping animals: a 200-acre farm  a farm worker / labourer  farm buildings / machinery  to live / work on a farm
2 the main house on a farm, where the farmer lives
3 (especially in compounds) a place where particular fish or animals are bred: a trout / mink / pig farm—see also BATTERY FARM , COLLECTIVE FARM , DAIRY , FACTORY FARM , HEALTH FARM , TRUCK FARM , WIND FARM

verb to use land for growing crops and/or keeping animals: [v] The family has farmed in Kent for over two hundred years.  [vn] They farm dairy cattle.  He farmed 200 acres of prime arable land.  organically farmed produce
PVR V ,farm sb<->'out (to sb) (BrE, disapproving) to arrange for sb to be cared for by other people ,farm sb/sth<->'out to sb to send out work for other people to do: The company farms out a lot of work to freelancers.

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'farm belt
noun (AmE ) an area where there are a lot of farms
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farm.er
noun a person who owns or manages a farm
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farm.hand
noun a person who works for a farmer
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farm.house
noun the main house on a farm, where the farmer lives
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farm.ing
noun [U] the business of managing or working on a farm: to take up farming  sheep / fish / organic farming  modern farming methods  a farming community
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farm.land
noun [U, pl.] land that is used for farming: 250 acres of farmland  the prosperous farmlands of Picardy
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farm.stead
noun (AmE or formal) a FARMHOUSE and the buildings near it: a few scattered farmsteads
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farm.yard
noun an area that is surrounded by farm buildings
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'far-off
adj. [only before noun]
1 a long distance away: a far-off land
2 a long time ago: memories of those far-off days
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far.rago
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-oes or -os) (formal, disapproving) a confused mixture of different things
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,far-'reaching
adj. likely to have a lot of influence or many effects: far-reaching consequences / implications  far-reaching changes / reforms
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far.rier
noun a person whose job is making and fitting HORSESHOES for horses' feet
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Farsi
noun [U] = PERSIAN
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,far-'sighted
adj.
1 having or showing an understanding of the effects in the future of actions that you take now, and being able to plan for them: the most far-sighted of politicians  a far-sighted decision
2 (especially AmE) = LONG-SIGHTED
,far-'sighted.ness noun [U]
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fart
verb, noun
verb ( , slang) [v] to let air from the bowels come out through the ANUS , especially when it happens loudly
HELP A more polite way of expressing this is ‘to break wind’.
PVR V ,fart a'round (BrE also ,fart a'bout) ( , slang) to waste time by behaving in a silly way: Stop farting around and give me a hand with this!

noun ( , slang)
1 an act of letting air from the bowels come out through the ANUS , especially when it happens loudly
2 an unpleasant, boring or stupid person: He’s just a boring old fart.

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far.ther
adv., adj.
adv. (comparative of far) at or to a greater distance in space or time: farther north / south  farther along the road  I can’t go any farther.  As a family we grew farther and farther apart.  We watched their ship moving gradually farther away .  How much farther is it?  They hadn’t got any farther with the work (= they had made no progress)
IDM see AFIELD

adj. (comparative of far) at a greater distance in space, direction or time: the farther shore of the lake

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far.thest
(also fur.thest) adv., adj.
adv. (superlative of far) at or to the greatest distance in space or time: the house farthest away from the road  a competition to see who could throw (the) farthest

adj. (also fur.thest) (superlative of far) most distant in space, direction or time: the farthest point of the journey  the part of the garden farthest from the house  note at FARTHER

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far.thing
noun an old British coin worth one quarter of an old PENNY
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fa.scia
noun (BrE )
1 (also facia) = DASHBOARD
2 (also 'fascia board) a board on the roof of a house, at the end of the RAFTERS
3 (also facia) a board above the entrance of a shop, with the name of the shop on it
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fas.cin.ate
verb to attract or interest sb very much: [vn] China has always fascinated me.  It was a question that had fascinated him since he was a boy.  [v] It seems that the private lives of movie stars never fail to fascinate.
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fas.cin.ated
adj. ~ (by sth)| ~ to see, learn, etc. very interested: The children watched, fascinated, as the picture began to appear.  I’ve always been fascinated by his ideas.  They were fascinated to see that it was similar to one they had at home.
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fas.cin.at.ing
adj. extremely interesting and attractive: a fascinating story / subject  The results of the survey made fascinating reading.  It’s fascinating to see how different people approach the problem.  I fail to see what women find so fascinating about him.
fas.cin.at.ing.ly adv.
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fas.cin.ation
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a very strong attraction, that makes sth very interesting: Water holds a fascination for most children.  The fascination of the game lies in trying to guess what your opponent is thinking.
2 [U, sing.] ~ (for / with sb/sth) the state of being very attracted to and interested in sb/sth: the public’s enduring fascination with the Royal Family  The girls listened in fascination as the story unfolded.  They stared in horrified fascination as the snake approached.
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fas.cism
(also Fascism) noun [U] an extreme RIGHT-WING political system or attitude which is in favour of strong central government and which does not allow any opposition
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fas.cist
(also Fascist) noun
1 a person who supports fascism
2 a way of referring to sb that you disapprove of because they have RIGHT-WING attitudes
fas.cist adj.: a fascist state  fascist sympathies
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fash.ion
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a popular style of clothes, hair, etc. at a particular time or place; the state of being popular: dressed in the latest fashion  the new season’s fashions  Long skirts have come into fashion again.  Jeans are still in fashion .  Some styles never go out of fashion .
2 [C] a popular way of behaving, doing an activity, etc: The fashion at the time was for teaching mainly the written language.  Fashions in art and literature come and go.
3 [U] the business of making or selling clothes in new and different styles: a fashion designer / magazine / show  the world of fashion  the fashion industry
IDM after a 'fashion to some extent, but not very well: I can play the piano, after a fashion. after the fashion of sb/sth (formal) in the style of sb/sth: The new library is very much after the fashion of Nash. in (a) … 'fashion (formal) in a particular way: How could they behave in such a fashion?  She was proved right, in dramatic fashion, when the whole department resigned. like it’s going out of 'fashion (spoken) used to emphasize that sb is doing sth or using sth a lot: She’s been spending money like it’s going out of fashion.—see also PARROT-FASHION

verb [vn] ~ A (from / out of B)| ~ B (into A) to make or shape sth, especially with your hands: She fashioned a pot from the clay.  She fashioned the clay into a pot.

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fash.ion.able
adj.
1 following a style that is popular at a particular time: fashionable clothes / furniture / ideas  It’s becoming fashionable to have long hair again.  Such thinking is fashionable among right-wing politicians at the moment.
2 used or visited by people following a current fashion, especially by rich people: a fashionable address / resort / restaurant  She lives in a very fashionable part of London.
OPP UNFASHIONABLE —compare OLD-FASHIONED
fash.ion.ably adv.: fashionably dressed  His wife was blonde and fashionably thin.
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'fashion-conscious
adj. aware of the latest fashions and wanting to follow them: fashion-conscious teenagers / shoppers
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fast
adj., adv., verb, noun
adj. (fast.er, fast.est)
QUICK|
1 moving or able to move quickly: a fast car / horse  the world’s fastest runner
2 happening in a short time or without delay: the fastest rate of increase for several years  a fast response time
3 able to do sth quickly: a fast learner / reader
SURFACE|
4 producing or allowing quick movement: a fast road / pitch—see also FAST LANE
WATCH / CLOCK|
5 [not before noun] showing a time later than the true time: I’m early—my watch must be fast.  That clock’s ten minutes fast.
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM|
6 (technical) very sensitive to light, and therefore useful when taking photographs in poor light or of sth that is moving very quickly
FIRMLY FIXED|
7 (of a boat, etc.) firmly fixed and safe: He made the boat fast .
COLOURS IN CLOTHES|
8 not likely to change or to come out when washed
HELP There is no noun related to fast. Use speed in connection with vehicles, actions, etc.; quickness is used about thinking. fast and 'furious (of films / movies, shows, etc.) full of rapid action and sudden changes: In his latest movie, the action is fast and furious. a fast 'talker a person who can talk very quickly and easily, but who cannot always be trusted a fast 'worker (informal) a person who knows how to get what they want quickly, especially when beginning a sexual relationship with sb—more at BUCK n. , HARD adj. , PULL v.

adv. (fast.er, fast.est)
QUICKLY|
1 quickly: Don’t drive so fast!  How fast were you going?  I can’t go any faster.  The water was rising fast.  Her heart beat faster.   (formal) Night was fast approaching.  a fast-flowing stream  note at QUICK
2 in a short time; without delay: Children grow up so fast these days.  Britain is fast becoming a nation of fatties.  The police said that they had reacted as fast as they could.
FIRMLY|
3 firmly; completely: Within a few minutes she was fast asleep (= sleeping deeply).  The boat was stuck fast (= unable to move) in the mud.
HELP There is no noun related to fast. Use speed in connection with vehicles, actions, etc.; quickness is used about thinking. as fast as your legs can carry you as quickly as you can hold 'fast to sth (formal) to continue to believe in an idea, etc. in spite of difficulties play fast and 'loose (with sb/sth) (old-fashioned) to treat sb/sth in a way that shows that you feel no responsibility or respect for them stand 'fast / 'firm to refuse to move back; to refuse to change your opinions—more at THICK adv.

verb [v] to eat little or no food for a period of time, especially for religious reasons: Muslims fast during Ramadan.

noun a period during which you do not eat food, especially for religious or health reasons: to go on a fast  to break (= end) your fast

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fas.ten
verb
1 ~ (sth) (up) to close or join together the two parts of sth; to become closed or joined together
SYN DO UP : [vn] Fasten your seatbelts, please.  He fastened up his coat and hurried out.  [v] The dress fastens at the back.
OPP UNFASTEN
2 to close sth firmly so that it will not open; to be closed in this way: [vn] Fasten the gates securely so that they do not blow open.  [v] The window wouldn’t fasten.
OPP UNFASTEN
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to fix or place sth in a particular position, so that it will not move: He fastened back the shutters.
4 [vn] ~ A to B| ~ A and B (together) to attach or tie one thing to another thing: He fastened the papers together with a paper clip.
5 if you fasten your arms around sb, your teeth into sth, etc., or if your arms, teeth, etc. fasten around, into, etc. sb/sth, you hold the person/thing firmly with your arms, etc: [vn] The dog fastened its teeth in his leg.  [v] His hand fastened on her arm.
6 if you fasten your eyes on sb/sth or your eyes fasten on sb/sth, you look at them for a long time: [vn] He fastened his gaze on her face. [alsov] 'fasten on(to) sb/sth to choose or follow sb/sth in a determined way
SYN LATCH ON TO SB/STH
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fas.ten.er
(also fas.ten.ing) noun a device, such as a button or a zip/zipper , used to close a piece of clothing; a device used to close a window, suitcase, etc. tightly
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fas.ten.ing
noun
1 = FASTENER
2 the place where sth, especially a piece of clothing, fastens; the way sth fastens: The trousers have a fly fastening.
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,fast 'food
noun [U] hot food that is served very quickly in special restaurants, and often taken away to be eaten in the street
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,fast 'forward
verb [vn, v] to wind a tape or video forward without playing it
,fast 'forward noun [U]: Press fast forward to advance the tape.  the fast-forward button
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fas.tidi.ous
adj.
1 being careful that every detail of sth is correct
SYN METICULOUS : Everything was planned in fastidious detail.  He was fastidious in his preparation for the big day.
2 (sometimes disapproving) not liking things to be dirty or untidy: She wasn’t very fastidious about personal hygiene.
fas.tidi.ous.ly adj.
fas.tidi.ous.ness noun [U]
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'fast lane
noun [sing.] the part of a main road such as a motorway where vehicles drive fastest
IDM in the 'fast lane where things are most exciting and where a lot is happening: He had a good job, plenty of money and he was enjoying life in the fast lane .
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fast.ness
noun (literary) a place that is thought to be safe because it is difficult to get to or easy to defend
SYN STRONGHOLD
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'fast track
noun [sing.] a quick way to achieve sth, for example a high position in a job
fast-track adj.: the fast-track route to promotion  fast-track graduates
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fat
adj., noun
adj. (fat.ter, fat.test)
1 (of a person’s or an animal’s body) having too much flesh on it and weighing too much: a big fat man / woman  You’ll get fat if you eat so much chocolate.  He grew fatter and fatter.  fat flabby legs
2 thick or wide: a fat volume on American history
3 [only before noun] (informal) large in quantity; worth a lot of money: a fat sum / profit  He gave me a nice fat cheque.
fat.ness noun [U]: Fatness tends to run in families.
IDM (a) fat 'chance (of sth / doing sth) (spoken) used for saying that you do not believe sth is likely to happen: ‘They might let us in without tickets.’‘Fat chance of that!’ a fat lot of good, use, etc. (spoken) not at all good or useful: Paul can’t drive so he was a fat lot of use when I broke my arm.

noun
1 [U] a white or yellow substance in the bodies of animals and humans, stored under the skin: excess body fat  This ham has too much fat on it.
2 [C, U] a solid or liquid substance from animals or plants, treated so that it becomes pure for use in cooking: Cook the meat in shallow fat.
3 [C, U] animal and vegetable fats, when you are thinking of them as part of what a person eats: You should cut down on fats and carbohydrates.  foods which are low in fat  fat free yoghurts  reduced fat margarines
IDM see CHEW v. , LIVE^1

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fatal
adj.
1 causing or ending in death: a fatal accident / blow / illness  a potentially fatal form of cancer  If she gets ill again it could prove fatal .—compare MORTAL
2 causing disaster or failure: a fatal error / mistake  Any delay would be fatal.  There was a fatal flaw in the plan.  It’d be fatal to try and stop them now.
fa.tal.ly adv.: fatally injured / wounded  The plan was fatally flawed from the start.
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fa.tal.ism
noun [U] the belief that events are decided by fate and that you cannot control them; the fact of accepting that you cannot prevent sth from happening: There is a mood of profound fatalism amongst party members.
fa.tal.ist noun: I’m a fatalist.
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fa.tal.is.tic
adj. showing a belief in fate and feeling that you cannot control events or stop them from happening: a fatalistic attitude / outlook
fa.tal.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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fa.tal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a death that is caused in an accident or a war or by some other act of violence: Several people were injured, but there were no fatalities.
2 [U] the fact that a particular disease will result in death: to reduce the fatality of certain types of cancer  Different forms of cancer have different fatality rates.
3 [U] the belief or feeling that we have no control over what happens to us: A sense of fatality gripped her.
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,fat 'cat
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who earns, or who has, a lot of money (especially when compared to people who do not earn so much)
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fate
noun
1 [C] the things, especially bad things, that will happen or have happened to sb/sth: The fate of the three men is unknown.  She sat outside, waiting to find out her fate.  The court will decide our fate / fates .  Each of the managers suffered the same fate .  The government had abandoned the refugees to their fate .  From that moment our fate was sealed (= our future was decided).
2 [U] the power that is believed to control everything that happens and that cannot be stopped or changed: Fate was kind to me that day.  By a strange twist of fate , Andy and I were on the same plane.
IDM a fate worse than 'death (often humorous) a terrible thing that could happen—more at TEMPT
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fated
adj.
1 ~ (to do sth) unable to escape a particular fate; certain to happen because everything is controlled by fate : We were fated never to meet again.  He believes that everything in life is fated.
2 = ILL-FATED
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fate.ful
adj. [usually before noun] having an important, often very bad, effect on future events: She looked back now to that fateful day in December.  his final fateful journey to Moscow
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father
noun, verb
noun
1 a male parent of a child or an animal; a person who is acting as the father to a child: Ben’s a wonderful father.  You’ve been like a father to me.  Our new boss is a father of three (= he has three children).  He was a wonderful father to both his natural and adopted children.   (old-fashioned) Father, I cannot lie to you.—see also GODFATHER , GRANDFATHER , STEPFATHER
2 (fathers) [pl.] (literary) a person’s ANCESTORS (= people who are related to you who lived in the past): the land of our fathers—see also FOREFATHERS
3 ~ (of sth) the first man to introduce a new way of thinking about sth or of doing sth: Henry Moore is considered to be the father of modern British sculpture.—see also FOUNDING FATHER
4 (Father) used by Christians to refer to God: Father, forgive us.  God the Father
5 (Father) (abbr.Fr) the title of a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church: Father Dominic—see also HOLY FATHER
IDM from ,father to 'son from one GENERATION of a family to the next like ,father, like 'son used to say that a son’s character or behaviour is similar to that of his father—more at OLD

verb [vn]
1 to become the father of a child by making its mother pregnant: He claims to have fathered over 20 children.
2 (written) to create new ideas or a new way of doing sth

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,Father 'Christmas
(BrE ) (also 'Santa ClausAmE, BrE) noun an imaginary old man with red clothes and a long white BEARD . Parents tell small children that he brings them presents at Christmas.
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'father figure
noun an older man that sb respects because he will advise and help them like a father
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father.hood
noun [U] the state of being a father
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'father-in-law
noun (pl.fathers-in-law) the father of your husband or wife—compare MOTHER-IN-LAW
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father.land
noun [usually sing.] (old-fashioned) (used especially about Germany) the country where a person, or their family, was born, especially when they feel very loyal towards it
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father.less
adj. [usually before noun] without a father, either because he has died or because he does not live with his children: fatherless children / families
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father.ly
adj. typical of a good father: fatherly advice  He keeps a fatherly eye on his players.
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'Father’s Day
noun a day when fathers receive cards and gifts from their children, usually the third Sunday in June
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fathom
verb, noun
verb ~ sb/sth (out) to understand or find an explanation for sth: [vn] It is hard to fathom the pain felt at the death of a child.  [v wh-] He couldn’t fathom out what the man could possibly mean.

noun a unit for measuring the depth of water, equal to 6 feet or 1.8 metres: The ship sank in 20 fathoms.   (figurative) She kept her feelings hidden fathoms deep.

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fa.tigue
noun
1 [U] a feeling of being extremely tired, usually because of hard work or exercise: physical and mental fatigue  Driver fatigue was to blame for the accident.  I was dropping with fatigue and could not keep my eyes open.
2 [U] (usually after another noun) a feeling of not wanting to do a particular activity any longer because you have done too much of it: battle fatigue
3 [U] weakness in metal or wood caused by repeated bending or stretching: The wing of the plane showed signs of metal fatigue .
4 (fatigues) [pl.] loose clothes worn by soldiers
5 (fatigues) [pl.] (especially AmE) duties, such as cleaning and cooking, that soldiers have to do, especially as a punishment
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fa.tigued
adj. [not usually before noun] (formal) very tired, both physically and mentally
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fa.tiguing
adj. (formal) very tiring, both physically and mentally
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fatso
noun (pl.-oes) = FATTY
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fat.ten
verb ~ (sb/sth) up to make sb/sth fatter, especially an animal before killing it for food; to become fatter: [vn] The piglets are taken from the sow to be fattened for market.  She’s very thin after her illness—but we’ll soon fatten her up. [alsov]
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fat.ten.ing
adj. (of food) likely to make you fat: fattening cakes
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fatty
adj., noun
adj. (fat.tier, fat.ti.est) containing a lot of fat; consisting of fat: fatty foods  fatty tissue

noun (pl.-ies) (also fatso) (informal, disapproving) a fat person: Britain is fast becoming a nation of fatties.

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fatu.ous
adj. (formal) very silly and showing a lack of intelligence: a fatuous comment / grin
fatu.ous.ly adv.
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fau.cet
noun (AmE ) (BrE tap) a device that controls the flow of water from a pipe: the hot / cold faucet  to turn a faucet on / off—picture at PLUG
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fault
noun, verb
noun
RESPONSIBILITY|
1 [U] ~ (that … )| ~ (for doing sth) the responsibility for sth wrong that has happened or been done: It was his fault that we were late.  Why should I say sorry when it’s not my fault?  It’s nobody’s fault.  It’s your own fault for being careless.  Many people live in poverty through no fault of their own .  I think the owners are at fault (= responsible) for not warning us.
IN SB’S CHARACTER|
2 [C] a bad or weak aspect of sb’s character: He’s proud of his children and blind to their faults.  I love her for all her faults (= in spite of them).
STH WRONG|
3 [C] something that is wrong or not perfect with sth; something that is wrong with a machine or system that stops it from working correctly: The book’s virtues far outweigh its faults.  The system, for all its faults , is the best available at the moment.  a major fault in the design  a structural / an electrical fault
IN TENNIS|
4 [C] a mistake made when SERVING : He has served a number of double faults in this set.
GEOLOGY|
5 [C] a place where there is a break that is longer than usual in the layers of rock in the earth’s CRUST : the San Andreas fault  a fault line to a 'fault (written) used to say that sb has a lot, or even too much, of a particular good quality: She is generous to a fault.—more at FIND v.

verb [vn] (often used in negative sentences with can and could) to find a mistake or a weakness in sb/sth
SYN CRITICIZE : Her colleagues could not fault her dedication to the job.  He had always been polite—she couldn’t fault him on that.

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'fault-finding
noun [U] the act of looking for faults in sb/sth
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fault.less
adj. perfect; having no mistakes: faultless English
fault.less.ly adv.
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faulty
adj.
1 not perfect; not working or made correctly: Ask for a refund if the goods are faulty.  faulty workmanship  an accident caused by a faulty signal
2 (of a way of thinking) wrong or containing mistakes, often resulting in bad decisions: faulty reasoning
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faun
noun (in ancient Roman stories) a god of the woods, with a man’s face and body and a goat’s legs and horns
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fauna
noun [U, C] all the animals living in an area or in a particular period of history: the local flora and fauna (= plants and animals)   (technical ) land and marine faunas
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faux pas
noun (pl.faux pas ) (from French ) an action or a remark that causes embarrassment because it is not socially correct
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fave
noun (informal) a favourite person or thing: That song is one of my faves.
fave adj.: her fave TV show
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fa.vour
(BrE ) (AmEfavor) noun, verb
noun
HELP|
1 [C] a thing that you do to help sb: Could you do me a favour and pick up Sam from school today?  Can I ask a favour ?  I would never ask for any favours from her.  I’m going as a favour to Ann, not because I want to.  I’ll ask Steve to take it. He owes me a favour .  Thanks for helping me out. I’ll return the favour (= help you because you have helped me) some time.  Do yourself a favour (= help yourself) and wear a helmet on the bike.
APPROVAL|
2 [U] approval or support for sb/sth: The suggestion to close the road has found favour with (= been supported by) local people.  The programme has lost favour with viewers recently.  an athlete who fell from favour after a drugs scandal   (formal) The government looks with favour upon (= approves of) the report’s recommendations.  She’s not in favour with (= supported or liked by) the media just now.  It seems Tim is back in favour with the boss (= the boss likes him again).
BETTER TREATMENT|
3 [U] treatment that is generous to one person or group in a way that seems unfair to others: As an examiner, she showed no favour to any candidate.
PARTY GIFT|
4 (favors) [pl.] (AmE) = PARTY FAVORS
SEX|
5 (favours) [pl.] (old-fashioned) agreement to have sex with sb: demands for sexual favours do sb no 'favours to do sth that is not helpful to sb or that gives a bad impression of them: You’re not doing yourself any favours, working for nothing.  The orchestra did Beethoven no favours. Do me a 'favour! (spoken) used in reply to a question that you think is silly: ‘Do you think they’ll win?’‘Do me a favour! They haven’t got a single decent player.’ in favour (of sb/sth)
1 if you are in favour of sb/sth, you support and agree with them/it: He argued in favour of a strike.  There were 247 votes in favour (of the motion) and 152 against.  I’m all in favour of (= completely support) equal pay for equal work.  Most of the ‘don’t knows’ in the opinion polls came down in favour of (= eventually chose to support) the Democrats.
2 if you replace one thing in favour of another, you think the second thing is better or you want it more: He abandoned teaching in favour of a career as a musician. in sb’s favour
1 if sth is in sb’s favour, it gives them an advantage or helps them: The exchange rate is in our favour at the moment.  She was willing to bend the rules in Mary’s favour.
2 a decision or judgement that is in sb’s favour benefits that person or says that they were right—more at CURRY v. , FEAR n. , STACKED

verb
PREFER|
1 to prefer one system, plan, way of doing sth, etc. to another: [vn] Many countries favour a presidential system of government. [alsov -ing, vn -ing]
TREAT BETTER|
2 [vn] to treat sb better than you treat other people, especially in an unfair way: The treaty seems to favour the US.
HELP|
3 [vn] to provide suitable conditions for a particular person, group, etc: The warm climate favours many types of tropical plants.
LOOK LIKE PARENT|
4 [vn] (old-fashioned orAmE) to look like one of your parents or older relations: She definitely favours her father.

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fa.vour.able
(BrE ) (AmEfa.vor.able) adj.
1 making people have a good opinion of sb/sth: She made a favourable impression on his parents.  The biography shows him in a favourable light.
2 positive and showing your good opinion of sb/sth: favourable comments
3 ~ (to / for sb/sth) good for sth and making it likely to be successful or have an advantage: The terms of the agreement are favourable to both sides.  favourable economic conditions
4 fairly good and not too expensive: They offered me a loan on very favourable terms .
OPP UNFAVOURABLE
fa.vour.ably (BrE) (AmEfa.vor.ably) adv.: He speaks very favourably of your work.  These figures compare favourably with last year’s.  I was very favourably impressed with her work.
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fa.voured
(BrE ) (AmEfavored) adj.
1 treated in a special way or receiving special help or advantages in a way that may seem unfair: a member of the President’s favoured circle of advisers
2 preferred by most people: the favoured candidate
3 (formal) particularly pleasant and worth having: Their house is in a very favoured position near the park.
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fa.vour.ite
(BrE ) (AmEfa.vor.ite) adj., noun
adj. liked more than others of the same kind: It’s one of my favourite movies.  Who is your favourite writer?
IDM sb’s favourite 'son a performer, politician, sports player, etc., who is popular where they were born

noun
1 a person or thing that you like more than the others of the same type: These biscuits are great favourites with the children.  This song is a particular favourite of mine.  Which one’s your favourite?  The programme has become a firm favourite with young people.
2 a person who is liked better by sb and receives better treatment than others: She loved all her grandchildren but Ann was her favourite.
3 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) the horse, competitor, team, etc. that is expected to win: The favourite came third.  Her horse is the hot favourite for the race.  AC Milan, the hot favourites to win the European Cup
4 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) the person who is expected by most people to get a particular job or position: She’s the favourite for the job.  She’s the favourite to succeed Blair as leader.

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fa.vour.it.ism
(BrE ) (AmEfa.vor.it.ism) noun [U] (disapproving) the act of unfairly treating one person better than others because you like them better: The students accused the teacher of favouritism.
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fawn
adj., noun, verb
adj. light yellowish-brown in colour: a fawn coat

noun
1 [C] a deer less than one year old
2 [U] a light yellowish-brown colour

verb [v] ~ (on / over sb) (disapproving) to try to please sb by praising them or paying them too much attention: He seemed unaware of the girl’s fawning admiration.

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fax
noun, verb
noun (also formal fac.sim.ile)
1 (also 'fax machine) [C] a machine that sends and receives documents in an electronic form along telephone wires and then prints them: Do you have a fax?
2 [U] a system for sending documents using a fax machine: Can you send it to me by fax ?  What is your fax number?
3 [C] a letter or message sent by fax : Did you get my fax?  You can send faxes by e-mail from your computer.

verb ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb (sth) to send sb a document, message, etc. by fax : [vnn, vn] Could you fax me the latest version?  Could you fax it to me?  [vn] I faxed the list of hotels through to them.

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faze
verb [vn] [often passive] (informal) to make you feel confused or shocked, so that you do not know what to do: She wasn’t fazed by his comments.  He looked as if nothing could faze him.
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FBI
abbr. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI is the police department in the US that is controlled by the national government and that is responsible for dealing with crimes that affect more than one state.
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FC
abbr. (BrE ) football club: Tottenham FC
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FCO
abbr. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
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FE
abbr. (in Britain) FURTHER EDUCATION
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fear
noun, verb
noun [C, U] ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) the bad feeling that you have when you are in danger, when sth bad might happen, or when a particular thing frightens you: (a) fear of the dark / spiders / flying  Her eyes showed no fear.  The child was shaking with fear .  We lived in constant fear of losing our jobs.  her fears for her son’s safety  the fear that he had cancer  The doctor’s report confirmed our worst fears.  Alan spoke of his fears for the future .
IDM for fear of sth / of doing sth | for fear (that) … to avoid the danger of sth happening: We spoke quietly for fear of waking the guards.  I had to run away for fear (that) he might one day kill me. in ,fear of your 'life feeling frightened that you might be killed ,no 'fear (BrE, spoken) used to say that you definitely do not want to do sth: ‘Are you coming climbing?’‘No fear!’ put the fear of 'God into sb to make sb very frightened, especially in order to make them do sth without fear or 'favour (formal) in a fair way—more at STRIKE v.

verb
1 to be frightened of sb/sth or frightened of doing sth: [vn] All his employees fear him.  to fear death / persecution / the unknown  Don’t worry, you have nothing to fear from us.  [v to inf] (formal) She feared to tell him the truth. [alsov -ing]
2 to feel that sth bad might have happened or might happen in the future: [vn] She has been missing for three days now and police are beginning to fear the worst (= think that she is dead).  [vn-adj] Hundreds of people are feared dead.  [vn to inf] Women and children are feared to be among the victims.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive. [vn (that)] It is feared (that) he may have been kidnapped.  [v] Never fear / Fear not (= Don’t worry), I shall return. [alsov (that)]
3 (I fear) [v] (formal) used to tell sb that you think that sth bad has happened or is true: They are unlikely to get here on time, I fear.  ‘He must be dead then?’‘I fear so .’  ‘She’s not coming back?’‘I fear not .’
PVR V 'fear for sb/sth to be worried about sb/sth: We fear for his safety.  He feared for his mother, left alone on the farm.

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fear.ful
adj.
1 ~ (for sb)| ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that) … (formal) nervous and afraid: Parents are ever fearful for their children.  fearful of an attack  She was fearful that she would fail.
2 [only before noun] (formal) terrible and frightening
3 (old-fashioned, informal) extremely bad: We made a fearful mess of the room.
fear.ful.ly adv.: We watched fearfully.  fearfully (= extremely) expensive
fear.ful.ness noun [U]
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fear.less
adj. (approving) not afraid, in a way that people admire: a fearless mountaineer
fear.less.ly adv.
fear.less.ness noun [U]
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fear.some
adj. (formal) making people feel very frightened: a fearsome dinosaur  He has a fearsome reputation as a fighter.
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feas.ible
adj. that is possible and likely to be achieved
SYN PRACTICABLE : a feasible plan / suggestion / idea  It’s just not feasible to manage the business on a part-time basis.
OPP UNFEASIBLE
feasi.bil.ity noun [U]: a feasibility study on the proposed new airport  I doubt the feasibility of the plan.
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feast
noun, verb
noun (formal)
1 a large or special meal, especially for a lot of people and to celebrate sth: a wedding feast
2 a day or period of time when there is a religious festival: the feast of Christmas  a feast day
3 [usually sing.] a thing or an event that brings great pleasure: a feast of colours  The evening was a real feast for music lovers.

verb [v] ~ (on sth) to eat a large amount of food, with great enjoyment
IDM feast your 'eyes (on sb/sth) to look at sb/sth and get great pleasure

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feat
noun (approving) an action or piece of work that needs skill, strength or courage: The tunnel is a brilliant feat of engineering.  to perform / attempt / achieve astonishing feats  That was no mean feat (= it was difficult to do).
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fea.ther
noun, verb
noun one of the many soft light parts covering a bird’s body: a peacock feather  a feather pillow (= one containing feathers)—
IDM a 'feather in your cap an action that you can be proud of—more at BIRD , KNOCK v. , RUFFLE v. , SMOOTH v.

verb
IDM feather your (own) 'nest to make yourself richer, especially by spending money on yourself that should be spent on sth else—more at TAR v.

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,feather-'bed
verb (-dd-) [vn] (BrE ) to make things easy for sb, especially by giving them money or good conditions of work
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,feather 'boa
(also boa) noun a long thin piece of clothing like a SCARF , made of feathers and worn over the shoulders by women, especially in the past
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,feather 'duster
noun a stick with feathers on the end of it that is used for cleaning
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fea.thered
adj. covered with feathers or having feathers
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fea.ther.weight
noun a boxer weighing between 53.5 and 57 kilograms, heavier than a BANTAMWEIGHT : a featherweight champion
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fea.thery
adj. light and soft; like a feather: feathery leaves / snowflakes
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fea.ture
noun, verb
noun [C]
1 something important, interesting or typical of a place or thing: An interesting feature of the city is the old market.  Teamwork is a key feature of the training programme.  Which features do you look for when choosing a car?  The software has no particular distinguishing features .  geographical features
2 [usually pl.] a part of sb’s face such as their nose, mouth and eyes: his strong handsome features  Her eyes are her most striking feature .
3 ~ (on sb/sth) (in newspapers, on television, etc.) a special article or programme about sb/sth: a special feature on education
4 (old-fashioned) the main film/movie in a cinema programme

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to include a particular person or thing as a special feature: The film features Anthony Hopkins as Picasso.  The latest model features alloy wheels and an electronic alarm.  Many of the hotels featured in the brochure offer special deals for weekend breaks.
2 [v] ~ (in sth) to have an important part in sth: Olive oil and garlic feature prominently in his recipes.

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'feature film
noun a main film/movie with a story, rather than a DOCUMENTARY , etc.
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fea.ture.less
adj. without any qualities or noticeable characteristics: The countryside is flat and featureless.
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fe.brile
adj.
1 (formal) nervous, excited and very active: a product of her febrile imagination
2 (medical) (of an illness) caused by fever
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Feb.ru.ary
noun [U, C] (abbr. Feb.) the 2nd month of the year, between January and March
HELP To see how February is used, look at the examples at April.
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fecal, feces
(AmE ) = FAECAL , FAECES
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feck.less
adj. having a weak character; not behaving in a responsible way: Her husband was a charming, but lazy and feckless man.
feck.less.ness noun [U]
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fec.und
adj. (formal)
1 able to produce a lot of children, crops, etc.
SYN FERTILE
2 producing new and useful things, especially ideas
fe.cund.ity noun [U]
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Fed
noun (AmE , informal) an officer of the FBI or another federal organization
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fed
pt, pp of FEED
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fed.eral
adj.
1 having a system of government in which the individual states of a country have control over their own affairs, but are controlled by a central government for national decisions, etc: a federal republic
2 (within a federal system , especially the US) connected with national government rather than the local government of an individual state: a federal law  state and federal income taxes
fed.er.al.ly adv.: federally funded health care
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the ,Federal ,Bureau of Investi'gation
= FBI
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fed.er.al.ist
noun a supporter of a FEDERAL system of government
fed.er.al.ist adj.: a federalist future in Europe
fed.er.al.ism noun [U]: European federalism
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fed.er.ate
verb [v] (technical ) (of states, organizations, etc.) to unite under a central government or organization while keeping some local control
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fed.er.ation
noun
1 [C] a country consisting of a group of individual states that have control over their own affairs but are controlled by a central government for national decisions, etc: the Russian Federation
2 [C] a group of clubs, trade unions, etc. that have joined together to form an organization: the International Tennis Federation
3 [U] the act of forming a federation : Many MPs are against federation in Europe.
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fe.dora
noun a low soft hat with a curled BRIM
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,fed 'up
adj. [not before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) (especially spoken) bored or unhappy, especially with a situation that has continued for too long: You look fed up. What’s the matter?  I’m fed up with waiting for her.  People are fed up with all these traffic jams.  In the end, I just got fed up with his constant complaining.  I wish he’d get a job. I’m fed up with it (= with the situation).
HELP Some people say ‘fed up of sth’ in BrE, but this is not considered correct in standard English.
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fee
noun
1 an amount of money that you pay for professional advice or services: legal fees  Does the bank charge a fee for setting up the account?  fee-paying schools (= that you have to pay to go to)
2 an amount of money that you pay to join an organization, or to do sth: membership fees  There is no entrance fee to the gallery.
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fee.ble
adj. (fee.bler , feeb.lest )
1 very weak: a feeble old man  The heartbeat was feeble and irregular.
2 not effective; not showing determination or energy: a feeble argument / excuse / joke  a feeble attempt to explain  Don’t be so feeble! Tell her you don’t want to go.
feeble.ness noun [U]
feebly adv.
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,feeble-'minded
adj.
1 (old use, offensive) having less than usual intelligence
2 weak and unable to make decisions
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feed
verb, noun
verb (fed, fed )
GIVE / EAT FOOD|
1 ~ sb/sth (on) sth| ~ sth to sb/sth to give food to a person or an animal: [vn] Have you fed the cat yet?  The baby can’t feed itself yet (= can’t put food into its own mouth).  The cattle are fed on barley.  [vnn, vn] The cattle are fed barley.  The barley is fed to the cattle.
2 [v] (of a baby or an animal) to eat food: Slugs and snails feed at night.—see also FEED ON / OFF STH
3 [vn] to provide food for a family or group of people: They have a large family to feed.  There’s enough here to feed an army.
PLANT|
4 [vn] to give a plant a special substance to make it grow: Feed the plants once a week.
GIVE ADVICE / INFORMATION|
5 ~ sb sth| ~ sth to sb to give advice, information, etc. to sb/sth: [vnn, vn] We are constantly fed gossip and speculation by the media.  Gossip and speculation are constantly fed to us by the media.
SUPPLY|
6 [vn] ~ A (with B)| ~ B into A to supply sth to sb/sth: The electricity line is fed with power through an underground cable.  Power is fed into the electricity line through an underground cable.
PUT INTO MACHINE|
7 [vn] ~ A (with B)| ~ B into A| ~ sth (into / through sth) to put or push sth into or through a machine: He fed coins into the meter.  He fed the meter with coins.  The fabric is fed through the machine.
SATISFY NEED|
8 [vn] to satisfy a need, desire, etc. and keep it strong: For drug addicts, the need to feed the addiction takes priority over everything else. ,feed your 'face (informal, usually disapproving) to eat a lot of food or too much food a 'feeding frenzy (especially AmE) a period of time during which sb/sth eats, spends, etc. a lot in a way that does not seem to be controlled—more at BITE v. 'feed on / off sth
1 (of an animal) to eat sth: Butterflies feed on the flowers of garden plants.
2 (often disapproving) to become stronger because of sth else: Racism feeds on fear.  He feeds off the work and reputation of others. ,feed 'through (to sb/sth) to reach sb/sth after going through a process or system: It will take time for the higher rates to feed through to investors. ,feed sb<->'up (BrE) to give a lot of food to sb to make them fatter or stronger

noun
MEAL FOR BABY / ANIMAL|
1 [C] a meal of milk for a young baby; a meal for an animal: her morning feed
FOR ANIMALS / PLANTS|
2 [U, C] food for animals or plants: winter feed for the horses
FOR MACHINE|
3 [U] material supplied to a machine
4 [C] a pipe, device, etc. which supplies a machine with sth: the cold feed to the water cylinder  The printer has an automatic paper feed.
LARGE MEAL|
5 [C] (informal) a large meal: They needed a bath and a good feed.
TELEVISION PROGRAMMES|
6 [U] (AmE) television programmes that are sent from a central station to other stations in a NETWORK ; the system of sending out these programmes: network feed

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feed.back
noun [U]
1 advice, criticism or information about how good or useful sth or sb’s work is: I’d appreciate some feedback on my work.  The teacher will give you feedback on the test.  We need both positive and negative feedback from our customers.
2 the unpleasant noise produced by electrical equipment such as an AMPLIFIER when some of the power returns to the system
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feed.bag
noun (AmE ) = NOSEBAG
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feed.er
noun, adj.
noun
1 (used with an adjective or a noun) an animal or plant that eats a particular thing or eats in a particular way: plankton feeders
2 a mechanism that supplies sth to a machine
3 a container filled with food for birds or animals

adj. [only before noun]
1 (of roads, rivers, etc.) leading to a bigger road, etc: a feeder road to the motorway / freeway
2 supplying goods, services, etc. to a large organization
3 (AmE) (of animals on a farm) kept to be killed and used for meat

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'feeder school
noun (BrE ) a school from which most of the children go to a particular SECONDARY SCHOOL or college in the same area
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feed.ing
noun [U] the act of giving food to a person, an animal or a plant: breast / bottle feeding
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'feeding bottle
noun (BrE ) a plastic bottle with a rubber top which a baby or young animal can suck milk through
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feel
verb, noun
verb (felt, felt )
WELL / SICK / HAPPY / SAD, etc.|
1 linking verb to experience a particular feeling or emotion: [v-adj] The heat made him feel faint.  She sounded more confident than she felt.  I was feeling guilty.  You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.  She felt betrayed.  I feel sorry for him.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] How are you feeling today?  I know exactly how you feel (= I feel sympathy for you).  Luckily I was feeling in a good mood.  [vn] He seemed to feel no remorse at all.  [v-n] Standing there on stage I felt a complete idiot.  [v] I felt like a complete idiot.
BE / BECOME AWARE|
2 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to notice or be aware of sth because it is touching you or having a physical effect on you
SYN SENSE : [vn] I could feel the warm sun on my back.  She could not feel her legs.  He felt a hand on his shoulder.  [vn -ing] He felt a hand touching his shoulder.  She could feel herself blushing.  [vn inf] I felt something crawl up my arm.  We felt the ground give way under our feet.
3 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to become aware of sth even though you cannot see it, hear it, etc.
SYN SENSE : Can you feel the tension in this room?
HAVE IMPRESSION|
4 linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to give you a particular feeling or impression: [v-adj] It felt strange to be back in my old school.  My mouth felt completely dry.  [v] The interview only took ten minutes, but it felt like hours.  It feels like rain (= seems likely to rain).  Her head felt as if it would burst.  It felt as though he had run a marathon.  How does it feel to be alone all day?
HELP In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though in this meaning, especially in AmE: He felt like he’d run a marathon. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.
TOUCH|
5 linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular physical quality which you become aware of by touching: [v-adj] The water feels warm.  Its skin feels really smooth.  [v] This wallet feels like leather.
6 to deliberately move your fingers over sth in order to find out what it is like: [vn] Can you feel the bump on my head?  Try to tell what this is just by feeling it.  [v wh-] Feel how rough this is.
THINK / BELIEVE|
7 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to think or believe that sth is the case; to have a particular opinion or attitude
SYN THINK : [v (that)] We all felt (that) we were unlucky to lose.  I felt (that) I had to apologize.  [vn to inf] She felt it to be her duty to tell the police.  [vn-n] She felt it her duty to tell the police.  [vn-adj] I felt it advisable to do nothing.  [v] This decision is, I feel , a huge mistake.  This is something I feel strongly about.
BE STRONGLY AFFECTED|
8 [vn] to experience the effects or results of sth, often strongly: He feels the cold a lot.  Cathy was really feeling the heat.  She felt her mother’s death very deeply.  The effects of the recession are being felt everywhere.  We all felt the force of her arguments.
SEARCH WITH HANDS|
9 [v] ~ (about / around) (for sth) to search for sth with your hands, feet, etc: He felt in his pockets for some money.  I had to feel about in the dark for the light switch. ,feel your 'age to realize that you are getting old, especially compared with people you are with who are younger than you feel your 'ears burning to think or imagine that other people are talking about you feel 'free (to do sth) (informal) used to tell sb that they are allowed to do sth: Feel free to ask questions if you don’t understand.  ‘Can I use your phone?’‘Feel free.’ feel 'good to feel happy, confident, etc: It makes me feel good to know my work is appreciated. feel (it) in your 'bones (that … ) to be certain about sth even though you do not have any direct proof and cannot explain why you are certain: I know I’m going to fail this exam—I can feel it in my bones. feel like sth / like doing sth to want to have or do sth: I feel like a drink.  We all felt like celebrating.  We’ll go for a walk if you feel like it. feel the 'pinch (informal) to not have enough money: Lots of people who have lost their jobs are starting to feel the pinch. feel 'sick (especially BrE) (AmE usually feel ,sick to your 'stomach) to feel as though you will VOMIT soon: Mum! I feel sick. feel your 'way
1 to move along carefully, for example when it is dark, by touching walls, objects, etc.
2 to be careful about how you do things, usually because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with: She was new in the job, still feeling her way. not feel your'self to not feel healthy and well: I’m not quite feeling myself today.—more at DEATH , FLATTER , HARD adv. , HONOUR n. , HONOUR v. , JELLY , MARK n. , MILLION , PRESENCE , SMALL adj. 'feel for sb to have sympathy for sb: I really felt for her when her husband died.  I do feel for you, honestly. ,feel sb<->'up (informal) to touch sb sexually, especially when they do not want you to ,feel 'up to sth to have the strength and energy to do or deal with sth: Do we have to go to the party? I really don’t feel up to it. [+ -ing] After the accident she didn’t feel up to driving.

noun [sing.]
TOUCH|
1 (the feel) the feeling you get when you touch sth or are touched: You can tell it’s silk by the feel.  She loved the feel of the sun on her skin.
2 an act of feeling or touching: I had a feel of the material.  rough / smooth to the feel
IMPRESSION|
3 the impression that is created by a place, situation, etc.; atmosphere: It’s a big city but it has the feel of a small town.  The room has a comfortable feel to it. get the feel of sth / of doing sth to become familiar with sth or with doing sth: I haven’t got the feel of the brakes in this car yet. have a feel for sth to have an understanding of sth or be naturally good at doing it: She has a real feel for languages.

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feel.er
noun [usually pl.] either of the two long thin parts on the heads of some insects and of some animals that live in shells that they use to feel and touch things with
SYN ANTENNA
IDM put out 'feelers (informal) to try to find out what people think about a particular course of action before you do it
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'feel-good
adj. making you feel happy and pleased about life: a feel-good movie
IDM the 'feel-good factor (BrE) (used especially in newspapers, etc.) the hopeful feeling about the future that is shared by many people
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feel.ing
noun
STH THAT YOU FEEL|
1 [C] ~ (of sth) something that you feel through the mind or through the senses: a feeling of hunger / excitement / sadness  guilty feelings  I’ve got a tight feeling in my stomach.   (spoken) ‘I really resent the way he treated me.’‘I know the feeling .’ (= I know how you feel)  ‘I’m going to miss you.’‘The feeling’s mutual (= I feel exactly the same).’
IDEA / BELIEF|
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) the idea or belief that a particular thing is true or a particular situation is likely to happen: He suddenly had the feeling of being followed.  I got the feeling that he didn’t like me much.  I had a nasty feeling that we were lost.
ATTITUDE / OPINION|
3 [U, C] ~ (about / on sth) an attitude or opinion about sth: The general feeling of the meeting was against the decision.  I don’t have any strong feelings about it one way or the other.  My own feeling is that we should buy the cheaper one.  She had mixed feelings about giving up her job.  Public feeling is being ignored by the government.
EMOTIONS|
4 (feelings) [pl.] a person’s emotions rather than their thoughts or ideas: He hates talking about his feelings.  I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings (= offend you).
5 [U, C] strong emotion: She spoke with feeling about the plight of the homeless.  Feelings are running high (= people are very angry or excited).
UNDERSTANDING|
6 [U] ~ (for sb/sth) the ability to understand sb/sth or to do sth in a sensitive way: She has a wonderful feeling for colour.  He played the piano with great feeling.
SYMPATHY / LOVE|
7 [U] ~ (for sb/sth) sympathy or love for sb/sth: You have no feeling for the sufferings of others.  She still had a lot of feeling for David.
PHYSICAL|
8 [U] the ability to feel physically: I’ve lost all feeling in my legs.
ATMOSPHERE|
9 [sing.] the atmosphere of a place, situation, etc: They have managed to recreate the feeling of the original theatre. bad / ill 'feeling (also bad / ill 'feelings especially in AmE) anger between people, especially after an argument or disagreement: There was a lot of bad feeling between the two groups of students.—more at HARD adj. , SINK v. , SPARE
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feel.ing.ly
adv. with strong emotion
SYN EMOTIONALLY : He spoke feelingly about his dead father.
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feet
pl. of FOOT
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feign
verb (written) to pretend that you have a particular feeling or that you are ill, tired, etc: [vn] He survived the massacre by feigning death.  ‘Who cares?’ said Alex, feigning indifference. [alsov to inf]
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feint
noun, verb
noun (especially in sport) a movement that is intended to make your opponent think you are going to do one thing when you are really going to do sth else

verb [v] (especially in sport) to confuse your opponent by making them think you are going to do one thing when you are really going to do sth else

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feisty
adj. (feist.ier, feisti.est) (informal, approving) (of people) strong, determined and not afraid of arguing with people
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fe.lici.tous
adj. (formal or literary) (especially of words) chosen well; very suitable; giving a good result: a felicitous turn of phrase
fe.lici.tous.ly adv.
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fe.li.city
noun (pl.-ies) (formal or literary)
1 [U] great happiness
2 [U] the quality of being well chosen or suitable: The story is told with great felicity of style.
3 (felicities) [pl.] well-chosen or successful features, especially in a speech or piece of writing
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fe.line
adj., noun
adj. like a cat; connected with an animal of the cat family: She walks with feline grace.

noun (formal) a cat; an animal of the cat family

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fell
noun, verb, adj. —see also FALL , FELL , FALLEN v.
noun a hill or an area of hills in northern England

verb [vn]
1 to cut down a tree
2 (written) to make sb fall to the ground: He felled his opponent with a single blow.

adj.
IDM at / in one fell swoop all at the same time; in a single action, especially a sudden or violent one

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fella
(also fell.er) noun (spoken)
1 an informal way of referring to a man
2 an informal way of referring to sb’s boyfriend: Have you met her new fella?
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fel.la.tio
noun [U] (formal) the practice of touching a man’s PENIS with the tongue and lips to give sexual pleasure
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fel.low
noun, adj.
noun
1 (informal, becoming old-fashioned) a way of referring to a man or boy: He’s a nice old fellow.—see also FELLA
2 [usually pl.] a person that you work with or that is like you; a thing that is similar to the one mentioned: She has a very good reputation among her fellows.  Many caged birds live longer than their fellows in the wild.
3 (BrE) a senior member of some colleges or universities: a fellow of New College, Oxford
4 a member of an academic or professional organization: a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
5 (especially AmE) a GRADUATE student who holds a FELLOWSHIP : a graduate fellow  a teaching fellow

adj. [only before noun] used to describe sb who is the same as you in some way, or in the same situation: fellow members / citizens / workers  my fellow passengers on the train

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,fellow 'feeling
noun [U, C] a feeling of sympathy for sb because you have shared similar experiences
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fel.low.ship
noun
1 [U] a feeling of friendship between people who do things together or share an interest: They offer students counselling and fellowship.
2 [C] an organized group of people who share an interest, aim or belief
3 [C] (especially BrE) the position of being a senior member of a college or university
4 [C] an award of money to a GRADUATE student to allow them to continue their studies or to do research
5 [C, U] the state of being a member of an academic or professional organization: to be elected to fellowship of the British Academy
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felon
noun (law ) a person who has committed a felony
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fel.ony
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (AmE or old-fashioned, law ) the act of committing a serious crime such as murder or RAPE ; a crime of this type: a charge of felony—compare MISDEMEANOUR
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felt
noun [U] a soft thick fabric made from wool or hair that has been pressed tightly together: a felt hat—see also FEEL , FELT , FELT v.
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,felt-tip 'pen
(also 'felt tip, ,felt-tipped 'pen) noun a pen that has a point made of felt
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fe.male
adj., noun
adj.
1 being a woman or a girl: a female student / employee / artist  Two of the candidates must be female.
2 of the sex that can lay eggs or give birth to babies: a female cat
3 of women; typical of women; affecting women: female characteristics  the female role—compare FEMININE
4 (of plants and flowers) that can produce fruit
5 (technical) (of electrical equipment) having a hole that another part fits into: a female plug

noun
1 an animal that can lay eggs or give birth to babies; a plant that can produce fruit
2 a woman or a girl: More females than males are employed in the factory.

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femi.nine
adj., noun
adj.
1 having the qualities or appearance considered to be typical of women; connected with women: That dress makes you look very feminine.  He had delicate, almost feminine, features.  How far do you think the traditional feminine role has changed?—compare FEMALE , MASCULINE
2 (grammar) belonging to a class of words that refer to female people or animals and often have a special form: Some people prefer not to use the feminine form ‘actress’ and use the word ‘actor’ for both sexes.
3 (grammar) (in some languages) belonging to a class of nouns, pronouns or adjectives that have feminine GENDER not MASCULINE or NEUTER : The French word for ‘table’ is feminine.

noun (grammar )
1 (the feminine) [sing.] the feminine GENDER (= form of nouns, adjectives and pronouns)
2 [C] a feminine word or word form—compare MASCULINE , NEUTER

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femi.nin.ity
noun [U] the fact of being a woman; the qualities that are considered to be typical of women
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femi.nism
noun [U] the belief and aim that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men; the struggle to achieve this aim
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femi.nist
noun a person who supports the belief that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men
femi.nist adj. [usually before noun]: feminist demands / ideas / theories  the feminist movement
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femme fa.tale
noun (pl.femmes fa.tales ) (from French ) a very beautiful woman that men find sexually attractive but who brings them trouble or unhappiness
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femur
noun (pl.fe.murs or fem.ora ) (anatomy ) the THIGH BONE —picture at BODY
fem.oral adj. [only before noun]
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fen
noun an area of low flat wet land, especially in the east of England
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fence
noun, verb
noun
1 a structure made of wood or wire supported with posts that is put between two areas of land as a BOUNDARY , or around a garden/yard, field, etc. to keep animals in, or to keep people and animals out
2 a structure that horses must jump over in a race or a competition
3 (slang) a criminal who buys and sells stolen goods
IDM see GRASS n. , MEND v. , SIDE n. , SIT

verb
1 [vn] to surround or divide an area with a fence: His property is fenced with barbed wire.—see also UNFENCED
2 [v] to take part in the sport of FENCING
3 [v] ~ (with sb) to speak to sb in a clever way in order to gain an advantage in the conversation
PVR V ,fence sb/sth<->'in [often passive]
1 to surround sb/sth with a fence
2 to restrict sb’s freedom HEM SB IN : She felt fenced in by domestic routine. ,fence sth<->'off [often passive] to divide one area from another with a fence

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fen.cer
noun a person who takes part in the sport of FENCING
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fen.cing
noun [U]
1 the sport of fighting with long thin SWORDS
2 fences; wood, wire, or other material used for making fences: The factory is surrounded by electric fencing.
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fend
verb
PVR V ,fend for your'self to look after yourself without help from anyone else: His parents agreed to pay the rent for his apartment but otherwise left him to fend for himself. ,fend sth/sb<->'off
1 to defend or protect yourself from sb/sth that is attacking you: The police officer fended off the blows with his riot shield.
2 to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc., especially by avoiding them: She managed to fend off questions about new tax increases.
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fend.er
noun
1 (AmE) = WING (4)
2 (AmE) = MUDGUARD
3 a frame around a FIREPLACE to prevent burning coal or wood from falling out
4 a soft solid object such as an old tyre or a piece of rope that is hung over the side of a boat so the boat is not damaged if it touches another boat or a harbour wall
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'fender bender
noun (AmE , informal) a car accident in which there is not a lot of damage
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feng shui
noun [U] a Chinese system for deciding the right position for a building and for placing objects inside a building in order to make people feel comfortable and happy
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fen.land
noun [U, C] an area of low flat wet land in the east of England
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fen.nel
noun [U] a vegetable that has a thick round stem with a strong taste. The seeds and leaves are also used in cooking.—
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feral
adj. (of animals) living wild, especially after escaping from life as a pet or on a farm: feral cats
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fer.mata
noun (music) (especially AmE ) = PAUSE
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fer.ment
verb, noun
verb to experience a chemical change because of the action of YEAST or bacteria, often changing sugar to alcohol; to make sth change in this way: [v] Fruit juices ferment if they are kept for too long.   (figurative) A blend of emotions fermented inside her.  [vn] Red wine is fermented at a higher temperature than white.
fer.men.ta.tion noun [U]

noun [U, sing.] (formal) a state of political or social excitement and confusion: a period of intense political ferment  The country is in ferment.

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fern
noun [C, U] a plant with large delicate leaves and no flowers that grows in wet areas or is grown in a pot. There are many types of fern .—see also MAIDENHAIR FERN
ferny adj.
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fer.ocious
adj. very fierce, violent or aggressive; very strong: a ferocious beast / war / attack / storm  a man driven by ferocious determination  ferocious opposition to the plan
fer.ocious.ly adv.
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fer.ocity
noun [U] violence; fierce or aggressive behaviour: The police were shocked by the ferocity of the attack.
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fer.ret
noun, verb
noun a small fierce animal with a long thin body, kept for chasing rabbits from their holes, killing rats, etc.

verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (about / around) (for sth) (informal) to search for sth that is lost or hidden among a lot of things: She opened the drawer and ferreted around for her keys.
2 [v] to hunt rabbits, rats, etc. using ferrets
PVR V ,ferret sb/sth<->'out (informal) to discover information or to find sb/sth by searching thoroughly, asking a lot of questions, etc.

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Fer.ris wheel
noun (especially AmE ) = BIG WHEEL
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fer.rous
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) containing iron; connected with iron: ferrous and non-ferrous metals
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fer.rule
noun a piece of metal or rubber that covers the end of an umbrella or a stick to protect it
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ferry
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) a boat that carries people, vehicles and goods across a river or across a narrow part of the sea: the cross-channel ferry service  We caught the ferry at Ostend.  the Dover-Calais ferry crossing  the Staten Island ferry—picture at BOAT

verb (fer.ries, ferry.ing, fer.ried, fer.ried) [usually +adv. / prep.] to carry people or goods in a boat or other vehicle from one place to another, often for a short distance and as a regular service: [vn] He offered to ferry us across the river in his boat.  The children need to be ferried to and from school. [alsov]

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'ferry boat
noun a boat that is used as a ferry
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ferry.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person in charge of a ferry across a river
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fer.tile
adj.
1 (of land or soil) that plants grow well in: a fertile valley / region
2 (of people, animals or plants) that can produce babies, young animals, fruit or new plants: The treatment has been tested on healthy fertile women under the age of 35.
3 [usually before noun] that produces good results; that encourages activity: a fertile partnership  The region at the time was fertile ground for revolutionary movements (= there were the necessary conditions for them to develop easily).
4 [usually before noun] (of a person’s mind or imagination) that produces a lot of new ideas: the product of a fertile imagination
OPP INFERTILE —compare STERILE
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fer.til.ity
noun [U] the state of being fertile : the fertility of the soil / land  a god of fertility  fertility treatment (= medical help given to a person to help them have a baby)
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fer.til.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to put POLLEN into a plant so that a seed develops; to join SPERM with an egg so that a baby or young animal develops: Flowers are often fertilized by bees as they gather nectar.  a fertilized egg
2 to add a substance to soil to make plants grow more successfully
fer.til.ization , -isa.tionnoun [U]: Immediately after fertilization, the cells of the egg divide.  the fertilization of soil with artificial chemicals
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fer.til.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun [C, U] a substance added to soil to make plants grow more successfully: artificial / chemical fertilizers  liquid fertilizer
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fer.vent
adj. [usually before noun] having or showing very strong and sincere feelings about sth
SYN ARDENT : a fervent admirer / believer / supporter  a fervent belief / hope / desire
fer.vent.ly adv.
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fer.vid
adj. (rare, formal) feeling sth too strongly; showing feelings that are too strong
fer.vid.ly adv.
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fer.vour
(BrE ) (AmEfer.vor) noun [U] very strong feelings about sth
SYN ENTHUSIASM : She kissed him with unusual fervour.  religious / patriotic fervour
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fess
verb
PVR V ,fess 'up (AmE, informal) to admit that you have done sth wrong
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-fest
combining form (in nouns) a festival or large meeting involving a particular activity or with a particular atmosphere: a jazzfest  a talkfest  a lovefest
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fes.ter
verb [v]
1 (of a wound or cut) to become badly infected: festering sores / wounds
2 (of bad feelings or thoughts) to become much worse because you do not deal with them successfully
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fes.ti.val
noun
1 a series of performances of music, plays, films/movies, etc., usually organized in the same place once a year; a series of public events connected with a particular activity or idea: the Edinburgh festival  the Cannes film festival  a beer festival  a rock festival (= where bands perform, often outdoors and over a period of several days)
2 a day or period of the year when people stop working to celebrate a special event, often a religious one: Christmas and Easter are the main Christian festivals.—see also HARVEST FESTIVAL
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fes.tive
adj.
1 typical of a special event or celebration: a festive atmosphere / occasion  The whole town is in festive mood.
2 (BrE) connected with the period when people celebrate Christmas: the festive season / period  festive decorations / food
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fes.tiv.ity
noun
1 (festivities) [pl.] the activities that are organized to celebrate a special event
2 [U] the happiness and enjoyment that exist when people celebrate sth: The wedding was an occasion of great festivity.  an air of festivity
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fes.toon
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to decorate sb/sth with flowers, coloured paper, etc., often as part of a celebration

noun a chain of lights, coloured paper, flowers, etc., used to decorate sth

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Fest.schrift
noun (pl.Fest.schrift.en or Fest.schrifts) (from German ) a collection of articles published in honour of a SCHOLAR
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feta cheese
(also feta) noun [U] a type of Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk
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fetal
(especially AmE ) = FOETAL
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fetch
verb
1 (especially BrE ) to go to where sb/sth is and bring them/it back: [vn] to fetch help / a doctor  The inhabitants have to walk a mile to fetch water.  She’s gone to fetch the kids from school.  [vnn] Could you fetch me my bag?
2 [vn] to be sold for a particular price: The painting is expected to fetch £10 000 at auction.
IDM fetch and 'carry (for sb) to do a lot of little jobs for sb as if you were their servant
PVR V ,fetch 'up (informal, especially BrE) to arrive somewhere without planning to: And then, a few years after leaving college, he somehow fetched up in Rome.
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fetch.ing
adj. (informal) (especially of a person or their clothes) attractive: She looked very fetching in a little red hat.  a fetching blue sweater  a fetching smile
fetch.ing.ly adv.
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fête
noun, verb
noun (also fete, fair) (all BrE ) (AmE car.ni.val) an outdoor entertainment at which people can play games to win prizes, buy food and drink, etc., usually arranged to make money for a special purpose: the school / village / church fête

verb (also fete especially in AmE) [vn] [usually passive] (written) to welcome, praise or entertain sb publicly

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fetid
(also less frequent foe.tid ) adj. [usually before noun] (formal) smelling very unpleasant: fetid air
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fet.ish
noun
1 (usually disapproving) the fact that a person spends too much time doing or thinking about a particular thing: She has a fetish about cleanliness.  He makes a fetish of his work.
2 the fact of getting sexual pleasure from a particular object: to have a leather fetish
3 an object that some people worship because they believe that it has magic powers
fet.ish.ism noun [U]: a magazine specializing in rubber fetishism  the importance of animal fetishism in the history of Egypt
fet.ish.ist noun: a leather fetishist
fet.ish.is.tic adj.
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fet.lock
noun the part at the back of a horse’s leg, just above its HOOF , where long hair grows
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fet.ter
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 (literary) to restrict sb’s freedom to do what they want
2 to put chains around a prisoner’s feet

noun
1 [usually pl.] (literary) something that stops sb from doing what they want: They were at last freed from the fetters of ignorance.
2 (fetters) [pl.] chains that are put around a prisoner’s feet

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fet.tle
noun
IDM in fine / good 'fettle (old-fashioned, informal) healthy; in good condition
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fetus
(especially AmE ) = FOETUS
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feud
noun, verb
noun ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb)| ~ (over sb/sth) an angry and bitter argument between two people or groups of people that continues over a long period of time: a long-running feud between the two artists  a feud with the neighbours  a family feud (= within a family or between two families)  a feud over money

verb [v] ~ (with sb) to have an angry and bitter argument with sb over a long period of time: He has been feuding with his brother for years.  feuding families / gangs
feud.ing noun [U]: stories of bitter feuding between rival drug dealers

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feu.dal
adj. [usually before noun] connected with or similar to feudalism : the feudal system
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feu.dal.ism
noun [U] the social system that existed during the Middle Ages in Europe in which people were given land and protection by a NOBLEMAN , and had to work and fight for him in return
feu.dal.ist.ic adj.
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fever
noun
1 [C, U] a medical condition in which a person has a temperature that is higher than normal: He has a high fever.  Aspirin should help reduce the fever.—compare TEMPERATURE
2 [C, U] (old-fashioned) (used mainly in compounds) a particular type of disease in which sb has a high temperature: She caught a fever on her travels in Africa, and died.—see also GLANDULAR FEVER , HAY FEVER , RHEUMATIC FEVER , SCARLET FEVER , YELLOW FEVER
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a state of nervous excitement: He waited for her arrival in a fever of impatience.
4 [U] (especially in compounds) great interest or excitement about sth: election fever
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fe.vered
adj. [only before noun] (written)
1 showing great excitement or worry: fevered excitement / speculation  a fevered imagination / mind (= that imagines strange things)
2 suffering from a fever: She mopped his fevered brow.
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fe.ver.ish
adj.
1 [usually before noun] showing strong feelings of excitement or worry, often with a lot of activity or quick movements: The whole place was a scene of feverish activity.  a state of feverish excitement  feverish with desire / longing
2 suffering from a fever; caused by a fever: She was aching and feverish.  a feverish cold / dream / sleep
fe.ver.ish.ly adv.: The team worked feverishly to the November deadline.  Her mind raced feverishly.
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'fever pitch
noun [U, C] a very high level of excitement or activity: Speculation about his future had reached fever pitch .  Excitement has been at fever pitch for days.
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few
det., adj., pron.
det., adj. (fewer, few.est)
1 used with plural nouns and a plural verb to mean ‘not many’: Few people understand the difference.  There seem to be fewer tourists around this year.  Very few students learn Latin now.
2 (usually a few) used with plural nouns and a plural verb to mean ‘a small number’, ‘some’: We’ve had a few replies.  I need a few things from the store.  Quite a few people are going to arrive early.  I try to visit my parents every few weeks .
IDM ,few and ,far be'tween not frequent; not happening often

pron.
1 not many people, things or places: Very few of his books are worth reading.  You can pass with as few as 25 points.   (formal) Few will argue with this conclusion.
2 (a few) a small number of people, things or places; some: I recognized a few of the other people.  I’ve seen most of his movies. Only a few are as good as his first one.  Could you give me a few more details?
3 (fewer) not as many as: Fewer than 20 students passed all the exams.  There are no fewer than 100 different species in the area.
4 (the few) used with a plural verb to mean ‘a small group of people’: Real power belongs to the few.  She was one of the chosen few (= the small group with special privileges).
IDM quite a 'few (BrE also a good 'few) a fairly large number: I’ve been there quite a few times. have 'had a few (informal) to have had enough alcohol to make you drunk

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fey
adj. (literary, sometimes disapproving) (usually of a person) sensitive and rather mysterious or strange; not acting in a very practical way: One of the guests was a slightly fey romantic novelist.
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fez
noun (pl.fezzes) a round red hat with a flat top and a TASSEL but no BRIM , worn by men in some Muslim countries
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ff
abbr. (music ) very loudly (from Italian ‘fortissimo’)
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ff.
abbr. written after the number of a page or line to mean ‘and the following pages or lines’: See pp. 96 ff.
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fi.ancé
noun the man that a woman is ENGAGED to (= has officially agreed to marry): Linda and her fiancé were there.
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fi.an.cée
noun the woman that a man is ENGAGED to (= has officially agreed to marry): Paul and his fiancée were there.
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fi.asco
noun (pl.-os, AmE also -oes) something that does not succeed, often in a way that causes embarrassment: The party was a complete fiasco.  What a fiasco!
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fiat
noun [C, U] (formal) an official order given by sb in authority
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fib
noun, verb
noun (informal) a statement that is not true; a lie about sth that is not important: Stop telling fibs.

verb (-bb-) [v] (informal) to tell a lie, usually about sth that is not important: Come on, don’t fib! Where were you really last night?
fib.ber noun: You fibber!

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fibre
(BrE ) (AmEfiber) noun
1 [U] the part of food that helps to keep a person healthy by keeping the bowels working and moving other food quickly through the body
SYN ROUGHAGE : dietary fibre  Dried fruits are especially high in fibre.  a high / low fibre diet
2 [C, U] a material such as fabric or rope that is made from a mass of natural or artificial threads: nylon and other man-made fibres
3 [C] one of the many thin threads that form body tissue, such as muscle, and natural materials, such as wood and cotton: cotton / wood / nerve / muscle fibres   (literary) She loved him with every fibre of her being.—see also MORAL FIBRE , OPTICAL FIBRE
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fibre.glass
(BrE ) (AmEfiber-) (BrE also ,glass 'fibre) (AmE also ,glass 'fiber) noun [U] a strong light material made from glass fibres and plastic, used for making boats, parts of cars, etc: a fibreglass racing yacht
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,fibre 'optics
(BrE ) (AmE ,fiber 'optics) noun [U] the use of thin fibres of glass, etc. for sending information in the form of light signals
,fibre-'optic adj.: fibre-optic cables
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fi.brous
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) made of many fibres ; looking like fibres : fibrous tissue  fibrous roots
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fib.ula
noun (pl.fibu.lae or fibu.las) (anatomy ) the outer bone of the two bones in the lower part of the leg between the knee and the ankle—see also TIBIA —picture at BODY
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fickle
adj. (disapproving)
1 changing often and suddenly: The weather here is notoriously fickle.  the fickle world of fashion
2 (of a person) often changing their mind in an unreasonable way so that you cannot rely on them: a fickle friend  another example of his fickle behaviour
fickle.ness noun [U]: the fickleness of the English climate
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fic.tion
noun
1 [U] a type of literature that describes imaginary people and events, not real ones: a work of popular fiction  historical / romantic fiction
OPP NON-FICTION —see also SCIENCE FICTION
2 [C] a thing that is invented or imagined and is not true: For years he managed to keep up the fiction that he was not married.
IDM see TRUTH
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fic.tion.al
adj. not real or true; existing only in stories; connected with fiction : fictional characters  a fictional account of life on a desert island  fictional techniques
OPP REAL-LIFE
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fic.tion.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to write a book or make a film/movie about a true story, but changing some of the details, characters, etc: a fictionalized account of his childhood
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fic.ti.tious
adj. invented by sb rather than true: All the places and characters in my novel are fictitious (= they do not exist in real life).
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fid.dle
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth) to keep touching or moving sth with your hands, especially because you are bored or nervous: He was fiddling with his keys while he talked to me.
2 [vn] (informal) to change the details or figures of sth in order to try to get money dishonestly, or gain an advantage: to fiddle the accounts  She fiddled the books (= changed a company’s financial records) while working as an accountant.
3 [v] (informal) to play music on the violin
PVR V ,fiddle a'bout / a'round to spend your time doing things that are not important ,fiddle a'bout / a'round with sth| 'fiddle with sth
1 to keep touching sth or making small changes to sth because you are not satisfied with it: I’ve been fiddling about with this design for ages, but I’m still not happy with it.
2 to touch or move the parts of sth to try to change it or repair it: He likes to fiddle around with old cars.  Who’s been fiddling with the TV again?

noun (informal)
1 [C] = VIOLIN
2 [C] (BrE) something that is done dishonestly to get money: an insurance / tax fiddle
3 [sing.] (BrE) an act of moving sth or adjusting sth in order to make it work
4 [sing.] (BrE) something that is difficult to do
IDM be on the 'fiddle (BrE) to be doing sth dishonest to get money play second 'fiddle (to sb/sth) to be treated as less important than sb/sth; to have a less important position than sb/sth else—more at FIT adj.

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fid.dler
noun a person who plays the violin, especially to play FOLK MUSIC
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fiddle.sticks
exclamation (old-fashioned, informal) used to say that you disagree with sb
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fid.dly
adj. (BrE , informal) difficult to do or use because small objects are involved: Changing a fuse is one of those fiddly jobs I hate.
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fi.del.ity
noun [U]
1 ~ (to sth) (formal) the quality of being loyal and not betraying sb/sth: fidelity to your principles / religion
2 ~ (to sb) the quality of being faithful to your husband, wife or partner by not having a sexual relationship with anyone else: marital / sexual fidelity
OPP INFIDELITY
3 ~ (of sth) (to sth) (formal) the quality of being accurate: the fidelity of the translation to the original text—see also HIGH FIDELITY
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fidget
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (with sth) to keep moving your body, your hands or your feet because you are nervous, bored, excited, etc: Sit still and stop fidgeting!

noun a person who is always fidgeting

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fidgety
adj. (of a person) unable to remain still or quiet, usually because of being bored or nervous: The children get fidgety if they have nothing to do.
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field
noun, verb
noun
AREA OF LAND|
1 [C] an area of land in the country used for growing crops or keeping animals in, usually surrounded by a fence, etc: People were working in the fields.  a ploughed field  a field of wheat  We camped in a field near the village.
2 [C] (usually in compounds) an area of land used for the purpose mentioned: a landing field  a medal for bravery in the field (of battle)—see also AIRFIELD , BATTLEFIELD , MINEFIELD
3 [C] (usually in compounds) a large area of land covered with the thing mentioned; an area from which the thing mentioned is obtained: ice fields in the mountains  gas fields—see also COALFIELD , GOLDFIELD , OILFIELD , SNOWFIELD
SUBJECT / ACTIVITY|
4 [C] a particular subject or activity that sb works in or is interested in: famous in the field of politics / science / music  All of them are experts in their chosen field.  This discovery has opened up a whole new field of research.
PRACTICAL WORK|
5 [C] (usually used as an adjective) the fact of people doing practical work or study, rather than working in a classroom or LABORATORY : a field study / investigation  field research / methods  essential reading for those working in the field —see also FIELD TRIP , FIELDWORK
IN SPORT|
6 (BrE also pitch) [C] (usually in compounds) an area of land used for playing a sport on: a baseball / rugby / football field  a sports field  Today they take the field (= go on to the field to play a game) against county champions Essex.—see also PLAYING FIELD
7 (in cricket and baseball) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the team that is trying to catch the ball rather than hit it
8 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] all the people or animals competing in a particular sports event: The field includes three world record holders.
IN BUSINESS|
9 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] all the people or products competing in a particular area of business: They lead the field in home entertainment systems.
PHYSICS|
10 [C] (usually in compounds) an area within which the force mentioned has an effect: the earth’s gravitational field  an electro-magnetic field
COMPUTING|
11 [C] part of a record that is a separate item of data: You will need to create separate fields for first name, surname and address. leave the field 'clear for sb | leave sb in possession of the 'field to enable sb to be successful in a particular area of activity because other people or groups have given up competing with them play the 'field (informal) to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people

verb
CANDIDATE / TEAM|
1 [vn] to provide a candidate, speaker, team, etc. to represent you in an election, a competition, etc: Each of the main parties fielded more than 300 candidates.  England will field a young side in the World Cup.
IN CRICKET / BASEBALL|
2 [v] to be the person or the team that catches the ball and throws it back after sb has hit it: Hussain won the toss and chose to field first.
3 [vn] to catch the ball and throw it back: He fielded the ball expertly.
QUESTIONS|
4 [vn] to receive and deal with questions or comments: The BBC had to field more than 300 phone calls after last night’s programme.

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'field corn
noun [U] (AmE ) MAIZE (= a type of corn) grown as food for animals rather than people
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'field day
noun (AmE ) = SPORTS DAY
IDM have a 'field day (AmE, BrE) to be given the opportunity to do sth that you enjoy, especially sth that other people do not approve of: The tabloid press had a field day with the latest government scandal.
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field.er
noun (BrE also fields.man) (in cricket and baseball) a member of the team that is trying to catch the ball rather than hit it
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'field event
noun [usually pl.] a sport done by ATHLETES that is not a race, for example jumping or throwing the JAVELIN —compare TRACK EVENT —
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'field glasses
noun [pl.] = BINOCULARS
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'field goal
noun
1 (in American football or rugby) a goal scored by kicking the ball over the bar of the goal
2 (in basketball) a goal scored by throwing the ball through the net during normal play
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'field hockey
noun [U] (AmE ) = HOCKEY
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'field hospital
noun a temporary hospital near a BATTLEFIELD
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,field 'marshal
noun (abbr. FM) an officer of the highest rank in the British army: Field Marshal Montgomery
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'field officer
noun
1 a person in a company or other organization whose job involves practical work in a particular area or region
2 an officer of high rank in the army (= a MAJOR , LIEUTENANT COLONEL or COLONEL )
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,field of 'fire
noun (pl.fields of fire) the area that you can hit when shooting from a particular position
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,field of 'vision
(also ,field of 'view ortechnical ,visual 'field) noun (pl.fields of vision / view, visual fields) the total amount of space that you can see from a particular point without moving your head
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fields.man
noun (pl.-men ) (BrE ) = FIELDER
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'field sports
noun [pl.] (BrE ) outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing and shooting
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'field test
verb [vn] to test sth, such as a piece of equipment, in the place where it will be used
'field test noun: Laboratory and field tests have been conducted.
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'field trip
noun a journey made by a group of people, often students, to study sth in its natural environment: We went on a geology field trip.
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field.work
noun [U] research or study that is done in the real world rather than in a classroom or LABORATORY
field.worker noun
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fiend
noun
1 a very cruel or unpleasant person
2 (informal) (used after another noun) a person who is very interested in the thing mentioned
SYN FANATIC : a crossword / health fiend
3 an evil spirit
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fiend.ish
adj. [usually before noun]
1 cruel and unpleasant: a fiendish act / grin  shrieks of fiendish laughter
2 (informal) extremely clever and complicated, often in an unpleasant way: a puzzle of fiendish complexity  a fiendish plan
3 (informal) extremely difficult: a fiendish problem
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fiend.ish.ly
adv. (informal) very; extremely: fiendishly clever / complicated
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fierce
adj. (fier.cer, fier.cest)
1 (especially of people or animals) angry and aggressive in a way that is frightening: a fierce dog  Who was that fierce old lady?  Two fierce eyes glared at them.  He suddenly looked fierce.  She spoke in a fierce whisper.
2 (especially of actions or emotions) showing strong feelings or a lot of activity, often in a way that is violent: fierce loyalty / hatred  the scene of fierce fighting  He launched a fierce attack on the Democrats.  Competition from abroad became fiercer in the 1990s.
3 (of weather conditions or temperatures) very strong in a way that could cause damage: protection against the fierce wind coming in off the sea  the fierce heat of the flames
fierce.ly adv.: ‘Let go of me,’ she said fiercely.  fiercely competitive / independent / proud  The aircraft was burning fiercely.
fierce.ness noun [U]
IDM something 'fierce (AmE, spoken) very much; more than usual: I sure do miss you something fierce!
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fiery
adj. [usually before noun]
1 looking like fire; consisting of fire: fiery red hair  The sun was now sinking, a fiery ball of light in the west.
2 quickly or easily becoming angry: a fiery temper / character  a fiery young man
3 showing strong emotions, especially anger: a fiery look
4 (of food or drink) causing a part of your body to feel as if it is burning: a fiery Mexican dish
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fi.esta
noun (from Spanish ) a public event when people celebrate and are entertained with music and dancing, usually connected with a religious festival in countries where the people speak Spanish
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fife
noun a musical instrument like a small FLUTE that plays high notes and is used with drums in military music
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fif.teen

1 number15
2 nouna team of Rugby Union players: He’s in the first fifteen.
fif.teenth ordinal number
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fifth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 5th: Today is the fifth (of May).  the fifth century BC  It’s her fifth birthday.  My office is on the fifth floor.  It’s the fifth time that I’ve been to America.  Her mother had just given birth to another child, her fifth.  the world’s fifth-largest oil exporter  He finished fifth in the race.  Edward V (= Edward the fifth)

noun each of five equal parts of sth: She cut the cake into fifths.  He gave her a fifth of the total amount.

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,fifth 'column
noun a group of people working secretly to help the enemy of the country or organization they are in
,fifth 'columnist noun
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fifth.ly
adv. used to introduce the fifth of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing: Fifthly, we need to consider the effect on the local population.
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fifty

1 number50
2 (the fifties) noun [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 50 to 59: She was born in the fifties.
fif.ti.eth ordinal number
IDM in your 'fifties between the ages of 50 and 59
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,fifty-'fifty
adj., adv. (informal) divided equally between two people, groups or possibilities: Costs are to be shared on a fifty-fifty basis between the government and local businesses.  She has a fifty-fifty chance of winning (= an equal chance of winning or losing).  Let’s split this fifty-fifty.
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,fifty 'pence
(also ,fifty pence 'piece, 50p ) noun a British coin worth 50 pence: Put a fifty pence in the machine.  Have you got a 50p?
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fig
noun a soft sweet fruit that is full of small seeds and often eaten dried: a fig tree—
IDM not care / give a 'fig (for sb/sth) (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) not to care at all about sth; to think that sth is not important
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fig.
abbr.
1 (in writing) FIGURE : See fig. 3.
2 (in writing) FIGURATIVE(LY)
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fight
verb, noun
verb (fought, fought )
IN WAR / BATTLE|
1 ~ (against sb) to take part in a war or battle against an enemy: [v] soldiers trained to fight  He fought in Vietnam.  My grandfather fought against the Fascists in Spain.  [vn] to fight a war / battle  They gathered soldiers to fight the invading army.
STRUGGLE / HIT|
2 to struggle physically with sb: [v] My little brothers are always fighting.  She’ll fight like a tiger to protect her children. [alsovn]
IN CONTEST|
3 ~ sb/sth (for sth) to take part in a contest against sb: [vn] to fight an election / a campaign  [v] She’s fighting for a place in the national team.
OPPOSE|
4 to try hard to stop, deal with or oppose sth bad: [vn] to fight racism / corruption / poverty  Workers are fighting the decision to close the factory.  [v] We will fight for as long as it takes.
TRY TO GET / DO STH|
5 ~ (for sth) to try very hard to get sth or to achieve sth: [v] He’s still fighting for compensation after the accident.  [vn] She gradually fought her way to the top of the company.  [v to inf] Doctors fought for more than six hours to save his life.
ARGUE|
6 [v] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to have an argument with sb about sth: It’s a trivial matter and not worth fighting about.
IN BOXING|
7 to take part in a boxing match: [v] Doctors fear he may never fight again following his injury. [alsovn]
LAW|
8 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to try to get what you want in a court of law: He fought his wife for custody of the children.  I’m determined to fight the case.
fight.ing noun [U]: Fighting broke out in three districts of the city last night.  outbreaks of street fighting fight ,fire with 'fire to use similar methods in a fight or an argument to those your opponent is using ,fight for (your) 'life to make a great effort to stay alive, especially when you are badly injured or seriously ill: A young cyclist is fighting for his life after the accident. a ,fighting 'chance a small chance of being successful if a great effort is made fighting 'fit extremely fit or healthy fighting 'spirit a feeling that you are ready to fight very hard for sth or to try sth difficult fighting 'talk comments or remarks that show that you are ready to fight very hard for sth: What we want from the management is fighting talk. fight a ,losing 'battle to try to do sth that you will probably never succeed in doing fight 'shy of sth / of doing sth to be unwilling to accept sth or do sth, and to try to avoid it: Successive governments have fought shy of such measures. fight to the 'death / 'finish to fight until one of the two people or groups is dead, or until one person or group defeats the other fight ,tooth and 'nail to fight in a very determined way for what you want: The residents are fighting tooth and nail to stop the new development. fight your own battles to be able to win an argument or get what you want without anyone’s help: I wouldn’t get involved—he’s old enough to fight his own battles.—more at LIVE^1 ,fight 'back (against sb/sth) to resist strongly or attack sb who has attacked you: Don’t let them bully you. Fight back!  It is time to fight back against street crime. ,fight sth<->'back / 'down to try hard not to do or show sth, especially not to show your feelings: She fought back the urge to run.  He fought down his disgust. ,fight sb/sth<->'off to resist sb/sth by fighting against them/it: The jeweller was stabbed as he tried to fight the robbers off. ,fight 'out sth| ,fight it 'out to fight or argue until an argument has been settled: The conflict is still being fought out.  They still hadn’t reached any agreement so we left them to fight it out.

noun
STRUGGLE|
1 [C] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) a struggle against sb/sth using physical force: He got into a fight with a man in the bar.  a street / gang fight  A fight broke out between rival groups of fans.  a world title fight (= fighting as a sport)
TRYING TO GET / DO STH|
2 [sing.] ~ (against / for sth)| ~ (to do sth) the work of trying to destroy, prevent or achieve sth: the fight against crime  a fight for survival
COMPETITION|
3 [sing.] a competition or an act of competing, especially in a sport: The team put up a good fight (= they played well) but were finally beaten.  She now has a fight on her hands (= will have to play very well) to make it through to the next round.
ARGUMENT|
4 [C] ~ (with sb)| ~ (over / about sth) (especially AmE) an argument about sth: Did you have a fight with him?  We had a fight over money.
BATTLE / WAR|
5 [C] a battle, especially for a particular place or position: In the fight for Lemburg, the Austrians lost.
DESIRE TO FIGHT|
6 [U] the desire or ability to keep fighting for sth: In spite of many defeats, they still had plenty of fight left in them. a fight to the 'finish a sports competition, election, etc. between sides that are so equal in ability that they continue fighting very hard until the end—more at PICK v. , SPOIL v.

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fight.back
noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) an effort by a person, group or team to get back to a strong position that they have lost
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fight.er
noun
1 a fast military plane designed to attack other aircraft: a jet fighter  a fighter pilot  fighter planes / bases
2 a person who fights—see also FIREFIGHTER , FREEDOM FIGHTER , PRIZEFIGHTER
3 (approving) a person who does not give up hope or admit that they are defeated
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'fig leaf
noun
1 a leaf of a FIG tree, traditionally used for covering the sex organs of naked bodies in paintings and on statues
2 a thing that is used to hide an embarrassing fact or situation
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fig.ment
noun
IDM a figment of sb’s imagi'nation something that sb has imagined and that does not really exist
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fig.ura.tive
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of language, words, phrases, etc.) used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental image. For example, ‘He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative use of the verb ‘explode’.—compare LITERAL , METAPHORICAL
2 (of paintings, art, etc.) showing people, animals and objects as they really look: a figurative artist / painter—compare ABSTRACT
fig.ura.tive.ly adv.: She is, figuratively speaking, holding a gun to his head.
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fig.ure
noun, verb
noun
NUMBERS|
1 [C, often pl.] a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information: the latest trade / sales / unemployment figures  By 1998, this figure had risen to 14 million.  Experts put the real figure at closer to 75%.
2 [C] a symbol rather than a word representing one of the numbers between 0 and 9: Write the figure ‘7’ on the board.  a six-figure salary (= over 100 000 pounds or dollars)  His salary is now in six figures.—see also DOUBLE FIGURES , SINGLE FIGURES
3 (fig.ures) [pl.] (informal) the area of mathematics that deals with adding, multiplying, etc. numbers: Are you any good at figures?  I’m afraid I don’t have a head for figures (= I am not good at adding, etc.).
PERSON|
4 [C] a person of the type mentioned: a leading figure in the music industry  a cult / public / political figure  a figure of authority  When she last saw him, he was a sad figure—old and tired.—see also FATHER FIGURE , MOTHER FIGURE
5 [C] the shape of a person seen from a distance or not clearly: a tall figure in black
SHAPE OF BODY|
6 [C] the shape of the human body, especially a woman’s body that is attractive: She’s always had a good figure.  I’m watching my figure (= trying not to get fat).
IN PAINTING / STORY|
7 [C] a person or an animal in a drawing, painting, etc., or in a story: The central figure in the painting is the artist’s daughter.
STATUE|
8 [C] a statue of a person or an animal: a bronze figure of a horse
PICTURE / DIAGRAM|
9 [C] (abbr.fig.) a picture, diagram, etc. in a book, that is referred to by a number: The results are illustrated in figure 3 opposite.
GEOMETRY|
10 [C] a particular shape formed by lines or surfaces: a five-sided figure  a solid figure
MOVEMENT ON ICE|
11 [C] a pattern or series of movements performed on ice be / become a figure of 'fun to be/become sb that other people laugh at cut a … 'figure (of a person) to have a particular appearance: He cut a striking figure in his white dinner jacket. put a figure on sth to say the exact price or number of sth—more at FACT

verb
BE IMPORTANT|
1 [v] ~ (as sth) (in / among sth) to be part of a process, situation, etc. especially an important part: The question of the peace settlement is likely to figure prominently in the talks.  My feelings about the matter didn’t seem to figure at all.  It did not figure high on her list of priorities.  Do I still figure in your plans?
THINK / DECIDE|
2 to think or decide that sth will happen or is true: [v (that)] I figured (that) if I took the night train, I could be in Scotland by morning.  We figured the sensible thing to do was to wait.  [vn] That’s what I figured. [alsov wh-]
CALCULATE|
3 [vn] (AmE) to calculate an amount or the cost of sth: We figured the attendance at 150 000. it / that figures used to say that sth was expected or seems logical: ‘John called in sick.’‘That figures, he wasn’t feeling well yesterday.’   (disapproving) ‘She was late again.’‘Yes, that figures.’ 'figure on sth| 'figure on (sb/sth) doing sth to plan sth or to do sth; to expect sth (to happen): I hadn’t figured on getting home so late. ,figure sb/sth<->'out
1 to think about sb/sth until you understand them/it: We’ve never been able to figure her out. [+ wh-] I can’t figure out how to do this.
2 to calculate an amount or the cost of sth: [+ wh-] Have you figured out how much the trip will cost?

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fig.ured
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) decorated with a small pattern: figured pottery
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fig.ure.head
noun
1 a person who is in a high position in a country or an organization but who has no real power or authority
2 a large wooden statue, usually representing a woman, that used to be fixed to the front end of a ship
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,figure of 'eight
(BrE ) (AmE ,figure 'eight) noun (pl.figures of eight, figure eights) a pattern or movement that looks like the shape of the number 8
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,figure of 'speech
noun (pl.figures of speech) a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental image or effect
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'figure-skating
noun [U] a type of ICE SKATING in which you cut patterns in the ice and do jumps and SPINS —compare SPEED SKATING
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fig.ur.ine
noun a small statue of a person or an animal used as an ornament
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fila.ment
noun
1 a thin wire in a LIGHT BULB that produces light when electricity is passed through it
2 (especially technical) a long thin piece of sth that looks like a thread: glass / metal filaments
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fil.bert
noun (especially AmE ) = HAZELNUT
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filch
verb [vn] (informal) to steal sth, especially sth small or not very valuable
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file
noun, verb
noun
1 a box or folded piece of card, often with a wire or metal rod, for keeping loose papers together and in order: a box file  A stack of files awaited me on my desk.—picture at STATIONERY
2 a collection of information stored together in a computer, under a particular name: to access / copy / create / delete / save a file  Every file on the same disk must have a different name.
3 ~ (on sb) a file and the information it contains, for example about a particular person or subject: secret police files  to have / open / keep a confidential file on sb  Your application will be kept on file (= in a file, to be used later).  Police have reopened the file (= have started collecting information again) on the missing girl.
4 a metal tool with a rough surface for cutting or shaping hard substances or for making them smooth—see also NAIL FILE —picture at TOOL
5 a line of people or things, one behind the other: They set off in file behind the teacher.
IDM (in) Indian / single 'file (in) one line, one behind the other: They made their way in single file along the cliff path.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (away) to put and keep documents, etc. in a particular place and in a particular order so that you can find them easily; to put a document into a file: The forms should be filed alphabetically.  I filed the letters away in a drawer.  Please file it in my ‘Research’ file.
2 ~ (for sth) (law ) to present sth so that it can be officially recorded and dealt with: [v] to file for divorce / bankruptcy  [vn] to file a claim / a complaint / a petition / a lawsuit [alsov to inf]
3 [vn] (of a journalist) to send a report or a story to your employer
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk in a line of people, one after the other, in a particular direction: The doors of the museum opened and the visitors began to file in.
5 [vn] ~ sth (away / down, etc.) to cut or shape sth or make sth smooth using a file : to file your nails

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'file cabinet
noun (AmE ) = FILING CABINET
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'file clerk
noun (AmE ) = FILING CLERK
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filet
noun (AmE ) = FILLET
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fil.ial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with the way children behave towards their parents: filial affection / duty
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fili.bus.ter
noun (especially AmE ) a long speech made in a parliament in order to delay a vote
fili.bus.ter verb [v]
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fili.gree
noun [U] delicate decoration made from gold, silver or COPPER wire
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fil.ing
noun
1 [U] the act of putting documents, letters, etc. into a file
2 [C] (especially AmE) something that is placed in an official record: a bankruptcy filing
3 (filings) [pl.] very small pieces of metal, made when a larger piece of metal is FILED : copper / iron filings
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'filing cabinet
(BrE ) (AmE 'file cabinet) noun a piece of office furniture with deep drawers for storing files
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'filing clerk
(BrE ) (AmE 'file clerk) noun a person whose job is to file letters, etc. and do general office tasks
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Fi.li.pino
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a person from the Philippines
2 [U] the language of the Philippines

adj. connected with the Philippines, its people or their language

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fill
verb, noun
verb
MAKE FULL|
1 ~ (sth) (with sth) to make sth full of sth; to become full of sth: [vn] to fill a hole with earth / a bucket with water  to fill a vacuum / void  Please fill this glass for me.  The school is filled to capacity .  Smoke filled the room.  The wind filled the sails.  A Disney film can always fill cinemas (= attract a lot of people to see it).  [vn-adj] Fill a pan half full of water.  [v] The room was filling quickly.  Her eyes suddenly filled with tears.  The sails filled with wind.
BLOCK HOLE|
2 [vn] to block a hole with a substance: The crack in the wall had been filled with plaster.  I need to have two teeth filled (= to have FILLINGS put in them).   (figurative) The product has filled a gap in the market.
WITH FEELING|
3 [vn] ~ sb (with sth) to make sb have a strong feeling: We were all filled with admiration for his achievements.
WITH SMELL / SOUND / LIGHT|
4 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) if a smell, sound or light fills a place, it is very strong, loud or bright and easy to notice
-FILLED|
5 (in adjectives) full of the thing mentioned: a smoke-filled room  a fun-filled day
A NEED|
6 [vn] to stop people from continuing to want or need sth: More nurseries will be built to fill the need for high-quality child care.
JOB|
7 [vn] to do a job, have a role or position, etc: He fills the post satisfactorily (= performs his duties well).  The team needs someone to fill the role of manager very soon.
8 [vn] to appoint sb to a job: The vacancy has already been filled.
TIME|
9 [vn] ~ sth (up) to use up a particular period of time doing sth: How do you fill your day now that you’ve retired?
WITH FOOD|
10 [vn] ~ sb / yourself (up) (with sth) (informal) to make sb/yourself feel unable to eat any more: The kids filled themselves with snacks and now they don’t want any lunch.
AN ORDER|
11 [vn] if sb fills an order or a PRESCRIPTION , they give the customer what they have asked for—see also UNFILLED fill sb’s shoes / boots to do sb’s job in a satisfactory way when they are not there—more at BILL n. ,fill 'in (for sb) to do sb’s job for a short time while they are not there ,fill sth<->'in
1 (also ,fill sth<->'out especially in AmE) to complete a form, etc. by writing information on it: to fill in an application form  To order, fill in the coupon on p 54.
2 to fill sth completely: The hole has been filled in.
3 to spend time doing sth while waiting for sth more important: He filled in the rest of the day watching television.
4 to complete a drawing, etc. by covering the space inside the outline with colour ,fill sb 'in (on sth) to tell sb about sth that has happened ,fill 'out to become larger, rounder or fatter ,fill sth<->'out = FILL STH IN (1) ,fill 'up (with sth)| ,fill sth<->'up (with sth) to become completely full; to make sth completely full: The ditches had filled up with mud and debris.  to fill up the tank with oil

noun [sing.]
1 your ~ (of sth/sb) as much of sth/sb as you are willing to accept: I’ve had my fill of entertaining for one week.
2 your ~ (of food / drink) as much as you can eat/drink

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fill.er
noun [U, C]
1 a substance used to fill holes or cracks, especially in walls before painting them
2 (informal) something that is not important but is used to complete sth else because nothing better is available: The song was originally a filler on their first album.—see also STOCKING FILLER
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'filler cap
noun a lid for covering the end of the pipe through which petrol/gas is put into a motor vehicle—picture at CAR
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fil.let
noun, verb
noun (AmE also filet) [C, U] a piece of meat or fish that has no bones in it: plaice fillets  a fillet of cod  fillet steak

verb [vn] to remove the bones from a piece of fish or meat; to cut fish or meat into fillets

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fill.ing
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a small amount of metal or other material used to fill a hole in a tooth: I had to have two fillings at the dentist’s today.
2 [C, U] food put inside a sandwich, cake, pie, etc: a sponge cake with cream and jam filling  a wide range of sandwich fillings—
3 [C, U] soft material used to fill cushions, PILLOWS , etc: synthetic fillings

adj. (of food) making your stomach feel full: This cake is very filling.

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'filling station
noun = PETROL STATION
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fil.lip
noun [sing.] a ~ (to / for sth) (formal) a thing or person that causes sth to improve suddenly BOOST : A drop in interest rates gave a welcome fillip to the housing market.
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filly
noun (pl.-ies) a young female horse—compare COLT , MARE
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film
noun, verb
noun
MOVING PICTURES|
1 [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually movie) a series of moving pictures recorded with sound that tells a story, shown on television or at the cinema/movie theater: Let’s go to the cinema—there’s a good film on this week.  Let’s stay in and watch a film.  a horror / documentary / feature film  a silent film (= one recorded without sound)  an international film festival  a film crew / critic / director / producer  the film version of the novel
2 [U] (especially BrE) (AmE usually the movies [pl.]) (BrE also the cin.ema) the art or business of making films/movies: to study film and photography  the film industry—compare CINEMA
3 [U] moving pictures of real events, shown for example on television FOOTAGE : television news film of the riots
IN CAMERAS|
4 [U, C] thin plastic that is sensitive to light, used for taking photographs and making films/movies; a roll of this plastic, used in cameras: a roll of film  35mm / colour film  She put a new film in her camera.  to have a film developed
THIN LAYER|
5 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a thin layer of sth, usually on the surface of sth else: Everything was covered in a film of dust.—see also CLING FILM

verb to make a film/movie of a story or a real event: [v] They are filming in Moscow right now.  [vn] It took them six weeks to film the documentary.  The show was filmed on location in New York.  [vn -ing] Two young boys were filmed stealing CDs on the security video.
film.ing noun [U]: Filming was delayed because of bad weather.

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'film-goer
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually movie.goer) (BrE also cinema-goer) noun a person who goes to the cinema/movies, especially when they do it regularly
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'film-maker
noun a person who makes films/movies
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'film star
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'movie star) noun a male or female actor who is famous for being in films/movies
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filmy
adj. [usually before noun] thin and almost transparent: a filmy cotton blouse
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Filo.fax
™noun a small book with pages that can be added or removed easily, used for writing notes, addresses, etc. in—see also PERSONAL ORGANIZER
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filo pastry
(also filo) noun [U] a type of pastry with a lot of very thin layers
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fil.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 a device containing paper, sand, chemicals, etc. that a liquid or gas is passed through in order to remove any materials that are not wanted: an air / oil filter  a coffee / water filter  filter paper for the coffee machine  He smokes cigarettes without filters.—picture at CAFETIERE
2 a device that allows only particular types of light or sound to pass through it
3 (BrE) a light on a set of TRAFFIC LIGHTS showing that traffic can turn left or right while traffic that wants to go straight ahead must wait: a filter lane

verb
1 [vn] to pass liquid, light, etc. through a special device, especially to remove sth that is not wanted: All drinking water must be filtered.  filtered air / coffee  Use a sun block that filters UVA effectively.   (figurative) My secretary is very good at filtering my calls (= making sure that calls that I do not want do not get through).—see also FILTRATION
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of people) to move slowly in a particular direction: The doors opened and people started filtering through.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of information, news, etc.) to slowly become known: More details about the crash are filtering through.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of light or sound) to come into a place slowly or in small amounts: Sunlight filtered in through the curtains.
5 [v] (BrE) (of traffic at traffic lights) to turn left at traffic lights while other vehicles wanting to go straight ahead or turn right must wait
PVR V ,filter sth<->'out to remove sth that you do not want from a liquid, light, etc. by using a special device or substance: to filter out dust particles / light / impurities   (figurative) The test is used to filter out candidates who may be unsuitable.

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'filter tip
noun a filter at the end of a cigarette that removes some of the harmful substances from the smoke; a cigarette that has this filter
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filth
noun [U]
1 any very dirty and unpleasant substance: The floor was covered in grease and filth.
2 words, magazines, etc. that are connected with sex and that are considered very rude and offensive: How can you read such filth?
3 (the filth) [U] (BrE, slang) an offensive word for the police
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filthy
adj., adv.
adj. (filth.ier, filthi.est)
1 very dirty and unpleasant: filthy rags / streets  It’s filthy in here!
2 very rude and offensive and usually connected with sex: filthy language / words  He’s got a filthy mind (= is always thinking about sex).
3 (informal) showing anger: He was in a filthy mood.  She has a filthy temper.  Ann gave him a filthy look.
4 (BrE, informal) (of the weather) cold and wet: Isn’t it a filthy day?
filth.ily adv.
filthi.ness noun [U]

adv. (informal)
1 ~ dirty extremely dirty
2 ~ rich so rich that you think the person is too rich and you find it offensive

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fil.tra.tion
noun [U] the process of FILTERING a liquid or gas
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fin
noun
1 a thin flat part that sticks out from the body of a fish, used for swimming and keeping balance—
2 a thin flat part that sticks out from the body of a vehicle, aircraft, etc., used for improving its balance and movement: tail fins—picture at PLANE
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fin.agle
verb (informal, especially AmE ) to behave dishonestly or to obtain sth dishonestly: [vn] He finagled some tickets for tonight’s big game. [alsov]
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final
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] being or happening at the end of a series of events, actions, statements, etc: his final act as party leader  The referee blew the final whistle.  The project is in its final stages.  I’d like to return to the final point you made.
2 [only before noun] being the result of a particular process: the final product  No one could have predicted the final outcome.
3 that cannot be argued with or changed: The judge’s decision is final.  Who has the final say around here?  I’ll give you $500 for it, and that’s my final offer!   (spoken) I’m not coming, and that’s final ! (= I will not change my mind)
IDM see ANALYSIS , STRAW , WORD n.

noun
1 [C] the last of a series of games or competitions in which the winner is decided: She reached the final of the 100m hurdles.  the 1998 World Cup Finals (= the last few games in the competition)—see also QUARTER-FINAL , SEMI-FINAL
2 (finals) [pl.] (BrE) the last exams taken by university students at the end of their final year: to sit / take your finals
3 [C] (AmE) an exam taken by school, university or college students at the end of a SEMESTER or QUARTER , usually in a topic that they will not study again

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fi.nale
noun
1 the last part of a show or a piece of music: the rousing finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
2 ~ (to sth) (after an adjective) an ending to sth of the type mentioned: a fitting / superb / dramatic finale to the day’s events
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fi.nal.ist
noun a person who takes part in the FINAL of a game or competition: an Olympic finalist
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fi.nal.ity
noun [U] the quality of being final and impossible to change: the finality of death  There was a note of finality in his voice.
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fi.nal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to complete the last part of a plan, trip, project, etc: to finalize your plans / arrangements  They met to finalize the terms of the treaty.
fi.nal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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fi.nal.ly
adv.
1 after a long time, especially when there has been some difficulty or delay: The performance finally started half an hour late.  I finally managed to get her attention.  When they finally arrived it was well past midnight.
2 used to introduce the last in a list of things: And finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here today.
3 in a way that ends all discussion about sth: The matter was not finally settled until much later.
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fi.nance
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sth) money used to run a business, an activity or a project: Finance for education comes from taxpayers.
2 [U] the activity of managing money, especially by a government or commercial organization: the Minister of Finance  the finance director / department  a diploma in banking and finance  the world of high finance (= finance involving large companies or countries)
3 (finances) [pl.] the money available to a person, an organization or a country; the way this money is managed: government / public / personal finances  It’s about time you sorted out your finances.  Moving house put a severe strain on our finances.

verb [vn] to provide money for a project FUND : The building project will be financed by the government and by public donations.  He took a job to finance his stay in Germany.

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'finance company
(BrE also 'finance house) noun a company that lends money to people or businesses
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fi.nan.cial
adj. [usually before noun] connected with money and FINANCE : financial services / institutions  to give financial advice / assistance / support  to be in financial difficulties  an independent financial adviser  Tokyo and New York are major financial centres.
fi.nan.cial.ly adv.: She is still financially dependent on her parents.  Financially, I’m much better off than before.  Such projects are not financially viable without government funding.
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fi,nancial 'aid
noun [U] (AmE ) money that is given or lent to students at a university or college who cannot pay the full cost of their education: to apply for financial aid
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fi,nancial 'year
(BrE ) (AmE ,fiscal 'year) noun [usually sing.] a period of twelve months over which the accounts and taxes of a company or a person are calculated: the current financial year
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fi.nan.cier
noun a person who lends large amounts of money to businesses: a leading / corporate financier
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finch
noun (often in compounds) a small bird with a short beak. There are several types of finch .—see also BULLFINCH , CHAFFINCH , GOLDFINCH —
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find
verb, noun
verb (found, found )
BY CHANCE|
1 to discover sb/sth unexpectedly or by chance: [vn] Look what I’ve found!  We’ve found a great new restaurant near the office.  [vn-adj] A whale was found washed up on the shore.  I didn’t expect to come home and find him gone.
BY SEARCHING|
2 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ (sb) sth to get back sth/sb that was lost after searching for it/them: [vn, vnn] Can you find my bag for me?  Can you find me my bag?  [vn] I wanted to talk to him but he was nowhere to be found .  [vn-adj] The child was eventually found safe and well.
BY STUDYING / THINKING|
3 to discover sth/sb by searching, studying or thinking carefully: [vn] scientists trying to find a cure for cancer  I managed to find a solution to the problem.  I’m having trouble finding anything new to say on this subject.  Have they found anyone to replace her yet?  [vn, vnn] Can you find a hotel for me?  Can you find me a hotel?
BY EXPERIENCE / TESTING|
4 to discover that sth is true after you have tried it, tested it or experienced it: [v (that)] I find (that) it pays to be honest.  The report found that 30% of the firms studied had failed within a year.  [vn-adj] We found the beds very comfortable.  [vn to inf, vn that] Her blood was found to contain poison.  It was found that her blood contained poison.  [vn to inf] They found him to be charming. [alsovn-n]
HAVE OPINION / FEELING|
5 to have a particular feeling or opinion about sth: [vn-adj] You may find your illness hard to accept.  You may find it hard to accept your illness.  I find it amazing that they’re still together.  [vn-n] She finds it a strain to meet new people.
HAVE / MAKE AVAILABLE|
6 [vn] to have sth available so that you can use it: I keep meaning to write, but never seem to find (the) time.  Where are we going to find £5 000 for a new car?
IN UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS|
7 to discover sb/sth/yourself doing sth or in a particular situation, especially when this is unexpected: [vn] She woke up and found herself in a hospital bed.  [vn-adj] We came home and found him asleep on the sofa.  [vn -ing] I suddenly found myself running down the street.  [v (that)] I was disappointed to find that they had left already.
REACH|
8 [vn] (of things) to arrive at sth naturally; to reach sth: Water will always find its own level.  Most of the money finds its way to the people who need it.  The criticism found its mark (= had the effect intended).
EXIST / GROW|
9 [vn] used to say that sth exists, grows, etc. somewhere: These flowers are found only in Africa.  You’ll find this style of architecture all over the town.
IN COURT OF LAW|
10 (formal) to make a particular decision in a court of law: [vn] How do you find the accused?  [vn-adj] The jury found him guilty of manslaughter.  [v] The court found in her favour. all 'found (old-fashioned, BrE) with free food and accommodation in addition to your wages find fault (with sb/sth) to look for and discover mistakes in sb/sth; to complain about sb/sth find your 'feet to become able to act independently and with confidence: I only recently joined the firm so I’m still finding my feet. find it in your heart / yourself to do sth (literary) to be able or willing to do sth: Can you find it in your heart to forgive her?  He couldn’t find it in himself to trust anyone again. find your 'voice / 'tongue to be able to speak or express your opinion find your way (to … ) to discover the right route (to a place): I hope you can find your way home. find your / its 'way (to / into … ) to come to a place or a situation by chance or without intending to: He eventually found his way into acting. take sb as you 'find them to accept sb as they are without expecting them to behave in a special way or have special qualities—more at BEARING , MATCH n. , NOWHERE 'find for / against sb [no passive] (law) to make a decision in favour of/against sb in a court of law: The jury found for the defendant. ,find 'out (about sth/sb)| find out sth (about sth/sb) to get some information about sth/sb by asking, reading, etc: She’d been seeing the boy for a while, but didn’t want her parents to find out.  I haven’t found anything out about him yet. [+ wh-] Can you find out what time the meeting starts? [+ that] We found out later that we had been at the same school.  note at DISCOVER ,find sb 'out to discover that sb has done sth wrong: He had been cheating the taxman but it was years before he was found out.

noun a thing or person that has been found, especially one that is interesting, valuable or useful: an important archaeological find  Our new babysitter is a real find.

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find.er
noun a person who finds sth—see also VIEWFINDER
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fin de siècle
adj. (from French ) typical of the end of the 19th century, especially of its art, literature and attitudes
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find.ing
noun
1 [often pl.] information that is discovered as the result of research into sth: The findings of the commission will be published today.
2 (law) a decision made by the judge or JURY in a court of law
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fine
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (finer, fin.est)
VERY GOOD|
1 [usually before noun] of high quality; good: a very fine performance  fine clothes / wines / workmanship  a particularly fine example of Saxon architecture  Jim has made a fine job of the garden.  people who enjoy the finer things in life (= for example art, good food, etc.)  He tried to appeal to their finer feelings (= feelings of duty, love, etc.).  It was his finest hour (= most successful period) as manager of the England team.
VERY WELL|
2 (of a person) in good health: ‘How are you?’‘Fine, thanks.’  I was feeling fine when I got up this morning.
ACCEPTABLE / SATISFACTORY|
3 (spoken) (also used as an exclamation) used to tell sb that an action, a suggestion or a decision is acceptable: ‘I’ll leave this here, OK?’‘Fine.’  ‘Bob wants to know if he can come too.’‘That’s fine by me .’
4 (spoken) used to say you are satisfied with sth: Don’t worry. Your speech was fine.  You go on without me. I’ll be fine .  ‘Can I get you another drink?’‘No, thanks. I’m fine .’   (ironic) This is a fine (= terrible) mess we’re in!   (ironic) You’re a fine one to talk! (= you are not in a position to criticize, give advice, etc.)
ATTRACTIVE|
5 [usually before noun] pleasing to look at: a fine view  a fine-looking woman  a fine figure of a man
DELICATE|
6 [usually before noun] attractive and delicate: fine bone china  She has inherited her mother’s fine features (= a small nose, mouth, etc.).
WEATHER|
7 (especially BrE) bright and not raining: a fine day / evening  I hope it stays fine for the picnic.
VERY THIN|
8 very thin or narrow: fine blond hair  a fine thread  a brush with a fine tip
DETAIL / DISTINCTIONS|
9 [usually before noun] difficult to see or describe: You really need a magnifying glass to appreciate all the fine detail.  There’s no need to make such fine distinctions.  There’s a fine line between love and hate (= it is easy for one to become the other).
WITH SMALL GRAINS|
10 made of very small grains: fine sand / flour  Use a finer piece of sandpaper to finish.
PERSON|
11 [only before noun] that you have a lot of respect for: He was a fine man and a fine soldier (= respected both as a man and as a soldier).
WORDS / SPEECHES|
12 sounding important and impressive but unlikely to have any effect: His speech was full of fine words which meant nothing.
METALS|
13 (technical) containing only a particular metal and no other substances that reduce the quality: fine gold get sth down to a fine 'art (informal) to learn to do sth well and efficiently: I spend so much time travelling that I’ve got packing down to a fine art. not to put too fine a 'point on it used to emphasize sth that is expressed clearly and directly, especially a criticism: Not to put too fine a point on it, I think you are lying.—more at CHANCE n. , FETTLE , LINE n. , TALK v.

adv. (informal) in a way that is satisfactory or acceptable: Keep going like that—you’re doing fine .  Things were going fine until you showed up.  That arrangement suits me fine .   (BrE ) An omelette will do me fine (= will be enough for me). cut it / things 'fine (informal) to leave yourself just enough time to do sth: If we don’t leave till after lunch we’ll be cutting it very fine.

noun a sum of money that must be paid as punishment for breaking a law or rule: a parking fine  Offenders will be liable to a heavy fine (= one that costs a lot of money).  She has already paid over $2 000 in fines.

verb [often passive] ~ sb (sth) (for sth / for doing sth) to make sb pay money as an official punishment: [vn] She was fined for speeding.  [vnn] The company was fined £20 000 for breaching safety regulations.

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fine 'art
noun [U] (also fine 'arts) [pl.] forms of art, especially painting, drawing and SCULPTURE , that are created to be beautiful rather than useful: the Slade School of Fine Art
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fine.ly
adv.
1 into very small grains or pieces: finely chopped herbs
2 in a beautiful or impressive way: a finely furnished room  finely dressed servants
3 in a very delicate or exact way: a finely tuned engine  The match was finely balanced throughout.
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fine.ness
noun [U]
1 the quality of being made of thin threads or lines very close together: fineness of detail
2 (technical) the quality of sth: the fineness of the gold
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the ,fine 'print
noun [U] (AmE ) = THE SMALL PRINT
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fin.ery
noun [U] (written) colourful and elegant clothes and jewellery, especially those that are worn for a special occasion: The mayor was dressed in all his finery.
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fi.nesse
noun, verb
noun [U] great skill in dealing with people or situations, especially in a delicate way

verb [vn] (especially AmE )
1 to deal with sth in a way that is clever but slightly dishonest: to finesse a deal
2 to do sth with a lot of skill or style

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,fine-tooth 'comb
(also ,fine-toothed 'comb) noun a comb in which the pointed parts are thin and very close together
IDM go over / through sth with a fine-tooth / fine-toothed comb to examine or search sth very carefully
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,fine-'tune
verb [vn] to make very small changes to sth so that it is as good as it can possibly be
,fine-'tuning noun [U]: The system is set up but it needs some fine-tuning.
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fin.ger
noun, verb
noun
1 one of the four long thin parts that stick out from the hand (or five, if the thumb is included): She ran her fingers through her hair.  Hold the material between finger and thumb.  He was about to speak but she raised a finger to her lips.—see also BUTTER-FINGERS , FOREFINGER , GREEN FINGERS , INDEX FINGER , LITTLE FINGER , MIDDLE FINGER , RING FINGER
2 (-fingered) (in adjectives) having the type of fingers mentioned; having or using the number of fingers mentioned: long-fingered  nimble-fingered  a four-fingered chord—see also LIGHT-FINGERED
3 the part of a glove that covers the finger
4 ~ (of sth) a long narrow piece of bread, cake, land, etc: a finger of toast  chocolate fingers—see also FISH FINGER
5 ~ (of sth) an amount of alcohol that fills a glass to the same depth as the width of a person’s finger
IDM the ,finger of sus'picion if the finger of suspicion points or is pointed at sb, they are suspected of having committed a crime, being responsible for sth, etc. get, pull, etc. your 'finger out (BrE, informal) used to tell sb to start doing some work or making an effort: You’re going to have to pull your finger out if you want to pass this exam. give sb the 'finger (AmE, informal) to raise your middle finger in the air with the back part of your hand facing sb, done to be rude to sb or to show them that you are angry have a finger in every 'pie (informal) to be involved in a lot of different activities and have influence over them, especially when other people think that this is annoying have, etc. your 'fingers in the till (BrE, informal) to be stealing money from the place where you work have / keep your finger on the 'pulse (of sth) to always be aware of the most recent developments in a particular situation lay a 'finger on sb (usually used in negative sentences) to touch sb with the intention of hurting them physically: I never laid a finger on her. not put your finger on sth to not be able to identify what is wrong or different about a particular situation: There was something odd about him but I couldn’t put my finger on it. put / stick two 'fingers up at sb (BrE, informal) to form the shape of a V with the two fingers nearest your thumb and raise your hand in the air with the back part of it facing sb, done to be rude to them or to show them that you are angry—see also V-SIGN work your fingers to the 'bone to work very hard—more at BURN v. , COUNT v. , CROSS v. , LIFT v. , POINT v. , SLIP v. , SNAP v. , STICKY , THUMB n.

verb [vn]
1 to touch or feel sth with your fingers: Gary sat fingering his beard, saying nothing.
2 ~ sb (for sth)| ~ sb (as sth) (informal, especially AmE) to accuse sb of doing sth illegal and tell the police about it: Who fingered him for the burglaries?

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fin.ger.ing
noun [U, C] the positions in which you put your fingers when playing a musical instrument; the order you use your fingers: a guitar piece with tricky fingering
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fin.ger.mark
noun [usually pl.] (especially BrE ) a mark made by a finger, for example on a clean surface
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fin.ger.nail
noun the thin hard layer that covers the outer tip of each finger
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fin.ger.print
noun (especially BrE ) a mark made by the pattern of lines on the tip of a person’s finger, often used by the police to identify criminals: His fingerprints were all over the gun.  to take a suspect’s fingerprints—see also GENETIC FINGERPRINT
fin.ger.print verb [vn]
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fin.ger.print.ing
noun [U] the practice of recording sb’s fingerprints , often used by the police to identify criminals—see also GENETIC FINGERPRINTING
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fin.ger.tip
noun [usually pl.] the end of the finger that is furthest from the hand: Apply the cream gently using your fingertips.
IDM have sth at your 'fingertips to have the information, knowledge, etc. that is needed in a particular situation and be able to find it easily and use it quickly to your 'fingertips (BrE) in every way: She’s a perfectionist to her fingertips.
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fin.icky
adj.
1 (disapproving) too worried about what you eat, wear, etc.; disliking many things
SYN FUSSY : a finicky eater
2 needing great care and attention to detail: It’s a very finicky job.
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fin.ish
verb, noun
verb
1 to stop doing sth or making sth because it is complete: [vn] Haven’t you finished your homework yet?  She finished law school last year.  I’ll just finish the chapter then I’ll come.  a beautifully finished piece of furniture  He put the finishing touches to his painting (= did the things that made it complete).  [v -ing] Be quiet! He hasn’t finished speaking.  [v] I thought you’d never finish! [alsov speech]
2 to come to an end; to bring sth to an end: [v] The play finished at 10.30.  The symphony finishes with a flourish.  [vn] A cup of coffee finished the meal perfectly.
3 [vn] ~ sth (off / up) to eat, drink or use what remains of sth: He finished off his drink with one large gulp.  We might as well finish up the cake—there isn’t much left.
4 to be in a particular state or position at the end of a race or a competition: [v-adj] She was delighted to finish second.  The dollar finished the day slightly down.  [v] He finished 12 seconds outside the world record.
5 [vn] ~ sb (off) (informal) to make sb so tired or impatient that they cannot do any more: Climbing that hill really finished me off.  A lecture from my parents now would just finish me.
PVR V ,finish sb/sth<->'off (informal) to destroy sb/sth, especially sb/sth that is badly injured or damaged: The hunter moved in to finish the animal off. ,finish sth<->'off to do the last part of sth; to make sth end by doing one last thing: I need about an hour to finish off this report.  They finished off the show with one of their most famous songs. ,finish 'up … (BrE ) to be in a particular state or at a particular place after a series of events: [+adj] If you’re not careful, you could finish up seriously ill. 'finish with sb
1 (BrE) to end a relationship with sb: She finished with her boyfriend last week.
2 to stop dealing with a person: He’ll regret he ever said it once I’ve finished with him. 'finish with sth
1 to no longer need to use sth: When you’ve finished with the book, can I see it?
2 (BrE, informal) to stop doing sth: I’ve finished with gambling. finish (up) with sth to have sth at the end: We had a five-course lunch and finished up with coffee and mints.  To finish with, we’ll listen to a few songs.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the last part or the end of sth: a dramatic finish to the race  It was a close finish , as they had predicted.  They won in the end but it was a tight finish .  The story was a lie from start to finish .  I want to see the job through to the finish .—see also PHOTO FINISH
2 [C, U] the last covering of paint, polish, etc. that is put onto the surface of sth; the condition of the surface: to apply extra coats of finish  a gloss / matt finish  furniture available in a range of finishes
3 [C, U] the final details that are added to sth to make it complete: The bows will give a feminine finish to the curtains.
IDM see FIGHT v.

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fin.ished
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) no longer doing sth or dealing with sb/sth: I won’t be finished for another hour.  I’m not finished with you yet.
2 [not before noun] no longer powerful, effective or able to continue: If the newspapers find out, he’s finished in politics.  Their marriage was finished.
3 [usually before noun] fully completed, especially in a particular way: the finished product / article  a beautifully finished suit
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fin.ish.er
noun a person or an animal that finishes a race, etc.
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'fin.ish.ing line
(BrE ) (AmE'finish line) noun the line across a sports track, etc. that marks the end of a race: The two horses crossed the finishing line together.
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'fin.ish.ing school
noun a private school where young women from rich families are taught how to behave in fashionable society
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fi.nite
adj.
1 having a definite limit or fixed size: a finite number of possibilities  The world’s resources are finite.
OPP INFINITE
2 (grammar) a finite verb form or CLAUSE shows a particular tense, PERSON and NUMBER : ‘Am’, ‘is’, ‘are’, ‘was’ and ‘were’ are the finite forms of ‘be’; ‘being’, and ‘been’ are the non-finite forms.
OPP NON-FINITE
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fink
noun (informal, especially AmE ) an unpleasant person
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fiord
= FJORD
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fir
(also 'fir tree) noun an EVERGREEN forest tree with leaves like needles, that grows in cool northern countries
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'fir cone
(BrE ) (also coneAmE, BrE) noun the hard fruit of the FIR tree—picture at CONE
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fire
noun, verb
noun
STH BURNING|
1 [U] the flames, light and heat, and often smoke, that are produced when sth burns: Most animals are afraid of fire.
2 [U, C] flames that are out of control and destroy buildings, trees, etc: The car was now on fire .  The warehouse has been badly damaged by fire.  fire-fighting equipment  Several youths had set fire to the police car (= had made it start burning).  A candle had set the curtains on fire .  These thatched roofs frequently catch fire (= start to burn).  forest fires  Five people died in a house fire last night.  A small fire had started in the kitchen.  Fires were breaking out everywhere.  It took two hours to put out the fire (= stop it burning).
FOR HEATING / COOKING|
3 [C] a pile of burning fuel, such as wood or coal, used for cooking food or heating a room: to make / build a fire  a log / coal fire  Sam had lit a fire to welcome us home.  Come and get warm by the fire.  We sat in front of a roaring fire .—see also BONFIRE , CAMPFIRE —picture at MANTELPIECE
4 [C] (especially BrE) a piece of equipment for heating a room: a gas / electric fire  Shall I put the fire on?—see also HEATER
FROM GUNS|
5 [U] shots from guns: a burst of machine-gun fire  to return fire (= to fire back at sb who is shooting at you)  The gunmen opened fire on (= started shooting at) the police.  Their vehicle came under fire (= was being shot at).  He ordered his men to hold their fire (= not to shoot).  A young girl was in the line of fire (= between the person shooting and what he / she was shooting at).
ANGER / ENTHUSIASM|
6 [U] very strong emotion, especially anger or enthusiasm: Her eyes were full of fire.  The fire seemed to die in him when his wife left. be / come under 'fire to be criticized severely for sth you have done: The health minister has come under fire from all sides. hang / hold 'fire to delay or be delayed in taking action: The project had hung fire for several years for lack of funds. on 'fire giving you a painful burning feeling: He couldn’t breathe. His chest was on fire. play with 'fire to act in a way that is not sensible and take dangerous risks—more at ADD v. , BAPTISM , DRAW v. , FIGHT v. , FRYING PAN , HOUSE n. , IRON n. , SMOKE n. , WORLD

verb
SHOOT|
1 ~ (sth) (at sb/sth)| ~ (sth) (into sth)| ~ (on sb/sth) to shoot bullets from a gun: [v] The officer ordered his men to fire.  Soldiers fired on the crowd, killing several people.  [vn] He fired the gun into the air.  They ran away as soon as the first shot was fired.  Missiles were fired at the enemy.
2 (of a gun) to shoot bullets out: [v] We heard the sound of guns firing.  [vn] A starter’s pistol fires only blanks.
3 [vn] to shoot an arrow: She fired an arrow at the target.
FROM JOB|
4 [vn] to force sb to leave their job
SYN SACK : We had to fire him for dishonesty.  She got fired from her first job.  He was responsible for hiring and firing staff.
MAKE SB ENTHUSIASTIC|
5 [vn] ~ sb (with sth) to make sb feel very excited about sth or interested in sth: The talk had fired her with enthusiasm for the project.  His imagination had been fired by the film.
OF ENGINE|
6 [v] when an engine fires, an electrical SPARK is produced that makes the fuel burn and the engine start to work
-FIRED|
7 (in adjectives) using the fuel mentioned in order to operate: gas-fired central heating
CLAY OBJECTS|
8 [vn] to heat a clay object to make it hard and strong: to fire pottery  to fire bricks in a kiln fire 'questions, 'insults, etc. at sb to ask sb a lot of questions one after another or make a lot of comments very quickly: The room was full of journalists, all firing questions at them.—more at CYLINDER ,fire a'way (informal) used to tell sb to begin to speak or ask a question: ‘I’ve got a few questions.’‘OK then, fire away.’ ,fire sth<->'off
1 to shoot a bullet from a gun: They fired off a volley of shots.
2 to write or say sth to sb very quickly, often when you are angry: He fired off a letter of complaint. ,fire sb/sth<->'up to make sb excited or interested in sth: She’s all fired up about her new job.

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'fire alarm
noun a bell or other device that gives people warning of a fire in a building: Who set off the fire alarm?
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fire.arm
noun [usually pl.] (formal) a gun that can be carried: The police were issued with firearms.
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fire.ball
noun a bright ball of fire, especially one at the centre of an explosion
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fire.bomb
noun a bomb that makes a fire start burning after it explodes
fire.bomb verb [vn]
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fire.brand
noun a person who is always encouraging other people to take strong political action, often causing trouble
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fire.break
noun a thing that stops a fire from spreading, for example a special door or a strip of land in a forest that has been cleared of trees—see also FIRE LINE
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'fire brigade
(also 'fire service) (both BrE ) (AmE'fire department) noun [C+sing./pl. v .] an organization of people who are trained and employed to put out fires and to rescue people from fires; the people who belong to this organization: to call out the fire brigade  The fire brigade were superb and quickly got everyone out.
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fire.crack.er
noun a small FIREWORK that explodes with a loud noise
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'fire de.part.ment
noun [usually sing.] (AmE ) = FIRE BRIGADE
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'fire door
noun a heavy door that is used to prevent a fire from spreading in a building
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'fire drill
(BrE also 'fire practice) noun [C, U] a practice of what people must do in order to escape safely from a fire in a building
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'fire engine
(AmE also 'fire truck) noun a special vehicle that carries equipment for fighting large fires
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'fire es.cape
noun a metal staircase or ladder on the outside of a building, which people can use to escape from a fire
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'fire extinguisher
(also ex.tin.guish.er) noun a metal container with water or chemicals inside for putting out small fires
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fire.fight
noun (technical ) a battle where guns are used, involving soldiers or the police
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fire.fight.er
noun a person whose job is to put out fires—see also FIREMAN
fire.fight.ing noun [U]: firefighting equipment / vehicles
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fire.fly
noun (pl.-ies) a flying insect with a tail that shines in the dark
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fire.guard
(AmE also 'fire screen) noun a metal frame that is put in front of a fire in a room to prevent people from burning themselves
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'fire hose
noun a long tube that is used for directing water onto fires
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fire.house
noun (AmE ) a FIRE STATION in a small town
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'fire hydrant
(also hy.drant) noun a pipe in the street that water can be pumped from in order to put out fires or to clean the streets
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fire.light
noun [U] the light that comes from a fire in a room
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fire.light.er
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a block of material that burns easily and is used to help start a coal or wood fire
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'fire line
noun (AmE ) a strip of land that has been cleared in order to stop a fire from spreading—see also FIREBREAK
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fire.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person, usually a man, whose job is to put out fires—see also FIREFIGHTER   note at GENDER
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fire.place
noun an open space for a fire in the wall of a room—picture at MANTELPIECE
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fire.power
noun [U] the number and size of guns that an army, a ship, etc. has available: (figurative) The company has enormous financial firepower.
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'fire prac.tice
noun [C, U] (BrE ) = FIRE DRILL
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fire.proof
adj. able to resist great heat without burning or being badly damaged: a fireproof door  a fireproof dish (= that can be heated in an oven)
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fire-retardant
(also 'flame-retardant) adj. [usually before noun] that makes a fire burn more slowly: The chair had fire-retardant covers.
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'fire sale
noun a sale of goods at a cheap price because they have been damaged by a fire or because they cannot be stored after a fire
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'fire screen
noun
1 (AmE) = FIREGUARD
2 a screen, often decorative, that is put in front of an open fire in a room to protect people from the heat or from SPARKS , or to hide it when it is not lit
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'fire ser.vice
noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) = FIRE BRIGADE
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fire.side
noun [usually sing.] the part of a room beside the fire: sitting by the fireside
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'fire station
noun a building for a FIRE BRIGADE or FIRE DEPARTMENT and its equipment
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fire.storm
noun a very large fire, usually started by bombs, that is not under control and is made worse by the winds that it causes
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'fire trap
noun a building that would be very dangerous if a fire started there, especially because it would be difficult for people to escape
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'fire truck
noun (AmE ) = FIRE ENGINE
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fire.wall
noun (computing ) a part of a computer system that is designed to prevent people from getting at information without authority but still allows them to receive information that is sent to them
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fire.wood
noun [U] wood that has been cut into pieces to be used for burning in fires: to collect / chop firewood
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fire.work
noun
1 [C] a small device containing powder that burns or explodes and produces bright coloured lights and loud noises, used especially at celebrations: (BrE) to let off a few fireworks   (AmE) to set off a few fireworks  a firework(s) display
2 (fireworks) [pl.] a display of fireworks : When do the fireworks start?
3 (fireworks) [pl.] (informal) strong or angry words; exciting actions: There’ll be fireworks when he finds out!
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fir.ing
noun
1 [U] the action of firing guns: There was continuous firing throughout the night.
2 [U, C] (especially AmE) the action of forcing sb to leave their job: teachers protesting against the firing of a colleague  She’s responsible for the hirings and firings.
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'firing line
noun
IDM be in the 'firing line (BrE) (AmE be on the 'firing line)
1 to be in a position where you can be shot at
2 to be in a position where people can criticize or blame you: The employment secretary found himself in the firing line over recent job cuts.
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'firing squad
noun [C+sing./pl. v ., U] a group of soldiers who are ordered to shoot and kill sb who is found guilty of a crime: He was executed by (a) firing squad.
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firm
noun, adj., adv., verb
noun a business or company: an engineering firm  a firm of accountants

adj. (firm.er, firm.est)
1 fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape: a firm bed / mattress  These peaches are still firm.  Bake the cakes until they are firm to the touch.
2 not likely to change: a firm believer in socialism  a firm agreement / date / decision / offer / promise  firm beliefs / conclusions / convictions / principles  She is a firm favourite with the children.  We have no firm evidence to support the case.  They remained firm friends .
3 strongly fixed in place
SYN SECURE : Stand the fish tank on a firm base.  No building can stand without firm foundations, and neither can a marriage.
4 (of sb’s voice or hand movements) strong and steady: ‘No,’ she repeated, her voice firmer this time.  With a firm grip on my hand, he pulled me away.  Her handshake was cool and firm.
5 (of sb’s behaviour, position or understanding of sth) strong and in control: to exercise firm control / discipline / leadership  Parents must be firm with their children.  The company now has a firm footing in the marketplace.  This book will give your students a firm grasp of English grammar.  We need to keep a firm grip on the situation.
6 [usually before noun] ~ (against sth) (of a country’s money, etc.) not lower than another: The pound remained firm against the dollar, but fell against the yen.—see also FIRMLY
firm.ness noun [U]
IDM be on firm 'ground to be in a strong position in an argument, etc. because you know the facts: Everyone agreed with me, so I knew I was on firm ground. a firm 'hand strong control or discipline: Those children need a firm hand to make them behave. take a firm 'line / 'stand (on / against sth) to make your beliefs known and to try to make others follow them: We need to take a firm line on tobacco advertising.  They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.

adv.
IDM hold 'firm (to sth) (formal) to believe sth strongly and not change your mind: She held firm to her principles. stand 'fast / 'firm to refuse to move back; to refuse to change your opinions

verb
1 [vn] to make sth become stronger or harder: Firm the soil around the plant.  This product claims to firm your body in six weeks.
2 [v] ~ (to / at … ) (finance) (of shares, prices, etc.) to become steady or rise steadily: Rank’s shares firmed 3p to 696p.
PVR V ,firm 'up to become harder or more solid: Put the mixture somewhere cool to firm up. ,firm 'up sth
1 to make arrangements more final and fixed: The company has not yet firmed up its plans for expansion.  The precise details still have to be firmed up.
2 to make sth harder or more solid: A few weeks of aerobics will firm up that flabby stomach.

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firma.ment
noun (the firmament) [sing.] (old use or literary) the sky: (figurative) a rising star in the literary firmament
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firm.ly
adv. in a strong or definite way: ‘I can manage,’ she said firmly.  It is now firmly established as one of the leading brands in the country.  Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead.
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firm.ware
noun [U] (computing ) a type of computer SOFTWARE that is stored in such a way that it cannot be changed or lost
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first
det., ordinal number, adv., noun
det., ordinal number
1 happening or coming before all other similar things or people; 1st: his first wife  It was the first time they had ever met.  I didn’t take the first bus.  students in their first year at college  your first impressions  She resolved to do it at the first (= earliest) opportunity.  King Edward I (= said as ‘King Edward the First’)
2 the most important or best: Your first duty is to your family.  She won first prize in the competition.  an issue of the first importance
IDM see ORDER n.

adv.
1 before anyone or anything else; at the beginning: ‘Do you want a drink?’‘I’ll finish my work first.’  First I had to decide what to wear.  Who came first in the race (= who won)?  It plunged nose first into the river.
2 for the first time: When did you first meet him?
3 used to introduce the first of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing
SYN FIRSTLY : This method has two advantages: first it is cheaper and secondly it is quicker.
4 used to emphasize that you are determined not to do sth: She swore that she wouldn’t apologize—she’d die first!
IDM at 'first at or in the beginning: I didn’t like the job much at first.  At first I thought he was shy, but then I discovered he was just not interested in other people.   (saying) If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.  note at FIRSTLY come 'first to be considered more important than anything else: In any decision she makes, her family always comes first. ,first and 'foremost more than anything else: He does a little teaching, but first and foremost he’s a writer. ,first and 'last in every way that is important; completely: She regarded herself, first and last, as a musician. ,first 'come, ,first 'served (saying) people will be dealt with, seen, etc. strictly in the order in which they arrive: Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. ,first of 'all
1 before doing anything else; at the beginning: First of all, let me ask you something.
2 as the most important thing: The content of any article needs, first of all, to be relevant to the reader.  note at FIRSTLY ,first 'off (informal, especially BrE) before anything else: First off, let’s see how much it’ll cost. ,first 'up (BrE, informal) to start with; before anything else ,put sb/sth 'first to consider sb/sth to be more important than anyone/anything else: She always puts her children first.—more at HEAD n. , SAFETY

noun
1 (the first) [C] (pl.the first) the first person or thing mentioned; the first person or thing to do a particular thing: I was the first in my family to go to college.  Sheila and Jim were the first to arrive.  I’d be the first to admit (= I will most willingly admit) I might be wrong.  The first I heard about the wedding (= the first time I became aware of it) was when I saw it in the local paper.
2 [C, usually sing.] an achievement, event, etc., never done or experienced before: We went on a cruise, a first for both of us.
3 (also ,first 'gear) [U] the lowest GEAR on a car, bicycle, etc. that you use when you are moving slowly: He stuck the car in first and revved.
4 [C] ~ (in sth) the highest level of university degree at British universities: She got a first in maths at Exeter.—compare SECOND , THIRD
IDM ,first among 'equals the person or thing with the highest status in a group from the (very) 'first from the beginning: They were attracted to each other from the first. from ,first to 'last from beginning to end; during the whole time: It’s a fine performance that commands attention from first to last.

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,first 'aid
noun [U] simple medical treatment that is given to sb before a doctor comes or they can be taken to a hospital: to give first aid  a first-aid course / kit / manual
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,first 'aider
noun (BrE ) a person who is trained to give first aid
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,first 'balcony
noun (AmE ) = DRESS CIRCLE
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,first 'base
noun (in baseball) the first of the BASES that players must touch: He didn’t make it past first base.—
IDM not get to first 'base (with sth/sb) (informal, especially AmE) to fail to make a successful start in a project, relationship, etc.; to fail to get through the first stage
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first.born
noun (old-fashioned) a person’s first child
first.born adj. [only before noun]: their firstborn son
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,first 'class
noun, adv.
noun [U]
1 the best and most expensive seats or accommodation on a train, ship, etc: There is more room in first class.
2 (in Britain) the class of mail that is delivered most quickly: First class costs more.
3 (in the US) the class of mail that is used for letters and POSTCARDS
4 the highest standard of degree given by a British university

adv.
1 using the best and most expensive seats or accommodation in a train, ship, etc: to travel first class
2 by the quickest form of mail: I sent the package first class on Monday.

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,first-'class
adj.
1 [usually before noun] in the best group; of the highest standard
SYN EXCELLENT : a first-class novel  a first-class writer  The car was in first-class condition.  I know a place where the food is first-class.
2 [only before noun] connected with the best and most expensive way of travelling on a train, ship, etc: first-class rail travel  a first-class cabin / seat / ticket
3 [only before noun] (in Britain) connected with letters, parcels/packages, etc. that are delivered most quickly, or that cost more to send: first-class mail / post / postage / stamps
4 [only before noun] used to describe a university degree of the highest class from a British university: She was awarded a first-class degree in English.
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,first 'cousin
noun = COUSIN (1)
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'first degree
noun (especially BrE ) an academic qualification given by a university or college, for example a BA or BSc, that is given to sb who does not already have a degree in that subject: What was your first degree in?  to study geography at first-degree level
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,first-de'gree
adj. [only before noun]
1 (especially AmE) ~ murder, assault, robbery, etc. murder, etc. of the most serious kind
2 ~ burns burns of the least serious of three kinds, affecting only the surface of the skin—compare SECOND-DEGREE , THIRD-DEGREE
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,first e'dition
noun one of the copies of a book that was produced the first time the book was printed
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,first-'ever
adj. [only before noun] never having happened or been experienced before: his first-ever visit to London  the first-ever woman vice-president
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the ,first 'family
noun [sing.] the family of the President of the United States
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,first 'finger
noun = INDEX FINGER
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,first 'floor
(usually the first floor) noun [sing.]
1 (BrE) the level of a building above the ground level: Menswear is on the first floor.
2 (AmE) = GROUND FLOOR
,first-'floor adj. [only before noun]: a first-floor flat / apartment  note at FLOOR
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,first-'foot
verb [vn] to be the first person to enter sb’s house in the New Year. First-footing is a Scottish custom.
,first-'footer noun
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'first fruit
noun [usually pl.] the first result of sb’s work or effort
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,first gene'ration
noun [sing.]
1 people who have left their country to go and live in a new country; the children of these people
2 the first type of a machine to be developed: the first generation of personal computers
,first-gene'ration adj.: first-generation Caribbeans in the UK
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,first-'hand
adj. [only before noun] obtained or experienced yourself: to have first-hand experience of poverty—compare SECOND-HAND
,first-'hand adv.: to experience poverty first-hand
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,first 'lady
noun [usually sing.]
1 (the First Lady) (in the US) the wife of the President
2 (AmE) the wife of the leader of a state
3 the woman who is thought to be the best in a particular profession, sport, etc: the first lady of country music
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,first 'language
noun the language that you learn to speak first as a child; the language that you speak best: His first language is Welsh.—compare SECOND LANGUAGE
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,first lieu'tenant
noun
1 an officer in the navy with responsibility for managing a ship, etc.
2 an officer in the US army and air force just below the rank of a captain
3 (informal) a person who is the next most important to sb
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,first 'light
noun [U] the time when light first appears in the morning
SYN DAWN , DAYBREAK : We left at first light.
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first.ly
adv. used to introduce the first of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing: There are two reasons for this decision: firstly …
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,first 'mate
(also ,first 'officer) noun the officer on a commercial ship just below the rank of captain or MASTER
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'first name
(also 'given name especially in AmE) noun the name or names that were given to you when you were born, that come before your family name: His first name is Tom and his surname is Green.  Please give all your first names.   (BrE ) to be on first-name terms with sb (= to call them by their first name as a sign of a friendly informal relationship)   (AmE ) to be on a first-name basis
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,first 'night
noun the first public performance of a play, film/movie, etc: I got tickets for the first night of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
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,first of'fender
noun a person who has been found guilty of a crime for the first time
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,first 'officer
noun = FIRST MATE
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,first-,past-the-'post
adj. [only before noun] (of a system of elections) in which only the person who gets the most votes is elected—compare PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
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the ,first 'person
noun [sing.]
1 (grammar) a set of pronouns and verb forms used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself, or to a group including himself or herself: ‘I am’ is the first person singular of the present tense of the verb ‘to be’.  ‘I’, ‘me’, ‘we’ and ‘us’ are first-person pronouns.
2 a way of writing a novel, etc. as if one of the characters is telling the story using the word I: a novel written in the first person —compare THE SECOND PERSON , THE THIRD PERSON
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,first-'rate
adj. excellent; of the highest quality: a first-rate swimmer  The food here is absolutely first-rate.
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,first re'fusal
noun [U] (BrE ) the right to decide whether to accept or refuse sth before it is offered to others: Will you give me first refusal on the car, if you decide to sell it?
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'first school
noun (in Britain) a school for children between the ages of 5 and 8 or 9
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,first 'strike
noun an attack on an enemy made before they attack you
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'first-time
adj. [only before noun] doing or experiencing sth for the first time: houses for first-time buyers  a computer program designed for first-time users
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,first-'timer
noun a person who does sth for the first time: conference first-timers
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,First 'World
noun [sing.] the rich industrial countries of the world—compare THE THIRD WORLD
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the ,First World 'War
(also ,World War 'I) noun [sing.] the first large international war that was fought mainly in Europe between 1914 and 1918
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firth
noun (especially in Scottish place names) a narrow strip of the sea that runs a long way into the land, or a part of a river where it flows into the sea: the Moray Firth  the Firth of Clyde
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fis.cal
adj. connected with government or public money, especially taxes: fiscal policies / reforms
fis.cal.ly adv.—see also PROCURATOR FISCAL
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,fiscal 'year
noun (AmE ) = FINANCIAL YEAR
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fish
noun, verb
noun (pl.fish or fishes)
HELP Fish is the usual plural form. The older form, fishes, can be used to refer to different kinds of fish.
1 [C] a creature that lives in water, breathes through GILLS , and uses FINS and a tail for swimming: They caught several fish.  tropical / marine / freshwater fish  shoals (= groups) of fish  a fish tank / pond  There are about 30 000 species of fish in the world.  The list of endangered species includes nearly 600 fishes.  Fish stocks in the Baltic are in decline.—see also COARSE FISH , FLATFISH , SEA FISH , SHELLFISH —
2 [U] the flesh of fish eaten as food: frozen / smoked / fresh fish  fish pie
IDM a ,fish out of 'water a person who feels uncomfortable or awkward because he or she is in surroundings that are not familiar have bigger / other fish to 'fry to have more important or more interesting things to do neither ,fish nor 'fowl neither one thing nor another an odd / a queer 'fish (old-fashioned, BrE) a person who is slightly strange or crazy there are plenty more fish in the 'sea there are many other people or things that are as good as the one sb has failed to get—more at BIG adj. , COLD adj. , DIFFERENT , DRINK v.

verb
1 [v] ~ (for sth) to try to catch fish with a hook, nets, etc: You can fish for trout in this stream.  The trawler was fishing off the coast of Iceland.
2 (go fishing) to spend time fishing for pleasure: Let’s go fishing this weekend.
3 [vn] to try to catch fish in the area of water mentioned: They fished the loch for salmon.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to search for sth, using your hands: She fished around in her bag for her keys.
PVR V 'fish for sth to try to get sth, or to find out sth, although you are pretending not to: to fish for compliments / information ,fish sth/sb<->'out (of sth) to take or pull sth/sb out of a place: She fished a piece of paper out of the pile on her desk.  They fished a dead body out of the river.

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,fish and 'chips
noun [U] a dish of fish that has been fried in BATTER served with CHIPS/FRIES , and usually bought in the place where it has been cooked and eaten at home, etc., especially in Britain: Three portions of fish and chips, please.  a fish and chip shop
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'fish cake
noun (especially BrE ) pieces of fish mixed with MASHED potato made into a flat round shape, covered with BREADCRUMBS and fried
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fish.er.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person who catches fish, either as a job or as a sport—compare ANGLER
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fish.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a part of the sea or a river where fish are caught in large quantities: a herring / tuna fishery  coastal / freshwater fisheries
2 = FISH FARM : a trout fishery
3 the business or industry of catching fish: the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
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fish.eye lens
noun a camera LENS with a wide angle that gives the view a curved shape
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'fish farm
(also fish.ery) noun a place where fish are bred as a business
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,fish 'finger
noun a long narrow piece of fish covered with BREADCRUMBS or BATTER , usually frozen and sold in packets
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'fish-hook
noun a sharp metal hook for catching fish, that has a point which curves backwards to make it difficult to pull out—picture at HOOK
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fish.ing
noun [U] the sport or business of catching fish: They often go fishing .  deep-sea fishing  a fishing boat  fishing grounds  We enjoyed a day’s fishing by the river.
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'fishing line
noun a long thread with a sharp hook attached, that is used for catching fish
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'fishing rod
(also rod) (AmE also 'fishing pole) noun a long wooden or plastic stick with a fishing line and hook attached, that is used for catching fish—picture at REEL
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'fishing tackle
noun [U] equipment used for catching fish
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'fish knife
noun a knife with a broad blade and without a sharp edge, used for eating fish
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fish.mon.ger
noun (especially BrE )
1 a person whose job is to sell fish in a shop
2 (fish.mon.ger’s) (pl.fish.mon.gers) a shop that sells fish
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fish.net
noun [U] a fabric made of threads that produce a pattern of small holes like a net: fishnet stockings
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'fish slice
noun (BrE ) (AmE spat.ula) a kitchen UTENSIL that has a broad flat blade with narrow holes in it, attached to a long handle, used for turning and lifting food when cooking—picture at KITCHEN
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fish.wife
noun (pl.-wives ) (disapproving) a woman with a loud voice and bad manners
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fishy
adj. (fish.ier, fishi.est)
1 (informal) that makes you suspicious because it seems dishonest: There’s something fishy going on here.
2 smelling or tasting like a fish: What’s that fishy smell?
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fis.sile
adj. (physics ) capable of nuclear FISSION : fissile material
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fis.sion
noun [U]
1 (also ,nuclear 'fission) (physics) the act or process of splitting the NUCLEUS (= central part) of an atom, when a large amount of energy is released—compare FUSION
2 (biology) the division of cells into new cells as a method of reproducing cells
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fis.sure
noun (technical ) a long deep crack in sth, especially in rock or in the earth
fis.sured adj.: fissured rock / terrain
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fist
noun a hand when it is tightly closed with the fingers bent into the PALM : He punched me with his fist.  She clenched her fists to stop herself trembling.  He got into a fist fight in the bar.—see also HAM-FISTED , TIGHT-FISTED
IDM make a better, good, poor, etc. fist of sth (BrE, informal) to make a good, bad, etc. attempt to do sth—more at IRON adj. , MONEY
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fist.ful
noun a number or an amount of sth that can be held in a fist : a fistful of coins
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fisti.cuffs
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned or humorous) a fight in which people hit each other with their FISTS
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fit
verb, adj., noun
verb (fit.ting, fit.ted, fit.ted) (AmE usually fit.ting, fit, fit except in the passive)
RIGHT SIZE / TYPE|
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the right shape and size for sb/sth: [v] I tried the dress on but it didn’t fit.  That jacket fits well.  a close-fitting dress  [vn] I can’t find clothes to fit me.  The key doesn’t fit the lock.
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to be of the right size, type or number to go somewhere: I’d like to have a desk in the room but it won’t fit.  All the kids will fit in the back of the car.
3 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) [often passive] to put clothes on sb and make them the right size and shape: I’m going to be fitted for my wedding dress today.
PUT STH SOMEWHERE|
4 [vn] to put or fix sth somewhere: They fitted a smoke alarm to the ceiling.  The rooms were all fitted with smoke alarms.
5 [+adv. / prep.] to put or join sth in the right place: [v] The glass fits on top of the jug to form a lid.  [vn] We fitted together the pieces of the puzzle.
AGREE / MATCH|
6 (not used in the progressive tenses) to agree with, match or be suitable for sth; to make sth do this: [v] Something doesn’t quite fit here.  His pictures don’t fit into any category.  [vn] The facts certainly fit your theory.  The punishment ought to fit the crime.  We should fit the punishment to the crime.
MAKE SUITABLE|
7 ~ sb/sth (for sth) (especially BrE ) to make sb/sth suitable for a particular job: [vn, vn to inf] His experience fitted him perfectly for the job.  His experience fitted him to do the job.—see also FITTED fit (sb) like a 'glove to be the perfect size or shape for sb: The dress fits me like a glove.—more at BILL n. , CAP n. , DESCRIPTION , FACE n. ,fit sb/sth<->'in| ,fit sb/sth 'in / 'into sth
1 to find time to see sb or to do sth: I’ll try and fit you in after lunch.  I had to fit ten appointments into one morning.
2 to find or have enough space for sb/sth in a place: We can’t fit in any more chairs. ,fit 'in (with sb/sth) to live, work, etc. in an easy and natural way with sb/sth: He’s never done this type of work before; I’m not sure how he’ll fit in with the other people.  Where do I fit in?  Do these plans fit in with your arrangements? ,fit sb/sth<->'out / 'up (with sth) to supply sb/sth with all the equipment, clothes, food, etc. they need: to fit out a ship before a long voyage  The room has been fitted out with a stove and a sink. ,fit sb<->'up (for sth) (BrE, informal) to make it look as if sb is guilty of a crime they have not committed
SYN FRAME : I didn’t do it—I’ve been fitted up!

adj. (fit.ter, fit.test)
HEALTHY|
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) healthy and strong, especially because you do regular physical exercise: Top athletes have to be very fit.   (BrE) He won’t be fit to play in the match on Saturday.  She tries to keep fit by jogging every day.   (BrE) He’s been ill and isn’t fit enough for work yet.  I feel really fighting fit (= very healthy and full of energy).  The government aims to make British industry leaner and fitter (= employing fewer people and with lower costs).
OPP UNFIT
SUITABLE|
2 ~ for sb/sth| ~ to do sth suitable; of the right quality; with the right qualities or skills: The food was not fit for human consumption.  It was a meal fit for a king (= of very good quality).  Your car isn’t fit to be on the road!  The children seem to think I’m only fit for cooking and washing!  He’s so angry he’s in no fit state to see anyone.   (formal) This is not a fit place for you to live.
OPP UNFIT
READY|
3 ~ to do sth (BrE, informal) ready or likely to do sth extreme: They worked until they were fit to drop (= so tired that they were likely to fall).  I’ve eaten so much I’m fit to burst.  She was laughing fit to burst (= very much).
ATTRACTIVE|
4 (BrE, informal) sexually attractive (as) ,fit as a 'fiddle (spoken) in very good physical condition see / think 'fit (to do sth) (formal) to consider it right or acceptable to do sth; to decide or choose to do sth: You must do as you think fit (= but I don’t agree with your decision).  The newspaper did not see fit to publish my letter (= and I criticize it for that).—more at SURVIVAL

noun
ILLNESS|
1 [C] a sudden attack of an illness, such as EPILEPSY , in which sb becomes unconscious and their body may make violent movements: to have an epileptic fit  Her fits are now controlled by drugs.
OF COUGHING / LAUGHTER|
2 [C] a sudden short period of coughing or of laughter, that you cannot control: a fit of coughing  He had us all in fits (of laughter) with his jokes.
OF STRONG FEELING|
3 [C] a short period of very strong feeling: to act in a fit of anger / rage / temper / pique
OF CLOTHING|
4 [C, U] (often with an adjective) the way that sth, especially a piece of clothing, fits: a good / bad / close / perfect fit
MATCH|
5 [C] ~ (between A and B) the way that two things match each other or are suitable for each other: We need to work out the best fit between the staff required and the staff available. by / in ,fits and 'starts frequently starting and stopping again; not continuously: Because of other commitments I can only write my book in fits and starts. have / throw a 'fit (informal) to be very shocked, upset or angry: Your mother would have a fit if she knew you’d been drinking!

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fit.ful
adj. (written) happening only for short periods; not continuous or regular: a fitful night’s sleep  a fitful burst of energy
fit.ful.ly adv.: to sleep fitfully
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fit.ment
noun [usually pl.] (BrE, technical ) a piece of furniture or equipment, especially one that is made for and fixed in a particular place: kitchen fitments  a shower fitment
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fit.ness
noun [U]
1 the state of being physically healthy and strong: a magazine on health and fitness  a fitness instructor / class / test  a high level of physical fitness
2 ~ for sth / to do sth the state of being suitable or good enough for sth: He convinced us of his fitness for the task.  There were doubts about her fitness to hold office.
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fit.ted
adj.
1 [only before noun] (especially BrE) (of furniture) built to be fixed into a particular space
SYN BUILT-IN : fitted wardrobes / cupboards
2 [only before noun] (especially BrE) (of a room) with matching cupboards and other furniture built for the space and fixed in place: a fitted kitchen / bedroom
3 [only before noun] (of clothes) made to follow the shape of the body; not loose: a fitted jacket
4 ~ for / to sth| ~ to do sth (especially BrE) suitable; with the right qualities and skills: She was well fitted to the role of tragic heroine.
5 ~ with sth having sth as equipment: Insurance costs will be reduced for houses fitted with window locks.
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,fitted 'carpet
noun (BrE ) a carpet that is cut and fixed to cover the floor of a room completely—see also WALL-TO-WALL CARPET
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fit.ter
noun
1 a person whose job is to put together, or repair equipment: a gas fitter
2 a person whose job is to cut and fit clothes or carpets, etc.
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fit.ting
adj., noun
adj.
1 (formal) suitable or right for the occasion
SYN APPROPRIATE : The award was a fitting tribute to her years of devoted work.  A fitting end to the meal would be a glass of port.  It is fitting that the new centre for European studies should be in a university that teaches every European language.
2 (-fitting) (in adjectives) having a particular FIT : a tight-fitting dress

noun
1 [usually pl.] a small part on a piece of equipment or furniture: light fittings  a pine cupboard with brass fittings
2 [usually pl.] (BrE) items in a house such as a cooker, lights or shelves that are usually fixed but that you can take with you when you move to a new house—compare FIXTURE
3 an occasion when you try on a piece of clothing that is being made for you to see if it fits: to have a fitting for a wedding dress

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'fitting room
(AmE also 'dressing room) noun a room or CUBICLE in a shop/store where you can put on clothes to see how they look
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five
number 5: There are only five cookies left.  five of Sweden’s top financial experts  Ten people were invited but only five turned up.  Do you have change for five dollars?  a five-month contract  Look at page five.  Five and four is nine.  Three fives are fifteen.  I can’t read your writing—is this meant to be a five?  The bulbs are planted in threes or fives (= groups of three or five).  We moved to America when I was five (= five years old).  Shall we meet at five (= at five o’clock), then?—see also HIGH FIVE
IDM ,give sb 'five (informal) to hit the inside of sb’s hand with your hand as a greeting or to celebrate a victory: Give me five!—more at NINE
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,five-and-'dime
(also 'dime store) noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a shop/store that sells a range of cheap goods
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,five-a-'side
noun [U] (BrE ) a game of football played indoors with five players on each team: a five-a-side tournament
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five.fold
adj., adv.  -FOLD
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,five o’clock 'shadow
noun [sing.] (informal) the dark colour that appears on a man’s chin and face when the hair has grown a little during the day
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,five 'pence
(also ,five pence 'piece, 5p) noun a British coin worth five pence: Have you got a five pence?
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fiver
noun (BrE , informal) £5 or a five-pound note: Can you lend me a fiver?
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fix
verb, noun
verb
ATTACH|
1 [vn] (especially BrE) to put sth firmly in a place so that it will not move: to fix a shelf to the wall  to fix a post in the ground   (figurative) He noted every detail so as to fix the scene in his mind.
ARRANGE|
2 [vn] to decide on a date, time, amount, etc. for sth
SYN SET : Has the date of the next meeting been fixed?  They fixed the rent at £100 a week.  Their prices are fixed until the end of the year (= will not change before then).
3 ~ sth (up) (for sb) to arrange or organize sth: [vn] I’ll fix a meeting.  You have to fix visits up in advance with the museum.  How are you fixed (= do you have any plans) for Thursday?   (informal) Don’t worry, I’ll fix it with Sarah.  [v to inf] I’ve fixed up (for us) to go to the theatre next week.
POSITION / TIME|
4 [vn] to discover or say the exact position, time, etc. of sth: We can fix the ship’s exact position at the time the fire broke out.
FOOD / DRINK|
5 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb sth (especially AmE ) to provide or prepare sth, especially food: [vnn, vn] Can I fix you a drink?  Can I fix a drink for you?  [vn] I’ll fix supper.
REPAIR|
6 [vn] to repair or correct sth: The car won’t start—can you fix it?  I’ve fixed the problem.
HAIR / FACE|
7 [vn] (especially AmE) to make sth such as your hair or face neat and attractive: I’ll fix my hair and then I’ll be ready.
RESULT|
8 [vn] (informal) [often passive] to arrange the result of sth in a way that is not honest or fair: I’m sure the race was fixed.
PUNISH|
9 [vn] (informal) to punish sb who has harmed you and stop them doing you any more harm: Don’t worry—I’ll fix him.
IN PHOTOGRAPHY|
10 [vn] (technical) to treat photographic film, etc. with a chemical so that the colours do not change or become less bright
ANIMAL|
11 [vn] (AmE, informal) to make an animal unable to have young by means of an operation—see also NEUTER fix sb with a 'look, 'stare, 'gaze, etc. to look directly at sb for a long time: He fixed her with an angry stare. 'fix on sb/sth to choose sb/sth: They’ve fixed on Paris for their honeymoon.  Have you fixed on a date for the meeting? 'fix sth on sb/sth [often passive] if your eyes or your mind are fixed on sth, you are looking at or thinking about sth with great attention ,fix sth<->'up to repair, decorate or make sth ready: They fixed up the house before they moved in. ,fix sb 'up (with sb) (informal) to arrange for sb to have a meeting with sb who might become a boyfriend or girlfriend ,fix sb 'up (with sth) (informal) to arrange for sb to have sth; to provide sb with sth: I’ll fix you up with a place to stay.

noun
SOLUTION|
1 [C] (informal) a solution to a problem, especially an easy or temporary one: There is no quick fix for the steel industry.
DRUG|
2 [sing.] (informal) an amount of sth that you need and want frequently, especially an illegal drug such as HEROIN : to get yourself a fix  I need a fix of coffee before I can face the day.
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
3 [sing.] a difficult situation
SYN MESS : We’ve got ourselves in a fix about this.
ON POSITION|
4 [sing.] the act of finding the position of a ship or an aircraft: They managed to get a fix on the yacht’s position.
UNDERSTANDING|
5 [sing.] (informal) an act of understanding sth: He tried to get a fix on the young man’s motives, but he just couldn’t understand him.
DISHONEST RESULT|
6 [sing.] (informal) a thing that is dishonestly arranged; a trick: Her promotion was a fix, I’m sure!

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fix.ated
adj. [not before noun] ~ (on sb/sth) always thinking and talking about sb/sth in a way that is not normal: He is fixated on things that remind him of his childhood.
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fix.ation
noun
1 [C] ~ (with / on sb/sth) a very strong interest in sb/sth, that is not normal or natural: a mother fixation  He’s got this fixation with cleanliness.
2 [U] (technical) the process of a gas becoming solid: nitrogen fixation
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fixa.tive
noun [C, U]
1 a substance that is used to prevent colours or smells from changing or becoming weaker, for example in photography, art or the making of PERFUME
2 a substance that is used to stick things together or keep things in position, for example false teeth
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fixed
adj.
1 staying the same; not changing or able to be changed: fixed prices  a fixed rate of interest  people living on fixed incomes   The money has been invested for a fixed period .—see also ABODE
2 (often disapproving) (of ideas and wishes) held very firmly; not easily changed: My parents had fixed ideas about what I should become.
3 [only before noun] (of expressions on sb’s face) not changing and not sincere: He greeted all his guests with a fixed smile on his face.
IDM how are you, etc. 'fixed (for sth)? (spoken) used to ask how much of sth a person has, or to ask about arrangements: How are you fixed for cash?  How are we fixed for Saturday (= have we arranged to do anything)?
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fixed 'assets
noun [pl.] (business ) land, buildings and equipment that are owned and used by a company
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fixed 'costs
noun [pl.] (business ) the costs that a business must pay that do not change even if the amount of work produced changes
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fix.ed.ly
adv. (written) continuously, without looking away, but often with no real interest: to stare / gaze fixedly at sb/sth
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'fixed-term
adj. [only before noun] a fixed-term contract, etc. is one that only lasts for the agreed period of time
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fixer
noun
1 (informal) a person who arranges things for other people, sometimes dishonestly: a great political fixer  an unscrupulous loan fixer
2 a chemical substance used in photography to prevent a photograph from changing and becoming too dark
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fix.ings
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = TRIMMINGS : a hamburger with all the fixings
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fix.ity
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being firm and not changing
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fix.ture
noun
1 (BrE) a sports event that has been arranged to take place on a particular date and at a particular place: an annual fixture  Saturday’s fixture against Liverpool  the season’s fixture list
2 (especially BrE) a thing such as a bath or a toilet that is fixed in a house and that you do not take with you when you move house: plumbing fixtures  The price of the house includes fixtures and fittings .   (figurative) He has stayed with us so long he seems to have become a permanent fixture .—compare FITTING
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fizz
verb, noun
verb [v] when a liquid fizzes, it produces a lot of bubbles and makes a long sound like an ‘s’: Champagne was fizzing in the glass.   (figurative) He started to fizz with enthusiasm.   (figurative) Share prices are fizzing.

noun
1 [U, sing.] the small bubbles of gas in a liquid: (figurative) There is plenty of fizz and sparkle in the show.   (figurative) The fizz has gone out of the market.
2 [U, sing.] the sound that is made by bubbles of gas in a liquid, or a sound similar to this: the fizz of a firework
3 [U] (BrE, informal) a drink that has a lot of bubbles of gas, especially CHAMPAGNE

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fiz.zle
verb [v] when sth, especially sth that is burning, fizzles, it makes a sound like a long ‘s’
SYN HISS
PVR V ,fizzle 'out (informal) to gradually become less successful and end in a disappointing way
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fizzy
adj. (BrE ) (of a drink) having bubbles of gas in it: fizzy drinks  The wine was pink and slightly fizzy.  ‘A bottle of mineral water, please.’‘Fizzy or still?’
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fjord
(also fiord) noun a long narrow strip of sea between high cliffs, especially in Norway
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flab
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) soft, loose flesh on a person’s body: Fight the flab with exercise!
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flab.ber.gast.ed
adj. [not usually before noun] (informal) extremely surprised and/or shocked
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flabby
adj. (informal, disapproving)
1 having soft, loose flesh; fat: flabby thighs  He’s got soft and flabby since he gave up running.
2 weak; with no strength or force: a flabby grip  a flabby argument / personality
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flac.cid
adj. (formal) soft and weak; not firm and hard: flaccid breasts
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flack
noun
1 [U] = FLAK
2 [C] (AmE, informal) = PRESS AGENT
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flag
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of fabric with a special coloured design on it that may be the symbol of a particular country or organization, or may have a particular meaning. A flag can be attached to a pole or held in the hand: the Italian flag  the flag of Italy  The hotel flies the American flag when it has guests from the US.  The American flag was flying .  All the flags were at half mast (= in honour of a famous person who has died).  The black and white flag went down, and the race began.
2 used to refer to a particular country or organization and its beliefs and values: to swear allegiance to the flag  He was working under the flag of the United Nations.
3 a piece of fabric that is attached to a pole and used as a signal or MARKER in various sports—picture at GOLF
4 a flower that is a type of IRIS and that grows near water: yellow flags
5 = FLAGSTONE
IDM fly / show / wave the 'flag to show your support for your country, an organization or an idea to encourage or persuade others to do the same keep the 'flag flying to represent your country or organization: Our exporters keep the flag flying at international trade exhibitions.

verb (-gg-)
1 [vn] to put a special mark next to information that you think is important: I’ve flagged the paragraphs that we need to look at in more detail.
2 [v] to become tired, weaker or less enthusiastic: It had been a long day and the children were beginning to flag.  Her confidence never flagged.  flagging support / enthusiasm
PVR V ,flag sb/sth<->'down to signal to the driver of a vehicle to stop by waving at them

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'flag day
noun
1 (BrE) a day when money is collected in public places for a charity, and people who give money receive a small paper STICKER
2 (Flag Day) 14 June, the anniversary of the day in 1777 when the Stars and Stripes became the national flag of the United States
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fla.gel.late
verb [vn] (formal) to whip yourself or sb else, especially as a religious punishment or as a way of experiencing sexual pleasure
fla.gel.la.tion noun [U]
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,flag 'football
noun [U] (AmE ) a type of American football played without the usual form of TACKLING . A tackle is made, instead, by pulling a piece of fabric from an opponent’s WAISTBAND .—compare TOUCH FOOTBALL
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flagged
adj. covered with large flat stones (called FLAGSTONES ): a flagged floor
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,flag of con'venience
noun a flag of a foreign country that is used by a ship from another country for legal or financial reasons
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flagon
noun a large bottle or similar container, often with a handle, in which wine, CIDER , etc. is sold or served
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flag.pole
(also flag.staff) noun a tall pole on which a flag is hung
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fla.grant
adj. (of an action) shocking because it is done in a very obvious way and shows no respect for people, laws, etc: a flagrant abuse of human rights  a flagrant breach of copyright  He showed a flagrant disregard for anyone else’s feelings.
fla.grant.ly adv.
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fla.grante
adv.
IDM in fla'grante (literary or humorous) if sb is found or caught in flagrante, they are discovered doing sth that they should not be doing, especially having sex
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flag.ship
noun
1 the main ship in a FLEET of ships in the navy
2 [usually sing.] the most important product, service, building, etc. that an organization owns or produces: The company is opening a new flagship store in London.
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flag.staff
noun = FLAGPOLE
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flag.stone
(also flag) noun a large flat square piece of stone that is used for floors, paths, etc.
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'flag-waving
noun [U] the expression of strong national feelings, especially in a way that people disapprove of
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flail
verb, noun
verb (written)
1 ~ (sth) (about / around) to move around without control; to move your arms and legs around without control: [v] The boys flailed around on the floor.  He was running along, his arms flailing wildly. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to hit sb/sth very hard, especially with a stick

noun a tool that has a long handle with a stick swinging from it, used especially in the past to separate grains of wheat from their dry outer covering, by beating the wheat

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flair
noun
1 [sing., U] ~ for sth a natural ability to do sth well: He has a flair for languages.
2 [U] a quality showing the ability to do things in an interesting and imaginative way: artistic flair  She dresses with real flair.
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flak
(also flack) noun [U]
1 guns on the ground that are shooting at enemy aircraft; bullets from these guns
2 (informal) severe criticism: He’s taken a lot of flak for his left-wing views.  She came in for a lot of flak from the press.
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flake
noun, verb
noun
1 a small, very thin layer or piece of sth, especially one that has broken off from sth larger: flakes of snow / paint  dried onion flakes—see also CORNFLAKES , SNOWFLAKE , SOAP FLAKES
2 (AmE, informal) a person who is strange or unusual or who forgets things easily

verb
1 [v] ~ (off) to fall off in small thin pieces: You could see bare wood where the paint had flaked off.  His skin was dry and flaking.
2 to break sth, especially fish or other food into small thin pieces; to fall into small thin pieces: [vn] Flake the tuna and add to the sauce.  flaked almonds [alsov] ,flake 'out
1 (informal) to lie down or fall asleep because you are extremely tired: When I got home he’d already flaked out on the bed.
2 (AmE, informal) to begin to behave in a strange way

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'flak jacket
noun a heavy jacket without sleeves that is strengthened with metal and is worn by soldiers and police officers to protect them from bullets
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flaky
adj.
1 tending to break into small, thin pieces: flaky pastry  dry flaky skin
2 (AmE, informal) (of a person) behaving in a strange or unusual way; tending to forget things: He plays a flaky tourist visiting Europe.
flaki.ness noun [U]
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flambé
adj. [after noun] (from French ) (of food) covered with alcohol, especially BRANDY and allowed to burn for a short time
flambé verb [vn] —
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flam.boy.ant
adj.
1 (of people or their behaviour) different, confident and exciting in a way that attracts attention: a flamboyant gesture / style / personality  He was flamboyant and temperamental on and off the stage.
2 bright, colourful and noticeable: flamboyant clothes / designs
flam.boy.ance noun [U]
flam.boy.ant.ly adv.
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flame
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a hot bright stream of burning gas that comes from sth that is on fire: the tiny yellow flame of a match  The flames were growing higher and higher.  The building was in flames (= was burning).  The plane burst into flame(s) (= suddenly began burning strongly).  Everything went up in flames (= was destroyed by fire).—picture at LABORATORY
2 [U] a bright red or orange colour: a flame-red car
3 [C] (literary) a very strong feeling: a flame of passion—see also OLD FLAME
IDM see ADD v. , FAN v.

verb
1 (literary) to burn with a bright flame: [v] The logs flamed on the hearth.   (figurative) Hope flamed in her. [alsov-adj]
2 (literary) (of a person’s face) to become red as a result of a strong emotion; to make sth become red: [v] Her cheeks flamed with rage. [alsov-adj, vn]
3 [vn] (informal) to send sb an angry or insulting message on the Internet

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fla.menco
noun (pl.-os)
1 [U, C] a fast exciting Spanish dance that is usually danced to music played on a guitar: flamenco dancing  to dance the flamenco
2 [U] the guitar music that is played for this dance: to play some flamenco
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flame.proof
adj. made of or covered with a special material that will not burn easily
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flame-retard.ant
adj. = FIRE-RETARDANT
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'flame-thrower
noun a weapon like a gun that shoots out burning liquid or flames and is often used for clearing plants from land
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flam.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 full of anger: a flaming argument / temper
2 burning and covered in flames: Flaming fragments were still falling from the sky.
3 (BrE, informal) used to emphasize that you are annoyed: You flaming idiot!
4 bright red or orange in colour: flaming (red) hair  a flaming sunset
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fla.mingo
noun (pl.-oes or -os) a large pink bird with long thin legs and a long neck, that lives near water in warm countries
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flam.mable
(also in.flam.mable especially in BrE) adj. that can catch fire and burn easily: highly flammable liquids / materials
OPP NON-FLAMMABLE
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flan
noun [C, U] (especially BrE ) an open pie made of pastry or cake filled with eggs and cheese, fruit, etc: a mushroom / strawberry flan  Have some more flan.—compare QUICHE , TART
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flange
noun an edge that sticks out from an object and strengthens it or (as in a railway/railroad wheel) keeps it in the correct position
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flank
noun, verb
noun
1 the side of sth such as a building or mountain
2 the left or right side of an army during a battle, or a sports team during a game
3 the side of an animal between the RIBS and the hip: She patted the horse’s flank.

verb [vn]
1 (be flanked by sb/sth) to have sb/sth on one or both sides: She left the courtroom flanked by armed guards.
2 to be placed on one or both sides of sth: They drove through the flat cotton fields that flanked Highway 17.

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flank.er
noun an attacking player in rugby or American football
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flan.nel
noun
1 [U] a soft light fabric, containing cotton or wool, used for making clothes: a flannel shirt / coat  a grey flannel suit
2 (also face.cloth) (both BrE) (AmE wash.cloth) [C] a small piece of cloth used for washing yourself: a face flannel
3 (flannels) [pl.] trousers/pants made of flannel : cricket flannels
4 [U] (BrE, informal) words that do not have much meaning and that avoid telling sb what they want to know
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flan.nel.ette
noun [U] a soft cotton fabric, used especially for making sheets and NIGHTCLOTHES
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flap
noun, verb
noun
FLAT PIECE OF PAPER, etc.|
1 [C] a flat piece of paper, fabric, metal, etc. that is attached to sth along one side and that hangs down or covers an opening: the flap of an envelope  I zipped the tent flaps shut.—see also CAT FLAP
MOVEMENT|
2 [C, usually sing.] a quick often noisy movement of sth up and down or from side to side: With a flap of its wings, the bird was gone.  the flap of the sails
WORRY / EXCITEMENT|
3 [sing.] (informal, especially BrE) a state of worry, confusion and excitement: She gets in a flap over the slightest thing.
PUBLIC DISAGREEMENT|
4 [sing.] (AmE) public disagreement, anger or criticism caused by sth a public figure has said or done: the flap about the President’s business affairs
PART OF AIRCRAFT|
5 [C] a part of the wing of an aircraft that can be raised or lowered to control upward or downward movement—picture at PLANE

verb (-pp-)
MOVE QUICKLY|
1 if a bird flaps its wings, or if its wings flap, they move quickly up and down: [vn] The bird flapped its wings and flew away.  [v] The gulls flew off, wings flapping.
2 to move or to make sth move up and down or from side to side, often making a noise: [v] The sails flapped in the breeze.  Two large birds flapped (= flew) slowly across the water.  [vn] She walked up and down, flapping her arms to keep warm.  A gust of wind flapped the tents.
BE WORRIED / EXCITED|
3 [v] (BrE, informal) to behave in an anxious or excited way: There’s no need to flap—I’ve got everything under control.
IDM see EAR

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flap.jack
noun
1 [U, C] (BrE) a thick soft biscuit made from OATS , butter, sugar and SYRUP
2 [C] (AmE) a thick PANCAKE
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flap.per
noun a young woman in the 1920s who wore fashionable clothes, had short hair and was interested in modern music and new ideas
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flare
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to burn brightly, but usually for only a short time or not steadily: The match flared and went out.  The fire flared into life.   (figurative) Colour flared in her cheeks.
2 [v] ~ (up) (especially of anger and violence) to suddenly start or become much stronger
SYN ERUPT : Violence flared when the police moved in.  Tempers flared towards the end of the meeting.—related noun FLARE-UP (1)
3 to say sth in an angry and aggressive way: [v speech] ‘You should have told me!’ she flared at him. [alsov]
4 [v] (of clothes) to become wider towards the bottom: The sleeves are tight to the elbow, then flare out.
5 if a person or animal flares their NOSTRILS (= the openings at the end of the nose), or if their nostrils flare, they become wider, especially as a sign of anger: [v] The horse backed away, its nostrils flaring with fear. [alsovn] ,flare 'up
1 (of flames, a fire, etc.) to suddenly start burning more brightly—related noun FLARE-UP (3)
2 (of a person) to suddenly become angry—related noun FLARE-UP (1)
3 (of an illness, injury, etc.) to suddenly start again or become worse—related noun FLARE-UP (2)

noun
1 [usually sing.] a bright but unsteady light or flame that does not last long: The flare of the match lit up his face.
2 a device that produces a bright flame, used especially as a signal; a flame produced in this way: The ship sent up distress flares to attract the attention of the coastguard.
3 a shape that becomes gradually wider: a skirt with a slight flare
4 (flares) (BrE also ,flared 'trousers) [pl.] (informal) trousers/pants that become very wide at the bottom of the legs: a pair of flares

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flared
adj. (of clothes) wider at the bottom edge than at the top: flared trousers—
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'flare-up
noun [usually sing.]
1 a sudden expression of angry or violent feeling: a flare-up of tension between the two sides
2 (of an illness) a sudden painful attack, especially after a period without any problems or pain
3 the fact of a fire suddenly starting to burn again more strongly than before: a flare-up of the bushfires
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flash
verb, noun, adj.
verb
SHINE BRIGHTLY|
1 to shine very brightly for a short time; to make sth shine in this way: [v] Lightning flashed in the distance.  A neon sign flashed on and off above the door.  the flashing blue lights of a police car  [vn] The guide flashed a light into the cave.
GIVE SIGNAL|
2 ~ (sth) (at sb)| ~ sb (sth) to use a light to give sb a signal: [vn, vnn] Red lights flashed a warning at them.  Red lights flashed them a warning.  [vn] Why is that driver flashing his lights at us?
SHOW QUICKLY|
3 [vn] to show sth to sb quickly: He flashed his pass at the security officer.
MOVE QUICKLY|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move or pass very quickly: The countryside flashed past the train windows.  A look of terror flashed across his face.
OF THOUGHTS / MEMORIES|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to come into your mind suddenly: A terrible thought flashed through my mind.
ON SCREEN|
6 [+adv. / prep.] ~ (sth) (up) to appear on a television screen, computer screen, etc. for a short time; to make sth do this: [v] A message was flashing on his pager.  [vn] His name was flashed up on the screen.
SEND NEWS|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to send information quickly by radio, computer, etc: News of their triumph was flashed around the world.
SHOW EMOTION|
8 [v] (literary) to show a strong emotion suddenly and quickly: Her eyes flashed with anger.
OF A MAN|
9 [v] (informal) if a man flashes, he shows his sexual organs in public flash sb a 'smile, 'look, etc. to smile, look, etc. at sb suddenly and quickly ,flash sth a'round (disapproving) to show sth to other people in order to impress them: He’s always flashing his money around. ,flash 'back (to sth)
1 if your mind flashes back to sth, you remember sth that happened in the past: Her thoughts flashed back to their wedding day.—related noun FLASHBACK (2)
2 if a film/movie flashes back to sth, it shows things that happened at an earlier time, for example at an earlier part of sb’s life—related noun FLASHBACK (1)
3 (written) to reply very quickly and/or angrily ,flash 'by / 'past (of time) to go very quickly: The morning has just flashed by.

noun
LIGHT|
1 [C] a sudden bright light that shines for a moment and then disappears: a flash of lightning   Flashes of light were followed by an explosion.  There was a blinding flash and the whole building shuddered.
SIGNAL|
2 [C] the act of shining a light on sth, especially as a signal
SUDDEN IDEA / EMOTION|
3 [C] ~ of sth a particular feeling or idea that suddenly comes into your mind or shows in your face: a flash of anger / inspiration
OF BRIGHT COLOUR|
4 [C] ~ of sth the sudden appearance for a short time of sth bright or colourful: a flash of white teeth  On the horizon, she saw a flash of silver—the sea!
IN PHOTOGRAPHY|
5 [C, U] a piece of equipment that produces a bright light for a very short time, used for taking photographs indoors, when it is dark, etc; the use of this when taking a photograph: a camera with a built-in flash  I’ll need flash for this shot.  flash photography
NEWS|
6 [C] = NEWSFLASH
ON UNIFORM|
7 [C] (BrE) a band or small piece of fabric worn on a military uniform to show a person’s rank
ON BOOK / PACKET|
8 [C] a band of colour or writing across a book, packet, etc. a ,flash in the 'pan a sudden success that lasts only a short time and is not likely to be repeated in / like a 'flash very quickly and suddenly: The weekend seemed to be over in a flash.—more at QUICK adv.

adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) attracting attention by being large or expensive, or by having expensive clothes, etc.: a flash car  He’s very flash, isn’t he?

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flash.back
noun
1 [C, U] a part of a film/movie, play, etc. that shows a scene that happened earlier in time than the main story: The events that led up to the murder were shown in a series of flashbacks.  The reader is told the story in flashback.
2 [C] a sudden, very clear, strong memory of sth that happened in the past that is so real you feel that you are living through the experience again: war veterans suffering from nightmares and flashbacks
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flash.bulb
noun a small electric BULB that can be attached to a camera to take photographs indoors or when it is dark
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flash.card
noun a card with a word or picture on it, that teachers use during lessons
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flash.er
noun
1 (informal) a man who shows his sexual organs in public, especially in order to shock or frighten women
2 a device that turns a light on and off quickly
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'flash flood
noun a sudden flood of water caused by heavy rain
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flash.gun
noun a piece of equipment that holds and operates a bright light that is used to take photographs indoors or when it is dark
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flash.ing
noun [U, pl.] a strip of metal put on a roof where it joins a wall to prevent water getting through
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flash.light
noun (especially AmE ) = TORCH
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flash.point
noun [C, U] a situation or place in which violence or anger starts and cannot be controlled: Tension in the city is rapidly reaching flashpoint.  potential flashpoints in the south of the country
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flashy
adj. (flash.ier, flashi.est) (informal, usually disapproving)
1 (of things) attracting attention by being bright, expensive, large, etc: a flashy hotel  I just want a good reliable car, nothing flashy.
2 (of people) attracting attention by wearing expensive clothes, etc.
3 intended to impress by looking very skilful: He specializes in flashy technique, without much depth.
flash.ily adv.: flashily dressed
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flask
noun
1 a bottle with a narrow top, used in scientific work for mixing or storing chemicals—picture at LABORATORY
2 (BrE) = VACUUM FLASK : a flask of tea / coffee—compare THERMOS
3 (especially AmE) = HIP FLASK
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flat
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (flat.ter, flat.test)
LEVEL|
1 having a level surface, not curved or sloping: low buildings with flat roofs  People used to think the earth was flat.  Exercise is the only way to get a flat stomach after having a baby.  The sails hung limply in the flat calm (= conditions at sea when there is no wind and the water is completely level).
2 (of land) without any slopes or hills: The road stretched ahead across the flat landscape.
3 (of surfaces) smooth and even; without lumps or holes: I need a flat surface to write on.  We found a large flat rock to sit on.
NOT HIGH|
4 broad but not very high: Chapatis are a kind of flat Indian bread.  flat shoes (= with no heels or very low ones)
DULL|
5 dull; lacking interest or enthusiasm: He felt very flat after his friends had gone home.
VOICE|
6 not showing much emotion; not changing much in tone: Her voice was flat and expressionless.
COLOURS / PICTURES|
7 very smooth, with no contrast between light and dark, and giving no impression of depth: Acrylic paints can be used to create large, flat blocks of colour.
BUSINESS|
8 not very successful because very little is being sold: The housing market has been flat for months.
REFUSAL / DENIAL|
9 [only before noun] not allowing discussion or argument; definite: Her request was met with a flat refusal.  He gave a flat ‘No!’ to one reporter’s question.
IN MUSIC|
10 used after the name of a note to mean a note a SEMITONE/HALF-TONE lower: That note should be B flat, not B.
OPP SHARP —compare NATURAL —picture at MUSIC
11 below the correct PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds): The high notes were slightly flat.
OPP SHARP
DRINK|
12 no longer having bubbles in it; not fresh: The soda was warm and had gone flat.
BATTERY|
13 (BrE) unable to supply any more electricity
TYRE|
14 not containing enough air, usually because of a hole
FEET|
15 completely flat with no natural raised curves underneath—see also FLAT-FOOTED and ,that’s 'flat! (BrE, spoken) that is my final decision and I will not change my mind: You can’t go and that’s flat! as ,flat as a 'pancake completely flat—more at BACK n. , SPIN n.

noun
ROOMS|
1 [C] (BrE) a set of rooms for living in, including a kitchen, usually on one floor of a building: Do you live in a flat or a house?  They’re renting a furnished flat on the third floor.  a ground-floor flat  a new block of flats   Many large old houses have been converted into flats.  Children from the flats (= the block of flats) across the street were playing outside.—compare APARTMENT
LEVEL PART|
2 [sing.] the ~ of sth the flat level part of sth: He beat on the door with the flat of his hand.  the flat of a sword / blade
LAND|
3 [C, usually pl.] an area of low flat land, especially near water: salt flats—see also MUDFLAT
HORSE RACING|
4 (the flat, the Flat) [sing.] (BrE) the season for racing horses on flat ground with no jumps
IN MUSIC|
5 [C] a note played a SEMITONE/HALF TONE lower than the note that is named. The written symbol is (): There are no sharps or flats in the key of C major.
OPP SHARP —compare NATURAL
TYRE|
6 [C] (especially AmE) a tyre that has lost air usually because of a hole: We got a flat on the way home.  We had to stop to fix a flat.
IN THEATRE|
7 [C] (technical) an upright section of scenery used on a theatre stage
SHOES|
8 (flats) [pl.] = FLATTIES on the 'flat (BrE) on level ground, without hills or jumps (= for example in horse racing)

adv. (comparativeflat.ter no superlative)
LEVEL|
1 spread out in a level, straight position, especially against another surface: Lie flat and breathe deeply.  They pressed themselves flat against the tunnel wall as the train approached.
REFUSING / DENYING|
2 (BrE) (AmE ,flat 'out) (informal) in a definite and direct way: She told me flat she would not speak to me again.  I made them a reasonable offer but they turned it down flat.
IN MUSIC|
3 lower than the correct PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds): He sings flat all the time.
OPP SHARP fall 'flat if a joke, a story, or an event falls flat, it completely fails to amuse people or to have the effect that was intended fall flat on your 'face
1 to fall so that you are lying on your front
2 to fail completely, usually causing embarrassment: His next television venture fell flat on its face. flat 'broke (BrE also stony 'broke) (informal) completely broke flat 'out (informal)
1 as fast or as hard as possible: Workers are working flat out to meet the rise in demand for new cars.
2 (especially AmE) in a definite and direct way; completely: I told him flat out ‘No’.  It’s a 30-year mortgage we just flat out can’t handle. in … 'flat (informal) used with an expression of time to say that sth happened or was done very quickly, in no more than the time stated: They changed the wheel in three minutes flat (= in exactly three minutes).

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flat.bed
(also ,flatbed 'truck, ,flatbed 'trailer) noun (especially AmE ) an open truck or TRAILER without high sides, used for carrying large objects—picture at TRUCK
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,flat 'cap
noun (BrE ) = CLOTH CAP
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flat.car
noun (AmE ) a railway carriage without a roof or sides, used for carrying goods
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,flat-'chested
adj. (disapproving) (of a woman) having small breasts
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flat.fish
noun (pl.flat.fish) any sea fish with a flat body, for example a PLAICE
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,flat-'footed
adj.
1 without naturally raised curves (= ARCHES ) under the feet
2 (especially AmE) not prepared for what is going to happen: They were caught flat-footed by the attack.
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flat.let
noun (BrE ) a very small flat/apartment
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flat.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is very definite and will not be changed
SYN ABSOLUTELY : to flatly deny / reject / oppose sth  I flatly refused to spend any more time helping him.  Our request was flatly rejected.
2 in a dull way with very little interest or emotion: ‘Oh, it’s you,’ she said flatly.
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flat.mate
(BrE ) (AmE 'room-mate) noun a person who shares a flat/apartment with one or more others
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'flat-pack
noun (BrE ) a piece of furniture that is sold in pieces in a flat box and that you have to build yourself
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'flat racing
noun [U] the sport of horse racing over flat ground with no jumps—compare STEEPLECHASE
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flat.ten
verb
1 to become or make sth become flat or flatter: [v] The cookies will flatten slightly while cooking.  [vn] These exercises will help to flatten your stomach.  He flattened his hair down with gel.
2 [vn] to destroy or knock down a building, tree, etc: Most of the factory was flattened by the explosion.
3 [vn] (informal) to defeat sb easily in a competition, argument, etc: Our team was flattened this evening!
4 [vn] (informal) to hit sb very hard so that they fall down: He flattened the intruder with a single punch.  I’ll flatten you if you do that again!
PVR V flatten sth / yourself against / on sb/sth to press sth/your body against sb/sth: She flattened her nose against the window and looked in.  Greg flattened himself against the wall to let me pass. ,flatten 'out
1 to gradually become completely flat: The hills first rose steeply then flattened out towards the sea.
2 to stop growing or going up: Export growth has started to flatten out. ,flatten sth<->'out to make sth completely flat
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flat.ter
verb
1 [vn] to say nice things about sb, often in a way that is not sincere, because you want them to do sth for you or you want to please them: Are you trying to flatter me?
2 ~ yourself to choose to believe sth good about yourself and your abilities, especially when other people do not share this opinion: [vn] ‘How will you manage without me?’‘Don’t flatter yourself.’ [alsovn (that)]
3 [vn] to make sb seem more attractive or better than they really are: That colour doesn’t flatter many people.  The scoreline flattered England (= they did not deserve to get such a high score).
flat.ter.er noun
IDM be / feel 'flattered to be pleased because sb has made you feel important or special: He was flattered by her attention.  I felt flattered at being asked to give a lecture.
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flat.ter.ing
adj.
1 making sb look more attractive: a flattering dress  The photo is not very flattering.
2 saying nice things about sb/sth: flattering remarks
3 making sb feel pleased and special: I found it flattering that he still recognized me after all these years.
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flat.tery
noun [U] praise that is not sincere, especially in order to obtain sth from sb: You’re too intelligent to fall for his flattery.
IDM flattery will get you 'everywhere / 'nowhere (spoken, humorous) praise that is not sincere will/will not get you what you want
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flat.ties
(also flats) noun [pl.] (informal) shoes with a very low heel: a pair of flatties
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'flat-top
noun a type of hair style in which the hair is cut short and flat across the top—picture at HAIR
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flatu.lence
noun [U] an uncomfortable feeling caused by having too much gas in the stomach
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flatu.lent
adj.
1 (disapproving) sounding important and impressive in a way that exaggerates the truth or facts
2 suffering from too much gas in the stomach
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flat.ware
noun [U] (AmE ) = CUTLERY
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flaunt
verb [vn] (disapproving)
1 to show sth you are proud of to other people, in order to impress them: He did not believe in flaunting his wealth.  She openly flaunted her affair with the senator.
2 ~ yourself to behave in a confident and sexual way to attract attention
IDM if you’ve ,got it, 'flaunt it (humorous, saying) used to tell sb that they should not be afraid of allowing other people to see their qualities and abilities
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flaut.ist
(BrE ) (AmE flut.ist) noun a person who plays the FLUTE
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fla.vour
(AmEfla.vor) noun, verb
noun
1 [U] how food or drink tastes: The tomatoes give extra flavour to the sauce.  It is stronger in flavour than other traditional Dutch cheeses.
2 [C] a particular type of taste: This yogurt comes in ten different flavours.  a wine with a delicate fruit flavour
3 [sing.] a particular quality or atmosphere: the distinctive flavour of South Florida  Foreign visitors help to give a truly international flavour to the occasion.
4 [sing.] a / the ~ of sth an idea of what sth is like: I have tried to convey something of the flavour of the argument.
5 (computing) a particular type of sth, especially computer SOFTWARE
IDM flavour of the 'month (especially BrE) somebody or something that is very popular at a particular time

verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to add sth to food or drink to give it more flavour or a particular flavour

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fla.voured
(BrE ) (AmEfla.vored) adj.
1 (-flavoured) having the type of flavour mentioned: lemon-flavoured sweets / candy
2 having had flavour added to it: flavoured yogurt
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fla.vour.ing
(BrE ) (AmEfla.vor.ing) noun [U, C] a substance added to food or drink to give it a particular flavour: orange / vanilla flavouring  This food contains no artificial flavourings.
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fla.vour.less
(BrE ) (AmE fla.vor.less) adj. having no flavour: The meat was tough and flavourless.
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fla.vour.some
(BrE ) (AmE fla.vor.ful ) adj. having a lot of FLAVOUR
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flaw
noun
1 ~ (in sth) a mistake in sth that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly: The argument is full of fundamental flaws.  The report reveals fatal flaws in security at the airport.
2 ~ (in sth) a crack or fault in sth that makes it less attractive or valuable: The vase is in excellent condition except for a few small flaws in its base.
3 ~ (in sb/sth) a weakness in sb’s character: There is always a flaw in the character of a tragic hero.
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flawed
adj. having a flaw ; damaged or spoiled: seriously / fundamentally / fatally flawed  a flawed argument  the book’s flawed heroine
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flaw.less
adj. without FLAWS and therefore perfect: a flawless complexion / performance  Her English is almost flawless.
flaw.less.ly adv.
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flax
noun [U]
1 a plant with blue flowers, grown for its stem that is used to make thread and its seeds that are used to make LINSEED OIL
2 threads from the stem of the flax plant, used to make LINEN
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flax.en
adj. (written) (of hair) pale yellow in colour
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flay
verb [vn]
1 to remove the skin from an animal or person, usually when they are dead
2 to hit or whip sb very hard so that some of their skin comes off
3 (formal) to criticize sb/yourself severely: He flayed himself for his lack of tact.
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flea
noun a very small jumping insect without wings, that bites animals and humans and sucks their blood: The dog has fleas.
IDM with a 'flea in your ear if sb sends a person away with a flea in their ear, they tell them angrily to go away—
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'flea market
noun an outdoor market that sells SECOND-HAND (= old or used) goods at low prices
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flea.pit
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) an old and dirty cinema or theatre
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fleck
noun, verb
noun [usually pl.] ~ (of sth)
1 a very small area of a particular colour: His hair was dark, with flecks of grey.
2 a very small piece of sth: flecks of dust / foam / dandruff

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover or mark sth with small areas of a particular colour or with small pieces of sth: The fabric was red, flecked with gold.  His hair was flecked with paint.

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fled
pt, pp of FLEE
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fledged
adj. (of birds) able to fly—see also FULLY-FLEDGED
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fledg.ling
(BrE also fledge.ling) noun
1 a young bird that has just learnt to fly
2 (usually before another noun) a person, an organization or a system that is new and without experience: fledgling democracies
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flee
verb (fled, fled ) [no passive] ~ (from) sb/sth| ~ (to … / into … ) (written) to leave a person or place very quickly, especially because you are afraid of possible danger: [v] a camp for refugees fleeing from the war  He fled to London after an argument with his family.  She burst into tears and fled.  [vn] He was caught trying to flee the country.—compare FLY v. (12)
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fleece
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the wool coat of a sheep; this coat when it has been removed from a sheep (by SHEARING )
2 [U, C] a soft warm fabric that feels like sheep’s wool; a jacket or a SWEATSHIRT that is made from this fabric: a fleece lining  a bright red fleece—

verb [vn] (informal) to take a lot of money from sb by charging them too much: Some local shops have been fleecing tourists.

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fleecy
adj. [usually before noun] made of soft material, like the wool coat of a sheep; looking like this: a fleecy sweatshirt  a blue sky dappled with fleecy clouds
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fleet
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a group of military ships commanded by the same person
2 [C] a group of ships fishing together: a fishing / whaling fleet
3 (the fleet) [sing.] all the military ships of a particular country: a reduction in the size of the British fleet
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a group of planes, buses, taxis, etc. travelling together or owned by the same organization: the company’s new fleet of vans

adj. (literary) able to run fast: fleet of foot  fleet-footed

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,Fleet 'Admiral
noun (AmE ) = ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET : Fleet Admiral William Hunter
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fleet.ing
adj. [usually before noun] lasting only a short time: a fleeting glimpse / smile  a fleeting moment of happiness  We paid a fleeting visit to Paris.
fleet.ing.ly adv.
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'Fleet Street
noun [U] a street in central London where many national newspapers used to have their offices (now used to mean British newspapers and journalists in general)
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Flem.ish
noun [U] the Dutch language as spoken in northern Belgium, one of the two official languages of Belgium
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flesh
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the soft substance between the skin and bones of animal or human bodies: The trap had cut deeply into the rabbit’s flesh.  Tigers are flesh-eating animals.  the smell of rotting flesh
2 [U] the skin of the human body: His fingers closed around the soft flesh of her arm.  flesh-coloured (= the colour of white people’s skin)
3 [U] the soft part of fruit and vegetables, especially when it is eaten—
4 (the flesh) [sing.] (literary) the human body when considering its physical and sexual needs, rather than the mind or soul: the pleasures / sins of the flesh
IDM ,flesh and 'blood when you say that sb is flesh and blood, you mean that they are a normal human being with needs, emotions and weaknesses: Listening to the cries was more than flesh and blood could stand. your (,own) ,flesh and 'blood a person that you are related to in the 'flesh if you see sb in the flesh, you are in the same place as them and actually see them rather than just seeing a picture of them make your 'flesh creep to make you feel afraid or full of disgust put flesh on (the bones of) sth to develop a basic idea, etc. by giving more details to make it more complete: The strength of the book is that it puts flesh on the bare bones of this argument.—more at POUND n. , PRESS v. , SPIRIT n. , THORN , WAY n.

verb
PVR V ,flesh sth<->'out to add more information or details to a plan, argument, etc: These points were fleshed out in the later parts of the speech.

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flesh.pots
noun [pl.] (humorous) places supplying food, drink and sexual entertainment: the fleshpots of the capital
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'flesh wound
noun an injury in which the skin is cut but the bones and organs inside the body are not damaged
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fleshy
adj.
1 (of parts of the body or people) having a lot of flesh: fleshy arms / lips  a large fleshy man
2 (of plants or fruit) thick and soft: fleshy fruit / leaves
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fleur-de-lis
(also fleur-de-lys) noun (pl.fleurs-de-lis ) (from French ) a design representing a flower with three PETALS joined together at the bottom, often used in COATS OF ARMS
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flew
pt of FLY
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flex
verb, noun
verb to bend, move or stretch an arm or leg, or tighten a muscle, especially in order to prepare for a physical activity: [vn] to flex your fingers / feet / legs  He stood on the side of the pool flexing his muscles. [alsov] flex your 'muscles to show sb how powerful you are, especially as a warning or a threat

noun (BrE ) (also cordAmE, BrE) [C, U] a piece of wire that is covered with plastic, used for carrying electricity to a piece of equipment: an electric flex  a length of flex—picture at ROPE

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flex.ible
adj.
1 (approving) able to change to suit new conditions or situations: a more flexible design / approach  flexible working hours  Our plans need to be flexible enough to cater for the needs of everyone.  You need to be more flexible and imaginative in your approach.
2 able to bend easily without breaking: flexible plastic tubing
OPP INFLEXIBLE
flexi.bil.ity noun [U]: Computers offer a much greater degree of flexibility in the way work is organized.  exercises to develop the flexibility of dancers' bodies
flex.ibly adv.
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flexi.time
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually flex.time ) noun [U] a system in which employees work a particular number of hours each week or month but can choose when they start and finish work each day: She works flexitime.
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flick
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to hit sth with a sudden quick movement, especially using your finger and thumb together, or your hand: She flicked the dust off her collar.  The horse was flicking flies away with its tail.  James flicked a peanut at her.  Please don’t flick ash on the carpet!
2 to move or make sth move with sudden quick movements: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The snake’s tongue flicked out.  Her eyes flicked from face to face.  [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] He lifted his head, flicking his hair off his face.  The horse moved off, flicking its tail.
3 ~ a smile / look, etc. at sb | ~ sb a smile / look, etc. to smile or look at sb suddenly and quickly: [vn, vnn] She flicked a nervous glance at him.  She flicked him a nervous glance.
4 [vn] ~ sth (on / off) to press a button or switch quickly in order to turn a machine, etc. on or off: He flicked a switch and all the lights went out.  She flicked the TV on.
5 [vn] ~ A (with B)| ~ B (at A) to move sth up and down with a sudden movement so that the end of it hits sth: He flicked me with a wet towel.  He flicked a wet towel at me.  to flick a whip
PVR V ,flick 'through sth to turn the pages of a book, etc. quickly and look at them without reading everything

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a small sudden, quick movement or hit, for example with a whip or part of the body: Bell’s flick into the penalty area helped to create the goal.  All this information is available at the flick of a switch (= by simply turning on a machine).  He threw the ball back with a quick flick of the wrist .
2 [sing.] a ~ through sth a quick look through the pages of a book, magazine, etc: I had a flick through the catalogue while I was waiting.
3 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a film/movie
4 (the flicks) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a cinema

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flicker
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of a light or a flame) to keep going on and off as it shines or burns: The lights flickered and went out.  the flickering screen of the television
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of an emotion, a thought, etc.) to be expressed or appear somewhere for a short time: Anger flickered in his eyes.  A smile flickered across her face.
3 [v] to move with small quick movements: Her eyelids flickered as she slept.

noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth)
1 a light that shines in an unsteady way: the flicker of a television / candle
2 a small, sudden movement with part of the body: the flicker of an eyelid
3 a feeling or an emotion that lasts for only a very short time: a flicker of hope / doubt / interest  A flicker of a smile crossed her face.

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'flick knife
(BrE ) (also switch.bladeAmE, BrE) noun a knife with a blade inside the handle that jumps out quickly when a button is pressed
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flier
noun = FLYER
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flies
noun [pl.]
1 pl. of FLY
2 (BrE) = FLY n. (3)
3 (the flies) the space above the stage in a theatre, used for lights and for storing scenery
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flight
noun, verb
noun
JOURNEY BY AIR|
1 [C] a journey made by air, especially in a plane: a smooth / comfortable / bumpy flight  a domestic / an international flight  a hot-air balloon flight  We met on a flight from London to Paris.—see also IN-FLIGHT
PLANE|
2 [C] a plane making a particular journey: We’re booked on the same flight.  Flight BA 4793 is now boarding at Gate 17.  If we leave now, I can catch the earlier flight.  mercy / relief flights (= planes taking help to countries where there is a war)
FLYING|
3 [U] the act of flying: the age of supersonic flight  flight safety  The bird is easily recognized in flight (= when it is flying) by the black band at the end of its tail.
MOVEMENT OF OBJECT|
4 [U] the movement or direction of an object as it travels through the air: the flight of a ball / dart / missile
OF STEPS|
5 [C] a series of steps between two floors or levels: She fell down a flight of stairs / steps and hurt her back.
RUNNING AWAY|
6 [U, sing.] the act of running away from a dangerous or difficult situation: the flight of refugees from the advancing forces  The main character is a journalist in flight from a failed marriage.
OF FANCY / IMAGINATION|
7 [C] ~ of fancy / imagination an idea or a statement that is very imaginative but not practical or sensible: This idea was one of my wilder flights of fancy.
GROUP OF BIRDS / AIRCRAFT|
8 [C] a group of birds or aircraft flying together: a flight of geese  an aircraft of the Queen’s flight—see also TOP-FLIGHT in the first / top 'flight among the best of a particular group put sb to 'flight (old-fashioned) to force sb to run away take 'flight to run away: The gang took flight when they heard the police car.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (BrE, sport ) to kick, hit or throw a ball through the air in a skilful way: He equalized with a beautifully flighted shot.

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'flight attendant
noun (especially AmE ) a person whose job is to serve and take care of passengers on an aircraft
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'flight crew
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the people who work on a plane during a flight
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'flight deck
noun
1 an area at the front of a large plane where the pilot sits to use the controls and fly the plane—picture at PLANE
2 a long flat surface on top of a ship that carries aircraft (= an AIRCRAFT CARRIER ) where they take off and land
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flight.less
adj. [usually before noun] (of birds or insects) unable to fly
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,flight lieu'tenant
noun (abbr. Flt. Lt.) an officer of fairly high rank in the British air force: Flight Lieutenant Richard Clarkson
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'flight path
noun the route taken by an aircraft through the air: The pilot was instructed to change his flight path.
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'flight recorder
noun = BLACK BOX
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'flight sergeant
noun a member of the British air force, just below the rank of an officer: Flight Sergeant Bob Andrews
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'flight simulator
noun a device that reproduces the conditions that exist when flying an aircraft, used for training pilots
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flighty
adj. (informal) a flighty woman is one who cannot be relied on because she is always changing activities, ideas and partners without treating them seriously
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flimsy
adj. (flim.sier, flim.si.est)
1 badly made and not strong enough for the purpose for which it is used: a flimsy bridge / table
2 (of material) thin and easily torn: a flimsy piece of paper / fabric / plastic
3 difficult to believe: a flimsy excuse / explanation  The evidence against him is pretty flimsy.
flim.sily adv.
flim.si.ness noun [U]
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flinch
verb [v] ~ (at sth)| ~ (away) to make a sudden movement with your face or body as a result of pain, fear, surprise, etc: He flinched at the sight of the blood.  She flinched away from the dog.  He met my gaze without flinching.—see also UNFLINCHING
PVR V 'flinch from sth| 'flinch from doing sth (often used in negative sentences) to avoid thinking about or doing sth unpleasant: He never flinched from facing up to trouble.
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fling
verb, noun
verb (flung, flung )
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to throw sb/sth somewhere with force, especially because you are angry: Someone had flung a brick through the window.  He flung her to the ground.  She flung the letter down on the table.  The door was suddenly flung open.  He had his enemies flung into prison .
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move yourself or part of your body suddenly and with a lot of force: She flung herself onto the bed.  He flung out an arm to stop her from falling.
3 ~ sth (at sb) to say sth to sb in an aggressive way: [vn] They were flinging insults at each other. [alsov speech] —see also FAR-FLUNG
PVR V 'fling yourself at sb (informal, disapproving) to make it too obvious to sb that you want to have a sexual relationship with them 'fling yourself into sth to start to do sth with a lot of energy and enthusiasm: They flung themselves into the preparations for the party. ,fling sth<->'off / 'on (informal) to take off or put on clothing in a quick and careless way: He flung off his coat and collapsed on the sofa. ,fling sb<->'out (BrE, informal) to make sb leave a place suddenly ,fling sth<->'out (BrE, informal) to get rid of sth that you do not want any longer

noun [usually sing.] (informal)
1 a short period of enjoyment when you do not allow yourself to worry or think seriously about anything: He was determined to have one last fling before retiring.
2 ~ (with sb) a short sexual relationship with sb: We had a brief fling, but it’s over now.—see also HIGHLAND FLING

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flint
noun
1 [U, C] a type of very hard grey stone that can produce a SPARK when it is hit against steel: prehistoric flint implements  His eyes were as hard as flint.
2 [C] a piece of flint or hard metal that is used to produce a SPARK
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flinty
adj.
1 (written) showing no emotion: a flinty look / gaze / stare
2 containing flint : flinty pebbles / soils
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flip
verb, noun, adj.
verb (-pp-)
1 to turn over into a different position with a sudden quick movement; to make sth do this: [v] The plane flipped and crashed.   (figurative) She felt her heart flip (= with excitement, etc.).  [vn] He flipped the lid open and looked inside the case.—see also FLIP OVER
2 [vn] ~ sth (on / off) to press a button or switch in order to turn a machine, etc. on or off
SYN FLICK : to flip a switch  She reached over and flipped off the light.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to throw sth somewhere using your thumb and/or fingers: They flipped a coin to decide who would get the ticket.  He flipped the keys onto the desk.
4 [v] ~ (out) (informal) to become very angry, excited or unable to think clearly: She finally flipped under the pressure.  He completely flipped when he saw the mess in the kitchen.
IDM ,flip your 'lid (informal) to become very angry and lose control of what you are saying or doing: She’ll flip her lid when she finds out.
PVR V ,flip 'over to turn onto the other side or upside down: The car hit a tree and flipped over.  He flipped over and sat up. ,flip sth<->'over to turn sth onto the other side or upside down: The wind flipped over several cars. 'flip through sth to turn the pages of a book, etc. quickly and look at them without reading everything: She flipped through the magazine looking for the letters page.

noun
1 [C] a small quick hit with a part of the body that causes sth to turn over: The whole thing was decided on the flip of a coin.
2 [C] a movement in which the body turns over in the air: The handstand was followed by a back flip.   (figurative) Her heart did a flip.
3 [sing.] ~ through sth a quick look through the pages of a book, magazine, etc: I had a quick flip through the report while I was waiting.

adj. (informal) = FLIPPANT : a flip answer / comment  Don’t be flip with me.

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'flip chart
noun large sheets of paper fixed at the top to a stand so that they can be turned over, used for presenting information at a talk or meeting
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'flip-flop
noun, verb
noun (AmE also thong) a type of SANDAL (= open shoe) that has a strap that goes between the big toe and the toe next to it: a pair of flip-flops—picture at SHOE

verb (-pp-) [v] ~ (on sth) (informal, especially AmE ) to change your opinion about sth, especially when you then hold the opposite opinion: The vice-president was accused of flip-flopping on several major issues.

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flip.pant
(also informal flip) adj. showing that you do not take sth as seriously as other people think you should: a flippant answer / attitude  Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound flippant.
flip.pancy noun [U]
flip.pant.ly adv.
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flip.per
noun [usually pl.]
1 a flat limb that is part of the body of some sea animals such as SEALS and TURTLES , used for swimming
2 a long flat piece of rubber or plastic that you wear on your foot to help you swim more quickly, especially below the surface of the water—picture at SNORKELLING
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flip.ping
adj., adv. (BrE , spoken) used as a mild swear word by some people to emphasize sth or to show that they are annoyed: I hate this flipping hotel!  Flipping kids!  It’s flipping cold today!
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'flip side
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of / to sth)
1 different and less welcome aspects of an idea, argument or action
2 (old-fashioned) the side of a record that does not have the main song or piece of music on it
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flirt
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (with sb) to behave towards sb as if you find them sexually attractive, without seriously wanting to have a relationship with them: He flirts outrageously with his female clients.
PVR V 'flirt with sth (written)
1 to think about or be interested in sth for a short time but not very seriously: She flirted with the idea of becoming an actress when she was younger.
2 to take risks or not worry about a dangerous situation that may happen: to flirt with danger / death / disaster

noun [usually sing.] a person who flirts with a lot of people: She’s a real flirt.

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flir.ta.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ~ with sth a short period of time during which sb is involved or interested in sth, often not seriously: a brief and unsuccessful flirtation with the property market
2 [U] behaviour that shows you find sb sexually attractive but are not serious about them: Frank’s efforts at flirtation had become tiresome to her.
3 [C] ~ (with sb) a short sexual relationship with sb that is not taken seriously: She had a mild flirtation with him when they first met.
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flir.ta.tious
(also informal flirty) adj. behaving in a way that shows a sexual attraction to sb that is not serious: a flirtatious young woman  a flirtatious giggle / smile
flir.ta.tious.ly adv.
flir.ta.tious.ness noun [U]
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flit
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (from A to B)| ~ (between A and B) to move lightly and quickly from one place or thing to another: Butterflies flitted from flower to flower.  He flits from one job to another.  A smile flitted across his face.   (figurative) A thought flitted through my mind.

noun
IDM do a moonlight / midnight 'flit (BrE, informal) to leave a place suddenly and secretly at night, usually in order to avoid paying money that you owe to sb

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float
verb, noun
verb
ON WATER / IN AIR|
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move slowly on water or in the air
SYN DRIFT : A group of swans floated by.  The smell of new bread floated up from the kitchen.  Beautiful music came floating out of the window.   (figurative) An idea suddenly floated into my mind.   (figurative) People seem to float in and out of my life.
2 [v] ~ (in / on sth) to stay on or near the surface of a liquid and not sink: Wood floats.  A plastic bag was floating in the water.  Can you float on your back?
3 [vn] to make sth move on or near the surface of a liquid: There wasn’t enough water to float the ship.  They float the logs down the river to the towns.
WALK LIGHTLY|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) to walk or move in an easy, graceful way: She floated down the steps to greet us.
SUGGEST IDEA|
5 [vn] to suggest an idea or a plan for other people to consider: They floated the idea of increased taxes on alcohol.
BUSINESS / ECONOMICS|
6 [vn] (business) to sell shares in a company or business to the public for the first time: The company was floated on the stock market in 1995.  Shares were floated at 585p.
7 [vn, v] (economics) if a government floats its country’s money or allows it to float, it allows its value to change freely according to the value of the money of other countries
IDM see AIR n. ,float a'bout / a'round (usually used in the progressive tenses) if an idea, etc. is floating around, it is talked about by a number of people or passed from one person to another

noun
VEHICLE|
1 a large vehicle on which people dressed in special COSTUMES are carried in a festival: a carnival float
IN FISHING|
2 a small light object attached to a FISHING LINE that stays on the surface of the water and moves when a fish has been caught
FOR SWIMMING|
3 a light object that floats in the water and is held by a person who is learning to swim to stop them from sinking
DRINK|
4 (AmE) a drink with ice cream floating in it: a Coke float
MONEY|
5 (especially BrE) a sum of money consisting of coins and notes of low value that is given to sb before they start selling things so that they can give customers CHANGE
BUSINESS|
6 = FLOTATION

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float.ing
adj. [usually before noun] not fixed permanently in one particular position or place: floating exchange rates  a floating population (= one in which people frequently move from one place to another)
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,floating 'voter
noun (BrE ) a person who does not always vote for the same political party and who has not decided which party to vote for in an election
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flock
noun, verb
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sth) a group of sheep, goats or birds of the same type—compare HERD
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sb) a large group of people, especially of the same type: a flock of children / reporters  They came in flocks to see the procession.
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] (literary) the group of people who regularly attend the church of a particular priest, etc.
4 [U] small pieces of soft fabric used for filling cushions, chairs, etc: a flock mattress
5 [U] small pieces of soft material on the surface of a fabric or paper that produce a raised pattern: flock wallpaper

verb to go or gather together somewhere in large numbers: [v + adv.  /  prep.] Thousands of people flocked to the beach this weekend.  Huge numbers of birds had flocked together by the lake.  [v to inf] People flocked to hear him speak.
IDM see BIRD

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floe
noun = ICE FLOE
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flog
verb (-gg-)
1 [vn] [often passive] to punish sb by hitting them many times with a whip or stick: He was publicly flogged for breaking the country’s alcohol laws.
2 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sth (off) (BrE , informal) to sell sth to sb: [vn] She flogged her guitar to another student.  We buy them cheaply and then flog them off at a profit.  [vnn] I had a letter from a company trying to flog me insurance.
IDM ,flog a dead 'horse (BrE, informal) to waste your effort by trying to do sth that is no longer possible ,flog sth to 'death (BrE, informal) to use an idea, a story, etc. so often that it is no longer interesting: The story has been flogged to death in the press.
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flog.ging
noun [C, U] a punishment in which sb is hit many times with a whip or stick: a public flogging
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flood
noun, verb
noun
WATER|
1 [C, U] a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry: The heavy rain has caused floods in many parts of the country.  flood water / damage  The river is in flood (= has more water in it than normal and has caused a flood).—see also FLASH FLOOD
LARGE NUMBER|
2 [C] ~ (of sth) a very large number of things or people that appear at the same time: a flood of complaints  a flood of refugees  The child was in floods of tears (= crying a lot).

verb
FILL WITH WATER|
1 if a place floods or sth floods it, it becomes filled or covered with water: [v] The cellar floods whenever it rains heavily.  [vn] If the pipe bursts it could flood the whole house.
OF RIVER|
2 to become so full that it spreads out onto the land around it: [v] When the Ganges floods, it causes considerable damage.  [vn] The river flooded the valley.
LARGE NUMBERS|
3 [v] ~ in / into / out of sth to arrive or go somewhere in large numbers: Refugees continue to flood into neighbouring countries.  Telephone calls came flooding in from all over the country.
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth with sth to send sth somewhere in large numbers: The office was flooded with applications for the job.
5 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to become or make sth become available in a place in large numbers: Cheap imported goods are flooding the market .  A man who planned to flood Britain with cocaine was jailed for 15 years.
OF FEELING / THOUGHT|
6 to affect sb suddenly and strongly: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A great sense of relief flooded over him.  Memories of her childhood came flooding back .  [vn] The words flooded him with self-pity.
OF LIGHT / COLOUR|
7 to spread suddenly into sth; to cover sth: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : She drew the curtains and the sunlight flooded in.  [vn] She looked away as the colour flooded her cheeks.  The room was flooded with evening light.
ENGINE|
8 [v, vn] if an engine floods or if you flood it, it becomes so full of petrol/gas that it will not start
flood.ed adj.: flooded fields
flood.ing noun [U]: There will be heavy rain with flooding in some areas. ,flood sb<->'out [usually passive] to force sb to leave their home because of a flood

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flood.gate
noun [usually pl.] a gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water on a river: (figurative) If the case is successful, it may open the floodgates to more damages claims against the industry (= start sth that will be difficult to stop).
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flood.light
noun, verb
noun [usually pl.] a large powerful lamp, used for lighting sports grounds, theatre stages and the outside of buildings: a match played under floodlights
flood.light.ing noun [U]: The floodlighting had been turned off.

verb (flood.lit, flood.lit ) [vn] [usually passive] to light a place or a building using floodlights : The swimming pool is floodlit in the evenings.  floodlit tennis courts

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'flood plain
noun an area of flat land beside a river that regularly becomes flooded when there is too much water in the river
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'flood tide
noun a very high rise in the level of the sea that happens at particular times of the year—compare HIGH TIDE
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floor
noun, verb
noun
OF ROOM|
1 [C, usually sing.] the surface of a room that you walk on: a wooden / concrete / marble floor  ceramic floor tiles  The body was lying on the kitchen floor.  The alterations should give us extra floor space.  note at EARTH
OF VEHICLE|
2 (AmE also floor.board) [C, usually sing.] the bottom surface of a vehicle: The floor of the car was covered in cigarette ends.
LEVEL OF BUILDING|
3 [C] all the rooms that are on the same level of a building: Her office is on the second floor.  the Irish guy who lives two floors above  There is a lift to all floors.  Their house is on three floors (= it has three floors).—see also GROUND FLOOR   note at STOREY
OF THE SEA / FORESTS|
4 [C, usually sing.] the ground at the bottom of the sea, a forest, etc: the ocean / valley / cave / forest floor
IN PARLIAMENT|
5 (the floor) [sing.] the part of a building where discussions or debates are held, especially in a parliament; the people who attend a discussion or debate: Opposition politicians registered their protest on the floor of the House.  We will now take any questions from the floor.
AREA FOR WORK|
6 [C, usually sing.] an area in a building that is used for a particular activity: on the floor of the Stock Exchange (= where trading takes place)—see also DANCE FLOOR , FACTORY FLOOR , SHOP FLOOR
FOR WAGES / PRICES|
7 [C, usually sing.] the lowest level allowed for wages or prices: Prices have gone through the floor (= fallen to a very low level).—compare CEILING (2) get / be given / have the 'floor to get/be given/have the right to speak during a discussion or debate ,hold the 'floor to speak during a discussion or debate, especially for a long time so that nobody else is able to say anything ,take (to) the 'floor to start dancing on a DANCE FLOOR : Couples took the floor for the last dance of the evening.—more at GROUND FLOOR , WIPE v.

verb [vn]
SURPRISE / CONFUSE|
1 to surprise or confuse sb so that they are not sure what to say or do: His reply completely floored me.
HIT|
2 [usually passive] to make sb fall down by hitting them, especially in a sport: He was floored by the first punch.
BUILDING / ROOM|
3 [usually passive] to provide a building or room with a floor

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floor.board
noun
1 a long flat piece of wood in a wooden floor: bare / polished floorboards—picture at JOIST
2 [usually sing.] (AmE) = FLOOR (2) : a car floorboard  He had his foot to the floorboard (= was going very fast).
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floor.ing
noun [U] material used to make the floor of a room: vinyl / wooden flooring  kitchen / bathroom flooring
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'floor lamp
noun (AmE ) = STANDARD LAMP
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'floor plan
noun (technical ) a drawing of the shape of a room or building, as seen from above, showing the position of the furniture, etc.
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'floor show
noun a series of performances by singers, dancers, etc. at a restaurant or club
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floo.zie
(also floozy) noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned, informal) (disapproving) a woman who has sexual relationships with many different men
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flop
verb, noun
verb (-pp-) [v]
1 ~ into / on sth| ~ (down / back) to sit or lie down in a heavy and sudden way because you are very tired: Exhausted, he flopped down into a chair.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to fall, move or hang in a heavy or awkward way, without control: Her hair flopped over her eyes.  The young man flopped back, unconscious.  The fish were flopping around in the bottom of the boat.
3 (informal) to be a complete failure: The play flopped on Broadway.

noun a film/movie, play, party, etc. that is not successful—see also BELLYFLOP

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flop.house
noun (AmE ) = DOSSHOUSE
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floppy
adj. (flop.pier, flop.piest) hanging or falling loosely; not hard and stiff: a floppy hat  Hugh Grant and his floppy fringe
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,floppy 'disk
(also floppypl.-ies) (also disk.ette) noun a flat disk inside a plastic cover, that is used to store data in the form that a computer can read, and that can be removed from the computer—compare HARD DISK —
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flora
noun [U] (technical ) the plants of a particular area, type of environment or period of time: alpine flora  rare species of flora and fauna (= plants and animals)
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floral
adj. [usually before noun]
1 consisting of pictures of flowers; decorated with pictures of flowers: wallpaper with a floral design / pattern  a floral dress
2 made of flowers: a floral arrangement / display  Floral tributes were sent to the church.
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floret
noun a flower part of some vegetables, for example BROCCOLI and CAULIFLOWER . Each vegetable has several florets coming from one main stem.—
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florid
adj. (written)
1 (of a person’s face) red: a florid complexion
2 (usually disapproving) having too much decoration or detail: florid language
florid.ly adv.
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florin
noun an old British coin worth two SHILLINGS (= now 10p)
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flor.ist
noun
1 a person who owns or works in a shop/store that sells flowers and plants
2 (flor.ist’s) (pl.flor.ists) a shop/store that sells flowers and plants: I’ve ordered some flowers from the florist’s.
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floss
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 = DENTAL FLOSS
2 thin silk thread—see also CANDYFLOSS

verb [v, vn] to clean between your teeth with DENTAL FLOSS

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flo.ta.tion
noun
1 (also float) [C, U] (business) the process of selling shares in a company to the public for the first time in order to raise money: plans for (a) flotation on the stock exchange  a stock-market flotation
2 [U] the act of floating on or in water: a flotation tank (= where people float in the dark as a way of relaxing)
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flo.tilla
noun a group of boats or small ships sailing together
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flot.sam
noun [U]
1 parts of boats, pieces of wood or rubbish/garbage, etc. that are found floating on the sea or along the shore; any kind of rubbish/garbage: The beaches are wide and filled with interesting flotsam and jetsam .—compare JETSAM
2 people who have no home or job and who move from place to place, often rejected by society: the human flotsam of inner cities
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flounce
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to move somewhere in a way that draws attention to yourself, for example because you are angry or upset: She flounced out of the room.

noun
1 a strip of fabric that is sewn around the edge of a skirt, dress, curtain, etc.
2 (written) a quick and exaggerated movement that you make when you are angry or want people to notice you: She left the room with a flounce.
flounced adj.: a flounced skirt

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floun.der
verb, noun
verb
1 to struggle to know what to say or do or how to continue with sth: [v] His abrupt change of subject left her floundering helplessly. [alsov speech]
2 [v] to have a lot of problems and to be in danger of failing completely: At that time the industry was floundering.
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to struggle to move or get somewhere in water, mud, etc: She was floundering around in the deep end of the swimming pool.

noun (pl.floun.der or floun.ders) a small flat sea fish that is used for food

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flour
noun, verb
noun [U] a fine white or brown powder made from grain, especially wheat, and used in cooking for making bread, cakes, etc.—see also PLAIN FLOUR , SELF-RAISING FLOUR

verb [vn] [usually passive] to cover sth with a layer of flour: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface.

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flour.ish
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to develop quickly and be successful or common
SYN THRIVE : Few businesses are flourishing in the present economic climate.
2 [v] to grow well; to be healthy and happy THRIVE : These plants flourish in a damp climate.   (especially BrE) I’m glad to hear you’re all flourishing.
3 [vn] (written) to wave sth around in a way that makes people look at it

noun
1 [usually sing.] an exaggerated movement that you make when you want sb to notice you: He opened the door for her with a flourish.
2 [usually sing.] an impressive act or way of doing sth: The season ended with a flourish for Owen, when he scored in the final minute of the match.
3 details and decoration that are used in speech or writing: a speech full of rhetorical flourishes
4 a curved line, that is used as decoration, especially in writing
5 [usually sing.] a loud short piece of music, that is usually played to announce an important person or event: a flourish of trumpets

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floury
adj.
1 covered with flour: floury hands
2 like flour; tasting of flour: a floury texture
3 (of potatoes) soft and light when they are cooked
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flout
verb [vn] to show that you have no respect for a law, etc. by openly not obeying it
SYN DEFY : Motorists regularly flout the law.  to flout authority / convention
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flow
noun, verb
noun [C usually sing, U]
CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT|
1 ~ (of sth/sb) the steady and continuous movement of sth in one direction: She tried to stop the flow of blood from the wound.  an endless flow of refugees into the country  to improve traffic flow (= make it move faster)  to control the direction of flow
PRODUCTION / SUPPLY|
2 ~ (of sth) the continuous production or supply of sth: the flow of goods and services to remote areas  to encourage the free flow of information  data flow—see also CASH FLOW
OF SPEECH / WRITING|
3 continuous talk by sb: You’ve interrupted my flow—I can’t remember what I was saying.  As usual, Tom was in full flow .
4 ~ of sth the way that words and ideas are linked together in speech or writing: Too many examples can interrupt the smooth flow of the text.
OF THE SEA|
5 the movement of the sea towards the land: the ebb and flow of the tide go with the 'flow (informal) to be relaxed and not worry about what you should do—more at EBB n.

verb [v]
MOVE CONTINUOUSLY|
1 ~ (back / down, etc.)| ~ (into, through, etc. sth) (of liquid, gas or electricity) to move steadily and continuously in one direction: It’s here that the river flows down into the ocean.  Blood flowed from a cut on her head.  This can prevent air from flowing freely to the lungs.  She lost control and the tears began to flow.
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of people or things) to move or pass continuously from one place or person to another, especially in large numbers or amounts: constant streams of traffic flowed past.  Election results flowed in throughout the night.
OF IDEAS / CONVERSATION|
3 to develop or be produced in an easy and natural way: Conversation flowed freely throughout the meal.
BE AVAILABLE EASILY|
4 to be available easily and in large amounts: It was obvious that money flowed freely in their family.  The party got better as the drink began to flow.
OF FEELING|
5 [+adv. / prep.] to be felt strongly by sb: Fear and excitement suddenly flowed over me.
OF CLOTHES / HAIR|
6 ~ (down / over sth) to hang loosely and freely: Her hair flowed down over her shoulders.  long flowing skirts
OF THE SEA|
7 (of the TIDE in the sea / ocean) to come in towards the land
OPP EBB v. 'flow from sth (formal) to come or result from sth

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'flow chart
(also 'flow diagram) noun a diagram that shows the connections between the different stages of a process or parts of a system—picture at CHART
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flower
noun, verb
noun
1 the coloured part of a plant from which the seed or fruit develops. Flowers usually grow at the end of a stem and last only a short time: The plant has a beautiful bright red flower.  The roses are in flower early this year.  The crocuses are late coming into flower .—picture at PLANT
2 a plant grown for the beauty of its flowers : a garden full of flowers  a flower garden / show
3 a flower with its stem that has been picked as a decoration: I picked some flowers.  a bunch of flowers  a flower arrangement—see also BOUQUET
IDM the flower of sth (literary) the finest or best part of sth

verb [v]
1 (of a plant or tree) to produce flowers
SYN BLOOM : This particular variety flowers in July.  early-flowering spring bulbs
2 (literary) to develop and become successful
SYN BLOSSOM

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'flower arranging
noun [U] the art of arranging cut flowers in an attractive way
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'flower bed
noun a piece of ground in a garden/yard or park where flowers are grown
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flowered
adj. [usually before noun] decorated with patterns of flowers
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flower.ing
noun
1 [U] the time when a plant has flowers
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth the time when sth, especially a period of new ideas in art, music, science, etc., reaches its most complete and successful stage of development
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flower.pot
noun a container made of plastic or clay for growing plants in—picture at POT
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flowery
adj. [usually before noun]
1 covered with flowers or decorated with pictures of flowers
2 smelling or tasting of flowers
3 (usually disapproving) (of speech or writing) too complicated; not expressed in a clear and simple way
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flown
pp of FLY
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fl oz
abbr. (pl.fl oz) (in writing) FLUID OUNCE : Add 8 fl oz water.
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flu
(often the flu) (also formal in.flu.enza) noun [U] an infectious disease like a very bad cold, that causes fever, pains and weakness: The whole family has the flu.   (BrE ) She’s got flu.
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flub
verb (-bb-) (AmE ) to do sth badly or make a mistake
SYN FLUFF , BUNGLE : [vn] She flubbed the first line of the song. [alsov]
flub noun
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fluc.tu.ate
verb [v] ~ (between A and B) to change frequently in size, amount, quality, etc., especially from one extreme to another: fluctuating prices  During the crisis, oil prices fluctuated between $20 and $40 a barrel.  Temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 10 degrees.  My weight fluctuated wildly depending on how much I ate.  My mood seems to fluctuate from day to day.
fluc.tu.ation noun [C, U] ~ (in / of sth): wild fluctuations in interest rates
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flue
noun a pipe or tube that takes smoke, gas or hot air away from a fire, a HEATER or an oven
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flu.ency
noun [U, sing.] the quality of being able to speak or write a language, especially a foreign language, easily and well: Fluency in French and Spanish is required for this job.  to achieve / acquire / develop greater fluency
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flu.ent
adj.
1 ~ (in sth) able to speak, read or write a language, especially a foreign language, easily and well: She’s fluent in Polish.  a fluent speaker / reader
2 (of a language, especially a foreign language) expressed easily and well: He speaks fluent Italian.
3 (of an action) done in a smooth and skilful way: fluent handwriting  fluent movements
flu.ent.ly adv.
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fluff
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (also lintAmE, BrE) small pieces of wool, cotton, etc. that gather on clothes and other surfaces
2 soft animal fur or bird feathers, that is found especially on young animals or birds
3 (informal, especially AmE) entertainment that is not serious and is not considered to have great value

verb [vn]
1 (informal) to do sth badly or to fail at sth
SYN BUNGLE : He completely fluffed an easy shot (= in sport).  Most actors fluff their lines occasionally.
2 ~ sth (out / up) to shake or brush sth so that it looks larger and/or softer: The female sat on the eggs, fluffing out her feathers.  Let me fluff up your pillows for you.

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fluffy
adj. (fluf.fier, fluf.fiest)
1 like fluff ; covered in fluff : a little fluffy kitten
2 (of food) soft, light and containing air: Beat the butter and sugar until soft and fluffy.
3 looking as if it is soft and light: fluffy white clouds
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fluid
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] a liquid; a substance that can flow: body fluids (= for example, blood)  The doctor told him to drink plenty of fluids.  cleaning fluid

adj.
1 (formal) (of movements, designs, music, etc.) smooth, graceful and flowing: a loose, fluid style of dancing  fluid guitar playing  the fluid lines of the drawing
2 (formal) (of a situation) likely to change; not fixed: a fluid political situation
3 (technical) that can flow freely, as gases and liquids do: a fluid consistency

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flu.id.ity
noun [U]
1 (formal) the quality of being smooth and graceful: She danced with great fluidity of movement.
2 (formal) the quality of being likely to change: the fluidity of human behaviour  social fluidity
3 (technical) the quality of being able to flow freely, as gases and liquids do
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,fluid 'ounce
noun (abbr. fl oz) a unit for measuring liquids. There are 20 fluid ounces in a British PINT and 16 in an American pint .
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fluke
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a lucky or unusual thing that happens by accident, not because of planning or skill: They are determined to show that their last win was no fluke.  a fluke goal
fluky (also flukey) adj.
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flume
noun
1 a narrow channel made to carry water for use in industry
2 a water CHUTE (= a tube for sliding down) at an amusement park or a swimming pool
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flum.mox
verb [vn] [usually passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (informal) to confuse sb so that they do not know what to say or do: I was flummoxed by her question.
flum.moxed adj.
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flung
pt, pp of FLING
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flunk
verb (informal, especially AmE )
1 to fail an exam, a test or a course: [vn] I flunked math in second grade. [alsov]
2 [vn] to make sb fail an exam, a test, or a course by giving them a low mark/grade: She’s flunked 13 of the 18 students.
PVR V ,flunk 'out (of sth) (AmE, informal) to have to leave a school or a college because your marks/grades are not good enough
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flun.key
(also flunky) noun (pl.-eys or -ies)
1 (disapproving) a person who tries to please sb who is important and powerful by doing small jobs for them
2 (old-fashioned) a servant in uniform
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fluor.es.cent
adj.
1 (of substances) producing bright light by using some forms of RADIATION : a fluorescent lamp (= one that uses such a substance)  fluorescent lighting
2 (of a colour, material, etc.) appearing very bright when light shines on it; that can be seen in the dark: fluorescent armbands worn by cyclists—compare PHOSPHORESCENT
fluor.es.cence noun [U]
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fluorid.ation
noun [U] the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay
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fluor.ide
noun a chemical compound of fluorine that protects teeth from decay and is often added to TOOTHPASTE and sometimes to drinking water
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fluor.ine
noun [U] (symb F) a chemical element. Fluorine is a poisonous pale yellow gas.
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flur.ried
adj. nervous and confused; especially because there is too much to do
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flurry
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [usually sing.] an occasion when there is a lot of activity, interest, excitement, etc. within a short period of time: a sudden flurry of activity  Her arrival caused a flurry of excitement.  A flurry of shots rang out in the darkness.
2 a small amount of snow, rain, etc. that falls for a short time and then stops: snow flurries  flurries of snow
3 a sudden short movement of paper or fabric, especially clothes: The ladies departed in a flurry of silks and satins.
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flush
verb, noun, adj.
verb
1 (of a person or their face) to become red, especially because you are embarrassed, excited or hot: [v] She flushed with anger.  [v-adj] Sam felt her cheeks flush red. [alsovn]
2 [v, vn] when a toilet flushes or you flush it, water passes through it to clean it, after a handle, etc. has been pressed
3 [vn] ~ sth out (with sth)| ~ sth through sth to clean sth by causing water to pass through it: Flush the pipe out with clean water.  Flush clean water through the pipe.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to get rid of sth with a sudden flow of water: They flushed the drugs down the toilet.  Drinking lots of water will help to flush toxins out of the body.
PVR V ,flush sb/sth 'out (of sth)| ,flush sb/sth<->'out to force a person or an animal to leave the place where they are hiding

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a red colour that appears on your face or body because you are embarrassed, excited or hot: A pink flush spread over his cheeks.—see also HOT FLUSH
2 [C, usually sing.] a sudden strong feeling; the hot feeling on your face or body caused by this: a flush of anger / embarrassment / enthusiasm / guilt
3 [sing.] the act of cleaning a toilet with a sudden flow of water: Give the toilet a flush.
4 [C] (in card games) a set of cards that a player has that are all of the same SUIT
IDM (in) the first flush of sth (written) (at) a time when sth is new, exciting and strong: in the first flush of youth / enthusiasm / romance

adj. [not before noun]
1 (informal) having a lot of money, usually for a short time: I’m flush this week—I’ll pay.
2 ~ with sth (of two surfaces) completely level with each other: Make sure the paving stones are flush with the lawn.

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flushed
adj. (of a person) red; with a red face: flushed cheeks  Her face was flushed with anger.   (figurative) He was flushed with success (= very excited and pleased) after his first novel was published.
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flus.ter
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive] to make sb nervous and/or confused, especially by giving them a lot to do or by making them hurry
flus.tered adj.: She arrived late, looking hot and flustered.

noun [sing.] (BrE ) a state of being nervous and confused

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flute
noun
1 a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group, shaped like a thin pipe. The player holds it sideways and blows across a hole at one end.—
2 champagne ~ a tall narrow glass used for drinking CHAMPAGNE —picture at GLASS
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fluted
adj. (especially of a round object) with a pattern of curves cut around the outside: fluted columns
flut.ing noun [U]
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flut.ist
noun (AmE ) = FLAUTIST
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flut.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 to move lightly and quickly; to make sth move in this way: [v] Flags fluttered in the breeze.  Her eyelids fluttered but did not open.  [vn] He fluttered his hands around wildly.  She fluttered her eyelashes at him (= tried to attract him in order to persuade him to do sth).
2 [v, vn] when a bird or an insect flutters its wings, or its wings flutter, the wings move lightly and quickly up and down
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a bird or an insect) to fly somewhere moving the wings quickly and lightly: The butterfly fluttered from flower to flower.
4 [v] (of your heart, etc.) to beat very quickly and not regularly: I could feel a fluttering pulse.   (figurative) The sound of his voice in the hall made her heart flutter.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a quick, light movement: the flutter of wings  with a flutter of her long, dark eyelashes   (figurative) to feel a flutter of panic in your stomach
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (on sth) (BrE, informal) a small bet: to have a flutter on the horses
3 [sing.] a state of nervous or confused excitement: Her sudden arrival caused quite a flutter.
4 [C] a very fast, unsteady HEARTBEAT : Her heart gave a flutter when she saw him.

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flu.vial
adj. (technical ) connected with rivers: fluvial erosion / deposits
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flux
noun
1 [U] continuous movement and change: Our society is in a state of flux .
2 [C usually sing, U] (technical) a flow; an act of flowing: a flux of neutrons  magnetic flux
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fly
verb, noun
verb (flies, fly.ing, flew flown )
HELP In sense 15 flied is used for the past tense and past participle.
OF BIRD / INSECT|
1 [v] to move through the air, using wings: A stork flew slowly past.  A wasp had flown in through the window.
AIRCRAFT / SPACECRAFT|
2 [v] (of an aircraft or a spacecraft) to move through air or space: They were on a plane flying from London to New York.  to fly at the speed of sound  Lufthansa fly to La Paz from Frankfurt.
3 [v] to travel in an aircraft or a spacecraft: I’m flying to Hong Kong tomorrow.  Is this the first time that you’ve flown?  I always fly business class.  We’re flying KLM.
4 to control an aircraft, etc. in the air: [vn] a pilot trained to fly large passenger planes  children flying kites  [v] He’s learning to fly.
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to transport goods or passengers in a plane: The stranded tourists were finally flown home.  He had flowers specially flown in for the ceremony.
6 [vn] to travel over an ocean or area of land in an aircraft: to fly the Atlantic
MOVE QUICKLY / SUDDENLY|
7 [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] to go or move quickly: The train was flying along.  She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth.  It’s late—I must fly.
8 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move suddenly and with force: [v] A large stone came flying in through the window.  Several people were hit by flying glass.  [v-adj] David gave the door a kick and it flew open.
OF TIME|
9 [v] ~ (by / past) to seem to pass very quickly: Doesn’t time fly?  Summer has just flown by.
FLAG|
10 if a flag flies, or if you fly it, it is displayed, for example on a long pole: [vn] to fly the Union Jack / Stars and Stripes  [v] Flags were flying at half mast on all public buildings.
MOVE FREELY|
11 [v] to move around freely: hair flying in the wind
OF STORIES / RUMOURS|
12 [v] to be talked about by many people
ESCAPE|
13 (written) to escape from sb/sth: [vn] Both suspects have flown the country. [alsov] —compare FLEE
OF PLAN|
14 [v] (AmE) to be successful: It remains to be seen whether his project will fly.
IN BASEBALL|
15 (flies, flying, flied, flied) [vn] to hit a ball high into the air fly the 'coop (informal, especially AmE) to escape from a place fly 'high to be successful fly in the face of 'sth (written) to oppose or be the opposite of sth that is usual or expected: Such a proposal is flying in the face of common sense. fly into a 'rage, 'temper, etc. to become suddenly very angry (go) fly a / your 'kite (AmE, informal) used to tell sb to go away and stop annoying you or interfering ,fly the 'nest
1 (of a young bird) to become able to fly and leave its nest
2 (informal) (of sb’s child) to leave home and live somewhere else fly off the 'handle (informal) to suddenly become very angry go 'flying (BrE, informal) to fall, especially as a result of not seeing sth under your feet: Someone’s going to go flying if you don’t pick up these toys. let 'fly (at sb/sth) (with sth) to attack sb by hitting them or speaking angrily to them: He let fly at me with his fist.  She let fly with a stream of abuse.—more at BIRD , CROW n. , FLAG n. , PIG n. , SEAT n. , TANGENT , WINDOW 'fly at sb (of a person or an animal) to attack sb suddenly

noun (pl.flies)
INSECT|
1 [C] a small flying insect with two wings. There are many different types of fly : A fly was buzzing against the window.  Flies rose in thick black swarms.
IN FISHING|
2 [C] a fly or sth made to look like a fly , that is put on a hook and used as BAIT to catch fish: fly fishing
ON TROUSERS / PANTS|
3 [sing.] (BrE also flies [pl.]) an opening down the front of a pair of trousers/pants that fastens with a ZIP or buttons and is usually covered over by a strip of material: Your fly is undone!  Your flies are undone!—
ON TENT|
4 [C] a piece of fabric that covers the entrance to a tent—see also FLIES die / fall / drop like 'flies to die or fall down in very large numbers: People were dropping like flies in the intense heat. a / the fly in the 'ointment a person or thing that spoils a situation or an occasion that is satisfactory in all other ways a fly on the 'wall a person who watches others without being noticed: I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he tells her the news.  fly-on-the-wall documentaries (= in which people are filmed going about their normal lives as if the camera were not there) (there are) no flies on 'sb (informal) the person mentioned is clever and not easily tricked not harm / hurt a 'fly to be kind and gentle and unwilling to cause unhappiness on the 'fly (informal) if you do sth on the fly, you do it quickly while sth else is happening, and without thinking about it very much

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fly.away
adj. (especially of hair) soft and fine; difficult to keep tidy
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fly.blown
adj. (BrE ) dirty and in bad condition; not fit to eat
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'fly-by
noun (pl.fly-bys)
1 the flight of a spacecraft near a planet to record data
2 (AmE) = FLY-PAST
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'fly-by-night
adj. [only before noun] (of a person or business) dishonest and only interested in making money quickly
'fly-by-night noun
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flyer
(also flier) noun
1 (informal) a person who flies an aircraft (usually a small one, not a passenger plane)
2 a person who travels in a plane as a passenger: frequent flyers
3 a person who operates sth such as a model aircraft or a KITE from the ground
4 a thing, especially a bird or an insect, that flies in a particular way: Butterflies can be strong flyers.
5 a small sheet of paper that advertises a product or an event and is given to a large number of people
6 (informal) a person, an animal or a vehicle that moves very quickly: Ford’s flashy new flyer
7 = FLYING START —see also HIGH-FLYER
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'fly-fishing
noun [U] the sport of fishing in a river or lake using an artificial fly to attract and catch the fish
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fly.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] able to fly: flying insects
IDM with ,flying 'colours very well; with a very high mark/grade: She passed the exam with flying colours.

noun [U] travelling in an aircraft: I’m terrified of flying.

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,flying 'buttress
noun (architecture ) a half arch of brick or stone that supports the outside wall of a large building such as a church
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,flying 'doctor
noun (especially in Australia) a doctor who travels in an aircraft to visit patients who live far from a town
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,flying 'fish
noun a tropical sea fish that can rise and move forwards above the surface of the water, using its FINS (= flat parts that stick out from its body) as wings
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,flying 'fox
noun a large BAT (= an animal like a mouse with wings) that lives in hot countries and eats fruit
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'flying officer
noun an officer of lower rank in the British air force: Flying Officer Ian Wall
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,flying 'saucer
noun a round spacecraft that some people claim to have seen and that some people believe comes from another planet—compare UFO
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'flying squad
noun (usually the Flying Squad) a group of police officers in Britain who are ready to travel very quickly to the scene of a serious crime
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,flying 'start
(also less frequent flyer) noun [sing.] a very fast start to a race, competition, etc.
IDM get off to a ,flying 'start | get off to a 'flyer to make a very good start; to begin sth well: She’s got off to a flying start in her new career.
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,flying 'visit
noun (BrE ) a very short visit
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fly.leaf
noun (pl.fly.leaves) an empty page at the beginning or end of a book
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fly.over
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE over.pass) a bridge that carries one road over another one
2 (AmE) = FLY-PAST
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'fly-past
(BrE ) (AmE 'fly-by, 'flyover) noun a special flight by a group of aircraft, for people to watch at an important ceremony
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fly.sheet
(BrE) noun an extra sheet of fabric on the outside of a tent that keeps the rain out
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fly.weight
noun a boxer, WRESTLER , etc. of the lightest class, usually weighing between 48 and 51 kilograms: a flyweight champion
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fly.wheel
noun a heavy wheel in a machine or an engine that helps to keep it working smoothly and at a steady speed
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FM
abbr.
1 frequency modulation (a method of broadcasting high-quality sound by radio): Radio 1 FM
2 (in writing) Field Marshall
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foal
noun, verb
noun a very young horse or DONKEY
IDM in foal (of a female horse) pregnant

verb [v] to give birth to a foal

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foam
noun, verb
noun
1 (also ,foam 'rubber) [U] a soft light rubber material, full of small holes, that is used for seats, MATTRESSES , etc: a foam mattress  foam packaging
2 [U] a mass of very small air bubbles on the surface of a liquid: a glass of beer with a good head of foam  The breaking waves left the beach covered with foam.
3 [U, C] a chemical substance that forms or produces a soft mass of very small bubbles, used for washing, shaving, or putting out fires, for example: shaving foam

verb [v] (of a liquid) to have or produce a mass of small bubbles
SYN FROTH : She looked down at the foaming white water.  The toothpaste foamed in his mouth.
IDM foam at the 'mouth
1 (especially of an animal) to have a mass of small bubbles in and around its mouth, especially because it is ill or angry
2 (informal) (of a person) to be very angry

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foamy
adj. consisting of or producing a mass of small bubbles; like foam : foamy beer / shampoo  foamy clouds
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fob
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
PVR V ,fob sb<->'off (with sth)
1 to try to stop sb asking questions or complaining by telling them sth that is not true: Don’t let him fob you off with any more excuses.  She wouldn’t be fobbed off this time.
2 to give sb sth that is not what they want or is of worse quality than they want: He was unaware that he was being fobbed off with out-of-date stock.

noun
1 a short chain that is attached to a watch that is carried in a pocket
2 (also 'fob watch) a watch that is attached to a fob
3 a small ornament that is attached to a KEY RING , etc.

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focal
adj. [only before noun] central; very important; connected with or providing a focus
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,focal 'length
noun (physics ) the distance between the centre of a mirror or a LENS and its FOCUS
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'focal point
noun
1 a thing or a person that is the centre of interest or activity: In rural areas, the school is often the focal point for the local community.  He quickly became the focal point for those who disagreed with government policy.
2 (technical) = FOCUS
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focus
verb, noun
verb (-s- or -ss-)
1 ~ (sth) (on / upon sb/sth) to give attention, effort, etc. to one particular subject, situation or person rather than another: [v] The discussion focused on three main problems.  Each exercise focuses on a different grammar point.  [vn] The visit helped to focus world attention on the plight of the refugees.
2 ~ (sth) (on sb/sth) (of your eyes, a camera, etc.) to adapt or be adjusted so that things can be seen clearly; to adjust sth so that you can see things clearly: [v] Let your eyes focus on objects that are further away from you.  It took a few moments for her eyes to focus in the dark.  In this scene, the camera focuses on the actor’s face.  [vn] He focused his blue eyes on her.  I quickly focused the camera on the children.
3 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) (technical) to aim rays of light onto a particular point using a LENS

noun (pl.fo.cuses or foci )
1 [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (for / on sth) the thing or person that people are most interested in; the act of paying special attention to sth and making people interested in it: It was the main focus of attention at the meeting.  His comments provided a focus for debate.  In today’s lecture the focus will be on tax structures within the European Union.  The incident brought the problem of violence in schools into sharp focus .  We shall maintain our focus on the needs of the customer.  What we need now is a change of focus (= to look at things in a different way).
2 (also 'focal point) a point or distance at which the outline of an object is clearly seen by the eye or through a LENS : The children’s faces are badly out of focus (= not clearly shown) in the photograph.  The binoculars were not in focus (= were not showing things clearly).
3 (also 'focal point) [C] (physics) a point at which rays or waves of light, sound, etc. meet after REFLECTION or REFRACTION ; the point from which rays or waves of light, sound, etc. seem to come
4 [C] (geology) the point at which an earthquake starts to happen

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fo.cused
(also fo.cussed) adj. with your attention directed to what you want to do; with very clear aims
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'focus group
noun a small group of people, specially chosen to represent different social classes, etc., who are asked to discuss and give their opinions about a particular subject. The information obtained is used by people doing MARKET RESEARCH , for example about new products or for a political party.
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fod.der
noun [U]
1 food for horses and farm animals
2 (disapproving) (often after a noun) people or things that are considered to have only one use: Without education, these children will end up as factory fodder (= only able to work in a factory).  This story will be more fodder for the gossip columnists.—see also CANNON FODDER
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foe
noun (old-fashioned or formal) an enemy
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foe.tal
(BrE ) (also fetalAmE, BrE) adj. [only before noun] connected with a foetus ; typical of a foetus : foetal abnormalities / heartbeats  She lay curled up in a foetal position.
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foe.tid
= FETID
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foetus
(BrE ) (also fetusAmE, BrE) noun a young human or animal before it is born, especially a human more than eight weeks after FERTILIZATION
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fog
noun, verb
noun [U, C]
1 a thick cloud of very small drops of water in the air close to the land or sea, that is very difficult to see through: Dense / thick fog is affecting roads in the north and visibility is poor.  freezing fog  Patches of fog will clear by mid-morning.  We get heavy fogs on this coast in winter.  The town was covered in a thick blanket of fog .—compare MIST
2 a state of confusion, in which things are not clear: He went through the day with his mind in a fog.

verb (-gg-)
1 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (up) if a glass surface fogs or is fogged up, it becomes covered in steam or small drops of water so that you cannot see through
2 [vn] to make sb/sth confused or less clear: I tried to clear the confusion that was fogging my brain.  The government was trying to fog the real issues before the election.

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fog.bound
adj. unable to operate because of fog ; unable to travel or to leave a place because of fog : a fogbound airport  fogbound passengers  She spent hours fogbound in Brussels.
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fogey
(also fogy) noun (pl.fogeys or fo.gies) a person with old-fashioned ideas that he or she is unwilling to change: He sounds like such an old fogey !
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foggy
adj. (fog.gier, fog.gi.est) not clear because of FOG : foggy conditions  a foggy road
IDM not have the 'foggiest (idea) (informal) to not know anything at all about sth: ‘Do you know where she is?’‘Sorry, I haven’t the foggiest.’
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fog.horn
noun an instrument that makes a loud noise to warn ships of danger in FOG : He’s got a voice like a foghorn (= a loud unpleasant voice).
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'fog lamp
(BrE ) (also 'fog lightAmE, BrE) noun a very bright light on the front or back of a car to help the driver to see or be seen in FOG —picture at CAR
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foi.ble
noun a silly habit or a strange or weak aspect of a person’s character, that is considered harmless by other people: We have to tolerate each other’s little foibles.
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,foie 'gras
noun [U] = PÂTÉ DE FOIE GRAS
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foil
noun, verb
noun (BrE also ,silver 'foil)
1 [U] metal made into very thin sheets that is used for covering or wrapping things, especially food: (BrE) aluminium foil   (AmE) aluminum foil—see also TINFOIL
2 [U] paper that is covered in very thin sheets of metal: The chocolates are individually wrapped in gold and silver foil.
3 [C] ~ (for sb/sth) a person or thing that contrasts with, and therefore emphasizes, the qualities of another person or thing: The pale walls provide a perfect foil for the brightly coloured furniture.
4 [C] a long thin light SWORD used in the sport of FENCING

verb [vn] [often passive] (written) to stop sth from happening, especially sth illegal; to prevent sb from doing sth
SYN THWART : to foil a plan / crime / plot  Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle priceless paintings out of the country.  They were foiled in their attempt to smuggle priceless paintings.

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foist
verb
PVR V 'foist sb/sth on / upon sb to force sb to accept sb/sth that they do not want: The title for her novel was foisted on her by the publishers.
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fold
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up)| ~ sth (back, down, over, etc.) to bend sth, especially paper or fabric, so that one part lies on top of another part: He folded the map up and put it in his pocket.  First, fold the paper in half / in two.  The blankets had been folded down.  a pile of neatly folded clothes  The bird folded its wings.
OPP UNFOLD —see also FOLD-UP —picture at CRINKLE
2 ~ (sth)(away / down) to bend sth so that it becomes smaller or flatter and can be stored or carried more easily; to bend or be able to bend in this way: [vn] The bed can be folded away during the day.  [v] The table folds up when not in use.   (figurative) When she heard the news, her legs just folded under her (= she fell).  [v-adj] The ironing board folds flat for easy storage.
3 [vn] ~ A in B| ~ B round / over A to wrap sth around sb/sth: She gently folded the baby in a blanket.  She folded a blanket around the baby.
4 [v] (of a company, a play, etc.) to close because it is not successful
IDM fold sb in your 'arms (literary) to put your arms around sb and hold them against your body fold your 'arms to put one of your arms over the other one and hold them against your body fold your 'hands to bring or hold your hands together: She kept her hands folded in her lap.
PVR V ,fold sth<->'in| ,fold sth 'into sth (in cooking) to add one substance to another and gently mix them together: Fold in the beaten egg whites.

noun
1 [C] a part of sth, especially fabric, that is folded or hangs as if it had been folded: the folds of her dress  loose folds of skin
2 [C] a mark or line made by folding sth, or showing where sth should be folded
3 [C] an area in a field surrounded by a fence or wall where sheep are kept for safety
4 (the fold) [sing.] a group of people with whom you feel you belong or who share the same ideas or beliefs: He called on former Republican voters to return to the fold.
5 [C] (geology) a curve or bend in the line of the layers of rock in the earth’s CRUST
6 [C] (BrE) a hollow place among hills or mountains

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-fold
suffix (in adjectives and adverbs) multiplied by; having the number of parts mentioned: to increase tenfold
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fold.away
adj. = FOLDING
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fold.er
noun
1 a cardboard or plastic cover for holding loose papers, etc.—picture at STATIONERY
2 (in some computer systems) a way of organizing and storing computer files
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fold.ing
(also less frequent fold.away) adj. [only before noun] (of a piece of furniture, a bicycle, etc.) that can be folded, so that it can be carried or stored in a small space: a folding chair  a foldaway bed
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'fold-up
adj. [only before noun] (of an object) that can be made smaller by closing or folding so that it takes up less space
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fo.li.age
noun [U] the leaves of a tree or plant; leaves and branches together: dense green foliage
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folic acid
noun [U] a VITAMIN found in green vegetables, LIVER and KIDNEY , needed by the body for the production of red blood cells
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folio
noun (pl.-os)
1 a book made with large sheets of paper, especially as used in early printing
2 (technical) a single sheet of paper from a book
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folk
noun, adj.
noun
1 (also folks especially in AmE) [pl.] (informal) people in general: ordinary working-class folk  I’d like a job working with old folk or kids.  the folks back home (= from the place where you come from)
2 (folks) [pl.] (informal) a friendly way of addressing more than one person: Well, folks, what are we going to do today?
3 (folks) [pl.] (informal, especially AmE) the members of your family, especially your parents: How are your folks?
4 [pl.] people from a particular country or region, or who have a particular way of life: country folk  townsfolk  farming folk
5 (also 'folk music) [U] music in the traditional style of a country or community: a folk festival / concert

adj. [only before noun]
1 (of art, culture, etc.) traditional and typical of the ordinary people of a country or community: folk art  a folk museum
2 based on the beliefs of ordinary people: folk wisdom  Garlic is widely used in Chinese folk medicine.

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'folk dance
noun [C, U] a traditional dance of a particular area or country; a piece of music for such a dance
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'folk hero
noun a person that people in a particular place admire because of sth special they have done
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folk.lore
noun [U] the traditions and stories of a country or community: Irish / Indian folklore  The story rapidly became part of family folklore.
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,folk 'memory
noun [C, U] a memory of sth in the past that the people of a country or community never forget
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'folk music
noun [U] = FOLK
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'folk singer
noun a person who sings folk songs
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'folk song
noun
1 a song in the traditional style of a country or community
2 a type of song that became popular in the US in the 1960s, played on a guitar and often about political topics
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folksy
adj.
1 (especially AmE) simple, friendly and informal: They wanted the store to have a folksy small-town image.
2 (sometimes disapproving) done or made in a traditional style that is typical of simple customs in the past: a folksy ballad
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'folk tale
noun a very old traditional story from a particular place that was originally passed on to people in a spoken form
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fol.licle
noun one of the very small holes in the skin which hair grows from
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fol.low
verb
GO AFTER|
1 to come or go after or behind sb/sth: [vn] He followed her into the house.  Follow me please. I’ll show you the way.  I think we’re being followed.   (figurative) She followed her mother into the medical profession.  [v] Wherever she led, they followed.  Sam walked in, with the rest of the boys following closely behind.
HAPPEN / DO AFTER|
2 to come after sth/sb else in time or order; to happen as a result of sth else: [vn] The first two classes are followed by a break of ten minutes.  I remember little of the days that followed the accident.  A period of unrest followed the president’s resignation.  [v] A detailed news report will follow shortly.  There followed a short silence.  The opening hours are as follows  …  A new proposal followed on from the discussions.
3 [vn] ~ sth (up) with sth to do sth after sth else: Follow your treatment with plenty of rest.  They follow up their March show with four UK dates next month.
BE RESULT|
4 ~ (from sth) (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be the logical result of sth: [v] I don’t see how that follows from what you’ve just said.  [v that] If a = b and b = c it follows that a = c.
OF PART OF MEAL|
5 to come or be eaten after another part: [vn] The main course was followed by fresh fruit.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive. [v] (spoken) I’ll have soup and fish to follow .
ROAD / PATH|
6 [vn] to go along a road, path, etc: Follow this road until you get to the school, then turn left.
7 [vn] (of a road, path, etc.) to go in the same direction as sth or parallel to sth: The lane follows the edge of a wood for about a mile.
ADVICE / INSTRUCTIONS|
8 [vn] to accept advice, instructions, etc. and do what you have been told or shown to do: to follow a diet / recipe  He has trouble following simple instructions.  Why didn’t you follow my advice?
COPY|
9 [vn] to accept sb/sth as a guide, a leader or an example; to copy sb/sth: They followed the teachings of Buddha.  He always followed the latest fashions (= dressed in fashionable clothes).  I don’t want you to follow my example and rush into marriage.  The movie follows the book faithfully.
UNDERSTAND|
10 to understand an explanation or the meaning of sth: [v, vn] Sorry, I don’t follow.  Sorry, I don’t follow you.  [vn] The plot is almost impossible to follow.
WATCH / LISTEN|
11 [vn] to watch or listen to sb/sth very carefully: The children were following every word of the story intently.  Her eyes followed him everywhere (= she was looking at him all the time).
BE INTERESTED IN|
12 [vn] to take an active interest in sth and be aware of what is happening: Have you been following the basketball championships?  Millions of people followed the trial on TV.
OF BOOK / MOVIE|
13 [vn] to be concerned with the life or development of sb/sth: The novel follows the fortunes of a village community in Scotland.
PATTERN / COURSE|
14 [vn] to develop or happen in a particular way: The day followed the usual pattern. follow in sb’s 'footsteps to do the same job, have the same style of life, etc. as sb else, especially sb in your family: She works in television, following in her father’s footsteps. follow your 'nose
1 to be guided by your sense of smell
2 to go straight forward: The garage is a mile ahead up the hill—just follow your nose.
3 to act according to what seems right or reasonable, rather than following any particular rules follow 'suit
1 (in card games) to play a card of the same SUIT that has just been played
2 to act or behave in the way that sb else has just done ,follow sb a'round / a'bout to keep going with sb wherever they go: Will you stop following me around! ,follow 'on to go somewhere after sb else has gone there: You go to the beach with the kids and I’ll follow on when I’ve finished work. ,follow 'through (in tennis, golf, etc.) to complete a stroke by continuing to move the club, RACKET , etc. after hitting the ball—related noun FOLLOW-THROUGH (1) ,follow 'through (with sth)| ,follow sth<->'through to finish sth that you have started—related noun FOLLOW-THROUGH (2) ,follow sth<->'up
1 to add to sth that you have just done by doing sth else: You should follow up your phone call with an e-mail or a letter.
2 to find out more about sth that sb has told you or suggested to you
SYN INVESTIGATE : The police are following up several leads after their TV appeal for information.—related noun FOLLOW-UP
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fol.low.er
noun
1 a person who supports and admires a particular person or set of ideas: the followers of Mahatma Gandhi
2 a person who is very interested in a particular activity and follows all the recent news about it: keen followers of football  a follower of fashion
3 a person who does things after sb else has done them first: She is a leader, not a follower.
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fol.low.ing
adj., noun, prep.
adj. (the following …)
1 next in time: the following afternoon / month / year / week  They arrived on Monday evening and we got there the following day.
2 that are going to be mentioned next: Answer the following questions.
IDM a ,following 'wind a wind blowing in the same direction as a ship or other vehicle that helps it move faster

noun
1 [usually sing.] a group of supporters: The band has a huge following in Spain and Italy.
2 (the following) (used with either a singular or a plural verb, depending on whether you are talking about one thing or person or several things or people) the thing or things that you will mention next; the person or people that you will mention next: The following is a brief summary of events.  The following have been chosen to take part: Watts, Hodges and Lennox.

prep. after or as a result of a particular event: He took charge of the family business following his father’s death.

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,follow-'through
noun
1 (in tennis, golf, etc.) the final part of a stroke after the ball has been hit
2 the actions that sb takes in order to complete a plan: The project could fail if there is inadequate follow-through.
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'follow-up
noun [C, U] an action or a thing that continues sth that has already started or comes after sth similar that was done earlier: The book is a follow-up to her excellent television series.
'follow-up adj. [only before noun]: a follow-up study
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folly
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] ~ (to do sth) a lack of good judgement; the fact of doing sth stupid; an activity or idea that shows a lack of judgement: an act of sheer folly  the follies of youth  Giving up a secure job seems to be the height of folly.  It would be folly to turn the offer down.
2 [C] (BrE) a building that has no practical purpose but was built in the past as an ornament, often in the garden of a large country house
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fo.ment
verb [vn] (formal) to create trouble or violence or make it worse
SYN INCITE : They accused him of fomenting political unrest.
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fond
adj. (fond.er, fond.est)
1 ~ of sb feeling affection for sb, especially sb you have known for a long time: Over the years, I have grown quite fond of her.
2 ~ of (doing) sth finding sth pleasant or enjoyable, especially sth you have liked or enjoyed for a long time: fond of music / cooking / going to parties  We had grown fond of the house and didn’t want to leave.
3 ~ of (doing) sth liking to do sth which other people find annoying or unpleasant, and doing it often: Sheila’s very fond of telling other people what to do.  He’s rather too fond of the sound of his own voice (= he talks too much).
4 [only before noun] kind and loving
SYN AFFECTIONATE : a fond look / embrace / farewell  I have very fond memories of my time in Spain (= I remember it with affection and pleasure).
5 [only before noun] (~ hope) a hope about sth that is not likely to happen: I waited all day in the fond hope that she would change her mind.
fond.ness noun [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth): He will be remembered by the staff with great fondness.  a fondness for animals
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fon.dant
noun
1 [U] a thick sweet soft mixture made from sugar and water, used especially to cover cakes: fondant icing
2 [C] a soft sweet/candy that melts in the mouth, made of fondant
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fon.dle
verb [vn] to touch and move your hand gently over sb/sth, especially in a sexual way, or in order to show love
SYN CARESS
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fond.ly
adv.
1 in a way that shows great affection: He looked at her fondly.  I fondly remember my first job as a reporter.
2 in a hopeful way that is silly or unreasonable: I fondly imagined that you cared for me.
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fon.due
noun [C, U]
1 a Swiss dish of melted cheese and wine into which pieces of bread are DIPPED
2 a dish of hot oil into which small pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. are DIPPED
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font
noun
1 a large stone bowl in a church that holds water for the ceremony of BAPTISM
2 (technical) the particular size and style of a set of letters that are used in printing, etc.
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food
noun
1 [U] things that people or animals eat: a shortage of food / food shortages  food and drink  the food industry
2 [C, U] a particular type of food: Do you like Italian food?  frozen foods  a can of dog food (= for a dog to eat)  He’s off his food (= he does not want to eat anything).—see also CONVENIENCE FOOD , FAST FOOD , HEALTH FOOD , JUNK FOOD , SEAFOOD , SOUL FOOD , WHOLEFOOD
IDM food for 'thought an idea that makes you think seriously and carefully
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'food bank
noun (in the US) a place where poor people can go to get free food
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'food chain
noun (usually the food chain) a series of living creatures in which each type of creature feeds on the one below it in the series: Insects are fairly low down (on) the food chain.
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foodie
noun (informal) a person who is very interested in cooking and eating different kinds of food
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'food poisoning
noun [U] an illness of the stomach caused by eating food that contains harmful bacteria
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'food processor
noun a piece of equipment that is used to mix or cut up food—picture at MIXER
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'food stamp
noun (AmE ) a piece of paper that is given by the government to poor people, for them to buy food with
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food.stuff
noun [usually pl.] (especially technical ) any substance that is used as food: basic foodstuffs
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fool
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C] a person who you think behaves or speaks in a way that lacks intelligence or good judgement
SYN IDIOT : Don’t be such a fool!  I felt a fool when I realized my mistake.  He told me he was an actor and I was fool enough to believe him.
2 [C] (in the past) a man employed by a king or queen to entertain people by telling jokes, singing songs, etc.
SYN JESTER
3 [U, C] (BrE) (usually in compounds) a cold light DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from fruit that is cooked and crushed and mixed with cream or CUSTARD : rhubarb fool
IDM act / play the 'fool to behave in a stupid way in order to make people laugh, especially in a way that may also annoy them: Quit playing the fool and get some work done! any fool can / could … (spoken) used to say that sth is very easy to do: Any fool could tell she was lying. be ,no / ,nobody’s 'fool to be too intelligent or know too much about sth to be tricked by other people: She’s nobody’s fool when it comes to dealing with difficult patients. make a 'fool of sb to say or do sth deliberately so that people will think that sb is stupid: Can’t you see she’s making a fool of you? make a 'fool of yourself to do sth stupid which makes other people think that you are a fool : I made a complete fool of myself in front of everyone! ,more fool 'sb (for doing sth) (spoken) used to say that you think that sb was stupid to do sth, especially when it causes them problems: ‘He’s not an easy person to live with.’‘More fool her for marrying him!’—more at SUFFER

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb into believing sth that is not true: She certainly had me fooled—I really believed her!  You don’t fool me!  You’re fooling yourself if you think none of this will affect you.  Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re going to change anything.
2 [v] ~ (about / around) (with sth) to say or do stupid or silly things, often in order to make people laugh: Stop fooling around and sit down!  If you fool about with matches, you’ll end up getting burned.
IDM you could have fooled 'me (spoken) used to say that you do not believe sth that sb has just told you: ‘I’m trying as hard as I can!’‘You could have fooled me!’
PVR V ,fool a'round
1 (BrE also ,fool a'bout) to waste time instead of doing sth that you should be doing
2 ~ (with sb) to have a sexual relationship with another person’s partner; to have a sexual relationship with sb who is not your partner: She’s been fooling around with a married man.

adj. [only before noun] (informal) stupid; FOOLISH : That was a damn fool thing to do!

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fool.hardy
adj. (disapproving) taking unnecessary risks: It would be foolhardy to sail in weather like this.
fool.hardi.ness noun [U]
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fool.ish
adj.
1 (of actions or behaviour) not showing good sense or judgement
SYN SILLY : She’s just a vain, foolish woman.  I was foolish enough to believe what Jeff told me.  The accident was my fault—it would be foolish to pretend otherwise.  How could she have been so foolish as to fall in love with him?  a foolish idea / dream / mistake  It was a very foolish thing to do.
2 [not usually before noun] made to feel or look silly and embarrassed: I felt foolish and a failure.  He’s afraid of looking foolish in front of his friends.
fool.ish.ly adv.: We foolishly thought that everyone would speak English.  Foolishly, I allowed myself to be persuaded to enter the contest.
fool.ish.ness noun [U]: Jenny had to laugh at her own foolishness.
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fool.proof
adj. (of a plan, machine, method, etc.) very well designed and easy to use so that it cannot fail and you cannot use it wrongly: This recipe is foolproof—it’s perfect every time.
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fools.cap
noun (BrE ) [U] a large size of paper for writing on
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,fool’s 'paradise
noun [usually sing.] a state of happiness that is based on sth that is false or cannot last although the happy person does not realize it
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foot
noun, verb
noun (pl.feet )
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] the lowest part of the leg, below the ankle, on which a person or an animal stands: My feet are aching.  to get / rise to your feet (= stand up)  I’ve been on my feet (= standing or walking around) all day.  We came on foot (= we walked).  walking around the house in bare feet (= not wearing shoes or socks)  a foot brake / pump (= operated using your foot, not your hand)  a foot passenger (= one who travels on a ferry without a car)  a foot soldier (= one without a vehicle or horse)—see also ATHLETE’S FOOT , BAREFOOT , CLUB FOOT , UNDERFOOT —picture at BODY
-FOOTED|
2 (in adjectives and adverbs) having or using the type or number of foot/feet mentioned: bare-footed  four-footed  a left-footed shot into the corner—see also FLAT-FOOTED , SURE-FOOTED
PART OF SOCK|
3 [C, usually sing.] the part of a sock, STOCKING , etc. that covers the foot
BASE / BOTTOM|
4 [sing.] the ~ of sth the lowest part of sth; the base or bottom of sth: the foot of the stairs / page / mountain  The nurse hung a chart at the foot of the bed (= the part of the bed where your feet normally are when you are lying in it).
MEASUREMENT|
5 (pl.feet or foot) (abbr.ft) a unit for measuring length equal to 12 INCHES or 30.48 CENTIMETRES : a 6-foot high wall  We’re flying at 35 000 feet.  ‘How tall are you?’‘Five foot nine’ (= five feet and nine inches).
-FOOTER|
6 (in compound nouns) a person or thing that is a particular number of feet tall or long: His boat is an eighteen-footer.
IN POETRY|
7 [sing.] (technical) a unit of rhythm in a line of poetry containing one stressed syllable and one or more syllables without stress. Each of the four divisions in the following line is a foot : For 'men / may 'come / and 'men / may 'go. be rushed / run off your 'feet to be extremely busy; to have too many things to do fall / land on your 'feet to be lucky in finding yourself in a good situation, or in getting out of a difficult situation get / have a / your ,foot in the 'door to manage to enter an organization, a field of business, etc. that could bring you success: I always wanted to work in TV but it took me two years to get a foot in the door. get / start off on the right / wrong 'foot (with sb) (informal) to start a relationship well/badly: I seem to have got off on the wrong foot with the new boss. have feet of 'clay to have a fault or weakness in your character have / keep your 'feet on the ground to have a sensible and realistic attitude to life have / keep a foot in both 'camps to be involved in or connected with two different or opposing groups have ,one foot in the 'grave (informal) to be so old or ill that you are not likely to live much longer … my 'foot! (informal, humorous) a strong way of saying that you disagree completely with what has just been said: ‘Ian can’t come because he’s tired.’‘Tired my foot! Lazy more like!’ on your 'feet completely well or in a normal state again after an illness or a time of trouble: Sue’s back on her feet again after her operation.  The new chairman hopes to get the company back on its feet within six months. put your best foot 'forward to make a great effort to do sth, especially if it is difficult or you are feeling tired put your 'feet up to sit down and relax, especially with your feet raised and supported: After a hard day’s work, it’s nice to get home and put your feet up. put your 'foot down
1 to be very strict in opposing what sb wishes to do: You’ve got to put your foot down and make him stop seeing her.
2 (BrE) to drive faster: She put her foot down and roared past them. put your 'foot in it (BrE) (also put your foot in your 'mouthAmE, BrE) to say or do sth that upsets, offends or embarrasses sb: I really put my foot in it with Ella—I didn’t know she’d split up with Tom. put a foot 'wrong (usually used in negative sentences) to make a mistake: In the last two games he has hardly put a foot wrong. set 'foot in / on sth to enter or visit a place: the first man to set foot on the moon  I vowed never to set foot in the place again. set sb/sth on their / its 'feet to make sb/sth independent or successful: His business sense helped set the club on its feet again. stand on your own (two) 'feet to be independent and able to take care of yourself: When his parents died he had to learn to stand on his own two feet. under your 'feet in the way; stopping you from working, etc: I don’t want you kids under my feet while I’m cooking.—more at BOOT n. , COLD adj. , DRAG v. , FIND v. , GRASS n. , GROUND n. , HAND n. , HEAD n. , ITCHY , LEFT adj. , PATTER n. , PULL v. , SHOE n. , SHOOT v. , SIT , STOCKING , SWEEP v. , THINK v. , VOTE v. , WAIT v. , WALK v. , WEIGHT n. , WORLD

verb foot the 'bill (informal) to be responsible for paying the cost of sth: Once again it will be the taxpayer who has to foot the bill.

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foot.age
noun [U] part of a film showing a particular event: old film footage of the moon landing
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,foot-and-'mouth dis.ease
noun [U] a disease that cows, sheep, etc. can die from, which causes sore places on the mouth and feet
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foot.ball
noun
1 [U] (also formal As,sociation 'Football) (both BrE) (also soc.cerAmE, BrE) (also BrE informal footy, footie) [U] a game played by two teams of 11 players, using a round ball which players kick up and down the playing field (= the PITCH ). Teams try to kick the ball into the other team’s goal: to play football  a football match / team / stadium—
2 [U] (AmE) = AMERICAN FOOTBALL
3 [C] a large round or OVAL ball made of leather or plastic and filled with air
4 [C] (always used with an adjective) an issue or problem that frequently causes argument and disagreement: Health care should not become a political football.
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'football boot
noun (BrE ) a leather shoe with pieces of rubber on the bottom to stop it slipping, worn for playing football—compare CLEATS —picture at SHOE
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foot.baller
noun (BrE ) a person who plays football, especially as a profession
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foot.ball.ing
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) connected with the game of football: footballing skills
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'football pools
(also the pools) noun [pl.] a form of gambling in Britain in which people try to win money by saying what the results of football matches will be: They’ve had a big win on the football pools.
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foot.bridge
noun a narrow bridge used only by people who are walking
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foot.er
noun a line or block of text that is automatically added to the bottom of every page that is printed from a computer—compare HEADER
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foot.fall
noun (literary) the sound of the steps made by sb walking
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'foot fault
noun (in tennis) a mistake that is made by not keeping behind the line when SERVING
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foot.hill
noun [usually pl.] a hill or low mountain at the base of a higher mountain or range of mountains: the foothills of the Himalayas
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foot.hold
noun
1 a crack, hole or branch where your foot can be safely supported when climbing
2 [usually sing.] a strong position in a business, profession, etc. from which sb can make progress and achieve success: The company is eager to gain a foothold in Europe.
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footie
noun [U] (BrE , informal) = FOOTBALL (1)
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foot.ing
noun [sing.]
1 the position of your feet when they are safely on the ground or some other surface: She lost her footing (= she slipped or lost her balance) and fell backwards into the water.  I slipped and struggled to regain my footing.
2 the basis on which sth is established or organized: The company is now on a sound financial footing .  The country has been on a war footing (= prepared for war) since March.
3 the position or status of sb/sth in relation to others; the relationship between two or more people or groups: The two groups must meet on an equal footing .  They were demanding to be treated on the same footing as the rest of the teachers.
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foot.lights
noun [pl.] a row of lights along the front of the stage in a theatre
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foot.loose
adj. free to go where you like or do what you want because you have no responsibilities: Bert was a footloose, unemployed actor.  Ah, I was still footloose and fancy-free (= free to enjoy myself) in those days.
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foot.man
noun (pl.-men ) a male servant in a house in the past, who opened the door to visitors, served food at table, etc.
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foot.note
noun
1 an extra piece of information that is printed at the bottom of a page in a book
2 (of an event or a person) that may be remembered but only as sth/sb that is not important
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foot.path
noun a path that is made for people to walk along, especially in the country: a public footpath
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foot.plate
noun (BrE ) the part of a steam train’s engine where the driver stands
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foot.print
noun [usually pl.] a mark left on a surface by a person’s foot or shoe or by an animal’s foot: footprints in the sand  muddy footprints on the kitchen floor
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foot.rest
noun a support for your foot or feet, for example on a motorcycle or when you are sitting down
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foot.sie
noun (informal)
IDM play 'footsie with sb to touch sb’s feet lightly with your own feet, especially under a table, as an expression of affection or sexual interest
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foot.sore
adj. (formal) having sore or tired feet, especially after walking a long way: They limped in, weary and footsore.
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foot.step
noun [usually pl.] the sound or mark made each time your foot touches the ground when you are walking or running: the sound of footsteps on the stairs  footsteps in the snow
IDM see FOLLOW
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foot.stool
noun a low piece of furniture used for resting your feet on when you are sitting—picture at CHAIR
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foot.wear
noun [U] anything that people wear on their feet, for example shoes and boots: Be sure to wear the correct footwear to prevent injuries to your feet.
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foot.work
noun [U]
1 the way in which a person moves their feet when playing a sport or dancing
2 the ability to react quickly and skilfully to a difficult situation: It was going to take some deft political footwork to save the situation.
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footy
noun [U] (BrE , informal) = FOOTBALL (1)
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fop
noun (old-fashioned) a man who is too interested in his clothes and the way he looks
fop.pish adj.
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for
prep., conj.
prep.
HELP For the special uses of for in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example fall for sb is in the phrasal verb section at fall.
1 used to show who is intended to have or use sth or where sth is intended to be put: There’s a letter for you.  It’s a book for children.  We got a new table for the dining room.  This is the place for me (= I like it very much).
2 in order to help sb/sth: What can I do for you (= how can I help you)?  Can you translate this letter for me?  I took her classes for her while she was sick.  soldiers fighting for their country
3 concerning sb/sth: They are anxious for her safety.  Fortunately for us, the weather changed.
4 as a representative of: I am speaking for everyone in this department.
5 employed by: She’s working for IBM.
6 meaning: Shaking your head for ‘No’ is not universal.
7 in support of sb/sth: Are you for or against the proposal?  They voted for independence in a referendum.  There’s a strong case for postponing the exam.  I’m all for people having fun.—compare AGAINST (2)
8 used to show purpose or function: a machine for slicing bread  Let’s go for a walk.  Are you learning English for pleasure or for your work?  What did you do that for (= Why did you do that)?
9 used to show a reason or cause: The town is famous for its cathedral.  She gave me a watch for my birthday.  He got an award for bravery.  I couldn’t speak for laughing.
10 in order to obtain sth: He came to me for advice.  For more information, call this number.  There were over fifty applicants for the job.
11 in exchange for sth: Copies are available for two dollars each.  I’ll swap these two bottles for that one.
12 considering what can be expected from sb/sth: The weather was warm for the time of year.  She’s tall for her age.  That’s too much responsibility for a child.
13 better, happier, etc. ~ sth better, happier, etc. following sth: You’ll feel better for a good night’s sleep.  This room would look more cheerful for a spot of paint.
14 used to show where sb/sth is going: Is this the bus for Chicago?  She knew she was destined for a great future.
15 used to show a length of time: I’m going away for a few days.  That’s all the news there is for now .
16 used to show that sth is arranged or intended to happen at a particular time: an appointment for May 12  We’re invited for 7.30.
17 used to show the occasion when sth happens: I’m warning you for the last time—stop talking!
18 used to show a distance: The road went on for miles and miles.
19 used to say how difficult, necessary, pleasant, etc. sth is that sb might do or has done: It’s useless for us to continue.  There’s no need for you to go.  For her to have survived such an ordeal was remarkable.  The box is too heavy for me to lift.  Is it clear enough for you to read?
20 used to show who can or should do sth: It’s not for me to say why he left.  How to spend the money is for you to decide.
IDM be 'in for it (BrE also be 'for it) (informal) to be going to get into trouble or be punished: We’d better hurry or we’ll be in for it. for 'all
1 in spite of: For all its clarity of style, the book is not easy reading.
2 used to say that sth is not important or of no interest or value to you/sb: For all I know she’s still living in Boston.  You can do what you like, for all I care.  For all the good it’s done we might as well not have bothered. there’s / that’s … for you (often ironic) used to say that sth is a typical example of its kind: She might at least have called to explain. There’s gratitude for you.

conj. (old-fashioned or literary) used to introduce the reason for sth mentioned in the previous statement: We listened eagerly, for he brought news of our families.  I believed her—for surely she would not lie to me.

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for.age
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (for sth) (written)
1 (especially of an animal) to search for food
2 (of a person) to search for sth, especially using the hands

noun [U] food for horses and cows: forage crops / grass

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foray
noun
1 ~ (into sth) an attempt to become involved in a different activity or profession: the company’s first foray into the computer market
2 ~ (into sth) a short sudden attack made by a group of soldiers: Those on the front line make regular forays into occupied territory.
3 ~ (to / into … ) a short journey to find a particular thing or to visit a new place: weekend shopping forays to France
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for.bade
pt of FORBID
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for.bear
verb, noun
verb (for.bore , for.borne ) ~ (from sth / from doing sth) (formal) to stop yourself from saying or doing sth that you could or would like to say or do: [v] He wanted to answer back, but he forbore from doing so.  [v to inf] She forbore to ask any further questions.

noun = FOREBEAR

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for.bear.ance
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being patient and sympathetic towards other people, especially when they have done sth wrong
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for.bear.ing
adj. (formal) showing forbearance : Thank you for being so forbearing.
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for.bid
verb (for.bade for.bid.den )
1 ~ sb (from doing sth) to order sb not to do sth; to order that sth must not be done: [vn] He forbade them from mentioning the subject again.  Her father forbade the marriage.  [vn to inf] You are all forbidden to leave.  [vnn] My doctor has forbidden me sugar. [alsovn -ing, v -ing]
2 (formal) to make it difficult or impossible to do sth: [vn] Lack of space forbids further treatment of the topic here. [alsovn to inf] God / Heaven for'bid (that … ) (spoken) used to say that you hope that sth will not happen: ‘Maybe you’ll end up as a lawyer, like me.’‘God forbid!’
HELP Some people find this use offensive.
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for.bid.den
adj. not allowed: Photography is strictly forbidden in the museum.  The conversation was in danger of wandering into forbidden territory (= topics that they were not allowed to talk about).
IDM for,bidden 'fruit a thing that is not allowed and that therefore seems very attractive
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for.bid.ding
adj. seeming unfriendly and frightening and likely to cause harm or danger: a forbidding appearance / look / manner  The house looked dark and forbidding.
for.bid.ding.ly adv.
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for.bore
pt of FORBEAR
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for.borne
pp of FORBEAR
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force
noun, verb
noun
VIOLENT ACTION|
1 [U] violent physical action used to obtain or achieve sth: The release of the hostages could not be achieved without the use of force.  The rioters were taken away by force .  The ultimatum contained the threat of military force.  We will achieve much more by persuasion than by brute force .
PHYSICAL STRENGTH|
2 [U] the physical strength of sth that is shown as it hits sth else: the force of the blow / explosion / collision  The shopping centre took the full force of the blast.  note at STRENGTH
STRONG EFFECT|
3 [U] the strong effect or influence of sth: They realized the force of her argument.  He controlled himself by sheer force of will .  She spoke with force and deliberation.
SB / STH WITH POWER|
4 [C] a person or thing that has a lot of power or influence: economic / market forces  the forces of good / evil  Ron is the driving force (= the person who has the most influence) behind the project.  She’s a force to be reckoned with (= a person who has a lot of power and influence and should therefore be treated seriously).  The expansion of higher education should be a powerful force for change .
AUTHORITY|
5 [U] the authority of sth: These guidelines do not have the force of law .  The court ruled that these standards have force in British law.
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
6 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who have been organized for a particular purpose: a member of the sales force   A large proportion of the labour force (= all the people who work in a particular company, area, etc.) is unskilled.—see also WORKFORCE
MILITARY|
7 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who have been trained to protect other people, usually by using weapons: a member of the security forces  rebel / government forces  a peace-keeping force—see also AIR FORCE , POLICE FORCE , TASK FORCE
8 (the forces) [pl.] (BrE) the army, navy and air force: allied / defence forces—see also THE ARMED FORCES
9 (forces) [pl.] the weapons and soldiers that an army, etc. has, considered as things that may be used: strategic nuclear forces.
POLICE|
10 (the force) [sing.] (BrE) the police force: He joined the force twenty years ago.
PHYSICS|
11 [C, U] an effect that causes things to move in a particular way: The moon exerts a force on the earth.  the force of gravity  magnetic / centrifugal force
OF WIND|
12 [C, usually sing.] a unit for measuring the strength of the wind: a force 9 gale  a gale force wind—see also TOUR DE FORCE bring sth into 'force to cause a law, rule, etc. to start being used: They are hoping to bring the new legislation into force before the end of the year. come / enter into 'force (of a law, rule, etc.) to start being used: When do the new regulations come into force? force of 'habit if you do sth from or out of force of habit, you do it automatically and in a particular way because you have always done it that way in the past the forces of 'nature the power of the wind, rain, etc., especially when it causes damage or harm in 'force
1 (of people) in large numbers: Protesters turned out in force.
2 (of a law, rule, etc.) being used: The new regulations are now in force. join / combine 'forces (with sb) to work together in order to achieve a shared aim: The two firms joined forces to win the contract.—more at SPENT

verb
MAKE SB DO STH|
1 [often passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to make sb do sth that they do not want to do
SYN COMPEL [vn, vn to inf] The President was forced into resigning.  The President was forced to resign.  [vn to inf] I was forced to take a taxi because the last bus had left.  She forced herself to be polite to them.  [vn] He didn’t force me—I wanted to go.  Ill health forced him into early retirement.   (spoken, humorous) ‘I shouldn’t really have any more.’‘Go on—force yourself !’
USE PHYSICAL STRENGTH|
2 to use physical strength to move sb/sth into a particular position: [vn] to force a lock / window / door (= to break it open using force)  He tried to force a copy of his book into my hand.  to force an entry (= to enter a building using force)  She forced her way through the crowd of reporters.  [vn-adj] The door had been forced open.
MAKE STH HAPPEN|
3 [vn] to make sth happen, especially before other people are ready: He was in a position where he had to force a decision.  Building a new road here will force house prices down.
A SMILE / LAUGH|
4 [vn] to make yourself smile, laugh, etc. rather than doing it naturally
FRUIT / PLANTS|
5 [vn] to make fruit, plants, etc. grow or develop faster than normal by keeping them in special conditions: forced rhubarb   (figurative) It is unwise to force a child’s talent. force sb’s 'hand to make sb do sth that they do not want to do or make them do it sooner than they had intended 'force the issue to do sth to make people take action on sth quickly force the 'pace (especially BrE)
1 to run very fast in a race in order to make the other competitors run faster
2 to make sb do sth faster than they want to: The demonstrations have succeeded in forcing the pace of change.—more at THROAT ,force sth<->'back to make yourself hide an emotion: She swallowed hard and forced back her tears. ,force sth<->'down
1 to make yourself eat or drink sth that you do not really want
2 to make a plane, etc. land, especially by threatening to attack it 'force sb/sth on / upon sb to make sb accept sth that they do not want: to force your attentions / opinions / company on sb ,force sth 'out of sb to make sb tell you sth, especially by threatening them: I managed to force the truth out of him.

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forced
adj.
1 happening or done against sb’s WILL (= without the person concerned wanting it): forced relocation to a job in another city  a forced sale of his property
2 not sincere; not the result of genuine emotions: She said she was enjoying herself but her smile was forced.—see also UNFORCED
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,forced 'entry
noun [U, C] an occasion when sb enters a building illegally, using force
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,forced 'labour
(BrE ) (AmE,forced 'labor) noun [U]
1 hard physical work that sb, often a prisoner or slave, is forced to do
2 prisoners or slaves who are forced to work: The mines were manned by forced labour from conquered countries.
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,forced 'landing
noun an act of having to land an aircraft unexpectedly in order to avoid a crash: to make a forced landing
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,forced 'march
noun a long march, usually made by soldiers in difficult conditions
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,force-'feed
verb [vn] to use force to make sb, especially a prisoner, eat or drink, by putting food or drink down their throat
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force.ful
adj.
1 (of people) expressing opinions firmly and clearly in a way that persuades other people to believe them
SYN ASSERTIVE : a forceful woman / speaker  a forceful character / personality
2 (of opinions, etc.) expressed firmly and clearly so that other people believe them: a forceful argument / speech
3 using force: the forceful suppression of minorities
force.ful.ly adv.: He argued his case forcefully.
force.ful.ness noun [U]
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force ma.jeure
noun [U] (from French, law ) unexpected circumstances, such as war, that can be used as an excuse when they prevent sb from doing sth that is written in a contract
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for.ceps
noun [pl.] an instrument used by doctors, with two long thin parts for picking up and holding things: a pair of forceps  a forceps delivery (= a birth in which the baby is delivered with the help of forceps)
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for.cible
adj. [only before noun] involving the use of physical force: forcible repatriation  The police checked all windows and doors for signs of forcible entry.
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for.cibly
adv.
1 in a way that involves the use of physical force: Supporters were forcibly removed from the court.
2 in a way that makes sth very clear: It struck me forcibly how honest he’d been.
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ford
noun, verb
noun a shallow place in a river where it is possible to drive or walk across

verb [vn] to walk or drive across a river or stream

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fore
noun, adj., adv.
noun
IDM be / come to the 'fore (BrE) (AmE be at the 'fore) to be/become important and noticed by people; to play an important part: She has always been to the fore at moments of crisis.  The problem has come to the fore again in recent months. bring sth to the 'fore to make sth become noticed by people

adj. [only before noun] (technical ) situated at the front of a ship, an aircraft or an animal—compare AFT , HIND

adv. at or towards the front of a ship or an aircraft—compare AFT

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fore-
combining form (in nouns and verbs)
1 before; in advance: foreword  foretell
2 in the front of: the foreground of the picture
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fore.arm^1
noun the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist—picture at BODY
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fore.arm^2
verb
IDM see FOREWARN
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fore.bear
(also for.bear) noun [usually pl.] (formal or literary) a person who you are descended from, especially one who lived a long time ago
SYN ANCESTOR
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fore.bod.ing
noun [U, C] a strong feeling that sth unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen: She had a sense of foreboding that the news would be bad.  The letter filled him with foreboding.  He knew from her face that his forebodings had been justified.
fore.bod.ing adj.: a foreboding feeling that something was wrong
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fore.cast
noun, verb
noun a statement about what will happen in the future, based on information that is available now: sales forecasts  The forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers.—see also WEATHER FORECAST

verb (fore.cast, fore.cast) or (fore.cast.ed, fore.cast.ed) to say what you think will happen in the future based on information that you have now
SYN PREDICT [vn] Experts are forecasting a recovery in the economy.  Snow is forecast for tomorrow.  Temperatures were forecast to reach 40°C.  [v that] The report forecasts that prices will rise by 3% next month. [alsov wh-]

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fore.cast.er
noun a person who says what is expected to happen, especially sb whose job is to forecast the weather: a weather forecaster  an economic forecaster
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fore.close
verb
1 [v, vn] ~ (on sb/sth) (finance) (especially of a bank) to take control of sb’s property because they have not paid back money that they borrowed to buy it
2 [vn] (formal) to reject sth as a possibility
SYN EXCLUDE
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fore.clos.ure
noun [U, C] (finance ) the act of foreclosing on money that has been borrowed; an example of this
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fore.court
noun (BrE ) a large open space in front of a building, for example a PETROL/GAS STATION or hotel, often used for parking cars on
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fore.father
noun [usually pl.] (formal or literary) a person (especially a man) who you are descended from, especially one who lived a long time ago
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fore.fin.ger
noun the finger next to the thumb
SYN INDEX FINGER
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fore.foot
noun (pl.-feet ) either of the two front feet of an animal that has four feet
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fore.front
noun [sing.]
IDM at / in / to the 'forefront (of sth) in or into an important or leading position in a particular group or activity: Women have always been at the forefront of the Green movement.  The new product took the company to the forefront of the computer software field.  The court case was constantly in the forefront of my mind (= I thought about it all the time).
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fore.gather
(also for.gather) verb [v] (formal) to meet together in a group
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forego
= FORGO
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fore.going
adj. [only before noun] (written)
1 used to refer to sth that has just been mentioned: the foregoing analysis / discussion / example
2 (the foregoing) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] what has just been mentioned: The foregoing is a description of the proposed plan.
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fore.gone
adj.
IDM a ,foregone con'clusion if you say that sth is a foregone conclusion, you mean that it is a result that is certain to happen
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fore.ground
noun, verb
noun (the foreground)
1 [C, usually sing.] the part of a view, picture, etc. that is nearest to you when you look at it: The figure in the foreground is the artist’s mother.
2 [sing.] an important position that is noticed by people: Inflation and interest rates will be very much in the foreground of their election campaign.—compare BACKGROUND

verb [vn] (written) to give particular importance to sth: The play foregrounds the relationship between father and daughter.

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fore.hand
noun [usually sing.] (in tennis, etc.) a way of hitting a ball in which the inner part of the hand (the PALM ) faces the ball as it is hit: She has a strong forehand.  a forehand volley  He served to his opponent’s forehand.—compare BACKHAND
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fore.head
noun the part of the face above the eyes and below the hair
SYN BROW —picture at BODY
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for.eign
adj.
1 in or from a country that is not your own: a foreign accent / language / student  a foreign-owned company  foreign holidays  You could tell she was foreign by the way she dressed.
2 [only before noun] dealing with or involving other countries: foreign affairs / news / policy / trade  foreign aid  a foreign correspondent (= one who reports on foreign countries in newspapers or on television)
OPP HOME
3 ~ to sb/sth (formal) not typical of sb/sth; not known to sb/sth and therefore seeming strange: Dishonesty is foreign to his nature.
4 ~ object / body (formal) an object that has entered sth by accident and should not be there: Tears help to protect the eye from potentially harmful foreign bodies.
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the ,Foreign and 'Commonwealth Office
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (abbr. FCO) the British government department that deals with relations with other countries. It used to be called the Foreign Office and it is still sometimes referred to as this.
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for.eign.er
noun (sometimes offensive)
1 a person who comes from a different country: The fact that I was a foreigner was a big disadvantage.
2 a person who does not belong in a particular place: I have always been regarded as a foreigner by the local folk.
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,foreign ex'change
noun
1 [U, C] the system of exchanging the money of one country for that of another country; the place where money is exchanged: The pound fell on the foreign exchanges yesterday.
2 [U] money that is obtained using this system: our largest source of foreign exchange
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the 'Foreign Office
noun [sing.] = THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
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the ,Foreign 'Secretary
noun the British government minister in charge of THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
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'Foreign Service
noun (AmE ) = DIPLOMATIC SERVICE
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fore.know.ledge
noun [U] (formal) knowledge of sth before it happens
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fore.leg
noun either of the two front legs of an animal that has four legs
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fore.lock
noun
1 a piece of hair that grows at the front of the head and hangs down over the forehead
2 a part of a horse’s MANE that grows forwards between its ears
IDM touch / tug your 'forelock (to sb) (BrE, disapproving) to show too much respect for sb, especially because you are anxious about what they think of you
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fore.man, fore.woman
noun (pl.-men -women )
1 a worker who is in charge of a group of other factory or building workers
2 a person who acts as the leader of a JURY in a court of law
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fore.most
adj., adv.
adj. the most important or famous; in a position at the front: the world’s foremost authority on the subject  The Prime Minister was foremost among those who condemned the violence.  This question has been foremost in our minds recently.

adv.
IDM see FIRST adv.

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fore.name
noun (formal) a person’s first name rather than the name that they share with the other members of their family (their SURNAME ): Please check that your surname and forenames have been correctly entered.
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fo.ren.sic
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the scientific tests used by the police when trying to solve a crime: forensic evidence / medicine / science / tests  the forensic laboratory  a forensic pathologist
2 connected with or used in a court of law: a forensic psychiatrist (= one who examines people who have been accused of a crime)
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fore.play
noun [U] sexual activity, such as touching the sexual organs and kissing, that takes place before people have sex
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fore.run.ner
noun ~ (of sb/sth) a person or thing that came before and influenced sb/sth else that is similar; a sign of what is going to happen: Country music was undoubtedly one of the forerunners of rock and roll.
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fore.see
verb (fore.saw , fore.seen ) to think sth is going to happen in the future; to know about sth before it happens
SYN PREDICT : [vn] We do not foresee any problems.  The extent of the damage could not have been foreseen.  [v (that)] No one could have foreseen (that) things would turn out this way.  [v wh-] It is impossible to foresee how life will work out. [alsovn -ing] —compare UNFORESEEN
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fore.see.able
adj. that you can predict will happen; that can be foreseen : foreseeable risks / consequences
OPP UNFORESEEABLE
IDM for / in the foreseeable 'future for/in the period of time when you can predict what is going to happen, based on the present circumstances: The statue will remain in the museum for the foreseeable future.  It’s unlikely that the hospital will be closed in the foreseeable future (= soon).
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fore.shadow
verb [vn] (written) to be a sign of sth that will happen in the future
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fore.shore
noun [C usually sing, U]
1 (on a beach or by a river) the part of the shore between the highest and lowest levels reached by the water
2 the part of the shore between the highest level reached by the water and the area of land that has buildings, plants, etc. on it
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fore.short.en
verb [vn]
1 (technical) to draw, photograph, etc. objects or people so that they look smaller or closer together than they really are
2 (written) to end sth before it would normally finish
SYN CURTAIL : a foreshortened education
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fore.sight
noun [U] (approving) the ability to predict what is likely to happen and to use this to prepare for the future: She had had the foresight to prepare herself financially in case of an accident.—compare HINDSIGHT
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fore.skin
noun the loose piece of skin that covers the end of a man’s PENIS
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for.est
noun
1 [C, U] a large area of land that is thickly covered with trees: a tropical forest  a forest fire  Thousands of hectares of forest are destroyed each year.—see also RAINFOREST
2 [C] ~ (of sth) a mass of tall narrow objects that are close together: a forest of television aerials
IDM not see the ,forest for the 'trees (AmE) = NOT SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES at WOOD
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fore.stall
verb [vn] (written) to prevent sth from happening or sb from doing sth by doing sth first: Try to anticipate what your child will do and forestall problems.
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for.ested
adj. covered in forest: thickly forested hills  The province is heavily forested and sparsely populated.
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for.est.er
noun a person who works in a forest, taking care of the trees, planting new ones, etc.
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for.est.ry
noun [U] the science or practice of planting and taking care of trees and forests
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fore.taste
noun [sing.] a ~ (of sth) a small amount of a particular experience or situation that shows you what it will be like when the same thing happens on a larger scale in the future: They were unaware that the street violence was just a foretaste of what was to come.
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fore.tell
verb (fore.told, fore.told ) (literary) to know or say what will happen in the future, especially by using magic powers
SYN PREDICT : [vn] to foretell the future  [v that] The witch foretold that she would marry a prince.  [v wh-] None of us can foretell what lies ahead.
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fore.thought
noun [U] careful thought to make sure that things are successful in the future: Some forethought and preparation is necessary before you embark on the project.
IDM see MALICE
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fore.told
pt, pp of FORETELL
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for.ever
adv.
1 (BrE also for ever) used to say that a particular situation or state will always exist: I’ll love you forever!  After her death, their lives changed forever.  Just keep telling yourself that it won’t last forever.
2 (BrE also for ever) (informal) a very long time: It takes her forever to get dressed.
3 (spoken) used with verbs in the progressive tenses to say that sb does sth very often and in a way that is annoying to other people: She’s forever going on about how poor they are.
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fore.warn
verb [often passive] ~ sb (of sth) (written) to warn sb about sth bad or unpleasant before it happens: [vn] The commander had been forewarned of the attack. [alsovn that]
fore.warn.ing noun [U, C]
IDM fore,warned is fore'armed (saying) if you know about problems, dangers, etc. before they happen, you can be better prepared for them
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fore.word
noun a short introduction at the beginning of a book—compare PREFACE
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for.feit
verb, noun, adj.
verb [vn] to lose sth or have sth taken away from you because you have done sth wrong: If you cancel your flight, you will forfeit your deposit.  He has forfeited his right to be taken seriously.

noun something that a person has to pay, or sth that is taken from them, because they have done sth wrong

adj. [not before noun] (formal) taken away from sb as a punishment

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for.feit.ure
noun [U] (law ) the act of forfeiting sth: the forfeiture of property
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for.gather
verb [v] = FOREGATHER
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for.gave
pt of FORGIVE
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forge
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to put a lot of effort into making sth successful or strong so that it will last: a move to forge new links between management and workers  Strategic alliances are being forged with major European companies.  She forged a new career in the music business.
2 [vn] to make an illegal copy of sth in order to deceive people: to forge a passport / banknote / cheque  He’s getting good at forging his mother’s signature.—compare COUNTERFEIT
3 [vn] to shape metal by heating it in a fire and hitting it with a hammer; to make an object in this way: swords forged from steel
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to move forward in a steady but powerful way: He forged through the crowds to the front of the stage.  She forged into the lead (= in a competition, race, etc.).
PVR V ,forge a'head (with sth) to move forward quickly; to make a lot of progress quickly: The company is forging ahead with its plans for expansion.  Quick learners should be allowed to forge ahead.

noun
1 a place where objects are made by heating and shaping pieces of metal, especially one where a BLACKSMITH works
2 a large piece of equipment used for heating metals in; a building or part of a factory where this is found

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for.ger
noun a person who makes illegal copies of money, documents, etc. in order to deceive people—compare COUNTERFEITER
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for.gery
noun
1 [U] the crime of copying money, documents, etc. in order to deceive people
2 [C] something, for example a document, piece of paper money, etc., that has been copied in order to deceive people: Experts are dismissing claims that the painting is a forgery.—compare COUNTERFEIT
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for.get
verb (for.got for.got.ten )
EVENTS / FACTS|
1 ~ (about) sth (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be unable to remember sth that has happened in the past or information that you knew in the past: [v] I’d completely forgotten about the money he owed me.  Before I forget, there was a call from Italy for you.  [vn] I never forget a face.  Who could forget his speech at last year’s party?  [v (that)] She keeps forgetting (that) I’m not a child any more.  I was forgetting (= I had forgotten) (that) you’ve been here before.  [v wh-] I’ve forgotten where they live exactly.  I forget how much they paid for it.  [v -ing] I’ll never forget hearing this piece of music for the first time.  [vn that] It should not be forgotten that people used to get much more exercise. [alsovn -ing]
TO DO STH|
2 ~ (about) sth to not remember to do sth that you ought to do, or to bring or buy sth that you ought to bring or buy: [v] ‘Why weren’t you at the meeting?’‘Sorry—I forgot.’  [v to inf] Take care, and don’t forget to write.  I forgot to ask him for his address.  [vn] I forgot my purse (= I did not remember to bring it).  ‘Hey, don’t forget me (= don’t leave without me)!’  Aren’t you forgetting something? (= I think you have forgotten to do sth)
HELP You cannot use forget if you want to mention the place where you have left something: I’ve left my book at home.  I’ve forgotten my book at home.
STOP THINKING ABOUT STH|
3 ~ (about) sb/sth to deliberately stop thinking about sb/sth: [v] Try to forget about what happened.  Could you possibly forget about work for five minutes?  [vn] Forget him!  Let’s forget our differences and be friends.  [v (that)] Forget (that) I said anything!
4 ~ (about) sth to stop thinking that sth is a possibility: [v] If I lose this job, we can forget about buying a new car.  [vn] ‘I was hoping you might be able to lend me the money.’‘You can forget that!’
YOURSELF|
5 [vn] ~ yourself to behave in a way that is not socially acceptable: I’m forgetting myself. I haven’t offered you a drink yet! for'get it (spoken)
1 used to tell sb that sth is not important and that they should not worry about it: ‘I still owe you for lunch yesterday.’‘Forget it.’
2 used to tell sb that you are not going to repeat what you said: ‘Now, what were you saying about John?’‘Forget it, it doesn’t matter.’
3 used to emphasize that you are saying ‘no’ to sth: ‘Any chance of you helping out here?’‘Forget it, I’ve got too much to do.’
4 used to tell sb to stop talking about sth because they are annoying you: Just forget it, will you! not forgetting … (BrE) used to include sth in the list of things that you have just mentioned: I share the house with Jim, Ian and Sam, not forgetting Spike, the dog.—more at FORGIVE
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for.get.ful
adj.
1 often forgetting things: She has become very forgetful in recent years.
2 ~ of sb/sth (formal) not thinking about sb/sth that you should be thinking about
for.get.ful.ly adv.
for.get.ful.ness noun [U]
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for'get-me-not
noun a small wild plant with light blue flowers
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for.get.table
adj. not interesting or special and therefore easily forgotten: an instantly forgettable tune
OPP UNFORGETTABLE
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for.giv.able
adj. that you can understand and forgive: His rudeness was forgivable in the circumstances.
OPP UNFORGIVABLE
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for.give
verb (for.gave , for.given )
1 ~ sb / yourself (for sth / for doing sth) to stop feeling angry with sb who has done sth to harm, annoy or upset you; to stop feeling angry with yourself: [vn] I’ll never forgive her for what she did.  I can’t forgive that type of behaviour.  I’d never forgive myself if she heard the truth from someone else.  [vnn] She’d forgive him anything. [alsov]
2 ~ me (for doing sth) used to say in a polite way that you are sorry if what you are doing or saying seems rude or silly: [vn] Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly does the company do?  Forgive me, but I don’t see that any of this concerns me.  Forgive me for interrupting, but I really don’t agree with that.  [vn -ing] Forgive my interrupting but I really don’t agree with that.
3 (formal) (of a bank, country, etc.) to say that sb does not need to pay back money that they have borrowed: [vn] The government has agreed to forgive a large part of the debt. [alsovnn] sb could / might be forgiven for doing sth used to say that it is easy to understand why sb does or thinks sth, although they are wrong: Looking at the crowds out shopping, you could be forgiven for thinking that everyone has plenty of money. for,give and for'get to stop feeling angry with sb for sth they have done to you and to behave as if it had not happened
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for.give.ness
noun [U] the act of forgiving sb; willingness to forgive sb: to pray for God’s forgiveness  the forgiveness of sins  He begged forgiveness for what he had done.
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for.giv.ing
adj. ~ (of sth) willing to forgive: She had not inherited her mother’s forgiving nature.  The public was more forgiving of the president’s difficulties than the press and fellow politicians.
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forgo
(also forego) verb (for.went , for.gone ) [vn] (formal) to decide not to have or do sth that you would like to have or do: No one was prepared to forgo their lunch hour to attend the meeting.
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for.got
pt of FORGET
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for.got.ten
pp of FORGET
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fork
noun, verb
noun
1 a tool with a handle and three or four sharp points, (called PRONGS ), used for picking up and eating food: to eat with a knife and fork —picture at CUTLERY
2 a garden tool with a long or short handle and three or four sharp metal points, used for digging—see also PITCHFORK —picture at GARDEN
3 a place where a road, river, etc. divides into two parts; either of these two parts: Shortly before dusk they reached a fork and took the left-hand track.  Take the right fork.
4 a thing shaped like a fork , with two or more long parts: a jagged fork of lightning—see also TUNING FORK
5 either of two metal supporting pieces into which a wheel on a bicycle or motorcycle is fitted—picture at BICYCLE

verb
1 [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of a road, river, etc.) to divide into two parts that lead in different directions: The path forks at the bottom of the hill.  The road forks right after the bridge.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of a person) to turn left or right where a road, etc. divides into two: Fork right after the bridge.
3 [vn, often + adv.  /  prep.] to move, carry or dig sth using a fork: Clear the soil of weeds and fork in plenty of compost.
PVR V ,fork 'out (for sth)| ,fork 'out sth (for / on sth) (informal) to spend a lot of money on sth, especially unwillingly: Why fork out for a taxi when there’s a perfectly good bus service?  We’ve forked out a small fortune on home improvements over the years.

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forked
adj. with one end divided into two parts, like the shape of the letter 'Y': a bird with a black and white forked tail  the long forked tongue of a snake—
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,forked 'lightning
noun [U] the type of LIGHTNING that is like a line that divides into smaller lines near the ground—compare SHEET LIGHTNING
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fork.ful
noun the amount that a fork holds
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,fork-lift 'truck
(also 'fork-lift) noun a vehicle with special equipment on the front for moving and lifting heavy objects—picture at TRUCK
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for.lorn
adj.
1 (of a person) appearing lonely and unhappy: She looked so forlorn, standing there in the pouring rain.
2 (of a place) not cared for and with no people in it: Empty houses quickly take on a forlorn look.
3 unlikely to succeed, come true, etc: She waited in the forlorn hope that he would one day come back to her.  His father smiled weakly in a forlorn attempt to reassure him that everything was all right.
for.lorn.ly adv.
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form
noun, verb
noun
TYPE|
1 [C] a type or variety of sth: forms of transport / government / energy  one of the most common forms of cancer  Music is not like most other art forms.  all the millions of different life forms on the planet today
WAY STH IS / LOOKS|
2 [C, U] the particular way sth is, seems, looks or is presented: The disease can take several different forms.  Help in the form of money will be very welcome.  Help arrived in the form of two police officers.  The training programme takes the form of a series of workshops.  Most political questions involve morality in some form or other .  We need to come to some form of agreement.  I’m opposed to censorship in any shape or form .  This dictionary is also available in electronic form.
DOCUMENT|
3 [C] an official document containing questions and spaces for answers: an application / entry / order form   (especially BrE) to fill in a form   (especially AmE) to fill out a form  to complete a form   (BrE) a booking form   (AmE) a reservation form
SHAPE|
4 [C] the shape of sb/sth; a person or thing of which only the shape can be seen: her slender form  The human form has changed little over the last 30 000 years.  They made out a shadowy form in front of them.
ARRANGEMENT OF PARTS|
5 [U] the arrangement of parts in a whole, especially in a work of art or piece of writing: Shape and form are of greater importance to me than colour.  In a novel form and content are equally important.
BEING FIT / HEALTHY|
6 [U] (BrE) how fit and healthy sb is; the state of being fit and healthy: After six months' training the whole team is in superb form.  I really need to get back in form .  The horse was clearly out of form .
PERFORMANCE|
7 [U] how well sb/sth is performing; the fact that sb/sth is performing well: Midfielder Elliott has shown disappointing form recently.  On current / present form the party is heading for another election victory.  Hingis signalled her return to form with a convincing victory.  He’s right on form (= performing well) as a crazy science teacher in his latest movie.  The whole team was on good form and deserved the win.  She was in great form (= happy and cheerful and full of energy) at the wedding party.
WAY OF DOING THINGS|
8 [U, C] (especially BrE) the usual way of doing sth: What’s the form when you apply for a research grant?  conventional social forms  True to form (= as he usually does) he arrived an hour late.  Partners of employees are invited as a matter of form .
9 [U] (good / bad ~) (old-fashioned, BrE) the way of doing things that is socially acceptable/not socially acceptable
IN SCHOOL|
10 (BrE, old-fashioned) a class in a school: Who’s your form teacher?—see also SIXTH FORM
11 (-former) (in compounds) (BrE, old-fashioned) a student in the form mentioned at school: a third-former—see also SIXTH-FORMER
OF WORD|
12 [C] a way of writing or saying a word that shows, for example, if it is plural or in a particular tense: the infinitive form of the verb take 'form (formal) to gradually form into a particular shape; to gradually develop: In her body a new life was taking form.—more at SHAPE n. , TRUE adj.

verb
START TO EXIST|
1 (especially of natural things) to begin to exist and gradually develop into a particular shape; to make sth begin to exist in a particular shape: [v] Flowers appeared, but fruits failed to form.  Storm clouds are forming on the horizon.  [vn] These hills were formed by glaciation.
2 to start to exist and develop; to make sth start to exist and develop: [v] A plan formed in my head.  [vn] I formed many close friendships at college.  I didn’t see enough of the play to form an opinion about it.
MAKE SHAPE / FORM|
3 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (into sth)| ~ sth (from / of sth) to produce sth in a particular way or make it have a particular shape: Form the dough into balls with your hands.  Bend the wire so that it forms a ‘V’.  Rearrange the letters to form a new word.  Games can help children learn to form letters.  Do you know how to form the past tense?  The chain is formed from 136 links.
4 ~ (sb/sth) (up) (into sth) to move or arrange objects or people so that they are in a group with a particular shape; to become arranged in a group like this: [vn] to form a line / queue / circle  First get students to form groups of three or four.  [v] Queues were already forming outside the theatre.  The teams formed up into lines.
HAVE FUNCTION / ROLE|
5 [vn] to have a particular function or pattern: The trees form a natural protection from the sun’s rays.
6 linking verb [v-n] to be sth: The castle forms the focal point of the city.  The survey formed part of a larger programme of research.  These drawings will form the basis of the exhibition.
ORGANIZATION|
7 to start a group of people, such as an organization, a committee, etc.; to come together in a group of this kind: [vn] They hope to form the new government.  He formed a band with some friends from school.  a newly-formed political party  [v] The band formed in 1998.
HAVE INFLUENCE ON|
8 [vn] to have an influence on the way that sth develops: Positive and negative experiences form a child’s character.

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for.mal
adj.
1 (of a style of dress, speech, writing, behaviour, etc.) very correct and suitable for official or important occasions: formal evening dress  The dinner was a formal affair.  He kept the tone of the letter formal and businesslike.  She has a very formal manner, which can seem unfriendly.—compare INFORMAL
2 official; following an agreed or official way of doing things: formal legal processes  to make a formal apology / complaint / request  Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were re-established in December.  It is time to put these arrangements on a slightly more formal basis.
3 (of education or training) received in a school, college or university, with lessons, exams, etc., rather than gained just through practical experience: He has no formal teaching qualifications.  Young children are beginning their formal education sometimes as early as four years old.
4 concerned with the way sth is done rather than what is done: Getting approval for the plan is a purely formal matter; nobody will seriously oppose it.  Critics have concentrated too much on the formal elements of her poetry, without really looking at what it is saying.
5 (of a garden, room or building) arranged in a regular manner, according to a clear, exact plan: delightful formal gardens, with terraced lawns and an avenue of trees
for.mal.ly adv.: ‘How do you do?’ she said formally.  The accounts were formally approved by the board.  Although not formally trained as an art historian, he is widely respected for his knowledge of the period.
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for.mal.de.hyde
noun [U]
1 (symbCH2O) a colourless gas with a strong smell
2 (also technical for.mal.in ) a liquid made by mixing formaldehyde and water, used for preserving BIOLOGICAL SPECIMENS , making plastics and as a DISINFECTANT
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for.mal.ism
noun [U] a style or method in art, music, literature, science, etc. that pays more attention to the rules and the correct arrangement and appearance of things than to inner meaning and feelings
for.mal.ist noun
for.mal.ist adj. [usually before noun]: formalist theory
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for.mal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, usually pl.] a thing that you must do as a formal or official part of a legal process, a social situation, etc: to go through all the formalities necessary in order to get a gun licence  Let’s skip the formalities and get down to business.
2 [C, usually sing.] a thing that you must do as part of an official process, but which has little meaning and will not affect what happens: He already knows he has the job so the interview is a mere formality.
3 [U] correct and formal behaviour: Different levels of formality are appropriate in different situations.  She greeted him with stiff formality.
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for.mal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written)
1 to make an arrangement, a plan or a relationship official: They decided to formalize their relationship by getting married.
2 to give sth a fixed structure or form by introducing rules: The college has a highly formalized system of assessment.
for.mal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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for.mat
noun, verb
noun
1 the general arrangement, plan, design, etc. of sth: The format of the new quiz show has proved popular.
2 the shape and size of a book, magazine, etc: They’ve brought out the magazine in a new format.
3 (computing) the way in which data is stored or held for PROCESSING by a computer

verb (-tt-) [vn]
1 to prepare a computer disk so that data can be recorded on it
2 (technical) to arrange text in a particular way on a page or a screen

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for.ma.tion
noun
1 [U] the action of forming sth; the process of being formed: An agreement on the formation of a new government was reached on June 6.  evidence of recent star formation in the galaxy
2 [C] a thing that has been formed, especially in a particular place or in a particular way: massive rock formations
3 [U, C] a particular arrangement or pattern: aircraft flying in formation   formation flying / dancing  Flying low across the river was a formation of swans—five of them at least.
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for.ma.tive
adj. [only before noun] having an important and lasting influence on the development of sth or of sb’s character: the formative years of childhood  formative influences in the development of the labour movement
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for.mer
adj. [only before noun]
1 that used to exist in earlier times: in former times  the countries of the former Soviet Union  This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory .
2 that used to have a particular position or status in the past: the former world champion  my former boss / colleague / wife
3 (the former …) used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned: The former option would be much more sensible.—compare LATTER
4 (the former) pron.the first of two things or people mentioned: He had to choose between giving up his job and giving up his principles. He chose the former.—compare LATTER
IDM be a shadow / ghost of your former 'self to not have the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have
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for.mer.ly
adv. in earlier times
SYN PREVIOUSLY : Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa  I learnt that the house had formerly been an inn.  John Marsh, formerly of London Road, Leicester, now living in France
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For.mica
™noun [U] a hard plastic that can resist heat, used for covering work surfaces, etc.
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for.mid.able
adj. if people, things or situations are formidable, you feel fear and/or respect for them, because they are impressive or powerful, or because they seem very difficult: In debate he was a formidable opponent.  She has a formidable list of qualifications.  The two players together make a formidable combination.  The task was a formidable one.  They had to overcome formidable obstacles.
for.mid.ably adv.: He now has the chance to prove himself in a formidably difficult role.  She’s formidably intelligent.
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form.less
adj. (written) without a clear or definite shape or structure: formless dreams  a formless landscape, thickly blanketed with smoke
form.less.ness noun [U]
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for.mula
noun (pl.for.mu.las or, especially in scientific use, for.mu.lae )
1 [C] (mathematics) a series of letters, numbers or symbols that represent a rule or law: The formula Πr ² is used to calculate the area of a circle.
2 [C] (chemistry) letters and symbols that show the parts of a chemical compound, etc: CO is the formula for carbon monoxide.
3 [C] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a particular method of doing or achieving sth: They’re trying to work out a peace formula acceptable to both sides in the dispute.  There’s no magic formula for a perfect marriage.
4 [C] a list of the things that sth is made from, giving the amount of each substance to use: the secret formula for the blending of the whisky
5 (also 'formula milk) [U, C] (especially AmE) a type of liquid food for babies, given instead of breast milk
6 (Formula One, Two, Three etc.) [U] a class of racing car, based on engine size, etc: Formula One racing
7 [C] a fixed form of words used in a particular situation: legal formulae  The minister keeps coming out with the same tired formulas.
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for.mu.la.ic
adj. (formal) made up of fixed patterns of words or ideas: Traditional stories make use of formulaic expressions like ‘Once upon a time … ’.
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for.mu.late
verb
1 to create or prepare sth carefully, giving particular attention to the details: [vn] to formulate a policy / theory / plan / proposal  The compost is specially formulated for pot plants.  [vn to inf] This new kitchen cleaner is formulated to cut through grease and dirt.
2 [vn] to express your ideas in carefully chosen words: She has lots of good ideas, but she has difficulty formulating them.  He struggled to formulate an answer.
for.mu.la.tion noun [U, C]: the formulation of new policies
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for.ni.cate
verb [v] (formal, disapproving) to have sex with sb that you are not married to
for.ni.ca.tion noun [U]
for.ni.ca.tor noun
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for.sake
verb (for.sook , for.saken ) [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sb/sth) (literary)
1 to leave sb/sth, especially when you have a responsibility to stay: He had made it clear to his wife that he would never forsake her.
2 to stop doing sth, or leave sth, especially sth that you enjoy: She forsook the glamour of the city and went to live in the wilds of Scotland.—see also GODFORSAKEN
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for.swear
verb (for.swore , for.sworn ) [vn] (formal or literary) to stop doing or using sth; to make a promise that you will stop doing or using sth: The group forswears all worldly possessions.  The country has not forsworn the use of chemical weapons.
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for.sythia
noun [U, C] a bush that has small bright yellow flowers in the early spring
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fort
noun a building or buildings built in order to defend an area against attack: the remains of a Roman fort
IDM hold the 'fort (BrE) (AmE hold down the 'fort) (spoken) to have the responsibility for sth or care of sb while other people are away or out: Why not have a day off? I’ll hold the fort for you.
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forte
noun, adv.
noun [sing.] a thing that sb does particularly well: Languages were never my forte.

adv. (abbr. f) (music ) played or sung loudly
OPP PIANO
forte adj.

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forth
adv. (literary except in particular idioms and phrasal verbs)
1 away from a place; out: They set forth at dawn.  Huge chimneys belched forth smoke and grime.
2 towards a place; forwards: Water gushed forth from a hole in the rock.—see also BRING FORTH
IDM from that day / time 'forth (literary) beginning on that day; from that time—more at BACK adv. , SO adv.
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forth.com.ing
adj.
1 [only before noun] going to happen, be published, etc. very soon: the forthcoming elections  a list of forthcoming books  the band’s forthcoming UK tour
2 [not before noun] ready or made available when needed: Financial support was not forthcoming.
3 [not before noun] willing to give information about sth: She’s never very forthcoming about her plans.
OPP UNFORTHCOMING
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forth.right
adj. direct and honest in manner and speech: a woman of forthright views  He spoke in a forthright manner but without anger.
forth.right.ly adv.
forth.right.ness noun [U]
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forth.with
adv. (formal) immediately; at once: The agreement between us is terminated forthwith.
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for.ti.eth
FORTY
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for.ti.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a tower, wall, gun position, etc. built to defend a place against attack: the ramparts and fortifications of the Old Town
2 [U] the act of fortifying or strengthening sth: plans for the fortification of the city
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for.tify
verb (for.ti.fies, for.ti.fy.ing, for.ti.fied, for.ti.fied) [vn]
1 ~ sth (against sb/sth) to strengthen a place against attack, especially by building high walls: a fortified town  They fortified the area against attack.
2 ~ sb / yourself (against sb/sth) to make sb/yourself feel stronger, braver, etc: He fortified himself against the cold with a stiff brandy.
3 to make a feeling or an attitude stronger: The news merely fortified their determination.
4 ~ sth (with sth) to increase the strength or quality of food or drink by adding sth to it: Sherry is fortified wine (= wine with extra alcohol added).  cereal fortified with extra vitamins
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for.tis.simo
adv. (abbr. ff) (music ) played or sung very loudly
OPP PIANISSIMO
for.tis.simo adj.
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for.ti.tude
noun [U] (formal) courage shown by sb who is suffering great pain or facing great difficulties: She endured her illness with great fortitude.
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fort.night
noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) two weeks: a fortnight’s holiday  a fortnight ago  in a fortnight’s time  He’s had three accidents in the past fortnight.
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fort.night.ly
adj. (BrE ) happening once a fortnight : Meetings take place at fortnightly intervals.
fort.night.ly adv.: The committee meets fortnightly.
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fort.ress
noun a building or a place that has been strengthened and protected against attack: a fortress town enclosed by four miles of ramparts  Fear of terrorist attack has turned the conference centre into a fortress.
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for.tuit.ous
adj. (formal) happening by chance, especially a lucky chance that brings a good result: a fortuitous meeting  His success depended on a fortuitous combination of circumstances.
for.tuit.ous.ly adv.
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for.tu.nate
adj. ~ (to do sth)| ~ (in having … )| ~ (for sb)(that … ) having or bringing an advantage, an opportunity, a piece of good luck, etc.
SYN LUCKY : I have been fortunate enough to visit many parts of the world as a lecturer.  I was fortunate in having a good teacher.  Remember those less fortunate than yourselves.  It was very fortunate for him that I arrived on time.
OPP UNFORTUNATE
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for.tu.nate.ly
adv. by good luck
SYN LUCKILY : I was late, but fortunately the meeting hadn’t started.  Fortunately for him, he was very soon offered another job.
OPP UNFORTUNATELY
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for.tune
noun
1 [U] chance or luck, especially in the way it affects people’s lives: I have had the good fortune to work with some brilliant directors.  By a stroke of fortune he found work almost immediately.  Fortune smiled on me (= I had good luck).
2 [C] a large amount of money: He made a fortune in real estate.  She inherited a share of the family fortune.  A car like that costs a small fortune .  You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your family tasty, healthy meals.  She is hoping her US debut will be the first step on the road to fame and fortune .  That ring must be worth a fortune .
3 [C, usually pl., U] the good and bad things that happen to a person, family, country, etc: the changing fortunes of the film industry  the fortunes of war  a reversal of fortune(s)
4 [C] a person’s fate or future: She can tell your fortune by looking at the lines on your hand.
IDM see HOSTAGE , SEEK —see also SOLDIER OF FORTUNE
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'fortune cookie
noun a thin hollow biscuit/cookie, served in Chinese restaurants, containing a short message that predicts what will happen to you in the future
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'fortune teller
noun a person who claims to have magic powers and who tells people what will happen to them in the future
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forty

1 number40
2 noun (the for.ties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 40 to 49
fortieth ordinal number
IDM in your forties between the ages of 40 and 49
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,forty 'winks
noun [pl.] (informal) a short sleep, especially during the day: I’ll feel much better when I’ve had forty winks.
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forum
noun
1 ~ (for sth) a place where people can exchange opinions and ideas on a particular issue; a meeting organized for this purpose: Television is now an important forum for political debate.  to hold an international forum on drug abuse
2 (in ancient Rome) a public place where meetings were held
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for.ward
adv., adj., verb, noun
adv.
1 (also for.wards especially in BrE) towards a place or position that is in front: She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.  He took two steps forward.  They ran forward to welcome her.
OPP BACK , BACKWARDS
2 towards a good result: We consider this agreement to be an important step forward.  Cutting our costs is the only way forward.  We are not getting any further forward with the discussion.  The project will go forward (= continue) as planned.
OPP BACKWARDS
3 towards the future; ahead in time: Looking forward, we hope to expand our operations in several of our overseas branches.  The next scene takes the story forward five years.   (old use) from this day forward
4 earlier; sooner: It was decided to bring the meeting forward two weeks.
5 (technical) in or towards the front part of a ship or plane: The main cabin is situated forward of (= in front of) the mast.—see also LOOK FORWARD , PUT FORWARD
IDM see BACKWARDS , CLOCK n. , FOOT n.

adj.
1 [only before noun] directed or moving towards the front: The door opened, blocking his forward movement.  a forward pass (for example in football)
2 [only before noun] (technical) situated in front, especially on a ship, plane or other vehicle: the forward cabins  A bolt may have fallen off the plane’s forward door.
3 relating to the future: the forward movement of history  A little forward planning at the outset can save you a lot of expense.  The plans are still no further forward than they were last month.
4 behaving towards sb in a manner which is too confident or too informal: I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward.—compare BACKWARD

verb
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth (formal) to send or pass goods or information to sb: [vn, vnn] We will be forwarding our new catalogue to you next week.  We will be forwarding you our new catalogue next week.  [vn] to forward a request / complaint / proposal
2 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to send a letter, etc. received at the address a person used to live at to their new address: Could you forward any mail to us in New York?  I put ‘please forward’ on the envelope.
3 [vn] (formal) to help to improve or develop sth
SYN FURTHER : He saw the assignment as a way to forward his career.  She uses various devices to forward the plot.—see also FAST FORWARD

noun an attacking player whose position is near the front of a team in football, hockey, etc.—compare BACK

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'forwarding address
noun a new address to which letters should be sent on from an old address that sb has moved away from
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'forward-looking
adj. (approving) planning for the future; willing to consider modern ideas and methods: a forward-looking company  We need someone dynamic and forward-looking.
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for.ward.ness
noun [U] behaviour that is too confident or too informal
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for.went
pt of FORGO
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fos.sil
noun
1 the remains of an animal or a plant which have become hard and turned into rock: superbly preserved fossils over two million years old
2 (informal, disapproving) an old person, especially one who is unable to accept new ideas or adapt to changes
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'fossil fuel
noun [C, U] fuel such as coal or oil, that was formed over millions of years from the remains of animals or plants: Carbon dioxide is produced in huge amounts when fossil fuels are burned.
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fos.sil.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [usually passive] to become or make sth become a fossil : [vn] fossilized bones [alsov]
2 [v, vn] (disapproving) to become, or make sb/sth become, fixed and unable to change or develop
fos.sil.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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fos.ter
verb, adj.
verb
1 [vn] (written) to encourage sth to develop: The club’s aim is to foster better relations within the community.
2 (especially BrE ) to take another person’s child into your home for a period of time, without becoming his or her legal parents: [vn] They have fostered over 60 children during the past ten years.  [v] We couldn’t adopt a child, so we decided to foster.—compare ADOPT

adj. [only before noun] used with some nouns in connection with the fostering of a child: a foster mother / father / family  foster parents  a foster child  a foster home  foster care

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fought
pt, pp of FIGHT
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foul
adj., verb, noun
adj. (foul.er, foul.est)
1 dirty and smelling bad: foul air / breath  a foul-smelling prison  Foul drinking water was blamed for the epidemic.
2 (especially BrE) very unpleasant; very bad: She’s in a foul mood.  His boss has a foul temper.  This tastes foul.
3 (of language) including rude words and swearing
SYN OFFENSIVE : foul language  He called her the foulest names imaginable.  I’m sick of her foul mouth (= habit of swearing).
4 (of weather) very bad, with strong winds and rain: a foul night
5 (literary) very evil or wicked: a foul crime / murder
foul.ly adv.: He swore foully.  She had been foully murdered during the night.
foul.ness noun [U]: The air was heavy with the stink of damp and foulness.
IDM fall foul of 'sb / 'sth to get into trouble with a person or an organization because of doing sth wrong or illegal: to fall foul of the law—more at FAIR adj. , CRY v.

verb
1 [vn] (in sport) to do sth to another player that is against the rules of the game: He was fouled inside the penalty area.
2 [v, vn] (in baseball) to hit the ball outside the playing area
3 [vn] to make sth dirty, usually with waste material: Do not permit your dog to foul the grass.
4 ~ (sth) (up) to become caught or twisted in sth and stop it working or moving: [vn] The rope fouled the propeller.  [v] A rope fouled up (= became twisted) as we pulled the sail down.
PVR V ,foul 'up (informal) to make a lot of mistakes; to do sth badly: I’ve fouled up badly again, haven’t I?—related noun FOUL-UP ,foul sth<->'up (informal) to spoil sth, especially by doing sth wrong—related noun FOUL-UP

noun (in sport) an action that is against the rules of the game: It was a clear foul by Ford on the goalkeeper.   (AmE ) to hit a foul (= in baseball, a ball that is too far left or right, outside the lines that mark the side of the field)—see also PROFESSIONAL FOUL

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,foul-'mouthed
adj. using rude, offensive language: a foul-mouthed racist
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,foul 'play
noun [U]
1 criminal or violent activity that causes sb’s death: Police immediately began an investigation, but did not suspect foul play (= did not suspect that the person had been murdered).
2 (BrE) dishonest or unfair behaviour, especially during a sports game
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'foul-up
noun (informal) a problem caused by bad organization or a stupid mistake: There was a computer foul-up at the bank and customers were sent the wrong statements.
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found
verb [vn]
1 to start sth, such as an organization or an institution, especially by providing money: to found a club / company  Her family founded the college in 1895.
2 to be the first to start building and living in a town or country: The town was founded by English settlers in 1790.
3 [usually passive] ~ sth (on sth) to base sth on sth: Their marriage was founded on love and mutual respect.—see also ILL-FOUNDED , WELL FOUNDED , UNFOUNDED
4 (technical) to melt metal and pour it into a MOULD ; to make objects using this process—see also FIND v.
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foun.da.tion
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a layer of bricks, CONCRETE , etc. that forms the solid underground base of a building: The builders are now beginning to lay the foundations of the new school.  The explosion shook the foundations of the houses nearby.
2 [C, U] a principle, an idea or a fact that sth is based on and that it grows from: Respect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage.  The rumour is totally without foundation (= not based on any facts).  These stories have no foundation (= are not based on any facts).
3 [C] an organization that is established to provide money for a particular purpose, for example for scientific research or charity: The money will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
4 [U] the act of starting a new institution or organization: The organization has grown enormously since its foundation in 1955.
5 [U] a skin-coloured cream that is put on the face underneath other MAKE-UP
IDM shake / rock the 'foundations of sth | shake / rock sth to its 'foundations to cause people to question their basic beliefs about sth: This issue has shaken the foundations of French politics.
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foun'dation course
noun (BrE ) a general course at a college that prepares students for longer or more difficult courses
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foun'dation stone
noun a large block of stone that is put at the base of an important new public building in a special ceremony: to lay the foundation stone of the new museum
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foun.der
noun, verb
noun a person who starts an organization, institution, etc. or causes sth to be built: the founder and president of the company

verb [v] ~ (on sth) (written)
1 (of a plan, etc.) to fail because of a particular problem or difficulty: The project foundered after problems with funding.  The peace talks foundered on a basic lack of trust.
2 (of a ship) to fill with water and sink: Our boat foundered on a reef.

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,founder 'member
(BrE ) (AmE ,charter 'member) noun one of the first members of a society, an organization, etc., especially one who helped start it
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,founding 'father
noun
1 (formal) a person who starts or develops a new movement, institution or idea: one of the founding fathers of modern psychology
2 (Founding Father) a member of the group of people who wrote the Constitution of the US in 1787
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found.ling
noun (old-fashioned) a baby who has been left by its parents and who is found and looked after by sb else
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foun.dry
noun (pl.-ies) a factory where metal or glass is melted and made into different shapes or objects: an iron foundry  foundry workers
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fount
noun ~ (of sth) (literary or humorous) the place where sth important comes from
SYN SOURCE : She treats him as if he were the fount of all knowledge .
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foun.tain
noun
1 a structure from which water is pumped up into the air, found as an ornament in parks and gardens/yards—see also DRINKING FOUNTAIN
2 a strong flow of liquid or of another substance that is forced into the air: The amplifier exploded in a fountain of sparks.
3 a rich source or supply of sth: Tourism is a fountain of wealth for the city.
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'fountain pen
noun a pen with a container that you fill with ink that flows to a NIB —picture at STATIONERY
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four

1 number4
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
2 nouna group of four people or things: to make up a four at tennis  a coach and four (= four horses)
3 noun (in cricket) a shot that scores four RUNS
4 nouna team of four people who row a long narrow boat in races; the boat that they row
IDM on all 'fours (of a person) bent over with hands and knees on the ground: We were crawling around on all fours. these four 'walls used when you are talking about keeping sth secret: Don’t let this go further than these four walls (= Don’t tell anyone else who is not in the room now).
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,four-by-'four
(also 4x4) noun (AmE ) a vehicle with FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (= a system in which power is given to all four wheels)
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four.fold
adj., adv.  -FOLD
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,four-letter 'word
noun a short word that is considered rude or offensive, especially because it refers to sex or other functions of the body: The play is full of four-letter words.
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,four-poster 'bed
(also ,four-'poster) noun a large bed with a tall post at each of the four corners, a cover over the top and curtains around the sides—picture at BED
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four.some
noun a group of four people taking part in a social activity or sport together: Can you make up a foursome for tennis tomorrow?
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,four-'square
adj.
1 (of a building) square in shape, solid and strong
2 (of a person) firm, steady and determined
,four-'square adv.: I stand four-square with the President on this issue.
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four.teen
number 14
four.teenth ordinal number
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fourth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 4th
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.

noun (especially AmE ) = QUARTER

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the ,fourth di'mension
noun [sing.]
1 (used by scientists and writers of SCIENCE FICTION ) time
2 an experience that is outside normal human experience
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the ,fourth e'state
noun [sing.] newspapers and journalists in general and the political influence that they have
SYN THE PRESS
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fourth.ly
adv. used to introduce the fourth of a list of points you want to make in a speech or a piece of writing: Fourthly, I should like to mention …
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the ,Fourth of Ju'ly
noun [sing.] a national holiday in the US when people celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776—see also INDEPENDENCE DAY
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,four-wheel 'drive
noun a system in which power is applied to all four wheels of a vehicle, making it easier to control; a vehicle with this system: a car with four-wheel drive  We rented a four-wheel drive to get around the island.—see also ATV , FOUR-BY-FOUR —picture at CAR
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,four-'wheeler
noun a vehicle with four-wheel drive —see also ATV
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fowl
noun
1 [C, U] (pl.fowl or fowls) a bird that is kept for its meat and eggs, for example a chicken: a variety of domestic fowl
2 [C] (old use) any bird—see also GUINEAFOWL , WATERFOWL , WILDFOWL
IDM see FISH n.
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fox
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a wild animal of the dog family, with reddish-brown fur, a pointed face and a thick heavy tail—see also FLYING FOX , VIXEN
2 [U] the skin and fur of the fox , used to make coats, etc.
3 [C] (often disapproving) a person who is clever and able to get what they want by influencing or tricking other people: He’s a wily old fox.

verb [vn] (informal, especially BrE ) to be too difficult for sb to understand or solve; to trick or confuse sb: The last question foxed even our panel of experts.

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fox.glove
noun [C, U] a tall plant with purple or white flowers shaped like bells growing up its stem
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fox.hole
noun a hole in the ground that soldiers use as a shelter against the enemy or as a place to fire back from—compare HOLE
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fox.hound
noun a dog with a very good sense of smell, that is trained to hunt FOXES
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'fox-hunting
(BrE also hunt.ing) noun [U] a sport in which FOXES are hunted by specially trained dogs and by people on horses: to go fox-hunting
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fox.trot
noun a formal dance for two people together, with both small fast steps and longer slow ones; a piece of music for this dance
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foxy
adj.
1 like a FOX in appearance
2 (informal, especially AmE) (of a woman) sexually attractive
3 clever at tricking others
SYN CUNNING
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foyer
noun
1 a large open space inside the entrance of a theatre or hotel where people can meet or wait
SYN LOBBY : I’ll meet you in the foyer at 7 o’clock.
2 (AmE) an entrance hall in a private house or flat/apartment
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Fr
(also Fr. especially in AmE) abbr. Father (used in front of the name of some Christian priests): Fr (Paul) O’Connor
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fra.cas
noun (pl.fra.cas , AmEfra.cases) [usually sing.] a noisy argument or fight, usually involving several people: a fracas between the supporters of the two teams
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frac.tion
noun
1 a small part or amount of sth: Only a small fraction of a bank’s total deposits will be withdrawn at any one time.  She hesitated for the merest fraction of a second.
HELP If fraction is used with a plural noun, the verb is usually plural: Only a fraction of cars in the UK use leaded petrol. If it is used with a singular noun that represents a group of people, the verb can be singular or plural in BrE, but is usually singular in AmE: A tiny fraction of the population never vote / votes .
2 a division of a number, for example 5/8—see also VULGAR FRACTION —compare INTEGER
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frac.tion.al
adj.
1 (written) very small; not important: a fractional decline in earnings
2 (mathematics) of or in fractions : a fractional equation
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frac.tion.al.ly
adv. to a very small degree: He was just fractionally ahead at the finishing line.
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frac.tious
adj. (especially BrE )
1 bad-tempered or easily upset, especially by small things: Children often get fractious and tearful when tired.
2 (written) making trouble and complaining: The six fractious republics are demanding autonomy.
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frac.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a break in a bone or other hard material: a fracture of the leg / skull  a compound / simple fracture (= one in which the broken bone comes / does not come through the skin)
2 [U] the fact of sth breaking, especially a bone: Old people’s bones are more prone to fracture.

verb
1 to break or crack; to make sth break or crack: [v] His leg fractured in two places.  [vn] She fell and fractured her skull.  a fractured pipeline
2 (formal) (of a society, organization, etc.) to split into several parts so that it no longer functions or exists; to split a society or organization, etc. in this way: [v] Many people predicted that the party would fracture and split.  [vn] The company was fractured into several smaller groups.
frac.tured adj. [usually before noun]: He suffered a badly fractured arm.   (figurative) They spoke a sort of fractured German.

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fra.gile
adj.
1 easily broken or damaged: fragile china / glass / bones
2 weak and uncertain; easily destroyed or spoilt: a fragile alliance / ceasefire / relationship  The economy remains extremely fragile.
3 delicate and often beautiful: fragile beauty  The woman’s fragile face broke into a smile.
4 not strong and likely to become ill: Her father is now 86 and in fragile health.   (BrE, spoken) I’m feeling a bit fragile after last night (= not well, perhaps because of drinking too much alcohol).
fra.gil.ity noun [U]: the fragility of the human body
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frag.ment
noun, verb
noun a small part of sth that has broken off or comes from sth larger: Police found fragments of glass near the scene.  The shattered vase lay in fragments on the floor.  I overheard a fragment of their conversation.

verb [v, vn] (written) to break or make sth break into small pieces or parts
frag.men.ta.tion noun [U]: the fragmentation of the country into small independent states
frag.ment.ed adj.: a fragmented society

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frag.men.tary
adj. made of small parts that are not connected or complete: There is only fragmentary evidence to support this theory.
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fra.grance
noun
1 [C, U] a pleasant smell: The bath oil comes in various fragrances.
2 [C] a liquid that you put on your skin in order to make yourself smell nice
SYN PERFUME : an exciting new fragrance from Dior
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fra.grant
adj. having a pleasant smell: fragrant herbs / flowers / oils  The air was fragrant with scents from the sea and the hills.
fra.grant.ly adv.
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frail
adj. (frail.er, frail.est)
1 (especially of an old person) physically weak and thin: Mother was becoming too frail to live alone.  his frail hands
2 weak; easily damaged or broken: the frail stems of the flowers  Human nature is frail.
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frailty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] weakness and poor health: Increasing frailty meant that she was more and more confined to bed.
2 [U, C] weakness in a person’s character or morals: human frailty  the frailties of human nature
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frame
noun, verb
noun
BORDER|
1 [C] a strong border or structure of wood, metal, etc. that holds a picture, door, piece of glass, etc. in position: a picture frame  aluminium window frames
STRUCTURE|
2 [C] the supporting structure of a piece of furniture, a building, a vehicle, etc. that gives it its shape: the frame of an aircraft / a car / a bicycle—see also CLIMBING FRAME —picture at BICYCLE
OF GLASSES|
3 [C, usually pl.] a structure of plastic or metal that holds the LENSES in a pair of glasses: gold-rimmed frames—picture at GLASS
PERSON / ANIMAL’S BODY|
4 [C, usually sing.] the form or structure of a person or animal’s body: to have a small / slender / large frame
GENERAL IDEAS|
5 [sing.] the general ideas or structure that form the background to sth: In this course we hope to look at literature in the frame of its social and historical context.—see also TIME FRAME
OF FILM / MOVIE|
6 [C] one of the single photographs that a film or VIDEO is made of
OF PICTURE STORY|
7 [C] a single picture in a COMIC STRIP
IN GARDEN|
8 [C] = COLD FRAME
IN SNOOKER / BOWLING|
9 [C] a single section of play in the game of SNOOKER , etc., or in BOWLING be in / out of the 'frame be taking part/not taking part in sth: We won our match, so we’re still in the frame for the championship.

verb [vn]
MAKE BORDER|
1 [usually passive] to put or make a frame or border around sth: The photograph had been framed and hung on the wall.  Her thick blonde hair framed her face.  He stood there, head back, framed against the blue sky.
PRODUCE FALSE EVIDENCE|
2 [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to produce false evidence against an innocent person so that people think he or she is guilty
SYN FIT UP : He says he was framed.
DEVELOP PLAN / SYSTEM|
3 (formal) to create and develop sth such as a plan, a system or a set of rules
EXPRESS STH|
4 to express sth in a particular way: You’ll have to be careful how you frame the question.
framed adj. (often in compounds): a framed photograph  a gilt-framed mirror  a timber-framed house (= with a supporting structure of wood)

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,frame of 'mind
noun [sing.] the way you feel or think about sth at a particular time: We’ll discuss this when you’re in a better frame of mind.
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,frame of 'reference
noun (pl.frames of reference) a particular set of beliefs, ideas or experiences that affects how a person understands or judges sth: It is easy to choose our own frame of reference and attack any ideas that do not fit it.
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'frame-up
noun (informal) a situation in which false evidence is produced in order to make people think that an innocent person is guilty of a crime
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frame.work
noun
1 the parts of a building or an object that support its weight and give it shape: built on a wooden / metal framework
2 ~ (of / for sth) a set of beliefs, ideas or rules that is used as the basis for making judgements, decisions, etc: The report provides a framework for further research.
3 the structure of a particular system: We need to establish a legal framework for the protection of the environment.  the basic framework of society
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franc
noun
1 [C] the unit of money in France, Belgium, Switzerland and several other countries (to be replaced in France, Belgium and Luxembourg by the euro)
2 (the franc) [sing.] (finance) the value of the franc compared with the value of the money of other countries: the movement of sterling against the franc
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fran.chise
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] formal permission given by a company to sb who wants to sell its goods or services in a particular area; formal permission given by a government to sb who wants to operate a public service as a business: a franchise agreement / company  a catering / rail franchise  In the reorganization, Southern Television lost their franchise.  to operate a business under franchise
2 [C] a business or service run under franchise : They operate franchises in London and Paris.  a burger franchise
3 [U] (formal) the right to vote in a country’s elections: universal adult franchise—see also ENFRANCHISE

verb [vn] [usually passive] to give or sell a franchise (1) to sb: Catering has been franchised (out) to a private company.  franchised restaurants
fran.chis.ing noun [U]

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fran.chisee
noun a person or company that has been given a franchise
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fran.chiser
noun a company or an organization that gives sb a franchise
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franco.phone
adj. [only before noun] speaking French as the main language: the francophone countries of West Africa
franco.phone noun: the special needs of francophones living in Canada
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frank
adj., verb
adj. (frank.er, frank.est
HELP more frank is also common) honest and direct in what you say, sometimes in a way that other people might not like: a full and frank discussion  a frank admission of guilt  He was very frank about his relationship with the actress.  To be frank with you , I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.
frank.ness noun [U]: They outlined their aims with disarming frankness.

verb [vn] [often passive] to stamp a mark on an envelope, etc. to show that the cost of posting it has been paid or does not need to be paid: a franking machine

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frank.furt.er
(AmE also wie.ner, informal wee.nie) noun a long thin smoked sausage with a reddish-brown skin, often eaten in a long bread roll as a HOT DOG
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frank.in.cense
noun [U] a substance that is burnt to give a pleasant smell, especially during religious ceremonies
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frank.ly
adv.
1 in an honest and direct way that people might not like: He spoke frankly about the ordeal.  They frankly admitted their responsibility.
2 used to show that you are being honest about sth, even though people might not like what you are saying: Frankly, I couldn’t care less what happens to him.  Quite frankly, I’m not surprised you failed.
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fran.tic
adj.
1 done quickly and with a lot of activity, but in a way that is not very well organized: a frantic dash / search / struggle  They made frantic attempts to revive him.  Things are frantic in the office right now.
2 unable to control your emotions because you are extremely frightened or worried about sth: frantic with worry  Let’s go back. Your parents must be getting frantic by now.  The children are driving me frantic (= making me very annoyed).
fran.tic.al.ly adv.: They worked frantically to finish on time.
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frat
noun (AmE , informal) = FRATERNITY (2) : a frat boy (= a member of a fraternity)
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fra.ter.nal
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the relationship that exists between people or groups that share the same ideas or interests: a fraternal organization / society
2 connected with the relationship that exists between brothers: fraternal feelings / rivalry
fra.ter.nal.ly adv.
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fra,ternal 'twin
noun either of two children or animals born from the same mother at the same time but not from the same egg—compare IDENTICAL TWIN
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fra.ter.nity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people sharing the same profession, interests or beliefs: members of the medical / banking / racing fraternity
2 (also AmE informal frat) [C] a club for a group of male students at an American college or university—compare SORORITY
3 [U] (formal) a feeling of friendship and support that exists between the members of a group: the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity
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frat.er.nize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (with sb) to behave in a friendly manner, especially towards sb that you are not supposed to be friendly with: She was accused of fraternizing with the enemy.
frat.er.niza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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frat.ri.cide
noun [U]
1 (formal) the crime of killing your brother or sister; a person who is guilty of this crime—compare MATRICIDE , PARRICIDE , PATRICIDE
2 the crime of killing people of your own country or group; a person who is guilty of this crime
frat.ri.cidal adj.: to be engaged in a fratricidal struggle
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fraud
noun
1 [U, C] the crime of deceiving sb in order to get money or goods illegally: She was charged with credit card fraud.  property that has been obtained by fraud  a $100 million fraud
2 [C] a person who pretends to have qualities, abilities, etc. that they do not really have in order to deceive other people: He’s nothing but a liar and a fraud.  She felt a fraud accepting their sympathy (= because she was not really sad).
3 [C] something that is not as good, useful, etc. as people claim it is
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fraud.ster
noun (BrE ) a person who commits fraud
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fraudu.lent
adj. intended to deceive sb, usually in order to make money illegally: fraudulent advertising  fraudulent insurance claims
fraudu.lence noun [U]
fraudu.lent.ly adv.
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fraught
adj.
1 ~ with sth filled with sth unpleasant: a situation fraught with danger / difficulty / problems
2 (especially BrE) causing or feeling worry and anxiety: She looked / sounded fraught.  There was a fraught silence.  Things are as fraught as ever in the office.
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fray
verb, noun
verb
1 if fabric frays or sth frays it, the threads in it start to come apart: [v] The cuffs of his shirt were fraying.  This material frays easily.  [vn] It was fashionable to fray the bottoms of your jeans.—picture at JAGGED
2 if sb’s nerves or temper frays or sth frays them, the person starts to get irritated or annoyed: [v] As the debate went on, tempers began to fray. [alsovn]
frayed adj.: frayed denim shorts  Tempers were getting very frayed.
IDM ,fray at / around the 'edges / 'seams to start to come apart or to fail: Support for the leader was fraying at the edges.

noun (the fray) [sing.] a fight, competition or argument, especially one that is exciting or seen as a test of your ability: ready / eager for the fray  to enter / join the fray  At 71, he has now retired from the political fray.

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fraz.zle
noun
IDM be burnt, worn, etc. to a 'frazzle (informal) to be completely burnt/extremely tired
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fraz.zled
adj. (informal) tired and easily annoyed: They finally arrived home, hot and frazzled.
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freak
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 (informal) a person with a very strong interest in a particular subject: a health / fitness / jazz freak—see also CONTROL FREAK
2 (disapproving) a person who is considered to be unusual because of the way they behave, look or think: She was treated like a freak because she didn’t want children.  He’s going out with a real freak.
3 (also ,freak of 'nature) (sometimes offensive) a person, an animal, a plant or a thing that is not physically normal
4 a very unusual and unexpected event: By some freak of fate they all escaped without injury.

adj. [only before noun] (of an event or the weather) very unusual and unexpected: a freak accident / storm / occurrence  freak weather conditions

verb ~ (sb) (out) (informal) if sb freaks or if sth freaks them, they react very strongly to sth that makes them suddenly feel shocked, surprised, frightened, etc: [v] My parents really freaked when they saw my hair.  [vn] Snakes really freak me out.

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freak.ish
adj. very strange, unusual or unexpected: freakish weather / behaviour
freak.ish.ly adv.
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freaky
(informal) adj. very strange or unusual
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freckle
noun [usually pl.] a small, pale brown spot on a person’s skin, especially on their face, caused by the sun—compare MOLE
freckled adj.: a freckled face / schoolgirl
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free
adj., verb, adv.
adj. (freer freest )
NOT CONTROLLED|
1 ~ (to do sth) not under the control or in the power of sb else; able to do what you want: I have no ambitions other than to have a happy life and be free.  Students have a free choice of courses in their final year.  You are free to come and go as you please.   (spoken) ‘Can I use the phone?’‘Please, feel free (= of course you can use it).’
2 not restricted or controlled by anyone else; able to do or say what you want: A true democracy complete with free speech and a free press was called for.  the country’s first free election  They gave me free access to all the files.
NOT PRISONER|
3 (of a person) not a prisoner or slave: He walked out of jail a free man .
ANIMAL / BIRD|
4 not tied up or in a cage: The researchers set the birds free .
NO PAYMENT|
5 costing nothing: Admission is free.  free samples / tickets / advice  We’re offering a fabulous free gift with each copy you buy.  You can’t expect people to work for free (= without payment).
NOT BLOCKED|
6 clear; not blocked: Ensure there is a free flow of air around the machine.
WITHOUT STH|
7 ~ from / of sth not containing or affected by sth harmful or unpleasant: free from difficulty / doubt / fear  free from artificial colours and flavourings  It was several weeks before he was completely free of pain.
8 (-free) (in adjectives) without the thing mentioned: virtually fat-free yoghurt  tax-free earnings  a trouble-free life
NOT ATTACHED / TRAPPED|
9 ~ (of sth) not attached to sth or trapped by sth: Pull gently on the free end of the rope.  They had to be cut free from their car after the accident.  She finally managed to pull herself free.
NOT BEING USED|
10 not being used: He held out his free hand and I took it.  Is this seat free?
NOT BUSY|
11 ~ (for sth) (of a person or time) without particular plans or arrangements; not busy: If Sarah is free for lunch I’ll take her out.  Keep Friday night free for my party.  What do you like to do in your free time (= when you are not working)?
READY TO GIVE|
12 ~ with sth (often disapproving) ready to give sth, especially when it is not wanted: He’s too free with his opinions.
TRANSLATION|
13 a freeTRANSLATION is not exact but gives the general meaning—compare LITERAL free and 'easy informal; relaxed: Life was never going to be so free and easy again. get, have, etc. a free 'hand to get, have, etc. the opportunity to do what you want to do and to make your own decisions: I was given a free hand in designing the syllabus. get, take, etc. a free 'ride to get or take sth without paying because sb else is paying for it it’s a free 'country (spoken) used as a reply when sb suggests that you should not do sth: It’s a free country; I’ll say what I like! there’s no such ,thing as a free 'lunch (spoken) used to say that it is not possible to get sth for nothing—more at HOME adv. , REIN n.

verb
PRISONER|
1 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) to allow sb to leave prison or somewhere they have been kept against their WILL (= where they did not want to be kept): By the end of May nearly 100 of an estimated 2 000 political prisoners had been freed.  The hijackers agreed to free a further ten hostages.
SB / STH TRAPPED|
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself (from sth) to move sb/sth that is caught or fixed on sth: Three people were freed from the wreckage.  She struggled to free herself.
REMOVE STH|
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth of / from sb/sth to remove sth that is unpleasant or not wanted from sb/sth
SYN RID : These exercises help free the body of tension.  The police are determined to free the town of violent crime.  The centre aims to free young people from dependency on drugs.
MAKE AVAILABLE|
4 [vn] ~ sb/sth (up) to make sb/sth available for a particular purpose: We freed time each week for a project meeting.  The government has promised to free up more resources for education.
5 [vn to inf] to give sb the extra time to do sth that they want to do: Winning the prize freed him to paint full-time.

adv.
WITHOUT PAYMENT|
1 (also ,free of 'charge) without payment: Children under five travel free.
NOT TRAPPED|
2 away from or out of a position in which sb/sth is stuck or trapped: The wagon broke free from the train.—see also SCOT-FREE make free with 'sth (disapproving) to use sth a lot, even though it does not belong to you run 'free (of an animal) to be allowed to go where it likes; not tied to anything or kept in a cage—more at WALK v.

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,free 'agent
noun a person who can do whatever they want because they are not responsible to or for anyone else
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free.base
noun [U] (slang) a specially prepared form of the powerful illegal drug COCAINE
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free.bas.ing
noun [U] (slang) the activity of smoking freebase
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free.bie
noun (informal) something that is given to sb without payment, usually by a company: He took all the freebies that were on offer.  a freebie holiday
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free.boot.er
noun a person who takes part in a war in order to steal goods and money
free.boot.ing adj., noun [U]
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free.born
adj. [only before noun] (formal) not born as a slave
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,Free 'Church
noun a Christian Church that does not belong to the established Church in a particular country
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free.dom
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth) the right to do or say what you want without anyone stopping you: freedom of speech / thought / expression / worship  a threat to press / academic freedom  rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution  freedom of information (= the right to see secret information that a government has about people and organizations)
2 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (to do sth) the state of being able to do what you want, without anything stopping you: freedom of action / choice  complete freedom to do as you wish  Thanks to the automobile, Americans soon had a freedom of movement previously unknown.
3 [U] the state of not being a prisoner or slave: He finally won his freedom after twenty years in jail.
4 [U] ~ from sth the state of not being affected by the thing mentioned: freedom from fear / pain / hunger
IDM the freedom of the 'city (in Britain) an honour that is given to sb by a city as a reward for work they have done—see also FREEMAN
IDM see MANOEUVRE n.
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'freedom fighter
noun a name used to describe a person who uses violence to try to remove a government from power, by people who support this—compare GUERRILLA , TERRORIST
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,free 'enterprise
noun [U] an economic system in which private businesses compete with each other without much government control—compare PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
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,free 'fall
noun [U]
1 the movement of an object or a person falling through the air without engine power or a PARACHUTE : a free fall display
2 a sudden drop in the value of sth that cannot be stopped: Share prices have gone into free fall.
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,free-'floating
adj. not attached to or controlled by anything: a free-floating currency / exchange rate
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Free.fone
™noun [U] = FREEPHONE
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'free-for-all
noun [sing.]
1 a situation in which there are no rules or controls and everyone acts for their own advantage: The lowering of trade barriers has led to a free-for-all among exporters.
2 a noisy fight or argument in which a lot of people take part
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'free-form
adj. [only before noun] (of art or music) not created according to standard forms or structures: a free-form jazz improvisation
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free.hand
adj. [only before noun] drawn without using a ruler or other instruments: a freehand drawing
free.hand adv.: to draw freehand
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free.hold
noun [C, U] (law) (especially BrE ) the fact of owning a building or piece of land for a period of time that is not limited
free.hold adj.: a freehold property
free.hold adv.: to buy a house freehold—compare LEASEHOLD
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free.hold.er
noun (law) (especially BrE ) a person who owns the freehold of a building or piece of land—compare LEASEHOLDER
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,free 'house
noun (in Britain) a pub that can sell different types of beer because it is not owned and controlled by one particular BREWERY (= a company producing beer)—compare TIED HOUSE
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,free 'kick
noun (in football) an opportunity to kick the ball without any opposition, that is given to one team when the other team does sth wrong: to take a free kick
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free.lance
adj., verb
adj. earning money by selling your work or services to several different organizations rather than being employed by one particular organization: a freelance journalist  freelance work
free.lance adv.: I work freelance from home.

verb [v] to earn money by selling your work to several different organizations

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free.lancer
(also free.lance) noun a person who works freelance
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free.load.er
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is always accepting free food and accommodation from other people without giving them anything in exchange
free.load verb [v]
free.load.ing adj., noun [U]
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,free 'love
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the practice of having sex without being married or having several sexual relationships at the same time
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free.ly
adv.
1 without anyone trying to prevent or control sth: the country’s first freely elected president  EU citizens can now travel freely between member states.
2 without anything stopping the movement or flow of sth: When the gate is raised, the water can flow freely.  Traffic is now moving more freely following an earlier accident.  The book is now freely available in the shops (= it is not difficult to get a copy).   (figurative) The wine flowed freely (= there was a lot of it to drink).
3 without trying to avoid the truth even though it might be unpleasant or embarrassing: I freely admit that I made a mistake.
4 in an honest way without worrying about what people will say or do: For the first time he was able to speak freely without the fear of reprisals against his family.
5 in a willing and generous way: Millions of people gave freely in response to the appeal for the victims of the earthquake.
6 a piece of writing that is translated freely is not translated exactly but the general meaning is given
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free.man
noun (pl.free.men )
1 (BrE) a person who has been given the FREEDOM of a particular city as a reward for the work that they have done
2 a person who is not a slave
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,free 'market
noun an economic system in which the price of goods and services is affected by supply and demand rather than controlled by a government: to compete in a free market
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,free marke'teer
noun a person who believes that prices should be allowed to rise and fall according to supply and demand and not be controlled by the government
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Free.mason
(also Mason) noun a man belonging to a secret society whose members help each other and communicate using secret signs
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Free.mason.ry
noun [U]
1 the system and practices of Freemasons
2 (freemasonry) the friendship that exists between people who have the same profession or interests: the freemasonry of actors
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,free 'pardon
noun (BrE, law ) = PARDON
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,free 'period
noun (BrE ) a period of time in a school day when a student or teacher does not have a class
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Free.phone
(also Free.fone™) noun [U] (in Britain) a system in which the cost of a telephone call is paid for by the organization being called, rather than by the person making the call—compare TOLL-FREE
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,free 'port
noun a port at which tax is not paid on goods that have been brought there temporarily before being sent to a different country
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Free.post
noun [U] (in Britain) a system in which the cost of sending a letter is paid for by the organization receiving it, rather than by the person sending it
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,free-'range
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a system of farming in which animals are kept in natural conditions and can move around freely: free-range chickens  free-range eggs—compare BATTERY (4) , BATTERY FARM
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free.sia
noun a plant with yellow, pink, white or purple flowers with a sweet smell, which are also called freesias
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,free 'spirit
noun a person who is independent and does what they want instead of doing what other people do
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,free-'standing
adj.
1 not supported by or attached to anything: a free-standing sculpture
2 not a part of sth else: a free-standing adult education service
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free.style
noun [U]
1 a swimming race in which competitors can use any stroke they want (usually CRAWL ): the men’s 400 m freestyle
2 (often used as an adjective) a sports competition in which competitors can use any style that they want: freestyle skiing / wrestling
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free.think.er
noun a person who forms their own ideas and opinions rather than accepting those of other people, especially in religious teaching
,free.'think.ing adj. [only before noun]
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,free 'trade
noun [U] a system of international trade in which there are no restrictions or taxes on imports and exports
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,free 'verse
noun [U] (technical ) poetry without a regular rhythm or RHYME —compare BLANK VERSE
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,free 'vote
noun (in Britain) a vote by members of parliament in which they can vote according to their own beliefs rather than following the policy of their political party
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free.ware
noun [U] (computing ) computer SOFTWARE that is offered free of charge for anyone to use—compare SHAREWARE
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free.way
(also ex.press.way) noun (in the US) a wide road, with at least two LANES in each direction, where traffic can travel fast for long distances between large towns. You can only enter and leave freeways at special RAMPS : a freeway exit  an accident on the freeway  to get onto / to exit the freeway—compare MOTORWAY
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free.wheel
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to ride a bicycle without using the PEDALS : I freewheeled down the hill to the village.
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free.wheel.ing
adj. [only before noun] (informal) not concerned about rules or the possible results of what you do: a freewheeling lifestyle
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,free 'will
noun [U] the power to make your own decisions without being controlled by God or fate
IDM of your own free 'will because you want to do sth rather than because sb has told or forced you to do it: She left of her own free will.
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freeze
verb, noun
verb (froze fro.zen )
BECOME ICE|
1 to become hard, and often turn to ice, as a result of extreme cold; to make sth do this: [v] Water freezes at 0°C.  It’s so cold that even the river has frozen.  [vn] The cold weather had frozen the ground.  [v-adj] The clothes froze solid on the washing-line.
OPP THAW
OF PIPE / LOCK / MACHINE|
2 ~ (sth) (up) if a pipe, lock or machine freezes, or sth freezes it, it becomes blocked with frozen liquid and therefore cannot be used: [v] The pipes have frozen, so we’ve got no water.  [vn] Ten degrees of frost had frozen the lock on the car.
OF WEATHER|
3 [v] when it freezes, the weather is at or below 0° Celsius: It may freeze tonight, so bring those plants inside.
BE VERY COLD|
4 to be very cold; to be so cold that you die: [v] Every time she opens the window we all freeze.  [v, vn] Two men froze to death on the mountain.  Two men were frozen to death on the mountain.
FOOD|
5 [vn] to keep food at a very low temperature in order to preserve it: Can you freeze this cake?  These meals are ideal for home freezing.
6 [v] to be able to be kept at a very low temperature: Some fruits freeze better than others.
STOP MOVING|
7 [v] to stop moving suddenly because of fear, etc: I froze with terror as the door slowly opened.   (figurative) The smile froze on her lips.  The police officer shouted ‘Freeze!’ and the man dropped the gun.
FILM / MOVIE|
8 [vn] to stop a film/movie or video in order to look at a particular picture: Freeze the action there!—see also FREEZE-FRAME
WAGES / PRICES|
9 [vn] to hold wages, prices, etc. at a fixed level for a period of time: Salaries have been frozen for the current year.
MONEY / BANK ACCOUNT|
10 [vn] to prevent money, a bank account, etc. from being used by getting a court order which forbids it: The company’s assets have been frozen. freeze your 'blood | make your 'blood freeze to make you extremely frightened or shocked—more at TRACK n. ,freeze sb<->'out (of sth) (informal) to be deliberately unfriendly to sb, creating difficulties, etc. in order to stop or DISCOURAGE them from doing sth or taking part in sth ,freeze 'over to become completely covered by ice: The lake freezes over in winter.

noun
OF WAGES / PRICES|
1 the act of keeping wages, prices, etc. at a particular level for a period of time: a wage / price freeze
STOPPING STH|
2 [usually sing.] ~ (on sth) the act of stopping sth: a freeze on imports
COLD WEATHER|
3 [usually sing.] (BrE) an unusually cold period of weather during which temperatures stay below 0° Celsius: Farmers are still talking about the big freeze of '94.
4 (AmE) a short period of time, especially at night, when the temperature is below 0° Celsius: A freeze warning was posted for Thursday night.

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'freeze-dry
verb [vn] [usually passive] to preserve food or drink by freezing and drying it very quickly
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'freeze-frame
noun [U] the act of stopping a moving film at one particular FRAME (= picture)
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freezer
(BrE also ,deep 'freeze) (AmE also Deepfreeze™,deep 'freezer) noun a large piece of electrical equipment in which you can store food for a long time at a low temperature so that it stays frozen—see also FRIDGE-FREEZER
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freez.ing
adj.
1 extremely cold: It’s freezing in here!  I’m freezing!
2 [only before noun] having temperatures that are below 0° Celsius: freezing fog  freezing temperatures
freez.ing adv. (informal): It’s freezing cold outside.
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'freezing point
noun
1 (also freez.ing) [U] 0° Celsius, the temperature at which water freezes: Tonight temperatures will fall well below freezing (point).
2 [C, usually sing.] the temperature at which a particular liquid freezes: the freezing point of polar sea water
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freight
noun, verb
noun [U] goods that are transported by ships, planes, trains or lorries/trucks; the system of transporting goods in this way: to send goods by air freight  a freight business  passenger and freight transportation services

verb [vn]
1 to send or carry goods by air, sea or train
2 [usually passive] (literary) to fill sth with a particular mood or tone: Each word was freighted with anger.

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'freight car
noun (AmE ) = WAGON
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freight.er
noun a large ship or plane that carries goods
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'freight train
(BrE also 'goods train) noun a train that carries only goods
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French
adj. of or connected with France, its people or its language
IDM take French 'leave (BrE) to leave work without asking permission first
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,French 'bean
noun (BrE ) = GREEN BEAN
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,French 'bread
noun [U] white bread in the shape of a long thick stick
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,French 'door
noun (especially AmE ) = FRENCH WINDOW —picture at HOUSE
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,French 'dressing
noun [U, C] a mixture of oil, VINEGAR , etc. used to add flavour to a salad
SYN VINAIGRETTE
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,French 'fry
noun [usually pl.] (especially AmE ) = CHIP
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,French 'horn
(also horn especially in BrE) noun a BRASS musical instrument that consists of a long tube curled around in a circle with a wide opening at the end—
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,French 'kiss
noun a kiss during which people’s mouths are open and their tongues touch
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,French 'letter
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) = CONDOM
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,French 'loaf
noun = BAGUETTE
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,French 'plait
(BrE ) (AmE ,French 'braid) noun a woman’s hairstyle in which all the hair is gathered into one large PLAIT/BRAID down the back of the head, starting from the forehead—picture at HAIR
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,French 'polish
noun [U] (BrE ) a type of transparent liquid (= VARNISH ) that is painted onto wooden furniture to give it a hard shiny surface
,French 'polish verb [vn]
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,French 'stick
noun = BAGUETTE
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,French 'window
(BrE ) (also ,French 'doorAmE, BrE) noun [usually pl.] a glass door, usually one of a pair, that leads to a garden/yard or BALCONY —picture at HOUSE
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fre.net.ic
adj. involving a lot of energy and activity in a way that is not organized: a scene of frenetic activity
fre.net.ic.al.ly adv.
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fren.zied
adj. [usually before noun] involving a lot of activity and strong emotions in a way that is often violent or frightening and not under control: a frenzied attack  frenzied activity
fren.zied.ly adv.
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frenzy
noun [C usually sing, U] (pl.-ies) ~ (of sth) a state of great activity and strong emotion that is often violent or frightening and not under control: in a frenzy of activity / excitement / violence  The speaker worked the crowd up into a frenzy.  an outbreak of patriotic frenzy  a killing frenzy
IDM see FEED v.
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fre.quency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the rate at which sth happens or is repeated: Fatal road accidents have decreased in frequency over recent years.  a society with a high / low frequency (= happening often / not very often) of stable marriages
2 [U] the fact of sth happening often: the alarming frequency of computer errors  Objects like this turn up at sales with surprising frequency.
3 [C, U] (technical) the rate at which a sound wave VIBRATES (= moves up and down): a high / low frequency
4 [C, U] (technical) the number of radio waves for every second of a radio signal: a frequency band  There are only a limited number of broadcasting frequencies.
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fre.quent
adj., verb
adj. happening often: He is a frequent visitor to this country.  Her calls became less frequent.  There is a frequent bus service into the centre of town.
OPP INFREQUENT

verb [vn] (formal) to visit a particular place often: We met in a local bar much frequented by students.

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fre.quent.ly
adv. often: Buses run frequently between the city and the airport.  some of the most frequently asked questions about the Internet
OPP INFREQUENTLY
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fresco
noun (pl.-oes or -os) [C, U] a picture that is painted on a wall while the PLASTER is still wet; the method of painting in this way: The church is famous for its frescoes.—see also ALFRESCO
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fresh
adj., adv.
adj. (fresh.er, fresh.est)
FOOD|
1 (usually of food) recently produced or picked and not frozen, dried or preserved in tins or cans: Is this milk fresh?  fresh bread / flowers  Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.  vegetables fresh from the garden  Our chefs use only the freshest produce available.
NEW|
2 made or experienced recently: fresh tracks in the snow  Let me write it down while it’s still fresh in my mind .
3 [usually before noun] new or different in a way that adds to or replaces sth: fresh evidence  I think it’s time we tried a fresh approach.  a fresh coat of paint  Could we order some fresh coffee?  This is the opportunity he needs to make a fresh start (= to try sth new after not being successful at sth else).
CLEAN / COOL|
4 [usually before noun] pleasantly clean, pure or cool: a toothpaste that leaves a nice fresh taste in your mouth  Let’s go and get some fresh air (= go outside where the air is cooler).
WATER|
5 [usually before noun] containing no salt: There is a shortage of fresh water on the island.—see also FRESHWATER
WEATHER|
6 (BrE) quite cold with some wind: It’s fresh this morning, isn’t it?
7 (of the wind) quite strong and cold: a fresh breeze
CLEAR / BRIGHT|
8 looking clear, bright and attractive: He looked fresh and neat in a clean white shirt.  a collection of summer dresses in fresh colours  a fresh complexion
FULL OF ENERGY|
9 [not usually before noun] full of energy: Regular exercise will help you feel fresher and fitter.  I managed to sleep on the plane and arrived feeling as fresh as a daisy .
JUST FINISHED|
10 ~ from sth having just come from a particular place; having just had a particular experience: students fresh from college  fresh from her success at the Olympic Games
RUDE / CONFIDENT|
11 [not before noun] ~ (with sb) (informal) rude and too confident in a way that shows a lack of respect for sb or a sexual interest in sb: Don’t get fresh with me!
fresh.ness noun [U]: We guarantee the freshness of all our produce.  the cool freshness of the water  I like the freshness of his approach to the problem.
IDM see BLOOD , BREATH , HEART

adv. fresh out of sth (informal, especially AmE) having recently finished a supply of sth: Sorry, we’re fresh out of milk.

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fresh.en
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to make sth cleaner, cooler, newer or more pleasant: The walls need freshening up with a bit of white paint.  The rain had freshened the air.  Using a mouthwash regularly freshens the breath.
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) (especially AmE) to add more liquid to a drink, especially an alcoholic one—see also TOP UP
3 [v] (of the wind) to become stronger and colder: The wind will freshen tonight.
PVR V ,freshen 'up| ,freshen yourself 'up to wash and make yourself look clean and tidy: I’ll just go and freshen up before supper.
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fresh.ener
noun [U, C] (often in compounds) a thing that makes sth cleaner, purer or more pleasant: air freshener
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fresh.er
noun (BrE , informal) a student who has just started his or her first term at a university or college
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'fresh-faced
adj. having a young, healthy-looking face: fresh-faced kids
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fresh.ly
adv. usually followed by a past participle showing that sth has been made, prepared, etc. recently: freshly brewed coffee
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fresh.man
noun (pl.-men ) (especially AmE ) a student who is in his or her first year at a university, college or high school: high school / college freshmen  during my freshman year—compare SOPHOMORE
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fresh.water
adj. [only before noun]
1 living in water that is not the sea and is not salty: freshwater fish
2 having water that is not salty: freshwater lakes / pools—compare SALT WATER
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fret
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) (especially BrE ) ~ (about / over sth) to be worried or unhappy and not able to relax: [v] Fretting about it won’t help.  Her baby starts to fret as soon as she goes out of the room. [alsovn, v that]

noun one of the bars on the long thin part of a guitar, etc. Frets show you where to press the strings with your fingers to produce particular sounds.—

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fret.ful
adj. behaving in a way that shows you are unhappy or uncomfortable
fret.ful.ly adv.
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fret.work
noun [U] patterns cut into wood, metal, etc. to decorate it; the process of making these patterns
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Freud.ian
adj.
1 connected with the ideas of Sigmund Freud about the way the human mind works, especially his theories of SUBCONSCIOUS sexual feelings
2 (of sb’s speech or behaviour) showing your secret thoughts or feelings, especially those connected with sex
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,Freudian 'slip
noun something you say by mistake but which is believed to show your true thoughts
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fri.able
adj. (technical ) easily broken up into small pieces: friable soil
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friar
noun a member of one of several Roman Catholic religious communities of men who in the past travelled around teaching people about Christianity and lived by asking other people for food (= by BEGGING )—compare MONK
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fri.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a building in which friars live
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frica.tive
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound, such as or , made by forcing breath out through a narrow space in the mouth with the lips, teeth or tongue in a particular position
frica.tive adj.—compare PLOSIVE
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fric.tion
noun
1 [U] the action of one object or surface moving against another: Friction between moving parts had caused the engine to overheat.
2 [U] (physics) the RESISTANCE (= the force that stops sth moving) of one surface to another surface or substance moving over or through it: The force of friction slows the spacecraft down as it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere.
3 [U, C] ~ (between A and B) disagreement or a lack of friendship among people who have different opinions about sth: conflicts and frictions that have still to be resolved
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Fri.day
noun [C, U] (abbr. Fri.) the day of the week after Thursday and before Saturday
HELP To see how Friday is used, look at the examples at Monday.
ORIGIN Originally translated from the Latin for ‘day of the planet Venus’Veneris dies and named after the Germanic goddess Frigga.
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fridge
(BrE ) (AmE or formal re.friger.ator) noun a piece of electrical equipment in which food is kept cold so that it stays fresh
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,fridge-'freezer
noun (BrE ) a piece of kitchen equipment that consists of a fridge and a FREEZER together
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fried
pt, pp of FRY
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friend
noun
PERSON YOU LIKE|
1 a person you know well and like, and who is not usually a member of your family: This is my friend Tom.  Is he a friend of yours ?  She’s an old friend (= I have known her a long time).  He’s one of my best friends .  a close / good friend  a childhood / family / lifelong friend  I heard about it through a friend of a friend.  She has a wide circle of friends .—see also BOYFRIEND , FAIR-WEATHER , FALSE FRIEND , GIRLFRIEND , PENFRIEND , SCHOOL FRIEND , BEFRIEND
SUPPORTER|
2 a person who supports an organization, a charity, etc., especially by giving or raising money; a person who supports a particular idea, etc: the Friends of St Martin’s Hospital  a friend of democracy
NOT ENEMY|
3 a person who has the same interests and opinions as yourself, and will help and support you: You’re among friends here—you can speak freely.  His eyes were moving from face to face: friend or foe?
SILLY / ANNOYING PERSON|
4 (ironic) used to talk about sb you do not know who has done sth silly or annoying: I wish our friend at the next table would shut up.
IN PARLIAMENT / COURT|
5 (in Britain) used by a member of parliament to refer to another member of parliament or by a lawyer to refer to another lawyer in a court of law: my honourable friend, the member for Henley (= in the House of Commons)  my noble friend (= in the House of Lords)  my learned friend (= in a court of law)
IN RELIGION|
6 (Friend) a member of the Society of Friends
SYN QUAKER be / make 'friends (with sb) to be/become a friend of sb: They had a quarrel, but they’re friends again now.  Simon finds it hard to make friends with other children. be (just) good 'friends used to say that two friends are not having a romantic relationship with each other a ,friend in 'need (is a ,friend in'deed) (saying) a friend who gives you help when you need it (is a true friend) have ,friends in high 'places to know important people who can help you—more at MAN n.
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friend.less
adj. (written) without any friends
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friend.ly
adj., noun
adj. (friend.lier, friend.li.est)
1 ~ to / toward(s) sb behaving in a kind and pleasant way because you like sb or want to help them: a warm and friendly person  Everyone was very friendly towards me.
2 showing kindness; making you feel relaxed and as though you are among friends: a friendly smile / welcome  a small hotel with a friendly atmosphere
3 ~ (with sb) treating sb as a friend: We soon became friendly with the couple next door.  She was on friendly terms with most of the hospital staff.
4 (especially of the relationship between countries) not treating sb/sth as an enemy: to establish / maintain friendly relations with all countries
5 (often in compound adjectives) that is helpful and easy to use; that helps sb/sth or does not harm it: This software is much friendlier than the previous version.  environmentally-friendly farming methods  ozone-friendly cleaning materials—see also USER-FRIENDLY
6 in which the people, teams, etc. taking part are not seriously competing against each other: a friendly argument  friendly rivalry   (BrE) It was only a friendly match.
friend.li.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies) (also 'friendly match) (both BrE ) a game of football, etc. that is not part of an important competition

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,friendly 'fire
noun [U] in a war, if people are killed or injured by friendly fire, they are hit by a bomb or weapon that is fired by their own side
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friend.ship
noun
1 [C] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) a relationship between friends: a close / lasting / lifelong friendship  friendships formed while she was at college  He seemed to have already struck up (= begun)a friendship with Jo.
2 [U] the feeling or relationship that friends have; the state of being friends: Your friendship is very important to me.  a conference to promote international friendship
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frier
= FRYER
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frieze
noun
1 a border that goes around the top of a room or building with pictures or CARVINGS on it
2 a long narrow picture, usually put up in a school, that children have made or that teaches them sth
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frig.ate
noun a small fast ship in the navy that travels with other ships in order to protect them
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frig.ging
adv., adj. [only before noun] ( , slang) a swear word that many people find offensive, used to emphasize a comment or an angry statement to avoid saying ‘fucking’: It’s frigging cold outside.  Mind your own frigging business!
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fright
noun
1 [U] a feeling of fear: to cry out in fright   He was shaking with fright .—see also STAGE FRIGHT
2 [C] an experience that makes you feel fear: You gave me a fright jumping out at me like that.  I got the fright of my life .
IDM look a 'fright (old-fashioned, BrE) to look ugly or ridiculous take 'fright (at sth) (written) to be frightened by sth: The birds took fright and flew off.
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fright.en
verb to make sb suddenly feel afraid: [vn] Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.  She’s not easily frightened.  [v] She doesn’t frighten easily (= it is not easy to make her afraid). [alsovn to inf]
IDM see DAYLIGHTS , DEATH , LIFE
PVR V ,frighten sb/sth<->a'way / 'off| ,frighten sb/sth a'way from sth
1 to make a person or an animal go away by making them feel afraid: He threatened the intruders with a gun and frightened them off.
2 to make sb afraid or nervous so that they no longer want to do sth: The high prices have frightened off many customers. 'frighten sb into sth / into doing sth to make sb do sth by making them afraid
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fright.ened
adj. ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) afraid; feeling fear: a frightened child  Don’t be frightened.  What are you frightened of?  I’m frightened of walking home alone in the dark.  He sounded frightened.  I’m too frightened to ask him now.  She was frightened that the plane would crash.  I’m frightened for him (= that he will be hurt, etc.).   (spoken) I’d never do that. I’d be frightened to death .  note at AFRAID
IDM see SHADOW n. , WIT
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fright.en.ers
noun
IDM put the 'frighteners on sb (BrE, slang) to threaten sb in order to make them do what you want
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fright.en.ing
adj. making you feel afraid: a frightening experience / prospect / thought  It’s frightening to think it could happen again.
fright.en.ing.ly adv.
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fright.ful
adj. (especially BrE )
1 (old-fashioned, informal) used to emphasize how bad sth is: It was absolutely frightful!  This room’s in a frightful mess.
2 (old-fashioned) very serious or unpleasant: a frightful accident
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fright.ful.ly
adv. (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) very; extremely: I’m frightfully sorry.
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fri.gid
adj.
1 (of a woman) not able to enjoy sex
2 very cold: frigid air
3 not showing any feelings of friendship or kindness: a frigid voice  There was a frigid atmosphere in the room.
fri.gid.ly adv.
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fri.gid.ity
noun [U] (in a woman) the lack of the ability to enjoy sex
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frill
noun
1 (BrE) [C] a narrow strip of fabric with a lot of folds that is attached to the edge of a dress, curtain, etc. to decorate it: a white blouse with frills at the cuffs
SYN RUFFLE
2 [pl.] things that are not necessary but are added to make sth more attractive or interesting: a simple meal with no frills
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frilled
adj. (BrE ) decorated with frills
SYN RUFFLED
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frilly
adj. having a lot of frills : a frilly blouse
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fringe
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] (BrE) (AmE bangs [pl.]) the front part of sb’s hair that is cut so that it hangs over their forehead—picture at HAIR
2 [C] a strip of hanging threads attached to the edge of sth to decorate it
3 [C] a narrow strip of trees, buildings, etc. along the edge of sth: a fringe of woodland  Along the coast, an industrial fringe had already developed.
4 [C] (BrE) the outer edge of an area or a group: on the northern fringe of the city  the urban / rural fringe  the fringes of society  Nina remained on the fringe of the crowd.
5 [sing.] (usually the fringe) groups of people, events and activities that are not part of the main group or activity: Street musicians have been gathering as part of the festival fringe.  fringe meetings at the party conference
IDM see LUNATIC adj.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to form a border around sth: The beach was fringed by coconut palms.
fringed (with sth)adj.: a carpet with a fringed edge

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'fringe benefit
noun [usually pl.] extra things that an employer gives you as well as your wages: The fringe benefits include free health insurance.
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,fringe 'theatre
noun [U, C] (BrE ) plays, often by new writers, that are unusual and question the way people think; a theatre where such plays are performed—compare OFF-BROADWAY
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frip.pery
noun [C, usually pl., U] (pl.-ies) (disapproving, especially BrE ) objects, decorations and other items that are considered unnecessary and expensive
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Fris.bee
™noun a light plastic object, shaped like a plate, that is thrown from one player to another in a game—
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frisk
verb
1 [vn] to pass your hands over sb’s body to search them for hidden weapons, drugs, etc.
2 [v] ~ (around) (of animals) to run and jump in a lively and happy way: Lambs frisked in the fields.
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frisky
adj.
1 (of people or animals) full of energy; wanting to play: a frisky puppy
2 (informal) wanting to enjoy yourself in a sexual way
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fris.son
noun [usually sing.] (from French ) a sudden strong feeling, especially of excitement or fear
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frit.ter
verb, noun
verb
PVR V ,fritter sth<->a'way (on sth) to waste time or money on things that are not important: He frittered away the millions his father had left him.

noun (usually in compounds) a piece of fruit, meat or vegetable that is covered with BATTER and fried

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fritz
noun
IDM on the 'fritz (AmE, informal) not working: The TV is on the fritz again.
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fri.vol.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (often disapproving) [U, C] behaviour that is silly or amusing, especially when this is not suitable: It was just a piece of harmless frivolity.  I can’t waste time on such frivolities.
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frivo.lous
adj. (disapproving)
1 (of people or their behaviour) silly or amusing, especially when such behaviour is not suitable: frivolous comments / suggestions  Sorry, I was being frivolous.
2 having no useful or serious purpose: frivolous pastimes / pleasures
frivo.lous.ly adv.
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frizz
verb, noun
verb [v, vn] (informal) (of hair) to curl very tightly; to make hair do this
frizzy adj.: frizzy hair

noun [U] (disapproving) hair that is very tightly curled

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fro
adv.
IDM see TO adv.
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frock
noun (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) a dress: a party frock
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'frock coat
noun a long coat worn in the past by men, now worn only for special ceremonies
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frog
noun
1 a small animal with smooth skin, that lives both on land and in water (= is an AMPHIBIAN ). Frogs have very long back legs for jumping, and no tail: the croaking of frogs—
2 (Frog) (informal) an offensive word for a French person
IDM have, etc. a 'frog in your throat to lose your voice or be unable to speak clearly for a short time
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frog.man
noun (pl.-men ) (BrE ) a person who works underwater, wearing a rubber suit, FLIPPERS , and special equipment to help them breathe: Police frogmen searched the lake for the murder weapon.—compare DIVER
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frog.march
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE ) to force sb to go somewhere by holding their arms tightly so they have to walk along with you: He was grabbed by two men and frogmarched out of the hall.
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frog.spawn
noun [U] an almost transparent substance that looks like jelly and contains the eggs of a FROG —
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fro.ing
noun
IDM see TOING
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frolic
verb, noun
verb (-ck-) [v] to play and move around in a lively, happy way: children frolicking on the beach

noun [C, U] (old-fashioned) a lively and enjoyable activity during which people forget their problems and responsibilities: It was just a harmless frolic.

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from
prep.
HELP For the special uses of from in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example keep sth from sb is in the phrasal verb section at keep.
1 used to show where sb/sth starts: She began to walk away from him.  Has the train from Bristol arrived?
2 used to show when sth starts: We’re open from 8 to 7 every day.  He was blind from birth.
3 used to show who sent or gave sth/sb: a letter from my brother  information from witnesses  the man from (= representing) the insurance company
4 used to show what the origin of sb/sth is: I’m from Italy.  documents from the sixteenth century  quotations from Shakespeare  heat from the sun
5 used to show the material that sth is made of: Steel is made from iron.
6 used to show how far apart two places are: 100 metres from the scene of the accident
7 used to show sb’s position or point of view: You can see the island from here.  From a financial point of view the project was a disaster.
8 ~ sth (to sth) used to show the range of sth: The temperature varies from 30 degrees to minus 20.  The store sells everything from shoelaces to computers.  Conditions vary from school to school.
9 ~ sth (to sth) used to show the state or form of sth/sb before a change: Things have gone from bad to worse .  translating from English to Spanish  You need a break from routine.
10 used to show that sb/sth is separated or removed: The party was ousted from power after eighteen years.
11 used to show that sth is prevented: She saved him from drowning.
12 used to show the reason for sth: She felt sick from tiredness.
13 used to show the reason for making a judgement: You can tell a lot about a person from their handwriting.  From what I heard the company’s in deep trouble.
14 used when distinguishing between two people or things: Is Portuguese very different from Spanish?  I can’t tell one twin from the other.
IDM from … on starting at the time mentioned and continuously after that: From now on you can work on your own.  She never spoke to him again from that day on.
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from.age frais
noun [U] (from French ) a type of very soft cheese, similar to YOGURT
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frond
noun
1 a long leaf, often divided into parts along the edge, of some plants or trees, especially PALMS or FERNS
2 a long piece of SEAWEED that looks like one of these leaves
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front
noun, adj., verb
noun
FORWARD PART / POSITION|
1 [C, usually sing.] (usually the front) the part or side of sth that faces forward; the side of sth that you look at first: The front of the building was covered with ivy.  The book has a picture of Rome on the front .  The front of the car was badly damaged.—see also SHOPFRONT , Y-FRONTS
2 (the front) [sing.] the position that is in the direction that sb/sth is facing: Keep your eyes to the front and walk straight ahead.  There’s a garden at the front of the house.
3 (the front) [sing.] the part of sth that is furthest forward: I prefer to travel in the front of the car (= next to the driver).  The teacher made me move my seat to the front of the classroom.  Write your name in the front of the book (= the first few pages).
CHEST|
4 (sb’s front) [sing.] the part of sb’s body that faces forwards; sb’s chest: She was lying on her front.  I spilled coffee down my front.
SIDE OF BUILDING|
5 [C] the west, north, south, east, etc. ~ the side of a large building, especially a church, that faces west, north, etc: the west front of the cathedral
EDGE OF SEA / LAKE|
6 (the front) [sing.] (BrE) the road or area of land along the edge of the sea, a lake or a river: Couples walked hand in hand along the front.—see also SEA FRONT
IN WAR|
7 [C, usually sing.] an area where fighting takes place during a war: More British troops have been sent to the front.  to serve at the front  fighting a war on two fronts
AREA OF ACTIVITY|
8 [C] a particular area of activity: Things are looking unsettled on the economic front.  Progress has been made on all fronts .
HIDING TRUE FEELINGS|
9 [sing.] behaviour that is not genuine, done in order to hide your true feelings or opinions: Rudeness is just a front for her shyness.  It’s not always easy putting on a brave front for the family.  The prime minister stressed the need to present a united front (= show people that all members of the group have the same opinion about things).
HIDING STH ILLEGAL|
10 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth) a person or an organization that is used to hide an illegal or secret activity: The travel company is just a front for drug trafficking.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION|
11 (Front) [sing.] used in the names of some political organizations: the Animal Liberation Front
WEATHER|
12 [C] the line where a mass of cold air meets a mass of warm air: a cold / warm front ,front and 'center (AmE) in or into the most important position in 'front adv.
1 in a position that is further forward than sb/sth but not very far away: Their house is the one with the big garden in front.
2 in first place in a race or competition: The blue team is currently in front with a lead of six points. in 'front of prep.
1 in a position that is further forward than sb/sth but not very far away: The car in front of me stopped suddenly and I had to brake.  The bus stops right in front of our house.  He was standing in front of me in the line.  She spends all day sitting in front of (= working at) her computer.
2 if you do sth in front of sb, you do it when they are there: Please don’t talk about it in front of the children.
3 ~ sb (of time) still to come; not yet passed: Don’t give up. You still have your whole life in front of you. out 'front
1 in the part of a theatre, restaurant, etc. where the public sits: There’s only a small audience out front tonight.
2 (also BrE informal out the 'front) in the area near to the entrance to a building: I’ll wait for you out (the) front. up 'front (informal)
1 as payment in advance: We’ll pay you half up front and the other half when you’ve finished the job.
2 (in football) in a forward position: to play up front—see also UPFRONT —more at BACK n. , CASH n. , LEAD^1v.

adj. [only before noun] on or at the front of sth: the front page of the newspaper  front teeth  the front wheels of the car  We had seats in the front row.  an animal’s front legs  Let’s go through to the front room (= the main room in a house where people sit and entertain guests).  a front-seat passenger—compare BACK , HIND adj. on the 'front burner (informal, especially AmE) (of an issue, a plan, etc.) being given a lot of attention because it is considered important: Anything that keeps education on the front burner is good.—compare ON THE BACK BURNER at BACK adj.

verb
FACE STH|
1 ~ (onto sth) to face sth or be in front of sth; to have the front pointing towards sth: [vn] The cathedral fronts the city’s main square.  [v] The line of houses fronted straight onto the road.
COVER FRONT|
2 [vn] [usually passive] to have the front covered with sth: a glass-fronted bookcase
LEAD GROUP|
3 [vn] to lead or represent an organization, a group, etc: He fronts a multinational company.  A former art student fronted the band (= was the main singer).
PRESENT TV PROGRAMME|
4 [vn] (BrE) to present a television programme, a show, etc. 'front for sb/sth to represent a group or an organization and try to hide its secret or illegal activities: He fronted for them in several illegal property deals.

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front.age
noun
1 [C, U] the front of a building, especially when this faces a road or river: the baroque frontage of Milan Cathedral  a restaurant with good river frontage
2 [U] (especially AmE) land that is next to a building, street or area of water: They bought two miles of river frontage along the Colorado.
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'frontage road
noun (AmE ) = SERVICE ROAD
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front.al
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the front of sth: Air bags are designed to protect the driver in the event of a severe frontal impact.  full-frontal nudity (= showing the whole of the front of a person’s body)
2 (frontal attack / assault) an attack or criticism that is very strong and direct: They launched a frontal attack on company directors.
3 connected with a weather FRONT : a cold frontal system
4 (medical) connected with the front part of the head: the frontal lobes of the brain
front.al.ly adv.
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the ,front 'bench
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the most important members of the government and the OPPOSITION in the British parliament, who sit in the front rows of seats: an Opposition front-bench spokesman on defence—compare BACK BENCH
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front.bench.er
noun an important member of the government or the OPPOSITION in the British parliament, who sits in the front rows of seats—compare BACK-BENCHER
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,front 'door
noun the main entrance to a house, usually at the front: There’s someone at the front door.—picture at HOUSE
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,front-,end 'loader
noun (especially AmE ) a large vehicle with machinery for digging worked by a system of HYDRAULICS
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fron.tier
noun
1 (BrE) [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sth) a line that separates two countries, etc.; the land near this line: the frontier between the land of the Saxons and that of the Danes  border guards on the frontier with Kuwait  a frontier town / zone / post
2 (the frontier) [sing.] the edge of land where people live and have built towns, beyond which the country is wild and unknown, especially in the Western US in the 19th century: a remote frontier settlement
3 [C, usually pl.] ~ (of sth) the limit of sth, especially the limit of what is known about a particular subject or activity: to push back the frontiers of science (= to increase knowledge of science)  to roll back the frontiers of government (= to limit the powers of the government)
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fron.tiers.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man living on the frontier especially one who lived in the western US during the 19th century
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fron.tis.piece
noun [usually sing.] a picture at the beginning of a book, on the page opposite the page with the title on it
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the ,front 'line
noun [sing.] an area where the enemies are facing each other during a war and where fighting takes place: Tanks have been deployed all along the front line.  front-line troops
IDM in the front line (of sth) doing work that will have an important effect on sth: a life spent in the front line of research
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front.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a person who represents an organization and tries to make its activities seem acceptable to the public, although in fact they may be illegal: He acted as a frontman for a drugs cartel.
2 the leader of a group of musicians
3 (BrE) a person who presents a television programme
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,front 'office
noun [sing.] (especially AmE ) the part of a business concerned with managing things or dealing with the public
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,front-of-'house
noun [U] (BrE )
1 the parts of a theatre that are used by the audience
2 (often used as an adjective) the business of dealing with an audience at a theatre, for example selling tickets and programmes
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,front-'page
adj. [only before noun] important or interesting enough to be printed on the front page of a newspaper: The divorce made front-page news.
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,front 'runner
noun a person, an animal or an organization that seems most likely to win a race or competition: He is one of the front runners in the presidential election.
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frost
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a weather condition in which the temperature drops below 0°C (= FREEZING POINT ) so that a thin white layer of ice forms on the ground and other surfaces, especially at night: It will be a clear night with some ground frost .  a sharp / hard / severe frost  There were ten degrees of frost (= the temperature dropped to -10°C) last night.  frost damage
2 [U] the thin white layer of ice that forms when the temperature drops below 0°C: The car windows were covered with frost.—see also HOAR FROST

verb
1 ~ (sth) (over / up) to cover sth or to become covered with a thin white layer of ice: [vn] The mirror was frosted up.  [v] The windows had frosted over.
2 [vn] (especially AmE) to cover a cake with ICING/FROSTING

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frost.bite
noun [U] a medical condition in which parts of the body, especially the fingers and toes, become damaged as a result of extremely cold temperatures
frost.bit.ten adj.
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frost.ed
adj.
1 [only before noun] (of glass) that has been given a rough surface, so that it is difficult to see through: frosted windows
2 (especially AmE) (of cakes, etc.) covered with ICING/FROSTING
3 covered with FROST : the frosted garden / ground
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frost.ing
noun [U] (AmE ) = ICING
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frosty
adj.
1 (of the weather) extremely cold; cold with FROST : a frosty morning  He breathed in the frosty air.
2 covered with FROST : frosty fields
3 unfriendly, in a way that suggests that sb does not approve of sth: a frosty look / reply  The latest proposals were given a frosty reception.
frost.ily adv.: ‘No, thank you,’ she said frostily.
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froth
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a mass of small bubbles, especially on the surface of a liquid
SYN FOAM : a glass of beer with thick froth on top
2 [U] ideas, activities, etc. that seem attractive and enjoyable but have no real value
3 [sing.] ~ of sth something that looks like a mass of small bubbles on liquid: a froth of black lace

verb
1 if a liquid froths, or if sb/sth froths it, a mass of small bubbles appears on the surface: [v] a cup of frothing coffee  The water gushed and frothed. [alsovn]
2 [v] to produce a lot of SALIVA (= liquid in your mouth): The dog was frothing at the mouth .   (figurative) He frothed at the mouth (= was very angry) when I asked for more money.

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frothy
adj.
1 (of liquids) having a mass of small bubbles on the surface: frothy coffee
2 seeming attractive and enjoyable but having no real value: frothy romantic novels
3 (of clothes or fabric) light and delicate: a frothy pink dress
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frown
verb, noun
verb ~ (at sb/sth) to make a serious, angry or worried expression by bringing your EYEBROWS closer together so that lines appear on your forehead: [v] What are you frowning at me for?  She frowned with concentration. [alsov speech] 'frown on / upon sb/sth to disapprove of sb/sth: In her family, any expression of feeling was frowned upon.

noun [usually sing.] a serious, angry or worried expression on a person’s face that causes lines on their forehead: She looked up with a puzzled frown on her face.  a slight frown of disapproval / concentration

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frow.sty
adj. (BrE ) smelling bad because there is no fresh air: a small frowsty office / room
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froze
pt of FREEZE
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fro.zen
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of food) kept at a very low temperature in order to preserve it: frozen peas
2 [not usually before noun] (of people or parts of the body) extremely cold: I’m absolutely frozen!  You look frozen stiff .
3 (of rivers, lakes, etc.) with a layer of ice on the surface
4 (especially of ground) so cold that it has become very hard: The ground was frozen solid .
5 ~ with / in sth unable to move because of a strong emotion such as fear or horror: She stared at him, frozen with shock.—see also FREEZE v.
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fruc.tose
noun [U] (chemistry ) a type of sugar found in fruit juice and HONEY
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fru.gal
adj.
1 using only as much money or food as is necessary: a frugal existence / life  He has always been hard-working and frugal.
2 (of meals) small, plain and not costing very much: a frugal lunch of bread and cheese
fru.gal.ity noun [U]
fru.gal.ly adv.: to live / eat frugally
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fruit
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the part of a plant that consists of a stone/pit or seeds and flesh, can be eaten as food and usually tastes sweet: tropical fruits, such as bananas and pineapples  Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.  fruit juice  fruit trees—see also DRIED FRUIT , FIRST FRUIT , SOFT FRUIT —compare VEGETABLE —
2 [C] (technical) a part of a plant or tree that is formed after the flowers have died and in which seeds develop
3 [C, usually pl.] (literary) all the natural things that the earth produces
IDM the fruit / fruits of sth the good results of an activity or a situation: to enjoy the fruits of your labours (= the rewards for your hard work)  The book is the fruit of years of research.—more at BEAR v. , FORBIDDEN

verb [v] (technical ) (of a tree or plant) to produce fruit

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'fruit bat
noun a BAT (= an animal like a mouse with wings) that lives in hot countries and eats fruit
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'fruit cake
noun
1 [C, U] a cake containing dried fruit
2 (fruitcake) [C] (informal) a person who behaves in a strange or crazy way: She’s nutty as a fruitcake .
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fruit.er.er
noun (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) a person who owns or manages a shop/store selling fruit—compare GREENGROCER
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'fruit fly
noun a small fly that eats plants that are decaying, especially fruit
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fruit.ful
adj.
1 producing many useful results: a fruitful collaboration / discussion
OPP FRUITLESS
2 (literary) (of land or trees) producing a lot of crops
fruit.ful.ly adv.
fruit.ful.ness noun [U]
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fru.ition
noun [U] (formal) the successful result of a plan, a process or an activity: After months of hard work, our plans finally came to fruition .  His extravagant ideas were never brought to fruition .
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fruit.less
adj. producing no useful results: a fruitless attempt / search  Our efforts to persuade her proved fruitless.
OPP FRUITFUL
fruit.less.ly adv.
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'fruit machine
(BrE ) (also ,one-armed 'bandit, 'slot machineAmE, BrE) noun a gambling machine that you put coins into and that gives money back if particular pictures appear together on the screen
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,fruit 'salad
noun [U, C] a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) consisting of small pieces of different types of fruit—
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fruity
adj. (fruit.ier, fruiti.est)
1 smelling or tasting strongly of fruit: The wine from this region is rich and fruity.
2 (of a voice or laugh) deep and pleasant in quality
3 (AmE, informal) (of people) slightly crazy
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frump
noun (disapproving) a woman who wears clothes that are not fashionable
frumpy (also less frequent frump.ish) adj.: frumpy clothes / shoes  a frumpy housewife
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frus.trate
verb [vn]
1 to make sb feel annoyed or impatient because they cannot do or achieve what they want: What frustrates him is that there’s too little money to spend on the project.
2 (written) to prevent sb from doing sth; to prevent sth from happening or succeeding: The rescue attempt was frustrated by bad weather.
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frus.trated
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (at / with sth) feeling annoyed and impatient because you cannot do or achieve what you want: It’s very easy to get frustrated in this job.  They felt frustrated at the lack of progress.
2 (of an emotion) having no effect; not being satisfied: He stamped his foot in frustrated rage.  frustrated desires / passions
3 [only before noun] unable to be successful in a particular career: a frustrated artist
4 not satisfied sexually
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frus.trat.ing
adj. causing you to feel annoyed and impatient because you cannot do or achieve what you want: It’s frustrating to have to wait so long.
frus.trat.ing.ly adv.: Progress was frustratingly slow.
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frus.tra.tion
noun
1 [U] the feeling of being frustrated : Dave thumped the table in frustration .  She couldn’t stand the frustration of not being able to help.
2 [C, usually pl.] something that causes you to feel frustrated : Every job has its difficulties and frustrations.  Inevitably she took out her frustrations on the children.
3 [U] ~ of sth (formal) the fact that sth is preventing sth/sb from succeeding: the frustration of all his ambitions
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fry
verb, noun
verb (fries, fry.ing, fried, fried) to cook sth in hot fat or oil; to be cooked in hot fat or oil: [vn] fried fish  [v] the smell of bacon frying—related noun FRY-UP  —see also STIR-FRY
IDM see FISH n.

noun
1 [pl.] very small young fish—see also SMALL FRY
2 [C] (usually fries) [pl.] (especially AmE) = CHIP

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fryer
(also frier) noun
1 a large deep pan used for frying food in: a deep-fat fryer
2 (AmE) a young chicken that is suitable for frying
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'frying pan
(AmE also fry.pan, skil.let) noun a large shallow pan with a long handle, used for frying food in—picture at PAN
IDM out of the 'frying pan into the 'fire from a bad situation to one that is worse
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'fry-up
noun (BrE , informal) a meal of fried food, such as BACON and eggs
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FT
(also F / T) abbr. (in writing) FULL-TIME : The course is 1 year FT, 2 years PT.—compare PT
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ft
(BrE ) (also ft.AmE, BrE) abbr. (in writing measurements) feet; foot: The room is 12ft × 9ft.
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fuch.sia
noun [C, U] a small bush with flowers in two colours of red, purple or white, that hang down
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fuck
verb, noun
verb ( , slang)
1 [v, vn] to have sex with sb
2 a swear word that many people find offensive that is used to express anger, disgust or surprise: [v] Oh, fuck! I’ve lost my keys.  [vn] Fuck it! We’ve missed the train.  Fuck you—I’m leaving.
IDM ,fuck 'me used to express surprise: Fuck me! Have you seen how much this costs?
PVR V ,fuck a'round (BrE also ,fuck a'bout) to waste time by behaving in a silly way: Stop fucking around and come and help.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess about (BrE) or mess around (AmE,BrE). ,fuck sb a'round (BrE also ,fuck sb a'bout) to treat sb in a way that is deliberately not helpful to them or wastes their time: This damn company keeps fucking me around.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess sb about / around (BrE). ,fuck 'off (usually used in orders) to go away: Why don’t you just fuck off? ,fuck 'up to do sth badly or make a bad mistake: You’ve really fucked up this time!
HELP A more polite way to express this is mess up. ,fuck sb<->'up to upset or confuse sb so much that they are not able to deal with problems in their life: My parents' divorce really fucked me up.
HELP A more polite way to express this is mess sb up. ,fuck sth<->'up to do sth badly or spoil sth: I completely fucked up my exams.
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is foul sth up, cock sth up (slang), mess sth up or bungle sth. 'fuck with sb to treat sb badly in a way that makes them annoyed: Don’t fuck with him.
HELP A more polite way to express this is mess with sb.

noun ( , slang)
1 [C, usually sing.] an act of sex
2 (the fuck) [sing.] used for emphasis, or to show that you are angry, annoyed or surprised: What the fuck are you doing?  Let’s get the fuck out of here!
IDM not give a 'fuck (about sb/sth) to not care at all about sb/sth: He doesn’t give a fuck about anyone else.—see also F-WORD

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,fuck 'all
noun [U] (BrE ,  , slang) a phrase that many people find offensive, used to mean ‘none at all’ or ‘nothing at all’: You’ve done fuck all today.  These instructions make fuck all sense to me.
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fuck.er
noun ( , slang) a very offensive word used to insult sb
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fuck.ing
adj., adv. ( , spoken) a swear word that many people find offensive that is used to emphasize a comment or an angry statement: I’m fucking sick of this fucking rain!  He’s a fucking good player.
IDM 'fucking well (especially BrE) used to emphasize an angry statement or an order: You’re fucking well coming whether you want to or not.
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fud.dled
adj. unable to think clearly, usually as a result of old age or drinking alcohol
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fuddy-duddy
noun (pl.fuddy-duddies) (informal) a person who has old-fashioned ideas or habits: You’re such an old fuddy-duddy!
fuddy-duddy adj.: fuddy-duddy ideas
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fudge
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a type of soft brown sweet/candy made from sugar, butter and milk
2 (a fudge) [sing.] (especially BrE) a way of dealing with a situation that does not really solve the problems but is intended to appear to do so: This solution is a fudge rushed in to win cheers at the party conference.

verb ~ (on) sth to avoid giving clear and accurate information, or a clear answer: [vn] I asked how long he was staying, but he fudged the answer.  Politicians are often very clever at fudging the issue . [alsov]

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fuel
noun, verb
noun [U, C] any material that produces heat or power, usually when it is burnt: solid fuel (= wood, coal, etc.)  nuclear fuels  a car with high fuel consumption—see also FOSSIL FUEL
IDM see ADD v.

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
1 [vn] to supply sth with material that can be burnt to produce heat or power: Uranium is used to fuel nuclear plants.  oil-fuelled power stations
2 ~ (sth) (up) to put petrol/gas into a vehicle: [vn] The helicopter was already fuelled (up) and ready to go. [alsov]
3 [vn] (written) to increase sth; to make sth stronger: to fuel speculation / rumours / fears  Higher salaries helped to fuel inflation.

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'fuel injection
noun [U] a system of putting fuel into the engine of a car under pressure as a way of improving its performance
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fug
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) air in a room that is hot and smells unpleasant because there are too many people in the room or because people are smoking
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fu.gi.tive
noun, adj.
noun ~ (from sb/sth) a person who has escaped or is running away from somewhere and is trying to avoid being caught: a fugitive from justice

adj. [only before noun]
1 trying to avoid being caught: a fugitive criminal
2 (literary) lasting only for a very short time: a fugitive idea / thought

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fugue
noun a piece of music in which one or more tunes are introduced and then repeated in a complicated pattern
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-ful
suffix
1 (in adjectives) full of; having the qualities of; tending to: sorrowful  masterful  forgetful
2 (in nouns) an amount that fills sth: handful  spoonful
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ful.crum
noun (pl.ful.crums or ful.cra )
1 (physics) the point on which a LEVER turns or is supported
2 [usually sing.] (written) the most important part of an activity, or a situation
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ful.fil
(BrE ) (AmEful.fill) verb (ful.fill.ing, ful.filled, ful.filled) [vn]
1 to do or achieve what was hoped for or expected: to fulfil your dream / ambition / potential
2 to do or have what is required or necessary: to fulfil a duty / obligation / promise  to fulfil the terms / conditions of an agreement  No candidate fulfils all the criteria for this position.
3 to have a particular role or purpose: Nursery schools should fulfil the function of preparing children for school.
4 ~ sb / yourself to make sb feel happy and satisfied with what they are doing or have done: I need a job that really fulfils me.  He was able to fulfil himself through his painting.
ful.fil.ment (BrE) (AmEful.fill.ment) noun [U]: the fulfilment of dreams / desires / hopes  to find emotional / personal fulfilment
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ful.filled
adj. feeling happy and satisfied that you are doing sth useful with your life: He doesn’t feel fulfilled in his present job.
OPP UNFULFILLED
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ful.fil.ling
adj. causing sb to feel satisfied and useful: a fulfilling experience
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full
adj., adv.
adj. (full.er, fullest)
WITH NO EMPTY SPACE|
1 ~ (of sth) containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space: a full bottle of wine  She could only nod, because her mouth was full.  My suitcase was full of books.  There were cardboard boxes stuffed full of clothes.   (BrE) Sorry, the hotel is full up tonight.
HAVING A LOT|
2 ~ of sth having or containing a large number or amount of sth: The sky was full of brightly coloured fireworks.  Life is full of coincidences.  Our new brochure is crammed full of inspirational ideas.  animals pumped full of antibiotics  She was full of admiration for the care she had received.  He smiled, his eyes full of laughter.
TALKING A LOT|
3 (of a person) ~ of sth thinking or talking a lot about a particular thing: He was full of his new job and everything he’d been doing.
WITH FOOD|
4 (BrE also full up) having had enough to eat: No more for me, thanks—I’m full up.  The kids still weren’t full, so I gave them an ice cream each.  You can’t run on a full stomach .
COMPLETE|
5 [usually before noun] complete; with nothing missing: Full details are available on request.  I still don’t think we’ve heard the full story .  a full English breakfast  A full refund will be given if the item is faulty.  Fill in your full name and address.  The address must be printed in full .  The country applied for full membership of the European Union.
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE|
6 [usually before noun] to the highest level or greatest amount possible: Many people don’t use their computers to their full potential .  measures to achieve full employment   Students should take full advantage of the university’s facilities.  I’ve always believed in living life to the full .  She came round the corner at full speed .
FOR EMPHASIS|
7 [only before noun] used to emphasize an amount or a quantity: She is a full four inches shorter than her sister.
BUSY|
8 busy; involving a lot of activities: He’d had a very full life .  Her life was too full to find time for hobbies.
MOON|
9 appearing as a complete circle: The moon was full, the sky clear.—see also FULL MOON
FAT|
10 (of a person or part of the body) large and round.‘Full’ is sometimes used to avoid saying ‘fat’: He kissed her full sensual lips.  They specialize in clothes for women with a fuller figure.
CLOTHES|
11 made with plenty of fabric; fitting loosely: a full skirt
TONE / VOICE / FLAVOUR|
12 deep, strong and rich: He draws a unique full sound from the instrument.  the full fruity flavour of the wine Most idioms containing full are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example full of the joys of spring is at joy.  'full of yourself (disapproving) very proud; thinking only of yourself

adv. ~ in / on sth directly: She looked him full in the face.

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full.back
noun
1 [C] one of the defending players in football/soccer, hockey or rugby whose position is near the goal they are defending
2 [C] the attacking player in American football whose position is behind the QUARTERBACK and beside the HALFBACKS
3 [U] the position a fullback plays at: Hunter is at fullback.
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,full-'blooded
adj. [only before noun]
1 involving very strong feelings or actions; done in an enthusiastic way: a full-blooded attack
2 having parents, grandparents, etc. from only one race: a full-blooded Scotsman
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,full-'blown
adj. [only before noun] having all the characteristics of sb/sth; fully developed: full-blown Aids  The border dispute turned into a full-blown crisis.
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,full 'board
noun [U] a type of accommodation in a hotel, etc. that includes all meals: Do you require full or half board?—compare BED AND BREAKFAST , HALF BOARD
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,full-'bodied
adj. having a pleasantly strong taste or sound: a full-bodied red wine  a full-bodied string section
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,full-'colour
(BrE ) (AmE,full-'color) adj. [only before noun] printed using colours rather than just black and white
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,full-court 'press
noun [sing.] (AmE )
1 (in basketball) a way of attacking in which the members of a team stay close to their opponents over the whole area of play
2 (informal) a strong effort to influence sb or a group of people by putting pressure on them
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full.er’s earth
noun [U] a type of clay used for cleaning cloth and making it thicker
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,full-'face
adj., adv. showing the whole of sb’s face; not in PROFILE : a full-face view / portrait
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,full-'fat
adj. [usually before noun] (especially BrE ) (of milk, cheese, etc.) without any of the fat removed
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,full-'fledged
adj. (especially AmE ) = FULLY-FLEDGED
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,full-'grown
adj. (of people, animals or plants) having reached the greatest size to which they can grow and stopped growing
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,full 'house
noun
1 an occasion in a theatre, cinema/movie theater, etc. when there are no empty seats: They played to a full house.
2 (in the card game of POKER ) three cards of one kind and two of another kind
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,full-'length
adj., adv.
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a mirror or picture) showing the whole of a person’s body: a full-length portrait
2 (of a book, play, etc.) not made shorter; of the usual length: a full-length novel
3 (of curtains or a window) reaching the ground
4 (of clothing) reaching a person’s ankles: a full-length skirt / coat

adv. a person who is lying full-length is lying flat with their legs straight: He was sprawled full-length across the bed.

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,full 'marks
noun [pl.] (BrE ) the highest mark/grade in a test, etc. (when you get nothing wrong): She got full marks in the exam.   (figurative) Full marks to Bill for an excellent idea! (= he deserves praise)
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,full 'moon
noun [C usually sing, U] the moon when it appears as a full circle; a time when this happens—compare HALF-MOON , NEW MOON
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full.ness
noun [U, sing.]
1 (of the body or part of the body) the quality of being large and round: the fullness of her lips
2 (of colours, sounds and flavours) the quality of being deep and rich
3 the quality of being complete and satisfying: the fullness of life
IDM in the fullness of 'time when the time is appropriate, usually after a long period
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,full-'page
adj. [only before noun] filling a complete page of a newspaper or magazine: a full-page ad
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'full professor
noun (AmE ) = PROFESSOR (1)
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,full-'scale
adj. [only before noun]
1 that is as complete and thorough as possible: a full-scale attack  The police made a full-scale search of the area.
2 that is the same size as sth that is being copied: a full-scale model
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'full-size
(also 'full-sized) adj. [only before noun] not made smaller; of the usual size: a full-size model  a full-size snooker table
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,full 'stop
noun, adv.
noun (also less frequent stop) (both BrE ) (AmE period) the mark ( . ) used at the end of a sentence and in some abbreviations, for example e.g.
IDM come to a full 'stop to stop completely

adv. (BrE ) (also periodAmE, BrE) (spoken) used at the end of a sentence to emphasize that there is nothing more to say about a subject: I’ve already told you—we can’t afford it, full stop!

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,full-'term
adj. (technical )
1 (of a pregnancy) lasting the normal length of time
2 (of a baby) born after a pregnancy lasting the normal length of time
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,full 'time
noun [U] (BrE ) the end of a game of football, rugby, etc: The referee blew his whistle for full time.  The full-time score was 1-1.—compare HALF-TIME
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,full-'time
adj., adv. (abbr. FT) for all the hours of a week during which people normally work or study, rather than just for a part of it: students in full-time education  a full-time employee  a full-time job  Looking after a child is a full-time job (= hard work that takes a lot of time).  She works full-time and still manages to run a home.—compare PART-TIME
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,full-'timer
noun a person who works full-time
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fully
adv.
1 completely: fully recovered / developed / equipped  We are fully aware of the dangers.  I fully understand your motives.
2 (formal) (used to emphasize an amount) the whole of; as much as: The disease affects fully 30 per cent of the population.
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,fully-'fledged
(BrE ) (also ,full-'fledgedAmE, BrE) adj. [usually before noun] completely developed; with all the qualifications necessary for sth: the emergence of a fully-fledged market economy  She was now a fully-fledged member of the teaching profession.
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ful.min.ate
verb [v] ~ against (sb/sth) (formal) to criticize sb/sth angrily
ful.min.ation noun [C, U]
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ful.some
adj. (disapproving) too generous in praising or thanking sb, or in saying sorry, so that you do not sound sincere: a fulsome apology / tribute  He was fulsome in his praise of the Prime Minister.
ful.some.ly adv.
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fum.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at / with / in sth) (for sth)| ~ (around) to use your hands in an awkward way when you are doing sth or looking for sth: [v] She fumbled in her pocket for a handkerchief.  He fumbled with the buttons on his shirt.  She was fumbling around in the dark looking for the light switch.  [vn] He fumbled the key into the ignition. [alsov to inf]
2 to have difficulty speaking clearly or finding the right words to say: [v] During the interview, she fumbled helplessly for words.  [vn] to fumble an announcement
3 [vn] (especially in sport) to drop a ball or to fail to stop or kick it

noun
1 [sing.] (also fum.bling [C, usually pl.]) an awkward action using the hands
2 [C] (AmE) the action of dropping the ball while it is in play in American football: After a Pittsburgh fumble, Miami scored a touchdown.

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fum.bling
adj. awkward, uncertain or hesitating: a fumbling schoolboy
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fume
verb
1 ~ (at / over / about sb/sth) to be very angry about sth: [v] She sat in the car, silently fuming at the traffic jam.  He was fuming with indignation. [alsov speech]
2 [v] to produce smoke or fumes
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fumes
noun [pl.] (also less frequent fume [U]) smoke, gas, or sth similar that smells strongly or is dangerous to breathe in: diesel / petrol / exhaust fumes  to be overcome by smoke and fumes  Clouds of toxic fumes escaped in a huge chemical factory blaze.  The body of a man was found in a fume filled car yesterday.
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fu.mi.gate
verb [vn] to use special chemicals, smoke or gas to destroy the harmful insects or bacteria in a place: to fumigate a room
fu.mi.ga.tion noun [U, C]
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fun
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 enjoyment; pleasure; a thing that gives enjoyment or pleasure and makes you feel happy: We had a lot of fun at Sarah’s party.  Sailing is good fun .  Have fun (= Enjoy yourself)!  I decided to learn Spanish, just for fun .  I didn’t do all that work just for the fun of it .  It’s not much fun going to a party on your own.  ‘What fun!’ she said with a laugh.  Walking three miles in the pouring rain is not my idea of fun .  ‘What do you say to a weekend in New York?’‘Sounds like fun.’
2 behaviour or activities that are not serious but come from a sense of enjoyment: She’s very lively and full of fun .  We didn’t mean to hurt him. It was just a bit of fun.  It wasn’t serious - it was all done in fun .
IDM fun and 'games (informal) activities that are not serious and that other people may disapprove of make 'fun of sb/sth to laugh at sb/sth or make other people laugh at them, usually in an unkind way: It’s cruel to make fun of people who stammer.—more at FIGURE n. , POKE v.

adj. amusing or enjoyable: She’s really fun to be with.  This game looks fun!  There are lots of fun things for young people to do here.

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func.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a special activity or purpose of a person or thing: to fulfil / perform a useful function  bodily functions (= for example eating, sex, using the toilet)  The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.  This design aims for harmony of form and function.
2 [C] a social event or official ceremony: The hall provided a venue for weddings and other functions.
3 [C] (mathematics) a quantity whose value depends on the varying values of others. In the statement 2x=y, y is a function of x: (figurative) Salary is a function of age and experience.
4 [C] (computing) a part of a program, etc. that carries out a basic operation

verb [often +adv. / prep.] to work in the correct way
SYN OPERATE : Despite the power cuts, the hospital continued to function normally.  We now have a functioning shower.  Many children can’t function effectively in large classes.
PVR V 'function as sb/sth to perform the action or the job of the thing or person mentioned: The sofa also functions as a bed.  I need money to be able to function as an artist.

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func.tion.al
adj.
1 practical and useful; with little or no decoration: Bathrooms don’t have to be purely functional.  The office was large and functional rather than welcoming.
2 having a special purpose; making it possible for sb to do sth or for sth to happen: a functional disorder (= an illness caused when an organ of the body fails to perform its function)  a functional approach to language learning  These units played a key functional role in the military operation.
3 (especially of a machine, an organization or a system) working; able to work: a fully functional hospital
func.tion.al.ly adv.
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func.tion.al.ism
noun [U] the idea or belief that the most important thing about the style or design of a building or object is how it is going to be used, not how it will look
func.tion.al.ist noun
func.tion.al.ist adj. [usually before noun]
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func.tion.al.ity
noun
1 [U] the quality in sth of being very suitable for the purpose it was designed for
SYN PRACTICALITY
2 [U] the purpose that sth is designed for or expected to perform: Manufacturing processes may be affected by the functionality of the product.
3 [U, C] (computing) the range of functions that a computer or other electronic system can perform: new software with additional functionality
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func.tion.ary
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving) a person with official duties: party / state / government functionaries
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'function key
noun (computing ) one of several keys on a computer keyboard, each marked with ‘F’ and a number, that can be used to do sth, such as save a file or get to the ‘help’ function in a program
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fund
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an amount of money that has been saved or has been made available for a particular purpose: a disaster relief fund  the company’s pension fund  the International Monetary Fund
2 (funds) [pl.] money that is available to be spent: government funds  The hospital is trying to raise funds for a new kidney machine.  The project has been cancelled because of lack of funds  I’m short of funds at the moment—can I pay you back next week?
3 [sing.] ˜ of sth an amount or a supply of sth: a fund of knowledge

verb [vn] to provide money for sth, usually sth official: a dance festival funded by the Arts Council  The museum is privately funded.  a government-funded programme

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fun.da.men.tal
adj., noun
adj.
1 serious and very important; affecting the most central and important parts of sth: There is a fundamental difference between the two points of view.  A fundamental change in the organization of health services was required.  a question of fundamental importance
2 ~ (to sth) central; forming the necessary basis of sth: Hard work is fundamental to success.
3 [only before noun] (physics) forming the source or base from which everything else is made; not able to be divided any further: a fundamental particle

noun [usually pl.] a basic rule or principle; an essential part: the fundamentals of modern physics  He taught me the fundamentals of the job.

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fun.da.men.tal.ism
noun [U]
1 the practice of following very strictly the basic rules and teachings of any religion
2 (in Christianity) the belief that everything that is written in the Bible is completely true
fun.da.men.tal.ist noun: Muslim fundamentalists
fun.da.men.tal.ist adj.
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fun.da.men.tal.ly
adv.
1 in every way that is important; completely: The two approaches are fundamentally different.  By the 1960s the situation had changed fundamentally.  They remained fundamentally opposed to the plan.
2 used when you are introducing a topic and stating sth important about it
SYN BASICALLY : Fundamentally, there are two different approaches to the problem.
3 used when you are saying what is the most important thing about sb/sth
SYN BASICALLY : She is fundamentally a nice person, but she finds it difficult to communicate.
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fun.der
noun a person or an organization that provides money for a particular purpose
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fund.ing
noun [U] money for a particular purpose; the act of providing money for such a purpose: There have been large cuts in government funding for scientific research.
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'fund-raiser
noun
1 a person who collects money for a charity or an organization
2 a social event or entertainment held in order to collect money for a charity or an organization
'fund-raising noun [U]
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fu.neral
noun a ceremony, usually a religious one, for burying or CREMATING (= burning) a dead person: Hundreds of people attended the funeral.  a funeral procession  a funeral march (= a sad piece of music suitable for funerals)
IDM it’s 'your funeral (informal) used to tell sb that they, and nobody else, will have to deal with the unpleasant results of their own actions
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'funeral director
noun (formal) = UNDERTAKER
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'funeral parlour
(BrE ) (AmE'funeral parlor) (also 'funeral homeAmE, BrE) (AmE also mor.tu.ary) noun a place where dead people are prepared for being buried or CREMATED (= burned) and where visitors can see the body
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fu.ner.ary
adj. [only before noun] (formal) of or used at a funeral: funerary monuments / rites
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fu.ner.eal
adj. (formal) suitable for a funeral; sad: a funereal atmosphere
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fun.fair
noun (BrE ) = FAIR
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fung.al
adj. of or caused by FUNGUS : a fungal infection
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fun.gi.cide
noun [C, U] a substance that kills fungus
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fun.gus
noun (pl.fungi )
1 [C, often pl.] any plant without leaves, flowers or green colouring, usually growing on other plants or on decaying matter. MUSHROOMS and MILDEW are both fungi .
2 [U, C] a covering of MOULD or a similar fungus , for example on a plant or wall: fungus infections
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fu.nicu.lar
(also fu,nicular 'railway) noun a railway on a steep slope, with the carriages being pulled up and down by a moving cable
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funk
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a type of modern dance music with a strong rhythm
2 (also ,blue 'funk) [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) a state of fear or anxiety

verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to avoid doing sth because you are afraid to or find it difficult

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funky
adj. (funk.ier, funki.est) (informal)
1 (of pop music) with a strong rhythm that is easy to dance to: a funky disco beat
2 (approving, especially AmE) fashionable and unusual: She wears really funky clothes.
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'fun-loving
adj. (of people) liking to enjoy themselves
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fun.nel
noun, verb
noun
1 a device that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for pouring liquids or powders into a small opening—picture at LABORATORY
2 (BrE) (also smoke.stackAmE, BrE) a metal chimney, for example on a ship or an engine, through which smoke comes out—picture at BOAT

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) to move or make sth move through a narrow space, or as if through a funnel : [v] Wind was funnelling through the gorge.  [vn] Huge pipes funnel the water down the mountainside.  Barricades funnelled the crowds towards the square.   (figurative) Some $10 million in aid was funnelled into the country through government agencies.

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fun.nies
noun (the funnies) [pl.] (AmE , informal) the part of a newspaper where there are several COMIC STRIPS (= series of drawings that tell a funny story)
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fun.nily
adv. in a strange way
IDM funnily e'nough used to show that you expect people to find a particular fact surprising: Funnily enough, I met her only yesterday.
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funny
adj. (fun.nier, fun.ni.est)
AMUSING|
1 making you laugh; amusing: a funny story  That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.  It’s not funny! Someone could have been hurt.  I was really embarrassed, but then I saw the funny side of it .   (ironic) Oh very funny! You expect me to believe that?  ‘What’s so funny?’ she demanded.
HELP Note that funny does not mean ‘enjoyable’: The party was great fun.  The party was very funny.
STRANGE|
2 (especially spoken) difficult to explain or understand: A funny thing happened to me today.  It’s funny how things never happen the way you expect them to.  That’s funny —he was here a moment ago and now he’s gone.  The funny thing is it never happened again after that.  The engine’s making a very funny noise.  I’m pleased I didn’t get that job, in a funny sort of way.
SUSPICIOUS / ILLEGAL|
3 (informal) suspicious and probably illegal or dishonest: I suspect there may be something funny going on.  If there has been any funny business , we’ll soon find out.
WITHOUT RESPECT|
4 (BrE, especially spoken) humorous in a way that shows a lack of respect for sb
SYN CHEEKY : Don’t you get funny with me!
ILL / SICK|
5 (informal) slightly ill/sick: I feel a bit funny today—I don’t think I’ll go to work.
CRAZY|
6 (BrE, informal) slightly crazy; not like other people: That Dave’s a funny chap, isn’t he?  She went a bit funny after her husband died.
MACHINE|
7 (informal) not working as it should: My computer keeps going funny .
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'funny bone
noun [usually sing.] (informal) the part of the elbow containing a very sensitive nerve that is painful if you hit it against sth
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'fun run
noun (especially BrE ) an event in which people run a long distance, for fun, and to collect money for charity
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fur
noun
1 [U] the soft thick mass of hair that grows on the body of some animals
2 [U] the skin of an animal with the fur still on it, used especially for making clothes: a fur coat  the fur trade  a fur farm (= where animals are bred and killed for their fur)  The animal is hunted for its fur.  fur-lined gloves
3 [U] an artificial fabric that looks and feels like fur
4 [C] a piece of clothing, especially a coat or jacket, made of real or artificial fur: elegant ladies in furs
5 (BrE) = SCALE n. (9)
6 [U] a greyish-white layer that forms on a person’s tongue, especially when they are ill—see also FURRED
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furi.ous
adj.
1 ˜ (with sb)| ˜ (at sth/sb) very angry: She was absolutely furious at having been deceived.  He was furious with himself for letting things get so out of control.
2 with great energy, speed or anger: a furious argument / debate  She drove off at a furious pace.—see also FURY
furi.ous.ly adv.: furiously angry  ‘Damn!’ he said furiously.  They worked furiously all weekend, trying to get it finished on time.
IDM see FAST adj.
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furl
verb [vn] to roll and fasten sth such as a sail, a flag or an umbrella
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fur.long
noun (especially in horse racing) a unit for measuring distance, equal to 220 YARDS or 201 metres; one EIGHTH of a mile
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fur.lough
noun [U, C]
1 permission to leave your duties for a period of time, especially for soldiers working in a foreign country: to go home on furlough  a six-week furlough
2 (AmE) permission for a prisoner to leave prison for a period of time
3 (AmE) a period of time during which workers are told not to come to work, usually because there is not enough money to pay them
fur.lough verb [vn]
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fur.nace
noun
1 an enclosed space or room for heating metal or glass to very high temperatures: It’s like a furnace (= very hot) in here!—see also BLAST FURNACE
2 (especially AmE) = BOILER
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fur.nish
verb [vn]
1 to put furniture in a house, room, etc: The house was simply furnished.  The room was furnished with antiques.  furnished accommodation (= to rent complete with furniture)
2 ~ sb/sth with sth| ~ sth (formal) to supply or provide sb/sth with sth; to supply sth to sb: She furnished him with the facts surrounding the case.
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fur.nish.ings
noun [pl.] the furniture, carpets, curtains, etc. in a room or house: soft furnishings  The wallpaper should match the furnishings.
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fur.ni.ture
noun [U] objects that can be moved, such as tables, chairs and beds, that are put into a house or an office to make it suitable for living or working in: a piece of furniture  garden / office furniture  We need to buy some new furniture.—see also STREET FURNITURE
IDM see PART n.
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'furniture van
noun (BrE ) = REMOVAL VAN
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fur.ore
(also furor especially in AmE) noun [sing.] ~ (about / over sth) great anger or excitement shown by a number of people, usually caused by a public event: His novel about Jesus caused a furore among Christians.  the recent furore over the tax increases
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fur.red
adj. covered with fur or with sth that looks like fur: a furred tongue
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fur.rier
noun a person who prepares or sells clothes made from fur
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fur.row
noun, verb
noun
1 a long narrow cut in the ground, especially one made by a PLOUGH for planting seeds in: dark ploughed earth, with white chalk in the furrows  Truck wheels had dug furrows in the track.
2 a deep line in the skin of the face: Suddenly he looked tired and there were deep furrows in his brow.
IDM see PLOUGH v.

verb
1 [vn] to make a furrow in the earth: furrowed fields
2 [v, vn] (written) if your BROWS or EYEBROWS furrow or are furrowed, you pull them together, usually because you are worried, and so produce lines on your face

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furry
adj.
1 covered with fur: small furry animals
2 like fur: The moss was soft and furry to the touch.
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fur.ther
adv., adj., verb
adv.
1 (comparative of far) (especially BrE) at or to a greater distance
SYN FARTHER : We had walked further than I had realized.  Two miles further on we came to a small town.  The hospital is further down the road.  Can you stand a bit further away?
2 a longer way in the past or the future: Think further back into your childhood.  How will the company be doing ten years further on?
3 to a greater degree or extent: The police decided to investigate further.  My life is further complicated by having to work such long hours.  Nothing could be further from the truth .
4 (formal) in addition to what has just been said
SYN FURTHERMORE : Further, it is important to consider the cost of repairs.  note at FARTHER
IDM further along / down the 'road at some time in the future: There are certain to be more job losses further down the road. go 'further
1 to say more about sth, or make a more extreme point about it: I would go even further and suggest that the entire government is corrupt.
2 to last longer; to serve more people: They watered down the soup to make it go further. go no 'further | not go any 'further if you tell sb that a secret will go no further, you promise not to tell it to anyone else take sth 'further to take more serious action about sth or speak to sb at a higher level about it: I am not satisfied with your explanation and intend to take the matter further.—more at AFIELD

adj. (comparative of far) more; ADDITIONAL : Cook for a further 2 minutes.  Have you any further questions?  For further details call this number.  We have decided to take no further action.  The museum is closed until further notice (= until we say that it is open again).

verb [vn] to help sth to develop or be successful: They hoped the new venture would further the cause of cultural cooperation in Europe.  She took the new job to further her career.

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fur.ther.ance
noun [U] (formal) the process of helping sth to develop or to be successful
SYN ADVANCEMENT : He took these actions purely in (the) furtherance of his own career.
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,further edu'cation
noun [U] (abbr. FE) (BrE ) education that is provided for people after leaving school, but not at a university—compare HIGHER EDUCATION
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fur.ther.more
adv. (formal) in addition to what has just been stated. Furthermore is used especially to add a point to an argument.
SYN MOREOVER : He said he had not discussed the matter with her. Furthermore, he had not even contacted her.
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fur.ther.most
adj. (formal) situated at the greatest distance from sth: at the furthermost end of the street
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fur.thest
adj., adv. = FARTHEST
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fur.tive
adj. (disapproving) behaving in a way that shows that you want to keep sth secret and do not want to be noticed: She cast a furtive glance over her shoulder.  He looked sly and furtive.
fur.tive.ly adv.
fur.tive.ness noun [U]
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fury
noun
1 [U] (written) extreme anger that often includes violent behaviour: Her eyes blazed with fury.  Fury over tax increases (= as a newspaper HEADLINE ).   (figurative) There was no shelter from the fury of the storm.
2 [sing.] a state of being extremely angry about sth: He flew into a fury when I refused.
3 (the Furies) [pl.] (in ancient Greek stories) three GODDESSES who punish people for their crimes—see also FURIOUS
IDM like fury (informal) with great effort, power, speed, etc.—more at HELL
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furze
noun [U] (BrE ) = GORSE
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fuse
noun, verb
noun
1 a small wire or device inside a piece of electrical equipment that breaks and stops the current if the flow of electricity is too strong: to change a fuse  Check whether a fuse has blown.
2 a long piece of string or paper which is lit to make a bomb or a FIREWORK explode
3 (AmE also fuze) a device that makes a bomb explode when it hits sth or at a particular time: He set the fuse to three minutes.  The bombs inside were on a one-hour fuse.
IDM see BLOW v. , SHORT n.

verb
1 when one thing fuses with another, or two things fuse or are fused, they are joined together to form a single thing: [v] As they heal, the bones will fuse together.  Our different ideas fused into a plan.  The sperm fuses with the egg to begin the process of fertilization.  [vn] The two companies have been fused into a single organization.  Atoms of hydrogen are fused to make helium.
2 [v, vn] (technical) when a substance, especially metal, fuses, or you fuse it, it is heated until it melts
3 (BrE ) to stop working or to make sth stop working because a fuse melts: [v] The lights have fused.  [vn] I’ve fused the lights.
4 [vn] [usually passive] to put a fuse in a CIRCUIT or in a piece of equipment: Is this plug fused?

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'fuse box
noun a small box or cupboard that contains the fuses of the electrical system of a building
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fu.sel.age
noun the main part of an aircraft in which passengers and goods are carried—picture at PLANE
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fu.sil.lade
noun a rapid series of shots fired from one or more guns; a rapid series of objects that are thrown: a fusillade of bullets / stones   (figurative) He faced a fusillade of questions from the waiting journalists.
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fu.sion
noun
1 [U, sing.] the process or result of joining two or more things together to form one: the fusion of copper and zinc to produce brass  The movie displayed a perfect fusion of image and sound.
2 (also ,nuclear 'fusion) [U] (physics) the act or process of combining the NUCLEI (= central parts) of atoms to form a heavier NUCLEUS , with energy being released—compare FISSION
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fuss
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] unnecessary excitement, worry or activity: He does what he’s told without any fuss.  All that fuss over a few pounds!  It’s a very ordinary movie—I don’t know what all the fuss is about (= why other people think it is so good).  It was all a fuss about nothing .  We’d like a quiet wedding without any fuss.
2 [sing.] anger or complaints about sth, especially sth that is not important: I’m sorry for making such a fuss about the noise.  Steve kicks up a fuss every time I even suggest seeing you.
IDM make a fuss of / over sb to pay a lot of attention to sb, usually to show how much you like them: They made a great fuss of the new baby.  The dog loves being made a fuss of.

verb [v]
1 ~ (around)| ~ (with / over sth) to do things, or pay too much attention to things, that are not important or necessary: Stop fussing around and find something useful to do!  Don’t fuss with your hair!
2 ~ (about sth) to worry about things that are not very important: Don’t fuss, Mum, everything is all right.
IDM not be fussed (about sb/sth) (BrE, informal) to not mind about sth; to not have feelings about sth: It’d be good to be there, but I’m not that fussed.
PVR V 'fuss over sb to pay a lot of attention to sb

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fuss.pot
(BrE ) (AmE fuss.budget ) noun (informal) a person who is often worried about unimportant things and is difficult to please
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fussy
adj. (fuss.ier, fussi.est)
1 ~ (about sth) too concerned or worried about details or standards, especially unimportant ones: fussy parents  Our teacher is very fussy about punctuation.  She’s such a fussy eater.  ‘Where do you want to go for lunch?’‘I’m not fussy (= I don’t care).’
2 doing sth with small, quick, nervous movements: a fussy manner  the quick, fussy movements of her small hands
3 having too much detail or decoration: a dress covered in fussy bows  You should avoid patterned wallpaper and fussy ornaments.
fuss.ily adv.
fussi.ness noun [U]
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fusty
adj. (disapproving)
1 smelling old, damp or not fresh
SYN MUSTY : a dark fusty room
2 old-fashioned: fusty ideas  a fusty old professor
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fu.tile
adj. having no purpose because there is no chance of success
SYN POINTLESS : a futile attempt / exercise / gesture  Their efforts to revive him were futile.  It would be futile to protest.  My appeal proved futile.
fu.til.ity noun [U]: a sense of futility  the futility of war
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fu.ton
noun a Japanese MATTRESS , often on a wooden frame, that can be used for sitting on or rolled out to make a bed—picture at BED
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fu.ture
noun, adj.
noun
1 (the future) [sing.] the time that will come after the present or the events that will happen then: We need to plan for the future.  What will the cities of the future look like?  The movie is set in the future.  The exchange rate is likely to fall in the near future (= soon).  She will not be well enough to work in the foreseeable future (= during the period of time when you know what is going to happen).  What does the future hold?
2 [C] what will happen to sb/sth at a later time: Her future is uncertain.  This deal could safeguard the futures of the 2 000 employees.
3 [sing., U] the possibility of being successful or surviving at a later time: She has a great future ahead of her.  I can’t see any future in this relationship.
4 (futures) [pl.] (finance) goods or SHARES that are bought at agreed prices but that will be delivered and paid for at a later time: oil futures  the futures market
5 (the future) [sing.] (grammar) (also the ,future 'tense) the form of a verb that expresses what will happen after the present
IDM in future (BrE) (AmE in the future) from now on: Please be more careful in future.  In future, make sure the door is never left unlocked.—more at DISTANT , FORESEEABLE

adj. [only before noun] taking place or existing at a time after the present: future generations  at a future date  future developments in computer software  He met his future wife at law school.

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fu.tur.ism
noun [U] a movement in art and literature in the 1920s and 30s that did not try to show realistic figures and scenes but aimed to express confidence in the modern world, particularly in modern machines
fu.tur.ist noun
fu.tur.ist adj.: futurist poets
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fu.tur.is.tic
adj.
1 extremely modern and unusual in appearance, as if belonging to a future time: futuristic design / furniture
2 imagining what the future will be like: a futuristic movie / novel
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fu.tur.ity
noun [U] (rare, formal) the time that will come after the present and what will happen then: a vision of futurity
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fuze
(AmE ) = FUSE n. (3)
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fuzz
noun
1 [U] short soft fine hair or fur that covers sth, especially a person’s face or arms
SYN DOWN
2 [sing.] a mass of hair in tight curls: a fuzz of blonde hair
3 (the fuzz) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (old-fashioned, slang) the police
4 something that you cannot see clearly
SYN BLUR : I saw it as a dim fuzz through the binoculars.
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fuzzy
adj.
1 covered with short soft fine hair or fur
SYN DOWNY
2 (of hair) in a mass of tight curls
3 not clear in shape or sound
SYN BLURRED : a fuzzy image  The soundtrack is fuzzy in places.
4 confused and not expressed clearly: fuzzy ideas / thinking  a somewhat fuzzy definition of ‘in the national interest’
fuzz.ily adv.
fuzzi.ness noun [U]
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,fuzzy 'logic
noun [U] (computing ) a type of LOGIC that is used to try to make computers behave like the human brain
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'F-word
noun (informal) used to refer to the offensive swear word ‘fuck’, to avoid having to say it: He was shocked at how often she used the F-word.
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FX
abbr. a short way of writing SPECIAL EFFECTS
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-fy
-IFY
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FYI
abbr. used in writing to mean ‘for your information’
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G
noun, abbr.
noun (also g) [C, U] (pl.G’s, g’s )
1 the 7th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Gold’ begins with (a) G / ‘G’.
2 (G) (music) the fifth note in the scale of C MAJOR —see also G AND T , G-STRING

abbr. (AmE ) general audience (a label for a film/movie that is suitable for anyone, including children)

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g
abbr.
1 gram(s): 400g flour
2 (technical) GRAVITY or a measurement of the force with which sth moves faster through space because of GRAVITY : Spacecraft re-entering the earth’s atmosphere are affected by g forces.
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gab
noun
IDM see GIFT n.
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gab.ar.dine
(also gab.er.dine) noun
1 [U] a strong fabric used especially for making RAINCOATS
2 [C] a coat, especially a RAINCOAT , made of gabardine
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gab.ble
verb, noun
verb ~ (on / away) (informal) to talk quickly so that people cannot hear you clearly or understand you: [v] They were gabbling on about the past.  She was nervous and started to gabble.  [vn] He was gabbling nonsense. [alsov speech]

noun [sing.] fast speech that is difficult to understand, especially when a lot of people are talking at the same time

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gab.fest
noun (AmE , informal) an informal meeting to talk and exchange news; a long conversation: Three old friends stopped by and we had a real gabfest.
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gable
noun the upper part of the end wall of a building, between the two sloping sides of the roof, that is shaped like a triangle—picture at HOUSE
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gabled
adj. having one or more gables : a gabled house / roof
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gad
verb (-dd-)
PVR V ,gad a'bout / a'round (informal, especially BrE) to visit different places and have fun, especially when you should be doing sth else
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gad.fly
noun (pl.-ies) (usually disapproving) a person who annoys or criticizes other people in order to make them do sth
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gadget
noun a small tool or device that does sth useful
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gadget.ry
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) a collection of modern tools and devices: His desk is covered with electronic gadgetry.
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Gael.ic
noun [U]
1 the Celtic language of Scotland—compare SCOTS
2 (also ,Irish 'Gaelic) the Celtic language of Ireland—compare ERSE , IRISH
Gael.ic adj.
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gaff
noun
1 a pole with a hook on the end used to pull large fish out of the water
2 (BrE, slang) the house, flat/apartment, etc. where sb lives
IDM see BLOW v.
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gaffe
noun a mistake that a person makes in public or in a social situation, especially sth embarrassing
SYN FAUX PAS : a social gaffe  He made some real gaffes early in his career.
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gaf.fer
noun
1 (BrE, informal) a person who is in charge of a group of people, for example, workers in a factory, a football team, etc.
SYN BOSS : The gaffer told us we’re a good team.
2 the person who is in charge of the electrical work and the lights when a film/movie or television programme is being made
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gag
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of cloth that is put over or in sb’s mouth to stop them speaking
2 an order that prevents sth from being publicly reported or discussed: a press gag  a gag rule / order (= one made by a court of law)
3 (informal) a joke or a funny story, especially one told by a professional COMEDIAN : to tell / crack a gag  a running gag (= one that is regularly repeated during a performance)
4 (especially AmE) a trick you play on sb: It was just a gag—we didn’t mean to upset anyone.

verb (-gg-)
1 [vn] to put a piece of cloth in or over sb’s mouth to prevent them from speaking or shouting: The hostages were bound and gagged .
2 [vn] to prevent sb from speaking freely or expressing their opinion: The new laws are seen as an attempt to gag the press.
3 [v] ~ (on sth) to have the unpleasant feeling in your mouth and stomach as if you are going to VOMIT
SYN RETCH : She gagged on the blood that filled her mouth.

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gaga
adj. [not usually before noun] (informal)
1 (offensive) confused and not able to think clearly, especially because of old age: He has gone completely gaga.
2 slightly crazy because you are very excited about sb/sth, or very much in love: The fans went totally gaga over the band.
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gage
(AmE ) = GAUGE
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gag.gle
noun
1 a group of noisy people: a gaggle of tourists / schoolchildren
2 a group of GEESE
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gai.ety
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the state of being cheerful and full of fun: The colourful flags added to the gaiety of the occasion.—see also GAILY , GAY —compare GAYNESS
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gaily
adv.
1 in a bright and attractive way: a gaily decorated room
2 in a cheerful way: gaily laughing children  She waved gaily to the little crowd.
3 without thinking or caring about the effect of your actions on other people: She gaily announced that she was leaving the next day.—see also GAIETY , GAY
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gain
verb, noun
verb
OBTAIN / WIN|
1 to obtain or win sth, especially sth that you need or want: [vn] to gain entrance / entry / access to sth  The country gained its independence ten years ago.  The party gained over 50% of the vote.  [vnn] Her unusual talent gained her worldwide recognition.
2 ~ (sth) (by / from sth) to obtain an advantage or benefit from sth or from doing sth: [vn] There is nothing to be gained from delaying the decision.  [v] Who stands to gain from this decision?
GET MORE|
3 [vn] to gradually get more of sth: to gain confidence / strength / experience  I’ve gained weight recently.
OF WATCH / CLOCK|
4 to go too fast: [vn] My watch gains two minutes every 24 hours. [alsov] LOSE
OF CURRENCIES / SHARES|
5 ~ against sth to increase in value: [vn] The shares gained 14p to 262p.  [v] The pound gained against the dollar again today.
REACH PLACE|
6 [vn] (formal) to reach a place, usually after a lot of effort: At last she gained the shelter of the forest. gain 'ground to become more powerful or successful: Sterling continues to gain ground against the dollar. gain 'time to delay sth so that you can have more time to make a decision, deal with a problem, etc.—more at VENTURE v. 'gain in sth to get more of a particular quality: to gain in confidence  Wine bars have gained in popularity in recent years. 'gain on sb/sth to get closer to sb/sth that you are chasing

noun
INCREASE|
1 [C, U] an increase in the amount of sth, especially in wealth or weight: a £3 000 gain from our investment  Regular exercise is the best way of preventing weight gain.
ADVANTAGE|
2 [C] an advantage or improvement: efficiency gains  These policies have resulted in great gains in public health.  Our loss is their gain.
PROFIT|
3 [U] (often disapproving) financial profit: He only seems to be interested in personal gain.  It’s amazing what some people will do for gain .

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gain.ful
adj. (formal) used to describe useful work that you are paid for: gainful employment
gain.ful.ly adv.: gainfully employed
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gain.say
verb (gain.says , gain.said, gain.said ) [vn] (formal) (often used in negative sentences) to say that sth is not true; to disagree with or deny sth: Nobody can gainsay his claims.
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gait
noun [sing.] (written) a way of walking: He walked with a rolling gait.
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gai.ter
noun [usually pl.] a fabric or leather covering for the leg between the knee and the ankle. Gaiters were worn by men in the past and are now mainly worn by people who go walking or climbing: a pair of gaiters
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gal
noun (old-fashioned informal, especially AmE ) a girl or woman
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gal.
abbr. (in writing) GALLON(S)
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gala
noun
1 a special public celebration or entertainment: a charity gala  a gala dinner / night
2 (BrE) a sports competition, especially in swimming: a swimming gala
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ga.lac.tic
adj. relating to a galaxy
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gal.axy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] any of the large systems of stars, etc. in outer space
2 (the Galaxy) (also the ,Milky 'Way) [sing.] the system of stars that contains our sun and its planets, seen as a bright band in the night sky
3 [C] (informal) a group of famous people, or people with a particular skill: a galaxy of Hollywood stars
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gale
noun
1 an extremely strong wind: The gale blew down hundreds of trees.  gale-force winds    (BrE) It’s blowing a gale outside (= a strong wind is blowing).
2 (gale(s) of laughter) the sound of very loud laughter: His speech was greeted with gales of laughter.
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gall
noun, verb
noun
1 rude behaviour showing a lack of respect that is surprising because the person doing it is not embarrassed: Then they had the gall to complain!
2 (formal) a bitter feeling full of hatred
SYN RESENTMENT
3 a swelling on plants and trees caused by insects, disease, etc.
4 (old-fashioned) = BILE

verb to make sb feel upset and angry, especially because sth is unfair: [vn to inf] It galls me to have to apologize to her. [alsovn, vn that] —see also GALLING

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gal.lant
adj., noun
adj.
1 (old-fashioned or literary) brave, especially in a very difficult situation: gallant soldiers / heroes  She made a gallant attempt to hide her tears.
2 (of a man) giving polite attention to women
gal.lant.ly adv.: She gallantly battled on alone.  He bowed and gallantly kissed my hand.

noun (old-fashioned) a fashionable young man, especially one who gives polite attention to women

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gal.lant.ry
noun [U] (formal)
1 courage, especially in a battle: a medal for gallantry
2 polite attention given by men to women
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'gall bladder
noun an organ attached to the LIVER in which BILE is stored
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gal.leon
noun a large Spanish sailing ship, used between the 15th and the 17th centuries
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gal.lery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a room or building for showing works of art, especially to the public: an art / a picture gallery  the National Gallery—see also ART GALLERY
2 a small private shop/store where you can see and buy works of art
3 an upstairs area at the back or sides of a large hall where people can sit: Relatives of the victim watched from the public gallery as the murder charge was read out in court.—see also PRESS GALLERY
4 the highest level in a theatre where the cheapest seats are
5 a long narrow room, especially one used for a particular purpose—see also SHOOTING GALLERY
6 a level passage under the ground in a mine or CAVE
IDM play to the 'gallery to behave in an exaggerated way to attract people’s attention
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gal.ley
noun
1 a long flat ship with sails, usually rowed by slaves or criminals, especially one used by the ancient Greeks or Romans in war
2 the kitchen on a ship or plane
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Gal.lic
adj. connected with or considered typical of France or its people: Gallic charm
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gall.ing
adj. [not usually before noun] (of a situation or fact) making you angry because it is unfair: It was galling to have to apologize to a man she hated.
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gal.li.vant
verb [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) ~ (about / around) (old-fashioned, informal) to go from place to place enjoying yourself: You’re too old to go gallivanting around Europe.
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gal.lon
noun (abbr. gal.) a unit for measuring liquid. In the UK it is equal to about 4.5 litres; in the US it is equal to about 3.8 litres. There are four QUARTS in a gallon .
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gal.lop
verb, noun
verb [usually +adv. / prep.]
1 [v] when a horse or similar animal gallops, it moves very fast and each STRIDE includes a stage when all four feet are off the ground together—compare CANTER
2 to ride a horse very fast, usually at a gallop : [v] Jo galloped across the field towards him.  [vn] He galloped his horse home.—compare CANTER
3 [v] (informal) (of a person) to run very quickly: She came galloping down the street.

noun
1 [sing.] the fastest speed at which a horse can run, with a stage in which all four feet are off the ground together: He rode off at a gallop .  My horse suddenly broke into a gallop .
2 [C] a ride on a horse at its fastest speed: to go for a gallop
3 [sing.] an unusually fast speed

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gal.lop.ing
adj. [only before noun] increasing or spreading rapidly: Galloping inflation is pushing up prices.
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gal.lows
noun (pl.gal.lows) a structure on which people, for example criminals, are killed by hanging: to send a man to the gallows (= to send him to his death by hanging)
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,gallows 'humour
(BrE ) (AmE,gallows 'humor) noun [U] jokes about unpleasant things like death
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gall.stone
noun a hard painful mass that can form in the GALL BLADDER
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gal.ore
adv. [after noun] (informal) in large quantities: There will be games and prizes galore.
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gal.oshes
noun [pl.] rubber shoes (no longer very common) that are worn over normal shoes in wet weather: a pair of galoshes
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gal.van.ic
adj.
1 (technical) producing an electric current by the action of a chemical on metal
2 (formal) making people react in a sudden and dramatic way
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gal.van.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (written) to make sb take action by shocking them or by making them excited: The urgency of his voice galvanized them into action .
2 (technical) to cover metal with ZINC in order to protect it from RUST : a galvanized bucket  galvanized steel
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gam.bit
noun
1 a thing that sb does, or sth that sb says at the beginning of a situation or conversation, that is intended to give them some advantage: an opening gambit (= the first thing you say)  The opposition have dismissed promises of tax cuts as a pre-election gambit.
2 a move or moves made at the beginning of a game of CHESS in order to gain an advantage later
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gam.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (on sth) to risk money on a card game, horse race, etc: [v] to gamble at cards / on the horses  [vn] I gambled all my winnings on the last race.
2 ~ (sth) (on sth) to risk losing sth in the hope of being successful: [vn] He’s gambling his reputation on this deal.  [v] It was wrong to gamble with our children’s future.
gam.bler noun: He was a compulsive gambler (= found it difficult to stop).
PVR V ,gamble sth<->a'way to lose sth such as money, possessions, etc. by gambling: Every weekend he drinks and gambles away his earnings. 'gamble on sth / on doing sth to take a risk with sth, hoping that you will be successful: He gambled on being able to buy a ticket at the last minute.

noun [sing.] an action that you take when you know there is a risk but when you hope that the result will be a success: She knew she was taking a gamble but decided it was worth it.  They invested money in the company right at the start and the gamble paid off (= brought them success).

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gam.bling
noun [U] the activity of playing games of chance for money and of betting on horses, etc: heavy gambling debts
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gam.bol
verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to jump or run about in a lively way: lambs gambolling in the meadow
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game
noun, adj.
noun
ACTIVITY / SPORT|
1 [C] an activity or a sport with rules in which people or teams compete against each other: card games  board games  a game of chance / skill  ball games, such as soccer or tennis   (AmE) We’re going to the ball game (= baseball match).—
2 [C] an occasion of playing a game : to play a game of football / chess  Saturday’s League game against Swansea  Let’s have a game of table tennis.  They’re in training for the big game.
3 [sing.] sb’s ~ the way in which sb plays a game : Hendry raised his game to collect the £40 000 first prize.  Stretching exercises can help you avoid injury and improve your game.
SPORTS|
4 (games) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) sport as a lesson or an activity at school: I always hated games at school.
5 (games) [pl.] a large organized sports event: the Olympic Games
PART OF SPORTS MATCH|
6 [C] a section of some games , such as tennis, which forms a unit in scoring: two games all (= both players have won two games)
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY|
7 [C] a children’s activity when they play with toys, pretend to be sb else, etc: a game of cops and robbers
FUN|
8 [C] an activity that you do to have fun: He was playing games with the dog.
BUSINESS|
9 [C] a type of activity or business: How long have you been in this game?  the game of politics / life  I’m new to this game myself.  Getting dirty was all part of the game to the kids.—see also WAITING GAME
SECRET PLAN|
10 [C] (informal) a secret and clever plan; a trick: So that’s his little game (= now I know what he has been planning).
WILD ANIMALS / BIRDS|
11 [U] wild animals or birds that people hunt for sport or food——see also BIG GAME , FAIR GAME be on the 'game (BrE, slang) to be a prostitute the game is 'up (BrE, informal) said to sb who has done sth wrong, when they are caught and the crime or trick has been discovered give the 'game away to tell a secret, especially by accident; to show sth that should be kept hidden play the 'game to behave in a fair and honest way play sb’s 'game to do sth which helps sb else’s plans, especially by accident, when you did not intend to help them play (silly) 'games (with sb) not to treat a situation seriously, especially in order to cheat or deceive sb: Don’t play silly games with me; I know you did it. 'two can play at 'that game used to tell sb who has played a trick on you that you can do the same thing to them what’s sb’s / your 'game? (BrE, spoken) used to ask why sb is behaving as they are—more at BEAT v. , CAT , FUN n. , MUG n. , NAME n. , NUMBER n. , RULE n. , WORTH adj.

adj. ~ (for sth / to do sth) ready and willing to do sth new, difficult or dangerous: She’s game for anything.  We need a volunteer for this exercise. Who’s game to try?

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'game bird
noun a bird that people hunt for sport or food
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game.keep.er
noun a person whose job is to take care of and breed wild animals and birds that are kept on private land in order to be hunted
IDM see POACHER
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game.ly
adv. in a way that seems brave, although a lot of effort is involved: She tried gamely to finish the race.
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'game plan
noun a plan for success in the future, especially in sport, politics or business
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'game reserve
(also 'game park) (both BrE ) (AmE 'game preserve) noun a large area of land where wild animals can live in safety
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'game show
noun a television programme in which people play games or answer questions to win prizes
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games.man.ship
noun [U] the ability to win games by making your opponent less confident and using rules to your advantage
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'game warden
noun a person whose job is to manage and take care of the wild animals in a GAME RESERVE
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gam.ine
adj. (written) (of a young woman) thin and attractive; looking like a boy
gam.ine noun
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gam.ing
noun [U] (old-fashioned orlaw ) = GAMBLING : He spent all night at the gaming tables.
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gamma
noun the third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ)
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,gamma radi'ation
noun [U] (also 'gamma rays [pl.]) rays of very short WAVELENGTH sent out by some RADIOACTIVE substances
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gam.mon
noun [U] (BrE ) meat from the back leg or side of a pig that has been CURED (= preserved using salt or smoke), usually served in thick slices: gammon steaks—compare BACON , HAM , PORK
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gammy
adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) (of a leg or knee) injured
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gamut
noun (the gamut) [sing.] the complete range of a particular kind of thing: The network will provide the gamut of computer services to your home.  She felt she had run the (whole) gamut of human emotions from joy to despair in one day.
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gan.der
noun a male GOOSE (= a bird like a large duck)
IDM have / take a 'gander (at sth) (informal) to look at sth—more at SAUCE
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G and T
noun a drink consisting of GIN mixed with TONIC WATER
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gang
noun, verb
noun
1 an organized group of criminals: criminal gang members and drug dealers  a gang of pickpockets  A four-man gang carried out the robbery.
2 a group of young people who spend a lot of time together and often cause trouble or fight against other groups: a gang of youths  a street gang
3 (informal) a group of friends who meet regularly: The whole gang will be there.
4 an organized group of workers or prisoners doing work together—see also CHAIN GANG

verb
PVR V ,gang to'gether (informal) to join together in a group in order to have more power or strength ,gang 'up (on / against sb) (informal) to join together in a group to hurt, frighten or oppose sb: At school the older boys ganged up on him and called him names.

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'gang bang
noun (slang)
1 an occasion when a number of people have sex with each other in a group
2 the RAPE of a person by a number of people one after the other
'gang-bang verb [vn]
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gang.bust.ers
noun
IDM like 'gangbusters (AmE, informal) with a lot of energy and enthusiasm
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gang.land
noun [sing.] the world of organized and violent crime: gangland killings
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gan.gling
(also gan.gly ) adj. (of a person) tall thin and awkward in their movements: a gangling youth / adolescent
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gan.glion
noun (pl.gan.glia ) (medical )
1 a mass of nerve cells
2 a swelling in a TENDON , often at the back of the hand
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gang.plank
noun a board for people to walk on between the side of a boat and the shore
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'gang rape
noun the RAPE of a person by a number of people one after the other
'gang-rape verb [vn]
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gan.grene
noun [U] the decay that takes place in a part of the body when the blood supply to it has been stopped because of an illness or injury: Gangrene set in and he had to have his leg amputated.
gan.gren.ous adj.
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gang.sta
noun
1 [C] (AmE, slang) a member of a street GANG
2 (also ,gangsta 'rap) [U] a type of modern music in which the words of a song are spoken to a steady rhythm. The words are usually aggressive and may be critical of women.
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gang.ster
noun a member of a group of violent criminals: Chicago gangsters
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gang.way
noun
1 (BrE) a passage between rows of seats in a theatre, an aircraft, etc.—compare AISLE
2 a bridge placed between the side of a ship and the shore so people can get on and off
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ganja
noun [U] (slang) = MARIJUANA
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gan.net
noun a large seabird that catches fish by DIVING (= going head first into the sea)
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gan.try
noun (pl.-ies) a tall metal frame that is used to support a CRANE , road signs, a spacecraft while it is still on the ground, etc.
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gaol, gaoler
(BrE ) = JAIL , JAILER
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gap
noun ~ (in / between sth)
1 a space between two things or in the middle of sth, especially because there is a part missing: a gap in a hedge / fence / wall  Leave a gap between your car and the next.
2 a period of time when sth stops, or between two events: a gap in the conversation  They met again after a gap of twenty years.   (BrE) a gap year (= a year between school and university when some students earn money, travel, etc.)
3 a difference that separates people, or their opinions, situation, etc: the gap between rich and poor  the gap between theory and practice—see also CREDIBILITY , GENERATION GAP
4 a space where sth is missing: His death left an enormous gap in my life.  There were several gaps in my education.  We think we’ve identified a gap in the market (= a business opportunity to make or sell sth that is not yet available).
IDM see BRIDGE v.
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gape
verb [v]
1 ~ (at sb/sth) to stare at sb/sth with your mouth open because you are shocked or surprised: Isabel gaped at him, horrified.
2 ~ (open) to be or become wide open: a gaping hole / mouth / wound  He stood yawning, his pyjama jacket gaping open.  A huge chasm gaped before them.
gape noun
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,gap-'toothed
adj. [usually before noun] having wide spaces between your teeth
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gar.age
noun, verb
noun
1 a building for keeping one or more cars or other vehicles in: (BrE) a house with a built-in garage   (AmE) a house with an attached garage  a double garage (= one for two cars)  a bus garage  an underground garage (= for example under an office building)—picture at HOUSE
2 a place where vehicles are repaired and where you can buy a car or buy petrol/gas and oil: a garage mechanic—see also PETROL STATION

verb [vn] to put or keep a vehicle in a garage

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'garage sale
noun a sale of used clothes, furniture, etc., held in the garage of sb’s house
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garb
noun (formal or humorous) clothes, especially unusual clothes or those worn by a particular type of person: military / prison garb
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gar.bage
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) waste food, paper, etc. that you throw away: garbage collection  Don’t forget to take out the garbage.
2 (especially AmE) a place or container where waste food, paper, etc. can be placed: Throw it in the garbage.
3 (informal) something stupid or not true
SYN RUBBISH : ‘You mean you believe all that garbage?’ he said.  note at RUBBISH
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'garbage can
noun (AmE ) = DUSTBIN
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'garbage man
(also formal 'garbage collector) noun (both AmE ) = DUSTMAN
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'garbage truck
noun (AmE ) = DUSTCART
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gar.banzo
(also gar'banzo ,bean) (both AmE) noun = CHICKPEA
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garbed
adj. [not before noun] (formal) ~ (in sth) dressed in a particular way: brightly garbed
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gar.bled
adj. (of a message or story) told in a way that confuses the person listening, usually by sb who is shocked or in a hurry: He gave a garbled account of what had happened.  There was a garbled message from her on my answering machine.
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Garda
noun
1 (the Garda) [U] the police force of the Republic of Ireland
2 (also garda) (pl.gardai ) a police officer of the Republic of Ireland
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gar.den
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (BrE) (AmE yard) a piece of land next to or around your house where you can grow flowers, fruit, vegetables, etc., usually with an area of grass, (called a LAWN ): a front / back garden  children playing in the garden  garden flowers / plants  out in the garden  a rose garden (= where only roses are grown)—see also KITCHEN GARDEN , MARKET GARDEN , ROCK GARDEN , ROOF GARDEN —picture at HOUSE
2 [C] (AmE) an area in a yard where you grow flowers or plants
3 [C] (usually gardens) a public park: the botanical gardens in Edinburgh   (AmE) The garden closes at 6 p.m.—see also ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
4 (gardens) [pl.] (abbr.Gdns) (BrE) used in the name of streets: 39 Belvoir Gardens
IDM everything in the garden is 'rosy (BrE, saying) everything is satisfactory—more at COMMON adj. , LEAD^1v.

verb [v] to work in a garden
gar.den.er noun: My wife’s a keen gardener.  We employ a gardener two days a week.
gar.den.ing noun [U]: organic gardening  gardening gloves  a gardening programme on TV

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'garden centre
noun (BrE ) a place that sells plants, seeds, garden equipment, etc.
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,garden 'city, ,garden 'suburb
nouns (BrE ) a city or part of a city that has been specially designed to have a lot of open spaces, parks and trees
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gar.denia
noun a bush with shiny leaves and large white or yellow flowers with a sweet smell, also called gardenias
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the ,Garden of 'Eden
noun [sing.] = EDEN
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'garden party
noun a formal social event that takes place in the afternoon in a large garden
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'garden-variety
adj. [only before noun] (AmE ) = COMMON OR GARDEN at COMMON adj. : He is not one of your garden-variety criminals.
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gar.gan.tuan
adj. [usually before noun] extremely large: a gargantuan appetite / meal
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gar.gle
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (with sth) to wash inside your mouth and throat by moving a liquid around at the back of your throat and then SPITTING it out

noun
1 [C, U] a liquid used for gargling : an antiseptic gargle
2 [sing.] an act of gargling or a sound like that made when gargling : to have a gargle with salt water

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gar.goyle
noun an ugly figure of a person or an animal that is made of stone and through which water is carried away from the roof of a building, especially a church
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gar.ish
adj. very brightly coloured in an unpleasant way: garish clothes / colours / lights
gar.ish.ly adv.: garishly decorated / lit / painted
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gar.land
noun, verb
noun a circle of flowers and leaves that is worn on the head or around the neck or is hung in a room as decoration

verb [vn] [usually passive] (literary) to decorate sb/sth with a garland or garlands

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gar.lic
noun [U] a vegetable of the onion family with a very strong taste and smell, used in cooking to give flavour to food: a clove of garlic (= one section of it)
gar.licky adj.: garlicky breath / food—
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gar.ment
noun (formal) a piece of clothing: a strange shapeless garment that had once been a jacket  woollen / winter / outer garments—see also UNDERGARMENT
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gar.ner
verb [vn] (formal) to obtain or collect sth such as information, support, etc.
SYN GATHER , ACQUIRE
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gar.net
noun a clear dark red precious stone that is fairly valuable
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gar.nish
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to decorate a dish of food with a small amount of another food

noun [C, U] a small amount of food that is used to decorate a larger dish of food

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gar.otte
(BrE ) = GARROTTE
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gar.ret
noun a room, often a small dark unpleasant one, at the top of a house, especially in the roof—compare ATTIC —see also LOFT
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gar.rison
noun, verb
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of soldiers living in a town or FORT to defend it; the buildings these soldiers live in: a garrison of 5 000 troops  a garrison town  Half the garrison is / are on duty.

verb [vn] to put soldiers in a place in order to defend it from attack: Two regiments were sent to garrison the town.  100 soldiers were garrisoned in the town.

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gar.rotte
(BrE also gar.otte) (AmE also gar.rote) verb, noun
verb [vn] to kill sb by putting a piece of wire, etc. around their neck and pulling it tight

noun a piece of wire, etc. used for garrotting sb

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gar.rul.ous
adj. talking a lot, especially about unimportant things
SYN TALKATIVE : He became positively garrulous after a few glasses of wine.
gar.rul.ous.ly adv.
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gar.ter
noun
1 a band, usually made of elastic, that is worn around the leg to keep up a sock or STOCKING
2 (AmE) = SUSPENDER
IDM see GUT n.
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'garter belt
noun (AmE ) = SUSPENDER BELT
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'garter snake
noun a harmless American snake with coloured lines along its back
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gas
noun, verb
noun (pl.gases or less frequent gas.ses)
NOT SOLID / LIQUID|
1 [C, U] any substance like air that is neither a solid nor a liquid, for example HYDROGEN and OXYGEN are both gases: Air is a mixture of gases.  CFC gases  a gas bottle / cylinder (= for storing gas)—see also GREENHOUSE GAS
2 [U] a particular type of gas or mixture of gases used as fuel for heating and cooking: a gas cooker / fire / furnace / oven / ring / stove  a gas explosion / leak  gas central heating   (BrE) Preheat the oven to gas mark 5 (= a particular temperature of a gas oven)—see also CALOR GAS , COAL GAS , NATURAL GAS
3 [U] a particular type of gas used during a medical operation, to make the patient sleep or to make the pain less: an anaesthetic gas  During the birth she was given gas and air.—see also LAUGHING GAS
4 [U] a particular type of gas used in war to kill or injure people, or used by the police to control people: a gas attack—see also CS GAS , NERVE GAS , TEAR GAS
IN VEHICLE|
5 [U] (AmE) = PETROL : a gas station
6 (the gas) [sing.] (especially AmE) = GAS PEDAL : Step on the gas , we’re late.
FUN|
7 [sing.] (especially AmE) a person or an event that is fun: The party was a real gas.
IN STOMACH|
8 [U] (AmE) = WIND^1 (2)

IDM see COOK v.
verb (-ss-)
KILL / HARM WITH GAS|
1 [vn] to kill or harm sb by making them breathe poisonous gas
TALK|
2 [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (old-fashioned, informal) to talk for a long time about things that are not important
SYN CHAT

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'gas chamber
noun a room that can be filled with poisonous gas for killing animals or people
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'gas-cooled
adj. [only before noun] using gas to keep the temperature cool: gas-cooled nuclear reactors
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gas.eous
adj. [usually before noun] like or containing gas: a gaseous mixture / emission  in gaseous form
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,gas-'fired
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE ) using gas as a fuel: gas-fired central heating
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'gas-guzzler
(also guz.zler) noun (informal, especially AmE ) a car that needs a lot of petrol/gas
'gas-guzzling adj. [only before noun]
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gash
noun, verb
noun ~ (in / on sth) a long deep cut in the surface of sth, especially a person’s skin

verb [vn] to make a long deep cut in sth, especially a person’s skin: He gashed his hand on a sharp piece of rock.

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gas.hold.er
noun = GASOMETER
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gas.ket
noun a flat piece of rubber, etc. placed between two metal surfaces in a pipe or an engine to prevent steam, gas or oil from escaping: The engine had blown a gasket (= had allowed steam, etc. to escape).   (figurative, informal) He blew a gasket at the news (= became very angry).
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'gas lamp
(also gas.light) noun a lamp in the street or in a house, that produces light from burning gas
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gas.light
noun
1 [U] light produced from burning gas: In the gaslight she looked paler than ever.
2 [C] = GAS LAMP
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gas.man
noun (pl.-men ) (informal) a man whose job is to visit people’s houses to see how much gas they have used, or to fit and check gas equipment
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'gas mantle
noun = MANTLE
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'gas mask
noun a piece of equipment worn over the face as protection against poisonous gas
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gaso.hol
noun [U] (AmE ) a mixture of petrol/gas and alcohol which can be used in cars
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gas.oline
(also gas.olene) noun [U] (AmE ) = PETROL
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gas.om.eter
(also gas.hold.er) noun a very large round container or building in which gas is stored and from which it is sent through pipes to other buildings
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gasp
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at sth) to take a quick deep breath with your mouth open, especially because you are surprised or in pain: [v] She gasped at the wonderful view.  They gasped in astonishment at the news.  [v speech] ‘What was that noise?’ he gasped.
2 ~ (sth) (out) to have difficulty breathing or speaking: [v] He came to the surface of the water gasping for air.  [vn] She managed to gasp out her name. [alsov speech]
3 be gasping (for sth) [v] (BrE, spoken) to want or need sth very badly, especially a drink or a cigarette

noun a quick deep breath, usually caused by a strong emotion: to give a gasp of horror / surprise / relief  His breath came in short gasps.
IDM see LAST det.

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'gas pedal
noun (especially AmE ) = ACCELERATOR
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'gas station
noun (AmE ) = PETROL STATION
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gassy
adj.
1 (BrE) (of drinks) containing too much gas in the form of bubbles
2 (AmE) (of people) having a lot of gas in your stomach, etc.
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gas.tric
adj. [only before noun] (medical ) connected with the stomach: a gastric ulcer  gastric flu  gastric juices (= the acids in your stomach that help you to digest food)
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gas.tri.tis
noun [U] (medical ) an illness in which the inside of the stomach becomes swollen and painful
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gastro-enteritis
noun [U] (medical ) an illness of the stomach and other food passages that causes DIARRHOEA and VOMITING
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gas.tro.nom.ic
adj. [only before noun] connected with cooking and eating good food: a gastronomic delight
gas.tro.nom.ic.al.ly adv.
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gas.tron.omy
noun [U] (formal) the art and practice of cooking and eating good food
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gas.works
noun (pl.gas.works) [C+sing./pl. v .] a factory where gas for lighting and heating is made from coal
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gate
noun
1 [C] a barrier like a door that is used to close an opening in a fence or a wall outside a building: an iron gate  He pushed open the garden gate.  A crowd gathered at the factory gates.  the gates of the city—see also STARTING GATE
2 [C] an opening that can be closed by a gate or gates : We drove through the palace gates.
3 [C] a barrier that is used to control the flow of water on a river or canal: a lock / sluice gate
4 [C] a way out of an airport through which passengers go to get on their plane: BA flight 726 to Paris is now boarding at gate 16.
5 [C] the number of people who attend a sports event: Tonight’s game has attracted the largest gate of the season.
6 (also 'gate money) [U] the amount of money made by selling tickets for a sports event: Today’s gate will be given to charity.
7 (-gate) (forming nouns from the names of people or places; used especially in newspapers) a political SCANDAL connected with the person or place mentioned: Whitewatergate
ORIGIN From Watergate, the scandal in the United States that brought about the resignation of President Nixon in 1974.
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gat.eau
noun [C, U] (pl.gat.eaux ) a large cake filled with cream and usually decorated with fruit, nuts, etc: a strawberry gateau  Is there any gateau left?—
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gate.crash
(also informal crash) verb [vn, v] to go to a party or social event without being invited
gate.crash.er noun
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gated
adj. [usually before noun] (of a road) having gates that need to be opened and closed by drivers
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,gated com'munity
noun a group of houses enclosed by a wall or fence, with an entrance that is guarded
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gate.house
noun a house built at or over a gate, for example at the entrance to a park or castle
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gate.keep.er
noun a person whose job is to check and control who is allowed to go through a gate
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'gate money
noun [U] = GATE (6)
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gate.post
noun a post to which a gate is attached or against which it is closed
IDM between you, me and the 'gatepost (BrE, informal) used to show that what you are going to say next is a secret
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gate.way
noun
1 an opening in a wall or fence that can be closed by a gate: They turned through the gateway on the left.
2 [usually sing.] ~ to / into … a place through which you can go to reach another larger place: Perth, the gateway to Western Australia
3 [usually sing.] ~ to sth a means of getting or achieving sth: A good education is the gateway to success.
4 (computing) a device that connects two computer NETWORKS (= systems of linked computers) that cannot be connected in any other way
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gather
verb
COME / BRING TOGETHER|
1 to come together, or bring people together, in one place to form a group: [v] A crowd soon gathered.  Can you all gather round ? I’ve got something to tell you.  The whole family gathered together at Ray’s home.  His supporters gathered in the main square.  [vn] They were all gathered round the TV.  A large crowd was gathered outside the studio.  The kids were gathered together in one room.
2 [vn] ~ sth (together / up) to bring things together that have been spread around: People slowly gathered their belongings and left the hall.  I waited while he gathered up his papers.
COLLECT|
3 [vn] to collect information from different sources: Detectives have spent months gathering evidence.
4 [vn] to collect plants, fruit, etc. from a wide area: to gather wild flowers
CROPS / HARVEST|
5 [vn] ~ sth (in) to pick or cut and collect crops to be stored: It was late August and the harvest had been safely gathered in.
BELIEVE / UNDERSTAND|
6 (not used in the progressive tenses) to believe or understand that sth is true because of information or evidence you have: [v (that)] I gather (that) you wanted to see me.  I gather from your letter that you’re not enjoying your job.  [vn] ‘There’s been a delay.’‘I gathered that.’  [v] ‘She won’t be coming.’‘So I gather .’  You’re self-employed, I gather.  As far as I can gather , he got involved in a fight.  From what I can gather , there’s been some kind of problem.
INCREASE|
7 [vn] to increase in speed, force, etc: The truck gathered speed .  During the 1980s the green movement gathered momentum .  Thousands of these machines are gathering dust (= not being used) in stockrooms.
OF CLOUDS / DARKNESS|
8 [v] to gradually increase in number or amount: The storm clouds were gathering.  the gathering gloom of a winter’s afternoon
CLOTHING|
9 [vn] ~ sth around you / sth| ~ sth up to pull a piece of clothing tighter to your body: He gathered his cloak around him.  She gathered up her skirts and ran.
10 [vn] ~ sth (in) to pull parts of a piece of clothing together in folds and sew them in place: She wore a skirt gathered (in) at the waist.
HOLD SB|
11 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to pull sb towards you and put your arms around them: She gathered the child in her arms and held him close.  He gathered her to him.
PREPARE YOURSELF|
12 [vn] to prepare yourself to do sth that requires effort: I sat down for a moment to gather my strength.  She was still trying to gather her thoughts together when the door opened.  Fortunately the short delay gave him time to gather himself.
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gath.er.er
noun a person who collects sth: prehistoric hunters and gatherers
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gath.er.ing
noun
1 [C] a meeting of people for a particular purpose: a social / family gathering  a gathering of religious leaders
2 [U] the process of collecting sth: methods of information gathering
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gathers
noun [pl.] small folds that are sewn into a piece of clothing
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gauche
adj. awkward when dealing with people and often saying or doing the wrong thing: a gauche schoolgirl / manner
gauche.ness (also gauch.erie ) noun [U]: the gaucheness of youth
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gau.cho
noun (pl.-os) a S American cowboy
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gaudy
adj. (gaud.ier, gaudi.est) (disapproving) too brightly coloured in a way that lacks taste: gaudy clothes / colours
gaud.ily adv.: gaudily dressed / painted
gaudi.ness noun [U]
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gauge
(AmE also gage) noun, verb
noun
1 (often in compounds) an instrument for measuring the amount or level of sth: a fuel / petrol / temperature gauge
2 a measurement of the width or thickness of sth: What gauge of wire do we need?
3 (also bore especially in BrE) a measurement of the width of the BARREL of a gun: a 12-gauge shotgun
4 the distance between the rails of a railway/railroad track or the wheels of a train: standard gauge (= 56½ inches in Britain)  a narrow gauge (= narrower than standard) railway / train
5 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (written) a fact or an event that can be used to estimate or judge sth: Tomorrow’s game against Arsenal will be a good gauge of their promotion chances.

verb
1 to make a judgement about sth, especially people’s feelings or attitudes: [vn] They interviewed employees to gauge their reaction to the changes.  He tried to gauge her mood.  [v wh-] It was difficult to gauge whether she was angry or not.
2 [vn] to measure sth accurately using a special instrument: precision instruments that can gauge the diameter to a fraction of a millimetre
3 to calculate sth approximately: [vn] We were able to gauge the strength of the wind from the movement of the trees. [alsov wh-]

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gaunt
adj.
1 (of a person) very thin, usually because of illness, hunger or worry: a gaunt face
2 (of a building) not attractive and without any decoration: the gaunt ruin of Pendragon Castle
gaunt.ness noun [U]
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gaunt.let
noun
1 a metal glove worn as part of a suit of ARMOUR by soldiers in the Middle Ages
2 a strong glove with a wide covering for the wrist, used for example when driving: motorcyclists with leather gauntlets
IDM run the 'gauntlet to be criticized or attacked by a lot of people, especially a group of people that you have to walk through: Some of the witnesses had to run the gauntlet of television cameras and reporters. take up the 'gauntlet to accept sb’s invitation to fight or compete throw down the 'gauntlet to invite sb to fight or compete with you
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gauze
noun
1 [U] a light transparent fabric, usually made of cotton or silk
2 [U] a thin cotton fabric used for covering and protecting wounds: a gauze dressing
3 [U, C] material made of a NETWORK of wire; a piece of this: a wire gauze—picture at LABORATORY
gauzy adj. [usually before noun]: a gauzy material
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gave
pt of GIVE
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gavel
noun a small hammer used by a person in charge of a meeting or an AUCTION , or by a judge in a court of law, in order to get people’s attention
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ga.votte
noun a French dance that was popular in the past; a piece of music for this dance
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Gawd
noun, exclamation (informal) used in written English to show that the word 'God' is being pronounced in a particular way to express surprise, anger or fear: For Gawd’s sake hurry up!
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gawk
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) (informal) to stare at sb/sth in a rude or stupid way
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gawky
adj. (especially of a tall young person) awkward in the way they move or behave: a shy gawky teenager
gawk.ily adv.
gawki.ness noun [U]
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gawp
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) (BrE , informal) to stare at sb/sth in a rude or stupid way
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gay
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of people, especially men) sexually attracted to people of the same sex
SYN HOMOSEXUAL : gay men  I didn’t know he was gay.  Is she gay?
OPP STRAIGHT
2 [only before noun] connected with people who are gay : a gay club / bar  the lesbian and gay community
3 (gayer, gayest) (old-fashioned) happy and full of fun: gay laughter  She felt lighthearted and gay.
4 (old-fashioned) brightly coloured: The garden was gay with red geraniums.—see also GAIETY , GAILY
IDM with 'gay abandon without thinking about the results or effects of a particular action

noun a person who is HOMOSEXUAL , especially a man

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gay.ness
noun [U] the state of being HOMOSEXUAL —compare GAIETY
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gaze
verb, noun
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially written) to look steadily at sb/sth for a long time, either because you are very interested or surprised, or because you are thinking of sth else: She gazed at him in amazement.  He sat for hours just gazing into space .

noun [usually sing.] a long steady look at sb/sth: He met her gaze (= looked at her while she looked at him).  She dropped her gaze (= stopped looking).

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gaz.ebo
noun (pl.-os) a small building with open sides in a garden/yard, especially one with a view
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gaz.elle
noun (pl.gaz.elle or gaz.elles) a small graceful ANTELOPE (= an African animal like a deer)
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gaz.ette
noun
1 an official newspaper published by a particular organization containing important information about decisions that have been made and people who have been employed
2 (Gazette) used in the titles of some newspapers: the Evening Gazette
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gaz.et.teer
noun a list of place names published as a book or at the end of a book
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gaz.ump
verb [vn] [usually passive] (BrE ) when sb who has made an offer to pay a particular price for a house and who has had this offer accepted is gazumped, their offer is no longer accepted by the person selling the house, because sb else has made a higher offer
gaz.ump.ing noun [U]
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GB
abbr. Great Britain
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GBH
abbr. (BrE, law ) GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM
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GCE
noun [C, U] a British exam taken by students in England and Wales and some other countries in any of a range of subjects. GCE O levels were replaced in 1988 by GCSE exams. (abbreviation for ‘General Certificate of Education’)—compare O LEVEL , A LEVEL
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GCSE
noun [C, U] a British exam taken by students in England and Wales and some other countries, usually around the age of 16. GCSE can be taken in any of a range of subjects (abbreviation for ‘General Certificate of Secondary Education’): She’s got 10 GCSEs.  He’s doing German at GCSE.—compare A LEVEL
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Gdns
abbr. (BrE ) (used in written addresses) Gardens: 7 Windsor Gdns
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GDP
noun the abbreviation for ‘gross domestic product’ (the total value of all the goods and services produced by a country in one year)—compare GNP
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GDR
abbr. German Democratic Republic (the former East Germany)
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gear
noun, verb
noun
IN VEHICLE|
1 [C, usually pl.] machinery in a vehicle that turns engine power (or power on a bicycle) into movement forwards or backwards: Careless use of the clutch may damage the gears.—picture at BICYCLE
2 [U, C] a particular position of the gears in a vehicle that gives a particular range of speed and power: first / second, etc. gear  reverse gear  low / high gear   (BrE) bottom / top gear   (BrE) to change gear   (AmE) to shift gear  When parking on a hill, leave the car in gear .  What gear are you in?  He drove wildly, crashing through the gears like a maniac.
EQUIPMENT / CLOTHES|
3 [U] the equipment or clothing needed for a particular activity: climbing / fishing / sports gear—see also HEADGEAR , RIOT GEAR
4 [U] (informal) clothes: wearing the latest gear
POSSESSIONS|
5 [U] (informal) the things that a person owns: I’ve left all my gear at Dave’s house.
MACHINERY|
6 [U] (often in compounds) a piece of machinery used for a particular purpose: lifting / towing / winding gear—see also LANDING GEAR
SPEED / EFFORT|
7 [U, C] the speed or effort involved in doing sth: (BrE) The party organization is moving into top gear as the election approaches.   (AmE) to move into high gear   Coming out of the final bend, the runner stepped up a gear to overtake the rest of the pack.
DRUGS|
8 [U] (slang) illegal drugs get into 'gear | get sth into 'gear to start working, or to start sth working, in an efficient way (slip / be thrown) out of 'gear (of emotions or situations) (to become) out of control: She said nothing in case her temper slipped out of gear.

IDM see ASS
verb 'gear sth to / towards sth [usually passive] to make, change or prepare sth so that it is suitable for a particular purpose: The course had been geared towards the specific needs of its members. ,gear 'up (for / to sth)| ,gear sb/sth<->'up (for / to sth) to prepare yourself/sb/sth to do sth: Cycle organizations are gearing up for National Bike Week.—see also GEARED

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gear.box
noun the part containing the GEARS of a vehicle
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geared
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ to / towards sth| ~ to do sth designed or organized to achieve a particular purpose, or to be suitable for a particular group of people: The programme is geared to preparing students for the world of work.  The resort is geared towards children.
2 ~ up (for sth)| ~ up (to do sth) prepared and ready for sth: We have people on board geared up to help with any problems.
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gear.ing
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (AmE le.ver.age) (finance) the relationship between the amount of money that a company owes and the value of its shares
2 a particular set or arrangement of GEARS in a machine or vehicle
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'gear lever
(also 'gear.stick) (both BrE ) (AmE 'gear shift, 'stick shift) noun a handle used to change the GEARS of a vehicle—picture at CAR , STICK
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gecko
noun (pl.-os or -oes) a small LIZARD (= a type of reptile) that lives in warm countries
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ged.dit?
abbr. (informal, spoken) Do you get it? (= Do you understand the joke?)
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gee
exclamation, verb
exclamation (especially AmE ) a word that some people use to show that they are surprised, impressed or annoyed: Gee, what a great idea!

verb (BrE )
PVR V ,gee sb<->'up| ,gee sb<->'on to encourage sb to work harder, perform better, etc. ,gee 'up used to tell a horse to start moving or to go faster

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'gee-gee
noun (BrE , informal) (used especially by and to young children) a horse
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geek
noun (slang, especially AmE ) a person who is boring, who wears clothes that are not fashionable, etc.
geeky adj.
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geese
pl. of GOOSE
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gee whiz
exclamation (old-fashioned, especially AmE ) = GEE
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gee.zer
noun (informal)
1 (BrE) a man: Some geezer called Danny did it.
2 (AmE) an old man, especially one who is rather strange
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Gei.ger count.er
noun a device used for finding and measuring RADIOACTIVITY
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gei.sha
(also 'geisha girl) noun a Japanese woman who is trained to entertain men with conversation, dancing and singing
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gel
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a thick substance like jelly, especially one used in products for the hair or skin: hair / shower gel

verb (-ll-)
1 [v] (BrE) (also jellAmE, BrE) (of two or more people) to work well together; to form a successful group: We just didn’t gel as a group.
2 [v] (BrE) (also jellAmE, BrE) (of an idea, a thought, a plan, etc.) to become clearer and more definite; to work well: Ideas were beginning to gel in my mind.  That day, everything gelled.
3 [v] (also jell especially in AmE) (technical) (of a liquid) to become thicker and more solid; to form a gel
4 [vn] [usually passive] to put gel on your hair

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gel.atin
(also gel.atine ) noun [U] a clear substance without any taste that is made from boiling animal bones and is used to make jelly, photographic film, etc.
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gel.at.in.ous
adj. thick and sticky, like a jelly: a gelatinous mixture / substance
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geld
verb [vn] (technical ) to remove the TESTICLES of a male animal, especially a horse
SYN CASTRATE
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geld.ing
noun a horse that has been CASTRATED —compare STALLION
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gel.ig.nite
noun [U] a powerful explosive
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gem
noun
1 (also less frequent gem.stone ) a precious stone that has been cut and polished and is used in jewellery: a crown studded with gems
2 a person, place or thing that is especially good: This picture is the gem (= the best) of the collection.  a gem of a place  She’s a real gem!—compare JEWEL
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Gem.ini
noun
1 [U] the third sign of the ZODIAC , the TWINS
2 [C] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 22 May and 21 June
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Gen.
abbr. (in writing) General: Gen. (Stanley) Armstrong
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gen
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (on sth) (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) information

verb (-nn-)
PVR V ,gen 'up (on sth)| ,gen sb / yourself 'up (on sth) (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to find out or give sb information about sth

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gen.darme
noun (from French ) a member of the French police force
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gen.der
noun
1 [C, U] the fact of being male or female: issues of class, race and gender  gender differences / relations / roles
2 [C] (grammar) (in some languages) each of the classes (MASCULINE , FEMININE and sometimes NEUTER ) into which nouns, pronouns and adjectives are divided. Different genders may have different endings, etc.
3 [U] (grammar) (in some languages) the division of nouns, pronouns and adjectives into different genders : In French the adjective must agree with the noun in number and gender.
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'gender-specific
adj. connected with women only or with men only: The report was redrafted to remove gender-specific language.
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gene
noun (biology ) a unit inside a cell which controls a particular quality in a living thing that has been passed on from its parents: a dominant / recessive gene  genes that code for the colour of the eyes—see also GENETIC
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ge.neal.ogist
noun a person who studies family history
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ge.neal.ogy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the study of family history, including the study of who the ancestors of a particular person were
2 [C] a particular person’s line of ancestors; a diagram that shows this
ge.nea.logic.al adj. [only before noun]: a genealogical chart / table / tree (= a chart with branches that shows a person’s ancestors)
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'gene pool
noun (biology ) all of the GENES available to a particular SPECIES of animal or plant
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gen.era
pl. of GENUS
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gen.eral
adj., noun
adj.
AFFECTING ALL|
1 affecting all or most people, places or things: The general opinion is that the conference was a success.  the general belief / consensus  a general strike  books of general interest (= of interest to most people)  The bad weather has been fairly general (= has affected most areas).
USUAL|
2 [usually before noun] normal; usual: There is one exception to this general principle.  As a general rule (= usually) he did what he could to be helpful.  This opinion is common among the general population (= ordinary people).
NOT DETAILED|
3 including the most important aspects of sth; not exact or detailed
SYN OVERALL : I check the bookings to get a general idea of what activities to plan.  I know how it works in general terms .  They gave a general description of the man.
DIRECTION / AREA|
4 the ~ direction / area approximately, but not exactly, the direction/area mentioned: They fired in the general direction of the enemy.
NOT LIMITED|
5 not limited to a particular subject, use or activity: a general hospital  general education  We shall at this stage keep the discussion fairly general.
6 not limited to one part or aspect of a person or thing: a general anaesthetic  The building was in a general state of disrepair.
HIGHEST IN RANK|
7 [only before noun] (also General [after noun]) highest in rank; CHIEF : the general manager  the Inspector General of Police—see also ATTORNEY-GENERAL , DIRECTOR-GENERAL , GOVERNOR GENERAL , SECRETARY GENERAL , SOLICITOR GENERAL , SURGEON GENERAL in 'general
1 usually; mainly: In general, Japanese cars are very reliable and breakdowns are rare.
2 as a whole: This is a crucial year for your relationships in general and your love life in particular.

noun (abbr. Gen.) an officer of very high rank in the army and the US air force; the officer with the highest rank in the Marines: a four-star general  General Tom Parker—see also BRIGADIER GENERAL , MAJOR GENERAL

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,General Cer,tificate of Edu'cation
noun = GCE
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,General Cer,tificate of ,Secondary Edu'cation
noun = GCSE
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,general 'counsel
noun (in the US) the main lawyer who gives legal advice to a company
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,general de'livery
noun [U] (AmE ) = POSTE RESTANTE
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,general e'lection
noun an election in which all the people of a country vote to choose a government—compare BY-ELECTION
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,general head'quarters
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] = GHQ
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gen.er.al.ist
noun a person who has knowledge of several different subjects or activities—compare SPECIALIST
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gen.er.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, usually pl.] a statement that discusses general principles or issues rather than details or particular examples: to speak in broad generalities  As usual, he confined his comments to generalities.
2 (the generality) [pl.] (formal) most of a group of people or things: This view is held by the generality of leading scholars.
3 [U] (formal) the quality of being general rather than detailed or exact: An account of such generality is of little value.
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gen.er.al.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun [C, U] a general statement that is based on only a few facts or examples; the act of making such statements: a speech full of broad / sweeping generalizations  to make generalizations about sth  Try to avoid generalization.
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gen.er.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [v] ~ (from sth) to use a particular set of facts or ideas in order to form an opinion that is considered valid for a different situation: It would be foolish to generalize from a single example.
2 [v] ~ (about sth) to make a general statement about sth and not look at the details: It is dangerous to generalize about the poor.
3 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (to sth) (formal) to apply a theory, idea, etc. to a wider group or situation than the original one: These conclusions cannot be generalized to the whole country.
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gen.er.al.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. [usually before noun] not detailed; not limited to one particular area: a generalized discussion / statement / view  a generalized disease / rash (= affecting the whole body)
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,general 'knowledge
noun [U] knowledge of facts about a lot of different subjects: a general knowledge quiz
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gen.er.al.ly
adv.
1 by or to most people: The plan was generally welcomed.  It is now generally accepted that …  The new drug will be generally available from January.  He was a generally unpopular choice for captain.
2 in most cases
SYN USUALLY : I generally get up at six.  The male is generally larger with a shorter beak.
3 without discussing the details of sth: Let’s talk just about investment generally.
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,general 'practice
noun [U, C] (BrE ) the work of a doctor who treats people in the community rather than at a hospital and who is not a specialist in one particular area of medicine; a place where a doctor like this works: to be in general practice  She runs a general practice in Hull.
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,general prac'titioner
(also ,family prac'titioner) (abbr. GP) (also informal ,family 'doctor) noun (especially BrE ) a doctor who is trained in general medicine and who treats patients in a local community rather than at a hospital
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the ,general 'public
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] ordinary people who are not members of a particular group or organization: At that time, the general public was / were not aware of the health risks.  The exhibition is not open to the general public.
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,general 'purpose
adj. [only before noun] having a wide range of different uses: a general purpose farm vehicle
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,general 'staff
(often the general staff) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] officers who advise a military leader and help to plan a military operation
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,general 'store
noun (BrE also ,general 'stores [pl.]) a shop/store that sells a wide variety of goods, especially one in a small town or village: She runs the post office and general store.
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gen.er.ate
verb [vn] to produce or create sth: to generate electricity / heat / power  to generate income / profit  We need someone to generate new ideas.  The proposal has generated a lot of interest.
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gen.er.ation
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people who were born at about the same time: the younger / older generation  My generation have grown up without the experience of a world war.  I often wonder what future generations will make of our efforts.
2 [C] the average time in which children grow up, become adults and have children of their own, (usually considered to be about 30 years): a generation ago  My family have lived in this house for generations .
3 [C, U] a single stage in the history of a family: stories passed down from generation to generation  a first- / second- generation American (= a person whose family has lived in America for one / two generations)
4 [C, usually sing.] a group of people of similar age involved in a particular activity: She has inspired a whole generation of fashion school graduates.
5 [C, usually sing.] a stage in the development of a product, usually a technical one: fifth-generation computing  a new generation of vehicle
6 [U] the production of sth, especially electricity, heat, etc: the generation of electricity  methods of income generation
7 [U] (biology) the development of animals, plants, etc: spontaneous generation
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gen.er.ation.al
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a particular generation or with the relationship between different generations : generational conflict
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the gene'ration gap
noun [sing.] the difference in attitude or behaviour between young and older people that causes a lack of understanding: a movie that is sure to bridge the generation gap
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Gene,ration 'X
noun [U] the group of people who were born between the early 1960s and the middle of the 1970s, who seem to lack a sense of direction in life and to feel that they have no part to play in society
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gen.era.tive
adj. (formal) that can produce sth: generative processes
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gen.er.ator
noun
1 a machine for producing electricity: The factory’s emergency generators were used during the power cut.  a wind generator (= a machine that uses the power of the wind to produce electricity)
2 a machine for producing a particular substance: The museum uses smells and smoke generators to create atmosphere.   (figurative) The company is a major generator of jobs.
3 (BrE) a company that produces electricity to sell to the public: the UK’s major electricity generator
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gen.er.ic
adj.
1 shared by, including or typical of a whole group of things; not SPECIFIC : ‘Vine fruit’ is the generic term for currants and raisins.
2 (of a product, especially a drug) not using the name of the company that made it: generic brands  The doctor offered me a choice of a branded or a generic drug.
gen.er.ic.al.ly adv.
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gen.er.os.ity
noun [U, sing.] ~ (to / towards sb) the fact of being generous (= willing to give sb money, gifts, time or kindness freely): He treated them with generosity and thoughtfulness.
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gen.er.ous
adj. (approving)
1 ~ (with sth) giving or willing to give freely; given freely: a generous benefactor  to be generous with your time / money  to be generous in giving help  a generous gift / offer  It was generous of him to offer to pay for us both.
OPP MEAN
2 more than is necessary; large: a generous helping of meat  a generous increase in salary  The car has a generous amount of space.
3 kind in the way you treat people; willing to see what is good about sb/sth: a generous mind / spirit  He wrote a very generous assessment of my work.
gen.er.ous.ly adv.: Please give generously.  a dress that is generously cut (= uses plenty of fabric)
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gen.esis
noun [sing.] (formal) the beginning or origin of sth
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gen.et.ic
adj. connected with GENES (= the units in the cells of a living thing that control its physical characteristics) or GENETICS (= the study of genes ): genetic and environmental factors  genetic abnormalities
gen.et.ic.al.ly adv.: genetically engineered / determined / modified / transmitted
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ge,netic 'code
noun the arrangement of GENES that controls how each living thing will develop
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ge,netic ,engi'neering
noun [U] the science of changing how a living creature or plant develops by changing the information in its GENES
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ge,netic 'fingerprinting
noun [U] the method of finding the particular pattern of GENES in an individual person, particularly to identify sb or find out if sb has committed a crime
ge,netic 'fingerprint noun [C]
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gen.eti.cist
noun a scientist who studies genetics
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gen.et.ics
noun [U] the scientific study of the ways in which different characteristics are passed from each GENERATION of living things to the next
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gen.ial
adj. friendly and cheerful: a genial person  a genial smile / tone
geni.al.ity noun [U]: an atmosphere of warmth and geniality
geni.al.ly adv.: to smile genially
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genie
noun (pl.gen.ies or genii ) (in Arabian stories) a spirit with magic powers, especially one that lives in a bottle or a lamp
SYN DJINN
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geni.tal
adj. [only before noun] connected with the outer sexual organs of a person or an animal: the genital area  genital infections
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geni.tals
(also geni.talia ) noun [pl.] (anatomy ) a person’s sex organs that are outside their body
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geni.tive
noun (grammar ) (in some languages) the special form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective that is used to show possession or close connection between two things—compare ACCUSATIVE , DATIVE , NOMINATIVE , POSSESSIVE , VOCATIVE
geni.tive adj.
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ge.nius
noun (pl.ge.niuses)
1 [U] unusually great intelligence, skill or artistic ability: the genius of Shakespeare  a statesman of genius  Her idea was a stroke of genius .
2 [C] a person who is unusually intelligent or artistic, or who has a very high level of skill, especially in one area: a mathematical / comic genius  He’s a genius at organizing people.  You don’t have to be a genius to see that they are in love!
3 [sing.] ~ for sth / for doing sth a special skill or ability: He had a genius for making people feel at home.
IDM sb’s good / evil 'genius (especially BrE) a person or spirit who is thought to have a good/bad influence over you
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geno.cide
noun [U] the murder of a whole race or group of people
geno.cidal adj.
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gen.ome
noun (biology ) the complete set of GENES in a cell or living thing: the human genome
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genre
noun (formal) a particular type or style of literature, art, film or music that you can recognize because of its special features
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gent
noun (BrE )
1 (old-fashioned or humorous) a man; a GENTLEMAN : a gent’s hairdresser  This way please, ladies and gents!
2 (a / the gents, a / the Gents) [sing.] (informal) a public toilet for men: Is there a gents near here?  Where’s the gents?
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gen.teel
adj. (sometimes disapproving)
1 (of people and their way of life) quiet and polite, often in an exaggerated way; from, or pretending to be from, a high social class: a genteel manner / upbringing  Her genteel accent irritated me.  He lived in genteel poverty (= trying to keep the style of a high social class, but with little money).
2 (of places) quiet and old-fashioned and perhaps slightly boring
gen.teel.ly adv.
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gen.tian
noun [C, U] a small plant with bright blue flowers that grows in mountain areas
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gen.tile
(also Gentile) noun a person who is not Jewish
gen.tile (also Gentile) adj. [only before noun]
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gen.til.ity
noun [U] (formal)
1 very good manners and behaviour; the fact of belonging to a high social class: He took her hand with discreet gentility.  She thinks expensive clothes are a mark of gentility.
2 the fact of being quiet and old-fashioned: the faded gentility of the town
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gen.tle
adj. (gent.ler gent.lest )
1 calm and kind; doing things in a quiet and careful way: a quiet and gentle man  a gentle voice / laugh / touch  She was the gentlest of nurses.  He lived in a gentler age than ours.  Be gentle with her!  She agreed to come, after a little gentle persuasion.  He looks scary but he’s really a gentle giant .
2 (of weather, temperature, etc.) not strong or extreme: a gentle breeze  the gentle swell of the sea  Cook over a gentle heat.
3 having only a small effect; not strong or violent: We went for a gentle stroll.  a little gentle work / exercise  This soap is very gentle on the hands.
4 not steep or sharp: a gentle slope / curve / angle—see also GENTLY
gentle.ness noun [U]
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gentle.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 [C] a man who is polite and well educated, who has excellent manners and always behaves well: Thank you—you’re a real gentleman.  He’s no gentleman!—compare LADY
2 [C, often pl.] (formal) used to address or refer to a man, especially sb you do not know: Ladies and gentlemen! Can I have your attention, please?  Gentlemen of the jury!  Can I help you, gentlemen?  There’s a gentleman to see you.
HELP In more informal speech, you could say: Can I help you?  There’s someone to see you.
3 (old-fashioned) a man from a high social class, especially one who does not need to work: a country gentleman  a gentleman farmer (= one who owns a farm, but does no physical work)
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gentle.man.ly
adj. (approving) behaving very well and showing very good manners; like a gentleman : gentlemanly behaviour  So far, the election campaign has been a very gentlemanly affair.
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,gentleman’s a'greement
(also ,gentlemen’s a'greement) noun an agreement made between people who trust each other, which is not written down and which has no legal force
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gentle.woman
noun (pl.-women ) (old use) a woman who belongs to a high social class; a woman who is well educated and has excellent manners
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gen.tly
adv.
1 in a gentle way: She held the baby gently.  ‘You miss them, don’t you?’ he asked gently.  Simmer the soup gently for 30 minutes.  Massage the area gently but firmly .  leaves moving gently in the breeze  The path ran gently down to the sea.
2 (Gently!) (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb to be careful: Gently! You’ll hurt the poor thing!  Don’t go too fast—gently does it!
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gen.tri.fy
verb (gen.tri.fies, gen.tri.fy.ing, gen.tri.fied, gen.tri.fied) [vn] [usually passive] to change an area, a person, etc. so that they are suitable for, or can mix with, people of a higher social class than before: Old working class areas of the city are being gentrified.
gen.tri.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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gen.try
noun [pl.] (usually the gentry) (old-fashioned) people belonging to a high social class: the local gentry  the landed gentry (= those who own a lot of land)
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genu.flect
verb [v] (formal)
1 to lower your body by bending one or both knees, as a sign of respect during worship in a church
2 ~ (to sth) (disapproving) to show too much respect to sb/sth
genu.flec.tion (BrE also genu.flex.ion) noun [C, U]
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genu.ine
adj.
1 real; exactly what it appears to be; not artificial: Is the painting a genuine Picasso?  Fake designer watches are sold at a fraction of the price of the genuine article .  Only genuine refugees can apply for asylum.
2 sincere and honest; that can be trusted: He made a genuine attempt to improve conditions.  genuine concern for others  a very genuine person
genu.ine.ly adv.: genuinely sorry
genu.ine.ness noun [U]
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genus
noun (pl.gen.era ) (biology ) a group into which animals, plants, etc. that have similar characteristics are divided, smaller than a family and larger than a SPECIES —compare CLASS , KINGDOM , ORDER , PHYLUM —see also GENERIC
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geo-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) of the earth: geochemical  geoscience
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geog.raph.er
noun a person who studies geography; an expert in geography
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geog.raphy
noun
1 [U] the scientific study of the earth’s surface, physical features, divisions, products, population, etc: human / physical / economic / social geography  a geography lesson / department / teacher / textbook  a degree in geography
2 [sing.] the way in which the physical features of a place are arranged: the geography of New York City  Kim knew the geography of the building and strode along the corridor.
3 [sing.] the way in which a particular aspect of life or society is influenced by geography or varies according to geography : The geography of poverty and the geography of voting are connected.
geo.graph.ic.al adj.: The survey covers a wide geographical area.  The importance of the town is due to its geographical location.
geo.graph.ic.al.ly adv.: geographically remote areas
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geolo.gist
noun a scientist who studies geology
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geol.ogy
noun
1 [U] the scientific study of the earth, including the origin and history of the rocks and soil of which the earth is made
2 [sing.] the origin and history of the rocks and soil of a particular area: the geology of the British Isles
geo.logic.al adj.: a geological survey / map
geo.logic.al.ly adv.
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geo.met.ric
(also less frequent geo.met.ric.al ) adj. of GEOMETRY ; of or like the lines, shapes, etc. used in GEOMETRY , especially because of having regular shapes or lines: a geometric design
geo.met.ric.al.ly adv.
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geo,metric 'mean
noun = MEAN
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geo,metric pro'gression
noun a series of numbers in which each is multiplied or divided by a fixed number to produce the next, for example 1, 3, 9, 27, 81—compare ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION
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geom.etry
noun
1 [U] the branch of mathematics that deals with the measurements and relationships of lines, angles, surfaces and solids
2 [sing.] the measurements and relationships of lines, angles, etc. in a particular object or shape: the geometry of a spider’s web
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geo.phys.ics
noun [U] the scientific study of the earth’s atmosphere, oceans and climate
geo.phys.ic.al adj.: geophysical data / surveys
geo.physi.cist noun
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geo.pol.it.ics
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] the political relations between countries and groups of countries in the world; the study of these relations
geo.pol.it.ical adj.
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Geor.die
noun (BrE , informal)
1 [C] a person from Tyneside in NE England
2 [U] a way of speaking, typical of people from Tyneside in NE England
Geor.die adj.: a Geordie accent
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Geor.gian
adj. (especially of architecture and furniture) from the time of the British kings George I–IV (1714–1830): a fine Georgian house
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ge.ra.nium
noun a garden plant with a mass of red, pink or white flowers on the end of each stem
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ger.bil
noun a small desert animal like a mouse, that is often kept as a pet
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geri.at.ric
noun
1 (geriatrics) [U] the branch of medicine concerned with the diseases and care of old people
2 [C] (informal, offensive) an old person, especially one with poor physical or mental health: I’m not a geriatric yet, you know!
geri.at.ric adj.: the geriatric ward (= in a hospital)  a geriatric vehicle (= old and in bad condition)
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geria.tri.cian
noun a doctor who studies and treats the diseases of old people
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germ
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a very small living thing that can cause infection and disease: Disinfectant kills germs.  Dirty hands can be a breeding ground for germs.
2 [sing.] ~ of sth an early stage of the development of sth: Here was the germ of a brilliant idea.
3 [C] (biology) the part of a plant or an animal that can develop into a new one—see also WHEATGERM
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ger.mane
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to sth) (formal) (of ideas, remarks, etc.) connected with sth in an important or appropriate way: remarks that are germane to the discussion
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Ger.man.ic
adj.
1 connected with or considered typical of Germany or its people: She had an almost Germanic regard for order.
2 connected with the language family that includes German, English, Dutch and Swedish among others
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German measles
(also ru.bella) noun [U] a mild infectious disease that causes a sore throat and red spots all over the body. It can seriously affect babies born to women who catch it soon after they become pregnant.
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,German 'shepherd
noun (especially AmE ) = ALSATIAN
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ger.min.ate
verb when the seed of a plant germinates or is germinated, it starts to grow: [v] (figurative) An idea for a novel began to germinate in her mind. [alsovn]
ger.min.ation noun [U]
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,germ 'warfare
noun [U] = BIOLOGICAL WARFARE
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ger.ont.olo.gist
noun (especially AmE ) a person who studies the process of people growing old
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ge.ron.tol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of old age and the process of growing old
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ger.ry.man.der
verb [vn] (disapproving) to change the size and borders of an area for voting in order to give an unfair advantage to one party in an election
ger.ry.man.der.ing noun [U]
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ger.und
noun (grammar ) a noun in the form of the present PARTICIPLE of a verb (that is, ending in -ing) for example travelling in the sentence I preferred travelling alone.
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ges.ta.tion
noun
1 [U, sing.] the time that the young of a person or an animal develops inside its mother’s body until it is born; the process of developing inside the mother’s body: a baby born at 38 weeks' gestation  The gestation period of a horse is about eleven months.  Gestation lasts about nine months.
2 [U] (formal) the process by which an idea or a plan develops: His book was nearly twenty years in gestation.
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ges.ticu.late
verb [v] (usually written) to move your hands and arms about in order to attract attention or make sb understand what you are saying: He gesticulated wildly at the clock.
ges.ticu.la.tion noun [C, U]: wild / frantic gesticulations
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ges.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a movement that you make with your hands, your head or your face to show a particular meaning: He made a rude gesture at the driver of the other car.  She finished what she had to say with a gesture of despair.  They communicated entirely by gesture.
2 [C] something that you do or say to show a particular feeling or intention: They sent some flowers as a gesture of sympathy to the parents of the child.  It was a nice gesture (= it was kind) to invite his wife too.  We do not accept responsibility but we will refund the money as a gesture of goodwill .  The government has made a gesture towards public opinion (= has tried to do sth that the public will like).

verb ~ (for / to sb) (to do sth) to move your hands, head, face, etc. as a way of expressing what you mean or want: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ‘I see you read a lot,’ he said, gesturing at the wall of books.  She gestured for them to come in.  [v that] He gestured (to me) that it was time to go.  They gestured that I should follow. [alsovn]

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ge.sund.heit
exclamation (AmE, from German ) used when sb has SNEEZED to wish them good health
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get
verb (getting, got, got )
HELP In spoken AmE the past participle got.ten is almost always used.
RECEIVE / OBTAIN|
1 [vn] [no passive] to receive sth: I got a letter from Dave this morning.  What (= What presents) did you get for your birthday?  He gets (= earns) about $40 000 a year.  This room gets very little sunshine.  I got a shock when I saw the bill.  I get the impression that he is bored with his job.
2 [no passive] ~ sth (for yourself / sb)| ~ (yourself / sb) sth to obtain sth: [vn] Where did you get (= buy) that skirt?  Did you manage to get tickets for the concert?  She opened the door wider to get a better look.  Try to get some sleep.  He has just got a new job.  [vnn] Why don’t you get yourself a car?  [vn, vnn] Did you get a present for your mother?  Did you get your mother a present?
3 [vn] [no passive] ~ sth (for sth) to obtain or receive an amount of money by selling sth: How much did you get for your car?  We got £120 000 for the house.
BRING|
4 to go to a place and bring sb/sth back
SYN FETCH : [vn] Quick—go and get a cloth!  Somebody get a doctor!  I have to go and get my mother from the airport (= pick her up).  [vn, vnn] Get a drink for John.  Get John a drink.
PUNISHMENT|
5 [vn] [no passive] to receive sth as a punishment: He got ten years (= was sent to prison for ten years) for armed robbery.
BROADCASTS|
6 [vn] [no passive] to receive broadcasts from a particular television or radio station: We can’t get Channel 5 in our area.
BUY|
7 [vn] [no passive] to buy sth, for example a newspaper or magazine, regularly
SYN TAKE : Which newspaper do you get?
MARK / GRADE|
8 [vn] [no passive] to achieve or be given a particular mark/grade in an exam: He got a ‘C’ in Chemistry and a ‘B’ in English.
ILLNESS|
9 [vn] [no passive] to become infected with an illness; to suffer from a pain, etc: I got this cold off (= from) you!  She gets (= often suffers from) really bad headaches.
CONTACT|
10 [vn] [no passive] to be connected with sb by telephone: I wanted to speak to the manager but I got his secretary instead.
STATE / CONDITION|
11 to reach a particular state or condition; to make sb/sth/yourself reach a particular state or condition: [v-adj] to get angry / bored / hungry / fat  You’ll soon get used to the climate here.  We ought to go; it’s getting late.  to get dressed / undressed (= to put your clothes on / take your clothes off)  They plan to get married in the summer.  She’s upstairs getting ready.  I wouldn’t go there alone; you might get (= be) mugged.  My car got (= was) stolen at the weekend.  [vn-adj] Don’t get your dress dirty!  He got his fingers caught in the door.  She soon got the children ready for school.  note at BECOME
12 [v to inf] to reach the point at which you feel, know, are, etc. sth: After a time you get to realize that these things don’t matter.  You’ll like her once you get to know her.  His drinking is getting to be a problem.  She’s getting to be an old lady now.
MAKE / PERSUADE|
13 to make, persuade, etc. sb/sth to do sth: [vn to inf] I couldn’t get the car to start this morning.  He got his sister to help him with his homework.  You’ll never get him to understand.  [vn -ing] Can you really get that old car going again?  It’s not hard to get him talking—the problem is stopping him!
GET STH DONE|
14 [vn-adj] ~ sth done to cause sth to happen or be done: I must get my hair cut.  I’ll never get all this work finished.
START|
15 [v -ing] to start doing sth: I got talking to her.  We need to get going soon.
OPPORTUNITY|
16 (informal) [v to inf] to have the opportunity to do sth: He got to try out all the new software.  It’s not fair—I never get to go first.
ARRIVE|
17 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to arrive at or reach a place or point: We got to San Diego at 7 o’clock.  You got in very late last night.  What time did you get here?  I haven’t got very far with the book I’m reading.
MOVE / TRAVEL|
18 [+adv. / prep.] to move to or from a particular place or in a particular direction, sometimes with difficulty; to make sb/sth do this: [v] The bridge was destroyed so we couldn’t get across the river.  She got into bed.  He got down from the ladder.  We didn’t get (= go)to bed until 3 a.m.  I’m getting off (= leaving the train) at the next station.  Where have they got to (= where are they)?  We must be getting home ; it’s past midnight.  [vn] The general had to get his troops across the river.  We couldn’t get the piano through the door.  We’d better call a taxi and get you home.  I can’t get the lid off.
19 [vn] [no passive] to use a bus, taxi, plane, etc: We’re going to be late—let’s get a taxi.  I usually get the bus to work.
MEAL|
20 ~ sth (for yourself / sb)| ~ (yourself / sb) sth (especially BrE ) to prepare a meal: [vn] Who’s getting the lunch?  [vn, vnn] I must go home and get tea for the kids.  I must go home and get the kids their tea.
TELEPHONE / DOOR|
21 [vn] (spoken) to answer the telephone or a door when sb calls, knocks, etc: Will you get the phone?
CATCH / HIT|
22 [vn] to catch or take hold of sb, especially in order to harm or punish them: He was on the run for a week before the police got him.  to get sb by the arm / wrist / throat  She fell overboard and the sharks got her.  He thinks everybody is out to get him (= trying to harm him).   (informal) I’ll get you for that!
23 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to hit or wound sb: The bullet got him in the neck.
UNDERSTAND|
24 [vn] [no passive] (informal) to understand sb/sth: I don’t get you.  She didn’t get the joke.  I don’t get it —why would she do a thing like that?  I get the message —you don’t want me to come.
HAPPEN / EXIST|
25 [vn] [no passive] (informal) used to say that sth happens or exists: You get (= There are) all these kids hanging around in the street.  They still get cases of typhoid there.
CONFUSE / ANNOY|
26 [vn] [no passive] (spoken) to make sb feel confused because they do not understand sth
SYN PUZZLE : ‘What’s the capital of Bulgaria?’‘You’ve got me there! ’ (= I don’t know).
27 [vn] [no passive] (spoken) to annoy sb: What gets me is having to do the same thing all day long.
HELP Get is one of the most common words in English, but some people try to avoid it in formal writing. Most idioms containing get are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example get sb’s goat is at goat.  be getting 'on (informal)
1 (of a person) to be becoming old
2 (of time) to be becoming late: The time’s getting on—we ought to be going. be getting on for … (especially BrE) to be nearly a particular time, age or number: It must be getting on for midnight.  He’s getting on for eighty. can’t get 'over sth (spoken) used to say that you are shocked, surprised, amused, etc. by sth: I can’t get over how rude she was. get a'way from it all (informal) to have a short holiday/vacation in a place where you can relax get (sb) anywhere / somewhere / nowhere to achieve or cause sb to achieve something/nothing; to make or cause sb to make progress/no progress: After six months' work on the project, at last I feel I’m getting somewhere.  This line of investigation is getting us nowhere. ,get it 'on (with sb) (slang, especially AmE) to have sex with sb 'get it (AmE) = CATCH IT ,get it 'up (slang) (of a man) to have an ERECTION 'get there to achieve your aim or complete a task: I’m sure you’ll get there in the end.  It’s not perfect but we’re getting there (= making progress). how selfish, stupid, ungrateful, etc. can you 'get? (spoken) used to express surprise or disapproval that sb has been so selfish, etc. there’s no getting a'way from sth | you can’t get a'way from sth you have to admit that sth unpleasant is true what are you, was he, etc. 'getting at? (spoken) used to ask, especially in an angry way, what sb is/was suggesting: I’m partly to blame? What exactly are you getting at? what has got into sb? (spoken) used to say that sb has suddenly started to behave in a strange or different way: What’s got into Alex? He never used to worry like that. ,get a'bout (BrE) = GET AROUND ,get a'bove yourself (especially BrE) to have too high an opinion of yourself,get a'cross (to sb)| ,get sth<->a'cross (to sb) to be communicated or understood; to succeed in communicating sth: Your meaning didn’t really get across.  He’s not very good at getting his ideas across.,get a'head (of sb) to make progress (further than others have done): She wants to get ahead in her career.  He soon got ahead of the others in his class.,get a'long
1 (usually used in the progressive tenses) to leave a place: It’s time we were getting along.
2 = GET ON ,get a'round
1 (BrE also ,get a'bout) to move from place to place or from person to person: She gets around with the help of a stick.  News soon got around that he had resigned.
2 (especially AmE) = GET ROUND 'get at sb (usually used in the progressive tenses) to keep criticizing sb: He’s always getting at me.  She feels she’s being got at. 'get at sb/sth to reach sb/sth; to gain ACCESS to sb/sth: The files are locked up and I can’t get at them. 'get at sth to learn or find out sth: The truth is sometimes difficult to get at.,get a'way to have a holiday/vacation: We’re hoping to get away for a few days at Easter.—related noun GETAWAY ,get a'way (from … ) to succeed in leaving a place: I won’t be able to get away from the office before 7. ,get a'way (from sb / … ) to escape from sb or a place ,get a'way with sth
1 to steal sth and escape with it: Thieves got away with computer equipment worth $30 000.—related noun GETAWAY
2 to receive a relatively light punishment: He was lucky to get away with only a fine.
3 to do sth wrong and not be punished for it: Don’t be tempted to cheat—you’ll never get away with it. [+ -ing] Nobody gets away with insulting me like that.,get 'back to return, especially to your home: What time did you get back last night? ,get sth<->'back to obtain sth again after having lost it: She’s got her old job back.  I never lend books—you never get them back. ,get 'back (in) (of a political party) to win an election after having lost the previous one ,get 'back at sb (informal) to do sth bad to sb who has done sth bad to you; to get REVENGE on sb: I’ll find a way of getting back at him! ,get 'back to sb to speak or write to sb again later, especially in order to give a reply: I’ll find out and get back to you. ,get 'back to sth to return to sth: Could we get back to the question of funding?,get be'hind (with sth) to fail to make enough progress or to produce sth at the right time: I’m getting behind with my work.  He got behind with the payments for his car.,get 'by (on / in / with sth) to manage to live or do a particular thing using the money, knowledge, equipment, etc. that you have: How does she get by on such a small salary?  I can just about get by in German (= I can speak basic German).,get 'down (of children) (BrE) to leave the table after a meal ,get sb 'down (informal) to make sb feel sad or depressed ,get sth<->'down
1 to swallow sth, usually with difficulty
2 to make a note of sth
SYN WRITE DOWN : Did you get his number down? ,get 'down to sth to begin to do sth; to give serious attention to sth: Let’s get down to business .  I like to get down to work by 9. [+ -ing] It’s time I got down to thinking about that essay.,get 'in| ,get 'into sth
1 to arrive at a place: The train got in late.  What time do you get into Heathrow?
2 to win an election: The Republican candidate stands a good chance of getting in.  She first got into Parliament (= became an MP) in 1997.
3 to be admitted to a school, university, etc: She’s got into Durham to study law. ,get sb<->'in to call sb to your house to do a job ,get sth<->'in
1 to collect or gather sth: to get the crops / harvest in
2 to buy a supply of sth: Remember to get in some beers for this evening.
3 to manage to do or say sth: I got in an hour’s work while the baby was asleep.  She talks so much it’s impossible to get a word in. ,get 'in on sth to take part in an activity: He’s hoping to get in on any discussions about the new project. ,get 'in with sb (informal) to become friendly with sb, especially in order to gain an advantage,get 'into sth
1 to put on a piece of clothing, especially with difficulty: I can’t get into these shoes—they’re too small.
2 to start a career in a particular profession: What’s the best way to get into journalism?
3 to become involved in sth; to start sth: I got into conversation with an Italian student.  to get into a fight / an argument
4 to develop a particular habit: Don’t let yourself get into bad habits.  You should get into the routine of saving the document you are working on every ten minutes.  How did she get into (= start taking) drugs?
5 (informal) to become interested in sth: I’m really getting into jazz these days.
6 to become familiar with sth; to learn sth: I haven’t really got into my new job yet. ,get 'into sth| ,get yourself / sb 'into sth to reach a particular state or condition; to make sb reach a particular state or condition: He got into trouble with the police while he was still at school.  Three people were rescued from a yacht which got into difficulties.  She got herself into a real state (= became very anxious) before the interview.,get 'off| ,get 'off sb used especially to tell sb to stop touching you or another person: Get off me, that hurts! ,get 'off| ,get sb 'off
1 to leave a place or start a journey; to help sb do this: We got off straight after breakfast.  He got the children off to school.
2 (BrE) to fall asleep; to make sb do this: I had great difficulty getting off to sleep.  They couldn’t get the baby off till midnight. ,get 'off| ,get 'off sth to leave work with permission: Could you get off (work) early tomorrow? ,get 'off sth| ,get sb 'off sth to stop discussing a particular subject; to make sb do this: Please can we get off the subject of dieting?  I couldn’t get him off politics once he had started. ,get sth 'off to send sth by post/mail: I must get these letters off first thing tomorrow. ,get 'off on sth (informal) to be excited by sth, especially in a sexual way ,get 'off (with sth) to have no or almost no injuries in an accident: She was lucky to get off with just a few bruises. ,get 'off (with sth)| ,get sb 'off (with sth) to receive no or almost no punishment; to help sb do this: He was lucky to get off with a small fine.  A good lawyer might be able to get you off. ,get 'off with sb (informal, especially BrE) to have a sexual or romantic experience with sb; to start a sexual relationship with sb: Steve got off with Tracey at the party.,get 'on
1 (also ,get a'long) used to talk or ask about how well sb is doing in a particular situation: He’s getting on very well at school.
2 to be successful in your career: Parents are always anxious for their children to get on.
3 (also ,get a'long) to manage or survive: We can get on perfectly well without her.  I just can’t get along without a secretary. ,get 'on to sb
1 to contact sb by telephone or letter: The heating isn’t working; I’ll get on to the landlord about it.
2 to become aware of sb’s activities, especially when they have been doing sth bad or illegal: He had been stealing money from the company for years before they got on to him. ,get 'on to sth to begin to talk about a new subject: It’s time we got on to the question of costs. ,get 'on / a'long with sb| ,get 'on / a'long (together) to have a friendly relationship with sb: She’s never really got on with her sister.  She and her sister have never really got on.  We get along just fine together. ,get 'on with sth
1 (also ,get a'long with sth) used to talk or ask about how well sb is doing a task: I’m not getting on very fast with this job.
2 to continue doing sth, especially after an interruption: Be quiet and get on with your work.   (spoken) Get on with it! We haven’t got all day.,get 'out to become known: If this gets out there’ll be trouble. ,get sth<->'out
1 to produce or publish sth: Will we get the book out by the end of the year?
2 to say sth with difficulty: She managed to get out a few words of thanks. ,get 'out (of sth) to leave a place, especially in order to visit other places, meet people, etc: You ought to get out of the house more. ,get 'out of sth
1 to avoid a responsibility or duty: We promised we’d go—we can’t get out of it now. [+ -ing] I wish I could get out of going to that meeting.
2 to stop having a particular habit: I can’t get out of the habit of waking at six in the morning. ,get sth 'out of sb to persuade sb to tell or give you sth, especially by force: The police finally got a confession out of her. ,get sth 'out of sb/sth to gain or obtain sth good from sb/sth: She seems to get a lot out of life.  He always gets the best out of people.,get 'over sth to deal with or gain control of sth
SYN OVERCOME : She can’t get over her shyness.  I think the problem can be got over without too much difficulty. ,get 'over sth/sb to return to your usual state of health, happiness, etc. after an illness, a shock, the end of a relationship, etc: He was disappointed at not getting the job, but he’ll get over it. ,get sth<->'over (to sb) to make sth clear to sb: He didn’t really get his meaning over to the audience. ,get sth 'over (with) (informal) to complete sth unpleasant but necessary: I’ll be glad to get the exam over and done with .,get 'round / a'round sb to persuade sb to agree or to do what you want, usually by doing nice things for them: She knows how to get round her dad. ,get 'round / a'round sth to deal with a problem successfully
SYN OVERCOME : A clever lawyer might find a way of getting round that clause. ,get 'round / a'round to sth to find the time to do sth: I meant to do the ironing but I didn’t get round to it. [+ -ing] I hope to get around to answering your letter next week.'get through sth
1 to use up a large amount of sth: We got through a fortune while we were in New York!
2 to manage to do or complete sth: Let’s start—there’s a lot to get through. ,get 'through (sth) (BrE) to be successful in an exam, etc. ,get sb 'through sth to help sb to be successful in an exam: She got all her students through the exam. ,get 'through (sth)| ,get sth 'through (sth) to be officially accepted; to make sth be officially accepted: They got the bill through Congress. ,get 'through (to sb)
1 to reach sb: Thousands of refugees will die if these supplies don’t get through to them.
2 to make contact with sb by telephone: I tried calling you several times but I couldn’t get through. ,get 'through (to sth) (of a player or team) to reach the next stage of a competition: Moya has got through to the final. ,get 'through to sb to make sb understand or accept what you say, especially when you are trying to help them: I find it impossible to get through to her. ,get 'through with sth to finish or complete a task'get to sb (informal) to annoy or affect sb: The pressure of work is beginning to get to him.,get sb/sth to'gether to collect people or things in one place: I’m trying to get a team together for Saturday. ,get to'gether (with sb) to meet with sb socially or in order to discuss sth: We must get together for a drink sometime.  Management should get together with the union.—related noun GET-TOGETHER ,get 'up
1 to stand up after sitting, kneeling, etc.
SYN RISE : The class got up when the teacher came in.
2 if the sea or wind gets up, it increases in strength and becomes violent ,get 'up| ,get sb 'up to get out of bed; to make sb get out of bed: He always gets up early.  Could you get me up at 6.30 tomorrow? ,get yourself / sb 'up as sth [often passive] (BrE) to dress yourself/sb as sb/sth else: She was got up as an Indian princess.—related noun GET-UP ,get sth<->'up to arrange or organize sth: We’re getting up a party for her birthday. ,get 'up to sth
1 to reach a particular point: We got up to page 72 last lesson.
2 to be busy with sth, especially sth surprising or unpleasant: What on earth will he get up to next?  She’s been getting up to her old tricks again!
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get.away
noun [usually sing.]
1 an escape from a difficult situation, especially after committing a crime: to make a quick getaway  a getaway car
2 a short holiday/vacation; a place that is suitable for a holiday/vacation: a romantic weekend getaway in New York  the popular island getaway of Penang
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get.ting
noun [sing.]
IDM while the ,getting is 'good (AmE) = WHILE THE GOING IS GOOD
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'get-together
noun (informal) an informal meeting; a party: a family get-together at Christmas
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'get-up
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a set of clothes, especially strange or unusual ones
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,get-up-and-'go
noun [U] (informal) energy and determination to get things done
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gey.ser
noun
1 a natural SPRING that sometimes sends hot water or steam up into the air—picture at VOLCANO
2 (BrE) a piece of equipment in a kitchen or bathroom that heats water, usually by gas
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ghastly
adj. (ghast.lier, ghast.li.est)
1 (of an event) very frightening and unpleasant, because it involves pain, death, etc: a ghastly crime / murder  She woke up in the middle of a ghastly nightmare.
2 (informal) (of an experience or a situation) very bad; unpleasant: The weather was ghastly.  It’s all been a ghastly mistake.
3 (informal) (of a person or thing) that you find unpleasant and dislike very much: her ghastly husband  This lipstick is a ghastly colour.
4 [not usually before noun] ill/sick or upset: I felt ghastly the next day.
5 (literary) very pale in appearance, like a dead person: His face was ghastly white.
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ghee
noun [U] a type of butter used in Indian cooking
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gher.kin
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE pickle) a small CUCUMBER that has been preserved in VINEGAR before being eaten
2 (AmE) a small CUCUMBER
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ghetto
noun (pl.-os or -oes)
1 an area of a city where many people of the same race or background live, separately from the rest of the population. Ghettos are often crowded, with bad living conditions: a poor kid growing up in the ghetto  The south coast of Spain has become something of a tourist ghetto.
2 the area of a town where Jews were forced to live in the past: the Warsaw ghetto
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'ghetto blaster
(also 'boom box especially in AmE) noun (informal) a large radio and cassette player that can be carried around, especially to play loud music in public
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ghil.lie
noun = GILLIE
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ghost
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the spirit of a dead person that a living person believes they can see or hear: Do you believe in ghosts (= believe that they exist)?  the ghost of her father that had come back to haunt her  He looked as if he had seen a ghost (= looked very frightened).
2 [C] the memory of sth, especially sth bad: The ghost of anti-Semitism still haunts Europe.
3 [sing.] ~ of sth a very slight amount of sth that is left behind or that you are not sure really exists: There was a ghost of a smile on his face.  You don’t have a ghost of a chance (= you have no chance).
4 [sing.] a second image on a television screen that is not as clear as the first, caused by a fault
IDM give up the 'ghost
1 to die
2 (humorous) (of a machine) to stop working: My car finally gave up the ghost.—more at FORMER

verb
1 = GHOSTWRITE
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) to move without making a sound: They ghosted up the smooth waters of the river.

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ghost.ly
adj. looking or sounding like a ghost; full of ghosts: a ghostly figure  ghostly footsteps  the ghostly churchyard
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'ghost story
noun a story about ghosts that is intended to frighten you
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'ghost town
noun a town that used to be busy and have a lot of people living in it, but is now empty
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'ghost train
noun (BrE ) a small train at a FUNFAIR that goes through a dark tunnel full of frightening things
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ghost.write
(also ghost) verb to write a book, an article, etc. for another person who publishes it as their own work: [vn] [often passive] Her memoirs were ghostwritten. [alsov]
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ghost.writer
noun a person who writes a book, etc. for another person, under whose name it is then published
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ghoul
noun
1 (in stories) an evil spirit that opens graves and eats the dead bodies in them
2 (disapproving) a person who is too interested in unpleasant things such as death and disaster
ghoul.ish adj.: ghoulish laughter
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GHQ
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘general headquarters’ (the main centre of a military organization): He was posted to GHQ Cairo.
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GI
noun (pl.GIs) a soldier in the US armed forces
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giant
noun, adj.
noun
1 (in stories) a very large strong person who is often cruel and stupid—see also GIANTESS
2 an unusually large person, animal or plant: He’s a giant of a man.
3 a very large and powerful organization: the multinational oil giants
4 a person who is very good at sth: literary giants

adj. [only before noun] very large; much larger or more important than similar things usually are: a giant crab  a giant-size box of tissues  a giant step towards achieving independence

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giant.ess
noun (in stories) a female giant
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'giant-killer
noun (BrE ) (especially in sports) a person or team that defeats another much stronger opponent
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,giant 'panda
noun = PANDA (1)
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gib.ber
verb to speak quickly in a way that is difficult to understand, often because of fear: [v] He cowered in the corner, gibbering with terror.  By this time I was a gibbering wreck . [alsov speech]
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gib.ber.ish
noun [U] (informal) words that have no meaning or are impossible to understand
SYN NONSENSE : You were talking gibberish in your sleep.
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gib.bet
noun (old-fashioned) an upright wooden structure on which criminals used to be hanged
SYN GALLOWS
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gib.bon
noun a small APE (= an animal like a large monkey without a tail) with long arms, that lives in SE Asia
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gibe
= JIBE
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gib.lets
noun [pl.] the inside parts of a chicken or other bird, including the heart and LIVER , that are usually removed before it is cooked
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giddy
adj. (gid.dier, gid.di.est)
1 [not usually before noun] feeling that everything is moving and that you are going to fall
SYN DIZZY : When I looked down from the top floor, I felt giddy.
2 [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) so happy and excited that you cannot behave normally: She was giddy with happiness.
3 [usually before noun] making you feel as if you were about to fall: The kids were pushing the roundabout at a giddy speed.   (figurative) the giddy heights of success
4 (old-fashioned) (of people) not serious
SYN SILLY : Isabel’s giddy young sister
gid.di.ly adv.: She swayed giddily across the dance floor.
gid.di.ness noun [U]: Symptoms include nausea and giddiness.
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gift
noun, verb
noun
1 a thing that you give to sb, especially on a special occasion or to say thank you
SYN PRESENT : The watch was a gift from my mother.  Thank you for your generous gift.  a free gift for every reader  the gift of life / love   (formal) The family made a gift of his paintings to the gallery.  gifts of toys for the children
2 ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a natural ability
SYN TALENT : She has a great gift for music.  He has the gift of making friends easily.  She can pick up a tune instantly on the piano, it’s a gift.
3 [usually sing.] (informal) a thing that is very easy to do or cheap to buy: Their second goal was an absolute gift.  At £500 it’s a gift.
IDM the gift of the 'gab (BrE) (AmE a gift for / of 'gab) (informal, sometimes disapproving) the ability to speak easily and to persuade other people with your words look a gift horse in the 'mouth (usually with negatives) (informal) to refuse or criticize sth that is given to you for nothing—more at GOD

verb (BrE , written) (used especially in journalism) to give sth to sb without their having to make any effort to get it: [vnn] They gifted their opponents a goal.  [vn] They gifted a goal to their opponents.

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'gift certificate
(AmE) noun = GIFT TOKEN
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gift.ed
adj.
1 having a lot of natural ability or intelligence: a gifted musician / player  gifted children
2 ~ with sth having sth pleasant: He was gifted with a charming smile.
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'gift shop
noun a shop/store that sells goods that are suitable for giving as presents
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'gift token
(also 'gift voucher) (both BrE ) (AmE 'gift certificate) noun a piece of paper that is worth a particular amount of money and that can be exchanged for goods in a shop/store
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'gift-wrap
verb (-pp-) [vn] [often passive] to wrap sth as a present for sb, especially in a shop/store: Would you like the chocolates gift-wrapped?  The store offers a gift-wrapping service.
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gig
noun
1 a performance by musicians playing pop music or jazz in front of an audience: to do a gig  a Verve gig in Leeds
2 a small light carriage with two wheels, pulled by one horse
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gi.gan.tic
adj. extremely large: a gigantic house
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gig.gle
verb, noun
verb ~ (at / about sb/sth) to laugh in a silly way because you are amused, embarrassed or nervous: [v] The girls giggled at the joke.  They giggled nervously as they waited for their turn. [alsov speech]

noun
1 [C] a slight silly repeated laugh: She gave a nervous giggle.  Matt collapsed into giggles and hung up the phone.
2 [sing.] (BrE, informal) a thing that you think is amusing: We only did it for a giggle .
3 (the giggles) [pl.] (informal) continuous giggling that you cannot control or stop: I get the giggles when I’m nervous.  She had a fit of the giggles and had to leave the room.

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gig.gly
adj. laughing a lot in a silly, nervous way
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gig.olo
noun (pl.-os) a man who is paid to be the lover of an older woman, usually one who is rich
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gild
verb [vn] (literary) to make sth look bright, as if covered with gold: The golden light gilded the sea.
IDM gild the 'lily to spoil sth that is already good or beautiful by trying to improve it
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gild.ed
adj. [only before noun]
1 covered with a thin layer of gold or gold paint
2 (literary) rich and belonging to the upper classes: the gilded youth (= rich, upper-class young people) of the Edwardian era
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gild.ing
noun [U] a layer of gold or gold paint; the surface that this makes
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gill^1
noun [usually pl.] one of the openings on the side of a fish’s head that it breathes through—
IDM to the 'gills (informal) completely full: I was stuffed to the gills with chocolate cake.
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gill^2
noun a unit for measuring liquids. There are four gills in a PINT .
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gil.lie
(also ghil.lie) noun (ScotE ) a man or boy who helps sb who is shooting or fishing for sport in Scotland
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gilt
noun
1 [U] a thin layer of gold, or sth like gold that is used on a surface for decoration: gilt buttons / lettering
2 (gilts) [pl.] (BrE, finance) gilt-edged INVESTMENTS
3 [C] (especially AmE) a young female pig
IDM take the gilt off the 'gingerbread (BrE) to do or be sth that makes a situation or ACHIEVEMENT less attractive or impressive
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,gilt-'edged
adj. (finance ) very safe: gilt-edged securities / shares / stocks (= INVESTMENTS that are considered safe because they have been sold by the government)
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gim.crack
adj. [only before noun] (rare) badly made and of little value
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gim.let
noun a small tool for making holes in wood to put screws in: (figurative) eyes like gimlets (= looking very hard at things and noticing every detail)
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gimme
(informal) a way of writing the way that the words ‘give me’ are sometimes spoken: Gimme back my bike!
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gim.mick
noun (often disapproving) an unusual trick or unnecessary device that is intended to attract attention or to persuade people to buy sth: a promotional / publicity / sales gimmick  We don’t use gimmicks to sell our products.
gim.micky adj.: a gimmicky idea / fashion
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gim.mick.ry
noun [U] (disapproving) the use of gimmicks in selling, etc.
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gin
noun
1 [U] an alcoholic drink made from grain and flavoured with JUNIPER berries. Gin is usually drunk mixed with TONIC WATER or fruit juice: Do you like gin?—see also PINK GIN
2 [C] a glass of gin : I’ll have a gin and tonic, please.
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gin.ger
noun, adj., verb
noun [U]
1 the root of the ginger plant used in cooking as a spice: a teaspoon of ground ginger   (BrE) ginger biscuits
2 a light brownish-orange colour

adj. (BrE ) light brownish-orange in colour: ginger hair  a ginger cat

verb
PVR V ,ginger sth/sb<->'up (BrE) to make sth/sb more active or exciting

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,ginger 'ale
noun
1 [U] a clear FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) that does not contain alcohol, flavoured with ginger , and often mixed with alcoholic drinks
2 [C] a bottle or glass of ginger ale
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,ginger 'beer
noun
1 [U] a FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) with a very small amount of alcohol in, flavoured with ginger
2 [C] a bottle or glass of ginger beer
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gin.ger.bread
noun [U] a sweet cake or soft biscuit/cookie flavoured with GINGER : a gingerbread man (= a gingerbread biscuit / cookie in the shape of a person)
IDM see GILT
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'ginger group
noun (BrE ) a group of people within a political party or an organization, who work to persuade other members to accept their policies or ideas
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gin.ger.ly
adv. in a careful way, because you are afraid of being hurt, of making a noise, etc: He opened the box gingerly and looked inside.
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'ginger nut
(BrE ) (also 'ginger snapAmE, BrE) noun a hard sweet biscuit/cookie flavoured with GINGER
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gin.gery
adj. like GINGER in colour or flavour
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ging.ham
noun [U] a cotton fabric with a pattern of white and coloured checks: a blue and white gingham dress
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gin.gi.vitis
noun [U] (medical ) a condition in which the GUMS around the teeth become painful, red and swollen
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gi.nor.mous
adj. (BrE , spoken) extremely large
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gin.seng
noun [U] a medicine obtained from a plant root that some people believe helps you stay young and healthy
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gipsy
= GYPSY
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gir.affe
noun (pl.gir.affe or gir.affes) a tall African animal with a very long neck, long legs, and dark marks on its coat
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gird
verb
IDM gird (up) your 'loins (literary or humorous) to get ready to do sth difficult: The company is girding its loins for a plunge into the overseas market.
PVR V gird yourself / sb/sth (up) for sth (literary) to prepare for sth difficult, especially a fight, contest, etc.
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gird.er
noun a long strong iron or steel beam used for building bridges and the FRAMEWORK of large buildings
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gir.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of women’s underwear that fits closely around the body from the waist to the THIGH , designed to make a woman look thinner
2 (literary) a thing that surrounds sth else: carefully tended lawns set in a girdle of trees
3 (old-fashioned) a belt or thick string fastened around the waist to keep clothes in position

verb [vn] (literary) to surround sth: A chain of volcanoes girdles the Pacific.

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girl
noun
1 [C] a female child: a baby girl  a little girl of six  Hello, girls and boys!
2 [C] a daughter: Our youngest girl is at college.
3 [C] (sometimes offensive) a young woman: Alex is not interested in girls yet.  He married the girl next door.
4 [C] (usually in compounds) (old-fashioned, offensive) a female worker: an office girl / a shop girl
5 [C] (old-fashioned) a man’s girlfriend
6 (girls) [pl.] (used especially as a form of address by women) a woman’s female friends: I’m having a night out with the girls.  Good morning, girls!
7 [sing.] (old girl) (often offensive) an old woman, especially sb’s wife or mother: How is the old girl these days?
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,girl 'Friday
noun a girl or a woman who is employed in an office to do several different jobs, helping other people
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girl.friend
noun
1 a girl or a woman that sb is having a romantic relationship with
2 (especially AmE) a woman’s female friend: I had lunch with a girlfriend.
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,Girl 'Guide
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) = GUIDE
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girl.hood
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the time when sb is a girl; the fact of being a girl
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girlie
adj. [only before noun] (informal)
1 containing photographs of naked or nearly naked women, that are intended to make men sexually excited: girlie magazines
2 (disapproving) suitable for or like girls, not boys: girlie games
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girl.ish
adj. like a girl; of a girl: a girlish giggle / figure / face
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,Girl 'Scout
noun (AmE ) = GUIDE
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giro
noun (pl.-os) (BrE )
1 [U] (finance) a system in which money can be moved from one bank or post office account to another by a central computer: to pay by giro  a giro credit / payment / transfer
2 (also 'giro cheque) [C] a cheque that the government pays through the giro system to people who are unemployed or sick, or who have a very small income: It is easy for families to run out of money before the weekly giro arrives.
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girth
noun
1 [U, C] the measurement around sth, especially a person’s waist: a man of enormous girth  a tree one metre in girth / with a girth of one metre
2 [C] a leather or cloth strap that is fastened around the middle of a horse to keep the seat, (called a SADDLE ), or a load in place
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gismo
= GIZMO
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gist
noun (usually the gist) [sing.] ~ (of sth) the main or general meaning of a piece of writing, a speech or a conversation: to get (= understand) the gist of an argument  I missed the beginning of the lecture—can you give me the gist of what he said?  I’m afraid I don’t quite follow your gist (= what you really mean).
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git
noun (BrE , slang) a stupid or unpleasant man
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give
verb, noun
verb (gave given )
HAND / PROVIDE|
1 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to hand sth to sb so that they can look at it, use it or keep it for a time: [vn, vnn] Give the letter to your mother when you’ve read it.  Give your mother the letter.  [vnn] They were all given a box to carry.  [vn] She gave her ticket to the woman at the check-in desk.
2 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to hand sth to sb as a present; to allow sb to have sth as a present: [vnn] What are you giving your father for his birthday?  She was given a huge bunch of flowers.  Did you give the waiter a tip?  [vn] We don’t usually give presents to people at work.  [v] They say it’s better to give than to receive.
3 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to provide sb with sth: [vnn] They were all thirsty so I gave them a drink.  Give me your name and address.  We’ve been given a 2% pay increase.  I was hoping you would give me a job.  He was given a new heart in a five-hour operation.  She wants a job that gives her more responsibility.  Can I give you a ride to the station?  They couldn’t give me any more information.  I’ll give you (= allow you to have) ten minutes to prepare your answer.  Don’t give me any of that backchat (= don’t be rude).  [vn] He gives Italian lessons to his colleagues.  The reforms should give a better chance to the less able children.
MONEY|
4 ~ (sth) to sth to pay money to a charity, etc., to help people: [v] We need your help—please give generously.  They both gave regularly to charity.  [vn] I gave a small donation.
5 ~ (sb) sth for sth to pay in order to have or do sth: [vnn] How much will you give me for the car?  I’d give anything to see him again.  [vn] I gave £50 for the lot.
TREAT AS IMPORTANT|
6 ~ sth to sb/sth to use time, energy, etc. for sb/sth: [vnn, vn] I gave the matter a lot of thought.  I gave a lot of thought to the matter.  [vn] The government has given top priority to reforming the tax system.
PUNISHMENT|
7 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to make sb suffer a particular punishment: [vnn] The judge gave him a nine-month suspended sentence.  [vn] We discussed what punishment should be given to the boys.
ILLNESS|
8 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to infect sb with an illness: [vnn] You’ve given me your cold.  [vn] She’d given the bug to all her colleagues.
PARTY / EVENT|
9 [vn] if you give a party, you organize it and invite people
10 [vn] to perform sth in public: She gave a reading from her latest volume of poetry.  The President will be giving a press conference this afternoon.
DO / PRODUCE STH|
11 used with a noun to describe a particular action, giving the same meaning as the related verb: [vn] She gave a shrug of her shoulders (= she shrugged).  He turned to us and gave a big smile (= smiled broadly).  She looked up from her work and gave a yawn (= yawned).  He gave a loud cry (= cried out loudly) and fell to the floor.  to give a groan / laugh / sigh  Her work has given pleasure to (= pleased) millions of readers.  [vnn] He gave her a kiss (= kissed her).  I have to admit that the news gave us a shock (= shocked us).  We’ll give you all the help we can (= help you in every way we can).
HELP For other similar expressions, look up the nouns in each. For example, you will find give your approval at approval.
12 [vnn] to produce a particular feeling in sb: All that driving has given me a headache.  Go for a walk. It’ll give you an appetite.
TELEPHONE CALL|
13 [vnn] to make a telephone call to sb: Give me a call tomorrow.   (BrE) I’ll give you a ring.
MARK / GRADE|
14 to judge sb/sth to be of a particular standard: [vnn] She had given the assignment an A.  I give it ten out of ten for originality. [alsovn]
PREDICT HOW LONG|
15 [vnn] to predict that sth will last a particular length of time: That marriage won’t last. I’ll give them two years, at the outside.
IN SPORT|
16 [vn-adj] to say that a player or the ball is in a particular position: The umpire gave the ball out.
BEND|
17 [v] to bend or stretch under pressure: The branch began to give under his weight.   (figurative) We can’t go on like this—something’s got to give . Most idioms containing give are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example, give rise to sth is at risen.  don’t give me 'that (spoken, informal) used to tell sb that you do not accept what they say: ‘I didn’t have time to do it.’‘Oh, don’t give me that!’ ,give and 'take to be willing, in a relationship, to accept what sb else wants and to give up some of what you want: You’re going to have to learn to give and take. give as good as you 'get to react with equal force when sb attacks or criticizes you: She can give as good as she gets. 'give me sth/sb (any day / time) (spoken) used to say that you prefer a particular thing or person to the one that has just been mentioned: We don’t go out much. Give me a quiet night in front of the TV any day! give or 'take (sth) if sth is correct give or take a particular amount, it is approximately correct: It’ll take about three weeks, give or take a day or so. give sb to believe / understand (that) … [often passive] (formal) to make sb believe/understand sth: I was given to understand that she had resigned. I give you … (spoken, formal) used to ask people to drink a TOAST to sb: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Geoff Ogilby! I / I’ll give you 'that (spoken) used when you are admitting that sth is true what 'gives? (spoken, informal) what is happening?; what is the news? ,give sb a'way (in a marriage ceremony) to lead the BRIDE to the BRIDEGROOM and formally allow her to marry him: The bride was given away by her father. ,give sth<->a'way
1 to give sth as a gift: He gave away most of his money to charity.   (informal) Check out the prices of our pizzas—we’re virtually giving them away!—related noun GIVEAWAY
2 to present sth: The mayor gave away the prizes at the school sports day.
3 to carelessly allow sb to have an advantage: They’ve given away two goals already. ,give sth/sb<->a'way to make known sth that sb wants to keep secret
SYN BETRAY : She gave away state secrets to the enemy.  It was supposed to be a surprise but the children gave the game away .  His voice gave him away (= showed who he really was).—related noun GIVEAWAY ,give sb 'back sth| ,give sth<->'back (to sb)
1 to return sth to its owner: Could you give me back my pen?  Could you give me my pen back?  I picked it up and gave it back to him.   (spoken, informal) Give it me back!
2 to allow sb to have sth again: The operation gave him back the use of his legs.,give 'in (to sb/sth)
1 to admit that you have been defeated by sb/sth: The rebels were forced to give in.
2 to agree to do sth that you do not want to do: The authorities have shown no signs of giving in to the kidnappers' demands. ,give sth 'in (to sb) to hand over sth to sb in authority: Please give your work in before Monday.,give 'off sth to produce sth such as a smell, heat, light, etc: The flowers gave off a fragrant perfume.'give on to / onto sth [no passive] (BrE) to have a view of sth; to lead directly to sth: The bedroom windows give on to the street.  This door gives onto the hall.,give 'out
1 to come to an end; to be completely used up: After a month their food supplies gave out.  Her patience finally gave out.
2 to stop working: One of the plane’s engines gave out in mid-Atlantic.  Her legs gave out and she collapsed. ,give sth<->'out to give sth to a lot of people: The teacher gave out the exam papers. ,give 'out sth
1 to produce sth such as heat, light, etc: The radiator gives out a lot of heat.
2 [often passive] (especially BrE) to tell people about sth or broadcast sth,give 'over (BrE , spoken, informal) used to tell sb to stop doing sth: Give over, Chris! You’re hurting me. [+ -ing] Give over complaining! ,give yourself 'over to sth (also ,give yourself 'up to sth) to spend all your time doing sth or thinking about sth; to allow sth to completely control your life ,give sth<->'over to sth [usually passive] to use sth for one particular purpose: The gallery is given over to British art.,give 'up to stop trying to do sth: They gave up without a fight.  She doesn’t give up easily.  I give up—tell me the answer. ,give sb 'up
1 (also ,give 'up on sb especially in AmE) to believe that sb is never going to arrive, get better, be found, etc: There you are at last! We’d given you up.  We hadn’t heard from him for so long, we’d given him up for dead .
2 to stop having a relationship with sb: Why don’t you give him up? ,give sth<->'up
1 [no passive] to stop doing or having sth: She didn’t give up work when she had the baby.  We’d given up hope of ever having children. [+ -ing] You ought to give up smoking.
2 to spend time on a task that you would normally spend on sth else: I gave up my weekend to help him paint his apartment. ,give sth<->'up (to sb) to hand sth over to sb else: We had to give our passports up to the authorities.  He gave up his seat to a pregnant woman (= stood up to allow her to sit down). ,give yourself / sb 'up (to sb) to offer yourself/sb to be captured: After a week on the run he gave himself up to the police. ,give yourself 'up to sth = GIVE YOURSELF OVER TO STH ,give 'up on sb
1 to stop hoping or believing that sb will change, get better, etc: His teachers seem to have given up on him.
2 (especially AmE) = GIVE SB UP

noun [U] the ability of sth to bend or stretch under pressure: The shoes may seem tight at first, but the leather has plenty of give in it. ,give and 'take
1 willingness in a relationship to accept what sb else wants and give up some of what you want
2 an exchange of words or ideas: to encourage a lively give and take

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give.away
noun, adj.
noun (informal)
1 something that a company gives free, usually with sth else that is for sale
2 something that makes you guess the real truth about sth/sb: She pretended she wasn’t excited but the expression on her face was a dead giveaway .

adj. [only before noun] (informal) (of prices) very low

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given
adj., prep., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 already arranged: They were to meet at a given time and place.
2 that you have stated and are discussing; particular: We can find out how much money is spent on food in any given period.
IDM be given to sth / to doing sth (formal) to do sth often or regularly: She’s much given to outbursts of temper.  He’s given to going for long walks on his own.

prep. when you consider sth: Given his age, (= considering how old he is) he’s remarkably active.  Given her interest in children, teaching seems the right job for her.
given that conj.: It was surprising the government was re-elected, given that they had raised taxes so much.

noun something that is accepted as true, for example when you are discussing sth, or planning sth

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'given name
noun (especially AmE ) = FIRST NAME
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giver
noun (often in compounds) a person or an organization that gives: They are very generous givers to charity.
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gizmo
(also gismo) noun (informal) (pl.-os) a general word for a small piece of equipment, often one that does sth in a new and clever way
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giz.zard
noun the part of a bird’s stomach in which food is broken up into smaller pieces before being DIGESTED
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glacé
adj. [only before noun] (of fruit) preserved in sugar: glacé fruits  glacé cherries—
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gla.cial
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (geology) connected with the Ice Age: the glacial period (= the time when much of the northern half of the world was covered by ice)
2 (technical) caused or made by glaciers ; connected with glaciers : a glacial landscape  glacial deposits / erosion  glacial processes
3 (written) very cold; like ice: glacial winds / temperatures  the glacial waters of the Arctic
4 (written) (used about people) cold and unfriendly; not showing feelings: Her expression was glacial.  Relations between the two countries had always been glacial.
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gla.cier
noun a large mass of ice, formed by snow on mountains, that moves very slowly down a valley—picture at MOUNTAIN
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glad
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (about sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (to know, hear, see … )| ~ (that … ) pleased; happy: ‘I passed the test!’‘I’m so glad (for you).’  ‘He doesn’t need the pills any more.’‘I’m glad about that.’  I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better.  I’m glad (that) you’re feeling better.  I’m glad to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.  He was glad he’d come.  I’ve never been so glad to see anyone in my life!  I’m so glad (that) you’re safe!  She was glad when the meeting was over.
2 ~ of sth| ~ if … grateful for sth: She was very glad of her warm coat in the biting wind.  I’d be glad of your help.  I’d be glad if you could help me.
3 ~ to do sth very willing to do sth: I’d be glad to lend you the money.  If you’d like me to help you, I’d be only too glad to .
4 [only before noun] (old-fashioned) bringing joy; full of joy: glad news / tidings  They greeted each other with glad cries.
IDM I’m glad to say (that … ) (spoken) used when you are commenting on a situation and saying that you are happy about it: Most teachers, I’m glad to say, take their jobs very seriously.
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glad.den
verb (old-fashioned) to make sb feel pleased or happy: [vn] The sight of the flowers gladdened her heart .  [vn to inf] It gladdened him to see them all enjoying themselves.
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glade
noun (literary) a small open area of grass in a wood or a forest
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gladi.ator
noun (in ancient Rome) a man trained to fight other men or animals in order to entertain the public
gladia.tor.ial adj.: gladiatorial combat
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gladi.olus
noun (pl.gladi.oli ) a tall garden plant with long thin leaves and brightly coloured flowers growing up the stem
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glad.ly
adv.
1 willingly: I would gladly pay extra for a good seat.
2 happily; with thanks: When I offered her my seat, she accepted it gladly.
IDM see SUFFER
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glad.ness
noun [U] (literary) joy; happiness
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'glad rags
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned, informal) a person’s best clothes, worn on a special occasion
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glam.or.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (usually disapproving) to make sth bad appear attractive or exciting: Television tends to glamorize violence.
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glam.or.ous
(also informal glam) adj. especially attractive and exciting, and different from ordinary things or people: glamorous movie stars  a glamorous job
OPP UNGLAMOROUS
glam.or.ous.ly adv.: glamorously dressed
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glam.our
(BrE ) (AmE glamor) noun [U]
1 the attractive and exciting quality that makes a person, a job or a place seem special, often because of wealth or status: hopeful young actors and actresses dazzled by the glamour of Hollywood  Now that she’s a stewardess, foreign travel has lost its glamour for her.
2 physical beauty that also suggests wealth or success: Add a cashmere scarf under your jacket for a touch of glamour.
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glance
verb, noun
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to look quickly at sth/sb: She glanced at her watch.  He glanced around the room.  I glanced up quickly to see who had come in.
2 ~ at / down / over / through sth to read sth quickly and not thoroughly: I only had time to glance at the newspapers.  He glanced briefly down the list of names.  She glanced through the report.
PVR V 'glance on / off sth (of light) to flash on a surface or be reflected off it ,glance 'off (sth) to hit sth at an angle and move off it in a different direction: The ball glanced off the post into the net.

noun ~ (at sb/sth) a quick look: to take / have a glance at the newspaper headlines  a cursory / brief / casual / furtive glance  The sisters exchanged glances (= looked at each other).  She shot him a sideways glance .  He walked away without a backward glance .  She stole a glance (= looked secretly) at her watch.
IDM at a (single) 'glance immediately; with only a quick look: He could tell at a glance what was wrong. at first 'glance when you first look at or think about sth, often rather quickly: At first glance the problem seemed easy.

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glan.cing
adj. [only before noun] hitting sth/sb at an angle, not with full force: to strike sb/sth a glancing blow
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gland
noun an organ in a person’s or an animal’s body that produces a chemical substance for the body to use. There are many different glands in the body: a snake’s poison glands  Her glands are swollen.—see also PITUITARY
glan.du.lar adj. [usually before noun]: glandular tissue
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,glandular 'fever
(BrE ) (AmE ormedical mono.nucle.osis) (also AmE informal mono) noun [U] an infectious disease that causes swelling of the LYMPH GLANDS and makes the person feel very weak for a long time
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glare
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (at sb/sth) to look at sb/sth in an angry way: He didn’t shout, he just glared at me silently.  I looked at her and she glared furiously back.
2 to shine with a very bright unpleasant light

noun
1 [U, sing.] a very bright, unpleasant light: the glare of the sun  The rabbit was caught in the glare of the car’s headlights.  These sunglasses are designed to reduce glare.   (figurative) The divorce was conducted in the full glare of publicity (= with continuous attention from newspapers and television).
2 [C] a long, angry look: to give sb a hostile glare

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glar.ing
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of sth bad) very easily seen
SYN BLATANT : a glaring omission / inconsistency / injustice  the most glaring example of this problem
2 (of a light) very bright and unpleasant: a glaring white light
3 angry; fierce: glaring eyes
glar.ing.ly adv.: glaringly obvious
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glass
noun, verb
noun
TRANSPARENT SUBSTANCE|
1 [U] a hard, usually transparent, substance used, for example, for making windows and bottles: a sheet / pane of glass  frosted / toughened glass  a glass bottle / dish / roof  I cut myself on a piece of broken glass.  The vegetables are grown under glass (= in a glasshouse).—see also CUT GLASS , PLATE GLASS , STAINED GLASS , GLAZIER
FOR DRINKING|
2 [C] (often in compounds) a container made of glass, used for drinking out of: a sherry glass  a wine glass
3 [C] the contents of a glass: a glass of sherry / wine / water  He drank three whole glasses.
GLASS OBJECTS|
4 [U] objects made of glass: We keep all our glass and china in this cupboard.  She has a fine collection of Bohemian glass.
ON WATCH / PICTURE|
5 [sing.] a protecting cover made of glass on a watch, picture or photograph frame, FIRE ALARM , etc: In case of emergency, break the glass and press the button.
FOR EYES|
6 (glasses) (AmE also eye.glasses) (also old-fashioned or formal spec.tacles, informal specs especially in BrE) [pl.] two LENSES in a frame that rests on the nose and ears. People wear glasses in order to be able to see better or to protect their eyes from bright sunlight: a pair of glasses  dark glasses  I wear glasses for driving.—see also FIELD GLASSES , MAGNIFYING GLASS , SUNGLASSES
MIRROR|
7 [C, usually sing.] (old-fashioned) a mirror—see also LOOKING GLASS
BAROMETER|
8 (the glass) [sing.] a BAROMETER
IDM see PEOPLE n. , RAISE v.

verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to hit sb in the face with a glass ,glass sth 'in / 'over [usually passive] to cover sth with a roof or wall made of glass: a glassed-in pool—compare GLAZE

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,glass 'ceiling
noun [usually sing.] the imaginary barrier that stops women, or other groups, from getting the best jobs in a company, etc. although there are no official rules to prevent them from getting these jobs
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,glass 'fibre
(BrE ) (AmE,glass 'fiber) noun [U] = FIBREGLASS
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glass.ful
noun the amount that a drinking glass will hold
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glass.house
noun (BrE )
1 a building with glass sides and a glass roof, for growing plants in; a type of large GREENHOUSE
2 (slang) a military prison
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glass.ware
noun [U] objects made of glass, especially drinking glasses, dishes, and containers for water or flowers
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glassy
adj.
1 like glass; smooth and shiny: a glassy lake  a glassy material
2 showing no feeling or emotion: glassy eyes  a glassy look / stare  He looked flushed and glassy-eyed.
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Glas.we.gian
noun a person from Glasgow in Scotland
Glas.we.gian adj.
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glau.coma
noun [U] an eye disease that causes gradual loss of sight
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glaze
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (over) if a person’s eyes glaze or glaze over, the person begins to look bored or tired: A lot of people’s eyes glaze over if you say you are a feminist.  ‘I’m feeling rather tired,’ he said, his eyes glazing.
2 [vn] to fit sheets of glass into sth: to glaze a window / house  a glazed door—see also DOUBLE GLAZING —compare GLASS
3 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to cover sth with a glaze to give it a shiny surface: Glaze the pie with beaten egg.  glazed pottery / tiles   (AmE) a glazed doughnut

noun [C, U]
1 a thin clear liquid put on clay objects such as cups and plates before they are finished, to give them a hard shiny surface
2 a thin liquid, made of egg, milk or sugar, for example, that is put on cake, bread, etc. to make it look shiny

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glazed
adj. (especially of the eyes) showing no feeling or emotion; dull: eyes glazed with boredom
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glaz.ier
noun a person whose job is to fit glass into the frames of windows, etc.
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gleam
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to shine with a pale clear light: The moonlight gleamed on the water.  Her eyes gleamed in the dark.
2 ~ (with sth) to look very clean or bright: [v] The house was gleaming with fresh white paint.  [v-adj] Her teeth gleamed white against the tanned skin of her face.
3 [v] ~ (with / in sth) if a person’s eyes gleam with a particular emotion, or an emotion gleams in a person’s eyes, the person shows that emotion: His eyes gleamed with amusement.  Amusement gleamed in his eyes.

noun [usually sing.]
1 a pale clear light, often reflected from sth: the gleam of moonlight on the water  a gleam of light from a lamp  A few gleams of sunshine lit up the gloomy afternoon.  I saw the gleam of the knife as it flashed through the air.
2 a small amount of sth: a faint gleam of hope  a serious book with an occasional gleam of humour
3 an expression of a particular feeling or emotion that shows in sb’s eyes: a gleam of triumph in her eyes  a mischievous gleam in his eye  The gleam in his eye made her uncomfortable (= as if he was planning sth secret or unpleasant).

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glean
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to obtain information, knowledge etc., sometimes with difficulty and often from various different places: These figures have been gleaned from a number of studies.
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glee
noun [U] a feeling of happiness, usually because sth good has happened to you, or sth bad has happened to sb else: He rubbed his hands in glee as he thought of all the money he would make.  She couldn’t disguise her glee at their embarrassment.
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glee.ful
adj. happy because of sth good you have done or sth bad that has happened to sb else: a gleeful laugh
glee.ful.ly adv.
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glen
noun a deep narrow valley, especially in Scotland or Ireland
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glib
adj. (disapproving) (of speakers and speech) using words that are clever, but are not sincere, and do not show much thought: a glib talker / salesman  glib answers / explanations
glib.ly adv.
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glide
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to move smoothly and quietly, especially as though it takes no effort: Swans went gliding past.  The skaters were gliding over the ice.
2 (of birds or aircraft) to fly using air currents, without the birds moving their wings or the aircraft using the engine: An eagle was gliding high overhead.  The plane managed to glide down to the runway.

noun
1 [sing.] a continuous smooth movement: the graceful glide of a skater
2 [C] (phonetics) a speech sound made while moving the tongue from one position to another

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glider
noun a light aircraft that flies without an engine
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glid.ing
noun [U] the sport of flying in a glider
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glim.mer
noun, verb
noun
1 a faint unsteady light: We could see a glimmer of light on the far shore.
2 (also glim.mer.ing) a small sign of sth: a glimmer of hope / amusement / recognition  I caught the glimmer of a smile in his eyes.  the glimmering of an idea

verb [v] to shine with a faint unsteady light: The candles glimmered in the corner.   (figurative) Amusement glimmered in his eyes.

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glimpse
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.]
1 ~ (at sb/sth)| ~ (of sb/sth) a look at sb/sth for a very short time, when you do not see the person or thing completely: He caught a glimpse of her in the crowd.  I came up on deck to get my first glimpse of the island.
2 ~ (into sth)| ~ (of sth) a short experience of sth that helps you to understand it: a fascinating glimpse into life in the ocean  The programme gives us a rare glimpse of a great artist at work.

verb [vn]
1 to see sb/sth for a moment, but not very clearly: He’d glimpsed her through the window as he passed.
2 to start to understand sth: Suddenly she glimpsed the truth about her sister.

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glint
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 to produce small bright flashes of light: The sea glinted in the moonlight.  The sun glinted on the windows.
2 if a person’s eyes glint with a particular emotion, or an emotion glints in a person’s eyes, the person shows that emotion, which is usually a strong one: Her eyes glinted angrily.  Hostility glinted in his eyes.

noun
1 a sudden flash of light or colour shining from a bright surface: the glint of the sun on the water  golden glints in her red hair  She saw a glint of silver in the grass.
2 an expression in sb’s eyes showing a particular emotion, often a negative one: He had a wicked glint in his eye.  a glint of anger / mockery

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glis.ten
verb (of sth wet) to shine: [v] Her eyes were glistening with tears.  Sweat glistened on his forehead.  [v-adj] The road glistened wet after the rain.
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glitch
noun (informal) a small problem or fault that stops sth working successfully
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glit.ter
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 to shine brightly with little flashes of light, like a diamond
SYN SPARKLE : The ceiling of the cathedral glittered with gold.  The water glittered in the sunlight.
2 ~ (with sth) (written) (of the eyes) to shine brightly with a particular emotion, usually a strong one: His eyes glittered with greed.

noun
1 [U] bright light consisting of many little flashes: the glitter of diamonds
2 [sing.] a bright expression in sb’s eyes showing a particular emotion
SYN GLINT : There was a triumphant glitter in his eyes.
3 [U] the attractive, exciting qualities that sb/sth, especially a rich and famous person or place, seems to have
SYN GLAMOUR : the superficial glitter of show business
4 [U] very small shiny pieces of thin metal or paper that are stuck to things as a decoration: gold / silver glitter

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glit.ter.ati
noun [pl.] (used in newspapers) fashionable, rich and famous people
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glit.ter.ing
adj. [usually before noun]
1 very impressive and successful: He has a glittering career ahead of him.
2 very impressive and involving rich and successful people: a glittering occasion / ceremony  a glittering array of stars
3 shining brightly with many small flashes of light: glittering jewels
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glit.tery
adj. shining brightly with many little flashes of light: a glittery suit
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glitz
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) the quality of appearing very attractive, exciting and impressive, in a way that is not always genuine: the glitz and glamour of the music scene
glitzy adj.: a glitzy, Hollywood-style occasion
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gloam.ing
noun (the gloaming) [sing.] (ScotE or literary) the faint light after the sun sets
SYN TWILIGHT , DUSK
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gloat
verb [v] ~ (about / at / over sth) to show that you are happy about your own success or sb else’s failure, in an unpleasant way: She was still gloating over her rival’s disappointment.
gloat.ing adj.: a gloating look / remark
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glob
noun (informal) a small amount of a liquid or substance in a round shape: thick globs of paint on the floor
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global
adj. [usually before noun]
1 covering or affecting the whole world: global issues  The commission is calling for a global ban on whaling.  the company’s domestic and global markets
2 considering or including all parts of sth: We need to take a more global approach to the problem.  global searches on the database  They sent a global e-mail to all staff.
glob.al.ly adv.: We need to start thinking globally.
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glob.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v, vn] (economics ) if sth, for example a business company, globalizes or is globalized, it operates all around the world
glob.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the globalization of world trade
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,global 'village
noun [sing.] the whole world, looked at as a single community that is connected by electronic communication systems
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,global 'warming
noun [U] the increase in temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially CARBON DIOXIDE —see also GREENHOUSE EFFECT
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globe
noun
1 [C] an object shaped like a ball with a map of the world on its surface, usually on a STAND so that it can be turned
2 (the globe) [sing.] the world (used especially to emphasize its size): tourists from every corner of the globe
3 [C] a thing shaped like a ball
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,globe 'artichoke
noun = ARTICHOKE (1)
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globe.trot.ting
adj. (informal) travelling in many countries all over the world: a globetrotting journalist
globe.trot.ter noun
globe.trot.ting noun [U]
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globu.lar
adj. shaped like a ball, GLOBE or globule ; consisting of globules
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glob.ule
noun a very small drop or ball of a liquid or of a solid that has been melted: a globule of fat
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glock.en.spiel
noun a musical instrument made of a row of metal bars of different lengths, that you hit with two small hammers—compare XYLOPHONE
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gloom
noun
1 [U, sing.] a feeling of being sad and without hope: The gloom deepened as the election results came in.
2 [U] (literary) almost total darkness: We watched the boats come back in the gathering gloom.
IDM see DOOM n. , PILE v.
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gloomy
adj. (gloom.ier, gloomi.est)
1 nearly dark, or badly lit in a way that makes you feel sad: a gloomy room / atmosphere  It was a wet and gloomy day.
2 sad and without hope: a gloomy expression  We sat in gloomy silence.
3 without much hope of success or happiness in the future: a gloomy picture of the country’s economic future  Suddenly, the future didn’t look so gloomy after all.
gloom.ily adv.: He stared gloomily at the phone.
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glop
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) a thick wet substance that looks, tastes or feels unpleasant
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glori.fied
adj. [only before noun] making sb/sth seem more important or better than they are: The restaurant was no more than a glorified fast-food cafe.
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glor.ify
verb (glori.fies, glori.fy.ing, glori.fied, glori.fied) [vn]
1 (often disapproving) to make sth seem better or more important than it really is: He denies that the movie glorifies violence.
2 (formal) to praise and worship God
glori.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: the glorification of war
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glori.ous
adj.
1 (formal) deserving or bringing great fame and success: a glorious deed / victory  a glorious chapter in our country’s history—compare INGLORIOUS
2 (formal) very beautiful and impressive: a glorious sunset / view
3 extremely enjoyable: a glorious trip to Rome
4 (of weather) hot, with the sun shining: They had three weeks of glorious sunshine.
glori.ous.ly adv.
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glory
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] fame, praise or honour that is given to sb because they have achieved sth important: Olympic glory in the 100 metres  I do all the work and he gets all the glory.  She wanted to enjoy her moment of glory.  He came home a rich man, covered in glory .
2 [U] praise and worship of God: ‘Glory to God in the highest’
3 [U] great beauty: The city was spread out beneath us in all its glory .  The house has now been restored to its former glory .
4 [C] a special cause for pride, respect or pleasure: The temple is one of the glories of ancient Greece.  Her long black hair is her crowning glory (= most impressive feature).—see also REFLECTED GLORY

verb (glor.ies, glory.ing, glor.ied, glor.ied)
PVR V 'glory in sth (written) to get great pleasure or enjoyment from sth
SYN REVEL : She gloried in her new-found independence.

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'glory days
noun [pl.] a time in the past which people look back on as being better than the present
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gloss
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] a shine on a smooth surface: paper with a high gloss on one side  The gel gives your hair a gloss.  You can have the photos with either a gloss or a matt finish.
2 [U] (often in compounds) a substance designed to make sth shiny: lip gloss
3 (also ,gloss 'paint) [U] paint which, when dry, has a hard shiny surface: two coats of gloss
4 [U, sing.] an attractive appearance that is only on the surface and hides what is not so attractive: Beneath the gloss of success was a tragic private life.  This scandal has taken the gloss off the occasion.
5 [C] ~ (on sth) a way of explaining sth to make it seem more attractive or acceptable: The director puts a Hollywood gloss on the civil war.
6 [C] ~ (on sth) a note or comment added to a piece of writing to explain a difficult word or phrase

verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to add a note or comment to a piece of writing to explain a difficult word, phrase or idea
PVR V ,gloss 'over sth to avoid talking about sth unpleasant or embarrassing by not dealing with it in detail: to gloss over a problem / difficulty / situation  He glossed over any splits in the party.

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gloss.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a list of technical or special words, especially those in a particular text, explaining their meanings: a glossary of financial terms
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glossy
adj., noun
adj.
1 smooth and shiny: glossy hair  a glossy brochure / magazine (= printed on shiny paper)
2 giving an appearance of being important and expensive: the glossy world of fashion

noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) an expensive magazine printed on glossy paper, with a lot of colour photographs, etc.

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glot.tal stop
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound made by closing and opening the glottis , which in English sometimes takes the place of a , in butter, for example
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glot.tis
noun (anatomy ) the part of the throat that contains the VOCAL CORDS and the narrow opening between them
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glove
noun a covering for the hand, made of wool, leather, etc. with separate parts for each finger and the thumb: a pair of gloves  rubber gloves  gardening gloves—compare MITTEN —see also BOXING , OVEN GLOVE
IDM the gloves are off used to say that sb is ready for a fight or an argument—more at FIT v. , HAND n. , IRON adj. , KID n.
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'glove compartment
(also 'glove box) noun a small enclosed space or shelf facing the front seats of a car, used for keeping small things in—picture at CAR
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gloved
adj. [usually before noun] (of a hand) wearing a glove
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'glove puppet
(BrE ) (AmE 'hand puppet) noun a type of PUPPET that you put over your hand and move using your fingers
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glow
verb, noun
verb
1 (especially of sth hot or warm) to produce a dull, steady light: [v] The embers still glowed in the hearth.  The strap has a fluorescent coating that glows in the dark .  [v-adj] A cigarette end glowed red in the darkness.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) (of a person’s body or face) to look or feel warm or pink, especially after exercise or because of excitement, embarrassment, etc: Her cheeks were glowing.  His face glowed with embarrassment.
3 [v] ~ (with sth) to look very pleased or satisfied: She was positively glowing with pride.  He gave her a warm glowing smile.
4 ~ (with sth) to appear a strong, warm colour: [v] The countryside glowed with autumn colours.  [v-adj] The brick walls glowed red in the late afternoon sun.

noun [sing.]
1 a dull steady light, especially from a fire that has stopped producing flames: The city was just a red glow on the horizon.  There was no light except for the occasional glow of a cigarette.
2 the pink colour in your face when you have been doing exercise or feel happy and excited: The fresh air had brought a healthy glow to her cheeks.
3 a gold or red colour: the glow of autumn leaves
4 a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction: When she looked at her children, she felt a glow of pride.

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glow.er
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to look in an angry, aggressive way
SYN GLARE
glow.er noun
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glow.ing
adj. giving enthusiastic praise: a glowing account / report / review  He spoke of her performance in the film in glowing terms (= praising her highly).
glow.ing.ly adv.
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'glow-worm
noun a type of insect. The female has no wings and produces a green light at the end of the tail.
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glu.cose
noun [U] a type of sugar that is found in fruit and is easily changed into energy by the human body
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glue
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a sticky substance that is used for joining things together: a tube of glue  He sticks to her like glue (= never leaves her).

verb [vn] ~ A (to / onto B)| ~ A and B (together) to join two things together using glue: She glued the label onto the box.  Glue the two pieces of cardboard together.  Make sure the edges are glued down.
IDM be 'glued to sth (informal) to give all your attention to sth; to stay very close to sth: He spends every evening glued to the TV.  Her eyes were glued to the screen (= she did not stop watching it). ,glued to the 'spot not able to move, for example because you are frightened or surprised

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,glue 'ear
noun [U] (BrE ) a medical condition in which the tubes going from the nose to the ear are blocked with MUCUS
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'glue-sniffing
noun [U] the habit of breathing in the gases from some kinds of glue in order to produce a state of excitement; a type of SOLVENT ABUSE
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glum
adj. sad, quiet and unhappy: The players sat there with glum looks on their faces.
glum.ly adv.: The three of us sat glumly looking out to sea.
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glut
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a situation in which there is more of sth than is needed or can be used: a glut of cheap videos on the market

verb (-tt-) [vn] [usually passive] to supply or provide sth with too much of sth: The market has been glutted with foreign cars.

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glu.ten
noun [U] a sticky substance that is a mixture of two PROTEINS and is left when STARCH is removed from flour, especially wheat flour
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glu.tin.ous
adj. sticky: glutinous rice
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glut.ton
noun
1 (disapproving) a person who eats too much
2 ~ for punishment / work a person who enjoys doing difficult or unpleasant tasks
glut.ton.ous adj.
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glut.tony
noun [U] the habit of eating and drinking too much
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gly.cer.ine
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually gly.cerin ) noun [U] a thick sweet colourless liquid made from fats and oils and used in medicines, beauty products and explosives
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GM
abbr.
1 (BrE) genetically modified: GM foods or ‘Frankenstein foods’ as they are popularly called
2 grant-maintained (used in Britain to describe schools that receive money from central, not local government)
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gm
(BrE ) (also gm.AmE, BrE) abbr. (pl.gm or gms) gram(s)
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GMT
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘Greenwich Mean Time’ (the time at Greenwich in England on the line of 0°LONGITUDE , used for calculating time everywhere in the world)
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gnarled
adj.
1 (of trees) twisted and rough; covered with hard lumps: a gnarled oak / branch / trunk
2 (of a person or part of the body) bent and twisted because of age or illness: gnarled hands
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gnarly
adj. (AmE , slang)
1 very good; excellent: Wow, man! That’s totally gnarly!
2 not very good
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gnash
verb
IDM gnash your 'teeth to feel very angry and upset about sth, especially because you cannot get what you want: He’ll be gnashing his teeth when he hears that we lost the contract.
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gnat
noun a small fly with two wings, that bites
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gnaw
verb ~ (away) (at / on sth) to keep biting sth or chewing it hard, so that it gradually disappears: [vn] The dog was gnawing a bone.  [v] Rats had gnawed through the cable  She gnawed at her fingernails.   (figurative) Self-doubt began to gnaw away at her confidence.
PVR V 'gnaw at sb to make sb feel anxious, frightened or uncomfortable over a long period of time: The problem had been gnawing at him for months.
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gnaw.ing
adj. [only before noun] making you feel worried over a period of time: gnawing doubts
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gnome
noun
1 (in stories) a creature like a small man with white hair and a pointed hat who lives under the ground and guards gold and precious things: (informal) the gnomes of Zurich (= Swiss bankers who control foreign money)
2 a plastic or stone figure of a gnome , used as a garden ornament
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gno.mic
adj. (formal) (of a person or a remark) clever and wise but sometimes difficult to understand
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GNP
noun the abbreviation for ‘gross national product’ (the total value of all the goods and services produced by a country in one year, including the total income from foreign countries)—compare GDP
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gnu
noun (pl.gnu or gnus) = WILDEBEEST
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GNVQ
noun a course of study taken in British schools by students aged 15-18 to prepare them for university or employment (the abbreviation for ‘General National Vocational Qualification’): She’s doing GNVQ Business Studies at college.—compare A LEVEL
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go
verb, noun
verb (goes went gone )
HELP Been is used as the past participle of go when sb has gone somewhere and come back.
MOVE / TRAVEL|
1 to move or travel from one place to another: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : She went into her room and shut the door behind her.  He goes to work by bus.  I have to go to Rome on business.  She has gone to China (= is now in China or is on her way there).  She has been to China (= she went to China and has now returned).  I think you should go to the doctor’s.  Are you going home for Christmas?  [v to inf] She has gone to see her sister this weekend.
HELP In spoken English go can be used with and plus another verb to show purpose or to tell sb what to do: I’ll go and answer the door.  Go and get me a drink! The and is sometimes left out, especially in AmE: Go ask your mom!
2 [v] ~ (to sth) (with sb) to move or travel, especially with sb else, to a particular place or in order to be present at an event: Are you going to Dave’s party?  Who else is going?  His dog goes everywhere with him.
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move or travel in a particular way or over a particular distance: [v] He’s going too fast.  [vn] We had gone about fifty miles when the car broke down.
4 [v -ing, usually +adv. / prep.] ~ flying, singing, etc. to move in a particular way or while doing sth else: The car went skidding off the road into a ditch.  She went sobbing up the stairs.  She crashed into a waiter and his tray of drinks went flying.
LEAVE|
5 [v] to leave one place in order to reach another
SYN DEPART : I must be going now.  They came at six and went at nine.  Has she gone yet?  He’s been gone an hour (= he left an hour ago).  When does the train go?
6 [v] ~ on sth to leave a place and do sth different: to go on a journey / a tour / a trip / a cruise  Richard has gone on leave for two weeks.
VISIT / ATTEND|
7 [v] ~ to sth to visit or attend a place for a particular purpose: (BrE) I have to go to hospital for an operation.   (AmE) I have to go to the hospital.  to go to prison (= to be sent there as punishment for a crime)  Do you go to church (= regularly attend church services)?
SWIMMING / FISHING / JOGGING, etc.|
8 ~ for sth to leave a place or travel to a place in order to take part in an activity or a sport: to go for a walk / drive / swim / run  Shall we go for a drink (= at a pub or bar) after work?  I have to go shopping this afternoon.  We’re going sailing on Saturday.
BE SENT|
9 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to be sent or passed somewhere: I want this memo to go to all managers.
LEAD|
10 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (from … ) to … to lead or EXTEND from one place to another: I want a rope that will go from the top window to the ground.  Where does this road go?
PLACE / SPACE|
11 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to have as a usual or correct position; to be placed: This dictionary goes on the top shelf.  Where do you want the piano to go (= be put)?
12 [v] will / would not ~ (in / into sth) used to say that sth does/did not fit into a particular place or space: My clothes won’t all go in that one suitcase.  He tried to push his hand through the gap but it wouldn’t go.
NUMBERS|
13 ~ (into sth) if a number will go into another number, it is contained in that number an exact number of times: [v-n] 3 into 12 goes 4.  [v] 7 into 15 won’t go.   (AmE) 7 into 15 doesn’t go.  7 won’t go into 15.
PROGRESS|
14 [v + adv.  /  prep.] used to talk about how well or badly sth makes progress or succeeds: ‘How did your interview go?’‘It went very well, thank you.’  Did everything go smoothly?  How’s it going (= is your life enjoyable, successful, etc. at the moment)?  The way things are going the company will be bankrupt by the end of the year.
STATE / CONDITION|
15 [v] ~ to / into sth| ~ out of sth used in many expressions to show that sb/sth has reached a particular state/is no longer in a particular state: She went to sleep.  That colour has gone out of fashion.
16 linking verb [v-adj] to become different in a particular way, especially a bad way: to go bald / blind / mad / bankrupt  Her hair is going grey.  This milk has gone sour.  The children went wild with excitement.  note at BECOME
17 [v-adj] to live or move around in a particular state: to go naked / barefoot  She cannot bear the thought of children going hungry.
18 [v-adj] ~ unnoticed, unreported, etc. to not be noticed, reported, etc: Police are worried that many crimes go unreported.
SONG / STORY|
19 used to talk about what tune or words a song or poem has or what happens in a story [v + adv.  /  prep.] : How does that song go?  I forget how the next line goes.  [v that] The story goes that she’s been married five times.
SOUND / MOVEMENT|
20 to make a particular sound or movement: [v-n] The gun went ‘bang’.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] She went like this with her hand.
21 [v] to be sounded as a signal or warning: The whistle went for the end of the game.
SAY|
22 [v speech] (informal) (used when telling a story) to say: I asked ‘How much?’ and he goes, ‘Fifty.’ and I go, ‘Fifty? You must be joking!’
START|
23 [v] to start an activity: I’ll say ‘One, two, three, go!’ as a signal for you to start.  As soon as he gets here we’re ready to go.
MACHINE|
24 [v] if a machine goes, it works: This clock doesn’t go.
DISAPPEAR|
25 [v] to stop existing; to be lost or stolen
SYN DISAPPEAR : Has your headache gone yet?  I left my bike outside the library and when I came out again it had gone.
BE THROWN OUT|
26 [v] sb/sth must / has to / can ~ used to talk about wanting to get rid of sb/sth: The old sofa will have to go.  He’s useless—he’ll have to go.
NOT WORK|
27 [v] to get worse; to become damaged or stop working correctly: Her sight is beginning to go.  His mind is going (= he is losing his mental powers).  I was driving home when my brakes went.
DIE|
28 [v] to die. People say ‘go’ to avoid saying ‘die’: You can’t take your money with you when you go.
MONEY|
29 [v] ~ (on sth) when money goes, it is spent or used for sth: I don’t know where the money goes!  Most of my salary goes on the rent.  The money will go to finance a new community centre.
30 [v] ~ (to sb) (for sth) to be sold: We won’t let the house go for less than $200 000.  There was usually some bread going cheap (= being sold cheaply) at the end of the day.
31 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to be willing to pay a particular amount of money for sth: He’s offered £3 000 for the car and I don’t think he’ll go any higher.  I’ll go to $1 000 but that’s my limit.
HELP|
32 [v to inf] to help; to play a part in doing sth: This all goes to prove my theory.  It (= what has just happened)just goes to show you can’t always tell how people are going to react.
BE AVAILABLE|
33 (be going) [v] (informal) to be available: There just aren’t any jobs going in this area.
TIME|
34 [v + adv.  /  prep.] used to talk about how quickly or slowly time seems to pass: Hasn’t the time gone quickly?
USE TOILET|
35 [v] (informal) to use a toilet: Do you need to go, Billy? Most idioms containing go are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example go it alone is at alone.  anything goes (informal) anything that sb says or does is accepted or allowed, however shocking or unusual it may be: Almost anything goes these days. as people, things, etc. go in comparison with the average person, thing, etc: As teachers go, he’s not bad. be going on (for) sth (BrE) to be nearly a particular age, time or number: It was going on (for) midnight. be going to do sth
1 used to show what sb intends to do in the future: We’re going to buy a house when we’ve saved enough money.
2 used to show that sth is likely to happen very soon or in the future: I think I’m going to faint.  If the drought continues there’s going to be a famine. don’t go doing sth (spoken) used to tell or warn sb not to do sth: Don’t go getting yourself into trouble. enough / something to be going 'on with (BrE) something that is enough for a short time: £50 should be enough to be going on with. go all 'out for sth | go all out to 'do sth to make a very great effort to get sth or do sth go and do sth used to show that you are angry or annoyed that sb has done sth stupid: Trust him to go and mess things up!  Why did you have to go and upset your mother like that?  You’ve really gone and done it (= done sth very stupid) now! go down well, badly, etc. (with sb) | go off well used to talk about whether people like sth such as a speech, performance, etc: Her speech went down well with the audience. go 'on (with you) (old-fashioned) used to express the fact that you do not believe sth, or that you disapprove of sth: Go on with you—you’re never forty. You don’t look a day over thirty. (have) a lot, nothing, etc. 'going for you (to have) many/not many advantages: You’re young, intelligent, attractive—you have a lot going for you! ,no 'go (informal) not possible or allowed: If the bank won’t lend us the money it’s no go, I’m afraid.—see also NO-GO AREA to 'go
1 remaining; still left: I only have one exam to go.
2 (AmE, informal) if you buy cooked food to go in a restaurant or shop/store, you buy it to take away and eat somewhere else: Two pizzas to go. ,where does sb ,go from 'here? used to ask what action sb should take, especially in order to improve the difficult situation that they are in ,who goes 'there? used by a soldier who is guarding a place to order sb to say who they are: Halt, who goes there? ,go a'bout (BrE) = GO AROUND 'go about sth to continue to do sth; to keep busy with sth: Despite the threat of war, people went about their business as usual. ,go a'bout sth to start working on sth
SYN TACKLE : You’re not going about the job in the right way. [+ -ing] How should I go about finding a job?,go 'after sb to chase or follow sb: He went after the burglars.  She left the room in tears so I went after her. ,go 'after sb/sth to try to get sb/sth: We’re both going after the same job.,go a'gainst sb to not be in sb’s favour or not to their advantage: The jury’s verdict went against him. ,go a'gainst sb/sth to resist or oppose sb/sth: He would not go against his parents' wishes. ,go a'gainst sth to be opposed to sth; to not fit or agree with sth: Paying for hospital treatment goes against her principles.  His thinking goes against all logic.,go a'head
1 to travel in front of other people in your group and arrive before them: I’ll go ahead and tell them you’re on the way.
2 to happen; to be done
SYN PROCEED : The building of the new bridge will go ahead as planned.—related noun GO-AHEAD ,go a'head (with sth) to begin to do sth, especially when sb has given permission or has expressed doubts or opposition: ‘May I start now?’‘Yes, go ahead.’  The government intends to go ahead with its tax cutting plans—related noun GO-AHEAD ,go a'long
1 to continue with an activity: He made up the story as he went along .
2 to make progress; to develop: Things are going along nicely. ,go a'long with sb/sth to agree with sb/sth: I don’t go along with her views on abortion.,go a'round / 'round
1 to spin or turn: to go round in a circle
2 to be enough for everyone to have one or some: There aren’t enough chairs to go around.
3 (BrE also ,go a'bout) to often be in a particular state or behave in a particular way: She often goes around barefoot. [+ -ing] It’s unprofessional to go round criticizing your colleagues.
4 to spread from person to person: There’s a rumour going around that they’re having an affair. ,go a'round / 'round (to … ) to visit sb or a place that is near: I went round to the post office.  I’m going around to my sister’s (= her house) later.'go at sb to attack sb: They went at each other furiously. 'go at sth to make great efforts to do sth; to work hard at sth: They went at the job as if their lives depended on it.,go a'way
1 to leave a person or place: Just go away!  Go away and think about it, then let me know.
2 to leave home for a period of time, especially for a holiday/vacation: They’ve gone away for a few days.  I’m going away on business.
3 to disappear: The smell still hasn’t gone away.,go 'back if two people go back a period of time (usually a long time), they have known each other for that time: Dave and I go back twenty years. ,go 'back (to … ) to return to a place: She doesn’t want to go back to her husband (= to live with him again).  This toaster will have to go back (= be taken back to the shop / store where it was bought)—it’s faulty.  Of course we want to go back some day—it’s our country, our real home. ,go 'back (to sth)
1 to consider sth that happened or was said at an earlier time: Can I go back to what you said at the beginning of the meeting?  Once you have made this decision, there will be no going back (= you will not be able to change your mind).
2 to have existed since a particular time or for a particular period: Their family goes back to the time of the Pilgrim Fathers. ,go 'back on sth to fail to keep a promise; to change your mind about sth: He never goes back on his word (= never fails to do what he has said he will do). ,go 'back to sth to start doing sth again that you had stopped doing: The kids go back to school next week. [+ -ing] She’s decided to go back to teaching.,go be'fore (written) to exist or happen in an earlier time: The present crisis is worse than any that have gone before. 'go before sb/sth to be presented to sb/sth for discussion, decision or judgement: My application goes before the planning committee next week.,go be'yond sth to be more than sth
SYN EXCEED : This year’s sales figures go beyond all our expectations (= are much better than we thought they would be).,go 'by (of time) to pass: Things will get easier as time goes by .  The weeks went slowly by. 'go by sth to be guided by sth; to form an opinion from sth: That’s a good rule to go by.  If past experience is anything to go by , they’ll be late.,go 'down
1 to fall to the ground: She tripped and went down with a bump.
2 if a ship, etc. goes down, it disappears below the water
SYN SINK
3 when the sun or moon goes down, it disappears below the HORIZON
SYN SET
4 if food or drink will/will not go down, it is difficult/easy to swallow: A glass of wine would go down very nicely (= I would very much like one).
5 if the price of sth, the temperature, etc. goes down, it becomes lower
SYN FALL : The price of oil is going down.  Oil is going down in price.
OPP GO UP
6 (informal) to get worse in quality: The neighbourhood has gone down a lot recently.
7 (computing) to stop working temporarily: The system is going down in ten minutes. ,go 'down (from … ) (BrE, formal) to leave a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge, at the end of a TERM or after finishing your studies: She went down (from Cambridge) in 1989.
OPP GO UP (TO … ) ,go 'down (in sth) to be written in sth; to be recorded or remembered in sth: It all goes down (= she writes it all) in her notebook.  He will go down in history as a great statesman. ,go 'down on sb (slang) to perform ORAL sex on sb (= to use the mouth to stimulate sb’s sex organs) ,go 'down (to sb) to be defeated by sb, especially in a game or competition: Italy went down to Brazil by three goals to one. ,go 'down (to … ) (from … ) to go from one place to another, especially further south or from a city or large town to a smaller place: They’ve gone down to Brighton for a couple of days.
OPP GO UP ,go 'down with sth (especially BrE) to become ill/sick with sth
SYN CATCH : Our youngest boy has gone down with chickenpox.'go for sb to attack sb: She went for him with a knife. 'go for sb/sth
1 to apply to sb/sth: What I said about Peter goes for you, too.  They have a high level of unemployment—but the same goes for many other countries.
2 to go to a place and bring sb/sth back: She’s gone for some milk.
3 to be attracted by sb/sth; to like or prefer sb/sth: She goes for tall slim men.  I don’t really go for modern art. 'go for sth
1 to choose sth: I think I’ll go for the fruit salad.
2 to put a lot of effort into sth, so that you get or achieve sth: Go for it , John! You know you can beat him.  It sounds a great idea. Go for it !,go 'in
1 to enter a room, house, etc: Let’s go in, it’s getting cold.
2 if the sun or moon goes in, it disappears behind a cloud ,go 'in for sth
1 (BrE) to take an exam or enter a competition: She’s going in for the Cambridge First Certificate.
2 to have sth as an interest or a hobby: She doesn’t go in for team games. ,go 'in with sb to join sb in starting a business: My brothers are opening a garage and they want me to go in with them.,go 'into sth
1 (of a vehicle) to hit sth violently: The car skidded and went into a tree.
2 (of a vehicle or driver) to start moving in a particular way: The plane went into a nosedive.
3 to join an organization, especially in order to have a career in it: to go into the Army / the Church / Parliament  to go into teaching
4 to begin to do sth or behave in a particular way: He went into a long explanation of the affair.
5 to examine sth carefully: We need to go into the question of costs.
6 (of money, time, effort, etc.) to be spent on sth or used to do sth: More government money needs to go into the project. [+ -ing] Years of work went into researching the book.,go 'off
1 to leave a place, especially in order to do sth: She went off to get a drink.
2 to be fired; to explode: The gun went off by accident.  The bomb went off in a crowded street.
3 if an ALARM , etc. goes off, it makes a sudden loud noise
4 if a light, the electricity, etc. goes off, it stops working: Suddenly the lights went off.  The heating goes off at night.
OPP GO ON
5 (BrE, informal) to fall asleep: Hasn’t the baby gone off yet?
6 (BrE) if food or drink goes off, it becomes bad and not fit to eat or drink
7 (BrE) to get worse in quality: Her books have gone off in recent years. ,go 'off sb/sth (BrE, informal) to stop liking sb/sth or lose interest in them: Jane seems to be going off Paul.  I’ve gone off beer. ,go 'off with sb to leave your husband, wife, partner, etc. in order to have a relationship with sb else: He went off with his best friend’s wife. ,go 'off with sth to take away from a place sth that does not belong to you: He went off with $10 000 of the company’s money.,go 'on
1 when a performer goes on, they begin their performance: She doesn’t go on until Act 2.
2 (in sport) to join a team as a SUBSTITUTE during a game: Cole went on in place of Beckham just before half-time.
3 when a light, the electricity, etc. goes on, it starts to work: Suddenly all the lights went on.
OPP GO OFF
4 (of time) to pass: She became more and more talkative as the evening went on.
5 (usually be going on) to happen: What’s going on here?
6 if a situation goes on, it continues without changing: This cannot be allowed to go on.  How much longer will this hot weather go on for?  We can’t go on like this —we seem to be always arguing.
7 to continue speaking, after a short pause: She hesitated for a moment and then went on. [+ speech] ‘You know,’ he went on, ‘I think my brother could help you.’
8 used to encourage sb to do sth: Go on! Have another drink!  Go on—jump! ,go 'on (ahead) to travel in front of sb else: You go on ahead—I’ll catch you up in a few minutes. 'go on sth (used in negative sentences and questions) to base an opinion or a judgement on sth: The police don’t have much to go on. ,go 'on (about sb/sth) to talk about sb/sth for a long time, especially in a boring or complaining way: He went on and on about how poor he was.  She does go on sometimes! ,go 'on (at sb) (especially BrE) to complain to sb about their behaviour, work, etc.
SYN CRITICIZE : She goes on at him continually. ,go 'on (with sth) to continue an activity, especially after a pause or break: That’s enough for now—let’s go on with it tomorrow. go on doing sth to continue an activity without stopping: He said nothing but just went on working. ,go 'on to sth to pass from one item to the next: Let’s go on to the next item on the agenda. go on to do sth to do sth after completing sth else: The book goes on to describe his experiences in the army.  After her early teaching career she went on to become a doctor.,go 'out
1 to leave your house to go to a social event: She goes out a lot. [+ -ing] He goes out drinking most evenings.
2 when the TIDE goes out, it moves away from the land
SYN EBB
OPP COME IN
3 to be sent: Have the invitations gone out yet?
4 (BrE) when a radio or television programme goes out, it is broadcast
5 when news or information goes out, it is announced or published: [+ that] Word went out that the director had resigned
6 if a fire or light goes out, it stops burning or shining ,go 'out (of sth)
1 to fail to reach the next stage of a competition, etc: She went out of the tournament in the first round.
2 to be no longer fashionable or generally used: Those skirts went out years ago. ,go 'out of sb/sth (of a quality or a feeling) to be no longer present in sb/sth; to disappear from sb/sth: All the fight seemed to go out of him.  The heat has gone out of the argument. ,go 'out with sb| ,go 'out (together) (especially of young people) to spend time with sb and have a romantic or sexual relationship with them: Tom has been going out with Kate for six weeks.  How long have Tom and Kate been going out together?,go 'over sth
1 to examine or check sth carefully: Go over your work before you hand it in.
2 to study sth carefully, especially by repeating it: He went over the events of the day in his mind (= thought about them carefully). ,go 'over (to … ) to move from one place to another, especially when this means crossing sth such as a room, town or city: He went over and shook hands with his guests.  Many Irish people went over to America during the famine. ,go 'over to sb/sth (in broadcasting) to change to a different person or place for the next part of a broadcast: We are now going over to the news desk for an important announcement. ,go 'over to sth to change from one side, opinion, habit, etc. to another: Two Conservative MPs have gone over to the Liberal Democrats.,go 'round = GO AROUND ,go 'round (to … ) = GO AROUND (TO … ) ,go 'through if a law, contract, etc. goes through, it is officially accepted or completed: The deal did not go through. go through sth
1 to look at or examine sth carefully, especially in order to find sth: I always start the day by going through my mail.  She went through the company’s accounts, looking for evidence of fraud.
2 to study or consider sth in detail, especially by repeating it: Let’s go through the arguments again.  Could we go through (= practise) Act 2 once more?
3 to perform a series of actions; to follow a method or PROCEDURE : Certain formalities have to be gone through before you can emigrate.
4 to experience or suffer sth: She’s been going through a bad patch recently.  He’s amazingly cheerful considering all he’s had to go through.
5 to use up or finish sth completely: The boys went through two whole loaves of bread. ,go 'through with sth to do what is necessary to complete a course of action, especially one that is difficult or unpleasant: She decided not to go through with (= not to have) the operation.'go to sb/sth to be given to sb/sth: Proceeds from the concert will go to charity.  All her property went to her eldest son (= when she died).,go to'gether = GO WITH STH 'go towards sth to be used as part of the payment for sth: The money will go towards a new car. [+ -ing] Part of my pay cheque went towards buying a CD player.,go 'under
1 (of sth that floats) to sink below the surface
2 (informal) to become BANKRUPT (= be unable to pay what you owe): The firm will go under unless business improves.,go 'up
1 to be built: New offices buildings are going up everywhere.
2 when the curtain across the stage in a theatre goes up, it is raised or opened
3 to be destroyed by fire or an explosion: The whole building went up in flames.
4 if the price of sth, the temperature, etc. goes up, it becomes higher
SYN RISE : The price of cigarettes is going up.  Cigarettes are going up in price.
OPP GO DOWN ,go 'up (to … ) (BrE, formal) to arrive at a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge, at the beginning of a TERM or in order to begin your studies: She went up (to Oxford) in 1989.
OPP GO DOWN (FROM … ) ,go 'up (to … ) (from … ) to go from one place to another, especially further north or to a city or large town from a smaller place: When are you next going up to Scotland?  We went up to London last weekend.
OPP GO DOWN 'go with sb (old-fashioned, informal) to have a sexual or romantic relationship with sb 'go with sth
1 to be included with or as part of sth: A car goes with the job.
2 to agree to accept sth, for example a plan or an offer: You’re offering £500? I think we can go with that.
3 (also go (together)) to combine well with sth
SYN MATCH : Does this jacket go with this skirt?  Those colours don’t really go (together).
4 (also ,go to'gether) to exist at the same time or in the same place as sth; to be found together: Disease often goes with poverty.  Disease and poverty often go together.,go wi'thout (sth) to manage without sth that you usually have or need: There wasn’t time for breakfast, so I had to go without.  How long can a human being go (= survive) without sleep? [+ -ing] She went without eating for three days.

noun (pl.goes )
1 [C] (BrE) (also turnAmE, BrE) a person’s turn to move or play in a game or an activity: Whose go is it?  It’s your go.  ‘How much is it to play?’‘It’s 50p a go.’  Can I have a go on your new bike?
2 [C] (BrE) (also tryAmE, BrE) an attempt at doing sth: It took three goes to get it right.  I doubt if he’ll listen to advice from me, but I’ll give it a go (= I’ll try but I don’t think I will succeed).
3 [U] (BrE) energy and enthusiasm: Mary’s always got plenty of go.—see also GET-UP-AND-GO at one 'go (BrE) in one single attempt or try: She blew out the candles at one go. be all 'go (BrE, informal) to be very busy or full of activity: It was all go in the office today. be on the 'go (also be on the 'move) (informal) to be very active and busy: I’ve been on the go all day.  Having four children keeps her on the go. first, second, etc. 'go (BrE) at the first, second, etc. attempt: I passed my driving test first go. have a 'go (at sth / at doing sth) to make an attempt to do sth: ‘I can’t start the engine.’‘Let me have a go.’  I’ll have a go at fixing it tonight. have a 'go (spoken, especially BrE) to attack sb physically: There were about seven of them standing round him, all waiting to have a go. have a 'go at sb (informal) to criticize sb or complain about sb: The boss had a go at me for being late for work. in one 'go (especially spoken) all together on one occasion: I’d rather do the journey in one go, and not stop on the way.  They ate the packet of biscuits all in one go. make a 'go of sth (informal) to be successful in sth: We’ve had a few problems in our marriage, but we’re both determined to make a go of it.—more at LEAVE v. , LET v.

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goad
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (into sth / into doing sth) to keep irritating or annoying sb/sth until they react: Goaded beyond endurance, she turned on him and hit out.  He finally goaded her into answering his question.
PVR V ,goad sb<->'on to drive or encourage sb to do sth: The boxers were goaded on by the shrieking crowd.

noun
1 a pointed stick used for making cows, etc. move forwards
2 something that makes sb do sth, usually by annoying them

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'go-ahead
noun, adj.
noun (the go-ahead) [sing.] permission for sb to start doing sth: The council has given the go-ahead to start building.

adj. [usually before noun] willing to try new ideas, methods, etc. and therefore likely to succeed: a go-ahead company / school / manager

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goal
noun
1 (in football, hockey, etc.) a wooden frame with a net into which players must kick or hit the ball in order to score a point: He headed the ball into an open goal (= one that had nobody defending it).  Who is in goal (= is the goalkeeper) for Arsenal?—
2 the act of kicking or hitting the ball into the goal ; a point that is scored for this: The winning goal was scored by Hill.  Liverpool won by three goals to one.  a penalty goal—see also OWN GOAL
3 something that you hope to achieve: to pursue / achieve a goal  The company has set itself some long-term organizational goals.
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goal.keep.er
(also informal goalie ) (AmE also goal.tend.er) (also BrEinformal keeper) noun (in football, hockey, etc.) a player whose job is to stop the ball from going into his or her own team’s goal—
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'goal kick
noun (in football) a kick taken by one team after the ball has been kicked over their GOAL LINE by the other team without a goal being scored
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goal.less
adj. [usually before noun] without either team scoring a goal: (BrE ) The match ended in a goalless draw.
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'goal line
noun (in football, hockey, etc.) the line at either end of a sports field on which the goal stands
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goal.mouth
noun the area directly in front of a goal
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goal.post
(also post) noun one of the two vertical posts that form part of a goal—
IDM move, etc. the 'goalposts (BrE, informal, disapproving) to change the rules for sth, or conditions under which it is done, so that the situation becomes more difficult for sb
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goal.scorer
noun a player in football, etc. who scores a goal
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goal.tend.er
noun (AmE ) = GOALKEEPER
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goat
noun
1 an animal with horns and a hairy coat, that lives wild in mountain areas or is kept on farms for its milk or meat: a mountain goat  goat’s milk / cheese—see also BILLY GOAT , NANNY GOAT
2 old ~ (informal) an unpleasant old man who is annoying in a sexual way
IDM get sb’s 'goat (informal) to annoy sb very much—more at SHEEP
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goatee
noun a small pointed BEARD (= hair growing on a man’s face) that is grown only on the chin—picture at HAIR
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goat.herd
noun a person whose job is to take care of a group of goats
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gob
noun, verb
noun (informal)
1 (BrE) a rude way of referring to a person’s mouth: Shut your gob! (= a rude way of telling sb to be quiet)
2 a small amount of a thick wet substance: Gobs of spittle ran down his chin.
3 [usually pl.] (AmE) a large amount of sth: great gobs of cash

verb (-bb-) [v] (BrE , slang) to blow SALIVA out of your mouth
SYN SPIT

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gob.bet
noun ~ (of sth) a small amount of sth: gobbets of blood / food
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gob.ble
verb
1 ~ sth (up / down) to eat sth very fast, in a way that people consider rude or GREEDY : [vn] Don’t gobble your food like that!  They gobbled down all the sandwiches. [alsov]
2 [v] when a TURKEY gobbles it makes a noise in its throat
PVR V ,gobble sth<->'up (informal)
1 to use sth very quickly: Hotel costs gobbled up most of their holiday budget.
2 if a business company, etc. gobbles up a smaller one, it takes control of it
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gobble.de.gook
(also gobble.dy.gook) noun [U] (informal) complicated language that is difficult to understand, especially when used in official documents: It’s all gobbledegook to me.
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'go-between
noun [C, U] a person who takes messages between one person or group and another: to act as (a) go-between
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gob.let
noun a cup for wine, usually made of glass or metal, with a stem and base but no handle
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gob.lin
noun (in stories) a small ugly creature that likes to trick people or cause trouble
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gob.smacked
adj. (BrE , informal) so surprised that you do not know what to say: I was gobsmacked when she told me the news.
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'go-cart
noun (AmE ) = GO-KART
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god
noun
1 (God) [sing.] (not used with the) (in Christianity, Judaism and Islam) the being or spirit that is worshipped and is believed to have created the universe: Do you believe in God?  Good luck and God bless you.  the Son of God (= Christ)
2 [C] (in some religions) a being or spirit who is believed to have power over a particular part of nature or who is believed to represent a particular quality: Mars was the Roman god of war.  the rain / sky god  Hindu gods—see also GODDESS
3 [C] a person who is loved or admired very much by other people: To her fans she’s a god.—see also GODDESS
4 [C] something to which too much importance or attention is given: Money is his god.
5 (the gods) [pl.] (BrE, informal) the seats that are high up at the back of a theatre
IDM by 'God! (spoken, old-fashioned) used to emphasize a feeling of determination or surprise
HELP Some people find this use offensive. God | God al'mighty | God in 'heaven | good 'God | my 'God | oh 'God (spoken) used to emphasize what you are saying when you are surprised, shocked or annoyed: God, what a stupid thing to do!
HELP Some people find this use offensive. God 'bless used when you are leaving sb, to say that you hope they will be safe, etc: Good night, God bless. God 'rest his / her soul | God 'rest him / her (spoken, old-fashioned) used to show respect when you are talking about sb who is dead God’s gift (to sb/sth) (ironic) a person who thinks that they are particularly good at sth or who thinks that sb will find them particularly attractive: He seems to think he’s God’s gift to women. God 'willing (spoken) used to say that you hope that things will happen as you have planned and that there will be no problems: I’ll be back next week, God willing. play 'God to behave as if you control events or other people’s lives: It is unfair to ask doctors to play God and end someone’s life. to 'God / 'goodness / 'Heaven used after a verb to emphasize a particular hope, wish, etc: I wish to God you’d learn to pay attention!
HELP Some people find this use offensive. ye 'gods! (spoken) used to show surprise, lack of belief, etc.—more at ACT n. , FEAR n. , FORBID , GRACE n. , HELP v. , HONEST , KNOW v. , LAP n. , LOVE n. , MAN n. , NAME n. , PLEASE v. , THANK
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'God-awful
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) extremely bad: He made a God-awful mess of it!
HELP Some people find this use offensive.
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god.child
noun (pl.god.chil.dren ) a child that a GODPARENT at a Christian BAPTISM ceremony promises to be responsible for and to teach about the Christian religion
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god.dam
(also god.damn) (also god.damned ) adj., adv. ( , slang) a swear word that many people find offensive, used to show that you are angry or annoyed: There’s no need to be so goddam rude!  Where’s that goddamned pen?
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'god-daughter
noun a female GODCHILD
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god.dess
noun
1 a female god: Diana, the goddess of hunting
2 a woman who is loved or admired very much by other people: a screen goddess (= a female film / movie star)
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god.father
noun
1 a male GODPARENT
2 (often Godfather) a very powerful man in a criminal organization, especially the Mafia
3 ~ of sth a person who began or developed sth: He’s the godfather of punk.
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'God-fearing
adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned) living a moral life based on religious principles
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god.for.saken
adj. [only before noun] (of places) boring, depressing and ugly: I can’t stand living in this godforsaken hole.
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'God-given
adj. [usually before noun] given or created by God: a God-given duty / talent  What gives you a God-given right to know all my business?
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god.head
noun (the Godhead) [sing.] (formal) used in the Christian religion to mean God, including the Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT
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god.less
adj. [usually before noun] not believing in or respecting God; wicked: a godless generation / world
god.less.ness noun [U]
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god.like
adj. like God or a god in some quality: his godlike beauty / status
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godly
adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned) living a moral life based on religious principles: a godly man / society
god.li.ness noun [U]
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god.mother
noun a female GODPARENT —see also FAIRY GODMOTHER
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god.par.ent
noun a person who promises at a Christian BAPTISM ceremony to be responsible for a child (= his or her GODCHILD ) and to teach them about the Christian religion
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god.send
noun [sing.] ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (to sb/sth) something good that happens unexpectedly and helps sb/sth when they need help: This new benefit has come as a godsend for low-income families.
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god.son
noun a male GODCHILD
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goer
noun
1 (-goer) (in compounds) a person who regularly goes to the place or event mentioned: a cinema-goer  a moviegoer
2 (BrE, informal) a woman who enjoys having sex frequently, especially with different men
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gofer
noun (informal) a person whose job is to do small boring tasks for other people in a company
SYN DOGSBODY : They call me the gofer—go for this, go for that …
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'go-getter
noun (informal) a person who is determined to succeed, especially in business
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gog.gle
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) (old-fashioned, informal) to look at sb/sth with your eyes wide open, especially because you are surprised or shocked
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,goggle-'eyed
adj. with your eyes wide open, staring at sth, especially because you are surprised
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gog.gles
noun [pl.] a pair of glasses that fit closely to the face to protect the eyes from wind, dust, water, etc: a pair of swimming / ski / safety goggles—picture at SKIING
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'go-go
adj.
1 connected with a style of dancing to pop music in which girls dance wearing very few clothes: a go-go dancer / club
2 (AmE, informal) of a period of time when businesses are growing and people are making money fast: the go-go years of the 1980s
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going
noun, adj.
noun
1 [sing.] (formal) an act of leaving a place: We were all sad at her going.
2 [U] (used with an adjective) the speed with which sb does sth; how difficult it is to do sth: Walking four miles in an hour is pretty good going for me.  She had her own company by 25—not bad going !  It was hard going getting up at five every morning.
3 [U] the condition of the ground, especially in horse racing: The going is good to firm.—see also OUTGOINGS
IDM when the ,going gets 'tough (the ,tough get 'going) (saying) when conditions or progress become difficult (strong and determined people work even harder to succeed) while the ,going is 'good (BrE) (AmE while the ,getting is 'good) before a situation changes and it is no longer possible to do sth: Don’t you think we should quit while the going is good?—more at COMING , HEAVY

adj. (-going) (in compounds) going regularly to the place or event mentioned: the theatre-going public—see also OCEAN-GOING , ONGOING , OUTGOING
IDM a ,going con'cern a business or an activity that is making a profit and is expected to continue to do well: He sold the cafe as a going concern . the ,going 'rate (for sth) the usual amount of money paid for goods or services at a particular time: They pay slightly more than the going rate for freelance work.

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,going-'over
noun [sing.] (informal)
1 a thorough examination of sb/sth: The garage gave the car a thorough going-over.
2 a serious physical attack on sb: The gang gave him a real going-over.
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,goings-'on
noun [pl.] (informal) activities or events that are strange, surprising or dishonest: There were some strange goings-on next door last night.
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goitre
(BrE ) (AmEgoi.ter) noun [U, C] a swelling of the throat caused by a disease of the THYROID GLAND
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go-kart
(BrE ) (also go-cartAmE, BrE) noun a vehicle like a small low car with no roof or doors, used for racing
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gold
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] (symbAu) a chemical element. Gold is a yellow precious metal used for making coins, jewellery, ornaments, etc: a gold bracelet / ring / watch  18-carat gold  the country’s gold reserves  made of solid / pure gold
2 [U] money, jewellery, etc. that is made of gold : His wife was dripping with (= wearing a lot of) gold.
3 [U, C] the colour of gold : I love the reds and golds of autumn.
4 [U, C] = GOLD MEDAL : The team look set to win Olympic gold.  He won three golds and a bronze.
IDM a crock / pot of 'gold a large prize or reward that sb hopes for but is unlikely to get (as) good as 'gold (informal) behaving in a way that other people approve of: The kids have been as good as gold all day.—more at HEART , STREET , STRIKE v. , WORTH adj.

adj. [only before noun] bright yellow in colour, like gold: The company name was spelled out in gold letters.

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'gold card
noun a type of CREDIT CARD that enables a person to buy more goods and services than a normal card does
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'gold-digger
noun (informal, disapproving) a woman who uses the fact that she is attractive to get money from men
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'gold dust
noun [U] gold in the form of powder
IDM like 'gold dust (BrE) difficult to find or obtain: Tickets for the final are like gold dust.
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gold.en
adj.
1 (especially literary) made of gold: a golden crown
2 bright yellow in colour like gold: golden hair  miles of golden beaches
3 special; wonderful: golden memories  Businesses have a golden opportunity to expand into new markets.  Hollywood’s golden boy
IDM see KILL v. , MEAN n. , SILENCE n.
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'golden age
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a period during which sth is very successful, especially in the past: the golden age of cinema
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,golden anni'versary
noun (AmE ) = GOLDEN JUBILEE , GOLDEN WEDDING
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,golden 'eagle
noun a large BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the EAGLE family, with brownish feathers, that lives in northern parts of the world—
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,golden 'handshake
noun a large sum of money that is given to sb when they leave their job, or to persuade them to leave their job
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,golden 'jubilee
(BrE ) (AmE ,golden anni'versary) noun the 50th anniversary of an important event: Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebrations  a party to mark the company’s golden jubilee—compare DIAMOND JUBILEE , SILVER JUBILEE
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,golden 'oldie
noun (informal)
1 a song or film/movie that is quite old but still well known and popular
2 a person who is no longer young but still successful in their particular career, sport, etc.
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,golden 'parachute
noun (informal) part of an employment contract in which a business person is promised a large amount of money if they have to leave their job
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,golden 'raisin
noun (AmE ) = SULTANA
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,golden re'triever
noun a large dog with thick yellow hair
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,golden 'rule
noun [usually sing.] an important principle that should be followed when doing sth in order to be successful: The golden rule in tennis is to keep your eye on the ball.
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,golden 'syrup
(also trea.cle) (both BrE) noun [U] a very sweet thick yellow liquid made from sugar
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,golden 'wedding
(BrE ) (AmE ,golden anni'versary) (also ,golden 'wedding anniversaryAmE, BrE) noun the 50th anniversary of a wedding: The couple celebrated their golden wedding in January.—compare DIAMOND WEDDING , RUBY WEDDING , SILVER WEDDING
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gold.field
noun an area where gold is found in the ground
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gold.finch
noun a small brightly coloured European bird of the FINCH family, with yellow feathers on its wings
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gold.fish
noun (pl.gold.fish) a small orange or red fish. Goldfish are kept as pets in bowls or PONDS .
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'goldfish bowl
noun
1 a glass bowl for keeping fish in as pets
2 a situation in which people can see everything that happens and nothing is private: Living in this goldfish bowl of publicity would crack the strongest marriage.
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,gold 'leaf
(also ,gold 'foil) noun [U] gold that has been made into a very thin sheet and is used for decoration
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,gold 'medal
noun (also gold [U, C]) a medal made of gold that is given to the winner of a race or competition: an Olympic gold medal winner—compare BRONZE MEDAL , SILVER MEDAL
,gold 'medallist (BrE) (AmE,gold 'medalist) noun: an Olympic gold medallist
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'gold mine
noun
1 a place where gold is dug out of the ground
2 a business or an activity that makes a large profit: This restaurant is a potential gold mine.
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,gold 'plate
noun [U]
1 dishes, etc. made of gold
2 a thin layer of gold used to cover another metal; objects made in this way
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,gold-'plated
adj. covered with a thin layer of gold: gold-plated earrings
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'gold rush
noun a situation in which a lot of people suddenly go to a place where gold has recently been discovered
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gold.smith
noun a person who makes, repairs or sells articles made of gold
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'gold standard
noun (usually the gold standard) [sing.] an economic system in which the value of money is based on the value of gold: the ending of the gold standard in 1931
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golf
noun [U] a game played over a large area of ground using specially shaped sticks to hit a small hard ball into a series of 9 or 18 holes, using as few strokes as possible: He enjoyed a round of golf on a Sunday morning.
golf.ing noun [U]: a golfing holiday
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'golf club
noun
1 (also club) a long metal stick with a piece of metal or wood at one end, used for hitting the ball in golf: a set of golf clubs—picture at GOLF
2 an organization whose members play golf; the place where these people meet and play golf: Pine Ridge Golf Club  We’re going for lunch at the golf club.
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'golf course
(also course) noun a large area of land that is designed for playing golf on—picture at GOLF
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golf.er
noun a person who plays golf
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'golf links
(also links) noun (pl.golf links) a golf course , especially one by the sea
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gol.li.wog
(also informal golly pl.-ies) noun a DOLL (= a model of a person for a child to play with) made of cloth with a black face and short black hair
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golly
exclamation (old-fashioned, informal) used to express surprise: Golly, you’re early!
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gonad
noun (anatomy ) a male sex organ that produces SPERM ; a female sex organ that produces eggs
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gon.dola
noun
1 a long boat with a flat bottom and high parts at each end, used on canals in Venice
2 the part on a CABLE CAR or SKI LIFT where the passengers sit
3 (especially AmE) the part of a hot air BALLOON or AIRSHIP where the passengers sit
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gon.do.lier
noun a person whose job is to move and steer a gondola in Venice
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gone
adj., prep. —see also GO , GOES , WENT , GONE v.
adj. [not before noun]
1 (of a thing) used up: ‘Where’s the coffee?’‘It’s all gone.’
2 (of a person) having left a place; away from a place: ‘Is Tom here?’‘No, he was gone before I arrived’.
3 (formal) used to say that a particular situation no longer exists: The days are gone when you could leave your door unlocked at night.
4 (BrE, informal) having been pregnant for the length of time mentioned: She’s seven months gone.  How far gone are you?
IDM ,going, ,going, 'gone (BrE) (also going 'once, going 'twice, 'soldAmE, BrE) said by an AUCTIONEER to show that an item has been sold—more at DEAD adj.

prep. (BrE , informal) later than the time mentioned: It’s gone six o’clock already.

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goner
noun (informal) a person who is going to die soon or who cannot be saved from a dangerous situation
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gong
noun
1 a round piece of metal that hangs in a frame and makes a loud deep sound when it is hit with a stick. Gongs are used as musical instruments or to give signals, for example that a meal is ready.
2 (BrE, informal) an award or medal given to sb for the work they have done
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gonna
(informal, non-standard) a way of saying or writing ‘going to’ in informal speech, when it refers to the future: What’s she gonna do now?
HELP You should not write this form unless you are copying somebody’s speech.
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go.nor.rhoea
(BrE ) (AmEgo.nor.rhea) noun [U] a disease of the sexual organs, caught by having sex with an infected person—see also VENEREAL DISEASE
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gonzo journalism
noun [U] (AmE , informal) reporting in newspapers that tries to shock or excite readers rather than to give true information
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goo
noun [U] (informal) any unpleasant sticky wet substance—see also GOOEY
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good
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (bet.ter best )
HIGH QUALITY|
1 of high quality or an acceptable standard: a good book  good food  The piano was in good condition.  Your work is just not good enough.  The results were pretty good.  Sorry, my English is not very good.  This is as good a place as any to spend the night.  You’ll never marry her—she’s much too good for you.
PLEASANT|
2 pleasant; that you enjoy or want: Did you have a good time in London?  It’s good to see you again.  This is very good news .  Let’s hope we have good weather tomorrow.  We are still friends, though, which is good.  It’s a good thing (= it’s lucky) you’re not a vegetarian.
SENSIBLE / STRONG|
3 sensible, logical or strongly supporting what is being discussed: Thank you, good question.  Yes, that’s a good point.  I have good reason to be suspicious.  What a good idea !
FAVOURABLE|
4 showing or getting approval or respect: The play had good reviews.  The hotel has a good reputation.
SKILFUL|
5 ~ (at sth / at doing sth) able to do sth well: to be a good actor / cook  to be good at languages / your job  Nick has always been good at finding cheap flights.
6 ~ with sth/sb able to use sth or deal with people well: She’s good with her hands (= able to make things, etc.).  He’s very good with children.
MORALLY RIGHT|
7 morally right; behaving in a way that is morally right: She has tried to lead a good life.  a good deed  Giving her that money was a good thing to do.  He is a very good man.
FOLLOWING RULES|
8 following strictly a set of rules or principles: It is good practice to supply a written report to the buyer.  She was a good Catholic girl.
KIND|
9 ~ (to sb)| ~ (of sb) (to do sth) willing to help; showing kindness to other people: He was very good to me when I was ill.  It was very good of you to come.  I had to take a week off work but my colleagues were very good about it.
CHILD|
10 behaving well or politely: You can stay up late if you’re good.  Get dressed now, there’s a good girl.
HEALTHY|
11 healthy or strong: Can you speak into my good ear?  I don’t feel too good today.
USEFUL / HELPFUL|
12 ~ (for sb/sth) having a useful or helpful effect on sb/sth: Too much sun isn’t good for you.  It’s probably good for you to get some criticism now and then.   (spoken) Shut your mouth, if you know what’s good for you (= used as a threat).
13 no ~ doing sth| no ~ to sb not having a useful or helpful effect: It’s no good complaining—they never listen.  This book is no good to me: I need the new edition.
SUITABLE|
14 ~ (for sth / to do sth)| ~ (for sb) suitable or appropriate: Now is a good time to buy a house.  She would be good for the job.  Can we change our meeting—Monday isn’t good (= convenient) for me.
SHOWING APPROVAL|
15 (spoken) used to show that you approve of or are pleased about sth that has been said or done, or to show that you want to move on to a new topic of conversation: ‘Dinner’s ready.’‘Good—I’m starving.’  ‘I got the job.’‘Oh, good.’  Good, I think we’ve come to a decision.
16 [only before noun] (spoken) used as a form of praise: Good old Jack!  ‘I’ve ordered some drinks.’‘Good man!’
IN EXCLAMATIONS|
17 (spoken) used in exclamations: Good heavens!  Good God!
LARGE|
18 [only before noun] great in number, amount or degree: a good many people  The kitchen is a good size.  We spent a good while (= quite a long time) looking for the house.  He devoted a good deal of (= a lot of) attention to the problem.  There’s a good chance (= it is likely) that I won’t be here next year.
AT LEAST|
19 not less than; rather more than: We waited for a good hour.  It’s a good three miles to the station.
THOROUGH|
20 [only before noun] thorough; complete: We had a good laugh about it afterwards.  You’ll feel better after a good sleep.
AMUSING|
21 [usually before noun] amusing: a good story / joke   (spoken) That’s a good one!
FOR PARTICULAR TIME / DISTANCE|
22 ~ for sth having enough energy, health, strength, etc. to last for a particular length of time or distance: You’re good for (= you will live) a few years yet.
23 ~ for sth valid for sth: The ticket is good for three months.
LIKELY TO PROVIDE|
24 ~ for sth likely to provide sth: He’s always good for a laugh.  Bobby should be good for a few drinks. Most idioms containing good are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example (as) good as gold is at gold.  as 'good as very nearly: The matter is as good as settled.  He as good as called me a coward (= suggested that I was a coward without actually using the word ‘coward’). as ,good as it 'gets used when you are saying that a situation is not going to get any better good and … (informal) completely: I won’t go until I’m good and ready. a good 'few several: There are still a good few empty seats. ,good for 'you, 'sb, 'them, etc. (especially AustralE good 'on you, etc.) (informal) used to praise sb for doing sth well: ‘I passed first time.’‘Good for you!’

noun —see also GOODS
MORALLY RIGHT|
1 [U] behaviour that is morally right or acceptable: the difference between good and evil  Is religion always a force for good?
2 (the good) [pl.] people who live a moral life; people who are admired for the work they do to help other people: a gathering of the great and the good
STH HELPFUL|
3 [U] something that helps sb/sth: Cuts have been made for the good of the company .  I’m only telling you this for your own good .  What’s the good of (= how does it help you) earning all that money if you don’t have time to enjoy it?  What good is it redecorating if you’re thinking of moving?—see also DO-GOODER ,all to the 'good used to say that if sth happens, it will be good, even if it is not exactly what you were expecting: If these measures also reduce unemployment, that is all to the good. be no 'good | not be any / much 'good
1 to not be useful; to have no useful effect: This gadget isn’t much good.  It’s no good trying to talk me out of leaving.  Was his advice ever any good?
2 to not be interesting or enjoyable: His latest film isn’t much good. do 'good | do sb 'good to have a useful effect; to help sb: Do you think these latest changes will do any good?  Don’t you think talking to her would do some good?  I’m sure a few days off would do you a power of good (= improve your health). for 'good (BrE also for ,good and 'all) permanently: This time she’s leaving for good (= she will never return). to the 'good used to say that sb now has a particular amount of money that they did not have before: We are £500 to the good. up to no 'good (informal) doing sth wrong or dishonest: Those kids are always up to no good.—more at ILL adj. , POWER n. , WORLD

adv. (especially AmE , informal) well: ‘How’s it going?’‘Pretty good.’   (non-standard) Now, you listen to me good!

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good.bye
exclamation, noun used when you are leaving sb or when sb else is leaving: She didn’t even say goodbye to her mother.  We waved them goodbye.  We’ve already said our goodbyes.  Kiss me goodbye!   (figurative) Take out our service contract and say goodbye to costly repair bills.
IDM see KISS v.
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good 'faith
noun [U] the intention to be honest and helpful: a gesture of good faith  He acted in good faith .
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'good-for-nothing
noun (informal) a person who is lazy and has no skills: an idle good-for-nothing
'good-for-nothing adj. [usually before noun]: Where’s that good-for-nothing son of yours?
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,Good 'Friday
noun [U, C] the Friday before Easter, the day when Christians remember the Crucifixion of Christ
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,good-'hearted
adj. kind; willing to help other people
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,good 'humour
(BrE ) (AmE,good 'humor) noun [U, sing.] a cheerful mood: Everyone admired her patience and unfailing good humour.
OPP ILL HUMOUR
,good-'humoured (BrE) (AmE,good-'humored) adj.: a good-humoured atmosphere
,good-'humoured.ly (BrE) (AmE,good-'humored.ly) adv.: to reply good-humouredly
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goodie
= GOODY
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,good-'looking
adj. (especially of people) physically attractive: a good-looking man / couple / face  She’s strikingly good-looking.
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,good 'looks
noun [pl.] the physical beauty of a person: an actor famous for his rugged good looks
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good.ly
adj. [only before noun]
1 (old-fashioned, formal) quite large in size or amount: a goodly number
2 (old use) physically attractive; of good quality
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,good 'name
noun [sing.] the good opinion that people have of sb/sth: He told the police he didn’t know her, to protect her good name.  My election chances are not as important as the good name of the party.
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,good 'nature
noun [U] the quality of being kind, friendly and patient when dealing with people: People are always taking advantage of her good nature.
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,good-'natured
adj. kind, friendly and patient when dealing with people: a good-natured person / discussion
,good-'natured.ly adv.: to smile good-naturedly
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,good-'neighbourliness
noun [U] (BrE ) good relations that exist between people who live in the same area or between countries that are near each other
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good.ness
noun [U]
1 (spoken) used to express surprise: Goodness, what a big balloon!  My goodness!  Goodness me, no!  Goodness gracious!
2 the quality of being good: the essential goodness of human nature  evidence of God’s goodness   (formal) At least have the goodness (= good manners) to look at me when I’m talking to you.  note at GOOD
3 the part of sth that has a useful effect on sb/sth, especially sb’s health: These vegetables have had all the goodness boiled out of them.
IDM out of the goodness of your 'heart from feelings of kindness, without thinking about what advantage there will be for you: You’re not telling me he offered to lend you the money out of the goodness of his heart?—more at GOD , HONEST , KNOW v. , THANK
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Goodnight
= GOOD NIGHT at NIGHT
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goods
noun [pl.]
1 things that are produced to be sold: cheap / expensive goods  leather / cotton / paper goods  electrical / sports goods  perishable / durable goods  increased tax on goods and services —see also CONSUMER GOODS
2 possessions that can be moved: stolen goods  The plastic bag contained all his worldly goods (= everything he owned).
3 (BrE) things (not people) that are transported by rail or road: a goods train  a heavy goods vehicle—compare FREIGHT
IDM be the 'goods (BrE, spoken) to be very good or impressive deliver the 'goods | come up with the 'goods (informal) to do what you have promised to do or what people expect or want you to do: We expected great things of the England team, but on the day they simply failed to deliver the goods.
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,goods and 'chattels
noun [pl.] (BrE, especially law ) personal possessions that are not land or buildings
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,good 'sense
noun [U] ~ (to do sth) the ability to make the right decision about sth; good judgement: a man of honour and good sense  Keeping to a low-fat diet makes very good sense (= is a sensible thing to do).
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'goods train
noun (BrE ) = FREIGHT TRAIN
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,good-'tempered
adj. cheerful and not easily made angry
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good.will
noun [U]
1 friendly or helpful feelings towards other people or countries: a spirit of goodwill in international relations  a goodwill gesture / a gesture of goodwill  Given goodwill on both sides, I am sure we can reach an agreement.
2 the good relationship between a business and its customers that is calculated as part of its value when it is sold
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goody
noun, exclamation
noun (also goodie) [usually pl.] (pl.-ies) (informal)
1 a thing that is very nice to eat: a basket of goodies for the children
2 anything that is attractive and that people want to have: Our magazine is giving away lots of free goodies—T-shirts, hats and videos!
3 a good person, especially in a book or a film/movie: It’s sometimes difficult to tell who are the goodies and who are the baddies.

exclamation (becoming old-fashioned) a word children use when they are excited or pleased about sth

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'goody-goody
noun (pl.goody-goodies) (informal, disapproving) (used especially by and about children) a person who behaves very well to please people in authority such as parents or teachers
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gooey
adj. (informal) soft and sticky: a gooey mess  gooey cakes
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goof
verb, noun
verb [v] (informal, especially AmE ) to make a stupid mistake: Sorry, guys. I goofed.
PVR V ,goof a'round (informal, especially AmE) to spend your time doing silly or stupid things
SYN MESS AROUND ,goof 'off (AmE, informal) to spend your time doing nothing, especially when you should be working

noun (informal, especially AmE )
1 a stupid mistake
2 a silly or stupid person

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goofy
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) silly; stupid: a goofy grin
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googly
noun (pl.-ies) (in cricket) a ball that is BOWLED so that it looks as if it will turn in one direction, but that actually turns the opposite way: (figurative) He bowled the prime minister a googly (= asked him a difficult question).
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goolie
(also gooly) noun [usually pl.] (pl.-ies) (BrE , slang) a rude word for a man’s TESTICLE
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goon
noun (informal)
1 (especially AmE) a criminal who is paid to frighten or injure people
2 (old-fashioned, especially BrE) a stupid or silly person
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goose
noun, verb
noun (pl.geese )
1 [C] a bird like a large duck with a long neck. Geese either live wild or are kept on farms.
2 [U] meat from a goose : roast goose
3 [C] a female goose —compare GANDER
4 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a silly person—see also WILD GOOSE CHASE
IDM see COOK v. , KILL v. , SAUCE

verb [vn] (informal)
1 to touch or squeeze sb’s bottom: Jack goosed her as she reached for a file.
2 ~ sth (along / up) (AmE) to make sth move or work faster

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goose.berry
noun (pl.-ies) a small green fruit that grows on a prickly bush. Gooseberries taste sour and are usually cooked to make jam, pies, etc: a gooseberry bush—
IDM play 'gooseberry (BrE) to be a third person with two people who have a romantic relationship and want to be alone together
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'goose pimples
noun [pl.] (also less frequent goose.flesh [U]) (especially BrE ) (also 'goose bumps) (AmE, BrE ) a condition in which there are raised spots on your skin because you feel cold, frightened or excited: It gave me goose pimples just to think about it.
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'goose-step
noun [sing.] (often disapproving) a way of marching, used by soldiers in some countries, in which the legs are raised high and straight
'goose-step verb (-pp-) [v]
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GOP
abbr. Grand Old Party (the Republican political party in the US)
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go.pher
(also 'ground squirrel) noun a N American animal like a rat, that lives in holes in the ground
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Gor.dian knot
noun a very difficult or impossible task or problem: to cut / untie the Gordian knot (= to solve a problem with forceful action)
ORIGIN From the legend in which King Gordius tied a very complicated knot and said that whoever untied it would become the ruler of Asia. Alexander the Great cut through the knot with his sword.
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gore
verb, noun
verb [vn] (of an animal) to wound a person or another animal with a horn or TUSK : He was gored by a bull.

noun [U] thick blood that has flowed from a wound, especially in a violent situation: The movie is not just blood and gore (= scenes of violence); it has a thrilling story.—see also GORY

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gorge
noun, verb
noun [C] a deep narrow valley with steep sides: the Rhine Gorge—picture at MOUNTAIN

verb [vn, v] ~ (yourself) (on sth) (sometimes disapproving) to eat a lot of sth, until you are too full to eat any more

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gor.geous
adj.
1 (informal) very beautiful and attractive; giving pleasure and enjoyment: a gorgeous girl / man  a gorgeous view  gorgeous weather (= warm and with a lot of sun)  You look gorgeous!
2 [usually before noun] (of colours, clothes, etc.) with very deep colours; impressive: exotic birds with feathers of gorgeous colours
gor.geous.ly adv.: gorgeously dressed / decorated
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gor.gon
noun
1 (in ancient Greek stories) one of three sisters with snakes on their heads instead of hair, who can change anyone that looks at them into stone
2 an ugly woman who behaves in a fierce and frightening way
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gor.illa
noun a very large powerful African APE (= an animal like a large monkey without a tail) with a black or brown hairy coat
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gorm.less
adj. (BrE , informal) stupid: a gormless boy / face  Don’t just stand there looking gormless—do something!
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gorp
noun [U] (AmE ) a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, etc. eaten between meals to provide extra energy, especially by people on camping trips, etc.
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gorse
(BrE also furze) noun [U] a bush with thin prickly leaves and small yellow flowers. Gorse often grows on land that is not used or cared for.
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gory
adj.
1 (informal) involving a lot of blood or violence; showing or describing blood and violence: a gory accident / operation  the gory task of the pathologist  a gory movie / book   (humorous) He insisted on telling us all the gory details about their divorce (= the unpleasant facts).
2 (literary) covered with blood: a gory figure
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gosh
exclamation (old-fashioned, informal) people say ‘Gosh!’ when they are surprised or shocked: Gosh, is that the time?
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gos.ling
noun a young GOOSE (= a bird like a large duck)
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,go-'slow
(BrE ) (AmE slow.down) noun a protest that workers make by doing their work more slowly than usual—compare WORK-TO-RULE
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gos.pel
noun
1 [C] (also Gospel) one of the four books in the Bible about the life and teaching of Jesus: the Gospel according to St John  St Mark’s Gospel
2 [sing.] (also the Gospel) the life and teaching of Jesus as explained in the Bible: preaching / spreading the gospel
3 [C, usually sing.] a set of ideas that sb believes in and tries to persuade others to accept: He preached a gospel of military strength.
4 (also ,gospel 'truth) [U] (informal) the complete truth: Is that gospel?  Don’t take his word as gospel.
5 (also 'gospel music) [U] a style of religious singing popular among African Americans and other black people: a gospel choir
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gos.samer
noun [U]
1 the very fine thread made by spiders
2 (literary) any very light delicate material: a gown of gossamer silk  the gossamer wings of a dragonfly
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gos.sip
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] (disapproving) informal talk or stories about other people’s private lives, that may be unkind or not true: Don’t believe all the gossip you hear.  Tell me all the latest gossip!  The gossip was that he had lost a fortune on the stock exchange.  It was common gossip (= everyone said so) that they were having an affair.  She’s a great one for idle gossip (= she enjoys spreading stories about other people that are probably not true).
2 [C, usually sing.] a conversation about other people and their private lives: I love a good gossip.
3 [C] (disapproving) a person who enjoys talking about other people’s private lives
gos.sipy adj.: a gossipy letter / neighbour

verb [v] to talk about other people’s private lives, often in an unkind way: I can’t stand here gossiping all day.  She’s been gossiping about you.

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'gossip column
noun a piece of writing in a newspaper about social events and the private and personal lives of famous people
'gossip columnist noun: No photographers or gossip columnists were allowed in.
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got
pt, pp of GET
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gotcha
exclamation (non-standard) the written form of the way some people pronounce ‘I’ve got you’, which is not considered to be correct: ‘Gotcha!’ I yelled as I grabbed him by the arm. (= used when you have caught sb, or have beaten them at sth).  ‘Don’t let go.’‘Yeah, gotcha.’ (= Yes, I understand.)
HELP You should not write this form unless you are copying somebody’s speech.
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goth
noun
1 [U] a style of rock music, popular in the 1980s, that developed from PUNK music. The words often expressed ideas about the end of the world, death or the devil.
2 [C] a member of a group of people who listen to goth music and wear black clothes and black and white MAKE-UP
goth (also gothic) adj.
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Goth.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with the Goths (= a Germanic people who fought against the Roman Empire)
2 (architecture) built in the style that was popular in Western Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and which has pointed arches and windows and tall thin PILLARS : a Gothic church
3 (of a novel, etc.) written in the style popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, which described romantic adventures in mysterious or frightening surroundings
4 (of type and printing) having pointed letters with thick lines and sharp angles. German books used to be printed in this style.
5 connected with goths

noun [U]
1 the Gothic style of architecture
2 Gothic printing type or printed letters

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gotta
(informal, non-standard) the written form of the word some people use to mean ‘have got to’ or ‘have got a’, which is not considered to be correct: He’s gotta go.  Gotta cigarette?
HELP You should not write this form unless you are copying somebody’s speech.
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got.ten
(AmE) pp of GET
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gou.ache
noun
1 [U] a method of painting using colours that are mixed with water and made thick with a type of glue; the paints used in this method
2 [C] a picture painted using this method
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gouge
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (in sth) to make a hole or cut in sth with a sharp object in a rough or violent way: The lion’s claws had gouged a wound in the horse’s side.  He had gouged her cheek with a screwdriver.
2 (AmE) to force sb to pay an unfairly high price for sth; to raise prices unfairly: Price gouging is widespread.
PVR V ,gouge sth<->'out (of sth) to remove or form sth by digging into a surface: The man’s eyes had been gouged out.  Glaciers gouged out valleys from the hills.

noun
1 a sharp tool for making hollow areas in wood
2 a deep, narrow hole or cut in a surface

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gou.lash
noun [C, U] a hot spicy Hungarian dish of meat that is cooked slowly in liquid with PAPRIKA
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gourd
noun a type of large fruit, not normally eaten, with hard skin and soft flesh. Gourds are often dried and used as containers.
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gour.mand
noun (often disapproving) a person who enjoys eating and eats large amounts of food
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gour.met
noun a person who knows a lot about good food and wines and who enjoys choosing, eating and drinking them
gour.met adj. [only before noun]: gourmet food (= of high quality and often expensive)
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gout
noun
1 [U] a disease that causes painful swelling in the joints, especially of the toes, knees and fingers
2 [C] (literary) a drop or mass of thick liquid, flame, etc: gouts of blood
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gov.ern
verb
1 to legally control a country or its people and be responsible for introducing new laws, organizing public services, etc: [vn] The country is governed by elected representatives of the people.  [v] He accused the opposition party of being unfit to govern.
2 [vn] [often passive] to control or influence sb/sth or how sth happens, functions, etc: Prices are very much governed by market demand.  All his decisions have been entirely governed by self-interest.  We need changes in the law governing school attendance.
3 [vn] (grammar) if a word governs another word or phrase, it affects how that word or phrase is formed or used
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gov.ern.ance
noun [U] (technical ) the activity of governing a country or controlling a company or an organization; the way in which a country is governed or a company or institution is controlled
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gov.ern.ess
noun (especially in the past), a woman employed to teach the children of a rich family in their home and to live with them
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gov.ern.ing
adj. [only before noun] having the right and the authority to control sth such as a country or an institution: The Conservatives were then the governing party .  The school’s governing body (= the group of people who control the organization of the school) took responsibility for the decision.
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gov.ern.ment
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] (often the Government) (abbr.govt) the group of people who are responsible for controlling a country or a state: to lead / form a government  the last Conservative government  the government of the day  Foreign governments have been consulted about this decision.  She has resigned from the Government.  The Government has / have been considering further tax cuts.  government policies / officials / ministers  a government department / agency / grant  government expenditure / intervention  government-controlled industries
2 [U] a particular system or method of controlling a country: coalition / communist / totalitarian government  Democratic government has now replaced military rule.  central / federal government
3 [U] the activity or the manner of controlling a country: corrupt / strong government  The Democrats are now in government in the US.
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gov.ern.men.tal
adj. connected with government; of a government: governmental agencies  governmental actions
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gov.ern.or
noun
1 (also Governor) a person who is the official head of a country or region that is politically controlled by another country: the former governor of the colony  a provincial governor
2 (also Governor) a person who is chosen to be in charge of the government of a state in the US: the governor of Arizona  the Arizona governor  Governor Tom Kean
3 (especially BrE) a member of a group of people who are responsible for controlling an institution such as a school, a college or a hospital: a school governor  the board of governors of the college
4 (BrE) a person who is in charge of an institution: a prison governor  the governor of the Bank of England   (spoken) I can’t decide. I’ll have to ask the governor (= the man in charge, who employs sb).—see also GUV’NOR
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,Governor-'General
noun (pl.Governors-General or Governor-Generals) the official representative in a country of the country that has or had political control over it, especially the representative of the British King or Queen in a Commonwealth country
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govt
(also govt. especially in AmE) abbr. (in writing) government
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gown
noun
1 a woman’s dress, especially a long one for special occasions: an evening / wedding gown
2 a long loose piece of clothing that is worn over other clothes by judges and (in Britain) by other lawyers, and by members of universities (at special ceremonies): a graduation gown
3 a piece of clothing that is worn over other clothes to protect them, especially in a hospital: a surgeon’s gown—see also DRESSING GOWN
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gowned
adj. wearing a gown
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GP
noun (BrE ) a doctor who is trained in general medicine and who works in the local community, not in a hospital. (abbreviation for ‘general practitioner’): Go and see your GP as soon as possible.  There are four GPs in our local practice.
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GPA
noun (AmE ) the abbreviation for GRADE POINT AVERAGE : He graduated with a GPA of 3·8.
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Gp Capt
abbr. GROUP CAPTAIN
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grab
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 ~ sth (from sb/sth) to take or hold sb/sth with your hand suddenly, firmly or roughly
SYN SEIZE : [vn] She grabbed the child’s hand and ran.  He grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go.  Jim grabbed a cake from the plate.  [v] Don’t grab—there’s plenty for everyone.
2 [v] ~ at / for sth to try to take hold of sth: She grabbed at the branch, missed and fell.  Kate grabbed for the robber’s gun.
3 ~ (at sth) to take advantage of an opportunity to do or have sth
SYN SEIZE : [vn] This was my big chance and I grabbed it with both hands.  [v] He’ll grab at any excuse to avoid doing the dishes.
4 [vn] to have or take sth quickly, especially because you are in a hurry: Let’s grab a sandwich before we go.  I managed to grab a couple of hours' sleep on the plane.  Grab a seat , I won’t keep you a moment.
5 [vn] to take sth for yourself, especially in a selfish or GREEDY way: By the time we arrived, someone had grabbed all the good seats.  She’s always trying to grab the limelight.
6 [vn] to get sb’s attention: I’ll see if I can grab the waitress and get the bill.  Glasgow’s drugs problem has grabbed the headlines tonight (= been published as an important story in the newspapers).
IDM how does … grab you? (spoken) used to ask sb whether they are interested in sth or in doing sth: How does the idea of a trip to Rome grab you?

noun [usually sing.] ~ (at / for sb/sth) a sudden attempt to take or hold sb/sth: He made a grab for her bag.—see also SMASH-AND-GRAB
IDM up for 'grabs (informal) available for anyone who is interested: There are £25 000 worth of prizes up for grabs in our competition!

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'grab bag
noun (AmE )
1 = LUCKY DIP
2 (informal) a mixed collection of things: He offered a grab bag of reasons for his decision.
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grace
noun, verb
noun
OF MOVEMENT|
1 [U] an attractive quality of movement that is smooth, elegant and controlled: She moves with the natural grace of a ballerina.
BEHAVIOUR|
2 [U] a quality of behaviour that is polite and pleasant and deserves respect: He conducted himself with grace and dignity throughout the trial.
3 (graces) [pl.] (especially BrE) ways of behaving that people think are polite and acceptable: He was not particularly well versed in the social graces .
EXTRA TIME|
4 [U] extra time that is given to sb to enable them to pay a bill, finish a piece of work, etc: They’ve given me a month’s grace to get the money.
OF GOD|
5 [U] the kindness that God shows towards the human race: the power of divine grace  It was only by the grace of God that they survived.
PRAYER|
6 [U, C] a short prayer that is usually said before a meal to thank God for the food: Let’s say grace .
TITLE|
7 (His / Her / Your Grace) [C] used as a title of respect when talking to or about an ARCHBISHOP , a DUKE or a DUCHESS : Good Morning, Your Grace.  Their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Kent.—see also COUP DE GRÂCE , SAVING GRACE be in sb’s good 'graces (formal) to have sb’s approval and be liked by them ,fall from 'grace to lose the trust or respect that people have for you, especially by doing sth wrong or immoral sb’s ,fall from 'grace a situation in which sb loses the trust or respect that people have for them, especially because of sth wrong or immoral that they have done have the (good) grace to do sth to be polite enough to do sth, especially when you have done sth wrong: He didn’t even have the grace to look embarrassed. there but for the grace of 'God (go 'I) (saying) used to say that you could easily have been in the same difficult or unpleasant situation that sb else is in with (a) bad 'grace in an unwilling and/or rude way: He handed over the money with typical bad grace. with (a) good 'grace in a willing and pleasant way: You must learn to accept defeat with good grace.—more at AIR n. , STATE n. , YEAR

verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make sth more attractive; to decorate sth: The table had once graced a duke’s drawing room.
2 ~ sb/sth (with sth) (usually ironic) to bring honour to sb/sth; to be kind enough to attend or take part in sth: She is one of the finest players ever to have graced the game.  Will you be gracing us with your presence tonight?

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grace.ful
adj.
1 moving in a controlled, attractive way or having a smooth, attractive form: The dancers were all tall and graceful.  He gave a graceful bow to the audience.  the graceful curves of the hills
2 polite and kind in your behaviour, especially in a difficult situation: His father had always taught him to be graceful in defeat.
grace.ful.ly adv.: The cathedral’s white towers climb gracefully into the sky.  I think we should just give in gracefully .
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grace.less
adj.
1 not knowing how to be polite and pleasant to other people: a graceless, angry young man
2 not pleasing or attractive to look at: the graceless architecture of the 1960s
3 moving in an awkward way: She swam with a graceless stroke.
grace.less.ly adv.
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gra.cious
adj.
1 (of people or behaviour) kind, polite and generous, especially to sb of a lower social position: a gracious lady / hostess  a gracious smile  Lady Caroline was gracious enough to accept our invitation.  He has not yet learned how to be gracious in defeat.
2 [usually before noun] showing the comfort and easy way of life that wealth can bring: gracious living
3 [only before noun] (BrE, formal) used as a very polite word for royal people or their actions: her gracious Majesty the Queen
4 ~ (to sb) (of God) showing kindness and MERCY : a gracious act of God
5 (becoming old-fashioned) used for expressing surprise: Goodness gracious!  ‘I hope you didn’t mind my phoning you.’‘Good gracious, no, of course not.’
gra.cious.ly adv.: She graciously accepted our invitation.
gra.cious.ness noun [U]
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grad
noun (informal, especially AmE ) = GRADUATE
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grad.ation
noun
1 [C, U] (formal) any of the small changes or levels which sth is divided into; the process or result of sth changing gradually: gradations of colour  gradation in size
2 (also gradu.ation) [C] a mark showing a division on a scale: the gradations on a thermometer
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grade
noun, verb
noun
1 the quality of a particular product or material: All the materials used were of the highest grade.
2 a level of ability or rank that sb has in an organization: salary grades (= levels of pay)  She’s still only on a secretarial grade.
3 a mark given in an exam or for a piece of school work: (BrE) She got good grades in her exams.   (AmE) She got good grades on her exams.  70% of pupils got Grade C or above.
4 (in the US school system) one of the levels in a school with children of similar age: Sam is in (the) second grade.
5 (technical) how serious an illness is: low / high grade fever
6 (especially AmE) = GRADIENT
7 (BrE) a level of exam in musical skill
IDM make the 'grade (informal) to reach the necessary standard; to succeed: About 10% of trainees fail to make the grade.

verb
1 ~ sth/sb (by / according to sth)| ~ sth (as sth) [often passive] to arrange people or things in groups according to their ability, quality, size, etc: [vn] The containers are graded according to size.  Eggs are graded from small to extra large  Ten beaches were graded as acceptable.  Responses were graded from 1 (very satisfied) to 5 (not at all satisfied). [alsovn-adj]
2 (especially AmE ) to give a mark/grade to a student or to a piece of their written work: [vn] I spent all weekend grading papers.  [vn-n] The best students are graded A.—compare MARK

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'grade point average
noun [usually sing.] (abbr. GPA) the average of a student’s marks/grades over a period of time in the American education system
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grader
noun (AmE )
1 first, second, etc. ~ a student who is in the grade mentioned: The play is open to all seventh and eighth graders.
2 = MARKER (4)
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'grade school
noun (informal) = ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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gra.di.ent
noun
1 (also grade especially in AmE) the degree to which the ground slopes, especially on a road or railway: a steep gradient  a hill with a gradient of 1 in 4 (or 25%)
2 (technical) the rate at which temperature, pressure, etc. changes, or increases and decreases, between one region and another
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grad.ing
noun [U] (AmE ) = MARKING (3)
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grad.ual
adj.
1 happening slowly over a long period; not sudden: a gradual change in the climate  Recovery from the disease is very gradual.
2 (of a slope) not steep
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grad.ual.ism
noun [U] a policy of gradual change in society rather than sudden change or revolution
grad.ual.ist noun
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grad.ual.ly
adv. slowly, over a long period of time: The weather gradually improved.  Gradually, the children began to understand.
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gradu.ate
noun, verb
noun (also informal grad especially in AmE)
1 ~ (in sth) a person who has a university degree: a graduate in history  a science graduate  a graduate of Yale / a Yale graduate  a graduate student / course
2 (AmE) a person who has completed their school studies: a high-school graduate  note at STUDENT

verb
1 [v] ~ (in sth)| ~ (from … ) to get a degree, especially your first degree, from a university or college: Only thirty students graduated in Chinese last year.  She graduated from Harvard this year.  He graduated from York with a degree in Psychology.
2 [v] ~ (from … ) (AmE) to complete a course in education, especially at HIGH SCHOOL : Martha graduated from high school two years ago.
3 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) (AmE) to give a degree, DIPLOMA , etc. to sb: The college graduated 50 students last year.
4 [v] ~ (from sth) to sth to start doing sth more difficult or important than what you were doing before: She recently graduated from being a dancer to having a small role in a movie.

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gradu.ated
adj.
1 divided into groups or levels on a scale: graduated lessons / tests
2 (of a container or measure) marked with lines to show measurements: a graduated jar
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'graduate school
(also informal 'grad school) (both AmE) noun a part of a college or university where you can study for a second or further degree
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gradu.ation
noun
1 [U] the act of successfully completing a university degree, or studies at an American HIGH SCHOOL : It was my first job after graduation.
2 [U, C] a ceremony at which degrees, etc. are officially given out: graduation day  My whole family came to my graduation.
3 [C] = GRADATION : The graduations are marked on the side of the flask.
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graf.fiti
noun [U, pl.] drawings or writing on a wall, etc. in a public place. They are usually rude, humorous or political: The subway was covered in graffiti.
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graft
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a piece cut from a living plant and fixed in a cut made in another plant, so that it grows there; the process or result of doing this
2 [C] a piece of skin, bone, etc. removed from a living body and placed in another part of the body which has been damaged; the process or result of doing this: a skin graft
3 [U] (BrE, informal) hard work: Their success was the result of years of hard graft .
4 (especially AmE) the use of illegal or unfair methods, especially BRIBERY , to gain advantage in business, politics, etc.; money obtained in this way

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (onto / to / into sth)| ~ sth (on) (from sth) to take a piece of skin, bone, etc. from one part of the body and attach it to a damaged part: newly grafted tissue  New skin had to be grafted on from his back.
2 [vn] ~ sth (onto sth) to cut a piece from a living plant and attach it to another plant
3 [vn] ~ sth (onto sth) to make one idea, system, etc. become part of another one: Old values are being grafted onto a new social class.
4 [v] (BrE, informal) to work hard: She’s been grafting all day.

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grail
(also the ,Holy 'Grail) noun
1 [sing.] the cup or bowl believed to have been used by Jesus Christ before he died, that became a holy thing that people wanted to find
2 [C] a thing that you try very hard to find or achieve, but never will
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grain
noun
1 [U, C] the small hard seeds of food plants such as wheat, rice, etc.; a single seed of such a plant: America’s grain exports  a few grains of rice—see also WHOLEGRAIN —picture at CEREAL
2 [C] a small hard piece of particular substances: a grain of salt / sand / sugar
3 [C] (used especially in negative sentences) a very small amount: There isn’t a grain of truth in those rumours.
4 [C] the smallest unit of weight, equal to 0.00143 of a pound or 0.0648 of a GRAM , used for example for weighing medicines
5 [U] the natural direction of lines in wood, fabric, etc. or of layers of rock; the pattern of lines that you can see: to cut a piece of wood along / across the grain
6 [U, C] how rough or smooth a surface feels: wood of coarse / fine grain
IDM be / go against the 'grain to be or do sth different from what is normal or natural: It really goes against the grain to have to work on a Sunday.
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grained
adj. (of wood, stone, etc.)
1 having noticeable lines or a pattern on the surface
2 (-grained) having a TEXTURE of the type mentioned: fine-grained stone   (figurative) coarse-grained information (= lacking detail)
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grainy
adj.
1 (especially of photographs) not having completely clear images because they look as if they are made of a lot of small dots and marks: The film is shot in grainy black and white.
2 having a rough surface or containing small bits, seeds, etc: grainy texture
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gram
noun
1 (BrE also gramme) (abbr.g, gm) a unit for measuring weight. There are 1 000 grams in one kilogram.
2 (-gram) a thing that is written or drawn: telegram  hologram
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gram.mar
noun
1 [U] the rules in a language for changing the form of words and joining them into sentences: the basic rules of grammar  English grammar
2 [U] a person’s knowledge and use of a language: His grammar is appalling.  bad grammar
3 [C] a book containing a description of the rules of a language: a French grammar
4 [C] (linguistics) a particular theory that is intended to explain the rules of a language or of language in general: a generative grammar
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gram.mar.ian
noun a person who is an expert in the study of grammar
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'grammar school
noun
1 (in Britain, especially in the past) a school for young people between the ages of 11 and 18 who are good at academic subjects
2 (old-fashioned) = ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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gram.mat.ical
adj.
1 connected with the rules of grammar: a grammatical error
2 correctly following the rules of grammar: That sentence is not grammatical.
gram.mat.ical.ly adv.: a grammatically correct sentence
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gramme
(BrE ) = GRAM
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gramo.phone
noun (old-fashioned) = RECORD PLAYER
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gran
noun (BrE , informal) grandmother: Do you want to go to your gran’s?  Gran, can I have some more toast?
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Gran.ary
™adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) (of bread) containing whole grains of wheat
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gran.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a building where grain is stored
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grand
adj., noun
adj. (grand.er, grand.est)
1 impressive and large or important: It’s not a very grand house.  The wedding was a very grand occasion.
2 (Grand) [only before noun] used in the names of impressive or very large buildings, etc: the Grand Canyon  We stayed at the Grand Hotel.
3 needing a lot of effort, money or time to succeed but intended to achieve impressive results: a grand design / plan / strategy  New Yorkers built their city on a grand scale .
4 (of people) behaving in a proud way because they are rich or from a high social class
5 (dialector informal) very good or enjoyable; excellent: I had a grand day out at the seaside.  Thanks. That’ll be grand!  Fred did a grand job of painting the house.
6 (Grand) used in the titles of people of very high social rank: the Grand Duchess Elena—see also GRANDEUR
grand.ly adv.: He described himself grandly as a ‘landscape architect’.
grand.ness noun [U]
IDM a / the ,grand old 'age a great age: She finally learned to drive at the grand old age of 70. a / the ,grand old 'man (of sth) a man who is respected in a particular profession that he has been involved in for a long time

noun
1 (pl.grand) (informal) $1 000; £1 000: It’ll cost you five grand!
2 = GRAND PIANO

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gran.dad
(also grand.dad especially in AmE) noun (informal) grandfather
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grand.child
noun (pl.grand.chil.dren) a child of your son or daughter
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grand.daddy
(also gran.daddy) noun (AmE , informal)
1 = GRANDFATHER
2 (the granddaddy) the first or greatest example of sth
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grand.daugh.ter
noun a daughter of your son or daughter—compare GRANDSON
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,grand 'duchess
noun
1 the wife of a grand duke
2 (in some parts of Europe, especially in the past), a female ruler of a small independent state
3 (in Russia in the past) a daughter of the TSAR
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,grand 'duke
noun
1 (in some parts of Europe, especially in the past), a male ruler of a small independent state: The Grand Duke of Tuscany
2 (in Russia in the past), a son of the TSAR —compare ARCHDUKE
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gran.dee
noun
1 (in the past) a Spanish or Portuguese NOBLEMAN of high rank
2 a person of high social rank and importance
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grand.eur
noun [U]
1 the quality of being great and impressive in appearance: the grandeur and simplicity of Roman architecture  The hotel had an air of faded grandeur.
2 the importance or social status sb has or thinks they have: He has a sense of grandeur about him.  She is clearly suffering from delusions of grandeur (= thinks she is more important than she really is).—see also GRAND
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grand.father
noun the father of your father or mother—see also GRANDAD , GRANDDADDY , GRANDPA —compare GRANDMOTHER
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,grandfather 'clock
noun an old-fashioned type of clock in a tall wooden case that stands on the floor
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grand.ilo.quent
adj. (formal, disapproving) using long or complicated words in order to impress people
SYN POMPOUS : a grandiloquent speaker / speech
grand.ilo.quence noun [U]
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gran.di.ose
adj. (disapproving) seeming very impressive but too large, complicated, expensive, etc. to be practical or possible: The grandiose scheme for a journey across the desert came to nothing.  a grandiose opera house
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,grand 'jury
noun (law ) (in the US) a JURY which has to decide whether there is enough evidence against an accused person for a trial in a court of law
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grand.ma
noun (informal) grandmother
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,grand 'master
noun a CHESS player of the highest standard
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grand.mother
noun the mother of your father or mother—see also GRAN , GRANDMA , GRANNY —compare GRANDFATHER
IDM see TEACH
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,grand 'opera
noun [U, C] opera in which everything is sung and there are no spoken parts
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grand.pa
noun (informal) grandfather—see also GRANDAD
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grand.par.ent
noun [usually pl.] the father or mother of your father or mother: The children are staying with their grandparents.
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,grand 'piano
noun a large piano in which the strings are horizontal—compare UPRIGHT PIANO —picture at PIANO
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Grand Prix
noun (pl.Grands Prix ) one of a series of important international races for racing cars or motorcycles
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,grand 'slam
noun
1 (also Grand Slam) a very important sports event, contest, etc: a Grand Slam tournament / cup / title
2 the winning of every part of a sports contest or all the main contests in a year for a particular sport: Will France win the grand slam this year? (= in rugby)
3 (also grand ,slam home 'run) (in baseball) a HOME RUN that is worth four points
4 (in card games, especially BRIDGE ) the winning of all the TRICKS in a single game
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grand.son
noun a son of your son or daughter—compare GRANDDAUGHTER
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grand.stand
noun a large covered structure with rows of seats for people to watch sports events
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grand.stand.ing
noun [U] (AmE ) (especially in business, politics, etc.) the fact of behaving or speaking in a way that is intended to make people impressed in order to gain some advantage for yourself
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,grand 'total
noun the final total when a number of other totals have been added together: That makes a grand total of 220 dollars.
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,grand 'tour
noun
1 (often humorous) a visit around a building or house in order to show it to sb: Steve took us on a grand tour of the house and gardens.
2 (also ,Grand 'Tour) a visit to the main cities of Europe made by rich young British or American people as part of their education in the past
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grange
noun (BrE ) (often as part of a name) a country house with farm buildings: Thrushcross Grange
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gran.ite
noun [U] a type of hard grey stone, often used in building
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granny
(also less frequent gran.nie) noun (pl.-ies) (informal) grandmother—see also GRANDMA
granny (also less frequent gran.nie) adj.: a pair of granny glasses
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'granny flat
noun (BrE , informal) a set of rooms for an old person, especially in a relative’s house
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gran.ola
noun [U] (especially AmE ) a type of breakfast CEREAL made of grains, nuts, etc. that have been TOASTED
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grant
verb, noun
verb
1 [often passive] ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb) sth to agree to give sb what they ask for, especially formal or legal permission to do sth: [vn, vnn] The bank finally granted a £500 loan to me.  The bank finally granted me a £500 loan.  [vn] My request was granted.  [vnn] I was granted permission to visit the palace.  She was granted a divorce.
2 to admit that sth is true, although you may not like or agree with it: [vn] She’s a smart woman, I grant you, but she’s no genius.  [vn (that)] I grant you (that) it looks good, but it’s not exactly practical. [alsov that] take it for 'granted (that … ) to believe sth is true without first making sure that it is: I just took it for granted that he’d always be around. take sb/sth for 'granted to be so used to sb/sth that you do not recognize their true value any more and do not show that you are grateful: Her husband was always there and she just took him for granted.  We take having an endless supply of clean water for granted.

noun ~ (to do sth) a sum of money that is given by the government or by another organization to be used for a particular purpose: student grants (= to pay for their education)  He has been awarded a research grant.

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grant.ed

1 adv.used to show that you accept that sth is true, often before you make another statement about it: ‘You could have done more to help.’‘Granted.’  Granted, it’s not the most pleasant of jobs but it has to be done.
2 ~ (that … )conj.because of the fact that: Granted that it is a simple test to perform, it should be easy to get results quickly.
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,grant-main'tained
adj. (abbr. GM) (of a school in Britain) receiving financial support from central government rather than local government
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granu.lar
adj. consisting of small GRANULES ; looking or feeling like a collection of GRANULES
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granu.lated sugar
noun [U] white sugar in the form of small grains
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gran.ule
noun [usually pl.] a small, hard piece of sth; a small grain: instant coffee granules
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grape
noun a small green or purple fruit that grows in bunches on a climbing plant (called a VINE ). Wine is made from grapes : a bunch of grapes  black / white grapes (= grapes that are actually purple / green in colour)—
IDM see SOUR adj.
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grape.fruit
noun (pl.grapefruit or grapefruits) [C, U] a large round yellow CITRUS fruit with a lot of slightly sour juice—
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grape.vine
noun
IDM on / through the 'grapevine by talking in an informal way to other people: I heard on the grapevine that you’re leaving.
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graph
noun a planned drawing, consisting of a line or lines, showing how two or more sets of numbers are related to each other: Plot a graph of height against age.  The graph shows how house prices have risen since the 1980s.
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graph.ic
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with drawings and design, especially in the production of books, magazines, etc: graphic design  a graphic artist / designer
2 (of descriptions, etc.) very clear and full of details, especially about sth unpleasant: a graphic account / description of a battle  He kept telling us about his operation, in the most graphic detail.
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graph.ic.al.ly
adv.
1 in the form of drawings or diagrams: This data is shown graphically on the opposite page.
2 very clearly and in great detail: The murders are graphically described in the article.
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graph.ics
noun [pl.] designs, drawings or pictures, that are used especially in the production of books, magazines, etc: computer graphics  Text and graphics are prepared separately and then combined.
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graph.ite
noun [U] a soft black mineral that is a form of CARBON . Graphite is used to make pencils, to LUBRICATE machinery, and in nuclear REACTORS .
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'graph paper
noun [U] paper with small squares of equal size printed on it, used for drawing GRAPHS and other diagrams
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-graphy
combining form (in nouns)
1 a type of art or science: choreography  geography
2 a method of producing images: radiography
3 a form of writing or drawing: calligraphy  biography
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grap.ple
verb
1 ~ (with sb/sth) to take a firm hold of sb/sth and struggle with them: [v] Passers-by grappled with the man after the attack.  [vn] They managed to grapple him to the ground.
2 ~ (with sth) to try hard to find a solution to a problem: [v] The new government has yet to grapple with the problem of air pollution.  [v to inf] I was grappling to find an answer to his question.
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'grappling iron
(also 'grappling hook) noun a tool with several hooks attached to a long rope, used for dragging sth along or holding a boat still
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grasp
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to take a firm hold of sb/sth: He grasped my hand and shook it warmly.  Kay grasped him by the wrist.
2 to understand sth completely: [vn] They failed to grasp the importance of his words.  [v wh-] She was unable to grasp how to do it.  [v that] It took him some time to grasp that he was now a public figure.
3 [vn] ~ a chance / an opportunity to take an opportunity without hesitating and use it: I grasped the opportunity to work abroad.
IDM grasp the 'nettle (BrE) to deal with a difficult situation firmly and without hesitating—more at STRAW
PVR V 'grasp at sth
1 to try to take hold of sth in your hands: She grasped at his coat as he rushed past her.
2 to try to take an opportunity

noun [usually sing.]
1 a firm hold of sb/sth or control over sb/sth: I grabbed him, but he slipped from my grasp.  She felt a firm grasp on her arm.  Don’t let the situation escape from your grasp.
2 a person’s understanding of a subject or of difficult facts: He has a good grasp of German grammar.  These complex formulae are beyond the grasp of the average pupil.
3 the ability to get or achieve sth: Success was within her grasp .

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grasp.ing
adj. (disapproving) always trying to get money, possessions, power, etc. for yourself
SYN GREEDY : a grasping landlord
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grass
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a common wild plant with narrow green leaves and stems that are eaten by cows, horses, sheep, etc: a blade of grass  The dry grass caught fire.
2 [C] any type of grass : ornamental grasses
3 [sing., U] (usually the grass) an area of ground covered with grass : to cut / mow the grass  Don’t walk on the grass.
4 [U] (slang) MARIJUANA
5 [C] (BrE, slang, usually disapproving) a person, usually a criminal, who tells the police about sb’s criminal activities and plans—compare SUPERGRASS
IDM the grass is (always) greener on the other side (of the fence) (saying) said about people who never seem happy with what they have and always think that other people have a better situation than they have not let the grass grow under your feet to not delay in getting things done put sb out to 'grass (informal) to force sb to stop doing their job, especially because they are old—more at SNAKE n.

verb [v] ~ (on sb)(also ,grass sb 'up) (both BrE , informal) to tell the police about sb’s criminal activities
PVR V ,grass sth<->'over to cover an area with grass

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,grass 'court
noun a TENNIS COURT with a grass surface
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grassed
adj. covered with grass: grassed areas
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grass.hop.per
noun an insect with long back legs, that can jump very high and that makes a sound with its legs—
IDM see KNEE-HIGH
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grass.land
noun [U] (also grass.lands) [pl.] a large area of open land covered with wild grass: turning grassland into farm land
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,grass 'roots
(BrE) noun [pl.] (often the grass roots) ordinary people in society or in an organization, rather than the leaders or people who make decisions: the grass roots of the party
,grass-'roots adj. [only before noun]: We need to win support at grass-roots level.
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'grass snake
noun a small harmless snake
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grassy
adj. covered with grass: a grassy bank / slope / hillside
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grate
noun, verb
noun
1 a metal frame for holding the wood or coal in a FIREPLACE
2 (AmE) = DRAIN

verb
1 [vn] to rub food against a GRATER in order to cut it into small pieces: grated apple / carrot / cheese  Grate the cheese and sprinkle it over the tomatoes.
2 [v] ~ (on / with sb) to irritate or annoy sb: Her voice really grates on me.  It grated with him when people implied he wasn’t really British.
3 when two hard surfaces grate as they rub together, they make a sharp unpleasant sound; sb can also make one thing grate against another: [v] The rusty hinges grated as the gate swung back.  [vn] He grated his knife across the plate.

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grate.ful
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) (for sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) feeling or showing thanks because sb has done sth kind for you or has done as you asked: I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.  We would be grateful for any information you can give us.  She seems to think I should be grateful to have a job at all.  He was grateful that she didn’t tell his parents about the incident.  Grateful thanks are due to the following people for their help …  Kate gave him a grateful smile.
2 used to make a request, especially in a letter or in a formal situation: I would be grateful if you could send the completed form back as soon as possible.
grate.ful.ly adv.: He nodded gratefully.  All donations will be gratefully received.  I gratefully acknowledge the help of many people here today.
IDM see SMALL adj.
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grater
noun a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) with a rough surface, used for GRATING food: a cheese / nutmeg grater—picture at KITCHEN
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grat.ifi.ca.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) the state of feeling pleasure when sth goes well for you or when your desires are satisfied; sth that gives you pleasure: sexual gratification  A feed will usually provide instant gratification to a crying baby.
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grat.ify
verb (grati.fies, grati.fy.ing, grati.fied, grati.fied)
1 (written) to please or satisfy sb: [vn to inf] It gratified him to think that it was all his work.  [vn] I was gratified by their invitation.
2 [vn] (formal) to satisfy a wish, need, etc: He only gave his consent in order to gratify her wishes.
grati.fied adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (at sth)| ~ (to find, hear, see, etc.): She was gratified to find that they had followed her advice.
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grati.fy.ing
adj. (formal) pleasing and giving satisfaction: It is gratifying to see such good results.  He felt a gratifying sense of being respected and appreciated.
grati.fy.ing.ly adv.
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grat.ing
noun, adj.
noun a flat frame with metal bars across it, used to cover a window, a hole in the ground, etc.—see also GRATE (2)

adj. (of a sound or sb’s voice) unpleasant and harsh to listen to

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gra.tis
adv. done or given without having to be paid for
SYN FREE OF CHARGE
gra.tis adj.: I knew his help wouldn’t be given gratis.  a gratis copy of a book
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grati.tude
noun [U] ~ (to sb) (for sth) the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks: He smiled at them with gratitude .  I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for their hard work.  She was presented with the gift in gratitude for her long service.  a deep sense of gratitude  I owe you a great debt of gratitude (= feel extremely grateful).
OPP INGRATITUDE
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gra.tuit.ous
adj. (disapproving) done without any good reason or purpose and often having harmful effects
SYN UNNECESSARY : gratuitous violence on television
gra.tuit.ous.ly adv.
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gra.tu.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (formal) money that you give to sb who has provided a service for you
SYN TIP
2 (BrE) money that is given to employees when they leave their job
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grave^1
noun, adj. —see also GRAVE^2
noun
1 a place in the ground where a dead person is buried: We visited Grandma’s grave.  There were flowers on the grave.
2 [sing.] (often the grave) (usually literary) death; a person’s death: Is there life beyond the grave (= life after death)?  He followed her to the grave (= died soon after her).  She smoked herself into an early grave (= died young as a result of smoking).
IDM turn in his / her 'grave (BrE) (AmE roll in his / her 'grave) (of a person who is dead) likely to be very shocked or angry: My father would turn in his grave if he knew.—more at CRADLE n. , DIG v. , FOOT n.

adj. (graver, grav.est) (formal)
1 (of situations, feelings, etc.) very serious and important; giving you a reason to feel worried: The police have expressed grave concern about the missing child’s safety.  The consequences will be very grave if nothing is done.  We were in grave danger.
2 (of people) serious in manner, as if sth sad, important or worrying has just happened: He looked very grave as he entered the room.—see also GRAVITY
grave.ly adv.: She is gravely ill.  Local people are gravely concerned.  He nodded gravely as I poured out my troubles.

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grave^2
(also ,grave 'accent) noun a mark placed over a vowel in some languages to show how it should be pronounced, as over the e in the French word père—compare ACUTE ACCENT , CIRCUMFLEX , TILDE , UMLAUT —see also GRAVE^1
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grave.dig.ger
noun a person whose job is to dig graves
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gravel
noun [U] small stones, often used to make the surface of paths and roads: a gravel path  a gravel pit (= a place where gravel is taken from the ground)
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grav.elled
(BrE ) (AmEgrav.eled) adj. (of a road, etc.) covered with gravel
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grav.el.ly
adj.
1 full of or containing many small stones: a dry gravelly soil
2 (of a voice) deep and with a rough sound
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grave.stone
noun a stone that is put upright on a grave, showing the name, etc. of the person buried there
SYN HEADSTONE —compare TOMBSTONE
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grave.yard
noun
1 an area of land, often near a church, where people are buried—compare CEMETERY , CHURCHYARD
2 a place where things or people that are not wanted are sent or left: a graveyard for cars
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'graveyard shift
noun (especially AmE ) a period of time working at night or in the very early morning
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gravi.tate
verb (written)
PVR V 'gravitate to / toward(s) sb/sth to move towards sb/sth that you are attracted to: Many young people gravitate to the cities in search of work.
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gravi.ta.tion
noun [U] (physics ) a force of attraction that causes objects to move towards each other
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gravi.ta.tion.al
adj. connected with or caused by the force of gravity : a gravitational field  the gravitational pull of the moon
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grav.ity
noun [U]
1 (abbr.g) the force that attracts objects in space towards each other, and that on the earth pulls them towards the centre of the planet, so that things fall to the ground when they are dropped: Newton’s law of gravity—see also CENTRE OF GRAVITY
2 (formal) extreme importance and a cause for worry
SYN SERIOUSNESS : I don’t think you realise the gravity of the situation.  Punishment varies according to the gravity of the offence.
3 (formal) serious behaviour, speech or appearance: They were asked to behave with the gravity that was appropriate in a court of law.—see also GRAVE^1
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gravy
noun [U]
1 a brown sauce made by adding flour to the juices that come out of meat while it is cooking
2 (AmE, informal) something, especially money, that is obtained when you do not expect it: Anything on top of eight percent profit is just gravy for the industry.
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'gravy boat
noun a long low JUG used for serving and pouring gravy at a meal
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'gravy train
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a situation where people seem to be making a lot of money without much effort
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gray
(especially AmE ) = GREY
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gray.ish
adj. (especially AmE ) = GREYISH
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graze
verb, noun
verb
1 (of cows, sheep, etc.) to eat grass that is growing in a field: [v] There were cows grazing beside the river.  Parents have been warned against allowing children to graze on sweets and snacks (= to keep eating them, instead of real meals).  [vn] The field had been grazed by sheep.
2 [vn] to put cows, sheep, etc. in a field so that they can eat the grass there: The land is used by local people to graze their animals.
3 [vn] to break the surface of your skin by rubbing it against sth rough: I fell and grazed my knee.
4 [vn] to touch sth lightly while passing it: The bullet grazed his cheek.

noun a small injury where the surface of the skin has been slightly broken by rubbing against sth: Adam walked away from the crash with just cuts and grazes .

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graz.ing
noun [U] land with grass that cows, sheep, etc. can eat: There is poor grazing in the hills.
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grease
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 any thick OILY substance, especially one that is used to make machines run smoothly: Grease marks can be removed with liquid detergent.  Her hands were covered with oil and grease.  the grease in his hair—see also ELBOW GREASE
2 animal fat that has been softened by cooking or heating: plates covered with grease

verb [vn] to rub grease or fat on sth: to grease a cake tin / pan
IDM grease sb’s 'palm (old-fashioned, informal) to give sb money in order to persuade them to do sth dishonest
SYN BRIBE grease the 'wheels (AmE) = OIL THE WHEELS

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grease.paint
noun [U] a thick substance used by actors as MAKE-UP
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grease.proof paper
(BrE ) (AmE 'wax paper) noun [U] paper that does not let GREASE , oil, etc. pass through it, used in cooking and for wrapping food in
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greasy
adj. (greas.ier, greasi.est)
1 covered in a lot of GREASE or oil: greasy fingers / marks / overalls
2 (disapproving) (of food) cooked with too much oil: greasy chips
3 (disapproving) (of hair or skin) producing too much natural oil: long greasy hair
4 (informal, disapproving) (of people or their behaviour) friendly in a way that does not seem sincere
SYN SMARMY : a greasy smile
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,greasy 'spoon
noun (informal, often disapproving) a small cheap restaurant, usually one that is not very clean or attractive
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great
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (great.er, great.est)
LARGE|
1 [usually before noun] very large; much bigger than average in size or quantity: A great crowd had gathered.  People were arriving in great numbers.  The great majority of (= most) people seem to agree with this view.  He must have fallen from a great height.  She lived to a great age.
2 [only before noun] (informal) used to emphasize an adjective of size or quality: There was a great big pile of books on the table.  He cut himself a great thick slice of cake.
3 much more than average in degree or quantity: a matter of great importance  The concert had been a great success.  Her death was a great shock to us all.  It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here today.  Take great care of it.  You’ve been a great help.  We are all to a great extent the products of our culture.  note at BIG
ADMIRED|
4 extremely good in ability or quality and therefore admired by many people: He has been described as the world’s greatest violinist.  Sherlock Holmes, the great detective  Great art has the power to change lives.
PLEASANT|
5 (informal) very good or pleasant: He’s a great bloke.  It’s great to see you again.  What a great goal!  We had a great time in Madrid.  ‘I’ll pick you up at seven.’‘That’ll be great, thanks.’   (ironic) Oh great, they left without us.  You’ve been a great help, I must say (= no help at all).
IMPORTANT / IMPRESSIVE|
6 [only before noun] important and impressive: The wedding was a great occasion.  As the great day approached, she grew more and more nervous.  The great thing is to get it done quickly.  One great advantage of this metal is that it doesn’t rust.
WITH INFLUENCE|
7 having high status or a lot of influence: the great powers (= important and powerful countries)  We can make this country great again.  Alexander the Great
IN GOOD HEALTH|
8 in a very good state of physical or mental health: She seemed in great spirits (= very cheerful).  I feel great today.  Everyone’s in great form.
SKILLED|
9 [not usually before noun] ~ at (doing) sth (informal) able to do sth well: She’s great at chess.
USEFUL|
10 ~ for (doing) sth (informal) very suitable or useful for sth: This gadget’s great for opening jars.  Try this cream—it’s great for spots.
FOR EMPHASIS|
11 [only before noun] used when you are emphasizing a particular description of sb/sth: We are great friends.  I’ve never been a great reader (= I do not read much).  She’s a great talker, isn’t she?
FAMILY|
12 added to words for family members to show a further stage in relationship: my great-aunt (= my father’s or mother’s aunt)  her great-grandson (= the grandson of her son or daughter)
LARGER ANIMALS / PLANTS|
13 [only before noun] used in the names of animals or plants which are larger than similar kinds: the great tit
CITY NAME|
14 (Greater) used with the name of a city to describe an area that includes the centre of the city and a large area all round it: Greater London
great.ness noun [U] be going great 'guns (informal) to be doing sth quickly and successfully: Work is going great guns now. be a 'great one for (doing) sth to do sth a lot; to enjoy sth: I’ve never been a great one for writing letters.  You’re a great one for quizzes, aren’t you? be no great 'shakes (informal) to be not very good, efficient, suitable, etc. ,great and 'small of all sizes or types: all creatures great and small the great sth in the 'sky (humorous) used to refer to where a particular person or thing is imagined to go when they die or are no longer working, similar to the place they were connected with on earth: Their pet rabbit had gone to the great rabbit hutch in the sky.—more at PAINS , SUM n.

noun [usually pl.] (informal) a very well-known and successful person or thing: He was one of boxing’s all-time greats.

adv. (informal, non-standard) very well: Well done. You did great.

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great.coat
noun a long heavy coat, especially one worn by soldiers
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Great Dane
noun a very large dog with short hair
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great.ly
adv. (formal) (usually before a verb or participle) very much: People’s reaction to the film has varied greatly.  a greatly increased risk  Your help would be greatly appreciated.
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the ,Great 'War
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) = THE FIRST WORLD WAR
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Gre.cian
adj. from Ancient Greece or like the styles of Ancient Greece: Grecian architecture
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greed
noun [U] ~ (for sth) (disapproving)
1 a strong desire for more wealth, possessions, power, etc. than a person needs: His actions were motivated by greed.  Nothing would satisfy her greed for power.
2 a strong desire for more food or drink when you are no longer hungry or thirsty: I had another helping of ice cream out of pure greed.
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greedy
adj. (greed.ier, greedi.est) ~ (for sth) wanting more money, power, food, etc. than you really need: You greedy pig! You’ve already had two helpings!  The shareholders are greedy for profit.  He stared at the diamonds with greedy eyes.
greed.ily adv.: He ate noisily and greedily.
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Greek
noun
1 [C] a person from modern or ancient Greece
2 [U] the language of modern or ancient Greece
3 [C] (AmE) a member of a FRATERNITY or a SORORITY at a college or university
IDM it’s all 'Greek to me (informal, saying) I cannot understand it: She tried to explain how the system works, but I’m afraid it’s all Greek to me.
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green
adj., noun, verb
adj. (green.er, green.est)
COLOUR|
1 having the colour of grass or the leaves of most plants and trees: green beans  Wait for the light to turn green (= on traffic lights).
COVERED WITH GRASS|
2 covered with grass or other plants: green fields / hills  After the rains, the land was green with new growth.
FRUIT|
3 not yet ripe: green tomatoes
PERSON|
4 (informal) (of a person) young and lacking experience: The new trainees are still very green.
5 (of a person or their skin) being a pale colour, as if the person is going to VOMIT : It was a rough crossing and most of the passengers looked distinctly green.
POLITICS|
6 concerned with the protection of the environment; supporting the protection of the environment as a political principle: green politics / tourism  Try to adopt a greener lifestyle.  the Green Party
green.ness noun [U]: the greenness of the countryside  Supermarkets have started proclaiming the greenness of their products. ,green with 'envy very jealous—more at GRASS n.

noun
COLOUR|
1 [U, C] the colour of grass and the leaves of most plants and trees: the green of the countryside in spring  The room was decorated in a combination of greens and blues.  She was dressed all in green.
VEGETABLES|
2 (greens) [pl.] (especially BrE) green vegetables: Eat up your greens.
AREA OF GRASS|
3 [C] (BrE) an area of grass, especially in the middle of a town or village: Children were playing on the village green.
4 [C] (in golf) an area of grass cut short around a hole in a golf course: the 18th green  Did the ball land on the green?—see also BOWLING GREEN , PUTTING GREEN —picture at GOLF
POLITICS|
5 (the Greens) [pl.] the Green Party (= the party whose main aim is the protection of the environment)

verb [vn]
CREATE PARKS|
1 to create parks and other areas with trees and plants in a city: projects for greening the inner cities
POLITICS|
2 to make sb more aware of issues connected with the environment: an attempt to green industry bosses
green.ing noun [U]: the greening of British politics

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green.back
noun (AmE , informal) an American BANKNOTE
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,green 'bean
(BrE also ,French 'bean) (AmE also ,string 'bean) noun a type of bean which is a long thin green POD , cooked and eaten whole as a vegetable—
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,green 'belt
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (BrE ) an area of open land around a city where building is strictly controlled: New roads are cutting into the green belt.
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,green 'card
noun
1 a document that legally allows sb from another country to live and work in the US
2 (BrE) an insurance document that you need when you drive your car in another country
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green.ery
noun [U] attractive green leaves and plants: The room was decorated with flowers and greenery.
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green.field
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) used to describe an area of land that has not yet had buildings on it, but for which building development may be planned: a greenfield site
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,green 'fingers
noun [pl.] (BrE ) (AmE ,green 'thumb [sing.]) if you have green fingers, you are good at making plants grow
,green-'fingered adj. (BrE)
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green.fly
noun [U, C] (pl.green.flies or green.fly) a small flying insect that is harmful to plants: The roses have got greenfly.
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green.gage
noun a small soft green fruit that is a type of PLUM : a greengage tree
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green.gro.cer
noun (especially BrE )
1 a person who owns, manages or works in a shop/store selling fruit and vegetables—compare FRUITERER
2 (green.gro.cer’s) (pl.green.gro.cers) a shop/store that sells fruit and vegetables
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green.house
noun a building with glass sides and a glass roof for growing plants in
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the 'greenhouse effect
noun [sing.] the problem of the gradual rise in temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, caused by an increase of gases such as CARBON DIOXIDE in the air surrounding the earth, which trap the heat of the sun: The destruction of forests is contributing to the greenhouse effect.—see also GLOBAL WARMING
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,greenhouse 'gas
noun any of the gases that are thought to cause the greenhouse effect , especially CARBON DIOXIDE
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green.ish
adj. fairly green in colour
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green.keep.er
(AmE also greens.keep.er) noun a person whose job is to take care of a GOLF COURSE
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,green 'light
noun [sing.] permission for a project, etc. to start or continue: The government has decided to give the green light to the plan.
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,green 'onion
noun (AmE ) = SPRING ONION
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,Green 'Paper
noun (in Britain) a document containing government proposals on a particular subject, intended for general discussion—compare WHITE PAPER
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,green 'pepper
noun a hollow green fruit that is eaten, raw or cooked, as a vegetable
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'green room
noun a room in a theatre, television STUDIO , etc. where the performers can relax when they are not performing
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,green 'salad
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a salad that is made with raw green vegetables, especially LETTUCE : Serve with a green salad.
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greens.keep.er
noun (AmE ) = GREENKEEPER
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,green 'tea
noun [U] a pale tea made from leaves that have been dried but not FERMENTED
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,green 'thumb
noun (AmE ) = GREEN FINGERS
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,green 'vegetable
noun [C, usually pl.] (BrE also greens) [pl.] a vegetable with dark green leaves, for example CABBAGE or SPINACH
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Green.wich Mean Time
= GMT
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greet
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (with sth) to say hello to sb or to welcome them: He greeted all the guests warmly as they arrived.  She greeted us with a smile.
2 [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with / as sth) to react to sb/sth in a particular way: The changes were greeted with suspicion.  The team’s win was greeted as a major triumph.  Loud cheers greeted the news.
3 [usually passive] (of sights, sounds or smells) to be the first thing that you see, hear or smell at a particular time: When she opened the door she was greeted by a scene of utter confusion.
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greet.ing
noun
1 [C, U] something that you say or do to greet sb: She waved a friendly greeting.  They exchanged greetings and sat down to lunch.  He raised his hand in greeting .
2 (greetings) [pl.] a message of good wishes for sb’s health, happiness, etc: Christmas / birthday greetings  My mother sends her greetings to you all.
IDM see SEASON n.
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'greetings card
(BrE ) (AmE'greeting card) noun a card with a picture on the front and a message inside that you send to sb on a particular occasion such as their birthday
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gre.gari.ous
adj.
1 liking to be with other people
SYN SOCIABLE : She’s very outgoing and gregarious.
2 (biology) (of animals or birds) living in groups
gre.gari.ous.ly adv.
gre.gari.ous.ness noun [U]
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Gre.gor.ian calendar
noun [sing.] the system used since 1582 in Western countries of arranging the months in the year and the days in the months and of counting the years from the birth of Christ
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Gre,gorian 'chant
noun [U, C] a type of church music for voices alone, used since the Middle Ages
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grem.lin
noun an imaginary creature that people blame when a machine suddenly stops working
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gren.ade
noun a small bomb that can be thrown by hand or fired from a gun—see also HAND GRENADE
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grena.dier
noun a soldier in the part of the British army known as the Grenadiers or Grenadier Guards
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grew
pt of GROW
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grey
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually gray) adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 having the colour of ashes or smoke: grey eyes / hair  wisps of grey smoke  a grey suit
2 [not usually before noun] having grey hair: He’s gone very grey.
3 (of a person’s skin colour) pale and dull, because they are ill/sick, tired or sad: The next morning she looked very grey and hollow-eyed.
4 (of the sky or weather) dull; full of clouds: grey skies  I hate these grey days.
5 without interest or variety; making you feel sad: Life seems grey and pointless without him.
6 (disapproving) not interesting or attractive: The company was full of faceless grey men who all looked the same.
grey.ness (especially BrE) (AmE usually gray.ness) noun [U, sing.]

noun
1 [U, C] the colour of ashes or smoke: the dull grey of the sky  dressed in grey
2 [C] a grey or white horse: She’s riding the grey.

verb [v] (of hair) to become grey: His hair was greying at the sides.  a tall woman with greying hair

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,grey 'area
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,gray 'area) noun an area of a subject or situation that is not clear or does not fit into a particular group and is therefore difficult to define or deal with: Exactly what can be called an offensive weapon is still a grey area.
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,grey-'haired
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,gray-'haired) adj. with grey hair
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grey.hound
noun a large thin dog with smooth hair and long thin legs, that can run very fast and is used in the sport of greyhound racing
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grey.ish
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually gray.ish) adj. fairly grey in colour: greyish hair
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'grey matter
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'gray matter) noun [U] (informal) a person’s intelligence
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grid
noun
1 a pattern of straight lines, usually crossing each other to form squares: New York’s grid of streets
2 a frame of metal or wooden bars that are parallel or cross each other—see also CATTLE GRID
3 a pattern of squares on a map that are marked with letters or numbers to help you find the exact position of a place: The grid reference is C8.
4 (especially BrE) a system of electric wires or pipes carrying gas, for sending power over a large area: the national grid (= the electricity supply in a country)
5 (in motor racing) a pattern of lines marking the starting positions for the racing cars
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grid.dle
noun a circular iron plate that is heated on a stove or over a fire and used for cooking
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grid.iron
noun
1 a frame made of metal bars that is used for cooking meat or fish on, over an open fire
2 (AmE) a field used for American football marked with a pattern of parallel lines
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grid.lock
noun [U]
1 a situation in which there are so many cars in the streets of a town that the traffic cannot move at all
2 (usually in politics) a situation in which people with different opinions are not able to agree with each other and so no action can be taken: Congress is in gridlock.
grid.locked adj.
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grief
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (over / at sth) a feeling of great sadness, especially when sb dies: She was overcome with grief when her husband died.  They were able to share their common joys and griefs.
2 [C, usually sing.] something that causes great sadness: It was a grief to them that they had no children.
3 [U] (informal) problems and worry: He caused his parents a lot of grief.
IDM come to 'grief (informal)
1 to end in total failure: All his schemes for making money seem to come to grief.
2 to be harmed in an accident: Several pedestrians came to grief on the icy pavement. give sb 'grief (about / over sth) (informal) to be annoyed with sb and criticize their behaviour good 'grief! (informal) used to express surprise or shock: Good grief! What a mess!
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'grief-stricken
adj. feeling extremely sad because of sth that has happened, especially the death of sb
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griev.ance
noun ~ (against sb) something that you think is unfair and that you complain or protest about: Parents were invited to air their grievances (= express them) at the meeting.  He had been nursing a grievance against his boss for months.  Does the company have a formal grievance procedure (= a way of telling sb your complaints at work)?
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grieve
verb
1 ~ (for / over sb/sth) to feel very sad, especially because sb has died: [v] They are still grieving for their dead child.  grieving relatives  [vn] She grieved the death of her husband.
2 (formal) to make you feel very sad: [vn that] It grieved him that he could do nothing to help her.  [vn] Their lack of interest grieved her.  [vn to inf] It grieved her to leave.
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griev.ous
adj. (formal) very serious and often causing great pain or suffering: He had been the victim of a grievous injustice.
griev.ous.ly adv.: grievously hurt / wounded
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,grievous ,bodily 'harm
noun [U] (abbr. GBH) (law ) the crime of causing sb serious physical injury
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grif.fin
(also grif.fon, gry.phon ) noun (in stories) a creature with a lion’s body and an EAGLE’S wings and head
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grill
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) the part of a cooker that directs heat downwards to cook food that is placed underneath it: Put it under a hot grill to brown for two minutes.—compare BROILER —
2 a flat metal frame that you put food on to cook over a fire—see also BARBECUE
3 a dish of grilled food, especially meat—see also MIXED GRILL
4 (especially in names) a restaurant serving grilled food: Harry’s Bar and Grill
5 = GRILLE

verb [vn]
1 (BrE) to cook food under or over a very strong heat: Grill the sausages for ten minutes.  grilled bacon—compare BROIL —
2 (AmE) to cook food over a fire, especially outdoors: grilled meat and shrimp
3 ~ sb (about sth) to ask sb a lot of questions about their ideas, actions, etc., often in an unpleasant way: They grilled her about where she had been all night.  He was grilled by detectives for several hours.—see also GRILLING

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grille
(also grill) noun a screen made of metal bars or wire that is placed in front of a window, door or piece of machinery in order to protect it: a radiator grille (= at the front of a car)  a security grille
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grill.ing
noun [usually sing.] a period of being questioned closely about your ideas, actions, etc: The minister faced a tough grilling at today’s press conference.
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grim
adj. (grim.mer, grim.mest)
1 looking or sounding very serious: a grim face / look / smile  She looked grim.  with a look of grim determination on his face  grim-faced policemen
2 unpleasant and depressing: grim news  We face the grim prospect of still higher unemployment.  The outlook is pretty grim.  a grim struggle for survival  Things are looking grim for workers in the building industry.
3 (of a place or building) not attractive; depressing: The house looked grim and dreary in the rain.  the grim walls of the prison
4 [not before noun] (BrE, informal) ill: I feel pretty grim this morning.
5 [not usually before noun] (BrE, informal) of very low quality: Their performance was fairly grim, I’m afraid!
grim.ly adv.: ‘It won’t be easy,’ he said grimly.  grimly determined
grim.ness noun [U]
IDM hang / hold on for / like grim 'death (BrE) (also hang / hold on for dear 'lifeAmE, BrE) (informal) to hold sb/sth very tightly because you are afraid
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grim.ace
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to make an ugly expression with your face to show pain, disgust, etc: He grimaced at the bitter taste.  She grimaced as the needle went in.

noun an ugly expression made by twisting your face, used to show pain, disgust, etc. or to make sb laugh: to make / give a grimace of pain  ‘What’s that?’ she asked with a grimace.

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grime
noun [U] dirt that forms a layer on the surface of sth: a face covered with grime and sweat
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the ,Grim 'Reaper
noun an imaginary figure who represents death. It looks like a SKELETON , wears a long CLOAK and carries a SCYTHE .
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grimy
adj. (grimi.er, grimi.est) covered with GRIME : grimy hands / windows
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grin
verb, noun
verb (-nn-) ~ (at sb) to smile widely: [v] She grinned amiably at us.  They grinned with delight when they heard our news.  He was grinning from ear to ear .  [vn] He grinned a welcome.
IDM grin and 'bear it (only used as an infinitive and in orders) to accept pain, disappointment or a difficult situation without complaining: There’s nothing we can do about it. We’ll just have to grin and bear it.

noun a wide smile: She gave a broad grin.  a wry / sheepish grin  ‘No,’ he said with a grin.  Take that grin off your face!

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grind
verb, noun
verb (ground, ground )
FOOD / FLOUR / COFFEE|
1 [vn] ~ sth (down / up)| ~ sth (to / into sth) to break or crush sth into very small pieces between two hard surfaces or using a special machine: to grind coffee / corn  The animal has teeth that grind its food into a pulp.—see also GROUND (4)
2 [vn] to produce sth such as flour by crushing: The flour is ground using traditional methods.
MAKE SHARP / SMOOTH|
3 [vn] to make sth sharp or smooth by rubbing it against a hard surface: a special stone for grinding knives
PRESS INTO SURFACE|
4 [vn] ~ sth into sth| ~ sth in to press or rub sth into a surface: He ground his cigarette into the ashtray.  The dirt on her hands was ground in.
RUB TOGETHER|
5 to rub together, or to make hard objects rub together, often producing an unpleasant noise: [v] Parts of the machine were grinding together noisily.  [vn] She grinds her teeth when she is asleep.  He ground the gears on the car.
MACHINE|
6 [vn] to turn the handle of a machine that grinds sth: to grind a pepper mill bring sth to a grinding halt to make sth slow down gradually until it stops completely grind to a 'halt | come to a grinding 'halt to slow down gradually and then stop completely: Production ground to a halt during the strike.—more at AXE n. ,grind sb<->'down to treat sb in a cruel or harsh way over a long period of time, so that they become very unhappy: Don’t let them grind you down.  Years of oppression had ground the people down. ,grind 'on to continue for a long time, when this is unpleasant: The argument ground on for almost two years. ,grind sth<->'out to produce sth in large quantities, often sth that is not good or interesting: She grinds out romantic novels at the rate of five a year.

noun
BORING ACTIVITY|
1 [sing.] (informal) an activity that is tiring or boring and takes a lot of time: the daily grind of family life  It’s a long grind to the top of that particular profession.
OF MACHINES|
2 [sing.] the harsh noise made by machines
SWOT|
3 [C] (AmE, informal) = SWOT

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grind.er
noun
1 a machine or tool for grinding a solid substance into a powder: a coffee grinder
2 a person whose job is to make knives sharper; a machine which does this—see also ORGAN-GRINDER
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grind.ing
adj. [only before noun] (of a difficult situation) that never ends or improves: grinding poverty
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grind.stone
noun a round stone that is turned like a wheel and is used to make knives and other tools sharp
IDM see NOSE n.
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gringo
noun (pl.-os) (informal, disapproving) used in Latin American countries to refer to a person from the US
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grip
noun, verb
noun
HOLDING TIGHTLY|
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (on sb/sth) an act of holding sb/sth tightly; a particular way of doing this: Keep a tight grip on the rope.  to loosen / release / relax your grip  She tried to get a grip on the icy rock.  The climber slipped and lost her grip.  She struggled from his grip.  Try adjusting your grip on the racket.
CONTROL / POWER|
2 [sing.] ~ (on sb/sth) control or power over sb/sth: The home team took a firm grip on the game in the second half.  Our main objective now is to tighten the grip we have on the market.
UNDERSTANDING|
3 [sing.] ~ (on sth) an understanding of sth: I couldn’t get a grip on what was going on.  You need to keep a good grip on reality in this job.
MOVING WITHOUT SLIPPING|
4 [U] the ability of sth to move over a surface without slipping: These tyres give the bus better grip in slippery conditions.
STOPS HANDS SLIPPING|
5 [C] a part of sth that has a special surface so that it can be held without the hands slipping: the grip on a golf club  a rubber / plastic grip
FOR HAIR|
6 [C] (BrE) = HAIRGRIP
JOB IN THE MOVIES|
7 [C] a person who prepares and moves the cameras, and sometimes the lighting equipment, when a film/movie is being made
BAG|
8 [C] (old-fashioned) a large soft bag, used when travelling come / get to 'grips with sth to begin to understand and deal with sth difficult: I’m slowly getting to grips with the language get / take a 'grip (on yourself) to improve your behaviour or control your emotions after being afraid, upset or angry: I have to take a grip on myself, he told himself firmly.   (informal) Get a grip (= make an effort to control your emotions)! in the 'grip of sth experiencing sth unpleasant that cannot be stopped: a country in the grip of recession lose your 'grip (on sth) to become unable to understand or control a situation: Sometimes I feel I’m losing my grip.

verb (-pp-)
HOLD TIGHTLY|
1 to hold sth tightly: [vn] ‘Please don’t go,’ he said, gripping her arm.  [v] She gripped on to the railing with both hands.
INTEREST / EXCITE|
2 [vn] to interest or excite sb; to hold sb’s attention: The book grips you from start to finish.  I was totally gripped by the story.—see also GRIPPING
HAVE POWERFUL EFFECT|
3 [vn] (of an emotion or a situation) to have a powerful effect on sb/sth: I was gripped by a feeling of panic.  Terrorism has gripped the country for the past two years.
MOVE / HOLD WITHOUT SLIPPING|
4 to hold onto or to move over a surface without slipping: [vn] tyres that grip the road [alsov]

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gripe
noun, verb
noun (informal) a complaint about sth: My only gripe about the hotel was the food.

verb [v] ~ (about sb/sth) (informal) to complain about sb/sth in an annoying way: He’s always griping about the people at work.

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'Gripe Water
™noun [U] (BrE ) medicine that is given to babies when they have stomach pains
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grip.ing
adj. [only before noun] a griping pain is a sudden strong pain in your stomach
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grip.ping
adj. exciting or interesting in a way that keeps your attention: a gripping drama / story  His books are always so gripping.
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grisly
adj. [usually before noun] extremely unpleasant and frightening and usually connected with death and violence: a grisly crime
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grist
noun
IDM (all) grist to the / sb’s 'mill (BrE) (AmE (all) grist for the / sb’s 'mill) something that is useful to sb for a particular purpose: Political sex scandals are all grist to the mill of the tabloid newspapers.
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gris.tle
noun [U] a hard substance in meat that is unpleasant to eat: a lump of gristle
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grit
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 very small pieces of stone or sand: I had a piece of grit in my eye.  They were spreading grit and salt on the icy roads.
2 the courage and determination that makes it possible for sb to continue doing sth difficult or unpleasant

verb (-tt-) [vn] to spread grit , salt or sand on a road that is covered with ice
IDM grit your 'teeth
1 to bite your teeth tightly together: She gritted her teeth against the pain.  ‘Stop it!’ he said through gritted teeth.
2 to be determined to continue to do sth in a difficult or unpleasant situation: It started to rain harder, but we gritted our teeth and carried on.

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grits
noun [pl.] corn that is partly crushed before cooking, often eaten for breakfast or as part of a meal in the southern US
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grit.ter
(BrE ) (AmE 'salt truck) noun a large vehicle used for putting salt, sand, or GRIT on the roads in winter when there is ice on them
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gritty
adj.
1 containing or like GRIT : a layer of gritty dust
2 showing the courage and determination to continue doing sth difficult or unpleasant: gritty determination  a gritty performance from the British player
3 showing sth unpleasant as it really is: a gritty description of urban violence  gritty realism—see also NITTY-GRITTY
grit.tily adv.
grit.ti.ness noun [U]
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griz.zle
verb [v] (BrE , informal) (especially of a baby or child) to cry or complain continuously in a way that is annoying
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griz.zled
adj. (literary) having hair that is grey or partly grey: He looked old and grizzled.  a grizzled beard
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griz.zly bear
(also 'griz.zly) noun a large fierce brown bear that lives in N America and parts of Russia
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groan
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at / with sth) to make a long deep sound because you are annoyed, upset or in pain, or with pleasure: [v] to groan with pain / pleasure  He lay on the floor groaning.  We all groaned at his terrible jokes.  They were all moaning and groaning (= complaining) about the amount of work they had.  [v speech] ‘It’s a complete mess!’ she groaned.  ‘Don’t move me,’ he groaned.
2 [v] to make a sound like a person groaning : The trees creaked and groaned in the wind.
IDM groan under the weight of sth (written) used to say that there is too much of sth
PVR V 'groan with sth (written) to be full of sth: tables groaning with food

noun a long deep sound made when sb/sth groans : She let out a groan of dismay.  He fell to the floor with a groan.  The house was filled with the cello’s dismal squeaks and groans.

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gro.cer
noun
1 a person who owns, manages or works in a shop/store selling food and other things used in the home
2 (gro.cer’s) (pl.gro.cers) a shop/store that sells these things
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gro.cery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually 'grocery store) [C] a shop/store that sells food and other things used in the home. In American English ‘grocery store ’ is often used to mean ‘supermarket’.
2 (groceries) [pl.] food and other goods sold by a grocer or at a supermarket
gro.cery adj. [only before noun]: a grocery bag  the grocery bill / business
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grog
noun [U]
1 a strong alcoholic drink, originally RUM , mixed with water
2 (informal, especially AustralE) any alcoholic drink, especially beer
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groggy
adj. [not usually before noun] (informal) weak and unable to think or move well because you are ill/sick or very tired: The sleeping pills left her feeling very groggy.
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groin
noun
1 the part of the body where the legs join at the top including the area around the GENITALS (= sex organs): She kicked her attacker in the groin.  He’s been off all season with a groin injury.—picture at BODY
2 (especially AmE) = GROYNE
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grom.met
noun
1 a small metal ring placed around a hole in fabric or leather, to make it stronger
2 (BrE) (AmE tube) a small tube placed in a child’s ear in order to DRAIN liquid from it
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groom
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to clean or brush an animal: to groom a horse / dog / cat  The horses are all well fed and groomed.
2 [vn] (of an animal) to clean the fur or skin of another animal or itself: a female ape grooming her mate
3 ~ sb (for / as sth) to prepare or train sb for an important job or position: [vn] Our junior employees are being groomed for more senior roles.  [vn to inf] The eldest son is being groomed to take over when his father dies.

noun
1 a person whose job is to feed and take care of horses, especially by brushing and cleaning them
2 = BRIDEGROOM

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groomed
adj. (usually following an adverb) used to describe the way in which a person cares for their clothes and hair: She is always perfectly groomed.—see also WELL-GROOMED
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groom.ing
noun [U] the things that you do to keep your clothes and hair clean and neat, or to keep an animal’s fur or hair clean: You should always pay attention to personal grooming.  Grooming is a vital part of caring for your dog.
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grooms.man
noun (pl.-men ) (AmE ) a friend of the BRIDEGROOM at a wedding, who has special duties
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groove
noun
1 a long narrow cut in the surface of sth hard: Cut a groove 3 cm from the top of the piece of wood.
2 (informal) a particular type of musical rhythm: a jazz / Latin groove
IDM be (stuck) in a 'groove (BrE) to be unable to change sth that you have been doing the same way for a long time and that has become boring
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grooved
adj. having a groove or grooves
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groovy
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) fashionable, attractive and interesting
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grope
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (around / for sth) to try and find sth that you cannot see, by feeling with your hands: I groped for the light switch.  He groped around in the dark for his other sock.   (figurative) ‘It’s so … , so … ’ I was groping for the right word to describe it.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to try and reach a place by feeling with your hands because you cannot see clearly: [vn] He groped his way up the staircase in the dark.  [v] She groped through the darkness towards the doors.
3 [vn] (informal) to touch sb sexually, especially when they do not want you to

noun (informal) an act of groping sb (= touching them sexually)

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gross
adj., adv., verb, noun
adj. (gross.er, gross.est)
1 [only before noun] being the total amount of sth before anything is taken away: gross weight (= including the container or wrapping)  gross income / wage (= before taxes, etc. are taken away)  Investments showed a gross profit of 26%.—compare NET
2 [only before noun] (formal orlaw) (of a crime, etc.) very obvious and unacceptable: gross indecency / negligence / misconduct  a gross violation of human rights
3 (spoken) very unpleasant: ‘He ate it with mustard.’‘Oh, gross!’
4 very rude: gross behaviour / language / manners
5 very fat and ugly: She’s not just fat, she’s positively gross!
gross.ness noun [U]

adv. in total, before anything is taken away: She earns £25 000 a year gross.—compare NET adj.

verb [vn] to earn a particular amount of money before tax has been taken off it: It is one of the biggest grossing movies of all time.
PVR V ,gross sb 'out (AmE, informal) to be very unpleasant and make sb feel disgusted: His bad breath really grossed me out.

noun
1 (pl.gross) a group of 144 things: two gross of apples  to sell sth by the gross
2 (pl.grosses) (especially AmE) a total amount of money earned by sth, especially a film/movie, before any costs are taken away

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,gross do,mestic 'product
noun [sing., U] = GDP
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gross.ly
adv. (disapproving) (used to describe unpleasant qualities) extremely: grossly overweight / unfair / inadequate  Press reports have been grossly exaggerated.
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,gross ,national 'product
noun [sing., U] = GNP
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gro.tesque
adj., noun
adj.
1 strange in a way that is unpleasant or offensive: a grotesque distortion of the truth  The story was too grotesque to believe.  It’s grotesque to expect a person of her experience to work for so little money.
2 extremely ugly in a strange way, often causing fear or laughter: a grotesque building / figure  tribal dancers wearing grotesque masks
gro.tesque.ly adv.

noun
1 [C] a person who is extremely ugly in a strange way, especially in a book or painting
2 (the grotesque) [sing.] a style of art using grotesque figures and designs

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grotto
noun (pl.-oes or -os) a small CAVE especially one that has been made artificially, for example in a garden
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grotty
adj. (BrE , informal) unpleasant or of poor quality: a grotty little hotel  I’m feeling pretty grotty (= ill).
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grouch
noun (informal)
1 a person who complains a lot
2 a complaint about sth unimportant
grouch verb [v]
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grouchy
adj. (informal) bad-tempered and often complaining
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ground
noun, verb, adj. —see also GRIND v.
noun
SURFACE OF EARTH|
1 (often the ground) [U] the solid surface of the earth: I found her lying on the ground.  He lost his balance and fell to the ground.  2 metres above / below ground   Most of the monkeys' food is found at ground level .  ground forces (= soldiers that fight on land, not in the air or at sea)  note at EARTH
SOIL|
2 [U] soil on the surface of the earth: fertile ground for planting crops
AREA OF LAND|
3 [U] an area of open land: The kids were playing on waste ground behind the school.
4 [C] (often in compounds) (BrE) an area of land that is used for a particular purpose, activity or sport: a football / recreation / sports ground  ancient burial grounds—see also BREEDING GROUND , DUMPING GROUND , PARADE GROUND , STAMPING GROUND , TESTING GROUND
5 (grounds) [pl.] a large area of land or sea that is used for a particular purpose: fishing / hunting grounds  feeding grounds for birds
GARDENS|
6 (grounds) [pl.] the land or gardens around a large building: the school / hospital grounds
AREA OF KNOWLEDGE / IDEAS|
7 [U] an area of interest, knowledge or ideas: He managed to cover a lot of ground in a short talk.  We had to go over the same ground (= talk about the same things again) in class the next day.  You’re on dangerous ground (= talking about ideas that are likely to offend sb or make people angry) if you criticize his family.  I thought I was on safe ground (= talking about a suitable subject) discussing music with her.  He was back on familiar ground , dealing with the customers.  They are fighting the Conservatives on their own ground .—see also COMMON GROUND , MIDDLE GROUND
GOOD REASON|
8 [C, usually pl.] ~ for sth / for doing sth a good or true reason for saying, doing or believing sth: You have no grounds for complaint.  What were his grounds for wanting a divorce?  The case was dismissed on the grounds that there was not enough evidence.  He retired from the job on health grounds .  Employers cannot discriminate on grounds of age.  note at REASON
IN LIQUID|
9 (grounds) [pl.] the small pieces of solid matter in a liquid that have fallen to the bottom: coffee grounds
ELECTRICAL WIRE|
10 [C, usually sing.] (AmE) = EARTH (5)
BACKGROUND|
11 [C] a background that a design is painted or printed on: pink roses on a white ground cut the ground from under sb’s 'feet to suddenly spoil sb’s idea or plan by doing sth to stop them from continuing with it gain / make up 'ground (on sb/sth) to gradually get closer to sb/sth that is moving or making progress in an activity: The police car was gaining ground on the suspects.  They needed to make up ground on their competitors. get (sth) off the 'ground to start happening successfully; to make sth start happening successfully: Without more money, the movie is unlikely to get off the ground.  to get a new company off the ground give / lose 'ground (to sb/sth) to allow sb to have an advantage; to lose an advantage for yourself: They are not prepared to give ground on tax cuts.  The Conservatives lost a lot of ground to the Liberal Democrats at the election. go to 'ground (BrE) to hide, especially to escape sb who is chasing you hold / stand your 'ground
1 to continue with your opinions or intentions when sb is opposing you and wants you to change: Don’t let him persuade you—stand your ground.
2 to face a situation and refuse to run away: It is not easy to hold your ground in front of someone with a gun. on the 'ground in the place where sth is happening and among the people who are in the situation, especially a war: On the ground, there are hopes that the fighting will soon stop.  There’s a lot of support for the policy on the ground. run / drive / work yourself into the 'ground to work so hard that you become extremely tired run sb/sth into the 'ground to use sth so much that it is broken; to make sb work so hard that they are no longer able to work thick / thin on the 'ground (BrE) if people or things are thick/thin on the ground, there are a lot/not many of them in a place: Customers are thin on the ground at this time of year.—more at EAR , FIRM adj. , FOOT n. , GAIN v. , HIT v. , MORAL adj. , NEUTRAL adv. , NEW , PREPARE , RIVET v. , SHIFT v. , STONY , SUIT v.

verb
BOAT|
1 when a boat grounds or sth grounds it, it touches the bottom of the sea and is unable to move: [vn] The fishing boat had been grounded on rocks off the coast of Cornwall. [alsov]
AIRCRAFT|
2 [vn] [often passive] to prevent an aircraft from taking off: The balloon was grounded by strong winds.  All planes out of Heathrow have been grounded by the strikes.
CHILD|
3 [vn] [usually passive] to punish a child by not allowing them to go out with their friends for a period of time: You’re grounded for a week!
ELECTRICITY|
4 [vn] (AmE) = EARTH (be) 'grounded in / on sth (to be) based on sth: His views are grounded on the assumption that all people are equal.—see also GROUNDING

adj. [only before noun] (of food) cut or crushed into very small pieces or powder: ground coffee

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'ground ball
noun = GROUNDER
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,ground 'beef
noun [U] (AmE ) = MINCE
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'ground-breaking
adj. [only before noun] making new discoveries; using new methods: a ground-breaking report / style
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'ground cloth
noun (AmE ) = GROUNDSHEET
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'ground control
noun [U] the people and equipment on the ground that make sure that planes or spacecraft take off and land safely
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'ground crew
(also 'ground staff) noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the people at an airport whose job is to look after aircraft while they are on the ground
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ground.er
(also 'ground ball) noun (in baseball) a ball that runs along the ground after it has been hit
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,ground 'floor
(BrE ) (AmE ,first 'floor) noun the floor of a building that is at the same level as the ground outside: a ground-floor flat / window  I live on the ground floor.  note at FLOOR
IDM be / get in on the ground 'floor to become involved in a plan, project, etc. at the beginning
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ground.hog
noun = WOODCHUCK
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ground.ing
noun
1 [sing.] ~ (in sth) the teaching of the basic parts of a subject: a good grounding in grammar
2 [U, C] the act of keeping a plane on the ground or a ship in a port, especially because it is not in a good enough condition to travel
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ground.less
adj. not based on reason or evidence: groundless allegations  Our fears proved groundless.
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ground.nut
noun (BrE ) = PEANUT
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'ground plan
noun
1 a plan of the ground floor of a building—compare PLAN n. (4)
2 a plan for future action
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'ground rent
noun [U, C] (in Britain) rent paid by the owner of a building to the owner of the land on which it is built
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'ground rule
noun
1 (ground rules) [pl.] the basic rules on which sth is based: The new code of conduct lays down the ground rules for management-union relations.
2 [C] (AmE, sport) a rule for the playing of a game on a particular field, etc.
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ground.sheet
(BrE ) (AmE 'ground cloth) noun a large piece of material that does not let water through that is placed on the ground inside a tent
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grounds.man
noun (pl.-men ) (especially BrE ) a man whose job is to take care of a sports ground or large garden
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'ground squirrel
noun = GOPHER
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'ground staff
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 (BrE) the people at a sports ground whose job it is to look after the grass, equipment, etc.
2 = GROUND CREW
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ground.swell
noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) (written) the sudden increase of a particular feeling among a group of people: a groundswell of support  There was a groundswell of opinion that he should resign.
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ground.water
noun [U] water that is found under the ground in soil, rocks, etc.
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ground.work
noun [U] ~ (for sth) work that is done as preparation for other work that will be done later: Officials are laying the groundwork for a summit conference of world leaders.
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group
noun, verb
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a number of people or things that are together in the same place or that are connected in some way: a group of girls / trees / houses  A group of us are going to the theatre this evening.  Students stood around in groups waiting for their results.  a discussion / study / support group  the Germanic group of languages  The proportion of single parent families varies between different income groups.  a group activity (= done by a number of people working together)—see also SUBGROUP
HELP There are many other compounds ending in group. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
2 (business) a number of companies that are owned by the same person or organization: a newspaper group  the Burton group  the group sales director
3 (rather old-fashioned) a number of musicians who perform together, especially to play pop music: She sings in a rock group.

verb
1 ~ (sb/sth) (round / around sb/sth)| ~ (sb/sth) (together) to gather into a group; to make sb/sth form a group: [vn] The children grouped themselves around their teacher.  [v] We all grouped around the tree for a photograph.  The colleges grouped together to offer a wider range of courses.
2 [vn] to divide people or things into groups of people or things that are similar in some way: The books are grouped together by subject.  Contestants were grouped according to age and ability.

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,group 'captain
noun (abbr. Gp Capt) an officer of high rank in the British air force: Group Captain (Jonathan) Sutton
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groupie
noun a person, especially a young woman, who follows pop musicians around and tries to meet them
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group.ing
noun
1 [C] a number of people or organizations that have the same interests, aims or characteristics and are often part of a larger group: These small nations constitute an important grouping within the EU.
2 [U] the act of forming sth into a group
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,group 'practice
noun a group of several doctors or other medical workers who work together in the community and use the same building to see patients
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,group 'therapy
noun [U] a type of PSYCHIATRIC treatment in which people with similar personal problems meet together to discuss them
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grouse
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] (pl.grouse) a bird with a fat body and feathers on its legs, which people shoot for sport and food; the meat of this bird: grouse shooting  grouse moors  roast grouse
2 [C] (informal) a complaint

verb [v, v speech] ~ (about sb/sth) (informal) to complain about sb/sth in a way that other people find annoying
SYN GRUMBLE

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grout
(also grout.ing) noun [U] a substance that is used between the TILES on the walls of kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
grout verb [vn]
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grove
noun
1 (literary) a small group of trees: a grove of birch trees
2 a small area of land with fruit trees of particular types on it: an olive grove
3 used in the names of streets: Elm Grove
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grovel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v]
1 ~ (to sb) (for sth) (disapproving) to behave in a very HUMBLE way towards sb who is more important than you or who can give you sth you want
SYN CRAWL
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move along the ground on your hands and knees, especially because you are looking for sth
grov.el.ling (BrE) (AmEgrov.el.ing) adj. [only before noun]: a grovelling letter of apology
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grow
verb (grew grown )
INCREASE|
1 ~ (in sth) to increase in size, number, strength or quality: [v] The company profits grew by 5% last year.  The family has grown in size recently.  She is growing in confidence all the time.  A growing number of people are going vegetarian.  [v-adj] The company is growing bigger all the time.
OF PERSON / ANIMAL|
2 to become bigger or taller and develop into an adult: [v] You’ve grown since the last time I saw you!  Nick’s grown almost an inch in the last month.  [v-adj] to grow bigger / taller
OF PLANT|
3 to exist and develop in a particular place; to make plants grow: [v] The region is too dry for plants to grow.  Tomatoes grow best in direct sunlight.  [vn] I didn’t know they grew rice in France.—see also HOME-GROWN
OF HAIR / NAILS|
4 to become longer; to allow sth to become longer by not cutting it: [v] I’ve decided to let my hair grow.  [vn] I’ve decided to grow my hair.  I didn’t recognize him—he’s grown a beard.
BECOME / BEGIN|
5 linking verb [v-adj] to begin to have a particular quality or feeling over a period of time: to grow old / bored / calm  As time went on he grew more and more impatient.  The skies grew dark and it began to rain.
6 [v to inf] to gradually begin to do sth: I’m sure you’ll grow to like her in time.
DEVELOP SKILLS|
7 [v] ~ (as sth) (of a person) to develop and improve particular qualities or skills: She continues to grow as an artist.
BUSINESS|
8 [vn] to increase the size, quality or number of sth: We are trying to grow the business. it / money doesn’t grow on 'trees (spoken) used to tell sb not to use sth or spend money carelessly because you do not have a lot of it—more at GRASS n. ,grow a'part (from sb) to stop having a close relationship with sb over a period of time ,grow a'way from sb [no passive] to become less close to sb; to depend on sb or care for sb less: When she left school she grew away from her mother. ,grow 'back to begin growing again after being cut off or damaged ,grow 'into sth [no passive]
1 to gradually develop into a particular type of person over a period of time
2 (of a child) to grow big enough to fit into a piece of clothing that used to be too big: The dress is too long for her now but she’ll grow into it.
3 to become more confident in a new job, etc. and learn to do it better: She’s still growing into her new role as a mother. 'grow on sb [no passive] if sb/sth grows on you, you start to like them or it more and more ,grow 'out (of a hairstyle, etc.) to disappear as your hair grows: I had a perm a year ago and it still hasn’t grown out. ,grow sth<->'out to allow your hair to grow in order to change the style: I’ve decided to grow my layers out. ,grow 'out of sth [no passive]
1 (of a child) to become too big to fit into a piece of clothing
SYN OUTGROW : He’s already grown out of his school uniform.
2 to stop doing sth as you become older
SYN OUTGROW : Most children suck their thumbs but they grow out of it.
3 to develop from sth: The idea for the book grew out of a visit to India. ,grow 'up
1 (of a person) to develop into an adult: She grew up (= spent her childhood) in Boston.  Their children have all grown up and left home now.—related noun GROWN-UP
2 used to tell sb to stop behaving in a silly way: Why don’t you grow up?  It’s time you grew up.
3 to develop gradually: A closeness grew up between the two girls.
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grow.er
noun
1 a person or company that grows plants, fruit or vegetables to sell: a tobacco grower  All our vegetables are supplied by local growers.
2 a plant that grows in the way mentioned: a fast / slow grower
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grow.ing
adj. [only before noun] increasing in size, amount or degree: A growing number of people are returning to full-time education.  one of the country’s fastest growing industries  There is growing concern over the safety of the missing teenager.
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'growing pains
noun [pl.]
1 pains that some children feel in their arms and legs when they are growing
2 emotional anxieties felt by young people as they grow up
3 problems or difficulties that are experienced by a company when it begins operating but that are not likely to last: Every business experiences its share of growing pains.
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'growing season
noun [usually sing.] the period of the year during which the weather conditions are right for plants to grow: a part of the world with a long growing season
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growl
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) (of animals, especially dogs) to make a low sound in the throat, usually as a sign of anger
2 ~ (at sb) to say sth in a low angry voice: [v speech] ‘Who are you?’ he growled at the stranger.  [vn] She growled a sarcastic reply.

noun a deep angry sound made when sb/sth growls

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grown
adj. [only before noun] (of a person) mentally and physically an adult: It’s pathetic that grown men have to resort to violence like this.—see also FULL-GROWN , HOME-GROWN , GROW v.
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,grown-'up
adj.
1 (of a person) mentally and physically an adult: What do you want to be when you’re grown-up?  She has a grown-up son.
2 suitable for or typical of an adult: The child was clearly puzzled at being addressed in such a grown-up way.
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'grown-up
noun (used especially by and to children) an adult person: If you’re good you can eat with the grown-ups.
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growth
noun
1 [U] (of people, animals or plants) the process of growing physically, mentally or emotionally: Lack of water will stunt the plant’s growth.  Remove dead leaves to encourage new growth.  a concern with personal (= mental and emotional) growth and development  growth hormones (= designed to make sb/sth grow faster)
2 [U] ~ (in / of sth) an increase in the size, amount or degree of sth: population growth  the rapid growth in violent crime
3 [U] an increase in economic activity: a disappointing year of little growth in Britain and America  policies aimed at sustaining economic growth  an annual growth rate of 10%  a growth area / industry
4 [C] a lump caused by a disease that forms on or inside a person, an animal or a plant: a malignant / cancerous growth
5 [U, C] something that has grown: The forest’s dense growth provides nesting places for a wide variety of birds.  several days' growth of beard
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groyne
(BrE ) (also groinAmE, BrE) noun a low wall built out into the sea to prevent it from washing away sand and stones from the beach
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grub
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the young form of an insect, that looks like a small fat worm
2 [U] (informal) food: Grub’s up (= the meal is ready)!  They serve good pub grub there.

verb (-bb-) [v] ~ (around / about) (for sth) to look for sth, especially by digging or by looking through or under other things: birds grubbing for worms
PVR V ,grub sth<->'up / 'out to dig sth out of the ground: The trees were grubbed up to make way for a new road.

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grubby
adj. (grub.bier, grub.bi.est)
1 rather dirty, usually because it has not been washed or cleaned: grubby hands / clothes
2 unpleasant because it involves activities that are dishonest or immoral
SYN SORDID : a grubby affair / scandal
grubbi.ness noun [U]
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grudge
noun, verb
noun ~ (against sb) a feeling of anger or dislike towards sb because of sth bad they have done to you in the past: I bear him no grudge .  He has a grudge against the world.  I don’t hold any grudges now.  He’s a man with a grudge.  England beat New Zealand in a grudge match (= a match where there is strong dislike between the teams).

verb
1 to do or give sth unwillingly
SYN BEGRUDGE : [v -ing] I grudge having to pay so much tax.  [vn] He grudges the time he spends travelling to work.
2 [vnn] to think that sb does not deserve to have sth
SYN BEGRUDGE : You surely don’t grudge her her success?

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grudg.ing
adj. [usually before noun] given or done unwillingly
SYN RELUCTANT : He could not help feeling a grudging admiration for the old lady.
grudg.ing.ly (also less frequent be.grudg.ing.ly) adv.: She grudgingly admitted that I was right.
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gruel
noun [U] a simple dish made by boiling OATS in milk or water, eaten especially in the past by poor people
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gruel.ling
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually gruel.ing) adj. very difficult and tiring, needing great effort for a long time: a gruelling journey / schedule  I’ve had a gruelling day.
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grue.some
adj. very unpleasant and filling you with horror, usually because it is connected with death or injury: a gruesome murder  gruesome pictures of dead bodies   (humorous) We spent a week in a gruesome apartment in Miami.
grue.some.ly adv.
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gruff
adj.
1 (of a voice) deep and harsh, and often sounding unfriendly
2 (of a person’s behaviour) unfriendly and impatient: Beneath his gruff exterior, he’s really very kind-hearted.
gruff.ly adv.
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grum.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at / to sb) (about / at sb/sth) to complain about sb/sth in a bad-tempered way: [v] She’s always grumbling to me about how badly she’s treated at work.  [v speech] ‘I’ll just have to do it myself,’ he grumbled.  [v that] They kept grumbling that they were cold.
2 [v] to make a deep continuous sound
SYN RUMBLE : Thunder grumbled in the distance.
grum.bler noun

noun
1 ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … ) something that you complain about because you are not satisfied: My main grumble is about the lack of privacy.
2 a long low sound
SYN RUMBLE : a distant grumble of thunder

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grum.bling
noun
1 [U] the act of complaining about sth: We didn’t hear any grumbling about the food.
2 (grumblings) [pl.] protests about sth that come from a number of people but that are not expressed very clearly
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grump
noun (informal) a bad-tempered person
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grumpy
adj. (grump.ier, grumpi.est) (informal) bad-tempered
grump.ily adv.
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grunge
noun [U]
1 (informal) dirt of any kind
SYN GRIME
2 (also 'grunge rock) a type of loud rock music, which was popular in the early 1990s
3 a style of fashion worn by people who like grunge music, usually involving clothes that look untidy
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grungy
adj. (especially AmE ) dirty in an unpleasant way
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grunt
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of animals, especially pigs) to make a short low sound in the throat
2 (of people) to make a short low sound in your throat, especially to show that you are in pain, annoyed or not interested; to say sth using this sound: [v] He pulled harder on the rope, grunting with the effort.  When I told her what had happened she just grunted and turned back to her book.  [vn] He grunted something about being late and rushed out. [alsov speech]

noun
1 a short, low sound made by a person or an animal (especially a pig): to give a grunt of effort / pain
2 (AmE, slang) a worker who does boring tasks for low pay
3 (AmE, slang) a soldier of low rank

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gryphon
noun = GRIFFIN
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GSOH
abbr. good sense of humour (used in personal advertisements)
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'G-string
noun a narrow piece of fabric that covers the sexual organs and is held up by a string around the waist
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Gt
(also Gt. especially in AmE) abbr. (in names of places) Great: Gt Britain  Gt Yarmouth
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guano
noun [U] the waste substance passed from the bodies of seabirds, that is used to make plants and crops grow well
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guar.an.tee
noun, verb
noun
1 a firm promise that you will do sth or that sth will happen: to give a guarantee of good behaviour  He gave me a guarantee that it would never happen again.  They are demanding certain guarantees before they sign the treaty.
2 a written promise given by a company that sth you buy will be replaced or repaired without payment if it goes wrong within a particular period: We provide a 5-year guarantee against rust.  The watch is still under guarantee .  The television comes with a year’s guarantee.  a money-back guarantee
3 ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) something that makes sth else certain to happen: Career success is no guarantee of happiness.  There’s no guarantee that she’ll come (= she may not come).
4 money or sth valuable that you give or promise to a bank, for example, to make sure that you will do what you have promised: We had to offer our house as a guarantee when getting the loan.

verb
1 to promise to do sth; to promise sth will happen: [vn] Basic human rights, including freedom of speech, are now guaranteed.  [v (that)] We cannot guarantee (that) our flights will never be delayed.  [vnn] The ticket will guarantee you free entry.  [v to inf] We guarantee to deliver your goods within a week.
2 [vn] ~ sth (against sth) to give a written promise to replace or repair a product free of charge if it goes wrong: This iron is guaranteed for a year against faulty workmanship.
3 to make sth certain to happen: [vn] Tonight’s victory guarantees the team’s place in the final.  [vnn] These days getting a degree doesn’t guarantee you a job.
4 [v (that)] to be certain that sth will happen: You can guarantee (that) the children will start being naughty as soon as they have to go to bed.
5 to agree to be legally responsible for sth or for doing sth: [vn] to guarantee a bank loan  [v to inf] to guarantee to pay sb’s debts  [v that] I guarantee that he will appear in court.
IDM be guaran'teed to do sth to be certain to have a particular result: If we try to keep it a secret, she’s guaranteed to find out.  That kind of behaviour is guaranteed to make him angry.

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guar.an.tor
noun (formal orlaw ) a person who agrees to be responsible for sb or for making sure that sth happens or is done: The United Nations will act as guarantor of the peace settlement.
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guard
noun, verb
noun
PEOPLE WHO PROTECT|
1 [C] a person, such as a soldier, a police officer or a prison officer, who protects a place or people, or prevents prisoners from escaping: a security guard  border guards  The prisoner slipped past the guards on the gate and escaped.  A guard was posted outside the building.—compare WARDER —see also BODYGUARD , COASTGUARD , LIFEGUARD
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people, such as soldiers or police officers, who protect sb/sth: the captain of the guard  the changing of the guard (= when one group replaces another)  The guard is / are being inspected today.  Fellow airmen provided a guard of honour at his wedding.  The President always travels with an armed guard .—see also NATIONAL GUARD , OLD GUARD , REARGUARD
3 [U] the act or duty of protecting property, places or people from attack or danger; the act or duty of preventing prisoners from escaping: a sentry on guard (= at his or her post, on duty)  to do guard duty  The escaped prisoner was brought back under armed guard .  The terrorist was kept under police guard .  One of the men kept guard , while the other broke into the house.
SOLDIERS|
4 (the Guards) [pl.] (in Britain and some other countries) special REGIMENTS of soldiers whose original duty was to protect the king or queen: the Scots Guards  a Guards officer
AGAINST INJURY|
5 [C] (often in compounds) something that covers a part of a person’s body or a dangerous part of a machine to prevent injury: a mouth guard  Ensure the guard is in place before operating the machine.—see also FIREGUARD , MUDGUARD , SAFEGUARD , SHIN GUARD
ON TRAIN|
6 [C] (BrE, becoming old-fashioned) = CONDUCTOR (2)
IN BOXING / FENCING|
7 [U] a position you take to defend yourself, especially in a sport such as boxing or FENCING : to drop / keep up your guard   (figurative) In spite of the awkward questions the minister never let his guard fall for a moment. be on your 'guard to be very careful and prepared for sth difficult or dangerous mount / stand / keep 'guard (over sb/sth) to watch or protect sb/sth: Four soldiers stood guard over the coffin. off (your) 'guard not careful or prepared for sth difficult or dangerous: The lawyer’s apparently innocent question was designed to catch the witness off (his) guard .

verb [vn]
1 to protect property, places or people from attack or danger: The dog was guarding its owner’s luggage.  political leaders guarded by the police  You can’t get in; the whole place is guarded.   (figurative) a closely guarded secret
2 to prevent prisoners from escaping: The prisoners were guarded by soldiers. 'guard against sth to take care to prevent sth or to protect yourself from sth: to guard against accidents / error / loss / disease

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'guard dog
noun a dog that is kept to guard a building
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guard.ed
adj. (of a person or a remark they make) careful; not showing feelings or giving much information: a guarded reply  You should be more guarded in what you say to reporters.  They gave the news a guarded welcome (= did not show great enthusiasm about it).
OPP UNGUARDED
guard.ed.ly adv.
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guard.house
noun a building for soldiers who are guarding the entrance to a military camp or for keeping military prisoners in
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guard.ian
noun
1 a person who protects sth: Farmers should be guardians of the countryside.  The police are guardians of law and order.
2 a person who is legally responsible for the care of another person, especially a child whose parents have died
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,guardian 'angel
noun a spirit that some people believe protects and guides them, especially when they are in danger: (figurative) A delightful guide was my guardian angel for the first week of the tour.
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guard.ian.ship
noun [U] (formal orlaw ) the state or position of being responsible for sb/sth: to grant sb guardianship of the children  The land is under the guardianship of the people who use it.
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'guard rail
noun
1 a rail placed on the edge of a path, a cliff or a boat to protect people and prevent them falling over the edge
2 (AmE) = CRASH BARRIER
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guard.room
noun a room for soldiers who are guarding the entrance to a building or for keeping military prisoners in
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guards.man
noun (pl.-men ) a soldier in THE GUARDS or in THE NATIONAL GUARD in the US
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'guard’s van
noun (BrE ) the part of a train where the person who is in charge of the train rides
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guava
noun the fruit of a tropical American tree, with yellow skin and pink flesh
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gu.ber.na.tor.ial
adj. (formal) connected with the job of state GOVERNOR in the US: a gubernatorial candidate  gubernatorial duties
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guer.rilla
(also guer.illa) noun a member of a small group of soldiers who are not part of an official army and who fight against official soldiers, usually to try to change the government: urban guerrillas (= those who fight in towns)  guerrilla war / warfare (= fought by guerrillas on one or both sides)  a guerrilla group / movement / leader—compare FREEDOM FIGHTER
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guess
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at sth) to try and give an answer or make a judgement about sth without being sure of all the facts: [v] I don’t really know. I’m just guessing.  We can only guess at her reasons for leaving.  He guessed right / wrong .  [v (that)] I’d guess that she’s about 30.  [v wh-] Can you guess where I’ve been?  [vn] Can you guess his age?
2 to find the right answer to a question or the truth without knowing all the facts: [vn] She guessed the answer straight away.  [v wh-] You’ll never guess what she told me.  [v (that)] You would never guess (that) she had problems. She’s always so cheerful.—see also SECOND-GUESS
3 (I guess) (informal, especially AmE ) to suppose that sth is true or likely: [v (that)] I guess (that) you’ll be looking for a new job now.  ‘He didn’t see me, I guess.’
4 (guess … !) used to show that you are going to say sth surprising or exciting: [vn] Guess what! He’s asked me out!  [v wh-] Guess who I’ve just seen!
IDM keep sb 'guessing (informal) to not tell sb about your plans or what is going to happen next: It’s the kind of book that keeps you guessing right to the end.

noun ~ (about sth)| ~ (at sth)| ~ (that … ) an attempt to give an answer or an opinion when you cannot be certain if you are right: (BrE ) to have / make a guess (at sth)   (AmE ) to take a guess  Go on! Have a guess!  The article is based on guesses about what might happen in the future.  They might be here by 3—but that’s just a rough guess (= not exact).  My guess is that we won’t hear from him again.  At a guess , there were forty people at the party.  If I might hazard a guess , I’d say she was about thirty.  Who do you think I saw yesterday? I’ll give you three guesses.
IDM 'anybody’s / 'anyone’s guess (informal) something that nobody can be certain about: What will happen next is anybody’s guess. your ,guess is as good as 'mine (informal) used to tell sb that you do not know any more about a subject than the person that you are talking to does: ‘Who’s going to win?’‘Your guess is as good as mine.’—more at EDUCATED

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guess.ti.mate
noun (informal) an attempt to calculate sth that is based more on guessing than on information
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guess.work
noun [U] the process of trying to find an answer by guessing when you do not have enough information to be sure: It was pure guesswork on our part.
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guest
noun, verb
noun
1 a person that you have invited to your house or to a particular event that you are paying for: We have guests staying this weekend.  more than 100 wedding guests  I went to the theatre club as Helen’s guest.  He was the guest of honour (= the most important person invited to an event).  Liz was not on the guest list.
2 a person who is staying at a hotel, etc: We have accommodation for 500 guests.  a paying guest (= a person who is living in a private house, but paying as if they were in a hotel)  Guests should vacate their rooms by 10.30 a.m.
3 a famous person or performer who takes part in a television show or concert: a guest artist / star / singer  Our special guest tonight is …  He made a guest appearance on the show.
4 a person who is invited to a particular place or organization, or to speak at a meeting: The scientists are here as guests of our government.  a guest speaker
IDM be my 'guest (informal) used to give sb permission to do sth that they have asked to do: ‘Do you mind if I use the phone?’‘Be my guest.’

verb [v] ~ (on sth) to take part in a television or radio show, a concert, a game, etc. as a visiting or temporary performer or player: She guested on several chat shows while visiting Britain.

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'guest house
noun
1 (BrE) a small hotel
2 (AmE) a small house built near a large house, for guests to stay in
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'guest room
noun a bedroom that is kept for guests to use
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'guest worker
noun a person, usually from a poor country, who comes to another richer country in order to work there
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guff
noun [U] (informal) ideas or talk that you think are stupid
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guf.faw
verb to laugh noisily: [v] They all guffawed at his jokes. [alsov speech]
guf.faw noun: She let out a loud guffaw.
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guid.ance
noun [U]
1 ~ (on sth) help or advice that is given to sb, especially by sb older or with more experience: guidance for teachers on how to use video in the classroom  Activities all take place under the guidance of an experienced tutor.   (AmE) a guidance counselor (= sb who advises students)—see also MARRIAGE GUIDANCE
2 the process of controlling the direction of a rocket, etc., using electronic equipment: a missile guidance system
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guide
noun, verb
noun
BOOK / MAGAZINE|
1 ~ (to sth) a book, magazine, etc. that gives you information, help or instructions about sth: a Guide to Family Health  Let’s have a look at the TV guide and see what’s on.
2 (also guide.book) ~ (to sth) a book that gives information about a place for travellers or tourists: a guide to Italy  travel guides
PERSON|
3 a person who shows other people the way to a place, especially sb employed to show tourists around interesting places: a tour guide  We hired a local guide to get us across the mountains.
4 a person who advises you on how to live and behave: a spiritual guide
STH THAT HELPS YOU DECIDE|
5 something that gives you enough information to be able to make a decision about sth or form an opinion: As a rough guide , allow half a cup of rice per person.  I let my feelings be my guide.
GIRL|
6 (Guide) (also old-fashioned ,Girl 'Guide) (both BrE) (AmE ,Girl 'Scout) a member of an organization (called the Guides or the Girl Scouts) which is similar to THE SCOUTS and which trains girls in practical skills and does a lot of activities with them, for example camping—compare BROWNIE

verb [vn]
SHOW THE WAY|
1 ~ sb (to / through / around sth) to show sb the way to a place, often by going with them; to show sb a place that you know well: She guided us through the busy streets to the cathedral.  We were guided around the museums.
INFLUENCE BEHAVIOUR|
2 to direct or influence sb’s behaviour: He was always guided by his religious beliefs.
EXPLAIN|
3 ~ sb (through sth) to explain to sb how to do sth, especially sth complicated or difficult: The health and safety officer will guide you through the safety procedures.
HELP SB MOVE|
4 to help sb to move in a particular direction; to move sth in a particular direction: She took her arm and guided her across the busy road.  He guided her hand to his face.—see also GUIDING

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guide.book
noun = GUIDE
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guided
adj. [usually before noun] that is led by sb who works as a guide: a guided tour / walk
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,guided 'missile
noun a MISSILE that can be controlled while in the air by electronic equipment
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'guide dog
(AmE also ,Seeing 'Eye dog™) noun a dog trained to guide a blind person
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guide.line
noun
1 (guidelines) [pl.] rules or instructions that are given by an official organization telling you how to do sth, especially sth difficult: The government has drawn up guidelines on the treatment of the mentally ill.
2 [C] something that can be used to help you make a decision or form an opinion: The figures are a useful guideline when buying a house.
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guid.ing
adj. [only before noun] giving advice and help; having a strong influence on people: She was inexperienced and needed a guiding hand .  a guiding force
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guild
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 an organization of people who do the same job or who have the same interests or aims: the Screen Actors' Guild
2 an association of skilled workers in the Middle Ages
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guil.der
noun the unit of money in the Netherlands (to be replaced by the euro)
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guild.hall
noun (BrE ) a building in which the members of a GUILD used to meet, now often used for meetings and performances
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guile
noun [U] (formal) the use of clever but dishonest behaviour in order to deceive people
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guile.less
adj. (formal) behaving in a very honest way; not knowing how to deceive people
guile.less.ly adv.
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guil.le.mot
noun a black and white seabird with a long narrow beak
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guil.lo.tine
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] a machine, originally from France, for cutting people’s heads off. It has a heavy blade that slides down a wooden frame.
2 (BrE) (AmE 'paper cutter) [C] a device with a long blade for cutting paper
3 [sing.] (BrE, politics) the setting of a time limit on a debate in Parliament

verb [vn]
1 to kill sb by cutting off their head with a guillotine
2 (BrE) to cut paper using a guillotine
3 (BrE, politics) to limit the amount of time spent discussing a new law in Parliament: to guillotine a bill / motion

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guilt
noun [U]
1 ~ (about sth) the unhappy feelings caused by knowing or thinking that you have done sth wrong: She had feelings of guilt about leaving her children and going to work.  Many survivors were left with a sense of guilt .  a guilt complex (= an exaggerated sense of guilt)
2 the fact that sb has done sth illegal: His guilt was proved beyond all doubt by the prosecution.  an admission of guilt
OPP INNOCENCE
3 blame or responsibility for doing sth wrong or for sth bad that has happened: The investigation will try to find out where the guilt for the disaster really lies.
guilt.less adj.
IDM a 'guilt trip (informal) things you say to sb in order to make them feel guilty about sth: Don’t lay a guilt trip on your child about schoolwork.
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guilty
adj. (guilt.ier, guilti.est)
HELP more guilty and most guilty are more common
1 ~ (about sth) feeling ashamed because you have done sth that you know is wrong or have not done sth that you should have done: I felt guilty about not visiting my parents more often.  John had a guilty look on his face.  I had a guilty conscience and could not sleep.
2 ~ (of sth) having done sth illegal; being responsible for sth bad that has happened: The jury found the defendant not guilty of the offence.  He pleaded guilty to murder.  the guilty party (= the person responsible for sth bad happening)  We’ve all been guilty of selfishness at some time in our lives.
OPP INNOCENT
guilt.ily adv.
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guinea
noun an old British gold coin or unit of money worth 21 SHILLINGS (= now £1.05). Prices are sometimes still given in guineas , for example when buying or selling horses.
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guinea.fowl
noun [C, U] (pl.guinea.fowl) a bird of the PHEASANT family, that has dark grey feathers with white spots, and is often used for food; the meat of this bird: roast guineafowl
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'guinea pig
noun
1 a small animal with short ears and no tail, often kept as a pet
2 a person used in medical or other experiments: Students in fifty schools are to act as guinea pigs for these new teaching methods.
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guise
noun a way in which sb/sth appears, often in a way that is different from usual or that hides the truth about them/it: His speech presented racist ideas under the guise of nationalism.  The story appears in different guises in different cultures.
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gui.tar
noun a musical instrument that usually has six strings, that you play with your fingers or with a PLECTRUM/PICK : an acoustic / an electric / a classical guitar  a guitar player  As he sang, he strummed his guitar.—see also BASS —
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gui.tar.ist
noun a person who plays the guitar
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Gu.ja.rati
(also Gu.je.rati) noun
1 [C] a person from the state of Gujarat in western India
2 [U] the language of Gujarat
Gu.ja.rati (also Gu.je.rati) adj.
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gulch
noun (especially AmE ) a narrow valley with steep sides, that was formed by a fast stream flowing through it
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gulf
noun
1 [C] a large area of sea that is partly surrounded by land: the Gulf of Mexico
2 (the Gulf) [sing.] the Persian Gulf, the area of sea between the Arabian PENINSULA and Iran: the Gulf States (= the countries with coasts on the Gulf)
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (between A and B) a large difference between two people or groups in the way that they think, live or feel: The gulf between rich and poor is enormous.
4 [C] a wide deep crack in the ground
IDM see BRIDGE v.
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the 'Gulf Stream
noun [sing.] a warm current of water flowing across the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico towards Europe
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gull
(also sea.gull) noun a seabird with long wings and usually with white and grey or black feathers. There are several types of gull : a black-headed gull  Hundreds of gulls were circling overhead.—see also HERRING GULL —
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gul.let
noun the tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach
SYN OESOPHAGUS —picture at BODY
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gul.lible
adj. too willing to believe or accept what other people tell you and therefore easily tricked: The advertisement is aimed at gullible young women worried about their weight.
gul.li.bil.ity noun [U]
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gully
(also gul.ley) noun (pl.gul.lies, gul.leys)
1 a small, narrow channel, usually formed by a stream or by rain
2 a deep DITCH
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gulp
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (down) to swallow large amounts of food or drink quickly: [vn] He gulped down the rest of his tea and went out. [alsov]
2 to swallow, but without eating or drinking anything, especially because of a strong emotion such as fear or surprise: She gulped nervously before trying to answer. [alsov speech]
3 ~ (for sth)| ~ sth (in) to breathe quickly and deeply, because you need more air: [v] She came up gulping for air .  [vn] He leant against the car, gulping in the cold air.
PVR V ,gulp sth<->'back to stop yourself showing your emotions by swallowing hard: She gulped back her tears and forced a smile.

noun
1 ~ (of sth) an amount of sth that you swallow or drink quickly: He took a gulp of coffee.  gulps of sea air
2 an act of breathing in or of swallowing sth: ‘Can you start on Monday?’ Amy gave a gulp. ‘Of course,’ she said.  He drank the glass of whisky in one gulp .

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gum
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] either of the firm areas of flesh in the mouth to which the teeth are attached: gum disease—picture at BODY
2 [U] a sticky substance produced by some types of tree
3 [U] a type of glue used for sticking light things together, such as paper
4 [U] = CHEWING GUM
5 [C] a firm transparent fruit-flavoured sweet/candy that you chew: fruit gums
IDM by gum! (old-fashioned, BrE, spoken) used to show surprise

verb (-mm-) [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ~ A to B| ~ sth (down) (rather old-fashioned) to spread glue on the surface of sth; to stick two things together with glue: A large address label was gummed to the package.  gummed labels (= with glue on one side)
PVR V ,gum sth<->'up [usually passive] (BrE, informal) to cover or fill sth with a sticky substance so that it stops moving or working as it should

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gum.ball
noun (AmE ) a small ball of CHEWING GUM that looks like a sweet/candy
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gumbo
noun [U] a thick chicken or SEAFOOD soup, usually made with the vegetable OKRA
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gum.boot
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) = WELLINGTON
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gummed
adj. [usually before noun] (of stamps, paper, etc.) covered with a type of glue that will become sticky when water is put on it
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gummy
adj. (informal)
1 sticky or covered in gum (2)
2 a gummy smile shows your teeth and gums
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gump.tion
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal)
1 the intelligence needed to know what to do in a particular situation: He didn’t have the gumption to keep his mouth shut.
2 courage and determination: She won’t tell him because she hasn’t got the gumption.
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gum.shoe
noun (old-fashioned, AmE , informal) = DETECTIVE (1)
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'gum tree
noun a EUCALYPTUS tree
IDM be up a 'gum tree (BrE, informal) to be in a very difficult situation
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gun
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a weapon that is used for firing bullets or SHELLS : to fire a gun at sb  a toy gun  anti-aircraft guns  Look out, he’s got a gun!  a gun battle between rival gangs—see also AIR GUN , HANDGUN , MACHINE GUN , SHOTGUN , STUN GUN , SUB-MACHINE GUN , TOMMY GUN
2 [C] a tool that uses pressure to send out a substance or an object: a staple gun—see also SPRAY GUN
3 (the gun) [sing.] the signal to begin a race, that is made by firing a special gun, called a starting pistol, into the air
4 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a person who is paid to shoot sb: a hired gun—see also FLASHGUN , SON OF A GUN
IDM hold / put a gun to sb’s 'head to force sb to do sth that they do not want to do, by making threats—more at GREAT adj. , JUMP v. , SPIKE v. , STICK v.

verb (-nn-)
PVR V be 'gunning for sb (informal) to be looking for an opportunity to blame or attack sb be 'gunning for sth to be competing for or trying hard to get sth: She’s gunning for the top job. ,gun sb<->'down [usually passive] to shoot sb, especially killing or seriously injuring them: The policeman was gunned down while on duty.

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gun.boat
noun a small ship that is fitted with large guns
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,gunboat di'plomacy
noun [U] a way of making another country accept your demands by using the threat of force
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'gun control
noun [U] (especially AmE ) laws that restrict the sale and use of guns
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'gun dog
noun a dog trained to help in the sport of shooting, for example by finding birds that have been shot
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gun.fight
noun a fight between people using guns
gun.fight.er noun
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gun.fire
noun [U] the repeated firing of guns; the sound of guns firing: an exchange of gunfire with the police  I could hear gunfire.
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gunge
(BrE ) (also gunkAmE, BrE) noun [U] (informal) any unpleasant, sticky or dirty substance
gungy adj.
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gung-ho
adj. (informal, disapproving) too enthusiastic about sth, without thinking seriously about it, especially about fighting and war
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gunk
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = GUNGE
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gun.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who uses a gun to rob or kill people
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gun.metal
noun [U]
1 a metal that is a mixture of COPPER , tin or ZINC
2 a dull blue-grey colour
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gun.nel
= GUNWALE
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gun.ner
noun
1 a member of the armed forces who is trained to use large guns
2 a soldier in the British ARTILLERY (= the part of the army that uses large guns)
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gun.nery
noun [U] (technical ) the operation of large military guns
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gun.ny.sack
noun (AmE ) a large bag made from rough material and used to store flour, potatoes, etc.
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gun.point
noun
IDM at 'gunpoint while threatening sb or being threatened with a gun: The driver was robbed at gunpoint.
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gun.pow.der
(also pow.der) noun [U] explosive powder used especially in bombs or FIREWORKS
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gun.run.ner
noun a person who secretly and illegally brings guns into a country
gun.run.ning noun [U]
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gun.ship
noun an armed military HELICOPTER or other aircraft
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gun.shot
noun
1 [U] the bullets that are fired from a gun: gunshot wounds
2 [C] the firing of a gun; the sound of it being fired: I heard the sound of gunshots out in the street.
3 [U] the distance that a bullet from a gun can travel: He was out of / within gunshot .
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gun.sling.er
noun (AmE ) a person who is paid to kill people, especially in films/movies about the American Wild West
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gun.smith
noun a person who makes and repairs guns
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gun.wale
(also gun.nel) noun the upper edge of the side of a boat or small ship
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gur.gle
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 to make a sound like water flowing quickly through a narrow space: Water gurgled through the pipes.  a gurgling stream
2 if a baby gurgles, it makes a noise in its throat when it is happy

noun
1 a sound like water flowing quickly through a narrow space
2 the sound that babies make in the throat, especially when they are happy

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gur.ney
noun (AmE ) a type of TROLLEY which is used for moving patients in a hospital
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guru
noun
1 a Hindu or Sikh religious teacher or leader
2 (informal) a person who is an expert on a particular subject or who is very good at doing sth: a management / health / fashion guru
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gush
verb, noun
verb
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ~ out of / from / into sth| ~ out / in to flow or pour suddenly and quickly out of a hole in large amounts: blood gushing from a wound  Water gushed out of the pipe.
2 [vn] (of a container / vehicle etc.) to suddenly let out large amounts of a liquid: The tanker was gushing oil.   (figurative) She absolutely gushed enthusiasm.
3 (disapproving) to express so much praise or emotion about sb/sth that it does not seem sincere: [v speech] ‘You are clever,’ she gushed. [alsov]

noun [usually sing.]
1 ~ (of sth) a large amount of liquid suddenly and quickly flowing or pouring out of sth: a gush of blood
2 ~ (of sth) a sudden strong expression of feeling: a gush of emotion

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gush.er
noun
1 (AmE) an OIL WELL where the oil comes out quickly and in large quantities
2 a person who gushes (3)
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gush.ing
adj. (disapproving) expressing so much enthusiasm, praise or emotion that it does not seem sincere
gush.ing.ly adv.
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gus.set
noun an extra piece of fabric sewn into a piece of clothing to make it wider, stronger or more comfortable
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gussy
verb (gus.sies, gussy.ing, gus.sied, gus.sied)
PVR V ,gussy 'up (AmE, informal) to dress yourself in an attractive way
SYN DRESS UP : Even the stars get tired of gussying up for the awards.
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gust
noun, verb
noun
1 a sudden strong increase in the amount and speed of wind that is blowing: A gust of wind blew his hat off.  The wind was blowing in gusts.
2 a sudden strong expression of emotion: a gust of laughter / despair

verb [v] (of the wind) to suddenly blow very hard: winds gusting up to 60 mph

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gusto
noun [U] enthusiasm and energy in doing sth: They sang with gusto .
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gusty
adj. [usually before noun] with the wind blowing in GUSTS : a gusty morning  gusty winds
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gut
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C] the tube in the body through which food passes when it leaves the stomach
SYN INTESTINE
2 (guts) [pl.] the organs in and around the stomach, especially in an animal: I’ll only cook fish if the guts have been removed.
3 [C] (informal) a person’s stomach, especially when it is large
SYN BELLY : Have you seen the gut on him!  a beer gut (= caused by drinking beer)
4 (guts) [pl.] (informal) the courage and determination that it takes to do sth difficult or unpleasant: He doesn’t have the guts to walk away from a well-paid job.
5 [C, usually pl.] the place where your natural feelings that make you react in a particular way are thought to be: I had a feeling in my guts that something was wrong.
6 (guts) [pl.] the most important part of sth: the guts of the problem / argument
7 [U] = CATGUT
IDM have sb’s ,guts for 'garters (BrE, informal) to be very angry with sb and punish them severely for sth they have done slog / sweat / work your 'guts out (informal) to work very hard to achieve sth: I slogged my guts out for those exams.—more at BUST v. , HATE v. , SPILL v.

verb (-tt-) [vn]
1 [usually passive] to destroy the inside or contents of a building or room: a factory gutted by fire  The house was completely gutted.
2 to remove the organs from inside a fish or an animal to prepare it for cooking

adj. [only before noun] based on feelings and emotions rather than thought and reason: a gut feeling / reaction

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gut.less
adj. lacking courage or determination: her gutless brother  a gutless performance
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gutsy
adj. (informal)
1 showing courage and determination: a gutsy fighter / win
2 having strong and unusual qualities: a gutsy red wine  a gutsy song
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gut.ted
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) extremely sad or disappointed: Disappointed? I was gutted!
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gut.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a long curved channel made of metal or plastic that is fixed under the edge of a roof to carry away the water when it rains: a blocked / leaking gutter—picture at HOUSE
2 [C] a channel at the edge of a road where water collects and is carried away to DRAINS
3 (the gutter) [sing.] the bad social conditions or lack of morals sometimes connected with the lowest level of society: She rose from the gutter to become a great star.  the language of the gutter (= used when swearing)

verb [v] (literary) (of a flame or candle) to burn in an unsteady way

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gut.ter.ing
noun [U] the system of gutters on a building; the material used to make gutters : a length / piece of guttering
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the ,gutter 'press
noun [sing.] (disapproving) newspapers that print a lot of shocking stories about people’s private lives rather than serious news
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gut.tur.al
adj. (of a sound) made or seeming to be made at the back of the throat: guttural consonants  a low guttural growl
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guv
(BrE , informal, spoken) used by a man to address another man who is a customer, etc., meaning ‘sir’
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guv’nor
noun (BrE , informal, spoken) (often used as a way of addressing sb) a man who is in a position of authority, for example your employer: Do you want me to ask the guv’nor about it?—see also GOVERNOR
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guy
noun
1 [C] (informal) a man: a big / nice / tough guy  a Dutch guy  At the end of the film the bad guy gets shot.—see also FALL GUY , WISE GUY
2 (guys) [pl.] (spoken, especially AmE) a group of people of either sex: Come on, you guys, let’s get going!
3 [C] (in Britain) a model of a man dressed in old clothes that is burned on a BONFIRE on 5 November during the celebrations for BONFIRE NIGHT
4 (also 'guy rope) [C] a rope used to keep a pole or tent in an upright position
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Guy Fawkes night
noun [U, C] = BONFIRE NIGHT
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guz.zle
verb (informal, usually disapproving) to drink sth quickly and in large amounts. In British English it also means to eat food quickly and in large amounts: [vn] The kids seem to be guzzling soft drinks all day.   (figurative) My car guzzles fuel. [alsov]
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guz.zler
noun (informal, especially AmE ) = GAS-GUZZLER
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gybe
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually jibe) verb, noun
verb [v] to change direction when sailing with the wind behind you, by swinging the sail from one side of the boat to the other

noun an act of gybing

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gym
noun (informal)
1 (also formal gym.na.sium) [C] a room or hall with equipment for doing physical exercise, for example in a school: to play basketball in the gym  The school has recently built a new gym.
2 [U] physical exercises done in a gym, especially at school: I don’t enjoy gym.  gym shoes
3 [C] (especially AmE) = HEALTH CLUB : I just joined a gym.  I work out at the gym most days.
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gym.khana
noun (BrE ) an event in which people riding horses take part in various competitions
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gym.na.sium
noun (pl.gym.na.siums or gym.na.sia ) (formal) = GYM
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gym.nast
noun a person who performs gymnastics , especially in a competition
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gym.nas.tics
noun [U] physical exercises that develop and show the body’s strength and ability to move and bend easily, often done as a sport in competitions: a gymnastics competition   (figurative) mental / verbal gymnastics (= quick or clever thinking or use of words)
gym.nas.tic adj. [only before noun]
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'gym shoe
noun (BrE ) = PLIMSOLL
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gym.slip
noun (BrE ) a dress without sleeves worn over a shirt as a school uniform for girls, especially in the past
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gy.nae.colo.gist
(BrE ) (AmE gyne.colo.gist) noun a doctor who studies and treats the medical conditions and diseases of women
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gy.nae.col.ogy
(BrE ) (AmE gyne.cology) noun [U] the scientific study and treatment of the medical conditions and diseases of women, especially those connected with sexual REPRODUCTION
gy.nae.co.logic.al (BrE) (AmE gyne-) adj.: a gynaecological examination
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gyp
noun, verb
noun [sing.] (AmE , informal) an act of charging too much money for sth: That meal was a real gyp.
IDM give sb 'gyp (BrE, informal) to cause sb a lot of pain: My back’s been giving me gyp lately.

verb (-pp-) [vn] (especially AmE ) to cheat or trick sb, especially by taking their money

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gyp.sum
noun [U] a soft white mineral like chalk that is found naturally and is used in making PLASTER OF PARIS
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gypsy
(also gipsy) noun (pl.-ies) (sometimes offensive) a member of a race of people, originally from Asia, who travel around and traditionally live in CARAVANS . Many people prefer to use the name Romany.—see also ROMANY —compare TRAVELLER
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gyr.ate
verb to move around in circles; to make sth, especially a part of your body, move around: [v] They began gyrating to the music.  The leaves gyrated slowly to the ground.  [vn] As the lead singer gyrated his hips, the crowd screamed wildly.
gyr.ation noun [C, usually pl., U]
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gyro.scope
(also informal gyro ) noun a device consisting of a wheel that spins rapidly inside a frame and does not change position when the frame is moved. Gyroscopes are often used to keep ships and aircraft steady.
gyro.scop.ic adj.
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H
(also h) noun [C, U] (pl.H’s, h’s ) the 8th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Hat’ begins with (an) H / ‘H’.—compare AITCH —see also H-BOMB
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ha^1
exclamation
1 (also hah) the sound that people make when they are surprised or pleased or when they have discovered sth: Ha! It serves you right!  Ha! I knew he was hiding something.
2 (also ha! ha!) (written) the word for the sound that people make when they laugh
3 (also ha! ha!) (spoken, ironic) used to show that you do not think that sth is funny: Ha! Ha! Very funny! Now give me back my shoes.
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ha^2
abbr. (in writing) HECTARE
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hab.eas cor.pus
noun [U] (from Latin, law ) a law that states that a person who has been arrested should not be kept in prison longer than a particular period of time unless a judge in a court of law has decided that it is right: to apply for a writ of habeas corpus
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hab.er.dash.er
noun
1 (old-fashioned, BrE) a person who owns or works in a shop/store selling small articles for sewing, for example, needles, pins, cotton and buttons
2 (hab.er.dash.er’s) (pl.hab.er.dash.ers) a shop/store that sells these things
3 (AmE) a person who owns, manages or works in a shop/store that makes and sells men’s clothes
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hab.er.dash.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (old-fashioned, BrE) small articles for sewing, for example needles, pins, cotton and buttons
2 [U] (old-fashioned, AmE) men’s clothes
3 [C] a shop/store or part of a shop/store where haberdashery is sold
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habit
noun
1 [C] a thing that you do often and almost without thinking, especially sth that is hard to stop doing: You need to change your eating habits.  good / bad habits  He has the irritating habit of biting his nails.  It’s all right to borrow money occasionally, but don’t let it become a habit .  I’d prefer you not to make a habit of it.  I’m not in the habit of letting strangers into my apartment.  I’ve got into the habit of turning on the TV as soon as I get home.  I’m trying to break the habit of staying up too late.
2 [U] usual behaviour: I only do it out of habit .  I’m a creature of habit (= I have a fixed and regular way of doing things).
3 [C] (informal) a strong need to keep using drugs, alcohol or cigarettes regularly: He began to finance his habit through burglary.  She’s tried to give up smoking but just can’t kick the habit .  a 50-a-day habit
4 [C] a long piece of clothing worn by a MONK or NUN
IDM see FORCE n.
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hab.it.able
adj. suitable for people to live in: The house should be habitable by the new year.
OPP UNINHABITABLE
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habi.tat
noun [C, U] the place where a particular type of animal or plant is normally found: The panda’s natural habitat is the bamboo forest.  the destruction of wildlife habitat
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habi.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of living in a place: They looked around for any signs of habitation.  The houses were unfit for human habitation (= not clean or safe enough for people to live in).
2 [C] (formal) a place where people live: The road serves the scattered habitations along the coast.
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'habit-forming
adj. a habit-forming activity or drug is one that makes you want to continue doing it or taking it
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ha.bit.ual
adj.
1 [only before noun] usual or typical of sb/sth: They waited for his habitual response.   (formal) a person’s place of habitual residence
2 (of an action) done, often in a way that is annoying or difficult to stop: habitual complaining / interruptions  the habitual use of heroin
3 [only before noun] (of a person) doing sth that has become a habit and is therefore difficult to stop: a habitual criminal / drinker / liar
HELP Some people use an instead of a before habitual and then usually do not pronounce the ‘h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.
ha.bit.ual.ly adv.: the dark glasses he habitually wore
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ha.bitu.ated
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) familiar with sth because you have done it or experienced it often
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ha.bi.tué
noun (from French , formal) a person who goes regularly to a particular place or event: a(n) habitué of upmarket clubs
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ha.ci.enda
noun a large farm in a Spanish-speaking country
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hack
verb, noun
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to cut sb/sth with rough, heavy blows: [vn] I hacked the dead branches off.  They were hacked to death as they tried to escape.  We had to hack our way through the jungle.  [v] We hacked away at the bushes.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to kick sth roughly or without control: He hacked the ball away.
3 (computing ) ~ (into) (sth) to secretly find a way of looking at and/or changing information on sb else’s computer system without permission: [v] He hacked into the bank’s computer.  [vn] They had hacked secret data.
4 [vn] can / can’t ~ it (informal) to be able/not able to manage in a particular situation: Lots of people leave this job because they can’t hack it.
5 [v] (usually go hacking) (especially BrE) to ride a horse for pleasure
6 [v] (AmE, informal) to drive a taxi

noun
1 (disapproving) a writer, especially of newspaper articles, who does a lot of low quality work and does not get paid much
2 (disapproving) a person who does the hard and often boring work for an organization, especially a politician: a party hack
3 a horse for ordinary riding or one that can be hired
4 (AmE, informal) a taxi
5 an act of hitting sth, especially with a cutting tool

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,hacked 'off
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) extremely annoyed: I’m really hacked off.
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hack.er
noun a person who spends a lot of time using computers for a hobby, especially to look at data without permission
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,hacking 'cough
noun [sing.] a dry painful cough that is repeated often
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hackles
noun [pl.] the hairs on the back of the neck of a dog, cat, etc. that rise when the animal is afraid or angry
IDM make sb’s 'hackles rise | raise sb’s 'hackles to make sb angry: Her controversial article is bound to raise hackles. sb’s 'hackles rise to become angry: Ben felt his hackles rise as the speaker continued.
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hack.ney car.riage
(also 'hack.ney cab) noun (BrE ) a word used in official language for a taxi. In the past hackney carriages were carriages pulled by horses that were used as taxis.
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hack.neyed
adj. used too often and therefore boring: a hackneyed phrase / subject
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hack.saw
noun a tool with a narrow blade in a frame, used for cutting metal
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had
pt, pp of HAVE
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had.dock
noun (pl.had.dock) [C, U] a sea fish like a COD but smaller, with white flesh that is used for food: smoked haddock
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Hades
noun [U] (in ancient Greek stories) the land of the dead; HELL
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hadn’t
short form had not
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haema.tol.ogy
(BrE ) (AmEhema.tol.ogy) noun [U] the scientific study of the blood and its diseases
haem.ato.logic.al (BrE) (AmE hem-) adj.
haema.tolo.gist (BrE) (AmE hem-) noun
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haemo-
(BrE ) (AmEhemo-) combining form (in nouns and adjectives) connected with blood: haemophilia
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haemo.globin
(BrE ) (AmEhemo.globin) noun [U] a red substance in the blood that carries OXYGEN and contains iron
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haemo.philia
(BrE ) (AmEhemo.philia) noun [U] a medical condition that causes severe bleeding from even a slight injury because the blood fails to CLOT normally. It usually affects only men although it can be passed on by women.
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haemo.phil.iac
(BrE ) (AmEhemo.phil.iac) noun a person who suffers from haemophilia
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haem.or.rhage
(BrE ) (AmEhem.or.rhage) noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a medical condition in which there is severe bleeding inside a person’s body: a massive brain / cerebral haemorrhage  The injured were checked for any signs of haemorrhage or shock.
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) a serious loss of people, money, etc. from a country, a group or an organization: Poor working conditions have led to a steady haemorrhage of qualified teachers from our schools.

verb [v] to bleed heavily, especially from the inside of the body; to have a haemorrhage

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haem.or.rhoids
(BrE ) (AmEhem.or.rhoids) noun [pl.] (medical ) painful swollen VEINS at or near the ANUS
SYN PILES
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hag
noun (offensive) an ugly and/or unpleasant old woman
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hag.gard
adj. looking very tired because of illness, worry or lack of sleep: He looked pale and haggard.  a haggard face
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hag.gis
noun [C, U] a Scottish dish that looks like a large round sausage made from the heart, lungs and LIVER of a sheep that are finely chopped, mixed with OATS , herbs, etc. and boiled in a bag that is usually made from part of a sheep’s stomach
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hag.gle
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (over sth) to argue with sb in order to reach an agreement, especially about the price of sth: I left him in the market haggling over the price of a shirt.
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hagi.og.raphy
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] (formal) a book about the life of a person that praises them too much; this style of writing
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hah
= HA
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haiku
noun (pl.haiku or haikus) (from Japanese ) a Japanese poem with three lines and usually 17 syllables
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hail
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (as) sth to describe sb/sth as being very good or special, especially in newspapers, etc: [vn] The conference was hailed as a great success.  [vn-n] Teenager Matt Brown is being hailed a hero for saving a young child from drowning.
2 [vn] to signal to a taxi or a bus, in order to get the driver to stop: to hail a taxi / cab
3 [vn] (literary) to call to sb in order to greet them or attract their attention: A voice hailed us from the other side of the street.—see also LOUDHAILER
4 [v] when it hails, small balls of ice fall like rain from the sky: It’s hailing!
PVR V 'hail from … (formal) to come from or have been born in a particular place: His father hailed from Italy.

noun
1 [U] small balls of ice that fall like rain: We drove through hail and snow.
2 [sing.] a ~ of sth a large number or amount of sth that is aimed at sb in order to harm them: a hail of arrows / bullets  a hail of abuse

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Hail Mary
noun (pl.Hail Marys) a Roman Catholic prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus
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hail.stone
noun [usually pl.] a small ball of ice that falls like rain
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hail.storm
noun a storm during which hail falls from the sky
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hair
noun
1 [U, C] the substance that looks like a mass of fine threads growing especially on the head; one of these threads growing on the body of people and some animals: fair / dark hair  straight / curly / wavy hair  to comb / brush your hair   (spoken) I’ll be down in a minute. I’m doing (= brushing, arranging, etc.)my hair .  I’m having my hair cut this afternoon.  body / facial / pubic hair  There’s a hair in my soup.  The rug was covered with cat hairs.—see also CAMEL HAIR , HORSEHAIR —picture at BODY
2 (-haired) (in adjectives) having the type of hair mentioned: dark-haired  long-haired
3 [C] a thing that looks like a fine thread growing on the leaves and stems of some plants
IDM get in sb’s 'hair (informal) to annoy sb by always being near them, asking them questions, etc. the hair of the 'dog (that 'bit you) (informal) alcohol that you drink in order to make you feel better when you have drunk too much alcohol the night before keep your 'hair on (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb to stop shouting and become calm when they are angry let your 'hair down (informal) to relax and enjoy yourself, especially in a lively way: It’s about time you let your hair down and had some fun! make sb’s 'hair stand on end to shock or frighten sb: a chilling tale that will make your hair stand on end not harm / touch a hair of sb’s 'head to not hurt sb physically in any way not have a 'hair out of place (of a person) to look extremely clean and neat not turn a 'hair to show no emotion when sth surprising, shocking, etc. happens—more at HANG v. , HIDE n. , SPLIT v. , TEAR^1v.
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hair.band
noun a strip of fabric or curved plastic worn by women in their hair, that fits closely over the top of the head and behind the ears
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hair.brush
noun a brush for making the hair tidy or smooth
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hair.cut
noun
1 the act of sb cutting your hair: You need a haircut.  I see you’ve had a haircut.
2 the style in which sb’s hair is cut: What do you think of my new haircut?  a short / trendy haircut
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hair.do
noun (pl.-os) (old-fashioned, informal) the style in which a woman’s hair is arranged
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hair.dress.er
noun
1 a person whose job is to cut, wash and shape hair
2 (hairdresser’s) (pl.hair.dress.ers) a place where you can get your hair cut, washed and shaped—compare BARBER
hair.dress.ing noun [U]
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hair.dryer
(also hair.drier) noun a small machine used for drying your hair by blowing hot air over it
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hair.grip
(also grip) (both BrE ) (AmE 'bobby pin) noun a small thin piece of metal or plastic folded in the middle, used by women for holding their hair in place—compare HAIRPIN
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hair.less
adj. without hair
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hair.line
noun
1 the place on a person’s forehead where their hair starts growing: a receding hairline
2 (often used as an adjective) a very thin crack or line: a hairline crack / fracture
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hair.net
noun a net worn over the hair to keep it in place
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hair.piece
noun a piece of false hair worn to make your own hair look longer or thicker
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hair.pin
noun
1 a small thin piece of wire that is folded in the middle, used by women for holding their hair in place—compare HAIRGRIP
2 = HAIRPIN BEND
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,hairpin 'bend
(BrE ) (AmE ,hairpin 'curve, ,hairpin 'turn) (also hair.pinBrE, AmE) noun a very sharp bend in a road, especially a mountain road
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'hair-raising
adj. extremely frightening but often exciting: a hair-raising adventure / story
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'hair’s breadth
noun [sing.] a very small amount or distance: We won by a hair’s breadth.  They were within a hair’s breadth of being killed.
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,hair 'shirt
noun a shirt made of rough fabric containing hair, worn in the past by people who wished to punish themselves for religious reasons
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hair.slide
(also slide) (both BrE ) (AmE bar.rette) noun a small decorative piece of metal or plastic used by women for holding their hair in place
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'hair-splitting
noun [U] (disapproving) the act of giving too much importance to small and unimportant differences in an argument
IDM see SPLIT v.
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hair.spray
noun [U, C] a substance sprayed onto the hair to hold it in a particular style
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hair.style
noun the style in which sb’s hair is cut or arranged
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hairy
adj. (hair.ier, hairi.est)
1 covered with a lot of hair: a hairy chest / monster  plants with hairy stems
2 (informal) dangerous or frightening but often exciting: Driving on icy roads can be pretty hairy.  a hairy experience
hairi.ness noun [U]
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hajj
(also haj) noun (usually the Hajj) [sing.] the religious journey to Mecca that all Muslims try to make at least once in their lives
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hake
noun [C, U] (pl.hake) a large sea fish that is used for food
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halal
adj. [only before noun] (of meat) from an animal that has been killed according to Muslim law: halal meat / food  a halal butcher (= one who sells halal meat)
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hal.cyon
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) peaceful and happy: the halcyon days of her youth
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hale
adj.
IDM ,hale and 'hearty (especially of an old person) strong and healthy
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half
noun, det., pron., adv.
noun (pl.halves )
1 either of two equal parts into which sth is or can be divided: two and a half kilos (2½)  One and a half hours is / are allowed for the exam.  An hour and a half is allowed for the exam.  The second half of the book is more exciting.  I’ve divided the money in half .  We’ll need to reduce the weight by half .—see also HALVE
2 either of two periods of time into which a sports game, concert, etc. is divided: No goals were scored in the first half.
3 = HALFBACK —see also CENTRE HALF , SCRUM HALF
4 (BrE, informal) half a PINT of beer or a similar drink: Two halves of bitter, please.
IDM and a 'half (informal) bigger, better, more important, etc. than usual: That was a game and a half! do nothing / not do anything by 'halves to do whatever you do completely and thoroughly: You’re expecting twins? Well, you never did do anything by halves. go half and 'half | go 'halves (with sb) to share the cost of sth equally with sb: We go halves on all the bills. the 'half of it used in negative sentences to say that a situation is worse or more complicated than sb thinks: ‘It sounds very difficult.’‘You don’t know the half of it .’ how the other half 'lives the way of life of a different social group, especially one much richer than you too clever, etc. by 'half (BrE, informal, disapproving) clever, etc. in a way that annoys you or makes you suspicious—more at MIND n. , SIX , TIME n.

det., pron.
1 an amount equal to half of sth/sb: half an hour  Half (of) the fruit was bad.  Half of the money was mine.  He has a half share in the company.  Out of 36 candidates, half passed.
2 ~ the time, fun, trouble, etc. the largest part of sth: Half the fun of gardening is never knowing exactly what’s going to come up.  Half the time you don’t even listen to what I say.
IDM half a 'minute, 'second, etc. (informal) a short time: Hang on. I’ll be ready in half a minute. half past 'one, 'two, etc. (AmE also half after 'one, 'two, etc.) (also BrE informal half 'one, 'two, etc.) 30 minutes after any hour on the clock

adv.
1 to the extent of half: The glass was half full.
2 partly: The chicken was only half cooked.  half-closed eyes  I’m half inclined to agree.
IDM ,half as ,many, ,much, etc. a'gain (AmE half a'gain as much) an increase of 50% of the existing number or amount: Spending on health is half as much again as it was in 1998. ,not 'half (BrE, informal) used to emphasize a statement or an opinion: It wasn’t half good (= it was very good).  ‘Was she annoyed?’‘Not half!’ (= she was extremely annoyed). not 'half as | not 'half such a not nearly: He is not half such a fool as they think. not half 'bad (informal) (used to show surprise) not bad at all; good: It really isn’t half bad, is it?

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,half-and-'half
adj., adv., noun
adj. being half one thing and half another: I was in that half-and-half land where you are not completely asleep nor completely awake.
,half-and-'half adv.

noun [U] (AmE ) a mixture of milk and cream that is used in tea and coffee

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'half-assed
adj. (AmE , slang)
1 done without care or effort; not well planned
2 stupid
'half-assed adv.
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half.back
(also half) noun
1 [C] one of the defending players in football/soccer, hockey or rugby whose position is between those who play at the front of a team and those who play at the back
2 [C] one of the two attacking players in American football whose position is behind the QUARTERBACK and beside the FULLBACKS
3 [U] the position a halfback plays at: Sammer is at halfback.
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,half-'baked
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) not well planned or considered: a half-baked idea
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'half-bath
noun (AmE ) a small room in a house, containing a WASHBASIN and a toilet
SYN POWDER ROOM
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,half 'board
noun [U] (BrE ) a type of accommodation at a hotel, etc. that includes breakfast and an evening meal—compare BED AND BREAKFAST , FULL BOARD
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'half-breed
noun ( , offensive) a person whose parents are from different races, especially when one is white and the other is a Native American
'half-breed adj. ( , offensive) It is more acceptable to talk about ‘a person of mixed race’.
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'half-brother
noun a person’s half-brother is a boy or man with either the same mother or the same father as they have—compare STEPBROTHER
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'half-caste
noun ( , offensive) a person whose parents are from different races
'half-caste adj. ( , offensive) It is more acceptable to talk about ‘a person of mixed race’.
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,half-'cock
noun
IDM go off at ,half-'cock (BrE, informal) to start before preparations are complete, so that the effect or result is not satisfactory
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,half-'crown
(also ,half a 'crown) noun an old British coin worth 2½SHILLINGS (= now 12½ pence)
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,half 'day
noun a day on which people work only in the morning or in the afternoon: Tuesday is her half day.
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,half 'dollar
noun a US coin worth 50 cents
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,half-'hearted
adj. done without enthusiasm or effort: He made a half-hearted attempt to justify himself.  a half-hearted protest / suggestion
,half-'heartedly adv.
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,half-'hour
(also ,half an 'hour) noun a period of 30 minutes: He should arrive within the next half-hour.  a half-hour drive
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,half-'hourly
adj. happening every 30 minutes: a half-hourly bus service
,half-'hourly adv.: The buses run half-hourly.
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'half-life
noun [C] (physics ) the time taken for the RADIOACTIVITY of a substance to fall to half its original value
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'half-light
noun [sing., U] a dull light in which it is difficult to see things: in the grey half-light of dawn
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,half 'mast
noun
IDM at ,half 'mast (of a flag) flown at the middle of the MAST as a sign of respect for a person who has just died: Flags were flown at half mast on the day of his funeral.
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,half 'measures
noun [pl.] (disapproving) a policy or plan of action that is weak and does not do enough: There are no half measures with this company.
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,half-'moon
noun
1 the moon when only half of it can be seen from the earth; the time when this happens—compare FULL MOON , NEW MOON
2 a thing that is shaped like a half-moon
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'half note
noun (AmE, music ) = MINIM
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half.penny
noun (pl.-ies) a British coin in use until 1984, worth half a PENNY
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,half-'price
adj. costing half the usual price: a half-price ticket / offer / sale
,half-'price adv.: Children aged under four go half-price.
,half 'price noun [U]: We have many items at half price or less.
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'half-sister
noun a person’s half-sister is a girl or woman who has either the same mother or the same father as them—compare STEPSISTER
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'half step
noun (AmE, music ) = SEMITONE
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,half-'term
noun (in British schools) a short holiday/vacation in the middle of each TERM : the half-term break / holiday  What are you doing at half term?
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,half-'timbered
adj. [usually before noun] (of a building) having walls that are made from a wooden frame filled with brick, stone, etc. so that the FRAMEWORK can still be seen
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,half-'time
noun [U] a short period between the two halves of a game of football, hockey, etc. during which the players rest: The score at half-time was two all.  the half-time score—compare FULL TIME
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'half-tone
noun
1 (technical) a print of a black and white photograph in which the different shades of grey are produced from small and large black dots
2 (AmE, music) = SEMITONE
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'half-truth
noun (disapproving) a statement that gives only part of the truth, especially when it is intended to deceive sb: The newspaper reports are a mixture of gossip, lies and half-truths.
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half.way
adv.
1 at an equal distance between two points; in the middle of a period of time: It’s about halfway between London and Bristol.  He left halfway through the ceremony.  I’m afraid we’re not even halfway there yet.
2 ~ to / towards sth| ~ to / towards doing sth part of the way towards doing or achieving sth: This only goes halfway to explaining what really happened.
3 ~ decent (informal) fairly, but not very, good: Any halfway decent map will give you that information.
half.way adj.: The halfway point / stage.
IDM see MEET v.
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,halfway 'house
noun
1 [sing.] (BrE) something that combines the features of two very different things
2 [C] a place where prisoners, mental patients, etc. can stay for a short time after leaving a prison or hospital, before they start to live on their own again
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half.wit
noun (informal) a stupid person
,half-'witted adj.
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,half-'yearly
adj. [only before noun] happening every six months; happening after the first six months of the year: a half-yearly meeting  the half-yearly sales figures
,half-'yearly adv.: Interest will be paid half-yearly in June and December.
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hali.but
noun [C, U] (pl.hali.but) a large flat sea fish that is used for food
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hali.tosis
noun [U] (medical ) a condition in which the breath smells unpleasant
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hall
noun
1 (also hall.way) (AmE also entry) a space or passage inside the entrance or front door of a building: She ran into the hall and up the stairs.—see also ENTRANCE HALL
2 (AmE also hall.way) a passage in a building with rooms down either side CORRIDOR : I headed for Scott’s office down the hall.
3 a building or large room for public meetings, meals, concerts, etc: a concert / banqueting / sports / exhibition hall  There are three dining halls on campus.  The Royal Albert Hall   (BrE) A jumble sale will be held in the village hall on Saturday.—see also CITY HALL , DANCE HALL , GUILDHALL , MUSIC HALL , TOWN HALL
4 = HALL OF RESIDENCE : She’s living in hall .
5 (BrE) (often as part of a name) a large country house: Haddon Hall
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hal.le.lu.jah
(also al.le.luia) noun a song or shout of praise to God
hal.le.lu.jah exclamation
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hall.mark
noun, verb
noun
1 a feature or quality that is typical of sb/sth: Police said the explosion bore all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.
2 a mark put on gold, silver and PLATINUM objects that shows the quality of the metal and gives information about when and where the object was made

verb [vn] to put a hallmark on metal goods

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hallo
(BrE ) = HELLO
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,Hall of 'Fame
noun (pl.,Halls of 'Fame) (especially AmE ) [C]
1 a place for people to visit, like a museum, with things connected with famous people from a particular sport or activity: the Country Music Hall of Fame
2 [sing.] the group of people who have done a particular activity or sport particularly well
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,hall of 'residence
(also hall) noun (pl.halls of residence, halls) (both BrE ) (AmE dor.mi.tory) a building for university or college students to live in
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hal.lowed
adj. [only before noun]
1 (especially of old things) respected and important: one of the theatre’s most hallowed traditions
2 that has been made holy: to be buried in hallowed ground
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Hal.low.een
(also Hal.low.e’en) noun [C, U] the night of 31st October when it was believed in the past that dead people appeared from their graves, and which is now celebrated in the US, Canada and Britain by children who dress as GHOSTS , WITCHES , etc.—see also TRICK OR TREAT
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hal.lu.cin.ate
verb to see or hear things that are not really there because of illness or drugs: [v] Some of these drugs can make you hallucinate. [alsovn, v that]
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hal.lu.cin.ation
noun
1 [C, U] the fact of seeming to see or hear sb/sth that is not really there, especially because of illness or drugs: to suffer from / have hallucinations  High temperatures can cause hallucination.
2 [C] something that is seen or heard when it is not really there: Was the figure real or just a hallucination?
HELP Some people use an instead of a before hallucination and then usually do not pronounce the ‘h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.
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hal.lu.cin.atory
adj. [only before noun] connected with or causing hallucinations : a hallucinatory experience  hallucinatory drugs
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hal.lu.cino.gen
noun a drug, such as LSD , that affects people’s minds and makes them see and hear things that are not really there
hal.lu.cino.gen.ic adj.: hallucinogenic drugs / effects
HELP Some people use an instead of a before these words, and then usually do not pronounce the ‘h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.
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hall.way
noun
1 (especially BrE) = HALL (1)
2 (AmE) = HALL (2)
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halo
noun (pl.-oes or -os)
1 (in paintings, etc.) a circle of light shown around or above the head of a holy person: She played the part of an angel, complete with wings and a halo.   (figurative) a halo of white frizzy hair
2 (informal) = CORONA
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halo.gen
noun (chemistry ) any of a set of five chemical elements, including FLUORINE , CHLORINE and IODINE , that react with HYDROGEN to form strong acids from which simple salts can be made. Halogens , in the form of gas, are used in lamps and cookers/stoves.
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halon
noun (chemistry ) a gas that is a compound of CARBON and one or more halogens , used especially to stop fires
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halt
verb, noun
verb to stop; to make sb/sth stop: [v] She walked towards him and then halted.  ‘Halt!’ the Major ordered (= used as a command to soldiers).  [vn] The police were halting traffic on the parade route.  The trial was halted after the first week.
IDM see TRACK n.

noun
1 [sing.] an act of stopping the movement or progress of sb/sth: Work came to a halt when the machine broke down.  The thought brought her to an abrupt halt .  The car skidded to a halt.  Strikes have led to a halt in production.  They decided it was time to call a halt to the project (= stop it officially).
2 [C] (BrE) a small railway station in the country that has a platform but no buildings
IDM see GRIND v.

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hal.ter
noun
1 a rope or leather strap put around the head of a horse for leading it with
2 (usually used as an adjective) a strap around the neck that holds a woman’s dress or shirt in position, leaving the back and shoulders bare: She was dressed in a halter top and shorts.
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halt.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (especially of speech or movement) stopping and starting often, especially because you are not certain or are not very confident: a halting conversation  a toddler’s first few halting steps
halt.ing.ly adv.: ‘Well … ’ she began haltingly.
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halve
verb
1 to reduce by a half; to make sth reduce by a half: [v] The shares have halved in value .  [vn] The company is halving its prices.
2 [vn] to divide sth into two equal parts
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halves
pl. of HALF
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hal.yard
noun (technical ) a rope used for raising or lowering a sail or flag
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ham
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the top part of a pig’s leg that has been CURED (= preserved using salt or smoke) and is eaten as food; the meat from this: The hams were cooked whole.  a slice of ham  a ham sandwich—compare BACON , GAMMON , PORK
2 [C] a person who sends and receives radio messages as a hobby rather than as a job: a radio ham
3 [C] (informal) (often used as an adjective) an actor who performs badly, especially by exaggerating emotions: a ham actor / performance
4 [C, usually pl.] (informal) the back part of a person’s leg above the knee—see also HAMSTRING

verb (-mm-)
IDM ,ham it 'up (informal) (especially of actors) when people ham it up, they deliberately exaggerate their emotions or movements

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ham.burg.er
(also burg.er) noun
1 (BrE also beef.burg.er) finely chopped beef made into a flat round shape that is then fried, often served in a bread roll—
2 (also 'hamburger meat) (both AmE) = MINCE
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,ham-'fisted
(BrE ) (AmE 'ham-handed) adj. (informal) lacking skill when using your hands or when dealing with people: his ham-fisted efforts to assist her
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ham.let
noun a very small village
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ham.mer
noun, verb
noun
TOOL|
1 [C] a tool with a handle and a heavy metal head, used for breaking things or hitting nails: (figurative) The decision is a hammer blow for the steel industry.—see also SLEDGEHAMMER —picture at TOOL
2 [C] a tool with a handle and a wooden head, used by a person in charge of an AUCTION (= a sale at which things are sold to the person who offers the most money) in order to get people’s attention: to come / go under the hammer (= to be sold at auction)
IN PIANO|
3 [C] a small wooden part inside a piano, that hits the strings to produce a sound
IN GUN|
4 [C] a part inside a gun that makes the gun fire
SPORT|
5 [C] a metal ball attached to a wire, thrown as a sport
6 (the hammer) [sing.] the event or sport of throwing the hammer — ,hammer and 'tongs if two people are at it hammer and tongs or go at it hammer and tongs, they argue or fight with a lot of energy and noise

verb
HIT WITH TOOL|
1 ~ sth (in / into / onto sth) to hit sth with a hammer: [v] I could hear somebody hammering next door.  [vn] She hammered the nail into the wall.  [vn-adj] He was hammering the sheet of copper flat.
HIT MANY TIMES|
2 to hit sth hard many times, especially so that it makes a loud noise: [v] Someone was hammering at the door.  Hail was hammering down onto the roof.   (figurative) I was so scared my heart was hammering (= beating very fast) in my chest.  [vn] He hammered the door with his fists.
KICK / HIT BALL|
3 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to kick or hit a ball very hard: He hammered the ball into the net.
DEFEAT EASILY|
4 [vn] (informal) to defeat sb very easily: Our team was hammered 5-1. ,hammer a'way at sth to work hard in order to finish or achieve sth; to keep repeating sth in order to get the result that you want ,hammer sth<->'home
1 to emphasize a point, an idea, etc. so that people fully understand it
2 to kick a ball hard and score a goal ,hammer sth 'into sb to make sb learn or remember sth by repeating it many times ,hammer 'out sth
1 to discuss a plan, an idea, etc. until everyone agrees or a decision is made: to hammer out a compromise / deal
2 to play a tune, especially on a piano, loudly and not very well

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,hammer and 'sickle
noun [sing.] tools representing the people who work in industry and farming, used on the flag of the former Soviet Union and as a symbol of Communism
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ham.mer.ing
noun
1 [U, sing.] the sound of sb hitting sth with a hammer or with their FISTS : the sound of hammering from the next room
2 [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) an act of defeating or criticizing sb severely: Our team took a real hammering in the first half.
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ham.mock
noun a type of bed made from a net or from a piece of strong fabric, with ropes at each end that are used to hang it between two trees, posts, etc.
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hammy
adj. (ham.mier, ham.mi.est) (informal) (of a style of acting) artificial or exaggerated
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ham.per
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive] (written) to prevent sb from easily doing or achieving sth
SYN HINDER

noun
1 a large basket with a lid, especially one used to carry food in: a picnic hamper
2 (especially BrE) a box or parcel containing food, sent as a gift: a Christmas hamper
3 (AmE) a large basket that you keep your dirty clothes in until they are washed

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ham.ster
noun an animal like a large mouse, with large cheeks for storing food. Hamsters are often kept as pets.
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ham.string
noun, verb
noun
1 one of the five TENDONS behind the knee that connect the muscles of the upper leg to the bones of the lower leg: a hamstring injury  She’s pulled a hamstring.
2 a TENDON behind the middle joint (= HOCK ) of the back leg of a horse and some other animals

verb (ham.strung, ham.strung ) [vn] [often passive] (written) to prevent sb/sth from working or taking action in the way that is needed

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hand
noun, verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] the part of the body at the end of the arm, including the fingers and thumb: Ian placed a hand on her shoulder.  Put your hand up if you know the answer.  Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.  She was on (her) hands and knees (= crawling on the floor) looking for an earring.  Couples strolled past holding hands .  Give me your hand (= hold my hand) while we cross the road.  The crowd threw up their hands (= lifted them into the air) in dismay.  He killed the snake with his bare hands (= using only his hands).  a hand towel (= a small towel for drying your hands on)  a hand drill (= one that is used by turning a handle rather than powered by electricity)—see also LEFT-HAND , RIGHT-HAND —picture at BODY
-HANDED|
2 (in adjectives) using the hand or number of hands mentioned: a one-handed catch  left-handed scissors (= intended to be held in your left hand)
HELP|
3 (a hand) [sing.] (informal) help in doing sth: Let me give you a hand with those bags (= help you to carry them).  Do you need a hand with those invoices?  The neighbours are always willing to lend a hand .
ROLE IN SITUATION|
4 [sing.] ~ in sth the part or role that sb/sth plays in a particular situation; sb’s influence in a situation: Early reports suggest the hand of rebel forces in the bombings.  Several of his colleagues had a hand in his downfall.  This appointment was an attempt to strengthen her hand in policy discussions.
ON CLOCK / WATCH|
5 [C] (usually in compounds) a part of a clock or watch that points to the numbers—see also HOUR HAND , MINUTE HAND , SECOND HAND
WORKER|
6 [C] a person who does physical work on a farm or in a factory—see also CHARGEHAND , FARMHAND , HIRED HAND , STAGEHAND
SAILOR|
7 [C] a sailor on a ship: All hands on deck!—see also DECKHAND
HAND-|
8 (in compounds) by a person rather than a machine: hand-painted pottery  hand-knitted—see also HANDMADE
IN CARD GAMES|
9 [C] a set of playing cards given to one player in a game: to be dealt a good / bad hand—
10 [C] one stage of a game of cards: I’ll have to leave after this hand.
WRITING|
11 [sing.] (old use) a particular style of writing—see also FREEHAND
MEASUREMENT FOR HORSE|
12 [C] a unit for measuring the height of a horse, equal to 4 INCHES or 10.16 CENTIMETRES —see also DAB HAND , OLD HAND , SECOND-HAND , UNDERHAND (close / near) at 'hand close to you in time or distance: Help was at hand.  The property is ideally located with all local amenities close at hand. at the hands of sb | at sb’s hands (written) if you experience sth at the hands of sb, they are the cause of it be good with your 'hands to be skilful at making or doing things with your hands bind / tie sb hand and 'foot
1 to tie sb’s hands and feet together so that they cannot move or escape
2 to prevent sb from doing what they want by creating rules, restrictions, etc. by 'hand
1 by a person rather than a machine: The fabric was painted by hand.
2 if a letter is delivered by hand, it is delivered by a messenger or by the person who wrote it, rather than by post/mail fall into sb’s 'hands / the 'hands of sb (written) to become controlled by sb: The town fell into enemy hands.  We don’t want this document falling into the wrong hands . (at) first 'hand by experiencing, seeing, etc. sth yourself rather than being told about it by sb else: The President visited the area to see the devastation at first hand. get your 'hands dirty to do physical work: He’s not frightened of getting his hands dirty. sb’s 'hand (in marriage) (old-fashioned) permission to marry sb, especially a woman: He asked the general for his daughter’s hand in marriage. ,hand in 'glove (with sb) working closely with sb, especially in a secret and/or illegal way ,hand in 'hand
1 if two people are hand in hand, they are holding each other’s hand
2 if two things go hand in hand, they are closely connected and one thing causes the other: Poverty and poor health often go hand in hand. (get / take your) ,hands 'off (sth/sb) (spoken) used to tell sb not to touch sth/sb: Get your hands off my wife!  Hey, hands off! That’s my drink! ,hands 'up! (spoken)
1 used to tell a group of people to raise one hand in the air if they know the answer to a question, etc: Hands up all those who want to go swimming.
2 used by sb who is threatening people with a gun to tell them to raise both hands in the air have your 'hands full to be very busy or too busy to do sth else: She certainly has her hands full with four kids in the house. have your 'hands tied to be unable to do what you want to do because of rules, promises, etc: I really wish I could help but my hands are tied. hold sb’s 'hand to give sb support in a difficult situation: Do you want me to come along and hold your hand? in sb’s capable, safe, etc. 'hands being taken care of or dealt with by sb that you think you can rely on: Can I leave these queries in your capable hands? in 'hand
1 if you have time or money in hand, it is left and available to be used
2 if you have a particular situation in hand, you are in control of it
3 the job, question, etc. in hand is the one that you are dealing with
4 if sb works a week, month, etc. in hand, they are paid for the work a week, etc. after they have completed it in the hands of sb | in sb’s 'hands being looked after or controlled by sb: The matter is now in the hands of my lawyer.  At that time, the castle was in enemy hands. keep your 'hand in to occasionally do sth that you used to do a lot so that you do not lose your skill at it: She retired last year but still teaches the odd class to keep her hand in. lay / get your 'hands on sb to catch sb that you are annoyed with: Wait till I get my hands on him! lay / get your 'hands on sth to find or get sth: I know their address is here somewhere, but I can’t lay my hands on it right now. many hands make light 'work (saying) used to say that a job is made easier if a lot of people help not do a hand’s 'turn (old-fashioned) to do no work: She hasn’t done a hand’s turn all week. off your 'hands no longer your responsibility on either / every 'hand (literary) on both/all sides; in both/all directions on 'hand available, especially to help: The emergency services were on hand with medical advice. on your 'hands if you have sb/sth on your hands, you are responsible for them or it: Let me take care of the invitations—you’ve enough on your hands with the caterers. on the 'one hand … on the 'other (hand) … used to introduce different points of view, ideas, etc., especially when they are opposites: On the one hand they’d love to have kids, but on the other, they don’t want to give up their freedom. out of 'hand
1 difficult or impossible to control: Unemployment is getting out of hand.
2 if you reject sth out of hand, you do so immediately without thinking about it fully or listening to other people’s arguments: All our suggestions were dismissed out of hand. ,out of your 'hands no longer your responsibility: I’m afraid the matter is now out of my hands. ,play into sb’s 'hands to do exactly what an enemy, opponent, etc. wants so that they gain the advantage in a particular situation: If we get the police involved, we’ll be playing right into the protesters' hands. put your ,hand in your 'pocket (BrE) to spend money or give it to sb: I’ve heard he doesn’t like putting his hand in his pocket. (at) second, third, etc. 'hand by being told about sth by sb else who has seen it or heard about it, not by experiencing, seeing, etc. it yourself: I’m fed up of hearing about these decisions third hand! ,take sb in 'hand to deal with sb in a strict way in order to improve their behaviour take sth into your own 'hands to deal with a particular situation yourself because you are not happy with the way that others are dealing with it throw your 'hand in (informal) to stop doing sth or taking part in sth, especially because you are not successful to 'hand that you can reach or get easily: I’m afraid I don’t have the latest figures to hand. turn your 'hand to sth to start doing sth or be able to do sth, especially when you do it well: Jim can turn his hand to most jobs around the house.—more at BIG adj. , BIRD , BITE v. , BLOOD n. , CAP n. , CASH n. , CHANGE v. , CLOSE^2adv. , COURAGE , DEAD adj. , EAT , FIRM adj. , FOLD v. , FORCE v. , FREE adj. , HAT , HEAVY , HELP v. , IRON adj. , JOIN v. , KNOW v. , LAW , LIFE , LIFT v. , LIVE^1 , MONEY , OFFER v. , OVERPLAY , PAIR n. , PALM n. , PUTTY , RAISE v. , SAFE adj. , SHOW n. , SHOW v. , SLEIGHT , STAY v. , TIME n. , TRY v. , UPPER adj. , WAIT v. , WASH v. , WHIP n. , WIN v. , WRING

verb ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to pass or give sth to sb: [vn, vnn] She handed the letter to me.  She handed me the letter. hand sth to sb on a 'plate (informal) to give sth to sb without the person concerned making any effort: Nobody’s going to hand you success on a plate. have (got) to 'hand it to sb (informal) used to say that sb deserves praise for sth: You’ve got to hand it to her—she’s a great cook. ,hand sth<->a'round / 'round to offer or pass sth, especially food or drinks, to all the people in a group ,hand sth 'back (to sb) to give or return sth to the person who owns it or to where it belongs ,hand sth<->'down (to sb)
1 [usually passive] to give or leave sth to sb who is younger than you
SYN PASS DOWN : These skills used to be handed down from father to son.—related noun HAND-ME-DOWN
2 (especially AmE) to officially give a decision/statement, etc.
SYN ANNOUNCE : The judge has handed down his verdict. ,hand sth<->'in (to sb) to give sth to a person in authority, especially a piece of work or sth that is lost
SYN GIVE IN : You must all hand in your projects by the end of next week.  I handed the watch in to the police.  to hand in your notice / resignation (= formally tell your employer that you want to stop working for them) ,hand sth<->'on (to sb) to give or leave sth for another person to use or deal with
SYN PASS ON ,hand sth<->'out (to sb)
1 to give a number of things to the members of a group
SYN DISTRIBUTE : Could you hand these books out, please?—related noun HANDOUT
2 to give advice, a punishment, etc: He’s always handing out advice to people. ,hand sth<->'over (to sb)| ,hand 'over (to sb)| ,hand sth 'over (to sb) to give sb else your position of power or the responsibility for sth: She resigned and handed over to one of her younger colleagues.  He finally handed over his responsibility for the company last year.—related noun HANDOVER ,hand sb 'over to sb to let sb listen or speak to another person, especially on the telephone or in a news broadcast: I’ll hand you over to my boss. ,hand sb/sth<->'over (to sb) to give sth/sb officially or formally to another person: He handed over a cheque for $200 000.  They handed the weapons over to the police.—related noun HANDOVER

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hand.bag
(AmE also purse) noun a small bag for money, keys, etc., carried especially by women  note at PURSE —picture at BAG , MONEY
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'hand baggage
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = HAND LUGGAGE
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hand.ball
noun
1 [U] (AmE also 'team handball) a team game for two teams of seven players, usually played indoors, in which players try to score goals by throwing a ball with their hand
2 [U] (AmE) a game in which players hit a small ball against a wall with their hand
3 [C, U] (in football) the offence of touching the ball with your hands: a penalty for handball
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hand.basin
noun (BrE ) a small bowl that has taps/faucets and is fixed to the wall, used for washing your hands in
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hand.bas.ket
noun
IDM go to hell in a 'handbasket (AmE) = GO TO THE DOGS at DOG n.
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hand.bill
noun a small printed advertisement that is given to people by hand
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hand.book
noun a book giving instructions on how to use sth or information about a particular subject—compare MANUAL
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hand.brake
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'emergency brake, 'parking brake) noun a BRAKE in a motor vehicle that is operated by hand, used especially when the vehicle is not moving: to put the handbrake on  to take the handbrake off  Is the handbrake on?—picture at CAR
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hand.cart
noun = CART
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hand.craft
noun (AmE ) = HANDICRAFT
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hand.craf.ted
adj. skilfully made by hand, not by machine: a handcrafted chair
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hand.cuff
verb [vn] [usually passive] to put handcuffs on sb or to fasten sb to sth/sb with handcuffs : Her hands were handcuffed behind her back.
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hand.cuffs
(also informal cuffs) noun [pl.] a pair of metal rings joined by a chain, used for holding the wrists of a prisoner together: a pair of handcuffs  She was led away in handcuffs .
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hand.ful
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth) the amount of sth that can be held in one hand: a handful of rice
2 [sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) a small number of people or things: Only a handful of people came.
3 a ~ [sing.] (informal) a person or an animal that is difficult to control: Her children can be a real handful.
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'hand grenade
noun a small bomb that is thrown by hand
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hand.gun
noun a small gun that you can hold and fire with one hand
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,hand-'held
adj. [usually before noun] small enough to be held in the hand while being used: a hand-held camera / computer
'hand-held noun
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hand.hold
noun something on the surface of a steep slope, wall, etc. that a person can hold when climbing up it
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handi.cap
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] (becoming old-fashioned, sometimes offensive) a permanent physical or mental condition that makes it difficult or impossible to use a particular part of your body or mind: Despite her handicap, Jane is able to hold down a full-time job.  mental / physical / visual handicap  note at DISABLED
2 [C] something that makes it difficult for sb to do sth: Not speaking the language proved to be a bigger handicap than I’d imagined.
3 [C] (sport) a race or competition in which the most skilful competitors must run further, carry extra weight, etc. in order to give all the competitors an equal chance of winning; the disadvantage that is given to a competitor in such a race or competition
4 [C] (in golf) an advantage given to a weaker player so that competition is more equal when they play against a stronger player. It is expressed as a number related to the number of times a player hits the ball and gets lower as he/she improves.

verb (-pp-) [vn] [usually passive] to make sth more difficult for sb to do: British exports have been handicapped by the strong pound.

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handi.capped
adj. (becoming old-fashioned, sometimes offensive)
1 suffering from a mental or physical handicap : a mentally / visually handicapped child  The accident left him physically handicapped.
2 (the handicapped) noun [pl.] people who are handicapped : a school for the physically handicapped  note at DISABLED
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han.di.craft
(AmE also hand.craft) noun [C, usually pl., U]
1 activities such as sewing and weaving that use skill with your hands and artistic ability to make things: to teach handicrafts  Her hobbies are music, reading and handicraft.
2 things made in this way: traditional handicrafts bought by tourists
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hand.ily
adv.
1 in a way that is HANDY (= convenient): We’re handily placed for the train station.
2 (especially AmE) easily: He handily defeated his challengers.
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han.di.work
noun [U]
1 work that you do, or sth that you have made, especially using your artistic skill: We admired her exquisite handiwork.
2 a thing done by a particular person or group, especially sth bad: This looks like the handiwork of an arsonist.
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hand.ker.chief
noun (pl.hand.ker.chiefs or hand.ker.chieves ) (also informal hanky, han.kie) a small piece of material or paper that you use for blowing your nose, etc.
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han.dle
verb, noun
verb
DEAL WITH|
1 [vn] to deal with or control a situation, a person, an area of work or a strong emotion: A new man was appointed to handle the crisis.  She’s very good at handling her patients.  The sale was handled by Adams Commercial.  We can handle up to 500 calls an hour at our new offices.  We all have to learn to handle stress.  This matter has been handled very badly.   (informal) You have to know how to handle yourself in this business (= know the right way to behave).   (informal) ‘Any problems?’‘Nothing I can’t handle .’   (informal) I’ve got to go. I can’t handle it any more (= deal with a difficult situation).
TOUCH WITH HANDS|
2 [vn] to touch, hold or move sth with your hands: Our cat hates being handled.  The label on the box said: ‘Fragile. Handle with care.’
CONTROL|
3 [vn] to control a vehicle, an animal, a tool, etc: I wasn’t sure if I could handle such a powerful car.  She’s a difficult horse to handle.
OF VEHICLE|
4 [v] ~ well / badly to be easy/difficult to drive or control: The car handles well in any weather.
BUY / SELL|
5 [vn] to buy or sell sth
SYN DEAL IN : They were arrested for handling stolen goods .

noun
OF DOOR / DRAWER / WINDOW|
1 the part of a door, drawer, window, etc. that you use to open it: She turned the handle and opened the door.
OF CUP / BAG / TOOL|
2 the part of an object, such as a cup, a bag, or a tool that you use to hold it, or carry it: the handle of a knife  a broom handle—picture at BAG , CUTLERY
-HANDLED|
3 (in adjectives) having the number or type of handle mentioned: a long-handled spoon get / have a 'handle on sb/sth (informal) to understand or know about sb/sth, especially so that you can deal with it or them later: I can’t get a handle on these sales figures. give sb a 'handle (on sth) (informal) to give sb enough facts or knowledge for them to be able to deal with sth—more at FLY v.

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handle.bar
noun [C] (also handle.bars [pl.]) a metal bar, with a handle at each end, that you use for steering a bicycle or motorcycle: to hold onto the handlebars—picture at BICYCLE
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,handlebar mous'tache
noun a MOUSTACHE that is curved upwards at each end
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hand.ler
noun (especially in compounds)
1 a person who trains and controls animals, especially dogs
2 a person who carries or touches sth as part of their job: airport baggage handlers  food handlers
3 (especially AmE) sb who organizes sth or advises sb: the President’s campaign handlers
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hand.ling
noun [U]
1 the way that sb deals with or treats a situation, a person, an animal, etc: I was impressed by his handling of the affair.  This horse needs firm handling.
2 the action of organizing or controlling sth: data handling on computer
3 the action of touching, feeling or holding sth with your hands: toys that can stand up to rough handling
4 the cost of dealing with an order, delivering goods, booking tickets, etc: a small handling charge
5 the way in which a motor vehicle can be controlled by the driver: a car designed for easy and stable handling
6 = CARRIAGE
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'hand luggage
(especially BrE ) (also 'hand baggage, 'carry-on baggage especially in AmE) noun [U] small bags that you can keep with you on an aircraft
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hand.made
adj. made by a person using their hands rather than by machines: handmade furniture—compare MACHINE-MADE
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hand.maiden
(also hand.maid ) noun
1 (old-fashioned) a female servant
2 (formal) something that supports and helps sth else: Mathematics was once dubbed the handmaiden of the sciences.
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'hand-me-down
noun [usually pl.] (especially AmE ) = CAST-OFF : She hated having to wear her sister’s hand-me-downs.
'hand-me-down adj. (especially AmE) = CAST-OFF
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hand.out
noun
1 (sometimes disapproving) food, money or clothes that are given to a person who is poor: to be dependent on handouts
2 (often disapproving) money that is given to a person or an organization by the government, etc., for example to encourage commercial activity
3 a free document that gives information about an event or a matter of public interest, or that states the views of a political party, etc.—see also PRESS RELEASE
4 a document that is given to students in class and that contains a summary of the lesson, a set of exercises, etc.
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hand.over
noun [C, U]
1 the act of moving power or responsibility from one person or group to another; the period during which this is done: the smooth handover of power from a military to a civilian government
2 the act of giving a person or thing to sb in authority: the handover of the hostages
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,hand-'picked
adj. carefully chosen for a special purpose
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'hand puppet
noun (AmE ) = GLOVE PUPPET
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hand.rail
noun a long narrow bar that you can hold onto for support, for example when you are going up or down stairs
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hand.saw
noun a SAW (= a tool with a long blade with sharp teeth along one edge) that is used with one hand only—picture at TOOL
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hand.set
noun
1 the part of a telephone that you hold close to your mouth and ear to speak into and listen—compare RECEIVER
2 a device that you hold in your hand to operate a television, etc.—see also REMOTE CONTROL
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hand.shake
noun an act of shaking sb’s hand with your own, used especially as a greeting or when you have made an agreement—see also GOLDEN HANDSHAKE
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,hands-'off
adj. [usually before noun] dealing with people or a situation by not becoming involved and by allowing people to do what they want to: a hands-off approach to staff management—compare HANDS-ON
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hand.some
adj. (hand.somer, hand.som.est)
HELP more handsome and most handsome are more common
1 (of men) attractive
SYN GOOD-LOOKING : a handsome face  He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever met.  He was aptly described as ‘tall, dark, and handsome ’.
2 (of women) attractive, with large strong features rather than small delicate ones: a tall, handsome woman
3 beautiful to look at: a handsome horse / house / city  The two of them made a handsome couple .
4 large in amount or quantity: a handsome profit  He was elected by a handsome majority (= a lot of people voted for him).
5 generous: She paid him a handsome compliment.
hand.some.ly adv.: a handsomely dressed man  a handsomely produced book  to be paid / rewarded handsomely
hand.some.ness noun [U]
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,hands-'on
adj. [usually before noun] doing sth rather than just talking about it: hands-on computer training  to gain hands-on experience of industry  a hands-on style of management—compare HANDS-OFF
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hand.stand
noun a movement in which you balance on your hands and put your legs straight up in the air
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,hand-to-'hand
adj. hand-to-hand fighting involves physical contact with your opponent
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,hand-to-'mouth
adj. [usually before noun] if you have a hand-to-mouth life, you spend all the money you earn on basic needs such as food and do not have anything left
IDM see LIVE^1
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hand.writ.ing
noun [U]
1 writing that is done with a pen or pencil, not printed or typed
2 a person’s particular style of writing in this way: I can’t read his handwriting.
IDM the ,handwriting on the 'wall (AmE) = THE WRITING ON THE WALL
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hand.writ.ten
adj. written by hand, not printed or typed: a handwritten note / statement
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handy
adj. (hand.ier, handi.est) (informal)
1 useful; easy to use or to do: a handy little tool  handy hints / tips for removing carpet stains
2 [not before noun] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) situated near to sb/sth; situated or stored in a convenient place: Always keep a first-aid kit handy.  Have you got a pen handy?   (BrE) Our house is very handy for the station.
3 [usually before noun] skilful in using your hands or tools to make or repair things: to be handy around the house—see also HANDILY
IDM ,come in 'handy (informal) to be useful: The extra money came in very handy.  Don’t throw that away—it might come in handy.
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handy.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who is good at doing practical jobs inside and outside the house, either as a hobby or as a job
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hang
verb, noun
verb (hung, hung In sense 4, hanged is used for the past tense and past participle.)
ATTACH FROM TOP|
1 ~ (sth) (up) [+adv. / prep.] to attach sth, or to be attached, at the top so that the lower part is free or loose: [vn] Hang your coat up on the hook.  Where are we supposed to hang our washing up to dry?  [v] There were several expensive suits hanging in the wardrobe.
FALL LOOSELY|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] when sth hangs in a particular way, it falls in that way: Her hair hung down to her waist.  He had lost weight and the suit hung loosely on him.
BEND DOWNWARDS|
3 to bend or let sth bend downwards: [v] The dog’s tongue was hanging out.  Children hung (= were leaning) over the gate.  A cigarette hung from her lips.  [vn] She hung her head in shame.
KILL SB|
4 (hanged, hanged) to kill sb, usually as a punishment, by tying a rope around their neck and allowing them to drop; to be killed in this way: [vn] He was the last man to be hanged for murder in this country.  She had committed suicide by hanging herself from a beam.  [v] At that time you could hang for stealing.
PICTURES|
5 to attach sth, especially a picture, to a hook on a wall; to be attached in this way: [vn] We hung her portrait above the fireplace.  [v] Several of his paintings hang in the Tate Gallery.
6 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth with sth to decorate a place by placing paintings, etc. on a wall: The rooms were hung with tapestries.
WALLPAPER|
7 [vn] to stick WALLPAPER to a wall
DOOR / GATE|
8 [vn] to attach a door or gate to a post so that it moves freely
STAY IN THE AIR|
9 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to stay in the air: Smoke hung in the air above the city. 'hang sth (BrE, spoken) used to say that you are not going to worry about sth: Oh, let’s get two and hang the expense! hang a 'left / 'right (AmE) to take a left/right turn hang by a 'hair / 'thread (of a person’s life) to be in great danger hang (on) 'in there (informal) to remain determined to succeed even when a situation is difficult hang on sb’s 'words / on sb’s every 'word to listen with great attention to sb you admire hang 'tough (AmE) to be determined and refuse to change your attitude or ideas let it all hang 'out (informal) to express your feelings freely—more at BALANCE n. , FIRE n. , GRIM , HEAVY adv. , LOOSE adj. , PEG n. ,hang a'bout (BrE, informal)
1 to wait or stay near a place, not doing very much: kids hanging about in the streets
2 to be very slow doing sth: I can’t hang about—the boss wants to see me.
3 (spoken) used to tell sb to stop what they are doing or saying for a short time: Hang about! There’s something not quite right here. ,hang a'bout with sb (informal) to spend a lot of time with sb ,hang a'round ( … ) (informal) to wait or stay near a place, not doing very much: You hang around here in case he comes, and I’ll go on ahead. ,hang a'round with sb (informal) to spend a lot of time with sb ,hang 'back to remain in a place after all the other people have left ,hang 'back (from sth) to hesitate because you are nervous about doing or saying sth: I was sure she knew the answer but for some reason she hung back. ,hang 'on
1 to hold sth tightly: Hang on tight—we’re off!
2 (spoken) used to ask sb to wait for a short time or to stop what they are doing: Hang on—I’m not quite ready.  Now hang on a minute—you can’t really believe what you just said!
3 to wait for sth to happen: I haven’t heard if I’ve got the job yet—they’ve kept me hanging on for days.
4 (spoken) used on the telephone to ask sb who is calling to wait until they can talk to the person they want: Hang on—I’ll just see if he’s here.
5 to continue doing sth in difficult circumstances: The team hung on for victory. 'hang on sth to depend on sth: A lot hangs on this decision. ,hang 'on to sth
1 to hold sth tightly: Hang on to that rope and don’t let go.
2 (informal) to keep sth, not sell it or give it away: Let’s hang on to those old photographs—they may be valuable. ,hang 'out (informal) to spend a lot of time in a place: The local kids hang out at the mall.—related noun HANG-OUT ,hang 'over sb if sth bad or unpleasant is hanging over you, you think about it and worry about it a lot because it is happening or might happen: The possibility of a court case is still hanging over her. ,hang to'gether
1 to fit together well; to be the same as or CONSISTENT with each other: Their accounts of what happened don’t hang together.
2 (of people) to support or help one another ,hang 'up to end a telephone conversation by putting the telephone RECEIVER down or switching the telephone off: After I hung up I remembered what I’d wanted to say. ,hang sth<->'up (informal) to finish using sth for the last time: Ruth has hung up her dancing shoes. ,hang 'up on sb (informal) to end a telephone call by suddenly and unexpectedly putting the telephone down: Don’t hang up on me—we must talk!—see also HUNG UP

noun [sing.] the way in which a dress, piece of fabric, etc. falls or moves get the 'hang of sth (informal) to learn how to do or to use sth; to understand sth: It’s not difficult once you get the hang of it.

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hangar
noun a large building in which aircraft are kept
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hang.dog
adj. [only before noun] if a person has a hangdog look, they look sad or ashamed
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hanger
(also 'coat hanger, 'clothes hanger) noun a curved piece of wood, plastic or wire, with a hook at the top, that you use to hang clothes up on
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,hanger-'on
noun (pl.,hangers-'on) (often disapproving) a person who tries to be friendly with a famous person or who goes to important events, in order to get some advantage
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'hang-glider
noun
1 the frame used in hang-gliding
2 a person who goes hang-gliding
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'hang-gliding
noun [U] a sport in which you fly while hanging from a frame like a large KITE which you control with your body movements: to go hang-gliding
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hang.ing
noun
1 [U, C] the practice of killing sb as a punishment by putting a rope around their neck and hanging them from a high place; an occasion when this happens: to sentence sb to death by hanging  public hangings
2 [C, usually pl.] a large piece of material that is hung on a wall for decoration: wall hangings
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,hanging 'basket
noun a basket or similar container with flowers growing in it, that is hung from a building by a short chain or rope—picture at HOUSE
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hang.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man whose job is to hang criminals
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'hang-out
noun (informal) a place where sb lives or likes to go often
SYN HAUNT
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hang.over
noun
1 the HEADACHE and sick feeling that you have the day after drinking too much alcohol: She woke up with a terrible hangover.
2 [usually sing.] ~ (from sth) a feeling, custom, habit, etc. that remains from the past, although it is no longer practical or suitable: the insecure feeling that was a hangover from her childhood  hangover laws from the previous administration—see also HOLDOVER
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'hang-up
noun ~ (about sth) (informal) an emotional problem about sth that makes you embarrassed or worried: He’s got a real hang-up about his height.
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hank
noun a long piece of wool, thread, rope, etc. that is wound into a large loose ball
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han.ker
verb ~ after / for sth to have a strong desire for sth: [v] He had hankered after fame all his life.  [v to inf] She hankered to go back to Australia.
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han.ker.ing
noun [usually sing.] ~ (for / after sth)| ~ (to do sth) a strong desire: a hankering for a wealthy lifestyle
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hanky
(also han.kie) noun (pl.-ies) (informal) = HANDKERCHIEF
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hanky-panky
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal)
1 sexual activity that is not considered acceptable: There was all sorts of hanky-panky going on at the party.
2 dishonest behaviour
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han.som
(also 'hansom cab) noun a carriage with two wheels, pulled by one horse, used in the past to carry two passengers
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Ha.nuk.kah
(also Cha.nuk.kah, Cha.nuk.ah) noun an eight-day Jewish festival and holiday in November or December when Jews remember the occasion when the TEMPLE in Jerusalem was DEDICATED again in 165 BC
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hap.haz.ard
adj. (disapproving) with no particular order or plan; not organized well: The books had been piled on the shelves in a haphazard fashion.  The government’s approach to the problem was haphazard.
hap.haz.ard.ly adv.
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hap.less
adj. [only before noun] (formal) not lucky; unfortunate: the hapless victims of exploitation
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hap.pen
verb
1 [v] to take place, especially without being planned: You’ll never guess what’s happened!  Accidents like this happen all the time.  Let’s see what happens next week.  I’ll be there whatever happens .  I don’t know how this happened.
2 [v] to take place as the result of sth: She pressed the button but nothing happened.  What happens if nobody comes to the party?  Just plug it in and see what happens .
3 to do or be sth by chance: [v to inf] She happened to be out when we called.  You don’t happen to know his name, do you?  [v that] It happened that she was out when we called.
4 [v to inf] used to tell sb sth, especially when you are disagreeing with them or annoyed by what they have said: That happens to be my mother you’re talking about!
IDM anything can / might 'happen used to say that it is not possible to know what the result of sth will be as it happens / happened used when you say sth that is surprising, or sth connected with what sb else has just said: I agree with you, as it happens.  As it happens, I have a spare set of keys in my office. it (just) so happens that … by chance: It just so happened they’d been invited too. ,these things 'happen used to tell sb not to worry about sth they have done: ‘Sorry—I’ve spilt some wine.’‘Never mind. These things happen.’—more at ACCIDENT , EVENT , WAIT v.
PVR V 'happen on sth (old-fashioned) to find sth by chance 'happen to sb/sth to have an effect on sb/sth: I hope nothing (= nothing unpleasant) has happened to them.  It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me.  What’s happened to your car?  Do you know what happened to Gill Lovecy (= have you any news about her)?
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hap.pen.ing
noun, adj.
noun
1 [usually pl.] an event; something that happens, often sth unusual: There have been strange happenings here lately.  The momentous happenings of the past few weeks had left her feeling exhausted.  note at EVENT
2 an artistic performance or event that is not planned

adj. [only before noun] (informal) where there is a lot of exciting activity; fashionable: a happening place

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hap.pen.stance
noun [U, C] (literary) chance, especially when it results in sth good
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hap.pily
adv.
1 in a cheerful way; with feelings of pleasure or satisfaction: to chat / laugh happily  children playing happily on the beach  to be happily married  I think we can manage quite happily on our own.  And they all lived happily ever after (= used as the end of a fairy story).
2 by good luck
SYN FORTUNATELY : Happily, the damage was only slight.
3 willingly: I’ll happily help, if I can.
4 (formal) in a way that is suitable or appropriate: This suggestion did not fit very happily with our existing plans.
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happy
adj. (hap.pier, hap.pi.est)
FEELING / GIVING PLEASURE|
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sb)| ~ (that … ) feeling or showing pleasure; pleased: a happy smile / face  You don’t look very happy today.  We are happy to announce the engagement of our daughter.  I’m very happy for you.
2 giving or causing pleasure: a happy marriage / memory / childhood  The story has a happy ending .  Those were the happiest days of my life.
AT CELEBRATION|
3 if you wish sb a Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, etc. you mean that you hope they have a pleasant celebration
SATISFIED|
4 ~ (with / about sb/sth) satisfied that sth is good or right; not anxious: Are you happy with that arrangement?  If there’s anything you’re not happy about, come and ask.  I’m not happy with his work this term.  She was happy enough with her performance.  I’m not too happy about her living alone.  I said I’d go just to keep him happy .
WILLING|
5 ~ to do sth (formal) willing or pleased to do sth: I’m happy to leave it till tomorrow.  He will be more than happy to come with us.
LUCKY|
6 lucky; successful: By a happy coincidence , we arrived at exactly the same time.  He is in the happy position of never having to worry about money.
SUITABLE|
7 (formal) (of words, ideas or behaviour) suitable and appropriate for a particular situation: That wasn’t the happiest choice of words.
hap.pi.ness noun [U]: to find / achieve true happiness  Her eyes shone with happiness. a ,happy e'vent the birth of a baby a / the happy 'medium something that is in the middle between two choices or two ways of doing sth: She tried to strike a happy medium between making the questions too hard and making them too easy. many happy re'turns (of the 'day) used to wish sb a happy and pleasant birthday—more at MEAN n.
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,happy-go-'lucky
adj. not caring or worrying about the future: a happy-go-lucky attitude / person
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'happy hour
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a time, usually in the early evening, when a pub or a bar sells alcoholic drinks at lower prices than usual
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hara-kiri
noun [U] (from Japanese ) an act of killing yourself by cutting open your stomach with a SWORD , performed especially by the SAMURAI in Japan in the past, to avoid losing honour
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har.angue
verb, noun
verb [vn] to speak loudly and angrily in a way that criticizes sb/sth or tries to persuade people to do sth: He walked to the front of the stage and began to harangue the audience.

noun a long loud angry speech that criticizes sb/sth or tries to persuade people to do sth

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har.ass
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to annoy or worry sb by putting pressure on them or saying or doing unpleasant things to them: He has complained of being harassed by the police.  She claims she has been sexually harassed at work.
2 to make repeated attacks on an enemy
SYN HARRY : Our convoys are being continually harassed by enemy submarines.
har.ass.ment noun [U]: racial / sexual / police harassment
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har.assed
adj. tired and anxious because you have too much to do: a harassed-looking waiter  harassed mothers with their children
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har.bin.ger
noun ~ (of sth) (formal or literary) a sign that shows that sth is going to happen soon, often sth bad
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har.bour
(BrE ) (AmEhar.bor) noun, verb
noun [C, U] an area of water on the coast, protected from the open sea by strong walls, where ships can shelter: Several boats lay at anchor in the harbour.  to enter / leave harbour

verb [vn]
1 to hide and protect sb who is hiding from the police: Police believe someone must be harbouring the killer.
2 (written) to keep feelings or thoughts, especially negative ones, in your mind for a long time: The arsonist may harbour a grudge against the company.  She began to harbour doubts about the decision.
3 (written) to contain sth and allow it to develop: Your dishcloth can harbour many germs.  These woodlands once harboured a colony of red deer.

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'harbour master
(BrE ) (AmEhar.bor.mas.ter) noun an official in charge of a harbour
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hard
adj., adv.
adj. (hard.er, hard.est)
SOLID / STIFF|
1 solid, firm or stiff and difficult to bend or break: Wait for the concrete to go hard.  a hard mattress  Diamonds are the hardest known mineral.
OPP SOFT
DIFFICULT|
2 ~ (for sb) (to do sth) difficult to do, understand or answer: a hard choice / question  It is hard to believe that she’s only nine.  It’s hard to see how they can lose.  ‘When will the job be finished?’‘It’s hard to say .’ (= it is difficult to be certain)  I find his attitude very hard to take (= difficult to accept).  It’s hard for old people to change their ways.  It must be hard for her, bringing up four children on her own.  We’re finding reliable staff hard to come by (= difficult to get).
OPP EASY
3 full of difficulty and problems, especially because of a lack of money
SYN TOUGH : Times were hard at the end of the war.  She’s had a hard life.
OPP EASY
NEEDING / USING EFFORT|
4 needing or using a lot of physical strength or mental effort: It’s hard work shovelling snow.  I’ve had a long hard day.
5 (of people) putting a lot of effort or energy into an activity: She’s a very hard worker.  He’s hard at work on a new novel.  When I left they were all still hard at it (= working hard).
6 done with a lot of strength or force: He gave the door a good hard kick.  a hard punch
WITHOUT SYMPATHY|
7 showing no sympathy or affection: My father was a hard man.  She gave me a hard stare.  He said some very hard things to me.
NOT AFRAID|
8 (informal) (of people) ready to fight and showing no signs of fear or weakness: Come and get me if you think you’re hard enough.  You think you’re really hard, don’t you?
FACTS / EVIDENCE|
9 [only before noun] definitely true and based on information that can be proved: Is there any hard evidence either way?  The newspaper story is based on hard facts.
WEATHER|
10 very cold and severe: It had been a hard winter.  There was a hard frost that night.—compare MILD
DRINK|
11 [only before noun] strongly alcoholic: hard liquor   (informal) a drop of the hard stuff (= a strong alcoholic drink)—compare SOFT DRINK
WATER|
12 containing CALCIUM and other mineral salts that make mixing with soap difficult: a hard water area  Our water is very hard.
OPP SOFT
CONSONANTS|
13 (phonetics) used to describe a letter c or g when pronounced as in ‘cat’ or ‘go’, rather than as in ‘city’ or ‘giant’
OPP SOFT
hard.ness noun [U]: water hardness  hardness of heart be 'hard on sb/sth
1 to treat or criticize sb in a very severe or strict way: Don’t be too hard on him—he’s very young.
2 to be difficult for or unfair to sb/sth: It’s hard on people who don’t have a car.
3 to be likely to hurt or damage sth: Looking at a computer screen all day can be very hard on the eyes. drive / strike a hard 'bargain to argue in an aggressive way and force sb to agree on the best possible price or arrangement give sb a hard 'time to deliberately make a situation difficult and unpleasant for sb: They really gave me a hard time at the interview. ,hard and 'fast (especially after a negative) that cannot be changed in any circumstances: There are no hard and fast rules about this. (as) ,hard as 'nails showing no sympathy, kindness or fear ,hard 'cheese (BrE, informal) used as a way of saying that you are sorry about sth, usually in an IRONIC way (= you really mean the opposite) ,hard 'going difficult to understand or needing a lot of effort: I’m finding his latest novel very hard going. ,hard 'luck / 'lines (BrE) used to tell sb that you feel sorry for them: ‘Failed again, I’m afraid.’‘Oh, hard luck.’ the 'hard way by having an unpleasant experience or by making mistakes: She won’t listen to my advice so she’ll just have to learn the hard way . make hard 'work of sth to use more time or energy on a task than is necessary no hard 'feelings used to tell sb that you no longer feel any anger towards them: Someone’s got to lose. No hard feelings, Dave, eh? play hard to 'get (informal) to make yourself seem more attractive or interesting by not immediately accepting an invitation to do sth too much like hard 'work needing too much effort: I can’t be bothered making a hot meal—it’s too much like hard work.—more at JOB , NUT n. , ROCK n.

adv. (hard.er, hard.est)
WITH EFFORT|
1 with great effort; with difficulty: to work hard  to fight / struggle hard  You must try harder.  She tried her hardest not to show how disappointed she was.  Don’t hit it so hard!  He was still breathing hard after his run.  Our victory was hard won (= won with great difficulty).
WITH FORCE|
2 with great force: (figurative) Small businesses have been hit hard  / hard hit by the recession.
CAREFULLY|
3 very carefully and thoroughly: to think / look / listen hard  We thought long and hard before deciding to move house.
A LOT|
4 heavily; a lot or for a long time: It was raining hard when we set off.  to laugh / cry hard
LEFT / RIGHT|
5 at a sharp angle to the left/right: Turn hard right at the next junction. be / feel hard 'done by (informal) to be or feel unfairly treated: She has every right to feel hard done by—her parents have given her nothing. be ,hard 'pressed / 'pushed to do sth | be hard 'put (to it) to do sth to find it very difficult to do sth: He was hard put to it to explain her disappearance. be hard 'up for sth to have too few or too little of sth: We’re hard up for ideas.—see also HARD UP 'hard on sth (written) very soon after: His death followed hard on hers. take sth 'hard to be very upset by sth: He took his wife’s death very hard.—more at DIE v. , HEEL n.

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hard.back
(also hard.cover especially in AmE) noun [C, U] a book that has a stiff cover: What’s the price of the hardback?  It was published in hardback last year.  hardback books / editions—compare PAPERBACK
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hard.ball
noun (AmE )
1 the game of baseball
2 used to refer to a way of behaving, especially in politics, that shows that a person is determined to get what they want: I want us to play hardball on this issue.  hardball politics
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hard.bit.ten
adj. not easily shocked and not showing emotion, because you have experienced many unpleasant things: a hardbitten war journalist
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hard.board
noun [U] a type of stiff board made by crushing very small pieces of wood together into thin sheets
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,hard-'boiled
adj.
1 (of an egg) boiled until the inside is hard—compare SOFT-BOILED
2 (of people) not showing much emotion
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,hard 'by
prep. (old-fashioned) very near: a house hard by the river
,hard 'by adv.
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,hard 'candy
noun [U] (AmE ) = BOILED SWEET
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,hard 'cash
(BrE ) (AmE ,cold 'cash) noun [U] money, especially in the form of coins and notes, that you can spend
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'hard cider
noun (AmE ) = CIDER
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,hard 'copy
noun [U] (computing ) information from a computer that has been printed on paper—
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,hard 'core
noun (BrE )
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the small central group in an organization, or in a particular group of people, who are the most active or who will not change their beliefs or behaviour: It’s really only the hard core that bother(s) to go to meetings.  A hard core of drivers ignore the law.
2 [U] (usually 'hardcore) small pieces of stone, brick, etc. used as a base for building roads on
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,hard-'core
adj. [only before noun]
1 having a belief or a way of behaving that will not change: hard-core party members
2 showing or describing sexual activity in a detailed or violent way: They sell hard-core pornography .
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,hard 'court
noun an area with a hard surface for playing tennis on, not grass
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hard.cover
noun (especially AmE ) = HARDBACK
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,hard 'currency
noun [U, C] money that is easy to exchange for money from another country, because it is not likely to lose its value: The hotel insisted that we pay in hard currency.
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,hard 'disk
noun a disk inside a computer that stores data and programs—compare FLOPPY DISK —
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'hard-drinking
adj. drinking a lot of alcohol
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,hard 'drug
noun [usually pl.] a powerful illegal drug, such as HEROIN , that some people take for pleasure and can become ADDICTED to—compare SOFT DRUG
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,hard-'earned
adj. that you get only after a lot of work and effort: hard-earned cash  We finally managed a hard-earned draw.
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,hard-'edged
adj. powerful, true to life and not affected by emotion: the movie’s hard-edged realism
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hard.en
verb
1 to become or make sth become firm, stiff or solid: [v] The varnish takes a few hours to harden.   (figurative) Their suspicions hardened into certainty.  [vn] a method for hardening and preserving wood
2 if your voice, face, etc. hardens, or you harden it, it becomes more serious or severe: [v] Her face hardened into an expression of hatred.  [vn] He hardened his voice when he saw she wasn’t listening.
3 if sb’s feelings or attitudes harden or sb/sth hardens them, they become more fixed and determined: [v] Public attitudes to the strike have hardened.  Opinion seems to be hardening against the invasion.  [vn] The incident hardened her resolve to leave the company.
4 [vn] [usually passive] to make sb less kind or less affected by extreme situations: Joe sounded different, hardened by the war.  They were hardened criminals (= they showed no regret for their crimes).  In this job you have to harden your heart to pain and suffering.
hard.en.ing noun [U, sing.]: hardening of the arteries  a hardening of attitudes towards one-parent families
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,hard-'faced
adj. (disapproving) (of a person) showing no feeling or sympathy for other people
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,hard-'fought
adj. that involves fighting very hard: a hard-fought battle / win / victory
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,hard 'hat
noun a protective hat worn by building workers, etc.—picture at HAT
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,hard-'headed
adj. determined and not allowing your emotions to affect your decisions: a hard-headed businessman
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,hard-'hearted
adj. giving no importance to the feelings or problems of other people—compare SOFT-HEARTED
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,hard-'hitting
adj. not afraid to talk about or criticize sb/sth in an honest and very direct way: a hard-hitting campaign / report / speech
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,hard 'labour
(BrE ) (AmE,hard 'labor) noun [U] punishment in prison that involves a lot of very hard physical work
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,hard 'left
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (especially BrE ) the members of a LEFT-WING political party who have the most extreme opinions: hard-left policies
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,hard 'line
noun [sing.] a strict policy or attitude: the judge’s hard line against drug dealers  The government took a hard line on the strike.
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,hard-'line
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of a person) having very fixed beliefs and being unlikely or unwilling to change them: a hard-line Communist
2 (of ideas) very fixed and unlikely to change: a hard-line attitude
hard.liner noun: a Republican hardliner
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,hard-'luck story
noun a story about yourself that you tell sb in order to get their sympathy or help
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hard.ly
adv.
1 almost no; almost not; almost none: There’s hardly any tea left.  Hardly anyone has bothered to reply.  She hardly ever calls me (= almost never).  We hardly know each other.  Hardly a day goes by without my thinking of her (= I think of her almost every day).
2 used especially after ‘can’ or ‘could’ and before the main verb, to emphasize that it is difficult to do sth: I can hardly keep my eyes open (= I’m almost falling asleep).  I could hardly believe it when I read the letter.
3 used to say that sth has just begun, happened, etc: We can’t stop for coffee now, we’ve hardly started.  We had hardly sat down to supper when the phone rang.   (written) Hardly had she spoken than she regretted it bitterly.
4 used to suggest that sth is unlikely or unreasonable or that sb is silly for saying or doing sth: He is hardly likely to admit he was wrong.  It’s hardly surprising she was fired; she never did any work.  It’s hardly the time to discuss it now.  You can hardly expect her to do it for free.  ‘Couldn’t you have just said no?’‘Well, hardly, (= of course not) she’s my wife’s sister.’  note at HARD
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,hard-'nosed
adj. not affected by feelings when trying to get what you want: a hard-nosed journalist
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,hard of 'hearing
adj. [not before noun]
1 unable to hear very well
2 (the hard of hearing) noun [pl.] people who are unable to hear very well: subtitles for the deaf and the hard of hearing
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'hard-on
noun ( , slang) an ERECTION (1)
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,hard 'porn
noun [U] (informal) films/movies, pictures, books, etc. that show sexual activity in a very detailed and sometimes violent way—compare SOFT PORN
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,hard-'pressed
adj.
1 having a lot of problems, especially too much work, and too little time or money: Hard-pressed junior doctors want shorter working hours.
2 ~ to do sth finding sth very difficult to do: You would be hard-pressed to find a better secretary.
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,hard 'right
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (especially BrE ) the members of a RIGHT-WING political party who have the most extreme opinions: hard-right opinions
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,hard 'rock
noun [U] a type of loud modern music with a very strong beat, played on electric guitars
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hard.scrab.ble
adj. (AmE ) not having enough of the basic things you need to live: a hardscrabble life / upbringing
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,hard 'sell
noun [sing., U] a method of selling sth that puts a lot of pressure on the customer to buy it—compare SOFT SELL
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hard.ship
noun [U, C] a situation that is difficult and unpleasant because you do not have enough money, food, clothes, etc: economic / financial hardship  People suffered many hardships during that long winter.  It was no hardship to walk home on such a lovely evening.
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,hard 'shoulder
(BrE ) (AmE 'breakdown lane) noun [sing.] a strip of ground with a hard surface beside a motorway/freeway where vehicles can stop in an emergency: to pull over onto the hard shoulder / into the breakdown lane
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hard.top
noun a car with a metal roof
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,hard 'up
adj. (informal)
1 having very little money, especially for a short period of time: hard up students
2 ~ (for sth) lacking in sth interesting to do, talk about, etc: ‘You could always go out with Steve.’‘I’m not that hard up!’
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hard.ware
noun [U]
1 (computing) the machinery and electronic parts of a computer system—compare SOFTWARE
2 (BrE also iron.mon.gery) tools and equipment that are used in the house and garden/yard: a hardware shop
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'hardware dealer
noun (AmE ) = IRONMONGER
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,hard-'wearing
adj. (BrE ) that lasts a long time and remains in good condition: a hard-wearing carpet
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,hard-'wired
adj. (technical ) (of computer functions) built into the permanent system and not provided by SOFTWARE
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,hard-'won
adj. [usually before noun] that you only get after fighting or working hard for it: She was not going to give up her hard-won freedom so easily.
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hard.wood
noun [U, C] hard heavy wood from a DECIDUOUS tree (= one that loses its leaves in winter): hardwood doors / floors—compare SOFTWOOD
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,hard-'working
adj. putting a lot of effort into a job and doing it well: hard-working nurses
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hardy
adj. (har.dier, har.di.est)
1 strong and able to survive difficult conditions and bad weather: a hardy breed of sheep
2 (of a plant) that can live outside through the winter
hardi.ness noun [U]
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hare
noun, verb
noun an animal like a large rabbit with very strong back legs, that can run very fast—compare RABBIT
IDM see MAD

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE ) to run or go somewhere very fast

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hare.bell
(ScotE blue.bell) noun a wild plant with delicate blue flowers shaped like bells
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'hare-brained
adj. (informal) crazy and unlikely to succeed: a hare-brained scheme / idea / theory
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hare.lip
noun an old-fashioned and now offensive word for CLEFT LIP
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harem
noun
1 the women or wives belonging to a rich man, especially in some Muslim societies
2 the separate part of a traditional Muslim house where the women live
3 (technical) a group of female animals that share the same male for MATING
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hari.cot
(also ,haricot 'bean) (both BrE ) (AmE 'navy bean) noun a type of small white bean that is usually dried before it is sold and then soaked before cooking
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hark
verb [v] (old use) used only as an order to tell sb to listen: Hark! I hear a step on the stair!
PVR V 'hark at sb (BrE, spoken) used only as an order to draw attention to sb who has just said sth stupid or who is showing too much pride: Just hark at him! Who does he think he is? ,hark 'back (to sth)
1 to remember or talk about sth that happened in the past: She’s always harking back to how things used to be.
2 to remind you of, or to be like, sth in the past: The newest styles hark back to the clothes of the Seventies.
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har.ken
= HEARKEN
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har.le.quin
noun an amusing character in some traditional plays, who wears special brightly coloured clothes with a diamond pattern
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har.lot
noun (old use, disapproving) a prostitute, or a woman who looks and behaves like one
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harm
noun, verb
noun [U] damage or injury that is caused by a person or an event: He would never frighten anyone or cause them any harm .  He may look fierce, but he means no harm .  The court case will do serious harm to my business.  The accident could have been much worse; luckily no harm was done .  Don’t worry, we’ll see that the children come to no harm .  I can’t say I like Mark very much, but I don’t wish him any harm .  Hard work never did anyone any harm .  Look, we’re just going out for a few drinks, where’s the harm in that ?  The treatment they gave him did him more harm than good .
IDM ,no 'harm done (spoken) used to tell sb not to worry because they have caused no serious damage or injury: Forget it, Dave, no harm done. out of harm’s 'way in a safe place where sb/sth cannot be hurt or injured or do any damage to sb/sth there is no harm in (sb’s) doing sth | it does no harm (for sb) to do sth used to tell sb that sth is a good idea and will not cause any problems: He may say no, but there’s no harm in asking.  It does no harm to ask.

verb [vn] to hurt or injure sb or to damage sth: He would never harm anyone.  Pollution can harm marine life.  These revelations will harm her chances of winning the election.
IDM see FLY n. , HAIR

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harm.ful
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) causing damage or injury to sb/sth, especially to a person’s health or to the environment: the harmful effects of alcohol  Fruit juices can be harmful to children’s teeth.  the sun’s harmful ultra-violet rays  Many household products are potentially harmful.
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harm.less
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) unable or unlikely to cause damage or harm: The bacteria is harmless to humans.
2 unlikely to upset or offend anyone: It’s just a bit of harmless fun.
harm.less.ly adv.: The missile fell harmlessly into the sea.
harm.less.ness noun [U]
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har.mon.ic
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (music ) relating to the way notes are played or sung together to make a pleasing sound: the harmonic and rhythmic interest of the music

noun [usually pl.] (music ) a note that can be played on some musical instruments, that is higher and quieter than the main note being played

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har.mon.ica
(BrE also 'mouth organ) noun a small musical instrument that you hold near your mouth and play by blowing or sucking air through it
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har.mo.ni.ous
adj.
1 (of relationships, etc.) friendly, peaceful and without any disagreement
2 arranged together in a pleasing way so that each part goes well with the others: a harmonious combination of colours
3 (of sounds) very pleasant when played or sung together
har.mo.ni.ous.ly adv.: They worked very harmoniously together.
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har.mo.nium
noun a musical instrument like a small ORGAN . Air is pumped through metal pipes to produce the sound and the different notes are played on the keyboard.
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har.mon.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth) (written) if two or more things harmonize with each other or one thing harmonizes with the other, the things go well together and produce an attractive result: The new building does not harmonize with its surroundings.
2 [vn] (written) to make systems or rules similar in different countries or organizations: the need to harmonize tax levels across the European Union
3 [v] ~ (with sb/sth) to play or sing music that combines with the main tune to make a pleasing sound: Sally sang the melody while I harmonized.
har.mon.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
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har.mony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a state of peaceful existence and agreement: the need to be in harmony with our environment  to live together in perfect harmony  social / racial harmony—compare DISCORD
2 [U, C] (music) the way in which different notes that are played or sung together combine to make a pleasing sound: to sing in harmony  to study four-part harmony  passionate lyrics and stunning vocal harmonies—compare DISCORD
3 [C, U] a pleasing combination of related things: the harmony of colour in nature
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har.ness
noun, verb
noun
1 a set of leather straps and metal pieces that is put around a horse’s head and body so that the horse can be controlled and fastened to a carriage, etc.
2 a set of straps for fastening sth to a person’s body or to keep them from moving off or falling: a safety harness—picture at CHAIR
IDM in 'harness (BrE) doing your normal work, especially after a rest or a holiday in harness (with sb) (BrE) working closely with sb in order to achieve sth

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (to sth) to put a harness on a horse or other animal; to attach a horse or other animal to sth with a harness : to harness a horse  We harnessed two ponies to the cart.   (figurative) In some areas, the poor feel harnessed to their jobs.
2 to control and use the force or strength of sth to produce power or to achieve sth: attempts to harness the sun’s rays as a source of energy  We must harness the skill and creativity of our workforce.

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harp
noun, verb
noun a large musical instrument with strings stretched on an upright frame, played with the fingers—

verb
PVR V ,harp 'on (about sth)| 'harp on sth to keep talking about sth in a boring or annoying way

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harp.ist
noun a person who plays the harp
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har.poon
noun, verb
noun a weapon like a SPEAR that you can throw or fire from a gun and is used for catching large fish, WHALES , etc.

verb [vn] to hit sth with a harpoon

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harp.si.chord
noun an early type of musical instrument similar to a piano, but with strings that are PLUCKED (= pulled), not hit
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harp.si.chord.ist
noun a person who plays the harpsichord
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harpy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (in ancient Greek and Roman stories) a cruel creature with a woman’s head and body and a bird’s wings and feet
2 a cruel woman
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har.ri.dan
noun (old-fashioned or literary) a bad-tempered unpleasant woman
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har.rier
noun a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the HAWK family
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har.row
noun a piece of farming equipment that is pulled over land that has been PLOUGHED to break up the earth before planting
har.row verb [vn]
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har.row.ing
adj. very shocking or frightening and making you feel very upset: a harrowing experience / film
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harry
verb (har.ries, harry.ing, har.ried, har.ried) [vn] (written)
1 to annoy or upset sb by continuously asking them questions or for sth: She has been harried by the press all week.
2 to make repeated attacks on an enemy
SYN HARASS : They harried the retreating army.
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harsh
adj. (harsh.er, harsh.est)
1 cruel, severe and unkind: The punishment was harsh and unfair.  The minister received some harsh criticism .  the harsh treatment of slaves  He regretted his harsh words.  We had to face up to the harsh realities of life sooner or later.
2 (of weather or living conditions) very difficult and unpleasant to live in: a harsh winter / wind / climate  the harsh conditions of poverty which existed for most people at that time
3 too strong and bright; ugly or unpleasant to look at: harsh colours  She was caught in the harsh glare of the headlights.  the harsh lines of concrete buildings
4 unpleasant to listen to: a harsh voice
5 too strong and rough and likely to damage sth: harsh detergents
harsh.ly adv.: She was treated very harshly.  Alec laughed harshly.
harsh.ness noun [U]
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hart
noun a male deer, especially a red deer; a STAG —compare BUCK , HIND
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har.vest
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the time of year when the crops are gathered in on a farm, etc.; the act of cutting and gathering crops: harvest time  Farmers are extremely busy during the harvest.
2 [C] the crops, or the amount of crops, cut and gathered: the grain harvest  a good / bad harvest (= a lot of crops or few crops)
IDM see REAP

verb [v, vn] to cut and gather a crop; to catch a number of animals or fish to eat

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har.vest.er
noun
1 a machine that cuts and gathers grain—see also COMBINE HARVESTER
2 (old-fashioned) a person who helps to gather in the crops
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,harvest 'festival
noun a service held in Christian churches when people thank God for the crops that have been gathered—compare THANKSGIVING
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has
HAVE
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has-been
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is no longer as famous, successful or important as they used to be
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hash
noun
1 [U, C] a hot dish of cooked meat and potatoes that are cut into small pieces and mixed together: corned beef hash
2 [U] (informal) = HASHISH
3 (also 'hash sign) (both BrE) (AmE 'pound sign) [C] the symbol ( # ), especially one on a telephone
IDM make a 'hash of sth (informal) to do sth badly: I made a real hash of the interview.
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,hash 'browns
noun [pl.] (AmE ) a dish of chopped potatoes and onions, fried until they are brown
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hash.ish
(also informal hash) noun [U] a drug made from the RESIN of the HEMP plant, which gives a feeling of being relaxed when it is smoked or chewed. Use of the drug is illegal in many countries.
SYN CANNABIS
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hasn’t
short form has not
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hasp
noun a flat piece of metal with a long narrow hole in it, used with a PADLOCK to fasten doors, boxes, etc.
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has.sle
noun, verb
noun [C, U] (informal)
1 a situation that is annoying because it involves doing sth difficult or complicated that needs a lot of effort: It’s a hassle having to travel with so many bags.  Send them a fax—it’s a lot less hassle than phoning.  legal hassles
2 a situation in which people disagree, argue or annoy you: Do as you’re told and don’t give me any hassle!  Try not to get into a hassle with this guy.

verb (informal) [vn] to annoy sb or cause them trouble, especially by asking them to do sth many times: Don’t keep hassling me! I’ll do it later.

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has.sock
noun
1 a thick firm cushion used for kneeling on in a church
2 (AmE) = POUFFE
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hast
(thou hast) (old use) a way of saying ‘you have’
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haste
noun [U] speed in doing sth, especially because you do not have enough time: In her haste to complete the work on time, she made a number of mistakes.  The letter had clearly been written in haste .  After his first wife died, he married again with almost indecent haste.   (old-fashioned) She made haste to open the door.
IDM ,more 'haste, ,less 'speed (BrE, saying) you will finish doing sth sooner if you do not try to do it too quickly because you will make fewer mistakes
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has.ten
verb
1 [v to inf] to say or do sth without delay: She saw his frown and hastened to explain.  He has been described as a ‘charmless bore’—not by me, I hasten to add .
2 [vn] (written) to make sth happen sooner or more quickly: The treatment she received may, in fact, have hastened her death.  News of the scandal certainly hastened his departure from office.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) to go or move somewhere quickly
SYN HURRY : We hastened back to Rome.
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hasty
adj. (hasti.er, hasti.est)
1 said, made or done very quickly, especially when this has bad results: a hasty departure / meal / farewell  The army beat a hasty retreat.  Let’s not make any hasty decisions.
2 ~ in doing sth (of a person) acting or deciding too quickly, without enough thought: Perhaps I was too hasty in rejecting his offer.
IDM see BEAT v.
hasti.ly adv.: Perhaps I spoke too hastily.  She hastily changed the subject.
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hat
noun
1 a covering made to fit the head, often with a BRIM , (= a flat edge that sticks out) and worn out of doors: a straw / woolly hat  to put on / take off a hat
2 (informal) a position or role, especially an official or professional role, when you have more than one such role: I’m wearing two hats tonight—parent and teacher.  I’m telling you this with my lawyer’s hat on, you understand.—see also OLD HAT
IDM go hat in 'hand (to sb) (AmE) = GO CAP IN HAND keep sth under your 'hat (informal) to keep sth secret and not tell anyone else ,my 'hat (old-fashioned, BrE) used to express surprise out of a / the 'hat if sth such as a name is picked out of a/the hat, it is picked at RANDOM from a container into which all the names are put, so that each name has an equal chance of being picked, in a competition, etc. I take my 'hat off to sb | hats off to sb (both especially BrE) (AmE usually I tip my 'hat to sb) (informal) used to say that you admire sb very much for sth they have done throw your 'hat into the ring to announce officially that you are going to compete in an election, a competition, etc.—more at DROP n. , EAT , KNOCK v. , PASS v. , PULL v. , TALK v.
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hat.band
noun a band of fabric placed around a hat as decoration
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hatch
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (out) (of a young bird, fish, insect, etc.) to come out of an egg: Ten chicks hatched (out) this morning.
2 [v] ~ (out) (of an egg) to break open so that a young bird, fish, insect, etc. can come out: The eggs are about to hatch.
3 [vn] to make a young bird, fish, insect, etc. come out of an egg: The female must find a warm place to hatch her eggs.
4 [vn] ~ sth (up) to create a plan or idea, especially in secret: Have you been hatching up a deal with her?
IDM see COUNT v.

noun
1 (also hatch.way) an opening or a door in the DECK of a ship or the bottom of an aircraft, through which goods to be carried are lowered
2 an opening in a wall between two rooms, especially a kitchen and a DINING ROOM , through which food can be passed: a serving hatch
3 a door in an aircraft or a spacecraft: an escape hatch
4 an opening or a door in a floor or ceiling: a hatch to the attic
IDM ,down the 'hatch (informal, saying) used before drinking sth, especially to express good wishes before drinking alcohol—more at BATTEN

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hatch.back
noun a car with a sloping door at the back that opens upwards—picture at CAR
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hatch.ery
noun (pl.-ies) a place for HATCHING eggs: a trout hatchery
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hatchet
noun a small AXE (= a tool with a heavy blade for chopping things) with a short handle—picture at AXE
IDM see BURY
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'hatchet-faced
adj. (disapproving) (of a person) having a long thin face and sharp features
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'hatchet job
noun [usually sing.] ~ (on sb/sth) (informal) strong criticism that is often unfair and is intended to harm sb/sth: The press did a very effective hatchet job on her last movie.
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'hatchet man
noun (informal) a person employed by an organization to make changes that are not popular with the other people who work there
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hatch.way
noun = HATCH
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hate
verb, noun
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 to dislike sth very much: [vn] I hate spinach.  I hate Monday mornings.  I hate it when people cry.  He hated it in France (= did not like the life there).  I hate the way she always criticizes me.  [v -ing] She hates making mistakes.  [v to inf] He hated to be away from his family.  She’s a person who hates to make mistakes.  I hate to think what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.  [vn -ing] He hates anyone parking in his space.  [vn to inf] She would have hated him to see how her hands shook.  I’d hate anything to happen to him.
2 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to dislike sb very much: The two boys hated each other.  I hated myself for feeling jealous.  He was her most hated enemy.
3 [no passive] [v to inf] used when saying sth that you would prefer not to have to say, or when politely asking to do sth: I hate to say it, but I don’t think their marriage will last.  I hate to trouble you, but could I use your phone?
hater noun: I’m not a woman hater, I just don’t like Joan.
IDM hate sb’s 'guts (informal) to dislike sb very much

noun
1 [U] a very strong feeling of dislike for sb HATRED : She spoke of her hate for the killers.  a look of hate  a hate campaign (= cruel comments made about sb over a period of time in order to damage their reputation)  hate mail (= letters containing cruel comments)
2 [C] (informal) a person or thing that you hate: Plastic flowers have always been a particular hate of mine.
IDM see PET adj.

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hate.ful
adj. ~ (to sb) very unkind or unpleasant: a hateful person / place / face  The idea of fighting against men of their own race was hateful to them.
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hath
(old use) has
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hat.red
noun [U, C] ~ (for / of sb/sth)| ~ (towards sb) a very strong feeling of dislike for sb/sth: He looked at me with intense hatred.  There was fear and hatred in his voice.  She felt nothing but hatred for her attacker.  a profound hatred of war  racial hatred (= between people from different races)  The debate simply revived old hatreds.  note at HATE
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hat.ter
noun (old-fashioned) a person who makes and sells hats
IDM see MAD
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'hat-trick
noun three points, goals, etc. scored by the same player in a particular match or game; three successes achieved by one person: to score a hat-trick  a hat-trick of wins
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haughty
adj. behaving in an unfriendly way towards other people because you think that you are better than them: a haughty face / look / manner  He replied with haughty disdain.
haught.ily adv.
haughti.ness noun [U]
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haul
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to pull sth/sb with a lot of effort: The wagons were hauled by horses.  He reached down and hauled Liz up onto the wall.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ yourself up / out of etc. to move yourself somewhere slowly and with a lot of effort: She hauled herself out of bed.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to force sb to go somewhere they do not want to go: A number of suspects have been hauled in for questioning.
4 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (up) before sb/sth to make sb appear in a court of law in order to be judged: He was hauled up before the local magistrates for dangerous driving.
IDM haul sb over the 'coals (BrE) (AmE rake sb over the 'coals) to criticize sb severely because they have done sth wrong

noun
1 a large amount of sth that has been stolen or that is illegal: a haul of jewellery / weapons  a drugs haul
2 (especially in sport) a large number of points, goals, etc: His haul of 40 goals in a season is a record.
3 [usually sing.] the distance covered in a particular journey: They began the long slow haul to the summit.  Our camp is only a short haul from here.  Take the coast road—it’ll be less of a haul (= an easier journey).   (figurative) It’s going to be a long haul till you’re fit again (= it will take a long time).—see also LONG-HAUL , SHORT-HAUL
4 a quantity of fish caught at one time

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haul.age
noun [U] (BrE ) the business of transporting goods by road or railway; money charged for this: the road haulage industry  a haulage firm / contractor  How much is haulage?
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haul.ier
(BrE ) (AmE haul.er ) noun a person or company whose business is transporting goods by road or railway/railroad
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haunch
noun
1 (haunches) [pl.] the tops of the legs and BUTTOCKS ; the similar parts at the back of the body of an animal that has four legs: to crouch / squat on your haunches
2 [C] a back leg and LOIN of an animal that has four legs, eaten as food: a haunch of venison
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haunt
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 if the ghost of a dead person haunts a place, people say that they have seen it there: A headless rider haunts the country lanes.
2 if sth unpleasant haunts you, it keeps coming to your mind so that you cannot forget it: The memory of that day still haunts me.  For years she was haunted by guilt.
3 to continue to cause problems for sb for a long time: That decision came back to haunt him in later life.

noun a place that sb visits often or where they spend a lot of time: Is this one of your usual haunts?  The pub is a favourite haunt of artists.

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haunt.ed
adj.
1 (of a building) believed to be visited by ghosts: a haunted house
2 (of an expression on sb’s face) showing that sb is very worried: There was a haunted look in his eyes.
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haunt.ing
adj. beautiful, sad or frightening in a way that cannot be forgotten: a haunting melody / experience / image
haunt.ing.ly adv.: a hauntingly beautiful landscape
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haute cou.ture
noun [U] (from French ) the business of making fashionable and expensive clothes for women; the clothes made in this business
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haute cuis.ine
noun [U] (from French ) cooking of a very high standard
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haut.eur
noun [U] (formal) an unfriendly way of behaving towards other people suggesting that you think that you are better than they are
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have
verb, auxiliary verb
verb (has, hav.ing, had, had) (In some senses have got is also used, especially in British English.)
OWN / HOLD|
1 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to own, hold or POSSESS sth: He had a new car and a boat.  Have you got a job yet?  I don’t have that much money on me.  She’s got a BA in English.
CONSIST OF|
2 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) be made up of: In 1999 the party had 10 000 members.
QUALITY / FEATURE|
3 (also have got) (not used in the progressive tenses) to show a quality or feature: [vn] The ham had a smoky flavour.  The house has gas-fired central heating.  They have a lot of courage.  [vn-adj] He’s got a front tooth missing.
4 (also have got) [vn to inf] (not used in the progressive tenses) to show a particular quality by your actions: Surely she didn’t have the nerve to say that to him?
RELATIONSHIP|
5 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) used to show a particular relationship: He’s got three children.  Do you have a client named Peters?
STH AVAILABLE|
6 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be able to make use of sth because it is available: Have you got time to call him?  We have no choice in the matter.
SHOULD / MUST|
7 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be in a position where you ought to do sth: We have a duty to care for the refugees.
8 (also have got) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be in a position of needing to do sth: [vn] I’ve got a lot of homework tonight.  [vn to inf] I must go—I have a bus to catch.
HOLD|
9 (also have got) [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) to hold sb/sth in the way mentioned: She’d got him by the collar.  He had his head in his hands.
PUT / KEEP IN A POSITION|
10 (also have got) [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) to place or keep sth in a particular position: Mary had her back to me.  I soon had the fish in a net.
FEELING / THOUGHT|
11 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to let a feeling or thought come into your mind: He had the strong impression that someone was watching him.  We’ve got a few ideas for the title.   (spoken) I’ve got it! We’ll call it ‘Word Magic’.
ILLNESS|
12 (also have got) [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to suffer from an illness or a disease: I’ve got a headache.
EXPERIENCE|
13 [vn] to experience sth: I went to a few parties and had a good time.  I was having difficulty in staying awake.  She’ll have an accident one day.
EVENT|
14 [vn] to organize or hold an event: Let’s have a party.
EAT / DRINK / SMOKE|
15 [vn] to eat, drink or smoke sth: to have breakfast / lunch / dinner  I’ll have the salmon (for example, in a restaurant).  I had a cigarette while I was waiting.
DO STH|
16 [vn] to perform a particular action: I had a swim to cool down.   (BrE) to have a wash / shower / bath
GIVE BIRTH|
17 [vn] to give birth to sb/sth: She’s going to have a baby.
EFFECT|
18 [vn] to produce a particular effect: His paintings had a strong influence on me as a student.  The colour green has a restful effect.
RECEIVE|
19 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to receive sth from sb: I had a letter from my brother this morning.  Can I have the bill, please?
20 [vn] to be given sth; to have sth done to you: I’m having treatment for my back problem.  How many driving lessons have you had so far?
21 (also have got) [vn -ing] (not used in the progressive tenses) to experience the effects of sb’s actions: We have orders coming in from all over the world.
HAVE STH DONE|
22 [vn] (used with a past participle) ~ sth done to suffer the effects of what sb else does to you: She had her bag stolen.
23 [vn] (used with a past participle) ~ sth done to cause sth to be done for you by sb else: You’ve had your hair cut!  We’re having our car repaired.
24 to tell or arrange for sb to do sth for you: [vn inf] He had the bouncers throw them out of the club.   (informal) I’ll have you know (= I’m telling you) I’m a black belt in judo.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] She’s always having the builders in to do something or other.
ALLOW|
25 (used in negative sentences, especially after will not, cannot, etc.) to allow sth; to accept sth without complaining: [vn] I’m sick of your rudeness—I won’t have it any longer!  [vn -ing] We can’t have people arriving late all the time.
PUT SB / STH IN A CONDITION|
26 to cause sb/sth to be in a particular state; to make sb react in a particular way: [vn-adj] I want to have everything ready in good time.  [vn -ing] He had his audience listening attentively.
IN ARGUMENT|
27 (also have got) [vn] (informal) (not used in the progressive tenses) to put sb at a disadvantage in an argument: You’ve got me there . I hadn’t thought of that.
SEX|
28 [vn] (slang) to have sex with sb: He had her in his office.
TRICK|
29 [vn] [usually passive] (informal) to trick or deceive sb: I’m afraid you’ve been had.
GUESTS|
30 [vn] [no passive] to take care of sb/sth in your home, especially for a limited period: We’re having the kids for the weekend.
31 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [no passive] to entertain sb in your home: We had some friends to dinner last night.
BE WITH|
32 (also have got) [vn] ~ sb with you (not used in the progressive tenses) to be with sb: She had some friends with her.
FOR A JOB|
33 [vn] [no passive] ~ sb as sth to take or accept sb for a particular role: Who can we have as treasurer? Most idioms containing have are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example have your eye on sb is at eyen.  have 'done with sth (especially BrE) to finish sth unpleasant so that it does not continue: Let’s have done with this silly argument. have 'had it (informal)
1 to be in a very bad condition; to be unable to be repaired: The car had had it.
2 to be extremely tired: I’ve had it! I’m going to bed.
3 to have lost all chance of surviving sth: When the truck smashed into me, I thought I’d had it.
4 to be going to experience sth unpleasant: Dad saw you scratch the car—you’ve had it now!
5 to be unable to accept a situation any longer: I’ve had it (up to here) with him —he’s done it once too often. have it 'off / a'way (with sb) (BrE, slang) to have sex with sb 'have it (that … ) to claim that it is a fact that …: Rumour has it that we’ll have a new manager soon. have (got) it / that 'coming (to you) to be likely to suffer the unpleasant effects of your actions and to deserve to do so: It was no surprise when she left him—everyone knew he had it coming to him. have it 'in for sb (informal) to not like sb and be unpleasant to them have it 'in you (to do sth) (informal) to be capable of doing sth: Everyone thinks he has it in him to produce a literary classic.  You were great. I didn’t know you had it in you. have (got) 'nothing on sb/sth (informal) to be not nearly as good as sb/sth—see also HAVE STH ON SB not 'having any (informal) not willing to listen to or believe sth: I tried to persuade her to wait but she wasn’t having any. what 'have you other things, people, etc. of the same kind: There’s room in the cellar to store old furniture and what have you. ,have (got) sth a'gainst sb/sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to dislike sb/sth for a particular reason: What have you got against Ruth? She’s always been good to you. ,have sb<->'back to allow a husband, wife or partner that you are separated from to return ,have sth 'back to receive sth that sb has borrowed or taken from you: You can have your files back after we’ve checked them. ,have (got) sth 'in (not used in the progressive tenses) to have a supply of sth in your home, etc: Have we got enough food in? ,have sb 'on (informal) to try to make sb believe sth that is not true, usually as a joke: You didn’t really, did you? You’re not having me on, are you? ,have (got) sth 'on (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 to be wearing sth: She had a red jacket on.  He had nothing (= no clothes) on.  note at WEAR
2 to leave a piece of equipment working: She has her TV on all day.
3 to have arranged to do sth: I can’t see you this week—I’ve got a lot on. ,have (got) sth 'on sb [no passive] (informal) (not used in the progressive tenses) to know sth bad about sb, especially sth that connects them with a crime: I’m not worried—they’ve got nothing on me. ,have sth 'out to cause sth, especially a part of your body, to be removed: I had to have my appendix out. ,have sth 'out (with sb) to try to settle a dispute by discussing or arguing about it openly: I need to have it out with her once and for all. ,have sb 'up (for sth) (BrE, informal) [usually passive] to cause sb to be accused of sth in a court of law: He was had up for manslaughter.

auxiliary verb used with the past participle to form perfect tenses: I’ve finished my work.  He’s gone home, hasn’t he?  ‘Have you seen it?’‘Yes, I have / No, I haven’t.’  She’ll have had the results by now.  Had they left before you got there?  If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed it.   (formal) Had I known that (= if I had known that) I would never have come.

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haven
noun a place that is safe and peaceful where people go to rest or to be protected from sth: The hotel is a haven of peace and tranquility.  The river banks are a haven for wildlife.—see also SAFE HAVEN , TAX HAVEN
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the ,have-'nots
noun [pl.] people who do not have money and possessions—compare THE HAVES
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haven’t
short form have not
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hav.er.sack
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a bag that is carried on the back or over the shoulder, especially when walking in the country
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the 'haves
noun [pl.] people who have enough money and possessions: the division between the haves and the have-nots—compare THE HAVE-NOTS
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have to
modal verb (has to had to, had to )
1 (also have got to) used to show that you must do sth: Sorry, I’ve got to go.  Did she have to pay a fine?  You don’t have to knock—just walk in.  I haven’t got to leave till seven.  First, you have to think logically about your fears.   (spoken) I have to admit , the idea of marriage scares me.  Do you have to go?   (especially BrE) Have you got to go?
2 (also have got to especially in BrE) used to give advice or recommend sth: You simply have to get a new job.  You’ve got to try this recipe—it’s delicious.
3 (also have got to especially in BrE) used to say that sth must be true or must happen: There has to be a reason for his strange behaviour.  This war has got to end soon.
4 (spoken) used to suggest that an annoying event happens in order to annoy you, or that sb does sth in order to annoy you: Of course, it had to start raining as soon as we got to the beach.  Do you have to hum so loudly? (= it is annoying)  note at MODAL , MUST
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havoc
noun [U] a situation in which there is a lot of damage, destruction or disorder: The floods caused havoc throughout the area.  Continuing strikes are beginning to play havoc with the national economy.  These insects can wreak havoc on crops.
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haw
verb
IDM see HUM v.
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hawk
noun, verb
noun
1 a strong fast BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food): He waited, watching her like a hawk (= watching her very closely).—see also SPARROWHAWK
2 a person, especially a politician, who supports the use of military force to solve problems—compare DOVE

verb
1 [vn] to try to sell things by going from place to place asking people to buy them
SYN PEDDLE : He made a living hawking cleaning products from door to door.
2 [v, vn] to get PHLEGM in your mouth when you cough

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hawk.er
noun a person who makes money by hawking goods
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,hawk-'eyed
adj. (of a person) watching closely and carefully and noticing small details
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hawk.ish
adj. (politics ) preferring to use military action rather than peaceful discussion in order to solve a problem
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haw.ser
noun (technical ) a thick rope or steel cable used on a ship
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haw.thorn
noun [U, C] a prickly bush or small tree with white or pink flowers and small dark red berries called haws: a hawthorn hedge
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hay
noun [U]
1 grass that has been cut and dried and is used as food for animals: a bale of hay—compare STRAW
2 (AmE, informal) a small amount of money: I get $50 for each of these and that’s not hay!
IDM make hay while the 'sun shines (saying) to make good use of opportunities, good conditions, etc. while they last—more at HIT v. , ROLL n.
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'hay fever
noun an illness that affects the nose, eyes and throat and is caused by POLLEN from plants that is breathed in from the air
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hay.mak.ing
noun [U] the process of cutting and drying grass to make HAY
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hay.ride
noun (AmE ) a ride for pleasure on a CART filled with HAY , pulled by a horse or TRACTOR
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hay.stack
(also less frequent hay.rick ) noun a large pile of HAY , used as a way of storing it until it is needed
IDM see NEEDLE n.
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hay.wire
adj.
IDM go 'haywire (informal) to stop working correctly or become out of control: After that, things started to go haywire.
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haz.ard
noun, verb
noun ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (of sth / of doing sth) a thing that can be dangerous or cause damage: a fire / safety hazard  Growing levels of pollution represent a serious health hazard to the local population.  Everybody is aware of the hazards of smoking.  hazard lights (= flashing lights on a car that warn other drivers of possible danger)

verb
1 to make a suggestion or guess which you know may be wrong: [vn] Would you like to hazard a guess ?  [v speech] ‘Is it Tom you’re going with?’ she hazarded. [alsov that]
2 [vn] (formal) to risk sth or put it in danger
SYN ENDANGER : Careless drivers hazard other people’s lives as well as their own.

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haz.ard.ous
adj. involving risk or danger, especially to sb’s health or safety: hazardous waste / chemicals  a hazardous journey  It would be hazardous to invest so much.  a list of products that are potentially hazardous to health
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haze
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] air that is difficult to see through because it contains very small drops of water, especially caused by hot weather: a heat haze
2 [sing.] air containing sth that makes it difficult to see through it: a haze of smoke / dust / steam
3 [sing.] a mental state in which your thoughts, feelings, etc. are not clear: an alcoholic haze  a haze of pain

verb
1 [vn, v] to become covered or to cover sth in a HAZE
2 [vn] (AmE) to play tricks on sb, especially a new student, or to give them very unpleasant things to do, sometimes as a condition for entering a FRATERNITY or SORORITY : Several students were hospitalized for injuries caused by hazing.

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hazel
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] a small tree that produces small nuts (called hazelnuts) that can be eaten

adj. (of eyes) greenish-brown or reddish-brown in colour

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hazel.nut
(also fil.bert especially in AmE) noun the small brown nut of the HAZEL tree—picture at NUT
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hazy
adj. (hazi.er, hazi.est)
1 not clear because of HAZE : a hazy afternoon / sky  hazy light / sunshine  The mountains were hazy in the distance.
2 not clear because of a lack of memory, understanding or detail: a hazy memory / idea  What happened next is all very hazy.
3 (of a person) uncertain or confused about sth: I’m a little hazy about what to do next.
haz.ily adv.: ‘Why now?’ she wondered hazily.
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'H-bomb
noun = HYDROGEN BOMB
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HE
(BrE ) (also H.E.AmE, BrE) abbr.
1 Her/His EXCELLENCY : HE the Australian Ambassador
2 HIGHER EDUCATION
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he
pron., noun
pron. (used as the subject of a verb)
1 a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified: Everyone liked my father—he was the perfect gentleman.  He (= the man we are watching) went through that door.
2 (becoming old-fashioned) a person, male or female, whose sex is not stated or known, especially when referring to sb mentioned earlier or to a group in general: Every child needs to know that he is loved.   (saying) He who (= anyone who) hesitates is lost.—compare HIM

noun
1 [sing.] (informal) a male: What a nice dog—is it a he or a she?
2 (he-) (in compound nouns) a male animal: a he-goat

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head
noun, verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] the part of the body on top of the neck containing the eyes, nose, mouth and brain: She nodded her head in agreement.  He shook his head in disbelief.  The boys hung their heads in shame.  The driver suffered head injuries.  She always has her head in a book (= is always reading).  He still has a good head of hair (= a lot of hair).—see also DEATH’S HEAD —picture at BODY
MIND|
2 [C] the mind or brain: I sometimes wonder what goes on in that head of yours.  I wish you’d use your head (= think carefully before doing or saying sth).  The thought never entered my head .  I can’t work it out in my head —I need a calculator.  I can’t get that tune out of my head .  When will you get it into your head (= understand) that I don’t want to discuss this any more!  For some reason, she’s got it into her head (= believes) that the others don’t like her.  Who’s been putting such weird ideas into your head (= making you believe that)?  Try to put the exams out of your head (= stop thinking about them) for tonight.—see also HOTHEAD
MEASUREMENT|
3 (a head) [sing.] the size of a person’s or animal’s head , used as a measurement of distance or height: She’s a good head taller than her sister.  The favourite won by a short head (= a distance slightly less than the length of a horse’s head).
PAIN|
4 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a continuous pain in your head
SYN HEADACHE : I woke up with a really bad head this morning.
SIDE OF COIN|
5 (heads) [U] the side of a coin that has a picture of the head of a person on it, used as one choice when a coin is TOSSED to decide sth—compare TAILS n. (7)
END OF OBJECT|
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the end of a long narrow object that is larger or wider than the rest of it: the head of a nail—see also BEDHEAD
TOP|
7 [sing.] ~ of sth the top or highest part of sth: at the head of the page / stairs  They finished the season at the head of their league.
OF RIVER|
8 [sing.] the ~ of the river the place where a river begins
SYN SOURCE
OF TABLE|
9 [sing.] the ~ of the table the most important seat at a table: The President sat at the head of the table.
OF LINE OF PEOPLE|
10 [sing.] the ~ of sth the position at the front of a line of people: The prince rode at the head of his regiment.
OF PLANT|
11 [C] ~ (of sth) the mass of leaves or flowers at the end of a stem: Remove the dead heads to encourage new growth.
OF GROUP / ORGANIZATION|
12 [C, U] the person in charge of a group of people or an organization: the heads of government / state  She resigned as head of department.  the crowned heads (= the kings and queens) of Europe  the head gardener / waiter   (BrE) the head boy / girl (= a student who is chosen to represent the school)
OF SCHOOL / COLLEGE|
13 [C] (often Head) (BrE) the person in charge of a school or college
SYN HEADMASTER , HEADMISTRESS , HEAD TEACHER : I’ve been called in to see the Head.  the deputy head
ON BEER|
14 [sing.] the mass of small bubbles on the top of a glass of beer
OF SPOT|
15 [C] the part of a spot on your skin that contains a thick yellowish liquid (= PUS )—see also BLACKHEAD
IN TAPE / VIDEO RECORDER|
16 [C] the part of a TAPE RECORDER or VIDEO RECORDER that touches the tape and changes the electrical signals into sounds and/or pictures
NUMBER OF ANIMALS|
17 ~ of sth [pl.] used to say how many animals of a particular type are on a farm, in a HERD , etc: 200 head of sheep
OF STEAM|
18 a ~ of steam [sing.] the pressure produced by steam in an enclosed space
SEX|
19 [U] ( , slang) ORAL sex (= using the mouth to stimulate sb’s sex organs): to give head a / per 'head for each person: The meal worked out at $20 a head. bang / knock your / their 'heads together (informal) to force people to stop arguing and behave in a sensible way be banging, etc. your head against a brick 'wall (informal) to keep trying to do sth that will never be successful: Trying to reason with them was like banging my head against a brick wall. be / stand head and 'shoulders above sb/sth to be much better than other people or things bite / snap sb’s 'head off (informal) to shout at sb in an angry way, especially without reason bring sth to a 'head | come to a 'head if you bring a situation to a head or if a situation comes to a head, you are forced to deal with it quickly because it suddenly becomes very bad bury / hide your head in the 'sand to refuse to admit that a problem exists or refuse to deal with it can’t get your 'head round sth (BrE, informal) to be unable to understand sth: She’s dead. I can’t get my head round it yet. can’t make head nor 'tail of sth to be unable to understand sth: I couldn’t make head nor tail of what he was saying. do sb’s 'head in (BrE, informal) to make you feel confused, upset and/or annoyed: Shut up! You’re doing my head in. do sth standing on your 'head (informal) to be able to do sth very easily and without having to think too much from ,head to 'foot / 'toe covering your whole body: We were covered from head to foot in mud. get your 'head down (informal)
1 (BrE) to sleep: I managed to get my head down for an hour.
2 = keep / get your head down give sb their 'head to allow sb to do what they want without trying to stop them go head to 'head (with sb) to deal with sb in a very direct and determined way go to your 'head
1 (of alcohol) to make you feel drunk: That glass of wine has gone straight to my head.
2 (of success, praise, etc.) to make you feel too proud of yourself in a way that other people find annoying have a good 'head on your shoulders to be a sensible person have your head in the 'clouds
1 to be thinking about sth that is not connected with what you are doing
2 to have ideas, plans, etc. that are not realistic have a head for sth
1 to be good at sth: to have a head for figures / business
2 if sb does not have a head for heights, they feel nervous and think they are going to fall when they look down from a high place have your 'head screwed on (the right way) (informal) to be a sensible person ,head 'first
1 moving forwards or downwards with your head in front of the rest of your body: He fell head first down the stairs.
2 without thinking carefully about sth before acting: She got divorced and rushed head first into another marriage. head over heels in 'love loving sb very much: He’s fallen head over heels in love with his boss. heads or 'tails? (spoken) used to ask sb which side of a coin they think will be facing upwards when it is TOSSED in order to decide sth by chance 'heads will roll (for sth) (spoken, usually humorous) used to say that some people will be punished because of sth that has happened hold your 'head high | hold up your 'head to be proud of or not feel ashamed about sth that you have done: She managed to hold her head high and ignore what people were saying. in over your 'head involved in sth that is too difficult for you to deal with: After a week in the new job, I soon realized that I was in over my head. keep / get your 'head down to avoid attracting attention to yourself keep your 'head | keep a clear / cool 'head to remain calm in a difficult situation keep your 'head above water to deal with a difficult situation, especially one in which you have financial problems, and just manage to survive laugh, scream, etc. your 'head off (informal) to laugh, etc. a lot and very loudly lose your 'head to become unable to act in a calm or sensible way on your (own) head 'be it used to tell sb that they will have to accept any unpleasant results of sth that they decide to do: Tell him the truth if you want to, but on your own head be it! out of / off your 'head (BrE, informal)
1 crazy
2 not knowing what you are saying or doing because of the effects of alcohol or drugs over sb’s 'head
1 too difficult or complicated for sb to understand: A lot of the jokes went (= were) right over my head.
2 to a higher position of authority than sb: I couldn’t help feeling jealous when she was promoted over my head. put our / your / their 'heads together to think about or discuss sth as a group stand / turn sth on its 'head to make people think about sth in a completely different way take it into your head to do sth to suddenly decide to do sth, especially sth that other people think is stupid take it into your head that … to suddenly start thinking sth, especially sth that other people think is stupid turn sb’s 'head (of success, praise, etc.) to make a person feel too proud in a way that other people find annoying two heads are better than 'one (saying) used to say that two people can achieve more than one person working alone—more at BEAR n. , BLOCK n. , BOTHER v. , DRUM v. , EYE n. , GUN n. , HAIR , HEART , HIT v. , IDEA , KNOCK v. , LAUGH v. , NEED v. , OLD , PRICE n. , REAR v. , RING v. , ROOF n. , SCRATCH v. , THICK adj. , TOP n.

verb
MOVE TOWARDS|
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move in a particular direction: Where are we heading?  Let’s head back home.  She headed for the door.   (figurative) Can you forecast where the economy is heading?
GROUP / ORGANIZATION|
2 [vn] (also ,head sth<->'up) to lead or be in charge of sth: She has been appointed to head the research team.
LIST / LINE OF PEOPLE|
3 [vn] to be at the top of a list of names or at the front of a line of people: Italy heads the table after two games.  to head a march / procession
BE AT TOP|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to put a word or words at the top of a page or section of a book as a title: The chapter was headed ‘My Early Life’.
FOOTBALL|
5 [vn] to hit a football with your head: Walsh headed the ball into an empty goal. be 'heading for sth (also be 'headed for sth especially in AmE)
1 to be going in a particular direction or to a particular place: Where are you two headed?
2 to be likely to experience sth bad: They look as though they’re heading for divorce. ,head sb<->'off to get in front of sb in order to make them turn back or change direction
SYN INTERCEPT : We’ll head them off at the bridge! ,head sth<->'off to take action in order to prevent sth from happening: He headed off efforts to replace him as leader. ,head sth<->'up to lead or be in charge of a department, part of an organization, etc.—see also HEAD v. (2)

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head.ache
noun
1 a continuous pain in the head: to suffer from headaches  Red wine gives me a headache.  I have a splitting headache (= a very bad one).
2 a person or thing that causes worry or trouble: The real headache will be getting the bank to lend you the money.
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head.band
noun a strip of fabric worn around the head, especially to keep hair or sweat out of your eyes when playing sports
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head.bang.er
noun (informal)
1 a person who likes to shake their head violently up and down while listening to rock music
2 a stupid or crazy person
head.banging noun [U]
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head.board
noun the upright board at the end of a bed where you put your head
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,head 'boy
noun (in some British schools) the boy who is chosen each year to represent his school
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head.butt
verb [vn] (especially BrE ) to deliberately hit sb hard with your head
head.butt noun
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'head case
noun (BrE , informal) a person who behaves in a strange way and who seems to be mentally ill
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head.cheese
noun [U] (AmE ) = BRAWN
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head.count
noun an act of counting the number of people who are at an event, employed by an organization, etc.; the number of people that have been counted in this way: to do a headcount  What’s the latest headcount?
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head.dress
noun a covering worn on the head on special occasions
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head.ed
adj.
1 (of writing paper) having the name and address of a person, an organization, etc. printed at the top: headed notepaper
2 (-headed) (in adjectives) having the type of head or number of heads mentioned: a bald-headed man  a three-headed monster—see also BIG-HEADED , CLEAR-HEADED , COOL-HEADED , EMPTY-HEADED , HARD-HEADED , LEVEL-HEADED , LIGHT-HEADED , PIG-HEADED , WRONG-HEADED
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head.er
noun
1 (in football) an act of hitting the ball with your head
2 a line or block of text that is automatically added to the top of every page that is printed from a computer—compare FOOTER
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head.gear
noun [U] anything worn on the head, for example a hat: protective headgear
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,head 'girl
noun (in some British schools) the girl who is chosen each year to represent her school
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head.hunt
verb [vn] to find sb who is suitable for a senior job and persuade them to leave their present job: I was headhunted by a marketing agency.
head.hunt.ing noun [U]
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head.hunt.er
noun
1 a person whose job is to find people with the necessary skills to work for a particular company and to persuade them to join this company
2 a member of a tribe that collects the heads of the people they kill
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head.ing
noun
1 a title printed at the top of a page or at the beginning of a section of a book: chapter headings
2 the subject of each section of a speech or piece of writing: The company’s aims can be grouped under three main headings.
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head.lamp
noun (especially BrE ) = HEADLIGHT
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head.land
noun a narrow piece of high land that sticks out from the coast into the sea
SYN PROMONTORY —picture at COAST
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head.less
adj. [usually before noun] without a head: a headless body / corpse
IDM run around like a ,headless 'chicken to be very busy and active trying to do sth, but not very organized, with the result that you do not succeed
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head.light
noun (also head.lamp especially in BrE) a large light, usually one of two, at the front of a motor vehicle; the beam from this light: He dipped his headlights (= lowered the beam of light) for the oncoming traffic.—picture at CAR
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head.line
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the title of a newspaper article printed in large letters, especially at the top of the front page: They ran the story under the headline ‘Home at last!’.  The scandal was in the headlines for several days.  headline news—see also BANNER HEADLINE
2 (the headlines) [pl.] a short summary of the most important items of news, read at the beginning of a news programme on the radio or television
IDM grab / hit / make the 'headlines to be an important item of news in newspapers or on the radio or television

verb
1 [vn-n] [usually passive] to give a story or article a particular headline : The story was headlined ‘Back to the future.’
2 (especially AmE ) to be the main performer in a concert or show: [vn] The concert is to be headlined by Elton John. [alsov]

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head.lock
noun (in WRESTLING ) a way of holding an opponent’s head so that they cannot move: He had him in a headlock.
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head.long
adv.
1 with the head first and the rest of the body following: She fell headlong into the icy pool.
2 without thinking carefully before doing sth: The government is taking care not to rush headlong into another controversy.
3 quickly and without looking where you are going: He ran headlong into a police car.
head.long adj. [only before noun]: a headlong dive / rush
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head.man
noun (pl.-men ) the leader of a tribe: the village headman
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head.mas.ter, head.mis.tress
noun (becoming old-fashioned) a teacher who is in charge of a school, especially a private school
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,head 'office
noun [C, U+sing./pl. v .] the main office of a company; the managers who work there: Their head office is in New York.  I don’t know what head office will think about this proposal.
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,head of 'state
noun (pl.heads of state) the official leader of a country who is sometimes also the leader of the government
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,head-'on
adj. [only before noun]
1 in which the front part of one vehicle hits the front part of another vehicle: a head-on crash / collision
2 in which people express strong views and deal with sth in a direct way: There was a head-on confrontation between management and unions.
,head-'on adv.: The cars crashed head-on.  We hit the tree head-on.  to tackle a problem head-on (= without trying to avoid it)
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head.phones
(also ear.phones) noun [pl.] a piece of equipment worn over the ears that makes it possible to listen to music, the radio, etc. without other people hearing it: a pair / set of headphones
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head.quar.tered
adj. [not before noun] having headquarters in a particular place: News Corporation is headquartered in Sydney.
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head.quar.ters
noun [U+sing./pl. v ., C] (pl.head.quar.ters) (abbr. HQ) a place from which an organization or a military operation is controlled; the people who work there: The firm’s headquarters is / are in London.  Several companies have their headquarters in the area.  I’m now based at headquarters.  police headquarters  Headquarters in Dublin has / have agreed.
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head.rest
noun the part of a seat or chair that supports a person’s head, especially on the front seat of a car—picture at CAR
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head.room
noun [U]
1 the amount of space between the top of a vehicle and an object it drives under
2 the amount of space between the top of your head and the roof of a vehicle: There’s a lot of headroom for such a small car.
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head.scarf
noun (pl.head.scarves) a square piece of fabric tied around the head, usually with a knot under the chin, worn by women instead of a hat
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head.set
noun a pair of HEADPHONES , especially one with a MICROPHONE attached to it
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head.ship
noun ~ (of sth)
1 the position of being in charge of an organization: the headship of the department
2 (BrE) the position of being in charge of a school
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,head 'start
noun [sing.] ~ (on / over sb) an advantage that sb already has before they start doing sth: Being able to speak French gave her a head start over the other candidates.
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head.stone
noun a piece of stone placed at one end of a grave, showing the name, etc. of the person buried there
SYN GRAVESTONE —compare TOMBSTONE
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head.strong
adj. (disapproving) a headstrong person is determined to do things their own way and refuses to listen to advice
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,head 'table
noun (AmE ) = TOP TABLE
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,head 'teacher
noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually principal) a teacher who is in charge of a school
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,head-to-'head
adj. [only before noun] in which two people or groups face each other directly in order to decide the result of a dispute or competition: a head-to-head battle / clash / contest
,head-to-'head adv.: They are set to meet head-to-head in next week’s final.
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head.waters
noun [pl.] streams forming the source of a river
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head.way
noun [U]
IDM make 'headway to make progress, especially when this is slow or difficult: We are making little headway with the negotiations.  The boat was unable to make much headway against the tide.
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head.wind
noun a wind that is blowing towards a person or vehicle, so that it is blowing from the direction in which the person or vehicle is moving—compare TAILWIND
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head.word
noun (technical ) a word that forms a HEADING in a dictionary, under which its meaning is explained
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heady
adj. (head.ier, headi.est)
1 [usually before noun] having a strong effect on your senses; making you feel excited and hopeful: the heady days of youth  the heady scent of hot spices  a heady mixture of desire and fear  House-buying is like drinking wine—it can be heady stuff.
2 [not before noun] (of a person) excited in a way that makes you do things without worrying about the possible results: She felt heady with success.
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heal
verb
1 ~ (up) to become healthy again; to make sth healthy again: [v] It took a long time for the wounds to heal.  The cut healed up without leaving a scar.  [vn] This will help to heal your cuts and scratches.   (figurative) It was a chance to heal the wounds in the party (= to repair the damage that had been done).
2 [vn] ~ sb (of sth) (old use or formal) to cure sb who is ill; to make sb feel happy again: the story of Jesus healing ten lepers of their disease  I felt healed by his love.
3 to put an end to sth or make sth easier to bear; to end or become easier to bear: [vn] She was never able to heal the rift between herself and her father.  [v] The breach between them never really healed.
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heal.er
noun
1 a person who cures people of illnesses and disease using natural powers rather than medicine: a faith / spiritual healer
2 something that makes a bad situation easier to deal with: Time is a great healer.
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heal.ing
noun [U] the process of becoming or making sb/sth healthy again; the process of getting better after an emotional shock: the healing process  emotional healing—see also FAITH HEALING
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health
noun [U]
1 the condition of a person’s body or mind: Exhaust fumes are bad for your health.  to be in poor / good / excellent / the best of health  mental health  She was forced to resign because of ill health.
2 the state of being physically and mentally healthy: He was nursed back to health by his wife.  She was glowing with health and clearly enjoying life.  As long as you have your health, nothing else matters.
3 the work of providing medical services: All parties are promising to increase spending on health.  the Health Minister  the Department of Health  health insurance  health and safety regulations (= laws that protect the health of people at work)
4 how successful sth is: the health of your marriage / finances
IDM see CLEAN adj. , DRINK v. , PROPOSE , RUDE
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'health care
noun [U] the service of providing medical care: the costs of health care for the elderly  health care workers / professionals
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'health centre
noun (BrE ) a building where a group of doctors see their patients and where some local medical services have their offices
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'health club
noun (also gym especially in AmE) a private club where people go to do physical exercises in order to stay or become healthy and fit
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'health farm
(BrE ) (AmE 'health spa) noun a place where people can stay for short periods of time in order to try to improve their health by eating special food, doing physical exercises, etc.
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'health food
noun [U, C, usually pl.] food that does not contain any artificial substances and is therefore thought to be good for your health
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health.ful
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) good for your health
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'health service
noun a public service providing medical care—see also NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
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'health spa
noun (AmE ) = HEALTH FARM
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'health visitor
noun (in Britain) a trained nurse whose job is to visit people in their homes, for example new mothers, and give them advice on some areas of medical care
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healthy
adj. (health.ier, healthi.est)
1 having good health and not likely to become ill: a healthy child / animal / tree  Keep healthy by eating well and exercising regularly.
OPP UNHEALTHY
2 [usually before noun] good for your health: a healthy diet / climate / lifestyle
OPP UNHEALTHY
3 [usually before noun] showing that you are in good health: to have a healthy appetite  a shampoo that keeps hair looking healthy
4 normal and sensible: The child showed a healthy curiosity.  She has a healthy respect for her rival’s talents.  It’s not healthy the way she clings to the past.
OPP UNHEALTHY
5 successful and working well: a healthy economy  Your car doesn’t sound very healthy.
6 [usually before noun] large and showing success: a healthy bank balance  a healthy profit
health.ily adv.: to eat healthily
healthi.ness noun [U]
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heap
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (of sth) an untidy pile of sth: The building was reduced to a heap of rubble.  a compost heap  His clothes lay in a heap on the floor.  Worn-out car tyres were stacked in heaps.—see also SCRAP HEAP , SLAG HEAP
2 [usually pl.] (informal) a lot of sth: There’s heaps of time before the plane leaves.  I’ve got heaps to tell you.
3 (informal, humorous) a car that is old and in bad condition
IDM at the top / bottom of the 'heap high up/low down in the structure of an organization or a society: These workers are at the bottom of the economic heap. collapse, fall, etc. in a 'heap to fall down heavily and not move: He collapsed in a heap on the floor. heaps 'better, 'more, 'older, etc. (BrE, informal) a lot better, etc: Help yourself—there’s heaps more.  He looks heaps better than when I last saw him.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (up) to put things in an untidy pile: Rocks were heaped up on the side of the road.
2 ~ A on B| ~ B with A to put a lot of sth in a pile on sth: She heaped food on my plate.  She heaped my plate with food.
3 ~ A on B| ~ B with A to give a lot of sth such as praise or criticism to sb: He heaped praise on his team.  He heaped his team with praise.
IDM see SCORN n.

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heap.ed
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually heap.ing) adj. used to describe a spoon, etc. that has as much in it or on it as it can hold: a heaped teaspoon of sugar  heaping plates of scrambled eggs—compare LEVEL adj. (1)
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hear
verb (heard, heard )
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to be aware of sounds with your ears: [v] I can’t hear very well.  [vn] She heard footsteps behind her.  [vn -ing] He could hear a dog barking.  [vn inf] Did you hear him go out?  [v wh-] Didn’t you hear what I said?  [vn to inf] She has been heard to make threats to her former lover.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
2 (not used in the progressive tenses) to listen or pay attention to sb/sth: [vn] Did you hear that play on the radio last night?  [vn inf] Be quiet—I can’t hear myself think! (= it is so noisy that I can’t think clearly)  [v wh-] We’d better hear what they have to say.  I hear what you’re saying (= I have listened to your opinion), but you’re wrong.
3 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) ~ (about sb/sth) to be told about sth: [v] Haven’t you heard? She resigned.  ‘I’m getting married.’‘So I’ve heard.’   I was sorry to hear about your accident.  [vn] We had heard nothing for weeks.  [v (that)] I was surprised to hear (that) he was married.  [vn (that)] I’ve heard it said (that) they met in Italy. [alsov wh-]
4 [vn] to listen to and judge a case in a court of law: The appeal was heard in private.  Today the jury began to hear the evidence.
IDM Have you heard the one about … ? used to ask sb if they have heard a particular joke before ,hear! 'hear! used to show that you agree with or approve of what sb has just said, especially during a speech hear 'tell (of sth) (old-fashioned or formal) to hear people talking about sth: I’ve often heard tell of such things. not / never hear the 'end of it to keep being reminded of sth because sb is always talking to you about it: If we don’t get her a dog we’ll never hear the end of it. you could hear a 'pin drop it was extremely quiet: The audience was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. (Do) you 'hear me? (spoken) used to tell sb in an angry way to pay attention and obey you: You can’t go—do you hear me?—more at LAST n. , THING , VOICE n.
PVR V 'hear from sb| 'hear sth from sb to receive a letter, telephone call, etc. from sb: (written) I look forward to hearing from you.  I haven’t heard anything from her for months. 'hear of sb/sth| 'hear sth of sb/sth to know about sb/sth because you have been told about them: I’ve never heard of the place.  She disappeared and was never heard of again.  The last I heard of him he was living in Glasgow.  This is the first I’ve heard of it! not 'hear of sth to refuse to let sb do sth, especially because you want to help them: She wanted to walk home but I wouldn’t hear of it. [+ -ing] He wouldn’t hear of my walking home alone—see also UNHEARD-OF ,hear sb 'out to listen until sb has finished saying what they want to say
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hear.er
noun a person who hears sth or who is listening to sb
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hear.ing
noun
1 [U] the ability to hear: Her hearing is poor.  He’s hearing-impaired (= not able to hear well).—see also HARD OF HEARING
2 [C] an official meeting at which the facts about a crime, complaint, etc. are presented to the person or group of people who will have to decide what action to take: a court / disciplinary hearing
3 [sing.] an opportunity to explain your actions, ideas or opinions: to get / give sb a fair hearing   His views may be unfashionable but he deserves a hearing.
IDM in / within (sb’s) hearing near enough to sb so that they can hear what is said: She shouldn’t have said such things in your hearing—more at FAIR adj.
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'hearing aid
noun a small device that fits inside the ear and makes sounds louder, used by people who cannot hear well: to have / wear a hearing aid
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heark.en
(also hark.en) verb [v] ~ (to sb/sth) (old use) to listen to sb/sth
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hear.say
noun [U] things that you have heard from another person but do not (definitely) know to be true RUMOUR : We can’t make a decision based on hearsay and guesswork.  hearsay evidence
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hearse
noun a long vehicle used for carrying the coffin (= the box for the dead body) at a funeral
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heart
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] the organ in the left side of the chest that pumps blood around the body: heart trouble / failure  to have a weak heart  The patient’s heart stopped beating for a few seconds.  I could feel my heart pounding in my chest (= because of excitement etc.).—see also CORONARY HEART DISEASE , OPEN-HEART SURGERY —picture at BODY
2 [C] (literary) the outside part of the chest where the heart is: She clasped the photo to her heart.
FEELINGS / EMOTIONS|
3 [C] the part of the body where the feelings and emotions are thought to be, especially those connected with love: She has a kind heart.  Have you no heart?  He returned with a heavy heart (= sad).  Her novels tend to deal with affairs of the heart .  The story captured the hearts and minds of a generation.—see also BROKEN HEART
-HEARTED|
4 (in adjectives) having the type of character or personality mentioned: cold-hearted  kind-hearted
IMPORTANT PART|
5 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the most important part of sth: the heart of the matter / problem  The committee’s report went to the heart of the government’s dilemma.  The distinction between right and wrong lies at the heart of all questions of morality.
CENTRE|
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the part that is in the centre of sth: a quiet hotel in the very heart of the city
OF CABBAGE|
7 [C] the smaller leaves in the middle of a CABBAGE , LETTUCE , etc.
SHAPE|
8 [C] a thing shaped like a heart , often red and used as a symbol of love: The words ‘I love you’ were written inside a big red heart.
IN CARD GAMES|
9 (hearts) [pl., U] one of the four sets of cards (called SUITS ) in a pack/deck of cards, with red heart symbols on them: the queen of hearts  Hearts is / are trumps.—
10 [C] one card from the set of hearts : Who played that heart? at 'heart used to say what sb is really like even though they may seem to be sth different: He’s still a socialist at heart. break sb’s 'heart to make sb feel very unhappy: She broke his heart when she called off the engagement.  It breaks my heart to see you like this. by 'heart (BrE also off by 'heart) using only your memory: I’ve dialled the number so many times I know it by heart.  She’s learnt the whole speech off by heart. close / dear / near to sb’s 'heart having a lot of importance and interest for sb from the (bottom of your) 'heart in a way that is sincere: I beg you, from the bottom of my heart, to spare his life.  It was clearly an offer that came from the heart. give sb (fresh) 'heart to make sb feel positive, especially when they thought that they had no chance of achieving sth give your 'heart to sb to give your love to one person have a 'heart! (spoken) used to ask sb to be kind and/or reasonable have your heart in your 'mouth to feel nervous or frightened about sth have a heart of 'gold to be a very kind person have a heart of 'stone to be a person who does not show others sympathy or pity heart and 'soul with a lot of energy and enthusiasm: They threw themselves heart and soul into the project. your heart goes 'out to sb used to say that you feel a lot of sympathy for sb: Our hearts go out to the families of the victims. sb’s heart is in the right 'place used to say that sb’s intentions are kind and sincere even though they sometimes do the wrong thing your 'heart is not in sth used to say that you are not very interested in or enthusiastic about sth your heart 'leaps used to say that you have a sudden feeling of happiness or excitement your heart misses a beat used to say that you have a sudden feeling of fear, excitement, etc. your heart 'sinks used to say that you suddenly feel sad or depressed about sth: My heart sank when I saw how much work there was left.  She watched him go with a sinking heart . in good 'heart (BrE) happy and cheerful in your 'heart (of 'hearts) if you know sth in your heart, you have a strong feeling that it is true: She knew in her heart of hearts that she was making the wrong decision. it does your 'heart good (to do sth) it makes you feel happy when you see or hear sth: It does my heart good to see the old place being taken care of so well. let your ,heart rule your 'head to act according to what you feel rather than to what you think is sensible lose 'heart to stop hoping for sth or trying to do sth because you no longer feel confident lose your 'heart (to sb/sth) (written) to fall in love with sb/sth a man / woman after your own 'heart a man/woman who likes the same things or has the same opinions as you my heart 'bleeds (for sb) (ironic) used to say that you do not feel sympathy or pity for sb: ‘I have to go to Brazil on business.’‘My heart bleeds for you!’ not have the 'heart (to do sth) to be unable to do sth because you know that it will make sb sad or upset pour out / open your 'heart to sb to tell sb all your problems, feelings, etc. set your 'heart on sth | have your heart 'set on sth to want sth very much take 'heart (from sth) to feel more positive about sth, especially when you thought that you had no chance of achieving sth: The government can take heart from the latest opinion polls. take sth to 'heart to be very upset by sth that sb says or does ,tear / ,rip the 'heart out of sth to destroy the most important part or aspect of sth to your heart’s con'tent as much as you want: a supervised play area where children can run around to their heart’s content with all your 'heart / your whole 'heart completely: I hope with all my heart that things work out for you.—more at CHANGE n. , CROSS v. , EAT , ETCH , FIND v. , GOODNESS , INTEREST n. , SICK adj. , SOB v. , STEAL v. , STRIKE v. , TEAR^1v. , WARM v. , WAY n. , WEAR v. , WIN v. , YOUNG adj.
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heart.ache
noun [U, C] a strong feeling of sadness or worry: The relationship caused her a great deal of heartache.  the heartaches of being a parent
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'heart attack
noun a sudden serious medical condition in which the heart stops working normally, sometimes causing death—compare CORONARY THROMBOSIS
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heart.beat
noun
1 [C, U] the movement or sound of the heart as it pumps blood around the body: a rapid / regular heartbeat
2 [sing.] the ~ of sth (AmE) an important feature of sth, that is responsible for making it what it is: The candidate said that he understood the heartbeat of the Hispanic community in California.
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heart.break
noun [U, C] a strong feeling of sadness: They suffered the heartbreak of losing a child through cancer.
'heart.break.ing adj.: a heartbreaking story  It’s heartbreaking to see him wasting his life like this.
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heart.broken
adj. extremely sad because of sth that has happened: He was heartbroken when she left him.—compare BROKEN-HEARTED
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heart.burn
noun [U] a pain that feels like sth burning in your chest caused by INDIGESTION
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heart.en
verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb feel encouraged and more hopeful
heart.en.ing adj.: It is heartening to see the determination of these young people.
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'heart failure
noun [U] a serious medical condition in which the heart does not work correctly
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heart.felt
adj. [usually before noun] showing strong feelings that are sincere: a heartfelt apology / plea / sigh  heartfelt sympathy / thanks
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hearth
noun
1 the floor at the bottom of a FIREPLACE (= the space for a fire in the wall of a room); the area in front of this: A log fire roared in the open hearth.  The cat dozed in its favourite spot on the hearth.—picture at MANTELPIECE
2 (literary) home and family life: a longing for hearth and home
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hearth.rug
noun a RUG (= a small carpet) placed on the floor in front of a FIREPLACE
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heart.ily
adv.
1 with obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm: to laugh / sing / eat heartily
2 in a way that shows that you feel strongly about sth: I heartily agree with her on this.  His latest book is heartily recommended to all those who enjoy historical mysteries.
3 (written) extremely: heartily glad / relieved
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heart.land
noun (also heart.lands [pl.])
1 the central part of a country or an area: the great Russian heartlands
2 an area that is important for a particular activity or political party: the industrial heartland of Germany  the traditional Tory heartland of Britain’s boardrooms
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heart.less
adj. feeling no pity for other people: The decision does seem a little heartless.  What a heartless thing to say!
heart.less.ly adv.
heart.less.ness noun [U]
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'heart-rending
adj. [usually before noun] causing feelings of great sadness: a heart-rending story
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'heart-searching
noun [U] the process of examining carefully your feelings or reasons for doing sth
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'heart-stopping
adj. [usually before noun] causing feelings of great excitement or worry: For one heart-stopping moment she thought they were too late.
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heart.strings
noun [pl.] strong feelings of love or pity: to tug / pull at sb’s heartstrings (= to cause such feelings in sb)
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'heart-throb
noun a famous man, usually an actor or a singer, that a lot of women find attractive: a Hollywood heart-throb
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,heart-to-'heart
noun [usually sing.] a conversation in which two people talk honestly about their feelings and personal problems: to have a heart-to-heart with sb
,heart-to-'heart adj.: a heart-to-heart talk
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'heart-warming
adj. causing feelings of happiness and pleasure: a heart-warming experience / story
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hearty
adj., noun
adj. (heart.ier, hearti.est)
1 [usually before noun] showing friendly feelings for sb: a hearty greeting / reception / welcome
2 (sometimes disapproving) loud, cheerful and full of energy: a hearty and boisterous fellow  a hearty voice / handshake
3 [only before noun] (of a meal or sb’s APPETITE ) large; making you feel full: a hearty breakfast  to have a hearty appetite
4 [usually before noun] showing that you feel strongly about sth: He nodded his head in hearty agreement.  Hearty congratulations to everyone involved.  a hearty dislike of sth
IDM see HALE
hearti.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , sometimes disapproving) a person who is loud, cheerful and full of energy, especially one who plays a lot of sport

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heat
noun, verb
noun
BEING HOT / TEMPERATURE|
1 [U, sing.] the quality of being hot: He could feel the heat of the sun on his back.  Heat rises.  The fire gave out a fierce heat.—see also WHITE HEAT
2 [U, C, usually sing.] the level of temperature: to increase / reduce the heat  Test the heat of the water before getting in.  Set the oven to a low / high / moderate heat.—see also BLOOD HEAT
3 [U] hot weather; the hot conditions in a building/vehicle, etc: You should not go out in the heat of the day (= at the hottest time).  to suffer from the heat  the afternoon / midday heat  The heat in the factory was unbearable.
FOR COOKING|
4 [U] a source of heat, especially one that you cook food on: Return the pan to the heat and stir.
IN BUILDING / ROOM|
5 [U] (especially AmE) = HEATING : The heat wasn’t on and the house was freezing.
STRONG FEELINGS|
6 [U] strong feelings, especially of anger or excitement: ‘No, I won’t,’ he said with heat in his voice.  The chairman tried to take the heat out of the situation (= to make people calmer).  In the heat of the moment she forgot what she wanted to say (= because she was so angry or excited).  In the heat of the argument he said a lot of things he regretted later.
PRESSURE|
7 [U] pressure on sb to do or achieve sth: The heat is on now that the election is only a week away.  Leeds United turned up the heat on their opponents with a second goal.  Can she take the heat of this level of competition?
RACE|
8 [C] one of a series of races or competitions, the winners of which then compete against each other in the next part of the competition: a qualifying heat  She won her heat.  He did well in the heats ; hopefully he’ll do as well in the final.—see also DEAD HEAT if you can’t stand the 'heat (get out of the 'kitchen) (informal) used to tell sb to stop trying to do sth if they find it too difficult, especially in order to suggest that they are less able than other people be on 'heat (BrE) (AmE be in 'heat) (of a female mammal) to be in a sexual condition ready for MATING

verb to make sth hot or warm; to become hot or warm: [vn] Heat the oil and add the onions.  The system produced enough energy to heat several thousand homes. [alsov] ,heat 'up
1 to become hot or warm: The oven takes a while to heat up.
2 (especially AmE) = HOT UP : The election contest is heating up. ,heat sth<->'up to make sth hot or warm: Just heat up the food in the microwave.

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heat.ed
adj.
1 (of a person or discussion) full of anger and excitement: a heated argument / debate  She became very heated.
2 (of a room, building, etc.) made warmer using a heater : a heated swimming pool
OPP UNHEATED
heat.ed.ly adv.: ‘You had no right!’ she said heatedly.
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heat.er
noun a machine used for making air or water warmer: a gas heater  a water heater—see also IMMERSION HEATER , STORAGE HEATER
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heath
noun a large area of open land that is not used for farming and is covered with rough grass and other small wild plants
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hea.then
noun, adj.
noun (old-fashioned, offensive)
1 used by people who have a strong religious belief as a way of referring to a person who has no religion or who believes in a religion that is not one of the world’s main religions
2 used to refer to a person who shows lack of education

adj. (old-fashioned, offensive) connected with heathens : heathen gods  He set out to convert the heathen (= people who are heathens).

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hea.ther
noun [U] a low wild plant with small purple, pink or white flowers, that grows on hills and areas of wild open land (= MOORLAND )
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Heath Rob.in.son
(BrE ) (AmE ,Rube 'Gold.berg) adj. [only before noun] (humorous) (of machines and devices) having a very complicated design, especially when used to perform a very simple task; not practical: a Heath Robinson contraption
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heat.ing
noun [U] (especially BrE ) (also heat especially in AmE) the process of supplying heat to a room or building; a system used to do this: Who turned the heating off?  What type of heating do you have?  a gas heating system  heating bills—see also CENTRAL HEATING
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heat.proof
adj. that cannot be damaged by heat: a heatproof dish
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'heat-resistant
adj. not easily damaged by heat: heat-resistant clothing
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'heat-seeking
adj. [only before noun] (of a weapon) that moves towards the heat coming from the aircraft, etc. that it is intended to hit and destroy: heat-seeking missiles
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heat.stroke
noun [U] an illness with fever and often loss of consciousness, caused by being in too great a heat for too long
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heat.wave
noun a period of unusually hot weather
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heave
verb, noun
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to lift, pull or throw sb/sth very heavy with one great effort: [vn] I managed to heave the trunk down the stairs.  They heaved the body overboard.  [v] We all heaved on the rope.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) to rise up and down with strong, regular movements: The boat heaved beneath them.  Her shoulders heaved with laughter.
3 [vn] ~ a sigh, etc. to make a sound slowly and often with effort: We all heaved a sigh of relief .
4 [v] to experience the tight feeling in your stomach that you get before you VOMIT : The thought of it makes me heave.
IDM ,heave into 'sight / 'view Hove is usually used for the past tense and past participle in this idiom. (written) (especially of ships) to appear, especially when moving gradually closer from a long way off: A ship hove into sight.
PVR V ,heave 'to
HELP Hove is usually used for the past tense and past participle in this phrasal verb. (technical) if a ship or its CREW (= the people sailing it) heave to, the ship stops moving

noun [C, U]
1 an act of lifting, pulling or throwing: With a mighty heave he lifted the sack onto the truck.
2 (especially literary) a rising and falling movement: the steady heave of the sea

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heave-ho
noun [sing.]
IDM give sb the (old) heave-'ho (informal) to dismiss sb from their job; to end a relationship with sb
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heaven
noun
1 (also Heaven) [U] (in some religions) the place believed to be the home of God where good people go when they die: the kingdom of heaven  I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven.
2 [U, C] (informal) a place or situation in which you are very happy: This isn’t exactly my idea of heaven!  It was heaven being away from the phone for a week.  The island is truly a heaven on earth .
3 (Heaven) [U] (formal) God: It was the will of Heaven.
4 (the heavens) [pl.] (literary) the sky: Four tall trees stretched up to the heavens.
IDM (Good) 'Heavens! | ,Heavens a'bove! (spoken) used to show that you are surprised or annoyed: Good heavens, what are you doing? the heavens 'opened it began to rain heavily—more at FORBID , GOD , HELP v. , HIGH adj. , KNOW v. , MOVE v. , NAME n. , SEVENTH , THANK
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heav.en.ly
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with heaven: our heavenly Father (= God)  the heavenly kingdom
2 [only before noun] connected with the sky: heavenly bodies (= the sun, moon, stars and planets)
3 (informal) very pleasant: a heavenly morning / feeling  This place is heavenly.
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,heaven-'sent
adj. [usually before noun] happening unexpectedly and at exactly the right time: a heaven-sent opportunity
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heav.en.ward
(also heav.en.wards) adv. (literary) towards heaven or the sky: to cast / raise your eyes heavenward (= to show you are annoyed or impatient)
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heav.ing
adj. [not before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) full of sb/sth: The place was heaving with journalists.
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heavy
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (heav.ier, heavi.est)
WEIGHING A LOT|
1 weighing a lot; difficult to lift or move: She was struggling with a heavy suitcase.  My brother is much heavier than me.  He tried to push the heavy door open.  How heavy is it (= how much does it weigh)?   (figurative) Her father carried a heavy burden of responsibility.
OPP LIGHT
WORSE THAN USUAL|
2 more or worse than usual in amount, degree, etc: the noise of heavy traffic  heavy frost / rain / snow  the effects of heavy drinking  There was heavy fighting in the capital last night.  The penalty for speeding can be a heavy fine.  She spoke with heavy irony.
OPP LIGHT
NOT DELICATE|
3 (of sb/sth’s appearance or structure) large and solid; not delicate: big, dark rooms full of heavy furniture  He was tall and strong, with heavy features.
OPP LIGHT
MATERIAL|
4 (of the material or substance that sth is made of) thick: heavy curtains  a heavy coat
OPP LIGHT
FULL OF STH|
5 ~ with sth (literary) full of or loaded with sth: trees heavy with apples  The air was heavy with the scent of flowers.  His voice was heavy with sarcasm.
MACHINES|
6 [usually before noun] (of machines, vehicles or weapons) large and powerful: a wide range of engines and heavy machinery  heavy lorries / trucks  heavy goods vehicles
BUSY|
7 [usually before noun] involving a lot of work or activity; very busy: a heavy schedule  She’d had a heavy day.
WORK|
8 hard, especially because it requires a lot of physical strength: heavy digging / lifting
FALL / HIT|
9 falling or hitting sth with a lot of force: a heavy fall / blow
MEAL / FOOD|
10 large in amount or very solid: a heavy lunch / dinner  a heavy cake
OPP LIGHT
USING A LOT|
11 ~ on sth (informal) using a lot of sth: Older cars are heavy on gas.  Don’t go so heavy on the garlic.
DRINKER / SMOKER / SLEEPER|
12 [only before noun] (of a person) doing the thing mentioned more, or more deeply, than usual: a heavy drinker / eater / smoker  a heavy breather / sleeper
SOUND|
13 (of a sound that sb makes) loud and deep: heavy breathing / snoring  a heavy groan / sigh
SERIOUS / DIFFICULT|
14 (usually disapproving) (of a book, programme, style, etc.) serious; difficult to understand or enjoy: We found the play very heavy.  The discussion got a little heavy.
SEA / OCEAN|
15 dangerous because of big waves, etc: strong winds and heavy seas
AIR / WEATHER|
16 hot and lacking fresh air, in a way that is unpleasant: It’s very heavy—I think there’ll be a storm.
SOIL|
17 wet, sticky and difficult to dig or to move over
STRICT|
18 (of a person) very strict and harsh: Don’t be so heavy on her—it wasn’t her fault.
heav.ily adv.: a heavily loaded van  to drink heavily  to be heavily taxed  to rely heavily on sb/sth  He fell heavily.  It was raining heavily.
heavi.ness noun [U] get 'heavy (informal) to become very serious, because strong feelings are involved: They started shouting at me. It got very heavy. ,heavy 'going used to describe sb/sth that is difficult to deal with or understand: She’s a bit heavy going.  I found the course rather heavy going. heavy 'hand a way of doing sth or of treating people that is much stronger and less sensitive than it needs to be: the heavy hand of management a heavy 'heart a feeling of great sadness: She left her children behind with a heavy heart. the 'heavy mob / brigade (BrE, informal) a group of strong, often violent people employed to do sth such as protect sb a heavy 'silence / 'atmosphere a situation when people do not say anything, but feel embarrassed or uncomfortable make heavy 'weather of sth to seem to find sth more difficult or complicated than it needs to be—more at CROSS n. , TOLL n.

noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] (informal) a large strong man whose job is to protect a person or place, often using violence
2 [U] (ScotE) strong beer, especially BITTER : a pint of heavy

adv. hang / lie 'heavy
1 ~ (on / in sth) (of a feeling or sth in the air) to be very noticeable in a particular place in a way that is unpleasant: Smoke lay heavy on the far side of the water.  Despair hangs heavy in the stifling air.
2 ~ on sb/sth to cause sb/sth to feel uncomfortable or anxious: The crime lay heavy on her conscience.

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,heavy 'breather
noun a person who gets sexual pleasure from calling sb on the telephone and not speaking to them
,heavy 'breathing noun [U]
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,heavy-'duty
adj. [only before noun] not easily damaged and therefore suitable for hard physical work or to be used all the time: a heavy-duty carpet / tyre  heavy-duty plastic
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,heavy 'goods vehicle
noun (BrE ) = HGV
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,heavy-'handed
adj.
1 not showing a sympathetic understanding of the feelings of other people: a heavy-handed approach / manner
2 using unnecessary force: heavy-handed police methods
3 (of a person) using too much of sth in a way that can cause damage: Don’t be too heavy-handed with the salt.
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,heavy 'hitter
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a person with a lot of power, especially in business or politics
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,heavy 'industry
noun [U, C] industry that uses large machinery to produce metal, coal, vehicles, etc.—compare LIGHT INDUSTRY
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,heavy 'metal
noun
1 [U] a type of ROCK MUSIC (= loud modern music) with a very strong beat played very loud on electric guitars and often with words that are shouted loudly
2 [C] (technical) a metal that has a very high DENSITY (= the relation of its weight to its volume), such as gold or LEAD
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,heavy 'petting
noun [U] sexual activity that does not involve full SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
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,heavy-'set
adj. having a broad heavy body THICKSET
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heavy.weight
noun
1 a boxer of the heaviest class, weighing 79.5 kilograms or more: a heavyweight champion
2 a person or thing that weighs more than is usual
3 a very important person, organization or thing that influences others: a political heavyweight  a heavyweight journal
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Heb.raic
adj. of or connected with the Hebrew language or people: Hebraic poetry
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Heb.rew
noun
1 a member of an ancient race of people living in what is now Israel and Palestine. Their writings and traditions form the basis of the Jewish religion.
2 the language traditionally used by the Hebrew people
3 a modern form of the Hebrew language which is the official language of modern Israel—compare YIDDISH
Heb.rew adj.
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heck
exclamation, noun (informal) used to show that you are slightly annoyed or surprised: Oh heck, I’m going to be late!  We had to wait a heck of a long time!  Who the heck are you?
IDM for the 'heck of it (informal) just for pleasure rather than for a reason what the 'heck! (informal) used to say that you are going to do sth that you know you should not do: It means I’ll be late for work but what the heck!
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heckle
verb to interrupt a speaker at a public meeting by shouting out questions or rude remarks
SYN BARRACK : [vn] He was booed and heckled throughout his speech. [alsov]
heck.ler noun
heck.ling noun [U]
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hec.tare
noun (abbr. ha) a unit for measuring an area of land; 10 000 square metres or about 2.5 ACRES
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hec.tic
adj. very busy; full of activity: to lead a hectic life  a hectic schedule
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hec.tor
verb [vn, v speech] (written) to try to make sb do sth by talking or behaving in an aggressive way
SYN BULLY
hec.tor.ing adj.: a hectoring tone of voice
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he’d
short form
1 he had
2 he would
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hedge
noun, verb
noun
1 a row of bushes or small trees planted close together, usually along the edge of a field, garden/yard or road: a privet hedge
2 ~ against sth a way of protecting yourself against the loss of sth, especially money: to buy gold as a hedge against inflation

verb
1 [v] to avoid giving a direct answer to a question or promising to support a particular idea, etc: Just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’—and stop hedging.
2 [vn] to put a hedge around a field, etc.
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (about / around) (with sth) (formal) to surround or limit sb/sth: His religious belief was always hedged with doubt.  Their offer was hedged around with all sorts of conditions.
IDM ,hedge your 'bets to reduce the risk of losing or making a mistake by supporting more than one side in a competition, an argument, etc., or by having several choices available to you
PVR V 'hedge against sth to do sth to protect yourself against problems, especially against losing money: a way of hedging against currency risks ,hedge sb/sth<->'in to surround sb/sth with sth
SYN HEM SB/STH IN : The cathedral is now hedged in by other buildings.   (figurative) Married life made him feel hedged in and restless.

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hedge.hog
noun a small brown European animal with stiff parts like needles, (called SPINES ), covering its back. Hedgehogs are NOCTURNAL (= active mostly at night) and can roll into a ball to defend themselves when they are attacked.
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hedge.row
noun (especially in Britain) a line of bushes planted along the edge of a field or road
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he.don.ism
noun [U] the belief that pleasure is the most important thing in life
he.don.is.tic adj.
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he.don.ist
noun a person who believes that pleasure is the most important thing in life
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heed
verb, noun
verb [vn] to pay careful attention to sb’s advice or warning

noun [U]
IDM give / pay 'heed (to sb/sth) | take 'heed (of sb/sth) (formal) to pay careful attention to sb/sth: They gave little heed to the rumours.  I paid no heed at the time but later I had cause to remember what he’d said.

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heed.less
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (of sb/sth) (formal) not paying careful attention to sb/sth
heed.less.ly adv.
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heel
noun, verb
noun
PART OF FOOT|
1 [C] the back part of the foot below the ankle—picture at BODY
PART OF SOCK / SHOE|
2 [C] the part of a sock, etc. that covers the heel
3 [C] the raised part on the bottom of a shoe, boot, etc. that makes the shoe, etc. higher at the back: shoes with a low / high heel  a stiletto heel  The sergeant clicked his heels and walked out.—compare SOLE n. (2) —picture at SHOE
-HEELED|
4 (in adjectives) having the type of heel mentioned: high-heeled shoes—see also WELL HEELED
SHOES|
5 (heels) [pl.] a pair of women’s shoes that have high heels : She doesn’t often wear heels.
PART OF HAND|
6 [C] ~ of your hand / palm the raised part of the inside of the hand where it joins the wrist
UNPLEASANT MAN|
7 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a man who is unpleasant to other people and cannot be trusted—see also ACHILLES' HEEL , DOWN AT HEEL at / on sb’s 'heels following closely behind sb: He fled from the stadium with the police at his heels. bring sb/sth to 'heel
1 to force sb to obey you and accept discipline
2 to make a dog come close to you come to 'heel
1 (of a person) to agree to obey sb and accept their discipline
2 (of a dog) to come close to the person who has called it (hard / hot) on sb’s / sth’s 'heels very close behind sb/sth; very soon after sth: News of rising unemployment followed hard on the heels of falling export figures. ,take to your 'heels to run away from sb/sth ,turn / ,spin on your 'heel to turn around suddenly so that you are facing in the opposite direction under the 'heel of sb (literary) completely controlled by sb—more at COOL v. , DIG v. , DRAG v. , HEAD n. , KICK v. , TREAD v.

verb
REPAIR SHOE|
1 [vn] to repair the heel of a shoe, etc.
OF BOAT|
2 [v] ~ (over) to lean over to one side: The boat heeled over in the strong wind.

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hefty
adj. (heft.ier, hefti.est)
1 (of a person or an object) big and heavy: Her brothers were both hefty men in their forties.
2 (of an amount of money) large; larger than usual or expected: They sold it easily and made a hefty profit.  Interest rates have gone up to a hefty 12%.
3 using a lot of force: He gave the door a hefty kick.
heft.ily adv.
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he.gem.ony
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) control by one country, organization, etc. over other countries, etc. within a particular group: the country’s continuing desire for political and military hegemony
hege.mon.ic adj.: hegemonic power / control
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heifer
noun a young female cow, especially one that has not yet had a CALF
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height
noun
MEASUREMENT|
1 [U, C] the measurement of how tall a person or thing is: Height: 210 mm. Width: 57 mm. Length: 170 mm.  Please state your height and weight.  It is almost 2 metres in height .  She is the same height as her sister.  to be of medium / average height  You can adjust the height of the chair.  The table is available in several different heights.
BEING TALL|
2 [U] the quality of being tall or high: She worries about her height (= that she is too tall).  The height of the mountain did not discourage them.
DISTANCE ABOVE GROUND|
3 [C, U] a particular distance above the ground: The plane flew at a height of 3 000 metres.  The aircraft was gaining height.  to be at shoulder / chest / waist height  The stone was dropped from a great height .
HIGH PLACE|
4 [C, usually pl.] (often used in names) a high place or position: Brooklyn Heights  He doesn’t have a head for heights (= is afraid of high places).  a fear of heights  We looked out over the city from the heights of Edinburgh Castle.  The pattern of the ancient fields is clearly visible from a height .
STRONGEST POINT / LEVEL|
5 [sing.] the point when sth is at its best or strongest: He is at the height of his career.  She is still at the height of her powers .  I wouldn’t go there in the height of summer .  The fire reached its height around 2 a.m.  The housing market was at its height in the eighties.
6 (heights) [pl.] a better or greater level of sth; a situation where sth is very good: Their success had reached new heights .  She dreamed of reaching the dizzy heights of stardom.  He didn’t know it was possible to reach such heights of happiness.
EXTREME EXAMPLE|
7 [sing.] ~ of sth an extreme example of a particular quality: It would be the height of folly (= very stupid) to change course now.  She was dressed in the height of fashion . draw yourself up / rise to your full 'height to stand straight and tall in order to show your determination or high status—more at DIZZY
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height.en
verb if a feeling or an effect heightens, or sth heightens it, it becomes stronger or increases
SYN INTENSIFY : [v] Tension has heightened after the recent bomb attack.  [vn] The campaign is intended to heighten public awareness of the disease.
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hein.ous
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) morally very bad: a heinous crime
hein.ous.ness noun [U]
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heir
noun ~ (to sth)| ~ (of sb)
1 a person who has the legal right to receive sb’s property, money or title when that person dies: to be heir to a large fortune  the heir to the throne (= the person who will be the next king or queen)  the son and heir of the Earl of Lancaster
2 a person who is thought to continue the work or a tradition started by sb else: the president’s political heirs
HELP Use an, not a, before heir.
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,heir ap'parent
noun (pl.heirs apparent) ~ (to sth)
1 an HEIR whose legal right to receive sb’s property, money or title cannot be taken away because it is impossible for sb with a stronger claim to be born
2 a person who is expected to take the job of sb when that person leaves
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heir.ess
noun ~ (to sth) a female heir , especially one who has received or will receive a large amount of money
HELP Use an, not a, before heiress.
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heir.loom
noun a valuable object that has belonged to the same family for many years: a family heirloom
HELP Use an, not a, before heirloom.
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,heir pre'sumptive
noun (pl.heirs presumptive) an HEIR who may lose his or her legal right to receive sb’s property, money or title if sb with a stronger claim is born
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heist
noun, verb
noun (informal, especially AmE ) an act of stealing sth valuable from a shop/store or bank: a bank heist

verb [vn] (especially AmE ) to steal sth valuable from a shop/store or bank

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held
pt, pp of HOLD
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hel.ic.al
adj. (technical ) like a HELIX
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heli.cop.ter
(also informal cop.ter, chop.per) noun an aircraft without wings that has large blades on top that go round. It can fly straight up from the ground and can also stay in one position in the air: He was rushed to the hospital by helicopter .  a police helicopter  a helicopter pilot
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he.lio.trope
noun
1 [C, U] a garden plant with pale purple flowers with a sweet smell
2 [U] a pale purple colour
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heli.pad
(also 'helicopter pad) noun a small area where HELICOPTERS can take off and land
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heli.port
noun a place where HELICOPTERS take off and land
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he.lium
noun [U] (symb He) a chemical element. Helium is a very light colourless gas that does not burn, often used to fill BALLOONS and to freeze food.
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helix
noun (pl.heli.ces ) a shape like a SPIRAL or a line curved around a CYLINDER or CONE
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hell
noun
1 [sing.] (usually Hell) (used without a or the) in some religions, the place believed to be the home of devils and where bad people go after death
2 [U, sing.] a very unpleasant experience or situation in which people suffer very much: The last three months have been hell.  He went through hell during the trial.  Her parents made her life hell.  Being totally alone is my idea of hell on earth .
3 a swear word that some people use when they are annoyed or surprised or to emphasize sth. Its use is offensive to some people: Oh hell, I’ve burned the pan.  What the hell do you think you are doing?  Go to hell!  I can’t really afford it, but, what the hell (= it doesn’t matter), I’ll get it anyway.  He’s as guilty as hell.   (AmE) ‘Do you understand?’‘Hell, no. I don’t.’
IDM all 'hell broke loose (informal) suddenly there was a lot of noise, arguing, fighting or confusion: There was a loud bang and then all hell broke loose. beat / kick (the) 'hell out of sb/sth | knock 'hell out of sb/sth (informal) to hit sb/sth very hard: He was a dirty player and loved to kick hell out of the opposition. (just) for the 'hell of it (informal) just for fun; for no real reason: They stole the car just for the hell of it. from 'hell (informal) used to describe a very unpleasant person or thing; the worst that you can imagine: They are the neighbours from hell. get the hell 'out (of … ) (spoken) to leave a place very quickly: Let’s get the hell out of here. give sb 'hell (informal)
1 to make life unpleasant for sb: He used to give his mother hell when he was a teenager.  My new shoes are giving me hell (= are hurting me).
2 to shout at or speak angrily to sb: Dad will give us hell when he sees that mess. go to hell in a 'handbasket (AmE, informal) = GO TO THE DOGS at DOG n. hell for 'leather (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) as quickly as possible: to ride hell for leather hell hath no 'fury (like a woman 'scorned) (BrE) used to refer to sb, usually a woman, who has reacted very angrily to sth, especially the fact that her husband or lover has been UNFAITHFUL (come) hell or high 'water in spite of any difficulties: I was determined to go, come hell or high water. Hell’s 'teeth (old-fashioned, BrE, spoken) used to express anger or surprise like 'hell
1 (informal) used for emphasis: She worked like hell for her exams.  My broken finger hurt like hell.
2 (spoken) used when you are refusing permission or saying that sth is not true: ‘I’m coming with you.’‘Like hell you are’ (= you certainly are not). a / one hell of a … | a / one helluva (spoken, slang) used to give emphasis to what a person is saying: The firm was in a hell of a mess when he took over.  This holiday is going to cost a hell of a lot of money.  It must have been one hell of a party.  It’s taken him a hell of a long time to get here.  That’s one helluva big house you’ve got. play (merry) 'hell with sth/sb (BrE, informal) to affect sth badly scare, annoy, etc. the 'hell out of sb (informal) to scare , annoy, etc. sb very much to 'hell and back (informal) used to say that sb has been through a difficult situation: We’d been to hell and back together and we were still good friends. to 'hell with sb/sth (spoken) used to express anger or dislike and to say that you no longer care about sb/sth and will take no notice of them: ‘To hell with him,’ she thought, ‘I’m leaving.’—more at BAT n. , CAT , CATCH v. , HOPE n. , PAY v. , RAISE v. , SNOWBALL n.
HELP Some people find the use of the spoken idiom offensive.
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he’ll
short form he will
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,hell-'bent
adj. ~ on sth / on doing sth determined to do sth even though the results may be bad: He seems hell-bent on drinking himself to death.
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Hel.lene
noun a person from Greece, especially ancient Greece
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Hel.len.ic
adj. of or connected with ancient or modern Greece
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hell.hole
noun a very unpleasant place
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hel.lion
noun (AmE ) a badly behaved child who annoys other people
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hell.ish
adj. (informal, especially BrE ) extremely unpleasant: His school days were hellish.  We’ve had a hellish time lately.
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hello
(also hullo especially in BrE) (BrE also hallo) exclamation, noun
1 used as a greeting when you meet sb, when you answer the telephone or when you want to attract sb’s attention: Hello John, how are you?  Hello, is there anybody there?  Say hello to Liz for me.  They exchanged hellos (= said hello to each other) and forced smiles.
2 (BrE) used to show that you are surprised by sth: Hello, hello, what’s going on here?
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hel.luva
HELL
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helm
noun a handle or wheel used for steering a boat or ship—compare TILLER
IDM at the 'helm
1 in charge of an organization, project, etc.
2 steering a boat or ship take the 'helm
1 to take charge of an organization, project, etc.
2 to begin steering a boat or ship
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hel.met
noun a type of hard hat that protects the head, worn, for example, by a police officer, a soldier or a person playing some sports—see also CRASH HELMET —picture at HOCKEY , BICYCLE
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hel.met.ed
adj. [only before noun] wearing a helmet
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helms.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person who steers a boat or ship
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help
verb, noun
verb
MAKE EASIER / BETTER|
1 ~ (sb) (with sth)| ~ (sb) (in doing sth) to make it easier or possible for sb to do sth by doing sth for them or by giving them sth that they need: [v] Help, I’m stuck!  He always helps with the housework.  I need contacts that could help in finding a job.  [vn] We must all try and help each other.  Jo will help us with some of the organization.  [vn to inf] The college’s aim is to help students (to) achieve their aspirations.  This charity aims to help people (to) help themselves.  [vn inf] Come and help me lift this box.  [v to inf] She helped (to) organize the party.
HELP In verb patterns with a to infinitive, the ‘to’ is often left out, especially in informal or spoken English.
2 to improve a situation; to make it easier for sth to happen: [v] It helped being able to talk about it.  [vn] It doesn’t really help matters knowing that everyone is talking about us.  [v to inf] This should help (to) reduce the pain.
SB TO MOVE|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to help sb move by letting them lean on you, guiding them, etc: She helped him to his feet.  We were helped ashore by local people.
GIVE FOOD / DRINK|
4 [vn] ~ yourself / sb (to sth) to give yourself/sb food, drinks, etc: If you want another drink, just help yourself.  Can I help you to some more salad?
STEAL|
5 [vn] ~ yourself to sth (informal, disapproving) to take sth without permission
SYN STEAL : He’d been helping himself to the money in the cash register. sb can (not) help (doing) sth | sb can not help but do sth used to say that it is impossible to prevent or avoid sth: I can’t help thinking he knows more than he has told us.  She couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking.  It couldn’t be helped (= there was no way of avoiding it and we must accept it).  I always end up having an argument with her, I don’t know why, I just can’t help it .  I couldn’t help it if the bus was late (= it wasn’t my fault).  She burst out laughing—she couldn’t help herself (= couldn’t stop herself). give / lend a ,helping 'hand to help sb God / Heaven 'help sb (spoken) used to say that you are afraid sb will be in danger or that sth bad will happen to them: God help us if this doesn’t work.
HELP Some people find this use offensive. so 'help me (God) used to swear that what you are saying is true, especially in a court of law ,help sb 'off / 'on with sth to help sb put on/take off a piece of clothing: Let me help you off with your coat. ,help 'out| ,help sb<->'out to help sb, especially in a difficult situation: He’s always willing to help out.  When I bought the house, my sister helped me out with a loan.

noun
MAKING EASIER / BETTER|
1 [U] ~ (with sth) the act of helping sb to do sth: Thank you for all your help.  Do you need any help with that?  Can I be of any help to you?  None of this would have been possible without their help.  She stopped smoking with the help of her family and friends.
ADVICE / MONEY|
2 [U] ~ (with sth) advice, money, etc. that is given to sb in order to solve their problems: to seek financial / legal / medical help  The organization offers practical help in dealing with paperwork.  You should qualify for help with the costs of running a car.  a help key / screen (= a function on a computer that provides information on how to use the computer)
BEING USEFUL|
3 [U] the fact of being useful: The map wasn’t much help .  With the help of a ladder, neighbours were able to rescue the children from the blaze.  Just shouting at him isn’t going to be a lot of help.
FOR SB IN DANGER|
4 [U] the act of helping sb who is in danger: Quick, get help!  She screamed for help.
PERSON / THING|
5 [sing.] a ~ (to sb) a person or thing that helps sb: She was more of a hindrance than a help.  Your advice was a big help.   (ironic) You’re a great help, I must say!
CLEANER|
6 [C] (old-fashioned) a person who is employed by sb to clean their house, etc: The help hasn’t come this morning.—see also HOME HELP there is no 'help for it (especially BrE) it is not possible to avoid doing sth that may harm sb in some way: There’s no help for it. We shall have to call the police.

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'help desk
noun a service, usually in a business company, that gives people information and help, especially if they are having problems with a computer
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help.er
noun a person who helps sb to do sth: a willing helper
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help.ful
adj.
1 ~ (for sb) (to do sth)| ~ (in doing sth)| ~ (to sb) useful and able to improve a particular situation: helpful advice / information / suggestions  Sorry I can’t be more helpful.  It would be helpful for me to see the damage for myself.  Role-play is helpful in developing communication skills.  The booklet should be very helpful to parents of disabled children.
2 (of a person) willing to help sb: I called the police but they weren’t very helpful.  The staff couldn’t have been more helpful.
OPP UNHELPFUL
help.ful.ly adv.: She helpfully suggested that I try the local library.
help.ful.ness noun [U]
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help.ing
noun ~ (of sth) an amount of food given to sb at a meal: a small / generous helping  We all had a second helping of pie.
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help.less
adj.
1 unable to take care of yourself or do things without the help of other people: the helpless victims of war  a helpless gesture / look  He lay helpless on the floor.  It’s natural to feel helpless against such abuse.  The worst part is being helpless to change anything.
2 ~ (with sth) unable to control a strong feeling: helpless panic / rage  The audience was helpless with laughter.
help.less.ly adv.: They watched helplessly as their home went up in flames.
help.less.ness noun [U]: a feeling / sense of helplessness
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help.line
noun (BrE ) a telephone service that provides advice and information about particular problems
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help.mate
(also help.meet ) noun (formal or literary) a helpful partner, especially a wife
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helter-skelter
noun, adj.
noun (BrE ) a tall tower at a FAIRGROUND that has a path twisting around the outside of it from the top to the bottom for people to slide down

adj. [only before noun] done in a hurry and in a way that lacks organization: a helter-skelter dash to meet the deadline
helter-skelter adv.

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hem
noun, verb
noun the edge of a piece of fabric that has been folded over and sewn, especially on a piece of clothing: to take up the hem of a dress (= to make the dress shorter)—picture at SEW

verb (-mm-) [vn] to make a hem on sth: to hem a skirt
IDM ,hem and 'haw (AmE) = HUM AND HAW
PVR V ,hem sb/sth<->'in to surround sb/sth so that they cannot move or grow easily
SYN HEDGE SB/STH IN : The village is hemmed in on all sides by mountains.   (figurative) She felt hemmed in by all their petty rules and regulations.

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'he-man
noun (pl.-men ) (often humorous) a strong man with big muscles, especially one who likes to show other people how strong he is
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hema.tol.ogy
(AmE ) = HAEMATOLOGY
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hemi.sphere
noun
1 one half of the earth, especially the half above or below the EQUATOR : the northern / southern hemisphere
2 (anatomy) either half of the brain: the left / right cerebral hemisphere
3 one half of a SPHERE (= a round solid object)
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hemi.spher.ic.al
adj. shaped like a hemisphere
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hem.line
noun the bottom edge of a dress or skirt; the length of a dress or skirt: Shorter hemlines are back in this season.
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hem.lock
noun
1 [U, C] a poisonous plant with a mass of small white flowers growing at the end of a stem that is covered in spots
2 [U] poison made from hemlock
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hemo-
HAEMO-
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hemp
noun [U] a plant which is used for making rope and fabric, and also to make the drug CANNABIS
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hen
noun
1 a female chicken, often kept for its eggs or meat: a small flock of laying hens  battery hens
2 (especially in compounds) any female bird: a hen pheasant—compare COCK —see also MOORHEN
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hence
adv. (formal) for this reason: We suspect they are trying to hide something, hence the need for an independent inquiry.
IDM six days, weeks, etc. 'hence (formal) six days, etc. from now: The true consequences will only be known several years hence.
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hence.forth
(also hence.for.ward ) adv. (formal) starting from a particular time and at all times in the future: Friday 31 July 1925 henceforth became known as ‘Red Friday’.
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hench.man
noun (pl.-men ) a faithful supporter of a powerful person, for example a political leader or criminal, who is prepared to use violence or become involved in illegal activities to help that person: his ruthless henchmen
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henna
noun [U] a reddish-brown DYE (= a substance used to change the colour of sth), used especially on the hair and skin
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'hen party
(also 'hen night) noun (BrE , informal) a party for women only, especially one held for a woman who will soon get married—compare STAG NIGHT
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hen.pecked
adj. (informal) a man who people say is henpecked has a wife who is always telling him what to do, and is too weak to disagree with her
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hepa.titis
noun [U] a serious disease of the LIVER . There are three main forms: hepatitis A (the least serious, caused by infected food), hepatitis B and hepatitis C (both very serious and caused by infected blood).
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hepta.gon
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with seven straight sides and seven angles
hept.agon.al adj.
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hept.ath.lon
noun [sing., U] a sporting event, especially one for women, in which people compete in seven different sports—compare BIATHLON , DECATHLON , PENTATHLON , TRIATHLON
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her
pron., det.
pron. used as the object of a verb or after a preposition to refer to a woman or girl who has already been mentioned or is easily identified: We’re going to call her Sophie.  Please give her my regards.  The manager will be free soon—you can wait for her here.  That must be her now.—compare SHE

det. (the possessive form of she) of or belonging to a woman or girl who has already been mentioned or is easily identified: Meg loves her job.  She broke her leg skiing.—see also HERS

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her.ald
verb, noun
verb [vn] (written)
1 to be a sign that sth is going to happen: These talks could herald a new era of peace
2 ~ sb/sth (as sth) [often passive] to say in public that sb/sth is good or important: The report is being heralded as a blueprint for the future of transport.

noun
1 something that shows that sth else is going to happen soon: The government claims that the fall in unemployment is the herald of economic recovery.
2 (in the past) a person who carried messages from a ruler

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her.ald.ry
noun [U] the study of the COATS OF ARMS and the history of old families
her.al.dic adj.
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herb
noun
1 a plant whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used to flavour food, in medicines or for their pleasant smell. PARSLEY , MINT and OREGANO are all herbs : a herb garden   (AmE) an herb garden
2 (technical) a plant with a soft stem that dies down after flowering
herb.al adj.: herbal medicine / remedies  herbal tea
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herb.aceous
adj. (technical ) connected with plants that have soft stems: a herbaceous plant
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her,baceous 'border
noun a piece of ground in a garden/yard containing plants that produce flowers every year without being replaced
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herb.age
noun [U] (technical ) plants in general, especially grass that is grown for cows, etc. to eat
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herb.al
noun a book about HERBS , especially those used in medicines
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herb.al.ist
noun a person who grows, sells or uses HERBS for medical purposes
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herbi.cide
noun a chemical that is poisonous to plants, used to kill plants that are growing where they are not wanted—see also INSECTICIDE , PESTICIDE
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herbi.vore
noun any animal that eats only plants—compare CARNIVORE , INSECTIVORE , OMNIVORE , VEGETARIAN
herb.iv.or.ous adj.: herbivorous dinosaurs
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Her.cu.lean
adj. [usually before noun] needing a lot of strength, determination or effort: a Herculean task
ORIGIN From the Greek myth in which Hercules proved his courage and strength by completing twelve very difficult tasks (‘the Labours of Hercules’).
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herd
noun, verb
noun
1 a group of animals of the same type that live and feed together: a herd of cows / deer / elephants  a beef / dairy herd—compare FLOCK
2 (usually disapproving) a large group of people of the same type: She pushed her way through a herd of lunchtime drinkers.  the common herd (= ordinary people)  If you feel so strongly, why follow the herd (= do and think the same as everyone else)?
IDM see RIDE v.

verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move or make sb/sth move in a particular direction: [v] We all herded on to the bus.  [vn] They were herded together into trucks and driven away.
2 [vn] to make animals move together as a group: a shepherd herding his flock

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'herd instinct
noun [sing.] the natural tendency in people or animals to behave or think like other people or animals
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herds.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man whose job is to take care of a group of animals, such as cows
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here
adv., exclamation
adv.
1 used after a verb or preposition to mean ‘in, at or to this position or place’: I live here.  Put the box here.  Let’s get out of here.  Come over here.
2 now; at this point: The countdown to Christmas starts here .  Here the speaker paused to have a drink.
3 (especially spoken) used when you are giving or showing sth to sb: Here’s the money I promised you.  Here’s a dish that is simple and quick to make.  Here is your opportunity.  Here comes the bus.  I can’t find my keys. Oh, here they are .  Here we are (= we’ve arrived).
4 ~ to do sth used to show your role in a situation: I’m here to help you.
5 (used after a noun, for emphasis): My friend here saw it happen.
IDM ,here and 'there in various places: Papers were scattered here and there on the floor. ,here 'goes (spoken) used when you are telling people that you are just going to do sth exciting, dangerous, etc. here’s to sb/sth used to wish sb health or success, as you lift a glass and drink a TOAST : Here’s to your future happiness! ,here, ,there and 'everywhere in many different places; all around ,here we 'go (spoken) said when sth is starting to happen: ‘Here we go,’ thought Fred, ‘she’s sure to say something.’ ,here we go a'gain (spoken) said when sth is starting to happen again, especially sth bad ,here you 'are (spoken) used when you are giving sth to sb: Here you are. This is what you were asking for. ,here you 'go (spoken) used when you are giving sth to sb: Here you go. Four copies, is that right? neither 'here nor 'there not important
SYN IRRELEVANT : What might have happened is neither here nor there.

exclamation
1 (BrE) used to attract sb’s attention: Here, where are you going with that ladder?
2 used when offering sth to sb: Here, let me carry that for you.

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here.abouts
(AmE also here.about) adv. near this place: There aren’t many houses hereabouts.
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here.after
adv.
1 (also here.in.after) (in legal documents, etc.) in the rest of this document
2 (formal) from this time; in future—compare THEREAFTER
3 (formal) after death: Do you believe in a life hereafter?
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the here.after
noun [sing.] a life believed to begin after death
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here.by
adv. (in legal documents, etc.) as a result of this statement, and in a way that makes sth legal
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her.edi.tary
adj.
1 (especially of illnesses) given to a child by its parents before it is born: a hereditary disease / condition / problem  Epilepsy is hereditary in her family.
2 that is legally given to sb’s child, when that person dies: a hereditary title / monarchy
3 holding a rank or title that is hereditary : hereditary peers / rulers
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her.ed.ity
noun [U] the process by which mental and physical characteristics are passed by parents to their children; these characteristics in a particular person: the debate over the effects of heredity and environment
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here.in
adv. (formal orlaw ) in this place, document, statement or fact: Neither party is willing to compromise and herein lies the problem.
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here.in.after
adv. (law ) = HEREAFTER
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here.of
adv. (law ) of this: a period of 12 months from the date hereof (= the date of this document)
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her.esy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
1 a belief or an opinion that is against the principles of a particular religion; the fact of holding such beliefs: He was burned at the stake for heresy.  the heresies of the early Protestants
2 a belief or an opinion that disagrees strongly with what most people believe: The idea is heresy to most employees of the firm.
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her.et.ic
noun a person who is guilty of heresy
her.et.ical adj.: heretical beliefs
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here.to
adv. (law ) to this
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here.to.fore
adv. (formal) before this time
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here.with
adv. (written) with this letter, book or document: I enclose herewith a copy of the policy.
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heri.tage
noun [usually sing.] the history, traditions and qualities that a country or society has had for many years and that are considered an important part of its character: Spain’s rich cultural heritage  The building is part of our national heritage.
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herm.aph.ro.dite
noun a person, an animal or a flower that has both male and female sexual organs or characteristics
herm.aph.ro.dite adj.
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her.met.ic
adj.
1 (technical) tightly closed so that no air can escape or enter
SYN AIRTIGHT
2 (formal, disapproving) closed and difficult to become a part of: the strange, hermetic world of the theatre
her.met.ic.al.ly adv.: a hermetically sealed container
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her.mit
noun a person who, usually for religious reasons, lives a very simple life alone and does not meet or talk to other people.
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her.mit.age
noun a place where a hermit lives or lived
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'hermit crab
noun a CRAB (= a sea creature with eight legs and, usually, a hard shell) that has no shell of its own and has to use the empty shells of other sea creatures
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her.nia
noun [C, U] a medical condition in which part of an organ is pushed through a weak part of the body wall
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hero
noun (pl.-oes)
1 a person, especially a man, who is admired by many people for doing sth brave or good: a war hero (= sb who was very brave during a war)  The Olympic team were given a hero’s welcome on their return home.  one of the country’s national heroes
2 the main male character in a story, novel, film/movie etc: The hero of the novel is a ten-year old boy.
3 a person, especially a man, that you admire because of a particular quality or skill that they have: my childhood hero
4 (AmE) = SUBMARINE (2) —see also HEROINE
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hero.ic
adj.
1 showing extreme courage and admired by many people: a heroic figure  Rescuers made heroic efforts to save the crew.
2 showing great determination to succeed or to achieve sth, especially sth difficult: We watched our team’s heroic struggle to win back the cup.
3 that is about or involves a hero : a heroic story / poem  heroic deeds / myths
4 very large or great: This was foolishness on a heroic scale .
hero.ic.al.ly adv.
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hero.ics
noun [pl.]
1 (disapproving) talk or behaviour that is too brave or dramatic for a particular situation: Remember, no heroics, we just go in there and do our job.
2 actions that are brave and determined: Thanks to Bateman’s heroics in the second half, the team won 2–0.
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her.oin
noun [U] a powerful illegal drug made from MORPHINE , that some people take for pleasure and can become ADDICTED to: a heroin addict
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hero.ine
noun
1 a girl or woman who is admired by many for doing sth brave or good: the heroines of the revolution
2 the main female character in a story, novel, film/movie, etc: The heroine is played by Demi Moore.
3 a woman that you admire because of a particular quality or skill that she has: Madonna was her teenage heroine.
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hero.ism
noun [U] very great courage
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heron
noun a large bird with a long neck and long legs, that lives near water
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'hero worship
noun [U] great admiration for sb because you think they are extremely beautiful, intelligent, etc.
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'hero-worship
verb (-pp-) [vn] to admire sb very much because you think they are extremely beautiful, intelligent, etc.
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her.pes
noun [U] an infectious disease that causes painful spots on the skin, especially on the face and sexual organs
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her.ring
noun (pl.her.ring or her.rings) [U, C] a N Atlantic fish that swims in very large groups and is used for food: shoals of herring  fresh herring fillets  pickled herrings—see also RED HERRING
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her.ring.bone
noun [U] a pattern used, for example, in fabric consisting of lines of V shapes that are parallel to each other
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'herring gull
noun a large N Atlantic bird of the GULL family, with black tips to its wings
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hers
pron. of or belonging to her: His eyes met hers.  The choice was hers.  a friend of hers
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her.self
pron.
1 (the reflexive form of she) used when the woman or girl who performs an action is also affected by it: She hurt herself.  She must be very proud of herself.
2 used to emphasize the female subject or object of a sentence: She told me the news herself.  Jane herself was at the meeting.
IDM be, seem, etc. her'self (of a woman or girl) to be in a normal state of health or happiness; not influenced by other people: She didn’t seem quite herself this morning.  She needed space to be herself. (all) by her'self
1 alone; with anyone else: She lives by herself.
2 without help: She runs the business by herself. (all) to her'self for only her to have or use: She wants a room all to herself.
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hertz
noun (pl.hertz) (abbr. Hz) a unit for measuring the FREQUENCY of sound waves
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he’s
short form
1 he is
2 he has
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hesi.tancy
noun [U] the state or quality of being slow or uncertain in doing or saying sth: I noticed a certain hesitancy in his voice.
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hesi.tant
adj. slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain, embarrassed or unwilling: a hesitant smile / reply  She’s hesitant about signing the contract.  the baby’s first few hesitant steps  Doctors are hesitant to comment on the new treatment.
hesi.tant.ly adv.
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hesi.tate
verb
1 ~ (about / over sth) to be slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain or nervous: [v] She hesitated before replying.  I didn’t hesitate for a moment about taking the job. [alsov speech]
2 [v to inf] to be worried about doing sth, especially because you are not sure that it is right or appropriate: Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
hesi.ta.tion noun [U, C]: She agreed without the slightest hesitation.  We were trained to speak fluently and without unnecessary hesitations.
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hes.sian
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually bur.lap) noun [U] a strong rough brown fabric, used especially for making SACKS
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hetero-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) other; different: heterogeneous  heterosexual—compare HOMO-
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het.ero.dox
adj. (formal) not following the usual or accepted beliefs and opinions—compare ORTHODOX , UNORTHODOX
het.ero.doxy noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
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het.ero.ge.neous
adj. (formal) consisting of many different kinds of people or things: the heterogeneous population of the United States
OPP HOMOGENEOUS
het.ero.gen.eity noun [U]
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het.ero.sex.ual
noun a person who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex—compare BISEXUAL , HOMOSEXUAL
het.ero.sex.ual adj.: a heterosexual relationship
het.ero.sexu.al.ity noun [U]
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het up
adj. [not before noun] ~ (about / over sth) (BrE , informal) anxious, excited or slightly angry: What are you getting so het up about?
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heur.is.tic
adj. (formal) heuristic teaching or education encourages you to learn by discovering things for yourself
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heur.is.tics
noun [U] (formal) a method of solving problems by finding practical ways of dealing with them, learning from past experience
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hew
verb (hewed, hewed or hewn ) [vn]
1 (old-fashioned) to cut sth large with a tool: to hew wood / rocks
2 (written) to make or shape sth large by cutting: roughly hewn timber frames  The statues were hewn out of solid rock.
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hex
verb [vn] (AmE ) to use magic powers in order to harm sb
hex noun: to put a hex on sb—compare CURSE
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hexa-
(also hex-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) six; having six: hexagon  hexameter
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hexa.gon
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with six straight sides and six angles
hex.agon.al adj.
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hex.am.eter
noun (technical ) a line of poetry with six stressed syllables
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hey
exclamation (informal)
1 used to attract sb’s attention or to express interest, surprise or anger: Hey, can I just ask you something?  Hey, leave my things alone!
2 used to show that you do not really care about sth or that you think it is not important: That’s the third time I’ve been late this week - but hey! - who’s counting?
IDM hey 'presto (BrE) (AmE presto) people sometimes say hey presto when they have just done sth so quickly and easily that it seems to have been done by magic: You just press the button and, hey presto, a perfect cup of coffee!
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hey.day
noun [usually sing.] the time when sb/sth had most power or success, or was most popular: In its heyday , the company ran trains every fifteen minutes.  a fine example from the heyday of Italian cinema  a picture of Brigitte Bardot in her heyday
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HGV
abbr. (BrE ) heavy goods vehicle (a large vehicle such as a lorry/truck): You need an HGV licence for this job.
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hi
exclamation (informal) used as a greeting: Hi guys!  Hi, there! How’re you doing?
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hia.tus
noun [sing.] (formal)
1 a pause in activity when nothing happens: After a five-month hiatus, the talks resumed.
2 a space, especially in a piece of writing or in a speech, where sth is missing
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hi.ber.nate
verb [v] (of animals) to spend the winter in a state like deep sleep
hi.ber.na.tion noun [U]
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hi.bis.cus
noun [U, C] (pl.hi.bis.cus) a tropical plant or bush with large brightly coloured flowers
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hic.cup
(also hic.cough) noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a sharp, usually repeated, sound made in the throat, that is caused by a sudden movement of the DIAPHRAGM and that you cannot control: She gave a loud hiccup.
2 (the) hiccups [pl.] a series of hiccups : I ate too quickly and got hiccups.  He had the hiccups.
3 (informal) a small problem or temporary delay: There was a slight hiccup in the timetable.

verb [v] to have hiccups or a single hiccup

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hick
noun (informal disapproving, especially AmE ) a person from the country who is considered to be stupid and to have little experience of life: I was just a hick from Texas then.
hick adj.: a hick town
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hickey
noun (AmE ) = LOVE BITE
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hick.ory
noun [U] the hard wood of the N American hickory tree
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,hidden a'genda
noun (disapproving) the secret intention behind what sb says or does: There are fears of a hidden agenda behind this new proposal.
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hide
verb, noun
verb (hid hid.den )
1 [vn] to put or keep sb/sth in a place where they/it cannot be seen or found: He hid the letter in a drawer.  I keep my private papers hidden.  They hid me from the police in their attic.
2 to go somewhere where you hope you will not be seen or found: [v] Quick, hide!  I hid under the bed.   (figurative) He hid behind a false identity.  [vn] She hides herself away in her office all day.
3 [vn] to cover sth so that it cannot be seen: He hid his face in his hands.  The house was hidden by trees.  No amount of make-up could hide her age.
4 [vn] to keep sth secret, especially your feelings: She struggled to hide her disappointment.  I have never tried to hide the truth about my past.  They claim that they have nothing to hide (= there was nothing wrong or illegal about what they did).  She felt sure the letter had some hidden meaning .
IDM hide your light under a 'bushel (BrE) to not let people know that you are good at sth—more at MULTITUDE , HEAD n.

noun
1 [C] (BrE) a place from which people can watch wild animals or birds, without being seen by them
2 [C, U] an animal’s skin, especially when it is bought or sold or used for leather: boots made from buffalo hide
3 (informal, especially AmE) used to refer to sb’s life or safety when they are in a difficult situation: All he’s worried about is his own hide (= himself).  She’d do anything to save her own hide .
IDM have / tan sb’s 'hide (old-fashioned, informal or humorous) to punish sb severely not see hide nor 'hair of sb/sth (spoken) not to see sb/sth for some time: I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her for a month.

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hide-and-seek
noun [U] a children’s game in which one player covers his or her eyes while the other players hide, and then tries to find them
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hide.away
noun a place where you can go to hide or to be alone
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hide.bound
adj. (disapproving) having old-fashioned ideas, rather than accepting new ways of thinking
SYN NARROW-MINDED
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hid.eous
adj. very ugly or unpleasant: a hideous face / building / dress  Their new colour scheme is hideous!  a hideous crime  The whole experience had been like some hideous nightmare.
hid.eous.ly adv.: His face was hideously deformed.
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hide.out
noun a place where sb goes when they do not want anyone to find them
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hid.ing
noun
1 [U] the state of being hidden: After the trial, she had to go into hiding for several weeks.  He only came out of hiding ten years after the war was over.  We spent months in hiding .
2 [sing.] (informal, especially BrE) a physical punishment, usually involving being hit hard many times
SYN BEATING : to give sb / get a (good) hiding   (figurative) The team got a hiding in their last game.
IDM on a ,hiding to 'nothing (BrE, informal) having no chance of success
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'hiding place
noun a place where sb/sth can be hidden
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hier.arch.ic.al
adj. arranged in a hierarchy : a hierarchical society / structure / organization
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hier.archy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] a system, especially in a society or an organization, in which people are organized into different levels of importance from highest to lowest: the social / political hierarchy  She’s high up in the management hierarchy.
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] the group of people in control of a large organization or institution
3 [C] (formal) a system that ideas or beliefs can be arranged into: a hierarchy of needs
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hiero.glyph
noun a picture or symbol of an object, representing a word, syllable or sound, especially as used in ancient Egyptian and other writing systems
hiero.glyph.ic adj.
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hiero.glyph.ics
noun [pl.] writing that uses hieroglyphs
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hi-fi
noun [C, U] equipment for playing recorded music that produces high quality STEREO sound
hi-fi adj. [usually before noun]: a hi-fi system
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higgledy-piggledy
adv. (informal) in an untidy way that lacks any order: Files were strewn higgledy-piggledy over the floor.
higgledy-piggledy adj.: a higgledy-piggledy collection of houses
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high
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (high.er, high.est)
FROM BOTTOM TO TOP|
1 measuring a long distance from the bottom to the top: What’s the highest mountain in the US?  The house has a high wall all the way round it.  shoes with high heels  He has a round face with a high forehead.
OPP LOW
2 used to talk about the distance that sth measures from the bottom to the top: How high is Everest?  It’s only a low wall—about a metre high.  The grass was waist-high.
FAR ABOVE GROUND|
3 at a level which is a long way above the ground or above the level of the sea: a high branch / shelf / window  The rooms had high ceilings.  They were flying at high altitude.  the grasslands of the high prairies
OPP LOW
GREATER THAN NORMAL|
4 greater than normal in quantity, size or degree: a high temperature / speed / price  a high rate of inflation  Demand is high at this time of year.  a high level of pollution  a high standard of craftsmanship  A high degree of accuracy is needed.  We had high hopes for the business (= we believed it would be successful).  The cost in terms of human life was high.  high (= strong) winds—compare LOW (4)
CONTAINING A LOT|
5 ~ (in sth) containing a lot of a particular substance
OPP LOW : foods which are high in fat  a high potassium content
RANK / STATUS|
6 (usually before noun) near the top in rank or status: She has held high office under three prime ministers.  The case was referred to a higher court.  He has friends in high places (= among people of power and influence).
OPP LOW
VALUABLE|
7 of great value: to play for high stakes  My highest card is ten.
IDEALS / PRINCIPLES|
8 (usually before noun) morally good: a man of high ideals / principles
APPROVING|
9 (usually before noun) showing a lot of approval or respect for sb: She is held in very high regard by her colleagues.  You seem to have a high opinion of yourself!
OPP LOW
SOUND|
10 at or near the top of a musical scale; not deep or low: She has a high voice.  That note is definitely too high for me.
OPP LOW
OF PERIOD OF TIME|
11 [only before noun] used to describe the middle or the most attractive part of a period of time: high noon  high summer
FOOD|
12 (of meat, cheese, etc.) beginning to go bad and having a strong smell
ON ALCOHOL / DRUGS|
13 [not before noun] ~ (on sth) (informal) behaving in an excited way because of the effects of alcohol or drugs—see also HEIGHT be / get on your high 'horse (informal) to behave in a way that shows you think you are better than other people have a 'high old time (old-fashioned, informal) to enjoy yourself very much high and 'dry
1 (of a boat, etc.) in a position out of the water: Their yacht was left high and dry on a sandbank.
2 in a difficult situation, without help or money high and 'mighty (informal) behaving as though you think you are more important than other people high as a 'kite (informal) behaving in a very excited way because of being strongly affected by alcohol or drugs ,high days and 'holidays festivals and special occasions in high 'dudgeon (old-fashioned, written) in an angry or offended mood, and showing other people that you are angry: He stomped out of the room in high dudgeon. smell, stink, etc. to high 'heaven (informal)
1 to have a strong unpleasant smell
2 to seem to be very dishonest or morally unacceptable—more at HELL , MORAL adj. , ORDER n. , PROFILE n. , TIME n.

noun
LEVEL / NUMBER|
1 the highest level or number: Profits reached an all-time high last year.
WEATHER|
2 an area of high air pressure; an ANTICYCLONE : A high over southern Europe is bringing fine, sunny weather to all parts.
3 the highest temperature reached during a particular day, week, etc: Highs today will be in the region of 25°C.
FROM DRUGS|
4 (informal) the feeling of extreme pleasure and excitement that sb gets after taking some types of drugs: The high lasted all night.
FROM SUCCESS / ENJOYMENT|
5 (informal) the feeling of extreme pleasure and excitement that sb gets from doing sth enjoyable or being successful at sth: He was on a real high after winning the competition.  the highs and lows of her acting career
SCHOOL|
6 used in the name of a high school: He graduated from Little Rock High in 1982. on 'high
1 (formal) in a high place: We gazed down into the valley from on high.
2 (humorous) the people in senior positions in an organization: An order came down from on high that lunchbreaks were to be half an hour and no longer.
3 in heaven: The disaster was seen as a judgement from on high.

adv. (high.er, high.est)
FAR FROM GROUND / BOTTOM|
1 at or to a position or level that is a long way up from the ground or from the bottom: An eagle circled high overhead.  I can’t jump any higher.  She never got very high in the company.  His desk was piled high with papers.  She’s aiming high (= hoping to be very successful) in her exams.
VALUE / AMOUNT|
2 at or to a large cost, value or amount: Prices are expected to rise even higher this year.
SOUND|
3 at a high PITCH : I can’t sing that high. ,high and 'low everywhere: I’ve searched high and low for my purse. run 'high (especially of feelings) to be strong and angry or excited: Feelings ran high as the election approached.—more at FLY v. , HEAD n. , RIDE v.

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high.ball
noun (AmE ) a strong alcoholic drink, such as whisky or GIN , mixed with FIZZY water (= with bubbles) or GINGER ALE , etc. and served with ice
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'high beams
noun [pl.] (AmE ) the lights on a car when they are pointing a long way ahead, not down at the road: Turn on your high beams.
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,high-'born
adj. (old-fashioned or formal) having parents who are members of the highest social class
SYN ARISTOCRATIC
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high.boy
noun (AmE ) = TALLBOY
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high.brow
adj. (sometimes disapproving) concerned with or interested in serious artistic or cultural ideas
SYN INTELLECTUAL : highbrow newspapers / television programmes  highbrow readers
OPP LOWBROW —compare MIDDLEBROW
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'high chair
noun a special chair with long legs and a little seat and table, for a small child to sit in when eating—picture at CHAIR
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,High 'Church
adj. connected with the part of the Anglican Church that is most similar to the Roman Catholic Church in its beliefs and practices
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,high-'class
adj.
1 excellent; of good quality: a high-class restaurant  to stay in high-class accommodation
2 connected with a high social class: to come from a high-class background
OPP LOW-CLASS
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,high com'mand
noun [usually sing.] the senior leaders of the armed forces of a country
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,high com'mission
noun
1 the office and the staff of an EMBASSY that represents the interests of one Commonwealth country in another
2 a group of people who are working for a government or an international organization on an important project
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,High Com'missioner
noun
1 a person who is sent by one Commonwealth country to live in another, to protect the interests of their own country
2 a person who is head of an important international project: the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
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,High 'Court
(also ,High Court of 'Justice) noun
1 a court of law in England and Wales that deals with the most serious CIVIL cases but not criminal ones
2 = THE SUPREME COURT
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,high-defi'nition
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) using or produced by a system that gives very clear detailed images: high-definition television  high-definition displays
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,high-'end
adj. (AmE ) expensive and of high quality
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,higher 'animals, ,higher 'plants
noun [pl.] animals and plants that have reached an advanced stage of development
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,higher edu'cation
noun [U] (abbr. HE) education and training at college and university, especially to degree level—compare FURTHER EDUCATION
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,high ex'plosive
noun [C, U] a very powerful substance that is used in bombs and can damage a very large area
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high.fa.lu.tin
adj. (informal, disapproving) trying to be serious or important, but in a way that often appears silly and unnecessary
SYN PRETENTIOUS : highfalutin language / ideas
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,high fi'delity
noun [U] (old-fashioned) = HI-FI
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,high 'five
noun (especially AmE ) an action to celebrate victory or to express happiness in which two people raise one arm each and hit their open hands together: Way to go! High five!
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,high-'flown
adj. (usually disapproving) (of language and ideas) very grand and complicated: His high-flown style just sounds absurd today.
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,high-'flyer
(also ,high-'flier) noun a person who has the desire and the ability to be very successful in their job or their studies: academic high-flyers
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,high-'flying
adj. [only before noun]
1 very successful: a high-flying career woman
2 that flies very high in the air: high-flying aircraft
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,high-'grade
adj. [usually before noun] of very good quality: high-grade petrol
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'high ground
noun (usually the high ground) [sing.] the advantage in a discussion or an argument, etc: The government is claiming the high ground in the education debate.
IDM see MORAL
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,high-'handed
adj. (of people or their behaviour) using authority in an unreasonable way, without considering the opinions of other people: a high-handed attitude / manner
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,high 'heels
noun [pl.] shoes that have very high heels, usually worn by women
,high-'heeled adj. [only before noun]: high-heeled shoes / boots
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,high 'jinks
(AmE also hi.jinks) noun [pl.] (old-fashioned, informal) lively and excited behaviour
SYN FUN
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the 'high jump
noun [sing.] a sporting event in which people try to jump over a high bar that is gradually raised higher and higher: She won a silver medal in the high jump.—
IDM be for the 'high jump (BrE, informal) to be going to be severely punished
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high.land
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with an area of land that has hills or mountains: highland regions  highland roads
2 (Highland) connected with the Highlands of Scotland: Highland cattle  Highland dress—compare LOWLAND

noun
1 [C, usually pl.] an area of land with hills or mountains
2 (the Highlands) [pl.] the high mountain region of Scotland—compare LOWLAND

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high.land.er
noun
1 a person who comes from an area where there are a lot of mountains
2 (High.land.er) a person who comes from the Scottish Highlands—compare LOWLANDER
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,Highland 'fling
noun a fast Scottish dance that is danced by one person
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,high-'level
adj. [usually before noun]
1 involving senior people: high-level talks / negotiations  high-level staff
2 in a high position or place: a high-level walk in the hills
3 advanced: a high-level course
4 (computing) (of a computer language) similar to an existing language such as English, making it fairly simple to use
OPP LOW-LEVEL
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'high life
noun (also the high life) [sing., U] (also ,high 'living [U]) (sometimes disapproving) a way of life that involves going to parties and spending a lot of money on food, clothes, etc.
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high.light
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to emphasize sth, especially so that people give it more attention: The report highlights the major problems facing society today.
2 to mark part of a text with a special coloured pen, or to mark an area on a computer screen, to emphasize it or make it easier to see: I’ve highlighted the important passages in yellow.
3 to make some parts of your hair a lighter colour than the rest by using a chemical substance on them

noun
1 the best, most interesting or most exciting part of sth: One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the Taj Mahal.  The highlights of the match will be shown later this evening.
2 (highlights) [pl.] areas of hair that are lighter than the rest, usually because a chemical substance has been put on them
3 (highlights) [pl.] (technical) the light or bright part of a picture or photograph

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high.light.er
noun
1 (also 'highlighter pen) a special pen used for marking words in a text in bright colours—picture at STATIONERY
2 a coloured substance that you put above your eyes or on your cheeks to make yourself more attractive
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high.ly
adv.
1 very: highly successful / skilled / intelligent  highly competitive / critical / sensitive  It is highly unlikely that she’ll be late.
2 at or to a high standard, level or amount: highly trained / educated  a highly developed economy  a highly paid job
3 with admiration or praise: His teachers think very highly of him (= have a very good opinion of him).  She speaks highly of you .  Her novels are very highly regarded.
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,highly 'strung
(BrE ) (AmE,high-'strung) adj. (of a person or an animal) nervous and easily upset: a sensitive and highly-strung child  Their new horse is very highly strung.
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,high-'minded
adj. (of people or ideas) having strong moral principles
,high-'minded.ness noun [U]
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High.ness
noun (His / Her / Your Highness) a title of respect used when talking to or about a member of the royal family: Yes, Your Highness.—see also ROYAL HIGHNESS
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,high 'noon
noun
1 exactly twelve o’clock in the middle of the day
2 (written) the most important stage of sth, when sth that will decide the future happens
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,high-'octane
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of fuel used in engines) of very good quality and very efficient
2 (slang) full of energy; powerful: a high-octane actor / athlete
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,high per'formance
adj. [only before noun] that can go very fast or do complicated things: a high performance car / computer
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,high-'pitched
adj. (of sounds) very high: a high-pitched voice / whistle
OPP LOW-PITCHED
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'high point
noun the most interesting, enjoyable or best part of sth: It was the high point of the evening.
OPP LOW POINT
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,high-'powered
adj.
1 (of people) having a lot of power and influence; full of energy: high-powered executives
2 (of activities) important; with a lot of responsibility: a high-powered job
3 (also ,high-'power) (of machines) very powerful: a high-powered car / computer
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,high 'pressure
noun [U]
1 the condition of air, gas, or liquid that is kept in a small space by force: Water is forced through the pipes at high pressure .
2 a condition of the air which affects the weather, when the pressure is higher than average: The rain will be followed by warmer, drier weather as areas of high pressure move in.—compare LOW PRESSURE
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,high-'pressure
adj. [only before noun]
1 that involves aggressive ways of persuading sb to do sth or to buy sth: high-pressure sales techniques
2 that involves a lot of worry and anxiety
SYN STRESSFUL : a high-pressure job
3 using or containing a great force of a gas or a liquid: a high-pressure water-jet
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,high-'priced
adj. [usually before noun] expensive: high-priced housing / cars
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,high 'priest
noun
1 the most important priest in the Jewish religion in the past
2 (feminine,high 'priestess) an important priest in some other non-Christian religions: (figurative) Janis Joplin was known as the High Priestess of Rock.
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,high-'profile
adj. [only before noun] receiving or involving a lot of attention and discussion on television, in newspapers, etc: a high-profile performer / campaign—see also PROFILE
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,high-'ranking
adj. senior; important: a high-ranking officer / official  a high-ranking post
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'high-rise
adj. [only before noun] (of a building) very tall and having a lot of floors: high-rise housing
'high-rise noun: to live in a high-rise—compare LOW-RISE
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,high-'risk
adj. [usually before noun] involving a lot of danger and the risk of injury, death, damage, etc: a high-risk sport  high-risk patients (= who are very likely to get a particular illness)—compare LOW-RISK
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'high road
noun [usually sing.]
1 (old-fashioned, BrE) a main or important road—compare HIGHWAY
2 ~ (to sth) the most direct way: This is the high road to democracy.
IDM take the 'high road (in sth) (AmE) to take the most positive course of action: He took the high road in his campaign.
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,high 'roller
noun (AmE , informal) a person who spends a lot of money, especially on gambling
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'high school
noun [C, U]
1 (in the US and some other countries) a school for young people between the ages of 14 and 18
2 often used in Britain in the names of schools for young people between the ages of 11 and 18: Oxford High School—compare SECONDARY SCHOOL
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the ,high 'seas
noun [pl.] (formal or literary) the areas of sea that are not under the legal control of any one country: international laws to regulate fishing on the high seas
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,high 'season
noun [U, sing.] (especially BrE ) the time of year when a hotel or tourist area receives most visitors—compare LOW SEASON
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,high-se'curity
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of buildings and places) very carefully locked and guarded: a high-security prison
2 (of prisoners) kept in a prison that is very carefully locked and guarded
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'high-sounding
adj. (especially BrE , often disapproving) (of language or ideas) complicated and intended to sound important
SYN PRETENTIOUS
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,high-'speed
adj. [only before noun] that travels, works or happens very fast: a high-speed train / computer  a high-speed car chase
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,high-'spirited
adj.
1 (of people) very lively and active: a high-spirited child  high-spirited behaviour
2 (of animals, especially horses) lively and difficult to control
OPP PLACID —see also SPIRIT
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'high spot
noun the most enjoyable or important part of sth: Lunch in an expensive restaurant was the high spot of the day.
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'high street
(BrE ) (AmE 'main street) noun (especially in names) the main street of a town, where most shops/stores, banks, etc. are: Peckham High Street  106 High Street, Peckham  high-street banks / shops
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,high-'strung
adj. (AmE ) = HIGHLY STRUNG
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,high 'table
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a table on a raised platform, where the most important people at a formal dinner sit to eat
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high.tail
verb
IDM 'hightail it (informal, especially AmE) to leave somewhere very quickly
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,high 'tea
noun (BrE ) a meal consisting of cooked food, bread and butter and cakes, usually with tea to drink, eaten in the late afternoon or early evening instead of dinner
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,high-'tech
(also ,hi-'tech) adj. (informal)
1 using the most modern methods and machines, especially electronic ones: high-tech industries  These new computers are all very high-tech.
2 (of designs, objects, etc.) very modern in appearance; using modern materials: a high-tech table made of glass and steel—compare LOW-TECH
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,high tech'nology
noun [U] the most modern methods and machines, especially electronic ones; the use of these in industry, etc.
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,high-'tension
adj. [only before noun] carrying a very powerful electric current: high-tension wires / cables
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,high 'tide
noun [U, C] the time when the sea has risen to its highest level; the sea at this time: You can’t walk along this beach at high tide .—compare FLOOD TIDE , HIGH WATER
OPP LOW TIDE
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'high-tops
noun [pl.] (especially AmE ) sports shoes that cover the ankle, worn especially for playing basketball
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,high 'treason
noun [U] = TREASON
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'high-up
noun (BrE , informal) an important person with a high rank
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,high 'water
noun [U] the time when the sea or the water in a river has risen to its highest level: Fishing is good at high water.—compare HIGH TIDE
IDM see HELL
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,high-'water mark
noun a line or mark showing the highest point that the sea or flood water has reached: (figurative) the high-water mark of Parisian fashion (= the most successful time)—compare LOW-WATER MARK
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high.way
noun
1 (especially AmE) a main road, usually connecting large towns: an interstate highway  Highway patrol officers closed the road.
2 (BrE, formal) a public road: A parked car was obstructing the highway.—compare HIGH ROAD
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the ,Highway 'Code
noun [sing.] (in Britain) the official rules for drivers and other users of public roads; the book that contains these rules
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high.way.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man, usually on a horse and carrying a gun, who robbed travellers on public roads in the past
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,high 'wire
noun [usually sing.] a rope or wire that is stretched high above the ground, and used by CIRCUS performers
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hi.jack
verb [vn]
1 to use violence or threats to take control of a vehicle, especially a plane, in order to force it to travel to a different place or to demand sth from a government: The plane was hijacked by two armed men on a flight from London to Cairo.
2 (disapproving) to use or take control of sth, especially a meeting, in order to advertise your own aims and interests
hi.jack.ing (also hi.jack) noun [C, U]: There have been a series of hijackings recently in the area.  an unsuccessful hijack—compare CARJACKING
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hi.jack.er
noun a person who hijacks a plane or other vehicle
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hi.jinks
(AmE ) = HIGH JINKS
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hike
noun, verb
noun
1 a long walk in the country: They went on a ten-mile hike through the forest.  We could go into town but it’s a real hike (= a long way) from here.
2 ~ (in sth) (informal, especially AmE) a large or sudden increase in prices, costs, etc: a tax / price hike  the latest hike in interest rates
IDM take a 'hike (AmE, informal) a rude way of telling sb to go away

verb
1 to go for a long walk in the country, especially for pleasure: [v] strong boots for hiking over rough country  [vn] (AmE) to hike the Rockies
2 [v] (go hiking) to spend time hiking for pleasure: If the weather’s fine, we’ll go hiking this weekend.
3 [vn] ~ sth (up) to increase prices, taxes, etc. suddenly by large amounts: The government hiked up the price of milk by over 40%.
PVR V ,hike sth<->'up (informal) to pull or lift sth up, especially your clothing
SYN HITCH : She hiked up her skirt and waded into the river.

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hiker
noun a person who goes for long walks in the country for pleasure—see also HITCH-HIKER
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hik.ing
noun [U] the activity of going for long walks in the country for pleasure: to go hiking  hiking boots
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hil.ari.ous
adj. extremely funny: a hilarious joke / story  Lynn found the whole situation hilarious.  Do you know Pete? He’s hilarious.
hil.ari.ous.ly adv.: hilariously funny
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hil.ar.ity
noun [U] a state of great amusement causing loud laughter: The announcement was greeted with great hilarity.
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hill
noun
1 an area of land that is higher than the land around it, but not as high as a mountain: a region of gently rolling hills  a hill farm / town / fort  The house is built on the side of a hill overlooking the river.  I love walking in the hills (= in the area where there are hills).—see also ANTHILL , FOOTHILL , MOLEHILL
2 a slope on a road: Always take care when driving down steep hills.  a hill start (= the act of starting a vehicle on a slope)—see also DOWNHILL , UPHILL
IDM a ,hill of 'beans (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) something that is not worth much ,over the 'hill (informal) (of a person) old and therefore no longer useful or attractive: Youngsters seem to think you’re over the hill at 40!—more at OLD
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hill.billy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] (AmE, disapproving) a person who lives in the mountains and is thought to be stupid by people who live in the towns
2 [U] = COUNTRY AND WESTERN
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hil.lock
noun a small hill
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hill.side
noun the side of a hill: The crops will not grow on exposed hillsides.  Our hotel was on the hillside overlooking the lake.
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'hill station
noun a small town in the hills, especially in India, where people go to find cooler weather in summer
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hill.top
noun the top of a hill: the hilltop town of Urbino
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hilly
adj. (hill.ier, hilli.est) having a lot of hills: a hilly area / region
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hilt
noun the handle of a SWORD , knife, etc.
IDM (up) to the 'hilt as much as possible: We’re mortgaged up to the hilt.  They have promised to back us to the hilt.
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him
pron. used as the object of a verb or after a preposition to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified: When did you see him?  He took the children with him.  I’m taller than him.—compare HE
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him.self
pron.
1 (the reflexive form of he) used when the man or boy who performs an action is also affected by it: He introduced himself.  Peter ought to be ashamed of himself.
2 used to emphasize the male subject or object of a sentence: The doctor said so himself.  Did you see the manager himself?
IDM be, seem, etc. him'self (of a man or boy) to be in a normal state of health or happiness; not influenced by other people: He didn’t seem quite himself this morning.  He needed space to be himself. (all) by him'self
1 alone; without anyone else: He lives all by himself.
2 without help: He managed to repair the car by himself. (all) to him'self for only him to have or use: He has the house to himself during the week.
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hind
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] the hind legs or feet of an animal with four legs are those situated at the back: The horse reared up on its hind legs.
OPP FORE , FRONT
IDM see TALK v.

noun a female deer, especially a red deer; a DOE —compare HART

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hin.der
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth / from doing sth) to make it difficult for sb to do sth or sth to happen: a political situation that hinders economic growth  Some teachers felt hindered by a lack of resources.  A former injury was hindering him from playing his best.—see also HINDRANCE
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Hindi
noun [U] one of the official languages of India, spoken especially in N India
Hindi adj.
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hind.quar.ters
noun [pl.] the back part of an animal that has four legs, including its two back legs
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hin.drance
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth/sb) a person or thing that makes it more difficult for sb to do sth or for sth to happen: To be honest, she was more of a hindrance than a help.  The high price is a major hindrance to potential buyers.
2 [U] (formal) the act of making it more difficult for sb to do sth or for sth to happen: They were able to complete their journey without further hindrance.—see also HINDER
IDM see LET n.
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hind.sight
noun [U] the understanding that you have of a situation only after it has happened and that means you would have done things differently: With hindsight it is easy to say they should not have released him.  What looks obvious in hindsight was not at all obvious at the time.  It’s easy to criticise with the benefit of hindsight .—compare FORESIGHT
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Hindu
noun a person whose religion is Hinduism
Hindu adj.: a Hindu temple
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Hin.du.ism
noun [U] the main religion of India which includes the worship of several gods and belief in REINCARNATION
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hinge
noun, verb
noun a piece of metal, plastic, etc. on which a door, lid or gate moves freely as it opens or closes: The door had been pulled off its hinges.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to attach sth with a hinge
hinged adj.: a hinged door / lid
PVR V 'hinge on / upon sth (of an action, a result, etc.) to depend on sth completely: Everything hinges on the outcome of these talks. [+ wh-] His success hinges on how well he does at the interview.

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hint
noun, verb
noun
1 something that you say or do in an indirect way in order to show sb what you are thinking: He gave a broad hint (= one that was obvious) that he was thinking of retiring.  Should I drop a hint (= give a hint) to Matt?
2 something that suggests what will happen in the future: At the first hint of trouble, they left.
3 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a small amount of sth
SYN TRACE : a hint of a smile  There was more than a hint of sadness in his voice.  The walls were painted white with a hint of peach.
4 [usually pl.] ~ (on sth) a small piece of practical information or advice
SYN TIP : handy hints on saving money
IDM take a / the 'hint to understand what sb wants you to do even though they tell you in an indirect way: I thought they’d never go—some people just can’t take a hint.  Sarah hoped he’d take the hint and leave her alone.

verb ~ (at sth) to suggest sth in an indirect way: [v] What are you hinting at?  [v (that)] They hinted (that) there might be more job losses. [alsov speech]

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hin.ter.land
noun [usually sing.] the areas of a country that are away from the coast, from the banks of a large river or from the main cities: the rural / agricultural hinterland
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hip
noun, adj., exclamation
noun
1 the area at either side of the body between the top of the leg and the waist; the joint at the top of the leg: She stood with her hands on her hips.  These jeans are too tight around the hips.  a hip replacement operation  the hip bone  She broke her hip in the fall.—picture at BODY
2 (-hipped) (in adjectives) having hips of the size or shape mentioned: large-hipped  slim-hipped
3 (also 'rose hip) the red fruit that grows on some types of wild rose bush
IDM see SHOOT v.

adj. (hip.per, hip.pest) (informal) following or knowing what is fashionable in clothes, music, etc.

exclamation
IDM hip, hip, hoo'ray! (also less frequent hip, hip, hur'rah / hur'ray!) used by a group of people to show their approval of sb. One person in the group says ‘hip, hip’ and the others then shout ‘hooray’ or ‘hurrah’: ‘Three cheers for the bride and groom: Hip, hip … ’‘Hooray!’

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'hip flask
(BrE ) (also flaskAmE, BrE) noun a small flat bottle made of metal or glass and often covered with leather, used for carrying alcohol
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'hip hop
noun [U]
1 a type of modern dance music with spoken words and a steady beat played on electronic instruments, originally played by young African Americans
2 the culture of the young African Americans and others who enjoy this type of music, including special styles of art, dancing, dress, etc.
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'hip-huggers
noun (AmE ) = HIPSTERS
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hip.pie
(also hippy) noun (pl.-ies) a person who rejects the way that most people live in western society, often having long hair, wearing brightly-coloured clothes and taking illegal drugs. The hippie movement was most popular in the 1960s.
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hippo
noun (pl.-os) (informal) = HIPPOPOTAMUS —
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the Hippo.crat.ic oath
noun [sing.] the promise that doctors make to keep to the principles of the medical profession
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hippo.pot.amus
(also informal hippo) noun (pl.hippo.pot.amuses or hip.po.pot.ami ) a large heavy African animal with thick dark skin and short legs, that lives in rivers and lakes—
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hippy
= HIPPIE
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hip.sters
(BrE ) (AmE 'hip-huggers) noun [pl.] trousers/pants that cover the hips but not the waist: a pair of hipsters
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hire
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] (especially BrE) to pay money to borrow sth for a short time: to hire a car / room / video  note at RENT
2 (especially AmE ) to give sb a job: [vn] She was hired three years ago.  [v] He does the hiring and firing in our company.
3 [vn] to employ sb for a short time to do a particular job: to hire a lawyer  They hired a firm of consultants to design the new system.
PVR V ,hire sth<->'out to let sb use sth for a short time, in return for payment ,hire yourself 'out (to sb) to arrange to work for sb: He hired himself out to whoever needed his services.

noun [U] (especially BrE ) the act of paying to use sth for a short time: bicycles for hire , £2 an hour  a hire car  a car hire firm  The price includes the hire of the hall.  The costumes are on hire from the local theatre.  note at RENT
IDM see PLY v.

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,hired 'hand
noun (AmE ) a person who is paid to work on a farm
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hire.ling
noun (disapproving) a person who is willing to do anything or work for anyone as long as they are paid
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,hire 'purchase
noun [U] (BrE) (abbr. hp) (AmE in'stallment plan [U, C]) a method of buying an article by making regular payments for it over several months or years. The article only belongs to the person who is buying it when all the payments have been made: a hire purchase agreement  We’re buying a new cooker on hire purchase .—compare CREDIT
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hir.sute
adj. (literary or humorous) (especially of a man) having a lot of hair on the face or body
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his
det., pron.
det. (the possessive form of he) of or belonging to a man or boy who has already been mentioned or is easily identified: James has sold his car.  He broke his leg skiing.

pron. of or belonging to him: He took my hand in his.  The choice was his.  a friend of his

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His.pan.ic
adj., noun
adj. of or connected with Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Latin America

noun a person whose first language is Spanish, especially one from a Latin American country living in the US

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hiss
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to make a sound like a long ‘s’: The steam escaped with a loud hissing noise.  The snake lifted its head and hissed.
2 to make a sound like a long ‘s’ to show disapproval of sb/sth, especially an actor or a speaker: [vn] He was booed and hissed off the stage. [alsov]
3 ~ (at sb) to say sth in a quiet angry voice: [v] He hissed at them to be quiet.  [v speech] ‘Leave me alone!’ she hissed.

noun a sound like a long ‘s’; this sound used to show disapproval of sb: the hiss of the air brakes  the snake’s hiss  The performance was met with boos and hisses.

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his.ta.mine
noun [U] (medical ) a chemical substance that is given out by the body in response to an injury or an ALLERGY —see also ANTIHISTAMINE
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histo.gram
noun (technical ) = BAR CHART
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his.tor.ian
noun a person who studies or writes about history; an expert in history
HELP Some speakers do not pronounce the ‘h’ at the beginning of historian and use: a instead of a before it. This now sounds old-fashioned.
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his.tor.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 important in history; likely to be thought of as important at some time in the future: a historic building / monument  The area is of special historic interest.  a(n) historic occasion / decision / day / visit / victory
2 of a period during which history was recorded: in historic times—compare PREHISTORIC
HELP Some speakers do not pronounce the ‘h’ at the beginning of historic and use an instead of a before it. This now sounds old-fashioned.
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his.tor.ic.al
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the past: the historical background to the war  You must place these events in their historical context.
2 connected with the study of history: historical documents / records / research  The building is of historical importance.
3 (of a book, film / movie, etc.) about people and events in the past: a historical novel / setting
HELP Some speakers do not pronounce the ‘h’ at the beginning of historical and use an instead of a before it. This now sounds old-fashioned.
his.tor.ic.al.ly adv.: The book is historically inaccurate.  Historically, there has always been a great deal of rivalry between the two families.
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the his,toric 'present
noun [sing.] (grammar ) the simple present tense used to describe events in the past in order to make the description more powerful
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his.tor.iog.raphy
noun [U] the study of writing about history
his.tori.og.raph.ical adj.
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his.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] all the events that happened in the past: a turning point in human history  one of the worst disasters in recent history   a people with no sense of history   Many people throughout history have dreamt of a world without war.  The area was inhabited long before the dawn of recorded history (= before people wrote about events).  These events changed the course of history .
2 [sing., U] the past events concerned in the development of a particular place, subject, etc: the history of Ireland / democracy / popular music  The local history of the area is fascinating.  The school traces its history back to 1865.
3 [U] the study of past events as a subject at school or university: a history teacher  a degree in History  social / economic / political history  ancient / medieval / modern history  She’s studying art history.—see also NATURAL HISTORY
4 [C] a written or spoken account of past events: She’s writing a new history of Europe.  She went on to catalogue a long history of disasters.
5 [sing.] a record of sth happening frequently in the past life of a person, family or place; the set of facts that are known about sb’s past life: He has a history of violent crime.  There is a history of heart disease in my family.  a patient’s medical history—see also CASE HISTORY , LIFE HISTORY
6 [U] (informal) something that happened in the past that is no longer important: We won’t talk about that—that’s history.  They had an affair once but that’s past history now.
IDM the 'history books the record of great achievements in history: She has earned her place in the history books. history re'peats itself used to say that things often happen later in the same way as before make 'history | go down in 'history to be or do sth so important that it will be recorded in history—more at REST n.
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his.tri.on.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (formal, disapproving) histrionic behaviour is very emotional and is intended to attract attention in a way that does not seem sincere: histrionic gestures
his.tri.on.ic.al.ly adv.
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his.tri.on.ics
noun [pl.] (formal, disapproving) behaviour that is very emotional and is intended to attract attention in a way that does not seem sincere: She was used to her mother’s histrionics.
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hit
verb, noun
verb (hit.ting, hit, hit)
TOUCH SB / STH WITH FORCE|
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to bring your hand, or an object you are holding, against sb/sth quickly and with force: My parents never used to hit me.  He hit the nail squarely on the head with the hammer.  She hit him on the head with her umbrella.
2 [vn] to come against sth/sb with force, especially causing damage or injury: The bus hit the bridge.  I was hit by a falling stone.
3 [vn] ~ sth (on / against sth) to knock a part of your body against sth: He hit his head on the low ceiling.
4 [vn] [often passive] (of a bullet, bomb, etc. or a person using them) to reach and touch a person or thing suddenly and with force: The town was hit by bombs again last night.  He was hit by a sniper.
BALL|
5 [vn] to bring a bat, etc. against a ball and push it away with force: She hit the ball too hard and it went out of the court.  We’ve hit our ball over the fence!
6 [vn] (sport) to score points by hitting a ball: to hit a home run
HAVE BAD EFFECT|
7 to have a bad effect on sb/sth: [vn] The tax increases will certainly hit the poor.  His death didn’t really hit me at first.  Rural areas have been worst hit by the strike.  Spain was one of the hardest hit countries.  [v] A tornado hit on Tuesday night.
ATTACK|
8 to attack sb/sth: [vn] We hit the enemy when they least expected it. [alsov]
REACH|
9 [vn] to reach a place: Follow this footpath and you’ll eventually hit the road.  The President hits town tomorrow.
10 [vn] to reach a particular level: Temperatures hit 40° yesterday.  The euro hit a record low in trading today.
PROBLEM / DIFFICULTY|
11 [vn] (informal) to experience sth difficult or unpleasant: We seem to have hit a problem.  Everything was going well but then we hit trouble.
SUDDENLY REALIZE|
12 [vn] (informal) to come suddenly into your mind: I couldn’t remember where I’d seen him before, and then it suddenly hit me.
PRESS BUTTON|
13 [vn] (informal) to press sth such as a button to operate a machine, etc: Hit the brakes! hit (it) 'big (informal) to be very successful: The band has hit big in the US. hit the 'ceiling / 'roof (informal) to suddenly become very angry hit the 'buffers (informal) if a plan, sb’s career, etc. hits the buffers, it suddenly stops being successful hit the 'deck (informal) to fall to the ground ,hit the ground 'running (informal) to start doing sth and continue very quickly and successfully hit the 'hay / 'sack (informal) to go to bed hit sb (straight / right) in the 'eye to be very obvious to sb 'hit it (spoken) used to tell sb to start doing sth, such as playing music: Hit it, Louis! hit it 'off (with sb) (informal) to have a good friendly relationship with sb: We hit it off straight away. hit the 'jackpot to make or win a lot of money quickly and unexpectedly hit the nail on the 'head to say sth that is exactly right hit the 'road / 'trail (informal) to start a journey/trip hit the 'roof = GO THROUGH THE ROOF at ROOF hit the 'spot (informal) if sth hits the spot it does exactly what it should do hit the 'streets | hit the 'shops / 'stores (informal) to become widely available for sale: The new magazine hits the streets tomorrow. hit sb when they’re 'down to continue to hurt sb when they are already defeated hit sb where it 'hurts to affect sb where they will feel it most—more at HEADLINE , HOME adv. , KNOW v. , MARK n. , NERVE n. , NOTE n. , PAY DIRT , SHIT n. , SIX , STRIDE n. ,hit 'back (at sb/sth) to reply to attacks or criticism: In a TV interview she hit back at her critics. 'hit on sb (AmE, slang) to start talking to sb to show them that you are sexually attracted to them 'hit on / upon sth [no passive] to think of a good idea suddenly or by chance: She hit upon the perfect title for her new novel. ,hit 'out (at sb/sth) to attack sb/sth violently by fighting them or criticizing them: I just hit out blindly in all directions.  In a rousing speech the minister hit out at racism in the armed forces. hit sb (up) for sth (AmE, slang) to ask sb for money: Does he always hit you for cash when he wants new clothes? 'hit sb with sth (informal) to tell sb sth, especially sth that surprises or shocks them: How much is it going to cost, then? Come on, hit me with it!

noun
ACT OF HITTING|
1 an act of hitting sb/sth with your hand or with an object held in your hand: Give it a good hit.  He made the winning hit.
2 an occasion when sth that has been thrown, fired, etc. at an object reaches that object: The bomber scored a direct hit on the bridge.  We finished the first round with a score of two hits and six misses.
STH POPULAR|
3 a person or thing that is very popular: The duo were a real hit in last year’s show.  a hit record / single / musical  Her new series is a smash hit .
OF DRUG|
4 (slang) an amount of an illegal drug that is taken at one time
MURDER|
5 (slang, especially AmE) a violent crime or murder—see also HIT MAN
COMPUTING|
6 a result of a search on a computer, especially on the Internet be / make a 'hit (with sb) to be liked very much by sb when they first meet you: You’ve made a big hit with Bill.

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,hit-and-'miss
(also ,hit-or-'miss) adj. not done in a careful or planned way and therefore not likely to be successful: The procedure is far too clumsy and hit-and-miss.
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,hit-and-'run
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a road accident) caused by a driver who does not stop to help: a hit-and-run accident / death  a hit-and-run driver (= one who causes an accident but drives away without helping)
2 (of a military attack) happening suddenly and unexpectedly so that the people attacking can leave quickly without being hurt: hit-and-run raids
,hit-and-'run noun: A boy was killed this morning in a hit-and-run outside his school.
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hitch
verb, noun
verb
1 to get a free ride in a person’s car; to travel around in this way, by standing at the side of the road and trying to get passing cars to stop: [vn] They hitched a ride in a truck.   (BrE also) They hitched a lift .  [v] We spent the summer hitching around Europe.—see also HITCH-HIKE
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to pull up a piece of your clothing
SYN HIKE : She hitched up her skirt and waded into the river.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ yourself (up, etc.) to lift yourself into a higher position, or the position mentioned: She hitched herself up.  He hitched himself onto the bar stool.
4 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to fix sth to sth else with a rope, a hook, etc: She hitched the pony to the gate.
IDM get 'hitched (informal) to get married

noun
1 a problem or difficulty that causes a short delay: The ceremony went off without a hitch .  a legal / last-minute / technical hitch
2 a type of knot: a clove hitch

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'hitch-hike
verb [v] to travel by asking for free rides in other people’s cars, by standing at the side of the road and trying to get passing cars to stop: They hitch-hiked around Europe.—see also HITCH
'hitch-hik.er noun
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,hi-'tech
= HIGH-TECH
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hither
adv. (old use) to this place
IDM ,hither and 'thither | ,hither and 'yon (especially literary) in many different directions
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hith.er.to
adv. (formal) until now; until the particular time you are talking about: a hitherto unknown species of moth
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'hit list
noun (informal) a list of people, organizations, etc. against whom some unpleasant action is being planned: Which services are on the government’s hit list?  She was at the top of the terrorists' hit list for over two years.
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'hit man
noun (informal) a criminal who is paid to kill sb
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,hit-or-'miss
adj. = HIT-AND-MISS
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the 'hit parade
noun (old-fashioned) a list published every week that shows which pop records have sold the most copies
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'hit squad
noun a group of criminals who are paid to kill a person
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hit.ter
noun (often in compounds)
1 (in sports) a person who hits the ball in the way mentioned: a big / long / hard hitter
2 (in politics or business) a person who is powerful: the heavy hitters of Japanese industry
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HIV
noun [U] the VIRUS (= simple living thing that causes infections/illnesses) that can cause AIDS (abbreviation for ‘human immunodeficiency virus’): to be infected with HIV  to be HIV positive
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hive
noun, verb
noun
1 (also bee.hive) [C] a structure made for bees to live in
2 [C] the bees living in a hive
3 [C, usually sing.] a ~ of activity / industry a place full of people who are busy
4 (hives) [U] a skin disease that causes the skin to become red and painful

verb
PVR V ,hive sth<->'off (to / into sth) [often passive] (especially BrE) to separate one part of a group from the rest; to sell part of a business: The IT department is being hived off into a new company.

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hiya
exclamation used to greet sb, meaning hello
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HM
(BrE ) (also H.M.AmE, BrE) abbr. Her/His MAJESTY('S) : HM the Queen  HM Customs
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HMG
abbr. (BrE ) Her Majesty’s Government
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hmm
(also hm, h’m) exclamation used in writing to show the sound that you make to express doubt or when you are hesitating
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HMS
abbr. Her/His Majesty’s Ship (used before the name of a ship in the British navy): HMS Apollo
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HNC
noun the abbreviation for ‘Higher National Certificate’ (a British university or college qualification, especially in a technical or scientific subject): to do an HNC in electrical engineering
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HND
noun the abbreviation for ‘Higher National Diploma’ (a British university or college qualification, especially in a technical or scientific subject): to do an HND in fashion design
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hoard
noun, verb
noun ~ (of sth) a collection of money, food, valuable objects, etc., especially one that sb keeps in a secret place so that other people will not find or steal it: They dug up a hoard of Roman coins.

verb [v, vn] to collect and keep large amounts of food, money, etc., especially secretly
hoard.er noun

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hoard.ing
noun
1 (BrE) (also bill.boardAmE, BrE) [C] a large board on the outside of a building or at the side of the road, used for putting advertisements on: advertising hoardings
2 [C] (BrE) a temporary fence made of boards that is placed around an area of land until a building has been built
3 [U] the act of hoarding things
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hoar frost
noun [U] a layer of small pieces of ice that look like white needles and that form on surfaces outside when temperatures are very low
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hoarse
adj. (of a person or voice) sounding harsh, especially because of a sore throat: He shouted himself hoarse.  a hoarse cough / cry / scream
hoarse.ly adv.
hoarse.ness noun [U]
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hoary
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (old-fashioned) very old and well known and therefore no longer interesting: a hoary old joke
2 (literary) (especially of hair) grey or white because a person is old
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hoax
noun, verb
noun an act intended to make sb believe sth that is not true, especially sth unpleasant: a bomb hoax  hoax calls

verb [vn] to trick sb by making them believe sth that is not true, especially sth unpleasant
hoax.er noun

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hob
noun
1 (BrE) the top part of a cooker where food is cooked in pans; a similar surface that is built into a kitchen unit and is separate from the oven: an electric / a gas hob
2 a metal shelf at the side of a fire, used in the past for heating pans, etc. on
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hob.ble
verb
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to walk with difficulty, especially because your feet or legs hurt: The old man hobbled across the road.
2 [vn] to tie together two legs of a horse or other animal in order to stop it from running away
3 [vn] to make it more difficult for sb to do sth or sth to happen
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hobby
noun (pl.-ies) an activity that you do for pleasure when you are not working: Her hobbies include swimming and gardening.  I only play jazz as a hobby.
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'hobby horse
noun
1 (sometimes disapproving) a subject that sb feels strongly about and likes to talk about: to get on / ride your hobby horse (= talk about your favourite subject)
2 a toy made from a long stick that has a horse’s head at one end and on which children pretend to ride
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hob.by.ist
noun (formal) a person who is very interested in a particular hobby
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hob.gob.lin
noun (in stories) a small ugly creature that likes to trick people or cause trouble
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hob.nail boot
(also ,hob.nailed 'boot ) noun [usually pl.] a heavy shoe whose sole is attached to the upper part with short heavy nails
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hob.nob
verb (-bb-) [v] ~ (with sb) (informal) to spend a lot of time with sb, especially sb who is rich and/or famous
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hobo
noun (pl.-os) (old-fashioned, especially AmE )
1 a person who travels from place to place looking for work, especially on farms
2 = TRAMP
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Hob.son’s choice
noun [U] a situation in which sb has no choice because if they do not accept what is offered, they will get nothing
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hock
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the middle joint of an animal’s back leg
2 [U, C] (BrE) a German white wine
3 [U, C] (especially AmE) = KNUCKLE (2)
4 (informal) if sth that you own is in hock, you have exchanged it for money but hope to buy it back later
IDM be in 'hock (to sb) to owe sb sth: I’m in hock to the bank for £6 000.

verb [vn] (informal) to leave a valuable object with sb in exchange for money that you borrow
SYN PAWN

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hockey
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (AmE'field hockey) a game played on a field by two teams of 11 players, with curved sticks and a small hard ball. Teams try to hit the ball into the other team’s goal: to play hockey  a hockey stick / player / team
2 (AmE) = ICE HOCKEY
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hocus-pocus
noun [U] language or behaviour that is nonsense and is intended to hide the truth from people: I still think that horoscopes are a load of hocus-pocus.
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hod
noun an open box attached to a pole, used by building workers for carrying bricks on the shoulder
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hodge.podge
noun [sing.] (AmE ) = HOTCHPOTCH
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hoe
noun, verb
noun a garden tool with a long handle and a blade, used for breaking up soil and removing WEEDS (= plants growing where they are not wanted)—picture at GARDEN

verb (hoe.ing, hoed, hoed) to break up soil, remove plants, etc. with a hoe : [vn] to hoe the flower beds [alsov]

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hog
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially AmE) a pig, especially one that is kept and made fat for eating
2 (BrE) a male pig that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed) and is kept for its meat—compare BOAR , SOW —see also ROAD HOG , WARTHOG
IDM go the whole 'hog to do sth thoroughly or completely: We painted the kitchen and then decided to go the whole hog do the other rooms as well.

verb (-gg-) [vn] to use or keep most of sth yourself and stop others from using or having it: to hog the road (= to drive so that other vehicles cannot pass)  to hog the bathroom (= to spend a long time in it so that others cannot use it)

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Hog.ma.nay
noun [U] (in Scotland) New Year’s Eve (31 December) and the celebrations that happen on that day
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hog.wash
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) an idea, argument, etc. that you think is stupid
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ho ho
exclamation
1 used to show the sound of a deep laugh
2 used to show surprise: Ho, ho! What have we here?
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ho-hum
exclamation used to show that you are bored
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hoick
verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to lift or pull sth in a particular direction, especially with a quick sudden movement
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the hoi pol.loi
noun [pl.] (disapproving or humorous) an insulting word for ordinary people
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hoist
verb, noun
verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to raise or pull sth up to a higher position, often using ropes or special equipment: He hoisted himself onto a high stool.  The cargo was hoisted aboard by crane.  to hoist a flag / sail
IDM be hoist / hoisted by / with your own pe'tard (BrE) to be hurt or to have problems as a result of your own plans to hurt or trick others

noun a piece of equipment used for lifting heavy things, or for lifting people who cannot stand or walk

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hokey
adj. (AmE , informal) expressing emotions in a way that seems exaggerated or silly
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hokum
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE )
1 a film/movie, play, etc. that is not realistic and has no artistic qualities
2 an idea, argument, etc. that you think is stupid: What a bunch of hokum!
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hold
verb, noun
verb (held, held )
IN HAND / ARMS|
1 [vn] to carry sth; to have sb/sth in your hand, arms, etc: She was holding a large box.  I held the mouse by its tail.  The girl held her father’s hand tightly.  He was holding the baby in his arms.  The winning captain held the trophy in the air.  We were holding hands (= holding each other’s hands).  The lovers held each other close.
2 [vn] to put your hand on part of your body, usually because it hurts: She groaned and held her head.
IN POSITION|
3 [usually +adv. / prep.] to keep sb/sth in a particular position: [vn] Hold your head up.  Hold this position for a count of 10.  The wood is held in position by a clamp.  [vn-adj] I’ll hold the door open for you.
SUPPORT|
4 [vn] to support the weight of sb/sth: I don’t think that branch will hold your weight.
CONTAIN|
5 [vn] to have enough space for sth/sb; to contain sth/sb: This barrel holds 25 litres.  The plane holds about 300 passengers.
SB PRISONER|
6 to keep sb and not allow them to leave: [vn] Police are holding two men in connection with last Thursday’s bank raid.  [vn-n] He was held prisoner for two years.
CONTROL|
7 [vn] to defend sth against attack; to have control of sth: The rebels held the radio station.
REMAIN|
8 [v] to remain strong and safe or in position: They were afraid the dam wouldn’t hold.
9 [v] to remain the same: How long will the fine weather hold?  If their luck holds, they could still win the championship.
KEEP|
10 [vn] to keep sb’s attention or interest: There wasn’t much in the museum to hold my attention.
11 [vn] to keep sth at the same level, rate, speed, etc: Hold your speed at 70.
12 [vn] to keep sth so that it can be used later: records held on computer  Our solicitor holds our wills.  We can hold your reservation for three days.
OWN|
13 [vn] to own or have sth: Employees hold 30% of the shares.
JOB|
14 [vn] to have a particular job or position: How long has he held office?
RECORD / TITLE|
15 [vn] to have sth you have gained or achieved: Who holds the world record for the long jump?  She held the title of world champion for three years.
OPINION|
16 [vn] to have a belief or an opinion about sb/sth: He holds strange views on education.  She is held in high regard by her students (= they have a high opinion of her).  firmly-held beliefs
17 (formal) to consider that sth is true: [v that] I still hold that the government’s economic policies are mistaken.  [vn-adj] Parents will be held responsible for their children’s behaviour.  [vn to inf] These vases are held to be the finest examples of Greek art.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive.
MEETING|
18 [vn] [usually passive] to organize and have a meeting, competition, conversation, etc: The meeting will be held in the community centre.  It’s impossible to hold a conversation with all this noise.
ROAD / COURSE|
19 [vn] if a vehicle holds the road, it is in close contact with the road and easy to control, especially when driven fast
20 [vn] if a ship or an aircraft holds a course, it continues to move in a particular direction
IN MUSIC|
21 [vn] to make a note continue for a particular time
ON TELEPHONE|
22 to wait until you can speak to the person you have telephoned: [v] That extension is busy right now. Can you hold?  [vn] She asked me to hold the line .
STOP|
23 [vn] used to tell sb to stop doing sth or not to do sth: Hold your fire! (= don’t shoot)  Hold the front page! (= don’t print it until a particular piece of news is available)   (AmE, informal) Give me a hot dog, but hold the (= don’t give me any) mustard. Most idioms containing hold are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example hold the fort is at fort.  hold 'good to be true: The same argument does not hold good in every case. 'hold it (spoken) used to ask sb to wait, or not to move: Hold it a second—I don’t think everyone’s arrived yet. there is no 'holding sb a person cannot be prevented from doing sth: Once she gets onto the subject of politics there’s no holding her. ,hold sth a'gainst sb to allow sth that sb has done to make you have a lower opinion of them: I admit I made a mistake—but don’t hold it against me.,hold sb/sth<->'back
1 to prevent sb/sth from moving forward or crossing sth: The police were unable to hold back the crowd.
2 to prevent the progress or development of sb/sth: Do you think that mixed ability classes hold back the better students? ,hold sth<->'back
1 to not tell sb sth they want or need to know: to hold back information
2 to stop yourself from expressing how you really feel: She just managed to hold back her anger.  He bravely held back his tears. ,hold 'back (from doing sth)| ,hold sb 'back (from doing sth) to hesitate or to make sb hesitate to act or speak: She held back, not knowing how to break the terrible news.  I wanted to tell him the truth, but something held me back.,hold sb<->'down
1 to prevent sb from moving, using force: It took three men to hold him down.
2 to prevent sb from having their freedom or rights: The people are held down by a repressive regime. ,hold sth<->'down
1 to keep sth at a low level: The rate of inflation must be held down.
2 [no passive] to keep a job for some time: He was unable to hold down a job after his breakdown.
3 [no passive] (AmE, informal) to limit sth, especially a noise: Hold it down, will you? I’m trying to sleep!,hold 'forth to speak for a long time about sth in a way that other people might find boring,hold sth<->'in to not express how you really feel: to hold in your feelings / anger
OPP LET STH OUT ,hold 'off
1 (of rain or a storm) to not start: The rain held off just long enough for us to have our picnic.
2 to not do sth immediately: We could get a new computer now or hold off until prices are lower. [+ -ing] Could you hold off making your decision for a few days? ,hold sb/sth<->'off to stop sb/sth defeating you: She held off all the last-minute challengers and won the race in a new record time.,hold 'on
1 (spoken) used to tell sb to wait or stop: Hold on a minute while I get my breath back.  Hold on! This isn’t the right road.
2 to survive in a difficult or dangerous situation: They managed to hold on until help arrived.
3 (spoken) used on the telephone to ask sb to wait until they can talk to the person they want: Can you hold on? I’ll see if he’s here. ,hold sth<->'on to keep sth in position: These nuts and bolts hold the wheels on.  The knob is only held on by sticky tape. ,hold 'on (to sth/sb)| ,hold 'onto sth/sb [no passive] to keep holding sth/sb: Hold on and don’t let go until I say so.  He held onto the back of the chair to stop himself from falling. ,hold 'on to sth| ,hold 'onto sth
1 to keep sth that is an advantage for you; to not give or sell sth to sb else: You should hold on to your oil shares.  She took an early lead in the race and held onto it for nine laps.
2 to keep sth for sb else or for longer than usual: I’ll hold onto your mail for you until you get back.,hold 'out
1 to last, especially in a difficult situation: We can stay here for as long as our supplies hold out.
2 to resist or survive in a dangerous or difficult situation: The rebels held out in the mountains for several years. ,hold 'out sth to offer a chance, hope or possibility of sth: Doctors hold out little hope of her recovering. ,hold sth<->'out to put your hand or arms, or sth in your hand, towards sb, especially to give or offer sth: I held out my hand to steady her.  He held out the keys and I took them. ,hold 'out for sth [no passive] to cause a delay in reaching an agreement because you hope you will gain sth: The union negotiators are holding out for a more generous pay settlement. ,hold 'out on sb (informal) to refuse to tell or give sb sth,hold sth<->'over [usually passive]
1 to not deal with sth immediately; to leave sth to be dealt with later: The matter was held over until the next meeting.
2 to show a film/movie, play, etc. for longer than planned: The movie proved so popular it was held over for another week. ,hold sth 'over sb to use knowledge that you have about sb to threaten them or make them do what you want'hold sb to sth
1 to make sb keep a promise
2 to stop an opposing team scoring more points than you: The league leaders were held to a 0–0 draw.,hold to'gether| ,hold sth <-> to'gether
1 to remain, or to keep sth, united: A political party should hold together.  It’s the mother who usually holds the family together.
2 (of an argument, a theory or a story) to be logical or CONSISTENT : Their case doesn’t hold together when you look at the evidence.—compare HANG TOGETHER at HANG
3 if a machine or an object holds together or sth holds it together, the different parts stay together so that it does not break,hold 'up to remain strong and working effectively: She’s holding up well under the pressure. ,hold sb/sth<->'up [often passive]
1 to support sb/sth and stop them from falling
2 to delay or block the movement or progress of sb/sth: An accident is holding up traffic.  My application was held up by the postal strike.—related noun HOLD-UP
3 to use or present sb/sth as an example: She’s always holding up her children as models of good behaviour.  His ideas were held up to ridicule. ,hold up 'sth to rob a bank, shop/store, etc. using a gun—related noun HOLD-UP 'hold with sth [no passive] (used in negative sentences or in questions) to agree with or approve of sth: I don’t hold with the use of force. [+ -ing] They don’t hold with letting children watch as much TV as they want.

noun
WITH HAND|
1 [sing., U] the action of holding sb/sth; the way you are holding sb/sth
SYN GRIP : His hold on her arm tightened.  She tried to keep hold of the child’s hand as they walked along.  Make sure you’ve got a steady hold on the camera.
IN SPORT|
2 [C] a particular way of holding sb, especially in a sport such as WRESTLING or in a fight: The wrestler put his opponent into a head hold.  The exercise called for the recruits to get out of various holds.
POWER / CONTROL|
3 [sing.] ~ (on / over sb/sth) influence, power or control over sb/sth: What she knew about his past gave her a hold over him.  He struggled to get a hold of his anger.—see also STRANGLEHOLD
IN CLIMBING|
4 [C] a place where you can put your hands or feet when climbing—see also FOOTHOLD , HANDHOLD , TOEHOLD
ON SHIP / PLANE|
5 [C] the part of a ship or plane where the goods being carried are stored—picture at PLANE catch / get / grab / take, etc. (a) 'hold of sb/sth to have or take sb/sth in your hands: He caught hold of her wrists so she couldn’t get away.  Lee got hold of the dog by its collar.  Quick, grab a hold of that rope.  Gently, she took hold of the door handle and turned it. get 'hold of sb to contact or find sb: Where have you been? I’ve been trying to get hold of you all day. get 'hold of sth
1 to find sth that you want or need: I need to get hold of Tom’s address.  It’s almost impossible to get hold of tickets for the final.
2 to learn or understand sth ,no ,holds 'barred with no rules or limits on what sb is allowed to do: There will be no holds barred in his interview with the president this evening. on 'hold
1 delayed until a later time or date: She put her career on hold to have a baby.  The project is on hold until more money is available.
2 if a person on the telephone is put on hold, they have to wait until the person that they want to talk to is free take (a) 'hold to begin to have complete control over sb/sth; to become very strong: Panic took hold of him and he couldn’t move.  They managed to get out of the house just before the flames took hold.  It is best to treat the disease early before it takes a hold.—more at WRONG adj.

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hold.all
noun (BrE ) a large bag made of strong fabric or soft leather, used when you are travelling for carrying clothes, etc.—compare DUFFEL BAG —picture at BAG
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hold.er
noun (often in compounds)
1 a person who has or owns the thing mentioned: a licence holder  a season ticket holder  the current holder of the world record  holders of high office  the holder of a French passport—see also RECORD HOLDER , TITLE-HOLDER
2 a thing that holds the object mentioned: a pen holder—see also CIGARETTE HOLDER
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hold.ing
noun
1 ~ (in sth) a number of shares that sb has in a company: She has a 40% holding in the company.—see also FUNDHOLDING
2 [often pl.] an amount of property that is owned by a person, museum, library, etc: one of the most important private holdings of Indian art
3 a piece of land that is rented by sb and used for farming—see also SMALLHOLDING
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'holding company
noun a company that is formed to buy shares in other companies which it then controls
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'holding operation
noun a course of action that is taken so that a particular situation stays the same or does not become any worse
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'holding pattern
noun the route a plane travels in while it is flying above the landing place, waiting for permission to land
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hold.over
noun (AmE ) a person who keeps a position of power, for example sb who had a particular position in one ADMINISTRATION and who still has it in the next
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'hold-up
noun
1 a situation in which sth is prevented from happening for a short time: What’s the hold-up?  We should finish by tonight, barring hold-ups.   (BrE) Sorry I’m late. There was a hold-up on the motorway.
2 an act of robbing a bank, etc. using a gun: a hold-up at the local supermarket
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hole
noun, verb
noun
HOLLOW SPACE|
1 [C] a hollow space in sth solid or in the surface of sth: He dug a deep hole in the garden.  The bomb blew a huge hole in the ground.  Water had collected in the holes in the road.
OPENING|
2 [C] a space or opening that goes all the way through sth
SYN GAP : to drill / bore / punch / kick a hole in sth  There were holes in the knees of his trousers.  The children climbed through a hole in the fence.  a bullet hole  the hole in the ozone layer—see also OZONE HOLE
ANIMAL’S HOME|
3 [C] the home of a small animal: a rabbit / mouse hole—see also BOLT-HOLE —compare FOXHOLE , PIGEON-HOLE
UNPLEASANT PLACE|
4 [C, usually sing.] (informal, disapproving) an unpleasant place to live or be in: I am not going to bring up my child in this hole.—see also HELLHOLE
IN GOLF|
5 [C] a hollow in the ground that you must get the ball into; one of the sections of a GOLF COURSE with the TEE at the beginning and the hole at the end: The ball rolled into the hole and she had won.  an eighteen-hole golf course  He liked to play a few holes after work.  She won the first hole.—picture at GOLF
FAULT / WEAKNESS|
6 [C, usually pl.] a fault or weakness in sth such as a plan, law or story: He was found not guilty because of holes in the prosecution case.  I don’t believe what she says—her story is full of holes.—see also LOOPHOLE
EMPTY PLACE / POSITION|
7 [sing.] a place or position that needs to be filled because sb/sth is no longer there: After his wife left, there was a gaping hole in his life.  Buying the new equipment left a big hole in the company’s finances.
HELP There are many other compounds ending in hole. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. in a 'hole (informal) in a difficult situation: He had got himself into a hole and it was going to be difficult to get out of it. in the 'hole (AmE, informal) in debt; owing money: We start the current fiscal year $30 million in the hole. make a 'hole in sth to use up a large amount of sth that you have, especially money: School fees can make a big hole in your savings.—more at ACE n. , BURN v. , DIG v. , PICK v.

verb
MAKE A HOLE|
1 [vn] [usually passive] to make a hole or holes in sth, especially a boat or ship
IN GOLF|
2 ~ (out) to hit a golf ball into the hole: [vn] She holed a 25 foot putt.  [v] She holed out from 25 feet. ,hole 'up| be ,holed 'up (informal) to hide in a place: He’ll hole up now and move again tomorrow, after dark.  We believe the gang are holed up in the mountains.

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hole-in-'one
noun (pl.holes-in-one) an occasion in golf when a player hits the ball from the TEE into the hole using only one shot: to get a hole-in-one
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,hole-in-the-'wall
noun [sing.] (informal)
1 (BrE) = CASH MACHINE
2 (AmE) a small dark shop/store or restaurant
,hole-in-the-'wall adj. [only before noun]: hole-in-the-wall cash machines / restaurants
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holey
adj. a holey piece of clothing or material has a lot of holes in it
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holi.day
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] (also holi.days [pl.]) (both BrE) (AmE vac.ation) a period of time when you are not at work or school: the school / summer / Christmas holidays  I’m afraid Mr Walsh is away on holiday this week.  The package includes 20 days' paid holiday a year.  holiday pay  a holiday job (= done by students during the school holidays)
2 [C] (BrE) (AmE vac.ation) a period of time spent travelling or resting away from home: a camping / skiing / walking holiday  a family / foreign holiday  a holiday cottage / home / resort  the holiday industry  Where are you going for your holidays this year?  They met while on holiday in Greece.—see also BUSMAN’S HOLIDAY , PACKAGE TOUR
3 [C] a day when most people do not go to work or school, especially because of a religious or national celebration: a national holiday  Today is a holiday in Wales.—see also BANK HOLIDAY , PUBLIC HOLIDAY
4 (holidays) [pl.] (AmE) the time in December and early January that includes Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year: Happy Holidays!
IDM see HIGH adj.

verb (BrE ) (AmE vac.ation) [v] to spend a holiday somewhere: She was holidaying with her family in Ireland.

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'holiday camp
noun (BrE ) a place that provides accommodation and entertainment for large numbers of people who are on holiday/vacation
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holi.day.maker
noun (BrE ) (AmE vac.ation.er) a person who is visiting a place on holiday/vacation: The plane was packed with Dutch holidaymakers.
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holier-than-thou
adj. (disapproving) showing that you think that you are morally better than other people: I can’t stand his holier-than-thou attitude.
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holi.ness
noun
1 [U] the quality of being holy
2 (His / Your Holiness) [C] a title of respect used when talking to or about the Pope and some other religious leaders: His Holiness Pope John Paul II
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hol.is.tic
adj.
1 (informal) considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts: a holistic approach to life
2 (medical) treating the whole person rather than just the SYMPTOMS (= effects) of a disease: holistic medicine
hol.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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hol.ler
verb (informal, especially AmE ) to shout loudly
SYN YELL : [v] Don’t holler at me!  [v speech] ‘Look out!’ I hollered. [alsovn]
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hol.low
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 having a hole or empty space inside: a hollow ball / centre / tube  The tree trunk was hollow inside.  Her stomach felt hollow with fear.
2 (of parts of the face) sinking deeply into the face: hollow eyes / cheeks  hollow-eyed from lack of sleep
3 [usually before noun] (of sounds) making a low sound like that made by an empty object when it is hit: a hollow groan / echo
4 [usually before noun] not sincere: hollow promises / threats  a hollow laugh / voice  Their appeals for an end to the violence had a hollow ring.
5 [usually before noun] without real value: to win a hollow victory  The statistics show that it was no hollow warning.
hol.low.ly adv.: to laugh / echo hollowly
hol.low.ness noun [U]: the hollowness of success / victory
IDM see RING^2v.

noun
1 an area that is lower than the surface around it, especially on the ground: muddy hollows  The village lay secluded in a hollow of the hills (= a small valley).  She noticed the slight hollows under his cheekbones.
2 a hole or an enclosed space in sth: The squirrel disappeared into a hollow at the base of the tree.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make a flat surface curve inwards
PVR V ,hollow sth<->'out
1 to make a hole in sth by removing part of it: Hollow out the cake and fill it with cream.
2 to form sth by making a hole in sth else: The cave has been hollowed out of the mountainside.

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holly
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] a bush or small tree with hard shiny prickly leaves and bright red berries in winter, often used as a decoration at Christmas: a sprig of holly
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hol.ly.hock
noun a tall garden plant with white, yellow, red or purple flowers growing up its stem
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holo.caust
noun
1 [C] a situation in which many things are destroyed and many people killed, especially because of a war or a fire: a nuclear holocaust
2 (the Holocaust) [sing.] the killing of millions of Jews by the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s
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holo.gram
noun a special type of picture in which the objects seem to be THREE-DIMENSIONAL (= solid rather than flat)
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holo.graph.ic
adj. [usually before noun] connected with holograms : a holographic picture / illusion
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hols
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) holidays
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hol.ster
noun a leather case worn on a belt or on a strap under the arm, used for carrying a small gun
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holy
adj. (holi.er, holi.est)
1 [usually before noun] connected with God or a particular religion: the Holy Bible / Scriptures  holy ground  a holy war (= one fought to defend the beliefs of a particular religion)  the holy city of Mecca  Islam’s holiest shrine
OPP UNHOLY —see also HOLY ORDERS
2 good in a moral and religious way: a holy life / man
OPP UNHOLY
3 [only before noun] (informal) used to emphasize that you are surprised, afraid, etc: Holy cow! What was that?—see also HOLIER-THAN-THOU , HOLINESS
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,Holy Com'munion
noun [U] = COMMUNION
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the ,Holy 'Father
noun [sing.] the POPE
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the ,Holy 'Ghost
noun [sing.] = THE HOLY SPIRIT
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the ,Holy 'Grail
noun [sing.] = GRAIL
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the ,holy of 'holies
noun [sing.]
1 the most holy part of a religious building
2 (humorous) a special room or building that can only be visited by important people
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,holy 'orders
noun [pl.] the official position of being a priest, BISHOP , etc: to take holy orders (= to become a priest)
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the ,Holy 'Spirit
(also the ,Holy 'Ghost) noun [sing.] (in Christianity) God in the form of a spirit
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'Holy Week
noun in the Christian Church, the week before Easter Sunday
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hom.age
noun [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) (formal) something that is said or done to show respect for sb: The kings of France paid homage to no one.  He describes his book as ‘a homage to my father’.  They stood in silent homage around the grave.
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hom.burg
noun a man’s soft hat with a narrow, curled BRIM
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home
noun, adj., adv., verb
noun
HOUSE, etc.|
1 [C, U] the house or flat/apartment that you live in, especially with your family: We are not far from my home now.  Old people prefer to stay in their own homes.  She leaves home at 7 every day.  the family home  While travelling she missed the comforts of home.  He left home (= left his parents and began an independent life) at sixteen.  Nowadays a lot of people work from home .  I’ll call you from home later.   (figurative) We haven’t found a home for all my father’s books yet (= a place where they can be kept).  stray dogs needing new homes—see also STAY-AT-HOME
2 [C] a house or flat/apartment, etc., when you think of it as property that can be bought and sold: a holiday / summer home  A lot of new homes are being built on the edge of town.  Private home ownership is increasing faster than ever.  They applied for a home improvement loan.—see also MOBILE HOME , SECOND HOME , STATELY HOME
TOWN / COUNTRY|
3 [C, U] the town, district, country, etc. that you come from, or where you are living and that you feel you belong to: I often think about my friends back home .  Jane left England and made Greece her home.  Jamaica is home to over two million people.
FAMILY|
4 [C] used to refer to a family living together, and the way it behaves: She came from a violent home.  He had always wanted a real home with a wife and children.—see also BROKEN HOME
FOR OLD PEOPLE / CHILDREN|
5 [C] a place where people who cannot care for themselves live and are cared for by others: a children’s home  an old people’s home  a retirement home  a home for the mentally ill  She has lived in a home since she was six.—see also NURSING HOME , REST HOME
FOR PETS|
6 [C] a place where pets with no owner are looked after: a dogs' / cats' home
OF PLANT / ANIMAL|
7 [sing., U] the place where a plant or animal usually lives; the place where sb/sth can be found: This region is the home of many species of wild flower.  The tiger’s home is in the jungle.  The Rockies are home to bears and mountain lions.
WHERE STH FIRST DONE|
8 [sing.] the ~ of sth the place where sth was first discovered, made or invented: New Orleans, the home of jazz  Greece, the home of democracy at 'home
1 in a person’s own house, flat/apartment, etc: I phoned you last night, but you weren’t at home.  Oh no, I left my purse at home.  He lived at home (= with his parents) until he was thirty.
2 comfortable and relaxed: Sit down and make yourself at home .  Simon feels very at home on a horse.
3 (used especially in journalism) in sb’s own country, not in a foreign country: The president is not as popular at home as he is abroad.
4 if a sports team plays at home, it plays in the town, etc. that it comes from: Leeds are playing at home this weekend.  Is the match on Saturday at home or away? away from 'home
1 away from a person’s own house, flat/apartment, etc: He works away from home during the week.  I don’t want to be away from home for too long.
2 (BrE) if a sports team plays away from home, it plays in the town, etc. that its opponent comes from a ,home from 'home (BrE) (AmE a ,home away from 'home) a place where you feel relaxed and comfortable as if you were in your own home home sweet 'home (often ironic) used to say how pleasant your home is (especially when you really mean that it is not pleasant at all) set up 'home (BrE) (used especially about a couple) to start living in a new place: They got married and set up home together in Hull. when he’s, it’s, etc. at 'home (BrE, humorous) used to emphasize a question about sb/sth: Who’s she when she’s at home? (= I don’t know her)—more at CHARITY , CLOSE^2adj. , EAT , ENGLISHMAN , SPIRITUAL

adj. [only before noun]
WHERE YOU LIVE|
1 connected with the place where you live: home life (= with your family)  a person’s home address / town  We offer customers a free home delivery service.
MADE / USED AT HOME|
2 made or used at home: home movies  home cooking  a home computer  home brew (= beer that is made at home)
OWN COUNTRY|
3 (especially BrE) connected with your own country rather than foreign countries
SYN DOMESTIC : products for the home market  home news / affairs
OPP FOREIGN , OVERSEAS
IN SPORT|
4 connected with a team’s own sports ground: a home match / win  the home team  Rangers were playing in front of their home crowd.—compare AWAY

adv.
WHERE YOU LIVE|
1 to or at the place where you live: Come on, it’s time to go home .  What time did you get home last night?  The trip has been exhausting and I’ll be glad to be home .  After a month, they went back home to America.  It was a lovely day so I walked home.  Anna will drive me home after work.  Hopefully the doctors will allow her home tomorrow.   (AmE) I like to stay home in the evenings.
INTO CORRECT POSITION|
2 into the correct position: She leaned on the door and pushed the bolt home.  He drove the ball home (= scored a goal) from 15 metres.  The torpedo struck home on the hull of the ship. be home and 'dry (BrE) (AmE be home 'free) to have done sth successfully, especially when it was difficult: I could see the finish line and thought I was home and dry. bring home the 'bacon (informal) to be successful at sth; to earn money for your family to live on bring sth 'home to sb to make sb realize how important, difficult or serious sth is: The sight of his pale face brought home to me how ill he really was.  The television pictures brought home to us all the full horror of the attack. come 'home to sb to become completely clear to sb, often in a way that is painful: It suddenly came home to him that he was never going to see Julie again. sth comes home to 'roost (also the chickens come home to 'roost) used to say that if sb says or does sth bad or wrong, it will affect them badly in the future hit / strike 'home if a remark, etc. hits/ strikes home, it has a strong effect on sb, in a way that makes them realize what the true facts of a situation are: Her face went pale as his words hit home.—more at COW n. , DRIVE v. , PRESS v. , RAM v. , ROMP n. , WRITE

verb ,home 'in on sth
1 to aim at sth and move straight towards it: The missile homed in on the target.
2 to direct your thoughts or attention towards sth: I began to feel I was really homing in on the answer.

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,home 'base
noun [sing., U]
1 = HOME PLATE
2 the place where sb/sth usually lives, works or operates from: The submarine returned to its home base in Vancouver.
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home.body
noun (pl.-ies) (informal, especially AmE ) a person who enjoys spending time at home
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home.boy
noun (AmE , slang) a male friend from the same town as you; a member of your GANG (= a group of young people who go around together)
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home.buy.er
noun a person who buys a house, flat/apartment, etc.
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home.com.ing
noun
1 [C, U] the act of returning to your home after being away for a long time: She spent the day preparing for his homecoming.
2 [C] (AmE) a social event that takes place every year at a high school, college or university for people who used to be students there
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the ,Home 'Counties
noun [pl.] the counties around London
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,home eco'nomics
noun [U] cooking and other skills needed at home, taught as a subject in school
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,home 'front
noun [sing.] the people who do not go to fight in a war but who stay in a country to work
IDM on the 'home front happening at home, or in your own country, rather than in a foreign country
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,home 'ground
noun [sing., U]
1 (BrE) a sports ground that a team regularly plays on in their own area or town
2 a place where sb lives or works and where they feel confident, rather than a place that is not familiar to them: I’d rather meet him here on my own home ground.
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,home-'grown
adj.
1 (of plants, fruit and vegetables) grown in a person’s garden: home-grown tomatoes
2 made, trained or educated in your own country, town, etc: The team has a wealth of home-grown talent.
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,home 'help
noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to help old or sick people with cooking, cleaning, etc.
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home.land
noun
1 [usually sing.] the country where a person was born: Many refugees have been forced to flee their homeland.
2 [usually pl.] (in the Republic of S Africa under the APARTHEID system in the past) one of the areas with some SELF-GOVERNMENT that were intended for a group of black African people to live in: the Transkei homeland
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home.less
adj.
1 having no home: The scheme has been set up to help homeless people.
2 (the homeless) noun [pl.] people who have no home: helping the homeless
home.less.ness noun [U]
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,home 'loan
noun (informal) = MORTGAGE
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home.ly
adj. (home.lier, home.li.est)
1 (BrE, approving) (of a place) making you feel comfortable, as if you were in your own home: The hotel has a lovely homely feel to it.
2 (approving, especially BrE) simple and good: homely cooking / food
3 (BrE, approving) (of a woman) warm and friendly and enjoying the pleasures of home and family: His landlady was a kind, homely woman.
4 (AmE, disapproving) (of a person’s appearance) not attractive: a homely child
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,home-'made
adj. made at home, rather than produced in a factory and bought in a shop/store: home-made jam
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home.maker
noun (especially AmE ) a person, especially a woman, who works at home and takes care of the house and family
home.making noun [U]
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the 'Home Office
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the British government department that deals with the law, the police and prisons, and with decisions about who can enter the country
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homeo.path
(BrE also hom.oeo-) noun a person who treats illness using homeopathic methods
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hom.eop.athy
(BrE also hom.oeo-) noun [U] a system of treating diseases or conditions using very small amounts of the substance that causes the disease or condition
homeo.path.ic (BrE also hom.oeo-) adj.: homeopathic medicines / remedies / treatments
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home.own.er
noun a person who owns their house or flat/apartment
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'home page
noun (computing ) the main page created by a company, an organization, institution, etc. on the WORLD WIDE WEB from which connections to other pages can be made—
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'home plate
(also ,home 'base) (AmE also plate) noun (in baseball) the place where the person hitting the ball stands and where they must return to after running around all the bases—
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homer
noun (AmE , informal) = HOME RUN : He hit a homer.
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home.room
noun [C, U] (AmE ) a classroom where students go at the beginning of each school day, so that teachers can check who is in school; the time spent in this room: Homeroom lasts for ten minutes.
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,home 'rule
noun [U] the right of a country or region to govern itself, especially after another country or region has governed it
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,home 'run
(also AmE informal homer) noun (in baseball) a hit that allows the person hitting the ball to run around all the bases without stopping
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,Home 'Secretary
noun the British government minister in charge of the Home Office
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home.sick
adj. sad because you are away from home and you miss your family and friends: I felt homesick for Scotland.
home.sick.ness noun [U]
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home.spun
adj.
1 (especially of ideas) simple and ordinary; not coming from an expert: homespun philosophy
2 (of fabric) woven at home
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home.stead
noun, verb
noun
1 a house with the land and buildings around it, especially a farm
2 (in the US in the past) a piece of land given to sb by the government on condition that they lived on it and grew crops on it

verb [v] (old-fashioned, AmE ) to live and work on a homestead (2)
home.stead.er noun

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the ,home 'straight
(especially BrE ) (also the ,home 'stretch especially in AmE) noun [sing.]
1 the last part of a race
2 the last part of an activity, etc. when it is nearly completed
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,home 'town
noun the place where you were born or lived as a child
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,home 'truth
noun [usually pl.] a true but unpleasant fact about a person, usually told to them by sb else: It’s time you told him a few home truths.
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home.ward
adj. going towards home: the homeward journey
home.ward (also home.wardsespecially BrE) adv.: Commuters were heading homeward at the end of the day.  We drove homewards in silence.  We were homeward bound at last.
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home.work
noun [U]
1 work that is given by teachers for students to do at home: I still haven’t done my geography homework.  How much homework do you get?  I have to write up the notes for homework .
2 (informal) work that sb does to prepare for sth: You could tell that he had really done his homework (= found out all he needed to know).
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home.work.er
noun a person who works at home, often doing jobs that are not well paid such as making clothes for shops/stores
home.work.ing noun [U]
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homey
(also homy) adj. (especially AmE ) pleasant and comfortable, like home: The hotel had a nice, homey atmosphere.
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homi.cidal
adj. likely to kill another person; making sb likely to kill another person: a homicidal maniac  He had clear homicidal tendencies.
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homi.cide
noun [C, U] (especially AmE, law ) the crime of killing sb deliberately
SYN MURDER —compare MANSLAUGHTER
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hom.ily
(pl.-ies) noun (formal, often disapproving) a speech or piece of writing giving advice on the correct way to behave, etc: She delivered a homily on the virtues of family life.
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hom.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a bird or an animal) trained, or having a natural ability, to find the way home from a long distance away: Many birds have a remarkable homing instinct .
2 (of a missile, etc.) fitted with an electronic device that enables it to find and hit the place or object it is aimed at: a homing device
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'homing pigeon
noun a PIGEON (= a type of bird) that has been trained to find its way home from a long distance away, and that people race against other pigeons for sport
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hom.iny
noun [U] dried MAIZE , boiled in water or milk, eaten especially in the southern states of the US
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homo-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) the same: homogeneous  homosexual—compare HETERO-
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hom.oe.op.athy
(BrE ) = HOMEOPATHY
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homo.gen.eity
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being homogeneous
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homo.ge.neous
adj. (formal) consisting of things or people that are all the same or all of the same type: a homogeneous group / mixture / population
OPP HETEROGENEOUS
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hom.ogen.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (of milk) treated so that the cream is mixed in with the rest
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homo.graph
noun (grammar ) a word that is spelt like another word but has a different meaning from it, and may have a different pronunciation, for example bow , bow
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homo.nym
noun (grammar ) a word that is spelt like another word (and may be pronounced like it) but which has a different meaning, for example can meaning ‘be able’ and can meaning ‘put sth in a container’
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homo.pho.bia
noun [U] a strong dislike and fear of HOMOSEXUAL people
homo.pho.bic adj.
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homo.phone
noun (grammar ) a word that is pronounced like another word but has a different spelling or meaning, for example some, sum
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Homo sa.pi.ens
noun [U] (from Latin, technical ) the kind or SPECIES of human being that exists now
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homo.sex.ual
noun a person, usually a man, who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex: a practising homosexual—compare BISEXUAL , GAY , HETEROSEXUAL , LESBIAN
homo.sex.ual adj.: a homosexual act / relationship
homo.sexu.al.ity noun [U]
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homy
= HOMEY
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Hon
(also Hon. especially in AmE) abbr.
1 (BrE) HONORARY (used in official titles of jobs): Hon Treasurer: D Shrimpton
2 HONOURABLE : the Hon Member for Bolsover
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hon.cho
noun (informal, especially AmE ) the person who is in charge
SYN BOSS : Claude is the studio’s head honcho .
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hone
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth)
1 to develop and improve sth, especially a skill, over a period of time: His body was honed to perfection.  She honed her debating skills at college.  It was a finely honed piece of writing.
2 to make a blade sharp or sharper
SYN SHARPEN
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hon.est
adj.
1 always telling the truth, and never stealing or cheating: an honest man / woman
2 ~ (about sth)| ~ (with sb) not hiding the truth about sth: an honest answer  Are you being completely honest about your feelings?  Thank you for being so honest with me.  Give me your honest opinion.   (spoken) To be honest (= what I really think is), it was one of the worst books I’ve ever read.  Let’s be honest , she’s only interested in Mike because of his money.
3 showing an honest mind or attitude: She’s got an honest face.
4 (of work or wages) earned or resulting from hard work: He hasn’t done an honest day’s work in his life.  It’s quite a struggle to make an honest living .
HELP Use an, not a, before honest.
IDM honest! (spoken) used to emphasize that you are not lying: I didn’t mean it, honest! honest to 'God / 'goodness used to emphasize that what you are saying is true: Honest to God, Mary, I’m not joking.
HELP Some people find this use offensive. make an honest 'woman of sb (old-fashioned, humorous) to marry a woman after having had a sexual relationship with her
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,honest 'broker
noun a person or country that tries to get other people or countries to reach an agreement or to solve a problem, without getting involved with either side
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hon.est.ly
adv.
1 in an honest way: I can’t believe he got that money honestly.
2 used to emphasize that what you are saying is true, however surprising it may seem: I didn’t tell anyone, honestly!  I honestly can’t remember a thing about last night.  You can’t honestly expect me to believe that!
3 used to show that you disapprove of sth and are irritated by it: Honestly! Whatever will they think of next?
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,honest-to-'goodness
adj. [only before noun] (approving) simple and good: honest-to-goodness country food
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hon.esty
noun [U] the quality of being honest: She answered all my questions with her usual honesty.  His honesty is not in question.
IDM in all 'honesty used to state a fact or an opinion which, though true, may seem disappointing: The book isn’t, in all honesty, as good as I expected.
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honey
noun
1 [U] a sweet sticky yellow substance made by bees that is spread on bread, etc. like jam and used in cooking
2 [C] (spoken) a way of addressing sb that you like or love: Have you seen my keys, honey?
3 [C] (spoken) a person that you like or love and think is very kind: He can be a real honey when he wants to be.
IDM see LAND n.
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honey.comb
(also comb) noun [C, U] a structure of cells with six sides, made by bees for holding their honey and their eggs
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honey.combed
adj. ~ (with sth) filled with holes, tunnels, etc.
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honey.dew melon
noun a type of MELON with a pale skin and green flesh
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hon.eyed
adj. (literary)
1 (of words) soft and intended to please, but often not sincere: She spoke in honeyed tones.
2 tasting or smelling like honey , or having the gold colour of honey
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honey.moon
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.]
1 a holiday/vacation taken by a couple who have just got married: We went to Venice for our honeymoon.  They’re on their honeymoon .
2 the period of time at the start of a new activity when nobody is criticized and people feel enthusiastic: The honeymoon period for the government is now over.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to spend your honeymoon somewhere
honey.moon.er noun

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honey.pot
noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) a place, thing or person that a lot of people are attracted to: The toy section of the store is a honeypot for children.
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honey.suckle
noun [U, C] a climbing plant with white, yellow or pink flowers with a sweet smell
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honk
noun, verb
noun
1 the noise made by a GOOSE
2 the noise made by a car horn

verb
1 if a car horn honks or you honk or honk the horn, the horn makes a loud noise HOOT : [v] honking taxis  Why did he honk at me?  [vn] People honked their horns as they drove past.
2 [v] when a GOOSE honks, it makes a loud noise

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honky
noun (pl.-ies) (AmE , slang) an offensive word for a white person, used by black people
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honky-tonk
noun
1 [C] (AmE) a cheap, noisy bar or dance hall
2 [U] a type of lively jazz played on a piano: a honky-tonk piano / singer
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honor, hon.or.able
(AmE ) = HONOUR , HONOURABLE
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hon.or.arium
noun (pl.hon.or.aria ) (formal) a payment made for sb’s professional services
HELP Use an, not a, before honorarium.
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hon.or.ary
adj. (abbr. Hon)
1 (of a university degree, a rank, etc.) given as an honour, without the person having to have the usual qualifications: an honorary doctorate / degree
2 (of a position in an organization) not paid: the honorary president  The post of treasurer is a purely honorary position.
3 treated like a member of group without actually belonging to it: She was treated as an honorary man.
HELP Use an, not a, before honorary.
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hon.or.if.ic
adj. (formal) showing respect for the person you are speaking to: an honorific title
HELP Use an, not a, before honorific.
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'honor roll
noun (AmE )
1 = ROLL OF HONOUR
2 a list of the best students in a college or high school
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'honor system
noun [sing.] (AmE ) an agreement in which people are trusted to obey rules
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hon.our
(BrE ) (AmEhonor) noun, verb Use an, not a, before honour.
noun
RESPECT|
1 [U] great respect and admiration for sb: the guest of honour (= the most important one)  the seat / place of honour (= given to the most important guest)  They stood in silence as a mark of honour to her.—see also MAID OF HONOUR , MATRON OF HONOUR
PRIVILEGE|
2 [sing.] (formal) something that you are very pleased or proud to do because people are showing you great respect: It was a great honour to be invited here today.
MORAL BEHAVIOUR|
3 [U] the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right: a man of honour  Proving his innocence has become a matter of honour.
REPUTATION|
4 [U] a good reputation; respect from other people: upholding the honour of your country  The family honour is at stake.
SB / STH CAUSING RESPECT|
5 [sing.] ~ to sth/sb a person or thing that causes others to respect and admire sth/sb: She is an honour to the profession.
AWARD|
6 [C] an award, official title, etc. given to sb as a reward for sth that they have done: the New Year’s Honours list (= in Britain, a list of awards and titles given on January 1 each year)  to win the highest honour  He was buried with full military honours (= with a special military service as a sign of respect).—see also ROLL OF HONOUR
AT UNIVERSITY / SCHOOL|
7 (honours, honors) [pl.] (abbr.Hons) (often used as an adjective) a university course that is of a higher level than a basic course (in the US also used to describe a class in school which is at a higher level than other classes): an honours degree / course  a First Class Honours degree   (AmE) I took an honors class in English.
8 (honours, honors) [pl.] if you pass an exam or GRADUATE from a university or school with honours, you receive a special mark/grade for having achieved a very high standard
JUDGE / MAYOR|
9 (His / Her / Your Honour) [C] a title of respect used when talking to or about a judge or a US MAYOR : No more questions, Your Honour.
IN CARD GAMES|
10 [C, usually pl.] the cards that have the highest value do sb an 'honour | do sb the 'honour (of doing sth) (formal) to do sth to make sb feel very proud and pleased: Would you do me the honour of dining with me? do the 'honours to perform a social duty or ceremony, such as pouring drinks, making a speech, etc: Would you do the honours and draw the winning ticket? have the 'honour of sth / of doing sth (formal) to be given the opportunity to do sth that makes you feel proud and happy: May I have the honour of the next dance? (there is) honour among 'thieves (saying) used to say that even criminals have standards of behaviour that they respect (feel) honour 'bound to do sth (formal) to feel that you must do sth because of your sense of moral duty: She felt honour bound to attend as she had promised to. the honours are 'even no particular person, team, etc. is doing better than the others in a competition, an argument, etc. in 'honour of sb/sth | in sb’s / sth’s 'honour in order to show respect and admiration for sb/sth: a ceremony in honour of those killed in the explosion  A banquet was held in her honour. on your 'honour (old-fashioned)
1 used to promise very seriously that you will do sth or that sth is true: I swear on my honour that I knew nothing about this.
2 to be trusted to do sth: You’re on your honour not to go into my room.—more at POINT n.

verb [vn]
SHOW RESPECT|
1 ~ sb (with sth) to do sth that shows great respect for sb/sth: The President honoured us with a personal visit.  our honoured guests   (ironic) I’m glad to see that you’ve decided to honour us with your presence !
GIVE AWARD|
2 ~ sb/sth (with sth) (for sth) to give public praise, an award or a title to sb for sth they have done: He has been honoured with a knighthood for his scientific work.
OPP DISHONOUR
KEEP PROMISE|
3 to do what you have agreed or promised to do: I have every intention of honouring our contract.  to honour a cheque (= to keep an agreement to pay it)
OPP DISHONOUR be / feel honoured (to do sth) to feel proud and happy: I was honoured to have been mentioned in his speech.

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hon.our.able
(BrE ) (AmEhon.or.able) adj.
1 deserving respect and admiration: a long and honourable career in government  They managed an honourable 2–2 draw.  With a few honourable exceptions , the staff were found to be incompetent.
2 showing high moral standards: an honourable man
3 allowing sb to keep their good name and the respect of others: an honourable compromise  They urged her to do the honourable thing and resign.  He received an honourable discharge from the army.
4 (the Honourable) (abbr.Hon) [only before noun] (in Britain) a title used by a child of some ranks of the NOBILITY
5 (the / my Honourable …) (abbr.Hon) [only before noun] (in Britain), a title used by Members of Parliament when talking about or to another Member during a debate: If my Honourable Friend would give me a chance to answer, …
6 (abbr.Hon) a title of respect used by an official of high rank: the Honorable Alan Simpson, US senator—compare RIGHT HONOURABLE
HELP Use an, not a, before honourable.
hon.our.ably (BrE) (AmEhon.or.ably) adv.: to behave honourably
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Hons
abbr. (BrE ) HONOURS (used after the name of a university degree): Tim Smith BA (Hons)
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hooch
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) strong alcoholic drink, especially sth that has been made illegally: a bottle of hooch
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hood
noun
1 a part of a coat, etc. that you can pull up to cover the back and top of your head: a jacket with a detachable hood—picture at HAT
2 a piece of fabric put over sb’s face and head so that they cannot be recognized or so that they cannot see
3 a piece of coloured silk or fur worn over an academic GOWN to show the kind of degree held by the person wearing it
4 (especially BrE) a folding cover over a car, etc: We drove all the way with the hood down.—picture at PUSHCHAIR
5 (AmE) = BONNET (2)
6 a cover placed over a device or machine, for example, to protect it: a lens hood  an extractor hood (= one that removes cooking smells from a kitchen)
7 (slang, especially AmE) = HOODLUM (1)
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-hood
suffix (in nouns)
1 the state or quality of: childhood  falsehood
2 a group of people of the type mentioned: the priesthood
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hood.ed
adj.
1 having or wearing a hood : a hooded jacket  A hooded figure waited in the doorway.
2 (of eyes) having large EYELIDS that always look as if they are partly closed
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hood.lum
noun (informal)
1 (also slang hood especially in AmE) a violent criminal, especially one who is part of a GANG
2 a violent and noisy young man
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hood.wink
verb [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb: She had been hoodwinked into buying a worthless necklace.
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hooey
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) nonsense; stupid talk
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hoof
noun, verb
noun (pl.hoofs or hooves ) the hard part of the foot of some animals, for example horses
IDM on the 'hoof
1 meat that is sold, transported, etc. on the hoof is sold, etc. while the cow or sheep is still alive
2 (BrE, informal) if you do sth on the hoof, you do it quickly and without giving it your full attention because you are doing sth else at the same time

verb [vn] (informal) to kick a ball very hard or a long way
IDM 'hoof it to go somewhere on foot; to walk somewhere: We hoofed it all the way to 42nd Street.

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hoo-ha
noun [U, sing.] (BrE , informal) noisy excitement, especially about sth unimportant
SYN FUSS
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hook
noun, verb
noun
1 a curved piece of metal, plastic or wire for hanging things on, catching fish with, etc: a picture / curtain / coat hook  a fish-hook  Hang your towel on that hook.—see also BOATHOOK
2 (in boxing) a short hard blow that is made with the elbow bent: a left hook to the jaw
3 (in cricket and golf) a way of hitting the ball so that it curves sideways instead of going straight ahead
IDM by ,hook or by 'crook using any method you can, even a dishonest one get (sb) off the 'hook | let sb off the 'hook to free yourself or sb else from a difficult situation or a punishment hook, line and 'sinker completely: What I said was not true, but he fell for it (= believed it) hook, line and sinker. off the 'hook if you leave or take the telephone off the hook, you take the RECEIVER (= the part that you pick up) off the place where it usually rests, so that nobody can call you—more at RING^2v. , SLING v.

verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to fasten or hang sth on sth else using a hook; to be fastened or hanging in this way: [vn] We hooked the trailer to the back of the car.  [v] a dress that hooks at the back
2 [+adv. / prep.] to put sth, especially your leg, arm or finger, around sth else so that you can hold onto it or move it; to go around sth else in this way: [vn] He hooked his foot under the stool and dragged it over.  Her thumbs were hooked into the pockets of her jeans.  [v] Suddenly an arm hooked around my neck.
3 [vn] to catch a fish with a hook: It was the biggest pike I ever hooked.   (figurative) She had managed to hook a wealthy husband.
4 [vn] (especially in golf, cricket or football) to hit or kick a ball so that it goes to one side instead of straight ahead
PVR V ,hook<->'up (to sth)| ,hook sb/sth<->'up (to sth) to connect sb/sth to a piece of electronic equipment or to a power supply: She was then hooked up to an IV drip.  Check that the computer is hooked up to the printer.—related noun HOOK-UP ,hook 'up with sb (informal)
1 to meet sb and spend time with them
2 to start working with sb

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hoo.kah
noun a long pipe for smoking, used in some eastern countries, that passes smoke through a container of water to cool it
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,hook and 'eye
noun (pl.hooks and eyes) a device for fastening clothes, consisting of a small thin piece of metal curved round, and a hook that fits into it—picture at FASTENER
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hooked
adj.
1 curved; shaped like a hook: a hooked nose / beak / finger
2 [not before noun] ~ (on sth) (informal) dependent on sth bad, especially a drug
3 [not before noun] ~ (on sth) (informal) enjoying sth very much, so that you want to do it, see it, etc. as much as possible
4 having one or more hooks
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hook.er
noun
1 the player in a rugby team, whose job is to pull the ball out of the SCRUM with his foot
2 (informal) a prostitute (= a woman who has sex with men for money)
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hookey
= HOOKY
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'hook-up
noun a connection between two pieces of equipment, especially electronic equipment used in broadcasting, or computers: a satellite hook-up between the major European networks
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hook.worm
noun
1 [C] a worm that lives in the INTESTINES of humans and animals
2 [U] a disease caused by hookworms
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hooky
(also hookey) (especially AmE )
IDM play 'hooky (old-fashioned, informal) = PLAY TRUANT at TRUANT
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hooli.gan
noun a young person who behaves in an extremely noisy and violent way in public, usually in a group: English football hooligans
hooli.gan.ism noun [U]
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hoop
noun
1 a large ring of plastic, wood or iron: a barrel bound with iron hoops  hoop earrings (= in the shape of a hoop)
2 the ring that the players throw the ball through in the game of basketball in order to score points: Let’s shoot some hoops.
3 a large ring that was used as a children’s toy in the past, or for animals or riders to jump through at a CIRCUS
4 a small arch made of metal or plastic, put into the ground: croquet hoops  Grow lettuces under plastic stretched over wire hoops.
IDM see JUMP v.
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hooped
adj. shaped like a hoop : hooped earrings
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hoopla
noun
1 [U, sing.] (informal, especially AmE) excitement about sth which gets a lot of public attention
2 [U] (BrE) (AmE ring.toss) a game in which players try to throw rings over objects in order to win them as prizes
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hoo.ray
(also hur.rah, hur.ray) exclamation used to show that you are happy or that you approve of sth
IDM see HIP exclam.
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hoot
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a loud noise: He had the audience hooting with laughter .  Some people hooted in disgust.
2 (BrE ) if a car horn hoots or you hoot or hoot the horn, the horn makes a loud noise
SYN HONK : [v] hooting cars  Why did he hoot at me?  [vn] Passing motorists hooted their horns.  The train hooted a warning (= the driver sounded the horn to warn people).
3 [v] when an OWL hoots, it makes a long calling sound

noun
1 [C] (especially BrE) a short loud laugh or shout: The suggestion was greeted by hoots of laughter .
2 [sing.] (spoken) a situation or a person that you find very funny: The play was a real hoot!  You ought to meet her—she’s a hoot!
3 the loud sound made by the horn of a vehicle
4 the cry of an OWL
IDM not care / give a 'hoot | not care / give two 'hoots (informal) not to care at all: I don’t care two hoots about having money, as long as I’m happy.

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hoot.er
noun
1 (rather old-fashioned) the device in a vehicle, or a factory, that makes a loud noise as a signal
2 (BrE, slang) a person’s nose, especially a large one
3 [usually pl.] (AmE, slang) a woman’s breast
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hoo.ver
verb (BrE ) to clean a carpet, floor, etc. with a Hoover
SYN VACUUM : [vn] to hoover the carpet / floor / bedroom [alsov]
hoo.ver.ing noun [U]: It’s your turn to do the hoovering .
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Hoo.ver
™noun (BrE ) = VACUUM CLEANER
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hooves
pl. of HOOF —
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hop
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person) to move by jumping on one foot: I couldn’t put my weight on my ankle and had to hop everywhere.  kids hopping over puddles
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of an animal or a bird) to move by jumping with all or both feet together: A robin was hopping around on the path.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to go or move somewhere quickly and suddenly: Hop in, I’ll drive you home.  to hop into / out of bed  We hopped over to Paris for the weekend.
4 [vn] (AmE) ~ a plane, bus, train, etc. to get on a plane, bus, etc.
5 [v] ~ (from sth to sth) to change from one activity or subject to another: I like to hop from channel to channel when I watch TV.
IDM 'hop it (BrE, old-fashioned, informal) usually used in orders to tell sb to go away: Go on, hop it! ,hopping 'mad (informal) very angry hop 'to it (AmE) = JUMP TO IT

noun
1 [C] a short jump by a person on one foot: He crossed the hall with a hop, skip and a jump.
2 [C] a short jump by an animal or a bird with all or both feet together
3 [C] a short journey, especially by plane
4 [C] a tall plant that grows up walls, pots, etc. with green female flowers that are shaped like CONES
5 (hops) [pl.] the green female flowers of the hop plant that have been dried, used for making beer
6 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a social event at which people dance in an informal way—see also HIP HOP
IDM see CATCH v.

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hope
verb, noun
verb ~ (for sth) to want sth to happen and think that it is possible: [v] We are hoping for good weather on Sunday.  All we can do now is wait and hope.  ‘Do you think it will rain?’‘I hope not .’  ‘Will you be back before dark?’‘I hope so , yes.’  [v (that)] I hope (that) you’re okay.  Let’s hope we can find a parking space.  [vn (that)] It is hoped that over £10 000 will be raised.  [v to inf] She is hoping to win the gold medal.  We hope to arrive around two.  note at EXPECT
HELP Hope can be used in the passive in the form it is hoped that …. For must always be used with hope in other passive sentences: The improvement that had been hoped for never came.  The hoped-for improvement never came.
IDM ,hope against 'hope (that … ) to continue to hope for sth although it is very unlikely to happen ,hope for the 'best to hope that sth will happen successfully, especially where it seems likely that it will not I should hope so / not | So I should hope (spoken) used to say that you feel very strongly that sth should/should not happen: ‘Nobody blames you.’‘I should hope not!’

noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of / for sth)| ~ (of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) a belief that sth you want will happen: There is now hope of a cure.  Hopes for the missing men are fading.  There is little hope that they will be found alive.  They have given up hope of finding any more survivors.  The future is not without hope.  Don’t raise your hopes too high, or you may be disappointed.  I’ll do what I can, but don’t get your hopes up .  He pinned all his hopes on getting that job.  There is still a glimmer of hope .  She has high hopes of winning (= is very confident about it).  The situation is not good but we live in hope that it will improve.
2 [C] ~ (of / for sth)| ~ (for sb)| ~ (that … )| ~ (of doing sth) something that you wish for: She told me all her hopes, dreams and fears.  They have high hopes for their children.
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (for sb) a person, a thing or a situation that will help you get what you want: He turned to her in despair and said, ‘You’re my last hope .’  The operation was Kelly’s only hope of survival.
IDM be beyond 'hope (of sth) to be in a situation where no improvement is possible hold out little, etc. 'hope (of sth / that … ) | not hold out any, much, etc. 'hope (of sth / that … ) to offer little, etc. reason for believing that sth will happen: The doctors did not hold out much hope for her recovery. in the hope of sth | in the hope that … because you want sth to happen: I called early in the hope of catching her before she went to work.  He asked her again in the vain hope that he could persuade her to come (= it was impossible). not have a 'hope (in 'hell) (of doing sth) (informal) to have no chance at all: She doesn’t have a hope of winning. ,some 'hope! (BrE, spoken) used to say that there is no chance at all that sth will happen—more at DASH v. , PIN v.

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'hoped-for
adj. [only before noun] (written) wanted and thought possible: The new policy did not bring the hoped-for economic recovery.
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hope.ful
adj., noun
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (that … )| ~ (about sth) (of a person) believing that sth you want will happen: I feel hopeful that we’ll find a suitable house very soon.  He is not very hopeful about the outcome of the interview.   (BrE) She is hopeful of returning to work soon.
2 [only before noun] (of a person’s behaviour) showing hope: a hopeful smile
3 (of a thing) making you believe that sth you want will happen; bringing hope: The latest trade figures are a hopeful sign.  The future did not seem very hopeful.
hope.ful.ness noun [U]

noun a person who wants to succeed at sth and is likely to: 50 young hopefuls are trying for a place in the England team.

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hope.ful.ly
adv.
1 used to express what you hope will happen: Hopefully, we’ll arrive before dark.
HELP Although this is the most common use of hopefully, it is a fairly new use and some people think it is incorrect.
2 hoping that what you want will happen: ‘Are you free tonight?’ she asked hopefully.
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hope.less
adj.
1 if sth is hopeless, there is no hope that it will get better or succeed: a hopeless situation  It’s hopeless trying to convince her.  Most of the students are making good progress, but Michael is a hopeless case .  He felt that his life was a hopeless mess.
2 (BrE, informal) extremely bad: The buses are absolutely hopeless these days!
3 ~ (at sth) (especially BrE) (of people) very bad (at sth); with no ability or skill: a hopeless driver  I’m hopeless at science.
4 feeling or showing no hope: She felt lonely and hopeless.
hope.less.ly adv.: hopelessly confused / outnumbered  They were hopelessly lost.  to be hopelessly in love  ‘I’ll never manage it,’ he said hopelessly.
hope.less.ness noun [U]: a sense / feeling of hopelessness
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hop.per
noun a container shaped like a V, that holds grain, coal, or food for animals, and lets it out through the bottom
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hop.scotch
noun [U] a children’s game played on a pattern of squares marked on the ground. Each child throws a stone into a square then HOPS (= jumps on one leg) and jumps along the empty squares to pick up the stone again.
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horde
noun (sometimes disapproving) a large crowd of people: There are always hordes of tourists here in the summer.  The car attracted the interest of a horde of children.  Football fans turned up in hordes .
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hori.zon
noun
1 (the horizon) [sing.] the furthest that you can see, where the sky seems to meet the land or the sea: The sun sank below the horizon.  A ship appeared on the horizon.
2 [C, usually pl.] the limit of your desires, knowledge or interests: She wanted to travel to broaden her horizons .  The company needs new horizons now.
IDM on the ho'rizon likely to happen soon: There’s trouble looming on the horizon.
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hori.zon.tal
adj., noun
adj. flat and level; going across and parallel to the ground rather than going up and down: horizontal and vertical lines—compare VERTICAL
hori.zon.tal.ly adv.: Cut the cake in half horizontally and spread jam on one half.

noun
1 (the hori.zon.tal) [U] a horizontal position: He shifted his position from the horizontal.
2 [C] a horizontal line or surface

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hor.mone
noun a chemical substance produced in the body or in a plant that encourages growth or influences how the cells and tissues function; an artificial substance that has similar effects: growth hormones  a hormone imbalance  Oestrogen is a female sex hormone.
hor.mo.nal adj. [usually before noun]: the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy
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,hormone re'placement therapy
noun [U] = HRT
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horn
noun
1 [C] a hard pointed part that grows, usually in pairs, on the heads of some animals, such as sheep and cows. Horns are often curved.—
2 [U] the hard substance of which animal horns are made: rhino horn
3 [C] a simple musical instrument that consists of a curved metal tube that you blow into: a hunting horn
4 [C] (especially BrE) = FRENCH HORN : a horn concerto
5 [C] a device in a vehicle for making a loud sound as a warning or signal: to honk your car horn   (BrE) to sound / toot your horn—see also FOGHORN —picture at CAR
IDM blow / toot your own 'horn (AmE, informal) = BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET at BLOW v. draw / pull your 'horns in to start being more careful in your behaviour, especially by spending less money than before on the horns of a di'lemma in a situation in which you have to make a choice between things that are equally unpleasant—more at BULL , LOCK v.
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horn.beam
noun [C, U] a tree with smooth grey bark and hard wood
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horned
adj. having horns or having sth that looks like horns
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hor.net
noun a large WASP (= a black and yellow flying insect) that has a very powerful sting
IDM a 'hornet’s nest a difficult situation in which a lot of people get very angry: His letter to the papers stirred up a real hornet’s nest .
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,horn of 'plenty
noun = CORNUCOPIA
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horn.pipe
noun a fast dance for one person, traditionally performed by sailors; the music for the dance
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'horn-rimmed
adj. (of a pair of glasses) with frames made of material that looks like horn
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horny
adj.
1 (informal) sexually excited: to feel horny
2 (informal) sexually attractive: to look horny
3 made of a hard substance like horn: the bird’s horny beak
4 (of skin, etc.) hard and rough: horny hands
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horo.scope
noun a description of what is going to happen to sb in the future, based on the position of the stars and the planets when the person was born
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hor.ren.dous
adj.
1 extremely shocking; terrible: horrendous injuries
2 extremely unpleasant and unacceptable: horrendous traffic
HELP Some people use an instead of a before this word and then usually do not pronounce the ‘h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.
hor.ren.dous.ly adv.: horrendously expensive
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hor.rible
adj.
1 (especially spoken) very bad or unpleasant; used to describe sth that you do not like: horrible weather / children / shoes  The coffee tasted horrible.  I’ve got a horrible feeling she lied to us.
2 making you feel very shocked and frightened: a horrible crime / nightmare
3 (especially spoken) (of people or their behaviour) unfriendly, unpleasant or unkind: a horrible man  My sister was being horrible to me all day.  What a horrible thing to say!
hor.ribly adv.: It was horribly painful.  The experiment went horribly wrong.
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hor.rid
adj. (old-fashioned or informal, especially BrE ) very unpleasant or unkind
SYN HORRIBLE : a horrid child  a horrid smell  Don’t be so horrid to your brother.
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hor.rif.ic
adj.
1 extremely bad and shocking or frightening
SYN HORRIFYING : a horrific murder / accident / attack  Her injuries were horrific.
2 (informal) very bad or unpleasant
SYN HORRENDOUS : We had a horrific trip.
HELP Some people use an instead of a before this word and then usually do not pronounce the ‘h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.
hor.rif.ic.al.ly adv.
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hor.rify
verb (hor.ri.fies, hor.ri.fy.ing, hor.ri.fied, hor.ri.fied) to make sb feel extremely shocked, disgusted or frightened
SYN APPAL : [vn] The whole country was horrified by the killings.  [vn to inf] It horrified her to think that he had killed someone. [alsovn that]
hor.ri.fied adj.: He was horrified when he discovered the conditions in which they lived.  She gazed at him in horrified disbelief.
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hor.ri.fy.ing
adj. making you feel extremely shocked, disgusted or frightened: a horrifying sight / experience / story  It’s horrifying to see such poverty.
hor.ri.fy.ing.ly adv.
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hor.ror
noun
1 [U] a feeling of great shock, fear or disgust: People watched in horror as the small plane crashed to the ground.  With a look of horror, he asked if the doctor thought he had cancer.  The thought of being left alone filled her with horror.  To her horror , the man produced a gun.  She recoiled in horror at the sight of an enormous spider.  To his horror , he could feel himself starting to cry (= it upset him very much).  Her eyes were wide with horror.
2 [sing.] ~ of sth / of doing sth a great fear or hatred of sth: a horror of deep water  Most people have a horror of speaking in public.
3 [U] the ~ of sth the very unpleasant nature of sth, especially when it is shocking or frightening: The full horror of the accident was beginning to become clear.  In his dreams he relives the horror of the attack.
4 [C, usually pl.] a very unpleasant or frightening experience: the horrors of war  You wouldn’t believe the horrors they have suffered due to famine and disease.
5 [U] a type of book, film/movie, etc. that is designed to frighten people: In this section you’ll find horror and science fiction.  a horror film / movie—see also HORROR STORY
6 [C] (BrE, informal) a child who behaves badly: Her son is a little horror.
IDM ,horror of 'horrors (BrE, humorous or ironic) used to emphasize how bad a situation is: I stood up to speak and—horror of horrors—realized I had left my notes behind.—more at SHOCK n.
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'horror story
noun
1 a story about strange and frightening things that is designed to entertain people
2 (informal) a report that describes an experience of a situation as very unpleasant: horror stories about visits to the dentist
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'horror-struck
(also 'horror-stricken) adj. suddenly feeling very shocked, frightened or disgusted
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hors d’oeuvre
noun [C, U] (pl.hors d’oeuvres ) (from French ) a small amount of food, usually cold, served before the main part of a meal—compare STARTER
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horse
noun, verb
noun
1 a large animal with four legs, a MANE (= long thick hair on its neck) and a tail. Horses are used for riding on, pulling carriages, etc: He mounted his horse and rode off.  a horse and cart—see also COLT , FILLY , FOAL , GELDING , MARE , STALLION
2 = VAULTING HORSE —see also CLOTHES HORSE , HOBBY HORSE , ROCKING HORSE , SEA HORSE , STALKING HORSE , TROJAN HORSE , WHITE HORSES
IDM (straight) from the horse’s 'mouth (informal) (of information) given by sb who is directly involved and therefore likely to be accurate hold your 'horses (informal) used to tell sb that they should wait a moment and not be so excited that they take action without thinking about it first ,horses for 'courses (BrE) the act of matching people with suitable jobs or tasks a one, two, three, etc. horse 'race a competition or an election in which there are only one, two, etc. teams or candidates with a chance of winning—more at BACK v. , BARN n. , CART n. , CHANGE v. , DARK adj. , DRIVE v. , EAT , FLOG , GIFT n. , HIGH adj. , STABLE n. , WILD adj.

verb
PVR V ,horse a'bout / a'round (informal) to play in a way that is noisy and not very careful so that you could hurt sb or damage sth

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horse.back
noun, adj.
noun
IDM on 'horseback sitting on a horse; using horses: a soldier on horseback

adj. [only before noun] sitting on a horse: a horseback tour
horse.back adv.: to ride horseback

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'horseback riding
noun [U] (AmE ) = RIDING
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horse.box
noun (BrE ) a vehicle for transporting horses in, sometimes pulled behind another vehicle—see also HORSE TRAILER
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,horse 'chestnut
noun
1 a large tall tree with spreading branches, white or pink flowers and nuts that grow inside prickly cases—see also CHESTNUT
2 the smooth brown nut of the horse chestnut tree—compare CONKER
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'horse-drawn
adj. [only before noun] (of a vehicle) pulled by a horse or horses
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horse.flesh
noun [U] horses, especially when being bought or sold
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horse.hair
noun [U] hair from the MANE or tail of a horse, used, in the past, for filling MATTRESSES , chairs, etc.
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horse.man
noun (pl.-men ) a rider on a horse; a person who can ride horses: a good horseman—see also HORSEWOMAN
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horse.man.ship
noun [U] skill in riding horses
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horse.play
noun [U] rough noisy play in which people push or hit each other for fun
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horse.power
noun [C, U] (pl.horse.power) (abbr. h.p.) a unit for measuring the power of an engine: a powerful car with a 170 horsepower engine   (informal) I’ll need a bit more horsepower to get up this hill!
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'horse race
noun a race between horses with riders
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'horse racing
noun [U] a sport in which horses with riders race against each other
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horse.rad.ish
noun [U]
1 a hard white root vegetable that has a taste like pepper
2 (BrE also ,horseradish 'sauce) a sauce made from horseradish , that is eaten with meat: roast beef and horseradish
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'horse riding
noun [U] (BrE ) = RIDING
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horse.shoe
noun (also shoe)
1 a piece of curved iron that is attached with nails to the bottom of a horse’s foot. A horseshoe is often used as a symbol of good luck.
2 anything shaped like a horseshoe : a horseshoe bend in the river
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'horse-trading
noun [U] the activity of discussing business with sb using clever or secret methods in order to reach an agreement that suits you
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'horse trailer
noun (AmE ) a vehicle for transporting horses in, pulled by another vehicle—see also HORSEBOX
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horse.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a woman rider on a horse; a woman who can ride horses: a good horsewoman
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horsey
(also horsy) adj.
1 interested in and involved with horses or horse racing
2 connected with horses; like a horse: She had a long, horsey face.
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horti.cul.ture
noun [U] the study or practice of growing flowers, fruit and vegetables: a college of agriculture and horticulture
horti.cul.tural adj.: a horticultural show / society
horti.cul.tur.al.ist , horti.cul.tur.ist noun
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hose
noun, verb
noun
1 (also hose.pipe ) [C, U] (BrE) a long tube made of rubber, plastic, etc., used for putting water onto fires, gardens, etc: a garden hose  a length of hose—see also FIRE HOSE —picture at GARDEN
2 [pl.] = HOSIERY
3 [pl.] trousers/pants that fit tightly over the legs, worn by men in the past: doublet and hose

verb [vn] to wash or pour water on sth using a hose : Firemen hosed the burning car.
PVR V ,hose sth<->'down to wash sth using a hose : I’ll just hose down the car.

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ho.siery
(also hose) noun [U] used especially in shops/stores as a word for TIGHTS , STOCKINGS and socks: the hosiery department
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hos.pice
noun a hospital for people who are dying: an Aids hospice
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hos.pit.able
adj.
1 ~ (to / towards sb) (of a person) pleased to welcome guests; generous and friendly to visitors: The local people are very hospitable to strangers.
2 (especially written) having good conditions that allow things to grow; having a pleasant environment: a hospitable climate  The countryside in the north is less hospitable.
OPP INHOSPITABLE
hos.pit.ably adv.
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hos.pital
noun a large building where people who are ill/sick or injured are given medical treatment and care: (BrE ) He had to go to hospital for treatment.   (AmE ) He had to go to the hospital for treatment.  to be admitted to (the) hospital  to be discharged from (the) hospital  The injured were rushed to (the) hospital in an ambulance.  He died in (the) hospital.  I’m going to the hospital to visit my brother.  a psychiatric / mental hospital  hospital doctors / nurses / staff  There is an urgent need for more day care centres and more hospital beds.—see also COTTAGE HOSPITAL
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hos.pi.tal.ity
noun [U]
1 friendly and generous behaviour towards guests: Thank you for your kind hospitality.
2 food, drink or services that are provided by an organization for guests, customers, etc: We were entertained in the company’s hospitality suite .  the hospitality industry (= hotels, restaurants, etc.)
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hos.pi.tal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to send sb to a hospital for treatment
hos.pi.tal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: a long period of hospitalization
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host
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a person who invites guests to a meal, a party, etc. or who has people staying at their house: Ian, our host, introduced us to the other guests.
2 [C] a country, a city or an organization that holds and arranges a special event: The college is playing host to a group of visiting Russian scientists.
3 [C] a person who introduces and talks to guests on a television or radio show: a TV game show host
4 [C] (technical) an animal or a plant on which another animal or plant lives and feeds
5 [C] ~ of sb/sth a large number of people or things: A host of musicians will perform at the festival.  a host of possibilities
6 (the Host) [sing.] the bread that is used in the Christian service of COMMUNION , after it has been BLESSED —see also HOSTESS

verb [vn]
1 to organize an event to which others are invited and make all the arrangements for them: Germany is bidding to host the World Cup finals.
2 to introduce a television or radio programme, a show, etc: The awards ceremony will be hosted by Sir David Frost.
3 to organize a party that you have invited guests to: to host a dinner

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hos.tage
noun a person who is captured and held prisoner by a person or group, and who may be injured or killed if people do not do what the person or group is asking: Three children were taken hostage during the bank robbery.  He was held hostage for almost a year.  The government is negotiating the release of the hostages.
IDM a ,hostage to 'fortune something that you have, or have promised to do, that could cause trouble or worry in the future
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hos.tel
noun
1 a building that provides cheap accommodation and meals to students, workers or travellers—see also YOUTH HOSTEL
2 (BrE) (also shel.ter) (AmE, BrE) a building, usually run by a charity, where people who have no home can stay for a short time: a hostel for the homeless
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hos.tel.ry
(pl.-ies) noun (old use or humorous) a pub or hotel
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host.ess
noun
1 a woman who invites guests to a meal, a party, etc.; a woman who has people staying at her home: Mary was always the perfect hostess.
2 a woman who is employed to welcome and entertain men at a NIGHTCLUB
3 a woman who introduces and talks to guests on a television or radio show
4 (AmE) a woman who greets the customers in a restaurant—see also HOST
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hos.tile
adj.
1 ~ (to / towards sb/sth) very unfriendly or aggressive and ready to argue or fight: The speaker got a very hostile reception from the audience.  She was openly hostile towards her parents.
2 ~ (to sth) strongly rejecting or opposed to sth: hostile to the idea of change
3 making it difficult for sth to happen or to be achieved: hostile conditions for plants to grow in
4 belonging to a military enemy: hostile territory / aircraft
5 (business) (of an offer to buy a company, etc.) not wanted by the company that is to be bought: a hostile takeover bid
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hos.til.ity
noun
1 [U] ~ (to / towards sb/sth) unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behaviour: feelings of hostility towards people from other backgrounds  There was open hostility between the two schools.
2 [U] ~ (to / towards sth) strong and angry opposition towards an idea, a plan or a situation: public hostility to nuclear power
3 (hostilities) [pl.] (formal) acts of fighting in a war: the start / outbreak of hostilities between the two sides  a cessation of hostilities (= an end to fighting)
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host.ler
noun (AmE ) = OSTLER
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hot
adj., verb
adj. (hot.ter, hot.test)
TEMPERATURE|
1 having a high temperature; producing heat: Do you like this hot weather?  It’s hot today, isn’t it?  It was hot and getting hotter.  It was the hottest July on record.  a hot dry summer  Be careful—the plates are hot.  All rooms have hot and cold water.  a hot bath  a hot meal (= one that has been cooked)  I couldn’t live in a hot country (= one which has high average temperatures).  Cook in a very hot oven.  Eat it while it’s hot.  I touched his forehead. He felt hot and feverish.—see also BAKING HOT , BOILING HOT , PIPING HOT , RED-HOT , WHITE-HOT
2 (of a person) feeling heat in an unpleasant or uncomfortable way: Is anyone too hot?  I feel hot.  Her cheeks were hot with embarrassment.
3 making you feel hot: London was hot and dusty.  a long hot journey
FOOD|
4 containing pepper and spices and producing a burning feeling in your mouth: hot spicy food  You can make a curry hotter simply by adding chillies.  hot mustard
OPP MILD
CAUSING STRONG FEELINGS|
5 involving a lot of activity, argument or strong feelings: Today we enter the hottest phase of the election campaign.  The environment has become a very hot issue.  Competition is getting hotter day by day.
DIFFICULT / DANGEROUS|
6 difficult or dangerous to deal with and making you feel worried or uncomfortable: When things got too hot most journalists left the area.  They’re making life hot for her.
POPULAR|
7 (informal) new, exciting and very popular: This is one of the hottest clubs in town.  They are one of this year’s hot new bands on the rock scene.  The couple are Hollywood’s hottest property .
NEWS|
8 fresh, very recent and usually exciting: I’ve got some hot gossip for you!  a story that is hot off the press (= has just appeared in the newspapers)
TIP / FAVOURITE|
9 [only before noun] likely to be successful: She seems to be the hot favourite for the job.  Do you have any hot tips for today’s race?
GOOD AT STH / KNOWING A LOT|
10 [not before noun] ~ at / on sth (informal) very good at doing sth; knowing a lot about sth: Don’t ask me—I’m not too hot on British history.
ANGER|
11 if sb has a hot temper they become angry very easily
SEXUAL EXCITEMENT|
12 feeling or causing sexual excitement: You were as hot for me as I was for you.  I’ve got a hot date tonight.
SHOCKING / CRITICAL|
13 containing scenes, statements, etc. that are too shocking or too critical and are likely to cause anger or disapproval: Some of the nude scenes were regarded as too hot for Broadway.  The report was highly critical of senior members of the Cabinet and was considered too hot to publish.—see also HOT STUFF
STRICT|
14 [not before noun] ~ on sth thinking that sth is very important and making sure that it always happens or is done: They’re very hot on punctuality at work.
MUSIC|
15 (of music, especially jazz) having a strong and exciting rhythm
GOODS|
16 stolen and difficult to get rid of because they can easily be recognized: I’d never have touched those CDs if I’d known they were hot.
IN CHILDREN’S GAMES|
17 [not before noun] used in children’s games to say that the person playing is very close to finding a person or thing, or to guessing the correct answer: You’re getting hot! be in / get into hot 'water (informal) to be in or get into trouble go hot and 'cold to experience a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety: When the phone rang I just went hot and cold. go / sell like hot 'cakes to sell quickly or in great numbers (all) hot and 'bothered (informal) in a state of anxiety or confusion because you are under too much pressure, have a problem, are trying to hurry, etc. hot on sb’s / sth’s 'heels following sb/sth very closely: He turned and fled with Peter hot on his heels.  Further successes came hot on the heels of her first best-selling novel. hot on sb’s / sth’s 'tracks / 'trail (informal) close to catching or finding the person or thing that you have been chasing or searching for hot under the 'collar (informal) angry or embarrassed: He got very hot under the collar when I asked him where he’d been all day. in hot pur'suit (of sb) following sb closely and determined to catch them: She sped away in her car with journalists in hot pursuit. not so / too 'hot
1 not very good in quality: Her spelling isn’t too hot.
2 not feeling well: ‘How are you today?’‘Not so hot, I’m afraid.’—more at BLOW v. , CAT , HEEL n. , STRIKE v.

verb (-tt-) ,hot 'up (BrE) (also ,heat 'upAmE, BrE) (informal) to become more exciting or to show an increase in activity: Things are really hotting up in the election campaign.

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,hot 'air
noun [U] (informal) claims, promises or statements that sound impressive but have no real meaning or truth
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,hot-'air balloon
noun = BALLOON
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hot.bed
noun [usually sing.] ~ of sth a place where a lot of a particular activity, especially sth bad or violent, is happening: The area was a hotbed of crime.
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,hot-'blooded
adj. (of a person) having strong emotions and easily becoming very excited or angry
SYN PASSIONATE : a hot-blooded lover—compare WARM-BLOODED
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,hot 'chocolate
(BrE also choc.olate) noun [U, C] a drink made by mixing chocolate powder with hot water or milk; a cup of this drink: Two coffees and a hot chocolate, please.
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hotch.potch
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually hodge.podge ) noun [sing.] (informal) a number of things mixed together without any particular order or reason: a hotchpotch of ideas
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,hot cross 'bun
noun a small sweet bread roll that contains CURRANTS and has a pattern of a cross on top, traditionally eaten in Britain around Easter
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,hot-'desking
noun [U] the practice in an office of giving desks to workers when they are required, rather than giving each worker their own desk
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'hot dog
(BrE also ,hot 'dog) noun
1 a hot sausage served in a long bread roll
2 (AmE) a person who performs clever or dangerous tricks while skiing or SURFING : He’s a real hot dog.
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'hot-dog
verb [v] (AmE , informal) to perform clever or dangerous tricks while skiing or SURFING
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hotel
noun a building where people stay, usually for a short time, paying for their rooms and meals: We stayed at / in a hotel.  hotel rooms / guests  a luxury / five-star hotel  a friendly, family-run hotel
HELP Some speakers do not pronounce the ‘h’ at the beginning of hotel and use an instead of a before it. This now sounds old-fashioned.
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ho.tel.ier
noun a person who owns or manages a hotel
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,hot 'flush
(BrE ) (AmE,hot 'flash) noun a sudden hot and uncomfortable feeling in the skin, especially experienced by women during the MENOPAUSE
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hot.foot
adv., verb
adv. (written) moving quickly and in a hurry: He had just arrived hotfoot from London.

verb
IDM 'hotfoot it (informal) to walk or run somewhere quickly: Once the police arrived, we hotfooted it out of there.

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hot.head
noun a person who often acts too quickly, without thinking of what might happen
hot-headed adj.
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hot.house
noun
1 a heated building, usually made of glass, used for growing delicate plants in: hothouse flowers
2 a place or situation that encourages the rapid development of sb/sth, especially ideas and emotions
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hot.line
noun
1 a special telephone line that people can use in order to get information or to talk about sth: a 24-hour confidential hotline
2 a direct telephone line between the heads of government in different countries
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hotly
adv.
1 done in an angry or excited way or with a lot of strong feeling: a hotly debated topic  Recent reports in the press have been hotly denied.  ‘Nonsense!’ he said hotly.  The results were hotly disputed.
2 done with a lot of energy and determination
SYN CLOSELY : hotly contested elections  She ran out of the shop, hotly pursued by the store detective.
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'hot pants
noun [pl.] very short, tight women’s SHORTS
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hot.plate
noun a flat, heated metal surface, for example on a cooker/stove, that is used for cooking food or for keeping it hot
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hot.pot
noun
1 [C, U] (BrE) a hot dish of meat, potato, onion, etc. cooked slowly in liquid in the oven
2 [C] (AmE) a small electric pot that you can use to heat water or food
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,hot po'tato
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a problem, situation, etc. that is difficult and unpleasant to deal with
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hots
noun [pl.]
IDM get / have the 'hots for sb (informal) to be sexually attracted to sb
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the 'hot seat
noun [sing.] (informal) if sb is in the hot seat, they have to take responsibility for important or difficult decisions and actions
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hot.shot
noun (informal) a person who is extremely successful in their career or at a particular sport
hot.shot adj. [only before noun]: a hotshot lawyer
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'hot spot
noun (informal)
1 a place where fighting is common, especially for political reasons
2 a place where there is a lot of activity or entertainment
3 (AmE) a place that is very hot and dry, where a fire has been burning or is likely to start
4 (computing) an area on a computer screen that you can CLICK on to start an operation such as loading a file
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,hot 'stuff
noun [U] (informal, especially BrE )
1 a person who is sexually attractive: She’s pretty hot stuff.
2 a film/movie, book, etc. which is exciting in a sexual way: His latest novel is hot stuff.
3 ~ (at sth) a person who is very skilful at sth: She’s really hot stuff at tennis.
4 something that is likely to cause anger or disagreement: These new proposals are proving to be hot stuff.
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,hot-'tempered
adj. (especially BrE ) tending to become very angry easily
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,hot 'tub
noun a heated bath that several people can sit in together
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,hot-'water bottle
noun a rubber container that is filled with hot water and put in a bed to make it warm
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'hot-wire
verb [vn] (informal) to start the engine of a vehicle by using a piece of wire instead of a key
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hou.mus
= HUMMUS
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hound
noun, verb
noun a dog that can run fast and has a good sense of smell, used for hunting: The hounds picked up the scent of the fox.—see also AFGHAN HOUND , BLOODHOUND , FOXHOUND , GREYHOUND , WOLFHOUND

verb [vn] to keep following sb and not leave them alone, especially in order to get sth from them or ask them questions
SYN HARASS : They were hounded day and night by the press.
PVR V ,hound sb 'out (of sth)| 'hound sb from sth [usually passive] to force sb to leave a job or a place, especially by making their life difficult and unpleasant: They were hounded out of the country.

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hour
noun
HELP Use an, not a, before hour.
1 [C] (abbr.hr) 60 minutes; one of the 24 parts that a day is divided into: It will take about an hour to get there.  The interview lasted half an hour.  It was a three-hour exam.  I waited for an hour and then I left.  He’ll be back in an hour .  We’re paid by the hour .  The minimum wage was set at £3.20 an hour .  Top speed is 120 miles per hour .  York was within an hour’s drive.  Chicago is two hours away (= it takes two hours to get there).  We’re four hours ahead of New York (= referring to the time difference).  We hope to be there within the hour (= in less than an hour).
2 [C, usually sing.] a period of about an hour, used for a particular purpose: I use the Internet at work, during my lunch hour .—see also HAPPY HOUR , RUSH HOUR
3 (hours) [pl.] a fixed period of time during which people work, an office is open, etc: Opening hours are from 10 to 6 each day.  Most people in this kind of job tend to work long hours .  What are your office hours ?  a hospital’s visiting hours   Britain’s licensing hours (= when pubs are allowed to open) used to be very restricted.  This is the only place to get a drink after hours (= after the normal closing time for pubs).  Clients can now contact us electronically out of hours (= when the office is closed).
4 [sing.] a particular point in time: You can’t turn him away at this hour of the night.
5 (hours) [pl.] a long time: It took hours getting there.  I’ve been waiting for hours .  ‘How long did it last?’‘Oh, hours and hours .’
6 [C, usually sing.] the time when sth important happens: This was often thought of as the country’s finest hour .  She thought her last hour had come.  Don’t desert me in my hour of need .
7 (the hour) [sing.] the time when it is exactly 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock, etc: There’s a bus every hour on the hour .  The clock in the living room struck the hour .
8 (hours) [pl.] used when giving the time according to the 24-hour clock, usually in military or other official language: The first missile was launched at 2300 (= said 23 hundred) hours (= at 11 p.m.).
IDM 'all hours any time, especially a time which is not usual or suitable: He’s started staying out till all hours (= until very late at night).  She thinks she can call me at all hours of the day and night . keep … 'hours if you keep regular, strange, etc. hours, the times at which you do things (especially getting up or going to bed) are regular, strange, etc. the 'small / 'early hours (also the wee small 'hoursScotE , AmE also the wee 'hours) the period of time very early in the morning, soon after midnight: We worked well into the small hours.  The fighting began in the early hours of Saturday morning.—more at ELEVENTH , EVIL , KILL v. , UNEARTHLY , UNGODLY
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hour.glass
noun a glass container holding sand that takes exactly an hour to pass through a small opening between the top and bottom sections—compare EGG TIMER
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'hour hand
noun the small hand on a clock or watch that points to the hour
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hour.ly
adj., adv.
HELP Use an, not a, before hourly.
adj. [only before noun]
1 done or happening every hour: an hourly bus service  Trains leave at hourly intervals.
2 an hourly wage, fee, rate, etc. is the amount that you earn every hour or pay for a service every hour: an hourly rate of $30 an hour

adv. every hour: Reapply sunscreen hourly and after swimming.  Dressings are changed four hourly (= every four hours) to help prevent infection.

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house
noun, verb
noun (pl.houses )
BUILDING|
1 [C] a building for people to live in, usually for one family: He went into the house.  a two-bedroom house  Let’s have the party at my house .  House prices in London are still falling.  What time do you leave the house in the morning (= to go to work)?—see also PENTHOUSE , SAFE HOUSE , SHOW HOUSE
2 [sing.] all the people living in a house
SYN HOUSEHOLD : Be quiet or you’ll wake the whole house!
3 [C] (in compounds) a building used for a particular purpose, for example for holding meetings in or keeping animals or goods in: an opera house  a hen house—see also DOGHOUSE , DOSSHOUSE , HALFWAY HOUSE , HOTHOUSE , LIGHTHOUSE , MADHOUSE , OUTHOUSE , STOREHOUSE , WAREHOUSE
4 (House) [sing.] (BrE) used in the names of office buildings: Their offices are on the second floor of Chester House.
COMPANY / INSTITUTION|
5 [C] (in compounds) a company involved in a particular kind of business; an institution of a particular kind: a fashion / banking / publishing house  a religious house (= a CONVENT or a MONASTERY )—see also CLEARING HOUSE , IN-HOUSE
RESTAURANT|
6 [C] (in compounds) a restaurant: a steakhouse  a coffee house  a bottle of house wine (= the cheapest wine available in a particular restaurant, not usually listed by name)—see also FREE HOUSE , PUBLIC HOUSE , ROADHOUSE , TIED HOUSE
PARLIAMENT|
7 [C] (often House) a group of people who meet to discuss and make the laws of a country: Legislation requires approval by both houses of parliament.—see also LOWER HOUSE , UPPER HOUSE
8 (the House) [sing.] the House of Commons or the House of Lords in Britain; the House of Representatives in the US
IN DEBATE|
9 (the house) [sing.] a group of people discussing sth in a formal debate: I urge the house to vote against the motion.
IN THEATRE|
10 [C] the part of a theatre where the audience sits; the audience at a particular performance: playing to a full / packed / empty house (= to a large / small audience)  The spotlight faded and the house lights came up.—see also FRONT-OF-HOUSE , FULL HOUSE
IN SCHOOL|
11 [C] an organized group of students of different ages who may live in the same building and who compete against other groups in sports competitions, etc.
FAMILY|
12 [C] (usually the House of …) an old and famous family: the House of Windsor (= the British royal family)
MUSIC|
13 [U] = HOUSE MUSIC —see also ACID HOUSE , ART-HOUSE , OPEN HOUSE , POWERHOUSE
HELP There are many other compounds ending in house. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. bring the 'house down to make everyone laugh or CHEER , especially at a performance in the theatre get on like a 'house on fire (BrE) (AmE get along like a 'house on fire) (informal) (of people) to become friends quickly and have a very friendly relationship go all round the 'houses (BrE, informal) to do sth or ask a question in a very complicated way instead of in a simple, direct way in 'house if you work in house, you work in the offices of a company or an organization, not at home keep 'house to cook, clean and do all the other jobs around the house: She had given up her career to devote herself to the task of keeping house and raising a family. on the 'house drinks or meals that are on the house are provided free by the pub/bar or restaurant and you do not have to pay put / set your (own) 'house in order to organize your own business or improve your own behaviour before you try to criticize sb else set up 'house to make a place your home: They set up house together in a small flat in Brighton.—more at CLEAN v. , EAT , PEOPLE n. , SAFE adj.

verb [vn]
PROVIDE HOME|
1 to provide a place for sb to live: The government is committed to housing the refugees.
KEEP STH|
2 to be the place where sth is kept or where sth operates from: The gallery houses 2 000 works of modern art.  The museum is housed in the Old Court House.

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'house arrest
noun [U] the state of being a prisoner in your own house rather than in a prison: to be kept / held / placed under house arrest
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house.boat
noun a boat that people can live in, usually kept at a particular place on a river or canal
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house.bound
adj.
1 unable to leave your house because you cannot walk very far as a result of illness or old age
2 (the housebound) noun [pl.] people who are housebound
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house.break.ing
noun [U] (especially BrE ) the crime of entering a house illegally by using force, in order to steal things from it
SYN BURGLARY
house.break.er noun
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'house-broken
adj. (AmE ) = HOUSE-TRAINED
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house.coat
noun a long loose piece of clothing, worn in the house by women
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house.fly
noun (pl.-ies) a common fly that lives in houses
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house.ful
noun [sing.] a large number of people in a house: He grew up in a houseful of women.  They had a houseful so we didn’t stay.
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'house guest
noun a person who is staying in your house for a short time
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house.hold
noun all the people living together in a house: Most households now own at least one car.  low-income / one-parent households  the head of the household  the royal household
house.hold adj. [only before noun]: household bills / chores / goods (= connected with looking after a house and the people living in it)
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house.hold.er
noun (formal) a person who owns or rents the house that they live in
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,household 'name
(also less frequent ,household 'word) noun a name that has become very well known: She became a household name in the 1960s.
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'house husband
noun a man who stays at home to cook, clean, take care of the children, etc. while his wife or partner goes out to work—compare HOUSEWIFE
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house.keep.er
noun a person, usually a woman, whose job is to manage the shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. in a house or institution
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house.keep.ing
noun [U]
1 the work involved in taking care of a house, especially shopping and managing money
2 (also 'housekeeping money especially in BrE) the money used to buy food, cleaning materials and other things needed for looking after a house
3 jobs that are done to enable an organization or computer system to work well: Most large companies now use computers for accounting and housekeeping operations.
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house.maid
noun (old-fashioned) a female servant in a large house who cleans the rooms, etc. and often lives there
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house.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (old-fashioned, BrE) = HOUSE OFFICER
2 (AmE) a man employed to do general jobs in a house, hotel, etc.
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'house martin
noun a small black and white European bird like a SWALLOW
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house.mas.ter, house.mis.tress
noun (especially BrE ) a teacher in charge of a group of children, (called a HOUSE ), in a school, especially a private school
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house.mate
noun (especially BrE ) a person that you share a house with
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'house music
(also house) noun [U] a type of popular dance music with a fast beat, played on electronic instruments
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,house of 'cards
noun [sing.]
1 a plan, an organization, etc. that is so badly arranged that it could easily fail
2 a structure built out of playing cards
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the ,House of 'Commons
(also the Com.mons) noun
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (in Britain and Canada) the part of Parliament whose members are elected by the people of the country
2 [sing.] the building where the members of the House of Commons meet—compare THE HOUSE OF LORDS
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'house officer
noun (in Britain) a doctor who has finished medical school and who is working at a hospital to get further practical experience—compare INTERN
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,house of 'God
noun [usually sing.] (pl.houses of God) (literary) a church or other religious building
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the ,House of 'Lords
(also the Lords) noun
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (in Britain) the part of Parliament whose members are not elected by the people of the country
2 [sing.] the building where members of the House of Lords meet—compare THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
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the ,House of Repre'sentatives
noun [sing.] the largest part of Congress in the US, or of the Parliament in Australia and New Zealand, whose members are elected by the people of the country—compare SENATE (1)
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'house party
noun a party held at a large house in the country where guests stay for a few days; the guests at this party
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'house plant
(BrE also 'pot plant) noun a plant that you grow in a pot and keep indoors
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'house-proud
adj. spending a lot of time making your house look clean and attractive, and thinking that this is important
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house.room
noun [U] space in a house for sb/sth
IDM not give sth 'houseroom (BrE) to not like sth and not want it in your house
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'house-sit
verb [v] (-tt-) to live in sb’s house while they are away in order to take care of it for them
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the ,Houses of 'Parliament
noun [pl.] (in Britain) the Parliament that consists of both THE HOUSE OF COMMONS and THE HOUSE OF LORDS ; the buildings in London where the British Parliament meets
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,house-to-'house
adj. [only before noun] visiting every house in a particular area: a house-to-house collection / search  The police are making house-to-house inquiries.
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'house-trained
(BrE ) (AmE 'house-broken) adj. (of pet cats or dogs) trained to DEFECATE and URINATE outside the house or in a special box
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house.wares
noun [pl.] (AmE ) (in shops / stores) small items used in the house, especially kitchen equipment
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'house-warming
noun a party given by sb who has just moved into a new house
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house.wife
noun (pl.-wives ) a woman who stays at home to cook, clean, take care of the children, etc. while her husband or partner goes out to work—compare HOUSE HUSBAND
house.wife.ly adj.
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house.work
noun [U] the work involved in taking care of a home and family, for example cleaning and cooking: to do the housework
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hous.ing
noun
1 [U] houses, flats/apartments, etc. that people live in, especially when referring to their type, price or condition: public / private housing  poor housing conditions  the housing shortage  the housing market (= the activity of buying and selling houses, etc.)
2 [U] the job of providing houses, flats/apartments, etc. for people to live in: a housing committee / department / officer  the council’s housing policy
3 [C] a hard cover that protects part of a machine: a car’s rear axle housing
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'housing association
noun (in Britain) an organization that owns houses, flats/apartments, etc. and helps people to rent or buy them at a low price
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'housing benefit
noun [U, C] (in Britain) money given by the government to people who do not earn much, to help them pay for a place to live in
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'housing estate
(BrE ) (also 'housing developmentAmE, BrE) noun an area in which a large number of houses or flats/apartments are planned and built together at the same time: They live on a housing estate.
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'housing project
(also pro.ject) (both AmE) noun a group of houses or flats/apartments built for poor families, usually with government money
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hove
pt, pp of HEAVE
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hovel
noun (disapproving) a house or room that is not fit to live in because it is dirty or in very bad condition
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hover
verb [v, usually +adv. / prep.]
1 (of birds, HELICOPTERS , etc.) to stay in the air in one place: A hawk hovered over the hill.
2 (of a person) to wait somewhere, especially near sb, in a shy or uncertain manner: He hovered nervously in the doorway.
3 [+adv. / prep.] to stay close to sth, or to stay in an uncertain state: Temperatures hovered around freezing.  He hovered on the edge of consciousness.  A smile hovered on her lips.
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hov.er.craft
noun a vehicle that travels just above the surface of water or land, driven by engines that make a cushion of air for it to travel on—compare HYDROFOIL —picture at BOAT
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how
adv.
1 in what way or manner: How does it work?  He did not know how he ought to behave.  I’ll show you how to load the software.  ‘Her behaviour was very odd.’‘How so? ’  It’s funny how (= that) people always remember him.  Do you remember how (= that) the kids always loved going there?  How ever did you get here so quickly?—compare HOWEVER
2 used to ask about sb’s health: How are you?  How are you feeling now?
3 used to ask whether sth is successful or enjoyable: How was your trip?  How did they play?
4 used before an adjective or adverb to ask about the amount, degree, etc. of sth, or about sb’s age: How often do you go swimming?  I didn’t know how much to bring.  How much are those earrings (= What do they cost)?  How many people were there?  How old is she?
5 used to express surprise, pleasure, etc: How kind of you to help!  How he wished he had been there!
6 in any way in which
SYN HOWEVER : I’ll dress how I like in my own house!
IDM how 'can / 'could you! (spoken) used to show that you strongly disapprove of sb’s behaviour or are very surprised by it: Ben! How could you? After all they’ve done for us!  Ugh! How can you eat that stuff? how 'come? (spoken) used to ask the reason for sth: ‘I think you owe me some money.’‘How come?’ ,how do you 'do (becoming old-fashioned) used as a formal greeting when you meet sb for the first time. The usual reply is also How do you do? ,how’s 'that? (spoken)
1 used to ask the reason for sth: ‘I left work early today.’‘How’s that (= Why)?’
2 used when asking sb’s opinion of sth: I’ll tuck your sheets in for you. How’s that? Comfortable?  Two o’clock on the dot! How’s that for punctuality!
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howdy
exclamation (AmE , informal, often humorous) used to say hello: Howdy, partner.
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how.ever
adv.
1 used with an adjective or adverb to mean ‘to whatever degree’: He wanted to take no risks, however small.  She has the window open, however cold it is outside.  However carefully I explained, she still didn’t understand.
HELP When ever is used to emphasize how, meaning ‘in what way or manner’, it is written as a separate word: How ever did you get here so quickly?
2 in whatever way: However you look at it, it’s going to cost a lot.
3 used to introduce a statement that contrasts with sth that has just been said: He was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate.  We thought the figures were correct. However, we have now discovered some errors.  note at ALTHOUGH
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how.itz.er
noun a heavy gun that fires SHELLS high into the air for a short distance
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howl
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of a dog, WOLF , etc.) to make a long, loud cry
2 [v] to make a loud cry when you are in pain, angry, amused, etc: to howl in pain / despair / protest  We howled with laughter.  The baby was howling (= crying loudly) all the time I was there.
3 [v] (of the wind) to blow hard and make a long loud noise: The wind was howling around the house.
4 to say sth loudly and angrily: [vn] The crowd howled its displeasure. [alsov speech] ,howl sb<->'down to prevent a speaker from being heard by shouting angrily
SYN SHOUT SB DOWN

noun
1 a long loud sad cry made by a dog, WOLF , etc.
2 a loud cry showing pain, anger, amusement, etc: to let out a howl of fright / frustration / anguish  The suggestion was greeted with howls of laughter.
3 a long loud sound made when the wind is blowing strongly: They listened to the howl of the wind through the trees.

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howl.er
noun (informal, especially BrE ) a stupid mistake, especially in what sb says or writes: The report is full of howlers.
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howl.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a storm, etc.) very fierce, with strong winds: a howling gale / storm / wind
2 (informal) very great or extreme: a howling success  She flew into a howling rage.
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h.p.
(also HP) abbr.
1 HORSEPOWER
2 (BrE) HIRE PURCHASE
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HQ
abbr. HEADQUARTERS : See you back at HQ.  police HQ
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hr
(also hr. especially in AmE) abbr. (pl.hrs or hr) (in writing) hour: Cover and chill for 1 hr.
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HRH
abbr. His/Her ROYAL HIGHNESS : HRH Prince Harry
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HRT
noun [U] medical treatment for women going through the MENOPAUSE in which HORMONES are added to the body (abbreviation for ‘hormone replacement therapy’)
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hua.rache
noun a type of SANDAL (= open shoe) made of many narrow strips of leather woven together
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hub
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the central and most important part of a particular place or activity: the commercial hub of the city  to be at the hub of things (= where things happen and important decisions are made)  a hub airport (= a large important one where people often change from one plane to another)
2 the central part of a wheel—picture at BICYCLE
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hub.bub
noun [sing., U]
1 the loud sound made by a lot of people talking at the same time: It was difficult to hear what he was saying over the hubbub.
2 a situation in which there is a lot of noise, excitement and activity: the hubbub of city life
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hubby
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-ies) (informal) = HUSBAND
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hub.cap
noun a round metal cover that fits over the HUB of a vehicle’s wheel—picture at CAR
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hu.bris
noun [U] (literary) the fact of sb being too proud. In literature, a character with this pride ignores warnings and laws and this usually results in their DOWNFALL and death.
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huck.ster
noun (old-fashioned, AmE )
1 (disapproving) a person who uses aggressive or annoying methods to sell sth
2 a person who sells things in the street or by visiting people’s houses
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hud.dle
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (up)
1 (of people or animals) to gather closely together, usually because of cold or fear: We huddled together for warmth.  They all huddled around the fire.  People huddled up close to each other.
2 to hold your arms and legs close to your body, usually because you are cold or frightened: I huddled under a blanket on the floor.
hud.dled adj.: People were huddled together around the fire.  huddled figures in shop doorways  We found him huddled on the floor.

noun
1 a small group of people, objects or buildings that are close together, especially when they are not in any particular order: People stood around in huddles.  The track led them to a huddle of barns and outbuildings.
2 (in American football) a time when the players gather round to hear the plan for the next part of the game
IDM get / go into a 'huddle (with sb) to move close to sb so that you can talk about sth without other people hearing

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hue
noun
1 (literary ortechnical) a colour; a particular shade of a colour: His face took on an unhealthy whitish hue.  Her paintings capture the subtle hues of the countryside in autumn.
2 (formal) a type of belief or opinion: supporters of every political hue
IDM ,hue and 'cry strong public protest about sth: Further cuts in welfare have raised a hue and cry among the American public.
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huff
verb, noun
verb to say sth or make a noise in a way that shows you are offended or annoyed: [v speech] ‘Well, nobody asked you,’ she huffed irritably. [alsov] ,huff and 'puff (informal)
1 to breathe in a noisy way because you are very tired: Jack was huffing and puffing to keep up with her.
2 to make it obvious that you are annoyed about sth without doing anything to change the situation: After much huffing and puffing, she finally agreed to help.

noun
IDM in a 'huff (informal) in a bad mood, especially because sb has annoyed or upset you: She went off in a huff.

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huffy
adj. (informal) in a bad mood, especially because sb has annoyed or upset you
huff.ily adv.
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hug
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
1 to put your arms around sb and hold them tightly, especially to show that you like or love them
SYN EMBRACE : [vn] They hugged each other.  She hugged him tightly.  [v] They put their arms around each other and hugged.
2 [vn] to put your arms around sth and hold it close to your body: She sat in the chair, hugging her knees.  He hugged the hot-water bottle to his chest.
3 [vn] (of a path, vehicle, etc.) to keep close to sth for a distance: The track hugs the coast for a mile.
4 [vn] to fit tightly around sth, especially a person’s body: figure-hugging jeans

noun an act of putting your arms around sb and holding them tightly, especially to show that you like or love them: She gave her mother a big hug.  He stopped to receive hugs and kisses from the fans.—see also BEAR HUG

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huge
adj. extremely large in size or amount; great in degree: a huge crowd  He gazed up at her with huge brown eyes.  huge debts / losses / profits  huge amounts of data  The sums of money involved are potentially huge.  The party was a huge success.  This is going to be a huge problem for us.
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huge.ly
adv. (written)
1 extremely: hugely entertaining / important / popular / successful
2 very much: They intended to invest hugely in new technology.  He turned around, grinning hugely.
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huh
exclamation
1 people use Huh? at the end of questions, suggestions, etc., especially when they want sb to agree with them: So you won’t be coming tonight, huh?  Let’s get out of here, huh?
2 people say Huh! to show anger, surprise, disagreement, etc. or to show that they are not impressed by sth: Huh! Is that all you’ve done?
3 people say Huh? to show that they have not heard what sb has just said: ‘Are you feeling OK?’‘Huh?’
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hula hoop
noun a large plastic ring that you swing around your waist by moving your hips
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hulk
noun
1 the main part of an old vehicle, especially a ship, that is no longer used: the hulk of a wrecked ship
2 a very large person, especially one who is not very graceful: a great hulk of a man
3 a very large object, especially one that causes you to feel nervous or afraid
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hulk.ing
adj. [only before noun] very large or heavy, often in a way that causes you to feel nervous or afraid: a hulking figure crouching in the darkness  I don’t want that hulking great computer in my office.
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hull
noun, verb
noun the main, bottom part of a ship, that goes in the water: a wooden / steel hull  They climbed onto the upturned hull and waited to be rescued.—picture at BOAT

verb [vn] to remove the outer covering of peas, beans, etc. or the ring of leaves attached to STRAWBERRIES

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hul.la.ba.loo
noun [sing.] a lot of loud noise, especially made by people who are annoyed or excited about sth: They looked outside to find out what all the hullabaloo was about.
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hullo
(especially BrE ) = HELLO
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hum
verb, noun
verb (-mm-)
1 to sing a tune with your lips closed: [v] She was humming softly to herself.  [vn] What’s that tune you’re humming?
2 [v] to make a low continuous sound: The computers were humming away.
3 [v] (informal) to be full of activity: The streets were beginning to hum with life.
IDM ,hum and 'haw (BrE) (AmE ,hem and 'haw) (informal) to take a long time to make a decision or before you say sth

noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) a low continuous sound: the hum of bees / traffic / voices  The room filled with the hum of conversation.

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human
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] of or connected with people rather than animals, machines or gods: the human body / brain  human anatomy / activity / behaviour / experience  a terrible loss of human life   Contact with other people is a basic human need .  This food is not fit for human consumption .  human geography (= the study of the way different people live around the world)  The hostages were used as a human shield (= a person or group of people that is forced to stay in a particular place where they would be hurt or killed if their country attacked it).  Firefighters formed a human chain (= a line of people) to carry the children to safety.—picture at CHAIN
2 showing the weaknesses that are typical of people, which means that other people should not criticize the person too much: human weaknesses / failings  We must allow for human error .  It’s only human to want the best for your children.
3 having the same feelings and emotions as most ordinary people: He’s really very human when you get to know him.  The public is always attracted to politicians who have the human touch (= the ability to make ordinary people feel relaxed when they meet them).—compare INHUMAN , NON-HUMAN
IDM see MILK n.

noun (also ,human 'being) a person rather than an animal or a machine: Dogs can hear much better than humans.  That is no way to treat another human being.

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hu.mane
adj. showing kindness towards people and animals by making sure that they do not suffer more than is necessary: a caring and humane society  These regulations ensure the humane treatment of all refugees.  the humane killing of animals
OPP INHUMANE
hu.mane.ly adv.: to treat sb humanely  meat that has been humanely produced  The dog was humanely destroyed.
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,human 'interest
noun [U] the part of a story in a newspaper, etc. that people find interesting because it describes the experiences, feelings, etc. of the people involved
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hu.man.ism
noun [U] a system of thought that considers that solving human problems with the help of reason is more important than religious beliefs. It emphasizes the fact that the basic nature of human beings is good.
hu.man.is.tic adj.: humanistic ideals
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hu.man.ist
noun a person who believes in humanism
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hu.mani.tar.ian
adj. [usually before noun] concerned with reducing suffering and improving the conditions that people live in: to provide humanitarian aid to the war zone  humanitarian concerns / issues / needs  a humanitarian organization  They are calling for the release of the hostages on humanitarian grounds .  The expulsion of hundreds of thousands of people represents a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous proportions.
hu.mani.tar.ian noun
hu.mani.tar.ian.ism noun [U]
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hu.man.ity
noun
1 [U] people in general: crimes against humanity
2 [U] the state of being a person rather than a god, an animal or a machine: The story was used to emphasize the humanity of Jesus.  united by a sense of common humanity
3 [U] the quality of being kind to people and animals by making sure that they do not suffer more than is necessary; the quality of being HUMANE : The judge was praised for his courage and humanity.
OPP INHUMANITY
4 (the) humanities [pl.] the subjects of study that are concerned with the way people think and behave, for example literature, language, history and philosophy—compare SCIENCE
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hu.man.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written) to make sth more pleasant or suitable for people; to make sth more HUMANE : These measures are intended to humanize the prison system.
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hu.man.kind
noun [U] people in general—see also MANKIND
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hu.man.ly
adv. within human ability; in a way that is typical of human behaviour, thoughts and feelings: The doctors did all that was humanly possible .  He couldn’t humanly refuse to help her.
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,human 'nature
noun [U] the ways of behaving, thinking and feeling that are shared by most people and are considered to be normal: Her kindness has restored my faith in human nature (= the belief that people are good).  It’s only human nature to be worried about change.
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hu.man.oid
noun a machine or creature that looks and behaves like a human being
hu.man.oid adj.
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the ,human 'race
noun [sing.] all people, considered together as a group
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,human re'sources
noun
1 [pl.] people’s skills and abilities, seen as sth a company, an organization, etc. can make use of
2 [U+sing./pl. v.] the department in a company that deals with employing and training people
SYN PERSONNEL : the human resources director
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,human 'right
noun [usually pl.] one of the basic rights that everyone has to be treated fairly and not in a cruel way, especially by their government: The country has a poor record on human rights.  to campaign for human rights  human rights abuses / violations
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hum.ble
adj., verb
adj. (hum.bler hum.blest )
1 showing you do not think that you are as important as other people: Be humble enough to learn from your mistakes.  my humble tribute to this great man—see also HUMILITY
2 (ironic or humorous) used to suggest that you are not as important as other people, but in a way that is not sincere or not very serious: In my humble opinion , you were in the wrong.  My humble apologies . I did not understand.
3 having a low rank or social position: a man of humble birth / origins  a humble occupation  the daughter of a humble shopkeeper
4 (of a thing) not large or special in any way: a humble farmhouse  The company has worked its way up from humble beginnings to become the market leader.
hum.bly adv.: I would humbly suggest that there is something wrong here.  ‘Sorry,’ she said humbly.
IDM see EAT

verb [vn]
1 to make sb feel that they are not as good or important as they thought they were: He was humbled by her generosity.  a humbling experience
2 [usually passive] to easily defeat an opponent, especially a strong or powerful one: The world champion was humbled last night in three rounds.
3 ~ yourself to show that you are not too proud to ask for sth, admit that you have been wrong, etc.—see also HUMILITY

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hum.bug
noun
1 [U] (written) dishonest language or behaviour that is intended to deceive people: political humbug
2 [C] (old-fashioned) a person who is not sincere or honest
3 [C] (BrE) a hard sweet/candy made from boiled sugar, especially one that tastes of PEPPERMINT
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hum.ding.er
noun [sing.] (informal) something that is very exciting or impressive: It turned into a real humdinger of a game.
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hum.drum
adj. boring and always the same: a humdrum existence / job / life
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hu.merus
noun (pl.hu.meri ) (anatomy ) the large bone in the top part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow—picture at BODY
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humid
adj. (of the air or climate) warm and damp: These ferns will grow best in a humid atmosphere.  The island is hot and humid in the summer.
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hu.midi.fier
noun a machine used for making the air in a room less dry—see also DEHUMIDIFIER
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hu.mid.ity
noun [U]
1 the amount of water in the air: Instruments constantly monitor temperature and humidity.  high / low humidity  70% humidity
2 conditions in which the air is very warm and damp: These plants need heat and humidity to grow well.  The humidity was becoming unbearable.
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hu.mili.ate
verb [vn] to make sb feel ashamed or stupid and lose the respect of other people: I didn’t want to humiliate her in front of her colleagues.  I’ve never felt so humiliated.  The party was humiliated in the recent elections.
hu.mili.at.ing adj.: a humiliating defeat  It was the most humiliating night of his life.
hu.mili.ation noun [U, C]: She suffered the humiliation of being criticized in public.
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hu.mil.ity
noun [U] the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people; the quality of being humble : Her first defeat was an early lesson in humility.  an act of genuine humility
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hum.ming.bird
noun a small brightly coloured bird that lives in warm countries and that can stay in one place in the air by beating its wings very fast, making a continuous low sound (= a HUMMING sound)
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hum.mock
noun (BrE ) a small hill or pile of earth
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hum.mus
(also hou.mus) noun [U] a type of Greek food that is a soft mixture of CHICKPEAS , oil and GARLIC
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hu.mon.gous
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) very big
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humor, humor.less
(AmE ) = HUMOUR , HUMOURLESS
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hu.mor.ist
noun a person who is famous for writing or telling amusing stories
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hu.mor.ous
adj. funny and entertaining; showing a sense of humour: He gave a humorous account of their trip to Spain.  She had not intended to be humorous.  He had a wide mouth and humorous grey eyes.
hu.mor.ous.ly adv.: The poem humorously describes local characters and traditions.
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hu.mour
(BrE ) (AmEhu.mor) noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the quality in sth that makes it funny or amusing; the ability to laugh at things that are amusing: a story full of gentle humour  She ignored his feeble attempt at humour.  They failed to see the humour of the situation.  He has a good sense of humour .  I can’t stand people with no sense of humour .  She smiled with a rare flash of humour.  She has her very own brand of humour.  The film is only funny if you appreciate French humour (= things that cause French people to laugh).
2 [C, U] (formal) the state of your feelings or mind at a particular time: to be in the best / worst of humours  The meeting dissolved in ill humour.  to be out of humour (= in a bad mood)—see also GOOD HUMOUR , GOOD-HUMOURED , ILL-HUMOURED
3 [C] (old use) one of the four liquids that were thought in the past to be in a person’s body and to influence health and character

verb [vn] to agree with sb’s wishes, even if they seem unreasonable, in order to keep the person happy: She thought it best to humour him rather than get into an argument.

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hu.mour.less
(BrE ) (AmEhu.mor.less) adj. not having or showing the ability to laugh at things that other people think are amusing: a humourless person / smile
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hump
noun, verb
noun
1 a large lump that sticks out above the surface of sth, especially the ground: the dark hump of the mountain in the distance   (BrE) a road / speed / traffic hump (= a hump on a road that forces traffic to drive more slowly)
2 a large lump on the back of some animals, especially CAMELS
3 a large lump on the back of a person, caused by an unusual curve in the SPINE (= the row of bones in the middle of the back)
IDM get / take the 'hump (BrE, informal) to become annoyed or upset about sth: Fans get the hump when the team loses. be over the 'hump to have done the most difficult part of sth

verb [vn]
1 (BrE) to carry sth heavy: I’ve been humping furniture around all day.
2 ( , slang) to have sex with sb

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hump.back
noun
1 = HUMPBACK WHALE
2 = HUNCHBACK
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,humpback 'bridge
noun (BrE ) a small bridge that slopes steeply on both sides
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,humpback 'whale
(also hump.back) noun a large WHALE (= a very large sea animal) with a back shaped like a HUMP
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humped
adj. having a HUMP or HUMPS ; shaped like a HUMP : a humped back  He was tall and broad with humped shoulders.
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humph
exclamation the way of writing the sound that people use to show they do not believe sth or do not approve of it
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humus
noun [U] a substance made from dead leaves and plants, added to soil to help plants grow
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Hun
noun (pl.Huns or the Hun) (informal) an offensive word for a German person, used especially during the First and Second World Wars
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hunch
verb, noun
verb [+adv. / prep.] to bend the top part of your body forward and raise your shoulders and back: [v] She leaned forward, hunching over the desk.  [vn] He hunched his shoulders and thrust his hands deep into his pockets.
hunched adj.: a hunched figure  He sat hunched over his breakfast.

noun a feeling that sth is true even though you do not have any evidence to prove it: It seemed that the doctor’s hunch had been right.  My hunch is that the burglars are still in the area.  I had a hunch (that) you’d be back.  to follow / back your hunches

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hunch.back
(also hump.back) noun (offensive) a person who has a HUMP on their back
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hun.dred
number (plural verb)
1 100
HELP You say a, one, two, several, etc. hundred without a final ‘s’ on ‘hundred’. Hundreds (of … ) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with hundred or hundreds.: One hundred (of the children) have already been placed with foster families.  There were just a hundred of them there.  This vase is worth several hundred dollars.  She must be over a hundred (= a hundred years old).  Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk.  a hundred-year lease
2 a hundred or hundreds (of … ) (usually informal) a large amount: hundreds of miles away  for hundreds of years  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times.  I have a hundred and one things to do.   (formal) Men died in their hundreds.
3 (the hundreds) [pl.] the numbers from 100 to 999: We’re talking about a figure in the low hundreds.
4 (the … hundreds) [pl.] (spoken) the years of a particular century: the early nineteen hundreds (= written ‘early 1900s’)
5 one, two, three, etc. ~ hours (spoken) used to express whole hours in the 24-hour system: twelve hundred hours (= 12.00, midday)
IDM see NINETY
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hun.dredth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 100th: her hundredth birthday

noun each of one hundred equal parts of sth: a / one hundredth of a second

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hun.dred.weight
noun (pl.hun.dred.weight) (abbr. cwt.) a unit for measuring weight equal to 112 pounds in the UK and 100 pounds in the US. There are 20 hundredweight in a TON .
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hung
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a parliament or council) (BrE) in which no political party has more elected members than all the other parties added together
2 (of a JURY ) unable to agree about whether sb is guilty of a crime—see also HANG v.
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hun.ger
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the state of not having enough food to eat, especially when this causes illness or death
SYN STARVATION : Around fifty people die of hunger every day in the camp.  The organization works to alleviate world hunger and disease.
2 [U] the feeling caused by a need to eat: hunger pangs  I felt faint with hunger.
3 [sing.] ~ (for sth) (formal) a strong desire for sth: a hunger for knowledge / information / success  Nothing seemed to satisfy their hunger for truth.

verb
PVR V 'hunger for / after sth/sb (literary) to have a strong desire or need for sth/sb

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'hunger strike
noun [C, U] the act of refusing to eat for a long period of time in order to protest about sth: to be / go on hunger strike
'hunger striker noun
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,hung-'over
adj. [not usually before noun] a person who is hung-over is feeling ill/sick because they drank too much alcohol the night before—see also HANGOVER
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hun.gry
adj. (hun.grier, hun.gri.est)
1 feeling that you want to eat sth: I’m really hungry.  Is anyone getting hungry?  All this talk of food is making me hungry.  I have a hungry family to feed.
2 not having enough food to eat: The charity is now targeting hungry people in Africa.  Thousands are going hungry because of the failure of this year’s harvest.
3 (the hungry) noun [pl.] people who do not have enough food to eat
4 [only before noun] causing you to feel that you want to eat sth: All this gardening is hungry work.
5 ~ (for sth) having or showing a strong desire for sth: Both parties are hungry for power.  power-hungry  The child is simply hungry for affection.  His eyes had a wild hungry look in them.
hun.grily adv.: They gazed hungrily at the display of food.  He kissed her hungrily.
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,hung 'up
adj. [not before noun] ~ (on / about sth/sb) (informal, disapproving) very worried about sth/sb; thinking about sth/sb too much: You’re not still hung up on that girl?  He’s too hung up about fitness.
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hunk
noun
1 a large piece of sth, especially food, that has been cut or broken from a larger piece: a hunk of bread / cheese / meat
2 (informal) a man who is big, strong and sexually attractive: He’s a real hunk.
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hun.ker
verb
PVR V ,hunker 'down
1 (especially AmE) to sit on your heels with your knees bent up in front of you
SYN SQUAT : He hunkered down beside her.
2 to prepare yourself to stay somewhere, keep an opinion, etc. for a long time
3 to refuse to change an opinion, way of behaving, etc.
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hun.kers
noun
IDM on your 'hunkers sitting on your heels with your knees bent up in front of you
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hunky
adj. (hunk.ier, hunk.iest) (of a man) big, strong and sexually attractive: Who is that hunky guy?
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hunky-dory
adj. [not before noun] (informal) if you say that everything is hunky-dory, you mean that there are no problems and that everyone is happy
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hunt
verb, noun
verb
1 to chase wild animals or birds in order to catch or kill them for food, sport or to make money: [v] Lions sometimes hunt alone.  [vn] Whales are still being hunted and killed in the Arctic.
2 [v] ~ (for sth) to look for sth that is difficult to find
SYN SEARCH : I’ve hunted everywhere but I can’t find it.  She is still hunting for a new job.
3 ~ (for) sb to look for sb in order to catch them or harm them: [vn] Police are hunting an escaped criminal.  [v] Detectives are hunting for thieves who broke into a warehouse yesterday.
4 [v, vn] (in Britain) to chase and kill FOXES as a sport, riding horses and using dogs
PVR V ,hunt sb<->'down to search for sb until you catch or find them, especially in order to punish or harm them ,hunt sth<->'down / 'out to search for sth until you find it

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) an act of looking for sb/sth that is difficult to find: The hunt is on for a suitable candidate.  Hundreds have joined a police hunt for the missing teenager.  a murder hunt (= to find the person who has killed sb)—see also TREASURE HUNT , WITCH-HUNT
2 [C] (often in compounds) an act of chasing wild animals to kill or capture them: a tiger / seal hunt
3 [C] (in Britain) an event at which people ride horses and hunt FOXES as a sport: There will be a hunt on Boxing Day.  a hunt meeting
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] (in Britain) a group of people who regularly hunt FOXES as a sport: There are several different hunts in the area.

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hunt.er
noun
1 a person who hunts wild animals for food or sport; an animal that hunts its food
2 (usually in compounds) a person who looks for and collects a particular kind of thing: a bargain hunter—see also HEADHUNTER
3 (BrE) a fast strong horse used in hunting FOXES
4 (AmE) a dog used in hunting
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hunt.ing
noun [U]
1 chasing and killing wild animals and birds as a sport or for food: to go hunting  Since 1977 otter hunting has been illegal.
2 [U] (BrE) = FOX-HUNTING
3 job / house ~ the process of trying to get a job or find a house to buy or rent: How’s the job hunting going?
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'hunting ground
noun
1 a place where people with a particular interest can easily find what they want: Crowded markets are a happy hunting ground for pickpockets.
2 a place where wild animals are hunted
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hunt.ress
noun (literary) a woman who hunts wild animals
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hunts.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who hunts animals
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hur.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 each of a series of upright frames that a person or horse jumps over in a race: His horse fell at the final hurdle.  to clear a hurdle (= jump over it successfully)
2 (hurdles) [pl.] a race in which runners or horses have to jump over hurdles : the 300 m hurdles—
3 a problem or difficulty that must be solved or dealt with before you can achieve sth: The next hurdle will be getting her parents' agreement.  Well we’ve cleared the first hurdle; let’s see what happens next.

verb
1 ~ (over) sth to jump over sth while you are running: [vn] He hurdled two barriers to avoid reporters.  [v] to hurdle over a fence
2 [v] to run in a hurdles race

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hurd.ler
noun a person or horse that runs in races over hurdles
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hurd.ling
noun [U] the sport of racing over HURDLES
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hurdy-gurdy
noun (pl.-ies) a small musical instrument that is played by turning a handle
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hurl
verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to throw sth/sb violently in a particular direction: He hurled a brick through the window.
2 [vn] ~ abuse, accusations, insults, etc. (at sb) to shout insults, etc. at sb: Rival fans hurled abuse at each other.
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hurl.ing
noun [U] an Irish ball game similar to hockey, played by two teams of 15 people
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hurly-burly
noun [U] a very noisy and busy activity or situation: He enjoys the hurly-burly of political debate.
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hur.rah
(BrE hur.ray ) exclamation = HOORAY
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hur.ri.cane
noun a violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic Ocean: hurricane-force winds  Hurricane Betty is now approaching the coast of Florida.—compare CYCLONE , TYPHOON
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'hurricane lamp
noun a type of lamp with glass sides to protect the flame inside from the wind
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hur.ried
adj. [usually before noun] done too quickly because you do not have enough time: I ate a hurried breakfast and left.
OPP UNHURRIED
hur.ried.ly adv.: I hurriedly got up and dressed.
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hurry
verb, noun
verb (hur.ries, hurry.ing, hur.ried, hur.ried)
1 to do sth more quickly than usual because there is not much time
SYN RUSH : [v] You’ll have to hurry if you want to catch that train.  The kids hurried to open their presents.
HELP In spoken English hurry can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, especially to tell somebody to do something quickly: Hurry and open your present—I want to see what it is!
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move quickly in a particular direction: He picked up his bags and hurried across the courtyard.  She hurried away without saying goodbye.
3 [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to make sb do sth more quickly
SYN RUSH : I don’t want to hurry you but we close in twenty minutes.  She was hurried into making an unwise choice.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to deal with sth quickly
SYN RUSH : Her application was hurried through.
5 [vn] [usually passive] to do sth too quickly
SYN RUSH : A good meal should never be hurried.
PVR V ,hurry 'on to continue speaking without giving anyone else time to say anything ,hurry 'up (with sth) to do sth more quickly because there is not much time: I wish the bus would hurry up and come.  Hurry up! We’re going to be late.  Hurry up with the scissors. I need them. ,hurry sb/sth<->'up to make sb do sth more quickly; to make sth happen more quickly: Can you do anything to hurry my order up?

noun the need or wish to get sth done quickly: Take your time—there’s no hurry.  In my hurry to leave, I forgot my passport.  What’s the hurry ? The train doesn’t leave for an hour.
IDM in a 'hurry
1 very quickly or more quickly than usual: He had to leave in a hurry.
2 not having enough time to do sth: Sorry, I haven’t got time to do it now—I’m in a hurry.  Alice was in a tearing hurry as usual. in a 'hurry to do sth impatient to do sth: My daughter is in such a hurry to grow up.  Why are you in such a hurry to sell? in no 'hurry (to do sth) | not in a / any 'hurry (to do sth)
1 having plenty of time: I don’t mind waiting—I’m not in any particular hurry.  Serve this lady first—I’m in no hurry.
2 not wanting or not willing to do sth: We were in no hurry to get back to work after the holiday. sb will not do sth again in a 'hurry (spoken) used to say that sb does not want to do sth again because it was not enjoyable: I won’t be going there again in a hurry—the food was terrible.

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hurt
verb, adj., noun
verb (hurt, hurt)
1 to cause physical pain to sb/yourself; to injure sb/yourself: [vn] He hurt his back playing squash.  Did you hurt yourself ?  Stop it. You’re hurting me.  My back is really hurting me today.  [v] My shoes hurt—they’re too tight.
2 [v] to feel painful: My feet hurt.  Ouch! That hurt!  It hurts when I bend my knee.
3 to make sb unhappy or upset: [v] What really hurt was that he never answered my letter.  [vn] I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.  I didn’t want to hurt his feelings .  [vn to inf] It hurt me to think that he would lie to me. [alsov to inf]
4 [v] (be hurting) (informal) to feel unhappy or upset: I know you’re hurting and I want to help you.
5 [vn] to have a bad effect on sb/sth: Many people on low incomes will be hurt by the government’s plans.
6 [v] (be hurting) (for sth) (AmE) to be in a difficult situation because you need sth, especially money: His campaign is already hurting for money.
IDM it won’t / wouldn’t 'hurt (sb/sth) (to do sth) used to say that sb should do a particular thing: It wouldn’t hurt you to help with the housework occasionally.—more at FLY n. , HIT v.

adj.
1 injured physically: None of the passengers were badly hurt .
OPP UNHURT
2 upset and offended by sth that sb has said or done: a hurt look / expression  She was deeply hurt that she had not been invited.  Martha’s hurt pride showed in her eyes.

noun [U, sing.] a feeling of unhappiness because sb has been unkind or unfair to you: There was hurt and real anger in her voice.  It was a hurt that would take a long time to heal.

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hurt.ful
adj. ~ (to sb) (of comments) unkind and making you feel upset and offended: I cannot forget the hurtful things he said.  The bad reviews of her new book were very hurtful to her.
hurt.ful.ly adv.: He said, rather hurtfully, that he had better things to do than come and see me.
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hur.tle
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move or make sb/sth move very fast in a particular direction: A runaway car came hurtling towards us.
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hus.band
noun, verb
noun (also informal hubby) the man that a woman is married to; a married man: This is my husband, Steve.
IDM ,husband and 'wife a man and woman who are married to each other: They lived together as husband and wife (= as if they were married) for years.  a husband-and-wife team

verb [vn] (formal) to use sth very carefully and make sure that you do not waste it

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hus.band.ry
noun
1 farming, especially when done carefully and well: animal / crop husbandry
2 (old-fashioned) the careful use of food, money and supplies
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hush
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (used especially in orders) to be quiet; to stop talking or crying: Hush now and try to sleep.
2 [vn] (written) to make sb/sth become quieter; to make sb stop talking, crying, etc.
PVR V ,hush sth<->'up to hide information about a situation because you do not want people to know about it: He claimed that the whole affair had been hushed up by the council.

noun [sing., U] a period of silence, especially following a lot of noise, or when people are expecting sth to happen: There was a deathly hush in the theatre.  A hush descended over the waiting crowd.   (BrE , spoken) Can we have a bit of hush? (= please be quiet)

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hushed
adj.
1 (of a place) quiet because nobody is talking; much quieter than usual: A hushed courtroom listened as the boy gave evidence.
2 [usually before noun] (of voices) speaking very quietly: a hushed tone / voice / whisper
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,hush-'hush
adj. (informal) secret and not known about by many people: Their wedding was very hush-hush.
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'hush money
noun [U] money that is paid to sb to prevent them from giving other people information that could be embarrassing or damaging
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'hush puppy
noun a small fried cake made of CORNMEAL , eaten especially in the southern US
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husk
noun, verb
noun the dry outer covering of nuts, fruits and seeds, especially of grain

verb [vn] to remove the husks from grain, seeds, nuts, etc.

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husky
adj., noun
adj. (husk.ier, husk.iest) (of a person or their voice) sounding deep, quiet and rough, sometimes in an attractive way: She spoke in a husky whisper.
husk.ily adv.
huski.ness noun [U]

noun (AmE also huskie) (pl.-ies) a large strong dog with thick hair, used for pulling SLEDGES across snow

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hus.sar
noun (in the past) a CAVALRY soldier who carried light weapons
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hussy
noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned, disapproving) a girl or woman who behaves in a way that is considered shocking or morally wrong
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hust.ings
noun (the hustings) [pl.] (especially BrE ) the political meetings, speeches, etc. that take place in the period before an election: Most politicians will be out on the hustings this week.
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hus.tle
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make sb move quickly by pushing them in a rough aggressive way: He grabbed her arm and hustled her out of the room.  I was hustled into a waiting car.
2 [vn] ~ sb (into sth) to force sb to make a decision before they are ready or sure
3 (informal, especially AmE ) to sell or obtain sth, often illegally: [vn] to hustle dope  [v] They survive by hustling on the streets.
4 [v] (AmE, informal) to act in an aggressive way or with a lot of energy
5 [v] (AmE, slang) to work as a prostitute

noun [U] busy noisy activity of a lot of people in one place: We escaped from the hustle and bustle of the city for the weekend.

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hust.ler
noun
1 (informal, especially AmE) a person who tries to trick sb into giving them money
2 (AmE, slang) a prostitute
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hut
noun a small, simply built house or shelter: a beach hut  a wooden hut
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hutch
noun a wooden box with a front made of wire, used for keeping rabbits or other small animals in
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hya.cinth
noun a plant with a mass of small blue, white or pink flowers with a sweet smell that grow closely together around a thick stem
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hy.aena
= HYENA
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hy.brid
noun
1 an animal or plant that has parents of different SPECIES or varieties: A mule is a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse.—compare CROSS-BREED
2 ~ (between / of A and B) something that is the product of mixing two or more different things: The music was a hybrid of western pop and traditional folk song.
hy.brid adj.: hybrid flowers  a hybrid language / system
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hy.brid.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v, vn] (technical ) if an animal or a plant hybridizes or is hybridized with an animal or a plant of another SPECIES , they join together to produce a hybrid
hy.brid.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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hy.dran.gea
noun a bush with white, pink or blue flowers that grow closely together in the shape of a large ball
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hy.drant
noun = FIRE HYDRANT
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hy.drate
verb [vn] (technical ) to make sth absorb water
hy.dra.tion noun [U] —compare DEHYDRATE
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hy.draul.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of water, oil, etc.) moved through pipes, etc. under pressure: hydraulic fluid
2 (of a mechanism) operated by liquid moving under pressure: hydraulic brakes
3 connected with hydraulic systems: hydraulic engineering
hy.draul.ic.al.ly adv.: hydraulically operated doors
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hy.draul.ics
noun
1 [pl.] machinery that works by the use of liquid moving under pressure
2 [U] the science of the use of liquids moving under pressure
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hydr(o)-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)
1 connected with water: hydroelectricity
2 (chemistry) combined with HYDROGEN : hydrochloric acid
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hydro.car.bon
noun (chemistry ) a compound of HYDROGEN and CARBON . There are many different hydrocarbons found in petrol/gas, coal and natural gas: a cut in hydrocarbon emissions from motor vehicles
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hydro.chlor.ic acid
noun [U] (chemistry) (symb HCl) an acid containing HYDROGEN and CHLORINE
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hydro.elec.tric
adj. using the power of water to produce electricity; produced by the power of water: a hydroelectric plant / dam / turbine  hydroelectric power
hydro.elec.tri.city noun [U]
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hydro.foil
noun a boat which rises above the surface of the water when it is travelling fast—compare HOVERCRAFT —picture at BOAT
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hydro.gen
noun [U] (symb H) a chemical element. Hydrogen is a colourless gas that is the lightest of all the elements. It combines with OXYGEN to form water.
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'hydrogen bomb
(also 'H-bomb) noun a very powerful nuclear bomb
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,hydrogen pe'roxide
noun [U] (chemistry ) = PEROXIDE
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hydro.plane
noun, verb
noun
1 a light boat with an engine and a flat bottom, designed to travel fast over the surface of water
2 (AmE) = SEAPLANE

verb [v] (AmE ) = AQUAPLANE

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hydro.pon.ics
noun [U] the process of growing plants in water or sand, rather than in soil
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hydro.ther.apy
noun [U] the treatment of disease or injury by doing physical exercises in water
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hyena
(also hy.aena) noun a wild animal like a dog, that eats the meat of animals that are already dead and has a cry like a human laugh. Hyenas live in Africa and Asia.
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hy.giene
noun [U] the practice of keeping yourself and your living and working areas clean in order to prevent illness and disease: food hygiene  personal hygiene  In the interests of hygiene, please wash your hands.
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hy.gien.ic
adj. clean and free of bacteria and therefore unlikely to spread disease: Food must be prepared in hygienic conditions.  The kitchen didn’t look very hygienic.
hy.gien.ic.al.ly adv.: Medical supplies are disposed of hygienically.
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hy.gien.ist
(also 'dental hygienist especially in AmE) noun a person who works with a dentist and whose job is to clean people’s teeth and give them advice about keeping them clean
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hymen
noun (anatomy ) a piece of skin that partly covers the opening of the VAGINA in women who have never had sex
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hymn
noun
1 a song of praise, especially one praising God and sung by Christians
2 [usually sing.] if a film/movie, book, etc. is a hymn to sth, it praises it very strongly
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'hymn book
(also old-fashioned hym.nal ) noun a book of hymns
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hype
noun, verb
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) advertisements and discussion on television, radio, etc. telling the public about a product and about how good or important it is: marketing / media hype  Don’t believe all the hype—the book isn’t that good.

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) (informal, disapproving) to advertise sth a lot and exaggerate its good qualities, in order to get a lot of public attention for it: This week his much hyped new movie opens in London.  The meeting was hyped up in the media as an important event.

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,hyped 'up
adj. (informal) (of a person) very worried or excited about sth that is going to happen: She gets really hyped up about job interviews.
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hyper
adj. (informal) excited and nervous; having too much nervous energy
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hyper-
prefix (in adjectives and nouns) more than normal; too much: hypercritical  hypertension—compare HYPO-
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hyper.active
adj. (especially of children and their behaviour) too active and only able to keep quiet and still for short periods
hyper.activ.ity noun [U]
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hyper.bole
noun [U, C, usually sing.] a way of speaking or writing that makes sth sound better, more exciting, dangerous, etc. than it really is
SYN EXAGGERATION : The film is being promoted with all the usual hyperbole.
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hyper.link
noun a place in an electronic document on a computer that is linked to another electronic document: Click on the hyperlink.
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hyper.mar.ket
noun (BrE ) a very large shop situated outside a town, that sells a wide range of goods
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hyper.sen.si.tive
adj. ~ (to sth)
1 very easily offended: He’s hypersensitive to any kind of criticism.
2 extremely physically sensitive to particular substances, medicines, light, etc: Her skin is hypersensitive.
hyper.sen.si.tiv.ity noun [U]
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hyper.ten.sion
noun [U] (medical ) blood pressure that is higher than is normal
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hyper.text
noun [U] text stored in a computer system that contains links that allow the user to move from one piece of text or document to another: a hypertext link on the Internet
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hyper.ven.ti.late
verb [v] (technical ) to breathe too quickly because you are very frightened or excited
hyper.ven.ti.la.tion noun [U]
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hy.phen
noun the mark ( -; ) used to join two words together to make a new one, as in back-up, or to show that a word has been divided between the end of one line and the beginning of the next: Is there a hyphen in post-mortem?—compare DASH
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hy.phen.ate
verb [vn] to join two words together using a hyphen ; to divide a word between two lines of text using a hyphen : Is your name hyphenated?
hy.phen.ation noun [U]: hyphenation rules
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hyp.no.sis
noun [U]
1 an unconscious state in which sb can still see and hear and can be influenced to follow commands or answer questions: She only remembered details of the accident under hypnosis .
2 = HYPNOTISM : He uses hypnosis as part of the treatment.  Hypnosis helped me give up smoking.
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hypno.ther.apy
noun [U] a kind of treatment that uses HYPNOSIS to help with physical or emotional problems
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hyp.not.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 making you feel as if you are going to fall asleep, especially because of a regular, repeated noise or movement: hypnotic music  His voice had an almost hypnotic effect.
2 [only before noun] connected with or produced by hypnosis : a hypnotic trance / state
3 (of a drug) making you sleep

noun (technical ) a drug that makes you sleep; a SLEEPING PILL

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hyp.no.tism
(also hyp.no.sis) noun [U] the practice of HYPNOTIZING a person (= putting them into an unconscious state)
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hyp.no.tist
noun a person who HYPNOTIZES people: She went to a hypnotist hoping he could help her to give up smoking.
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hyp.no.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to produce a state of HYPNOSIS in sb
2 [usually passive] (written) to interest sb so much that they can think of nothing else
SYN MESMERIZE : He was hypnotized by her beauty.
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hypo-
(also hyp-) prefix (in adjectives and nouns) under; below normal: hypodermic  hypothermia—compare HYPER-
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hypo.chon.dria
noun [U] a state in which sb worries all the time about their health and believes that they are ill when there is nothing wrong with them
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hypo.chon.driac
noun a person who suffers from hypochondria : Don’t be such a hypochondriac!—there’s nothing wrong with you.
hypo.chon.driac (also hypo.chon.driacal ) adj.
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hyp.oc.risy
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] (disapproving) behaviour in which sb pretends to have moral standards or opinions that they do not actually have: He condemned the hypocrisy of those politicians who do one thing and say another.  It’s hypocrisy for them to pretend that they were shocked at the news.
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hypo.crite
noun (disapproving) a person who pretends to have moral standards or opinions that they do not actually have: Charles was a liar and a hypocrite who married her for money.
hypo.crit.ical adj.: It would be hypocritical of me to have a church wedding when I don’t believe in God.
hypo.crit.ic.al.ly adv.
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hypo.der.mic
(also ,hypodermic 'needle, ,hypodermic 'syringe) noun a medical instrument with a long thin needle that is used to give sb an INJECTION under their skin = SYRINGE
hypo.der.mic adj.: a hypodermic injection (= one under the skin)
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hypot.en.use
noun (geometry ) the side opposite the RIGHT-ANGLE of a RIGHT-ANGLED triangle—picture at TRIANGLE
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hypo.ther.mia
noun [U] a medical condition in which the body temperature is much lower than normal
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hy.poth.esis
noun (pl.hy.poth.eses )
1 [C] an idea or explanation of sth that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct: to formulate / confirm a hypothesis  a hypothesis about the function of dreams
2 [U] guesses and ideas that are not based on certain knowledge
SYN SPECULATION : It would be pointless to engage in hypothesis before we have the facts.
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hy.pothe.size
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn, v that, v] (formal) to suggest a way of explaining sth when you do not definitely know about it; to form a hypothesis
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hypo.thet.ic.al
adj. based on situations or ideas which are possible and imagined rather than real and true: a hypothetical question / situation / example  Let us take the hypothetical case of Sheila, a mother of two …  I wasn’t asking about anybody in particular—it was a purely hypothetical question.
hypo.thet.ic.al.ly adv.
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hys.ter.ec.tomy
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] a medical operation to remove a woman’s WOMB
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hys.teria
noun [U]
1 a state of extreme excitement, fear or anger in which a person, or a group of people, loses control of their emotions and starts to cry, laugh, etc: There was mass hysteria when the band came on stage.  A note of hysteria crept into her voice.
2 (disapproving) an extremely excited and exaggerated way of behaving or reacting to an event: the usual media hysteria that surrounds royal visits  public hysteria about Aids
3 (medical) a condition in which sb experiences violent or extreme emotions that they cannot control, especially as a result of shock
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hys.ter.ic.al
adj.
1 in a state of extreme excitement, and crying, laughing, etc. in an uncontrolled way: hysterical screams / laughter  a hysterical giggle  He became almost hysterical when I told him.  Let’s not get hysterical.   (disapproving) He thought I was being a hysterical female.
2 (informal) extremely funny: She seemed to find my situation absolutely hysterical.
HELP Some people use an instead of a before this word, and then usually do not pronounce the ‘h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.
hys.ter.ic.al.ly adv.: to laugh / cry / scream / sob hysterically  hysterically funny
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hys.ter.ics
noun [pl.]
1 an expression of extreme fear, excitement or anger that makes sb lose control of their emotions and cry, laugh, etc: He went into hysterics when he heard the news.
2 (informal) wild laughter: She had the audience in hysterics .
IDM have hysterics (spoken) to be extremely upset and angry: My mum’ll have hysterics when she sees the colour of my hair.
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Hz
abbr. (in writing) HERTZ
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I
noun, pron., symbol, abbr.
noun (also i) [C, U] (pl.I’s, i’s ) the 9th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Island’ begins with (an) I / ‘I’.
IDM see DOT v.

pron. used as the subject of a verb when the speaker or writer is referring to himself/herself: I think I’d better go now.  He and I are old friends.  When they asked me if I wanted the job, I said yes.  I’m not going to fall, am I?  I’m taller than her, aren’t I?—see also ME

symbol (also i) the number 1 in ROMAN NUMERALS

abbr. (also I.) (especially on maps) Island(s); ISLE(S)

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-ial
suffix (in adjectives) typical of: dictatorial
-ially (in adverbs): officially
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iam.bic
adj. (technical ) (of rhythm in poetry) in which one short or weak syllable is followed by one long or strong syllable: a poem written in iambic pentameters (= in lines of ten syllables, five short and five long)
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-ian, -an
suffix
1 (in nouns and adjectives) from; typical of: Bostonian  Brazilian  Shakespearian  Libran
2 (in nouns) a specialist in: mathematician
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-iana, -ana
suffix (in nouns) a collection of objects, facts, stories, etc. connected with the person, place, period, etc. mentioned: Mozartiana  Americana  Victoriana
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ibex
noun (pl.ibex) a mountain goat with long curved horns
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ibid.
(also ib.) abbr. in the same book or piece of writing as the one that has just been mentioned (from Latin ‘ibidem’)
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-ibility
-ABLE
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ibis
noun (pl.ibises) a bird with a long neck, long legs and a long beak that curves downwards, that lives near water
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-ible, -ibly
-ABLE , -ABLY
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ibu.profen
noun [U] a drug used to reduce pain and INFLAMMATION
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-ic
suffix
1 (in adjectives and nouns) connected with: scenic  economic  Arabic
2 (in adjectives) that performs the action mentioned: horrific  specific
-ical (in adjectives): comical
-ically (in adverbs): physically
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ice
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] water that has frozen and become solid: There was ice on the windows.  The lake was covered with a sheet of ice .  My hands are as cold as ice.—see also ICY , BLACK ICE , DRY ICE
2 [sing.] (usually the ice) a frozen surface that people SKATE on: The dancers came out onto the ice.  Both teams are on the ice, waiting for the whistle.
3 [U] a piece of ice used to keep food and drinks cold: I’ll have lemonade please—no ice.
4 [C] (old-fashioned, especially BrE) an ice cream—see also CHOC ICE
5 [U] (AmE) a type of sweet food that consists of ice that has been crushed and flavoured
IDM break the 'ice to say or do sth that makes people feel more relaxed, especially at the beginning of a meeting, party, etc.—see also ICE-BREAKER (2) cut no 'ice (with sb) to have no influence or effect on sb: His excuses cut no ice with me. on 'ice
1 (of wine, etc.) kept cold by being surrounded by ice
2 (of a plan, etc.) not being dealt with now; waiting to be dealt with at a later time: We’ve had to put our plans on ice for the time being.
3 (of entertainment, etc.) performed by SKATERS on an ICE RINK : Cinderella on ice—more at THIN adj.

verb [vn] to cover a cake with ICING
PVR V ,ice 'over / 'up| ,ice sth<->'over / 'up to cover sth with ice; to become covered with ice: It was a memorable flight because the wings iced up.

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'ice age
(often the Ice Age) noun one of the long periods of time, thousands of years ago, when much of the earth’s surface was covered in ice
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'ice axe
(BrE ) (AmE'ice-ax) noun a tool used by people climbing mountains for cutting steps into ice—picture at AXE
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ice.berg
noun an extremely large mass of ice floating in the sea
IDM see TIP n.
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,iceberg 'lettuce
noun a type of LETTUCE (= a salad vegetable) with crisp pale green leaves
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,ice-'blue
adj. (especially of eyes) very pale blue in colour
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'ice-bound
adj. surrounded by or covered in ice
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ice.box
noun (old-fashioned, especially AmE ) = FRIDGE
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'ice-breaker
noun
1 a strong ship designed to break a way through ice, for example in the Arctic or Antarctic
2 a thing that you do or say, like a game or a joke, to make people feel less nervous when they first meet
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'ice bucket
noun a container filled with ice and used for keeping bottles of wine, etc. cold
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'ice cap
noun a layer of ice permanently covering parts of the earth, especially around the North and South Poles
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,ice-'cold
adj.
1 as cold as ice; very cold: ice-cold beer  My hands were ice-cold.
2 not having or showing any emotion: His eyes had grown ice-cold.
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,ice 'cream
(also 'ice cream especially in AmE) noun [U, C] a type of sweet frozen food made from milk fat, flavoured with fruit, chocolate, etc. and often eaten as a DESSERT ; a small amount of this food intended for one person, often served in a container made of biscuit that is shaped like a CONE : Desserts are served with cream or ice cream.  Who wants an ice cream?
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'ice cube
noun a small, usually square, piece of ice used for making drinks cold
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iced
adj.
1 (of drinks) made very cold; containing ice: iced coffee / tea
2 (of a cake, etc.) covered with ICING : an iced cake
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,iced 'water
(BrE ) (AmE 'ice water) noun water with ice in it for drinking
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'ice floe
(also floe) noun a large area of ice, floating in the sea
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'ice hockey
(BrE ) (AmEhockey) noun [U] a game played on ice, in which players use long sticks to hit a hard rubber disc (= called a PUCK ) into the other team’s goal—picture at HOCKEY
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,ice 'lolly
(also informal lolly) (both BrE ) (AmE Pop.sicle™) noun a piece of ice flavoured with fruit, served on a stick
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'ice pack
noun a plastic container filled with ice that is used to cool parts of the body that are injured, etc.
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'ice pick
noun a tool with a very sharp point for breaking ice
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'ice rink
(also 'skating rink, rink) noun a specially prepared flat surface of ice, where you can ice-skate ; a building where there is an ice rink
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'ice skate
(also skate) noun a boot with a thin metal blade on the bottom, that is used for SKATING on ice
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'ice-skate
verb [v] to SKATE on ice
'ice skater noun
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'ice skating
noun [U] = SKATING : to go ice skating
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'ice water
noun (AmE ) = ICED WATER
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icicle
noun a pointed piece of ice that is formed when water freezes as it falls down from sth such as a roof
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icily
adv. said or done in a very unfriendly way: ‘I have nothing to say to you,’ she said icily.
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icing
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually frost.ing) noun [U] a sweet mixture of sugar and water, milk, butter or egg white that is used to cover and decorate cakes—
IDM the icing on the 'cake something extra and not essential that is added to an already good situation or experience and that makes it even better
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'icing sugar
(BrE ) (AmE con'fectioners' sugar, 'powdered sugar) noun [U] fine white powder made from sugar, that is mixed with water to make icing —
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icon
noun
1 (computing) a small symbol on a computer screen that represents a program or a file: Click on the printer icon with the mouse.—
2 a famous person or thing that people admire and see as a symbol of a particular idea, way of life, etc: Madonna and other pop icons of the 1980s  a feminist / gay icon (= sb that feminists, gay people admire)
3 (also ikon) (in the Orthodox Church) a painting or statue of a holy person that is also thought of as a holy object
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icon.ic
adj. (formal) acting as a sign or symbol of sth
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icono.clast
noun (formal) a person who criticizes popular beliefs or established customs and ideas
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icono.clas.tic
adj. (formal) criticizing popular beliefs or established customs and ideas
icono.clasm noun [U]: the iconoclasm of the early Christians
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-ics
suffix (in nouns) the science, art or activity of: physics  dramatics  athletics
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ICU
abbr. intensive care unit (= in a hospital)
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icy
adj.
1 very cold: icy winds / water  My feet were icy cold.
2 covered with ice: icy roads
3 (of a person’s voice, manner, etc.) not friendly or kind; showing feelings of dislike or anger: My eyes met his icy gaze.—see also ICILY
ici.ness noun [U]
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ID
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] an official way of showing who you are, for example a document with your name, date of birth and often a photograph on it (abbreviation for ‘identity’ or ‘identification’): You must carry ID at all times.  The police checked IDs at the gate.  an ID card
2 [C] IDENTIFICATION : The police need a witness to make a positive ID.

verb (ID’s, ID’ing, ID’d, ID’d) [vn] (informal) = IDENTIFY

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Id
= EID
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id
noun (psychology ) the part of the unconscious mind where many of a person’s basic needs, feelings and desires are supposed to exist—compare EGO , SUPEREGO
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I’d
short form
1 I had
2 I would
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-ide
suffix (chemistry ) (in nouns) a compound of: chloride
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idea
noun
PLAN / THOUGHT|
1 [C] ~ (for sth)| ~ (of sth)| ~ (of doing sth) a plan, thought or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation: It would be a good idea to call before we leave.  I like the idea of living on a boat.  He already had an idea for his next novel.  Her family expected her to go to college, but she had other ideas .  The surprise party was Jane’s idea.   (spoken) It might be an idea (= it would be sensible) to try again later.  We’ve been toying with the idea of (= thinking about) getting a dog.  It seemed like a good idea at the time, and then it all went horribly wrong.  The latest big idea is to make women more interested in sport.
IMPRESSION|
2 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) a picture or an impression in your mind of what sb/sth is like: The brochure should give you a good idea of the hotel.  I had some idea of what the job would be like.  She doesn’t seem to have any idea of what I’m talking about.  I don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea (= getting the wrong impression about sth).  An evening at home watching TV is not my idea of a good time.
OPINION|
3 [C] ~ (about sth) an opinion or a belief about sth: He has some very strange ideas about education.
FEELING|
4 [sing.] ~ (that … ) a feeling that sth is possible: What gave you the idea that he’d be here?  I have a pretty good idea where I left it—I hope I’m right.
AIM|
5 (the idea) [sing.] ~ of sth / of doing sth the aim or purpose of sth: You’ll soon get the idea (= understand).  What’s the idea of the game?  What’s the idea of all this? give sb i'deas | put i'deas into sb’s head to give sb hopes about sth that may not be possible or likely; to make sb act or think in an unreasonable way: Who’s been putting ideas into his head? have no i'dea | not have the faintest, first, etc. idea (spoken) used to emphasize that you do not know sth: ‘What’s she talking about?’‘I’ve no idea.’  He hasn’t the faintest idea how to manage people. have the right i'dea to have found a very good or successful way of living, doing sth, etc: He’s certainly got the right idea—retiring at 55. 'That’s an idea! (spoken) used to reply in a positive way to a suggestion that sb has made: Hey, that’s an idea! And we could get a band, as well. 'That’s the idea! (spoken) used to encourage people and to tell them that they are doing sth right: That’s the idea! You’re doing fine. You have no i'dea … (spoken) used to show that sth is hard for sb else to imagine: You’ve no idea how much traffic there was tonight.—more at BUCK v.
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ideal
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (for sth) perfect; most suitable: This beach is ideal for children.  She’s the ideal candidate for the job.  The trip to Paris will be an ideal opportunity to practise my French.
2 [only before noun] existing only in your imagination or as an idea; not likely to be real: the search for ideal love  In an ideal world there would be no poverty and disease.
ideal.ly adv.: She’s ideally suited for this job.  Ideally, I’d like to live in New York, but that’s not possible.

noun
1 [C] an idea or standard that seems perfect, and worth trying to achieve or obtain: political ideals  She found it hard to live up to his high ideals.
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a person or thing that you think is perfect: It’s my ideal of what a family home should be.

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ideal.ism
noun [U]
1 the belief that a perfect life, situation, etc. can be achieved, even when this is not very likely: He was full of youthful idealism.  Idealism has no place in modern politics.
2 (philosophy) the belief that our ideas are the only things that are real and that we can know about—compare MATERIALISM , REALISM
ideal.ist noun: He’s too much of an idealist for this government.
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ideal.is.tic
adj. having a strong belief in perfect standards and trying to achieve them, even when this is not realistic: She’s still young and idealistic.
ideal.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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ideal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to consider or represent sb/sth as being perfect or better than they really are: It is tempting to idealize the past.  an idealized view of married life
ideal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
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idem
adv. (from Latin , written) from the same book, article, author, etc. as the one that has just been mentioned
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iden.ti.cal
adj.
1 ~ (to / with sb/sth) similar in every detail: a row of identical houses  Her dress is almost identical to mine.  The number on the card should be identical with the one on the chequebook.  The two pictures are similar, although not identical.
2 (the identical) [only before noun] the same: This is the identical room we stayed in last year.
iden.ti.cal.ly adv.: The children were dressed identically.
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i,dentical 'twin
noun one of two children or animals who are born at the same time and who have developed from a single egg. Identical twins are of the same sex and look very similar.—compare FRATERNAL TWIN
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iden.ti.fi.able
adj. that can be recognized: identifiable groups / characteristics  The house is easily identifiable by the large tree outside.
OPP UNIDENTIFIABLE
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iden.ti.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [U, C] (abbr.ID) the process of showing, proving or recognizing who or what sb/sth is: The identification of the crash victims was a long and difficult task.  Each product has a number for easy identification.  an identification number  Only one witness could make a positive identification.
2 [U] the process of recognizing that sth exists, or is important: The early identification of children with special educational needs is very important.
3 (abbr.ID) [U] official papers or a document that can prove who you are: Can I see some identification, please?
4 [U, C] ~ (with sb/sth) a strong feeling of sympathy, understanding or support for sb/sth: her emotional identification with the play’s heroine  their increasing identification with the struggle for independence
5 [U, C] ~ (of sb) (with sb/sth) the process of making a close connection between one person or thing and another: the voters' identification of the Democrats with high taxes
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i,dentifi'cation parade
noun (also informal i'dentity parade) (both BrE ) (also 'line-upAmE, BrE) a row of people, including one person who is suspected of a crime, who are shown to a WITNESS to see if he or she can recognize the criminal
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iden.tify
verb (iden.ti.fies, iden.ti.fy.ing, iden.ti.fied, iden.ti.fied)
1 (also informal ID) [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to recognize sb/sth and be able to say who or what they are: The bodies were identified as those of two suspected drug dealers.  She was able to identify her attacker.  Passengers were asked to identify their own suitcases before they were put on the plane.  Many of those arrested refused to identify themselves (= would not say who they were).  First of all we must identify the problem areas.
2 to find or discover sb/sth: [vn] Scientists have identified a link between diet and cancer.  As yet they have not identified a buyer for the company.  [v wh-] They are trying to identify what is wrong with the present system.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to make it possible to recognize who or what sb/sth is: In many cases, the clothes people wear identify them as belonging to a particular social class.
PVR V i'dentify with sb to feel that you can understand and share the feelings of sb else: I didn’t enjoy the book because I couldn’t identify with any of the main characters. identify sb with sth to consider sb to be sth: He was not the ‘tough guy’ the public identified him with. identify sth with sth to consider sth to be the same as sth else
SYN EQUATE : You should not identify wealth with happiness. be identified with sb/sth| identify yourself with sb/sth to support sb/sth; to be closely connected with sb/sth: The Church became increasingly identified with opposition to the regime.
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Iden.ti.kit
™ (BrE ) (AmE com.pos.ite, com'posite sketch) noun a set of drawings of different features that can be put together to form the face of a person, especially sb wanted by the police, using descriptions given by people who saw the person; a picture made in this way—compare E-FIT , PHOTO-FIT
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iden.tity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] (abbr.ID) who or what sb/sth is: The police are trying to discover the identity of the killer.  Their identities were kept secret.  She is innocent; it was a case of mistaken identity .  Do you have any proof of identity?  The thief used a false identity.  She went through an identity crisis in her teens (= was not sure of who she was or of her place in society).
2 [C, U] the characteristics, feelings or beliefs that distinguish people from others: a sense of national / cultural / personal / group identity  a plan to strengthen the corporate identity of the company
3 [U] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) the state or feeling of being very similar to and able to understand sb/sth: an identity of interests  There’s a close identity between fans and their team.
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i'dentity card
(also ID card) noun a card with a person’s name, date of birth, photograph, etc. on it that proves who they are
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i'dentity parade
noun (informal) = IDENTIFICATION PARADE
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ideo.gram
(also ideo.graph ) noun
1 a symbol that is used in a writing system, for example Chinese, to represent the idea of a thing, rather than the sounds of a word
2 (technical) a sign or a symbol for sth
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ideo.logue
(also ideolo.gist ) noun (formal, sometimes disapproving) a person whose actions are influenced by belief in a set of principles (= by an ideology )
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ideol.ogy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (sometimes disapproving)
1 a set of ideas that an economic or political system is based on: Marxist / capitalist ideology
2 a set of beliefs, especially one held by a particular group, that influences the way people behave: the ideology of gender roles  alternative ideologies
ideo.logic.al adj.: ideological differences
ideo.logic.al.ly adv.: ideologically correct
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idi.ocy
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] very stupid behaviour; the state of being very stupid
SYN STUPIDITY : It is sheer idiocy to go climbing in this weather.
2 [C] a very stupid act, remark, etc: the idiocies of bureaucracy
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idio.lect
noun [C, U] (linguistics ) the way that a particular person uses language—compare DIALECT
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idiom
noun
1 [C] a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words: ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ is an idiom meaning to tell a secret by mistake.
2 [U, C] (formal) the kind of language and grammar used by particular people at a particular time or place
3 [U, C] (formal) the style of writing, music, art, etc. that is typical of a particular person, group, period or place: the classical / contemporary / popular idiom
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idiom.at.ic
adj.
1 containing expressions that are natural to a native speaker of a language: She speaks fluent and idiomatic English.
2 containing an idiom : an idiomatic expression
idiom.at.ic.al.ly adv.
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idio.syn.crasy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) a person’s particular way of behaving, thinking, etc., especially when it is unusual; an unusual feature
SYN ECCENTRICITY : Wearing a raincoat, even on a hot day, is one of her idiosyncrasies.  The car has its little idiosyncrasies.
idio.syn.crat.ic adj.: His teaching methods are idiosyncratic but successful.
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idiot
noun
1 (informal) a very stupid person
SYN FOOL : When I lost my passport, I felt such an idiot.  Not that switch, you idiot!
2 (old-fashioned, offensive) a person with very low intelligence who cannot think or behave normally
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idi.ot.ic
adj. very stupid: an idiotic question  Don’t be so idiotic!
idi.ot.ic.al.ly adv.
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idle
adj., verb
adj.
1 (of people) lazy; not working hard: an idle student
2 (of machines, factories, etc.) not in use: to lie / stand / remain idle
3 (of people) without work; unemployed: Over ten per cent of the workforce is now idle.
4 [usually before noun] with no particular purpose or effect; useless: idle chatter / curiosity  It was just an idle threat (= not serious).  It is idle to pretend that their marriage is a success.
5 [usually before noun] (of time) not spent doing work or sth particular: In idle moments, he carved wooden figures.
idle.ness noun [U]: After a period of enforced idleness, she found a new job.

verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] (written) to spend time doing nothing important: [vn] They idled the days away, talking and watching television.  [v] They idled along by the river (= walked slowly and with no particular purpose).
2 [v] (of an engine) to run slowly while the vehicle is not moving
SYN TICK OVER : She left the car idling at the roadside.
3 [vn] (AmE) to close a factory, etc. or stop providing work for the workers, especially temporarily: The strikes have idled nearly 4 000 workers.

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idler
noun a person who is lazy and does not work
SYN LOAFER
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idly
adv. without any particular reason, purpose or effort; doing nothing: She sat in the sun, idly sipping a cool drink.  He wondered idly what would happen.  We can’t stand idly by (= do nothing) and let people starve.
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idol
noun
1 a person or thing that is loved and admired very much: a pop / football / teen idol  the idol of countless teenagers  a fallen idol (= sb who is no longer popular)
2 a statue that is worshipped as a god
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idol.atry
noun [U]
1 the practice of worshipping statues as gods
2 (formal) too much love or admiration for sb/sth: football fans whose support for their team borders on idolatry
idol.atrous adj.
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idol.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to admire or love sb very much: a pop star idolized by millions of fans  They idolize their kids.
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idyll
noun
1 (written) a happy and peaceful place, event or experience, especially one connected with the countryside
2 (literature) a short poem or other piece of writing that describes a peaceful and happy scene
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idyl.lic
adj. peaceful and beautiful; perfect, without problems: a house set in idyllic surroundings  to lead an idyllic existence  The cottage sounds idyllic.
idyl.lic.al.ly adv.: a house idyllically set in wooded grounds
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i.e.
abbr. used to explain exactly what the previous thing that you have mentioned means (from Latin ‘id est’): the basic essentials of life, i.e. housing, food and water
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-ie
-Y
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if
conj., noun
conj.
1 used to say that one thing can, will or might happen or be true, depending on another thing happening or being true: If you see him, give him this note.  I’ll only stay if you offer me more money.  If necessary I can come at once.  You can stay for the weekend if you like.  If anyone calls, tell them I’m not at home.  If he improved his IT skills, he’d (= he would) easily get a job.  You would know what was going on if you’d (= you had) listened.  They would have been here by now if they’d caught the early train.  If I was in charge, I’d do things differently.   (rather formal) If I were in charge …  Even if (= although) you did see someone, you can’t be sure it was him.
2 when; whenever; every time: If metal gets hot it expands.  She glares at me if I go near her desk.
3 (formal) used with will or would to ask sb politely to do sth: If you will sit down for a few moments, I’ll tell the manager you’re here.  If you would care to leave your name, we’ll contact you as soon as possible.
4 used after ask, know, find out, wonder, etc. to introduce one of two or more possibilities
SYN WHETHER : Do you know if he’s married?  I wonder if I should wear a coat or not.  He couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying.  Listen to the tune and see if you can remember the words.
5 used after verbs or adjectives expressing feelings: I am sorry if I disturbed you.  I’d be grateful if you would keep it a secret.  Do you mind if I turn the TV off?
6 used to admit that sth is possible, but to say that it is not very important: If she has any weakness, it is her Italian.  So what if he was late. Who cares?
7 used before an adjective to introduce a contrast: He’s a good driver, if a little over-confident.  We’ll only do it once—if at all .
8 used to ask sb to listen to your opinion: If you ask me, she’s too scared to do it.  If you think about it, those children must be at school by now.  If you remember, Mary was always fond of animals.
9 used before could, may or might to suggest sth or to interrupt sb politely: If I may make a suggestion, perhaps we could begin a little earlier next week.
IDM ,if and 'when used to say sth about an event that may or may not happen: If and when we ever meet again I hope he remembers what I did for him. if 'anything used to express an opinion about sth, or after a negative statement to suggest that the opposite is true: I’d say he was more like his father, if anything.  She’s not thin—if anything she’s on the plump side. if ,I were 'you used to give sb advice: If I were you I’d start looking for another job. if 'not
1 used to introduce a different suggestion, after a sentence with if: I’ll go if you’re going. If not (= if you are not) I’d rather stay at home.
2 used after a yes/no question to say what will or should happen if the answer is ‘no’: Are you ready? If not, I’m going without you.  Do you want that cake? If not, I’ll have it.
3 used to suggest that sth may be even larger, more important, etc. than was first stated: They cost thousands if not millions of pounds to build. if 'only used to say that you wish sth was true or that sth had happened: If only I were rich.  If only I knew her name.  If only he’d remembered to send that letter.  If only I had gone by taxi. it’s not as if (spoken) used to say that sth that is happening is surprising: I’m surprised they’ve invited me to their wedding—it’s not as if I know them well. 'only if (rather formal) used to state the only situation in which sth can happen: Only if a teacher has given permission is a student allowed to leave the room.  Only if the red light comes on is there any danger to employees.

noun (informal) a situation that is not certain: If he wins—and it’s a big if —he’ll be the first Englishman to win for fifty years.  There are still a lot of ifs and buts before everything’s settled.

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iffy
adj. (informal)
1 (especially BrE) not in perfect condition; bad in some way: That meat smells a bit iffy to me.
2 not certain: The weather looks slightly iffy.
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-ify, -fy
suffix (in verbs) to make or become: purify  solidify
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igloo
noun (pl.igloos) a small round house or shelter built from blocks of hard snow by the Inuit people of northern N America
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ig.ne.ous
adj. (geology ) (of rocks) formed when MAGMA (= melted or liquid material lying below the earth’s surface) becomes solid, especially after it has poured out of a VOLCANO
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ig.nite
verb (written) to start to burn; to make sth start to burn: [v] Gas ignites very easily.   (figurative) Tempers ignited when the whole family spent Christmas together.  [vn] Flames melted a lead pipe and ignited leaking gas.   (figurative) His words ignited their anger.
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ig.ni.tion
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the electrical system of a vehicle that makes the fuel begin to burn to start the engine; the place in a vehicle where you start this system: to turn the ignition on / off  to put the key in the ignition—picture at CAR
2 [U] (technical) the action of starting to burn or of making sth burn: The flames spread to all parts of the house within minutes of ignition.
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ig.noble
adj. (formal) not good or honest; that should make you feel shame: ignoble thoughts  an ignoble person
OPP NOBLE
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ig.no.mini.ous
adj. (formal) that makes, or should make, you feel ashamed
SYN DISGRACEFUL , HUMILIATING : an ignominious defeat  He made one mistake and his career came to an ignominious end.
ig.no.mini.ous.ly adv.
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ig.no.miny
noun [U] (formal) public shame and loss of honour
SYN DISGRACE : They suffered the ignominy of defeat.
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ig.nor.amus
noun (usually humorous) a person who does not have much knowledge: When it comes to music, I’m a complete ignoramus.
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ig.nor.ance
noun [U] ~ (of / about sth) a lack of knowledge or information about sth: widespread ignorance of / about the disease  They fought a long battle against prejudice and ignorance.  She was kept in ignorance of her husband’s activities.  Children often behave badly out of / through ignorance .
IDM ,ignorance is 'bliss (saying) if you do not know about sth, you cannot worry about it: Some doctors believe ignorance is bliss and don’t give their patients all the facts.
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ig.nor.ant
adj.
1 ~ (of / about sth) lacking knowledge or information about sth; not educated: an ignorant person / question  He’s completely ignorant about modern technology.  At that time I was ignorant of events going on elsewhere.  Never make your students feel stupid or ignorant.
2 (informal) with very bad manners: a rude, ignorant person
ig.nor.ant.ly adv.
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ig.nore
verb [vn]
1 to pay no attention to sth
SYN DISREGARD : He ignored all the ‘No Smoking’ signs and lit up a cigarette.  I made a suggestion but they chose to ignore it.  We cannot afford to ignore their advice.
2 to pretend that you have not seen sb or that sb is not there: She ignored him and carried on with her work.
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igu.ana
noun a large tropical American LIZARD (= a type of reptile)
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ikon
noun = ICON
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il-
suffix  IN-
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ilk
noun [usually sing.] (informal, sometimes disapproving) type; kind: the world of media people and their ilk   I can’t stand him, or any others of that ilk .
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ill
adj., adv., noun
adj.
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually sick) [not usually before noun] suffering from an illness or disease; not feeling well: Her father is seriously ill in St Luke’s hospital.  She was taken ill suddenly.  We both started to feel ill shortly after the meal.  Uncle Harry is terminally ill with cancer (= he will die from his illness).  the mentally ill (= people with a mental illness)   (written) He fell ill and died soon after. —see also ILLNESS
2 [usually before noun] bad or harmful: He resigned because of ill health (= he was often ill).  She suffered no ill effects from the experience.  a woman of ill repute (= considered to be immoral)
3 (formal) that brings, or is thought to bring, bad luck: a bird of ill omen
IDM ,ill at 'ease feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed: I felt ill at ease in such formal clothes. it’s an ,ill 'wind (that blows nobody any good) (saying) no problem is so bad that it does not bring some advantage to sb—more at FEELING

adv.
1 (especially in compounds) badly or in an unpleasant way: The animals had been grossly ill-treated.
2 (formal) badly; not in a satisfactory way: They live in an area ill served by public transport.
3 (formal) only with difficulty: We’re wasting valuable time, time we can ill afford.
IDM speak / think 'ill of sb (formal) to say or think bad things about sb: Don’t speak ill of the dead.

noun
1 [usually pl.] (formal) a problem or harmful thing; an illness: social / economic ills  the ills of the modern world
2 [U] (literary) harm; bad luck: I may not like him, but I wish him no ill.

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I’ll
short form
1 I shall
2 I will
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,ill-ad'vised
adj. not sensible; likely to cause difficulties in the future: Her remarks were ill-advised, to say the least.  You would be ill-advised to travel on your own.—compare WELL ADVISED
,ill-ad'visedly adv.
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,ill-as'sorted
adj. (of a group of people or things) not seeming suited to each other: They seem an ill-assorted couple.
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,ill-'bred
adj. rude or badly behaved, especially because you have not been taught how to behave well
OPP WELL BRED
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,ill-con'cealed
adj. (formal) (of feelings or expressions of feeling) not hidden well from other people
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,ill-con'ceived
adj. badly planned or designed
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,ill-con'sidered
adj. not carefully thought about or planned
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,ill-de'fined
adj.
1 not clearly described: an ill-defined role / policy
2 not clearly marked or easy to see: an ill-defined path / track
OPP WELL DEFINED
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,ill-dis'posed
adj. ~ (towards sb) (formal) not feeling friendly towards sb
OPP WELL DISPOSED
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il.legal
adj., noun
adj. not allowed by the law;: illegal immigrants / aliens  It’s illegal to drive through a red light.
OPP LEGAL
il.legal.ly adv.: an illegally parked car  He entered the country illegally.

noun (AmE ) a person who lives or works in a country illegally

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il.legal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of being illegal: No illegality is suspected.
2 [C] an illegal act—compare LEGALITY
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il.legible
(also un.read.able) adj. difficult or impossible to read: an illegible signature
OPP LEGIBLE
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il.legit.im.ate
adj.
1 born to parents who are not married to each other
2 not allowed by a particular set of rules or by law: illegitimate use of company property
OPP LEGITIMATE
il.legit.im.acy noun [U]
il.legit.im.ate.ly adv.
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,ill-e'quipped
adj. ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) not having the necessary equipment or qualifications: At 18, he was ill-equipped for such a responsible job.  The department is ill-equipped to deal with such a large number of enquiries.
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,ill-'fated
(also fated) adj. (written) not lucky and ending sadly, especially in death or failure: an ill-fated expedition
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,ill-'fitting
adj. not the right size or shape: ill-fitting clothes
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,ill-'founded
adj. (formal) not based on fact or truth: All our fears proved ill-founded.
OPP WELL FOUNDED
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,ill-'gotten
adj. (old-fashioned or humorous) obtained dishonestly or unfairly: ill-gotten gains (= money that was not obtained fairly)
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,ill 'humour
(BrE ) (AmE,ill 'humor) noun [U, C] (literary) a bad mood
OPP GOOD HUMOUR
,ill-'humoured (BrE) (AmE,ill-'humored) adj.
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il.lib.eral
adj. (formal) not allowing much freedom of opinion or action
SYN INTOLERANT : illiberal policies / reforms
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il.licit
adj.
1 not allowed by the law ILLEGAL : illicit drugs
2 not approved of by the normal rules of society: an illicit love affair
illicit.ly adv.
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,ill-in'formed
adj. having or showing little knowledge of sth
OPP WELL INFORMED : The public is ill-informed about their legal rights.
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il.lit.er.ate
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of a person) not knowing how to read or write
OPP LITERATE
2 (of a document or letter) badly written, as if by sb without much education
3 (usually after a noun or adverb) not knowing very much about a particular subject area: computer illiterate  musically illiterate
il.lit.er.acy noun [U]

noun a person who is illiterate

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,ill-'judged
adj. (formal) that has not been carefully thought about; not appropriate in a particular situation
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,ill-'mannered
adj. (formal) not behaving well or politely in social situations
SYN RUDE
OPP WELL MANNERED
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ill.ness
noun
1 [U] the state of being physically or mentally ill: mental illness  I missed a lot of school through illness last year.
2 [C] a type or period of illness: minor / serious illnesses  childhood illnesses  He died after a long illness.
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il.logic.al
adj. not sensible or thought out in a logical way: illogical behaviour / arguments  She has an illogical fear of insects.
OPP LOGICAL
il.logic.al.ity noun [U, C]
il.logic.al.ly adv.
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,ill-pre'pared
adj.
1 ~ (for sth) not ready, especially because you were not expecting sth to happen: The team was ill-prepared for a disaster on that scale.
2 badly planned or organized: an ill-prepared speech
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,ill-'starred
adj. (formal) not lucky and likely to bring unhappiness or to end in failure: an ill-starred marriage
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,ill-'tempered
adj. (formal) angry and rude or irritated, especially when this seems unreasonable
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,ill-'timed
adj. done or happening at the wrong time: an ill-timed visit
OPP WELL TIMED
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,ill-'treat
verb [vn] to treat sb in a cruel or unkind way: to ill-treat children / animals
,ill-'treatment noun [U]: the ill-treatment of prisoners
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il.lu.min.ate
(also less frequent il.lu.mine) verb [vn]
1 to shine light on sth: Floodlights illuminated the stadium.  The earth is illuminated by the sun.
2 (formal) to make sth clearer or easier to understand
SYN CLARIFY : This text illuminates the philosopher’s early thinking.
3 to decorate a street, building, etc. with bright lights for a special occasion
4 (literary) to make a person’s face, etc. seem bright and excited
SYN LIGHT UP : Her smile illuminated her entire being.
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il.lu.min.ated
adj. [usually before noun]
1 lit with bright lights: the illuminated city at night
2 (of books, etc.) decorated with gold, silver and bright colours in a way that was done in the past, by hand: illuminated manuscripts
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il.lu.min.at.ing
adj. helping to make sth clear or easier to understand: We didn’t find the examples he used particularly illuminating.
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il.lu.min.ation
noun
1 [U, C] light or a place that light comes from: The only illumination in the room came from the fire.
2 (illuminations) [pl.] (BrE) bright colourful lights used to decorate a town or building for a special occasion: Christmas illuminations
3 [C, usually pl.] a coloured decoration, usually painted by hand, in an old book
4 [U] (formal) understanding or explanation of sth: spiritual illumination
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il.lu.mine
verb [vn] (rare) = ILLUMINATE
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,ill-'used
adj. (old-fashioned or formal) badly treated
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il.lu.sion
noun
1 [C, U] a false idea or belief, especially about sb or about a situation: I have no illusions about her feelings for me (= I know the truth is that she does not love me).  She’s under the illusion that (= believes wrongly that) she’ll get the job.  He could no longer distinguish between illusion and reality.
2 [C] something that seems to exist but in fact does not, or seems to be sth that it is not: Mirrors in a room often give an illusion of space.  The idea of absolute personal freedom is an illusion.—see also OPTICAL ILLUSION
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il.lu.sion.ist
noun an entertainer who performs tricks that seem strange or impossible to believe
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il.lu.sory
adj. (formal) not real, although seeming to be: an illusory sense of freedom
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il.lus.trate
verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to use pictures, photographs, diagrams, etc. in a book, etc: an illustrated textbook  His lecture was illustrated with slides taken during the expedition.
2 to make the meaning of sth clearer by using examples, pictures, etc: [vn] To illustrate my point , let me tell you a little story.  Last year’s sales figures are illustrated in Figure 2. [alsov wh-]
3 to show that sth is true or that a situation exists
SYN DEMONSTRATE : [vn] The incident illustrates the need for better security measures. [alsov wh-, v that]
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il.lus.tra.tion
noun
1 [C] a drawing or picture in a book, magazine, etc. especially one that explains sth: 50 full-colour illustrations
2 [U] the process of illustrating sth: the art of book illustration
3 [C, U] a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about sth: The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make  Let me, by way of illustration , quote from one of her poems.
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il.lus.tra.tive
adj. (formal) helping to explain sth or show it more clearly: an illustrative example
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il.lus.tra.tor
noun a person who draws or paints pictures for books, etc.
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il.lus.tri.ous
adj. (formal) very famous and much admired, especially because of what you have achieved: The composer was one of many illustrious visitors to the town.  a long and illustrious career
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,ill 'will
noun [U] bad and unkind feelings towards sb: I bear Sue no ill will.
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ILO
abbr. International Labour Organization (an organization within the United Nations concerned with employment and working conditions)
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I’m
short form I am
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im-
IN-
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image
noun
1 [C, U] the impression that a person, an organization or a product, etc. gives to the public: His public image is very different from the real person.  The advertisements are intended to improve the company’s image.  Image is very important in the music world.  stereotyped images of women in children’s books
2 [C] a mental picture that you have of what sb/sth is like or looks like: images of the past  I always had an image of her standing by that particular window.
3 [C] (formal) a copy of sb/sth in the form of a picture or statue: Images of deer and hunters decorate the cave walls.  a wooden image of the Hindu god Ganesh
4 [C] a picture of sb/sth seen in a mirror, through a camera, or on a television or computer: He stared at his own image reflected in the water.  Slowly, an image began to appear on the screen.—see also MIRROR IMAGE
5 [C] a word or phrase that describes sth in an imaginative way: poetic images of the countryside
IDM be the image of sb | be the very / living / spitting image of sb to be very similar to, or almost exactly like sb/sth else: He’s the spitting image of his father.
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im.agery
noun [U]
1 language that produces pictures in the minds of people reading or listening: poetic imagery—see also METAPHOR
2 (formal) pictures, photographs, etc: satellite imagery (for example, photographs of the earth taken from space)
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im.agin.able
adj.
1 used with superlatives, and with all and every, to emphasize that sth is the best, worst, etc. that you can imagine, or includes every possible example: The house has the most spectacular views imaginable.  They stock every imaginable type of pasta.
2 possible to imagine: These technological developments were hardly imaginable 30 years ago.
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im.agin.ary
adj. existing only in your mind or imagination: imaginary fears / threats  The equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the earth.  The story is wholly imaginary.
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im.agin.ation
noun
1 [U, C] the ability to create pictures in your mind; the part of your mind that does this: a vivid / fertile imagination  He’s got no imagination.  It doesn’t take much imagination to guess what she meant.  Don’t let your imagination run away with you (= don’t use too much imagination).  The new policies appear to have caught the imagination of the public (= they find them interesting and exciting).  Nobody hates you—it’s all in your imagination .   (informal) Use your imagination! (= used to tell sb that they will have to guess the answer to the question they have asked you, usually because it is obvious or embarrassing)
2 [U] something that you have imagined rather than sth that exists: She was no longer able to distinguish between imagination and reality.  Is it my imagination or have you lost a lot of weight?
3 [U] the ability to have new and exciting ideas: His writing lacks imagination.  With just a little imagination, you could turn this place into a palace.
IDM see FIGMENT , STRETCH n.
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im.agina.tive
adj. having or showing new and exciting ideas
SYN INVENTIVE : an imaginative approach / idea / child
OPP UNIMAGINATIVE
im.agina.tive.ly adv.: The stables have been imaginatively converted into offices.
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im.agine
verb
1 to form a picture in your mind of what sth might be like: [vn] The house was just as she had imagined it.  I can’t imagine life without the children now.  [v (that)] Close your eyes and imagine (that) you are in a forest.  [v wh-] Can you imagine what it must be like to lose your job after 20 years?  [v -ing] She imagined walking into the office and handing in her resignation.  [vn -ing] I can just imagine him saying that!  [vn to inf] I had imagined her to be older than that.  [v] (spoken) ‘He was furious.’‘I can imagine .’ [alsovn-adj, vn-n]
2 to believe sth that is not true: [v (that)] He’s always imagining (that) we’re talking about him behind his back.  [vn] There’s nobody there. You’re imagining things .
3 to think that sth is probably true
SYN SUPPOSE , ASSUME : [v (that)] I don’t imagine (that) they’ll refuse.  [v] ‘Can we still buy tickets for the concert?’‘I imagine so .’ [alsovn that]
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im.aging
noun (computing ) the process of capturing, storing and showing an image on a computer screen: imaging software / techniques
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im.agin.ings
noun [pl.] things that you imagine, that exist only in your mind
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imam
noun (in Islam)
1 a religious man who leads the prayers in a MOSQUE
2 (Imam) the title of a religious leader
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im.bal.ance
noun [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (in / of sth) a situation in which two or more things are not the same size or are treated differently, in a way that is unfair or causes problems: a global imbalance of / in power  Attempts are being made to redress (= put right) the imbalance between our import and export figures.  Postnatal depression is usually due to hormonal imbalance.
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im.be.cile
noun
1 a rude way to describe a person that you think is very stupid
SYN IDIOT : They behaved like imbeciles.
2 (old-fashioned, offensive) a person who has a very low intelligence
im.be.cile (also im.be.cil.ic) adj. [usually before noun]: imbecile remarks
im.be.cil.ity noun [U, C]
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imbed
= EMBED
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im.bibe
verb
1 [v, vn] (formal or humorous) to drink sth, especially alcohol
2 [vn] (formal) to absorb sth, especially information
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im.bro.glio
noun (pl.-os) (formal) a complicated situation that causes confusion or embarrassment, especially one that is political
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imbue
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (formal) to fill sb/sth with strong feelings, opinions or values
SYN INFUSE : Her voice was imbued with an unusual seriousness.  He was imbued with a desire for social justice.
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IMF
abbr. International Monetary Fund. The IMF is an organization within the United Nations which is concerned with trade and economic development.
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imi.tate
verb [vn]
1 to copy sb/sth: Her style of painting has been imitated by other artists.  Art imitates Nature.  Teachers provide a model for children to imitate.  No computer can imitate the complex functions of the human brain.
2 to copy the way a person speaks or behaves, in order to amuse people
SYN MIMIC : She knew that the girls used to imitate her and laugh at her behind her back.
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imi.ta.tion
noun
1 [C] a copy of sth, especially sth expensive: a poor / cheap imitation of the real thing  This latest production is a pale imitation of the original (= it is not nearly as good).  imitation leather / pearls
2 [U] the act of copying sb/sth: A child learns to talk by imitation.  Many corporate methods have been adopted by American managers in imitation of Japanese practice.
3 [C] an act of copying the way sb talks and behaves, especially to make people laugh
SYN IMPERSONATION , IMPRESSION : He does a hilarious imitation of Tony Blair.
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imi.ta.tive
adj. (formal, sometimes disapproving) that copies sb/sth: movies that encourage imitative crime  His work has been criticized for being imitative and shallow.
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imi.ta.tor
noun a person or thing that copies sb/sth else: The band’s success has inspired hundreds of would-be imitators.
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im.macu.late
adj.
1 extremely clean and tidy
SYN SPOTLESS : She always looks immaculate.  an immaculate uniform / room
2 containing no mistakes
SYN PERFECT : an immaculate performance
im.macu.late.ly adv.: immaculately dressed
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im.man.ent
adj. (formal) present as a natural part of sth; present everywhere
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im.ma.ter.ial
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) not important in a particular situation
SYN IRRELEVANT : The cost is immaterial.  It is immaterial to me whether he stays or goes.
2 (formal) not having a physical form: an immaterial God
OPP MATERIAL
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im.ma.ture
adj.
1 behaving in a way that is not sensible and is typical of people who are much younger: immature behaviour  He’s very immature for his age.
2 not fully developed or grown: immature plants
OPP MATURE
im.ma.tur.ity noun [U]
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im.meas.ur.able
adj. (formal) too large, great etc. to be measured: to cause immeasurable harm  Her contribution was of immeasurable importance.
im.meas.ur.ably adv.: Housing standards improved immeasurably after the war.  Stress has an immeasurably more serious effect on our lives than we realize.
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im.me.di.acy
noun [U] (written)
1 the quality in sth that makes it seem as if it is happening now, close to you and is therefore important, urgent, etc: the immediacy of the problem / threat  Newspapers lack the immediacy of television.
2 lack of delay; speed: Our aim is immediacy of response to emergency calls.
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im.me.di.ate
adj.
1 happening or done without delay
SYN INSTANT : an immediate reaction / response  to take immediate action
2 [usually before noun] existing now and needing urgent attention: Our immediate concern is to help the families of those who died.  The effects of global warming, while not immediate, are potentially catastrophic.
3 [only before noun] next to or very close to a particular place or time: in the immediate vicinity  The prospects for the immediate future are good.  The director is standing on her immediate right.  my immediate predecessor in the job (= the person who had the job just before me)
4 [only before noun] having a direct effect: The immediate cause of death is unknown.
IDM see EFFECT n.
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im.me.di.ate.ly
adv., conj.
adv.
1 without delay; at once: She answered almost immediately.  The point of my question may not be immediately apparent.
2 (usually with prepositions) next to or very close to a particular place or time: Turn right immediately after the church.  the years immediately before the war
3 (usually with past participles) closely and directly: Counselling is being given to those most immediately affected by the tragedy.

conj. (especially BrE ) as soon as: Immediately she’d gone, I remembered her name.

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im.me.mor.ial
adj. (formal or literary) that has existed for longer than people can remember: an immemorial tradition  My family has lived in this area from time immemorial (= for hundreds of years).
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im.mense
adj. extremely large or great
SYN ENORMOUS : There is still an immense amount of work to be done.  The benefits are immense.  a project of immense importance
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im.mense.ly
adv. extremely; very much
SYN ENORMOUSLY : immensely popular / difficult / grateful  We enjoyed ourselves immensely.
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im.mens.ity
noun [U] the large size of sth: the immensity of the universe  We were overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the task.
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im.merse
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (in sth) to put sb/sth into a liquid so that they or it are completely covered
2 ~ yourself / sb in sth to become or make sb completely involved in sth: She immersed herself in her work.  Clare and Phil were immersed in conversation in the corner.
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im.mer.sion
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth) the act of putting sb/sth into a liquid so that they or it are completely covered; the state of being completely covered by a liquid: Immersion in cold water resulted in rapid loss of heat.  baptism by total immersion (= putting the whole body underwater)
2 ~ (in sth) the state of being completely involved in sth: his long immersion in politics  a two-week immersion course in French (= in which the student will hear and use only French)
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im'mersion heater
noun (BrE ) a device that provides hot water for a house by heating water in a TANK (= a large container)
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im.mi.grant
noun a person who has come to live permanently in a country that is not their own: illegal immigrants  immigrant communities / families / workers—compare EMIGRANT , MIGRANT
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im.mi.grate
verb [v] ~ (to … ) (from … ) (especially AmE ) to come and live permanently in a country after leaving your own country: About 6.6 million people immigrated to the United States in the 1970s.—compare EMIGRATE
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im.mi.gra.tion
noun [U]
1 the process of coming to live permanently in a country that is not your own; the number of people who do this: laws restricting immigration into the US  a rise / fall in immigration  immigration officers—compare EMIGRATION
2 (also immi'gration control) the place at a port, an airport, etc. where the PASSPORTS and other documents of people coming into a country are checked: to go through immigration
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im.mi.nent
adj. (especially of sth unpleasant) likely to happen very soon: the imminent threat of invasion  The system is in imminent danger of collapse.  An announcement about his resignation is imminent.
im.mi.nence noun [U]: the imminence of death
im.mi.nent.ly adv.
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im.mo.bile
adj.
1 not moving
SYN MOTIONLESS : She stood immobile by the window.
2 unable to move: His illness has left him completely immobile.
OPP MOBILE
im.mo.bil.ity noun [U]
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im.mo.bil.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to prevent sth from moving or from working normally: a device to immobilize the car engine in case of theft  Always immobilize a broken leg immediately.
im.mo.bil.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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im.mo.bil.izer
(BrE also -iser) (AmE Im.mo.bil.iser™) noun a device that is fitted to a car to stop it moving if sb tries to steal it
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im.mod.er.ate
adj. [usually before noun] (formal, disapproving) extreme; not reasonable
SYN EXCESSIVE : immoderate drinking
OPP MODERATE
im.mod.er.ate.ly adv.
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im.mod.est
adj.
1 (disapproving) having or showing a very high opinion of yourself and your abilities
SYN CONCEITED : I am immodest enough to think that I played an important part in her decision.
2 not considered to be socially acceptable by most people, especially concerning sexual behaviour: an immodest dress
OPP MODEST
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im.mol.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to kill sb by burning them
im.mol.ation noun [U]
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im.moral
adj.
1 (of people and their behaviour) not considered to be good or honest by most people: It’s immoral to steal.  There’s nothing immoral about wanting to earn more money.
2 not following accepted standards of sexual behaviour: an immoral act / life / person  They were charged with living off immoral earnings (= money earned by working as a prostitute).—compare AMORAL , MORAL
im.mor.al.ity noun [U, C] (pl.-ies): the immorality of war  a life of immorality
im.mor.al.ly adv.
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im.mor.tal
adj., noun
adj.
1 that lives or lasts for ever: The soul is immortal.
OPP MORTAL
2 famous and likely to be remembered for ever: the immortal Goethe  In the immortal words of Henry Ford, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

noun
1 a person who is so famous that they will be remembered for ever: She is one of the Hollywood immortals.
2 a god or other being who is believed to live for ever

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im.mor.tal.ity
noun [U] the state of being immortal : belief in the immortality of the soul  He is well on his way to showbusiness immortality.
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im.mor.tal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (in sth) to prevent sb/sth from being forgotten in the future, especially by mentioning them in literature, making films/movies about them, painting them, etc: The poet fell in love with her and immortalized her in his verse.
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im.mov.able
adj.
1 [usually before noun] that cannot be moved: an immovable object
2 (of a person or an opinion, etc.) impossible to change or persuade: On this issue he is completely immovable.
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im.mune
adj. [not usually before noun]
1 ~ (to sth) that cannot catch or be affected by a particular disease or illness: Adults are often immune to German measles.
2 ~ (to sth) not affected by sth: You’ll eventually become immune to criticism.
3 ~ (from sth) protected from sth and therefore able to avoid it
SYN EXEMPT : No one should be immune from prosecution.  Not even the President’s wife was immune from criticism by the press.
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im,mune res'ponse
noun (biology ) the reaction of the body to the presence of an ANTIGEN (= a substance that can cause disease)
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im'mune system
noun the system in your body that produces substances to help it fight against infection and disease
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im.mun.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (to sth)| ~ (against sth) the body’s ability to avoid or not be affected by infection and disease: immunity to infection  The vaccine provides longer immunity against flu.
2 ~ (from sth) the state of being protected from sth: The spies were all granted immunity from prosecution.  parliamentary / congressional immunity (= protection against particular laws that is given to politicians)  Officials of all member states receive certain privileges and immunities.—see also DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY
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im.mun.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (against sth) to protect a person or an animal from a disease, especially by giving them an INJECTION of a VACCINE —compare INOCULATE , VACCINATE
im.mun.ization , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]: an immunization programme to prevent epidemics
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im.mun.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of protection against disease
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im.mure
verb [vn] ~ sb (from / in sth) (literary) to shut sb in a place so that they cannot get out
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im.mut.able
adj. (formal) that cannot be changed; that will never change UNCHANGEABLE : an immutable fact / law
im.mut.abil.ity noun [U]
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imp
noun
1 (in stories) a small creature like a little man, that has magic powers and behaves badly
2 a child who behaves badly, but not in a serious way
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im.pact
noun, verb
noun [C usually sing, U]
1 ~ (of sth) (on sb/sth) the powerful effect that sth has on sb/sth: the environmental impact of tourism  The report assesses the impact of Aids on the gay community.  Her speech made a profound impact on everyone.  Businesses are beginning to feel the full impact of the recession.
2 the act of one object hitting another; the force with which this happens: craters made by meteorite impacts  The impact of the blow knocked Jack off balance.  The bomb explodes on impact (= when it hits something).  The car is fitted with side impact bars (= to protect it from a blow from the side).

verb
1 ~ (on / upon) sth to have an effect on sth
SYN AFFECT : [v] Her father’s death impacted greatly on her childhood years.  [vn] (business) The company’s performance was impacted by the high value of the pound.
2 [v, vn] ~ (on / upon / with) sth (formal) to hit sth with great force

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im.pair
verb [vn] (written) to damage sth or make sth worse: His age impaired his chances of finding a new job.
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im.paired

1 damaged or not functioning normally: impaired vision / memory
2 (-im.paired) (in adjectives and nouns) having the type of physical or mental problem mentioned: hearing-impaired children  Nowadays we say someone is ‘speech-impaired’, not dumb.  note at DISABLED
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im.pair.ment
noun [U, C] (technical ) the state of having a physical or mental condition which means that part of your body or brain does not work correctly; a particular condition of this sort: impairment of the functions of the kidney  visual impairments
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im.pale
verb [vn]
1 to push a sharp pointed object through sth: She impaled a lump of meat on her fork.
2 if you impale yourself on sth, or are impaled on it, you have a sharp pointed object pushed into you and you may be caught somewhere by it: He had fallen and been impaled on some iron railings.
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im.panel
(also em.panel) verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] (especially AmE ) to choose the members of a JURY in a court of law; to choose sb as a member of a JURY
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im.part
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sth (to sb) to pass information, knowledge, etc. to other people
SYN CONVEY : to impart facts / news / skills
2 ~ sth (to sth) to give a particular quality to sth
SYN LEND : The spice imparts an Eastern flavour to the dish.
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im.par.tial
adj. not supporting one person or group more than another NEUTRAL , UNBIASED : an impartial inquiry / observer  to give impartial advice  As chairman, I must remain impartial.
OPP PARTIAL
im.par.ti.al.ity noun [U]
im.par.tial.ly adv.
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im.pass.able
adj. (of a road, an area etc.) impossible to travel on or through, especially because it is in bad condition or it has been blocked by sth: The mountain roads are totally impassable to cars in winter.  The river formed an impassable barrier for migrating animals.
OPP PASSABLE
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im.passe
noun [usually sing.] a difficult situation in which no progress can be made because the people involved cannot agree what to do DEADLOCK : to break / end the impasse  Negotiations have reached an impasse.
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im.pas.sioned
adj. [usually before noun] (usually of speech) showing strong feelings about sth FERVENT : an impassioned plea / speech / defence
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im.pas.sive
adj. not showing any feeling or emotion EMOTIONLESS : her impassive expression / face
im.pas.sive.ly adv.: The accused listened impassively as the judge sentenced him.
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im.pa.tient
adj.
1 ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (at sth) annoyed or irritated by sb/sth, especially because you have to wait for a long time: I’d been waiting for twenty minutes and I was getting impatient.  Try not to be too impatient with her.  Sarah was becoming increasingly impatient at their lack of interest.  He waved them away with an impatient gesture.
2 ~ to do sth| ~ for sth wanting to do sth soon; wanting sth to happen soon: She was clearly impatient to leave.  impatient for change / success
3 ~ of sb/sth (formal) unable or unwilling to accept sth unpleasant: impatient of criticism / delay
im.pa.tience noun [U]: She was bursting with impatience to tell me the news.
im.pa.tient.ly adv.: We sat waiting impatiently for the movie to start.
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im.peach
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (for sth) (of a court or other official body, especially in the US) to charge an important public figure with a serious crime
2 (formal) to raise doubts about sth
SYN QUESTION : to impeach sb’s motives
im.peach.ment noun [U, C]
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im.peach.able
adj. (especially AmE ) (of a crime) for which a politician or a person who works for the government can be impeached : an impeachable offense
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im.pec.cable
adj. without mistakes or faults; perfect: impeccable manners / taste / credentials  Her written English is impeccable.  He was dressed in a suit and an impeccable white shirt.
im.pec.cably adv.: to behave impeccably  impeccably dressed
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im.pe.cu.ni.ous
adj. (formal or humorous) having little or no money POOR , PENNILESS : an impecunious student
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im.ped.ance
noun [U] (technical ) a measurement of the total RESISTANCE of a piece of electrical equipment, etc. to the flow of an ALTERNATING CURRENT
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im.pede
verb [vn] [often passive] (formal) to delay or stop the progress of sth
SYN HINDER , HAMPER : Work on the building was impeded by severe weather.
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im.pedi.ment
noun
1 ~ (to sth) something that delays or stops the progress of sth OBSTACLE : The level of inflation is a serious impediment to economic recovery.
2 a physical problem that makes it difficult to speak normally: a speech impediment
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im.pedi.menta
noun [pl.] (formal or humorous) the bags and other equipment that you take with you, especially when travelling, and that are difficult to carry
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impel
verb (-ll-) ~ sb (to sth) if an idea or feeling impels you to do sth, you feel as if you are forced to do it: [vn to inf] He felt impelled to investigate further.  [vn] There are various reasons that impel me to that conclusion.
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im.pend.ing
adj. [only before noun] (usually of an unpleasant event) that is going to happen very soon: his impending death / retirement  warnings of impending danger / disaster
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im.pene.trable
adj.
1 that cannot be entered, passed through or seen through: an impenetrable jungle / fortress  impenetrable darkness
OPP PENETRABLE
2 ~ (to sb) impossible to understand: an impenetrable mystery  Their jargon is impenetrable to an outsider.  Her expression was impenetrable.
im.pene.tra.bil.ity noun [U]
im.pene.trably adv.
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im.pera.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (that … )| ~ (to do sth) (formal) very important and needing immediate attention or action VITAL : It is absolutely imperative that we finish by next week.  It is imperative for your recovery to continue the treatment for at least two months.
2 (formal) expressing authority: an imperative tone
3 [only before noun] (grammar) expressing an order: an imperative sentence

noun
1 (formal) a thing that is very important and needs immediate attention or action: the economic imperative of quality education for all
2 (grammar) the form of a verb that expresses an order; a verb in this form: In ‘Go away!’ the verb is in the imperative .  ‘Go away!’ is an imperative.

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im.per.cept.ible
adj. very small and therefore unable to be seen or felt;
OPP PERCEPTIBLE : imperceptible changes in temperature
im.per.cept.ibly adv.
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im.per.fect
adj., noun
adj. containing faults or mistakes; not complete or perfect: an imperfect world  an imperfect understanding of English  All our sale items are slightly imperfect.
im.per.fect.ly adv.

noun (the imperfect) (also the im,perfect 'tense) [sing.] (grammar ) the verb tense that expresses action in the past that is not complete. It is often called the past progressive or past continuous: In ‘while I was washing my hair’, the verb is in the imperfect .

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im.per.fec.tion
noun [C, U] a fault or weakness in sb/sth: They learned to live with each other’s imperfections.
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im.per.ial
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with an empire: the imperial family / palace / army  imperial power / expansion
2 connected with the system for measuring length, weight and volume using pounds, GALLONS , etc.—compare METRIC
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im.peri.al.ism
noun [U] (usually disapproving)
1 a system in which one country controls other countries, often after defeating them in a war: Roman imperialism
2 the fact of a powerful country increasing its influence over other countries through business, culture, etc: cultural / economic imperialism
im.peri.al.is.t (also im.peri.al.is.tic ) adj.: an imperialist power  imperialist ambitions
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im.peri.al.ist
noun (usually disapproving) a person, such as a politician, who supports imperialism
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im.peril
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] (formal) to put sth/sb in danger
SYN ENDANGER
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im.peri.ous
adj. (formal) expecting people to obey you and treating them as if they are not as important as you: an imperious gesture / voice / command
im.peri.ous.ly adv.: ‘Get it now,’ she demanded imperiously.
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im.per.ish.able
adj. (formal or literary) that will last for a long time or forever ENDURING
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im.per.man.ent
adj. (formal) that will not last or stay the same forever
OPP PERMANENT
im.per.man.ence noun [U]
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im.per.me.able
adj. ~ (to sth) (technical ) not allowing a liquid or gas to pass through: impermeable rock
OPP PERMEABLE
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im.per.mis.sible
adj. that cannot be allowed: an impermissible invasion of privacy
OPP PERMISSIBLE
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im.per.son.al
adj.
1 (usually disapproving) lacking friendly human feelings or atmosphere; making you feel unimportant: a vast impersonal organization  an impersonal hotel room  Business letters need not be formal and impersonal.  a cold impersonal stare
2 not referring to any particular person: Let’s keep the criticism general and impersonal.
3 (grammar) an impersonal verb or sentence has ‘it’ or ‘there’ as the subject
im.per.son.al.ity noun [U]: the cold impersonality of some modern cities
im.per.son.ally adv.
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im.per.son.ate
verb [vn] to pretend to be sb in order to deceive people or to entertain them: He was caught trying to impersonate a security guard.  They do a pretty good job of impersonating Laurel and Hardy.
im.per.son.ation noun [C, U]: He did an extremely convincing impersonation of the singer.
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im.per.son.ator
noun a person who copies the way another person talks or behaves in order to entertain people: The show included a female impersonator (= a man dressed as a woman).
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im.per.tin.ent
adj. rude and not showing respect for sb who is older or more important: an impertinent question / child  Would it be impertinent to ask why you’re leaving?
im.per.tin.ence noun [U, C, usually sing.]: She had the impertinence to ask my age!
im.per.tin.ent.ly adv.
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im.per.turb.able
adj. (formal) not easily upset or worried by a difficult situation; calm
im.per.turb.ability noun [U]
im.per.turb.ably adv.
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im.per.vi.ous
adj.
1 ~ to sth not affected or influenced by sth: impervious to criticism / pain
2 ~ (to sth) (technical) not allowing a liquid or gas to pass through: an impervious rock / layer  impervious to moisture
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im.petu.ous
adj. acting or done quickly and without thinking carefully about the results RASH , IMPULSIVE : an impetuous young woman  an impetuous decision
im.petu.os.ity noun [U]
im.petu.ous.ly adv.
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im.petus
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to sth / to do sth) something that encourages a process or activity to develop more quickly STIMULUS : to give (a) new / fresh impetus to sth  The debate seems to have lost much of its initial impetus.  His articles provided the main impetus for change.
2 [U] (technical) the force or energy with which sth moves
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im.pinge
verb [v] ~ (on / upon sth/sb) (formal) to have a noticeable effect on sth/sb, especially a bad one
SYN ENCROACH : He never allowed his work to impinge on his private life.
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im.pious
adj. (formal) showing a lack of respect for God and religion;
OPP PIOUS
im.pi.ety noun [U]
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imp.ish
adj. showing a lack of respect for sb/sth in a way that is amusing rather than serious: an impish grin / look—see also IMP
imp.ish.ly adv.: to grin / smile impishly
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im.plac.able
adj.
1 (of strong negative opinions or feelings) that cannot be changed: implacable hatred / opposition
2 (of a person) unwilling to stop opposing sb/sth: an implacable enemy
im.plac.ably adv.: to be implacably opposed to the plan
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im.plant
verb, noun
verb ~ (sth) (in / into sth)
1 [vn] (written) to fix an idea, attitude, etc. firmly in sb’s mind: Prejudices can easily become implanted in the mind.
2 [vn] to put sth (usually sth artificial) into a part of the body for medical purposes, usually by means of an operation: an electrode implanted into the brain—compare TRANSPLANT
3 [v] (of an egg or an EMBRYO ) to become fixed inside the body of a person or an animal so that it can start to develop
im.plant.ation noun [U]

noun something that is put into a person’s body in a medical operation: silicone breast implants—compare TRANSPLANT

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im.plaus.ible
adj. not seeming reasonable or likely to be true: a highly implausible claim / idea / theory  Her explanation is not implausible.
OPP PLAUSIBLE
im.plaus.ibly adv.
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im.ple.ment
verb, noun
verb [vn] to make sth that has been officially decided start to happen or be used
SYN CARRY OUT : to implement changes / decisions / policies / reforms
im.ple.men.ta.tion noun [U]: the implementation of the new system

noun a tool or an instrument, often one that is quite simple and that is used outdoors: agricultural implements

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im.pli.cate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (in sth) to show or suggest that sb is involved in sth bad or criminal: He tried to avoid saying anything that would implicate him further.
2 ~ sth (in / as sth) to show or suggest that sth is the cause of sth bad: The results implicate poor hygiene as one cause of the outbreak.
IDM be implicated in sth to be involved in a crime; to be responsible for sth bad: Senior officials were implicated in the scandal.
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im.pli.ca.tion
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] ~ (for / of sth) a possible effect or result of an action or a decision: The development of the site will have implications for the surrounding countryside.  They failed to consider the wider implications of their actions.
2 [C, U] something that is suggested or indirectly stated (= sth that is IMPLIED ): The implication in his article is that being a housewife is greatly inferior to every other occupation.  He criticized the Director and, by implication , the whole of the organization.
3 [U] ~ (of sb) (in sth) the fact of being involved, or of involving sb, in sth, especially a crime: He resigned after his implication in a sex scandal.
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im.pli.cit
adj.
1 ~ (in sth) suggested without being directly expressed: Implicit in his speech was the assumption that they were guilty.  implicit criticism
2 ~ (in sth) forming part of sth (although perhaps not directly expressed): The ability to listen is implicit in the teacher’s role.
3 ~ (in sth) complete and not doubted: She had the implicit trust of her staff.—compare EXPLICIT
im.pli.cit.ly adv.: It reinforces, implicitly or explicitly, the idea that money is all-important.  I trust John implicitly.
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im.plode
verb [v]
1 to burst or explode inwards—compare EXPLODE
2 (of an organization, a system, etc.) to fail suddenly and completely
im.plo.sion noun [C, U]
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im.plore
verb (formal or literary) to ask sb to do sth in an anxious way because you want or need it very much
SYN BESEECH , BEG : [vn to inf] She implored him to stay.  [v speech] ‘Help me,’ he implored.  [vn] Tell me it’s true. I implore you. [alsovn speech]
im.plor.ing adj.: She gave him an imploring look.
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imply
verb (im.plies, im.ply.ing, im.plied, im.plied)
1 to suggest that sth is true or that you feel or think sth, without saying so directly: [v (that)] Are you implying (that) I am wrong?  [vn] I disliked the implied criticism in his voice. [alsovn that]   note at INFER
2 to make it seem likely that sth is true or exists: [v (that)] The survey implies (that) more people are moving house than was thought.  [vn] The fact that she was here implies a degree of interest. [alsovn that]
3 [vn] (of an idea, action, etc.) to make sth necessary in order to be successful: The project implies an enormous investment in training.—see also IMPLICATION
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im.pol.ite
adj. not polite
SYN RUDE : Some people think it is impolite to ask someone’s age.
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im.pol.it.ic
adj. (formal) not wise: It would have been impolitic to refuse his offer.
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im.pon.der.able
noun [usually pl.] (formal) something that is difficult to measure or estimate: We can’t predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.
im.pon.der.able adj.
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im.port
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a product or service that is brought into one country from another: food imports from abroad
OPP EXPORT
2 [U, pl.] the act of bringing a product or service into one country from another: The report calls for a ban on the import of hazardous waste.  import controls  an import licence  imports of oil
OPP EXPORT
3 [U] (formal) importance: matters of great import
4 the ~ (of sth) [sing.] (formal) the meaning of sth, especially when it is not immediately clear: It is difficult to understand the full import of this statement.

verb [vn] ~ sth (from … )| ~ sth (into … ) to bring a product, a service, an idea, etc. into one country from another: The country has to import most of its raw materials.  goods imported from Japan into the US  customs imported from the West
OPP EXPORT
im.port.ation noun [U, C]: a ban on the importation of ivory

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im.port.ance
noun [U] the quality of being important: She stressed the importance of careful preparation.  It’s a matter of the greatest importance to me.  They attach great importance to the project  the relative importance of the two ideas  State your reasons in order of importance .  He was very aware of his own importance (= of his status).
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im.port.ant
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) having a great effect on people or things; of great value: an important decision / factor  I have an important announcement to make.  Money played an important role in his life.  Listening is an important part of the job.  one of the most important collections of American art  It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  It is important that he attend every day.   (BrE) It is important that he should attend every day.  It is important for him to attend every day.  It’s very important to me that you should be there.  The important thing is to keep trying.
2 (of a person) having great influence or authority: an important member of the team  He likes to feel important.
im.port.ant.ly adv.: More importantly, can he be trusted?  She was sitting importantly behind a big desk.
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im.port.er
noun a person, company, etc. that buys goods from another country to sell them in their own country: a London-based importer of Italian goods—compare EXPORTER
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im.por.tun.ate
adj. (formal) asking for things many times in a way that is annoying: importunate demands / pleas
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im.por.tune
verb [vn, vn to inf] ~ (sb) (for sth) (formal) to ask sb for sth many times and in a way that is annoying
SYN PESTER
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im.pose
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sth/sb) to introduce a new law, rule, tax, etc.; to order that a rule, punishment, etc. be used: A new tax was imposed on fuel.
2 [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to force sb/sth to have to deal with sth that is difficult or unpleasant: to impose limitations / restrictions / constraints on sth  This system imposes additional financial burdens on many people.
3 [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb) to make sb accept the same opinions, wishes etc. as your own: She didn’t want to impose her values on her family.  It was noticeable how a few people managed to impose their will on the others.
4 [v] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) to expect sb to do sth for you or to spend time with you, when it may not be convenient for them: ‘You must stay for lunch.’‘Well, thanks, but I don’t want to impose … ’  Everyone imposes on Dave’s good nature.
5 [vn] ~ yourself (on / upon sb/sth) to make sb/sth accept or be aware of your presence or ideas: European civilization was the first to impose itself across the whole world.
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im.pos.ing
adj. impressive to look at; making a strong impression: a grand and imposing building  a tall imposing woman
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im.pos.ition
noun
1 [U] the act of introducing sth such as a new law or rule, or a new tax: the imposition of martial law  the imposition of tax on domestic fuel
2 [C] an unfair or unreasonable thing that sb expects or asks you to do: I’d like to stay if it’s not too much of an imposition.
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im.pos.sible
adj.
1 that cannot exist or be done; not possible: almost / virtually impossible  It’s impossible for me to be there before eight.  It’s impossible to prove.  I find it impossible to lie to her.  an impossible dream / goal
OPP POSSIBLE
2 very difficult to deal with: I’ve been placed in an impossible position .  Honestly, you’re impossible at times!
3 (the impossible) noun [sing.] a thing that is or seems impossible: to attempt the impossible
im.pos.si.bil.ity noun [U, C, usually sing.]: the sheer impossibility of providing enough food for everyone  a virtual impossibility
im.pos.sibly adv.: an impossibly difficult problem (= impossible to solve)  He was impossibly handsome (= it was difficult to believe that he could be so handsome).
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im.pos.tor
(BrE also im.pos.ter) noun a person who pretends to be sb else in order to deceive people
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im.pos.ture
noun [U, C] (formal) an act of deceiving people deliberately by pretending to be sb else
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im.po.tent
adj.
1 having no power to change things or to influence a situation: Without the chairman’s support, the committee is impotent.  She blazed with impotent rage.
2 (of a man) unable to achieve an ERECTION and therefore unable to have full sex
im.po.tence noun [U]: a feeling of impotence in the face of an apparently insoluble problem  male impotence
im.po.tent.ly adv.
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im.pound
verb [vn] (law )
1 (of the police, courts of law, etc.) to take sth away from sb, so that they cannot use it
SYN CONFISCATE : The car was impounded by the police after the accident.
2 to shut up dogs, cats, etc. found on the streets in a POUND , until their owners collect them
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im.pov.er.ish
verb [vn] (written)
1 to make sb poor: These changes are likely to impoverish single parent families even further.
2 to make sth worse in quality: Intensive cultivation has impoverished the soil.
im.pov.er.ish.ment noun [U]
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im.pov.er.ished
adj.
1 very poor; without money: impoverished peasants  the impoverished areas of the city
2 poor in quality, because sth is missing
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im.prac.tic.able
adj. impossible or very difficult to do; not PRACTICAL in a particular situation: It would be impracticable for each member to be consulted on every occasion.—compare IMPRACTICAL
OPP PRACTICABLE
im.prac.tic.abil.ity noun [U]
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im.prac.ti.cal
adj.
1 not sensible or realistic: It was totally impractical to think that we could finish the job in two months.
2 (of people) not good at doing things that involve using the hands; not good at planning or organizing things
OPP PRACTICAL —compare IMPRACTICABLE
im.prac.ti.cal.ity [U]
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im.pre.ca.tion
noun (formal) a CURSE (= an offensive word that is used to express extreme anger)
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im.pre.cise
adj. not accurate; not giving exact details or making sth clear: an imprecise definition  imprecise information  The witness’s descriptions were too imprecise to be of any real value.
OPP PRECISE
im.pre.cise.ly adv.: These terms are often used imprecisely and interchangeably.
im.pre.ci.sion noun [U]: There is considerable imprecision in the terminology used.
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im.preg.nable
adj.
1 an impregnable building is so strongly built that it cannot be entered by force: an impregnable fortress
2 strong and impossible to defeat or change: The team built up an impregnable 5-1 lead.
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im.preg.nate
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to make a substance spread through an area so that the area is full of the substance: The pad is impregnated with insecticide.
2 (formal) to make a woman or female animal pregnant
im.preg.na.tion noun [U]
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im.pres.ario
noun (pl.-os) a person who arranges plays in the theatre, etc., especially a person who manages a theatre, opera or ballet company
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im.press
verb
1 ~ sb (with sth/sb) if a person or thing impresses you, you feel admiration for them or it: [vn] We interviewed a number of candidates but none of them impressed us.  She was suitably impressed (= as impressed as sb had hoped) with the painting.  He impressed her with his sincerity.  His sincerity impressed her.  [v] The Grand Canyon never fails to impress.  [vn that] It impressed me that she remembered my name.—see also IMPRESSIVE
2 [vn] ~ sth on / upon sb (formal) to make sb understand how important, serious etc. sth is by emphasizing it: He impressed on us the need for immediate action.
3 [vn] ~ sth / itself on / upon sth (formal) to have a great effect on sth, especially sb’s mind, imagination, etc: Her words impressed themselves on my memory.—see also UNIMPRESSED
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im.pres.sion
noun
IDEA / OPINION|
1 ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) an idea, a feeling or an opinion that you get about sb/sth, or that sb/sth gives you: a general / an overall impression  to get a good / bad impression of sb/sth  an initial / a lasting impression  My first impression of him was favourable.  I did not get the impression that they were unhappy about the situation.  My impression is that there are still a lot of problems.  She gives the impression of being very busy.
EFFECT|
2 ~ (on sb) the effect that an experience or a person has on sb/sth: a big / deep / strong impression  His trip to India made a strong impression on him.  You’ll have to play better than that if you really want to make an impression (= to make people admire you).  My words made no impression on her.
DRAWING|
3 a drawing showing what a person looks like or what a place or a building will look like in the future: This is an artist’s impression of the new stadium.
AMUSING COPY OF SB|
4 ~ (of sb) an amusing copy of the way a person acts or speaks: He did his impression of Tom Hanks.
FALSE APPEARANCE|
5 an appearance that may be false: Clever lighting creates an impression of space in a room.
MARK|
6 a mark that is left when an object is pressed hard into a surface
BOOK|
7 all the copies of a book that are printed at one time, with few or no changes to the contents since the last time the book was printed—compare EDITION (be) under the im'pression that … believing, usually wrongly, that sth is true or is happening: I was under the impression that the work had already been completed.
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im.pres.sion.able
adj. (of a person, especially a young one) easily influenced or affected by sb/sth: children at an impressionable age
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Im.pres.sion.ism
noun [U] a style in painting developed in France in the late 19th century that uses colour to show the effects of light on things and to suggest atmosphere rather than showing exact details
Im.pres.sion.ist adj. [usually before noun]: Impressionist landscapes
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im.pres.sion.ist
noun
1 (usually Impressionist) an artist who paints in the style of Impressionism : Impressionists such as Monet and Pissarro
2 a person who entertains people by copying the way a famous person speaks or behaves
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im.pres.sion.is.tic
adj. (written) giving a general idea rather than particular facts or details
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im.pres.sive
adj. (of things or people) making you feel admiration, because they are very large, good, skilful, etc: an impressive building with a huge tower  an impressive performance  one of the most impressive novels of recent years  She was very impressive in the interview.
OPP UNIMPRESSIVE
im.pres.sive.ly adv.: impressively high  impressively organized
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im.pri.ma.tur
noun [sing.] (formal) official approval of sth, given by a person in a position of authority
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im.print
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ A in / on B| ~ B with A
1 to have a great effect on sth so that it cannot be forgotten, changed, etc: The terrible scenes were indelibly imprinted on his mind.
2 to print or press a mark or design onto a surface: clothes imprinted with the logos of sports teams

noun
1 ~ (of sth) (in / on sth) a mark made by pressing or stamping sth onto a surface: the imprint of a foot in the sand
2 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (on sb/sth) (formal) the lasting effect that a person or an experience has on a place or a situation
3 (technical) the name of the PUBLISHER of a book, usually printed below the title on the first page

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im.prison
verb [vn] [often passive] to put sb in a prison or another place from which they cannot escape: They were imprisoned for possession of drugs.   (figurative) Some young mothers feel imprisoned in their own homes.
im.pris.on.ment noun [U]: to be sentenced to life imprisonment for murder
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im.prob.able
adj.
1 ~ (that … ) not likely to be true or to happen: an improbable story / plot  It seems improbable that the current situation will continue.  It all sounded highly improbable .
OPP PROBABLE
2 seeming strange because it is not what you would expect: Her hair was an improbable shade of yellow.
im.prob.abil.ity noun [U, C]: the improbability of finding them alive  statistical improbability
im.prob.ably adv.: He claimed, improbably, that he had never been there.  an improbably happy end
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im.promptu
adj. done without preparation or planning: an impromptu speech
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im.proper
adj.
1 dishonest, or morally wrong: improper business practices  improper conduct  There was nothing improper about our relationship (= it did not involve sex).
OPP PROPER
2 (formal) not suited or appropriate to the situation: It would be improper to comment at this stage.
OPP PROPER
3 wrong; not correct: improper use of the drug
im.prop.er.ly adv.: to behave improperly  He was improperly dressed for the occasion.  improperly cooked meat
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im.pro.pri.ety
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) behaviour or actions that are dishonest, morally wrong or not appropriate for a person in a position of responsibility: There was no evidence of impropriety.
OPP PROPRIETY
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im.prove
verb to become better than before; to make sth/sb better than before: [v] His quality of life has improved dramatically since the operation.  The doctor says she should continue to improve (= after an illness).  [vn] to improve efficiency / standards / conditions  The company needs to improve performance in all these areas.  I need to improve my French.
PVR V im'prove on / upon sth to achieve or produce sth that is of a better quality than sth else: We’ve certainly improved on last year’s figures.
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im.prove.ment
noun
1 [U] ~ (in / on / to sth) the act of making sth better; the process of sth becoming better: Sales figures continue to show signs of improvement.  There is still room for improvement in your work.  We expect to see further improvement over the coming year.
2 [C] ~ (in / on sth) a change in sth that makes it better; sth that is better than it was before: a significant / substantial / dramatic improvement  a slight / steady improvement  an improvement in Anglo-German relations  This is a great improvement on your previous work.  improvements to the bus service  home improvements (= changes that are made to a house, that increase its value)
HELP Home improvement is [U] in AmE.
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im.provi.dent
adj. (formal) not thinking about or planning for the future; spending money in a careless way
OPP PROVIDENT
im.providence noun [U]
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im.pro.vise
verb
1 to make or do sth using whatever is available, usually because you do not have what you really need: [v] There isn’t much equipment. We’re going to have to improvise.  [vn] We improvised some shelves out of planks of wood and bricks.
2 ~ (on sth) to invent music, the words in a play, a statement, etc. while you are playing or speaking, instead of planning it in advance: [v] ‘It’ll be ready some time next week, I expect,’ she said, improvising.  He improvised on the melody.  [vn] an improvised response / speech
im.pro.visa.tion noun [U, C]
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im.pru.dent
adj. (formal) not wise or sensible
SYN UNWISE : It would be imprudent to invest all your money in one company.
OPP PRUDENT
im.pru.dence noun [U]
im.pru.dent.ly adv.
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im.pu.dent
adj. (formal) rude; not showing respect for other people: an impudent young fellow  an impudent remark
im.pu.dence noun [U]
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im.pugn
verb [vn] (formal) to express doubts about whether sth is right, honest, etc.
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im.pulse
noun
1 [C usually sing, U] ~ (to do sth) a sudden strong wish or need to do sth, without stopping to think about the results: He had a sudden impulse to stand up and sing.  I resisted the impulse to laugh.  Her first impulse was to run away.  The door was open and on (an) impulse she went inside.  He tends to act on impulse .
2 [C] (technical) a force or movement of energy that causes sth else to react: nerve / electrical impulses
3 [C usually sing, U] (formal) something that causes sb/sth to do sth or to develop and make progress: to give an impulse to the struggling car industry
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'impulse buying
noun [U] buying goods without planning to do so in advance, and without thinking about it carefully
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im.pul.sive
adj. (of people or their behaviour) acting suddenly without thinking carefully about what might happen because of what you are doing: an impulsive act / decision / gesture / reaction  He has an impulsive nature.
im.pul.sive.ly adv.: Impulsively he reached out and took her hand.
im.pul.sive.ness noun [U]
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im.pun.ity
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) if a person does sth bad with impunity, they do not get punished for what they have done
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im.pure
adj.
1 not pure or clean; not consisting of only one substance but mixed with one or more substances often of poorer quality: impure gold
2 (old-fashioned or written) (of thoughts or feelings) morally bad, especially because they are connected with sex: impure thoughts / motives
OPP PURE
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im.pur.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a substance that is present in small amounts in another substance, making it dirty or of poor quality: A filter will remove most impurities found in water.
2 [U] the state of being dirty or not pure
OPP PURITY
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im.pute

PVR V im'pute sth to sb/sth (formal) to say, often unfairly, that sb is responsible for sth or has a particular quality
SYN ATTRIBUTE : I denied the motives that my employer was imputing to me.
im.put.ation noun [U, C]
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in
prep., adv., adj., noun
prep.
HELP For the special uses of in in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example deal in sth is in the phrasal verb section at deal.
1 at a point within an area or a space: a country in Africa  The kids were playing in the street.  It’s in that drawer.  I read about it in the paper.
2 within the shape of sth; surrounded by sth: She was lying in bed.  sitting in an armchair  Leave the key in the lock.  Soak it in cold water.
3 into sth: He dipped his brush in the paint.  She got in her car and drove off.
4 forming the whole or part of sth/sb; contained within sth/sb: There are 31 days in May.  all the paintings in the collection  I recognize his father in him (= his character is similar to his father’s).
5 during a period of time: in 2005  in the 18th century  in spring / summer / autumn / winter  in the fall  in March  in the morning / afternoon / evening  I’m getting forgetful in my old age.
6 after a particular length of time: to return in a few minutes / hours / days / months.  It will be ready in a week’s time (= one week from now).  She learnt to drive in three weeks (= after three weeks she could drive).
7 (used in negative sentences or after first, last, etc.) for a particular period of time: I haven’t seen him in years.  It’s the first letter I’ve had in ten days.
8 wearing sth: dressed in their best clothes  the man in the hat  to be in uniform / disguise  She was all in black.
9 used to describe physical surroundings: We went out in the rain.  He was sitting alone in the darkness.
10 used to show a state or condition: I’m in love!  The house is in good repair.  I must put my affairs in order.  a man in his thirties  The daffodils were in full bloom.
11 involved in sth; taking part in sth: to act in a play
12 used to show sb’s job or profession: He is in the army.  She’s in computers.  in business / politics
13 used to show the form, shape, arrangement or quantity of sth: a novel in three parts  Roll it up in a ball.  They sat in rows.  People flocked in their thousands to see her.
14 used to show the language, material, etc. used: Say it in English.  She wrote in pencil.  Put it in writing.  I paid in cash.  He spoke in a loud voice.
15 concerning sth: She was not lacking in courage.  a country rich in minerals  three metres in length
16 while doing sth; while sth is happening: In attempting to save the child from drowning, she nearly lost her own life.  In all the commotion I forgot to tell him the news.
17 used to introduce the name of a person who has a particular quality: We’re losing a first-rate editor in Kathy.
18 used to show a rate or relative amount: a gradient of one in five  a tax rate of 22 pence in the pound
IDM in that (written) for the reason that; because: She was fortunate in that she had friends to help her.

adv.
HELP For the special uses of in in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example fill in (for sb) is in the phrasal verb section at fill.
1 contained within an object, an area or a substance: We were locked in.  I can’t drink coffee with milk in.
2 into an object, an area or a substance: She opened the door and went in.  The kids were playing by the river and one of them fell in.
3 (of people) at home or at a place of work: Nobody was in when we called.
OPP OUT
4 (of trains, buses, etc.) at the place where people can get on or off, for example the station: The bus is due in (= it should arrive) at six.
5 (of letters, etc.) received: Applications must be in by April 30.
6 (of the TIDE ) at or towards its highest point on land: Is the tide coming in or going out?
7 elected: Several new Labour councillors got in at the last election.
8 (in cricket, baseball, etc.) if a team or team member is in, they are BATTING : England were in first.
9 (in tennis, etc.) if the ball is in, it has landed inside the line: Her serve was just in.
IDM be in at sth to be present when sth happens: They were in at the start. be 'in for sth (informal) to be going to experience sth soon, especially sth unpleasant: He’s in for a shock!  I’m afraid we’re in for a storm. be / get 'in on sth (informal) to be/become involved in sth; to share or know about sth: I’d like to be in on the plan.  Is she in on the secret? be (well) 'in with sb (informal) to be (very) friendly with sb, and likely to get an advantage from the friendship ,in and 'out (of sth) going regularly to a place: He was in and out of jail for most of his life.

adj. [usually before noun] (informal) popular and fashionable: Purple is the in colour this spring.  Exotic pets are the in thing right now.  Short skirts are in again.—see also IN-JOKE

noun
IDM the ,ins and 'outs (of sth) all the details, especially the complicated or difficult ones: the ins and outs of the problem  He quickly learned the ins and outs of the job.

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in.
abbr. (pl.in. or ins.) INCH : Height: 6ft 2in.
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in-
prefix
1 (also il- im- ir- ) (in adjectives, adverbs and nouns) not; the opposite of: infinite  illogical  immorally  irrelevance
2 (also im- ) (in verbs) to put into the condition mentioned: inflame  imperil
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-in
combining form (in nouns) an activity in which many people take part: a sit-in  a teach-in
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in.abil.ity
noun [U, sing.] ~ (to do sth) the fact of not being able to do sth: the government’s inability to provide basic services  Some families go without medical treatment because of their inability to pay.
OPP ABILITY
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in ab.sen.tia
adv. (from Latin ) while not present at the event being referred to: Two foreign suspects will be tried in absentia.
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in.access.ible
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) difficult or impossible to reach or to get: They live in a remote area, inaccessible except by car.  Dirt can collect in inaccessible places.  The temple is now inaccessible to the public.   (figurative) The language of teenagers is often completely inaccessible to (= not understood by) adults.
OPP ACCESSIBLE
in.access.ibil.ity noun [U]
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in.accur.ate
adj. not exact or accurate; with mistakes: an inaccurate statement / measurement / description  inaccurate information  All the maps we had were wildly inaccurate.
OPP ACCURATE
in.accur.acy noun [C, U] (pl.-ies): The article is full of inaccuracies.  The writer is guilty of bias and inaccuracy.
in.accur.ate.ly adv.
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in.action
noun [U] (usually disapproving) lack of action; the state of doing nothing about a situation or a problem: The police were accused of inaction in the face of a possible attack.
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in.active
adj.
1 not doing anything; not active: Some animals are inactive during the daytime.  The area has a large, but politically inactive population.  The volcano has been inactive for 50 years.
2 not in use; not working: an inactive oil well
3 having no effect: an inactive drug / disease
OPP ACTIVE
in.activ.ity noun [U]: periods of enforced inactivity and boredom  The inactivity of the government was deplorable.
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in.ad.equacy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] ~ (of sth) the state of not being enough or good enough: the inadequacy of our resources
OPP ADEQUACY
2 [U] a state of not being able or confident to deal with a situation: a feeling / sense of inadequacy
3 [C, usually pl.] ~ (of / in sth) a weakness; a lack of sth: gross inadequacies in the data  He had to face up to his own inadequacies as a father.
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in.ad.equate
adj.
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) not enough; not good enough: inadequate supplies / resources / preparation  The system is inadequate for the tasks it has to perform.  The food supplies are inadequate to meet the needs of the hungry.
OPP ADEQUATE
2 (of people) not able, or not confident enough, to deal with a situation: I felt totally inadequate as a parent.
in.ad.equate.ly adv.: to be inadequately prepared / insured / funded
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in.ad.mis.sible
adj. (formal) that cannot be allowed or accepted, especially in a court of law: inadmissible evidence
OPP ADMISSIBLE
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in.ad.vert.ent.ly
adv. by accident; without intending to: We had inadvertently left without paying the bill.
in.ad.vert.ent adj.: an inadvertent omission
in.ad.ver.tence noun [U]
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in.ad.vis.able
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (for sb) (to do sth) (formal) not sensible or wise; that you would advise against: It is inadvisable to bring children on this trip.
OPP ADVISABLE
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in.ali.en.able
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) that cannot be taken away from you: the inalienable right to decide your own future
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inane
adj. stupid or silly; with no meaning: an inane remark
in.ane.ly adv.: to grin inanely
in.an.ity noun [U, C, usually pl.] (pl.-ies)
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in.ani.mate
adj. not alive in the way that people, animals and plants are: A rock is an inanimate object.
OPP ANIMATE
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in.applic.able
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) that cannot be used, or that does not apply, in a particular situation: These regulations are inapplicable to international students.
OPP APPLICABLE
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in.appro.pri.ate
adj. ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth)| ~ (to / for sth) not suitable or appropriate in a particular situation: inappropriate behaviour / language  It would be inappropriate for me to comment on what your tutor said.  clothes inappropriate to the occasion
OPP APPROPRIATE
in.appro.pri.ate.ly adv.: She was inappropriately dressed for a funeral.
in.appro.pri.ate.ness noun [U]
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in.articu.late
adj.
1 (of people) not able to express ideas or feelings clearly or easily
2 (of speech) not using clear words; not expressed clearly: an inarticulate reply / speech
OPP ARTICULATE
in.articu.late.ly adv.
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in.as.much as
conj. (formal, written) used to add a comment on sth that you have just said and to say in what way it is true: He was a very unusual musician inasmuch as he was totally deaf.
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in.atten.tion
noun [U] ~ (to sth/sb) (usually disapproving) lack of attention: They complained about his inattention to his patients.  The accident was the result of a moment’s inattention.
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in.atten.tive
adj. ~ (to sth/sb) (disapproving) not paying attention to sth/sb: an inattentive pupil  inattentive to the needs of others
OPP ATTENTIVE
in.atten.tive.ly adv.
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in.aud.ible
adj. ~ (to sb) that you cannot hear: She spoke in an almost inaudible whisper.  The whistle was inaudible to the human ear.
OPP AUDIBLE
in.audi.bil.ity noun [U]
in.aud.ibly adv.
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in.aug.ural
adj. [only before noun] (of an official speech, meeting, etc.) first, and marking the beginning of sth important, for example the time when a new leader or parliament starts work, when a new organization is formed or when sth is used for the first time: the President’s inaugural address  the professor’s inaugural lecture  the inaugural meeting of the geographical society  the inaugural flight of the space shuttle
in.aug.ural noun [C, usually sing.] (especially AmE): the presidential inaugural in January
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in.aug.ur.ate
verb
1 ~ sb (as sth) to introduce a new public official or leader at a special ceremony: [vn-n] He will be inaugurated (as) President in January. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to officially open a building or start an organization with a special ceremony: The new theatre was inaugurated by the mayor.
3 [vn] (formal) to introduce a new development or an important change: The moon landing inaugurated a new era in space exploration.
in.aug.ur.ation noun [U, C]: the President’s inauguration  an inauguration speech
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in.aus.pi.cious
adj. (formal) showing signs that the future will not be good or successful: an inauspicious start
OPP AUSPICIOUS
in.aus.pi.cious.ly adv.
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in.authen.tic
adj. not genuine; that you cannot believe or rely on
OPP AUTHENTIC
in.authen.ti.city noun [U]
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in.born
(also less frequent in.bred) adj. an inborn quality is one that you are born with
SYN INNATE : Some people have an inborn tendency to put on weight.
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in.bound
adj. (formal) travelling towards a place rather than leaving it: inbound flights / passengers
OPP OUTBOUND
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'in box
noun (AmE ) = IN TRAY
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in.bred
adj.
1 produced by breeding among closely related members of a group of animals, people or plants: an inbred racehorse
2 (rare) = INBORN
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in.breed.ing
noun [U] breeding between closely related people or animals
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in.built
adj. [only before noun] an inbuilt quality exists as an essential part of sth/sb: His height gives him an inbuilt advantage over his opponent.—compare BUILT-IN
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,in-'built
adj. (rare) = BUILT-IN
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Inc.
(also inc) abbr. Incorporated (used after the name of a company in the US): Texaco Inc.
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inc.
abbr. (BrE ) = INCL.
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in.cal.cul.able
adj. (formal) very large or very great; too great to calculate: The oil spill has caused incalculable damage to the environment.  The treasures are of incalculable value.—compare CALCULABLE
in.cal.cul.ably adv.
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in.can.des.cent
adj.
1 (technical) giving out light when heated: incandescent lamps
2 (formal) very bright: incandescent white
3 (formal) full of strong emotion: an incandescent musical performance  She was incandescent with rage.
in.can.des.cence noun [U]
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in.can.ta.tion
noun [C, U] special words that are spoken or sung to have a magic effect; the act of speaking or singing these words
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in.cap.able
adj.
1 ~ of sth / of doing sth not able to do sth: incapable of speech / movement  The children seem to be totally incapable of working by themselves.
2 not able to control yourself or your affairs; not able to do anything well: He was found lying in the road, drunk and incapable.  If people keep telling you you’re incapable, you begin to lose confidence in yourself.
OPP CAPABLE
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in.cap.aci.tate
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to make sb unable to live or work normally: He was incapacitated by old age and sickness.
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in.cap.acity
noun [U] (written)
1 ~ (of sb/sth) (to do sth) lack of ability or skill
SYN INABILITY : their incapacity to govern effectively
2 the state of being too ill to do your work or look after yourself: She returned to work after a long period of incapacity.
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in.car.cer.ate
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (in sth) (formal) to put sb in prison or in another place from which they cannot escape
SYN IMPRISON : Thousands were incarcerated in labour camps.
in.car.cer.ation noun [U]
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in.car.nate
adj., verb
adj. (usually after nouns) (formal) in human form: The leader seemed the devil incarnate.  My aunt is generosity incarnate.

verb [vn] (formal) to give a definite or human form to a particular idea or quality

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in.car.na.tion
noun
1 [C] a period of life in a particular form: one of the incarnations of Vishnu  He believed he had been a prince in a previous incarnation.   (figurative) I worked for her in her earlier incarnation (= her previous job) as a lawyer.
2 [C] a person who represents a particular quality, for example, in human form: the incarnation of evil
3 [sing., U] (also the Incarnation) (in Christianity) the act of God coming to earth in human form as Jesus
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in.cau.tious
adj. (formal) done without thinking carefully about the results; not thinking about what might happen
in.cau.tious.ly adv.
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in.cen.di.ary
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 designed to cause fires: an incendiary device / bomb / attack
2 (formal) causing strong feelings or violence: incendiary remarks

noun (pl.-ies) a bomb that is designed to make a fire start burning when it explodes
SYN FIREBOMB

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in.cense
noun, verb
noun [U] a substance that produces a pleasant smell when you burn it, used particularly in religious ceremonies

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb very angry: The decision incensed the workforce.  The workforce was incensed by the decision.  She was incensed at the idea.

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in.cen.tive
noun [C, U] ~ (for / to sb/sth) (to do sth) something that encourages you to do sth: tax incentives to encourage savings  There is no incentive for people to save fuel.
OPP DISINCENTIVE
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in.cep.tion
noun [sing.] (formal) the start of an institution, an organization, etc: The club has grown rapidly since its inception in 1990.
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in.ces.sant
adj. (usually disapproving) never stopping: incessant noise / rain / chatter  incessant meetings
in.ces.sant.ly adv.: to talk incessantly
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in.cest
noun [U] sexual activity between two people who are very closely related in a family, for example, a brother and sister, or a father and daughter
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in.ces.tu.ous
adj.
1 involving sex between two people in a family who are very closely related: an incestuous relationship
2 (disapproving) involving a group of people who have a close relationship and do not want to include anyone outside the group: The music industry is an incestuous business.
in.ces.tu.ous.ly adv.
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inch
noun, verb
noun
1 (abbr.in.) a unit for measuring length, equal to 2.54 CENTIMETRES . There are twelve inches in a FOOT : 1.14 inches of rain fell last night.  She’s a few inches taller than me.
2 a small amount or distance: He escaped death by an inch .  The car missed us by inches .  Ronaldo was just inches away from scoring.
IDM every inch
1 the whole of sth: The doctor examined every inch of his body.   (figurative) If they try to fire me I’ll fight them every inch of the way .
2 completely: In his first game the young player already looked every inch a winner. give sb an 'inch (and they’ll take a 'mile / 'yard) (saying) used to say that if you allow some people a small amount of freedom or power they will see you as weak and try to take a lot more ,inch by 'inch very slowly and with great care or difficulty: She crawled forward inch by inch. not budge / give / move an 'inch to refuse to change your position, decision, etc. even a little: We tried to negotiate a lower price but they wouldn’t budge an inch. within an 'inch of sth / of doing sth very close to sth/doing sth: She was within an inch of being killed.  They beat him within an inch of his life (= very severely).—more at TRUST v.

verb [+adv. / prep.] to move or make sth move slowly and carefully in a particular direction: [v] She moved forward, inching towards the rope.  [vn] I inched the car forward.  He inched his way through the narrow passage.

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in.cho.ate
adj. (rare, formal) just begun and therefore not clear or developed: inchoate ideas
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in.ci.dence
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth (written) the extent to which sth happens or has an effect: an area with a high incidence of crime / disease / unemployment
2 [U] (technical) the way in which a ray of light meets a surface: the angle of incidence
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in.ci.dent
noun
1 [C] something that happens, especially sth unusual or unpleasant: His bad behaviour was just an isolated incident.  One particular incident sticks in my mind.
2 [C, U] a serious or violent event, such as a crime, an accident or an attack: There was a shooting incident near here last night.   (BrE) The police are setting up an incident room near the murder spot (= where they can collect evidence, etc.).  The demonstration passed off without incident .
3 [C] a disagreement between two countries, often involving military forces: a border / diplomatic incident  note at EVENT
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in.ci.den.tal
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) happening in connection with sth else, but not as important as it, or not intended: The discovery was incidental to their main research.  incidental music (= music used with a play or a film / movie to give atmosphere)  You may be able to get help with incidental expenses (= small costs that you get in connection with sth).
2 ~ to sth (technical) happening as a natural result of sth: These risks are incidental to the work of a firefighter.

noun [usually pl.] something that happens in connection with sth else, but is less important: You’ll need money for incidentals such as tips and taxis.

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in.ci.den.tal.ly
adv.
1 used to introduce a new topic, or some extra information, or a question that you have just thought of
SYN BY THE WAY : Incidentally, have you heard the news about Sue?
2 in a way that was not planned but that is connected with sth else: The information was only discovered incidentally.
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in.cin.er.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] to burn sth until it is completely destroyed: Most of the waste is incinerated.
in.cin.er.ation noun [U]: high-temperature incineration plants
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in.cin.er.ator
noun an enclosed container for burning waste at high temperatures
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in.cipi.ent
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) just beginning: signs of incipient unrest
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in.cise
verb [vn] ~ sth (in / on / onto sth) (formal) to cut words, designs, etc. into a surface—compare ENGRAVE
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in.ci.sion
noun [C, U] a sharp cut made in sth, particularly during a medical operation; the act of making a cut in sth: Make a small incision below the ribs.
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in.ci.sive
adj. (approving)
1 showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important, and the ability to express this: incisive comments / criticism / analysis  an incisive mind
2 showing sb’s ability to take decisions and act forcefully: an incisive performance
in.ci.sive.ly adv.
in.ci.sive.ness noun [U]
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in.ci.sor
noun one of the eight sharp teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for biting—compare CANINE , MOLAR
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in.cite
verb ~ sb (to sth)| ~ sth to encourage sb to do sth violent, illegal or unpleasant, especially by making them angry or excited: [vn] to incite crime / racial hatred / violence  They were accused of inciting the crowd to violence.  [vn to inf] He incited the workforce to come out on strike.
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in.cite.ment
noun [U, C] ~ (to sth) the act of encouraging sb to do sth violent, illegal or unpleasant: incitement to racial hatred
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in.civil.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) rude behaviour; rude remarks—see also UNCIVIL
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incl.
(BrE also inc.) abbr.
1 (in advertisements) including; included: transport not incl.  £29.53 inc. tax
2 INCLUSIVE : Open 1 April to 31 October incl.
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in.clem.ent
adj. (formal) (of the weather) not pleasant; cold, wet, etc.
OPP CLEMENT
in.clem.ency noun [U]
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in.clin.ation
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (towards / for sth) a feeling that makes you want to do sth: He did not show the slightest inclination to leave.  My natural inclination is to find a compromise.  She lacked any inclination for housework.  He was a loner by nature and by inclination .  She had neither the time nor the inclination to help them.  You must follow your own inclinations when choosing a career.
2 [C] ~ to do sth a tendency to do sth: There is an inclination to treat geography as a less important subject.
3 [C usually sing, U] (technical) a degree of sloping: an inclination of 45°  the angle of inclination
4 [C] a small downward movement, usually of the head
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in.cline
verb, noun
verb (formal)
1 ~ (sb) to / towards sth to tend to think or behave in a particular way; to make sb do this: [v] I incline to the view that we should take no action at this stage.  [v to inf] The government is more effective than we incline to think.  [vn] Lack of money inclines many young people towards crime.  [vn to inf] His obvious sincerity inclined me to trust him.
2 [vn] ~ your head to bend your head forward, especially as a sign of agreement, greeting, etc.
3 ~ (sth) (to / towards sth) to lean or slope in a particular direction; to make sth lean or slope: [v] The land inclined gently towards the shore. [alsovn]

noun (formal) a slope: a steep / slight incline

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in.clined
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) wanting to do sth: She was inclined to trust him.  He writes only when he feels inclined to.  There’ll be time for a swim if you feel so inclined .
2 ~ to do sth tending to do sth; likely to do sth: He’s inclined to be lazy.  They’ll be more inclined to listen if you don’t shout.
3 ~ to agree, believe, think, etc. used when you are expressing an opinion but do not want to express it very strongly: I’m inclined to agree with you.
4 (used with particular adverbs) having a natural ability for sth; preferring to do sth: musically / academically inclined children
5 sloping; at an angle
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in.clude
verb
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) if one thing includes another, it has the second thing as one of its parts: [vn] The tour included a visit to the Science Museum.  Does the price include tax?  [v -ing] Your duties include typing letters and answering the telephone.  note at COMPRISE
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (as / in / on sth) to make sb/sth part of sth: You should include some examples in your essay.  We all went, me included .  Representatives from the country were included as observers at the conference.
OPP EXCLUDE
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in.clud.ing
prep. (abbr. incl.) having sth as part of a group or set: I’ve got three days' holiday including New Year’s Day.  Six people were killed in the riot, including a policeman.  It’s £7·50, including tax.
OPP EXCLUDING
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in.clu.sion
noun
1 [U] the fact of including sb/sth; the fact of being included: His inclusion in the team is in doubt.
2 [C] a person or thing that is included: There were some surprising inclusions in the list.
OPP EXCLUSION
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in.clu.sive
adj.
1 ~ (of sth) having the total cost, or the cost of sth that is mentioned, contained in the price: The fully inclusive fare for the trip is £52.  The rent is inclusive of water and heating.
OPP EXCLUSIVE
2 from … to … inclusive including all the days, months, numbers, etc. mentioned: We are offering free holidays for children aged two to eleven inclusive.  The castle is open daily from May to October inclusive.
3 including a wide range of people, things, ideas, etc: The party must adopt more inclusive strategies and a broader vision.
OPP EXCLUSIVE
in.clu.sive.ly adv.: The word ‘men’ can be understood inclusively (= including men and women).
in.clu.sive.ness noun [U]
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in.cog.nito
adv. in a way that prevents other people from finding out who you are: Movie stars often prefer to travel incognito.
in.cog.nito adj.: an incognito visit
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in.co.her.ent
adj.
1 (of people) unable to express yourself clearly, often because of emotion: She broke off, incoherent with anger.
OPP COHERENT
2 (of sounds) not clear and hard to understand UNINTELLIGIBLE : Rachel whispered something incoherent.
3 not logical or well organized: an incoherent text / policy
OPP COHERENT
in.co.her.ence noun [U]
in.co.her.ent.ly adv.
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in.come
noun [C, U] the money that a person, a region, a country, etc. earns from work, from investing money from business, etc: people on high / low incomes   a weekly disposable income (= the money that you have left to spend after tax, etc.) of £200  a rise in national income   They receive a proportion of their income from the sale of goods and services.  Tourism is a major source of income for the area.  higher / middle / lower income groups—compare EXPENDITURE
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in.comer
noun (BrE ) a person who comes to live in a particular place
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'income support
noun [U] (in Britain) the money that the government pays to people who have no income or a very low income
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'income tax
noun [U, C] the amount of money that you pay to the government according to how much you earn: The standard rate of income tax was cut to 23p in the pound.
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in.com.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 recently elected or chosen: the incoming government / president / administration
OPP OUTGOING (2)
2 arriving somewhere, or being received: incoming flights  the incoming tide  incoming calls / mail / information
OPP OUTGOING (3)
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in.com.men.sur.able
adj. ~ (with sth) (rare, formal) if two things are incommensurable, they are so completely different from each other that they cannot be compared
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in.com.mu.ni.cado
adj. without communicating with other people, because you are not allowed to or because you do not want to: The prisoner has been held incommunicado for more than a week.  She spent her fortieth birthday incommunicado, in Scotland.
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in.com.par.able
adj. so good or impressive that nothing can be compared to it: the incomparable beauty of Lake Garda  the incomparable Frank Sinatra
in.com.par.abil.ity noun [U]
in.com.par.ably adv.: Her latest book is incomparably better than her earlier ones.
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in.com.pat.ible
adj.
1 ~ (with sth) two actions, ideas, etc. that are incompatible are not acceptable or possible together because of basic differences: The hours of the job are incompatible with family life.  These two objectives are mutually incompatible .
2 two people who are incompatible are very different from each other and so are not able to live or work happily together: She and her husband soon proved to be totally incompatible.
3 ~ (with sth) two things that are incompatible are of different types so that they cannot be used or mixed together: New computer software is often incompatible with older computers.  Those two blood groups are incompatible.
OPP COMPATIBLE
in.com.pati.bil.ity noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
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in.com.pe.tence
noun [U] the lack of skill or ability to do your job or a task as it should be done: professional / managerial incompetence  government / police incompetence  He was dismissed for incompetence.
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in.com.pe.tent
adj., noun
adj. not having the skill or ability to do your job or a task as it should be done: an incompetent teacher / manager  his incompetent handling of the affair  The Prime Minister was attacked as incompetent to lead.
OPP COMPETENT
in.com.pe.tent.ly adv.

noun a person who does not have the skill or ability to do their job or a task as it should be done

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in.com.plete
adj., noun
adj. not having everything that it should have; not finished or complete: an incomplete set of figures  Spoken language contains many incomplete sentences.
OPP COMPLETE
in.com.plete.ly adv.: The causes of the phenomenon are still incompletely understood.
in.com.plete.ness noun [U]

noun (AmE ) the grade that a student gets for a course of education when they have not completed all the work for that course

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in.com.pre.hen.sible
adj. ~ (to sb) impossible to understand UNINTELLIGIBLE : Some application forms can be incomprehensible to ordinary people.  He found his son’s actions totally incomprehensible.
OPP COMPREHENSIBLE
in.com.pre.hen.si.bil.ity noun [U]
in.com.pre.hen.sibly adv.
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in.com.pre.hen.sion
noun [U] the state of not being able to understand sb/sth: Anna read the letter with incomprehension.
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in.con.ceiv.able
adj. impossible to imagine or believe UNTHINKABLE : It is inconceivable that the minister was not aware of the problem.
OPP CONCEIVABLE
in.con.ceiv.ably adv.: She was inconceivably wealthy.
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in.con.clu.sive
adj. not leading to a definite decision or result: inconclusive evidence / results / tests  inconclusive talks / discussions
OPP CONCLUSIVE
in.con.clu.sive.ly adv.: The last meeting had ended inconclusively.
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in.con.gru.ous
adj. strange, and not suitable in a particular situation: Such traditional methods seem incongruous in our technical age.
in.con.gru.ity noun [U, C] (pl.-ies): She was struck by the incongruity of the situation.
in.con.gru.ous.ly adv.: incongruously dressed
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in.con.se.quen.tial
adj. not important or worth considering TRIVIAL : inconsequential details  inconsequential chatter
OPP CONSEQUENTIAL
in.con.se.quen.tial.ly adv.
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in.con.sid.er.able
adj.
IDM not incon'siderable (formal) large; large enough to be considered important: We have spent a not inconsiderable amount of money on the project already.
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in.con.sid.er.ate
adj. (disapproving) not giving enough thought to other people’s feelings or needs THOUGHTLESS : inconsiderate behaviour / remarks  It was inconsiderate of you not to call.
OPP CONSIDERATE
in.con.sid.er.ate.ly adv.
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in.con.sis.tent
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) if two statements, etc. are inconsistent, or one is inconsistent with the other, they cannot both be true because they give the facts in a different way: The report is inconsistent with the financial statements.  The witnesses' statements were inconsistent.
2 ~ with sth not matching a set of standards, ideas, etc: Her behaviour was clearly inconsistent with her beliefs.
3 (disapproving) tending to change too often; not staying the same: inconsistent results  Children find it difficult if a parent is inconsistent.
OPP CONSISTENT
in.con.sis.tency noun [U, C] (pl.-ies): There is some inconsistency between the witnesses' evidence and their earlier statements.  I noticed a few minor inconsistencies in her argument.
in.con.sis.tent.ly adv.
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in.con.sol.able
adj. very sad and unable to accept help or comfort: They were inconsolable when their only child died.
in.con.sol.ably adv.: to weep inconsolably
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in.con.spicu.ous
adj. not attracting attention; not easy to notice: She tried to look as inconspicuous as possible.
OPP CONSPICUOUS
in.con.spicu.ous.ly adv.
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in.con.stant
adj. (formal) not faithful in love or friendship
SYN FICKLE
OPP CONSTANT
in.con.stancy noun [U]
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in.con.test.able
adj. (formal) that is true and cannot be disagreed with or DENIED : an incontestable right / fact
in.con.test.ably adv.
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in.con.tin.ence
noun [U] the lack of ability to control the BLADDER and bowels
OPP CONTINENCE
in.con.tin.ent adj.: Many of our patients are incontinent.
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in.con.tro.vert.ible
adj. (formal) that is true and cannot be disagreed with or DENIED : incontrovertible evidence / proof
in.con.tro.vert.ibly adv.
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in.con.veni.ence
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] trouble or problems, especially concerning what you need or would like yourself: We apologize for the delay and regret any inconvenience it may have caused.  I have already been put to considerable inconvenience.
2 [C] a person or thing that causes problems or difficulties: I can put up with minor inconveniences.

verb [vn] to cause trouble or difficulty for sb: I hope that we haven’t inconvenienced you.

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in.con.veni.ent
adj. causing trouble or problems, especially concerning what you need or would like yourself: an inconvenient time / place  That’s most inconvenient for me. I’m working that weekend.
OPP CONVENIENT
in.con.veni.ent.ly adv.
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in.corp.or.ate
verb [vn] ~ sth (in / into / within sth) to include sth so that it forms a part of sth: Many of your suggestions have been incorporated in the plan.  The new car design incorporates all the latest safety features.  We have incorporated all the latest safety features into the design.
in.corp.or.ation noun [U]: the incorporation of foreign words into the language
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in.corp.or.ated
adj. (abbr. Inc.) (business ) formed into a business company with legal status
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in.cor.por.eal
adj. (formal) without a body or form: material bodies and incorporeal minds
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in.cor.rect
adj.
1 not accurate or true: incorrect information / spelling  His version of what happened is incorrect.
2 speaking or behaving in a way that does not follow the accepted standards or rules—see also POLITICALLY CORRECT
OPP CORRECT
in.cor.rect.ly adv.: an incorrectly addressed letter
in.cor.rect.ness noun [U]
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in.cor.ri.gible
adj. (disapproving or humorous) having bad habits which cannot be changed or improved: Her husband is an incorrigible flirt.  You’re incorrigible!
in.cor.ri.gibly adv.
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in.cor.rupt.ible
adj.
1 (of people) not able to be persuaded to do sth wrong or dishonest, even if sb offers them money: Bribery won’t work with him. He’s incorruptible.
2 that cannot decay or be destroyed
OPP CORRUPTIBLE
in.cor.rupt.ibil.ity noun [U]
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in.crease
verb, noun
verb ~ (sth) (from A) (to B)| ~ (sth) (by sth) to become or to make sth greater in amount, number, value, etc: [v] The population has increased from 1.2 million to 1.8 million.  The rate of inflation increased by 2%.  The price of oil increased.  Oil increased in price .  Disability increases with age (= the older sb is, the more likely they are to have a disability).  [vn] We need to increase productivity.  They’ve increased the price by 50%.
OPP DECREASE
in.creased adj. [only before noun]: increased demand / pressure / spending

noun [C, U] ~ (in sth) a rise in the amount, number or value of sth: an increase in spending / population  an increase of 2p in the pound on income tax  an increase of nearly 20%  a significant / substantial increase in sales  price / tax / wage increases  Homelessness is on the increase (= increasing).
OPP DECREASE

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in.creas.ing.ly
adv. more and more all the time: increasingly difficult / important / popular  It is becoming increasingly clear that this problem will not be easily solved.  Increasingly, training is taking place in the office rather than outside it.
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in.cred.ible
adj.
1 impossible or very difficult to believe: an incredible story  It seemed incredible that she had been there a week already.
2 (informal) extremely good or extremely large: The hotel was incredible.  an incredible amount of work
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in.cred.ibly
adv.
1 extremely: incredibly lucky / stupid / difficult / beautiful
2 in a way that is very difficult to believe: Incredibly, it was six months before I realized what was going on.
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in.credu.lous
adj. not willing or not able to believe sth; showing an inability to believe sth: ‘Here?’ said Kate, incredulous.  an incredulous look / face—compare CREDULOUS
in.credu.lity noun [U]: a look of surprise and incredulity
in.credu.lous.ly adv.: He laughed incredulously.
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in.cre.ment
noun
1 a regular increase in the amount of money that sb is paid for their job: a salary of £25 K with annual increments
2 (formal) an increase in a number or an amount
in.cre.men.tal adj.: incremental costs
in.cre.men.tal.ly adv.
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in.crim.in.ate
verb [vn] to make it seem as if sb has done sth wrong or illegal: They were afraid of answering the questions and incriminating themselves.
in.crim.in.at.ing adj. [usually before noun]: incriminating evidence
in.crim.in.ation noun [U]
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in.crust.ation
(also en.crust.ation) noun [U, C] the process of forming a hard outer covering or layer; the covering or layer that is formed
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in.cu.bate
verb
1 [vn] (of a bird) to sit on its eggs in order to keep them warm until they HATCH
2 [vn] (biology) to keep cells, bacteria, etc. at a suitable temperature so that they develop
3 [vn] (be incubating sth) (medical) to have an infectious disease developing inside you before SYMPTOMS (= signs of illness) appear
4 [v] (medical) (of a disease) to develop slowly without showing any signs: The BSE bug incubates for three years.
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in.cu.ba.tion
noun
1 [U] the HATCHING of eggs
2 [C] (also incu'bation period) (medicalorbiology) the time between sb being infected with a disease and the appearance of the first SYMPTOMS (= signs)
3 [U] (biology) the development and growth of bacteria, etc.
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in.cu.ba.tor
noun
1 a piece of equipment in a hospital which new babies are placed in when they are weak or born too early, in order to help them survive
2 a machine like a box where eggs are kept warm until the young birds are born
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in.cu.bus
noun (pl.in.cu.buses or in.cubi )
1 (literary) a problem that makes you worry a lot
2 a male evil spirit, supposed in the past to have sex with a sleeping woman—compare SUCCUBUS
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in.cul.cate
verb [vn] ~ sth (in / into sb)| ~ sb with sth (formal) to cause sb to learn and remember ideas, moral principles, etc., especially by repeating them often: to inculcate a sense of responsibility in sb  to inculcate sb with a sense of responsibility
in.cul.ca.tion noun [U]
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in.cum.bency
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) the official position of sb or the time during which they have it
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in.cum.bent
noun, adj.
noun a person who has an official position: the present incumbent of the White House / 10 Downing Street

adj.
1 [only before noun] having an official position: the incumbent president
2 ~ upon / on sb (formal) necessary as part of sb’s duties: It was incumbent on them to attend.

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incur
verb (-rr-) [vn] (formal)
1 if you incur sth unpleasant, you are in a situation in which you have to deal with it: She had incurred the wrath of her father by marrying without his consent
2 if you incur costs, you have to pay them: You risk incurring bank charges if you exceed your overdraft limit.
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in.cur.able
adj.
1 that cannot be cured: an incurable disease / illness
OPP CURABLE
2 that cannot be changed: She’s an incurable optimist.
in.cur.ably adv.: incurably ill / romantic
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in.cur.sion
noun ~ (into sth) (formal)
1 a sudden attack on a place by foreign armies, etc.
2 the sudden appearance of sth in a particular area of activity that is either not expected or not wanted: the incursion of English soccer into European competitions
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Ind.
abbr. (BrE, politics ) INDEPENDENT : G Green (Ind.)
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in.debt.ed
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) (for sth) (formal) grateful to sb for helping you: I am deeply indebted to my family for all their help.
2 (of countries, governments, etc.) owing money to other countries or organizations: a list of the fifteen most heavily indebted nations
in.debt.ed.ness noun [U]
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in.decency
noun
1 [U] behaviour that is thought to be morally or sexually offensive: an act of gross indecency (= a sexual act that is a criminal offence)
2 [C, usually sing.] an indecent act, expression, etc.
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in.decent
adj.
1 (of behaviour, talk, etc.) thought to be morally offensive, especially because it involves sex or being naked: indecent conduct / photos / language—compare DECENT
2 (of clothes) showing parts of the body that are usually covered: That skirt of hers is positively indecent.
3 not done in the appropriate or usual amount of time: They left the funeral with almost indecent haste (= too quickly).
in.decent.ly adv.: He was charged with indecently assaulting five women.
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in,decent as'sault
noun [C, U] (law ) a sexual attack on sb but one that does not include RAPE
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in,decent ex'posure
noun [U] (law ) the crime of showing your sexual organs to other people in a public place
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in.de.cipher.able
adj. (of writing or speech) impossible to read or understand: His signature is indecipherable.
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in.deci.sion
(also less frequent in.deci.sive.ness) noun [U] the state of being unable to decide: After a moment’s indecision, he said yes.—compare DECISION
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in.deci.sive
adj.
1 (of a person) unable to make decisions: a weak and indecisive man
2 not providing a clear and definite answer or result: an indecisive battle
OPP DECISIVE
in.deci.sive.ly adv.
in.deci.sive.ness noun [U] = INDECISION
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in.deed
adv.
1 used to emphasize a positive statement or answer: ‘Was he very angry?’‘Indeed he was.’  ‘Do you agree?’‘Indeed I do / Yes, indeed.’  ‘You said you’d help?’‘I did indeed—yes.’  It is indeed a remarkable achievement.
2 (especially BrE) used after very and an adjective or adverb to emphasize a statement, description, etc: Thank you very much indeed!  I was very sad indeed to hear of your father’s death.
3 (formal, especially BrE) used to add information to a statement: I don’t mind at all. Indeed, I would be delighted to help.
4 (spoken, especially BrE) used to show that you are surprised at sth or that you find sth ridiculous: A ghost indeed! I’ve never heard anything so silly.
5 (spoken) used when you are repeating a question that sb has just asked and showing that you do not know the answer: ‘Why did he do it?’‘Why indeed?’
IDM see FRIEND
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in.defat.ig.able
adj. (formal, approving) never giving up or getting tired of doing sth: an indefatigable defender of human rights
in.defat.ig.ably adv.
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in.defens.ible
adj.
1 that cannot be defended or excused because it is morally unacceptable: indefensible behaviour  The minister was accused of defending the indefensible.
2 (of a place or building) impossible to defend from military attack
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in.defin.able
adj. difficult or impossible to define or explain: She has that indefinable something that makes an actress a star.
in.defin.ably adv.
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in.def.in.ite
adj.
1 lasting for a period of time that has no fixed end: She will be away for the indefinite future.  The workers have been on indefinite strike since July.
2 not clearly defined: an indefinite science
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in,definite 'article
noun (grammar ) the word a or an—compare DEFINITE ARTICLE
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in.def.in.ite.ly
adv. for a period of time with no fixed limit: The trial was postponed indefinitely.
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in.del.ible
adj.
1 impossible to forget or remove: The experience made an indelible impression on me.  Her unhappy childhood left an indelible mark.
2 (of ink, pens, etc.) leaving a mark that cannot be removed: an indelible marker / stain
in.del.ibly adv.: That day is stamped indelibly on my memory.
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in.deli.cate
adj. (formal) likely to be thought rude or embarrassing: indelicate questions / comments
in.deli.cacy noun [U]
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in.dem.nify
verb (in.dem.ni.fies, in.dem.ni.fy.ing, in.dem.ni.fied, in.dem.ni.fied) [vn] (law )
1 ~ sb (against sth) to promise to pay sb an amount of money if they suffer any damage or loss
2 ~ sb (for sth) to pay sb an amount of money because of the damage or loss that they have suffered
in.dem.ni.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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in.dem.nity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal orlaw )
1 [U] ~ (against sth) protection against damage or loss, especially in the form of a promise to pay for any that happens: an indemnity clause / fund / policy  indemnity insurance
2 [C] a sum of money that is given as payment for damage or loss
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in.dent
verb, noun
verb [vn] to start a line of print or writing further away from the edge of the page than the other lines: The first line of each paragraph should be indented.

noun
1 ~ (for sth) (business) (especially BrE) an official order for goods or equipment
2 = INDENTATION

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in.den.ta.tion
noun
1 [C] a cut or mark on the edge or surface of sth: The horse’s hooves left deep indentations in the mud.
2 (also in.dent) [C] a space left at the beginning of a line of print or writing
3 [U] the action of indenting sth or the process of being indented
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in.dented
adj. (of an edge or a surface) an indented edge is not even, because parts of it are missing or have been cut away: an indented coastline
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in.den.ture
noun a type of contract in the past that forced a servant or APPRENTICE to work for their employer for a particular period of time
in.den.tured adj.
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in.de.pend.ence
noun [U]
1 ~ (from sb/sth) (of a country) freedom from political control by other countries: Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898.
2 the time when a country became politically independent: independence celebrations  the first elections since independence
3 the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people: He values his independence.  a woman’s financial independence
OPP DEPENDENCE
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Inde'pendence Day
noun [U, C] 4 July, celebrated in the US as the anniversary of the day in 1776 when the Americans DECLARED themselves independent of Britain—see also THE FOURTH OF JULY
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in.de.pend.ent
adj., noun
adj.
COUNTRY|
1 ~ (from / of sth) (of countries) having their own government: Mozambique became independent in 1975.
SEPARATE|
2 done or given by sb who is not involved in a situation and so is able to judge it fairly: an independent inquiry / witness  She went to a lawyer for some independent advice.
3 ~ (of sb/sth) not connected with or influenced by sth; not connected with each other: The police force should be independent of direct government control.  Two independent research bodies reached the same conclusions.
ORGANIZATION|
4 supported by private money rather than government money: independent television / schools  the independent sector
PERSON|
5 ~ (of sb/sth) confident and free to do things without needing help from other people: Going away to college has made me much more independent.  She’s a very independent-minded young woman.  Students should aim to become more independent of their teachers.
6 ~ (of sb/sth) having or earning enough money so that you do not have to rely on sb else for help: It was important to me to be financially independent of my parents.  a man of independent means (= with a private income)
POLITICIAN|
7 not representing or belonging to a particular political party: an independent candidate
in.de.pend.ent.ly adv.~ (of sb/sth): The two departments work independently of each other.  It was the first time that she had lived independently.

noun (abbr. Ind.) a member of parliament, candidate , etc. who does not belong to a particular political party

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inde,pendent 'school
noun = PRIVATE SCHOOL
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,in-'depth
adj. [usually before noun] very thorough and detailed: an in-depth discussion / study  We will be providing in-depth coverage of the election as the results come in.—see also DEPTH
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in.des.crib.able
adj. so extreme or unusual it is almost impossible to describe: The pain was indescribable.  I felt a sense of indescribable relief.
in.des.crib.ably adv.: indescribably beautiful / boring
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in.des.truct.ible
adj. that is very strong and cannot easily be destroyed: plastic containers that are virtually indestructible  an indestructible bond of friendship
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in.de.ter.min.ate
adj. that cannot be identified easily or exactly: Her eyes were an indeterminate colour.  She was a tall woman of indeterminate age.
in.de.ter.min.acy noun [U]
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index
noun, verb
noun
1 (pl.in.dexes) a list of names or topics that are referred to in a book, etc., usually arranged at the end of a book in alphabetical order or listed in a separate file or book: Look it up in the index.  Author and subject indexes are available on a library database.
2 (BrE) = CARD INDEX
3 (pl.in.dexes or in.dices) a system that shows the level of prices and wages, etc. so that they can be compared with those of a previous date: the cost-of-living index  The Dow Jones index fell 15 points this morning.  stockmarket indices  house price indexes
4 (pl.in.dices) a sign or MEASURE that sth else can be judged by: The number of new houses being built is a good index of a country’s prosperity.
5 (usually indices [pl.]) (mathematics) the small number written above a larger number to show how many times that number must be multiplied by itself. In the EQUATION 4² = 16, the number 2 is an index .

verb [vn]
1 to make an index of documents, the contents of a book, etc.; to add sth to a list of this type: All publications are indexed by subject and title.
2 [usually passive] ~ sth (to sth) to link wages, etc. to the level of prices of food, clothing, etc. so that they both increase at the same rate

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in.dex.ation
noun [U] the linking of increases in wages, etc. to increases in prices
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'index card
noun a small card that you can write information on and keep with other cards in a box or file—see also CARD INDEX —picture at STATIONERY
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'index finger
(also 'first finger) noun the finger next to the thumb
SYN FOREFINGER —picture at BODY
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,index-'linked
adj. (BrE ) (of wages, etc.) rising in value according to increases in the cost of living
,index-'linking noun [U]
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In.dian
noun
1 a person from India
2 (old-fashioned, offensive) = NATIVE AMERICAN
In.dian adj.
IDM see CHIEF n. , FILE n.
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,Indian 'corn
noun [U] (especially AmE ) a type of MAIZE with large brown and yellow grains, not usually eaten but sometimes used to make decorations, for example at Thanksgiving
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,Indian 'summer
noun
1 a period of dry warm weather in the autumn/fall
2 a pleasant period of success or improvement, especially later in sb’s life: As a player, he’s experiencing something of an Indian summer.
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in.di.cate
verb
SHOW|
1 to show that sth is true or exists: [vn] Record profits in the retail market indicate a boom in the economy.  [v that] Research indicates that eating habits are changing fast.  [v] Kingston-upon-Thames, as the name indicates, is situated on the banks of the Thames. [alsov wh-]
SUGGEST|
2 to be a sign of sth; to show that sth is possible or likely: [vn] A red sky at night often indicates fine weather the next day.  [v that] Early results indicate that the government will be returned to power.
MENTION|
3 ~ sth (to sb) to mention sth, especially in an indirect way: [v (that)] In a key speech, the Queen indicated (that) she was willing to pay tax.  [vn] During our meeting, he indicated his willingness to cooperate. [alsov wh-]
POINT TO|
4 ~ sb/sth (to sb) to make sb notice sb/sth, especially by pointing or moving your head: [vn] She took out a map and indicated the quickest route to us.  [v wh-] He indicated where the furniture was to go. [alsov that]
GIVE INFORMATION|
5 [vn] to represent information without using words: The results are indicated in Table 2.
6 to give information in writing: [vn] You are allowed 20kgs of baggage unless indicated otherwise on your ticket.  [v wh-] Please indicate clearly which colour you require.
SHOW MEASUREMENT|
7 (of an instrument for measuring things) to show a particular measurement: [vn] When the temperature gauge indicates 90°F or more, turn off the engine. [alsov wh-]
IN VEHICLE|
8 (BrE ) to show that your vehicle is going to change direction, by using lights or your arm: [v] Always indicate before moving into another lane.  [vn] He indicated left and then turned right. [alsov (that)]
BE RECOMMENDED|
9 [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to be necessary or recommended: A course of chemotherapy was indicated.
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in.di.ca.tion
noun [C, U] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) a remark or sign that shows that sth is happening or what sb is thinking or feeling: They gave no indication of how the work should be done.  There are clear indications that the economy is improving.  All the indications are that the deal will go ahead as planned.  He shows every indication (= clear signs) of wanting to accept the post.
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in.di.ca.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (of sth) (formal) showing or suggesting sth: Their failure to act is indicative of their lack of interest.
2 [only before noun] (grammar) stating a fact

noun (the indicative) [sing.] (grammar ) the form of a verb that states a fact: In ‘Ben likes school’, the verb ‘like’ is in the indicative.

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in.di.ca.tor
noun
1 a sign that shows you what sth is like or how a situation is changing: The economic indicators for the end of the year are better than expected.
2 a device on a machine that shows speed, pressure, etc: a depth indicator
3 (BrE) (AmE 'turn signal) (also informal blink.erAmE, BrE) a light on a vehicle that flashes to show that the vehicle is going to turn left or right—picture at CAR
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in.dices
pl. of INDEX
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in.dict
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) (especially AmE, law ) to officially charge sb with a crime: The senator was indicted for murder.
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in.dict.able
adj. (especially AmE, law )
1 (of a crime) for which you can be indicted : an indictable offense
2 (of a person) able to be indicted
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in.dict.ment
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of / on sb/sth) a sign that a system, society, etc. is very bad or very wrong: The poverty in our cities is a damning indictment of modern society.
2 [C] (especially AmE) a written statement accusing sb of a crime
3 [U] (especially AmE) the act of officially accusing sb of a crime: This led to his indictment on allegations of conspiracy.
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indie
adj. used to describe popular music played by bands that are new and not well known, that is produced by small independent companies: an indie band / label
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in.dif.fer.ence
noun [U, sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a lack of interest, feeling or reaction towards sb/sth: his total indifference to what people thought of him  What she said is a matter of complete indifference to me.  Their father treated them with indifference.  an indifference to the needs of others
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in.dif.fer.ent
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) having or showing no interest in sb/sth: The government cannot afford to be indifferent to public opinion.
2 not very good
SYN MEDIOCRE : an indifferent meal / performance  The festival has the usual mixture of films—good, bad and indifferent.
in.dif.fer.ent.ly adv.: He shrugged indifferently.
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in.di.gen.ous
adj. ~ (to … ) (formal) belonging to a particular place rather than coming to it from somewhere else
SYN NATIVE : the indigenous peoples / languages of the area  The kangaroo is indigenous to Australia.
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in.di.gent
adj. [usually before noun] (rare, formal) very poor
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in.di.gest.ible
adj.
1 (of food) that cannot easily be DIGESTED in the stomach: an indigestible meal
2 (of facts, information, etc.) difficult to understand, and presented in a complicated way: an indigestible amount of data
OPP DIGESTIBLE
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in.di.ges.tion
noun [U] pain caused by difficulty in DIGESTING food
SYN DYSPEPSIA
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in.dig.nant
adj. ~ (at / about sth)| ~ (that … ) feeling or showing anger and surprise because you think that you have been treated unfairly: an indignant letter / look  She was very indignant at the way she had been treated.  They were indignant that they hadn’t been invited.
in.dig.nant.ly adv.: ‘I’m certainly not asking him!’ she retorted indignantly.
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in.dig.na.tion
noun [U] ~ (at / about sth)| ~ (that … ) a feeling of anger and surprise caused by sth that you think is unfair or unreasonable: a storm / chorus of public indignation at the rise in train fares  to arouse sb’s indignation  Some benefits apply only to men, much to the indignation of working women.  to be full of righteous indignation (= the belief that you are right to be angry even though other people do not agree)
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in.dig.nity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) ~ (of sth / of doing sth) a situation that makes you feel embarrassed or ashamed because you are not treated with respect; an act that causes these feelings HUMILIATION : The chairman suffered the indignity of being refused admission to the meeting.  the daily indignities of imprisonment
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in.digo
adj. very dark blue in colour: an indigo sky
in.digo noun [U]
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in.dir.ect
adj. [usually before noun]
1 happening not as the main aim, cause or result of a particular action, but in addition to it: the indirect effects of the war  to find something out by indirect methods  The building collapsed as an indirect result of the heavy rain and storms.  There would be some benefit, however indirect, to the state.
2 avoiding saying sth in a clear and obvious way: an indirect attack / comment
3 not going in a straight line: an indirect route
OPP DIRECT
in.dir.ect.ly adv.: The new law will affect us all, directly or indirectly.
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,indirect 'object
noun (grammar ) a noun, noun phrase or pronoun in a sentence, used after some verbs, that refers to the person or thing that an action is done to or for: In ‘Give him the money’, ‘him’ is the indirect object and ‘money’ is the direct object.
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,indirect 'question
(also re,ported 'question) noun (grammar ) a question in REPORTED SPEECH , for example She asked where I was going.
HELP Do not put a question mark after an indirect question.
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,indirect 'speech
noun [U] (grammar ) = REPORTED SPEECH —compare DIRECT SPEECH
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,indirect 'tax
noun [C, U] a tax that is paid as an amount added to the price of goods and services and not paid directly to the government—compare DIRECT TAX
,indirect ta'xation noun [U]
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in.dis.cern.ible
adj. that cannot be seen, heard or understood: The differences are almost indiscernible.
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in.dis.cip.line
noun [U] (formal) a lack of control in the behaviour of a group of people: The report identifies the causes of violence and indiscipline in schools.
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in.dis.creet
adj. not careful about what you say or do, especially when this embarrasses or offends sb: an indiscreet comment  It was indiscreet of him to disclose that information.
OPP DISCREET
in.dis.creet.ly adv.
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in.dis.cre.tion
noun
1 [C] an act or remark that is indiscreet , especially one that is not morally acceptable: political / youthful indiscretions
2 [U] the act of saying or doing sth without thinking about the effect it may have, especially when this embarrasses or offends sb: He talked to the press in a moment of indiscretion.—compare DISCRETION
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in.dis.crim.in.ate
adj.
1 an indiscriminate action is done without thought about what the result may be, especially when it causes people to be harmed: indiscriminate attacks on motorists by youths throwing stones  Doctors have been criticized for their indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
2 acting without careful judgement: She’s always been indiscriminate in her choice of friends.
in.dis.crim.in.ate.ly adv.: The soldiers fired indiscriminately into the crowd.
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in.dis.pens.able
adj. ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) essential; too important to be without: Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives.  She made herself indispensable to the department.  A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language.
OPP DISPENSABLE
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in.dis.posed
adj. (formal)
1 [not usually before noun] unable to do sth because you are ill, or for a reason you do not want to give UNWELL : She cannot perform tonight as she is indisposed.
2 [not before noun] ~ to do sth not willing to do sth
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in.dis.pos.ition
noun [C, U] (formal) a slight illness that makes you unable to do sth
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in.dis.put.able
adj. that is true and cannot be disagreed with or DENIED
SYN UNDENIABLE : indisputable evidence  an indisputable fact  It is indisputable that the crime rate has been rising.—compare DISPUTABLE
in.dis.put.ably adv.: This painting is indisputably one of his finest works.
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in.dis.sol.uble
adj. (formal) (of a relationship) that cannot be ended: an indissoluble friendship
in.dis.sol.ubly adv.: indissolubly linked
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in.dis.tinct
adj. that cannot be seen, heard or remembered clearly
SYN VAGUE , HAZY : an indistinct figure in the distance  His memory of the incident was somewhat indistinct.
in.dis.tinct.ly adv.
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in.dis.tin.guish.able
adj.
1 ~ (from sth) if two things are indistinguishable, or one is indistinguishable from the other, it is impossible to see any differences between them: The male of the species is almost indistinguishable from the female.
2 not clear; not able to be clearly identified: His words were indistinguishable.
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in.di.vid.ual
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] (often used after each) considered separately rather than as part of a group: We interviewed each individual member of the community.  The minister refused to comment on individual cases.
2 [only before noun] connected with one person; designed for one person: respect for individual freedom  an individual pizza
3 (usually approving) typical of one particular person or thing in a way that is different from others
SYN ORIGINAL : a highly individual style of dress

noun
1 a person considered separately rather than as part of a group: The competition is open to both teams and individuals.  Treatment depends on the individual involved.  donations from private individuals (= ordinary people rather than companies, the government, etc.)
2 a person who is original and very different from others: She’s grown into quite an individual.
3 (informal, usually disapproving) a person of a particular type, especially a strange one: an odd-looking individual  So this individual came up and demanded money.

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in.di.vidu.al.ism
noun [U]
1 the quality of being different from other people and doing things in your own way: She owes her success to her individualism and flair.
2 the belief that individual people in society should have the right to make their own decisions, etc., rather than be controlled by the government: Capitalism stresses innovation, competition and individualism.
in.di.vidu.al.ist noun: She’s a complete individualist in her art.
in.di.vidu.al.is.tic (also in.di.vidu.al.ist) adj.: an individualistic culture  His music is highly individualistic and may not appeal to everyone.
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in.di.vidu.al.ity
noun [U] the qualities that make sb/sth different from other people or things: She expresses her individuality through her clothes.
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in.di.vidu.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written) to make sth different to suit the needs of a particular person, place, etc: to individualize children’s learning
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in.di.vidu.al.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. designed for a particular person or thing; connected with a particular person or thing: individualized teaching  a highly individualized approach to management
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in.di.vidu.al.ly
adv. separately, rather than as a group: individually wrapped chocolates  The manager spoke to them all individually.  The hotel has 100 individually designed bedrooms.
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in.di.vis.ible
adj. that cannot be divided into separate parts
OPP DIVISIBLE
in.di.vis.ibil.ity noun [U]
in.di.vis.ibly adv.
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Indo-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) Indian: the Indo-Pakistan border
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in.doc.trin.ate
verb (disapproving) to force sb to accept a particular belief or set of beliefs and not allow them to consider any others: [vn] They had been indoctrinated from an early age with their parents' beliefs. [alsovn to inf]
in.doc.trin.ation noun [U]: political / religious indoctrination
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,Indo-,Euro'pean
adj. of or connected with the family of languages spoken in most of Europe and parts of western Asia (including English, French, Latin, Greek, Swedish, Russian and Hindi)
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in.do.lent
adj. (formal) lazy; not wanting to work
in.do.lence noun [U]
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in.dom.it.able
adj. (formal, approving) not willing to accept defeat, even in a difficult situation; very brave and determined: an indomitable spirit  an indomitable campaigner for human rights
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in.door
adj. [only before noun] situated, done or used inside a building: an indoor swimming pool  indoor games  the world indoor 200 metres champion OUTDOOR
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in.doors
adv. inside or into a building: to go / stay indoors  Many herbs can be grown indoors.
OPP OUTDOORS
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in.drawn
adj. (literary) indrawn breath is air that sb breathes in suddenly and quickly, expressing surprise or shock
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in.dub.it.ably
adv. (formal) in a way that cannot be doubted; without question
SYN UNDOUBTEDLY : He was, indubitably, the most suitable candidate.
in.dub.it.able adj.: indubitable proof
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in.duce
verb
1 [vn to inf] (formal) to persuade or influence sb to do sth: Nothing would induce me to take the job.
2 [vn] (formal) to cause sth: drugs which induce sleep  a drug-induced coma
3 [vn] (medical) to make a woman start giving birth to her baby by giving her special drugs: an induced labour  We’ll have to induce her.
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in.duce.ment
noun [C, U] ~ (to sb) (to do sth) something that is given to sb to persuade them to do sth
SYN INCENTIVE : financial inducements to mothers to stay at home  There is little inducement for them to work harder.  Government officials have been accused of accepting inducements (= BRIBES ) from local businessmen.
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in.duct
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (into sth) (as sth) (formal)
1 to formally give sb a job or position of authority, especially as part of a ceremony
2 to officially introduce sb into a group or an organization, especially the army
3 to introduce sb to a particular area of knowledge: They were inducted into the skills of magic.
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in.duct.ee
noun (especially AmE ) a person who is being, or who has just been, introduced into a special group of people, especially sb who has just joined the army
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in.duc.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (into sth) the process of introducing sb to a new job, skill, organization, etc.; a ceremony at which this takes place: induction into the local business community  The induction of new students will take place in the main hall.
2 [U, C] the act of making a pregnant woman start to give birth, using artificial means such as a special drug
3 [U] (technical) a method of discovering general rules and principles from particular facts and examples—compare DEDUCTION
4 [U] (technical) the process by which electricity or MAGNETISM passes from one object to another without them touching
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in'duction course
noun (BrE ) a training course for new employees, students, etc. that is designed to give them a general introduction to the business, school, etc.
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in'duction loop
noun a system in theatres, etc., which helps people who cannot hear well. A ring of wire around the room produces a signal that can be received directly by HEARING AIDS .
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in.duct.ive
adj. (technical )
1 using particular facts and examples to form general rules and principles: an inductive argument  inductive reasoning—compare DEDUCTIVE
2 connected with the INDUCTION of electricity
in.duct.ive.ly adv.: a theory derived inductively from the data
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in.dulge
verb
1 ~ in sth| ~ yourself (with sth) to allow yourself to have or do sth that you like, especially sth that is considered bad for you: [v] They went into town to indulge in some serious shopping.  [vn] I indulged myself with a long hot bath.
2 [vn] to satisfy a particular desire, interest, etc: The inheritance enabled him to indulge his passion for art.
3 [vn] ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sth to be too generous in allowing sb to have or do whatever they like: She did not believe in indulging the children with presents.  Her father had always indulged her every whim .
4 [v] ~ in sth to take part in an activity, especially one that is illegal
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in.dul.gence
noun
1 [U] (usually disapproving) the state or act of having or doing whatever you want; the state of allowing sb to have or do whatever they want: to lead a life of indulgence  Avoid excessive indulgence in sweets and canned drinks.  There is no limit to the indulgence he shows to his grandchildren.
2 [C] something that you allow yourself to have even though it is not essential: The holiday was an extravagant indulgence.—see also SELF-INDULGENCE
3 [U] (formal) willingness to ignore the weaknesses in sb/sth
SYN PATIENCE : They begged the audience’s indulgence.
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in.dul.gent
adj.
1 (usually disapproving) tending to allow sb to have or do whatever they want: indulgent parents  an indulgent smile  Mothers tend to be less indulgent towards daughters.—see also SELF-INDULGENT
2 willing or too willing to ignore the weaknesses in sb/sth
SYN PATIENT : to take an indulgent view of sth
in.dul.gent.ly adv.: to laugh indulgently
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in.dus.trial
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with industry: industrial conflict / disputes / unrest  industrial development / production / output  an industrial accident
2 used by industries: industrial chemicals  industrial-strength cleaning fluid
3 having many industries: an industrial area / town  an industrial society / economy  the world’s leading industrial nations
in.dus.tri.al.ly adv.: industrially advanced countries
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in,dustrial 'action
noun [U] (especially BrE ) action that workers take, especially stopping work, to protest to their employers about sth
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in,dustrial archae'ology
noun [U] the study of machines, factories, bridges, etc. used in the past in industry
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in,dustrial 'arts
(also shop, 'shop class) noun [U] (AmE ) a school subject in which students learn to make things from wood and metal using tools and machines
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in,dustrial e'state
(BrE ) (AmE in,dustrial 'park) noun an area especially for factories, on the edge of a town—compare TRADING ESTATE
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in.dus.tri.al.ism
noun [U] (technical ) an economic and social system based on industry
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in.dus.tri.al.ist
noun a person who owns or runs a large factory or industrial company
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in.dus.tri.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb if a country or an area is industrialized or if it industrializes, industries are developed there: [v] The southern part of the country was slow to industrialize. [alsovn]
in.dus.tri.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the rapid industrialization of Japan
in.dus.tri.al.ized , -isedadj.: an industrialized country
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in,dustrial re'lations
noun [pl.] relations between employers and employees
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the In,dustrial Revo'lution
noun [sing.] the period in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and the US when machines began to be used to do work, and industry grew rapidly
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in,dustrial tri'bunal
noun (BrE ) a type of court that can decide on disputes between employees and employers
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in.dus.tri.ous
adj. (approving) working hard; busy
SYN HARD-WORKING : an industrious student
in.dus.tri.ous.ly adv.
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in.dus.try
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the production of goods from raw materials, especially in factories: heavy / light industry  the needs of British industry  She got a job in industry.
2 [C] the people and activities involved in producing a particular thing, or in providing a particular service: the steel industry  the catering / tourist industry  We need to develop local industries.   (figurative, disapproving) the Madonna industry (= the large number of people involved in making Madonna successful)—see also CAPTAIN OF INDUSTRY , COTTAGE INDUSTRY , HEAVY INDUSTRY
3 [U] (formal) the quality of working hard: We were impressed by their industry.
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in.ebri.ated
adj. (formal or humorous) drunk
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in.ed.ible
adj. that you cannot eat because it is of poor quality, or poisonous; not edible : The waiters were rude, the food inedible.
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in.effable
adj. (rare, formal) too great or beautiful to describe in words: ineffable joy
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in.ef.fect.ive
adj. ~ (in doing sth) not achieving what you want to achieve; not having any effect: The new drug was ineffective.  ineffective management  The law proved ineffective in dealing with the problem.
OPP EFFECTIVE
in.ef.fect.ive.ness noun [U]: the ineffectiveness of western medicine in treating this illness
in.ef.fect.ive.ly adv.
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in.ef.fec.tual
adj. (written) without the ability to achieve much; weak; not achieving what you want to: an ineffectual teacher  an ineffectual attempt to reform the law
in.ef.fec.tu.al.ly adv.
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in.ef.fi.cient
adj. not doing a job well and not making the best use of time, money, energy, etc: an inefficient heating system  inefficient government  an extremely inefficient secretary  inefficient use of time and energy
OPP EFFICIENT
in.ef.fi.ciency noun [U, C] (pl.-ies): waste and inefficiency in government  inefficiencies in the system
in.ef.fi.cient.ly adv.
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in.ele.gant
adj. not attractive or graceful: an inelegant fall  an inelegant phrase
in.ele.gant.ly adv.
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in.eli.gible
adj. ~ (for sth / to do sth) not having the necessary qualifications to have or to do sth: ineligible for financial assistance  ineligible to vote
OPP ELIGIBLE
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in.eluct.able
adj. (rare, formal) that you cannot avoid: the ineluctable signs of ageing
in.eluct.ably adv.
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inept
adj. acting or done with no skill: She was left feeling inept and inadequate.  an inept remark
in.ept.ly adv.
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in.epti.tude
noun [U] lack of skill: the ineptitude of the police in handling the situation
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in.equal.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) the unfair difference between groups of people in society, when some have more wealth, status or opportunities than others: inequality of opportunity  economic inequalities between different areas  racial inequality
OPP EQUALITY
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in.equit.able
adj. (formal) not fair; not the same for everyone: inequitable distribution of wealth
OPP EQUITABLE
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in.equity
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (formal) something that is unfair; the state of being unfair: a victim of the inequities of / in the legal system
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in.erad.ic.able
adj. (formal) (of a quality or situation) that cannot be removed or changed: The slave trade had an ineradicable effect on world history.
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inert
adj.
1 (formal) without power to move or act: He lay inert with half-closed eyes.  The president has to operate within an inert political system.
2 (technical) without active chemical or other PROPERTIES (= characteristics): inert gases
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in.er.tia
noun [U]
1 (usually disapproving) lack of energy; lack of desire or ability to move or change: I can’t seem to throw off this feeling of inertia.  the forces of institutional inertia in the school system
2 (physics) a PROPERTY (= characteristic) of MATTER (= a substance) by which it stays still or, if moving, continues moving in a straight line unless it is acted on by a force outside itself
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in.er.tial
adj. (technical ) connected with or caused by inertia
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in.escap.able
adj. (of a fact or a situation) that you cannot avoid or ignore: an inescapable fact  This leads to the inescapable conclusion that the two things are connected.
in.escap.ably adv.
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in.es.sen.tial
adj. not necessary: inessential luxuries
in.es.sen.tial noun: Few people had spare cash for inessentials.—compare ESSENTIAL , NON-ESSENTIAL
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in.estim.able
adj. (formal) too great to calculate: The information he provided was of inestimable value .
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in.ev.it.able
adj.
1 that you cannot avoid or prevent: It was an inevitable consequence of the decision.  It was inevitable that there would be job losses.  A rise in the interest rates seems inevitable.
2 [only before noun] (often humorous) so frequent that you always expect it: the English and their inevitable cups of tea
3 (the inevitable) noun [sing.] something that is certain to happen: You have to accept the inevitable.  The inevitable happened—I forgot my passport.
in.ev.it.abil.ity noun [U, sing.]: the inevitability of death  There was an inevitability about their defeat.
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in.ev.it.ably
adv.
1 as is certain to happen: Inevitably, the press exaggerated the story.
2 (often humorous) as you would expect: Inevitably, it rained on the day of the wedding.
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in.exact
adj. not accurate or exact: an inexact description  Economics is an inexact science.
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in.ex.cus.able
adj. too bad to accept or forgive: inexcusable rudeness
OPP EXCUSABLE
in.ex.cus.ably adv.
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in.ex.haust.ible
adj. that cannot be EXHAUSTED (= finished); very great: an inexhaustible supply of good jokes  Her energy is inexhaustible.
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in.ex.or.able
adj. (formal) (of a process) that cannot be stopped or changed: the inexorable rise of crime
in.ex.or.ably adv.: events leading inexorably towards a crisis
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in.ex.pen.sive
adj. not costing a lot of money: a relatively inexpensive hotel
OPP EXPENSIVE
in.ex.pen.sive.ly adv.
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in.ex.peri.ence
noun [U] lack of knowledge and experience: His mistake was due to youth and inexperience.
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in.ex.peri.enced
adj. having little knowledge or experience of sth: inexperienced drivers / staff  inexperienced in modern methods  a child too young and inexperienced to recognize danger
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in.ex.pert
adj. without much skill—compare EXPERT : an inexpert dancer
in.ex.pert.ly adv.
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in.ex.plic.able
adj. that cannot be understood or explained
SYN INCOMPREHENSIBLE : inexplicable behaviour  For some inexplicable reason he gave up a fantastic job.
OPP EXPLICABLE
in.ex.plic.ably adv.: inexplicably delayed / absent  She inexplicably withdrew the offer.
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in.ex.press.ible
adj. (of feelings) too strong to be put into words: inexpressible relief / joy
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in ex.tre.mis
adv. (from Latin , formal)
1 in a very difficult situation when very strong action is needed
2 at the moment of death
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in.ex.tric.able
adj. (formal) too closely linked to be separated: Knowledge and economic power have become inextricable.  an inextricable connection between the past and the present
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in.ex.tric.ably
adv. if two things are inextricably linked, etc., it is impossible to separate them: Europe’s foreign policy is inextricably linked with that of the US.  She had become inextricably involved in the campaign.
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in.fal.lible
adj.
1 never wrong; never making mistakes: infallible advice  Doctors are not infallible.
OPP FALLIBLE
2 that never fails; always doing what it is supposed to do: an infallible method of memorizing things
in.fal.li.bil.ity noun [U]: his belief in the infallibility of dreams as a guide to the future  papal infallibility
in.fal.libly adv.
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in.fam.ous
adj. (formal) well known for being bad or evil
SYN NOTORIOUS : a general who was infamous for his brutality  the most infamous concentration camp   (humorous) the infamous British sandwich—compare FAMOUS
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in.famy
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the state of being well known for sth bad or evil: a day that will live in infamy
2 [U, C] evil behaviour; an evil act: scenes of horror and infamy
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in.fancy
noun [U]
1 the time when a child is a baby or very young: to die in infancy
2 the early development of sth: a time when the cinema was still in its infancy
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in.fant
noun, adj.
noun
1 (formal ortechnical) a baby or very young child: a nursery for infants under two  their infant son  She was seriously ill as an infant.  the infant mortality rate  Mozart was an infant prodigy (= a child with unusual ability).
HELP In AmEinfant is only used for a baby, especially a very young one.
2 (in British and Australian education) a child at school between the ages of four and seven: an infant school  infant teachers  I’ve known her since we were in the infants (= at infant school).

adj. [only before noun]
1 designed to be used by infants : infant formula (= milk for babies)
2 new and not yet developed: infant industries

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in.fanti.cide
noun (formal)
1 [U, C] the crime of killing a baby; a person who is guilty of this crime
2 [U] (in some cultures) the practice of killing babies that are not wanted, for example because they are girls and not boys
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in.fant.ile
adj.
1 (disapproving) typical of a small child (and therefore not suitable for adults or older children)
SYN CHILDISH : infantile jokes
2 [only before noun] (formal ortechnical) connected with babies or very young children
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in.fan.try
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] soldiers who fight on foot: infantry units  The infantry was / were guarding the bridge.
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in.fan.try.man
noun (pl.-men ) a soldier who fights on foot
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in.fatu.ated
adj. ~ (with sb/sth) having a very strong feeling of love or attraction for sb/sth so that you cannot think clearly and in a sensible way: She was completely infatuated with him.
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in.fatu.ation
noun [C, U] ~ (with / for sb/sth) very strong feelings of love or attraction for sb/sth, especially when these are unreasonable and do not last long: It isn’t love, it’s just a passing infatuation.
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in.fect
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth)
1 to make a disease or an illness spread to a person, an animal or a plant: It is not possible to infect another person through kissing.  people infected with HIV
2 [usually passive] to make a substance contain harmful bacteria that can spread disease
SYN CONTAMINATE : eggs infected with salmonella
3 to make sb share a particular feeling: She infected the children with her enthusiasm for music.
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in.fected
adj. containing harmful bacteria: The wound from the dog bite had become infected.  an infected water supply
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in.fec.tion
noun
1 [U] the act or process of causing or getting a disease: to be exposed to infection  to increase the risk of infection
2 [C] an illness that is caused by bacteria or a VIRUS and that affects one part of the body: an ear / throat infection  to pass on / spread an infection—compare CONTAGION
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in.fec.tious
adj.
1 an infectious disease can be passed easily from one person to another, especially through the air they breathe: Flu is highly infectious.   (figurative) infectious laughter
2 [not usually before noun] if a person or an animal is infectious, they have a disease that can be spread to others: I’m still infectious.—compare CONTAGIOUS
in.fec.tious.ly adv.: to laugh infectiously
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infer
verb (-rr-)
1 ~ sth (from sth) to reach an opinion or decide that sth is true on the basis of information that is available
SYN DEDUCE : [vn] Much of the meaning must be inferred from the context.  [v that] It is reasonable to infer that the government knew about these deals.
2 (non-standard) to suggest indirectly that sth is true: [v (that)] Are you inferring (that) I’m not capable of doing the job? [alsovn]
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in.fer.ence
noun
1 [C] something that you can find out indirectly from what you already know: to draw / make inferences from the data  The clear inference is that the universe is expanding.
2 [U] the act or process of forming an opinion, based on what you already know: If he is guilty then, by inference , so is his wife (= it is logical to think so, from the same evidence).
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in.fer.ior
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) not as good as sb/sth else: of inferior quality  inferior goods / workmanship  to make sb feel inferior  Modern music is often considered inferior to that of the past.
2 [usually before noun] (formal) of lower rank; lower: an inferior officer / court
OPP SUPERIOR

noun a person who is not as good as sb else; a person who is lower in rank or status

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in.fer.ior.ity
noun [U] the state of not being as good as sb/sth else: a sense of inferiority  social inferiority
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inferi'ority complex
noun a feeling that you are not as good, as important or as intelligent as other people: She has always had an inferiority complex about her looks.
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in.fer.nal
adj.
1 [only before noun] (old-fashioned) extremely annoying: Stop that infernal noise!
2 connected with HELL ; terrible: the infernal regions
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in.ferno
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-os) a very large dangerous fire that is out of control: a blazing / raging inferno
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in.fer.tile
adj.
1 (of people, animals and plants) not able to have babies or produce young: an infertile couple
2 (of land) not able to produce good crops
OPP FERTILE
in.fer.til.ity noun [U]: an infertility clinic  infertility treatment for couples
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in.fest
verb [vn] [usually passive] (especially of insects or animals such as rats) to exist in large numbers in a particular place, often causing damage or disease: shark-infested waters  The kitchen was infested with ants.
in.festa.tion noun [C, U]: an infestation of lice
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in.fi.del
noun (old use) an offensive way of referring to sb who does not believe in what the speaker considers to be the true religion
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in.fi.del.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) the act of not being faithful to your wife, husband or partner, by having sex with sb else: marital infidelity  She could not forgive his infidelities.
OPP FIDELITY
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in.fight.ing
noun [U] arguments and disagreements between people in the same group who are competing for power: political infighting within the party
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in.fill
noun [U]
1 the filling in of a space with sth, especially the building of new houses in spaces between existing ones: infill development
2 the material used to fill in a space or a hole: gravel infill
in.fill verb [v, vn]
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in.fil.trate
verb
1 ~ (sb) (into sth) to enter or make sb enter a place or an organization secretly, especially in order to get information that can be used against it: [vn] The headquarters had been infiltrated by enemy spies.  Rebel forces were infiltrated into the country.  [v] The CIA agents successfully infiltrated into the terrorist organizations.
2 ~ (into) sth (technical ) (especially of liquids or gases) to pass slowly into sth: [v] Only a small amount of the rainwater actually infiltrates into the soil. [alsovn]
in.fil.tra.tion noun [U]: communist infiltration of the army  the infiltration of rain into the soil
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in.fil.tra.tor
noun a person who secretly becomes a member of a group or goes to a place, to get information or to influence the group
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in.fin.ite
adj., noun
adj.
1 very great; impossible to measure: an infinite variety of plants  a teacher with infinite patience   (ironic) The company in its infinite wisdom decided to close the staff restaurant (= they thought it was a good thing to do, but nobody else agreed).
2 without limits; without end: an infinite universe
OPP FINITE

noun [sing.]
1 (the infinite) something that has no end
2 (the Infinite) God

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in.fin.ite.ly
adv.
1 (used especially in comparisons) very much: Your English is infinitely better than my German.
2 extremely; with no limit: Human beings are infinitely adaptable.
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in.fini.tesi.mal
adj. (formal) extremely small: infinitesimal traces of poison  an infinitesimal risk
in.fini.tesi.mal.ly adv.
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in.fini.tive
noun (grammar ) the basic form of a verb such as be or run. In English, an infinitive is used by itself, as is swim in She can swim, or with to as in She likes to swim.
IDM see SPLIT v.
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in.fin.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (also in.fin.it.ies [pl.]) the state of having no end or limit: the infinity / infinities of space
2 [U] a point far away that can never be reached: The landscape seemed to stretch into infinity.
3 (symb∞) [U, C] (mathematics) a number larger than any other
4 [sing.] a large amount that is impossible to count: an infinity of stars
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in.firm
adj.
1 ill/sick and weak, especially over a long period or because of old age: to grow old and infirm
2 (the infirm) noun [pl.] people who are weak and ill/sick for a long period: care for the elderly and infirm
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in.firm.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (often used in names) a hospital
2 a special room in a school, prison, etc. for people who are ill/sick: the college infirmary
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in.firm.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) weakness or illness over a long period: We all fear disability or infirmity.  the infirmities of old age
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in.flame
verb [vn] (written)
1 to cause very strong feelings, especially anger or excitement, in a person or in a group of people: His comments have inflamed teachers all over the country.  Her defiance inflamed his jealousy yet further.
2 to make a situation worse or more difficult to deal with: The situation was further inflamed by the arrival of the security forces.
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in.flamed
adj.
1 (of a part of the body) red, sore and hot because of infection or injury: an inflamed and swollen finger
2 (of people, feelings, etc.) very angry or excited: an inflamed crowd  a man inflamed with jealousy
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in.flam.mable
adj.
1 (especially BrE) = FLAMMABLE : inflammable material
2 full of strong emotions or violence
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in.flam.ma.tion
noun [U, C] a condition in which a part of the body becomes red, sore and swollen because of infection or injury: inflammation of the ear  a cream to reduce the inflammation
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in.flam.ma.tory
adj.
1 (disapproving) intended to cause very strong feelings of anger: inflammatory remarks
2 (medical) causing or involving inflammation
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in.flat.able
adj., noun
adj. needing to be filled with air or gas before you use it: an inflatable dinghy / mattress

noun
1 an inflatable boat
2 a large object made of plastic or rubber and filled with air or gas, used for children to play on, or as an advertisement for sth

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in.flate
verb
1 to fill sth or become filled with gas or air: [vn] Inflate your life jacket by pulling sharply on the cord.  [v] The life jacket failed to inflate.
2 [vn] (written) to make sth appear to be more important or impressive than it really is: The media have grossly inflated the significance of this meeting.
3 (written) to increase in price; to increase the price of sth: [vn] The principal effect of the demand for new houses was to inflate prices.  [v] Food prices are no longer inflating at the same rate as last year.—compare DEFLATE , REFLATE
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in.flated
adj.
1 (especially of prices) higher than is acceptable or reasonable: inflated salaries / bills
2 (of ideas, claims, etc.) believing or claiming that sb/sth is more important or impressive than they really are: He has an inflated sense of his own importance.
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in.fla.tion
noun [U]
1 a general rise in the prices of services and goods in a particular country, resulting in a fall in the value of money; the rate at which this happens: the fight against rising inflation  to control / curb inflation  to reduce / bring down inflation  a high / low rate of inflation   an inflation rate of 3%  Wage increases must be in line with inflation.  Inflation is currently running at 3%.
2 the act or process of filling sth with air or gas: life jackets with an automatic inflation device
OPP DEFLATION
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in.fla.tion.ary
adj. [usually before noun] causing or connected with a general rise in the prices of services and goods: the inflationary effects of price rises  Our economy is in an inflationary spiral of wage and price increases (= a continuing situation in which an increase in one causes an increase in the other).
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in.flect
verb [v] (grammar ) if a word inflects, its ending or spelling changes according to its GRAMMATICAL function in a sentence; if a language inflects, it has words that do this
in.flect.ed adj. [usually before noun]: an inflected language / form / verb
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in.flec.tion
(also in.flex.ion especially in BrE) noun [C, U]
1 a change in the form of a word, especially the ending, according to its GRAMMATICAL function in a sentence
2 a change in how high or low your voice is as you are speaking: She spoke slowly and without inflection.
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in.flex.ible
adj.
1 (disapproving) that cannot be changed or made more suitable for a particular situation
SYN RIGID : an inflexible attitude / routine / system  The rules are too inflexible to allow for human error.
2 (disapproving) (of people or organizations) unwilling to change their opinions, decisions, etc., or the way they do things: He’s completely inflexible on the subject.
3 (of a material) difficult or impossible to bend
SYN STIFF
OPP FLEXIBLE
in.flex.ibil.ity noun [U]
in.flex.ibly adv.
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in.flict
verb [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to make sb/sth suffer sth unpleasant: They inflicted a humiliating defeat on the home team.  They surveyed the damage inflicted by the storm.  Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy.   (humorous) Do you have to inflict that music on us?
in.flic.tion noun [U]: the infliction of pain / harm / injury
PVR V in'flict yourself / sb on sb (often humorous) to force sb to spend time with you/sb when they do not want to: Sorry to inflict myself on you again like this!
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'in-flight
adj. [only before noun] provided or happening during a journey on a plane: an in-flight meal / movie  in-flight refuelling
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in.flow
noun
1 [C, U] the movement of a lot of money, people or things into a place from somewhere else
SYN INFLUX : inflows of capital from abroad  a steady inflow of refugees
2 [sing., U] the movement of a liquid or of air into a place from somewhere else: an inflow pipe
OPP OUTFLOW
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in.flu.ence
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the effect that sb/sth has on the way a person thinks or behaves or on the way that sth works or develops: to have / exert a strong influence on sb  the influence of the climate on agricultural production  What exactly is the influence of television on children?
2 [U] ~ (over sb/sth) the power that sb/sth has to make sb/sth behave in a particular way: Her parents no longer have any real influence over her.  She could probably exert her influence with the manager and get you a job.  He committed the crime under the influence of drugs.
3 [C] ~ (on sb/sth) somebody or something that affects the way a person behaves and thinks: cultural / environmental influences  Those friends are a bad influence on her.  His first music teacher was a major influence in his life.
IDM under the 'influence having had too much alcohol to drink: She was charged with driving under the influence.

verb
1 to have an effect on the way that sb behaves or thinks, especially by giving them an example to follow: [vn] His writings have influenced the lives of millions.  to be strongly / greatly / deeply influenced by sth  Don’t let me influence you either way.  [v wh-] The wording of questions can influence how people answer. [alsovn to inf]
2 to have an effect on a particular situation and the way that it develops: [vn] A number of social factors influence life expectancy. [alsov wh-]

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in.flu.en.tial
adj. ~ (in sth / in doing sth) having a lot of influence on sb/sth: a highly influential book  She is one of the most influential figures in local politics.  The committee was influential in formulating government policy on employment.
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in.flu.enza
noun [U] (formal) = FLU
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in.flux
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) (into … ) the fact of a lot of people, money or things arriving somewhere: a massive / sudden influx of visitors  the influx of wealth into the region
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info
noun
1 [U] (informal) information: Have you had any more info about the job yet?
2 (info-) (in nouns) connected with information: an infosheet  We send all potential clients an infopack.
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info.mer.cial
noun (especially AmE ) a long advertisement on television that tries to give a lot of information about a subject, so that it does not appear to be an advertisement
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in.form
verb
1 ~ sb (of / about sth) to tell sb about sth, especially in an official way: [vn] Please inform us of any changes of address.  [vn that] I have been reliably informed (= somebody I trust has told me) that the couple will marry next year.  [vn speech] ‘He’s already left,’ she informed us. [alsovn wh-]
2 [vn] ~ yourself (of / about sth) to find out information about sth: We need time to inform ourselves thoroughly of the problem.
3 [vn] (formal) to have an influence on sth: Religion informs every aspect of their lives.
PVR V in'form on sb to give information to the police or sb in authority about the illegal activities of sb: He informed on his own brother.
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in.for.mal
adj.
1 relaxed and friendly; not following strict rules of how to behave or do sth: an informal atmosphere  an informal arrangement / meeting / visit  Discussions are held on an informal basis within the department.
2 (of clothes) suitable for wearing at home or when relaxing rather than for a special or an official occasion
SYN CASUAL
3 (of language) suitable for normal conversation and writing to friends rather than for serious speech and letters: an informal expression / style—compare FORMAL , SLANG
in.for.mal.ity noun [U]
in.for.mal.ly adv.: They told me informally (= not officially) that I had got the job.  to dress informally
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in.form.ant
noun
1 a person who gives secret information about sb/sth to the police or a newspaper: a police / paid informant  The journalist refused to reveal the identity of his informant.
2 (technical) a person who gives sb information about sth, for example to help them with their research: His informants were middle-class professional women.
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in.for.ma.tion
(also informal info) noun [U]
1 ~ (on / about sb/sth) facts or details about sb/sth: a piece of information  a source of information  to provide / give / pass on information  to collect / gather / receive / obtain information  For further information on the diet, write to us at this address.  Our information is that the police will shortly make an arrest.  This leaflet is produced for the information of (= to inform) our customers.  an information desk / office
2 (AmE, informal) = DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES
in.for.ma.tion.al adj. [only before noun]: the informational content of a book  the informational role of the media
IDM for information 'only (written) written on documents that are sent to sb who needs to know the information in them but does not need to deal with them for your infor'mation
1 (abbr.FYI) = FOR INFORMATION ONLY
2 (informal) used to tell sb that they are wrong about sth: For your information, I don’t even have a car.—more at MINE n.
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infor,mation super'highway
(also super.high.way) noun (computing ) a large electronic NETWORK such as the Internet, used for sending information such as sound, pictures and video quickly in DIGITAL form
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infor,mation tech'nology
noun [U] (abbr. IT) the study or use of electronic equipment, especially computers, for storing, analysing and sending out information
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in.forma.tive
adj. giving useful information: The talk was both informative and entertaining.
OPP UNINFORMATIVE
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in.formed
adj. having or showing a lot of knowledge about a particular subject or situation: an informed critic  an informed choice / decision / guess / opinion  They are not fully informed about the changes.  Keep me informed of any developments.
OPP UNINFORMED —see also ILL-INFORMED , WELL INFORMED
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in.form.er
noun a criminal who gives information to the police about other criminals
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info.tain.ment
noun [U] television programmes, etc. that present news and serious subjects in an entertaining way
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infra-
prefix (in adjectives) below or beyond a particular limit: infrared—compare ULTRA-
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in.frac.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) an act of breaking a rule or law: minor infractions of EU regulations
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infra dig
adj. [not before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) considered to be below the standard of behaviour appropriate in a particular situation or to sb’s social position
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in.fra.red
adj. (physics ) having or using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves which are longer than those of red light in the SPECTRUM , and which cannot be seen: infrared radiation  an infrared lamp—compare ULTRAVIOLET
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in.fra.struc.ture
noun [C, U] the basic systems and services that are necessary for a country or an organization, for example buildings, transport, water and power supplies and administrative systems: economic / social / transport infrastructure
in.fra.struc.tural adj. [usually before noun]: infrastructural development
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in.fre.quent
adj. not happening often
SYN RARE : her infrequent visits home  Muggings are relatively infrequent in this area.
OPP FREQUENT
in.fre.quent.ly adv.: This happens not infrequently (= often).
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in.fringe
verb
1 [vn] (of an action, a plan, etc.) to break a law or rule: The material can be copied without infringing copyright.
2 ~ (on / upon) sth to limit sb’s legal rights: [vn] They said that compulsory identity cards would infringe civil liberties.  [v] She refused to answer questions that infringed on her private affairs.
in.fringe.ment noun [U, C]: copyright infringement  an infringement of liberty / rights
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in.furi.ate
verb to make sb extremely angry
SYN ENRAGE : [vn] Her silence infuriated him even more.  [vn that] It infuriates me that she was not found guilty. [alsovn to inf]
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in.furi.at.ing
adj. making you extremely angry: an infuriating child / delay  It is infuriating to talk to someone who just looks out of the window.
in.furi.at.ing.ly adv.: to smile infuriatingly  Infuriatingly, the shop had just closed.
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in.fuse
verb
1 [vn] ~ A into B| ~ B with A (formal) to make sb/sth have a particular quality: Her novels are infused with sadness.
2 [vn] (formal) to have an effect on all parts of sth: Politics infuses all aspects of our lives.
3 [v, vn] if you infuse herbs, etc. or they infuse, you put them in hot water until the flavour has passed into the water
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in.fu.sion
noun [C, U]
1 ~ of sth (into sth) (formal) the act of adding sth to sth else in order to make it stronger or more successful: a cash / capital infusion  an infusion of new talent into science education  The company needs an infusion of new blood (= new employees with new ideas).
2 a drink or medicine made by soaking herbs, etc. in hot water
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-ing
suffix used to make the present participle of regular verbs: hating  walking  loving
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in.geni.ous
adj.
1 (of an object, a plan, an idea, etc.) very suitable for a particular purpose and resulting from clever new ideas: an ingenious device / invention / experiment  ingenious ways of saving energy
2 (of a person) having a lot of clever new ideas and good at inventing things: an ingenious cook  She’s very ingenious when it comes to finding excuses.
in.geni.ous.ly adv.: ingeniously designed
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in.génue
noun (from French ) an innocent young woman, especially in a film/movie or play
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in.genu.ity
noun [U] the ability to invent things or solve problems in clever new ways: The problem tested the ingenuity of even the most imaginative students.
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in.genu.ous
adj. (formal, sometimes disapproving) honest, innocent and willing to trust people
SYN NAIVE : You’re too ingenuous.  an ingenuous smile  It is ingenuous to suppose that money did not play a part in his decision.—compare DISINGENUOUS
in.genu.ous.ly adv.
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in.gest
verb [vn] (technical ) to take food, drugs, etc. into your body, usually by swallowing
in.gest.ion noun [U]
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ingle.nook
noun a space at either side of a large FIREPLACE where you can sit
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in.glori.ous
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) causing feelings of shame: an inglorious chapter in the nation’s history—compare GLORIOUS
in.glori.ous.ly adv.
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ingot
noun a solid piece of metal, especially gold or silver, usually shaped like a brick
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in.grained
adj.
1 ~ (in sb/sth) (of a habit, an attitude, etc.) that has existed for a long time and is therefore difficult to change: ingrained prejudices  The belief that we should do our duty is deeply ingrained in most of us.
2 (of dirt) under the surface of sth and therefore difficult to get rid of
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in.grati.ate
verb [vn] [no passive] ~ yourself (with sb) (disapproving) to do things in order to make sb like you, especially sb who will be useful to you: The first part of his plan was to ingratiate himself with the members of the committee.
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in.grati.at.ing
adj. (disapproving) trying too hard to please sb: an ingratiating smile
in.grati.at.ing.ly adv.
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in.grati.tude
noun [U] the state of not feeling or showing that you are grateful for sth: Her help was met with ingratitude and unkindness.
OPP GRATITUDE
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in.gre.di.ent
noun ~ (of / in / for sth)
1 one of the things from which sth is made, especially one of the foods that are used together to make a particular dish: Coconut is a basic ingredient for many curries.  Our skin cream contains only natural ingredients.
2 one of the things or qualities that are necessary to make sth successful: the essential ingredients for success  It has all the ingredients of a good mystery story.
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in.gress
noun [U] (formal) the act of entering a place; the right to enter a place
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'in-group
noun (usually disapproving) a small group of people in an organization or a society whose members share the same interests, language, etc. and try to keep other people out
SYN CLIQUE
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in.grow.ing
(BrE ) (also ingrownAmE, BrE) adj. [only before noun] (of the nail of a toe) growing inwards into the skin
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in.habit
verb [vn] to live in a particular place: some of the rare species that inhabit the area  The island used to be inhabited (= have people living here).
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in.hab.it.ant
noun a person or an animal that lives in a particular place: the oldest inhabitant of the village  a town of 11 000 inhabitants
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in.hal.ant
noun a drug or medicine that you breathe in
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in.hale
verb to take air, smoke, gas, etc. into your lungs as you breathe
SYN BREATHE IN : [v] She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.  He inhaled deeply on another cigarette.  [vn] Local residents needed hospital treatment after inhaling fumes from the fire.
OPP EXHALE
in.hal.ation noun [U]: Hundreds of children were treated for smoke inhalation.
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in.haler
(also informal puff.er) noun a small device containing medicine that you breathe in through your mouth, used by people who have problems with breathing
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in.here
verb
PVR V in'here in sth (rare, formal) to be a natural part of sth: the meaning which inheres in words
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in.her.ent
adj. ~ (in sb/sth) that is a basic or permanent part of sb/sth and that cannot be removed
SYN INTRINSIC : the difficulties inherent in a study of this type  Violence is inherent in our society.  an inherent weakness in the design of the machine
in.her.ent.ly adv.: an inherently unworkable system
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in.herit
verb ~ (sth) (from sb)
1 to receive money, property, etc. from sb when they die: [vn] She inherited a fortune from her father. [alsov] —compare DISINHERIT
2 [vn] to have qualities, physical features, etc. that are similar to those of your parents, grandparents, etc: He has inherited his mother’s patience.  an inherited disease
3 [vn] if you inherit a particular situation from sb, you are now responsible for dealing with it, especially because you have replaced that person in their job: policies inherited from the previous administration
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in.her.it.ance
noun
1 [C usually sing, U] the money, property, etc. that you receive from sb when they die; the fact of receiving sth when sb dies: She spent all her inheritance in a year.  The title passes by inheritance to the eldest son.
2 [U, C] something from the past or from your family that affects the way you behave, look, etc: our artistic / cultural inheritance  Physical characteristics are determined by genetic inheritance.
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in'heritance tax
(AmE also e'state tax) noun [U] tax that you must pay on the money or property that you receive from sb when they die
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in.heri.tor
noun
1 [usually pl.] ~ of sth a person who is affected by the work, ideas, etc. of people who lived before them
SYN HEIR : We are the inheritors of a great cultural tradition.
2 a person who receives money, property, etc. from sb when they die
SYN HEIR
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in.hibit
verb [vn]
1 to prevent sth from happening or make it happen more slowly or less frequently than normal: A lack of oxygen may inhibit brain development in the unborn child.
2 ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to make sb nervous or embarrassed so that they are unable to do sth: The managing director’s presence inhibited them from airing their problems.
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in.hibit.ed
adj. unable to relax or express your feelings in a natural way: Boys are often more inhibited than girls about discussing their problems.
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in.hib.ition
noun
1 [C, U] a shy or nervous feeling that stops you from expressing your real thoughts or feelings: The children were shy at first, but soon lost their inhibitions.  She had no inhibitions about making her opinions known.
2 [U] (formal) the act of restricting or preventing a process or an action: the inhibition of growth
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in.hos.pit.able
adj.
1 (of a place) difficult to stay or live in, especially because there is no shelter from the weather: inhospitable terrain  an inhospitable climate
2 (of people) not giving a friendly or polite welcome to guests
OPP HOSPITABLE
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'in-house
adj. [only before noun] existing or happening within a company or an organization: an in-house magazine  in-house language training
,in-'house adv.: The software was developed in-house.
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in.human
adj.
1 lacking the qualities of kindness and pity; very cruel: inhuman and degrading treatment / conditions
2 not human; not seeming to be produced by a human being and therefore frightening: There was a strange inhuman sound.—compare HUMAN , NON-HUMAN , SUBHUMAN
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in.hu.mane
adj. not caring about the suffering of other people; very cruel: inhumane treatment of animals / prisoners / the mentally ill
OPP HUMANE
in.hu.mane.ly adv.
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in.human.ity
noun [U] cruel behaviour or treatment; the fact of not having the usual human qualities of kindness and pity: man’s inhumanity to man  the inhumanity of the system
OPP HUMANITY
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in.imi.cal
adj. (formal)
1 ~ to sth harmful to sth; not helping sth: These policies are inimical to the interests of society.
2 unfriendly: an inimical stare / look
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in.im.it.able
adj. too good or individual for anyone else to copy with the same effect: John related in his own inimitable way the story of his trip to Tibet.
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ini.qui.tous
adj. (formal) very unfair or wrong
SYN WICKED : an iniquitous system / practice
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ini.quity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (formal) the fact of being very unfair or wrong; sth that is very unfair or wrong: the iniquity of racial prejudice  the iniquities of the criminal justice system
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ini.tial
adj., noun, verb
adj. [only before noun] happening at the beginning; first: an initial payment of £60 and ten instalments of £25  in the initial stages (= at the beginning) of the campaign  My initial reaction was to decline the offer.

noun
1 [C] the first letter of a person’s first name: ‘What initial is it, Mrs Owen?’‘It’s J, J for Jane.’
2 (initials) [pl.] the first letters of all of a person’s names: John Fitzgerald Kennedy was often known by his initials JFK.  Just write your initials.

verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [vn] to mark or sign sth with your initials : Please initial each page and sign in the space provided.

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ini.tial.ly
adv. at the beginning: Initially, the system worked well.  The death toll was initially reported at around 250, but was later revised to 300.
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ini.ti.ate
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to make sth begin: to initiate legal action / proceedings against sb  The government has initiated a programme of economic reform.
2 ~ sb (into sth) to explain sth to sb and/or make them experience it for the first time: Many of them had been initiated into drug use at an early age.
3 ~ sb (into sth) to make sb a member of a particular group, especially as part of a secret ceremony: Hundreds are initiated into the sect each year.

noun a person who has been allowed to join a particular group, organization, or religion and is learning its rules and secrets

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ini.ti.ation
noun [U]
1 ~ (into sth) the act of sb becoming a member of a group, often with a special ceremony; the act of introducing sb to an activity or skill: an initiation ceremony  her initiation into the world of marketing
2 (formal) the act of starting sth: the initiation of criminal proceedings
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ini.tia.tive
noun
1 [C] a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular purpose: a United Nations peace initiative  a government initiative to combat unemployment
2 [U] the ability to decide and act on your own without waiting for sb to tell you what to do: You won’t get much help. You’ll have to use your initiative .  She did it on her own initiative (= without anyone telling her to do it).
3 (the initiative) [sing.] the power or opportunity to act and gain an advantage before other people do: to seize / lose the initiative  It was up to the US to take the initiative in repairing relations.
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ini.ti.ator
noun (formal) the person who starts sth
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in.ject
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (into yourself / sb/sth)| ~ yourself / sb/sth (with sth) to put a drug or other substance into a person’s or an animal’s body using a SYRINGE : Adrenalin was injected into the muscle.  She has been injecting herself with insulin since the age of 16.
2 ~ A (into B)| ~ B (with A) to put a liquid into sth using a SYRINGE or similar instrument: Chemicals are injected into the fruit to reduce decay.  The fruit is injected with chemicals to reduce decay.
3 ~ sth (into sth) to add a particular quality to sth: His comments injected a note of humour into the proceedings.
4 ~ sth (into sth) to give money to an organization, a project, etc. so that it can function: They are refusing to inject any more capital into the industry.
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in.jec.tion
noun
1 [C, U] an act of injecting sb with a drug or other substance: to give sb an injection  He was treated with penicillin injections.  An anaesthetic was administered by injection .  daily injections of insulin—
2 [C] a large sum of money that is spent to help improve a situation, business, etc: The theatre faces closure unless it gets an urgent cash injection.
3 [U, C] an act of forcing liquid into sth: a fuel injection system
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'in-joke
noun a joke that is only understood by a particular group of people
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in.ju.di.cious
adj. (formal) not sensible or wise; not appropriate in a particular situation: an injudicious act / remark
OPP JUDICIOUS
in.ju.di.cious.ly adv.
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in.junc.tion
noun
1 ~ (against sb) an official order given by a court of law which demands that sth must or must not be done: to seek / obtain an injunction  The court granted an injunction against the defendants.—compare RESTRAINING ORDER
2 (formal) a warning or an order from sb in authority
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in.jure
verb [vn]
1 to harm yourself or sb else physically, especially in an accident: He injured his knee playing hockey.  Three people were killed and five injured in the crash.
2 to damage sb’s reputation, pride, etc: This could seriously injure the company’s reputation.
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in.jured
adj.
1 physically hurt; having an injury: an injured leg  Luckily, she isn’t injured.  Carter is playing in place of the injured O’Reilly.
OPP UNINJURED
2 (the injured) noun [pl.] the people injured in an accident, a battle, etc: Ambulances took the injured to a nearby hospital.
3 (of a person or their feelings) upset or offended because sth unfair has been done: an injured look / tone  injured pride
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the ,injured 'party
noun [sing.] (especially law ) the person who has been treated unfairly, or the person who claims in a court of law to have been treated unfairly
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in.juri.ous
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) (formal) causing or likely to cause harm or damage
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in.jury
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (to sb/sth)
1 [C, U] harm done to a person’s or an animal’s body, for example in an accident: serious injury / injuries  minor injuries  to sustain injuries / an injury  to escape injury  injury to the head  a head injury  Two players are out of the team because of injury .  There were no injuries in the crash (= no people injured).   (BrE, spoken) Don’t do that. You’ll do yourself an injury (= hurt yourself).
2 [U] (especially law) damage to a person’s feelings: Damages may be awarded for emotional injury.
IDM see ADD
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'injury time
noun [U] (BrE ) time added at the end of a game of football, hockey, etc. because the game has been interrupted by injured players needing treatment
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in.just.ice
noun [U, C] the fact of a situation being unfair and of people not being treated equally; an unfair act or an example of unfair treatment: fighting against poverty and injustice  a burning sense of injustice  racial / social injustice  She was enraged at the injustice of the remark.  The report exposes the injustices of the system.
OPP JUSTICE
IDM do yourself / sb an in'justice to judge yourself/sb unfairly: We may have been doing him an injustice. This work is good.
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ink
noun, verb
noun [U, C] coloured liquid for writing, drawing and printing: written in ink   a pen and ink drawing  different coloured inks—see also INKY

verb [vn]
1 to cover sth with ink so that it can be used for printing
2 (AmE, informal) to sign a document, especially a contract: The group has just inked a $10 million deal.
PVR V ,ink sth<->'in to write or draw in ink over sth that has already been written or drawn in pencil: (figurative) The date for the presentation should have been inked in (= made definite) by now.

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ink-jet printer
noun a printer that uses very small JETS to blow ink onto paper in order to form letters, numbers, etc.
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ink.ling
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) a slight knowledge of sth that is happening or about to happen
SYN SUSPICION : He had no inkling of what was going on.  The first inkling I had that something was wrong was when I found the front door wide open.
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'ink-pad
noun a a thick piece of soft material soaked with ink, used with a rubber stamp
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ink.well
noun a pot for holding ink that fits into a hole in a desk (used in the past)
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inky
adj.
1 black like ink: the inky blackness of the cellar
2 made dirty with ink: inky fingers
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in.laid
adj. ~ (with sth) (of furniture, floors, etc.) decorated with designs of wood, metal, etc. that are set into the surface: an inlaid wooden box  a box inlaid with gold
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in.land
adv., adj.
adv. in a direction towards the middle of a country; away from the coast: The town lies a few kilometres inland.  We travelled further inland the next day.

adj. [usually before noun] situated in or near the middle of a country, not near the edge or on the coast: inland areas / towns / waterways  inland seas / lakes—compare COASTAL

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the ,Inland 'Revenue
noun [sing.] the government department in Britain that is responsible for collecting taxes—compare THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
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'in-laws
noun [pl.] (informal) your relatives by marriage, especially the parents of your husband or wife: We’re visiting my in-laws on Sunday.
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inlay
verb, noun
verb (in.lay.ing, in.laid, in.laid ) [vn] [often passive] ~ A (with B)| ~ B (in / into A) to decorate the surface of sth by putting pieces of wood or metal into it in such a way that the surface remains smooth: The lid of the box had been inlaid with silver.

noun [C, U] a design or pattern on a surface made by setting wood or metal into it; the material that this design is made of: The table was decorated with gold inlay.

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inlet
noun
1 a narrow strip of water that stretches into the land from the sea or a lake, or between islands
2 (technical) an opening through which liquid, air or gas can enter a machine: a fuel inlet
OPP OUTLET
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,in-line 'skate
noun = ROLLERBLADE ™
,in-line 'skating noun [U]
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in loco par.en.tis
adv. (from Latin , formal) having the same responsibility for a child as a parent has
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in.mate
noun one of the people living in an institution such as a prison or a mental hospital
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in me.mor.iam
prep. (from Latin ) used to mean ‘in memory of’, for example on the stone over a grave
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in.most
adj. [only before noun] = INNERMOST
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inn
noun
1 (old-fashioned, BrE) a pub, usually in the country and often one where people can stay the night
2 (AmE) a small hotel, usually in the country
3 (Inn) used in the names of many pubs, hotels and restaurants: Holiday Inn
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in.nards
noun [pl.] (informal)
1 the organs inside the body of a person or an animal, especially the stomach: turkey innards
2 the parts inside a machine
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in.nate
adj. (of a quality, feeling, etc.) that you have when you are born: the innate ability to learn
in.nate.ly adv.: He believes that humans are innately violent.
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inner
adj. [only before noun]
1 inside; towards or close to the centre of a place: an inner room / courtyard  inner London  the inner ear
OPP OUTER
2 (of feelings, etc.) private and secret; not expressed or shown to other people: She doesn’t reveal much of her inner self.
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,inner 'circle
noun the small group of people who have a lot of power in an organization, or who control it
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,inner 'city
noun the part near the centre of a large city, which often has social problems: There are huge problems in our inner cities.  an inner-city area / school
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in.ner.most
adj. [only before noun]
1 (also less frequent in.most) most private, personal and secret: I could not express my innermost feelings to anyone.
2 nearest to the centre or inside of sth: the innermost shrine of the temple
OPP OUTERMOST
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'inner tube
noun a rubber tube filled with air inside a tyre
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in.ning
noun (in baseball) one of the nine periods of a game in which each team has a turn at BATTING
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in.nings
noun (pl.in.nings) (in cricket) a period of time in a game during which a team or a single player is BATTING
IDM sb had a good 'innings (BrE, informal) used about sb who has died to say that they had a long life
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innit
exclamation (BrE , non-standard) a way of saying ‘isn’t it’: Cold, innit?
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inn.keep.er
noun (old-fashioned) a person who owns or manages an INN
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in.no.cence
noun [U]
1 the fact of not being guilty of a crime, etc: She protested her innocence (= said repeatedly that she was innocent).  This new evidence will prove their innocence.  I asked if she was married in all innocence (= without knowing it was likely to offend or upset her).
OPP GUILT
2 lack of knowledge and experience of the world, especially of evil or unpleasant things: Children lose their innocence as they grow older.
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in.no.cent
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (of sth) not guilty of a crime, etc.; not having done sth wrong: They have imprisoned an innocent man.  She was found innocent of any crime.  He was the innocent party (= person) in the breakdown of the marriage.
OPP GUILTY
2 [only before noun] suffering harm or being killed because of a crime, war, etc. although not directly involved in it: an innocent bystander  innocent victims of a bomb blast
3 not intended to cause harm or upset sb
SYN HARMLESS : It was all innocent fun.  It was a perfectly innocent remark.
4 having little experience of the world, especially of sexual matters, or of evil or unpleasant things: an innocent young child
in.no.cent.ly adv.: ‘Oh, Sue went too, did she?’ I asked innocently (= pretending I did not know that this was important).

noun an innocent person, especially a young child

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in.nocu.ous
adj. (formal)
1 not intended to offend or upset anyone: It seemed a perfectly innocuous remark.
2 not harmful or dangerous: an innocuous substance
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in.nov.ate
verb to introduce new things, ideas, or ways of doing sth: [v] We must constantly adapt and innovate to ensure success in a growing market.  [vn] to innovate new ideas / products
in.nov.ator noun
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in.nov.ation
noun ~ (in sth)
1 [U] the introduction of new things, ideas or ways of doing sth: an age of technological innovation
2 [C] a new idea, way of doing sth, etc. that has been introduced or discovered: recent innovations in steel-making technology
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in.nova.tive
(also less frequent in.nov.atory ) adj. (approving) introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing sth, etc: There will be a prize for the most innovative design.
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in.nu.endo
noun [C, U] (pl.-oes or -os) (disapproving) an indirect remark about sb/sth, usually suggesting sth bad or rude; the use of remarks like this: innuendoes about her private life  The song is full of sexual innuendo.
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in.nu.mer.able
adj. too many to be counted; very many: Innumerable books have been written on the subject.
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in.nu.mer.ate
adj. unable to count or do simple mathematics
OPP NUMERATE
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in.ocu.late
verb [vn] ~ sb (against sth) to protect a person or an animal from catching a particular disease by INJECTING them with a mild form of the disease—compare IMMUNIZE , VACCINATE
in.ocu.la.tion noun [C, U]
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in.offen.sive
adj. not likely to offend or upset anyone: a shy, inoffensive young man
OPP OFFENSIVE
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in.op.er.able
adj.
1 (of an illness, especially CANCER ) not able to be cured by a medical operation: an inoperable brain tumour
2 (formal) that cannot be used or made to work; not practical: The policy was thought to be inoperable.
OPP OPERABLE
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in.op.era.tive
adj. (formal)
1 (of a rule, system, etc.) not valid or able to be used
2 (of a machine) not working; not functioning correctly
OPP OPERATIVE
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in.op.por.tune
adj. (formal) not appropriate or convenient; happening at a bad time: They arrived at an inopportune moment.
OPP OPPORTUNE
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in.or.din.ate
adj. (formal) far more than is usual or expected
SYN EXCESSIVE : They spent an inordinate amount of time and money on the production.
in.or.din.ate.ly adv.: inordinately high prices
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in.or.gan.ic
adj. not consisting of or coming from any living substances: inorganic fertilizers
OPP ORGANIC
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,inorganic 'chemistry
noun [U] the branch of chemistry that deals with substances that do not contain CARBON —compare ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
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in.pa.tient
noun a person who stays in a hospital while receiving treatment—compare OUTPATIENT
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input
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (into / to sth)| ~ (of sth) time, knowledge, ideas, etc. that you put into work, a project, etc. in order to make it succeed; the act of putting sth in: Her specialist input to the discussions has been very useful.  I’d appreciate your input on this.  There has been a big input of resources into the project from industry.  Barley is one of the main inputs to the process of distillation.
2 [U] (computing) the act of putting information into a computer; the information that you put in: data input  This program accepts input from most word processors.
3 [C] (technical) a place or means for electricity, data, etc. to enter a machine or system—compare OUTPUT

verb (in.put.ting, input, input) or (in.put.ting, in.put.ted, in.put.ted) [vn] to put information into a computer: to input text / data / figures—compare OUTPUT

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in.quest
noun ~ (on / into sth)
1 an official investigation to find out the cause of sb’s death, especially when it has not happened naturally: An inquest was held to discover the cause of death.  a coroner’s inquest into his death
2 a discussion about sth that has failed: An inquest was held on the team’s poor performance.
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in.quire, in.quirerin.quir.ingin.quiry
(especially AmE ) = ENQUIRE , ENQUIRER , ENQUIRING , ENQUIRY
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in.qui.si.tion
noun
1 (the Inquisition) [sing.] the organization set up by the Roman Catholic Church to punish people who opposed its beliefs, especially from the 15th to the 17th century
2 [C] (formal or humorous) a series of questions that sb asks you, especially when they ask them in an unpleasant way
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in.quisi.tive
adj.
1 (disapproving) asking too many questions and trying to find out about what other people are doing, etc: Don’t be so inquisitive. It’s none of your business!
2 very interested in learning about many different things: an inquisitive nature / mind
in.quisi.tive.ly adv.
in.quisi.tive.ness noun [U]
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in.quisi.tor
noun
1 a person who asks a lot of difficult questions, especially in a way that makes you feel threatened
2 an officer of the Inquisition of the Roman Catholic Church
in.quisi.tor.ial adj.: He questioned her in a cold inquisitorial voice.
in.quisi.tor.ial.ly adv.
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in.road
noun ~ (into sth) something that is achieved, especially by reducing the power or success of sth else: This deal is their first major inroad into the American market.
IDM make inroads into / on sth if one thing makes inroads into another, it has a noticeable effect on the second thing, especially by reducing it, or influencing it: Tax rises have made some inroads into the country’s national debt.
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in.rush
noun [usually sing.] a sudden flow towards the inside: an inrush of air / water
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in.sane
adj.
1 seriously mentally ill and unable to live in normal society: Doctors certified him as insane.  The prisoners were slowly going insane .
OPP SANE
2 (the insane) noun [pl.] people who are insane : a hospital for the insane
3 (informal) very stupid, crazy or dangerous: I must have been insane to agree to the idea.—see also INSANITY
in.sane.ly adv.: He is insanely jealous.
IDM see DRIVE v.
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in.sani.tary
(also un.sani.tary especially in AmE) adj. dirty and likely to spread disease
OPP SANITARY
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in.san.ity
noun [U]
1 the state of being INSANE : He was found not guilty, by reason of insanity.
OPP SANITY
2 actions that are very stupid and possibly dangerous: It would be sheer insanity to attempt the trip in such bad weather.
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in.sati.able
adj. always wanting more of sth; not able to be satisfied: an insatiable appetite / curiosity / thirst  There seems to be an insatiable demand for more powerful computers.
in.sati.ably adv.
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in.scribe
verb [vn] ~ A (on / in B)| ~ B (with A) to write or cut words, your name, etc. onto sth: His name was inscribed on the trophy.  The trophy was inscribed with his name.  She signed the book and inscribed the words ‘with grateful thanks’ on it.
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in.scrip.tion
noun words written in the front of a book or cut in stone or metal: There was an inscription carved over the doorway.
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in.scrut.able
adj. if a person or their expression is inscrutable, it is hard to know what they are thinking or feeling, because they do not show any emotion
in.scrut.abil.ity noun [U]
in.scrut.ably adv.
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in.sect
noun any small creature with six legs and a body divided into three parts. Insects usually also have wings. ANTS , bees and flies are all insects : insect pests / larvae / species  insect repellent (= a chemical that keeps insects away)  an insect bite——see also STICK INSECT
HELP Insect is often used to refer to other small crawling creatures, for example spiders, although this is not correct scientific language.
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in.secti.cide
noun [C, U] a chemical used for killing insects: crops sprayed with insecticides—see also HERBICIDE , PESTICIDE
in.secti.cidal adj.
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in.sect.ivore
noun any animal that eats insects—compare CARNIVORE , HERBIVORE , OMNIVORE
in.sect.iv.or.ous adj.
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in.se.cure
adj.
1 not confident about yourself or your relationships with other people: He’s very insecure about his appearance.  She felt nervous and insecure.
2 not safe or protected: Jobs nowadays are much more insecure than they were ten years ago.  As an artist he was always financially insecure.  Insecure doors and windows (= for example, without good locks) make life easy for burglars.
OPP SECURE
in.se.cure.ly adv.
in.secur.ity noun [U, C] (pl.-ies): feelings of insecurity  job insecurity  We all have our fears and insecurities.
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in.sem.in.ate
verb [vn] (technical ) to put SPERM into a woman or female animal in order to make her pregnant: The cows are artificially inseminated .
in.sem.in.ation noun [U]—see also ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
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in.sens.ibil.ity
noun [U]
1 (formal) the state of being unconscious
2 the fact of not being able to react to particular things: insensibility to pain / beauty
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in.sens.ible
adj. (formal)
1 [not before noun] ~ (to sth) unable to feel sth or react to it: insensible to pain / cold
2 [not before noun] ~ (of sth) not aware of a situation or of sth that might happen: They were not insensible of the risks.
OPP SENSIBLE
3 unconscious as the result of injury, illness, etc: He drank himself insensible.
in.sens.ibly adv.
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in.sensi.tive
adj. ~ (to sth)
1 not realizing or caring how other people feel, and therefore likely to hurt or offend them: an insensitive person / remark  She’s completely insensitive to my feelings.
2 not aware of changing situations, and therefore of the need to react to them: The government seems totally insensitive to the mood of the country.
3 not able to feel or react to sth: insensitive to pain / cold  He seems completely insensitive to criticism.
OPP SENSITIVE
in.sensi.tive.ly adv.
in.sensi.tiv.ity noun [U]
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in.sep.ar.able
adj.
1 ~ (from sth) not able to be separated: Our economic fortunes are inseparable from those of Europe.
2 if people are inseparable, they spend most of their time together and are very good friends
in.sep.ar.ab.il.ity noun [U]
in.sep.ar.ably adv.: Our lives were inseparably linked.
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in.sert
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (in / into / between sth) to put sth into sth else or between two things: Insert coins into the slot and press for a ticket.  They inserted a tube in his mouth to help him breathe.
2 ~ sth (into sth) to add sth to a piece of writing: Position the cursor where you want to insert a word.  Later, he inserted another paragraph into his will.

noun ~ (in sth)
1 an extra section added to a book, newspaper or magazine, especially to advertise sth: an 8-page insert on the new car models
2 something that is put inside sth else, or added to sth else: These inserts fit inside any style of shoe.

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in.ser.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (in / into sth) the act of putting sth inside sth else; a thing that is put inside sth else: An examination is carried out before the insertion of the tube.
2 [C, U] a thing that is added to a book, piece of writing, etc.; the act of adding sth: the insertion of an extra paragraph
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'in-service
adj. [only before noun] (of training, courses of study, etc.) done while sb is working in a job, in order to learn new skills: in-service training
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inset
noun, verb
noun
1 a small picture, map, etc. inside a larger one: For the Shetland Islands, see inset.
2 something that is added on to sth else, or put inside sth else: The windows have beautiful stained glass insets.

verb (in.set.ting, inset, inset) [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ A (with B)| ~ B (into A) to fix sth into the surface of sth else, especially as a decoration: The tables were inset with ceramic tiles.  Ceramic tiles were inset into the tables.
2 ~ sth (into sth) to put a small picture, map, etc. inside the borders of a bigger one

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in.shore
adj. [usually before noun] in the sea but close to the shore: an inshore breeze  an inshore lifeboat (= that stays close to the land)
,in'shore adv.: The boat came inshore (= towards the land).—compare OFFSHORE
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in.side
prep., adv., noun, adj.
prep. (also in.side of especially in AmE)
1 on or to the inner part of sth/sb; within sth/sb: Go inside the house.  Inside the box was a gold watch.  For years we had little knowledge of what life was like inside China.  You’ll feel better with a good meal inside you.   (figurative) Inside most of us is a small child screaming for attention.
OPP OUTSIDE
2 in less than the amount of time mentioned: The job is unlikely to be finished inside (of) a year

adv.
1 on or to the inside: She shook it to make sure there was nothing inside.  We had to move inside (= indoors) when it started to rain.   (figurative) I pretended not to care but I was screaming inside.
OPP OUTSIDE
2 (informal) in prison: He was sentenced to three years inside.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] (usually the inside) the inner part, side or surface of sth: The inside of the box was blue.  The door was locked from the inside.  The shell is smooth on the inside.  the insides of the windows
OPP THE OUTSIDE
2 (the inside) [sing.] the part of a road nearest the edge, that is used by slower vehicles: He tried to overtake on the inside .
OPP THE OUTSIDE
3 (the inside) [sing.] the part of a curved road or track nearest to the middle or shortest side of the curve: The French runner is coming up fast on the inside.
OPP THE OUTSIDE
4 (insides) [pl.] (informal) a person’s stomach and bowels: She was so nervous, her insides were like jelly.
IDM ,inside 'out with the part that is usually inside facing out: You’ve got your sweater on inside out.  Turn the bag inside out and let it dry.—compare BACK TO FRONT at BACK n. on the in'side belonging to a group or an organization and therefore able to get information that is not available to other people: The thieves must have had someone on the inside helping them. turn sth inside out
1 to make a place very untidy when you are searching for sth: The burglars had turned the house inside out.
2 to cause large changes: The new manager turned the old systems inside out.—more at KNOW v.

adj. [only before noun]
1 forming the inner part of sth; not on the outside: the inside pages of a newspaper  an inside pocket
2 known or done by sb in a group or an organization: inside information  Any newspaper would pay big money to get the inside story on her marriage.  The robbery appeared to have been an inside job .

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in.sider
noun a person who knows a lot about a group or an organization, because they are part of it: The situation was described by one insider as ‘absolute chaos’.
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in,sider 'dealing
(also in,sider 'trading) noun [U] the crime of buying or selling SHARES in a company with the help of information known only by those connected with the business
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,inside 'track
noun [sing.] (especially AmE ) a position in which you have an advantage over sb else
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in.sidi.ous
adj. (formal, disapproving) spreading gradually or without being noticed, but causing serious harm: the insidious effects of polluted water supplies
in.sidi.ous.ly adv.
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in.sight
noun
1 [U] (approving) the ability to see and understand the truth about people or situations: a writer of great insight  With a flash of insight I realized what the dream meant.
2 [C, U] ~ (into sth) an understanding of what sth is like: The book gives us fascinating insights into life in Mexico.  I hope you have gained some insight into the difficulties we face.
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in.sight.ful
adj. (approving) showing a clear understanding of a person or situation: an insightful historian
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in.sig.nia
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] the symbol, BADGE or sign that shows sb’s rank or that they are a member of a group or an organization: the royal insignia  His uniform bore the insignia of a captain.
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in.sig.nifi.cant
adj. not big or valuable enough to be considered important: an insignificant difference  The levels of chemicals in the river are not insignificant.  He made her feel insignificant and stupid.
OPP SIGNIFICANT
in.sig.nifi.cance [U]: Her own problems paled into insignificance beside this terrible news.
in.sig.nifi.cant.ly adv.
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in.sin.cere
adj. (disapproving) saying or doing sth that you do not really mean or believe: an insincere smile
OPP SINCERE
in.sin.cere.ly adv.
in.sin.cer.ity noun [U]: She accused him of insincerity.
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in.sinu.ate
verb
1 to suggest indirectly that sth unpleasant is true: [v that] The article insinuated that he was having an affair with his friend’s wife.  [vn] What are you trying to insinuate?  an insinuating smile / glance / tone
2 [vn] ~ yourself into sth (formal, disapproving) to succeed in gaining sb’s respect, affection, etc. so that you can use the situation to your own advantage: In the first act, the villain insinuates himself into the household of the man he intends to kill.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (formal) to slowly move yourself or a part of your body into a particular position or place: She insinuated her right hand under his arm.
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in.sinu.ation
noun
1 [C] something that sb insinuates : She resented the insinuation that she was too old for the job.
2 [U] the act of insinuating sth
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in.sipid
adj. (disapproving)
1 having almost no taste or flavour: a cup of insipid coffee
2 not interesting or exciting: After an hour of insipid conversation, I left.
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in.sist
verb ~ (on sth)
1 to demand that sth happens or that sb agrees to do sth: [v] I didn’t really want to go but he insisted.  ‘Please come with us’‘Very well then, if you insist .’   (formal) She insisted on his / him wearing a suit.  [v that] He insists that she come.   (BrE also) He insists that she should come.
2 to say firmly that sth is true, especially when other people do not believe you: [v] He insisted on his innocence.  [v (that)] He insisted (that) he was innocent. [alsov speech] in'sist on / upon sth to demand sth and refuse to be persuaded to accept anything else: We insisted on a refund of the full amount. [+ -ing] They insisted upon being given every detail of the case. in'sist on doing sth to continue doing sth even though other people think it is annoying: They insist on playing their music late at night.
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in.sist.ence
noun [U] ~ (on sth / on doing sth)| ~ (that … ) an act of demanding or saying sth firmly and refusing to accept any opposition or excuses: their insistence on strict standards of behaviour  At her insistence , the matter was dropped.
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in.sist.ent
adj.
1 ~ (on sth / on doing sth)| ~ (that … ) demanding sth firmly and refusing to accept any opposition or excuses: They were insistent on having a contract for the work.  Why are you so insistent that we leave tonight?  She didn’t want to go but her brother was insistent.
2 continuing for a long period of time in a way that cannot be ignored: insistent demands  the insistent ringing of the telephone
in.sist.ent.ly adv.
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in situ
adv. (from Latin ) in the original or correct place
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in.so.far as
= IN SO FAR AS at FAR
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in.sole
noun a piece of material shaped like your foot that is placed inside a shoe to make it more comfortable
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in.so.lent
adj. extremely rude and showing a lack of respect: an insolent child / smile
in.so.lence noun [U]: Her insolence cost her her job.
in.so.lent.ly adv.
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in.sol.uble
adj.
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually in.sol.vable ) (of a problem, MYSTERY , etc.) that cannot be solved or explained
2 ~ (in sth) (of a substance) that does not dissolve in a liquid
OPP SOLUBLE
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in.solv.ent
adj. not having enough money to pay what you owe
SYN BANKRUPT : The company has been declared insolvent.
OPP SOLVENT
in.solv.ency noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
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in.som.nia
noun [U] the condition of being unable to sleep: to suffer from insomnia—see also SLEEPLESSNESS
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in.som.niac
noun a person who finds it difficult to sleep
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in.sou.ci.ance
noun [U] (formal) the state of not being worried about anything NONCHALANCE : She hid her worries behind an air of insouciance.
in.sou.ci.ant adj.
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Insp
abbr. INSPECTOR (especially in the British police force): Chief Insp (Paul) King
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in.spect
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth/sb (for sth) to look closely at sth/sb, especially to check that everything is satisfactory
SYN EXAMINE : The teacher walked around inspecting their work.  The plants are regularly inspected for disease.  Make sure you inspect the goods before signing for them.
2 to officially visit a school, factory, etc. in order to check that rules are being obeyed and that standards are acceptable: Public health officials were called in to inspect the premises.
in.spec.tion noun [U, C]: to carry out an inspection of sth  On closer inspection , the notes proved to be forgeries.  The head went on a tour of inspection of all the classrooms.
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in.spect.or
noun
1 a person whose job is to visit schools, factories, etc. to check that rules are being obeyed and that standards are acceptable: a school / health / safety inspector—see also TAX INSPECTOR
2 (abbr.Insp) an officer of middle rank in the POLICE FORCE : Inspector Maggie Forbes—see also CHIEF INSPECTOR
3 (in Britain) a person whose job is to check tickets on a bus or train to make sure that they are valid
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in.spect.or.ate
noun [C+sing./pl. v.] (especially BrE ) an official group of inspectors who work together on the same subject or at the same kind of institution: The schools inspectorate has / have published a report on science teaching.
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in,spector of 'taxes
(also 'tax inspector) noun (in Britain) a person who is responsible for collecting the tax that people must pay on the money they earn—see also TAX COLLECTOR , TAXMAN
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in.spir.ation
noun
1 [U] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) the process that takes place when sb sees or hears sth that causes them to have exciting new ideas or makes them want to create sth, especially in art, music or literature: She had the time and the inspiration to develop her talent.  Dreams can be a rich source of inspiration for an artist.  Both poets drew their inspiration from the countryside.  Looking for inspiration for a new dessert? Try this recipe.
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth) somebody or something that is the reason why sb creates or does sth: He says my sister was the inspiration for his heroine.  Clark was the inspiration behind Saturday’s victory.
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to / for sb) somebody or something that makes you want to be better, more successful, etc: Her charity work is an inspiration to us all.
4 [C usually sing, U] a sudden good idea: He had an inspiration: he’d give her a dog for her birthday.  It came to me in a flash of inspiration.
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in.spir.ation.al
adj. providing inspiration : an inspirational leader
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in.spire
verb
1 ~ sb (to sth) to give sb the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do sth well: [vn] The actors inspired the kids with their enthusiasm.  The actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.  His superb play inspired the team to a thrilling 5–0 win.  [vn to inf] By visiting schools, the actors hope to inspire children to put on their own productions.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to give sb the idea for sth, especially sth artistic or imaginative: The choice of decor was inspired by a trip to India.  His paintings were clearly inspired by Monet’s work.
3 [vn] ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sth (in sb) to make sb have a particular feeling or emotion: Her work didn’t exactly inspire me with confidence .  As a general, he inspired great loyalty in his troops.
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in.spired
adj.
1 having excellent qualities or abilities; produced with the help of INSPIRATION : an inspired performance / poet  an inspired choice / guess (= one that is right but based on feelings rather than knowledge)
OPP UNINSPIRED
2 (-inspired) used with nouns, adjectives and adverbs to form adjectives that show how sth has been influenced: politically-inspired killings
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in.spir.ing
adj. exciting and encouraging you to do or feel sth: an inspiring teacher   (informal) The book is less than inspiring.
OPP UNINSPIRING —see also AWE-INSPIRING
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in.stabil.ity
noun [U, C, usually pl.] (pl.-ies)
1 the quality of a situation in which things are likely to change or fail suddenly: political and economic instability
2 a mental condition in which sb’s behaviour is likely to change suddenly: mental / emotional instability
OPP STABILITY —see also UNSTABLE
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in.stall
verb [vn]
1 to fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used: He’s getting a phone installed tomorrow.  The hotel chain has recently installed a new booking system.  I’ll need some help installing the software.
2 ~ sb (as sth) to put sb in a new position of authority, often with an official ceremony: He was installed as President last May.
3 to make sb/yourself comfortable in a particular place or position: We installed ourselves in the front row.
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in.stal.la.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of fixing equipment or furniture in position so that it can be used: installation costs  Installation of the new system will take several days.
2 [C] a piece of equipment or machinery that has been fixed in position so that it can be used: a heating installation
3 [C] a place where specialist equipment is kept and used: a military / nuclear installation
4 [U] the act of placing sb in a new position of authority, often with a ceremony: the installation of the new vice-chancellor
5 [C] (art) a piece of modern SCULPTURE that is made using sound, light, etc. as well as objects
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in'stallment plan
noun [U, C] (AmE ) = HIRE PURCHASE
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in.stal.ment
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually in.stall.ment) noun
1 one of a number of payments that are made regularly over a period of time until sth has been paid for: We paid for the car by / in instalments.  The final instalment on the loan is due next week.  They were unable to keep up (= continue to pay regularly) the instalments.
2 one of the parts of a story that appears regularly over a period of time in a newspaper, on television, etc.
SYN EPISODE
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in.stance
noun, verb
noun a particular example or case of sth: The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.  In most instances, there will be no need for further treatment.  I would normally suggest taking time off work, but in this instance I’m not sure that would do any good.
IDM for 'instance for example: What would you do, for instance, if you found a member of staff stealing? in the 'first instance (formal) as the first part of a series of actions: In the first instance, notify the police and then contact your insurance company.

verb [vn] (formal) to give sth as an example

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in.stant
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] happening immediately: She took an instant dislike to me.  This account gives you instant access to your money.  The show was an instant success.
2 [only before noun] (of food) that can be made quickly and easily, usually by adding hot water: instant coffee

noun [usually sing.]
1 a very short period of time; a moment: I’ll be back in an instant.  Just for an instant I thought he was going to refuse.
2 a particular point in time: At that (very) instant, the door opened.  I recognized her the instant (that) (= as soon as) I saw her.  Come here this instant (= immediately)!

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in.stant.an.eous
adj. happening immediately: an instantaneous response  Death was almost instantaneous.
in.stant.an.eous.ly adv.
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in.stant.ly
adv. immediately: Her voice is instantly recognizable.  The driver of the car was killed instantly.
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,instant 'replay
noun (AmE ) = ACTION REPLAY
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in.stead
adv. in the place of sb/sth: Lee was ill so I went instead.  He didn’t reply. Instead, he turned on his heel and left the room.   (written) She said nothing, preferring instead to save her comments till later.
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in'stead of
prep. in the place of sb/sth: We just had soup instead of a full meal.  Now I can walk to work instead of going by car.
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in.step
noun
1 the top part of the foot that forms an arch between the ankle and toes
2 the part of a shoe that covers the instep
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in.sti.gate
verb [vn]
1 (especially BrE) to make sth start or happen, usually sth official
SYN BRING STH ABOUT : The government has instigated a programme of economic reform.
2 to cause sth bad to happen: They were accused of instigating racial violence.
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in.sti.ga.tion
noun [U] the act of causing sth to begin or happen: An appeal fund was launched at the instigation of the President.  It was done at his instigation .
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in.sti.ga.tor
noun ~ (of sth) a person who causes sth to happen, especially sth bad: the instigators of the riots
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in.stil
(BrE ) (AmEin.still) verb (-ll-) [vn] ~ sth (in / into sb) to gradually make sb feel, think or behave in a particular way over a period of time: to instil confidence / discipline / fear into sb
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in.stinct
noun [U, C]
1 ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) a natural tendency for people and animals to behave in a particular way using the knowledge and abilities that they were born with rather than thought or training: maternal instincts  Children do not know by instinct the difference between right and wrong.  His first instinct was to run away.  Horses have a well-developed instinct for fear.  Even at school, he showed he had an instinct for (= was naturally good at) business.
2 ~ (that … ) a feeling that makes you do sth or believe that sth is true, even though it is not based on facts or reason INTUITION : Her instincts had been right.
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in.stinct.ive
adj. based on instinct , not thought or training: instinctive knowledge  She’s an instinctive player.  My instinctive reaction was to deny everything.
in.stinct.ive.ly adv.: He knew instinctively that something was wrong.
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in.stinct.ual
adj. (psychology ) based on natural instinct ; not learned
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in.sti.tute
noun, verb
noun an organization that has a particular purpose, especially one that is connected with education or a particular profession; the building used by this organization: a research institute  the Institute of Chartered Accountants  institutes of higher education

verb [vn] (formal) to introduce a system, policy, etc. or start a process: to institute criminal proceedings against sb  The new management intends to institute a number of changes.

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in.sti.tu.tion
noun
1 [C] a large important organization that has a particular purpose, for example, a university or bank: an educational / financial institution  the Smithsonian Institution
2 [C] (usually disapproving) a building where people with special needs are taken care of, for example because they are old or mentally ill: a mental / penal institution  We want this to be like a home, not an institution.
3 [C] a custom or system that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people: the institution of marriage  Fish and chips have become a British institution.
4 [U] the act of starting or introducing sth such as a system or a law: the institution of new safety procedures
5 [C] (informal, humorous) a person who is well known because they have been in a particular place or job for a long time: You must know him—he’s an institution around here!
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in.sti.tu.tion.al
adj. [usually before noun] connected with an institution: institutional investors  institutional care / food
in.sti.tu.tion.ally adv.
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in.sti.tu.tion.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to send sb who is not capable of living independently to live in a special house (= an institution) especially when it is for a long period of time
2 to make sth become part of an organized system, society or culture, so that it is considered normal
in.sti.tu.tion.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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in.sti.tu.tion.al.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj.
1 (usually disapproving) that has happened or been done for so long that it is considered normal: institutionalized racism
2 (of people) lacking the ability to live and think independently because they have spent so long in an institution: institutionalized patients
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,in-'store
adj. [only before noun] within a large shop/store: an in-store bakery
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in.struct
verb
1 (formal) to tell sb to do sth, especially in a formal or official way: [vn to inf] The letter instructed him to report to headquarters immediately.  [vn wh-] You will be instructed where to go as soon as the plane is ready.  [vn] She arrived at 10 o’clock as instructed .  [v that] He instructed that a wall be built around the city.   (BrE also) He instructed that a wall should be built around the city. [alsov speech, vn speech]   note at ORDER
2 [vn] ~ sb (in sth) (formal) to teach sb sth, especially a practical skill: All our staff have been instructed in sign language.
3 [vn that] [usually passive] (formal) to give sb information about sth: We have been instructed that a decision will not be made before the end of the week.
4 [vn, vn to inf] (law) to employ sb to represent you in a legal situation, especially as a lawyer
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in.struc.tion
noun, adj.
noun
1 (instructions) [pl.] detailed information on how to do or use sth DIRECTIONS : Follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
2 [C, usually pl.] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) something that sb tells you to do ORDER : to ignore / carry out sb’s instructions  I’m under instructions to keep my speech short.
3 [C] a piece of information that tells a computer to perform a particular operation.
4 [U] ~ (in sth) (formal) the act of teaching sth to sb: religious instruction

adj. [only before noun] giving detailed information on how to do or use sth (= giving instructions): an instruction book / manual

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in.struc.tion.al
adj. [usually before noun] that teaches people sth: instructional materials / videos
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in.struct.ive
adj. giving a lot of useful information: a most instructive experience  It is instructive to see how other countries are tackling the problem.
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in.struct.or
noun
1 a person whose job is to teach sb a practical skill or sport: a driving instructor
2 (AmE) a teacher below the rank of ASSISTANT PROFESSOR at a college or university
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in.stru.ment
noun
1 a tool or device used for a particular task, especially for delicate or scientific work: surgical / optical / precision instruments  instruments of torture
2 = MUSICAL INSTRUMENT : Is he learning an instrument?
3 a device used for measuring speed, distance, temperature, etc. in a vehicle or on a piece of machinery: the flight instruments  the instrument panel
4 ~ of / for sth (formal) something that is used by sb in order to achieve sth; a person or thing that makes sth happen: The law is not the best instrument for dealing with family matters.  an instrument of change / oppression
5 ~ of sb/sth (formal) a person who is used and controlled by sb/sth that is more powerful: an instrument of God / fate
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in.stru.men.tal
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (in sth / in doing sth) important in making sth happen: He was instrumental in bringing about an end to the conflict.
2 made by or for musical instruments: instrumental music
in.stru.men.tal.ly adv.

noun a piece of music (usually popular music) in which only musical instruments are used with no singing

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in.stru.men.tal.ist
noun a person who plays a musical instrument—compare VOCALIST
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in.stru.men.ta.tion
noun [U]
1 a set of INSTRUMENTS used in operating a vehicle or a piece of machinery: the aircraft’s instrumentation
2 the way in which a piece of music is written for a particular group of instruments
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in.sub.or.din.ation
noun [U] (formal) the refusal to obey orders or show respect for sb who has a higher rank DISOBEDIENCE : Two officers were reported for insubordination.
in.sub.or.din.ate adj.
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in.sub.stan.tial
adj.
1 not very large, strong or important: an insubstantial construction of wood and glue  an insubstantial argument
2 (literary) not real or solid: as insubstantial as a shadow
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in.suf.fer.able
adj. extremely annoying, unpleasant and difficult to bear UNBEARABLE : insufferable pride  He’s insufferable!
in.suf.fer.ably adv.: insufferably hot
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in.suf.fi.cient
adj. ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) not large, strong or important enough for a particular purpose
SYN INADEQUATE : insufficient evidence / time  His salary is insufficient to meet his needs.
OPP SUFFICIENT
in.suf.fi.cient.ly adv.
in.suf.fi.ciency noun [U, sing.] (usually technical): cardiac insufficiency
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in.su.lar
adj. (disapproving) only interested in your own country, ideas, etc. and not in those from outside: The British are often accused of being insular.
in.su.lar.ity noun [U]
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in.su.late
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from / against sth) to protect sth with a material that prevents heat, sound, electricity, etc. from passing through: Home owners are being encouraged to insulate their homes to save energy.
2 ~ sb/sth from / against sth (written) to protect sb/sth from unpleasant experiences or influences
SYN SHIELD : Until now the industry has been insulated from economic realities.
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in.su.lated
adj. protected with a material that prevents heat, sound, electricity, etc. from passing through: insulated wires  a well-insulated house
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in.su.lat.ing
adj. [only before noun] preventing heat, sound, electricity, etc. from passing through: insulating materials / properties
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'insulating tape
noun [U] a strip of sticky material used for covering bare electrical wires to prevent the possibility of an electric shock
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in.su.la.tion
noun [U] the act of protecting sth with a material that prevents heat, sound, electricity, etc. from passing through; the materials used for this: Better insulation of your home will help to reduce heating bills.  foam insulation
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in.su.la.tor
noun a material or device used to prevent heat, electricity, or sound from escaping from sth
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in.su.lin
noun [U] a chemical substance produced in the body that controls the amount of sugar absorbed by the blood; a similar artificial substance given to people whose bodies do not produce enough naturally: insulin-dependent diabetes
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in.sult
verb, noun
verb [vn] to say or do sth that offends sb: I have never been so insulted in my life!  She felt insulted by the low offer.

noun ~ (to sb/sth) a remark or an action that is said or done in order to offend sb: The crowd were shouting insults at the police.  His comments were seen as an insult to the president.  The questions were an insult to our intelligence (= too easy).
IDM see ADD

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in.sult.ing
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) causing or intending to cause sb to feel offended: insulting behaviour / remarks  She was really insulting to me.
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in.su.per.able
adj. (formal) (of difficulties, problems, etc.) that cannot be dealt with successfully INSURMOUNTABLE
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in.sup.port.able
adj. so bad or difficult that you cannot accept it or deal with it
SYN INTOLERABLE : Their debt had become an insupportable burden.
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in.sur.ance
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (against sth) an arrangement with a company in which you pay them regular amounts of money and they agree to pay the costs, for example, if you die or are ill, or if you lose or damage sth: life / car / travel / household insurance  to have adequate insurance cover  to take out insurance against fire and theft  insurance premiums (= the regular payments made for insurance)  Can you claim for the loss on your insurance ?—see also NATIONAL INSURANCE
2 [U] the business of providing people with insurance : an insurance broker / company  He works in insurance.
3 [U] money paid by or to an insurance company: to pay insurance on your house  When her husband died, she received £50 000 in insurance.
4 [U, C] ~ (against sth) something you do to protect yourself against sth bad happening in the future: At that time people had large families as an insurance against some children dying.
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in'surance adjuster
noun (AmE ) = LOSS ADJUSTER
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in'surance policy
noun a written contract between a person and an insurance company: a travel insurance policy   (figurative) Always make a back-up disk as an insurance policy.
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in.sure
verb
1 ~ (yourself / sth) (against / for sth) to buy insurance so that you will receive money if your property, car, health, etc. gets damaged, stolen, etc: [vn] The painting is insured for $1 million.  Luckily he had insured himself against long-term illness.   (figurative) Having a lot of children is a way of insuring themselves against loneliness in old age.  [v] We strongly recommend insuring against sickness or injury.
2 [vn] to sell insurance to sb for sth: The company can refuse to insure a property that does not have window locks.
3 (especially AmE) = ENSURE
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in.sured
adj.
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (against sth) having insurance: Was the vehicle insured?  You’re not insured to drive our car.  It isn’t insured against theft.
2 (the insured) noun (pl.the insured) (law) the person who has made an agreement with an insurance company and who receives money if, for example, they are ill or if they lose or damage sth
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in.surer
noun a person or company that provides people with insurance
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in.sur.gency
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) an attempt to take control of a country by force
SYN REBELLION —see also COUNTER-INSURGENCY
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in.sur.gent
noun [usually pl.] (formal) a person fighting against the government or armed forces of their own country REBEL : an attack by armed insurgents  insurgent groups
in.sur.gent adj.
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in.sur.mount.able
adj. (formal) (of difficulties, problems, etc.) that cannot be dealt with successfully INSUPERABLE
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in.sur.rec.tion
noun [C, U] a situation in which a large group of people try to take political control of their own country with violence UPRISING : an armed insurrection against the regime
in.sur.rec.tion.ary adj.
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in.tact
adj. [not usually before noun] complete and not damaged: Most of the house remains intact even after two hundred years.  He emerged from the trial with his reputation intact.
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in.take
noun
1 [U, C] the amount of food, drink, etc. that you take into your body: high fluid intake  to reduce your daily intake of salt
2 [C, U] the number of people who are allowed to enter a school, college, profession, etc. during a particular period: the annual student intake  Intake in universities is down by 10%.
3 [C] a place where liquid, air, etc. enters a machine: the air / fuel intake
4 [C, usually sing.] an act of taking sth in, especially breath: a sharp intake of breath
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in.tan.gible
adj.
1 that exists but that is difficult to describe, understand or measure: The old building had an intangible air of sadness about it.  The benefits are intangible.
2 (business) that does not exist as a physical thing but is still valuable to a company: intangible assets / property
OPP TANGIBLE
in.tan.gible noun [usually pl.]: intangibles such as staff morale and goodwill
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in.te.ger
noun (mathematics ) a whole number, such as 3 or 4 but not 3.5—compare FRACTION
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in.te.gral
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) being an essential part of sth: Music is an integral part of the school’s curriculum.  Practical experience is integral to the course.
2 [usually before noun] included as part of sth, rather than supplied separately: All models have an integral CD player.
3 [usually before noun] having all the parts that are necessary for sth to be complete: an integral system
in.te.gral.ly adv.
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in.te.grate
verb
1 ~ (A) (into / with B)| ~ A and B to combine two or more things so that they work together; to combine with sth else in this way: [v] These programs will integrate with your existing software.  [vn] These programs can be integrated with your existing software.
2 ~ (sb) (into / with sth) to become or make sb become accepted as a member of a social group, especially when they come from a different culture: [v] They have not made any effort to integrate with the local community. [alsovn] SEGREGATE
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in.te.grated
adj. [usually before noun] in which many different parts are closely connected and work successfully together: an integrated transport system (= including buses, trains, taxis, etc.)  an integrated school (= attended by students of all races and religions)
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,integrated 'circuit
noun (physics ) a small MICROCHIP that contains a large number of electrical connections and performs the same function as a larger CIRCUIT made from separate parts
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in.te.gra.tion
noun
1 the act or process of combining two or more things so that they work together (= of integrating them): The aim is to promote closer economic integration.
2 the act or process of mixing people who have previously been separated, usually because of colour, race, religion, etc: racial integration in schools
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in.teg.rity
noun [U]
1 the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles: personal / professional / artistic integrity  to behave with integrity
2 (formal) the state of being whole and not divided: to respect the territorial integrity of the nation
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in.tel.lect
noun
1 [U, C] the ability to think in a logical way and understand things, especially at an advanced level; your mind: a man of considerable intellect
2 [C] a very intelligent person: She was one of the most formidable intellects of her time.
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in.tel.lec.tual
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with or using a person’s ability to think in a logical way and understand things MENTAL : intellectual development / curiosity  an intellectual novel
2 (of a person) well educated and enjoying activities in which you have to think seriously about things: She’s very intellectual.
in.tel.lec.tu.al.ly adv.: intellectually challenging / gifted
in.tel.lec.tual.ism noun [U] (usually disapproving)

noun a person who is well educated and enjoys activities in which they have to think seriously about things

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,intel,lectual 'property
noun [U] (law ) an idea, a design, etc. that sb has created and that the law prevents other people from copying: intellectual property rights
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in.tel.li.gence
noun [U]
1 the ability to learn, understand and think in a logical way about things; the ability to do this well: a person of high / average / low intelligence  He didn’t even have the intelligence to call for an ambulance.—see also ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
2 secret information that is collected about a foreign country, especially one that is an enemy; the people that collect this information: intelligence reports / operations  the US Central Intelligence Agency
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in'telligence quotient
noun = IQ
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in'telligence test
noun a test to measure how well a person is able to understand and think in a logical way about things
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in.tel.li.gent
adj.
1 good at learning, understanding and thinking in a logical way about things; showing this ability: a highly intelligent child  to ask an intelligent question
OPP UNINTELLIGENT
2 (of an animal, a being, etc.) able to understand and learn things: a search for intelligent life on other planets
3 (computing) (of a computer, program, etc.) able to store information and use it in new situations: intelligent software / systems
in.tel.li.gent.ly adv.
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in.tel.li.gent.sia
(usually the intelligentsia) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the people in a country or society who are well educated and are interested in culture, politics, literature, etc.
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in.tel.li.gible
adj. ~ (to sb) that can be easily understood: His lecture was readily intelligible to all the students.
OPP UNINTELLIGIBLE
in.tel.li.gi.bil.ity noun [U]
in.tel.li.gibly adv.
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in.tem.per.ate
adj. (formal)
1 showing a lack of control over yourself: intemperate language
OPP TEMPERATE
2 (especially AmE) regularly drinking too much alcohol
in.tem.per.ance noun [U]
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in.tend
verb
1 to have a plan, result or purpose in your mind when you do sth: [v] We finished later than intended.  [v to inf] I fully intended (= definitely intended) to pay for the damage.  [vn to inf] The writer clearly intends his readers to identify with the main character.  [v -ing] (BrE ) I don’t intend staying long.  [vn] The company intends a slow-down in expansion.  [vnn] He intended her no harm (= it was not his plan to harm her).  [vn that] It is intended that production will start at the end of the month. [alsov that]
2 [vn] ~ sth (by sth)| ~ sth (as sth) to plan that sth should have a particular meaning
SYN MEAN : What exactly did you intend by that remark?  He intended it as a joke.
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in.tend.ed
adj. [only before noun]
1 that you are trying to achieve or reach: the intended purpose  his intended victims / audience
2 ~ for sb/sth| ~ as sth| ~ to be / do sth planned or designed for sb/sth: The book is intended for children.  The notes are intended as an introduction to the course.—see also UNINTENDED
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in.tense
adj.
1 very great; very strong; extreme: intense heat / cold / pain  The President is under intense pressure to resign.  the intense blue of her eyes  intense interest / pleasure / desire / anger
2 serious and often involving a lot of action in a short period of time: intense competition / activity / speculation
3 (of a person) having or showing very strong feelings, opinions or thoughts about sb/sth: an intense gaze / look  He’s very intense about everything.—compare INTENSIVE
in.tense.ly adv.: She disliked him intensely.
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in.ten.si.fier
noun (grammar ) a word, especially an adjective or an adverb, for example so or very, that strengthens the meaning of another word
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in.ten.sify
verb (in.ten.si.fies, in.ten.si.fy.ing, in.ten.si.fied, in.ten.si.fied) to increase in degree or strength; to make sth increase in degree or strength
SYN HEIGHTEN : [v] Violence intensified during the night.  [vn] The opposition leader has intensified his attacks on the government.
in.tensi.fi.ca.tion [U, sing.]
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in.ten.sity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, sing.] the state or quality of being intense : intensity of light / sound / colour  intensity of feeling / concentration / relief  He was watching her with an intensity that was unnerving.  The storm resumed with even greater intensity.
2 [U, C] (usually technical) The strength of sth, for example light, that can be measured: continuously varying intensities of natural light
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in.ten.sive
adj.
1 involving a lot of work or activity done in a short time: an intensive language course  two weeks of intensive training  intensive diplomatic negotiations
2 extremely thorough; done with a lot of care: His disappearance has been the subject of intensive investigation.
3 (of methods of farming) aimed at producing as much food as possible using as little land or as little money as possible: Traditionally reared animals grow more slowly than those reared under intensive farming conditions.  intensive agriculture—see also CAPITAL-INTENSIVE , LABOUR-INTENSIVE
in.ten.sive.ly adv.: This case has been intensively studied.  intensively farmed land
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in,tensive 'care
noun [U]
1 continuous care and attention, often using special equipment, for people in hospital who are very seriously ill or injured: She needed intensive care for several days.  intensive care patients / beds
2 (also in,tensive 'care unit [C]) (abbr.ICU) the part of a hospital that provides intensive care : The baby was in intensive care for 48 hours.
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in.tent
adj., noun
adj.
1 showing strong interest and attention: an intent gaze / look  His eyes were suddenly intent.
2 ~ on / upon sth| ~ on / upon doing sth (formal) determined to do sth, especially sth that will harm other people: They were intent on murder.  Are you intent upon destroying my reputation?
3 ~ on / upon sth giving all your attention to sth: I was so intent on my work that I didn’t notice the time.
in.tent.ly adv.: She looked at him intently.

noun [U] ~ (to do sth) (formal orlaw ) what you intend to do INTENTION : She denies possessing the drug with intent to supply.  a letter / statement of intent  His intent is clearly not to placate his critics.
IDM to all intents and 'purposes (BrE) (AmE for all intents and 'purposes) in the effects that sth has, if not in reality; almost completely: By 1981 the docks had, to all intents and purposes, closed.  The two items are, to all intents and purposes, identical.

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in.ten.tion
noun [C, U] ~ (of doing sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) what you intend or plan to do; your aim: I have no intention of going to the wedding.  He has announced his intention to retire.  It was not my intention that she should suffer.  He left England with the intention of travelling in Africa.  I have every intention of paying her back what I owe her.  The original intention was to devote three months to the project.  She’s full of good intentions but they rarely work out.  I did it with the best (of) intentions (= meaning to help), but I only succeeded in annoying them.—see also WELL INTENTIONED
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in.ten.tion.al
adj. done deliberately; intended: I’m sorry I left you off the list—it wasn’t intentional.
OPP UNINTENTIONAL
in.ten.tion.al.ly adv.: She would never intentionally hurt anyone.  I kept my statement intentionally vague.
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inter
verb (-rr-) [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to bury a dead person
OPP DISINTER —see also INTERMENT
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inter-
prefix (in verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs) between; from one to another: interface  interaction  international—compare INTRA-
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inter.act
verb [v] ~ (with sb)
1 to communicate with sb, especially while you work, play or spend time with them: Teachers have a limited amount of time to interact with each child.
2 if one thing interacts with another, or if two things interact, the two things have an effect on each other: Perfume interacts with the skin’s natural chemicals.
inter.action noun [U, C] ~ (between sb/sth)| ~ (with sb/sth): the interaction between performers and their audience  the interaction of bacteria with the body’s natural chemistry
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inter.active
adj.
1 that involves people working together and having an influence on each other: The school believes in interactive teaching methods.
2 (computing) that allows information to be passed continuously and in both directions between a computer and the person who uses it: interactive systems / video
inter.active.ly adv.
inter.activ.ity noun [U]
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inter alia
adv. (from Latin , formal) among other things
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inter.breed
verb [v, vn] if animals from different SPECIES interbreed, or sb interbreeds them, they produce young together
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inter.cede
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (for / on behalf of sb) (formal) to speak to sb in order to persuade them to show pity on sb else or to help settle an argument: They interceded with the authorities on behalf of the detainees.
inter.ces.sion noun [U]: the intercession of a priest
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inter.cept
verb [vn] to stop sb/sth that is going from one place to another from arriving: Reporters intercepted him as he tried to leave the hotel.  The letter was intercepted.
inter.cep.tion noun [U, C]: the interception of enemy radio signals
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inter.cept.or
noun a fast military plane that attacks enemy planes that are carrying bombs
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inter.change
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the act of sharing or exchanging sth, especially ideas or information: a continuous interchange of ideas  electronic data interchange
2 [C] a place where a main road joins a motorway/freeway, designed so that vehicles leaving or joining the road do not have to cross other lines of traffic

verb
1 [vn] to share or exchange ideas, information, etc.
2 ~ (A) (with B)| ~ A and B to put each of two things or people in the other’s place; to move or be moved from one place to another in this way: [vn] to interchange the front and rear tyres of a car  to interchange the front tyres with the rear ones  [v] The front and rear tyres interchange (= can be exchanged).

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inter.change.able
adj. ~ (with sth) that can be exchanged, especially without affecting the way in which sth works: The two words are virtually interchangeable (= have almost the same meaning).  The V8 engines are all interchangeable with each other.
inter.change.abil.ity noun [U]
inter.change.ably adv.: These terms are used interchangeably.
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inter.city
adj. [usually before noun] (of transport) travelling between cities, usually with not many stops on the way: an intercity rail service  intercity travel
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inter.col.le.gi.ate
adj. (especially AmE ) involving competition between colleges: intercollegiate football / athletics
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inter.com
noun a system of communication by telephone or radio inside an office, plane, etc.; the device you press or switch on to start using this system: to announce sth over the intercom   They called him on the intercom.
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inter.com.mu.ni.ca.tion
noun [U] the process of communicating between people or groups
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inter.con.nect
verb ~ (A) (with B)| ~ A and B (written) to connect similar things; to be connected to or with similar things: [vn] Bad housing is interconnected with debt and poverty.  Bad housing, debt and poverty are interconnected.  [v] separate bedrooms that interconnect
inter.con.nec.tion noun [C, U]: interconnections from one part of the brain to another  interconnections between different parts of the brain
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inter.con.tin.en.tal
adj. [usually before noun] between continents: intercontinental flights / missiles / travel / trade
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inter.course
noun [U]
1 = SEXUAL INTERCOURSE : The prosecution stated that intercourse had occurred on several occasions.  anal intercourse
2 (old-fashioned) communication and exchange between people, countries, etc: the importance of social intercourse between different age groups
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inter.de.nom.in.ation.al
adj. shared by different religious groups (= different DENOMINATIONS ): an interdenominational school
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inter.de.part.men.tal
adj. between departments; involving more than one department: interdepartmental committees / meetings / rivalry
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inter.de.pend.ent
adj. that depend on each other; consisting of parts that depend on each other: interdependent economies / organizations / relationships  The world is becoming increasingly interdependent.
inter.de.pend.ence (also less frequent inter.de.pend.encypl.-ies) noun [U, C]
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inter.dict
noun
1 (law) an official order from a court of law that orders you not to do sth
2 (technical) (in the Roman Catholic Church) an order forbidding sb to take part in church services, etc.
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inter.dic.tion
noun [U] (formal, especially AmE ) the act of stopping sth that is being transported from one place from reaching another place, especially by using force: the Customs Service’s drug interdiction programs
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inter.dis.cip.lin.ary
adj. involving different areas of knowledge or study: interdisciplinary research  an interdisciplinary approach
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inter.est
noun, verb
noun
WANTING TO KNOW MORE|
1 [sing., U] ~ (in sb/sth) the feeling that you have when you want to know or learn more about sb/sth: to feel / have / show / express (an) interest in sth  Do your parents take an interest in your friends?  By that time I had lost (all) interest in the idea.  I watched with interest .  As a matter of interest , (= I’d like to know) what time did the party finish?  Just out of interest , how much did it cost?—compare DISINTEREST
ATTRACTION|
2 [U] the quality that sth has when it attracts sb’s attention or makes them want to know more about it: There are many places of interest around Oxford.  The subject is of no interest to me at all.  These plants will add interest to your garden in winter.—see also HUMAN INTEREST
HOBBY|
3 [C] an activity or a subject that you enjoy and that you spend your free time doing or studying: Her main interests are music and tennis.  He was a man of wide interests outside his work.—compare HOBBY
MONEY|
4 [U] ~ (on sth) (finance) the extra money that you pay back when you borrow money or that you receive when you invest money: to pay interest on a loan  The money was repaid with interest .  interest charges / payments  Interest rates have risen by 1%.  high rates of interest —see also COMPOUND INTEREST , SIMPLE INTEREST
ADVANTAGE|
5 [C, usually pl., U] a good result or an advantage for sb/sth: to promote / protect / safeguard sb’s interests  She was acting entirely in her own interests .  These reforms were in the best interests of local government.  It is in the public interest that these facts are made known.—see also SELF-INTEREST
SHARE IN BUSINESS|
6 [C, usually pl.] ~ (in sth) a share in a business or company and its profits: She has business interests in France.  American interests in Europe (= money invested in European countries)—see also CONTROLLING INTEREST
CONNECTION|
7 [C, U] ~ (in sth) a connection with sth which affects your attitude to it, especially because you may benefit from it in some way: I should, at this point, declare my interest .  Organizations have an interest in ensuring that employee motivation is high.—compare DISINTEREST —see also VESTED INTEREST
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
8 [C, usually pl.] a group of people who are in the same business or who share the same aims which they want to protect: powerful farming interests  relationships between local government and business interests  the activities of special interest groups have sb’s interests at 'heart to want sb to be happy and successful even though your actions may not show this in the interest(s) of sth in order to help or achieve sth: In the interest(s) of safety, smoking is forbidden. to do sth (back) with interest to do the same thing to sb as they have done to you, but with more force, enthusiasm, etc.—more at CONFLICT n.

verb ~ sb / yourself (in sth) to attract your attention and make you feel interested; to make yourself give your attention to sth: [vn] Politics doesn’t interest me.  She has always interested herself in charity work.  [vn to inf] It may interest you to know that Andy didn’t accept the job. 'interest sb in sth to persuade sb to buy, do or eat sth: Could I interest you in this model, Sir?

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inter.est.ed
adj.
1 ~ (in sth/sb)| ~ (in doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) giving your attention to sth because you enjoy finding out about it or doing it; showing interest in sth and finding it exciting: I’m very interested in history.  Anyone interested in joining the club should contact us at the address below.  We would be interested to hear your views on this subject.  an interested audience / reader  There’s a talk on Italian art—are you interested (= would you like to go)?  He sounded genuinely interested.
2 in a position to gain from a situation or be affected by it: As an interested party , I was not allowed to vote.  Interested groups will be given three months to give their views on the new development.
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,interest-'free
adj. with no interest charged on money borrowed: an interest-free loan  interest-free credit
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'interest group
noun a group of people who work together to achieve sth that they are particularly interested in, especially by putting pressure on the government, etc.
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inter.est.ing
adj. ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) attracting your attention because it is special, exciting or unusual: an interesting question / point / example  interesting people / places / work  It would be interesting to know what he really believed.  I find it interesting that she claims not to know him.  Can’t we do something more interesting?  Her account makes interesting reading.  It is particularly interesting to compare the two versions.
inter.est.ing.ly adv.: Interestingly, there are very few recorded cases of such attacks.
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inter.face
noun, verb
noun
1 (computing) the way a computer program presents information to a user or receives information from a user, in particular the LAYOUT of the screen and the MENUS : the user interface
2 (computing) an electrical CIRCUIT , connection or program that joins one device or system to another: the interface between computer and printer
3 ~ (between A and B) (written) the point where two subjects, systems, etc. meet and affect each other: the interface between manufacturing and sales

verb ~ (sth) (with sth)| ~ A and B (computing ) to be connected with sth using an interface ; to connect sth in this way: [v] The new system interfaces with existing telephone equipment. [alsovn]

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inter.fere
verb [vn] ~ (in sth) to get involved in and try to influence a situation that does not concern you, in a way that annoys other people: I wish my mother would stop interfering and let me make my own decisions.  The police are very unwilling to interfere in family problems.
PVR V inter'fere with sb (BrE) to touch a child in a sexual way inter'fere with sth
1 to prevent sth from succeeding or from being done or happening as planned: She never allows her personal feelings to interfere with her work.
2 to touch, use or change sth, especially a piece of equipment, so that it is damaged or no longer works correctly: I’d get fired if he found out I’d been interfering with his records.
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inter.fer.ence
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth) the act of interfering : They resent foreign interference in the internal affairs of their country.
2 interruption of a radio signal by another signal on a similar WAVELENGTH , causing extra noise that is not wanted
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inter.fer.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (disapproving) involving yourself in an annoying way in other people’s private lives: She’s an interfering busybody!
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inter.feron
noun [U] (biology ) a substance produced by the body to prevent harmful VIRUSES from causing disease
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inter.gal.act.ic
adj. [only before noun] existing or happening between GALAXIES of stars: intergalactic space / travel
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inter.gov.ern.men.tal
adj. [only before noun] concerning the governments of two or more countries: an intergovernmental conference
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in.terim
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 intended to last for only a short time until sb/sth more permanent is found: an interim government / measure / report  The vice-president took power in the interim period before the election.
2 (finance) calculated before the final results of sth are known PROVISIONAL : interim figures / profits / results

noun
IDM in the interim during the period of time between two events; until a particular event happens: Despite everything that had happened in the interim, they had remained good friends.  Her new job does not start until May and she will continue in the old job in the interim.

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in.ter.ior
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the inside part of sth: the interior of a building / a car
OPP EXTERIOR
2 (the interior) [sing.] the central part of a country or continent that is a long way from the coast: an expedition into the interior of Australia
3 (the Interior) [sing.] a country’s own affairs rather than those that involve other countries: the Department / Minister of the Interior

adj. [only before noun] connected with the inside part of sth: interior walls / doors
OPP EXTERIOR

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in,terior 'decorator
noun a person whose job is to design and/or decorate a room or the inside of a house, etc. with paint, paper, fabrics and carpets
in,terior deco'ration noun [U]: an interior decoration scheme
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in,terior de'sign
noun [U] the art or job of choosing the paint, carpets, furniture, etc. to decorate the inside of a house
in,terior de'signer noun
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inter.ject
verb (written) to interrupt what sb is saying with your opinion or a remark: [v speech] ‘You’re wrong,’ interjected Susan. [alsovn, v]
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inter.jec.tion
noun (grammar ) a short sound, word or phrase spoken suddenly to express an emotion. Oh!, Look out! and Ow! are interjections .
SYN EXCLAMATION
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inter.lace
verb ~ (sth) (with sth) (written) to weave things together by twisting them over and under each other; to be woven together in this way: [v] interlacing branches  [vn] Her hair was interlaced with ribbons and flowers.
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inter.leave
verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to put sth, especially thin layers of sth, between things
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inter.link
verb ~ (sth) (with sth) to connect things; to be connected with other things: [vn] [usually passive] The two processes are interlinked.  [v] a series of short interlinking stories
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inter.lock
verb ~ (sth) (with sth) to fit or be fastened firmly together: [v] interlocking shapes / systems / pieces  The US space shuttle will interlock with the Russian space station later today. [alsovn]
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inter.locu.tor
noun (formal)
1 a person taking part in a conversation with you
2 a person or an organization that talks to another person or organization on behalf of sb else
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inter.loper
noun a person who is present in a place or a situation where they do not belong INTRUDER : She felt like an interloper in her own family.
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inter.lude
noun
1 a period of time between two events during which sth different happens: a romantic interlude (= a short romantic relationship)  Apart from a brief interlude of peace, the war lasted nine years.
2 a short period of time between the parts of a play, film/movie, etc: There will now be a short interlude.
3 a short piece of music or a talk, etc. that fills this period of time: a musical interlude  note at BREAK
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inter.marry
verb (inter.mar.ries, inter.marry.ing, inter.mar.ried, inter.mar.ried) [v]
1 to marry sb of a different race or from a different country or a different religious group: Blacks and whites often intermarried (= married each other).  They were not forbidden to intermarry with the local people.
2 to marry sb within your own family or group: cousins who intermarry
inter.mar.riage noun [U, C]: intermarriage between blacks and whites
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inter.medi.ary
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (between A and B) a person or an organization that helps other people or organizations to make an agreement by being a means of communication between them MEDIATOR , GO-BETWEEN : Financial institutions act as intermediaries between lenders and borrowers.  All talks have so far been conducted through an intermediary.
inter.medi.ary adj. [only before noun]: to play an intermediary role in the dispute
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inter.medi.ate
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] ~ (between A and B) situated between two places, things, states, etc: an intermediate stage / step in a process  Liquid crystals are considered to be intermediate between liquid and solid.
2 having more than a basic knowledge of sth but not yet advanced; suitable for sb who is at this level: an intermediate skier / student  an intermediate coursebook  pre- / upper-intermediate classes

noun a person who is learning sth and who has more than a basic knowledge of it but is not yet advanced

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,intermediate tech'nology
noun [U] technology that is suitable for use in developing countries as it is cheap and simple and can use local materials
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in.ter.ment
noun [C, U] (formal) the act of burying a dead person—see also INTER v.
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in.ter.min.able
adj. lasting a very long time and therefore boring or annoying ENDLESS : an interminable speech / wait / discussion  The drive seemed interminable.
in.ter.min.ably adv.: The meeting dragged on interminably.
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inter.min.gle
verb ~ (A) (with B)| ~ A and B (written) to mix people, ideas, colours, etc. together; to be mixed in this way: [vn] The book intermingles fact with fiction.  The book intermingles fact and fiction.  [v] tourists and local people intermingling in the market square
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inter.mis.sion
noun [C, U]
1 (especially AmE) a short period of time between the parts of a play, film/movie, etc: Wine was served during the intermission.   (AmE) After intermission, the second band played.
HELP This meaning is only [U] in AmE.  note at BREAK
2 a period of time during which sth stops before continuing again: This state of affairs lasted without intermission for a hundred years.
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inter.mit.tent
adj. stopping and starting often over a period of time, but not regularly
SYN SPORADIC : intermittent bursts of applause  intermittent rain / showers
inter.mit.tent.ly adv.: Protests continued intermittently throughout November.
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in.tern
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (in sth) to put sb in prison during a war or for political reasons, although they have not been charged with a crime—see also INTERNEE
in.tern.ment noun [U]: the internment of suspected terrorists  internment camps

noun (also interne) (AmE )
1 an advanced student of medicine, whose training is nearly finished and who is working in a hospital to get further practical experience: Interns and residents at the hospital are working 12-hour shifts.—compare HOUSE OFFICER
2 a student or new GRADUATE who is getting practical experience in a job, for example during the summer holiday/vacation: a summer intern at a law firm
in.tern.ship noun: an internship at a television station—compare WORK EXPERIENCE

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in.tern.al
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the inside of sth: the internal structure of a building  internal doors / fittings
OPP EXTERNAL
2 [only before noun] connected with the inside of your body: internal organs / injuries  The medicine is not for internal use.
OPP EXTERNAL
3 [usually before noun] involving or concerning only the people who are part of a particular organization rather than people from outside it: an internal audit / inquiry  the internal workings of government  internal divisions within the company
OPP EXTERNAL
4 [only before noun] connected with a country’s own affairs rather than those that involve other countries DOMESTIC : internal affairs / trade / markets  an internal flight (= within a country)
OPP EXTERNAL
5 coming from within a thing itself rather than from outside it: a theory which lacks internal consistency (= whose parts are not consistent)  Some photos contain internal evidence (= fashions, transport, etc.) that may help to date them.
6 happening or existing in your mind INNER : internal rage
in.tern.al.ly adv.: internally connected rooms  The new posts were only advertised internally.
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in,ternal-com'bustion engine
noun a type of engine used in most cars that produces power by burning petrol/gas inside
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in.tern.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (technical ) to make a feeling, an attitude, or a belief part of the way you think and behave: Minority groups tend to internalize the values of the dominant society.—compare EXTERNALIZE
in.tern.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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the In,ternal 'Revenue Service
noun [sing.] (abbr. IRS) (in the US) the government department that is responsible for collecting most national taxes, for example income tax—compare THE INLAND REVENUE
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inter.nation.al
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] connected with or involving two or more countries: international trade / law / sport  an international airport / school / company  international relations  a pianist with an international reputation
inter.nation.al.ly adv.: internationally famous

noun (BrE )
1 a sports competition involving teams from two countries: the France-Scotland rugby international
2 a player who takes part in a sports competition against another country: a former swimming international

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the Inter,national 'Date Line
(also 'date line) noun [sing.] the imaginary line that goes from north to south through the Pacific Ocean. The date on the west side is different by one day from that on the east side.
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inter.nation.al.ism
noun [U] the belief that countries should work together in a friendly way
inter.nation.al.ist noun, adj.
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inter.nation.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to bring sth under the control or protection of many nations; to make sth international
inter.nation.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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interne
noun = INTERN
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inter.necine
adj. [only before noun] (formal) happening between members of the same group, country or organization: internecine struggles / warfare / feuds
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in.tern.ee
noun a person who is put in prison for political reasons, usually without a trial (= who is INTERNED )
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Inter.net
noun (usually the Internet) (also informal the Net) [sing.] an international computer NETWORK connecting other NETWORKS and computers from companies, universities, etc: I got the information from the Internet.  Internet service providers —see also INTRANET , WWW
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in.tern.ist
noun (AmE ) a doctor who is a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the organs inside the body and who does not usually do medical operations
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inter.pene.trate
verb [v, vn] (formal) to spread completely through sth or from one thing to another in each direction
inter.pene.tra.tion noun [U, C]
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inter.per.son.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with relationships between people: interpersonal skills
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inter.plan.et.ary
adj. [only before noun] between planets: interplanetary space / travel
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inter.play
noun [U, sing.] ~ (of / between A and B) (formal) the way in which two or more things or people affect each other INTERACTION : the interplay between politics and the environment  the subtle interplay of colours
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Inter.pol
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] an international organization that enables the police forces of different countries to help each other to solve crimes
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in.ter.pol.ate
verb (formal)
1 to make a remark that interrupts a conversation: [v speech] ‘But why?’ he interpolated. [alsovn]
2 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to add sth to a piece of writing: The lines were interpolated into the manuscript at a later date.
in.ter.pol.ation noun [U, C]
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inter.pose
verb (formal)
1 to add a question or remark into a conversation: [v speech] ‘Just a minute,’ Charles interposed. ‘How do you know?’ [alsovn]
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (between A and B) to place sth between two people or things: He quickly interposed himself between Mel and the doorway.
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in.ter.pret
verb
1 [vn] to explain the meaning of sth: The students were asked to interpret the poem.
2 [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to decide that sth has a particular meaning and to understand it in this way: I didn’t know whether to interpret her silence as acceptance or refusal.  The data can be interpreted in many different ways.—compare MISINTERPRET
3 [v] ~ (for sb) to translate one language into another as you hear it: She couldn’t speak much English so her children had to interpret for her.
4 [vn] to perform a piece of music, a role in a play, etc. in a way that shows your feelings about its meaning: He interpreted the role with a lot of humour.
in.ter.pret.able adj.: interpretable data
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in.ter.pret.ation
noun [C, U]
1 the particular way in which sth is understood or explained: Her evidence suggests a different interpretation of the events leading to his death.  It is not possible for everyone to put their own interpretation on the law.  Dreams are open to interpretation (= they can be explained in different ways).
2 the particular way in which sb chooses to perform a piece of music, a role in a play, etc: a modern interpretation of ‘King Lear’
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in.ter.pret.ative
(also in.ter.pret.ive especially in AmE) adj. [usually before noun] connected with the particular way in which sth is understood, explained or performed; providing an interpretation : an interpretative problem  an interpretative exhibition
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in.ter.pret.er
noun
1 a person whose job is to translate what sb is saying into another language: Speaking through an interpreter , the President said that the talks were going well.  a sign language interpreter (= a person who translates what sb is saying into sign language for deaf people)—compare TRANSLATOR
2 a person who performs a piece of music or a role in a play in a way that clearly shows their ideas about its meaning: She was considered one of the finest interpreters of Debussy’s music.
3 (computing) a computer program that changes the instructions of another program into a form that the computer can understand and use
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inter.racial
adj. [only before noun] involving people of different races: interracial marriage
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inter.reg.num
noun [usually sing.] (pl.inter.reg.nums) (formal) a period of time during which a country, an organization, etc. does not have a leader and is waiting for a new one
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inter.relate
verb (written) if two or more things interrelate, or if they are interrelated, they are closely connected and they affect each other: [v] a discussion of how the mind and body interrelate  a discussion of how the mind interrelates with the body [alsovn]
inter.related adj.: a number of interrelated problems  the belief that the mind is closely interrelated with the body
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inter.rela.tion.ship
(also inter.rela.tion ) noun [C, U] ~ (of / between A and B) the way in which two or more things or people are connected and affect each other
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in.ter.ro.gate
verb [vn]
1 to ask sb a lot of questions over a long period of time, especially in an aggressive way: He was interrogated by the police for over 12 hours.
2 (technical) to obtain information from a computer or other machine
in.ter.ro.ga.tion noun [U, C]: He confessed after four days under interrogation .  She hated her parents' endless interrogations about where she’d been.
in.ter.ro.ga.tor noun
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inter.roga.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 (formal) asking a question; in the form of a question: an interrogative gesture / remark / sentence
2 (grammar) used in questions: interrogative pronouns / determiners / adverbs (for example, who, which and why)
inter.roga.tive.ly adv.

noun (grammar ) a question word, especially a pronoun or a DETERMINER such as who or which

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inter.rupt
verb
1 ~ (sb/sth) (with sth) to say or do sth that makes sb stop what they are saying or doing: [v] Sorry to interrupt, but there’s someone to see you.  Would you mind not interrupting all the time?  [vn] I hope I’m not interrupting you.  They were interrupted by a knock at the door. [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] to stop the continuous progress of sth for a short time: The game was interrupted several times by rain.  We interrupt this programme to bring you an important news bulletin.
3 [vn] to stop a line, surface, view, etc. from being even or continuous
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inter.rup.tion
noun [C, U]
1 something that temporarily stops an activity or a situation; a time when an activity is stopped: The birth of her son was a minor interruption to her career.  an interruption to the power supply  I managed to work for two hours without interruption .
2 the act of interrupting sb/sth and of stopping them from speaking: He ignored her interruptions.  She spoke for 20 minutes without interruption .
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inter.sect
verb
1 (of lines, roads, etc.) to meet or cross each other: [v] a pattern of intersecting streets  The lines intersect at right angles.  The path intersected with a busy road. [alsovn]
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to divide an area by crossing it: The landscape is intersected with spectacular gorges.
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inter.sec.tion
noun
1 [C] a place where two or more roads, lines, etc. meet or cross each other: Traffic lights have been placed at all major intersections.
2 [U] the act of intersecting sth
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inter.sperse
verb [vn] (written) to put sth in sth else or among or between other things: Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations.
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inter.state
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] between states, especially in the US: interstate commerce

noun (also ,interstate 'highway) (in the US) a large road between states: Get on the interstate leading toward Miami.

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inter.stel.lar
adj. [only before noun] between the stars in the sky: interstellar space / matter—compare STELLAR
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in.ter.stice
noun [usually pl.] (rare, formal) a small crack or space in sth
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inter.twine
verb [usually passive]
1 if two or more things intertwine or are intertwined, they are twisted together so that they are very difficult to separate: [vn] a necklace of rubies intertwined with pearls  [v] intertwining branches
2 to be or become very closely connected with sth/sb else: [vn] [usually passive] Their political careers had become closely intertwined . [alsov]
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inter.val
noun
1 a period of time between two events: The interval between major earthquakes might be 200 years.
2 (BrE) (also inter.mis.sionAmE, BrE) a short period of time separating parts of a play, film/movie or concert: There will be an interval of 20 minutes after the second act.  note at BREAK
3 [usually pl.] a short period during which sth different happens from what is happening the rest of the time: She’s delirious, but has lucid intervals.   (BrE) The day should be mainly dry with sunny intervals.
4 (music) a difference in PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds) between two notes: an interval of one octave
IDM at ( … ) intervals
1 with time between: Buses to the city leave at regular intervals .  The runners started at 5-minute intervals.
2 with spaces between: Flaming torches were positioned at intervals along the terrace.
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inter.vene
verb
1 [v] ~ (in sth) to become involved in a situation in order to improve or help it: The President intervened personally in the crisis.  She might have been killed if the neighbours hadn’t intervened.
2 to interrupt sb when they are speaking in order to say sth: [v speech] ‘But,’ she intervened, ‘what about the others?’ [alsov]
3 [v] to happen in a way that delays sth or prevents it from happening: They were planning to get married and then the war intervened.
4 [v] (formal) to exist between two events or places: I saw nothing of her during the years that intervened.
inter.ven.tion noun [U, C] ~ (in sth): calls for government intervention to save the steel industry  armed / military intervention
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inter.ven.tion.ism
noun [U] the policy or practice of a government influencing the economy of its own country, or of becoming involved in the affairs of other countries
inter.ven.tion.ist adj., noun: interventionist policies
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inter.view
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (for a job, etc.) a formal meeting at which sb is asked questions to see if they are suitable for a particular job, or for a course of study at a college, university, etc: a job interview  to be called for (an) interview  He has an interview next week for the manager’s job.
2 ~ (with sb) a meeting (often a public one) at which a journalist asks sb questions in order to find out their opinions: a television / radio / newspaper interview  an interview with the new Governor  to give an interview (= to agree to answer questions)  Yesterday, in an interview on German television, the minister denied the reports.  The interview was published in all the papers.
3 ~ (with sb) a private meeting between people when questions are asked and answered: an interview with the careers adviser

verb
1 ~ sb (for a job, etc.) to talk to sb and ask them questions at a formal meeting to find out if they are suitable for a job, course of study, etc: [vn] Which post are you being interviewed for?  We interviewed ten people for the job. [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ sb (about sth) to ask sb questions about their life, opinions, etc., especially on the radio or television or for a newspaper or magazine: Next week, I will be interviewing Spielberg about his latest movie.  The Prime Minister declined to be interviewed.
3 [vn] ~ sb (about sth) to ask sb questions at a private meeting: The police are waiting to interview the injured man.
inter.view.ing noun [U]: The research involves in-depth interviewing.  interviewing skills / techniques

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inter.view.ee
noun the person who answers the questions in an interview
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inter.view.er
noun the person who asks the questions in an interview
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inter.war
adj. [only before noun] happening or existing between the First and the Second World Wars: the interwar years / period
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inter.weave
verb (inter.wove , inter.woven ) [usually passive] to weave together two or more pieces of thread, wool, etc: [vn] The blue fabric was interwoven with red and gold thread.   (figurative) The problems are inextricably interwoven (= very closely connected). [alsov]
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in.tes.tate
adj. (law ) not having made a WILL (= a legal document that says what is to happen to a person’s property when they die)
in.tes.tacy noun [U]
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in.tes.tine
noun [often pl.] a long tube in the body between the stomach and the ANUS . Food passes from the stomach to the small intestine and from there to the large intestine.—picture at BODY
in.tes.tinal adj. [usually before noun]
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in.tim.acy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of having a close personal relationship with sb
2 [C, usually pl.] a thing that a person says or does to sb that they know very well
3 [U] (formal orlaw) sexual activity, especially an act of SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
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in.tim.ate
adj., verb, noun
adj.
1 (of people) having a close and friendly relationship: intimate friends  We’re not on intimate terms with our neighbours.
2 private and personal, often in a sexual way: The article revealed intimate details about his family life.  the most intimate parts of her body
3 (of a place or situation) encouraging close, friendly relationships, sometimes of a sexual nature: an intimate restaurant / dinner / conversation  He knew an intimate little bar where they would not be disturbed.
4 (of knowledge) very detailed and thorough: an intimate knowledge of the English countryside
5 (of a link between things) very close: an intimate connection between class and educational success
6 ~ (with sb) (formal orlaw) having a sexual relationship with sb
in.tim.ate.ly adv.: intimately connected / linked / related  an area of the country that he knew intimately  She was intimately involved in the project.  They touched each other intimately (= in a sexual way).

verb ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to let sb know what you think or mean in an indirect way: [vn] He has already intimated to us his intention to retire.  [v (that)] He has already intimated (that) he intends to retire.

noun (formal) a close personal friend

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in.tim.ation
noun [C, U] (formal) the act of stating sth or of making it known, especially in an indirect way: There was no intimation from his doctor that his condition was serious.
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in.timi.date
verb [vn] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to frighten or threaten sb so that they will do what you want: They were accused of intimidating people into voting for them.  She refused to be intimidated by their threats.
in.timi.da.tion noun [U]: the intimidation of witnesses
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in.timi.dated
adj. [not usually before noun] feeling frightened and not confident in a particular situation: We try to make sure children don’t feel intimidated on their first day at school.
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in.timi.dat.ing
adj. ~ (for / to sb) frightening in a way which makes a person feel less confident: an intimidating manner  This kind of questioning can be very intimidating to children.
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in.timi.da.tory
adj. (formal) intended to frighten or threaten sb
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into
prep.
HELP For the special uses of into in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example lay into sb/sth is in the phrasal verb section at lay.
1 to a position in or inside sth: Come into the house.  She dived into the water.  He threw the letter into the fire.   (figurative) She turned and walked off into the night.
2 in the direction of sth: Speak clearly into the microphone.  Driving into the sun, we had to shade our eyes.
3 to a point at which you hit sb/sth: The truck crashed into a parked car.
4 to a point during a period of time: She carried on working late into the night.  He didn’t get married until he was well into his forties.
5 used to show a change in state: The fruit can be made into jam.  Can you translate this passage into German?  They came into power in 1997.  She was sliding into depression.
6 used to show the result of an action: He was shocked into a confession of guilt.
7 about or concerning sth: an inquiry into safety procedures
8 used when you are dividing numbers: 3 into 24 is 8.
IDM be 'into sth (informal) to be interested in sth in an active way: He’s into surfing in a big way.
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in.toler.able
adj. so bad or difficult that you cannot TOLERATE it; completely unacceptable
SYN UNBEARABLE : an intolerable burden / situation  The heat was intolerable.
in.toler.ably adv.: intolerably hot
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in.toler.ant
adj.
1 ~ (of sb/sth) (disapproving) not willing to accept ideas or ways of behaving that are different from your own
OPP TOLERANT
2 ~ (of sth) (technical) not able to eat particular foods, use particular medicines, etc.
in.toler.ance noun [U]: religious intolerance  food allergy and intolerance
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in.ton.ation
noun
1 [U, C] (phonetics) the rise and fall of the voice in speaking, especially as this affects the meaning of what is being said: intonation patterns  In English, some questions have a rising intonation.—compare STRESS
2 [U] (music) the quality of playing or singing exactly in tune: The violin’s intonation was poor.
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in.tone
verb (formal) to say sth in a slow and serious voice without much expression: [vn] The priest intoned the final prayer. [alsov speech]
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in toto
adv. (from Latin , formal) completely; including all parts
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in.toxi.cant
noun (technical ) a substance such as alcohol that produces false feelings of pleasure and a lack of control
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in.toxi.cated
adj. (formal)
1 under the influence of alcohol or drugs: (AmE) He was arrested for DWI (= driving while intoxicated).
2 ~ (by / with sth) very excited by sth, so that you cannot think clearly: intoxicated with power / success
in.toxi.cate verb [vn]
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in.toxi.cat.ing
adj.
1 (of drink) containing alcohol
2 making you feel excited so that you cannot think clearly: Power can be intoxicating.
in.toxi.ca.tion noun [U]
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intra-
prefix (in adjectives and adverbs) inside; within: intravenous  intra-departmental (= within a department)—compare INTER-
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in.tract.able
adj. (formal) (of a problem or a person) very difficult to deal with: Unemployment was proving to be an intractable problem.
OPP TRACTABLE
in.tract.abil.ity noun [U]
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intra.mural
adj. taking place within a single institution, especially a school or college: Jeff played intramural basketball in high school.
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Intra.net
noun (computing ) a computer NETWORK that is private to a company, university, etc. but is connected to and uses the same SOFTWARE as the Internet
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in.transi.gent
adj. (formal, disapproving) (of people) unwilling to change their opinions or behaviour in a way that would be helpful to others STUBBORN : an intransigent attitude
in.transi.gence noun [U]
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in.transi.tive
adj. (grammar ) (of verbs) used without a DIRECT OBJECT ; not TRANSITIVE : The verb ‘die’ as in ‘He died suddenly’, is intransitive.
in.transi.tive.ly adv.: The verb is being used intransitively.
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intra.uter.ine
adj. (medical ) within the UTERUS
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,intrauterine de'vice
noun = IUD
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intra.ven.ous
adj. (abbr. IV) (medical ) (of drugs or food) going into a VEIN : intravenous fluids  an intravenous injection  an intravenous drug user
intra.ven.ous.ly adv.
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'in tray
(AmE also 'in box) noun (in an office) a container on your desk for letters that are waiting to be read or answered—compare OUT TRAY
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in.trench
= ENTRENCH
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in.trepid
adj. (formal, often humorous) very brave; not afraid of danger or difficulties: an intrepid explorer
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in.tri.cacy
noun
1 (in.tri.ca.cies) [pl.] the ~ of sth the complicated parts or details of sth: the intricacies of economic policy
2 [U] the fact of having complicated parts, details or patterns: the intricacy of the design
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in.tri.cate
adj. having a lot of different parts and small details that fit together: intricate patterns / designs / structures  an intricate network of loyalties and relationships
in.tri.cate.ly adv.: intricately carved / decorated / patterned
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in.trigue
verb, noun
verb
1 [often passive] to make sb very interested and want to know more about sth: [vn] The idea intrigued her.  You’ve really intrigued me—tell me more! [alsovn that]
2 [v] ~ (with sb) (against sb) (formal) to secretly plan with other people to harm sb

noun
1 [U] the activity of making secret plans in order to achieve an aim, often by deceiving people: political intrigue  The young heroine steps into a web of intrigue in the academic world.
2 [C] a secret plan or relationship, especially one which involves sb else being deceived: I soon learnt about all the intrigues and scandals that went on in the little town.
3 [U] the atmosphere of interest and excitement that surrounds sth secret or important

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intrigued
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) very interested in sth/sb and wanting to know more about it/them: He was intrigued by her story.  I’m intrigued to know what you thought of the movie.
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in.tri.guing
adj. very interesting because of being unusual or not having an obvious answer: These discoveries raise intriguing questions.  an intriguing story / possibility  He found her intriguing.
in.tri.guing.ly adv.
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in.trin.sic
adj. ~ (to sth) belonging to or part of the real nature of sth/sb: the intrinsic value of education  These tasks were repetitive, lengthy and lacking any intrinsic interest.  Small local shops are intrinsic to the town’s character.—compare EXTRINSIC
in.trin.sic.al.ly adv.: There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the idea (= it is good in itself but there may be outside circumstances which mean it is not suitable).
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intro
noun (pl.-os) (informal) an introduction to sth, especially to a piece of music or writing
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intro.duce
verb [vn]
PEOPLE|
1 ~ A (to B)| ~ A and B| ~ yourself (to sb) to tell two or more people who have not met before what each others' names are; to tell sb what your name is: Can I introduce my wife?  He introduced me to a Greek girl at the party.  We’ve already been introduced.  Can I introduce myself? I’m Helen Robins.  ‘Kay, this is Steve.’‘Yes, I know—we’ve already introduced ourselves.’
TV / RADIO SHOW|
2 to be the main speaker in a television or radio show, who gives details about the show and who presents the people who are in it; to tell the audience the name of the person who is going to speak or perform: The next programme will be introduced by Mary David.  May I introduce my first guest on the show tonight …
NEW EXPERIENCE|
3 ~ sb to sth| ~ sth (to sb) to make sb learn about sth or do sth for the first time: The first lecture introduces students to the main topics of the course.  It was she who first introduced the pleasures of sailing to me.
NEW PRODUCT / LAW|
4 ~ sth (into / to sth) to make sth available for use, discussion, etc. for the first time
SYN BRING IN : The company is introducing a new range of products this year.  The new law was introduced in 1991.  We want to introduce the latest technology into schools.
PLANT / ANIMAL / DISEASE|
5 ~ sth (to / into sth) to bring a plant, an animal or a disease to a place for the first time: Vegetation patterns changed when goats were introduced to the island.
START|
6 to be the start of sth new: Bands like ‘James’ introduced the craze for indie music.  A slow theme introduces the first movement.
IN PARLIAMENT|
7 to formally present a new law so that it can be discussed: to introduce a bill (before Parliament)
ADD|
8 ~ sth (into sth) (formal) to put sth into sth: Particles of glass had been introduced into the baby food.
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intro.duc.tion
noun
BRINGING INTO USE / TO A PLACE|
1 [U] the act of bringing sth into use or existence for the first time, or of bringing sth to a place for the first time: the introduction of new manufacturing methods  the introduction of compulsory military service  the 1 000th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity to Russia
2 [C] a thing that is brought into use or introduced to a place for the first time: The book lists plants suitable for the British flower garden, among them many new introductions.
OF PEOPLE|
3 [C] ~ (to sb) the act of making one person formally known to another, in which you tell each the other’s name: Introductions were made and the conversation started to flow.  Our speaker today needs no introduction (= is already well known).  a letter of introduction (= a letter which tells sb who you are, written by sb who knows both you and the person reading the letter)
FIRST EXPERIENCE|
4 [sing.] ~ (to sth) a person’s first experience of sth: This album was my first introduction to modern jazz.
OF BOOK / SPEECH|
5 [C, U] ~ (to sth) the first part of a book or speech that gives a general idea of what is to follow: a brief / general introduction  a book with an excellent introduction and notes  By way of introduction , let me give you the background to the story.—compare PREFACE
TO SUBJECT|
6 [C] ~ (to sth) a book or course for people beginning to study a subject: ‘An Introduction to Astronomy’  It’s a useful introduction to an extremely complex subject.
IN MUSIC|
7 [C] (music) a short section at the beginning of a piece of music: an eight-bar introduction
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intro.duc.tory
adj.
1 written or said at the beginning of sth as an introduction to what follows: introductory chapters / paragraphs / remarks
2 intended as an introduction to a subject or an activity for people who have never done it before: introductory courses / lectures
3 offered for a short time only, when a product is first on sale: a special introductory price of just £1·99
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intro.spec.tion
noun [U] the careful examination of your own thoughts, feelings and reasons for behaving in a particular way: These situations are best resolved with the minimum of introspection or self-analysis.
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intro.spect.ive
adj. tending to think a lot about your own thoughts, feelings, etc: There were a lot of family problems and Jim became increasingly introspective.
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intro.vert
noun a quiet person who is more interested in their own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people
OPP EXTROVERT
intro.ver.sion noun [U]
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intro.vert.ed
(also intro.vert) adj. more interested in your own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people: His teachers perceived him as shy and introverted.
OPP EXTROVERT
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in.trude
verb [v]
1 ~ (into / on / upon sb/sth) to go or be somewhere where you are not wanted or are not supposed to be: I’m sorry to intrude, but I need to talk to someone.  legislation to stop newspapers from intruding on people’s private lives
2 ~ (on / into / upon sth) to disturb sth or have an unpleasant effect on it: The sound of the telephone intruded into his dreams.
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in.truder
noun
1 a person who enters a building or an area illegally
2 a person who is somewhere where they are not wanted: The people in the room seemed to regard her as an unwelcome intruder.
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in.tru.sion
noun [U, C] ~ (into / on / upon sth)
1 something that affects a situation or people’s lives in a way that they do not want: They claim the noise from the new airport is an intrusion on their lives.  This was another example of press intrusion into the affairs of the royals.
2 the act of entering a place which is private or where you may not be wanted: She apologized for the intrusion but said she had an urgent message.
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in.tru.sive
adj. too noticeable, direct, etc. in a way that is disturbing or annoying: intrusive questions / sales methods  When Alison was at home she was an intrusive presence.
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in.tuit
verb (formal) to know that sth is true based on your feelings rather than on facts, what sb tells you, etc: [v that] She intuited that something was badly wrong. [alsovn, v wh-]
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in.tu.ition
noun
1 [U] the ability to know sth by using your feelings rather than considering the facts: Intuition told her that he had spoken the truth.
2 [C] ~ (that … ) an idea or a strong feeling that sth is true although you cannot explain why: I had an intuition that something awful was about to happen.
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in.tui.tive
adj.
1 (of ideas) obtained by using your feelings rather than by considering the facts: an intuitive judgement  He had an intuitive sense of what the reader wanted.
2 (of people) able to understand sth by using feelings rather than by considering the facts: Is the feminine nature generally more intuitive?
in.tui.tive.ly adv.: Intuitively, she knew that he was lying.
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Inuit
noun (pl.In.uits or Inuit) a member of a race of people from northern Canada and parts of Greenland and Alaska. The name is sometimes also used to refer to people from Siberia.—compare ESKIMO
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in.un.date
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sb (with sth) to give or send sb so many things that they cannot deal with them all
SYN OVERWHELM , SWAMP : We have been inundated with offers of help.
2 (formal) to cover an area of land with a large amount of water
SYN FLOOD : Flood waters inundate the river plain each spring.
in.un.da.tion noun [U, C]
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inure
verb
PVR V i'nure sb / yourself to sth (formal) to make sb/sth get used to sth unpleasant so that they are no longer strongly affected by it: The prisoners quickly became inured to the harsh conditions.
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in.vade
verb
1 to enter a country, town, etc. using military force in order to take control of it: [v] Troops invaded on August 9th that year.  [vn] When did the Romans invade Britain?
2 [vn] to enter a place in large numbers, especially in a way that causes damage or confusion: Demonstrators invaded the government buildings.  As the final whistle blew, fans began invading the field.  The cancer cells may invade other parts of the body.
3 [vn] to affect sth in an unpleasant or annoying way: Do the press have the right to invade her privacy in this way?—see also INVASION , INVASIVE
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in.vader
noun an army or a country that enters another country by force in order to take control of it; a soldier fighting in such an army: a foreign invader  They prepared to repel the invaders.   (figurative) The white blood cells attack cells infected with an invader.
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in.valid
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 not legally or officially acceptable: The treaty was declared invalid because it had not been ratified.  People with invalid papers are deported to another country.
2 not based on all the facts, and therefore not correct: an invalid argument
3 (computing) of a type that the computer cannot recognize: An error code will be displayed if any invalid information has been entered.  invalid characters
OPP VALID

noun a person who needs other people to take care of them, because of illness that they have had for a long time: She had been a delicate child and her parents had treated her as an invalid.  his invalid wife

verb [vn] ~ sb (out)| ~ sb (out of sth) (BrE ) to force sb to leave the armed forces because of an illness or injury: He was invalided out of the army in 1943.

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in.vali.date
verb [vn]
1 to prove that an idea, a story, an argument, etc. is wrong: This new piece of evidence invalidates his version of events.
2 if you invalidate a document, contract, election, etc., you make it no longer legally or officially valid or acceptable
OPP VALIDATE
in.vali.da.tion noun [U]
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in.val.id.ity
noun [U]
1 (BrE, technical) the state of being unable to look after yourself because of illness or injury
2 (formal) the state of not being legally or officially acceptable—compare VALIDITY
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in.valu.able
adj. ~ (to / for sb/sth)| ~ (in sth) extremely useful: invaluable help / information / support  The book will be invaluable for students in higher education.  The research should prove invaluable in the study of children’s language.  an invaluable asset / tool—compare VALUABLE
HELP Invaluable = ‘very valuable or useful’. The opposite of valuable is valueless or worthless.
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in.vari.able
adj. always the same; never changing: Her routine was invariable.  his invariable courtesy and charm  an invariable law / principle / practice—compare VARIABLE
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in.vari.ably
adv. always: This acute infection of the brain is almost invariably fatal.  This is not invariably the case.  Invariably the reply came back, ‘Not now!’
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in.vari.ant
adj. (technical ) always the same; never changing INVARIABLE
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in.va.sion
noun [C, U]
1 the act of an army entering another country by force in order to take control of it: the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968  the threat of invasion  an invasion force / fleet
2 the fact of a large number of people or things arriving somewhere, especially people or things that are disturbing or unpleasant: the annual tourist invasion  Farmers are struggling to cope with an invasion of slugs.
3 an act or a process that affects sb/sth in a way that is not welcome: The actress described the photographs of her as an invasion of privacy .—see also INVADE
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in.va.sive
adj. (formal)
1 (especially of diseases within the body) spreading very quickly and difficult to stop: invasive cancer
2 (of medical treatment) involving cutting into the body: invasive surgery—see also INVADE
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in.vec.tive
noun [U] (formal) rude language and unpleasant remarks that sb shouts when they are very angry: The gesture infuriated him and he let out a stream of invective.
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in.veigh
verb
PVR V in'veigh against sb/sth (formal) to criticize sb/sth strongly
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in.vei.gle
verb [vn] ~ sb / yourself (into sth / into doing sth) (formal) to achieve control over sb in a clever and dishonest way, especially so that they will do what you want: He inveigled himself into her affections (= dishonestly made her love him).
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in.vent
verb [vn]
1 to produce or design sth that has not existed before: Who invented the steam engine?  note at DISCOVER
2 to say or describe sth that is not true, especially in order to deceive people: What excuse did he invent this time?  Many children invent an imaginary friend.
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in.ven.tion
noun
1 [C] a thing or an idea that has been invented: Fax machines were a wonderful invention at the time.  This combination of cheese and apples is not an invention of the north of England.
2 [U] the act of inventing sth: Such changes have not been seen since the invention of the printing press.
3 [C, U] the act of inventing a story or an idea and pretending that it is true; a story invented in this way: This story is apparently a complete invention.
4 [U] the ability to have new and interesting ideas: John was full of invention—always making up new dance steps and sequences.
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in.vent.ive
adj.
1 (especially of people) able to think of new and interesting ideas: She has a highly inventive mind.
2 (of ideas) new and interesting: This is a courageous and inventive piece of film-making.
in.vent.ive.ly adv.
in.ven.tive.ness noun [U]
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in.vent.or
noun a person who has invented sth or whose job is inventing things
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in.ven.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a written list of all the objects, furniture, etc. in a particular building: an inventory of the museum’s contents
2 [U] (AmE) all the goods in a shop STOCK : The inventory will be disposed of over the next twelve weeks.  inventory records / control—compare STOCKTAKING
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in.verse
adj.
1 [only before noun] opposite in amount or position to sth else: A person’s wealth is often in inverse proportion to their happiness (= the more money they have, the less happy they are).  There is often an inverse relationship between the power of the tool and how easy it is to use.
2 (the 'inverse) noun [sing.] (technical) the exact opposite of sth
in.verse.ly adv.: We regard health as inversely related to social class.
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in.ver.sion
noun [U, C] (technical ) the act of changing the position or order of sth to its opposite, or of turning sth upside down: the inversion of normal word order  an inversion of the truth
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in.vert
verb [vn] (formal) to change the normal position of sth, especially by turning it upside down or by arranging it in the opposite order: Place a plate over the cake tin and invert it.  In questions, the subject and verb are often inverted.
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in.ver.te.brate
noun (technical ) any animal with no BACKBONE , for example a worm—compare VERTEBRATE
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in,verted 'commas
noun [pl.] (BrE ) = QUOTATION MARKS
IDM in inverted commas (spoken) used to show that you think a particular word, description, etc. is not true or appropriate: The manager showed us to our ‘luxury apartment’, in inverted commas.
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in,verted 'snobbery
noun [U] (BrE , disapproving) the attitude that disapproves of everything connected with high social status and that is proud of low social status
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in.vest
verb
1 ~ (sth) (in sth) to buy property, shares in a company, etc. in the hope of making a profit: [v] Now is a good time to invest in the property market.  [vn] He invested his life savings in his daughter’s business.
2 ~ (sth) (in / on sth) (of an organization or government, etc.) to spend money on sth in order to make it better or more successful: [v] The government has invested heavily in public transport.  [vn] The college has invested $2 million on a new conference hall. [alsovn to inf]
3 ~ sth (in sth / in doing sth) to spend time, energy, effort, etc. on sth that you think is good or useful: [vn] She had invested all her adult life in the relationship. [alsovn -ing]
4 [vn] ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to give sb power or authority, especially as part of their job: The new position invested her with a good deal of responsibility.  The interview was broadcast on the same day he was invested as President.—see also INVESTITURE
PVR V in'vest in sth (informal, often humorous) to buy sth that is expensive but useful: Don’t you think it’s about time you invested in a new coat? in'vest sb/sth with sth (formal) to make sb/sth seem to have a particular quality: Being a model invests her with a certain glamour.
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in.ves.ti.gate
verb
1 to carefully examine the facts of a situation, an event, a crime, etc. to find out the truth about it or how it happened: [v] The FBI has been called in to investigate.   (informal) ‘What was that noise?’‘I’ll go and investigate.’  [vn] Police are investigating possible links between the murders. [alsov wh-]
2 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to try to find out information about sb’s character, activities, etc: This is not the first time he has been investigated by the police for fraud.
3 to find out information and facts about a subject or problem by study or research: [vn] Scientists are investigating the effects of diet on fighting cancer.  [v wh-] The research investigates how foreign speakers gain fluency. [alsov]
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in.ves.ti.ga.tion
noun [C, U] ~ (into sth)
1 an official examination of the facts about a situation, crime, etc: a criminal / murder / police investigation  The police have completed their investigations into the accident.  She is still under investigation .
2 a scientific or academic examination of the facts of a subject or problem: an investigation into the spending habits of teenagers
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in.ves.ti.ga.tive
(also less frequent in.ves.ti.ga.tory ) adj. [usually before noun] involving examining an event or a situation to find out the truth: The article was an excellent piece of investigative journalism .  The police have full investigatory powers.
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in.ves.ti.ga.tor
noun a person who examines a situation such as an accident or a crime to find out the truth: air safety investigators  a private investigator (= a DETECTIVE )
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in.ves.ti.ture
noun [U, C] a ceremony at which sb formally receives an official title or special powers
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in.vest.ment
noun
1 [U] ~ (in sth) the act of investing money in sth: to encourage foreign / private investment  investment income  This country needs investment in education.
2 [C] the money that you invest, or the thing that you invest in: a minimum investment of $10 000  a high return on my investments  Our investments are not doing well.  We bought the house as an investment (= to make money).
3 [C] a thing that is worth buying because it will be useful or helpful: A microwave is a good investment.
4 [U, C] the act of giving time or effort to a particular task in order to make it successful: The project has demanded considerable investment of time and effort.
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in.vest.or
noun a person or an organization that invests money in sth: small investors (= private people)  institutional investors
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in.vet.er.ate
adj. [usually before noun] (formal, often disapproving)
1 (of a person) always doing sth or enjoying sth, and unlikely to stop: an inveterate liar / traveller
2 (of a bad feeling or habit) done or felt for a long time and unlikely to change: inveterate hostility
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in.vidi.ous
adj. (formal) unpleasant and unfair; likely to offend sb or make them jealous: We were in the invidious position of having to choose whether to break the law or risk lives.  It would be invidious to single out any one person to thank.
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in.vigi.late
verb (BrE ) (AmE proc.tor) to watch people while they are taking an exam to make sure that they have everything they need, that they keep to the rules, etc: [vn] to invigilate an exam [alsov]
in.vigi.la.tion noun [U]
in.vigi.la.tor (BrE) (AmE proc.tor) noun: If you have a problem, ask the invigilator.
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in.vig.or.ate
verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to make sb feel healthy and full of energy: The cold water invigorated him.  They felt refreshed and invigorated after the walk.
2 to make a situation, an organization, etc. efficient and successful: They are looking into ways of invigorating the department.
in.vig.or.at.ing adj.: an invigorating walk / shower / massage
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in.vin.cible
adj. too strong to be defeated or changed: The team seemed invincible.  an invincible belief in his own ability
in.vin.ci.bil.ity noun [U]
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in.viol.able
adj. (formal) that must be respected and not attacked or destroyed: the inviolable right to life  inviolable territory  an inviolable rule
in.viol.abil.ity noun [U]
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in.viol.ate
adj. (formal) that has been, or must be, respected and cannot be attacked or destroyed: Their privacy remained inviolate.
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in.vis.ible
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) that cannot be seen: stars invisible to the naked eye  a wizard who could make himself invisible  She felt invisible in the crowd.
OPP VISIBLE
2 (economics) connected with a service that a country provides, such as BANKING or TOURISM , rather than goods: invisible earnings / exports
in.visi.bil.ity noun [U]: The ink had faded to invisibility.
in.vis.ibly adv.: He moved away invisibly into the background.
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in.vi.ta.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (to sth / to do sth) a spoken or written request to sb to do sth or to go somewhere: to issue / extend an invitation  to accept / turn down / decline an invitation  an invitation to the party  I have an open invitation (= not restricted to a particular date) to visit my friend in Japan.
2 [U] the act of inviting sb or of being invited: A concert was held at the invitation of the mayor.  Admission is by invitation only .
3 [C] a card or piece of paper that you use to invite sb to sth: Have you ordered the wedding invitations yet?
4 [sing.] ~ to sb (to do sth)| ~ to sth something that encourages sb to do sth, usually sth bad: Leaving the doors unlocked is an open invitation to burglars.
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in.vi.ta.tion.al
noun (especially AmE ) (often used in names) a sports event that you can take part in only if you are invited
in.vi.ta.tion.al adj.
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in.vite
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sb (to sth) to ask sb to come to a social event: [vn] Have you been invited to their party?  I’d have liked to have gone but I wasn’t invited.  [vn to inf] They have invited me to go to Paris with them.
2 ~ sb (to / for sth)| ~ sth (from sb) (formal) to ask sb formally to go somewhere or do sth: [vn] Successful candidates will be invited for interview next week.  He invited questions from the audience.  [vn to inf] Readers are invited to write in with their comments.
3 to make sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant, likely to happen
SYN ASK FOR : [vn] Such comments are just inviting trouble. [alsovn to inf] —see also UNINVITED
PVR V in,vite sb a'long to ask sb to go somewhere with you and other people: I got myself invited along. in,vite sb 'back
1 to ask sb to come to your home after you have been somewhere together: After the movie, she invited me back for a drink.
2 to ask sb to come to your home a second time, or to ask sb to come to your house after you have been to theirs in,vite sb 'in / 'up to ask sb to come into your home, especially after you have been somewhere together in,vite sb 'over / 'round / a'round to ask sb to come to your home

noun (informal) an invitation: Thanks for your invite.

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in.vit.ing
adj. making you want to do, try, taste, etc. sth; attractive: an inviting smell / view  The water looks really inviting.
in.vit.ing.ly adv.
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in vitro
adj. (from Latin, biology ) (of processes) taking place outside a living body, in scientific APPARATUS : in vitro experiments  the development of in vitro fertilization —see also IVF
in vitro adv.: an egg fertilized in vitro
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in vivo
adj. (from Latin, biology ) (of processes) taking place in a living body
in vivo adv.
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in.vo.ca.tion
noun [U, C]
1 (formal) the act of asking for help, from a god or from a person in authority; the act of referring to sth or of calling for sth to appear
2 (computing) the act of making a particular function start
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in.voice
noun, verb
noun a list of goods that have been sold, work that has been done etc., showing what you must pay
SYN BILL : to send / issue / settle an invoice for the goods  an invoice for £250

verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth)| ~ sth (to sb/sth) (business ) to write or send sb a bill for work you have done or goods you have provided: You will be invoiced for these items at the end of the month.  Invoice the goods to my account.

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in.voke
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sth (against sb) to mention or use a law, rule, etc. as a reason for doing sth: It is unlikely that libel laws will be invoked.
2 to mention a person, a theory, an example, etc. to support your opinions or ideas, or as a reason for sth: She invoked several eminent scholars to back up her argument.
3 to mention sb’s name to make people feel a particular thing or act in a particular way: His name was invoked as a symbol of the revolution.
4 to make a request (for help) to sb, especially a god
5 to make sb have a particular feeling or imagine a particular scene
SYN EVOKE : The opening paragraph invokes a vision of England in the early Middle Ages.
HELP Some people think this use is not correct.
6 to use or apply sth: He frequently invokes animal metaphors in his poetry.
7 (computing) to begin to run a program, etc: This command will invoke the HELP system.
8 to make evil appear by using magic
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in.vol.un.tary
adj.
1 an involuntary movement, etc. is made suddenly, without you intending it or being able to control it: an involuntary cry of pain
OPP VOLUNTARY
2 happening without you wanting it to: the involuntary repatriation of immigrants  involuntary childlessness
in.vol.un.tar.ily adv.
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in.volve
verb
1 if a situation, an event or an activity involves sth, that thing is an important or necessary part or result of it
SYN ENTAIL : [vn] Any investment involves an element of risk.  Many of the crimes involved drugs.  [v -ing] The test will involve answering questions about a photograph.  [vn -ing] The job involves me travelling all over the country.   (formal) The job involves my travelling all over the country.
2 [vn] if a situation, an event or an activity involves sb, they take part in it or are affected by it: There was a serious incident involving a group of youths.  How many vehicles were involved in the crash?
3 [vn] ~ sb (in sth / in doing sth) to make sb take part in sth: We want to involve as many people as possible in the celebrations.  Parents should involve themselves in their child’s education.
4 [vn] ~ sb (in sth) to say or do sth to show that sb took part in sth, especially a crime
SYN IMPLICATE : His confession involved a number of other politicians in the affair.
PVR V in'volve sb in sth to make sb experience sth, especially sth unpleasant: You have involved me in a great deal of extra work.
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in.volved
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (in sth) taking part in sth; being part of sth or connected with sth: to be / become / get involved in politics  We need to examine all the costs involved in the project first.  We’ll make our decision and contact the people involved.
HELP In this meaning, involved is often used after a noun.
2 [not usually before noun] ~ (in / with sth/sb) giving a lot of time or attention to sb/sth: She was deeply involved with the local hospital.  I was so involved in my book I didn’t hear you knock.  He’s a very involved father (= he spends a lot of time with his children).
3 [not usually before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) having a close personal relationship with sb: They’re not romantically involved.  You’re too emotionally involved with the situation.
4 complicated and difficult to understand
SYN COMPLEX : an involved sentence / plot
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in.volve.ment
noun
1 [U] ~ (in / with sth) the act of taking part in sth: US involvement in European wars
2 [U, C] ~ (in / with sth) the act of giving a lot of time and attention to sth you care about: her growing involvement with contemporary music
3 [C, U] ~ (with sb) a romantic or sexual relationship with sb that you are not married to: He spoke openly about his involvement with the actress.
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in.vul.ner.able
adj. ~ (to sth) that cannot be harmed or defeated; safe: to be in an invulnerable position  The submarine is invulnerable to attack while at sea.
OPP VULNERABLE
in.vul.ner.abil.ity noun [U]
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in.ward
adj., adv.
adj.
1 [only before noun] inside your mind and not shown to other people: an inward smile  Her calm expression hid her inward panic.
2 towards the inside or centre of sth: an inward flow  an inward curve
OPP OUTWARD

adv. (also in.wards especially in BrE)
1 towards the inside or centre: The door opens inwards.
2 towards yourself and your interests: Her thoughts turned inwards.   (disapproving) an inward-looking person (= one who is not interested in other people)
OPP OUTWARDS

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,inward in'vestment
noun [U, C] (business ) money that is invested within a particular country
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in.ward.ly
adv. in your mind; secretly: She groaned inwardly.  I was inwardly furious.
OPP OUTWARDLY
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in.ward.ness
noun [U] (formal or literary) interest in feelings and emotions rather than in the world around
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'in-your-face
adj. (informal) used to describe an attitude, a performance, etc. that is aggressive in style and deliberately designed to make people react strongly for or against it: in-your-face action thrillers
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iod.ine
noun [U] (symb I) a chemical element. Iodine is a blue-black substance found in sea water. A liquid containing iodine is sometimes used as an ANTISEPTIC (= a substance used on wounds to prevent infection).
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ion
noun (physics orchemistry ) an atom or a MOLECULE with a positive or negative electric CHARGE caused by its losing or gaining one or more ELECTRONS
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-ion
(also -ation, -ition, -sion, -tion, -xion) suffix (in nouns) the action or state of: hesitation  competition  confession
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ion.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn, v] (technical ) to change sth or be changed into ions
ion.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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ion.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun a device that is used to make air in a room fresh and healthy by producing negative IONS
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iono.sphere
noun (the ionosphere) [sing.] a layer of the earth’s atmosphere between about 80 and 1 000 kilometres above the surface of the earth, that reflects radio waves around the earth—compare STRATOSPHERE
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iota
noun [sing.] (usually used in negative sentences) an extremely small amount: There is not one iota of truth (= no truth at all) in the story.  I don’t think that would help one iota.
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IOU
noun (informal) a written promise that you will pay sb the money you owe them (a way of writing ‘I owe you’): an IOU for £20
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IPA
abbr. International Phonetic Alphabet (an alphabet that is used to show the pronunciation of words in any language)
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ipso facto
adv. (from Latin , formal) because of the fact that has been mentioned: You cannot assume that a speaker of English is ipso facto qualified to teach English.
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IQ
noun a measurement of a person’s intelligence that is calculated from the results of special tests (abbreviation for ‘intelligence quotient’): an IQ of 120  to have a high / low IQ  IQ tests
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ir-
IN-
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IRA
noun [sing.] the abbreviation for ‘Irish Republican Army’. The IRA is an illegal organization which has fought for Northern Ireland to be united with the Republic of Ireland.
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iras.cible
adj. (formal) becoming angry very easily
iras.ci.bil.ity noun [U]
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irate
adj. very angry: irate customers  an irate phone call
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ire
noun [U] (formal or literary) anger
SYN WRATH : to arouse / raise / provoke the ire of local residents   (AmE ) to draw the ire of local residents
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iri.des.cent
adj. (formal) showing many bright colours that seem to change in different lights: a bird with iridescent blue feathers
iri.des.cence noun [U]
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irid.ium
noun [U] (symb Ir) a chemical element. Iridium is a very hard yellow-white metal, used especially in making ALLOYS .
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iris
noun
1 the round coloured part that surrounds the PUPIL of your eye—picture at BODY
2 a tall plant with long pointed leaves and large purple or bright yellow flowers
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Irish
noun, adj.
noun
1 (also ,Irish 'Gaelic, Gaelic) the Celtic language of Ireland—compare ERSE
2 (the Irish) [pl.] the people of Ireland

adj. of or connected with Ireland, its people or its language

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,Irish 'coffee
noun
1 [U] hot coffee mixed with whisky and sugar, with thick cream on top
2 [C] a cup or glass of Irish coffee
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irk
verb (formal or literary) to annoy or irritate sb: [vn] Her flippant tone irked him. [alsovn that, vn to inf]
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irk.some
adj. (formal) annoying or irritating: I found the restrictions irksome.
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iron
noun, verb, adj.
noun
METAL|
1 [U] (symbFe) a chemical element. Iron is a hard strong metal that is used to make steel and is also found in small quantities in blood and food: cast / wrought / corrugated iron  iron gates / bars / railings  an iron and steel works  iron ore (= rock containing iron)  patients with iron deficiency (= not enough iron in their blood)  iron tablets (= containing iron prepared as a medicine)   (figurative) She had a will of iron (= it was very strong).
TOOL|
2 [C] a tool with a flat metal base that can be heated and used to make clothes smooth: a steam iron
3 [C] (usually in compounds) a tool made of iron —see also BRANDING IRON , SOLDERING IRON , TIRE IRON
FOR PRISONERS|
4 (irons) [pl.] chains or other heavy objects made of iron , attached to the arms and legs of prisoners, especially in the past: leg irons   (old-fashioned) to clap somebody in irons
IN GOLF|
5 [C] one of the set of CLUBS (= sticks for hitting the ball with) that have a metal head: He hit a magnificent shot with a nine iron.—compare WOOD have several, etc. irons in the 'fire to be involved in several activities or areas of business at the same time, hoping that at least one will be successful—more at PUMP v. , RULE v. , STRIKE v.

verb to make clothes, etc. smooth by using an iron : [vn] I’ll need to iron that dress before I can wear it.  [v] He was ironing when I arrived.—see also IRONING ,iron sth<->'out to remove the CREASES (= folds that you do not want) from clothes, etc. by using an iron ,iron 'out sth to get rid of any problems or difficulties that are affecting sth: There are still a few details that need ironing out.

adj. [only before noun] very strong and determined: She was known as the ‘Iron Lady’.  a man of iron will an iron 'fist / 'hand (in a velvet 'glove) if you use the words an iron fist/hand when describing the way that sb behaves, you mean that they treat people harshly. The harsh treatment may be hidden behind a kind appearance (the velvet glove).

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the 'Iron Age
noun [sing.] the historical period about 3 000 years ago when people first used iron tools
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the ,Iron 'Curtain
noun [sing.] the name that people used for the border that used to exist between Western Europe and the COMMUNIST countries of Eastern Europe
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,iron-'grey
(especially BrE ) (also ,iron-'gray especially in AmE) adj. dark grey in colour: iron-grey hair
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iron.ic
(also less frequent iron.ic.al ) adj.
1 showing that you really mean the opposite of what you are saying; expressing IRONY : an ironic comment / smile
2 (of a situation) strange or amusing because it is very different from what you expect: It’s ironic that she became a teacher—she used to hate school.—see also IRONY
iron.ic.al.ly adv.: Ironically, the book she felt was her worst sold more copies than any of her others.  He smiled ironically.
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iron.ing
noun [U]
1 the task of pressing clothes, etc. with an IRON to make them smooth: to do the ironing
2 the clothes, etc. that you have just IRONED or that need to be done: a pile of ironing
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'ironing board
noun a long narrow board covered with cloth, and usually with folding legs, that you IRON clothes on
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iron.mon.ger
(BrE , becoming old-fashioned) (AmE 'hardware dealer) noun
1 a person who owns or works in a shop/store selling tools and equipment for the house and garden/yard
2 (ironmonger’s) (pl.iron.mon.gers) a shop that sells tools and equipment for the house and garden/yard
iron.mon.gery noun [U] (BrE) = HARDWARE
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,iron 'rations
noun [pl.] (often humorous) a small amount of food that soldiers and people walking or climbing carry to use in an emergency
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iron.stone
noun [U] a type of rock that contains iron
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iron.work
noun [U] things made of iron, such as gates, parts of buildings, etc.
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iron.works
noun (pl.iron.works) [C+sing./pl. v .] a factory where iron is obtained from ORE (= rock containing metal), or where heavy iron goods are made
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irony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the amusing or strange aspect of a situation that is very different from what you expect; a situation like this: The irony is that when he finally got the job, he discovered he didn’t like it.  It was one of life’s little ironies.
2 [U] the use of words that say the opposite of what you really mean, often as a joke and with a tone of voice that shows this: ‘England is famous for its food,’ she said with heavy irony.  There was a note of irony in his voice.  a hint / trace of irony
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ir.radi.ate
verb [vn]
1 (technical) to treat food with RADIOACTIVE rays in order to preserve it
2 ~ sth (with sth) (literary) to make sth look brighter and happier: faces irradiated with joy
ir.radi.ation noun [U]
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ir.ration.al
adj. not based on, or not using, clear logical thought: an irrational fear  You’re being irrational.
OPP RATIONAL
ir.ration.al.ity noun [U, C, usually sing.]
ir.ration.al.ly adv.: to behave irrationally
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ir.re.con.cil.able
adj.
1 if differences or disagreements are irreconcilable, they are so great that it is not possible to settle them: irreconcilable differences / conflicts
2 if an idea or opinion is irreconcilable with another, it is impossible for sb to have both of them together: This view is irreconcilable with common sense.
3 people who are irreconcilable cannot be made to agree: irreconcilable enemies
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ir.re.cov.er.able
adj. (formal) that you cannot get back; lost: irrecoverable costs  irrecoverable loss of sight
OPP RECOVERABLE
ir.re.cov.er.ably adv.
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ir.re.deem.able
adj. (formal) too bad to be corrected, improved or saved
ir.re.deem.ably adv.: irredeemably spoilt
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ir.re.du.cible
adj. (formal) that cannot be made smaller or simpler: to cut staff to an irreducible minimum  an irreducible fact
ir.re.du.cibly adv.
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ir.re.fut.able
adj. (formal) that cannot be proved wrong and that must therefore be accepted: irrefutable evidence
ir.re.fut.ably adv.
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ir.regu.lar
adj., noun
adj.
1 not arranged in an even way; not having an even, smooth pattern or shape: irregular teeth  an irregular outline
2 not happening at times that are at an equal distance from each other; not happening regularly: irregular meals  an irregular heartbeat  irregular attendance at school  He visited his parents at irregular intervals .
3 not normal; not according to the usual rules: an irregular practice  His behaviour is highly irregular.
4 (grammar) not formed in the normal way: an irregular verb
5 (of a soldier etc.) not part of a country’s official army
OPP REGULAR
ir.regu.lar.ly adv.

noun a soldier who is not a member of a country’s official army

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ir.regu.lar.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] an activity or a practice which is not according to the usual rules, or not normal: alleged irregularities in the election campaign  suspicion of financial irregularity
2 [C, U] something that does not happen at regular intervals: a slight irregularity in his heartbeat
3 [U, C] something that is not smooth or regular in shape or arrangement: The paint will cover any irregularity in the surface of the walls.—compare REGULARITY
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ir.rele.vance
(also less frequent ir.rele.vancy pl.-ies) noun
1 [U] lack of importance to or connection with a situation: the irrelevance of the curriculum to children’s daily life
OPP RELEVANCE
2 [C, usually sing.] something that is not important to or connected with a situation: His idea was rejected as an irrelevance.
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ir.rele.vant
adj. ~ (to sth/sb) not important to or connected with a situation: totally / completely / largely irrelevant  irrelevant remarks  That evidence is irrelevant to the case.  Many people consider politics is irrelevant to their lives.  Whether I believe you or not is irrelevant now.
OPP RELEVANT
ir.rele.vant.ly adv.
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ir.re.li.gious
adj. (rare, formal) without any religious belief; showing no respect for religion
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ir.re.me.di.able
adj. (rare, formal) too bad to be corrected or cured: an irremediable situation
OPP REMEDIABLE
ir.re.me.di.ably adv.
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ir.rep.ar.able
adj. (of a loss, injury, etc.) too bad or too serious to repair or put right: to cause irreparable damage / harm to your health  Her death is an irreparable loss.
OPP REPAIRABLE
ir.rep.ar.ably adv.: irreparably damaged
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ir.re.place.able
adj. too valuable or special to be replaced: These pictures are irreplaceable.
OPP REPLACEABLE
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ir.re.press.ible
adj.
1 (of a person) lively, happy and full of energy: The irrepressible Fowler scored two goals.
2 (of feelings, etc.) very strong; impossible to control or stop: irrepressible confidence
ir.re.press.ibly adv.
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ir.re.proach.able
adj. (of a person or their behaviour) free from fault and impossible to criticize
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ir.re.sist.ible
adj.
1 so strong that it cannot be stopped or resisted: I felt an irresistible urge to laugh.  His arguments were irresistible.
OPP RESISTIBLE
2 ~ (to sb) so attractive that you feel you must have it: an irresistible bargain  The bright colours were irresistible to the baby.  On such a hot day, the water was irresistible (= it made you want to swim in it).
ir.re.sist.ibly adv.: They were irresistibly drawn to each other.
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ir.reso.lute
adj. (formal) not able to decide what to do
OPP RESOLUTE
ir.reso.lute.ly adv.
ir.reso.lu.tion noun [U]
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ir.re.spect.ive of
prep. (written) without considering sth or being influenced by it: Everyone is treated equally, irrespective of race.  The weekly rent is the same irrespective of whether there are three or four occupants.
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ir.re.spon.sible
adj. (disapproving) (of a person) not thinking enough about the effects of what they do; not showing a feeling of responsibility: an irresponsible teenager  an irresponsible attitude  It would be irresponsible to ignore the situation.
OPP RESPONSIBLE
ir.re.spon.si.bil.ity noun [U]
ir.re.spon.sibly adv.
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ir.re.triev.able
adj. (formal) that you can never make right or get back: an irretrievable situation  the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage  The money already paid is irretrievable.
OPP RETRIEVABLE
ir.re.triev.ably adv.: Some of our old traditions are irretrievably lost.
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ir.rev.er.ent
adj. (usually approving) not showing respect to sb/sth that other people usually respect: irreverent wit  an irreverent attitude to tradition
ir.rev.er.ence noun [U]
ir.rev.er.ent.ly adv.
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ir.re.vers.ible
adj. that cannot be changed back to what it was before: an irreversible change / decline / decision  irreversible brain damage
OPP REVERSIBLE
ir.re.vers.ibly adv.
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ir.rev.oc.able
adj. (formal) that cannot be changed; final: an irrevocable decision / step
ir.rev.oc.ably adv.: irrevocably committed
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ir.ri.gate
verb [vn]
1 to supply water to an area of land through pipes or channels so that crops will grow: irrigated land / crops
2 (medical) to wash out a wound or part of the body with a flow of water or liquid
ir.ri.ga.tion noun [U]: irrigation channels
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ir.rit.able
adj. getting annoyed easily; showing your anger: to be tired and irritable  an irritable gesture
ir.rit.abil.ity noun [U]
ir.rit.ably adv.
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,irritable 'bowel syndrome
noun [U] a condition of the bowels that causes pain and DIARRHOEA or CONSTIPATION , often caused by stress or anxiety
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ir.ri.tant
noun
1 (technical) a substance that makes part of your body sore: chemical irritants
2 (written) something that makes you annoyed or causes trouble: The presence of the army has been a constant irritant.
ir.ri.tant adj. [usually before noun]: irritant substances
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ir.ri.tate
verb [vn]
1 to annoy sb, especially by sth you continuously do or by sth that continuously happens: The way she puts on that accent really irritates me.
2 to make your skin or a part of your body sore or painful: Some painkilling drugs can irritate the lining of the stomach.
ir.ri.tat.ing adj.: I found her extremely irritating  an irritating habit  an irritating cough / rash
ir.ri.tat.ing.ly adv.
ir.ri.ta.tion noun [U, C]: He noted, with some irritation, that the letter had not been sent.  a skin irritation
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ir.ri.tated
adj. ~ (at / by / with sth) annoyed or angry: She was getting more and more irritated at his comments.
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ir.rup.tion
noun ~ (of sth) (into sth) (formal) the sudden and violent entry of sb/sth
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IRS
abbr. Internal Revenue Service
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Is.
abbr. (especially on maps) Island(s); ISLE(S) : Windward Is.
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is
BE
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ISBN
noun the abbreviation for ‘International Standard Book Number’ (a number that identifies an individual book and its PUBLISHER ): Can you give me the ISBN, please?
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-ise
-IZE
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ish
adv. (spoken) used after a statement to make it less definite: I’ve finished preparing the food. Ish. I just need to make the sauce.
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-ish
suffix (in adjectives)
1 from the country mentioned: Turkish  Irish
2 (sometimes disapproving) having the nature of; like: childish
3 fairly; approximately: reddish  thirtyish
-ishly (in adverbs): foolishly
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Islam
noun [U]
1 the Muslim religion, based on belief in one God and REVEALED through Muhammad as the Prophet of Allah
2 all Muslims and Muslim countries in the world
Is.lam.ic adj.: Islamic law
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is.land
noun
1 (abbr.I, I., Is.) a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water: We spent a week on the Greek island of Kos.  a remote island off the coast of Scotland—see also DESERT ISLAND
2 (BrE) = TRAFFIC ISLAND
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is.land.er
noun a person who lives on an island, especially a small one
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isle
noun (abbr. I, I., Is.) used especially in poetry and names to mean ‘island’: the Isle of Skye  the British Isles
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islet
noun (rare) a very small island
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ism
noun (usually disapproving) used to refer to a set of ideas or system of beliefs or behaviour: You’re always talking in isms—sexism, ageism, racism.
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-ism
suffix (in nouns)
1 the action or result of: criticism
2 the state or quality of: heroism
3 the teaching, system or MOVEMENT of: Buddhism
4 unfair treatment or hatred for the reason mentioned: racism
5 a feature of language of the type mentioned: Americanism  colloquialism
6 a medical condition or disease: alcoholism
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isn’t
short form is not
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iso-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) equal: isotope  isometric
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iso.bar
noun (technical ) a line on a weather map that joins places that have the same air pressure at a particular time
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isol.ate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb / yourself / sth (from sb/sth) to separate sb/sth physically or socially from other people or things: Patients with the disease should be isolated.  He was immediately isolated from the other prisoners.
2 ~ sth (from sth) to separate a part of a situation, problem, idea, etc. so that you can see what it is and deal with it separately: It is possible to isolate a number of factors that contributed to her downfall.
3 ~ sth (from sth) (technical) to separate a single substance, cell, etc. from others so that you can study it: Researchers are still trying to isolate the gene that causes this abnormality.
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isol.ated
adj.
1 (of buildings and places) far away from any others: isolated rural areas
2 (of people) without much contact with other people
SYN LONELY : I felt very isolated in my new job.  Elderly people easily become socially isolated.
3 single; happening once: The police said the attack was an isolated incident.
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isol.ation
noun [U] ~ (from sb/sth)
1 the act of separating sb/sth; the state of being separate: geographical isolation  an isolation hospital / ward (= for people with infectious diseases)  The country has been threatened with complete isolation from the international community unless the atrocities stop.  He lives in splendid isolation (= far from, or in a superior position to, everyone else).
2 the state of being alone or lonely: Many unemployed people experience feelings of isolation and depression.
IDM in isolation (from sb/sth) separately; alone: To make sense, these figures should not be looked at in isolation.
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isol.ation.ism
noun [U] the policy of not becoming involved in the affairs of other countries or groups
isol.ation.ist adj., noun: an isolationist foreign policy
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iso.met.ric
adj.
1 (technical) connected with a type of physical exercise in which muscles are made to work without the whole body moving
2 (geometry) connected with a style of drawing in three DIMENSIONS without PERSPECTIVE
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isos.celes
adj. (geometry ) (of a triangle) having two of its three sides the same length—picture at TRIANGLE
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iso.therm
noun (technical ) a line on a weather map that joins places that have the same temperature at a particular time
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iso.tope
noun (physics orchemistry ) one of two or more forms of a chemical element with different physical PROPERTIES (= characteristics) but the same chemical ones: radioactive isotopes  the many isotopes of carbon
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issue
noun, verb
noun
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION|
1 [C] an important topic that people are discussing or arguing about: a key / sensitive / controversial issue  This is a big issue; we need more time to think about it.  She usually writes about environmental issues.  The union plans to raise the issue of overtime.  The party was divided on this issue.  You’re just avoiding the issue .  Don’t confuse the issue .
PROBLEM / WORRY|
2 [C] (informal) a problem or worry that sb has with sth: Money is not an issue.  I don’t think my private life is the issue here.  I’m not bothered about the cost—you’re the one who’s making an issue of it.  Because I grew up in a dysfunctional family, anger is a big issue for me.   (AmE) She’s always on a diet—she has issues about food.
MAGAZINE / NEWSPAPER|
3 [C] one of a regular series of magazines or newspapers: the July issue of ‘What Car?’  The article appeared in issue 25.
OF STAMPS / COINS / SHARES|
4 [C] a number or set of things that are supplied and made available at the same time: The company is planning a new share issue .  a special issue of stamps
MAKING AVAILABLE / KNOWN|
5 [U] the act of supplying or making available things for people to buy or use: I bought a set of the new stamps on the date of issue.  the issue of blankets to the refugees  the issue of a joint statement by the French and German foreign ministers
CHILDREN|
6 [U] (law) children of your own: He died without issue. be at 'issue to be the most important part of the subject that is being discussed: What is at issue is whether she was responsible for her actions. take 'issue with sb (about / on / over sth) (formal) to start disagreeing or arguing with sb about sth: I must take issue with you on that point.—more at FORCE v.

verb [vn]
MAKE KNOWN|
1 ~ sth (to sb) to make sth known formally: They issued a joint statement denying the charges.  The police have issued an appeal for witnesses.
GIVE|
2 [often passive] ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb with sth to give sth to sb, especially officially: to issue passports / visas / tickets  New members will be issued with a temporary identity card.  Work permits were issued to only 5% of those who applied for them.
LAW|
3 to start a legal process against sb, especially by means of an official document: to issue a writ against sb  A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
MAGAZINE|
4 to produce sth such as a magazine, article, etc: We issue a monthly newsletter.
STAMPS / COINS / SHARES|
5 to produce new stamps, coins, shares, etc. for sale to the public: The Royal Mail issued a special set of stamps to mark the occasion. 'issue from sth (formal) to come out of sth: A weak trembling sound issued from his lips.

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-ist
suffix (in nouns and some related adjectives)
1 a person who believes or practises: atheist
2 a member of a profession or business activity: dentist
3 a person who uses a thing: violinist
4 a person who does sth: plagiarist
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isth.mus
noun a narrow strip of land, with water on each side, that joins two larger pieces of land
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IT
noun [U] the study and use of electronic processes and equipment to store and send information of all kinds, including words, pictures and numbers (abbreviation for ‘information technology’)
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it
pron. (used as the subject or object of a verb or after a preposition)
1 used to refer to an animal or a thing that has already been mentioned or that is being talked about now: ‘Where’s your car?’‘It’s in the garage.’  Did you see it?  Start a new file and put this letter in it.  Look! It’s going up that tree.  We have $500. Will it be enough for a deposit?
2 used to refer to a baby, especially one whose sex is not known: Her baby’s due next month. She hopes it will be a boy.
3 used to refer to a fact or situation that is already known or happening: When the factory closes, it will mean 500 people losing their jobs.  Yes, I was at home on Sunday. What about it? (= Why do you ask?)  Stop it, you’re hurting me!
4 used to identify a person: It’s your mother on the phone.  Hello, Peter, it’s Mike here.  Hi, it’s me!  Was it you who put these books on my desk?
5 used in the position of the subject or object of a verb when the real subject or object is at the end of the sentence: Does it matter what colour it is?  It’s impossible to get there in time.  It’s no use shouting.  She finds it boring at home.  It appears that the two leaders are holding secret talks.  I find it strange that she doesn’t want to go.
6 used in the position of the subject of a verb when you are talking about time, the date, distance, the weather, etc: It’s ten past twelve.  It’s our anniversary.  It’s two miles to the beach.  It’s a long time since they left.  It was raining this morning.  It’s quite warm at the moment.
7 used when you are talking about a situation: If it’s convenient I can come tomorrow.  It’s good to talk.  I like it here.
8 used to emphasize any part of a sentence: It’s Jim who’s the clever one.  It’s Spain that they’re going to, not Portugal.  It was three weeks later that he heard the news.
9 exactly what is needed: In this business, either you’ve got it or you haven’t.—see also ITS
IDM that is 'it
1 this/that is the important point, reason, etc: That’s just it—I can’t work when you’re making so much noise.
2 this/that is the end: I’m afraid that’s it—we’ve lost. this is 'it
1 the expected event is just going to happen: Well, this is it! Wish me luck.
2 this is the main point: ‘You’re doing too much.’‘Well, this is it. I can’t cope with any more work.’
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Ital.ian.ate
adj. in an Italian style: an Italianate villa
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ital.ic
adj. (of printed or written letters) leaning to the right: The example sentences in this dictionary are printed in italic type.  Use an italic font.—compare ROMAN
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itali.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive] to write or print sth in italics
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ital.ics
noun [pl.] (also ital.ic [sing.]) printed letters that lean to the right: Examples in this dictionary are in italics.  Use italics for the names of books or plays.—compare ROMAN
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ITC
abbr. Independent Television Commission (an organization that controls what is allowed to be shown on some television channels in Britain that are not part of the BBC)
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itch
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to have an uncomfortable feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch; to make your skin feel like this: I itch all over.  Does the rash itch?  This sweater really itches.
2 ~ for sth / to do sth (informal) (often used in the progressive tenses) to want to do sth very much: [v] The crowd was itching for a fight.  [v to inf] He’s itching to get back to work.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] an uncomfortable feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch yourself: to get / have an itch
2 [sing.] ~ (to do sth) (informal) a strong desire to do sth: She has an itch to travel.  the creative itch

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itchy
adj. having or producing an itch on the skin: an itchy nose / rash  I feel itchy all over.
itchi.ness noun [U]
IDM (get / have) itchy 'feet (informal) to want to travel or move to a different place; to want to do sth different
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it’d
short form
1 it had
2 it would
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-ite
suffix (in nouns) (often disapproving) a person who follows or supports: Blairite  Trotskyite
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item
noun
1 one thing on a list of things to buy, do, talk about, etc: What’s the next item on the agenda?
2 a single article or object: Can I pay for each item separately?  The computer was my largest single item of expenditure.  This clock is a collector’s item (= because it is rare and valuable).
3 a single piece of news in a newspaper, on television, etc: an item of news / a news item
IDM be an item (informal) to be involved in a romantic or sexual relationship: Are they an item?
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item.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to produce a detailed list of things: The report itemizes 23 different faults.  an itemized phone bill (= each call is shown separately)
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it.in.er.ant
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) travelling from place to place, especially to find work: itinerant workers / musicians  to lead an itinerant life
it.in.er.ant noun: homeless itinerants
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it.in.er.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a plan of a journey, including the route and the places that you visit: a detailed itinerary  Visits to four different countries are included in your itinerary.  note at AGENDA
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-ition
-ION
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-itis
suffix (in nouns)
1 (medical) a disease of: tonsillitis
2 (informal, especially humorous) too much of; too much interest in: World Cup-itis
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it’ll
short form it will
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its
det. belonging to or connected with a thing, an animal or a baby: Turn the box on its side.  Have you any idea of its value?  The dog had hurt its paw.  The baby threw its food on the floor.
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it’s
short form
1 it is
2 it has
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it.self
pron.
1 (the reflexive form of it) used when the animal or thing that does an action is also affected by it: The cat was washing itself.  Does the VCR turn itself off?  The company has got itself into difficulties.  There’s no need for the team to feel proud of itself.
2 (used to emphasize an animal, a thing, etc.): The village itself is pretty, but the surrounding countryside is rather dull.
IDM be ,patience, ,honesty, sim,plicity, etc. it'self to be an example of complete patience, etc: The manager of the hotel was courtesy itself. (all) by it'self
1 automatically; without anyone doing anything: The machine will start by itself in a few seconds.
2 alone: The house stands by itself in an acre of land. in it'self considered separately from other things; in its true nature: In itself, it’s not a difficult problem to solve. to it'self not shared with others: It doesn’t have the market to itself.
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itty-bitty
(also itsy-bitsy ) adj. [only before noun] (informal, especially AmE ) very small
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ITV
abbr. Independent Television (a group of British companies that produce programmes that are paid for by advertising)
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-ity
suffix (in nouns) the quality or state of: purity  oddity
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IUD
(also coil) noun a small plastic or metal object placed inside a woman’s UTERUS (= where a baby grows before it is born) to stop her becoming pregnant. IUD is an abbreviation for ‘intrauterine device’.
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IV
abbr., noun
abbr. INTRAVENOUS , INTRAVENOUSLY

noun (AmE ) = DRIP (3)

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I’ve
short form I have
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-ive
suffix (in nouns and adjectives) tending to; having the nature of: explosive  descriptive
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IVF
noun [U] (technical ) the abbreviation for ‘in vitro fertilization’ (a process which FERTILIZES an egg from a woman outside her body. The egg is then put inside her UTERUS to develop.)—see also TEST-TUBE BABY
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ivory
(pl.-ies) noun
1 [U] a hard yellowish-white substance like bone that forms the TUSKS (= long teeth) of elephants and some other animals: a ban on the ivory trade  an ivory chess set
2 [C] an object made of ivory : a priceless collection of ivories
3 [U] a yellowish-white colour
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,ivory 'tower
noun (disapproving) a place or situation where you are separated from the problems and practical aspects of normal life and therefore do not have to worry about or understand them: academics living in ivory towers
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ivy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) a climbing plant, especially one with dark green shiny leaves with five points: stone walls covered in ivy—see also POISON IVY
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the ,Ivy 'League
noun [sing.] a group of eight traditional universities in the eastern US with high academic standards and a high social status—compare OXBRIDGE
,Ivy 'League adj.: Ivy League colleges
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-ize, -ise
suffix (in verbs)
1 to become, make or make like: privatize  fossilize  Americanize
2 to speak, think, act, treat, etc. in the way mentioned: criticize  theorize  deputize  pasteurize
3 to place in: hospitalize
-ization , -isation(in nouns): immunization
-izationally , -isationally(in adverbs): organizationally
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J
(also j) noun [C, U] (pl.J’s, j’s ) the 10th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Jelly’ begins with (a) J / ‘J’.
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jab
verb, noun
verb (-bb-) ~ (sth) (in sb/sth)| ~ (at sth)| ~ sb/sth (with sth) to push a pointed object into sb/sth, or in the direction of sb/sth, with a sudden strong movement: [vn] She jabbed him in the ribs with her finger.  She jabbed her finger in his ribs.  [v] He jabbed at the picture with his finger.  The boxer jabbed at his opponent.

noun
1 a sudden strong hit with sth pointed or with a FIST (= a tightly closed hand): She gave him a jab in the stomach with her elbow.  a boxer’s left jab
2 (BrE, informal) an INJECTION to help prevent you from catching a disease: a flu jab

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jab.ber
verb (disapproving) to talk quickly and in an excited way so that it is difficult to understand what you are saying: [v] What is he jabbering about now? [alsov speech]
jab.ber noun [U]
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jack
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a device for raising heavy objects off the ground, especially motor vehicles so that a wheel can be changed
2 [C] an electronic connection between two pieces of electrical equipment
3 [C] (in a pack / deck of cards) a card with a picture of a young man on it, worth more than a ten and less than a queen: the jack of clubs—
4 [C] (in the game of BOWLS ) a small white ball towards which players roll larger balls
5 (jacks) [pl.] a children’s game in which players bounce a small ball and pick up small metal objects, also called jacks before catching the ball—see also BLACKJACK , FLAPJACK , UNION JACK
IDM a jack of 'all trades a person who can do many different types of work, but who perhaps does not do them very well—more at ALL RIGHT adj.

verb
PVR V ,jack sth<->'in (BrE, informal) to decide to stop doing sth, especially your job: After five years, he decided to jack it all in . ,jack 'off ( , slang) (of a man) to MASTURBATE ,jack sth<->'up
1 to lift sth, especially a vehicle, off the ground using a jack
2 (informal) to increase sth, especially prices, by a large amount

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jackal
noun a wild animal like a dog, that eats the meat of animals that are already dead and lives in Africa and Asia
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jack.ass
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a stupid person: Careful, you jackass!
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jack.boot
noun
1 [C] a tall boot that reaches up to the knee, worn by soldiers, especially in the past
2 (the jackboot) [sing.] used to refer to cruel military rule: to be under the jackboot of a dictatorial regime
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'Jack cheese
noun [U] (AmE ) = MONTEREY JACK
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jack.daw
noun a black and grey bird of the CROW family
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jacket
noun
1 a piece of clothing worn on the top half of the body over a shirt, etc. that has sleeves and fastens down the front; a short, light coat: a denim / tweed jacket  I have to wear a jacket and tie to work.—see also BOMBER JACKET , DINNER JACKET , DONKEY JACKET , FLAK JACKET , LIFE JACKET , SMOKING JACKET , SPORTS JACKET , STRAITJACKET —
2 (also 'dust jacket) a loose paper cover for a book, usually with a design or picture on it
3 an outer cover around a hot water pipe, etc., for example to reduce loss of heat
4 (BrE) the skin of a baked potato: jacket potatoes (= baked potatoes)  potatoes baked in their jackets
5 (especially AmE) = SLEEVE (3)
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jack.ham.mer
noun (AmE ) = PNEUMATIC DRILL
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'jack-in-the-box
noun a toy in the shape of a box with a figure inside on a spring that jumps up when you open the lid
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jack.knife
noun, verb
noun (pl.jack.knives) a large knife with a folding blade

verb [v] to form a V-shape. For example if a lorry/truck that is in two parts jackknifes, the driver loses control and the back part moves towards the front part.

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jack.pot
noun a large amount of money that is the most valuable prize in a game of chance: to win the jackpot  jackpot winners   (figurative) United hit the jackpot (= were successful) with a 5-0 win over Liverpool.
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jack.rab.bit
noun a large N American HARE (= an animal like a large rabbit) with very long ears
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Jack Robinson
noun
IDM before you can say Jack 'Robinson (old-fashioned) very quickly; very soon
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Jack Russell
(also ,Jack ,Russell 'terrier) noun a small active dog with short legs
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,Jack the 'Lad
noun [sing.] (BrE , slang) a young man who is very confident in a rude and noisy way, and enjoys going out with male friends, drinking alcohol and trying to attract women
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Jaco.bean
adj. connected with the time when James I (1603–25) was King of England: Jacobean houses / drama
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Ja.cuzzi
™ (also spa especially in AmE) noun a large bath with a pump that moves the water around, giving a pleasant feeling to your body
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jade
noun [U]
1 a hard stone that is usually green and is used in making ornaments and jewellery: a jade necklace
2 ornaments made of jade : a collection of Chinese jade
3 (also ,jade 'green) a bright green colour
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jaded
adj. tired and bored, usually because you have had too much of sth: I felt terribly jaded after working all weekend.  It was a meal to tempt even the most jaded palate.
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jagged
adj. with rough, pointed, often sharp edges: jagged rocks / peaks / edges
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jag.uar
noun a large animal of the cat family, that has yellowish-brown fur with black rings and spots. Jaguars live in parts of central America.
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jail
(BrE also gaol) noun, verb
noun [U, C] a prison: She spent a year in jail.  He has been released from jail.  a ten-year jail sentence  Britain’s overcrowded jails  note at SCHOOL

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to put sb in prison: He was jailed for life for murder.

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jail.bird
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a person who has spent a lot of time in prison
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jail.break
noun (especially AmE ) an escape from prison, usually by several people
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jail.er
(BrE also gaol.er) noun (old-fashioned) a person in charge of a prison and the prisoners in it
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jail.house
noun (AmE ) a prison
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jala.peño
(also ,jala,peño 'pepper) noun (from Spanish ) the small green fruit of a type of pepper plant, that has a very hot taste and is used in Mexican cooking
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jam
noun, verb
noun
SWEET FOOD|
1 [U, C] a thick sweet substance made by boiling fruit with sugar, often sold in JARS and spread on bread: strawberry jam  recipes for jams and preserves   (BrE) a jam doughnut—compare JELLY , MARMALADE —
MANY PEOPLE / VEHICLES|
2 [C] a situation in which it is difficult or impossible to move because there are so many people or vehicles in one particular place: The bus was delayed in a five-mile jam.  As fans rushed to leave, jams formed at all the exits.—see also TRAFFIC JAM be in a 'jam (informal) to be in a difficult situation jam to'morrow (BrE, informal) good things that are promised for the future but never happen: They refused to settle for a promise of jam tomorrow.—more at MONEY

verb (-mm-)
PUSH WITH FORCE|
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push sth somewhere with a lot of force: He jammed his fingers in his ears.  A stool had been jammed against the door.
STOP MOVING / WORKING|
2 ~ (sth) (up) to become unable to move or work; to make sth do this: [v] The photocopier keeps jamming up.  [vn] There’s a loose part that keeps jamming the mechanism.  [v-adj] The valve has jammed shut.  [vn-adj] He jammed the door open with a piece of wood.
PUT INTO SMALL SPACE|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to put sb/sth into a small space where there is very little room to move: [vn] Six of us were jammed into one small car.  We were jammed together like sardines in a can.  The cupboards were jammed full of old newspapers.  [v] Nearly 1 000 students jammed into the hall.—see also JAM-PACKED
FILL WITH PEOPLE / THINGS|
4 [vn] ~ sth (up) (with sb/sth) to fill sth with a large number of people or things so that it is unable to function as it should: Viewers jammed the switchboard with complaints.
RADIO BROADCAST|
5 [vn] (technical) to send out radio signals to prevent another radio broadcast from being heard
PLAY MUSIC|
6 [v, vn] to play music with other musicians in an informal way without preparing or practising first jam on the brake(s) | jam the brake(s) on to operate the BRAKES on a vehicle suddenly and with force: The car skidded as he jammed on the brakes.

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jamb
noun a vertical post at the side of a door or window
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jam.bo.ree
noun
1 a large party or celebration: the movie industry’s annual jamboree at Cannes
2 a large meeting of SCOUTS or GUIDES
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'jam jar
noun (BrE ) a glass container for jam, etc.
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jammed
adj.
1 [not before noun] not able to move STUCK : I can’t get the door open—it’s completely jammed.
2 (especially AmE) very full; crowded JAM-PACKED : Hundreds more people were waiting outside the jammed stadium.
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jammy
adj.
1 covered with jam: jammy fingers
2 (BrE, slang) lucky, especially because sth good has happened to you without you making any effort: ‘What did you get for Maths?’‘A.’‘You jammy bastard.’
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,jam-'packed
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) (informal) very full or crowded: The train was jam-packed with commuters.
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'jam session
noun an occasion when musicians perform in an informal way without practising first
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Jane Doe
noun [sing.] (AmE )
1 used to refer to a woman whose name is not known or is kept secret, especially in a court of law
2 an average woman—compare JOHN DOE
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jan.gle
verb, noun
verb
1 to make a harsh sound, like two pieces of metal hitting each other; to make sth do this: [v] The shop bell jangled loudly.  jangling pianos  [vn] He jangled the keys in his pocket.
2 if your nerves jangle, or if sb/sth jangles them, you feel anxious or upset: [v] She was suddenly wide awake, her nerves jangling. [alsovn]

noun [usually sing.] a hard noise like that of metal hitting metal

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jani.tor
noun (AmE, ScotE ) = CARETAKER
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Janu.ary
noun [U, C] (abbr. Jan.) the 1st month of the year, between December and February.
HELP To see how January is used, look at the examples at April.
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Jap
noun ( , slang) an offensive word for a Japanese person
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jape
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a trick or joke that is played on sb
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jar
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a round glass container, with a lid, used for storing food, especially jam, HONEY , etc: a storage jar—see also JAM JAR —picture at PACKAGING
2 [C] a jar and what it contains: a jar of coffee
3 [C] a tall container with a wide mouth, with or without handles, used in the past for carrying water, etc: a water jar
4 [C] (BrE, informal) a glass of beer: Do you fancy a jar after work?
5 [sing.] an unpleasant shock, especially from two things being suddenly shaken or hit: The fall gave him a nasty jar.

verb (-rr-)
1 ~ (sth) (on sth) to give or receive a sudden sharp painful knock: [vn] The jolt seemed to jar every bone in her body.  [v] The spade jarred on something metal.
2 ~ (on sth) to have an unpleasant or annoying effect: [v] His constant moaning was beginning to jar on her nerves.  There was a jarring note of triumph in his voice. [alsovn]
3 [v] ~ (with sth) to be different from sth in a strange or unpleasant way
SYN CLASH : Her brown shoes jarred with the rest of the outfit.  The only jarring note was the cheap modern furniture.

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jar.gon
noun [U] (often disapproving) words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group of people, and are difficult for others to understand: medical / legal / computer jargon
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jas.mine
noun [U, C] a plant with white or yellow flowers with a sweet smell, sometimes used to make PERFUME and to flavour tea
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jaun.dice
noun [U] a medical condition in which the skin and the white parts of the eyes become yellow
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jaun.diced
adj.
1 not expecting sb/sth to be good or useful, especially because of experiences that you have had in the past: He had a jaundiced view of life.  She looked on politicians with a jaundiced eye .
2 suffering from jaundice : a jaundiced patient / liver
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jaunt
noun (old-fashioned or humorous) a short journey that you make for pleasure
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jaunty
adj.
1 showing that you are feeling confident and pleased with yourself: a jaunty smile  a hat set at a jaunty angle
2 lively: a jaunty tune
jaunt.ily adv.: He set off jauntily, whistling to himself.
jaunti.ness noun [U]
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jav.elin
noun
1 [C] a light SPEAR (= a long stick with a pointed end) which is thrown in a sporting event
2 (the javelin) [sing.] the event or sport of throwing a javelin as far as possible—
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jaw
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] either of the two bones at the bottom of the face that contain the teeth and move when you talk or eat: the top / upper jaw  the bottom / lower jaw
2 [sing.] the lower part of the face; the lower jaw: He has a strong square jaw.  The punch broke my jaw.—picture at BODY
3 (jaws) [pl.] the mouth and teeth of a person or an animal: The alligator’s jaws snapped shut.
4 (jaws) [pl.] the parts of a tool or machine that are used to hold things tightly: the jaws of a vice—picture at VICE
IDM sb’s 'jaw dropped / fell / sagged used to say that sb suddenly looked surprised, shocked or disappointed the jaws of a tunnel, etc. the narrow entrance to a tunnel, etc., especially one that looks dangerous the jaws of 'death, de'feat, etc. (literary) used to describe an unpleasant situation that almost happens: The team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

verb [v] (informal, often disapproving) to talk, especially to talk a lot or for a long time

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jaw.bone
noun the bone that forms the lower jaw
SYN MANDIBLE —picture at BODY
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jaw.line
noun the outline of the lower jaw
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jay
noun a European bird of the CROW family, with bright feathers and a noisy call—see also BLUEJAY
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jay.walk
verb [v] to walk along or across a street illegally or without paying attention to the traffic
jay.walk.er noun
jay.walk.ing noun [U]
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jazz
noun, verb
noun [U] a type of music with strong rhythms, in which the players often IMPROVISE (= make up the music as they are playing), originally created by African American musicians: a jazz band / club  traditional / modern jazz  jazz musicians
IDM and all that 'jazz (spoken, informal) and things like that: How’s it going? You know—love, life and all that jazz.

verb
PVR V ,jazz sth<->'up (informal)
1 to make sth more interesting, exciting or attractive
2 to make a piece of music sound more modern, or more like popular music or jazz: It’s a jazzed up version of an old tune.

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jazzy
adj. (informal)
1 in the style of jazz: a jazzy melody / tune
2 (sometimes disapproving) brightly coloured and likely to attract attention: That’s a jazzy tie you’re wearing.
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JCB
™noun (BrE ) a powerful motor vehicle with a long arm for digging and moving earth
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jeal.ous
adj.
1 feeling angry or unhappy because sb you like or love is showing interest in sb else: a jealous wife / husband  He’s only talking to her to make you jealous.
2 ~ (of sb/sth) feeling angry or unhappy because you wish you had sth that sb else has
SYN ENVIOUS : She’s jealous of my success.  Children often feel jealous when a new baby arrives.
3 ~ (of sth) wanting to keep or protect sth that you have because it makes you feel proud: They are very jealous of their good reputation (= they do not want to lose it).
jeal.ous.ly adv.: She eyed Natalia jealously.  a jealously guarded secret
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jeal.ousy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a feeling of being jealous: I felt sick with jealousy.  sexual jealousy
2 [C] an action or a remark that shows that a person is jealous: I’m tired of her petty jealousies.
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jeans
noun [pl.] trousers/pants made of strong cotton, especially DENIM : a faded pair of blue jeans—see also DENIMS —
ORIGIN From Janne, the Old French name for Genoa, where the heavy cotton now used for jeans was first made.
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Jeep
™noun a small strong motor vehicle used, especially by the army, for driving over rough ground—picture at TRUCK
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jeer
verb, noun
verb ~ (at sb) to laugh at sb or shout rude remarks at them to show that you do not respect them: [v] a jeering crowd  The police were jeered at by the waiting crowd.  [vn] The players were jeered by disappointed fans. [alsov speech]

noun [usually pl.] a rude remark that sb shouts at sb else to show that they do not respect or like them: He walked on to the stage to be greeted with jeers and whistles.

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jeez
exclamation (informal, especially AmE ) used to express anger, surprise, etc.
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Je.ho.vah
(also Yah.weh) noun [U] the name of God that is used in the Old Testament of the Bible
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Je,hovah’s 'Witness
noun a member of a religious organization based on Christianity, which believes that the end of the world is near and that only its members will be saved from being DAMNED
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je.june
adj. (rare, formal)
1 too simple
SYN NAIVE
2 (of a speech, etc.) not interesting
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Jek.yll and Hyde
noun [sing.] a person who is sometimes very pleasant (Jekyll) and sometimes very unpleasant (Hyde) or who leads two very separate lives
ORIGIN From the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which Dr Jekyll takes a drug which separates the good and bad sides of his personality into two characters. All the negative aspects go into the character of Mr Hyde.
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jell
verb [v] (especially AmE ) = GEL (1, 2, 3)
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jel.lied
adj. [only before noun] (especially BrE ) prepared or cooked in jelly: jellied eels
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jelly
(pl.-ies) noun
1 [U, C] (BrE) (AmE jello, Jell-O™ [U]) a cold sweet transparent food made from GELATIN , sugar and fruit juice, that shakes when it is moved: jelly and ice cream  a raspberry jelly—
2 [U] a substance like jelly made from GELATIN and meat juices, served around meat, fish, etc.
SYN ASPIC : chicken in jelly
3 [U, C] a type of jam that does not contain any pieces of fruit: blackcurrant jelly—compare JAM
4 [U] any thick sticky substance, especially a type of cream used on the skin—see also PETROLEUM JELLY
5 (also 'jelly shoe) [C] a light plastic shoe designed for wearing on the beach and in the sea
IDM be / feel like 'jelly | turn to 'jelly (of legs or knees) to feel weak because you are nervous
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'jelly baby
noun (BrE ) a small soft sweet/candy in the shape of a baby, made from GELATIN and flavoured with fruit
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'jelly bean
noun a small sweet/candy shaped like a bean, with a hard outside and a centre like jelly
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jel.ly.fish
noun (pl.jel.ly.fish) a sea creature with a body like jelly and long thin parts called TENTACLES that can give a sharp sting
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'jelly roll
noun (AmE ) = SWISS ROLL
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jemmy
(BrE ) (AmE jimmy) noun (pl.-ies) a short heavy metal bar used by thieves to force open doors and windows
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je ne sais quoi
noun [U] (from French , often humorous) a good quality that is difficult to describe: He has that je ne sais quoi that distinguishes a professional from an amateur.
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jeop.ard.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written) to risk harming or destroying sth/sb: He would never do anything to jeopardize his career.
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jeop.ardy
noun
IDM in 'jeopardy in a dangerous position or situation and likely to be lost or harmed—see also DOUBLE JEOPARDY
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jerk
verb, noun
verb [usually +adv. / prep.] to move or to make sth move with a sudden short sharp movement: [vn] He jerked the phone away from her.  She jerked her head up.  [v] The bus jerked to a halt.  He grabbed a handful of hair and jerked at it. [alsovn-adj] ,jerk sb a'round (informal, especially AmE) to make things difficult for sb, especially by not being honest with them: Consumers are often jerked around by big companies. ,jerk 'off ( , slang) (of a man) to MASTURBATE ,jerk 'out| ,jerk sth<->'out to say sth in a quick and awkward way because you are nervous

noun
1 a sudden quick sharp movement: She sat up with a jerk .
2 (informal) a stupid person who often says or does the wrong thing

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jer.kin
noun (BrE ) a short jacket without sleeves, especially one worn by men in the past
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jerky
adj., noun
adj. making sudden starts and stops and not moving smoothly
jerk.ily adv.: The car moved off jerkily.

noun [U] (AmE ) meat that has been cut into long strips and smoked or dried: beef jerky

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Jerry
noun (pl.-ies) ( , BrE , slang) an offensive word for a person from Germany, used especially during the First and Second World Wars
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'jerry-built
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) built quickly and cheaply without caring about quality or safety
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jer.ry.can
noun (old-fashioned) a large metal or plastic container with flat sides, used for carrying petrol/gas or water
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Jer.sey
noun a type of light brown cow that produces high quality milk
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jer.sey
noun
1 [C] a knitted woollen or cotton piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves and no buttons
2 [C] a shirt worn by sb playing football, rugby, etc.
3 [U] a soft fine knitted fabric used for making clothes: made from 100% cotton jersey
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Je.ru.sa.lem ar.ti.choke
noun (BrE also ar.ti.choke) a light brown root vegetable that looks like a potato
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jest
noun, verb
noun (old-fashioned or formal) something said or done to amuse people
SYN JOKE
IDM in 'jest as a joke: The remark was made half in jest.  ‘Many a true word is spoken in jest,’ thought Rosie. (= people often say things as a joke that are actually true)

verb (formal or humorous) ~ (about sth) to say things that are not serious or true, especially in order to make sb laugh
SYN JOKE [v] Would I jest about such a thing? [alsov speech]

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jest.er
noun a man employed in the past at the COURT of a king or queen to amuse people by telling jokes and funny stories: the court jester
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Jes.uit
noun a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious group: a Jesuit priest / college
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Jesus
(also ,Jesus 'Christ) = CHRIST
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jet
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a plane driven by JET ENGINES : a jet aircraft / fighter / airliner  The accident happened as the jet was about to take off.—see also JUMBO (JET)
2 [C] a strong narrow stream of gas, liquid, steam or flame that comes very quickly out of a small opening. The opening is also called a jet : The pipe burst and jets of water shot across the room.  to clean the gas jets on the cooker
3 [U] a hard black mineral that can be polished and is used in jewellery: jet beads

verb (-tt-) [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to fly somewhere in a plane

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,jet-'black
adj. deep shiny black in colour: jet-black eyes / hair
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,jet 'engine
noun an engine that drives an aircraft forwards by pushing out a stream of gases behind it—picture at PLANE
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'jet lag
noun [U] the feeling of being tired and slightly confused after a long plane journey, especially when there is a big difference in the time at the place you leave and that at the place you arrive in
'jet-lagged adj.
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,jet-pro'pelled
adj. driven by JET ENGINES
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,jet pro'pulsion
noun [U] the use of JET ENGINES for power
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jet.sam
noun things that are thrown away, especially from a ship at sea and that float towards the shore—compare FLOTSAM
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the 'jet set
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] rich and fashionable people who travel a lot
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'jet-setter
noun a rich, fashionable person who travels a lot
'jet-setting adj. [usually before noun]: her jet-setting millionaire boyfriend
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'Jet Ski
™noun a vehicle with an engine, like a motorcycle, for riding across water
'jet-skiing noun [U]
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'jet stream
noun
1 (usually the jet stream) [sing.] a strong wind that blows high above the earth and that has an effect on the weather
2 [C] the flow of gases from a plane’s engine
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jet.ti.son
verb [vn]
1 to throw sth out of a moving plane or ship to make it lighter: to jettison fuel
2 to get rid of sth/sb that you no longer need or want
SYN DISCARD : He was jettisoned as team coach after the defeat.
3 to reject an idea, belief, plan, etc. that you no longer think is useful or likely to be successful
SYN ABANDON
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jetty
noun (pl.-ies) (AmE also dock) a wall or platform built out into the sea, a river, etc., where boats can be tied and where people can get on and off boats
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Jew
noun a member of the people and cultural community whose traditional religion is Judaism and who are descended from the ancient Hebrew people of Israel; a person who believes in and practises Judaism
Jew.ish adj.: We’re Jewish.  the local Jewish community
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jewel
noun
1 a precious stone such as a diamond, RUBY , etc.
2 [usually pl.] pieces of jewellery or ornaments that contain precious stones: The family jewels are locked away in a safe.  a jewel box / case—see also CROWN JEWELS
3 a small precious stone or piece of special glass that is used in the machinery of a watch
4 (informal) a person or thing that is very important or valuable: Alice, you are a jewel.  Venice is the jewel of the Adriatic.—compare GEM
IDM the jewel in the 'crown the most attractive or valuable part of sth
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'jewel case
noun a plastic box for holding a CD
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jew.elled
(BrE ) (AmE jew.eled) adj. decorated with jewels
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jew.el.ler
(AmEjew.el.er) noun
1 a person who makes, repairs or sells jewellery and watches
2 (jeweller’s) (pl.jew.el.lers) a shop/store that sells jewellery and watches: I bought it at the jeweller’s near my office.
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jew.el.lery
(AmEjew.el.ry) noun [U] objects such as rings and NECKLACES that people wear as decoration: silver / gold jewellery—see also COSTUME JEWELLERY
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Jew.ess
noun (often offensive) an old-fashioned word for a Jewish woman
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Jewry
noun [U] (formal) Jewish people as a group: British Jewry
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jib
noun, verb
noun
1 a small sail in front of the large sail on a boat—picture at YACHT
2 the arm of a CRANE that lifts things

verb (-bb-) [v] ~ (at sth / at doing sth) (old-fashioned, informal) to be unwilling to do or accept sth: She agreed to attend but jibbed at making a speech.

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jibe
(also gibe) noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (at sb/sth) an unkind or insulting remark about sb: He made several cheap jibes at his opponent during the interview.
2 (AmE) = GYBE

verb
1 to say sth that is intended to embarrass sb or make them look silly: [v] He jibed repeatedly at the errors they had made. [alsov speech, v that]
2 [v] ~ (with sth) (AmE, informal) to be the same as sth or to match it: Your statement doesn’t jibe with the facts.
3 (AmE) = GYBE

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jiffy
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a moment: I’ll be with you in a jiffy (= very soon).
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'Jiffy bag
™noun (BrE ) a thick soft envelope for sending things that might break or tear easily
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jig
noun, verb
noun
1 a quick lively dance; the music for this dance: an Irish jig
2 a device that holds sth in position and guides the tools that are working on it

verb (-gg-) [usually +adv. / prep.] to move or to make sb/sth move up and down with short quick movements: [v] He jigged up and down with excitement. [alsovn]

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jiggery-pokery
noun [U] (informal, especially BrE ) dishonest behaviour
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jig.gle
verb (informal) to move or make sth move up and down or from side to side with short quick movements: [v] Stop jiggling around!  She jiggled with the lock.  [vn] He stood jiggling his car keys in his hand.
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jig.saw
noun
1 (also 'jigsaw puzzle) (both BrE) (also puz.zleAmE, BrE) a picture printed on cardboard or wood, that has been cut up into a lot of small pieces of different shapes that you have to fit together again: to do a jigsaw—
2 a mysterious situation in which it is not easy to understand all the causes of what is happening; a complicated problem: If Hollis was a double agent then the Crabb affair fits neatly into the jigsaw.
3 a SAW (= a type of tool) with a fine blade for cutting designs in thin pieces of wood or metal
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jihad
noun a holy war fought by Muslims against those who reject Islam
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jilt
verb [vn] [often passive] to end a romantic relationship with sb in a sudden and unkind way: He was jilted by his fiancée.  a jilted bride / lover
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jimmy
(AmE ) = JEMMY
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jin.gle
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] a sound like small bells ringing that is made when metal objects are shaken together: the jingle of coins in his pocket
2 [C] a short song or tune that is easy to remember and is used in advertising on radio or television

verb to make a pleasant gentle sound like small bells ringing; to make sth do this: [v] The chimes jingled in the breeze.  [vn] She jingled the coins in her pocket.

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jin.go.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) a strong belief that your own country is best, especially when this is expressed in support of war with another country
jin.go.is.tic adj.
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jink
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE , informal) to move quickly while changing direction suddenly and often, especially in order to avoid sb/sth
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jinks
noun  HIGH JINKS
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jinx
noun [sing.] ~ (on sb/sth) bad luck; sb/sth that is thought to bring bad luck in a mysterious way: I’m convinced there’s a jinx on this car.
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jinxed
adj. (informal) having or bringing more bad luck than is normal: The whole family seemed to be jinxed.
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jit.ters
(often the jitters) noun [pl.] (informal) feelings of being anxious and nervous, especially before an important event or before having to do sth difficult: I always get the jitters before exams.  Louise had pre-wedding jitters.
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jit.tery
adj. (informal) anxious and nervous
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jiu-jitsu
= JU-JITSU
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jive
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] a fast dance to music with a strong beat, especially popular in the 1950s
2 [U] (AmE, slang) nonsense: to talk jive

verb
1 [v] to dance to jazz or ROCK AND ROLL music
2 [v, vn] (AmE, informal) to try to make sb believe sth that is not true
SYN KID

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Jnr
(BrE ) (also Jr. especially in AmE) abbr. JUNIOR : John F Davis Jnr
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job
noun
PAID WORK|
1 work for which you receive regular payment: He’s trying to get a job .  She took a job as a waitress.  His brother’s just lost his job .  a summer / holiday / Saturday / vacation job  a temporary / permanent job  I’m thinking of applying for a new job.  The takeover of the company is bound to mean more job losses.  Many women are in part-time jobs.  Did they offer you the job ?  He certainly knows his job (= is very good at his job).  I’m only doing my job (= I’m doing what I am paid to do).  He’s been out of a job (= unemployed) for six months now.  She’s never had a steady job (= a job that is not going to end suddenly).
TASK|
2 a particular task or piece of work that you have to do: I’ve got various jobs around the house to do.  Sorting these papers out is going to be a long job.  The builder has a couple of jobs on at the moment.—see also BLOW JOB , NOSE JOB
DUTY|
3 [usually sing.] a responsibility or duty: It’s not my job to lock up!
CRIME|
4 (informal) a crime, especially stealing: a bank job  He got six months for that last job he did.  an inside job (= done by sb in the organization where the crime happens)
OBJECT|
5 (spoken) a particular kind of thing: It’s real wood—not one of those plastic jobs.
COMPUTING|
6 an item of work which is PROCESSED by a computer as a single unit do the 'job (informal) to be effective or successful in doing what you want: This extra strong glue should do the job. do a good, bad, etc. 'job (on sth) | make a good, bad, etc. job of sth to do sth well, badly, etc: They did a very professional job.  You’ve certainly made an excellent job of the kitchen (= for example, painting it). give sb/sth up as a bad 'job (informal) to decide to stop trying to help sb or to do sth because there is no hope of success Good 'job! (AmE, spoken) used to tell sb that they have done well at sth a good 'job (spoken) used to say that you are pleased about a situation or that sb is lucky that sth happened: It’s a good job you were there to help. have a (hard / difficult) job doing / to do sth to have difficulty doing sth: You’ll have a job convincing them that you’re right.  He had a hard job to make himself heard. a job of 'work (BrE, old-fashioned or formal) work that you are paid to do or that must be done: There was a job of work waiting for him that he was not looking forward to. jobs for the 'boys (BrE, informal, disapproving) people use the expression jobs for the boys when they are criticizing the fact that sb in power has given work to friends or relatives just the 'job (BrE) (also just the 'ticketAmE, BrE) (spoken, approving) exactly what is needed in a particular situation: That cup of tea was just the job. more than your 'job’s worth (to do sth) (BrE, spoken) not worth doing because it is against the rules or because it might cause you to lose your job—see also JOBSWORTH on the 'job
1 while doing a particular job: No sleeping on the job!  on-the-job training
2 (BrE, slang) having sex—more at BEST n. , DEVIL , WALK v.
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job.bing
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) doing pieces of work for different people rather than a regular job: a jobbing actor / builder
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job.centre
noun (BrE ) a government office where people can get advice in finding work and where jobs are advertised
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'job creation
noun [U] the process of providing opportunities for paid work, especially for people who are unemployed
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'job description
noun a written description of the exact work and responsibilities of a job
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job.less
adj.
1 unemployed; without a job: The closure left 500 people jobless.
2 (the jobless) noun [pl.] people who are unemployed
job.less.ness noun [U]
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,job 'lot
noun (BrE , informal) a collection of different things, especially of poor quality, that are sold together
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'job seeker
noun often used in official language in Britain to describe a person without a job who is trying to find one
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'job-sharing
noun [U] an arrangement for two people to share the hours of work and the pay of one job
'job-share noun: The company encourages job-shares and part-time working.
'job-share verb [v]
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jobs.worth
noun (BrE , informal, disapproving) a person who follows the rules of a job exactly, even when this causes problems for other people, or when the rules are not sensible
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Jock
noun (informal) a way of describing a person from Scotland, that can be offensive
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jockey
noun, verb
noun a person who rides horses in races, especially as a job

verb ~ (for sth) to try all possible ways of gaining an advantage over other people: [v] The runners jockeyed for position at the start.  The bands are constantly jockeying with each other for the number one spot. [alsov to inf]

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jock.strap
(also ath,letic sup'porter especially in AmE) noun a piece of men’s underwear worn to support or protect the sexual organs while playing sports
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jocu.lar
adj. (formal)
1 humorous: a jocular comment
2 (of a person) enjoying making people laugh—see also JOKE
jocu.lar.ity noun [U]
jocu.lar.ly adv.
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jodh.purs
noun [pl.] trousers/pants that are loose above the knee and tight from the knee to the ankle, worn when riding a horse: a pair of jodhpurs
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Joe Bloggs
(BrE ) (AmE ,John 'Doe) noun [sing.] (informal) a way of referring to a typical ordinary person
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,Joe 'Public
(BrE ) (AmE ,John ,Q. 'Public) noun [U] (informal) people in general; the public
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joey
noun a young KANGAROO , WALLABY or POSSUM —
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jog
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
1 (also go jogging) [v] to run slowly and steadily for a long time, especially for exercise: I go jogging every evening.
2 [vn] to hit sth lightly and accidentally: Someone jogged her elbow, making her spill her coffee.
IDM jog sb’s 'memory to say or do sth that makes sb remember sth
PVR V ,jog a'long (BrE, informal) to continue as usual with little or no excitement, change or progress

noun [sing.]
1 a slow run, especially one done for physical exercise: I like to go for a jog after work.
2 a light push or knock

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jog.ger
noun a person who jogs regularly for exercise
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jog.ging
noun [U] the activity of running slowly and steadily as a form of exercise: to go jogging
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'jogging suit
noun = TRACKSUIT
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jog.gle
verb [v, vn] (informal) to move or to make sb/sth move quickly up and down or from one side to another
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john
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a toilet
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,John 'Bull
noun [U, C] (old-fashioned) a word that is used to refer to England or the English people, or to a typical Englishman
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,John 'Doe
noun [usually sing.] (AmE )
1 a name used for a person whose name is not known or is kept secret, especially in a court of law
2 an average man—compare JANE DOE
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,John ,Q. 'Public
noun [U] (AmE ) = JOE PUBLIC
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joie de vivre
noun [U] (from French , written) a feeling of great happiness and enjoyment of life
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join
verb, noun
verb
CONNECT|
1 ~ A to B| ~ A and B (together / up) to fix or connect two or more things together: [vn] Join one section of pipe to the next.  Join the two sections of pipe together.  The island is joined to the mainland by a bridge.  Draw a line joining (up) all the crosses.  [v] How do these two pieces join?
BECOME ONE|
2 if two things or groups join, or if one thing or group joins another, they come together to form one thing or group: [v] the place where the two paths join  [vn] The path joins the road near the trees.
CLUB / COMPANY|
3 to become a member of an organization, a company, a club, etc: [vn] I’ve joined an aerobics class.  She joined the company three months ago.   (figurative) to join the ranks of the unemployed  [v] It costs £20 to join.
DO STH WITH SB ELSE|
4 [vn] to take part in sth that sb else is doing or to go somewhere with them: Will you join us for lunch?  Do you mind if I join you?  Over 200 members of staff joined the strike.  Members of the public joined the search for the missing boy.  I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing Ted and Laura a very happy marriage.
TRAIN / PLANE|
5 [vn] (BrE) if you join a train, plane, etc. you get on it
ROAD / PATH|
6 [vn] (BrE) if you join a road or a path, you start to travel along it join 'battle (with sb) (formal) to begin fighting sb: (figurative) Local residents have joined battle with the council over the lack of parking facilities. join the 'club used when sth bad that has happened to sb else has also happened to you: So you didn’t get a job either? Join the club! join 'hands (with sb)
1 if two people join hands, they hold each other’s hands
2 to work together in doing sth: Education has been reluctant to join hands with business.—more at BEAT v. , FORCE n. ,join 'in (sth / doing sth)| ,join 'in (with sb/sth) to take part in an activity with other people: She listens but she never joins in.  I wish he would join in with the other children. ,join 'up (BrE) to become a member of the armed forces
SYN ENLIST : Her grandfather joined up in 1914. ,join 'up (with sb) to combine with sb else to do sth: We’ll join up with the other groups later.

noun
CONNECTION| a place where two things are fixed together: The two pieces were stuck together so well that you could hardly see the join.

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join.er
noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to make the wooden parts of a building, especially window frames, doors, etc.—compare CARPENTER
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join.ery
noun [U] the work of a joiner or things made by a joiner
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joint
adj., noun, verb
adj. [only before noun] involving two or more people together: a joint account (= a bank account in the name of more than one person, for example a husband and wife)  a joint venture / statement  The report was a joint effort (= we worked on it together).  They finished in joint first place.  They were joint owners of the house (= they owned it together).
joint.ly adv.: The event was organized jointly by students and staff.

noun
1 a place where two bones are joined together in the body in a way that enables them to bend and move: inflammation of the knee joint  My joints are really stiff this morning.
2 a place where two or more parts of an object are joined together, especially to form a corner
3 (BrE) a piece of ROAST meat: a joint of beef  the Sunday joint (= one traditionally eaten on a Sunday)
4 (informal) a place where people meet to eat, drink, dance, etc., especially one that is cheap: a fast-food joint
5 (informal) a cigarette containing MARIJUANA (= an illegal drug)
IDM out of 'joint
1 (of a bone) pushed out of its correct position
2 not working or behaving in the normal way: Time is thrown completely out of joint in the opening chapters.—more at CASE v. , NOSE n.

verb [vn] to cut meat into large pieces, usually each containing a bone

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,Joint ,Chiefs of 'Staff
noun [pl.] (in the US) the leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines who advise the President on military matters
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,joint de'gree
noun (in Britain and some other countries) a university course in which you study two subjects to the same standard
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joint.ed
adj. [usually before noun] having parts that fit together and can move: a doll with jointed arms / legs
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,joint-'stock company
noun (business ) a company that is owned by all the people who have shares in it
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joist
noun a long thick piece of wood or metal that is used to support a floor or ceiling in a building
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joke
noun, verb
noun
1 something that you say or do to make people laugh, for example a funny story that you tell: I can’t tell jokes .  She’s always cracking jokes .  They often make jokes at each other’s expense.  I didn’t get the joke (= understand it).  I wish he wouldn’t tell dirty jokes (= about sex).  I only did it as a joke (= it was not meant seriously).—see also IN-JOKE , PRACTICAL JOKE
2 [sing.] (informal) a person, thing or situation that is ridiculous or annoying and cannot be taken seriously: This latest pay offer is a joke.—see also JOCULAR
IDM be / get beyond a 'joke to become annoying and no longer acceptable be no 'joke to be difficult or unpleasant: It’s no joke trying to find a job these days. the joke’s on 'sb (informal) used to say that sb who tried to make another person look ridiculous now looks ridiculous instead make a 'joke of sth to laugh about sth that is serious or should be taken seriously take a 'joke to be able to laugh at a joke against yourself: The trouble with Paula is she can’t take a joke.

verb ~ (with sb) (about sth)
1 to say sth to make people laugh; to tell a funny story: [v] She was laughing and joking with the children.  They often joked about all the things that could go wrong.  [v speech] ‘I cooked it myself, so be careful!’ he joked.
2 to say sth that is not true because you think it is funny: [v] I didn’t mean that—I was only joking .  [v that] She joked that she only loved him for his money.
IDM ,joking a'part / a'side (BrE) used to show that you are now being serious after you have said sth funny you’re 'joking | you must be 'joking (spoken) used to show that you are very surprised at what sb has just said: No way am I doing that. You must be joking!  She’s going out with Dan? You’re joking!

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joker
noun
1 a person who likes making jokes or doing silly things to make people laugh: He’s always been a bit of a joker.   (informal) Some joker’s been using my computer.
2 an extra playing card that is used in some card games, usually as a WILD CARD —
IDM the ,joker in the 'pack a person or thing who could change the way that things will happen in a way that cannot be predicted
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jokey
(also joky) adj. (informal) amusing; making people laugh
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jok.ing.ly
adv. in a way that is intended to be amusing and not serious
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jolly
adj., adv., verb
adj. (jol.lier, jol.li.est)
1 happy and cheerful: a jolly crowd / face / mood
2 (old-fashioned) enjoyable: a jolly evening / party / time
jol.lity noun [U] (old-fashioned): scenes of high-spirits and jollity

adv. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) very: That’s a jolly good idea.
IDM jolly 'good! (old-fashioned, BrE, spoken) used to show that you approve of sth that sb has just said 'jolly well (old-fashioned, BrE) used to emphasize a statement when you are annoyed about sth: If you don’t come now, you can jolly well walk home!

verb (jol.lies, jolly.ing, jol.lied, jol.lied) (BrE )
PVR V ,jolly sb a'long to encourage sb in a cheerful way ,jolly sb 'into sth / into 'doing sth to persuade or encourage sb to do sth by making them feel happy about it ,jolly sb/sth 'up to make sb/sth more cheerful

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jolt
verb, noun
verb
1 to move or to make sb/sth move suddenly and roughly: [v] The truck jolted and rattled over the rough ground.  The bus jolted to a halt.   (figurative) Her heart jolted when she saw him.  [vn] He was jolted forwards as the bus moved off.
2 ~ sb (into sth)| ~ sb (out of sth) to give sb a sudden shock, especially so that they start to take action or deal with a situation: [vn] His remark jolted her into action.  The sound jolted my memory, and I suddenly remembered what had happened.  a method of jolting the economy out of recession [alsovn-adj]

noun [usually sing.]
1 a sudden rough movement
SYN JERK : The plane landed with a jolt.
2 a sudden strong feeling, especially of shock or surprise: a jolt of dismay

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Joneses
noun [pl.]
IDM ,keep up with the 'Joneses (informal, often disapproving) to try to have all the possessions and social achievements that your friends and NEIGHBOURS have
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josh
verb [v, vn, v speech] (informal) to gently make fun of sb or talk to them in a joking way
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joss stick
noun a thin wooden stick covered with a substance that burns slowly and produces a sweet smell
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jos.tle
verb to push roughly against sb in a crowd: [vn] The visiting president was jostled by angry demonstrators.  [v] People were jostling, arguing and complaining.
PVR V 'jostle for sth to compete strongly and forcefully with other people for sth: People in the crowd were jostling for the best positions.
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jot
verb, noun
verb (-tt-)
PVR V ,jot sth<->'down to write sth quickly: I’ll just jot down the address for you.

noun [sing.] (not a / one jot) used to mean ‘not even a small amount’ when you are emphasizing a negative statement: There’s not a jot of truth in what he says (= none at all).

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jot.ter
noun (BrE )
1 a small book used for writing notes in
2 (ScotE) an exercise book
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jot.tings
noun [pl.] short notes that are written down quickly
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joule
noun (abbr. J) (physics ) a unit of energy or work
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jour.nal
noun
1 a newspaper or magazine that deals with a particular subject or profession: a scientific / trade journal  the British Medical Journal
2 used in the title of some newspapers: the Wall Street Journal
3 a written record of the things you do, see, etc. every day: He kept a journal of his travels across Asia.—compare DIARY
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jour.nal.ese
noun [U] (usually disapproving) a style of language that is thought to be typical of that used in newspapers
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jour.nal.ism
noun [U] the work of collecting and writing news stories for newspapers, magazines, radio or television
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jour.nal.ist
noun a person whose job is to collect and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, radio or television—compare REPORTER
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jour.nal.is.tic
adj. [only before noun] connected with the work of a journalist: journalistic skills  his journalistic background
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jour.ney
noun, verb
noun an act of travelling from one place to another, especially when they are far apart: They went on a long train journey across India.  Did you have a good journey?  We broke our journey (= stopped for a short time) in Madrid.   (especially BrE ) Don’t use the car for short journeys.   (especially BrE ) It’s a day’s journey by car.   (especially BrE ) I’m afraid you’ve had a wasted journey (= you cannot do what you have come to do).   (BrE , spoken) Bye! Safe journey! (= used when sb is beginning a journey)   (figurative) The book describes a spiritual journey from despair to happiness.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (formal or literary) to travel, especially a long distance: They journeyed for seven long months.

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jour.ney.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (in the past) a person who was trained to do a particular job and who then worked for sb else
2 a person who has training and experience in a job but who is only average at it
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journo
(pl.-os) noun (BrE, AustralE , slang) a journalist
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joust
verb [v]
1 to fight on horses using a long stick (= a LANCE ) to try to knock the other person off their horse, especially as part of a formal contest in the past
2 (formal) to argue with sb, especially as part of a formal or public debate
joust noun
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Jove
noun
IDM by Jove (old-fashioned spoken, especially BrE) used to express surprise or to emphasize a statement
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jo.vial
adj. (written) very cheerful and friendly: He was in a jovial mood.
jovi.al.ity noun [U]
jo.vial.ly adv.
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jowl
noun [usually pl.] (written) the lower part of sb’s cheek when it is fat and hangs down below their chin: a man with heavy jowls
IDM see CHEEK n.
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joy
noun
1 [U] a feeling of great happiness
SYN DELIGHT : the sheer joy of being with her again  to dance for / with joy   I didn’t expect them to jump for joy at the news (= to be very pleased).  To his great joy, she accepted.
2 [C] a person or thing that causes you to feel very happy: the joys of fatherhood  The game was a joy to watch.
3 [U] (BrE, informal) (in questions and negative sentences) success or satisfaction: We complained about our rooms but got no joy from the manager.  ‘Any joy at the shops?’‘No, they didn’t have what I wanted.’
IDM full of the joys of 'spring very cheerful—more at PRIDE n.
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joy.ful
adj. (written) very happy; causing people to be happy: She gave a joyful laugh.  It was a joyful reunion of all the family.
joy.ful.ly adv.
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joy.less
adj. (written) bringing no happiness; without joy : a joyless marriage / childhood
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joy.ous
adj. (literary) very happy; causing people to be happy
SYN JOYFUL : joyous laughter
joy.ous.ly adv.
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joy.pad
noun a device used with some computer games, with buttons that you use to move images on the screen
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joy.rid.ing
noun [U] the crime of stealing a car and driving it for pleasure, usually in a fast and dangerous way
joy.ride noun
joy.rider noun
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joy.stick
noun
1 an upright handle used with some computer games to move images on the screen
2 (informal) an upright handle in an aircraft that is used to control direction or height
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JP
abbr. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE : Helen Alvey JP
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Jr.
(especially AmE) abbr. JUNIOR —compare SR
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ju.bi.lant
adj. (written) feeling or showing great happiness because of a success: The fans were in jubilant mood after the victory.
ju.bi.lant.ly adv.
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jubi.la.tion
noun [U] a feeling of great happiness because of a success: There were scenes of jubilation among her supporters.
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ju.bi.lee
noun a special anniversary of an event, especially one that took place 25 or 50 years ago; the celebrations connected with it—see also DIAMOND JUBILEE , GOLDEN JUBILEE , SILVER JUBILEE
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Ju.da.ism
noun [U] the religion of the Jewish people, based mainly on the Bible (= the Christian Old Testament) and the Talmud
Ju.da.ic adj. [only before noun]: Judaic tradition / law
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Judas
noun a person who betrays a friend
SYN TRAITOR
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jud.der
verb [v] to shake violently: He slammed on the brakes and the car juddered to a halt.
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judge
noun, verb
noun
IN COURT OF LAW|
1 a person in a court of law who has the authority to decide how criminals should be punished or to make legal decisions: a High Court judge  a federal judge  The case comes before Judge Cooper next week.  The judge sentenced him to five years in prison.—compare JUSTICE OF THE PEACE , MAGISTRATE
IN COMPETITION|
2 a person who decides who has won a competition: the panel of judges at the flower show  The judges' decision is final.
SB WHO GIVES OPINION|
3 [usually sing.] a person who has the necessary knowledge or skills to give their opinion about the value or quality of sb/sth: She’s a good judge of character.

verb
FORM OPINION|
1 to form an opinion about sb/sth, based on the information you have: [v] As far as I can judge, all of them are to blame.  Judging by her last letter, they are having a wonderful time.  To judge from what he said, he was very disappointed.  [vn] Schools should not be judged only on exam results.  Each painting must be judged on its own merits.  [vn-n, vn to inf] The tour was judged a great success.  The tour was judged to have been a great success.  [vn-adj] They judged it wise to say nothing. [alsov that, vn that, v wh-]
ESTIMATE|
2 to guess the size, amount, etc. of sth: [v wh-] It’s difficult to judge how long the journey will take.  [vn to inf] I judged him to be about 50.
IN COMPETITION|
3 to decide the result of a competition; to be the judge in a competition: [vn] She was asked to judge the essay competition. [alsov]
GIVE OPINION|
4 to give your opinion about sb, especially when you disapprove of them: [vn] What gives you the right to judge other people? [alsov]
IN COURT OF LAW|
5 to decide whether sb is guilty or innocent in a court of law: [vn] to judge a case  [vn-adj] to judge sb guilty / not guilty don’t judge a ,book by its 'cover (saying) used to say that you should not form an opinion about sb/sth from their appearance only

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judge.ment
(also judg.ment especially in AmE) noun
1 [U] the ability to make sensible decisions after carefully considering the best thing to do: good / poor / sound judgement  She showed a lack of judgement when she gave Mark the job.  It’s not something I can give you rules for; you’ll have to use your judgement.  He achieved his aim more by luck than judgement .  The accident was caused by an error of judgement on the part of the pilot.
2 [C, U] ~ (of / about / on sth) an opinion that you form about sth after thinking about it carefully; the act of making this opinion known to others: He refused to make a judgement about the situation.  Who am I to pass judgement on her behaviour? (= to criticize it)  I’d like to reserve judgement until I see the report.  It was, in her judgement , the wrong thing to do.  I did it against my better judgement (= although I thought it was perhaps the wrong thing to do).
3 (usually judgment) [C, U] the decision of a court of law or a judge: a judgment from the European Court of Justice  The judgment will be given tomorrow.  The court has yet to pass judgment (= say what its decision is) in this case.
4 [C, usually sing.] ~ (on sth) (formal) something bad that happens to sb that is thought to be a punishment from God
IDM see SIT
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judge.ment.al
(BrE ) (also judg.ment.alAmE, BrE) adj.
1 (disapproving) judging people and criticizing them too quickly: Stop always being so judgemental!
2 (formal) connected with the process of judging things: the judgemental process
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'Judgement Day
(also the ,Day of 'Judgement, the ,Last 'Judgement) noun [sing.] the day at the end of the world when, according to some religions, God will judge everyone who has ever lived
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ju.di.ca.ture
noun (law )
1 [U] the system and ADMINISTRATION of justice in a country
2 (the judicature) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] judges when they are considered as a group
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ju.di.cial
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a court of law, a judge or legal judgement: judicial powers  the judicial process / system
ju.di.cial.ly adv.
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ju.di.ciary
noun (usually the judiciary) [C+sing./pl. v .] (pl.-ies) the judges of a country or a state, when they are considered as a group: an independent judiciary—compare EXECUTIVE n. (3) , LEGISLATURE
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ju.di.cious
adj. (formal, approving) careful and sensible; showing good judgement: It is curable with judicious use of antibiotics.
OPP INJUDICIOUS
ju.di.cious.ly adv.: The letter was judiciously worded.
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judo
noun [U] a sport in which two people fight and try to throw each other to the ground
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jug
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE pitch.er) a container with a handle and a LIP , for holding and pouring liquids: a milk / water jug
2 (AmE) a large round container with a small opening and a handle, for holding liquids: a five-gallon jug of beer
3 the amount of liquid contained in a jug : She spilled a jug of water.
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jug.ger.naut
noun
1 (BrE, often disapproving) a very large lorry/truck: juggernauts roaring through country villages
2 (written) a large and powerful force or institution that cannot be controlled: a bureaucratic juggernaut
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jug.gle
verb
1 ~ (with sth) to throw a set of three or more objects such as balls into the air and catch and throw them again quickly, one at a time: [v] to juggle with balls / clubs  [vn] (figurative) I was juggling books, shopping bags and the baby (= I was trying to hold them all without dropping them).
2 ~ sth (with sth) to try to deal with two or more important jobs or activities at the same time so that you can fit all of them into your life: [vn] Working mothers are used to juggling their jobs, their children’s needs and their housework. [alsov]
3 [vn] to organize information, figures, the money you spend, etc. in the most useful or effective way
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jug.gler
noun a person who juggles , especially an entertainer
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jugu.lar
(also ,jugular 'vein) noun any of the three large VEINS in the neck that carry blood from the head to the heart
IDM go for the 'jugular (informal) to attack sb’s weakest point during a discussion, in an aggressive way
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juice
noun
1 [U, C] the liquid that comes from fruit or vegetables; a drink made from this: Add the juice of two lemons.  a carton of apple juice  Two orange juices, please.
2 [C, usually pl., U] the liquid that comes out of a piece of meat when it is cooked
3 [C, usually pl.] the liquid in the stomach that helps you to DIGEST food: digestive / gastric juices
4 [U] (informal, especially BrE) petrol/gas
5 [U] (AmE, informal) electricity
IDM see STEW v.
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juicer
noun
1 a piece of electrical equipment for getting the juice out of fruit or vegetables
2 (AmE) = LEMON SQUEEZER
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juicy
adj. (juici.er, juici.est)
1 (approving) containing a lot of juice and good to eat: soft juicy pears  The meat was tender and juicy.
2 (informal) interesting because you find it shocking or exciting: juicy gossip
3 (informal) attractive because it will bring you a lot of money or satisfaction: a juicy prize
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ju-jitsu
(also jiu-jitsu) noun [U] a Japanese system of fighting from which the sport of JUDO was developed
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juke.box
noun a machine in a pub, bar, etc. that plays music when you put coins into it
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July
noun [U, C] (abbr. Jul.) the 7th month of the year, between June and August
HELP To see how July is used, look at the examples at April.
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jum.ble
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (together / up) to mix things together in a confused or untidy way: Books, shoes and clothes were jumbled together on the floor.
jum.bled adj.: a jumbled collection of objects  jumbled thoughts

noun
1 [sing.] ~ (of sth) an untidy or confused mixture of things: a jumble of books and paper  The essay was a meaningless jumble of ideas.
2 [U] (BrE) a collection of old or used clothes, etc. that are no longer wanted and are going to be taken to a jumble sale

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'jumble sale
(BrE ) (also 'rummage saleAmE, BrE) noun a sale of old or used clothes, etc. to make money for a church, school or other organization
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jumbo
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-os) (also ,jumbo 'jet) a large plane that can carry several hundred passengers, especially a Boeing 747

adj. [only before noun] (informal) very large; larger than usual: a jumbo pack of cornflakes

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jump
verb, noun
verb
MOVE OFF / TO GROUND|
1 to move quickly off the ground or away from a surface by pushing yourself with your legs and feet: [v] to jump into the air / over a wall / into the water  ‘Quick, jump!’ he shouted.  The children were jumping up and down with excitement.  She jumped down from the chair.  The pilot jumped from the burning plane (= with a PARACHUTE ).  [vn] She has jumped 2.2 metres.
PASS OVER STH|
2 [vn] to pass over sth by jumping: Can you jump that gate?  His horse fell as it jumped the last hurdle.  I jumped my horse over all the fences.
MOVE QUICKLY|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move quickly and suddenly: He jumped to his feet when they called his name.  She jumped up and ran out of the room.  Do you want a ride? Jump in.
4 [v] to make a sudden movement because of surprise, fear or excitement: A loud bang made me jump.  Her heart jumped when she heard the news.
INCREASE|
5 [v] to rise suddenly by a large amount: Prices jumped by 60% last year.  Sales jumped from $2.7 billion to $3.5 billion.
CHANGE SUDDENLY|
6 [v] ~ (about) (from sth to sth) to change suddenly from one subject to another: I couldn’t follow the talk because he kept jumping about from one topic to another.  The story then jumps from her childhood in New York to her first visit to London.
LEAVE OUT|
7 [vn] to leave out sth and pass to a further point or stage: You seem to have jumped several steps in the argument.
OF MACHINE / DEVICE|
8 [v] to move suddenly and unexpectedly, especially out of the correct position: The needle jumped across the dial.  The film jumped during projection.
ATTACK|
9 ~ (on) sb (informal) to attack sb suddenly: [vn] The thieves jumped him in a dark alleyway. [alsov]
VEHICLE|
10 [vn] (AmE) to get on a vehicle very quickly: to jump a bus
11 [vn] (AmE) = JUMP-START
BE LIVELY|
12 (be jumping) (informal) to be very lively: The bar’s jumping tonight. jump down sb’s 'throat (informal) to react very angrily to sb jump the 'gun to do sth too soon, before the right time jump the 'lights (informal) to fail to stop at a red traffic light jump out of your 'skin (informal) to move violently because of a sudden shock jump the 'queue (BrE) (AmE jump the 'line) to go to the front of a line of people without waiting for your turn jump the 'rails (of a train) to leave the rails suddenly jump 'ship
1 to leave the ship on which you are serving, without permission
2 to leave an organization that you belong to, suddenly and unexpectedly jump through 'hoops to do sth difficult or complicated in order to achieve sth jump 'to it (AmE also hop 'to it) (informal) used to tell sb to hurry and do something quickly—more at BANDWAGON , CONCLUSION , DEEP adj. 'jump at sth to enthusiastically accept an opportunity, offer, etc. ,jump 'in
1 to interrupt a conversation: Before she could reply Peter jumped in with an objection.
2 to start to do sth very quickly without spending a long time thinking first 'jump on sb (AmE also 'jump at sb) (informal) to criticize sb/sth ,jump 'out at sb to be very obvious and easily noticed: The mistake in the figures jumped out at me.

noun
MOVEMENT|
1 an act of jumping: a jump of over six metres  The story takes a jump back in time.  Somehow he survived the jump from the third floor of the building.  to make / do a parachute jump  a ski jump champion  I sat up with a jump (= quickly and suddenly).  The negotiations took a jump forward yesterday (= they made progress).—see also HIGH JUMP , LONG JUMP , SKI JUMP , TRIPLE JUMP
BARRIER|
2 a barrier like a narrow fence that a horse or a runner has to jump over in a race or competition: The horse fell at the last jump.
INCREASE|
3 ~ (in sth) a sudden increase in amount, price or value: a 20 per cent jump in pre-tax profits  unusually large price jumps to keep, etc. one jump ahead (of sb) to keep your advantage over sb, especially your competitors, by taking action before they do or by making sure you know more than they do—more at RUNNING adj. , HIGH JUMP

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'jumped-up
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , informal, disapproving) thinking you are more important than you really are, particularly because you have risen in social status
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jump.er
noun
1 (BrE) a knitted woollen or cotton piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves and no buttons: a woolly jumper
2 (AmE) = PINAFORE —
3 a person, an animal or an insect that jumps: He’s a good jumper.
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'jumper cable
noun (AmE ) = JUMP LEAD
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,jumping-'off point
(also ,jumping-'off place) noun a place from which to start a journey or new activity
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jump lead
(BrE ) (AmE 'jumper cable) noun [usually pl.] one of two cables that are used to start a car when it has no power in its battery. The jump leads connect the battery to the battery of another car.
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'jump-off
noun (in the sport of SHOWJUMPING ) an extra part of a competition in which horses that have the same score jump again to decide the winner
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'jump rope, ,jump 'rope
verb (AmE ) = SKIPPING ROPE , SKIP v. (2)
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'jump-start
(AmE also jump) verb [vn]
1 to start the engine of a car by connecting the battery to the battery of another car with JUMP LEADS
2 to put a lot of energy into starting a process or an activity or into making it start more quickly
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jump.suit
noun a piece of clothing that consists of trousers/pants and a jacket or shirt sewn together in one piece, worn especially by women
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jumpy
adj. (informal) nervous and anxious, especially because you think that sth bad is going to happen
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junc.tion
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually inter.sec.tion) the place where two or more roads or railway/railroad lines meet: Come off the motorway at junction 6.  It was near the junction of City Road and Old Street.
2 a place where two or more cables, etc. meet or are joined: a telephone junction box
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junc.ture
noun (formal) a particular point or stage in an activity or a series of events: The battle had reached a crucial juncture.  At this juncture , I would like to make an important announcement.
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June
noun [U, C] (abbr. Jun.) the 6th month of the year, between May and July
HELP To see how June is used, look at the examples at April.
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jun.gle
noun
1 [U, C] an area of tropical forest where trees and plants grow very thickly: The area was covered in dense jungle.  the jungles of South-East Asia  jungle warfare  Our garden is a complete jungle.
2 [sing.] an unfriendly or dangerous place or situation, especially one where it is very difficult to be successful or to trust anyone: It’s a jungle out there—you’ve got to be strong to succeed.—see also CONCRETE JUNGLE
3 (also 'jungle music) [U] a type of popular dance music developed in Britain in the early 1990s, with fast music and spoken words about life in cities
IDM see LAW
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'jungle gym
noun (AmE ) = CLIMBING FRAME
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jun.ior
adj., noun
adj.
OF LOW RANK|
1 [usually before noun] ~ (to sb) having a low rank in an organization or a profession: junior employees  She is junior to me.
IN SPORT|
2 [only before noun] connected with young people below a particular age, rather than with adults, especially in sports: the world junior tennis championships
SON|
3 (Junior) (abbr.Jnr, Jr.) (especially in US) used after the name of a man who has the same name as his father, to avoid confusion—compare THE YOUNGER at YOUNG adj. (6)
SCHOOL / COLLEGE|
4 [only before noun] (BrE) (of a school or part of a school) for children under the age of 11 or 13
5 [only before noun] (AmE) connected with the year before the last year in a high school or college: I spent my junior year in France.—compare SENIOR

noun
LOW LEVEL JOB|
1 [C] (especially BrE) a person who has a job at a low level within an organization: office juniors
IN SPORT|
2 [C] a young person below a particular age, rather than an adult: She has coached many of our leading juniors.
IN SCHOOL / COLLEGE|
3 [C] (BrE) a child who goes to JUNIOR SCHOOL
4 [C] (AmE) a student in the year before the last year at high school or college—compare SOPHOMORE
SON|
5 [sing.] (AmE, informal) a person’s young son: I leave junior with Mom when I’m at work. be … years sb’s 'junior | be sb’s junior (by … ) to be younger than sb, by the number of years mentioned: She’s four years his junior.  She’s his junior by four years.

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,junior 'college
noun (in the US) a college that offers programmes that are two years long. Some students go to a university or a college offering four-year programmes after they have finished studying at a junior college .
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'junior doctor
noun (in Britain) a doctor who has finished medical school and who is working at a hospital to get further practical experience—compare HOUSE OFFICER , INTERN
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,junior 'high school
(also ,junior 'high) noun [C, U] (in the US) a school for young people between the ages of 12 and 14—compare SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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'junior school
noun [C, U] (in Britain) a school for children between the ages of 7 and 11
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ju.ni.per
noun [U, C] a bush with purple berries that are used in medicine and to flavour GIN
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junk
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] things that are considered useless or of little value: I’ve cleared out all that old junk in the attic.  This china came from a junk shop .  There’s nothing but junk on the TV.
2 [U] = JUNK FOOD
3 [C] a Chinese boat with a square sail and a flat bottom

verb [vn] (informal) to get rid of sth because it is no longer valuable or useful

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'junk bond
noun (business ) a type of BOND that pays a high rate of interest because there is a lot of risk involved, often used to raise money quickly in order to buy the shares of another company
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jun.ket
noun (informal disapproving, especially AmE ) a trip that is made for pleasure by sb who works for the government, etc. and that is paid for using public money
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'junk food
(also junk) noun [U] (also junk foods [pl.]) (informal, disapproving) food that is quick and easy to prepare and eat but that is thought to be bad for your health
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junkie
noun (informal) a drug ADDICT (= a person who is unable to stop taking dangerous drugs)
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'junk mail
noun [U] (disapproving) advertising material that is sent to people who have not asked for it—compare SPAM
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junky
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) of poor quality or of little value
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junk.yard
noun (especially AmE ) = SCRAPYARD
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junta
noun a military government that has taken power by force
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Ju.pi.ter
noun the largest planet of the SOLAR SYSTEM , fifth in order of distance from the sun
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jur.id.ic.al
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with the law, judges or legal matters
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jur.is.dic.tion
noun (formal)
1 [U, C] ~ (over sb/sth)| ~ (of sb/sth) (to do sth) the authority that an official organization has to make legal decisions about sb/sth
2 [C] an area or a country in which a particular system of laws has authority
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jur.is.pru.dence
noun [U] (technical ) the scientific study of law: a professor of jurisprudence
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jur.ist
noun (formal) a person who is an expert in law
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juror
noun a member of a jury
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jury
noun (pl.-ies) [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 (also panel, 'jury panel especially in AmE) a group of members of the public who listen to the facts of a case in a court of law and decide whether or not sb is guilty of a crime: members of the jury  to be / sit / serve on a jury  The jury has / have returned a verdict of guilty.  the right to trial by jury —see also GRAND JURY
2 a group of people who decide who is the winner of a competition
IDM the jury is (still) 'out on sth used when you are saying that sth is still not certain
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'jury service
(BrE ) (also 'jury dutyAmE, BrE) noun [U] a period of time spent as a member of a jury in a court of law
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just
adv., adj.
adv.
1 ~ (like / what / as … ) exactly: This jacket is just my size.  This gadget is just the thing for getting those nails out.  Just my luck (= the sort of bad luck I usually have). The phone’s not working.  You’re just in time .  She looks just like her mother.  It’s just what I wanted!  It’s just as I thought.   (BrE) It’s just on six (= exactly six o’clock).
2 ~ as … at the same moment as: The clock struck six just as I arrived.
3 ~ as good, nice, easily, etc. no less than; equally: She’s just as smart as her sister.  You can get there just as cheaply by plane.
4 (only) ~| ~ after, before, under, etc. sth by a small amount: I got here just after nine.  I only just caught the train.  Inflation fell to just over 4 per cent.
5 used to say that you/sb did sth very recently: I’ve just heard the news.  When you arrived he had only just left.  She has just been telling us about her trip to Rome.   (especially AmE) I just saw him a moment ago.  note at ALREADY
6 at this/that moment; now: I’m just finishing my book.  I was just beginning to enjoy myself when we had to leave.  I’m just off (= I am leaving now).
7 ~ about / going to do sth going to do sth only a few moments from now or then: The water’s just about to boil.  I was just going to tell you when you interrupted.
8 simply: It was just an ordinary day.  I can’t just drop all my commitments.  This essay is just not good enough .  I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that I had to tell somebody.  This is not just another disaster movie—it’s a masterpiece.   (spoken) Just because you’re older than me doesn’t mean you know everything.
9 (informal) really; completely: The food was just wonderful!  I can just imagine his reaction.
10 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) only: I decided to learn Japanese just for fun .  I waited an hour just to see you.  There is just one method that might work.  ‘Can I help you?’‘No thanks, I’m just looking .’ (= in a shop / store)
11 used in orders to get sb’s attention, give permission, etc: Just listen to what I’m saying, will you!  Just help yourselves.
12 used to make a polite request, excuse, etc: Could you just help me with this box, please?  I’ve just got a few things to do first.
13 could / might / may ~ used to show a slight possibility that sth is true or will happen: Try his home number—he might just be there.
14 used to agree with sb: ‘He’s very pompous.’‘Isn’t he just?’
IDM could / might just as well … used to say that you/sb would have been in the same position if you had done sth else, because you got little benefit or enjoyment from what you did do: The weather was so bad we might just as well have stayed at home. it is just as 'well (that … ) it is a good thing: It is just as well that we didn’t leave any later or we’d have missed him. just about (informal)
1 almost; very nearly: I’ve met just about everyone.  ‘Did you reach your sales target?’‘Just about.’
2 approximately: She should be arriving just about now. just a 'minute / 'moment / 'second (informal) used to ask sb to wait for a short time: ‘Is Mr Burns available?’‘Just a second, please, I’ll check.’ just like 'that suddenly, without warning or explanation just 'now
1 at this moment: Come and see me later—I’m busy just now.
2 during this present period: Business is good just now.
3 only a short time ago: I saw her just now. just 'so done or arranged very accurately or carefully: He liked polishing the furniture and making everything just so. just 'then at that moment: Just then, someone knocked at the front door. not just 'yet not now but probably quite soon: I can’t give you the money just yet. I, etc. would just as soon do sth used to say that you would equally well like to do sth, as do sth else that has been suggested: I’d just as soon stay at home as go out tonight.—more at CASE n. , JOB

adj. [usually before noun]
1 that most people consider to be morally fair and reasonable: a just decision / law / society
2 (the just) noun [pl.] people who are just
3 appropriate in a particular situation: a just reward / punishment  I think she got her just deserts (= what she deserved).
OPP UNJUST
just.ly adv.: to be treated justly  to be justly proud of sth

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just.ice
noun
1 [U] the fair treatment of people: laws based on the principles of justice  They are demanding equal rights and justice.
OPP INJUSTICE —see also POETIC JUSTICE , ROUGH JUSTICE
2 [U] the quality of being fair or reasonable: Who can deny the justice of their cause?
OPP INJUSTICE
3 [U] the legal system used to punish people who have committed crimes: the criminal justice system  The European Court of Justice—see also MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE
4 (also Just.ice) [C] (AmE) a judge in a court of law (also used before the name of a judge): Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor—see also CHIEF JUSTICE
5 (Just.ice) [C] (BrE) used before the name of a judge in the HIGH COURT : Mr Justice Davies
IDM bring sb to 'justice to arrest sb for a crime and put them on trial in a court of law do justice to 'sb / 'sth; do sb/sth 'justice
1 to treat or represent sb/sth fairly, especially in a way that shows how good, attractive, etc. they are: That photo doesn’t do you justice.
2 to deal with sb/sth correctly and completely: You cannot do justice to such a complex situation in just a few pages. do yourself 'justice to do sth as well as you can in order to show other people how good you are: She didn’t do herself justice in the exam.—more at PERVERT v.
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,Justice of the 'Peace
noun (pl.Justices of the Peace) (abbr. JP) an official who acts as a judge in the lowest courts of law
SYN MAGISTRATE
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jus.ti.fi.able
adj. existing or done for a good reason, and therefore acceptable
SYN LEGITIMATE : justifiable criticism / pride  justifiable homicide
jus.ti.fi.ably adv.: The university can be justifiably proud of its record.
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jus.ti.fi.ca.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (for sth / doing sth) a good reason why sth exists or is done: I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.  He was getting angry—and with some justification .
IDM in justifi'cation (of sb/sth) as an explanation of why sth exists or why sb has done sth: All I can say in justification of her actions is that she was under a lot of pressure at work.
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jus.ti.fied
adj.
1 ~ (in doing sth) having a good reason for doing sth: She felt fully justified in asking for her money back.
2 existing or done for a good reason: His fears proved justified.
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jus.tify
verb (jus.ti.fies, jus.ti.fy.ing, jus.ti.fied, jus.ti.fied)
1 to show that sb/sth is right or reasonable: [v -ing] How can they justify paying such huge salaries?  [vn] Her success had justified the faith her teachers had put in her. [alsovn -ing]
2 ~ sth (to sb) to give an explanation or excuse for sth or for doing sth: [vn] The Prime Minister has been asked to justify the decision to Parliament.  You don’t need to justify yourself to me. [alsov -ing, vn -ing]
3 [vn] (technical) to arrange lines of printed text so that one or both edges are straight
IDM see END n.
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,just-,in-'time
adj. (business ) used to describe a system in which parts or materials are only delivered to a factory just before they are neeeded
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jut
verb (-tt-) ~ (out) (from, into, over sth) to stick out further than the surrounding surface, objects, etc.; to make sth stick out
SYN PROJECT : [v] A row of small windows jutted out from the roof.  A rocky headland jutted into the sea.  a jutting chin  [vn] She jutted her chin out stubbornly.
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jute
noun [U] FIBRES (= thin threads) from a plant, also called jute, used for making rope and rough fabric
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ju.ven.ile
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] (formal orlaw) connected with young people who are not yet adults: juvenile crime / employment  juvenile offenders
2 (disapproving) silly and more typical of a child than an adult
SYN CHILDISH : juvenile behaviour  Don’t be so juvenile!

noun (formal orlaw ) a young person who is not yet an adult

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,juvenile 'court
noun a court of law that deals with young people who are not yet adults
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,juvenile de'linquent
noun a young person who is not yet an adult and who is guilty of committing a crime, for example damaging property
,juvenile de'linquency noun [U]
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juxta.pose
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ A and / with B (formal) to put people or things together, especially in order to show a contrast or a new relationship between them: In the exhibition, abstract paintings are juxtaposed with shocking photographs.
juxta.pos.ition noun [U, C]: the juxtaposition of realistic and surreal situations in the novel
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K
noun, abbr.
noun (also k) [C, U] (pl.K’s, k’s ) the 11th letter of the English alphabet: ‘King’ begins with (a) K / ‘K’.

abbr. (pl.K)
1 (informal) one thousand: She earns 40K (= £40 000) a year.
2 kilometre(s): a 10K race
3 (computing) KILOBYTE(S)
4 KELVIN(S)

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kaf.tan
(also caf.tan) noun
1 a long loose piece of clothing, usually with a belt at the waist, worn by men in Arab countries
2 a woman’s long loose dress with long wide sleeves
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kale
noun [U] (AmE also 'collard greens [pl.]) a dark green vegetable like a CABBAGE
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kal.eido.scope
noun
1 [C] a toy consisting of a tube that you look through with loose pieces of coloured glass and mirrors at the end. When the tube is turned, the pieces of glass move and form different patterns
2 [sing.] a situation, pattern, etc. containing a lot of different parts that are always changing
kal.eido.scop.ic adj.
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kami.kaze
adj. [only before noun] (from Japanese ) used to describe the way soldiers attack the enemy, knowing that they too will be killed: a kamikaze pilot / attack   (figurative) He made a kamikaze run across three lanes of traffic.
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kan.ga.roo
noun (pl.-oos) a large Australian animal with a strong tail and back legs, that moves by jumping. The female carries its young in a pocket of skin (called a POUCH ) on the front of its body.—
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,kangaroo 'court
noun (disapproving) an illegal court of law that punishes people unfairly
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kao.lin
(also ,china 'clay) noun [U] a type of fine white clay used in some medicines and in making PORCELAIN for cups, plates, etc.
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kapok
noun [U] a soft white material used for filling cushions, soft toys, etc.
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kaput
adj. [not before noun] (spoken) not working correctly; broken: The truck’s kaput.
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kara.oke
noun (from Japanese ) a type of entertainment in which a machine plays only the music of popular songs so that people can sing the words themselves: a karaoke machine / night / bar
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karat
(AmE ) = CARAT
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kar.ate
noun [U] a Japanese system of fighting in which you use your hands and feet as weapons: a karate chop (= a blow with the side of the hand)
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karma
noun (in Buddhism and Hinduism) the sum of sb’s good and bad actions in one of their lives, believed to decide their fate in the next
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kayak
noun a light CANOE in which the part where you sit is covered over—picture at BOAT
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KC
noun the highest level of BARRISTER , who can speak for the government in a court of law in Britain. KC is an abbreviation for ‘King’s Counsel’ and is used when there is a king in Britain.—compare QC
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kebab
(also 'shish kebab especially in AmE) noun small pieces of meat and vegetables cooked on a wooden or metal stick
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kedg.eree
noun [U] a hot dish of rice, fish and eggs cooked together
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keel
noun, verb
noun the long piece of wood or steel along the bottom of a ship, on which the frame is built, and which helps it to keep upright in the water
IDM see EVEN adj.

verb [v, vn] if a ship or boat keels, or sth keels it, it falls over onto its side
SYN CAPSIZE
PVR V ,keel 'over to fall over sideways or forwards: Several of them keeled over in the heat.

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keen
adj., verb
adj. (keen.er, keen.est)
EAGER / ENTHUSIASTIC|
1 (especially BrE) ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ (on doing sth) wanting to do sth or wanting sth to happen very much
SYN EAGER : John was very keen to help.  We are keen that Britain should get involved too.  I wasn’t too keen on going to the party.
2 [usually before noun] enthusiastic about an activity or idea, etc: a keen sportsman  one of the keenest supporters of the team
LIKING SB / STH|
3 ~ on sb/sth / on doing sth (BrE, informal) liking sb/sth very much; very interested in sb/sth: Tom’s very keen on Anna.  She’s not keen on being told what to do.
CLEVER|
4 [only before noun] quick to understand: a keen mind / intellect
IDEAS / FEELINGS|
5 [usually before noun] strong or deep: a keen sense of tradition  He took a keen interest in his grandson’s education.
SENSES|
6 [only before noun] highly developed; sharp: Dogs have a keen sense of smell.  My friend has a keen eye for (= is good at noticing) a bargain.
COMPETITION|
7 involving people competing very hard with each other for sth: There is keen competition for places at the college.
PRICES|
8 (especially BrE) kept low in order to compete with other prices
WIND|
9 (literary) extremely cold
KNIFE|
10 [usually before noun] (literary) having a sharp edge or point
keen.ly adv.: a keenly fought contest  We were keenly aware of the danger.
keen.ness noun [U] (as) ,keen as 'mustard (BrE, informal) wanting very much to do well at sth; enthusiastic—more at MAD

verb [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (old-fashioned) to make a loud high sad sound, when sb has died

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keep
verb, noun
verb (kept, kept )
STAY|
1 to stay in a particular condition or position; to make sb/sth do this: [v-adj] We huddled together to keep warm.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] The notice said ‘Keep off (= Do not walk on) the grass’.  Keep left along the wall.  [vn-adj] She kept the children amused for hours.  [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] He kept his coat on.  Don’t keep us in suspense —what happened next?  She had trouble keeping her balance .  [vn -ing] I’m very sorry to keep you waiting .
CONTINUE|
2 [v -ing] ~ (on) doing sth to continue doing sth; to do sth repeatedly: Keep smiling!  I wish you wouldn’t keep on interrupting me!
DELAY|
3 [vn] to delay sb: You’re an hour late—what kept you?
NOT GIVE BACK|
4 [vn] to continue to have sth and not give it back or throw it away: Here’s a five dollar bill—please keep the change .  I keep all her letters.
SAVE FOR SB|
5 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb sth (especially BrE ) to save sth for sb: [vn, vnn] Please keep a seat for me.  Please keep me a seat.
PUT / STORE|
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put or store sth in a particular place: Keep your passport in a safe place.
SHOP / RESTAURANT|
7 [vn] (especially BrE) to own and manage a shop/store or restaurant: Her father kept a grocer’s shop.
ANIMALS|
8 [vn] to own and care for animals: to keep bees / goats / hens
ABOUT HEALTH|
9 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (spoken) used to ask or talk about sb’s health: How is your mother keeping ?  We’re all keeping well.
OF FOOD|
10 [v] to remain in good condition: Finish off the pie—it won’t keep.   (spoken, figurative) ‘I’d love to hear about it, but I’m late already.’‘That’s OK—it’ll keep (= I can tell you about it later).
SECRET|
11 ~ a secret | ~ sth secret (from sb) to know sth and not tell it to anyone: [vn] Can you keep a secret?  [vn-adj] She kept her past secret from us all.
PROMISE / APPOINTMENT|
12 [vn] ~ your promise / word | ~ an appointment to do what you have promised to do; to go where you have agreed to go: She kept her promise to visit them.  He failed to keep his appointment at the clinic.
DIARY / RECORD|
13 [vn] ~ a diary, an account, a record, etc. to write down sth as a record: She kept a diary for over twenty years.  Keep a note of where each item can be found.
SUPPORT SB|
14 [vn] to provide what is necessary for sb to live; to support sb financially: He scarcely earns enough to keep himself and his family.
PROTECT|
15 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to protect sb from sth: May the Lord bless you and keep you (= used in prayers in the Christian Church).  His only thought was to keep the boy from harm.
IN SPORT|
16 [vn] ~ goal / wicket (BrE) (in football, hockey, cricket, etc.) to guard or protect the goal or WICKET —see also GOALKEEPER , WICKETKEEPER Most idioms containing keep are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example keep house is at house.  ,keep 'going
1 to make an effort to live normally when you are in a difficult situation or when you have experienced great suffering: You just have to keep yourself busy and keep going.
2 (spoken) used to encourage sb to continue doing sth: Keep going, Sarah, you’re nearly there. ,keep sb 'going (informal) to be enough for sb until they get what they are waiting for: Have an apple to keep you going till dinner time. ,keep sb 'after (AmE) = KEEP SB BACK (1) ,keep 'at sth to continue working at sth: Come on, keep at it, you’ve nearly finished! ,keep sb 'at sth to make sb continue working at sth: He kept us at it all day.,keep a'way (from sb/sth) to avoid going near sb/sth: Keep away from the edge of the cliff. ,keep sb/sth a'way (from sb/sth) to prevent sb/sth from going somewhere: Her illness kept her away from work for several weeks.,keep 'back (from sb/sth) to stay at a distance from sb/sth: Keep well back from the road. ,keep sb<->'back
1 (BrE) (AmE ,keep sb 'after) to make a student stay at school after normal hours as a punishment
2 (AmE) to make a student repeat a year at school because of poor marks/grades ,keep sb<->'back (from sb/sth) to make sb stay at a distance from sb/sth: Barricades were erected to keep back the crowds. ,keep sth<->'back
1 to prevent a feeling, etc. from being expressed
SYN RESTRAIN : She was unable to keep back her tears.
2 to continue to have a part of sth: He kept back half the money for himself. ,keep sth<->'back (from sb) to refuse to tell sb sth: I’m sure she’s keeping something back from us.,keep 'down to hide yourself by not standing up straight: Keep down! You mustn’t let anyone see you. ,keep sb<->'down to prevent a person, group, etc. from expressing themselves freely: The people have been kept down for years by a brutal regime. ,keep sth<->'down
1 to make sth stay at a low level; to avoid increasing sth: to keep down wages / prices / the cost of living  Keep your voice down—I don’t want anyone else to hear.  Keep the noise down (= be quiet), will you?
2 to not bring sth back through the mouth from the stomach; to not VOMIT : She’s had some water but she can’t keep any food down.'keep from sth| 'keep yourself from sth to prevent yourself from doing sth: [+ -ing] She could hardly keep from laughing.: I just managed to keep myself from falling. 'keep sb from sth to prevent sb from doing sth: I hope I’m not keeping you from your work. [+ -ing] The church bells keep me from sleeping. 'keep sth from sb to avoid telling sb sth: I think we ought to keep the truth from him until he’s better. 'keep sth from sth to make sth stay out of sth: She could not keep the dismay from her voice.,keep 'in with sb (BrE, informal) to make sure that you stay friendly with sb, because you will get an advantage from doing so ,keep sth<->'in to avoid expressing an emotion
SYN RESTRAIN : He could scarcely keep in his indignation. ,keep sb 'in to make sb stay indoors or in a particular place 'keep sb / yourself in sth to provide sb/yourself with a regular supply of sth: The money should keep him in cigarettes for a week.,keep 'off if rain, snow, etc. keeps off, it does not fall ,keep 'off sth
1 to avoid eating, drinking or smoking sth: I’m trying to keep off fatty foods.
2 to avoid mentioning a particular subject: It’s best to keep off politics when my father’s around. ,keep sb/sth<->'off| ,keep sb/sth 'off sb/sth to prevent sb/sth from coming near, touching, etc. sb/sth: They lit a fire to keep off wild animals.  Keep your hands off (= do not touch) me!,keep 'on to continue: The rain kept on all night.  Keep on until you get to the church. ,keep sb<->'on to continue to employ sb ,keep sth 'on to continue to rent a house, flat/apartment, etc. ,keep 'on (at sb) (about sb/sth) (especially BrE) to speak to sb often and in an annoying way about sb/sth
SYN NAG : He does keep on so!  I’ll do it—just don’t keep on at me about it!,keep 'out (of sth) to not enter a place; to stay outside: The sign said ‘Ministry of Defence—Keep Out!’ ,keep sb/sth<->'out (of sth) to prevent sb/sth from entering a place: Keep that dog out of my study! ,keep 'out of sth| ,keep sb 'out of sth to avoid sth; to prevent sb from being involved in sth or affected by sth: That child seems incapable of keeping out of mischief.  Keep the baby out of the sun.'keep to sth
1 to avoid leaving a path, road, etc: Keep to the track—the land is very boggy around here.
2 to talk or write only about the subject that you are supposed to talk or write about: Nothing is more irritating than people who do not keep to the point .
3 to do what you have promised or agreed to do: to keep to an agreement / an undertaking / a plan
4 to stay in and not leave a particular place or position: She’s nearly 90 and mostly keeps to her room. ,keep yourself to your'self| ,keep to your'self to avoid meeting people socially or becoming involved in their affairs: Nobody knows much about him; he keeps himself very much to himself. ,keep sth to your'self to not tell other people about sth: I’d be grateful if you kept this information to yourself.  Kindly keep your opinions to yourself in future!,keep sb 'under to control or OPPRESS sb: The local people are kept under by the army.,keep 'up if particular weather keeps up, it continues without stopping: The rain kept up all afternoon. ,keep 'up (with sb/sth) to move, make progress or increase at the same rate as sb/sth: Slow down—I can’t keep up!  I can’t keep up with all the changes.  Wages are not keeping up with inflation. ,keep 'up with sb to continue to be in contact with sb: How many of your old school friends do you keep up with? ,keep 'up with sth
1 to learn about or be aware of the news, current events, etc: She likes to keep up with the latest fashions.
2 to continue to pay or do sth regularly: If you do not keep up with the payments you could lose your home. ,keep sb 'up to prevent sb from going to bed: I hope we’re not keeping you up. ,keep sth<->'up
1 to make sth stay at a high level: The high cost of raw materials is keeping prices up.
2 to continue sth at the same, usually high, level: The enemy kept up the bombardment day and night.  We’re having difficulty keeping up our mortgage payments.  Well done! Keep up the good work / Keep it up !
3 to make sth remain at a high level: They sang songs to keep their spirits up.
4 to continue to use or practise sth: to keep up old customs / traditions  Do you still keep up your Spanish?
5 to take care of a house, garden/yard, etc. so that it stays in good condition
SYN MAINTAIN —related noun UPKEEP

noun
1 [U] food, clothes and all the other things that a person needs to live; the cost of these things: It’s about time you got a job to earn your keep .
2 [C] a large strong tower, built as part of an old castle for 'keeps (informal) for ever: Is it yours for keeps or does he want it back?—more at EARN

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keep.er
noun
1 (especially in compounds) a person whose job is to look after a building, its contents or sth valuable: the keeper of geology at the museum—see also SHOPKEEPER
2 a person whose job is to look after animals, especially in a ZOO —see also GAMEKEEPER , ZOOKEEPER
3 (BrE, informal) = GOALKEEPER , WICKETKEEPER
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keep.ing
noun
IDM in sb’s 'keeping being taken care of by sb—see also SAFE KEEPING in 'keeping (with sth) appropriate or expected in a particular situation; in agreement with sth: The latest results are in keeping with our earlier findings. out of 'keeping (with sth) not appropriate or expected in a particular situation; not in agreement with sth: The painting is out of keeping with the rest of the room.
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keep.sake
noun a small object that sb gives you so that you will remember them
SYN MEMENTO
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keg
noun
1 [C] a round wooden or metal container with a flat top and bottom, used especially for storing beer, like a BARREL but smaller
2 [U] (BrE) = KEG BEER
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'keg beer
(BrE also keg) noun [U, C] (in Britain) beer served from metal containers, using gas pressure
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kelp
noun [U] a type of brown SEAWEED , sometimes used as a FERTILIZER to help plants grow
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kel.vin
noun [C, U] (abbr. K) a unit for measuring temperature. One degree kelvin is equal to one degree Celsius.
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ken
noun, verb
noun
IDM beyond your ken (old-fashioned) if sth is beyond your ken, you do not know enough about it to be able to understand it

verb (-nn-) [v, vn, v (that), v wh-] (ScotE, NorthE ) to know
HELP Kent is the usual form of the past tense used in Scotland.

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ken.nel
noun
1 (AmE dog.house) a small hut for a dog to sleep in
2 (usually kennels) [C+sing./pl. v.] a place where people can leave their dogs to be looked after when they go on holiday/vacation; a place where dogs are bred: We put the dog in kennels when we go away.—see also BOARDING KENNEL
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kept
pt, pp of KEEP
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,kept 'woman
noun (old-fashioned, usually humorous) a woman who is given money and a home by a man who visits her regularly to have sex
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kerb
(BrE ) (AmEcurb) noun the edge of the raised path at the side of a road, usually made of long pieces of stone: The bus mounted the kerb (= went onto the pavement / sidewalk) and hit a tree.
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'kerb-crawling
noun [U] (BrE ) the crime of driving slowly along a road in order to find a prostitute
'kerb-crawler noun
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kerb.side
(BrE ) (AmEcurb.side) noun [U] the side of the street or path near the kerb : to stand at the kerbside
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ker.chief
noun (old-fashioned) a square piece of fabric worn on the head or around the neck
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ker.fuf.fle
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) unnecessary excitement or activity
SYN COMMOTION : What’s all the kerfuffle about?
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ker.nel
noun
1 the inner part of a nut or seed, or of the stone/pit of a fruit
2 the central, most important part of an idea or a subject: the kernel of her argument
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kero.sene
(also kero.sine) noun [U] (especially AmE ) = PARAFFIN : a kerosene lamp
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kes.trel
noun a small BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the FALCON family
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ketch
noun a sailing boat with two MASTS (= posts to support the sails)
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ketchup
noun [U] a thick cold sauce made from tomatoes, usually sold in bottles
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ket.tle
noun a container with a lid, handle and a SPOUT , used for boiling water: an electric kettle   (BrE ) I’ll put the kettle on (= start boiling some water) and make some tea.—
IDM see DIFFERENT , POT n.
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kettle.drum
noun a large metal drum with a round bottom and a thin plastic top that can be made looser or tighter to produce different musical notes. A set of kettledrums is usually called TIMPANI .
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key
noun, verb, adj.
noun
TOOL FOR LOCK|
1 a specially shaped piece of metal used for locking a door, starting a car, etc: to insert / turn the key in the lock  the car keys  a bunch of keys  the spare key to the front door  We’ll have a duplicate key cut (= made).  There’s a special key for winding up this clock.
MOST IMPORTANT THING|
2 [usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that makes you able to understand or achieve sth: The key to success is preparation.  The driver of the car probably holds the key to solving the crime.   (especially AmE) The key is , how long can the federal government control the inflation rate?
ON COMPUTER|
3 any of the buttons that you press to operate a computer or TYPEWRITER : Press the return key to enter the information.
ON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT|
4 any of the wooden or metal parts that you press to play a piano and some other musical instruments—
MUSIC|
5 a set of related notes, based on a particular note. Pieces of music are usually written mainly using a particular key : a sonata in the key of E flat major  This piece changes key many times.—compare SCALE n. (7)
ANSWERS|
6 a set of answers to exercises or problems: Check your answers in the key at the back of the book.
ON MAP|
7 an explanation of the symbols used on a map or plan—see also LOW-KEY
IDM see LOCK n.

verb [vn] ~ sth (in)| ~ sth (into sth) to put information into a computer using a keyboard
SYN ENTER : Key (in) your password. 'key sb/sth to sth [usually passive] (especially AmE) to make sb/sth suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose: The classes are keyed to the needs of advanced students.

adj. [only before noun] most important; essential: the key issue / factor / point  He was a key figure in the campaign.  She played a key role in the dispute.

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key.board
noun, verb
noun
1 the set of keys for operating a computer or TYPEWRITER —
2 the set of black and white keys on a piano or other musical instrument—picture at PIANO
3 an electronic musical instrument that has keys like a piano and can be made to play in different styles or to sound like different instruments—compare SYNTHESIZER —

verb [vn, v] to type information into a computer
key.board.ing noun [U]

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key.board.er
noun a person whose job is to type data into a computer
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,keyed 'up
adj. [not before noun] nervous and excited, especially before an important event
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key.hole
noun the hole in a lock that you put a key in
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,keyhole 'surgery
noun [U] a medical operation which involves only a very small cut being made in the patient’s body
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key.note
noun [usually sing.] the central idea of a book, a speech, etc: Choice is the keynote of the new education policy.  a keynote speech / speaker (= a very important one, introducing a meeting or its subject)
key.noter noun: For the first time, a woman will be the keynoter at the convention this year.
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key.pad
noun a small set of buttons with numbers on used to operate a telephone, television, etc.; the buttons on the right of a computer keyboard
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'key ring
noun a small ring that you put keys on to keep them together
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'key signature
noun (music ) the set of marks at the beginning of a printed piece of music to show what KEY the piece is in—picture at MUSIC
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key.stone
noun
1 (architecture) the central stone at the top of an arch that keeps all the other stones in position
2 [usually sing.] (written) the most important part of a plan or argument that the other parts depend on
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kg
abbr. (pl.kg or kgs) (in writing) kilogram(s): 10kg
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khaki
noun [U]
1 a strong greenish or yellowish brown fabric, used especially for making military uniforms
2 a dull greenish or yellowish brown colour
khaki adj.: khaki uniforms
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kHz
abbr. (in writing) KILOHERTZ
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kib.butz
noun (pl.kib.butz.im ) (in Israel) a type of farm or factory where a group of people live together and share all the work, decisions and income
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kick
verb, noun
verb
1 [often +adv. / prep.] to hit sb/sth with your foot: [vn] She was punched and kicked by her attackers.  The boys were kicking a ball around in the yard.  Vandals had kicked the door down.  [v] Stop kicking—it hurts! [alsovn-adj]
2 to move your legs as if you were kicking sth: [vn] The dancers kicked their legs in the air.  [v] The child was dragged away, kicking and screaming .
3 [vn] ~ yourself (informal) to be annoyed with yourself because you have done sth stupid, missed an opportunity, etc: He’ll kick himself when he finds out he could have had the job.
4 [vn] (in sports such as football and rugby) to score points by kicking the ball: to kick a penalty / goal
IDM kick (some / sb’s) 'ass (slang, especially AmE) to punish or defeat sb kick the 'bucket (informal or humorous) to die kick the 'habit, 'drug, 'booze, etc. to stop doing sth harmful that you have done for a long time kick your 'heels (BrE) to have nothing to do while you are waiting for sb/sth: We were kicking our heels, waiting for some customers. kick sb in the 'teeth to treat sb badly or fail to give them help when they need it kick over the 'traces (old-fashioned, BrE) to start to behave badly and refuse to accept any discipline or control kick up a 'fuss, 'stink, etc. (informal) to complain loudly about sth kick up your 'heels (informal, especially AmE) to be relaxed and enjoy yourself kick sb up'stairs (informal) to move sb to a job that seems to be more important but which actually has less power or influence kick sb when they’re 'down to continue to hurt sb when they are already defeated, etc.—more at ALIVE , HELL
PVR V ,kick a'bout / a'round (informal)
1 (usually used in the progressive tenses) to be lying somewhere not being used: There’s a pen kicking around on my desk somewhere.
2 to go from one place to another with no particular purpose: They spent the summer kicking around Europe. ,kick sb a'round (informal) to treat sb in a rough or unfair way ,kick sth a'bout / a'round (informal) to discuss an idea, a plan, etc. in an informal way 'kick against sth to protest about or resist sth: Young people often kick against the rules. ,kick 'back (especially AmE) to relax: Kick back and enjoy the summer. ,kick 'in (informal)
1 to begin to take effect: Reforms will kick in later this year.
2 (also ,kick 'in sth) (both AmE) to give your share of money or help ,kick 'off when a football game or a team, etc. kicks off, the game starts—related noun KICK-OFF ,kick 'off (with sth) (informal) to start: What time shall we kick off?  Tom will kick off with a few comments.—related noun KICK-OFF ,kick sth<->'off to remove sth by kicking: to kick off your shoes ,kick 'off sth to start a discussion, a meeting, an event, etc. ,kick 'out (at sb/sth)
1 to try to hit sb/sth with your legs because you are angry or upset
2 to react violently to sb/sth that makes you angry or upset ,kick sb 'out (of sth) (informal) to make sb leave or go away (from somewhere) ,kick 'up (especially AmE) (of wind or a storm) to become stronger ,kick sth<->'up to make sth, especially dust, rise from the ground

noun
1 a movement with the foot or the leg, usually to hit sth with the foot: the first kick of the game  She gave him a kick on the shin.  He aimed a kick at the dog.  If the door won’t open, give it a kick.   (slang) She needs a kick up the backside (= she needs to be strongly encouraged to do sth or to behave better).—see also FREE KICK
2 (informal) a strong feeling of excitement and pleasure: I get a kick out of driving fast cars.  He gets his kicks from skiing.  What do you do for kicks ?
3 [usually sing.] (informal) the strong effect that a drug or an alcoholic drink has: This drink has quite a kick.
IDM a kick in the 'teeth (informal) a great disappointment; sth that hurts sb/sth

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kick.back
noun [often pl.] (informal, especially AmE ) money paid illegally to sb in return for work or help
SYN BRIBE
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'kick-boxing
noun [U] a form of boxing in which the people fighting each other can kick as well as PUNCH (= hit with their hands)
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kick.er
noun
1 a person who kicks, especially the player in a sports team who kicks the ball to try to score points, for example in rugby
2 (AmE, informal) a surprising end to a series of events
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kick.ing
adj. (informal) full of life and excitement: The club was really kicking last night.
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'kick-off
noun
1 [C, U] the start of a game of football: The kick-off is at 3.
2 [sing.] (informal) the start of an activity
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kick.stand
noun a metal rod fixed to a bicycle or a motorcycle, which is kept horizontal while the bicycle is being ridden but which can be moved to a vertical position when you need to stand the bicycle somewhere
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'kick-start
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to start a motorcycle by pushing down a LEVER with your foot
2 to do sth to help a process or project start more quickly: The government’s attempt to kick-start the economy has failed.

noun
1 (also 'kick-starter) the part of a motorcycle that you push down with your foot in order to start it
2 a quick start that you give to sth by taking some action

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kid
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C] (informal) a child or young person: A bunch of kids were hanging around outside.  a kid of 15  She’s a bright kid.  How are the kids (= your children)?  Do you have any kids?
HELP Kid is much more common than child in informal and spoken AmE.
2 [C] (spoken) used when speaking to a person who is younger than you: Hey, kid, what’s wrong?
3 [C] a young goat
4 [U] soft leather made from the skin of a young goat: a pair of white kid gloves
IDM handle / treat, etc. sb with kid 'gloves to deal with sb in a very careful way so that you do not offend or upset them 'kids' stuff (BrE) (AmE 'kid stuff) something that is very easy to do or understand, especially when this means that it is boring

verb (-dd-) (informal)
1 (usually used in the progressive tenses) to tell sb sth that is not true, especially as a joke
SYN JOKE : [v] I thought he was kidding when he said he was going out with a rock star.  I didn’t mean it. I was only kidding .  [vn] I’m not kidding you. It does work.
2 ~ sb / yourself to allow sb/yourself to believe sth that is not true
SYN DECEIVE : [vn] They’re kidding themselves if they think its going to be easy.  [vn (that)] I tried to kid myself (that) everything was normal.
IDM ,no 'kidding (spoken)
1 used to emphasize that sth is true or that you agree with sth that sb has just said: ‘It’s cold!’‘No kidding!’
2 used to show that you mean what you are saying: I want the money back tomorrow. No kidding. you’re 'kidding | you must be 'kidding (spoken) used to show that you are very surprised at sth that sb has just said
PVR V ,kid a'round (especially AmE) to behave in a silly way

adj. ~ sister / brother (informal, especially AmE ) a person’s younger sister/brother

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kid.die
(also kiddy) (pl.-ies) noun (informal) a young child: a kiddies' party
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kid.nap
verb (-pp-, AmE also -p-) [vn] to take sb away illegally and keep them as a prisoner, especially in order to get money or sth else for returning them: Two businessmen have been kidnapped by terrorists.
kid.napper noun: The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of $1 million.
kid.nap.ping (also kid.nap) noun [U, C]: He admitted the charge of kidnap.  the kidnapping of 12 US citizens
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kid.ney
noun
1 [C] either of the two organs in the body that remove waste products from the blood and produce URINE : a kidney infection—picture at BODY
2 [U, C] the kidneys of some animals that are cooked and eaten: steak and kidney pie
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'kidney bean
noun a type of reddish-brown bean shaped like a kidney that is usually dried before it is sold and then soaked before cooking—
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'kidney machine
noun a machine that does the work of a KIDNEY for sb whose kidneys are damaged or have been removed
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kike
noun (  slang, especially AmE ) a very offensive word for a Jew
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kill
verb, noun
verb
1 to make sb/sth die: [vn] Cancer kills thousands of people every year.  Three people were killed in the crash.  He tried to kill himself with sleeping pills.  I bought a spray to kill the weeds.   (informal) My mother will kill me (= be very angry with me) when she finds out what I’ve done.  Don’t kill yourself trying to get the work done by tomorrow. It can wait.  [v] Excessive tiredness while driving can kill.
2 [vn] to destroy or spoil sth or make it stop: to kill a rumour / story  Do you agree that television kills conversation?  The defeat last night killed the team’s chances of qualifying.
3 (informal) (usually used in the progressive tenses and not used in the passive) to cause sb pain or suffering: [vn] My feet are killing me. [alsovn to inf]
4 [vn] to make sb laugh a lot: (BrE) He was killing himself laughing .   (AmE) Stop it! You’re killing me!
IDM kill the goose that lays the golden 'egg / 'eggs (saying) to destroy sth that would make you rich, successful, etc. ,kill or 'cure (BrE) used to say that what you are going to do will either be very successful or fail completely kill 'time | kill an 'hour, a couple of 'hours, etc. to spend time doing sth that is not important while you are waiting for sth else to happen: We killed time playing cards. kill two birds with one 'stone to achieve two things at the same time with one action ,kill sb/sth with 'kindness to be so kind to sb/sth that you in fact harm them—more at DRESSED , TIME n.
PVR V ,kill sb/sth<->'off
1 to make a lot of plants, animals, etc. die: Some drugs kill off useful bacteria in the user’s body.
2 to stop or get rid of sth: He has effectively killed off any political opposition.

noun [usually sing.]
1 an act of killing, especially when an animal is hunted or killed: A cat often plays with a mouse before the kill.  The plane prepared to move in for the kill .  I was in at the kill when she finally lost her job (= present at the end of an unpleasant process).
2 an animal that has been hunted and killed: lions feeding on their kill

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kill.er
noun
1 a person, an animal or a thing that kills: Police are hunting his killer.  Heart disease is the biggest killer in Scotland.  an electric insect killer  The players lacked the killer instinct .—see also LADYKILLER , SERIAL KILLER
2 (informal) something that is very difficult, very exciting or very skilful: The exam was a real killer.  The new movie is a killer.
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'killer whale
noun a small black and white WHALE that eats meat
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kill.ing
noun, adj.
noun an act of killing sb deliberately; a murder: brutal killings—see also MERCY KILLING
IDM ,make a 'killing (informal) to make a lot of money quickly

adj. making you very tired: a killing schedule

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kill.joy
noun (disapproving) a person who likes to spoil other people’s enjoyment
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kiln
noun a large oven for baking clay and bricks, drying wood and grain, etc.
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kilo
noun (pl.-os) = KILOGRAM
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kilo-
combining form (in nouns; often used in units of measurement) one thousand: kilojoule
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kilo.byte
noun (abbr. K) a unit for measuring computer memory or information equal to 1 024 BYTES
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kilo.gram
(BrE also kilo.gramme) (also kilo) noun (abbr. kg) a unit for measuring weight; 1 000 grams: 2 kilograms of rice  Flour is sold by the kilogram.
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kilo.hertz
noun (abbr. kHz) (pl.kilo.hertz) a unit for measuring radio waves
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kilo.metre
(BrE ) (AmEkilo.meter) noun (abbr. k, km) a unit for measuring distance; 1 000 metres
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kilo.watt
noun (abbr. kW, kw) a unit for measuring electrical power; 1 000 WATTS
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,kilowatt-'hour
noun (abbr. kWh) a unit for measuring electrical energy equal to the power provided by one kilowatt in one hour
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kilt
noun a skirt made of TARTAN fabric that reaches to the knees and is traditionally worn by Scottish men; a similar skirt worn by women—
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kilt.ed
adj. wearing a kilt
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ki.mono
noun (pl.-os) a traditional Japanese piece of clothing like a long loose dress with wide sleeves, worn on formal occasions; a DRESSING GOWN or ROBE in this style
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kin
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned or formal) your family or your relatives—compare KINDRED —see also NEXT OF KIN
IDM see KITH
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kind
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] a group of people or things that are the same in some way; a particular variety or type: three kinds of cakes / cake  music of all / various / different kinds  Exercises of this kind are very popular.  What kind of house do you live in?  They sell all kinds of things .  The school is the first of its kind in Britain.  She isn’t that kind of girl.  The regions differ in size, but not in kind .  I need to buy paper and pencils, that kind of thing .  I’ll never have that kind of money (= as much money as that).   (formal) Would you like a drink of some kind ?
IDM in 'kind
1 (of a payment) consisting of goods or services, not money
2 (formal) with the same thing: She insulted him and he responded in kind. a 'kind of (informal) used to show that sth you are saying is not exact: I had a kind of feeling this might happen. 'kind of (informal) (also spoken 'kinda) slightly; in some ways: That made me feel kind of stupid.  I like him, kind of. nothing of the 'kind / 'sort used to emphasize that the situation is very different from what has been said: ‘I was terrible!’‘You were nothing of the kind.’ of a 'kind
1 (disapproving) not as good as it could be: You’re making progress of a kind.
2 very similar: They’re two of a kind—both workaholics! one of a 'kind the only one like this: My father was one of a kind—I’ll never be like him. something of the / that 'kind something like what has been said: ‘He’s resigning.’‘I’d suspected something of the kind.’

adj. (kind.er, kind.est)
1 ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (of sb) (to do sth) caring about others; gentle, friendly and generous: a very kind and helpful person  a kind heart / face  a kind action / gesture / comment  kind to animals  You’ve been very kind.  It was really kind of you to help me.   (figurative) Soft water is kinder to your hair.   (figurative) The weather was very kind to us.   (formal) Thank you for your kind invitation.   (formal) ‘Do have another.’‘That’s very kind of you (= thank you).’
OPP UNKIND
2 (formal) used to make a polite request or give an order: Would you be kind enough to close the window.—see also KINDLY , KINDNESS

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kin.der.gar.ten
noun (from German )
1 (especially AmE) a school or class to prepare children aged five for school
2 (BrE, AustralE) a NURSERY school
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,kind-'hearted
adj. kind and generous
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kin.dle
verb (written)
1 to start burning; to make a fire start burning: [v] We watched as the fire slowly kindled.  [vn] to kindle a fire / flame
2 to make sth such as an interest, emotion, etc. start to grow in sb; to start to be felt by sb: [vn] It was her teacher who kindled her interest in music.  [v] Suspicion kindled within her.
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kind.ling
noun [U] small dry pieces of wood, etc. used to start a fire
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kind.ly
adv., adj.
adv.
1 in a kind way: She spoke kindly to them.  He has kindly agreed to help.
2 (old-fashioned, formal) used to ask or tell sb to do sth, especially when you are annoyed: Kindly leave me alone!  Visitors are kindly requested to sign the book.
IDM not take 'kindly to sth/sb to not like sth/sb: She doesn’t take kindly to sudden change. look 'kindly on / upon sth/sb (formal) to approve of sth/sb: He hoped they would look kindly on his request.

adj. [only before noun] (old-fashioned or literary) kind and caring
kind.li.ness noun [U]

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kind.ness
noun
1 [U] the quality of being kind: to treat sb with kindness and consideration
2 [C] a kind act: I can never repay your many kindnesses to me.
IDM see KILL v. , MILK n.
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kin.dred
noun, adj.
noun (old-fashioned or formal)
1 [pl.] your family and relatives—compare KIN
2 [U] the fact of being related to another person: ties of kindred

adj. [only before noun] (formal) very similar; related: food and kindred products  I knew I’d found a kindred spirit (= a person with similar ideas, opinions, etc.)

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kin.et.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) of or produced by movement: kinetic energy
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king
noun
1 the male ruler of an independent state that has a royal family: the kings and queens of England  to become / be crowned king  King George V
2 ~ (of sth) a person, an animal or a thing that is thought to be the best or most important of a particular type: the king of comedy  The lion is the king of the jungle.
3 used in compounds with the names of animals or plants to describe a very large type of the thing mentioned: a king penguin
4 the most important piece used in the game of CHESS , that can move one square in any direction—
5 a playing card with the picture of a king on it—
IDM a ,king’s 'ransom (literary) a very large amount of money—more at ENGLISH , EVIDENCE , UNCROWNED
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king.dom
noun
1 a country ruled by a king or queen: the United Kingdom  the kingdom of God (= heaven)
2 an area controlled by a particular person or where a particular thing or idea is important
3 one of the three traditional divisions of the natural world: the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms—compare GENUS
IDM blow sb/sth to kingdom 'come (informal) to completely destroy sb/sth with an explosion till / until kingdom 'come (old-fashioned) for ever
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king.fish.er
noun a bird with a long beak, that catches fish in rivers. The European kingfisher is small and brightly coloured and the American kingfisher is larger and blue-grey in colour.
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king.ly
adj. (literary) like a king; connected with or good enough for a king
SYN REGAL
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king.pin
noun the most important person in an organization or activity
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,King’s 'Counsel
noun = KC
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king.ship
noun [U] the state of being a king; the official position of a king
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'king-size
(also 'king-sized) adj. [usually before noun] very large; larger than normal when compared with a range of sizes: a king-size bed  a king-sized headache
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kink
noun, verb
noun
1 a bend or twist in sth that is usually straight: a dog with a kink in its tail   (figurative) We need to iron out the kinks in the new system.
2 (informal, disapproving) an unusual feature in a person’s character or mind, especially one that does not seem normal
3 (AmE) = CRICK

verb [v, vn] to develop or make sth develop a bend or twist

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kinky
adj. (informal, usually disapproving) used to describe sexual behaviour that most people would consider strange or unusual
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kin.ship
noun (written)
1 [U] the fact of being related in a family: the ties of kinship
2 [U, sing.] a feeling of being close to sb because you have similar origins or attitudes
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kins.man, kins.woman
nouns (pl.-men , -women ) (old-fashioned or literary) a relative
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kiosk
noun
1 a small shop/store, open at the front, where newspapers, drinks, etc. are sold
2 (old-fashioned, BrE) a public telephone box
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kip
noun, verb
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (BrE , informal) sleep: I must get some kip.  Why don’t you have a quick kip?

verb (-pp-) [v] (BrE , informal) to sleep: You can kip on the sofa, if you like.

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kip.per
noun a HERRING (= a type of fish) that has been preserved using salt, then smoked
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kirk
noun
1 [C] (ScotE) church: the parish kirk
2 (the Kirk) [sing.] a name often used for the official Church of Scotland
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kirsch
noun [U] a strong alcoholic drink made from CHERRIES
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kiss
verb, noun
verb
1 to touch sb with your lips as a greeting or as a sign of love, affection, sexual desire, etc: [v] They stood in a doorway kissing (= kissing each other).  Do people in Britain kiss when they meet?  [vn] Go and kiss your mother good night.  She kissed him on both cheeks.  He lifted the trophy up and kissed it.
2 [vn] (literary) to gently move or touch sth: The sunlight kissed the warm stones.
IDM ,kiss and 'tell a way of referring to sb talking publicly, usually for money, about a past sexual relationship with sb famous kiss sb’s 'arse (BrE) (AmE kiss sb’s 'ass) ( , slang) to be very nice to sb in order to persuade them to help you or to give you sth
HELP A more polite way to express this is lick sb’s boots. ,kiss sth 'better (spoken) to take away the pain of an injury by kissing it: Come here and let me kiss it better. kiss sth good'bye | kiss good'bye to sth (informal) to accept that you will lose sth or be unable to do sth: Well, you can kiss goodbye to your chances of promotion.
PVR V ,kiss sth<->a'way to stop sb feeling sad or angry by kissing them: He kissed away her tears.

noun the act of kissing sb/sth: Come here and give me a kiss !  a kiss on the cheek  We were greeted with hugs and kisses .
IDM the kiss of 'death (informal, especially humorous) an event that seems good, but is certain to make sth else fail: An award can be the kiss of death for a writer. the kiss of 'life (BrE) a method of helping sb who has stopped breathing to breathe again by placing your mouth on theirs and forcing air into their lungs—more at STEAL v.

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kisso.gram
noun a humorous greeting on your birthday, etc., delivered by sb dressed in a special COSTUME who kisses you, arranged as a surprise by your friends
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kit
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a set of parts ready to be made into sth: a kit for a model plane  She built the doll’s house from a kit.
2 [C, U] a set of tools or equipment that you use for a particular purpose: a first-aid kit  a drum kit  a tool kit
3 [U] (BrE) a set of clothes and equipment that you use for a particular activity: sports kit
IDM get your 'kit off (BrE, slang) to take your clothes off—more at CABOODLE

verb (-tt-)
PVR V ,kit sb 'out / 'up (in / with sth) [usually passive] (BrE) to give sb the correct clothes and/or equipment for a particular activity: They were all kitted out in brand-new ski outfits.

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kit.bag
noun (especially BrE ) a long narrow bag, usually made of CANVAS in which soldiers, etc. carry their clothes and other possessions
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kit.chen
noun a room in which meals are cooked or prepared: She’s in the kitchen.  We ate at the kitchen table.—see also SOUP KITCHEN
IDM everything but the kitchen 'sink (informal, humorous) a very large number of things, probably more than is necessary: We seem to take everything but the kitchen sink when we go camping.—more at HEAT n.
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kit.chen.ette
noun a small room or part of a room used as a kitchen, for example in a flat/apartment
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,kitchen 'garden
noun (BrE ) a part of a garden/yard where you grow vegetables and fruit for your own use
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'kitchen paper
(also 'kitchen roll, 'kitchen towel) (all BrE ) (AmE ,paper 'towel) noun [U] thick paper on a roll, used for cleaning up liquid, food, etc.
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kit.chen.ware
noun [U] used in shops/stores to describe objects that you use in a kitchen, such as pans, bowls, etc.
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kite
noun, verb
noun
1 a toy made of a light frame covered with paper or fabric, that you fly in the air at the end of one or more long strings: to fly a kite—
2 a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the HAWK family
IDM see FLY v. , HIGH adj.

verb [vn] (AmE , informal) to use an illegal cheque to obtain money or to dishonestly change the amount written on a cheque: to kite checks  check kiting

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Kite.mark
™noun [usually sing.] in Britain, an official mark, like a small KITE , that shows that goods reach particular standards of quality and safety
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kith
noun
IDM kith and kin (old-fashioned) friends and relatives
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kitsch
noun [U] (disapproving) works of art or objects that are popular but that are considered to have no real artistic value and to be lacking in good taste, for example because they are SENTIMENTAL
kitsch (also kitschy) adj.
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kit.ten
noun a young cat
IDM have 'kittens (BrE, informal) to be very anxious or nervous about sth
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kitty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (informal) if money is put in a kitty, a group of people all give an amount and the money is spent on sth they all agree on: We each put £20 in the kitty to cover the bills.
2 (in card games, etc.) the sum of money that all the players bet, which is given to the winner
3 (informal) a way of referring to a cat
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,kitty-'corner(ed)
adj., adv. (AmE , informal) = CATTY-CORNER(ED)
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kiwi
noun
1 (Kiwi) (informal) a person from New Zealand
2 a New Zealand bird with a long beak, short wings and no tail, that cannot fly
3 = KIWI FRUIT
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'kiwi fruit
noun (pl.kiwi fruit) (also kiwi) a small fruit with thin hairy brown skin, soft green flesh and black seeds, originally from New Zealand—
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Klaxon
™noun (BrE ) a horn, originally on a motor vehicle, that makes a very loud sound as a warning
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Klee.nex
™noun [U, C] (pl.Klee.nex) a paper HANDKERCHIEF ; a tissue: a box of Kleenex  Here, have a Kleenex to dry your eyes.
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klep.to.mania
noun [U] a mental illness in which sb has a strong desire, which they cannot control, to steal things
klep.to.maniac noun: She’s a kleptomaniac.
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km
abbr. (pl.km or kms) (in writing) kilometre(s)
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knack
noun [sing.]
1 ~ (of / for sth)| ~ (of / for doing sth) a special skill or ability that you have naturally or can learn: It’s easy, once you’ve got the knack.  He’s got a real knack for making money.
2 ~ of doing sth (BrE) a habit of doing sth: She has the unfortunate knack of always saying the wrong thing.
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knacker
verb [vn] (BrE , slang)
1 to make sb very tired
SYN EXHAUST
2 to injure sb or damage sth: I knackered my ankle playing football.
knacker.ing adj. [not usually before noun] (BrE, informal): I don’t do aerobics any more—it’s too knackering.
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knackered
adj. (BrE , slang)
1 [not usually before noun] extremely tired: I was knackered after the game.
2 too old or broken to use: The car’s knackered.
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'knacker’s yard
(also the knackers) noun [usually sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) a place where old and injured horses are taken to be killed
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knap.sack
noun (old-fashioned orAmE ) a small RUCKSACK
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knave
noun
1 (old-fashioned) = JACK (3) : the knave of clubs—
2 (old use) a dishonest man or boy
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knead
verb [vn]
1 to press and stretch DOUGH , wet clay, etc. with your hands to make it ready to use
2 to rub and squeeze muscles, etc. especially to relax them or to make them less painful
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knee
noun, verb
noun
1 the joint between the top and bottom parts of the leg where it bends in the middle: a knee injury  I grazed my knee when I fell.  He went down on one knee and asked her to marry him.  She was on her knees scrubbing the kitchen floor.—picture at BODY
2 the part of a piece of clothing that covers the knee : These jeans are torn at the knee.  a knee patch
3 the top surface of the upper part of the legs when you are sitting down: Come and sit on Daddy’s knee.
IDM bring sb to their 'knees to defeat sb, especially in a war bring sth to its 'knees to badly affect an organization, etc. so that it can no longer function: The strikes brought the industry to its knees. put sb over your 'knee to punish sb by making them lie on top of your knee and hitting their bottom—more at BEE , BEND v. , MOTHER n. , WEAK

verb (kneed, kneed) [vn] to hit or push sb/sth with your knee: He kneed his attacker in the groin.

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knee.cap
noun, verb
noun the small bone that covers the front of the knee
SYN PATELLA —picture at BODY

verb (-pp-) [vn] to shoot or break sb’s kneecaps as a form of punishment that is not official and is illegal
knee.cap.ping noun [C, U]

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,knee-'deep
adj. up to your knees: The snow was knee-deep in places.   (figurative) I was knee-deep in work.
,knee-'deep adv.: I waded in knee-deep.
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,knee-'high
adj. high enough to reach your knees
IDM knee-high to a 'grasshopper (informal, humorous) very small; very young
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'knee-jerk
adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) produced automatically, without any serious thought: It was a knee-jerk reaction on her part.
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kneel
verb (knelt, knelt ) (AmE also kneeled, kneeled) [v] ~ (down) to be in or move into a position where your body is supported on your knees, with the lower legs bent back: a kneeling figure  We knelt (down) on the ground to examine the tracks.  People sometimes kneel to pray.
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'knee-length
adj. long enough to reach your knees: knee-length shorts / socks
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'knees-up
noun [usually sing.] (BrE , informal) a noisy party, with dancing
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knell
noun [sing.] = DEATH KNELL
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knew
pt of KNOW
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knick.er.bockers
(AmE also knick.ers) noun [pl.] short loose trousers/pants that fit tightly just below the knee, worn especially in the past
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knick.ers
noun [pl.]
1 (BrE) (also pan.tiesAmE, BrE) a piece of women’s underwear that covers the body from the waist to the tops of the legs: a pair of knickers
2 (AmE) = KNICKERBOCKERS
knick.er adj. [only before noun]: knicker elastic
IDM get your 'knickers in a twist (BrE, slang) to become angry, confused or upset—more at WET v.
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knick-knack
noun [usually pl.] (sometimes disapproving) a small decorative object in a house
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knife
noun, verb
noun (pl.knives ) a sharp blade with a handle, used for cutting or as a weapon: knives and forks  a sharp knife  a bread knife (= one for cutting bread)  He had been stabbed repeatedly with a kitchen knife.  She was murdered in a frenzied knife attack.—see also FLICK KNIFE , JACKKNIFE , PALETTE KNIFE , PENKNIFE , STANLEY KNIFE —picture at CUTLERY
IDM the 'knives are out (for sb) the situation has become so bad that people are preparing to make one person take the blame, for example by taking away their job: The knives are out for the chancellor. like a knife through 'butter (informal) easily; without meeting any difficulty put / stick the 'knife in | put / stick the 'knife into sb to be very unfriendly to sb and try to harm them turn / twist the 'knife (in the wound) to say or do sth unkind deliberately; to make sb who is unhappy feel even more unhappy under the 'knife (informal) having a medical operation

verb [vn] to injure or kill sb with a knife: She knifed him in the back.

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'knife-edge
noun [usually sing.] the sharp edge of a knife
IDM on a 'knife-edge
1 (of a situation, etc.) finely balanced between success and failure: The economy is balanced on a knife-edge.
2 (of a person) very worried or anxious about the result of sth
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knife.point
noun
IDM at 'knifepoint while being threatened, or threatening sb, with a knife: She was raped at knifepoint.
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knight
noun, verb
noun
1 (in the Middle Ages) a man of high social rank who had a duty to fight for his king. Knights are often shown in pictures riding horses and wearing ARMOUR .
2 (in Britain) a man who has been given a special honour by the king or queen and has the title Sir before his name—compare BARONET
3 a piece used in the game of CHESS that is shaped like a horse’s head——see also WHITE KNIGHT
IDM a knight in shining 'armour (usually humorous) a man who saves sb, especially a woman, from a dangerous situation

verb [vn] [usually passive] to give sb the rank and title of a knight : He was knighted by the Queen for his services to industry.

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knight.hood
noun (in Britain) the rank or title of a KNIGHT : He received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list.
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knight.ly
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) consisting of knights ; typical of a knight
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knit
verb, noun
verb (knit.ted, knit.ted)
HELP In senses 3 and 4 knit is usually used for the past tense and past participle.
1 to make clothes, etc. from woollen or cotton thread using two long thin KNITTING NEEDLES or a machine: [vn] I knitted this cardigan myself.  [vnn] She’s knitting the baby a shawl.  [v] Lucy was sitting on the sofa, knitting.
2 to use a basic stitch in knitting : [vn] Knit one row, purl one row. [alsov]
3 ~ (sb/sth) (together) to join people or things closely together or to be joined closely together: [vn] a closely / tightly knit community (= one in which relationships are very close)  Society is knit together by certain commonly held beliefs. [alsov]
4 (of broken bones) to grow together again to form one piece; to make broken bones grow together again: [v] The bone failed to knit correctly. [alsovn] knit your 'brow(s) to move your EYEBROWS together, to show that you are thinking hard, feeling angry, etc.

noun [usually pl.] a piece of clothing that has been knitted: winter knits

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knit.ted
(also knit) adj. made by knitting wool or thread: knitted gloves  a white knit dress  a hand-knitted sweater  a cotton-knit shirt
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knit.ter
noun a person who knits
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knit.ting
noun [U]
1 an item that is being knitted: Where’s my knitting?
2 the activity of knitting—picture at SEW
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'knitting needle
noun a long thin stick with a round end that you use for knitting by hand—picture at SEW
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knit.wear
noun [U] items of clothing that have been knitted
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knives
pl. of KNIFE
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knob
noun
1 a round switch on a machine such as a television that you use to turn it on and off, etc: the volume control knob
2 a round handle on a door or a drawer
3 a round lump on the surface or end of sth
4 (especially BrE) a small lump of sth such as butter
5 (BrE,  , slang) a PENIS
IDM with 'knobs on (BrE, slang) used to say that sth is a more complicated version of what you mention: It isn’t art—it’s just a horror movie with knobs on!
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knob.bly
(also knobby ) adj. having small hard lumps: knobbly knees
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knock
verb, noun
verb
AT DOOR / WINDOW|
1 [v] ~ (at / on sth) to hit a door, etc. firmly in order to attract attention: He knocked three times and waited.  Somebody was knocking on the window.
HIT|
2 ~ (sth) (against / on sth) to hit sth, often accidentally, with a short, hard blow: [vn] Be careful you don’t knock your head on this low beam.  [v] Her hand knocked against the glass.
3 to put sb/sth into a particular state by hitting them/it: [vn-adj] The blow knocked me flat.  He was knocked senseless by the blow.  [vn -ing] She knocked my drink flying.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] The two rooms had been knocked into one (= the wall between them had been knocked down).
4 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to hit sth so that it moves or breaks: He’d knocked over a glass of water.  I knocked the nail into the wall.  They had to knock the door down to get in.  The boys were knocking (= kicking) a ball around in the back yard.   (figurative) The criticism had knocked (= damaged) her self-esteem.
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make a hole in sth by hitting it hard: They managed to knock a hole in the wall.
OF HEART / KNEES|
6 [v] if your heart knocks, it beats hard; if your knees knock, they shake, for example from fear: My heart was knocking wildly.
OF ENGINE / PIPES|
7 [v] to make a regular sound of metal hitting metal, especially because there is sth wrong
CRITICIZE|
8 [vn] (informal) to criticize sb/sth, especially when it happens unfairly: The newspapers are always knocking the England team.  ‘Plastics?’‘Don’t knock it —there’s a great future in plastics.’ I’ll knock your 'block / 'head off! (BrE, spoken) used to threaten sb that you will hit them knock sb 'dead (spoken) to impress sb very much: You look fabulous—you’ll knock 'em dead tonight. knock sb/sth into a cocked 'hat (BrE) to be very much better than sb/sth knock it 'off! (spoken) used to tell sb to stop making a noise, annoying you, etc: Knock it off, kids—I’m trying to work. knock sb off their 'pedestal / 'perch to make sb lose their position as sb/sth successful or admired knock sth on the 'head (BrE, informal) to stop sth from happening: to stop doing sth: The recession knocked on the head any idea of expanding the company.  By eleven o’clock we were all tired so we knocked it on the head. ,knock on 'wood (AmE) = TOUCH WOOD at TOUCH v. knock sb 'sideways (informal) to surprise or shock sb so much that they are unable to react immediately knock 'spots off sb/sth (BrE, informal) to be very much better than sb/sth: She knocks spots off all the other candidates. knock the 'stuffing out of sb (informal) to make sb lose their confidence and enthusiasm you could have knocked me down with a 'feather (informal) used to express surprise—more at DAYLIGHTS , HEAD n. , HELL , SENSE n. , SHAPE n. , SIX , SOCK n. ,knock a'round … (BrE also ,knock a'bout …) (informal)
1 to travel and live in various places: He spent a few years knocking around Europe.
2 used to say that sth is in a place but you do not know exactly where: It must be knocking around here somewhere. ,knock a'round with sb / together (BrE also ,knock a'bout with sb / together) (informal) to spend a lot of time with sb/together ,knock sb/sth a'round (BrE also ,knock sb/sth a'bout) (informal) to hit sb/sth repeatedly; to treat sb/sth roughly,knock sb 'back (BrE, informal)
1 to cost sb a lot of money: That house must have knocked them back a bit.
2 to prevent sb from achieving sth or making progress, especially by rejecting them or sth that they suggest or ask—related noun KNOCK-BACK
3 to surprise or shock sb: Hearing the news really knocked me back. ,knock sth<->'back (informal) to drink sth quickly, especially an alcoholic drink,knock sb<->'down / 'over to hit sb and make them fall to the ground: She was knocked down by a bus.  He knocked his opponent down three times in the first round. ,knock sth<->'down to destroy a building by breaking its walls
SYN DEMOLISH : These old houses are going to be knocked down. ,knock sb/sth 'down (from sth) (to sth) (informal) to persuade sb to reduce the price of sth: I managed to knock him down to $400.  He knocked down the price.—see also KNOCK-DOWN ,knock 'off| ,knock 'off sth (informal) to stop doing sth, especially work: Do you want to knock off early today?  What time do you knock off work?  Let’s knock off for lunch. ,knock sb<->'off (slang) to murder sb ,knock sth<->'off
1 (informal) to complete sth quickly and without much effort: He knocks off three novels a year.
2 (BrE, slang) to steal sth; to rob a place: to knock off a video recorder  to knock off a bank ,knock sth<->'off| ,knock sth<->'off sth to reduce the price or value of sth: They knocked off $60 because of a scratch.  The news knocked 13% off the company’s shares.,knock sb<->'out
1 to make sb fall asleep or become unconscious: The blow knocked her out.
2 (in boxing) to hit an opponent so that they cannot get up within a limited time and therefore lose the fight—related noun KNOCKOUT
3 (informal) to surprise and impress sb very much: The movie just knocked me out.—related noun KNOCKOUT ,knock sb / yourself 'out to make sb/yourself very tired ,knock sb<->'out (of sth) to defeat sb so that they cannot continue competing: England had been knocked out of the World Cup.—see also KNOCKOUT ,knock sth<->'out (informal) to produce sth, especially quickly and easily: He knocks out five books a year.,knock sb<->'over = KNOCK SB DOWN ,knock sth<->to'gether
1 (informal) to make or complete sth quickly and often not very well: I knocked some bookshelves together from old planks.
2 (BrE) to make two rooms or buildings into one by removing the wall between them: The house consists of two cottages knocked together.,knock 'up (in tennis, etc.) to practise for a short time before the start of a game ,knock sb<->'up
1 (BrE, informal) to wake sb by knocking on their door
2 (informal, especially AmE) to make a woman pregnant ,knock sth<->'up to prepare or make sth quickly and without much effort: She knocked up a fantastic meal in ten minutes.

noun
AT DOOR / WINDOW|
1 the sound of sb hitting a door, window, etc. with their hand or with sth hard to attract attention: There was a knock on / at the door.
HIT|
2 a sharp blow from sth hard: He got a nasty knock on the head. take a (hard, nasty, etc.) 'knock to have an experience that makes sb/sth less confident or successful; to be damaged

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knock.about
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE ) knockabout entertainment involves people acting in a deliberately silly way, for example falling over or hitting other people, in order to make the audience laugh
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'knock-back
noun (informal) a difficulty or problem that makes you feel less confident that you will be successful in sth that you are doing, especially when sb rejects you or sth you suggest or ask
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'knock-down
adj. [only before noun] (informal)
1 (of prices, etc.) much lower than usual
2 using a lot of force: a knock-down punch
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knock.er
noun
1 (also 'door knocker) [C] a metal object attached to the outside of the door of a house, etc. which you hit against the door to attract attention: a polished brass knocker
2 [C] (informal) a person who is always criticizing sb/sth
3 (knockers) [pl.] ( , slang) an offensive word for a woman’s breasts
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,knock-'kneed
adj. having legs that turn inwards at the knees
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,knock-'on
adj. (especially BrE ) causing other events to happen one after another in a series: The increase in the price of oil had a knock-on effect on the cost of many other goods.
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knock.out
noun, adj.
noun
1 (abbr.KO) (in boxing) a blow that makes an opponent fall to the ground and be unable to get up, so that he or she loses the fight
2 (informal) a person or thing that is very attractive or impressive: She’s an absolute knockout.

adj. [only before noun]
1 (especially BrE) a knockout competition is one in which the winning player/team at each stage competes in the next stage and the losing one no longer takes part in the competition: the knockout stages of the tournament
2 a knockout blow is one that hits sb so hard that they can no longer get up: a knockout punch

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'knock-up
noun (BrE ) a short practice before a game, especially of tennis
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knoll
noun a small round hill
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knot
noun, verb
noun
IN STRING / ROPE|
1 a join made by tying together two pieces or ends of string, rope, etc: to tie a knot  Tie the two ropes together with a secure knot.  Make a knot at the end of the string.   (figurative) hair full of knots and tangles (= twisted in a way that is difficult to comb)
OF HAIR|
2 a way of twisting hair into a small round shape at the back of the head: She had her hair in a loose knot.
IN WOOD|
3 a hard round spot in a piece of wood where there was once a branch
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
4 (written) a small group of people standing close together: Little knots of people had gathered at the entrance.
OF MUSCLES|
5 a tight, hard feeling in the stomach, throat, etc. caused by nerves, anger, etc: My stomach was in knots.  I could feel a knot of fear in my throat.
SPEED OF BOAT / PLANE|
6 a unit for measuring the speed of boats and aircraft; one NAUTICAL MILE per hour
IDM see RATE n. , TIE v.

verb (-tt-)
TIE WITH KNOT|
1 [vn] to fasten sth with a knot or knots: He carefully knotted his tie.  She wore a scarf loosely knotted around her neck.
TWIST|
2 [v] to become twisted into a knot
SYN TANGLE
3 [vn] to twist hair into a particular shape: She wore her hair loosely knotted on top of her head.
MUSCLES|
4 if muscles, etc. knot or sth knots them, they become hard and painful because of fear, excitement, etc: [v] She felt her stomach knot with fear. [alsovn] get 'knotted (BrE, spoken, slang) a rude way of telling sb to go away or of telling them that you are annoyed with them

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knotty
adj. (knot.tier, knot.ti.est)
1 complicated and difficult to solve: a knotty problem
2 having parts that are hard and twisted together: the knotty roots of the old oak tree
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know
verb, noun
verb (knew known ) (not used in the progressive tenses)
HAVE INFORMATION|
1 ~ (of / about sth) to have information in your mind as a result of experience or because you have learned or been told it: [vn] Do you know his address?  The cause of the fire is not yet known.  All I know is that she used to work in a bank (= I have no other information about her).  [v (that)] I know (that) people’s handwriting changes as they get older.  [vn that] It is widely known that CFCs can damage the ozone layer.  [v wh-] I knew where he was hiding.  I didn’t know what he was talking about.  [v] ‘You’ve got a flat tyre.’‘I know.’  ‘What’s the answer?’‘I don’t know.’  ‘There’s no one in.’‘How do you know? ’  You know about Amanda’s baby, don’t you?   (spoken) I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for something to eat.  I know of at least two people who did the same thing.   (spoken) ‘Is anyone else coming?’‘Not that I know of. ’   (spoken) ‘Isn’t that his car?’‘I wouldn’t know. / How should I know? ’ (= I don’t know and I am not the person you should ask).   (spoken) ‘What are you two whispering about?’‘You don’t want to know (= because you would be shocked or wouldn’t approve).’  [v to inf] Does he know to come here (= that he should come here) first?  [vn to inf] We know her to be honest.  Two women are known to have died.  note at DISCOVER
REALIZE|
2 to realize, understand or be aware of sth: [v (that)] As soon as I walked in the room I knew (that) something was wrong.  She knew she was dying.  [v wh-] I knew perfectly well what she meant.  I know exactly how you feel.  [vn] This case is hopeless and he knows it (= although he will not admit it).  [v] ‘Martin was lying all the time.’‘I should have known .’
FEEL CERTAIN|
3 to feel certain about sth: [v (that)] He knew (that) he could trust her.  I know it’s here somewhere!  I don’t know that I can finish it by next week.  [vn] (spoken) ‘You were right—someone’s been spreading rumours about you.’‘I knew it!’  [v] (spoken) ‘She’s the worst player in the team.’‘Oh, I don’t know (= I am not sure that I agree)—she played well yesterday.’
BE FAMILIAR|
4 [vn] to be familiar with a person, place, thing, etc: I’ve known David for 20 years.  Do you two know each other (= have you met before)?  She’s very nice when you get to know her.  Knowing Ben , we could be waiting a long time (= it is typical of him to be late).  This man is known to the police (= as a criminal).  I know Paris well.  Do you know the play (= have you seen or read it before)?  The new rules could mean the end of football as we know it (= in the form that we are familiar with).
REPUTATION|
5 ~ sb/sth as sth| ~ sb/sth for sth [usually passive] to think that sb/sth is a particular type of person or thing or has particular characteristics: [vn] It’s known as the most dangerous part of the city.  She is best known for her work on the human brain.  [vn to inf] He’s known to be an outstanding physicist.
GIVE NAME|
6 [vn] ~ sb/sth as sth [usually passive] to give sb/sth a particular name or title: The drug is commonly known as Ecstasy.  Peter Wilson, also known as ‘the Tiger’.
RECOGNIZE|
7 [vn] to be able to recognize sb/sth: I couldn’t see who was speaking, but I knew the voice.  She knows a bargain when she sees one.
DISTINGUISH|
8 [vn] ~ sb/sth from sb/sth to be able to distinguish one person or thing from another: I hope we have taught our children to know right from wrong.
SKILL / LANGUAGE|
9 to have learned a skill or language and be able to use it: [vn] Do you know any Japanese?  [v wh-] Do you know how to use spreadsheets?
EXPERIENCE|
10 (only used in the perfect tenses) to have seen, heard or experienced sth: [vn inf, vn to inf] I’ve never known it (to) snow in July before.  [vn to inf] He has been known to spend all morning in the bathroom.
11 [vn] to have personal experience of sth: He has known both poverty and wealth.  She may be successful now, but she has known what it is like to be poor. before you know where you 'are very quickly or suddenly: We were whisked off in a taxi before we knew where we were. be not to 'know to have no way of realizing or being aware that you have done sth wrong: ‘I’m sorry, I called when you were in bed.’‘Don’t worry—you weren’t to know.’ for all you, I, they, etc. know (spoken) used to emphasize that you do not know sth and that it is not important to you: She could be dead for all I know. God / goodness / Heaven knows (spoken)
1 used to emphasize that you do not know sth: God knows what else they might find.  ‘Where are they?’‘Goodness knows.’
HELP Some people may find the use of God knows offensive.
2 used to emphasize the truth of what you are saying: She ought to pass the exam—goodness knows she’s been working hard enough. I don’t know how, why, etc. … (spoken) used to criticize sb’s behaviour: I don’t know how you can speak like that to your mother.  I don’t know what you think you’re doing. I know (spoken)
1 used to agree with sb or to show sympathy: ‘What a ridiculous situation!’‘I know.’
2 used to introduce a new idea or suggestion: I know, let’s see what’s on at the theatre. know sth as well as 'I do used to criticize sb by saying that they should realize or understand sth: You know as well as I do that you’re being unreasonable. know sb/sth 'backwards (informal, especially BrE) to know sb/sth extremely well: She must know the play backwards by now. know 'best to know what should be done, etc. better than other people: The doctor told you to stay in bed, and she knows best. know better (than that / than to do sth) to be sensible enough not to do sth: You left the car unlocked? I thought you’d know better.  He knows better than to judge by appearances. know sb by 'sight to recognize sb without knowing them well know 'different / 'otherwise (informal) to have information or evidence that the opposite is true: He says he doesn’t care about what the critics write, but I know different. know full 'well to be very aware of a fact and unable to deny or ignore it: He knew full well what she thought of it. know sb/sth inside 'out | know sb/sth like the back of your 'hand (informal) to be very familiar with sth: This is where I grew up. I know this area like the back of my hand. know your own 'mind to have very firm ideas about what you want to do know your 'stuff (informal) to know a lot about a particular subject or job know your way a'round to be familiar with a place, subject, etc. know what you’re 'talking about (informal) to have knowledge about sth from your own experience: I’ve lived in China, so I know what I’m talking about. know which side your 'bread is buttered (informal) to know where you can get an advantage for yourself let it be known / make it known that … (formal) to make sure that people are informed about sth, especially by getting sb else to tell them: The President has let it be known that he does not intend to run for election again. let sb 'know to tell sb about sth: I don’t know if I can come, but I’ll let you know tomorrow.  Let me know how I can help. make yourself 'known to sb to introduce yourself to sb: I made myself known to the hotel manager. not know any 'better to behave badly, usually because you have not been taught the correct way to behave: Don’t blame the children—they don’t know any better. not know you are 'born (BrE, informal, spoken) to have an easy life without realizing how easy it is: You people without kids don’t know you’re born. not know your ,arse from your 'elbow (BrE,  , slang) to be very stupid or completely lacking in skill not know the first thing a'bout sb/sth to know nothing at all about sb/sth: I’m afraid I don’t know the first thing about cars. not know sb from 'Adam (informal) to not know at all who sb is not know what 'hit you (informal) to be so surprised by sth that you do not know how to react not know where to 'look (informal) to feel great embarrassment and not know how to react not know whether you’re 'coming or 'going (informal) to be so excited or confused that you cannot behave or think in a sensible way there’s no 'knowing used to say that it is impossible to say what might happen: There’s no knowing how he’ll react. what does … know? used to say that sb knows nothing about the subject you are talking about: What does he know about football, anyway? what do you 'know (about 'that)? (informal) used to express surprise: Well, what do you know? Look who’s here! ,you 'know (spoken)
1 used when you are thinking of what to say next: Well, you know, it’s difficult to explain.
2 used to show what you are referring to is known or understood by the person you are speaking to: Guess who I’ve just seen? Maggie! You know—Jim’s wife.  You know that restaurant round the corner? It’s closed down.
3 used to emphasize sth that you are saying: That road is very dangerous, you know.  I’m not stupid, you know. you 'know something / 'what? (spoken) used to introduce an interesting or surprising opinion, piece of news, etc: You know something? I’ve never really enjoyed Christmas. you know 'who / 'what (spoken) used to refer to sb/sth without mentioning a name you never know (spoken) used to say that you can never be certain about what will happen in the future, especially when you are suggesting that sth good might happen—more at ANSWER n. , COST n. , DAY , DEVIL , FAR adv. , LORD n. , OLD , PAT adv. , ROPE n. , THING , TRUTH

noun in the 'know (informal) having more information about sth than most people: Somebody in the know told me he’s going to resign.

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'know-all
(BrE ) (also 'know-it-allAmE, BrE) noun (informal, disapproving) a person who behaves as if they know everything
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'know-how
noun [U] (informal) knowledge of how to do sth and experience in doing it: We need skilled workers and technical know-how.
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know.ing
adj. [usually before noun] showing that you know or understand about sth that is supposed to be secret: a knowing smile—compare UNKNOWING
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know.ing.ly
adv.
1 while knowing the truth or likely result of what you are doing
SYN DELIBERATELY : She was accused of knowingly making a false statement to the police.
2 in a way that shows that you know or understand about sth that is supposed to be secret: He glanced at her knowingly.
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'know-it-all
noun (especially AmE ) = KNOW-ALL
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know.ledge
noun ~ (of / about sth)
1 [U, sing.] the information, understanding and skills that you gain through education or experience: practical / medical / scientific knowledge  He has a wide knowledge of painting and music.  There is a lack of knowledge about the tax system.
2 [U] the state of knowing about a particular fact or situation: She sent the letter without my knowledge .  The film was made with the Prince’s full knowledge and approval.  She was impatient in the knowledge that time was limited.  I went to sleep secure in the knowledge that I was not alone in the house.  They could relax safe in the knowledge that they had the funding for the project.  He denied all knowledge of the affair.
IDM be common / public 'knowledge to be sth that everyone knows, especially in a particular community or group come to sb’s 'knowledge (formal) to become known by sb: It has come to our knowledge that you have been taking time off without permission. to your 'knowledge from the information you have, although you may not know everything: ‘Are they divorced?’‘Not to my knowledge.’
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know.ledge.able
adj. ~ (about sth) knowing a lot: She is very knowledgeable about plants.
know.ledge.ably adv.
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known
adj. [only before noun] known about, especially by a lot of people: He’s a known thief.  The disease has no known cure.—see also KNOW v.
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knuckle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] any of the joints in the fingers, especially those connecting the fingers to the rest of the hand—picture at BODY
2 (also hock especially in AmE) [U, C] a piece of meat from the lower part of an animal’s leg, especially a pig: knuckle of pork
IDM near the 'knuckle (BrE, informal) (of a remark, joke, etc.) concerned with sex in a way that is likely to offend people or make them feel embarrassed—more at RAP n. , RAP v.

verb
PVR V ,knuckle 'down (to sth) (informal) to begin to work hard at sth: I’m going to have to knuckle down to some serious study. ,knuckle 'under (to sb/sth) (informal) to accept sb else’s authority

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knuckle.dust.er
noun (AmE also ,brass 'knuckles [pl.]) a metal cover that is put on the fingers and used as a weapon
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KO
abbr. KNOCKOUT
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koala
(also ko,ala 'bear) noun an Australian animal with thick grey fur, large ears and no tail. Koalas live in trees and eat leaves.—
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kohl
noun [U] a black powder used, especially in eastern countries, around the eyes to make them more attractive
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kohl.rabi
noun [U] a vegetable of the CABBAGE family whose thick round white stem is eaten
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kook
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a person who acts in a strange or crazy way
kooky adj.
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kooka.burra
noun an Australian bird that makes a strange laughing cry
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Koran
(also Qur’an) noun (the Koran) [sing.] the holy book of the Islamic religion, written in Arabic, containing the word of Allah as REVEALED to the Prophet Muhammad
Kor.an.ic adj.
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ko.sher
adj.
1 (of food) prepared according to the rules of Jewish law
2 (informal) honest or legal: Their business deals are not always completely kosher.
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kow.tow
verb [v] ~ (to sb/sth) (informal, disapproving) to show sb in authority too much respect and be too willing to obey them
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kph
abbr. kilometres per hour
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Kraut
noun ( , slang) an offensive word for a person from Germany
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krill
noun [pl.] very small shellfish that live in the sea around the Antarctic and are eaten by WHALES
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krona
noun (pl.kro.nor ) the unit of money in Sweden and Iceland
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krone
noun (pl.kro.ner ) the unit of money in Denmark and Norway
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kryp.ton
noun [U] (symb Kr) a chemical element. Krypton is a colourless gas that does not react with anything, used in FLUORESCENT lights and LASERS .
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kudos
noun [U] the admiration and respect that goes with a particular achievement or position: the kudos of playing for such a famous team
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Ku Klux Klan
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] a secret organization of white men in the southern states of the US who use violence to oppose social change and equal rights for black people
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kum.quat
noun a fruit like a very small orange with sweet skin that is eaten, and sour flesh
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kung fu
noun [U] a Chinese system of fighting without weapons, similar to KARATE
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kvetch
verb [v] (AmE , informal) to complain about sth all the time
SYN WHINE
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kW
abbr. (in writing) KILOWATT(S) : a 2kW electric fire
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kWh
abbr. (pl.kWh) (in writing) KILOWATT-HOUR(S)
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L
noun, abbr., symbol
noun (also l) [C, U] (pl.L’s, l’s ) the 12th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Lion’ begins with (an) L / ‘L’.—see also L-PLATE

abbr.
1 (L.) (especially on maps) Lake: L. Windermere
2 (especially for sizes of clothes) large: S M and L (= small, medium and large)

symbol (also l) the number 50 in ROMAN NUMERALS

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l
abbr.
1 (pl.l) (in writing) litre(s)
2 (also l.) (pl.ll) (in writing) line (= on a page in a book)
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LA
(also L.A.) abbr. the city of Los Angeles
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la
= LAH —see also À LA
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Lab
abbr. (in British politics) Labour: Chris Hart (Lab)
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lab
noun (informal) = LABORATORY : science labs  a lab technician
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label
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of paper, etc. that is attached to sth and gives information about it: The washing instructions are on the label.  price / address labels  We tested various supermarkets' own label pasta sauces (= those marked with the name of the shop / store where they are sold).  He’ll only wear clothes with a designer label .—picture at PACKAGING
2 (disapproving) a word or phrase that is used to describe sb/sth in a way that seems too general, unfair or not correct: I hated the label ‘housewife’.
3 a company that produces and sells records, CDs, etc: the Virgin record label  It’s his first release for a major label.

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [often passive]
1 [vn] to fix a label on sth or write information on sth: We carefully labelled each item with the contents and the date.  The file was labelled ‘Private’.
2 ~ sb/sth (as) sth to describe sb/sth in a particular way, especially unfairly: [vn-n] He was labelled (as) a traitor by his former colleagues.  [vn-adj] It is unfair to label a small baby as naughty.

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labia
noun [pl.] the four folds of skin at the entrance to a woman’s VAGINA
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la.bial
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound made with the lips, for example
la.bial adj.
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labor
(AmE ) = LABOUR
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la.bora.tory
(also informal lab) noun (pl.-ies) a room or building used for scientific research, experiments, testing, etc: a research laboratory  laboratory experiments / tests—see also LANGUAGE LABORATORY
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'Labor Day
noun [U, C] a public holiday in the US and Canada on the first Monday of September, in honour of working people—compare MAY DAY
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la.bor.er
(AmE ) = LABOURER
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la.bori.ous
adj. taking a lot of time and effort: a laborious task / process  Checking all the information will be slow and laborious.
la.bori.ous.ly adv.
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'labor union
noun (AmE ) = TRADE UNION
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la.bour
(BrE ) (AmElabor) noun, verb
noun
WORK|
1 [U] work, especially physical work: manual labour (= work using your hands)  The price will include the labour and materials.  The company wants to keep down labour costs .  The workers voted to withdraw their labour (= to stop work as a means of protest).  He was sentenced to two years in a labour camp (= a type of prison where people have to do hard physical work).
2 [C, usually pl.] (formal) a task or period of work: He was so exhausted from the day’s labours that he went straight to bed.
PEOPLE WHO WORK|
3 [U] the people who work or are available for work in a country or a company: a shortage of labour  Employers are using immigrants as cheap labour .  Repairs involve skilled labour , which can be expensive.  good labour relations (= the relationship between workers and employers)
HAVING BABY|
4 [U, C, usually sing.] the period of time or the process of giving birth to a baby: Jane was in labour for ten hours.  She went into labour early.  labour pains
POLITICS|
5 (Labour) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (abbr.Lab) the British Labour Party: He always votes Labour.  Labour has / have been in power for five years. a ,labour of 'love a hard task that you do because you want to, not because it is necessary

verb
STRUGGLE|
1 ~ (away) to try very hard to do sth difficult: [v] He was in his study labouring away over some old papers.  [v to inf] They laboured for years to clear their son’s name.
WORK HARD|
2 [v] to do hard physical work: We laboured all day in the fields.   (old-fashioned) the labouring classes (= the working class)
MOVE WITH DIFFICULTY|
3 [v] to move with difficulty and effort: The horses laboured up the steep slope. labour the 'point to continue to repeat or explain sth that has already been said and understood 'labour under sth (formal) to believe sth that is not true: to labour under a misapprehension / delusion  He’s still labouring under the impression that he’s written a great book.

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la.boured
(BrE ) (AmE la.bored) adj.
1 (of breathing) slow and taking a lot of effort
2 (of writing, speaking, etc.) not natural and seeming to take a lot of effort: The movie looks laboured and slow by today’s standards.
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la.bour.er
(BrE ) (AmEla.bor.er) noun a person whose job involves hard physical work that is not skilled, especially work that is done outdoors: an agricultural labourer
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'labour force
(BrE ) (AmE'labor force) noun all the people who work for a company or country: a skilled / an unskilled labour force
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la.bour.ing
(BrE ) (AmE la.bor.ing) noun [U] hard physical work that is not skilled: a labouring job
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,labour-in'tensive
(BrE ) (AmE,labor-in'tensive) adj. (of work) needing a lot of people to do it: labour-intensive methods—compare CAPITAL-INTENSIVE
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'labour market
(BrE ) (AmE'labor market) noun the number of people who are available for work in relation to the number of jobs available: young people about to enter the labour market
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the 'Labour Party
(also Labour) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] one of the main British political parties, on the political left, that has traditionally represented the interests of working people: the Labour Party leader
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'labour-saving
(BrE ) (AmE'labor-saving) adj. [usually before noun] designed to reduce the amount of work or effort needed to do sth: modern labour-saving devices such as washing machines and dishwashers
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Lab.ra.dor
noun a large dog that can be yellow, black or brown in colour, often used by blind people as a guide: a black / golden Labrador
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la.bur.num
noun [C, U] a small tree with hanging bunches of yellow flowers
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laby.rinth
noun (formal) a complicated series of paths, which it is difficult to find your way through: We lost our way in the labyrinth of streets.   (figurative) a labyrinth of rules and regulations—compare MAZE
laby.rin.thine adj. (formal): labyrinthine corridors  labyrinthine legislation
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lace
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a delicate fabric made from threads of cotton, silk, etc. that are woven into a pattern of holes: a lace handkerchief  a tablecloth edged with lace—see also LACY —
2 [C] = SHOELACE : Your laces are undone.—picture at SHOE , FASTENER

verb
1 ~ (sth) (up) to be fastened with laces ; to fasten sth with laces : [v] She was wearing a dress that laced up at the side.  [vn] He was sitting on the bed lacing up his shoes.—see also LACE-UP
2 [v] to put a lace through the holes in a shoe, a boot, etc.—related noun LACE-UP
3 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to add a small amount of alcohol, a drug, poison, etc. to a drink: He had laced her milk with rum.
4 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to add a particular quality to a book, speech, etc: Her conversation was laced with witty asides.
5 [vn] to weave or twist sth together with another thing: They sat with their fingers laced.

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la.cer.ate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to cut skin or flesh with sth sharp: His hand had been badly lacerated.
2 to criticize sb very severely
la.cer.ation noun [C, U]: She suffered multiple lacerations to the face.
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'lace-up
noun [usually pl.] (especially BrE ) a shoe that is fastened with laces : a pair of lace-ups  lace-up boots—picture at SHOE
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lach.ry.mose
adj. (formal) having a tendency to cry easily TEARFUL
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lack
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the state of not having sth or not having enough of sth: a lack of food / money / skills  The trip was cancelled through lack of (= because there was not enough) interest.  There was no lack of volunteers.
IDM see TRY v.

verb [vn] [no passive] to have none or not enough of sth: Some houses still lack basic amenities such as bathrooms.  He lacks confidence.  She has the determination that her brother lacks.—see also LACKING
IDM ,lack (for) 'nothing (formal) to have everything that you need—more at COURAGE

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lacka.dai.si.cal
adj. (written) not showing enough care or enthusiasm
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lackey
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a servant
2 (disapproving) a person who is treated like a servant or who behaves like one
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lack.ing
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (in sth) having none or not enough of sth: She’s not usually lacking in confidence.  The book is completely lacking in originality.  He was taken on as a teacher but was found lacking (= was thought not to be good enough).
2 not present or not available
SYN MISSING : I feel there is something lacking in my life.
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lack.lustre
(BrE ) (AmE lack.lus.ter) adj. not interesting or exciting; dull: a lacklustre performance / campaign  lacklustre hair
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la.con.ic
adj. using only a few words to say sth: a laconic comment / manner
la.con.ic.al.ly adv.
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lac.quer
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a liquid that is used on wood or metal to give it a hard shiny surface
2 (old-fashioned) a liquid that is sprayed on the hair so that it stays in place

verb [vn]
1 to cover sth such as wood or metal with lacquer : a lacquered Chinese table
2 (old-fashioned, BrE) to put lacquer on your hair

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la.crosse
noun [U] a game played on a field by two teams of ten players who use sticks with curved nets on them to catch, carry, and throw the ball
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lac.tate
verb [v] (technical ) (of a woman or female animal) to produce milk from the breasts to feed a baby or young animal
lac.ta.tion noun [U]: the period of lactation
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lac.tic acid
noun [U] an acid that forms in sour milk and is also produced in the muscles during hard exercise
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lac.tose
noun [U] (chemistry ) a type of sugar found in milk and used in some baby foods
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la.cuna
noun (pl.-nae or la.cu.nas) (formal) a place where sth is missing in a piece of writing or in an idea, a theory, etc.
SYN GAP
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lacy
adj. made of or looking like LACE : lacy underwear
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lad
noun
1 [C] (old-fashioned or informal) a boy or young man: Things have changed since I was a lad.  He’s a nice lad.  Hurry up, lad.—compare LASS
2 (the lads) [pl.] (BrE, spoken) a group of friends that a man works with or spends free time with: to go to the pub with the lads
3 [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a lively young man, especially one who is very interested in women: Tony was a bit of a lad —always had an eye for the women.—see also LADDISH
4 [C] (BrE) a person who works in a STABLE —see also STABLE BOY
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lad.der
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of equipment for climbing up and down a wall, the side of a building, etc., consisting of two lengths of wood or metal that are joined together by steps or RUNGS : to climb up / fall off a ladder—see also STEPLADDER
2 [usually sing.] a series of stages by which you can make progress in a career or an organization: to move up or down the social ladder  the career ladder
3 (BrE) (AmE run) a long thin hole in TIGHTS or STOCKINGS where some threads have broken

verb [v, vn] (BrE ) if TIGHTS or STOCKINGS ladder or you ladder them, a long thin hole appears in them

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lad.die
noun (informal, especially ScotE ) a boy—compare LASS
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lad.dish
adj. (informal) behaving in a way that is supposed to be typical of a young man
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laden
adj. ~ (with sth)
1 heavily loaded with sth: passengers laden with luggage  The trees were laden with apples.  a heavily / fully laden truck—compare UNLADEN
2 (literary) full of sth, especially sth unpleasant: His voice was soft, yet laden with threat.
3 (-laden) used to form adjectives showing that sth is full of, or loaded with, the thing mentioned: calorie-laden cream cakes
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la-di-da
adj. (informal disapproving, especially BrE ) used to describe a way of speaking or behaving that is typical of upper-class people but that is not natural or sincere: I can’t stand Jane or her la-di-da friends.
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'ladies' man
(also 'lady’s man) noun a man who enjoys spending time with women and thinks he is attractive to them
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'ladies' room
noun (AmE ) a women’s toilet
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ladle
noun, verb
noun a large deep spoon with a long handle, used especially for serving soup—picture at KITCHEN

verb [vn] to place food on a plate with a large spoon or in large quantities
PVR V ,ladle sth<->'out (sometimes disapproving) to give sb a lot of sth, especially money or advice

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lady
(pl.-ies) noun
1 [C] a word used to mean ‘woman’ that some people, especially older people, consider is more polite: There’s a lady waiting to see you.  He was with an attractive young lady.  the ladies' golf championship   (BrE) a tea lady (= a woman who serves tea in an office)  a lady doctor / golfer   (AmE, approving) She’s a tough lady.
HELP Some women object to the way lady is used in some of these examples and prefer it to be avoided if possible: a doctor / a woman doctor  There’s someone waiting to see you.—see also BAG LADY , CLEANING LADY , FIRST LADY , LEADING LADY , OLD LADY
2 [C] a woman who is polite and well educated, has excellent manners and always behaves well: His wife was a real lady.—compare GENTLEMAN
3 [C, usually pl.] (formal) used when speaking to or about a girl or woman, especially sb you do not know: Can I take your coats, ladies?  Could I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen ?
HELP Some women do not like ladies used on its own, as in the first example, and prefer it to be left out.
4 [sing.] (especially AmE) an informal way to talk to a woman, showing a lack of respect: Listen, lady, don’t shout at me.
5 [C] (old-fashioned) (in Britain) a woman belonging to a high social class: the lords and ladies of the court  a lady’s maid
6 (Lady) [C] (in Britain) a title used by women who are members of the NOBILITY or by the wives and daughters of some members of the NOBILITY , or by the wife of a KNIGHT : Lady Thatcher  Lady Jane Grey—compare LORD , SIR
7 (a / the ladies) [U] (BrE) (AmE 'ladies' room [C]) a toilet/bathroom for women in a public building or place: Could you tell me where the ladies is?
8 (Our Lady) a title used to refer to Mary, the mother of Christ, especially in the Roman Catholic Church: Our Lady of Lourdes
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lady.bird
(BrE ) (AmE lady.bug ) noun a small flying insect, usually red with black spots—
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,lady-in-'waiting
noun (pl.ladies-in-waiting) a woman who goes to places with, and helps, a queen or princess
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lady.kill.er
noun (old-fashioned or informal) a man who is sexually attractive and successful with women, but who does not stay in a relationship with anyone for long
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lady.like
adj. (old-fashioned) polite and quiet; typical of what is supposed to be socially acceptable for a woman: ladylike behaviour  Her language was not very ladylike.
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,lady 'mayor
noun = MAYORESS
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lady.ship
noun
1 (Her / Your Ladyship) a title used when talking to or about a woman who is a member of the NOBILITY : Does Your Ladyship require anything?
2 (BrE, spoken) a way of talking to or about a girl or woman that you think is trying to be too important: Perhaps her ladyship would like to hang up her own clothes today!—compare LORDSHIP
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'lady’s man
noun = LADIES' MAN
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lag
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
1 [v] ~ (behind sb/sth)| ~ (behind) to move or develop slowly or more slowly than other people, organizations, etc: The little boy lagged behind his parents.  We still lag far behind many of our competitors in using modern technology.
2 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to cover pipes, etc. with a special material to stop the water in them from freezing, or to save heat

noun = TIME LAG —see also JET LAG , OLD LAG

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lager
noun (BrE )
1 [U, C] a type of light pale beer that usually has a lot of bubbles: a pint of lager  German lagers
2 [C] a glass, can or bottle of this: Two lagers, please.
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'lager lout
noun (BrE ) a young man who drinks too much alcohol and then behaves in a noisy and unpleasant way
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lag.gard
noun (old-fashioned) a slow and lazy person, organization, etc.
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la.goon
noun
1 a lake of salt water that is separated from the sea by a REEF or an area of rock or sand
2 (AmE) a small area of fresh water near a lake or river
3 (technical) an artificial area built to hold waste water before it is treated at a SEWAGE WORKS
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lah
(also la) noun (music ) the 6th note of a MAJOR scale
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laid
pt, pp of LAY
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,laid-'back
adj. (informal) calm, and relaxed; seeming not to worry about anything: a laid-back attitude to life
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lain
pt of LIE
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lair
noun [usually sing.]
1 a place where a wild animal sleeps or hides
2 a place where sb goes to hide or to be alone
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laird
noun (in Scotland) a person who owns a large area of land
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laissez-faire
noun [U] (from French ) the policy of allowing private businesses to develop without government control
laissez-faire adj.: a laissez-faire economy  They have a laissez-faire approach to bringing up their children (= they give them a lot of freedom).
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laity
noun (the laity) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] all the members of a Church who are not CLERGY —see also LAYMAN
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lake
noun (abbr. L.) a large area of water that is surrounded by land: We swam in the lake.  Lake Ontario   (figurative) a wine lake (= a large supply of wine that is not being used)
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lake.side
noun [sing.] the area around the edge of a lake: We went for a walk by the lakeside.  a lakeside hotel
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la-la land
noun (AmE ) = CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND
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lam
noun
IDM on the 'lam (AmE, informal) escaping from sb, especially from the police
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lamb
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a young sheep
2 [U] meat from a young sheep: a leg of lamb  lamb chops—compare MUTTON
3 [C] (informal) used to describe or address sb with affection or pity: You poor lamb!
IDM (like) a lamb / lambs to the 'slaughter used to describe people who are going to do sth dangerous without realizing it—more at MUTTON

verb [v] (of a sheep) to give birth to a lamb : She’s due to lamb in two weeks' time.

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lam.bada
noun a fast modern dance originally from Brazil
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lam.baste
(also lam.bast) verb [vn] (formal) to attack or criticize sb very severely, especially in public
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lambs.wool
noun [U] soft fine wool from lambs , used for knitting clothes: a lambswool sweater
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lame
adj.
1 (of people or animals) unable to walk well because of an injury to the leg or foot
2 (of an excuse, explanation, etc.) weak and difficult to believe
lame.ness noun [U]: The disease has left her with permanent lameness.
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lamé
noun [U] a fabric into which gold or silver thread has been woven: a silver lamé evening gown
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,lame 'duck
noun
1 a person or an organization that is not very successful and that needs help
2 (informal, especially AmE) a politician or a government whose period of office will soon end and who will not be elected again: a lame duck president / administration
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lame.ly
adv. in a way that does not sound very confident, or that does not persuade other people: ‘I must have made a mistake,’ she said lamely.
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lam.ent
verb, noun
verb (formal) to feel or express great sadness or disappointment about sb/sth: [vn] In the poem he laments the destruction of the countryside.  She sat alone weeping, lamenting her fate. [alsov that, v speech]

noun (formal) a song, poem or other expression of great sadness for sb who has died or for sth that has ended: a nostalgic lament for lost love

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lam.ent.able
adj. (formal) very disappointing REGRETTABLE : She shows a lamentable lack of understanding.
lam.ent.ably adv.
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lam.en.ta.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) an expression of great sadness or disappointment
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la.mented
adj. (formal or humorous) (of sb/sth that has died or disappeared) missed very much: her late lamented husband  the last edition of the much lamented newspaper
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lamin.ate
noun [U, C] a material that is laminated
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lamin.ated
adj.
1 (of wood, plastic, etc.) made by sticking several thin layers together: laminated glass / timber  a laminated table top
2 covered with thin transparent plastic for protection: laminated membership cards
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lamp
noun
1 a device that uses electricity, oil or gas to produce light: a table / desk / bicycle lamp  to switch on / turn off a lamp  She could see the rain in the light of the street lamps.—see also FOG LAMP , HURRICANE LAMP , STANDARD LAMP —picture at LANTERN
2 an electrical device that produces rays of heat and that is used for medical or scientific purposes: an infra-red / ultraviolet lamp—see also BLOWLAMP , SUNLAMP
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lamp.light
noun [U] light from a lamp: Her face looked pale in the lamplight.
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lamp.lit
adj. [usually before noun] given light by lamps; seen by the light from lamps: a lamplit room  a lamplit figure in the chair
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lam.poon
verb, noun
verb [vn] (written) to criticize sb/sth publicly in an amusing way that makes them or it look ridiculous: His cartoons mercilessly lampooned the leading politicians of his time.

noun (written) a piece of writing that criticizes sb/sth and makes them or it look silly

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'lamp post
noun (especially BrE ) a tall post in the street with a lamp at the top: The car skidded and hit a lamp post.—compare STREET LIGHT
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lamp.shade
noun a decorative cover for a lamp that is used to soften the light or to direct it—picture at LANTERN
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LAN
noun (computing ) the abbreviation for ‘local area network’ (a system for communicating by computer within a large building)—compare WAN
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lance
noun, verb
noun a weapon with a long wooden handle and a pointed metal end that was used by people fighting on horses in the past

verb [vn] to cut open an infected place on sb’s body with a sharp knife in order to let out the PUS (= a yellow substance produced by infection): to lance an abscess

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,lance 'corporal
noun a member of one of the lower ranks in the British army: Lance Corporal Alan Jackson
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lan.cet
noun a knife with a sharp point and two sharp edges, used by doctors for cutting skin and flesh
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land
noun, verb
noun
SURFACE OF EARTH|
1 [U] the surface of the earth that is not sea: It was good to be back on land .  We made the journey by land , though flying would have been cheaper.  In the distance the crew sighted land.  The elephant is the largest living land animal.—see also DRY LAND   note at EARTH
AREA OF GROUND|
2 [U] (also lands [pl.]) an area of ground, especially of a particular type or used for a particular purpose: fertile / arid / stony land  flat / undulating / hilly land  agricultural / arable / industrial land  The land was very dry and hard after the long, hot summer.  The land rose to the east.  a piece of waste / derelict land  Some of the country’s richest grazing lands are in these valleys.
3 [U] (also formal lands [pl.]) the area of ground that sb owns, especially when you think of it as property that can be bought or sold: The price of land is rising rapidly.  He owns 500 acres of land in Scotland.  During the war their lands were occupied by the enemy.—see also NO-MAN’S-LAND
COUNTRYSIDE|
4 (the land) [U] used to refer to the countryside and the way people live in the country as opposed to in cities: At the beginning of the 20th century almost a third of the population lived off the land (= grew or produced their own food).  Many people leave the land to find work in towns and cities.  His family had always farmed the land.
COUNTRY / REGION|
5 [C] (literary) used to refer to a country or region in an emotional or imaginative way: She longed to return to her native land .  They dreamed of travelling to foreign lands .  America is the land of freedom and opportunity.—see also CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND , CLUBLAND , DOCKLAND , DREAMLAND , FAIRYLAND , NEVER-NEVER LAND , THE PROMISED LAND , WONDERLAND
HELP There are many other compounds ending in land. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. (back) in the land of the 'living used to emphasize that sb is still living or that sb is alive and well after an illness or accident: I’m glad to see you’re back in the land of the living. We were worried about you. the land of ,milk and 'honey a place where life is pleasant and easy and people are very happy see, etc. how the 'land lies (BrE) to find out about a situation: Let’s wait and see how the land lies before we do anything.—more at LIE n. , LIVE^1 , SPY v.

verb
OF BIRD / PLANE / INSECT|
1 [v] to come down through the air onto the ground or another surface: The plane landed safely.  A fly landed on his nose.
OPP TAKE OFF
OF PILOT|
2 [vn] to bring a plane down to the ground in a controlled way: The pilot landed the plane safely.
ARRIVE IN PLANE / BOAT|
3 [v] to arrive somewhere in a plane or a boat: We shall be landing shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts.  The troops landed at dawn.  They were the first men to land on the moon.  The ferry is due to land at 3 o’clock.
4 [vn] to put sb/sth on land from an aircraft, a boat, etc: The troops were landed by helicopter.
FALL TO GROUND|
5 [v] to come down to the ground after jumping, falling or being thrown: I fell and landed heavily at the bottom of the stairs.  A large stone landed right beside him.
DIFFICULTIES|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to arrive somewhere and cause difficulties that have to be dealt with: Why do complaints always land on my desk (= why do I always have to deal with them)?
JOB|
7 (informal) to succeed in getting a job, etc., especially one that a lot of other people want: [vn] He’s just landed a starring role in Spielberg’s next movie.  [vnn] She’s just landed herself a company directorship.
FISH|
8 [vn] to catch a fish and bring it out of the water on to the land land a 'blow, 'punch, etc. to succeed in hitting sb/sth: She landed a punch on his chin.—more at FOOT n. 'land in sth| 'land sb / yourself in sth (informal) to get sb/yourself into a difficult situation: She was arrested and landed in court.  His hot temper has landed him in trouble before.  Now you’ve really landed me in it ! (= got me into trouble) ,land 'up in, at … (informal) to reach a final position or situation, sometimes after other things have happened: We travelled around for a while and landed up in Seattle.  He landed up in a ditch after he lost control of his car. 'land sb / yourself with sth/sb (informal) to give sb/yourself sth unpleasant to do, especially because nobody else wants to do it: As usual, I got landed with all the boring jobs.

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'land agent
noun (especially BrE ) a person whose job is to manage land, farms, etc. for sb else
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'land-based
adj. [usually before noun] situated on or living on the land: land-based missiles  land-based animals
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land.ed
adj. [only before noun]
1 owning a lot of land: the landed gentry
2 including a large amount of land: landed estates
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land.fall
noun
1 [U, C] (literary) the land that you see or arrive at first after a journey by sea or by air: After three weeks crossing the Atlantic, they made landfall on the coast of Ireland.
2 [C] = LANDSLIDE
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land.fill
noun
1 [C, U] an area of land where large amounts of waste material are buried under the earth: The map shows the position of the new landfills.  a landfill site
2 [U] the process of burying large amounts of waste material: the choice of landfill or incineration
3 [U] waste material that will be buried
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land.form
noun (geology ) a natural feature of the earth’s surface
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land.hold.ing
noun [C, U] (technical ) a piece of land that sb owns or rents; the act of owning or renting land
land.hold.er noun: farmers and landholders
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land.ing
noun
1 [C] the area at the top of a staircase where you arrive before you go into an upstairs room or move onto another staircase
2 [C, U] an act of bringing an aircraft or a spacecraft down to the ground after a journey: a perfect / smooth / safe landing  the first Apollo moon landing  The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing .  a landing site
OPP TAKE-OFF —see also CRASH LANDING
3 [C] an act of bringing soldiers to land in an area that is controlled by the enemy
4 = LANDING STAGE
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'landing craft
noun (pl.landing craft) a boat with a flat bottom, carried on a ship. Landing craft open at one end so soldiers and equipment can be brought to the shore.
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'landing gear
noun [U] = UNDERCARRIAGE
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'landing stage
(BrE ) (also landingAmE, BrE) noun a flat wooden platform on the water where boats let people get on and off, and load and unload goods
SYN JETTY
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'landing strip
noun = AIRSTRIP
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land.lady
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a woman from whom you rent a room, a house, etc.
2 (BrE) a woman who owns or manages a pub or a GUEST HOUSE —compare LANDLORD
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land.less
adj. [usually before noun] not owning land for farming; not allowed to own land: landless peasants / labourers
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land.locked
adj. almost or completely surrounded by land: Switzerland is completely landlocked.
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land.lord
noun
1 a man from whom you rent a room, a house, etc.
2 (BrE) a man who owns or manages a pub or a GUEST HOUSE —compare LANDLADY
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land.mark
noun
1 something, such as a large building, that you can see clearly from a distance and that will help you to know where you are: The Empire State Building is a familiar landmark on the New York skyline.
2 ~ (in sth) an event, a discovery, an invention, etc. that marks an important stage in sth: The ceasefire was seen as a major landmark in the fight against terrorism.  a landmark decision / ruling in the courts
3 (especially AmE) a building or a place that is very important because of its history, and that should be preserved
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'land mass
noun (technical ) a large area of land, for example a continent
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land.mine
noun a bomb placed on or under the ground, which explodes when vehicles or people move over it
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'land office
noun (AmE ) = LAND REGISTRY
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land.owner
noun a person who owns land, especially a large area of land
land.owner.ship (also land.owning) noun [U]: private landownership
land.owning adj. [only before noun]: the great landowning families
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'land reform
noun [U, C] the principle of dividing land for farming into smaller pieces so that more people can own some
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'land registry
(BrE ) (AmE 'land office) noun a government office that keeps a record of areas of land and who owns them
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'Land Rover
™ (also 'Land-Rover™) noun a strong motor vehicle used for travelling over rough ground
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land.scape
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] everything you can see when you look across a large area of land, especially in the country: the rugged / mountainous / dramatic landscape of Bolivia  the woods and fields that are typical features of the English landscape  an urban / industrial landscape   (figurative) We can expect changes in the political landscape.
2 [C, U] a painting of a view of the countryside; this style of painting: a British artist famous for his landscapes—compare TOWNSCAPE
3 [U] (technical) the way of printing a document in which the top of the page is one of the longer sides: Select the landscape option when printing the file.—compare PORTRAIT —
IDM see BLOT n.

verb [vn] to improve the appearance of an area of land by changing the design and planting trees, flowers, etc: landscaped gardens

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,landscape 'architect
noun a person whose job is planning and designing the environment, especially so that roads, buildings, etc. combine with the landscape in an attractive way
,landscape 'architecture noun [U]
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,landscape 'gardener
noun a person whose job is designing and creating attractive parks and gardens
,landscape 'gardening noun [U]
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land.slide
noun
1 (also land.fall) a mass of earth, rock, etc. that falls down the slope of a mountain or a cliff: The house was buried beneath a landslide.—see also LANDSLIP
2 an election in which one person or party gets very many more votes than the other people or parties: She was expected to win by a landslide .  Labour’s landslide victory of 1997
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land.slip
noun a mass of rock and earth that falls down a slope, usually smaller than a landslide
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land.ward
adj. [only before noun] facing the land; away from the sea: on the landward side of the road
land.ward (also land.wards) adv.: After an hour, the ship turned landward.
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lane
noun
1 a narrow road in the country: winding country lanes  We drove along a muddy lane to reach the farmhouse.—see also MEMORY LANE
2 (especially in place names) a street, often a narrow one with buildings on both sides: The quickest way is through the back lanes behind the bus station.  Park Lane
3 a section of a wide road, that is marked by painted white lines, to keep lines of traffic separate: the inside / middle / outside lane  the northbound / southbound lane  to change lanes  She signalled and pulled over into the slow lane.  a four-lane highway—see also BUS LANE , CYCLE LANE , FAST LANE
4 a narrow marked section of a track or a swimming pool that is used by one competitor in a race: The Australian in lane four is coming up fast from behind.—
5 a route used by ships or aircraft on regular journeys: one of the world’s busiest shipping / sea lanes
IDM see FAST LANE
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lan.guage
noun
OF A COUNTRY|
1 [C] the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular country: the Japanese language  How many languages do you speak?  Italian is my first language .  All the children must learn a foreign language .  She has a good command of the Spanish language .  a qualification in language teaching  They fell in love in spite of the language barrier (= the difficulty of communicating when people speak different languages).—see also MODERN LANGUAGE
COMMUNICATION|
2 [U] the use by humans of a system of sounds and words to communicate: theories about the origins of language  a study of language acquisition in two-year-olds
STYLE OF SPEAKING / WRITING|
3 [U] a particular style of speaking or writing: bad / foul / strong language (= words that people may consider offensive)  literary / poetic language  the language of the legal profession  Give your instructions in everyday language.—see also BAD LANGUAGE
MOVEMENTS / SYMBOLS / SOUND|
4 [C, U] a way of expressing ideas and feelings using movements, symbols and sound: the language of mime  the language of dolphins / bees—see also BODY LANGUAGE , SIGN LANGUAGE
COMPUTING|
5 [C, U] a system of symbols and rules that is used to operate a computer: a programming language mind / watch your 'language to be careful about what you say in order not to upset or offend sb: Watch your language, young man! speak / talk the same 'language to be able to communicate easily with another person because you share similar opinions and experience
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'language laboratory
noun a room in a school or college that contains special equipment to help students learn foreign languages by listening to tapes, watching videos, recording themselves, etc.
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lan.guid
adj. (written) moving slowly in a graceful manner, not needing energy or effort: a languid wave of the hand  a languid afternoon in the sun
lan.guid.ly adv.: He moved languidly across the room.
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lan.guish
verb [v] (formal)
1 ~ (in sth) to be forced to stay somewhere or suffer sth unpleasant for a long time: She continues to languish in a foreign prison.
2 to become weaker or fail to make progress: Share prices languished at 102p.
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lan.guor
noun [U, sing.] (literary) the state of feeling lazy and without energy: A delicious languor was stealing over him.
lan.guor.ous adj.: a languorous pace of life
lan.guor.ous.ly adv.
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lank
adj. (of hair) straight, dull and not attractive
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lanky
adj. (of a person) having long thin limbs and moving in an awkward way: a tall, lanky teenager
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lano.lin
noun [U] an oil that comes from sheep’s wool and is used to make skin creams
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lan.tern
noun a lamp in a container, often a metal case with glass sides, that has a handle, so that you can carry it outside: Chinese / paper lanterns
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lap
noun, verb
noun [C]
1 [usually sing.] the top part of your legs that forms a flat surface when you are sitting down: There’s only one seat so you’ll have to sit on my lap .  She sat with her hands in her lap .
2 one journey from the beginning to the end of a track used for running, etc: the fastest lap on record  She has completed six laps.  He was overtaken on the final lap.  to do a lap of honour (= go around the track again to celebrate winning)   (AmE) to do a victory lap
3 a section of a journey or trip: They’re off on the first lap of their round-the-world tour.
IDM drop / dump sth in sb’s 'lap (informal) to make sth the responsibility of another person: They dropped the problem firmly back in my lap. sth drops / falls into sb’s lap somebody has the opportunity to do sth pleasant without having made any effort: My dream job just fell into my lap. in the lap of the 'gods if the result of sth is in the lap of the gods, you do not know what will happen because it depends on luck or things you cannot control in the lap of 'luxury in easy, comfortable conditions, and enjoying the advantages of being rich

verb (-pp-)
1 [v] (of water) to touch sth gently and regularly, often making a soft sound: The waves lapped around our feet.  the sound of water lapping against the boat
2 [vn] (of animals) to drink sth with quick movements of the tongue
3 [vn] (in a race) to pass another competitor on a track who is one or more laps behind you: She had already lapped most of the other runners.
PVR V ,lap sth<->'up
1 (informal) to accept or receive sth with great enjoyment, without thinking about whether it is good, true or sincere: It’s a terrible movie but audiences everywhere are lapping it up.  She simply lapped up all the compliments.
2 to drink all of sth with great enjoyment: The calf lapped up the bucket of milk.

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'lap belt
noun a type of SEAT BELT that goes across your waist
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'lap dancing
noun [U] sexually exciting dancing or STRIPTEASE which is performed close to, or sitting on, a customer in a bar or club
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lap.dog
noun
1 a pet dog that is small enough to be carried
2 (disapproving) a person who is under the control of another person or group
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lapel
noun one of the two front parts of the top of a coat or jacket that are joined to the collar and are folded back: to wear a flower in your lapel  He grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket.—
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lapi.dary
adj.
1 (formal) (especially of written language) elegant and exact: in lapidary style
2 (technical) connected with stones and the work of cutting and polishing them
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lapis laz.uli
noun [U] a bright blue stone, used in making jewellery and ornaments
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lapse
noun, verb
noun
1 a small mistake, especially one that is caused by forgetting sth or by being careless: a lapse of concentration / memory  A momentary lapse in the final set cost her the match.
2 a period of time between two things that happen: After a lapse of six months we met up again.
3 an example or period of bad behaviour from sb who normally behaves well: I forgot to thank her for the invitation but I don’t think she noticed my lapse.

verb [v]
1 (of a contract, an agreement, etc.) to be no longer valid because the period of time that it lasts has come to an end: She had allowed her membership to lapse.
2 to gradually become weaker or come to an end: His concentration lapsed after a few minutes.
3 ~ (from sth) to stop believing in or practising your religion: He lapsed from Judaism when he was a student.
lapsed adj. [only before noun]: a lapsed subscription  lapsed faith  a lapsed Catholic
PVR V 'lapse into sth
1 to gradually pass into a worse or less active state or condition: to lapse into unconsciousness / a coma  She lapsed into silence again.
2 to start speaking or behaving in a different way, often one that is less acceptable: He soon lapsed back into his old ways.

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lap.top
noun a small computer that can work with a battery and be easily carried—compare DESKTOP COMPUTER , NOTEBOOK
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lap.wing
(also pee.wit) noun a black and white bird with a row of feathers (called a CREST ) standing up on its head
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lar.ceny
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (AmE or old-fashioned, BrE) (law ) the crime of stealing sth from sb; an occasion when this takes place
SYN THEFT : The couple were charged with grand / petty larceny (= stealing things that are valuable / not very valuable).
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larch
noun [C, U] a tree with sharp pointed leaves that fall in winter and hard dry fruit called CONES
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lard
noun, verb
noun [U] a firm white substance made from the melted fat of pigs that is used in cooking

verb [vn] to put small pieces of fat on or into sth before cooking it
PVR V 'lard sth with sth [usually passive] (often disapproving) to include a lot of a particular kind of word or expressions in a speech or in a piece of writing: His conversation was larded with Russian proverbs.

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lar.der
noun (especially BrE ) a cupboard/closet or small room in a house, used for storing food, especially in the past
SYN PANTRY
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large
adj. (larger, larg.est)
1 big in size or quantity: a large area / family / house / car / appetite  a large number of people  very large sums of money  He’s a very large child for his age.  A large proportion of old people live alone.  Women usually do the larger share of the housework.  Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee.  Who’s the rather large (= fat) lady in the hat?
2 (abbr.L) used to describe one size in a range of sizes of clothes, food, products used in the house, etc: small, medium, large  It’s better value if you buy a large box.
3 wide in range and involving many things: a large and complex issue  Some drugs are being used on a much larger scale than previously.  If we look at the larger picture of the situation, the differences seem slight.  note at BIG
large.ness noun [U]
IDM at 'large
1 (used after a noun) as a whole; in general: the opinion of the public at large
2 (of a dangerous person or animal) not captured; free: Her killer is still at large. by and 'large (informal) used when you are saying something that is generally, but not completely, true: By and large, I enjoyed my time at school. in 'large part | in large 'measure (formal) to a great extent: Their success is due in large part to their determination. (as) large as 'life (humorous) used to show surprise at seeing sb/sth: I hadn’t seen her for fifteen years and then there she was, (as) large as life. ,larger than 'life looking or behaving in a way that is more interesting or exciting than other people, and so is likely to attract attention: He’s a larger than life character—noisy, very friendly, and always joking.—more at LOOM v. , WRIT v.
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large.ly
adv. to a great extent; mostly or mainly: the manager who is largely responsible for the team’s victory  It was largely a matter of trial and error.  He resigned largely because of the stories in the press.
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'large-scale
adj. [usually before noun]
1 involving many people or things, especially over a wide area: large-scale development  the large-scale employment of women
2 (of a map, model, etc.) drawn or made to a scale that shows a small area of land or a building in great detail
OPP SMALL-SCALE
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lar.gesse
(also lar.gess) noun [U] (formal or humorous) the act or quality of being generous with money; money that you give to people who have less than you: She is not noted for her largesse (= she is not generous).  to dispense largesse to the poor
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lar.gish
adj. fairly large
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lark
noun, verb
noun
1 a small brown bird with a pleasant song—see also SKYLARK
2 [usually sing.] (informal) a thing that you do for fun or as a joke: The boys didn’t mean any harm—they just did it for a lark.
3 (BrE, informal) (used after another noun) an activity that you think is a waste of time or that you do not take seriously: Perhaps this riding lark would be more fun than she’d thought.
IDM be / get up with the 'lark (old-fashioned, BrE) to get out of bed very early in the morning blow / sod that for a lark (BrE, slang) used by sb who does not want to do sth because it involves too much effort: Sod that for a lark! I’m not doing any more tonight.

verb
PVR V ,lark a'bout / a'round (old-fashioned informal, especially BrE) to enjoy yourself by behaving in a silly way

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larva
noun (pl.lar.vae ) an insect at the stage when it has just come out of an egg and looks like a short fat worm
lar.val adj. [only before noun]: an insect in its larval stage—
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laryn.gi.tis
noun [U] an infection of the larynx that makes speaking painful
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lar.ynx
noun (anatomy ) the area at the top of the throat that contains the VOCAL CORDS
SYN VOICE BOX —picture at BODY
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la.sagne
(also la.sagna) noun
1 [U] large flat pieces of PASTA
2 [U, C] an Italian dish made from layers of lasagne , finely chopped meat and/or vegetables and white sauce
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la.scivi.ous
adj. (formal, disapproving) feeling or showing strong sexual desire: a lascivious person  lascivious thoughts
la.scivi.ous.ly adv.
la.scivi.ous.ness noun [U]
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laser
noun a device that makes a very strong beam of controlled light (= with rays that are parallel and of the same WAVELENGTH ): a laser beam  a laser navigation device  The bar codes on the products are read by lasers.  a laser show (= lasers used as entertainment)
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'laser printer
noun a printer that produces good quality printed material by means of a laser beam
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lash
verb, noun
verb
1 to hit sb/sth with great force: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The rain lashed at the windows.  [vn] Huge waves lashed the shore.
2 [vn] to hit a person or an animal with a whip, rope, stick, etc.
3 [vn] to criticize sb/sth in a very angry way
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to fasten sth tightly to sth else with ropes: Several logs had been lashed together to make a raft.  During the storm everything on deck had to be lashed down.
5 to move or to move sth quickly and violently from side to side: [v] The crocodile’s tail was lashing furiously from side to side. [alsovn] ,lash 'out (at sb/sth)
1 to suddenly try to hit sb: She suddenly lashed out at the boy.
2 to criticize sb in an angry way: In a bitter article he lashed out at his critics.

noun
1 = EYELASH : her long dark lashes
2 a hit with a whip, given as a form of punishment: They each received 20 lashes for stealing.   (figurative) to feel the lash of sb’s tongue (= to be spoken to in an angry and critical way)
3 the thin leather part at the end of a whip

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lash.ing
noun
1 (lashings) [pl.] (BrE, informal) a large amount of sth, especially of food and drink: a bowl of strawberries with lashings of cream
2 [C] an act of hitting sb with a whip as a punishment: (figurative) He was given a severe tongue lashing (= angry criticism).
3 [C, usually pl.] a rope used to fasten sth tightly to sth else
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lass
(also las.sie ) noun (ScotE, NorthE ) a girl; a young woman—compare LAD , LADDIE
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las.si.tude
noun [U] (formal) a state of feeling very tired in mind or body; lack of energy
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lasso
noun, verb
noun (pl.-os or -oes) a long rope with one end tied into a LOOP that is used for catching horses, cows, etc.

verb [vn] to catch an animal using a lasso

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last^1
det., adv., noun, verb —see also LAST^2
det.
1 happening or coming after all other similar things or people: We caught the last bus home.  It’s the last house on the left.  She was last to arrive.
2 [only before noun] most recent: last night / Tuesday / month / summer / year  her last book  This last point is crucial.
3 [only before noun] only remaining
SYN FINAL : This is our last bottle of wine.  He knew this was his last hope of winning.
4 used to emphasize that sb/sth is the least likely or suitable: The last thing she needed was more work.  He’s the last person I’d trust with a secret.
IDM be on your / its last 'legs to be going to die or stop functioning very soon; to be very weak or in bad condition the day, week, month, etc. before 'last the day, week, etc. just before the most recent one; two days, weeks, etc. ago: I haven’t seen him since the summer before last. every last … every person or thing in a group: We spent every last penny we had on the house. have the last 'laugh to be successful when you were not expected to be, making your opponents look stupid in the last re'sort when there are no other possible courses of action: In the last resort we can always walk home. your / the last 'gasp the point at which you/sth can no longer continue living, fighting, existing, etc. the ,last 'minute / 'moment the latest possible time before an important event: They changed the plans at the last minute.  Don’t leave your decision to the last moment. a / your last re'sort the person or thing you rely on when everything else has failed: I’ve tried everyone else and now you’re my last resort. the ,last 'word (in sth) the most recent, fashionable, advanced, etc. thing: These apartments are the last word in luxury.—more at ANALYSIS , BREATH , LONG adj. , MAN n. , STRAW , THING , WEEK , WORD n.

adv.
1 after anyone or anything else; at the end: He came last in the race.  They arrived last of all.
2 most recently: When did you see him last?  I saw him last / I last saw him in New York two years ago.  They last won the cup in 1995.
IDM ,last but not 'least used when mentioning the last person or thing of a group, in order to say that they are not less important than the others: Last but not least, I’d like to thank all the catering staff. ,last 'in, ,first 'out used, for example in a situation when people are losing their jobs, to say that the last people to be employed will be the first to go—more at FIRST adv.

noun (the last) (pl.the last)
1 the person or thing that comes or happens after all other similar people or things: Sorry I’m late—am I the last?  They were the last to arrive.
2 ~ of sth the only remaining part or items of sth: These are the last of our apples.
IDM at (long) 'last after much delay, effort, etc.; in the end
SYN FINALLY : At last we’re home!  At long last the cheque arrived.  note at LASTLY hear / see the 'last of sb/sth to hear/see sb/sth for the last time: That was the last I ever saw of her.  Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve heard the last of this affair. the last I 'heard (spoken) used to give the most recent news you have about sb/sth: The last I heard he was still working at the garage. to / till the 'last until the last possible moment, especially until death: He died protesting his innocence to the last.—more at BREATHE , FIRST n.

verb
1 linking verb [v] (not used in the progressive tenses) to continue for a particular period of time: The meeting only lasted (for) a few minutes.  Each game lasts about an hour.  How long does the play last?
2 to continue to exist or to function well: [v] This weather won’t last.  He’s making a big effort now, and I hope it lasts.  [vn] These shoes should last you till next year.
3 ~ (sth) (out) to survive sth or manage to stay in the same situation, in spite of difficulties: [v] She won’t last long in that job.  Can you last (out) until I can get help?  [vn] Doctors say that she probably won’t last out the night (= she will probably die before the morning).  He was injured early on and didn’t last the match.
4 ~ (sb) (out) to be enough for sb to use, especially for a particular period of time: [v] Will the coffee last out till next week?  We’ve got enough food to last (for) three days.  [vn] We’ve got enough food to last us (for) three days.

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last^2
noun a block of wood or metal shaped like a foot, used in making and repairing shoes—see also LAST^1
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,last 'call
noun
1 (especially AmE) = LAST ORDERS
2 the final request at an airport for passengers to get on their plane
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,last-'ditch
adj. used to describe a final attempt to achieve sth, when there is not much hope of succeeding: She underwent a heart transplant in a last-ditch attempt to save her.
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last.ing
adj. [usually before noun] continuing to exist or to have an effect for a long time: Her words left a lasting impression on me.  I formed several lasting friendships at college.  The training was of no lasting value.—see also LONG-LASTING
last.ing.ly
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the ,Last 'Judgement
noun [sing.] = JUDGEMENT DAY
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last.ly
adv.
1 used to introduce the final point that you want to make: Lastly, I’d like to ask you about your plans.
2 at the end; after all the other things that you have mentioned: Lastly, add the lemon juice.
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'last name
noun your family name—compare SURNAME
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,last 'orders
noun [pl.] (BrE ) (also ,last 'callAmE, BrE) the last opportunity for people to buy drinks in a pub or a bar before it closes: ‘Last orders, please!’
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the ,last 'post
noun [sing.] (BrE ) a tune played on a BUGLE at military funerals and at the end of the day in military camps
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the ,last 'rites
noun [pl.] a Christian religious ceremony that a priest performs for and in the presence of a dying person: to administer the last rites to sb  to receive the last rites
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lat.
abbr. (in writing) LATITUDE
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latch
noun, verb
noun
1 a small metal bar that is used to fasten a door or a gate. You raise it to open the door, and lower it into a metal hook to fasten it: He lifted the latch and opened the door.
2 (especially BrE) a type of lock on a door that can only be opened from the outside with a key: She listened for his key in the latch.
IDM on the 'latch (BrE) closed but not locked: Can you leave the door on the latch so I can get in?

verb [vn] to fasten sth with a latch : He closed the window and latched it.
PVR V ,latch 'on (to sth)| ,latch 'onto sth (informal) to understand an idea or what sb is saying: It was a difficult concept to grasp, but I soon latched on. ,latch 'on (to sb/sth)| ,latch 'onto sb/sth (informal)
1 to become attached to sb/sth: antibodies that latch onto germs
2 to join sb and stay in their company, especially when they would prefer you not to be with them
3 to develop a strong interest in sth: She always latches on to the latest craze.

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latch.key
noun a key for the front or the outer door of a house, etc.
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'latchkey child
(also 'latchkey kid) noun (usually disapproving) a child who is at home alone after school because both parents are at work
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late
adj., adv.
adj. (later, lat.est)
1 [only before noun] near the end of a period of time, a person’s life, etc: in the late afternoon  in late summer  She married in her late twenties (= when she was 28 or 29).  In later life he started playing golf.  The school was built in the late 1970s.
OPP EARLY
2 [not usually before noun] arriving, happening or done after the expected, arranged or usual time: I’m sorry I’m late.  She’s late for work every day.  My flight was an hour late.  We apologize for the late arrival of this train.  Because of the cold weather the crops are later this year.  Interest will be charged for late payment.  Here is a late news flash.
OPP EARLY
3 near the end of the day: Let’s go home—it’s getting late.  Look at the time—it’s much later than I thought.  What are you doing up at this late hour?  What is the latest time I can have an appointment?  I’ve had too many late nights recently (= when I’ve gone to bed very late).
OPP EARLY
4 [only before noun] (of a person) no longer alive: her late husband  the late Freddie Mercury
late.ness noun [U]: They apologized for the lateness of the train.  Despite the lateness of the hour, the children were not in bed.—see also LATER , LATEST
IDM be too 'late happening after the time when it is possible to do sth: It’s too late to save her now.  Buy now before it’s too late.

adv. (comparativelater no superlative)
1 after the expected, arranged or usual time: I got up late.  Can I stay up late tonight?  She has to work late tomorrow.  The big stores are open later on Thursdays.  She married late.  The birthday card arrived three days late.
2 near the end of a period of time, a person’s life, etc: late in March / the afternoon  It happened late last century—in 1895 to be exact.  As late as (= as recently as) the 1950s, tuberculosis was still a fatal illness.  He became an author late in life.
3 near the end of the day: There’s a good film on late.  Late that evening, there was a knock at the door.  Share prices fell early on but rose again late in the day.—see also LATER
OPP EARLY
IDM ,better ,late than 'never (saying) used especially when you, or sb else, arrive late, or when sth such as success happens late, to say that this is better than not coming or happening at all ,late in the 'day (disapproving) after the time when an action could be successful: He started working hard much too late in the day—he couldn’t possibly catch up. late of … (formal) until recently working or living in the place mentioned: Professor Jones, late of Oxford University of 'late (formal) recently: I haven’t seen him of late. too 'late after the time when it is possible to do sth successfully: She’s left it too late to apply for the job.  I realized the truth too late.—more at SOON

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late.comer
noun a person who arrives late
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late.ly
adv. recently; in the recent past: Have you seen her lately?  It’s only lately that she’s been well enough to go out.   (BrE ) I haven’t been sleeping well just lately.  She had lately returned from India.
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'late-night
adj. [only before noun] happening late at night; available after other things finish: a late-night movie  late-night shopping
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la.tent
adj. [usually before noun] existing, but not yet very noticeable, active or well developed: latent defects / disease  These children have a huge reserve of latent talent.
la.tency noun [U]
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later
adv., adj.
adv.
1 at a time in the future; after the time you are talking about: See you later.  I met her again three years later.  His father died later that year.  We’re going to Rome later in the year.  She later became a doctor.
OPP EARLIER
2 (Later!) (spoken) a way of saying goodbye, used by young people: Later, guys!
IDM later 'on (informal) at a time in the future; after the time you are talking about: I’m going out later on.  Much later on, she realized what he had meant. not / no later than … by a particular time and not after it: Entries must arrive no later than 12 June.

adj. [only before noun]
1 coming after sth else or at a time in the future: This is discussed in more detail in a later chapter.  The match has been postponed to a later date.
2 near the end of a period of time, life, etc: the later part of the seventeenth century  She found happiness in her later years.
OPP EARLIER
IDM see SOON

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lat.eral
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the side of sth or with movement to the side: the lateral branches of a tree  lateral eye movements
lat.eral.ly adv.
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,lateral 'thinking
noun [U] (especially BrE ) a way of solving problems by using your imagination to find new ways of looking at the problem
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lat.est
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] the most recent or newest: the latest unemployment figures  the latest craze / fashion / trend  her latest novel  Have you heard the latest news?

noun (the latest) (informal) the most recent or the newest thing or piece of news: This is the latest in robot technology.  Have you heard the latest?
IDM at the 'latest no later than the time or the date mentioned: Applications should be in by 31 October at the latest.

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latex
noun [U]
1 a thick white liquid that is produced by some plants and trees, especially rubber trees
2 an artificial substance similar to this that is used to make paints, glues and fabrics: latex gloves
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lath
noun (pl.laths ) a thin narrow strip of wood that is used to support PLASTER (= material used for covering walls) on the inside walls and the ceilings of buildings
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lathe
noun a machine that shapes pieces of wood or metal by holding and turning them against a fixed cutting tool
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la.ther
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.] a white mass of small bubbles that is produced by mixing soap with water
IDM get into a 'lather | work yourself into a 'lather (BrE, informal) to get anxious or angry about sth, especially when it is not necessary in a 'lather (BrE, informal) in a nervous, angry or excited state

verb
1 [vn] to cover sth with lather : I lathered my face and started to shave.
2 [v] to produce lather : Soap does not lather well in hard water.

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Latin
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] the language of ancient Rome and the official language of its empire
2 [C] a person from countries where languages that have developed from Latin, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or French, are spoken

adj.
1 of or in the Latin language: Latin poetry
2 connected with or typical of the countries or peoples using languages developed from Latin, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or French: a Latin temperament

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,Latin A'merica
noun [U] the parts of central and S America in which Spanish or Portuguese is the main language  note at AMERICAN
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La.tino
noun (pl.-os) a person living in the US whose family came from Central or S America where Spanish or Portuguese is spoken—compare CHICANO
La.tino adj. [only before noun]
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lati.tude
noun
1 (abbr.lat.) [U] the distance of a place north or south of the EQUATOR (= the line around the world dividing north and south), measured in degrees—compare LONGITUDE
2 (latitudes) [pl.] a region of the world that is a particular distance from the EQUATOR : the northern latitudes
3 [U] ~ (in / for sth / to do sth) (formal) freedom to choose what you do or the way that you do it: They allow their children far too much latitude.
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la.trine
noun a toilet in a camp, etc., especially one made by digging a hole in the ground
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latte
noun = CAFFÈ LATTE
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lat.ter
adj., noun
adj.
1 being the second of two things, people or groups that have just been mentioned, or the last in a list: The latter point is the most important.
2 nearer to the end of a period of time than the beginning: the latter half of the year  during the latter stages of the tournament—compare FORMER

noun (the latter) (pl.the latter) the second of two things, people or groups that have just been mentioned, or the last in a list: He presented two solutions. The latter seems much better.  The town has a concert hall and two theatres. The latter were both built in the 1950s.

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'latter-day
adj. [only before noun] being a modern version of a person or thing in the past: a latter-day Robin Hood
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lat.ter.ly
adv. (formal)
1 most recently: Latterly his painting has shown a new freedom of expression.
2 towards the end of a period of time: Her health declined rapidly and latterly she never left the house.
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lat.tice
noun [U, C] (also 'lat.tice.work [U]) a structure that is made of strips of wood or metal that cross over each other with spaces shaped like a diamond between them, used as a fence or a support for climbing plants; any structure or pattern like this: a low wall of stone lattice-work  a lattice of branches
lat.ticed adj.
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,lattice 'window
(also ,lat.ticed 'window) noun a window with small pieces of glass shaped like diamonds in a FRAMEWORK of metal strips—picture at LATTICE
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laud
verb [vn] (formal) to praise sb/sth: He was lauded for his courage.
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laud.able
adj. (formal) deserving to be praised or admired, even if not really successful: a laudable aim / attempt
laud.ably adv.
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laud.anum
noun [U] a drug made from OPIUM . In the past, people used to take laudanum to reduce pain and anxiety, and to help them sleep.
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laud.atory
adj. (rare, formal) expressing praise or admiration
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laugh
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at / about) to make the sounds and movements of your face that show you are happy or think sth is funny: [v] to laugh loudly / aloud / out loud  You never laugh at my jokes!  The show was hilarious—I couldn’t stop laughing.  She always makes me laugh .  He burst out laughing (= suddenly started laughing).  She laughed to cover her nervousness.  I told him I was worried but he laughed scornfully.  [v speech] ‘You’re crazy!’ she laughed.
2 [v] (be laughing) (spoken, informal) used to say that you are in a very good position, especially because you have done sth successfully: If we win the next game we’ll be laughing.
IDM Don’t make me 'laugh (spoken) used to show that you think what sb has just said is impossible or stupid: ‘Will your dad lend you the money?’‘Don’t make me laugh!’ laugh all the way to the 'bank (informal) to make a lot of money easily and feel very pleased about it laugh in sb’s 'face to show in a very obvious way that you have no respect for sb laugh like a 'drain (BrE) to laugh very loudly laugh on the other side of your 'face (BrE, informal) to be forced to change from feeling pleased or satisfied to feeling disappointed or annoyed laugh sb/sth out of 'court (BrE, informal) to completely reject an idea, a story, etc. that you think is not worth taking seriously at all laugh till / until you 'cry to laugh so long and hard that there are tears in your eyes laugh up your 'sleeve (at sb/sth) (informal) to be secretly amused about sth laugh your 'head off to laugh very loudly and for a long time not know whether to ,laugh or 'cry (informal) to be unable to decide how to react to a bad or unfortunate situation you ,have / you’ve ,got to 'laugh (spoken) used to say that you think there is a funny side to a situation: Well, I’m sorry you’ve lost your shoes, but you’ve got to laugh, haven’t you?—more at PISS v.
PVR V 'laugh at sb/sth to make sb/sth seem stupid or not serious by making jokes about them/it: Everybody laughs at my accent.  She is not afraid to laugh at herself (= not be too serious about herself). ,laugh sth<->'off (informal) to try to make people think that sth is not serious or important, especially by making a joke about it: He laughed off suggestions that he was going to resign.

noun [C]
1 the sound you make when you are amused or happy: to give a laugh   a short / harsh / bitter / nervous / hearty laugh  His first joke got the biggest laugh of the night.
2 (a laugh) [sing.] (informal) an enjoyable and amusing occasion or thing that happens: Come to the karaoke night—it should be a good laugh.  And he didn’t realize it was you? What a laugh!
3 (a laugh) [sing.] a person who is amusing and fun to be with: Paula’s a good laugh, isn’t she?
IDM do sth for a 'laugh / for 'laughs to do sth for fun or as a joke: I just did it for a laugh, but it got out of hand. have a (good) 'laugh (about sth) to find sth amusing: I was angry at the time but we had a good laugh about it afterwards.—more at BARREL n. , LAST det.

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laugh.able
adj. silly or ridiculous, and not worth taking seriously: He was a laughable figure.  The whole incident would be laughable if it were not so serious.
laugh.ably adv.
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laugh.ing
adj. showing amusement or happiness: his laughing blue eyes  laughing faces
IDM be no laughing 'matter to be sth serious that you should not joke about—more at DIE v.
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'laughing gas
noun [U] (informal) = NITROUS OXIDE
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laugh.ing.ly
adv.
1 in an amused way: He laughingly agreed.
2 used to show that you think a particular word is not at all a suitable way of describing something and therefore seems ridiculous: I finally reached what we laughingly call civilization.
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'laughing stock
noun [usually sing.] a person that everyone laughs at because they have done sth stupid: I can’t wear that! I’d be a laughing stock.
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laugh.ter
noun [U] the act or sound of laughing: to roar with laughter  tears / gales / peals / shrieks of laughter  to burst / dissolve into laughter  a house full of laughter (= with a happy atmosphere)
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launch
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to start an activity, especially an organized one: to launch an appeal / an inquiry / an investigation / a campaign  to launch an attack / invasion
2 to make a product available to the public for the first time: a party to launch his latest novel  The new model will be launched in July.
3 to put a ship or boat into the water, especially one that has just been built: The Navy is to launch a new warship today.  The lifeboat was launched immediately.
4 to send sth such as a spacecraft, weapon, etc. into space, into the sky or through water: to launch a communications satellite  to launch a missile / rocket / torpedo
5 ~ yourself at, from, etc. sth | ~ yourself forwards, etc. to jump forwards with a lot of force: Without warning he launched himself at me.
PVR V 'launch into sth| 'launch yourself into sth to begin sth in an enthusiastic way, especially sth that will take a long time: He launched into a lengthy account of his career. ,launch 'out (into sth) to do sth new in your career, especially sth more exciting: It’s time I launched out on my own.

noun
1 [usually sing.] the action of launching sth; an event at which sth is launched : the successful launch of the Ariane rocket  a product launch  The official launch date is in May.
2 a large motor boat

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launch.er
noun (often in compounds) a device that is used to send a rocket, a MISSILE , etc. into the sky: a rocket launcher
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'launch pad
(also 'launching pad) noun a platform from which a spacecraft, etc. is sent into the sky: (figurative) She regards the job as a launch pad for her career in the media.
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laun.der
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to wash, dry and IRON clothes, etc: freshly laundered sheets
2 to move money that has been obtained illegally into foreign bank accounts or legal businesses so that it is difficult for people to know where the money came from
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laun.der.ette
(also laun.drette) (both BrE ) (AmE Laun.dro.mat™) noun a place where you can wash and dry your clothes in machines that you operate by putting in coins
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Laun.dro.mat
™noun (AmE ) = LAUNDERETTE
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laun.dry
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] clothes, sheets, etc. that need washing, that are being washed, or that have been washed recently: a pile of clean / dirty laundry  a laundry basket / room
2 [U, sing.] the process or the job of washing clothes, sheets, etc: to do the laundry  The hotel has a laundry service.
3 [C] a business or place where you send sheets, clothes, etc. to be washed: the hospital laundry  a laundry van
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laure.ate
noun
1 a person who has been given an official honour or prize for sth important they have achieved: a Nobel laureate
2 = POET LAUREATE
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laurel
noun
1 [U, C] a bush with dark smooth shiny leaves that remain on the bush and stay green through the year: a laurel hedge
2 (laurels) [pl.] honour and praise given to sb because of sth that they have achieved: She won laurels for her first novel.
IDM look to your 'laurels to be careful that you do not lose the success or advantage that you have over other people: With so many good new actors around the older ones are having to look to their laurels. rest / sit on your 'laurels (usually disapproving) to feel so satisfied with what you have already achieved that you do not try to do any more
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'laurel wreath
noun a ring of laurel leaves that were worn on the head in the past as a sign of victory
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lava
noun [U]
1 hot liquid rock that comes out of a VOLCANO : molten lava—picture at VOLCANO
2 this type of rock when it has cooled and become hard
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lava.tor.ial
adj. (especially BrE ) lavatorial humour refers in a rude way to parts of the body, going to the toilet, etc.
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lav.atory
noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned or formal)
1 (especially BrE) a toilet, or a room with a toilet in it: There’s a bathroom and a lavatory upstairs.
2 (BrE) a public building or part of a building, with toilets in it: The nearest public lavatory is at the station.
3 (AmE) a SINK in a bathroom
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lav.en.der
noun [U]
1 a garden plant or bush with bunches of purple flowers with a sweet smell
2 the flowers of the lavender plant that have been dried, used for making sheets, clothes, etc. smell nice: lavender oil
3 a pale purple colour
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lav.ish
adj., verb
adj.
1 large in amount, or impressive, and usually costing a lot of money
SYN EXTRAVAGANT : lavish gifts / costumes / celebrations  They lived a very lavish lifestyle.
2 ~ (with / in sth) giving or doing sth generously: He was lavish in his praise for her paintings.
lav.ish.ly adv.: lavishly decorated / illustrated

verb
PVR V 'lavish sth on / upon sb/sth (written) to give a lot of sth, often too much, to sb/sth: She lavishes most of her attention on her youngest son.

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law
noun
SYSTEM OF RULES|
1 (also the law) [U] the whole system of rules that everyone in a country or society must obey: If they entered the building they would be breaking the law .  In Sweden it is against the law to hit a child.  Defence attorneys can use any means within the law to get their client off.  British schools are now required by law to publish their exam results.  The reforms have recently become law .  Do not think you are above the law (= think that you cannot be punished by the law).  the need for better law enforcement    (humorous) Kate’s word was law in the Brown household.
2 [U] a particular branch of the law: company / tax law  He specializes in international law.—see also CANON LAW , CASE LAW , CIVIL LAW , COMMON LAW , PRIVATE LAW , STATUTE LAW
ONE RULE|
3 [C] ~ (on sth)| ~ (against sth) a rule that deals with a particular crime, agreement, etc: the 1996 law against the hiring of illegal immigrants  The government has introduced some tough new laws on food hygiene.  strict gun / licensing laws  a federal / state law  to pass a law (= officially make it part of the law)   (spoken) There ought to be a law against it!—see also BY-LAW , LICENSING LAWS
SUBJECT / PROFESSION|
4 [U] the study of the law as a subject at university, etc.; the profession of being a lawyer: Jane is studying law.   (AmE) He’s in law school.   (BrE) He’s at law school.  What made you go into law?  a law firm
POLICE|
5 (the law) [sing.] used to refer to the police and the legal system: Jim is always getting into trouble with the law.  She was well known for her brushes with the law.
OF ORGANIZATION / ACTIVITY|
6 [C] one of the rules which controls an organization or activity: the laws of the Church  The first law of kung fu is to defend.  the laws of cricket
OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR|
7 [C] a rule for good behaviour or how you should behave in a particular place or situation: moral laws  the unspoken laws of the street
IN BUSINESS / NATURE / SCIENCE|
8 [C] the fact that sth always happens in the same way in an activity or in nature: the laws of supply and demand  the law of gravity
9 [C] a scientific rule that sb has stated to explain a natural process: the first law of thermodynamics—see also MURPHY’S LAW , PARKINSON’S LAW , SOD’S LAW , LEGAL , LEGALIZE , LEGISLATE be a law unto your'self to behave in an independent way and ignore rules or what other people want you to do: Boys of that age are a law unto themselves. go to 'law (BrE) to ask a court of law to settle a problem or disagreement: They went to law to get back their property. ,law and 'order a situation in which people obey the law and behave in a peaceful way: The government struggled to maintain law and order.  After the riots, the military was brought in to restore law and order.  They claim to be the party of law and order. the ,law of 'averages the principle that one thing will happen as often as another if you try enough times: Keep applying and by the law of averages you’ll get a job sooner or later. the ,law of the 'jungle a situation in which people are prepared to harm other people in order to succeed lay down the 'law to tell sb what they should or should not do, in a forceful way take the law into your own 'hands to do sth illegal in order to punish sb for doing sth wrong, instead of letting the police deal with them there’s no 'law against sth (spoken) used to tell sb who is criticizing you that you are not doing anything wrong: I’ll sing if I want to—there’s no law against it.—more at LETTER n. , RULE n. , WRONG adj.
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'law-abiding
adj. obeying and respecting the law: law-abiding citizens
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law.break.er
noun a person who does not obey the law
law.break.ing noun [U]
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'law court
noun (BrE ) = COURT OF LAW   note at COURT
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law.ful
adj. (formal) allowed or recognized by law; legal: his lawful heir / wife  Can an act that causes death ever be lawful?
OPP UNLAWFUL
law.ful.ly adv.: a lawfully elected government
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law.less
adj.
1 (of a country or an area) where laws do not exist or are not obeyed: lawless streets  the lawless days of the revolution
2 (of people or their actions) without respect for the law: lawless gangs
law.less.ness noun [U]
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'law lord
noun (BrE ) a member of the British House of Lords who is qualified to perform its legal work
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law.maker
noun a person in government who makes the laws of a country
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lawn
noun
1 [C] an area of ground covered in short grass in a garden/yard or park, or used for playing a game: In summer we have to mow the lawn twice a week.  a croquet lawn—picture at HOUSE
2 [U] a fine cotton or LINEN fabric used for making clothes
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'lawn bowling
noun [U] (AmE ) = BOWLS
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lawn.mow.er
(also mower) noun a machine for cutting the grass on LAWNS
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,lawn 'tennis
noun [U] (formal) = TENNIS
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law.suit
(also suit) noun a claim or complaint against sb that a person or an organization can make in a court of law: He filed a lawsuit against his record company.
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law.yer
noun a person who is trained and qualified to advise people about the law and to represent them in a court of law, and to write legal documents
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lax
adj. (disapproving) not strict, severe or careful enough about work, rules or standards of behaviour: lax security / discipline  a lax attitude to health and safety regulations
lax.ity noun [U]
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laxa.tive
noun a medicine, food or drink that makes sb empty their bowels easily
laxa.tive adj.
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lay
verb, adj., noun —see also LIE v.
verb (laid, laid )
PUT DOWN / SPREAD|
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to put sb/sth in a particular position, especially when it is done gently or carefully: [vn] She laid the baby down gently on the bed.  He laid a hand on my arm.  The horse laid back its ears.  Relatives laid wreaths on the grave.  [vn-adj] The cloth should be laid flat.
HELP Some speakers confuse this sense of lay with lie, especially in the present and progressive tenses. However, lay has an object and lie does not: She was lying on the beach.  She was laying on the beach.  Why don’t you lie on the bed?  Why don’t you lay on the bed? In the past tenses laid (from lay) is often wrongly used for lay or lain (from lie): She had lain there all night.  She had laid there all night.
2 [vn] ~ sth (down) to put sth down, especially on the floor, ready to be used: to lay a carpet / cable / pipe  The foundations of the house are being laid today.   (figurative) They had laid the groundwork for future development.
3 [vn] ~ A (on / over B)| ~ B with A to spread sth on sth; to cover sth with a layer of sth: Before they started they laid newspaper on the floor.  The floor was laid with newspaper.  The grapes were laid to dry on racks.
EGGS|
4 if a bird, an insect, a fish, etc. lays eggs, it produces them from its body: [vn] The cuckoo lays its eggs in other birds' nests.  new-laid eggs  [v] The hens are not laying well (= not producing many eggs).
TABLE|
5 [vn] (BrE) to arrange knives, forks, plates, etc. on a table ready for a meal
SYN SET : to lay the table
PRESENT PROPOSAL|
6 [vn] to present a proposal, some information, etc. to sb for them to think about and decide on: The bill was laid before Parliament.
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
7 [vn] (formal) to put sb/sth in a particular position or state, especially a difficult or unpleasant one: to lay a responsibility / burden on sb  to lay sb under an obligation to do sth
WITH NOUNS|
8 [vn] used with a noun to form a phrase that has the same meaning as the verb related to the noun: to lay the blame on sb (= to blame sb)  Our teacher lays great stress on good spelling (= stresses it strongly).
PLAN / TRAP|
9 [vn] to prepare sth in detail: to lay a trap for sb  She began to lay her plans for her escape.  Bad weather can upset even the best-laid plans.
HAVE SEX|
10 [vn] [often passive] ( , slang) to have sex with sb: He went out hoping to get laid that night.
FIRE|
11 [vn] to prepare a fire by arranging wood, sticks or coal
BET|
12 to bet money on sth; to place a bet: [vn] to lay a bet  She had laid $100 on the favourite.  [vnn, vn (that)] [no passive] I’ll lay you any money you like (that) he won’t come. Idioms containing lay are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example lay sth bare is at bare.  ,lay a'bout sb (with sth) (BrE) to attack sb violently: The gang laid about him with sticks. ,lay a'bout you / yourself (with sth) (BrE) to hit sb/sth without control or move your arms or legs violently in all directions: She laid about herself with her stick to keep the dogs off. ,lay sth<->a'side (formal)
1 to put sth on one side and not use it or think about it: He laid aside his book and stood up.   (figurative) Doctors have to lay their personal feelings aside.
2 (also ,lay sth 'by) to keep sth to use, or deal with later: They had laid money aside for their old age. ,lay sth<->'down to put sth down or stop using it: She laid the book down on the table.  Both sides were urged to lay down their arms (= stop fighting). ,lay sth 'down
1 (formal) to stop doing a job, etc: to lay down your office / duties
2 if you lay down a rule or a principle, you state officially that people must obey it or use it: You can’t lay down hard and fast rules. [+ that] It is laid down that all candidates must submit three copies of their dissertation.
3 [usually passive] to produce sth that is stored and gradually increases: If you eat too much, the surplus is laid down as fat. ,lay sth<->'in / 'up to collect and store sth to use in the future: to lay in food supplies ,lay 'into sb/sth (informal) to attack sb violently with blows or words: His parents really laid into him for wasting so much money. ,lay 'off| ,lay 'off sb/sth (informal, spoken) used to tell sb to stop doing sth: Lay off me will you—it’s nothing to do with me. [+ -ing] Lay off bullying Jack. ,lay 'off sth (informal) to stop using sth: I think you’d better lay off fatty foods for a while. ,lay sb<->'off to stop employing sb because there is not enough work for them to do MAKE SB REDUNDANT —related noun LAY-OFF ,lay sth<->'on (BrE, informal) to provide sth for sb, especially food or entertainment: to lay on food and drink  A bus has been laid on to take guests to the airport. ,lay sth 'on sb to make sb have to deal with sth unpleasant or difficult: Stop laying a guilt trip on me (= making me feel guilty). ,lay sb<->'out
1 to knock sb unconscious
2 to prepare a dead body to be buried ,lay sth<->'out
1 to spread sth out so that it can be seen easily or is ready to use: He laid the map out on the table. [+adj] Lay the material out flat.
2 [often passive] to plan how sth should look and arrange it in this way: The gardens were laid out with lawns, flower beds and fountains.  a well laid out magazine—related noun LAYOUT
3 to present a plan, an argument, etc. clearly and carefully
SYN SET OUT : All the terms and conditions are laid out in the contract.
4 (informal) to spend money: I had to lay out a fortune on a new car.—related noun OUTLAY ,lay 'over (at / in … ) (AmE) to stay somewhere for a short time during a long journey—related noun LAYOVER —see also STOP OVER ,lay sb 'up [usually passive] if sb is laid up, they are unable to work, etc. because of an illness or injury: She’s laid up with a broken leg. ,lay sth <->'up
1 = LAY STH IN
2 if you lay up problems or trouble for yourself, you do sth that will cause you problems later
3 to stop using a ship or other vehicle while it is being repaired

adj. [only before noun]
1 not having expert knowledge or professional qualifications in a particular subject: His book explains the theory for the lay public.
2 not in an official position in the Church: a lay preacher—see also LAYMAN , LAYWOMAN , LAYPERSON

noun
1 ( , slang) a partner in sex, especially a woman: an easy lay (= a person who is ready and willing to have sex)  to be a great lay
2 (old use) a poem that was written to be sung, usually telling a story the ,lay of the 'land (AmE) = THE LIE OF THE LAND

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lay.about
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a lazy person who does not do much work
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lay.away
noun [U] (AmE ) a system of buying goods in a store, where the customer pays a small amount of the price for an article and the store keeps the goods until the full price has been paid: I’ll put it on layaway.
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'lay-by
noun (BrE ) an area at the side of a road where vehicles may stop for a short time—compare REST AREA
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layer
noun, verb
noun
1 a quantity or thickness of sth that lies over a surface or between surfaces: A thin layer of dust covered everything.  How many layers of clothing are you wearing?
2 a level or part within a system or set of ideas: There were too many layers of management in the company.  the layers of meaning in the poem

verb [vn] [often passive] to arrange sth in layers: Layer the potatoes and onions in a dish.  Her hair had been layered (= cut to several different lengths).—picture at HAIR

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lay.ette
noun a set of clothes and other things for a new baby
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lay.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also lay.per.son)
1 a person who does not have expert knowledge of a particular subject: a book written for professionals and laymen alike  to explain sth in layman’s terms (= in simple language)
2 a person who is a member of a Church but is not a priest or member of the CLERGY —see also LAYWOMAN
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'lay-off
noun
1 an act of making people unemployed because there is no more work left for them to do: lay-offs in the factory
2 a period of time when sb is not working or not doing sth that they normally do regularly: an eight-week lay-off with a broken leg
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lay.out
noun [usually sing.] the way in which the parts of sth such as the page of a book, a garden or a building are arranged: the layout of streets  the magazine’s attractive new page layout
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lay.over
noun (AmE ) = STOPOVER
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lay.per.son
noun (also 'lay person) (pl.lay people or lay.persons) a LAYMAN or LAYWOMAN : The layperson cannot really understand mental illness.
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lay.woman
noun (pl.-women ) (rare) a woman who is a member of a Church but is not a priest or a member of the CLERGY —see also LAYMAN , LAYPERSON
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laze
verb [v] ~ (about / around) to relax and do very little: We lazed by the pool all day.  I’ve spent the afternoon just lazing around.
PVR V 'laze sth<->away to spend time relaxing and doing very little: They lazed away the long summer days.
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lazy
adj. (lazi.er, lazi.est)
1 (disapproving) unwilling to work or be active; doing as little as possible: He was not stupid, just lazy.  I was feeling too lazy to go out.
2 not involving much energy or activity; slow and relaxed: We spent a lazy day on the beach.
3 (disapproving) showing a lack of effort or care: a lazy piece of work
4 (literary) moving slowly: the lazy river
lazi.ly adv.: She woke up and stretched lazily.
lazi.ness noun [U]
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lazy.bones
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) used to refer to a lazy person: Come on, lazybones, get up!
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lb
(AmElb.) abbr. (pl.lb or lbs) a pound in weight, equal to about 454 grams (from Latin ‘libra’).
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lbw
abbr. (in cricket) leg before wicket (a reason for a BATSMAN being out (= having to stop BATTING ), because the ball has hit his or her leg instead of hitting the bat, and would have hit the WICKET if the leg had not stopped it)
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LCD
abbr.
1 liquid crystal display (a way of showing information in electronic equipment. An electric current is passed through a special liquid and numbers and letters can be seen on a small screen.): a pocket calculator with LCD
2 LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR
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LEA
abbr. Local Education Authority (a department responsible for education in British local government)
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leach
verb (technical )
1 [v] ~ (from sth) (into sth)| ~ out / away (of chemicals, minerals, etc.) to be removed from soil, etc. by water passing through it: Nitrates leach from the soil into rivers.
2 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (into sth)| ~ sth out / away (of a liquid) to remove chemicals, minerals, etc. from soil: The nutrient is quickly leached away.
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lead^1
verb, noun —see also LEAD^2
verb (led, led )
SHOW THE WAY|
1 to go with or in front of a person or an animal to show the way or to make them go in the right direction: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : He led us out into the grounds.  The receptionist led the way to the boardroom.  She led the horse back into the stable.   (figurative) I tried to lead the discussion back to the main issue.  [v] If you lead, I’ll follow.
CONNECT TWO THINGS|
2 [v] ~ from / to sth (to / from sth) to connect one object or place to another: the pipe leading from the top of the water tank  The wire led to a speaker.
OF ROAD / PATH / DOOR|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to go in a particular direction or to a particular place: [v] A path led up the hill.  Which door leads to the yard?  [vn] The track led us through a wood.
CAUSE|
4 [v] ~ to sth to have sth as a result: Eating too much sugar can lead to health problems.
5 ~ sb (to sth) to be the reason why sb does or thinks sth: [vn] What led you to this conclusion?  He’s too easily led (= easily persuaded to do or think sth).  [vn to inf] This has led scientists to speculate on the existence of other galaxies.  The situation is far worse than we had been led to believe .
LIFE|
6 [vn] to have a particular type of life: to lead a quiet life / a life of luxury / a miserable existence
BE BEST / FIRST|
7 ~ (sb/sth) (in sth) to be the best at sth; to be in first place: [vn] The department led the world in cancer research.  We lead the way in space technology.  [v, vn] The champion is leading (her nearest rival) by 18 seconds.
BE IN CONTROL|
8 to be in control of sth; to be the leader of sth: [vn] to lead an army / an expedition  to lead a discussion  Who will lead the party in the next election? [alsov]
IN CARD GAMES|
9 to play first; to play sth as your first card: [v] It’s your turn to lead.  [vn] to lead trumps / the ten of clubs lead sb by the 'nose to make sb do everything you want; to control sb completely lead (sb) nowhere to have no successful result for sb: This discussion is leading us nowhere. lead sb a (merry) 'dance (BrE) to cause sb a lot of trouble or worry lead from the 'front to take an active part in what you are telling or persuading others to do lead sb up / down the garden 'path to deceive sb—more at BLIND adj. , THING ,lead 'off (from) sth to start at a place and go away from it: narrow streets leading off from the main square ,lead 'off| ,lead sth<->'off to start sth: Who would like to lead off the debate? ,lead sb 'on (informal) to deceive sb and make them believe sth, especially that you love them or find them attractive ,lead 'up to sth to be an introduction to or the cause of sth: the weeks leading up to the exam  the events leading up to the strike 'lead with sth
1 (of a newspaper) to have sth as the main item of news
2 (in boxing) to use a particular hand to begin an attack: to lead with your right / left

noun
FIRST PLACE|
1 (the lead) [sing.] the position ahead of everyone else in a race or competition: She took the lead in the second lap.  He has gone into the lead .  The Democrats now appear to be in the lead .  to hold / lose the lead  The lead car is now three minutes ahead of the rest of the field.
2 [sing.] ~ (over sb/sth) the amount or distance that sb/sth is in front of sb/sth else: He managed to hold a lead of two seconds over his closest rival.  The polls have given Labour a five-point lead.  a commanding / comfortable lead  to increase / widen your lead  Manchester lost their early two-goal lead.
EXAMPLE|
3 [sing.] an example or action for people to copy: If one bank raises interest rates, all the others will follow their lead .  If we take the lead in this (= start to act), others may follow.  You go first, I’ll take my lead from you.
INFORMATION|
4 [C] a piece of information that may help to find out the truth or facts about a situation, especially a crime: The police will follow up all possible leads .
ACTOR / MUSICIAN|
5 [C] the main part in a play, film/movie, etc.; the person who plays this part: Who is playing the lead ?  the male / female lead  a lead role  the lead singer in a band
FOR DOG|
6 (BrE) (also leashAmE, BrE) [C] a long piece of leather, chain or rope used for holding and controlling a dog: Dogs must be kept on a lead in the park.
FOR ELECTRICITY|
7 [C] (BrE) a long piece of wire, usually covered in plastic, that is used to connect a piece of electrical equipment to a source of electricity—see also EXTENSION LEAD , JUMP LEAD

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lead^2
noun —see also LEAD^1
1 [U] (symbPb) a chemical element. Lead is a heavy soft grey metal, used especially in the past for water pipes or to cover roofs.
2 [C, U] the thin black part of a pencil that marks paper—picture at STATIONERY
IDM go ,down like a lead bal'loon (informal) to be very unsuccessful; to not be accepted by people
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lead.ed
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of petrol, metal, etc.) with lead added to it
OPP UNLEADED
2 with a cover or a frame of lead : a leaded door / roof
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,leaded 'light
(also ,leaded 'window) noun [usually pl.] (BrE ) a window made from small pieces of glass that are arranged in diamond shapes and are separated by strips of LEAD
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lead.en
adj. (literary)
1 dull grey in colour, like LEAD : leaden skies
2 dull, heavy or slow: a leaden heart (= because you are sad)  On leaden feet he made his way down the stairs.
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lead.er
noun
1 a person who leads a group of people, especially the head of a country, an organization, etc: a political / spiritual leader  the leader of the Conservative party  union leaders  He was not a natural leader .  She’s a born leader .
2 a person or thing that is the best, or in first place in a race, business, etc: She was among the leaders of the race from the start.  The company is a world leader in electrical goods.—see also MARKET LEADER
3 (BrE) (also con.cert.masterAmE, BrE) the most important violin player in an orchestra
4 (BrE) = EDITORIAL
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lead.er.less
adj. without a leader: Her sudden death left the party leaderless.
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lead.er.ship
noun
1 [U] the state or position of being a leader: a leadership contest  The party thrived under his leadership .
2 [U] the ability to be a leader or the qualities a good leader should have: leadership qualities / skills  Strong leadership is needed to captain the team.
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of leaders of a particular organization, etc: The party leadership is / are divided.
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lead-free
adj. (of petrol, paint, etc.) without any of the metal LEAD added to it
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lead-in
noun an introduction to a subject, story, show, etc.
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lead.ing
adj. [only before noun] most important or most successful
SYN MAIN : leading politicians / experts  She was offered the leading role in the new TV series.
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,leading 'article
(also lead.er) noun (both BrE ) = EDITORIAL
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,leading 'edge
noun
1 [sing.] the most important and advanced position in an area of activity, especially technology: at the leading edge of scientific research
2 [C] (technical) the front or forward edge of sth, especially an aircraft—picture at PLANE
,leading-'edge adj. [only before noun]: leading-edge technology
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,leading 'lady, ,leading 'man
noun the actor with the main female or male part in a play or film/movie
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,leading 'light
noun an important, active or respected person in a particular area of activity: She’s one of the leading lights in the opera world.
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,leading 'question
noun a question that you ask in a particular way in order to get the answer you want
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lead shot
noun = SHOT
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lead story
noun the main or first item of news in a newspaper, magazine or news broadcast
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lead time
noun the time between starting and completing a production process
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leaf
noun, verb
noun (pl.leaves )
1 [C] a flat green part of a plant, growing from a stem or branch or from the root: lettuce / cabbage / oak leaves  The trees are just coming into leaf .  the dead leaves of autumn / the fall—see also BAY LEAF , FIG LEAF —picture at PLANT
2 (-leaf, -leafed, -leaved) (in adjectives) having leaves of the type or number mentioned: a four-leaf clover  a broad-leaved plant
3 [C] a sheet of paper, especially a page in a book—see also FLYLEAF , LOOSE-LEAF , OVERLEAF
4 [U] metal, especially gold or silver, in the form of very thin sheets: gold leaf
5 [C] a part of a table that can be lifted up or pulled into position in order to make the table bigger
IDM take a leaf from / out of sb’s 'book to copy sb’s behaviour and do things in the same way that they do, because they are successful—more at NEW

verb
PVR V 'leaf through sth to quickly turn over the pages of a book, etc. without reading them or looking at them carefully

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leaf.less
adj. having no leaves
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leaf.let
noun, verb
noun a printed sheet of paper or a few printed pages that are given free of charge to advertise or give information about sth: a leaflet on local places of interest

verb to give out leaflets to people: [v] We did a lot of leafleting in the area. [alsovn]

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'leaf mould
(BrE ) (AmE'leaf mold) noun [U] soil consisting mostly of dead, decayed leaves
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leafy
adj.
1 having a lot of leaves: Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables.
2 (approving) (of a place) having a lot of trees and plants: leafy suburbs
3 made by a lot of leaves or trees: We sat in the leafy shade of an oak tree.
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league
noun
1 a group of people, or nations who have combined for a particular purpose: the League of Nations  a meeting of the Women’s League for Peace—see also IVY LEAGUE
2 a group of sports teams who all play each other to earn points and find which team is best: major league baseball  United were league champions last season.
3 (informal) a level of quality, ability, etc: As a painter, he is in a league of his own (= much better than others).  They’re in a different league from us.  When it comes to cooking, I’m not in her league (= she is much better than me).  A house like that is out of our league (= too expensive for us).
4 (old use) a unit for measuring distance, equal to about 3 miles or 4 000 metres
IDM in 'league (with sb) making secret plans with sb
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leak
verb, noun
verb
1 to allow liquid or gas to get in or out through a small hole or crack: [v] a leaking pipe  The roof was leaking.  [vn] The tank had leaked a small amount of water.
2 [v] (of a liquid or gas) to get in or out through a small hole or crack in sth: Water had started to leak into the cellar.
3 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to give secret information to the public, for example by telling a newspaper: The contents of the report were leaked to the press.  a leaked document
PVR V ,leak 'out (of secret information) to become known to the public: Details of the plan soon leaked out.

noun
1 a small hole or crack that lets liquid or gas flow in or out of sth by accident: a leak in the roof  a leak in the gas pipe
2 liquid or gas that escapes through a hole in sth: a gas / radiation leak  oil leaks / leaks of oil
3 a deliberate act of giving secret information to the newspapers, etc: a leak to the press about the government plans on tax
4 (slang) an act of passing URINE from the body: to have / take a leak
IDM see SPRING v.

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leak.age
noun [C, U] an amount of liquid or gas escaping through a hole in sth; an occasion when there is a leak : a leakage of toxic waste into the sea  Check bottles for leakage before use.
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leaky
adj. having holes or cracks that allow liquid or gas to escape: a leaky roof / tent / tap
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lean
verb, adj., noun
verb (leaned, leaned) (BrE also leant, leant )
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to bend or move from an upright position: I leaned back in my chair.  The tower is leaning dangerously.  A man was leaning out of the window.
2 [v] ~ against / on sth to rest on or against sth for support: A shovel was leaning against the wall.  She walked slowly, leaning on her son’s arm.
3 [vn] ~ sth against / on sth to make sth rest against sth in a sloping position: Can I lean my bike against the wall?
IDM see BACKWARDS
PVR V 'lean on sb/sth
1 to depend on sb/sth for help and support: He leans heavily on his family.
2 to try to influence sb by threatening them: The government has been leaning on the TV company not to broadcast the show. 'lean to / towards / toward sth to have a tendency to prefer sth, especially a particular opinion or interest: The UK leant towards the US proposal.

adj. (lean.er, lean.est)
1 (usually approving) (of people, especially men, or animals) without much flesh; thin and fit: a lean, muscular body  He was tall, lean and handsome.
2 (of meat) containing little or no fat
3 [usually before noun] (of a period of time) difficult and not producing much money, food, etc: a lean period / spell  The company recovered well after going through several lean years.
4 (of organizations, etc.) strong and efficient because the number of employees has been reduced: The changes made the company leaner and more competitive.
lean.ness noun [U]

noun [U] the part of meat that has little or no fat

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lean.ing
noun [usually pl.] ~ (toward(s) sth) a tendency to prefer sth or to believe in particular ideas, opinions, etc.
SYN INCLINATION : a leaning towards comedy rather than tragedy  a person with socialist leanings
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'lean-to
noun (pl.-tos ) a small building with its roof leaning against the side of a large building, wall or fence: a lean-to garage
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leap
verb, noun
verb (leapt, leapt ) or (leaped, leaped)
1 to jump high or a long way: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A dolphin leapt out of the water.  We leapt over the stream.  [vn] The horse leapt a five-foot wall.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move or do sth suddenly and quickly: She leapt out of bed.  He leapt across the room to answer the door.  I leapt to my feet (= stood up quickly).  They leapt into action immediately.   (figurative) She was quick to leap to my defence (= speak in support of me).  The photo seemed to leap off the page (= it got your attention immediately).  His name leapt out at me (= I saw it immediately).
3 [v] to increase suddenly and by a large amount: Shares leapt in value from 476p to close at 536p.
IDM ,look before you 'leap (saying) used to advise sb to think about the possible results or dangers of sth before doing it—more at CONCLUSION , HEART
PVR V 'leap at sth to accept a chance or an opportunity quickly and with enthusiasm: I leapt at the chance to go to France.

noun
1 a long or high jump: a leap of six metres  She took a flying leap and landed on the other side of the stream.   (figurative) His heart gave a sudden leap when he saw her.   (figurative) Few people successfully make the leap from television to the movies.
2 a sudden large change or increase in sth: a leap in profits / productivity—see also QUANTUM LEAP
IDM by / in ,leaps and 'bounds very quickly; in large amounts: Her health has improved in leaps and bounds. a leap in the 'dark an action or a risk that you take without knowing anything about the activity or what the result will be

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leap.frog
noun, verb
noun [U] a children’s game in which players take turns to jump over the backs of other players who are bending down

verb (-gg-) to get to a higher position or rank by going past sb else or by missing out some stages: [vn] The win allowed Newcastle to leapfrog three teams to gain second place. [alsov]

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'leap year
noun one year in every four years when February has 29 days instead of 28
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learn
verb (learnt, learnt ) or (learned, learned)
1 ~ (sth) (from sb/sth) to gain knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, from being taught, etc: [vn] to learn a language / a musical instrument / a skill  I learned a lot from my father.  You can learn a great deal just from watching other players.  [v] She’s very keen to learn about Japanese culture.  The book is about how children learn.  [v to inf, v wh-] He’s learning to dance.  He’s still learning how to dance.  [v wh-] Today we learnt how to use the new software.  note at DISCOVER
2 ~ (of / about) sth to become aware of sth by hearing about it from sb else: [v] I learnt of her arrival from a close friend.  [v (that)] We were very surprised to learn (that) she had got married again.  [v wh-] We only learned who the new teacher was a few days ago.  [vn] How did they react when they learned the news? [alsovn that]
3 [vn] to study and repeat sth in order to be able to remember it
SYN MEMORIZE : We have to learn one of Hamlet’s speeches for school tomorrow.
4 ~ (from sth) to gradually change your attitudes about sth so that you behave in a different way: [v] I’m sure she’ll learn from her mistakes.  [v (that)] He’ll just have to learn (that) he can’t always have his own way.  [v to inf] I soon learned not to ask too many questions.
IDM ,learn (sth) the 'hard way to find out how to behave by learning from your mistakes or from unpleasant experiences, rather than from being told learn your 'lesson to learn what to do or not to do in the future because you have had a bad experience in the past—more at COST n. , LIVE^1 , ROPE n.
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learn.ed
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (formal) having a lot of knowledge because you have studied and read a lot: a learned professor—see also FRIEND (5)
2 (formal) connected with or for learned people; showing and expressing deep knowledge
SYN SCHOLARLY : a learned journal
3 developed by training or experience; not existing at birth: a learned skill  We all have different learned responses to anger.
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learn.er
noun
1 a person who is finding out about a subject or how to do sth: a slow / quick learner  a dictionary for learners of English  learner-centred teaching methods
2 (also ,learner 'driver) a person who is learning to drive a car: Learners are not allowed on the motorway.
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'learner’s permit
noun (AmE ) = PROVISIONAL LICENCE
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learn.ing
noun [U]
1 the process of learning sth: computer-assisted learning
2 knowledge that you get from reading and studying: a woman of great learning
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'learning curve
noun the rate at which you learn a new subject or a new skill; the process of learning from the mistakes you make
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'learning difficulties
noun [pl.] mental problems that people may have from birth, or that may be caused by illness or injury, that affect their ability to learn things
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lease
noun, verb
noun a legal agreement that allows you to use a building, a piece of equipment or some land for a period of time, usually in return for rent: to take out a lease on a flat  The lease expires / runs out next year.  Under the terms of the lease, you have to pay maintenance charges.
IDM a (,new) lease of 'life (BrE) (AmE a (,new) lease on 'life) the chance to live or last longer, or with a better quality of life: Since her hip operation she’s had a new lease of life.

verb ~ sth (from sb)| ~ sth (out) (to sb) to use or let sb use sth, especially property or equipment, in exchange for rent or a regular payment: [vn] They lease the land from a local farmer.  We lease all our photocopy equipment.  Parts of the building are leased out to tenants. [alsovnn]
leas.ing noun [U]: car leasing  a leasing company

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lease.back
(AmE also re.ver.sion) noun [U] (law ) the process of allowing the former owner of a property to continue to use it if they pay rent to the new owner; a legal agreement where this happens
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lease.hold
adj., noun
adj. (especially BrE ) (of property or land) that can be used for a limited period of time, according to the arrangements in a LEASE : a leasehold property
lease.hold adv.: to purchase land leasehold—compare FREEHOLD

noun [U] (especially BrE ) the right to use a building or a piece of land according to the arrangements in a LEASE : to obtain / own the leasehold of a flat—compare FREEHOLD

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lease.hold.er
noun (especially BrE ) a person who is allowed to use a building or a piece of land according to the arrangements in a LEASE —compare FREEHOLDER
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leash
noun, verb
noun (especially AmE ) = LEAD (6) : All dogs must be kept on a leash in public places.
IDM see STRAIN v.

verb [vn] to control an animal, especially a dog, with a LEAD/LEASH

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least
det., pron., adv.
det., pron. (usually the least) smallest in size, amount, degree, etc: He’s the best teacher, even though he has the least experience.  She never had the least idea what to do about it.  He gave (the) least of all towards the wedding present.  How others see me is the least of my worries (= I have more important things to worry about).  It’s the least I can do to help (= I feel I should do more).
IDM at the (very) 'least used after amounts to show that the amount is the lowest possible: It’ll take a year, at the very least. ,not in the 'least not at all: Really, I’m not in the least tired.  ‘Do you mind if I put the television on?’‘No, not in the least.’—more at SAY v.

adv. to the smallest degree: He always turns up just when you least expect him.  She chose the least expensive of the hotels.  I never hid the truth, least of all from you.
IDM at 'least
1 not less than: It’ll cost at least 500 dollars.  She must be at least 40.  Cut the grass at least once a week in summer.  I’ve known her at least as long as you have.
2 used to add a positive comment about a negative situation: She may be slow but at least she’s reliable.
3 even if nothing else is true or you do nothing else: You could at least listen to what he says.  Well, at least they weren’t bored.
4 used to limit or make what you have just said less definite
SYN ANYWAY : They seldom complained—officially at least.  It works, at least I think it does. not 'least (written) especially: The documentary caused a lot of bad feeling, not least among the workers whose lives it described.—more at LAST adv. , LINE n. , SAY v.

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lea.ther
noun
1 [U, C] material made by removing the hair or fur from animal skins and preserving the skins using special processes: a leather jacket / briefcase  The soles are made of leather.  a leather-bound book
2 (leathers) [pl.] clothes made from leather , especially those worn by people riding motorcycles—see also CHAMOIS LEATHER , PATENT LEATHER
IDM see HELL
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lea.ther.ette
noun [U] an artificial material that looks and feels like leather
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lea.thery
adj. that looks or feels hard and TOUGH like leather: leathery skin
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leave
verb, noun
verb (left, left )
PLACE / PERSON|
1 to go away from a person or a place: [v] Come on, it’s time we left.  The plane leaves for Dallas at 12.35.  [vn] I hate leaving home.  The plane leaves Heathrow at 12.35.
HOME / JOB / SCHOOL|
2 to stop living at a place, belonging to a group, working for an employer, etc: [v] My secretary has threatened to leave.  [vn] Some children leave school at 16.
WIFE / HUSBAND|
3 [vn] ~ sb (for sb) to leave your wife, husband or partner permanently: She’s leaving him for another man.
STH TO DO LATER|
4 [vn] to not do sth or deal with sth immediately: Leave the dishes—I’ll wash them up later.  Why do you always leave everything until the last moment?
SB / STH IN CONDITION / PLACE|
5 to make or allow sb/sth to remain in a particular condition, place, etc: [vn-adj] Leave the door open, please.  The bomb blast left 25 people dead.  [vn -ing] Don’t leave her waiting outside in the rain.  [vn to inf] Leave the rice to cook for 20 minutes. [alsovn]
6 to make sth happen or remain as a result: [vn] Red wine leaves a stain.  The puppy left a trail of destruction behind it.  She left me with the impression that she was unhappy with her job.  [vnn] I’m afraid you leave me no choice.
7 (be left) [vn] to remain to be used, sold, etc: Is there any coffee left?  How many tickets do you have left?   (figurative) They are fighting to save what is left of their business.  The only course of action left to me was to notify her employer.
8 [vn] ~ sth/sb (behind) to go away from a place without taking sb/sth with you: I’ve left my bag on the bus.  Don’t leave any of your belongings behind.  He wasn’t well, so we had to leave him behind.
MATHEMATICS|
9 [vn] to have a particular amount remaining: Seven from ten leaves three.
AFTER DEATH|
10 [vn] to have family remaining after your death: He leaves a wife and two children.
11 to give sth to sb when you die: [vn, vnn] She left £1 million to her daughter.  She left her daughter £1 million.
RESPONSIBILITY TO SB|
12 to allow sb to take care of sth: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : You can leave the cooking to me.  She left her assistant in charge.  Leave it with me —I’m sure I can sort it out.  ‘Where shall we eat?’‘I’ll leave it entirely (up) to you (= you can decide).’  They left me with all the clearing up.  [vn to inf] I was left to cope on my own.
DELIVER|
13 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ (sb) sth to deliver sth and then go away: [vn, vnn] Someone left this note for you.  Someone left you this note. Most idioms containing leave are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example leave sb in the lurch is at lurch.  ,leave 'go (of sth) (BrE, informal) to stop holding on to sth: Leave go of my arm—you’re hurting me! leave it at 'that (informal) to say or do nothing more about sth: We’ll never agree, so let’s just leave it at that. ,leave it 'out (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb to stop doing sth ,leave sth<->a'side to not consider sth: Leaving the expense aside, do we actually need a second car? ,leave sb/sth be'hind
1 [usually passive] to make much better progress than sb: Britain is being left behind in the race for new markets.
2 to leave a person, place or state permanently: She knew that she had left childhood behind.—see also LEAVE (8) ,leave 'off (informal) to stop doing sth: Start reading from where you left off last time. [+ -ing] He left off playing the piano to answer the door. ,leave sb/sth<->'off (sth) to not include sb/sth on a list, etc: You’ve left off a zero.  We left him off the list. ,leave sb/sth 'out (of sth) to not include or mention sb/sth in sth: Leave me out of this quarrel, please.  He hadn’t been asked to the party and was feeling very left out.  She left out an ‘m’ in ‘accommodation’. be ,left 'over (from sth) to remain when all that is needed has been used: There was lots of food left over.—related noun LEFTOVER

noun [U]
1 a period of time when you are allowed to be away from work for a holiday/vacation or for a special reason: to take a month’s paid / unpaid leave  soldiers home on leave   to be on maternity / study leave  How much annual leave do you get?—see also COMPASSIONATE LEAVE , SICK LEAVE
2 ~ (to do sth) (formal) official permission to do sth: to be absent without leave   The court granted him leave to appeal against the sentence.  She asked for leave of absence (= permission to be away from work) to attend a funeral. ,by / ,with your 'leave (formal) with your permission take (your) 'leave (of sb) (formal) to say goodbye: With a nod and a smile, she took leave of her friends. without a ,by your 'leave; without so much as a ,by your 'leave (old-fashioned) without asking permission; rudely—more at BEG , FRENCH

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-leaved
LEAF
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leaven
noun, verb
noun [U] a substance, especially YEAST , that is added to bread before it is cooked to make it rise: (figurative) A few jokes add leaven to a boring speech.

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to make sth more interesting or cheerful by adding sth to it: Her speech was leavened with a touch of humour.

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leav.er
noun (often in compounds) a person who is leaving a place: school-leavers
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leaves
pl. of LEAF
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'leave-taking
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal) the act of saying goodbye
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lech.er
noun (disapproving) a man who is always thinking about sex and looking for sexual pleasure
lech.ery noun [U]
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lech.er.ous
adj. (disapproving) having too much interest in sexual pleasure
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lec.tern
(AmE also po.dium) noun a stand for holding a book, notes, etc. when you are reading in church, giving a talk, etc.
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lec.ture
noun, verb
noun ~ (to sb) (on / about sth)
1 a talk that is given to a group of people to teach them about a particular subject, often as part of a university or college course: to deliver / give a lecture to first-year students  to attend a series of lectures on Jane Austen  a lecture room / hall
2 a long angry talk that sb gives to one person or a group of people because they have done sth wrong: I know I should stop smoking—don’t give me a lecture about it.

verb
1 ~ (in / on sth) [v] to give a talk or a series of talks to a group of people on a subject, especially as a way of teaching in a university or college: She lectures in Russian literature.
2 [vn] ~ sb (about / on sth)| ~ sb (about doing sth) to criticize sb or tell them how you think they should behave, especially when it is done in an annoying way: Don’t start lecturing me!  He’s always lecturing me about the way I dress.

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lec.tur.er
noun
1 a person who gives a lecture : She’s a superb lecturer.
2 (especially in Britain) a person who teaches at a university or college: He’s a lecturer in French at Oxford.
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lec.ture.ship
noun the position of lecturer at a British university or college: to take up a three-year lectureship in media studies
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'lecture theatre
(BrE ) (AmE'lecture theater) noun a large room with rows of seats on a slope, where lectures are given
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LED
abbr. light emitting diode (a device that produces a light on electrical and electronic equipment): A single red LED shows that the power is switched on.
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led

1 pt, pp of LEAD
2 (-led) (in adjectives) influenced or organized by: a consumer-led society  student-led activities
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ledge
noun
1 a narrow flat piece of rock that sticks out from a cliff: seabirds nesting on rocky ledges
2 a narrow flat shelf fixed to a wall, especially one below a window: She put the vase of flowers on the window ledge.—see also SILL
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ledger
noun a book in which a bank, a business, etc. records the money it has paid and received: to enter figures in the purchase / sales ledger
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lee
noun
1 [sing.] the side or part of sth that provides shelter against the wind: We built the house in the lee of the hill.—compare LEEWARD , WINDWARD
2 (lees) [pl.] the substance that is left at the bottom of a bottle of wine, a container of beer, etc.
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leech
noun
1 a small worm that usually lives in water and that attaches itself to other creatures and sucks their blood. Leeches were used in the past by doctors to remove blood from sick people.
2 (disapproving) a person who depends on sb else for money, or takes the profit from sb else’s work
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leek
noun a vegetable like a long onion with many layers of wide flat leaves that are white at the bottom and green at the top. Leeks are eaten cooked.—
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leer
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (at sb) to look or smile at sb in an unpleasant way that shows an evil or a sexual interest in them

noun an unpleasant look or smile that shows sb is interested in a person in an evil or a sexual way: He looked at her with an evil leer.

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leery
adj. (informal) suspicious about sth, and trying to avoid it
SYN WARY
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lee.ward
adj., noun
adj. on the side of sth that is sheltered from the wind: a harbour on the leeward side of the island
lee.ward adv.
—compare WINDWARD
noun [U] the side or direction that is sheltered from the wind: to steer leeward—compare WINDWARD

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lee.way
noun [U] the amount of freedom that you have to change sth or to do sth in the way you want to: How much leeway should parents give their children?
IDM make up 'leeway (BrE) to get out of a bad position that you are in, especially because you have lost a lot of time
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left
adj., adv., noun —see also LEAVE v.
adj. [only before noun] on the side of your body which is towards the west when you are facing north: Fewer people write with their left hand than with their right.  I broke my left leg.  There is a path along the left side of the field.  The university is on the left bank of the river.  Take a left turn at the intersection.   (sport ) a left back / wing  a left hook
OPP RIGHT
left adv.: Turn left at the intersection.  Look left and right before you cross the road.
IDM have two left 'feet (informal) to be very awkward in your movements, especially when you are dancing or playing a sport ,left, right and 'centre (also ,right, left and 'centre) (informal) in all directions; everywhere: He’s giving away money left, right and centre.—more at RIGHT adv.

noun
1 (the / sb’s left) [sing.] the left side or direction: She was sitting on my left .  Twist your body to the left, then to the right.  Take the next road on the left .  To the left of the library is the bank.
2 [sing.] (the first, second, etc. left) the first, second, etc. road on the left side: Take the first left.
3 (a left) [sing.] a turn to the left: (BrE) to take a left   (AmE) to hang / make a left
4 (the left, the Left) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] political groups who support the ideas and beliefs of SOCIALISM : The Left only has / have a small chance of winning power.  a left-leaning newspaper
5 (the left) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the part of a political party whose members are most in favour of social change: She is on the far left of the party.
6 [C] (in boxing) a blow that is made with your left hand: He hit him with two sharp lefts.
OPP RIGHT

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'left field
noun [sing.]
1 (in baseball) the left part of the field, or the position played by the person who is there
2 (AmE, informal) an opinion or a position that is strange or unusual and a long way from the normal position: The governor is way out / over in left field .
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'left-hand
adj. [only before noun]
1 on the left side of sth: the left-hand side of the street  the top left-hand corner of the page
2 connected with a person’s left hand: a tennis player with a left-hand grip  a left-hand glove
OPP RIGHT-HAND
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,left-hand 'drive
adj. (of a vehicle) with the STEERING WHEEL on the left side
OPP RIGHT-HAND DRIVE
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,left-'handed
adj.
1 (of a person) finding it easier to use the left hand to write, hit a ball, etc. than the right: a left-handed golfer  I’m left-handed.
2 (of tools, etc.) designed to be used by sb who finds it easier to use their left hand: left-handed scissors
3 (of actions, etc.) done with your left hand: a left-handed serve
,left-'handed adv.: She writes left-handed.
,left-'handed.ness noun [U]
IDM ,left-handed 'compliment (AmE) = BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT
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,left-'hander
noun a person who finds it easier to use their left hand to write, hit a ball, etc. than their right
OPP RIGHT-HANDER
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leftie
= LEFTY
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left.ist
noun a person who supports LEFT-WING political parties and their ideas
OPP RIGHTIST
left.ism noun [U]
left.ist adj.: leftist groups / views
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,left-'luggage office
(also left 'luggage) noun (both BrE ) a place where you can pay to leave bags or suitcases for a short time, for example at a station
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left.over
noun
1 [usually pl.] food that has not been eaten at the end of a meal: Everyone was hungry so there were no leftovers.
2 an object, a custom or a way of behaving that remains from an earlier time: He’s a leftover from the hippies in the 1960s.
left.over adj. [only before noun]: Use any leftover meat to make a curry.
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left.ward
(BrE also left.wards) adj. [only before noun] towards the left: a leftward swing in public opinion  to move your eyes in a leftward direction
left.ward (BrE also left.wards) adv.
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,left 'wing
noun
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the part of a political party whose members are most in favour of social change: He’s on the left wing of the Conservative Party.
2 [C, U] an attacking player or position on the left side of the field in a game of football, etc.
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,left-'wing
adj. strongly supporting the ideas of SOCIALISM : left-wing groups / politics
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,left-'winger
noun
1 a person on the LEFT WING of a political party: a Labour left-winger
2 a person who plays on the left side of the field in a game of football, etc.
OPP RIGHT-WINGER
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lefty
(also leftie) noun (pl.-ies) (informal)
1 (disapproving, especially BrE) a person who has SOCIALIST views
2 (especially AmE) a person who uses their left hand to write, hit a ball, etc.
lefty adj.: a lefty feminist lecturer
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leg
noun, verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] one of the long parts that connect the feet to the rest of the body: I broke my leg playing football.  How many legs does a centipede have?  front / back legs  forelegs / hind legs  a wooden leg—see also BOW LEGS , DADDY-LONG-LEGS , LEGGY , LEGROOM , PEG LEG , SEA LEGS —picture at BODY
MEAT|
2 [C, U] ~ (of sth) the leg of an animal, especially the top part, cooked and eaten: frogs' legs  chicken legs  roast leg of lamb
OF TROUSERS / PANTS|
3 [C] the part of a pair of trousers/pants that covers the leg : a trouser / pant leg  These jeans are too long in the leg.
OF TABLE / CHAIR|
4 [C] one of the long thin parts on the bottom of a table, chair, etc. that support it: a chair / table leg
-LEGGED|
5 (in adjectives) having the number or type of legs mentioned: a three-legged stool  a long-legged insect
HELP When -legged is used with numbers, it is nearly always pronounced ; in other adjectives it can be pronounced or .—see also CROSS-LEGGED
OF JOURNEY / RACE|
6 [C] ~ (of sth) one part of a journey or race: The final leg of the trip was by donkey.
SPORTS GAME|
7 [C] one of a series of matches played between the same opponents in a sports competition break a 'leg! (spoken) used to wish sb good luck get your 'leg over (BrE, informal) to have sex not have a ,leg to 'stand on (informal) to be in a position where you are unable to prove sth or explain why sth is reasonable: Without written evidence, we don’t have a leg to stand on.—more at ARM n. , FAST adv. , LAST adj. , PULL v. , SHAKE v. , STRETCH v. , TAIL n. , TALK v. —see also LEG-UP

verb (-gg-) 'leg it (informal, especially BrE) to run, especially in order to escape from sb: We saw the police coming and legged it down the road.

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leg.acy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 money or property that is given to you by sb when they die: They each received a legacy of £5 000.
2 a situation that exists now because of events, actions, etc. that took place in the past: The problems were made worse by the legacy of centuries of neglect.  Future generations will be left with a legacy of pollution and destruction.
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legal
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the law: the legal profession / system  to take / seek legal advice  a legal adviser  legal costs / expenses
2 allowed or required by law: The driver was more than three times over the legal limit (= the amount of alcohol you are allowed to have in your body when you are driving).  Should euthanasia be made legal?
OPP ILLEGAL   note at LAWFUL
le.gal.ly adv.: a legally binding agreement  to be legally responsible for sb/sth
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,legal 'action
noun [U] (also ,legal pro'ceedings [pl.]) the act of using the legal system to settle a disagreement, etc: to take / begin legal action against sb  They have threatened us with legal action.
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,legal 'aid
noun [U] money that is given by the government or another organization to sb who needs help to pay for legal advice or a lawyer
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le.gal.ese
noun (informal) the sort of language used in legal documents that is difficult to understand
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,legal 'holiday
noun (in the US) a public holiday that is fixed by law—compare BANK HOLIDAY
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le.gal.is.tic
adj. (disapproving) obeying the law very strictly: a legalistic approach to family disputes
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le.gal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the fact of being legal: They intended to challenge the legality of his claim in the courts.  The arrangement is of doubtful legality.
2 [C, usually pl.] the legal aspect of an action or a situation: You need a lawyer to explain all the legalities of the contracts.—compare ILLEGALITY
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le.gal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sth legal: the campaign to legalize marijuana
le.gal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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,legal pro'ceedings
noun [pl.] = LEGAL ACTION
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,legal 'tender
noun [U] money that can be legally used to pay for things in a particular country: These coins are no longer legal tender.
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leg.ate
noun the official representative of the Pope in a foreign country: a papal legate
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lega.tee
noun (law ) a person who receives money or property (= a LEGACY ) when sb dies
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le.ga.tion
noun
1 a group of DIPLOMATS representing their government in a foreign country in an office that is below the rank of an EMBASSY
2 the building where these people work
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le.gato
adj. (music ) to be played or sung in a smooth, even manner
le.gato adv. STACCATO
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le.gend
noun
1 [C, U] a story from ancient times about people and events, that may or may not be true; this type of story: the legend of Robin Hood  the heroes of Greek legend  Legend has it that the lake was formed by the tears of a god.
2 [C] a very famous person, especially in a particular field, who is admired by other people: a jazz / tennis legend  She was a legend in her own lifetime .  Many of golf’s living legends were playing.
3 [C] (technical) the explanation of a map or a diagram in a book
4 [C] (formal) a piece of writing on a sign, a label, a coin, etc.
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le.gend.ary
adj.
1 very famous and talked about a lot by people, especially in a way that shows admiration: a legendary figure  the legendary Orson Welles  Her patience and tact are legendary.
2 [only before noun] mentioned in stories from ancient times: legendary heroes—compare FABLED
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leg.gings
noun [pl.]
1 trousers/pants for women that fit tightly over the legs, made of fabric that stretches easily: a pair of leggings—
2 protective outer coverings for the legs
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leggy
adj. (informal) (especially of girls and women) having long legs: a tall leggy schoolgirl
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le.gible
adj. (of written or printed words) clear enough to read: legible handwriting  The signature was still legible.
OPP ILLEGIBLE
le.gi.bil.ity noun [U]
le.gibly adv.
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le.gion
noun, adj.
noun
1 a large group of soldiers that forms part of an army, especially the one that existed in ancient Rome: the French Foreign Legion  Caesar’s legions
2 (formal) a large number of people of one particular type: legions of photographers

adj. [not before noun] (formal) very many: The medical uses of herbs are legion.

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le.gion.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a soldier who is part of a legion
le.gion.ary adj. [only before noun]
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le.gion.naire
noun a member of a LEGION , especially the French Foreign Legion
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,legion'naires' disease
noun [U] a serious lung disease caused by bacteria, especially spread by AIR CONDITIONING and similar systems
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le.gis.late
verb [v] ~ (for / against / on sth) (formal) to make a law affecting sth: The government has been urged to legislate against discrimination in the workplace.   (figurative) You can’t legislate against bad luck!  They promised to legislate to protect people’s right to privacy.
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le.gis.la.tion
noun [U]
1 a law or a set of laws passed by a parliament: an important piece of legislation  New legislation on the sale of drugs will be introduced next year.
2 the process of making and passing laws: Legislation will be difficult and will take time.
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le.gis.la.tive
adj. [only before noun] (formal) connected with the act of making and passing laws: a legislative assembly / body / council  legislative powers / changes
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le.gis.la.tor
noun (formal) a member of a group of people that has the power to make laws
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le.gis.la.ture
noun (formal) a group of people who have the power to make and change laws: a democratically elected legislature  the national / state legislature—compare EXECUTIVE , JUDICIARY
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legit
adj. (informal) legal, or acting according to the law or the rules: The business seems legit.
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le.git.im.ate
adj.
1 for which there is a fair and acceptable reason
SYN VALID : a legitimate expectation / concern / grievance / excuse  It seemed a perfectly legitimate question.  Politicians are legitimate targets for satire.
2 allowed and acceptable according to the law
SYN LEGAL : the legitimate government of the country  Is his business strictly legitimate?
OPP ILLEGITIMATE
3 (of a child) born when its parents are legally married to each other
OPP ILLEGITIMATE
le.git.im.acy noun [U]: the dubious legitimacy of his argument  I intend to challenge the legitimacy of his claim.
le.git.im.ate.ly adv.: She can now legitimately claim to be the best in the world.
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le.git.im.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make sth that is wrong or unfair seem acceptable: The movie has been criticized for apparently legitimizing violence.
2 to make sth legal
3 to give a child whose parents are not married to each other the same rights as those whose parents are
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leg.less
adj.
1 without legs
2 (BrE, informal) very drunk
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leg.room
noun [U] the amount of space available for your legs when you are sitting in a vehicle, theatre, etc.
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leg.ume
noun (technical ) any plant that has seeds in long PODS . Peas and beans are legumes .
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leg-up
noun
IDM give sb a 'leg-up (BrE, informal)
1 to help sb to get on a horse, over a wall, etc. by allowing them to put their foot in your hands and lifting them up
2 to help sb to improve their situation
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leg.work
noun [U] (informal) difficult or boring work that takes a lot of time and effort, but that is thought to be less important
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leis.ure
noun [U] time that is spent doing what you enjoy when you are not working or studying: These days we have more money and more leisure to enjoy it.  leisure activities / interests / pursuits
IDM at 'leisure
1 with no particular activities; free: Spend the afternoon at leisure in the town centre.
2 without hurrying: Let’s have lunch so we can talk at leisure. at your 'leisure (formal) when you have the time to do sth without hurrying: I suggest you take the forms away and read them at your leisure.
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'leisure centre
(BrE) noun a public building where people can go to do sports and other activities in their free time
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leis.ured
adj.
1 [only before noun] not having to work and therefore having a lot of time to do what you enjoy: the leisured classes
2 = LEISURELY
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leis.ure.ly
(also leis.ured) adj. [usually before noun] done without hurrying: a leisurely bath / meal / stroll  They set off at a leisurely pace.
leis.ure.ly adv.: Couples strolled leisurely along the beach.
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leis.ure.wear
noun [U] (used especially by shops / stores and clothes companies) informal clothes worn for relaxing or playing sports in
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leit.motif
(also leit.motiv) noun (from German )
1 (music) a short tune in a piece of music that is often repeated and is connected with a particular person, thing or idea
2 an idea or a phrase that is repeated often in a book or work of art, or is typical of a particular person or group
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lem.ming
noun a small animal like a mouse, that lives in cold northern countries. Sometimes large groups of lemmings MIGRATE (= move from one place to another) in search of food. Many of them die on these journeys and there is a popular belief that lemmings kill themselves by jumping off cliffs: Lemming-like we rushed into certain disaster.
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lemon
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] a yellow CITRUS fruit with a lot of sour juice. Slices of lemon and lemon juice are used in cooking and drinks: lemon tea  A gin and tonic with ice and lemon, please.  Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the fish.  a lemon tree—
2 [U] lemon juice or a drink made from lemon —see also BITTER LEMON
3 (also ,lemon 'yellow) [U] a pale yellow colour
4 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a thing that is useless because it does not work as it should
5 [C] (BrE) a stupid person

adj. (also ,lemon 'yellow) pale yellow in colour

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lem.on.ade
noun
1 [U] (BrE) a sweet FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) with a lemon flavour
2 [U] a drink made from lemon juice, sugar and water
3 [C] a glass or bottle of lemonade —compare ORANGEADE
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,lemon 'curd
noun [U] (BrE ) a thick sweet yellow substance made from lemon, sugar, eggs and butter, spread on bread, etc. or used to fill cakes
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'lemon grass
noun [U] a type of grass with a lemon flavour that grows in hot countries and is used especially in SE Asian cooking
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'lemon squeezer
(BrE ) (AmE juicer) noun a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) for squeezing juice out of a fruit—picture at KITCHEN
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lem.ony
adj. tasting or smelling of lemon: a lemony flavour / perfume
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lemur
noun an animal like a monkey, with thick fur and a long tail, that lives in trees in Madagascar
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lend
verb (lent, lent )
1 ~ (out) sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to give sth to sb or allow them to use sth that belongs to you, which they have to return to you later: [vn, vnn] I’ve lent the car to a friend.  Can you lend me your car this evening?  [vnn] Has he returned that book you lent him?  note at BORROW
2 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth (of a bank or financial institution) to give money to sb on condition that they pay it back over a period of time and pay interest on it: [vn, vnn] The bank refused to lend the money to us.  They refused to lend us the money. [alsov] —compare BORROW
3 ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb/sth) sth (written) to give a particular quality to a person or a situation: [vn] The setting sun lent an air of melancholy to the scene.  [vnn] Her presence lent the occasion a certain dignity.
4 ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb/sth) sth to give or provide help, support, etc: [vn] I was more than happy to lend my support to such a good cause.  [vnn] He came along to lend me moral support.
IDM lend an 'ear (to sb/sth) to listen in a patient and sympathetic way to sb lend (sb) a (helping) 'hand (with sth) (informal) to help sb with sth: I went over to see if I could lend a hand. lend your name to sth (formal)
1 to let it be known in public that you support or agree with sth: I am more than happy to lend my name to this campaign.
2 to have a place named after you lend sup'port, 'weight, 'credence, etc. to sth to make sth seem more likely to be true or genuine: This latest evidence lends support to her theory.—more at HELP v.
PVR V 'lend itself to sth to be suitable for sth: Her voice doesn’t really lend itself well to blues singing.
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lend.er
noun (finance ) a person or an organization that lends money—compare BORROWER —see also MONEYLENDER
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lend.ing
noun [U] (finance ) the act of lending money: Lending by banks and building societies rose to £4.9 billion last year.
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'lending library
noun a public library from which you can borrow books and take them away to read at home—compare REFERENCE LIBRARY
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'lending rate
noun (finance ) the rate of interest that you must pay when you borrow money from a bank or another financial organization
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length
noun
SIZE / MEASUREMENT|
1 [U, C] the size or measurement of sth from one end to the other: This room is twice the length of the kitchen.  The river is 300 miles in length .  The snake usually reaches a length of 100 cm.  He ran the entire length of the beach (= from one end to the other).  Did you see the length of his hair?—compare BREADTH , WIDTH
TIME|
2 [U, C] the amount of time that sth lasts: We discussed shortening the length of the course.  He was disgusted at the length of time he had to wait.  She got a headache if she had to read for any length of time (= for a long time).  Size of pension depends partly on length of service with the company.  Each class is 45 minutes in length .
OF BOOK / MOVIE|
3 [U, C] the amount of writing in a book, or a document, etc.; the amount of time that a film/movie lasts: Her novels vary in length.
-LENGTH|
4 (in adjectives) having the length mentioned: shoulder-length hair—see also FULL-LENGTH , KNEE-LENGTH
OF SWIMMING POOL|
5 [C] the distance from one end of a swimming pool to the other: He swims 50 lengths a day.—compare WIDTH
IN RACE|
6 [C] the size of a horse or boat from one end to the other, when it is used to measure the distance between two competitors in a race: The horse won by two clear lengths.
LONG THIN PIECE|
7 [C] a long thin piece of sth: a length of rope / string / wire—see also LONG adj. at 'length | at … length
1 for a long time and in detail: He quoted at length from the report.  We have already discussed this matter at great length.
2 (literary) after a long time: ‘I’m still not sure,’ he said at length. go to any, some, great, etc. 'lengths (to do sth) to put a lot of effort into doing sth, especially when this seems extreme: She goes to extraordinary lengths to keep her private life private. the length and 'breadth of … in or to all parts of a place: They have travelled the length and breadth of Europe giving concerts.—more at ARM n.
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length.en
verb to become longer; to make sth longer: [v] The afternoon shadows lengthened.  [vn] I need to lengthen this skirt.
OPP SHORTEN
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length.ways
(also length.wise ) adv. in the same direction as the longest side of sth: Cut the banana in half lengthways.—compare WIDTHWAYS
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lengthy
adj. (length.ier, lengthi.est) very long, and often too long, in time or size: lengthy delays / discussions  the lengthy process of obtaining a visa  a lengthy report / explanation
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le.ni.ent
adj. not as strict as expected when punishing sb or when making sure that rules are obeyed: a lenient sentence / fine  The judge was far too lenient with him.
le.ni.ency noun [U]: She appealed to the judge for leniency.
le.ni.ent.ly adv.: to treat sb leniently
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lens
noun
1 a curved piece of glass or plastic that makes things look larger, smaller or clearer when you look through it: a pair of glasses with tinted lenses  a camera with an adjustable lens  a lens cap / cover—see also FISHEYE LENS , TELEPHOTO LENS , WIDE-ANGLE LENS , ZOOM LENS —picture at GLASS
2 (informal) = CONTACT LENS : Have you got your lenses in?
3 (anatomy) the transparent part of the eye, behind the PUPIL , that FOCUSES light so that you can see clearly—picture at BODY
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Lent
noun [U] in the Christian Church, the period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to the day before Easter, during which some Christians give up food or activities that they enjoy in memory of Christ’s suffering
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lent
pt, pp of LEND
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len.til
noun a small green, orange or brown seed that is usually dried and used in cooking, for example in soup or STEW
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Leo
noun
1 [U] the fifth sign of the ZODIAC , the Lion
2 [C] (pl.-os) a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 23 July and 22 August, approximately
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leo.nine
adj. like a lion
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leop.ard
noun a large animal of the cat family, that has yellowish-brown fur with black spots. Leopards live in Africa and southern Asia.
IDM a leopard cannot change its 'spots (saying) a person cannot change their character, especially if they have a bad character
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leo.tard
noun a piece of clothing that fits tightly over the body from the neck down to the tops of the legs, usually covering the arms, worn by dancers, women doing physical exercises, etc.
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leper
noun
1 a person suffering from LEPROSY
2 a person that other people avoid because they have done sth that these people do not approve of
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lep.re.chaun
noun (in Irish stories) a creature like a little man, with magic powers
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lep.rosy
noun [U] an infectious disease that causes painful white areas on the skin and can destroy nerves and flesh—see also LEPER
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les.bian
noun a woman who is sexually attracted to other women: lesbians and gays—compare GAY , HOMOSEXUAL
les.bian adj.: the lesbian and gay community  a lesbian relationship
les.bian.ism noun [U]
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le.sion
noun (medical ) damage to the skin or part of the body caused by injury or by illness: skin / brain lesions
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less
det., pron., adv., prep.
det., pron. used with uncountable nouns to mean ‘a smaller amount of’: less butter / time / importance  He was advised to smoke fewer cigarettes and drink less beer.  We have less to worry about now.  It is less of a problem than I’d expected.  We’ll be there in less than no time (= very soon).  The victory was nothing less than a miracle.
IDM ,less and 'less smaller and smaller amounts: As time passed, she saw less and less of all her old friends at home. no 'less (often ironic) used to suggest that sth is surprising or impressive: She’s having lunch with the Director, no less. no less than … used to emphasize a large amount: The guide contains details of no less than 115 hiking routes.

adv. to a smaller degree; not so much: less expensive / likely / intelligent  less often / enthusiastically  I read much less now than I used to.  The receptionist was less than (= not at all) helpful.  She wasn’t any the less happy for (= she was perfectly happy) being on her own.  That this is a positive stereotype makes it no less a stereotype, and therefore unacceptable.
IDM even / much / still 'less and certainly not: No explanation was offered, still less an apology. ,less and 'less continuing to become smaller in amount: She found the job less and less attractive.—more at MORE adv.

prep. used before a particular amount that must be taken away from the amount just mentioned
SYN MINUS : a monthly salary of £1 200 less tax and insurance

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-less
suffix (in adjectives)
1 without: treeless  meaningless
2 not doing; not affected by: tireless  selfless
-less.ly (in adverbs): hopelessly
-less.ness (in nouns): helplessness
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les.see
noun (law ) a person who has use of a building, an area of land, etc. on a LEASE
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less.en
verb to become or make sth become smaller, weaker, less important, etc. (written): [v] The noise began to lessen.  [vn] to lessen the risk / impact / effect of sth
less.en.ing noun [sing., U]: a lessening of tension
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less.er
adj. [only before noun]
1 not as great in size, amount or importance as sth/sb else: people of lesser importance  They were all involved to a greater or lesser degree (= some were more involved than others).  The law was designed to protect wives, and, to a lesser extent, children.  He was encouraged to plead guilty to the lesser offence.
2 used in the names of some types of animals, birds and plants which are smaller than similar kinds
OPP GREATER
less.er adv.: one of the lesser-known Caribbean islands
IDM the ,lesser of two 'evils | the ,lesser 'evil the less unpleasant of two unpleasant choices
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les.son
noun
1 a period of time in which sb is taught sth: She gives piano lessons.  All new students are given lessons in / on how to use the library.  I’m having / taking driving lessons.   (especially BrE) Our first lesson on Tuesdays is French.   (especially BrE) What did we do last lesson?—compare CLASS
2 something that is intended to be learned: The course book is divided into 30 lessons.
3 ~ (to sb) an experience, especially an unpleasant one, that sb can learn from so that it does not happen again in the future: a salutary / valuable lesson  Let that be a lesson to you!  The accident taught me a lesson I’ll never forget.—see also OBJECT LESSON
4 a passage from the Bible that is read aloud during a church service
IDM see LEARN
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les.sor
noun (law ) a person who gives sb the use of a building, an area of land, etc. on a LEASE
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lest
conj. (formal or literary)
1 in order to prevent sth from happening: He gripped his brother’s arm lest he be trampled by the mob.
2 used to introduce the reason for the particular emotion mentioned
SYN IN CASE : She was afraid lest she had revealed too much.
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let
verb, noun
verb (let.ting, let, let)
ALLOW|
1 [no passive] to allow sb to do sth or sth to happen without trying to stop it: [vn inf] Let them splash around in the pool for a while.  Don’t let her upset you.  Let your body relax.  [vn] He’d eat chocolate all day long if I let him.
2 to give sb permission to do sth: [vn inf] They won’t let him leave the country.  [vn] She wanted to lend me some money but I wouldn’t let her.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to allow sb/sth to go somewhere: to let sb into the house  I’ll give you a key so that you can let yourself in.  Please let me past.  The cat wants to be let out.  note at ALLOW
MAKING SUGGESTIONS|
4 (let’s) [no passive] used for making suggestions: [vn inf] Let’s go to the beach.  Let’s not tell her what we did.   (BrE ) Don’t let’s tell her what we did.  I don’t think we’ll make it, but let’s try anyway.  [vn] ‘Shall we check it again?’‘Yes, let’s.’
OFFERING HELP|
5 [vn inf] [no passive] used for offering help to sb: Here, let me do it.  Let us get those boxes down for you.
MAKING REQUESTS|
6 [vn inf] [no passive] used for making requests or giving instructions: Let me have your report by Friday.
CHALLENGING|
7 [vn inf] [no passive] used to show that you are not afraid or worried about sb doing sth: If he thinks he can cheat me, just let him try!
WISHING|
8 [vn inf] [no passive] (literary) used to express a strong wish for sth to happen: Let her come home safely!
INTRODUCING STH|
9 [vn inf] [no passive] used to introduce what you are going to say or do: Let me give you an example.  Let me just finish this and then I’ll come.
IN CALCULATING|
10 [vn inf] [no passive] (technical) used to say that you are supposing sth to be true when you calculate sth: Let line AB be equal to line CD.
HOUSE / ROOM|
11 [vn] ~ sth (out) (to sb) (especially BrE) to allow sb to use a house, room, etc. in return for regular payments: I let the spare room.  They decided to let out the smaller offices at low rents.  note at RENT Most idioms containing let are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example let alone is at alone.  ,let 'fall sth to mention sth in a conversation, by accident or as if by accident: She let fall a further heavy hint. ,let sb 'go
1 to allow sb to be free: Will they let the hostages go?
2 to make sb have to leave their job: They’re having to let 100 employees go because of falling profits. ,let sb/sth 'go | ,let 'go (of sb/sth)
1 to stop holding sb/sth: Don’t let the rope go.  Don’t let go of the rope.  Let go! You’re hurting me!
2 to give up an idea or an attitude, or control of sth: It’s time to let the past go.  It’s time to let go of the past. ,let yourself 'go
1 to behave in a relaxed way without worrying about what people think of your behaviour: Come on, enjoy yourself, let yourself go!
2 to stop being careful about how you look and dress, etc: He has let himself go since he lost his job. let sb 'have it (spoken, informal) to attack sb physically or with words let it 'go (at 'that) to say or do no more about sth: I don’t entirely agree, but I’ll let it go at that.  I thought she was hinting at something, but I let it go. ,let me 'see / 'think used when you are thinking or trying to remember sth: Now let me see—where did he say he lived? let us 'say used when making a suggestion or giving an example: I can let you have it for, well let’s say £100. ,let sb<->down to fail to help or support sb as they had hoped or expected: I’m afraid she let us down badly.  This machine won’t let you down.  He trudged home feeling lonely and let down.—related noun LET-DOWN ,let sb/sth<->'down to make sb/sth less successful than they/it should be: She speaks French very fluently, but her pronunciation lets her down. ,let sth<->'down
1 to lower sth: We let the bucket down by a rope.
2 to make a dress, skirt, coat, etc. longer, by lowering the bottom edge: This skirt needs letting down.
OPP TAKE UP
3 (BrE) to allow the air to escape from sth deliberately: Some kids had let my tyres down. ,let sb / yourself 'in for sth (informal) to involve sb/yourself in sth that is likely to be unpleasant or difficult: I volunteered to help, and then I thought ‘Oh no, what have I let myself in for!’ ,let sb 'in on sth| ,let sb 'into sth (informal) to allow sb to share a secret: Are you going to let them in on your plans? ,let sth 'into sth to put sth into the surface of sth so that it does not stick out from it: a window let into a wall ,let sb 'off (with sth) to not punish sb for sth they have done wrong, or to give them only a light punishment: They let us off lightly.  She was let off with a warning. ,let sb 'off sth to allow sb not to do sth or not to go somewhere: He let us off homework today. ,let sth 'off to fire a gun or make a bomb, etc. explode: The boys were letting off fireworks. ,let 'on (to sb) (informal) to tell a secret: I’m getting married next week, but please don’t let on to anyone. [+ that] She let on that she was leaving. ,let sb 'out to make sb stop feeling that they are involved in sth or have to do sth: They think the attacker was very tall—so that lets you out.—related noun LET-OUT ,let sth 'out
1 to give a cry, etc: to let out a scream of terror / a gasp of delight
OPP HOLD IN
2 to make a shirt, coat, etc. looser or larger
OPP TAKE IN ,let 'up (informal)
1 to become less strong: The pain finally let up.
2 to make less effort: We mustn’t let up now.—related noun LET-UP

noun
IN TENNIS|
1 a SERVE that lands in the correct part of the court but must be taken again because it has touched the top of the net
HOUSE / ROOM|
2 (BrE) an act of renting a home, etc: a long-term / short-term let without ,let or 'hindrance (formal orlaw) without being prevented from doing sth; freely

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-let
suffix (in nouns) small; not very important: booklet  piglet  starlet
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'let-down
noun [C usually sing, U] something that is disappointing because it is not as good as you expected it to be
SYN DISAPPOINTMENT
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le.thal
adj.
1 causing or able to cause death
SYN DEADLY : a lethal dose of poison  a lethal weapon   (figurative) The closure of the factory dealt a lethal blow to the town.
2 (informal) causing or able to cause a lot of harm or damage: You and that car—it’s a lethal combination!  This wine’s pretty lethal! (= very strong)
le.thal.ly adv.
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leth.argy
noun [U] the state of not having any energy or enthusiasm for doing things: bouts of lethargy and depression
leth.ar.gic adj.: The weather made her listless and lethargic.
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'let-out
noun [sing.] (BrE ) an event or a statement that allows sb to avoid having to do sth: Good—we have a let-out now.  a let-out clause (= in a contract)
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let’s
short form of let us : Let’s break for lunch.
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let.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 a message that is written down or printed on paper and usually put in an envelope and sent to sb: a business / thank-you letter  a letter of complaint / sympathy   (BrE) to post a letter   (AmE) to mail a letter  There’s a letter for you from your mother.  You will be notified by letter .
HELP You will find compounds ending in letter at their place in the alphabet.
2 a written or printed sign representing a sound used in speech: ‘B’ is the second letter of the alphabet.  Write your name in capital / block letters .
3 (AmE) a sign in the shape of a letter that is sewn onto clothes to show that a person plays in a school or college sports team
IDM the ,letter of the 'law (often disapproving) the exact words of a law or rule rather than its general meaning: They insist on sticking to the letter of the law. to the 'letter exactly what sb/sth says, paying attention to every detail: I followed your instructions to the letter.

verb
1 [usually passive] to give a letter to sth as part of a series or list: [vn-n] Curiously, the stars lettered Alpha and Beta are relatively faint. [alsovn]
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) to print, paint, sew, etc. letters onto sth: a black banner lettered in white
3 [v] (AmE) to receive a letter made of cloth that you sew onto your clothes for playing in a school or college sports team

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'letter bomb
noun a small bomb that is sent to sb hidden in a letter that explodes when the envelope is opened—see also PARCEL BOMB
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'letter box
noun (BrE )
1 (AmE 'mail slot) a narrow opening in a door or wall through which mail is delivered
2 (AmE 'mail.box) a small box near the main door of a building or by the road, which mail is delivered to
3 = POSTBOX —compare PILLAR BOX
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'letter carrier
noun (AmE ) = MAIL CARRIER
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let.ter.head
noun the name and address of a person, company or organization printed at the top of their writing paper
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let.ter.ing
noun [U]
1 letters or words that are written or printed in a particular style: bold / Gothic lettering
2 the process of writing, drawing or printing letters or words
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,letter of 'credit
noun (pl.letters of credit) (finance ) a letter from a bank that allows you to get a particular amount of money from another bank
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'letter opener
noun (AmE ) = PAPER KNIFE
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,letter-'perfect
adj. (AmE )
1 correct in all details
2 = WORD-PERFECT
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let.ting
noun (BrE ) a period of time when you let a house or other property to sb else: holiday lettings
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let.tuce
noun [U, C] a plant with large green leaves that are eaten raw, especially in salad. There are many types of lettuce : a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich  Buy a lettuce and some tomatoes.—
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'let-up
noun [U, sing.] ~ (in sth) a period of time during which sth stops or becomes less strong, difficult, etc.; a reduction in the strength of sth
SYN LULL : There is no sign of a let-up in the recession.
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leu.kae.mia
(BrE ) (AmEleu.ke.mia) noun [U] a serious disease in which too many white blood cells are produced, causing weakness and sometimes death
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levee
noun (AmE )
1 a low wall built at the side of a river to prevent it from flooding
2 a place on a river where boats can let passengers on or off, etc.
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level
noun, adj., verb
noun
AMOUNT|
1 [C] the amount of sth that exists in a particular situation at a particular time: relatively low levels of unemployment / crime  a test that checks the level of alcohol in the blood  high stress / pollution levels
STANDARD|
2 [C, U] a particular standard or quality: a high level of achievement / intelligence  a computer game with 15 levels  What is the level of this course?  He studied French to degree level.  Both players are on a level (= of the same standard).  I refuse to sink to their level (= behave as badly as them).—see also A LEVEL
RANK IN SCALE|
3 [U, C] a position or rank in a scale of size or importance: a decision taken at board / cabinet level  Discussions are currently being held at national level.
POINT OF VIEW|
4 [C] a particular way of looking at, reacting to or understanding sth: On a more personal level, I would like to thank Jean for all the help she has given me.  Fables can be understood on various levels.
HEIGHT|
5 [C, U] the height of sth in relation to the ground or to what it used to be: the level of water in the bottle  The cables are buried one metre below ground level .  The flood water nearly reached roof level.  The tables are not on a level (= the same height).—see also EYE LEVEL , SEA LEVEL
FLOOR / LAYER|
6 [C] a floor of a building; a layer of ground: The library is all on one level.  Archaeologists found pottery in the lowest level of the site.  a multi-level parking lot—see also SPLIT-LEVEL
TOOL|
7 [C] = SPIRIT LEVEL on the 'level (AmE also on the ,up and 'up) (informal) honest; legal: I’m not convinced he’s on the level.  Are you sure this deal is on the level?

adj.
FLAT|
1 having a flat surface that does not slope: Pitch the tent on level ground.  Add a level tablespoon of flour (= enough to fill the spoon but not so much that there is a round heap on the spoon).—compare HEAPED
EQUAL|
2 ~ (with sth) having the same height, position, value, etc. as sth: Are these pictures level?  This latest rise is intended to keep wages level with inflation.  She drew level with (= came beside) the police car.
3 ~ (with sb) (especially BrE, sport) having the same score as sb: A good second round brought him level with the tournament leader.  France took an early lead but Wales soon drew level (= scored the same number of points).
VOICE / LOOK|
4 not showing any emotion; steady
SYN EVEN : a level gaze—see also LEVELLY be ,level 'pegging (BrE) having the same score: The contestants were level pegging after round 3. do / try your level 'best (to do sth) to do as much as you can to try to achieve sth a ,level 'playing field a situation in which everyone has the same opportunities

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
MAKE FLAT|
1 [vn] ~ sth (off / out) to make sth flat or smooth: If you’re laying tiles, the floor will need to be levelled first.
DESTROY|
2 [vn] to destroy a building or a group of trees completely by knocking it down: The blast levelled several buildings in the area.
MAKE EQUAL|
3 to make sth equal or similar: [vn] (BrE ) Davies levelled the score at 2 all. [alsov]
POINT|
4 [vn] ~ sth (at sb) to point sth, especially a gun, at sb: I had a gun levelled at my head. ,level the 'playing field to create a situation where everyone has the same opportunities 'level sth against / at sb to say publicly that sb is to blame for sth, especially a crime or a mistake: The speech was intended to answer the charges levelled against him by his opponents. ,level sth<->'down to make standards, amounts, etc. be of the same low or lower level: Teachers are accused of levelling standards down to suit the needs of less able students. ,level 'off / 'out
1 to stop rising or falling and remain horizontal: The plane levelled off at 1 500 feet.  After the long hill, the road levelled out.
2 to stay at a steady level of development or progress after a period of sharp rises or falls: Sales have levelled off after a period of rapid growth. ,level sth<->'up to make standards, amounts, etc. be of the same high or higher level 'level with sb (informal) to tell sb the truth and not hide any unpleasant facts from them

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,level 'crossing
(BrE ) (AmE 'railroad crossing) noun a place where a road crosses a railway/railroad line
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,level-'headed
adj. calm and sensible; able to make good decisions even in difficult situations
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lev.el.ler
(BrE ) (AmElev.el.er) noun [usually sing.] an event or a situation that makes everyone equal whatever their age, importance, etc: death, the great leveller
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lev.el.ly
adv. in a calm and steady way: She looked at him levelly.
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lever
noun, verb
noun
1 a handle used to operate a vehicle or piece of machinery: Pull the lever towards you to adjust the speed.—see also GEAR LEVER
2 a long piece of wood, metal, etc. used for lifting or opening sth by sb placing one end of it under an object and pushing down on the other end
3 ~ (for / against sth) an action that is used to put pressure on sb to do sth they do not want to do: The threat of sanctions is our most powerful lever for peace.

verb to move sth with a lever : [vn + adv.  /  prep.] I levered the lid off the pot with a knife.  [vn-adj] They managed to lever the door open.

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le.ver.age
noun [U]
1 (formal) the ability to influence what people do: diplomatic / political leverage
2 (technical) the act of using a lever to open or lift sth; the force used to do this
3 (AmE, finance) = GEARING (1)
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,leveraged 'buyout
noun (business) (especially AmE ) the act of a small company buying a larger company using money that is borrowed based on the value of this larger company
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le.via.than
noun
1 (in the Bible) a very large sea MONSTER
2 (literary) a very large and powerful thing: the leviathan of government bureaucracy
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levi.tate
verb [v, vn] to rise and float in the air with no physical support, especially by means of magic or by using special mental powers; to make sth rise in this way
levi.ta.tion noun [U]
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lev.ity
noun [U] (written) behaviour that shows a lack of respect for sth serious and that treats it in an amusing way
SYN FRIVOLITY
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levy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (on sth) an extra amount of money that has to be paid, especially as a tax to the government: to put / impose a levy on oil imports

verb (lev.ies, levy.ing, lev.ied, lev.ied) [vn] ~ sth (on sb/sth) to use official authority to demand and collect a payment, tax, etc: a tax levied by the government on excess company profits

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lewd
adj. referring to sex in a rude and offensive way
SYN OBSCENE : lewd behaviour / jokes / suggestions
lewd.ly adv.
lewd.ness noun [U]
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lex.ic.al
adj. [usually before noun] (linguistics ) connected with the words of a language: lexical items / units (= words and phrases)
lex.ic.al.ly adv.
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lexi.cog.raph.er
noun a person who writes and EDITS dictionaries
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lexi.cog.raphy
noun [U] the theory and practice of writing dictionaries
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lexi.con
noun
1 (also the lexicon) [sing.] (linguistics) all the words and phrases used in a particular language or subject; all the words and phrases used and known by a particular person or group of people: the lexicon of finance and economics
2 [C] a list of words on a particular subject or in a language in alphabetical order: a lexicon of technical scientific terms
3 [C] a dictionary, especially one of an ancient language, such as Greek or Hebrew
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lexis
noun [U] (linguistics ) all the words and phrases of a particular language
SYN VOCABULARY
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ley
noun
1 (also 'ley line) an imaginary line that is believed to follow the route of an ancient track and to have special powers
2 (technical) an area of land where grass is grown temporarily instead of crops
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li.abil.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) the state of being legally responsible for sth: The company cannot accept liability for any damage caused by natural disasters.
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that causes you a lot of problems: Since his injury, Jones has become more of a liability than an asset to the team.
3 [C, usually pl.] the amount of money that a person or company owes: The company is reported to have liabilities of nearly $90 000.—compare ASSET
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li.able
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (for sth) legally responsible for paying the cost of sth: You will be liable for any damage caused.  The court ruled he could not be held personally liable for his wife’s debts.
2 ~ to do sth likely to do sth: We’re all liable to make mistakes when we’re tired.  The bridge is liable to collapse at any moment.
3 ~ to sth likely to be affected by sth
SYN PRONE : You are more liable to injury if you exercise infrequently.
4 ~ to sth likely to be punished by law for sth: Offenders are liable to fines of up to £500.
5 ~ for / to sth| ~ to do sth having to do sth by law: People who earn under a certain amount are not liable to pay tax.
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li.aise
verb [v]
1 ~ (with sb) (especially BrE) to work closely with sb and exchange information with them: He had to liaise directly with the police while writing the report.
2 ~ (between A and B) to act as a link between two or more people or groups: Her job is to liaise between students and teachers.
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li.aison
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (between A and B) a relationship between two organizations or different departments in an organization, involving the exchange of information or ideas: Our role is to ensure liaison between schools and parents.  We work in close liaison with the police.
2 [C] ~ (to / with sb/sth) a person whose job is to make sure there is a good relationship between two groups or organizations: the White House liaison to organized labor
3 [C] ~ (with sb) a secret sexual relationship, especially if one or both partners are married
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li'aison officer
noun a person whose job is to make sure that there is a good relationship between two groups of people, organizations, etc.—see also LIAISON (2)
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liar
noun a person who tells lies
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lib
noun (informal) (used in the names of organizations demanding greater freedom, equal rights, etc.) the abbreviation for LIBERATION : women’s / gay lib
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li.ba.tion
noun (formal) (in the past) a gift of wine to a god
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Lib Dem
abbr. (in British Politics) LIBERAL DEMOCRAT : I voted Lib Dem.
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libel
noun, verb
noun [U, C] the act of printing a statement about sb that is not true and that gives people a bad opinion of them; a printed statement about sb that is not true: He sued the newspaper for libel.  a libel action (= a case in a court of law)—compare SLANDER

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] to publish a written statement about sb that is not true: He claimed he had been libelled in an article the magazine had published.—compare SLANDER

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li.bel.lous
(BrE ) (AmE li.bel.ous) adj. containing a LIBEL about sb: a libellous statement
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lib.eral
adj., noun
adj.
RESPECTING OTHER OPINIONS|
1 willing to understand and respect other people’s behaviour, opinions, etc., especially when they are different from your own; believing people should be able to choose how they behave: liberal attitudes towards religion / sex  Her parents are very liberal and allow her a lot of freedom.  liberal views / opinions
POLITICS|
2 wanting or allowing a lot of political and economic freedom and supporting gradual social, political or religious change: Some politicians want more liberal trade relations with Europe.  the spread of liberal democracy following the Cold War  liberal theories / reform  a liberal politician / policy
3 (Liberal) connected with the British Liberal Party in the past, or of a Liberal Party in another country
GENEROUS|
4 ~ (with sth) generous; given in large amounts: She is very liberal with her money.  I think Sam is too liberal with his criticism (= he criticizes people too much).
EDUCATION|
5 concerned with increasing sb’s general knowledge and experience rather than particular skills: liberal arts  a liberal education
NOT EXACT|
6 not completely accurate or exact
SYN FREE : a liberal translation of the text  a liberal interpretation of history / the law
lib.er.al.ly adv.: Apply the cream liberally.  The word ‘original’ is liberally interpreted in copyright law.

noun
SB WHO RESPECTS OTHERS|
1 a person who understands and respects other people’s opinions and behaviour, especially when they are different from their own: He liked to think of himself as a liberal.
POLITICS|
2 a person who supports political, social and religious change: Reform is popular with middle-class liberals.
3 (Liberal) (politics) a member of the British Liberal Party in the past, or of a Liberal Party in another country

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,liberal 'arts
noun [pl.] (especially AmE ) subjects of study that develop students' general knowledge and ability to think, rather than their technical skills: a liberal arts college
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,Liberal 'Democrat
noun (abbr. Lib Dem) a member or supporter of the Liberal Democrats
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the ,Liberal 'Democrats
noun [pl.] (abbr. Lib Dems) one of the main British political parties, in favour of some political and social change, but not extreme—compare THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY , THE LABOUR PARTY
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lib.er.al.ism
noun [U] liberal opinions and beliefs, especially in politics
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lib.er.al.ity
noun [U] (formal)
1 respect for political, religious or moral views, even if you do not agree with them
2 the quality of being generous
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lib.er.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written) to make sth such as a law or a political or religious system less strict
lib.er.al.ization , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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lib.er.ate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) to free a country or a person from the control of sb else: The city was liberated by the advancing army.
2 ~ sb (from sth) to free sb from sth that restricts their enjoyment of life: Writing poetry liberated her from the routine of everyday life.
lib.er.ation noun [U, sing.]: a war of liberation  liberation from poverty  women’s liberation
lib.er.ator noun
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lib.er.ated
adj. free from the restrictions of traditional ideas about social and sexual behaviour: a liberated woman
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lib.er.tar.ian
noun a person who strongly believes that people should have the freedom to do and think as they like
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lib.er.tine
noun (formal, disapproving) a person, usually a man, who leads an immoral life and is interested in pleasure, especially sexual pleasure
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lib.erty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] freedom to live as you choose without too many restrictions from government or authority: the fight for justice and liberty
2 [U] the state of not being a prisoner or a slave: He had to endure six months' loss of liberty.
3 [C] the legal right and freedom to do sth: The right to vote should be a liberty enjoyed by all.  People fear that security cameras could infringe personal liberties.—see also CIVIL LIBERTY
4 [sing.] an act or statement that may offend or annoy sb, especially because it is done without permission or does not show respect: He took the liberty of reading my files while I was away.  They’ve got a liberty, not even sending me a reply.
IDM at liberty (formal) (of a prisoner or an animal) no longer in prison or in a cage at liberty to do sth (formal) having the right or freedom to do sth: You are at liberty to say what you like. take 'liberties with sb/sth
1 to make important and unreasonable changes to sth, especially a book: The movie takes considerable liberties with the novel that it is based on.
2 (old-fashioned) to be too friendly with sb, especially in a sexual way
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li.bid.in.ous
adj. (formal) having or expressing strong sexual feelings
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li.bido
noun (pl.-os) [U, C, usually sing.] (technical ) sexual desire: loss of libido
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Libra
noun
1 [U] the 7th sign of the ZODIAC , the SCALES
2 [C] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 23 September and 22 October, approximately
Libran noun, adj.
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li.brar.ian
noun a person who is in charge of or works in a library
li.brar.ian.ship noun [U]: a degree in librarianship
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li.brary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a building in which collections of books, tapes, newspapers, etc. are kept for people to read, study or borrow: a public / reference / university library  library books  a toy library (= for borrowing toys)
2 a room in a large house where most of the books are kept
3 (formal) a personal collection of books, CDs, etc: a new edition to add to your library
4 a series of books, recordings, etc. produced by the same company and similar in appearance: a library of children’s classics
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li.bret.tist
noun a person who writes the words for an opera or a musical play
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li.bretto
noun (pl.-os or li.bretti ) (music ) the words that are sung or spoken in an opera or a MUSICAL
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lice
pl. of LOUSE
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li.cence
(BrE ) (AmE li.cense) noun
1 [C] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) an official document that shows that permission has been given to do, own or use sth: (BrE) a driving licence   (AmE) a driver’s license  a licence for the software  Is there a licence fee?  James lost his licence for six months (= had his licence taken away by the police as a punishment).  You need a licence to fish in this river.  a licence holder (= a person who has been given a licence)
2 [U, sing.] ~ (to do sth) (formal) freedom to do or say whatever you want, often sth bad or unacceptable: Lack of punishment seems to give youngsters licence to break the law.
3 [U] (formal) freedom to behave in a way that is considered sexually immoral
IDM artistic / poetic 'licence the freedom of artists or writers to change facts in order to make a story, painting, etc. more interesting or beautiful a licence to print 'money (disapproving) used to describe a business which makes a lot of money with little effort under 'licence (of a product) made with the permission of a company or an organization
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li.cense
(BrE also less frequent li.cence) verb to give sb official permission to do, own, or use sth: [vn] The new drug has not yet been licensed in the UK.   (BrE ) licensing hours (= the times when alcohol can be sold at a pub, etc.)  [vn to inf] They had licensed the firm to produce the drug.
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li.censed
adj.
1 (BrE) having official permission to sell alcoholic drinks: a licensed restaurant
2 that you have official permission to own: Is that gun licensed?
3 having official permission to do sth: She is licensed to fly solo.
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li.cen.see
noun
1 (BrE) a person who has a licence to sell alcoholic drinks
2 a person or company that has a licence to make sth or to use sth
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'license number
noun (AmE ) = REGISTRATION NUMBER
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'license plate
noun (AmE ) = NUMBER PLATE
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'licensing laws
noun [pl.] British laws that state where and when alcoholic drinks can be sold
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li.cen.ti.ate
noun (technical ) a person with official permission to work in a particular profession
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li.cen.tious
adj. (formal, disapproving) behaving in a way that is considered sexually immoral
li.cen.tious.ness noun [U]
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li.chen
noun [U, C] a very small grey or yellow plant that spreads over the surface of rocks, walls and trees and does not have any flowers—compare MOSS
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lick
verb, noun
verb
1 to move your tongue over the surface of sth in order to eat it, make it wet or clean it: [vn] He licked his fingers.  I’m tired of licking envelopes.  The cat sat licking its paws.  [vn-adj] She licked the spoon clean.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to eat or drink sth by licking it: The cat licked up the milk.  She licked the honey off the spoon.
3 (of flames) to touch sth lightly: [vn] Flames were soon licking the curtains.  [v] The flames were now licking at their feet.
4 [vn] (informal) to easily defeat sb or deal with sth: We thought we had them licked .  It was a tricky problem but I think we’ve licked it.
IDM lick sb’s 'boots (also  , slang lick sb’s 'arse) (disapproving) to show too much respect for sb in authority because you want to please them lick your 'wounds to spend time trying to get your strength or confidence back after a defeat or disappointment—more at LIP , SHAPE n.

noun
1 [C] an act of licking sth with the tongue: Can I have a lick of your ice cream?
2 [sing.] a ~ of paint (informal) a small amount of paint, used to make a place look better: What this room needs is a lick of paint.
3 [C] (informal) a short piece of music which is part of a song and is played on a guitar: a guitar / blues lick
IDM at a (fair) 'lick (informal) fast; at a high speed

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lick.ing
noun [sing.] (informal) a severe defeat in a battle, game, etc: to give sb / get a licking
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lic.orice
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = LIQUORICE
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lid
noun
1 a cover over a container that can be removed or opened by turning it or lifting it: a dustbin lid  I can’t get the lid off this jar.—picture at PACKAGING
2 = EYELID
IDM keep a / the 'lid on sth
1 to keep sth secret or hidden
2 to keep sth under control: The government is keeping the lid on inflation. lift the 'lid on sth | take / blow the 'lid off sth to tell people unpleasant or shocking facts about sth: Her article lifts the lid on child prostitution. put the (tin) 'lid on sth / things (BrE, informal) to be the final act or event that spoils your plans or hopes—more at FLIP v.
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lid.ded
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of containers) having a lid
2 (literary) used to describe a person’s expression when their EYELIDS appear large or their eyes are almost closed: heavily-lidded eyes  his lidded gaze
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lido
noun (pl.-os) (BrE ) a public outdoor swimming pool or part of a beach used by the public for swimming, water sports, etc.
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lie^1
verb, noun —see also LIE^2
verb (lies, lying, lay lain )
1 (of a person or an animal) to be or put yourself in a flat or horizontal position so that you are not standing or sitting: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : to lie on your back / side / front  [v-adj] The cat was lying fast asleep by the fire.
2 (of a thing) to be or remain in a flat position on a surface: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Clothes were lying all over the floor.  [v-adj] The book lay open on his desk.
3 to be, remain or be kept in a particular state: [v-adj] Snow was lying thick on the ground.  These machines have lain idle since the factory closed.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] a ship lying at anchor  I’d rather use my money than leave it lying in the bank.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a town, natural feature, etc.) to be situated in a particular place: The town lies on the coast.
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to be spread out in a particular place: The valley lay below us.
6 [v] ~ (in sth) (of ideas, qualities, problems, etc.) to exist or be found: The problem lies in deciding when to intervene.
7 (BrE ) to be in a particular position during a competition: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Thompson is lying in fourth place.  [v-adj] After five games the German team are lying second.—compare LAY
IDM lie in 'state (of the dead body of an important person) to be placed on view in a public place before being buried lie in 'wait (for sb) to hide, waiting to surprise, attack or catch sb: He was surrounded by reporters who had been lying in wait for him. lie 'low (informal) to try not to attract attention to yourself take sth lying 'down to accept an insult or offensive act without protesting or reacting—more at BED n. , BOTTOM n. , HEAVY adv. , LAND n. , SLEEP v.
PVR V lie a'round / a'bout
1 (of a number of things) to be spread in an untidy way somewhere: Don’t leave toys lying around—someone might trip over them.
2 (of a person) to spend time doing nothing and being lazy—related noun LAYABOUT ,lie 'back to do nothing except relax: You don’t have to do anything—just lie back and enjoy the ride. ,lie be'hind sth to be the real reason for sth, often hidden: What lay behind this strange outburst? ,lie 'down to be or get into a flat position, especially in bed, in order to sleep or rest: Go and lie down for a while.  He lay down on the sofa and soon fell asleep.—related noun LIE-DOWN ,lie 'in (BrE) (also ,sleep 'inAmE, BrE) (informal) to stay in bed after the time you usually get up: It’s a holiday tomorrow, so you can lie in.—related noun LIE-IN 'lie with sb (to do sth) (formal) to be sb’s duty or responsibility: It lies with you to accept or reject the proposals.

noun
IDM the ,lie of the 'land (BrE) (AmE the ,lay of the 'land)
1 the way the land in an area is formed and what physical characteristics it has
2 the way a situation is now and how it is likely to develop: Check out the lie of the land before you make a decision.

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lie^2
verb, noun —see also LIE^1
verb (lies, lying, lied, lied) [v] ~ (to sb) (about sth) to say or write sth that you know is not true: You could see from his face that he was lying.  Don’t lie to me!  She lies about her age.  The camera cannot lie (= give a false impression).—see also LIAR
IDM lie through your 'teeth (informal) to say sth that is not true at all: The witness was clearly lying through his teeth. lie your way into / out of sth to get yourself into or out of a situation by lying

noun a statement made by sb knowing that it is not true: to tell a lie  The whole story is nothing but a pack of lies .  a barefaced lie (= a lie that is deliberate and shocking)—see also WHITE LIE
IDM give the lie to sth (formal) to show that sth is not true: These new figures give the lie to the belief that unemployment is going down. I tell a 'lie (BrE, spoken) used to say that sth you have just said is not true or correct: We first met in 1982, no, I tell a lie, it was 1983.—more at LIVE^1 , TISSUE

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lied
noun (pl.lieder ) (from German ) a German song for one singer and piano
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'lie detector
(also formal poly.graph) noun a piece of equipment that is used, for example by the police, to find out if sb is telling the truth
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,lie-'down
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) a short rest, especially on a bed
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,lie-'in
noun (BrE , informal) a time when you stay in bed longer than normal in the morning: a Sunday morning lie-in
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lien
noun [U] ~ (in / over sth) (law ) the right to keep sb’s property until a debt is paid
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lieu
noun (formal)
IDM in lieu (of sth) instead of: They took cash in lieu of the prize they had won.  We work on Saturdays and have a day off in lieu during the week.
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Lieut.
(also Lt) (both BrE ) (AmELt.) abbr. (in writing) LIEUTENANT
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lieu.ten.ant
noun (abbr. Lieut., Lt)
1 an officer of middle rank in the army, navy, or air force: Lieutenant Paul Fisher—see also FLIGHT LIEUTENANT , SECOND LIEUTENANT , SUB LIEUTENANT
2 (in compounds) an officer just below the rank mentioned: a lieutenant colonel  Lieutenant Commander Browning
3 (in the US) a police officer of fairly high rank
4 a person who helps sb who is above them in rank or who carries out their duties when that person is unable to
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life
noun (pl.lives )
STATE OF LIVING|
1 [U] the ability to breathe, grow, reproduce, etc. which people, animals and plants have before they die and which objects do not have: life and death  The body was cold and showed no signs of life .  My father died last year—I wish I could bring him back to life .  In spring the countryside bursts into life.
2 [U, C] the state of being alive as a human being; an individual person’s existence: The floods caused a massive loss of life (= many people were killed).  He risked his life to save his daughter from the fire.  Hundreds of lives were threatened when the building collapsed.  The operation saved her life .  My grandfather lost his life (= was killed) in the Second World War.  Several attempts have been made on the President’s life (= several people have tried to kill him).
LIVING THINGS|
3 [U] living things: plant / animal life  marine / pond life  Is there intelligent life on other planets?
PERIOD OF TIME|
4 [C, U] the period between sb’s birth and their death; a part of this period: He’s lived here all his life .  I’ve lived in England for most of my life.  to have a long / short life  He became very weak towards the end of his life.  Brenda took up tennis late in life .  He will spend the rest of his life (= until he dies) in a wheelchair.  There’s no such thing as a job for life any longer.  She is a life member of the club.  in early / adult life
5 [C] (used with an adjective) a period of sb’s life when they are in a particular situation or job: She has been an accountant all her working life .  He met a lot of interesting people during his life as a student.  They were very happy throughout their married life .
6 [C] the period of time when sth exists or functions: The International Stock Exchange started life as a London coffee shop.  They could see that the company had a limited life (= it was going to close).  In Italy the average life of a government is eleven months.—see also SHELF LIFE
PUNISHMENT|
7 [U] the punishment of being sent to prison for life; life IMPRISONMENT : The judge gave him life .
EXPERIENCE / ACTIVITIES|
8 [U] the experience and activities that are typical of all people’s existences: the worries of everyday life  He is young and has little experience of life .  Commuting is a part of daily life for many people.  Jill wants to travel and see life for herself.  We bought a dishwasher to make life easier .  In Africa life can be hard.  In real life (= when she met him) he wasn’t how she had imagined him at all.  Life isn’t like in the movies, you know.
9 [U, C] the activities and experiences that are typical of a particular way of living: country / city life  She enjoyed political life.  family / married life  How do you find life in America?
10 [C] a person’s experiences during their life, the activities that form a particular part of a person’s life: He has had a good life.  a hard / an easy life  My day-to-day life is not very exciting.  a life of luxury / crime  Her daily life involved meeting lots of people.  Many of these children have led very sheltered lives (= they have not had many different experiences).  They emigrated to start a new life in America.  He doesn’t like to talk about his private life .  She has a full social life .  articles about the love lives of the stars—see also SEX LIFE
ENERGY / EXCITEMENT|
11 [U] the quality of being active and exciting: This is a great holiday resort that is full of life .  We need to inject some new life into this project.
IN ART|
12 [U] a living model or a real object or scene that people draw or paint: She had lessons in drawing from life.  a life class (= one in which art students draw a naked man or woman)—see also STILL LIFE
STORY OF LIFE|
13 [C] a story of sb’s life
SYN BIOGRAPHY : She wrote a life of Mozart.
IN CHILDREN’S GAMES|
14 [C] one of a set number of chances before a player is out of a game: He’s lost two lives, so he’s only got one left. be sb’s 'life be the most important person or thing to sb: My children are my life.  Writing is his life. bring sb/sth to 'life to make sb/sth more interesting or exciting: The new teacher really brought French to life for us.  Flowers can bring a dull room back to life. come to 'life
1 to become more interesting, exciting or full of activity: The match finally came to life in the second half.
2 to start to act or move as if alive: In my dream all my toys came to life. for dear 'life | for your 'life as hard or as fast as possible: She was holding on to the rope for dear life.  Run for your life! for the 'life of you (informal) however hard you try: I cannot for the life of me imagine why they want to leave. frighten / scare the 'life out of sb to frighten sb very much full of 'beans / 'life having a lot of energy get a 'life (spoken) used to tell sb to stop being boring and to do sth more interesting lay down your 'life (for sb/sth) (literary) to die in order to save sb/sth: They were prepared to lay down their lives for their country. life after 'death the possibility or belief that people continue to exist in some form after they die: Do you believe in life after death? the life and 'soul of the party, etc. (BrE) the most amusing and interesting person at a party, etc. life is 'cheap (disapproving) used to say that there is a situation in which it is not thought to be important if people somewhere die or are treated badly (have) a life of its 'own (of an object) seeming to move or function by itself without a person touching or working it make life 'difficult (for sb) to cause problems for sb: She does everything she can to make life difficult for him. the 'man / 'woman in your life (informal) the man or woman that you are having a sexual or romantic relationship with not on your 'life (spoken) used to refuse very firmly to do sth take sb’s 'life to kill sb take your (own) 'life to kill yourself take your life in your 'hands to risk being killed: You take your life in your hands just crossing the road here. that’s 'life (spoken) used when you are disappointed about sth but know that you must accept it: It’s a shame I can’t go on the trip to France, but that’s life.—more at BET v. , BREATH , BREATHE , CHANGE n. , DEPART , DOG n. , END v. , FACT , FEAR n. , FIGHT v. , INCH n. , KISS n. , LARGE , LEASE , LIGHT n. , MATTER n. , MISERY , NINE , RISK v. , SAVE v. , SLICE n. , SPRING v. , STAFF n. , STORY , TIME n. , TRUE adj. , VARIETY , WALK n. , WAY n.
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,life-and-'death
(also ,life-or-'death) adj. [only before noun] extremely serious, especially when there is a situation in which people might die: a life-and-death decision / struggle
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'life assurance
noun [U] (BrE ) = LIFE INSURANCE
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life.belt
noun a large ring made of material that floats well, that is used to rescue sb who has fallen into water, to prevent them from DROWNING
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life.blood
noun [U]
1 ~ (of sth) the thing that keeps sth strong and healthy and is necessary for successful development: Tourism is the lifeblood of the city.
2 (literary) a person’s blood, when it is thought of as the thing that is necessary for life
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life.boat
noun
1 a special boat that is sent out to rescue people who are in danger at sea: a lifeboat crew / station
2 a small boat carried on a ship in order to save the people on board if the ship sinks
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life.buoy
noun a piece of material that floats well, used to rescue sb who has fallen into water, by keeping them above water
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'life cycle
noun (biology ) the series of forms into which a living thing changes as it develops: the life cycle of the butterfly
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'life-enhancing
adj. making you feel happier and making life more enjoyable
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'life expectancy
(also ,expectation of 'life) noun [U, C] the number of years that a person is likely to live; the length of time that sth is likely to exist or continue for: Life expectancy for both men and women has improved greatly in the past 20 years.
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'life form
noun (technical ) a living thing such as a plant or an animal
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'life-giving
adj. [usually before noun] (written) that gives life or keeps sth alive
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life.guard
(also life.saver) noun a person who is employed at a beach or a swimming pool to rescue people who are in danger in the water
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,life 'history
noun all the events that happen in the life of a person, animal or plant: the life history of an insect
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'life insurance
(BrE also 'life assurance) noun [U] a type of insurance in which you make regular payments so that you receive a sum of money when you are a particular age, or so that your family will receive a sum of money when you die: a life insurance policy
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'life jacket
(AmE also 'life vest) noun a jacket without sleeves, that can be filled with air, designed to help you float if you fall in water
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life.less
adj.
1 (formal) dead or appearing to be dead
2 not living; not having living things growing on or in it: lifeless machines  a lifeless planet
3 dull; lacking the qualities that make sth or sb interesting and full of life: his lifeless performance on stage
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life.like
adj. exactly like a real person or thing: a lifelike statue / drawing / toy
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life.line
noun
1 a line or rope thrown to rescue sb who is in difficulty in the water
2 a line attached to sb who goes deep under the sea
3 something that is very important for sb and that they depend on: The extra payments are a lifeline for most single mothers.
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life.long
adj. [only before noun] lasting or existing all through your life
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,life-or-'death
adj. = LIFE-AND-DEATH
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,life 'peer
noun (in Britain) a person who is given the title of PEER (= ‘Lord’ or ‘Lady’) but who cannot pass it on to their son or daughter
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'life preserver
noun (AmE ) a piece of material that floats well, or a jacket made of such material, used to rescue a person who has fallen into water, by keeping them above water
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lifer
noun (slang) a person who has been sent to prison for their whole life
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'life raft
noun an open rubber boat filled with air, used for rescuing people from sinking ships or planes
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life.saver
noun
1 a thing that helps sb in a difficult situation; sth that saves sb’s life: The new drug is a potential lifesaver.
2 = LIFEGUARD
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'life-saving
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] that is going to save sb’s life: a life-saving heart operation

noun [U] the skills needed to save sb who is in water and is DROWNING : a life-saving qualification

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'life sciences
noun [pl.] the sciences concerned with studying humans, animals or plants—compare EARTH SCIENCE , NATURAL SCIENCE , PHYSICAL SCIENCE
'life science adj.: life science experiments / research
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'life sentence
noun the punishment by which sb spends the rest of their life in prison
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'life-size
(also 'life-sized) adj. the same size as a person or thing really is: a life-size statue
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life.span
noun the length of time that sth is likely to live, continue or function: Worms have a lifespan of a few months.
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'life story
noun the story that sb tells you about their whole life
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life.style
noun [C, U] the way in which a person or a group of people lives and works: a comfortable / healthy / lavish lifestyle  It was a big change in lifestyle when we moved to the country.  the lifestyle section of the newspaper (= the part which deals with clothes, furniture, hobbies, etc.)
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,life sup'port
noun [U] the fact of sb being on a life-support machine : Families want the right to refuse life support.  She’s critically ill, on life support .
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,life-sup'port machine
(also ,life-sup'port system) noun a piece of equipment that keeps sb alive when they are extremely ill and cannot breathe without help: He was put on a life-support machine in intensive care.
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,life’s 'work
(AmE life.work ) noun [sing.] the main purpose or activity in a person’s life, or their greatest achievement
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'life-threatening
adj. that is likely to kill sb: His heart condition is not life-threatening.
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life.time
noun the length of time that sb lives or that sth lasts: His diary was not published during his lifetime.  a lifetime of experience  in the lifetime of the present government
IDM the chance, etc. of a 'lifetime a wonderful opportunity, etc. that you are not likely to get again
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'life vest
noun (AmE ) = LIFE JACKET
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lift
verb, noun
verb
RAISE|
1 ~ sb/sth (up) to raise sb/sth or be raised to a higher position or level: [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : He stood there with his arms lifted above his head.  I lifted the lid of the box and peered in.   (figurative) John lifted his eyes (= looked up) from his book.  [v] Her eyebrows lifted. ‘Apologize? Why?’
MOVE SB / STH|
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take hold of sb/sth and move them/it to a different position: I lifted the baby out of the chair.  He lifted the suitcase down from the rack.
3 [vn] to transport people or things by air: The survivors were lifted to safety by helicopter.—see also AIRLIFT
REMOVE LAW / RULE|
4 [vn] to remove or end restrictions: to lift a ban / curfew / blockade  Martial law has now been lifted.
HEART / SPIRITS|
5 to become or make sb more cheerful: [v] His heart lifted at the sight of her.  [vn] The news lifted our spirits.
OF MIST / CLOUDS|
6 [v] to rise and disappear: The fog began to lift.   (figurative) Gradually my depression started to lift.
STEAL|
7 ~ sth (from sb/sth) [vn] (informal) to steal sth: He had been lifting electrical goods from the store where he worked.—see also SHOPLIFT
COPY IDEAS / WORDS|
8 [vn] to use sb’s ideas or words without asking permission or without saying where they come from: She lifted most of the ideas from a book she had been reading.
VEGETABLES|
9 [vn] to dig up vegetables or plants from the ground: to lift potatoes / turnips
INCREASE|
10 to make the amount or level of sth greater; to become greater in amount or level: [vn] Interest rates were lifted yesterday. [alsov] not lift / raise a finger / hand (to do sth) (informal) to do nothing to help sb: The children never lift a finger to help around the house. ,lift 'off (of a rocket or, less frequently, an aircraft) to leave the ground and rise into the air—related noun LIFT-OFF

noun
MACHINE|
1 (BrE) (AmE ele.va.tor) [C] a machine that carries people or goods up and down to different levels in a building or a mine: It’s on the sixth floor—let’s take the lift.—see also CHAIRLIFT , SKI LIFT
FREE RIDE|
2 (BrE) (AmE ride) [C] a free ride in a car, etc. to a place you want to get to: I’ll give you a lift to the station.  She hitched a lift on a truck.
HAPPIER FEELING|
3 [sing.] a feeling of being happier or more confident than before: Passing the exam gave him a real lift.
RISING MOVEMENT|
4 [sing.] a movement in which sth rises or is lifted up: the puzzled lift of his eyebrows
ON AIRCRAFT|
5 [U] the upward pressure of air on an aircraft when flying—compare DRAG

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'lift-off
noun [C, U] the act of a spacecraft leaving the ground and rising into the air: Ten minutes to lift-off.
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liga.ment
noun a strong band of tissue in the body that connects bones, supports muscles, etc: I’ve torn a ligament.
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liga.ture
noun (technical ) something that is used for tying sth very tightly, for example to stop bleeding
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light
noun, adj., verb, adv.
noun
FROM SUN / LAMPS|
1 [U] the energy from the sun, a lamp, etc. that makes it possible to see things: bright / dim light  a room with good / poor natural light  in the fading light of a summer’s evening  The light was beginning to fail (= it was beginning to get dark).  She could just see by the light of the candle.  Bring it into the light so I can see it.  a beam / ray of light—see also FIRST LIGHT
2 [C] a particular type of light with its own colour and qualities: A cold grey light crept under the curtains.—see also THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
LAMP|
3 [C] a thing that produces light, especially an electric light: to turn / switch the lights on / off  to turn out the lights  Suddenly all the lights went out.  to turn down / dim the lights  A light was still burning in the bedroom.  ceiling / wall lights  Keep going—the lights (= traffic lights) are green.  Check your car before you drive to make sure that your lights are working.—see also BRAKE LIGHT , GREEN LIGHT , HEADLIGHT , LEADING LIGHT , RED LIGHT —picture at BICYCLE
FOR CIGARETTE|
4 [sing.] a match or device with which you can light a cigarette: (BrE) Have you got a light?   (AmE, BrE) Do you have a light?
EXPRESSION IN EYES|
5 [sing.] an expression in sb’s eyes which shows what they are thinking or feeling: There was a soft light in her eyes as she looked at him.
IN PICTURE|
6 [U] light colours in a picture, which contrast with darker ones: the artist’s use of light and shade
WINDOW|
7 [C] (architecture) a window or an opening to allow light in: leaded lights—see also SKYLIGHT according to sb’s / sth’s 'lights (formal) according to the standards which sb sets for him or herself be / go out like a 'light (informal) to go to sleep very quickly be in sb’s 'light to be between sb and a source of light: Could you move—you’re in my light. bring sth to 'light to make new information known to people: These facts have only just been brought to light. cast / shed / throw 'light on sth to make a problem, etc. easier to understand: Recent research has thrown new light on the causes of the disease. come to 'light to become known to people: New evidence has recently come to light. in ,a good, bad, favourable, etc. 'light if you see sth or put sth in a good, bad, etc. light, it seems good, bad, etc: You must not view what happened in a negative light.  They want to present their policies in the best possible light. in the light of sth (BrE) (AmE in light of sth) after considering sth: He rewrote the book in the light of further research. light at the end of the 'tunnel something that shows you are nearly at the end of a long and difficult time or situation (the) light 'dawned (on sb) somebody suddenly understood or began to understand sth: I puzzled over the problem for ages before the light suddenly dawned. the light of sb’s 'life the person sb loves more than any other see the 'light
1 to finally understand or accept sth, especially sth obvious
2 to begin to believe in a religion see the 'light (of 'day) to begin to exist or to become publicly known about: He’s written a lot of good material that has never seen the light of day. set 'light to sth (especially BrE) to make sth start burning: A spark from the fire had set light to a rug.—more at BRIGHT adj. , COLD adj. , HIDE v. , JUMP v. , SWEETNESS

adj. (light.er, light.est)
WITH NATURAL LIGHT|
1 full of light; having the natural light of day: We’ll leave in the morning as soon as it’s light.   It gets light at about 5 o’clock.  It was a light spacious apartment at the top of the building.
OPP DARK
COLOURS|
2 pale in colour: light blue eyes  Lighter shades suit you best.  People with pale complexions should avoid wearing light colours.
OPP DARK
WEIGHT|
3 easy to lift or move; not weighing very much: Modern video cameras are light and easy to carry.  Carry this bag—it’s the lightest.  He’s lost a lot of weight—he’s three kilos lighter than he was.  The little girl was as light as a feather .  The aluminium body is 12% lighter than if built with steel.
OPP HEAVY
4 [usually before noun] of less than average or usual weight: light summer clothes  Only light vehicles are allowed over the old bridge.
OPP HEAVY
5 used with a unit of weight to say that sth weighs less than it should do: The delivery of potatoes was several kilos light.
GENTLE|
6 [usually before noun] gentle or delicate; not using much force: She felt a light tap on her shoulder.  the sound of quick light footsteps  You only need to apply light pressure.  As a boxer, he was always light on his feet (= quick and graceful in the way he moved).
OPP HEAVY
WORK / EXERCISE|
7 [usually before noun] easy to do; not making you tired: After his accident he was moved to lighter work.  some light housework  You are probably well enough to take a little light exercise.
NOT GREAT|
8 not great in amount, degree, etc: light traffic  The forecast is for light showers.  light winds  Trading on the stock exchange was light today.
OPP HEAVY
NOT SEVERE / SERIOUS|
9 not severe: He was convicted of assaulting a police officer but he got off with a light sentence .
10 entertaining rather than serious and not needing much mental effort: light reading for the beach  a concert of light classical music
11 not serious: She kept her tone light.  This programme looks at the lighter side of politics.  We all needed a little light relief at the end of a long day (= something amusing or entertaining that comes after sth serious or boring).  On a lighter note , we end the news today with a story about a duck called Quackers.
CHEERFUL|
12 [usually before noun] free from worry; cheerful: I left the island with a light heart.
FOOD|
13 (of a meal) small in quantity: a light supper / snack.  I just want something light for lunch.
OPP HEAVY
14 (also lite) not containing much fat or not having a strong flavour and therefore easy for the stomach to DIGEST : Stick to a light diet.
15 containing a lot of air: This pastry is so light.
DRINK|
16 low in alcohol: a light beer
SLEEP|
17 [only before noun] a person in a light sleep is easy to wake: She drifted into a light sleep.  I’ve always been a light sleeper.
OPP DEEP
light.ness noun [U] —see also LIGHTLY be light on (BrE) to not have enough of sth: We seem to be light on fuel. a light touch the ability to deal with sth in a delicate and relaxed way: She handles this difficult subject with a light touch. make 'light of sth to treat sth as not being important and not serious: I didn’t mean to make light of your injuries. make light 'work of sth to do sth quickly and with little effort—more at HAND n.

verb (lit, lit Lighted is also used for the past tense and past participle, especially in front of nouns.)
START TO BURN|
1 [vn] to make sth start to burn: She lit a candle.  The candles were lit.  I put a lighted match to the letter and watched it burn.
2 [v] to start to burn: The fire wouldn’t light.
GIVE LIGHT|
3 [vn] [usually passive] to give light to sth or to a place: The stage was lit by bright spotlights.  well / badly lit streets
4 [vn] (literary) to guide sb with a light: Our way was lit by a full moon. 'light on / upon sth (literary) to see or find sth by accident: His eye lit upon a small boat on the horizon. ,light 'up| ,light sth<->'up
1 (informal) to begin to smoke a cigarette: They all lit up as soon as he left the room.  He sat back and lit up a cigarette.
2 to become or to make sth become bright with light or colour: There was an explosion and the whole sky lit up.  The night sky was lit up with fireworks.
3 if sb’s eyes or face light up, or sth lights them up, they show happiness or excitement: His eyes lit up when she walked into the room.  A smile lit up her face.

adv.
IDM see TRAVEL v.

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,light 'aircraft
noun (pl.light aircraft) a small plane with seats for no more than about six passengers
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'light bulb
noun = BULB
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,light-'coloured
(BrE ) (AmE,light-'colored) adj. pale in colour; not dark
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light.ed
adj.
1 a lighted candle, cigarette, match, etc. is burning
2 a lighted window is bright because there are lights on inside the room
OPP UNLIT
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light.en
verb
1 [vn] to reduce the amount of work, debt, worry, etc. that sb has: equipment to lighten the load of domestic work  The measures will lighten the tax burden on small businesses.
2 to become or make sth become brighter or lighter in colour: [v] The sky began to lighten in the east.  [vn] Use bleach to lighten the wood.
3 ~ (sth) (up) to feel or make sb feel less sad, worried or serious: [v] My mood gradually lightened.  [vn] She told a joke to lighten the atmosphere.
4 [vn] to make sth lighter in weight
PVR V ,lighten 'up (spoken) used to tell sb to become less serious or worried about sth: Come on, John. Lighten up!
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light.er
noun
1 (also ciga'rette lighter) a small device that produces a flame for lighting cigarettes, etc.
2 a boat with a flat bottom used for carrying goods to and from ships in harbour
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,light-'fingered
adj. (informal) likely to steal things
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,light-'headed
adj. not completely in control of your thoughts or movements; slightly FAINT : After four glasses of wine he began to feel light-headed.
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,light-'hearted
adj.
1 intended to be amusing or easily enjoyable rather than too serious: a light-hearted speech
2 cheerful and without problems: She felt light-hearted and optimistic.
,light-'hearted.ly adv.
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,light 'heavyweight
noun a boxer weighing between 72.5 and 79.5 kilograms, between a MIDDLEWEIGHT and a HEAVYWEIGHT : a light heavyweight champion
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light.house
noun a tower or other building that contains a strong light to warn and guide ships near the coast
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,light 'industry
noun [U, C] industry that produces small or light objects such as things used in the house—compare HEAVY INDUSTRY
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light.ing
noun [U]
1 the arrangement or type of light in a place: electric / natural lighting  good / poor lighting  The play had excellent sound and lighting effects.
2 the use of electric lights in a place: the cost of heating and lighting  street lighting  note at LIGHT
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'lighting engineer
noun a person who works in television, the theatre, etc. and whose job is to control and take care of the lights
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light.ly
adv.
1 gently; with very little force or effort: He kissed her lightly on the cheek.
2 to a small degree; not much: It began to snow lightly.  She tended to sleep lightly nowadays (= it was easy to disturb her).  I try to eat lightly (= not to eat heavy or greasy food).
3 in a way that sounds as though you are not particularly worried or interested: ‘I’ll be all right,’ he said lightly.
4 without being seriously considered: This is not a problem we should take lightly .
IDM get off / be let off 'lightly (informal) to be punished or treated in a way that is less harsh than you deserve or may have expected
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'light meter
noun a device used to measure how bright the light is before taking a photograph
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light.ning
noun, adj.
noun [U] a flash, or several flashes, of very bright light in the sky caused by electricity: a flash of lightning  a violent storm with thunder and lightning  He was struck by lightning and killed.   (AmE ) Lightning strikes caused scores of fires across the state.
IDM lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice (saying) an unusual or unpleasant event is not likely to happen in the same place or to the same people twice like (greased) 'lightning very fast

adj. very fast or sudden

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'lightning conductor
(BrE ) (AmE 'lightning rod) noun a metal rod or wire leading from the highest part of a building to the ground, put there to prevent lightning damaging the building
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'lightning rod
noun
1 (AmE) = LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR
2 (especially AmE) a person or thing that attracts criticism, especially if the criticism is then not directed at sb/sth else
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,lightning 'strike
noun (BrE ) a strike by a group of workers that is sudden and without warning
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'light pen
noun
1 a piece of equipment, shaped like a pen, that is sensitive to light and that can be used to pass information to a computer when it touches the screen
2 a similar piece of equipment that is used for reading BAR CODES
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light.ship
noun a small ship that stays at a particular place at sea and that has a powerful light on it to warn and guide other ships
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'light show
noun a display of changing coloured lights, for example at a pop concert
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light.weight
adj., noun
adj.
1 made of thinner material and less heavy than usual: lightweight jackets / boots
2 (disapproving) not very serious or impressive: a lightweight book  He was considered too lightweight for the job.

noun
1 a boxer weighing between 57 and 61 kilograms, heavier than a FEATHERWEIGHT : a lightweight champion
2 a person or thing that weighs less than is usual
3 (informal, disapproving) a person or thing of little importance or influence: a political lightweight  He’s an intellectual lightweight (= he does not think very deeply or seriously).

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'light year
noun
1 (astronomy) the distance that light travels in one year, 9.4607 × 1012 kilometres: The nearest star to earth is about 4 light years away.
2 (light years) [pl.] a very long time: Full employment still seems light years away.
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lig.nite
noun [U] a soft brown type of coal
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lik.able
(especially AmE ) = LIKEABLE
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like
prep., verb, conj., noun, adj., adv.
prep.
1 similar to sb/sth: She’s wearing a dress like mine.  He’s very like his father.  She looks nothing like (= not at all like) her mother.  That sounds like (= I think I can hear) him coming now.
2 used to ask sb’s opinion of sb/sth: What’s it like studying in Spain?  This new girlfriend of his—what’s she like?
3 used to show what is usual or typical for sb: It’s just like her to tell everyone about it.
4 in the same way as sb/sth: Students were angry at being treated like children.  He ran like the wind (= very fast).  You do it like this.  I, like everyone else, have read these stories in the press.  Don’t look at me like that.   (spoken) The candles are arranged like so (= in this way).
5 for example: Utopian novels like ‘Animal Farm’ and ‘1984’  note at AS
IDM more like … used to give a number or an amount that is more accurate than one previously mentioned: He believes the figure should be more like $10 million. more 'like (it) (informal)
1 better; more satisfactory: This is more like it! Real food—not that canned muck.
2 used to give what you think is a better description of sth: Just talking? Arguing more like it.

verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
1 to find sb/sth pleasant, attractive or satisfactory; to enjoy sth: [vn] She’s nice. I like her.  Do you like their new house?  Which tie do you like best?  How did you like Japan (= did you find it pleasant)?  I don’t like the way he’s looking at me.  You’ve got to go to school, whether you like it or not.  [v -ing] She’s never liked swimming.  [vn -ing] I didn’t like him taking all the credit.   (formal) I didn’t like his taking all the credit.  [v to inf] I like to see them enjoying themselves.  [vn wh-] I like it when you do that.
2 [no passive] to prefer to do sth; to prefer sth to be made or to happen in a particular way: [v to inf] At weekends I like to sleep late.  [vn-adj] I like my coffee strong.
3 [vn] [no passive] to want: Do what you like—I don’t care.  You can dye your hair whatever colour you like.
4 used in negative sentences to mean ‘to be unwilling to do sth’: [v to inf] I didn’t like to disturb you.  [v -ing] He doesn’t like asking his parents for help.
5 used with would or should as a polite way to say what you want or to ask what sb wants: [vn] Would you like a drink?  [v to inf] I’d like to think it over.  Would you like to come with us?   (formal) We would like to apologize for the delay.  How can they afford it? That’s what I’d like to know.  [vn to inf] We’d like you to come and visit us.  [v] (AmE) I’d like for us to work together.  note at WANT
IDM how would 'you like it? used to emphasize that sth bad has happened to you and you want some sympathy: How would you like it if someone called you a liar? if you 'like (spoken)
1 used to politely agree to sth or to suggest sth: ‘Shall we stop now?’‘If you like.’  If you like, we could go out this evening.
2 used when you express sth in a new way or when you are not confident about sth: It was, if you like, the dawn of a new era. I like 'that! (old-fashioned, spoken) used to protest that sth that has been said is not true or fair: ‘She called you a cheat.’‘Well, I like that!’ I / I’d like to think used to say that you hope or believe that sth is true: I like to think I’m broad-minded.

conj. (informal)
1 in the same way as: No one sings the blues like she did.  It didn’t turn out like I intended.  Like I said (= as I said before), you’re always welcome to stay.
2 as if: She acts like she owns the place.
HELP You will find more information about this use of like at the entries for the verbs act, behave, feel, look and sound and in the note at as.

noun
1 (likes) [pl.] the things that you like: We all have different likes and dislikes .
2 [sing.] a person or thing that is similar to another: jazz, rock and the like (= similar types of music)  a man whose like we shall not see again  You’re not comparing like with like .
3 (the likes of sb/sth) (informal) used to refer to sb/sth that is considered as a type, especially one that is considered as good as sb/sth else: She didn’t want to associate with the likes of me.

adj. [only before noun] (formal) having similar qualities to another person or thing: a chance to meet people of like mind (= with similar interests and opinions)  She responded in like manner.

adv.
1 used in very informal speech, for example when you are thinking what to say next, explaining sth, or giving an example of sth: It was, like, weird.  It was kind of scary, like.  It’s really hard. Like I have no time for my own work.
2 I’m, he’s, she’s, etc. ~ (AmE) used in very informal speech, to mean ‘I say’, ‘he/she says’, etc: And then I’m like ‘No Way!’
3 used in informal speech instead of as to say that sth happens in the same way: There was silence, but not like before.  note at AS
IDM (as) like as 'not | like e'nough | most / very 'like (old-fashioned) quite probably: She would be in bed by now, as like as not.

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-like
combining form (in adjectives) similar to; typical of: childlike  shell-like
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like.able
(especially BrE ) (also lik.ableAmE, BrE) adj. pleasant and easy to like: a very likeable man
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like.li.hood
noun [U, sing.] the chance of sth happening; how likely sth is to happen: There is very little likelihood of that happening.  In all likelihood (= very probably) the meeting will be cancelled.  The likelihood is that (= it is likely that) unemployment figures will continue to fall.
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like.ly
adj., adv.
adj. (like.lier, like.li.est)
HELP more likely and most likely are the usual forms
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) probable or expected: the most likely cause / outcome  Tickets are likely to be expensive.  It’s more than likely that the thieves don’t know how much it is worth.  They might refuse to let us do it, but it’s hardly likely .
2 seeming suitable for a purpose: She seems the most likely candidate for the job.
IDM a 'likely story (spoken, ironic) used to show that you do not believe what sb has said

adv.
IDM as ,likely as 'not | most / very 'likely very probably: As likely as not she’s forgotten all about it. not 'likely! (spoken, especially BrE) used to disagree strongly with a statement or suggestion: Me? Join the army? Not likely!

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,like-'minded
adj. having similar ideas and interests
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liken
verb
PVR V 'liken sth/sb to sth/sb (formal) to compare one person or thing to another and say they are similar: Life is often likened to a journey.
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like.ness
noun
1 [C, U] the fact of being similar to another person or thing, especially in appearance; an example of this
SYN RESEMBLANCE : Joanna bears a strong likeness to her father.  Do you notice any family likeness between them?
2 [C, usually sing.] a painting, drawing, etc. of a person, especially one that looks very like them: The drawing is said to be a good likeness of the girl’s attacker.
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likes
noun  LIKE (1)
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like.wise
adv.
1 (formal) the same; in a similar way: He voted for the change and he expected his colleagues to do likewise .
2 (formal) also: Her second marriage was likewise unhappy.
3 (spoken) used to show that you feel the same towards sb or about sth: ‘Let me know if you ever need any help.’‘Likewise.’
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lik.ing
noun [sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) the feeling that you like sb or sth; the enjoyment of sth: He had a liking for fast cars.  She had taken a liking to him on their first meeting.
IDM for your 'liking if you say, for example, that sth is too hot for your liking, you mean that you would prefer it to be less hot: The town was too crowded for my liking. to sb’s 'liking (formal) suitable, and how sb likes sth: The coffee was just to his liking.
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lilac
noun
1 [U, C] a bush or small tree with purple or white flowers with a sweet smell that grow closely together in the shape of a CONE
2 [U] a pale purple colour
lilac adj.: a lilac dress
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Lil.li.pu.tian
adj. (formal) extremely small
ORIGIN From the land of Lilliput, in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, where the people are only 15 cm high.
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lilo
(also Li-Lo™) noun (pl.-os) (BrE ) a plastic or rubber bed that is filled with air and used when camping or for floating on water
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lilt
noun [sing.]
1 the pleasant way in which a person’s voice rises and falls: Her voice had a soft Welsh lilt to it.
2 a regular rising and falling pattern in music, with a strong rhythm
lilt.ing adj.: a lilting voice / song
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lily
noun (pl.-ies) a large white or brightly coloured flower with PETALS that curl back from the centre. There are many types of lily : tiger lilies—see also WATER LILY
IDM see GILD
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,lily of the 'valley
noun [C, U] (pl.lilies of the valley) a plant with small white flowers shaped like bells
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,lily-'white
adj.
1 almost pure white in colour: lily-white skin
2 morally perfect: They want me to conform, to be lily-white.
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lima bean
noun (AmE ) a type of round, pale green bean. Several lima beans grow together inside a flat POD .
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limb
noun
1 an arm or a leg; a similar part of an animal, such as a wing: an artificial limb  For a while, she lost the use of her limbs.
2 (-limbed) (in adjectives) having the type of limbs mentioned: long-limbed  loose-limbed
3 a large branch of a tree
IDM out on a 'limb (informal) not supported by other people: Are you prepared to go out on a limb (= risk doing sth that other people are not prepared to do) and make your suspicions public? tear / rip sb ,limb from 'limb (often humorous) to attack sb very violently—more at RISK v.
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lim.ber
verb
PVR V ,limber 'up to do physical exercises in order to stretch and prepare your muscles before taking part in a race, sporting activity, etc.
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limbo
noun
1 [sing.] a West Indian dance in which you lean backwards and go under a bar which is made lower each time you go under it
2 [U, sing.] a situation in which you are not certain what to do next, cannot take action, etc., especially because you are waiting for sb else to make a decision: the limbo of the stateless person  His life seemed stuck in limbo ; he could not go forward and he could not go back.
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lime
noun, verb
noun
1 (also quick.lime) [U] a white substance obtained by heating LIMESTONE , used in building materials and to help plants grow
2 [C, U] a small green fruit, like a lemon, with a lot of sour juice, used in cooking and in drinks; the juice of this fruit: lime juice  slices of lime—
3 (also 'lime tree) [C] a tree on which limes grow
4 (also 'lime tree, 'linden tree, linden) [C] a large tree with light green heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers: an avenue of limes

verb [vn] to add the substance lime to soil, especially in order to control the acid in it

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,lime 'green
adj. (also lime) bright pale green in colour
,lime 'green (also lime) noun [U]: The contrast between the lime green and the rose pink was striking.
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lime.light
(usually the limelight) noun [U] the centre of public attention: to be in the limelight   to stay out of the limelight   to steal / hog the limelight (= take attention away from other people)  to be brought / pushed / thrust into the limelight
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lim.er.ick
noun a humorous short poem, with two long lines that RHYME with each other, followed by two short lines that RHYME with each other and ending with a long line that RHYMES with the first two
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lime.scale
noun [U] (BrE ) the hard white substance that is left by water on the inside of pipes, etc.
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lime.stone
noun [U] a type of white stone that contains CALCIUM , used in building and in making CEMENT
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Limey
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a slightly insulting word for a British person
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limit
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (to sth) a point at which sth stops being possible or existing: There is a limit to the amount of pain we can bear.  The team performed to the limit of its capabilities.  She knew the limits of her power.  to push / stretch / test sb/sth to the limit   His arrogance knew (= had)no limits .
2 ~ (on sth) the greatest or smallest amount of sth that is allowed: a time / speed / age limit  The EU has set strict limits on levels of pollution.  They were travelling at a speed that was double the legal limit.  You can’t drive—you’re over the limit (= you have drunk more alcohol than is legal when driving).
3 the furthest edge of an area or a place: We were reaching the limits of civilization.  the city limits (= the official boundary of the city)
IDM be the 'limit (old-fashioned, spoken) to be extremely annoying ,off 'limits (especially AmE) = OUT OF BOUNDS within 'limits to some extent; with some restrictions: I’m willing to help, within limits.—more at SKY

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (to sth) to stop sth from increasing beyond a particular amount or level: measures to limit carbon dioxide emissions from cars  The amount of money you have to spend will limit your choice.
2 ~ yourself / sb (to sth) to restrict or reduce the amount of sth that you or sb can have or use: Families are limited to four free tickets each.  I’ve limited myself to 1 000 calories a day to try and lose weight.
PVR V 'limit sth to sb/sth [usually passive] to make sth exist or happen only in a particular place or within a particular group: Violent crime is not limited to big cities.  The teaching of history should not be limited to dates and figures.

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limi.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] the act or process of limiting or controlling sb/sth: They would resist any limitation of their powers.—see also DAMAGE LIMITATION
2 [C] ~ (on sth) a rule, fact or condition that limits sth: to impose limitations on imports  Disability is a physical limitation on your life.—see also STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
3 [C, usually pl.] a limit on what sb/sth can do or how good they or it can be: This technique is useful but it has its limitations .
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limit.ed
adj.
1 not very great in amount or extent: We are doing our best with the limited resources available.
2 ~ (to sth) restricted to a particular limit of time, numbers, etc: This offer is for a limited period only.
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,limited 'company
(also ,limited lia'bility company) noun (in Britain) a company whose owners only have to pay a limited amount of its debts—see also LTD
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,limited e'dition
noun a fixed, usually small, number of copies of a book, picture, etc. produced at one time
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,limited lia'bility
noun [U] (law ) the legal position of having to pay only a limited amount of your or your company’s debts
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limit.ing
adj. putting limits on what is possible: Lack of cash is a limiting factor.
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limit.less
adv. (written) without a limit; very great: the limitless variety of consumer products  The possibilities were almost limitless.
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limo
noun (pl.-os) (informal) = LIMOUSINE
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lim.ou.sine
(also informal limo) noun
1 a large expensive comfortable car: a long black chauffeur-driven limousine—see also STRETCH LIMO
2 (especially AmE) a van or small bus that takes people to and from an airport
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limp
adj., verb, noun
adj.
1 lacking strength or energy: His hand went limp and the knife clattered to the ground.  She felt limp and exhausted.
2 not stiff or firm: The hat had become limp and shapeless.
limp.ly adv.: Her hair hung limply over her forehead.

verb [v]
1 to walk slowly or with difficulty because one leg is injured: She had twisted her ankle and was limping.  Matt limped painfully off the field.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move slowly or with difficulty after being damaged: The plane limped back to the airport.   (figurative) The government was limping along in its usual way.

noun [usually sing.] a way of walking in which one leg is used less than normal because it is injured or stiff: to walk with a slight / pronounced limp

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lim.pet
noun a small shellfish that sticks very tightly to rocks: The Prime Minister clung to his job like a limpet, despite calls for him to resign.
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lim.pid
adj. (literary) (of liquids, etc.) clear
SYN TRANSPARENT : limpid eyes / water
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linch.pin
(also lynch.pin) noun a person or thing that is the most important part of an organization, a plan, etc., because everything else depends on them or it: Nurses are the linchpin of the health service.
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linc.tus
noun [U] (BrE ) thick liquid medicine that you take for a sore throat or a cough: cough linctus
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lin.den
(also 'linden tree) noun = LIME
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line
noun, verb
noun
LONG THIN MARK|
1 [C] a long thin mark on a surface: a straight / wavy / dotted / diagonal line  parallel / vertical / horizontal lines  Draw a thick black line across the page.
2 [C] a long thin mark on the ground to show the limit or border of sth, especially of a playing area in some sports: The ball went over the line.  Be careful not to cross the line (= the broken line painted down the middle of the road).  Your feet must be behind the line when you serve (= in tennis).  They were all waiting on the starting line.—see also FINISHING LINE , GOAL LINE , SIDELINE , TOUCHLINE
3 [C] a mark like a line on sb’s skin that people usually get as they get older
SYN WRINKLE : He has fine lines around his eyes.
DIVISION|
4 [C] an imaginary limit or border between one place or thing and another: He was convicted of illegally importing weapons across state lines .  a district / county line  lines of longitude and latitude—see also COASTLINE , DATE LINE , DIVIDING LINE , PICKET LINE , TREELINE , WATERLINE
5 [C] the division between one area of thought or behaviour and another: We want to cut across lines of race, sex and religion.  There is a fine line between showing interest in what someone is doing and interfering in it.
SHAPE|
6 [C] the edge, outline or shape of sb/sth: I prefer simple lines in skirts and trousers.  He traced the line of her jaw with his finger.  a beautiful sports car with sleek lines
ROW|
7 [C] a row of people or things next to each other or behind each other: a long line of trees  The children all stood in a line .  They were stuck in a line of traffic.  to stand / wait in line for sth  A line formed at each teller window.
IN FACTORY|
8 [C] a system of making sth, in which the product moves from one worker to the next until it is finished—see also ASSEMBLY LINE , PRODUCTION LINE
SERIES|
9 [C, usually sing.] a series of people, things or events that follow one another in time: She came from a long line of doctors.  to pass sth down through the male / female line  This novel is the latest of a long line of thrillers that he has written.
10 [C, usually sing.] a series of people in order of importance: Orders came down the line from the very top.  a line of command  He is second in line to the chairman.  to be next in line to the throne—see also LINE MANAGER
WORDS|
11 [C] (abbr.l) a row of words on a page or the empty space where they can be written; the words of a song or poem: Look at line 5 of the text.  Write the title of your essay on the top line.  I can only remember the first two lines of that song.—see also BOTTOM LINE
12 [C] the words spoken by an actor in a play or film/movie: to study / learn your lines  a line from the film ‘Casablanca’
13 (lines) [pl.] (BrE) (in some schools) a punishment in which a child has to write out a particular sentence a number of times
14 [C] (informal) a remark, especially when sb says it to achieve a particular purpose: Don’t give me that line about having to work late again.   (BrE) That’s the worst chat-up line I’ve ever heard.
ROPE / WIRE / PIPE|
15 [C] a long piece of rope, thread, etc., especially when it is used for a particular purpose: a fishing line  He hung the towels out on the line (= clothes line).  They dropped the sails and threw a line to a man on the dock.—see also LIFELINE
16 [C] a pipe or thick wire that carries water, gas or electricity from one place to another—see also POWER LINE
TELEPHONE|
17 [C] a telephone connection; a particular telephone number: Your bill includes line rental.  The company’s lines have been jammed (= busy) all day with people making complaints.  I was talking to John when the line suddenly went dead .  If you hold the line (= stay on the telephone and wait), I’ll see if she is available.—see also HELPLINE , HOTLINE , OFF-LINE , ONLINE
RAILWAY / RAILROAD|
18 [C] a railway/railroad track; a section of a railway/railroad system: The train was delayed because a tree had fallen across the line.  a branch line  the East Coast line to Edinburgh—see also MAIN LINE
ROUTE / DIRECTION|
19 [C, usually sing.] the direction that sb/sth is moving or situated in: Just keep going in a straight line ; you can’t miss it.  The town is in a direct line between London and the coast.  Please move; you’re right in my line of vision (= the direction I am looking in).  They followed the line of the river for three miles.  Be careful to stay out of the line of fire (= the direction sb is shooting in).
20 [C] a route from one place to another especially when it is used for a particular purpose: Their aim was to block guerrilla supply lines .
ATTITUDE / ARGUMENT|
21 [C, usually sing.] an attitude or a belief, especially one that sb states publicly: The government is taking a firm line on terrorism.  The MP supported the official line on education.—see also HARD LINE , PARTY LINE
22 [C] a method or way of doing or thinking about sth: I don’t follow your line of reasoning .  She decided to try a different line of argument (= way of persuading sb of sth).  sb’s first line of attack / defence   The police are pursuing a new line of enquiry / inquiry (= way of finding out information).
ACTIVITY|
23 [sing.] a type or area of business, activity or interest: My line of work pays pretty well.  You can’t do much in the art line without training.—see also SIDELINE
PRODUCT|
24 [C] a type of product: We are starting a new line in casual clothes.  Some lines sell better than others.
TRANSPORT|
25 [C] (often used in names) a company that provides transport for people or goods: a shipping / bus line—see also AIRLINE
SOLDIERS|
26 [C] a row or series of military defences where the soldiers are fighting during a war: The regiment was sent to fight in the front line (= the position nearest the enemy).  They were trapped behind enemy lines (= in the area controlled by the enemy).
DRUGS|
27 [C] (slang) an amount of COCAINE that is spread out in a thin line, ready to take along / down the 'line (informal) at some point during an activity or a process: Somewhere along the line a large amount of money went missing.  We’ll make a decision on that further down the line. along / on (the) … 'lines
1 (informal) in the way that is mentioned: The new system will operate along the same lines as the old one.  They voted along class lines.
2 (informal) similar to the way or thing that is mentioned: Those aren’t his exact words, but he said something along those lines.  The hotel was built along the lines of a French chateau. be on 'line
1 to be working or functioning: The new working methods will come on line in June.  It took five hours to get all the computer terminals back on line.
2 using a computer; communicating with other people by computer: Most schools will be on line by the year 2000.—see also ONLINE bring sb/sth, come, get, fall, etc. into 'line (with sb/sth) to behave or make sb/sth behave in the same way as other people or how they should behave: Britain must be brought into line with the rest of Europe on taxes. in (a) 'line (with sth) in a position that forms a straight line with sth: An eclipse happens when the earth and moon are in line with the sun. in 'line for sth likely to get sth: She is in line for promotion. in the ,line of 'duty while doing a job: A policeman was injured in the line of duty yesterday. in 'line with sth similar to sth or so that one thing is closely connected with another: Annual pay increases will be in line with inflation. ,lay it on the 'line (informal) to tell sb clearly what you think, especially when they will not like what you say: The manager laid it on the line—some people would have to lose their jobs. (choose, follow, take, etc.) the line of least re'sistance (to choose, etc.) the easiest way doing sth (put sth) on the 'line (informal) at risk: If we don’t make a profit, my job is on the line. out of 'line (with sb/sth)
1 not forming a straight line
2 different from sth: London prices are way out of line with the rest of the country.
3 (AmE) = OUT OF ORDER walk / tread a fine / thin line to be in a difficult or dangerous situation where you could easily make a mistake: He was walking a fine line between being funny and being rude.—more at BATTLE n. , DRAW v. , END n. , FIRING LINE , FRONT LINE , HARD adj. , HOOK n. , JUMP v. , OVERSTEP , PITCH v. , READ v. , SIGN v. , STEP v. , TOE v.

verb [vn]
COVER INSIDE|
1 [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover the inside of sth with a layer of another material to keep it clean, make it stronger, etc: Line the pan with greaseproof paper.
2 to form a layer on the inside of sth: the membranes that line the nose
FORM ROWS|
3 [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to form lines or rows along sth: Crowds of people lined the streets to watch the race.  The walls were lined with books.—see also LINED line your (own) / sb’s 'pockets to get richer or make sb richer, especially by taking unfair advantage of a situation or by being dishonest ,line 'up to stand in a line or row; to form a QUEUE/LINE : Line up, children!  Cars lined up waiting to board the ship. ,line sb/sth<->'up
1 to arrange people or things in a straight line or row: The suspects were lined up against the wall.  He lined the bottles up along the shelf.
2 to arrange for an event or activity to happen, or arrange for sb to be available to do sth: Mark had a job lined up when he left college.  I’ve got a lot lined up this week (= I’m very busy).  She’s lined up a live band for the party. ,line sth<->'up (with sth) to move one thing into a correct position in relation to another thing

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lin.eage
noun [U, C] (formal) the series of families that sb is descended from: a French nobleman of ancient lineage
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lin.eal
adj. [only before noun] (rare, formal) descended directly from sb: a lineal descendant of the company’s founder
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lin.ea.ments
noun [pl.] (rare, formal) the typical features of sth
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lin.ear
adj.
1 of or in lines: In his art he broke the laws of scientific linear perspective.
2 going from one thing to another in a single series of stages: Students do not always progress in a linear fashion.
OPP NON-LINEAR
3 of length: linear measurement (= for example metres, feet, etc.)
lin.ear.ity noun [U]: She abandoned the linearity of the conventional novel.
lin.ear.ly adv.
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line.back.er
noun (in American football) a DEFENSIVE player who tries to TACKLE members of the other team
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lined
adj.
1 (of skin, especially on the face) having folds or lines because of age, worry, etc: a deeply lined face
2 (of paper) having lines printed or drawn across it: Lined paper helps keep handwriting neat.
3 (of clothes) having a LINING inside them: a lined skirt
4 (-lined) having the object mentioned along an edge or edges, or as a LINING : a tree-lined road
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'line dancing
noun [U] a type of dancing originally from the US, in which people dance in lines, all doing a complicated series of steps at the same time
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'line drawing
noun a drawing that consists only of lines
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line.man
noun (pl.-men ) (AmE ) a player in the front line of an American football team
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'line management
noun [U] (BrE ) the system of organizing a company, etc. in which information and instructions are passed from each employee and manager to the person one rank above or below them
'line manager noun: Review your training needs with your line manager.
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linen
noun [U]
1 a fabric made from FLAX , used to make high quality clothes, sheets, etc: a linen shirt / tablecloth
2 sheets, TABLECLOTHS , PILLOWCASES , etc. made of linen or cotton: (BrE) a linen cupboard   (AmE) a linen closet—see also BEDLINEN
IDM see WASH v.
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'line printer
noun a machine that prints very quickly, producing a complete line of print at a time
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liner
noun
1 a large ship that carries passengers: an ocean liner  a luxury cruise liner—picture at BOAT
2 (especially in compounds) a piece of material used to cover the inside surface of sth: bin / nappy liners
3 = EYELINER —see also HARDLINER
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'liner note
noun [usually pl.] information about the music or the performers that comes with a CD or is printed on the cover of a record
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lines.man
noun (pl.-men ) an official who helps the REFEREE in some games, for example football, especially in deciding whether or where a ball crosses one of the lines (now officially called referee’s assistant in football)
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'line-up
noun [usually sing.]
1 the people who are going to take part in a particular event: an impressive line-up of speakers  the starting line-up (= the players who will begin the game)
2 a set of items, events etc. arranged to follow one another: A horror movie completes this evening’s TV line-up.
3 (especially AmE) = IDENTIFICATION PARADE
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ling
noun [U] a low plant that is a type of HEATHER and that grows on areas of wild open land (= MOORLAND )
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-ling
suffix (in nouns) (sometimes disapproving) small; not important: duckling  princeling
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lin.ger
verb [v]
1 ~ (on) to continue to exist for longer than expected: The faint smell of her perfume lingered in the room.  The civil war lingered on well into the 1930s.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to stay somewhere for longer because you do not want to leave; to spend a long time doing sth: She lingered for a few minutes to talk to Nick.  We lingered over breakfast on the terrace.
3 ~ (on sb/sth) to continue to look at sb/sth or think about sth for longer than usual: His eyes lingered on the diamond ring on her finger.
4 ~ (on) to stay alive but become weaker: He lingered on for several months after the heart attack.
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lin.ge.rie
noun [U] (used especially by shops / stores) women’s underwear
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lin.ger.ing
adj. slow to end or disappear: a painful and lingering death  a last lingering look  lingering doubts / hopes  a lingering smell of machine oil
lin.ger.ing.ly adv.
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lingo
noun [sing.] (informal)
1 a language, especially a foreign language: He doesn’t speak the lingo.
2 (especially AmE) expressions used by a particular group of people
SYN JARGON : baseball / aviation lingo
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lin.gua franca
noun [usually sing.] (technical ) a shared language of communication used by people whose main languages are different
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lin.guist
noun
1 a person who knows several foreign languages well: She’s an excellent linguist.  I’m afraid I’m no linguist (= I find foreign languages difficult).
2 a person who studies languages or LINGUISTICS
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lin.guis.tic
adj. connected with language or the scientific study of language: linguistic and cultural barriers  a child’s innate linguistic ability  new developments in linguistic theory
lin.guis.tic.al.ly adv.
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lin.guis.tics
noun [U] the scientific study of language or of particular languages: a course in applied linguistics
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lini.ment
noun [C, U] a liquid, especially one made with oil, that you rub on a painful part of your body to reduce the pain
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lin.ing
noun
1 [C] a layer of material used to cover the inside surface of sth: a pair of leather gloves with fur linings
2 [U] the covering of the inner surface of a part of the body: the stomach lining
IDM see CLOUD n.
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link
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (between A and B) a connection between two or more people or things: Police suspect there may be a link between the two murders.  evidence for a strong causal link between exposure to sun and skin cancer—see also MISSING LINK
2 ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sth) a relationship between two or more people, countries or organizations: to establish / maintain trade links with Asia  Social customs provide a vital link between generations.
3 a means of travelling or communicating between two places: a high-speed rail link  a link road  a telephone / video link
4 each ring of a chain—see also CUFFLINK —picture at CHAIN
IDM a link in the 'chain one of the stages in a process or a line of argument—more at WEAK

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ A to / with B| ~ A and B (together)
1 to make a physical connection between one object, machine, place, etc. and another: The video cameras are linked to a powerful computer.  The Channel Tunnel links Britain with the rest of Europe.
2 if sth links two things, facts or situations, or they are linked, they are connected in some way: Exposure to ultraviolet light is closely linked to skin cancer.  The two factors are directly linked .  The personal and social development of the child are inextricably linked (= they depend on each other).
3 to state that there is a connection or relationship between two things or people: Detectives have linked the break-in to a similar crime in the area last year.  Newspapers have linked his name with the singer.
4 to join two things by putting one through the other: The two girls linked arms as they strolled down the street.
PVR V ,link 'up (with sb/sth) to join or become joined with sb/sth: The two spacecraft will link up in orbit.  The bands have linked up for a charity concert.—related noun LINK-UP

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link.age
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (between A and B) the act of linking things; a link or system of links : This chapter explores the linkage between economic development and the environment.
2 [C] a device that links two or more things
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'linking verb
(also cop.ula) noun (grammar ) a verb such as be or become that connects a subject with the adjective or noun (called the COMPLEMENT ) that describes it: In ‘She became angry’, the verb ‘became’ is a linking verb.
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link.man
noun (pl.-men ) (BrE )
1 a person who helps two people or groups of people to communicate with each other
2 a person who works on the radio or television introducing the programmes or telling people about future programmes
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links
noun = GOLF LINKS
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'link-up
noun a connection formed between two things, for example two companies or two broadcasting systems: a live satellite link-up with the conference
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lin.net
noun a small brown and grey bird of the FINCH family
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lino
noun [U] (BrE , informal) = LINOLEUM
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li.no.leum
(also BrE informal lino) noun [U] a type of strong material with a hard shiny surface, used for covering floors
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lin.seed oil
noun [U] an oil made from FLAX seeds, used in paint or to protect wood, etc.
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lint
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) a soft cotton fabric used for covering and protecting wounds
2 (technical) short fine FIBRES that come off the surface of fabric when it is being made
3 (especially AmE) (BrE usually fluff) small soft pieces of wool, cotton, etc. that stick on the surface of fabric
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lin.tel
noun (architecture ) a piece of wood or stone over a door or window, that forms part of the frame
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lion
noun a large powerful animal of the cat family, that hunts in groups and lives in parts of Africa and southern Asia. Lions have yellowish-brown fur and the male has a MANE (= long thick hair round its neck).—see also MOUNTAIN LION —compare LIONESS —
IDM the 'lion’s den a difficult situation in which you have to face a person or people who are unfriendly or aggressive towards you the 'lion’s share (of sth) (BrE) the largest or best part of sth when it is divided—more at BEARD v.
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lion.ess
noun a female lion
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lion.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written) to treat sb as a famous or important person
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lip
noun
1 [C] either of the two soft edges at the opening to the mouth: The assistant pursed her lips.  your upper / lower / top / bottom lip  She kissed him on the lips.  Not a drop of alcohol passed my lips (= I didn’t drink any).—picture at BODY
2 (-lipped) (in adjectives) having the type of lips mentioned: thin-lipped  thick-lipped—see also TIGHT-LIPPED
3 [C] ~ (of sth) the edge of a container or a hollow place in the ground: He ran his finger around the lip of the cup.  Lava bubbled a few feet below the lip of the crater.—picture at JUG
4 [U] (informal) words spoken to sb that are rude and show a lack of respect for that person
SYN CHEEK : Don’t let him give you any lip !
IDM lick / smack your 'lips
1 to move your tongue over your lips , especially before eating sth good
2 (informal) to show that you are excited about sth and want it to happen soon: They were licking their lips at the thought of clinching the deal. my lips are 'sealed used to say that you will not repeat sb’s secret to other people on everyone’s 'lips if sth is on everyone’s lips, they are all talking about it—more at BITE v. , PASS v. , READ v. , STIFF adj.
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lipo.suc.tion
noun [U] a way of removing fat from sb’s body by using SUCTION
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lippy
adj. (BrE , informal) showing a lack of respect in the way that you speak to sb
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'lip-read
verb [v, vn] to understand what sb is saying by watching the way their lips move
'lip-reading noun [U]
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'lip-service
noun if sb pays lip-service to sth, they say that they approve of it or support it, without proving their support by what they actually do: All the parties pay lip-service to environmental issues.
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lip.stick
noun [U, C] a substance made into a small stick, used for colouring the lips; a small stick of this substance: She was wearing bright red lipstick.—picture at STICK
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lip-sync
(also lip-synch) verb to move your mouth, without speaking or singing, so that its movements match the sound on a recorded song, etc: [v] She lip-synced to a Beatles song.  [vn] He lip-synced ‘Return to Sender’.
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li.quefy
verb (li.que.fies, li.que.fy.ing, li.que.fied, li.que.fied) [v, vn] (formal) to become liquid; to make sth liquid
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li.queur
(AmE also cor.dial) noun
1 [U, C] a strong sweet alcoholic drink, sometimes flavoured with fruit. It is usually drunk in very small glasses after a meal.
2 [C] a glass of liqueur
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li.quid
noun, adj.
noun [U, C] a substance that flows freely and is not a solid or a gas, for example water or oil: She poured the dark brown liquid down the sink.  the transition from liquid to vapour—see also WASHING-UP LIQUID

adj.
1 in the form of a liquid; not a solid or a gas: liquid fertilizer / soap  liquid nitrogen  The detergent comes in powder or liquid form.  a bar selling snacks and liquid refreshment (= drinks)
2 (finance) that can easily be changed into cash: liquid assets
3 (literary) clear, like water: liquid blue eyes
4 (literary) (of sounds) clear, pure and flowing: the liquid song of a blackbird

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li.quid.ate
verb
1 [v, vn] to close a business and sell everything it owns in order to pay debts
2 [vn] (finance) to sell sth in order to get money: to liquidate assets
3 [vn] (finance) to pay a debt
4 [vn] to destroy or remove sb/sth that causes problems: The government tried to liquidate the rebel movement and failed.
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li.quid.ation
noun [U] the action of liquidating sb/sth: The company has gone into liquidation .
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li.quid.ator
noun a person responsible for closing down a business and using any profits from the sale to pay its debts
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,liquid ,crystal dis'play
noun = LCD
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li.quid.ity
noun [U] (finance ) the state of owning things of value that can easily be exchanged for cash: Financial institutions must maintain sufficient liquidity to meet the demands of depositors.
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li.quid.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (especially BrE ) to crush fruit, vegetables, etc. into a thick liquid
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li.quid.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun (BrE ) = BLENDER
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li.quor
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) strong alcoholic drink
SYN SPIRITS : hard liquor  She drinks wine and beer but no liquor.
2 (BrE, technical) any alcoholic drink: intoxicating liquor
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li.quor.ice
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually lic.orice) noun [U, C] a firm black substance with a strong flavour, obtained from the root of a plant, used in medicine and to make sweets/candy; a sweet/candy made from this substance
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li.quor.ice all.sorts
noun [pl.] (BrE ) brightly coloured sweets/candy made with liquorice
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'liquor store
noun (AmE ) = OFF-LICENCE
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lira
noun (pl.lire ) (abbr. l.) the unit of money in Italy and Turkey (to be replaced in Italy by the euro)
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lisp
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] a speech fault in which the sound ‘s’ is pronounced ‘th’: She spoke with a slight lisp.

verb [v, v speech] to speak with a lisp

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lis.som
(also lis.some) adj. (literary) (of sb’s body) thin and graceful
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list
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a series of names, items, figures, etc., especially when they are written or printed: a shopping / wine / price list  to make a list of things to do   (formal) to draw up a list  Is your name on the list ?  Having to wait hours came high on the list of complaints.—see also HIT LIST , MAILING LIST , SHORTLIST , WAITING LIST
2 [sing.] the fact of a ship leaning to one side

IDM see DANGER
verb
1 [vn] to write a list of things in a particular order: We were asked to list our ten favourite songs.  Towns in the guide are listed alphabetically.
2 [vn] to mention or include sth in a list: The koala is listed among Australia’s endangered animals.  soldiers listed as missing
3 (AmE ) to be put or put sth in a list of things for sale: [v] This CD player lists at $200. [alsovn]
4 [v] (of a ship) to lean to one side

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,listed 'building
noun (BrE ) a building that is officially protected because it has artistic or historical value—see also LANDMARK
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lis.ten
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (to sb/sth) to pay attention to sb/sth that you can hear: to listen to music / the radio  Listen! What’s that noise? Can you hear it?  Sorry, I wasn’t really listening.  I listened carefully to her story.
HELP You cannot ‘listen sth’ (without ‘to’): I’m fond of listening to classical music.  I’m fond of listening classical music.
2 ~ (to sb/sth) to take notice of what sb says to you so that you follow their advice or believe them: None of this would have happened if you’d listened to me.  Why won’t you listen to reason ?
3 (spoken) used to tell sb to take notice of what you are going to say: Listen, there’s something I have to tell you.
PVR V 'listen ('out) for sth to be prepared to hear a particular sound: Can you listen out for the doorbell? ,listen 'in (on / to sth)
1 to listen to a conversation that you are not supposed to hear: You shouldn’t listen in on other people’s conversations.
2 to listen to a radio broadcast ,listen 'up (spoken, especially AmE) used to tell people to listen carefully because you are going to say sth important

noun [usually sing.] an act of listening: Have a listen to this.

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lis.ten.able
adj. (informal) pleasant to listen to: Their new album is surprisingly listenable.
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lis.ten.er
noun
1 a person who listens: a good listener (= sb who you can rely on to listen with attention or sympathy)
2 a person listening to a radio programme
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lis.teria
noun [U] a type of bacteria that makes people sick if they eat infected food
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list.ing
noun
1 [C] a list, especially an official or published list of people or things, often arranged in alphabetical order: a comprehensive listing of all airlines
2 (listings) [pl.] information in a newspaper or magazine about what films/movies, plays, etc. are being shown in a particular town or city: a London listings magazine
3 [C] a position or an item on a list: (business) The company is seeking a stock exchange listing (= for trading shares).
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list.less
adj. having no energy or enthusiasm: The illness left her feeling listless and depressed.
list.less.ly adv.
list.less.ness noun [U]
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'list price
noun [usually sing.] (business ) the price at which goods are advertised for sale, for example in a CATALOGUE : 8% off the manufacturer’s list price
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lit
pt, pp of LIGHT
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lit.any
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a series of prayers to God for use in church services, spoken by a priest, etc., with set responses by the people
2 ~ (of sth) (written) a long boring account of a series of events, reasons, etc: a litany of complaints
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lite
adj. [usually before noun] (informal, especially AmE ) (of food or drink) containing fewer CALORIES than other types of food, so less likely to make you fat (a way of spelling ‘light’): lite ice cream  lite beer
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liter
(AmE ) = LITRE
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lit.er.acy
noun [U] the ability to read and write: a campaign to promote adult literacy  basic literacy skills
OPP ILLITERACY —see also COMPUTER LITERACY
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lit.eral
adj.
1 [usually before noun] being the basic or usual meaning of a word or phrase: His story is incredible in the literal sense of the word (= it is impossible to believe it).  What is the literal meaning of this word?—compare FIGURATIVE , METAPHORICAL
2 [usually before noun] that follows the original words exactly: a literal translation  a literal transcript of a speech—compare FREE
3 (disapproving) lacking imagination: Her interpretation of the music was too literal.
lit.er.al.ness noun [U]
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lit.er.al.ly
adv.
1 in a literal way
SYN EXACTLY : The word ‘planet’ literally means ‘wandering body’.  When I told you to ‘get lost’ I didn’t expect to be taken literally .
2 used to emphasize the truth of sth that may seem surprising: There are literally hundreds of prizes to win.
3 (informal) used to emphasize a word or phrase that is being used in a FIGURATIVE way: I literally jumped out of my skin.
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lit.er.ary
adj.
1 connected with literature: literary criticism / theory
2 (of a language or style of writing) suitable for or typical of a work of literature: It was Chaucer who really turned English into a literary language.
3 liking literature very much; studying or writing literature: a literary man
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lit.er.ate
adj. able to read and write
OPP ILLITERATE —see also NUMERATE , COMPUTER-LITERATE
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lit.er.ati
(the literati) noun [pl.] (formal) educated and intelligent people who enjoy literature
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lit.era.ture
noun [U]
1 pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers, magazines, etc.): to read / study French literature  great works of literature
2 ~ (on sth) pieces of writing or printed information on a particular subject: I’ve read all the available literature on keeping rabbits.  sales / promotional literature
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lithe
adj. (of a person or their body) moving or bending easily, in a way that is graceful
lithe.ly adv.
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lith.ium
noun [U] (symb Li) a chemical element. Lithium is a soft, very light, silver-white metal used in batteries and ALLOYS .
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litho.graph
noun a picture printed by lithography
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lith.og.raphy
noun (also informal litho ) [U] the process of printing from a smooth surface, for example a metal plate, that has been specially prepared so that ink only sticks to the design to be printed
litho.graph.ic adj.
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liti.gant
noun (law ) a person who is making or defending a claim in a court of law
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liti.gate
verb [v, vn] (law ) to take a claim or dispute to a court of law
liti.ga.tor noun
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liti.ga.tion
noun [U] (law ) the process of making or defending a claim in a court of law: litigation costs / procedures  The company has been in litigation with its previous auditors for a full year.
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li.ti.gious
adj. (formal, disapproving) too ready to take disputes to a court of law
li.ti.gious.ness noun [U]
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lit.mus
noun [U] a substance that turns red when it touches an acid and blue when it touches an ALKALI : litmus paper
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'litmus test
noun
1 (especially AmE) = ACID TEST : The outcome will be seen as a litmus test of government concern for conservation issues.
2 a test using litmus
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litre
(BrE ) (AmEliter) noun (abbr. l) a unit for measuring volume, equal to 1.76 British PINTS or 2.11 American pints : 3 litres of water  a litre bottle of wine  a car with a 3.5 litre engine
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lit.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] small pieces of rubbish/garbage such as paper, cans and bottles, that people have left lying in a public place: There will be fines for people who drop litter .
2 [sing.] ~ of sth a number of things that are lying in an untidy way: The floor was covered with a litter of newspapers, clothes and empty cups.
3 [U] a dry substance that is put in a shallow open box for pets, especially cats, to use as a toilet when they are indoors: cat litter   (BrE) a litter tray   (AmE) a litter box
4 [C] a number of baby animals that one mother gives birth to at the same time: a litter of puppies / kittens  the runt (= the smallest and weakest baby) of the litter
5 [U] the substance, especially STRAW , that is used for farm animals to sleep on
6 [C] a kind of chair or bed that was used in the past for carrying important people

verb
1 [vn] to be spread around a place, making it look untidy: Piles of books and newspapers littered the floor.  Broken glass littered the streets.
2 ~ (sth) (with sth) [usually passive] to leave things in a place, making it look untidy: [vn] The floor was littered with papers.  [v] (AmE) He was arrested for littering.
3 [vn] (be littered with sth) to contain or involve a lot of a particular type of thing usually sth bad: Your essay is littered with spelling mistakes.

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'litter bin
(BrE ) (AmE 'trash can) noun a container for people to put rubbish/garbage in, in the street or in a public building
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'litter lout
(BrE ) (also 'lit.ter.bugAmE, BrE) noun (informal, disapproving) a person who leaves LITTER in public places
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lit.tle
adj., det., pron., adv.
adj. [usually before noun]
HELP The forms littler and littlest are rare. It is more common to use smaller and smallest.
1 not big; small; smaller than others: a little house  a little group of tourists  a little old lady  the classic little black dress  ‘Which do you want?’‘I’ll take the little one.’  She gave a little laugh.   (BrE) We should manage, with a little bit of luck.  Here’s a little something (= a small present) for your birthday.
2 used after an adjective to show affection or dislike, especially in a PATRONIZING way (= one that suggests that you think you are better than sb): The poor little thing! It’s lost its mother.  What a nasty little man!  She’s a good little worker.  He’d become quite the little gentleman.
3 young: a little boy / girl  My little sister (= younger sister) is 21 today.  I lived in America when I was little.
4 (of distance or time) short: A little while later the phone rang.  Shall we walk a little way?
5 not important; not serious: I can’t remember every little detail.  You soon get used to the little difficulties.  note at SMALL
little.ness noun [U] (rare)
IDM a little 'bird told me (spoken) used to say that sb told you sth but you do not want to say who it was—more at WONDER n.

det., pron.
1 used with uncountable nouns to mean ‘not much’: There was little doubt in my mind.  Students have little or no choice in the matter.  I understood little of what he said.  She said little or nothing (= hardly anything) about her experience.  Tell him as little as possible .
2 (a little) used with uncountable nouns to mean ‘a small amount’, ‘some’: a little milk / sugar / tea  If you have any spare milk, could you give me a little?  I’ve only read a little of the book so far.   (formal) It caused not a little / no little (= a lot of) confusion.  After a little (= a short time) he got up and left.
IDM ,little by 'little slowly; gradually: Little by little the snow disappeared.  His English is improving little by little.

adv. (less, least)
1 not much; only slightly: He is little known as an artist.  I slept very little last night.   (written) Little did I know that this spelled the end of my career.
2 a little (bit) to a small degree: She seemed a little afraid of going inside.  These shoes are a little (bit) too big for me.   (informal) Everything has become just that little bit harder.   (formal) She felt tired and more than a little worried.  note at BIT

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,little 'finger
noun the smallest finger of the hand
SYN PINKIE —picture at BODY
IDM twist / wrap / wind sb around your little 'finger (informal) to persuade sb to do anything that you want: She has always been able to twist her parents around her little finger.
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'Little League
noun [sing., U] (in the US) a baseball LEAGUE for children
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'little people
noun [pl.]
1 all the people in a country who have no power: the helplessness of little people facing vast political forces
2 (the little people) (BrE) small imaginary people with magic powers
SYN FAIRIES
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lit.toral
noun (technical ) the part of a country that is near the coast
lit.toral adj. [only before noun]: littoral states
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lit.urgy
noun (pl.-ies) a fixed form of public worship used in churches
li.tur.gic.al adj.
li.tur.gic.al.ly adv.
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liv.able
adj. = LIVEABLE
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live^1
verb —see also LIVE^2
IN A PLACE|
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to have your home in a particular place: to live in a house / an apartment  Where do you live?  She needs to find somewhere to live.  We used to live in London.  Both her children still live at home.   (BrE, informal) Where do these plates live (= where are they usually kept)?
BE ALIVE|
2 to remain alive: [v] The doctors said he only had six months to live.  Spiders can live for several days without food.  [v to inf] She lived to see her first grandchild.
3 [v] to be alive, especially at a particular time: When did Handel live?  He’s the greatest player who ever lived.
TYPE OF LIFE|
4 to spend your life in a particular way: [vn] She lived a very peaceful life.  [v] He lived in poverty most of his life.  [v-n] She lived and died a single woman.
BE REMEMBERED|
5 [v] to continue to exist or be remembered: This moment will live in our memory for many years to come.  Her words have lived with me all my life.
HAVE EXCITEMENT|
6 [v] to have a full and exciting life: I don’t want to be stuck in an office all my life—I want to live! ,live and 'breathe sth to be very enthusiastic about sth: He just lives and breathes football. live and 'let live (saying) used to say that you should accept other people’s opinions and behaviour even though they are different from your own live by your 'wits to earn money by clever or sometimes dishonest means live (from) ,hand to 'mouth to spend all the money you earn on basic needs such as food without being able to save any money live in the 'past to behave as though society, etc. has not changed, when in fact it has live in 'sin (old-fashioned or humorous) to live together and have a sexual relationship without being married live it 'up (informal) to enjoy yourself in an exciting way, usually spending a lot of money live a 'lie to keep sth important about yourself a secret from other people, so that they do not know what you really think, what you are really like, etc. live off the fat of the 'land to have enough money to be able to afford expensive things, food, drink, etc. live off the 'land to eat whatever food you can grow, kill or find yourself ,live to fight another 'day (saying) used to say that although you have failed or had a bad experience, you will continue you haven’t 'lived used to tell sb that if they have not had a particular experience their life is not complete: You’ve never been to New York? You haven’t lived! you live and 'learn used to express surprise at sth new or unexpected you have been told—more at BORROW , CLOVER , HALF n. , PEOPLE n. , POCKET n. , ROUGH adv. 'live by sth to follow a particular belief or set of principles: That’s a philosophy I could live by. 'live by doing sth to earn money or to get the things you need by doing a particular thing: a community that lives by fishing ,live sth<->'down to be able to make people forget about sth embarrassing you have done: She felt so stupid. She’d never be able to live it down. 'live for sb/sth to think that sb/sth is the main purpose of or the most important thing in your life: She lives for her work.  After his wife died, he had nothing to live for. ,live 'in to live at the place where you work or study: They have an au pair living in.—see also LIVE-IN 'live off sb/sth (often disapproving) to receive the money you need to live from sb/sth because you do not have any yourself: She’s still living off her parents.  to live off welfare 'live off sth to have one particular type of food as the main thing you eat in order to live: He seems to live off junk food. ,live 'on to continue to live or exist: She died ten years ago but her memory lives on. 'live on sth
1 to eat a particular type of food to live: Small birds live mainly on insects.
2 (often disapproving) to eat only or a lot of a particular type of food: She lives on burgers.
3 to have enough money for the basic things you need to live: You can’t live on forty pounds a week. ,live 'out to live away from the place where you work or study: Some college students will have to live out. ,live 'out sth
1 to actually do what you have only thought about doing before: to live out your dreams / fantasies
2 to spend the rest of your life in a particular way: He lived out his days alone. ,live 'through sth to experience a disaster or other unpleasant situation and survive it: He has lived through two world wars. 'live together (also 'live with sb)
1 to live in the same house
2 to share a home and have a sexual relationship without being married ,live 'up to sth to do as well as or be as good as other people expect you to: He failed to live up to his parents' expectations.  The team called ‘The No-Hopers’ certainly lived up to its name. 'live with sb = LIVE TOGETHER 'live with sth to accept sth unpleasant: I just had to learn to live with the pain.
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live^2
adj., adv. —see also LIVE^1
adj. [usually before noun]
NOT DEAD|
1 living; not dead: live animals  the number of live births (= babies born alive)  We saw a real live rattlesnake!
NOT RECORDED|
2 (of a broadcast) sent out while the event is actually happening, not recorded first and broadcast later: live coverage of the World Cup—compare PRE-RECORDED
3 (of a performance) given or made when people are watching, not recorded: The club has live music most nights.  a live recording made at Wembley Arena in 1999  the band’s new live album  It was the first interview I’d done in front of a live audience (= with people watching).—compare PRE-RECORDED
ELECTRICITY|
4 (of a wire or device) connected to a source of electrical power: That terminal is live.
BULLETS / MATCHES|
5 still able to explode or light; ready for use: live ammunition
COALS|
6 live coals are burning or are still hot and red
YOGURT|
7 liveYOGURT still contains the bacteria needed to turn milk into YOGURT
QUESTION / SUBJECT|
8 (of a question or subject) of interest or importance at the present time: Pollution is still very much a live issue. a live 'wire a person who is lively and full of energy

adv. broadcast at the time of an actual event; played or recorded at an actual performance: The show is going out live. go 'live (computing) (of a computer system) to become OPERATIONAL (= ready to be used)

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live.able
(also liv.able) adj.
1 (BrE also live.able in [not before noun]) (of a house, etc.) fit to live in
SYN HABITABLE : safer and more liveable residential areas  The place looks liveable in.
2 (of life) worth living
SYN ENDURABLE
3 [not before noun] ~ with that can be dealt with: The problem is paying the mortgage—everything else is liveable with.
4 [only before noun] (of a wage, etc.) enough to live on: a liveable salary / pension
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'lived-in
adj. (of a place) that has been used so continuously for so long that it does not look new: (approving) The room had a comfortable, lived-in feel about it.
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'live-in
adj.
1 (of an employee) living in the house where they work: a live-in nanny
2 ~ lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. a person who lives with their sexual partner but is not married to them
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live.li.hood
noun [C usually sing, U] a means of earning money in order to live: Communities on the island depended on whaling for their livelihood.  a means / source of livelihood
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live.ly
adj. (live.lier, live.li.est)
1 full of life and energy; active and enthusiastic: an intelligent and lively young woman  a lively and enquiring mind  He showed a lively interest in politics.
2 (of a place, an event, etc.) full of interest or excitement: a lively bar / resort / atmosphere  a lively debate / discussion
3 (of colours) strong and definite: a lively shade of pink
4 (especially BrE) busy and active: They do a lively trade in souvenirs and gifts.
live.li.ness noun [U]
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liven
verb
PVR V ,liven 'up| ,liven sb/sth 'up to become or to make sb/sth more interesting or exciting: The game didn’t liven up till the second half.  Let’s put some music on to liven things up.  You look as if you need livening up!
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liver
noun
1 [C] a large organ in the body that produces BILE and cleans the blood—picture at BODY
2 [U, C] the liver of some animals that is cooked and eaten: liver and onions  chicken livers
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liv.er.ied
adj.
1 (BrE) painted in a LIVERY : liveried aircraft
2 wearing LIVERY : liveried servants
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Liv.er.pud.lian
noun a person from Liverpool in NW England
Liv.er.pud.lian adj.
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'liver sausage
(BrE ) (AmE liv.er.wurst ) noun [U] a type of soft sausage made from finely chopped LIVER , usually spread cold on bread
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liv.ery
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE) the colours in which the vehicles, aircraft, etc. of a particular company are painted
2 a special uniform worn by servants or officials, especially in the past
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'livery stable
noun a place where people can pay to keep their horses or can hire a horse
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lives
pl. of LIFE
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live.stock
noun [U, pl.] the animals kept on a farm, for example cows or sheep
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livid
adj.
1 extremely angry
SYN FURIOUS : Dad will be livid when he finds out.
2 dark bluish-grey in colour: a livid bruise
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liv.ing
adj., noun
adj.
1 alive now: all living things  living creatures / organisms / cells  the finest living pianist
2 [only before noun] used or practised now: living languages (= those still spoken)  a living faith
IDM be living 'proof of sth / that … to show by your actions or qualities that a particular fact is true: These figures are living proof of the government’s incompetence.  He is living proof that not all engineers are boring. within / in ,living 'memory at a time, or during the time, that is remembered by people still alive: the coldest winter in living memory—more at DAYLIGHTS , IMAGE

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] money to buy the things that you need in life: She earns her living as a freelance journalist.  to make a good / decent / meagre living  What do you do for a living ?  to scrape / scratch a living from part-time tutoring
2 [U] a way or style of life: daily / everyday living  communal / family living  healthy / plain living  Their standard of living is very low.  The cost of living has risen sharply.  poor living conditions / standards
3 (the living) [pl.] people who are alive now: the living and the dead
4 [C] (BrE) (especially in the past) a position in the Church as a priest and the income and house that go with this
SYN BENEFICE
IDM see LAND n.

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,living 'death
noun [sing.] a life that is worse than being dead
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,living 'hell
noun [sing.] a very unpleasant situation that causes a lot of suffering and lasts a long time
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'living room
(BrE also 'sitting room) noun a room in a house where people sit together, watch television, etc.
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,living 'wage
noun [sing.] a wage that is high enough for sb to buy the things they need in order to live
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,living 'will
noun a document stating your wishes concerning medical treatment in the case that you become so ill that you can no longer make decisions about it, in particular asking doctors to stop treating you and let you die
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liz.ard
noun a small reptile with a rough skin, four short legs and a long tail
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ll
abbr. the abbreviation for ‘lines’, the plural form of ‘l’
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llama
noun a S American animal kept for its soft wool or for carrying loads
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lo
exclamation (old use or humorous) used for calling attention to a surprising thing
IDM ,lo and be'hold (humorous) used for calling attention to a surprising or an annoying thing: As soon as we went out, lo and behold, it began to rain.
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load
noun, verb
noun
STH CARRIED|
1 [C] something that is being carried (usually in large amounts) by a person, vehicle, etc: The trucks waited at the warehouse to pick up their loads.  The women came down the hill with their loads of firewood.  These backpacks are designed to carry a heavy load .  A lorry shed its load (= accidentally dropped its load) on the motorway.
2 [C] (often in compounds) the total amount of sth that sth can carry or contain: a busload of tourists  They ordered three truckloads of sand.  He put half a load of washing in the machine.  The plane took off with a full load .
WEIGHT|
3 [C, usually sing.] the amount of weight that is pressing down on sth: a load-bearing wall  Modern backpacks spread the load over a wider area.
LARGE AMOUNT|
4 [sing.] (BrE also loads [pl.]) ~ (of sth) (informal) a large number or amount of sb/sth; plenty: She’s got loads of friends.  There’s loads to do today.  He wrote loads and loads of letters to people.  Uncle Jim brought a whole load of presents for the kids.
RUBBISH / NONSENSE|
5 [sing.] ~ of rubbish, garbage, nonsense, etc. (spoken, especially BrE) used to emphasize that sth is wrong, stupid, bad, etc: You’re talking a load of rubbish.
WORK|
6 [C] an amount of work that a person or machine has to do: Teaching loads have increased in all types of school.  Extra warmth from sunlight can put an additional load on the air-conditioning system.—see also CASELOAD , WORKLOAD
RESPONSIBILITY / WORRY|
7 [C, usually sing.] a feeling of responsibility or worry that is difficult to deal with: She thought she would not be able to bear the load of bringing up her family alone.  Knowing that they had arrived safely took a load off my mind .
ELECTRICAL POWER|
8 [C] the amount of electrical power that is being supplied at a particular time get a load of sb/sth (spoken) used to tell sb to look at or listen to sb/sth: Get a load of that dress!

verb
GIVE / RECEIVE LOAD|
1 ~ (up)| ~ (up with sth)| ~ (up) (with sth)| ~ sth/sb (into / onto sth) to put a large quantity of sth onto or into sth: [vn] We loaded the car in ten minutes.  Can you help me load the dishwasher?  Men were loading up a truck with timber.  Sacks were being loaded onto the truck.  [v] We finished loading and set off.
OPP UNLOAD
2 [v] to receive a load: The ship was still loading.
OPP UNLOAD
3 [vn] to give sb a lot of things, especially things they have to carry: They loaded her with gifts.
GUN / CAMERA|
4 ~ sth (into sth)| ~ sth (with sth) to put sth into a weapon, camera or other piece of equipment so that it can be used: [vn] She loaded film into the camera.  She loaded the camera with film.  Is the gun loaded? [alsov] UNLOAD
COMPUTING|
5 to put data or a program into the memory of a computer: [vn] Have you loaded the software?  [v] Wait for the game to load.—compare DOWNLOAD load the 'dice (against sb) [usually passive] to put sb at a disadvantage: He has always felt that the dice were loaded against him in life. ,load sb/sth 'down (with sth) [usually passive] to give sb/sth a lot of heavy things to carry: She was loaded down with bags of groceries.

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load.ed
adj.
FULL|
1 ~ (with sth) carrying a load; full and heavy: a fully loaded truck  a truck loaded with supplies  She came into the room carrying a loaded tray.
2 ~ with sth (informal) full of a particular thing, quality or meaning: cakes loaded with calories
RICH|
3 [not before noun] (informal) very rich: Let her pay—she’s loaded.
ADVANTAGE / DISADVANTAGE|
4 ~ in favour of sb/sth| ~ against sb/sth acting either as an advantage or a disadvantage to sb/sth in a way that is unfair: a system that is loaded in favour of the young (= gives them an advantage)
WORD / STATEMENT|
5 having more meaning than you realize at first and intended to make you think in a particular way: It was a loaded question and I preferred not to comment.
GUN / CAMERA|
6 containing bullets, film, etc: a loaded shotgun
DRUNK|
7 (informal, especially AmE) very drunk
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load.star
noun = LODESTAR
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load.stone
noun = LODESTONE
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loaf
noun, verb
noun (pl.loaves ) an amount of bread that has been shaped and baked in one piece: a loaf of bread  Two white loaves, please.  a sliced loaf—see also FRENCH LOAF —
IDM see USE v.

verb [v] ~ (about / around) (informal) to spend your time not doing anything, especially when you should be working: A group of kids were loafing around outside.

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loaf.er
noun
1 a person who wastes their time rather than working
2 (Loafer™) a flat leather shoe that you can put on your foot without fastening it—picture at SHOE
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loam
noun [U] (technical ) good quality soil containing sand, clay and decayed vegetable matter
loamy adj.
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loan
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] money that an organization such as a bank lends and sb borrows: to take out / repay a loan (= to borrow money / pay it back)  bank loans with low interest rates  It took three years to repay my student loan (= money lent to a student).  a car loan (= a loan to buy a car)
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the act of lending sth; the state of being lent: I even gave her the loan of my car.  an exhibition of paintings on loan (= borrowed) from private collections

verb
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth (especially AmE ) to lend sth to sb, especially money: [vn] The bank is happy to loan money to small businesses.  [vnn] A friend loaned me $1 000.
2 ~ sth (out) (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb) sth (especially BrE ) to lend a valuable object to a museum, etc: [vn] This exhibit was kindly loaned by the artist’s family.  [vnn] He loaned the museum his entire collection.

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'loan shark
noun (disapproving) a person who lends money at very high rates of interest
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loath
(also less frequent loth) adj. ~ to do sth (formal) not willing to do sth: He was loath to admit his mistake.
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loathe
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to dislike sb/sth very much: [vn] I loathe modern art.  They loathe each other. [alsov -ing]
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loath.ing
noun [sing., U] ~ (for / of sb/sth) (formal) a strong feeling of hatred: She looked at her attacker with fear and loathing .  Many soldiers returned with a deep loathing of war.
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loath.some
adj. (formal) extremely unpleasant; disgusting
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loaves
pl. of LOAF
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lob
verb (-bb-) [vn]
1 [+adv. / prep.] (informal) to throw sth so that it goes quite high through the air: Stones were lobbed over the wall.
2 (sport) to hit or kick a ball in a high curve through the air, especially so that it lands behind the person you are playing against: He lobbed the ball over the defender’s head.
lob noun: to play a lob
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lobby
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a large area inside the entrance of a public building where people can meet and wait
SYN FOYER : a hotel lobby
2 [C] (in the British Parliament) a large hall that is open to the public and used for people to meet and talk to Members of Parliament
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who try to influence politicians on a particular issue: The gun lobby is / are against any change in the law.

verb (lob.bies, lobby.ing, lob.bied, lob.bied) ~ (sb) (for / against sth) to try to influence a politician or the government and, for example, persuade them to support or oppose a change in the law: [vn] Farmers will lobby Congress for higher subsidies.  [v] Women’s groups are lobbying to get more public money for children.
lobby.ist noun: political lobbyists

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lobe
noun
1 = EAR LOBE
2 a part of an organ in the body, especially the lungs or brain
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lo.belia
noun [C, U] a small garden plant with small blue, red or white flowers
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lob.ot.omy
noun (pl.-ies) a rare medical operation that cuts into part of a person’s brain in order to treat mental illness
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lob.ster
noun
1 [C] a sea creature with a hard shell, a long body divided into sections, eight legs and two large CLAWS (= curved and pointed limbs for catching and holding things). Its shell is black but turns bright red when it is boiled.
2 [U] meat from a lobster , used for food
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'lobster pot
noun a trap for lobsters that is shaped like a basket
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local
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 belonging to or connected with the particular place or area that you are talking about or with the place where you live: a local farmer / hairdresser  A local man was accused of the murder.  Our children go to the local school.  a local newspaper (= one that gives local news)  local radio (= a radio station that broadcasts to one area only)  decisions made at local rather than national level  It was difficult to understand the local dialect.
2 affecting only one part of the body: Her tooth was extracted under local anaesthetic .
lo.cal.ly adv.: to advertise / shop / work locally  Do you live locally (= in this area)?  locally grown fruit

noun
1 [usually pl.] a person who lives in a particular place or district: The locals are very friendly.
2 (BrE, informal) a pub near where you live: I called in at my local on the way home.
3 (AmE) a branch of a trade union
4 (AmE) a bus or train that stops at all places on the route

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,local ,area 'network
noun = LAN
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,local au'thority
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) the group of people which is responsible for the government of an area in Britain
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'local call
noun a telephone call to a place that is near
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,local 'colour
(BrE ) (AmE,local 'color) noun [U] the typical things, customs, etc. in a place that make it interesting, and that are used in a picture, story or film/movie to make it seem real
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lo.cale
noun (formal ortechnical ) a place where sth happens: the employment structure of the two locales
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,local 'government
noun
1 [U] (especially BrE) the system of government of a town or an area by elected representatives of the people who live there
2 [C] (AmE) the organization that is responsible for the government of a local area and for providing services, etc: state and local governments
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lo.cal.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 the area that surrounds the place you are in or are talking about: people living in the locality of the power station  There is no airport in the locality .
2 the place where sb/sth exists: We talk of the brain as the locality of thought.  The birds are found in over 70 different localities.
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lo.cal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to limit sth or its effects to a particular area
2 (formal) to find out where sth is: animals' ability to localize sounds
lo.cal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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lo.cal.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (formal) happening within one small area: a localized infection (= in one part of the body)  localized fighting
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'local time
noun [U] the time of day in the particular part of the world that you are talking about: We reach Delhi at 2 o’clock local time.
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lo.cate
verb
1 [vn] to find the exact position of sb/sth: The mechanic located the fault immediately.  Rescue planes are trying to locate the missing sailors.
2 [vn] to put or build sth in a particular place: They located their headquarters in Swindon.—compare RELOCATE
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially AmE) to start a business in a particular place: There are tax breaks for businesses that locate in rural areas.
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lo.cated
adj. [not before noun] (written) if sth is located in a particular place, it exists there or has been put there
SYN SITUATED : a small town located 30 miles south of Chicago  The offices are conveniently located just a few minutes from the main station.
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lo.ca.tion
noun
1 [C] a place where sth happens or exists; the position of sth: a honeymoon to a secret location  What is the exact location of the ship?
2 [C, U] a place outside a film STUDIO where scenes of a film/movie are made: A mountain in the Rockies became the location for a film about Everest.  The movie was shot entirely on location in Italy.
3 [U] the act of finding the position of sb/sth
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loch
noun (in Scotland) a lake or a narrow strip of sea almost surrounded by land—see also LOUGH
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loci
pl. of LOCUS
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lock
verb, noun
verb
1 to fasten sth with a lock; to be fastened with a lock: [vn] Did you lock the door?  [v] This suitcase doesn’t lock.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth in a safe place and lock it: She locked her passport and money in the safe.
3 ~ (sth) (in / into / around, etc. sth)| ~ (sth) (together) to become or make sth become fixed in one position and unable to move: [v] The brakes locked and the car skidded.  [vn] He locked his helmet into position with a click.
4 [vn] (be locked in / into sth) to be involved in a difficult situation, an argument, a disagreement, etc: The two sides are locked into a bitter dispute.  She felt locked in a loveless marriage.
5 [vn] (be locked together / in sth) to be held very tightly by sb: They were locked in a passionate embrace.
IDM ,lock 'horns (with sb) (over sth) to get involved in an argument or a dispute with sb: The company has locked horns with the unions over proposed pay cuts.
PVR V ,lock sb/sth a'way = LOCK SB/STH UP ,lock sb / yourself 'in ( … ) to prevent sb from leaving a place by locking the door: At 9 p.m. the prisoners are locked in for the night. ,lock 'onto sth (of a MISSILE , etc.) to find the thing that is being attacked and follow it ,lock sb / yourself 'out (of sth) to prevent sb from entering a place by locking the door: I’d locked myself out of the house and had to break a window to get in. ,lock sb 'out (of an employer) to refuse to allow workers into their place of work until they agree to particular conditions—related noun LOCKOUT ,lock 'up| ,lock sth<->'up to make a building safe by locking the doors and windows: Don’t forget to lock up at night.  He locked up the shop and went home. ,lock sth<->'up / a'way
1 to put sth in a safe place that can be locked
2 to put money into an INVESTMENT that you cannot easily turn into cash: Their capital is all locked up in property. ,lock sb<->'up / a'way (informal) to put sb in prison—related noun LOCK-UP

noun
1 [C] a device that keeps a door window, lid, etc. shut, usually needing a key to open it: She turned the key in the lock.—see also COMBINATION LOCK
2 [C] a device with a key that prevents a vehicle or machine from being used: a bicycle lock  a steering lock—picture at BICYCLE
3 [U] a state in which the parts of a machine, etc. do not move
4 [U, sing.] (BrE) (on a car, etc.) the amount that the front wheels can be turned in one direction or the other in order to turn the vehicle: I had the steering wheel on full lock (= I had turned it as far as it would turn).
5 [C] a section of canal or river with a gate at either end, in which the water level can be raised or lowered so that boats can move from one level of the canal or river to another
6 [C] a few hairs that hang or lie together on your head: John brushed a lock of hair from his eyes.
7 (locks) [pl.] (literary) a person’s hair: She shook her long, flowing locks.
8 [C] (in rugby) a player in the second row of the SCRUM
9 [sing.] a ~ (on sth) (AmE) total control of sth: One company had a virtual lock on all orange juice sales in the state.—see also ARMLOCK , HEADLOCK
IDM ,lock, stock and 'barrel including everything: He sold the business lock, stock and barrel. (keep sth / put sth / be) under ,lock and 'key locked up safely somewhere; in prison: We keep our valuables under lock and key.  I will not rest until the murderer is under lock and key.—more at PICK v.

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lock.able
adj. that you can lock with a key
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lock.er
noun a small cupboard that can be locked, where you can leave your clothes, bags, etc. while you play a sport or go somewhere
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'locker room
noun (especially AmE ) a room with lockers in it, at a school, GYM , etc., where people can change their clothes—compare CHANGING ROOM
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locket
noun a piece of jewellery in the form of a small case that you wear on a chain around your neck and in which you can put a picture, piece of hair, etc.—picture at JEWELLERY
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lock.jaw
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) a form of the disease TETANUS in which the jaws become stiff and closed
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'lock-keeper
noun a person who is in charge of a lock on a canal or river, and opens and closes the gates
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lock.out
noun a situation when an employer refuses to allow workers into their place of work until they agree to various conditions
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lock.smith
noun a person whose job is making, fitting and repairing locks
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'lock-up
noun
1 a small prison where prisoners are kept for a short time
2 (BrE) a small shop that the owner does not live in; a GARAGE that is usually separate from other buildings and that is rented to sb
'lock-up adj. [only before noun]: a lock-up garage / shop / warehouse
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loco
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-os) (informal) = LOCOMOTIVE —see also IN LOCO PARENTIS

adj. [not before noun] (slang, especially AmE ) crazy

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loco.mo.tion
noun [U] (formal) movement or the ability to move
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loco.mo.tive
(also informal loco) noun, adj.
noun a railway engine that pulls a train: steam / diesel / electric locomotives = ENGINE

adj. (formal) connected with movement

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locum
noun (BrE ) a doctor or priest who does the work of another doctor or priest while they are ill, on holiday, etc.
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locus
noun (pl.loci ) (formal ortechnical ) the exact place where sth happens or which is thought to be the centre of sth: the external locus of control
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lo.cust
noun a large insect that lives in hot countries and flies in large groups, destroying all the plants and crops of an area: a swarm of locusts
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lo.cu.tion
noun (technical )
1 [U] a style of speaking
2 [C] a particular phrase, especially one used by a particular group of people
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lode
noun a line of ORE (= metal in the ground or in rocks)
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lode.star
(also load.star) noun
1 the POLE STAR (= a star that is used by sailors to guide a ship)
2 (formal) a principle that guides sb’s behaviour or actions
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lode.stone
(also load.stone) noun a piece of iron that acts as a MAGNET
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lodge
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small house in the country where people stay when they want to take part in some types of outdoor sport: a hunting / shooting / ski lodge
2 [C] a small house at the gates of a park or in the land belonging to a large house
3 [C] a room at the main entrance to a building for the person whose job is to see who enters and leaves the building: All visitors should report to the porter’s lodge.
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] the members of a branch of a society such as the Freemasons; the building where they meet: a masonic lodge
5 [C] the home of a BEAVER or an OTTER
6 [C] a Native American’s tent or home built of LOGS

verb
1 [vn] ~ (sth) (with sb) (against sb/sth) to make a formal statement about sth to a public organization or authority: They lodged a compensation claim against the factory.  Portugal has lodged a complaint with the International Court of Justice.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (old-fashioned) to pay to live in a room in sb’s house: He lodged with Mrs Brown when he arrived in the city.
3 [vn] to provide sb with a place to sleep or live: The refugees are being lodged at an old army base.
4 ~ (sth) in sth to become fixed or stuck somewhere; to make sth become fixed or stuck somewhere: [v] One of the bullets lodged in his chest.  [vn] She lodged the number firmly in her mind.
5 [vn] ~ sth with sb / in sth to leave money or sth valuable in a safe place: Your will should be lodged with your lawyer.

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lodg.er
noun (especially BrE ) a person who pays rent to live in sb’s house
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lodg.ing
noun (especially BrE )
1 [U] temporary accommodation: full board and lodging (= a room to stay in and all meals provided)
2 [C, usually pl.] (old-fashioned) a room or rooms in sb else’s house that you rent to live in: It was cheaper to live in lodgings than in a hotel.
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'lodging house
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a house in which lodgings can be rented
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loft
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) a space just below the roof of a house, often used for storing things and sometimes made into a room: a loft conversion (= one that has been made into a room or rooms for living in)—compare ATTIC , GARRET
2 an upper level in a church, or a farm or factory building: the organ loft
3 a flat/apartment in a former factory, etc., that has been made suitable for living in: They lived in a SoHo loft.
4 (AmE) a part of a room that is on a higher level than the rest: The children slept in a loft in the upstairs bedroom.

verb [vn] (sport ) to hit, kick or throw a ball very high into the air

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lofty
adj. (loft.ier, lofti.est) (formal)
1 (of buildings, mountains, etc.) very high and impressive: lofty ceilings / rooms / towers
2 [usually before noun] (approving) (of a thought, an aim, etc.) deserving praise because of its high moral quality: lofty ambitions / ideals / principles
3 (disapproving) showing a belief that you are worth more than other people: her lofty disdain for other people
loft.ily adv.
lofti.ness noun [U]
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log
noun, verb
noun
1 a thick piece of wood that is cut from or has fallen from a tree: logs for the fire
2 (also log.book) an official record of events during a particular period of time, especially a journey on a ship or plane: The captain keeps a log.   (computing) to open a log file
3 (informal) = LOGARITHM
IDM see EASY adj. , SLEEP v.

verb (-gg-) [vn]
1 to put information in an official record or write a record of events
SYN RECORD : The police log all phone calls.
2 to travel a particular distance or for a particular length of time: The pilot has logged 1 000 hours in the air.
3 to cut down trees in a forest for their wood
PVR V ,log 'in / 'on (computing) to perform the actions that allow you to begin using a computer system: You need a password to log on. ,log 'off / 'out (computing) to perform the actions that allow you to finish using a computer system

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-log
(AmE ) = -LOGUE
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lo.gan.berry
noun (pl.-ies) a soft dark red fruit, like a large RASPBERRY , that grows on a bush
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loga.rithm
(also informal log) noun (mathematics ) any of a series of numbers set out in lists which make it possible to work out problems by adding and SUBTRACTING instead of multiplying and dividing
loga.rith.mic adj.
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log.book
noun
1 (BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a document that records official details about a vehicle, especially a car, and its owner—compare REGISTRATION
2 = LOG (2)
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,log 'cabin
noun a small house built of logs
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log.ger
noun = LUMBERJACK
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log.ger.heads
noun
IDM at loggerheads (with sb) (over sth) in strong disagreement: The two governments are still at loggerheads over the island.
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log.gia
noun (BrE ) a room or GALLERY with one or more open sides, especially one that forms part of a house and has one side open to the garden
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log.ging
noun [U] the work of cutting down trees for their wood: illegal logging
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logic
noun
1 [U] a way of thinking or explaining sth: I fail to see the logic behind his argument.  The two parts of the plan were governed by the same logic.
2 [U, sing.] sensible reasons for doing sth: Linking the proposals in a single package did have a certain logic.  a strategy based on sound commercial logic  There is no logic to / in any of their claims.
3 [U] (philosophy) the science of thinking about or explaining the reason for sth using formal methods: the rules of logic
4 [U] (computing) a system or set of principles used in preparing a computer to perform a particular task
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lo.gic.al
adj.
1 (of an action, event, etc.) seeming natural, reasonable or sensible: a logical thing to do in the circumstances  It was a logical conclusion from the child’s point of view.
2 following or able to follow the rules of logic in which ideas or facts are based on other true ideas or facts: a logical argument  Computer programming needs someone with a logical mind.
OPP ILLOGICAL
logic.al.ly adv.: to argue / think logically
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-logical
(BrE also -logic)  -OLOGY
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lo.gi.cian
noun a person who studies or is skilled in LOGIC
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-logist
-OLOGY
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lo.gis.tics
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] ~ (of sth) the practical organization that is needed to make a complicated plan successful when a lot of people and equipment is involved: the logistics of moving the company to a new building
lo.gis.tic (also lo.gis.tic.al ) adj.: logistic support  Organizing famine relief presents huge logistical problems.
lo.gis.tic.al.ly adv.
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log.jam
noun
1 a mass of LOGS floating on a river, that are blocking it
2 a difficult situation in which you cannot make progress easily because there are too many things to do
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logo
noun (pl.-os) a printed design or symbol that a company or an organization uses as its special sign
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-logue
(AmE also -log) combining form (in nouns) talk or speech: a monologue
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-logy
-OLOGY
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loin
noun
1 [U, C] a piece of meat from the back or sides of an animal, near the tail: loin of pork
2 (loins) [pl.] (old-fashioned) the part of the body around the hips between the waist and the tops of the legs
3 (loins) [pl.] (literary) a person’s sex organs
IDM see GIRD
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loin.cloth
noun a piece of fabric worn around the body at the hips by men in some hot countries, sometimes as the only piece of clothing worn
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loi.ter
verb [v] to stand or wait somewhere especially with no obvious reason
SYN HANG AROUND : Teenagers were loitering in the street outside.
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loll
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to lie, sit or stand in a lazy, relaxed way: He lolled back in his chair by the fire.
2 (of your head, tongue, etc.) to move or hang in a relaxed way: My head lolled against his shoulder.
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lol.li.pop
(also BrE informal lolly) (also AmE informal suck.er) noun a hard round or flat sweet/candy made of boiled sugar on a small stick
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'lollipop man, 'lollipop lady
noun (BrE , informal) a person whose job is to help children cross a busy road on their way to and from school by holding up a sign on a stick telling traffic to stop
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lol.lop
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (informal, especially BrE ) to walk or run with long awkward steps: The dog came lolloping towards them.
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lolly
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal)
1 [C] = LOLLIPOP
2 [C] = ICE LOLLY
3 [U] (old-fashioned) money
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lone
adj. [only before noun]
1 without any other people or things
SYN SOLITARY : a lone sailor crossing the Atlantic
2 (especially BrE) without a husband, wife or partner to share the care of children: a lone mother / parent / father  note at ALONE
IDM a ,lone 'wolf a person who prefers to be alone
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lone.ly
adj. (lone.lier, lone.li.est)
1 unhappy because you have no friends or people to talk to: She lives alone and often feels lonely.
2 (of a situation or period of time) sad and spent alone: all those lonely nights at home watching TV
3 [only before noun] (of places) where only a few people ever come or visit: a lonely beach / farmhouse / road  note at ALONE
lone.li.ness noun [U]: a period of loneliness in his life
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,lonely 'hearts
adj. [only before noun] a lonely hearts column in a newspaper is where people can advertise for a new lover or friend: He placed a lonely hearts ad in a magazine.
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,lone-parent 'family
noun = ONE-PARENT FAMILY
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loner
noun a person who is often alone or who prefers to be alone, rather than with other people
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lone.some
adj. (especially AmE )
1 unhappy because you are alone and do not want to be or because you have no friends: I felt so lonesome after he left.
2 (of a place) where not many people go; a long way from where people live: a lonesome road  note at ALONE
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long
adj., adv., verb
adj. (long.er long.est )
DISTANCE|
1 measuring or covering a great length or distance, or a greater length or distance than usual: She had long dark hair.  He walked down the long corridor.  It was the world’s longest bridge.  a long journey / walk / drive / flight  We’re a long way from anywhere here.  It’s a long way away .
OPP SHORT
2 used for asking or talking about particular lengths or distances: How long is the River Nile?  The table is six feet long.  The report is only three pages long.
TIME|
3 lasting or taking a great amount of time or more time than usual: He’s been ill (for) a long time .  There was a long silence before she spoke.  I like it now the days are getting longer (= it stays light for more time each day).  a long book / film / list (= taking a lot of time to read / watch / deal with)  Nurses have to work long hours (= for more hours in the day than is usual).   (AmE) He stared at them for the longest time (= for a very long time) before answering.
OPP SHORT
4 used for asking or talking about particular periods of time: How long is the course?  I think it’s only three weeks long.  How long a stay did you have in mind?
5 seeming to last or take more time than it really does because, for example, you are very busy or not happy: I’m tired. It’s been a long day.  We were married for ten long years.
OPP SHORT
CLOTHES|
6 covering all or most of your legs or arms: She usually wears long skirts.  a long-sleeved shirt
VOWEL SOUNDS|
7 (phonetics) taking more time to make than a short vowel sound in the same position
OPP SHORT —see also LENGTH as long as your 'arm (informal) very long: There’s a list of repairs as long as your arm. at long last after a long time
SYN FINALLY : At long last his prayers had been answered. at the 'longest not longer than the particular time given: It will take an hour at the longest. by a 'long way by a great amount go back a long 'way (of two or more people) to have known each other for a long time: We go back a long way, he and I. go a long 'way (of money, food, etc.) to last a long time: She seems to make her money go a long way.  A small amount of this paint goes a long way (= covers a large area).   (ironic) I find that a little of Jerry’s company can go a long way (= I quickly get tired of being with him). have come a long 'way to have made a lot of progress: We’ve come a long way since the early days of the project. have a long way to 'go to need to make a lot of progress before you can achieve sth: She still has a long way to go before she’s fully fit. How long is a piece of 'string? (BrE, spoken) used to say that there is no definite answer to a question: ‘How long will it take?’‘How long’s a piece of string?’ in the 'long run concerning a longer period in the future: This measure inevitably means higher taxes in the long run. It’s a ,long 'story. (informal) used to say that the reasons for sth are complicated and you would prefer not to give all the details the long arm of sth the power and/or authority of sth: There is no escape from the long arm of the law. the long and (the) 'short of it used when you are telling sb the essential facts about sth or what effect it will have, without explaining all the details (pull, wear, etc.) a long 'face (to have) an unhappy or disappointed expression ,long in the 'tooth (humorous, especially BrE) old or too old a 'long shot an attempt or a guess that is not likely to be successful but is worth trying: It’s a long shot, but it just might work. long time no 'see (spoken) used to greet sb you have not seen for a long time not by a 'long chalk (BrE) (also not by a 'long shotAmE, BrE) not nearly; not at all: It’s not over yet—not by a long chalk. take a long (cool / hard) 'look at sth to consider a problem or possibility very carefully and without hurrying: We need to take a long hard look at all the options. take the 'long view (of sth) to consider what is likely to happen or be important over a long period of time rather than only considering the present situation: As pension funds are investing for members' retirements, they can take the long view. to cut a long story 'short (BrE) (AmE to make a long story 'short) (spoken) used when you are saying that you will get to the point of what you are saying quickly, without including all the details—more at BROAD adj. , TERM n. , WAY n.

adv. (long.er , long.est )
1 for a long time: Have you been here long?  Stay as long as you like.  The party went on long into the night.  This may take longer than we thought.  I won’t be long (= I’ll return, be ready, etc. soon).  How long have you been waiting?  These reforms are long overdue.
2 a long time before or after a particular time or event: He retired long before the war.  It wasn’t long before she had persuaded him (= it only took a short time).  We’ll be home before long (= soon).  The house was pulled down long ago .  They had long since (= a long time before the present time) moved away.
3 used after a noun to emphasize that sth happens for the whole of a particular period of time: We had to wait all day long.  They stayed up the whole night long. as / so 'long as
1 only if: We’ll go as long as the weather is good.
2 since; to the extent that: So long as there is a demand for these drugs, the financial incentive for drug dealers will be there. for (so) 'long for (such) a long time: Will you be away for long?  I’m sorry I haven’t written to you for so long. no / any 'longer used to say that sth which was possible or true before, is not now: I can’t wait any longer.  He no longer lives here. so 'long (informal) goodbye

verb ~ for sb/sth| ~ (for sb) to do sth to want sth very much especially if it does not seem likely to happen soon: [v] Lucy had always longed for a brother.  He longed for Pat to phone.  [v to inf] I’m longing to see you again.—see also LONGED-FOR

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long.
abbr. (in writing) LONGITUDE
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,long-a'waited
adj. that people have been waiting for for a long time: her long-awaited new novel
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long.boat
noun a large rowing boat, used especially for travelling on the sea
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long.bow
noun a large BOW made of a long thin curved piece of wood that was used in the past for shooting arrows
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,long-'distance
adj. [only before noun]
1 travelling or involving travel between places that are far apart: a long-distance commuter  long-distance flights
2 operating between people and places that are far apart: a long-distance phone call
,long 'distance adv.: It’s a relaxing car to drive long distance.  to call long distance
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,long di'vision
noun [U] (mathematics ) a method of dividing one number by another in which all the stages involved are written down
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,long-drawn-'out
(also less frequent 'long-drawn) adj. lasting a very long time, often too long: long-drawn-out negotiations
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,long 'drink
noun a cold drink that fills a tall glass, such as LEMONADE or beer
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'longed-for
adj. [only before noun] that sb has been wanting or hoping for very much: the birth of a longed-for baby
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lon.gev.ity
noun [U] (formal) long life; the fact of lasting a long time: We wish you both health and longevity.  He prides himself on the longevity of the company.
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long.hand
noun [U] ordinary writing, not typed or written in SHORTHAND
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'long-haul
adj. [only before noun] involving the transport of goods or passengers over long distances: long-haul flights / routes
OPP SHORT-HAUL
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long.horn
noun a cow with long horns
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long.house
noun
1 (in Britain) an old type of house in which people and animals lived together
2 (in the US) a traditional house used by some NATIVE AMERICANS
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long.ing
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth) a strong feeling of wanting sth/sb: a longing for home / peace  She was filled with longing to hear his voice again.  romantic longings  His voice was husky with longing (= sexual desire).

adj. [only before noun] feeling or showing that you want sth very much: He gave a longing look at the ice cream.
long.ing.ly adv.: We looked longingly towards the hills.

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long.ish
adj. [only before noun] fairly long: longish hair  There was a longish pause.
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lon.gi.tude
noun [U] (abbr. long.) the distance of a place east or west of the Greenwich MERIDIAN , measured in degrees: the longitude of the island—compare LATITUDE
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lon.gi.tu.din.al
adj. (technical )
1 going downwards rather than across: The plant’s stem is marked with thin green longitudinal stripes.
2 concerning the development of sth over a period of time: a longitudinal study of aging
3 connected with longitude : the town’s longitudinal position
lon.gi.tu.din.al.ly adv.
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'long johns
noun [pl.] (informal) warm UNDERPANTS with long legs down to the ankles: a pair of long johns
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the 'long jump
(AmE also the 'broad jump) noun [sing.] a sporting event in which people try to jump as far forward as possible after running up to a line—
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,long-'lasting
adj. that can or does last for a long time: long-lasting effects  a long-lasting relationship
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,long-'life
adj. (especially of milk or batteries) made to remain fresh or to last longer than the ordinary type
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,long-'lived
adj. having a long life; lasting for a long time
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'long-lost
adj. [only before noun] that you have not seen or received any news of for a long time: a long-lost friend
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'long-range
adj. [only before noun]
1 travelling a long distance: long-range missiles
2 made for a period of time that will last a long way into the future: a long-range weather forecast  long-range plans—compare SHORT-RANGE
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'long-running
adj. [only before noun] that has been continuing for a long time: a long-running campaign / debate / dispute  a long-running TV series
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'long-serving
adj. [only before noun] having had the job or position mentioned for a long time: long-serving employees
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long.shore.man
noun (pl.-men ) (AmE ) a man whose job is moving goods on and off ships
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,long-'sighted
(especially BrE ) (also ,far-'sighted especially in AmE) adj. [not usually before noun] not able to see things that are close to you clearly
OPP SHORT-SIGHTED
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,long-'standing
adj. [usually before noun] that has existed or lasted for a long time: a long-standing relationship
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'long-stay
adj. [usually before noun]
1 likely to need treatment or care for a long time: long-stay patients  long-stay hospitals / institutions / wards (= for long-stay patients)
2 for people who wish to park their cars for a long period: long-stay parking
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,long-'suffering
adj. bearing problems or another person’s unpleasant behaviour with patience: his long-suffering wife
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,long-'term
adj. [usually before noun]
1 that will last or have an effect over a long period of time: a long-term strategy / solution  the long-term effects of fertilizers  a long-term aim / investment
2 that is not likely to change or be solved quickly: long-term debt / injury / unemployment—compare SHORT-TERM
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'long-time
adj. [only before noun] having been the particular thing mentioned for a long time: his long-time colleague / friend / rival
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'long wave
noun [U, C] (abbr. LW) a radio wave with a length of more than 1 000 metres: to broadcast on long wave —compare SHORT WAVE
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,long week'end
noun a holiday/vacation of three or four days from Friday or Saturday to Sunday or Monday: to have a long weekend in Amsterdam
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,long-'winded
adj. (disapproving) (especially of talking or writing) continuing for too long and therefore boring: a long-winded speaker  a long-winded process
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loo
noun (pl.loos) (BrE , informal) a toilet: She’s gone to the loo.  Can I use your loo, please?
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loo.fah
noun a long rough bath SPONGE made from the dried fruit of a tropical plant
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look
verb, noun, exclamation
verb
USE EYES|
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to turn your eyes in a particular direction: If you look carefully you can just see our house from here.  She looked at me and smiled.  ‘Has the mail come yet?’‘I’ll look and see .  Look! I’m sure that’s Brad Pitt!  Don’t look now, but there’s someone staring at you!—see also FORWARD-LOOKING
SEARCH|
2 [v] ~ (for sb/sth) to try to find sb/sth: I can’t find my book—I’ve looked everywhere.  Where have you been? We’ve been looking for you.  Are you still looking for a job?
PAY ATTENTION|
3 ~ (at sth) to pay attention to sth: [v] Look at the time! We’re going to be late.  [v wh-] Can’t you look where you’re going?
APPEAR / SEEM|
4 linking verb ~ (to sb) like sb/sth to seem; to appear: [v-adj] to look pale / puzzled / sad / tired  That book looks interesting.  [v] That looks like an interesting book.  [v-n] That looks an interesting book.  You made me look a complete fool!—see also GOOD-LOOKING
5 [v] ~ (to sb) like sb/sth| ~ (to sb) as if … / as though … (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have a similar appearance to sb/sth; to have an appearance that suggests that sth is true or will happen: That photograph doesn’t look like her at all.  It looks like rain (= it looks as if it’s going to rain).  You look as though you slept badly.
HELP In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though in this meaning, especially in AmE: You look like you slept badly. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.
6 [v] ~ (to sb) as if … / as though …| ~ (to sb) like … to seem likely: It doesn’t look as if we’ll be moving after all.   (informal) It doesn’t look like we’ll be moving after all.
HELP This use of like instead of as if or as though is considered incorrect in written BrE.
FACE|
7 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to face a particular direction: The house looks east.  The hotel looks out over the harbour. Most idioms containing look are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example look daggers at sb is at dagger.  be just 'looking used in a shop/store to say that you are not ready to buy sth: ‘Can I help you?’‘I’m just looking, thank you.’ be looking to do sth to try to find ways of doing sth: The government is looking to reduce inflation. look 'bad | not look 'good to be considered bad behaviour or bad manners: It looks bad not going to your own brother’s wedding. look 'bad (for sb) to show that sth bad might happen: He’s had another heart attack; things are looking bad for him, I’m afraid. look 'good to show success or that sth good might happen: This year’s sales figures are looking good. look 'here (old-fashioned) used to protest about sth: Now look here, it wasn’t my fault. look sb ,up and 'down to look at sb in a careful or critical way (not) look your'self to not have your normal healthy appearance: You’re not looking yourself today (= you look tired or ill / sick). never / not look 'back (informal) to become more and more successful: Her first novel was published in 1998 and since then she hasn’t looked back. not much to 'look at (informal) not attractive to 'look at sb/sth judging by the appearance of sb/sth: To look at him you’d never think he was nearly fifty. ,look 'after yourself / sb/sth (especially BrE)
1 to be responsible for or to take care of sb/sth: Who’s going to look after the children while you’re away?  I’m looking after his affairs while he’s in hospital.  Don’t worry about me—I can look after myself (= I don’t need any help).  note at CARE
2 to make sure that things happen to sb’s advantage: He’s good at looking after his own interests.,look a'head (to sth) to think about what is going to happen in the future,look a'round / 'round to turn your head so that you can see sth: People came out of their houses and looked around. ,look a'round / 'round for sth to search for sth in a number of different places: We’re looking around for a house in this area. ,look a'round / 'round (sth) to visit a place or building, walking around it to see what is there: Let’s look round the town this afternoon.'look at sth
1 to examine sth closely: Your ankle’s swollen—I think the doctor ought to look at it.  I haven’t had time to look at (= read) the papers yet.
2 to think about, consider or study sth: The implications of the new law will need to be looked at.
3 to view or consider sth in a particular way: Looked at from that point of view, his decision is easier to understand.,look 'back (on sth) to think about sth in your past: to look back on your childhood,look 'down on sb/sth to think that you are better than sb/sth: She looks down on people who haven’t been to college.'look for sth to hope for sth; to expect sth: We shall be looking for an improvement in your work this term.,look 'forward to sth to be thinking with pleasure about sth that is going to happen (because you expect to enjoy it): I’m looking forward to the weekend. [+ -ing] We’re really looking forward to seeing you again.  note at EXPECT ,look 'in (on sb) (BrE) to make a short visit to a place, especially sb’s house: Why don’t you look in on me next time you’re in town?,look 'into sth to examine sth: A working party has been set up to look into the problem.,look 'on to watch sth without becoming involved in it yourself: Passers-by simply looked on as he was attacked.—related noun ONLOOKER 'look on sb/sth as sb/sth to consider sb/sth to be sb/sth: She’s looked on as the leading authority on the subject. 'look on sb/sth with sth to consider sb/sth in a particular way: They looked on his behaviour with contempt.,look 'out used to warn sb to be careful, especially when there is danger: Look out! There’s a car coming. ,look 'out for sb/sth
1 to try to avoid sth bad happening or doing sth bad: You should look out for pickpockets.  Do look out for spelling mistakes in your work.
2 to keep trying to find sth or meet sb: I’ll look out for you at the conference.—related noun LOOKOUT ,look 'out for sb / yourself to think of sb’s/your own advantage: We should look out for each other. ,look sth<->'out (for sb/sth) (BrE) to search for sth from among your possessions: I’ll look out those old photographs you wanted to see.,look sth<->'over to examine sth to see how good, big, etc. it is: We looked over the house again before we decided to rent it.,look 'round (BrE) to turn your head to see sb/sth behind you: She looked round when she heard the noise.,look 'through sb [no passive] to ignore sb by pretending not to see them: She just looked straight through me. 'look through sth [no passive] to examine or read sth quickly: She looked through her notes before the exam.'look to sb for sth| 'look to sb to do sth (formal) to rely on or expect sb to provide sth or do sth: We are looking to you for help. 'look to sth (formal) to consider sth and think about how to make it better: We need to look to ways of improving our marketing.,look 'up (informal) (of business, sb’s situation, etc.) to become better: At last things were beginning to look up. ,look 'up (from sth) to raise your eyes when you are looking down at sth: She looked up from her book as I entered the room. ,look sb<->'up [no passive] (informal) to visit or make contact with sb, especially when you have not seen them for a long time: Do look me up the next time you’re in London. ,look sth<->'up to look for information in a dictionary or REFERENCE BOOK : Can you look up the time of the next train?  I looked it up in the dictionary. ,look 'up to sb to admire or respect sb

noun
USING EYES|
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (at sb/sth) an act of looking at sb/sth: Here, have a look at this.  Take a look at these figures!  Make sure you get a good look at their faces.  One look at his face and Jenny stopped laughing.  A look passed between them (= they looked at each other).  It’s an interesting place. Do you want to take a look around ?  We’ll be taking a close look at these proposals (= examining them carefully).
SEARCH|
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth/sb) an act of trying to find sth/sb: I’ve had a good look for it, but I can’t find it.
EXPRESSION|
3 [C] an expression in your eyes or face: a look of surprise / alarm  He didn’t like the look in her eyes.
APPEARANCE|
4 [C, usually sing.] the way sb/sth looks; the appearance of sb/sth: It’s going to rain today by the look of it (= judging by appearances).  Looks can be deceptive.  I don’t like the look of that guy (= I don’t trust him, judging by his appearance).
5 (looks) [pl.] a person’s appearance, especially when the person is attractive: She has her father’s good looks .  He lost his looks (= became less attractive) in later life.—see also GOOD-LOOKING
FASHION|
6 [sing.] a fashion; a style: The punk look is back in fashion this year.  They’ve given the place a completely new look.
IDM see DIRTY adj. , LONG adj.

exclamation used to interrupt sb or make them listen to sth you are saying: Look, I have to go now.

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look.alike
noun (often used after a person’s name) a person who looks very similar to the person mentioned: an Elvis lookalike
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look.er
noun (informal) a way of describing an attractive person, usually a woman: She’s a real looker!
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'look-in
noun
IDM (not) get / have a 'look-in (BrE, informal) (not) to get a chance to take part or succeed in sth: She talks so much that nobody else can get a look-in.
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'looking glass
noun (old-fashioned) a mirror
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look.out
noun
1 a place for watching from, especially for danger or an enemy coming towards you: a lookout point / tower
2 a person who has the responsibility of watching for sth, especially danger, etc: One of the men stood at the door to act as a lookout.
IDM be 'your (own) lookout (BrE, informal) used to say that you do not think sb’s actions are sensible, but that it is their own problem or responsibility: If he wants to waste his money, that’s his lookout. be on the 'lookout (for sb/sth) | keep a 'lookout (for sb/sth) (informal) to watch carefully for sb/sth in order to avoid danger, etc. or in order to find sth you want: The public should be on the lookout for symptoms of the disease.
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,look-'see
noun [sing.] (informal, especially AmE ) a quick look at sth: Come and have a look-see.
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loom
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to appear as a large shape that is not clear, especially in a frightening or threatening way: A dark shape loomed up ahead of us.
2 to appear important or threatening and likely to happen soon: Food shortages loom in some parts of Africa.
IDM ,loom 'large to be worrying or frightening and seem hard to avoid: The prospect of war loomed large.

noun a machine for weaving fabric

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loon
noun
1 a large N American bird that eats fish and has a cry like a laugh
2 = LOONY
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loony
adj., noun
adj. (informal) crazy or strange: He does have some pretty loony ideas.

noun (pl.-ies) (also loon) (informal) a person who has strange ideas or who behaves in a strange way

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loop
noun, verb
noun
1 a shape like a curve or circle made by a line curving right round and crossing itself: The road went in a huge loop around the lake.
2 a piece of rope, wire, etc. in the shape of a curve or circle: He tied a loop of rope around his arm.  Make a loop in the string.  a belt loop (= on trousers / pants, etc. for holding a belt in place)
3 a strip of film or tape on which the pictures and sound are repeated continuously: The film is on a loop.   (figurative) His mind kept turning in an endless loop.
4 (computing) a set of instructions that is repeated again and again until a particular condition is satisfied
5 a complete CIRCUIT for electrical current
6 (BrE) a railway line or road that leaves the main track or road and then joins it again
IDM be in the 'loop | be out of the 'loop (both AmE, informal) to be part of a group of people that is dealing with sth important; to not be part of this group: A lot of people want to be in the loop on this operation.  Lawton had gradually been cut out of the loop on legal reviews. knock / throw sb for a 'loop (AmE, informal) to shock or surprise sb: The result of the election knocked most people for a loop.

verb [+adv. / prep.]
1 [vn] to form or bend sth into a loop : He looped the strap over his shoulder.
2 [v] to move in a way that makes the shape of a loop : The river loops around the valley.  The ball looped high up in the air.
IDM ,loop the 'loop to fly or make a plane fly in a circle going up and down

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loop.hole
noun ~ (in sth) a mistake in the way a law, contract, etc. has been written which enables people to legally avoid doing sth that the law, contract, etc. had intended them to do: a legal / tax loophole  to close / plug existing loopholes
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loopy
adj. (informal)
1 not sensible; strange
SYN CRAZY
2 (BrE) very angry: He’ll go loopy when he sees that!
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loose
adj., verb, noun
adj. (loos.er, loos.est)
NOT FIXED / TIED|
1 not firmly fixed where it should be; able to become separated from sth: a loose button / tooth  Check that the plug has not come loose .
2 not tied together; not held in position by anything or contained in anything: She usually wears her hair loose.  The potatoes were sold loose, not in bags.
3 [not usually before noun] free to move around without control; not tied up or shut in somewhere: The sheep had got out and were loose on the road.  The horse had broken loose (= escaped) from its tether.  During the night, somebody had cut the boat loose from its moorings.
CLOTHES|
4 not fitting closely: a loose jacket / shirt
OPP TIGHT
NOT SOLID / HARD|
5 not tightly packed together; not solid or hard: loose soil  a fabric with a loose weave
NOT STRICT / EXACT|
6 not strictly organized or controlled: a loose alliance / coalition / federation
7 not exact; not very careful: a loose translation  loose thinking
IMMORAL|
8 [usually before noun] (old-fashioned) having or involving an attitude to sexual relationships that people consider to be immoral: a young man of loose morals
BALL|
9 (sport) not in any player’s control: He pounced on a loose ball.
BODY WASTE|
10 having too much liquid in it: a baby with loose bowel movements
loose.ness noun [U] break / cut / tear (sth) 'loose from sb/sth to separate yourself or sb/sth from a group of people or their influence, etc: The organization broke loose from its sponsors.  He cut himself loose from his family. hang / stay 'loose (informal, especially AmE) to remain calm; to not worry: It’s OK—hang loose and stay cool. have a loose 'tongue to talk too much, especially about things that are private let 'loose (BrE) (AmE cut 'loose) (informal) to do sth or to happen in a way that is not controlled: Teenagers need a place to let loose. let 'loose sth to make a noise or remark, especially in a loud or sudden way: She let loose a stream of abuse. let sb/sth 'loose
1 to free sb/sth from whatever holds them/it in place: She let her hair loose and it fell around her shoulders.  Who’s let the dog loose?
2 to give sb complete freedom to do what they want in a place or situation: He was at last let loose in the kitchen.  A team of professionals were let loose on the project.—more at FAST adv. , HELL , SCREW n.

verb [vn] (formal)
RELEASE|
1 ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to release sth or let it happen or be expressed in an uncontrolled way: His speech loosed a tide of nationalist sentiment.
MAKE STH LOOSE|
2 to make sth loose, especially sth that is tied or held tightly: He loosed the straps that bound her arms.
FIRE BULLETS|
3 ~ sth (off) (at sb/sth) to fire bullets, arrows, etc.
HELP Do not confuse this verb with to lose = ‘to be unable to find sth’.

noun on the 'loose (of a person or an animal) having escaped from somewhere; free: Three prisoners are still on the loose.

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'loose box
noun (BrE ) a small area in a building or a vehicle where a horse can move freely
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,loose 'cannon
noun a person, usually a public figure, who often behaves in a way that nobody can predict
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,loose 'change
noun [U] coins that you have in a pocket or a bag
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,loose 'cover
(BrE ) (AmE 'slip cover) noun [usually pl.] a cover for a chair, etc. that you can take off, for example to wash it
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,loose 'end
noun [usually pl.] a part of sth such as a story that has not been completely finished or explained: The play has too many loose ends.  There are still a few loose ends to tie up (= a few things to finish).
IDM at a loose 'end (BrE) (AmE at loose 'ends) having nothing to do and not knowing what you want to do: Come and see us, if you’re at a loose end.
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,loose-'fitting
adj. (of clothes) not fitting the body tightly
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,loose-'leaf
adj. [usually before noun] (of a book, file, etc.) having pages that can be taken out and put in separately: a loose-leaf binder
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,loose-'limbed
adj. (written) (of a person) moving in an easy, not stiff, way
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loose.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is not firm or tight: She fastened the belt loosely around her waist.
2 in a way that is not exact: to use a term loosely  The play is loosely based on his childhood in Russia.
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loos.en
verb
1 to make sth less tight or firmly fixed; to become less tight or firmly fixed: [vn] First loosen the nuts, then take off the wheel.  [v] The rope holding the boat loosened.
2 [vn] to make a piece of clothing, hair, etc. loose, when it has been tied or fastened
3 [vn] ~ your hands, hold, etc. to hold sb/sth less tightly: He loosened his grip and let her go.   (figurative) The military regime has not loosened its hold on power.
4 [vn] to make sth weaker or less controlled than before: The party has loosened its links with trade unions.
OPP TIGHTEN
IDM loosen sb’s 'tongue to make sb talk more freely than usual: A bottle of wine had loosened Harry’s tongue.
PVR V ,loosen 'up to relax and stop worrying: Come on, Jo. Loosen up. ,loosen 'up| ,loosen sb/sth<->'up to relax your muscles or parts of the body or to make them relax, before taking exercise, etc: Dancers were loosening up before going on stage.
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loot
verb, noun
verb to steal things from shops/stores or buildings after a RIOT , fire, etc: [vn] More than 20 shops were looted. [alsov]
loot.er noun
loot.ing noun [U]

noun [U]
1 money and valuable objects taken by soldiers from the enemy after winning a battle
2 (informal) money and valuable objects that have been stolen by thieves
3 (informal) money

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lop
verb (-pp-) [vn] to cut down a tree, or cut some large branches off it
PVR V ,lop sth<->'off (sth)
1 to remove part of sth by cutting it, especially to remove branches from a tree
2 to make sth smaller or less by a particular amount: They lopped 20p off the price of each unit.
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lope
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to run taking long relaxed steps: The dog loped along beside her.  He set off with a loping stride.
lope noun [usually sing.]
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lop.sided
adj. having one side lower, smaller, etc. than the other: a lopsided grin / mouth   (figurative) The article presents a somewhat lopsided view of events.
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lo.qua.cious
adj. (formal) talking a lot TALKATIVE
lo.qua.city noun [U]
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lord
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (in Britain) a NOBLEMAN : She’s married to a lord.—compare LADY
2 (Lord) (in Britain) the title used by some high ranks of NOBLEMEN (= men of high social class): Lord Beaverbrook
3 (Lord) a title used for some high official positions in Britain: the Lord Chancellor  the Lord Mayor
4 (My Lord) (in Britain) a title of respect used when speaking to a judge, BISHOP or some male members of the NOBILITY (= people of high social class)—compare LADY
5 a powerful man in MEDIEVAL Europe, who owned a lot of land and property: a feudal lord  the lord of the manor—see also OVERLORD , WARLORD
6 (usually the Lord) [sing.] a title used to refer to God or Christ: Love the Lord with all your heart.
7 (Our Lord) [sing.] a title used to refer to Christ
8 (the Lords) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] = HOUSE OF LORDS : The Lords has / have not yet reached a decision.—compare COMMONS —see also LAW LORD
IDM (good) 'Lord! | oh 'Lord! exclamationused to show that you are surprised, annoyed or worried about sth: Good Lord, what have you done to your hair! 'Lord knows … used to emphasize what you are saying: Lord knows, I tried to teach her. 'Lord ('only) knows (what, where, why, etc.) … (spoken) used to say that you do not know the answer to sth: ‘Why did she say that?’‘Lord knows!’
HELP Some people may find the use of Lord in these expressions offensive.
IDM see DRUNK adj. , YEAR

verb
IDM 'lord it over sb (disapproving) to act as if you are better or more important than sb: A good manager does not try to lord it over his or her team.

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lord.ly
adj.
1 behaving in a way that suggests that you think you are better than other people
SYN HAUGHTY : He dismissed us with a lordly gesture.
2 large and impressive; suitable for a LORD : a lordly mansion
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lord.ship
noun
1 (His / Your Lordship) a title of respect used when speaking to or about a judge, a BISHOP or a NOBLEMAN : His Lordship is away on business.—compare LADYSHIP
2 (BrE, spoken) a humorous way of talking to or about a boy or man that you think is trying to be too important: Can his lordship manage to switch off the TV?
3 [U] the power or position of a LORD
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the ,Lord’s 'Prayer
noun [sing.] the prayer that Jesus Christ taught the people who followed him, that begins ‘Our Father … ’
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lore
noun [U] knowledge and information related to a particular subject, especially when this is not written down; the stories and traditions of a particular group of people: weather lore  Celtic lore—see also FOLKLORE
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lor.gnette
noun an old-fashioned pair of glasses that you hold to your eyes on a long handle
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lorry
(BrE ) (also truckAmE, BrE) noun (pl.-ies) a large motor vehicle for carrying heavy loads by road: a lorry driver  Emergency food supplies were brought in by lorry .  a lorry load of frozen fish
IDM see BACK n. —picture at TRUCK
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lose
verb (lost, lost )
NOT FIND|
1 [vn] to be unable to find sth/sb: I’ve lost my keys.  The tickets seem to have got lost .  She lost her husband in the crowd.
HAVE STH TAKEN AWAY|
2 [vn] to have sth/sb taken away from you by accident, old age, death, etc: She lost a leg in a car crash.  to lose your hair / teeth (= as a result of getting old)  He’s lost his job.  Some families lost everything (= all they owned) in the flood.  They lost both their sons (= they were killed) in the war.  The ship was lost at sea.  Many people lost their lives (= were killed).
3 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to have sth taken away by sb/sth: The company has lost a lot of business to its competitors.
4 [vn] to have to give up sth; to fail to keep sth: You will lose your deposit if you cancel the order.  Sit down or you’ll lose your seat.
HAVE LESS|
5 [vn] to have less and less of sth, especially until you no longer have any of it: to lose your confidence  He lost his nerve at the last minute.  She seemed to have lost interest in food.  At that moment he lost his balance and fell.  I’ve lost ten pounds since I started this diet.  The train was losing speed.
NOT UNDERSTAND / HEAR|
6 [vn] to fail to get, hear or understand sth: His words were lost (= could not be heard) in the applause.
7 [vn] (informal) to be no longer understood by sb: I’m afraid you’ve lost me there.
ESCAPE|
8 [vn] to escape from sb/sth: We managed to lose our pursuers in the darkness.
NOT WIN|
9 ~ (sth) (to sb)| ~ (sth) (by sth) to be defeated; to fail to win a competition, a court case, an argument, etc: [vn] to lose a game / a race / an election / a battle  [v] We lost to a stronger team.  He lost by less than 100 votes.
NOT KEEP|
10 ~ (sth) (on sth / by doing sth)| ~ sb sth to fail to keep sth you want or need, especially money; to cause sb to fail to keep sth: [vn] The business is losing money.  Poetry always loses something in translation.  You have nothing to lose by telling the truth.  [v] We lost on that deal.  [vnn] His carelessness lost him the job.
TIME|
11 [vn] to waste time or an opportunity: We lost twenty minutes changing a tyre.  Hurry—there’s no time to lose !  He lost no time in setting out for London.
12 if a watch or clock loses or loses time, it goes too slowly or becomes a particular amount of time behind the correct time: [vn] This clock loses two minutes a day. [alsov] GAIN Most idioms containing lose are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example lose your bearings is at bearing.  'lose it (spoken) to be unable to stop yourself from crying, laughing, etc.; to become crazy: Then she just lost it and started screaming. 'lose yourself in sth to become so interested in sth that it takes all your attention ,lose 'out (on sth) (informal) to not get sth you wanted or feel you should have: While the stores make big profits, it’s the customer who loses out. ,lose 'out to sb/sth (informal) to not get business, etc. that you expected or used to get because sb/sth else has taken it: Small businesses are losing out to the large chains.
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loser
noun
1 a person who is defeated in a competition: winners and losers  He’s a good / bad loser (= he accepts defeat well / badly).
2 a person who is regularly unsuccessful, especially when you have a low opinion of them: She’s one of life’s losers.  He’s a born loser .
3 a person who suffers because of a particular action, decision, etc: The real losers in all of this are the students.
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loss
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] the state of no longer having sth or as much of sth; the process that leads to this: loss of blood / sleep / self-control  hair / weight loss  I want to report the loss of a package.  The closure of the factory will lead to a number of job losses.  When she died I was filled with a sense of loss .
2 [C] money that has been lost by a business or an organization: The company has announced net losses of $1·5 million.  We made a loss on (= lost money on) the deal.  We are now operating at a loss .
OPP PROFIT
3 [C, U] the death of a person: The loss of his wife was a great blow to him.  Enemy troops suffered heavy losses.  The drought has led to widespread loss of life .
4 [sing.] the disadvantage that is caused when sb leaves or when a useful or valuable object is taken away; a person who causes a disadvantage by leaving: Her departure is a big loss to the school.  She will be a great loss to the school.  If he isn’t prepared to accept this money, then that’s his loss .—see also DEAD LOSS
IDM at a 'loss not knowing what to say or do: His comments left me at a loss for words .  I’m at a loss what to do next. cut your 'losses to stop doing sth that is not successful before the situation becomes even worse
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'loss adjuster
(BrE ) (AmE in'surance adjuster) noun a person who works for an insurance company and whose job is to calculate how much money sb should receive after they have lost sth or had sth damaged
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'loss-leader
noun an item that a shop/store sells at a very low price to attract customers
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'loss-making
adj. (of a company or business) not making a profit; losing money
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lost
adj.
1 unable to find your way; not knowing where you are: We always get lost in London.  We’re completely lost.
2 that cannot be found or brought back: I’m still looking for that lost file.  Your cheque must have got lost in the post.
3 [usually before noun] that cannot be obtained; that cannot be found or created again: The strike cost them thousands of pounds in lost business.  She’s trying to recapture her lost youth.  He regretted the lost (= wasted) opportunity to apologize to her.
4 [not before noun] unable to deal successfully with a particular situation; unable to understand sb/sth: We would be lost without your help.  I felt so lost after my mother died.  He’s a lost soul (= a person who does not seem to know what to do, and seems unhappy).  They spoke so quickly I just got lost.—see also LOSE v.
IDM ,all is not 'lost there is still some hope of making a bad situation better be lost for 'words to be so surprised, confused, etc. that you do not know what to say be 'lost in sth to be giving all your attention to sth so that you do not notice what is happening around you: to be lost in thought / admiration be 'lost on sb not understood or noticed by sb: His jokes were completely lost on most of the students. be lost to the 'world to be giving all your attention to sth so that you do not notice what is happening around you get 'lost (informal) a rude way of telling sb to go away, or of refusing sth give sb up for 'lost (formal) to stop expecting to find sb alive make up for lost 'time to do sth quickly or very often because you wish you had started doing it sooner—more at LOVE n.
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,lost and 'found
noun [U] (AmE ) = LOST PROPERTY (2)
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,lost 'cause
noun something that has failed or that cannot succeed
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,lost 'property
noun [U] (BrE )
1 items that have been found in public places and are waiting to be collected by the people who lost them: a lost-property office
2 (AmE ,lost and 'found) the place where items that have been found are kept until they are collected
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lot
pron., det., adv., noun
pron. (a lot) (also informal lots) ~ (to do) a large number or amount: ‘How many do you need?’‘A lot.’  Have some more cake. There’s lots left.  She still has an awful lot (= a very large amount) to learn.  He has invited nearly a hundred people but a lot aren’t able to come.  note at MANY , MUCH

det. (a lot of) (also informal lots of) a large number or amount of sb/sth: What a lot of presents!  A lot of people are coming to the meeting.  black coffee with lots of sugar  I saw a lot of her (= I saw her often) last summer.  note at MANY , MUCH

adv. (informal)
1 (a lot) (also informal lots) used with adjectives and adverbs to mean ‘much’: I’m feeling a lot better today.  I eat lots less than I used to.
2 (a lot) used with verbs to mean ‘a great amount’: I care a lot about you.  Thanks a lot for your help.  I play tennis quite a lot (= often) in the summer.  note at MUCH

noun
WHOLE AMOUNT / NUMBER|
1 (the lot, the whole lot) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (informal) the whole number or amount of people or things: She’s got a PC, colour printer, scanner—the lot.  Get out of my house, the lot of you !  That’s the lot! (= that includes everything)  That’s your lot! (= that’s all you’re getting)
GROUP / SET|
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] (especially BrE) a group or set of people or things: The first lot of visitors has / have arrived.  I have several lots of essays to mark this weekend.   (informal) What do you lot want?
ITEMS SOLD|
3 [C] an item or a number of items sold, especially at an AUCTION : Lot 46: six chairs
AREA OF LAND|
4 [C] an area of land used for a particular purpose: a parking lot  a vacant lot (= one available to be built on or used for sth)
LUCK / SITUATION|
5 [sing.] a person’s luck or situation in life: She was feeling very dissatisfied with her lot. all 'over the lot (AmE) = ALL OVER THE PLACE a bad 'lot (old-fashioned, BrE) a person who is dishonest by 'lot using a method of choosing sb to do sth in which each person takes a piece of paper, etc. from a container and the one whose paper has a special mark is chosen draw / cast 'lots (for sth / to do sth) to choose sb/sth by lot: They drew lots for the right to go first. fall to sb’s 'lot (to do sth) (formal) to become sb’s task or responsibility throw in your 'lot with sb to decide to join sb and share their successes and problems

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loth
(rare) = LOATH
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lo.tion
noun [C, U] a liquid used for cleaning, protecting or treating the skin: a body / hand lotion  suntan lotion
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lot.tery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a way of raising money for a government, charity, etc. by selling tickets that have different numbers on them that people have chosen. Numbers are then chosen by chance and the people who have those numbers on their tickets win prizes: the national / state lottery  a lottery ticket—compare DRAW , RAFFLE
2 [sing.] (often disapproving) a situation whose success or result is based on luck rather than on effort or careful organization: Some people think that marriage is a lottery.
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lotto
noun
1 [U] a game of chance similar to BINGO but with the numbers drawn from a container by the players instead of being called out
2 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a lottery
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lotus
noun
1 a tropical plant with white or pink flowers that grows on the surface of lakes in Africa and Asia: a lotus flower
2 a picture in the shape of the lotus plant, used in art and architecture, especially in ancient Egypt
3 (in ancient Greek stories) a fruit that is supposed to make you feel happy and relaxed when you have eaten it, as if in a dream
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'lotus position
noun [sing.] a way of sitting with your legs crossed, used especially when people do YOGA
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louche
adj. (formal) not socially acceptable, but often still attractive in spite of this
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loud
adj., adv.
adj. (loud.er, loud.est)
1 making a lot of noise: a deafeningly loud bang / explosion  loud applause / laughter  She spoke in a very loud voice.  That music’s too loud—please turn it down.
2 (of a person or their behaviour) talking very loudly, too much and in a way that is annoying
3 (of colours, patterns, etc.) too bright and lacking good taste
SYN GAUDY
loud.ly adv.: She screamed as loudly as she could.
loud.ness noun [U]

adv. (loud.er, loud.est) (informal) in a way that makes a lot of noise or can be easily heard
SYN LOUDLY : Do you have to play that music so loud?  You’ll have to speak louder—I can’t hear you.
IDM ,loud and 'clear in a way that is very easy to understand: The message is coming through loud and clear. ,out 'loud in a voice that can be heard by other people: I almost laughed out loud.  Please read the letter out loud.—compare ALOUD —more at ACTION , CRY v.

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loud.hail.er
(BrE ) (AmE bull.horn) noun an electronic device, shaped like a horn, with a MICROPHONE at one end, that you speak into in order to make your voice louder so that it can be heard at a distance—compare MEGAPHONE
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loud.mouth
noun (informal) a person who is annoying because they talk too loudly or too much in an offensive or stupid way
'loud-mouthed adj.
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loud.speak.er
(also speak.er) noun a piece of equipment, especially part of a radio, cassette player, etc., that changes electrical signals into sound; a similar piece of equipment used in public places for announcing things, playing music, etc: Their names were called over the loudspeaker .—see also PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM , TANNOY
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lough
noun (in Ireland) a lake or a long strip of sea that is almost surrounded by land: Lough Corrib—see also LOCH
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lounge
noun, verb
noun
1 a room for waiting in at an airport, etc: the departure lounge
2 a public room in a hotel, club, etc. for waiting or relaxing in: the television lounge
3 (BrE) a room in a private house for sitting and relaxing in
4 (AmE) = LOUNGE BAR —see also SUN LOUNGE

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to stand, sit or lie in a lazy way: Several students were lounging around, reading newspapers.

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'lounge bar
(also sal.oon) (both BrE ) (AmE lounge) noun a bar in a pub, hotel, etc. which is more comfortable than the other bars and where the drinks are usually more expensive—compare PUBLIC BAR
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loun.ger
noun = SUNLOUNGER
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'lounge suit
noun (BrE ) a man’s suit of matching jacket and trousers/pants, worn especially in offices and on fairly formal occasions
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lour
verb [v] = LOWER^2
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louse
noun, verb
noun
1 (pl.lice ) a small insect that lives on the bodies of humans and animals: head lice—see also WOODLOUSE
2 (pl.louses) (informal, disapproving) a very unpleasant person

verb
PVR V ,louse sth<->'up (slang) to spoil sth or do it very badly

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lousy
adj.
1 (informal) very bad
SYN AWFUL : What lousy weather!  She felt lousy (= ill).
2 [only before noun] (informal) used to show that you feel annoyed or insulted because you do not think that sth is worth very much: All she bought me was this lousy T-shirt.
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lout
noun (BrE ) a man or boy who behaves in a rude and aggressive way—see also LAGER LOUT , LITTER LOUT
lout.ish adj.: loutish behaviour
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louvre
(also lou.ver) noun one of a set of narrow strips of wood, plastic, etc. in a door or a window that are designed to let air and some light in, but to keep out strong sunlight or rain; a door or a window that has these strips across it
louvred adj.
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lov.able
(also love.able) adj. having qualities that people find attractive and easy to love, often in spite of any faults: a lovable child  a lovable rogue
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love
noun, verb
noun
AFFECTION|
1 [U] a strong feeling of deep affection for sb/sth, especially a member of your family or a friend: a mother’s love for her children  love of your country  He seems incapable of love.
ROMANTIC|
2 [U] a strong feeling of affection for sb that you are sexually attracted to: a love song / story  We’re in love !  She was in love with him .  They fell in love with each other.  It was love at first sight (= they were attracted to each other the first time they met).  They’re madly in love .  Their love grew with the years.
ENJOYMENT|
3 [U, sing.] the strong feeling of enjoyment that sth gives you: a love of learning / nature / music  He’s in love with his work.  I fell in love with the house.
SB / STH YOU LIKE|
4 [C] a person, a thing or an activity that you like very much: Take care, my love.  He was the love of my life (= the person I loved most).  I like most sports but tennis is my first love .
FRIENDLY NAME|
5 [C] (BrE, spoken, informal) a word used as a friendly way of addressing sb: Can I help you, love?—compare DUCK
IN TENNIS|
6 [U] a score of zero (points or games): 40–love!  She won the first set six–love / six games to love. (just) for 'love | (just) for the 'love of sth without receiving payment or any other reward: They’re all volunteers, working for the love of it. for the love of 'God (old-fashioned, spoken) used when you are expressing anger and the fact that you are impatient: For the love of God, tell me what he said! give / send my love to sb (informal) used to send friendly greetings to sb: Give my love to Mary when you see her.  Bob sends his love. 'love from | lots of 'love (from) (written, informal) used at the end of a letter to a friend or to sb you love, followed by your name: Lots of love, Jenny  make 'love (to sb) to have sex: It was the first time they had made love. not for love or / nor 'money if you say you cannot do sth for love nor money, you mean it is completely impossible to do it there’s little / no 'love lost between A and B they do not like each other: There’s no love lost between her and her in-laws.—more at CUPBOARD , FAIR adj. , HEAD n. , LABOUR n.

verb
FEEL AFFECTION|
1 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to have very strong feelings of affection for sb: I love you.  If you love each other, why not get married?  Her much-loved brother lay dying of Aids.  He had become a well-loved and respected member of staff.  Relatives need time to grieve over loved ones they have lost.  to love your country
LIKE / ENJOY|
2 to like or enjoy sth very much: [vn] I really love summer evenings.  I just love it when you bring me presents!  He loved the way she smiled.  I love it in Spain (= I like the life there).  It was one of his best-loved songs.   (ironic) You’re going to love this. They’ve changed their minds again.  [v -ing] (especially in BrE ) My dad loves going to football games.  [v to inf] (especially AmE ) I love to go out dancing.  [vn to inf] He loved her to sing to him.
3 (would love) used to say that you would very much like sth: [v to inf] Come on Rory, the kids would love to hear you sing.  I haven’t been to Brazil, but I’d love to.  [vn to inf] I’d love her to come and live with us.  [vn] ‘Cigarette?’‘I’d love one, but I’ve just given up.’ ,love you and 'leave you (spoken, humorous) used to say that you must go, although you would like to stay longer: Well, time to love you and leave you.

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'love affair
noun
1 a romantic and/or sexual relationship between two people who are in love and not married to each other
2 great enthusiasm for sth: the English love affair with gardening
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love.bird
noun
1 [C] a small African PARROT (= a bird with brightly-coloured feathers)
2 (lovebirds) [pl.] (humorous) two people who love each other very much and show this in their behaviour
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'love bite
(BrE ) (AmE hickey) noun a red mark on the skin that is caused by sb biting their partner’s skin when they are kissing
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'love child
noun (used especially in newspapers, etc.) a child born to parents who are not married to each other
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,love-'hate relationship
noun [usually sing.] a relationship in which your feelings for sb/sth are a mixture of love and hatred
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love.less
adj. without love: a loveless marriage
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'love letter
noun a letter that you write to sb telling them that you love them
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'love life
noun the part of your life that involves your romantic and sexual relationships
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love.li.ness
noun [U] (written) the state of being very attractive
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love.lorn
adj. (literary) unhappy because the person you love does not love you
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love.ly
adj., noun
adj. (love.lier, love.li.est)
HELP You can also use more lovely and most lovely. (especially BrE )
1 beautiful; attractive: lovely countryside / eyes / flowers  She looked particularly lovely that night.  He has a lovely voice.
2 (informal) very enjoyable and pleasant; wonderful: ‘Can I get you anything?’‘A cup of tea would be lovely’  What a lovely surprise!  How lovely to see you!  Isn’t it a lovely day?  We’ve had a lovely time.  It’s a lovely old farm.  It’s been lovely having you here.   (ironic) You’ve got yourself into a lovely mess, haven’t you?
3 (informal) (of a person) very kind, generous and friendly: Her mother was a lovely woman.
HELP Very lovely is not very common and is only used about the physical appearance of a person or thing.
IDM lovely and 'warm, 'cold, 'quiet, etc. (BrE, spoken) used when you are emphasizing that sth is good because of the quality mentioned: It’s lovely and warm in here.

noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned) a beautiful woman

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love.mak.ing
noun [U] sexual activity between two lovers, especially the act of having sex
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'love match
noun a marriage of two people who are in love with each other
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'love nest
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a house or an apartment where two people who are not married but are having a sexual relationship can meet
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lover
noun
1 a partner in a sexual relationship outside marriage: He denied that he was her lover.  We were lovers for several years.  The park was full of young lovers holding hands.
2 (often in compounds) somebody who likes or enjoys a particular thing: a lover of music  an art-lover  a nature-lover
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'love seat
noun (AmE ) a comfortable seat with a back and arms, for two people to sit on
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love.sick
adj. (written) unable to think clearly or behave in a sensible way because you are in love with sb, especially sb who is not in love with you
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lovey
(also luvvy) noun (BrE , spoken) used as a friendly way of addressing sb: Ruth, lovey, are you there?
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lov.ing
adj.
1 feeling or showing love and affection for sb/sth: a warm and loving family  She chose the present with loving care.
2 (-loving) (in adjectives) enjoying the object or activity mentioned: fun-loving young people
lov.ing.ly adv.: He gazed lovingly at his children.  The house has been lovingly restored.
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low
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (lower, low.est)
NOT HIGH / TALL|
1 not high or tall; not far above the ground: a low wall / building / table  a low range of hills  low clouds  flying at low altitude  The sun was low in the sky.
OPP HIGH
NEAR BOTTOM|
2 at or near the bottom of sth: low back pain  the lower slopes of the mountain  temperatures in the low 20s (= no higher than 21–23°)
OPP HIGH
CLOTHING|
3 not high at the neck: a dress with a low neckline—see also LOW-CUT
LEVEL / VALUE|
4 (often in compounds) below the usual or average amount, level or value: low prices / wages  low-income families  the lowest temperature ever recorded  a low level of unemployment  Yogurt is usually very low in fat.  low-fat yogurt
OPP HIGH
5 having a reduced amount or not enough of sth: The reservoir was low after the long drought.  Our supplies are running low (= we only have a little left).  They were low on fuel.
SOUND|
6 not high; not loud: The cello is lower than the violin.  They were speaking in low voices.
OPP HIGH
STANDARD|
7 below the usual or expected standard: students with low marks / grades in their exams  a low standard of living
OPP HIGH
STATUS|
8 below other people or things in importance or status: low forms of life (= creatures with a very simple structure)  jobs with low status  Training was given a very low priority.  the lower classes of society
OPP HIGH
DEPRESSED|
9 weak or depressed; with very little energy: I’m feeling really low.  They were in low spirits.
OPINION|
10 [usually before noun] not very good
SYN POOR : She has a very low opinion of her own abilities.
OPP HIGH
NOT HONEST|
11 (of a person) not honest: He mixes with some pretty low types.  low cunning
LIGHT|
12 not bright
SYN DIM : The lights were low and romance was in the air.
IN VEHICLE|
13 if a vehicle is in low gear, it travels at a slower speed in relation to the speed of the engine at a low 'ebb a poor state; worse than usual: Morale among teachers is at a low ebb. be brought 'low (old-fashioned) to lose your wealth or your high position in society lay sb 'low if sb is laid low by/with an injury or illness, they feel very weak and are unable to do much the ,lowest of the 'low people who are not respected at all because they are dishonest, immoral or not at all important—more at PROFILE n.

adv. (lower, low.est)
NOT HIGH|
1 in or into a low position, not far above the ground: to crouch / bend low  a plane flying low over the town  low-flying aircraft  The sun sank lower towards the horizon.
NEAR BOTTOM|
2 in or into a position near the bottom of sth: a window set low in the wall  The candles were burning low.
LEVEL|
3 (especially in compounds) at a level below what is usual or expected: low-priced goods  a low-powered PC  a very low-scoring game
SOUND|
4 not high; not loudly: He’s singing an octave lower than the rest of us.  Can you turn the music lower—you’ll wake the baby.
IDM see HIGH adv. , LIE v. , SINK v. , STOOP v.

noun
LEVEL / VALUE|
1 a low level or point; a low figure: The yen has fallen to an all-time low against the dollar.  The temperature reached a record low in London last night.  The government’s popularity has hit a new low.
DIFFICULT TIME|
2 a very difficult time in sb’s life or career: The break-up of her marriage marked an all-time low in her life.
WEATHER|
3 an area of low pressure in the atmosphere: Another low is moving in from the Atlantic.

verb [v] (literary) when a cow lows, it makes a deep sound

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low.brow
adj. (usually disapproving) having no connection with or interest in serious artistic or cultural ideas: lowbrow newspapers / readers
OPP HIGHBROW —compare MIDDLEBROW
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,Low 'Church
adj. connected with the part of the Anglican Church that is least similar to the Roman Catholic Church in its beliefs and practices
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,low-'class
adj.
1 of poor quality
2 connected with a low social class
OPP HIGH-CLASS
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,low-'cut
adj. (of dresses etc.) with the top very low so that you can see the neck and the top of the chest
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'low-down
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (informal) not fair or honest: What a dirty, low-down trick!

noun (the low-down) [sing.] ~ on (sb/sth) (informal) the true facts about sb/sth, especially those considered most important to know: Jane gave me the low-down on the other guests at the party.

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lower^1
adj., verb —see also LOWER^2
adj. [only before noun]
1 situated below sth else, especially sth of the same type, or the other of a pair: the lower deck of a ship  His lower lip trembled.
2 at or near the bottom of sth: the mountain’s lower slopes  I have problems with my lower back.
3 (of a place) situated towards the coast, on low ground or towards the south of an area: the lower reaches of the Nile
OPP UPPER

verb
1 to let or make sth/sb go down: [vn] He had to lower his head to get through the door.  She lowered her newspaper and looked around.  They lowered him down the cliff on a rope.
OPP RAISE
2 to reduce sth or to become less in value, quality, etc: [vn] He lowered his voice to a whisper.  This drug is used to lower blood pressure.  [v] Her voice lowered as she spoke.
IDM 'lower yourself (by doing sth) (usually used in negative sentences) to behave in a way that makes other people respect you less: I wouldn’t lower myself by working for him.—more at SIGHT n. , TEMPERATURE

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lower^2
(also lour) verb [v] (literary) (of the sky or clouds) to be dark and threatening: Huge clouds lowered over the bay.—see also LOWER^1
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,lower 'case
noun [U] (in printing and writing) small letters: The text is all in lower case.  lower-case letters—compare CAPITAL adj. , UPPER CASE
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the ,lower 'classes
noun [pl.] (also the ,lower 'class [sing.]) the groups of people who are considered to have the lowest social status and who have less money and/or power than other people in society
,lower 'class adj.: The new bosses were condemned as ‘too lower-class’.  a lower-class accent—compare UPPER CLASS
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,lower 'house
(also ,lower 'chamber) noun [sing.] the larger group of people who make laws in a country, usually consisting of elected representatives, such as the House of Commons in Britain or the House of Representatives in the US—compare UPPER HOUSE
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the ,lower 'orders
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) people who are considered to be less important because they belong to groups with a lower social status
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'lower school
noun a school, or the classes in a school, for younger students, usually between the ages of 11 and 14—compare UPPER SCHOOL
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,lowest ,common de'nominator
noun
1 (mathematics) (abbr.LCD) the smallest number that the bottom numbers of a group of FRACTIONS can be divided into exactly
2 (disapproving) something that is simple enough to seem interesting to, or to be understood by, the highest number of people in a particular group; the sort of people who are least intelligent or accept sth that is of low quality: The school syllabus seems aimed at the lowest common denominator.
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,low-'fat
adj. [usually before noun] containing only a very small amount of fat
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,low-'key
adj. not intended to attract a lot of attention: Their wedding was a very low-key affair.
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low.land
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] connected with an area of land that is fairly flat and not very high above sea level: lowland areas / farmers—compare HIGHLAND

noun [usually pl.] an area of land that is fairly flat and not very high above sea level: the lowlands of Scotland  Much of the region is lowland.—compare HIGHLAND

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low.land.er
noun a person who comes from an area which is flat and low—compare HIGHLANDER
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,low-'level
adj. [usually before noun]
1 close to the ground: low-level bombing attacks
2 of low rank; involving people of junior rank: a low-level job  low-level negotiations
3 not containing much of a particular substance especially RADIOACTIVITY : low-level radioactive waste
4 (computing) (of a computer language) similar to MACHINE CODE in form
OPP HIGH-LEVEL
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'low life
noun [U] the life and behaviour of people who are outside normal society, especially criminals
'low-life adj.: a low-life bar
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lowly
adj. (low.lier, low.li.est) (often humorous) low in status or importance
SYN HUMBLE : a lowly government clerk
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,low-'lying
adj. (of land) not high, and usually fairly flat
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,low-'paid
adj. earning or providing very little money: low-paid workers  It is one of the lowest-paid jobs.
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,low-'pitched
adj. (of sounds) deep; low: a low-pitched voice
OPP HIGH-PITCHED
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'low point
noun the least interesting, enjoyable or worst part of sth
OPP HIGH POINT
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,low 'pressure
noun [U]
1 the condition of air, gas or liquid that is kept in a container with little force: Water supplies to the house are at low pressure .
2 a condition of the air which affects the weather when the pressure is lower than average—compare HIGH PRESSURE
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,low-'profile
adj. [only before noun] receiving or involving very little attention: a low-profile campaign—see also PROFILE
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'low-rise
adj. [only before noun] (of a building) low, with only a few floors: low-rise housing
'low-rise noun—compare HIGH-RISE
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,low-'risk
adj. [usually before noun] involving only a small amount of danger and little risk of injury, death, damage, etc: a low-risk investment  low-risk patients (= who are very unlikely to get a particular illness)
OPP HIGH-RISK
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'low season
(also 'off season) noun [U, sing.] (especially BrE ) the time of year when a hotel or tourist area receives fewest visitors
OPP HIGH SEASON
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,low 'slung
adj. very low and close to the ground
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,low-'tech
adj. (informal) not involving the most modern technology or methods
OPP HIGH-TECH
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,low 'tide
(also ,low 'water) noun [U, C] the time when the sea is at its lowest level; the sea at this time: The island can only be reached at low tide .
OPP HIGH TIDE
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,low-'water mark
noun a line or mark showing the lowest point that the sea reaches at low tide
OPP HIGH-WATER MARK
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lox
noun [U] (AmE ) smoked SALMON (= a type of fish)
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loyal
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) remaining faithful to sb/sth and supporting them or it: a loyal friend / supporter  She has always remained loyal to her political principles.
loy.al.ly adv.
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loyal.ist
noun
1 a person who is loyal to the ruler or government, or to a political party, especially during a time of change: party loyalists
2 (Loyalist) a person who supports the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland—compare REPUBLICAN
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loy.alty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (to / towards sb/sth) [U] the quality of being faithful in your support of sb/sth: They swore their loyalty to the king.  Can I count on your loyalty?
2 [C, often pl.] a strong feeling that you want to be loyal to sb/sth: a case of divided loyalties (= with strong feelings of support for two different causes, people, etc.)
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loz.enge
noun
1 (geometry) a figure with four sides in the shape of a diamond that has two opposite angles more than 90° and the other two less than 90°
2 a small sweet/candy, often in a lozenge shape, especially one that contains medicine and that you dissolve in your mouth: throat / cough lozenges
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LP
noun the abbreviation for ‘long-playing record’ (a record that plays for about 25 minutes each side and turns 33 times per minute)
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'L-plate
noun a white sign with a large red letter L on it, that you put on a car when you are learning to drive in Britain and some other countries
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LPN
abbr. (in the US) licensed practical nurse
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LSD
(also slang acid) noun [U] a powerful illegal drug that affects people’s minds and makes them see and hear things that are not really there
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Lt
(BrE ) (AmELt.) abbr. (in writing) LIEUTENANT : Lt (Helen) Brown
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Ltd
abbr. Limited (used after the name of a British company or business): Pearce and Co. Ltd
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lu.bri.cant
noun [U, C] a substance, for example oil, that you put on surfaces or parts of a machine so that they move easily and smoothly
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lu.bri.cate
verb [vn] to put a lubricant on sth such as the parts of a machine, to help them move smoothly
lu.bri.ca.tion noun [U]
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lu.bri.cious
adj. (formal) showing a great interest in sex in a way that is considered unpleasant or unacceptable
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lucid
adj.
1 clearly expressed; easy to understand
SYN CLEAR : a lucid style / explanation
2 able to think clearly, especially during or after a period of illness or confusion
lu.cid.ity noun [U]
lu.cid.ly adv.
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luck
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 good things that happen to you by chance, not because of your own efforts or abilities: With (any) luck , we’ll be home before dark.   (BrE) With a bit of luck , we’ll finish on time.  So far I have had no luck with finding a job.  I could hardly believe my luck when he said yes.  It was a stroke of luck that we found you.  By sheer luck nobody was hurt in the explosion.  We wish her luck in her new career.  You’re in luck (= lucky)—there’s one ticket left.  You’re out of luck . She’s not here.  What a piece of luck!
2 chance; the force that causes good or bad things to happen to people: to have good / bad luck—see also HARD-LUCK STORY
IDM Any 'luck? (spoken) used to ask sb if they have been successful with sth: ‘Any luck?’‘No, they’re all too busy to help.’ as luck would 'have it in the way that chance decides what will happen: As luck would have it, the train was late. bad, hard, etc. luck (on sb) used to express sympathy for sb: Bad luck, Helen, you played very well.  It’s hard luck on him that he wasn’t chosen. be down on your 'luck (informal) to have no money because of a period of bad luck the best of 'luck (with sth) | good 'luck (with sth) (spoken) used to wish sb success with sth: The best of luck with your exams.  Good luck! I hope it goes well. ,better luck 'next time (spoken) used to encourage sb who has not been successful at sth do sth for 'luck
1 to do sth because you believe it will bring you good luck, or because this is a traditional belief: Take something blue. It’s for luck.
2 to do sth for no particular reason: I hit him once more for luck. good 'luck to sb (spoken) used to say that you do not mind what sb does as it does not affect you, but you hope they will be successful: It’s not something I would care to try myself but if she wants to, good luck to her. just my / sb’s 'luck (informal) used to show you are not surprised sth bad has happened to you, because you are not often lucky: Just my luck to arrive after they had left. your / sb’s 'luck is in used to say that sb has been lucky or successful: On a Sunday I didn’t expect to find him at his desk but my luck was in. the luck of the 'draw the fact that chance decides sth, in a way that you cannot control no such 'luck used to show disappointment that sth you were hoping for did not happen—more at BEGINNER , POT n. , PUSH v. , TOUGH adj. , TRY v. , WORSE adj.

verb
PVR V ,luck 'out (AmE, informal) to be lucky

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luck.less
adj. (written) having bad luck; UNLUCKY : the luckless victim of the attack
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lucky
adj. (luck.ier, lucki.est)
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) having good luck
SYN FORTUNATE : His friend was killed and he knows he is lucky to be alive.  She was lucky enough to be chosen for the team.  You were lucky (that) you spotted the danger in time.  Mark is one of the lucky ones —he at least has somewhere to sleep.  the lucky winners  You can think yourself lucky you didn’t get mugged.  She counted herself lucky that she still had a job.
2 ~ (for sb) (that … ) being the result of good luck: It was lucky for us that we were able to go.  That was the luckiest escape of my life.  a lucky guess
3 bringing good luck: a lucky charm
luck.ily adv.~ (for sb): Luckily for us, the train was late.  Luckily, I am a good swimmer.
IDM lucky 'you, 'me, etc. (spoken) used to show that you think sb is lucky to have sth, be able to do sth, etc: ‘I’m off to Paris.’‘Lucky you!’ ,you’ll be 'lucky (spoken) used to tell sb that sth that they are expecting probably will not happen: ‘I was hoping to get a ticket for Saturday.’‘You’ll be lucky.’ ,you, etc. should be so 'lucky (spoken) used to tell sb that they will probably not get what they are hoping for, and may not deserve it—more at STRIKE v. , THANK , THIRD
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,lucky 'dip
(BrE ) (AmE 'grab bag) noun [usually sing.] a game in which people choose a present from a container of presents without knowing what it is going to be
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lu.cra.tive
adj. producing a large amount of money; making a large profit: a lucrative business / contract / market
lu.cra.tive.ly adv.
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lucre
noun [U] (disapproving) money, especially when it has been obtained in a way that is dishonest or immoral: the lure of filthy lucre
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Lud.dite
noun (BrE , disapproving) a person who is opposed to new technology or working methods
ORIGIN Named after Ned Lud, one of the workers who destroyed machinery in the cotton and woollen mills in the early 19th century, because they believed it would take away their jobs.
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ludi.crous
adj. ridiculous and unreasonable; that you cannot take seriously: a ludicrous idea / suggestion / situation  It was ludicrous to think that the plan could succeed.
ludi.crous.ly adv.: ludicrously expensive
ludi.crous.ness noun [U]
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ludo
(BrE ) (AmE Par.cheesi™) noun [U] a simple game played with DICE and COUNTERS on a special board
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lug
verb, noun
verb (-gg-) [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to carry or drag sth heavy with a lot of effort: I had to lug my bags up to the fourth floor.

noun
1 (technical) a part of sth that sticks out, used as a handle or support
2 (also lug.hole) (both BrE, humorous) an ear

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lug.gage
(especially BrE ) (also bag.gage especially in AmE) noun [U] bags, cases, etc. that contain sb’s clothes and things when they are travelling: There’s room for one more piece of luggage.  You stay there with the luggage while I find a cab.—see also HAND LUGGAGE , LEFT-LUGGAGE OFFICE   note at BAGGAGE
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'luggage rack
noun a shelf for luggage above the seats in a train, bus, etc.
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'luggage van
noun (BrE ) (AmE 'baggage car) a carriage on a train for carrying passengers' luggage
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lug.hole
noun (BrE , humorous) = LUG (2)
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lu.gu.bri.ous
adj. (written) sad and serious: a lugubrious expression / face
lu.gu.bri.ous.ly adv.
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lug.worm
noun a large worm that lives in the sand by the sea. Lugworms are often used as BAIT on a hook to catch fish.
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luke.warm
adj. (often disapproving)
1 slightly warm
SYN TEPID : Our food was only lukewarm.
2 ~ (about sb/sth) not interested or enthusiastic: a lukewarm response  She was lukewarm about the plan.
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lull
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a quiet period between times of activity: a lull in the conversation / fighting  Just before an attack everything would go quiet but we knew it was just the lull before the storm (= before a time of noise or trouble).

verb (written)
1 [vn] to make sb relaxed and calm: The vibration of the engine lulled the children to sleep .
2 to make sth, or to become, less strong: [vn] His father’s arrival lulled the boy’s anxiety. [alsov] ,lull sb 'into sth to make sb feel confident and relaxed, especially so that they do not expect it when sb does sth bad or dishonest: His friendly manner lulled her into a false sense of security (= made her feel safe with him when she should not have).

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lul.laby
noun (pl.-ies) a soft gentle song sung to make a child go to sleep
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lum.bago
noun [U] pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back
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lum.bar
adj. [only before noun] (medical ) relating to the lower part of the back: pain in the lumbar region
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,lumbar 'puncture
(BrE ) (AmE 'spinal tap) noun the removal of liquid from the lower part of the SPINE with a hollow needle
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lum.ber
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) = TIMBER
2 (BrE) pieces of furniture, and other large objects that you do not use any more

verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move in a slow, heavy and awkward way: A family of elephants lumbered by.
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (with sb/sth) (informal) to give sb a responsibility, etc., that they do not want and that they cannot get rid of: When our parents went out, my sister got lumbered with me for the evening.

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lum.ber.jack
(also log.ger) noun (especially in the US and Canada) a person whose job is cutting down trees or cutting or transporting wood
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lu.mi.nary
(pl.-ies) noun a person who is an expert or a great influence in a special area or activity: leading luminaries of the arts
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lu.mi.nes.cence
noun [U] (technical or literary) a quality in sth that produces light: the fading luminescence of the sky
lu.mi.nes.cent adj.
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lu.mi.nous
adj.
1 shining in the dark; giving out light: luminous paint  luminous hands on a clock  staring with huge luminous eyes   (figurative) the luminous quality of the music
2 very bright in colour: They painted the door a luminous green.
lu.mi.nous.ly adv.
lu.mi.nos.ity noun [sing., U]
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lump
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of sth hard or solid, usually without a particular shape: a lump of coal / cheese / wood  This sauce has lumps in it.
2 (BrE) = SUGAR LUMP : One lump or two?
3 a swelling under the skin, sometimes a sign of serious illness: He was unhurt apart from a lump on his head.  Check your breasts for lumps every month.
4 (informal, especially BrE) a heavy, lazy or stupid person
IDM have, etc. a lump in your throat to feel pressure in the throat because you are very angry or emotional take your 'lumps (AmE, informal) to accept bad things that happen to you without complaining

verb [vn] ~ A and B together| ~ A (in) with B to put or consider different things together in the same group: You can’t lump all Asian languages together.
IDM 'lump it (informal) to accept sth unpleasant because there’s no other choice: I’m sorry you’re not happy about it but you’ll just have to lump it.  That’s the situation—like it or lump it !

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lump.en
adj. (BrE , literary) looking heavy and awkward or stupid
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lump.ish
adj. heavy and awkward; stupid
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,lump 'sum
(also ,lump ,sum 'payment) noun an amount of money that is paid at one time and not on separate occasions
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lumpy
adj. full of lumps; covered in lumps: lumpy sauce  a lumpy mattress
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lu.nacy
noun [U]
1 behaviour that is stupid or crazy: It’s sheer lunacy driving in such weather.
2 (old-fashioned) mental illness
SYN MADNESS
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lunar
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the moon: a lunar eclipse / landscape
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,lunar 'month
noun the average time between one new moon and the next (about 29½ days)—compare CALENDAR MONTH
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lu.na.tic
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who does crazy things that are often dangerous: This lunatic in a white van pulled out right in front of me!
2 (old-fashioned) a person who is severely mentally ill (the use of this word is now offensive): a dangerous / homicidal lunatic
ORIGIN Originally from the Latin lunaticus (luna = moon), because people believed that the changes in the moon caused temporary madness.

adj. crazy, ridiculous or extremely stupid: lunatic ideas  a lunatic smile
IDM the ,lunatic 'fringe noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (disapproving) those members of a political or other group whose views are considered to be very extreme and crazy

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'lunatic asylum
noun (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) an institution where mentally ill people live
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lunch
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a meal eaten in the middle of the day: She’s gone to lunch.  I’m ready for some lunch.  What shall we have for lunch ?  We serve hot and cold lunches.  a one-hour lunch break   Let’s do lunch (= have lunch together).—see also PACKED LUNCH , PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH   note at MEAL
IDM see FREE adj.

verb [v] (formal) to have lunch, especially at a restaurant: He lunched with a client at the Ritz.

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'lunch box
noun a container to hold a meal that you take away from home to eat
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lunch.eon
noun [C, U] a formal lunch or a formal word for lunch: a charity luncheon  Luncheon will be served at one, Madam.
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'luncheon meat
noun [U] finely chopped cooked meat that has been pressed together in a container, usually sold in cans and served cold in slices
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'luncheon voucher
noun a ticket given by some employers in Britain that sb can exchange for food at some restaurants and shops/stores
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'lunch hour
noun the time around the middle of the day when you stop work or school to eat lunch: I usually go to the gym during my lunch hour.
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lunch.room
noun (AmE ) a large room in a school where students eat lunch
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lunch.time
noun [U, C] the time around the middle of the day when people usually eat lunch: The package still hadn’t arrived by lunchtime.  a lunchtime concert  The sandwich bar is generally packed at lunchtimes.
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lung
noun either of the two organs in the chest that you use when breathing: lung cancer—picture at BODY
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lunge
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (at / towards / for sb/sth)| ~ (forward) to make a sudden powerful forward movement in order to attack sb

noun [usually sing.]
1 ~ (at sb)| ~ (for sb/sth) a sudden powerful forward movement of the body and arm that a person makes towards another person or thing, especially when attacking them: He made a lunge for the phone.
2 (in the sport of FENCING ) a THRUST made by putting the right foot forward and making the back leg straight

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lung.ful
noun the amount of sth such as air or smoke that is breathed in at one time
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lupin
(BrE ) (AmElu.pine) noun a tall garden plant with many small flowers growing up its thick stem
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lurch
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 to make a sudden, unsteady movement forward or sideways: Suddenly the horse lurched to one side and the child fell off.  The man lurched drunkenly out of the pub.   (figurative) Their relationship seems to lurch from one crisis to the next.
2 if your heart or stomach lurches, you have a sudden feeling of fear or excitement

noun [usually sing.] a sudden strong movement that moves you forward or sideways and nearly makes you lose your balance: The train gave a violent lurch.  His heart gave a lurch when he saw her.
IDM leave sb in the 'lurch (informal) to fail to help sb when they are relying on you to do so

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lurch.er
noun (BrE ) a dog that is a mixture of two different breeds of dog, one of which is usually a GREYHOUND
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lure
verb, noun
verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (disapproving) to persuade or trick sb to go somewhere or to do sth by promising them a reward: The child was lured into a car but managed to escape.  Young people are lured to the city by the prospect of a job and money.

noun
1 [usually sing.] the attractive qualities of sth: Few can resist the lure of adventure.
2 a thing that is used to attract fish or animals, so that they can be caught

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Lurex
™noun [U] a type of thin metal thread; a fabric containing this thread, used for making clothes
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lurid
adj. (disapproving)
1 too bright in colour, in a way that is not attractive: She was wearing a lurid orange and green blouse.
2 (especially of a story or piece of writing) shocking and violent in a way that is deliberate: lurid headlines  The paper gave all the lurid details of the murder.
lur.id.ly adv.
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lurk
verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to wait somewhere secretly, especially because you are going to do sth bad or illegal: Why are you lurking around outside my house?  A crocodile was lurking just below the surface.
2 when sth unpleasant or dangerous lurks, it is present but not in an obvious way: At night, danger lurks in these streets.  a lurking doubt / suspicion
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lus.cious
adj.
1 having a strong pleasant taste
SYN DELICIOUS : luscious fruit
2 (of fabric, colours or music) soft and deep or heavy in a way that is pleasing to feel, look at or hear: luscious silks and velvets  luscious harmonies / colours
3 (especially of a woman) sexually attractive: a luscious young girl
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lush
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of plants, gardens, etc.) growing thickly and strongly in a way that is attractive; covered in healthy grass and plants: lush vegetation  the lush green countryside
2 beautiful and making you feel pleasure; seeming expensive: a lush apartment

noun (AmE , informal) = ALCOHOLIC

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lust
noun, verb
noun (often disapproving) [U, C]
1 ~ (for sb) very strong sexual desire, especially when love is not involved: Their affair was driven by pure lust.
2 ~ (for sth) very strong desire for sth or enjoyment of sth: to satisfy his lust for power / revenge  She has a real lust for life (= she really enjoys life).—see also BLOODLUST

verb
PVR V 'lust after / for sb/sth (often disapproving) to feel an extremely strong, especially sexual, desire for sb/sth

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lust.ful
adj. (often disapproving) feeling or showing strong sexual desire
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lustre
(BrE ) (AmE lust.er) noun [U]
1 the shining quality of a surface: Her hair had lost its lustre.  The shell had a beautiful pearly lustre.
2 the quality of being special in a way that is exciting: The presence of the prince added lustre to the occasion.—compare LACKLUSTRE
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lus.trous
adj. (written) soft and shining: thick lustrous hair  the smooth lustrous surface of the fabric
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lusty
adj. healthy and strong: a lusty young man  lusty singing
lust.ily adv.: singing / cheering lustily
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lute
noun an early type of musical instrument with strings, played like a guitar
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lu.ten.ist
(also lu.tan.ist) noun a person who plays the lute
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luv
noun
1 (BrE) a way of spelling ‘love’, when used as an informal way of addressing sb: Never mind, luv.
2 an informal way of spelling ‘love’, for example when ending a letter: See you soon, lots of luv, Sue.
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luvvy
(also luv.vie) noun (BrE , informal)
1 (disapproving) an actor, especially when they behave in a way that seems exaggerated and not sincere
2 = LOVEY
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lux.uri.ant
adj.
1 (of plants or hair) growing thickly and strongly in a way that is attractive: luxuriant vegetation / foliage  thick, luxuriant hair
2 (especially of art or the atmosphere of a place) rich in sth that is pleasant or beautiful: the poet’s luxuriant imagery
lux.uri.ance noun [U]: the luxuriance of the tropical forest
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lux.uri.ant.ly
adv. (written)
1 in a way that is thick and attractive: a tall, luxuriantly bearded man
2 (especially of a way of moving your body) in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable: She turned luxuriantly on her side, yawning.
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lux.uri.ate
verb
PVR V lu'xuriate in sth (written) to relax while enjoying sth very pleasant: She luxuriated in all the attention she received.
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lux.uri.ous
adj. very comfortable; containing expensive and enjoyable things: a luxurious hotel  luxurious surroundings
OPP SPARTAN
lux.uri.ous.ly adv.: luxuriously comfortable  a luxuriously furnished apartment  She stretched luxuriously on the bed.
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lux.ury
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the enjoyment of special and expensive things, particularly food and drink, clothes and surroundings: Now we’ll be able to live in luxury for the rest of our lives.  to lead / live a life of luxury   a luxury hotel / cruise  luxury goods / items
2 [C] a thing that is expensive and enjoyable but not essential: small luxuries like chocolate and cigarettes  There’s no brandy. I can’t afford such luxuries.  I love having a long, hot bath—it’s one of life’s little luxuries.  It was a luxury if you had a washing machine in those days.
3 [U, sing.] a pleasure or an advantage that you do not often have: I allow myself the luxury of a sauna once a week.  We had the luxury of being able to choose from four good candidates for the job.
IDM see LAP n.
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LW
abbr. (especially BrE ) LONG WAVE : 1 500m LW
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-ly
suffix
1 (in adverbs) in the way mentioned: happily  stupidly
2 (in adjectives) having the qualities of: cowardly  scholarly
3 (in adjectives and adverbs) at intervals of: hourly  daily
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ly.chee
noun a small Chinese fruit with thick rough reddish skin, white flesh and a large stone/pit—
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lych-gate
noun a gate with a roof at the entrance to a CHURCHYARD
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Lycra
™ (also Span.dex™) noun [U] an artificial fabric that stretches, used for making clothes that fit close to the body: All our swimwear contains Lycra.
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lying
pres part of LIE
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,lying-'in
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) the period of time during which a woman in the past stayed in bed before and after giving birth to a child
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lymph
noun [U] a colourless liquid containing white blood cells that cleans the tissues of the body and helps to prevent infections from spreading: lymph glands / nodes
lymph.at.ic adj. [only before noun]: the lymphatic system
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lynch
verb [vn] if a crowd of people lynch sb whom they consider guilty of a crime, they capture them, do not allow them to have a trial in a court of law, and kill them illegally, usually by hanging
lynch.ing noun [C, U]
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'lynch mob
noun a crowd of people who gather to lynch sb
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lynch.pin
noun = LINCHPIN
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lynx
noun (pl.lynx or lynxes) a wild animal of the cat family, with spots on its fur and a very short tail
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lyre
noun an ancient musical instrument with strings fastened in a frame shaped like a U. It was played with the fingers.
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lyric
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of poetry) expressing a person’s personal feelings and thoughts—compare EPIC
2 connected with, or written for, singing

noun
1 [C] a lyric poem—compare EPIC
2 (lyrics) [pl.] the words of a song: music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hart

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lyr.ic.al
adj. expressing strong emotion in an imaginative way: a lyrical melody  He began to wax lyrical (= talk enthusiastically) about his new car.
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lyr.ic.al.ly
adv.
1 in a way that expresses strong emotion
2 connected with the words of a song: Both musically and lyrically it is very effective.
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lyri.cism
noun [U] the expression of strong emotion in poetry, art, music, etc.
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lyri.cist
noun a person who writes the words of songs
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M
noun, abbr., symbol
noun (also m) [C, U] (pl.M’s, m’s ) the 13th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Milk’ begins with (an) M / ‘M’.

abbr.
1 (also med.) (especially for sizes of clothes) medium: S M and L (= small, medium and large)
2 (used with a number to show the name of a British motorway): heavy traffic on the M25

symbol (also m) the number 1 000 in ROMAN NUMERALS

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m
(BrE ) (also m.AmE, BrE) abbr.
1 male
2 married
3 metre(s): 800m medium wave
4 million(s): population: 10m
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MA
(BrE ) (AmEM.A.) noun the abbreviation for ‘Master of Arts’ (a second university degree in an ARTS subject, or, in Scotland, a first university degree in an arts subject): to be / have / do an MA   (BrE ) Julie Bell MA
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ma
noun (informal) mother: I’m going now, ma.  ‘I want my ma,’ sobbed the little girl.
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ma’am
noun [sing.]
1 (AmE) used as a polite way of addressing a woman: ‘Can I help you, ma’am?’—compare SIR
2 (BrE) used when addressing the Queen or senior women officers in the police or army = MADAM
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Mac
noun [sing.] (AmE , informal) used to address a man whose name you do not know
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mac
(also mack) noun (BrE , informal) = MACKINTOSH
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ma.cabre
adj. unpleasant and strange because connected with death and frightening things: a macabre tale / joke / ritual
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mac.adam
noun [U] a road surface made of layers of broken stones
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maca.da.mia
(also maca'damia nut) noun the round nut of an Australian tree
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maca.roni
noun [U] PASTA in the shape of hollow tubes
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,macaroni 'cheese
(BrE ) (AmE ,macaroni and 'cheese) noun [U] a hot dish of macaroni in a cheese sauce
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maca.roon
noun a soft round sweet biscuit/cookie made with ALMONDS or COCONUT
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macaw
noun a large South and Central American tropical bird of the PARROT family, with bright feathers and a long tail
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Mace
™noun [U] a chemical that makes your eyes and skin sting, that some people, including police officers, carry in spray cans so that they can defend themselves against people attacking them
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mace
noun
1 [C] a decorative stick, carried as a sign of authority by an official such as a MAYOR —compare SCEPTRE
2 [C] a large heavy stick that has a head with metal points on it, used in the past as a weapon
3 [U] the dried outer covering of NUTMEGS (= the hard nuts of an E Indian tree), used in cooking as a spice
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ma.cer.ate
verb [v, vn] (technical ) to make sth (especially food) soft by soaking it in a liquid; to become soft in this way
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Mach
noun [U] (often followed by a number) a measurement of speed, used especially for aircraft. Mach 1 is the speed of sound: a fighter plane with a top speed of Mach 3 (= 3 times the speed of sound)
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ma.chete
noun a broad heavy knife used as a cutting tool and as a weapon
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Ma.chia.vel.lian
adj. (formal, disapproving) using clever plans to achieve what you want, without people realizing what you are doing
ORIGIN Named after Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian statesman (1469-1527), who explained in his book The Prince, that it was often necessary for rulers to use immoral methods in order to achieve power and success.
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ma.chin.ation
noun [usually pl.] (disapproving) a secret and complicated plan: political machinations
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ma.chine
noun, verb
noun
1 (often in compounds) a piece of equipment with moving parts that is designed to do a particular job. The power used to work a machine may be electricity, steam, gas, etc. or human power: Machines have replaced human labour in many industries.  to operate / run a machine  How does this machine work?  a washing / sewing machine  a machine for making plastic toys  I left a message on her answering machine.  The potatoes are planted by machine .
2 (informal) a particular machine, for example in the home, when you do not refer to it by its full name: Just put those clothes in the machine (= the washing machine).  The new machines (= computers) will be shipped next month.
3 a group of people that control an organization or part of an organization: the president’s propaganda machine
4 (often disapproving) a person who acts automatically, without allowing their feelings to show or to affect their work—see also MECHANICAL , FRUIT MACHINE , SLOT MACHINE , TIME MACHINE
HELP You will find other compounds ending in machine at their place in the alphabet.
IDM see COG

verb (technical ) to make or shape sth with a machine: [vn] This material can be cut and machined easily. [alsov]

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ma'chine code
(also ma'chine language) noun (computing ) a CODE in which instructions are written in the form of numbers so that a computer can understand and act on them
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ma'chine gun
noun a gun that automatically fires many bullets one after the other very quickly: a burst / hail of machine-gun fire
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ma'chine-gun
verb (-nn-) [vn] to shoot at sb/sth with a machine gun
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ma,chine-'made
adj. made by a machine—compare HANDMADE
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ma,chine-'readable
adj. (of data) in a form that a computer can understand
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ma.chin.ery
noun
1 [U] machines as a group, especially large ones: agricultural / industrial machinery  a piece of machinery
2 [U] the parts of a machine that make it work
3 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (for doing sth) the organization or structure of sth; the system for doing sth: the machinery of government  There is no machinery for resolving disputes.
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ma'chine tool
noun a tool for cutting or shaping metal, wood, etc., driven by a machine
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ma,chine trans'lation
noun [U] the process of translating language by computer
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ma.chin.ist
noun
1 a person whose job is operating a machine, especially machines used in industry for cutting and shaping things, or a sewing machine
2 a person whose job is to make or repair machines
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mach.ismo
noun [U] (from Spanish , usually disapproving) aggressive male behaviour that emphasizes the importance of being strong rather than being intelligent and sensitive
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macho
adj. (usually disapproving) male in an aggressive way: He’s too macho to ever admit he was wrong.  macho pride / posturing
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mack
= MAC
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mack.erel
noun [C, U] (pl.mack.erel) a sea fish with greenish-blue bands on its body, that is used for food: smoked mackerel
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mack.in.tosh
(also informal mac, mack) (all BrE) noun a coat made of material that keeps you dry in the rain
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mac.ramé
noun [U] the art of tying knots in string in a decorative way, to make things
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macro-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) large; on a large scale: macroeconomics
OPP MICRO-
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macro.bi.ot.ic
adj. consisting of whole grains and vegetables grown without chemical treatment: a macrobiotic diet
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macro.cosm
noun any large complete structure that contains smaller structures, for example the universe—compare MICROCOSM
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macro.eco.nom.ics
noun [U] the study of large economic systems, such as those of whole countries or areas of the world
macro.eco.nom.ic adj.: macroeconomic policy
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mad
adj. (mad.der, mad.dest)
1 (especially BrE) (also crazyAmE, BrE) having a mind that does not work normally; mentally ill: They realized that he had gone mad .  Inventors are not mad scientists.  She seemed to have gone stark raving mad .—see also BARKING MAD
2 (informal, especially BrE) (also crazyAmE, BrE) very stupid; not at all sensible: You must be mad to risk it.  It was a mad idea.  ‘I’m going to buy some new clothes.’‘Well, don’t go mad (= spend more than is sensible).’
3 [not before noun] ~ (at / with sb)| ~ (about sth) (informal, especially AmE) very angry: He got mad and walked out.  She’s mad at me for being late.  That noise is driving me mad .
4 [not usually before noun] ~ (about / on sth/sb) (informal) liking sth/sb very much; very interested in sth: to be mad on tennis  He’s always been mad about kids.  football-mad boys  She’s completely power-mad.
5 ~ (with sth) done without thought or control; wild and excited: The crowd made a mad rush for the exit.  Only a mad dash got them to the meeting on time.  to be mad with anger / excitement / grief / love  The team won and the fans went mad .
IDM like 'crazy / 'mad (informal) very fast, hard, much, etc: I had to run like mad to catch the bus. (as) mad as a 'hatter / a March 'hare (informal) (of a person) mentally ill; very silly
ORIGIN From the Mad Hatter, a character in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Because of the chemicals used in hat-making, workers often suffered from mercury poisoning, which can cause loss of memory and damage to the nervous system. A March hare was called mad because of the strange behaviour of hares during the mating season. mad 'keen (on sth/sb) (BrE, informal) liking sth/sb very much; very interested in sth: He’s mad keen on planes.—more at HOP v.
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madam
noun
1 [sing.] (formal) used when speaking or writing to a woman in a formal or business situation: Can I help you, madam?  Dear Madam (= used like Dear Sir in a letter)—see also MA’AM
2 [C] (informal disapproving, especially BrE) a girl or young woman who expects other people to do what she wants: She’s a proper little madam.
3 [C] a woman who is in charge of the prostitutes in a BROTHEL
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mad.cap
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) (of people, plans etc.) crazy and not caring about danger; not sensible
SYN RECKLESS : madcap schemes / escapades
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mad 'cow disease
noun [U] (informal) = BSE
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mad.den
verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb very angry or crazy: Maddened with pain, the wounded bull ran at them.
mad.den.ing adj.: maddening delays
mad.den.ing.ly adv.: Progress is maddeningly slow.
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made

1 pt, pp of MAKE
2 (-made) (in adjectives) made in the way, place, etc. mentioned: well-made  home-made—see also SELF-MADE
IDM have (got) it made (informal) to be sure of success; to have everything that you want (be) made for sb / each other to be completely suited to sb/each other: Peter and Judy seem made for each other, don’t they?
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Ma.deira
(also ,Madeira 'wine) noun
1 [U, C] a strong sweet white wine from the island of Madeira
2 [C] a glass of Madeira
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Ma'deira cake
(BrE ) (AmE 'pound cake) noun [U, C] a plain yellow cake made with eggs, fat, flour and sugar
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,made-to-'measure
adj. (of clothes, curtains / drapes, etc.) made specially to fit a particular person, window, etc.
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,made-to-'order
adj. (especially AmE ) (of clothes, furniture, etc.) made specially for a particular customer
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'made-up
adj.
1 wearing MAKE-UP : a heavily made-up face / woman
2 not true or real; invented: a made-up story / word / name
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mad.house
noun
1 [usually sing.] (informal) a place where there is confusion and noise: Don’t work in that department; it’s a madhouse.
2 (old use) a hospital for people who are mentally ill
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madly
adv.
1 (only used after a verb) in a way that shows a lack of control: She was rushing around madly trying to put out the fire.  His heart thudded madly against his ribs.
2 (informal) very, extremely: madly excited / jealous  She’s madly in love with him.
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mad.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who has a serious mental illness: The killing was the act of a madman.  He drove like a madman .  Some madman (= stupid person) deleted all the files.—see also MADWOMAN
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mad.ness
noun [U]
1 (old-fashioned) the state of having a serious mental illness
SYN INSANITY : There may be a link between madness and creativity.
2 crazy or stupid behaviour that could be dangerous: It would be sheer madness to trust a man like that.  In a moment of madness she had agreed to go out with him.
IDM see METHOD
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ma.donna
noun
1 (the Madonna) [sing.] the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ
2 [C] a statue or picture of the Virgin Mary
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mad.ri.gal
noun a song for several singers, usually without musical instruments, popular in the 16th century
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mad.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a woman who has a serious mental illness—see also MADMAN
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mael.strom
noun [usually sing.]
1 (literary) a situation full of strong emotions or confusing events, that is hard to control and makes you feel frightened: a maelstrom of conflicting emotions  They were being sucked into the maelstrom of war.
2 a very strong current of water that moves in circles
SYN WHIRLPOOL
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maes.tro
noun (pl.-os) (often used as a way of addressing sb, showing respect) a great performer, especially a musician: Maestro Giulini  The winning goal was scored by the maestro himself.
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Mafia
noun
1 (the Mafia) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a secret organization of criminals, that is active especially in Sicily, Italy and the US
2 (mafia) [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people within an organization or a community who use their power to get advantages for themselves: a member of the local mafia  Politics is still dominated by the middle-class mafia.
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Mafi.oso
noun (pl.Mafi.osi ) a member of the Mafia
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maga.zine
noun
1 (also informal mag ) a type of large thin book with a paper cover that you can buy every week or month, containing articles, photographs, etc., often on a particular topic: a weekly / monthly magazine  a magazine article / interview  Her designer clothes were from the pages of a glossy fashion magazine.
2 a radio or television programme that is about a particular topic: a regional news magazine on TV  a magazine programme / program
3 the part of a gun that holds the bullets before they are fired
4 a room or building where weapons, explosives and bullets are stored
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ma.genta
adj. reddish-purple in colour
ma.genta noun [U]
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mag.got
noun a creature like a small short worm, that is the young form of a fly and is found in decaying meat and other food. Maggots are often used as BAIT on a hook to catch fish.
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Magi
(the Magi) noun [pl.] (in the Bible) the three wise men from the East who are said to have brought presents to the baby Jesus
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magic
noun, adj., verb
noun [U]
1 the secret power of appearing to make impossible things happen by saying special words or doing special things: Do you believe in magic?  He suddenly appeared as if by magic .  A passage was cleared through the crowd like magic .—see also BLACK MAGIC
2 the art of doing tricks that seem impossible in order to entertain people
SYN CONJURING
3 a special quality or ability that sb/sth has, that seems too wonderful to be real: dance and music which capture the magic of India  Like all truly charismatic people he can work his magic on both men and women.  Our year in Italy was pure / sheer magic.
IDM see WEAVE v.

adj.
1 having or using special powers to make impossible things happen or seem to happen: a magic spell / charm / potion / trick  There is no magic formula for passing exams—only hard work.
2 (informal) having a special quality that makes sth seem wonderful: It was a magic moment when the two sisters were reunited after 30 years.  She has a magic touch with the children and they do everything she asks.  Trust is the magic ingredient in our relationship.
3 [not before noun] (BrE, informal) very good or enjoyable: ‘What was the trip like?’‘Magic!’

verb (-ck-) [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make sb/sth appear somewhere, disappear or turn into sth, by magic, or as if by magic: Three goal scoring chances were conjured up by Swindon, only to be magicked away by Leicester.

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magic.al
adj.
1 containing magic; used in magic: magical powers  Her words had a magical effect on us.
2 (informal) wonderful; very enjoyable: a truly magical feeling  We spent a magical week in Paris.
ma.gic.al.ly adv.
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,magic 'carpet
noun (in stories) a carpet that can fly and carry people
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ma.gi.cian
noun
1 a person who can do magic tricks
SYN CONJUROR
2 (in stories) a person who has magic powers
SYN SORCERER
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,magic 'lantern
noun a piece of equipment used in the past to make pictures appear on a white wall or screen
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,magic 'mushroom
noun a type of MUSHROOM that has an effect like some drugs and that may make people who eat it HALLUCINATE (= see things that are not there)
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,magic 'realism
(also ,magical 'realism) noun [U] a style of writing that mixes realistic events with FANTASY
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,magic 'wand
noun = WAND : I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything all right again.
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magis.ter.ial
adj. (formal)
1 (especially of a person or their behaviour) having or showing power or authority: He talked with the magisterial authority of the head of the family.  a magisterial forehead
2 (of a book or piece of writing) showing great knowledge or understanding: his magisterial work ‘The Roman Wall in Scotland’
3 [only before noun] connected with a magistrate
magis.teri.al.ly adv.
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the magis.tracy
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] magistrates as a group
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magis.trate
noun an official who acts as a judge in the lowest courts of law
SYN JUSTICE OF THE PEACE : a magistrate’s court  to come up before the magistrates
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magma
noun [U] (technical ) very hot liquid rock found below the earth’s surface—picture at VOLCANO
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magna cum laude
adv., adj. (from Latin ) (in the US) at the second of the three highest levels of achievement that students can reach when they finish their studies at college: She graduated magna cum laude from UCLA.—compare CUM LAUDE , SUMMA CUM LAUDE
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mag.nani.mous
adj. (formal) kind, generous and forgiving, especially towards an enemy or a RIVAL : a magnanimous gesture  He was magnanimous in defeat and praised his opponent’s skill.
mag.na.nim.ity noun [U]: She accepted the criticism with magnanimity.
mag.nani.mous.ly adv.
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mag.nate
noun a person who is rich, powerful and successful, especially in business: a media / property / shipping magnate
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mag.ne.sium
noun [U] (symb Mg) a chemical element. Magnesium is a light, silver-white metal that burns with a bright white flame.
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mag.net
noun
1 a piece of iron that attracts objects made of iron towards it, either naturally or because of an electric current that is passed through it
2 [usually sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a person, place or thing that sb/sth is attracted to: In the 1980s the area became a magnet for new investment.
3 an object with a magnetic surface that you can stick onto a metal surface: fridge magnets of your favourite cartoon characters
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mag.net.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 behaving like a magnet (1) : magnetic materials  The block becomes magnetic when the current is switched on.
2 connected with or produced by magnetism : magnetic properties / forces  a magnetic disk (= one containing magnetic tape that stores information to be used by a computer)
3 that people find very powerful and attractive: a magnetic smile / personality
mag.net.ic.al.ly adv.
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mag,netic 'compass
noun = COMPASS (1)
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mag,netic 'field
noun an area around a MAGNET or MAGNETIC materials, where there is a force that will attract some metals towards it
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mag,netic 'media
noun [pl., U] the different methods, for example MAGNETIC TAPE , that are used to store information for computers
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mag,netic 'north
noun [U] the direction that is approximately north as it is shown on a magnetic compass —compare TRUE NORTH
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mag,netic 'strip
noun a line of magnetic material on a plastic card, containing information
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mag,netic 'tape
noun [U] a type of plastic tape that is used for recording sound, pictures or computer information
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mag.net.ism
noun [U]
1 a physical PROPERTY (= characteristic) of some metals such as iron, produced by electric currents, that causes forces between objects, either pulling them towards each other or pushing them apart
2 the qualities of sth, especially a person’s character, that people find powerful and attractive: She exudes sexual magnetism.
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mag.net.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] (technical) to make sth metal behave like a MAGNET
2 (written) to strongly attract sb: Cities have a powerful magnetizing effect on young people.
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mag.neto
noun (pl.-os) a small piece of equipment that uses MAGNETS (1) to produce the electricity that lights the fuel in the engine of a car, etc.
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'magnet school
noun (AmE ) a school in a large city that offers extra courses in some subjects in order to attract students from other areas of the city
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mag.ni.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of making sth look larger: The insects were examined under magnification.
2 [C, U] the degree to which sth is made to look larger; the degree to which sth is able to make things look larger: a magnification of 10 times the actual size  high / low magnification  The telescope has a magnification of 50.
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mag.nifi.cent
adj. extremely attractive and impressive; deserving praise: The Taj Mahal is a magnificent building.  She looked magnificent in her wedding dress.  You’ve all done a magnificent job.
mag.nifi.cence noun [U]: the magnificence of the scenery
mag.nifi.cent.ly adv.: The public have responded magnificently to our appeal.
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mag.ni.fier
noun a piece of equipment that is used to make things look larger
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mag.nify
verb (mag.ni.fies, mag.ni.fy.ing, mag.ni.fied, mag.ni.fied) [vn]
1 to make sth look bigger than it really is, for example by using a LENS or MICROSCOPE : bacteria magnified to 1 000 times their actual size  an image magnified by a factor of 4
2 to make sth bigger, louder or stronger: The sound was magnified by the high roof.  The dry summer has magnified the problem of water shortages.
3 to make sth seem more important or serious than it really is
SYN EXAGGERATE
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'magnifying glass
noun a round piece of glass, usually with a handle, that you look through and that makes things look bigger than they really are—picture at GLASS
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mag.ni.tude
noun ~ (of sth)
1 [U] (formal) the great size or importance of sth; the degree to which sth is large or important: We did not realize the magnitude of the problem.  a discovery of the first magnitude
2 [C, U] (astronomy) the degree to which a star is bright: The star varies in brightness by about three magnitudes.
3 [C, U] (geology) the size of an earthquake
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mag.no.lia
noun
1 [C] a tree with large white, pink or purple flowers that smell sweet
2 [U] a very pale cream colour
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mag.num
noun a bottle containing 1.5 litres of wine, etc.
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,magnum 'opus
noun [sing.] (from Latin ) a work of art, music or literature that people think is the best that the artist, etc. has ever produced
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mag.pie
noun a black and white bird with a long tail and a noisy cry. There is a popular belief that magpies like to steal small bright objects.
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maha.raja
(also maha.ra.jah) noun an Indian prince, especially one who ruled over one of the states of India in the past
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maha.rani
(also maha.ra.nee) noun the wife of a maharaja
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mah.jong
noun [U] a Chinese game played with small pieces of wood with symbols on them
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ma.hog.any
noun [U]
1 the hard reddish-brown wood of a tropical tree, used for making furniture: a mahogany table
2 a reddish-brown colour: skin tanned to a deep mahogany
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maid
noun
1 (often in compounds) a female servant in a house or hotel: There is a maid to do the housework.—see also BARMAID , CHAMBERMAID , DAIRYMAID , HOUSEMAID , MILKMAID , NURSEMAID
2 (old use) a young woman who is not married—see also OLD MAID
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maid.en
noun, adj.
noun
1 (literary) a young girl or woman who is not married: stories of knights and fair maidens
2 (also ,maiden 'over) (in cricket) an OVER in which no points are scored

adj. [only before noun] being the first of its kind: a maiden flight / voyage (= the first journey made by a plane / ship)  a maiden speech (= the first speech made by an MP in the British Parliament)

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,maiden 'aunt
noun (old-fashioned) an aunt who has not married
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maid.en.hair fern
noun (also maid.en.hair [U]) a type of FERN with long thin stems and delicate pale green leaves that are shaped like FANS
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maid.en.head
noun (old use)
1 the state of being a VIRGIN
2 = HYMEN
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'maiden name
noun a woman’s family name before marriage: Kate kept her maiden name when she got married (= did not change her SURNAME to that of her husband).
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,maid of 'honour
(BrE ) (AmE ,maid of 'honor) noun (pl.maids of honour / honor) (especially in the US) a young woman or girl who is not married and who is the main BRIDESMAID at a wedding—compare MATRON OF HONOUR
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mail
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (BrE also post) the official system used for sending and delivering letters, packages, etc: a mail service / train / van  the Royal Mail  Your cheque is in the mail.  We do our business by mail .—see also AIRMAIL , SNAIL MAIL , VOICEMAIL
2 (BrE also post) letters, packages, etc. that are sent and delivered: There isn’t much mail today.  I sat down to open the mail .  Is there a letter from them in the mail ?  hate mail (= letters containing insults and threats)—see also JUNK MAIL , SURFACE MAIL
3 messages that are sent or received on a computer: Check regularly for new mail.—see also ELECTRONIC MAIL , E-MAIL
4 used in the title of some newspapers: the Mail on Sunday
5 = CHAIN MAIL : a coat of mail  note at POST

verb ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb) sth (especially AmE ) to send sth to sb using the POSTAL system: [vn, vnn] Don’t forget to mail that letter to your mother.  Don’t forget to mail your mother that letter.  [vn] The company intends to mail 50 000 households in the area.  note at POST
PVR V ,mail sth<->'out to send out a large number of letters, etc. at the same time: The brochures were mailed out last week.

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mail.bag
noun
1 (BrE also post.bag) a large strong bag that is used for carrying letters and parcels/packages
2 (BrE) = POSTBAG (1)
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mail.box
noun
1 (AmE) = LETTER BOX (2)
2 (AmE) = POSTBOX —picture at LETTER BOX
3 the area of a computer’s memory where electronic mail messages are stored
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'mail carrier
(also 'letter carrier) (both AmE) noun = MAILMAN
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mail.er
noun (AmE )
1 = MAILING (2)
2 an envelope, box, etc. for sending small things by mail
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mail.ing
noun
1 [U] the act of sending items by mail: The strike has delayed the mailing of tax reminders.  a mailing address
2 (AmE also mailer) [C] a letter or parcel/package that is sent by mail, especially one that is sent to a large number of people: An order form is included in the mailing.
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'mailing list
noun a list of the names and addresses of people who are regularly sent information, advertising material, etc. by an organization: I am already on your mailing list.
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mail.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also 'mail carrier, 'letter carrier) (all AmE ) a person whose job is to collect and deliver letters, etc.—see also POSTMAN
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,mail 'order
noun [U] a system of buying and selling goods through the mail: All our products are available by mail order.  a mail-order company  a mail-order catalogue
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mail.shot
noun advertising or information that is sent to a large number of people at the same time by mail
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'mail slot
noun (AmE ) = LETTER BOX (1)
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maim
verb [vn] to injure sb seriously, causing permanent damage to their body: Hundreds of people are killed or maimed in car accidents every week.
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main
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] being the largest or most important of its kind: Be careful crossing the main road .  the main course (= of a meal)  We have our main meal at lunchtime.  Reception is in the main building.  Poor housing and unemployment are the main problems.   (spoken) The main thing is to stay calm.
IDM see EYE n.

noun
1 [C] a large pipe that carries water or gas to a building; a large cable that carries electricity to a building: a leaking gas main—see also WATER MAIN
2 a large pipe that carries waste/water and SEWAGE (= human waste, etc.) away from a building
3 (the mains) [pl.] (BrE) the place where the supply of water, gas or electricity to a building or an area starts; the system of providing gas, water and electricity to a building or of carrying it away from a building: The house is not yet connected to the mains.  The electricity supply has been cut off at the mains .  Plug the transformer into the mains (= the place on a wall where electricity is brought into a room).  mains gas / water / electricity  The shaver will run off batteries or mains.  mains drainage
IDM in the 'main used to say that a statement is true in most cases: The service here is, in the main, reliable.

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,main 'clause
noun (grammar ) a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and can form a sentence—compare SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
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the ,main 'drag
noun [sing.] (AmE , informal) the most important or the busiest street in a town
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main.frame
(also ,mainframe com'puter) noun a large powerful computer, usually the centre of a NETWORK and shared by many users—compare MICROCOMPUTER , MINICOMPUTER , PERSONAL COMPUTER
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main.land
noun [sing.] (the mainland) the main area of land of a country, not including any islands near to it: a boat to / from the mainland  The Hebrides are to the west of the Scottish mainland.
main.land adj. [only before noun]: mainland Greece
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,main 'line
noun an important railway/railroad line between two cities: the main line from London to Edinburgh
,main-'line adj.: a main-line station
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main.line
adj., verb
adj. (especially AmE ) belonging to the system, or connected with the ideas that most people accept or believe in
SYN MAINSTREAM : mainline churches / faiths

verb (slang) to take an illegal drug by INJECTING it into a VEIN : [vn] At 18 he was mainlining heroin. [alsov]

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main.ly
adv. used to show that a statement is true to a large degree: The people in the hotel were mainly foreign tourists.  an advertising campaign aimed mainly at teenagers  The population almost doubles in summer, mainly because of the jazz festival.  ‘Where do you export to?’‘France, mainly.’
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main.sail
noun the largest and most important sail on a boat or ship—picture at YACHT
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main.spring
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (written) the most important part of sth; the most important influence on sth: Small companies are the mainspring of the British economy.
2 the most important spring in a watch, clock, etc.
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main.stay
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a person or thing that is the most important part of sth and enables it to exist or be successful: He is the mainstay of our theatre group.  Cocoa is the country’s economic mainstay.
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main.stream
noun (the mainstream) [sing.] the ideas and opinions that are thought to be normal because they are shared by most people; the people whose ideas and opinions are most accepted: His radical views place him outside the mainstream of American politics.  He was never part of the literary mainstream as a writer.
main.stream adj. [usually before noun]: mainstream education
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'main street
noun (AmE )
1 [C] = HIGH STREET
2 (Main Street) [U] typical middle-class Americans: Main Street won’t be happy with this new program.
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main.tain
verb
1 [vn] to make sth continue at the same level, standard, etc.
SYN PRESERVE : to maintain law and order / standards / a balance  The two countries have always maintained close relations.   (formal) She maintained a dignified silence.  to maintain prices (= prevent them falling or rising)
2 [vn] to keep a building, a machine, etc. in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly: The house is large and difficult to maintain.
3 to keep stating that sth is true, even though other people do not agree or do not believe it: [v (that)] The men maintained (that) they were out of the country when the crime was committed.  [vn] She has always maintained her innocence . [alsov speech]
4 [vn] to support sb/sth financially over a long period of time
SYN KEEP : Her income was barely enough to maintain one child, let alone three.
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main.ten.ance
noun [U]
1 ~ (of sth) the act of keeping sth in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly: The school pays for heating and the maintenance of the buildings.  car maintenance
2 ~ (of sth) the act of making a state or situation continue: the maintenance of international peace
3 (BrE, law) money that sb must pay regularly to their former wife, husband or partner, especially when they have had children together: He has to pay maintenance to his ex-wife.  child maintenance  a maintenance order (= given by a court of law)—see also ALIMONY
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mai.son.ette
noun (BrE ) a flat/apartment with rooms on two floors within a building, usually with a separate entrance
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maize
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (AmE corn) a tall plant grown for its large yellow grains that are used for making flour or eaten as a vegetable; the grains of this plant—see also CORN ON THE COB , SWEETCORN —picture at CEREAL
2 (especially AmE) = INDIAN CORN
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Maj.
abbr. (in writing) MAJOR : Maj. (Tony) Davies  Maj. Gen. (= Major General)
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ma.jes.tic
adj. impressive because of size or beauty: a majestic castle / river / view
ma.jes.tic.al.ly adv.
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maj.esty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (written) the impressive and attractive quality that sth has: the sheer majesty of St Peter’s in Rome  the majesty of the music
2 [C] (His / Her / Your Majesty) a title of respect used when speaking about or to a king or queen
3 [U] royal power
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major
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 [usually before noun] very large or important: a major road  major international companies  to play a major role in sth  We have encountered major problems.  There were calls for major changes to the welfare system.
OPP MINOR
2 [not before noun] (AmE, spoken) serious: Never mind—it’s not major.
3 (music) based on a SCALE (= a series of eight notes) in which the third note is two whole TONES/STEPS higher than the first note: the key of D major—compare MINOR
4 (AmE) related to sb’s main subject of study in college

noun
1 [C] (abbr.Maj.) an officer of fairly high rank in the army or the US air force: Major Smith  He’s a major in the US army.—see also DRUM MAJOR , SERGEANT MAJOR
2 [C] (AmE) the main subject or course of a student at college or university: Her major is French.—compare MINOR
3 [C] (AmE) a student studying a particular subject as the main part of their course: She’s a French major.
4 [U] (music) a major key or scale: to change from major to minor
5 (the majors) [pl.] (AmE, sport) the MAJOR LEAGUES

verb
PVR V 'major in sth (AmE) to study sth as your main subject at a university or college: She majored in History at Stanford. 'major on sth (BrE) to pay particular attention to one subject, issue, etc.

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ma.jor.ette
noun (especially AmE ) = DRUM MAJORETTE
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,major 'general
noun an officer of very high rank in the army or the US air force: Major General William Hunt
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ma.jor.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sb/sth) the largest part of a group of people or things: The majority of people interviewed prefer TV to radio.  The majority was / were in favour of banning smoking.  This treatment is not available in the vast majority of hospitals.  a majority decision (= one that is decided by what most people want)  In the nursing profession, women are in a / the majority .
OPP MINORITY —see also MORAL MAJORITY , THE SILENT MAJORITY
2 [C] ~ (over sb) the number of votes by which one political party wins an election; the number of votes by which one side in a discussion, etc. wins: She was elected by / with a majority of 749.  They had a large majority over their nearest rivals.  a clear (= large) majority  The government does not have an overall majority (= more members than all the other parties added together).  The resolution was carried by a huge majority.—see also ABSOLUTE MAJORITY
3 [C] (AmE) the difference between the number of votes given to the candidate who wins the election and the total number of votes of all the other candidates—see also PLURALITY
4 [U] (law) the age at which you are legally considered to be an adult
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ma'jority leader
noun the leader of the political party that has the majority in either the House of Representatives or the Senate in the US
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ma,jority 'rule
noun [U] a system in which power is held by the group that has the largest number of members
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ma,jority 'verdict
noun (law ) a decision made by a JURY in a court of law that most members, but not all, agree with
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,major 'league
adj. [only before noun] (AmE )
1 (sport) connected with baseball teams in the Major Leagues (= the most important groups of teams that compete against each other): a major league team / game / player
2 very important and having a lot of influence: a major league business
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major.ly
adv. (used before an adjective) (informal, especially AmE ) very; extremely: majorly disappointed
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make
verb, noun
verb (made, made )
CREATE|
1 ~ sth (from / (out) of sth)| ~ sth into sth| ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb sth to create or prepare sth by combining materials or putting parts together: [vn] to make a table / dress / cake  to make bread / cement / paper  She makes her own clothes.  Wine is made from grapes.  The grapes are made into wine.  What’s your shirt made of?  made in France (= on a label)  [vn, vnn] She made coffee for us all.  She made us all coffee.  note at DO
2 [vn] to write, create or prepare sth: These regulations were made to protect children.  My lawyer has been urging me to make a will.  She has made (= directed or acted in) several movies.
A BED|
3 [vn] to arrange a bed so that it is neat and ready for use
CAUSE TO APPEAR / HAPPEN / BECOME / DO|
4 [vn] to cause sth to appear as a result of breaking, tearing, hitting or removing material: The stone made a dent in the roof of the car.  The holes in the cloth were made by moths.
5 [vn] to cause sth to exist, happen or be done: to make a noise / mess / fuss  She tried to make a good impression on the interviewer.  I keep making the same mistakes .
6 [vn-adj] to cause sb/sth to be or become sth: The news made him very happy.  She made her objections clear.  He made it clear that he objected.  The full story was never made public .  Can you make yourself understood in Russian?  She couldn’t make herself heard above the noise of the traffic.  The terrorists made it known that tourists would be targeted.
7 [vn inf] to cause sb/sth to do sth: She always makes me laugh.  This dress makes me look fat.  What makes you say that (= why do you think so)?  Nothing will make me change my mind.
8 ~ sth of sb/sth| ~ sth sth to cause sb/sth to be or become sth: [vn] This isn’t very important—I don’t want to make an issue of it .  Don’t make a habit of it .  You’ve made a terrible mess of this job.  It’s important to try and make something of (= achieve sth in) your life.  We’ll make a tennis player of you yet.  [vn-n] I made painting the house my project for the summer.  She made it her business to find out who was responsible.
A DECISION / GUESS / COMMENT, etc.|
9 [vn] ~ a decision, guess, comment, etc. to decide, guess, etc. sth: Come on! It’s time we made a start.
HELP Make can be used in this way with a number of different nouns. These expressions are included at the entry for each noun.
FORCE|
10 to force sb to do sth: [vn inf] They made me repeat the whole story.  [vn to inf] She must be made to comply with the rules.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive. [vn] He never cleans his room and his mother never tries to make him.
REPRESENT|
11 to represent sb/sth as being or doing sth: [vn-adj] You’ve made my nose too big (for example in a drawing).  [vn-n] He makes King Lear a truly tragic figure.
APPOINT|
12 [vn-n] to elect or choose sb as sth: She made him her assistant.
BE SUITABLE|
13 linking verb [v-n] to become or develop into sth; to be suitable for sth: She would have made an excellent teacher.  This room would make a nice office.
EQUAL|
14 linking verb [v-n] to add up to or equal sth: 5 and 7 make 12.  A hundred cents make one euro.
15 linking verb [v-n] to be a total of sth: That makes the third time he’s failed his driving test!
MONEY|
16 [vn] to earn or gain money: She makes $100 000 a year.  to make a profit / loss  We need to think of ways to make money .  He made a fortune on the stock market.  He makes a living as a stand-up comic.
CALCULATE|
17 [vn-n] [no passive] to think or calculate sth to be sth: What time do you make it ?  I make that exactly $50.
REACH|
18 [vn] [no passive] to manage to reach or go to a place or position: Do you think we’ll make Dover by 12?  I’m sorry I couldn’t make your party last night.  He’ll never make (= get a place in) the team.  The story made (= appeared on) the front pages of the national newspapers.  We just managed to make the deadline (= to finish sth in time).
STH SUCCESSFUL|
19 [vn] to cause sth to be a success: Good wine can make a meal.  The news really made my day . Most idioms containing make are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example make merry is at merry.  make as if to do sth (written) to make a movement that makes it seem as if you are just going to do sth: He made as if to speak. make 'do (with sth) to manage with sth that is not really satisfactory: We were in a hurry so we had to make do with a quick snack. make 'good to become rich and successful make sth 'good
1 to pay for, replace or repair sth that has been lost or damaged: She promised to make good the damage.
2 to carry out a promise, threat, etc.
SYN FULFIL 'make it
1 to be successful in your career: He never really made it as an actor.
2 to succeed in reaching a place in time, especially when this is difficult: The flight leaves in twenty minutes—we’ll never make it.
3 to be able to be present at a place: I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it (for example, to a party) on Saturday.
4 to survive after a serious illness or accident; to deal successfully with a difficult experience: The doctors think he’s going to make it.  I don’t know how I made it through the week. 'make it with sb (AmE, slang) to have sex with sb make like … (AmE, informal) to pretend to be, know or have sth in order to impress people: He makes like he’s the greatest actor of all time. make the 'most of sth/sb / yourself to gain as much advantage, enjoyment, etc. as you can from sb/sth: It’s my first trip abroad so I’m going to make the most of it.  She doesn’t know how to make the most of herself (= make herself appear in the best possible way). make 'much of sth/sb (written) to treat sth/sb as very important: He always makes much of his humble origins. ,make or 'break sth to be the thing that makes sb/sth either a success or a failure: This movie will make or break him as a director.  It’s make-or-break time for the company. 'make something of yourself to be successful in your life 'make for sth
1 to move towards sth
2 to help to make sth possible: Constant arguing doesn’t make for a happy marriage.—see also BE MADE FOR SB / EACH OTHER at MADE 'make sb/sth into sb/sth to change sb/sth into sb/sth: We’re making our attic into an extra bedroom.'make sth of sb/sth to understand the meaning or character of sb/sth: What do you make of it all?  I can’t make anything of this note.  I don’t know what to make of (= think of) the new manager.,make 'off to hurry away, especially in order to escape ,make 'off with sth to steal sth and hurry away with it,make 'out (informal)
1 used to ask if sb managed well or was successful in a particular situation: How did he make out while his wife was away?
2 (AmE) ~ (with sb) to kiss and touch sb in a sexual way; to have sex with sb ,make sb 'out to understand sb’s character ,make sb/sth<->'out
1 to manage to see sb/sth or read or hear sth: I could just make out a figure in the darkness. [+ wh-] I could hear voices but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.
2 to say that sth is true when it may not be
SYN CLAIM : She’s not as rich as people make out. [+ that] He made out that he had been robbed. [+ to inf] She makes herself out to be smarter than she really is. ,make sth<->'out
1 to write out or complete a form or document: He made out a cheque for £100.  The doctor made out a prescription for me.
2 (used in negative sentences and questions) to understand sth; to see the reasons for sth: How do you make that out (= what are your reasons for thinking that)? [+ wh-] I can’t make out what she wants.,make sth<->'over (to sb/sth)
1 to legally give sth to sb: He made over the property to his eldest son.
2 to change sth in order to make it look different or use it for a different purpose; to give sb a different appearance by changing their clothes, hair, etc.—related noun MAKEOVER 'make towards sth to start moving towards sth: He made towards the door.,make 'up| ,make yourself / sb<->'up to put powder, LIPSTICK , etc. on your/sb’s face to make it more attractive or to prepare for an appearance in the theatre, on television, etc.—related noun MAKE-UP (1) ,make sth<->'up
1 to form sth
SYN CONSTITUTE : Women make up 56% of the student numbers.—related noun MAKE-UP   note at COMPRISE
2 to put sth together from several different things—related noun MAKE-UP
3 to invent a story, etc., especially in order to deceive or entertain sb: He made up some excuse about his daughter being sick.  I told the kids a story, making it up as I went along.  You made that up!
4 to complete a number or an amount required: We need one more person to make up a team.
5 to replace sth that has been lost; to COMPENSATE for sth: Can I leave early this afternoon and make up the time tomorrow?
6 to prepare a medicine by mixing different things together
7 to prepare a bed for use; to create a temporary bed: We made up the bed in the spare room.  They made up a bed for me on the sofa. ,make 'up for sth to do sth that corrects a bad situation: Nothing can make up for the loss of a child.  After all the delays, we were anxious to make up for lost time .  Her enthusiasm makes up for her lack of experience. ,make 'up (to sb) for sth to to do sth for sb or give them sth because you have caused them trouble, suffering or disappointment and wish to show that you are sorry
SYN COMPENSATE : How can I make up for the way I’ve treated you?   (informal) I’ll make it up to you , I promise. ,make 'up to sb (BrE, informal, disapproving) to be pleasant to sb, praise them, etc. especially in order to get an advantage for yourself ,make 'up (with sb) (BrE also ,make it 'up) to end a quarrel with sb and become friends again: Why don’t you two kiss and make up ?  Has he made it up with her yet?  Have they made it up yet?

noun ~ (of sth) the name or type of a machine, piece of equipment, etc. that is made by a particular company: What make of car does he drive?  There are so many different makes to choose from.  a Swiss make of watch on the 'make (informal, disapproving) trying to get money or an advantage for yourself

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'make-believe
noun [U]
1 (disapproving) imagining or pretending things to be different or more exciting than they really are: They live in a world of make-believe.
2 imagining that sth is real, or that you are sb else, for example in a child’s game: ‘Let’s play make-believe,’ said Sam.
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make.over
noun [C, U] the process of improving the appearance of a person or a place
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maker
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth) (often in compounds) a person, company, or piece of equipment that makes or produces sth: a decision / law / policy maker  programme makers  a new film / movie from the makers of ‘Terminator’  If it doesn’t work, send it back to the maker.  an electric coffee-maker  one of the best winemakers is France—see also HOLIDAYMAKER , PEACEMAKER , TROUBLEMAKER
2 (the, his, your, etc. Maker) [sing.] God
IDM see MEET v.
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make.shift
adj. [usually before noun] used temporarily for a particular purpose because the real thing is not available: A few cushions formed a makeshift bed.
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'make-up
noun
1 [U] substances used especially by women to make their faces look more attractive, or used by actors to change their appearance: eye make-up  to put on your make-up  She never wears make-up.  a make-up artist (= a person whose job is to put make-up on the faces of actors and models)
2 [sing.] the different qualities that combine to form sb’s character: Jealousy is not part of his make-up.  a person’s genetic make-up
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the different things, people, etc. that combine to form sth; the way in which they combine: the make-up of a TV audience   (technical) the page make-up of a text (= the way in which the words and pictures are arranged on a page)
4 [C] (AmE) a special exam taken by students who missed or failed an earlier one
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make.weight
noun an unimportant person or thing that is only added or included in sth in order to make it the correct number, quantity, size, etc.
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mak.ing
noun [U] ~ (of sth) (often in compounds) the act or process of making or producing sth: strategic decision making  film-making  dressmaking  tea and coffee making facilities  the making of social policy—see also HAYMAKING , NON-PROFIT
IDM be the 'making of sb to make sb become a better or more successful person: University was the making of Joe. have the 'makings of sth to have the qualities that are necessary to become sth: Her first novel has all the makings of a classic.  He has the makings of a first-rate lawyer. in the 'making in the process of becoming sth or of being made: This model was two years in the making.  These events are history in the making . of your own 'making (of a problem, difficulty, etc.) created by you rather than by sb/sth else
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mal-
combining form (in nouns, verbs and adjectives) bad or badly; not correct or correctly: malpractice  malodorous  malfunction
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mal.ach.ite
noun [U] a green mineral that can be polished and used in making ornaments
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mal.adjust.ed
adj. (especially of children) having mental and emotional problems that lead to unacceptable behaviour—compare WELL ADJUSTED
mal.adjust.ment noun [U]
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mal.admin.is.tra.tion
noun [U] (formal) the fact of managing a business or an organization in a bad or dishonest way
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mal.adroit
adj. (formal) done without skill, especially in a way that annoys or offends people
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mal.ady
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (formal) a serious problem: Violent crime is only one of the maladies afflicting modern society.
2 (old use) an illness
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mal.aise
noun [U, sing.] (formal)
1 the problems affecting a particular situation or group of people that are difficult to explain or identify: economic / financial / social malaise
2 a general feeling of being ill, unhappy or not satisfied, without signs of any particular problem: a serious malaise among the staff
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mala.prop.ism
noun an amusing mistake sb makes when they use a word which sounds similar to the word they wanted to use, but means sth different
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mal.aria
noun [U] a disease that causes fever and SHIVERING (= shaking of the body) caused by the bite of some types of MOSQUITO
mal.ar.ial adj.: malarial insects / patients / regions
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ma.lar.key
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) behaviour or an idea that you think is nonsense or has no meaning
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mal.con.tent
noun [usually pl.] (formal, disapproving) a person who is not satisfied with a situation and who complains about it, or causes trouble in order to change it
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male
adj., noun
adj.
1 (abbr.m) belonging to the sex that does not give birth to babies; connected with this sex: a male bird  All the attackers were male, aged between 25 and 30.  a male nurse / model / colleague  male attitudes to women  male bonding (= the act of forming close friendships between men)  the male menopause (= emotional and physical problems that affect some men at about the age of 50)—compare MASCULINE
2 (biology) (of a plant) producing POLLEN rather than seeds and fruit: a male flower
3 (technical) (of electrical PLUGS , parts of tools, etc.) having a part that sticks out which is designed to fit into a hole, SOCKET , etc.
male.ness noun [U]: the chromosome that determines maleness

noun a male person, animal or plant: The body is that of a white male aged about 40.  The male of the species has a white tail.  a male-dominated profession  Haemophilia is a condition that affects mostly males.

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,male 'chauvinism
(also chauvinism) noun [U] (disapproving) the belief held by some men that men are more important, intelligent, etc. than women
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,male 'chauvinist
(also chauvinist) noun (disapproving) a man who believes men are more important, intelligent, etc. than women: He’s just another male chauvinist who is jealous of his wife’s success.  I hate working for that male chauvinist pig Steve.
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mal.efac.tor
noun (formal) a person who does wrong, illegal or wicked things
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ma.levo.lent
adj. [usually before noun] having or showing a desire to harm other people: malevolent intentions / thoughts  his dark malevolent eyes
OPP BENEVOLENT
ma.levo.lence noun [U]: an act of pure malevolence
ma.levo.lent.ly adv.
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mal.for.ma.tion
noun
1 [C] a part of the body that is not formed correctly: Some foetal malformations cannot be diagnosed until late in pregnancy.
2 [U] the state of not being correctly formed
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mal.formed
adj. (technical ) badly formed or shaped
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mal.func.tion
verb [v] (of a machine, etc.) to fail to work correctly
mal.func.tion noun [C, U]: The drug caused a malfunction in the brain.
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mal.ice
noun [U] a feeling of hatred for sb that causes a desire to harm them: He sent the letter out of malice .  She is entirely without malice.  He certainly bears you no malice (= does not want to harm you).
IDM with ,malice a'forethought (law) with the deliberate intention of committing a crime or harming sb
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ma.li.cious
adj. having or showing hatred and a desire to harm sb or hurt their feelings: malicious gossip / lies / rumours  He took malicious pleasure in telling me what she had said.
ma.li.cious.ly adv.
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ma.lign
verb, adj.
verb [vn] (written) to say bad things about sb/sth publicly: She feels she has been much maligned by the press.

adj. [usually before noun] (formal) causing harm: a malign force / influence / effect—compare BENIGN

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ma.lig.nancy
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [C] a malignant mass of tissue in the body
SYN TUMOUR
2 [U] the state of being malignant
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ma.lig.nant
adj.
1 (of a TUMOUR or disease) that cannot be controlled and is likely to cause death: malignant cells—compare BENIGN
2 (formal) having or showing a strong desire to harm sb
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ma.lin.ger
verb [v] (usually be malingering) (disapproving) to pretend to be ill/sick, especially in order to avoid work
ma.lin.ger.er noun
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mall
noun (especially AmE ) = SHOPPING MALL : Let’s go to the mall.
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mal.lard
noun (pl.mal.lards or mal.lard) a common wild duck
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mal.le.able
adj.
1 (technical) (of metal, etc.) that can be hit or pressed into different shapes easily without breaking or cracking
2 (of people, ideas, etc.) easily influenced or changed
mal.le.abil.ity noun [U]
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mal.let
noun
1 a hammer with a large wooden head—picture at TOOL
2 a hammer with a long handle and a wooden head, used for hitting the ball in the games of CROQUET and POLO
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mal.nour.ished
adj. in bad health because of a lack of food or a lack of the right type of food
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mal.nu.tri.tion
noun [U] a poor condition of health caused by a lack of food or a lack of the right type of food—compare NUTRITION
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mal.odor.ous
adj. (formal or literary) having an unpleasant smell
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mal.prac.tice
noun [U, C] (law ) careless, wrong or illegal behaviour while in a professional job: medical malpractice  a malpractice suit  He is currently standing trial for alleged malpractices.
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malt
noun
1 [U] grain, usually BARLEY , that has been soaked in water for a period of time and then dried, used for making beer, whisky, etc.
2 [U, C] = MALT WHISKY
3 [U, C] (AmE) = MALTED MILK
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malt.ed
adj. [only before noun]
1 having been made into malt : malted barley
2 having had malt added to it
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,malted 'milk
(AmE also malt) noun [U, C] a hot or cold drink made from MALT and dried milk mixed with water or milk and usually sugar, sometimes with ice cream and/or chocolate added
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mal.treat
verb [vn] (written) to be very cruel to a person or an animal: Officers were accused of maltreating prisoners.
mal.treat.ment noun [U]
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,malt 'whisky
(also malt) noun [U, C] high quality whisky from Scotland; a glass of this
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mam
noun (BrE, dialect , informal) mother
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mama
(also mamma) noun (AmE or old-fashioned, BrE ) mother—see also MUMMY
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mamba
noun a black or green poisonous African snake
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mam.mal
noun any animal that gives birth to live babies, not eggs, and feeds its young on milk. Cows, humans and WHALES are all mammals .
mam.ma.lian adj.: mammalian species—
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mam.mary
adj. [only before noun] (biology ) connected with the breasts: mammary glands (= parts of the breast that produce milk)
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mam.mo.gram
noun an examination of a woman’s breasts using X-RAYS to check for CANCER
mam.mog.raphy noun [U]
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Mam.mon
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) a way of talking about money and wealth when it has become the most important thing in sb’s life and as important as a god: gamblers worshipping at the temple of Mammon
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mam.moth
noun, adj.
noun an animal like a large hairy elephant, that lived thousands of years ago and is now EXTINCT

adj. [usually before noun] extremely large: a mammoth task  a financial crisis of mammoth proportions

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mammy
noun (pl.-ies) (dialect , informal) mother
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man
noun, verb, exclamation
noun (pl.men )
MALE PERSON|
1 [C] an adult male human being: a good-looking young man  the relationships between men and women—see also DIRTY OLD MAN , LADIES' MAN , MEN’S ROOM
HUMAN BEINGS|
2 [U] human beings as a group or from a particular period of history: the damage caused by man to the environment  early / modern / Prehistoric man  note at GENDER
3 [C] (literary or old-fashioned) a person, either male or female: All men must die.
PARTICULAR TYPE OF MAN|
4 [C] (in compounds) a man who comes from the place mentioned or whose job or interest is connected with the thing mentioned: a Frenchman  a businessman  a medical man  a sportsman  note at GENDER
5 [C] a man who likes or who does the thing mentioned: a betting / drinking / fighting man—see also FAMILY MAN
6 [C] a man who works for or supports a particular organization, comes from a particular town, etc: the BBC’s man in Moscow (= the man who reports on news from Moscow)  a loyal Republican Party man—see also RIGHT-HAND MAN , YES-MAN
SOLDIER / WORKER|
7 [C, usually pl.] a soldier or a male worker who obeys the instructions of a person of higher rank: The officer refused to let his men take part in the operation.
8 [C] a man who comes to your house to do a job: the gas man  The man’s coming to repair the TV today.
FORM OF ADDRESS|
9 [sing.] (informal spoken, especially AmE) used for addressing a male person: Nice shirt, man!  Hey man. Back off!
10 [sing.] (old-fashioned, spoken) used for addressing a male person in an angry or impatient way: Don’t just stand there, man—get a doctor!
HUSBAND / BOYFRIEND|
11 [C] (sometimes disapproving) a husband or sexual partner: What’s her new man like?  I now pronounce you man and wife (= you are now officially married).—see also OLD MAN
STRONG / BRAVE PERSON|
12 [C] a person who is strong and brave or has other qualities that some people think are particularly male: Come on, now—be a man.  She’s more of a man than he is.—see also HE-MAN , MUSCLEMAN , SUPERMAN
SERVANT|
13 [sing.] (old-fashioned, formal) a male servant: My man will drive you home.
IN CHESS|
14 [C] one of the figures or objects that you play with in a game such as CHESS —see also CHESSMAN as one 'man with everyone doing or thinking the same thing at the same time; in agreement be sb’s 'man to be the best or most suitable person to do a particular job, etc: For a superb haircut, David’s your man. be 'man enough (to do sth / for sth) to be strong or brave enough: He was not man enough to face up to his responsibility. every man for him'self (saying) people must look after themselves and not give or expect any help: In business, it’s every man for himself. make a 'man (out) of sb to make a young man develop and become more adult a / the ,man about 'town a man who frequently goes to fashionable parties, clubs, theatres, etc. ,man and 'boy from when sb was young to when they were old or older: He’s been doing the same job for 50 years—man and boy. the ,man (and / or ,woman) in the 'street an average or ordinary person, either male or female: Politicians often don’t understand the views of the man in the street. a ,man of 'God / the 'cloth (old-fashioned, formal) a religious man, especially a priest or a CLERGYMAN the ,man of the 'match (BrE, sport) the member of a team who plays the best in a particular game: Cole was named man of the match. a ,man of the 'people (especially of a politician) a man who understands and is sympathetic to ordinary people man’s best 'friend a way of describing a dog a ,man’s ,home is his 'castle (AmE) = AN ENGLISHMAN’S HOME IS HIS CASTLE at ENGLISHMAN a 'man’s man a man who is more popular with men than with women be your own 'man / 'woman to act or think independently, not following others or being ordered: Working for himself meant that he could be his own man. ,man to 'man between two men who are treating each other honestly and equally: I’m telling you all this man to man.  a man-to-man talk separate / sort out the ,men from the 'boys to show or prove who is brave, skilful, etc. and who is not to a 'man | to the last 'man (written) used to emphasize that sth is true of all the people being described: They answered ‘Yes,’ to a man.  They were all destroyed, to the last man.—more at GRAND adj. , HEART , MARKED , NEXT adj. , ODD adj. , PART n. , POOR , POSSESSED , SUBSTANCE , THING , WORD n. , WORLD

verb (-nn-) [vn] to work at a place or be in charge of a place or a machine; to supply people to work somewhere: Soldiers manned barricades around the city.  The telephones are manned 24 hours a day by volunteers.  a manned space flight

exclamation (informal, especially AmE ) used to express surprise, anger, etc.: Man, that was great!

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man.acle
noun, verb
noun [usually pl.] one of two metal bands joined by a chain, used for fastening a prisoner’s ankles or wrists together

verb [vn] [usually passive] to put manacles on sb’s wrists or ankles, to stop them from escaping

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man.age
verb
DO STH DIFFICULT|
1 to succeed in doing sth, especially sth difficult: [vn] In spite of his disappointment, he managed a weak smile.  I don’t know exactly how we’ll manage it , but we will, somehow.  Can you manage another piece of cake? (= eat one)  [v to inf] We managed to get to the airport in time.  How did you manage to persuade him?   (humorous) He always manages to say the wrong thing.  [v] We couldn’t have managed without you.  ‘Need any help?’‘No, thanks. I can manage.’  note at CAN^1
DEAL WITH PROBLEMS|
2 [v] ~ (with / without sb/sth) to be able to solve your problems, deal with a difficult situation, etc.
SYN COPE : I don’t know how she manages on her own with four kids.  How do you manage without a car?  She’s 82 and can’t manage on her own any more.
MONEY / TIME / INFORMATION|
3 [v] ~ (on sth) to be able to live without having much money: He has to manage on less than £100 a week.
4 [vn] to use money, time, information, etc. in a sensible way: Don’t tell me how to manage my affairs.  a computer program that helps you manage data efficiently
5 [vn] to be able to do sth at a particular time: Let’s meet up again—can you manage next week sometime?
BUSINESS / TEAM|
6 to control or be in charge of a business, a team, an organization, etc: [vn] to manage a factory / bank / hotel / soccer team  to manage a department / project  [v] We need people who are good at managing.
CONTROL|
7 [vn] to keep sb/sth under control; to be able to deal with sb/sth: It’s like trying to manage an unruly child.  Can you manage that suitcase?
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man.age.able
adj. possible to deal with or control: Use conditioner regularly to make your hair soft and manageable.  The debt has been reduced to a more manageable level.
OPP UNMANAGEABLE
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man.aged
adj. [only before noun] carefully looked after and controlled: The money will be invested in managed funds.  Only wood from managed forests is used in our furniture.
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man.age.ment
noun
1 [U] the act of running and controlling a business or similar organization: a career in management  hotel / project management  a management training course  The report blames bad management.
2 [C+sing./pl. v., U] the people who run and control a business or similar organization: The management is / are considering closing the factory.  The shop is now under new management .  junior / middle / senior management  a management decision / job  My role is to act as a mediator between employees and management.  Most managements are keen to avoid strikes.
3 [U] the act or skill of dealing with people or situations in a successful way: classroom management  time management (= the way in which you organize how you spend your time)  management of staff  Diet plays an important role in the management of heart disease.
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man.ager
noun
1 a person who is in charge of running a business, a shop/store or a similar organization or part of one: a bank / hotel manager  the sales / marketing / personnel manager  a meeting of area managers—see also MIDDLE MANAGER
2 a person who deals with the business affairs of an actor, a musician, etc.
3 a person who trains and organizes a sports team: the new manager of Italy
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man.ager.ess
noun (BrE , becoming old-fashioned) a woman who is in charge of a small business, for example, a shop/store, restaurant or hotel
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man.ager.ial
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the work of a manager: Does she have any managerial experience?
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,managing di'rector
noun (abbr. MD) (especially BrE ) the person who is in charge of a business
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mana.tee
noun a large water animal with front legs and a strong tail but no back legs, that lives in America and Africa
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Man.cu.nian
noun a person from Manchester in NW England
Man.cu.nian adj.
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man.dala
noun a circular picture that represents the universe in some eastern religions
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man.da.rin
noun [C]
1 (BrE) a powerful official of high rank, especially in the CIVIL SERVICE
2 a government official of high rank in China in the past
3 (also ,mandarin 'orange) a type of small orange with loose skin that comes off easily
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man.date
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) the authority to do sth, given to a government or other organization by the people who vote for it in an election: The election victory gave the party a clear mandate to continue its programme of reform.  a mandate for an end to the civil war
2 the period of time for which a government is given power: The presidential mandate is limited to two terms of four years each.
3 ~ (to do sth) (formal) an official order given to sb to perform a particular task: The bank had no mandate to honour the cheque.
4 the power given to a country to govern another country or region, especially in the past

verb [often passive] (formal)
1 (especially AmE ) to order sb to behave, do sth or vote in a particular way: [v that] The law mandates that imported goods should be identified as such. [alsovn to inf, vn]
2 [vn to inf] to give sb, especially a government or a committee, the authority to do sth: The assembly was mandated to draft a constitution.

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man.dated
adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 (of a country or state) placed under the rule of another country: mandated territories
2 required by law: a mandated curriculum
3 having a mandate to do sth: a mandated government
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man.da.tory
adj. ~ (for sb) (to do sth) (formal) required by law
SYN COMPULSORY : It is mandatory for blood banks to test all donated blood for the virus.  The offence carries a mandatory life sentence.
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man.dible
noun (anatomy )
1 the JAWBONE —picture at BODY
2 the upper or lower part of a bird’s beak
3 either of the two parts that are at the front and on either side of an insect’s mouth, used especially for biting and crushing food—
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man.do.lin
noun a musical instrument with metal strings (usually eight) arranged in pairs, and a curved back, played with a PLECTRUM/PICK
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man.drake
noun [C, U] a poisonous plant used to make drugs, especially ones to make people sleep, thought in the past to have magic powers
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mane
noun
1 the long hair on the neck of a horse or a lion—
2 (informal or literary) a person’s long or thick hair
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'man-eater
noun
1 a wild animal that attacks and eats human beings
2 (humorous) a woman who has many sexual partners
'man-eating adj. [only before noun]: a man-eating shark / tiger
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man.eu.ver, man.eu.ver.ableman.eu.ver.ing
(AmE ) = MANOEUVRE , MANOEUVRABLE , MANOEUVRING
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man.ful.ly
adv. using a lot of effort in a brave and determined way
man.ful adj. [only before noun] (rare)
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man.ga.nese
noun [U] (symb Mn) a chemical element. Manganese is a grey-white metal that breaks easily, used in making glass and steel.
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mange
noun [U] a skin disease of hairy animals, caused by a PARASITE —see also MANGY
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man.ger
noun a long open box that horses and cows can eat from
IDM see DOG n.
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mange.tout
(BrE ) (AmE 'snow pea) noun [usually pl.] a type of very small pea that grows in long, flat green PODS that are cooked and eaten whole
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man.gle
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to crush or twist sth so that it is badly damaged: His hand was mangled in the machine.
2 to spoil sth, for example a poem or a piece of music, by saying it wrongly or playing it badly
man.gled adj.: mangled bodies / remains

noun (also wring.er) a machine with two ROLLERS (1) used especially in the past for squeezing the water out of clothes that had been washed

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mango
noun [C, U] (pl.-oes) a tropical fruit with smooth yellow or red skin, soft orange flesh and a large stone/pit inside—
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man.grove
noun a tropical tree that grows in mud or at the edge of rivers and sends roots down from its branches: mangrove swamps
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mangy
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of an animal) suffering from MANGE : a mangy dog
2 (informal) dirty and in bad condition: a mangy old coat
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man.handle
verb
1 [vn] to push, pull or handle sb roughly: Bystanders claim they were manhandled by security guards.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move or lift a heavy object using a lot of effort: They were trying to manhandle an old sofa across the road.
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man.hole
noun a hole in the street that is covered with a lid, used when sb needs to go down to examine the pipes or SEWERS below the street
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man.hood
noun
1 [U] the state or time of being an adult man rather than a boy: to reach manhood  His youth and early manhood were spent in America.
2 [U] the qualities that a man is supposed to have, for example courage, strength and sexual power: Her new-found power was a threat to his manhood.
3 [sing.] (written or humorous) a man’s PENIS . People use ‘manhood’ to avoid saying ‘penis’.
4 [U] (literary) all the men of a country: The nation’s manhood died on the battlefields of World War I.—compare WOMANHOOD
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'man-hour
noun [usually pl.] the amount of work done by one person in one hour
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man.hunt
noun an organized search by a lot of people for a criminal or a prisoner who has escaped
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mania
noun
1 [C usually sing, U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) an extremely strong desire or enthusiasm for sth, often shared by a lot of people at the same time: He had a mania for fast cars.  Football mania is sweeping the country.
2 [U] (psychology) a mental illness in which sb has an OBSESSION about sth that makes them extremely anxious, violent or confused
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-mania
combining form (in nouns) mental illness of a particular type: kleptomania
-maniac (in nouns): a pyromaniac
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ma.niac
noun
1 (informal) a person who behaves in an extremely dangerous, wild, or stupid way: He was driving like a maniac .
2 a person who has an extremely strong desire or enthusiasm for sth, to an extent that other people think is not normal: a football / religious / sex maniac
3 (psychology) a person suffering from mania : a homicidal maniac
ma.niac adj. [only before noun]: a maniac driver / fan / killer
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ma.ni.acal
adj. wild or violent: maniacal laughter
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manic
adj.
1 (informal) full of activity, excitement and anxiety; behaving in a busy, excited, anxious way: Things are manic in the office at the moment.  Martha’s pretty manic.  The performers had a manic energy and enthusiasm.
2 (psychology) connected with MANIA (2) : manic mood swings
man.ic.al.ly adv.: I rushed around manically, trying to finish the housework.
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,manic 'depression
noun (psychology ) a mental illness causing sb to change quickly from being extremely happy to being extremely depressed
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,manic-de'pressive
noun (psychology ) a person suffering from manic depression
,manic-de'pressive adj.
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mani.cure
noun, verb
noun [C, U] the care and treatment of a person’s hands and nails: to have a manicure—compare PEDICURE

verb [vn] to care for and treat your hands and nails

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mani.cured
adj.
1 (of hands or fingers) with nails that are neatly cut and polished
2 (of gardens, a LAWN , etc.) very neat and well cared for
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mani.cur.ist
noun a person whose job is the care and treatment of the hands and nails
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mani.fest
verb, adj., noun
verb (formal)
1 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to show sth clearly, especially a feeling, an attitude or a quality
SYN DEMONSTRATE : Social tensions were manifested in the recent political crisis.
2 [vn] ~ itself (in sth) to appear or become noticeable
SYN APPEAR : The symptoms of the disease manifested themselves ten days later.

adj. ~ (to sb) (in sth)| ~ (in sth) (formal) easy to see or understand: His nervousness was manifest to all those present.  The anger he felt is manifest in his paintings.
mani.fest.ly adv.: manifestly unfair  The party has manifestly failed to achieve its goal.

noun (technical ) a list of goods or passengers on a ship or an aircraft

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mani.fest.ation
noun (formal)
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth) an event, action or thing that is a sign that sth exists or is happening; the act of appearing as a sign that sth exists or is happening: The riots are a clear manifestation of the people’s discontent.  Some manifestation of your concern would have been appreciated.
2 [C] an appearance of a ghost or spirit: The church is the site of a number of supernatural manifestations.
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mani.festo
noun (pl.-os) a written statement in which a group of people, especially a political party, explain their beliefs and say what they will do if they win an election: an election manifesto  the party manifesto
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mani.fold
adj., noun
adj. (formal) many; of many different types: The possibilities were manifold.

noun (technical ) a pipe or an enclosed space with several openings for taking gases in and out of a car engine: the exhaust manifold

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mani.kin
(also man.ni.kin) noun
1 a model of the human body that is used for teaching art or medicine
2 (old-fashioned) a very small man
SYN DWARF
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Ma.nila
(also Ma.nilla) noun [U] strong brown paper, used especially for making envelopes
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ma.nipu.late
verb [vn]
1 ~ (sb into sth / into doing sth) (disapproving) to control or influence sb/sth, often in a dishonest way so that they do not realize it: She uses her charm to manipulate people.  As a politician, he knows how to manipulate public opinion.  They managed to manipulate us into agreeing to help.
2 to control or use sth in a skilful way: to manipulate the gears and levers of a machine  Computers are very efficient at manipulating information.
3 (technical) to move a person’s bones or joints into the correct position
ma.nipu.la.tion noun [U, C]: Advertising like this is a cynical manipulation of the elderly.  data manipulation  manipulation of the bones of the back
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ma.nipu.la.tive
adj.
1 (disapproving) skilful at influencing sb or forcing sb to do what you want, often in an unfair way: manipulative behaviour  He’s extremely manipulative, so don’t let him persuade you.
2 (formal) connected with the ability to handle objects skilfully: manipulative skills such as typing and knitting
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ma.nipu.la.tor
noun (often disapproving) a person who is skilful at influencing people or situations in order to get what they want
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man.kind
noun [U] all human beings thought about as one large group; the human race: the history of mankind  an invention for the good of all mankind—see also HUMANKIND —compare WOMANKIND
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manky
adj. (BrE , informal) dirty and unpleasant: a manky old coat
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manly
adj. (often approving) having the qualities or physical features that are admired or expected in a man: the manly virtues of courage and strength  He looked so manly in his uniform.
man.li.ness noun [U]
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,man-'made
adj. made by people; not natural ARTIFICIAL : a man-made lake  man-made fibres such as nylon and polyester
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manna
noun [U] (in the Bible) the food that God provided for the people of Israel during their 40 years in the desert: (figurative) To the refugees, the food shipments were manna from heaven (= an unexpected and very welcome gift).
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man.ne.quin
noun (old-fashioned)
1 a person whose job is to wear and display new styles of clothes
SYN MODEL
2 a model of a human body, used for displaying clothes in shops/stores
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man.ner
noun
1 [sing.] (formal) the way that sth is done or happens: She answered in a businesslike manner .  The manner in which the decision was announced was extremely regrettable.
2 [sing.] the way that sb behaves and speaks towards other people: to have an aggressive / a friendly / a relaxed manner  His manner was polite but cool.—see also BEDSIDE MANNER
3 (manners) [pl.] behaviour that is considered to be polite in a particular society or culture: to have good / bad manners   It is bad manners to talk with your mouth full.  He has no manners (= behaves very badly).—see also TABLE MANNERS
4 (manners) [pl.] (formal) the habits and customs of a particular group of people: the social morals and manners of the seventeenth century
IDM all 'manner of sb/sth many different types of people or things: The problem can be solved in all manner of ways. in a manner of 'speaking if you think about it in a particular way; true in some but not all ways: The warring governments could be seen as terrorists too, in a manner of speaking. in the manner of sb/sth (formal) in a style that is typical of sb/sth: a painting in the manner of Raphael (as / as if) to the manner 'born (formal) as if sth is natural for you and you have done it many times in the past what manner of … (formal or literary) what kind of …: What manner of man could do such a terrible thing?
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man.nered
adj.
1 (disapproving) (of behaviour, art, writing, etc.) trying to impress people by being formal and not natural
2 (-mannered) (in compounds) having the type of manners mentioned: a well-mannered child  a mild-mannered person—see also ILL-MANNERED
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man.ner.ism
noun
1 [C] a particular habit or way of speaking or behaving that sb has but is not aware of: nervous / odd / irritating mannerisms
2 [U] too much use of a particular style in painting or writing
3 (Mannerism) a style in 16th century Italian art that did not show things in a natural way but made them look strange or out of their usual shape
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man.ner.ist
(usually Mannerist) adj. (of painting or writing) in the style of Mannerism
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man.ni.kin
= MANIKIN
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man.nish
adj. (usually disapproving) (of a woman or of sth belonging to a woman) having qualities that are thought of as typical of or suitable for a man
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man.oeuv.rable
(BrE ) (AmEman.euv.er.able) adj. that can easily be moved into different positions: a small, highly manoeuvrable vehicle
man.oeuv.ra.bil.ity (AmEman.eu.ver.abil.ity) noun [U]
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man.oeuvre
(BrE ) (AmEman.eu.ver) noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a movement performed with care and skill: a complicated / skilful manoeuvre  You will be asked to perform some standard manoeuvres during your driving test.
2 [C, U] a clever plan, action or movement that is used to give sb an advantage: diplomatic manoeuvres  a complex manoeuvre in a game of chess
3 (manoeuvres) [pl.] military exercises involving a large number of soldiers, ships, etc: The army is on manoeuvres in the desert.
IDM freedom of / room for ma'noeuvre the chance to change the way that sth happens and influence decisions that are made: Small farmers have limited room for manoeuvre.

verb
1 to move or turn skilfully or carefully; to move or turn sth skilfully or carefully: [v] The yachts manoeuvred for position.  There was very little room to manoeuvre.  [vn] She manoeuvred the car carefully into the garage.
2 to control or influence a situation in a skilful but sometimes dishonest way: [v] The new laws have left us little room to manoeuvre (= not much opportunity to change or influence a situation).  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] She manoeuvred her way to the top of the company.

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man.oeuv.ring
(BrE ) (AmEman.eu.ver.ing) noun [U, C] clever, skilful, and often dishonest ways of achieving your aims
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,man of 'letters
noun a man who is a writer, or who writes about literature
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,man-of-'war
noun (pl.,men-of-'war) a sailing ship
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manor
noun (BrE )
1 (also 'manor house) a large country house surrounded by land that belongs to it
2 an area of land with a manor house on it
3 (slang) an area in which sb works or for which they are responsible, especially officers at a police station
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man.orial
adj. typical of or connected with a manor , especially in the past
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man.power
noun [U] the number of workers needed or available to do a particular job: a need for trained / skilled manpower  a manpower shortage
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man.qué
adj. (following nouns) (from French , formal or humorous) used to describe a person who hoped to follow a particular career but who failed in it or never tried it: He’s really an artist manqué.
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man.sard
(also ,mansard 'roof) noun (technical ) a roof with a double slope in which the upper part is less steep than the lower part
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manse
noun the house of a Christian minister, especially in Scotland
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man.ser.vant
noun (pl.men.ser.vants) (old-fashioned) a male servant, especially a man’s personal servant
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man.sion
noun
1 [C] a large impressive house: an 18th century country mansion
2 (Mansions) [pl.] (BrE) used in the names of blocks of flats: 2 Moscow Mansions, Cromwell Road
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'man-sized
adj. [only before noun] suitable or large enough for a man: a man-sized breakfast
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man.slaugh.ter
noun [U] (law ) the crime of killing sb illegally but not deliberately: The charge has been reduced to manslaughter.—compare HOMICIDE , MURDER
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man.tel.piece
(also man.tel especially in AmE) noun a shelf above a FIREPLACE
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man.tis
noun (pl.man.tises or man.tids ) = PRAYING MANTIS
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man.tle
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] the ~ of sb/sth (literary) the role and responsibilities of an important person or job, especially when they are passed on from one person to another: The vice-president must now take on the mantle of supreme power.
2 [C] (literary) a layer of sth that covers a surface: hills with a mantle of snow
3 [C] a loose piece of clothing without sleeves, worn over other clothes, especially in the past
4 (also 'gas mantle) [C] a cover around the flame of a gas lamp that becomes very bright when it is heated
5 [sing.] (geology) the part of the earth below the CRUST and surrounding the CORE

verb [vn] (literary) to cover the surface of sth

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man.tra
noun a word, phrase or sound that is repeated again and again, especially during prayer or MEDITATION : a Buddhist mantra
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man.ual
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of work, etc.) involving using the hands or physical strength: manual labour / jobs / skills  manual and non-manual workers
2 operated or controlled by hand rather than automatically or using electricity, etc: a manual gearbox  My camera has manual and automatic functions.
3 connected with using the hands: manual dexterity
manu.al.ly adv.: manually operated

noun a book that tells you how to do or operate sth, especially one that comes with a machine, etc. when you buy it: a computer / car / instruction manual—compare HANDBOOK
IDM on 'manual not being operated automatically: Leave the controls on manual.

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manu.fac.ture
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to make or produce goods in large quantities, using machinery: manufactured goods
2 to invent a story, an excuse, etc: a news story manufactured by an unscrupulous journalist
3 (technical) to produce a substance: Vitamins cannot be manufactured by our bodies.

noun
1 [U] the process of producing goods in large quantities: the manufacture of cars
2 (manufactures) [pl.] (technical) manufactured goods: a major importer of cotton manufactures

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manu.fac.tur.er
noun (also the manu.fac.tur.ers [pl.]) a person or company that produces goods in large quantities: a car / computer manufacturer  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Faulty goods should be returned to the manufacturers.
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manu.fac.tur.ing
noun [U] the business or industry of producing goods in large quantities in factories, etc: Many jobs in manufacturing were lost during the recession.
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ma.nure
noun, verb
noun [U] the waste matter from animals that is spread over or mixed with the soil to help plants and crops grow

verb [vn] to put manure on or in soil to help plants grow

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manu.script
noun
1 a copy of a book, piece of music, etc. before it has been printed: an unpublished / original manuscript  I read her poems in manuscript .
2 a very old book or document that was written by hand before printing was invented: medieval illuminated manuscripts
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Manx
adj. of or connected with the Isle of Man, its people or the language once spoken there
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,Manx 'cat
noun a breed of cat with no tail
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many
det., pron.
1 used with plural nouns and verbs, especially in negative sentences or in more formal English, to mean ‘a large number of’. Also used in questions to ask about the size of a number, and with ‘as’ and ‘too’: We don’t have very many copies left.  You can’t have one each. We haven’t got many.  Many people feel that the law should be changed.  Many of those present disagreed.  How many children do you have?  There are too many mistakes in this essay.  He made ten mistakes in as many (= in ten) lines.  New drivers have twice as many accidents as experienced drivers.  I’ve known her for a great many (= very many) years.  Even if one person is hurt that is one too many .  It was one of my many mistakes.  a many-headed monster
2 (the many) used with a plural verb to mean ‘most people’: a government which improves conditions for the many
3 (many a) (formal) used with a singular noun and verb to mean ‘a large number of’: Many a good man has been destroyed by drink.
IDM as many as … used to show surprise that the number of people or things involved is so large: There were as many as 200 people at the lecture. have had ,one too 'many (informal) to be slightly drunk many’s the … (formal) used to show that sth happens often: Many’s the time I heard her use those words.
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Maori
noun
1 [C] a member of a race of people who were the original people living in New Zealand
2 [U] the language of the Maori people
Maori adj.
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map
noun, verb
noun a drawing or plan of the earth’s surface or part of it, showing countries, towns, rivers, etc: a map of France  a street map of Miami  to read a / the map (= understand the information on a map)  large-scale maps  Can you find Black Hill on the map ?  I’ll draw you a map of how to get to my house.
IDM put sb/sth on the 'map to make sb/sth famous or important: The exhibition has helped put the city on the map.—more at WIPE v.

verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 to make a map of an area: an unexplored region that has not yet been mapped
2 to discover or give information about sth, especially the way it is arranged or organized: It is now possible to map the different functions of the brain.
map.ping noun [U]: the mapping of the Indian subcontinent  gene mapping
PVR V 'map sth on / onto sth to link a group of qualities, items, etc. with their source, cause, position on a scale, etc: Grammar information enables students to map the structure of a foreign language onto their own. ,map sth<->'out to plan or arrange sth in a careful or detailed way: He has his career path clearly mapped out.

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maple
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'maple tree) a tall tree with leaves that have five points and turn bright red or yellow in the autumn/fall. Maples grow in northern countries: The maple leaf is Canada’s national emblem.
2 [U] the wood of the maple tree
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,maple 'syrup
noun [U] a sweet sticky sauce made with liquid obtained from some types of maple tree, often eaten with PANCAKES —
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mar
verb (-rr-) [vn] to damage or spoil sth good: The game was marred by the behaviour of drunken fans.
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mara.thon
noun
1 a long running race of about 42 kilometres or 26 miles: the London marathon  to run a marathon
2 an activity or a piece of work that lasts a long time and requires a lot of effort and patience: My job interview was a real marathon.
ORIGIN From the story that in ancient Greece a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens (22 miles) with the news of a victory over the Persians.
mara.thon adj. [only before noun]: a marathon journey lasting 56 hours  a marathon legal battle
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ma.raud.ing
adj. [only before noun] (written) (of people or animals) going around a place in search of things to steal or people to attack: marauding wolves
ma.raud.er noun
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mar.ble
noun
1 [U] a type of hard stone that is usually white and often has coloured lines in it. It can be polished and is used in building and for making statues, etc: a slab / block of marble  a marble floor / sculpture
2 [C] a small ball of coloured glass that children roll along the ground in a game
3 (marbles) [U] a game played with marbles : Three boys were playing marbles.—
4 (marbles) [pl.] (informal) a way of referring to sb’s intelligence or mental ability: He’s losing his marbles (= he’s not behaving in a sensible way).
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mar.bled
adj. having the colours and/or patterns of marble : marbled wallpaper
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marb.ling
noun [U] the method of decorating sth with a pattern that looks like MARBLE
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March
noun [U, C] (abbr. Mar.) the 3rd month of the year, between February and April
HELP To see how March is used, look at the examples at April.
IDM see MAD
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march
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to walk with stiff regular steps like a soldier: [v] Soldiers were marching up and down outside the government buildings.  Quick march! (= the order to start marching)  [vn] They marched 20 miles to reach the capital.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk somewhere quickly in a determined way: She marched over to me and demanded an apology.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to force sb to walk somewhere with you: The guards marched the prisoner away.
4 [v] to walk through the streets in a large group in order to protest about sth
SYN DEMONSTRATE
IDM get your 'marching orders (BrE, informal) to be ordered to leave a place, a job, etc. give sb their 'marching orders (informal) to order sb to leave a place, their job, etc.
PVR V ,march 'on to move on or pass quickly: Time marches on and we still have not made a decision. 'march on … to march to a place to protest about sth or to attack it: Several thousand people marched on City Hall.

noun
1 [C] an organized walk by many people from one place to another, in order to protest about sth, or to express their opinions: protest marches  to go on a march—compare DEMONSTRATION
2 [C] an act of marching ; a journey made by marching : The army began their long march to the coast.
3 [sing.] the ~ of sth the steady development or forward movement of sth: the march of progress / technology / time
4 [C] a piece of music written for marching to: a funeral march
IDM on the 'march marching somewhere: The enemy are on the march—more at STEAL v.

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march.er
noun a person who is taking part in a march as a protest
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'marching band
noun a group of musicians who play while they are marching
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mar.chion.ess
noun
1 a woman who has the rank of a MARQUESS
2 the wife of a MARQUESS —compare MARQUISE
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'march past
noun [sing.] a ceremony in which soldiers march past an important person, etc.
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Mardi Gras
noun [U] (from French ) the day before the beginning of Lent, celebrated as a holiday in some countries, with music and dancing in the streets—compare SHROVE TUESDAY
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mare
noun a female horse or DONKEY —compare BROOD MARE , FILLY , STALLION
IDM a 'mare’s nest
1 a discovery that seems interesting but is found to have no value
2 a very complicated situation: This area of the law is a veritable mare’s nest.
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mar.gar.ine
(also BrE informal marge ) noun [U] a yellow substance like butter made from animal or vegetable fats, used in cooking or spread on bread, etc.
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mar.gin
noun
1 [C] the empty space at the side of a written or printed page: the left-hand / right-hand margin  a narrow / wide margin  notes scribbled in the margin
2 [C, usually sing.] the amount of time, or number of votes, etc. by which sb wins sth: He won by a narrow margin .  She beat the other runners by a margin of ten seconds.
3 [C] (business) = PROFIT MARGIN : What are your average operating margins?  a gross margin of 45%
4 [C, usually sing.] an extra amount of sth such as time, space, money, etc. that you include in order to make sure that sth is successful: a safety margin  The narrow gateway left me little margin for error as I reversed the car.—see also MARGIN OF ERROR
5 [C] (formal) the extreme edge or limit of a place: the eastern margin of the Indian Ocean
6 [C, usually pl.] the part that is not included in the main part of a group or situation: people living on the margins of society
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mar.gin.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 small and not important: a marginal improvement in weather conditions  The story will only be of marginal interest to our readers.
2 not part of a main or important group or situation: marginal groups in society
3 (politics) (especially BrE) won or lost by a very small number of votes and therefore very important or interesting politically: a marginal seat / constituency
4 [only before noun] written in the margin of a page: marginal notes / comments
5 (of land) that cannot produce enough good crops to make a profit

noun (BrE ) a seat in a parliament, on a local council, etc. that was won by a very small number of votes: a Labour marginal

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mar.gin.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sb feel as if they are not important and cannot influence decisions or events; to put sb in a position in which they have no power
mar.gin.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the marginalization of the elderly
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mar.gin.al.ly
adv. very slightly; not very much: They now cost marginally more than they did last year.
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,margin of 'error
noun [usually sing.] an amount that you allow when you calculate sth, for the possibility that a number is not completely accurate: The survey has a margin of error of 2.5%
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mari.gold
noun an orange or yellow garden flower. There are several types of marigold .
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ma.ri.juana
(also ma.ri.huana) (also informal pot) noun [U] a drug (illegal in many countries) made from the dried leaves and flowers of the HEMP plant, which gives a feeling of being relaxed when it is smoked
SYN CANNABIS
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ma.rimba
noun a musical instrument like a XYLOPHONE
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mar.ina
noun a specially designed harbour for small boats and YACHTS
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mar.in.ade
noun [C, U] a mixture of oil, wine, spices, etc., used for soaking meat or fish in before it is cooked in order to make it softer or to give it a particular flavour
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marin.ate
(also mar.in.ade) verb [vn, v] if you marinate food or it marinates, you soak it in a marinade before cooking it
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mar.ine
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the sea and the creatures and plants that live there: marine life  a marine biologist (= a scientist who studies life in the sea)
2 connected with ships or trade at sea

noun a soldier who is trained to serve on land or at sea, especially one in the US Marine Corps or the British Royal Marines

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mari.ner
noun (old-fashioned or literary) a sailor
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mar.io.nette
noun a PUPPET whose arms, legs and head are moved by strings
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mari.tal
adj. [only before noun] connected with marriage or with the relationship between a husband and wife: marital difficulties / breakdown
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,marital 'status
noun [U] (formal) (used especially on official forms) the fact of whether you are single, married, etc: questions about age, sex and marital status
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mari.time
adj.
1 connected with the sea or ships: a maritime museum
2 (formal) near the sea: maritime Antarctica
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mar.joram
noun [U] a plant with leaves that smell sweet and are used in cooking as a herb, often when dried
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mark
verb, noun
verb
WRITE / DRAW|
1 ~ A (with B)| ~ B on A to write or draw a symbol, line, etc. on sth in order to give information about it: [vn] Items marked with an asterisk can be omitted.  Prices are marked on the goods.  [vn-adj] The teacher marked her absent (= made a mark by her name to show that she was absent).  Do not open any mail marked ‘Confidential’.
SPOIL / DAMAGE|
2 to make a mark on sth in a way that spoils or damages it; to become spoilt or damaged in this way: [vn] A large purple scar marked his cheek.  [v] The surfaces are made from a material that doesn’t mark.
SHOW POSITION|
3 [vn] to show the position of sth: The cross marks the spot where the body was found.  The route has been marked in red.
CELEBRATE|
4 [vn] to celebrate or officially remember an event that you consider to be important: a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the war
BE SIGN|
5 [vn] to be a sign that sth new is going to happen: This speech may mark a change in government policy.  The agreement marks a new phase in international relations.
GIVE MARK / GRADE|
6 (BrE ) to give marks to students' work: [vn] I hate marking exam papers.  [vn-adj] Why have you marked this wrong?  [v] I spend at least six hours a week marking.—compare GRADE
GIVE PARTICULAR QUALITY|
7 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to give sb/sth a particular quality or character
SYN CHARACTERIZE : a life marked by suffering  He was marked as an enemy of the poor.
PAY ATTENTION|
8 (old-fashioned, spoken) used to tell sb to pay careful attention to sth: [vn] There’ll be trouble over this, mark my words .  [v wh-] You mark what I say, John.
IN SPORT|
9 [vn] (in a team game) to stay close to an opponent in order to prevent them from getting the ball: Hughes was marking Taylor.  Our defence had him closely marked.—see also MARKING ,mark 'time
1 to pass the time while you wait for sth more interesting: I’m just marking time in this job—I’m hoping to get into journalism.
2 (of soldiers) to make marching movements without moving forwards ,mark 'you (old-fashioned spoken, especially BrE) used to remind sb of sth they should consider in a particular case: She hasn’t had much success yet. Mark you, she tries hard. ,mark sb 'down (BrE) to reduce the mark/grade given to sb in an exam, etc: She was marked down because of poor grammar. ,mark sb 'down as sth (especially BrE) to recognize sb as a particular type: I hadn’t got him marked down as a liberal. ,mark sth<->'down
1 to reduce the price of sth: All goods have been marked down by 15%.
OPP MARK UP —related noun MARKDOWN
2 to make a note of sth for future use or action: The factory is already marked down for demolition. ,mark sb/sth 'off (from sb/sth) to make sb/sth seem different from other people or things: Each of London’s districts had a distinct character that marked it off from its neighbours. ,mark sth<->'off to separate sth by marking a line between it and sth else: The playing area was marked off with a white line. ,mark sb 'out as / for sth to make people recognize sb as special in some way: She was marked out for early promotion. ,mark sth<->'out to draw lines to show the edges of sth: They marked out a tennis court on the lawn. ,mark sth<->'up
1 to increase the price of sth: Share prices were marked up as soon as trading started.
OPP MARK DOWN —related noun MARK-UP
2 (technical) to mark or correct a text, etc., for example for printing: to mark up a manuscript

noun
SPOT / DIRT|
1 a small area of dirt, a spot or a cut on a surface that spoils its appearance: The children left dirty marks all over the kitchen floor.  a burn / scratch mark  Detectives found no marks on the body.
2 a noticeable spot or area of colour on the body of a person or an animal which helps you to recognize them: a horse with a white mark on its head  He was about six feet tall, with no distinguishing marks .—see also BIRTHMARK , MARKING
SYMBOL|
3 a written or printed symbol that is used as a sign of sth, for example the quality of sth or who made or owns it: punctuation marks  Any piece of silver bearing his mark is extremely valuable.  I put a mark in the margin to remind me to check the figure.—see also QUESTION MARK , EXCLAMATION MARK , TRADEMARK
SIGN|
4 a sign that a quality or feeling exists: On the day of the funeral businesses remained closed as a mark of respect .  Such coolness under pressure is the mark of a champion.
STANDARD / GRADE|
5 (especially BrE) a number or letter that is given to show the standard of sb’s work or performance or is given to sb for answering sth correctly: to get a good / poor mark in English  to give sb a high / low mark  What’s the pass mark (= the mark you need in order to pass)?  I got full marks (= the highest mark possible) in the spelling test.   (ironic) ‘You’re wearing a tie!’‘Full marks for observation.’—see also BLACK MARK , GRADE
LEVEL|
6 a level or point that sth reaches that is thought to be important: Unemployment has passed the four million mark.  She was leading at the half-way mark.
MACHINE / VEHICLE|
7 (Mark) (followed by a number) a particular type or model of a machine or vehicle: the Mark II engine
IN GAS OVEN|
8 (Mark) (BrE) (followed by a number) a particular level of temperature in a gas oven: Preheat the oven to gas Mark 6.
SIGNATURE|
9 a cross made on a document instead of a signature by sb who is not able to write their name
TARGET|
10 (formal) a TARGET (sth/sb you aim at when attacking): Of the blows delivered, barely half found their mark.  to hit / miss the mark
GERMAN MONEY|
11 = DEUTSCHMARK be close to / near the 'mark to be fairly accurate in a guess, statement, etc. be off the 'mark not to be accurate in a guess, statement, etc: No, you’re way off the mark. get off the 'mark to start scoring, especially in cricket: Stewart got off the mark with a four. ,hit / ,miss the 'mark to succeed/fail in achieving or guessing sth: He blushed furiously and Robyn knew she had hit the mark. ,leave your / its / a 'mark (on sth/sb) to have an effect on sth/sb, especially a bad one, that lasts for a long time: Such a traumatic experience was bound to leave its mark on the children. ,make your / a 'mark (on sth) to become famous and successful in a particular area not be / feel ,up to the 'mark (old-fashioned, BrE) not to feel as well or lively as usual on your ,marks, get ,set, 'go! used to tell runners in a race to get ready and then to start quick / slow off the 'mark fast/slow in reacting to a situation ,up to the 'mark as good as it/they should be: Your work isn’t really up to the mark.—more at OVERSTEP , TOE v. , WIDE adj.

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mark.down
noun [usually sing.] a reduction in price
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marked
adj. easy to see; noticeable: a marked difference / improvement  a marked increase in profits  She is quiet and studious, in marked contrast to her sister.—compare UNMARKED
mark.ed.ly adv.: Her background is markedly different from her husband’s.  This year’s sales have risen markedly.
IDM a marked 'man a man who is in danger because his enemies want to harm him
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mark.er
noun
1 [C] an object or a sign that shows the position of sth: a boundary marker  He placed a marker where the ball had landed.
2 [sing.] a ~ (of / for sth) a sign that sth exists or that shows what it is like: Price is not always an accurate marker of quality.
3 (BrE also 'marker pen) a pen with a thick FELT tip—picture at STATIONERY
4 (BrE) (AmE grader) a person who marks/grades students' work or exam papers
5 (BrE) (in team games, especially football) a player who stays close to a player on the other team in order to stop them getting the ball
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mar.ket
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an occasion when people buy and sell goods; the open area or building where they meet to do this: a fruit / flower / antiques market  an indoor / a street market  market stalls / traders  We buy our fruit and vegetables at the market .  Thursday is market day in Poitiers.  a market town (= a town in Britain where a regular market is or was held)
2 [sing.] business or trade, or the amount of trade in a particular type of goods: the world market in coffee  They have increased their share of the market by 10%.  the property / job market (= the number and type of houses, jobs, etc. that are available)  They have cornered the market in sportswear. (= sell the most)
3 [C] a particular area, country or section of the population that might buy goods: the US / Japanese market  the global / domestic market
4 [sing.] ~ (for sth) the number of people who want to buy sth DEMAND : a growing / declining market for second-hand cars
5 (often the market) [sing.] people who buy and sell goods in competition with each other: The market will decide if the TV station has any future.  a market-based / market-driven / market-led economy—see also BLACK MARKET , MARKET FORCES
6 [C] = STOCK MARKET : the futures market  the market crash of 1987
HELP There are many other compounds ending in market. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
IDM in the 'market for sth interested in buying sth: I’m not in the market for a new car at the moment. on the 'market available for people to buy: to put your house on the market  The house came on the market last year.  There are hundreds of different brands on the market. on the open 'market available to buy without any restrictions: Firearms are not freely available on the open market. play the 'market to buy and sell STOCKS and shares in order to make a profit—more at BUYER , PRICE v. , SELLER

verb [vn] ~ sth (to sb) (as sth) to advertise and offer a product for sale; to present sth in a particular way and make people want to buy it: It is marketed as a low-alcohol wine.  School meals need to be marketed to children in the same way as other food.—see also MARKETING

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mar.ket.able
adj. easy to sell; attractive to customers or employers: marketable products / skills / qualifications
mar.ket.abil.ity noun [U]
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mar.ket.eer
noun (usually in compounds) a person who is in favour of a particular system of buying and selling: a free marketeer (= a person who believes in a FREE MARKET system of trade)—see also BLACK MARKETEER
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,market 'forces
noun [pl.] a free system of trade in which prices and wages rise and fall without being controlled by the government
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,market 'garden
(BrE ) (AmE 'truck farm) noun a type of farm where vegetables are grown for sale
,market 'gardener noun,market 'gardening noun [U]
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mar.ket.ing
noun [U] the activity of presenting, advertising and selling a company’s products in the best possible way: a marketing campaign  She works in sales and marketing .—see also DIRECT MARKETING
mar.ket.er noun: a company that is a developer and marketer of software
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,market 'leader
noun
1 the company that sells the largest quantity of a particular kind of product: We are the market leader in hi-fi.
2 a product that is the most successful of its kind
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mar.ket.place
noun
1 (the marketplace) [sing.] the activity of competing with other companies to buy and sell goods, services, etc: Companies must be able to survive in the marketplace.  the education marketplace
2 (also ,market 'square) [C] an open area in a town where a market is held
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,market 'price
noun the price that people are willing to pay for sth at a particular time
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,market re'search
(also ,market 'research) noun [U] the work of collecting information about what people buy and why
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,market 'share
noun [U, sing.] (business ) the amount that a company sells of its products or services compared with other companies selling the same things: They claim to have a 40% worldwide market share.
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,market 'value
noun [U, sing.] what sth would be worth if it were sold
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mark.ing
noun
1 [usually pl.] a pattern of colours or marks on animals, birds or wood
2 [usually pl.] lines, colours or shapes painted on roads, vehicles, etc: Road markings indicate where you can stop.
3 [U] (especially BrE) (AmE usually grad.ing) the activity of checking and correcting the written work or exam papers of students: She does her marking in the evenings.
4 [U] (in team games, especially football) the practice of staying close to a player on the other team in order to stop them getting the ball
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marks.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person who is skilled in accurate shooting
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marks.man.ship
noun [U] skill in shooting
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'mark-up
noun [usually sing.] an increase in the price of sth based on the difference between the cost of producing it and the price it is sold at: an average mark-up of 10%
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marl
noun
1 [U, C] soil consisting of clay and LIME (1)
2 [U] a type of fabric with threads in it that are not of an even colour: blue marl leggings
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mar.lin
noun (pl.mar.lin) a large sea fish with a long sharp nose, that people catch for sport
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mar.ma.lade
noun [U] jam/jelly made from oranges, lemons, etc., eaten especially for breakfast—compare JAM (1)
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Mar.mite
™noun [U] (BrE ) a dark substance made from YEAST , spread on bread, etc.
SYN YEAST EXTRACT : Marmite sandwiches
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mar.mo.set
noun a small monkey with a long thick tail, that lives in Central and S America
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mar.mot
noun a small European or American animal that lives in holes in the ground
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ma.roon
adj., noun, verb
adj. dark brownish-red in colour

noun
1 [U] a dark brownish-red colour
2 [C] a large FIREWORK that shoots into the air and makes a loud noise, used to attract attention, especially at sea

verb [vn] [usually passive] to leave sb in a place that they cannot escape from, for example an island: ‘Lord of the Flies’ is a novel about English schoolboys marooned on a desert island.

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marque
noun (formal) a well-known MAKE of a product, especially a car, that is expensive and fashionable: the Porsche marque
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mar.quee
noun
1 a large tent used at social events
2 (AmE) a covered entrance to a theatre, hotel, etc. often with a sign on or above it
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mar.quess
(also mar.quis) noun (in Britain) a NOBLEMAN of high rank: the Marquess of Bath—compare MARCHIONESS
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mar.quet.ry
noun [U] patterns or pictures made of pieces of wood on the surface of furniture, etc.; the art of making these patterns
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mar.quis
noun
1 (in some European countries but not Britain) a NOBLEMAN of high rank
2 = MARQUESS
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mar.quise
noun
1 the wife of a marquis
2 a woman who has the rank of a marquis —compare MARCHIONESS
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mar.ram grass
(also mar.ram) noun [U] a type of grass that grows in sand, often planted to prevent sand DUNES from being destroyed by the wind, rain, etc.
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mar.riage
noun
1 [C] the legal relationship between a husband and wife: a good / happy marriage  All of her children’s marriages ended in divorce.  an arranged marriage (= one in which the parents choose a husband or wife for their child)  She has two children by a previous marriage.—see also MIXED
2 [U] the state of being married: They don’t believe in marriage.  My parents are celebrating 30 years of marriage.
3 [C] the ceremony in which two people become husband and wife: Their marriage took place in a local church.
HELP Wedding is more common in this meaning.
IDM by 'marriage when sb is related to you by marriage, they are married to sb in your family, or you are married to sb in their family—more at HAND n.
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mar.riage.able
adj. (old-fashioned) suitable for marriage: She had reached marriageable age.
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'marriage bureau
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) an organization that introduces people who are looking for sb to marry
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'marriage certificate
(BrE ) (AmE 'marriage license) noun a legal document that proves two people are married
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,marriage 'guidance
noun [U] (BrE ) advice that is given by specially trained people to couples with problems in their marriage
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'marriage licence
(BrE ) (AmE'marriage license) noun
1 a document that allows two people to get married
2 (AmE) = MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
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,marriage of con'venience
noun a marriage that is made for practical, financial or political reasons and not because the two people love each other
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mar.ried
adj.
1 (abbr.m) having a husband or wife: a married man / woman  Is he married?  a happily married couple  She’s married to John.  Rachel and David are getting married on Saturday.  How long have you been married?
OPP UNMARRIED
2 [only before noun] connected with marriage: Are you enjoying married life?  Her married name (= the family name of her husband) is Jones—Mary Jones.
3 ~ to sth very involved in sth so that you have no time for other activities or interests: My brother is married to his job.
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mar.row
noun
1 [U] = BONE MARROW
2 (BrE) [U, C] a large vegetable that grows on the ground. Marrows are long and thick with dark green skin and white flesh.—
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marry
verb (mar.ries, marry.ing, mar.ried, mar.ried)
1 to become the husband or wife of sb; to get married to sb: [vn] She married a German.  [v] He never married.  I guess I’m not the marrying kind (= the kind of person who wants to get married).  [v-adj] They married young .
HELP It is more common to say They’re getting married next month. than They’re marrying next month.
2 [vn] to perform a ceremony in which a man and woman become husband and wife: They were married by the local priest.
3 [vn] ~ sb (to sb) to find a husband or wife for sb, especially your daughter or son
4 [vn] ~ sth and / to / with sth (formal) to combine two different things, ideas, etc. successfully: The music business marries art and commerce.
IDM marry 'money to marry a rich person
PVR V ,marry 'into sth to become part of a family or group because you have married sb who belongs to it: She married into the aristocracy. ,marry sb<->'off (to sb) (disapproving) to find a husband or wife for sb, especially your daughter or son ,marry sth<->'up (with sth) to combine two things, people or parts of sth successfully
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Mars
noun the planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is fourth in order of distance from the sun, between the Earth and Jupiter
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marsh
noun [C, U] an area of low land that is always soft and wet because there is nowhere for the water to flow away to: Cows were grazing on the marshes.
marshy adj.: marshy ground / land
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mar.shal
noun, verb
noun
1 (usually in compounds) an officer of the highest rank in the British army or air force: Field Marshal Lord Haig  Marshal of the Royal Air Force—see also AIR CHIEF MARSHAL , AIR MARSHAL , AIR VICE-MARSHAL , FIELD MARSHAL
2 a person responsible for making sure that public events, especially sports events, take place without any problems, and for controlling crowds
3 (in the US) an officer whose job is to carry out court orders: a federal marshal
4 (in some US cities) an officer of high rank in a police or fire department

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] (written)
1 to gather together and organize the people, things, ideas, etc. that you need for a particular purpose: to marshal your arguments / thoughts / facts  They have begun marshalling forces to send relief to the hurricane victims.
2 to control or organize a large group of people: Police were brought in to marshal the crowd.

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'marshalling yard
noun (BrE ) a place where railway WAGONS are connected, prepared, etc. to form trains
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marsh.land
noun [U, C] an area of soft wet land: low-lying areas that used to be marshland
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marsh.mal.low
noun [C, U] a pink or white sweet/candy that feels soft and elastic when you chew it
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mar.su.pial
noun any Australian animal that carries its young in a pocket of skin (called a POUCH ) on the mother’s stomach. KANGAROOS and KOALAS are marsupials .—
mar.su.pial adj.
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mart
noun (especially AmE ) a place where things are bought and sold: a used car mart
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mar.ten
noun a small wild animal with a long body, short legs and sharp teeth. Martens live in forests and eat smaller animals: a pine marten
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mar.tial
adj. (formal) [only before noun] connected with fighting or war: martial discipline / skill
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,martial 'art
noun [usually pl.] any of the fighting sports that include JUDO and KARATE
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,martial 'law
noun [U] a situation where the army of a country controls an area instead of the police during a time of trouble: to declare / impose / lift martial law  The city remains firmly under martial law .
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Mar.tian
noun an imaginary creature from the planet Mars
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mar.tinet
noun (formal) a very strict person who demands that other people obey orders or rules completely
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mar.tini
noun
1 (Martini™) [U] a type of VERMOUTH
2 [U] an alcoholic drink made with GIN and VERMOUTH
3 [C] a glass of martini : a dry martini
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mar.tyr
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who suffers very much or is killed because of their religious or political beliefs: the early Christian martyrs  a martyr to the cause of freedom
2 (usually disapproving) a person who tries to get sympathy from other people by telling them how much he or she is suffering
3 ~ to sth (informal) a person who suffers very much because of an illness, problem or situation: She’s a martyr to her nerves.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to kill sb because of their religious or political beliefs

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mar.tyr.dom
noun [U] the suffering or death of a martyr : the martyrdom of Joan of Arc
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mar.tyred
adj. [usually before noun] (disapproving) showing pain or suffering so that people will be kind and sympathetic towards you: She wore a perpetually martyred expression.
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mar.vel
noun, verb
noun
1 a wonderful and surprising person or thing: the marvels of nature / technology
2 (marvels) [pl.] wonderful results or things that have been achieved: The doctors have done marvels for her.

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) ~ (at sth) to be very surprised or impressed by sth: [v] Everyone marvelled at his courage. [alsov that, v speech]

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mar.vel.lous
(BrE ) (AmEmar.vel.ous) adj. extremely good; wonderful: This will be a marvellous opportunity for her.  The weather was marvellous.  It’s marvellous what modern technology can do.
mar.vel.lous.ly (BrE) (AmEmar.vel.ous.ly) adv.
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Marx.ism
noun [U] the political and economic theories of Karl Marx (1818-83) which explain the changes and developments in society as the result of opposition between the social classes
Marx.ist noun
Marx.ist adj.: Marxist theory / doctrine / ideology
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mar.zi.pan
noun [U] a sweet firm substance, sometimes with yellow colour added, made from ALMONDS , sugar and eggs and used to make sweets/candy and cover cakes—
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mas.cara
noun [U] a substance that is put on EYELASHES to make them look dark and thick
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mas.cot
noun an animal, a toy, etc. that people believe will bring them good luck, or that represents an organization, etc: The team’s mascot is a giant swan.  Misha, the bear—the official mascot of the 1980 Moscow Olympics
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mas.cu.line
adj., noun
adj.
1 having the qualities or appearance considered to be typical of men; connected with or like men: He was handsome and strong, and very masculine.  a bold masculine design  That suit makes her look very masculine.—compare FEMININE , MALE
2 (grammar) belonging to a class of words that refer to male people or animals and often have a special form: ‘He’ and ‘him’ are masculine pronouns.
3 (grammar) (in some languages) belonging to a class of nouns, pronouns or adjectives that have masculine GENDER not FEMININE or NEUTER : The French word for ‘sun’ is masculine.

noun
1 (the masculine) [sing.] the masculine GENDER (= form of nouns, adjectives and pronouns)
2 [C] a masculine word or word form—compare FEMININE , NEUTER

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mas.cu.lin.ity
noun [U] the quality of being masculine : He felt it was a threat to his masculinity.
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mash
noun, verb
noun
1 (also ,mashed po'tato, ,mashed po'tatoes) (all BrE) [U] potatoes that have been boiled and crushed into a soft mass, often with butter and milk: bangers and mash
2 [U] grain cooked in water until soft, used to feed farm animals
3 [U] a mixture of MALT grains and hot water, used for making beer, etc.
4 [sing.] a ~ (of sth) any food that has been crushed into a soft mass: The soup was a mash of grain and vegetables.—see also MISHMASH

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) to crush food into a soft mass: Mash the fruit up with a fork.
mashed adj.: mashed banana

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mask
noun, verb
noun
1 a covering for part or all of the face, worn to hide or protect it: a gas / surgical mask  The robbers were wearing stocking masks.—see also OXYGEN MASK —picture at HOCKEY , SNORKELLING
2 something that covers your face and has another face painted on it: The kids were all wearing animal masks.—see also DEATH MASK
3 a thick cream made of various substances that you put on your face and neck in order to improve the quality of your skin: a face mask
4 [usually sing.] a manner or an expression that hides your true character or feelings: He longed to throw off the mask of respectability.  Her face was a cold blank mask.

verb [vn] to hide a feeling, smell, fact, etc. so that it cannot be easily seen or noticed: She masked her anger with a smile.

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masked
adj. wearing a MASK : a masked gunman
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,masked 'ball
noun a formal party at which guests wear masks
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'masking tape
noun [U] sticky tape that you use to keep an area clean or protected when you are painting around or near it
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maso.chism
noun [U]
1 the practice of getting sexual pleasure from being physically hurt—compare SADISM
2 (informal) the enjoyment of sth that most people would find unpleasant or painful: You spent the whole weekend in a tent in the rain? That’s masochism!
maso.chist noun
maso.chis.tic adj.: masochistic behaviour / tendencies
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mason
noun
1 a person who builds using stone, or works with stone
2 (Mason) = FREEMASON
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Ma.son.ic
adj. connected with FREEMASONS
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ma.son.ry
noun [U] the parts of a building that are made of stone: She was injured by falling masonry.  He acquired a knowledge of carpentry and masonry (= building with stone).
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masque
noun a play written in verse, often with music and dancing, popular in England in the 16th and 17th centuries
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mas.quer.ade
noun, verb
noun
1 (formal) a way of behaving that hides the truth or a person’s true feelings
2 (especially AmE) a type of party where people wear special COSTUMES and MASKS over their faces, to hide their identities

verb [v] ~ as sth to pretend to be sth that you are not: commercial advertisers masquerading as private individuals

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Mass
noun
1 (sometimes mass) [U, C] (especially in the Roman Catholic Church) a ceremony held in memory of the last meal that Christ had with his DISCIPLES : to go to / hear Mass  a priest celebrating / saying Mass—see also EUCHARIST , COMMUNION
2 [C] a piece of music that is written for the prayers, etc. of this ceremony: Bach’s Mass in B minor
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mass
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth) a large amount of a substance that does not have a definite shape or form: a mass of snow and rocks falling down the mountain  The hill appeared as a black mass in the distance.  The sky was full of dark masses of clouds.
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth a large amount or quantity of sth: a mass of blonde hair  I began sifting through the mass of evidence.
3 [sing.] ~ of sth a large number of people or things grouped together, often in a confused way: I struggled through the mass of people to the exit.  The page was covered with a mass of figures.
4 (masses (of sth)) [pl.] (informal) a large number or amount of sth: There were masses of people in the shops yesterday.  I’ve got masses of work to do.  Don’t give me any more. I’ve eaten masses!
5 (the masses) [pl.] the ordinary people in society who are not leaders or who are considered to be not very well educated: government attempts to suppress dissatisfaction among the masses  a TV programme that brings science to the masses
6 (the mass of sth) [sing.] the most; the MAJORITY : The reforms are unpopular with the mass of teachers and parents.
7 [U] (physics) the quantity of material that sth contains: calculating the mass of a planet
HELP Weight is used in non-technical language for this meaning.—see also BIOMASS , CRITICAL MASS , LAND MASS
IDM be a 'mass of to be full of or covered with sth: The rose bushes are a mass of flowers in June.  Her arm was a mass of bruises.

adj. [only before noun] affecting or involving a large number of people or things: mass unemployment / production  weapons of mass destruction  Their latest product is aimed at the mass market .—see also MASS-MARKET

verb to come together in large numbers; to gather people or things together in large numbers: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] Demonstrators had massed outside the embassy.  Dark clouds massed on the horizon.  [vn] The general massed his troops for a final attack.
massed adj.: the massed ranks of his political opponents

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mas.sacre
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 the killing of a large number of people especially in a cruel way: the bloody massacre of innocent civilians  Nobody survived the massacre.
2 (informal) a very big defeat in a game or competition: The game was a 10–0 massacre for our team.

verb [vn]
1 to kill a large number of people, especially in a cruel way: Hundreds of innocent women and children were massacred.
2 (informal) to defeat sb very badly in a game or competition: Our team was massacred in the final.

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mas.sage
noun, verb
noun [U, C] the action of rubbing and pressing a person’s body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints: Massage will help the pain.  a back massage  to give sb a massage  massage oils

verb [vn]
1 to rub and press a person’s body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints: He massaged the aching muscles in her feet.   (figurative) to massage sb’s ego (= to make sb feel better, more confident, attractive, etc.)
2 to rub a substance into the skin, hair, etc: Massage the cream into your skin.
3 (disapproving) to change facts, figures, etc. in order to make them seem better than they really are: The government was accused of massaging the unemployment figures.

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'massage parlour
(BrE ) (AmE 'massage parlor) noun
1 a place where you can pay to have a massage
2 a place that is supposed to offer the service of massage , but is also where men go to pay for sex with prostitutes
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mas.seur
noun a person whose job is giving people massage
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mas.seuse
noun a woman whose job is giving people massage
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mas.sif
noun (technical ) a group of mountains that form a large mass
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mas.sive
adj.
1 very large, heavy and solid: a massive rock  the massive walls of the castle
2 extremely large or serious: The explosion made a massive hole in the ground.  a massive increase in spending  He suffered a massive heart attack.   (BrE, spoken, informal) Their house is massive.  They have a massive great house.
mas.sive.ly adv.
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,mass-'market
adj. [only before noun] (of goods etc.) produced for very large numbers of people
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the ,mass 'media
noun [pl.] sources of information and news such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television, that reach and influence large numbers of people
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,mass-pro'duce
verb [vn] to produce goods in large quantities, using machinery
,mass-pro'duced adj.: mass-produced goods
,mass pro'duction noun [U]: the mass production of consumer goods
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mast
noun
1 a tall pole on a boat or ship that supports the sails—picture at YACHT
2 a tall metal tower with an AERIAL that sends and receives radio or television signals
3 a tall pole that is used for holding a flag—see also HALF MAST
IDM see NAIL v.
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mast.ec.tomy
noun (pl.-ies) a medical operation to remove a woman’s breast
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mas.ter
noun, verb, adj.
noun
OF SERVANTS|
1 (old-fashioned) a man who has people working for him, often as servants in his home: I’m afraid the master is away on business.  They lived in fear of their master.
PERSON IN CONTROL|
2 ~ of sth (written) a person who is able to control sth: She was no longer master of her own future.
SKILLED PERSON|
3 ~ (of sth) a person who is skilled at sth: a master of disguise  a master of the serve-and-volley game—see also PAST MASTER
DOG OWNER|
4 the male owner of a dog: The dog saved its master’s life.—compare MISTRESS
TEACHER|
5 (BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a male teacher at a school, especially a private school: the physics master—compare SCHOOLMASTER , MISTRESS
UNIVERSITY DEGREE|
6 (master’s) (also 'master’s degree) a second university degree, or, in Scotland, a first university degree, such as an MA: He has a Master’s in Business Administration.—see also MA , MB , MBA , MSC
7 (usually Master) a person who has a master’s degree: a Master of Arts / Science
CAPTAIN OF SHIP|
8 the captain of a ship that transports goods
FAMOUS PAINTER|
9 a famous painter who lived in the past: an exhibition of work by the French master, Monet—see also OLD MASTER
ORIGINAL RECORD / TAPE / MOVIE|
10 (often used as an adjective) a version of a record, tape, film/movie, etc. from which copies are made: the master copy
TITLE|
11 (Master) (rather old-fashioned) a title used when speaking to or about a boy who is too young to be called Mr (also used in front of the name on an envelope, etc.)
12 (Master) (in Britain) the title of the head of some schools and university colleges: the Master of Wolfson College
13 (Master) a title used for speaking to or about some religious teachers or leaders
HELP There are many other compounds ending in master. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. be your own 'master / 'mistress to be free to make your own decisions rather than being told what to do by sb else—more at LORD , SERVE v.

verb [vn]
LEARN / UNDERSTAND|
1 to learn or understand sth completely: to master new skills / techniques  French was a language he had never mastered.
CONTROL|
2 to manage to control an emotion: She struggled hard to master her temper.
3 to gain control of an animal or a person

adj. [only before noun]
SKILLED|
1 ~ baker / chef / mason, etc. used to describe a person who is very skilled at the job mentioned: a master builder / craftsman
MOST IMPORTANT|
2 the largest and/or most important: the master bedroom  a master file / switch

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mas.ter.class
noun a lesson, especially in music, given by a famous expert to very skilled students
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mas.ter.ful
adj.
1 (of a person, especially a man) able to control people or situations in a way that shows confidence as a leader
2 = MASTERLY : a masterful performance
mas.ter.ful.ly adv.: He took her arm masterfully and led her away.
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'master key
(also 'pass key) noun a key that can be used to open many different locks in a building
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mas.ter.ly
(also mas.ter.ful) adj. showing great skill or understanding: a masterly performance  Her handling of the situation was masterly.
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mas.ter.mind
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] an intelligent person who plans and directs a complicated project or activity (often one that involves a crime): The mastermind behind the robbery was never caught.

verb [vn] to plan and direct a complicated project or activity

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,master of 'ceremonies
noun (abbr. MC) a person who introduces guests or entertainers at a formal occasion
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mas.ter.piece
(also mas.ter.work) noun a work of art such as a painting, film/movie, book, etc. that is an excellent, or the best, example of the artist’s work: The museum houses several of his Cubist masterpieces.  Her work is a masterpiece of (= an excellent example of) simplicity.
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'master plan
noun [sing.] a detailed plan that will make a complicated project successful
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'master’s degree
(also master’s) noun a further university degree that you study for after a first degree
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'master stroke
noun [usually sing.] something clever that you do that gives a successful result: a master stroke that established his career
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mas.ter.work
noun = MASTERPIECE
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mas.tery
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) great knowledge about or understanding of a particular thing: She has mastery of several languages.
2 [U] ~ (of / over sb/sth) control or power: human mastery of the natural world
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mast.head
noun
1 the top of a MAST on a ship
2 the name of a newspaper at the top of the front page
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mas.tic
noun [U]
1 a substance that comes from the bark of a tree and is used in making VARNISH
2 a substance that is used in building to fill holes and keep out water
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mas.ti.cate
verb [v] (technical ) to chew food
mas.ti.ca.tion noun [U]
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mas.tiff
noun a large strong dog with short hair, often used to guard buildings
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mas.titis
noun [U] (medical ) painful swelling of the breast or UDDER usually because of infection
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mas.tur.bate
verb
1 [v] to give yourself sexual pleasure by rubbing your sexual organs
2 [vn] to give sb sexual pleasure by rubbing their sexual organs
mas.tur.ba.tion noun [U]
mas.tur.ba.tory adj.
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mat
noun, adj.
noun
1 a small piece of thick carpet or strong material that is used to cover part of a floor: Wipe your feet on the mat before you come in, please.—see also BATH MAT , DOORMAT , MOUSE MAT
2 a piece of thick material such as rubber or plastic used especially in some sports for people to lie on or fall onto: a judo / exercise mat
3 a small piece of wood or fabric used on a table for decoration or to protect the surface from heat or damage: a beer mat—see also TABLE MAT
4 a thick mass of sth that is stuck together: a mat of hair—see also MATTED

adj. (AmE ) = MATT

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mata.dor
noun a person who fights and kills the BULL in a BULLFIGHT
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match
noun, verb
noun
FOR LIGHTING FIRES|
1 [C] a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is used for lighting a fire, cigarette, etc: a box of matches  to strike a match (= to make it burn)  to put a match to sth (= set fire to sth)
IN SPORT|
2 [C] (especially BrE) a sports event where people or teams compete against each other: (BrE) a football match   (AmE, BrE) a tennis match  They are playing an important match against Liverpool on Saturday.—see also SLANGING MATCH
AN EQUAL|
3 [sing.] a ~ for sb| sb’s match a person who is equal to sb else in strength, skill, intelligence, etc: I was no match for him at tennis.  I was his match at tennis.
SB / STH THAT COMBINES WELL|
4 [sing.] a person or thing that combines well with sb/sth else: The curtains and carpet are a good match .  Jo and Ian are a perfect match for each other.
STH THE SAME|
5 [C] a thing that looks exactly the same as or very similar to sth else: I’ve found a vase that is an exact match of the one I broke.
MARRIAGE|
6 [C] (old-fashioned) a marriage or a marriage partner—see also LOVE MATCH find / meet your 'match (in sb) to meet sb who is equal to, or even better than you in strength, skill or intelligence—more at MAN n. , WHOLE

verb
COMBINE WELL|
1 if two things match, or if one thing matches another, they have the same colour, pattern, or style and therefore look attractive together: [vn] The doors were painted blue to match the walls.  a scarf with gloves to match   [v] None of these glasses match (= they are all different).—see also MATCHING
BE THE SAME|
2 if two things match or if one thing matches another, they are the same or very similar: [vn] Her fingerprints match those found at the scene of the crime.  As a couple they are not very well matched (= they are not very suitable for each other).  [v] The two sets of figures don’t match.
FIND STH SIMILAR / CONNECTED|
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (to / with sb/sth) to find sb/sth that goes together with or is connected with another person or thing: The aim of the competition is to match the quote to the person who said it.
BE EQUAL / BETTER|
4 [vn] to be as good, interesting, successful, etc. as sb/sth else
SYN EQUAL : The profits made in the first year have never been matched.  The teams were evenly matched .
5 [vn] to make sth the same or better than sth else: The company was unable to match his current salary.
PROVIDE STH SUITABLE|
6 [vn] to provide sth that is suitable for or enough for a particular situation: Investment in hospitals is needed now to match the future needs of the country.
IDM see MIX v. 'match sth against sth to compare sth with sth else in order to find things that are the same or similar: New information is matched against existing data in the computer. 'match sb/sth against / with sb/sth to arrange for sb to compete in a game or competition against sb else: We are matched against last year’s champions in the first round. ,match 'up (with sth) to be the same or similar
SYN TALLY : The suspects' stories just don’t match up. ,match sth<->'up (with sth) to find things that belong together or that look attractive together: She spent the morning matching up orders with invoices. ,match 'up (to sb/sth) (usually used in negative sentences) to be as good, interesting, successful as sb/sth
SYN MEASURE UP : The trip failed to match up to her expectations.

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match.box
noun a small box for holding matches—picture at PACKAGING
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match.ing
adj. [only before noun] (of clothing, fabric, objects, etc.) having the same colour, pattern, style, etc. and therefore looking attractive together: a pine table with four matching chairs
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match.less
adj. (written) so good that nothing can be compared with it: matchless beauty / skill
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match.maker
noun a person who tries to arrange marriages or relationships between others
match.mak.ing noun [U]
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,match 'point
noun [U, C] (especially in tennis) a point that, if won by a player, will also win them the match
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match.stick
noun a single wooden match: starving children with legs like matchsticks—picture at STICK
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'matchstick figure
(BrE ) (AmE 'stick figure) noun a picture of a person drawn only with thin lines for the arms and legs, a circle for the head, etc.
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match.wood
noun [U] very small pieces of wood
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mate
noun, verb
noun
FRIEND|
1 [C] (BrE, informal) a friend: They’ve been best mates since school.  I was with a mate.
FRIENDLY NAME|
2 [C] (BrE, informal) used as a friendly way of addressing sb, especially between men: Sorry mate, you’ll have to wait.  All right, mate?
SB YOU SHARE WITH|
3 [C] (in compounds) a person you share an activity or accommodation with: workmates / teammates / playmates / classmates  my room-mate / flatmate—see also RUNNING MATE , SOUL MATE
BIRD / ANIMAL|
4 [C] either of a pair of birds or animals: A male bird sings to attract a mate.
SEXUAL PARTNER|
5 [C] (informal) a husband, wife or other sexual partner
JOB|
6 [C] (BrE) a person whose job is to help a skilled worker: a builder’s / plumber’s mate
ON SHIP|
7 [C] an officer in a commercial ship below the rank of captain or MASTER —see also FIRST MATE
IN CHESS|
8 [U] = CHECKMATE

verb
ANIMALS / BIRDS|
1 [v] ~ (with sth) (of two animals or birds) to have sex in order to produce young: Do foxes ever mate with dogs?—see also MATING
2 [vn] ~ sth (to / with sth) to put animals or birds together so that they will have sex and produce young
IN CHESS|
3 [vn] = CHECKMATE

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ma.ter.ial
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U, C] cloth used for making clothes, curtains, etc.
SYN FABRIC : a piece of material  ‘What material is this dress made of?’‘Cotton.’—picture at SEW
2 [C, U] a substance that things can be made from: building materials (= bricks, sand, glass, etc.)  Oil is the raw material for plastic.
3 [C, usually pl., U] things that are needed in order to do a particular activity: teaching materials  The company produces its own training material.   (figurative) The teacher saw her as good university material (= good enough to go to university).
4 [U] information or ideas used in books, etc: She’s collecting material for her latest novel.
5 [U] items used in a performance: The band played all new material at the gig.

adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with money, possessions, etc. rather than with the needs of the mind or spirit: material comforts  changes in your material circumstances
OPP SPIRITUAL
2 [only before noun] connected with the physical world rather than with the mind or spirit: the material world
OPP IMMATERIAL
3 ~ (to sth) (formal orlaw) important and needing to be considered: material evidence  She omitted information that was material to the case.—see also IMMATERIAL
ma.teri.ally adv.: Materially they are no better off.  Their comments have not materially affected our plans (= in a noticeable or important way).

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ma.teri.al.ism
noun [U]
1 (usually disapproving) the belief that money, possessions and physical comforts are more important than spiritual values: the greed and materialism of modern society
2 (philosophy) the belief that only material things exist—compare IDEALISM
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ma.teri.al.ist
noun
1 a person who believes that money, possessions and physical comforts are more important than spiritual values in life
2 a person who believes in the philosophy of materialism
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ma.teri.al.is.tic
adj. (disapproving) caring more about money and possessions than anything else: Children today are so materialistic.
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ma.teri.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v]
1 (usually used in negative sentences) to take place or start to exist as expected or planned: The promotion he had been promised failed to materialize.
2 to appear suddenly and/or in a way that cannot be explained: A tall figure suddenly materialized at her side.   (informal) The train failed to materialize (= it did not come).
ma.teri.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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ma.ter.nal
adj.
1 having feelings that are typical of a caring mother towards a child: maternal love  I’m not very maternal.  She didn’t have any maternal instincts.
2 connected with being a mother: Maternal age affects the baby’s survival rate.
3 [only before noun] related through the mother’s side of the family: my maternal grandfather (= my mother’s father)
ma.ter.nal.ly adv.: She behaved maternally towards her students.—compare PATERNAL
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ma.ter.nity
noun [U] the state of being or becoming a mother: maternity clothes (= clothes for women who are pregnant)  a maternity ward / hospital (= one where women go to give birth to their babies)
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ma'ternity leave
noun [U] a period of time when a woman temporarily leaves her job to have a baby
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matey
adj., noun
adj. ~ (with sb) (BrE , informal) friendly, sometimes in a way that is not completely sincere: She started off being quite matey with everyone.

noun (BrE ) used by men as an informal way of addressing another man

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math.em.at.ician
noun a person who is an expert in mathematics
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math.emat.ics
(also BrE informal maths ) (also AmE informal math ) noun
1 [U] the science of numbers and shapes. Branches of mathematics include ARITHMETIC , ALGEBRA , GEOMETRY and TRIGONOMETRY : the core subjects of English, Maths and Science  a maths teacher  the school mathematics curriculum
2 [U+sing./pl. v.] the process of calculating using numbers: If my maths is / are right, the answer is 142.  Is your math correct?
math.emat.ic.al adj.: mathematical calculations / problems / models  to assess children’s mathematical ability
math.emat.ic.al.ly adv.: It’s mathematically impossible.  Some people are very mathematically inclined (= interested in and good at mathematics).
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mat.inee
(also mat.inée) noun an afternoon performance of a play, etc.; an afternoon showing of a film/movie
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mat.ing
noun [U, C] sex between animals: the mating season
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mat.ins
(also mat.tins) noun [U] the service of morning prayer, especially in the Anglican Church—compare EVENSONG , VESPERS
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ma.tri.arch
noun a woman who is the head of a family or social group—compare PATRIARCH
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ma.tri.arch.al
adj. (of a society or system) controlled by women rather than men; passing power, property, etc. from mother to daughter rather than from father to son: The animals live in matriarchal groups.—compare PATRIARCHAL
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ma.tri.archy
noun (pl.-ies) a social system that gives power and authority to women rather than men—compare PATRIARCHY
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matri.ces
pl. of MATRIX
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matri.cide
noun [U, C] (formal) the crime of killing your mother; a person who is guilty of this crime—compare FRATRICIDE , PARRICIDE , PATRICIDE
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ma.tric.ulate
verb [v] (formal) to officially become a student at a university: She matriculated in 1968.
ma.tricu.la.tion noun [U]
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matri.mo.nial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal ortechnical ) connected with marriage or with being married: matrimonial problems  the matrimonial home
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matri.mony
noun [U] (formal ortechnical ) marriage; the state of being married: holy matrimony
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mat.rix
noun (pl.matri.ces )
1 (mathematics) an arrangement of numbers, symbols, etc. in rows and columns, treated as a single quantity
2 (formal) the formal social, political, etc. situation from which a society or person grows and develops: the European cultural matrix
3 (formal or literary) a system of lines, roads, etc. that cross each other, forming a series of squares or shapes in between
SYN NETWORK : a matrix of paths
4 (technical) a MOULD in which sth is shaped
5 (computing) a group of electronic CIRCUIT elements arranged in rows and columns like a GRID —see also DOT MATRIX PRINTER
6 (geology) a mass of rock in which minerals, precious stones, etc. are found in the ground
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ma.tron
noun
1 (BrE) a woman who works as a nurse in a school
2 (old-fashioned, BrE) a senior female nurse in charge of the other nurses in a hospital (now usually called a senior nursing officer)
3 (becoming old-fashioned) an older married woman
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ma.tron.ly
adj. (disapproving) (of a woman) no longer young, and rather fat
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'matron of honour
(BrE ) (AmE'matron of honor) noun [sing.] a married woman who is the most important BRIDESMAID at a wedding—compare MAID OF HONOUR
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matt
(BrE ) (AmEmat) (also matteAmE, BrE) adj. (of a colour, surface, or photograph) not shiny: a matt finish  matt white paint  Prints are available on matt or glossy paper.
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mat.ted
adj. (of hair, etc.) forming a thick mass, especially because it is wet and dirty: the dog’s matted fur
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mat.ter
noun, verb
noun
SUBJECT / SITUATION|
1 [C] a subject or situation that you must consider or deal with AFFAIR : It’s a private matter.  They had important matters to discuss.  She may need your help with some business matters.  I always consulted him on matters of policy.  It’s a matter for the police (= for them to deal with).  That’s a matter for you to take up with your boss.  Let’s get on with the matter in hand (= what we need to deal with now).  I wasn’t prepared to let the matter drop (= stop discussing it).  It was no easy matter getting him to change his mind.  It should have been a simple matter to check.   (ironic) And then there’s the little matter of the fifty pounds you owe me.   (formal) It was a matter of some concern to most of those present (= something they were worried about).  I did not feel that we had got to the heart of the matter (= the most important part).  And that is the crux of the matter (= the most important thing about the situation).
2 (matters) [pl.] the present situation, or the situation that you are talking about
SYN THINGS : Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to improve matters.  I’d forgotten the keys, which didn’t help matters .  Matters were made worse by a fire in the warehouse.  And then, to make matters worse , his parents turned up.  I decided to take matters into my own hands (= deal with the situation myself).  Matters came to a head (= the situation became very difficult) with his resignation.
PROBLEM|
3 (the matter) [sing.] ~ (with sb/sth) used (to ask) if sb is upset, unhappy, etc. or if there is a problem: What’s the matter? Is there something wrong?  Is anything the matter ?  Is something the matter with Bob? He seems very down.  There’s something the matter with my eyes.  ‘We’ve bought a new TV.’‘What was the matter with the old one?’  What’s the matter with you today (= why are you behaving like this)?
A MATTER OF STH / OF DOING STH|
4 [sing.] a situation that involves sth or depends on sth
SYN QUESTION : Learning to drive is all a matter of coordination.  Planning a project is just a matter of working out the right order to do things in.  That’s not a problem. It’s simply a matter of letting people know in time.  Some people prefer the older version to the new one. It’s a matter of taste .  She resigned over a matter of principle .  The government must deal with this as a matter of urgency .   (spoken) Just as a matter of interest (= because it is interesting, not because it is important), how much did you pay for it?  ‘I think this is the best so far.’‘Well, that’s a matter of opinion (= other people may think differently).
SUBSTANCE|
5 [U] (technical) physical substance in general that everything in the world consists of; not mind or spirit: to study the properties of matter
6 [U] a substance or things of a particular sort: Add plenty of organic matter to improve the soil.  elimination of waste matter from the body  She didn’t approve of their choice of reading matter .—see also SUBJECT MATTER as a matter of 'fact (spoken)
1 used to add a comment on sth that you have just said, usually adding sth that you think the other person will be interested in: It’s a nice place. We’ve stayed there ourselves, as a matter of fact.
2 used to disagree with sth that sb has just said: ‘I suppose you’ll be leaving soon, then?’‘No, as a matter of fact I’ll be staying for another two years.’ be another / a different 'matter to be very different: I know which area they live in, but whether I can find their house is a different matter. for 'that matter (spoken) used to add a comment on sth that you have just said: I didn’t like it much. Nor did the kids, for that matter. it’s just / only a matter of 'time (before … ) used to say that sth will definitely happen, although you are not sure when: It’s only a matter of time before they bring out their own version of the software. (as) a matter of 'course the usual and correct thing that is done: We always check people’s addresses as a matter of course. a matter of 'hours, 'minutes, etc. | a matter of 'inches, 'metres, etc. only a few hours, minutes, etc: It was all over in a matter of minutes.  The bullet missed her by a matter of inches. a ,matter of ,life and 'death used to describe a situation that is very important or serious a ,matter of 'record (formal) something that has been recorded as being true no matter (spoken) used to say that sth is not important no matter who, what, where, etc. used to say that sth is always true, whatever the situation is, or that sb should certainly do sth: They don’t last long no matter how careful you are.  Call me when you get there, no matter what the time is.—more at FACT , LAUGHING

verb ~ (to sb) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be important or have an important effect on sb/sth: [v] The children matter more to her than anything else in the world.  It doesn’t matter to me what you do.  ‘What did you say?’‘Oh, it doesn’t matter’ (= it is not important enough to repeat).’  ‘I’m afraid I forgot that book again.’‘It doesn’t matter (= it is not important enough to worry about).’  What does it matter if I spent $100 on it—it’s my money!  As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters .  After his death, nothing seemed to matter any more.  He’s been in prison, you know—not that it matters (= that information does not affect my opinion of him).  [v wh-] Does it really matter who did it?  [v that] It didn’t matter that the weather was bad.

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,matter-of-'fact
adj. said or done without showing any emotion, especially in a situation in which you would expect sb to express their feelings: She told us the news of his death in a very matter-of-fact way.
,matter-of-'factly adv.
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mat.ting
noun rough, woven material for making MATS : coconut matting
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mat.tins
noun [U] = MATINS
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mat.tress
noun the soft part of a bed, that you lie on: a soft / hard mattress—picture at BED
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mat.ur.ation
noun [U] (formal)
1 the process of becoming or being made mature (= ready to eat or drink after being left for a period of time)
2 the process of becoming adult
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ma.ture
adj., verb
adj.
HELP maturer is occasionally used instead of more mature
SENSIBLE|
1 (of a child or young person) behaving in a sensible way, like an adult: Jane is very mature for her age.  a mature and sensible attitude
OPP IMMATURE
FULLY GROWN|
2 (of a person, a tree, a bird or an animal) fully grown and developed: sexually mature  a mature oak / eagle / elephant
OPP IMMATURE
WINE / CHEESE|
3 developed over a period of time to produce a strong, rich flavour
NO LONGER YOUNG|
4 used as a polite or humorous way of saying that sb is no longer young: clothes for the mature woman  a man of mature years
WORK OF ART|
5 created late in an artist’s life and showing great understanding and skill
INSURANCE POLICY|
6 (business) ready to be paid
ma.ture.ly adv. on mature re'flection / conside'ration (formal) after thinking about sth carefully and for a long time

verb
BECOME FULLY GROWN|
1 [v] to become fully grown or developed: This particular breed of cattle matures early.  Technology in this field has matured considerably over the last decade.
BECOME SENSIBLE|
2 [v] to develop emotionally and start to behave like a sensible adult: He has matured a great deal over the past year.
DEVELOP SKILL|
3 [v] ~ (into sth) to fully develop a particular skill or quality: She has matured into one of the country’s finest actresses.
WINE / CHEESE|
4 [v, vn] if wine, cheese, etc. matures or is matured, it develops over a period of time to produce a strong, rich flavour
INSURANCE POLICY|
5 [v] (business) to reach the date when it must be paid

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ma,ture 'student
noun (BrE ) an adult student who goes to college or university some years after leaving school
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ma.tur.ity
noun [U]
1 the quality of thinking and behaving in a sensible, adult manner: He has maturity beyond his years.  Her poems show great maturity.—compare IMMATURITY
2 (of a person, an animal, or a plant) the state of being fully grown or developed: The forest will take 100 years to reach maturity .—compare IMMATURITY
3 (business) (of an insurance policy, etc.) the time when money you have invested is ready to be paid
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matzo
noun [U, C] (pl.-os) a type of bread in the form of a large flat biscuit, traditionally eaten by Jews during Passover; one of these biscuits
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maud.lin
adj.
1 talking in a silly, emotional way, often full of pity for yourself, especially when drunk
2 (of a book, film / movie, or song) expressing or causing exaggerated emotions, especially in way that is not sincere
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maul
verb [vn]
1 (of an animal) to attack and injure sb by tearing their flesh
2 to touch sb/sth in an unpleasant and/or violent way: She was mauled by guards at the border.
3 to criticize sth/sb severely and publicly
4 (informal) to defeat sb easily
maul.ing noun [sing.]: The play received a mauling from the critics.  They face a mauling by last year’s winners.
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Maundy Thurs.day
noun [U, C] (in the Christian Church) the Thursday before Easter
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mau.so.leum
noun a special building made to hold the dead body of an important person or the dead bodies of a family: the royal mausoleum
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mauve
adj. pale purple in colour
mauve noun [U]
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maven
noun (AmE ) an expert on sth
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mav.er.ick
noun a person who does not behave or think like everyone else, but who has independent, unusual opinions: a political maverick
mav.er.ick adj. [only before noun]: a maverick film director
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maw
noun
1 (literary) something that seems like a big mouth that swallows things up completely
2 (old-fashioned) an animal’s stomach or throat
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mawk.ish
adj. (disapproving) expressing or sharing emotion in a way that is exaggerated or embarrassing: a mawkish poem
mawk.ish.ness noun [U]
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max
abbr., verb
abbr.
1 (also max. especially in AmE) MAXIMUM : max temperature 18°C
2 at the most: (informal) It’ll cost £50 max.
OPP MIN.

verb
PVR V ,max 'out (AmE, informal) to reach the limit at which nothing more is possible: The car maxed out at 150 mph.

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maxim
noun a well-known phrase that expresses sth that is usually true or that people think is a rule for sensible behaviour
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max.imal
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) as great or as large as possible: It takes several weeks for the treatment to have maximal effect.—compare MINIMAL
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maxi.mize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to increase sth as much as possible: to maximize efficiency / fitness / profits   (computing) Maximize the window to full screen.
2 to make the best use of sth: to maximize opportunities / resources
OPP MINIMIZE
maxi.miza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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max.imum
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. max) as large, fast, etc. as is possible, or the most that is possible or allowed: the maximum speed / temperature / volume  For maximum effect do the exercises every day.  a maximum security prison—compare MINIMUM

noun [usually sing.] (pl.max.ima ) (abbr. max) the greatest amount, size, speed, etc. that is possible, recorded or allowed: a maximum of 30 children in a class  The job will require you to use all your skills to the maximum .  The July maximum (= the highest temperature recorded in July) was 30°C  What is the absolute maximum you can afford to pay?
—compare MINIMUM
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May
noun [U, C] the fifth month of the year, between April and June
HELP To see how May is used, look at the examples at April.
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may
modal verb, noun
modal verb (negativemay not, rare short formptmayn’t , ptmight , negativemight not, rare short formmightn’t )
1 used to say that sth is possible: That may or may not be true.  He may have (= perhaps he has) missed his train.  They may well win.  There is a range of programs on the market which may be described as design aids.
2 used when admitting that sth is true before introducing another point, argument, etc: He may be a good father but he’s a terrible husband.
3 (formal) used to ask for or give permission: May I come in?  You may come in if you wish.  note at CAN^1
4 (formal, spoken) used as a polite way of making a comment, asking a question, etc: You look lovely, if I may say so.  May I ask why you took that decision?  If I may just add one thing …
5 (formal) used to express wishes and hopes: May she rest in peace.  Business has been thriving in the past year. Long may it continue to do so.
6 (formal) used to say what the purpose of sth is: There is a need for more resources so that all children may have a decent education.  note at MODAL
IDM be that as it 'may (formal) in spite of that
SYN NEVERTHELESS : I know that he has tried hard; be that as it may, his work is just not good enough.

noun [U] the white or pink flowers of the HAWTHORN

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maybe
adv.
1 used when you are not certain that sth will happen or that sth is true or is a correct number: Maybe he’ll come, maybe he won’t.  ‘Are you going to sell your house?’‘Maybe.’  It will cost two, maybe three hundred pounds.  We go there maybe once or twice a month.
2 used when making a suggestion: I thought maybe we could go together.  Maybe you should tell her.
3 used to agree with sb, and to add more information that should be thought about: ‘You should stop work when you have the baby.’‘Maybe, but I can’t afford to.’
4 used when replying to a question or an idea, when you are not sure whether to agree or disagree: ‘I think he should resign.’‘Maybe.’
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'May Day
noun [U, C] the first day of May, celebrated as a spring festival and, in some countries, as a holiday in honour of working people—compare LABOR DAY
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May.day
noun [sing.] an international radio signal used by ships and aircraft needing help when they are in danger
ORIGIN From the French venez m’aider‘come and help me’.
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may.fly
noun (pl.-ies) a small insect that lives near water and only lives for a very short time
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may.hem
noun [U] confusion and fear, usually caused by violent behaviour or by some sudden shocking event: There was absolute mayhem when everyone tried to get out at once.
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may.on.naise
(also informal mayo ) noun [U] a thick cold white sauce made from eggs, oil and VINEGAR , used to add flavour to sandwiches, salads, etc: egg mayonnaise (= a dish made with hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise)
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mayor
noun
1 (in England, Wales and N Ireland) the head of a town, BOROUGH or county council, chosen by other members of the council to represent them at official ceremonies, etc: the Lord Mayor of London—compare PROVOST
2 the head of the government of a town or city, etc., elected by the public: the Mayor of New York  Mayor Bob Anderson  London has elected its new mayor.
may.oral adj. [only before noun]: mayoral robes / duties
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may.or.alty
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 the title or position of a mayor
2 the period of time during which a person is a mayor
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may.or.ess
noun
1 (also ,lady 'mayor) a woman who has been elected MAYOR   note at GENDER
2 (in England, Wales and N Ireland) the wife of a MAYOR or a woman who helps a MAYOR at official ceremonies
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may.pole
noun a decorated pole that people dance round in ceremonies on MAY DAY
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maze
noun
1 a system of paths separated by walls or HEDGES built in a park or garden, that is designed so that it is difficult to find your way through: We got lost in the maze.   (figurative) The building is a maze of corridors.—compare LABYRINTH
2 [usually sing.] a large number of complicated rules or details that are difficult to understand: a maze of regulations
3 (AmE) a printed PUZZLE in which you have to draw a line that shows a way through a complicated pattern of lines
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MB
abbr.
1 (in Britain) Bachelor of Medicine (a university degree in medicine): Philip Watt MB
2 (also Mb) MEGABYTE : 24MB of memory
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MBA
noun the abbreviation for ‘Master of Business Administration’ (a second university degree in business): to do / have an MBA
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MBE
noun the abbreviation for ‘Member (of the Order) of the British Empire’ (an award given to some people in Britain for a special achievement): He was made an MBE in 1995.  Tracey Edwards MBE
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MC
noun
1 the abbreviation for MASTER OF CEREMONIES
2 (M.C.) the abbreviation for Member of Congress
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MCC
abbr. Marylebone Cricket Club (the organization which is responsible for English cricket)
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McCoy
noun
IDM the real Mc'Coy (informal) something that is genuine and that has value, not a copy: It’s an American flying jacket, the real McCoy.
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MD
noun
1 the abbreviation for ‘Doctor of Medicine’: Paul Clark MD
2 the abbreviation for MANAGING DIRECTOR : Where’s the MD’s office?
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ME
noun, abbr.
noun (BrE ) (also ,chronic fa'tigue syndromeAmE, BrE) noun [U] the abbreviation for MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (an illness that makes people feel extremely weak and tired and that can last a long time): She’s had ME for six months.

abbr. (AmE ) MEDICAL EXAMINER

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me
pron., noun
pron. the form of I that is used when the speaker or writer is the object of a verb or preposition: Don’t hit me.  Excuse me!  Give it to me.  Hello, it’s me.  You’re taller than me.  ‘Who’s there?’‘Only me.’
HELP The use of me in the last three examples is correct in modern standard English. I in these sentences would be considered much too formal for almost all contexts, especially in BrE.

noun (also mi) (music ) the third note of a MAJOR scale

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mea culpa
exclamation (from Latin , often humorous) used when you are admitting that sth is your fault
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mead
noun [U] a sweet alcoholic drink made from HONEY and water, drunk especially in the past
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meadow
noun a field covered in grass, used especially for HAY : water meadows (= near a river)
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meagre
(BrE ) (AmEmea.ger) adj. small in quantity and poor in quality: a meagre diet of bread and water  She supplements her meagre income by cleaning at night.
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meal
noun
1 [C] an occasion when people sit down to eat food, especially breakfast, lunch or dinner: Try not to eat between meals.  Lunch is his main meal of the day.  What time would you like your evening meal?
2 [C] the food that is eaten at a meal : Enjoy your meal.  a three-course meal
3 [U] (often in compounds) grain that has been crushed to produce a powder, used as food for animals and for making flour—see also BONEMEAL , OATMEAL , WHOLEMEAL
IDM make a 'meal of sth (informal) to spend a lot of time, energy, etc. doing sth in a way that other people think is unnecessary and/or annoying: Why do you have to make such a meal of everything?—more at SQUARE adj.
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,meals on 'wheels
noun [pl.] a service that takes meals to old or sick people in their homes
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'meal ticket
noun
1 (informal) a person or thing that you see only as a source of money and food: He suspected that he was just a meal ticket for her.
2 (AmE) a card or ticket that gives you the right to have a cheap or free meal, for example at school
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meal.time
noun a time in the day when you eat a meal
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mealy
adj. (especially of vegetables or fruit) that feel soft and dry when you eat them
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,mealy-'mouthed
adj. (disapproving) not willing or honest enough to speak in a direct or open way about what you really think: mealy-mouthed politicians
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mean
verb, adj., noun
verb (meant, meant )
HAVE AS MEANING|
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sth (to sb) to have sth as a meaning
SYN SIGNIFY : [vn] What does this sentence mean?  What is meant by ‘batch processing’?  Does the name ‘David Berwick’mean anything to you (= do you know who he is)?  [v (that)] The flashing light means (that) you must stop.
INTEND AS MEANING|
2 (not used in the progressive tenses) to intend to say sth on a particular occasion: [vn] What did he mean by that remark?  ‘Perhaps we should try another approach.’‘What do you mean? (= I don’t understand what you are suggesting.)’  What do you mean , you thought I wouldn’t mind? (= of course I mind and I am very angry.)  What she means is that there’s no point in waiting here.  I always found him a little strange, if you know what I mean (= if you understand what I mean by ‘strange’).  I know what you mean (= I understand and feel sympathy). I hated learning to drive too.   (spoken) It was like—weird. Know what I mean?   I see what you mean (= I understand although I may not agree), but I still think it’s worth trying.  See what I mean (= I was right and this proves it, doesn’t it)? She never agrees to anything I suggest.  ‘But Pete doesn’t know we’re here!’‘That’s what I mean! (= that’s what I have been trying to tell you.)’  Do you mean Ann Smith or Mary Smith?  [v (that)] Did he mean (that) he was dissatisfied with our service?  You mean (= are you telling me) we have to start all over again?
HAVE AS PURPOSE|
3 ~ sth (as sth)| ~ what …| ~ sth for sb to have sth as a purpose or intention
SYN INTEND : [vn] What did she mean by leaving so early (= why did she do it)?  Don’t be upset—I’m sure she meant it as a compliment.  He means what he says (= is not joking, exaggerating, etc.).  Don’t laugh! I mean it (= I am serious).  Don’t be angry. I’m sure she meant it for the best (= intended to be helpful).  He means trouble (= to cause trouble).  The chair was clearly meant for a child.  [v to inf] She means to succeed.  I’m sorry I hurt you. I didn’t mean to .  [vn to inf] I didn’t mean you to read the letter.  I’m feeling very guilty—I’ve been meaning to call my parents for days, but still haven’t got around to it.  You’re meant to (= you are supposed to) pay before you go in.  [v (that)] (formal) I never meant (that) you should come alone.
INTEND SB TO BE / DO STH|
4 [often passive] ~ sb for sth| ~ sb to be sth to intend sb to be or do sth: [vn] I was never meant for the army (= did not have the qualities needed to become a soldier).  Philip and Kim were meant for each other (= are very suitable as partners).  [vn to inf] His father meant him to be an engineer.  She did everything to get the two of them together, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be .
HAVE AS RESULT|
5 to have sth as a result or a likely result
SYN ENTAIL : [vn] Spending too much now will mean a shortage of cash next year.  [vn to inf] Do you have any idea what it means to be poor?  [v (that)] We’ll have to be careful with money but that doesn’t mean (that) we can’t enjoy ourselves.  [v -ing] This new order will mean working overtime.  [vn -ing] The injury could mean him missing next week’s game.
BE IMPORTANT|
6 [vn] [no passive] ~ sth to sb to be of value or importance to sb: Your friendship means a great deal to me.  $20 means a lot (= represents a lot of money) when you live on $100 a week.  Money means nothing to him .  Her children mean the world to her . be meant to be sth to be generally considered to be sth: This restaurant is meant to be excellent. I mean (spoken) used to explain or correct what you have just said: It was so boring—I mean, nothing happened for the first hour!  She’s English—Scottish, I mean. mean 'business (informal) to be serious in your intentions: He has the look of a man who means business. mean (sb) no 'harm | not mean (sb) any 'harm to not have any intention of hurting sb mean to 'say used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask sb if they really mean what they say: I mean to say, you should have known how he would react!  Do you mean to say you’ve lost it? 'mean well (usually disapproving) to have good intentions, although their effect may not be good

adj. (mean.er, mean.est)
NOT GENEROUS|
1 (BrE) (AmE cheap) not willing to give or share things, especially money: She’s always been mean with money.
OPP GENEROUS —see also STINGY
UNKIND|
2 ~ (to sb) (of people or their behaviour) unkind, for example by not letting sb have or do sth: Don’t be so mean to your little brother!
ANGRY / VIOLENT|
3 (especially AmE) likely to become angry or violent: That’s a mean-looking dog.
SKILFUL|
4 (informal approving, especially AmE) very good and skilful: He’s a mean tennis player.  She plays a mean game of chess.
AVERAGE|
5 [only before noun] (technical) average; between the highest and the lowest, etc: the mean temperature
INTELLIGENCE|
6 (formal) (of a person’s understanding or ability) not very great: This should be clear even to the meanest intelligence.
POOR|
7 (literary) poor and dirty in appearance: mean houses / streets
8 (old-fashioned) born into or coming from a low social class be no mean … (approving) used to say that sb is very good at doing sth: His mother was a painter, and he’s no mean artist himself.

noun —see also MEANS
MIDDLE WAY|
1 ~ (between A and B) a quality, condition, or way of doing sth that is in the middle of two extremes and better than either of them: He needed to find a mean between frankness and rudeness.
AVERAGE|
2 (also arith,metic 'mean) (mathematics) the value found by adding together all the numbers in a group, and dividing the total by the number of numbers
3 (also geo'metric mean) (mathematics) a value between two extreme values, found by adding them together and dividing the total by 2 the happy / golden 'mean (approving) a course of action that is not extreme

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me.ander
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 (of a river, road, etc.) to curve a lot rather than being in a straight line: The stream meanders slowly down to the sea.
2 to walk slowly and change direction often, especially without a particular aim: They meandered around the old town admiring the architecture.
3 (of a conversation, discussion, etc.) to develop slowly and change subject often, in a way that makes it boring or difficult to understand
me.ander noun: the meanders of a river—picture at COAST
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me.ander.ings
noun [pl.]
1 a course that does not follow a straight line: the meanderings of a river / path
2 walking or talking without any particular aim: his philosophical meanderings
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meanie
noun (spoken) used especially by children to describe an unkind person who will not give them what they want: Don’t be such a meanie!
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mean.ing
noun, adj.
noun
OF SOUND / WORD / SIGN|
1 ~ (of sth) [U, C] the thing or idea that a sound, word, sign, etc. represents: What’s the meaning of this word?  Words often have several meanings.  ‘Honesty’? He doesn’t know the meaning of the word !
OF WHAT SB SAYS / DOES|
2 [U, C] the things or ideas that sb wishes to communicate to you by what they say or do: I don’t quite get your meaning (= understand what you mean to say).  What’s the meaning of this? I explicitly told you not to leave the room.
OF FEELING / EXPERIENCE|
3 the real importance of a feeling or experience: With Anna he learned the meaning of love.
OF BOOK / PAINTING|
4 [U, C] the ideas that a writer, artist, etc. wishes to communicate through a book, painting, etc: several layers of meaning  There are, of course, deeper meanings in the poem.
SENSE OF PURPOSE|
5 [U] the quality or sense of purpose that makes you feel that your life is valuable: Her life seemed to have lost all meaning.  Having a child gave new meaning to their lives.

adj. [usually before noun] (rare) = MEANINGFUL

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mean.ing.ful
adj.
1 serious and important: a meaningful relationship / discussion / experience
2 (also less frequent mean.ing) intended to communicate or express sth to sb, without any words being spoken: She gave me a meaningful look.
3 having a meaning that is easy to understand: These statistics are not very meaningful.
mean.ing.ful.ly adv.
mean.ing.ful.ness noun [U]
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mean.ing.less
adj.
1 without any purpose or reason and therefore not worth doing or having: a meaningless existence  meaningless violence on TV  We fill up our lives with meaningless tasks.
2 not considered important: Fines are meaningless to a huge company like that.
3 not having a meaning that is easy to understand: To me that painting is completely meaningless.
mean.ing.less.ly adv.mean.ing.less.ness noun [U]
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means
noun (pl.means)
1 [C] ~ (of doing sth / of sth) an action, an object or a system by which a result is achieved; a way of achieving or doing sth: Television is an effective means of communication.  Is there any means of contacting him?  Have you any means of identification ?  We needed to get to London but we had no means of transport .
2 [pl.] the money that a person has: People should pay according to their means .  He doesn’t have the means to support a wife and child.  Private school fees are beyond the means of most people (= more than they can afford).  Are the monthly repayments within your means (= can you afford them)?  Try to live within your means (= not spend more money than you have).  a man of means (= a rich man)
IDM by 'all means (spoken) used to say that you are very willing for sb to have sth or do sth: ‘Do you mind if I have a look?’‘By all means.’ by means of sth (formal) with the help of sth: The load was lifted by means of a crane. by 'no means | not by 'any (manner of) means not at all: She is by no means an inexperienced teacher.  We haven’t won yet, not by any means. a ,means to an 'end a thing or action that is not interesting or important in itself but is a way of achieving sth else: He doesn’t particularly like the work but he sees it as a means to an end.—more at END n. , FAIR adj. , WAY n.
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'means test
noun an official check of sb’s wealth or income in order to decide if they are poor enough to receive money from the government for a particular purpose
'means-test verb [vn]
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'means-tested
adj. paid to sb according to the results of a means test : means-tested benefits
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meant
pt, pp of MEAN
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mean.time
noun, adv.
noun
IDM in the 'meantime in the period of time between two times or two events MEANWHILE : My first novel was rejected by six publishers. In the meantime I had written a play.

adv. (informal) = MEANWHILE : I’ll contact them soon. Meantime don’t tell them I’m back.

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mean.while
adv., noun
adv. (also informal mean.time)
1 while sth else is happening: Bob spent fifteen months alone on his yacht. Ann, meanwhile, took care of the children on her own.
2 in the period of time between two times or two events: The doctor will see you again next week. Meanwhile, you must rest as much as possible.
3 used to compare two aspects of a situation: Stress can be extremely damaging to your health. Exercise, meanwhile, can reduce its effects.

noun
IDM in the 'meanwhile in the period of time between two times or two events: I hope to go to medical school eventually. In the meanwhile, I am going to study chemistry.

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mea.sles
noun [U] an infectious disease, especially of children, that causes fever and small red spots that cover the whole body—see also GERMAN MEASLES
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measly
adj. (informal, disapproving) very small in size or quantity; not enough: I get a measly £4 an hour.
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meas.ur.able
adj.
1 that can be measured
2 [usually before noun] large enough to be noticed or to have a clear and noticeable effect: measurable improvements
meas.ur.ably adv.: Working conditions have changed measurably in the last ten years.
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meas.ure
verb, noun
verb
SIZE / QUANTITY|
1 ~ sb/sth (for sth) to find the size, quantity, etc. of sth in standard units: [vn] A ship’s speed is measured in knots.  a device that measures the level of radiation in the atmosphere  He’s gone to be measured for a new suit.  measuring equipment / instruments  [v wh-] A dipstick is used to measure how much oil is left in an engine.
2 linking verb [v-n] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a particular size, length, amount, etc: The main bedroom measures 12ft by 15ft.  The pond measures about 2 metres across.
JUDGE|
3 to judge the importance, value or effect of sth
SYN ASSESS : [vn] It is difficult to measure the success of the campaign at this stage. [alsov wh-] 'measure sb/sth against sb/sth to compare sb/sth with sb/sth: The figures are not very good when measured against those of our competitors. ,measure sth<->'out to take the amount of sth that you need from a larger amount: He measured out a cup of milk and added it to the mixture. ,measure 'up| ,measure sb/sth<->'up to measure sb/sth: We spent the morning measuring up and deciding where the furniture would go. ,measure 'up (to sth/sb) (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to be as good, successful, etc. as expected or needed
SYN MATCH UP : Last year’s intake just didn’t measure up.  The job failed to measure up to her expectations.

noun
OFFICIAL ACTION|
1 [C] ~ (to do sth) an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim: safety / security / austerity measures  a temporary / an emergency measure  We must take preventive measures to reduce crime in the area.  The government is introducing tougher measures to combat crime.  measures against racism  Police in riot gear were in attendance as a precautionary measure .—see also HALF MEASURES
AMOUNT|
2 [sing.] a particular amount of sth, especially a fairly large amount DEGREE : A measure of technical knowledge is desirable in this job.  She achieved some measure of success with her first book.
WAY OF SHOWING / JUDGING|
3 [sing.] a sign of the size or the strength of sth: Sending flowers is a measure of how much you care.
4 [C] a way of judging or measuring sth: an accurate measure of ability  Is this test a good measure of reading comprehension?
UNIT OF SIZE / QUANTITY|
5 [C, U] a unit used for stating the size, quantity or degree of sth; a system or a scale of these units: weights and measures  The Richter Scale is a measure of ground motion.  liquid / dry measure  Which measure of weight do pharmacists use?
6 [C] (especially of alcohol) a standard quantity: a generous measure of whisky
INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING|
7 [C] an instrument such as a stick, a long tape or a container that is marked with standard units and is used for measuring—see also TAPE MEASURE
IN MUSIC|
8 [C] (AmE) = BAR (9) beyond 'measure (formal) very much: He irritated me beyond measure. for good 'measure as an extra amount of sth in addition to what has already been done or given: Use 50g of rice per person and an extra spoonful for good measure. full / short 'measure the whole of sth or less of sth than you expect or should have: We experienced the full measure of their hospitality.  The concert only lasted an hour, so we felt we were getting short measure. in full 'measure (written) to the greatest possible degree: My expectations had been met in full measure. get / take / have the 'measure of sb | get / have / take sb’s 'measure (formal) to form an opinion about sb’s character or abilities so that you can deal with them: After only one game, the chess champion had the measure of his young opponent. in no small 'measure | in some, equal, etc. 'measure (formal) to a large extent or degree; to some, etc. extent or degree: The introduction of a new tax accounted in no small measure for the downfall of the government.  Our thanks are due in equal measure to every member of the team. ,made to 'measure (BrE) made especially for one person according to particular measurements: You’ll need to get a suit made to measure.  a made-to-measure suit—more at LARGE

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meas.ured
adj. [only before noun] slow and careful; controlled: She replied in a measured tone to his threat.  He walked down the corridor with measured steps.
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meas.ure.ment
noun
1 [U] the act or the process of finding the size, quantity or degree of sth: the metric system of measurement  Accurate measurement is very important in science.
2 [C, usually pl.] the size, length or amount of sth: to take sb’s chest / waist measurement  Do you know your measurements (= the size of parts of your body)?  The exact measurements of the room are 3 metres 20 by 2 metres 84.
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'measuring jug, 'measuring cup
(AmE) noun a glass or plastic container for measuring liquids when cooking
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'measuring tape
noun = TAPE MEASURE
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meat
noun
1 [U, C] the flesh of an animal or a bird eaten as food; a particular type of this: a piece / slice of meat  horse meat (= from a horse)  dog meat (= for a dog)  meat-eating animals  There’s not much meat on this chop.   (figurative, humorous) There’s not much meat on her (= she is very thin).—see also LUNCHEON MEAT , MINCEMEAT , RED MEAT , SAUSAGE MEAT , WHITE MEAT
2 [U] ~ (of sth) the important or interesting part of sth: This chapter contains the real meat of the writer’s argument.
IDM ,meat and 'drink to sb something that sb enjoys very much: Dealing with difficult customers is meat and drink to her. ,meat-and-po'tatoes (AmE) dealing with or interested in the most basic and important aspects of sth: a meat-and-potatoes argument  a meat-and-potatoes man (= a person who likes simple things)—more at DEAD
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meat.ball
noun a small ball of finely chopped meat, usually eaten hot with a sauce
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'meat grinder
noun (AmE ) = MINCER
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'meat packing
noun [U] (AmE ) the process of killing animals and preparing the meat for sale
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meaty
adj. (meat.ier, meati.est)
1 containing a lot of meat: meaty sausages
2 smelling, or tasting like meat: a meaty taste
3 (approving) containing a lot of important or interesting ideas: a meaty discussion
4 (informal) large and fat; with a lot of flesh: a meaty hand  big, meaty tomatoes
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Mecca
noun
1 a city in Saudi Arabia that is the holiest city of Islam, being the place where the Prophet Muhammad was born
2 (usually mecca) a place that many people like to visit, especially for a particular reason: The coast is a mecca for tourists.
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mech.an.ic
noun
1 a person whose job is repairing machines, especially the engines of motor vehicles: a car mechanic
2 (mechanics) [U] the science of movement and force—see also QUANTUM MECHANICS
3 (mechanics) [U] the practical study of machinery: the school’s car maintenance department where students learn basic mechanics
4 (the mechanics) [pl.] the way sth works or is done: The exact mechanics of how payment will be made will be decided later.
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mech.an.ic.al
adj.
1 operated by power from an engine: a mechanical device / toy / clock  mechanical parts
2 connected with machines and engines: mechanical problems / defects  The breakdown was due to a mechanical failure.
3 (disapproving) (of people’s behaviour and actions) done without thinking, like a machine: a mechanical gesture / response  My work has become mechanical—I could do it in my sleep.
4 connected with the physical laws of movement and cause and effect (= with MECHANICS ): mechanical processes
5 (of a person) good at understanding how machines work
mech.an.ic.al.ly adv.: a mechanically powered vehicle  She spoke mechanically, as if thinking of something else.  He’s always been mechanically minded.
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me,chanical engi'neering
noun [U] the study of how machines are designed, built and repaired
me,chanical engi'neer noun [U]
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mech.an.ism
noun
1 a set of moving parts in a machine that performs a task: a delicate watch mechanism
2 a method or a system for achieving sth: mechanisms for dealing with complaints from the general public—see also ERM
3 a system of parts in a living thing that together perform a particular function: the balance mechanism in the ears  Pain acts as a natural defence mechanism .
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mech.an.is.tic
adj. (often disapproving) connected with the belief that all things in the universe can be explained as if they were machines; based on this belief: the mechanistic philosophy that compares the brain to a computer
mech.an.is.ti.cal.ly adv.
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mech.an.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to change a process, so that the work is done by machines rather than people: The production process is now highly mechanized.
mech.an.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the increasing mechanization of farm work
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Med
(the Med) noun [sing.] (informal) the Mediterranean Sea
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med
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) = MEDICAL : a med student  She’s in med school.
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medal
noun a flat piece of metal, usually shaped like a coin, that is given to the winner of a competition or to sb who has been brave, for example in war: to win a gold medal in the Olympics  to award a medal for bravery
IDM see DESERVE
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med.al.lion
noun a piece of jewellery in the shape of a large flat coin worn on a chain around the neck—picture at JEWELLERY
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med.al.list
(BrE ) (AmEmed.al.ist) noun a person who has received a medal, usually for winning a competition in a sport: an Olympic medallist  a gold / silver / bronze medallist
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,Medal of 'Freedom
noun the highest award that the US gives to a CIVILIAN who has achieved sth very important
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,Medal of 'Honor
noun the highest award that the US gives to a member of the armed forces who has shown very great courage in a war
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med.dle
verb [v] (disapproving)
1 ~ (in / with sth) (disapproving) to become involved in sth that does not concern you: He had no right to meddle in her affairs.
2 ~ (with sth) to touch sth in a careless way, especially when it is not yours or when you do not know how to use it correctly: Somebody had been meddling with her computer.
med.dling noun [U]
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med.dler
noun (disapproving) a person who tries to get involved in sth that does not concern them
SYN BUSYBODY
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meddle.some
adj. (written, disapproving) (of people) enjoying getting involved in situations that do not concern them: meddlesome politicians
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media
noun
1 (the media) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the main ways that large numbers of people receive information and entertainment, that is television, radio and the newspapers: the news / broadcasting / national media  The trial was fully reported in the media.  The media was / were accused of influencing the final decision.  Any event attended by the actor received widespread media coverage .—see also MASS MEDIA
2 pl. of MEDIUM
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medi.aeval
adj. = MEDIEVAL
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me.dian
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (technical )
1 having a value in the middle of a series of values: the median age / price
2 situated in or passing through the middle: a median point / line

noun
1 (mathematics) the middle value of a series of numbers arranged in order of size
2 (geometry) a straight line passing from a point of a triangle to the centre of the opposite side.
3 (also 'median strip) (both AmE) = CENTRAL RESERVATION

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'media studies
noun [U, pl.] the study of newspapers, television, radio, etc.
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me.di.ate
verb
1 ~ (in sth)| ~ (between A and B) to try to end a disagreement between two or more people or groups by talking to them and trying to find things that everyone can agree on: [v] The Secretary-General was asked to mediate in the dispute.  An independent body was brought in to mediate between staff and management.  [vn] to mediate differences / disputes / problems
2 [vn] to succeed in finding a solution to a disagreement between people or groups: They mediated a settlement.
3 [vn] [usually passive] (formal ortechnical) to influence sth and/or make it possible for it to happen: Educational success is mediated by economic factors.
me.di.ation noun [U]
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me.di.ator
noun a person or an organization that tries to get agreement between people or groups who disagree with each other
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medic
noun
1 (BrE, informal) a medical student
2 (informal) a doctor
3 (AmE) a person in the armed forces who can give medical treatment
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Me.dic.aid
noun [U] (in the US) the system that provides medical care for poor people and that is paid for by taxes
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med.ic.al
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with illness and injury and their treatment: medical advances / care / research  her medical condition / history / records  the medical profession  a medical student / school  a medical certificate (= a statement by a doctor that gives details of your state of health)—see also MED
2 connected with ways of treating illness that do not involve cutting the body: medical or surgical treatment
med.ic.al.ly adv.: medically fit / unfit

noun (also ,medical exami'nation) (informal) a thorough examination of your body that a doctor does, for example, before you start a particular job

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,medical e'xaminer
noun (abbr. ME) (AmE ) a doctor whose job is to examine a dead body in order to find out the cause of death—compare PATHOLOGIST
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'medical officer
noun (abbr. MO) a person, usually a doctor, employed in an organization to deal with medical and health matters
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Medi.care
noun [U] (in the US) the system that provides medical care for old people and that is paid for by taxes
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medi.cated
adj. containing a substance for preventing or curing infections of your skin or hair: medicated shampoo / soap
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medi.ca.tion
noun [U, C] a drug or another form of medicine that you take to prevent or to treat an illness: to be on medication   Are you currently taking any medication?  Many flu medications are available without a prescription.
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me.di.cin.al
adj. helpful in the process of healing illness or infection: medicinal herbs / plants  medicinal properties / use   (humorous) He claims he keeps a bottle of brandy only for medicinal purposes .
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medi.cine
noun
1 [U] the study and treatment of diseases and injuries: advances in modern medicine  to study / practise medicine  traditional / conventional / orthodox medicine  alternative medicine
2 [U, C] a substance, especially a liquid that you drink or swallow in order to cure an illness: Did you take your medicine?  cough medicine  Chinese herbal medicines—
IDM the best 'medicine the best way of improving a situation, especially of making you feel happier: Laughter is the best medicine. a taste / dose of your own 'medicine the same bad treatment that you have given to others: Let the bully have a taste of his own medicine.
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'medicine man
noun a person who is believed to have special magic powers of healing, especially among Native Americans—compare WITCH DOCTOR
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med.ico
noun (pl.-os) (informal) a doctor
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medi.eval
(also medi.aeval) adj. [usually before noun] connected with the Middle Ages (about AD 1000 to AD 1450): medieval architecture / castles / manuscripts  the literature of the late medieval period
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me.di.ocre
adj. (disapproving) not very good; of only average standard: a mediocre musician / talent / performance  I thought the play was only mediocre.
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me.di.oc.rity
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving)
1 [U] the quality of being average or not very good: His acting career started brilliantly, then sank into mediocrity.
2 [C] a person who is not very good at sth: a brilliant leader, surrounded by mediocrities
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medi.tate
verb
1 [v] ~ (on / upon sth) to think deeply, usually in silence, especially for religious reasons or in order to make your mind calm
2 [vn] (written) to plan sth in your mind; to consider doing sth: They were meditating revenge.
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medi.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] the practice of thinking deeply in silence, especially for religious reasons or in order to make your mind calm: She found peace through yoga and meditation.  He was deep in meditation and didn’t see me come in.
2 [C, usually pl.] ~ (on sth) (formal) serious thoughts on a particular subject that sb writes down or speaks: his meditations on life and art
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medi.ta.tive
adj. (formal) thinking very deeply; involving deep thought: She found him in a meditative mood.  a meditative poem
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Medi.ter.ra.nean
adj. [only before noun] connected with the Mediterranean Sea or the countries and regions that surround it; typical of this area: a Mediterranean country  a Mediterranean climate
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me.dium
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (abbr. M) in the middle between two sizes, amounts, lengths, temperatures, etc.
SYN AVERAGE : a medium size car / business / town  a man of medium height / build  There are three sizes—small, medium and large.  Cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes.  a medium dry white wine  Choose medium to large tomatoes.
IDM see TERM

noun (pl.media or me.diums)
1 a way of communicating information, etc. to people: the medium of radio / television  electronic / audio-visual media  Television is the modern medium of communication.  A T-shirt can be an excellent medium for getting your message across.
HELP The plural in this meaning is usually media.—see also MEDIA , MASS MEDIA
2 something that is used for a particular purpose: English is the medium of instruction (= the language used to teach other subjects).  Video is a good medium for practising listening to a foreign language.
3 the material or the form that an artist, a writer or a musician uses: the medium of paint / poetry / drama  Watercolour is his favourite medium.
4 (biology) a substance that sth exists or grows in or that it travels through: The bacteria were growing in a sugar medium.
5 (pl.me.diums) a person who claims to be able to communicate with the spirits of dead people
IDM see HAPPY

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'medium-sized
adj. of average size: a medium-sized saucepan
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'medium-term
adj. used to describe a period of time that is a few weeks or months into the future: the government’s medium-term financial strategy
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'medium wave
(abbr. MW) noun [U] (also the medium wave [sing.]) a band of radio waves with a length of between 100 and 1000 metres: 648 m on (the) medium wave—compare SHORT WAVE
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med.ley
noun
1 a piece of music consisting of several songs or tunes played or sung one after the other: a medley of Beatles hits
2 a mixture of people or things of different kinds: a medley of flavours / smells
3 a swimming race in which each member of a team uses a different stroke: the 4×100 metres medley
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meek
adj. (meek.er, meek.est)
1 quiet, gentle, and always ready to do what other people want without expressing your own opinion: They called her Miss Mouse because she was so meek and mild .
2 (the meek) noun [pl.] people who are meek
meek.ly adv.: He meekly did as he was told.
meek.ness noun [U]
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meet
verb, noun
verb (met, met )
BY CHANCE|
1 [no passive] to be in the same place as sb by chance and talk to them: [v] I hope we’ll meet again soon.  [vn] Did you meet anyone in town?
BY ARRANGEMENT|
2 [no passive] to come together formally in order to discuss sth: [v] The committee meets on Fridays.  [vn] The Prime Minister met other European leaders for talks.
3 [no passive] to come together socially after you have arranged it: [v] Let’s meet for a drink after work.  [vn] We’re meeting them outside the theatre at 7.
4 [vn] to go to a place and wait there for a particular person to arrive: Will you meet me at the airport?  The hotel bus meets all incoming flights.
FOR THE FIRST TIME|
5 [no passive] to see and know sb for the first time; to be introduced to sb: [vn] Where did you first meet your husband?   (especially BrE ) Pleased to meet you .   (AmE ) Nice meeting you .  There’s someone I want you to meet.  [v] I don’t think we’ve met.
IN CONTEST|
6 [no passive] to play, fight, etc. together as opponents in a competition: [v, vn] Sampras and Agassi met in last year’s final.  Sampras met Agassi in last year’s final.
EXPERIENCE STH|
7 [vn] to experience sth, often sth unpleasant
SYN COME ACROSS , ENCOUNTER : Others have met similar problems.  How she met her death will probably never be known.
TOUCH / JOIN|
8 to touch sth; to join: [v] The curtains don’t meet in the middle.  [vn] That’s where the river meets the sea.  His hand met hers.
SATISFY|
9 [vn] to do or satisfy what is needed or what sb asks for: How can we best meet the needs of all the different groups?  Until these conditions are met we cannot proceed with the sale.  I can’t possibly meet that deadline.
PAY|
10 [vn] to pay sth: The cost will be met by the company. meet sb’s 'eye(s)
1 (also meet sb’s 'gaze, 'look, etc., people’s 'eyes meet) if you meet sb’s eye(s), you look directly at them as they look at you; if two people’s eyes meet, they look directly at each other: She was afraid to meet my eye.  Their eyes met across the crowded room.  She met his gaze without flinching.
2 if a sight meets your eyes, you see it: A terrible sight met their eyes. meet sb half'way to reach an agreement with sb by giving them part of what they want: If he was prepared to apologize, the least she could do was meet him halfway and accept some of the blame. meet your 'Maker (especially humorous) to die there is more to sb/sth than meets the 'eye a person or thing is more complicated or interesting than you might think at first—more at END n. , MATCH n. , TWAIN ,meet 'up (with sb) to meet sb, especially by arrangement: They met up again later for a drink. 'meet with sb (especially AmE) to meet sb, especially for discussions: The President met with senior White House aides. 'meet with sth (written)
1 to be received or treated by sb in a particular way: Her proposal met with resistance from the Left.  to meet with success / failure
2 to experience sth unpleasant: She was worried that he might have met with an accident. 'meet sth with sth to react to sth in a particular way: His suggestion was met with howls of protest.

noun
1 (especially AmE) a sports competition: a track meet
2 (BrE) an event at which horse riders and dogs hunt FOXES

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meet.ing
noun
1 [C] an occasion when people come together to discuss or decide sth: to have / hold / call / attend a meeting  a committee / staff meeting  What time is the meeting?  Helen will chair the meeting (= be in charge of it).  I’ll be in a meeting all morning—can you take my calls?  a meeting of the United Nations Security Council
2 (the meeting) [sing.] the people at a meeting: The meeting voted to accept the pay offer.
3 [C] a situation in which two or more people meet together, because they have arranged it or by chance: At our first meeting I was nervous.  It was a chance meeting that would change my life.  He remembered their childhood meetings with nostalgia.
4 [C] a sports event or set of races, especially for horses: an athletics meeting
IDM a meeting of 'minds a close understanding between people with similar ideas, especially when they meet to do sth or meet for the first time
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'meeting house
noun a place where Quakers meet for worship
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'meeting place
noun a place where people often meet: The cafe is a popular meeting place for students.
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mega
adj. [usually before noun] (slang) very large or impressive: The song was a mega hit last year.
mega adv.: They’re mega rich.
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mega-
combining form (in nouns)
1 (especially informal) very large or great: a megastore
2 (in units of measurement) one million: a megawatt
3 (computing) 1 048 576 (= 220): megabyte
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mega.bucks
noun [pl.] (informal) a very large amount of money: He earns megabucks.
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mega.byte
noun (abbr. MB) a unit of computer memory, equal to 220 (or about 1 million) BYTES : a 40-megabyte hard disk
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mega.hertz
noun (pl.mega.hertz) (abbr. MHz) a unit for measuring radio waves; 1 000 000 HERTZ
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mega.lith
noun a very large stone, especially one put in a place that was used for ceremonies in ancient times
mega.lith.ic : megalithic monuments
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meg.alo.mania
noun [U] a mental illness or condition in which sb has an exaggerated belief in their own importance or power
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meg.alo.maniac
noun a person suffering from megalomania
meg.alo.maniac adj.
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mega.phone
noun a device for making your voice sound louder, that is wider at one end, like a CONE , and is often used at outside events—compare LOUDHAILER
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mega.star
noun (informal) a very famous singer, actor or entertainer
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mega.ton
(also mega.tonne) noun a unit for measuring the power of an explosive, equal to one million TONS of TNT : a one megaton nuclear bomb
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mega.watt
noun (abbr. MW) a unit for measuring electrical power; one million WATTS
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mela.mine
noun [U] a hard plastic material, used especially for covering other materials
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mel.an.cho.lia
noun (old-fashioned) a mental illness in which the patient is depressed and worried by unnecessary fears
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mel.an.chol.ic
adj. (old-fashioned or literary) feeling or expressing sadness, especially when the sadness is like an illness
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mel.an.choly
noun, adj.
noun [U] (formal) a deep feeling of sadness that lasts for a long time and often cannot be explained: A mood of melancholy descended on us.

adj. very sad or making you feel sadness: melancholy thoughts / memories  The melancholy song died away.

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mel.anin
noun [U] (technical ) a dark substance in the skin and hair that causes the skin to change colour in the sun’s light
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mela.noma
noun [C, U] (medical ) a type of CANCER that appears as a dark spot or TUMOUR on the skin
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meld
verb (formal) to combine with sth else; to make sth combine with sth else: [v] The restored stonework melds beautifully with the original architecture. [alsovn]
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melee
noun [sing.] (from French ) a situation in which a crowd of people are rushing or pushing each other in a confused way: Several people were hurt in the melee.
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mel.lif.lu.ous
adj. (formal) (of music or of sb’s voice) sounding sweet and smooth; very pleasant to listen to
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mel.low
adj., verb
adj. (mel.low.er, mel.low.est)
1 (of colour or sound) soft, rich and pleasant: mellow autumn colours  Mellow music and lighting helped to create the right atmosphere.
2 (of a taste or flavour) smooth and pleasant: a mellow, fruity wine
3 (of people) calm, gentle and reasonable because of age or experience: Dad’s certainly grown mellower with age.
4 (informal) (of people) relaxed, calm and happy, especially after drinking alcohol: After two glasses of wine, I was feeling mellow.

verb
1 to become or make sb become less extreme in their attitudes, behaviour, etc., especially as a result of growing older: [v] She had mellowed a great deal since their days at college.  [vn] A period spent working abroad had done nothing to mellow him.
2 [v, vn] to become, or make a colour become less bright, especially over a period of time
3 [v, vn] to develop or make wine develop a pleasant and less bitter taste over a period of time
PVR V ,mellow 'out (informal, especially AmE) to enjoy yourself by relaxing and not doing much: We just listened to music and mellowed out all afternoon.

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me.lod.ic
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the main tune in a piece of music: The melodic line is carried by the two clarinets.
2 = MELODIOUS
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me.lo.di.ous
(also me.lod.ic) adj. pleasant to listen to, like music: a rich melodious voice
me.lo.di.ous.ly adv.
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melo.drama
noun [U, C]
1 a story, play or novel that is full of exciting events and in which the characters and emotions seem too exaggerated to be real; the action in such a play, etc: a gripping Victorian melodrama  Instead of tragedy, we got melodrama.
2 events, behaviour, etc. which are exaggerated or extreme: Her love of melodrama meant that any small problem became a crisis.
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melo.dra.mat.ic
adj. (often disapproving) full of exciting and extreme emotions or events; behaving or reacting to sth in an exaggerated way: a melodramatic plot full of deceit and murder
melo.dra.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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mel.ody
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a tune, especially the main tune in a piece of music written for several instruments or voices: a haunting melody  The melody is then taken up by the flutes.
2 [C] a piece of music or a song with a clear or simple tune: old Irish melodies
3 [U] the arrangement of musical notes in a tune: a few bars of melody drifted towards us
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melon
noun [C, U] a large fruit with hard green, yellow or orange skin, sweet flesh and juice and a lot of seeds: a slice of melon—see also HONEYDEW MELON , WATERMELON
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melt
verb
1 to become or make sth become liquid as a result of heating: [v] The snow showed no sign of melting.  melting ice  [vn] The sun had melted the snow.  First, melt two ounces of butter.—compare DEFROST , DE-ICE
2 to become or to make a feeling, an emotion, etc. become gentler and less strong: [v] The tension in the room began to melt.  [vn] Her trusting smile melted his heart.
IDM ,melt in your 'mouth (of food) to be soft and very good to eat: They serve steaks that just melt in your mouth.—more at BUTTER n.
PVR V ,melt a'way| ,melt sth<->a'way to disappear or make sth disappear gradually: At the first sign of trouble, the supporters melted away. ,melt sth<->'down to heat a metal or WAX object until it is liquid, especially so that the metal or wax can be used to make sth else—related noun MELTDOWN 'melt into sth to gradually become part of sth and therefore become difficult to see
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melt.down
noun [U, C] a serious accident in which the central part of a nuclear REACTOR melts, causing harmful RADIATION to escape: (figurative) meltdown on the New York Stock Exchange
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melt.ing
adj. [usually before noun] persuading you to feel love, pity or sympathy: his melting eyes
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'melting point
noun [U, C] the temperature at which a substance will melt
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'melting pot
noun [usually sing.] a place or situation in which large numbers of people, ideas, etc. are mixed together: the vast melting pot of American society
IDM in the 'melting pot (especially BrE) likely to change; in the process of changing
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mem.ber
noun
1 ~ (of sth) a person, an animal or a plant that belongs to a particular group: a member of staff / society / the family  characteristics common to all members of the species
2 ~ (of sth) a person, a country or an organization that has joined a particular group, club or team: party / union members  a meeting of member countries / states  How much does it cost to become a member?  an active member of the local church
3 (old use or literary) a part of the body, especially an arm or a leg
4 a PENIS . People say ‘member’ to avoid saying ‘ PENIS ’.
5 (Member) (in Britain) a Member of Parliament: the Hon. Member for Brent North—see also PRIVATE MEMBER
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,Member of 'Parliament
= MP
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mem.ber.ship
noun
1 [U] (BrE) ~ (of sth)| (AmE) ~ (in sth) the state of being a member of a group, a club, an organization, etc: Who is eligible to apply for membership of the association?  a membership card / fee
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] the members, or the number of members, of a group, a club, an organization, etc: The membership has / have not yet voted.  The club has a membership of more than 500.
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mem.brane
noun [C, U]
1 a thin layer of skin that connects or covers parts inside the body—see also MUCOUS MEMBRANE
2 a thin layer of tissue that covers cells in a plant
3 a thin layer of material used to prevent air, liquid, etc. from entering a particular part of sth: a waterproof membrane
mem.bran.ous adj.
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me.mento
noun (pl.-oes or -os) a thing that you keep or give to sb to remind you or them of a person or place: a memento of our trip to Italy
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memo
(also formal memo.ran.dum) noun (pl.-os) ~ (to sb) an official note from one person to another in the same organization: to write / send / circulate a memo
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mem.oir
noun
1 (memoirs) [pl.] an account written by sb, especially sb famous, about their life and experiences: The retired actress is writing her memoirs.
2 [C] (formal) a written account of sb’s life, a place, or an event, written by sb who knows it well
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mem.ora.bilia
noun [pl.] things that people collect because they once belonged to a famous person, or because they are connected with a particular interesting place, event or activity: football / Beatles memorabilia
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mem.or.able
adj. ~ (for sth) special, good or unusual and therefore worth remembering or easy to remember: a truly memorable occasion
mem.or.ably adv.
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memo.ran.dum
noun (pl.memo.randa )
1 (formal) = MEMO : an internal memorandum
2 (law) a record of a legal agreement which has not yet been formally prepared and signed
3 a proposal or report on a particular subject for a person, an organization, a committee, etc: a detailed memorandum to the commission on employment policy
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me.mor.ial
noun, adj.
noun ~ (to sb/sth)
1 [C] a statue, stone, etc. that is built in order to remind people of an important past event or of a famous person who has died: a war memorial (= in memory of soldiers who died in a war)  a memorial to victims of the Holocaust
2 [sing.] a thing that will continue to remind people of sb/sth: The painting will be a lasting memorial to a remarkable woman.

adj. [only before noun] created or done in order to remember sb who has died: a memorial statue / plaque / prize  The memorial service will be held at a local church.  the John F Kennedy Memorial Hospital

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Me'morial Day
noun [U, C] a holiday in the US, usually the last Monday in May, in honour of members of the armed forces who have died in war—see also REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY , VETERANS DAY
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me.mor.ial.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb (formal) [vn] to produce sth that will continue to exist and remind people of sb who has died or sth that has gone
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me.mor.iam
IN MEMORIAM
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mem.or.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to learn sth carefully so that you can remember it exactly: to memorize a poem
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mem.ory
(pl.-ies) noun
ABILITY TO REMEMBER|
1 [C, U] ~ (for sth) your ability to remember things: I have a bad memory for names.  People have short memories (= they soon forget).  He had a long memory for people who had disappointed him.  She can recite the whole poem from memory .  He suffered loss of memory for weeks after the accident.  Are you sure? Memory can play tricks on you .
2 [U] the period of time that sb is able to remember events: There hasn’t been peace in the country in / within my memory.  It was the worst storm in recent memory.  This hasn’t happened in living memory (= nobody alive now can remember it happening).
STH YOU REMEMBER|
3 [C] a thought of sth that you remember from the past: childhood memories  I have vivid memories of my grandparents.  What is your earliest memory?  The photos bring back lots of good memories .
4 [U] (formal) what is remembered about sb after they have died: Her memory lives on (= we still remember her).
COMPUTING|
5 [C, U] the part of a computer where information is stored; the amount of space in a computer for storing information: a computer with 8 megabytes of memory—see also RAM if (my) memory serves me well, correctly, etc. if I remember correctly in memory of sb | to the memory of sb intended to show respect and remind people of sb who has died: He founded the charity in memory of his late wife.—more at ETCH , JOG v. , REFRESH , SIEVE n.
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,memory 'lane
noun [U]
IDM a trip / walk down ,memory 'lane time that you spend thinking about and remembering the past or going to a place again in order to remind yourself of past experiences
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men
pl. of MAN
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men.ace
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that will probably cause serious damage, harm or danger
SYN THREAT : a new initiative aimed at beating the menace of illegal drugs
2 [U] an atmosphere that makes you feel threatened or frightened: a sense / an air / a hint of menace in his voice
3 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that is annoying or causes trouble
SYN NUISANCE : Slugs can be a menace in the greenhouse in winter.
4 (menaces) [pl.] (BrE, law) threats that sb will cause harm if they do not get what they are asking for: to demand money with menaces

verb [vn] (formal) to be a possible danger to sth/sb
SYN THREATEN : The forests are being menaced by major development projects.

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men.acing
adj. seeming likely to cause you harm or danger
SYN THREATENING : a menacing face / tone  At night, the dark streets become menacing.
men.acing.ly adv.: The thunder growled menacingly.
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mé.nage
noun [usually sing.] (from French , formal or humorous) all the people who live together in one house
SYN HOUSEHOLD
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ménage à trois
noun (pl.ménages à trois ) [usually sing.] (from French ) a situation where three people, especially a husband, wife and lover, live together and have sexual relationships with each other
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men.agerie
noun a collection of wild animals
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mend
verb, noun
verb (especially BrE )
1 [vn] to repair sth that has been damaged or broken so that it can be used again: He mended shoes for a living.  Could you mend my bike for me?
2 [vn] to find a solution to a problem or disagreement: They tried to mend their differences.
3 [v] (of a person) to improve in health after being ill/sick
SYN RECOVER : He’s mending slowly after the operation.
4 [v] (of a broken bone) to heal
IDM mend (your) fences (with sb) to find a solution to a disagreement with sb mend your 'ways to stop behaving badly—more at SAY v.

noun
IDM on the 'mend (informal, especially BrE) getting better after an illness or injury; improving after a difficult situation: My leg is definitely on the mend now.  Does he believe the economy’s really on the mend?

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men.da.cious
adj. (formal) not telling the truth
SYN LYING
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men.da.city
noun [U] (formal) the act of not telling the truth
SYN LYING : politicians accused of hypocrisy and mendacity
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mend.er
noun (BrE ) (usually in compounds) a person who mends sth: road menders
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men.di.cant
adj. (formal) (especially of members of religious groups) living by asking people for money and food
men.di.cant noun
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men.folk
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) men of a particular family or community: a society sending its menfolk off to war—compare WOMENFOLK
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me.nial
adj., noun
adj. (usually disapproving) (of work) not skilled or important, and often boring or badly paid: menial jobs / work  menial tasks like cleaning the floor

noun (old-fashioned) a person with a menial job

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men.in.gi.tis
noun [U] a serious disease in which the tissues enclosing the brain and SPINAL CORD become infected and swollen, causing severe HEADACHE , fever and sometimes death
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meno.pause
(also informal the 'change (of life)) noun [U] (often the menopause) [sing.] the time during which a woman gradually stops MENSTRUATING , usually at around the age of 50: to reach (the) menopause
meno.pausal adj.: menopausal women / symptoms
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me.norah
noun a traditional Jewish object to hold seven or nine candles
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men.ses
noun (often the menses) [pl.] (technical ) the flow of blood each month from a woman’s body
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'men’s room
noun (AmE ) a public toilet for men
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men.strual
adj. connected with the time when a woman menstruates each month: The average length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is 28 days.  menstrual blood   (formal) a menstrual period—compare PREMENSTRUAL
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men.stru.ate
verb [v] (formal) when a woman menstruates, there is a flow of blood from her womb , usually once a month
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men.stru.ation
noun [U] (formal) the process or time of menstruating —compare PERIOD
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mens.wear
noun [U] used especially in shops/stores to describe clothes for men: the menswear department
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-ment
suffix (in nouns) the action or result of: bombardment  development
-mental (in adjectives): governmental  judgemental
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men.tal
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with or happening in the mind; involving the process of thinking: the mental process of remembering  Do you have a mental picture of what it will look like?  I must make a mental note to talk to her about it.  He has a complete mental block (= difficulty in understanding or remembering) when it comes to physics.
2 [usually before noun] connected with the state of health of the mind or with the treatment of illnesses of the mind: mental health  a mental disorder / illness / hospital  She was suffering from physical and mental exhaustion.—compare PSYCHIATRIC
3 [not usually before noun] (BrE, slang) crazy: Watch him. He’s mental.  My dad will go mental (= be very angry) when he finds out.
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,mental 'age
noun [C, usually sing.] the level of sb’s ability to think, understand, etc. that is judged by comparison with the average ability for children of a particular age: She is sixteen but has a mental age of five.—compare CHRONOLOGICAL
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,mental a'rithmetic
noun [U] adding, multiplying, etc. numbers in your mind without writing anything down or using a CALCULATOR
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men.tal.ity
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-ies) the particular attitude or way of thinking of a person or group: I cannot understand the mentality of football hooligans.  a criminal / ghetto mentality—see also SIEGE MENTALITY
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men.tal.ly
adv. connected with or happening in the mind: mentally ill  The baby is very mentally alert.  Mentally, I began making a list of things I had to do.  a mentally handicapped child
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men.thol
noun [U] a substance that tastes and smells of MINT , that is used in some medicines for colds and to give a strong cool flavour to cigarettes, TOOTHPASTE , etc.
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men.tion
verb, noun
verb ~ sth/sb (to sb) to write or speak about sth/sb, especially without giving much information: [vn] Nobody mentioned anything to me about it.  Sorry, I won’t mention it again.  Now that you mention it , she did seem to be in a strange mood.  His name has been mentioned as a future MP.  [v wh-] Did she mention where she was going?  [v that] You mentioned in your letter that you might be moving abroad.  He failed to mention that he was the one who started the fight. [alsov -ing] —see also ABOVE-MENTIONED , AFOREMENTIONED
IDM don’t 'mention it (spoken) used as a polite answer when sb has thanked you for sth: ‘Thanks for all your help.’‘Don’t mention it.’ not to mention used to introduce extra information and emphasize what you are saying: He has two big houses in this country, not to mention his villa in France.

noun [U, C, usually sing.] an act of referring to sb/sth in speech or writing: He made no mention of her work.  The concert didn’t even get a mention in the newspapers.  Richard deserves (a) special mention for all the help he gave us.

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men.tor
noun an experienced person who advises and helps sb with less experience over a period of time
men.tor.ing noun [U]: a mentoring programme
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menu
noun
1 a list of the food that is available at a restaurant or to be served at a meal: to ask for / look at the menu  What’s on the menu (= for dinner) tonight?
2 (computing) a list of possible choices that are shown on a computer screen: a pull-down menu
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meow
(especially AmE ) = MIAOW
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MEP
noun the abbreviation for ‘Member of the European Parliament’: the Labour MEP for South East Wales
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mer.can.tile
adj. (formal) connected with trade and commercial affairs
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mer.cen.ary
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) a soldier who will fight for any country or group that offers payment: foreign mercenaries  mercenary soldiers

adj. (disapproving) only interested in making or getting money: a mercenary society / attitude  She’s interested in him for purely mercenary reasons.

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mer.chan.dise
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (formal) goods that are bought or sold; goods that are for sale in a shop/store: a wide selection of merchandise
2 things you can buy that are connected with or that advertise a particular event or organization: official Olympic merchandise

verb [vn] (written) to sell sth using advertising, etc.

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mer.chan.dis.ing
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) the activity of selling goods, or of trying to sell them, by advertising or displaying them
2 products connected with a popular film/movie, person or event; the process of selling these goods: millions of pounds' worth of Batman merchandising
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mer.chant
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who buys and sells goods in large quantities, especially one who imports and exports goods: builders' merchants (= who sell supplies to the building trade)  a coal / wine merchant  Venice was once a city of rich merchants.
2 (informal, disapproving) a person who likes a particular activity: a speed merchant (= sb who likes to drive fast)  noise merchants (= for example, a band who make a lot of noise)
IDM see DOOM n.

adj. [only before noun] connected with the transport of goods by sea: merchant navy / ships / seamen

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mer.chant.able
adj. (law ) in a good enough condition to be sold
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,merchant 'bank
noun (BrE ) a bank that deals with large businesses
,merchant 'banker noun
,merchant 'banking noun [U]
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,merchant 'navy
(BrE ) (AmE ,merchant ma'rine) noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a country’s commercial ships and the people who work on them
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mer.ci.ful
adj.
1 ready to forgive people and show them kindness: a merciful God  They asked her to be merciful to the prisoners.
2 (of an event) seeming to be lucky, especially because it brings an end to sb’s problems or suffering: Death came as a merciful release.—see also MERCY
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mer.ci.ful.ly
adv.
1 used to show that you feel sb/sth is lucky because a situation could have been much worse: Deaths from the disease are mercifully rare.  Mercifully, everyone arrived on time.
2 in a merciful way: He was treated mercifully.
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mer.ci.less
adj. showing no kindness or pity
SYN CRUEL : a merciless killer / attack  the merciless heat of the sun—see also MERCY
mer.ci.less.ly adv.
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mer.cur.ial
adj.
1 (literary) often changing or reacting in a way that is unexpected: Emily’s mercurial temperament made her difficult to live with.
2 (literary) lively and quick: a brilliant, mercurial mind
3 (technical) containing MERCURY
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Mer.cury
noun the smallest planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM , nearest to the sun
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mer.cury
noun [U] (symb Hg) a chemical element. Mercury is a poisonous silver-white liquid metal, used in THERMOMETERS .
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mercy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a kind or forgiving attitude towards sb that you have the power to harm or right to punish: to ask / beg / plead for mercy  They showed no mercy to their hostages.  God have mercy on us.  The troops are on a mercy mission (= a journey to help people) in the war zone.
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) an event or a situation to be grateful for, usually because it stops sth unpleasant: It’s a mercy she wasn’t seriously hurt.—see also MERCIFUL , MERCILESS
IDM at the mercy of sb/sth not able to stop sb/sth harming you because they have power or control over you: I’m not going to put myself at the mercy of the bank.  We were at the mercy of the weather. leave sb/sth to the mercy / mercies of sb/sth to leave sb/sth in a situation that may cause them to suffer or to be treated badly throw yourself on sb’s mercy (formal) to put yourself in a situation where you must rely on sb to be kind to you and not harm or punish you—more at SMALL adj.
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'mercy killing
noun [C, U] the act of killing sb out of pity, for example because they are in severe pain
SYN EUTHANASIA
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mere
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (superlativemer.est, no comparative)
1 used when you want to emphasize how small, unimportant, etc. sb/sth is: It took her a mere 20 minutes to win.  A mere 2% of their budget has been spent on publicity.  He seemed so young, a mere boy.  You’ve got the job. The interview will be a mere formality.
2 used when you are saying that the fact that a particular thing is present in a situation is enough to have an influence on that situation: His mere presence (= just the fact that he was there) made her feel afraid.  The mere fact that they were prepared to talk was encouraging.  The mere thought of eating made him feel sick.  The merest (= the slightest) noise is enough to wake her.

noun (BrE , literary) (also used in names) a small lake

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mere.ly
adv. used meaning ‘only’ or ‘simply’ to emphasize a fact or sth that you are saying: It is not merely a job, but a way of life.  He said nothing, merely smiled and watched her.  They agreed to go merely because they were getting paid for it.  I’m merely stating what everybody knows anyway.
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mere.tri.cious
adj. (formal) seeming attractive, but in fact having no real value
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merge
verb
1 ~ (with / into) sth| ~ A with B| ~ A and B (together) to combine or make two or more things combine to form a single thing: [v] The banks are set to merge next year.  His department will merge with mine.  The villages expanded and merged into one large town.  Fact and fiction merge together in his latest thriller.  The two groups have merged to form a new party.  [vn] His department will be merged with mine.  The company was formed by merging three smaller firms.
2 [v] if two things merge, or if one thing merges into another, the differences between them gradually disappear so that it is impossible to separate them: The hills merged into the dark sky behind them.
IDM merge into the 'background (of a person) to behave quietly when you are with a group of people so that they do not notice you
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mer.ger
noun [C] ~ (between / of A and B)| ~ (with sth) the act of joining two or more organizations or businesses into one: a merger between the two banks  our proposed merger with the university
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me.rid.ian
noun one of the lines that is drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole on a map of the world
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mer.ingue
noun [U, C] a sweet white mixture made from egg whites and sugar, usually baked until crisp and used to make cakes; a small cake made from this mixture: a lemon meringue pie—
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me.rino
noun (pl.-os)
1 [C] a breed of sheep with long fine wool
2 [U] the wool of the merino sheep or a fabric made from this wool, used for making clothes
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merit
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] (formal) the quality of being good and of deserving praise, reward or admiration: a work of outstanding artistic merit  The plan is entirely without merit.  I want to get the job on merit .
2 [C, usually pl.] a good feature that deserves praise, reward or admiration: We will consider each case on its (own) merits (= without considering any other issues, feelings, etc.).  They weighed up the relative merits of the four candidates.

verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to do sth to deserve praise, attention, etc.
SYN DESERVE [vn] He claims that their success was not merited.  The case does not merit further investigation. [alsov -ing]

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mer.it.oc.racy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] a country or social system where people get power or money on the basis of their ability
2 (the meritocracy) [sing.] the group of people with power in this kind of social system
mer.ito.crat.ic adj.
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meri.tori.ous
adj. (formal) deserving praise
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mer.maid
noun (in stories) a creature with a woman’s head and body, and a fish’s tail instead of legs
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mer.rily
adv.
1 in a happy, cheerful way: They chatted merrily.
2 without thinking about the problems that your actions might cause: She carried on merrily, not realizing the offence she was causing.
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mer.ri.ment
noun [U] (formal) happy talk, laughter and enjoyment
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merry
adj. (mer.rier, mer.ri.est)
1 happy and cheerful: a merry grin
2 (Merry Christmas) used as a greeting at Christmas to say that you hope that sb has an enjoyable holiday
3 (informal, especially BrE) slightly drunk
IDM make 'merry (old-fashioned) to enjoy yourself by singing, laughing, drinking, etc. the ,more the 'merrier the more people or things there are the better the situation will be or the more fun people will have: ‘Can I bring a friend to your party?’‘Sure—the more the merrier!’—more at HELL , LEAD^1v.
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'merry-go-round
noun
1 (also car.ou.sel especially in AmE) (BrE also round.about) a circular platform with model horses, cars, etc. that turns around and around and that children ride on at a FAIRGROUND
2 (AmE) = ROUNDABOUT (2)
3 continuous busy activity or a continuous series of changing events: He was tired of the merry-go-round of romance and longed to settle down.
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merry.mak.ing
noun [U] (literary) fun and enjoyment with singing, laughing, drinking, etc.
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mesa
noun (pl.mesas) a hill with a flat top and steep sides that is common in the south-west of the US
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mes.ca.line
(also mes.ca.lin) noun [U] a drug obtained from a type of CACTUS , that affects people’s minds and makes them see and hear things that are not really there
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mesh
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] material made of threads of plastic rope or wire that are woven together like a net: wire mesh over the door of the cage
2 [C, usually sing.] a complicated situation or system that it is difficult to escape from

verb (written)
1 ~ (sth) (with sth)| ~ (sth) (together) to fit together or match closely, especially in a satisfactory way; to make things fit together successfully: [v] This evidence meshes with earlier reports of an organized riot.  [vn] His theories mesh together various political and religious beliefs.
2 [v] (technical) (of parts of a machine) to fit together as they move: If the cogs don’t mesh correctly, the gears will keep slipping.

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mes.mer.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) having such a strong effect on people that they cannot give their attention to anything else: She gave a mesmeric performance.
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mes.mer.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to have such a strong effect on you that you cannot give your attention to anything else: They were mesmerized by her performance.
mes.mer.iz.ing , -is.ingadj.: Her performance was mesmerizing.
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mess
noun, verb
noun
UNTIDY STATE|
1 [C, usually sing.] a dirty or untidy state: The room was in a mess .  The kids made a mess in the bathroom.  ‘What a mess !’ she said, surveying the scene after the party.  My hair’s a real mess!
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
2 [C, usually sing.] a situation that is full of problems, usually because of a lack of organization or because of mistakes that sb has made: The economy is in a mess .  I feel I’ve made a mess of things.  The whole situation is a mess.  Let’s try to sort out the mess.  The biggest question is how they got into this mess in the first place.
UNTIDY PERSON|
3 [sing.] a person who is dirty or whose clothes and hair are not tidy: You’re a mess!
ANIMAL WASTE|
4 [U, C] (informal) the EXCREMENT (= solid waste matter) of an animal, usually a dog or cat
A LOT|
5 a ~ of sth (AmE, informal) a lot of sth: There’s a mess of fish down there, so get your lines in the water.
ARMED FORCES|
6 (also 'mess hall especially in AmE) a building or room in which members of the armed forces have their meals: the officers' mess

verb
MAKE UNTIDY|
1 [vn] (informal, especially AmE) to make sth dirty or untidy: Careful—you’re messing my hair.
OF AN ANIMAL|
2 [v] to empty its bowels somewhere that it should not ,no 'messing (spoken) used to say that sth has been done easily: We finished in time, no messing. ,mess a'round (BrE also ,mess a'bout)
1 to behave in a silly and annoying way, especially instead of doing sth useful
SYN FOOL AROUND : Will you stop messing around and get on with some work?
2 to spend time doing sth for pleasure in a relaxed way: We spent the day messing around on the river. ,mess a'round with sb (BrE also ,mess a'bout with sb) to have a sexual relationship with sb, especially when you should not ,mess a'round with sth (BrE also ,mess a'bout with sth)
1 to touch or use sth in a careless and/or annoying way: Who’s been messing around with my computer?
2 to spend time playing with sth, repairing sth, etc. ,mess sb a'bout / a'round (BrE) to treat sb in an unfair and annoying way, especially by changing your mind a lot or not doing what you said you would: I’m sorry to mess you about but there are a few last-minute changes. ,mess 'up| ,mess sth<->'up to spoil sth or do it badly: I’ve really messed up this time.  If you cancel now you’ll mess up all my arrangements. ,mess sb<->'up
1 (informal) to cause sb to have serious emotional or mental problems
2 (AmE, especially spoken) to physically hurt sb, especially by hitting them: He was messed up pretty bad by the other guy. ,mess sth<->'up to make sth dirty or untidy: I don’t want you messing up my nice clean kitchen. 'mess with sb/sth (usually used in negative sentences) to get involved with sb/sth that may be harmful: I wouldn’t mess with him if I were you.

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mes.sage
noun ~ (from sb) (to sb)
1 a written or spoken piece of information, etc. that you send to sb or leave for sb when you cannot speak to them yourself: There were no messages for me at the hotel.  I left a message on your answering machine.  Jenny’s not here at the moment. Can I take a message?   We’ve had an urgent message saying that your father’s ill.  a televised message from the President to the American people  an e-mail message
2 [usually sing.] an important moral, social or political idea that a book, speech, etc. is trying to communicate: a film with a strong religious message  The campaign is trying to get the message across to young people that drugs are dangerous.
3 (messages) [pl.] (ScotE) shopping: to do the messages  to go for the messages  You can leave your messages (= the things that you have bought) here.
IDM get the 'message (informal) to understand what sb is trying to tell you indirectly: When he started looking at his watch, I got the message and left. on / off 'message (of a politician) stating/not stating the official point of view of their political party
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mes.sen.ger
noun a person who gives a message to sb or who delivers messages to people as a job: He sent the order by messenger.  a motorcycle messenger
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Mes.siah
noun
1 (the Messiah) [sing.] (in Christianity) Jesus Christ who was sent by God into the world to save people from evil and SIN
2 (the Messiah) [sing.] (in Judaism) a king who will be sent by God to save the Jewish people
3 (messiah) a leader who people believe will solve the problems of a country or the world: He’s seen by many as a political messiah.
mes.si.an.ic adj.: a messianic prophecy  a political leader who speaks with messianic fervour
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Messrs
(BrE ) (AmEMessrs.) abbr. (used as the plural of ‘Mr’ before a list of names and before names of business companies): Messrs Smith, Brown and Jones  Messrs T Brown and Co
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messy
adj. (mess.ier, messi.est)
1 dirty and/or untidy: The house was always messy.
2 making sb/sth dirty and/or untidy: It was a messy job.
3 (of a situation) unpleasant, confused or difficult to deal with: The divorce was painful and messy.
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Met
abbr. (informal)
1 METEOROLOGICAL : the Met Office weather forecast service
2 (the Met) the Metropolitan Opera House (in New York)
3 (the Met) the Metropolitan Police (the police force in London)
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met
pt, pp of MEET
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meta-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and verbs)
1 connected with a change of position or state: metamorphosis  metabolism
2 higher; beyond: metaphysics  metalanguage
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me.tab.ol.ism
noun [U, sing.] (biology ) the chemical processes in living things that change food, etc. into energy and materials for growth: The body’s metabolism is slowed down by extreme cold.
meta.bol.ic adj. [usually before noun]: a metabolic process / disorder  a high / low metabolic rate
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me.tab.ol.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (biology ) to turn food, minerals, etc. in the body into new cells, energy and waste products by means of chemical processes
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metal
noun [C, U] a type of solid mineral substance that is usually hard and shiny and that heat and electricity can travel through, for example tin, iron, and gold: a piece of metal  a metal pipe / bar / box  The frame is made of metal.—see also HEAVY METAL , PRECIOUS METAL
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meta.lan.guage
noun [C, U] (linguistics ) the words and phrases that people use to talk about or describe language or a particular language
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'metal detector
noun
1 an electronic device that you use to look for metal objects that are buried under the ground
2 an electronic machine that is used, for example at an airport, to see if people are hiding metal objects such as weapons
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'metal fatigue
noun [U] weakness in metal that is frequently put under pressure that makes it likely to break
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met.alled
adj. (of a road or track) made or repaired with small pieces of broken stone
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me.tal.lic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 that looks, tastes or sounds like metal: metallic paint / colours / blue  a metallic taste  a metallic sound / click  a metallic voice (= harsh and unpleasant)
2 made of or containing metal: a metallic object  metallic compounds
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me.tal.lur.gist
noun a scientist who studies metallurgy
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me.tal.lurgy
noun [U] the scientific study of metals and their uses
me.tal.lur.gical adj.
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met.al.work
noun [U]
1 the activity of making objects out of metal in an artistic and skilful way; objects that are made in this way
2 the metal parts of sth: cracks in the metalwork
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meta.morph.ose
verb ~ (sth/sb) (from sth) (into sth) (formal) to change or make sth/sb change into sth completely different, especially over a period of time: [v] The caterpillar will eventually metamorphose into a butterfly. [alsovn]
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meta.mor.phosis
noun (pl.meta.mor.phoses ) [C, U] (formal) a process in which sb/sth changes completely into sth different: the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly  She had undergone an amazing metamorphosis from awkward schoolgirl to beautiful woman.
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meta.phor
noun [C, U] a word or phrase used in an imaginative way to describe sb/sth else, in order to show that the two things have the same qualities and to make the description more powerful, for example She has a heart of stone; the use of such words and phrases: a game of football used as a metaphor for the competitive struggle of life  The writer’s striking use of metaphor.—compare SIMILE
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meta.phor.ical
adj. connected with or containing metaphors : metaphorical language—compare FIGURATIVE , LITERAL
meta.phor.ic.al.ly adv.: I’ll leave you in Robin’s capable hands—metaphorically speaking , of course!
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meta.phys.ics
noun [U] the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence, truth and knowledge
meta.phys.ic.al adj.: metaphysical problems / speculation
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mete
verb
PVR V ,mete sth<->'out (to sb) (formal) to give sb a punishment; to make sb suffer bad treatment: Severe penalties were meted out by the court.  the violence meted out to the prisoners
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me.teor
noun a piece of rock from outer space that makes a bright line across the night sky as it burns up while falling through the earth’s atmosphere: a meteor shower—see also SHOOTING STAR
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me.teor.ic
adj.
1 achieving success very quickly: a meteoric rise to fame  a meteoric career
2 connected with meteors : meteoric craters
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me.teor.ite
noun a piece of rock from outer space that hits the earth’s surface
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me.teor.olo.gist
noun a scientist who studies meteorology
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me.teor.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of the earth’s atmosphere and its changes, used especially in FORECASTING the weather (= saying what it will be like)
me.teoro.logic.al adj.: meteorological conditions
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meter
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially in compounds) a device that measures and records the amount of electricity, gas, water, etc. that you have used or the time and distance you have travelled, etc: A man came to read the gas meter.  The cab driver left the meter running while he waited for us.—see also LIGHT METER
2 = PARKING METER
3 (-meter) (in compounds) a device for measuring the thing mentioned: speedometer  altimeter  calorimeter
4 (AmE) = METRE

verb [vn] to measure sth (for example how much gas, electricity, etc. has been used) using a meter

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metha.done
noun [U] a drug that is used to treat people who are trying to stop taking the illegal drug HEROIN
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me.thane
noun [U] (symb CH4) a gas without colour or smell, that burns easily and is used as fuel. Natural gas consists mainly of methane .
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me.thinks
verb (ptme.thought) (not used in the perfect tenses) [v, v (that)] (old use or humorous) I think
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method
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a particular way of doing sth: a reliable / effective / scientific method of data analysis  a new method of solving the problem  traditional / alternative methods  the best method for arriving at an accurate prediction of the costs
2 [U] the quality of being well planned and organized
IDM there is (a) method in your madness there is a reason for your behaviour and it is not as strange or as stupid as it seems
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meth.od.ic.al
adj.
1 done in a careful and logical way: a methodical approach / study
2 (of a person) doing things in a careful and logical way: to have a methodical mind
meth.od.ic.al.ly adv.: They sorted slowly and methodically through the papers.
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Meth.od.ist
noun a member of a Christian Protestant Church that broke away from the Church of England in the 18th century
Meth.od.ism noun [U]
Meth.od.ist adj.: a Methodist church / preacher
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meth.od.ology
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] (formal) a set of methods and principles used to perform a particular activity: recent changes in the methodology of language teaching
meth.odo.logic.al adj. [usually before noun]: methodological problems
meth.odo.logic.al.ly adj.
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meths
noun [U] (informal, especially BrE ) = METHYLATED SPIRIT
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meth.yl.ated spirit
(also meth.yl.ated spirits) (also informal meths) noun [U] a type of alcohol that is not fit for drinking, used as a fuel for lighting and heating and for cleaning off dirty marks
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me.ticu.lous
adj. ~ (in sth / doing sth)| ~ (about sth / in doing sth) paying careful attention to every detail: meticulous planning / records / research  He’s always meticulous in keeping the records up to date.  Their room had been prepared with meticulous care.
me.ticu.lous.ly adv.: a meticulously planned schedule  meticulously clean
me.ticu.lous.ness noun [U]
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mé.tier
noun [usually sing.] (from French , formal) a person’s work, especially when they have a natural skill or ability for it
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me.ton.ymy
noun [U] (technical ) the act of referring to sth by the name of sth else that is closely connected with it, for example using the White House for the US president
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metre
(BrE ) (AmEmeter) noun (abbr. m)
1 [C] a unit for measuring length; a hundred CENTIMETRES
2 (metres) used in the name of races: She came second in the 200 metres.  the 4×100 metres relay
3 [U, C] the arrangement of strong and weak stresses in lines of poetry that produces the rhythm; a particular example of this
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met.ric
adj.
1 based on the metric system : metric units / measurements / sizes  British currency went metric in 1971.
2 made or measured using the metric system : These screws are metric.—compare IMPERIAL
3 = METRICAL
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met.ric.al
(also met.ric) adj. connected with the rhythm of a poem, produced by the arrangement of stress on the syllables in each line
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met.ri.ca.tion
noun [U] the process of changing to using the metric system
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the 'metric system
noun [sing.] the system of measurement that uses the metre, the kilogram and the litre as basic units
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,metric 'ton
(also tonne) noun a unit for measuring weight, equal to 1 000 kilograms
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metro
noun, adj.
noun (also the Metro) [sing.] an underground train system, especially the one in Paris: to travel on the metro  / by metro   the Paris Metro  a metro station  note at UNDERGROUND

adj. (AmE , informal) = METROPOLITAN : the New York metro areas

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met.ro.nome
noun a device that makes a regular sound like a clock and is used by musicians to help them keep the correct rhythm when playing a piece of music
met.ro.nom.ic adj.: His financial problems hit the headlines with almost metronomic regularity.
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me.trop.olis
noun a large important city (often the capital city of a country or region)
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met.ro.pol.itan
adj. [only before noun]
1 (also AmE informal metro) connected with a large or capital city: the New York metropolitan area  metropolitan districts / regions
2 connected with a particular country rather than with the other regions of the world that the country controls: metropolitan France / Spain
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met.tle
noun [U] the ability and determination to do sth successfully in spite of difficult conditions: The next game will be a real test of their mettle.
IDM on your 'mettle prepared to use all your skills, knowledge, etc. because you are being tested
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mew
noun the soft high noise that a cat makes
mew verb : [v] The kitten mewed pitifully.
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mews
noun (pl.mews) (BrE ) a short, narrow street with a row of STABLES (= buildings used to keep horses in) that have been made into small houses
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'mews house
(BrE ) (AmE 'carriage house) noun a house in a mews
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,Mexican 'wave
(BrE ) (AmE the 'wave) noun a continuous movement that looks like a wave on the sea, made by a large group of people, especially people watching a football game, when one person after another stands up, raises their arms, and then sits down again
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mez.za.nine
noun
1 a floor that is built between two floors of a building and is smaller than the other floors: a bedroom on the mezzanine  a mezzanine floor
2 (AmE) the first area of seats above the ground floor in a theatre; the first few rows of these seats—see also DRESS CIRCLE
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mezzo-soprano
(also mezzo) noun (pl.mezzo-sopranos or mezzos) a singing voice with a range between SOPRANO and ALTO ; a woman with a mezzo-soprano voice
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mg
abbr. (in writing) MILLIGRAM(S) : Each tablet contains 250mg aspirin.
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Mgr
(also Mgr. especially in AmE) abbr. (in writing) MONSIGNOR
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MHz
abbr. (in writing) MEGAHERTZ : frequencies from 108 to 120 MHz
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MIA
abbr. (especially AmE ) (of a soldier) missing in action (missing after a battle)
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mi
= ME n
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miaow
(BrE ) (also meowAmE, BrE) noun the crying sound made by a cat—see also MEW
miaow (BrE ) (also meowAmE, BrE) verb [v]
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mi.asma
noun [C usually sing, U] (literary) a mass of air that is dirty and smells unpleasant: A miasma of stale alcohol hung around him.   (figurative) the miasma of depression
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mic
noun (informal) = MICROPHONE
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mica
noun [U] a clear mineral that splits easily into thin flat layers and is used to make electrical equipment
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mice
pl. of MOUSE
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Mich.ael.mas
noun [U, C] (in the Christian Church) the holy day in honour of St Michael, 29 September
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,Michaelmas 'daisy
noun a plant that has blue, white, pink or purple flowers with dark centres, that appear in the autumn/fall
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mickey
noun
IDM take the 'mickey (out of sb) (BrE, informal) to make sb look or feel silly by copying the way they talk, behave, etc. or by making them believe sth that is not true, often in a way that is not intended to be unkind
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,Mickey 'Mouse
adj. (disapproving) not of high quality; too easy: It’s only a Mickey Mouse job.
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micro
noun (pl.-os) = MICROCOMPUTER
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micro-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) small; on a small scale: microchip  micro-organism
OPP MACRO-
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mi.crobe
noun an extremely small living thing that you can only see under a MICROSCOPE and that may cause disease
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micro.biolo.gist
noun a scientist who studies microbiology
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micro.biol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of very small living things, such as bacteria
micro.bio.logic.al adj.
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micro.chip
(also chip) noun a very small piece of a material that is a SEMICONDUCTOR , used to carry a complicated electronic CIRCUIT
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micro.com.puter
(also micro) noun a small computer that contains a MICROPROCESSOR —compare MAINFRAME , MINICOMPUTER , PERSONAL COMPUTER
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micro.cosm
noun a thing, a place or a group that has all the features and qualities of sth much larger: The family is a microcosm of society.—compare MACROCOSM
IDM in microcosm on a small scale: The developments in this town represent in microcosm what is happening in the country as a whole.
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micro.elec.tron.ics
noun [U] the design, production and use of very small electronic CIRCUITS
micro.elec.tron.ic adj. [only before noun]
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micro.fiche
noun [U, C] a piece of film with written information on it in print of very small size. Microfiches can only be read with a special machine: The directory is available on microfiche .
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micro.film
noun [U, C] film used for storing written information on in print of very small size
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micro.light
noun a very small light aircraft for one or two people
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micro.metre
(BrE ) (AmEmicro.meter) noun a unit for measuring length, equal to one MILLIONTH of a metre
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mi.cron
noun (old-fashioned) = MICROMETRE
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,micro-'organism
noun (technical ) a very small living thing that you can only see under a MICROSCOPE
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micro.phone
(also informal mic, mike) noun a device that is used for recording sounds or for making your voice louder when you are speaking or singing to an audience: a cassette recorder with a built-in microphone  to speak into the microphone  Their remarks were picked up by the hidden microphones.
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micro.pro.ces.sor
noun (computing ) a small unit of a computer that contains all the functions of the CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
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micro.scope
noun an instrument used in scientific study for making very small things look larger so that you can examine them carefully: a microscope slide  The bacteria were then examined under a / the microscope .   (figurative) In the play, love and marriage are put under the microscope .—see also ELECTRON MICROSCOPE —picture at LABORATORY
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micro.scop.ic
adj.
1 [usually before noun] extremely small and difficult or impossible to see without a microscope : a microscopic creature / particle   (humorous) The sandwiches were microscopic!
2 [only before noun] using a microscope : a microscopic analysis / examination
micro.scop.ic.al.ly adv.: microscopically small creatures  All samples are examined microscopically.
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micro.wave
noun, verb
noun
1 (also formal ,microwave 'oven) a type of oven that cooks or heats food very quickly using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves rather than heat: Reheat the soup in the microwave.  microwave cookery / meals—compare OVEN —
2 (technical) an ELECTROMAGNETIC wave that is shorter than a radio wave but longer than a light wave

verb [vn] to cook or heat sth in a microwave
micro.wave.able (also micro.wav.able) adj.: microwaveable meals

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mid
prep. (literary) = AMID
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mid-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) in the middle of: mid-morning coffee  She’s in her mid-thirties.
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,mid-'air
noun [U] a place in the air or the sky, not on the ground: The bird caught the insects in mid-air
,mid-'air adj.: a mid-air collision
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Midas touch
noun (usually the Midas touch) [sing.] the ability to make a financial success of everything you do
ORIGIN From the Greek myth in which King Midas was given the power to turn everything he touched into gold.
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,mid-At'lantic
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the area on the east coast of the US, that is near New York and immediately to the south of it: the mid-Atlantic states / coast
2 in the middle of the Atlantic ocean: (figurative) a mid-Atlantic accent (= a form of English that uses a mixture of British and American sounds)
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mid.day
noun [U] 12 o’clock in the middle of the day; the period around this time NOON : The train arrives at midday.  a midday meal  the heat of the midday sun
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mid.dle
noun, adj.
noun
1 (the middle) [sing.] the part of sth that is at an equal distance from all its edges or sides; a point or a period of time between the beginning and the end of sth: a lake with an island in the middle   He was standing in the middle of the room.  The phone rang in the middle of the night.  This chicken isn’t cooked in the middle.  His picture was right / bang (= exactly)in the middle of the front page.  Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle .  I should have finished by the middle of the week.
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person’s waist: He grabbed her around the middle.  I’ve put on weight around the middle.
IDM be in the middle of sth / of doing sth to be busy doing sth: They were in the middle of dinner when I called  I’m in the middle of writing a difficult letter. the middle of 'nowhere (informal) a place that is a long way from other buildings, towns, etc: She lives on a small farm in the middle of nowhere. ,split / di,vide sth down the 'middle to divide sth into two equal parts: The country was split down the middle over the strike (= half supported it, half did not).—more at PIG n.

adj. [only before noun] in a position in the middle of an object, group of objects, people, etc. between the beginning and the end of sth: Pens are kept in the middle drawer.  She’s the middle child of three.  He was very successful in his middle forties.  a middle-sized room  the middle-income groups in society
IDM (steer, take, etc.) a middle 'course | (find, etc.) a / the middle 'way (to take/find) a course of action that is a COMPROMISE between two extreme positions

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,middle 'age
noun [U] the period of your life when you are neither young nor old, between the ages of about 45 and 60: a pleasant woman in early / late middle age
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,middle-'aged
adj.
1 (of a person) neither young nor old
2 (the middle aged) noun [pl.] people who are middle-aged
3 (disapproving) (of a person’s attitudes or behaviour) rather boring and old-fashioned
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the ,Middle 'Ages
noun [pl.] in European history, the period from about AD 1000 to AD 1450
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,middle-age 'spread
(also ,middle-aged 'spread) noun [U] (humorous) the fat around the stomach that some people develop in middle age
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,Middle A'merica
noun [U] the middle class in the US, especially those people who represent traditional social and political values, and who come from small towns and SUBURBS rather than cities
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middle.brow
adj. [usually before noun] (usually disapproving) (of books, music, art, etc.) of good quality but not needing a lot of thought to understand—compare HIGHBROW , LOWBROW
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,middle 'C
noun [U] the musical note C near the middle of the piano keyboard
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,middle 'class
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] the social class whose members are neither very rich nor very poor and that includes professional and business people: the upper / lower middle class  the growth of the middle classes—compare UPPER CLASS , WORKING CLASS
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,middle-'class
adj.
1 connected with the middle social class: a middle-class background / family / suburb
2 (disapproving) typical of people from the middle social class, for example having traditional views: a middle-class attitude  The magazine is very middle-class.
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,middle 'distance
noun (the middle distance) [sing.] the part of a painting or a view that is neither very close nor very far away: His eyes were fixed on a small house in the middle distance.
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,middle-'distance
adj. [only before noun] (sport ) connected with running a race over a distance that is neither very short nor very long: a middle-distance runner (= for example, somebody who runs 800 or 1500 metre races)
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,middle 'ear
noun [sing.] the central part of the ear behind the EARDRUM
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the ,Middle 'East
(also less frequent the ,Near 'East) noun [sing.] an area that covers SW Asia and NE Africa—compare THE FAR EAST
,Middle 'Eastern (also less frequent ,Near 'Eastern) adj.
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,middle 'finger
noun the longest finger in the middle of each hand—picture at BODY
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'middle ground
noun [U] a set of opinions, decisions, etc. that two or more groups who oppose each other can agree on; a position that is not extreme: Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground.  The ballet company now occupies the middle ground between classical ballet and modern dance.
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middle.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a person or a company that buys goods from the company that makes them and sells them to sb else: Buy direct from the manufacturer and cut out the middleman.
2 a person who helps to arrange things between people who do not want to talk directly to each other INTERMEDIARY , GO-BETWEEN
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,middle 'management
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] the people who are in charge of small groups of people and departments within a business organization but who are not involved in making important decisions that will affect the whole organization
,middle 'manager noun
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,middle 'name
noun a name that comes between your first name and your family name
IDM be sb’s middle 'name (informal) used to say that sb has a lot of a particular quality: ‘Patience’ is my middle name!
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,middle-of-the-'road
adj. (of people, policies, etc.) not extreme; acceptable to most people: a middle-of-the-road newspaper  Their music is very middle-of-the-road.
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,middle-'ranking
adj. [only before noun] having a responsible job or position, but not one of the most important: a middle-ranking officer
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'middle school
noun
1 (in Britain) a school for children between the ages of about 9 and 13
2 (in the US) a school for children between the ages of about 11 and 14—compare UPPER SCHOOL
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middle.weight
noun a boxer weighing between 67 and 72.5 kilograms, heavier than a WELTERWEIGHT : a middleweight champion
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the ,Middle 'West
noun [sing.] = MIDWEST
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mid.dling
adj. [usually before noun] of average size, quality, status, etc: a golfer of middling talent
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mid.field
noun [U, C, sing.] the central part of a sports field in football, etc.; the group of players in this position: He plays (in) midfield .  The team’s midfield looks strong.  a midfield player
mid.field.er noun
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midge
noun a small flying insect that lives especially in damp places and that bites humans and animals: clouds of midges
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midget
noun, adj.
noun
1 ( , offensive) an extremely small person, who will never grow to a normal size because of a physical problem; a person suffering from DWARFISM
2 (informal, sometimes offensive) a very small person or animal

adj. [only before noun] very small

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Mid.lands
noun (the Midlands) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the central part of a country, especially the central counties of England
Mid.land adj. [only before noun]
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mid.life
noun [U] the middle part of your life when you are neither young nor old: It is not difficult to take up a new career in midlife  midlife stresses
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,midlife 'crisis
noun [usually sing.] the feelings of worry, disappointment or lack of confidence that a person may feel in the middle part of their life
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mid.night
noun [U]
1 12 o’clock at night: They had to leave at midnight .  on the stroke of midnight / shortly after midnight  She heard the clock strike midnight.  We have to catch the midnight train.
2 (especially AmE) = MIDNIGHT BLUE
IDM see BURN v. , FLIT n.
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,midnight 'blue
(also mid.night especially in AmE) noun [U] a very dark blue colour
,midnight 'blue adj.
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the midnight 'sun
noun [sing.] the sun that you can see in the middle of the summer near the North and South Poles
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'mid-point
noun [usually sing.] the point that is halfway through sth or through a period of time; the point that is halfway between two things: the mid-point of the decade  At its mid-point, the race had no clear winner.  the mid-point between the first number and the last
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,mid-'range
adj. [only before noun] (especially of a product for sale) neither the best nor the worst that is available: a mid-range computer
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mid.riff
noun the middle part of the body between the chest and the waist: a bare midriff
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mid.ship.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person training to be an officer in the navy: Midshipman Paul Brooks
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,mid-'sized
(also ,mid-'size) adj. (especially AmE ) of average size, neither large nor small
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midst
noun (formal) (used after a preposition) the middle part of sth: Such beauty was unexpected in the midst of the city.  She appeared from the midst of the crowd.
IDM in the midst of sth / of doing sth while sth is happening or being done; while you are doing sth: a country in the midst of a recession  She discovered it in the midst of sorting out her father’s things. in their / our / its / your midst (formal) among or with them/us/it/you: There is a traitor in our midst.
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mid.stream
noun [U] the middle part of a river, stream, etc: We anchored in midstream
IDM (in) midstream in the middle of doing sth; while sth is still happening: Their conversation was interrupted in midstream by the baby crying.—more at CHANGE v.
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mid.sum.mer
noun [U] the middle of summer, especially the period in June in northern parts of the world, in December in southern parts: a midsummer evening
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,Midsummer’s 'Day
(BrE ) (also ,Midsummer 'DayAmE, BrE) noun 24 June, in northern parts of the world
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mid.term
adj. [only before noun]
1 in the middle of the period that a government, a council, etc. is elected for: midterm elections
2 for or connected with a period of time that is neither long nor short; in the middle of a particular period: a midterm solution  midterm losses—see also LONG-TERM , SHORT-TERM
3 in the middle of one of the main periods of the academic year: a midterm examination / break—see also HALF-TERM
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mid.town
noun (AmE ) the part of a city that is between the central business area and the outer parts: a house in midtown  midtown Manhattan—compare DOWNTOWN , UPTOWN
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mid.way
adv. in the middle of a period of time; between two places HALFWAY : The goal was scored midway through the first half.
mid.way adj.: to reach the midway point
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mid.week
noun [U] the middle of the week: to play a match in midweek   By midweek he was too tired to go out.  a midweek defeat for the team
mid.week adv.: It’s cheaper to travel midweek.
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Mid.west
(the Midwest) (also the ,Middle 'West) noun [sing.] the northern central part of the US
Mid.west.ern adj.
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mid.wife
noun (pl.mid.wives ) a person, especially a woman, who is trained to help women give birth to babies—compare DOULA
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mid.wif.ery
noun [U] the profession and work of a midwife
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mid.win.ter
noun [U] the middle of winter, around December in northern parts of the world, June in southern parts: midwinter weather
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mien
noun [sing.] (formal or literary) a person’s appearance or manner that shows how they are feeling
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miffed
adj. [not before noun] (informal) slightly angry or upset
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might
modal verb, noun
modal verb (negativemight not, short formmightn’t )
1 used as the past tense of may when reporting what sb has said: He said he might come tomorrow.
2 used when showing that sth is or was possible: He might get there in time, but I can’t be sure.  I know Vicky doesn’t like the job, but I mightn’t find it too bad.  The pills might have helped him, if only he’d taken them regularly.  He might say that now (= it is true that he does), but he can soon change his mind.
3 used to make a polite suggestion: You might try calling the help desk.  I thought we might go to the zoo on Saturday.
4 (BrE) used to ask permission politely: Might I use your phone?  If I might just say something …
5 (formal) used to ask for information: How might the plans be improved upon?  And who might she be?
6 used to show that you are annoyed about sth that sb could do or could have done: I think you might at least offer to help!  Honestly, you might have told me!
7 used to say that you are not surprised by sth: I might have guessed it was you!
8 used to emphasize that an important point has been made: ‘And where is the money coming from?’‘You might well ask!’  note at MODAL
IDM see WELL

noun [U] (formal or literary) great strength, energy or power: America’s military might  I pushed the rock with all my might .

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might.ily
adv. (old-fashioned)
1 very; very much: mightily impressed / relieved
2 (formal) with great strength or effort: We have struggled mightily to win back lost trade.
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mighty
adj., adv.
adj. (might.ier, mighti.est)
1 (especially literary) very strong and powerful: a mighty warrior  He struck him with a mighty blow across his shoulder.
2 large and impressive: the mighty Mississippi river
IDM see HIGH adj.

adv. (informal, especially AmE ) (with adjectives and adverbs) very: mighty difficult  driving mighty fast

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mi.graine
noun [U, C] a very severe type of HEADACHE which often makes a person feel sick and have difficulty in seeing: severe migraine  I’m getting a migraine.
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mi.grant
noun
1 a person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work: They claimed they were political refugees and not economic migrants.  migrant workers—compare EMIGRANT , IMMIGRANT
2 a bird or an animal that moves from one place to another according to the season
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mi.grate
verb [v]
1 (of birds, animals, etc.) to move from one part of the world to another according to the season: Swallows migrate south in winter.
2 (of a lot of people) to move from one town, country, etc. to go and live and/or work in another
SYN EMIGRATE : Thousands were forced to migrate from rural to urban areas in search of work.
3 (technical) to move from one place to another: The infected cells then migrate to other areas of the body.
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mi.gra.tion
noun [U, C] the movement of large numbers of people, birds or animals from one place to another: seasonal migration  mass migrations
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mi.gra.tory
adj. (technical ) connected with, or having the habit of, regular migration : migratory flights / birds
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mike
noun (informal) = MICROPHONE
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mild
adj., noun
adj. (mild.er, mild.est)
1 not severe or harsh: a mild form of the disease  a mild punishment / criticism  It’s safe to take a mild sedative.  Use a soap that is mild on the skin.
2 (of weather) not very cold, and therefore pleasant: the mildest winter since records began  a mild climate—compare HARD
3 (of feelings) not great or extreme SLIGHT : mild irritation / amusement / disapproval  She looked at him in mild surprise.
4 (of people or their behaviour) gentle and kind; not usually getting angry or violent: a mild woman, who never shouted
5 (of a flavour) not strong, spicy or bitter: a mild curry  mild cheese
OPP HOT
mild.ness noun [U]: the mildness of a sunny spring day  her mildness of manner

noun [U] (BrE ) a type of clear dark beer with a mild flavour: Two pints of mild, please.—compare BITTER

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mil.dew
noun [U] a very small white FUNGUS that grows on walls, plants, food, etc. in warm wet conditions
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mil.dewed
adj. with MILDEW growing on it
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mild.ly
adv.
1 slightly; not very much: mildly surprised / irritated / interested
2 in a gentle manner: ‘I didn’t mean to upset you’ he said mildly.
IDM to put it 'mildly (spoken) used to show that what you are talking about is much more extreme, etc. than your words suggest: The result was unfortunate, to put it mildly (= it was extremely unfortunate).
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mile
noun
1 [C] a unit for measuring distance equal to 1 609 metres or 1 760 YARDS : a 20-mile drive to work  an area of four square miles  a mile-long procession  The nearest bank is about half a mile down the road.  We did about 30 miles a day on our cycling trip.  The car must have been doing at least 100 miles an hour.  My car does 35 miles to the gallon.—see also MPH , NAUTICAL MILE
2 (miles) [pl.] a large area or a long distance: miles and miles of desert  There isn’t a house for miles around here.  I’m not walking—it’s miles away .
3 [C, usually pl.] (informal) very much; far: I’m feeling miles better today, thanks.  I’m miles behind with my work.  She’s taller than you by a mile.
4 (the mile) [sing.] a race over one mile: He ran the mile in less than four minutes.  a four-minute mile
IDM be 'miles away (informal) to be thinking deeply about sth and not aware of what is happening around you go the ,extra 'mile (for sb/sth) to make a special effort to achieve sth, help sb, etc. ,miles from 'anywhere (informal) in a place that is a long way from a town and surrounded only by a lot of open country, sea, etc: We broke down miles from anywhere. run a 'mile (from sb/sth) (informal) to show that you are very frightened of doing sth see, spot, tell, smell, etc. sth a 'mile off (informal) to see or realize sth very easily and quickly: He’s wearing a wig—you can see it a mile off. stand / stick out a 'mile to be very obvious or noticeable: It stood out a mile that she was lying.—more at INCH n.
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mile.age
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] the distance that a vehicle has travelled, measured in miles: My annual mileage is about 10 000.  a used car with one owner and a low mileage  The price of the car included unlimited mileage, but not fuel.  I get a mileage allowance if I use my car for work (= an amount of money paid for each mile I travel).
2 [U, C] the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a particular amount of fuel: If you drive carefully you can get better mileage from your car.
3 [U] (informal) the amount of advantage or use that you can get from a particular event or situation: I don’t think the press can get any more mileage out of that story.
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mile.om.eter
noun = MILOMETER
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mile.post
noun (especially AmE )
1 a post by the side of the road that shows how far it is to the next town, and to other places
2 = MILESTONE
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mile.stone
noun
1 (also mile.post especially in AmE) a very important stage or event in the development of sth
2 a stone by the side of a road that shows how far it is to the next town and to other places
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mi.lieu
noun [C, usually sing.] (pl.mi.lieux or mi.lieus ) (from French , formal) the social environment that you live or work in
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mili.tant
adj. using, or willing to use, force or strong pressure to achieve your aims, especially to achieve social or political change: militant groups / leaders
mili.tancy noun [U]: a growing militancy amongst the unemployed
mili.tant noun: Student militants were fighting with the police.
mili.tant.ly adv.
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mili.tar.ism
noun [U] (usually disapproving) the belief that a country should have great military strength in order to be powerful
mili.tar.ist noun: Militarists ran the country.
mili.tar.is.tic adj.: militaristic government
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mili.tar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to send armed forces to an area: a militarized zone
OPP DEMILITARIZE
2 to make sth similar to an army: a militarized police force
mili.tar.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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mili.tary
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] connected with soldiers or the armed forces: military training / intelligence  a military coup  military uniform  We may have to take military action.—compare CIVILIAN
mili.tar.ily adv.: a militarily superior country  We may have to intervene militarily in the area.

noun (the military) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] soldiers; the armed forces: The military was / were called in to deal with the riot.

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,military 'service
noun [U]
1 a period during which young people train in the armed forces: to be called up for military service   She has to do her military service .
2 the time sb spends in the armed forces: He’s completed 30 years of active military service.
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mili.tate
verb
PVR V 'militate against sth (formal) to prevent sth; to make it difficult for sth to happen or exist: The supervisor’s presence militated against a relaxed atmosphere.
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mili.tia
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] a group of people who are not professional soldiers but who have had military training and can act as an army
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mili.tia.man
noun (pl.-men ) a member of a militia
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milk
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the white liquid produced by cows, goats and some other animals as food for their young and used as a drink by humans: a pint / litre of milk  a bottle / carton of milk  fresh / dried / powdered milk  Do you take milk in your tea?  milk products (= butter, cheese, etc.)—see also BUTTERMILK , CONDENSED MILK , EVAPORATED MILK , MALTED MILK , SKIMMED MILK
2 the white liquid that is produced by women and female MAMMALS for feeding their babies: breast milk
3 the white juice of some plants and trees, especially the COCONUT —
IDM the milk of human 'kindness (literary) kind behaviour, considered to be natural to human beings—more at CRY v. , LAND n.

verb [vn]
1 to take milk from a cow, goat, etc.
2 ~ A (of B)| ~ B (from A) (disapproving) to obtain as much money, advantage, etc. for yourself as you can from a particular situation, especially in a dishonest way: She’s milked a small fortune from the company over the years.  She’s milked the company of a small fortune.  I know he’s had a hard time lately, but he’s certainly milking it for all it’s worth (= using it as an excuse to do things that people would normally object to).
IDM see DRY n.

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,milk 'chocolate
noun [U] light brown chocolate made with extra milk—compare PLAIN CHOCOLATE
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'milk float
noun (BrE ) a small electric vehicle used for delivering milk to people’s houses
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milk.ing
noun [U] the process of taking milk from a cow, etc: milking machines / sheds
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milk.maid
noun (in the past) a woman whose job was to take milk from cows and make butter and cheese
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milk.man
noun (pl.-men ) (especially in Britain) a person whose job is to deliver milk to customers each morning
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'milk round
noun
1 (in Britain) the job of going from house to house regularly, delivering milk; the route taken by sb doing this job
2 (also the milk round) (in Britain) a series of visits that large companies make each year to colleges and universities, to talk to students who are interested in working for them
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milk.shake
(also shake) noun a drink made of milk, and sometimes ice cream, with an added flavour of fruit or chocolate, which is mixed or shaken until it is full of bubbles: a banana milkshake
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'milk tooth
(BrE ) (also 'baby toothAmE, BrE) noun any of the first set of teeth in young children that drop out and are replaced by others
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milky
adj.
1 made of milk; containing a lot of milk: a hot milky drink  milky tea / coffee
2 like milk: milky (= not clear) blue eyes  milky (= white) skin
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the ,Milky 'Way
noun [sing.] = THE GALAXY
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mill
noun, verb
noun
1 a building fitted with machinery for GRINDING grain into flour—see also WATERMILL , WINDMILL
2 (often in compounds) a factory that produces a particular type of material: a cotton / cloth / steel / paper mill  mill owners / workers—see also ROLLING MILL , SAWMILL
3 (often in compounds) a small machine for crushing or GRINDING a solid substance into powder: a pepper mill—see also RUN-OF-THE-MILL , TREADMILL
IDM go through the 'mill | put sb through the 'mill to have or make sb have a difficult time: They really put me through the mill in my interview.—more at GRIST

verb [vn] [often passive] to crush or GRIND sth in a mill
PVR V ,mill a'round (BrE also ,mill a'bout) (especially of a large group of people) to move around an area without seeming to be going anywhere in particular: Hundreds of fans were milling around outside the hotel.—see also MILLING

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mil.len.nium
noun (pl.mil.len.nia or mil.len.niums)
1 a period of 1 000 years, especially as calculated before or after the birth of Christ: the second millennium AD
2 (the millennium) the time when one period of 1 000 years ends and another begins: How did you celebrate the millennium?
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the mil'lennium bug
noun [sing.] a problem that threatened to make computer systems all over the world stop working in the year 2000 because they could not recognize a date ending in two zeros
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mill.er
noun a person who owns or works in a MILL for making flour
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mil.let
noun [U] a type of plant producing very small grain, grown mainly as food for animals but also eaten by people in parts of Africa and Asia—picture at CEREAL
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milli-
combining form (in nouns; used in units of measurement) one THOUSANDTH : milligram
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milli.bar
(also informal bar) noun a unit for measuring the pressure of the atmosphere
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milli.gram
(BrE also milli.gramme) noun (abbr. mg) a unit for measuring weight; a 1 000th of a gram
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milli.litre
(BrE ) (AmEmilli.liter) noun (abbr. ml) a unit for measuring the volume of liquids and gases; a 1 000th of a litre
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milli.metre
(BrE ) (AmEmilli.meter) noun (abbr. mm) a unit for measuring length; a 1 000th of a metre
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mill.iner
noun a person whose job is making and/or selling women’s hats
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mill.in.ery
noun [U]
1 the work of a milliner
2 the things made by a milliner : the millinery department (= in a large store)
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mill.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the work of GRINDING grain, etc. to make flour: milling machines
2 (of people) moving around in a large mass: I had to fight my way through the milling crowd .
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mil.lion
number (plural verb)
1 (abbr.m) 1 000 000
HELP You say a, one, two, several, etc. million without a final ‘s’ on ‘million’. Millions (of … ) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with million or millions.: a population of half a million  tens of millions of dollars  It must be worth a million (= pounds, dollars, etc.)
2 a million or millions (of … ) (informal) a very large amount: I still have a million things to do.  He made his millions (= all his money) on currency deals.
HELP There are more examples of how to use numbers at the entry for hundred.
IDM look / feel like a million 'dollars / 'bucks (informal) to look/feel extremely good one, etc. in a 'million a person or thing that is very unusual or special: He’s a man in a million.
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mil.lion.aire
noun a person who has a million pounds, dollars, etc.; a very rich person: an oil millionaire  She’s a millionaire several times over.  a millionaire businessman
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mil.lion.air.ess
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who is a millionaire
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mil.lionth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 1 000 000th

noun each of one million equal parts of sth: a / one millionth of a second

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milli.pede
noun a small creature like an insect, with a long thin body divided into many sections, each with two pairs of legs
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milli.sec.ond
noun (technical ) a 1000th of a second: (figurative) I hesitated a millisecond too long.
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mill.pond
noun a small area of water used especially in the past to make the wheel of a MILL turn
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mill.stone
noun one of two flat circular stones used, especially in the past, to crush grain to make flour
IDM a millstone around / round your 'neck a difficult problem or responsibility that it seems impossible to solve or get rid of: My debts are a millstone around my neck.
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'mill wheel
noun a large wheel that is turned by water and that makes the machinery of a MILL work
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mil.om.eter
(also mile.ometer) (both BrE ) (AmE odom.eter) (also informal the clockAmE, BrE) noun an instrument in a vehicle that measures the number of miles it has travelled—picture at CAR
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mime
noun, verb
noun [U, C] (especially in the theatre) the use of movements of your hands or body and the expressions on your face to tell a story or to act sth without speaking; a performance using this method of acting: The performance consisted of dance, music and mime.  a mime artist  She performed a brief mime.

verb
1 to act, tell a story, etc. by moving your body and face but without speaking: [vn] Each player has to mime the title of a movie, play or book.  [v -ing] He mimed climbing a mountain. [alsov]
2 ~ (to) sth to pretend to sing a song that is actually being sung by sb else on a record, tape, etc: [v] The band was miming to a backing tape. [alsovn]

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mi.met.ic
adj. (technical or formal) copying the behaviour or appearance of sb/sth else
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mimic
verb, noun
verb (-ck-)
1 to copy the way sb speaks, moves, behaves, etc., especially in order to make other people laugh: [vn] She’s always mimicking the teachers.  He mimicked her southern accent. [alsov speech]
2 [vn] to look or behave like sth else
SYN IMITATE : The robot was programmed to mimic a series of human movements.

noun a person or an animal that can copy the voice, movements, etc. of others

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mim.ic.ry
noun [U] the action or skill of being able to copy the voice, movements, etc. of others: a talent for mimicry
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mi.mosa
noun
1 [C, U] a tropical bush or tree with balls of yellow flowers and leaves that are sensitive to touch and light
2 [C] (AmE) a drink made with CHAMPAGNE and orange juice
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min.
abbr.
1 (in writing) minute(s): Cook for 8–10 min. until tender.
2 (in writing) MINIMUM : min. charge £4.50
OPP MAX
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min.aret
noun a tall thin tower, usually forming part of a MOSQUE , from which Muslims are called to prayer
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mince
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to cut food, especially meat, into very small pieces using a special machine (= called a MINCER ): minced beef
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (disapproving) to walk with quick short steps, in a way that is not natural: He minced over to serve us.
IDM not mince (your) 'words to say sth in a direct way even though it might offend other people

noun (BrE ) (AmE ,ground 'beef, ham.burg.er, 'hamburger meat) [U] meat, especially beef, that has been finely chopped in a special machine: a pound of mince

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mince.meat
noun [U] (especially BrE ) a mixture of dried fruit, spices, etc. used especially for making pies
IDM make 'mincemeat of sb (informal) to defeat sb completely in a fight, an argument or a competition
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,mince 'pie
noun a small round pie filled with mincemeat , traditionally eaten at Christmas, especially in Britain
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min.cer
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'meat grinder) noun a machine for cutting food, especially meat, into very small pieces
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min.cing
adj. (disapproving) (of a way of walking or speaking) very delicate, and not natural: short mincing steps
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mind
noun, verb
noun
ABILITY TO THINK|
1 [C, U] the part of a person that makes them able to be aware of things, to think and to feel: the conscious / subconscious mind  There were all kinds of thoughts running through my mind.  There was no doubt in his mind that he’d get the job.  ‘Drugs’ are associated in most people’s minds with drug abuse.  She was in a disturbed state of mind .  I could not have complete peace of mind before they returned.—see also FRAME OF MIND , PRESENCE OF MIND
2 [C] your ability to think and reason; your intelligence; the particular way that sb thinks
SYN INTELLECT : to have a brilliant / good / keen mind  a creative / evil / suspicious mind  She had a lively and enquiring mind.  His mind is as sharp as ever.  I’ve no idea how her mind works!  He had the body of a man and the mind of a child.  insights into the criminal mind—see also ONE-TRACK MIND
INTELLIGENT PERSON|
3 [C] a person who is very intelligent: She was one of the greatest minds of her generation.—see also MASTERMIND
THOUGHTS|
4 [C] your thoughts, interest, etc: Keep your minds on your work!  Her mind is completely occupied by the new baby.  The lecture dragged on and my mind wandered.  She gave her mind to the arrangements for the next day.  As for avoiding you, nothing could be further from my mind (= I was not thinking of it at all).
MEMORY|
5 [C, usually sing.] your ability to remember things: When I saw the exam questions my mind just went blank (= I couldn’t remember anything).  Sorry—your name has gone right out of my mind. be all in sb’s / the 'mind to be sth that only exists in sb’s imagination: These problems are all in your mind, you know. bear / keep sb/sth in 'mind | bear / keep in 'mind that … to remember sb/sth; to remember or consider that … be bored, frightened, pissed, stoned, etc. out of your 'mind (informal) to be extremely bored, etc. be / go ,out of your 'mind to be unable to think or behave in a normal way; to become crazy: (informal) You’re lending them money? You must be out of your tiny mind! be in two 'minds about sth / about doing sth (BrE) (AmE be of two 'minds about sth / about doing sth) to be unable to decide what you think about sb/sth, or whether to do sth or not: I was in two minds about the book (= I didn’t know if I liked it or not).  She’s in two minds about accepting his invitation. be of one / the same 'mind (about sb/sth) to have the same opinion about sb/sth be ,out of your 'mind with worry, etc. to be extremely worried, etc. bring / call sb/sth to 'mind (formal)
1 to remember sb/sth: She couldn’t call to mind where she had seen him before.
2 to remind you of sb/sth: The painting brings to mind some of Picasso’s early works. come / spring to 'mind if sth comes/springs to mind, you suddenly remember or think of it: When discussing influential modern artists, three names immediately come to mind. have a good mind to do sth | have half a mind to do sth
1 used to say that you think you will do sth, although you are not sure: I’ve half a mind to come with you tomorrow.
2 used to say that you disapprove of what sb has done and should do sth about it, although you probably will not: I’ve a good mind to write and tell your parents about it. have sb/sth in 'mind (for sth) to be thinking of sb/sth, especially for a particular job, etc: Do you have anyone in mind for this job?  Watching TV all evening wasn’t exactly what I had in mind! have it in mind to do sth (formal) to intend to do sth have a mind of your 'own to have your own opinion and make your own decisions without being influenced by other people: She has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks.   (humorous) My computer seems to have a mind of its own! lose your 'mind to become mentally ill make up your 'mind to decide sth: They’re both beautiful—I can’t make up my mind.  Have you made up your minds where to go for your honeymoon?  You’ll never persuade him to stay—his mind’s made up (= he has definitely decided to go).  Come on—it’s make your mind up time! ,mind over 'matter the use of the power of your mind to deal with physical problems your mind’s 'eye your imagination: He pictured the scene in his mind’s eye. on your 'mind if sb/sth is on your mind, you are thinking and worrying about them/it a lot: You’ve been on my mind all day.  Don’t bother your father tonight—he’s got a lot on his mind . put / get sth out of your 'mind to stop thinking about sb/sth; to deliberately forget sb/sth: I just can’t get her out of my mind. put sb in mind of sb/sth (old-fashioned) to make sb think of sb/sth; to remind sb of sb/sth put / set sb’s 'mind at ease / rest to do or say sth to make sb stop worrying about sth put / set / turn your 'mind to sth | set your 'mind on sth to decide you want to achieve sth and give this all your attention: She could have been a brilliant pianist if she’d put her mind to it. take your mind off sth to make you forget about sth unpleasant for a short time: Painting helped take her mind off her troubles. to 'my mind (spoken) in my opinion: It was a ridiculous thing to do, to my mind.—more at BACK n. , BEND v. , BLOW v. , BOGGLE , CAST v. , CHANGE v. , CHANGE n. , CLOSE^1v. , CROSS v. , ETCH , KNOW v. , MEETING , OPEN adj. , OPEN v. , PIECE n. , PREY v. , PUSH v. , RIGHT adj. , SIEVE n. , SIGHT n. , SLIP v. , SPEAK , STICK v. , TURN n. , UNSOUND

verb
BE UPSET / ANNOYED|
1 (used especially in questions or with negatives; not used in the passive) to be upset, annoyed or worried by sth: [vn] I don’t mind the cold—it’s the rain I don’t like.  I hope you don’t mind the noise.  [v, v -ing] Did she mind about not getting the job?  Did she mind not getting the job?  [v] He wouldn’t have minded so much if she’d told him the truth.  [vn -ing] Do your parents mind you leaving home?   (formal) Do your parents mind your leaving home?  [v wh-] She never minded how hot it was.  [v that] He minded that he hadn’t been asked.
ASKING PERMISSION|
2 used to ask for permission to do sth, or to ask sb in a polite way to do sth: [v] Do you mind if I open the window?  [vn -ing] Are you married, if you don’t mind me asking?   (formal) Are you married, if you don’t mind my asking?  [v -ing] Would you mind explaining that again, please?  Do you mind driving? I’m feeling pretty tired.
NOT CARE / WORRY|
3 (not mind) [no passive] to not care or not be concerned about sth: [v] ‘Would you like tea or coffee?’‘I don’t mind—either’s fine.’  [vn] Don’t mind her—she didn’t mean what she said.  Don’t mind me (= don’t let me disturb you)—I’ll just sit here quietly.
BE WILLING|
4 (not mind doing sth) [vn -ing] to be willing to do sth: I don’t mind helping if you can’t find anyone else.
WARNING|
5 (BrE ) (also watchAmE, BrE) (spoken) used to tell sb to be careful about sth or warn them about a danger: [vn] Mind ( = Don’t fall on) that step!  Mind your head! (= for example, be careful you don’t hit it on a low ceiling)  Mind your language! (= don’t speak in a rude or offensive way)  [v wh-] Mind how you go! (= often used when you say goodbye to sb)  Mind where you’re treading!  [v (that)] Mind you don’t cut yourself—that knife’s very sharp.  You must be home for dinner, mind.
HELP ‘That’ is nearly always left out in this pattern.
TAKE CARE OF|
6 (especially BrE ) (AmE usually watch) [vn] to take care of sb/sth: Who’s minding the children this evening?  Could you mind my bags for a moment? ,do you 'mind? (ironic) used to show that you are annoyed about sth that sb has just said or done: Do you mind? I was here before you. I don’t mind ad'mitting, 'telling you … , etc. used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when you are talking about sth that may be embarrassing for you: I was scared, I don’t mind telling you! I don’t mind if I 'do (spoken, informal) used to say politely that you would like sth you have been offered: ‘Cup of tea, Brian?’‘I don’t mind if I do.’ if you ,don’t 'mind | if you ,wouldn’t 'mind (spoken)
1 used to check that sb does not object to sth you want to do, or to ask sb politely to do sth: I’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.  Can you read that form carefully, if you wouldn’t mind, and then sign it.
2 (often ironic) used to show that you object to sth that sb has said or done: I give the orders around here, if you don’t mind.
3 used to refuse an offer politely: ‘Will you come with us tonight?’‘I won’t, if you don’t mind—I’ve got a lot of work to do.’ if you ,don’t mind me / my 'saying so … (spoken) used when you are going to criticize sb or say sth that might upset them: That colour doesn’t really suit you, if you don’t mind my saying so. I wouldn’t mind sth / doing sth (spoken) used to say politely that you would very much like sth/to do sth: I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee, if it’s no trouble.  I wouldn’t mind having his money! ,mind your ,own 'business (spoken, informal) to think about your own affairs and not ask questions about or try to get involved in other people’s lives: ‘What are you reading?’‘Mind your own business!’  I was just sitting there, minding my own business, when a man started shouting at me. mind the 'shop (BrE) (AmE mind the 'store) to be in charge of sth for a short time while sb is away: Who’s minding the shop while the boss is abroad? ,mind 'you (spoken) used to add sth to what you have just said especially sth that makes it less strong: I’ve heard they’re getting divorced. Mind you, I’m not surprised—they were always arguing. ,never 'mind
1 (especially BrE) used to tell sb not to worry or be upset: Have you broken it? Never mind, we can buy another one.
2 used to suggest that sth is not important: This isn’t where I intended to take you—but never mind, it’s just as good.
3 used to emphasize that what is true about the first thing you have said is even more true about the second
SYN LET ALONE : I never thought she’d win once, never mind twice! never mind (about) (doing) sth used to tell sb they shouldn’t think about sth or do sth because it is not as important as sth else, or because you will do it: Never mind your car—what about the damage to my fence?  Never mind washing the dishes—I’ll do them later. ,never you 'mind (informal) used to tell sb not to ask about sth because you are not going to tell them: ‘Who told you about it?’‘Never you mind!’  Never you mind how I found out—it’s true, isn’t it?—more at STEP n. ,mind 'out (BrE, spoken, informal) used to tell sb to move so that you can pass: Mind out—you’re in the way there! ,mind 'out (for sb/sth) (BrE) used to warn sb of danger: Have some of my plum jam—but mind out for the stones.

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'mind-bending
adj. (informal) (especially of drugs) having a strong effect on your mind
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'mind-blowing
adj. (informal) very exciting, impressive or surprising: Watching your baby being born is a mind-blowing experience.
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'mind-boggling
adj. (informal) very difficult to imagine or to understand; extremely surprising: a problem of mind-boggling complexity—compare BOGGLE
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mind.ed
adj.
1 (used with adjectives to form compound adjectives) having the way of thinking, the attitude or the type of character mentioned: a fair-minded employer  high-minded principles  I appeal to all like-minded people to support me.—see also ABSENT-MINDED , BLOODY-MINDED , SINGLE-MINDED
2 (used with adverbs to form compound adjectives) having the type of mind that is interested in or able to understand the areas mentioned: I’m not very politically minded.
3 (used with nouns to form compound adjectives) interested in or enthusiastic about the thing mentioned: a reform-minded government
4 [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) (formal) wishing or intending to do sth INCLINED : She was minded to accept their offer.  The government could change the law if they were so minded.
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mind.er
noun (especially BrE ) a person whose job is to take care of and protect another person: a star surrounded by her minders—see also CHILDMINDER
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mind.ful
adj. ~ of sb/sth| ~ that … (formal) remembering sb/sth and considering them or it when you do sth CONSCIOUS : mindful of our responsibilities  Mindful of the danger of tropical storms, I decided not to go out.
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mind.less
adj.
1 done or acting without thought and for no particular reason or purpose; SENSELESS : mindless violence  mindless vandals
2 not needing thought or intelligence DULL : a mindless and repetitive task
mind.less.ly adv.: There is no excuse for mindlessly destroying public property.
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'mind-reader
noun (often humorous) a person who knows what sb else is thinking without being told
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mind.set
noun a set of attitudes or fixed ideas that sb has and that are often difficult to change: a conservative / old-fashioned mindset  the mindset of the computer generation
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mine
pron., noun, verb
pron. (the POSSESSIVE form of I) of or belonging to the person writing or speaking: That’s mine.  He’s a friend of mine (= one of my friends).

noun
1 a deep hole or holes under the ground where minerals such as coal, gold, etc. are dug: a copper / diamond mine—see also MINING , COAL MINE , GOLD MINE —compare PIT , QUARRY
2 a type of bomb that is hidden under the ground or in the sea and that explodes when sb/sth touches it—see also LANDMINE
IDM a mine of infor'mation (about / on sb/sth) a person, book, etc. that can give you a lot of information on a particular subject

verb
1 to dig holes in the ground in order to find and obtain coal, diamonds, etc: [vn] The area has been mined for slate for centuries.  [v] They were mining for gold.
2 [vn] to place mines below the surface of an area of land or water; to destroy a vehicle with mines : The coastal route had been mined.  The UN convoy was mined on its way to the border.

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mine.field
noun
1 an area of land or water where bombs that explode when they are touched (= MINES ) have been hidden
2 a situation that contains hidden dangers or difficulties: a legal minefield  Tax can be a minefield for the unwary.
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miner
noun a person who works in a mine taking out coal, gold, diamonds, etc.—see also COAL MINER
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min.eral
noun
1 [C, U] a substance that is naturally present in the earth and is not formed from animal or vegetable matter, for example gold and salt. Some minerals are also present in food and drink and in the human body and are essential for good health: mineral deposits / extraction  the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals—compare VEGETABLE
2 [C, usually pl.] (BrE, formal) (AmE soda) a sweet drink in various flavours that has bubbles of gas in it and does not contain alcohol: Soft drinks and minerals sold here.
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min.er.al.ogist
noun a scientist who studies mineralogy
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min.er.al.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of minerals
min.er.al.ogic.al adj.
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'mineral water
noun
1 [U, C] water from a SPRING in the ground that contains mineral salts or gases: A glass of mineral water, please.
2 [C] a glass or bottle of mineral water
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mine.shaft
noun a deep narrow hole that goes down to a mine
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min.es.trone
noun [U] an Italian soup containing small pieces of vegetables and PASTA
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mine.sweeper
noun a ship used for finding and clearing away MINES (= a type of bomb)
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mine.work.er
noun a person who works in a mine
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min.gle
verb
1 ~ (A) (with B)| ~ A and B (together) (written) to combine or make one thing combine with another: [v] The sounds of laughter and singing mingled in the evening air.  Her tears mingled with the blood on her face.  The flowers mingle together to form a blaze of colour.  [vn] He felt a kind of happiness mingled with regret.
2 [v] to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event: The princess was not recognized and mingled freely with the crowds.  If you’ll excuse me, I must go and mingle (= talk to other guests).
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mingy
adj. (BrE , informal) small, not generous
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mini-
combining form (in nouns) small: mini-break (= a short holiday / vacation)  minigolf
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mini.ature
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] very small; much smaller than usual: miniature roses  a rare breed of miniature horses  It looks like a miniature version of James Bond’s car.

noun
1 a very small detailed painting, often of a person
2 a very small copy or model of sth; a very small version of sth: brandy miniatures (= very small bottles)
IDM in miniature on a very small scale: a doll’s house with everything in miniature  Through play, children act out in miniature the dramas of adult life.

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mini.atur.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make a much smaller version of sth
mini.atur.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
mini.atur.ized , -isedadj. [only before noun]: a miniaturized listening device
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mini.bar
noun a small FRIDGE in a hotel room, with drinks in it for guests to use—picture at BAR
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mini.bus
noun a small vehicle with seats for about twelve people—picture at BUS
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mini.cab
noun (BrE ) a taxi that you have to order by telephone and cannot stop in the street
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mini.com.puter
noun a computer that is smaller and slower than a MAINFRAME but larger and faster than a MICROCOMPUTER
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mini.disc
noun a disc like a small CD that can record and play sound or data
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minim
(BrE ) (AmE 'half note) noun (music ) a note that lasts twice as long as a CROTCHET/QUARTER NOTE —picture at MUSIC
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min.imal
adj. very small in size or amount; as small as possible: The work was carried out at minimal cost.  There’s only a minimal amount of risk involved.  The damage to the car was minimal.—compare MAXIMAL
min.im.al.ly adv.: minimally invasive surgery  The episode was reported minimally in the press.
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min.im.al.ist
noun an artist, a musician, etc. who uses very simple ideas or a very small number of simple things in their work
min.im.al.ism noun [U]
min.im.al.ist adj.: a minimalist style  minimalist paintings / sculptures
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min.im.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to reduce sth, especially sth bad, to the lowest possible level: Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection.
OPP MAXIMIZE
2 to try to make sth seem less important than it really is PLAY DOWN : He always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others.
3 to make sth small, especially on a computer screen: Minimize any windows you have open.
OPP MAXIMIZE
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min.imum
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (abbr. min.) the smallest that is possible or allowed; extremely small: a minimum charge / price  the minimum age for retirement  The work was done with the minimum amount of effort.
OPP MAXIMUM
min.imum adv.: You’ll need £200 minimum for your holiday expenses.

noun (pl.min.ima ) [C, usually sing.]
1 (abbr.min.) the smallest or lowest amount that is possible, required or recorded: costs should be kept to a minimum .  The class needs a minimum of six students to continue.  As an absolute minimum , you should spend two hours in the evening studying.  Temperatures will fall to a minimum of 10 degrees.
2 [sing.] an extremely small amount: He passed the exams with the minimum of effort.
OPP MAXIMUM

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,minimum se'curity prison
noun (AmE ) = OPEN PRISON
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,minimum 'wage
noun [sing.] the lowest wage that an employer is allowed to pay by law
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min.ing
noun [U] the process of getting coal and other minerals from under the ground; the industry involved in this: coal / diamonds / gold / tin mining  a mining company / community / engineer—see also MINE
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min.ion
noun (disapproving or humorous) an unimportant person in an organization who has to obey orders; a servant: While I was waiting to see him, a minion brought me some tea.
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mini.ser.ies
noun (pl.mini.ser.ies) a television play that is divided into a number of parts and shown on different days
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mini.skirt
noun a very short skirt
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min.is.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 (often Minister) (BrE) (in Britain and many other countries) a senior member of the government who is in charge of a government department or a branch of one: the Minister of Education  a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers  senior ministers in the Cabinet  cabinet ministers—see also PRIME MINISTER
2 (in some Protestant Christian Churches) a trained religious leader: a Methodist minister—compare PASTOR , PRIEST , VICAR
3 a person, lower in rank than an AMBASSADOR , whose job is to represent their government in a foreign country

verb
PVR V 'minister to sb/sth (formal) to care for sb, especially sb who is sick or old, and make sure that they have everything they need

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min.is.ter.ial
adj. connected with a government minister or ministers: decisions taken at ministerial level  to hold ministerial office (= to have the job of a government minister)
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min.is.ter.ing
adj. [only before noun] (written) caring for people: She could not see herself in the role of ministering angel .
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,Minister of 'State
noun a British government minister but not one who is in charge of a department
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min.is.tra.tions
noun [pl.] (formal or humorous) the act of helping or caring for sb especially when they are ill or in trouble: He recovered swiftly under the nurse’s expert ministrations.
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min.is.try
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] (BrE) a government department that has a particular area of responsibility: the Ministry of Defence  a ministry spokesperson
2 (the Ministry) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] ministers of religion, especially Protestant ministers, when they are mentioned as a group: He was an excellent candidate for the Baptist ministry.
3 [C, usually sing.] the work and duties of a minister in the Church; the period of time spent working as a minister in the Church
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mini.van
noun (AmE ) = PEOPLE CARRIER
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mink
noun (pl.mink or minks)
1 [C] a small wild animal with thick shiny fur, a long body and short legs. Mink are often kept on farms for their fur: a mink farm
2 [U] the skin and shiny brown fur of the mink , used for making expensive coats, etc: a mink jacket
3 [C] a coat or jacket made of mink
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min.now
noun
1 a very small FRESHWATER fish
2 a company or sports team that is small or unimportant: These two companies are both minnows in the international market.
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minor
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 [usually before noun] not very large, important or serious: a minor road  minor injuries  to undergo minor surgery  youths imprisoned for minor offences  There may be some minor changes to the schedule.  Women played a relatively minor role in the organization.
OPP MAJOR
2 (music) based on a SCALE (= a series of eight notes) in which the third note is a SEMITONE/HALF-TONE higher than the second note: the key of C minor—compare MAJOR

noun
1 (law) a person who is under the age at which you legally become an adult and are responsible for your actions: It is an offence to serve alcohol to minors.
2 (especially AmE) a subject that you study at university in addition to your MAJOR

verb
PVR V 'minor in sth (AmE) to study sth at college, but not as your main subject—compare MAJOR

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mi.nor.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the smaller part of a group; less than half of the people or things in a large group: Only a small minority of students is / are interested in politics these days.  For a minority, the decision was a disappointment.  minority shareholders in the bank
OPP MAJORITY
2 [C] a small group within a community or country that is different because of race, religion, language, etc: the rights of ethnic / racial minorities  minority languages  a large German-speaking minority in the east of the country   (AmE) The school is 95 per cent minority (= 95 per cent of children are not white Americans but from different racial groups).   (AmE) minority neighborhoods (= where no or few white people live)
3 (law) the state of being under the age at which you are legally an adult
IDM be in a / the mi'nority to form much less than half of a large group: Men are in the minority in this profession. be in a minority of 'one (often humorous) to be the only person to have a particular opinion or to vote a particular way
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mi,nority 'government
noun [C, U] a government that has fewer seats in parliament than the total number held by all the other parties
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min.ster
noun (BrE ) a large or important church: York Minster
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min.strel
noun a musician or singer in the Middle Ages
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mint
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a plant with dark green leaves that have a fresh smell and taste and are added to food and drinks to give flavour, and used in cooking as a herb and to decorate food: mint-flavoured toothpaste  I decorated the fruit salad with a sprig of mint.  roast lamb with mint sauce
2 [C] a sweet/candy flavoured with a type of mint called PEPPERMINT : after-dinner mints
3 [C] a place where money is made: the Royal Mint (= the one where British money is made)
4 (a mint) [sing.] (informal) a large amount of money: to make / cost a mint
IDM in mint con'dition new or as good as new; in perfect condition

verb [vn] to make a coin from metal

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mint.ed
adj.
1 freshly / newly ~ recently produced, invented, etc: a newly minted expression
2 (of food) flavoured with mint
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minty
adj. tasting or smelling of MINT : a minty flavour / smell
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min.uet
noun a slow graceful dance that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries; a piece of music for this dance
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minus
prep., noun, adj.
prep.
1 used when you SUBTRACT one number or thing from another one: Seven minus three is four (7 − 3 = 4).  the former Soviet Union, minus the Baltic republics and Georgia
2 used to express temperature below zero degrees: It was minus ten.  The temperature dropped to minus 28 degrees centigrade (−28°C).
3 (informal) without sth that was there before: We’re going to be minus a car for a while.
OPP PLUS
IDM see PLUS prep.

noun
1 (also 'minus sign) The symbol (−), used in mathematics
2 (informal) a negative quality; a disadvantage: Let’s consider the pluses and minuses of changing the system.
OPP PLUS

adj.
1 (mathematics) lower than zero: a minus figure / number
2 making sth seem negative and less attractive or good: What are the car’s minus points (= the disadvantages)?  On the minus side rented property is expensive and difficult to find.
3 [not before noun] (used in a system of marks / grades) slightly lower than the mark/grade A, B, etc: I got (a) B minus (B−) in the test.
OPP PLUS

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min.us.cule
adj. extremely small: minuscule handwriting
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min.ute^1
noun, verb —see also MINUTE^2
noun
PART OF HOUR|
1 [C] (abbr.min.) each of the 60 parts of an hour, that are equal to 60 seconds: It’s four minutes to six.  I’ll be back in a few minutes.  Boil the rice for 20 minutes.  a ten-minute bus ride  I enjoyed every minute of the party.
VERY SHORT TIME|
2 [sing.] (spoken) a very short time: It only takes a minute to make a salad.  Hang on a minute —I’ll just get my coat.  I just have to finish this—I won’t be a minute.  Could I see you for a minute?  I’ll be with you in a minute , Jo.  Typical English weather—one minute it’s raining and the next minute the sun is shining!
EXACT MOMENT|
3 [sing.] an exact moment in time: At that very minute, Tom walked in.
ANGLES|
4 [C] each of the 60 equal parts of a degree, used in measuring angles: 37 degrees 30 minutes (37 ° 30′)
RECORD OF MEETING|
5 (usually the minutes) [pl.] a summary or record of what is said or decided at a formal meeting: We read through the minutes of the last meeting.  Who is going to take the minutes (= write them)? (at) any 'minute / 'moment ('now) very soon: Hurry up! He’ll be back any minute now. the minute / moment (that) … as soon as …: I want to see him the minute he arrives. ,not for a / one 'minute / 'moment certainly not; not at all: I don’t think for a minute that she’ll accept but you can ask her. this minute immediately; now: Come down from there this minute!  I don’t know what I’m going to do yet—I’ve just this minute found out. to the 'minute exactly: The train arrived at 9.05 to the minute. ,up to the 'minute (informal)
1 fashionable and modern: Her styles are always up to the minute.
2 having the latest information: The traffic reports are up to the minute.—see also UP-TO-THE-MINUTE —more at BORN , JUST adv. , LAST det. , WAIT v.

verb to write down sth that is said at a meeting in the official record (= THE MINUTES ): [vn] I’d like that last remark to be minuted. [alsov that]

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mi.nute^2
adj. —see also MINUTE^1 (superlativeminut.est, no comparative)
1 extremely small: minute amounts of chemicals in the water  The kitchen on the boat is minute.
2 very detailed, careful and thorough: a minute examination / inspection  She remembered everything in minute detail / in the minutest detail(s) .
mi.nute.ly adv.: The agreement has been examined minutely.
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'minute hand
noun [usually sing.] the hand on a watch or clock that points to the minutes
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mi.nu.tiae
noun [pl.] very small details: the minutiae of the contract
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minx
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned or humorous) a girl who is CUNNING and does not show respect
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mir.acle
noun
1 [C] an act or event that does not follow the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God
2 [sing.] (informal) a lucky thing that happens that you did not expect or think was possible: an economic miracle  It’s a miracle (that) nobody was killed in the crash.  It would take a miracle to make this business profitable.  a miracle cure / drug
3 [C] ~ of sth a very good example or product of sth: The car is a miracle of engineering.
IDM work / perform 'miracles to achieve very good results: Her exercise programme has worked miracles for her.
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mi.racu.lous
adj. like a miracle ; completely unexpected and very lucky: miraculous powers of healing  She’s made a miraculous recovery.
mi.racu.lous.ly adv.: They miraculously survived the plane crash.
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mir.age
noun
1 an effect caused by hot air in deserts or on roads, that makes you think you can see sth, such as water, which is not there
2 a hope or wish that you cannot make happen because it is not realistic: His idea of love was a mirage.
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mire
noun [U] (written) an area of deep mud: The wheels sank deeper into the mire.   (figurative) My name had been dragged through the mire (= my reputation was ruined).   (figurative) The government was sinking deeper and deeper into the mire (= getting further into a difficult situation).
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mired
adj. [not before noun] ~ in sth (written)
1 in a difficult or unpleasant situation that you cannot escape from: The country was mired in recession.
2 stuck in deep mud
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mir.ror
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a piece of special flat glass that reflects images, so that you can see yourself when you look in it: He looked at himself in the mirror .  a rear-view mirror (= in a car, so that the driver can see what is behind)   (BrE) a wing mirror (= on the side of a car)   (AmE) a side mirror
2 a ~ of sth [sing.] something that shows what sth else is like: The face is the mirror of the soul.  Dickens' novels are a mirror of his times.

verb [vn] (written)
1 to have features that are similar to sth else and which show what it is like: The music of the time mirrored the feeling of optimism in the country.
2 to show the image of sb/sth on the surface of water, glass, etc.
SYN REFLECT : She saw herself mirrored in the shiny wood panelling.

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mir.rored
adj. [only before noun] having a mirror or mirrors or behaving like a mirror: mirrored doors / sunglasses
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,mirror 'image
noun an image of sth that is like a REFLECTION of it, either because it is exactly the same or because the right side of the original object appears on the left and the left side appears on the right
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mirth
noun [U] (written) happiness, fun and laughter: The performance produced much mirth among the audience.
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mirth.less
adj. (written) showing no real enjoyment or amusement: a mirthless laugh / smile
mirth.less.ly adv.
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mis-
prefix (in verbs and nouns) bad or wrong; badly or wrongly: misinterpret  misbehaviour
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mis.ad.ven.ture
noun
1 [U] (BrE, law) death caused by accident, rather than as a result of a crime: a verdict of death by misadventure
2 [C, U] (formal) bad luck or a small accident
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mis.an.thrope
noun (formal) a person who hates and avoids other people
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mis.an.throp.ic
adj. (formal) hating and avoiding other people
mis.an.thropy noun [U]
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mis.ap.pli.ca.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) the use of sth for the wrong purpose or in the wrong way
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mis.ap.ply
verb (mis.ap.plies, mis.ap.ply.ing, mis.ap.plied, mis.ap.plied) [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to use sth for the wrong purpose or in the wrong way: The company admitted that their system of penalties had been misapplied.
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mis.ap.pre.hen.sion
noun [U, C] (formal) a wrong idea about sth, or sth you believe to be true that is not true: I was under the misapprehension that the course was for complete beginners.
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mis.ap.pro.pri.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to take sb else’s money or property for yourself, especially when they have trusted you to take care of it
SYN EMBEZZLE —compare APPROPRIATE v.
mis.ap.pro.pri.ation noun [U]
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mis.be.got.ten
adj. [usually before noun] (rare, formal) badly designed or planned
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mis.be.have
verb ~ (yourself) to behave badly: [v] Any child caught misbehaving was made to stand at the front of the class.  [vn] I see the dog has been misbehaving itself again.
OPP BEHAVE
mis.be.hav.iour (AmEmis.be.hav.ior) noun [U]
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mis.cal.cu.late
verb
1 to estimate an amount, a figure, a measurement, etc. wrongly: [vn] They had seriously miscalculated the effect of inflation.  [v wh-] He had miscalculated how long the trip would take. [alsov]
2 to judge a situation wrongly: [vn] She miscalculated the level of opposition to her proposals. [alsov wh-, v]
mis.cal.cu.la.tion noun [C, U]: to make a miscalculation
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mis.car.riage
noun [C, U] the process of giving birth to a baby before it is fully developed and able to survive; an occasion when this happens: to have a miscarriage  The pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 11 weeks.—compare ABORTION
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mis,carriage of 'justice
noun [U, C] (law ) a situation in which a court of law makes a wrong decision, especially when sb is punished when they are innocent
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mis.carry
verb (mis.car.ries, mis.carry.ing, mis.car.ried, mis.car.ried)
1 to give birth to a baby before it is fully developed and able to live: [v] The shock caused her to miscarry. [alsovn]
2 [v] (formal) (of a plan) to fail
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mis.cast
verb (mis.cast, mis.cast) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sb/sth) to choose an actor to play a role for which they are not suitable: He was hopelessly miscast as the romantic hero.
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mis.ce.gen.ation
noun [U] (formal) the fact of children being produced by parents who are of different races, especially when one parent is white
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mis.cel.lan.eous
adj. [usually before noun] consisting of many different kinds of things that are not connected and do not easily form a group: a sale of miscellaneous household items  She gave me some money to cover any miscellaneous expenses.
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mis.cel.lany
noun [sing.] (written) a group or collection of different kinds of things: a miscellany of objects in the room
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mis.chance
noun [U, C] (formal) bad luck
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mis.chief
noun [U]
1 bad behaviour (especially of children) that is annoying but does not cause any serious damage or harm: Those children are always getting into mischief .  I try to keep out of mischief .  It’s very quiet upstairs; they must be up to some mischief !
2 the wish or tendency to behave or play in a way that causes trouble: Her eyes were full of mischief.
3 (formal) harm or injury that is done to sb or to their reputation: The incident caused a great deal of political mischief.
IDM ,do yourself a 'mischief (BrE, informal) to hurt yourself physically: Watch how you use those scissors—you could do yourself a mischief! make 'mischief to do or say sth deliberately to upset other people, or cause trouble between them
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'mischief-making
noun [U] the act of deliberately causing trouble for people, such as harming their reputation
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mis.chiev.ous
adj.
1 enjoying playing tricks and annoying people: a mischievous boy  a mischievous grin / smile / look
2 (formal) (of an action or a statement) causing trouble, such as damaging sb’s reputation: mischievous lies / gossip
mis.chiev.ous.ly adv.
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mis.con.ceive
verb [vn] (rare, formal) to understand sth in the wrong way
SYN MISUNDERSTAND
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mis.con.ceived
adj. badly planned or judged; not carefully thought about: a misconceived education policy  their misconceived expectations of country life
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mis.con.cep.tion
noun [C, U] ~ (about sth) a belief or an idea that is not based on correct information, or that is not understood by people: frequently held misconceptions about the disease  A popular misconception (= a lot of people have it) is that plastic is a hazard to the environment.  Let me deal with some common misconceptions .  views based on misconception and prejudice—compare PRECONCEPTION
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mis.con.duct
noun [U] (formal)
1 unacceptable behaviour, especially by a professional person: a doctor accused of gross misconduct (= very serious misconduct)  professional misconduct
2 bad MANAGEMENT of a company, etc: misconduct of the company’s financial affairs
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mis.con.struc.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) a completely wrong understanding of sth
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mis.con.strue
verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to understand sb’s words or actions wrongly
SYN MISINTERPRET : He deliberately misconstrued everything I said.  It is easy to misconstrue confidence as arrogance.
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mis.cre.ant
noun (literary) a person who has done sth wrong or illegal
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mis.deed
noun [usually pl.] (formal) a bad or evil act: He will have to answer for his misdeeds in a court of law.
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mis.de.meanour
(BrE ) (AmEmis.de.meanor) noun
1 (formal) an action that is bad or unacceptable, but not very serious: youthful misdemeanours
2 (especially AmE, law) a crime that is not considered to be very serious—compare FELONY
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mis.diag.nose
verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to give an explanation of the nature of an illness or a problem that is not correct: Her depression was misdiagnosed as stress.
mis.diag.nosis noun (pl.mis.diag.noses )
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mis.dir.ect
verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] (written) to use sth in a way that is not appropriate to a particular situation: Their efforts over the past years have been largely misdirected.  misdirected aggression / concern
2 (written) to send sb/sth in the wrong direction or to the wrong place: Several passengers were misdirected to the wrong airport.
3 (law) (of a judge) to give a JURY (= the group of people who decide if sb is guilty of a crime) wrong information about the law
mis.dir.ec.tion noun [U]
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miser
noun (disapproving) a person who loves money and hates spending it
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mis.er.able
adj.
1 very unhappy or uncomfortable: We were cold, wet and thoroughly miserable.  Don’t look so miserable!  She knows how to make life miserable for her employees.
2 making you feel very unhappy or uncomfortable
SYN DEPRESSING : miserable housing conditions  I spent a miserable weekend alone at home.  What a miserable day (= cold and wet)!  The play was a miserable failure .
3 [only before noun] (disapproving) (of a person) always unhappy, bad-tempered and unfriendly: He was a miserable old devil.
4 too small in quantity: How can anyone live on such a miserable wage?
mis.er.ably adv.: They wandered around miserably.  a miserably cold day  He failed miserably as an actor.
IDM see SIN n.
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miser.ly
adj. (disapproving)
1 (of a person) hating to spend money
SYN MEAN
2 (of a quantity or amount) too small
SYN PALTRY
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mis.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] great suffering of the mind or body
SYN DISTRESS : Fame brought her nothing but misery.
2 [U] very poor living conditions
SYN POVERTY : The vast majority of the country live in utter misery.
3 [C] something that causes great suffering of mind or body: the miseries of unemployment
4 [C] (BrE, informal) a person who is always unhappy and complaining: Don’t be such an old misery!
IDM make sb’s life a 'misery to behave in a way that makes sb else feel very unhappy put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its 'misery to kill a creature because it has an illness or injury that cannot be treated put sb out of their 'misery (informal) to stop sb worrying by telling them sth that they are anxious to know: Put me out of my misery—did I pass or didn’t I?
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mis.fire
verb [v]
1 (of a plan or joke) to fail to have the effect that you had intended
2 (also miss) (of an engine) to not work correctly because the petrol/gas does not burn at the right time
3 (of a gun, etc.) to fail to send out a bullet, etc. when fired—compare BACKFIRE
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mis.fit
noun a person who is not accepted by a particular group of people, especially because their behaviour or their ideas are very different: a social misfit
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mis.for.tune
noun (written)
1 [U] bad luck: He has known great misfortune in his life.  We had the misfortune to run into a violent storm.
2 [C] an unfortunate accident, condition or event: She bore her misfortunes bravely.
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mis.giv.ing
noun [C, often pl., U] ~ about sth / about doing sth feelings of doubt or anxiety about what might happen, or about whether or not sth is the right thing to do: I had grave misgivings about making the trip.  She decided to go despite her misgivings.  I read the letter with a sense of misgiving.
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mis.guided
adj. wrong because you have understood or judged a situation badly: The new proposals are, in our opinion, totally misguided.  She only did it in a misguided attempt to help.
mis.guided.ly adv.
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mis.handle
verb [vn] (written)
1 to deal badly with a problem or situation
SYN MISMANAGE : The entire campaign had been badly mishandled.
2 to touch or treat sb/sth in a rough and careless way: The equipment could be dangerous if mishandled.
mis.hand.ling noun [U]: the government’s mishandling of the economy
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mis.hap
noun [C, U] a small accident or piece of bad luck that does not have serious results: a slight mishap  a series of mishaps  I managed to get home without (further) mishap .
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mis.hear
verb (mis.heard, mis.heard ) to fail to hear correctly what sb says, so that you think they said sth else: [vn] You may have misheard her—I’m sure she didn’t mean that.  [v] I thought he said he was coming today, but I must have misheard. [alsov wh-]
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mis.hit
verb (mis.hit.ting, mis.hit, mis.hit) [vn] (in cricket, golf, etc.) to hit the ball badly so that it does not go where you had intended
mis.hit noun
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mish.mash
noun [sing.] (informal, usually disapproving) a confused mixture of different kinds of things, styles, etc.
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mis.in.form
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (about sth) (written) to give sb wrong information about sth: They were deliberately misinformed about their rights.  a misinformed belief (= based on wrong information)
mis.in.for.ma.tion noun [U]: a campaign of misinformation
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mis.in.ter.pret
verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth / doing sth) to understand sth/sb wrongly
SYN MISCONSTRUE , MISREAD : His comments were misinterpreted as a criticism of the project.—compare INTERPRET
mis.in.ter.pret.ation noun [U, C]: A number of these statements could be open to misinterpretation (= could be understood wrongly).
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mis.judge
verb
1 to form a wrong opinion about a person or situation, especially in a way that makes you deal with them or it unfairly: [vn] She now realizes that she misjudged him. [alsov wh-]
2 to estimate sth such as time or distance wrongly: [vn] He misjudged the distance and his ball landed in the lake. [alsov wh-]
mis.judge.ment (also mis.judg.ment) noun [C, U]
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mis.lay
verb (mis.laid, mis.laid ) [vn] (especially BrE ) to put sth somewhere and then be unable to find it again, especially for only a short time: I seem to have mislaid my keys.
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mis.lead
verb (mis.led, mis.led ) [vn] ~ sb (about sth)| ~ sb (into doing sth) to give sb the wrong idea or impression and make them believe sth that is not true: He deliberately misled us about the nature of their relationship.  Misleading the court in a trial is a serious offence.
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mis.lead.ing
adj. giving the wrong idea or impression and making you believe sth that is not true
SYN DECEPTIVE : misleading information / advertisements
mis.lead.ing.ly adv.: These bats are sometimes misleadingly referred to as ‘flying foxes’.
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mis.man.age
verb [vn] to deal with or manage sth badly
SYN MISHANDLE : The department’s budget was badly mismanaged.
mis.man.age.ment noun [U]: accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement
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mis.match
noun ~ (between A and B) a combination of things or people that do not go together well or are not suitable for each other: a mismatch between people’s real needs and the available facilities
mis.match verb [vn] [often passive]: They made a mismatched couple.
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mis.name
verb [vn] [usually passive] (written) to give sb/sth a name that is wrong or not appropriate
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mis.nomer
noun a name or a word that is not appropriate or accurate: ‘Villa’ was something of a misnomer ; the place was no more than an old farmhouse.
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mis.ogyn.ist
noun (formal) a man who hates women
mis.ogyn.is.tic (also mis.ogyn.ist) adj.: misogynistic attitudes
mis.ogyny noun [U]
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mis.place
verb [vn] (written) to put sth somewhere and then be unable to find it again, especially for a short time
SYN MISLAY
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mis.placed
adj.
1 not appropriate or correct in the situation: misplaced confidence / optimism / fear
2 (of love, trust, etc.) given to a person who does not deserve or return those feelings: misplaced loyalty
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mis.print
noun a mistake such as a spelling mistake that is made when a book, etc. is printed
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mis.pro.nounce
verb [vn] to pronounce a word wrongly: People are always mispronouncing my name.
mis.pro.nun.ci.ation noun [C, U]
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mis.quote
verb [vn] to repeat what sb has said or written in a way that is not correct: The senator claims to have been misquoted in the article.
mis.quo.ta.tion noun [C, U]
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mis.read
verb (mis.read, mis.read ) [vn] ~ sth (as sth)
1 to understand sb/sth wrongly
SYN MISINTERPRET : I’m afraid I completely misread the situation.  His confidence was misread as arrogance.
2 to read sth wrongly: I misread the 1 as a 7.
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mis.re.port
verb to give a report of an event, etc. that is not correct: [vn] The newspapers misreported the facts of the case. [alsov wh-, vn that]
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mis.rep.re.sent
verb [often passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to give information about sb/sth that is not true or complete so that other people have the wrong impression about them/it: [vn] He felt that the book misrepresented his opinions.  In the article she was misrepresented as an uncaring mother. [alsov wh-]
mis.rep.re.sen.ta.tion noun [C, U]: a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts
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mis.rule
noun [U] (formal) bad government: The regime finally collapsed after 25 years of misrule.
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miss
verb, noun
verb
NOT HIT|
1 to fail to hit, catch, reach, etc. sth: [vn] How many goals has he missed this season?  The bullet missed her by about six inches.  [v] She threw a plate at him and only narrowly missed .  [v -ing] She narrowly missed hitting him.
NOT HEAR / SEE|
2 [vn] to fail to hear, see or notice sth: The hotel is the only white building on the road—you can’t miss it .  Don’t miss next week’s issue!  I missed her name.  Your mother will know who’s moved in—she doesn’t miss much .
NOT UNDERSTAND|
3 [vn] to fail to understand sth: He completely missed the joke.  You’re missing the point (= failing to understand the main part) of what I’m saying.
NOT BE / GO SOMEWHERE|
4 [vn] to fail to be or go somewhere: She hasn’t missed a game all year.  You missed a good party last night (= because you did not go).  ‘Are you coming to the school play?’‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world .’
NOT DO STH|
5 [vn] to fail to do sth: You can’t afford to miss meals (= not eat meals) when you’re in training.  to miss a turn (= to not play when it is your turn in a game)
6 to not take the opportunity to do sth: [vn] The sale prices were too good to miss .  It was an opportunity not to be missed . [alsov -ing]
BE LATE|
7 to be or arrive too late for sth: [vn] If I don’t leave now I’ll miss my plane.  Sorry I’m late—have I missed anything?  ‘Is Ann there?’‘You’ve just missed her (= she has just left).’ [alsov -ing]
FEEL SAD|
8 to feel sad because you can no longer see sb or do sth that you like: [vn] She will be greatly missed when she leaves.  What did you miss most when you lived abroad?  [v -ing] I don’t miss getting up at six every morning! [alsovn -ing]
NOTICE STH NOT THERE|
9 [vn] to notice that sb/sth is not where they/it should be: When did you first miss the necklace?  We seem to be missing some students this morning.
AVOID STH BAD|
10 to avoid sth unpleasant: [vn] If you go now you should miss the crowds.  [v -ing] He fell and just missed knocking the whole display over.
OF ENGINE|
11 [v] = MISFIRE he, she, etc. doesn’t miss a 'trick (spoken) used to say that sb notices every opportunity to gain an advantage ,miss the 'boat (informal) to be unable to take advantage of sth because you are too late: If you don’t buy now, you may find that you’ve missed the boat.—more at HEART , MARK n. ,miss sb/sth<->'out (BrE) to fail to include sb/sth in sth: I’ll just read through the form again to make sure I haven’t missed anything out. ,miss 'out (on sth) to fail to benefit from sth useful or enjoyable by not taking part in it: Of course I’m coming—I don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

noun
TITLE / FORM OF ADDRESS|
1 (Miss) used before the family name, or the first and family name, of a woman who is not married, in order to speak or write to her politely: That’s all, thank you, Miss Lipman. (old-fashioned or formal) the Misses Hill—compare MRS , MS
2 (Miss) a title given to the winner of a beauty contest in a particular country, town, etc: Miss America / Miss Brighton  the Miss World contest
3 (Miss) (informal, spoken) used especially by men to address a young woman when they do not know her name: Will that be all, Miss?
4 (Miss) (BrE, spoken) used as a form of address by children in some schools to a woman teacher, whether she is married or not: Good morning, Miss!—compare SIR
5 (old-fashioned) a girl or young woman
NOT HIT|
6 a failure to hit, catch or reach sth: He scored two goals and had another two near misses . give sth a 'miss (informal, especially BrE) to decide not to do sth, eat sth, etc: I think I’ll give badminton a miss tonight.

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mis.sal
noun a book that contains the prayers etc. that are used at MASS in the Roman Catholic Church
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mis.sha.pen
adj. with a shape that is not normal or natural: misshapen feet
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mis.sile
noun
1 a weapon that is sent through the air and that explodes when it hits the thing that it is aimed at: nuclear missiles  a missile base / site—see also BALLISTIC MISSILE , CRUISE MISSILE , GUIDED MISSILE
2 an object that is thrown at sb to hurt them: Missiles including stones and bottles were thrown at the police.
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miss.ing
adj.
1 that cannot be found or that is not in its usual place, or at home
SYN LOST : I never found the missing piece.  My gloves have been missing for ages.  Two files have gone missing .  They still hoped to find their missing son.   (especially BrE) Our cat’s gone missing again.
2 that has been removed, lost or destroyed and has not been replaced: The book has two pages missing / missing pages.  He didn’t notice there was anything missing from his room until later on.
3 (of a person) not present after an accident, battle, etc. but not known to have been killed: He was reported missing, presumed dead .  Many soldiers were listed as missing in action .
4 not included, often when it should have been: Fill in the missing words in this text.  There were several candidates missing from the list.
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,missing 'link
noun
1 [C] something, such as a piece of information, that is necessary to be able to understand a problem or to make sth complete
2 (the missing link) [sing.] an animal similar to humans that was once thought to exist at the time that APES were developing into human beings
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,missing 'person
noun (pl.missing persons) a person who has disappeared from their home and whose family are trying to find them with the help of the police
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mis.sion
noun
OFFICIAL JOB / GROUP|
1 [C] an important official job that a person or group of people is given to do, especially when they are sent to another country: a trade mission to China  a fact-finding mission  a mercy mission to aid homeless refugees
2 [C] a group of people doing such a job; the place where they work: the head of the British mission in Berlin
TEACHING CHRISTIANITY|
3 [C, U] the work of teaching people about Christianity, especially in a foreign country; a group of people doing such work: a Catholic mission in Africa  Gandhi’s attitude to mission and conversion
4 [C] a building or group of buildings used by a Christian mission
YOUR DUTY|
5 [C] particular work that you feel it is your duty to do: Her mission in life was to work with the homeless.
OF ARMED FORCES|
6 [C] an important job that is done by a soldier, group of soldiers, etc: The squadron flew on a reconnaissance mission.
SPACE FLIGHT|
7 [C] a flight into space: a US space mission  mission control (= the people on earth who control and communicate with the people on the mission) ,mission ac'complished used when you have successfully completed what you have had to do: Mission accomplished. Let’s go and have a drink.
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mis.sion.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a person who is sent to a foreign country to teach people about Christianity: Baptist missionaries  missionary work   (figurative) She spoke about her new project with missionary zeal (= with great enthusiasm).
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'mission statement
noun an official statement of the aims of a company or an organization
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mis.sis
noun = MISSUS
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mis.sive
noun (formal or humorous) a letter, especially a long or an official one
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mis.spell
verb (mis.spelled, mis.spelled) or (mis.spelt, mis.spelt ) [vn] to spell a word wrongly
mis.spell.ing noun [C, U]
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mis.spend
verb (mis.spent, mis.spent ) [vn] [usually passive] to spend time or money in a careless rather than a useful way: He joked that being good at cards was the sign of a misspent youth (= having wasted his time when he was young).
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mis.step
noun (AmE ) a mistake; a wrong action
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mis.sus
(also mis.sis) noun (becoming old-fashioned)
1 (informal, spoken) (used after ‘the’, ‘my’, ‘your’, ‘his’) a man’s wife: How’s the missus (= your wife)?
2 (slang, especially BrE) used by some people as a form of address to a woman whose name they do not know: Is this your bag, missus?
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mist
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a cloud of very small drops of water in the air just above the ground, that make it difficult to see: The hills were shrouded in mist.  Early morning mist patches will soon clear.  The origins of the story are lost in the mists of time (= forgotten because it happened such a long time ago).   (figurative) She gazed at the scene through a mist of tears.—compare FOG —see also MISTY
2 [sing.] a fine spray of liquid, for example, from an AEROSOL can

verb
1 ~ (sth) (up)| ~ (over) when sth such as glass mists or is misted, it becomes covered with very small drops of water, so that it is impossible to see through it: [vn] The windows were misted up with condensation.  [v] As he came in from the cold, his glasses misted up.
2 ~ (sth) (up)| ~ (over) if your eyes mist or sth mists them, they fill with tears: [v] Her eyes misted over as she listened to the speech.  [vn] Tears misted his eyes.
3 [vn] to spray the leaves of a plant with very small drops of water

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mis.take
noun, verb
noun
1 an action or an opinion that is not correct, or that produces a result that you did not want: It’s easy to make a mistake .  This letter is addressed to someone else—there must be some mistake.  It would be a mistake to ignore his opinion.  Don’t worry, we all make mistakes .  You must try to learn from your mistakes .  Leaving school so young was the biggest mistake of my life.  I made the mistake of giving him my address.  It was a big mistake on my part to have trusted her.
2 a word, figure, etc. that is not said or written down correctly: It’s a common mistake among learners of English.  The waiter made a mistake (in) adding up the bill.  Her essay is full of spelling mistakes .
IDM and 'no mistake (old-fashioned spoken, especially BrE) used to show that you are sure about the truth of what you have just said: This is a strange business and no mistake. by mi'stake accidentally; without intending to: I took your bag instead of mine by mistake. ,make no mi'stake (about sth) (spoken) used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when you want to warn sb about sth: Make no mistake (about it), this is one crisis that won’t just go away. in mi'stake for sth thinking that sth is sth else: Children may eat pills in mistake for sweets.

verb (mis.took , mis.taken ) ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to not understand or judge sb/sth correctly: [vn] I admit that I mistook his intentions.  I mistook her offer as a threat.  There was no mistaking (= it was impossible to mistake) the bitterness in her voice. [alsov wh-] mi'stake sb/sth for sb/sth to think wrongly that sb/sth is sb/sth else: I think you must be mistaking me for someone else.

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mis.taken
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (about sb/sth) wrong in your opinion or judgement: You are completely mistaken about Jane.  Unless I’m very much mistaken, that’s Paul’s wife over there.  I thought I saw someone I knew, but I must have been mistaken.
2 based on a wrong opinion or bad judgement: mistaken views / ideas  I told her my secret in the mistaken belief that I could trust her.
mis.taken.ly adv.: He mistakenly believed that his family would stand by him.
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mi,staken i'dentity
noun [U] a situation in which you think wrongly that you recognize sb or have found the person you are looking for: He was shot in what seems to have been a case of mistaken identity .
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mis.ter
noun
1 (Mister) the full form, not often used in writing, of the abbreviation Mr
2 (spoken) used, especially by children, to address a man whose name they do not know: Please, mister, can we have our ball back?
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mis.time
verb [vn] to do sth at the wrong time, especially when this makes sth bad or unpleasant happen: The horse completely mistimed the jump and threw its rider.
mis.tim.ing noun [U]: The failure of the talks was mainly due to insensitivity and mistiming.
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mistle.toe
noun [U] a plant with small shiny white berries that grows on other trees and is often used as a decoration at Christmas: the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe
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mis.took
pt of MISTAKE
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mis.treat
verb [vn] to treat a person or an animal in a cruel, unkind or unfair way
SYN ILL-TREAT , MALTREAT : animals that have been mistreated by their owners
mis.treat.ment noun [U]
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mis.tress
noun
1 a man’s (usually a married man’s) mistress is a woman that he is having a regular sexual relationship with and who is not his wife
2 (BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a female teacher in a school, especially a private school: the Biology mistress
3 (in the past) the female head of a house, especially one who employed servants: the mistress of the house
4 the female owner of a dog or other animal
5 (formal) a woman who is in a position of authority or control, or who is highly skilled in sth: She wants to be mistress of her own affairs (= to organize her own life).—compare MASTER
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mis.trial
noun (law )
1 a trial that is not considered valid because of a mistake in the way it has been carried out
2 (AmE) a trial in which the JURY cannot reach a decision
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mis.trust
verb, noun
verb [vn] to have no confidence in sb/sth because you think they may be harmful; to not trust sb/sth
SYN DISTRUST : She mistrusts anyone in a position of authority.  note at DISTRUST

noun [U, sing.] a feeling that you cannot trust sb/sth SUSPICION : a climate of mistrust and fear  She has a deep mistrust of strangers.
mis.trust.ful adj.~ (of sb/sth): Some people are very mistrustful of computers.
mis.trust.ful.ly adv.

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misty
adj.
1 with a lot of MIST : a misty morning
2 not clear or bright: misty memories   (literary) His eyes grew misty (= full of tears) as he talked.
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,misty-'eyed
adj. feeling full of emotion, as if you are going to cry: I get very misty-eyed over our wedding pictures.
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mis.un.der.stand
verb (mis.un.der.stood, mis.un.der.stood ) to fail to understand sb/sth correctly: [vn] I completely misunderstood her intentions.  Don’t misunderstand me—I am grateful for all you’ve done.  [v] I thought he was her husband—I must have misunderstood. [alsov wh-]
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mis.un.der.stand.ing
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of / about sth)| ~ (between A and B) a situation in which a comment, an instruction, etc. is not understood correctly: There must be some misunderstanding—I thought I ordered the smaller model.  There is still a fundamental misunderstanding about the real purpose of this work.  All contracts are translated to avoid any misunderstanding between the companies.
2 [C] a slight disagreement or argument: We had a little misunderstanding over the bill.
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mis.un.der.stood
adj. having qualities that people do not see or fully understand: a much misunderstood illness  She felt very alone and misunderstood.
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mis.use
noun, verb
noun [U, C, usually sing.] the act of using sth in a dishonest way or for the wrong purpose: alcohol / drug misuse  the misuse of power / authority

verb [vn]
1 to use sth in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose: individuals who misuse power for their own ends
2 to treat sb badly and/or unfairly

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mite
noun
1 a very small creature like a spider that lives on plants, animals, carpets, etc: house dust mites
2 a small child or animal, especially one that you feel sorry for: Poor little mite!
3 (old-fashioned) a small amount of sth: The place looked a mite (= a little) expensive.
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miter
(AmE ) = MITRE
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miti.gate
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth less harmful, serious, etc.
SYN ALLEVIATE : action to mitigate poverty  Soil erosion was mitigated by the planting of trees.
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miti.gat.ing
adj. [only before noun] ~ circumstances / factors (formal orlaw ) circumstances or FACTORS that provide a reason that explains sb’s actions or a crime, and make them easier to understand so that the punishment may be less severe
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miti.ga.tion
noun [U] (formal) a reduction in how unpleasant, serious, etc. sth is: the mitigation of a problem / punishment
IDM in miti'gation (law) with the aim of making a crime seem less serious or easier to forgive: In mitigation, the defence lawyer said his client was seriously depressed at the time of the assault.
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mitre
(BrE ) (AmEmi.ter) noun, verb
noun
1 a tall pointed hat worn by BISHOPS at special ceremonies as a symbol of their position and authority
2 (also 'mitre joint) a corner joint, formed by two pieces of wood each cut at an angle, as in a picture frame

verb [vn] (technical ) to join two pieces of wood together with a mitre joint

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mitt
noun
1 = MITTEN
2 (in baseball) a large thick leather glove worn for catching the ball
3 [usually pl.] (slang) a hand: I’d love to get my mitts on one of those.
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mit.ten
(also mitt) noun a type of glove that covers the four fingers together and the thumb separately
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mix
verb, noun
verb
COMBINE|
1 ~ A with B| ~ A and B (together) if two or more substances mix or you mix them, they combine, usually in a way that means they cannot easily be separated: [v] Oil and water do not mix.  Oil does not mix with water.  [vn] Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.  If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.  I don’t like to mix business with pleasure (= combine social events with doing business).
2 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb sth to prepare sth by combining two or more different substances: [vn] With this range of paints, you can mix your own colours.  [vn, vnn] Why don’t you mix a cocktail for our guests?  Why don’t you mix our guests a cocktail?
3 [v] if two or more things, people or activities do not mix, they are likely to cause problems or danger if they are combined: Children and fireworks don’t mix.
MEET PEOPLE|
4 [v] ~ (with sb) to meet and talk to different people, especially at social events
SYN SOCIALIZE : They don’t mix much with the neighbours.
MUSIC / SOUNDS|
5 [vn] (technical) to combine different recordings of voices and/or instruments to produce a single piece of music be / get mixed 'up in sth to be/become involved in sth, especially sth illegal or dishonest be / get mixed 'up with sb to be/become friendly with or involved with sb that other people do not approve of ,mix and 'match to combine things in different ways for different purposes: You can mix and match courses to suit your requirements. 'mix it (with sb) (BrE) (AmE ,mix it 'up (with sb)) (informal) to argue with sb or cause trouble ,mix sth<->'in (with sth) to add one substance to others, especially in cooking: Mix the remaining cream in with the sauce. 'mix sth into sth to combine one substance with others, especially in cooking: Mix the fruit into the rest of the mixture. 'mix sth into / to sth to produce sth by combining two or more substances, especially in cooking: Add the milk and mix to a smooth dough. ,mix sth<->'up to change the order or arrangement of a group of things, especially by mistake or in a way that you do not want: Someone has mixed up all the application forms.—related noun MIX-UP ,mix sb/sth 'up (with sb/sth) to think wrongly that sb/sth is sb/sth else
SYN CONFUSE : I think you must be mixing me up with someone else.—see also MIXED-UP

noun
COMBINATION|
1 [C, usually sing.] a combination of different people or things: a school with a good social mix of children  The town offers a fascinating mix of old and new.  a pair of wool mix socks (= made of wool and other materials)
2 [C, U] a combination of things that you need to make sth, often sold as a powder that you add water, etc. to: a cake mix  cement mix
IN POPULAR MUSIC|
3 [C] = REMIX
4 [sing.] the particular way that instruments and voices are arranged in a piece of music
5 [C] an arrangement of several songs or pieces of music into one continuous piece, especially for dancing

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mixed
adj.
1 having both good and bad qualities or feelings: The weather has been very mixed recently.  I still have mixed feelings about going to Brazil (= I am not sure what to think).  The play was given a mixed reception by the critics (= some liked it, some did not).  British athletes had mixed fortunes in yesterday’s competition.
2 [only before noun] consisting of different kinds of people, for example, people from different races and cultures: a mixed community  people of mixed race  a mixed marriage (= between two people of different races or religions)
3 [only before noun] consisting of different types of the same thing: a mixed salad
4 [usually before noun] of or for both males and females: a mixed school  I’d rather not talk about it in mixed company.
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,mixed-a'bility
adj. [usually before noun] with or for students who have different levels of ability: a mixed-ability class  mixed-ability teaching
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,mixed 'bag
noun [sing.] (informal) a collection of things or people of very different types
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,mixed 'blessing
noun [usually sing.] something that has advantages and disadvantages
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,mixed 'doubles
noun [U, C] (pl.,mixed 'doubles) (in tennis, etc.) a game in which a man and a woman play together against another man and woman
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,mixed e'conomy
noun an economic system in a country in which some companies are owned by the state and some are private
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,mixed 'grill
noun (BrE ) a hot dish of different types of meat and vegetables that have been GRILLED : a mixed grill of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms
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,mixed 'metaphor
noun a combination of two or more METAPHORS or IDIOMS that produces a ridiculous effect, for example, ‘He put his foot down with a firm hand.’
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,mixed-'up
adj. (informal) confused because of mental, emotional or social problems: a mixed-up kid / teenager
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mixer
noun
1 a machine or device used for mixing things: a food mixer   (BrE) a mixer tap (= one in which hot and cold water can be mixed together before it comes out of the pipe)—see also CEMENT MIXER
2 a drink such as fruit juice that is not alcoholic and that can be mixed with alcohol: low-calorie mixers
3 (technical) a device used for mixing together different sound or picture signals in order to produce a single sound or picture; a person whose job is to operate this device: a sound / vision mixer
IDM a good / bad 'mixer a person who finds it easy/difficult to talk to people they do not know, for example at a party
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'mixing bowl
noun a large bowl for mixing food in
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mix.ture
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a combination of different things: The city is a mixture of old and new buildings.  We listened to the news with a mixture of surprise and horror.
2 [C, U] a substance made by mixing other substances together: cake mixture  Add the eggs to the mixture and beat well.—see also COUGH MIXTURE
3 [C] (technical) a combination of two or more substances that mix together without any chemical reaction taking place—compare COMPOUND n.
4 [U] the act of mixing different substances together
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'mix-up
noun (informal) a situation that is full of confusion, especially because sb has made a mistake MUDDLE : There has been a mix-up over the dates.
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ml
abbr. (pl.ml or mls) MILLILITRE(S) : 25ml water
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mm
abbr., exclamation
abbr. MILLIMETRE(S) : rainfall 6mm  a 35mm camera

exclamation (also mmm) the way of writing the sound that people make to show that they are listening to sb or that they agree, they are thinking, they like sth, they are not sure, etc: Mm, I know what you mean.  Mm, what lovely cake!  Mmm, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.

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mne.mon.ic
noun a word, sentence, poem, etc. that helps you to remember sth
mne.mon.ic adj. [only before noun]: a mnemonic device
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MO
(BrE ) (also M.O.AmE, BrE) abbr. MEDICAL OFFICER
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mo
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal, spoken) a very short period of time MOMENT : See you in a mo!
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moan
verb, noun
verb
1 (of a person) to make a long deep sound, usually expressing unhappiness, suffering or sexual pleasure
SYN GROAN : [v] to moan in / with pain  The injured man was lying on the ground, moaning.  [v speech] ‘I might never see you again,’ she moaned.
2 ~ (on) (about sth) (to sb)| ~ (at sb) (BrE , informal) to complain about sth in a way that other people find annoying: [v] What are you moaning on about now?  They’re always moaning and groaning about how much they have to do.  [v that] Bella moaned that her feet were cold.
3 [v] (literary) (especially of the wind) to make a long deep sound: The wind was moaning through the trees.
moan.er noun

noun
1 [C] a long deep sound, usually expressing unhappiness, suffering or sexual pleasure: a low moan of despair / anguish
2 [C] (BrE, informal) a complaint about sth: We had a good moan about work.  His letters are full of the usual moans and groans.
3 [sing.] (literary) a long deep sound, especially the sound that is made by the wind: She lay listening to the moan of the wind in the trees behind the house.

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moat
noun a deep wide channel that was dug around a castle, etc. and filled with water to make it more difficult for enemies to attack
moat.ed adj. [usually before noun]: a moated manor house
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mob
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a large crowd of people, especially one that may become violent or cause trouble: an angry / unruly mob  The mob was / were preparing to storm the building.  an excited mob of fans  mob rule (= a situation in which a mob has control, rather than people in authority)—see also LYNCH MOB
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a group of people who are similar in some way GANG : All the usual mob were there.
3 (the Mob) [sing.] (informal) the people involved in organized crime; the MAFIA
IDM see HEAVY adj.

verb (-bb-) [vn] [usually passive]
1 if a crowd of birds or animals mob another bird or animal, they gather round it and attack it
2 if a person is mobbed by a crowd of people, the crowd gathers round them in order to see them and try and get their attention

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'mob cap
noun a light cotton cap covering all the hair, worn by women in the 18th and 19th centuries
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mo.bile
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] that is not fixed in one place and can be moved easily and quickly: mobile equipment  a mobile shop / library (= one inside a vehicle)—compare STATIONARY
2 [not usually before noun] (of a person) able to move or travel around easily: a kitchen especially designed for the elderly or people who are less mobile  You really need to be mobile (= have a car) if you live in the country.
OPP IMMOBILE
3 (of people) able to change your social class, your job or the place where you live easily: a highly mobile workforce (= people who can move easily from place to place)—see also UPWARDLY MOBILE
4 (of a face or its features) changing shape or expression easily and often

noun
1 a decoration made from wire, etc. that is hung from the ceiling and that has small objects hanging from it which move when the air around them moves
2 (BrE) = MOBILE PHONE : Call me on my mobile.

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,mobile 'home
noun (especially AmE ) a building that can be moved, sometimes with wheels, that is usually parked in one place and used for living in
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,mobile 'phone
(also mo.bile) (both BrE ) (also 'cellular phone, cell.phoneAmE, BrE) noun a telephone that does not have wires and works by radio, that you can carry with you and use anywhere
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mo.bil.ity
noun [U]
1 the ability to move easily from one place, social class, or job to another: social / geographical / career mobility—see also UPWARD MOBILITY
2 the ability to move or travel around easily: An electric wheelchair has given her greater mobility.
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mo.bil.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 to work together in order to achieve a particular aim; to organize a group of people to do this: [vn] The unions mobilized thousands of workers in a protest against the cuts. [alsov]
2 [vn] to find and start to use sth that is needed for a particular purpose
SYN MARSHAL : They were unable to mobilize the resources they needed.
3 if a country mobilizes its army, or if a country or army mobilizes, it makes itself ready to fight in a war: [v] The troops were ordered to mobilize. [alsovn] —compare DEMOBILIZE
mo.bil.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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mob.ster
noun a member of a group of people who are involved in organized crime
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moc.ca.sin
noun a flat shoe that is made from soft leather and has large stitches around the front, of a type originally worn by Native Americans—picture at SHOE
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mocha
noun [U]
1 a type of coffee of very good quality
2 a drink made or flavoured with this, often with chocolate added
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mock
verb, adj., noun
verb
1 to laugh at sb/sth in an unkind way, especially by copying what they say or do: [vn] He’s always mocking my French accent.  The other children mocked her, laughing behind their hands.  [v] You can mock, but at least I’m willing to have a try! [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] (formal) to show no respect for sth: The new exam mocked the needs of the majority of children.
mock.er noun

adj. [only before noun]
1 not sincere: mock horror / surprise
2 that is a copy of sth; not real: a mock election  a mock interview / examination (= used to practise for the real one)

noun (informal) (in Britain) a practice exam that you do before the official one: The mocks are in November.  What did you get in the mock?

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mock.ery
noun
1 [U] comments or actions that are intended to make sb/sth seem ridiculous: She couldn’t stand any more of their mockery.
2 [sing.] (disapproving) an action, a decision, etc. that is a failure and that is not as it is supposed to be: It was a mockery of a trial.
IDM make a 'mockery of sth to make sth seem ridiculous or useless: The trial made a mockery of justice.
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mock.ing
adj. (of behaviour, an expression, etc.) showing that you think sb/sth is ridiculous: a mocking smile  Her voice was faintly mocking.
mock.ing.ly adj.
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mock.ing.bird
noun a black and white American bird that can copy the songs of other birds
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'mock-up
noun a model or a copy of sth, often the same size as it, that is used for testing, or for showing people what the real thing will look like
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MOD
abbr. Ministry of Defence (the government department in Britain that is responsible for defence)
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mod
noun a member of a group of young people, especially in Britain in the 1960s, who wore neat, fashionable clothes and rode MOTOR SCOOTERS —compare ROCKER
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modal
(also modal 'verb, modal au'xiliary, modal au'xiliary verb) noun (grammar ) a verb such as can, may or will that is used with another verb (not a modal ) to express possibility, permission, intention, etc.
modal adj.—compare AUXILIARY
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mod cons
noun [pl.] (BrE , informal) (especially in advertisements) the things in a house or flat/apartment that make living there easier and more comfortable
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mode
noun
1 (formal) a particular way of doing sth; a particular type of sth: a mode of production / operation / communication  a mode of life / behaviour / dress  environment-friendly modes of transport
2 the way in which a piece of equipment is set to perform a particular task: Switch the camera into the automatic mode.
3 [sing.] (informal) a particular way of feeling or behaving: to be in holiday / work mode
4 [usually sing.] a particular style or fashion in clothes, art, etc: narrative mode  a pop video made by a director who really understands the mode—see also À LA MODE , MODISH
5 (technical) a particular arrangement of notes in music for example the musical SCALE system: major / minor mode
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model
noun, verb
noun
SMALL COPY|
1 a copy of sth, usually smaller than the original object: a working model (= one in which the parts move) of a fire engine  to make / build model aeroplanes  The architect had produced a scale model of the proposed shopping complex.
DESIGN|
2 a particular design or type of product: The latest models will be on display at the motor show.
DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM|
3 a simple description of a system, used for explaining how sth works or calculating what might happen, etc: a mathematical model for determining the safe level of pesticides in food  a realistic model of evolution
EXAMPLE TO COPY|
4 something such as a system that can be copied by other people: The nation’s constitution provided a model that other countries followed.
5 (approving) a person or thing that is considered an excellent example of sth: It was a model of clarity.  a model student  a model farm (= one that has been specially designed to work well)—see also ROLE MODEL
FASHION|
6 a person whose job is to wear and show new styles of clothes and be photographed wearing them: a fashion model  a male model
FOR ARTIST|
7 a person who is employed to be painted, drawn, photographed, etc. by an artist or photographer

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
WORK AS MODEL|
1 [v] to work as a model for an artist or in the fashion industry
CLOTHES|
2 [vn] to wear clothes in order to show them to people who might want to buy them: The wedding gown is being modelled for us by the designer’s daughter.
CREATE COPY|
3 [vn] to create a copy of an activity, a situation, etc. so that you can study it before dealing with the real thing: The program can model a typical home page for you.
CLAY etc.|
4 [vn] to shape clay, etc. in order to make sth: a statue modelled in bronze 'model yourself on sb to copy the behaviour, style, etc. of sb you like and respect in order to be like them: As a politician, he modelled himself on Churchill. 'model sth on / after sth to make sth so that it looks, works, etc. like sth else: The country’s parliament is modelled on the British system.

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'model home
noun (AmE ) = SHOW HOUSE
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mod.el.ler
(BrE ) (AmEmod.el.er) noun
1 a person who makes models of objects
2 a person who makes a simple description of a system or a process that can be used to explain it, etc.
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mod.el.ling
(BrE ) (AmEmod.el.ing) noun [U]
1 the work of a fashion model: a career in modelling  a modelling agency
2 the activity of making models of objects: clay modelling
3 the work of making a simple description of a system or a process that can be used to explain it, etc: mathematical / statistical / computer modelling
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modem
noun a device that connects one computer system to another using a telephone line so that data can be sent
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mod.er.ate
adj., verb, noun
adj.
1 that is neither very good, large, hot, etc. nor very bad, small, cold, etc: students of moderate ability  Even moderate amounts of the drug can be fatal.  The team enjoyed only moderate success last season.  Cook over a moderate heat.
2 having or showing opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme: moderate views / policies  a moderate socialist
3 staying within limits that are considered to be reasonable by most people: a moderate drinker  moderate wage demands
OPP IMMODERATE

verb
1 to become or make sth become less extreme, severe, etc: [v] By evening the wind had moderated slightly.  [vn] We agreed to moderate our original demands.
2 [vn, v] (BrE) to check that an exam has been marked fairly and in the same way by different people

noun a person who has opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme

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mod.er.ate.ly
adv.
1 to an average extent; fairly but not very REASONABLY : a moderately successful career  She only did moderately well in the exam.  Cook in a moderately hot oven.
2 within reasonable limits: He only drinks (alcohol) moderately.
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mod.er.ation
noun [U]
1 the quality of being reasonable and not being extreme: There was a call for moderation on the part of the trade unions.  Alcohol is usually not harmful if it is taken in moderation (= in small quantities).
2 (BrE) (in education) the process of making sure that the same standards are used by different people in marking exams, etc.
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mod.er.ator
noun
1 a person whose job is to help the two sides in a dispute to reach an agreement—see also MEDIATOR
2 (especially AmE) a person whose job is to make sure that a discussion or a debate is fair
3 (BrE) a person whose job is to make sure that an exam is marked fairly
4 (Moderator) a religious leader in the Presbyterian Church who is in charge of the Church council
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mod.ern
adj.
1 [only before noun] of the present time or recent times CONTEMPORARY : the modern industrial world  Modern European history  modern Greek  Stress is a major problem of modern life.
2 [only before noun] (of styles in art, music, fashion, etc.) new and intended to be different from traditional styles
SYN CONTEMPORARY : modern art / architecture / drama / jazz
3 (usually approving) using the latest technology, designs, materials, etc.
SYN UP-TO-DATE : a modern computer system  modern methods of farming  the most modern, well-equipped hospital in London
4 (of ways of behaving, thinking, etc.) new and not always accepted by most members of society: She has very modern ideas about educating her children.
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'modern-day
adj. [only before noun]
1 of the present time CONTEMPORARY : modern-day America
2 used to describe a modern form of sb/sth, usually sb/sth bad or unpleasant, that existed in the past: It has been called modern-day slavery.
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mod.ern.ism
noun [U]
1 modern ideas or methods
2 a style and movement in art, architecture and literature popular in the middle of the 20th century in which modern ideas, methods and materials were used rather than traditional ones—compare POSTMODERNISM
mod.ern.ist adj. [only before noun]: modernist art
mod.ern.ist noun
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mod.ern.is.tic
adj. (of a painting, building, piece of furniture, etc.) painted, designed, etc. in a very modern style
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mod.ern.ity
noun [U] (written) the condition of being new and modern
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mod.ern.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [vn] to make a system, methods, etc. more modern and more suitable for use at the present time
SYN UPDATE : The company is investing $9 million to modernize its factories.  a campaign to modernize the voting system
2 [v] to start using modern equipment, ideas, etc: Unfortunately we lack the resources to modernize.
mod.ern.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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,modern 'language
noun (especially BrE ) a language that is spoken or written now, especially a European language, such as French or Spanish, that you study at school, university or college: the department of modern languages  a degree in modern languages  a modern language teacher
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mod.est
adj.
1 not very large, expensive, important, etc: modest improvements / reforms  He charged a relatively modest fee.  a modest little house  The research was carried out on a modest scale.
2 (approving) not talking much about your own abilities or possessions: She’s very modest about her success.  You’re too modest!
OPP IMMODEST
3 (of people, especially women, or their clothes) shy about showing much of the body; not intended to attract attention, especially in a sexual way: a modest dress
OPP IMMODEST
mod.est.ly adv.
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mod.esty
noun [U]
1 the fact of not talking much about your abilities or possessions: He accepted the award with characteristic modesty.  I hate false (= pretended) modesty.
2 the action of behaving or dressing so that you do not show your body or attract sexual attention
3 the state of being not very large, expensive, important, etc: They tried to disguise the modesty of their achievements.
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modi.cum
noun [sing.] (formal) a fairly small amount, especially of sth good or pleasant: They should win, given a modicum of luck.
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modi.fi.ca.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (of / to / in sth) the act or process of changing sth in order to improve it or make it more acceptable; a change that is made: Considerable modification of the existing system is needed.  It might be necessary to make a few slight modifications to the design.
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modi.fier
noun (grammar ) a word, such as an adjective or adverb, that describes another word or group of words, or restricts its/their meaning in some way: In ‘speak quietly’, the adverb ‘quietly’ is a modifier.
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mod.ify
verb (modi.fies, modi.fy.ing, modi.fied, modi.fied) [vn]
1 to change sth slightly, especially in order to make it more suitable for a particular purpose
SYN ADAPT : The office software has been modified over the years.  Patients are taught how to modify their diet.  note at CHANGE
2 to make sth less extreme: to modify your behaviour / language / views
3 (grammar) a word, such as an adjective or adverb, that modifies another word or group of words describes it or restricts its meaning in some way: In ‘walk slowly’, the adverb ‘slowly’ modifies the verb ‘walk’.
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mod.ish
adj. (sometimes disapproving) fashionable
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modu.lar
adj.
1 (of a course of study, especially at a British university or college) consisting of separate units from which students may choose several: a modular course
2 (of machines, buildings, etc.) consisting of separate parts or units that can be joined together
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modu.late
verb
1 [vn] (formal) to change the quality of your voice in order to create a particular effect by making it louder, softer, lower, etc.
2 [v] ~ (from sth) (to / into sth) (music) to change from one musical KEY (= set of notes) to another
3 [vn] (technical) to affect sth so that it becomes more regular, slower, etc: drugs that effectively modulate the disease process
4 [vn] (technical) to change the rate at which a sound wave or radio signal VIBRATES (= the FREQUENCY ) so that it is clearer
modu.la.tion noun [U, C]
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mod.ule
noun
1 a unit that can form part of a course of study, especially at a college or university in Britain: The course consists of ten core modules and five optional modules.
2 (computing) a unit of a computer system or program that has a particular function: software modules  a tutorial module
3 one of a set of separate parts or units that can be joined together to make a machine, a piece of furniture, a building, etc.
4 a unit of a spacecraft that can function independently of the main part: the lunar module
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modus op.er.andi
noun [sing.] (from Latin , formal) a particular method of working
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modus vi.vendi
noun [sing.] (from Latin , formal) an arrangement that is made between people, institutions or countries who have very different opinions or ideas, so that they can live or work together without quarrelling
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mog.gie
(also moggy) noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a cat
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mogul
noun a very rich, important and powerful person: a movie / media mogul
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mo.hair
noun [U] soft wool or fabric made from the fine hair of the ANGORA goat, used for making clothes: a mohair sweater
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Mo.ham.med
noun = MUHAMMAD
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Mo.hi.can
noun a way of cutting the hair in which the head is shaved except for a strip of hair in the middle that is made to stick up
Mo.hi.can adj.: a punk with a Mohican haircut
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moist
adj. slightly wet: warm moist air  a rich moist cake  Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist.  Her eyes were moist (= with tears).
moist.ness noun [U]
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mois.ten
verb to become or make sth slightly wet: [vn] He moistened his lips before he spoke. [alsov]
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mois.ture
noun [U] very small drops of water that are present in the air, on a surface or in a substance: the skin’s natural moisture  a material that is designed to absorb / retain moisture
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mois.tur.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb to put a special cream on your skin to make it less dry: [vn] a moisturizing cream / lotion  [v] a product that soothes and moisturizes
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mois.tur.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun [C, U] a cream that is used to make the skin less dry
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molar
noun any of the twelve large teeth at the back of the mouth used for crushing and chewing food—compare CANINE , INCISOR
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mo.las.ses
noun [U] (AmE ) = TREACLE
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mold, mol.dermold.ingmoldy
(AmE ) = MOULD , MOULDER , MOULDING , MOULDY
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mole
noun
1 a small animal with dark grey fur, that is almost blind and digs tunnels under the ground to live in—see also MOLEHILL
2 a small dark brown mark on the skin, sometimes slightly higher than the skin around it—compare FRECKLE
3 a person who works within an organization and secretly passes important information to another organization or country
4 (chemistry) a unit for measuring the amount of a substance
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mol.ecule
noun the smallest unit, usually consisting of a group of atoms, into which a substance can be divided without a change in its chemical nature: A molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.
mo.lecu.lar adj. [only before noun]: molecular structure / biology
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mole.hill
noun a small pile of earth that a MOLE leaves on the surface of the ground when it digs underground
IDM see MOUNTAIN
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mole.skin
noun [U] a strong cotton fabric with a soft surface, used for making clothes
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mo.lest
verb [vn]
1 to attack sb, especially a child, sexually
2 (old-fashioned) to attack sb physically: The couple were molested while walking through the park.
mo.lest.ation noun [U]
mo.lest.er noun: a child molester
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moll
noun (old-fashioned, slang) the female friend of a criminal
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mol.lify
verb (mol.li.fies, mol.li.fy.ing, mol.li.fied, mol.li.fied) [vn] (formal) to make sb feel less angry or upset
SYN PLACATE : His explanation failed to mollify her.
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mol.lusc
(BrE ) (AmEmol.lusk) noun (technical ) any creature with a soft body that is not divided into different sections, and usually a hard outer shell. SNAILS and SLUGS are molluscs .—compare BIVALVE , SHELLFISH —
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molly.cod.dle
verb [vn] (disapproving, becoming old-fashioned) to protect sb too much and make their life too comfortable and safe: She was mollycoddled as a child.—compare CODDLE
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Molo.tov cock.tail
(BrE also 'petrol bomb) noun a simple bomb that consists of a bottle filled with petrol/gas and a piece of fabric in the end that is made to burn just before the bomb is thrown
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molt
(AmE ) = MOULT
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mol.ten
adj. (of metal, rock, or glass) heated to a very high temperature so that it becomes liquid
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mom
noun (AmE , informal) = MUM : Where’s my mom?  Mom and Dad  Are you listening, Mom?
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mo.ment
noun
1 a very short period of time: Could you wait a moment, please?  One moment, please (= Please wait a short time).  He thought for a moment before replying.  I’ll be back in a moment .  We arrived not a moment too soon (= almost too late).  Moments later (= a very short time later), I heard a terrible crash.
2 [sing.] an exact point in time: We’re busy at the moment (= now).  I agreed in a moment of weakness.  At that very moment , the phone rang.  From that moment on, she never felt really well again.
3 [C] a particular occasion; a time for doing sth: I haven’t finished. I’m still waiting for a quiet moment.  I’m waiting for the right moment to tell him the bad news.  That was one of the happiest moments of my life.  Have I caught you at a bad moment?
IDM for the 'moment / 'present for now; for a short time: This house is big enough for the moment, but we’ll have to move if we have children. have it’s / your 'moments to have short times that are better, more interesting, etc. than others the ,moment of 'truth a time when sb/sth is tested, or when important decisions are made of 'moment very important: matters of great moment of the 'moment (of a person, a job, an issue, etc.) famous, important and talked about a lot now: She’s the fashion designer of the moment.—more at JUST adv. , LAST det. , MINUTE^1n. , NOTICE n. , PSYCHOLOGICAL , SPUR n. , WAIT v.
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mo.ment.ar.ily
adv.
1 for a very short time
SYN BRIEFLY : He paused momentarily.
2 (AmE, spoken) very soon; in a moment: I’ll be with you momentarily.
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mo.ment.ary
adj. lasting for a very short time
SYN BRIEF : a momentary lapse of concentration  momentary confusion
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mo.men.tous
adj. very important or serious, especially because there may be important results: a momentous decision / event / occasion
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mo.men.tum
noun [U]
1 the ability to keep increasing or developing: The fight for his release gathers momentum each day.  They began to lose momentum in the second half of the game.
2 a force that is gained by movement: The vehicle gained momentum as the road dipped.
3 (technical) the quantity of movement of a moving object, measured as its MASS (= weight) multiplied by its speed
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mommy
(also momma ) (both AmE) noun = MUMMY
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mon-
MONO-
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mon.arch
noun a person who rules a country or an empire, for example a king or a queen
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mo.nar.chic.al
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with a ruler such as a king or a queen or with the system of government by a king or queen: monarchical rule / power
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mon.arch.ist
noun a person who believes that a country should be ruled by a king or queen
mon.arch.ist adj.
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mon.archy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (the monarchy) a system of government by a king or a queen: plans to abolish the monarchy
2 a country that is ruled by a king or a queen: There are several constitutional monarchies in Europe.—compare REPUBLIC
3 (the monarchy) the king or queen of a country and their family
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mon.as.tery
noun (pl.-ies) a building in which MONKS (= members of a male religious community) live together
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mo.nas.tic
adj.
1 connected with MONKS or monasteries
2 (of a way of life) simple and quiet and possibly CELIBATE
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mo.nas.ti.cism
noun [U] the way of life of MONKS in MONASTERIES
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Mon.day
noun [C, U] (abbr. Mon.) the day of the week after Sunday and before Tuesday, the first day of the working week: It’s Monday today, isn’t it?  She started work last Monday .  Are you busy next Monday ?  Monday morning / afternoon / evening  We’ll discuss this at Monday’s meeting.  Do we still have Monday’s paper?  I work Monday to Friday.  I work Mondays to Fridays.  On Monday(s) (= Every Monday) I do yoga.  I always do yoga on a Monday.  He was born on a Monday.  I went to Paris on Thursday, and came back the following Monday.  We’ll meet on Monday .   (BrE ) ‘When did the accident happen?’‘It was the Monday (= the Monday of the week we are talking about).’   (BrE ) Come back Monday week (= a week after next Monday). (informal orAmE ) We’ll meet Monday.
ORIGIN From the Old English for ‘day of the moon’, translated from Latin lunae dies.
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mon.et.ar.ism
noun [U] the policy of controlling the amount of money available in a country as a way of keeping the economy strong
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mon.et.ar.ist
noun a person who supports monetarism
mon.et.ar.ist adj.: a monetarist economic policy
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mon.et.ary
adj. [only before noun] connected with money, especially all the money in a country: monetary policy / growth  an item of little monetary value  closer European political, monetary and economic union
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money
noun
1 [U] what you earn by working or selling things, and use to buy things: to borrow / save / spend / earn money  How much money is there in my account?  The money is much better in my new job.  If the item is not satisfactory, you will get your money back.  We’ll need to raise more money (= collect or borrow it) next year.  Can you lend me some money until tomorrow?
2 [U] coins or paper notes: I counted the money carefully.  Where can I change my money into dollars?—see also PAPER MONEY , READY MONEY
3 [U] a person’s wealth including their property: He lost all his money.  The family made their money in the 18th century.
4 (moneys or monies) [pl.] (old use orlaw) sums of money: a statement of all monies paid into your account
HELP You will find other compounds ending in money at their place in the alphabet.
IDM be in the 'money (informal) to have a lot of money to spend for 'my money (informal) in my opinion: For my money, he’s one of the greatest comedians of all time. get your 'money’s worth to get enough value or enjoyment out of sth, considering the amount of money, time, etc. that you are spending on it good 'money a lot of money; money that you earn with hard work: Thousands of people paid good money to watch the band perform.  Don’t waste good money on that! have money to 'burn to have so much money that you do not have to be careful with it 'made of money (informal) very rich make 'money to earn a lot of money; to make a profit: The movie should make money.  There’s money to be made from tourism. make / lose money ,hand over 'fist to make/lose money very fast and in large quantities money for 'jam / old 'rope (BrE, informal) money that is earned very easily, for sth that needs little effort money is no 'object money is not sth that needs to be considered, because there is plenty of it available: She travels around the world as if money is no object. money 'talks (saying) people who have a lot of money have more power and influence than others on the 'money (AmE) correct; accurate: His prediction was right on the money. put 'money into sth to invest money in a business or a particular project: We would welcome interest from anyone prepared to put money into the club. put your 'money on sb/sth
1 to bet that a particular horse, dog, etc. will win a race
2 to feel very sure that sth is true or that sb will succeed: He’ll be there tonight. I’d put money on it. put your money where your 'mouth is (informal) to support what you say by doing sth practical; to show by your actions that you really mean sth throw your 'money about / around (informal) to spend money in a careless and obvious way throw good money after 'bad (disapproving) to spend more money on sth, when you have wasted a lot on it already throw 'money at sth (disapproving) to try to deal with a problem or improve a situation by spending money on it, when it would be better to deal with it in other ways: It is inappropriate simply to throw money at these problems.—more at CAREFUL , COIN v. , COLOUR n. , EASY adj. , GROW , LICENCE n. , LOVE n. , MARRY , OBJECT , POT n. , ROLL v. , RUN n.
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'money box
noun (especially BrE ) a small closed box with a narrow opening and sometimes with a lock and key, into which children put coins as a way of saving money—compare PIGGY BANK
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mon.eyed
(also mon.ied) adj. [only before noun] (formal) having a lot of money: the moneyed classes
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'money-grubbing
(also 'money-grabbing) adj. [only before noun] (informal, disapproving) trying to get a lot of money
'money-grubber (also 'money-grabber) noun
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money.lend.er
noun (old-fashioned) a person whose business is lending money, usually at a very high rate of interest
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money.maker
noun a product, business, etc. that produces a large profit
money.mak.ing adj.: a moneymaking movie
money.mak.ing noun [U]
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'money market
noun the banks and other institutions that lend or borrow money, and buy and sell foreign money
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'money order
noun (especially AmE ) = POSTAL ORDER
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'money-saving
adj. [only before noun] that helps you spend less money: money-saving offers / tips
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'money-spinner
noun (BrE , informal) something that earns a lot of money
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'money supply
noun [sing., U] (economics ) the total amount of money that exists in the economy of a country at a particular time: to control / increase / reduce the money supply  a rapid growth in (the) money supply
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mon.gol
noun (old-fashioned) an offensive word for a person with DOWN’S SYNDROME
mon.gol.ism noun [U]
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mon.goose
noun (pl.mon.gooses ) a small tropical animal with fur, that kills snakes, rats, etc.
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mon.grel
(especially BrE ) (also mutt especially in AmE) noun a dog that is a mixture of different breeds
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mon.ied
adj. = MONEYED
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moni.ker
noun (humorous) a name
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moni.tor
noun, verb
noun
1 a television screen used to show particular kinds of information; a screen that shows information from a computer: The details of today’s flights are displayed on the monitor.  a PC with a 17 inch colour monitor—see also VDU —
2 a piece of equipment used to check or record sth: a heart monitor
3 a student in a school who carries out special duties, such as helping the teacher
4 a person whose job is to check that sth is done fairly and honestly, especially in a foreign country: UN monitors declared the referendum fair.

verb
1 to watch and check sth over a period of time in order to see how it develops, so that you can make any necessary changes: [vn] Each student’s progress is closely monitored. [alsov wh-]
2 [vn] to listen to telephone calls, foreign radio broadcasts, etc. in order to find out information that might be useful

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monk
noun a member of a religious group of men who often live apart from other people in a MONASTERY and who do not marry or have personal possessions: Benedictine / Buddhist monks—compare FRIAR , NUN
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mon.key
noun
1 an animal with a long tail, that climbs trees and lives in hot countries. There are several types of monkey and they are related to APES and humans.
2 (informal) a child who is active and likes playing tricks on people: Come here, you cheeky little monkey!
IDM I don’t / couldn’t give a 'monkey’s (BrE, slang) used to say, in a way that is not very polite, that you do not care about sth, or are not at all interested in it make a 'monkey (out) of sb to make sb seem stupid—more at BRASS
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'monkey business
noun [U] (informal) dishonest or silly behaviour
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'monkey wrench
noun = ADJUSTABLE SPANNER
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mono
adj., noun
adj. recording or producing sound which comes from only one direction: a mono recording—compare STEREO

noun [U]
1 a system of recording or producing sound which comes from only one direction: recorded in mono—compare STEREO
2 (AmE, informal) = GLANDULAR FEVER

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mono-
(also mon-) combining form (in nouns and adjectives) one; single: monorail  monogamy
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mono.chrome
adj.
1 (of photographs, etc.) using only black, white and shades of grey: monochrome illustrations / images   (figurative) a dull monochrome life
2 using different shades of one colour: monochrome furnishings
mono.chro.mat.ic adj.: a monochromatic colour scheme
mono.chrome noun [U]: an artist who works in monochrome
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mon.ocle
noun a single glass LENS for one eye, held in place by the muscles around the eye and used by people in the past to help them see clearly
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mon.og.amy
noun [U]
1 the fact or custom of being married to only one person at a particular time—compare BIGAMY , POLYGAMY
2 the practice or custom of having a sexual relationship with only one partner at a particular time
mon.og.am.ous adj.: a monogamous marriage  Most birds are monogamous.
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mono.gram
noun two or more letters, usually the first letters of sb’s names, that are combined in a design and marked on items of clothing, etc. that they own
mono.grammed adj.: a monogrammed handkerchief
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mono.graph
noun (technical ) a detailed written study of a single subject, usually in the form of a short book
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mono.lin.gual
adj. speaking or using only one language: a monolingual dictionary—compare BILINGUAL , MULTILINGUAL
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mono.lith
noun
1 a large single upright block of stone, especially one that was shaped into a column by people living in ancient times, and that may have had some religious meaning
2 (often disapproving) a single, very large organization, etc. that is very slow to change and not interested in individual people: the monolith of the state
mono.lith.ic adj.: a monolithic block  the monolithic structure of the state
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mono.logue
(AmE also mono.log) noun
1 [C] a long speech by one person during a conversation that stops other people from speaking or expressing an opinion: He went into a long monologue about life in America.
2 [U, C] a long speech in a play, film/movie, etc. spoken by one actor, especially when alone
3 [C, U] a dramatic story, especially in verse, told or performed by one person: a dramatic monologue—compare DIALOGUE , SOLILOQUY
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mono.nucle.osis
noun [U] (AmE orBrEmedical ) = GLANDULAR FEVER
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mono.plane
noun an early type of plane with one set of wings—compare BIPLANE
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mon.op.ol.ist
noun (technical ) a person or company that has a MONOPOLY
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mon.op.ol.is.tic
adj. (written) controlling or trying to get complete control over sth, especially an industry or a company: monopolistic corporations
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mon.op.ol.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to have or take control of the largest part of sth so that other people are prevented from sharing it: Men traditionally monopolized jobs in the printing industry.  As usual, she completely monopolized the conversation.
2 to have or take a large part of sb’s attention or time so that they are unable to speak to or deal with other people: Don’t let him monopolize you like he did at the last party.
mon.op.ol.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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mon.op.oly
noun (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (in / of / on sth) (business) the complete control of trade in particular goods or the supply of a particular service; a type of goods or a service that is controlled in this way: In the past central government had a monopoly on television broadcasting.  Electricity, gas and water were considered to be natural monopolies.
2 [usually sing.] ~ in / of / on sth the complete control, possession or use of sth; a thing that belongs only to one person or group and that other people cannot share: Managers do not have a monopoly on stress.  A good education should not be the monopoly of the rich.—compare DUOPOLY
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mono.rail
noun
1 [U] a railway/railroad system in which trains travel along a track consisting of a single rail, usually one placed high above the ground
2 [C] a train used in a monorail system
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mono.so.dium glu.ta.mate
noun [U] (abbr. MSG) a chemical compound that is sometimes added to food to improve its flavour
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mono.syl.lab.ic
adj.
1 having only one syllable: a monosyllabic word / reply
2 (of a person or their way of speaking) saying very little, in a way that appears rude to other people: Ralph grew increasingly monosyllabic as the evening progressed.
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mono.syl.lable
noun a word with only one syllable, for example, ‘it’ or ‘no’
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mono.the.ism
noun [U] the belief that there is only one God—compare POLYTHEISM
mono.the.ist noun
mono.the.is.tic adj.
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mono.tone
noun, adj.
noun [sing.] a dull sound or way of speaking in which the tone and volume remain the same and therefore seem boring: He spoke in a flat monotone.

adj. [only before noun] without any changes or differences in sound or colour: He spoke in a monotone drawl.  monotone engravings

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mon.ot.on.ous
adj. never changing and therefore boring: a monotonous voice / diet / routine  monotonous work  New secretaries came and went with monotonous regularity .
mon.ot.on.ous.ly adv.
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mon.ot.ony
noun [U] boring lack of variety: She watches television to relieve the monotony of everyday life.
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Mon.si.gnor
noun (abbr. Mgr) used as a title when speaking to or about a priest of high rank in the Roman Catholic Church
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mon.soon
noun
1 a period of heavy rain in summer in S Asia; the rain that falls during this period
2 a wind in S Asia that blows from the south-west in summer, bringing rain, and the north-east in winter
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mon.ster
noun, adj.
noun
1 (in stories) an imaginary creature that is very large, ugly and frightening: a monster with three heads  prehistoric monsters
2 an animal or a thing that is very large or ugly: Their dog’s an absolute monster!
3 a person who is very cruel and evil
4 (humorous) a child who behaves badly

adj. [only before noun] (informal) unusually large: monster mushrooms

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mon.stros.ity
noun (pl.-ies) something that is very large and very ugly, especially a building: a concrete monstrosity
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mon.strous
adj.
1 considered to be shocking and unacceptable because it is morally wrong or unfair: a monstrous lie / injustice
2 very large: a monstrous wave
3 very large, ugly and frightening: a monstrous figure / creature
mon.strous.ly adv.: monstrously unfair  a monstrously fat man
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mont.age
noun
1 [C] a picture, film/movie or piece of music or writing that consists of many separate items put together, especially in an interesting or unusual combination: a photographic montage
2 [U] the process of making a montage
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Mon.terey Jack
(AmE also 'Jack cheese) noun [U] a type of white American cheese with a mild flavour
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month
noun
1 [C] any of the twelve periods of time into which the year is divided, for example May or June: the month of August  We’re moving house next month.  She earns $1 000 a month.  The rent is £300 per month.  Have you read this month’s ‘Physics World’?  Prices continue to rise month after month (= over a period of several months).  Her anxiety mounted month by month (= as each month passed).—see also CALENDAR MONTH
2 [C] a period of about 30 days, for example, 3 June to 3 July: The baby is three months old.  a three-month-old baby  They lived in Toronto during their first few months of marriage.  several months later  a six-month contract  a month-long strike  He visits Paris once or twice a month.—see also LUNAR MONTH
3 (months) [pl.] a long time, especially a period of several months: He had to wait for months for the visas to come through.  It will be months before we get the results.
IDM in a ,month of 'Sundays (spoken) used to emphasize that sth will never happen: You won’t find it, not in a month of Sundays.—more at FLAVOUR n.
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month.ly
adj., adv., noun
adj.
1 happening once a month or every month: a monthly meeting / visit / magazine
2 paid, valid or calculated for one month: a monthly salary of £1 000  a monthly season ticket  Summers are hot, with monthly averages above 22°C.

adv. every month or once a month: She gets paid monthly.

noun (pl.-ies) a magazine published once a month: the fashion monthlies

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monty
noun
IDM the ,full 'monty the full amount that people expect or want: They’ll do the full monty (= take off all their clothes) if you pay them enough.
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monu.ment
noun
1 ˜ (to sb/sth) a building, column, statue, etc. built to remind people of a famous person or event: A monument to him was erected in St Paul’s Cathedral.
2 a building that has special historical importance: an ancient monument
3 ˜ to sth a thing that remains as a good example of sb’s qualities or of what they did: These recordings are a monument to his talent as a pianist.
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monu.men.tal
adj.
1 [usually before noun] very important and having a great influence, especially as the result of years of work: a monumental achievement  Gibbon’s monumental work ‘The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire’
2 [only before noun] very large, good, bad, stupid, etc: a book of monumental significance  We have a monumental task ahead of us.  It seems like an act of monumental folly.
3 [only before noun] appearing in or serving as a monument : a monumental inscription / tomb  a monumental mason (= a person who makes monuments )
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monu.men.tal.ly
adv. (used to describe negative qualities) extremely: monumentally difficult / stupid
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moo
noun (pl.moos) the long deep sound made by a cow
moo verb [v]
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mooch
verb (informal)
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE) to walk slowly with no particular purpose; to be somewhere not doing very much: He’s happy to mooch around the house all day.
2 ~ (sth) (off sb) (AmE ) to get money, food, etc. from sb else instead of paying for it yourself: [v] He’s always mooching off his friends. [alsovn]
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mood
noun
1 [C] the way you are feeling at a particular time: She’s in a good mood today (= happy and friendly).  He’s always in a bad mood (= unhappy, or angry and impatient).  to be in a foul / filthy mood  Some addicts suffer violent mood swings (= changes of mood) if deprived of the drug.  I’m just not in the mood for a party tonight.  He was in no mood for being polite to visitors.
2 [C] a period of being angry or impatient: I wonder why he’s in such a mood today.  She was in one of her moods (= one of her regular periods of being angry or impatient).
3 [sing.] the way a group of people feel about sth; the atmosphere in a place or among a group of people: The mood of the meeting was distinctly pessimistic.  The movie captures the mood of the interwar years perfectly.
4 [C] (grammar) any of the sets of verb forms that show whether what is said or written is certain, possible, necessary, etc.
5 [C] (grammar) one of the categories of verb use that expresses facts, orders, questions, wishes or conditions: the indicative / imperative / subjunctive mood
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'mood music
noun [U] popular music intended to create a particular atmosphere, especially a relaxed or romantic one
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moody
adj. (mood.ier, moodi.est)
1 having moods that change quickly and often: Moody people are very difficult to deal with.
2 bad-tempered or upset, often for no particular reason: Why are you so moody today?
3 (of a film / movie, piece of music or place) suggesting particular emotions, especially sad ones: She gazed out at the moody grey sea.
mood.ily adv.: He stared moodily into the fire.
moodi.ness noun [U]
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moon
noun, verb
noun
1 (usually the moon) (also the Moon) [sing.] the round object that moves around the earth once every 28 days and shines at night by light reflected from the sun: the surface of the moon  a moon landing
2 [sing.] the moon as it appears in the sky at a particular time: a crescent moon  There’s no moon tonight (= no moon can be seen).  By the light of the moon I could just make out shapes and outlines.—see also FULL MOON , HALF-MOON , NEW MOON
3 [C] a natural SATELLITE that moves around a planet other than the earth: How many moons does Jupiter have?
IDM ask, cry, etc. for the 'moon (BrE, informal) to ask for sth that is difficult or impossible to get or achieve many 'moons ago (literary) a very long time ago over the 'moon (informal, especially BrE) extremely happy and excited—more at ONCE adv. , PROMISE v.

verb [v] (informal) to show your bottom to people in a public place as a joke or an insult
PVR V ,moon a'bout / a'round (BrE, informal) to spend time doing nothing or walking around with no particular purpose, especially because you are unhappy 'moon over sb (informal) to spend time thinking about sb that you love, especially when other people think this is silly or annoying

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moon.beam
noun a ray of light from the moon
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'moon boot
noun a thick warm boot made of fabric or plastic, worn in snow or cold weather
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moon.less
adj. without a moon that can be seen: a moonless night / sky
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moon.light
noun, verb
noun [U] the light of the moon: to go for a walk by moonlight / in the moonlight
IDM see FLIT n.

verb (moon.lighted, moon.lighted) [v] (informal) to have a second job that you do secretly, usually without paying tax on the extra money that you earn

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moon.lit
adj. lit by the moon: a moonlit night / beach
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moon.scape
noun
1 a view of the surface of the moon
2 an area of land that is bare and empty and looks like the surface of the moon
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moon.shine
noun [U]
1 (old-fashioned, AmE) whisky or other strong alcoholic drinks made and sold illegally
2 (informal) silly talk NONSENSE
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moon.struck
adj. slightly crazy, especially because you are in love
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Moor
noun a member of a race of Muslim people living in NW Africa who entered and took control of part of Spain in the 8th century
Moor.ish adj.: the Moorish architecture of Cordoba in Spain
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moor
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] (especially BrE) a high open area of land that is not used for farming, especially an area covered with rough grass and HEATHER : the North York moors  to go for a walk on the moors
2 [U] = MOORLAND : moor and rough grassland

verb ~ sth (to sth) to attach a boat, ship, etc. to a fixed object or to the land with a rope, or ANCHOR it: [v] We moored off the north coast of the island.  [vn] A number of fishing boats were moored to the quay.

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moor.hen
noun a small black bird with a short reddish-yellow beak that lives on or near water
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moor.ing
noun
1 (moorings) [pl.] the ropes, chains, etc. by which a ship or boat is MOORED : The boat slipped its moorings and drifted out to sea.
2 [C] the place where a ship or boat is MOORED : private moorings  to find a mooring  mooring ropes
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moor.land
(also moor) noun [U, C, usually pl.] (especially BrE ) land that consists of MOORS : walking across open moorland
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moose
noun (pl.moose) a large deer that lives in N America. In Europe and Asia it is called an ELK .
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moot
adj., verb
adj. (AmE ) unlikely to happen and therefore not worth considering: He argued that the issue had become moot since the board had changed its policy.
IDM a moot 'point / 'question (BrE, AmE) a matter about which there may be disagreement or uncertainty

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to suggest an idea for people to discuss PROPOSE , PUT FORWARD

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'moot court
noun (especially AmE ) a MOCK court in which law students practise trials
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mop
noun, verb
noun
1 a tool for washing floors that has a long handle with a bunch of thick strings or soft material at the end: a mop and bucket
2 a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) for washing dishes, that has a short handle with soft material at one end
3 a mass of thick, often untidy, hair: a mop of curly red hair

verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 to clean sth with a mop : She wiped all the surfaces and mopped the floor.
2 ~ sth (from sth) to remove liquid from the surface of sth using a cloth: He took out a handkerchief to mop his brow (= to remove the sweat).
PVR V ,mop sth/sb<->'up to remove the liquid from sth using sth that absorbs it: Do you want some bread to mop up that sauce?   (figurative) A number of smaller companies were mopped up (= taken over) by the American multinational.   (figurative) New equipment mopped up (= used up) what was left of this year’s budget. ,mop sb/sth<->'up
1 to complete or end sth by dealing with the final parts: There are a few things that need mopping up before I can leave.
2 to get rid of the last few people who continue to oppose you, especially by capturing or killing them: Troops combed the area to mop up any remaining resistance.

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mope
verb [v] to spend your time doing nothing and feeling sorry for yourself: Moping won’t do any good!
PVR V ,mope a'bout / a'round ( … ) (disapproving) to spend time walking around a place with no particular purpose, especially because you feel sorry for yourself: Instead of moping around the house all day, you should be out there looking for a job.
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moped
noun a motorcycle with a small engine and also PEDALS —picture at MOTORCYCLE
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mop.pet
noun (informal) an attractive small child, especially a girl
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mo.raine
noun [U, C] (technical ) a mass of earth, stones, etc., carried along by a GLACIER and left when it melts—picture at MOUNTAIN
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moral
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] concerned with principles of right and wrong behaviour: a moral issue / dilemma / question  traditional moral values  a decline in moral standards   moral philosophy  a deeply religious man with a highly developed moral sense   British newspapers were full of moral outrage at the weakness of other countries.
2 [only before noun] based on your own sense of what is right and fair, not on legal rights or duties: moral responsibility / duty  Governments have at least a moral obligation to answer these questions.   (BrE) The job was to call on all her diplomatic skills and moral courage (= the courage to do what you think is right).
3 following the standards of behaviour considered acceptable and right by most people: He led a very moral life.  a very moral person—compare AMORAL , IMMORAL
4 [only before noun] able to understand the difference between right and wrong: Children are not naturally moral beings.
IDM take, claim, seize, etc. the moral 'high ground to claim that your side of an argument is morally better than your opponents' side; to argue in a way that makes your side seem morally better

noun
1 (morals) [pl.] standards or principles of good behaviour, especially in matters of sexual relationships: Young people these days have no morals.  The play was considered an affront to public morals .  The question is one of manners rather than morals.   (old-fashioned) a woman of loose morals (= with a low standard of sexual behaviour)
2 [C] a practical lesson that a story, an event or an experience teaches you: And the moral is that crime doesn’t pay.

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mor.ale
noun [U] the amount of confidence and enthusiasm, etc. that a person or a group has at a particular time: to boost / raise / improve morale  Morale amongst the players is very high at the moment.  Staff are suffering from low morale.
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,moral 'fibre
(BrE ) (AmE,moral 'fiber) noun [U] the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult situations
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mor.al.ist
noun
1 (often disapproving) a person who has strong ideas about moral principles, especially one who tries to tell other people how they should behave
2 a person who teaches or writes about moral principles
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mor.al.is.tic
adj. (usually disapproving) having or showing very fixed ideas about what is right and wrong, especially when this causes you to judge other people’s behaviour
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mor.al.ity
noun
1 [U] principles concerning right and wrong or good and bad behaviour: matters of public / private morality  Standards of morality seem to be dropping.
2 [U] the degree to which sth is right or wrong, good or bad, etc. according to moral principles: a debate on the morality of abortion
3 [U] a system of moral principles followed by a particular group of people: Christian morality—compare IMMORALITY
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mor.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] (usually disapproving) to tell other people what is right and wrong especially in order to emphasize that your opinions are correct: He’s always moralizing about ‘young people today’.
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mor.al.ly
adv. according to principles of good behaviour and what is considered to be right or wrong: to act morally  morally right / wrong / justified / unacceptable  He felt morally responsible for the accident.
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the ,moral ma'jority
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the largest group of people in a society, considered as having very traditional ideas about moral matters, religion, sexual behaviour, etc.
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,moral sup'port
noun [U] the act of giving encouragement by showing your approval and interest, rather than by giving financial or practical support: My sister came along just to give me some moral support.
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,moral 'victory
noun a situation in which your ideas or principles are proved to be right and fair, even though you may not have succeeded where practical results are concerned
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mor.ass
noun [usually sing.] (written)
1 an unpleasant and complicated situation that is difficult to escape from: a morass of lies and deceit
2 a dangerous area of low soft wet land
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mora.tor.ium
noun (pl.-riums or -toria ) ~ (on sth) a temporary stopping of an activity, especially by official agreement: The convention called for a two-year moratorium on commercial whaling.
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mor.bid
adj.
1 having or expressing a strong interest in sad or unpleasant things, especially disease or death: He had a morbid fascination with blood.  ‘He might even die.’‘Don’t be so morbid.’
2 (medical) connected with disease
mor.bid.ity noun [U]
mor.bid.ly adv.
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mor.dant
adj. (formal) critical and unkind, but funny: His mordant wit appealed to students.
mor.dant.ly adv.
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more
det., pron., adv.
det., pron. (used as the comparative of ‘much’, ‘a lot of’, ‘many’) ~ (sth / of sth) (than … ) a larger number or amount of: more bread / cars  Only two more days to go!  people with more money than sense  I can’t stand much more of this.  She earns a lot more than I do.  There is room for no more than three cars.  I hope we’ll see more of you (= see you again or more often).
IDM ,more and 'more continuing to become larger in number or amount: More and more people are using the Internet.  She spends more and more time alone in her room.

adv. ~ (than … )
1 used to form the comparative of adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables: She was far more intelligent than her sister.  He read the letter more carefully the second time.
2 to a greater degree than sth else; to a greater degree than usual: I like her more than her husband.  a course for more advanced students  It had more the appearance of a deliberate crime than of an accident.  Could you repeat that once more (= one more time)?  I had no complaints and no more (= neither) did Tom.  Signing the forms is little more than (= only) a formality.  I’m more than happy (= extremely happy) to take you there in my car.  She was more than a little shaken (= extremely shaken) by the experience.   (formal) I will torment you no more (= no longer).—see also ANY MORE
IDM ,more and 'more continuing to become larger in number or amount
SYN INCREASINGLY : I was becoming more and more irritated by his behaviour. ,more or 'less
1 almost: I’ve more or less finished the book.
2 approximately: She could earn $200 a night, more or less. what is 'more used to add a point that is even more important: You’re wrong, and what’s more you know it!

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more.over
adv. (formal) used to introduce some new information that adds to or supports what you have said previously
SYN IN ADDITION : A talented artist, he was, moreover, a writer of some note.
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mores
noun [pl.] (formal) the customs and behaviour that are considered typical of a particular social group or community
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morgue
noun
1 (BrE) a building in which dead bodies are kept before they are buried or CREMATED (= burned)—compare MORTUARY
2 a place where dead bodies that have been found are kept until they can be identified
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mori.bund
adj. (formal)
1 (of an industry, an institution, a custom, etc.) no longer effective and about to come to an end completely: a moribund company / economy
2 in a very bad condition; dying: a moribund patient / tree
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Mor.mon
noun a member of a religion formed by Joseph Smith in the US in 1830, officially called ‘the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’: a Mormon church / chapel
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morn
noun [usually sing.] (literary) morning
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morn.ing
noun
1 the early part of the day from the time when people wake up until midday or before lunch: They left for Spain early this morning.  See you tomorrow morning .  I prefer coffee in the morning .  She woke every morning at the same time.  Our group meets on Friday mornings.  I walk to work most mornings.  We got the news on the morning of the wedding.  He’s been in a meeting all morning.  the morning papers
2 the part of the day from midnight to midday: I didn’t get home until two in the morning!  He died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
3 (mornings) adv.in the morning of each day: I only work mornings.
IDM Good 'morning used as a polite greeting when people first see each other in the morning; sometimes also used formally when people leave each other in the morning; in informal use people often just say Morning: Good morning, Mr Dixon.  Morning, Mike. in the 'morning
1 during the morning of the next day; tomorrow morning: I’ll give you a call in the morning.
2 between midnight and midday: It must have happened at about five o’clock in the morning. morning, noon and 'night at all times of the day and night (used to emphasize that sth happens very often or that it happens continuously): She talks about him morning, noon and night.  The work continues morning, noon and night.—more at OTHER adj.
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,morning-'after
adj. [only before noun]
1 happening the next day, after an exciting or important event: After his election victory, the president held a morning-after news conference.
2 used to describe how sb feels the next morning, after an occasion when they have drunk too much alcohol: a morning-after headache
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,morning-'after pill
noun a drug that a woman can take some hours after having sex in order to avoid becoming pregnant
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'morning coat
(BrE ) (AmE cut.away) noun a black or grey jacket for men, short at the front and very long at the back, worn as part of morning dress —compare TAILS (6)
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'morning dress
noun [U] clothes worn by a man on very formal occasions, for example a wedding, including a morning coat and dark trousers/pants
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'morning room
noun (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) (in some large houses, especially in the past) a room that you sit in in the morning
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'morning sickness
noun [U] the need to VOMIT that some women feel, often only in the morning, when they are pregnant, especially in the first months
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mo.rocco
noun [U] fine soft leather made from the skin of a goat, used especially for making shoes and covering books
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moron
noun (informal) an offensive way of referring to sb that you think is very stupid: They’re a bunch of morons.  You moron—now look what you’ve done!
mor.on.ic adj.: a moronic stare  a moronic TV programme
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mor.ose
adj. unhappy, bad-tempered and not talking very much: She just sat there looking morose.
mor.ose.ly adv.: He was staring morosely out of the window.
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mor.pheme
noun (grammar ) the smallest unit of meaning that a word can be divided into: The word ‘like’ contains one morpheme but ‘un-like-ly’ contains three.
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mor.phia
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the drug morphine
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mor.phine
noun [U] a powerful drug that is made from OPIUM and used to reduce pain
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morph.ology
noun [U]
1 (biology) the form and structure of animals and plants, studied as a science
2 (linguistics) the forms of words, studied as a branch of linguistics —compare GRAMMAR , SYNTAX
mor.pho.logic.al adj.
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mor.ris dance
noun a traditional English dance that is performed by people wearing special clothes decorated with bells and carrying sticks that they hit together
'morris dancer noun
'morris dancing noun [U]
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mor.row
noun (the morrow) [sing.] (old-fashioned, literary) the next day; tomorrow: We had to leave on the morrow .  Who knows what the morrow (= the future) will bring?
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Morse code
noun [U] a system for sending messages, using combinations of long and short sounds or flashes of light to represent letters of the alphabet and numbers
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mor.sel
noun a small amount or a piece of sth, especially food: a tasty morsel of food  He ate it all, down to the last morsel.
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mor.tal
adj., noun
adj.
1 that cannot live for ever and must die: We are all mortal.
OPP IMMORTAL
2 (literary) causing death or likely to cause death; very serious: a mortal blow / wound  to be in mortal danger   (figurative) Her reputation suffered a mortal blow as a result of the scandal.—compare FATAL
3 [only before noun] (formal) lasting until death
SYN DEADLY : mortal enemies  They were locked in mortal combat (= a fight that will only end with the death of one of them).
4 [only before noun] (formal) (of fear, terror, etc.) extreme: We lived in mortal dread of him discovering our secret.

noun (often humorous) a human being, especially an ordinary person with little power or influence
SYN HUMAN BEING : old stories about gods and mortals   (humorous) Such things are not for mere mortals like ourselves.   (humorous) She can deal with complicated numbers in her head, but we lesser mortals need calculators!

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mor.tal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of being human and not living for ever: After her mother’s death, she became acutely aware of her own mortality.
2 [U] the number of deaths in a particular situation or period of time: the infant mortality rate (= the number of babies that die at or just after birth)  Mortality from lung cancer is still increasing.
3 [C] (technical) a death: hospital mortalities (= deaths in hospital)
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mor.tal.ly
adv. (literary)
1 causing or resulting in death
SYN FATALLY : mortally wounded / ill
2 extremely: mortally afraid / offended
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,mortal 'sin
noun [C, U] (in the Roman Catholic Church) a very serious SIN for which you can be sent to HELL unless you CONFESS and are forgiven
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mor.tar
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a mixture of sand, water, LIME and CEMENT used in building for holding bricks and stones together
2 [C] a heavy gun that fires bombs and SHELLS high into the air; the bombs that are fired by this gun: to come under mortar fire / attack
3 [C] a small hard bowl in which you can crush substances such as seeds and grains into powder with a special object (called a PESTLE )—picture at LABORATORY
IDM see BRICK n.

verb [v, vn] to attack sb/sth using a mortar

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'mortar board
noun a black hat with a stiff square top, worn by some university teachers and students at special ceremonies—compare CAP (4)
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mort.gage
noun, verb
noun (also informal ,home 'loan) a legal agreement by which a bank or similar organization lends you money to buy a house, etc., and you pay the money back over a particular number of years; the sum of money that you borrow: to apply for / take out / pay off a mortgage  mortgage rates (= of interest)  a mortgage on the house  a mortgage of £60 000  monthly mortgage repayments

verb [vn] to give a bank, etc. the legal right to own your house, land, etc. if you do not pay the money back that you have borrowed from the bank to buy the house or land: He had to mortgage his house to pay his legal costs.

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mort.ga.gee
noun (technical ) a person or an organization that lends money to people to buy houses, etc.
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mort.ga.gor
noun (technical ) a person who borrows money from a bank or a similar organization to buy a house, etc.
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mor.ti.cian
noun (AmE ) = UNDERTAKER
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mor.tify
verb (mor.ti.fies, mor.ti.fy.ing, mor.ti.fied, mor.ti.fied) [usually passive] to make sb feel very ashamed or embarrassed: [vn to inf] She was mortified to realize he had heard every word she said. [alsovn, vn that]
mor.ti.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
mor.ti.fy.ing adj.: How mortifying to have to apologize to him!
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mor.tise
(also mor.tice) noun (technical ) a hole cut in a piece of wood, etc. to receive the end of another piece of wood, so that the two are held together—see also TENON
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'mortise lock
noun a lock that is fitted inside a hole cut into the edge of a door, not one that is screwed into the surface of one side
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mor.tu.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (AmE) a room or building, for example part of a hospital, in which dead bodies are kept before they are buried or CREMATED (= burned)
2 (AmE) = FUNERAL PARLOUR —compare MORGUE
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mo.saic
noun [C, U] a picture or pattern made by placing together small pieces of glass, stone, etc. of different colours: a Roman mosaic  a design in mosaic  mosaic tiles   (figurative) A mosaic of fields, rivers and woods lay below us.
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mosey
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to go in a particular direction slowly and with no definite purpose: He moseyed on over to the bar.
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mosh
verb [v] to dance and jump up and down violently or without control at a concert where ROCK music is played
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Mos.lem
noun = MUSLIM
Mos.lem adj. = MUSLIM
HELP The form Moslem is sometimes considered offensive. Use Muslim.
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mosque
noun a building in which Muslims worship
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mos.quito
noun (pl.-oes or less frequent -os) a flying insect that bites humans and animals and sucks their blood. One type of mosquito can spread the disease MALARIA : a mosquito bite—
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mos'quito net
noun a net that you hang over a bed, etc. to keep mosquitoes away from you
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moss
noun [U, C] a very small green or yellow plant without flowers that spreads over damp surfaces, rocks, trees, etc: moss-covered walls—compare LICHEN —see also SPANISH MOSS
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mossy
adj. covered with moss : mossy walls / tree trunks
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most
det., pron., adv.
det., pron. (used as the superlative of ‘much’, ‘a lot of’, ‘many’)
1 the largest in number or amount: Who do you think will get (the) most votes?  She had the most money of all of them.  I spent most time on the first question.  Who ate the most?  The director has the most to lose .
HELP The can be left out in informal BrE.
2 more than half of sb/sth; almost all of sb/sth: I like most vegetables.  Most classical music sends me to sleep.  As most of you know, I’ve decided to resign.  Most of the people I had invited turned up.  There are thousands of verbs in English and most (of them) are regular.
HELP The is not used with most in this meaning.
IDM at (the) 'most not more than: As a news item it merits a short paragraph at most.  There were 50 people there, at the very most.

adv.
1 used to form the superlative of adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables: the most boring / beautiful part  It was the people with the least money who gave most generously.
HELP When most is followed only by an adverb, the is not used: This reason is mentioned most frequently, but the most frequently mentioned reason.
2 to the greatest degree: What did you enjoy (the) most?  It was what she wanted most of all .
HELP The is often left out in informal English.
3 (formal) very; extremely; completely: It was most kind of you to meet me.  We shall most probably never meet again.  This technique looks easy, but it most certainly is not.
4 (AmE, informal) almost: I go to the store most every day.

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-most
suffix (in adjectives) the furthest: inmost (= the furthest in)  southernmost  topmost (= the furthest up / nearest to the top)
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most.ly
adv. mainly; generally: The sauce is mostly cream.  We’re mostly out on Sundays.
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MOT
(also MOT test) noun a test that any vehicle in Britain over three years old must take in order to make sure that it is safe and in good condition (abbreviation for ‘Ministry of Transport’): I’ve got to take the car in for its MOT.  to pass / fail the MOT
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mote
noun (old-fashioned) a very small piece of dust
SYN SPECK
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motel
noun a hotel for people who are travelling by car, with space for parking cars near the rooms
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motet
noun a short piece of church music, usually for voices only—compare CANTATA
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moth
noun a flying insect with a long thin body and four large wings, like a BUTTERFLY , but less brightly coloured. Moths fly mainly at night and are attracted to bright lights.—
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moth.ball
noun, verb
noun a small white ball made of a chemical with a strong smell, used for keeping moths away from clothes
IDM in 'mothballs stored and not in use, often for a long time

verb [vn] [usually passive] to decide not to use or develop sth, for a period of time, especially a piece of equipment or a plan: The original proposal had been mothballed years ago.

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'moth-eaten
adj.
1 (of clothes, etc.) damaged or destroyed by moths
2 (informal, disapproving) very old and in bad condition
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mother
noun, verb
noun
1 a female parent of a child or animal; a person who is acting as a mother to a child: I want to buy a present for my mother and father.  the relationship between mother and baby  She’s the mother of twins.  a mother of three (= with three children)  an expectant (= pregnant) mother  She was a wonderful mother to both her natural and adopted children.  the mother chimpanzee caring for her young
2 the title of a woman who is head of a CONVENT (= a community of NUNS )—see also MOTHER SUPERIOR
IDM at your ,mother’s 'knee when you were very young: I learnt these songs at my mother’s knee. the 'mother of (all) sth (informal) used to emphasize that sth is very large, unpleasant, important, etc: I got stuck in the mother of all traffic jams.—more at OLD

verb [vn] to care for sb/sth because you are their mother, or as if you were their mother: He was a disturbed child who needed mothering.  Stop mothering me!

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mother.board
noun (computing ) the main board of a computer, containing all the CIRCUITS
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'mother country
noun [sing.]
1 the country where you or your family were born and which you feel a strong emotional connection with
2 the country that controls or used to control the government of another country
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'mother figure
noun an older woman that you go to for advice, support, help, etc., as you would to a mother—see also FATHER FIGURE
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mother.fuck.er
noun (  slang, especially AmE ) an offensive word used to insult sb, especially a man, and to show anger or dislike
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,mother 'hen
noun (usually disapproving) a woman who likes to care for and protect people and who worries about them a lot
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mother.hood
noun [U] the state of being a mother: Motherhood suits her.
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mother.ing
noun [U] the act of caring for and protecting children or other people: an example of good / poor mothering
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'Mother.ing Sun.day
noun [U, C] (BrE , becoming old-fashioned) = MOTHER’S DAY
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'mother-in-law
noun (pl.mothers-in-law) the mother of your husband or wife—compare FATHER-IN-LAW
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mother.land
noun (formal) the country that you were born in and that you feel a strong emotional connection with—see also FATHERLAND
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mother.less
adj. having no mother because she has died or does not live with you: children left motherless
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'mother lode
noun [usually sing.] (especially AmE ) a very rich source of gold, silver, etc. in a mine: (figurative) Her own experiences have provided her with a mother lode of material for her songs.
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mother.ly
adj. having the qualities of a good mother; typical of a mother
SYN MATERNAL : motherly love / advice / instincts  She was a kind, motherly woman.
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,Mother 'Nature
noun [U] the natural world, when you consider it as a force that affects the world and human beings
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,mother-of-'pearl
(also pearl) noun [U] the hard smooth shiny substance in various colours that forms a layer inside the shells of some types of shellfish and is used in making buttons, ornaments, etc.
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'Mother’s Day
noun [U, C] a day on which mothers traditionally receive cards and gifts from their children, celebrated in Britain on the fourth Sunday in Lent and in the US on the 2nd Sunday in May
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,Mother Su'perior
noun a woman who is the head of a female religious community, especially a CONVENT (= a community of NUNS )
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,mother-to-'be
noun (pl.mothers-to-be) a woman who is pregnant
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,mother 'tongue
noun the language that you first learn to speak when you are a child
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motif
noun
1 a design or a pattern used as a decoration: wallpaper with a flower motif
2 a subject, an idea or a phrase that is repeated and developed in a work of literature or a piece of music—see also LEITMOTIF
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mo.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] the act or process of moving or the way sth moves: Newton’s laws of motion  The swaying motion of the ship was making me feel seasick.   (formal) Do not alight while the train is still in motion (= moving).  Rub the cream in with a circular motion.—see also SLOW MOTION
2 [C] a particular movement made usually with your hand or your head, especially to communicate sth
SYN GESTURE : At a single motion of his hand, the room fell silent.
3 [C] a formal proposal that is discussed and voted on at a meeting: to table / put forward a motion  to propose a motion (= to be the main speaker in favour of a motion)  The motion was adopted / carried by six votes to one.
4 [C] (BrE, formal) an act of emptying the bowels; the waste matter that is emptied from the bowels
IDM go through the 'motions (of doing sth) to do or say sth because you have to, not because you really want to set / put sth in 'motion to start sth moving: They set the machinery in motion.   (figurative) The wheels of change have been set in motion.

verb ~ to sb (to do sth)| ~ (for) sb to do sth to make a movement, usually with your hand or head to show sb what you want them to do: [v] I motioned to the waiter.  She motioned him into her office.  He motioned for us to follow him. [alsovn to inf]

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mo.tion.less
adj. not moving; still: She stood absolutely motionless.
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,motion 'picture
noun (especially AmE ) a film/movie that is made for the cinema
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'motion sickness
noun [U] the unpleasant feeling that you are going to VOMIT , that some people have when they are moving, especially in a vehicle
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mo.tiv.ate
verb
1 [vn] [often passive] to be the reason why sb does sth or behaves in a particular way: He is motivated entirely by self-interest.
2 to make sb want to do sth, especially sth that involves hard work and effort: [vn] She’s very good at motivating her students.  [vn to inf] The plan is designed to motivate employees to work more efficiently.
mo.tiv.ated adj.: a racially motivated attack  a highly motivated student (= one who is very interested and works hard)
mo.tiv.ation noun [C, U]: What is the motivation behind this sudden change?  Most people said that pay was their main motivation for working.  He’s intelligent enough but he lacks motivation.
mo.tiv.ation.al adj. (formal): an important motivational factor
mo.tiv.ator noun: Desire for status can be a powerful motivator.
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mo.tive
noun, adj.
noun ~ (for sth) a reason for doing sth: There seemed to be no motive for the murder.  I’m suspicious of his motives.  the profit motive (= the desire to make a profit)  I have an ulterior motive in offering to help you.
mo.tive.less adj.: an apparently motiveless murder / attack

adj. [only before noun] (technical ) causing movement or action: motive power / force (for example, electricity, to operate machinery)

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mot.ley
adj. (disapproving) consisting of many different types of people or things that do not seem to belong together: She had a motley group of friends at college.  The room was filled with a motley collection of furniture and paintings.  The audience was a motley crew of students and tourists.
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moto.cross
(BrE also scram.bling) noun [U] the sport of racing motorcycles over rough ground
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motor
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 a device that uses electricity, petrol/gas, etc. to produce movement and makes a machine, a vehicle, a boat, etc. work: an electric motor  He started the motor.—see also OUTBOARD MOTOR
2 (BrE, old-fashioned or humorous) a car

adj. [only before noun]
1 having an engine; using the power of an engine: motor vehicles
2 (especially BrE) connected with vehicles that have engines: the motor industry / trade  a motor accident  motor insurance  motor fuel / oil
3 (technical) connected with movement of the body that is produced by muscles; connected with the nerves that control movement: uncoordinated motor activity  Both motor and sensory functions are affected.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) to travel by car, especially for pleasure: We motored down to Oxford for the day.
motor.ing noun [U]: They’re planning a motoring holiday to France this year.

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motor.bike
noun
1 (BrE) = MOTORCYCLE : Ben drove off on his motorbike.
2 (AmE) a small light motorcycle
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'motor boat
noun a small fast boat driven by an engine—picture at BOAT
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motor.cade
noun a line of motor vehicles including one or more that famous or important people are travelling in: The President’s motorcade glided by.
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'motor car
noun (BrE , formal) a car
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motor.cycle
(BrE also motor.bike) noun a road vehicle with two wheels, driven by an engine, with one seat for the driver and a seat for a passenger behind the driver: motorcycle racing  a motorcycle accident
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motor.cyc.ling
noun [U] the sport of riding motorcycles
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motor.cyc.list
noun a person riding a motorcycle: a police motorcyclist  leather-clad motorcyclists
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motor.home
noun = CAMPER (2)
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motor.ing
adj. [only before noun] connected with driving a car: a motoring offence
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motor.ist
noun a person driving a car: The accident was reported by a passing motorist.—compare PEDESTRIAN
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motor.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. [only before noun]
1 having an engine: motorized vehicles  a motorized wheelchair
2 (of groups of soldiers, etc.) using motor vehicles: motorized forces / divisions
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motor.mouth
noun (pl.motor.mouths ) (informal) a person who talks loudly and too much
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motor neur.one dis.ease
noun [U] a disease in which the nerves and muscles become gradually weaker until the person dies
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'motor pool
noun (especially AmE ) = CAR POOL (2)
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'motor racing
noun [U] the sport of racing fast cars on a special track
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'motor scooter
noun (especially AmE ) = SCOOTER (1)
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'motor vehicle
noun any road vehicle driven by an engine
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motor.way
noun [C, U] (in Britain) a wide road, with at least two LANES in each direction, where traffic can travel fast for long distances between large towns. You can only enter and leave motorways at special JUNCTIONS : busy / congested motorways  Join the motorway at Junction 19.  Leave the motorway at the next exit.  A nine-mile stretch of motorway has been closed.  a motorway service area / station—compare FREEWAY
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mot.tled
adj. marked with shapes of different colours without a regular pattern: the mottled skin of a snake
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motto
noun (pl.-oes or -os) a short sentence or phrase that expresses the aims and beliefs of a person, a group, an institution, etc. and is used as a rule of behaviour: The school’s motto is: ‘Duty, Honour, Country’.  ‘Live and let live.’ That’s my motto.
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mould
(BrE ) (AmEmold) noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a container that you pour a soft liquid or substance into, which then becomes solid in the same shape as the container, for example when it is cooled or cooked: A clay mould is used for casting bronze statues.  Pour the chocolate into a heart-shaped mould.  They broke the mould when they made you (= there is nobody like you).
2 [C, usually sing.] a particular style showing the characteristics, attitudes or behaviour that are typical of sb/sth: a hero in the ‘Superman’ mould  He is cast in a different mould from his predecessor.  She doesn’t fit (into) the traditional mould of an academic.
3 [U, C] a fine soft green, grey or black substance like fur that grows on old food or on objects that are left in warm wet air: There’s mould on the cheese.  moulds and fungi  mould growth—see also LEAF MOULD
IDM break the 'mould (of sth) to change what people expect from a situation, especially by acting in a dramatic and original way

verb
1 [vn] ~ A (into B)| ~ B (from / out of / in A) to shape a soft substance into a particular form or object by pressing it or by putting it into a mould : First, mould the clay into the desired shape.  The figure had been moulded in clay.
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (into sb/sth) to strongly influence the way sb’s character, opinions, etc. develop: The experience had moulded and coloured her whole life.  He moulded them into a superb team.
3 ~ (sth) to sth to fit or make sth fit tightly around the shape of sth: [v] The fabric moulds to the body. [alsovn]

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mould.er
(AmEmol.der) verb [v] to decay slowly and steadily: The room smelt of disuse and mouldering books.
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mould.ing
(BrE ) (AmEmold.ing) noun a decorative strip of plastic, stone, wood, etc. around the top edge of a wall, on a door, etc.
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mouldy
(BrE ) (AmEmoldy) adj.
1 covered with or containing MOULD : mouldy bread / cheese  Strawberries go mouldy very quickly.
2 old and not in good condition
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moult
(BrE ) (AmEmolt) verb [v] (of a bird or an animal) to lose feathers or hair before new feathers or hair grow
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mound
noun
1 a large pile of earth or stones; a small hill: a Bronze Age burial mound  The castle was built on top of a natural grassy mound.
2 a pile: a small mound of rice / sand
3 ~ of sth (informal) a large amount of sth: I’ve got a mound of paperwork to do.
4 (in baseball) the small hill where the player who throws the ball (called the PITCHER ) stands
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mount
verb, noun
verb
ORGANIZE|
1 [vn] to organize and begin sth: to mount a protest / campaign / an exhibition
INCREASE|
2 [v] to increase gradually: Pressure is mounting on the government to change the law.  The death toll continues to mount.—see also MOUNTING
GO UP STH|
3 [vn] (formal) to go up sth, or up on to sth that is raised: She slowly mounted the steps.  He mounted the platform and addressed the crowd.
BICYCLE / HORSE|
4 to get on a bicycle, horse, etc. in order to ride it: [vn] He mounted his horse and rode away. [alsov] —see also MOUNTED
OPP DISMOUNT
PICTURE / JEWEL, etc.|
5 [vn] ~ sth (on / onto / in sth) to fix sth into position on sth, so that you can use it, look at it or study it: The specimens were mounted on slides.  The diamond is mounted in gold.
OF MALE ANIMAL|
6 [vn] to get onto the back of a female animal in order to have sex
IDM see GUARD n. ,mount 'up to increase gradually in size and quantity: Meanwhile, my debts were mounting up.

noun
MOUNTAIN|
1 (Mount) (abbr.Mt) (used in modern English only in place names) a mountain or a hill: Mt. Everest  St Michael’s Mount
HORSE|
2 (formal or literary) a horse that you ride on
FOR DISPLAYING / SUPPORTING STH|
3 something such as a piece of card or glass that you put sth on or attach sth to, to display it: Choose a blue mount for this picture.
4 (also mount.ing) something that an object stands on or is attached to for support: an engine / gun mount

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moun.tain
noun
1 a very high hill, often with rocks near the top: a chain / range of mountains  to climb a mountain  We spent a week walking in the mountains .  to enjoy the mountain air / scenery  mountain roads / streams / villages  a mountain rescue team
2 [often pl.] ~ of sth (informal) a very large amount or number of sth: a mountain of work  We made mountains of sandwiches.  the problem of Europe’s butter mountain (= the large amount of butter that has to be stored because it is not needed)
IDM make a ,mountain out of a 'molehill (disapproving) to make an unimportant matter seem important
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,mountain 'ash
noun = ROWAN
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'mountain bike
noun a bicycle with a strong frame, wide tyres and many GEARS , designed for riding on rough ground
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moun.tain.eer
noun a person who climbs mountains as a sport
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moun.tain.eer.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of climbing mountains: to go mountaineering  a mountaineering expedition
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'mountain lion
noun (AmE ) = PUMA
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moun.tain.ous
adj.
1 having many mountains: a mountainous region / terrain
2 very large in size or amount; like a mountain: a mountainous plateful of food  mountainous waves
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moun.tain.side
noun the side or slope of a mountain: Tracks led up the mountainside.
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moun.tain.top
noun the top of a mountain: to reach the mountaintop
moun.tain.top adj. [only before noun]: a mountaintop ranch
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mount.ed
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a person, especially a soldier or a police officer) riding a horse: mounted policemen
2 placed on sth or attached to sth for display or support: a mounted photograph
3 (-mounted) (in compounds) attached to the thing mentioned for support: a ceiling-mounted fan—see also WALL-MOUNTED
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Moun.tie
noun (informal) a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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mount.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] increasing, often in a manner that causes or expresses anxiety
SYN GROWING : mounting excitement / concern / tension  There is mounting evidence of serious effects on people’s health.

noun = MOUNT : The engine came loose from its mountings.

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mourn
verb ~ (for sb/sth) to feel and show sadness because sb has died; to feel sad because sth no longer exists or is no longer the same
SYN GRIEVE FOR : [vn] He was still mourning his brother’s death.  They mourn the passing of a simpler way of life.  [v] Today we mourn for all those who died in two world wars.  She mourned for her lost childhood.
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mourn.er
noun a person who attends a funeral, especially a friend or a relative of the dead person
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mourn.ful
adj. (written) very sad: mournful eyes  mournful music  I couldn’t bear the mournful look on her face.
mourn.ful.ly adv.: The dog looked mournfully after its owner.
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mourn.ing
noun [U]
1 sadness that you show and feel because sb has died: The government announced a day of national mourning for the victims.  She was still in mourning for her husband.
2 clothes that people wear to show their sadness at sb’s death
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mouse
noun (pl.mice )
1 a small animal that is covered in fur and has a long thin tail. Mice live in fields, in people’s houses or where food is stored: a field mouse  a house mouse  The stores were overrun with rats and mice.  She crept upstairs, quiet as a mouse .  He was a weak little mouse of a man.—see also DORMOUSE
2 (pl.also mouses) (computing) a small device that is moved by hand across a surface to control the movement of the CURSOR on a computer screen: Click the left mouse button twice to highlight the program.  Use the mouse to drag the icon to a new position.—
IDM see CAT
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'mouse mat
(BrE ) (AmE 'mouse pad) noun a small square of plastic that is the best kind of surface on which to use a computer mouse—
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mouse.trap
noun a trap with a powerful spring that is used, for example in a house, for catching mice
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mousey
= MOUSY
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mous.saka
noun [U, C] a Greek dish made from layers of AUBERGINE and finely chopped meat with cheese on top
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mousse
noun [C, U]
1 a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made with cream and egg whites and flavoured with fruit, chocolate, etc.; a similar dish flavoured with fish, vegetables, etc: a chocolate / strawberry mousse  salmon / mushroom mousse
2 a substance that is sold in AEROSOLS , for example the light white substance that is used on hair to give it a particular style or to improve its condition
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mous.tache
(BrE ) (AmEmus.tache ) noun
1 a line of hair that a man allows to grow on his upper lip—picture at HAIR
2 (moustaches) [pl.] a very long moustache —compare BEARD
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mous.tached
(BrE ) (AmEmus.tached ) adj. [usually before noun] having a moustache —compare MUSTACHIOED
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mous.tachi.oed
= MUSTACHIOED
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mousy
(also mousey) adj. (disapproving)
1 (of hair) of a dull brown colour
2 (of people) shy and quiet; without a strong personality: He was accompanied by his mousy little wife.
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mouth
noun, verb
noun (pl.mouths )
PART OF FACE|
1 the opening in the face used for speaking, eating, etc.; the area inside the head behind this opening: She opened her mouth to say something.  His mouth twisted into a wry smile.  Their mouths fell open (= they were surprised).  Don’t talk with your mouth full (= when eating).  The creature was foaming at the mouth.—see also FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
PERSON NEEDING FOOD|
2 a person considered only as sb who needs to be provided with food: Now there would be another mouth to feed .  The world will not be able to support all these extra hungry mouths .
ENTRANCE / OPENING|
3 ~ (of sth) the entrance or opening of sth: the mouth of a cave / pit—see also GOALMOUTH
OF RIVER|
4 the place where a river joins the sea: A number of industries sprang up around the mouth of the river.
WAY OF SPEAKING|
5 a particular way of speaking: He has a foul mouth on him!  Watch your mouth! (= stop saying things that are rude and / or offensive)—see also LOUDMOUTH
-MOUTHED|
6 (in adjectives) having the type or shape of mouth mentioned: a wide-mouthed old woman  a narrow-mouthed cave—see also OPEN-MOUTHED
7 (in adjectives) having a particular way of speaking: a rather crude-mouthed individual—see also FOUL-MOUTHED , MEALY-MOUTHED be all 'mouth (informal) if you say sb is all mouth, you mean that they talk a lot about doing sth, but are, in fact, not brave enough to do it down in the 'mouth unhappy and depressed keep your 'mouth shut (informal) to not talk about sth to sb because it is a secret or because it will upset or annoy them: I’ve warned them to keep their mouths shut about this.  Now she’s upset—why couldn’t you keep your mouth shut? out of the ,mouths of 'babes (and 'sucklings) (saying) used when a small child has just said sth that seems very wise or clever—more at BIG adj. , BORN , BREAD , BUTTER n. , FOAM v. , FOOT n. , GIFT , HEART , HORSE n. , LIVE^1 , MELT , MONEY , SHOOT v. , SHUT v. , TASTE n. , WATCH v. , WORD n.

verb
1 to move your lips as if you were saying sth, but without making a sound: [vn] He mouthed a few obscenities at us and then moved off. [alsov speech]
2 (disapproving) to say sth that you do not really feel, believe or understand: [vn] They’re just mouthing empty slogans. [alsov speech] ,mouth 'off (at / about sth) (informal) to talk or complain loudly about sth

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mouth.ful
noun
1 [C] an amount of food or drink that you put in your mouth at one time: She took a mouthful of water.  Thank you, but I couldn’t eat another mouthful.
2 [sing.] (informal) a word or a phrase that is long and complicated or difficult to pronounce
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'mouth organ
noun (BrE ) = HARMONICA
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mouth.piece
noun
1 the part of the telephone that is next to your mouth when you speak: He put his hand over the mouthpiece and called his wife to the phone.
2 the part of a musical instrument that you place between your lips—
3 ~ (of / for sb) a person, newspaper, etc. that informs the public about the opinions of a group of people or a political organization: The newspaper has become the official mouthpiece of the opposition party.
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,mouth-to-,mouth re,susci'tation
(also ,mouth-to-'mouth) noun [U] the act of breathing air into the mouth of an unconscious person to make them start breathing again—compare ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
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'mouth ulcer
(BrE ) (AmE 'canker sore) noun a small sore area in the mouth
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mouth.wash
noun [C, U] a liquid used to make the mouth fresh and healthy
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'mouth-watering
adj. (approving) mouth-watering food looks or smells so good that you want to eat it immediately: a mouth-watering display of cakes   (figurative) mouth-watering travel brochures
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mouthy
adj. (informal, disapproving) used to describe a person who talks a lot, sometimes expressing their opinions strongly and in a rude way: mouthy teenagers
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mov.able
(also move.able) adj., noun
adj.
1 that can be moved from one place or position to another: movable partitions  a doll with a movable head
2 (law) (of property) able to be taken from one house, etc. to another

noun [C, usually pl.] (law ) a thing that can be moved from one house, etc. to another; a personal possession

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,movable 'feast
noun a religious festival, such as Easter, whose date changes from year to year
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move
verb, noun
verb
CHANGE POSITION|
1 to change position or make sb/sth change position in a way that can be seen, heard or felt: [v] Don’t move—stay perfectly still.  The bus was already moving when I jumped onto it.  He could hear someone moving around in the room above.  Phil moved towards the window.  You can hardly move in this pub on Saturdays (= because it is so crowded).  You can’t move for books in her room.  [vn] I can’t move my fingers.  We moved our chairs a little nearer.
CHANGE IDEAS / TIME|
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to change or change sth
SYN SHIFT : [v] The government has not moved on this issue.  [vn] Let’s move the meeting to Wednesday.
MAKE PROGRESS|
3 [v] ~ (on / ahead) to make progress in the way or direction mentioned: Time is moving on.  Share prices moved ahead today.  Things are not moving as fast as we hoped.
TAKE ACTION|
4 [v] to take action; to do sth: The police moved quickly to dispel the rumours.
CHANGE HOUSE / JOB|
5 ~ (from … ) (to … ) to change the place where you live, have your work, etc: [v] We don’t like it here so we’ve decided to move.  The company’s moving to Scotland.  She’s been all on her own since her daughter moved away.  [vn] (BrE) We moved house last week.
6 [vn] ~ sb (from … ) (to … ) to make sb change from one job, class, etc. to another
SYN TRANSFER : I’m being moved to the New York office.
IN BOARD GAMES|
7 (in CHESS and other board games) to change the position of a piece: [v] It’s your turn to move.  [vn] She moved her queen.
CAUSE STRONG FEELINGS|
8 [vn] ~ sb (to sth) to cause sb to have strong feelings, especially of sympathy or sadness: We were deeply moved by her plight.  Grown men were moved to tears at the horrific scenes.—see also MOVING
MAKE SB DO STH|
9 (formal) to cause sb to do sth
SYN PROMPT : [vn to inf] She felt moved to address the crowd.  [vn] He works when the spirit moves him (= when he wants to).
SUGGEST FORMALLY|
10 (formal) to suggest sth formally so that it can be discussed and decided
SYN PUT FORWARD : [vn] The Opposition moved an amendment to the Bill.  [v that] I move that a vote be taken on this. get 'moving (informal) to begin, leave, etc. quickly: It’s late—we’d better get moving. get sth 'moving (informal) to cause sth to make progress: The new director has really got things moving. move heaven and 'earth to do everything you possibly can in order to achieve sth move with the 'times to change the way you think and behave according to changes in society—more at ASS ,move a'long to go to a new position, especially in order to make room for other people: The bus driver asked them to move along. ,move 'in| ,move 'into sth to start to live in your new home: Our new neighbours moved in yesterday.
OPP MOVE OUT 'move in sth to live, spend your time, etc. in a particular social group: She only moves in the best circles. ,move 'in (on sb/sth) to move towards sb/sth from all directions, especially in a threatening way: The police moved in on the terrorists. ,move 'off (especially of a vehicle) to start moving; to leave: The signal was given and the procession moved off. ,move 'on (to sth) to start doing or discussing sth new: I’ve been in this job long enough—it’s time I moved on.  Can we move on to the next item on the agenda? ,move sb 'on (of police, etc.) to order sb to move away from the scene of an accident, etc. ,move 'out to leave your old home
OPP MOVE IN ,move 'over / 'up to change your position in order to make room for sb: There’s room for another one if you move up a bit.

noun
ACTION|
1 ~ (towards / to sth)| ~ (to do sth) an action that you do or need to do to achieve sth: This latest move by the government has aroused fierce opposition.  The management have made no move to settle the strike.  Getting a job in marketing was a good career move .—see also FALSE MOVE
CHANGE OF POSITION|
2 [usually sing.] a change of place or position: Don’t make a move !  Every move was painful.  She felt he was watching her every move .
CHANGE OF IDEAS / BEHAVIOUR|
3 ~ to / away from sth a change in ideas, attitudes or behaviour: There has been a move away from nuclear energy.
CHANGE OF HOUSE / JOB|
4 an act of changing the place where you live or work: What’s the date of your move?  Their move from Italy to the US has not been a success.  Her new job is just a sideways move.
IN BOARD GAMES|
5 an act of changing the position of a piece in CHESS or other games that are played on a board; the way you can do this: The game was over in only six moves.  It’s your move.  There are far too many possible chess moves. be on the 'move
1 to be travelling between one place and another: I need a mobile phone as I’m always on the move.
2 to be moving; to be going somewhere: The car was already on the move.  The firm is on the move to larger offices.
3 to become active: Student power is on the move again.
4 = BE ON THE GO get a 'move on (spoken) you tell sb to get a move on when you want them to hurry make the first 'move to do sth before sb else, for example in order to end an argument or to begin sth: If he wants to see me, he should make the first move. make a 'move (BrE, informal) to begin a journey or a task: It’s getting late—we’d better make a move. make a, your, etc. 'move to do the action that you intend to do or need to do in order to achieve sth: The rebels waited until nightfall before they made their move.

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move.able
adj. = MOVABLE
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move.ment
noun
CHANGING POSITION|
1 [C, U] an act of moving the body or part of the body: hand / eye movements  She observed the gentle movement of his chest as he breathed.  Loose clothing gives you greater freedom of movement.  There was a sudden movement in the undergrowth.
2 [C, U] an act of moving from one place to another or of moving sth from one place to another: enemy troop movements  laws to allow free movement of goods and services
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who share the same ideas or aims: the women’s / peace movement  the Romantic movement (= for example in literature)  a mass movement for change
PERSON’S ACTIVITIES|
4 (movements) [pl.] a person’s activities over a period of time, especially as watched by sb else: The police are keeping a close watch on the suspect’s movements.
CHANGE OF IDEAS / BEHAVIOUR|
5 [sing.] ~ (away from / towards sth) a gradual change in what people in society do or think: a movement towards greater sexual equality
PROGRESS|
6 [U] ~ (in sth) progress, especially in a particular task: It needs cooperation from all the powers to get any movement in arms control.
CHANGE IN AMOUNT|
7 [U, C] ~ (in sth) a change in amount: There has been no movement in oil prices.
MUSIC|
8 [C] any of the main parts that a long piece of music is divided into: the slow movement of the First Concerto
OF BOWELS|
9 [C] (technical) = BOWEL MOVEMENT
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mover
noun
1 a person or a thing that moves in a particular way: a great mover on the dance floor
2 a machine or a person that moves things from one place to another, especially sb who moves furniture from one house to another: an earth mover  professional furniture movers—see also REMOVER —see also PRIME MOVER
IDM ,movers and 'shakers people with power in important organizations
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movie
noun (especially AmE )
1 [C] a series of moving pictures recorded with sound that tells a story, shown at the cinema/movie theater
SYN FILM : to make a horror movie  Have you seen the latest Tarantino movie?  a famous movie director / star
2 (the movies) [pl.] = THE CINEMA (2) : Let’s go to the movies.
3 (the movies) [pl.] = CINEMA (3) : I’ve always wanted to work in the movies.
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movie.goer
noun (especially AmE ) = FILM-GOER
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'movie star
noun (especially AmE ) = FILM STAR
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'movie theater
(also theater) noun (AmE ) = CINEMA
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mov.ing
adj.
1 causing you to have deep feelings of sadness or sympathy: a deeply moving experience  His performance was very moving.
2 [only before noun] (of things) changing from one place or position to another: the moving parts of a machine  fast-moving water  a moving target
mov.ing.ly adv.: She described her experiences in Africa very movingly.
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'moving van
noun (AmE ) = REMOVAL VAN
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mow
verb (mowed, mown or mowed) to cut grass, etc. using a machine or tool with a special blade or blades: [vn] I mow the lawn every week in summer.  the smell of new-mown hay [alsov] ,mow sb<->'down to kill sb using a vehicle or a gun, especially when several people are all killed at the same time: The gunmen opened fire, mowing down at least seven people.
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mower
noun (especially in compounds) a machine that cuts grass: You should clean your mower each time you use it.  a lawnmower  a motor / rotary mower
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moxie
noun [U] (AmE , informal) courage, energy and determination
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moz.za.rella
noun [U] a type of soft white Italian cheese with a mild flavour
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MP
noun
1 the abbreviation for ‘Member of Parliament’ (a person who has been elected to represent the people of a particular area in a parliament): Paul Lewis MP  Write to your local MP to protest.  Conservative / Labour MPs  the MP for Oxford East  a Euro-MP
2 a member of the military police
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mpg
abbr. miles per gallon (used for saying how much petrol/gas a vehicle uses): It does 40 mpg   (AmE ) It gets 40 mpg.
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mph
abbr. miles per hour: a 60 mph speed limit
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MPV
noun the abbreviation for ‘multi-purpose vehicle’, a large car like a van
SYN PEOPLE CARRIER
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Mr
(BrE ) (also Mr.AmE, BrE) abbr.
1 a title that comes before a man’s family name, or before his first and family names together: Mr Brown  Mr John Brown  Mr and Mrs Brown
2 a title used to address a man in some official positions: Thank you, Mr Chairman.  Mr. President—see also MISTER
IDM ,Mr 'Nice Guy (informal) a way of describing a man who is very honest and thinks about the wishes and feelings of other people Mr 'Right (informal) the man who would be the right husband for a particular woman: I’m not getting married in a hurry—I’m waiting for Mr Right to come along.
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Mrs
(BrE ) (also Mrs.AmE, BrE) abbr. a title that comes before a married woman’s family name or before her first and family names together: Mrs Hill  Mrs Susan Hill  Mr and Mrs Hill—compare MISS , MS
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MS
abbr. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
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Ms
(BrE ) (also Ms.AmE, BrE) abbr. a title that comes before a woman’s family name or before her first and family names together, and that can be used when you do not want to state whether she is married or not: Ms Murphy  Ms Jean Murphy—compare MISS , MRS
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MSc
(also M.Sc. especially in AmE) noun the abbreviation for ‘Master of Science’ (a second university degree in science): to be / have / do an MSc   (BrE ) J Stevens MSc
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MSG
abbr. MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE
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MSP
noun the abbreviation for ‘Member of the Scottish Parliament’: Donald Dewar MSP  Write to your local MSP to protest.  Labour MSPs
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Mt
(also Mt. especially in AmE) abbr. (especially on maps) MOUNT : Mt Kenya
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MTV
™abbr. music television (a television channel that shows videos of popular music and other light entertainment programmes)
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much
det., pron., adv.
det., pron. used with uncountable nouns, especially in negative sentences to mean ‘a large amount of sth’, or after ‘how’ to ask about the amount of sth. It is also used with ‘as’, ‘so’ and ‘too’: I don’t have much money with me.  ‘Got any money?’‘Not much.’  How much water do you need?  How much is it (= What does it cost)?  Take as much time as you like.  There was so much traffic that we were an hour late.  I’ve got far too much to do.  ‘Is there any mail?’‘Not much.’   (formal) I lay awake for much of the night.   (formal) There was much discussion about the reasons for the failure.
IDM as 'much the same: Please help me get this job—you know I would do as much for you.  ‘Roger stole the money.’‘I thought as much .’ as much as sb can do used to say that sth is difficult to do: No dessert for me, thanks. It was as much as I could do to finish the main course. not much 'in it used to say that there is little difference between two things: I won, but there wasn’t much in it (= our scores were nearly the same). 'not much of a … not a good …: He’s not much of a tennis player. 'this much used to introduce sth positive or definite: I’ll say this much for him—he never leaves a piece of work unfinished.

adv. (more, most) to a great degree: Thank you very much for the flowers.  I would very much like to see you again.  He isn’t in the office much (= often).  You worry too much .  My new job is much the same as the old one.  Much to her surprise he came back the next day.  She’s much better today.  The other one was much too expensive.  Nikolai’s English was much the worst .  We are very much aware of the lack of food supplies.  I’m not much good at tennis.  He was much loved by all who knew him.  an appeal to raise much-needed cash
IDM 'much as although: Much as I would like to stay, I really must go home.—more at LESS adv.

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much.ness
noun
IDM ,much of a 'muchness very similar; almost the same: The two candidates are much of a muchness—it’s hard to choose between them.
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muck
noun, verb
noun
1 waste matter from farm animals
SYN MANURE : to spread muck on the fields
2 (informal, especially BrE) dirt or mud: My face and hands were covered in muck.  Can you wipe the muck off the windows?
3 (informal, especially BrE) something very unpleasant: I can’t eat this muck!
IDM where there’s ,muck there’s 'brass (BrE, saying) used to say that sb has made a lot of money from an unpleasant or dirty business activity

verb
PVR V ,muck a'bout / a'round (BrE, informal) to behave in a silly way, especially when you should be working or doing sth else
SYN MESS ABOUT / AROUND ,muck a'bout / a'round with sth (BrE, informal, disapproving) to do sth, especially to a machine, so that it does not work correctly
SYN MESS ABOUT / AROUND : Who’s mucking around with my radio? ,muck sb a'bout / a'round (BrE, informal) to treat sb badly, especially by changing your mind a lot, or by not being honest
SYN MESS SB ABOUT / AROUND : They’ve really mucked us about over our car insurance. ,muck 'in (BrE, informal)
1 to work with other people in order to complete a task: If we all muck in, we could have the job finished by the end of the week.
2 to share food, accommodation etc. with other people: We didn’t have much money, but everyone just mucked in together. ,muck 'out| ,muck sth<->'out to clean out the place where an animal lives: Part of her job was to muck out the stables. ,muck sth<->'up (informal, especially BrE)
1 to do sth badly so that you fail to achieve what you wanted or hoped to achieve
SYN MESS STH UP : He completely mucked up his English exam.
2 to spoil a plan or an arrangement
SYN MESS STH UP
3 to make sth dirty: I don’t want you mucking up my nice clean floor.

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muck.rak.ing
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) the activity of looking for information about people’s private lives that they do not wish to make public
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mucky
adj. (informal, especially BrE )
1 dirty: mucky hands
2 sexually offensive: mucky books / jokes
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,mucous 'membrane
noun (anatomy ) a thin layer of skin that covers the inside of the nose and mouth and the outside of other organs in the body, producing mucus to prevent these parts from becoming dry
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mucus
noun [U] a thick liquid that is produced in parts of the body, such as the nose, by a mucous membrane : a handkerchief stained with blood and mucus
mu.cous adj.: mucous glands
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mud
noun [U] wet earth that is soft and sticky: The car wheels got stuck in the mud.  Your boots are covered in mud.  mud bricks / huts (= made of dried mud)
IDM fling, sling, etc. 'mud (at sb) to criticize sb or accuse sb of bad or shocking things in order to damage their reputation, especially in politics—see also MUD-SLINGING —more at CLEAR adj. , NAME n.
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mud.dle
verb, noun
verb [vn] (especially BrE )
1 ~ sth (up) to put things in the wrong order or mix them up: Don’t do that—you’re muddling my papers.  Their letters were all muddled up together in a drawer.
2 ~ sb (up) to confuse sb: Slow down a little—you’re muddling me.
3 ~ sb/sth (up)| ~ A (up) with B to confuse one person or thing with another: I muddled the dates and arrived a week early.  He got all muddled up about what went where.  They look so alike, I always get them muddled up .
PVR V ,muddle a'long (especially BrE) to continue doing sth without any clear plan or purpose: We can’t just keep muddling along like this. ,muddle 'through to achieve your aims even though you do not know exactly what you are doing and do not have the correct equipment, knowledge, etc: We’ll muddle through somehow.

noun (especially BrE )
1 [C, usually sing.] a state of mental confusion: Can you start from the beginning again—I’m in a muddle .
2 [C usually sing, U] ~ (about / over sth) a situation in which there is confusion about arrangements, etc. and things get done wrong: There was a muddle over the theatre tickets.  There followed a long period of confusion and muddle.
3 [C usually sing, U] a state of disorder in which things are untidy: My papers are all in a muddle .

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mud.dled
adj. (especially BrE ) confused: He gets muddled when the teacher starts shouting.  muddled thinking  a muddled (= badly organized) attempt to rescue the situation
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mud.dling
adj. (especially BrE ) causing confusion; difficult to understand: These tax forms are very muddling.
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muddy
adj., verb
adj. (mud.dier, mud.di.est)
1 full of or covered in mud: a muddy field / track  muddy boots / knees
2 (of a liquid) containing mud; not clear: muddy water  a muddy pond
3 (of colours) not clear or bright: muddy green / brown

verb (mud.dies, muddy.ing, mud.died, mud.died) [vn] to make sth muddy
IDM muddy the 'waters, 'issue, etc. (disapproving) to make a simple situation confused and more complicated than it really is

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mud.flat
noun [usually pl.] an area of flat muddy land that is covered by the sea when it comes in at HIGH TIDE
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mud.guard
(BrE ) (AmE fender) noun a curved cover over a wheel of a bicycle
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mud.slide
noun (especially AmE ) a large amount of mud sliding down a mountain, often destroying buildings and injuring or killing people below
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'mud-slinging
noun [U] (disapproving) the act of criticizing sb and accusing them of sth in order to damage their reputation: This election campaign has seen all the usual mud-slinging we have come to expect.
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muesli
noun [U] (BrE ) a mixture of grains, nuts, dried fruit, etc. served with milk and eaten for breakfast
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muez.zin
noun a man who calls Muslims to prayer, usually from the tower of a MOSQUE
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muff
noun, verb
noun a short tube of fur or other warm material that you put your hands into to keep them warm in cold weather—see also EARMUFF

verb [vn] (informal, disapproving) to miss an opportunity to do sth well: He muffed his lines (= he forgot them or said them wrongly).  It was a really simple shot, and I muffed it.

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muf.fin
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE,English 'muffin) a type of round flat bread roll, usually TOASTED and eaten hot with butter
2 a small cake in the shape of a cup, often containing small pieces of fruit, etc: a blueberry muffin—
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muf.fle
verb [vn]
1 to make a sound quieter or less clear: He tried to muffle the alarm clock by putting it under his pillow.
2 ~ sb/sth (up) (in sth) to wrap or cover sb/sth in order to keep them/it warm: She muffled the child up in a blanket.
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muf.fled
adj. (of sounds) not heard clearly because sth is in the way that stops the sound from travelling easily: muffled voices from the next room
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muf.fler
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a thick piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth
SYN SCARF
2 (AmE) = SILENCER (1)
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mufti
noun
1 [C] (also Mufti) a Muslim who is an expert in legal matters connected with Islam
2 [U] (old-fashioned) ordinary clothes worn by people such as soldiers who wear uniform in their job: officers in mufti
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mug
noun, verb
noun
1 a tall cup for drinking from, usually with straight sides and a handle, used without a SAUCER : a coffee mug  a beer mug (= a large glass with a handle)—picture at CUP , GLASS
2 a mug and what it contains: a mug of coffee
3 (slang) a person’s face: I never want to see his ugly mug again.
4 (informal) a person who is stupid and easy to trick: They made me look a complete mug.  He’s no mug.
IDM a 'mug’s game (disapproving, especially BrE) an activity that is unlikely to be successful or make a profit

verb (-gg-)
1 [vn] to attack sb violently in order to steal their money, especially in a public place: She had been mugged in the street in broad daylight.
2 [v] ~ (for sb/sth) (informal, especially AmE) to make silly expressions with your face or behave in a silly, exaggerated way, especially on the stage or before a camera: to mug for the cameras
PVR V ,mug sth<->'up| ,mug 'up on sth (BrE, informal) to learn sth, especially in a short time for a particular purpose, for example an exam

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mug.ger
noun a person who threatens or attacks sb in order to steal their money, especially in a public place
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mug.ging
noun [U, C] the crime of attacking sb violently, or threatening to do so, in order to steal their money, especially in a public place: Mugging is on the increase.  There have been several muggings here recently.
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mug.gins
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal, humorous) used without ‘a’ or ‘the’ to refer to yourself when you feel stupid because you have let yourself be treated unfairly: And muggins here had to clean up all the mess.
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muggy
adj. (of weather) warm and damp in an unpleasant way: a muggy August day
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'mug shot
noun (informal) a photograph of sb’s face kept by the police in their records to identify criminals
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Mu.ham.mad
(also Mo.ham.med) noun the Arab PROPHET who FOUNDED the religion of Islam
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mu.ja.he.din
(also mu.ja.hi.din, mu.ja.hed.din, mu.ja.hi.deen) noun [pl.] (in some Muslim countries) soldiers fighting in support of their strong Muslim beliefs
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mu.latto
noun (pl.-os or -oes) (offensive) a person with one black parent and one white parent
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mul.berry
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also 'mulberry tree) [C] a tree with broad dark green leaves and berries that can be eaten. SILKWORMS (that make silk) eat the leaves of the white mulberry .
2 [C] the small purple or white berries of the mulberry tree
3 [U] a deep reddish-purple colour
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mulch
noun, verb
noun [C, U] material, for example, decaying leaves, that you put around a plant to protect its base and its roots, to improve the quality of the soil or to stop WEEDS growing

verb [vn] to cover the soil or the roots of a plant with a mulch

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mule
noun
1 an animal that has a horse and a DONKEY as parents, used especially for carrying loads: He’s as stubborn as a mule .
2 (slang) a person who is paid to take drugs illegally from one country to another
3 a woman’s SLIPPER (= a soft shoe for wearing indoors) that is open around the heel
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mull
verb
PVR V ,mull sth<->'over to spend time thinking carefully about a plan or proposal: I need some time to mull it over before making a decision.
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mul.lah
noun a Muslim teacher of religion and holy law
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mulled
adj. [only before noun] mulled wine has been mixed with sugar and spices and heated
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mul.let
noun [C, U] (pl.mul.let) a sea fish that is used for food. The two main types are red mullet and grey mullet.
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mul.lion
noun (architecture ) a solid upright piece of stone, wood or metal between two parts of a window
mul.lioned adj. [only before noun]: mullioned windows
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multi-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) more than one; many: multicoloured  a multimillionaire  a multi-ethnic society
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multi.cul.tural
adj. for or including people of several different races, religions, languages and traditions: We live in a multicultural society.  a multicultural approach to education
multi.cul.tural.ism noun [U]
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,multi-disci'plinary
adj. involving several different subjects of study: a multi-disciplinary course
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multi.fa.cet.ed
adj. (written) having many different aspects to be considered: a complex and multifaceted problem
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multi.fari.ous
adj. (formal) of many different kinds; having great variety: the multifarious life forms in the coral reef  a vast and multifarious organization
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multi.lat.eral
adj.
1 in which three or more groups, nations, etc. take part: multilateral negotiations
2 having many sides or parts—compare BILATERAL , UNILATERAL
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multi.lin.gual
adj.
1 speaking or using several different languages: multilingual translators / communities / societies  a multilingual classroom
2 written or printed in several different languages: a multilingual phrase book—compare BILINGUAL , MONOLINGUAL
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multi.media
adj. [only before noun]
1 (in computing) using sound, pictures and film in addition to text on a screen: multimedia systems / products  the multimedia industry (= producing CD-ROMS etc.)
2 (in teaching) using several different ways of giving information: a multimedia approach to learning
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multi.nation.al
adj., noun
adj. existing in or involving many countries: multinational companies / corporations  A multinational force is being sent to the trouble spot.

noun a company that operates in several different countries, especially a large and powerful company: The country’s industry is largely controlled by the multinationals.

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multi.party
adj. [only before noun] involving several different political parties: These are the country’s first multiparty elections.
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mul.tiple
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] many in number; involving many different people or things: multiple copies of documents  a multiple entry visa  to suffer multiple injuries (= in many different places in the body)  a multiple birth (= several babies born to a mother at one time)  a multiple pile-up (= a crash involving many vehicles)  a house in multiple ownership / occupancy (= owned / occupied by several different people or families)

noun
1 (mathematics) a quantity that contains another quantity an exact number of times: 14, 21 and 28 are all multiples of 7.  16 is the lowest common multiple of 8 and 4.  Traveller’s cheques are available in multiples of £10 (= to the value of £10, £20, £30, etc.).
2 (also ,multiple 'store) (both BrE) = CHAIN STORE

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,multiple-'choice
adj. (of questions in an exam) showing several possible answers from which you must choose the correct one
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,multiple scle'rosis
noun [U] (abbr. MS) a disease of the nervous system that gets worse over a period of time with loss of feeling and loss of control of movement and speech
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multi.plex
(BrE also ,multiplex 'cinema) noun a large cinema/movie theater with several separate screens
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multi.pli.ca.tion
noun [U] the act or process of multiplying: the multiplication sign (×)  Multiplication of cells leads to rapid growth of the organism.—compare DIVISION
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,multipli'cation table
(also table) noun a list showing the results when a number is multiplied by a set of other numbers, especially 1 to 12, in turn
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multi.pli.city
noun [sing., U] (formal) a great number and variety of sth: This situation can be influenced by a multiplicity of different factors.
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multi.ply
verb (multi.plies, multi.ply.ing, multi.plied, multi.plied)
1 ~ (A by B)| ~ A and B (together) to add a number to itself a particular number of times: [v] The children are already learning to multiply and divide.  [vn] 2 multiplied by 4 is / equals / makes 8 (= 2×4 = 8)  Multiply 2 and 6 together and you get 12.
2 to increase or make sth increase very much in number or amount: [v] Our problems have multiplied since last year.  [vn] Cigarette smoking multiplies the risk of cancer.
3 (biology ) to reproduce in large numbers; to make sth do this: [v] Rabbits multiply rapidly.  [vn] It is possible to multiply these bacteria in the laboratory.
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,multi-'purpose
adj. able to be used for several different purposes: a multi-purpose tool / machine—see also MPV
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multi.racial
adj. including or involving several different races of people: We live in a multiracial society.
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,multi-'skilling
noun [U] (business ) the fact of a person being trained in several different jobs which require different skills: In the future there will be more flexible working and multi-skilling.
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,multi-storey 'car park
(also ,multi-'storey) (both BrE ) (AmE 'parking garage) noun a large building with several floors for parking cars in
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multi.tasking
noun [U] (computing ) the ability of a computer to operate several programs at the same time
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multi.tude
noun (formal)
1 [C] ~ (of sth/sb) an extremely large number of things or people: a multitude of problems / possibilities / reasons  a multitude of birds / people / pedestrians  These elements can be combined in a multitude of different ways.  The region attracts tourists in their multitudes.
2 (the multitude) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (also the multi.tudes [pl.]) (sometimes disapproving) the mass of ordinary people: It was an elite that believed its task was to enlighten the multitude.  to feed the starving multitudes
3 [C] (literary) a large crowd of people: He preached to the assembled multitude.
IDM cover / hide a multitude of sins (often humorous) to hide the real situation or facts when these are not good or pleasant
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multi.tu.di.nous
adj. (formal) extremely large in number
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mum
noun, adj.
noun (BrE ) (AmE mom) (informal) a mother: My mum says I can’t go.  Happy Birthday, Mum.  A lot of mums and dads have the same worries.

adj.
IDM keep mum (informal) to say nothing about sth; to stay silent: He kept mum about what he’d seen. ,mum’s the 'word! (informal) used to tell sb to say nothing about sth and keep it secret

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mum.ble
verb, noun
verb to speak or say sth in a quiet voice in a way that is not clear
SYN MUTTER : [v] I could hear him mumbling to himself.  [vn] She mumbled an apology and left.  [v speech] ‘Sorry,’ she mumbled. [alsov that]

noun [usually sing.] (also mum.bling [C, usually pl., U]) speech or words that are spoken in a quiet voice in a way that is not clear: He spoke in a low mumble, as if to himself.  They tried to make sense of her mumblings.

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mumbo-jumbo
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) language or a ceremony that seems complicated and important but is actually without real sense or meaning; nonsense: religious / medical / bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo  I won’t have anything to do with spiritualism, ghosts and all that mumbo-jumbo.
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mum.mify
verb (mum.mi.fies, mum.mi.fy.ing, mum.mi.fied, mum.mi.fied) [vn] [usually passive] to preserve a dead body by treating it with special oils and wrapping it in cloth
SYN EMBALM
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mummy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (BrE) (AmE mommy, momma) (informal) a child’s word for a mother: ‘I want my mummy!’ he wailed.  It hurts, Mummy!  Mummy and Daddy will be back soon.
2 a body of a human being or an animal that has been mummified : an Egyptian mummy
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mumps
noun [U] a disease, especially of children, that causes painful swellings in the neck
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munch
verb ~ (on / at) sth to eat sth steadily and often noisily, especially sth crisp: [v] She munched on an apple.  [vn] He sat in a chair munching his toast.  I munched my way through a huge bowl of cereal.
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munch.ies
noun [pl.] (AmE , informal) small pieces of food for eating with drinks at a party
IDM have the 'munchies (informal) to feel hungry
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mun.dane
adj. (often disapproving) not interesting or exciting: a mundane task / job  I lead a pretty mundane existence.  On a more mundane level, can we talk about the timetable for next week?
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mu.ni.ci.pal
adj. [usually before noun] connected with or belonging to a town, city or district that has its own local government: municipal elections / councils  municipal workers  the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
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mu.ni.ci.pal.ity
noun (pl.-ies) a town, city or district with its own local government; the group of officials who govern it
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mu.nifi.cent
adj. (formal) extremely generous: a munificent patron / gift / gesture
mu.nifi.cence noun [U]
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mu.ni.tions
noun [pl.] military weapons, AMMUNITION , and equipment: a shortage of munitions  a munitions factory
mu.ni.tion adj. [only before noun]: a munition store
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munt.jac
(also munt.jak) noun a type of small deer, originally from SE Asia
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mural
noun a painting, usually a large one, done on a wall, sometimes on an outside wall of a building
mural adj.: mural paintings
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mur.der
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the crime of killing sb deliberately
SYN HOMICIDE : He was found guilty of murder.  She has been charged with the attempted murder of her husband.  to commit (a) murder  a murder case / investigation / trial  The rebels were responsible for the mass murder of 400 civilians.  What was the murder weapon ?  The play is a murder mystery .—compare MANSLAUGHTER
2 [U] (spoken) used to describe sth that is difficult or unpleasant: It’s murder trying to get to the airport at this time of day.  It was murder (= very busy and unpleasant) in the office today.
IDM get away with 'murder (informal, often humorous) to do whatever you want without being stopped or punished—more at SCREAM v.

verb [vn]
1 to kill sb deliberately and illegally: He denies murdering his wife’s lover.  The murdered woman was well known in the area.
2 to spoil sth because you do not do it very well: Critics accused him of murdering the English language (= writing or speaking it very badly).
3 (BrE, informal) to defeat sb completely, especially in a team sport
SYN THRASH
IDM I could murder a … (spoken) used to say that you very much want to eat or drink sth: I could murder a beer. sb will 'murder you (spoken) used to warn sb that another person will be very angry with them

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mur.der.er
noun a person who has killed sb deliberately and illegally: a convicted murderer  a mass murderer (= who has killed a lot of people)
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mur.der.ess
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who has killed sb deliberately and illegally
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mur.der.ous
adj. intending or likely to murder: a murderous villain / tyrant  a murderous attack  She gave him a murderous look (= a very angry one).
mur.der.ous.ly adv.
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murk
noun (usually the murk) [U] (literary) darkness caused by smoke, FOG , etc.
SYN GLOOM
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murky
adj. (murk.ier, murki.est)
1 (of a liquid) not clear; dark or dirty with mud or another substance: She gazed into the murky depths of the water.
2 (of air, light, etc.) dark and unpleasant because of smoke, FOG , etc: a murky night
3 (disapproving or humorous) (of people’s actions or character) not clearly known and suspected of not being honest: He had a somewhat murky past.  the murky world of arms dealing
IDM see WATER n.
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mur.mur
verb, noun
verb
1 to say sth in a soft quiet voice that is difficult to hear or understand: [vn] She murmured her agreement.  He murmured something in his sleep.  [v] She was murmuring in his ear. [alsov speech, v that]
2 [v] to make a quiet continuous sound: The wind murmured in the trees.
3 [v] ~ (against sb/sth) (literary) to complain about sb/sth, but not openly: The people murmured against the new regime.

noun
1 [C] a quietly spoken word or words: She answered in a faint murmur.  Murmurs of ‘Praise God’ went around the circle.
2 [C] (also mur.mur.ings [pl.]) a quiet expression of feeling: a murmur of agreement / approval / complaint  He paid the extra cost without a murmur (= without complaining at all).  polite murmurings of gratitude
3 (also mur.mur.ing) [sing.] a low continuous sound in the background: the distant murmur of traffic
4 [C] (medical) a faint sound in the chest, usually a sign of damage or disease in the heart: a heart murmur

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Murphy’s Law
noun (humorous) a statement of the fact that, if anything can possibly go wrong, it will go wrong
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muscle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a piece of body tissue that you tighten and relax in order to move a particular part of the body; the tissue that forms the muscles of the body: a calf / neck / thigh muscle  to pull / tear / strain a muscle  This exercise will work the muscles of the lower back.  He didn’t move a muscle (= stood completely still).
2 [U] physical strength: He’s an intelligent player but lacks the muscle of older competitors.
3 [U] the power and influence to make others do what you want: to exercise political / industrial / financial muscle
muscled adj.: heavily muscled shoulders
IDM see FLEX v.

verb
PVR V ,muscle 'in (on sb/sth) (informal, disapproving) to involve yourself in a situation when you have no right to do so, in order to get sth for yourself

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'muscle-bound
adj. having large stiff muscles as a result of too much exercise
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muscle.man
noun (pl.-men ) a big strong man, especially one employed to protect sb/sth
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mus.cu.lar
adj.
1 connected with the muscles: muscular tension / power / tissue
2 (also informal muscly ) having large strong muscles: a muscular body / build / chest  He was tall, lean and muscular.
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muscular dystrophy
noun [U] a medical condition that some people are born with in which the muscles gradually become weaker
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mus.cu.lat.ure
noun [U, sing.] (biology ) the system of muscles in the body or part of the body
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muse
noun, verb
noun
1 a person or spirit that gives a writer, painter, musician, etc. ideas and the desire to create things: He felt that his muse had deserted him (= that he could no longer write, paint, etc.).
2 (Muse) (in ancient Greek and Roman stories) one of the nine GODDESSES who encouraged poetry, music and other branches of art and literature

verb (written)
1 [v] ~ (about / on / over / upon sth) to think carefully about sth for a time, ignoring what is happening around you: I sat quietly, musing on the events of the day.
2 to say sth to yourself in a way that shows you are thinking carefully about it: [v speech] ‘I wonder why?’ she mused. [alsov that]

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mu.seum
noun a building in which objects of artistic, cultural, historical or scientific interest are kept and shown to the public: a museum of modern art  a science museum
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mu'seum piece
noun
1 an object that is of enough historical or artistic value to have in a museum
2 (humorous) a thing or person that is old-fashioned, or old and no longer useful: That car of his is a real museum piece.
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mush
noun
1 [U, sing.] (usually disapproving) a soft thick mass or mixture: The vegetables had turned to mush.  The ground was a mush of wet leaves.  His insides suddenly felt like mush.
2 [U] (AmE) a type of thick PORRIDGE made from corn
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musher
noun (AmE ) a person who drives a dog SLED
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mush.room
noun, verb
noun a FUNGUS with a round flat head and short stem. Many mushrooms can be eaten: a field mushroom (= the most common type that is eaten, often just called a ‘mushroom’, and often grown to be sold)  fried mushrooms  cream of mushroom soup—see also BUTTON MUSHROOM , TOADSTOOL —

verb [v]
1 to rapidly grow or increase in number: We expect the market to mushroom in the next two years.—
2 (usually go mushrooming) to gather mushrooms in a field or wood

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'mushroom cloud
noun a large cloud, shaped like a mushroom , that forms in the air after a nuclear explosion
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mushy
adj.
1 soft and thick, like mush : Cook until the fruit is soft but not mushy.
2 (informal, disapproving) too emotional in a way that is embarrassing
SYN SENTIMENTAL : mushy romantic novels
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,mushy 'peas
noun [pl.] (BrE ) soft cooked peas, eaten especially in the north of England
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music
noun [U]
1 sounds that are arranged in a way that is pleasant or exciting to listen to. People sing music or play it on instruments: pop / dance / classical / church music  to listen to music  She could hear music playing somewhere.  It was a charming piece of music .  the popularity of Mozart’s music  He wrote the music but I don’t know who wrote the words.  The poem has been set to music .  Every week they get together to make music (= to play music or sing).—see also CHAMBER MUSIC , COUNTRY MUSIC , ROCK MUSIC , SOUL MUSIC
2 the art of writing or playing music: to study music  a career in music  music lessons  the music business / industry
3 the written or printed signs that represent the sounds to be played or sung in a piece of music : Can you read music (= understand the signs in order to play or sing a piece of music)?  I had to play it without the music.—see also SHEET MUSIC
IDM music to your 'ears news or information that you are very pleased to hear—more at FACE v.
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mu.sic.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with music; containing music: the musical director of the show  musical talent / ability / skill  musical styles / tastes  a musical production / entertainment
2 (of a person) with a natural skill or interest in music: She’s very musical.
OPP UNMUSICAL
3 (of a sound) pleasant to listen to, like music: a musical voice
OPP UNMUSICAL

noun (also old-fashioned ,musical 'comedy) a play or a film/movie in which part or all of the story is told using songs and often dancing: the latest Andrew Lloyd Webber musical

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'musical box
noun (especially BrE ) = MUSIC BOX
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,musical 'chairs
noun [U]
1 a children’s game in which players run round a row of chairs while music is playing. Each time the music stops, players try to sit down on one of the chairs, but there are always more players than chairs.
2 (often disapproving) a situation in which people frequently exchange jobs or positions
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,musical 'instrument
(also in.stru.ment) noun an object used for producing musical sounds, for example a piano or a drum: Most pupils learn (to play) a musical instrument.  the instruments of the orchestra
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mu.sic.al.ity
noun [U] (formal) skill and understanding in performing music
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music.al.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is connected with music: musically gifted  Musically speaking, their latest album is nothing special.
2 with musical skill: He plays really musically.
3 in a way that is pleasant to listen to, like music: to laugh / speak musically
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'music box
(also 'musical box especially in BrE) noun a box containing a device that plays a tune when the box is opened
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'music hall
noun (BrE )
1 (also vaude.villeAmE, BrE) [U] a type of entertainment popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including singing, dancing and COMEDY : an old music hall song
2 (AmE 'vaudeville theater) [C] a theatre used for popular entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
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mu.si.cian
noun a person who plays a musical instrument or writes music, especially as a job: a jazz / rock musician
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mu.si.cian.ship
noun [U] skill in performing or writing music
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mu.sic.ology
noun [U] the study of the history and theory of music
mu.sic.olo.gist noun
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'music stand
noun a metal frame, especially one that you can fold, that is used for holding sheets of music while you play a musical instrument
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musk
noun [U] a substance with a strong smell that is used in making some PERFUMES . It is produced naturally by a type of male deer.
musky adj.: a musky perfume (= smelling of or like musk)
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mus.ket
noun an early type of long gun that was used by soldiers in the past
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mus.ket.eer
noun a soldier who uses a musket
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musk.rat
noun a N American water animal that has a strong smell and is hunted for its fur
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Mus.lim
noun a person whose religion is Islam
Mus.lim adj.—see also MOSLEM
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mus.lin
noun [U] a fine cotton fabric that is almost transparent, used, especially in the past, for making clothes and curtains
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mus.sel
noun a small shellfish that can be eaten, with a black shell in two parts
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must
modal verb, noun
modal verb (negativemust not, short formmustn’t )
1 used to say that sth is necessary or very important (sometimes involving a rule or a law): All visitors must report to reception.  Cars must not park in front of the entrance (= it is not allowed).  I must ask you not to do that again.  You mustn’t say things like that.  I must go to the bank and get some money.  I must admit (= I feel that I should admit) I was surprised it cost so little.  Must you always question everything I say? (= it is annoying)  ‘Do we have to finish this today?’‘Yes, you must.’
HELP Note that the negative for the last example is ‘No, you don’t have to.’
2 used to say that sth is likely or logical: You must be hungry after all that walking.  He must have known (= surely he knew) what she wanted.  I’m sorry she’s not here. She must have left already (= that must be the explanation).
3 used to recommend that sb does sth because you think it is a good idea: You simply must read this book.  We must get together soon for lunch.  note at MODAL
IDM if you 'must (do sth) used to say that sb may do sth but you do not really want them to: ‘Can I smoke?’‘If you must.’  It’s from my boyfriend, if you must know.

noun [usually sing.] (informal) something that you must do, see, buy, etc: His new novel is a must for all lovers of crime fiction.

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mus.tache, mus.tached
(AmE ) = MOUSTACHE , MOUSTACHED
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mus.tachi.oed
(also mous.tachi.oed) adj. (written) having a large moustache with curls at the ends
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mus.tang
noun a small American wild horse
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mus.tard
noun [U]
1 a thick cold yellow or brown sauce that tastes hot and spicy and is usually eaten with meat: a jar of mustard  mustard powder  French / English mustard
2 a small plant with yellow flowers, grown for its seeds that are crushed to make mustard
3 a brownish-yellow colour
mus.tard adj.: a mustard sweater
IDM (not) cut the 'mustard to (not) be as good as expected or required: I didn’t cut the mustard as a hockey player.—more at KEEN adj.
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mus.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to find as much support, courage, etc. as you can
SYN SUMMON : We mustered what support we could for the plan.  She left the room with all the dignity she could muster .
2 to come together, or bring people, especially soldiers, together for example for military action
SYN GATHER : [v] The troops mustered.  [vn] to muster an army

noun a group of people, especially soldiers, that have been brought together: muster stations / areas (= parts of a building, a ship, etc. that people must go to if there is an emergency)
IDM see PASS v.

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musty
adj. smelling damp and unpleasant because of a lack of fresh air: a musty room
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mut.able
adj. (formal) that can change; likely to change
mut.abil.ity noun [U]
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mu.tant
adj., noun
adj. (biology ) (of a living thing) different in some way from others of the same kind because of a change in its GENETIC structure: a mutant gene

noun
1 (biology) a living thing with qualities that are different from its parents' qualities because of a change in its GENETIC structure
2 (informal) (in stories about space, the future, etc.) a living thing with an unusual and frightening appearance because of a change in its GENETIC structure

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mu.tate
verb ~ (into sth)
1 to develop or make sth develop a new form or structure, because of a GENETIC change: [v] the ability of the virus to mutate into new forms  [vn] mutated genes
2 [v] to change into a new form: Rhythm and blues mutated into rock and roll.—see also MUTATION
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mu.ta.tion
noun
1 [U, C] (biology) a process in which the GENETIC material of a person, a plant or an animal changes in structure when it is passed on to children, etc., causing different physical characteristics to develop; a change of this kind: cells affected by mutation  genetic / colour mutations
2 [U, C] a change in the form or structure of sth: (linguistics) vowel mutation
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mute
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 (written) not speaking
SYN SILENT : a look of mute appeal  The child sat mute in the corner of the room.
2 (old-fashioned) (of a person) unable to speak
SYN DUMB

noun
1 (music) a device made of metal, rubber or plastic that you use to make the sound of a musical instrument softer—
2 (old-fashioned) a person who is not able to speak

verb [vn]
1 to make the sound of sth, especially a musical instrument, quieter or softer, sometimes using a mute : He muted the strings with his palm.  The traffic noise was muted by the heavy drapes.
2 to make sth weaker or less severe: She thought it better to mute her criticism.

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muted
adj. (written)
1 (of sounds) quiet; not as loud as usual: the muted sound of traffic outside  They spoke in muted voices.
2 (of emotions, opinions, etc.) not strongly expressed: The proposals received only a muted response.
3 (of colours, light, etc.) not bright: a dress in muted shades of blue
4 (of musical instruments) used with a mute : muted trumpets
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mute.ly
adv. without speaking
SYN SILENTLY
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mu.ti.late
verb [vn]
1 to damage sb’s body very severely, especially by cutting or tearing off part of it: The body had been badly mutilated.
2 to damage sth very badly: Intruders slashed and mutilated several paintings.
mu.ti.la.tion noun [U, C]: Thousands suffered death or mutilation in the bomb blast.
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mu.tin.eer
noun a person who takes part in a MUTINY
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mu.tin.ous
adj.
1 refusing to obey the orders of sb in authority; wanting to do this
SYN REBELLIOUS : mutinous workers  a mutinous expression
2 taking part in a mutiny
mu.tin.ous.ly adv.
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mu.tiny
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C] the act of refusing to obey the orders of sb in authority, especially by soldiers or sailors: Discontent among the ship’s crew finally led to the outbreak of mutiny.  the famous movie ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’  We have a family mutiny on our hands!

verb (mu.tin.ies, mu.tiny.ing, mu.tin.ied, mu.tin.ied) [v] (especially of soldiers or sailors) to refuse to obey the orders of sb in authority

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mutt
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a dog, especially one that is not of a particular breed
SYN MONGREL
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mut.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (to sb / yourself) (about sth) to speak or say sth in a quiet voice that is difficult to hear, especially because you are annoyed about sth: [v speech] ‘How dare she,’ he muttered under his breath.  [v] She just sat there muttering to herself.  [vn] I muttered something about needing to get back to work. [alsov that]
2 ~ (about sth) to complain about sth, without saying publicly what you think: [v] Workers continued to mutter about the management. [alsov that]

noun [usually sing.] a quiet sound or words that are difficult to hear: the soft mutter of voices

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mut.ter.ing
noun [U]
1 (also mutterings [pl.]) complaints that you express privately rather than openly: There have been mutterings about his leadership.
2 words that you speak very quietly to yourself
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mut.ton
noun [U] meat from a fully grown sheep—compare LAMB
IDM mutton dressed as 'lamb (BrE, informal, disapproving) used to describe a woman who is trying to look younger than she really is, especially by wearing clothes that are designed for young people
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mu.tual
adj.
1 used to describe feelings that two or more people have for each other equally, or actions that affect two or more people equally: mutual respect / understanding  mutual support / aid  I don’t like her, and I think the feeling is mutual (= she doesn’t like me either).
2 [only before noun] shared by two or more people: We met at the home of a mutual friend.  They soon discovered a mutual interest in music.
mu.tu.al.ity noun [U, C] (formal): mutuality of respect / feeling
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'mutual fund
noun (AmE ) = UNIT TRUST
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mu.tu.al.ly
adv. felt or done equally by two or more people: a mutually beneficial / supportive relationship  Can we find a mutually convenient time to meet?  The two views are not mutually exclusive (= both can be true at the same time).
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Muzak
™noun [U] (often disapproving) continuous recorded music that is played in shops, restaurants, airports, etc.—compare PIPE v.
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muz.zle
noun, verb
noun
1 the nose and mouth of an animal, especially a dog or a horse—compare SNOUT —
2 a device made of leather or plastic that you put over the nose and mouth of an animal, especially a dog, to prevent it from biting people
3 the open end of a gun, where the bullets come out

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to put a muzzle over a dog’s head to prevent it from biting people
2 to prevent sb from expressing their opinions in public as they want to
SYN GAG : They accused the government of muzzling the press.

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muzzy
adj. (BrE , informal)
1 unable to think in a clear way: a muzzy head  Those drugs made me feel muzzy.
2 not clear: a muzzy voice  muzzy plans
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MV
abbr. (BrE ) (used before the name of a ship) motor vessel: the MV Puma
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MVP
abbr. (AmE ) most valuable player (the best player in a team): He has just earned his fourth MVP award this season.
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MW
abbr.
1 MEDIUM WAVE
2 (pl.MW) MEGAWATT(S)
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my
det. (the possessive form of I)
1 of or belonging to the speaker or writer: Where’s my passport?  My feet are cold.
2 used in exclamations to express surprise, etc: My goodness! Look at the time!
3 used when addressing sb, to show affection: my dear / darling / love
4 used when addressing sb that you consider to have a lower status than you: My dear girl, you’re wrong.
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my.al.gic
adj. (medical ) connected with pain in a muscle or group of muscles—see also ME
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my.col.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of FUNGI —see also FUNGUS
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mynah
(also 'mynah bird) noun a SE Asian bird with dark feathers, that can copy human speech
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my.opia
noun [U]
1 (technical) the inability to see things clearly when they are far away
SYN SHORT SIGHT , SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS
2 (written, disapproving) the inability to see what the results of a particular action or decision will be; the inability to think about anything outside your own situation
SYN SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS
my.opic adj. (technical): a myopic child / eye   (disapproving) a myopic strategy  myopic voters—see also SHORT-SIGHTED
my.opic.al.ly adv.
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myr.iad
noun (literary) an extremely large number of sth: Designs are available in a myriad of colours.
myr.iad adj.: the myriad problems of modern life
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myrrh
noun [U] a sticky substance with a sweet smell that comes from trees and is used to make PERFUME and INCENSE
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myr.tle
noun [U, C] a bush with shiny leaves, pink or white flowers and bluish-black berries
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my.self
pron.
1 (the reflexive form of I) used when the speaker or writer is also the person affected by an action: I cut myself on a knife.  I wrote a message to myself.  I found myself unable to speak.  I haven’t been feeling myself recently (= I have not felt well).  I needed space to be myself (= not influenced by other people).
2 used to emphasize the fact that the speaker is doing sth: I’ll speak to her myself.  I myself do not agree.
IDM (all) by my'self
1 alone; without anyone else: I live by myself
2 without help: I painted the room all by myself. (all) to my'self for the speaker or writer alone; not shared: I had a whole pizza to myself.
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mys.teri.ous
adj.
1 difficult to understand or explain; strange: He died in mysterious circumstances.  A mysterious illness is affecting all the animals.
2 (especially of people) strange and interesting because you do not know much about them: A mysterious young woman is living next door.
3 (of people) not saying much about sth, especially when other people want to know more: He was being very mysterious about where he was going.
mys.teri.ous.ly adv.: My watch had mysteriously disappeared.  Mysteriously, the streets were deserted.  She was silent, smiling mysteriously.
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mys.tery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] something that is difficult to understand or to explain: It is one of the great unsolved mysteries of this century.  Their motives remain a mystery.  It’s a complete mystery to me why they chose him.
2 [C] (often used as an adjective) a person or a thing that is strange and interesting because you do not know much about them or it: He’s a bit of a mystery.  There was a mystery guest on the programme.  The band was financed by a mystery backer.   (BrE) a mystery tour (= when you do not know where you are going)
3 [U] the quality of being difficult to understand or to explain, especially when this makes sb/sth seem interesting and exciting: Mystery surrounds her disappearance.  His past is shrouded in mystery (= not much is known about it).  The dark glasses give her an air of mystery .
4 [C] a story, a film/movie or a play in which crimes and strange events are only explained at the end: I enjoy murder mysteries.
5 (mysteries) [pl.] secret religious ceremonies; secret knowledge: (figurative) the teacher who initiated me into the mysteries of mathematics
6 [C] a religious belief that cannot be explained or proved in a scientific way: the mystery of creation
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'mystery play
noun a type of play that was popular between the 11th and 14th centuries and was based on events in the Bible or the lives of the Christian saints
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mys.tic
noun a person who tries to become united with God through prayer and MEDITATION and so understand important things that are beyond normal human understanding
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mys.tic.al
(also less frequent mys.tic ) adj.
1 having spiritual powers or qualities that are difficult to understand or to explain: mystical forces / powers  mystic beauty  Watching the sun rise over the mountain was an almost mystical experience.
2 connected with mysticism : the mystical life
mys.tic.al.ly adv.
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mys.ti.cism
noun [U] the belief that knowledge of God and of real truth can be found through prayer and MEDITATION rather than through reason and the senses: Eastern mysticism
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mys.tify
verb (mys.ti.fies, mys.ti.fy.ing, mys.ti.fied, mys.ti.fied) [vn] to make sb confused because they do not understand sth
SYN BAFFLE : They were totally mystified by the girl’s disappearance.
mys.ti.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: He looked at her in mystification.
mys.ti.fy.ing adj.
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mys.tique
noun [U, sing.] the quality of being mysterious or secret that makes sb/sth seem interesting or attractive: The mystique surrounding the monarchy has gone for ever.
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myth
noun [C, U]
1 a story from ancient times, especially one that was told to explain natural events or to describe the early history of a people; this type of story: ancient Greek myths  a creation myth (= that explains how the world began)  the heroes of myth and legend
2 something that many people believe but that does not exist or is false
SYN FALLACY : It is time to dispel the myth of a classless society (= to show that it does not exist).  Contrary to popular myth women are not worse drivers than men.
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myth.ic
adj.
1 (rare) = MYTHICAL (1,2)
2 (also myth.ic.al) that has become very famous, like sb/sth in a myth : Scott of the Antarctic was a national hero of mythic proportions.
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myth.ic.al
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (also less frequent myth.ic) existing only in ancient myths : mythical beasts / heroes
2 (also less frequent myth.ic) that does not exist or is not true
SYN FICTITIOUS : the mythical ‘rich uncle’ that he boasts about
3 = MYTHIC (2)
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mytho.logic.al
adj. [usually before noun] connected with ancient MYTHS : mythological subjects / figures / stories
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myth.ology
noun (pl.-ies) [U, C]
1 ancient MYTHS in general; the ancient MYTHS of a particular culture, society, etc: Greek mythology  a study of the religions and mythologies of ancient Rome
2 ideas or facts that many people think are true but that do not exist or are false: the popular mythology that life begins at forty
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myxo.ma.tosis
noun [U] an infectious disease of rabbits that usually causes death
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N
noun, abbr.
noun (also n) (pl.N’s, n’s )
1 [C, U] the 14th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Night’ begins with (an) N / ‘N’.
2 [U] (mathematics) used to represent a number whose value is not mentioned: The equation is impossible for any value of n greater than 2.—see also NTH

abbr. (AmE also No.) north; northern: N Ireland

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n.
abbr. noun
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NAACP
abbr. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (an organization in the US that works for the rights of African Americans)
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NAAFI
noun [sing.] the abbreviation for ‘Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes’ (an organization which provides shops and places to eat for British soldiers)
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naan
noun [U] = NAN^2
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nab
verb (-bb-) [vn] (informal)
1 to catch or arrest sb who is doing sth wrong
SYN COLLAR : He was nabbed by the police for speeding.
2 to take or get sth: Who’s nabbed my drink?
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nachos
noun [pl.] (from Spanish ) a Mexican dish of crisp pieces of TORTILLA served with beans, cheese, spices, etc.
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nadir
noun [sing.] (written) the worst moment of a particular situation: the nadir of his career  Company losses reached their nadir in 1992.
OPP ZENITH
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nae
det. (ScotE , spoken) no: We have nae money.
nae adv.: It’s nae (= not) bad.
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naff
adj. (BrE , informal) lacking style, taste, quality, etc: There was a naff band playing.
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nag
verb, noun
verb (-gg-) ~ (at sb)
1 to keep complaining to sb about their behaviour or keep asking them to do sth: [v] Stop nagging—I’ll do it as soon as I can.  [vn to inf] She had been nagging him to paint the fence. [alsovn]
2 to worry or irritate you continuously: [v] A feeling of unease nagged at her.  [vn] Doubts nagged me all evening.

noun (old-fashioned, informal) a horse

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nag.ging
adj. [only before noun]
1 continuing for a long time and difficult to cure or remove: a nagging pain / doubt
2 complaining: a nagging voice
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nah
exclamation (spoken, slang) = NO
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nail
noun, verb
noun
1 a thin hard layer covering the outer tip of the fingers or toes: Stop biting your nails!  nail clippers—see also FINGERNAIL , TOENAIL —picture at BODY
2 a small thin pointed piece of metal with a flat head, used for hanging things on a wall or for joining pieces of wood together: She hammered the nail in.—compare SCREW (1) , TACK (3) —picture at TOOL
IDM a nail in sb’s / sth’s 'coffin something that makes the end or failure of an organization, sb’s plans, etc. more likely to happen on the 'nail (informal) (of payment) without delay: They’re good customers who always pay on the nail.—more at FIGHT v. , HARD adj. , HIT v. , TOUGH adj.

verb [vn]
1 to fasten sth to sth with a nail or nails: I nailed the sign to a tree.
2 (informal) to catch sb and prove they are guilty of a crime or of doing sth bad: The police haven’t been able to nail the killer.
3 (informal) to prove that sth is not true: We must nail this lie.
IDM nail your colours to the 'mast (especially BrE) to say publicly and firmly what you believe or who you support
PVR V ,nail sth<->'down
1 to fasten sth down with a nail or nails
2 to reach an agreement or a decision, usually after a lot of discussion: All the parties seem anxious to nail down a ceasefire. ,nail sb<->'down (to sth) to force sb to give you a definite promise or tell you exactly what they intend to do: She says she’ll come, but I can’t nail her down to a specific time. ,nail sth<->'up
1 to fasten sth to a wall, post, etc. with a nail or nails
2 to put nails into a door or window so that it cannot be opened

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'nail-biting
adj. [usually before noun] making you feel very excited or anxious because you do not know what is going to happen: a nail-biting finish  It’s been a nail-biting couple of weeks waiting for my results.
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'nail brush
noun a small stiff brush for cleaning the fingernails
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'nail file
noun a small metal tool with a rough surface for shaping the fingernails—see also EMERY BOARD
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'nail scissors
noun [pl.] small scissors that are usually curved, used for cutting the nails on your fingers and toes: a pair of nail scissors
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'nail varnish
(BrE ) (also 'nail polishAmE, BrE) noun [U] clear or coloured liquid that you paint on your nails to make them look attractive: nail varnish / polish remover
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naive
(also naïve) adj.
1 (disapproving) lacking experience of life, knowledge or good judgement and willing to believe that people always tell you the truth: a naive question / remark  to be politically naive  I can’t believe you were so naive as to trust him!  It would be naive of us to think that football is only a game.
2 (approving) (of people and their behaviour) innocent and simple: Their approach to life is refreshingly naive.—compare SOPHISTICATED
naive.ly (also naïve.ly) adv.: I naively assumed that I would be paid for the work.
naiv.ety (also naïv.ety) noun [U]: They laughed at the naivety of his suggestion.  She has lost none of her naivety.
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naked
adj.
1 not wearing any clothes
SYN BARE : a naked body  naked shoulders  They often wandered around the house stark naked (= completely naked).  They found him half naked and bleeding to death.  The prisoners were stripped naked .—see also BUCK NAKED
2 [usually before noun] without the usual covering
SYN BARE : a naked bulb / light  a naked flame  a naked sword  Mice are born naked (= without fur).
3 [only before noun] (of emotions, attitudes, etc.) expressed strongly and not hidden: naked aggression / ambition  the naked truth
4 [not usually before noun] unable to protect yourself from being harmed, criticized, etc.
SYN HELPLESS : He still felt naked and drained after his ordeal.
naked.ly adv.: nakedly aggressive
naked.ness noun [U]
IDM the naked 'eye the normal power of your eyes without the help of an instrument: The planet should be visible with / to the naked eye.
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namby-pamby
adj. (informal, disapproving) weak and too emotional
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name
noun, verb
noun
1 a word or words that a particular person, animal, place or thing is known by: What’s your name?  What is / was the name, please? (= a polite way of asking sb’s name)  Please write your full name and address below.  Do you know the name of this flower?  Rubella is just another name for German measles.   (computing) a user / file name  Are you changing your name when you get married?—see also ASSUMED NAME , BRAND NAME , CODE NAME , FAMILY NAME , FIRST NAME , FORENAME , MAIDEN NAME , MIDDLE NAME , NICKNAME , PEN-NAME , PET NAME , PLACE NAME , SURNAME , TRADE NAME
2 [usually sing.] a reputation that sb/sth has; the opinion that people have about sb/sth: She first made her name as a writer of children’s books.  He’s made quite a name for himself (= become famous).  The college has a good name for languages.  This kind of behaviour gives students a bad name .
3 (in compound adjectives) having a name or a reputation of the kind mentioned, especially one that is known by a lot of people: a big-name company / celebrity  brand-name goods—see also HOUSEHOLD NAME
4 a famous person: Some of the biggest names in the art world were at the party.
IDM by 'name using the name of sb/sth: She asked for you by name.  The principal knows all the students by name.  I only know her by name (= I have heard about her but I have not met her). by the name of … (written) who is called: a young actor by the name of Tom Rees enter sb’s / your 'name (for sth) | put sb’s / your 'name down (for sth) to apply for a place at a school, in a competition, etc. for sb or yourself: Have you entered your name for the quiz yet? give your 'name to sth to invent sth which then becomes known by your name go by the name of … to use a name that may not be your real one in ,all but 'name used to describe a situation which exists in reality but that is not officially recognized: He runs the company in all but name. in 'God’s / 'Heaven’s name | in the name of 'God / 'Heaven used especially in questions to show that you are angry, surprised or shocked: What in God’s name was that noise?  Where in the name of Heaven have you been? in the name of 'sb / 'sth | in sb’s / sth’s 'name
1 for sb; showing that sth officially belongs to sb: We reserved two tickets in the name of Brown.  The car is registered in my name.
2 using the authority of sb/sth; as a representative of sb/sth: I arrest you in the name of the law.
3 used to give a reason or an excuse for doing sth, often when what you are doing is wrong: crimes committed in the name of religion in 'name only officially recognized but not existing in reality: He’s party leader in name only. sb’s name is 'mud (informal, usually humorous) used to say that sb is not liked or popular because of sth they have done the name of the 'game (informal) the most important aspect of an activity; the most important quality needed for an activity: Hard work is the name of the game if you want to succeed in business. put a 'name to sb/sth to know or remember what sb/sth is called: I recognize the tune but I can’t put a name to it. take sb’s name in 'vain to show a lack of respect when using sb’s name: (humorous) Have you been taking my name in vain again? (have sth) to your 'name to have or own sth: an Olympic athlete with five gold medals to his name  She doesn’t have a penny / cent to her name (= she is very poor). under the name (of) … using a name that may not be your real name—more at ANSWER v. , BIG adj. , CALL v. , DROP v. , LEND , MIDDLE NAME , NAME v. , REJOICE

verb
1 ~ sb/sth (after sb)| (AmE also) ~ sb/sth (for sb) to give a name to sb/sth: [vn] He was named after his father (= given his father’s first name).  [vn-n] They named their son John.
2 [vn] to say the name of sb/sth
SYN IDENTIFY : The victim has not yet been named.  The missing man has been named as James Kelly.  Can you name all the American states?
3 [vn] to state sth exactly
SYN SPECIFY : Name your price .  They’re engaged, but they haven’t yet named the day (= chosen the date for their wedding).  Activities available include squash, archery and swimming to name but a few .  Chairs, tables, cabinets—you name it , she makes it (= she makes anything you can imagine).
4 ~ sb (as) sth| ~ sb (to sth) to choose sb for a job or position: [vn-n] I had no hesitation in naming him (as) captain.  [vn] When she resigned, he was named to the committee in her place.
IDM name 'names to give the names of the people involved in sth, especially sth wrong or illegal

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'name-calling
noun [U] the act of using rude or insulting words about sb: They were subjected to name-calling and jokes at their expense.
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'name-dropping
noun [U] (disapproving) the act of mentioning the names of famous people you know or have met in order to impress other people
'name-drop verb [v] —see also DROP NAMES
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name.less
adj.
1 [usually before noun] having no name; whose name you do not know: a nameless grave  thousands of nameless and faceless workers
2 whose name is kept secret
SYN ANONYMOUS : a nameless source in the government  a well-known public figure who shall remain nameless
3 [usually before noun] (literary) difficult or too unpleasant to describe: nameless horrors / fears  a nameless longing
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name.ly
adv. used to introduce more exact and detailed information about sth that you have just mentioned: We need to concentrate on our target audience, namely women aged between 20 and 30.
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name.plate
noun
1 a sign on the door or the wall of a building showing the name of a company or the name of a person who is living or working there
2 a piece of metal or plastic on an object showing the name of the person who owns it, made it or presented it
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name.sake
noun a person or a thing that has the same name as sb/sth else: Unlike his more famous namesake, this Bill Clinton has little interest in politics.
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'name tag
noun a small piece of plastic, paper or metal that you wear, with your name on it
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'name tape
noun a small piece of fabric that is sewn or stuck onto a piece of clothing and that has the name of the owner on it
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nan^1
noun (BrE ) = NANNY
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nan^2
(also naan) noun (also 'nan bread, 'naan bread) [U] a type of soft flat Indian bread
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nanny
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a woman whose job is to take care of young children in the children’s own home
2 (also nan) (both BrE) (used by children, especially as a form of address) a grandmother: When is Nanny coming to stay?  my nan and grandad—see also GRANNY
IDM the 'nanny state (BrE) a disapproving way of talking about the fact that government seems to get too much involved in people’s lives and to protect them too much, in a way that limits their freedom
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'nanny goat
noun a female goat—compare BILLY GOAT
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nano-
combining form (technical ) (in nouns and adjectives; used especially in units of measurement) one BILLIONTH : nanosecond  nanometre
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nap
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a short sleep, especially during the day: to take / have a nap—see also CATNAP —compare SIESTA
2 [sing.] the short fine threads on the surface of some fabrics, usually lying in the same direction

verb (-pp-) [v] to sleep for a short time, especially during the day
IDM see CATCH v.

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na.palm
noun [U] a substance like jelly, made from petrol/gas, that burns and is used in making bombs
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nape
noun [sing.] ~ (of sb’s neck) the back of the neck: Her hair was cut short at the nape of her neck.—picture at BODY
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naph.tha
noun [U] a type of oil that catches fire very easily, used as fuel or in making chemicals
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nap.kin
noun
1 (also 'table napkin) a piece of fabric or paper used at meals for protecting your clothes and cleaning your lips and fingers
SYN SERVIETTE
2 (AmE) = SANITARY NAPKIN
3 (BrE, old-fashioned or formal) = NAPPY
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nappy
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) (AmE di.aper) a piece of soft fabric or paper that is folded around a baby’s bottom and between its legs to absorb and hold its body waste: I’ll change her nappy.  a disposable nappy (= one that is made to be used once only)  nappy rash
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nar.cis.sism
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) the habit of admiring yourself too much, especially your appearance
nar.cis.sis.tic adj. From the Greek myth in which Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool.
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nar.cis.sus
noun (pl.nar.cissi ) a plant with white or yellow flowers that appear in spring. There are many types of narcissus , including the DAFFODIL .
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nar.cot.ic
noun, adj.
noun
1 a powerful illegal drug that affects the mind in a harmful way. HEROIN and COCAINE are narcotics : a narcotics agent (= a police officer investigating the illegal trade in drugs)
2 (medical) a substance that relaxes you, reduces pain or makes you sleep: a mild narcotic

adj.
1 (of a drug) that affects your mind in a harmful way
2 (of a substance) making you sleep: a mild narcotic effect

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nark
noun (BrE , slang) a person who is friendly with criminals and who gives the police information about them
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narked
adj. [not usually before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) annoyed about sth: I could see he was getting narked with me.
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nar.rate
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to tell a story
SYN RELATE : She entertained them by narrating her adventures in Africa.
2 to speak the words that form the text of a DOCUMENTARY film or programme: The film was narrated by Andrew Sachs.
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nar.ra.tion
noun (formal)
1 [U, C] the act or process of telling a story, especially in a novel, a film/movie or a play
2 [C] a description of events that is spoken during a film/movie, a play, etc. or with music: He has recorded the narration for the production.
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nar.ra.tive
noun (formal)
1 [C] a description of events, especially in a novel STORY : a gripping narrative of their journey up the Amazon
2 [U] the act, process or skill of telling a story: a master of narrative  The novel contains too much dialogue and not enough narrative.
nar.ra.tive adj. [only before noun]: narrative fiction / structure
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nar.ra.tor
noun a person who tells a story, especially in a book, play or film/movie; the person who speaks the words in a television programme but who does not appear in it: a first-person narrator
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nar.row
adj., verb
adj. (nar.row.er, nar.row.est)
1 measuring a short distance from one side to the other, especially in relation to length: narrow streets  a narrow bed / doorway / shelf  narrow shoulders / hips  There was only a narrow gap between the bed and the wall.   (figurative) the narrow confines of prison life
OPP BROAD , WIDE
2 [usually before noun] only just achieved or avoided: a narrow victory  He lost the race by the narrowest of margins.  She was elected by a narrow majority.  He had a narrow escape when his car skidded on the ice.
3 limited in a way that ignores important issues or the opinions of other people: narrow interests  She has a very narrow view of the world.
OPP BROAD
4 limited in variety or numbers
SYN RESTRICTED : The shop sells only a narrow range of goods.  a narrow circle of friends
OPP WIDE
5 limited in meaning; exact: I am using the word ‘education’ in the narrower sense.
OPP BROAD
nar.row.ness noun [U]: The narrowness of the streets caused many traffic problems.  We were surprised by the narrowness of our victory.  His attitudes show a certain narrowness of mind.
IDM see STRAIGHT n.

verb to become or make sth narrower: [v] This is where the river narrows.  The gap between the two teams has narrowed to three points.  Her eyes narrowed (= almost closed) menacingly.  [vn] He narrowed his eyes at her.  We need to narrow the health divide between rich and poor.
PVR V ,narrow sth<->'down (to sth) to reduce the number of possibilities or choices: We have narrowed down the list to four candidates.

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nar.row.boat
noun (BrE ) a long narrow boat, used on canals
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'narrow gauge
noun [U] a size of railway/railroad track that is not as wide as the standard track that is used in Britain and the US: a narrow-gauge railway
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nar.row.ly
adv.
1 only by a small amount: The car narrowly missed a cyclist.  She narrowly escaped injury.  The team lost narrowly.
2 (sometimes disapproving) in a way that is limited: a narrowly defined task  a narrowly specialized education
3 closely; carefully: She looked at him narrowly.
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,narrow-'minded
adj. (disapproving) not willing to listen to new ideas or to the opinions of others: a narrow-minded attitude  a narrow-minded nationalist
OPP BROAD-MINDED , OPEN-MINDED
,narrow-'mindedness noun [U]
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nar.rows
noun [pl.] a narrow channel that connects two larger areas of water
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nar.whal
noun a small white WHALE from the Arctic region. The male narwhal has a long TUSK (= outer tooth).
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NASA
abbr. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA is a US government organization that carries out research into space and organizes space travel.
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nasal
adj.
1 connected with the nose: the nasal passages  a nasal spray
2 produced partly through the nose: a nasal voice   (phonetics) nasal consonants
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nas.cent
adj. (formal) beginning to exist; not yet fully developed
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na.stur.tium
noun a garden plant with round flat leaves and red, orange or yellow flowers that are sometimes eaten in salads
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nasty
adj. (nas.tier, nas.ti.est)
1 very bad or unpleasant: a nasty accident  The news gave me a nasty shock.  I had a nasty feeling that he would follow me.  He had a nasty moment when he thought he’d lost his passport.  This coffee has a nasty taste.  Don’t buy that coat—it looks cheap and nasty .
2 unkind; unpleasant: to make nasty remarks about sb  the nastier side of her character  to have a nasty temper  Don’t be so nasty to your brother.  That was a nasty little trick.  Life has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
3 dangerous or serious: a nasty bend (= dangerous for cars going fast)  He had a nasty look in his eye.  a nasty injury / cough
4 offensive; in bad taste: to have a nasty mind  nasty jokes—see also VIDEO NASTY
nas.tily adv.: ‘I hate you,’ she said nastily.
nas.ti.ness noun [U]
IDM to get / turn 'nasty
1 to become threatening and violent: You’d better do what he says or he’ll turn nasty.
2 to become bad or unpleasant: It looks as though the weather is going to turn nasty again. a nasty piece of 'work (BrE, informal) a person who is unpleasant, unkind or dishonest—more at TASTE n.
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natch
adv. (slang) used to say that sth is obvious or exactly as you would expect
SYN NATURALLY : He was wearing the latest T-shirt, natch.
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na.tion
noun
1 [C] a country considered as a group of people with the same language, culture and history, who live in a particular area under one government: an independent nation  the African nations
2 [sing.] all the people in a country: The entire nation, it seemed, was watching TV.
na.tion.hood noun [U]: Citizenship is about the sense of nationhood.
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na.tion.al
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with a particular nation; shared by a whole nation: national and local newspapers  national and international news  national and regional politics  a national debate / campaign / election  These buildings are part of our national heritage.  They are afraid of losing their national identity.
2 owned, controlled or financially supported by the government: a national airline / museum / theatre

noun (technical ) a citizen of a particular country: Polish nationals living in Germany  note at CITIZEN

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,national 'anthem
noun the official song of a nation that is sung on special occasions
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,national con'vention
noun a meeting held by a political party, especially in the US, to choose a candidate to take part in the election for President
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the ,national cur'riculum
noun [sing.] (in Britain) a programme of study in all the main subjects that children aged 5 to 16 in state schools must follow
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,national 'debt
noun [usually sing.] the total amount of money that the government of a country owes
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the ,National 'Front
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (in Britain) a small political party with extreme views, especially on issues connected with race
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,national 'grid
noun [sing.] (BrE ) the system of power lines that joins the places where electricity is produced, and takes electricity to all parts of the country
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the ,National 'Guard
noun [sing.]
1 a small army, often used to protect a political leader
2 the army in each state of the US that can be used by the FEDERAL government if needed
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the ,National 'Health Service
noun [sing.] (abbr. NHS) the public health service in Britain that provides medical care and is paid for by taxes: I got my glasses on the National Health (Service).
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,National In'surance
noun [U] (abbr. NI) (in Britain) a system of payments that have to be made by employers and employees to provide help for people who are sick, old or unemployed
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na.tion.al.ism
noun [U]
1 the desire by a group of people who share the same race, culture, language, etc. to form an independent country: Scottish nationalism
2 (sometimes disapproving) a feeling of love for and pride in your country; a feeling that your country is better than any other
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na.tion.al.ist
noun
1 a person who wants their country to become independent: Scottish nationalists
2 (sometimes disapproving) a person who has a great love for and pride in their country; a person who has a feeling that their country is better than any other
na.tion.al.ist adj.: nationalist demands / sentiments
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na.tion.al.is.tic
adj. (usually disapproving) having very strong feelings of love for and pride in your country, so that you think that it is better than any other
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na.tion.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the legal right of belonging to a particular nation: to take / have / hold French nationality  All applicants will be considered regardless of age, sex, religion or nationality.  The college attracts students of all nationalities.  She has dual nationality (= is a citizen of two countries).
2 [C] a group of people with the same language, culture and history who form part of a political nation: Kazakhstan alone contains more than a hundred nationalities.
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na.tion.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to put an industry or a company under the control of the government, which becomes its owner: The government announced plans to nationalize the public transport system.  nationalized industries
OPP DENATIONALIZE , PRIVATIZE
na.tion.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
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na.tion.al.ly
adv. relating to a country as a whole; relating to a particular country: The programme was broadcast nationally.  Meetings were held locally and nationally.  He’s a talented athlete who competes nationally and internationally.
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,national 'park
noun an area of land that is protected by the government for people to visit because of its natural beauty and historical or scientific interest
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,national 'service
noun [U] the system in some countries in which young people have to do military training for a period of time
SYN MILITARY SERVICE : to do your national service
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,nation 'state
noun a group of people with the same culture, language, etc. who have formed an independent country
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na.tion.wide
adj. happening or existing in all parts of a particular country: a nationwide campaign
na.tion.wide adv.: The company has over 500 stores nationwide.
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na.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the place where you were born and lived for the first years of your life: your native land / country / city  It is a long time since he has visited his native Poland.  Her native language is German.—see also NATIVE SPEAKER
2 [only before noun] connected with the place where you have always lived or have lived for a long time: native Berliners / Texans
3 [only before noun] (sometimes offensive) connected with the people who originally lived in a country before other people, especially white people, came there: native peoples / traditions  native art / dance
4 ~ (to … ) (of animals and plants) existing naturally in a place: the native plants of America  The tiger is native to India.  When planting trees, stick to native species.
5 [only before noun] that you have naturally without having to learn it
SYN INNATE : native cunning / wit / intelligence
IDM go 'native (often humorous) (of a person staying in another country) to try to live and behave like the local people

noun
1 a person who was born in a particular country or area: a native of New York / Greece
2 a person who lives in a particular place, especially sb who has lived there a long time
SYN LOCAL : You can always tell the difference between the tourists and the natives.  She speaks Italian like a native.
3 (old-fashioned, offensive) a word used in the past by Europeans to describe a person who lived in a place originally, before white people arrived there: disputes between early settlers and natives
4 an animal or a plant that lives or grows naturally in a particular area: The kangaroo is a native of Australia.

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,Native A'merican
(also A,merican 'Indian) noun a member of any of the races of people who were the original people living in America
,Native A'merican adj.: Native American culture / languages
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,native 'speaker
noun a person who speaks a language as their first language and has not learned it as a foreign language
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na.tiv.ity
noun
1 (the Nativity) [sing.] the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated by Christians at Christmas
2 a picture or a model of the baby Jesus Christ and the place where he was born
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na'tivity play
noun a play about the birth of Jesus Christ, usually performed by children at Christmas
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NATO
(also Nato) abbr. North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO is an organization to which many European countries and the US and Canada belong. They agree to give each other military help if necessary.
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nat.ter
verb [v] ~ (away / on) (about sth) (BrE , informal) to talk for a long time, especially about unimportant things
SYN CHAT
nat.ter noun [sing.] (BrE, informal): to have a good natter
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natty
adj. (old-fashioned, informal)
1 neat and fashionable: a natty suit
2 well designed; clever: a natty little briefcase
nat.tily adv.
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nat.ural
adj., noun
adj.
IN NATURE|
1 [only before noun] existing in nature; not made or caused by human beings: natural phenomena / disasters  the natural world (= of trees, rivers, animals and birds)  a country’s natural resources (= its coal, oil, forests, etc.)  wildlife in its natural habitat  natural yogurt (= with no flavour added)  My hair soon grew back to its natural colour (= after being dyed).  The clothes are available in warm natural colours.—compare SUPERNATURAL
EXPECTED|
2 normal; as you would expect: to die of natural causes (= not by violence, but normally, of old age)  He thought social inequality was all part of the natural order of things.  She was the natural choice for the job.—compare UNNATURAL
BEHAVIOUR|
3 used to describe behaviour that is part of the character that a person or an animal was born with: the natural agility of a cat  the natural processes of language learning  It’s only natural to worry about your children.
ABILITY|
4 [only before noun] having an ability that you were born with: He’s a natural leader.
RELAXED|
5 relaxed and not pretending to be sb/sth different: It’s difficult to look natural when you’re feeling nervous.
PARENTS / CHILDREN|
6 [only before noun] (of parents or their children) related by blood: His natural mother was unable to care for him so he was raised by an aunt.
7 [only before noun] (old use or formal) (of a son or daughter) born to parents who are not married
SYN ILLEGITIMATE : She was a natural daughter of King James II.
BASED ON HUMAN REASON|
8 [only before noun] based on human reason alone: natural justice / law
IN MUSIC|
9 used after the name of a note to show that the note is neither SHARP nor FLAT . The written symbol is (): B natural—picture at MUSIC

noun
PERSON|
1 ~ (for sth) a person who is very good at sth without having to learn how to do it, or who is perfectly suited for a particular job: She took to flying like a natural.  He’s a natural for the role.
IN MUSIC|
2 a normal musical note, not its SHARP or FLAT form. The written symbol is ().

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'natural-born
adj. [only before noun] having a natural ability or skill that you have not had to learn
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,natural 'childbirth
noun [U] a method of giving birth to a baby in which a woman chooses not to take drugs and does special exercises to make her relaxed
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,natural 'gas
noun [U] gas that is found under the ground or the sea, and that is used as a fuel
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,natural 'history
noun [U, C] the study of plants and animals; an account of the plant and animal life of a particular place: the Natural History Museum  He has written a natural history of Scotland.
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nat.ur.al.ism
noun [U]
1 a style of art or writing that shows people, things and experiences as they really are
2 (philosophy) the theory that everything in the world and life is based on natural causes and laws, and not on spiritual or SUPERNATURAL ones
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nat.ur.al.ist
noun a person who studies animals, plants, birds and other living things
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nat.ur.al.is.tic
adj.
1 (of artists, writers, etc. or their work) showing things as they appear in the natural world: a naturalistic painter / style
2 copying the way things are in the natural world: to study behaviour in laboratory and naturalistic settings
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nat.ur.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [usually passive]
1 [vn] to make sb who was not born in a particular country a citizen of that country: a naturalized American who was born in Poland
2 [vn] to introduce a plant or an animal to a country where it is not native: The grey squirrel is now naturalized in Britain.
3 [v] (of a plant or an animal) to start growing or living naturally in a country where is it not native
nat.ur.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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nat.ur.al.ly
adv.
1 in a way that you would expect
SYN OF COURSE : Naturally, I get upset when things go wrong.  After a while, we naturally started talking about the children.  ‘Did you complain about the noise?’‘Naturally.’
2 without special help, treatment or action by sb: naturally occurring chemicals  plants that grow naturally in poor soils
3 as a normal, logical result of sth: This leads naturally to my next point.
4 in a way that shows or uses abilities or qualities that a person or an animal is born with: to be naturally shy / artistic  a naturally gifted athlete
5 in a relaxed and normal way: Just act naturally.
IDM come 'naturally (to sb/sth) if sth comes naturally to you, you are able to do it very easily and very well: Making money came naturally to him.
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nat.ur.al.ness
noun [U]
1 the state or quality of being like real life: The naturalness of the dialogue made the book so true to life.
2 the quality of behaving in a normal, relaxed or innocent way: Teenagers lose their childhood simplicity and naturalness.
3 the style or quality of happening in a normal way that you would expect: the naturalness of her reaction
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,natural 'science
noun [C, U] a science concerned with studying the physical world. Chemistry, biology and physics are all natural sciences .—compare EARTH SCIENCE , LIFE SCIENCES
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,natural se'lection
noun [U] the process by which plants, animals, etc. that can adapt to their environment survive and reproduce, while the others disappear
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,natural 'wastage
(BrE ) (also at.tri.tionAmE, BrE) noun [U] the process of reducing the number of people who are employed by an organization by, for example, not replacing people who leave their jobs
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na.ture
noun
PLANTS, ANIMALS|
1 (often Nature) [U] all the plants, animals and things that exist in the universe that are not made by people: the beauties of nature  man-made substances not found in nature  nature conservation
HELP You cannot use ‘the nature’ in this meaning: the beauties of the nature. It is often better to use another appropriate word, for example the countryside, the scenery or wildlife: We stopped to admire the scenery.  We stopped to admire the nature.
2 (often Nature) [U] the way that things happen in the physical world when it is not controlled by people: the forces / laws of nature  Just let nature take its course.  Her illness was Nature’s way of telling her to do less.—see also MOTHER NATURE
CHARACTER|
3 [C, U] the usual way that a person or an animal behaves that is part of their character: It’s not in his nature to be unkind.  She is very sensitive by nature .  We appealed to his better nature (= his kindness).—see also GOOD NATURE , HUMAN NATURE , SECOND NATURE
BASIC QUALITIES|
4 [sing.] the basic qualities of a thing: the changing nature of society  It’s difficult to define the exact nature of the problem.  My work is very specialized in nature .
TYPE / KIND|
5 [sing.] a type or kind of sth: books of a scientific nature  Don’t worry about things of that nature.
-NATURED|
6 (in adjectives) having the type of character or quality mentioned: a good-natured man against 'nature not natural; not moral: Murder is a crime against nature. (get, go, etc.) back to 'nature to return to a simple kind of life in the country, away from cities in the nature of 'sth similar to sth; a type of sth; in the style of sth: His speech was in the nature of an apology. in the 'nature of things in the way that things usually happen: In the nature of things, young people often rebel against their parents.—more at CALL n. , FORCE n.
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'nature reserve
noun an area of land where the animals and plants are protected
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'nature trail
noun a path through countryside which you can follow in order to see the interesting plants and animals that are found there
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na.tur.ism
noun [U] (especially BrE ) = NUDISM
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na.tur.ist
noun (especially BrE ) = NUDIST
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naught
noun = NOUGHT
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naughty
adj. (naugh.tier, naugh.ti.est)
1 (especially BrE) (especially of children) behaving badly; not willing to obey: a naughty boy / girl   (humorous) I’m being very naughty—I’ve ordered champagne!
2 (informal, often humorous) slightly rude; connected with sex: a naughty joke / word
naugh.tily adv.
naugh.ti.ness noun [U]
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nau.sea
noun [U] the feeling that you have when you want to VOMIT , for example because you are ill/sick or are disgusted by sth: A wave of nausea swept over her.  Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.—see also AD NAUSEAM
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nau.se.ate
verb [vn]
1 to make sb feel that they want to VOMIT : The smell of meat nauseates me.
2 to make sb feel disgusted: I was nauseated by the violence in the movie.
nau.se.at.ing adj.: a nauseating smell  his nauseating behaviour
nau.se.at.ing.ly adv.
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nau.se.ous
adj.
1 feeling as if you want to VOMIT : She felt dizzy and nauseous.
2 making you feel as if you want to VOMIT : a nauseous smell
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naut.ical
adj. connected with ships, sailors and sailing: nautical terms
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,nautical 'mile
(also 'sea mile) noun a unit for measuring distance at sea; 1 852 metres
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naval
adj. connected with the navy of a country: a naval base / officer / battle
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nave
noun the long central part of a church where most of the seats are—compare TRANSEPT
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navel
(also informal 'belly button) noun the small hollow part or lump in the middle of the stomach where the UMBILICAL CORD was cut at birth—picture at BODY
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nav.ig.able
adj. (of rivers, etc.) wide and deep enough for ships and boats to sail on
nav.ig.abil.ity noun [U]
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navi.gate
verb
1 to find your position or the position of your ship, plane, car etc. and the direction you need to go in, for example by using a map: [v] to navigate by the stars  I’ll drive, and you can navigate.  [vn] How do you navigate your way through a forest?
2 [vn] (written) to sail along, over or through a sea, river etc: The river became too narrow and shallow to navigate.
3 [vn] to find the right way to deal with a difficult or complicated situation: We next had to navigate a complex network of committees.
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navi.ga.tion
noun [U]
1 the skill or the process of planning a route for a ship or other vehicle and taking it there: navigation aids / lights / systems  an expert in navigation
2 the movement of ships or aircraft: the right of navigation through international waters
nav.iga.tion.al adj.: navigational aids
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navi.ga.tor
noun a person who navigates , for example on a ship or an aircraft
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navvy
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) a person employed to do hard physical work, especially building roads, etc.
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navy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] the part of a country’s armed forces that fights at sea, and the ships that it uses: the British and German navies  He’s joined the navy / the Navy .  an officer in the navy / the Navy   The navy is / are considering buying six new warships.—see also NAVAL (2)
2 [U] = NAVY BLUE
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'navy bean
noun (AmE ) = HARICOT
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,navy 'blue
(also navy) adj. very dark blue in colour: a navy blue suit
,navy 'blue (also navy) noun [U]: She was dressed in navy blue.
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nay
adv.
1 (old-fashioned) used to emphasize sth you have just said by introducing a stronger word or phrase: Such a policy is difficult, nay impossible.
2 (old use ordialect) no—compare YEA
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Nazi
noun
1 a member of the National Socialist party which controlled Germany from 1933 to 1945
2 (disapproving) a person who uses their power in a cruel way; a person with extreme and unreasonable views about race
Nazi adj.
Naz.ism noun [U]
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NB
(BrE ) (also N.B.AmE, BrE) abbr. used in writing to make sb take notice of a particular piece of information that is important (from Latin ‘nota bene’): NB The office will be closed from 1 July.
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NBC
abbr. National Broadcasting Company (an American company that produces television and radio programmes): NBC News
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NCO
abbr. non-commissioned officer (a soldier who has a rank such as CORPORAL or SERGEANT )
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NE
abbr. north-east; north-eastern: NE England
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Ne.an.der.thal
(also ne.an.der.thal) adj.
1 used to describe a type of human being who used stone tools and lived in Europe during the early period of human history
2 (disapproving) very old-fashioned and not wanting any change: neanderthal attitudes
3 (disapproving) (of a man) unpleasant, rude and not behaving in a socially acceptable way
Ne.an.der.thal noun
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neap tide
(also neap) noun a TIDE in the sea in which there is only a very small difference between the level of the water at HIGH TIDE and that at LOW TIDE
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near
adj., adv., prep., verb
adj. (near.er, near.est)
HELP In senses 1 to 4 near and nearer do not usually go before a noun; nearest can go either before or after a noun.
1 a short distance away
SYN CLOSE : His house is very near.  Where’s the nearest bank?  note at NEXT
2 a short time away in the future: The conflict is unlikely to be resolved in the near future (= very soon).
3 coming next after sb/sth: She has a 12-point lead over her nearest rival.
4 (usually nearest) similar; most similar: He was the nearest thing to (= the person most like) a father she had ever had.—see also O.N.O.
5 [only before noun] (no comparative or superlative) close to being sb/sth: The election proved to be a near disaster for the party.  a near impossibility / certainty
6 ~ relative / relation used to describe a close family connection: Only the nearest relatives were present at the funeral.
near.ness noun [U]: the nearness of death
IDM your ,nearest and 'dearest (informal) your close family and friends a ,near 'thing a situation in which you are successful, but which could also have ended badly: Phew! That was a near thing! It could have been a disaster.  We won in the end but it was a near thing. to the nearest … followed by a number when counting or measuring approximately: We calculated the cost to the nearest 50 dollars.

adv. (near.er, near.est)
1 at a short distance away: A bomb exploded somewhere near.  She took a step nearer.
2 a short time away in the future: The exams are drawing near .
3 (especially in compounds) almost: a near-perfect performance  I’m as near certain as can be.
IDM as near as as accurately as: There were about 3 000 people there, as near as I could judge. as ,near as 'damn it / 'dammit (BrE, spoken) used to say that an amount is so nearly correct that the difference does not matter: It will cost £350, or as near as dammit. near e'nough (BrE, spoken) used to say that sth is so nearly true that the difference does not matter: We’ve been here twenty years, near enough. not anywhere near / nowhere near far from; not at all: The job doesn’t pay anywhere near enough for me. so ,near and ,yet so 'far used to comment on sth that was almost successful but in fact failed—more at PRETTY adv.

prep. (also near to, near.er (to), near.est (to))
HELP Near to is not usually used before the name of a place, person, festival, etc.
1 at a short distance away from sb/sth: Do you live near here?  Go and sit nearer (to) the fire.  note at NEXT
2 a short period of time from sth: My birthday is very near Christmas.  I’ll think about it nearer (to) the time (= when it is just going to happen).
3 used before a number to mean ‘approximately’, ‘just below or above’: Share prices are near their record high of last year.  Profits fell from $11 million to nearer $8 million.
4 similar to sb/sth in quality, size, etc: Nobody else comes near her in intellect.  He’s nearer 70 than 60.  This colour is nearest (to) the original.
5 ~ (doing) sth close to a particular state: a state near (to) death  She was near to tears (= almost crying).  We came near to being killed.
IDM see HAND n. , HEART , MARK n.

verb (rather formal) to come close to sth in time or space
SYN APPROACH [vn] The project is nearing completion .  She was nearing the end of her life.  We neared the top of the hill.  [v] As Christmas neared, the children became more and more excited.

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near.by
adj., adv.
adj. [usually before noun] near in position; not far away: Her mother lived in a nearby town.  There were complaints from nearby residents.

adv. a short distance from sb/sth; not far away: They live nearby.  The car is parked nearby.

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the ,Near 'East
noun [sing.] = THE MIDDLE EAST
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near.ly
adv. almost; not quite; not completely: The bottle’s nearly empty.  I’ve worked here for nearly two years.  It’s nearly time to leave.  The audience was nearly all men.  He’s nearly as tall as you are.  They’re nearly always late.  She very nearly died.  note at ALMOST
IDM not 'nearly much less than; not at all: It’s not nearly as hot as last year.  There isn’t nearly enough time to get there now.—more at PRETTY adv.
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,near 'miss
noun
1 a situation when a serious accident or a disaster very nearly happens
2 a bomb or a shot that nearly hits what it is aimed at but misses it: (figurative) He should have won the match—it was a near miss.—see also close / near thing at THING
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near.side
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) (for a driver) on the side that is nearest the edge of the road: the car’s nearside doors  Keep to the nearside lane.
the near.side noun [sing.]: The driver lost control and veered to the nearside.—compare OFFSIDE
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,near-'sighted
adj. (especially AmE ) = SHORT-SIGHTED
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neat
adj. (neat.er, neat.est)
1 tidy and in order; carefully done or arranged: a neat desk  neat handwriting  neat rows of books  She was wearing a neat black suit.  They sat in her neat and tidy kitchen.
2 (of people) liking to keep things tidy and in order; looking tidy or doing things in a tidy way: Try and be neater!
3 small, with a pleasing shape or appearance: her neat figure
4 simple but clever: a neat explanation / idea / trick  a neat solution to the problem  People don’t often fit into neat categories.
5 (AmE, informal) good; excellent: It’s a really neat movie.  We had a great time—it was pretty neat.
6 (BrE) (AmE straight) (especially of alcoholic drinks) not mixed with water or anything else: neat whisky  The weedkiller was applied to the lawn neat.
neat.ly adv.: neatly folded clothes  The box fitted neatly into the drawer.  She summarized her plan very neatly.
neat.ness noun [U]
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neat.en
verb [vn] (rare) to make sth tidy
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neb.ula
noun (pl.nebu.lae ) (astronomy ) a mass of dust or gas that can be seen in the night sky, often appearing very bright; a bright area in the night sky caused by a large cloud of stars that are far away
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nebu.lous
adj. (formal) not clear
SYN VAGUE : a nebulous concept / description
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ne.ces.sar.ies
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) the things that you need, especially in order to live
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ne.ces.sar.ily
adv. used to say that sth cannot be avoided: The number of places available is necessarily limited.
IDM ,not neces'sarily used to say that sth is possibly true but not definitely or always true: The more expensive articles are not necessarily better.  Biggest doesn’t necessarily mean best.   (spoken) ‘We’re going to lose.’‘Not necessarily.’
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ne.ces.sary
adj.
1 ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) that is needed for a purpose or a reason
SYN ESSENTIAL : It may be necessary to buy a new one.  It doesn’t seem necessary for us to meet.  Only use your car when absolutely necessary.  If necessary , you can contact me at home.  I’ll make the necessary arrangements.
2 [only before noun] (written) that must exist or happen and cannot be avoided: This is a necessary consequence of progress.
IDM a ,necessary 'evil a thing that is bad or that you do not like but which you must accept for a particular reason
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ne.ces.si.tate
verb (formal) to make sth necessary: [vn] Recent financial scandals have necessitated changes in parliamentary procedures.  [v -ing] Increased traffic necessitated widening the road.  [vn -ing] His new job necessitated him / his getting up at six.
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ne.ces.sity
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) the fact that sth must happen or be done; the need for sth: We recognize the necessity for a written agreement.  We were discussing the necessity of employing more staff.  There had never been any necessity for her to go out to work.  This is, of necessity , a brief and incomplete account.
2 [C] a thing that you must have and cannot manage without: Many people cannot even afford basic necessities such as food and clothing.  Air-conditioning is an absolute necessity in this climate.
3 [C, usually sing.] a situation that must happen and that cannot be avoided: Living in London he felt, was an unfortunate necessity.
IDM see VIRTUE
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neck
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the part of the body between the head and the shoulders: He tied a scarf around his neck.  Giraffes have very long necks.  She craned (= stretched)her neck to get a better view.  He broke his neck in the fall.  Somebody’s going to break their neck (= injure themselves) on these steps.—picture at BODY
2 [C] the part of a piece of clothing that fits around the neck : What neck size do you take?—see also CREW NECK , POLO NECK , TURTLENECK , V-NECK
3 -necked (in adjectives) having the type of neck mentioned: a round-necked sweater—see also OPEN-NECKED , STIFF-NECKED
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a long narrow part of sth: the neck of a bottle  a neck of land
5 [U] ~ (of sth) the neck of an animal, cooked and eaten: neck of lamb—see also BOTTLENECK , REDNECK , ROUGHNECK
IDM be up to your neck in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with: We’re up to our neck in debt.  He’s in it (= trouble) up to his neck. by a 'neck if a person or an animal wins a race by a neck, they win it by a short distance ,get it in the 'neck (BrE, informal) to be shouted at or punished because of sth that you have done ,neck and 'neck (with sb/sth) (also ,nip and 'tuck (with sb) especially in AmE) level with sb in a race or competition ,neck of the 'woods (informal) a particular place or area: He’s from your neck of the woods (= the area where you live).—more at BLOCK n. , BRASS , BREATHE , MILLSTONE , PAIN n. , RISK v. , SAVE v. , SCRUFF , STICK v. , WRING

verb [v] (usually be necking) (old-fashioned, informal) when two people are necking, they are kissing each other in a sexual way

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neck.lace
noun, verb
noun a piece of jewellery consisting of a chain, string of BEADS , etc. worn around the neck: a diamond necklace

verb [vn] to kill sb by putting a burning car tyre around their neck
neck.lacing noun [U]

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neck.line
noun the edge of a piece of clothing, especially a woman’s, which fits around or below the neck: a dress with a low / round / plunging neckline
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neck.tie
noun (old-fashioned orAmE ) = TIE
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necro.man.cer
noun a person who claims to communicate by magic with people who are dead
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necro.mancy
noun [U]
1 the practice of claiming to communicate by magic with the dead in order to learn about the future
2 the use of magic powers, especially evil ones
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necro.philia
noun [U] sexual interest in dead bodies
necro.phil.iac noun
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ne.crop.olis
noun (pl.ne.crop.olises ) a place where dead people are buried, especially a large ancient one
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nec.tar
noun [U]
1 a sweet liquid that is produced by flowers and collected by bees for making HONEY : (figurative) On such a hot day, even water was nectar (= very good).
2 the thick juice of some fruits as a drink: apricot / peach nectar
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nec.tar.ine
noun a round red and yellow fruit, like a PEACH with smooth skin
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née
adj. (from French ) a word used after a married woman’s name to introduce the family name that she had when she was born: Jane Smith, née Brown
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need
verb, modal verb, noun
verb
1 to require sth/sb because they are essential or very important, not just because you would like to have them: [vn] Do you need any help?  It’s here if you need it.  Don’t go—I might need you.  They badly needed a change.  Food aid is urgently needed.  What do you need your own computer for? You can use ours.   (spoken) I don’t need your comments, thank you.  [v to inf] I need to get some sleep.  He needs to win this game to stay in the match.  You don’t need to leave yet, do you?  [v -ing, v to inf] This shirt needs washing.  This shirt needs to be washed.
2 [v to inf] used to show what you should or have to do: All you need to do is complete this form.  I didn’t need to go to the bank after all—Mary lent me the money.  note at MODAL
IDM need (to have) your 'head examined (informal) to be crazy

modal verb (negativeneed not, short formneedn’t ) (BrE ) ~ (not) do sth| ~ (not) have done sth used to state that sth is/was not necessary or that only very little is/was necessary; used to ask if sth is/was necessary: You needn’t finish that work today.  You needn’t have hurried (= it was not necessary for you to hurry, but you did).  I need hardly tell you (= you must already know) that the work is dangerous.  If she wants anything, she need only ask.  All you need bring are sheets.  Need you have paid so much?

noun
1 [sing., U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (for sb/sth) to do sth a situation when sth is necessary or must be done: to satisfy / meet / identify a need  There is an urgent need for qualified teachers.  There is no need for you to get up early tomorrow.  I had no need to open the letter—I knew what it would say.  The house is in need of a thorough clean.  We will contact you again if the need arises.   (spoken) There’s no need to cry (= stop crying).
2 [C, U] a strong feeling that you want sb/sth or must have sth: to fulfil an emotional need  She felt the need to talk to someone.  I’m in need of some fresh air.  She had no more need of me.
3 [C, usually pl.] the things that sb requires in order to live in a comfortable way or achieve what they want: financial / physical needs  a programme to suit your individual needs  to meet children’s special educational needs
4 [U] the state of not having enough food, money or support: The charity aims to provide assistance to people in need .  He helped me in my hour of need .—see also NEEDY
IDM if need 'be if necessary: There’s always food in the freezer if need be.—more at CRYING adj. , FRIEND

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need.ful
adj. (old-fashioned) necessary
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nee.dle
noun, verb
noun [C]
FOR SEWING|
1 a small thin piece of steel that you use for sewing, with a point at one end and a hole for the thread at the other: a needle and thread   the eye (= hole) of a needle—see also PINS AND NEEDLES —picture at SEW
FOR KNITTING|
2 a long thin piece of plastic or metal with a point at one end that you use for knitting. You usually use two together: knitting needles
FOR DRUGS|
3 a very thin, pointed piece of steel used on the end of a SYRINGE for putting a drug into sb’s body, or for taking blood out of it: a hypodermic needle
ON INSTRUMENT|
4 a thin piece of metal on a scientific instrument that moves to point to the correct measurement or direction: The compass needle was pointing north.
ON PINE TREE|
5 [usually pl.] the thin, hard pointed leaf of a PINE tree
ON RECORD PLAYER|
6 the very small pointed piece of metal that touches a record that is being played in order to produce the sound STYLUS a needle in a 'haystack a thing that is almost impossible to find: Searching for one man in this city is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

verb [vn] (informal) to deliberately annoy sb, especially by criticizing them continuously: Don’t let her needle you.

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need.less
adj. needless death or suffering is not necessary because it could have been avoided: needless anxiety / suffering  Banning smoking would save needless deaths.
need.less.ly adv.: Many soldiers died needlessly.  The process was needlessly slow.
IDM ,needless to 'say used to emphasize that the information you are giving is obvious: The problem, needless to say, is the cost involved.
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needle.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a woman who sews well
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needle.work
noun [U] things that are sewn by hand, especially for decoration; the activity of making things by sewing
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needn’t
short form of NEED NOT
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needy
adj. (need.ier, needi.est)
1 (of people) not having enough money, food, clothes, etc.
2 (the needy) noun [pl.] people who do not have enough money, food, etc: help for the homeless and the needy
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neep
noun (ScotE , informal) a SWEDE (= a large round yellow root vegetable): neeps and tatties
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ne’er-do-well
noun (old-fashioned) a useless or lazy person
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ne.fari.ous
adj. (rare, formal) wicked; not moral: nefarious activities
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neg.
abbr. NEGATIVE
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neg.ate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to stop sth from having any effect
SYN NULLIFY : Alcohol negates the effects of the drug.
2 to state that sth does not exist
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neg.ation
noun (formal)
1 [C usually sing, U] the exact opposite of sth; the act of causing sth not to exist or to become its opposite: This political system was the negation of democracy.
2 [U] disagreement or refusal: She shook her head in negation.
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nega.tive
adj., noun, verb
adj.
BAD|
1 bad or harmful: The crisis had a negative effect on trade.  The whole experience was definitely more positive than negative.
OPP POSITIVE
NOT HOPEFUL|
2 considering only the bad side of sth/sb; lacking enthusiasm or hope: Scientists have a fairly negative attitude to the theory.  ‘He probably won’t show up.’‘Don’t be so negative.’
OPP POSITIVE
NO|
3 expressing the answer ‘no’: His response was negative.  They received a negative reply.
OPP AFFIRMATIVE
GRAMMAR|
4 containing a word such as ‘no’, ‘not’, ‘never’, etc: a negative form / sentence
SCIENTIFIC TEST|
5 (abbr.neg.) not showing any evidence of a particular substance or medical condition: Her pregnancy test was negative.
OPP POSITIVE
ELECTRICITY|
6 (technical) containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by an ELECTRON : a negative charge / current  the negative terminal of a battery
OPP POSITIVE
NUMBER / QUANTITY|
7 less than zero: a negative trade balance
OPP POSITIVE
nega.tive.ly adv.: to react negatively to stress  to answer / respond negatively  negatively charged electrons

noun
NO|
1 a word or statement that means ‘no’; a refusal or DENIAL : (formal) She answered in the negative (= said ‘no’).
OPP AFFIRMATIVE
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM|
2 a developed photographic film showing the dark areas of an actual scene as light and light areas as dark—compare POSITIVE
IN SCIENTIFIC TEST|
3 the result of a test or an experiment that shows that a substance or condition is not present: The percentage of false negatives generated by the cancer test is of great concern.
OPP POSITIVE

verb [vn] (formal)
1 to refuse to agree to a proposal or a request
2 to prove that sth is not true

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,negative 'equity
noun [U] the situation in which the value of sb’s house is less than the amount of money that is still owed to a MORTGAGE company, such as a bank
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nega.tiv.ity
noun [U] (formal) a tendency to consider only the bad side of sth/sb; a lack of enthusiasm or hope: feelings of negativity
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neg.lect
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to fail to take care of sb/sth: She denies neglecting her baby.  The buildings had been neglected for years.
2 [vn] to not give enough attention to sth: Dance has been neglected by television.  She has neglected her studies.
3 [v to inf] (formal) to fail or forget to do sth that you ought to do: You neglected to mention the name of your previous employer.—see also NEGLIGENCE

noun [U] ~ (of sth/sb) the fact of not giving enough care or attention to sth/sb; the state of not receiving enough care or attention: The law imposed penalties for the neglect of children.  The buildings are crumbling from years of neglect .  The place smelled of decay and neglect.

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neg.lect.ed
adj. not receiving enough care or attention: neglected children  a neglected area of research
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neg.lect.ful
adj. ~ (of sth/sb) (formal) not giving enough care or attention to sb/sth: neglectful parents  She became neglectful of her appearance.
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neg.ligee
(also neg.ligée) noun a woman’s DRESSING GOWN made of very thin fabric
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neg.li.gence
noun [U] (formal orlaw ) the failure to give sb/sth enough care or attention: The accident was caused by negligence on the part of the driver.  The doctor was sued for medical negligence.
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neg.li.gent
adj.
1 (formal orlaw) failing to give sb/sth enough care or attention, especially when this has serious results: The school had been negligent in not informing the child’s parents about the incident.  grossly negligent
2 (literary) (of a person or their manner) relaxed; not formal or awkward NONCHALANT : He waved his hand in a negligent gesture.
neg.li.gent.ly adv.: The defendant drove negligently and hit a lamp post.  She was leaning negligently against the wall.
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neg.li.gible
adj. of very little importance or size and not worth considering INSIGNIFICANT : The cost was negligible.  a negligible amount
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ne.go.ti.able
adj.
1 that you can discuss or change before you make an agreement or a decision: The terms of employment are negotiable.  The price was not negotiable.
2 (business) that you can exchange for money or give to another person in exchange for money
OPP NON-NEGOTIABLE
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ne.go.ti.ate
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sb) (for / about sth) to try to reach an agreement by formal discussion: The government will not negotiate with terrorists.  We have been negotiating for more pay.  a strong negotiating position  negotiating skills
2 [vn] to arrange or agree sth by formal discussion: to negotiate a deal / contract / treaty / settlement  We successfully negotiated the release of the hostages.
3 [vn] to successfully get over or past a difficult part on a path or route: The climbers had to negotiate a steep rock face.
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the ne'gotiating table
noun [sing.] (used mainly in newspapers) a formal discussion to try and reach an agreement: We want to get all the parties back to the negotiating table.
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ne.go.ti.ation
noun [C, often pl., U] formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement: peace / trade / wage negotiations  They begin another round of negotiations today.  to enter into / open / conduct negotiations with sb  The rent is a matter for negotiation between the landlord and the tenant.  A contract is prepared in negotiation with our clients  The issue is still under negotiation .  The price is generally open to negotiation .
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ne.go.ti.ator
noun a person who is involved in formal political or financial discussions, especially because it is their job: the union’s chief negotiator  a skilled negotiator
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Ne.gress
noun (old-fashioned, often offensive) a Negro woman or girl
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Negro
noun (pl.-oes) (old-fashioned, often offensive) a member of a race of people with dark skin who originally came from Africa
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,Negro 'spiritual
noun = SPIRITUAL
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neigh
verb [v] when a horse neighs it makes a long high sound
neigh noun
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neigh.bour
(BrE ) (AmEneigh.bor) noun
1 a person who lives next to you or near you: We’ve had a lot of support from all our friends and neighbours .  Our next-door neighbours are very noisy.
2 a country that is next to or near another country: Britain’s nearest neighbour is France.  peace treaties between Israel and its neighbours
3 a person or thing that is standing or situated next to another person or thing: Stand quietly, children, and try not to talk to your neighbour.  The tree fell slowly, its branches caught in those of its neighbours.
4 (literary) any other human being: We should all love our neighbours.
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neigh.bour.hood
(BrE ) (AmEneigh.bor.hood) noun
1 a district or an area of a town; the people who live there: We grew up in the same neighbourhood.  a poor / quiet / residential neighbourhood  Manhattan is divided into distinct neighborhoods.  the neighbourhood police / residents / services  He shouted so loudly that the whole neighbourhood could hear him.
2 the area that you are in or the area near a particular place: We searched the surrounding neighbourhood for the missing boy.  Houses in the neighbourhood of Paris are extremely expensive.
IDM in the neighbourhood of (of a number or an amount) approximately; not exactly: It cost in the neighbourhood of £500.
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,neighbourhood 'watch
(BrE ) (AmE,neighborhood 'watch) noun [U] an arrangement by which a group of people in an area watch each other’s houses regularly as a way of preventing crime
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neigh.bour.ing
(BrE ) (AmEneigh.bor.ing) adj. [only before noun] situated or living near or next to a place or person: a neighbouring house  neighbouring towns  a neighbouring farmer
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neigh.bour.ly
(BrE ) (AmEneigh.bor.ly) adj.
1 involving people, countries, etc. that live or are situated near each other: the importance of good neighbourly relations between the two states  neighbourly help / support / cooperation  a neighbourly dispute
2 friendly and helpful: It was a neighbourly gesture of theirs.
neigh.bour.li.ness (BrE) (AmEneighbor.li.ness) noun [U]: good neighbourliness  a sense of community and neighbourliness
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nei.ther
det., pron., adv.
det., pron. not one nor the other of two things or people: Neither answer is correct.  Neither of them has / have a car.  They produced two reports, neither of which contained any useful suggestions.  ‘Which do you like?’‘Neither. I think they’re both ugly.’

adv.
1 used to show that a negative statement is also true of sb/sth else: He didn’t remember and neither did I.   I hadn’t been to New York before and neither had Jane .  ‘I can’t understand a word of it.’‘Neither can I .’   (informal) ‘I don’t know.’‘Me neither .’
2 (neither … nor …) used to show that a negative statement is true of two things: I neither knew nor cared what had happened to him.  Their house is neither big nor small.  Neither the TV nor the video actually work / works.

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nem.esis
noun [U, sing.] (formal) punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided
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neo-
combining form (in adjectives and nouns) new; in a later form: neo-Georgian  neo-fascist
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neo.clas.sic.al
adj. [usually before noun] used to describe art and architecture that is based on the style of Ancient Greece or Rome, or music, literature, etc. that uses traditional ideas or styles
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Neo.lith.ic
adj. of the later part of the STONE AGE : Neolithic stone axes  Neolithic settlements
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neolo.gism
noun (formal) a new word or expression or a new meaning of a word
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neon
noun [U] (symb Ne) a chemical element. Neon is a colourless gas that does not react with anything and that shines with a bright light when electricity is passed through it: neon lights / signs
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neo.natal
adj. (technical ) connected with a child that has just been born: the hospital’s neonatal unit  neonatal care / screening / mortality
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nephew
noun the son of your brother or sister; the son of your husband’s or wife’s brother or sister—compare NIECE
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nepo.tism
noun [U] (disapproving) giving unfair advantages to your own family if you are in a position of power, especially by giving them jobs
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Nep.tune
noun a planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is 8th in order of distance from the sun
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nerd
noun (informal, disapproving)
1 a person who is boring, stupid and not fashionable: I feel like a nerd in these shoes.
2 a person who is very interested in computers
nerdy adj.: He looked kind of nerdy.
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nerve
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] any of the long thin threads that carry messages between the brain and parts of the body, enabling you to move, feel pain, etc: the optic nerve  nerve cells  nerve endings  Every nerve in her body was tense.
2 (nerves) [pl.] feelings of worry or anxiety: Even after years as a singer, he still suffers from nerves before a performance.  I need something to calm / steady my nerves .  Everyone’s nerves were on edge (= everyone felt tense).  He lives on his nerves (= is always worried).
3 [U] the courage to do sth difficult or dangerous: It took a lot of nerve to take the company to court.  I was going to have a go at parachuting but lost my nerve at the last minute.  He kept his nerve to win the final set 6–4.
4 [sing., U] (informal) a way of behaving that other people think is rude or not appropriate: I don’t know how you have the nerve to show your face after what you said!  He’s got a nerve asking us for money!  ‘Then she demanded to see the manager!’‘What a nerve! ’
IDM be a bag / bundle of 'nerves (informal) to be very nervous get on sb’s 'nerves (informal) to annoy sb: That music is starting to get on my nerves. have nerves of steel to be able to remain calm in a difficult or dangerous situation hit / touch a (raw / sensitive) 'nerve to mention a subject that makes sb feel angry, upset, embarrassed, etc: You touched a raw nerve when you mentioned his first wife.—more at BRASS , STRAIN v. , WAR n.

verb ~ yourself for sth / to do sth (written) to give yourself the courage or strength to do sth: [vn to inf] He nerved himself to ask her out. [alsovn]

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'nerve centre
(AmE'nerve center) noun the place from which an activity or organization is controlled and instructions are sent out: Frankfurt is the economic nerve centre of Germany.
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'nerve gas
noun a poisonous gas used in war that attacks your CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
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nerve.less
adj.
1 having no strength or feeling: The knife fell from her nerveless fingers.
2 having no fear: She is a nerveless rider.
OPP NERVOUS
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'nerve-racking
(also 'nerve-wracking) adj. making you feel very nervous and worried: It was a nerve-racking drive up the mountain.
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ner.vous
adj.
1 ~ (about / of sth) anxious about sth or afraid of sth: Consumers are very nervous about the future.  He had been nervous about inviting us.  The horse may be nervous of cars.  I felt really nervous before the interview.  a nervous glance / smile / voice (= one that shows that you feel anxious)  By the time the police arrived, I was a nervous wreck .
OPP CONFIDENT
2 easily worried or frightened: She was a thin, nervous girl.  He’s not the nervous type.  She was of a nervous disposition .
OPP NERVELESS
3 connected with the body’s nerves and often affecting you mentally or emotionally: a nervous condition / disorder / disease  She was in a state of nervous exhaustion.  note at WORRIED
IDM see SHADOW n.
ner.vous.ly adv.: She smiled nervously.
ner.vous.ness noun [U]: He tried to hide his nervousness.
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,nervous 'breakdown
(also break.down) noun a period of mental illness in which sb becomes very depressed, anxious and tired, and cannot deal with normal life: to have a nervous breakdown
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'nervous system
noun the system of all the nerves in the body—see also CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
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nervy
adj. (informal)
1 (BrE) anxious and nervous
2 (AmE) rude in a way that shows a lack of respect: a nervy kid
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-ness
suffix (in nouns) the quality, state or character of: dryness  blindness  silliness
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nest
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a hollow place or structure that a bird makes or chooses for laying its eggs and sheltering its young—
2 [C] a place where insects or other small creatures live and produce their young
3 [sing.] a secret place which is full of bad people and their activities: a nest of thieves
4 [sing.] the home, thought of as the safe place where parents bring up their children: to leave the nest (= leave your parents' home)
5 [C, usually sing.] a group or set of similar things that are made to fit inside each other: a nest of tables
IDM see EMPTY adj. , FEATHER v. , FLY v. , HORNET , MARE

verb [v] to make and use a nest: Thousands of seabirds are nesting on the cliffs.

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'nest egg
noun (informal) a sum of money that you save to use in the future
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nes.tle
verb [+adv. / prep.]
1 [v] to sit or lie down in a warm or soft place: He hugged her and she nestled against his chest.
2 [vn] to put or hold sb/sth in a comfortable position in a warm or soft place: He nestled the baby in his arms.
3 [v] to be situated in a position that is protected, sheltered or partly hidden: The little town nestles snugly at the foot of the hill.
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nest.ling
noun a bird that is too young to leave the nest
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net
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [U] a type of material that is made of string, thread or wire woven or tied together, with small spaces in between: net curtains—see also FISHNET , NETTING
2 [C] (especially in compounds) a piece of net used for a particular purpose, such as catching fish or covering sth: fishing nets  a mosquito net (= used to protect you from mosquitoes)—see also HAIRNET , SAFETY NET
3 (the net) [sing.] (in football, etc.) the frame covered in net that forms the goal: to kick / hit the ball into the back of the net—
4 (the net) [sing.] (in tennis, etc.) the piece of net between the two players that the ball goes over
5 (the Net) (informal) = THE INTERNET
IDM see CAST v. , SLIP v. , SPREAD v.

adj. (BrE also nett)
1 [usually before noun] a net amount of money is the amount that remains when nothing more is to be taken away: a net profit of £500  net income / earnings (= after tax has been paid)—compare GROSS
2 [only before noun] the net weight of sth is the weight without its container or the material it is wrapped in: 450 gms net weight—compare GROSS
3 [only before noun] final, after all the important facts have been included: The net result is that small shopkeepers are being forced out of business.  Canada is now a substantial net importer of medicines (= it imports more than it exports).  a net gain
net adv.: a salary of $50 000 net  Interest on the investment will be paid net (= tax will already have been taken away).—compare GROSS

verb (-tt-) [vn]
1 to earn an amount of money as a profit after you have paid tax on it: The sale of paintings netted £17 000.
2 to catch sth, especially fish, in a net
3 to catch sb or obtain sth in a skilful way: A swoop by customs officers netted a large quantity of drugs.
4 (especially BrE) to kick or hit a ball into the goal SCORE : He has netted 21 goals so far this season.
5 to cover sth with a net or nets: It is a good idea to net the strawberry plants.

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net.ball
noun [U] a game played by two teams of seven players, especially women or girls. Players score by throwing a ball through a high net hanging from a ring on a post.
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,net 'curtain
(BrE ) (AmEcurtain) noun a very thin piece of fabric that you hang at a window, and that stops people outside from being able to see inside
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nether
adj. [only before noun] (literary or humorous) lower: the nether world (= the world of the dead; hell)  a person’s nether regions (= their GENITALS )
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'net surfer
noun = SURFER (2)
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nett
adj. (BrE ) = NET
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net.ting
noun [U] material that is made of string, thread or wire woven or tied together, with spaces in between: wire netting
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net.tle
noun, verb
noun (also 'stinging nettle) a wild plant with leaves that have pointed edges, are covered in fine hairs and sting if you touch them
IDM see GRASP v.

verb [usually passive] (informal, especially BrE ) to make sb slightly angry
SYN ANNOY : [vn] My remarks clearly nettled her. [alsovn that]

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net.work
noun, verb
noun
1 a complicated system of roads, lines, tubes, nerves, etc. that cross each other and are connected to each other: a rail / road / canal network  a network of veins
2 a closely connected group of people, companies, etc. that exchange information, etc: a communications / distribution network  a network of friends
3 (computing) a number of computers and other devices that are connected together so that equipment and information can be shared: The office network allows users to share files and software, and to use a central printer.—see also LAN , WAN
4 a group of radio or television stations in different places that are connected and that broadcast the same programmes at the same time: the four big US television networks
IDM see OLD BOY

verb
1 [vn] (computing) to connect a number of computers and other devices together so that equipment and information can be shared: networked computer systems
2 [vn] to broadcast a television or radio programme on stations in several different areas at the same time: nationally networked TV
3 [v] to try to meet and talk to people who may be useful to you in your work: Conferences are a good place to network.

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net.work.ing
noun [U] a system of trying to meet and talk to other people who may be useful to you in your work
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neur.al
adj. (technical ) connected with a nerve or the NERVOUS SYSTEM : neural processes
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neur.al.gia
noun [U] (medical ) a sharp pain felt along a nerve, especially in the head or face
neur.al.gic adj.
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neuro-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the nerves: neuroscience  a neurosurgeon
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neuro.logic.al
adj. relating to nerves or to the science of NEUROLOGY : neurological damage / disease
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neurolo.gist
noun a doctor who studies and treats diseases of the nerves
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neurol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of nerves and their diseases
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neuron
(also neur.one ) noun (biology ) a cell that carries information between the brain and the other parts of the body; a nerve cell—see also MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE
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neur.osis
noun [C, U] (pl.neur.oses )
1 (medical) a mental illness in which a person suffers strong feelings of fear and worry
2 any strong worry or fear
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neur.ot.ic
adj., noun
adj.
1 caused by or suffering from neurosis : neurotic fears / obsessions
2 not behaving in a reasonable, calm way, because you are worried about sth: She became neurotic about keeping the house clean.  a brilliant but neurotic actor
neur.ot.ic.al.ly adv.

noun a neurotic person

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neu.ter
adj., verb
adj. (grammar ) (in some languages) belonging to a class of nouns, pronouns or adjectives whose GENDER is not FEMININE or MASCULINE : The Polish word for ‘window’ is neuter.

verb [vn]
1 to remove part of the sex organs of an animal so that it cannot produce young: Has your cat been neutered?
2 (written, disapproving) to prevent sth from having the effect that it ought to have

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neu.tral
adj., noun
adj.
IN DISAGREEMENT / CONTEST|
1 not supporting or helping either side in a disagreement, competition, etc: Journalists are supposed to be politically neutral.  I didn’t take my father’s or my mother’s side; I tried to remain neutral .
IN WAR|
2 not belonging to any of the countries that are involved in a war; not supporting any of the countries involved in a war: neutral territory / waters  Switzerland was neutral during the war.
WITHOUT STRONG FEELING|
3 deliberately not expressing any strong feeling: ‘So you told her?’ he said in a neutral tone of voice.  Is there a neutral word for ‘terrorist’?
COLOUR|
4 not very bright or strong, such as grey or light brown: a neutral colour scheme  neutral tones
CHEMISTRY|
5 neither acid nor ALKALINE
ELECTRICAL|
6 (abbr.N) having neither a positive nor a negative electrical CHARGE : the neutral wire in a plug
neu.tral.ly adv. on neutral ground / territory in a place that has no connection with either of the people or sides who are meeting and so does not give an advantage to either of them: We decided to meet on neutral ground.

noun
IN VEHICLE|
1 [U] the position of the GEARS of a vehicle in which no power is carried from the engine to the wheels: to leave / put the car in neutral
IN DISAGREEMENT / WAR|
2 [C] a person or country that does not support either side in a disagreement, competition or war
COLOUR|
3 [C] a colour that is not bright or strong, such as grey or light brown: The room was decorated in pale neutrals.

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neu.tral.ist
noun (especially AmE ) a person who does not support either side in a war
neu.tral.ist adj.: a neutralist state / policy
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neu.tral.ity
noun [U] the state of not supporting either side in a disagreement, competition or war: political neutrality  a position of neutrality
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neu.tral.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 to stop sth from having any effect: The latest figures should neutralize the fears of inflation.
2 (chemistry) to make a substance NEUTRAL (5) : Lime was used to neutralize the acidity of the soil.
3 to make a country or an area NEUTRAL (2) : The treaty neutralized the Black Sea.
neu.tral.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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neu.tron
noun (physics ) a very small piece of MATTER (= a substance) that carries no electric CHARGE and that forms part of the NUCLEUS (= central part) of an ATOM —see also ELECTRON , PROTON
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never
adv., exclamation
adv.
1 not at any time; not on any occasion: You never help me.  He has never been abroad.  ‘Would you vote for him?’‘Never.’  ‘I work for a company called Orion Technology.’‘Never heard of them.’  Never in all my life have I seen such a horrible thing.  Never ever tell anyone your password.
2 used to emphasize a negative statement instead of ‘not’: I never knew (= didn’t know until now) you had a twin sister.   (especially BrE) Someone might find out and that would never do (= that is not acceptable).  He never so much as smiled (= did not smile even once).   (especially BrE) ‘I told my boss exactly what I thought of her.’‘You never did!’ (= ‘Surely you didn’t!’)   (BrE, slang) ‘You took my bike.’‘No, I never.’ (old-fashioned or humorous) Never fear (= Do not worry), everything will be all right.
IDM on the ,never-'never (BrE, informal) on HIRE PURCHASE (= by making payments over a long period): to buy a new car on the never-never Well, I never (did)! (old-fashioned) used to express surprise or disapproval

exclamation (spoken) used to show that you are very surprised about sth because you do not believe it is possible: ‘I got the job.’‘Never!’

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,never-'ending
adj. seeming to last for ever: Housework is a never-ending task.
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never.more
adv. (old use) never again
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,never-'never land
noun [sing.] an imaginary place where everything is wonderful
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never.the.less
adv. in spite of sth that you have just mentioned: There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try.  Our defeat was expected but it is disappointing nevertheless.
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new
adj. (newer, new.est)
NOT EXISTING BEFORE|
1 not existing before; recently made, invented, introduced, etc: Have you read her new novel?  new ways of doing things  This idea isn’t new.  The latest model has over 100 new features.—see also BRAND-NEW
OPP OLD
2 (the new) noun [U] something that is new: It was a good mix of the old and the new.
RECENTLY BOUGHT|
3 recently bought: Let me show you my new dress.
NOT USED BEFORE|
4 not used or owned by anyone before: A second-hand car costs a fraction of a new one.
DIFFERENT|
5 different from the previous one: I like your new hairstyle.  When do you start your new job?  He’s made a lot of new friends.
OPP OLD
NOT FAMILIAR|
6 ~ (to sb) already existing but not seen, experienced, etc. before; not familiar: This is a new experience for me.  I’d like to learn a new language.  Our system is probably new to you.  the discovery of a new star
RECENTLY ARRIVED|
7 ~ (to sth) not yet familiar with sth because you have only just started, arrived, etc: I should tell you, I’m completely new to this kind of work.  I am new to the town.  a new arrival / recruit  You’re new here, aren’t you?
NEW-|
8 used in compounds to describe sth that has recently happened: He was enjoying his new-found freedom.
MODERN|
9 (usually with the) modern; of the latest type: the new morality  the new breed of civil servant  Comedy is the new rock and roll.  They called themselves the New Romantics.
JUST BEGINNING|
10 [usually before noun] just beginning or beginning again: a new day  It was a new era in the history of our country.  She went to Australia to start a new life.
WITH FRESH ENERGY|
11 having fresh energy, courage or health: Since he changed jobs he’s looked like a new man.
RECENTLY PRODUCED|
12 only recently produced or developed: The new buds are appearing on the trees now.  new potatoes (= ones dug from the soil early in the season)
new.ness noun [U] —see also NEWLY ,break new 'ground to make a new discovery or do sth that has not been done before—see also GROUNDBREAKING (as) ,good as 'new | like 'new in very good condition, as it was when it was new: I’ve had your coat cleaned—it’s as good as new now. a new one on 'me used to say that you have not heard a particular idea, piece of information, joke, etc. before: ‘Have you come across this before?’‘No, it’s a new one on me.’ turn over a new 'leaf to change your way of life to become a better, more responsible person what’s 'new? (spoken) used as a friendly greeting: Hi! What’s new?—more at COMPLEXION , BLOOD , BRAVE adj. , BREATHE , TEACH
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,New 'Age
adj. connected with a way of life that rejects modern Western values and is based on spiritual ideas and beliefs, ASTROLOGY , etc: a New Age festival  New Age travellers (= people in Britain who reject the values of modern society and travel from place to place, living in their vehicles)
,New 'Age noun [U]
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new.born
adj. [only before noun] recently born: a newborn baby
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,new 'broom
noun (BrE ) a person who has just started to work for an organization, especially in a senior job, and who is likely to make a lot of changes
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New.cas.tle
noun [U]
IDM see COAL
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new.comer
noun ~ (to sth) a person who has only recently arrived in a place or started an activity
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new.fan.gled
adj. [usually before noun] (disapproving) used to describe sth that has recently been invented or introduced, but that you do not like because it is not what you are used to, or is too complicated
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newly
adv. (usually before a past participle) recently: a newly qualified doctor  a newly created job  a newly independent republic
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'newly-wed
noun [usually pl.] a person who has recently got married
'newly-wed adj.
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,new 'man
noun (BrE ) a man who shares the work in the home that is traditionally done by women, such as cleaning, cooking and taking care of children. New men are considered sensitive and not aggressive.
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,new 'moon
noun
1 the moon when it looks like a thin curved shape (= a CRESCENT )
2 the time of the month when the moon has this shape—compare FULL MOON , HALF-MOON
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news
noun
1 [U] new information about sth that has happened recently: What’s the latest news?  Have you heard the news? Pat’s leaving!  That’s great news.  Tell me all your news.  Have you had any news of Patrick?  Any news on the deal?  Messengers brought news that the battle had been lost.  Do you want the good news or the bad news first?  a piece / bit of news   (spoken) It’s news to me (= I haven’t heard it before).
2 [U] reports of recent events that appear in newspapers or on television or radio: national / international news  a news story / item / report  News of a serious road accident is just coming in.  She is always in the news .  The wedding was front-page news .
3 (the news) [sing.] a regular television or radio broadcast of the latest news: to listen to / watch the news  Can you put the news on?  I saw it on the news .  the nine o’clock news
4 [U] a person, thing or event that is considered to be interesting enough to be reported as news: Pop stars are always news.—see also NEWSY
IDM be bad 'news (for sb/sth) to be likely to cause problems: Central heating is bad news for indoor plants. break the 'news (to sb) to be the first to tell sb some bad news be good news (for sb/sth) to be likely to be helpful or give an advantage: The cut in interest rates is good news for homeowners. ,no news is 'good news (saying) if there were bad news we would hear it, so as we have heard nothing, it is likely that nothing bad has happened
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'news agency
(also 'press agency) noun an organization that collects news and supplies it to newspapers and television and radio companies
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news.agent
(BrE ) (AmE news.deal.er) noun
1 a person who owns or works in a shop selling newspapers and magazines, and often sweets/candy and cigarettes
2 (news.agent’s) (pl.news.agents) (BrE also 'paper shop) a shop/store that sells newspapers, magazines, sweets/candy, etc: I’ll go to the newsagent’s on my way home.
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news.cast
noun (especially AmE ) a news programme on radio or television
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news.cast.er
(BrE also news.read.er) noun a person who reads the news on television or radio
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'news conference
noun (especially AmE ) = PRESS CONFERENCE
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news.deal.er
noun (AmE ) = NEWSAGENT
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news.flash
(also flash) noun (especially BrE ) a short item of important news that is broadcast on radio or television, often interrupting a programme
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news.let.ter
noun a printed report containing news of the activities of a club or organization that is sent regularly to all its members
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news.paper
noun
1 [C] a set of large printed sheets of paper containing news, articles, advertisements, etc. and published every day or every week: a daily / weekly newspaper  a local / national newspaper  a newspaper article  I read about it in the newspaper.  a newspaper cutting  She works for the local newspaper (= the company that produces it).  newspaper proprietors—see also PAPER
2 [U] paper taken from old newspapers : Wrap all your glasses in newspaper.
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news.paper.man
noun (pl.-men ) a journalist, usually a man, who works for a newspaper
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news.print
noun [U] the cheap paper that newspapers are printed on
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news.read.er
noun (BrE ) = NEWSCASTER
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news.reel
noun a short film of news that was shown in the past in cinemas/movie theaters: old newsreel footage of the 1936 Olympics
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'news room
noun the room at a newspaper office or a radio or television station where news is received and prepared for printing or broadcasting
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'news-sheet
noun a small newspaper with only a few pages
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'news-stand
noun a place on the street, at a station, etc. where you can buy newspapers and magazines: The first issue of the magazine hit the news-stands (= went on sale) today.
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news.worthy
adj. interesting and important enough to be reported as news
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newsy
adj. (informal) full of interesting and entertaining news: a newsy letter
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newt
noun a small animal with short legs, a long tail and cold blood, that lives both in water and on land (= is an AMPHIBIAN )
IDM see PISSED
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the ,New 'Testament
noun [sing.] the second part of the Bible, that describes the life and teachings of Jesus Christ—compare THE OLD TESTAMENT
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'new town
noun one of the complete towns that were planned and built in Britain after 1946
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,new 'wave
noun [U, sing.]
1 a group of people who together introduce new styles and ideas in art, music, cinema, etc: one of the most exciting directors of the Australian new wave  new wave films
2 a style of ROCK music popular in the 1970s
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the ,New 'World
noun [sing.] a way of referring to North, Central and South America, used especially in the past—compare THE OLD WORLD
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,new 'year
(also ,New 'Year) noun [U, sing.] the beginning of the year: Happy New Year!  We’re going to Germany for Christmas and New Year.  I’ll see you in the new year.—see also RESOLUTION
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,New Year’s 'Day
(AmE also 'New Year’s) noun [U] 1 January
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,New Year’s 'Eve
(AmE also 'New Years) noun [U] 31 December, especially the evening of that day
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next
adj., adv., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 (usually with the) coming straight after sb/sth in time, order or space: The next train to Baltimore is at ten.  The next six months will be the hardest.  the next chapter  Who’s next?  the woman in the next room  I fainted and the next thing I knew I was in the hospital.   (informal) Round here, you leave school at sixteen and next thing you know , you’re married with three kids.
2 (used without the) ~ Monday, week, summer, year, etc. the Monday, week, etc. immediately following: Next Thursday is 12 April.  Next time I’ll bring a book.
IDM the 'next man the average person: I can enjoy a joke as well as the next man , but this is going too far.—more at DAY , LUCK n.

adv.
1 after sth else; then; afterwards: What happened next?  Next, I heard the sound of voices.
2 ~ best, biggest, most important, etc. … (after / to sb/sth) following in the order mentioned: Jo was the next oldest after Martin.  The next best thing to flying is gliding.
3 used in questions to express surprise or confusion: You’re going bungee jumping? Whatever next ?

noun (usually the next) [sing.] a person or thing that is next: One moment he wasn’t there, the next he was.  the week after next

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,next 'door
adv., adj., noun
adv. in the next room, house or building: The cat is from the house next door.  The manager’s office is just next door.  We live next door to the pub.
,next-'door adj. [only before noun]: our next-door neighbours  the next-door house

noun [U+sing./pl. v.] (BrE , spoken) the people who live in the house or flat/apartment next to yours: Is that next door’s dog?

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,next of 'kin
noun [C, U] (pl.next of kin) your closest living relative or relatives: I’m her next of kin.  Her next of kin have been informed.  The form must be signed by next of kin.
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'next to
prep.
1 in or into a position right beside sb/sth: We sat next to each other.  note at NEXT
2 following in order or importance after sb/sth: Next to skiing my favourite sport is skating.
3 almost: Charles knew next to nothing about farming.  The horse came next to last (= the one before the last one) in the race.
4 in comparison with sb/sth: Next to her I felt like a fraud.
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nexus
noun [sing.] (formal) a complicated series of connections between different things
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NFL
abbr. (in the US) National Football League
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NGO
abbr. non-governmental organization (a CHARITY , association, etc. that is independent of government and business)
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NHS
noun [sing.] The NHS is the public health service in Britain that provides medical treatment and is paid for by taxes (abbreviation for ‘National Health Service’): an NHS hospital  I had the operation done on the NHS (= paid for by the NHS).
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NI
abbr. (in Britain) NATIONAL INSURANCE
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nib
noun the metal point of a pen—picture at STATIONERY
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nib.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at sth) to take small bites of sth, especially food: [vn] We sat drinking wine and nibbling olives.  He nibbled her ear playfully.  [v] She took some cake from the tray and nibbled at it.
2 [v] ~ (at sth) to show a slight interest in an offer, idea, etc: He nibbled at the idea, but would not make a definite decision.
PVR V ,nibble a'way at sth to take away small amounts of sth, so that the total amount is gradually reduced: Inflation is nibbling away at spending power.

noun
1 [C] a small bite of sth: I took a nibble from the biscuit.
2 (nibbles) [pl.] small things to eat with a drink before a meal or at a party: wine and nibbles

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nibs
noun
IDM his nibs (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to refer to a man who is, or thinks he is, more important than other people
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nice
adj. (nicer, nicest)
PLEASANT / ATTRACTIVE|
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (doing sth)| ~ (that … ) pleasant, enjoyable or attractive: a nice day / smile / place  nice weather  Did you have a nice time ?  You look very nice.  ‘Do you want to come, too?’‘Yes, that would be nice .’  The nicest thing about her is that she never criticizes us.  Nice to meet you! (= a friendly greeting)  It’s been nice meeting you .  It’s nice that you can come with us.  It would be nice if he moved to London.  It’s nice to know that somebody appreciates what I do.  We all had the flu last week—it wasn’t very nice.
2 used before adjectives or adverbs to emphasize how pleasant sth is: a nice hot bath  a nice long walk  It was nice and warm yesterday.  Everyone arrived nice and early.
HELP Nice and with another adjective cannot be used before a noun: a nice and quiet place.
KIND / FRIENDLY|
3 ~ (to sb)| ~ of sb (to do sth)| ~ (about sth) kind; friendly: Our new neighbours are very nice.  He’s a really nice guy.  Be nice to me. I’m not feeling well.  It was nice of them to invite us.  I complained to the manager and he was very nice about it.  I asked him in the nicest possible way to put his cigarette out.
OPP NASTY
NOT NICE|
4 (ironic) bad or unpleasant: That’s a nice thing to say!  That’s a nice way to speak to your mother!
SMALL DETAILS|
5 (formal) involving a very small detail or difference
SYN SUBTLE : a nice point of law (= one that is difficult to decide)
nice.ness noun [U]: In some professions, niceness does not get you very far. as ,nice as 'pie (informal) very kind and friendly, especially when you are not expecting it Have a nice 'day! (spoken, especially AmE) a friendly way of saying goodbye, especially to customers 'Nice one! (BrE, spoken) used to show you are pleased when sth good has happened or sb has said sth amusing: You got the job? Nice one! Nice 'work! (spoken, especially BrE) used to show you are pleased when sb has done sth well: You did a good job today. Nice work, James! nice work if you can 'get it (informal) used when you wish that you had sb’s success or good luck and think they have achieved it with little effort—more at MR
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,nice-'looking
adj. attractive: What a nice-looking young man!
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nice.ly
adv.
1 in an attractive or satisfactory way; well: The room was nicely furnished.  The plants are coming along nicely (= growing well).
2 in a kind, friendly or polite way: If you ask her nicely she might say yes.
3 (formal) carefully; exactly: His novels nicely describe life in Britain between the wars.
IDM do 'nicely
1 (usually be doing nicely) to be making good progress: Her new business is doing very nicely.
2 to be satisfactory: Tomorrow at ten will do nicely (= will be a good time).
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ni.cety
noun (pl.-ies) (written)
1 [C, usually pl.] the small details or points of difference, especially concerning the correct way of behaving or of doing things: legal niceties  He has no time for social niceties.
2 [U] (formal) the quality of being very detailed or careful about sth: The nicety of his argument.
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niche
noun
1 a comfortable or suitable role, job, way of life, etc: He eventually found his niche in sports journalism.
2 (business) an opportunity to sell a particular product to a particular group of people: They spotted a niche in the market, with no serious competition.  a niche market  the development of niche marketing (= aiming products at particular groups)
3 a small hollow place, especially in a wall to contain a statue, etc., or in the side of a hill
4 (biology) the conditions in which a type of living thing can live successfully
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nick
noun, verb
noun
1 (the nick) [sing.] (BrE, slang) a prison or a police station: He’ll end up in the nick.
2 a small cut in the edge or surface of sth
IDM in good, etc. 'nick (BrE, informal) in good, etc. condition or health in the ,nick of 'time (informal) at the very last moment; just in time before sth bad happens

verb [vn]
1 to make a small cut in sth: He nicked himself while shaving.
2 ~ sth (from sb/sth) (BrE, informal) to steal sth PINCH : Who nicked my pen?
3 ~ sb (for sth) (BrE, informal) to arrest sb for committing a crime: You’re nicked!

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nickel
noun
1 [U] (symbNi) a chemical element. Nickel is a hard silver-white metal used in making some types of steel and other ALLOYS .
2 [C] a coin of the US and Canada worth 5 cents
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,nickel-and-'dime
adj. (AmE , informal) involving only a small amount of money; not important: a nickel-and-dime job
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nick.name
noun, verb
noun an informal, often humorous, name for a person that is connected with their real name, their personality or appearance, or with sth they have done

verb [vn-n] [often passive] to give a nickname to sb/sth: She was nicknamed ‘The Ice Queen’.

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nico.tine
noun [U] a poisonous substance in tobacco that people become ADDICTED to, so that it is difficult to stop smoking: fingers stained with nicotine
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niece
noun the daughter of your brother or sister; the daughter of your husband’s or wife’s brother or sister—compare NEPHEW
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nifty
adj. (informal)
1 skilful and accurate: There’s some nifty guitar work on his latest CD.
2 practical; working well: a nifty little gadget for slicing cucumbers
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nig.gard.ly
adj. (written, disapproving)
1 unwilling to be generous with money, time, etc: a niggardly attitude
2 (of a gift or an amount of money) not worth much and given unwillingly: a niggardly allowance
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nig.ger
noun ( , slang) a very offensive word for a black person
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nig.gle
noun, verb
noun
1 a small criticism or complaint
2 a slight feeling such as worry, doubt, etc. that does not go away: a niggle of doubt / jealousy
3 a slight pain: He gets the occasional niggle in his right shoulder.

verb
1 ~ (at sb) to irritate or annoy sb slightly; to make sb slightly worried
SYN BOTHER : [v] A doubt niggled at her.  [vn that] It niggled him that she had not phoned back.  [vn] Something was niggling her.
2 [v] ~ (about / over sth)| ~ (at sb) (for sth) to argue about sth unimportant; to criticize sb for sth that is not important

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nig.gling
(also less frequent nig.gly ) adj.
1 used to describe a slight feeling of worry or pain that does not go away: She had niggling doubts about their relationship.  As a player he suffered from a series of niggling injuries.
2 not important: niggling details
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nigh
adv.
1 ~ on (old-fashioned) almost; nearly: They’ve lived in that house for nigh on 30 years.—see also WELL-NIGH
2 (old use or literary) near: Winter was drawing nigh.
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night
noun [U, C]
1 the time of darkness between one day and the next, usually when people sleep: These animals only come out at night .  They sleep by day and hunt by night .  The accident happened on Friday night.  on the night of 10 January / January 10  Did you hear the storm last night ?  I lay awake all night .  Where did you spend the night ?  You’re welcome to stay the night here.  What is he doing calling at this time of night ?  You’ll feel better after you’ve had a good night’s sleep .  The trip was for ten nights.  The hotel costs £65 per person per night .  the night train / boat / flight   (written) Night fell (= it became dark).
2 the evening until you go to bed: Let’s go out on Saturday night .  Bill’s parents came for dinner last night .  She doesn’t like to walk home late at night .  I saw her in town the other night (= a few nights ago).  I’m working late tomorrow night .
3 an evening when a special event happens: the first / opening night (= of a play, film / movie, etc.)  a karaoke night  an Irish / Scottish night (= with Irish / Scottish music, entertainment, etc.)—see also STAG NIGHT
nights adv. (especially AmE): He can’t get used to working nights (= at night).
IDM Good 'night (also Good'night) used when you are saying goodbye to sb late in the evening, or when they or you are going to bed; in informal use people often just say Night: Good night. See you in the morning.  Night! Sleep well. have an early / a late 'night to go to bed earlier or later than usual: I’ve had a lot of late nights recently. have a good / bad 'night to sleep well/badly during the night have a night on the 'tiles (BrE, informal) to stay out late enjoying yourself ,night and 'day | ,day and 'night all the time; continuously: The machines are kept running night and day. night 'night used by children or to children, to mean ‘Good night’: ‘Night night, sleep tight!’ a night 'out an evening that you spend enjoying yourself away from home: They enjoy a night out occasionally.—more at ALL RIGHT adj. , DANCE v. , DEAD n. , MORNING , SPEND v. , STILL n. , THING
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night.cap
noun
1 a drink, usually containing alcohol, taken before going to bed
2 (in the past) a soft cap worn in bed
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night.clothes
noun [pl.] clothes that you wear in bed
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night.club
noun a place that is open late in the evening where people can go to dance, drink, etc.
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'night depository
noun (AmE ) = NIGHT SAFE
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night.dress
(BrE ) (AmE or old-fashioned night.gown ) (also informal nightie , BrE, AmE) noun a long loose piece of clothing like a thin dress, worn by a woman or girl in bed: I prefer pyjamas to nightdresses.—
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'night duty
noun [U] work that people have to do at night, for example in a hospital: to be on night duty
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night.fall
noun [U] (formal or literary) the time in the evening when it becomes dark
SYN DUSK : He wanted to be home before nightfall.
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night.gown
noun (AmE or old-fashioned) = NIGHTDRESS —
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nightie
noun (informal) = NIGHTDRESS
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night.in.gale
noun a small brown bird, the male of which has a beautiful song
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night.life
noun [U] entertainment that is available in the evening and at night
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night.ly
adj. happening every night: a nightly news bulletin
night.ly adv.: The programme is broadcast nightly.
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night.mare
noun
1 a dream that is very frightening or unpleasant: He still has nightmares about the accident.
2 ~ (for sb) an experience that is very frightening and unpleasant, or very difficult to deal with: The trip turned into a nightmare when they both got sick.   (informal) Nobody knows what’s going on—it’s a nightmare !   (informal) Filling in all those forms was a nightmare.  Losing a child is most people’s worst nightmare .  If it goes ahead it will be the nightmare scenario (= the worst thing that could happen).  a nightmare situation / ordeal
night.mar.ish adj.: nightmarish living conditions
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'night owl
noun (informal) a person who enjoys staying up late at night
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'night safe
(BrE ) (AmE 'night depository) noun a SAFE in the outside wall of a bank where money, etc. can be left when the bank is closed
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'night school
noun [U, C] (old-fashioned) classes for adults, held in the evening
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night.shirt
noun a long loose shirt worn in bed
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night.spot
noun (informal) a place people go to for entertainment at night
SYN NIGHTCLUB : top London nightspots
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night.stand
(also 'night table) (both AmE) noun = BEDSIDE TABLE
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night.stick
noun (AmE ) = TRUNCHEON
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'night-time
noun [U] the time when it is dark: This area can be very noisy at night-time .
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night.watch.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man whose job is to guard a building such as a factory at night
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night.wear
noun [U] a word used by shops/stores for clothes that are worn in bed
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ni.hil.ism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the belief that nothing has any value, especially that religious and moral principles have no value
ni.hil.is.tic adj.: Her latest play is a nihilistic vision of the world of the future.
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ni.hil.ist
noun a person who believes in nihilism
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nil
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) the number 0, especially as the score in some games
SYN ZERO : Newcastle beat Leeds four nil / by four goals to nil.
2 nothing: The doctors rated her chances as nil (= they did not exist).
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nim.ble
adj. (nim.bler , nim.blest )
1 able to move quickly and easily: You need nimble fingers for that job.  She was extremely nimble on her feet.
2 (of the mind) able to think and understand quickly
nim.bly adv.
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nim.bus
noun (technical )
1 [C usually sing, U] a large grey rain cloud
2 [C, usually sing.] a circle of light
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nimby
noun (pl.-ies) (humorous, disapproving) a person who claims to be in favour of a new development or project, but objects if it is too near their home and will disturb them in some way
ORIGIN Formed from the first letters of ‘not in my back yard’.
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nin.com.poop
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a stupid person
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nine
number 9
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
IDM have nine 'lives (especially of a cat) to be very lucky in dangerous situations a ,nine days' 'wonder a person or thing that makes people excited for a short time but does not last very long ,nine to 'five the normal working hours in an office: I work nine to five.  a nine-to-five job—more at DRESSED
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nine.pins
noun
IDM ,go down, ,drop, etc. like 'ninepins (BrE, informal) to fall down or become ill in great numbers
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nine.teen
number 19
nine.teenth ordinal number
IDM talk, etc. nineteen to the 'dozen (BrE, informal) to talk, etc. without stopping: She was chatting away, nineteen to the dozen.
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ninety

1 number90
2 noun (the nineties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 90 to 99: The temperature must be in the nineties today.
nine.ti.eth ordinal number: her ninetieth birthday
IDM in your nineties between the ages of 90 and 99 ,ninety-nine ,times out of a 'hundred almost always
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ninny
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) a stupid person
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ninth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 9th
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.

noun each of nine equal parts of sth

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nip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 ~ (at sth) to give sb/sth a quick painful bite or PINCH : [vn] He winced as the dog nipped his ankle.  [v] She nipped at my arm.
2 ~ (at sth) (of cold, wind, etc.) to harm or damage sth: [v] The icy wind nipped at our faces.  [vn] growing shoots nipped by frost
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE, informal) to go somewhere quickly and/or for only a short time: He’s just nipped out to the bank.  A car nipped in (= got in quickly) ahead of me.
IDM nip sth in the 'bud to stop sth when it has just begun because you can see that problems will come from it
PVR V ,nip sth<->'off to remove a part of sth with your finger or with scissors, etc.

noun
1 the act of giving sb a small bite or PINCH (= squeezing their skin between your finger and thumb)
2 (informal) a feeling of cold: There was a real nip in the air.—see also NIPPY
3 (informal) a small drink of strong alcohol: a nip of brandy
IDM ,nip and 'tuck (especially AmE) = neck and neck

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nip.per
noun (BrE , informal) a small child
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nip.ple
noun
1 either of the two small round dark parts on a person’s chest. Babies can suck milk from their mother’s breasts through the nipples .—picture at BODY
2 (AmE) = TEAT (1)
3 a small metal, plastic or rubber object that is shaped like a nipple with a small hole in the end, especially one that is used as part of a machine to direct oil, etc. into a particular place: a grease nipple
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nippy
adj.
1 (BrE) able to move quickly and easily: a nippy little sports car
2 (informal) (of the weather) cold
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nir.vana
noun [U] (in the religion of Buddhism) the state of peace and happiness that a person achieves after giving up all personal desires
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Nis.sen hut
(BrE ) (AmE Quonset hut™) noun a hut made of metal with curved walls and roof
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nit
noun
1 the egg or young form of a LOUSE (= a small insect that lives in human hair)
2 (BrE, informal) a stupid person
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'nit-picking
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) the habit of finding small mistakes in sb’s work or paying too much attention to small details that are not important
'nit-picker noun
'nit-picking adj.
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ni.trate
noun [U, C] (chemistry ) a compound containing NITROGEN . There are several different nitrates and they are used especially to make soil better for growing crops: We need to cut nitrate levels in water.
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ni.tric acid
noun [U] (chemistry) (symb HNO3) a powerful colourless acid that can destroy most substances and is used to make explosives and other chemical products
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ni.tro.gen
noun [U] (symb N) a chemical element. Nitrogen is a colourless gas that is found in large quantities in the earth’s atmosphere.
ni.tro.gen.ous adj.
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nitro.gly.cer.ine
(especially BrE ) (also nitro.gly.cerin especially in AmE) noun [U] a powerful liquid explosive
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ni.trous oxide
(also informal 'laughing gas) noun [U] a gas used especially in the past by dentists to prevent you from feeling pain
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the nitty-gritty
noun [sing.] (informal) the basic or most important details of an issue or a situation: Time ran out before we could get down to the real nitty-gritty .
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nit.wit
noun (informal) a stupid person
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nix
verb [vn] (AmE , informal) to prevent sth from happening by saying ‘no’ to it
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No.
abbr.
1 (also no.) (pl.Nos, nos) number: Room No. 145
2 (AmE) north; northern
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no
exclamation, det., adv., noun
exclamation
1 used to give a negative reply or statement: Just say yes or no.  ‘Are you ready?’‘No, I’m not.’  Sorry, the answer’s no.  ‘Another drink?’‘No, thanks.’  It’s about 70—no, I’m wrong—80 kilometres from Rome.  No! Don’t touch it! It’s hot.  ‘It was Tony.’‘No, you’re wrong. It was Ted.’  ‘It’s not very good, is it?’‘No, you’re right, it isn’t (= I agree).’
2 used to express shock or surprise at what sb has said: ‘I’m leaving!’‘No!’  ‘She’s had an accident.’‘Oh, no!’
IDM not take no for an answer to refuse to accept that sb does not want sth, will not do sth, etc: You’re coming and I won’t take no for an answer!—more at YES exclam.

det.
1 not one; not any; not a: No student is to leave the room.  There were no letters this morning.  There’s no bread left.  No two days are the same.—see also NO ONE
2 used, for example on notices, to say that sth is not allowed: No smoking!
3 there’s ~ doing sth used to say that it is impossible to do sth: There’s no telling what will happen next.
4 used to express the opposite of what is mentioned: She’s no fool (= she’s intelligent).  It was no easy matter (= it was difficult).

adv. used before adjectives and adverbs to mean ‘not’: She’s feeling no better this morning.  Reply by no later than 21 July.

noun (pl.noes )
1 an answer that shows you do not agree with an idea, a statement, etc.; a person who says ‘no’: Can’t you give me a straight yes or no?  When we took a vote there were nine yesses and 3 noes.  I’ll put you down as a no.
2 (the noes) [pl.] the total number of people voting ‘no’ in a formal debate, for example in a parliament: The noes have it (= more people have voted against sth than for it).
OPP AYES

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Noah’s ark
noun = ARK
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nob
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a person who has a high social position; a member of the upper class
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,no-'ball
noun (in cricket) a ball that is BOWLED (= thrown) in a way that is not allowed and which means that a RUN (= a point) is given to the other team
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nob.ble
verb [vn] (BrE , informal)
1 to prevent a horse from winning a race, for example by giving it drugs
2 to persuade sb to do what you want, especially illegally, by offering them money: his attempts to nobble the jury
3 to prevent sb from achieving what they want THWART
4 to catch sb or get their attention, especially when they are unwilling: He was nobbled by the press who wanted details of the affair.
nob.bling noun [U]
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no.bil.ity
noun
1 (the nobility) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] people of high social position who have titles such as that of DUKE or DUCHESS
SYN THE ARISTOCRACY
2 [U] (formal) the quality of being noble in character: The bravery and nobility of these men who died for their country.
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noble
adj., noun
adj. (no.bler nob.lest )
1 having fine personal qualities that people admire, such as courage, HONESTY and care for others: a noble leader  noble ideals / actions  He died for a noble cause.—compare IGNOBLE
2 very impressive in size or quality
SYN SPLENDID : a noble building
3 belonging to a family of high social rank (= belonging to the nobility ): a man of noble birth
nobly adv.: She bore the disappointment nobly.  to be nobly born

noun a person who comes from a family of high social rank; a member of the nobility

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noble.man, noble.woman
nouns (pl.-men , -women ) a person from a family of high social rank; a member of the NOBILITY
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no.blesse ob.lige
noun [U] (from French ) the idea that people who have special advantages of wealth, etc. should help other people who do not have these advantages
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no.body
pron., noun
pron. = NO ONE : Nobody knew what to say.
HELP Nobody is more common than no one in spoken English.
OPP SOMEBODY

noun (pl.-ies) a person who has no importance or influence
SYN NONENTITY : She rose from being a nobody to become a superstar.—compare SOMEONE

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,no-'claims bonus
(also ,no-'claim bonus, ,no-'claim(s) discount) noun (all BrE ) a reduction in the cost of your insurance because you made no claims in the previous year
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noc.tur.nal
adj.
1 (of animals) active at night
OPP DIURNAL
2 (written) happening during the night: a nocturnal visit
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noc.turne
noun a short piece of music in a romantic style, especially for the piano
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nod
verb, noun
verb (-dd-)
1 if you nod, nod your head or your head nods, you move your head up and down to show agreement, understanding, etc: [v] I asked him if he would help me and he nodded.  Her head nodded in agreement.  [vn] He nodded his head sympathetically.  She nodded approval.
2 ~ (sth) (at / to sb) to move your head down and up once to greet sb or to give them a sign to do sth: [v] The president nodded to the crowd as he passed in the motorcade.  She nodded at him to begin speaking  [vn] to nod a greeting
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move your head in the direction of sb/sth to show that you are talking about them/it: I asked where Steve was and she nodded in the direction of the kitchen.
4 [v] to let your head fall forward when you are sleeping in a chair: He sat nodding in front of the fire.
IDM have a nodding ac'quaintance with sb/sth to only know sb/sth slightly
PVR V ,nod 'off (informal) to fall asleep for a short time while you are sitting in a chair: I was practically nodding off in that meeting.

noun a small quick movement of the head down and up again: to give a nod of approval / agreement / encouragement
IDM get the 'nod (informal) to be chosen for sth; to be given permission or approval to do sth: He got the nod from the team manager (= he was chosen for the team).  The proposal should get the nod. give sb/sth the 'nod (informal)
1 to give permission for sth; to agree to sth: We’ve been given the nod to expand the business.  I hope he’ll give the nod to the plan.
2 to choose sb for sth a ,nod and a 'wink | a ,nod is as good as a 'wink used to say that a suggestion or a HINT will be understood, without anything more being said: Everything could be done by a nod and a wink. on the 'nod (BrE, informal) if a proposal is accepted on the nod, it is accepted without any discussion

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node
noun
1 (biology) a place on the stem of a plant from which a branch or leaf grows
2 (biology) a small swelling on a root or branch
3 (technical, especially computing) a point at which two lines or systems meet or cross: a data / network node
4 (anatomy) a small hard mass of tissue, especially near a joint in the human body: a lymph / sinus node
nodal adj.
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nod.ule
noun a small round lump or swelling, especially on a plant
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Noel
noun [C, U] a word for ‘Christmas’ used especially in songs or on cards: Joyful Noel
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noes
pl. of NO
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,no-'fault
adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE, law ) not involving a decision as to who is to blame for sth: no-fault insurance (= in which the insurance company pays for damage, etc. without asking whose fault it was)
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,no-'fly zone
noun an area above a country where planes from other countries are not allowed to fly
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,no-'go area
noun (especially BrE ) an area, especially in a city, which is dangerous for people to enter, or that the police or army do not enter, often because it is controlled by a violent group: (figurative) Some clubs are no-go areas for people over 30.   (figurative) This subject is definitely a no-go area (= we must not discuss it).
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'no-good
adj. [only before noun] (slang) (of a person) bad or useless
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,no-'hoper
noun (informal) a person or an animal that is considered useless or very unlikely to be successful: a team of complete no-hopers
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noise
noun
1 [C, U] a sound, especially when it is loud, unpleasant or disturbing: a rattling noise  What’s that noise?  Don’t make so much noise.  I was woken by the noise of a car starting up.  We had to shout above the noise of the traffic.  to monitor / reduce noise levels
2 [U] (technical) extra electrical or electronic signals that are not part of the signal that is being broadcast or TRANSMITTED and which may damage it
IDM make a 'noise (about sth) (informal) to complain loudly make 'noises (about sth) (informal)
1 to talk in an indirect way about sth that you think you might do: The company has been making noises about closing several factories.
2 to complain about sth make soothing, encouraging, reassuring, etc. noises to make remarks of the kind mentioned, even when that is not what you really think: He made all the right noises at the meeting yesterday (= said what people wanted to hear).—more at BIG adj.
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noise.less
adj. (written) making little or no noise: He moved with noiseless steps.
noise.less.ly adv.
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noi.some
adj. (rare, formal) extremely unpleasant or offensive: noisome smells / sights
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noisy
adj. (nois.ier, noisi.est)
1 making a lot of noise: noisy children / traffic / crowds  a noisy protest (= when people shout)  The engine is very noisy at high speed.
2 full of noise: a noisy classroom
nois.ily adv.: The children were playing noisily upstairs.
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nomad
noun a member of a tribe that moves with its animals from place to place
no.mad.ic adj.: nomadic tribes  the nomadic life of a foreign correspondent
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'no-man’s-land
noun [U, sing.] an area of land between the borders of two countries or between two armies, that is not controlled by either
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nom de plume
noun (pl.noms de plume ) (from French ) a name used by a writer instead of their real name
SYN PEN-NAME , PSEUDONYM
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no.men.clat.ure
noun [U, C] (formal) a system of naming things, especially in a branch of science: chemical / zoological nomenclature
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nom.in.al
adj.
1 being sth in name only, and not in reality: the nominal leader of the party  He remained in nominal control of the business for another ten years.
2 (of a sum of money) very small and much less than the normal cost or change: We only pay a nominal rent.
3 (grammar) connected with a noun or nouns
nom.in.al.ly adv.: He was nominally in charge of the company.
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nom.in.ate
verb
1 ~ sb (for / as sth) to formally suggest that sb should be chosen for an important role, prize, position, etc: [vn] She has been nominated for the presidency.  [vn-n] He was nominated (as) best actor. [alsovn to inf]
2 ~ sb (to / as sth) to choose sb to do a particular job
SYN APPOINT : [vn] I have been nominated to the committee.  [vn to inf] She was nominated to speak on our behalf.
3 [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to choose a time, date or title for sth: 1 December has been nominated as the day of the election.
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nom.in.ation
noun [U, C] the act of suggesting or choosing sb as a candidate in an election, or for a job or an award; the fact of being suggested for this: Membership of the club is by nomination only.  He won the nomination as Democratic candidate for the presidency.  They opposed her nomination to the post of Deputy Director.  Meryl Streep has had nine Oscar nominations.
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nom.ina.tive
noun (grammar ) (in some languages) the form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective when it is the subject of a verb—compare ACCUSATIVE , DATIVE , GENITIVE , VOCATIVE
nom.ina.tive adj.: nominative pronouns
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nom.inee
noun
1 a person who has been formally suggested for a job, a prize, etc: a presidential nominee  an Oscar nominee
2 (business) a person in whose name money is invested in a company, etc.
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non-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) not: nonsense  non-fiction  non-alcoholic  non-profit-making  non-committally
HELP Most compounds with non are written with a hyphen in BrE but are written as one word with no hyphen in AmE.
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nona.gen.ar.ian
noun a person who is between 90 and 99 years old
nona.gen.ar.ian adj.
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,non-ag'gres.sion
noun [U] (often used as an adjective) a relationship between two countries that have agreed not to attack each other: a policy of non-aggression  a non-aggression pact / treaty
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,non-alco'hol.ic
adj. (of a drink) not containing any alcohol: a non-alcoholic drink  Can I have something non-alcoholic?
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,non-a'ligned
adj. not providing support for or receiving support from any of the powerful countries in the world: the non-aligned countries / states
,non-a'lignment noun [U]: a policy of non-alignment
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,non-ap'pear.ance
noun [U] (formal) failure to be in a place where people expect to see you
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,non-at'tend.ance
noun [U] failure to go to a place at a time or for an event where you are expected: the problems of children’s non-attendance at school
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non.cha.lant
adj. behaving in a calm and relaxed way; giving the impression that you are not feeling any anxiety: to appear / look / sound nonchalant  ‘It’ll be fine,’ she replied, with a nonchalant shrug.
non.cha.lance noun [U]: an air of nonchalance
non.cha.lant.ly adv.: He was leaning nonchalantly against the wall.
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,non-'citizen
noun (AmE ) = ALIEN (1)
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,non-'combat.ant
noun
1 a member of the armed forces who does not actually fight in a war, for example an army doctor
2 in a war, a person who is not a member of the armed forces
SYN CIVILIAN —compare COMBATANT
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,non-commis.sioned 'officer
noun (abbr. NCO) a soldier in the army, etc. who has a rank such as SERGEANT or CORPORAL , but not a high rank—compare COMMISSIONED OFFICER
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,non-co'mmit.tal
adj. not giving an opinion; not showing which side of an argument you agree with: a non-committal reply / tone  The doctor was non-committal about when I could drive again.—see also COMMIT (5)
non-com.mit.tal.ly adv.
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,non-com'pli.ance
noun [U] ~ (with sth) the fact of failing or refusing to obey a rule: There are penalties for non-compliance with the fire regulations.
OPP COMPLIANCE
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non.con.form.ist
noun
1 (Nonconformist) a member of a Protestant Church that does not follow the beliefs and practices of the Anglican Church—compare DISSENTER
2 a person who does not follow normal ways of thinking or behaving
non.con.form.ist , Non.con.form.ist adj.
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non.con.form.ity
(also non.con.form.ism) noun [U]
1 the fact of not following normal ways of thinking and behaving
2 (Nonconformity) the beliefs and practices of Nonconformist Churches
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,non-con'tribu.tory
adj. (of an insurance or pension plan) paid for by the employer and not the employee: non-contributory benefits
OPP CONTRIBUTORY
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,non-contro.'ver.sial
adj. not causing, or not likely to cause, any disagreement
OPP CONTROVERSIAL
HELP This is not as strong as uncontroversial, which is more common.
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,non-co,ope'r.ation
noun [U] refusal to help a person in authority by doing what they have asked you to do, especially as a form of protest: A strike is unlikely, but some forms of non-cooperation are being considered.
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,non-cu'stod.ial
adj. [only before noun] (law )
1 (of a punishment) that does not involve a period of time in prison: a non-custodial sentence / penalty
2 (of a parent) not having CUSTODY of a child
OPP CUSTODIAL
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,non-'dairy
adj. [only before noun] not made with milk or cream: a non-dairy whipped topping
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non.de.script
adj. (disapproving) having no interesting or unusual features or qualities
SYN DULL : a nondescript person / building / town
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none
pron., adv.
pron. ~ (of sb/sth) not one of a group of people or things; not any: None of these pens works / work.  We have three sons but none of them lives / live nearby.  We saw several houses but none we really liked.  Tickets for Friday? Sorry we’ve got none left.  He told me all the news but none of it was very exciting.  ‘Is there any more milk?’‘No, none at all .’   (formal) Everybody liked him but none (= nobody) more than I.
IDM 'none but (literary) only: None but he knew the truth. none 'other than used to emphasize who or what sb/sth is, when this is surprising: Her first customer was none other than Mrs Blair. have / want none of sth to refuse to accept sth: I offered to pay but he was having none of it. ,none the 'less = NONETHELESS

adv.
1 used with the and a comparative to mean ‘not at all’: She told me what it meant at great length but I’m afraid I’m none the wiser .  He seems none the worse for the experience.
2 used with too and an adjective or adverb to mean ‘not at all’ or ‘not very’: She was looking none too pleased.

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non.en.tity
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving) a person without any special qualities, who has not achieved anything important
SYN NOBODY
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,non-es'sential
adj. [usually before noun] not completely necessary—compare ESSENTIAL
HELP This is not as strong as inessential and is more common. Inessential can suggest disapproval.
,non-es'sential noun [usually pl.]: I have no money for non-essentials.
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none.the.less
(also ,none the 'less) adv. (written) in spite of this fact
SYN NEVERTHELESS : The book is too long but, nonetheless, informative and entertaining.  The problems are not serious. Nonetheless, we shall need to tackle them soon.
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,non-e'vent
noun (informal) an event that was expected to be interesting, exciting and popular but is in fact very disappointing
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,non-ex'ecutive
adj. [only before noun] (BrE, business ) a non-executiveDIRECTOR of a company can give advice at a high level but does not have the power to make decisions about the company
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,non-e'xistent
adj. not existing; not real: a non-existent danger / problem  ‘How’s your social life?’‘Non-existent, I’m afraid.’—compare EXISTENT
,non-e'xistence noun [U]
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,non-'fiction
noun [U] books, articles or texts about real facts, people and events: I prefer reading non-fiction.  the non-fiction section of the library
OPP FICTION
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,non-'finite
adj. (grammar ) a non-finite verb form or CLAUSE does not show a particular tense, PERSON or NUMBER
OPP FINITE
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,non-'flammable
adj. not likely to catch fire easily: non-flammable nightwear
OPP FLAMMABLE
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,non-'human
adj. not human: similarities between human and non-human animals—compare HUMAN , INHUMAN
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,non-inter'ven.tion
(also ,non-inter'fer.ence) noun [U] the policy or practice of not becoming involved in other people’s disputes, especially those of foreign countries: a policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries
,non-inter'ven.tion.ism noun [U]
,non-inter'ven.tion.ist adj.
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,non-'linear
adj. (technical ) that does not develop from one thing to another in a single smooth series of stages
OPP LINEAR
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,non-ne'gotiable
adj.
1 that cannot be discussed or changed: non-negotiable demands
2 (of a cheque, etc.) that cannot be changed for money by anyone except the person whose name is on it
OPP NEGOTIABLE
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'no-no
noun [sing.] (informal) a thing or a way of behaving that is not acceptable in a particular situation
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,non-ob'servance
noun [U] (formal) the failure to keep or to obey a rule, custom, etc.
OPP OBSERVANCE
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,no-'nonsense
adj. [only before noun] simple and direct; only paying attention to important and necessary things: a no-nonsense approach / style
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,non-parti'san
adj. [usually before noun] not supporting the ideas of one particular political party or group of people strongly
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,non-'payment
noun [U] (formal) failure to pay a debt, a tax, rent, etc.
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non.plussed
(AmE also non.plused) adj. so surprised and confused that you do not know what to do or say
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,non-pre'scrip.tion
adj. [only before noun] (of drugs) that you can buy directly without a special form from a doctor
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,non-pro'fes.sion.al
adj.
1 having a job that does not need a high level of education or special training; connected with a job of this kind: training for non-professional staff
2 doing sth as a hobby rather than as a paid job: non-professional actors / drivers—compare PROFESSIONAL , UNPROFESSIONAL —see also AMATEUR
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,non-'profit
(BrE also ,non-'profit-making) adj. (of an organization) without the aim of making a profit: an independent non-profit organization / body  The centre is run on a non-profit basis.  The charity is non-profit-making.
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,non-pro,life'r.ation
noun [U] a limit to the increase in the number of nuclear and chemical weapons that are produced
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,non-re'fund.able
(also ,non-re'turnable) adj. (of a sum of money) that cannot be returned: a non-refundable deposit  a non-refundable ticket (= you cannot return it and get your money back)
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,non-'renewable
adj. (of natural RESOURCES such as gas or oil)
1 that cannot be replaced after use
2 that cannot be continued or repeated for a further period of time after it has ended: a non-renewable contract / lease
OPP RENEWABLE
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,non-'resident
adj., noun
adj. (formal)
1 (of a person or company) not living or situated permanently in a particular place or country
2 not living in the place where you work or in a house that you own
3 not staying at a particular hotel

noun
1 a person who does not live permanently in a particular country
2 a person not staying at a particular hotel

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,non-resi'dent.ial
adj.
1 that is not used for people to live in
2 that does not require you to live in the place where you work or study: a non-residential course
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,non-re'turn.able
adj.
1 = NON-REFUNDABLE
2 that you cannot give back, for example to a shop/store, to be used again; that will not be given back to you: non-returnable bottles  a non-returnable deposit
OPP RETURNABLE
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,non-scien'ti.fic
adj. not involving or connected with science or scientific methods: scientific and non-scientific subjects—compare SCIENTIFIC , UNSCIENTIFIC
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non.sense
noun
1 [U, C] ideas, statements or beliefs that you think are ridiculous or not true
SYN RUBBISH : Reports that he has resigned are nonsense.  You’re talking nonsense !  ‘I won’t go.’‘Nonsense! You must go!’  It’s nonsense to say they don’t care.  The idea is an economic nonsense.
2 [U] silly or unacceptable behaviour: The new teacher won’t stand for any nonsense.—see also NO-NONSENSE
3 [U] spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense: a book of children’s nonsense poems  Most of the translation he did for me was complete nonsense.
IDM make (a) 'nonsense of sth to reduce the value of sth by a lot; to make sth seem ridiculous: If people can bribe police officers, it makes a complete nonsense of the legal system.
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non.sens.ical
adj. ridiculous; with no meaning
SYN ABSURD : a nonsensical argument / theory
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non sequi.tur
noun (from Latin , formal) a statement that does not seem to follow what has just been said in any natural or logical way
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,non-'slip
adj. that helps to prevent sb/sth from slipping; that does not slip: a non-slip bath mat
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,non-'smoker
noun a person who does not smoke
OPP SMOKER
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,non-'smoking
(also ,no-'smoking) adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of a place) where people are not allowed to smoke: a non-smoking area in a restaurant
2 (of a person) who does not smoke: She’s a non-smoking, non-drinking fitness fanatic.
,non-'smoking (also ,no-'smoking) noun [U]: Non-smoking is now the norm in most workplaces.
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,non-spe'cific
adj. [usually before noun]
1 not definite or clearly defined; general: The candidate’s speech was non-specific.
2 (medical) (of pain, a disease, etc.) with more than one possible cause
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,non-'standard
adj.
1 (of language) not considered correct by most educated people: non-standard dialects  non-standard English—compare STANDARD
2 not the usual size, type, etc: The paper was of non-standard size.
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,non-'starter
noun (informal) a thing or a person that has no chance of success: As a business proposition, it’s a non-starter.
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,non-'stick
adj. [usually before noun] (of a pan or a surface) covered with a substance that prevents food from sticking to it
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,non-'stop
adj.
1 (of a train, a journey, etc.) without any stops
SYN DIRECT : a non-stop flight to Tokyo  a non-stop train / service
2 without any pauses or stops
SYN CONTINUOUS : non-stop entertainment / work
,non-'stop adv.: We flew non-stop from Paris to Chicago.  It rained non-stop all week.
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,non-'union
(also less frequent ,non-'unionized, -ised) adj. [usually before noun]
1 not belonging to a trade union: non-union labour / workers
2 (of a business, company, etc.) not accepting trade unions or employing trade union members
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,non-'verbal
adj. [usually before noun] not involving words or speech: non-verbal communication / behaviour
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,non-'violence
noun [U] the policy of using peaceful methods, not force, to bring about political or social change
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,non-'violent
adj.
1 using peaceful methods, not force, to bring about political or social change: non-violent action / opposition / resistance
2 not involving force, or injury to sb: non-violent crimes
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,non-'white
noun a person who is not a member of a race of people who have white skin
,non-'white adj.
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noo.dle
noun [usually pl.] a long thin strip of PASTA , used especially in Chinese and Italian cooking: chicken noodle soup  Would you prefer rice or noodles?
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nook
noun a small quiet place or corner that is sheltered or hidden from other people: a cosy little nook by the fire  a shady nook in the garden  dark woods full of secret nooks and crannies
IDM every ,nook and 'cranny (informal) every part of a place; every aspect of a situation
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nooky
(also nookie) noun [U] (slang) sexual activity
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noon
noun [U] 12 o’clock in the middle of the day
SYN MIDDAY : We should be there by noon.  The conference opens at 12 noon on Saturday.  the noon deadline for the end of hostilities  I’m leaving on the noon train.  the glaring light of high noon
IDM see MORNING
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noon.day
adj. [only before noun] (old-fashioned or literary) happening or appearing at noon : the noonday sun
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'no one
(also no.body) pron. not anyone; no person: No one was at home.  There was no one else around.  We were told to speak to no one.
HELP No one is much more common than nobody in written English.
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noose
noun a circle that is tied in one end of a rope with a knot that allows the circle to get smaller as the other end of the rope is pulled: a hangman’s noose   (figurative) His debts were a noose around his neck.
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nope
exclamation (informal) used to say ‘no’: ‘Have you seen my pen?’‘Nope.’
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'no place
adv. (informal, especially AmE ) = NOWHERE : I have no place else to go.
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nor
conj., adv.
1 neither … nor …| not … nor … and not: She seemed neither surprised nor worried.  He wasn’t there on Monday. Nor on Tuesday, for that matter.   (formal) Not a building nor a tree was left standing.
2 used before a positive verb to agree with sth negative that has just been said: She doesn’t like them and nor does Jeff.  ‘I’m not going.’‘Nor am I.’
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Nor.dic
adj.
1 of or connected with the countries of Scandinavia, Finland and Iceland
2 typical of a member of a European race of people who are tall and have blue eyes and BLONDE hair: Nordic features
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norm
noun
1 (often the norm) [sing.] a situation or a pattern of behaviour that is usual or expected: a deviation / departure from the norm  Single parents seem to be the norm rather than the exception nowadays.
2 (norms) [pl.] standards of behaviour that are typical of or accepted within a particular group or society: social / cultural norms
3 [C] a required or agreed standard, amount, etc: detailed education norms for children of particular ages
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nor.mal
adj., noun
adj.
1 typical, usual or ordinary; what you would expect: quite / perfectly (= completely) normal  Her temperature is normal.  It’s normal to feel tired after such a long trip.  Divorce is complicated enough in normal circumstances , but this situation is even worse.  Under normal circumstances , I would say ‘yes’.  He should be able to lead a perfectly normal life .  In the normal course of events I wouldn’t go to that part of town.  We are open during normal office hours.
2 not suffering from any mental disorder: People who commit such crimes aren’t normal.
OPP ABNORMAL
IDM see PER

noun [U] the usual or average state, level or standard: above / below normal  Things soon returned to normal .

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nor.mal.ity
(also nor.malcy especially in AmE) noun [U] a situation where everything is normal or as you would expect it to be: They are hoping for a return to normality now that the war is over.
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nor.mal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb (written) to fit or make sth fit a normal pattern or condition: [vn] a lotion to normalize oily skin  The two countries agreed to normalize relations (= return to a normal, friendly relationship, for example after a disagreement or war).  [v] It took time until the political situation had normalized.
nor.mal.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the normalization of relations
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nor.mal.ly
adv.
1 usually; in normal circumstances: I’m not normally allowed to stay out late.  It’s normally much warmer than this in July.  It normally takes 20 minutes to get there.
2 in the usual or ordinary way: Her heart is beating normally.  Just try to behave normally.
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Nor.man
adj.
1 used to describe the style of architecture in Britain in the 11th and 12th centuries that developed from the ROMANESQUE style: a Norman church / castle
2 connected with the Normans (= the people from northern Europe who defeated the English in 1066 and then ruled the country): the Norman Conquest
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nor.ma.tive
adj. (formal) describing or setting standards or rules of behaviour: a normative approach
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north
noun, adj., adv.
noun [U, sing.] (abbr. N, No.)
1 (usually the north) the direction that is on your left when you watch the sun rise; one of the four main points of the COMPASS : Which way is north?  cold winds coming from the north.  Mount Kenya is to the north of (= further north than) Nairobi.—compare EAST , SOUTH , WEST —see also MAGNETIC NORTH , TRUE NORTH —picture at COMPASS
2 (the north, the North) the northern part of a country, a region or the world: birds migrating from the north  Houses are less expensive in the North (= of England) than in the South.
3 (the North) the NE states of the US which fought against the South in the American Civil War
4 (the North) the richer and more developed countries of the world, especially in Europe and N America

adj. [only before noun]
1 (abbr.N, No.) in or towards the north: North London  the north bank of the river
2 a north wind blows from the north—compare NORTHERLY

adv. towards the north: The house faces north.
IDM up 'north (informal) to or in the north of a country, especially England: They’ve gone to live up north.

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north.bound
adj. travelling or leading towards the north: northbound traffic  the northbound carriageway of the motorway
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'north-country
adj. [only before noun] connected with the northern part of England: a north-country accent
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,north-'east
noun (usually the north-east) [sing.] (abbr. NE) the direction or region halfway between north and east—picture at COMPASS
,north-'east adv., adj.
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,north-'easterly
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the north-east: travelling in a north-easterly direction
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the north-east
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,north-'eastern
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. NE) connected with the north-east
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,north-'eastwards
(also ,north-'eastward) adv. towards the north-east
,north-'eastward adj.
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north.er.ly
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the north: travelling in a northerly direction
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the north: a northerly breeze—compare NORTH

noun (pl.-ies) a wind that blows from the north

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north.ern
adj. (also Northern) [usually before noun] (abbr. N, No.) situated in the north or facing north; connected with or typical of the north part of the world or a region: the northern slopes of the mountains  northern Scotland  a northern accent / climate
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north.ern.er
noun a person who comes from or lives in the northern part of a country
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the ,northern 'lights
noun [pl.] (also aurora bore'alis) bands of coloured light, mainly green and red, that are sometimes seen in the sky at night in the most northern countries of the world
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north.ern.most
adj. [usually before noun] furthest north: the northernmost city in the world
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the ,North 'Pole
noun [sing.] the point on the surface of the earth that is furthest north
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north.wards
(also north.ward) adv. towards the north: to go / look / turn northwards
north.ward adj.: in a northward direction
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,north-'west
noun (usually the north-west) [sing.] (abbr. NW) the direction or region halfway between north and west—picture at COMPASS
,north-'west adv., adj.
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,north-'westerly
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the north-west
2 (of winds) blowing from the north-west
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,north-'western
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. NW) connected with the north-west
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,north-'westwards
(also ,north-'westward) adv. towards the north-west
,north-'westward adj.
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nose
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the part of the face that sticks out above the mouth, used for breathing and smelling things: He broke his nose in the fight.  She wrinkled her nose in disgust.  He blew his nose (= cleared it by blowing strongly into a HANDKERCHIEF ).  a blocked / runny nose  Stop picking your nose ! (= removing dirt from it with your finger)—see also NASAL , ROMAN NOSE —picture at BODY
2 (-nosed) (in adjectives) having the type of nose mentioned: red-nosed  large-nosed—see also HARD-NOSED , TOFFEE-NOSED
3 [C] the front part of a plane, spacecraft, etc.—picture at PLANE
4 [sing.] a ~ for sth a special ability for finding or recognizing sth: As a journalist, she has always had a nose for a good story.
5 [sing.] a sense of smell: a dog with a good nose
6 [sing.] (of wine) a characteristic smell
SYN BOUQUET —see also PARSON’S NOSE
IDM cut off your nose to spite your 'face (informal) to do sth when you are angry that is meant to harm sb else but which also harms you get up sb’s 'nose (BrE, informal) to annoy sb have your nose in 'sth (informal) to be reading sth and giving it all your attention have a nose 'round (BrE, informal) to look around a place; to look for sth in a place keep your 'nose clean (informal) to avoid doing anything wrong or illegal: Since leaving prison, he’s managed to keep his nose clean. keep your nose out of sth to try not to become involved in things that do not concern you keep your nose to the 'grindstone (informal) to work hard for a long period of time without stopping look down your 'nose at sb/sth (informal, especially BrE) to behave in a way that suggests that you think that you are better than sb or that sth is not good enough for you ,nose to 'tail (BrE) if cars, etc. are nose to tail, they are moving slowly in a long line with little space between them on the 'nose (informal, especially AmE) exactly: The budget should hit the $136 billion target on the nose. poke / stick your nose into 'sth (informal) to try to become involved in sth that does not concern you put sb’s 'nose out of joint (informal) to upset or annoy sb, especially by not giving them enough attention turn your 'nose up at sth (informal) to refuse sth, especially because you do not think that it is good enough for you under sb’s 'nose (informal)
1 if sth is under sb’s nose, it is very close to them but they cannot see it: I searched everywhere for the letter and it was under my nose all the time!
2 if sth happens under sb’s nose, they do not notice it even though it is not being done secretly: The police didn’t know the drugs ring was operating right under their noses. with your nose in the air (informal) in a way that is unfriendly and suggests that you think that you are better than other people—more at FOLLOW , LEAD^1v. , PAY v. , PLAIN adj. , POWDER v. , RUB v. , SKIN n. , THUMB v.

verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move forward slowly and carefully: [v] The plane nosed down through the thick clouds.  [vn] The taxi nosed its way back into the traffic.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of an animal) to search for sth or push sth with its nose: Dogs nosed around in piles of refuse.
PVR V ,nose a'bout / a'round (for sth) to look for sth, especially information about sb: We found a man nosing around in our backyard. ,nose sth<->'out (informal) to discover information about sb/sth by searching for it: Reporters nosed out all the details of the affair.

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nose.bag
(BrE ) (AmE feed.bag) noun a bag containing food for a horse, that you hang from its head
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nose.bleed
noun a flow of blood that comes from the nose
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'nose-cone
noun the pointed front end of a rocket, an aircraft, etc.
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nose.dive
noun, verb
noun
1 a sudden steep fall or drop; a situation where sth suddenly becomes worse or begins to fail: Oil prices took a nosedive in the crisis.  These policies have sent the construction industry into an abrupt nosedive.
2 the sudden sharp fall of an aircraft towards the ground with its front part pointing down

verb [v]
1 (of prices, costs, etc.) to fall suddenly
SYN PLUMMET : Building costs have nosedived.
2 (of an aircraft) to fall suddenly with the front part pointing towards the ground

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nose.gay
noun (old-fashioned) a small bunch of flowers
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'nose job
noun (informal) a medical operation on the nose to improve its shape
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'nose ring
noun
1 a ring that is put in an animal’s nose for leading it
2 a ring worn in the nose as a piece of jewellery
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nosey
= NOSY
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nosh
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE, slang) food; a meal: She likes her nosh.  Did you have a good nosh?
2 (especially AmE) a small meal that you eat quickly between main meals

verb [v, vn] (informal) to eat

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,no-'show
noun (informal) a person who is expected to be somewhere and does not come; a situation where this happens: No-shows are a great problem in the hotel trade.  Fans were disappointed by his no-show at the festival.
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'nosh-up
noun (slang, especially BrE ) a very large meal: We went for a nosh-up at that new restaurant in town.
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,no-'smoking
adj. = NON-SMOKING
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nos.tal.gia
noun [U] a feeling of sadness mixed with pleasure and affection when you think of happy times in the past: a sense / wave / pang of nostalgia  She is filled with nostalgia for her own college days.
nos.tal.gic adj.: nostalgic memories  I feel quite nostalgic for the place where I grew up.
nos.tal.gic.al.ly adv.: to look back nostalgically to your childhood
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nos.tril
noun either of the two openings at the end of the nose that you breathe through—picture at BODY
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nos.trum
noun
1 (formal, disapproving) an idea that is intended to solve a problem but that will probably not succeed
2 (old-fashioned) a medicine that is not made in a scientific way, and that is not effective
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nosy
(also nosey) adj. (informal, disapproving) too interested in things that do not concern you, especially other people’s affairs
SYN INQUISITIVE : nosy neighbours  Don’t be so nosy—it’s none of your business.
nosi.ness noun [U]
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,nosy 'parker
noun (BrE , informal, becoming old-fashioned) a person who is too interested in other people’s affairs
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not
adv.
1 used to form the negative of the verbs be, do and have and modal verbs like can or must and often shortened to n’t: She did not / didn’t see him.  It’s not / it isn’t raining.  I can’t see from here.  He must not go.  Don’t you eat meat?  It’s cold, isn’t it?
2 used to give the following word or phrase a negative meaning, or to reply in the negative: He warned me not to be late.  I was sorry not to have seen them.  Not everybody agrees.  ‘Who’s next?’‘Not me.’  ‘What did you do at school?’‘Not a lot .’  It’s not easy being a parent (= it’s difficult).
3 used after hope, expect, believe, etc. to give a negative reply: ‘Will she be there?’‘I hope not.’  ‘Is it ready?’‘I’m afraid not.’   (formal) ‘Does he know?’‘I believe not.’
4 or ~ used to show a negative possibility: I don’t know if he’s telling the truth or not.
5 used to say that you do not want sth or will not allow sth: ‘Some more?’‘Not for me, thanks.’  ‘Can I throw this out?’‘Certainly not.’
IDM not a … | not one … used for emphasis to mean ‘no thing or person’: He didn’t speak to me—not one word. ,not at 'all used to politely accept thanks or to agree to sth: ‘Thanks a lot.’‘Not at all.’  ‘Will it bother you if I smoke?’‘Not at all.’ not only … (but) also … used to emphasize that sth else is also true: She not only wrote the text but also selected the illustrations. 'not that used to state that you are not suggesting sth: She hasn’t written—not that she said she would.
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not.able
adj., noun
adj. ~ (for sth) deserving to be noticed or to receive attention; important: a notable success / achievement / example  His eyes are his most notable feature.  The town is notable for its ancient harbour.  With a few notable exceptions , everyone gave something.

noun [usually pl.] (written) a famous or important person: All the usual local notables were there.

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not.ably
adv.
1 used for giving a good or the most important example of sth
SYN ESPECIALLY : The house had many drawbacks, most notably its location and price.
2 to a great degree
SYN REMARKABLY : This has not been a notably successful project.
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no.tary
noun (pl.-ies) (also technical,notary 'publicpl.,notaries 'public) a person, especially a lawyer, with official authority to be a WITNESS when sb signs a document and to make this document valid in law
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no.ta.tion
noun [U, C] a system of signs or symbols used to represent information, especially in mathematics, science and music
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notch
noun, verb
noun
1 a level on a scale, often marking quality or achievement: The quality of the food here has dropped a notch recently.  My spirits lifted a few notches when I heard the news.—see also TOP-NOTCH
2 a V-shaped or circular cut in an edge or a surface, sometimes used to keep a record of sth: For each day he spent on the island, he cut a new notch in his stick.  She tightened her belt an extra notch.

verb [vn]
1 (informal) ~ sth (up) to achieve sth such as a win or a high score: The team has notched up 20 goals already this season.
2 to make a small V-shaped cut in an edge or a surface

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note
noun, verb
noun
TO REMIND YOU|
1 [C] a short piece of writing to help you remember sth: Please make a note of the dates.  He sat taking notes of everything that was said.  She made a mental note (= decided that she must remember) to ask Alan about it.  Can I borrow your lecture notes?
SHORT LETTER|
2 [C] a short informal letter: Just a quick note to say thank you for a wonderful evening.  She left a note for Ben on the kitchen table.  a suicide note
IN BOOK|
3 [C] a short comment on a word or passage in a book: a new edition of ‘Hamlet’, with explanatory notes  See note 3, page 259.—see also FOOTNOTE
INFORMATION|
4 [C, usually pl.] information about a performance, an actor’s career, a piece of music, etc. printed in a special book or on a record cover, CD case, etc: The sleeve notes include a short biography of the performers on this recording.
MONEY|
5 (also bank.note) (both especially BrE) (AmE usually bill) [C] a piece of paper money: a £5 note  We only exchange notes and traveller’s cheques.—picture at MONEY
IN MUSIC|
6 [C] a single sound of a particular length and PITCH (= how high or low a sound is), made by the voice or a musical instrument; the written or printed sign for a musical note : He played the first few notes of the tune.  high / low notes—picture at MUSIC
QUALITY|
7 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a particular quality in sth, for example in sb’s voice or the atmosphere at an event: There was a note of amusement in his voice.  On a more serious note (= speaking more seriously) …
OFFICIAL DOCUMENT|
8 [C] an official document with a particular purpose: a sick note from your doctor  The buyer has to sign a delivery note as proof of receipt.—see also CREDIT NOTE , PROMISSORY NOTE
9 [C] (technical) an official letter from the representative of one government to another: an exchange of diplomatic notes of 'note of importance or of great interest: a scientist / composer of note  The museum contains nothing of great note. hit / strike the right / wrong 'note (especially BrE) to do, say or write sth that is suitable/not suitable for a particular occasion sound / strike a 'note (of 'sth) to express feelings or opinions of a particular kind: She sounded a note of warning in her speech. take 'note (of sth) to pay attention to sth and be sure to remember it: Take note of what he says.—more at COMPARE v.

verb (rather formal)
1 to notice or pay careful attention to sth: [vn] Note the fine early Baroque altar inside the chapel.  [v (that)] Please note (that) the office will be closed on Monday.  [v wh-] Note how these animals sometimes walk with their tails up in the air.  [vn that] It should be noted that dissertations submitted late will not be accepted.
2 to mention sth because it is important or interesting: [v that] It is worth noting that the most successful companies had the lowest prices. [alsovn, alsov wh-, vn that] ,note sth<->'down to write down sth important so that you will not forget it

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note.book
noun
1 a small book of plain paper for writing notes in
2 (AmE) = EXERCISE BOOK
3 (also ,notebook com'puter) a very small computer that you can carry with you and use anywhere—compare DESKTOP COMPUTER , LAPTOP
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noted
adj. ~ (for / as sth) well known because of a special skill or feature
SYN FAMOUS : a noted dancer  He is not noted for his sense of humour.  The lake is noted as a home to many birds.
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note.let
noun (BrE ) a small folded sheet of paper or card with a picture on the front that you use for writing a short letter on
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note.pad
noun sheets of paper that are held together at the top and used for writing notes on: a notepad by the phone for messages
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note.paper
(also 'writing paper) noun [U] paper for writing letters on
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note.worthy
adj. deserving to be noticed or to receive attention because it is unusual, important or interesting: a noteworthy feature / aspect  It is noteworthy that only 15% of senior managers are women.
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noth.ing
pron.
1 not anything; no single thing: There was nothing in her bag.  There’s nothing you can do to help.  The doctor said there was nothing wrong with me.  Nothing else matters to him apart from his job.  It cost us nothing to go in.   (BrE) He’s five foot nothing (= exactly five feet tall).
2 something that is not at all important or interesting: ‘What’s that in your pocket?’‘Oh, nothing.’  We did nothing at the weekend.
IDM be 'nothing to sb to be a person for whom sb has no feelings: I used to love her but she’s nothing to me any more. be / have nothing to do with sb/sth to have no connection with sb/sth: Get out! It’s nothing to do with you (= you have no right to know about it).  That has nothing to do with what we’re discussing. for 'nothing
1 without payment
SYN FREE : We could have got in for nothing—nobody was collecting tickets.
2 with no reward or result: All that preparation was for nothing because the visit was cancelled. have nothing on sb (informal)
1 to have much less of a particular quality than sth/sb: I’m quite a fast worker, but I’ve got nothing on her!
2 (of the police, etc.) to have no information that could show sb to be guilty of sth not for 'nothing for a very good reason: Not for nothing was he called the king of rock and roll. 'nothing but only; no more/less than: Nothing but a miracle can save her now.  I want nothing but the best for my children. 'nothing if not extremely; very: The trip was nothing if not varied. 'nothing less than used to emphasize how great or extreme sth is: It was nothing less than a disaster. nothing 'like (informal)
1 not at all like: It looks nothing like a horse.
2 not nearly; not at all: I had nothing like enough time to answer all the questions. ,nothing 'much not a great amount of sth; nothing of great value or importance: There’s nothing much in the fridge.  I got up late and did nothing much all day. (there’s) ,nothing 'to it (it’s) very easy: You’ll soon learn. There’s nothing to it really. there is / was nothing (else) 'for it (but to do sth) there is no other action to take except the one mentioned: There was nothing else for it but to resign. there is / was nothing in sth something is/was not true: There was a rumour she was going to resign, but there was nothing in it. there’s nothing like sth used to say that you enjoy sth very much: There’s nothing like a brisk walk on a cold day!—more at ALL det. , STOP v. , SWEET adj.
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noth.ing.ness
noun [U] a situation where nothing exists; the state of not existing
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no.tice
noun, verb
noun
PAYING ATTENTION|
1 [U] the fact of sb paying attention to sb/sth or knowing about sth: Don’t take any notice of what you read in the papers.  Take no notice of what he says.  These protests have really made the government sit up and take notice (= realize the importance of the situation).  It was Susan who brought the problem to my notice (= told me about it).  Normally, the letter would not have come to my notice (= I would not have known about it).   (formal) It will not have escaped your notice that there have been some major changes in the company.
GIVING INFORMATION|
2 [C] a sheet of paper giving written or printed information, usually put in a public place: There was a notice on the board saying the class had been cancelled.
3 [C] a board or sign giving information, an instruction or a warning: a notice saying ‘Keep off the Grass’
ANNOUNCING STH|
4 [C] a small advertisement or ANNOUNCEMENT in a newspaper or magazine: notices of births, marriages and deaths
5 [C] a short ANNOUNCEMENT made at the beginning or end of a church service, a meeting, etc: There are just two notices this week.
WARNING|
6 [U] information or a warning given in advance of sth that is going to happen: You must give one month’s notice .  Prices may be altered without notice.  The bar is closed until further notice (= until you are told that it is open again).  You are welcome to come and stay as long as you give us plenty of notice.
WHEN LEAVING JOB / HOUSE|
7 [U] a formal letter or statement saying that you will or must leave your job or house at the end of a particular period of time: He has handed in his notice .  They gave her two weeks' notice .
REVIEW OF BOOK / PLAY|
8 [C] a short article in a newspaper or magazine, giving an opinion about a book, play, etc. at short 'notice | at a moment’s 'notice not long in advance; without warning or time for preparation: This was the best room we could get at such short notice.  You must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. on short 'notice (AmE) = AT SHORT NOTICE

verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
SEE / HEAR|
1 to see or hear sb/sth; to become aware of sb/sth: [vn] The first thing I noticed about the room was the smell.  [v] People were making fun of him but he didn’t seem to notice.  [v (that)] I couldn’t help noticing (that) she was wearing a wig.  [v wh-] Did you notice how Rachel kept looking at her watch?  [vn inf] I noticed them come in.  [vn -ing] I didn’t notice him leaving.
PAY ATTENTION|
2 [vn] to pay attention to sb/sth: She wears those strange clothes just to get herself noticed.  My husband hardly seems to notice me any more.

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no.tice.able
adj. ~ (in sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) easy to see or notice; clear or definite: a noticeable feature / improvement / difference  This effect is particularly noticeable in younger patients.  It was noticeable that none of the family were present.
no.tice.ably adv.: Her hand was shaking noticeably.  Marks were noticeably higher for girls than for boys.
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no.tice.board
(BrE ) (AmE 'bulletin board) (also boardBrE, AmE) noun a board for putting notices on
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no.ti.fi.able
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) (of a disease or a crime) so dangerous or serious that it must by law be reported officially to the authorities
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no.ti.fi.ca.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) the act of giving or receiving official information about sth: advance / prior notification (= telling sb in advance about sth)  written notification  You should receive (a) notification of our decision in the next week.
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no.tify
verb (no.ti.fies, no.ti.fy.ing, no.ti.fied, no.ti.fied) ~ sb (of sth)| ~ sth to sb to formally or officially tell sb about sth
SYN INFORM : [vn] Competition winners will be notified by post.  The police must be notified of the date of the demonstration.  The date of the demonstration must be notified to the police. [alsovn that]
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no.tion
noun ~ (that … )| ~ (of sth) an idea, a belief or an understanding of sth: a political system based on the notions of equality and liberty  I have to reject the notion that greed can be a good thing.  She had only a vague notion of what might happen.
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no.tion.al
adj. (formal) based on a guess, estimate or theory; not existing in reality: My calculation is based on notional figures, since the actual figures are not yet available.
no.tion.al.ly adv.
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no.tori.ety
noun [U, sing.] ~ (for / as sth) fame for being bad in some way: She achieved notoriety for her affair with the senator.  He gained a certain notoriety as a gambler.
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no.tori.ous
adj. ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (as sth) well known for being bad: a notorious criminal  The country is notorious for its appalling prison conditions.  The bar has become notorious as a meeting-place for drug dealers.
no.tori.ous.ly adv.: Mountain weather is notoriously difficult to predict.
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not.with.stand.ing
prep., adv.
prep. (formal) (also used following the noun it refers to) without being affected by sth; in spite of sth: Notwithstanding some major financial problems, the school has had a successful year.  The bad weather notwithstanding, the event was a great success.

adv. (formal) in spite of this
SYN HOWEVER , NEVERTHELESS : Notwithstanding, the problem is a significant one.

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nou.gat
noun [U] a hard sweet/candy that has to be chewed a lot, often containing nuts, CHERRIES , etc. and pink or white in colour
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nought
noun
1 [C, U] (BrE) (also zero especially in AmE) the figure 0: A million is written with six noughts.  nought point one (= written 0·1)  I give the programme nought out of ten for humour.
2 (also naught) [U] (literary) used in particular phrases to mean ‘nothing’: All our efforts have come to nought (= have not been successful).
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,noughts and 'crosses
(BrE ) (AmE ,tic-tac-'toe) noun [U] a simple game in which two players take turns to write Os or Xs in a set of nine squares. The first player to complete a row of three Os or three Xs is the winner.
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noun
noun (grammar) (abbr. n.) a word that refers to a person, (such as Ann or doctor), a place (such as Paris or city) or a thing, a quality or an activity (such as plant, sorrow or tennis)—see also ABSTRACT NOUN , COMMON NOUN , PROPER NOUN
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'noun phrase
noun (grammar ) a group of words in a sentence that behaves in the same way as a noun, that is as a subject, an object, a COMPLEMENT , or as the object of a preposition: In the sentence ‘I spoke to the driver of the car’, ‘the driver of the car’ is a noun phrase.
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nour.ish
verb [vn]
1 to keep a person, an animal or a plant alive and healthy with food, etc: All the children were well nourished and in good physical condition.  Most plants are nourished by water drawn up through their roots.
2 (formal) to allow a feeling, an idea, etc. to develop or grow stronger: By investing in education, we nourish the talents of our children.
nour.ish.ing adj.: nourishing food
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nour.ish.ment
noun [U] (formal ortechnical ) food that is needed to stay alive, grow and stay healthy: Can plants obtain adequate nourishment from such poor soil?   (figurative) As a child, she was starved of intellectual nourishment.
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nous
noun [U] (BrE , informal) intelligence and the ability to think and act in a practical way
SYN COMMON SENSE
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nou.veau riche
noun (pl.nou.veaux riches or the nou.veau riche) (from French , disapproving) a person who has recently become rich and likes to show how rich they are in a very obvious way
nou.veau riche adj.
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nou.velle cuis.ine
noun [U] (from French ) a modern style of cooking that avoids heavy foods and serves small amounts of different dishes arranged in an attractive way on the plate
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nova
noun (pl.novae or novas) (astronomy ) a star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a short period—compare SUPERNOVA
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novel
noun, adj.
noun a story long enough to fill a complete book, in which the characters and events are usually imaginary: to write / publish / read a novel  detective / historical / romantic novels  the novels of Jane Austen

adj. (often approving) different from anything known before; new, interesting and often seeming slightly strange: a novel idea / feature / design

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nov.el.ette
noun a short novel, especially a romantic novel that is considered to be badly written
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nov.el.ist
noun a person who writes novels: a romantic / historical novelist
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nov.el.is.tic
adj. (formal) typical of or used in novels
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nov.ella
noun a short novel
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nov.elty
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the quality of being new, different and interesting: It was fun working there at first but the novelty soon wore off (= it became boring).  There’s a certain novelty value in this approach.
2 [C] a thing, person or situation that is interesting because it is new, unusual, or has not been known before: Electric-powered cars are still something of a novelty.
3 [C] a small cheap object sold as a toy or an ornament: chocolate novelties sold at Easter

adj. [only before noun] different and unusual; intended to be amusing and to catch people’s attention: a novelty teapot

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No.vem.ber
noun [U, C] (abbr. Nov.) the 11th month of the year, between October and December
HELP To see how November is used, look at the examples at April.
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nov.ice
noun
1 a person who is new and has little experience in a skill, job or situation: I’m a complete novice at skiing.  computer software for novices / the novice user
2 a person who has joined a religious group and is preparing to become a MONK or a NUN
3 a horse that has not yet won an important race
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now
adv., conj.
adv.
1 (at) the present time: Where are you living now?  It’s been two weeks now since she called.  It’s too late now.  From now on I’ll be more careful.  He’ll be home by now .  I’ve lived at home up till now .  That’s all for now .
2 at or from this moment, but not before: Start writing now.  I am now ready to answer your questions.
3 (spoken) used to show that you are annoyed about sth: Now they want to tax food!  What do you want now?  It’s broken. Now I’ll have to get a new one.
4 (spoken) used to get sb’s attention before changing the subject or asking them to do sth: Now, listen to what she’s saying.  Now, the next point is quite complex.  Now come and sit down.  Now let me think …
IDM (every) now and a'gain / 'then from time to time; occasionally: Every now and again she checked to see if he was still asleep. now for 'sb / 'sth used when turning to a fresh activity or subject: And now for some travel news. ,now, 'now (also ,now 'then) used to show in a mild way that you do not approve of sth: Now then, that’s enough noise. now … now … at one time … at another time …: Her moods kept changing—now happy, now sad. (it’s) ,now or 'never this is the only opportunity sb will have to do sth 'now then
1 = NOW, NOW
2 used when making a suggestion or an offer: Now then, who wants to come for a walk? 'Now what? (spoken)
1 (also What is it 'now?) used when you are annoyed because sb is always asking questions or interrupting you: ‘Yes, but Dad … ’‘Now what?’
2 used to say that you do not know what to do next in a particular situation

conj. ~ (that) … because the thing mentioned is happening or has just happened: Now that the kids have left home we’ve got a lot of extra space.

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now.adays
adv. at the present time, in contrast with the past: Nowadays most kids prefer watching TV to reading.
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no.where
(also 'no place especially in AmE) adv. not in or to any place: This animal is found in Australia, and nowhere else.  There was nowhere for me to sit.  ‘Where are you going this weekend?’‘Nowhere special.’   (written) Nowhere is the effect of government policy more apparent than in agriculture.
IDM get / go 'nowhere | get sb 'nowhere to make no progress or have no success; to allow sb to do this: We discussed it all morning but got nowhere.  Talking to him will get you nowhere. nowhere to be 'found / 'seen | nowhere in 'sight impossible for anyone to find or see: The children were nowhere to be seen.  A peace settlement is nowhere in sight (= is not likely in the near future).—more at LEAD^1v. , MIDDLE n. , NEAR adv.
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,no-'win
adj. [only before noun] (of a situation, policy, etc.) that will end badly whatever you decide to do: We are considering the options available to us in this no-win situation.
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nowt
pron. (BrE, dialect , informal) nothing: There’s nowt wrong with it.
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nox.ious
adj. (formal)
1 poisonous or harmful: noxious gases / chemicals / fumes
2 very unpleasant: a noxious problem
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noz.zle
noun a narrow piece that is attached to the end of a pipe or tube to direct the stream of liquid, air or gas passing through—picture at GARDEN
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nr
abbr. (BrE ) near (used, for example, in the address of a small village): Howden, nr Goole
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nth
adj. (informal) [only before noun] used when you are stating that sth is the last in a long series and emphasizing how often sth has happened: It’s the nth time I’ve explained it to you.
IDM to the nth 'degree extremely; to an extreme degree
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nu.ance
noun [C, U] a very slight difference in meaning, sound, colour or sb’s feelings that is not usually very obvious: He watched her face intently to catch every nuance of expression.
nu.anced adj. (rare): subtle and finely nuanced
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nub
noun [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the central or essential point of a situation, problem, etc: The nub of the matter is that business is declining.
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nu.bile
adj. (written) (of a girl or young woman) sexually attractive
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nu.clear
adj. [usually before noun]
1 using, producing or resulting from nuclear energy : a nuclear power station  the nuclear industry  nuclear-powered submarines
2 connected with weapons that use nuclear energy : a nuclear weapon / bomb / missile  a nuclear explosion / attack / war  the country’s nuclear capability (= the fact that it has nuclear weapons)  nuclear capacity (= the number of nuclear weapons a country has)
3 (physics) of the NUCLEUS (= central part) of an atom: nuclear particles / physics  a nuclear reaction
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,nuclear 'energy
(also ,nuclear 'power) noun [U] a powerful form of energy produced by splitting the NUCLEI (= central parts) of atoms and used to produce electricity
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,nuclear 'family
noun (technical ) a family that consists of father, mother and children, when it is thought of as a unit in society: Not everybody nowadays lives in the conventional nuclear family.—compare EXTENDED FAMILY
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,nuclear 'fission
noun [U] = FISSION
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,nuclear-'free
adj. [usually before noun] (of a country or a region) not having or allowing nuclear energy, weapons or materials: a nuclear-free zone
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,nuclear 'fusion
noun [U] = FUSION
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,nuclear 'power
noun [U] = NUCLEAR ENERGY
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,nuclear re'actor
noun = REACTOR
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,nuclear 'waste
noun [U] waste material which is RADIOACTIVE , especially used fuel from nuclear power stations
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nu.cle.ic acid
noun [U] (chemistry ) either of two acids, DNA and RNA, that are present in all living cells
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nu.cleus
noun (pl.nu.clei )
1 (physics) the central part of an atom, that contains most of its MASS (= weight) and that carries a positive electric CHARGE —see also PROTON , NEUTRON
2 (biology) the central part of some cells, containing the GENETIC material
3 the central part of sth around which other parts are situated or collected: These paintings will form the nucleus of a new collection.
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nude
adj., noun
adj.
1 (especially of a human figure in art) not wearing any clothes
SYN NAKED : a nude model  He asked me to pose nude for him.
2 involving people who are naked: a nude photograph  Are there any nude scenes in the movie?
3 (AmE) (of TIGHTS / PANTYHOSE , etc.) skin-coloured

noun a work of art consisting of a naked human figure; a naked human figure in art: a bronze nude by Rodin  a reclining nude
IDM in the 'nude not wearing any clothes
SYN NAKED : She refuses to be photographed in the nude.

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nudge
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to push sb gently, especially with your elbow, in order to get their attention: He nudged me and whispered, ‘Look who’s just come in.’
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push sb/sth gently or gradually in a particular direction: He nudged the ball past the goalie and into the net.  She nudged me out of the way.   (figurative) He nudged the conversation towards the subject of money.   (figurative) She tried to nudge him into changing his mind (= persuade him to do it).
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move forward by pushing with your elbow: [vn] He nudged his way through the crowd. [alsov]
4 [vn] to reach or make sth reach a particular level: Inflation is nudging 20%.  This afternoon’s sunshine could nudge the temperature above freezing.

noun a slight push, usually with the elbow: She gave me a gentle nudge in the ribs to tell me to shut up.   (figurative) He can work hard but he needs a nudge now and then.
IDM ,nudge 'nudge, ,wink 'wink | a ,nudge and a 'wink used to suggest sth to do with sex without actually saying it: They’ve been spending a lot of time together, nudge nudge, wink wink.

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nud.ism
(also na.tur.ism especially in BrE) noun [U] the practice of not wearing any clothes because you believe this is more natural and healthy
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nud.ist
(also na.tur.ist especially in BrE) noun a person who does not wear any clothes because they believe this is more natural and healthy: a nudist beach / camp
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nud.ity
noun [U] the state of being naked: The committee claimed that there was too much nudity on television.
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nu.ga.tory
adj. (rare, formal) having no purpose or value
SYN WORTHLESS
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nug.get
noun
1 a small lump of a valuable metal or mineral, especially gold, that is found in the earth
2 a small round piece of some types of food: chicken nuggets
3 a small thing such as an idea or a fact that people think of as valuable: a useful nugget of information
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nuis.ance
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a thing, person or situation that is annoying or causes trouble or problems: I don’t want to be a nuisance so tell me if you want to be alone.  I hope you’re not making a nuisance of yourself .  It’s a nuisance having to go back tomorrow.  What a nuisance!
2 [C, U] (law) behaviour by sb that annoys other people and that a court of law can order the person to stop: He was charged with causing a public nuisance.
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nuke
verb, noun
verb [vn] (informal) to attack a place with nuclear weapons

noun (informal) a nuclear weapon

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null
adj. (technical ) having the value zero: a null result / output
IDM ,null and 'void (law) (of an election, agreement, etc.) having no legal force; not valid: The contract was declared null and void.
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nul.lify
verb (nul.li.fies, nul.li.fy.ing, nul.li.fied, nul.li.fied) [vn] (formal)
1 to make sth such as an agreement or order lose its legal force
SYN INVALIDATE : Judges were unwilling to nullify government decisions.
2 to make sth lose its effect or power
SYN NEGATE : An unhealthy diet will nullify the effects of training.
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null.ity
noun [sing.] (formal orlaw ) the fact of sth, for example a marriage, having no legal force or no longer being valid; something which is no longer valid
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numb
adj., verb
adj.
1 if a part of your body is numb, you cannot feel anything in it, for example because of cold: to be / go numb  numb with cold  I’ve just been to the dentist and my face is still numb.
2 unable to feel, think or react in the normal way: He felt numb with shock.—see also NUMBING
numb.ly adv.: Her life would never be the same again, she realized numbly.
numb.ness noun [U]: pain and numbness in my fingers  He was still in a state of numbness and shock from the accident.

verb
1 [vn] to make a part of your body unable to feel anything, for example because of cold: His fingers were numbed with the cold.
2 [vn] to make sb unable to feel, think or react in a normal way, for example because of an emotional shock
SYN STUN : We sat there in silence, numbed by the shock of her death.

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num.ber
noun, verb
noun
WORD / SYMBOL|
1 [C] a word or symbol that represents an amount or a quantity: Think of a number and multiply it by two.  a high / low number  even numbers (= 2, 4, 6, etc.)  odd numbers (= 1, 3, 5, etc.)  You owe me 27 dollars? Make it 30, that’s a good round number .—see also CARDINAL NUMBER , ORDINAL , PRIME NUMBER , WHOLE NUMBER
POSITION IN SERIES|
2 [C] (abbr.No.) (symb#) used before a figure to show the position of sth in a series: They live at number 26.  The song reached number 5 in the charts.
TELEPHONE, etc.|
3 [C] (often in compounds) a number used to identify sth or communicate by telephone, FAX , etc: My phone number is 266998  I’m sorry, I think you have the wrong number (= wrong telephone number).  What is your account number, please?—see also BOX NUMBER , E-NUMBER , PIN , REGISTRATION NUMBER , SERIAL NUMBER
QUANTITY|
4 [C] ~ (of sb/sth) a quantity of people or things: A large number of people have applied for the job.  The number of homeless people has increased dramatically.  Huge numbers of (= very many) animals have died.  A number of (= some) problems have arisen.  I could give you any number of (= a lot of) reasons for not going.  We were eight in number (= there were eight of us).  Nurses are leaving the profession in increasing numbers.  Sheer weight of numbers (= the large number of soldiers) secured them the victory.  staff / student numbers
HELP A plural verb is needed after a / an (large, small, etc.) number of ….
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
5 [sing.] (formal) a group or quantity of people: one of our number (= one of us)  The prime minister is elected by MPs from among their number.
MAGAZINE|
6 [C] (BrE) the version of a magazine, etc. published on a particular day, in a particular month, etc.
SYN ISSUE : the October number of ‘Vogue’—see also BACK NUMBER
SONG / DANCE|
7 [C] a song or dance, especially one of several in a performance: They sang a slow romantic number.
THING ADMIRED|
8 [sing.] (informal) (following one or more adjectives) a thing, such as a dress or a car, that is admired: She was wearing a black velvet number.
GRAMMAR|
9 [U] the form of a word, showing whether one or more than one person or thing is being talked about: The word ‘men’ is plural in number.  The subject of a sentence and its verb must agree in number. by 'numbers following a set of simple instructions identified by numbers: painting by numbers have (got) sb’s 'number (informal) to know what sb is really like and what they plan to do: He thinks he can fool me but I’ve got his number. your 'number is up (informal) the time has come when you will die or lose everything ,number 'one (informal)
1 the most important or best person or thing: We’re number one in the used car business.  the world’s number one athlete  the number one priority
2 yourself: Looking after number one is all she thinks about. 'numbers game a way of considering an activity, etc. that is concerned only with the number of people doing sth, things achieved, etc., not with who or what they are: MPs were playing the numbers game as the crucial vote drew closer.—more at CUSHY , OPPOSITE adj. , SAFETY , WEIGHT n.

verb
MAKE A SERIES|
1 to give a number to sth as part of a series or list: [vn] All the seats in the stadium are numbered.  Number the car’s features from 1 to 10 according to importance.  [v] I couldn’t work out the numbering system for the hotel rooms. [alsovn-n]
MAKE STH AS TOTAL|
2 [v-n] to make a particular number when added together
SYN ADD UP TO STH : The crowd numbered more than a thousand.  We numbered 20 (= there were 20 of us in the group).
INCLUDE|
3 ~ (sb/sth) among sth (formal) to include sb/sth in a particular group; to be included in a particular group: [vn] I number her among my closest friends.  [v] He numbers among the best classical actors in Britain.
IDM see DAY

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'number crunching
noun [U] (informal) the process of calculating numbers, especially when a large amount of data is involved and the data is processed in a short space of time
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num.ber.less
adj. (literary) too many to be counted INNUMERABLE
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'number plate
(BrE ) (AmE 'license plate) noun a metal or plastic plate on the front and back of a vehicle that shows its REGISTRATION NUMBER —picture at CAR
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,Number 'Ten
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] (No 10) number 10 Downing Street, London, the official home of the British PRIME MINISTER , often used to refer to the government: Number Ten had nothing to say on the matter.
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numb.ing
adj. (of an experience or a situation) making you unable to feel anything: numbing cold / fear  Watching television had a numbing effect on his mind.
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numb.skull
(also num.skull) noun (informal) a stupid person
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nu.mer.acy
noun [U] a good basic knowledge of mathematics; the ability to understand and work with numbers: standards of literacy and numeracy
nu.mer.ate adj.: All students should be numerate and literate when they leave school.
OPP INNUMERATE
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nu.meral
noun a sign or symbol that represents a number—see also ARABIC NUMERAL , ROMAN NUMERAL
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nu.mer.ator
noun (mathematics ) the number above the line in a FRACTION , for example 3 in the FRACTION ¾—compare DENOMINATOR
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nu.mer.ic.al
(also less frequent nu.mer.ic ) adj. relating to numbers; expressed in numbers: numerical data  The results are expressed in descending numerical order .
nu.mer.ic.al.ly adv.: to express the results numerically
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nu.mer.ous
adj. (formal) existing in large numbers MANY : He has been late on numerous occasions.  The advantages of this system are too numerous to mention.
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nu.min.ous
adj. (formal) having a strong religious and spiritual quality that makes you feel that God is present
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nu.mis.mat.ics
noun [U] the study of coins and medals
nu.mis.mat.ic adj.
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nu.mis.ma.tist
noun a person who collects or studies coins or medals
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num.skull
= NUMBSKULL
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nun
noun a member of a religious community of women who promise to serve God all their lives and often live together in a CONVENT —compare MONK
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nun.cio
noun (pl.-os) a representative of the POPE (= the leader of the Roman Catholic Church) in a foreign country
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nun.nery
noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned or literary) = CONVENT
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nup.tial
adj. [only before noun] (formal) connected with marriage or a wedding: nuptial bliss  a nuptial mass
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nup.tials
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) a wedding
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nurse
noun, verb
noun
1 a person whose job is to take care of sick or injured people, usually in a hospital: a qualified / registered nurse  student nurses  a male nurse  a dental nurse (= one who helps a dentist)  a psychiatric nurse (= one who works in a hospital for people with mental illnesses)  Nurse Bennett  Nurse, come quickly!—see also CHARGE NURSE , DISTRICT NURSE , PRACTICAL NURSE , REGISTERED NURSE , STAFF NURSE   note at GENDER
2 (also nurse.maid) (old-fashioned) (in the past) a woman or girl whose job was to take care of babies or small children in their own homes—see also NURSERY NURSE , WET NURSE

verb
1 [vn] to care for sb who is ill/sick or injured: He worked in a hospital for ten years nursing cancer patients.  She nursed her daughter back to health .
2 [vn] to take care of an injury or illness: Several weeks after the match, he was still nursing a shoulder injury.  You’d better go to bed and nurse that cold.   (figurative) She was nursing her hurt pride.
3 [vn] (formal) to have a strong feeling or idea in your mind for a long time
SYN HARBOUR : to nurse an ambition / a grievance / a grudge  She had been nursing a secret desire to see him again.
4 [vn] to give special care or attention to sb/sth: to nurse tender young plants
5 [vn] to hold sb/sth carefully in your arms or close to your body: He sat nursing his cup of coffee.
6 (of a woman or female animal) to feed a baby with milk from the breast
SYN SUCKLE : [v] a nursing mother   [vn] The lioness is still nursing her cubs.—compare BREASTFEED
7 [v] (of a baby) to suck milk from its mother’s breast
SYN SUCKLE

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nurse.maid
noun (old-fashioned) = NURSE (2)
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,nurse prac'titioner
noun a nurse who is trained to do many of the tasks usually done by a doctor
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nur.sery
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 = DAY NURSERY
2 = NURSERY SCHOOL : Her youngest child is at nursery now.
3 (AmEor old-fashioned) a room in a house where a baby sleeps
4 (old-fashioned) a room in a house where young children can play
5 a place where young plants and trees are grown for sale or for planting somewhere else

adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) connected with the education of children from 2 to 5 years old: nursery education  a nursery teacher

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nur.sery.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person who owns or works in a nursery
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'nursery nurse
noun (BrE ) a person whose job involves taking care of small children in a DAY NURSERY
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'nursery rhyme
noun a simple traditional poem or song for children
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'nursery school
noun (BrE ) a school for children between the ages of two and five—compare KINDERGARTEN , PLAYGROUP
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'nursery slope
(BrE ) (AmE 'bunny slope) noun [usually pl.] a slope that is not very steep and is used by people who are learning to ski
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nurs.ing
noun [U] the job or skill of caring for people who are sick or injured: a career in nursing  nursing care  the nursing profession
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'nursing home
noun a small private hospital, especially one where old people live and are cared for: Eventually she had to give up her house and go into a nursing home.
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nur.ture
verb, noun
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to care for and protect sb/sth while they are growing and developing: These delicate plants need careful nurturing.  children nurtured by loving parents
2 to help sb/sth to develop and be successful: It’s important to nurture a good working relationship.
3 to have a feeling, an idea, a plan, etc. for a long time and encourage it to develop: She secretly nurtured a hope of becoming famous.

noun [U] (formal) care, encouragement and support given to sb/sth while they are growing

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nut
noun, verb
noun
1 (often in compounds) a small hard fruit with a very hard shell that grows on some trees: to crack a nut (= open it)  a Brazil nut  a hazelnut  nuts and raisins
2 a small piece of metal with a hole through the centre that is screwed onto a BOLT to hold pieces of wood, machinery, etc. together: to tighten a nut  a wheel nut—picture at TOOL
3 (BrE, slang) a person’s head or brain
4 (informal) (BrE also nut.ter) a strange or crazy person: He’s a complete nut, if you ask me.—see also NUTS , NUTTY
5 (informal) (in compounds) a person who is extremely interested in a particular subject, activity, etc: a fitness / tennis / computer nut
6 (nuts) [pl.] (slang) a man’s TESTICLES
IDM do your 'nut (BrE, informal, spoken) to become very angry: She’ll do her nut when she finds out! a hard / tough 'nut (informal) a person who is difficult to deal with or to influence a hard / tough 'nut (to 'crack) a difficult problem or situation to deal with the ,nuts and 'bolts (of sth) (informal) the basic practical details of a subject or an activity ,off your 'nut (BrE, informal, spoken) crazy—more at SLEDGEHAMMER

verb [vn] (-tt-) (BrE , informal) to deliberately hit sb hard with your head: He grabbed my tie and I thought he was going to nut me in the face.

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,nut-'brown
adj. dark brown in colour: nut-brown eyes / hair
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nut.case
noun (informal) a crazy person: She’s a complete nutcase.
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nut.crack.er
noun (BrE also nut.crack.ers) [pl.] a tool for cracking open the shells of nuts
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nut.meg
noun [U, C] the hard seed of an E Indian tree, used in cooking as a spice, especially to give flavour to cakes and sauces: freshly grated nutmeg
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nu.tri.ent
noun (technical ) a substance that is needed to keep a living thing alive and to help it to grow: a lack / supply of essential nutrients  Plants draw minerals and other nutrients from the soil.  children suffering from a serious nutrient deficiency
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nu.tri.tion
noun [U] the process by which living things receive the food necessary for them to grow and be healthy: advice on diet and nutrition  to study food science and nutrition—compare MALNUTRITION
nu.tri.tion.al (also less frequent nu.tri.tive) adj.: the nutritional value of milk
nu.tri.tion.al.ly adv.: a nutritionally balanced menu
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nu.tri.tion.ist
noun a person who is an expert on the relationship between food and health—see also DIETICIAN
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nu.tri.tious
adj. (approving) (of food) very good for you; containing many of the substances which help the body to grow
SYN NOURISHING : tasty and nutritious meals
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nuts
adj. [not before noun] (informal)
1 crazy: My friends think I’m nuts for saying yes.  That phone ringing all the time is driving me nuts !
2 ~ about sb/sth very much in love with sb; very enthusiastic about sth: He’s absolutely nuts about her.
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nut.shell
noun
IDM (put sth) in a nutshell (to say or express sth) in a very clear way, using few words: To put it in a nutshell, we’re bankrupt.
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nut.ter
noun (BrE , informal) = NUT (4)
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nutty

1 tasting of or containing nuts: a nutty taste
2 (informal) slightly crazy: She’s got some nutty friends.  He’s as nutty as a fruitcake (= completely crazy).
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nuz.zle
verb to touch or rub sb/sth with the nose or mouth, especially to show affection: [vn] She nuzzled his ear.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] The child nuzzled up against his mother.
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NVQ
noun a British qualification that shows that you have reached a particular standard in the work that you do (the abbreviation for ‘National Vocational Qualification’): NVQ Level 3 in Catering
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NW
abbr. north-west; north-western: NW Australia
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NY
abbr. New York
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NYC
abbr. New York City
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nylon
noun
1 [U] a very strong artificial material, used for making clothes, rope, brushes, etc: a nylon fishing line  This material is 45% nylon.
2 (nylons) [pl.] (old-fashioned) women’s STOCKINGS or TIGHTS/PANTYHOSE made of nylon
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nymph
noun
1 (in ancient Greek and Roman stories) a spirit of nature in the form of a young woman, that lives in rivers, woods, etc.
2 (biology) a young insect that has a similar form to the adult: a dragonfly nymph
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nymph.et
noun (written) a young girl who is very sexually attractive
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nym.pho.maniac
(also informal nym.pho ) noun (disapproving) a woman who has sex or wants to have sex very often
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NZ
(BrE ) (also N.Z.AmE, BrE) abbr. New Zealand
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O
noun, exclamation
noun (also o) (pl.O’s, o’s )
1 [C, U] the 15th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Orange’ begins with (an) O / ‘O’.
2 (spoken) used to mean ‘zero’ when saying telephone numbers, etc: My number is six o double three (= 6033). —see also O GRADE , O LEVEL

exclamation (rare, especially literary) = OH

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o'
prep. used in written English to represent an informal way of saying of: a couple o' times—see also O’CLOCK , WILL-O' THE-WISP
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oaf
noun a stupid, unpleasant or awkward person, especially a man: Mind that cup, you clumsy oaf!
oaf.ish adj.
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oak
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'oak tree) a large tree that produces small nuts called ACORNS , often eaten by animals. Oaks are common in northern countries and can live to be hundreds of years old: a gnarled old oak tree  forests of oak and pine—see also POISON OAK
2 [U] the hard wood of the oak tree: oak beams  a carved oak door  This table is made of solid oak.
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oaken
adj. [only before noun] (literary) made of oak
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oakum
noun [U] a material obtained by pulling old rope to pieces, a job done in the past by prisoners
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OAP
noun (BrE , becoming old-fashioned) the abbreviation for OLD-AGE PENSIONER : adults £4.50, children and OAPs £3
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oar
noun a long pole with a flat blade at one end that is used to move a boat through water: He pulled as hard as he could on the oars.—compare PADDLE —picture at BOAT
IDM put / stick your 'oar in (BrE, informal) to give your opinion, advice, etc. without being asked and when it is probably not wanted
SYN INTERFERE
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oar.lock
noun (AmE ) = ROWLOCK
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oars.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person who rows a boat, especially as a member of a CREW (= team)
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oasis
noun (pl.oases )
1 an area in the desert where there is water and where plants grow
2 a pleasant place or period of time in the middle of sth unpleasant or difficult: an oasis of calm  a green oasis in the heart of the city
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oat
adj. [only before noun] made from or containing OATS : oat cakes  oat bran—see also OATMEAL
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oath
noun (pl.oaths )
1 a formal promise to do sth or a formal statement that sth is true: to take / swear an oath of allegiance  Before giving evidence, witnesses in court have to take the oath (= promise to tell the truth).
2 (old-fashioned) an offensive word or phrase used to express anger, surprise, etc.; a swear word: She heard the sound of breaking glass, followed by a muttered oath.
IDM on / under 'oath (law) having made a formal promise to tell the truth in a court of law: Is she prepared to give evidence on oath?  The judge reminded the witness that he was still under oath.
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oat.meal
noun [U]
1 flour made from crushed oats, used to make biscuits/cookies, PORRIDGE , etc.
2 (AmE) = PORRIDGE
3 a pale brown colour
oat.meal adj.: an oatmeal carpet
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oats
noun [pl.] grain grown in cool countries as food for animals and for making flour, PORRIDGE/OATMEAL , etc.—see also OAT —picture at CEREAL
IDM see SOW v.
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ob.dur.ate
adj. (rare, formal) (usually disapproving) refusing to change your mind or your actions in any way
SYN STUBBORN
ob.dur.acy noun [U]
ob.dur.ate.ly adv.
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OBE
noun the abbreviation for ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’ (an award given in Britain for a special achievement): She was made an OBE.  Matthew Silk OBE
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obedi.ent
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) doing what you are told to do; willing to obey: an obedient child  He was always obedient to his father’s wishes.
OPP DISOBEDIENT
obedi.ence noun [U] ~ (to sb/sth): blind / complete / unquestioning / total obedience  He has acted in obedience to the law.
obedi.ent.ly adv.
IDM your obedient servant (old use) used to end a formal letter
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obei.sance
noun (rare, formal)
1 [U] respect for sb/sth or willingness to obey sb
2 [C] the act of bending your head or the upper part of your body in order to show respect for sb/sth
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ob.el.isk
noun a tall pointed stone column with four sides, put up in memory of a person or an event
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obese
adj. (formal ormedical ) (of people) very fat, in a way that is not healthy
obes.ity noun [U]: Obesity can increase the risk of heart disease.
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obey
verb to do what you are told or expected to do: [vn] to obey a command / an order / rules / the law  He had always obeyed his parents without question.  [v] ‘Sit down!’ Meekly, she obeyed.
OPP DISOBEY
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ob.fus.cate
verb (rare, formal) to make sth less clear and more difficult to understand, usually deliberately: [vn] He accused the government of obfuscating the issue. [alsov]
ob.fus.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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ob-gyn
noun (AmE , informal)
1 [U] the branches of medicine concerned with the birth of children (= OBSTETRICS ) and the diseases of women (= GYNAECOLOGY )
2 [C] a doctor who is trained in this type of medicine
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ob.itu.ary
noun (pl.-ies) an article about sb’s life and achievements, that is printed in a newspaper soon after they have died
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ob.ject
noun, verb
noun
1 a thing that can be seen and touched, but is not alive: everyday / household objects  Glass and plastic objects lined the shelves.—see also UFO
2 ~ of desire, study, attention, etc. a person or thing that sb DESIRES , studies, pays attention to, etc: the urge to possess the objects of our desire—see also SEX OBJECT
3 an aim or a purpose: Her sole object in life is to become a travel writer.  The object is to educate people about road safety.  If you’re late, you’ll defeat the whole object of the exercise .
4 (grammar) a noun, noun phrase or pronoun that refers to a person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb (called the DIRECT OBJECT ), or that the action is done to or for (called the INDIRECT OBJECT )—compare SUBJECT (5)
IDM expense, money, etc. is no 'object used to say that you are willing to spend a lot of money: He always travels first class—expense is no object.

verb
1 [v] ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (to doing sth / to sb doing sth) to say that you disagree with, disapprove of or oppose sth: Many local people object to the building of the new airport.  If nobody objects, we’ll postpone the meeting till next week.  I really object to being charged for parking.
2 to give sth as a reason for opposing sth: [v that] He objected that the police had arrested him without sufficient evidence. [alsov speech]

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ob.jec.tification
noun [U] (formal) the act of treating people as if they are objects, without rights or feelings of their own
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ob.jec.tion
noun ~ (to sth / to doing sth)| ~ (that … ) a reason why you do not like or are opposed to sth; a statement about this: I have no objection to him coming to stay.  I’d like to come too, if you have no objection.  The main objection to the plan was that it would cost too much.  to raise an objection to sth  No objections were raised at the time.  The proposal will go ahead despite strong objections from the public.
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ob.jec.tion.able
adj. (formal) unpleasant or offensive: objectionable people / odours  Why are you being so objectionable today?  I myself didn’t find his behaviour objectionable.
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ob.ject.ive
noun, adj.
noun
1 something that you are trying to achieve: the main / primary / principal objective  to meet / achieve your objectives  You must set realistic aims and objectives for yourself.  The main objective of this meeting is to give more information on our plans.
2 (also ob,jective 'lens) (technical) the LENS in a TELESCOPE or MICROSCOPE that is nearest to the object being looked at—picture at LABORATORY

adj.
1 not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts: an objective analysis / assessment / report  objective criteria  I find it difficult to be objective where he’s concerned.
2 (philosophy) existing outside the mind; based on facts that can be proved: objective reality
OPP SUBJECTIVE
ob.ject.ive.ly adv.: Looked at objectively, the situation is not too bad.  Can these effects be objectively measured?
ob.ject.iv.ity noun [U]: There was a lack of objectivity in the way the candidates were judged.  scientific objectivity

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'object lesson
noun [usually sing.] a practical example of what you should or should not do in a particular situation
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ob.ject.or
noun ~ (to sth) a person who objects to sth: There were no objectors to the plan.—see also CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR
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objet d’art
noun (pl.ob.jets d’art ) (from French ) a small artistic object, used for decoration
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ob.li.gated
adj. ~ (to do sth) (AmE or formal, BrE ) having a moral or legal duty to do sth OBLIGED : He felt obligated to help.
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ob.li.ga.tion
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] the state of being forced to do sth because it is your duty, or because of a law, etc: You are under no obligation to buy anything.  She did not feel under any obligation to tell him the truth.  I don’t want people coming to see me out of a sense of obligation .  We have a moral obligation to protect the environment.  We will send you an estimate for the work without obligation (= you do not have to accept it).
2 [C] something which you must do because you have promised, because of a law, etc: to fulfil your legal / professional / financial obligations  They reminded him of his contractual obligations.
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ob.liga.tory
adj.
1 ~ (for sb) (to do sth) (formal) that you must do because of the law, rules, etc.
SYN COMPULSORY : It is obligatory for all employees to wear protective clothing.
2 (often humorous) that you do because you always do it, or other people in the same situation always do it: In the mid 60s he took the almost obligatory trip to India.
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ob.lige
verb
1 [vn to inf] [usually passive] to force sb to do sth, by law, because it is a duty, etc: Parents are obliged by law to send their children to school.  I felt obliged to ask them to dinner.  He suffered a serious injury that obliged him to give up work.
2 ~ sb (by doing sth)| ~ sb (with sth) to help sb by doing what they ask or what you know they want: [v] Call me if you need any help—I’d be happy to oblige .  [vn] (formal) Would you oblige me with some information?
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ob.liged
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to sb) (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) used when you are expressing thanks or asking politely for sth, to show that you are grateful to sb: I’m much obliged to you for helping us.  I’d be obliged if you would keep this to yourself.
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ob.li.ging
adj. very willing to help: They were very obliging and offered to wait for us.
ob.li.ging.ly adv.
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ob.lique
adj., noun
adj.
1 not expressed or done in a direct way INDIRECT : an oblique reference / approach / comment
2 (of a line) sloping at an angle
3 ~ angle an angle that is not an angle of 90°
ob.lique.ly adv.: He referred only obliquely to their recent problems.  Always cut stems obliquely to enable flowers to absorb more water.

noun (BrE ) = SLASH (3)

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ob.lit.er.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] to remove all signs of sth, either by destroying or covering it completely: The building was completely obliterated by the bomb.  The snow had obliterated their footprints.  Everything that happened that night was obliterated from his memory.
ob.lit.er.ation noun [U]
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ob.liv.ion
noun [U]
1 a state in which you are not aware of what is happening around you, usually because you are unconscious or asleep: He often drinks himself into oblivion.  Sam longed for the oblivion of sleep.
2 the state in which sb/sth has been forgotten and is no longer famous or important: An unexpected victory saved him from political oblivion.  Most of his inventions have been consigned to oblivion.
3 a state in which sth has been completely destroyed: Hundreds of homes were bombed into oblivion during the first weeks of the war.
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ob.livi.ous
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (of / to sth) not aware of sth: He drove off, oblivious of the damage he had caused.  You eventually become oblivious to the noise.
ob.livi.ous.ly adv.
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ob.long
adj.
1 an oblong shape has four straight sides, two of which are longer than the other two, and four angles of 90°: an oblong patch of grass
2 (AmE) used to describe any shape that is longer than it is wide: an oblong melon
ob.long noun: a tiny oblong of glass in the roof—see also RECTANGLE
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ob.lo.quy
noun [U] (rare, formal)
1 strong public criticism
2 loss of respect and honour
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ob.nox.ious
adj. extremely unpleasant, especially in a way that offends people: obnoxious behaviour  a thoroughly obnoxious little man  obnoxious odours
ob.nox.ious.ly adv.
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oboe
noun a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group. It is shaped like a pipe and has a double REED at the top that you blow into.—
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obo.ist
noun a person who plays the oboe
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ob.scene
adj.
1 connected with sex in a way that most people find offensive: obscene gestures / language / books  an obscene phone call (= made by sb saying obscene things)
2 extremely large in size or amount in a way that most people find unacceptable and offensive: He earns an obscene amount of money.  It’s obscene to spend so much on food when millions are starving.
ob.scene.ly adv.: to behave obscenely  obscenely fat / rich
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ob.scen.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] obscene language or behaviour: The editors are being prosecuted for obscenity.  the laws on obscenity
2 [C, usually pl.] an obscene word or act: She screamed a string of obscenities at the judge.
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ob.scur.ant.ism
noun [U] (formal) the practice of deliberately preventing sb from understanding or discovering sth
ob.scur.ant.ist adj.
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ob.scure
adj., verb
adj.
1 not well known: an obscure German poet  He was born around 1650 but his origins remain obscure.
2 difficult to understand: I found her lecture very obscure.  For some obscure reason, he failed to turn up.
ob.scure.ly adv.: They were making her feel obscurely worried (= for reasons that were difficult to understand).

verb [vn] to make it difficult to see, hear or understand sth: The view was obscured by fog.  Symptoms of the disease can easily be obscured.  We mustn’t let these minor details obscure the main issue.

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ob.scur.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state in which sb/sth is not well known or has been forgotten: The actress was only 17 when she was plucked from obscurity and made a star.  He spent most of his life working in obscurity.
2 [U, C, usually pl.] the quality of being difficult to understand; something that is difficult to understand: The course teaches students to avoid ambiguity and obscurity of expression.  a speech full of obscurities
3 [U] (literary) darkness
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ob.se.quies
noun [pl.] (rare, formal) funeral ceremonies: royal / state obsequies
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ob.se.qui.ous
adj. (formal, disapproving) trying too hard to please sb, especially sb who is important: an obsequious manner / smile
ob.se.qui.ous.ly adv.: smiling obsequiously
ob.se.qui.ous.ness noun [U]
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ob.serv.able
adj. that can be seen or noticed: observable differences / effects  Similar trends are observable in mainland Europe.
ob.serv.ably adv.
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ob.ser.vance
noun
1 [U, sing.] the practice of obeying a law, celebrating a festival or behaving according to a particular custom: observance of the law  a strict observance of the Sabbath
OPP NON-OBSERVANCE
2 [C, usually pl.] an act performed as part of a religious or traditional ceremony: religious / ritual observances
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ob.ser.vant
adj.
1 good at noticing things around you: Observant walkers may see red deer along this stretch of the road.  How very observant of you!
2 (formal) careful to obey religious laws and customs
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ob.ser.va.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of watching sb/sth carefully for a period of time, especially to learn sth: Most information was collected by direct observation of the animals' behaviour.  results based on scientific observations  We managed to escape observation (= we were not seen).  The suspect is being kept under observation (= watched closely by the police).  She has outstanding powers of observation (= the ability to notice things around her).  an observation post / tower (= a place from where sb, especially an enemy, can be watched)
2 [C] ~ (about / on sth) a comment, especially based on sth you have seen, heard or read: He began by making a few general observations about the report.  She has some interesting observations on possible future developments.
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ob.ser.va.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a special building from which scientists watch the stars, the weather, etc.
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ob.serve
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal)
1 to see or notice sb/sth: [vn] Have you observed any changes lately?  All the characters in the novel are closely observed (= seem like people in real life).  [vn inf] The police observed a man enter the bank.  [vn -ing] They observed him entering the bank.  [v that] She observed that all the chairs were already occupied.  [vn to inf] He was observed to follow her closely.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
2 to watch sb/sth carefully, especially to learn more about them: [vn] I felt he was observing everything I did.  The patients were observed over a period of several months.  [v wh-] They observed how the parts of the machine fitted together.  [v] He observes keenly, but says little.
3 (formal) to make a remark: [v that] She observed that it was getting late. [alsov speech]
4 [vn] to obey rules, laws, etc: Will the rebels observe the ceasefire?
5 [vn] (formal) to celebrate festivals, birthdays, etc: Do they observe Christmas?
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ob.ser.ver
noun
1 a person who watches sb/sth: To the casual observer , the system appears confusing.  According to observers, the plane exploded shortly after take-off.
2 a person who attends a meeting, lesson, etc. to listen and watch but not to take part: A team of British officials were sent as observers to the conference.
3 a person who watches and studies particular events, situations, etc. and is therefore considered to be an expert on them: a royal / political observer
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ob.sess
verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] to completely fill your mind so that you cannot think of anything else: He’s obsessed by computers.  She’s completely obsessed with him.  The need to produce the most exciting newspaper story obsesses most journalists.
2 be obsessing (about sth) [v] to be always talking or worrying about a particular thing, especially when this annoys other people: I think you should try to stop obsessing about food.
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ob.ses.sion
noun ~ (with sth/sb)
1 [U] the state in which a person’s mind is completely filled with thoughts of one particular thing or person so that they cannot think of anything else: Her fear of flying is bordering on obsession.  The media’s obsession with the young prince continues.
2 [C] a person or thing that sb thinks about too much: Fitness has become an obsession with him.
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ob.ses.sion.al
adj. thinking too much about one particular person or thing; showing this: She is obsessional about cleanliness.  obsessional behaviour
ob.ses.sion.al.ly adv.
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ob.ses.sive
adj., noun
adj. thinking too much about one particular person or thing; showing this: He’s becoming more and more obsessive about punctuality.  an obsessive attention to detail  obsessive behaviour / love
ob.ses.sive.ly adv.: obsessively jealous  He worries obsessively about his appearance.

noun (psychology ) a person whose mind is filled with thoughts of one particular thing or person so that they cannot think of anything else

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ob.sid.ian
noun [U] a type of dark rock that looks like glass and comes from VOLCANOES
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ob.so.les.cence
noun [U] (formal) the state of becoming old-fashioned and no longer useful (= becoming OBSOLETE ): products with built-in / planned obsolescence (= designed not to last long so that people will have to buy new ones)
ob.so.les.cent adj.
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ob.so.lete
adj. no longer used because sth new has been invented OUT OF DATE : obsolete technology  With technological changes many traditional skills have become obsolete.
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obs.tacle
noun
1 ~ (to sth / to doing sth) a situation, an event, etc. that makes it difficult for you to do or achieve sth: A lack of qualifications can be a major obstacle to finding a job.  So far, we have managed to overcome all the obstacles that have been placed in our path.
2 an object that is in your way and that makes it difficult for you to move forward: The area was full of streams and bogs and other natural obstacles.
3 (in SHOWJUMPING ) a fence, etc. for a horse to jump over
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'obstacle course
noun
1 a series of objects that competitors in a race have to climb over, under, through, etc.
2 a series of difficulties that people have to deal with in order to achieve a particular aim
3 (AmE) = ASSAULT COURSE
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'obstacle race
noun a race in which the competitors have to climb over, under, through, etc. various objects
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ob.stet.ri.cian
noun a doctor who is trained in obstetrics
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ob.stet.rics
noun [U] the branch of medicine concerned with the birth of children
ob.stet.ric adj.: obstetric medicine
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ob.stin.ate
adj.
1 (often disapproving) refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving, etc. when other people try to persuade you to; showing this
SYN STUBBORN : He can be very obstinate when he wants to be!  her obstinate refusal to comply with their request
2 [usually before noun] difficult to get rid of or deal with
SYN STUBBORN : the obstinate problem of unemployment  an obstinate stain
ob.stin.acy noun [U]: an act of sheer obstinacy
ob.stin.ate.ly adv.: He obstinately refused to consider the future.
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ob.strep.er.ous
adj. (formal or humorous) noisy and difficult to control
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ob.struct
verb [vn]
1 to block a road, an entrance, a passage, etc. so that people cannot get through, see past, etc: You can’t park here, you’re obstructing my driveway.  First check that the accident victim doesn’t have an obstructed airway.  The pillar obstructed our view of the stage.
2 to prevent sb/sth from doing sth or making progress, especially when this is done deliberately: They were charged with obstructing the police in the course of their duty.  terrorists attempting to obstruct the peace process
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ob.struc.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the fact of trying to prevent sth/sb from making progress: the obstruction of justice  He was arrested for obstruction of a police officer in the execution of his duty.
2 [U, C] the fact of blocking a road, an entrance, a passage, etc: obstruction of the factory gates  The abandoned car was causing an obstruction.
3 [C] something that blocks a road, an entrance, etc: It is my job to make sure that all pathways are clear of obstructions.
4 [C, U] something that blocks a passage or tube in your body; a medical condition resulting from this: He had an operation to remove an obstruction in his throat.  bowel / intestinal obstruction
5 [U] (sport) the offence of unfairly preventing a player of the other team from moving to get the ball
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ob.struc.tion.ism
noun [U] (formal) the practice of trying to prevent a parliament or committee from making progress, passing laws, etc.
ob.struc.tion.ist noun, adj.
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ob.struct.ive
adj.
1 trying to prevent sb/sth from making progress: Of course she can do it. She’s just being deliberately obstructive.—compare CONSTRUCTIVE
2 [only before noun] (medical) connected with a passage, tube, etc. in your body that has become blocked: obstructive lung disease
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ob.tain
verb (formal)
1 [vn] (rather formal) to get sth, especially by making an effort: to obtain advice / information / permission  I finally managed to obtain a copy of the report.  To obtain the overall score, add up the totals in each column.
2 [v] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) (of rules, systems, customs, etc.) to exist: These conditions no longer obtain.
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ob.tain.able
adj. [not usually before noun] that can be obtained: Full details are obtainable from any post office.
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ob.trude
verb ~ (sth / yourself) (on / upon sb) (formal) to become or make sth/yourself noticed, especially in a way that is not wanted: [v] Music from the next room obtruded upon his thoughts. [alsovn]
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ob.tru.sive
adj. noticeable in an unpleasant way: The sofa would be less obtrusive in a paler colour.  They tried to ensure that their presence was not too obtrusive.
ob.tru.sive.ly adv.
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ob.tuse
adj. (formal, disapproving) slow or unwilling to understand sth: Are you being deliberately obtuse?
ob.tuse.ness noun [U]
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ob,tuse 'angle
noun an angle between 90° and 180°—compare ACUTE ANGLE , REFLEX ANGLE , RIGHT ANGLE
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ob.verse
noun (usually the obverse) [sing.]
1 (formal) the opposite of sth: The obverse of love is hate.  Nobody liked his conclusions but the obverse was equally unattractive.
2 (technical) the side of a coin or medal that has the head or main design on it
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ob.vi.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to remove a problem or the need for sth: This new evidence obviates the need for any further enquiries.
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ob.vi.ous
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) (that … ) easy to see or understand: It was obvious to everyone that the child had been badly treated.  It’s obvious from what she said that something is wrong.  I know you don’t like her but try not to make it so obvious.  with obvious annoyance / distress / pleasure  For obvious reasons , I’d prefer not to give my name.  The reasons for this decision were not immediately obvious .
2 that most people would think of or agree to: She was the obvious choice for the job.  There’s no obvious solution to the problem.  This seemed the most obvious thing to do.
3 (disapproving) not interesting, new or imaginative; unnecessary because it is clear to everyone: an obvious comment / statement  The ending was pretty obvious.  I may be stating the obvious but without more money the project cannot survive.
ob.vi.ous.ness noun [U]
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ob.vi.ous.ly
adv.
1 used when giving information that you expect other people to know already or agree with: Obviously, we don’t want to spend too much money.  Diet and exercise are obviously important.
2 used to say that a particular situation or fact is easy to see or understand: He was obviously drunk.  They’re obviously not coming.  ‘I didn’t realise it was a formal occasion.’‘Obviously!’ (= I can see by the way you are dressed)
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oc.ca.sion
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a particular time when sth happens: on this / that occasion  I’ve met him on several occasions.  I can remember very few occasions when he had to cancel because of ill health.  They have been seen together on two separate occasions .  On one occasion, she called me in the middle of the night.  He used the occasion to announce further tax cuts.
2 [C] a special event, ceremony or celebration: a great / memorable / happy occasion  Turn every meal into a special occasion .  They marked the occasion (= celebrated it) with an open-air concert.  Their wedding turned out to be quite an occasion.  He was presented with the watch on the occasion of his retirement.
3 [sing.] ~ (for sth / doing sth) a suitable time for sth: It should have been an occasion for rejoicing, but she could not feel any real joy.  I’ll speak to him about it if the occasion arises (= if I get a chance).  note at POSSIBILITY
4 [U, sing.] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (of / for sth) (formal) a reason or cause: I’ve had no occasion to visit him recently.  Her death was the occasion of mass riots.  I’m willing to go to court over this if the occasion arises (= if it becomes necessary).
IDM on oc'casion(s) sometimes but not often: He has been known on occasion to lose his temper.—more at SENSE n.

verb (formal) to cause sth: [vn] The flight delay was occasioned by the need for a further security check.  [vnn] The decision occasioned us much anxiety.

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oc.ca.sion.al
adj. [only before noun] happening or done sometimes but not often: He works for us on an occasional basis.  I enjoy the occasional glass of wine.  He spent five years in Paris, with occasional visits to Italy.  an occasional smoker (= a person who smokes, but not often)
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oc.ca.sion.al.ly
adv. sometimes but not often: We occasionally meet for a drink after work.  This type of allergy can very occasionally be fatal.
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Oc.ci.dent
noun (the Occident) [sing.] (formal) the western part of the world, especially Europe and America—compare ORIENT
oc.ci.den.tal adj.
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oc.cult
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with magic powers and things that cannot be explained by reason or science: occult powers / practices
2 (the occult) noun [sing.] everything connected with occult practices, etc: He’s interested in witchcraft and the occult.
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oc.cultist
noun a person who is involved in the occult
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oc.cu.pancy
noun [U] (formal, written) the act of living in or using a building, room, piece of land, etc: Prices are based on full occupancy of an apartment.  to be in sole occupancy
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oc.cu.pant
noun (especially written)
1 a person who lives or works in a particular house, room, building, etc: All outstanding bills will be paid by the previous occupants.
2 a person who is in a vehicle, seat, etc. at a particular time: The car was badly damaged but the occupants were unhurt.
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oc.cu.pa.tion
noun
1 [C] (especially written) a job or profession: Please state your name, age and occupation below.
2 [C] the way in which you spend your time, especially when you are not working: Her main occupation seems to be shopping.
3 [U] the act of moving into a country, town, etc. and taking control of it using military force; the period of time during which a country, town, etc. is controlled in this way: the Roman occupation of Britain  The areas under occupation contained major industrial areas.  occupation forces
4 [U] (written) the act of living in or using a building, room, piece of land, etc: The offices will be ready for occupation in June.  The following applies only to tenants in occupation after January 1 1997.  The level of owner occupation (= people owning their homes) has increased rapidly in the last 30 years.
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oc.cu.pa.tion.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with a person’s job or profession: occupational health  an occupational risk / hazard  an occupational pension scheme
oc.cu.pa.tion.al.ly adv.: occupationally induced disease
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,occu,pational 'therapist
noun a person whose job is to help people get better after illness or injury by giving them special activities to do
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,occu,pational 'therapy
noun [U] the work of an occupational therapist
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oc.cu.pied
adj.
1 [not before noun] being used by sb: Only half of the rooms are occupied at the moment.—see also OWNER-OCCUPIED
2 [not before noun] ~ (doing sth / in doing sth / in sth)| ~ (with sth / with doing sth) busy: He’s fully occupied looking after three small children.  Only half her time is occupied with politics.  The most important thing is to keep yourself occupied.
3 (of a country, etc.) controlled by people from another country, etc., using military force: He spent his childhood in occupied Europe.
OPP UNOCCUPIED
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oc.cu.pier
noun
1 ~ (of sth) (formal) a person who lives in or uses a building, room, piece of land, etc.
SYN OCCUPANT : The letter was addressed to the occupier of the house.—see also OWNER-OCCUPIER
2 [usually pl.] a member of an army that is occupying a foreign country, etc: the Nazi occupiers of Poland
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oc.cupy
verb (oc.cu.pies, oc.cu.py.ing, oc.cu.pied, oc.cu.pied)
1 [vn] to fill or use a space, an area or an amount of time
SYN TAKE UP : The bed seemed to occupy most of the room.  How much memory does the program occupy?  Administrative work occupies half of my time.
2 [vn] (formal) to live or work in a room, house or building: He occupies an office on the 12th floor.
3 [vn] to enter a place in a large group and take control of it, especially by military force: The capital has been occupied by the rebel army.  Protesting students occupied the TV station.
4 ~ sb / yourself (in doing sth / with sb/sth) to fill your time or keep you busy doing sth: [vn] a game that will occupy the kids for hours  She occupied herself with routine office tasks.  Problems at work continued to occupy his mind for some time. [alsovn -ing]
5 [vn] to have an official job or position
SYN HOLD : The president occupies the position for four years.
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occur
verb (-rr-)
1 [v] (formal) to happen: When exactly did the incident occur?  Something unexpected occurred.  note at HAPPEN
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to exist or be found somewhere: Sugar occurs naturally in fruit.
PVR V oc'cur to sb (of an idea or a thought) to come into your mind: The idea occurred to him in a dream. [+ that] It didn’t occur to him that his wife was having an affair. [+ to inf] It didn’t occur to her to ask for help.
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oc.cur.rence
noun
1 [C] something that happens or exists: a common / everyday / frequent / regular occurrence  Vandalism used to be a rare occurrence here.  The program counts the number of occurrences of any word, or group of words, within the text.  note at EVENT
2 [U] ~ (of sth) the fact of sth happening or existing: a link between the occurrence of skin cancer and the use of computer monitors
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ocean
noun
1 (usually the ocean) [sing.] (especially AmE) the mass of salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface: the depths of the ocean  People were swimming in the ocean despite the hurricane warning.  The plane hit the ocean several miles offshore.  Our beach house is just a couple of miles from the ocean.  an ocean liner / voyage  Ocean levels are rising.—picture at COAST
2 (usually Ocean) [C] one of the five large areas that the ocean is divided into: the Antarctic / Arctic / Atlantic / Indian / Pacific Ocean  note at SEA
IDM an ocean of sth (BrE also oceans of sth) (informal) a large amount of sth: oceans of food—more at DROP n.
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ocean.front
adj. (AmE ) situated on land near the ocean: an oceanfront hotel
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'ocean-going
adj. [only before noun] (of ships) made for crossing the sea or ocean, not for journeys along the coast or up rivers
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ocean.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with the ocean: oceanic islands / birds / fish
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ocean.og.raphy
noun [U] the scientific study of the ocean
ocean.og.raph.er noun
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oce.lot
noun a wild animal of the cat family, that has yellow fur with black lines and spots, found in Central and S America
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och
exclamation (ScotE, IrishE ) used to express the fact that you are surprised, sorry, etc: Och, aye (= Oh, yes).
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ochre
(AmE also ocher) noun [U]
1 a type of red or yellow earth used in some paints and DYES
2 the red or yellow colour of ochre
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o’clock
adv. used with the numbers 1 to 12 when telling the time, to mean an exact hour: He left between five and six o’clock.  at / after / before eleven o’clock
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OCR
abbr. (computing ) OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION
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octa.gon
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with eight straight sides and eight angles
oc.tag.on.al adj.: an octagonal tower / coin
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oc.tane
noun a chemical substance in petrol/gas, used as a way of measuring its quality: high-octane fuel
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oct.ave
noun (music ) the difference (called the INTERVAL ) between the first and last notes in a series of eight notes on a musical SCALE : to play an octave higher  Orbison’s vocal range spanned three octaves.
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octet
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of eight singers or musicians, playing classical music
2 [C] a piece of music for eight singers or musicians
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octo-
(also oct-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) eight; having eight: octagon
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Oc.to.ber
noun [U, C] (abbr. Oct.) the 10th month of the year, between September and November
HELP To see how October is used, look at the examples at April.
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oc.to.gen.ar.ian
noun a person between 80 and 89 years old
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octo.pus
noun [C, U] (pl.octo.puses) a sea creature with a soft round body and eight long TENTACLES (= long thin parts like arms), that is sometimes used for food—
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ocu.lar
adj. [only before noun]
1 (technical) connected with the eyes: ocular muscles
2 (formal) that can be seen: ocular proof
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ocu.list
noun (old-fashioned) a doctor who examines and treats people’s eyes
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OD
verb (OD’s, OD’ing, OD’d, OD’d) [v] ~ (on sth) (informal) = OVERDOSE
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odd
adj. (odder, oddest)
STRANGE|
1 strange or unusual: They’re very odd people.  There’s something odd about that man.  It’s most odd that (= very odd that) she hasn’t written.  The odd thing was that he didn’t recognize me.  She had the oddest feeling that he was avoiding her.—compare PECULIAR
ODD-|
2 (in compounds) strange or unusual in the way mentioned: an odd-looking house  an odd-sounding name
NOT REGULAR / OFTEN|
3 (the odd) [only before noun] (no comparative or superlative) happening or appearing occasionally; not very regular or frequent
SYN OCCASIONAL : He makes the odd mistake—nothing too serious.
VARIOUS|
4 [only before noun] (no comparative or superlative) of no particular type or size; various: decorations made of odd scraps of paper
NOT MATCHING|
5 [usually before noun] (no comparative or superlative) not with the pair or set that it belongs to; not matching: You’re wearing odd socks!
NUMBERS|
6 (no comparative or superlative) (of numbers) that cannot be divided exactly by the number two: 1, 3, 5 and 7 are odd numbers.
OPP EVEN
AVAILABLE|
7 [only before noun] available; that sb can use: Could I see you when you’ve got an odd moment?  Have you got an odd 20p?
APPROXIMATELY|
8 (no comparative or superlative; usually placed immediately after a number) approximately or a little more than the number mentioned: How old is she—seventy odd?  He’s worked there for twenty-odd years.
odd.ness noun [U]: the oddness of her appearance  His oddness frightened her. the odd man / one 'out a person or thing that is different from others or does not fit easily into a group or set: At school he was always the odd man out.  Dog, cat, horse, shoe—which is the odd one out?—more at FISH n.
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odd.ball
noun (informal) a person who behaves in a strange or unusual way
odd.ball adj.: oddball characters
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odd.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a person or thing that is strange or unusual: The book deals with some of the oddities of grammar and spelling.
2 [U] the quality of being strange or unusual: She suddenly realized the oddity of her remark and blushed.
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,odd-'job man
noun (especially BrE ) a person paid to do odd jobs
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,odd 'jobs
noun [pl.] small jobs of various types: to do odd jobs around the house
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oddly
adv.
1 in a strange or unusual way: She’s been behaving very oddly lately.  oddly coloured clothes  He looked at her in a way she found oddly disturbing.
2 used to show that sth is surprising: She felt, oddly, that they had been happier when they had no money.  Oddly enough , the most expensive tickets sold fastest.
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odd.ments
noun [pl.] (especially BrE )
1 small pieces of fabric, wood, etc. that are left after a larger piece has been used to make sth
2 small items that are not valuable or are not part of a larger set
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odds
noun [pl.]
1 (usually the odds) the degree to which sth is likely to happen: The odds are very much in our favour (= we are likely to succeed).  The odds are heavily against him (= he is not likely to succeed).  The odds are that (= it is likely that) she’ll win.  What are the odds (= how likely is it) he won’t turn up?
2 something that makes it seem impossible to do or achieve sth: They secured a victory in the face of overwhelming odds.  Against all (the) odds , he made a full recovery.
3 (in betting) the connection between two numbers that shows how much money sb will receive if they win a bet: odds of ten to one (= ten times the amount of money that has been bet by sb will be paid to them if they win)  They are offering long / short odds (= the winnings will be high / low because there is a high / low risk of losing) on the defending champion.   (figurative) I’ll lay odds on him getting the job (= I’m sure he will get it).
IDM be at 'odds (with sth) to be different from sth, when the two things should be the same: These findings are at odds with what is going on in the rest of the country. be at 'odds (with sb) (over / on sth) to disagree with sb about sth: He’s always at odds with his father over politics. it makes no 'odds (spoken, especially BrE) used to say that sth is not important: It makes no odds to me whether you go or stay. over the 'odds (BrE, informal) more money than you would normally expect: Many collectors are willing to pay over the odds for early examples of his work.—more at STACKED
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,odds and 'ends
(BrE also ,odds and 'sods) noun [pl.] (informal) small items that are not valuable or are not part of a larger set: She spent the day sorting through a box full of odds and ends.  I’ve got a few odds and ends (= small jobs) to do before leaving.
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,odds-'on
adj. very likely to happen, win, etc: the odds-on favourite (= the person, horse, etc. that is most likely to succeed, to win a race, etc.)  It’s odds-on that he’ll be late.  Arazi is odds-on to win the Kentucky Derby.
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ode
noun a poem that speaks to a person or thing or celebrates a special event: Keats’s ‘Ode to a Nightingale’
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odi.ous
adj. (formal) extremely unpleasant: What an odious man!
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odium
noun [U] (rare, formal) a feeling of hatred that a lot of people have towards sb, because of sth they have done
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odom.eter
noun (AmE ) = MILOMETER
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odor.ous
adj. (literary ortechnical ) having a smell: odorous gases
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odour
(BrE ) (AmEodor) noun [C, U] (formal) a smell, especially one that is unpleasant: a fishy / musty / pungent odour  the stale odour of cigarette smoke   (figurative) the odour of suspicion—see also BODY ODOUR
IDM be in good / bad 'odour (with sb) (formal) to have/not have sb’s approval and support
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odour.less
(BrE ) (AmEodor.less ) adj. without a smell: an odourless liquid
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odys.sey
noun [sing.] (literary) a long journey full of experiences
ORIGIN From the Odyssey, a Greek poem that is said to have been written by Homer, about the adventures of Odysseus. After a battle in Troy Odysseus had to spend ten years travelling before he could return home.
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OECD
abbr. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (an organization of industrial countries that encourages trade and economic growth)
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Oedi.pal
adj. [usually before noun] connected with an Oedipus complex
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Oedi.pus com.plex
noun [sing.] (psychology ) feelings of sexual desire that a boy has for his mother and the jealous feelings towards his father that this causes
ORIGIN From the Greek story of Oedipus, whose father Laius had been told by the oracle that his son would kill him. Laius left Oedipus on a mountain to die, but a shepherd rescued him. Oedipus returned home many years later but did not recognize his parents. He killed his father and married his mother Jocasta.
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o’er
adv., prep. (old use) over
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oe.sopha.gus
(BrE ) (AmEeso.pha.gus) noun (pl.-phag.uses or -phagi ) (anatomy ) the tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach
SYN GULLET —picture at BODY
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oes.tro.gen
(BrE ) (AmEes.tro.gen ) noun [U] a HORMONE produced in women’s OVARIES that causes them to develop the physical and sexual features that are characteristic of females and that causes them to prepare their body to have babies—compare PROGESTERONE , TESTOSTERONE
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oeuvre
noun [sing.] (from French , formal) all the works of a writer, artist, etc: Picasso’s oeuvre
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of
prep.
1 belonging to sb; relating to sb: a friend of mine  the love of a mother for her child  the role of the teacher  Can’t you throw out that old bike of Tommy’s?  the paintings of Monet
HELP When you are talking about everything someone has painted, written, etc. use of. When you are referring to one or more examples of somebody’s work, use by: a painting by Monet
2 belonging to sth; being part of sth; relating to sth: the lid of the box  the director of the company  a member of the team  the result of the debate
3 coming from a particular background or living in a place: a woman of Italian descent  the people of Wales
4 concerning or showing sb/sth: a story of passion  a photo of my dog  a map of India
5 used to say what sb/sth is, consists of, or contains: the city of Dublin  the issue of housing  a crowd of people  a glass of milk
6 used with measurements and expressions of time, age, etc: 2 kilos of potatoes  an increase of 2%  a girl of 12  the fourth of July  the year of his birth   (old-fashioned) We would often have a walk of an evening.
7 used to show sb/sth belongs to a group, often after some, a few, etc: some of his friends  a few of the problems  the most famous of all the stars
8 used to show the position of sth/sb in space or time: just north of Detroit  at the time of the revolution   (AmE) at a quarter of eleven tonight (= 10.45 p.m.)
9 used after nouns formed from verbs. The noun after ‘of’ can be either the object or the subject of the action: the arrival of the police (= they arrive)  criticism of the police (= they are criticized)  fear of the dark  the howling of the wind
10 used after some verbs before mentioning sb/sth involved in the action: to rob / deprive sb of sth  He was cleared of all blame.  Think of a number, any number.
11 used after some adjectives before mentioning sb/sth that a feeling relates to: to be ashamed / proud of sth
12 used to give your opinion of sb’s behaviour: It was kind of you to offer.
13 used when one noun describes a second one: Where’s that idiot of a boy? (= the boy that you think is an idiot)
IDM of 'all used before a noun to say that sth is very surprising: I’m surprised that you of all people should say that. of all the … used to express anger: Of all the nerve!
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off
adv., prep., adj., noun
adv.
HELP For the special uses of off in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example come off is in the phrasal verb section at come.
1 away from a place; at a distance in space or time: I called him but he ran off.  Sarah’s off in India somewhere.  I must be off soon (= leave).  Off you go!  Summer’s not far off now.  A solution is still some way off.
2 used to say that sth has been removed: He’s had his beard shaved off.  Take your coat off.  Don’t leave the toothpaste with the top off.
3 starting a race: They’re off (= the race has begun).
4 no longer going to happen; cancelled: The wedding is off.
5 not connected or functioning: The water is off.  Make sure the TV is off.
6 (especially BrE) (of an item on a menu) no longer available or being served: Sorry, the duck is off.
7 away from work or duty: She’s off today.  I’ve got three days off next week.  How many days did you take off ?  I need some time off .
8 taken from the price: shoes with £5 off  All shirts have / are 10% off.
9 behind or at the sides of the stage in a theatre
SYN OFFSTAGE
IDM be better 'off to have more money: Families will be better off under the new law.  Her promotion means she’s $100 a week better off. be better off (doing sth) used to say that sb is/would be happier or more satisfied if they were in a particular position or took a particular action: She’s better off without him.  The weather was so bad we’d have been better off staying at home. be ,off for 'sth (informal) to have a particular amount of sth: How are we off for coffee (= how much have we got)?—see also BADLY OFF ,off and 'on / ,on and 'off from time to time; now and again: It rained on and off all day.

prep.
HELP For the special uses of off in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example take sth off sth is in the phrasal verb section at take.
1 down or away from a place or at a distance in space or time: I fell off the ladder.  Keep off the grass!  an island off the coast of Spain  They were still 100 metres off the summit.  Scientists are still a long way off finding a cure.  We’re getting right off the subject.
2 leading away from sth, for example a road or room: We live off Main Street.  There’s a bathroom off the main bedroom.
3 used to say that sth has been removed: You need to take the top off the bottle first!  I want about an inch off the back of my hair.
4 away from work or duty: He’s had ten days off school.
5 away from a price: They knocked £500 off the car.
6 (off of) (non-standard orAmE, informal) off; from: I got it off of my brother.
7 not wanting or liking sth that you usually eat or use: I’m off (= not drinking) alcohol for a week.  He’s finally off drugs (= he no longer takes them).

adj. [not before noun]
1 (of food) no longer fresh enough to eat or drink: This fish has gone off.  The milk smells off.  It’s off.
2 ~ (with sb) (informal, especially BrE) not polite or friendly: He was a bit off with me this morning.
3 (informal, especially BrE) not acceptable: It’s a bit off expecting us to work on Sunday.

noun [sing.] (the off) the start of a race: They’re ready for the off.

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off-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs) not on; away from: offstage  offload
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,off-'air
adj. (in radio and television) not being broadcast: off-air recording
OPP ON-AIR
,off-'air adv.: to record off-air
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offal
noun [U] the inside parts of an animal, such as the heart and LIVER , cooked and eaten as food
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off.beat
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) different from what most people expect: offbeat humour  an offbeat approach to interviewing
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off-Broadway
adj. (AmE )
1 (of a theatre) not on Broadway, New York’s main theatre district
2 (of a play) unusual in some way and often by new writers—compare FRINGE THEATRE
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,off-'centre
(BrE ) (AmE,off-'center) adv., adj. not exactly in the centre of sth: She wore a beret, set slightly off-centre.
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'off chance
noun
IDM do sth on the 'off chance to do sth even though you think that there is only a small possibility of it being successful: She scanned the crowd on the off chance of seeing someone she knew.  I called in at the office on the off chance that you would still be there.
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off.cut
noun (especially BrE ) a piece of wood, paper, etc. that remains after the main piece has been cut
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'off day
noun (informal) a day when you do not do things as well as usual: Even the best players sometimes have an off day.
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,off-'duty
adj. not at work: an off-duty policeman
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of.fence
(BrE ) (AmEof.fense) noun
1 [C] ~ (against sb/sth) an illegal act CRIME : a criminal / serious / minor / sexual offence  a first offence (= the first time that sb has been found guilty of a crime)  a capital offence (= one for which sb may be punished by death)  He was not aware that he had committed an offence .  an offence against society / humanity / the state  New legislation makes it an offence to carry guns.
2 [U] the act of upsetting or insulting sb: I’m sure he meant no offence when he said that.  The photo on the cover of the book may cause offence to some people.  No one will take offence (= feel upset or insulted) if you leave early.  Don’t be so quick to take offence.
IDM no of'fence (spoken) used to say that you do not mean to upset or insult sb by sth you say or do: No offence, but I’d really like to be on my own.
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of.fend
verb
1 [often passive] to make sb feel upset because of sth you say or do that is rude or embarrassing: [vn] They’ll be offended if you don’t go to their wedding.  Neil did not mean to offend anybody with his joke.  [v] A TV interviewer must be careful not to offend.
2 [vn] to seem unpleasant to sb: The smell from the farm offended some people.  an ugly building that offends the eye
3 [v] (formal) to commit a crime or crimes: [v] He started offending at the age of 16.
4 [v] ~ (against sb/sth) (formal) to be against what people believe is morally right: comments that offend against people’s religious beliefs
of.fend.ed adj.: Alice looked rather offended.
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of.fend.er
noun
1 a person who commits a crime: a persistent / serious / violent offender  a young offender institution—see also FIRST OFFENDER , SEX OFFENDER
2 a person or thing that does sth wrong: The report on sexual discrimination at work shows that some of the worst offenders are women.  When it comes to pollution, the chemical industry is a major offender.
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of.fend.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 causing you to feel annoyed or upset; causing problems: The offending paragraph was deleted.  The traffic jam soon cleared once the offending vehicle had been removed.
2 guilty of a crime: The offending driver received a large fine.
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of.fense
noun (AmE )
1 [C, U] = OFFENCE
2 (usually the offense) [sing., U] (BrE at.tack [sing.]) (sport) the members of a team whose main aim is to score points against the other team; a method of attack: The Redskins' offense is stronger than their defense.  He played offense for the Chicago Bulls.—compare DEFENCE
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of.fen.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) rude in a way that causes you to feel upset, insulted or annoyed: offensive behaviour / remarks  His comments were deeply offensive to a large number of single mothers.  The programme contains language which some viewers may find offensive.
OPP INOFFENSIVE
2 (formal) extremely unpleasant: an offensive smell
3 [only before noun] connected with the act of attacking sb/sth: an offensive war  offensive action  He was charged with carrying an offensive weapon .—compare DEFENSIVE
4 (AmE, sport) connected with the team that has control of the ball; connected with the act of scoring points: offensive play—compare DEFENSIVE
of.fen.sive.ly adv.
of.fen.sive.ness noun [U]

noun
1 a military operation in which large numbers of soldiers, etc. attack another country: an air / a bombing offensive  The final offensive was launched on January 10.
2 a series of actions aimed at achieving sth in a way that attracts a lot of attention: The government has launched a new offensive against crime.  a sales offensive  The public seems unconvinced by their latest charm offensive (= their attempt to make people like them).
IDM be on the of'fensive to be attacking sb/sth rather than waiting for them to attack you: The Scots were on the offensive for most of the game.  The government is very much on the offensive in the fight against drugs. go on (to) the of'fensive | take the of'fensive to start attacking sb/sth before they start attacking you

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offer
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) (for sth)| ~ sb sth to say that you are willing to do sth for sb or give sth to sb: [vn] He offered £4 000 for the car.  Josie had offered her services as a guide  He offered some useful advice.  [vn, vnn] They decided to offer the job to Jo.  They decided to offer Jo the job.  [vnn] I gratefully took the cup of coffee she offered me.  Taylor offered him 500 dollars to do the work.  [v to inf] The kids offered to do the dishes.  [v speech] ‘I’ll do it,’ she offered.
2 [vn] to make sth available or to provide the opportunity for sth: The hotel offers excellent facilities for families.  The job didn’t offer any prospects for promotion.  He did not offer any explanation for his behaviour.
3 [vn] ~ sth/sb (up) (to sb) (formal) to give sth to God: We offered up our prayers for the men’s safe return.
IDM have sth to offer to have sth available that sb wants: Oxford has a lot to offer its visitors in the way of entertainment.  a young man with a great deal to offer (= who is intelligent, has many skills, etc.) offer your 'hand (formal) to hold out your hand for sb to shake

noun
1 ~ (of sth / to do sth) an act of saying that you are willing to do sth for sb or give sth to sb: Thank you for your kind offer of help.  I accepted her offer to pay.  to accept / refuse / decline an offer  I took him up on his offer of a loan.  You can’t just turn down offers of work like that.  an offer of marriage
2 ~ (for sth) an amount of money that sb is willing to pay for sth: I’ve had an offer of £2 500 for the car.  They’ve decided to accept our original offer.  The offer has been withdrawn.  They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.  The original price was £3 000, but I’m open to offers (= willing to consider offers that are less than that).—see also O.N.O.
3 a reduction in the normal price of sth, usually for a short period of time: This special offer is valid until the end of the month.  See next week’s issue for details of more free offers .  They have an offer on beer at the moment.
IDM on 'offer
1 that can be bought, used, etc: The following is a list of courses currently on offer.  Prizes worth more than £20 000 are on offer to the winner.
2 (especially BrE) on sale at a lower price than normal for a short period of time: Italian wines are on (special) offer this week. under 'offer (BrE) if a house or other building is under offer, sb has agreed to buy it at a particular price

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of.fer.ing
noun
1 something that is produced for other people to use, watch, enjoy etc: This is the latest offering from the Canadian-born writer.
2 something that is given to a god as part of religious worship: All these sacrifices are essentially offerings to the gods.—see also PEACE OFFERING
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of.fer.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 the offering of bread and wine to God at a church service
2 an offering or a collection of money during a church service
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off.hand
adj., adv.
adj. (disapproving) not showing much interest in sb/sth: an offhand manner / voice  He was very offhand with me.  She seemed offhand about the danger involved.
off.hand.ed.ly adv.: He spoke offhandedly, making it clear I had no say in the matter.

adv. without being able to check sth or think about it: I don’t know offhand how much we made last year.

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of.fice
noun
ROOM / BUILDING|
1 [C] a room, set of rooms or building where people work, usually sitting at desks: The company is moving to new offices on the other side of town.  Are you going to the office today?  We ought to inform head office .  an office job  office workers
2 [C] a room in which a particular person works, usually at a desk: Some people have to share an office.  Come into my office.
3 (AmE) = SURGERY : a doctor’s / dentist’s office
4 [C] (often in compounds) a room or building used for a particular purpose, especially to provide information or a service: the local tourist office  a ticket office—see also BOX OFFICE , REGISTRY OFFICE
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT|
5 (Office) [C] used in the names of some British government departments: the Foreign Office  the Home Office
IMPORTANT POSITION|
6 [U, C] an important position of authority, especially in government; the work and duties connected with this: She held office as a cabinet minister for ten years.  How long has he been in office ?  The party has been out of office (= has not formed a government) for many years.  The present government took office in 1997.  to seek / run for office   (BrE) to stand for office  the office of treasurer through sb’s good 'offices (formal) with sb’s help
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'office block
(BrE ) (also 'office buildingAmE, BrE) noun a large building that contains offices, usually belonging to more than one company: high-rise office blocks
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'office boy, 'office girl
noun (old-fashioned) a young person employed to do simple tasks in an office
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'office-holder
(also 'office-bearer) noun a person who is in a position of authority, especially in the government or a government organization
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'office hours
noun [pl.] the time when people in offices are normally working: Our telephone lines are open during normal office hours.
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of.fi.cer
noun
1 a person who is in a position of authority in the armed forces: army / airforce / naval officers  a commissioned / non-commissioned officer   The matter was passed on to me, as your commanding officer .—see also FLYING OFFICER , PETTY OFFICER , PILOT OFFICER , WARRANT OFFICER
2 (often in compounds) a person who is in a position of authority in the government or a large organization: an environmental health officer  a customs / prison / welfare officer  officers of state (= ministers in the government)—see also CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER , MEDICAL OFFICER , PRESS OFFICER , PROBATION OFFICER , RETURNING OFFICER
3 (often used as a form of address) = POLICE OFFICER : the officer in charge of the case  the investigating officer  Yes, officer, I saw what happened.
4 (AmE) a title for a police officer: Officer Dibble
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'office worker
noun a person who works in the offices of a business or company
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of.fi.cial
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the job of sb who is in a position of authority: official responsibilities  the Prime Minister’s official residence  He attended in his official capacity as mayor.  This was her first official engagement.  He made an official visit to Tokyo in March.
2 [usually before noun] agreed to, said, done, etc. by sb who is in a position of authority: an official announcement / decision / statement  according to official statistics / figures  An official inquiry has been launched into the cause of the accident.  The country’s official language is Spanish.  I intend to lodge an official complaint (= to complain to sb in authority).  The news is not yet official.
3 [only before noun] that is told to the public but may not be true: I only knew the official version of events.  The official story has always been that they are just good friends.
4 [only before noun] formal and attended by people in authority: an official function / reception  The official opening is planned for October.
OPP UNOFFICIAL

noun (often in compounds) a person who is in a position of authority in a large organization: a bank / company / court / government official  a senior official in the State Department  Palace officials are refusing to comment on the royal divorce.

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of.fi.cial.dom
noun [U] (disapproving) people who are in positions of authority in large organizations when they seem to be more interested in following rules than in being helpful: The report is critical of attempts by officialdom to deal with the problem of homelessness.
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of.fi.cial.ese
noun [U] (disapproving) language used in official documents that is thought by many people to be too complicated and difficult to understand
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of.fi.cial.ly
adv.
1 publicly and by sb who is in a position of authority: The library will be officially opened by the local MP.  We haven’t yet been told officially about the closure.  The college is not an officially recognized English language school.
2 according to a particular set of rules, laws, etc: Many of those living on the streets are not officially homeless.  I’m not officially supposed to be here.
3 according to information that has been told to the public but that may not be true: Officially, he resigned because of bad health.
OPP UNOFFICIALLY
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of,ficial re'ceiver
noun = RECEIVER
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of,ficial 'secret
noun (in Britain) a piece of information known only to the government and its employees, which it is illegal for them to tell anyone under the Official Secrets Act
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of.fi.ci.ate
verb [v] ~ (at sth) (formal) to do the official duties at a public or religious ceremony
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of.fi.cious
adj. (disapproving) too ready to tell people what to do or to use the power you have to give orders: a nasty officious little man
of.fi.cious.ly adv.: ‘You can’t park here,’ he said officiously.
of.fi.cious.ness noun [U]
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off.ing
noun
IDM in the offing (informal) likely to appear or happen soon: I hear there are more staff changes in the offing.
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,off-'key
adj.
1 (of a voice or a musical instrument) not in tune
2 not suitable or correct in a particular situation: Some of his remarks were very off-key.
,off-'key adv.: to sing off-key
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'off-licence
(BrE ) (AmE 'liquor store) noun a shop that sells alcoholic drinks in bottles and cans to take away
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,off-'line
adj. (computing ) not directly controlled by or connected to a computer or to the Internet—see also ONLINE
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off.load
verb [vn] ~ sth/sb (on / onto sb) to get rid of sth/sb that you do not need or want by passing it/them to sb else: They should stop offloading waste from oil tankers into the sea.  It’s nice to have someone you can offload your problems onto.
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,off-'peak
adj. [only before noun] happening or used at a time that is less popular or busy, and therefore cheaper: off-peak electricity / travel
,off-'peak adv.: Phone calls cost 20p per unit off-peak.—compare PEAK
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'off-putting
adj. (informal, especially BrE ) not pleasant, in a way that prevents you from liking sb/sth: I find his manner very off-putting.
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'off-road
adj. [usually before noun] not on the public road: an off-road vehicle (= one for driving on rough ground)
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,off-'screen
adj. [only before noun] in real life, not in a film/movie: They were off-screen lovers.
,off-'screen adv.: She looks totally different off-screen.—compare ON-SCREEN
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'off season
noun [sing.]
1 the time of the year that is less busy in business and travel
SYN LOW SEASON : We don’t get many tourists in the off season.
2 (AmE, sport) = CLOSE SEASON
,off-'season adj. [only before noun]: off-season prices
,off-'season adv.: We prefer to travel off-season.
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off.set
verb, adj.
verb (off.set.ting, off.set, off.set) [vn] ~ sth (against sth) to use one cost, payment or situation in order to cancel or reduce the effect of another: Prices have risen in order to offset the increased cost of materials.   (BrE ) What expenses can you offset against tax ?

adj. [only before noun] used to describe a method of printing in which ink is put onto a metal plate, then onto a rubber surface and only then onto the paper

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off.shoot
noun
1 a thing that develops from sth, especially a small organization that develops from a larger one
2 (technical) a new stem that grows on a plant
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off.shore
adj. [usually before noun]
1 happening or existing in the sea, not far from the land: offshore drilling  an offshore island
2 (of winds) blowing from the land towards the sea: offshore breezes
3 (business) (of money, companies, etc.) kept or situated in a country that has more generous tax laws than other places: offshore investments
off.shore adv.: a ship anchored offshore  profits earned offshore—compare INSHORE , ONSHORE
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off.side
adj., noun
adj.
1 (AmE also off.sides) in some sports, for example football or hockey, a player is offside if he or she is in a position, usually ahead of the ball, that is not allowed: He was offside when he scored.  the offside rule—compare ONSIDE
2 (BrE) on the side of a vehicle that is furthest from the edge of the road: the offside mirror—compare NEARSIDE

noun [U]
1 (AmE also off.sides) the fact of being offside in a game such as football or hockey: The goal was disallowed for offside.
2 (BrE) the side of a vehicle that is furthest from the edge of the road: The offside was damaged.—compare NEARSIDE

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off.spring
noun (pl.off.spring) (formal or humorous)
1 a child of a particular person or couple: the problems parents have with their teenage offspring  to produce / raise offspring
2 the young of an animal or plant
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off.stage
adj.
1 not on the stage in a theatre; not where the audience can see: offstage sound effects
2 happening to an actor in real life, not on the stage: The stars were having an offstage relationship.
off.stage adv.: The hero dies offstage.—compare ONSTAGE
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'off-street
adj. [usually before noun] not on the public road: an apartment with off-street parking
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,off-the-'cuff
CUFF n.
HELP You will also find other compounds beginning off-the- at the entry for the last word in the compound.
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,off-'white
adj. very pale yellowish-white in colour: The walls were painted off-white.
,off-'white noun [U]
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oft
adv. (old use) (often in compounds) often: an oft-repeated claim
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often
adv.
1 many times
SYN FREQUENTLY : We often go there.  I’ve often wondered what happened to him.  How often do you go to the theatre?  I see her quite often.  Try to exercise as often as possible.  We should meet for lunch more often.  It is not often that you get such an opportunity.
2 in many cases
SYN COMMONLY : Old houses are often damp.  People are often afraid of things they don’t understand.   (written) All too often the animals die through neglect.
IDM as ,often as 'not | more ,often than 'not usually; in a way that is typical of sb/sth: As often as not, he’s late for work. ,every so 'often occasionally; sometimes—more at ONCE adv.
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often.times
adv. (old use orAmE ) often
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ogle
verb to look hard at sb in an offensive way, usually showing sexual interest: [vn] He was not in the habit of ogling women. [alsov]
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'O grade
(also 'ordinary grade) noun [C, U] (in Scotland in the past) an exam in a particular subject, at a lower level than HIGHERS , usually taken at the age of 16. In 1988 it was replaced by the STANDARD GRADE .
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ogre
noun
1 (in stories) a cruel and frightening GIANT (= a very large strong person) who eats people
2 a very frightening person: My boss is a real ogre.
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oh
(also less frequent O) exclamation
1 used when you are reacting to sth that has been said, especially if you did not know it before: ‘I saw Ben yesterday.’‘Oh yes, how is he?’  ‘Emma has a new job.’‘Oh, has she?’
2 used to express surprise, fear, joy, etc: Oh, how wonderful!  Oh no, I’ve broken it!
3 used to attract sb’s attention: Oh, Sue! Could you help me a moment?
4 used when you are thinking of what to say next: I’ve been in this job for, oh, about six years.
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ohm
noun (physics ) a unit for measuring electrical RESISTANCE
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OHP
noun the abbreviation for ‘overhead projector’: Will you be using an OHP?
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oi
exclamation (BrE , informal) used to attract sb’s attention, especially in an angry way: Oi, you! What do you think you’re doing?
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-oid
suffix (in adjectives and nouns) similar to: humanoid  rhomboid
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oik
noun (BrE , slang) an offensive way of referring to a person that you consider rude or stupid, especially a person of a lower social class
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oil
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a thick liquid that is found in rock underground PETROLEUM : drilling for oil
2 [U] a form of PETROLEUM that is used as fuel and to make parts of machines move smoothly: engine oil  an oil lamp / heater  Put some oil in the car.
3 [U, C] a smooth thick liquid that is made from plants or animals and is used in cooking: olive oil  vegetable oils
4 [U, C] a smooth thick liquid that is made from plants, minerals, etc. and is used on the skin or hair: lavender bath oil  suntan oil—see also ESSENTIAL OIL
5 [U] (also oils [pl.]) coloured paint containing oil used by artists: a painting done in oils   landscapes in oil—see also OIL PAINT
6 [C] = OIL PAINTING : Among the more important Turner oils was ‘Venus and Adonis’.—see also OILY , CASTOR OIL , COD LIVER OIL , LINSEED OIL
IDM see BURN v. , POUR

verb [vn] to put oil onto or into sth, for example a machine, in order to protect it or make it work smoothly: He oiled his bike and pumped up the tyres.
IDM oil the 'wheels (BrE) (AmE grease the 'wheels) to help sth to happen easily and without problems, especially in business or politics

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oil.can
noun a metal container for oil, especially one with a long thin SPOUT , used for putting oil onto machine parts
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oil.cloth
noun [U] a cotton fabric that has been COATED (= covered) on one side with a layer of oil so that water cannot pass through it, used especially in the past for covering tables
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'oil colour
(BrE ) (AmE'oil color) noun [C, U] = OIL PAINT
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oiled
adj. well ~ (BrE , informal) drunk
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oil.field
noun an area where oil is found in the ground or under the sea
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,oil-'fired
adj. (of a heating system, etc.) burning oil as fuel
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oil.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who owns an oil company or works in the oil industry
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'oil paint
(also 'oil colour) noun [C, U] a type of paint that contains oil
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'oil painting
noun
1 (also oil) [C] a picture painted in OIL PAINT
2 [U] the art of painting in OIL PAINT
IDM be no 'oil painting (BrE, humorous) used when you are saying that a person is not attractive to look at
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'oil pan
noun (AmE ) = SUMP
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'oil rig
(also 'oil platform especially in AmE) noun a large structure with equipment for getting oil from under the ground or under the sea
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,oilseed 'rape
noun [U] = RAPE (2)
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oil.skin
noun
1 [U] a cotton fabric that has had oil put on it in a special process so that water cannot pass through it, used for making WATERPROOF clothing: an oilskin coat
2 [C] a coat or jacket made of oilskin
3 (oilskins) [pl.] a set of clothes made of oilskin , worn especially by sailors
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'oil slick
noun = SLICK
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'oil tanker
noun a large ship with containers for carrying oil—picture at BOAT
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'oil well
(also well) noun a hole made in the ground to obtain oil
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oily
adj. (oil.ier, oili.est)
1 containing or covered with oil: oily fish  an oily rag
2 feeling, tasting, smelling or looking like oil: an oily substance
3 (disapproving) (of a person or their behaviour) trying to be too polite, in a way that is annoying: an oily smile
oili.ness noun [U]
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oink
exclamation, noun used to represent the sound a pig makes
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oint.ment
noun [U, C] a smooth substance that you rub on the skin to heal a wound or sore place: antiseptic ointment—
IDM see FLY n.
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OK
(also okay) exclamation, adj., adv., noun, verb
exclamation (informal)
1 yes; all right: ‘Shall we go for a walk?’‘OK.’
2 used to attract sb’s attention or to introduce a comment: Okay, let’s go.
3 used to check that sb agrees with you or understands you: The meeting’s at 2, OK?  I’ll do it my way, OK?
4 used to stop people arguing with you or criticizing you: OK, so I was wrong. I’m sorry.

adj., adv. (spoken)
1 safe and well; in a calm or happy state: Are you OK?
2 ~ (for sb) (to do sth) all right; satisfactory; in a satisfactory way: Is it OK if I leave now?  Is it OK for me to come too?  Does my hair look okay?  I think I did OK in the exam.  Whatever you decide, it’s okay by me .  an okay movie

noun [sing.] (informal) permission: I’m still waiting for the boss to give me the OK.

verb (OK’s, OK’ing, OK’d, OK’d) [vn] (informal) to officially agree to sth or allow it to happen: She filled in an expenses claim and her manager OK’d it.

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okey-doke
(also okey-dokey ) exclamation (BrE , informal) used to express agreement
SYN OK
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okra
noun [U] the green seed cases of the okra plant, eaten as a vegetable—
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old
adj. (old.er, old.est)
AGE|
1 be … years, months, etc. ~ of a particular age: The baby was only a few hours old.  In those days most people left school when they were only fifteen years old.  At thirty years old, he was already earning £40 000 a year.  two fourteen-year-old boys  a class for five-year-olds (= children who are five)  I didn’t think she was old enough for the responsibility.  How old is this building?
NOT YOUNG|
2 having lived for a long time; no longer young: to get / grow old  The old man lay propped up on cushions.  She was a woman grown old before her time (= who looked older than she was).
OPP YOUNG
3 (the old) noun [pl.] old people: The old feel the cold more than the young.
NOT NEW|
4 having existed or been used for a long time: old customs / beliefs / habits  He always gives the same old excuses.  This carpet’s getting pretty old now.
OPP NEW
5 [only before noun] former; belonging to past times or a past time in your life: Things were different in the old days .  I went back to visit my old school.  Old and Middle English
6 [only before noun] used to refer to sth that has been replaced by sth else: We had more room in our old house.
OPP NEW
7 [only before noun] known for a long time: She’s an old friend of mine (= I have known her for a long time).  We’re old rivals.—compare RECENT
GOOD OLD / POOR OLD|
8 [only before noun] (spoken) used to show affection or a lack of respect: Good old Dad!  You poor old thing!  I hate her, the silly old cow! 'any old how (spoken) in a careless or untidy way: The books were piled up all over the floor any old how. as old as the 'hills very old; ancient 'any old … (spoken) any item of the type mentioned (used when it is not important which particular item is chosen): Any old room would have done. for 'old times' sake if you do sth for old times' sake, you do it because it is connected with sth good that happened to you in the past the 'good / 'bad old days an earlier period of time in your life or in history that is seen as better/worse than the present: That was in the bad old days of rampant inflation. of 'old (formal or literary) in or since past times: in days of old  We know him of old (= we have known him for a long time). old 'boy, 'chap, 'man, etc. (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used by older men of the middle and upper classes as a friendly way of addressing another man old enough to be sb’s 'father / 'mother (disapproving) very much older than sb (especially used to suggest that a romantic or sexual relationship between the two people is not appropriate) old enough to know 'better old enough to behave in a more sensible way than you actually did (have) an old head on young 'shoulders used to describe a young person who acts in a more sensible way than you would expect for a person of their age the (,same) old 'story what usually happens: It’s the same old story of a badly managed project with inadequate funding. an old 'wives' tale (disapproving) an old idea or belief that has been proved not to be scientific: the old wives' tale that make-up ruins the skin one of the 'old school an old-fashioned person who likes to do things as they were done in the past—more at CHIP n. , GRAND adj. , HEAVE-HO , HIGH adj. , MONEY , RIPE , SETTLE v. , TEACH , TOUGH adj. , TRICK n.
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,old 'age
noun [U] the time of your life when you are old: Old age can bring many problems.  He lived alone in his old age .
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,old-age 'pension
noun (BrE ) a regular income paid by the state to people above a particular age
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,old-age 'pensioner
noun (abbr. OAP) (BrE , becoming old-fashioned) a person who receives an old-age pension —see also SENIOR CITIZEN
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,old 'bat
noun (BrE , informal, disapproving) a silly or annoying old person
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the ,Old 'Bill
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) the police
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'old boy
noun
1 ('old boy) (BrE) a man who used to be a student at a particular school, usually a private one
2 (,old 'boy) (spoken, especially BrE) an old man: The old boy next door has died.—see also OLD GIRL
IDM the ,old 'boy network (BrE, informal) the practice of men who went to the same school using their influence to help each other at work or socially
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the 'old country
noun [sing.] the country where you were born, especially when you have left it to live somewhere else
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olde
adj. [only before noun] (old use) a way of spelling ‘old’ that was used in the past and is now sometimes used in names and advertisements to give the impression that sth is traditional: a pub that tries to recreate the flavour of olde England
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olden
adj. [only before noun] existing a long time ago in the past: What was life like in the olden days , Gran?
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,Old 'English
(also ,Anglo-'Saxon) noun [U] the English language before about 1150, very different from modern English
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,Old ,English 'sheepdog
noun a very large dog with very long grey and white hair
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,old-e'stablished
adj. [only before noun] that has existed for a long time: old-established customs / industries / families
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olde worlde
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE , humorous) (of a place or its atmosphere) trying deliberately to seem old-fashioned: the olde worlde atmosphere of the tea room with its log fire
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,old-'fashioned
adj. (sometimes disapproving)
1 not modern; no longer fashionable: old-fashioned clothes / styles / methods / equipment—compare FASHIONABLE
2 (of a person) believing in old or traditional ways; having traditional ideas: My parents are old-fashioned about relationships and marriage.
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,old 'flame
noun a former lover: She met an old flame at the party.
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'old girl
noun
1 ('old girl) (BrE) a woman who used to be a student at a particular school, usually a private one
2 (,old 'girl) (spoken, especially BrE) an old woman: The old girl next door has died.
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,Old 'Glory
noun (AmE ) a name for the flag of the US
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the ,old 'guard
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the original members of a group or an organization, who are often against change
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,old 'hand
noun ~ (at sth / at doing sth) a person with a lot of experience and skill in a particular activity: She’s an old hand at dealing with the press.
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,old 'hat
noun [U] something that is old-fashioned and no longer interesting: Today’s hits rapidly become old hat.
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oldie
noun (informal) an old person or thing—see also GOLDEN OLDIE
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old.ish
adj. fairly old
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,old 'lady
noun (informal) a person’s wife or mother
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,old 'lag
noun (BrE , informal) a person who has been in prison many times
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,old 'maid
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) a woman who has never married and is now no longer young
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,old 'man
noun (informal) a person’s husband or father
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,old 'master
noun
1 a famous painter, especially of the 13th–17th centuries in Europe
2 a picture painted by an old master : They have a collection of priceless old masters.
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,Old 'Nick
noun (old-fashioned, humorous) the devil
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,old 'people’s home
(BrE ) (also re'tirement homeAmE, BrE) noun a place where old people live and are cared for
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,old school 'tie
noun (BrE ) a tie worn by former students of a particular school, especially a private one; the respect for the school and traditional attitudes that this represents: Systems based on social class and the old school tie are more common in Britain than in the US.
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old.ster
noun (informal) an old person
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'old-style
adj. [only before noun] typical of past fashions or times: an old-style dress shop  old-style socialism
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the ,Old 'Testament
noun [sing.] the first part of the Bible, that tells the history of the Jews, their beliefs and their relationship with God before the birth of Christ—compare THE NEW TESTAMENT
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'old-time
adj. [only before noun] typical of the past: old-time dancing
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,old-'timer
noun
1 a person who has been connected with a club or an organization, or who has lived in a place, for a long time
2 (AmE) an old man
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,old 'woman
noun
1 (informal, especially BrE) a person’s wife or mother
2 (BrE, disapproving) a man who worries too much about things that are not important
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the ,Old 'World
noun [sing.] Europe, Asia and Africa—compare THE NEW WORLD
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'old-world
adj. [only before noun] (approving) belonging to past times; not modern: an old-world hotel with character and charm
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ole
adj. used in written English to represent how some people say the word ‘old’: My ole man used to work there.
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ole.an.der
noun [C, U] a Mediterranean bush or tree with purple, white or pink flowers and long pointed thick leaves
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'O level
(also 'ordinary level) noun [C, U] (in England and Wales in the past) an exam in a particular subject, at a lower level than A LEVEL , usually taken at the age of 16. In 1988 it was replaced by the GCSE : O level French / chemistry  She took six subjects at O level.  He’s got an O level in Russian.—compare GCE
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ol.fac.tory
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) connected with the sense of smell: olfactory cells / nerves / organs
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oli.garch
noun a member of an oligarchy
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oli.garchy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a form of government in which only a small group of people hold all the power
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] the people who hold power in an oligarchy
3 [C] a country governed by an oligarchy
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olive
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a small green or black fruit with a strong taste, used in cooking and for its oil: olive oil—see also VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
2 (also 'olive tree) [C] a tree on which olives grow: olive groves
3 (also ,olive 'green) [U] a yellowish-green colour

adj.
1 (also ,olive-'green) yellowish-green in colour
2 (of skin) yellowish-brown in colour: an olive complexion

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'olive branch
noun [usually sing.] a symbol of peace; sth you say or do to show that you wish to make peace with sb: Management is holding out an olive branch to the strikers.
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-ology
(BrE also -logy) combining form (in nouns)
1 a subject of study: sociology  genealogy
2 a characteristic of speech or writing: phraseology  trilogy
-ological , -logical(also -ologic, -logic) (in adjectives): pathological
-ologist , -logist(in nouns): biologist
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Olym.piad
noun
1 an occasion when the modern Olympic games are held: The 26th Olympiad took place in Atlanta, Georgia.
2 an international competition in a particular subject, especially a science: the 14th International Physics Olympiad
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Olym.pian
adj. (formal) like a god; powerful and impressive: He viewed the problem with Olympian detachment.
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Olym.pic
adj. [only before noun] connected with the Olympic Games: an Olympic athlete / medallist  the British Olympic team
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the O,lympic 'Games
(also the Olym.pics) noun [pl.] an international sports festival held every four years in a different country: the Sydney Olympics in 2000
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om.buds.man
noun (pl.-men ) a government official whose job is to examine and report on complaints made by ordinary people about the government or public authorities
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omega
noun the last letter of the Greek alphabet (Ω, ω)
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om.elette
(AmE also om.elet) noun a hot dish of eggs mixed together and fried, often with cheese, meat, vegetables, etc. added: a cheese and mushroom omelette
IDM you can’t make an ,omelette without breaking 'eggs (saying) you cannot achieve sth important without causing a few small problems
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omen
noun ~ (for sth) a sign of what is going to happen in the future: a good / bad omen  an omen of death / disaster  The omens for their future success are not good.
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om.in.ous
adj. suggesting that sth bad is going to happen in the future: There were ominous dark clouds gathering overhead.  She picked up the phone but there was an ominous silence at the other end.
om.in.ous.ly adv.
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omis.sion
noun
1 [U] ~ (from sth) the act of not including sb/sth or not doing sth; the fact of not being included/done: Everyone was surprised at her omission from the squad.  The play was shortened by the omission of two scenes.   (formal) sins of omission (= not doing things that should be done)
2 [C] a thing that has not been included or done: There were a number of errors and omissions in the article.
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omit
verb (-tt-) [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sth/sb (from sth) to not include sth/sb either deliberately or because you have forgotten it/them
SYN LEAVE OUT : If you are a student, you can omit questions 16–18.  People were surprised that Smith was omitted from the team.
2 [v to inf] to not do or fail to do sth: She omitted to mention that they were staying the night.
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omni-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) of all things; in all ways or places: omnivore  omnipresent
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omni.bus
noun, adj.
noun
1 (BrE) a television or radio programme that combines several recent programmes in a series: the 90-minute Sunday omnibus edition
2 a large book that contains a number of books, for example novels by the same author
3 (old-fashioned) a bus

adj. (AmE ) including many things or different types of thing: an omnibus law

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om.nipo.tent
adj. (formal) having total power; able to do anything: an omnipotent God
om.nipo.tence noun [U]: the omnipotence of God
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omni.pres.ent
adj. (formal) present everywhere: These days the media are omnipresent.
omni.pres.ence noun [U]
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om.nis.ci.ent
adj. (formal) knowing everything: The novel has an omniscient narrator.
om.nis.ci.ence noun [U]
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omni.vore
noun an animal or a person that eats all types of food, especially both plants and meat—compare CARNIVORE , HERBIVORE , INSECTIVORE
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om.niv.or.ous
adj.
1 (technical) eating all types of food, especially both plants and meat: an omnivorous diet / animal—compare CARNIVOROUS , HERBIVOROUS
2 (formal) having wide interests in a particular area or activity: She has always been an omnivorous reader.
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on
prep., adv.
prep.
HELP For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example turn on sb is in the phrasal verb section at turn.
1 in or into a position covering, touching or forming part of a surface: a picture on a wall  There’s a mark on your skirt.  the diagram on page 5  Put it down on the table.  He had been hit on the head.  She climbed on to the bed.
HELP This could also be written: onto the bed
2 supported by sb/sth: She was standing on one foot.  Try lying on your back.  Hang your coat on that hook.
3 used to show a means of transport: He was on the plane from New York.  to travel on the bus / tube / coach  I came on my bike.  a woman on horseback
4 used to show a day or date: He came on Sunday.  We meet on Tuesdays.  on May the first / the first of May  on the evening of May the first  on one occasion  on your birthday
5 immediately after sth: On arriving home I discovered they had gone.  Please report to reception on arrival.  There was a letter waiting for him on his return.
6 about sth/sb: a book on South Africa  She tested us on irregular verbs.
7 being carried by sb; in the possession of sb: Have you got any money on you?
8 used to show that sb belongs to a group or an organization: to be on the committee / staff / jury / panel  Whose side are you on (= which of two or more different views do you support)?
9 eating or drinking sth; using a drug or a medicine regularly: He lived on a diet of junk food.  The doctor put me on antibiotics.
10 used to show direction: on the left / right  He turned his back on us.
11 at or near a place: a town on the coast  a house on the Thames  We lived on an estate.
12 used to show the basis or reason for sth: a story based on fact  On their advice I applied for the job.
13 supported financially by sth: to live on a pension / a student grant  to be on a low wage  You can’t feed a family on £50 a week.  Drinks are on me (= I am paying).
14 by means of sth; using sth: She played a tune on her guitar.  The information is available on the Internet.  We spoke on the phone.  What’s on TV?  The programme’s on Channel 4.
15 used with some nouns or adjectives to say who or what is affected by sth: a ban on smoking  He’s hard on his kids.  Go easy on the mayo! (= do not give me too much)
16 compared with sb/sth: Sales are up on last year.
17 used to describe an activity or a state: to be on business / holiday / vacation  The book is currently on loan.
18 used when giving a telephone number: You can get me on 0181 530 3906.  She’s on extension 2401.

adv.
HELP For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get on is in the phrasal verb section at get.
1 used to show that sth continues: He worked on without a break.  If you like a good story, read on.
2 used to show that sb/sth moves or is sent forward: She stopped for a moment, then walked on.  Keep straight on for the beach.  From then on he never trusted her again.  Please send the letter on to my new address.
HELP This cannot be written: onto my new address
3 on sb’s body; being worn: Put your coat on.  I didn’t have my glasses on.  What did she have on (= what was she wearing)?
4 covering, touching or forming part of sth: Make sure the lid is on.
5 connected or operating; being used: The lights were all on.  The TV is always on in their house.  We were without electricity for three hours but it’s on again now.
6 happening: There was a war on at the time.  What’s on at the movies?  The band are on (= performing) in ten minutes.
7 planned to take place in the future: The game is still on (= it has not been cancelled).  I don’t think we’ve got anything on this weekend.  I’m sorry we can’t come—we’ve got a lot on .
8 on duty; working: I’m on now till 8 tomorrow morning.
9 in or into a vehicle: The bus stopped and four people got on.  They hurried on to the plane.—see also ONTO
IDM be 'on about sth (informal) to talk about sth; to mean sth: I didn’t know what he was on about. It didn’t make sense. be / go / keep 'on about sth (informal, disapproving) to talk in a boring or complaining way about sth: Stop keeping on about it! be / go / keep 'on at sb (to do sth) (informal, disapproving) to keep asking or telling sb sth so that they become annoyed or tired: He was on at me again to lend him money. it isn’t 'on (informal) used to say that sth is not acceptable ,on and 'on without stopping; continuously: She went on and on about her trip. What are you 'on? (informal) used when you are very surprised at sb’s behaviour and are suggesting that they are acting in a similar way to sb using drugs you’re 'on (informal) used when you are accepting a bet—more at OFF adv.

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,on-'air
adj. (in radio and television) being broadcast: She explains how she deals with on-air technical problems.
OPP OFF-AIR
,on-'air adv.
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once
adv., conj.
adv.
1 on one occasion only; one time: I’ve only been there once.  He cleans his car once a week.  She only sees her parents once every six months.   (informal) He only did it the once .
2 at some time in the past: I once met your mother.  He once lived in Zambia.  This book was famous once, but nobody reads it today.
3 used in negative sentences and questions, and after if to mean ‘ever’ or ‘at all’: He never once offered to help.  If she once decides to do something, you won’t change her mind.
IDM ,all at 'once
1 suddenly: All at once she lost her temper.
2 all together; at the same time: I can’t do everything all at once—you’ll have to be patient. at 'once
1 immediately; without delay: Come here at once!
2 at the same time: Don’t all speak at once!  I can’t do two things at once. (just) for 'once | just this 'once (spoken) on this occasion (which is in contrast to what happens usually): Just for once he arrived on time.  Can’t you be nice to each other just this once? going 'once, going 'twice, 'sold (especially AmE) = GOING, GOING, GONE once a'gain | once 'more one more time; another time: Once again the train was late.  Let me hear it just once more. once a … , always a … used to say that sb cannot change: Once an actor, always an actor. once and for 'all now and for the last time; finally or completely: We need to settle this once and for all. ,once 'bitten, ,twice 'shy (saying) after an unpleasant experience you are careful to avoid sth similar once in a blue 'moon (informal) very rarely (every) ,once in a 'while occasionally ,once or 'twice a few times: I don’t know her well, I’ve only met her once or twice. ,once too 'often used to say that sb has done sth wrong or stupid again, and this time they will suffer because of it: You’ve tried that trick once too often. ,once upon a 'time used, especially at the beginning of stories, to mean ‘a long time in the past’: Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess.

conj. as soon as; when: We didn’t know how we would cope once the money had gone.  The water is fine once you’re in!

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'once-over
noun
IDM give sb/sth a / the 'once-over (informal)
1 to look at sb/sth quickly to see what they or it are like
2 to clean sth quickly: She gave the room a quick once-over before the guests arrived.
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on.col.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of and treatment of TUMOURS in the body
on.colo.gist
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on.com.ing
adj. [only before noun] coming towards you APPROACHING : Always walk facing the oncoming traffic.
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one
number, det., pron.
number, det.
1 the number 1: Do you want one or two?  There’s only room for one person.  One more, please!  a one-bedroomed apartment  I’ll see you at one (= one o’clock).
2 used in formal language or for emphasis before hundred, thousand, etc., or before a unit of measurement: It cost one hundred and fifty pounds.  He lost by less than one second.
3 used for emphasis to mean ‘a single’ or ‘just one’: There’s only one thing we can do.
4 a person or thing, especially when they are part of a group: One of my friends lives in Brighton.  One place I’d really like to visit is Bali.
5 used for emphasis to mean ‘the only one’ or ‘the most important one’: He’s the one person I can trust.  Her one concern was for the health of her baby.  It’s the one thing I can’t stand about him.
6 used when you are talking about a time in the past or the future, without actually saying which one: I saw her one afternoon last week.  One day (= at some time in the future) you’ll understand.
7 the same: They all went off in one direction.
8 (spoken, especially AmE) used for emphasis instead of a or an: That was one hell of a game!  She’s one snappy dresser.
9 used with a person’s name to show that the speaker does not know the person
SYN A CERTAIN : He worked as an assistant to one Mr Ming.
IDM as 'one (formal) in agreement; all together: We spoke as one on this matter. (be) at 'one (with sb/sth) (formal) to feel that you completely agree with sb/sth, or that you are part of sth: a place where you can feel at one with nature for 'one used to emphasize that a particular person does sth and that you believe other people do too: I, for one, would prefer to postpone the meeting. get sth in 'one to understand or guess sth immediately: ‘Oh, so she’s his sister!’‘Got it in one!’ get one 'over (on) sb/sth (informal) to get an advantage over sb/sth: I’m not going to let them get one over on me! go one 'better (than sb/sth) to do sth better than sb else or than you have done before
SYN OUTDO : She did well this year and next year she hopes to go one better. in 'one used to say that sb/sth has different roles, contains different things or is used for different purposes: She’s a mother and company director in one.  It’s a public relations office, a press office and a private office all in one .—see also ALL-IN-ONE ,one after a'nother / the 'other first one person or thing, and then another, and then another, up to any number or amount: The bills kept coming in, one after another. ,one and 'all (old-fashioned, informal) everyone: Happy New Year to one and all! ,one and 'only used to emphasize that sb is famous: Here he is, the one and only Van Morrison! ,one and the 'same used for emphasis to mean ‘the same’: I never realized Ruth Rendell and Barbara Vine were one and the same (= the same person). ,one by 'one separately and in order: I went through the items on the list one by one. ,one or 'two a few: We’ve had one or two problems—nothing serious. ,one 'up (on sb) having an advantage over sb—more at ALL pron. , MINORITY , NUMBER n. , SQUARE n.

pron.
1 used to avoid repeating a noun, when you are referring to sb/sth that has already been mentioned, or that the person you are speaking to knows about: I’d like an ice cream. Are you having one, too?  Our car’s always breaking down. But we’re getting a new one soon.  She was wearing her new dress, the red one.  My favourite band? Oh, that’s a hard one (= a hard question).  What made you choose the one rather than the other?   (BrE) How about those ones over there?
2 used when you are identifying the person or thing you are talking about: Our house is the one next to the school.  The students who are most successful are usually the ones who come to all the classes.
3 ~ of a person or thing belonging to a particular group: It’s a present for one of my children.  We think of you as one of the family.
4 ~ (to do sth) a person of the type mentioned: 10 o’clock is too late for the little ones .  He ached to be home with his loved ones .  She was never one to criticize.
5 (formal) used to mean ‘people in general’ or ‘I’, when the speaker is referring to himself or herself: One should never criticize if one is not sure of one’s facts.  One gets the impression that they disapprove.
HELP This use of one is very formal and now sounds old-fashioned. It is much more usual to use you for ‘people in general’ and I when you are talking about yourself.
6 (a 'one) (old-fashioned, especially BrE) a person whose behaviour is amusing or surprising: Oh, you are a one!
7 the ~ about sth the joke: Have you heard the one about the Englishman, the Irishman and the Scotsman?
IDM be (a) one for (doing) sth to be a person who enjoys sth, or who does sth often or well: I’ve never been a great one for fish and chips.

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,one a'nother
pron. one another is used when you are saying that each member of a group does sth to or for the other people in the group: We all try and help one another.  I think we’ve learned a lot about one another in this session.
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,one-armed 'bandit
noun = FRUIT MACHINE
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,one-'liner
noun (informal) a short joke or funny remark: He came out with some good one-liners.
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,one-'man
adj. [only before noun] done or controlled by one person only; suitable for one person: a one-man show / business  a one-man tent—see also ONE-WOMAN
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,one-man 'band
noun a street musician who plays several instruments at the same time: (figurative) He runs the business as a one-man band (= one person does everything).
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one.ness
noun [U] (formal) the state of being completely united with sb/sth, or of being in complete agreement with sb: a sense of oneness with the natural world
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,one-night 'stand
noun (informal) a sexual relationship that lasts for a single night; a person that sb has this relationship with: I wanted it to be more than a one-night stand.  For her I was just a one-night stand.
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,one-'off
adj., noun
adj. (BrE ) (AmE 'one-shot) [only before noun] made or happening only once and not regularly: a one-off payment

noun [sing.] (BrE ) a thing that is made or that happens only once and not regularly: It was just a one-off; it won’t happen again.

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,one-on-'one
adj. [usually before noun] (AmE ) = ONE-TO-ONE
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,one-parent 'family
(also ,lone-parent 'family) noun a family in which the children live with one parent rather than two—see also SINGLE PARENT
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'one-piece
adj. [only before noun] (especially of clothes) consisting of one piece, not separate parts: a one-piece swimsuit
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oner.ous
adj. (formal) needing great effort; causing trouble or worry: an onerous duty / task / responsibility
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one.self
pron. (formal)
1 (the reflexive form of one) used as the object of a verb or preposition when ‘one’ is the subject of the verb or is understood as the subject: One has to ask oneself what the purpose of the exercise is.  One cannot choose freedom for oneself without choosing it for others.  It is difficult to make oneself concentrate for long periods.
2 used to emphasize one: One likes to do it oneself.
HELP One and oneself are very formal words and now sound old-fashioned. It is much more usual to use you and yourself for referring to people in general and I and myself when the speaker is referring to himself or herself.
IDM be one'self to be in a normal state of body and mind, not influenced by other people: One needs space to be oneself. (all) by one'self
1 alone; without anyone else
2 without help (all) to one'self not shared with anyone
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'one-shot
adj. [only before noun] (AmE ) = ONE-OFF
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,one-'sided
adj.
1 (disapproving) (of an argument, opinion, etc.) showing only one point of view; not balanced: The press were accused of presenting a very one-sided picture of the issue.
2 (of a competition or a relationship) involving people who have different abilities; involving one person more than another: a totally one-sided match  a one-sided conversation (= in which one person talks most of the time)
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'one-stop
adj. in which you can buy or do everything you want in one place: Our agency is a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
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'one-time
adj. [only before noun]
1 former: her one-time best friend, Anna
2 not to be repeated
SYN ONE-OFF : a one-time fee of $500
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,one-to-'one
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,one-on-'one) adj. [usually before noun]
1 between two people only: a one-to-one meeting
2 matching sth else in an exact way: There is no one-to-one correspondence between sounds and letters.
,one-to-'one adv.: He teaches one-to-one.
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,one-track 'mind
noun if sb has a one-track mind, they can only think about one subject
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one-upmanship
noun [U] (disapproving) the skill of getting an advantage over other people
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,one-'way
adj. [usually before noun]
1 moving or allowing movement in only one direction: one-way traffic  a one-way street  a one-way valve
2 (especially AmE) = SINGLE (5)
3 operating in only one direction: Theirs was a one-way relationship (= one person made all the effort).  They observed the prisoners through a one-way mirror (= a mirror that allows a person standing behind it to see through it).
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,one-'woman
adj. [only before noun] done or controlled by one woman only: a one-woman show
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on.going
adj. [usually before noun] continuing to exist or develop: an ongoing debate / discussion / process  The police investigation is ongoing.
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onion
noun [C, U] a round vegetable with many layers inside each other and a brown, red or white skin. Onions have a strong smell and flavour: Chop the onions finely.  French onion soup—
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on.line
adj. controlled by or connected to a computer or to the Internet: an online ticket booking system  The data entry terminal is connected to an online database while editing is taking place.
on.line adv.
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on.look.er
noun a person who watches sth that is happening but is not involved in it: A crowd of onlookers gathered at the scene of the crash.
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only
adj., adv., conj.
adj. [only before noun]
1 used to say that no other or others of the same group exist or are there: She’s their only daughter.  We were the only people there.  His only answer was a grunt.  Only five people turned up.
2 used to say that sb/sth is the best and you would not choose any other: She’s the only person for the job.
IDM the only thing 'is … (spoken) used before mentioning a worry or problem you have with sth: I’d love to come—the only thing is I might be late.—more at NAME n. , ONE det.

adv.
1 nobody or nothing except: There are only a limited number of tickets available.  The bar is for members only .  You only have to look at her to see she doesn’t eat enough.  Only five people turned up.
2 in no other situation, place, etc: I agreed, but only because I was frightened.  Children are admitted only if accompanied by an adult.
HELP In formal written English only, or only if and its clause, can be placed first in the sentence. In the second part of the sentence, be, do, have, etc. come before the subject and the main part of the verb: Only in Paris do you find bars like this.  Only if these conditions are fulfilled can the application proceed to the next stage.
3 no more important, interesting, serious, etc. than: It was only a suggestion.  Don’t blame me, I’m only the messenger!  He was only teasing you.
4 no more than; no longer than: She’s only 21 and she runs her own business.  It only took a few seconds.  It took only a few seconds.
5 not until: We only got here yesterday.   (written) Only then did she realize the stress he was under.
HELP When only begins a sentence be, do, have, etc. come before the subject and the main part of the verb.
6 used to say that sb can do no more than what is mentioned, although this is probably not enough: We can only guess what happened.  He could only watch helplessly as the car plunged into the ravine.  I only hope that she never finds out.
7 used to say that sth will have a bad effect: If you do that, it will only make matters worse.  Trying to reason with him only enrages him even more.
8 ~ to do sth (written) used to mention sth that happens immediately afterwards, especially sth that causes surprise, disappointment, etc: She turned up the driveway, only to find her way blocked.
IDM not only … but (also) … both … and …: He not only read the book, but also remembered what he had read. only 'just
1 not long ago/before: We’ve only just arrived.
2 almost not: He only just caught the train.  I can afford it, but only just. only too … very: I was only too pleased to help.  Children can be difficult as we know only too well. you’re only young 'once (saying) young people should enjoy themselves as much as possible, because they will have to work and worry later in their lives—more at EYE n. , IF conj.

conj. (informal) except that; but: I’d love to come, only I have to work.  It tastes like chicken, only stronger.

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,only 'child
noun a child who has no brothers or sisters: I’m an only child.  Only children often relate well to adults.
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o.n.o.
abbr. (BrE , written) (used in small advertisements to show that sth may be sold at a lower price than the price that has been asked) or near/nearest offer: Guitar £200 o.n.o.
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ono.mato.poeia
noun [U] (technical ) the fact of words containing sounds similar to the noises they describe, for example hiss or thud; the use of words like this in a piece of writing
ono.mato.poe.ic adj.: Bang and pop are onomatopoeic words.
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on.rush
noun [sing.] (written) a strong movement forward; the sudden development of sth: She was seized by an onrush of nerves.
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,on-'screen
adj. [only before noun]
1 appearing or written on the screen of a computer, television or cinema/movie theater: on-screen courtroom dramas  on-screen instructions / messages
2 connected with the imaginary story of a film/movie and not with real life: His on-screen father is also his father in real life.—compare OFF-SCREEN
,on-'screen adv.
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onset
noun [sing.] the beginning of sth, especially sth unpleasant: the onset of disease / old age / winter
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on.shore
adj. [usually before noun]
1 on the land rather than at sea: the largest onshore oil field in Europe
2 (of wind) blowing from the sea towards the land
on.shore adv.—compare OFFSHORE
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on.side
adj. (in sports such as football) in a position on the field where you are allowed to play the ball
on.side adv.—compare OFFSIDE
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on.slaught
noun ~ (against / on sb/sth)| ~ (of sth) (written) a strong or violent attack: the enemy onslaught on our military forces  The town survives the onslaught of tourists every summer.  an onslaught of abuse
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on.stage
adj. on the stage in a theatre; in front of an audience: onstage fights
on.stage adv.—compare OFFSTAGE
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onto
(also 'on to) prep. used with verbs to express movement on or to a particular place or position: Move the books onto the second shelf.  She stepped down from the train onto the platform.
PVR V be 'onto sb
1 (informal) to know about what sb has done wrong: She knew the police would be onto them.
2 to be talking to sb, usually in order to ask or tell them sth: They’ve been onto me for ages to get a job. be 'onto sth to know about sth or be in a situation that could lead to a good result for you: Scientists believe they are onto something big.  She’s onto a good thing with that new job.
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ontol.ogy
noun [U] a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence
onto.logic.al adj.
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onus
noun (usually the onus) [sing.] (formal) the responsibility for sth: The onus is on employers to follow health and safety laws.
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on.ward
adj. [only before noun] (formal) continuing or moving forward: Ticket prices include your flight and onward rail journey.
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on.wards
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually on.ward ) adv.
1 from … onwards continuing from a particular time: They lived there from the 1980s onwards.  The pool is open from 7 a.m. onwards.
2 (formal) forward: We drove onwards towards the coast.
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onyx
noun [U] a type of stone that has layers of different colours in it, usually used for ornaments: an onyx paperweight
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oo.dles
noun [pl.] ~ (of sth) (old-fashioned, informal) a large amount of sth
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oomph
noun [U] (informal) energy; a special quality: a styling product to give your hair more oomph
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ooze
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ from / out of / through sth| ~ out| ~ (with) sth if a thick liquid oozes from a place, or if sth oozes a thick liquid, the liquid flows from the place slowly: [v] Blood oozed out of the wound.  an ugly swelling oozing with pus  [vn] The wound was oozing blood.  a plate of toast oozing butter
2 ~ (with) sth if sb/sth oozes a particular characteristic, quality, etc., they show it strongly: [vn] She walked into the party oozing confidence.  [v] His voice oozed with sex appeal.

noun
1 [U] very soft mud, especially at the bottom of a lake or river
2 [sing.] the very slow flow of a thick liquid
oozy adj.

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op
noun (BrE , informal) = OPERATION (1) : I’m going in for my op on Monday.
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op.
abbr. OPUS : Webern’s Five Pieces, op. 10
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opa.city
noun [U]
1 (technical) the fact of being difficult to see through; the fact of being OPAQUE
2 (formal) the fact of being difficult to understand; the fact of being OPAQUE
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opal
noun [C, U] a white or almost clear precious stone in which changes of colour are seen, used in jewellery: an opal ring
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opal.es.cent
adj. (formal or literary) changing colour like an opal
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opaque
adj.
1 (of glass, liquid, etc.) not clear enough to see through or allow light through: opaque glass  opaque tights
2 (of speech or writing) difficult to understand; not clear: The jargon in his talk was opaque to me.
OPP TRANSPARENT
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'op art
noun [U] a style of modern art that uses patterns and colours in a way that makes the images seem to move as you look at them
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op. cit.
abbr. used in formal writing to refer to a book or an article that has already been mentioned
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OPEC
abbr. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (an organization of countries that produce and sell oil)
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open
adj., verb, noun
adj.
NOT CLOSED|
1 allowing things or people to go through: A wasp flew in the open window.  She had left the door wide open .  The door flew open and the children rushed in.
OPP CLOSED
2 (of sb’s eyes, mouth, etc.) with EYELIDS or lips apart: She had difficulty keeping her eyes open (= because she was very tired).  He was breathing through his open mouth.
OPP CLOSED
3 spread out; with the edges apart: The flowers are all open now.  The book lay open on the table.
OPP CLOSED
4 not blocked by anything: The pass is kept open all the year.
OPP CLOSED
NOT FASTENED|
5 not fastened or covered, so that things can easily come out or be put in: Leave the envelope open.  The bag burst open and everything fell out.
6 (of clothes) not fastened: Her coat was open.  a tie knotted below the open collar of a shirt
NOT ENCLOSED|
7 not surrounded by anything; not enclosed: open country (= without forests, buildings, etc.)  a city with a lot of parks and open spaces   driving along the open road (= part of a road in the country, where you can drive fast)
NOT COVERED|
8 with no cover or roof on: an open drain  people working in the open air (= not in a building)  The hall of the old house was open to the sky.  an open wound (= with no skin covering it)
FOR CUSTOMERS / VISITORS|
9 [not usually before noun] if a shop/store, bank, business, etc. is open, it is ready for business and will admit customers or visitors: Is the museum open on Sundays?  The new store will be open in the spring.  The house had been thrown open to the public.  I declare this festival open.
OPP CLOSED
OF COMPETITION / BUILDING|
10 if a competition, etc. is open, anyone can enter it
SYN PUBLIC : an open debate / championship / scholarship  She was tried in open court (= the public could go and listen to the trial).  The debate was thrown open to the audience.
11 [not before noun] ~ to sb if a competition, building, etc. is open to particular people, those people can enter it: The competition is open to young people under the age of 18.  The house is not open to the public.
OPP CLOSED
AVAILABLE|
12 [not before noun] ~ (to sb) to be available and ready to use: What options are open to us?  Is the offer still open?  I want to keep my Swiss bank account open.
OPP CLOSED
NOT PROTECTED|
13 ~ (to sth) likely to suffer sth such as criticism, injury, etc.
SYN VULNERABLE : The system is open to abuse.  He has laid himself wide open to political attack.
NOT HIDDEN|
14 known to everyone; not kept hidden: an open quarrel  open government  their open display of affection  His eyes showed open admiration as he looked at her.
OPP SECRET
PERSON’S CHARACTER|
15 honest; not keeping thoughts and feelings hidden: She was always open with her parents.  He was quite open about his reasons for leaving.
16 ~ to sth (of a person) willing to listen to and think about new ideas: I’m open to suggestions for what you would like to do in our classes.
NOT YET DECIDED|
17 ~ (to sth) not yet finally decided or settled: The race is still wide open (= anyone could win).  The price is not open to negotiation.  Some phrases in the contract are open to interpretation.  Which route is better remains an open question (= it is not decided).  In an interview try to ask open questions (= to which the answer is not just ‘yes’ or ‘no’).
FABRIC|
18 with wide spaces between the threads: an open weave be an ,open 'secret if sth is an open secret, many people know about it, although it is supposed to be a secret have / keep an ,open 'mind (about / on sth) to be willing to listen to or accept new ideas or suggestions keep your 'ears / 'eyes open (for sth) to be quick to notice or hear things an ,open 'book if you describe sb or their life as an open book, you mean that you can easily understand them and know everything about them an ,open invi'tation (to sb)
1 an invitation to sb to visit you at any time
2 if sth is an open invitation to criminals, etc., it encourages them to commit a crime by making it easier: Leaving your camera on the seat in the car is an open invitation to thieves. with ,open 'arms if you welcome sb with open arms, you are extremely happy and pleased to see them—more at BURST v. , DOOR , EYE n. , MARKET n. , OPTION

verb
DOOR / WINDOW / LID|
1 [vn] to move a door, window, lid, etc. so that it is no longer closed: Mr Chen opened the car door for his wife.
OPP CLOSE
2 [v] to move or be moved so that it is no longer closed: The door opened and Alan walked in.
OPP CLOSE
CONTAINER / PACKAGE|
3 [vn] to remove the lid, undo the FASTENING , etc. of a container, etc. in order to see or get what is inside: Shall I open another bottle?  He opened the letter and read it.
EYES|
4 [vn, v] if you open your eyes or your eyes open, you move your EYELIDS upwards so that you can see
OPP CLOSE
MOUTH|
5 if you open your mouth or your mouth opens, you move your lips, for example in order to speak: [vn] He hardly ever opens his mouth (= speaks). [alsov]
BOOK|
6 [vn] to turn the cover or the pages of a book so that it is no longer closed: Open your books at page 25.
OPP CLOSE
SPREAD OUT|
7 to spread out or UNFOLD ; to spread sth out or UNFOLD it: [v] What if the parachute doesn’t open?  The flowers are starting to open.  [vn] Open the map on the table.  He opened his arms wide to embrace her.
BORDER / ROAD|
8 [vn] to make it possible for people, cars, goods, etc. to pass through a place: When did the country open its borders to Western business?  The road will be opened again in a few hours after police have cleared it.
OPP CLOSE
FOR CUSTOMERS / VISITORS|
9 (of a shop / store, business, etc.) to start business for the day; to start business for the first time: [v] What time does the bank open?  [vn] The company opened its doors for business a month ago.
OPP CLOSE
10 [v] to be ready for people to go to: The new hospital opens on July 1st.  When does the play open?
OPP CLOSE
START STH|
11 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to start an activity or event: You need just one pound to open a bank account with us.  The police have opened an investigation into the death.  They will open the new season with a performance of ‘Carmen’.  Troops opened fire on (= started shooting) the crowds.
12 [v] ~ (with sth) (of a story, film / movie, etc.) to start in a particular way: The story opens with a murder.
WITH CEREMONY|
13 [vn] to perform a ceremony showing that a building can start being used: The bridge was opened by the Queen.
COMPUTING|
14 [vn, v] to start a computer program or file so that you can use it on the screen open 'doors for sb to provide opportunities for sb to do sth and be successful open your / sb’s 'eyes (to sth) to realize or make sb realize the truth about sth: Travelling really opens your eyes to other cultures. open your / sb’s mind to sth to become or make sb aware of new ideas or experiences open the way for sb/sth (to do sth) to make it possible for sb to do sth or for sth to happen—more at HEART , HEAVEN 'open into / onto sth to lead to another room, area or place ,open 'out to become bigger or wider: The street opened out into a small square. ,open 'out (to sb) to become less shy and more willing to communicate ,open 'up
1 to talk about what you feel and think: It helps to discuss your problems but I find it hard to open up.
2 to begin shooting: Anti-aircraft guns opened up.
3 (often used in orders) to open a door, container, etc: Open up or we’ll break the door down! ,open sth<->'up| ,open 'up
1 to become or make sth possible, available or able to be reached: The railway opened up the east of the country.  Exciting possibilities were opening up for her in the new job.
2 to begin business for the day; to start a new business: I open up the store for the day at around 8.30.
OPP CLOSE UP
3 to start a new business: There’s a new Thai restaurant opening up in town.
OPP CLOSE DOWN
4 to develop or start to happen or exist; to develop or start sth: A division has opened up between the two ministers over the single European currency.  Scott opened up a 3-point lead in the first game.
5 to appear and become wider; to make sth wider when it is narrow or closed: The wound opened up and started bleeding.  The operation will open up the blocked passages around his heart.
OPP CLOSE UP ,open sth<->'up to make sth open that is shut, locked, etc: She laid the book flat and opened it up.

noun (the open) [sing.]
OUTDOORS|
1 outdoors; in the countryside: Children need to play out in the open .
NOT HIDDEN|
2 not hidden or secret: Government officials do not want these comments in the open .  They intend to bring their complaints out into the open .

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,open-'air
adj. [only before noun] happening or existing outside rather than inside a building: an open-air swimming pool
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,open-and-shut 'case
noun a legal case or other matter that is easy to decide or solve: The murder was an open-and-shut case.
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open.cast
adj. [usually before noun] in opencast mines coal is taken out of the ground near the surface: opencast mines / mining—see also STRIP MINING
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'open day
noun (BrE ) (AmE ,open 'house) a day when people can visit a school, an organization, etc. and see the work that is done there
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,open-'door
adj. [only before noun] (of a policy, system, principle, etc.) allowing people or goods freedom to come into a country; allowing people to go to a place or get information without restrictions: the country’s open-door policy for refugees
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,open-'ended
adj. without any limits, aims or dates fixed in advance: an open-ended discussion  The contract is open-ended.
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open.er
noun
1 (usually in compounds) a tool that is used to open things: a can-opener  a bottle-opener—see also EYE-OPENER
2 the first in a series of things such as sports games; the first action in an event, a game, etc: They won the opener 4–2.  Jones scored the opener.  a good conversation opener
3 (in cricket) either of the two BATSMEN who start play
IDM for 'openers (informal, especially AmE) as a beginning or first part of a process
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,open-'handed
adj.
1 generous and giving willingly: an open-handed host
2 using the flat part of the hand: an open-handed blow
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,open-'hearted
adj. kind and friendly
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,open-heart 'surgery
noun [U] a medical operation on the heart, during which the patient’s blood is kept flowing by a machine
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,open 'house
noun
1 [U, sing.] a place or a time at which visitors are welcome: It’s always open house at their place.
2 [C] (AmE) = OPEN DAY
3 [C] (AmE) a time when people who are interested in buying a particular house or apartment can look around it
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open.ing
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a space or hole that sb/sth can pass through: We could see the stars through an opening in the roof.
2 [C, usually sing.] the beginning or first part of sth: The movie has an exciting opening.
OPP ENDING
3 [C, usually sing.] a ceremony to celebrate the start of a public event or the first time a new building, road, etc. is used: the opening of the Olympic Games  the official opening of the new hospital
4 [C, U] the act or process of making sth open or of becoming open: the opening of a flower  the opening of the new play  Late opening of supermarkets is common in Britain now.
OPP CLOSING
5 [C] a job that is available: There are several openings in the sales department.
6 [C] a good opportunity for sb: Winning the competition was the opening she needed for her career.
7 [C] part of a piece of clothing that is made to open and close so that it can be put on easily: The skirt has a side opening.

adj. [only before noun] first; beginning: his opening remarks  the opening chapter of the book
OPP CLOSING

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'opening hours
noun [pl.] the time during which a shop/store, bank, etc. is open for business
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,opening 'night
noun [usually sing.] the first night that, for example, a play is performed or a film/movie is shown to the public
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'opening time
noun [U] (BrE ) the time when pubs can legally open and begin to serve drinks
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,opening 'up
noun [sing.]
1 the process of removing restrictions and making sth such as land or jobs available to more people: the opening up of new opportunities for women in business
2 the process of making sth ready for use: the opening up of a new stretch of highway
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,open 'letter
noun a letter of complaint or protest to an important person or group that is printed in a newspaper so that the public can read it
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open.ly
adv. without hiding any feelings, opinions or information: Can you talk openly about sex with your parents?  The men in prison would never cry openly (= so that other people could see).
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,open 'market
noun [sing.] a situation in which companies can trade without restrictions, and prices depend on the amount of goods and the number of people buying them: to buy / sell / trade on the open market
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,open-'minded
adj. willing to listen to, think about or accept different ideas: an open-minded attitude
OPP NARROW-MINDED
,open-'minded.ness noun [U]
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,open-'mouthed
adj. with your mouth open because you are surprised or shocked
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,open-'necked
(also ,open-'neck) adj. [only before noun] (of a shirt) worn without a tie and with the top button undone
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open.ness
noun [U]
1 the quality of being honest and not hiding information or feelings
2 the quality of being able to think about, accept or listen to different ideas or people: a child’s openness to life
3 the quality of not being enclosed or covered
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,open-'plan
adj. an open-plan building or area does not have inside walls dividing it up into rooms: an open-plan office
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,open 'prison
(BrE ) (AmE ,minimum se'curity prison) noun a prison with fewer restrictions on prisoners' freedom than ordinary prisons
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'open season
noun [sing.]
1 ~ (for sth) the time in the year when it is legal to hunt and kill particular animals or birds, or to catch fish, for sport
OPP CLOSE SEASON
2 ~ for / on sb/sth a time when there are no restrictions on criticizing particular groups of people or treating them unfairly: It seems to be open season on teachers now.
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,open 'sesame
noun [sing.] an easy way to gain or achieve sth that is usually very difficult to get: Academic success is not always an open sesame to a well-paid job.
ORIGIN From the fairy-tale Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, in which the magic words open sesame had to be said to open the cave where the thieves kept their treasure.
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,open 'verdict
noun an official decision in a British court stating that the exact cause of a person’s death is not known
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opera
noun
1 [C, U] a dramatic work in which all or most of the words are sung to music; works of this type as an art form or entertainment: Puccini’s operas  to go to the opera  an opera singer  light / grand opera—see also SOAP OPERA
2 [C] a company that performs opera ; a building in which operas are performed: the Vienna State Opera
op.er.at.ic adj.: operatic arias / composers
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op.er.able
adj.
1 that functions; that can be used: When will the single currency be operable?
2 (of a medical condition) that can be treated by an operation
OPP INOPERABLE
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'opera house
noun a theatre where operas are performed
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op.er.ate
verb
MACHINE|
1 [v] to work in a particular way
SYN FUNCTION : Most domestic freezers operate at below −18 °C.  Solar panels can only operate in sunlight.   (figurative) Some people can only operate well under pressure.
2 [vn] to use or control a machine or make it work: What skills are needed to operate this machinery?
SYSTEM / PROCESS / SERVICE|
3 to be used or working; to use sth or make it work: [v] A new late-night service is now operating.  The regulation operates in favour of married couples.  [vn] The airline operates flights to 25 countries.  France operates a system of subsidized loans to dairy farmers.
OF BUSINESS / ORGANIZATION|
4 [v] to work in a particular way or from a particular place: They plan to operate from a new office in Edinburgh.  Illegal drinking clubs continue to operate in the city.
MEDICAL|
5 [v] ~ (on sb) (for sth) to cut open sb’s body in order to remove a part that has a disease or to repair a part that is damaged: The doctors operated last night.  We will have to operate on his eyes.
OF SOLDIERS|
6 [v] to be involved in military activities in a place: Troops are operating from bases in the north.
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'operating system
noun a set of programs that controls the way a computer works and runs other programs
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'operating table
noun a special table that you lie on to have a medical operation in a hospital: The patient died on the operating table (= during an operation).
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'operating theatre
(also theatre) (both BrE ) (AmE 'operating room) noun a room in a hospital used for medical operations
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op.er.ation
noun
MEDICAL|
1 (also BrE informal op) [C] ~ (on sb) (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) the process of cutting open a part of a person’s body in order to remove or repair a damaged part: an operation on her lung to remove a tumour  Will I need to have an operation?  He underwent a three-hour heart operation.  Doctors performed an emergency operation for appendicitis last night.
ORGANIZED ACTIVITY|
2 [C] an organized activity that involves several people doing different things: a rescue / security operation  The police have launched a major operation against drug suppliers.  the UN peacekeeping operations
BUSINESS|
3 [C] a business or company involving many parts: a huge multinational operation
4 [C] the activity or work done in an area of business or industry: the firm’s banking operations overseas
COMPUTER|
5 [C, U] an act performed by a machine, especially a computer: The whole operation is performed in less than three seconds.
MACHINE / SYSTEM|
6 [U] the way that parts of a machine or a system work; the process of making sth work: Regular servicing guarantees the smooth operation of the engine.  Operation of the device is extremely simple.
MILITARY ACTIVITY|
7 [C, usually pl.] military activity: He was the officer in charge of operations. in ope'ration working, being used or having an effect: The system needs to be in operation for six months before it can be assessed.  Temporary traffic controls are in operation on New Road. come into ope'ration to start working; to start having an effect: The new rules come into operation from next week. put sth into ope'ration to make sth start working; to start using sth: It’s time to put our plan into operation.
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op.er.ation.al
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with the way in which a business, machine, system, etc. works: operational activities / costs / difficulties
2 [not usually before noun] ready to be used: The new airport should be fully operational by the end of the year.
3 [only before noun] connected with a military operation: operational headquarters
op.er.ation.al.ly adv.
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,operational 'research
(also 'operations research) noun [U] (technical ) the study of how businesses are organized, in order to make them more efficient
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op.era.tive
noun, adj.
noun
1 (technical) a worker, especially one who works with their hands: a factory operative  skilled / unskilled operatives
2 (especially AmE) a person who does secret work, especially for a government organization: an intelligence operative

adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ready to be used; in use: This law becomes operative immediately.  The station will be fully operative again in January.
2 [only before noun] (medical) connected with a medical operation: operative mortality / treatment—see also POST-OPERATIVE
IDM the operative word used to emphasize that a particular word or phrase is the most important one in a sentence: I was in love with her—‘was’ being the operative word.

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op.er.ator
noun
1 (often in compounds) a person who operates equipment or a machine: a computer / machine operator
2 (BrE also tel.eph.on.ist) a person who works on the telephone SWITCHBOARD of a large company or organization, especially at a TELEPHONE EXCHANGE : Dial 100 and ask for the operator.
3 (often in compounds) a person or company that runs a particular business: a tour operator  a bus / ferry operator
4 (informal, especially disapproving) a person who is skilful at getting what they want, especially when this involves behaving in a dishonest way: a smooth / slick / shrewd operator
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op.er.etta
noun a short opera, usually with a humorous subject
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oph.thal.mic
adj. (medical ) connected with the eye: ophthalmic surgery
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oph,thalmic op'tician
noun (BrE ) = OPTICIAN
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oph.thal.molo.gist
noun a doctor who studies and treats the diseases of the eye
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oph.thal.mol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of the eye and its diseases
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opi.ate
noun (formal) a drug containing OPIUM
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opin.ion
noun
1 [C] ~ (about / of / on sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) your feelings or thoughts about sb/sth, rather than a fact: We were invited to give our opinions about how the work should be done.  I’ve recently changed my opinion of her.  Everyone had a different opinion on the subject.  The chairman expressed the opinion that job losses were inevitable.  He has very strong political opinions.  In my opinion , it’s a very sound investment.   (formal) It is our opinion that he should resign.   (spoken) If you want my opinion, I think you’d be crazy not to accept.
2 [U] the beliefs or views of a group of people: Public opinion is shifting in favour of change.  legal / medical / political opinion (= the beliefs of people working in the legal, etc. profession)  There is a difference of opinion (= people disagree) as to the merits of the plan.  Opinion is divided on the issue.  There is a wide body of opinion that supports this proposal.  Which is the better is a matter of opinion (= people have different opinions about it).
3 [C] advice from a professional person: They called in a psychologist to give an independent opinion.  I’d like a second opinion (= advice from another person) before I make a final decision.
IDM be of the opinion that … (formal) to believe or think that … have a good, bad, high, low, etc. opinion of sb/sth to think that sb/sth is good, bad, etc: The boss has a very high opinion of her.—more at CONSIDER
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opin.ion.ated
(also ,self-o'pinion.ated) adj. (disapproving) having very strong opinions that you are not willing to change
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o'pinion poll
noun = POLL
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opium
noun [U] a powerful drug made from the juice of a type of POPPY (= a kind of flower), used in the past in medicines to reduce pain and help people sleep. Some people take opium illegally for pleasure and can become ADDICTED to it: opium poppies  the opium trade
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opos.sum
(also pos.sum) noun a small American or Australian animal that lives in trees and carries its young in a POUCH (= a pocket of skin on the front of the mother’s body)
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op.pon.ent
noun
1 a person that you are playing or fighting against in a game, competition, argument, etc: a political opponent  a dangerous / worthy / formidable opponent  The team’s opponents are unbeaten so far this season.
2 ~ (of sth) a person who is against sth and tries to change or stop it: opponents of abortion  opponents of the regime
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op.por.tune
adj. (formal)
1 (of a time) suitable for doing a particular thing, so that it is likely to be successful: The offer could not have come at a more opportune moment.
2 (of an action or event) done or happening at the right time to be successful: an opportune remark
OPP INOPPORTUNE
op.por.tune.ly adv.
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op.por.tun.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) the practice of using situations unfairly to gain advantage for yourself without thinking about how your actions will affect other people: political opportunism
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op.por.tun.ist
(also op.por.tun.is.tic) [usually before noun] (often disapproving) making use of an opportunity, especially to get an advantage for yourself; not done in a planned way: an opportunist crime  Smith marked his debut match with an opportunist goal.
op.por.tun.ist noun: 80% of burglaries are committed by casual opportunists.
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op.por.tun.is.tic
adj.
1 (disapproving) = OPPORTUNIST
2 [only before noun] (medical) harmful to people whose IMMUNE SYSTEM has been made weak by disease or drugs: an opportunistic infection
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op.por.tun.ity
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (of doing sth) a time when a particular situation makes it possible to do or achieve sth: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions at the end.  There was no opportunity for further discussion.  At least give him the opportunity of explaining what happened.  Our company promotes equal opportunities for women (= women are given the same jobs, pay, etc. as men).  career / employment / job opportunities  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their support.  He is rude to me at every opportunity (= whenever possible).  They intend to close the school at the earliest opportunity (= as soon as possible).  a window of opportunity (= a period of time when the circumstances are right for doing sth)—see also PHOTO OPPORTUNITY   note at POSSIBILITY
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op.pose
verb to disagree strongly with sb’s plan, policy, etc. and try to change it or prevent it from succeeding: [vn] This party would bitterly oppose the re-introduction of the death penalty.  He found himself opposed by his own deputy.  [v -ing] I would oppose changing the law. [alsovn -ing] —compare PROPOSE
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op.posed
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to sth)
1 (of a person) disagreeing strongly with sth and trying to stop it: She remained bitterly opposed to the idea of moving abroad.  They are totally opposed to abortion.
2 (of ideas, opinions, etc.) very different from sth: Our views are diametrically opposed on this issue.
IDM as opposed to (written) used to make a contrast between two things: 200 attended, as opposed to 300 the previous year.  This exercise develops suppleness as opposed to (= rather than) strength.
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op.pos.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of teams, armies, forces, etc.) playing, fighting, working, etc. against each other: a player from the opposing side  It is time for opposing factions to unite and work towards a common goal.
2 (of attitudes, views etc.) very different from each other
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op.pos.ite
adj., adv., noun, prep.
adj.
1 [only before noun] on the other side of a particular area from sb/sth and usually facing them: Answers are given on the opposite page.  We live further down on the opposite side of the road.  It’s not easy having a relationship when you live at opposite ends of the country.
2 (used after the noun) facing the speaker or sb/sth that has been mentioned: I could see smoke coming from the windows of the house directly opposite.  He sat down in the chair opposite.
3 [usually before noun] as different as possible from sth: I watched them leave and then drove off in the opposite direction.  She tried calming him down but it seemed to be having the opposite effect.  students at opposite ends of the ability range
op.pos.ite adv.: There’s a newly married couple living opposite (= on the other side of the road).  See opposite (= on the opposite page) for further details.
IDM your ,opposite 'number a person who does the same job as you in another organization: The Foreign Secretary is currently having talks with his opposite number in the White House. the ,opposite 'sex the other sex: He found it difficult to talk to members of the opposite sex.

noun [often sing.] a person or thing that is as different as possible from sb/sth else: Hot and cold are opposites.  What is the opposite of heavy?  I thought she would be small and blonde but she’s the complete opposite .  Exactly the opposite is true.  ‘Is it better now?’‘Quite the opposite , I’m afraid.’
IDM ,opposites at'tract used to say that people who are very different are often attracted to each other

prep.
1 on the other side of a particular area from sb/sth, and usually facing them: I sat opposite him during the meal (= on the other side of the table).  The bank is opposite the supermarket (= on the other side of the road).  Write your address opposite (= next to) your name.—picture at FRONT n.
2 acting in a film/movie or play as the partner of sb: She starred opposite Tom Hanks.

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op.pos.ition
noun
1 [U] ~ (to sb/sth) the act of strongly disagreeing with sb/sth, especially with the aim of preventing sth from happening: Delegates expressed strong opposition to the plans.  The army met with fierce opposition in every town.  He spent five years in prison for his opposition to the regime.  opposition forces (= people who are arguing, fighting, etc. with another group)
2 (the opposition) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the people you are competing against in business, a competition, a game, etc: He’s gone to work for the opposition.  The opposition is / are mounting a strong challenge to our business.  Liverpool couldn’t match the opposition in the final and lost 2–0.
3 (the Opposition) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the main political party that is opposed to the government; the political parties that are in a parliament but are not part of the government: the leader of the Opposition  Opposition MPs / parties  the Opposition spokesman on education
4 [U, C] (formal) the state of being as different as possible; two things that are as different as possible: the opposition between good and evil  His poetry is full of oppositions and contrasts.
op.pos.ition.al adj. [usually before noun] (formal): oppositional groups / tactics
IDM in oppo'sition (of a political party) forming part of a parliament but not part of the government in oppo'sition to sb/sth
1 disagreeing strongly with sb/sth, especially with the aim of preventing sth from happening: Protest marches were held in opposition to the proposed law.
2 contrasting two people or things that are very different: Leisure is often defined in opposition to work.
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op.press
verb [vn] (written)
1 to treat sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially by not giving them the same freedom, rights, etc. as other people: The regime is accused of oppressing religious minorities.
2 to make sb only able to think about sad or worrying things: The gloomy atmosphere in the office oppressed her.
op.pres.sion noun [U]: victims of oppression
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op.pressed
adj.
1 treated in a cruel and unfair way and not given the same freedom, rights, etc. as other people: oppressed groups / minorities
2 (the oppressed) noun [pl.] people who are oppressed
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op.pres.sive
adj.
1 treating people in a cruel and unfair way and not giving them the same freedom, rights, etc. as other people: oppressive laws  an oppressive regime
2 (of the weather) extremely hot and unpleasant and lacking fresh air: oppressive heat
3 making you feel unhappy and anxious: an oppressive relationship
op.pres.sive.ly adv.: to behave oppressively  oppressively hot  He suffered from an oppressively dominant mother.
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op.press.or
noun a person or group of people that treats sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially by not giving them the same freedom, rights, etc. as other people
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op.pro.brium
noun [U] (formal) severe criticism of a person, country, etc. by a large group of people
op.pro.bri.ous adj. (rare): an opprobrious remark
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opt
verb ~ (for / against sth) to choose to take or not to take a particular course of action: [v] After graduating she opted for a career in music.  [v to inf] Many workers opted to leave their jobs rather than take a pay cut.
PVR V ,opt 'in (to sth) to choose to be part of a system or an agreement ,opt 'out (of sth)
1 to choose not to take part in sth: Employees may opt out of the company’s pension plan.
2 (of a school or hospital in Britain) to choose not to be under the control of the local authority—related noun OPT-OUT
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optic
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with the eye or the sense of sight: the optic nerve (= from the eye to the brain)
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op.tic.al
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the sense of sight or the relationship between light and sight: optical effects
2 used to help you see sth more clearly: optical aids  optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes
3 (computing) using light for reading or storing information: optical storage  an optical disk
op.tic.al.ly adv.
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,optical 'character recognition
noun [U] (abbr. OCR) (computing ) the process of using light to record printed information onto disks for use in a computer system
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,optical 'fibre
(BrE ) (AmE,optical 'fiber) noun [C, U] a thin glass thread through which light can be TRANSMITTED (= sent)
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,optical il'lusion
noun something that tricks your eyes and makes you think that you can see sth that is not there
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op.ti.cian
noun
1 (also oph,thalmic op'tician) (both BrE) (also op.tom.etristAmE, BrE) a person whose job is to examine people’s eyes and to recommend and sell glasses
2 (op.ti.cian’s) (pl.op.ti.cians) the shop/store where an optician works: to go to the optician’s
3 a person who makes LENSES , glasses, etc.
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op.tics
noun [U] the scientific study of sight and light—see also FIBRE OPTICS
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op.ti.mal
adj. = OPTIMUM
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op.ti.mism
noun [U] ~ (about / for sth) a feeling that good things will happen and that sth will be successful; the tendency to have this feeling: optimism about / for the future  We may now look forward with optimism.  a mood of cautious optimism  There are very real grounds for optimism.
OPP PESSIMISM
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op.ti.mist
noun a person who always expects good things to happen or things to be successful: He’s an incurable optimist.
OPP PESSIMIST
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op.ti.mis.tic
adj. ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … ) expecting good things to happen or sth to be successful; showing this feeling: She’s not very optimistic about the outcome of the talks.  They are cautiously optimistic that the reforms will take place.  We are now taking a more optimistic view.  in an optimistic mood  I think you’re being a little over-optimistic .
OPP PESSIMISTIC
op.ti.mis.tic.al.ly adv.
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op.ti.mize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sth as good as it can be; to use sth in the best possible way: to optimize the use of resources
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op.ti.mum
adj. [only before noun]
1 (also op.ti.mal) the best possible; producing the best possible results: optimum efficiency / growth / health  the optimum use of resources  the optimum conditions for effective learning
2 (the optimum) noun [sing.] the best possible result, set of conditions, etc.
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op.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (of doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) something that you can choose to have or do; the freedom to choose what you do: As I see it, we have two options …  There are various options open to you.  Going to college was not an option for me.  I had no option but to (= I had to) ask him to leave.  Students have the option of studying abroad in their second year.  A savings plan that gives you the option to vary your monthly payments.  This particular model comes with a wide range of options (= things you can choose to have when buying sth but which you will have to pay extra for)
2 [C] a subject that a student can choose to study, but that they do not have to do: The course offers options in design and computing.
3 [C] ~ (on sth)| ~ (to do sth) the right to buy or sell sth at some time in the future: We have an option on the house.  The property is for rent with an option to buy at any time.  He has promised me first option on his car (= the opportunity to buy it before anyone else).  share options (= the right to buy shares in a company)
4 [C] (computing) one of the choices you can make when using a computer program: Choose the ‘Cut’ option from the Edit menu.
IDM keep / leave your 'options open to avoid making a decision now so that you still have a choice in the future the ,soft / ,easy 'option (often disapproving) a choice which is thought to be easier because it involves less effort, difficulty, etc: They are anxious that the new course should not be seen as a soft option.  He decided to take the easy option and give them what they wanted.
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op.tion.al
adj. that you can choose to do or have if you want to: Certain courses are compulsory, others are optional.  This model comes with a number of optional extras (= things you can choose to have but which you will have to pay extra for).
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op.tom.etrist
noun = OPTICIAN
op.tom.etry noun [U]
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'opt-out
noun (often used as an adjective)
1 (in Britain) the action of a school or hospital that decides to manage its own money and is therefore no longer controlled by a LOCAL AUTHORITY or similar organization: Nurses and health workers voted against the opt-out.  an opt-out school / hospital
2 the act of choosing not to be involved in an agreement: an opt-out clause  MPs hoped to reverse Britain’s opt-out from the treaty.
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opu.lent
adj. (formal)
1 made or decorated using expensive materials: opulent fabrics / surroundings
2 (of people) extremely rich: the opulent elite of Europe
opu.lence noun [U]
opu.lent.ly adv.
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opus
noun (pl.opera ) [usually sing.]
1 (abbr.op.) a piece of music written by a famous COMPOSER and usually followed by a number that shows when it was written: Beethoven’s Opus 18
2 (formal) an important piece of literature, music, etc., especially one that is on a large scale—see also MAGNUM OPUS
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or
conj.
1 used to introduce another possibility: Is your sister older or younger than you?  Are you coming or not?  Is it a boy or a girl?  It can be black, white or grey.—compare EITHER … OR …
2 used in negative sentences when mentioning two or more things: He can’t read or write.  There are people without homes, jobs or family.—compare NEITHER … NOR …
3 (also or else) used to warn or advise sb that sth bad could happen; otherwise: Turn the heat down or it’ll burn.
4 used between two numbers to show approximately how many: There were six or seven of us there.
5 used to introduce a word or phrase that explains or means the same as another: geology, or the science of the earth’s crust  It weighs a kilo, or just over two pounds.
6 used to say why sth must be true: He must like her, or he wouldn’t keep calling her.
7 used to introduce a contrasting idea: He was lying—or was he?
IDM or so about: It’ll cost £100 or so. or somebody / something / somewhere | somebody / something / somewhere or other (informal) used when you are not exactly sure about a person, thing or place: He’s a factory supervisor or something.  ‘Who said so?’‘Oh, somebody or other. I can’t remember who it was.’
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-or
suffix (in nouns) a person or thing that: actor—compare -EE , -ER
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or.acle
noun [C]
1 (in ancient Greece) a place where people could go to ask the gods for advice or information about the future; the priest or PRIESTESS through whom the gods were thought to give their message: They consulted the oracle at Delphi.
2 (in ancient Greece) the advice or information that the gods gave, which often had a hidden meaning
3 [usually sing.] a person or book that gives valuable advice or information: My sister’s the oracle on investment matters.
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or.acu.lar
adj. (formal or humorous) of or like an oracle ; with a hidden meaning
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oral
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] spoken rather than written: a test of both oral and written French  oral evidence—compare VERBAL
2 [only before noun] connected with the mouth: oral hygiene  oral sex (= using the mouth to STIMULATE sb’s sex organs)
or.al.ly adv.: Answers can be written or presented orally on tape.  not to be taken orally (= a warning on some medicines to show that they must not be swallowed)

noun
1 (especially BrE) a spoken exam, especially in a foreign language: a French oral  He failed the oral.
2 (AmE) a spoken exam in a university

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or.ange
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] a round CITRUS fruit with thick reddish-yellow skin and a lot of sweet juice: orange peel  an orange tree  freshly squeezed orange juice  orange groves (= groups of orange trees)  orange blossom—see also BLOOD ORANGE —
2 [U, C] (BrE) orange juice, or a drink made from or tasting of oranges : Would you like some orange?  A vodka and orange, please.
3 [U, C] a bright reddish-yellow colour

adj. bright reddish-yellow in colour: yellow and orange flames

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or.ange.ade
noun
1 [U] a sweet drink with an orange flavour. In Britain it always has bubbles in it; in the US it can be with or without bubbles.
2 [C] a glass of orangeade —compare LEMONADE
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or.an.gery
noun (pl.-ies) a place, especially a glass building, where orange trees are grown
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,orange 'squash
noun (BrE )
1 [U] a thick sweet liquid made with orange juice and sugar; a drink made from this with water added: a bottle of orange squash
2 [C] a glass of orange squash : Two orange squashes, please.
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orang-utan
noun a large APE (= an animal like a large monkey with no tail) with long arms and reddish hair, that lives in Borneo and Sumatra
ORIGIN From Malay orang huan, meaning ‘forest person’.
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ora.tion
noun (formal) a formal speech made on a public occasion, especially as part of a ceremony
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ora.tor
noun (formal) a person who makes formal speeches in public or is good at public speaking: a fine political orator
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ora.tor.ic.al
adj. (formal, sometimes disapproving) connected with the art of public speaking: oratorical skills / technique
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ora.torio
noun (pl.-os) a long piece of music for singers and an orchestra, usually based on a story from the Bible—compare CANTATA
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ora.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the skill of making powerful and effective speeches in public: The crowd was held spellbound by her oratory.
2 [C] a room or small building that is used for private prayer or worship
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orb
noun
1 (literary) an object shaped like a ball, especially the sun or moon
2 a gold ball with a cross on top, carried by a king or queen at formal ceremonies as a symbol of power—compare SCEPTRE
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orbit
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a curved path followed by a planet or an object as it moves around another planet, star, moon, etc: the earth’s orbit around the sun  a space station in orbit round the moon  A new satellite has been put into orbit around the earth.
2 [sing.] an area that a particular person, organization, etc. deals with or is able to influence: to come / fall / be within sb’s orbit

verb ~ (around sth) to move in an orbit (= a curved path) around a much larger object, especially a planet, star, etc: [vn] The earth takes a year to orbit the sun. [alsov]

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or.bit.al
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the orbit of a planet or object in space
2 (BrE) (of a road) built around the edge of a town or city to reduce the amount of traffic travelling through the centre

noun (BrE ) a very large RING ROAD , especially if it is a motorway: the M25 London orbital

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orch.ard
noun a piece of land, normally enclosed, in which fruit trees are grown
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or.ches.tra
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a large group of people who play various musical instruments together, led by a CONDUCTOR : She plays the flute in the school orchestra.  the Scottish Symphony Orchestra—see also CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
2 (the orchestra) [sing.] (AmE) = THE STALLS
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or.ches.tral
adj. connected with an orchestra : orchestral music / works
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'orchestra pit
(also pit) noun the place in a theatre just in front of the stage where the orchestra sits and plays for an opera, a ballet, etc.
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or.ches.trate
verb [vn]
1 to arrange a piece of music in parts so that it can be played by an orchestra
2 (written) to organize a complicated plan or event very carefully or secretly
SYN STAGE-MANAGE : a carefully orchestrated publicity campaign  The group is accused of orchestrating violence at demonstrations.
or.ches.tra.tion noun [C, U]
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or.chid
noun a plant with brightly coloured flowers of unusual shapes. There are many different types of orchid and some of them are very rare.
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or.dain
verb
1 ~ sb (as) (sth) to make sb a priest or minister of a Church: [vn-n] He was ordained (as) a priest last year. [alsovn] —see also ORDINATION
2 (formal) (of God, the law or fate) to order or command sth; to decide sth in advance: [v that] Fate had ordained that they would never meet again. [alsovn]
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or.deal
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) a difficult or unpleasant experience: They are to be spared the ordeal of giving evidence in court.  The hostages spoke openly about the terrible ordeal they had been through.  The interview was less of an ordeal than she’d expected.
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order
noun, verb
noun
ARRANGEMENT|
1 [U, C] the way in which people or things are placed or arranged in relation to each other: The names are listed in alphabetical order .  in chronological / numerical order  arranged in order of priority / importance / size  The results, ranked in descending / ascending order are as follows:  All the procedures must be done in the correct order.  Let’s take the problems in a different order.
2 [U] the state of being carefully and neatly arranged: It was time she put her life in order .  The house had been kept in good order.  Get your ideas into some sort of order before beginning to write.  It is one of the functions of art to bring order out of chaos.
OPP DISORDER
CONTROLLED STATE|
3 [U] the state that exists when people obey laws, rules or authority: The army has been sent in to maintain order in the capital.  Some teachers find it difficult to keep their classes in order .  The police are trying to restore public order.  The argument continued until the chairman called them both to order (= ordered them to obey the formal rules of the meeting).—compare DISORDER (2) —see also POINT OF ORDER
INSTRUCTIONS|
4 [C] ~ (for sb to do sth)| ~ (to do sth) something that sb is told to do by sb in authority: He gave orders for the work to be started.  The general gave the order to advance.  Dogs can be trained to obey orders .  She takes orders only from the president.  I’m under orders not to let anyone in.   (informal) No sugar for me—doctor’s orders .  Interest rates can be controlled by order of the central bank.
GOODS|
5 [C, U] ~ (for sth) a request to make or supply goods: I would like to place an order for ten copies of this book.  an order form  The machine parts are still on order (= they have been ordered but have not yet been received)  These items can be made to order (= produced especially for a particular customer)—see also MAIL ORDER
6 [C] goods supplied in response to a particular order that sb has placed: The stationery order has arrived.
FOOD / DRINKS|
7 [C] a request for food or drinks in a restaurant, bar etc.; the food or drinks that you ask for: May I take your order ?  Last orders at the bar now please! (= because the bar is going to close)  an order for steak and fries  a side order (= for example, vegetables or salad that you eat with your main dish)
MONEY|
8 [C] a formal written instruction for sb to be paid money or to do sth—see also BANKER’S ORDER , COURT ORDER , MONEY ORDER , POSTAL ORDER , STANDING ORDER
SYSTEM|
9 [C, usually sing.] (formal) the way that a society, the world, etc. is arranged, with its system of rules and customs: a change in the political and social order  the natural order of things  He was seen as a threat to the established order .  A new order seems to be emerging.
SOCIAL CLASS|
10 [C, usually sing.] (disapproving or humorous) a social class: the lower orders
BIOLOGY|
11 [C] a group into which animals, plants, etc. that have similar characteristics are divided, smaller than a CLASS and larger than a FAMILY : the order of primates—compare GENUS
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY|
12 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people living in a religious community, especially MONKS or NUNS : religious orders  the Benedictine order
SPECIAL HONOUR|
13 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who have been given a special honour by a queen, king, president, etc: The Order of the Garter is an ancient order of chivalry.
14 [C] a BADGE or RIBBON worn by members of an order who have been given a special honour
SECRET SOCIETY|
15 [C+sing./pl. v.] a secret society whose members meet for special ceremonies: the Ancient Order of Druids be in / take (holy) 'orders to be/become a priest in 'order
1 (of an official document) that can be used because it is all correct and legal
SYN VALID : Is your work permit in order?
2 (formal) as it should be: Is everything in order, sir?
3 if sth is in order, it is a suitable thing to do or say on a particular occasion: I think a drink would be in order. in 'order (to do sth) (formal) allowed according to the rules of a meeting, etc: Is it in order to speak now? in order that (formal) so that sth can happen: All those concerned must work together in order that agreement can be reached on this issue. in order to do sth with the purpose or intention of doing or achieving sth: She arrived early in order to get a good seat.  In order to get a complete picture, further information is needed. in running / working 'order (especially of machines) working well: The engine is now in perfect working order. of a high order | of the highest / first order of a high quality or degree; of the highest quality or greatest degree: The job requires diplomatic skills of a high order.  She was a snob of the first order. of / in the order of sth (BrE) (AmE on the order of) (formal) about sth; approximately sth: She earns something in the order of £80 000 a year. the ,order of the 'day common, popular or suitable at a particular time or for a particular occasion: Pessimism seems to be the order of the day. Order! Order! used to remind people to obey the rules of a formal meeting or debate ,out of 'order
1 (of a machine, etc.) not working correctly: The phone is out of order.
2 not arranged correctly or neatly: I checked the files and some of the papers were out of order.
3 (BrE) (AmE ,out of 'line) (informal) behaving in a way that is not acceptable or right: You were well out of order taking it without asking.
4 (formal) not allowed by the rules of a formal meeting or debate: His objection was ruled out of order.—more at CALL v. , HOUSE n. , LAW , MARCH v. , PECK v. , SHORT n. , STARTER , TALL

verb
GIVE INSTRUCTIONS|
1 to use your position of authority to tell sb to do sth or say that sth must happen: [vn to inf] The company was ordered to pay compensation to its former employees.  The officer ordered them to fire.  [vn] They were ordered out of the class for fighting.  The government has ordered an investigation into the accident.  [v that] They ordered that for every tree cut down two more be planted.   (BrE also) They ordered that for every tree cut down two more should be planted.  [v speech] ‘Sit down and be quiet,’ she ordered. [alsovn speech]
GOODS / SERVICE|
2 ~ (sb) sth| ~ sth (for sb) to ask for goods to be made or supplied; to ask for a service to be provided: [vn] These boots can be ordered direct from the manufacturer.  [vnn, vn] Shall I order you a taxi?  Shall I order a taxi for you?
FOOD / DRINK|
3 ~ (sb sth)| ~ (sth) (for sb) to ask for sth to eat or drink in a restaurant, bar, etc: [vn] I ordered a beer and a sandwich.  [vnn] He ordered himself a double whisky.  [v] Have you ordered yet?
ORGANIZE / ARRANGE|
4 [vn] (formal) to organize or arrange sth: I need time to order my thoughts—see also ORDERED , DISORDERED ,order sb a'bout / a'round (disapproving) to keep telling sb what to do in a way that is annoying or unpleasant: It was obvious he was used to ordering people around.

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'order book
noun a record kept by a business of the products it has agreed to supply to its customers, often used to show how well the business is doing: We have a full order book for the coming year.
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or.dered
adj. [usually before noun] carefully arranged or organized: an ordered existence  a well-ordered society
OPP DISORDERED
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'order form
noun a document filled in by customers when ordering goods
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order.ing
noun [C, U] the way in which sth is ordered or arranged; the act of putting sth into an order: Many possible orderings may exist.  the successful ordering of complex data
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or.der.ly
adj., noun
adj.
1 arranged or organized in a neat, careful and logical way: a calm and orderly life  vegetables planted in orderly rows  a woman with an orderly mind
2 behaving well; peaceful: an orderly demonstration
OPP DISORDERLY
or.der.li.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies)
1 a person who works in a hospital, usually doing jobs that do not need any special training
2 a soldier who does jobs that do not need any special training

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,order of 'magnitude
noun (mathematics ) a level in a system of ordering things by size or amount, where each level is higher by a FACTOR of ten: The actual measurement is two orders of magnitude (= a hundred times) greater than we expected.   (figurative) The problem is of the same order of magnitude for all concerned.
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'Order Paper
noun (BrE ) a list of the subjects to be discussed by Parliament on a particular day
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or.din.al
(also ,ordinal 'number) noun a number that refers to the position of sth in a series, for example ‘first’, ‘second’, etc.—compare CARDINAL
or.din.al adj.
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or.din.ance
noun [C, U] (formal) an order or a rule made by a government or sb in a position of authority
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or.din.and
noun a person who is preparing to become a priest
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or.din.ar.ily
adv.
1 in a normal way: To the untrained eye, the children were behaving ordinarily.
2 used to say what normally happens in a particular situation, especially because sth different is happening this time: Ordinarily, she wouldn’t have bothered arguing with him.  We do not ordinarily carry out this type of work.   (technical)
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or.din.ary
adj.
1 [usually before noun] not unusual or different in any way: an ordinary sort of day  in the ordinary course of events  ordinary people like you and me  This was no ordinary meeting.  note at NORMAL
2 (disapproving) having no unusual or interesting features: The meal was very ordinary.—compare EXTRAORDINARY
IDM in the ordinary way (BrE) used to say what normally happens in a particular situation: In the ordinary way, she’s not a nervous person. out of the 'ordinary unusual or different: I’m looking for something a little more out of the ordinary.
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'ordinary grade
noun = O GRADE
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'ordinary level
noun = O LEVEL
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,ordinary 'seaman
noun (abbr. OS) a sailor of the lowest rank in the British navy
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,ordinary 'share
noun a fixed unit of a company’s CAPITAL . People who own ordinary shares have voting rights in the company.
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or.din.ation
noun [U, C] the act or ceremony of making sb a priest or minister of a Church—see also ORDAIN
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ord.nance
noun [U]
1 large guns on wheels ARTILLERY
2 military supplies and materials: an ordnance depot
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,Ordnance 'Survey map
noun a very detailed map of an area of Britain or Ireland, prepared by an organization called the Ordnance Survey , which is supported by the government
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ord.ure
noun [U] (rare, formal) solid waste from the body of a person or an animal FAECES
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ore
noun [U, C] rock, earth, etc. from which metal can be obtained: iron ore
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ore.gano
noun [U] a plant with leaves that have a sweet smell and are used in cooking as a herb
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organ
noun
1 a part of the body that has a particular purpose, such as the heart or the brain; part of a plant with a particular purpose: the internal organs  the sense organs (= the eyes, ears, nose, etc.)  the sexual / reproductive organs  an organ transplant / donor—picture at BODY
2 (especially humorous) a PENIS : the male organ
3 (also 'pipe organ) a large musical instrument with keys like a piano. Sounds are produced by air forced through pipes: She plays the organ in church.  organ music—compare HARMONIUM
4 a musical instrument similar to a pipe organ , but without pipes: an electric organ—see also BARREL ORGAN , MOUTH ORGAN
5 (formal) an official organization that is part of a larger organization and has a special purpose: the organs of government
6 (formal) a newspaper or magazine that gives information about a particular group or organization; a means of communicating the views of a particular group: The People’s Daily is the official organ of the Chinese Communist Party.  the organs of public opinion (= for example, newspapers, television, radio)
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'organ-grinder
noun a person who plays a BARREL ORGAN (= a large musical instrument played by turning a handle)
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or.gan.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of food, farming methods, etc.) produced or practised without using artificial chemicals: organic cheese / vegetables / wine  an organic farmer / gardener  organic farming / horticulture
2 produced by or from living things: Improve the soil by adding organic matter.  organic compounds
OPP INORGANIC
3 (technical) connected with the organs of the body: organic disease
4 (formal) consisting of different parts that are all connected to each other: the view of society as an organic whole
5 (formal) happening in a slow and natural way, rather than suddenly: the organic growth of foreign markets
or.gan.ic.al.ly adv.: organically grown fruit  The cardboard disintegrates organically.  Doctors could find nothing organically wrong with her.  The organization should be allowed to develop organically.
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or,ganic 'chemistry
noun [U] the branch of chemistry that deals with substances that contain CARBON —compare INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
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or.gan.ism
noun
1 a living thing, especially one that is extremely small: a living / marine organism—see also MICRO-ORGANISM
2 a system consisting of parts that are dependent on each other: the social organism (= society)
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or.gan.ist
noun a person who plays the organ
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or.gan.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun
1 [C] a group of people who form a business, club, etc. together in order to achieve a particular aim: to work for a business / political / voluntary organization  the World Health Organization  He’s the president of a large international organization.
2 [U] the act of making arrangements or preparations for sth: I leave most of the organization of these conferences to my assistant.  A wedding on that scale takes a lot of organization.
3 [U] the way in which the different parts of sth are arranged: The report studies the organization of labour within the company.
4 [U] the quality of being arranged in a neat, careful and logical way: She is highly intelligent but her work lacks organization.
or.gan.iza.tion.al , -isa.tion.aladj. [only before noun]: organizational skills / ability  organizational change / problems / structure
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or.gan.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [vn] to arrange for sth to happen or to be provided: to organize a meeting / party / trip  I’ll invite people if you can organize food and drinks.
2 [vn] to arrange sth or the parts of sth into a particular order or structure: Modern computers can organize large amounts of data very quickly.  You should try and organize your time better.  We do not fully understand how the brain is organized.
3 [vn] ~ yourself / sb to plan your/sb’s work and activities in an efficient way: I’m sure you don’t need me to organize you.
4 ~ sb (into sth) to form a group of people with a shared aim especially a union or political party: [vn] the right of workers to organize themselves into unions [alsov] —see also DISORGANIZED
or.gan.izer , -isernoun: the organizers of the festival—see also PERSONAL ORGANIZER
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or.gan.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj.
1 [only before noun] involving large numbers of people who work together to do sth in a way that has been carefully planned: an organized body of workers  an organized system of childcare  organized religion (= traditional religion with large numbers of followers who obey a fixed set of rules)  organized crime (= committed by professional criminals working in large groups)—compare UNORGANIZED
2 arranged or planned in the way mentioned: a carefully organized campaign  a well-organized office  a badly organized event—compare DISORGANIZED
3 (of a person) able to plan your work, life, etc. well and in an efficient way: a very organized person  Isn’t it time you started to get organized?—compare DISORGANIZED
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or.gasm
noun [U, C] the moment during sexual activity when feelings of sexual pleasure are at their strongest: to achieve / reach orgasm  to have an orgasm
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or.gas.mic
adj. [only before noun] connected with or like an orgasm
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or.gi.as.tic
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) typical of an orgy
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orgy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a party at which there is a lot of eating, drinking and sexual activity: a drunken orgy
2 ~ (of sth) (disapproving) an extreme amount of a particular activity: The rebels went on an orgy of killing and destruction.  an orgy of spending
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oriel
noun (architecture ) a part of a building, like a small room with windows, that sticks out from a wall above the ground: an oriel window
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Ori.ent
(the Orient) noun [sing.] (literary) the eastern part of the world, especially China and Japan—compare OCCIDENT
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ori.ent
(BrE also orien.tate) verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (to / towards sb/sth) to direct sb/sth towards sth; to make or adapt sb/sth for a particular purpose: Our students are oriented towards science subjects.  We run a commercially oriented operation.  profit-orientated organizations  Neither of them is politically oriented (= interested in politics).  policies oriented to the needs of working mothers
2 ~ yourself to find your position in relation to your surroundings: The mountaineers found it hard to orient themselves in the fog.
3 ~ yourself to make yourself familiar with a new situation: It took him some time to orient himself in his new school.—compare DISORIENTATE
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Orien.tal
noun (old-fashioned, often offensive) a person from China, Japan or other countries in E Asia
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orien.tal
adj. connected with or typical of the eastern part of the world, especially China and Japan, and the people who live there: oriental languages
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orien.tal.ist
noun a person who studies the languages, arts, etc. of oriental countries
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orien.tate
verb [vn] (BrE ) = ORIENT
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orien.ta.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sb/sth) (to / towards sth) the type of aims or interests that a person or an organization has; the act of directing your aims towards a particular thing: The course is essentially theoretical in orientation.  Companies have been forced into a greater orientation to the market.
2 [U, C] a person’s basic beliefs or feelings about a particular subject: religious / political orientation  a person’s sexual orientation (= whether they are attracted to men, women or both)
3 [U] training or information that you are given before starting a new job, course, etc: an orientation course
4 [C] (technical) the direction in which an object faces: The orientation of the planet’s orbit is changing continuously.
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orien.teer.ing
noun [U] the sport of following a route across country on foot, as quickly as possible, using a map and COMPASS
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ori.fice
noun (formal or humorous) a hole or opening, especially one in the body: the nasal / anal orifice
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ori.gami
noun [U] the Japanese art of folding paper into attractive shapes
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ori.gin
noun [C, U] (also ori.gins [pl.])
1 the point from which sth starts; the cause of sth: the origins of life on earth  Most coughs are viral in origin (= caused by a virus).  The origin of the word remains obscure.  This particular custom has its origins in Wales.
2 a person’s social and family background: She has risen from humble origins to immense wealth.  children of various ethnic origins  people of German origin  a person’s country of origin (= where they were born)
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ori.gin.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] existing at the beginning of a particular period, process or activity: The room still has many of its original features.  I think you should go back to your original plan.
2 new and interesting in a way that is different from anything that has existed before; able to produce new and interesting ideas: an original design / idea  That’s not a very original suggestion.  an original thinker / writer / painter  the product of a highly original mind
3 [usually before noun] painted, written, etc. by the artist rather than copied: an original painting by local artist Graham Tovey  The original manuscript has been lost.  Only original documents (= not photocopies) will be accepted as proof of status.

noun
1 a document, work of art, etc. produced for the first time, from which copies are later made: This painting is a copy; the original is in Madrid.  Send out the photocopies and keep the original.
2 (formal) a person who thinks, behaves, dresses, etc. in an unusual way
IDM in the o'riginal in the language in which a book, etc. was first written, before being translated: I studied Italian so that I would be able to read Dante in the original.

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ori.gin.al.ity
noun [U] the quality of being new and interesting in a way that is different from anything that has existed before: This latest collection lacks style and originality.
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ori.gin.al.ly
adv. used to describe the situation that existed at the beginning of a particular period or activity, especially before sth was changed: The school was originally very small.  She comes originally from York.  Originally, we had intended to go to Italy, but then we won the trip to Greece.
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o,riginal 'sin
noun [U] (in Christianity) the tendency to be evil that is believed to be present in everyone from birth
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ori.gin.ate
verb (formal)
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to happen or appear for the first time in a particular place or situation: The disease is thought to have originated in the tropics.  The word originated as a marketing term.
2 [vn] to create sth new: Locke originated this theory in the 17th century.
ori.gin.ator noun
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ori.ole
noun
1 a N American bird: the male is black and orange and the female is yellow-green
2 a European bird, the male of which is bright yellow with black wings
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or.molu
noun [U] a gold metal made of a mixture of other metals, used to decorate furniture, make ornaments, etc.
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or.na.ment
noun, verb
noun (formal)
1 [C] an object that is used as decoration in a room, garden/yard, etc. rather than for a particular purpose: a china / glass ornament
2 [C] (formal) an object that is worn as jewellery
3 [U] (formal) the use of objects, designs, etc. as decoration: The clock is simply for ornament; it doesn’t work any more.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to add decoration to sth
SYN DECORATE : a room richly ornamented with carving

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or.na.men.tal
adj. used as decoration rather than for a practical purpose: an ornamental fountain / lake / plant
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or.na.men.ta.tion
noun [U] the use of objects, designs, etc. to decorate sth: The architect was instructed to keep ornamentation to a minimum.
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or.nate
adj. covered with a lot of decoration, especially when this involves very small or complicated designs: a mirror in an ornate gold frame
or.nate.ly adv.: ornately carved chairs
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or.nery
adj. (AmE , informal) bad-tempered and difficult to deal with
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or.ni.tholo.gist
noun a person who studies birds
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or.ni.thol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of birds
or.ni.tho.logic.al adj.
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orphan
noun, verb
noun a child whose parents are dead: He was an orphan and lived with his uncle.  orphan boys / girls

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make a child an orphan : She was orphaned in the war.

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or.phan.age
noun a home for children whose parents are dead
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ortho-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) correct; standard: orthodox  orthography
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ortho.don.tics
noun [U] the treatment of problems concerning the position of the teeth and jaws
ortho.don.tic adj.: orthodontic treatment
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ortho.don.tist
noun a dentist who treats problems concerning the position of the teeth and jaws
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ortho.dox
adj.
1 (especially of beliefs or behaviour) generally accepted or approved of; following generally accepted beliefs: orthodox medicine  He is very orthodox in his views.
OPP UNORTHODOX —compare HETERODOX
2 following closely the traditional beliefs and practices of a religion: an orthodox Jew
3 (Orthodox) belonging to or connected with the Orthodox Church
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the ,Orthodox 'Church
(also the ,Eastern ,Orthodox 'Church) noun [sing.] a branch of the Christian Church in Eastern Europe and Greece
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ortho.doxy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] (formal) an idea or view that is generally accepted: an economist arguing against the current financial orthodoxy
2 [U, C, usually pl.] the traditional beliefs or practices of a religion, etc.
3 (Orthodoxy) [U] the Orthodox Church, its beliefs and practices
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orth.og.raphy
noun [U] (formal) the system of spelling in a language
or.tho.graph.ic adj.
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ortho.paed.ics
(BrE ) (AmEortho.ped.ics) noun [U] the branch of medicine concerned with injuries and diseases of the bones or muscles
ortho.paed.ic (BrE) (AmEortho.ped.ic) adj.: an orthopaedic surgeon / hospital  orthopaedic surgery
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-ory
suffix
1 (in adjectives) that does: explanatory
2 (in nouns) a place for: observatory
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OS
abbr. (in Britain) ORDNANCE SURVEY
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Oscar
noun = ACADEMY AWARD : The movie was nominated for an Oscar.  an Oscar nomination / winner
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os.cil.late
verb [v]
1 ~ (between A and B) (formal) to keep changing from one extreme of feeling or behaviour to another, and back again: Her moods oscillated between depression and elation.
2 (physics) to keep moving from one position to another and back again: Watch how the needle on the dial oscillates.
3 (physics) (of an electric current, radio waves, etc.) to change in strength or direction at regular intervals
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os.cil.la.tion
noun (formal) ~ (between A and B)
1 [U, sing.] a regular movement between one position and another or between one amount and another: the oscillation of the compass needle / of radio waves  the economy’s continual oscillation between growth and recession
2 [C] a single movement from one position to another of sth that is oscillating : the oscillations of the pound against foreign currency
3 [U, C] a repeated change between different feelings, types of behaviour or ideas: his oscillation, as a teenager, between science and art
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os.cil.la.tor
noun (physics ) a piece of equipment for producing OSCILLATING electric currents
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os.cil.lo.scope
noun (physics ) a piece of equipment that shows changes in electrical current as waves in a line on the screen of a CATHODE RAY TUBE
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osier
noun a type of WILLOW tree, with thin branches that bend easily and are used for making baskets
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os.mo.sis
noun [U]
1 (biologyorchemistry) the gradual passing of a liquid through a MEMBRANE (= a thin layer of material): Water passes into the roots of a plant by osmosis.
2 the gradual process of learning or being influenced by sth, as a result of being in close contact with it
os.mot.ic adj.: osmotic pressure
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os.prey
noun a large BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) that eats fish
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os.sify
verb [usually passive] (os.si.fies, os.si.fy.ing, os.si.fied, os.si.fied) (formal, disapproving)
1 to become or make sth fixed and unable to change: [vn] an ossified political system [alsov]
2 [vn] (technical) to become or make sth hard like bone
os.si.fi.ca.tion noun [U] (formal)
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os.ten.sible
adj. [only before noun] seeming or stated to be real or true, when this is perhaps not the case: The ostensible reason for his absence was illness.
os.ten.sibly adv.: Troops were sent in, ostensibly to protect the civilian population.
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os.ten.ta.tion
noun [U] (disapproving) an exaggerated display of wealth, knowledge or skill that is made in order to impress people: The house was spacious but without any trace of ostentation.
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os.ten.ta.tious
adj.
1 (disapproving) expensive or noticeable in a way that is intended to impress people: ostentatious gold jewellery
2 (disapproving) behaving in a way that is meant to impress people by showing how rich, important, etc. you are
3 (of an action) done in a very obvious way so that people will notice it: He gave an ostentatious yawn.
os.ten.ta.tious.ly adv.: ostentatiously dressed
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osteo-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) connected with bones: osteopath
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osteo.arth.ritis
noun [U] (medical ) a disease that causes painful swelling and permanent damage in the joints of the body, especially the hips, knees and thumbs
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osteo.path
noun a person whose job involves treating some diseases and physical problems by pressing and moving the bones and muscles—compare CHIROPRACTOR
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oste.op.athy
noun [U] the treatment of some diseases and physical problems by pressing and moving the bones and muscles
osteo.path.ic adj.
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osteo.por.osis
noun [U] (medical ) a condition in which the bones become weak and are easily broken
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ost.ler
(AmE also host.ler) noun (in the past) a man who took care of guests' horses at an INN
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os.tra.cism
noun [U] (formal) the act of deliberately not including sb in a group or activity; the state of not being included: social ostracism
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os.tra.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to refuse to let sb be a member of a social group; to refuse to meet or talk to sb: He was ostracized by his colleagues for refusing to support the strike.
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os.trich
noun
1 a very large African bird with a long neck and long legs, that cannot fly but can run very fast
2 (informal) a person who prefers to ignore problems rather than try and deal with them
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other
adj., pron.
1 used to refer to people or things that are additional or different to people or things that have been mentioned or are known about: Mr Harris and Mrs Bate and three other teachers were there.  Are there any other questions?  I can’t see you now—some other time , maybe.  Two buildings were destroyed and many others damaged in the blast.  This option is preferable to any other.  Some designs are better than others .—compare ANOTHER
2 the, my, your, etc. ~ used to refer to the second of two people or things: My other sister is a doctor.  One son went to live in Australia and the other one was killed in a car crash.  He raised one arm and then the other.  You must ask one or other of your parents.   (humorous) You’ll have to ask my other half (= husband, wife or partner).
3 the, my, your, etc. ~ used to refer to the remaining people or things in a group: I’ll wear my other shoes—these are dirty.  ‘I like this one.’‘What about the other ones ?’  I went swimming while the others played tennis.
4 the ~ used to refer to a place, direction, etc. that is the opposite to where you are, are going, etc: I work on the other side of town.  He crashed into a car coming the other way.  He found me, not the other way round / around .
IDM Most idioms containing other are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example in other words is at word.  the ,other 'day / 'morning / 'evening / 'week recently: I saw Jack the other day. other than (usually used in negative sentences)
1 except: I don’t know any French people other than you.  We’re going away in June but other than that I’ll be here all summer.
2 (written) different or differently from; not: I have never known him to behave other than selfishly.
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other.ness
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being different or strange: the otherness of an alien culture
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other.wise
adv.
1 used to state what the result would be if sth did not happen or if the situation were different: My parents lent me the money. Otherwise, I couldn’t have afforded the trip.  Shut the window, otherwise it’ll get too cold in here.  We’re committed to the project. We wouldn’t be here otherwise.
2 apart from that: There was some music playing upstairs. Otherwise the house was silent.  He was slightly bruised but otherwise unhurt.
3 in a different way to the way mentioned; differently: Bismarck, otherwise known as ‘the Iron Chancellor’  It is not permitted to sell or otherwise distribute copies of past examination papers.  You know what this is about. Why pretend otherwise (= that you don’t)?  I wanted to see him but he was otherwise engaged (= doing sth else).
IDM or otherwise used to refer to sth that is different from or the opposite of what has just been mentioned: It was necessary to discover the truth or otherwise of these statements.  We insure against all damage, accidental or otherwise.—more at KNOW v.
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,other 'woman
noun [usually sing.] a woman with whom a man is having a sexual relationship, although he already has a wife or partner
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,other-'worldly
adj. concerned with spiritual thoughts and ideas rather than with ordinary life
,other-'worldli.ness noun [U]
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oti.ose
adj. (formal) having no useful purpose
SYN UNNECESSARY : an otiose round of meetings
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OTT
adj. (BrE , informal) the abbreviation for OVER THE TOP : Her make-up was a bit OTT.
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otter
noun a small animal that has four WEBBED feet (= feet with skin between the toes), a flat tail and thick brown fur. Otters live in rivers and eat fish.
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ot.to.man
noun a piece of furniture like a large box with a soft top, used for storing things and sitting on
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OU
abbr. (in Britain) Open University
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ouch
exclamation used to express sudden pain: Ouch! That hurt!
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ought to
modal verb (negativeought not to, short formespecially BrEoughtn’t to)
1 used to say what is the right thing to do: They ought to apologize.  ‘Ought I to write to say thank you?’‘Yes, I think you ought (to).’  They ought to have apologized (= but they didn’t).  Such things ought not to be allowed.  He oughtn’t to have been driving so fast.  note at SHOULD
2 used to say what you expect or would like to happen: Children ought to be able to read by the age of 7.  Nurses ought to earn more.
3 used to say what you advise or recommend: We ought to be leaving now.  This is delicious. You ought to try some.  You ought to have come to the meeting. It was interesting.
4 used to say what has probably happened or is probably true: If he started out at nine, he ought to be here by now.  That ought to be enough food for the four of us.  Oughtn’t the water to have boiled by now?  note at MODAL
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Ouija board
™noun a board marked with letters of the alphabet and other signs, used in SEANCES to receive messages said to come from people who are dead
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ounce
noun
1 [C] (abbr.oz) a unit for measuring weight, 1/16 of a pound, equal to 28.35 grams—see also FLUID OUNCE
2 [sing.] ~ of sth (informal) (used especially with negatives) a very small quantity of sth: There’s not an ounce of truth in her story.
IDM see PREVENTION
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our
det. (the possessive form of we)
1 belonging to us; connected with us: our daughter / dog / house  We showed them some of our photos.  Our main export is rice.  And now, over to our Rome correspondent …
2 (Our) used to refer to or address God or a holy person: Our Father (= God)  Our Lady (= the Virgin Mary)
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ours
pron. the one or ones that belong to us: Their house is very similar to ours, but ours is bigger.  No, those are Ellie’s kids. Ours are upstairs.  He’s a friend of ours.
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our.selves
pron.
1 the reflexive form of we; used when you and another person or other people together cause and are affected by an action: We shouldn’t blame ourselves for what happened.  Let’s just relax and enjoy ourselves.  We’d like to see it for ourselves.
2 used to emphasize we or us; sometimes used instead of these words: We’ve often thought of going there ourselves.  The only people there were ourselves.
IDM (all) by our'selves
1 alone; without anyone else
2 without help (all) to our'selves for us alone; not shared with anyone: We had the pool all to ourselves.
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-ous
suffix (in adjectives) having the nature or quality of: poisonous  mountainous
-ously (in adverbs): gloriously
-ousness (in nouns): spaciousness
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oust
verb [vn] ~ sb (from sth / as sth) (written) to force sb out of a job or position of power, especially in order to take their place: He was ousted as chairman.  The rebels finally managed to oust the government from power.
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ouster
noun (AmE ) the act of removing sb from a position of authority in order to put sb else in their place; the fact of being removed in this way: a resolution condemning the president’s ouster by the military
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out
adv., prep., noun, verb
adv., prep.
HELP For the special uses of out in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example burst out is in the phrasal verb section at burst.
1 ~ (of sth) away from the inside of a place or thing: She ran out into the corridor.  She shook the bag and some coins fell out.  I got out of bed.  He opened the box and out jumped a frog.  Out you go! (= used to order sb to leave a room)   (spoken, non-standard) He ran out the door.
2 ~ (of sth) (of people) away from or not at home or their place of work: I called Liz but she was out.  Let’s go out this evening (= for example to a restaurant or club).  We haven’t had a night out for weeks.  Mr Green is out of town this week.
3 ~ (of sth) away from the edge of a place: The boy dashed out into the road.  Don’t lean out of the window.
4 ~ (of sth) a long or a particular distance away from a place or from land: She’s working out in Australia.  He lives right out in the country.  The boats are all out at sea.  The ship sank ten miles out of Stockholm.
5 ~ (of sth) used to show that sth/sb is removed from a place, job, etc: This detergent is good for getting stains out.  We want this government out.  He got thrown out of the restaurant.
6 ~ of sth used to show that sth comes from or is obtained from sth/sb: He drank his beer out of the bottle.  a statue made out of bronze  a romance straight out of a fairy tale  I paid for the damage out of my savings.  We’ll get the truth out of her.
7 ~ of sth used to show that sb/sth does not have any of sth: We’re out of milk.  He’s been out of work for six months.  You’re out of luck —she left ten minutes ago.
8 ~ of sth used to show that sb/sth is not or no longer in a particular state or condition: Try and stay out of trouble.  I watched the car until it was out of sight .
9 ~ (of sth) used to show that sb is no longer involved in sth: It was an awful job and I’m glad to be out of it.  He gets out of the army in a few weeks.  They’ll be out (= of prison) on bail in no time.  Brown goes on to the semi-finals but Lee is out.
10 ~ of sth used to show the reason why sth is done: I asked out of curiosity.  She did it out of spite.
11 ~ of sth from a particular number or set: You scored six out of ten.  Two out of three people think the President should resign.
12 (of a book, etc.) not in the library; borrowed by sb else: The book you wanted is out on loan.
13 (of the TIDE ) at or towards its lowest point on land: I like walking on the wet sand when the tide is out.
14 if the sun, moon or stars are or come out, they can be seen from the earth and are not hidden by clouds
15 (of flowers) fully open: There should be some snowdrops out by now.
16 available to everyone; known to everyone: When does her new book come out?  Word always gets out (= people find out about things) no matter how careful you are.  Out with it ! (= say what you know)
17 clearly and loudly so that people can hear: to call / cry / shout out  Read it out loud.  Nobody spoke out in his defence.
18 (informal) having told other people that you are HOMOSEXUAL : I had been out since I was 17.
19 (in cricket, baseball, etc.) if a team or team member is out, it is no longer their turn with the bat: The West Indies were all out for 364 (= after scoring 364 RUNS in cricket).
20 (in tennis, etc.) if the ball is out, it landed outside the line: The umpire said the ball was out.
21 ~ (in sth) not correct or exact; wrong: I was slightly out in my calculations.  Your guess was a long way out (= completely wrong).  The estimate was out by more than $100.
22 not possible or not allowed: Swimming is out until the weather gets warmer.
23 not fashionable: Is rap out yet?
24 (of fire, lights or burning materials) not or no longer burning or lit: Suddenly all the lights went out.  The fire had burnt itself out.  He stubbed his cigarette out.
25 at an end: It was summer and school was out.  She was to regret her words before the day was out .
26 unconscious: He was out for more than an hour and came round in the hospital.  She was knocked out cold .
27 (BrE, informal) on strike
28 to the end; completely: Hear me out before you say anything.  We left them to fight it out (= settle a dispute by fighting or arguing).—see also ALL-OUT
IDM be out for sth / to do sth to be trying to get or do sth: I’m not out for revenge.  She’s out for what she can get (= trying to get something for herself).  The company is out to capture the Canadian market. ,out and a'bout (BrE)
1 able to go outside again after an illness
2 travelling around a place: We’ve been out and about talking to people all over the country. 'out of it (informal)
1 sad because you are not included in sth: We’ve only just moved here so we feel a little out of it.
2 not aware of what is happening, usually because of drinking too much alcohol, or taking drugs: He looks completely out of it.

noun
IDM see IN n.

verb [vn] to say publicly that sb is HOMOSEXUAL , especially when they would prefer to keep the fact a secret: He is the latest politician to be outed by gay activists.

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out-
prefix
1 (in verbs) greater, better, further, longer, etc: outnumber  outwit  outgrow  outlive
2 (in nouns and adjectives) outside; OUTWARD ; away from: outbuildings  outpatient  outlying  outgoing
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out.age
noun (AmE ) a period of time when the supply of electricity, etc. is not working: a power outage
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,out-and-'out
adj. [only before noun] in every way
SYN COMPLETE : What she said was an out-and-out lie.
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out.back
noun (the outback) [sing.] the area of Australia that is a long way from the coast and the towns, where few people live
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out.bid
verb (out.bid.ding, out.bid, out.bid) [vn] ~ sb (for sth) to offer more money than sb else in order to buy sth, for example at an AUCTION
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out.board
adj. (technical ) on, towards or near the outside of a ship or an aircraft: outboard wing panels
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,outboard 'motor
(also ,outboard 'engine, out.board) noun an engine that you can fix to the back of a small boat—picture at BOAT
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out.bound
adj. (formal) travelling from a place rather than arriving in it: outbound flights / passengers
OPP INBOUND
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out.break
noun the sudden start of sth unpleasant, especially violence or a disease: the outbreak of war  an outbreak of hostilities / typhoid  Outbreaks of rain are expected in the afternoon.
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out.build.ing
noun [usually pl.] a building such as a SHED or STABLE that is built near to, but separate from, a main building: a large farmhouse with several outbuildings
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out.burst
noun
1 a sudden strong expression of an emotion: an outburst of anger / laughter  She was alarmed by his violent outburst.
2 a sudden increase in a particular activity or attitude: an outburst of racism
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out.cast
noun a person who is not accepted by other people and who sometimes has to leave their home and friends: People with the disease were often treated as social outcasts.
out.cast adj.
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out.class
verb [vn] [often passive] to be much better than a competitor: Kennedy was outclassed 0–6 0–6 in the final.
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out.come
noun the result or effect of an action or event: We are waiting to hear the final outcome of the negotiations.  These costs are payable whatever the outcome of the case.  We are confident of a successful outcome.  Four possible outcomes have been identified.
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out.crop
noun a large mass of rock that stands above the surface of the ground
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out.cry
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) ~ (at / over / against sth) a reaction of anger or strong protest shown by people in public: an outcry over the proposed change  The new tax provoked a public outcry .  There was outcry at the judge’s statement.
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out.dated
adj. no longer useful because of being old-fashioned: outdated equipment / laws / methods  These figures are now outdated.—compare OUT-OF-DATE
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out.dis.tance
verb [vn] (written) to leave sb/sth behind by going faster, further, etc.; to be better than sb/sth
SYN OUTSTRIP : She easily outdistanced the other runners.
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outdo
verb (out.does out.did out.done ) [vn] (written) to do more or better than sb else: Sometimes small firms can outdo big business when it comes to customer care.  Not to be outdone (= not wanting to let sb else do better), she tried again.
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out.door
adj. [only before noun] used, happening or situated outside rather than in a building: outdoor clothing / activities  an outdoor swimming pool  I’m not really the outdoor type (= I prefer indoor activities).
OPP INDOOR
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out.doors
adv., noun
adv. outside, rather than in a building: The rain prevented them from eating outdoors.  The seeds may be sown outdoors in the spring.
OPP INDOORS

noun (the outdoors) [sing.] the open air and the countryside, away from busy places: They both have a love of the outdoors.  Come to Canada and enjoy the great outdoors .

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outer
adj. [only before noun]
1 on the outside of sth: the outer layers of the skin
2 furthest from the inside or centre of sth: I walked along the outer edge of the track.  the outer suburbs of the city  Outer London / Mongolia   (figurative) to explore the outer (= most extreme) limits of human experience
OPP INNER
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'outer belt
noun (AmE ) = RING ROAD
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outer.most
adj. [only before noun] furthest from the inside or centre: the outermost planet  He fired and hit the outermost ring of the target.
OPP INNERMOST
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,outer 'space
noun [U] = SPACE (4) : radio waves from outer space
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outer.wear
noun [U] clothes such as coats, hats, etc. that you wear outside
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out.face
verb [vn] (formal) to defeat an enemy or opponent by being brave and remaining confident
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out.fall
noun (technical ) the place where a river, pipe, etc. flows out into the sea: a sewage outfall
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out.field
noun (the outfield) [sing.] (in cricket and baseball) the part of the field that is furthest from the person who is hitting the ball
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out.field.er
noun (in cricket and baseball) a player in the outfield
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out.fit
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a set of clothes that you wear together, especially for a particular occasion or purpose: She was wearing an expensive new outfit.  a wedding outfit  a cowboy / Superman outfit (= one that you wear for fun in order to look like the type of person mentioned)
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] (informal) a group of people working together as an organization, business, team, etc: a market research outfit  The team were beaten by Dave Bassett’s outfit last season.  This was the fourth album by the top rock outfit.
3 [C] a set of equipment that you need for a particular purpose: a bicycle repair outfit

verb (-tt-) [vn] [often passive] ~ sth/sb (with sth) (especially AmE ) to provide sb/sth with equipment or clothes for a special purpose: The ship was outfitted with a 12-bed hospital.

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out.fit.ter
(also out.fit.ters) noun
1 (old-fashioned, BrE) a shop/store that sells men’s clothes or school uniforms
2 (AmE) a shop/store that sells equipment for camping and other outdoor activities
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out.flank
verb [vn]
1 to move around the side of an enemy or opponent, especially in order to attack them from behind
2 to gain an advantage over sb, especially by doing sth unexpected: They found themselves outflanked by the rival takeover bid.
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out.flow
noun ~ (of sth/sb) (from sth) the movement of a large amount of money, liquid, people, etc. out of a place: There was a capital outflow of $22 billion in 1998.  a steady outflow of oil from the tank  the outflow of refugees
OPP INFLOW
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out.going
adj.
1 liking to meet other people, enjoying their company and being friendly towards them: an outgoing personality
2 [only before noun] leaving the position of responsibility mentioned: the outgoing president / government
OPP INCOMING
3 [only before noun] going away from a particular place rather than arriving in it: This telephone should be used for outgoing calls.  outgoing flights / passengers  the outgoing tide
OPP INCOMING
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out.goings
noun [pl.] (BrE ) the amount of money that a person or a business has to spend regularly, for example every month: to have low / high outgoings  Write down your incomings and outgoings .
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out.grow
verb (out.grew out.grown ) [vn]
1 to grow too big to be able to wear or fit into sth
SYN GROW OUT OF : She’s already outgrown her school uniform.  The company has outgrown its offices.
2 to grow taller, larger or more quickly than another person: He’s already outgrown his older brother.
3 to stop doing sth or lose interest in sth as you become older
SYN GROW OUT OF : He’s outgrown his passion for rock music.
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out.growth
noun
1 (technical) a thing that grows out of sth else: The eye first appears as a cup-shaped outgrowth from the brain.
2 (formal) a natural development or result of sth: The law was an outgrowth of the 1996 presidential election.
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out.gun
verb (-nn-) [v] [often passive] to have greater military strength than sb: (figurative) The England team was completely outgunned.
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out.house
noun
1 (BrE) a small building, such as a SHED , outside a main building
2 (AmE) a toilet in a small building of its own
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out.ing
noun
1 [C] ~ (to … ) a trip that you go on for pleasure or education, usually with a group of people and lasting no more than one day: We went on an outing to London.  a family outing
2 [C] (sport) (informal) an occasion when a competitor takes part in a competition
3 [U, C] the practice of naming people as HOMOSEXUALS in public, when they do not want anyone to know, done especially by other HOMOSEXUALS
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out.land.ish
adj. (usually disapproving) strange or extremely unusual: outlandish costumes / ideas
out.land.ish.ly adv.
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out.last
verb [vn] to continue to exist or take part in an activity for a longer time than sb/sth: He can outlast anyone on the dance floor.
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out.law
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to make sth no longer legal: plans to outlaw the carrying of knives  the outlawed nationalist party
2 (in the past) to make sb an outlaw

noun (used especially about people in the past) a person who has done sth illegal and is hiding to avoid being caught; a person who is not protected by the law: Robin Hood, the world’s most famous outlaw

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out.lay
noun [C, U] ~ (on sth) the money that you have to spend in order to start a new project or to save yourself money or time later: The business quickly repaid the initial outlay on advertising.  a massive financial / capital outlay
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out.let
noun ~ (for sth)
1 a way of expressing or making good use of strong feelings, ideas or energy: She needed to find an outlet for her many talents and interests.  Sport became the perfect outlet for his aggression.
2 (business) a shop/store or an organization that sells goods made by a particular company or of a particular type: The business has 34 retail outlets in this state alone.
3 (especially AmE) a shop/store that sells goods of a particular make at reduced prices: the Nike outlet in the outlet mall
4 a pipe or hole through which liquid or gas can flow out: a sewage outlet  an outlet hose / pipe
OPP INLET
5 (AmE) = SOCKET (1)
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out.line
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to give a description of the main facts or points involved in sth: [vn] We outlined our proposals to the committee. [alsov wh-]
2 [vn] [usually passive] to show or mark the outer edge of sth: They saw the huge building outlined against the sky.

noun
1 a description of the main facts or points involved in sth: This is a brief outline of the events.  You should draw up a plan or outline for the essay.  The book describes in outline the main findings of the research.  an outline agreement / proposal
2 the line that goes around the edge of sth, showing its main shape but not the details: At last we could see the dim outline of an island.  an outline map / sketch  She drew the figures in outline .

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out.live
verb [vn]
1 to live longer than sb: He outlived his wife by three years.
2 to continue to exist after sth else has ended or disappeared: The machine had outlived its usefulness (= was no longer useful).
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out.look
noun
1 ~ (on sth) the attitude to life and the world of a particular person, group or culture: He had a practical outlook on life.  Most western societies are liberal in outlook .
2 [usually sing.] ~ (for sth) the probable future for sb/sth; what is likely to happen: The outlook for jobs is bleak.  the country’s economic outlook  The outlook (= the probable weather) for the weekend is dry and sunny.
3 a view from a particular place: The house has a pleasant outlook over the valley.
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out.ly.ing
adj. [only before noun] far away from the cities of a country or from the main part of a place: outlying areas / islands / farms
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out.man.oeuvre
(BrE ) (AmEout.ma.neu.ver) verb [vn] (written) to do better than an opponent by acting in a way that is cleverer or more skilful: The president has so far managed to outmanoeuvre his critics.
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out.moded
adj. (disapproving) no longer fashionable or useful: an outmoded attitude  This organizational structure was now outmoded.
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out.num.ber
verb [vn] to be greater in number than sb/sth: The demonstrators were heavily outnumbered by the police.  In this profession, women outnumber men by two to one (= there are twice as many women as men).
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,out of 'date
adj.
1 old-fashioned or without the most recent information and therefore no longer useful: These figures are very out of date.  Suddenly she felt old and out of date.  an out-of-date map  out-of-date technology—compare OUTDATED
2 no longer valid: an out-of-date driving licence—see also UP TO DATE
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,out-of-'state
adj. [only before noun] (AmE ) coming from or happening in a different state: out-of-state license plates
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,out-of-'town
adj. [only before noun]
1 situated away from the centre of a town or city: out-of-town superstores / sites
2 coming from or happening in a different place: an out-of-town guest  an out-of-town performance
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,out-of-'work
adj. [only before noun] unemployed: an out-of-work actor
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out.pace
verb [vn] (written) to go, rise, improve, etc. faster than sb/sth
SYN OUTSTRIP : He easily outpaced the other runners.  Demand is outpacing production.
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out.pa.tient
noun a person who goes to a hospital for treatment but does not stay there: an out-patient clinic / department—compare INPATIENT
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out.per.form
verb [vn] to achieve better results than sb/sth: The company has consistently outperformed its larger rivals.
out.per.form.ance noun [U]
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out.place.ment
noun [U] (business ) the process of helping people to find new jobs after they have been made unemployed
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out.play
verb [vn] to play much better than a competitor: We were totally outplayed and lost 106–74.
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out.point
verb [vn] (especially in boxing) to defeat sb by scoring more points
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out.post
noun
1 a small military camp away from the main army, used for watching an enemy’s movements, etc.
2 a small town or group of buildings in a lonely part of a country: a lonely / remote outpost  the last outpost of civilization
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out.pour.ing
noun
1 [usually pl.] a strong and sudden expression of feeling: spontaneous outpourings of praise
2 a large amount of sth produced in a short time: a remarkable outpouring of new ideas
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out.put
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.]
1 the amount of sth that a person, a machine or an organization produces: Manufacturing output has increased by 8%.
2 (computing) the information, results, etc. produced by a computer: data output  an output device—compare INPUT
3 the power, energy, etc. produced by a piece of equipment: an output of 100 watts
4 a place where energy, power, information, etc. leaves a system: Connect a cable to the output.

verb (out.put.ting, out.put, out.put) [vn] (computing ) to supply or produce information, results, etc: Computers can now output data much more quickly.—compare INPUT

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out.rage
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a strong feeling of shock and anger: The judge’s remarks caused public outrage.  She was filled with an overwhelming sense of outrage.  Environmentalists have expressed outrage at the ruling.
2 [C] an act or event that is violent, cruel or very wrong and that shocks people or makes them very angry: No one has yet claimed responsibility for this latest bomb outrage.

verb [vn] [often passive] to make sb very shocked and angry: He was outraged at the way he had been treated.

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out.ra.geous
adj.
1 very shocking and unacceptable: outrageous behaviour  ‘That’s outrageous!’ he protested.
2 very unusual and slightly shocking: She says the most outrageous things sometimes.  outrageous clothes
out.ra.geous.ly adv.: an outrageously expensive meal  They behaved outrageously.
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out.rank
verb [vn] to be of higher rank, quality, etc. than sb: Colonel Jones outranks everyone here.
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outré
adj. (from French , written) very unusual and slightly shocking
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out.reach
noun [U] the activity of an organization that provides a service or advice to people in the community, especially those who cannot or are unlikely to come to an office, a hospital, etc. for help: an outreach and education programme  outreach workers  efforts to expand the outreach to black voters
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out.rider
noun a person who rides a motorcycle or a horse in front of or beside the vehicle of an important person in order to give protection
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out.rig.ger
noun a wooden structure that is fixed to the side of a boat or ship in order to keep it steady in the water; a boat fitted with such a structure
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out.right
adj., adv.
adj. [only before noun]
1 complete and total: an outright ban / rejection / victory  She was the outright winner.  No one party is expected to gain an outright majority.
2 open and direct: There was outright opposition to the plan.

adv.
1 in a direct way and without trying to hide anything: Why don’t you ask him outright if it’s true?  She couldn’t help herself and she laughed outright.
2 clearly and completely: Neither candidate won outright.  The group rejects outright any negotiations with the government.
3 not gradually; immediately: Most of the crash victims were killed outright .  We had saved enough money to buy the house outright.

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out.run
verb (out.run.ning, out.ran out.run) [vn] (written)
1 to run faster or further than sb/sth: He couldn’t outrun his pursuers.
2 to develop faster than sth: Demand for the new model is outrunning supply.
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out.sell
verb (out.sold, out.sold ) [vn] to sell more or to be sold in larger quantities than sb/sth: We are now outselling all our competitors.  This year the newspaper has outsold its main rival.
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out.set
noun
IDM at / from the 'outset (of sth) at/from the beginning of sth: I made it clear right from the outset that I disapproved.
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out.shine
verb (out.shone, out.shone ) [vn] (written) to be more impressive than sb/sth; to be better than sb/sth: He far outshone the rest of the class.
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out.side
noun, adj., prep., adv.
noun
1 (usually the outside) [C, usually sing.] the outer side or surface of sth: The outside of the house needs painting.  You can’t open the door from the outside.
2 [sing.] the area that is near or around a building, etc: I walked around the outside of the building.  I didn’t go into the church—I only saw it from the outside.
3 [sing.] the part of a road nearest to the middle: Always overtake on the outside .
4 [sing.] the part of a curving road or track furthest from the inner or shorter side of the curve
OPP THE INSIDE
IDM at the outside at the most; as a MAXIMUM : There was room for 20 people at the outside. on the outside
1 used to describe how sb appears or seems: On the outside she seems calm, but I know she’s worried.
2 not in prison: Life on the outside took some getting used to again.

adj. [only before noun]
1 of, on or facing the outer side
SYN EXTERNAL : The outside walls are damp.
2 not situated in the main building; going out of the main building
SYN EXTERNAL : an outside toilet  You have to pay to make outside calls.  I can’t get an outside line.
3 not included in or connected with your group, organization, country, etc: We plan to use an outside firm of consultants.  She has a lot of outside interests (= not connected with her work).  They felt cut off from the outside world (= from other people and from other things that were happening).
4 used to say that sth is very unlikely: They have only an outside chance of winning.  150 is an outside estimate (= it is very likely to be less).

prep. (also out.side of especially in AmE)
1 on or to a place on the outside of sth: You can park your car outside our house.
OPP INSIDE
2 away from or not in a particular place: It’s the biggest theme park outside the United States.  We live in a small village just outside Leeds.
3 not part of sth: The matter is outside my area of responsibility.  You may do as you wish outside working hours.
OPP WITHIN
4 (outside of) apart from: There was nothing they could do, outside of hoping things would get better.

adv.
1 not in a room, building or container but on or to the outside of it: I’m seeing a patient—please wait outside.  The house is painted green outside.
2 not inside a building: It’s warm enough to eat outside.  Go outside and see if it’s raining.
OPP INSIDE

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,outside 'broadcast
noun (BrE ) a programme filmed or recorded away from the main STUDIO
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out.sider
noun
1 a person who is not accepted as a member of a society, group, etc: Here she felt she would always be an outsider.
2 a person who is not part of a particular organization or profession: They have decided to hire outsiders for some of the key positions.  To an outsider it may appear to be a glamorous job.
3 a person or an animal taking part in a race or competition that is not expected to win: The race was won by a 20–1 outsider.  To everyone’s surprise, the post went to a rank outsider (= a complete outsider).
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out.size
(also out.sized ) adj. [usually before noun]
1 larger than the usual size: an outsize desk
2 designed for large people: outsize clothes
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out.skirts
noun [pl.] the parts of a town or city that are furthest from the centre: They live on the outskirts of Milan.
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out.smart
verb [vn] to gain an advantage over sb by acting in a clever way
SYN OUTWIT : She always managed to outsmart her political rivals.
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out.source
verb (business ) to arrange for sb outside a company to do work or provide goods for that company: [vn] We outsource all our computing work. [alsov]
out.sourc.ing noun [U]
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out.spoken
adj. ~ (in sth) saying exactly what you think, even if this shocks or offends people: an outspoken opponent of the leadership  outspoken comments / views  She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan.
out.spoken.ly adv.
out.spoken.ness noun [U]
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out.spread
adj. (written) spread out completely: The bird soared high, with outspread wings.
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out.stand.ing
adj.
1 extremely good; excellent: an outstanding player / achievement / success  an area of outstanding natural beauty
2 [usually before noun] very obvious or important: the outstanding features of the landscape
3 (of payment, work, problems, etc.) not yet paid, done, solved, etc: She has outstanding debts of over £500.  A lot of work is still outstanding.
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out.stand.ing.ly
adv.
1 used to emphasize the good quality of sth: outstandingly successful
2 extremely well: He performed well but not outstandingly.
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out.stay
verb [vn]
IDM see WELCOME n.
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out.stretched
adj. (of parts of the body) stretched or spread out as far as possible: He ran towards her with arms outstretched / with outstretched arms.
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out.strip
verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 to become larger, more important, etc. than sb/sth: Demand is outstripping supply.
2 to be faster, better or more successful than a competitor
SYN SURPASS : Their latest computer outstrips all its rivals.
3 to run faster than sb in a race so that you pass them: She soon outstripped the slower runners.
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'out-take
noun a piece of a film that is removed before the film/movie is shown, for example because it contains a mistake
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'out tray
noun (in an office) a container on your desk for letters or documents that are waiting to be sent out or passed to sb else—compare IN TRAY
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out.vote
verb [vn] [usually passive] to defeat sb/sth by winning a larger number of votes
SYN VOTE SB/STH DOWN : Britain was heavily outvoted on the issue.  His proposal was outvoted by 10 votes to 8.
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out.ward
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the way people or things seem to be rather than with what is actually true: Mark showed no outward signs of distress.  She simply observes the outward forms of religion.  To all outward appearances (= as far as it was possible to judge from the outside) they were perfectly happy.
OPP INWARD
2 going away from a particular place, especially one that you are going to return to: the outward voyage / journey
3 away from the centre or a particular point: outward pressure / movement  outward investment (= in other countries)  Managers need to become more outward-looking (= more open to new ideas).
OPP INWARD
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,outward 'bound
adj. going away from home or a particular place
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out.ward.ly
adv. on the surface; in appearance: Though badly frightened, she remained outwardly composed.  Outwardly, the couple seemed perfectly happy.
OPP INWARDLY
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out.wards
(BrE ) (also out.wardAmE, BrE) adv. ~ (from sth) towards the outside; away from the centre or from a particular point: The door opens outwards.  Factories were spreading outwards from the old heart of the town.
OPP INWARD
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out.weigh
verb [vn] to be greater or more important than sth: The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
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out.wit
verb (-tt-) [vn] to defeat sb/sth or gain an advantage over them by doing sth clever
SYN OUTSMART : the amusing story of a bird outwitting a cat  Somehow he always manages to outwit his opponents.
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out.with
prep. (ScotE ) outside of sth; not within sth
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out.work
noun (BrE, business ) work that is done by people at home
out.work.er noun
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out.worn
adj. [usually before noun] (rare, written) old-fashioned and no longer useful: outworn institutions—compare WORN OUT
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ouzo
noun [U] a strong alcoholic drink from Greece, made from ANISEED and usually drunk with water
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ova
pl. of OVUM
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oval
adj. shaped like an egg: an oval face / window
oval noun
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ovary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 either of the two organs in a woman’s body that produce eggs; a similar organ in female animals, birds and fish
2 (technical) the part of a plant that produces seeds
ovar.ian adj. [only before noun]: ovarian cancer
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ova.tion
noun enthusiastic CLAPPING by an audience as a sign of their approval: to give sb a huge / rapturous / rousing ovation  The soloist got a ten-minute standing ovation (= in which people stand up from their seats).
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oven
noun the part of a cooker/stove shaped like a box with a door on the front, in which food is cooked or heated: Take the cake out of the oven.  a gas / an electric oven  a cool / hot / moderate oven   (spoken) Open a window, it’s like an oven in here!——compare MICROWAVE
IDM see BUN
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'oven glove
(also 'oven mitt) noun a glove made of thick material, used for holding hot dishes from an oven—
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oven.proof
adj. suitable for use in a hot oven: an ovenproof dish
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,oven-'ready
adj. [usually before noun] (of food) bought already prepared and ready for cooking: an oven-ready turkey
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over
adv., prep., noun
adv.
HELP For the special uses of over in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example take sth over is in the phrasal verb section at take.
1 downwards and outwards from an upright position: Try not to knock that vase over.  The wind must have blown it over.
2 from one side to another side: She turned over onto her front.  The car skidded off the road and rolled over and over.
3 across a street, an open space, etc: I stopped and crossed over.  He rowed us over to the other side of the lake.  They have gone over to France.  This is my aunt who’s over from Canada.  I went over (= across the room) and asked her name.  Let’s ask some friends over (= to our home).  Put it down over there .
4 so as to cover sb/sth completely: The lake was frozen over.  Cover her over with a blanket.
5 above; more: children of 14 and over  You get an A grade for scores of 75 and over.
6 remaining; not used or needed: If there’s any food left over, put it in the fridge.
7 again: He repeated it several times over until he could remember it.   (AmE) It’s all wrong—you’ll have to do it over.
8 ended: By the time we arrived the meeting was over.  Thank goodness that’s over!  I was glad when it was over and done with .
9 used to talk about sb/sth changing position: He’s gone over to the enemy (= joined them).  Please change the wheels over (= for example, put the front wheels at the back).  Hand over the money!
10 used when communicating by radio: Message received. Over (= it is your turn to speak).  Message understood. Over and out .
IDM (all) over a'gain a second time from the beginning: He did the work so badly that I had to do it all over again myself. over against sth in contrast with sth ,over and 'over (a'gain) many times; repeatedly: I’ve told you over and over again not to do that. ,over to 'you used to say that it is sb’s turn to do sth

prep.
HELP For the special uses of over in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get over sth is in the phrasal verb section at get.
1 resting on the surface of sb/sth and partly or completely covering them/it: She put a blanket over the sleeping child.  He wore an overcoat over his suit.  She put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from screaming.
2 in or to a position higher than but not touching sb/sth; above sb/sth: They held a large umbrella over her.  The balcony juts out over the street.  There was a lamp hanging over the table.
3 from one side of sth to the other; across sth: a bridge over the river  They ran over the grass.  They had a wonderful view over the park.
4 on the far or opposite side of sth: He lives over the road.
5 so as to cross sth and be on the other side: She climbed over the wall.
6 falling from or down from a place: The car had toppled over the cliff.  He didn’t dare look over the edge.
7 (all) ~ in or on all or most parts of sth: Snow is falling all over the country.  They’ve travelled all over the world.  There were papers lying around all over the place .
8 more than a particular time, amount, cost, etc: over 3 million copies sold  She stayed in Lagos for over a month.  He’s over sixty.
9 used to show that sb has control or authority: She has only the director over her.  He ruled over a great empire.  She has editorial control over what is included.
10 during sth: We’ll discuss it over lunch.  Over the next few days they got to know the town well.  We’re away over (= until after) the New Year.
11 past a particular difficult stage or situation: We’re over the worst of the recession.  It took her ages to get over her illness.
12 because of or concerning sth; about sth: an argument over money  a disagreement over the best way to proceed
13 using sth; by means of sth: We heard it over the radio.  She wouldn’t tell me over the phone.
14 louder than sth: I couldn’t hear what he said over the noise of the traffic.  note at ABOVE
IDM ,over and a'bove in addition to sth: There are other factors over and above those we have discussed.

noun (in cricket) a series of six balls BOWLED by the same person

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over-
prefix (in nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs)
1 more than usual; too much: overproduction  overload  over-optimistic  overconfident  overanxious
2 completely: overjoyed
3 upper; outer; extra: overcoat  overtime
4 over; above: overcast  overhang
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over.all
adj., adv., noun
adj. [only before noun] including all the things or people that are involved in a particular situation; general: the person with overall responsibility for the project  There will be winners in each of three age groups, and one overall winner.  an overall improvement in standards of living (= affecting everyone)  When she finished painting, she stepped back to admire the overall effect.

adv.
1 including everything or everyone; in total: The company will invest $1.6m overall in new equipment.
2 generally; when you consider everything: Overall, this is a very useful book.

noun
1 (BrE) [C] a loose coat worn over other clothes to protect them from dirt, etc: The lab assistant was wearing a white overall.
2 (overalls) (BrE) (AmE cov.er.alls) [pl.] a loose piece of clothing like a shirt and trousers/pants in one piece, made of heavy fabric and usually worn over other clothing by workers doing dirty work: The mechanic was wearing a pair of blue overalls.—compare BOILER SUIT
3 (overalls) [pl.] (AmE) = DUNGAREES

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,overall ma'jority
noun [usually sing.]
1 more votes in an election or vote than all the other people or parties together
2 the difference between the number of members that the government has in a parliament and the number that all the other political parties have together: The Conservatives had a huge 101-seat overall majority.
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over.arch.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) very important, because it includes or influences many things
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over.arm
(especially BrE ) (also over.hand especially in AmE) adv. if you throw a ball overarm, you throw it with your arm swung backwards and then lifted high above your shoulder
over.arm (especially BrE) (also over.hand especially in AmE) adj.: an overarm throw—compare UNDERARM
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over.awe
verb [vn] [usually passive] to impress sb so much that they feel nervous or frightened: The younger players were overawed by the occasion and played badly.
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over.bal.ance
verb (especially BrE ) to lose your balance and fall; to make sb/sth lose their balance and fall: [v] He overbalanced and fell into the water. [alsovn]
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over.bear.ing
adj. (disapproving) trying to control other people in an unpleasant way
SYN DOMINEERING : an overbearing manner
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over.bite
noun (technical ) a condition in which a person or animal’s upper jaw is too far forward in relation to their lower jaw
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over.blown
adj.
1 that is made to seem larger, more impressive or more important than it really is EXAGGERATED : overblown ambitions / egos
2 (of flowers) past the best, most beautiful stage
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over.board
adv. over the side of a boat or a ship into the water: to fall / jump overboard  Huge waves washed him overboard.
IDM go 'overboard (informal) to be too excited or enthusiastic about sth or about doing sth: Don’t go overboard on fitness. throw sb/sth 'overboard to get rid of sb/sth that you think is useless
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over.book
verb to sell more tickets on a plane or RESERVE more rooms in a hotel than there are places available: [vn] The flight was heavily overbooked. [alsov] —compare DOUBLE-BOOK
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over.bur.den
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to give sb/sth more work, worry, etc. than they can deal with
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over.cap.acity
noun [U, sing.] (business ) the situation in which an industry or a factory cannot sell as much as it is designed to produce
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over.cast
adj. covered with clouds; dull: an overcast sky / day  Today it will be dull and overcast.
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over.charge
verb ~ (sb) (for sth) to make sb pay too much for sth: [vn] Make sure they don’t overcharge you for the drinks.  We were overcharged by £5. [alsov] UNDERCHARGE
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over.coat
noun a long warm coat worn in cold weather—
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over.come
verb (over.came over.come) [vn]
1 to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving sth: She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal.  The two parties managed to overcome their differences on the issue.
2 (written) to defeat sb: In the final game Sweden easily overcame France.
3 [usually passive] to be extremely strongly affected by sth: Her parents were overcome with grief at the funeral.  The dead woman had been overcome by smoke.
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over.com.pen.sate
verb [v] ~ (for sth) (by doing sth) (written) to do too much when trying to correct a problem and so cause a different problem: She overcompensated for her shyness by talking too much and laughing too loud.
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over.cook
verb [vn] to cook food for too long
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over.crowd.ed
adj. (of a place) with too many people or things in it: overcrowded cities / prisons  Too many poor people are living in overcrowded conditions.
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over.crowd.ing
noun [U] the situation when there are too many people or things in one place: overcrowding in prisons / prison overcrowding
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over.de.veloped
adj. that has grown too large: overdeveloped muscles  an overdeveloped sense of humour
over.de.velop verb [vn]
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overdo
verb (over.does , over.did , over.done ) [vn]
1 to do sth too much; to exaggerate sth: She really overdid the sympathy (= and so did not seem sincere).
2 to use too much of sth: Don’t overdo the salt in the food.  Use illustrations where appropriate but don’t overdo it .
3 [usually passive] to cook sth for too long: The fish was overdone and very dry.
IDM over'do it / things to work, study, etc. too hard or for too long: He’s been overdoing things recently.  I overdid it in the gym and hurt my back.
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over.dose
noun, verb
noun too much of a drug taken at one time: a drug / drugs overdose  She took a massive overdose of sleeping pills.

verb (also informal OD) [v] ~ (on sth) to take too much of a drug at one time, so that it is dangerous: He had overdosed on heroin.

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over.draft
noun the amount of money that you owe to a bank when you have spent more money than is in your bank account; an arrangement that allows you to do this: to run up / pay off an overdraft
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over.draw
verb (over.drew over.drawn ) (especially BrE ) to take out more money from a bank account than it contains: [vn] Customers who overdraw their accounts will be charged a fee. [alsov]
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over.drawn
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] (of a person) having taken more money out of your bank account than you have in it: I’m overdrawn by £100.
2 (of a bank account) with more money taken out than was paid in or left in: an overdrawn account  Your account is £200 overdrawn.
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over.dressed
adj. (usually disapproving) wearing clothes that are too formal or too elegant for a particular occasion
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over.drive
noun [C, U] an extra high GEAR in a vehicle, that you use when you are driving at high speeds: to be in overdrive
IDM go into 'overdrive to start being very active and working very hard: As the wedding approached, the whole family went into overdrive.
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over.due
adj.
1 not paid, done, returned, etc. by the required or expected time: an overdue payment / library book  The rent is now overdue.  Her baby is two weeks overdue.  This car is overdue for a service.
2 that should have happened or been done before now: overdue reforms  A book like this is long overdue .
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,over 'easy
adj. (AmE ) (of fried eggs) turned over when almost cooked and fried for a short time on the other side
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over.eat
verb (over.ate over.eaten ) [v] to eat more than you need or more than is healthy
over.eat.ing noun [U]: She went through periods of compulsive overeating.
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,over-'egg
verb
IDM ,over-egg the 'pudding used to say that you think sb has done more than is necessary, or has added unnecessary details to make sth seem better or worse than it really is: If you’re telling lies, keep it simple—never over-egg the pudding.
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over.empha.sis
noun [U, sing.] ~ (on sth) too much emphasis or importance: an overemphasis on curing illness rather than preventing it
over.empha.size , -iseverb : [vn] The importance of preparation cannot be overemphasized .
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over.esti.mate
verb, noun
verb [vn] to estimate sth to be larger, better, more important, etc. than it really is: They overestimated his ability when they promoted him.  The importance of these findings cannot be overestimated (= is very great).
OPP UNDERESTIMATE
over.esti.mation noun [U, C]

noun [usually sing.] an estimate about the size, cost, etc. of sth that is too high
OPP UNDERESTIMATE

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over.ex.cited
adj. too excited and not behaving in a calm or sensible way: Don’t get the children overexcited just before bedtime.
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over.ex.pose
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to affect the quality of a photograph or film by allowing too much light to enter the camera
OPP UNDEREXPOSE
2 to allow sb/sth to be seen too much on television, in the newspapers, etc.
over.ex.pos.ure noun [U]
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over.ex.tend.ed
adj. [not usually before noun] involved in more work or activities, or spending more money, than you can manage without problems
over.ex.tend verb [vn] ~ yourself: They should not overextend themselves on the mortgage.
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over.feed
verb (over.fed, over.fed ) [vn] to give sb/sth too much food
over.fed adj.
OPP UNDERFED
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over.fish.ing
noun [U] the process of taking so many fish from the sea, a river, etc. that the number of fish in it becomes very low
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over.flow
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (with sth)| ~ sth to be so full that the contents go over the sides: [v] Plates overflowed with party food.  The bath is overflowing   (figurative) Her heart overflowed with love.  [vn] The river overflowed its banks.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) (of a place) to have too many people in it: The streets were overflowing with the crowds.  The hospitals are filled to overflowing (= with patients).
3 ~ (into sth) to spread beyond the limits of a place or container that is too full: [v] The meeting overflowed into the street. [alsovn]

noun
1 [U, sing.] a number of people or things that do not fit into the space available: A new office block was built to accommodate the overflow of staff.  an overflow car park
2 [U, sing.] the action of liquid flowing out of a container that is already full; the liquid that flows out: Stop the overflow from the cistern.  an overflow of water from the lake   (figurative) an overflow of powerful emotions
3 (also 'overflow pipe) [C] a pipe that allows extra liquid to escape
4 [C, usually sing.] (computing) a fault that happens because a number or data item (for example, the result of a calculation) is too large for the computer to represent it exactly

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over.fly
verb (over.flies, over.fly.ing, over.flew over.flown ) to fly over a place: [vn] We overflew the war zone, taking photographs.  [v] the noise from overflying planes
over.flight noun
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over.ground
adv. (BrE ) on or above the surface of the ground, rather than under it: The new railway line will run overground.
over.ground adj.: overground trains / routes—compare UNDERGROUND
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over.grown
adj.
1 ~ (with sth) (of gardens, etc.) covered with plants that have been allowed to grow wild and have not been controlled: an overgrown path  The garden’s completely overgrown with weeds.
2 (often disapproving) that has grown too large: an overgrown village  They act like a pair of overgrown children (= they are adults but they behave like children).
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over.growth
noun [U, sing.] (technical ) too much growth of sth, especially sth that grows on or over sth else
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over.hand
adj., adv. (especially AmE ) = OVERARM
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over.hang
verb, noun
verb (over.hung, over.hung ) to stick out over and above sth else: [vn] His big fat belly overhung his belt.  [v] The path was cool and dark with overhanging trees.—picture at OVERLAP

noun
1 the part of sth that sticks out over and above sth else: The roof has an overhang to protect the walls from the rain.
2 the amount by which sth hangs over and above sth else
3 [usually sing.] (especially AmE, business) the state of being extra to what is required; the things that are extra: attempts to reduce the overhang of unsold goods

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over.haul
noun, verb
noun an examination of a machine or system, including doing repairs on it or making changes to it: a complete / major overhaul  A radical overhaul of the tax system is necessary.

verb [vn]
1 to examine every part of a machine, system, etc. and make any necessary changes or repairs: The engine has been completely overhauled.
2 to come from behind a competitor and go past them
SYN OVERTAKE : He managed to overhaul the leader on the final lap.

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over.head
adv., adj., noun
adv. above your head; in the sky: Planes flew overhead constantly.  Thunder boomed in the sky overhead.

adj.
1 above your head; raised above the ground: overhead power lines
2 [only before noun] connected with the general costs of running a business or an organization, for example paying for rent or electricity: overhead costs

noun [U] (especially AmE ) = OVERHEADS

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,overhead pro'jector
noun (abbr. OHP) a piece of equipment that PROJECTS an image onto a wall or screen so that many people can see it
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over.heads
noun [pl.] (especially BrE ) (also over.head [U] especially in AmE) regular costs that you have when you are running a business or an organization, such as rent, electricity, wages, etc.
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over.hear
verb (over.heard, over.heard ) to hear, especially by accident, a conversation in which you are not involved: [vn] We talked quietly so as not to be overheard.  I overheard a conversation between two boys on the bus.  [vn -ing] We overheard them arguing.  [vn inf] I overheard him say he was going to France.—compare EAVESDROP
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over.heat
verb
1 to become or to make sth become too hot: [v] The engine is overheating.  [vn] It’s vital not to overheat the liquid.
2 [v] (of a country’s economy) to be too active, with rising prices
over.heat.ing noun [U]
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over.heated
adj.
1 too hot: Don’t sleep in an overheated room.
2 too interested or excited: the figment of an overheated imagination
3 (of a country’s economy) too active in a way that may cause problems
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over.joyed
adj. [not before noun] ~ (at sth / to do sth)| ~ (that … ) extremely happy or pleased: He was overjoyed at my success.  We were overjoyed to hear their good news.  She was overjoyed that her article had been published.
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over.kill
noun [U] (disapproving) too much of sth that reduces the effect it has: There is a danger of overkill if you plan everything too carefully.
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over.land
adj. across the land; by land, not by sea or by air: an overland route
over.land adv.: to travel overland
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over.lap
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 if one thing overlaps another, or the two things overlap, part of one thing covers part of the other: [vn] A fish’s scales overlap each other  [v] The floor was protected with overlapping sheets of newspaper.
2 [vn] to make two or more things overlap : You will need to overlap the pieces of wood slightly.
3 [v, vn] if two events overlap or overlap each other, the second one starts before the first one has finished
4 ~ (with sth) to cover part of the same area of interest, knowledge, responsibility, etc: [v] Our jobs overlap slightly, which sometimes causes difficulties.  The language of science overlaps with that of everyday life. [alsovn]

noun
1 [C, U] ~ (between sth and sth) a shared area of interest, knowledge, responsibility, etc: There is (a) considerable overlap between the two subjects.
2 [C, U] the amount by which one thing covers another thing: an overlap of 5 cm on each roof tile
3 [sing.] a period of time in which two events or activities happen together: There will be an overlap of a week while John teaches Ann the job.

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over.lay
verb, noun
verb (over.laid, over.laid ) [vn] [usually passive] ~ (with sth)
1 (technical) to put sth on top of a surface so as to cover it completely; to lie on top of a surface: wood overlaid with gold
2 (literary) to add sth, especially a feeling or quality, to sth else so that it seems to cover it: The place was overlaid with memories of his childhood.

noun
1 a transparent sheet with drawings, figures, etc. on it that can be placed on top of another sheet in order to change it: An overlay showing population can be placed on top of the map.
2 a thing that is laid on top of or covers sth else: an overlay of fibreglass insulation

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over.leaf
adv. (written) on the other side of the page of a book, etc: Complete the form overleaf.  The changes are explained in detail overleaf.
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over.lie
verb (over.ly.ing, over.lay over.lain ) (technical ) to lie over sth: [v] overlying rock [alsovn]
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over.load
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to put too great a load on sth: an overloaded truck
2 ~ sb (with sth) to give sb too much of sth: He’s overloaded with responsibilities.  Don’t overload the students with information.
3 to put too great a demand on a computer, an electrical system, etc. causing it to fail: The lights went out because the system was overloaded.

noun [U, sing.] too much of sth: In these days of technological change we all suffer from information overload .

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over.long
adj. (BrE ) (AmE 'overly long) too long: an overlong agenda
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over.look
verb [vn]
1 to fail to see or notice sth
SYN MISS : He seems to have overlooked one important fact.
2 to see sth wrong or bad but decide to ignore it: We could not afford to overlook such a serious offence.
3 if a building, etc. overlooks a place, you can see that place from the building: a restaurant overlooking the lake  Our back yard is overlooked by several houses.
4 ~ sb (for sth) to not consider sb for a job or position, even though they might be suitable: She’s been overlooked for promotion several times.
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over.lord
noun (especially in the past) a person who has power over many other people: feudal / imperial overlords
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over.ly
adv. (before an adjective) too; very: I’m not overly fond of pasta.  We think you are being overly optimistic.
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over.manned
adj. (of a company, office, etc.) having more workers than are needed
SYN OVERSTAFFED
OPP UNDERMANNED
over.man.ning noun [U]: the problems of overmanning in industry
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over.much
adv. (BrE ) (AmE 'overly much) (especially with a negative verb) too much; very much: She didn’t worry overmuch about it.  Details did not concern him overmuch.
over.much adj.
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over.night
adv., adj.
adv.
1 during or for the night: We stayed overnight in London after the theatre.
2 suddenly or quickly: Don’t expect it to improve overnight.

adj. [only before noun]
1 happening during the night; for a night: an overnight flight  overnight accommodation  She took only an overnight bag (= containing the things needed for a night spent away from home).
2 happening suddenly or quickly: The play was an overnight success.

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over.pass
noun (AmE ) = FLYOVER —compare UNDERPASS
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over.pay
verb (over.paid, over.paid ) [vn] [usually passive] to pay sb too much; to pay sb more than their work is worth: I think he’s grossly overpaid for what he does.
OPP UNDERPAY
over.pay.ment noun [C, U]
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over.play
verb [vn] to give too much importance to sth: His role in the negotiations has been overplayed.
OPP UNDERPLAY
IDM overplay your 'hand to spoil your chance of success by judging your position to be stronger than it really is
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over.popu.lated
adj. (of a country or city) with too many people living in it
over.popu.la.tion noun [U]: the problems of overpopulation
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over.power
verb [vn]
1 to defeat or gain control over sb completely by using greater strength: Police finally managed to overpower and arrest the gunman.
2 to be so strong or great that it affects or disturbs sb/sth seriously: Her beauty overpowered him.  The flavour of the garlic overpowered the meat.
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over.power.ing
adj. very strong or powerful: an overpowering smell of fish  an overpowering personality  The heat was overpowering.
over.power.ing.ly adv.
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over.priced
adj. too expensive; costing more than it is worth
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over.print
verb [vn] ~ A (on B)| ~ B with A to print sth on a document, etc. that already has printing on it
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over.pro.tect.ive
adj. too anxious to protect sb from being hurt, in a way that restricts their freedom: overprotective parents
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over.quali.fied
adj. having more experience or training than is necessary for a particular job, so that people do not want to employ you
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over.rate
verb [vn] [usually passive] to have too high an opinion of sb/sth; to put too high a value on sb/sth: In my opinion, Hirst’s work has been vastly overrated.
OPP UNDERRATE
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over.reach
verb ~ (yourself) to fail by trying to achieve more than is possible: [vn] In making these promises, the company had clearly overreached itself. [alsov]
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over.react
verb [v] ~ (to sth) to react too strongly, especially to sth unpleasant: The financial markets overreacted to the news.
over.reac.tion noun [sing., U] ~ (to sth)
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over.ride
verb (over.rode over.rid.den ) [vn]
1 to use your authority to reject sb’s decision, order, etc.
SYN OVERRULE : The chairman overrode the committee’s objections and signed the agreement.
2 to be more important than sth: Considerations of safety override all other concerns.
3 to stop a process that happens automatically and control it yourself: A special code is needed to override the time lock.
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over.rid.ing
adj. [only before noun] more important than anything else in a particular situation: the overriding factor / consideration / concern  Their overriding aim was to keep costs low.  Time was of overriding importance.
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over.rule
verb [vn] [often passive] to change a decision or reject an idea from a position of greater power: to overrule a decision / an objection  The verdict was overruled by the Supreme Court.
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over.run
verb (over.ran over.run)
1 [vn] [often passive] (especially of sth bad or not wanted) to fill or spread over an area quickly, especially in large numbers: The house was completely overrun with mice.  Enemy soldiers had overrun the island.
2 to take more time or money than was intended: [v] Her lectures never overrun.  [vn] You’ve overrun your time by 10 minutes.
over.run noun: a cost overrun
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over.seas
adj., adv.
adj. connected with foreign countries, especially those separated from your country by the sea or ocean: overseas development / markets / trade  overseas students / visitors—compare HOME

adv. to or in a foreign country, especially those separated from your country by the sea or ocean
SYN ABROAD : to live / work / go overseas  The product is sold both at home and overseas.

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over.see
verb (over.saw over.seen ) [vn] to watch sb/sth and make sure that a job or an activity is done correctly
SYN SUPERVISE : United Nations observers oversaw the elections.
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over.seer
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a person whose job is to make sure that other workers do their work
2 a person or an organization that is responsible for making sure that a system is working as it should
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over.sell
verb (over.sold, over.sold ) [vn] [often passive]
1 to say that sb/sth is better than they really are: He has a tendency to oversell himself.
2 (business) to sell too much or more of sth than is available: The seats on the plane were oversold.
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over.sen.si.tive
adj. too easily upset or offended
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over.sexed
adj. having stronger sexual desire than is usual
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over.shadow
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to make sb/sth seem less important, or successful: He had always been overshadowed by his elder sister.
2 to make an event less enjoyable than it should be: News of the accident overshadowed the day’s events.
3 to throw a shadow over sth: The garden is overshadowed by tall trees.
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over.shoot
verb (over.shot, over.shot )
1 to go further than the place you intended to stop or turn: [vn] The aircraft overshot the runway.  [v] She had overshot by 20 metres.
2 [vn] to do more or to spend more money than you originally planned: The department may overshoot its cash limit this year.
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over.sight
noun
1 [C, U] the fact of making a mistake because you forget to do sth or you do not notice sth: I didn’t mean to leave her name off the list; it was an oversight.  You can never entirely eliminate human error and oversight.
2 [U] (formal) the state of being in charge of sb/sth: The committee has oversight of finance and general policy.
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over.sim.plify
verb (over.sim.pli.fies, over.sim.pli.fy.ing, over.sim.pli.fied, over.sim.pli.fied) to describe a situation, a problem, etc. in a way that is too simple and ignores some of the facts: [vn] It’s easy to oversimplify the issues involved.  an oversimplified view of human nature [alsov]
over.sim.pli.fi.ca.tion noun [C usually sing, U]: This is a gross oversimplification of the facts.—compare SIMPLIFICATION
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over.sized
(also less frequent over.size ) adj. bigger than the normal size; too big
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over.sleep
verb (over.slept, over.slept ) [v] to sleep longer than you intended: I overslept and missed the bus.
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over.spend
verb (over.spent, over.spent ) ~ (on sth) to spend too much money or more than you planned: [v] The company has overspent on marketing.  [vn] Many departments have overspent their budgets this year.
over.spend noun [sing.] (BrE): a £1 million overspend
over.spent adj.: The organization is heavily overspent.
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over.spill
noun [U, sing.] (BrE ) people who move out of a city because it is too crowded to an area where there is more space: New towns were designed to house London’s overspill.
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over.staffed
adj. (of a company, office, etc.) having more workers than are needed
SYN OVERMANNED
OPP UNDERSTAFFED
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over.state
verb [vn] to say sth in a way that makes it seem more important than it really is
SYN EXAGGERATE : He tends to overstate his case when talking politics.  The seriousness of the crime cannot be overstated .
OPP UNDERSTATE
over.state.ment noun [C, U]: It is not an overstatement to say a crisis is imminent.
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over.stay
verb [vn] to stay longer than the length of time you are expected or allowed to stay: They overstayed their visa.
IDM see WELCOME n.
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over.step
verb (-pp-) [vn] to go beyond what is normal or allowed: to overstep your authority  He tends to overstep the boundaries of good taste.
IDM overstep the 'mark / 'line to behave in a way that people think is not acceptable
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over.stock
verb [vn, v]
1 to buy or make more of sth than you need or can sell
2 to put too many animals in a place where there is not enough room or food for them
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over.stretch
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself (especially BrE ) to do more than you are capable of; to make sb/sth do more than they are capable of: The prison service is badly overstretched.  Credit cards can tempt you to overstretch yourself (= spend more money than you can afford).
over.stretched adj.: overstretched muscles  overstretched services
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over.sub.scribed
adj. if an activity, service, etc. is oversubscribed, there are fewer places, tickets, etc. than the number of people who are asking for them
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overt
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) done in an open way and not secretly: There was little overt support for the project.—compare COVERT
overt.ly adv.: overtly political activities
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over.take
verb (over.took over.taken )
1 (especially BrE ) to go past a moving vehicle or person ahead of you because you are going faster than they are: [vn] He pulled out to overtake a truck.  [v] It’s dangerous to overtake on a bend.
2 [vn] to become greater in number, amount or importance than sth else: In the next century, nuclear energy could overtake oil as the main fuel.  We mustn’t let ourselves be overtaken by our competitors.
3 [vn] [often passive] if sth unpleasant overtakes a person, it unexpectedly starts to happen and to affect them: The climbers were overtaken by bad weather.  Sudden panic overtook her.  Our original plan was overtaken by events (= the situation changed very rapidly) and we had to make a new one.
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over.tax
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself
1 to do more than you are able or want to do; to make sb/sth do more than they are able or want to do: to overtax your strength / heart / voice  Take it easy. Don’t overtax yourself.
2 to make a person or an organization pay too much tax
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,over-the-'counter
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of drugs and medicines) that can be obtained without a PRESCRIPTION (= a written order from a doctor)
2 (AmE, business) (of stocks and shares) not appearing in an official STOCK EXCHANGE list
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over.throw
verb, noun
verb (over.threw over.thrown ) [vn] to remove a leader or a government from a position of power by force: The president was overthrown in a military coup.

noun [usually sing.] the act of taking power by force from a leader or government

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over.time
noun [U]
1 time that you spend working at your job after you have worked the normal hours: to do / work overtime  overtime pay / earnings / hours  The union announced a ban on overtime.
2 the money sb earns for doing overtime : They pay £58 a day plus overtime.
3 (AmE, sport) = EXTRA TIME
IDM be working 'overtime (informal) to be very active or too active: There was nothing to worry about. It was just her imagination working overtime.
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over.tired
adj. extremely tired, so that you become irritated easily
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over.tone
noun [usually pl.] an attitude or an emotion that is suggested and is not expressed in a direct way: There were political overtones to the point he was making.—compare UNDERTONE
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over.ture
noun
1 a piece of music written as an introduction to an opera or a ballet: Prokofiev’s overture to ‘Romeo and Juliet’
2 [usually pl.] ~ (to sb) a suggestion or an action by which sb tries to make friends, start a business relationship, have discussions, etc. with sb else: He began making overtures to a number of merchant banks.
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over.turn
verb
1 if sth overturns, or if sb overturns it, it turns upside down or on its side: [v] The car skidded and overturned.  [vn] He stood up quickly, overturning his chair.
2 [vn] to officially decide that a legal decision etc. is not correct, and to make it no longer valid: to overturn a decision / conviction / verdict  His sentence was overturned by the appeal court.
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over.use
verb [vn] to use sth too much or too often: ‘Nice’ is a very overused word.
over.use noun [U, sing.]
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over.value
verb [vn] [often passive] to put too high a value on sth: Intelligence can be overvalued.   (business ) overvalued currencies / stocks
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over.view
noun a general description or an outline of sth
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over.ween.ing
adj. [only before noun] (formal, disapproving) showing too much confidence or pride
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over.weight
adj. (of people) too heavy and fat: She was only a few pounds overweight.
OPP UNDERWEIGHT
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over.whelm
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to have such a strong emotional effect on sb that it is difficult for them to resist or know how to react: She was overwhelmed by feelings of guilt.  He felt completely overwhelmed by their kindness.  The beauty of the landscape overwhelmed me.
2 to defeat sb completely: The army was overwhelmed by the rebels.
3 to be so bad or so great that a person cannot deal with it; to give too much of a thing to a person: We were overwhelmed by requests for information.
4 (literary) (of water) to cover sb/sth completely
SYN FLOOD
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over.whelm.ing
adj. very great or very strong; so powerful that you cannot resist it or decide how to react: The evidence against him was overwhelming.  The overwhelming majority of those present were in favour of the plan.  an overwhelming sense of loss / relief  She had the almost overwhelming desire to tell him the truth.  You may find it somewhat overwhelming at first.
over.whelm.ing.ly adv.: They voted overwhelmingly against the proposal.
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over.winter
verb [v, vn] (of animals, birds and plants) to spend the winter months in a place; to stay alive or to keep sth alive during the winter—compare WINTER
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over.work
verb, noun
verb to work too hard; to make a person or an animal work too hard: [v] You look tired. Have you been overworking?  [vn] The staff are grossly overworked.

noun [U] the fact of working too hard: His illness was brought on by money worries and overwork.

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over.worked
adj.
1 made to work too hard or too much: overworked nurses
2 (of words or phrases) used too often so that the meaning or effect has become weaker
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over.write
verb (over.wrote over.writ.ten ) [vn] (computing ) to replace information on the screen or in a file by putting new information over it
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over.wrought
adj. very worried and upset; excited in a nervous way
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ovoid
adj. (formal) shaped like an egg
ovoid noun
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ovu.late
verb [v] (of a woman or a female animal) to produce an egg (= called an OVUM ), from the OVARY
ovu.la.tion noun [U]: methods of predicting ovulation
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ovum
noun (pl.ova ) (biology ) a female cell of an animal or a plant that can develop into a young animal or plant when FERTILIZED
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ow
exclamation used to express sudden pain: Ow! That hurt!
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owe
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 ~ sth (to sb) (for sth)| ~ (sb) sth (for sth) to have to pay sb for sth that you have already received or return money that you have borrowed: [vnn, vn] She still owes her father £3 000.  She still owes £3 000 to her father  [vn] The country owes billions of dollars to foreign creditors.  [vnn] How much do I owe you for the groceries?   (figurative) I’m still owed three days' leave.
2 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to feel that you ought to do sth for sb or give them sth, especially because they have done sth for you: [vn] I owe a debt of gratitude to all my family.  You owe it to your staff to be honest with them.  [vnn] You owe me a favour!  Thanks for sticking up for me—I owe you one (= I owe you a favour).  I think you owe us an explanation.  I think we’re owed an apology.
HELP The passive is not used in this meaning except with a person as the subject: An apology is owed to us.
3 ~ sth to sb/sth| ~ sb sth to exist or be successful because of the help or influence of sb/sth: [vn] He owes his success to hard work.  The play owes much to French tragedy.  [vn, vnn] I owe everything to him.  I owe him everything.  [vnn] I knew that I owed the surgeon my life.
4 [vn] ~ allegiance / loyalty / obedience (to sb) (formal) to have to obey or be loyal to sb who is in a position of authority or power
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owing
adj. [not before noun] (BrE ) money that is owing has not been paid yet: £100 is still owing on the loan.
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'owing to
prep. because of: The game was cancelled owing to torrential rain.
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owl
noun a BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) with large round eyes, that hunts at night. Owls are traditionally thought to be wise: a little / short-eared / snowy owl  An owl hooted nearby.—see also BARN OWL , NIGHT OWL , TAWNY OWL
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owl.ish
adj. looking like an owl , especially because you are wearing round glasses, and therefore seeming serious and intelligent
owl.ish.ly adv.: She blinked at them owlishly.
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own
adj., pron., verb
adj., pron.
1 used to emphasize that sth belongs to or is connected with sb: It was her own idea.  I saw it with my own eyes (= I didn’t hear about it from somebody else).  Is the car your own?  Your day off is your own (= you can spend it as you wish).  Our children are grown up and have children of their own .  For reasons of his own (= particular reasons that perhaps only he knew about), he refused to join the club.  The accident happened through no fault of her own .  He wants to come into the business on his own terms .  I need a room of my own .  I have my very own room at last.
HELP Own cannot be used after an article: I need my own room.  I need an own room.  It’s good to have your own room.  It’s good to have the own room.
2 done or produced by and for yourself: She makes all her own clothes.  He has to cook his own meals.
IDM come into your / its 'own to have the opportunity to show how good or useful you are or sth is: When the traffic’s this bad, a bicycle really comes into its own. get your 'own back (on sb) (informal) to do sth to sb in return for harm they have done to you; to get REVENGE : I’ll get my own back on him one day, I swear! hold your 'own (against sb/sth) (in sth) to remain in a strong position when sb is attacking you, competing with you, etc: Business isn’t good but we’re managing to hold our own.  She can hold her own against anybody in an argument.  The patient is holding her own although she is still very sick. (all) on your 'own
1 alone; without anyone else: I’m all on my own today.  She lives on her own.
2 without help: He did it on his own.—more at MIND n. , SAKE^1 , SOUND n.

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 [vn] to have sth that belongs to you, especially because you have bought it: Do you own your house or do you rent it?  I don’t own anything of any value.  Most of the apartments are privately owned.  an American owned company
2 ~ to sth / to doing sth (old-fashioned) to admit that sth is true: [v] He owned to a feeling of guilt.  [v (that)] She owned (that) she had been present.
IDM ,behave / ,act as if you 'own the place | think you 'own the place (disapproving) to behave in a very confident way that annoys other people, for example by telling them what to do
PVR V ,own 'up (to sth / to doing sth) to admit that you are responsible for sth bad or wrong
SYN CONFESS : I’m still waiting for someone to own up to the breakages.

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,own-'brand
(also ,own-'label) (both BrE ) (AmE 'store-brand) adj. used to describe goods that are marked with the name of the shop/store in which they are sold rather than with the name of the company that produced them
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owner
noun a person who owns sth: a boat / dog / factory owner  The painting has now been returned to its rightful owner .  He’s now the proud owner of a cottage in Wales.—see also HOMEOWNER , LANDOWNER
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,owner-'occupied
adj. (of a house, etc.) lived in by the owner rather than rented to sb else
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,owner-'occupier
noun a person who owns the house, flat/apartment, etc. that they live in
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own.er.ship
noun [U] the fact of owning sth: a growth in home ownership  Ownership of the land is currently being disputed.  to be in joint / private / public ownership  The restaurant is under new ownership.
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,own 'goal
noun [usually sing.] (BrE )
1 (in football and some other sports) a goal that is scored by mistake by a player against his or her own team
2 something that you do that achieves the opposite of what you wanted and that brings you a disadvantage
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,own-'label
adj. (BrE ) = OWN-BRAND
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ox
noun (pl.oxen )
1 a BULL (= a male cow) that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed), used, especially in the past, for pulling farm equipment, etc.—compare BULLOCK , STEER
2 (old-fashioned) any cow or BULL on a farm—see also CATTLE
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Ox.bridge
noun [U] the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, when they are thought of together: an Oxbridge education / graduate—compare IVY LEAGUE , RED-BRICK
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ox.ford
noun
1 (oxfords) [pl.] (especially AmE) leather shoes that fasten with LACES —picture at SHOE
2 [U] (AmE) a thick cotton fabric: an oxford shirt
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oxide
noun [U, C] (chemistry ) a compound of OXYGEN and another chemical element: iron oxide  an oxide of tin
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oxi.dize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (technical ) to combine or to make sth combine with OXYGEN , especially when this causes metal to become covered with RUST
oxi.diza.tion , -isa.tion (also oxi.da.tion ) noun [U]
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Oxon
abbr. (used after degree titles) of Oxford University: Alice Tolley MA (Oxon)
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ox.tail
noun [U, C] meat from the tail of a cow, used especially for making soup: oxtail soup
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oxy.gen
noun [U] (symb O) a chemical element. Oxygen is a colourless gas that is present in air and water and is necessary for people, animals and plants to live.
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oxy.gen.ate
verb [vn] (technical ) to supply sth with oxygen
oxy.gen.ation noun [U]
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'oxygen mask
noun a device placed over the nose and mouth through which a person can breathe OXYGEN , for example in an aircraft or a hospital
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oxy.moron
noun (technical ) a phrase that combines two words that seem to be the opposite of each other, for example a deafening silence
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oys.ter
noun a large flat shellfish. Some types of oyster can be eaten and others produce shiny white jewels called PEARLS : Oyster beds, on the mudflats, are a form of fish farming.
IDM see WORLD
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Oz
noun [U] (BrE, AustralE , informal) Australia
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oz
abbr. OUNCE(S) : 4oz sugar
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ozone
noun [U]
1 (chemistry) a poisonous gas with a strong smell that is a form of OXYGEN
2 (BrE, informal) air near the sea that smells fresh and pure
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,ozone-'friendly
adj. not containing substances that will damage the OZONE LAYER
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'ozone hole
noun an area in the ozone layer where the amount of OZONE has been very much reduced so that harmful rays from the sun can pass through it
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'ozone layer
noun [sing.] a layer of OZONE high above the earth’s surface that helps to protect the earth from the sun’s harmful rays
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P
(also p) noun [C, U] (pl.P’s, p’s ) the 16th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Pizza’ begins with (a) P / ‘P’.
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p
(also p.) abbr.
1 (pl.pp.) page: See p.34 and pp.63-72.
2 PENNY , PENCE : a 30p stamp
3 (music) quietly (from Italian ‘piano’)—see also P. AND P. , P. AND H.
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PA
abbr.
1 PUBLIC ADDRESS (SYSTEM) : Announcements were made over the PA.
2 (especially BrE) PERSONAL ASSISTANT : She’s the Managing Director’s PA.
3 Press Association
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pa
noun (old-fashioned, informal) father: I used to know your pa.
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p.a.
abbr. per year (from Latin ‘per annum’): an increase of 3% p.a.
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pace^1
noun, verb —see also PACE^2
noun
1 [sing., U] the speed at which sb/sth walks, runs or moves: to set off at a steady / gentle / leisurely pace   Congestion frequently reduces traffic to walking pace .  The ball gathered pace as it rolled down the hill.  The runners have noticeably quickened their pace.
2 [sing., U] ~ (of sth) the speed at which sth happens: It is difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of change.  We encourage all students to work at their own pace (= as fast or as slow as they can).  I prefer the relaxed pace of life in the country.  Rumours of corruption and scandal gathered pace (= increased in number).
3 [C] an act of stepping once when walking or running; the distance travelled when doing this: She took two paces forward.
4 [U] the fact of sth happening, changing, etc. quickly: He gave up his job in advertising because he couldn’t stand the pace .  The novel lacks pace (= it develops too slowly).—see also PACY
IDM go through your 'paces | show your 'paces to perform a particular activity in order to show other people what you are capable of doing keep 'pace (with sb/sth) to move, increase, change, etc. at the same speed as sb/sth: She found it hard to keep pace with him as he strode off.  Until now, wage increases have always kept pace with inflation. put sb/sth through their / its 'paces to give sb/sth a number of tasks to perform in order to see what they are capable of doing set the 'pace
1 to do sth at a particular speed or to a particular standard so that other people are then forced to copy it if they want to be successful: The company is no longer setting the pace in the home computer market.
2 (in a race) to run faster than the other competitors, at a speed that they then try to copy—more at FORCE v. , SNAIL

verb
1 to walk up and down in a small area many times, especially because you are feeling nervous or angry: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : She paced up and down outside the room.  [vn] Ted paced the floor restlessly.
2 [vn] to set the speed at which sth happens or develops: He paced his game skilfully.
3 [vn] ~ yourself to find the right speed or rhythm for your work or an activity so that you have enough energy to do what you have to do: He’ll have to learn to pace himself in this job.
PVR V pace sth<->off / out to measure the size of sth by walking across it with regular steps

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pace^2
prep. (from Latin , formal) used before a person’s name to express polite disagreement with what they have said: The evidence suggests, pace Professor Jones, that … (= Professor Jones has a different opinion).—see also PACE^1
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pace.maker
noun
1 an electronic device that is put inside a person’s body to help their heart beat regularly
2 (also pace.setter especially in AmE) a person or an animal that begins a race quickly so that the other competitors will try to copy the speed and run a fast race: (figurative) The big banks have been the pacesetters in developing the system.
3 (also pace.setter especially in AmE) a person or team that is winning in a sports competition: The local club are now only one point off the pacemakers.
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pace.setter
noun (especially AmE ) = PACEMAKER
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pachy.derm
noun (technical ) a type of animal with a very thick skin, for example, an elephant—
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pa.cif.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) peaceful or loving peace
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the Pa,cific 'Rim
noun [sing.] the countries around the Pacific Ocean, especially the countries of Eastern Asia, considered as an economic group
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paci.fier
noun (AmE ) = DUMMY
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paci.fism
noun [U] the belief that war and violence are always wrong
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paci.fist
noun a person who believes in pacifism and who refuses to fight in a war—compare CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR
paci.fist adj. [usually before noun]: pacifist beliefs / groups / views
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pacify
verb (paci.fies, paci.fy.ing, paci.fied, paci.fied) [vn]
1 to make sb who is angry or upset become calm and quiet: The baby could not be pacified.  The announcement was designed to pacify the irate crowd.
2 to bring peace to an area where there is fighting or a war
paci.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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pack
verb, noun
verb
PUT INTO CONTAINER|
1 to put clothes, etc. into a bag in preparation for a trip away from home: [v] I haven’t packed yet.  [vn] I haven’t packed my suitcase yet.  He packed a bag with a few things and was off.  He packed a few things into a bag.  Did you pack the camera?  [vnn] I’ve packed you some food for the journey.
OPP UNPACK
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) (in / into sth) to put sth into a container so that it can be stored, transported or sold: The pottery was packed in boxes and shipped to the US.  I carefully packed up the gifts.  He found a part-time job packing eggs.
OPP UNPACK
PROTECT|
3 [vn] ~ sth (in / with sth) to protect sth that breaks easily by surrounding it with soft material: The paintings were carefully packed in newspaper.
PRESERVE FOOD|
4 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to preserve food in a particular substance: fish packed in ice
FILL|
5 to fill sth with a lot of people or things: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : We all packed together into one car.  [vn] Fans packed the hall to see the band.—see also PACKED OUT , PACKED
SNOW / SOIL|
6 [vn] ~ sth (down) to press sth such as snow or soil to form a thick hard mass: Pack the earth down around the plant.  a patch of packed snow
CARRY GUN|
7 [vn] (AmE, informal) to carry sth dangerous, especially a gun: to pack a gun  A storm packing 75 mph winds swept across the area last night. pack a (powerful, real, etc.) 'punch (informal)
1 (of a boxer) to be capable of hitting sb very hard
2 to have a powerful effect on sb: The advertising campaign packs quite a punch. pack your 'bags (informal) to leave a person or place permanently, especially after a disagreement—more at SEND ,pack 'away to be capable of being folded up small when it is not being used: The tent packs away in a small bag. ,pack sth<->a'way to put sth in a box, etc. when you have finished using it: We packed away the summer clothes. ,pack sb<->'in [no passive] (of plays, performers, etc.) to attract a lot of people to see it/them: The show is still packing them in . ,pack sth<->'in (informal) to stop doing sth: She decided to pack in her job.   (especially BrE) Pack it in (= stop behaving badly or annoying me), you two! ,pack sb/sth 'in / 'into sth
1 to do a lot of things in a limited period of time: You seem to have packed a lot into your life!
2 to put a lot of things or people into a limited space: They’ve managed to pack a lot of information into a very small book. ,pack 'into sth to go somewhere in large numbers so that all available space is filled: Over 80 000 fans packed into the stadium to watch the final.—see also PACK (5) ,pack sb<->'off (to … ) (informal) to send sb somewhere, especially because you do not want them with you: My parents always packed me off to bed early. ,pack sth<->'out (of shows, performers, etc.) to attract enough people to completely fill a theatre, etc: The band can still pack out concert halls.—see also PACKED OUT ,pack 'up (informal, especially BrE) (of a machine) to stop working: The fax machine’s packed up again. ,pack 'up| ,pack (sth)<->'up
1 to put your possessions into a bag, etc. before leaving a place: Are you packing up already? It’s only 4 o’clock.  We arrived just as the musicians were packing up their instruments.
2 (BrE, informal) to stop doing sth, especially a job: What made you pack up a good job like that?—see also PACK (2)

noun
CONTAINER|
1 [C] (especially AmE) a container, usually made of paper, that holds a number of the same thing or an amount of sth, ready to be sold: a pack of cigarettes / gum  You can buy the disks in packs of ten.—compare PACKAGE , PACKET —see also FLAT-PACK , SIX-PACK
SET|
2 [C] a set of different things that are supplied together for a particular purpose: Send for your free information pack today.
THINGS TIED FOR CARRYING|
3 [C] a number of things that are wrapped or tied together, especially for carrying: donkeys carrying packs of wool   (figurative) Everything she told us is a pack of lies (= a story that is completely false).
LARGE BAG|
4 [C] a large bag that you carry on your back, with straps that fit over your shoulders: We passed a group of walkers, carrying huge packs.—see also BACKPACK , FANNY PACK
OF ANIMALS|
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of animals that hunt together or are kept for hunting: packs of savage dogs  wolves hunting in packs  a pack of hounds
OF PEOPLE|
6 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of similar people or things, especially one that you do not like or approve of: We avoided a pack of journalists waiting outside.  He’s the leader of the pack.
7 [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people who are behind the leaders in a race, competition, etc: measures aimed at keeping the company ahead of the pack
OF CARDS|
8 (BrE) (also deckAmE, BrE) [C] a complete set of 52 playing cards: a pack of cards—
OF CUBS / BROWNIES|
9 [C+sing./pl. v.] an organized group of CUBS or BROWNIES : to join a Brownie pack
FOR WOUND|
10 [C] a hot or cold piece of soft material that absorbs liquid, used for treating a wound—see also ICE PACK , FACE PACK
IDM see JOKER

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pack.age
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially AmE) = PARCEL : A large package has arrived for you.—compare PACK
2 (AmE) a box, bag, etc. in which things are wrapped or packed; the contents of a box etc: Check the list of ingredients on the side of the package.  a package of hamburger buns—compare PACKET
3 (also 'package deal) a set of items or ideas that must be bought or accepted together: a benefits package  an aid package  a package of measures to help small businesses
4 (also 'software package) (computing) a set of related programs for a particular type of task such as WORD PROCESSING , sold and used as a single unit: The system came with a database software package.

verb [vn] [often passive]
1 ~ sth (up) to put sth into a box, bag, etc. to be sold or transported: packaged food / goods  We package our products in recyclable materials.  The orders were already packaged up, ready to be sent.
2 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to present sb/sth in a particular way: an attempt to package news as entertainment

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'package tour
(BrE also 'package holiday) noun a holiday/vacation that is organized by a company at a fixed price and that includes the cost of travel, hotels, etc.
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pack.aging
noun [U]
1 materials used to wrap or protect goods that are sold in shops/stores: Attractive packaging can help to sell products.
2 the process of wrapping goods: His company offers a flexible packaging service for the food industry.
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'pack animal
noun an animal used for carrying loads, for example a horse
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packed
adj.
1 extremely full of people: The restaurant was packed.  The show played to packed houses (= large audiences).
2 ~ with sth containing a lot of a particular thing: The book is packed with information.
3 tightly ~ pressed closely together: The birds' nests are lined with tightly packed leaves.
4 [not before noun] (informal) having put everything you need into cases, boxes, etc. before you go somewhere: I’m all packed and ready to go.
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,packed 'lunch
(BrE ) (AmE 'bag lunch) noun a meal of sandwiches, fruit, etc. that is prepared at home and eaten at school, work, etc.
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,packed 'out
adj. [not before noun] (informal, especially BrE ) completely full of people or things: Opera houses are packed out wherever she sings.
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pack.er
noun a person, machine or company that puts food, goods, etc. into containers to be sold or sent to sb
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packet
noun
1 (BrE) a small paper or cardboard container in which goods are packed for selling: a packet of biscuits / cigarettes / crisps—compare PACKAGE , PACK n. (1) —picture at PACKAGING
2 a small object wrapped in paper or put into a thick envelope so that it can be sent by mail, carried easily or given as a present: A packet of photographs arrived with the mail.
3 (AmE) = SACHET : a packet of instant cocoa mix
4 [sing.] (informal) a large amount of money: That car must have cost a packet.
5 (computing) a piece of information that forms part of a message sent through a computer NETWORK —see also PAY PACKET
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'pack horse
noun a horse used for carrying heavy loads
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'pack ice
noun [U] a large mass of ice floating in the sea, formed from smaller pieces that have frozen together
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pack.ing
noun [U]
1 the act of putting your possessions, clothes, etc. into bags or boxes in order to take or send them somewhere: Have you finished your packing?
2 material used for wrapping around delicate objects in order to protect them, especially before sending them somewhere: (BrE) The price includes postage and packing .
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'packing case
noun (BrE ) a large strong box for packing or transporting goods in
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'pack rat
noun (AmE ) a person who collects and stores things that they do not really need
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pact
noun ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb) (to do sth) a formal agreement between two or more people, groups or countries, especially one in which they agree to help each other: a non-aggression pact  They have made a pact with each other not to speak about their differences in public.  a suicide pact (= an agreement by two or more people to kill themselves at the same time)
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pacy
adj. (informal)
1 (of a book, film / movie, etc.) having a story that develops quickly
2 able to run quickly: a pacy winger who can also score goals
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pad
noun, verb
noun
OF SOFT MATERIAL|
1 a thick piece of soft material that is used, for example, for absorbing liquid, cleaning or protecting sth: medicated cleansing pads for sensitive skin  sanitary pads (= that a woman uses during her PERIODS )—see also SHOULDER PAD
OF PAPER|
2 a number of pieces of paper for writing or drawing on, that are fastened together at one edge: a sketch / writing pad  She always kept a pad and pencil by the phone.—see also NOTEPAD , SCRATCH PAD
OF ANIMAL’S FOOT|
3 the soft part under the foot of a cat, dog, etc.
FOR CLEANING|
4 [C] a small piece of rough material used for cleaning pans, surfaces, etc: a scouring pad
FOR SPACECRAFT / HELICOPTER|
5 a flat surface where a spacecraft or a HELICOPTER takes off and lands—see also HELIPAD , LAUNCH PAD
FOR PROTECTION|
6 [usually pl.] a piece of thick material that you wear in some sports, for example football and cricket, to protect your legs, elbows, etc.—picture at HOCKEY
OF WATER PLANTS|
7 the large flat leaf of some water plants, especially the WATER LILY : floating lily pads
FLAT / APARTMENT|
8 [usually sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) the place where sb lives, especially a flat/apartment: He moved back into his old bachelor pad.—see also INK-PAD , KEYPAD

verb (-dd-)
ADD SOFT MATERIAL|
1 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to put a layer of soft material in or on sth in order to protect it, make it thicker or change its shape: All the sharp corners were padded with foam.  a padded jacket  a padded envelope (= for sending delicate objects)
WALK QUIETLY|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk with quiet steps: She padded across the room to the window.
BILLS|
3 [vn] (AmE) to dishonestly add items to bills to obtain more money: to pad bills / expense accounts ,pad sth<->'out
1 to put soft material into a piece of clothing in order to change its shape
2 to make sth such as an article, seem longer or more impressive by adding things that are unnecessary: The report was padded out with extracts from previous documents.

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,padded 'cell
noun a room in a hospital for mentally ill people, with soft walls to prevent violent patients from injuring themselves
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pad.ding
noun [U]
1 soft material that is placed inside sth to make it more comfortable or to change its shape
2 words that are used to make a speech, piece of writing, etc. longer, but that do not contain any interesting information
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pad.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a short pole with a flat wide part at one or both ends, that you hold in both hands and use for moving a small boat, especially a CANOE , through water—compare OAR —picture at BOAT
2 [C] a tool or part of a machine shaped like a paddle , especially one used for mixing food
3 (a paddle) [sing.] (BrE) an act or period of walking in shallow water with bare feet: Let’s go for a paddle.—see also DOG-PADDLE
4 (AmE) a bat used for playing TABLE TENNIS
5 (AmE) a piece of wood with a handle, used for hitting children as a punishment
IDM see CREEK

verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move a small boat through water using a paddle : [v] We paddled downstream for about a mile.  [vn] We paddled the canoe along the coast.
2 (BrE ) (AmE wade) [v] to walk or stand with bare feet in shallow water in the sea, a lake, etc: The children have gone paddling .
3 [v] to swim with short movements of your hands or feet up and down
4 [vn] (AmE) to hit a child with a flat piece of wood as a punishment

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'paddle steamer
(BrE ) (also paddle.boatAmE, BrE) noun an old-fashioned type of boat driven by steam and moved forward by a large wheel or wheels at the side
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'paddling pool
(BrE ) (AmE 'wading pool) noun a shallow swimming pool for children to play in, especially a small plastic one that you fill with water
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pad.dock
noun
1 a small field in which horses are kept
2 (in horse racing or motor racing) an enclosed area where horses or cars are taken before a race and shown to the public
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Paddy
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) an offensive word for a person from Ireland
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paddy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also 'paddy field) a field in which rice is grown: a rice paddy
2 [usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a state of being angry or in a bad mood: The news put him in a bit of a paddy.
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'paddy wagon
noun (informal, AmE ) = PATROL WAGON
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pad.lock
noun, verb
noun a type of lock that is used to fasten two things together or to fasten one thing to another. Padlocks are used with chains on gates, bicycles, etc.—picture at CHAIN

verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to lock sth with a padlock : She always padlocked her bike to the railings.  The doors were padlocked.

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padre
noun (often used as a form of address) a priest, or other Christian MINISTER , especially in the armed forces—compare CHAPLAIN
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paean
noun (literary) a song of praise or victory
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paed-
(BrE ) (AmEped-) combining form (in nouns and adjectives) connected with children: paediatrician
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paedi.at.ri.cian
(BrE ) (AmEpedi.at.ri.cian) noun a doctor who studies and treats the diseases of children
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paedi.at.rics
(BrE ) (AmEpedi.at.rics) noun [U] the branch of medicine concerned with children and their diseases
paedi.at.ric (BrE) (AmE pedi-) adj.: paediatric surgery
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paedo.phile
(BrE ) (AmEpedo-) noun a person who is sexually attracted to children
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paedo.philia
(BrE ) (AmEpedo-) noun [U] the condition of being sexually attracted to children; sexual activity with children
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pa.ella
noun [U, C] a Spanish dish of rice, chicken, fish and vegetables, cooked and served in a large shallow pan
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pagan
noun (often disapproving)
1 a person who holds religious beliefs that are not part of any of the world’s main religions
2 used in the past by Christians to describe a person who did not believe in Christianity
pagan adj.: a pagan festival / religion
pa.gan.ism noun [U]
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page
noun, verb
noun
1 (abbr.p) one side or both sides of a sheet of paper in a book, magazine, etc: Turn to page 64.  Someone has torn a page out of this book.  a blank / new page  the sports / financial pages of the newspaper  on the opposite / facing page   over the page (= on the next page)—see also FRONT-PAGE , FULL-PAGE , YELLOW PAGES
2 a section of data or information that can be shown on a computer screen at any one time—see also HOME PAGE
3 (literary) an important event or period of history: a glorious page of Arab history
4 (BrE) = PAGEBOY
5 (in the Middle Ages) a boy or young man who worked for a KNIGHT while training to be a knight himself
6 (AmE) a student who works as an assistant to a member of the US Congress
IDM see PRINT v.

verb [vn]
1 to call sb’s name over a PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM in order to find them and give them a message: Why don’t you have him paged at the airport?
2 to contact sb by sending a message to their PAGER : Page Dr Green immediately.

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pa.geant
noun
1 a public entertainment in which people dress in historical COSTUMES and give performances of scenes from history
2 (AmE) a competition for young women in which their beauty, personal qualities and skills are judged: a beauty pageant—compare BEAUTY CONTEST
3 ~ (of sth) (literary) something that is considered as a series of interesting and different events: life’s rich pageant
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pa.geant.ry
noun [U] impressive and colourful events and ceremonies involving a lot of people wearing special clothes: the pageantry of royal occasions
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page.boy
noun
1 (also page) (both BrE) (also bell.boyAmE, BrE) (AmE also bell.hop) a boy or young man, usually in uniform, employed in a hotel to carry cases, open doors for people, etc.
2 (also page) (both BrE) a small boy who helps or follows a BRIDE during a marriage ceremony—compare BRIDESMAID
3 a woman’s hairstyle in which the hair is shoulder-length and turned under at the ends
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pager
noun a small electronic device that you carry around with you and that shows a message or lets you know when sb is trying to contact you, for example by making a sound: Try to contact him on his pager.  Suddenly a pager went off.—see also BEEPER , BLEEPER
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pa.gin.ate
verb [vn] (technical ) to give a number to each page of a book, piece of writing, etc.
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pa.gin.ation
noun [U] (technical ) the process of giving a page number to each page of a book; the page numbers given
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pa.goda
noun a TEMPLE (= religious building) in India or E Asia in the form of a tall tower with several levels, each of which has its own roof which stretches over the floor below
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pah
exclamation used to represent the sound that people make when they disagree with sth or disapprove of sth strongly
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paid
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of work, etc.) for which people receive money: Neither of them is currently in paid employment.  a well-paid job
2 (of a person) receiving money for doing work: Men still outnumber women in the paid workforce.  I’m just a poorly paid teacher.
OPP UNPAID —see also PAY v.
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'paid-up
adj. [only before noun]
1 having paid all the money necessary to be a member of a club or an organization: a fully paid-up member
2 (informal) strongly supporting sb/sth: a fully paid-up environmental campaigner
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pail, pail.ful
noun (AmE or old-fashioned) = BUCKET
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pain
noun, verb
noun —see also PAINS
1 [U, C] the feelings that you have in your body when you have been hurt or when you are ill: a cry of pain  She was clearly in a lot of pain .  He felt a sharp pain in his knee.  patients suffering from acute back pain  stomach / chest pains  You get more aches and pains as you get older.  The booklet contains information on pain relief during labour.  This cream should help to relieve the pain.—see also GROWING PAINS
2 [U, C] mental or emotional suffering: the pain of separation / loss  I never meant to cause her pain.  the pleasures and pains of growing old
3 [C] (informal) a person or thing that is very annoying: She can be a real pain when she’s in a bad mood.  It’s a pain having to go all that way for just one meeting.
IDM on / under pain of sth (formal) with the threat of having sth done to you as a punishment if you do not obey: They were required to cut pollution levels, on pain of a £10 000 fine if they disobeyed. a pain in the 'neck (BrE also a pain in the 'arse / 'backside) (AmE also a pain in the 'ass / 'butt) (informal) a person or thing that is very annoying

verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to cause sb pain or make them unhappy
SYN HURT : [vn] She was deeply pained by the accusation.   (old use) The wound still pained him occasionally.  [vn to inf] It pains me to see you like this. [alsovn that]

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pained
adj. showing that sb is feeling annoyed or upset: a pained expression / voice
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pain.ful
adj.
1 causing you pain: Is your back still painful?  a painful death  My ankle is still too painful to walk on.
2 ~ (for sb) (to do sth)| ~ (doing sth) causing you to feel upset or embarrassed: a painful experience / memory  Their efforts were painful to watch.
3 unpleasant or difficult to do: Applying for jobs can be a long and painful process.
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pain.ful.ly
adv.
1 extremely, and in a way that makes you feel annoyed, upset, etc: painfully shy / thin  He was painfully aware of his lack of experience.  Progress has been painfully slow.
2 in a way that causes you physical or emotional pain: He banged his knee painfully against the desk.
3 with a lot of effort and difficulty: painfully acquired experience
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pain.kill.er
noun a drug that reduces pain: She’s on (= taking) painkillers.
pain.kill.ing adj.: painkilling drugs / injections
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pain.less
adj.
1 causing you no pain: a painless death  The treatment is painless.
2 not unpleasant or difficult to do: The interview was relatively painless.
pain.less.ly adv.
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pains
noun [pl.]
IDM be at pains to do sth to put a lot of effort into doing sth correctly: She was at great pains to stress the advantages of the new system. for your 'pains (especially BrE, often ironic) as payment, reward or thanks for sth you have done: I told her what I thought and got a mouthful of abuse for my pains! take (great) pains (to do sth) | go to great pains (to do sth) to put a lot of effort into doing sth: The couple went to great pains to keep their plans secret. take (great) pains with / over sth to do sth very carefully: He always takes great pains with his lectures.
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pains.tak.ing
adj. [usually before noun] needing a lot of care, effort and attention to detail: painstaking research  The event had been planned with painstaking attention to detail.
pains.tak.ing.ly adv.
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paint
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a liquid that is put on surfaces to give them a particular colour; a layer of this liquid when it has dried on a surface: white / yellow paint  gloss / matt / acrylic paint  The woodwork has recently been given a fresh coat of paint .  Wet paint! (= used as a sign)  The paint is starting to peel off.—see also GREASEPAINT , OIL PAINT , WARPAINT
2 (paints) [pl.] tubes or blocks of paint used for painting pictures: oil paints

verb
1 ~ sth (with sth) to cover a surface or object with paint: [vn] We’ve decided to have the house painted.  Paint the shed with weather-resistant paint.  a brightly painted barge  [vn-adj] The walls were painted yellow. [alsovn-n, v]
2 ~ (in sth)| ~ sth (on sth) to make a picture or design using paints: [vn] to paint landscapes / portraits  A friend painted the children for me (= painted a picture of the children).  Slogans had been painted on the walls.  [v] She paints in oils.  My mother paints well.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to give a particular impression of sb/sth
SYN PORTRAY : The article paints them as a bunch of petty criminals.  The documentary painted her in a bad light.
4 [vn] to put coloured MAKE-UP on your nails, lips, etc.
IDM paint a (grim, gloomy, rosy, etc.) 'picture of sb/sth to describe sth in a particular way; to give a particular impression of sb/sth: The report paints a vivid picture of life in the city.  Journalists paint a grim picture of conditions in the camps. paint the town 'red (informal) to go to a lot of different bars, clubs, etc. and enjoy yourself paint sth with a ,broad 'brush to describe sth in a general way, ignoring the details—more at BLACK adj.
PVR V ,paint sth<->'out to cover part of a picture, sign, etc. with another layer of paint ,paint 'over sth to cover sth with a layer of paint: We painted over the dirty marks on the wall.

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paint.ball
noun [U] a game in which people shoot balls of paint at each other
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paint.box
noun a box containing a set of paints
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paint.brush
noun a brush that is used for painting
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paint.er
noun
1 a person whose job is painting buildings, walls, etc: He works as a painter and decorator.
2 an artist who paints pictures: a famous painter  a portrait / landscape painter
3 a rope fastened to the front of a boat, used for tying it to a post, ship, etc.
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paint.er.ly
adj. (written) typical of artists or painting
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paint.ing
noun
1 [C] a picture that has been painted: a collection of paintings by American artists  cave paintings—see also OIL PAINTING
2 [U] the act or art of using paint to produce pictures: Her hobbies include music and painting.
3 [U] the act of putting paint onto the surface of objects, walls, etc: painting and decorating
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'paint stripper
noun [U] a liquid used to remove old paint from surfaces
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paint.work
noun [U] the layer of paint on the surface of a door, wall, car, etc: The paintwork is beginning to peel.
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pair
noun, verb
noun
TWO THINGS THE SAME|
1 [C] two things of the same type, especially when they are used or worn together: a pair of gloves / shoes / earrings  a huge pair of eyes  The vase is one of a matching pair .
TWO PARTS JOINED|
2 [C] an object consisting of two parts that are joined together: a pair of trousers / pants / jeans  a pair of glasses / binoculars / scissors
HELP A plural verb is sometimes used with pair in the singular in senses 1 and 2. In informal AmE some people use pair as a plural form: three pair of shoes. This is not considered correct in written English.
TWO PEOPLE|
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] two people who are doing sth together or who have a particular relationship: Get pairs of students to act out the dialogue in front of the class.   (informal) I’ve had enough of the pair of you!
HELP In BrE a plural verb is usually used: A pair of children were kicking a ball about.  The pair are planning a trip to India together.
TWO ANIMALS / BIRDS|
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] two animals or birds of the same type that are breeding together: a breeding pair  a pair of swans
TWO HORSES|
5 [C] two horses working together to pull a carriage: a carriage and pair—see also AU PAIR a pair of 'hands (informal) a person who can do, or is doing, a job: We need an extra pair of hands if we’re going to finish on time.  Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands (= sb who can be relied on to do a job well). in 'pairs in groups of two objects or people: Students worked in pairs on the project. I’ve only got one pair of 'hands (spoken) used to say that you are too busy to do anything else

verb
MAKE GROUPS OF TWO|
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ A with B| ~ A and B (together) to put people or things into groups of two: Each blind student was paired with a sighted student.  All the shoes on the floor were neatly paired.
OF ANIMALS / BIRDS|
2 [v] (technical) to come together in order to breed: Many of the species pair for life. ,pair 'off (with sb)| ,pair sb<->'off (with sb) to come together, especially in order to have a romantic relationship; to bring two people together for this purpose: It seemed that all her friends were pairing off.  He’s always trying to pair me off with his cousin. ,pair 'up (with sb)| ,pair sb<->'up (with sb) to come together or to bring two people together to work, play a game, etc.

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pair.ing
noun two people or things that work together or are placed together; the act of placing them together: Tonight they take on a Chinese pairing in their bid to reach the final tomorrow.
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pais.ley
noun a detailed pattern of curved shapes that look like feathers: a paisley tie—
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pa.ja.mas
(AmE ) = PYJAMAS
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pak choi
(BrE ) [U] = CHINESE CABBAGE
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Paki
noun (BrE , informal) an offensive word for a person from Pakistan, especially one living in Britain
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pal
noun, verb
noun
1 (informal, becoming old-fashioned) a friend: We’ve been pals for years.—see also PEN PAL
2 (spoken) used to address a man in an unfriendly way: If I were you, pal, I’d stay away from her!
pally adj.: I got very pally (= friendly) with him.

verb (-ll-)
PVR V ,pal a'round (with sb) (informal, especially AmE) to do things with sb as a friend: I palled around with him and his sister at school. ,pal 'up (with sb) (BrE) (AmE ,buddy 'up (to / with sb)) (informal) to become sb’s friend: They palled up while they were at college.

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pal.ace
noun
1 [C] the official home of a king, queen, president, etc: Buckingham Palace  the royal / presidential palace
2 (often the Palace) [sing.] the people who live in a palace , especially the British royal family: The Palace last night refused to comment on the reports.  a Palace spokesman
3 [C] any large impressive house: The Old Town has a whole collection of churches, palaces and mosques.
4 [C] (old-fashioned) (sometimes used in the names of buildings) a large public building, such as a hotel or cinema/movie theater: the Strand Palace Hotel  old movie palaces
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,palace 'coup
(also ,palace revo'lution) noun a situation in which a ruler or leader has their power taken away from them by sb within the same party, etc.
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palaeo-
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually paleo-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with ancient times: palaeography (= the study of ancient writing)
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palaeo.lith.ic
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually paleo-) adj. from or connected with the early part of the Stone Age
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palae.on.tolo.gist
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually paleo-) noun a person who studies FOSSILS
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palae.on.tology
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually paleo-) noun [U] the study of FOSSILS (= the remains of animals or plants in rocks) as a guide to the history of life on earth
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pal.at.able
adj.
1 (of food or drink) having a pleasant or acceptable taste
2 ~ (to sb) pleasant or acceptable to sb: Some of the dialogue has been changed to make it more palatable to an American audience.
OPP UNPALATABLE
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pal.atal
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound made by placing the tongue against or near the hard palate of the mouth, for example
pal.atal adj.
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pal.ate
noun
1 the top part of the inside of the mouth: the hard / soft palate (= the hard / soft part at the front / back of the palate)—see also CLEFT PALATE
2 [usually sing.] the ability to recognize and/or enjoy good food and drink: a menu to tempt even the most jaded palate
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pa.la.tial
adj. [usually before noun] (of a room or building) extremely large and impressive, like a PALACE
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pa.la.ver
noun (informal)
1 [U, sing.] (BrE) a lot of unnecessary activity, excitement or trouble, especially caused by sth that is unimportant: What’s all the palaver about?  What a palaver it is, trying to get a new visa!
2 [U] (AmE) talk that does not have any meaning; nonsense: He’s talking palaver.
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pale
adj., verb, noun
adj. (paler, pal.est)
1 (of a person, their face, etc.) having skin that is almost white; having skin that is whiter than usual because of illness, a strong emotion, etc: a pale complexion  pale with anger / fear / shock  to go / turn pale  You look pale. Are you OK?  The ordeal left her looking pale and drawn .—see also PALLOR
2 light in colour; containing a lot of white: pale blue eyes  a paler shade of green  a pale sky
OPP DARK , DEEP
3 (of light) not strong or bright: the cold pale light of dawn—see also PALLID
pale.ly adv.: Mark stared palely (= with a pale face) at his plate.
pale.ness noun [U]

verb [v] ~ (at sth) (written) to become paler than usual: She (= her face) paled visibly at the sight of the police car.  The blue of the sky paled to a light grey.
IDM 'pale beside / next to sth | 'pale in / by comparison (with / to sth) | 'pale into insignificance to seem less important when compared with sth else: Last year’s riots pale in comparison with this latest outburst of violence.

noun
IDM be,yond the 'pale considered by most people to be unacceptable or unreasonable: His remarks were clearly beyond the pale.

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paleo-
(AmE ) = PALAEO-
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pal.ette
noun
1 a thin board with a hole in it for the thumb to go through, used by an artist for mixing colours on when painting
2 [usually sing.] (technical) the colours used by a particular artist: Greens and browns are typical of Ribera’s palette.
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'palette knife
noun a knife with a blade that bends easily and has a round end, used by artists and in cooking—picture at KITCHEN
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pali.mony
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) money that a court of law orders sb to pay regularly to a former partner when they have lived together without being married—compare ALIMONY
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pal.imp.sest
noun
1 an ancient document from which some or all of the original text has been removed and replaced by a new text
2 (formal) something that has many different layers of meaning or detail
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pal.in.drome
noun a word or phrase that reads the same backwards as forwards, for example madam or nurses run
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pal.ing
noun [C, usually pl., U] a metal or wooden post that is pointed at the top; a fence made of these posts: He leaned against the paling.
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pal.is.ade
noun
1 a fence made of strong wooden or metal posts that are pointed at the top, especially used to protect a building in the past: a wooden palisade
2 (palisades) [pl.] (AmE) a line of high steep cliffs, especially along a river or by the sea or ocean
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pall
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ of sth a thick dark cloud of sth: a pall of smoke / dust   (figurative) News of her death cast a pall over the event.
2 a cloth spread over a COFFIN (= a box used for burying a dead person in)

verb [v] (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ (on sb) to become less interesting to sb over a period of time because they have done or seen it too much: Even the impressive scenery began to pall on me after a few hundred miles.

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'pall-bearer
noun a person who walks beside or helps to carry the COFFIN at a funeral
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pal.let
noun
1 a heavy wooden or metal base that can be used for moving or storing goods
2 a fabric bag filled with STRAW , used for sleeping on
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pal.lia.tive
noun
1 (medical) a medicine or medical treatment that reduces pain without curing its cause
2 (formal, usually disapproving) an action, a decision, etc. that is designed to make a difficult situation seem better without actually solving the cause of the problems
pal.lia.tive adj. [usually before noun]: palliative treatment  short-term palliative measures
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pal.lid
adj. (written)
1 (of a person, their face, etc.) pale, especially because of illness: a pallid complexion / face
2 (of colours or light) not strong or bright, and therefore not attractive: a pallid sun / sky
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pal.lor
noun [U] pale colouring of the face, especially because of illness or fear: Her cheeks had an unhealthy pallor.
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pally
adj.  PAL
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palm
noun, verb
noun
1 the inner surface of the hand between the wrist and the fingers: He held the bird gently in the palm of his hand.  sweaty palms  to read sb’s palm (= to say what will happen to sb by looking at the lines on their palm)—picture at BODY
2 (also 'palm tree) a straight tree with a mass of long leaves at the top, growing in tropical countries. There are several types of palm tree, some of which produce fruit: a date palm  a coconut palm  palm leaves / fronds / groves
IDM have sb in the ,palm of your 'hand to have complete control or influence over sb—more at CROSS v. , GREASE v.

verb [vn] to hide a coin, card, etc. in your hand, especially when performing a trick
PVR V ,palm sb<->'off (with sth) (informal) to persuade sb to believe an excuse or an explanation that is not true, in order to stop them asking questions or complaining ,palm sth<->'off (on / onto sb)| ,palm sb<->'off (with sth) (informal) to persuade sb to accept sth that has no value or that you do not want, especially by deceiving them: She’s always palming the worst jobs off on her assistant.  Make sure he doesn’t try to palm you off with faulty goods. ,palm sth 'off as sth (informal) to tell sb that sth is better than it is, especially in order to sell it: They were trying to palm the table off as a genuine antique.

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palm.ist
noun a person who claims to be able to tell what a person is like and what will happen to them in the future, by looking at the lines on the PALM of their hand
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palm.is.try
noun [U] the art of telling what a person is like and what will happen to them by looking at the lines on the PALM of their hand
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'palm oil
noun [U] oil obtained from the fruit of some types of PALM tree, used in cooking and in making soap, candles, etc.
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,Palm 'Sunday
noun [U, C] (in the Christian Church) the Sunday before Easter
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palm.top
noun a small computer that can be held in the PALM of one hand
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palo.mino
noun (pl.-os) a horse that is a cream or gold colour with a white MANE and tail
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palp.able
adj. that is easily noticed by the mind or the senses: a palpable sense of loss / relief  The tension in the room was almost palpable.
palp.ably adv.: It was palpably clear what she really meant.
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pal.pate
verb [vn] (medical ) to examine part of the body by touching it
pal.pa.tion noun [U]
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pal.pi.tate
verb [v] (of the heart) to beat rapidly and/or in an irregular way especially because of fear or excitement
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pal.pi.ta.tions
noun [pl.] a physical condition in which your heart beats very quickly and in an irregular way: Just the thought of flying gives me palpitations (= makes me very nervous).
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palsy
noun [U] (old-fashioned) PARALYSIS (= loss of control or feeling in part or most of the body), especially when the limbs shake without control—see also CEREBRAL PALSY
pal.sied adj.
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pal.try
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of an amount) too small to be considered as important or useful: This account offers a paltry 1% return on your investment.  a paltry sum
2 having no value or useful qualities: a paltry excuse / gesture
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pam.pas
noun (usually the pampas) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the large area of land in S America that has few trees and is covered in grass
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pam.per
verb [vn] (sometimes disapproving) to take care of sb very well and make them feel as comfortable as possible: Pamper yourself with our new range of beauty treatments.  a spoilt and pampered child
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pamph.let
noun a very thin book with a paper cover, containing information about a particular subject
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pamph.let.eer
noun a person who writes pamphlets on particular subjects
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pan
noun, verb
noun
1 a container, usually made of metal, with a handle or handles, used for cooking food in: pots and pans  a large stainless steel pan—see also FRYING PAN , SAUCEPAN
2 the amount contained in a pan : a pan of boiling water
3 (AmE) = TIN (5) : a cake pan
4 either of the dishes on a pair of SCALES that you put things into in order to weigh them
5 (BrE) the bowl of a toilet—see also BEDPAN , DUSTPAN , SKIDPAN
IDM go down the 'pan (BrE, slang) to be wasted or spoiled: That’s another brilliant idea down the pan.—more at FLASH n.

verb (-nn-)
1 [vn] [usually passive] (informal) to severely criticize sth such as a play or a film/movie: The television series was panned by critics and viewers alike.
2 if a television or video camera pans somewhere, or a person pans or pans a camera, the camera moves in a particular direction, to follow an object or to film a wide area: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The camera panned back to the audience.  [vn] He panned the camera along the row of faces.
3 ~ (for sth) to wash soil or small stones in a pan to find gold or other valuable minerals: [v] panning for gold [alsovn] ,pan 'out (informal) (of events or a situation) to develop in a particular way: I’m happy with the way things have panned out.

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pan-
combining form (in adjectives and nouns) including all of sth; connected with the whole of sth: pan-African  pandemic
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pana.cea
noun ~ (for sth) something that will solve all the problems of a particular situation
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pan.ache
noun [U] the quality of being able to do things in a confident and elegant way that other people find attractive
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pan.ama
(also ,panama 'hat) noun a man’s hat made from fine woven STRAW —picture at HAT
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pan.cake
noun
1 [C] a thin flat round cake made from a mixture of flour, eggs and milk that is fried on both sides, usually eaten hot for breakfast in the US, and in Britain either as a DESSERT with sugar, jam, etc. or as a main course with meat, cheese, etc: pancakes with maple syrup  a selection of savoury pancakes—
2 [U] thick make-up for the face, used especially in the theatre
IDM see FLAT adj.
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'Pancake Day
noun [U, C] (informal) the day before the beginning of Lent, when people in Britain traditionally eat PANCAKES —compare SHROVE TUESDAY
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pan.creas
noun an organ near the stomach that produces INSULIN and a liquid that helps the body to DIGEST food—picture at BODY
pan.cre.at.ic adj. [only before noun]: pancreatic juices / cancer
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panda
noun
1 (also ,giant 'panda) a large black and white animal like a bear, that lives in China and is very rare
2 (also ,red 'panda) an Indian animal like a RACCOON , with reddish-brown fur and a long thick tail
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'panda car
noun (BrE , informal) a small police car
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pan.dem.ic
noun a disease that spreads over a whole country or the whole world: the Aids pandemic in Asia
pan.dem.ic adj.: a pandemic disease—compare ENDEMIC , EPIDEMIC
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pan.de.mon.ium
noun [U] a situation in which there is a lot of noise, activity and confusion, especially because people are feeling angry or frightened: Pandemonium broke out when the news was announced.
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pan.der
verb
PVR V 'pander to sth/sb (disapproving) to do what sb wants, or try to please them, especially when this is not acceptable or reasonable: to pander to sb’s whims / wishes  The speech was just pandering to racial prejudice.
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p. and h.
(also p. & h.) abbr. (AmE ) postage and handling—compare P. AND P.
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Pandora’s box
noun [sing., U] a process that, if started, will cause many problems that cannot be solved: This court case could open a Pandora’s box of similar claims.
ORIGIN From the Greek myth in which Pandora was created by the god Zeus and sent to the earth with a box containing many evils. When she opened the box, the evils came out and infected the earth.
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p. and p.
(also p. & p.) abbr. (BrE ) postage and packing (the cost of packing sth and sending it by post): Add £2 for p. and p.—compare P. AND H. , S AND H
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pane
noun a single sheet of glass in a window: a pane of glass  a windowpane
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pan.egyr.ic
noun (formal) a speech or piece of writing praising sb/sth
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panel
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a square or RECTANGULAR piece of wood, glass or metal that forms part of a larger surface such as a door or wall: One of the glass panels in the front door was cracked.—see also SOLAR PANEL
2 [C] a piece of metal that forms part of the outer frame of a vehicle
3 [C] a piece of fabric that forms part of a piece of clothing: The trousers have double thickness knee panels for extra protection.
4 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of specialists who give their advice or opinion about sth; a group of people who discuss topics of interest on television or radio: an advisory / interview panel  a panel of experts  We have two politicians on tonight’s panel.  a panel discussion
5 [C] (also 'jury panel) (both especially AmE) = JURY
6 [C] a flat board in a vehicle or on a piece of machinery where the controls and instruments are fixed: an instrument panel  a control / display panel

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] [usually passive] to cover or decorate a surface with flat strips of wood, glass, etc: The walls were panelled in oak.  a glass- / wood-panelled door

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'panel beater
noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to remove the DENTS from the outer frame of a vehicle that has been in an accident
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pan.el.ling
(BrE ) (AmEpan.el.ing) noun [U] square or RECTANGULAR pieces of wood used to cover and decorate walls, ceilings, etc: The room still has all its original oak panelling.
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pan.el.list
(BrE ) (AmEpan.el.ist) noun a person who is a member of a PANEL answering questions during a discussion, for example on radio or television
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'pan-fry
verb (pan-fries, pan-frying, pan-fried, pan-fried) [vn] to fry food in a pan in shallow fat: pan-fried chicken
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pang
noun a sudden strong feeling of physical or emotional pain: hunger pangs / pangs of hunger  a sudden pang of jealousy
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pan.han.dler
noun (AmE , informal) a person who asks other people for money in the street
pan.han.dle verb [v]
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panic
noun, verb
noun [U, C, usually sing.]
1 a sudden feeling of great fear that cannot be controlled and prevents you from thinking clearly: a moment of panic  They were in a state of panic.  Office workers fled in panic as the fire took hold.  There’s no point getting into a panic about the exams.  a panic attack (= a condition in which you suddenly feel very anxious, causing your heart to beat faster, etc.)  a panic decision (= one that is made when you are in a state of panic)
2 a situation in which people are made to feel very anxious, causing them to act quickly and without thinking carefully: News of the losses caused (a) panic among investors.  Careful planning at this stage will help to avoid a last-minute panic.  There’s no panic (= we do not need to rush), we’ve got plenty of time.
IDM 'panic stations (BrE, informal) a situation in which people feel anxious and there is a lot of confused activity, especially because there is a lot to do in a short period of time

verb (-ck-) to suddenly feel frightened so that you cannot think clearly and you say or do sth stupid, dangerous, etc.; to make sb do this: [v] I panicked when I saw smoke coming out of the engine.  [vn] The gunfire panicked the horses.
PVR V 'panic sb into doing sth [usually passive] to make sb act too quickly because they are afraid of sth

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'panic button
noun a button that sb working in a shop, bank, etc. can press to call for help if they are in danger
IDM press / push the 'panic button (BrE) to react in a sudden or extreme way to sth unexpected that has frightened you
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pan.icky
adj. (informal) anxious about sth; feeling or showing panic : He was feeling panicky.  a panicky voice
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'panic-stricken
adj. extremely anxious about sth, in a way that prevents you from thinking clearly: He sounded panic-stricken on the phone.
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pan.nier
noun each of a pair of bags or boxes carried on either side of the back wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle; each of a pair of baskets carried on either side of its back by a horse or DONKEY —picture at BAG
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pan.oply
noun [sing., U] (formal) a large and impressive number or collection of sth
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pan.or.ama
noun
1 a view of a wide area of land: There is a superb panorama of the mountains from the hotel.
2 a description, study or set of pictures that presents all the different aspects or stages of a particular subject, event, etc.
pan.or.am.ic adj. [usually before noun]: a panoramic view over the valley
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'pan pipes
noun [pl.] (BrE ) (AmE 'pan.pipe [C]) a musical instrument made of a row of pipes of different lengths that you play by blowing across the open ends
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pansy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a small garden plant with brightly coloured flowers
2 ( ) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL man
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pant
verb to breathe quickly with short breaths, usually with your mouth open, because you have been doing some physical exercise, or because it is very hot: [v] She finished the race panting heavily.  She could hear him panting up the stairs (= running up and breathing quickly).  He found her panting for breath at the top of the hill. [alsov speech]
pant noun [usually pl.]: His breath came in short pants.—see also PANTS
IDM see PUFF v.
PVR V 'pant for / after sb/sth to want sth/sb very much: The end of the novel leaves you panting for more.
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pan.ta.loons
noun [pl.]
1 women’s loose trousers/pants with wide legs that fit tightly at the ankles
2 (in the past) men’s tight trousers/pants fastened at the foot
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pan.tech.nicon
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) = REMOVAL VAN
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pan.the.ism
noun [U]
1 the belief that God is present in all natural things
2 belief in many or all gods
pan.the.ist noun
pan.the.ist.ic adj.
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pan.theon
noun
1 (technical) all the gods of a nation or people: the ancient Egyptian pantheon
2 (formal) a group of people who are famous within a particular area of activity: She has won her place in the pantheon of popular culture.
3 a TEMPLE (= religious building) built in honour of all the gods of a nation; a building in which famous dead people of a nation are buried or HONOURED
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pan.ther
noun
1 a black LEOPARD (= a large wild animal of the cat family)
2 (AmE) = PUMA
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pan.ties
noun (especially AmE ) = KNICKERS
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pan.tile
noun a curved TILE used for roofs
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panto
noun (pl.pantos ) (BrE , informal) = PANTOMIME
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panto.mime
noun
1 (also BrE informal panto) [C, U] (in Britain) a type of play with music, dancing and jokes, that is based on a FAIRY TALE and is usually performed at Christmas
2 [U, C, usually sing.] the use of movement and the expression of your face to communicate sth or to tell a story MIME
3 [C, usually sing.] (BrE) a ridiculous situation, usually with a lot of confusion
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,pantomime 'dame
(also dame) noun a female character in a PANTOMIME (1) , that is usually played by a man
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pan.try
noun (pl.-ies) a cupboard/closet or small room in a house, used for storing food
SYN LARDER
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pants
noun [pl.]
1 (BrE) UNDERPANTS or KNICKERS : a pair of pants
2 (especially AmE) trousers: ski pants—
3 (BrE, slang) (also used as an adjective) something you think is of poor quality: Their new CD is absolute pants!  Do we have to watch this pants programme?
IDM bore, scare, etc. the 'pants off sb (informal) to make sb extremely bored, frightened, etc.—more at ANT , CATCH v. , SEAT n. , WEAR v. , WET v.
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pant.suit
noun (AmE ) = TROUSER SUIT
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panty.hose
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = TIGHTS
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pap
noun [U]
1 (disapproving) books, magazines, television programmes, etc. that have no real value
2 soft or almost liquid food eaten by babies or people who are ill
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papa
noun (old-fashioned) used by children to talk about or to address their father
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pap.acy
noun
1 (the papacy) [sing.] the position or the authority of the POPE
2 [C, usually sing.] the period of time when a particular POPE is in power: during the papacy of Pope John Paul II
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papal
adj. [only before noun] connected with the POPE : papal authority  a papal visit to Mexico
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pap.ar.azzo
noun (pl.pap.ar.azzi ) [usually pl.] a photographer who follows famous people around in order to get interesting photographs of them to sell to a newspaper
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pa.paya
(BrE also paw.paw) noun a tropical fruit with yellow and green skin, sweet orange or red flesh and round black seeds
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paper
noun, verb
noun
FOR WRITING / WRAPPING|
1 [U] (often in compounds) the thin material that you write and draw on and that is also used for wrapping and packing things: a piece / sheet of paper  a package wrapped in brown paper  recycled paper  She wrote her name and address on a slip (= a small piece) of paper.  Experience is more important for this job than paper qualifications (= that exist on paper, but may not have any real value).  paper losses / profits (= that are shown in accounts but which may not exist in reality)—see also NOTEPAPER , WRAPPING PAPER , WRITING PAPER
NEWSPAPER|
2 [C] a newspaper: a local / national paper  a daily / evening / Sunday paper  I read about it in the paper .  Have you seen today’s paper?  The papers (= newspapers in general) soon got hold of the story.
DOCUMENTS|
3 (papers) [pl.] pieces of paper with writing on them, such as letters, pieces of work or private documents: His desk was covered with books and papers.
4 (papers) [pl.] official documents that prove your identity, give you permission to do sth, etc: divorce / identification papers—see also WALKING PAPERS , WORKING PAPER
EXAM|
5 [C] (BrE) a set of exam questions on a particular subject; the answers that people write to the questions: The Geography paper was hard.  She spent the evening marking exam papers.
ARTICLE|
6 [C] an academic article about a particular subject that is written by and for specialists: a recent paper in the Journal of Medicine  She was invited to give a paper (= a talk) on the results of her research.—see also GREEN PAPER , ORDER PAPER , POSITION PAPER , WHITE PAPER , WORKING PAPER (1)
7 [C] (AmE) a piece of written work done by a student: Your grade will be based on four papers and a final exam.—see also TERM PAPER
ON WALLS|
8 [C, U] paper that you use to cover and decorate the walls of a room
SYN WALLPAPER : The room was damp and the paper was peeling off.
HELP There are many other compounds ending in paper. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. on paper
1 when you put sth on paper, you write it down
2 judged from written information only, but not proved in practice: The idea looks good on paper .—more at PEN n. , WORTH adj.

verb [vn] to decorate the walls of a room by covering them with WALLPAPER ,paper 'over sth
1 to cover a wall with WALLPAPER in order to hide sth: The previous owners had obviously papered over any damp patches. = WALLPAPER
2 to try to hide a problem or disagreement in a way that is temporary and not likely to be successful: The government is trying to paper over the cracks in the cabinet.  We can’t just paper over the problem.

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paper.back
noun [C, U] a book that has a thick paper cover: a cheap paperback  When is it coming out in paperback ?  a paperback book / edition—compare HARDBACK
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'paper boy, 'paper girl
noun a boy or girl who delivers newspapers to people’s houses
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pa.per.chase
noun (BrE ) a game in which one runner drops pieces of paper for the other runners to follow
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'paper clip
noun a piece of bent wire or plastic that is designed to hold loose sheets of paper together—picture at STATIONERY
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'paper cutter
noun (AmE ) = GUILLOTINE (2)
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'paper knife
noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'letter opener) a knife used for opening envelopes
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paper.less
adj. using computers, telephones, etc. rather than paper to exchange information: the paperless office  a system of paperless business transactions
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,paper 'money
noun [U] money that is made of paper, not coins
SYN NOTES
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'paper round
noun (BrE ) (AmE'paper route) noun the job of delivering newspapers to houses; the route taken when doing this
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'paper shop
noun (BrE ) = NEWSAGENT
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,paper-'thin
adj. (of objects) very thin and delicate: paper-thin slices of meat—compare WAFER-THIN
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,paper 'tiger
noun a person, a country or a situation that seems or claims to be powerful or dangerous but is not really
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,paper 'towel
noun
1 [C] a thick sheet of paper that you use to dry your hands or to absorb water
2 [U] (AmE) = KITCHEN PAPER
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'paper trail
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a series of documents that provide evidence of what you have done or what has happened: He was a shrewd lawyer with a talent for uncovering paper trails of fraud.
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paper.weight
noun a small heavy object that you put on top of loose papers to keep them in place
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paper.work
noun [U]
1 the written work that is part of a job, such as filling in forms or writing letters and reports: We’re trying to cut down on the amount of paperwork involved.  I spent the afternoon doing routine paperwork.
2 all the documents that you need for sth, such as a court case or buying a house: How quickly can you prepare the paperwork?
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pa.pery
adj. like paper; thin and dry: papery skin
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pa.pier mâché
noun [U] (from French ) paper mixed with glue or flour and water, that is used to make ornaments, etc.
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pap.ist
noun ( ) an offensive word for a Roman Catholic, used by some Protestants
pap.ist adj.
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pap.rika
noun [U] a red powder made from a type of PEPPER , used in cooking as a spice
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'Pap smear
noun (AmE ) = SMEAR TEST
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pa.pyrus
noun (pl.pa.pyri )
1 [U] a tall plant with thick stems that grows in water
2 [U] paper made from the stems of the papyrus plant, used in ancient Egypt for writing and drawing on
3 [C] a document or piece of paper made of papyrus
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par
noun [U]
1 (in golf) the number of strokes a good player should need to complete a course or to hit the ball into a particular hole: a par five hole  Par for the course is 72.
2 (also 'par value) (business) the value that a share in a company had originally: to be redeemed at par
IDM below / under 'par less well, good, etc. than is usual or expected: I may take tomorrow off if I’m still feeling under par.  Teaching in some subjects has been well below par. be ,par for the 'course (disapproving) to be just what you would expect to happen or expect sb to do in a particular situation: Starting early and working long hours is par for the course in this job. on a par with sb/sth as good, bad, important, etc. as sb/sth else up to 'par as good as usual or as good as it should be: I didn’t think her performance was up to par.
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par.
(also para.) abbr. (in writing) PARAGRAPH : See par. 3.
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para
noun (informal) = PARATROOPER
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para-
prefix (in nouns and adjectives)
1 beyond: paranormal
2 similar to but not official or not fully qualified: paramilitary  a paramedic
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par.able
noun a short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson, especially one of those told by Jesus as recorded in the Bible
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para.bola
noun (geometry ) a curve like the path of an object thrown into the air and falling back to earth
para.bol.ic adj.: parabolic curves
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para.ceta.mol
noun [U, C] (pl.para.ceta.mol or para.ceta.mols) a drug used to reduce pain and fever: Do you have any paracetamol?  Take two paracetamol(s) and try to sleep.
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para.chute
noun, verb
noun (also informal chute) a device that is attached to people or objects to make them fall slowly and safely when they are dropped from an aircraft. It consists of a large piece of thin cloth that opens out in the air to form an umbrella shape: Planes dropped supplies by parachute.  a parachute drop / jump  a parachute regiment

verb
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to jump from an aircraft using a parachute : The pilot was able to parachute to safety.  She regularly goes parachuting.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to drop sb/sth from an aircraft by parachute : Supplies were parachuted into the region.

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para.chut.ist
noun a person who jumps from a plane using a parachute
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par.ade
noun, verb
noun
PUBLIC CELEBRATION|
1 [C] a public celebration of a special day or event, usually with bands in the streets and decorated vehicles: the Lord Mayor’s parade  St Patrick’s Day parade in New York
OF SOLDIERS|
2 [C, U] a formal occasion when soldiers march or stand in lines so that they can be examined by their officers or other important people: a military parade  They stood as straight as soldiers on parade .   (figurative) The latest software will be on parade at the exhibition.—see also IDENTIFICATION PARADE
SERIES|
3 [C] a series of things or people: Each generation passes through a similar parade of events.
WEALTH / KNOWLEDGE|
4 [C, usually sing.] ~ of wealth, knowledge, etc. (often disapproving) an obvious display of sth, particularly in order to impress other people
ROW OF SHOPS|
5 [C] (especially BrE) (often in names) a street with a row of small shops: a shopping parade
IDM see RAIN v.

verb
WALK TO CELEBRATE / PROTEST|
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to walk somewhere in a formal group of people, in order to celebrate or protest about sth: The victorious team will parade through the city tomorrow morning.
SHOW IN PUBLIC|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk around in a way that makes other people notice you: People were parading up and down showing off their finest clothes.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to show sb/sth in public so that people can see them/it: The trophy was paraded around the stadium.  The prisoners were paraded in front of the crowd.   (figurative) He is not one to parade his achievements.
OF SOLDIERS|
4 [+adv. / prep.] to come together, or to bring soldiers together, in order to march in front of other people: [v] The crowds applauded as the guards paraded past.  [vn] The colonel paraded his men before the Queen.
PRETEND|
5 ~ (sb/sth) as sth to pretend to be, or to make sb/sth seem to be, good or important when they are not: [v] myth parading as fact  [vn] He paraded himself as a loyal supporter of the party.

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pa'rade ground
noun a place where soldiers gather to march or to be INSPECTED by an officer or an important visitor
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para.digm
noun
1 (formal ortechnical) a typical example or pattern of sth: a paradigm for students to copy  The war was a paradigm of the evil and destructive side of human nature.
2 (grammar) a set of all the different forms of a word: verb paradigms
para.dig.mat.ic adj.
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para.dise
noun
1 (often Paradise) [U] (in some religions) a perfect place where people go when they die HEAVEN : The Ancient Egyptians saw paradise as an idealized version of their own lives.
2 [C] a place that is extremely beautiful and that seems perfect, like heaven: a tropical paradise
3 [C] a perfect place for a particular activity or kind of person: The area is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
4 [U] a state of perfect happiness: Being alone is his idea of paradise.
5 (Paradise) [U] (in the Bible) the garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived
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para.dox
noun
1 [C] a person, thing or situation that has two opposite features and therefore seems strange: He was a paradox—a loner who loved to chat to strangers.  It is a curious paradox that professional comedians often have unhappy personal lives.
2 [C, U] a statement containing two opposite ideas that make it seem impossible or unlikely, although it is probably true; the use of this in writing: ‘More haste, less speed’ is a well-known paradox.  It’s a work full of paradox and ambiguity.
para.dox.ical adj.: It is paradoxical that some of the poorest people live in some of the richest areas of the country.
para.dox.ic.al.ly adv.: Paradoxically, the less she ate, the fatter she got.
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par.af.fin
(also 'paraffin oil) (both especially BrE ) (also kero.sene especially in AmE) noun [U] a type of oil obtained from PETROLEUM , coal, etc. and used as a fuel for heat and light: a paraffin heater / lamp / stove
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para.glid.ing
noun [U] a sport in which you wear a special structure like a PARACHUTE , jump from a plane or a high place and are carried along by the wind before coming down to earth: to go paragliding
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para.gon
noun a person who is perfect or who is a perfect example of a particular good quality: I make no claim to be a paragon.  He wasn’t the paragon of virtue she had expected.
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para.graph
noun (abbr. par., para.) a section of a piece of writing, usually consisting of several sentences dealing with a single subject. The first sentence of a paragraph starts on a new line: an opening / introductory paragraph  Write a paragraph on each of the topics given below.  See paragraph 15 of the handbook.
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para.keet
noun a small bird of the PARROT family, usually with a long tail
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para.legal
noun (AmE ) a person who is trained to help a lawyer
para.legal adj.
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par.al.lel
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 ~ (to / with sth) two or more lines that are parallel to each other are the same distance apart at every point: parallel lines  The road and the canal are parallel to each other.
2 very similar or taking place at the same time: a parallel career / case / development  parallel trends
3 (computing) involving several computer operations at the same time: parallel processing
par.al.lel adv.: The road and the canal run parallel to each other.  The plane flew parallel to the coast.

noun
1 [C, U] a person, a situation, an event, etc. that is very similar to another, especially one in a different place or time
SYN EQUIVALENT : These ideas have parallels in Freud’s thought too.  This is an achievement without parallel in modern times.  This tradition has no parallel in our culture.
2 [C, usually pl.] similar features: There are interesting parallels between the 1960s and the late 1990s.  It is possible to draw a parallel between (= find similar features in) their experience and ours.
3 (also ,parallel of 'latitude) [C] an imaginary line around the earth that is always the same distance from the EQUATOR ; this line on a map: the 49th parallel
IDM in 'parallel (with sth/sb) with and at the same time as sth/sb else: The new degree and the existing certificate courses would run in parallel.  Ann wanted to pursue her own career in parallel with her husband’s.

verb [vn] (written)
1 to be similar to sth; to happen at the same time as sth: Their legal system parallels our own.  The rise in unemployment is paralleled by an increase in petty crime.
2 to be as good as sth: a level of achievement that has never been paralleled—compare UNPARALLELED

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,parallel 'bars
noun [pl.] two bars on posts that are used for doing GYMNASTIC exercises
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par.al.lel.ism
noun [U, C] (formal) the state of being similar; a similar feature: I think he exaggerates the parallelism between the two cases.
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par.al.lelo.gram
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with four straight sides, the opposite sides being parallel and equal to each other
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para.lyse
(BrE ) (AmEpara.lyze) verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to make sb unable to feel or move all or part of their body: The accident left him paralysed from the waist down .   (figurative) paralysing pain / heat   (figurative) She stood there, paralysed with fear.
2 to prevent sth from functioning normally: The airport is still paralysed by the strike.
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par.aly.sis
noun [U, C] (pl.par.aly.ses )
1 a loss of control of, and sometimes feeling in, part or most of the body, caused by disease or an injury to the nerves: paralysis of both legs
2 [U] a total inability to move, act, function, etc: The strike caused total paralysis in the city.
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para.lyt.ic
adj.
1 [not before noun] (BrE, informal) very drunk
2 [usually before noun] (formal) suffering from PARALYSIS ; making sb unable to move: a paralytic illness  paralytic fear
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para.med.ic
noun a person whose job is to help people who are sick or injured, but who is not a doctor or a nurse: Paramedics treated the injured at the roadside before taking them to the hospital.—compare AMBULANCE MAN
para.med.ic.al adj.: paramedical skills / staff
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par.am.eter
noun [usually pl.] something that decides or limits the way in which sth can be done: to set / define the parameters  We had to work within the parameters that had already been established.
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para.mili.tary
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 a paramilitary organization is an illegal group that is organized like an army: a right-wing paramilitary group
2 helping the official army of a country: paramilitary police, such as the CRS in France

noun [usually pl.] (pl.-ies)
1 a member of an illegal paramilitary group or organization
2 a member of an organization that helps the official army of a country

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para.mount
adj.
1 more important than anything else: This matter is of paramount importance .  Safety is paramount.
2 (formal) having the highest position or the greatest power: China’s paramount leader
para.mount.cy noun [U]
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par.amour
noun (old-fashioned or literary) a person that sb is having a romantic or sexual relationship with
SYN LOVER
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para.noia
noun [U]
1 (medical) a mental illness in which a person may wrongly believe that other people are trying to harm them, that they are sb very important, etc.
2 (informal) fear or suspicion of other people when there is no evidence or reason for this
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para.noid
adj., noun
adj. (also less frequent para.noiac )
1 afraid or suspicious of other people and believing that they are trying to harm you, in a way that is not reasonable: She’s getting really paranoid about what other people say about her.
2 suffering from a mental illness in which you wrongly believe that other people are trying to harm you or that you are very important: paranoid delusions  paranoid schizophrenia  a paranoid killer

noun (also para.noiac ) a person who suffers from paranoia

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para.nor.mal
adj.
1 that cannot be explained by science or reason and that seems to involve mysterious forces
SYN SUPERNATURAL : paranormal phenomena / events
2 (the paranormal) noun [sing.] events or subjects that are paranormal
SYN THE SUPERNATURAL : an interest in the paranormal
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para.pet
noun a low protective wall along the edge of a bridge, a roof, etc: (figurative) He was not prepared to put his head above the parapet and say what he really thought (= he did not want to risk doing it).
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para.pher.na.lia
noun [U] a large number of objects or personal possessions, especially the equipment that you need for a particular activity: skiing paraphernalia  an electric kettle and all the paraphernalia for making tea and coffee   (figurative, disapproving) the legal paraphernalia of court hearings and appeals
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para.phrase
verb, noun
verb to express what sb has said or written using different words, especially in order to make it easier to understand: [vn] Try to paraphrase the question before you answer it. [alsov]

noun a statement that expresses sth that sb has written or said using different words, especially in order to make it easier to understand

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para.ple.gia
noun [U] PARALYSIS (= loss of control or feeling) in the legs and lower body
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para.ple.gic
noun a person who suffers from paraplegia
para.ple.gic adj.
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para.psych.ology
noun [U] the study of mental powers that seem to exist but that cannot be explained by scientific knowledge
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para.quat
noun [U] an extremely poisonous liquid used to kill plants that are growing where they are not wanted
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par.as.cend.ing
noun [U] a sport in which you wear a PARACHUTE and are pulled along behind a boat so that you rise up into the air: to go parascending
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para.site
noun
1 a small animal or plant that lives on or inside another animal or plant and gets its food from it
2 (disapproving) a person who always relies on or benefits from other people and gives nothing back: He regards students as parasites on society.
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para.sit.ic
(also less frequent para.sit.ical ) adj.
1 caused by a parasite : a parasitic disease / infection
2 living on another animal or plant and getting its food from it: a parasitic mite / worm
3 (disapproving) (of a person) always relying on or benefiting from other people and giving nothing back
para.sit.ic.al.ly adv.
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para.sol
noun
1 a type of light umbrella that women in the past carried to protect themselves from the sun
2 a large umbrella that is used for example on beaches or outside cafes to protect people from hot sun—compare SUNSHADE
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para.troop.er
(also informal para) noun a member of the paratroops
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para.troops
noun [pl.] soldiers who are trained to jump from planes using a PARACHUTE
para.troop adj. [only before noun]: a paratroop regiment
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par.boil
verb [vn] to boil food, especially vegetables, until it is partly cooked
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par.cel
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually pack.age) something that is wrapped in paper or put into a thick envelope so that it can be sent by mail, carried easily, or given as a present: There’s a parcel and some letters for you.  She was carrying a parcel of books under her arm.  The prisoners were allowed food parcels.
2 a piece of land: 50 five-acre parcels have already been sold.
IDM see PART n.

verb (especially BrE ) (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] ~ sth (up) to wrap sth up and make it into a parcel: She parcelled up the books to send.
PVR V ,parcel sth<->'out to divide sth into parts or between several people: The land was parcelled out into small lots.

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'parcel bomb
noun a bomb that is sent to sb in a parcel/package and that explodes when the parcel is opened
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parch
verb [vn] (especially of hot weather) to make an area of land very dry: A drought is parching much of the country.
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parched
adj.
1 very dry, especially because the weather is hot: large areas of dry parched land  soil parched by drought  She licked her parched lips.
2 (informal) very thirsty: Let’s get a drink—I’m parched.
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Par.cheesi
™noun [U] (AmE ) = LUDO
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parch.ment
noun
1 [U] material made from the skin of a sheep or goat, used in the past for writing on: parchment scrolls
2 [U] a thick yellowish type of paper: a sheet of non-stick baking parchment
3 [C] a document written on a piece of parchment
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par.don
exclamation, noun, verb
exclamation
1 (also ,pardon 'me especially in AmE) used to ask sb to repeat sth because you did not hear it or did not understand it: ‘You’re very quiet today.’‘Pardon?’‘I said you’re very quiet today.’
2 (also ,pardon 'me) used by some people to say ‘sorry’ when they have accidentally made a rude noise, or said or done sth wrong

noun
1 (also BrE, law,free 'pardon) [C] an official decision not to punish sb for a crime, or to say that sb is not guilty of a crime: to ask / grant / receive a pardon  a royal / presidential pardon
2 [U] (formal) ~ (for sth) the action of forgiving sb for sth: He asked her pardon for having deceived her.
IDM see BEG

verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
1 [vn] to officially allow sb who has been found guilty of a crime to leave prison and/or avoid punishment: She was pardoned after serving ten years of a life sentence.
2 ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to forgive sb for sth they have said or done (used in many expressions when you want to be polite)
SYN EXCUSE : [vn] Pardon my ignorance, but what is a ‘duplex’?  The place was, if you’ll pardon the expression , a dump.   (BrE ) You could be pardoned for thinking (= it is easy to understand why people think) that education is not the government’s priority.  Pardon me for interrupting you.  [vn -ing] Pardon my asking, but is that your husband? [alsovnn] ,pardon 'me (spoken)
1 (especially AmE) used to ask sb to repeat sth because you did not hear it or do not understand it
2 used by some people to say ‘sorry’ when they have accidentally made a rude noise or done sth wrong—see also I BEG YOUR PARDON ,pardon me for 'doing sth used to show that you are upset or offended by the way that sb has spoken to you: ‘Oh, just shut up!’‘Well, pardon me for breathing!’

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par.don.able
adj. (written) that can be forgiven or excused: a pardonable error
OPP UNPARDONABLE
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pare
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (off / away) to remove the thin outer layer of sth: First, pare the rind from the lemon.  She pared the apple.  He pared away the excess glue with a razor blade.
2 ~ sth (back / down) to gradually reduce the size or amount: The training budget has been pared back to a minimum.  The workforce has been pared to the bone (= reduced to the lowest possible level).
3 (especially BrE) to cut away the edges of sth, especially your nails, in order to make them smooth and neat—see also PARINGS
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par.ent
noun
1 [usually pl.] a person’s father or mother: He’s still living with his parents.  her adoptive parents  Sue and Ben have recently become parents.—see also ONE-PARENT FAMILY , SINGLE PARENT , STEP-PARENT
2 an animal or a plant which produces other animals or plants: the parent bird / tree
3 (often used as an adjective) an organization that produces and owns or controls smaller organizations of the same type: a parent bank and its subsidiaries  the parent company
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par.ent.age
noun [U] the origin of a person’s parents and who they are: a young American of German parentage  Nothing is known about her parentage and background.
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par.en.tal
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a parent or parents: parental responsibility / rights  parental choice in education  the parental home
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par.en.thesis
noun (pl.par.en.theses )
1 a word, sentence, etc. that is added to a speech or piece of writing, especially in order to give extra information. In writing, it is separated from the rest of the text using BRACKETS , COMMAS or DASHES .
2 [usually pl.] (AmEor formal) = BRACKET
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par.en.thet.ic
(also par.en.thet.ical ) adj. [usually before noun] (formal) given as extra information in a speech or piece of writing: parenthetic remarks
par.en.thet.ic.al.ly adv.
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par.ent.hood
noun [U] the state of being a parent: the responsibilities / joys of parenthood
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par.ent.ing
noun [U] the process of caring for your child or children: good / poor parenting  parenting skills
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par.en.tis
IN LOCO PARENTIS
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'parents-in-law
noun [pl.] the parents of your husband or wife—see also IN-LAWS
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,parent-'teacher association
noun = PTA
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par excellence
adj. (from French ) (only used after the noun it describes) better than all the others of the same kind; a very good example of sth: She turned out to be an organizer par excellence.
par excellence adv.: Chemistry was par excellence the laboratory science of the early nineteenth century.
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par.iah
noun a person who is not acceptable to society and is avoided by everyone
SYN OUTCAST
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par.ings
noun [pl.] thin pieces that have been cut off sth: cheese parings—see also PARE
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par.ish
noun
1 an area that has its own church and that a priest is responsible for: a parish church / priest  He is vicar of a large rural parish.
2 (in England) a small country area that has its own elected local government: the parish council
3 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the people living in a particular area, especially those who go to church
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,parish 'clerk
noun an official who does administrative work for a church in a particular area
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pa.rish.ion.er
noun a person living in a parish, especially one who goes to church regularly
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,parish-'pump
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , disapproving) connected with local affairs only (and therefore not thought of as being very important): parish-pump politics
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,parish 'register
noun a book that has a list of all the BAPTISMS , marriages and funerals that have taken place at a particular PARISH church
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par.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) (formal) the state of being equal, especially the state of having equal pay or status: Prison officers are demanding pay parity with the police force.
2 [U, C] (finance) the fact of the units of money of two different countries being equal: to achieve parity with the dollar
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park
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an area of public land in a town or a city where people go to walk, play and relax: Hyde Park  We went for a walk in the park.  a park bench
2 [C] (in compounds) an area of land used for a particular purpose: a business / science park  a wildlife park—see also AMUSEMENT PARK , CAR PARK , NATIONAL PARK , SAFARI PARK , THEME PARK
3 [C] (in Britain) an enclosed area of land, usually with fields and trees, attached to a large country house
4 [C] (AmE) a piece of land for playing sports, especially baseball —see also BALLPARK
5 (the park) [sing.] (BrE) a football or rugby field: the fastest man on the park

verb
1 to leave a vehicle that you are driving in a particular place for a period of time: [v, vn] You can’t park here.  You can’t park the car here.  [v] He’s parked very badly.  [vn] a badly parked truck  A red van was parked in front of the house.  a parked car   (informal, figurative) Just park your bags in the hall until your room is ready.—see also DOUBLE-PARK
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ yourself (informal) to sit or stand in a particular place for a period of time: She parked herself on the edge of the bed.

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parka
noun a very warm jacket or coat with a HOOD that often has fur inside
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,park and 'ride
noun a system designed to reduce traffic in towns in which people park their cars on the edge of a town and then take a special bus to the town centre; the area where people park their cars before taking the bus: Use the park and ride.  I’ve left my car in the park and ride.  a park-and-ride service
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park.ing
noun [U]
1 the act of stopping a vehicle at a place and leaving it there for a period of time: There is no parking here between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.  I managed to find a parking space .  a parking fine (= for parking illegally)
2 a space or an area for leaving vehicles: The hotel is centrally situated with ample free parking.
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'parking brake
noun (AmE ) = HANDBRAKE
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'parking garage
noun (AmE ) = MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK
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'parking lot
noun (AmE ) an area where people can leave their cars—compare CAR PARK
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'parking meter
(also meter) noun a machine beside the road that you put money into when you park your car next to it
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'parking ticket
(also ticket) noun an official notice that is put on your car when you have parked illegally, ordering you to pay money
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Par.kin.son’s dis.ease
(also Par.kin.son.ism ) noun [U] a disease of the nervous system that gets worse over a period of time and causes the muscles to become weak and the limbs to shake
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'Parkinson’s law
noun [U] (humorous) the idea that work will always take as long as the time available for it
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park.land
noun [U] open land with grass and trees, for example around a large house in the country
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park.way
noun (AmE ) a wide road with trees and grass along the sides or middle
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par.lance
noun [U] (formal) a particular way of using words or expressing yourself, for example one used by a particular group: in common / legal / modern parlance  A Munro, in climbing parlance, is a Scottish mountain exceeding 3 000 feet.
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par.lay
verb
PVR V parlay sth into sth (AmE) to use or develop sth such as money or a skill to make it more successful or worth more: She hopes to parlay her success as a model into an acting career.
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par.ley
noun, verb
noun (old-fashioned) a discussion between enemies or people who disagree, in order to try and find a way of solving a problem

verb [v] ~ (with sb) (old-fashioned) to discuss sth with sb in order to solve a disagreement

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par.lia.ment
noun
1 [C, sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the group of people who are elected to make and change the laws of a country: The German parliament is called the ‘Bundestag’.
2 (Parliament) [U+sing./pl. v.] the parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords: a Member of Parliament  the issue was debated in Parliament  an Act of Parliament  to have / win a seat in Parliament  to be elected to Parliament
3 (also Parliament) [C, U] a particular period during which a parliament is working; Parliament as it exists between one GENERAL ELECTION and the next: We are now into the second half of the parliament.  to dissolve Parliament (= formally end its activities) and call an election—see also HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT , HUNG
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par.lia.men.tar.ian
noun a member of a parliament, especially one with a lot of skill and experience
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par.lia.men.tary
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a parliament; having a parliament: parliamentary elections  a parliamentary democracy—compare UNPARLIAMENTARY
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par.lour
(BrE ) (AmEpar.lor) noun
1 (old-fashioned) a room in a private house for sitting in, entertaining visitors, etc.
2 (in compounds) (especially AmE) a shop/store that provides particular goods or services: a beauty / an ice-cream parlour—see also FUNERAL PARLOUR , MASSAGE PARLOUR
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'parlour game
(BrE ) (AmE'parlor game) noun a game played in the home, especially a word game or guessing game
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par.lous
adj. (formal) (of a situation) very bad and very uncertain; dangerous: the parlous state of the economy
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Par.mesan
(also ,Parmesan 'cheese) noun [U] a type of very hard Italian cheese that is usually GRATED and eaten on Italian food
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pa.ro.chial
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (formal) connected with a church PARISH : parochial schools  a member of the parochial church council
2 (disapproving) only concerned with small issues that happen in your local area and not interested in more important things
pa.ro.chial.ism noun [U]: the parochialism of a small community
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par.od.ist
noun a person who writes parodies
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par.ody
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (of sth)
1 [C, U] a piece of writing, music, acting, etc. that deliberately copies the style of sb/sth in order to be amusing: a parody of a horror film
2 [C] (disapproving) something that is such a bad or unfair example of sth that it seems ridiculous: The trial was a parody of justice.

verb (par.odies, par.ody.ing, par.odied, par.odied) [vn] to copy the style of sb/sth in an exaggerated way, especially in order to make people laugh: to parody an author / a style / an accent

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par.ole
noun [U] permission that is given to a prisoner to leave prison before the end of their SENTENCE on condition that they behave well: to be eligible for parole  She was released on parole .
par.ole verb [vn] [usually passive]: She was paroled after two years.
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par.ox.ysm
noun ~ (of sth) (written)
1 a sudden strong feeling or expression of an emotion that cannot be controlled: paroxysms of hate  a paroxysm of laughter
2 (medical) a sudden short attack of pain, causing physical shaking that cannot be controlled
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par.quet
noun [U] a floor covering made of flat pieces of wood fixed together in a pattern: parquet flooring—compare WOODBLOCK
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parri.cide
noun [U, C] (formal) the crime of killing your father, mother or a close relative; a person who is guilty of this crime—compare FRATRICIDE , MATRICIDE , PATRICIDE
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par.rot
noun, verb
noun a tropical bird with a curved beak. There are several types of parrot , most of which have bright feathers. Some are kept as pets and can be trained to copy human speech.
IDM see SICK adj.

verb [vn] (disapproving) to repeat what sb else has said without thinking about what it means

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'parrot-fashion
adv. (BrE , disapproving) if sb learns or repeats sth parrot-fashion, they do it without thinking about it or understanding what it means
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parry
verb (par.ries, parry.ing, par.ried, par.ried)
1 to defend yourself against sb who is attacking you by pushing their hand, arm, weapon, etc. to one side
SYN DEFLECT : [vn] He parried a blow to his head.  The shot was parried by the goalie. [alsov]
2 to avoid having to answer a difficult question, criticism, etc., especially by replying in the same way: [vn] She parried all questions about their relationship. [alsov speech]
parry noun (pl.-ies)
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parse
verb [vn] (grammar ) to divide a sentence into parts and describe the grammar of each word or part
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Par.see
(also Parsi) noun a member of a religious group in India whose ancestors originally came from Persia and whose religion is Zoroastrianism
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par.si.mo.ni.ous
adj. (formal) extremely unwilling to spend money
SYN MEAN
par.si.mo.ni.ous.ly adv.
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par.si.mony
noun [U] (formal) the fact of being extremely unwilling to spend money
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pars.ley
noun [U] a plant with curly green leaves that are used in cooking as a herb and to decorate food: fish with parsley sauce—see also COW PARSLEY
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pars.nip
noun [C, U] a long pale yellow root vegetable—
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par.son
noun (old-fashioned)
1 an Anglican VICAR or PARISH priest
2 (informal) a Protestant CLERGYMAN
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par.son.age
noun a parson’s house
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,parson’s 'nose
(AmE also ,pope’s 'nose) noun the piece of flesh at the tail end of a cooked bird, usually a chicken
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part
noun, verb, adv.
noun
SOME|
1 [U] ~ of sth some but not all of a thing: We spent part of the time in the museum.  Part of the building was destroyed in the fire.  Voters are given only part of the story (= only some of the information).  Part of me feels sorry for him (= I feel partly, but not entirely, sorry for him).
PIECE|
2 [C] a section, piece or feature of sth: The early part of her life was spent in Paris.  The novel is good in parts .  We’ve done the difficult part of the job.  The procedure can be divided into two parts.  The worst part was having to wait three hours in the rain.
MEMBER|
3 [U] a member of sth; a person or thing that, together with others, makes up a single unit: You need to be able to work as part of a team.
OF MACHINE|
4 [C] a piece of a machine or structure: aircraft parts  the working parts of the machinery  spare parts
OF BODY / PLANT|
5 [C] a separate piece or area of a human or animal body or of a plant: the parts of the body—see also PRIVATE PARTS
REGION / AREA|
6 [C] an area or a region of the world, a country, a town, etc: the northern part of the country  a plant that grows in many parts of the world  Which part of London do you come from?  Come and visit us if you’re ever in our part of the world.
7 (parts) [pl.] (old-fashioned, informal) a region or an area: She’s not from these parts.  He’s just arrived back from foreign parts.
OF BOOK / SERIES|
8 [C] (abbr.pt) a section of a book, television series, etc., especially one that is published or broadcast separately: an encyclopedia published in 25 weekly parts  Henry IV, Part II  The final part will be shown next Sunday evening.
FOR ACTOR|
9 [C] a role played by an actor in a play, film/movie, etc.; the words spoken by an actor in a particular role: She was very good in the part.  Have you learned your part yet?   (figurative) He’s always playing a part (= pretending to be sth that he is not).
IN MUSIC|
10 [C] music for a particular voice or instrument in a group singing or playing together: the clarinet part  four-part harmony
EQUAL PORTION|
11 [C] a unit of measurement that allows you to compare the different amounts of substances in sth: Add three parts wine to one part water.  fluoride levels of 0.2 parts per million
IN HAIR|
12 [C] (AmE) = PARTING the best / better part of sth most of sth, especially a period of time; more than half of sth: He drank the best part of a bottle of Scotch waiting for her to get home.  The journey took her the better part of an hour. for the 'most part mostly; usually: The contributors are, for the most part, professional scientists. for 'my, 'his, 'their, etc. part speaking for myself, etc.
SYN PERSONALLY have a part to 'play (in sth) to be able to help sth: We all have a part to play in the fight against crime. have / play a 'part (in sth) to be involved in sth: She plays an active part in local politics. have / play / take / want no 'part in / of sth to not be involved or refuse to be involved in sth, especially because you disapprove of it: He had no part in the decision.  I want no part of this sordid business. in 'part partly; to some extent: Her success was due in part to luck. look / dress the 'part to have an appearance or wear clothes suitable for a particular job, role or position a man / woman of (many) 'parts a person with many skills on the part of sb / on sb’s part made or done by sb: It was an error on my part. part and parcel of sth an essential part of sth: Keeping the accounts is part and parcel of my job. part of the 'furniture a person or thing that you are so used to seeing that you no longer notice them: I worked there so long that I became part of the furniture. take sth in good 'part (BrE) to accept sth slightly unpleasant without complaining or being offended: He took the teasing in good part. take 'part (in sth) to be involved in sth
SYN PARTICIPATE : to take part in a discussion / demonstration / fight / celebration  How many countries took part in the last Olympic Games? take sb’s 'part (BrE) to support sb, for example in an argument: His mother always takes his part.—more at DISCRETION , LARGE , SUM n.

verb
LEAVE SB|
1 [v] ~ (from sb) (formal) if a person parts from another person, or two people part, they leave each other: We parted at the airport.  I hate to part on such bad terms.  He has recently parted from his wife (= they have started to live apart).  I never forgot his parting words (= what he said as he left).—see also PARTING adj.
KEEP APART|
2 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (from sb) (formal) to prevent sb from being with sb else: I hate being parted from the children.  The puppies were parted from their mother at birth.
MOVE AWAY|
3 if two things or parts of things part or you part them, they move away from each other: [v] The crowd parted in front of them.  The elevator doors parted and out stepped the President.  [vn] Her lips were slightly parted.  She parted the curtains a little and looked out.
HAIR|
4 [vn] to divide your hair into two sections with a comb, creating a line that goes from the back of your head to the front: He parts his hair in the middle.—see also PARTING n. part 'company (with / from sb)
1 to leave sb; to end a relationship with sb: This is where we part company (= go in different directions).  The band have parted company with their manager.  The band and their manager have parted company.
2 to disagree with sb about sth: Weber parted company with Marx on a number of important issues. 'part with sth to give sth to sb else, especially sth that you would prefer to keep: Make sure you read the contract before parting with any money.

adv. (often in compounds) consisting of two things; to some extent but not completely: She’s part French, part English.  His feelings were part anger, part relief.  The course is part funded by the European Commission.  He is part owner of a farm in France.

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par.take
verb (par.took par.taken ) [v] (formal)
1 ~ (of sth) (old-fashioned or humorous) to eat or drink sth especially sth that is offered to you: Would you care to partake of some refreshment?
2 ~ (in sth) (old-fashioned) to take part in an activity: They preferred not to partake in the social life of the town.
PVR V par'take of sth (formal) to have some of a particular quality: His work partakes of the aesthetic fashions of his time.
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,part ex'change
noun [U] (BrE ) a way of buying sth, such as a car, in which you give the old one as part of the payment for a more expensive one: We’ll take your car in part-exchange .
,part-ex'change verb [vn]
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par.tial
adj.
1 not complete or whole: It was only a partial solution to the problem.  a partial eclipse of the sun  Our success was only partial.
2 [not before noun] ~ to sb/sth (old-fashioned) liking sb/sth very much: I’m not partial to mushrooms.
3 [not usually before noun] ~ (towards sb/sth) (disapproving) showing or feeling too much support for one person, team, idea, etc., in a way that is unfair
OPP IMPARTIAL
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par.ti.al.ity
noun (formal)
1 [U] (disapproving) the unfair support of one person, team, idea, etc.
OPP IMPARTIALITY
2 [sing.] ~ for sb/sth a feeling of liking sth/sb very much: She has a partiality for exotic flowers.
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par.tial.ly
adv. partly; not completely: The road was partially blocked by a fallen tree.  a society for the blind and partially sighted (= people who can see very little).  note at PARTLY
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par.tici.pant
noun ~ (in sth) a person who is taking part in an activity or event: He has been an active participant in the discussion.
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par.tici.pate
verb [v] ~ (in sth) to take part in or become involved in an activity: She didn’t participate in the discussion.  We want to encourage students to participate fully in the running of the college.  Details of the competition are available at all participating stores.  note at HELP
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par.tici.pa.tion
noun [U] ~ (in sth) the act of taking part in an activity or event: a show with lots of audience participation  A back injury prevented active participation in any sports for a while.
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par.ti.ciple
noun (grammar ) (in English) a word formed from a verb, ending in -ing (= the PRESENT PARTICIPLE ) or -ed, -en, etc. (= the PAST PARTICIPLE )
par.ti.ci.pial adj.
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par.ticle
noun
1 a very small piece of sth: particles of dust  dust particles  There was not a particle of evidence (= no evidence at all) to support the case.
2 (physics) a very small piece of matter, such as an ELECTRON or PROTON , that is part of an atom—see also ELEMENTARY PARTICLE
3 (grammar) an adverb or a preposition that can combine with a verb to make a PHRASAL VERB : In ‘She tore up the letter’, the word ‘up’ is a particle.—see also ADVERBIAL PARTICLE
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par.ticu.lar
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] used to emphasize that you are referring to one individual person, thing or type of thing and not others: There is one particular patient I’d like you to see.  Is there a particular type of book he enjoys?
2 [only before noun] greater than usual; special: We must pay particular attention to this point.  These documents are of particular interest.
3 ~ (about / over sth) very definite about what you like and careful about what you choose FUSSY : She’s very particular about her clothes.
IDM in par'ticular
1 especially or particularly: He loves science fiction in particular.
2 special or SPECIFIC : Peter was lying on the sofa doing nothing in particular .  Is there anything in particular you’d like for dinner?  She directed the question at no one in particular .

noun (formal)
1 [usually pl.] a fact or detail especially one that is officially written down: The police officer took down all the particulars of the burglary.  The nurse asked me for my particulars (= personal details such as your name, address, etc.).  The new contract will be the same in every particular as the old one.
2 (particulars) [pl.] written information and details about a property, business, job, etc: Application forms and further particulars are available from the Personnel Office.  the particulars of a house in Bury

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par.ticu.lar.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the quality of being individual or UNIQUE : the particularity of each human being
2 [U] attention to detail; being exact
3 (particularities) [pl.] the special features or details of sth
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par.ticu.lar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v, vn] (formal) to give details of sth, especially one by one; to give particular examples of sth
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par.ticu.lar.ly
adv. especially; more than usual or more than others: particularly good / important / useful  Traffic is bad, particularly in the city centre.  I enjoyed the play, particularly the second half.  The lecture was not particularly (= not very) interesting.   (spoken) ‘Did you enjoy it?’‘No, not particularly (= not very much).’
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part.ing
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U, C] the act or occasion of leaving a person or place: the pain / misery / moment of parting  We had a tearful parting at the airport.
2 (BrE) (AmE part) [C] a line on a person’s head where the hair is divided with a comb: a side / centre parting—picture at HAIR
3 [U, C] the act or result of dividing sth into parts: the parting of the clouds
IDM a / the ,parting of the 'ways a point at which two people or groups of people decide to separate

adj. [only before noun] said or done by sb as they leave: a parting kiss  His parting words were ‘I love you.’
IDM ,parting 'shot a final remark, especially an unkind one, that sb makes as they leave

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par.ti.san
adj., noun
adj. (often disapproving) showing too much support for one person, group or idea, especially without considering it carefully: Most newspapers are politically partisan.

noun
1 a person who strongly supports a particular leader, group or idea
2 a member of an armed group that is fighting secretly against enemy soldiers who have taken control of its country
par.ti.san.ship noun [U]

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par.ti.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a wall or screen that separates one part of a room from another: a glass partition  partition walls
2 [U] the division of one country into two or more countries: the partition of Germany after the war

verb [vn] [often passive] to divide sth into two parts: to partition a country  The room is partitioned into three sections.
PVR V par,tition sth<->'off to separate one area, one part of a room, etc. from another with a wall or screen

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par.ti.tive
noun (grammar ) a word or phrase that shows a part or quantity of sth: In ‘a spoonful of sugar’, the word ‘spoonful’ is a partitive.
par.ti.tive adj.
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part.ly
adv. to some extent; not completely: Some people are unwilling to attend the classes partly because of the cost involved.  He was only partly responsible for the accident.
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part.ner
noun, verb
noun
1 the person that you are married to or having a sexual relationship with: Come to the New Year disco and bring your partner!  a marriage partner
2 one of the people who owns a business and shares the profits, etc: a partner in a law firm  a junior / senior partner
3 a person that you are doing an activity with, such as dancing or playing a game: a dancing / tennis partner
4 a country or an organization that has an agreement with another country: a trading partner—see also SLEEPING PARTNER , SPARRING PARTNER

verb [vn] to be sb’s partner in a dance, game, etc: Gerry offered to partner me at tennis.

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part.ner.ship
noun
1 [U] ~ (with sb) the state of being a partner in business: to be in / to go into partnership  He developed his own program in partnership with an American expert.
2 [C, U] ~ (with sb) a relationship between two people, organizations, etc.; the state of having this relationship: Marriage should be an equal partnership.  the school’s partnership with parents  a partnership between the United States and Europe
3 [C] a business owned by two or more people who share the profits: a junior member of the partnership
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,part of 'speech
noun (grammar ) one of the classes into which words are divided according to their grammar, such as noun, verb, adjective, etc.
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par.took
pt of PARTAKE
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par.tridge
noun [C, U] (pl.par.tridges or par.tridge) a brown bird with a round body and a short tail, that people hunt for sport or food; the meat of this bird
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,part-'time
adj. (abbr. PT) for part of the day or week in which people work: She’s looking for a part-time job.  to study on a part-time basis  part-time workers  I’m only part-time at the moment.
,part-'time adv.: Liz works part-time from 10 till 2.—compare FULL-TIME
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,part-'timer
noun a person who works part-time
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'part-way
adv. some of the way: They were part-way through the speeches when he arrived.
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'part-work
noun (BrE ) a book that is published in several parts that people can collect over a period of time
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party
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also Party) [C+sing./pl. v.] a political organization that you can vote for in elections and whose members have the same aims and ideas: the Democratic and Republican Parties in the United States  She belongs to the Labour Party.  the ruling / opposition party  the party leader / manifesto / policy
2 [C] (especially in compounds) a social occasion, often in a person’s home, at which people eat, drink, talk, dance and enjoy themselves: a birthday / dinner / garden party  to give / have / throw a party  Did you go to their party?  party games—see also HEN PARTY , HOUSE PARTY , STAG PARTY
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who are doing sth together such as travelling or visiting somewhere: The school is taking a party of 40 children to France.  The theatre gives a 10% discount to parties of more than ten.—see also SEARCH PARTY , WORKING PARTY
4 [C] (formal) one of the people or groups of people involved in a legal agreement or dispute: the guilty / innocent party  The contract can be terminated by either party with three months' notice.—see also INJURED PARTY , THIRD PARTY
IDM be (a) party to sth (formal) to be involved in an agreement or action: to be party to a decision  He refused to be a party to any violence.

verb (par.ties, party.ing, par.tied, par.tied) [v] (informal) to enjoy yourself, especially by eating, drinking alcohol and dancing: They were out partying every night.

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,party 'favors
(also favors) (both AmE) noun [pl.] small gifts that are often given to children at a party
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'party-goer
noun a person who enjoys going to parties or who is a guest at a particular party
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,party 'line
noun the official opinions and policies of a political party, which members are expected to support
IDM see TOE v.
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'party piece
noun (BrE , informal) a thing that sb does to entertain people, especially at parties, for example singing a song
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,party po'litical
adj. [only before noun] (especially BrE ) made by or related to a political party: a party political broadcast
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,party 'politics
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] political activity that involves political parties: The President should stand above party politics.  Many people think that party politics should not enter into local government.
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party-pooper
noun (informal) a person who does not want to take part in an enjoyable activity and spoils the fun for other people
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,party 'spirit
noun [U] the sort of mood in which you can enjoy a party and have fun
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,party 'wall
noun a wall that divides two buildings or rooms and belongs to both owners
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par.venu
noun (pl.-us) (formal, disapproving) a person from a low social or economic position who has suddenly become rich or powerful
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pass
verb, noun
verb
MOVE|
1 to move past or to the other side of sb/sth: [v] Several people were passing but nobody offered to help.  I hailed a passing taxi.  The road was so narrow that cars were unable to pass.  [vn] to pass a barrier / sentry / checkpoint  She passed me in the street without even saying hello.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go or move in the direction mentioned: The procession passed slowly along the street.  A plane passed low overhead.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make sth move in the direction or into the position mentioned: He passed the rope around the post three times to secure it.
GIVE|
4 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to give sth to sb by putting it into their hands or in a place where they can easily reach it: [vn] Pass the salt, please.  [vn, vnn] Pass that book over.  Pass me over that book.
BALL|
5 ~ (sth) (to sb) (in football, hockey, etc.) to kick, hit or throw the ball to a player of your own side: [vn] He passed the ball to Owen.  [v] Why do they keep passing back to the goalie?—
AFTER DEATH|
6 [v] ~ to sb to be given to another person after first belonging to sb else, especially after the first person has died: On his death, the title passed to his eldest son.
BECOME GREATER|
7 [vn] (of an amount) to become greater than a particular total
SYN EXCEED : Unemployment has now passed the three million mark .
CHANGE|
8 [v] ~ from sth to / into sth to change from one state or condition to another: She had passed from childhood to early womanhood.
TIME|
9 [v] when time passes, it goes by: Six months passed and we still had no news of them.  We grew more anxious with every passing day .
10 [vn] to spend time, especially when you are bored or waiting for sth: We sang songs to pass the time .  How did you pass the evening?
END|
11 [v] to come to an end; to be over: They waited for the storm to pass.
TEST / EXAM|
12 to achieve the required standard in an exam, a test, etc: [v] I’m not really expecting to pass first time.  [vn] She hasn’t passed her driving test yet.
OPP FAIL
13 [vn] to test sb and decide that they are good enough, according to an agreed standard: The examiners passed all the candidates.
OPP FAIL
LAW / PROPOSAL|
14 [vn] to accept a proposal, law, etc. by voting: The bill was passed by 360 votes to 280.
HAPPEN|
15 [v] to be allowed: I don’t like it, but I’ll let it pass (= will not object).  Her remarks passed without comment (= people ignored them).
16 ~ (between A and B) to happen; to be said or done: [v] They’ll never be friends again after all that has passed between them.  [v-adj] His departure passed unnoticed .
NOT KNOW|
17 [v] ~ (on sth) to say that you do not know the answer to a question, especially during a QUIZ : ‘What’s the capital of Peru?’‘I’ll have to pass on that one.’  ‘Who wrote ‘Catch-22’?’‘Pass (= I don’t know).’
NOT WANT|
18 [v] ~ (on sth) to say that you do not want sth that is offered to you: Thanks. I’m going to pass on dessert, if you don’t mind.
SAY / STATE STH|
19 [vn] ~ sth (on sb/sth) to say or state sth, especially officially: The court waited in silence for the judge to pass sentence .  It’s not for me to pass judgement on your behaviour.  The man smiled at the girl and passed a friendly remark.
BELIEF / UNDERSTANDING|
20 [vn] ~ belief, understanding, etc. (formal) to go beyond the limits of what you can believe, understand, etc: It passes belief (= is impossible to believe) that she could do such a thing.
IN CARD GAMES|
21 [v] to refuse to play a card or make a BID when it is your turn
FROM THE BODY|
22 [vn] to send sth out from the body as or with waste matter: If you’re passing blood you ought to see a doctor. ,come to 'pass (old use) to happen not pass your 'lips
1 if words do not pass your lips, you say nothing
2 if food or drink does not pass your lips, you eat or drink nothing pass the 'hat round / around (informal) to collect money from a number of people, for example to buy a present for sb pass 'muster to be accepted as satisfactory pass the time of 'day (with sb) to greet sb and have a short conversation with them pass 'water (formal) to URINATE 'pass as sb/sth = PASS FOR SB/STH ,pass a'way
1 (also ,pass 'on) to die. People say ‘pass away’ to avoid saying ‘die’: His mother passed away last year.
2 to stop existing: civilizations that have passed away ,pass 'by (sb/sth) to go past: The procession passed right by my front door. ,pass sb/sth 'by to happen without affecting sb/sth: She feels that life is passing her by (= that she is not enjoying the opportunities and pleasures of life). ,pass sth<->'down [often passive] to give or teach sth to your children or people younger than you, who will then give or teach it to those who live after them, and so on 'pass for / as sb/sth to be accepted as sb/sth: He speaks the language so well he could easily pass for a German.  We had some wine—or what passes for wine in that area. 'pass into sth to become a part of sth: Many foreign words have passed into the English language. ,pass 'off (BrE) (of an event) to take place and be completed in a particular way: The demonstration passed off peacefully. ,pass sb / yourself / sth 'off as sb/sth to pretend that sb/sth is sth they are not: He escaped by passing himself off as a guard. ,pass 'on = PASS AWAY ,pass sth<->'on (to sb) to give sth to sb else, especially after receiving it or using it yourself: Pass the book on to me when you’ve finished with it.  I passed your message on to my mother.  Much of the discount is pocketed by retailers instead of being passed on to customers. ,pass 'out to lose consciousness
SYN FAINT ,pass 'out (of sth) (BrE) to leave a military college after finishing a course of training: a passing-out ceremony ,pass sb<->'over to not consider sb for promotion in a job, especially when they deserve it or think that they deserve it: He was passed over in favour of a younger man. ,pass 'over sth to ignore or avoid sth: They chose to pass over her rude remarks. ,pass 'through … to go through a town, etc., stopping there for a short time but not staying: We were passing through, so we thought we’d come and say hello. ,pass sth<->'up (informal) to choose not to make use of a chance, an opportunity, etc: Imagine passing up an offer like that!

noun
IN EXAM|
1 (especially BrE) a successful result in an exam: She got a pass in French.  12 passes and 3 fails  Two A-level passes are needed for this course.  The pass mark is 50%.  The school has a 90% pass rate (= 90% of students pass their exams).
OFFICIAL DOCUMENT|
2 an official document or ticket that shows that you have the right to enter or leave a place, to travel on a bus or train, etc: a bus pass  a boarding pass (= for a plane)  There is no admittance without a security pass.
OF BALL|
3 (in some sports) an act of hitting or throwing the ball to another player in your team: a short / long pass to Anelka  a back pass to the goalkeeper
THROUGH MOUNTAINS|
4 a road or way over or through mountains: a mountain pass—picture at MOUNTAIN
MOVING PAST / OVER|
5 an act of going or moving past or over sth: The helicopter made several passes over the village before landing.
STAGE IN PROCESS|
6 a stage in a process, especially one that involves separating things from a larger group: In the first pass all the addresses are loaded into the database. come to such a 'pass | come to a pretty 'pass (old-fashioned or humorous) to reach a sad or difficult state make a pass at sb (informal) to try to start a sexual relationship with sb

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pass.able
adj.
1 fairly good but not excellent SATISFACTORY : She put on a passable imitation of a Scottish accent.
2 [not usually before noun] if a road or a river is passable, it is not blocked and you can travel along or across it
OPP IMPASSABLE
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pass.ably
adv. in an acceptable or satisfactory way: He speaks passably good French.
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pas.sage
noun
LONG NARROW WAY|
1 (also pas.sage.way ) [C] a long narrow area with walls on either side that connects one room or place with another
SYN CORRIDOR : a secret underground passage  A dark narrow passage led to the main hall.
IN THE BODY|
2 [C] a tube in the body through which air, liquid, etc. passes: blocked nasal passages  the back passage (= between the bowels and the ANUS )
SECTION FROM BOOK|
3 [C] a short section from a book, piece of music, etc.
SYN EXCERPT , EXTRACT : Read the following passage and answer the questions below.
OF TIME|
4 [sing.] the ~ of time (literary) the process of time passing: Her confidence grew with the passage of time.
OF BILL IN PARLIAMENT|
5 [sing.] the process of discussing a BILL in a parliament so that it can become law: The bill is now guaranteed an easy passage through the House of Representatives.
JOURNEY BY SHIP|
6 [sing.] a journey from one place to another by ship: Her grandfather had worked his passage (= worked on a ship to pay for the journey) to America.
GOING THROUGH|
7 [sing.] a ~ (through sth) a way through sth: The officers forced a passage through the crowd.
8 [U] (formal) the action of going across, through or past sth: Large trees may obstruct the passage of light.
9 [U, C, usually sing.] the permission to travel across a particular area of land: We were promised (a) safe passage through the occupied territory.—see also BIRD OF PASSAGE , RITE OF PASSAGE
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pas.sant
EN PASSANT
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pass.book
noun a small book containing a record of the money you put into and take out of an account at a BUILDING SOCIETY or a bank
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passé
adj. [not usually before noun] (from French , disapproving) no longer fashionable: Her ideas on food are distinctly passé.
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pas.sen.ger
noun
1 a person who is travelling in a car, bus, train, plane or ship and who is not driving it or working on it: a passenger train (= carrying passengers, not goods)
2 (informal disapproving, especially BrE) a member of a group or team who does not do as much work as the others: The firm cannot afford to carry passengers.
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,passer-'by
noun (pl.passers-by) a person who is going past sb/sth by chance, especially when sth unexpected happens: Police asked passers-by if they had seen the accident.
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,pass-'fail
adj. (AmE ) connected with a grading system for school classes, etc. in which a student passes or fails rather than receiving a grade as a letter (for example, A or B)
,pass-'fail adv.: to take a class pass-fail
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pas.sim
adv. (from Latin ) used in the notes to a book or an article to show that a particular name or subject appears in several places in it
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pass.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 the ~ of time / the years the process of time going by
2 (formal) the fact of sth ending or of sb dying: When the government is finally brought down, no one will mourn its passing.  the passing of the old year (= on New Year’s Eve)  Many will mourn her passing (= her death, when you do not want to say this directly).
3 the ~ of sth the act of making sth law: the passing of a resolution / statute / law
IDM in passing done or said while you are giving your attention to sth else CASUALLY : He only mentioned it in passing and didn’t give any details.

adj. [only before noun]
1 lasting only for a short period of time and then disappearing BRIEF : a passing phase / thought / interest  He makes only a passing reference to the theory in his book.  She bears more than a passing resemblance to (= looks very like) your sister.
2 going past: I love him more with each passing day.  the noise of passing cars

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pas.sion
noun
1 [C, U] a very strong feeling of love, hatred, anger, enthusiasm, etc: He’s a man of violent passions.  a crime of passion   She argued her case with considerable passion.  Passions were running high (= people were angry and emotional) at the meeting.
2 [sing.] (formal) a state of being very angry: She flies into a passion if anyone even mentions his name.
3 [U] ~ (for sb) a very strong feeling of sexual love: His passion for her made him blind to everything else.
4 [sing.] ~ (for sth) a very strong feeling of liking sth; a hobby, an activity, etc. that you like very much: The English have a passion for gardens.  Music is a passion with him.
5 (the Passion) [sing.] (in Christianity) the suffering and death of Jesus Christ
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pas.sion.ate
adj.
1 having or showing strong feelings of sexual love or of anger, etc: to have a passionate nature
2 having or showing strong feelings of enthusiasm for sth or belief in sth: a passionate interest in music  a passionate defender of civil liberties
pas.sion.ate.ly adv.: He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.  They are all passionately interested in environmental issues.
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'passion flower
noun a tropical climbing plant with large brightly coloured flowers
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'passion fruit
noun [C, U] (pl.passion fruit) a small tropical fruit with a thick purple skin and many seeds inside, produced by some types of passion flower —
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pas.sion.less
adj. (rare) without emotion or enthusiasm
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'passion play
noun a play about the suffering and death of Jesus Christ
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pas.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 accepting what happens or what people do without trying to change anything or oppose them: He played a passive role in the relationship.  a passive observer of events
2 (grammar) connected with the form of a verb used when the subject is affected by the action of the verb as in He was bitten by a dog.: a passive sentence—compare ACTIVE
pas.sive.ly adv.

noun (also ,passive 'voice) [sing.] (grammar ) the form of a verb used when the subject is affected by the action of the verb—compare ACTIVE

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,passive re'sistance
noun [U] a way of opposing a government or an enemy by peaceful means, often by refusing to obey laws or orders
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,passive 'smoking
noun [U] the act of breathing in smoke from other people’s cigarettes
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pas.siv.ity
noun [U] the state of accepting what happens without reacting or trying to fight against it
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'pass key
noun = MASTER KEY
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Pass.over
noun [U, C] the Jewish religious festival and holiday in memory of the escape of the Jews from Egypt
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pass.port
noun
1 an official document that identifies you as a citizen of a particular country, and that you may have to show when you enter or leave a country: a valid passport  a South African passport  I was stopped as I went through passport control (= where passports are checked).  a passport photo
2 ~ to sth a thing that makes sth possible or enables you to achieve sth: The only passport to success is hard work.
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pass.word
noun
1 a secret word or phrase that you need to know in order to be allowed into a place
2 (computing) a series of letters or numbers that you must type into a computer or computer system in order to be able to use it: Enter a user name and password to get into the system.
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past
adj., noun, prep., adv.
adj.
1 gone by in time: in past years / centuries / ages  in times past  The time for discussion is past.
2 [only before noun] gone by recently; just ended: I haven’t seen much of her in the past few weeks.  The past month has been really busy at work.
3 [only before noun] belonging to an earlier time: past events  From past experience I’d say he’d probably forgotten the time.  past and present students of the college  Let’s forget about who was more to blame—it’s all past history .
4 [only before noun] (grammar) connected with the form of a verb used to express actions in the past

noun
1 (the past) [sing.] the time that has gone by; things that happened in an earlier time: I used to go there often in the past.  the recent / distant past  She looked back on the past without regret.  Writing letters seems to be a thing of the past .
2 [C] a person’s past life or career: We don’t know anything about his past.  They say she has a ‘past’ (= bad things in her past life that she wishes to keep secret).
3 (the past) [sing.] (grammar) = PAST TENSE
IDM see DISTANT , LIVE^1

prep.
1 (AmE also after) later than sth: half past two  ten (minutes) past six  There’s a bus at twenty minutes past the hour (= at 1.20, 2.20, etc.).  We arrived at two o’clock and left at ten past (= ten minutes past two).  It was past midnight when we got home.
2 on or to the other side of sb/sth: We live in the house just past the church.  He hurried past them without stopping.  He just walked straight past us!
3 above or further than a particular point or stage: Unemployment is now past the 3 million mark.  The flowers are past their best.  He’s past his prime.  She’s long past retirement age.  Honestly, I’m past caring what happens (= I can no longer be bothered to care).
IDM 'past it (BrE, informal) too old to do what you used to be able to do; too old to be used for its normal function: In some sports you’re past it by the age of 25.  That coat is looking decidedly past it.

adv.
1 from one side of sth to the other: I called out to him as he ran past.
2 used to describe time passing: A week went past and nothing had changed.

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pasta
noun [U] an Italian food made from flour, eggs and water, formed into different shapes and usually served with a sauce. It is often sold in packets and is hard when dry and soft when cooked.
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paste
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] a soft wet mixture, usually made of a powder and a liquid: She mixed the flour and water to a smooth paste.
2 [C] (especially in compounds) a smooth mixture of crushed meat, fish, etc. that is spread on bread or used in cooking
3 [U] a type of glue that is used for sticking paper to things: wallpaper paste
4 [U] a substance like glass, that is used for making artificial jewels, for example DIAMONDS

verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to stick sth to sth else using glue or paste : He pasted the pictures into his scrapbook.  Paste the two pieces together.  Paste down the edges.
2 [vn] to make sth by sticking pieces of paper together: The children were busy cutting and pasting paper hats.
3 (computing ) to copy or move text into a document from another place or another document: [vn] This function allows you to cut and paste text.  [v] It’s quicker to cut and paste than to retype.

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paste.board
noun [U] a type of thin board made by sticking sheets of paper together
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pas.tel
noun
1 [U] soft coloured chalk, used for drawing pictures: landscapes in pastel and oil
2 (pastels) [pl.] small sticks of chalk: a box of pastels
3 [C] a picture drawn with pastels : an exquisite pastel of a riverside scene
4 [C] a pale delicate colour: The whole house was painted in soft pastels.
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pas.teur.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to heat a liquid, especially milk, to a particular temperature and then cool it, in order to kill harmful bacteria: pasteurized milk
pas.teur.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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pas.tiche
noun
1 [C] a work of art, piece of writing, etc. that is created by deliberately copying the style of sb/sth else: a pastiche of the classic detective story
2 [C] a work of art, etc. that consists of a variety of different styles
3 [U] the art of creating a pastiche
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pas.tille
noun (especially BrE ) a small sweet/candy that you suck, especially one that is flavoured with fruit or that contains medicine for a sore throat: fruit pastilles  throat pastilles
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pas.time
noun something that you enjoy doing when you are not working HOBBY
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past.ing
noun
1 [sing.] (especially BrE) a heavy defeat in a game or competition
2 [sing.] (especially BrE) an instance of being hit very hard as a punishment for sth
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,past 'master
noun ~ (at sth / at doing sth) a person who is very good at sth because they have a lot of experience in it EXPERT : She’s a past master at getting what she wants.
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pas.tor
noun a MINISTER in charge of a Christian church or group, especially in some NONCONFORMIST churches
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pas.tor.al
adj.
1 relating to the work of a priest or teacher in giving help and advice on personal matters, not just those connected with religion or education: pastoral care / counselling / duties / work
2 showing country life or the countryside, especially in a romantic way: a pastoral scene / poem / symphony
3 relating to the farming of animals: agricultural and pastoral practices
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,past 'participle
noun (grammar ) the form of a verb that in English ends in -ed, -en, etc. and is used with the verb have to form PERFECT tenses such as I have eaten, with the verb be to form PASSIVE sentences such as It was destroyed, or sometimes as an adjective as in an upset stomach—compare PRESENT PARTICIPLE
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the ,past 'perfect
(also the ,past ,perfect 'tense, the plu.per.fect) noun [sing.] (grammar ) the form of a verb that expresses an action completed before a particular point in the past, formed in English with had and the past participle
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pas.trami
noun [U] cold spicy smoked beef
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pas.try
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a mixture of flour, fat and water or milk that is rolled out flat and baked as a base or covering for pies, etc: a pastry case—see also FILO PASTRY , PUFF PASTRY , SHORTCRUST PASTRY
2 [C] a small cake made using pastry —see also DANISH PASTRY —
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the ,past 'tense
(also the past) noun [sing.] (grammar ) the form of a verb used to describe actions in the past: The past tense of ‘take’ is ‘took’.
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pas.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] land covered with grass that is suitable for feeding animals on: an area of permanent / rough / rich pasture  high mountain pastures  The cattle were put out to pasture .
2 (pastures) [pl.] the circumstances of your life, work, etc: I felt we were off to greener pastures (= a better way of life).   (BrE) She decided it was time to move on to pastures new (= a new job, place to live, etc.).

verb [vn] to put animals in a field to feed on grass: The cattle were pastured on rich meadow grass.

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pas.ture.land
noun [U, pl.] (also pas.tur.age [U]) land where animals can feed on grass
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pasty^1
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) a small pie containing meat and vegetables—see also CORNISH PASTY
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pasty^2
adj. pale and not looking healthy: a pasty face / complexion
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pat
verb, noun, adj., adv.
verb (-tt-) to touch sb/sth gently several times with your hand flat, especially as a sign of affection: [vn] She patted the dog on the head.  He patted his sister’s hand consolingly.  [vn-adj] Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
IDM pat sb / yourself on the 'back to praise sb or yourself for doing sth well

noun
1 a gentle friendly touch with your open hand or with a flat object: a pat on the head  He gave her knee an affectionate pat.
2 ~ of butter a small, soft, flat lump of butter—see also COWPAT
IDM a ,pat on the 'back (for sth / for doing sth) praise or approval for sth that you have done well: He deserves a pat on the back for all his hard work.

adj. (usually disapproving) (of an answer, a comment, etc.) too quick, easy or simple; not seeming natural or realistic GLIB : The ending of the novel is a little too pat to be convincing.  There are no pat answers to these questions.

adv.
IDM have / know sth off 'pat (BrE) (AmE have / know sth down 'pat) to know sth perfectly so that you can repeat it at any time without having to think about it: He had all the answers off pat. stand 'pat (especially AmE) to refuse to change your mind about a decision you have made or an opinion you have

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patch
noun, verb
noun
SMALL AREA|
1 a small area of sth, especially one which is different from the area around it: a black dog with a white patch on its back  a bald patch on the top of his head  damp patches on the wall  patches of dense fog
PIECE OF MATERIAL|
2 a small piece of material that is used to cover a hole in sth or to strengthen a weak area: I sewed patches on the knees of my jeans.
3 a piece of material that you wear over an eye, usually because the eye is damaged: He had a black patch over one eye.—see also EYEPATCH
4 (especially AmE) (BrE usually badge) a piece of material that you sew onto clothes, etc. as a decoration or as part of a uniform
5 a piece of material that people can wear on their skin to help them to stop smoking: nicotine patches
PIECE / AREA OF LAND|
6 a small piece of land, especially one used for growing vegetables or fruit: a vegetable patch—picture at HOUSE
7 (BrE, informal) an area that sb works in, knows well or comes from: He knows every house in his patch.  She has had a lot of success in her home patch .
DIFFICULT TIME|
8 (informal, especially BrE) a period of time of the type mentioned, usually a difficult or unhappy one: to go through a bad / difficult / sticky patch—see also PURPLE PATCH be not a 'patch on sb/sth (informal, especially BrE) to be much less good, attractive, etc. than sb/sth else: This book isn’t a patch on her others.

verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to cover a hole or a worn place, especially in clothes, with a piece of cloth or other material: patched jeans  to patch a hole in the roof ,patch sb/sth 'through (to sb/sth) to connect telephone or electronic equipment temporarily: She was patched through to London on the satellite link. ,patch sth<->to'gether to make sth from several different parts, especially in a quick careless way: They hope to be able to patch together a temporary settlement. ,patch sth/sb<->'up
1 to repair sth especially in a temporary way by adding a new piece of material or patch : Just to patch the boat up will cost £10 000.
2 to treat sb’s injuries, especially quickly or temporarily: The doctor will soon patch you up.
3 to try to stop quarrelling with sb and be friends again: They’ve managed to patch up their differences.  Have you tried patching things up with her?
4 to agree on sth, especially after long discussions and even though the agreement is not completely satisfactory: They managed to patch up a deal.

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patch.ouli
noun [C] a PERFUME made with oil from the leaves of a SE Asian bush
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patch.work
noun
1 [U] a type of NEEDLEWORK in which small pieces of fabric of different colours or designs are sewn together: a patchwork quilt—picture at PATCH
2 [sing.] a thing that is made up of many different pieces or parts: a patchwork of different styles and cultures  From the plane, the landscape was just a patchwork of fields.
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patchy
adj.
1 existing or happening in some places and not others: patchy fog  The grass was dry and patchy.
2 (AmE also spotty) not complete; good in some parts, but not in others: a patchy knowledge of Spanish  It was a patchy performance.
patch.ily adv.
patchi.ness noun [U]
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pate
noun (old use or humorous) the top part of the head, especially when there is no hair on it: The sun beat down on his bald pate.
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pâté
noun [U] a soft mixture of very finely chopped meat or fish, served cold and used for spreading on bread, etc.
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pâté de foie gras
(also ,foie 'gras) noun [U] (from French ) an expensive type of pâté made from the LIVER of a GOOSE
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pa.tel.la
noun (pl.pa.tel.lae ) (anatomy ) the KNEECAP
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pa.tent
noun, adj., verb
noun [C, U] an official right to be the only person to make, use or sell a product or an invention; a document that proves this: to apply for / obtain a patent on an invention  The device was protected by patent.

adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with a patent : patent applications / laws  the US Patent Office
2 (of a product) made or sold by a particular company: patent medicines
3 (formal) used to emphasize that sth bad is very clear and obvious: It was a patent lie.

verb [vn] to obtain a patent for an invention or a process

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patent leather
noun [U] a type of leather with a hard shiny surface, used especially for making shoes and bags
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pa.tent.ly
adv. (formal) without doubt; clearly: Her explanation was patently ridiculous.  It was patently obvious that she was lying.
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pater.famil.ias
noun [sing.] (formal or humorous) the man who is the head of a family
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pa.ter.nal
adj.
1 connected with being a father; typical of a kind father: paternal instincts / love  He gave me a piece of paternal advice.
2 related through the father’s side of the family: my paternal grandmother (= my father’s mother)
pa.ter.nal.ly adv.: He smiled paternally at them.—compare MATERNAL
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pa.ter.nal.ism
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) the system in which a government or an employer protects the people who are governed or employed by providing them with what they need, but does not give them any responsibility or freedom of choice
pa.ter.nal.is.tic (also pa.ter.nal.ist) adj.: a paternalistic employer / state
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pa.ter.nity
noun [U] (written) the fact of being the father of a child: He refused to admit paternity of the child.—compare MATERNITY
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pa'ternity leave
noun time that the father of a new baby is allowed to have away from work
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pa'ternity suit
(also pa'ternity case) noun a court case that is intended to prove who a child’s father is, especially so that he can be ordered to give the child financial support
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path
noun (also path.way)
1 a way or track that is built or is made by the action of people walking: a concrete path  the garden path  Follow the path through the woods.  to walk along a path  The path led up a steep hill.  a coastal path—see also FOOTPATH —picture at HOUSE
2 a line along which sb/sth moves; the space in front of sb/sth as they move: He threw himself into the path of an oncoming vehicle.  The avalanche forced its way down the mountain, crushing everything in its path .  Three men blocked her path.—see also FLIGHT PATH
3 a plan of action or a way of achieving sth: a career path  the path to freedom / success / victory
IDM see BEAT v. , CROSS v. , LEAD^1v. , PRIMROSE , SMOOTH v.
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path.et.ic
adj.
1 making you feel pity or sadness: a pathetic and lonely old man  The starving children were a pathetic sight.
2 (informal, disapproving) weak, useless and not successful: a pathetic excuse / joke  She made a pathetic attempt to smile.  I know it sounds pathetic, but I can’t ride a bike.  You’re pathetic!
path.et.ic.al.ly adv.: He cried pathetically.  a pathetically shy woman
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pa,thetic 'fallacy
noun [U, sing.] (in art and literature) the act of describing animals and things as having human feelings: the poet’s use of pathetic fallacy in showing nature mourning the death of the shepherd
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path.find.er
noun
1 a person, group or thing that goes before others and shows the way over unknown land
2 a person, group or thing that finds a new way of doing sth: The company is a pathfinder in computer technology.
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patho-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with disease: pathogenesis (= the development of a disease)  pathophysiology
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patho.gen
noun (technical ) a thing that causes disease
patho.gen.ic adj.
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patho.logic.al
adj.
1 not reasonable or sensible; impossible to control: pathological fear / hatred / violence  a pathological liar (= a person who cannot stop telling lies)
2 caused by, or connected with, disease or illness: pathological depression
3 (technical) connected with PATHOLOGY
patho.logic.al.ly adv.: pathologically jealous
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path.olo.gist
noun a doctor who studies pathology and examines dead bodies to find out the cause of death—compare MEDICAL EXAMINER
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path.ology
noun
1 [U] the scientific study of diseases
2 [C] an aspect of sb’s behaviour that is extreme and unreasonable and that they cannot control
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pathos
noun [U] (in writing, speech and plays) the power of a performance, description, etc. to produce feelings of sadness and sympathy: The scene was full of pathos.
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path.way
noun = PATH
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pa.tience
noun [U]
1 ~ (with sb/sth) the ability to stay calm and accept a delay or sth annoying without complaining: She has little patience with (= will not accept or consider) such views.  People have lost patience with (= have become annoyed about) the slow pace of reform.  My patience is wearing thin.  I have run out of patience with her.  Teaching children with special needs requires patience and understanding.
2 the ability to spend a lot of time doing sth difficult that needs a lot of attention and effort: It takes time and patience to photograph wildlife.  I don’t have the patience to do jigsaw puzzles.
3 (BrE) (AmE soli.taire) a card game for only one player
IDM see TRY v.
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pa.tient
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who is receiving medical treatment, especially in a hospital: cancer patients
2 a person who receives treatment from a particular doctor, dentist, etc: He’s one of Dr Shaw’s patients.

adj. ~ (with sb/sth) able to wait for a long time or accept annoying behaviour or difficulties without becoming angry: She’s very patient with young children.  You’ll just have to be patient and wait till I’m finished.
pa.tient.ly adv.: to listen / sit / wait patiently  She sat patiently waiting for her turn.

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pat.ina
noun [usually sing.]
1 a green, black or brown layer that forms on the surface of some metals
2 a thin layer that forms on other materials; the shiny surface that develops on wood or leather when it is polished: (figurative) He looked relaxed and elegant and had the patina of success.
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patio
noun (pl.-os ) a flat hard area outside, and usually behind, a house where people can sit: Let’s have lunch out on the patio .
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pa.tis.serie
noun (from French )
1 [C] a shop/store that sells cakes, etc.
2 [U] (also pa.tis.series [pl.]) (formal) cakes
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pat.ois
noun (pl.pat.ois ) a form of a language, spoken by people in a particular area, that is different from the standard language of the country
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patri.arch
noun
1 the male head of a family or tribe—compare MATRIARCH
2 an old man that people have a lot of respect for
3 (Patriarch) the title of a most senior BISHOP (= a senior priest) in the Orthodox or Roman Catholic Church: the Patriarch of Constantinople  the Orthodox Patriarch
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patri.arch.al
adj.
1 ruled or controlled by men; giving power and importance only to men: a patriarchal society
2 connected with a patriarch —compare MATRIARCHAL
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patri.arch.ate
noun (formal)
1 the title, position or period of office of a patriarch (3)
2 the area governed by a patriarch (3)
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patri.archy
noun [C, U] a society, system or country that is ruled or controlled by men—compare MATRIARCHY
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pa.tri.cian
adj. (formal) typical of the highest social class
SYN ARISTOCRATIC : She comes from an old patrician family.
pa.tri.cian noun—compare PLEBEIAN
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patri.cide
noun [U, C] (formal) the crime of killing your father; a person who is guilty of this crime—compare FRATRICIDE , MATRICIDE , PARRICIDE
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patri.mony
noun [sing.] (formal)
1 property that is given to sb when their father dies INHERITANCE
2 the works of art and TREASURES of a nation, church, etc.
SYN HERITAGE
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pat.riot
noun a person who loves their country and who is ready to defend it against an enemy
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pat.ri.ot.ic
adj. having or expressing a great love of your country: a patriotic man who served his country well  patriotic music / songs
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pat.ri.ot.ism
noun [U] love of your country and willingness to defend it: a wave of patriotism
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pa.trol
verb, noun
verb (-ll-)
1 to go around an area or a building at regular times to check that it is safe and that there is no trouble: [vn] Troops patrolled the border day and night.  [v] Guards can be seen patrolling everywhere.
2 [vn] to drive or walk around a particular area, especially in a threatening way: Gangs of youths patrol the streets at night.

noun
1 [C, U] the act of going to different parts of a building, an area, etc. to make sure that there is no trouble or crime: Security guards make regular patrols at night.  a police car on patrol
2 [C] a group of soldiers, vehicles, etc. that patrol an area: a naval / police patrol  a patrol car / boat
3 a group of about six BOY SCOUTS or GIRL GUIDES/SCOUTS that forms part of a larger group

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pa.trol.man, pa.trol.woman
noun (pl.-men , pl.-women )
1 (in the US) a police officer who walks or drives around an area to make sure that there is no trouble or crime: Patrolman Don Lilly
2 (in Britain) an official of an association for car owners who goes to give help to drivers who have trouble with their cars
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pa'trol wagon
(also informal 'paddy wagon) (both AmE) noun a police van for transporting prisoners in
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pat.ron
noun
1 a person who gives money and support to artists and writers: Frederick the Great was the patron of many artists.
2 a famous person who supports an organization such as a charity and whose name is used in the advertisements, etc. for the organization: Diana, Princess of Wales was patron of the charity Birthright.
3 (formal) a person who uses a particular shop/store, restaurant, theatre, etc: Patrons are requested not to smoke.
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pat.ron.age
noun [U]
1 the support, especially financial, that is given to a person or an organization by a patron : Patronage of the arts comes mostly from businesses and private individuals.
2 the system by which an important person gives help or a job to sb in return for their support
3 (especially AmE) the support that a person gives a shop/store, restaurant, etc. by spending money there
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pat.ron.ess
noun a female PATRON (1)
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pat.ron.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 (disapproving) to treat sb in a way that seems friendly, but which shows that you think that they are not very intelligent, experienced, etc: [vn] Some television programmes tend to patronize children. [alsov]
2 [vn] (formal) to be a regular customer of a shop/store, restaurant, etc: The club is patronized by students and locals alike.
3 [vn] to help a particular person, organization or activity by giving them money: She patronizes many contemporary British artists.
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pat.ron.iz.ing
(BrE also -is.ing) adj. (disapproving) showing that you feel better, or more intelligent than sb else: a patronizing manner / smile  I was only trying to explain; I didn’t want to sound patronizing.
pat.ron.iz.ing.ly , -is.ing.lyadv.: He patted her hand patronizingly.
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,patron 'saint
noun a Christian saint who is believed to protect a particular place or group of people: St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint  St Christopher, patron saint of travellers
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patsy
noun (pl.-ies) (informal disapproving, especially AmE ) a weak person who is easily cheated or deceived, or who is forced to take the blame for sth that sb else has done wrong
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pat.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] the sound that is made by sth repeatedly hitting a surface quickly and lightly: the patter of feet / footsteps  the patter of rain on the roof
2 [U, sing.] fast continuous talk by sb who is trying to sell you sth or entertain you: sales patter
IDM the patter of tiny feet (informal or humorous) a way of referring to children when sb wants, or is going to have, a baby: We can’t wait to hear the patter of tiny feet.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to make quick, light sounds as a surface is being hit several times: Rain pattered against the window.
2 to walk with light steps in a particular direction: I heard her feet pattering along the corridor.

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pat.tern
noun, verb
noun
1 the regular way in which sth happens or is done: changing patterns of behaviour / work / weather  an irregular sleeping pattern  The murders all seem to follow a (similar) pattern (= happen in the same way).
2 [usually sing.] an excellent example to copy: This system sets the pattern for others to follow.
3 a regular arrangement of lines, shapes, colours, etc. as a design on material, carpets, etc: a pattern of diamonds and squares  a shirt with a floral pattern
4 a design, set of instructions or shape to cut around that you use in order to make sth: a knitting pattern  She bought a dress pattern and some material.
5 a small piece of material, paper, etc. that helps you choose the design of sth SAMPLE : wallpaper patterns

verb [vn]
1 (written) to form a regular arrangement of lines or shapes on sth: Frost patterned the window.  a landscape patterned by vineyards
2 (technical) to cause a particular type of behaviour to develop: Adult behaviour is often patterned by childhood experiences.
PVR V 'pattern sth on sth (BrE) (AmE 'pattern sth after sth) [usually passive] to use sth as a model for sth; to copy sth: a new approach patterned on Japanese ideas

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pat.terned
adj. ~ (with sth) decorated with a pattern: patterned wallpaper  cups patterned with yellow flowers
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pat.tern.ing
noun [U]
1 (technical) the forming of fixed ways of behaving by copying or repeating sth: cultural patterning  the patterning of husband-wife roles
2 the arrangement of shapes or colours to make patterns: a red fish with black patterning
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patty
noun (pl.-ies) (especially AmE ) finely chopped meat, fish, etc. formed into a small round flat shape: a hamburger patty
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pau.city
noun [sing.] (formal) ~ (of sth) a small amount of sth; less than enough of sth: a paucity of knowledge / information / research
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paunch
noun a fat stomach on a man
paunchy adj.
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pau.per
noun (old use) a very poor person: He died a pauper.
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pause
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to stop talking or doing sth for a short time before continuing: Anita paused for a moment, then said: ‘All right’.  The woman spoke almost without pausing for breath (= very quickly).  I paused at the door and looked back.  Pausing only to pull on a sweater, he ran out of the house.
2 [vn] to stop a tape, CD, etc. for a short time using the pause button: She paused the video and went to answer the phone.

noun
1 ~ (in sth) a period of time during which sb stops talking or stops what they are doing: There was a long pause before she answered.  David waited for a pause in the conversation so he could ask Joe his question.  After a brief pause, they continued climbing.  The rain fell without pause .  note at BREAK
2 (especially BrE) (also fer.mata especially in AmE) (music) a sign () over a note or a REST to show that it should be longer than usual
3 [U] (also 'pause button) a control that allows you to stop a TAPE RECORDER , CD player, etc. for a short time: Press pause to stop the tape.
IDM give (sb) 'pause (BrE also give (sb) pause for 'thought) (formal) to make sb think seriously about sth or hesitate before doing sth: Popular resistance to the measures should give the government pause.—more at PREGNANT

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pave
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover a surface with flat stones or bricks: a paved area near the back door
IDM ,pave the 'way (for sb/sth) to create a situation in which sb will be able to do sth or sth can happen: This decision paved the way for changes in employment rights for women.—more at STREET
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pave.ment
noun
1 [C] (BrE) (AmE side.walk) a flat part at the side of a road for people to walk on: a pavement cafe
2 [C, U] (BrE) any area of flat stones on the ground: a mosaic pavement
3 [U] (AmE) the surface of a road: Two cars skidded on the icy pavement.
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pa.vil.ion
noun
1 a temporary building used at public events and EXHIBITIONS : the US pavilion at the Trade Fair
2 (BrE) a building next to a sports ground, used by players and people watching the game: a cricket pavilion
3 (AmE) a large building used for sports or entertainment: the Pauley Pavilion, home of the university’s basketball team
4 a building that is meant to be more beautiful than useful, built as a shelter in a park or used for concerts and dances: his first show at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Blackpool
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pav.ing
noun [U]
1 a surface of flat stones or material like stone on the ground: Weeds grew through the cracks in the paving.—see also CRAZY PAVING
2 the stones or material that are used to make a flat surface on the ground: We’ll use concrete paving.
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'paving stone
noun a flat, usually square, piece of stone that is used to make a hard surface for walking on
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paw
noun, verb
noun
1 the foot of an animal that has CLAWS or nails—
2 (informal) a person’s hand: Take your filthy paws off me!

verb ~ (at) sth
1 (of an animal) to scratch or touch sth repeatedly with a paw : [v] The dog pawed at my sleeve.  [vn] The stallion pawed the ground impatiently.
2 [vn] (sometimes humorous) to touch sb in a rough sexual way that they find offensive

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pawn
noun, verb
noun
1 a CHESS piece of the smallest size and least value. Each player has eight pawns at the start of a game.—
2 a person or group whose actions are controlled by more powerful people: The hostages are being used as political pawns.
IDM in pawn if sth is in pawn, it has been pawned : All her jewellery was in pawn.

verb [vn] to leave an object with a pawnbroker in exchange for money. The object is returned to the owner if he or she pays back the money within an agreed period of time. If not, it can be sold.

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pawn.broker
noun a person who lends money in exchange for articles left with them. If the money is not paid back by a particular time, the pawnbroker can sell the article.
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pawn.shop
noun a pawnbroker’s shop/store
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paw.paw
noun (BrE ) = PAPAYA
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pay
verb, noun
verb (paid, paid )
1 ~ (sb) (for sth) to give sb money for work, goods, services, etc: [v] I’ll pay for the tickets.  Are you paying in cash or by credit card ?  Her parents paid for her to go to Canada.  My company pays well (= pays high salaries).  [vn] to pay cash   Would you mind paying the taxi driver?  She pays £200 a week for this apartment.  [vnn] He still hasn’t paid me the money he owes me.  I’m paid $100 a day.  [vn to inf] I don’t pay you to sit around all day doing nothing!—see also LOW-PAID
2 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to give sb money that you owe them: [vn] Membership fees should be paid to the secretary.  to pay a bill / debt / fine / ransom  [vnn] Have you paid him the rent yet?
3 [v] (of a business, etc.) to produce a profit: It’s hard to make farming pay.
4 to result in some advantage or profit for sb: [v] Crime doesn’t pay.  [v to inf] It pays to keep up to date with your work.  [vn to inf] It would probably pay you to hire an accountant.
5 [v] ~ (for sth) to suffer or be punished for your beliefs or actions: You’ll pay for that remark!  Many people paid with their lives (= they died).
6 used with some nouns to show that you are giving or doing the thing mentioned [vn, vnn] I’ll pay a call on (= visit) my friends.  I’ll pay you a call when I’m in town.  [vn] I didn’t pay attention to what she was saying.  The director paid tribute to all she had done for the charity.  [vnn] He’s always paying me compliments .
IDM the 'devil / 'hell to pay (informal) a lot of trouble: There’ll be hell to pay when he finds out. he who pays the piper calls the 'tune (saying) the person who provides the money for sth can also control how it is spent pay 'court to sb (old-fashioned) to treat sb with great respect in order to gain favour with them pay 'dividends to produce great advantages or profits: Exercising regularly will pay dividends in the end. ,pay for it'self (of a new system, sth you have bought, etc.) to save as much money as it cost: The rail pass will pay for itself after only about two trips. pay its 'way (of a business, etc.) to make enough money to pay what it costs to keep it going: The bridge is still not paying its way. pay the 'penalty (for sth / for doing sth) | pay a / the 'price (for sth / for doing sth) to suffer because of bad luck, a mistake or sth you have done: He looked terrible this morning. I think he’s paying the penalty for all those late nights.  They’re now paying the price for past mistakes. pay your re'spects (to sb) (formal) to visit sb or to send greetings as a sign of respect for them: Many came to pay their last respects (= by attending sb’s funeral). pay through the 'nose (for sth) (informal) to pay much too much money for sth pay your 'way to pay for everything yourself without having to rely on anyone else’s money put 'paid to sth (informal) to stop or destroy sth, especially what sb plans or wants to do—more at ARM n. , HEED n. , ROB
PVR V ,pay sb 'back (sth)| ,pay sth<->'back (to sb) to return money that you borrowed from sb: I’ll pay you back next week.  You can pay back the loan over a period of three years.  Did he ever pay you back that $100 he owes you? ,pay sb 'back (for sth) to punish sb for making you or sb else suffer: I’ll pay him back for making me look like a fool in front of everyone.—related noun PAYBACK ,pay sth<->'in| 'pay sth into sth to put money into a bank account: I paid in a cheque this morning.  I’d like to pay some money into my account. ,pay 'off (informal) (of a plan or an action, especially one that involves risk) to be successful and bring good results: The gamble paid off. ,pay sb<->'off
1 to pay sb what they have earned and tell them to leave their job: The crew were paid off as soon as the ship docked.
2 (informal) to give sb money to prevent them from doing sth or talking about sth illegal or dishonest that you have done: All the witnesses had been paid off.—related noun PAY-OFF ,pay sth<->'off to finish paying money owed for sth: We paid off our mortgage after fifteen years. ,pay sth<->'out
1 to pay a large sum of money for sth: I had to pay out £500 to get my car repaired.—related noun PAYOUT
2 to pass a length of rope through your hands ,pay 'up to pay all the money that you owe to sb, especially when you do not want to or when the payment is late: I had a hard time getting him to pay up.

noun [U] the money that sb gets for doing regular work: Her job is hard work, but the pay is good.  a pay increase   (BrE ) a pay rise   (AmE ) a pay raise  a 3% pay offer  holiday pay  to make a pay claim (= to officially ask for an increase in pay)—see also SICK PAY
IDM in the pay of sb/sth (usually disapproving) working for sb or for an organization, often secretly

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pay.able
adj. [not before noun]
1 that must be paid or can be paid: A 10% deposit is payable in advance.  The price is payable in monthly instalments.
2 when a cheque, etc. is made payable to sb, their name is written on it and they can then pay it into their bank account
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,pay as you 'earn
noun [U] = PAYE —compare WITHHOLDING TAX
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pay.back
noun [C, U]
1 the money that you receive back on money that you have invested (especially when this is equal to the amount that you invested to start with); the time that it takes to get your money back: a 10-year payback
2 the advantage or REWARD that sb receives for sth they have done; the act of paying sth back: His victory was seen as payback for all the hard work he’d put in during training.   (informal) It’s payback time ! (= a person will have to suffer for what they have done)
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'pay cheque
(BrE ) (AmEpay.check ) noun
1 the cheque that you are given when your wages are paid to you
2 (especially AmE) a way of referring to the amount of money that you earn: a huge paycheck
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'pay day
noun [U] the day on which you get your wages or SALARY : Friday is pay day.
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'pay dirt
noun [U] (especially AmE ) earth that contains valuable minerals or metal such as gold
IDM hit / strike 'pay dirt (informal) to suddenly be in a successful situation, especially one that makes you rich
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PAYE
abbr. pay as you earn (a British system of paying income tax in which money is taken from your wages by your employer and paid to the government)
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payee
noun (technical ) a person that money or a cheque is paid to
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payer
noun a person who pays or who has to pay for sth: mortgage payers  The company are not very good payers (= they are slow to pay their bills, or they do not pay their employees well).
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,paying 'guest
noun a person who pays to live in sb’s house with them, usually for a short time
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pay.load
noun (technical )
1 the passengers and goods on a ship or an aircraft for which payment is received
2 the goods that a vehicle, for example a lorry/truck, is carrying; the amount it is carrying
3 the explosive power of a bomb or a MISSILE
4 the equipment carried by a spacecraft or satellite
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pay.mas.ter
noun
1 (usually disapproving) a person or group of people that pays another person or organization and therefore can control their actions
2 an official who pays the wages in the army, a factory, etc.
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pay.ment
noun ~ (for sth)
1 [U] the act of paying sb/sth or of being paid: payment in instalments / in advance / by cheque  There will be a penalty for late payment of bills.
2 [C] a sum of money paid or expected to be paid: a cash payment  They are finding it difficult to meet the payments on their car.  He agreed to make ten monthly payments of £50.—see also BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
3 [U, sing.] a reward or an act of thanks for sth you have done: We’d like you to accept this gift in payment for your kindness.  Is this all the payment I get for my efforts?
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'pay-off
noun (informal)
1 a payment of money to sb so that they will not cause you any trouble or to make them keep a secret
SYN BRIBE : The police are accused of receiving secret pay-offs from the drug barons.
2 a payment of money to sb to persuade them to leave their job
3 an advantage or a reward from sth you have done
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pay.ola
noun [U] (AmE , informal) the practice of giving or taking payments for doing sth illegal, especially for illegally influencing the sales of a particular product
SYN BRIBERY
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pay.out
noun a large amount of money that is given to sb: an insurance payout  a lottery payout
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'pay packet
(also 'wage packet) (both BrE) noun an envelope containing your wages; the amount sb earns
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pay.phone
noun a telephone, usually in a public place, that is operated using coins or a card
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pay.roll
noun
1 a list of people employed by a company showing the amount of money to be paid to each of them: We have 500 people on the payroll .
2 [usually sing.] the total amount paid in wages by a company
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pay.slip
noun (BrE ) a piece of paper given to an employee that shows how much money they have been paid and how much has been taken away for tax, etc.
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PC
abbr.
1 the abbreviation for ‘personal computer’ (a small computer that is designed for one person to use at work or at home): software for PCs—
2 (BrE) the abbreviation for ‘Police Constable’ (a police officer of the lowest rank): PC Tom March—see also WPC
3 the abbreviation for POLITICALLY CORRECT
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p.d.q.
abbr. pretty damn/damned quick: Make sure you get here p.d.q.
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PE
(BrE ) (AmEP.E.) noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘physical education’ (sport and exercise that is taught in schools): a PE lesson / class
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pea
noun a small round green seed, eaten as a vegetable. Several peas grow together inside a long thin POD on a climbing plant also called a pea: frozen peas  pea soup——see also CHICKPEA , MUSHY PEAS , SWEET PEA
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peace
noun
1 [U, sing.] a situation or a period of time in which there is no war or violence in a country or an area: war and peace  peace talks / negotiations  The negotiators are trying to make peace between the warring factions.  A UN force has been sent to keep the peace (= to prevent people from fighting).  After years of war, the people long for a lasting peace.  the Peace of Utrecht, 1713 (= the agreement ending the war)  The two communities live together in peace .  The countries have been at peace for more than a century.  the peace movement (= that tries to prevent war by protesting, persuading politicians, etc.)
2 [U] the state of being calm or quiet: She lay back and enjoyed the peace of the summer evening.  I would work better if I had some peace and quiet .  He just wants to be left in peace (= not to be disturbed).  I need to check that she is all right, just for my own peace of mind (= so that I do not have to worry).  He never felt really at peace with himself.
3 [U] the state of living in friendship with sb without arguing: They simply can’t seem to live in peace with each other.  She felt at peace with the world.—see also BREACH , JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
IDM ,hold your 'peace / 'tongue (old-fashioned) to remain silent although you would like to give your opinion make (your) peace with sb to end an argument with sb, usually by saying you are sorry—more at WICKED n.
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peace.able
adj.
1 not involving or causing argument or violence
SYN PEACEFUL : A peaceable settlement has been reached.  A peaceable crowd gathered outside the White House.
2 not liking to argue; wishing to live in peace with others
SYN PEACEFUL , CALM : a peaceable nature / character
peace.ably adv.
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'peace dividend
noun [usually sing.] money previously spent on weapons and the defence of a country and now available to be used for other things because of a reduction in a country’s military forces
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peace.ful
adj.
1 not involving a war, violence or argument: a peaceful protest / demonstration / solution  They hope for a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
2 quiet and calm; not worried or disturbed in any way: a peaceful atmosphere / evening  peaceful sleep  It’s so peaceful out here in the country.  He had a peaceful life.
3 trying to create peace or to live in peace; not liking violence or disagreement
SYN PEACEABLE : a peaceful society  The aims of the organization are wholly peaceful.
peace.ful.ly adv.: The siege has ended peacefully.  The baby slept peacefully.
peace.ful.ness noun [U]   note at PEACE
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peace.keep.ing
adj. [only before noun] intended to help keep the peace and prevent war or violence in a place where this is likely: peacekeeping operations  a United Nations peacekeeping force
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'peace-loving
adj. preferring to live in peace and to avoid arguments and fighting
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peace.maker
noun a person who tries to persuade people or countries to stop arguing or fighting and to make peace
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'peace offering
noun a present given to sb to show that you are sorry for sth or want to make peace after an argument
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peace.time
noun [U] a period of time when a country is not at war—compare WARTIME
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peach
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a round fruit with soft red and yellow skin, yellow flesh and a rough stone/pit inside: a peach tree—compare NECTARINE —
2 [sing.] ~ (of a … ) (old-fashioned, informal) a particularly good or attractive person or thing
3 [U] a pinkish-orange colour

adj. pinkish-orange in colour

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peachy
adj.
1 like a peach in colour or appearance: pale peachy skin
2 (AmE, informal) fine; very nice: Everything is just peachy.
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pea.cock
noun a large male bird with long blue and green tail feathers that it can spread out like a FAN : as proud as a peacock—see also PEAHEN
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,pea-'green
adj. bright green in colour, like peas
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pea.hen
noun a large brown bird, the female of the peacock
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peak
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [usually sing.] the point when sb/sth is best, most successful, strongest, etc: Traffic reaches its peak between 8 and 9 in the morning.  She’s at the peak of her career.  the peaks and troughs of married life—compare OFF-PEAK
2 the pointed top of a mountain; a mountain with a pointed top: a mountain peak  snow-capped / jagged peaks  The climbers made camp halfway up the peak.
3 any narrow and pointed shape, edge, etc: Whisk the egg whites into stiff peaks.
4 (BrE) (AmE bill, visor) the stiff front part of a cap that sticks out above your eyes—picture at HAT

verb [v] to reach the highest point or value: Oil production peaked in the early 1980s.  Unemployment peaked at 17%.  an athlete who peaks (= produces his or her best performance) at just the right time

adj. [only before noun] used to describe the highest level of sth, or a time when the greatest number of people are doing sth or using sth: It was a time of peak demand for the product.  March is one of the peak periods for our business.  The athletes are all in peak condition.  We need extra help during the peak summer season.   (BrE ) peak viewing time (= when the greatest number of people are watching television)   (BrE ) peak rate telephone calls (= made during the busiest period and charged at the highest rate)—compare OFF-PEAK

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peaked
adj.
1 having a peak
2 (AmE) = PEAKY
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peaky
(BrE , informal) (AmE peaked) adj. ill or pale: You’re looking a little peaky. Are you OK?
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peal
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (of sth) a loud sound or series of sounds: She burst into peals of laughter.
2 the loud ringing sound of a bell: a peal of bells rang out
3 a set of bells that all have different notes; a musical pattern that can be rung on a set of bells

verb [v]
1 ~ (out) (of bells) to ring loudly: The bells of the city began to peal out.
2 to suddenly laugh loudly: Ellen pealed with laughter.

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pea.nut
noun
1 (BrE also ground.nut) [C] a nut that grows underground in a thin shell: a packet of salted peanuts  peanut oil—picture at NUT
2 (peanuts) [pl.] (informal) a very small amount of money: I won’t work for peanuts.  He gets paid peanuts for doing that job.
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,peanut 'butter
noun [U] a thick soft substance made from very finely chopped PEANUTS , usually eaten spread on bread: (AmE ) a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
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pear
noun a yellow or green fruit that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom: a pear tree—see also PRICKLY PEAR
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pearl
noun
1 [C] a small hard shiny white ball that forms inside the shell of an OYSTER and is of great value as a jewel: a string of pearls  a pearl necklace  She was wearing her pearls (= a necklace of pearls).—see also SEED PEARL
2 [C] a copy of a pearl that is made artificially
3 [U] = MOTHER-OF-PEARL : pearl buttons
4 [C, usually sing.] a thing that looks like a pearl in shape or colour: pearls of dew on the grass
5 [C] a thing that is very precious or highly valued: She is a pearl among women.
IDM cast, throw, etc. pearls before 'swine to give or offer valuable things to people who do not understand their value a ,pearl of 'wisdom (usually ironic) a wise remark: Thank you for those pearls of wisdom.
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pearly
adj. of or like a pearl : pearly white teeth
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the ,Pearly 'Gates
noun [pl.] (humorous) the gates of heaven
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'pear-shaped
adj.
1 shaped like a pear
2 a pear-shaped person is wider around their waist and hips than around the top part of their body
IDM go 'pear-shaped (BrE, informal) if things go pear-shaped, they go wrong
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peas.ant
noun
1 (especially in the past, or in poorer countries) a farmer who owns or rents a small piece of land: peasant farmers / communities / agriculture
2 (informal, disapproving) a person who is rude, behaves badly, or has little education
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peas.ant.ry
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] all the peasants in a region or country: the local peasantry
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pea.shoot.er
noun (BrE ) a small tube that children use to blow small objects such as dried peas at sb/sth, in order to hit them or it
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peat
noun [U] a soft black or brown substance formed from decaying plants just under the surface of the ground, especially in cool wet areas. It can be burned as a fuel or used to improve garden soil: peat bogs
peaty adj.: peaty soils
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peb.ble
noun a smooth, round stone that is found in or near water
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'pebble-dash
noun [U] (BrE ) CEMENT mixed with small stones used for covering the outside walls of houses
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pebbly
adj. covered with pebbles : a pebbly beach
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pecan
noun the nut of the American pecan tree with a smooth pinkish-brown shell—picture at NUT
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pecca.dillo
noun (pl.-oes or -os) (written) a small unimportant thing that sb does wrong
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peck
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at sth) (of birds) to move the beak forward quickly and hit or bite sth: [v] A robin was pecking at crumbs on the ground.  [vn] A bird had pecked a hole in the sack.  Vultures had pecked out the dead goat’s eyes.
2 [vn] ~ sb (on sth) (informal) to kiss sb lightly and quickly: He pecked her on the cheek as he went out.  She pecked his cheek.
IDM a / the 'pecking order (informal, often humorous) the order of importance in relation to one another among the members of a group: New Zealand is at the top of the pecking order of rugby nations.
PVR V 'peck at sth to eat only a very small amount of a meal because you are not hungry

noun
1 (informal) a quick kiss: He gave her a friendly peck on the cheek.
2 an act of pecking sb/sth: The budgerigar gave a quick peck at the seed.

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peck.er
noun (slang, especially AmE ) a PENIS
IDM ,keep your 'pecker up (BrE, informal) to remain cheerful in spite of difficulties
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peck.ish
adj. (BrE , informal) slightly hungry
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pec.tin
noun [U] (chemistry ) a substance similar to sugar that forms in ripe fruit and is used to make jam/jelly firm as it is cooked
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pec.toral
adj. (anatomy ) relating to or connected with the chest or breast: pectoral muscles
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pec.torals
(also informal pecs ) noun [pl.] the muscles of the chest
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pe.cu.liar
adj.
1 strange or unusual, especially in a way that is unpleasant or worrying: a peculiar smell / taste  There was something peculiar in the way he smiled.  I had a peculiar feeling we’d met before.—compare ODD
2 ~ (to sb/sth) belonging or relating to one particular place, situation, person, etc., and not to others: a humour that is peculiar to American sitcoms  a species of bird peculiar to Asia  He has his own peculiar style which you’ll soon get used to.  the peculiar properties of mercury
3 (BrE, informal) slightly ill
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pe.cu.li.ar.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a strange or unusual feature or habit: a physical peculiarity
2 [C] a feature that only belongs to one particular person, thing, place, etc: the cultural peculiarities of the English
3 [U] the quality of being strange or unusual
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pe.cu.li.ar.ly
adv. (especially written)
1 very; more than usually
SYN PARTICULARLY , ESPECIALLY : These plants are peculiarly prone to disease.
2 in a way that relates to or is especially typical of one particular person, thing, place, etc: He seemed to believe that it was a peculiarly British problem.
3 in a strange or unusual way
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pe.cu.ni.ary
adj. (formal) relating to or connected with money: pecuniary advantage / interest / gain
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ped-
(AmE ) = PAED-
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peda.gogic
(also peda.gogic.al ) adj. (formal) concerning teaching methods: pedagogic practice / principles
peda.gogic.al.ly adv.
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peda.gogue
noun (old use or formal) a teacher; a person who likes to teach people things, especially because they think they know more than other people
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peda.gogy
noun [U] (technical ) the study of teaching methods
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pedal
noun, verb
noun
1 a flat bar on a machine such as a bicycle, car, etc. that you push down with your foot in order to make parts of the machine move or work: I couldn’t reach the pedals on her bike.  She pressed her foot down sharply on the brake pedal.—picture at BICYCLE
2 a bar on a musical instrument such as a piano or an organ that you push with your foot in order to produce or control the sound—picture at PIANO

verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-)
1 [+adv. / prep.] to ride a bicycle somewhere: [v] I saw her pedalling along the towpath.  He jumped on his bike and pedalled off.  [vn] She pedalled her bicycle up the track.
2 to turn or press the pedals on a bicycle or other machine: [v] You’ll have to pedal hard up this hill.  [vn] She had been pedalling her exercise bike all morning.—see also BACK-PEDAL , SOFT-PEDAL

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'pedal bin
noun (BrE ) a container for rubbish, usually in a kitchen, with a lid that opens when a pedal is pressed
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ped.alo
noun (pl.-oes or -os) (BrE ) a small pleasure boat that you move through the water by pushing PEDALS with your feet
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ped.ant
noun (disapproving) a person who is too concerned with small details or rules especially when learning or teaching
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pe.dan.tic
adj. (disapproving) too worried about small details or rules: a pedantic insistence on the correct way of doing things
pe.dan.tic.al.ly adv.
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ped.ant.ry
noun [U] (disapproving) too much attention to small details or rules
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ped.dle
verb [vn]
1 to try to sell goods by going from house to house or from place to place: He worked as a door-to-door salesman peddling cloths and brushes.  to peddle illegal drugs
2 to spread an idea or story in order to get people to accept it: to peddle malicious gossip  This line (= publicly stated opinion) is being peddled by all the government spokesmen.
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ped.dler
noun
1 (also 'drug peddler) (both BrE) a person who sells illegal drugs
2 (AmE) = PEDLAR
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ped.es.tal
noun the base that a column, statue, etc. rests on: a pedestal basin (= a washbasin supported by a column)  I replaced the vase carefully on its pedestal
IDM to put / place sb on a 'pedestal to admire sb so much that you do not see their faults—more at KNOCK v.
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ped.es.trian
noun, adj.
noun a person walking in the street and not travelling in a vehicle—compare MOTORIST

adj.
1 [only before noun] used by or for the use of pedestrians ; connected with pedestrians : pedestrian areas  Pedestrian accidents are down by 5%.
2 without any imagination or excitement; dull

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pe,destrian 'crossing
(BrE ) (AmE cross.walk) noun a part of a road where vehicles must stop to allow people to cross—see also ZEBRA CROSSING
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ped.es.tri.an.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make a street or part of a town into an area that is only for people who are walking, not for vehicles: Most of the city streets have been pedestrianized.
ped.es.tri.an.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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pe,destrian 'precinct
noun (BrE ) a part of a town, especially a shopping area, that vehicles are not allowed to enter
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pedi.at.ri.cian
(AmE ) = PAEDIATRICIAN
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pedi.at.rics
(AmE ) = PAEDIATRICS
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pedi.cure
noun [C, U] care and treatment of the feet and TOENAILS —compare MANICURE
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pedi.gree
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] knowledge of or an official record of the animals from which an animal has been bred: dogs with good pedigrees (= their ancestors are known and of the same breed)
2 [C, U] a person’s family history or the background of sth, especially when this is impressive: She was proud of her long pedigree.  The product has a pedigree going back to the last century.

adj. (BrE ) (AmE pedi.greed) [only before noun] (of an animal) descended from a family of the same breed that has been officially recorded for a long time and is thought to be of a good quality: pedigree sheep

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pedi.ment
noun (architecture ) the part in the shape of a triangle above the entrance of a building in the ancient Greek style
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ped.lar
(BrE ) (AmEped.dler) noun a person who in the past travelled from place to place trying to sell small objects
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ped.ometer
noun an instrument for measuring how far you have walked
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pedo.phile, pedo.philia
(AmE ) = PAEDOPHILE , PAEDOPHILIA
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pee
verb, noun
verb (peed, peed) [v] (informal) to pass waste liquid from your body
SYN URINATE : I need to pee.

noun (informal)
1 [sing.] an act of passing liquid waste from your body: (BrE) to go for a pee  to have a pee   (AmE) to take a pee
2 [U] liquid waste passed from your body; URINE

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peek
verb [v]
1 ~ (at sth) to look at sth quickly and secretly because you should not be looking at it: No peeking!  I couldn’t resist peeking in the drawer.  She peeked at the audience from behind the curtain.
2 ~ out / over / through, etc. to be just visible: Her feet peeked out from the end of the blanket.  A toe peeked through the hole in his sock.
peek noun [sing.]: I took a quick peek inside.
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peek.aboo
(BrE also peep-bo) noun [U] a simple game played to amuse young children, in which you keep hiding your face and then showing it again, saying ‘Peekaboo!’ or ‘Peep-bo!’
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peel
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to take the skin off fruit, vegetables, etc: to peel an orange / a banana  Have you peeled the potatoes?—
2 ~ (sth) away / off / back to remove a layer, covering, etc. from the surface of sth; to come off the surface of sth: [vn] Carefully peel away the lining paper.  [v] The label will peel off if you soak it in water.
3 [v] ~ (off) (of a covering) to come off in strips or small pieces: The wallpaper was beginning to peel.  If I stay in the sun too long my skin peels.
4 [v] (of a surface) to lose strips or small pieces of its covering: Put on some cream to stop your nose from peeling.  The walls have begun to peel.
IDM see EYE n.
PVR V ,peel 'off to leave a group of vehicles, aircraft, etc. and turn to one side: The leading car in the motorcade peeled off to the right. ,peel 'off| ,peel (sth)<->'off (informal) to remove some or all of your clothes: You look hot—why don’t you peel off?  He peeled off his shirt.

noun
1 [U, C] the skin of some fruits and vegetables: orange / lemon peel   (AmE also) an orange / a lemon peel—compare RIND , SKIN , ZEST
2 (peels) [pl.] (AmE) = PEELINGS

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peel.er
noun (usually in compounds) a special type of knife for taking the skin off fruit and vegetables: a potato peeler—picture at KITCHEN
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peel.ings
(AmE also peels) noun [pl.] the skin of fruit or vegetables that has been removed
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peep
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (at sth) to look quickly and secretly at sth, especially through a small opening: We caught her peeping through the keyhole.  He was peeping at her through his fingers.  Could I just peep inside?
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to be just visible: The tower peeped above the trees.  The sun peeped out from behind the clouds.
3 [v, vn] to make a short high sound; to make sth make this sound.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a quick or secret look at sth: Dave took a quick peep at the last page.
2 [sing.] (informal) something that sb says or a sound that sb makes: We did not hear a peep out of the baby all night.
3 [C] a short high sound like the one made by a young bird or by a whistle
4 (also peep 'peep) [C] a word for the sound of a car’s horn, used especially by children

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peep-bo
noun [U] (BrE ) = PEEKABOO
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peep.hole
noun a small opening in a wall, door, etc. that you can look through
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,Peeping 'Tom
noun (disapproving) a person who likes to watch people secretly when they are taking off their clothes
SYN VOYEUR
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'peep show
noun
1 a series of moving pictures in a box that you look at through a small opening
2 a type of show in which a man pays to watch a woman take off her clothes
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peer
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually pl.] a person who is the same age or who has the same social status as you: She enjoys the respect of her peers.  Children are worried about failing in front of their peers.  Peer pressure is strong among young people (= they want to be like other people of the same age).
2 (in Britain) a member of the NOBILITY —see also LIFE PEER , PEERESS

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to look closely or carefully at sth, especially when you cannot see it clearly: We peered into the shadows.  He went to the window and peered out.  She kept peering over her shoulder.  He peered closely at the photograph.

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peer.age
noun
1 [sing.] all the peers (2) as a group: a member of the peerage
2 [C] the rank of a peer (2) or peeress
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peer.ess
noun a female PEER (2)
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'peer group
noun a group of people of the same age or social status: She gets on well with her peer group.  peer-group pressure
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peer.less
adj. (written) better than all others of its kind: a peerless performance
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peeve
noun
IDM sb’s pet 'peeve (AmE) = SB’S PET HATE at PET adj.
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peeved
adj. ~ (about sth) (informal) annoyed: He sounded peeved about not being told.
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peev.ish
adj. easily annoyed by unimportant things; bad-tempered
peev.ish.ly adv.
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pee.wit
noun = LAPWING
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peg
noun, verb
noun
1 a short piece of wood, metal or plastic used for holding things together, hanging things on, marking a position, etc: There’s a peg near the door to hang your coat on.
2 (also 'tent peg) a small pointed piece of wood or metal that you attach to the ropes of a tent and push into the ground in order to hold the tent in place
3 (also 'clothes peg) (both BrE) (AmE clothes.pin) a piece of wood or plastic used for attaching wet clothes to a clothes line
4 (also 'tuning peg) a wooden screw for making the strings of a musical instrument tighter or looser
IDM ,off the 'peg (BrE) (AmE ,off the 'rack) (of clothes) made to a standard average size and not made especially to fit you: He buys his clothes off the peg.  off-the-peg fashions ,bring / ,take sb 'down a peg (or two) to make sb realize that they are not as good, important, etc. as they think they are: He needed to be taken down a peg or two. a peg to 'hang sth on something that gives you an excuse or opportunity to discuss or explain sth—more at SQUARE adj.

verb (-gg-)
1 [vn] ~ sth (out) to fasten sth with pegs : All their wet clothes were pegged out on the line.  She was busy pegging her tent to the ground.
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (at / to sth) to fix or keep prices, wages, etc. at a particular level: Pay increases will be pegged at 5%.  Loan repayments are pegged to your income.
3 [vn] ~ sb as sth (AmE, informal) to think of sb in a particular way: She pegged him as a big spender.
IDM see LEVEL adj.
PVR V ,peg a'way (at sth) (informal, especially BrE) to continue working hard at sth or trying to achieve sth difficult ,peg sb/sth<->'back (especially in sport) to stop sb/sth from winning or increasing the amount by which they are ahead: Each time we scored we were pegged back minutes later. ,peg 'out (BrE, informal) to die

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'peg leg
noun (informal) an artificial leg, especially one made of wood
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pe.jora.tive
adj. (formal) a word or remark that is pejorative expresses disapproval or criticism: I’m using the word ‘academic’ here in a pejorative sense.
pe.jora.tive.ly adv.
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Pe.kin.ese
(also Pe.king.ese) noun (pl.Pe.kin.ese or Pe.kin.eses) a very small dog with long soft hair, short legs and a flat nose
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pe.la.gic
adj. (technical ) connected with, or living in, the parts of the sea that are far from the shore: pelagic fish
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peli.can
noun a large waterbird with a bag of skin under its long beak, for storing food
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,pelican 'crossing
noun (in Britain) a place on a road where you can stop the traffic and cross by operating a set of TRAFFIC LIGHTS
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pel.let
noun
1 a small hard ball of any substance, often of soft material that has become hard: food pellets for chickens
2 a very small metal ball that is fired from a gun
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pel.let.ed
adj. (technical ) formed into pellets
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pell-mell
adv. (old-fashioned) very quickly and in a way that is not controlled
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pel.lu.cid
adj. (literary) extremely clear
SYN TRANSPARENT
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pel.met
(also val.ance especially in AmE) noun a strip of wood or fabric above a window that hides the curtain rail
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pelt
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (with sth) to attack sb by throwing things at them: The children pelted him with snowballs.  We were pelted with rotten tomatoes.
2 [v] ~ (down) (of rain) to fall very heavily: By now the rain was pelting down.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to run somewhere very fast: We pelted down the hill after the car.

noun the skin of an animal, especially with the fur or hair still on it
IDM (at) full 'pelt / 'tilt as fast as possible

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pel.vis
noun the wide curved set of bones at the bottom of the body that the legs and SPINE are connected to—picture at BODY
pel.vic adj. [only before noun]: the pelvic bones
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pen
noun, verb
noun
1 (often in compounds) an instrument made of plastic or metal used for writing with ink: pen and ink   (written) a new book from the pen of Martin Amis—see also BALLPOINT PEN , FELT-TIP PEN , FOUNTAIN PEN
2 a small piece of land surrounded by a fence in which farm animals are kept: a sheep pen
3 (AmE, slang) = PENITENTIARY
IDM put pen to 'paper to write or start to write sth—more at SLIP n.

verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 (formal) to write sth: He penned a letter to the local paper.
2 ~ sb/sth (in / up) to shut an animal or a person in a small space: At clipping time sheep need to be penned.  The whole family were penned up in one room for a month.

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penal
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with or used for punishment, especially by law: penal laws / reforms  the penal system   Criminals could at one time be sentenced to penal servitude (= prison with hard physical work).  a penal colony (= a place where criminals were sent as a punishment in the past)
2 that can be punished by law: a penal offence
3 very severe: penal rates of interest
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'penal code
noun a system of laws connected with crime and punishment
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pen.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (for sth) to punish sb for breaking a rule or law by making them suffer a disadvantage: You will be penalized for poor spelling.
2 ~ sb (for sth) to punish sb for breaking a rule in a sport or game by giving an advantage to their opponent: He was penalized for time-wasting.  Foul play will be severely penalized.
3 to put sb at a disadvantage by treating them unfairly: The new law appears to penalize the poorest members of society.
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pen.alty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (for sth) a punishment for breaking a law, rule or contract: to impose a penalty  Assault carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.  The penalty for travelling without a ticket is £200.  Contractors who fall behind schedule incur heavy financial penalties.  a penalty clause in a contract  You can withdraw money from the account at any time without penalty .—see also DEATH PENALTY
2 ~ (of sth) a disadvantage suffered as a result of sth: One of the penalties of fame is loss of privacy.
3 (in sports and games) an advantage given to a player or a team when the other side breaks a rule: The referee awarded a penalty to the home team.
4 (in football) a chance to kick the ball into the goal without any defending players, except the GOALKEEPER , trying to stop it; the goal that is given if the kick is successful: Two minutes later Ford equalized with a penalty.
IDM see PAY v.
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'penalty area
(BrE also 'penalty box) noun (in football) the area in front of the goal. If the defending team breaks the rules within this area, the other team is given a penalty .
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'penalty point
noun (BrE ) a note on sb’s DRIVING LICENCE showing they have committed an offence while driving
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,penalty 'shoot-out
noun (in football) a way of deciding the winner when both teams have the same score at the end of a game. Each team is given a number of chances to kick the ball into the goal and the team that scores the most goals wins.
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pen.ance
noun
1 [C usually sing, U] ~ (for sth) (especially in particular religions) an act that you give yourself to do, or that a priest gives you to do in order to show that you are sorry for sth you have done wrong: an act of penance  to do penance for your sins
2 [sing.] something that you have to do even though you do not like doing it: She regards living in New York as a penance; she hates big cities.
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,pen-and-'ink
adj. [usually before noun] drawn with a pen: pen-and-ink drawings
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pence
(BrE) (abbr. p) pl. of PENNY
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pen.chant
noun ~ for sth (written) a special liking for sth: She has a penchant for champagne.
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pen.cil
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a narrow piece of wood, or a metal or plastic case, containing a black or coloured substance, used for drawing or writing: a pencil drawing  I’ll get a pencil and paper.  She scribbled a note in pencil .  coloured pencils

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] to write, draw or mark sth with a pencil: a pencilled portrait  A previous owner has pencilled ‘First Edition’ inside the book’s cover.
PVR V ,pencil sth/sb<->'in to write down sb’s name or details of an arrangement with them that you know might have to be changed later: We’ve pencilled in a meeting for Tuesday afternoon.  Shall I pencil you in for Friday? (= for a meeting)

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'pencil case
noun a small bag, etc. for holding pencils and pens
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'pencil-pusher
noun (AmE ) = PEN-PUSHER
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'pencil sharpener
noun a small device with a blade inside, used for making pencils sharp—picture at STATIONERY
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pen.dant
noun a piece of jewellery that you wear around your neck on a chain—picture at CHAIN , JEWELLERY
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pend.ing
prep., adj.
prep. (formal) while waiting for sth to happen; until sth happens: He was released on bail pending further inquiries.

adj. (formal)
1 [not before noun] waiting to be decided or settled: Nine cases are still pending.  a pending file / tray (= where you put letters, etc. you are going to deal with soon)
2 going to happen soon: An election is pending in Italy.  his pending departure

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pen.du.lous
adj. (formal) hanging down loosely and swinging from side to side
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pen.du.lum
noun a rod with a weight at the end that moves regularly from side to side to control the mechanism of a clock: (figurative) In education, the pendulum has swung back to traditional teaching methods.  the pendulum of public opinion—picture at GRANDFATHER CLOCK
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pene.trable
adj. (rare, formal) that allows sth to be pushed into or through it; that can have a way made through it: soil that is easily penetrable with a fork
OPP IMPENETRABLE
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pene.trate
verb
1 ~ (into / through / to) sth to go into or through sth: [vn] The knife had penetrated his chest.  The sun’s radiation penetrates the skin.   (figurative) The war penetrates every area of the nation’s life.  [v] These fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs.
2 to succeed in entering or joining an organization, a group, etc. especially when this is difficult to do: [vn] They had penetrated airport security.  The party has been penetrated by extremists.  This year the company has been trying to penetrate new markets (= to start selling their products there).  [v] The troops had penetrated deep into enemy lines.
3 [vn] to see or show a way into or through sth: Our eyes could not penetrate the darkness.  The flashlights barely penetrated the gloom.
4 [vn] to understand or discover sth that is difficult to understand or is hidden: Science can penetrate many of nature’s mysteries.
5 to be understood or realized by sb: [v] I was at the door before his words penetrated.  [vn] None of my advice seems to have penetrated his thick skull (= he has not listened to any of it).
6 [vn] (of a man) to put the PENIS into the VAGINA or ANUS of a sexual partner
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pene.trat.ing
adj.
1 (of sb’s eyes or the way they look at you) making you feel uncomfortable because the person seems to know what you are thinking: penetrating blue eyes  a penetrating gaze / look / stare
2 (of a sound or voice) loud and hard: Her voice was shrill and penetrating.
3 showing that you have understood sth quickly and completely: a penetrating comment / criticism / question
4 spreading deeply or widely: a penetrating smell  the penetrating cold / damp
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pene.tra.tion
noun [U]
1 the act or process of making a way into or through sth: The floor is sealed to prevent water penetration.  the company’s successful penetration of overseas markets
2 the act of a man putting his PENIS into his partner’s VAGINA or ANUS
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pene.tra.tive
adj.
1 (of sexual activity) involving putting the PENIS into sb’s VAGINA or ANUS : penetrative sex
2 able to make a way into or through sth: penetrative weapons
3 deep and thorough: a penetrative survey
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pen.friend
(BrE ) (also 'pen palAmE, BrE) noun a person that you make friends with by writing letters, often sb you have never met
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pen.guin
noun a black and white seabird that lives in the Antarctic. Penguins cannot fly but use their wings for swimming. There are several types of penguin , some of them very large but some of them quite small.
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peni.cil.lin
noun [U] a substance obtained from MOULD , used as a drug to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria; a type of ANTIBIOTIC
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pen.ile
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) relating to the PENIS
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pen.in.sula
noun an area of land that is almost surrounded by water but is joined to a larger piece of land: the Iberian peninsula (= Spain and Portugal)
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pen.in.su.lar
adj. on or connected with a peninsula : peninsular Spanish (= that is spoken in Spain, not in Latin America)
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penis
noun the organ on the body of a man or male animal, used for URINATING and sex
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peni.tence
noun [U] (written) a feeling of being sorry because you have done sth wrong: He expressed suitable penitence for what he had done.
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peni.tent
adj., noun
adj. (written) feeling or showing that you are sorry for having done sth wrong

noun a person who shows that they are sorry for doing sth wrong, especially a religious person who wants God to forgive them

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peni.ten.tial
adj. (formal) showing that you are sorry for having done sth wrong: to be in a penitential mood
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peni.ten.tiary
noun (pl.-ies) (also informal pen) (both AmE ) a prison
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pen.knife
noun (pl.-knives ) (also 'pocket knife especially in AmE) a small knife with one or more blades that fold down into the handle
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pen.man.ship
noun [U] (formal) the art of writing by hand; skill in doing this
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'pen-name
noun a name used by a writer instead of their real name
SYN NOM DE PLUME —compare PSEUDONYM
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pen.nant
noun
1 a long narrow pointed flag, for example one used on a ship to give signals
2 (in the US) a flag given to the winning team in a sports LEAGUE , especially in baseball
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pen.ni.less
adj. having no money; very poor
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penn’orth
noun [usually sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) = PENNYWORTH
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penny
noun (pl.pen.nies or pence)
HELP In senses 1 and 2, pennies is used to refer to the coins, and pence to refer to an amount of money. In sense 3, the plural is pennies.
1 (abbr.p) a small British coin and unit of money. There are 100 pence in one pound (£1): He had a few pennies in his pocket.  That will be 45 pence, please.  They cost 20p each.
2 (abbr.d) a British coin in use until 1971. There were twelve pennies in one SHILLING .
3 (AmE) a cent
IDM ,every 'penny all of the money: We collected £700 and every penny went to charity. ,in for a 'penny, ,in for a 'pound (BrE, saying) used to say that since you have started to do sth, it is worth spending as much time or money as you need to in order to complete it not a 'penny no money at all: It didn’t cost a penny. the 'penny drops (informal, especially BrE) used to say that sb has finally understood or realized sth that they had not understood or realized before a ,penny for your 'thoughts | a penny for them (saying) used to ask sb what they are thinking about turn up like a bad 'penny (informal) (of a person) to appear when they are not welcome or not wanted, especially when this happens regularly ,two / ,ten a 'penny (BrE) (AmE a ,dime a 'dozen) very common and therefore not valuable—more at PINCH v. , PRETTY adj. , SPEND v.
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,penny-'farthing
noun (BrE ) an early type of bicycle with a very large front wheel and a very small back wheel
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'penny-pinching
adj. (disapproving) unwilling to spend money on things: this penny-pinching government  a penny-pinching approach
'penny-pinching noun [U]
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,penny 'whistle
noun = TIN WHISTLE
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penny.worth
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) as much as you can buy with a PENNY ; a small amount of sth
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pen.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of the punishment of criminals and the operation of prisons
pen.olo.gist noun
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'pen pal
noun (especially AmE ) = PENFRIEND
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'pen-pusher
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'pencil-pusher) noun (informal, disapproving) a person with a boring job, especially in an office, that involves a lot of writing
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pen.sion^1
noun, verb —see also PENSION^2
noun an amount of money paid regularly by a government or company to sb who is considered to be too old or too ill to work: to receive an old-age / a retirement pension  a disability / widow’s pension  a state pension  to live on a pension  to take out a personal / private pension  a pension fund

verb
PVR V ,pension sb 'off (especially BrE) [usually passive] to allow or force sb to RETIRE (= leave their job and stop regular work) and to pay them a pension : He was pensioned off and his job given to a younger man.   (informal, figurative) That car of yours should have been pensioned off years ago.

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pension^2
noun (from French ) a small, usually cheap, hotel in some European countries, especially France—see also PENSION^1
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pen.sion.able
adj. giving sb the right to receive a pension : people of pensionable age  pensionable pay / earnings
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pen.sion.er
noun (especially BrE ) a person who is receiving a PENSION , especially from the government: an old-age pensioner—see also OAP , SENIOR CITIZEN
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'pension scheme
(BrE ) (also 'pension planAmE, BrE) noun a system in which you, and usually your employer, pay money regularly into a PENSION FUND while you are employed. You are then paid a PENSION when you RETIRE .
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pen.sive
adj. thinking deeply about sth, especially because you are sad or worried: a pensive expression / mood  to look pensive
pen.sive.ly adv.
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penta-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) five; having five: pentagon  pentathlon
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penta.gon
noun
1 [C] (geometry) a flat shape with five straight sides and five angles
2 (the Pentagon) [sing.] the building near Washington DC that is the HEADQUARTERS of the US Department of Defence and the military leaders: a spokesman for the Pentagon
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pen.tagon.al
adj. (geometry ) having five sides
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penta.gram
noun a flat shape of a star with five points, formed by five straight lines. Pentagrams are often used as magic symbols.
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pen.tam.eter
noun [C, U] (technical ) a line of poetry with five stressed syllables; the rhythm of poetry with five stressed syllables to a line
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pent.ath.lon
noun [sing., U] a sporting event in which people compete in five different sports (running, riding, swimming, shooting and FENCING )—compare BIATHLON , DECATHLON , HEPTATHLON , TRIATHLON
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Pente.cost
noun [U, C]
1 (BrE also ,Whit 'Sunday) (in the Christian Church) the 7th Sunday after Easter when Christians celebrate the Holy Spirit coming to the APOSTLES
2 a Jewish festival that takes place 50 days after the second day of Passover
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Pente.cos.tal
adj. connected with a group of Christian Churches that emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as the power to heal the sick
Pente.cos.talist noun
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pent.house
noun an expensive and comfortable flat/apartment or set of rooms at the top of a tall building: a luxury penthouse suite
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pent up
adj.
1 (of feelings, energy, etc.) that cannot be expressed or released: pent-up frustration / energy
2 having feelings that you cannot express: She was too pent up to speak.
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pen.ul.ti.mate
adj. [only before noun] (written) just before the last one; last but one: the penultimate chapter / day / stage
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pen.uri.ous
adj. (rare, formal) very poor
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pen.ury
noun [U] (formal) the state of being very poor
SYN POVERTY
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peon
noun
1 a worker on a farm in Latin America
2 (AmE, humorous) a person with a hard or boring job that is not well paid and not considered important
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peony
noun (pl.-ies) a garden plant with large round white, pink or red flowers
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people
noun, verb
noun
1 [pl.] persons; men, women and children: At least ten people were killed in the crash.  There were a lot of people at the party.  Many young people are out of work.
2 [pl.] persons in general or everyone: He doesn’t care what people think of him.  She tends to annoy people.
HELP Use everyone or everybody instead of ‘all people’.
3 [C] all the persons who live in a particular place or belong to a particular country, race, etc: the French people  the native peoples of Siberia—see also TOWNSPEOPLE
4 (the people) [pl.] the ordinary men and women of a country rather than those who govern or have a special position in society: the life of the common people  It was felt that the government was no longer in touch with the people.—see also LITTLE PEOPLE
5 [pl.] men and women who work in a particular type of job or are involved in a particular area of activity: a meeting with business people and bankers  These garments are intended for professional sports people.
6 [pl.] (literary) the men, women and children that a person leads: The king urged his people to prepare for war.
7 [pl.] the men and women who work for you or support you: I’ve had my people watching the house for a few days.
8 [pl.] (BrE, informal) guests or friends: I’m having people to dinner this evening.
9 [pl.] (old-fashioned) the men, women and children that you are closely related to, especially your parents, grandparents, etc: She’s spending the holidays with her people.—see also BOAT PEOPLE , STREET PEOPLE , TRADESPEOPLE
IDM of 'all people when you say of all people, you are emphasizing that sb is the person you would most or least expect to do sth: She of all people should know the answer to that. people (who live) in glass houses shouldn’t throw 'stones (saying) you should not criticize other people, because they will easily find ways of criticizing you—more at MAN n. , THING

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) (written) to live in a place or fill it with people: The town was peopled largely by workers from the car factory and their families.  The ballroom was peopled with guests.

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'people carrier
(also 'people mover) (both BrE ) (AmE mini.van) noun a large car, like a van, designed to carry up to eight people—picture at CAR
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pep
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
PVR V ,pep sb/sth<->'up (informal) to make sb/sth more interesting or full of energy: Pep up meals by adding more unusual spices.  A walk in the fresh air will pep you up.

noun [U] energy and enthusiasm

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pep.per
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a grey or pale yellow powder made from dried berries (called PEPPERCORNS ), used to give a hot flavour to food: Season with salt and pepper  freshly ground pepper  black / white pepper—see also CAYENNE
2 [C, U] (BrE) (AmE'bell pepper) a hollow fruit, usually red, green or yellow, eaten as a vegetable either raw or cooked—

verb [vn] to put pepper on food: peppered steak  Salt and pepper the potatoes.
PVR V 'pepper sb/sth with sth [usually passive] to hit sb/sth with a series of small objects, especially bullets 'pepper sth with sth [often passive] to include large numbers of sth in sth: He peppered his speech with jokes.

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pep.per.corn
noun a dried berry from a tropical plant, that is crushed to make pepper
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,peppercorn 'rent
noun (BrE ) a very low rent
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pep.per.mint
noun
1 [U] a type of MINT (= a plant used to give flavour to food that produces an oil with a strong flavour)—compare SPEARMINT
2 [C] a sweet/candy flavoured with peppermint oil
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pep.per.oni
noun [U] a type of spicy Italian sausage: a pepperoni pizza
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'pepper pot
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'pepper shaker) noun a small container with holes in the top, used for putting pepper on food
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pep.pery
adj.
1 tasting of pepper
2 bad-tempered: a peppery old man
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'pep pill
noun (informal) a PILL containing a drug that gives you more energy or makes you happy for a short time
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'pep rally
noun (AmE , informal) a meeting of school students before a sports event to encourage support for the team: (figurative) The Democrats held a pep rally on Capitol Hill yesterday.
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'pep talk
noun (informal) a short speech intended to encourage sb to work harder, try to win, have more confidence, etc.
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pep.tic ulcer
noun an ULCER in the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM , especially in the stomach
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per
prep. used to express the cost or amount of sth for each person, number used, distance travelled, etc: Rooms cost £50 per person, per night.  60 miles per hour
IDM as per sth following sth that has been decided: The work was carried out as per instructions. as per 'normal / 'usual (spoken) in the way that is normal or usual; as often happens: Everyone blamed me as per usual.
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per.am.bu.la.tion
noun [C] (formal or humorous) a slow walk or journey around a place, especially one made for pleasure
per.am.bu.late verb [v, vn]
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per annum
adv. (abbr. p.a.) (from Latin ) for each year: earning £30 000 per annum
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per cap.ita
adj. (from Latin ) for each person: Per capita income rose sharply last year.
per cap.ita adv.: average earnings per capita
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per.ceive
verb (written)
1 to notice or become aware of sth: [vn] I perceived a change in his behaviour.  [v that] She perceived that all was not well.  [vn to inf] The patient was perceived to have difficulty in breathing.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive.
2 ~ sth (as sth) to understand or think of sth in a particular way: [vn] This discovery was perceived as a major breakthrough.  She did not perceive herself as disabled.  [vn to inf] They were widely perceived to have been unlucky.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive.
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per cent
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually per.cent) noun, adj., adv.
noun (pl.per cent, per.cent) one part in every hundred: Poor families spend about 80 to 90 per cent of their income on food.  It is often stated that we use only 10 per cent of our brain.  What per cent of the population is / are overweight?

adj., adv. by in or for every hundred: a 15 per cent rise in price  House prices rose five per cent last year.

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per.cent.age
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] the number, amount, rate of sth, expressed as if it is part of a total which is 100; a part or share of a whole: What percentage of the population is / are overweight?  A high percentage of the female staff are part-time workers.  Interest rates are expected to rise by one percentage point (= one per cent).  The figure is expressed as a percentage .  The results were analysed in percentage terms .
2 [C, usually sing.] a share of the profits of sth: He gets a percentage for every car sold.
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per.cent.ile
noun (technical ) one of the 100 equal groups that a larger group of people can be divided into, according to their place on a scale measuring a particular value: Overall these students rank in the 21st percentile on the tests—that is, they did worse than 79 per cent of all children taking the test.
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per.cep.tible
adj. (formal)
1 great enough for you to notice it: a perceptible change / increase / decline / impact  The price increase has had no perceptible effect on sales.  Her foreign accent was barely perceptible.
2 (technical) that you can notice or feel with your senses: the perceptible world
OPP IMPERCEPTIBLE
per.cep.tibly adv.: Income per head rose perceptibly.  It was perceptibly colder.
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per.cep.tion
noun (formal)
1 [U] (formal ortechnical) the way you notice things, especially with the senses: our perception of reality  colour / visual perception—see also EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION
2 [U] (formal) the ability to understand the true nature of sth
SYN INSIGHT : She showed great perception in her assessment of the family situation.
3 [C] ~ (that … ) (formal) an idea, a belief or an image you have as a result of how you see or understand sth: a campaign to change public perception of the police  There is a general public perception that standards in schools are falling.
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per.cep.tive
adj.
1 (approving) having or showing the ability to see or understand things quickly, especially things that are not obvious: a highly perceptive analysis / observation / comment  It was very perceptive of you to notice that.
2 connected with seeing, hearing and understanding: our innate perceptive abilities
per.cep.tive.ly adv.
per.cep.tive.ness noun [U]
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per.cep.tual
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) relating to the ability to PERCEIVE things or the process of PERCEIVING : perceptual skills / problems
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perch
verb, noun
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 [v] ~ (on sth) (of a bird) to land and stay on a branch, etc: A robin was perching on the fence.
2 ~ (sb / yourself) (on sth) (informal) to sit or to make sb sit on sth, especially on the edge of it: [v] We perched on a couple of high stools at the bar.  [vn] She perched herself on the edge of the bed.
3 [v] ~ (on sth) to be placed on the top or the edge of sth: The hotel perched precariously on a steep hillside.

noun
1 a place where a bird rests, especially a branch or bar for this purpose, for example in a bird’s cage
2 a high seat or position: He watched the game from his precarious perch on top of the wall.
3 (pl.perch) a FRESHWATER fish that is sometimes used for food
IDM see KNOCK v.

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per.chance
adv. (old use) perhaps
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perched
adj. ~ on, etc. sth
1 (especially of a bird) sitting or resting on sth: There was a bird perched on the roof.
2 placed in a high and/or dangerous position: a hotel perched high on the cliffs
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per.cipi.ent
adj. (formal) having or showing the ability to understand things, especially things that are not obvious
SYN PERCEPTIVE : percipient comments
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per.co.late
verb
1 [v] (of a liquid, gas, etc.) to move gradually through a surface that has very small holes or spaces in it: Water had percolated down through the rocks.
2 [v] to gradually become known or spread through a group or society: It had percolated through to us that something interesting was about to happen.
3 [vn, v] to make coffee in a percolator ; to be made in this way
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per.co.la.tor
noun a pot for making coffee, in which boiling water is forced up a central tube and then comes down again through the coffee
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per.cus.sion
noun
1 [U] musical instruments that you play by hitting them with your hand or with a stick, for example drums: percussion instruments  The track features Joey Langton on percussion.—
2 (the percussion) [sing.] (also per'cussion section [C]) the players of percussion instruments in an orchestra—compare BRASS , STRINGS , WOODWIND
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per.cus.sion.ist
noun a person who plays percussion instruments
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per.cus.sive
adj. (technical ) connected with sounds made by hitting things, especially PERCUSSION instruments
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per diem
noun [U, C] (from Latin, especially AmE ) money paid, for example to employees, for things they need to buy every day: He will get $14 000 a year in per diem to help with the higher costs of living in Washington.  a per diem allowance
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per.di.tion
noun [U] (formal) punishment that lasts for ever after death
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pere.grin.ation
noun [usually pl.] (literary or humorous) a journey, especially a long slow one
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pere.grine
(also ,peregrine 'falcon) noun a grey and white BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) that can be trained to hunt for sport
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per.emp.tor.ily
adv. (formal) in a way that allows no discussion or refusal: She peremptorily rejected the request.
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per.emp.tory
adj. (formal, disapproving) (especially of sb’s manner or behaviour) expecting to be obeyed immediately and without question or refusal: a peremptory summons / order / command  The letter was peremptory in tone.
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per.en.nial
adj., noun
adj.
1 continuing for a very long time; happening again and again: the perennial problem of water shortage  that perennial favourite, hamburgers
2 (of plants) living for two years or more
per.en.ni.al.ly adv.: a perennially popular subject

noun any plant that lives for more than two years—compare ANNUAL , BIENNIAL

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per.fect
adj., verb
adj.
1 having everything that is necessary; complete and without faults or weaknesses: in perfect condition  a perfect set of teeth  Well I’m sorry—but nobody’s perfect (= used when sb has criticized you).
2 completely correct; exact and accurate: She speaks perfect English.  a perfect copy / fit / match  What perfect timing!—see also WORD-PERFECT
3 the best of its kind: a perfect example of the painter’s early style  the perfect crime (= one in which the criminal is never discovered)
4 excellent; very good: The weather was perfect.
5 ~ for sb/sth exactly right for sb/sth
SYN IDEAL : It was a perfect day for a picnic.  She’s the perfect candidate for the job.  ‘Will 2.30 be OK for you?’‘Perfect, thanks.’
6 [only before noun] total; complete: I don’t know him—he’s a perfect stranger.
7 (grammar) connected with the form of a verb that consists of part of the verb have with the past participle of the main verb, used to express actions completed by the present or a particular point in the past or future: ‘I have eaten’ is the present perfect tense of the verb ‘to eat’, ‘I had eaten’ is the past perfect and ‘I will have eaten’ is the future perfect.
IDM see PRACTICE , WORLD

verb [vn] to make sth perfect or as good as you can: As a musician, she has spent years perfecting her techniques.  They have perfected the art of winemaking.

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per.fec.tion
noun
1 [U, sing.] the state of being perfect: technical / physical perfection  The fish was cooked to perfection .  The novel achieves a perfection of form that is quite new.  His performance was perfection (= sth perfect).
2 [U, sing.] the act of making sth perfect by doing the final improvements: They have been working on the perfection of the new model.
IDM see COUNSEL n.
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per.fec.tion.ist
noun (sometimes disapproving) a person who likes to do things perfectly and is not satisfied with anything less.
per.fec.tion.ism noun [U]
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per.fect.ly
adv.
1 completely: It’s perfectly normal to feel like this.  It’s perfectly good as it is (= it doesn’t need changing).  You know perfectly well what I mean.  To be perfectly honest , I didn’t want to go anyway.  He stood perfectly still until the danger had passed.  ‘Do you understand?’‘Perfectly.’   (old-fashioned) How perfectly awful!
2 in a perfect way: The TV works perfectly now.  It fits perfectly.
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,perfect 'pitch
noun [U] (music ) the ability to identify or sing a musical note correctly without the help of an instrument
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per.fidi.ous
adj. (literary) that cannot be trusted
SYN TREACHEROUS
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per.fidy
noun [U] (literary) actions that betray sb/sth TREACHERY : In Act 2 he learns of Giovanni’s perfidy and swears revenge.
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per.for.ate
verb [vn] to make a hole or holes through sth: The explosion perforated his eardrum.  a perforated line (= a row of small holes in paper, made so that a part can be torn off easily)
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per.for.ation
noun
1 [C, usually pl., U] a small hole in a surface, often one of a series of small holes: Tear the sheet of stamps along the perforations.
2 [U] (medical) the process of splitting or tearing in such a way that a hole is left: Excessive pressure can lead to perforation of the stomach wall.
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per.force
adv. (old use or formal) because it is necessary or cannot be avoided
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per.form
verb
1 [vn] to do sth, such as a piece of work, task or duty: to perform an experiment / a miracle / a ceremony  She performs an important role in our organization.  This operation has never been performed in this country.  A computer can perform many tasks at once.
2 to entertain an audience by playing a piece of music, acting in a play, etc: [vn] to perform somersaults / magic tricks  The play was first performed in 1987.  I’d like to hear it performed live.  [v] to perform on the flute  I’m looking forward to seeing you perform.
3 [v] ~ (well / badly / poorly) to work or function well or badly: The engine seems to be performing well.  The company has been performing poorly over the past year.
IDM see MIRACLE
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per.form.ance
noun
1 [C] the act of performing a play, concert or some other form of entertainment: The performance starts at seven.  an evening performance  a performance of Ravel’s String Quartet  a series of performances by the Kirov Ballet  one of the band’s rare live performances
2 [C] the way a person performs in a play, concert, etc: She gave the greatest performance of her career.  an Oscar-winning performance from Al Pacino
3 [U, C] how well or badly you do sth; how well or badly sth works: the country’s economic performance  It was an impressive performance by the French team.  The new management techniques aim to improve performance.  He criticized the recent poor performance of the company.  high-performance (= very powerful) cars / aircraft  performance indicators (= things that show how well or badly sth is working)  performance-related pay (= money that you earn that depends on how well you do your job)
4 [U, sing.] (formal) the act or process of performing a task, an action, etc: She has shown enthusiasm in the performance of her duties.  He did not want a repeat performance of the humiliating defeat he had suffered.
5 [sing.] (informal, especially BrE) an act that involves a lot of effort or trouble, sometimes when it is not necessary: It’s such a performance getting the children off to school in the morning.
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per.form.er
noun
1 a person who performs for an audience in a show, concert, etc: a brilliant / polished / seasoned performer
2 a person or thing that behaves or works in the way mentioned: He was a poor performer at school and left with no qualifications.  VW is the star performer of the motor industry this year.
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the per,forming 'arts
noun [pl.] arts such as music, dance and DRAMA which are performed for an audience
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per.fume
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 a liquid, often made from flowers, that you put on your skin to make yourself smell nice: a bottle of expensive perfume  We stock a wide range of perfumes.  the perfume counter of the store
2 a pleasant, often sweet, smell: the sweet / heady perfume of the roses

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth)
1 (literary) (especially of flowers) to make the air in a place smell pleasant: The garden was perfumed with the smell of roses.
2 to put perfume in or on sth: She perfumed her bath with fragrant oils.
per.fumed adj.: perfumed soap / paper / candles

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per.fumery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a place where perfumes are made and/or sold
2 [U] the process of making perfume
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per.func.tory
adj. (formal) (of an action) done as a duty or habit, without real interest, attention or feeling: a perfunctory smile / nod  They only made a perfunctory effort.
per.func.tor.ily adv.: to nod / smile perfunctorily
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per.gola
noun an arch in a garden/yard with a frame for plants to grow over and through
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per.haps
adv.
1 possibly
SYN MAYBE : ‘Are you going to come?’‘Perhaps. I’ll see how I feel.’  Perhaps he’s forgotten.
2 used when you want to make a statement or opinion less definite: This is perhaps his best novel to date.
3 used when making a rough estimate: a change which could affect perhaps 20% of the population
4 used when you agree or accept sth unwillingly, or do not want to say strongly that you disapprove: ‘You could do it yourself.’‘Yeah, perhaps.’
5 used when making a polite request, offer or suggestion: Perhaps it would be better if you came back tomorrow.  I think perhaps you’ve had enough to drink tonight.
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peril
noun (formal or literary)
1 [U] serious danger: The country’s economy is now in grave peril.
2 [C, usually pl.] ~ (of sth) the fact of sth being dangerous or harmful: a warning about the perils of drug abuse
IDM do sth at your (own) 'peril used to warn sb that if they do sth, it may be dangerous or cause them problems: Teachers ignore the importance of these results at their peril.
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per.il.ous
adj. (formal or literary) very dangerous: a perilous adventure / journey
per.il.ous.ly adv.: We came perilously close to disaster.
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per.im.eter
noun
1 the outside edge of an enclosed area of land: Guards patrol the perimeter of the estate.  a perimeter fence / track / wall
2 (mathematics) the total length of the outside edge of an area or a shape—compare CIRCUMFERENCE
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peri.natal
adj. (technical ) at or around the time of birth: perinatal care / deaths
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period
noun, adv., adj.
noun
LENGTH OF TIME|
1 a particular length of time: a period of consultation / mourning / uncertainty  The factory will be closed down over a 2-year period / a period of two years.  This compares with a 4% increase for the same period last year.  This offer is available for a limited period only.  The aim is to reduce traffic at peak periods .  You can have it for a trial period (= in order to test it).—see also COOLING-OFF PERIOD
2 a length of time in the life of a particular person or in the history of a particular country: Which period of history would you most like to have lived in?  the post-war period  Like Picasso, she too had a blue period.  Most teenagers go through a period of rebelling.
3 a particular length of time during which rocks are formed: the Jurassic period
LESSON|
4 any of the parts that a day is divided into at a school, college, etc. for study: ‘What do you have next period?’‘French.’  a free / study period (= for private study)
WOMAN|
5 the flow of blood each month from the body of a woman who is not pregnant: period pains  monthly periods  When did you last have a period?—compare MENSTRUATION
PUNCTUATION|
6 (AmE) = FULL STOP noun

adv. (spoken, especially AmE ) = FULL STOP adv. : The answer is no, period!

adj. [only before noun] having a style typical of a particular time in history: period costumes / furniture

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peri.od.ic
(also less frequent peri.od.ical ) adj. [usually before noun] happening fairly often and regularly: Periodic checks are carried out on the equipment.
peri.od.ic.al.ly adv.: Mailing lists are updated periodically.
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peri.od.ical
noun a magazine that is published every week, month, etc., especially one that is concerned with an academic subject
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the ,periodic 'table
noun [sing.] (chemistry ) a list of all the chemical elements, arranged according to their ATOMIC NUMBER
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'period piece
noun
1 a play, film/movie, etc. that is set in a particular period of history
2 an ornament, piece of furniture, etc. that was made during a particular period of history and is typical of that period
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peri.pat.et.ic
adj. (formal) going from place to place, for example in order to work: a peripatetic music teacher
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per.iph.eral
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) (formal) not as important as the main aim, part, etc. of sth: peripheral information  Fund-raising is peripheral to their main activities.
2 (technical) connected with the outer edge of a particular area: the peripheral nervous system  peripheral vision
3 (computing) (of equipment) connected to a computer: a peripheral device
per.iph.er.al.ly adv.

noun (computing ) a piece of equipment that is connected to a computer: monitors, printers and other peripherals

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per.iph.ery
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 the outer edge of a particular area: industrial development on the periphery of the town  The condition makes it difficult for patients to see objects at the periphery of their vision.
2 the less important part of sth, for example of a particular activity or of a social or political group: minor parties on the periphery of American politics
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peri.scope
noun a device like a long tube, containing mirrors which enable the user to see over the top of sth, used especially in a SUBMARINE (= a ship that can operate underwater) to see above the surface of the sea
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per.ish
verb
1 [v] (formal or literary) (of people or animals) to die, especially in a sudden violent way: A family of four perished in the fire.
2 [v] (formal) to be lost or destroyed: Early buildings were made of wood and have perished.
3 [v, vn] (BrE) if a material such as rubber perishes or is perished, it becomes damaged, weaker or full of holes
IDM ,perish the 'thought (spoken) used to say that you find a suggestion unacceptable or that you hope that sth will never happen: Me get married? Perish the thought!
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per.ish.able
adj. (especially of food) likely to decay or go bad quickly: perishable goods / foods
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per.ish.ables
noun [pl.] (technical ) types of food that decay or go bad quickly
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per.ished
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) (of a person) very cold: We were perished.
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per.ish.ing
adj. (BrE , informal)
1 extremely cold: It’s perishing outside!  I’m perishing!
2 [only before noun] (old-fashioned) used to show that you are annoyed about sth: I’ve had enough of this perishing job!
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peri.ton.itis
noun [U] (medical ) a serious condition in which the inside wall of the body becomes swollen and infected
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peri.win.kle
noun
1 [C, U] a small plant that grows along the ground
2 [C] = WINKLE
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per.jure
verb [vn] ~ yourself (law ) to tell a lie in a court of law after you have sworn to tell the truth: She admitted that she had perjured herself.
per.jurer noun
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per.jury
noun [U] (law ) the crime of telling a lie in a court of law: The defence witnesses were found guilty of perjury.  to commit perjury
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perk
noun, verb
noun (also formal per.quis.ite) [usually pl.] something you receive as well as your wages for doing a particular job: Perks offered by the firm include a car and free health insurance.   (figurative) Not having to get up early is just one of the perks of being retired.

verb [v] ,perk 'up| ,perk sb<->'up (informal) to become or to make sb become more cheerful or lively, especially after they have been ill/sick or sad: He soon perked up when his friends arrived. ,perk 'up| ,perk sth<->'up (informal) to increase, or to make sth increase in value, etc: Share prices had perked up slightly by close of trading. ,perk sth<->'up (informal) to make sth more interesting, more attractive, etc: ideas for perking up bland food

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perky
adj. (perk.ier, perki.est) (informal) cheerful and full of energy: She hasn’t been her usual perky self lately.
perki.ness noun [U]
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perm
noun, verb
noun a way of changing the style of your hair by using chemicals to create curls that last for several months: to have a perm

verb [vn] to give sb’s hair a perm : to have your hair permed  a shampoo for permed or damaged hair—picture at HAIR

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perma.frost
noun [U] (technical ) a layer of soil that is permanently frozen, in very cold regions of the world
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per.man.ence
(also less frequent per.man.ency ) noun [U] the state of lasting for a long time or for all time in the future: The spoken word is immediate but lacks permanence.  We no longer talk of the permanence of marriage.
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per.man.ent
adj., noun
adj. lasting for a long time or for all time in the future; existing all the time: a permanent job  permanent / temporary staff  They are now living together on a permanent basis.  The accident has not done any permanent damage.  a permanent fixture (= a person or an object that is always in a particular place)
OPP IMPERMANENT , TEMPORARY
per.man.ent.ly adv.: The stroke left his right side permanently damaged.  She had decided to settle permanently in France.

noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) = PERM

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,Permanent 'Undersecretary
(also ,Permanent 'Secretary) noun (in Britain) a person of high rank in the CIVIL SERVICE , who advises a SECRETARY OF STATE —compare UNDERSECRETARY
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,permanent 'wave
noun (old-fashioned) = PERM
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per.me.able
adj. ~ (to sth) (technical ) allowing a liquid or gas to pass through: The skin of amphibians is permeable to water.  permeable rocks
OPP IMPERMEABLE
per.mea.bil.ity noun [U]
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per.me.ate
verb (formal)
1 (of a liquid, gas, etc.) to spread to every part of an object or a place: [vn] The smell of leather permeated the room.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] rainwater permeating through the ground
2 (of an idea, an influence, a feeling, etc.) to affect every part of sth: [vn] a belief that permeates all levels of society  [v + adv.  /  prep.] Dissatisfaction among the managers soon permeated down to members of the workforce.
per.me.ation noun [U] (formal)
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per.mis.sible
adj. ~ (for sb) (to do sth) (formal) acceptable according to the law or a particular set of rules: permissible levels of nitrates in water  It is not permissible for employers to discriminate on grounds of age.
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per.mis.sion
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) the act of allowing sb to do sth, especially when this is done by sb in a position of authority: You must ask permission for all major expenditure.  The school has been refused permission to expand.  No official permission has been given for the event to take place.  She took the car without permission .  poems reprinted by kind permission of the author   (formal, spoken) With your permission, I’d like to say a few words.
2 [C, usually pl.] an official written statement allowing sb to do sth: The publisher is responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions to reproduce illustrations.—see also PLANNING PERMISSION
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per.mis.sive
adj. allowing or showing a freedom of behaviour that many people do not approve of, especially in sexual matters: permissive attitudes  permissive parents (= who allow their children a lot of freedom)
per.mis.sive.ness noun [U]
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per.mit
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) (formal)
1 to allow sb to do sth or to allow sth to happen: [vn] Radios are not permitted in the library.  There are substantial fines for exceeding permitted levels of noise pollution.  [vnn] We were not permitted any contact with each other.  Jim permitted himself a wry smile.  [vn to inf] Visitors are not permitted to take photographs.  She would not permit herself to look at them.   (formal, spoken) Permit me to offer you some advice. [alsov -ing]   note at ALLOW
2 to make sth possible: [v] We hope to visit the cathedral, if time permits.  I’ll come tomorrow, weather permitting (= if the weather is fine).  [vn] The password permits access to all files on the hard disk.  [vn to inf] Cash machines permit you to withdraw money at any time. [alsov -ing]

noun an official document that gives sb the right to do sth, especially for a limited period of time: a fishing / work / residence / parking permit  to apply for a permit  to issue a permit

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per.mu.ta.tion
noun [usually pl.] any of the different ways in which a set of things can be ordered: The possible permutations of x, y and z are xyz, xzy, yxz, yzx, zxy and zyx.
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per.ni.cious
adj. (formal) having a very harmful effect on sb/sth, especially in a way that is gradual and not easily noticed: the pernicious influence of TV violence on children
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per.nick.ety
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually per.snick.ety) adj. (informal, disapproving) worrying too much about unimportant details; showing this
SYN FUSSY
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per.or.ation
noun (formal)
1 the final part of a speech in which the speaker gives a summary of the main points
2 (disapproving) a long speech that is not very interesting
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per.ox.ide
(also ,hydrogen pe'roxide) noun [U] a colourless liquid used to kill bacteria and to BLEACH hair (= make it lighter): a woman with peroxide blonde hair
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per.pen.dicu.lar
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) (usually technical) forming an angle of 90° with another line or surface; upright and going straight up: Are the lines perpendicular to each other?  The staircase was almost perpendicular (= very steep).
2 (Perpendicular) (architecture) connected with a style of architecture common in England in the 14th and 15th centuries, that makes use of vertical lines and wide arches

noun (the perpendicular) [sing.] a line, position or direction that is exactly perpendicular : The wall is a little out of the perpendicular.

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per.pet.rate
verb [vn] ~ sth (against / upon / on sb) (formal) to commit a crime or do sth wrong or evil: to perpetrate a crime / fraud / massacre  violence perpetrated against women and children  security breaches perpetrated by people working for the company
per.pet.ra.tion noun [U]
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per.pet.ra.tor
noun a person who commits a crime or does sth that is wrong or evil: the perpetrators of the attack / crime / offence
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per.pet.ual
adj.
1 [usually before noun] continuing for a long period of time without interruption
SYN CONTINUOUS : the perpetual noise of traffic  We lived for years in a perpetual state of fear.  We’re all in a state of perpetual motion in this office (= we’re always moving round or changing things).
2 [usually before noun] frequently repeated, in a way that is annoying
SYN CONTINUAL : How can I work with these perpetual interruptions?
3 [only before noun] (of a job or position) lasting for the whole of sb’s life: He was elected perpetual president.   (humorous) She’s a perpetual student.
per.petu.al.ly adv.
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per.petu.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to make sth such as a bad situation, a belief, etc. continue for a long time: to perpetuate inequality / injustice / conflict  This system perpetuated itself for several centuries.  Comics and books for children tend to perpetuate the myth that ‘boys don’t cry’.
per.petu.ation noun [U]
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per.petu.ity
noun [U]
IDM in perpetuity (formal) for all time in the future
SYN FOREVER : They do not own the land in perpetuity.
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per.plex
verb [usually passive] if sth perplexes you, it makes you confused or worried because you do not understand it
SYN PUZZLE : [vn] They were perplexed by her response. [alsovn that]
per.plex.ing adj.: a perplexing problem / question  I found the whole thing extremely perplexing.
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per.plexed
adj. confused and anxious because you are unable to understand sth; showing this: a perplexed expression / look / voice  She looked perplexed.
per.plex.ed.ly adv. (rare)
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per.plex.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the state of feeling confused and anxious because you do not understand sth: Most of them just stared at her in perplexity.
2 [C, usually pl.] something that is difficult to understand: the perplexities of life
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per.quis.ite
noun (formal)
1 [usually pl.] = PERK
2 ~ (of sb) something to which sb has a special right because of their social position: Politics used to be the perquisite of the property-owning classes.
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perry
noun [U] a slightly sweet alcoholic drink made from the juice of PEARS —compare CIDER
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per se
adv. (from Latin ) used meaning ‘by itself’ to show that you are referring to sth on its own, rather than in connection with other things: The drug is not harmful per se, but is dangerous when taken with alcohol.
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per.se.cute
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 ~ sb (for sth) to treat sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs: Throughout history, people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs.  persecuted minorities
2 to deliberately annoy sb all the time and make their life unpleasant: Why are the media persecuting him like this?
per.se.cu.tion noun [U, C]: the victims of religious persecution
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perse'cution complex
noun a type of mental illness in which sb believes that other people are trying to harm them
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per.se.cu.tor
noun a person who treats another person or group of people in a cruel and unfair way
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per.se.ver.ance
noun [U] (approving) the quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim in spite of difficulties: They showed great perseverance in the face of difficulty.  The only way to improve is through hard work and dogged perseverance.
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per.se.vere
verb [v] ~ (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ (with sth/sb) (approving) to continue trying to do or achieve sth in spite of difficulties: Despite a number of setbacks, they persevered in their attempts to fly around the world in a balloon.  She persevered with her violin lessons.  You have to persevere with difficult students.
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per.se.ver.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (approving) showing determination to achieve a particular aim in spite of difficulties
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Per.sian
noun
1 [C] a person from ancient Persia, or modern Persia, now called Iran
2 (also Farsi) [U] the official language of Iran
3 [C] = PERSIAN CAT
Per.sian adj.
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,Persian 'carpet
(also ,Persian 'rug) noun a carpet of traditional design from the Near East, made by hand from silk or wool
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,Persian 'cat
(also Per.sian) noun a breed of cat with long hair, short legs and a round face
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per.sim.mon
noun a sweet tropical fruit that looks like a large orange tomato
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per.sist
verb
1 ~ (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ (with sth) to continue to do sth in spite of difficulties or opposition, in a way that can seem unreasonable: [v] Why do you persist in blaming yourself for what happened?  She persisted in her search for the truth.  He persisted with his questioning.  [v speech] ‘So, did you agree or not?’ he persisted.
2 [v] to continue to exist: The belief that the earth was flat persisted for many centuries.  If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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per.sist.ence
noun [U]
1 the fact of continuing to try to do sth in spite of difficulties, especially when other people are against you and think that you are being annoying or unreasonable: His persistence was finally rewarded when the insurance company agreed to pay for the damage.  It was her sheer persistence that wore them down in the end.
2 the state of continuing to exist for a long period of time: the persistence of unemployment in the 1970s and 1980s
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per.sist.ent
adj.
1 determined to do sth in spite of difficulties, especially when other people are against you and think that you are being annoying or unreasonable: How do you deal with persistent salesmen who won’t take no for an answer?  a persistent offender (= a person who continues to commit crimes after they have been caught and punished)
2 continuing for a long period of time without interruption, or repeated frequently, especially in a way that is annoying and cannot be stopped: persistent rain / pain  a persistent cough  I can’t take much more of this persistent criticism.
per.sist.ent.ly adv.: They have persistently denied claims of illegal dealing.  persistently high interest rates
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per,sistent ,vegetative 'state
noun (medical ) a condition in which a person’s body is kept working by medical means but the person shows no sign of other brain activity
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per.snick.ety
adj. (AmE ) = PERNICKETY
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per.son
noun (pl.people or, especially in formal use, per.sons)
1 a human being as an INDIVIDUAL : What sort of person would do a thing like that?  He’s a fascinating person.  What is she like as a person?  He’s just the person we need for the job.  I had a letter from the people who used to live next door.  I’m not really a city person (= I don’t really like cities).
HELP Use everyone or everybody instead of ‘all people’.
2 (formal or disapproving) a human being, especially one who is not identified: A certain person (= somebody that I do not wish to name) told me about it.  The price is $40 per person.  This vehicle is licensed to carry 4 persons. (= in a notice)   (law) The verdict was murder by a person or persons unknown.—see also VIP
3 (-person) (in compounds) a person working in the area of business mentioned; a person concerned with the thing mentioned: a salesperson  a spokesperson
4 (grammar) any of the three classes of personal pronouns. The first person (I/we) refers to the person(s) speaking; the second person (you) refers to the person(s) spoken to; the third person (he/she/it/they) refers to the person(s) or thing(s) spoken about.
IDM about / on your 'person if you have or carry sth about/on your person, you carry it about with you, for example in your pocket in 'person if you do sth in person, you go somewhere and do it yourself, instead of doing it by letter, asking sb else to do it, etc. in the person of sb (formal) in the form or shape of sb: Help arrived in the person of his mother.—more at RESPECTER
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per.sona
noun (pl.per.son.ae or per.so.nas) (formal) the aspects of a person’s character that they show to other people, especially when their real character is different: His public persona is quite different from the private family man described in the book.
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per.son.able
adj. (of a person) attractive to other people because of having a pleasant appearance and character
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per.son.age
noun (formal) an important or famous person: a royal personage
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per.son.al
adj.
YOUR OWN|
1 [only before noun] your own; not belonging to or connected with anyone else: personal effects / belongings / possessions  personal details (= your name, age, etc.)  Of course, this is just a personal opinion.  Coogan has run a personal best of just under four minutes.  The novel is written from personal experience .  Use stencils to add a few personal touches to walls and furniture.  All hire cars are for personal use only.
FEELINGS / CHARACTER / RELATIONSHIPS|
2 [only before noun] connected with individual people, especially their feelings, characters and relationships: Having good personal relationships is the most important thing for me.  He was popular as much for his personal qualities as for his cricketing skills.
NOT OFFICIAL|
3 not connected with a person’s job or official position: The letter was marked ‘Personal’.  I’d like to talk to you about a personal matter.  I try not to let work interfere with my personal life .  She’s a personal friend of mine (= not just somebody I know because of my job).
DONE BY PERSON|
4 [only before noun] done by a particular person rather than by sb who is acting for them: The President made a personal appearance at the event.  I shall give the matter my personal attention.
DONE FOR PERSON|
5 [only before noun] made or done for a particular person rather than for a large group of people or people in general: We offer a personal service to all our customers.  a personal pension plan (= a pension organized by a private company for one particular person)
OFFENSIVE|
6 referring to a particular person’s character, appearance, opinions, etc. in a way that is offensive: Try to avoid making personal remarks.  There’s no need to get personal!  Nothing personal (= I do not wish to offend you), but I do have to go now.
CONNECTED WITH BODY|
7 [only before noun] connected with a person’s body: personal cleanliness / hygiene
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,personal al'lowance
(BrE) noun the amount of money you are allowed to earn each year before you have to pay INCOME TAX
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,personal as'sistant
noun (abbr. PA) a person who works as a secretary or an assistant for one person
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'personal column
noun a part of a newspaper or magazine for private messages or small advertisements
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,personal com'puter
noun (abbr. PC) a small computer that is designed for one person to use at work or at home—compare MAINFRAME , MICROCOMPUTER , MINICOMPUTER
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per.son.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] the various aspects of a person’s character that combine to make them different from other people: His wife has a strong personality.  The children all have very different personalities.  He maintained order by sheer force of personality.  There are likely to be tensions and personality clashes in any social group.
2 [U] the qualities of a person’s character that make them interesting and attractive: We need someone with lots of personality to head the project.
3 [C] a famous person, especially one who works in entertainment or sport: personalities from the world of music  a TV / sports personality
4 [C] a person whose strong character makes them noticeable: Their son is a real personality.
5 [U] the qualities of a place or thing that make it interesting and different: The problem with many modern buildings is that they lack personality.
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perso'nality cult
noun (disapproving) a situation in which people are encouraged to show extreme love and admiration for a famous person, especially a political leader
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per.son.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to mark sth in some way to show that it belongs to a particular person: All the towels were personalized with their initials.
2 to design or change sth so that it is suitable for the needs of a particular person: All our courses are personalized to the needs of the individual.
3 to refer to particular people when discussing a general subject: The mass media tends to personalize politics.
per.son.al.ized , -isedadj.: a highly personalized service   (BrE) a personalized number plate (= on a car)
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per.son.al.ly
adv.
1 used to show that you are giving your own opinion about sth: Personally, I prefer the second option.  ‘Is it worth the effort?’‘Speaking personally, yes.’
2 by a particular person rather than by sb acting for them: All letters will be answered personally.  Do you know him personally (= have you met him, rather than just knowing about him from other people)?
3 in a way that is connected with one particular person rather than a group of people: He was personally criticized by inspectors for his incompetence.  You will be held personally responsible for any loss or breakage.
4 in a way that is intended to be offensive: I’m sure she didn’t mean it personally.
5 in a way that is connected with sb’s personal life rather than with their job or official position: Have you had any dealings with any of the suspects, either personally or professionally?
IDM take sth 'personally to be offended by sth: I’m afraid he took your remarks personally.
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,personal orga'nizer
(BrE also -iser) noun a small file with loose sheets of paper in which you write down information, addresses, what you have arranged to do, etc.; a very small computer for the same purpose—see also FILOFAX™
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,personal 'pronoun
noun (grammar ) any of the pronouns I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, him, her, us, them
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,personal 'space
noun [U] the space directly around where you are standing or sitting: He leaned towards her and she stiffened at this invasion of her personal space.
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,personal 'stereo
noun = WALKMAN™
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persona non grata
noun [U] (from Latin ) a person who is not welcome in a particular place because of sth they have said or done, especially one who is told to leave a country by the government
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per.soni.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth a person who has a lot of a particular quality or characteristic: She was the personification of elegance.
2 [U, C] the practice of representing objects, qualities, etc. as human beings, in art and literature; an object, quality, etc. that is represented in this way: the personification of autumn in Keats’s poem
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per.son.ify
verb (per.soni.fies, per.soni.fy.ing, per.soni.fied, per.soni.fied) [vn]
1 to be an example of a quality or characteristic, or to have a lot of it: These children personify all that is wrong with the education system.  He is kindness personified.
2 [usually passive] ~ sth (as sb) to show or think of an object, quality, etc. as a person: The river was personified as a goddess.
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per.son.nel
noun
1 [pl.] the people who work for an organization or one of the armed forces: skilled / trained personnel  sales / technical / medical / security personnel  army / military personnel
2 [U+sing./pl. v.] the department in a company that deals with employing and training people
SYN HUMAN RESOURCES : the personnel department / manager  She works in personnel.  Personnel is / are currently reviewing pay scales.
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,person'nel carrier
noun a military vehicle for carrying soldiers
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,person-to-'person
adj. [usually before noun]
1 happening between two or more people who deal directly with each other rather than through another person: Technical support is offered on a person-to-person basis.
2 (especially AmE) (of a telephone call) made by calling the OPERATOR (= a person who works at a telephone exchange) and asking to speak to a particular person. If that person is not available, the call does not have to be paid for: a person-to-person call
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per.spec.tive
noun
1 [C] ~ (on sth) a particular attitude towards sth; a way of thinking about sth: a global perspective  Try to see the issue from a different perspective .  a report that looks at the education system from the perspective of deaf people  His experience abroad provides a wider perspective on the problem.
2 [U] the ability to think about problems and decisions in a reasonable way without exaggerating their importance: She was aware that she was losing all sense of perspective.  Try to keep these issues in perspective .  Talking to others can often help to put your own problems into perspective .  It is important not to let things get out of perspective .
3 [U] the art of creating an effect of depth and distance in a picture by representing people and things that are far away as being smaller than those that are nearer the front: The artist plays with perspective to confuse the eye.  We learnt how to draw buildings in perspective .  The tree on the left is out of perspective .
4 [C] a view, especially one in which you can see far into the distance: a perspective of the whole valley
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Per.spex
™noun [U] a strong transparent plastic material that is often used instead of glass
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per.spi.ca.cious
adj. (formal) able to understand sb/sth quickly and accurately; showing this: a perspicacious remark
per.spi.ca.city noun [U]
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per.spir.ation
noun [U]
1 drops of liquid that form on your skin when you are hot
SYN SWEAT : Beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead.  Her skin was damp with perspiration.
2 the act of perspiring : Perspiration cools the skin in hot weather.
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per.spire
verb [v] (formal) to produce sweat on your body
SYN SWEAT : The game of squash left me perspiring profusely.
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per.suade
verb
1 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to make sb do sth by giving them good reasons for doing it: [vn to inf] Try to persuade him to come.  [vn] Please try and persuade her.  She’s always easily persuaded.  I allowed myself to be persuaded into entering the competition.  I’m sure he’ll come with a bit of persuading.
2 to make sb believe that sth is true
SYN CONVINCE : [vn that] It will be difficult to persuade them that there’s no other choice.  She had persuaded herself that life was not worth living.  [vn] No one was persuaded by his arguments.   (formal) I am still not fully persuaded of the plan’s merits.
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per.sua.sion
noun
1 [U] the act of persuading sb to do sth or to believe sth: It didn’t take much persuasion to get her to tell us where he was.  After a little gentle persuasion, he agreed to come.  She has great powers of persuasion.
2 [C, U] a particular set of beliefs, especially about religion or politics: politicians of all persuasions  every shade of religious persuasion
IDM of the … persuasion (formal or humorous) of the type mentioned: peers of the Liberal persuasion
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per.sua.sive
adj. able to persuade sb to do or believe sth: persuasive arguments / evidence  He can be very persuasive.
per.sua.sive.ly adv.: They argue persuasively in favour of a total ban on handguns.
per.sua.sive.ness noun [U]
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pert
adj.
1 (especially of a girl or young woman) showing a lack of respect, especially in a cheerful and amusing way: a pert reply
2 (of a part of the body) small, firm and attractive: a pert nose  pert features
pert.ly adv.
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per.tain
verb [v] (formal) to exist or to apply in a particular situation or at a particular time: Living conditions are vastly different from those pertaining in their country of origin.  Those laws no longer pertain.
PVR V per'tain to sth/sb (formal) to be connected with sth/sb: the laws pertaining to adoption
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per.tin.acious
adj. (formal) determined to achieve a particular aim in spite of difficulties or opposition
per.tin.acity noun [U]
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per.tin.ent
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) appropriate to a particular situation: a pertinent question / fact  Please keep your comments pertinent to the topic under discussion.
per.tin.ent.ly adv.
per.tin.ence noun [U]
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per.turb
verb [vn] (formal) to make sb worried or anxious
SYN ALARM : Her sudden appearance did not seem to perturb him in the least.  I was perturbed by his lack of interest.
per.turbed adj.~ (at / about sth): a perturbed young man  She didn’t seem perturbed at the change of plan.
OPP UNPERTURBED
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per.turb.ation
noun
1 [U] (formal) the state of feeling anxious about sth that has happened
2 [C, U] (technical) a small change in the quality, behaviour or movement of sth: climatic / temperature perturbations
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per.use
verb [vn] (formal or humorous) to read sth, especially in a careful way: A copy of the report is available for you to peruse at your leisure.
per.usal noun [U, sing.]: a brief / casual perusal of a document  The agreement was signed after careful perusal.
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per.vade
verb [vn] (formal) to spread through and be noticeable in every part of sth: a pervading mood of fear  the sadness that pervades most of her novels  The entire house was pervaded by a sour smell.
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per.va.sive
adj. existing in all parts of a place or thing; spreading gradually to affect all parts of a place or thing: a pervasive smell of damp  A sense of social change is pervasive in her novels.
per.va.sive.ly adv.
per.va.sive.ness noun [U]
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per.verse
adj. showing deliberate determination to behave in a way that most people think is wrong, unacceptable or unreasonable: a perverse decision / judgement / result (= one that most people do not expect and think is wrong)  She finds a perverse pleasure in upsetting her parents.  Do you really mean that or are you just being deliberately perverse?
per.verse.ly adv.: She seemed perversely proud of her criminal record.
per.vers.ity noun [U]: He refused to attend out of sheer perversity.
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per.ver.sion
noun [U, C]
1 behaviour that most people think is not normal or acceptable, especially when it is connected with sex; an example of this type of behaviour: sexual perversion  sadomasochistic perversions
2 the act of changing sth that is good or right into sth that is bad or wrong; the result of this: the perversion of innocence / justice  Her account was a perversion of the truth.
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per.vert
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to change a system, process, etc. in a bad way so that it is not what it used to be or what it should be: Some scientific discoveries have been perverted to create weapons of destruction.
2 to affect sb in a way that makes them act or think in an immoral or unacceptable way
SYN CORRUPT : Some people believe that television can pervert the minds of children.
IDM per,vert the course of 'justice (law) to tell a lie or to do sth in order to prevent the police, etc. from finding out the truth about a crime

noun a person whose sexual behaviour is not thought to be normal or acceptable by most people: a sexual pervert

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per.verted
adj. not thought to be normal or acceptable by most people: sexual acts, normal and perverted  She was having difficulty following his perverted logic.  They clearly take a perverted delight in watching others suffer.
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pe.seta
noun the unit of money in Spain (to be replaced by the euro)
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pesky
adj. [only before noun] (informal, especially AmE ) annoying: pesky insects
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peso
noun (pl.pesos) the unit of money in many Latin American countries and the Philippines
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pes.sary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a small piece of solid medicine that is placed inside a woman’s VAGINA and left to dissolve, used to cure an infection or to prevent her from becoming pregnant—see also SUPPOSITORY
2 a device that is placed inside a woman’s VAGINA to support the WOMB
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pes.sim.ism
noun [U] ~ (about / over sth) a feeling that bad things will happen and that sth will not be successful; the tendency to have this feeling: There is a mood of pessimism in the company about future job prospects.
OPP OPTIMISM
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pes.sim.ist
noun a person who always expects bad things to happen: You don’t have to be a pessimist to realize that we’re in trouble.
OPP OPTIMIST
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pes.sim.is.tic
adj. ~ (about sth) expecting bad things to happen or sth not to be successful; showing this: They appeared surprisingly pessimistic about their chances of winning.  a pessimistic view of life  I think you’re being far too pessimistic.
OPP OPTIMISTIC
pes.sim.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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pest
noun
1 an insect or animal that destroys plants, food, etc: pest control  insect / plant / garden pests
2 (informal) an annoying person or thing: That child is being a real pest.
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pes.ter
verb ~ sb (for / with sth) to annoy sb, especially by asking them sth many times: [vn] Journalists pestered neighbours for information.  He has been pestering her with phone calls for over a week.  The horses were continually pestered by flies.  [vn to inf] The kids kept pestering me to read to them. [alsov]
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pesti.cide
noun [C, U] a chemical used for killing pests , especially insects: vegetables grown without the use of pesticides  crops sprayed with pesticide—see also HERBICIDE , INSECTICIDE
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pesti.lence
noun [U, sing.] (old use or literary) any infectious disease that spreads quickly and kills a lot of people
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pesti.len.tial
adj.
1 [only before noun] (literary) extremely annoying
2 (old use) connected with or causing a pestilence
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pes.tle
noun a small heavy tool with a round end used for crushing things in a special bowl called a MORTAR —picture at LABORATORY
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pet
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 an animal, a bird, etc. that you have at home for pleasure, rather than one that is kept for work or food: Do you have any pets?  a pet dog / hamster  a family / domestic pet  pet food  a pet shop (= where animals are sold as pets)
2 (usually disapproving) a person who is given special attention by sb, especially in a way that seems unfair to other people: She’s the teacher’s pet .
3 (BrE, spoken) used when speaking to a child or young woman to show affection: What’s wrong, pet?  Be a pet (= be kind) and post this letter for me.

verb (-tt-)
1 [vn] (especially AmE) to touch or move your hand gently over an animal or a child in a kind and loving way
2 [v] (informal) (of two people) to kiss and touch each other in a sexual way—see also PETTING

adj. [only before noun] that you are very interested in: his pet subject / theory / project—see also PET NAME
IDM sb’s pet 'hate (BrE) (AmE sb’s pet 'peeve) something that you particularly dislike

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petal
noun a delicate coloured part of a flower. The head of a flower is usually made up of several petals around a central part.—picture at PLANT
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pe.tard
noun
IDM see HOIST v.
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Peter
noun
IDM see ROB
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peter
verb
PVR V ,peter 'out to gradually become smaller, quieter, etc. and then end: The campaign petered out for lack of support.  The road petered out into a dirt track.
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peth.id.ine
noun [U] a drug used to reduce severe pain, especially for women giving birth
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petit bourgeois
(also ,petty 'bourgeois) noun (pl.petits / petty bourgeois) (disapproving) a member of the lower middle class in society, especially one who thinks that money, work and social position are very important
,petit 'bourgeois (also ,petty 'bourgeois) adj. [usually before noun]
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pe.tite
adj. (approving) (of a girl, woman or her figure) small and thin: a petite blonde
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the pe,tite ,bourgeoi'sie
(also ,petty ,bourgeoi'sie) noun [sing.] the lower middle class in society
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petit four
noun [usually pl.] (pl.petits fours ) (from French ) a very small decorated cake or biscuit/cookie that is served with coffee or tea—
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pe.ti.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (against / for sth) a written document signed by a large number of people that asks sb in a position of authority to do or change sth: a petition against experiments on animals  The workers are getting up (= starting) a petition for tighter safety standards.
2 (law) an official document asking a court of law to take a particular course of action
3 (formal) a formal prayer to God or request to sb in authority

verb
1 ~ for / against sth| ~ sb (for sth) to make a formal request to sb in authority, especially by sending them a petition : [v] Local residents have successfully petitioned against the siting of a prison in their area.  [vn] The group intends to petition Parliament for reform of the law.  [vn to inf] Parents petitioned the school to review its admission policy.
2 ~ (sb) (for sth) to formally ask for sth in a court of law: [v] to petition for divorce [alsovn, vn to inf]

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pe.ti.tion.er
noun
1 a person who organizes or signs a petition
2 (law) a person who asks a court of law to take a particular course of action
3 (formal) a person who makes a formal request to sb in authority
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'pet name
noun a name you use for sb instead of their real name, as a sign of affection
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pet.rel
noun a black and white seabird that can fly a long way from land
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Petri dish
noun a shallow covered dish used for growing bacteria, etc. in—picture at LABORATORY
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petri.fied
adj.
1 ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) extremely frightened
SYN TERRIFIED : a petrified expression  I’m petrified of snakes.  They were petrified with fear (= so frightened that they were unable to move or think).
2 [only before noun] petrified trees, insects, etc. have died and been changed into stone over a very long period of time: a petrified forest
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pet.rify
verb (petri.fies, petri.fy.ing, petri.fied, petri.fied)
1 [vn] to make sb feel extremely frightened
SYN TERRIFY : Just the thought of making a speech petrifies me.
2 [v, vn] to change or to make sth change into a substance like stone
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petro-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)
1 connected with rocks: petrology
2 connected with petrol/gas: petrochemical
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petro.chem.ical
noun any chemical substance obtained from PETROLEUM oil or natural gas: the petrochemical industry
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petro.dol.lar
noun a unit of money that is used for calculating the money earned by countries that produce and sell oil
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pet.rol
(BrE ) (AmE gas.oline, gas) noun [U] a liquid obtained from PETROLEUM , used as fuel in car engines, etc: to fill a car up with petrol  the petrol tank of a car  an increase in petrol prices  leaded / unleaded petrol—compare DIESEL
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'petrol bomb
noun (BrE ) = MOLOTOV COCKTAIL
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pet.rol.eum
noun [U] mineral oil that is found under the ground or the sea and is used to produce petrol/gas, PARAFFIN , DIESEL oil, etc.
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pe,troleum 'jelly
(AmE also pet.rol.atum ) noun [U] a soft clear substance obtained from petroleum , used to heal injuries on the skin or to make machine parts move together more smoothly
SYN VASELINE
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pet.rology
noun [U] the scientific study of rocks
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'petrol station
(BrE ) (AmE 'gas station) (also 'filling station, 'service stationAmE, BrE) noun a place at the side of a road where you take your car to buy petrol/gas, oil, etc.
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petti.coat
noun (old-fashioned) a piece of women’s underwear like a thin dress or skirt, worn under a dress or skirt
SYN SLIP
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petti.fog.ging
adj. [only before noun] (rare, old-fashioned) paying too much attention to unimportant details; concerned with unimportant things
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pet.ting
noun [U] the activity of kissing and touching sb, especially in a sexual way: heavy (= very intense) petting
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'petting zoo
noun (AmE ) a ZOO with animals that children can touch
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petty
adj. (usually disapproving)
1 [usually before noun] small and unimportant: petty squabbles / restrictions  petty crime / theft (= that is not very serious)  a petty criminal / thief  a petty bureaucrat / official (= who does not have much power or authority)
2 concerned with small and unimportant matters, especially when this is unkind to other people: How could you be so petty?
petti.ness noun [U]
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,petty 'bourgeois
noun, adj. = PETIT BOURGEOIS
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the ,petty ,bourgeoi'sie
noun [sing.] = PETITE BOURGEOISIE
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,petty 'cash
noun [U] a small amount of money kept in an office for small payments
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,petty 'officer
noun (abbr. PO) a sailor of middle rank in the navy
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petu.lant
adj. (written) bad-tempered and unreasonable, especially because you cannot do or have what you want: He behaved like a petulant child and refused to cooperate.
petu.lant.ly adv.
petu.lance noun [U]
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pe.tu.nia
noun a garden plant with white, pink, purple or red flowers
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pew
noun a long wooden seat in a church—picture at CHAIR
IDM ,Take a 'pew! (BrE, spoken, humorous) used to tell sb to sit down
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pew.ter
noun [U] a grey metal made by mixing TIN with LEAD , used especially in the past for making cups, dishes, etc.; objects made from pewter : a pewter tankard  a fine collection of old pewter
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PG
abbr. (BrE ) parental guidance. A film that has the label ‘PG’ is not suitable for children to watch without an adult.
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PGCE
noun the abbreviation for ‘Postgraduate Certificate of Education’ (a British teaching qualification taken by people with a degree in another subject)
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pH
noun [sing.] (chemistry ) a measurement of the level of acid or ALKALI in a solution or substance. In the pH range of 0 to 14 a reading of below 7 shows an acid and of above 7 shows an ALKALI : a pH of 7.5  to test the pH level of the soil
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phal.anx
noun (formal) a group of people or things standing very close together: The protesters ran into a solid phalanx of riot police.
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phal.lic
adj. of or like a phallus : phallic imagery / symbols
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phal.lus
noun
1 (technical) the male sexual organ, especially when it is ERECT
2 a model or an image of the male sexual organ that represents power and FERTILITY
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phan.tasm
noun (formal) a thing seen in the imagination
SYN ILLUSION
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phan.tas.ma.goria
noun [sing.] (formal) a changing scene of real or imagined figures, for example as seen in a dream or created as an effect in a film/movie
phan.tas.ma.gor.ical adj.
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phan.tasy
noun [C, U] (old use) = FANTASY
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phantom
noun, adj.
noun
1 a ghost: the phantom of his dead father
2 a thing that exists only in your imagination

adj. [only before noun]
1 like a ghost: a phantom horseman
2 existing only in your imagination: phantom fears / illnesses  a phantom pregnancy (= a condition in which a woman seems to be pregnant but in fact is not)
3 that people think exists but that in fact does not: phantom assets / profits

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phar.aoh
noun a ruler of ancient Egypt
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Phari.see
noun
1 a member of an ancient Jewish group who followed religious laws and teaching very strictly
2 (disapproving) a person who is very proud of the fact that they have high religious and moral standards, but who does not care enough about other people
SYN HYPOCRITE
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pharma.ceut.ical
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] connected with making and selling drugs and medicines: pharmaceutical companies / products  the pharmaceutical industry

noun [usually pl.] (technical ) a drug or medicine: the development of new pharmaceuticals  the pharmaceuticals industry

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pharma.cist
noun
1 (AmE also drug.gist) a person whose job is to prepare medicines and sell or give them to the public in a shop/store or in a hospital: We had to wait for the pharmacist to make up her prescription.—compare CHEMIST
2 (pharma.cist’s) (pl.pharma.cists) (BrE) a shop that sells medicines: They sell vitamin supplements at the pharmacist’s.—compare CHEMIST —see also PHARMACY
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pharma.colo.gist
noun a scientist who studies pharmacology
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pharma.col.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of drugs and their use in medicine
pharma.co.logic.al adj.: pharmacological research
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pharma.co.poeia
(AmE also pharma.co.peia) noun (technical ) an official book containing a list of medicines and drugs and instructions for their use
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phar.macy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a shop/store, or part of one, that sells medicines and drugs—compare CHEMIST , DRUGSTORE
2 [C] a place in a hospital where medicines are prepared—see also DISPENSARY
3 [U] the study of how to prepare medicines and drugs
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phar.ynx
noun (pl.pha.ryn.ges ) (anatomy ) the soft area at the top of the throat where the passages to the nose and mouth connect with the throat—picture at BODY
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phase
noun, verb
noun
1 a stage in a process of change or development: during the first / next / last phase  the initial / final phase of the project  a critical / decisive phase  the design phase  His anxiety about the work was just a passing phase .  She’s going through a difficult phase.  The wedding marked the beginning of a new phase in Emma’s life.
2 each of the shapes of the moon as we see it from the earth at different times of the month: the phases of the moon
IDM in phase / out of phase (with sth) (BrE) working/not working together in the right way: The traffic lights were out of phase.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to arrange to do sth gradually in stages over a period of time: the phased withdrawal of troops from the area  Closure of the hospitals was phased over a three-year period.
PVR V ,phase sth<->'in to introduce or start using sth gradually in stages over a period of time: The new tax will be phased in over two years. ,phase sth<->'out to stop using sth gradually in stages over a period of time: Subsidies to farmers will be phased out by the year 2 000.

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PhD
(also Ph.D. especially in AmE) noun the abbreviation for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ (a university degree of a very high level that is given to sb who has done research in a particular subject): to be / have / do a PhD   (BrE ) Anne Thomas PhD
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phea.sant
noun [C, U] (pl.phea.sants or phea.sant) a large bird with a long tail, the male of which is brightly coloured. People sometimes shoot pheasants for sport or food. Meat from this bird is also called pheasant: (BrE ) to shoot pheasant   (AmE ) to hunt pheasant  roast pheasant—
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phe.nol
noun [U] (chemistry ) a poisonous white chemical compound. When dissolved in water it is used as an ANTISEPTIC and DISINFECTANT , usually called CARBOLIC
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phe.nom
noun (AmE , informal) a person or thing that is very successful or impressive PHENOMENON
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phe.nom.enal
adj. very great or impressive: The product has been a phenomenal success.  The response to the appeal has been phenomenal.
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phe.nom.en.al.ly
adv.
1 in a very great or impressive way: This product has been phenomenally successful
2 extremely; very: phenomenally bad weather
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phe.nom.en.ology
noun [U] the branch of philosophy that deals with what you see, hear, feel, etc. in contrast to what may actually be real or true about the world
phe.nom.en.olo.gic.al adj.: a phenomenological approach to language
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phe.nom.enon
noun (pl.phe.nom.ena )
1 a fact or an event in nature or society, especially one that is not fully understood: cultural / natural / social phenomena  Terrorism is a phenomenon of the 20th century.
2 (pl.phe.nom.enons in AmE) a person or thing that is very successful or impressive
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phero.mone
noun (biology ) a substance produced by an animal as a chemical signal, to attract another animal of the same SPECIES
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phew
(BrE) exclamation a sound that people make to show that they are hot, tired, or happy that something bad has finished or did not happen: Phew, it’s hot in here!  Phew, I’m glad that’s all over.—compare WHEW
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phial
(also vial especially in AmE) noun (formal) a small glass container, for medicine or PERFUME
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Phi Beta Kappa
noun (in the US) a society for college and university students who are very successful in their studies
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phil.an.der.er
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) a man who has sexual relationships with many different women
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phil.an.dering
noun [U] (old-fashioned, disapproving) (of a man) the fact of having sexual relationships with many different women
SYN WOMANIZING
phil.an.dering adj. [only before noun]: a philandering husband
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phil.an.throp.ist
noun a rich person who helps the poor and those in need, especially by giving money
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phil.an.thropy
noun [U] the practice of helping the poor and those in need, especially by giving money
phil.an.throp.ic adj.: philanthropic work
phil.an.throp.ic.al.ly adv.
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phila.tel.ist
noun (technical ) a person who collects or studies stamps
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phil.ately
noun [U] (technical ) the collection and study of POSTAGE STAMPS
phila.tel.ic adj.
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-phile
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) liking a particular thing; a person who likes a particular thing: Anglophile  bibliophile—compare -PHOBE
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phil.har.mon.ic
adj. used in the names of orchestras, music societies, etc: the Berlin Philharmonic (Orchestra)
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-philia
combining form (in nouns) love of sth, especially connected with a sexual attraction that is not considered normal: paedophilia—compare -PHOBIA
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phil.is.tine
noun (disapproving) a person who does not like or understand art, literature, music, etc: In artistic matters he’s a complete philistine
phil.is.tine adj.: philistine attitudes
phil.is.tin.ism noun [U]: the philistinism of the tabloid press
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philo-
(also phil-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs) liking: philanthropy
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phil.olo.gist
noun a person who studies philology
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phil.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of the development of language or of a particular language
phil.olo.gic.al adj.
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phil.oso.pher
noun
1 a person who studies or writes about philosophy: the Greek philosopher Aristotle
2 a person who thinks deeply about things: He seems to be a bit of a philosopher.
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philo.soph.ical
(also philo.soph.ic ) adj.
1 connected with philosophy: the philosophical writings of Kant  philosophic debate / discussion / enquiry
2 ~ (about sth) (approving) having a calm attitude towards a difficult or disappointing situation: He was philosophical about losing and said that he’d be back next year to try again.
philo.soph.ic.al.ly adv.: This kind of evidence is philosophically unconvincing.  She took the bad news philosophically.
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philo.so.phize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (about / on sth) to talk about sth in a serious way, especially when other people think this is boring: He spent the evening philosophizing on the meaning of life.
phil.oso.phiz.ing , -is.ingnoun [U]
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phil.oso.phy
noun
1 [U] the study of nature and meaning of the universe and of human life: moral philosophy  the philosophy of science  a professor of philosophy  a degree in philosophy
2 [C] a particular set or system of beliefs resulting from the search for knowledge about life and the universe: the philosophy of Jung  the development of different philosophies
3 [C] a set of beliefs or an attitude to life that guides sb’s behaviour: Her philosophy of life is to take every opportunity that presents itself.
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phil.tre
(BrE ) (AmEphil.ter) noun (literary) a magic drink that is supposed to make people fall in love
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phlegm
noun [U]
1 the thick yellowish-green substance that forms in the nose and throat, especially when you have a cold
2 (written) the ability to remain calm in a situation that is difficult or upsetting
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phleg.mat.ic
adj. not easily made angry or upset
SYN CALM : a phlegmatic man / temperament
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-phobe
combining form (in nouns) a person who dislikes a particular thing or particular people: Anglophobe  xenophobe—compare -PHILE
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pho.bia
noun
1 a strong unreasonable fear or hatred of sth: He has a phobia about flying.
2 (-phobia) (in nouns) a strong unreasonable fear or hatred of a particular thing: claustrophobia  xenophobia—compare -PHILIA
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pho.bic
noun
1 a person who has a strong unreasonable fear or hatred of sth: cat phobics
2 (-phobic) (in adjectives) having a strong unreasonable fear or hatred of a particular thing: claustrophobic  xenophobic
pho.bic adj.: phobic anxiety
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phoe.nix
noun (in stories) a magic bird that lives for several hundred years before burning itself and then being born again from its ashes: to rise like a phoenix from the ashes (= to be powerful or successful again)
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phone
noun, verb
noun (also tele.phone)
1 [U, C] a system for talking to sb else over long distances using wires or radio; a machine used for this: I have to make a phone call .  The phone rang and Pat answered it.  They like to do business by phone / over the phone .  a phone bill—see also CAR PHONE , CELLULAR PHONE , ENTRYPHONE , MOBILE PHONE , PAYPHONE
2 (also tele.phone) [C] the part of the telephone that you hold in your hand and speak into: to pick up the phone  to put the phone down  He left the phone off the hook as he didn’t want to be disturbed.—see also ANSWERPHONE
3 (-phone) (in nouns) an instrument that uses or makes sound: dictaphone  xylophone
4 (-phone) (in adjectives and nouns) speaking a particular language; a person who does this: anglophone  francophone
IDM be on the 'phone
1 to be using the telephone: He’s been on the phone to Kate for more than an hour.
2 (BrE) to have a telephone in your home or place of work: They’re not on the phone at the holiday cottage.

verb (especially BrE ) (BrE also ,phone 'up) to make a telephone call to sb: [v] I was just phoning up for a chat.  He phoned to invite me out for dinner.  Someone phone for an ambulance!  Could you phone back later?  He phoned home, but there was no reply.  [vn] Don’t forget to phone New York.  For reservations, phone 0171 281 3964.  Phone them up and find out when they are coming.
PVR V ,phone 'in (especially BrE)
1 to make a telephone call to the place where you work: [+adj] Three people have phoned in sick already this morning.
2 to make a telephone call to a radio or television station: Listeners are invited to phone in with their comments.—related noun PHONE-IN ,phone sth<->'in (especially BrE) to make a telephone call to the place where you work in order to give sb some information: I need you to phone the story in before five.

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'phone book
noun = TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
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'phone booth
(also 'telephone booth) noun a place that is partly enclosed, containing a public telephone, in a hotel, restaurant, in the street, etc.
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'phone box
(also 'telephone box, 'telephone kiosk, 'call box) (all BrE) noun a small unit that is completely enclosed, containing a public telephone, in the street, at a station, etc.
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'phone call
noun = CALL
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phone.card
noun (BrE ) a plastic card that you can use in some public telephones instead of money
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'phone-in
(BrE ) (AmE 'call-in) noun a radio or television programme in which people can telephone and make comments or ask questions about a particular subject: a phone-in / call-in show
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phon.eme
noun (phonetics ) any one of the set of smallest units of speech in a language that distinguish one word from another. In English, the ‘s’ in ‘sip’ and the ‘z’ in ‘zip’ represent two different phonemes .
phon.em.ic adj.
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'phone number
noun = TELEPHONE NUMBER
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'phone tapping
noun = TELEPHONE TAPPING
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phon.et.ic
adj.
1 using special symbols to represent each different speech sound: the International Phonetic Alphabet  a phonetic symbol / transcription
2 (of a spelling or spelling system) that closely matches the sounds represented: Spanish spelling is phonetic, unlike English spelling.
3 connected with the sounds of human speech
phon.et.ic.al.ly adv.
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phon.et.ics
noun [U] the study of speech sounds and how they are produced
phon.et.ician noun
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pho.ney
(also phony especially in AmE) adj., noun
adj. (pho.nier, pho.ni.est) (informal, disapproving) not real or true; false, and trying to deceive people: She spoke with a phoney Russian accent.

noun (pl.-neys or -nies) (formal) a person who is not honest or sincere; a thing that is not real or true

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,phoney 'war
noun [sing.] (BrE ) a period of time when two groups are officially at war but not actually fighting
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phon.ic
adj.
1 (technical) relating to sound; relating to sounds made in speech
2 (-phonic) (in adjectives) connected with an instrument that uses or makes sound: telephonic
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phon.ics
noun [U] a method of teaching people to read based on the sounds that letters represent
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phono-
(also phon-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with sound or sounds: phonetic
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phon.ology
noun [U] (linguistics ) the speech sounds of a particular language; the study of these sounds
phono.logic.al adj.: phonological analysis
phon.olo.gist noun
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phony
(especially AmE ) = PHONEY
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phos.phate
noun [C, U] (chemistry ) any salt or compound containing phosphorus , used in industry or for helping plants to grow: phosphate-free washing powder  the use of nitrates and phosphates to fertilize the soil
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phos.phor.es.cent
adj. (technical )
1 producing a faint light in the dark—compare FLUORESCENT
2 producing light without heat or with so little heat that it cannot be felt
phos.phor.es.cence noun [U]
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phos.phorus
noun [U] (symb P) a chemical element found in several different forms, including as a poisonous, pale yellow substance that shines in the dark and starts to burn as soon as it is placed in air
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photo
noun (pl.-os ) = PHOTOGRAPH : a colour / black-and-white / passport photo  I’ll take a photo of you.
HELP The usual phrase in AmE is take a picture.
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photo-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs)
1 connected with light: photosynthesis
2 connected with photography: photogenic
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'photo booth
noun a small enclosed structure where you can put money in a machine and get a photograph of yourself in a few minutes
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'photo call
noun a time that is arranged in advance when photographers or television cameras are invited to take pictures of a famous person
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photo.cell
noun = PHOTOELECTRIC CELL
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photo.copier
(also copier especially in AmE) noun a machine that makes copies of documents, etc. by photographing them
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photo.copy
noun, verb
noun (also copy) (pl.-ies) a photographic copy of a document, etc: Make as many photocopies as you need.

verb (photo.cop.ies, photo.copy.ing, photo.cop.ied, photo.cop.ied) (especially BrEcopy)
1 to make a photocopy of sth: [vn] a photocopied letter  Can you get these photocopied for me by 5 o’clock?  [v] I seem to have spent most of the day photocopying.
2 [v] ~ well / badly (of printed material) to produce a good/bad photocopy : The comments in pencil haven’t photocopied very well.

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photo.elec.tric
adj. using an electric current that is controlled by light
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,photoelectric 'cell
(also photo.cell) noun an electric device that uses a beam of light. When the beam is broken it shows that sb/sth is present, and can be used to control ALARMS , machinery, etc.
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,photo 'finish
noun [usually sing.] the end of a race in which the leading runners or horses are so close together that only a photograph of them passing the finishing line can show which is the winner
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'Photo-Fit
™noun (BrE ) a picture of a person who is wanted by the police, made by putting together photographs of different features of faces from information that is given by sb who has seen the person—compare E-FIT , IDENTIKIT
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photo.gen.ic
adj. looking attractive in photographs: I’m not very photogenic.
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photo.graph
noun, verb
noun (also photo) a picture that is made by using a camera that has a film sensitive to light inside it: aerial / satellite photographs  colour photographs  Please enclose a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself.  I spent the day taking photographs of the city.
HELP The usual phrase in AmE is take pictures.

verb
1 to take a photograph of sb/sth: [vn] He has photographed some of the world’s most beautiful women.  a beautifully photographed book (= with good photographs in it)  [vn-adj] She refused to be photographed nude.  [vn -ing] They were photographed playing with their children.
2 [v] ~ well, badly, etc. to look or not look attractive in photographs: Some people just don’t photograph well.

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pho.tog.raph.er
noun a person who takes photographs, especially as a job: a wildlife / fashion / portrait photographer
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photo.graph.ic
adj. connected with photographs or photography: photographic equipment / film / images  They produced a photographic record of the event.  His paintings are almost photographic in detail.
photo.graph.ic.al.ly adv.
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,photographic 'memory
noun [usually sing.] the ability to remember things accurately and in great detail after seeing them
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pho.tog.raphy
noun [U] the art, process or job of taking photographs or filming sth: colour / flash / aerial photography  fashion photography by David Burn  Her hobbies include hiking and photography.  the director of photography (= the person who is in charge of the actual filming of a film / movie, programme, etc.)  Did you see the film about Antarctica? The photography was superb!
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photo.jour.nal.ism
noun [U] the work of giving news using mainly photographs, especially in a magazine
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pho.ton
noun (physics ) a unit of ELECTROMAGNETIC energy
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'photo opportunity
noun an occasion when a famous person arranges to be photographed doing sth that will impress the public
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photo.sensi.tive
adj. reacting to light, for example by changing colour or producing an electrical signal
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'photo session
(also 'photo shoot) noun an occasion when a photographer takes pictures of a famous person, fashion model, etc. for use in a magazine, etc.
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Photo.stat
™noun a PHOTOCOPY or a machine that produces them
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photo.syn.thesis
noun [U] (biology ) the process by which green plants turn CARBON DIOXIDE and water into food using energy from sunlight
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phrasal
adj. of or connected with a phrase
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,phrasal 'verb
noun (grammar ) a verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both, to give a new meaning, for example go in for, win over and see to
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phrase
noun, verb
noun
1 (grammar) a group of words without a FINITE verb, especially one that forms part of a sentence. ‘the green car’ and ‘on Friday morning’ are phrases .—see also NOUN PHRASE
2 a group of words which have a particular meaning when used together: a memorable / famous phrase  She was, in her own favourite phrase, ‘a woman without a past’.—see also CATCHPHRASE
3 (music) a short series of notes that form a unit within a longer passage in a piece of music
IDM see COIN v. , TURN n.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to say or write sth in a particular way: a carefully phrased remark  I agree with what he says, but I’d have phrased it differently.  Her order was phrased as a suggestion.
2 [v, vn] to divide a piece of music into small groups of notes; to play or sing these in a particular way, especially in an effective way

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'phrase book
noun a book containing lists of common expressions translated into another language, especially for people visiting a foreign country
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phrase.ology
noun [U] (formal) the particular way in which words and phrases are arranged when saying or writing sth
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phras.ing
noun [U]
1 the words used to express sth: The phrasing of the report is ambiguous.
2 (music) the way in which a musician or singer divides a piece of music into phrases by pausing in suitable places
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phren.ology
noun [U] the study of the shape of the human head, which some people think is a guide to a person’s character
phren.olo.gist noun
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phylum
noun (pl.phyla ) (biology ) a group into which animals, plants, etc. are divided, smaller than a KINGDOM and larger than a CLASS —compare GENUS
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phys.ic.al
adj., noun
adj.
THE BODY|
1 [usually before noun] connected with a person’s body rather than their mind: physical fitness / strength / disabilities  physical appearance / beauty  The ordeal has affected both her mental and physical health.  He tends to avoid all physical contact.
REAL THINGS|
2 [only before noun] connected with things that actually exist or are present and can be seen, felt, etc. rather than things that only exist in a person’s mind: the physical world / universe / environment  the physical properties (= the colour, weight, shape, etc.) of copper
NATURE / SCIENCE|
3 [only before noun] according to the laws of nature: It is a physical impossibility to be in two places at once.
4 [only before noun] connected with the scientific study of forces such as heat, light, sound, etc. and how they affect objects: physical chemistry / laws
SEX|
5 involving sex: physical love  They are having a physical relationship.
PERSON|
6 (informal) (of a person) liking to touch other people a lot: She’s not very physical.
VIOLENT|
7 (informal) violent (used to avoid saying this in a direct way): Are you going to cooperate or do we have to get physical?

noun (also ,physical exami'nation) a medical examination of a person’s body, for example, to check that they are fit enough to do a particular job

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,physical edu'cation
noun = PE
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,physical ge'ography
noun [U]
1 the scientific study of the natural features on the surface of the earth, for example mountains and rivers
2 the way in which the natural features of a place are arranged: the physical geography of Scotland
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phys.ic.al.ity
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being physical rather than emotional or spiritual
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phys.ic.al.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is connected with a person’s body rather than their mind: mentally and physically handicapped  physically and emotionally exhausted  I felt physically sick before the exam.  I don’t find him physically attractive.  They were physically prevented from entering the building.
2 according to the laws of nature or what is probable: It’s physically impossible to finish by the end of the week.
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,physical 'science
noun [U] (also the ,physical 'sciences [pl.]) the areas of science concerned with studying natural forces and things that are not alive, for example physics and chemistry—compare LIFE SCIENCES
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,physical 'therapist
noun (AmE ) = PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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,physical 'therapy
noun (AmE ) = PHYSIOTHERAPY
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,physical 'training
noun = PT
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phys.ician
noun (formal, especially AmE ) a doctor, especially one who is a specialist in general medicine and not SURGERY —compare SURGEON
HELP This word is now old-fashioned in BrE. Doctor or GP is used instead.
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physi.cist
noun a scientist who studies physics: a nuclear physicist
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phys.ics
noun [U] the scientific study of forces such as heat, light, sound, etc., of relationships between them, and how they affect objects: a degree in physics  particle / nuclear / theoretical physics  the laws of physics  a school physics department  to study the physics of the electron—see also ASTROPHYSICS , GEOPHYSICS
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physio
noun (pl.-os) (BrE , informal)
1 [U] = PHYSIOTHERAPY
2 [C] = PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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physio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)
1 connected with nature
2 connected with PHYSIOLOGY
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physi.ognomy
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) the shape and features of a person’s face
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physi.olo.gist
noun a scientist who studies physiology
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physi.ology
noun
1 [U] the scientific study of the normal functions of living things: the department of anatomy and physiology
2 [U, sing.] the way in which a particular living thing functions: plant physiology  the physiology of the horse
physio.logic.al adj.: the physiological effect of space travel
physio.lo.gic.al.ly adv.
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physio.ther.ap.ist
(also informal physio) (both BrE ) (AmE ,physical 'therapist) noun a person whose job is to give patients physiotherapy
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physio.ther.apy
(also informal physio) (both BrE ) (AmE ,physical 'therapy) noun [U] the treatment of disease, injury or weakness in the joints or muscles by exercises, MASSAGE and the use of light and heat
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phys.ique
noun [U] the size and shape of a person’s body: He has the physique of a rugby player.  a good / strong / youthful physique
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pi
noun (geometry ) the symbol π used to show the RATIO of the CIRCUMFERENCE of (= distance around) a circle to its DIAMETER (= distance across), that is about 3.14159
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pi.an.is.simo
adv. (abbr. pp) (music ) played or sung very quietly
OPP FORTISSIMO
pi.an.is.simo adj.
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pi.an.ist
noun a person who plays the piano: a concert / jazz pianist
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piano
noun, adv.
noun (pl.-os) (also old-fashioned, formal pi.ano.forte ) a large musical instrument played by pressing the black and white keys on the keyboard. The sound is produced by small hammers hitting the metal strings inside the piano : to play the piano  playing jazz on the piano   piano music  a piano teacher / lesson  Ravel’s piano concerto in G—see also GRAND PIANO , UPRIGHT PIANO

adv. (abbr. p) (music ) played or sung quietly
OPP FORTE
piano adj.

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pi,ano ac'cordion
noun (BrE ) = ACCORDION
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pi.azza
noun a public square, especially in an Italian town
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pic
noun (informal) a picture
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pic.ar.esque
adj. (formal) connected with literature that describes the adventures of a person who is sometimes dishonest but easy to like: a picaresque novel
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pic.colo
noun (pl.-os) a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group, like a small FLUTE that plays high notes—
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pick
verb, noun
verb
1 to choose sb/sth from a group of people or things: [vn] Pick a number from one to twenty.  She picked the best cake for herself.  He picked his words carefully.  Have I picked a bad time to talk to you?  [vn to inf] He has been picked to play in this week’s game.—see also HAND-PICKED
2 [vn] to take flowers, fruit, etc. from the plant or the tree where they are growing: to pick grapes / cotton  flowers freshly picked from the garden  to go blackberry picking
3 to pull or remove sth or small pieces of sth from sth else, especially with your fingers: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : She picked bits of fluff from his sweater.  He picked the nuts off the top of the cake.  [vn] to pick your nose (= put your finger inside your nose to remove dried MUCUS )  to pick your teeth (= use a small sharp piece of wood to remove pieces of food from your teeth)  [vn-adj] The dogs picked the bones clean (= ate all the meat from the bones).
4 [v, vn] (AmE) = PLUCK (3)
IDM ,pick and 'choose to choose only those things that you like or want very much: You have to take any job you can get—you can’t pick and choose. pick sb’s 'brains (informal) to ask sb a lot of questions about sth because they know more about the subject than you do pick a 'fight / 'quarrel (with sb) to deliberately start a fight or an argument with sb pick 'holes in sth to find the weak points in sth such as a plan, suggestion, etc: It was easy to pick holes in his arguments. pick a 'lock to open a lock without a key, using sth such as a piece of wire pick sb’s 'pocket to steal sth from sb’s pocket without them noticing—related noun PICKPOCKET pick up the 'bill, 'tab, etc. (for sth) (informal) to pay for sth: The company picked up the tab for his hotel room.  The government will continue to pick up college fees for some students. pick up the 'pieces to return or to help sb return to a normal situation, particularly after a shock or a disaster: You cannot live your children’s lives for them; you can only be there to pick up the pieces when things go wrong. pick up 'speed to go faster pick up the 'threads to return to an earlier situation or way of life after an interruption pick your 'way (across, along, among, over, through sth) to walk carefully, choosing the safest, driest, etc. place to put your feet: She picked her way delicately over the rough ground. pick a 'winner
1 to choose a horse, etc. that you think is most likely to win a race
2 (informal) to make a very good choice—more at BONE n. , PIECE n. , SHRED n.
PVR V 'pick at sth
1 to eat food slowly, taking small amounts or bites because you are not hungry
2 to pull or touch sth several times: He tried to undo the knot by picking at it with his fingers.,pick sb<->'off (informal) to aim carefully at a person, an animal or an aircraft, especially one of a group, and then shoot them: Snipers were picking off innocent civilians. ,pick sth<->'off to remove sth from sth such as a tree, a plant, etc: Pick off all the dead leaves.'pick on sb/sth
1 to treat sb unfairly, by blaming, criticizing or punishing them: She was picked on by the other girls because of her size.
2 to choose sb/sth: He picked on two of her statements which he said were untrue.,pick sb/sth<->'out
1 to choose sb/sth carefully from a group of people or things: She was picked out from dozens of applicants for the job.  He picked out the ripest peach for me.
2 to recognize sb/sth from among other people or things: See if you can pick me out in this photo.  We couldn’t pick out any familiar landmarks. ,pick sth<->'out
1 to play a tune on a musical instrument slowly without using written music: He picked out the tune on the piano with one finger.
2 to discover or recognize sth after careful study: Read the play again and pick out the major themes.
3 to make sth easy to see or hear: a sign painted cream, with the lettering picked out in black  The car lights picked out a cat running across the road.,pick sth<->'over| ,pick 'through sth to examine a group of things carefully, especially to choose the ones you want: Pick over the lentils and remove any little stones.  I picked over the facts of the case.,pick 'up
1 to get better, stronger, etc.; to improve: Trade usually picks up in the spring.  The wind is picking up now.  Sales have picked up 14% this year.—related noun PICKUP
2 (informal) to start again; to continue: Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday.
3 (informal, especially AmE) to put things away and make things neat, especially for sb else: All I seem to do is cook, wash and pick up after the kids. ,pick sb<->'up
1 to go somewhere in your car and collect sb who is waiting for you
SYN COLLECT : I’ll pick you up at five.
2 to allow sb to get into your vehicle and take them somewhere: The bus picks up passengers outside the airport.
3 to rescue sb from the sea or from a dangerous place, especially one that is difficult to reach: A lifeboat picked up survivors.
4 (informal, often disapproving) to start talking to sb you do not know because you want to have a sexual relationship with them: He goes to clubs to pick up girls.—related noun PICKUP
5 (informal) (of the police) to arrest sb: He was picked up by police and taken to the station for questioning.
6 to make sb feel better: Try this—it will pick you up.—related noun PICK-ME-UP ,pick sb/sth<->'up
1 to take hold of sb/sth and lift them/it up: She went over to the crying child and picked her up.  He picked up the phone and dialled the number.
2 to receive an electronic signal, sound or picture: We were able to pick up the BBC World Service. ,pick sth<->'up
1 to get information or a skill by chance rather than by making a deliberate effort: to pick up bad habits  Here’s a tip I picked up from my mother.  She picked up Spanish when she was living in Mexico.
2 to identify or recognize sth: Scientists can now pick up early signs of the disease.
3 to collect sth from a place: I picked up my coat from the cleaners.—related noun PICKUP
4 to buy sth, especially cheaply or by chance: We managed to pick up a few bargains at the auction.
5 to get or obtain sth: I seem to have picked up a terrible cold from somewhere.  I picked up £30 in tips today.
6 to find and follow a route: to pick up the scent / trail of an animal  We can pick up the motorway in a few miles.
7 to return to an earlier subject or situation in order to continue it: He picks up this theme again in later chapters of the book.
8 to notice sth that is not very obvious; to see sth that you are looking for: I picked up the faint sound of a car in the distance.
9 (especially AmE) to put things away neatly: Will you pick up all your toys?
10 (AmE) to put things away and make a room neat: to pick up a room / an apartment ,pick 'up on sth
1 to notice sth and perhaps react to it: She failed to pick up on the humour in his remark.
2 to return to a point that has already been mentioned or discussed: If I could just pick up on a question you raised earlier. ,pick sb 'up on sth to mention sth that sb has said or done that you think is wrong: I knew he would pick me up on that slip sooner or later. ,pick yourself 'up to stand up again after you have fallen: He just picked himself up and went on running.   (figurative) She didn’t waste time feeling sorry for herself—she just picked herself up and carried on.

noun
1 [sing.] an act of choosing sth: Take your pick (= choose).  The winner gets first pick of the prizes.
2 [sing.] (especially AmE) a person or thing that is chosen: She was his pick for best actress.
3 [sing.] the ~ of sth the best thing or things in a group: We’re reviewing the pick of this month’s new books.  I think we got the pick of the bunch (= the best in the group).
4 = PICKAXE : picks and shovels—see also ICE PICK , TOOTHPICK

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'pick-and-mix
adj. (BrE ) used to describe a way of putting sth together by choosing things from among a large variety of different items: a pick-and-mix programme of study
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pick.axe
(AmE also pick.ax) (also pick) noun a large heavy tool that has a curved metal bar with sharp ends fixed at the centre to a wooden handle. It is used for breaking rocks or hard ground.—picture at AXE
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pick.er
noun a person or machine that picks flowers, vegetables, etc: cotton pickers
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picket
noun, verb
noun
1 a person or group of people who stand outside the entrance to a building in order to protest about sth, especially in order to stop people from entering a factory, etc. during a strike; an occasion at which this happens: Five pickets were arrested by police.  I was on picket duty at the time.  We are organizing a mass picket of the abortion clinic.—see also PICKETER
2 a soldier or group of soldiers guarding a military base
3 a piece of wood that is pointed at the bottom so that it can be fixed in the ground, especially as part of a fence: a picket fence—picture at HOUSE

verb to stand outside somewhere such as your place of work to protest about sth or to try and persuade people to join a strike: [vn] 200 workers were picketing the factory.  [v] Striking workers picketed outside the gates.

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pick.et.er
noun (AmE ) a person who takes part in a picket
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picket.ing
noun [U] the activity of standing outside the entrance to a building in order to protest about sth and stop people from entering the building: mass picketing of the factory
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'picket line
noun a line or group of PICKETS : Fire crews refused to cross the picket line.
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pick.ings
noun [pl.] something, especially money, that can be obtained from a particular situation in an easy or a dishonest way: easy / slim pickings  There are rich pickings to be had by investing in this sort of company.
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pickle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) a vegetable that has been preserved in VINEGAR or salt water and has a strong flavour, served cold with meat, salads, etc.
2 [U] (BrE) a cold thick spicy sauce made from fruit and vegetables that have been boiled, often sold in JARS and served with meat, cheese, etc.
3 [U, C] (AmE) = GHERKIN
IDM in a 'pickle (informal) in a difficult or unpleasant situation

verb [vn] to preserve food in VINEGAR or salt water

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pickled
adj.
1 (of food) preserved in VINEGAR : pickled cabbage / herring / onions
2 (old-fashioned, informal) drunk
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'pick-me-up
noun (informal) something that makes you feel better, happier, healthier, etc., especially medicine or an alcoholic drink: (figurative) This deal would offer the best possible pick-me-up to the town’s ailing economy.
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pick.pocket
noun a person who steals money, etc. from other people’s pockets, especially in crowded places
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pick.up
noun
1 (also 'pickup truck) [C] a motor vehicle with low sides and no roof at the back used, for example, by farmers—picture at TRUCK
2 [C] a person sb meets for the first time, for example in a bar, with whom they start a sexual relationship: casual pickups
3 [C] ~ (in sth) an improvement: a pickup in the housing market
4 [U, C] an occasion when sb/sth is collected: Goods are delivered not later than noon on the day after pickup.
5 [C] the part of a record player or musical instrument that changes electrical signals into sound, or sound into electrical signals
6 [U] (AmE) a vehicle’s ability to ACCELERATE (= increase in speed)
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picky
adj. (informal) (of a person) liking only particular things and difficult to please
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pic.nic
noun, verb
noun
1 an occasion when people pack a meal and take it to eat outdoors, especially in the countryside: It’s a nice day. Let’s go for a picnic.
2 the meal, usually consisting of sandwiches, salad and fruit, etc. that you take with you when you go on a picnic : Let’s eat our picnic by the lake.  a picnic lunch / supper / basket
IDM be no 'picnic (informal) to be difficult and cause a lot of problems: Bringing up a family when you’re unemployed is no picnic.

verb (-ck-) [v] to have a picnic : No picnicking allowed (= on a sign)

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pic.nick.er
noun a person who is having a picnic
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picto.gram
noun
1 a picture representing a word or phrase
2 a diagram that uses pictures to represent amounts or numbers of a particular thing
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pic.tor.ial
adj. [usually before noun]
1 using or containing pictures: a pictorial account / record of the expedition
2 connected with pictures: pictorial traditions
pic.tori.al.ly adv.
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pic.ture
noun, verb
noun
PAINTING / DRAWING|
1 [C] a painting or drawing, etc. that shows a scene, a person or a thing: A picture of flowers hung on the wall.  The children were drawing pictures of their pets.  She wanted a famous artist to paint her picture (= a picture of herself).  a book with lots of pictures in it
PHOTOGRAPH|
2 [C] a photograph: We had our picture taken in front of the hotel.  The picture shows the couple together on their yacht.  Have you got any pictures of your trip?
ON TV|
3 [C] an image on a television screen: harrowing television pictures of the famine  satellite pictures  The picture isn’t very clear tonight.
DESCRIPTION|
4 [C, usually sing.] a description that gives you an idea in your mind of what sth is like: The writer paints a gloomy picture of the economy.  The police are trying to build up a picture of what happened.
MENTAL IMAGE|
5 [C, usually sing.] a mental image or memory of sth: I have a vivid picture of my grandfather smiling down at me when I was very small.
GENERAL SITUATION|
6 (the picture) [sing.] the general situation concerning sb/sth: Just a few years ago the picture was very different.  The overall picture for farming is encouraging.
MOVIES|
7 [C] a film/movie: The movie won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.   (especially AmE) I believe her husband’s in pictures (= he acts in movies or works in the industry).—see also MOTION PICTURE
8 (the pictures) [pl.] (old-fashioned, informal) the cinema/the movies: Shall we go to the pictures tonight? be / look a 'picture to look very beautiful or special: The garden looks a picture in the summer. be the picture of 'health / 'guilt / 'misery, etc. (informal) to look extremely healthy, guilty, etc. get the 'picture (spoken) to understand a situation, especially one that sb is describing to you: ‘I pretended that I hadn’t heard.’‘I get the picture.’ in / out of the 'picture (informal) involved/not involved in a situation: Morris is likely to win, with Jones out of the picture now. put / keep sb in the 'picture (informal) to give sb the information they need in order to understand a situation: Just to put you in the picture—there have been a number of changes here recently.—more at BIG adj. , PAINT v. , PRETTY adj.

verb
IMAGINE|
1 ~ sb (as sth) to imagine sb/sth; to create an image of sb/sth in your mind: [vn] I can still picture the house I grew up in.  We found it hard to picture him as the father of teenage sons.  [vn -ing] When he did not come home she pictured him lying dead on the roadside somewhere.  [v wh-] I tried to picture what it would be like to live alone.
DESCRIBE|
2 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth as sth to describe or present sb/sth in a particular way
SYN PORTRAY : Before the trial Liz had been pictured as a frail woman dominated by her husband.
SHOW IN PHOTOGRAPH|
3 [usually passive] to show sb/sth in a photograph or picture: [vn] She is pictured here with her parents.  [vn -ing] The team is pictured setting off on their European tour. [alsovn-adj]

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'picture book
noun a book with a lot of pictures, especially one for children
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,picture-'perfect
adj. (AmE ) exactly right in appearance or in the way things are done: Her wedding day was picture-perfect.
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,picture 'postcard
noun (old-fashioned) a POSTCARD with a picture on one side
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,picture-'postcard
adj. [only before noun] (especially BrE ) (of places) very pretty: a picture-postcard village
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'picture rail
noun a narrow strip of wood attached to the walls of a room below the ceiling and used for hanging pictures from
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pic.tur.esque
adj.
1 (of a place, building, scene, etc.) pretty, especially in a way that looks old-fashioned: a picturesque cottage / setting / village
2 (of language) producing strong mental images by using unusual words: a picturesque description of life at sea
pic.tur.esque.ly adv.: The inn is picturesquely situated on the banks of the river.
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'picture window
noun a very large window made of a single piece of glass
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pid.dle
verb [v] (old-fashioned, informal) to URINATE
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pid.dling
adj. [only before noun] (informal, disapproving) small and unimportant: I spent all day doing piddling little jobs.
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pidgin
noun [U]
1 a simple form of a language, especially English, Portuguese or Dutch, with a limited number of words, that are used together with words from a local language. It is used when people who do not speak the same language need to talk to each other.
2 (Pidgin) = TOK PISIN
3 ~ English, French, Japanese, etc. a way of speaking a language that uses simple words and forms, used when a person does not speak the language well, or when he or she is talking to sb who does not speak the language well: I tried to get my message across in my pidgin Italian.
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pie
noun [C, U]
1 fruit baked in a dish with pastry on the bottom, sides and top: a slice of apple pie  Help yourself to some more pie.  a pie dish—
2 (especially BrE) meat, vegetables, etc. baked in a dish with pastry on the bottom, sides and top: a steak and kidney pie—see also MINCE PIE , PORK PIE , SHEPHERD’S PIE —see also CUSTARD PIE
IDM a ,piece / ,slice / ,share of the 'pie (AmE) a share of sth such as money, profits, etc. ,pie in the 'sky (informal) an event that sb talks about that seems very unlikely to happen: This talk of moving to Australia is all just pie in the sky.—more at AMERICAN adj. , EASY adj. , EAT , FINGER n. , NICE
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pie.bald
adj. (of a horse) with areas on it of two colours, usually black and white
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piece
noun, verb
noun
SEPARATE AMOUNT|
1 [C] ~ (of sth) (used especially with of and uncountable nouns) an amount of sth that has been cut or separated from the rest of it; a standard amount of sth: a piece of string / wood  She wrote something on a small piece of paper.  a large piece of land  a piece of cake / cheese / meat  He cut the pizza into bite-sized pieces.  I’ve got a piece of grit in my eye.
PART|
2 [C, usually pl.] one of the bits or parts that sth breaks into: There were tiny pieces of glass all over the road.  The boat had been smashed to pieces on the rocks.  The vase lay in pieces on the floor.
3 [C] one of the parts that sth is made of: He took the clock to pieces .  a missing piece of the puzzle  The bridge was taken down piece by piece .  a 500 piece jigsaw—see also ONE-PIECE , TWO-PIECE , THREE-PIECE
SINGLE ITEM|
4 [C] (used especially with of and uncountable nouns) a single item of a particular type, especially one that forms part of a set: a piece of clothing / furniture / luggage  a piece of equipment / machinery  a 28-piece dinner service
5 [C] ~ of sth used with many uncountable nouns to describe a single example or an amount of sth: a piece of advice / information / news  an interesting piece of research  Isn’t that a piece of luck?
6 [C] ~ (of sth) a single item of writing, art, music, etc. that sb has produced or created: a piece of art / music / poetry  They performed pieces by Bach and Handel.   (formal) They have some beautiful pieces (= works of art, etc.) in their home.—see also MASTERPIECE , MUSEUM PIECE , PARTY PIECE , PERIOD PIECE , SHOWPIECE
NEWS ARTICLE|
7 [C] an article in a newspaper or magazine or a broadcast on television or radio: Did you see her piece about the Internet in the paper today?—see also SET PIECE
COIN|
8 [C] a coin of the value mentioned: a 50p piece  a five-cent piece
IN CHESS, etc.|
9 [C] one of the small figures or objects that you move around in games such as CHESS
SHARE OF STH|
10 [sing.] ~ of sth (especially AmE) a part or share of sth: companies seeking a piece of the market
GUN|
11 [C] (AmE, slang) a gun
HELP You will find other compounds ending in piece at their place in the alphabet. fall to 'pieces
1 (usually used in the progressive tenses) (of things) to become very old and in bad condition because of long use: Our car is falling to pieces, we’ve had it so long.
2 (of a person, an organization, a plan, etc.) to stop working; to be destroyed: He’s worried the business will fall to pieces without him. give sb a piece of your 'mind (informal) to tell sb that you disapprove of their behaviour or are angry with them go to 'pieces (informal) (of a person) to be so upset or afraid that you cannot manage to live or work normally (all) in one 'piece (informal) safe; not damaged or hurt, especially after a journey or dangerous experience: They were lucky to get home in one piece. (all) of a 'piece (formal)
1 all the same or similar: The houses are all of a piece.
2 all at the same time: The house was built all of a piece in 1754. pick / pull / tear sb/sth to 'pieces / 'shreds (informal) to criticize sb, or their work or ideas, very severely a ,piece of 'cake (informal) a thing that is very easy to do a ,piece of 'piss (BrE,  , slang) a thing that is very easy to do—more at ACTION , BIT , LONG adj. , NASTY , PICK v. , PIE , SAY v. , VILLAIN

verb ,piece sth<->to'gether
1 to understand a story, situation, etc. by taking all the facts and details about it and putting them together: Police are trying to piece together the last hours of her life.
2 to put all the separate parts of sth together to make a complete whole: to piece together a jigsaw

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pièce de ré.sist.ance
noun [usually sing.] (pl.pièces de ré.sist.ance ) (from French , written) the most important or impressive part of a group or series of things
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piece.meal
adj. [usually before noun] (often disapproving) done or happening gradually at different times and often in different ways, rather than carefully planned at the beginning: a piecemeal approach to dealing with the problem  piecemeal changes / reforms
piece.meal adv.: The reforms were implemented piecemeal.
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'piece rate
noun an amount of money paid for each thing or amount of sth that a worker produces
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piece.work
noun [U] work that is paid for by the amount done and not by the hours worked
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'pie chart
noun a diagram consisting of a circle that is divided into sections to show the size of particular amounts in relation to the whole—picture at CHART
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pied
adj. (especially of birds) of two or more different colours, especially black and white
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pied-à-terre
noun (pl.pieds-à-terre ) (from French ) a small flat/apartment, usually in a town, that you do not live in as your main home but keep for use when necessary
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pier
noun
1 a long structure built in the sea and joined to the land at one end, often with places of entertainment on it
2 a long low structure built in a lake, river or the sea and joined to the land at one end, used by boats to allow passengers to get on and off: The river bus leaves from Pier 4.
3 (technical) a large strong piece of wood, metal or stone that is used to support a roof, wall, bridge, etc.
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pierce
verb
1 ~ (through) sth to make a small hole in sth, or to go through sth, with a sharp object: [vn] The arrow pierced his shoulder.  He pierced another hole in his belt with his knife.  to have your ears / nose pierced (= to have a small hole made in your ears / nose so that you can wear jewellery there)   (figurative) She was pierced to the heart with guilt.  [v] The knife pierced through his coat.
2 ~ (through) sth (literary) (of light, sound, etc.) to be suddenly seen or heard: [vn] Sirens pierced the silence of the night.  Shafts of sunlight pierced the heavy mist. [alsov]
3 ~ (through) sth to force a way through a barrier: [vn] They failed to pierce the Liverpool defence. [alsov]
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pier.cing
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of eyes or the way they look at sb) seeming to notice things about another person that would not normally be noticed, especially in a way that makes that person feel anxious or embarrassed: She looked at me with piercing blue eyes.  a piercing look / gaze
2 [usually before noun] (of sounds) very high, loud and unpleasant: a piercing shriek / scream / whistle  She has such a piercing voice.
3 [only before noun] (of feelings) affecting you very strongly, especially in a way that causes you pain: piercing sadness / fear / nostalgia
4 (of the wind or cold) very strong and feeling as if it can pass through your clothes and skin
5 [only before noun] sharp and able to make a hole in sth: The belly of the animal is covered in long piercing spikes.
pier.cing.ly adv.: His eyes were piercingly blue.  The weather remained piercingly cold.
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piety
noun [U] the state of having or showing a deep respect for sb/sth, especially for God and religion; the state of being PIOUS
OPP IMPIETY
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pif.fle
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) nonsense: That’s absolute piffle!
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pif.fling
adj. (informal, disapproving) small and unimportant: piffling amounts
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pig
noun, verb
noun
1 (also hog especially in AmE) an animal with pink, black or brown skin, short legs, a broad nose and a short curly tail. Pigs are kept on farms for their meat (called PORK ) or live in the wild: a pig farmer  Pigs were grunting and squealing in the yard.—see also BOAR , SOW , PIGLET , SWINE , GUINEA PIG
2 (informal, disapproving) an unpleasant or offensive person; a person who is dirty or GREEDY : Arrogant pig!  Don’t be such a pig!  The greedy pig’s eaten all the biscuits!  She made a pig of herself with the ice cream (= ate too much).  He’s a real male chauvinist pig (= a man who does not think women are equal to men).
3 (slang) an offensive word for a police officer
IDM make a 'pig’s ear (out) of sth (BrE, informal) to do sth badly; to make a MESS of sth (buy) a pig in a 'poke if you buy a pig in a poke, you buy sth without seeing it or knowing if it is satisfactory a pig of a sth (BrE, informal) a difficult or unpleasant thing or task: I’ve had a pig of a day. pig / piggy in the 'middle
1 a children’s game where two people throw a ball to each other over the head of another person who tries to catch it
2 a person who is caught between two people or groups who are fighting or arguing pigs might 'fly (BrE) (AmE when pigs 'fly) (ironic, saying) used to show that you do not believe sth will ever happen: ‘With a bit of luck, we’ll be finished by the end of the year.’‘Yes, and pigs might fly!’

verb (-gg-) [vn] ~ sth| ~ yourself (on sth) (BrE , informal) to eat too much of sth: I had a whole box of chocolates and pigged the lot!  Don’t give me cakes—I’ll just pig myself.
PVR V ,pig 'out (on sth) (informal) to eat too much food: They pigged out on pizza.

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pi.geon
noun a fat grey and white bird with short legs. Pigeons are common in cities and also live in woods and fields where people shoot them for sport or food: the sound of pigeons cooing—compare DOVE —see also CARRIER PIGEON , CLAY PIGEON , HOMING PIGEON , WOOD PIGEON
IDM be sb’s pigeon (old-fashioned, BrE) to be sb’s responsibility or business—more at CAT
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'pigeon-hole
noun, verb
noun one of a set of small boxes that are fixed on a wall and open at the front, used for putting letters, messages, etc. in; one of a similar set of boxes that are part of a desk, used for keeping papers, documents, etc. in: If you can’t come, leave a note in my pigeon-hole.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (as sth) to decide that sb belongs to a particular group or type without thinking deeply enough about it and considering what other qualities they might have
SYN CATEGORIZE , LABEL : He has been pigeon-holed as a youth writer.
2 [vn] to decide to deal with sth later or to forget it: Plans to build a new school have been pigeon-holed.

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,pigeon-'toed
adj. having feet that turn inwards and not straight forward
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pig.gery
noun (pl.-ies) a place where pigs are kept or bred
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piggy
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) a child’s word for a pig
IDM see = PIG IN THE MIDDLE

adj. [only before noun] (informal, disapproving) (of a person’s eyes) like those of a pig

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pig.gy.back
noun, verb
noun a ride on sb’s back, while he or she is walking: Give me a piggyback, Daddy!  a piggyback ride
pig.gy.back adv.: to ride piggyback

verb
PVR V 'piggyback on sb/sth to use sth that already exists as a support for your own work; to use a larger organization, etc. for your own advantage

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'piggy bank
noun a container in the shape of a pig, with a narrow opening in the top for putting coins in, used by children to save money—compare MONEY BOX
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,pig-'headed
adj. unwilling to change your opinion about sth, in a way that other people think is annoying and unreasonable
,pig-'headed.ness noun [U]
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'pig iron
noun [U] a form of iron that is not pure
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pig.let
noun a young pig
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pig.ment
noun [U, C]
1 a substance that exists naturally in people, animals and plants and gives their skin, leaves, etc. a particular colour
2 a coloured powder that is mixed with a liquid to produce paint, etc.
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pig.men.ta.tion
noun [U] the presence of pigments in skin, hair, leaves, etc. that causes them to be a particular colour
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pig.ment.ed
adj. (especially of skin) having a natural colour
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pigmy
noun, adj. = PYGMY
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pig.skin
noun
1 [U] leather made from the skin of a pig: a pigskin suitcase
2 [sing.] (AmE, informal) the ball used in American football
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pig.sty
(also sty) noun (pl.-ies) (AmE also 'pig.pen )
1 [C] a small building or an enclosed area where pigs are kept
2 [sing.] (informal) a very dirty or untidy place
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pig.swill
noun [U] = SWILL
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pig.tail
(BrE ) (also braidAmE, BrE) noun hair that is tied together into one or two bunches and twisted into a PLAIT or PLAITS , worn either at the back of the head or one on each side of the head: She wore her hair in pigtails .—compare PONYTAIL —picture at HAIR
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pike
noun
1 (pl.pike) a large FRESHWATER fish with very sharp teeth
2 a weapon with a sharp blade on a long wooden handle, used in the past by soldiers on foot
3 (AmE) = TURNPIKE
4 (dialect) a pointed top of a hill in N England: the Langdale Pikes
IDM come down the 'pike (AmE, informal) to happen; to become noticeable: We’re hearing a lot about new inventions coming down the pike.
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pike.staff
noun
IDM see PLAIN adj.
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pilaf
(also pilau ) noun [U, C] a hot spicy Eastern dish of rice and vegetables and often pieces of meat or fish
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pi.las.ter
noun (technical ) a flat column that sticks out from the wall of a building, used as decoration
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pil.chard
noun a small sea fish that is used for food
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pile
noun, verb
noun —see also PILES
1 [C] a number of things that have been placed on top of each other: a pile of books / clothes / bricks  He arranged the documents in neat piles.  She looked in horror at the mounting pile of letters on her desk.
2 [C] a mass of sth that is high in the middle and wider at the bottom than at the top: a pile of sand  piles of dirty washing
3 [C] ~ of sth (informal) a lot of sth: I have got piles of work to do.  He walked out leaving a pile of debts behind him.
4 [U, sing.] the short threads, pieces of wool, etc. that form the soft surface of carpets and some fabrics such as VELVET : a deep-pile carpet
5 [C] a large wooden, metal or stone post that is fixed into the ground and used to support a building, bridge etc.
6 [C] (formal or humorous) a large impressive building
IDM (at the) bottom / top of the 'pile in the least/most important position in a group of people or things make a / your 'pile (informal) to make a lot of money

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to put things one on top of another; to form a pile: She piled the boxes one on top of the other .  The clothes were piled high on the chair.  Snow was piled up against the door.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ A in(to) / on(to) B| ~ B with A to put sth on/into sth; to load sth with sth: The sofa was piled high with cushions.  She piled everything into her suitcase.  He piled as much food as he could onto his plate.  He piled his plate with as much food as he could.—see also STOCKPILE
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) (of a number of people) to go somewhere quickly without order or control: The coach finally arrived and we all piled on.
IDM pile on the 'agony / 'gloom (informal, especially BrE) to make an unpleasant situation worse: Bosses piled on the agony with threats of more job losses.
PVR V ,pile 'on (especially of a person’s weight) to increase quickly: The weight just piled on while I was abroad. ,pile sth<->'on
1 to make sth increase rapidly: The team piled on the points in the first half of the game.  I’ve been piling on the pounds (= I have put on weight) recently.
2 to express a feeling in a much stronger way than is necessary: Don’t pile on the drama!  Things aren’t really that bad—she does tend to pile it on .
3 to give sb more or too much of sth: The German team piled on the pressure in the last 15 minutes. ,pile sth 'on(to) sb to give sb a lot of sth to do, carry, etc: He felt his boss was piling too much work on him. ,pile 'up to become larger in quantity or amount: Work always piles up at the end of the year.

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pile.driver
noun
1 (BrE, informal) a very heavy kick or blow
2 a machine for forcing heavy posts into the ground
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piles
noun [U] painful swollen VEINS at or near the ANUS
SYN HAEMORRHOIDS
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'pile-up
noun a road accident involving several vehicles crashing into each other: Three people died in a multiple pile-up in freezing fog.
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pil.fer
verb ~ (sth) (from sb/sth) to steal things of little value or in small quantities, especially from the place where you work: [v] He was caught pilfering.  [vn] She regularly pilfered stamps and stationery from work.
pil.fer.age noun [U] (formal): pilferage of goods
pil.fering noun [U]: We know that pilfering goes on.
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pil.grim
noun a person who travels to a holy place for religious reasons: Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca  Christian pilgrims visiting Lourdes
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pil.grim.age
noun [C, U]
1 a journey to a holy place for religious reasons: to go on / make a pilgrimage
2 a journey to a place that is connected with sb/sth that you admire or respect: His grave has become a place of pilgrimage.
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pill
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small flat round piece of medicine that you swallow without chewing it: a vitamin pill—see also PEP PILL , SLEEPING PILL —
2 (the pill or the Pill) [sing.] a pill that some women take to prevent them becoming pregnant: the contraceptive pill  to be / go on the pill —see also MORNING-AFTER PILL
3 [C] (AmE) an annoying person
IDM sugar / sweeten the pill to do sth that makes an unpleasant situation seem less unpleasant
SYN SUGAR-COAT —more at BITTER adj.

verb [v] (of a piece of clothing, especially one made of wool) to become covered in very small balls of FIBRE

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pil.lage
verb to steal things from a place or region, especially in a war, using violence: [v] The rebels went looting and pillaging.  [vn] The town had been pillaged and burned.
pil.lage noun [U] (formal): They brought back horrific accounts of murder and pillage.—compare LOOT , PLUNDER
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pil.lar
noun
1 a large round stone, metal or wooden post that is used to support a bridge, the roof of a building, etc., especially when it is also decorative
2 a large round stone, metal or wooden post that is built to remind people of a famous person or event
SYN COLUMN
3 ~ of sth a mass of sth that is shaped like pillar : a pillar of smoke / rock
4 ~ of sth a strong supporter of sth; an important member of sth: a pillar of the Church  a pillar of society
5 ~ of sth a person who has a lot of a particular quality: She is a pillar of strength in a crisis.
6 a basic part or feature of a system, organization, belief, etc: the central pillar of this theory
IDM be driven, pushed, etc. from ,pillar to 'post to be forced to go from one person or situation to another without achieving anything
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'pillar box
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a tall red metal box in the street, used for putting letters in which are being sent by post—compare LETTER BOX , POSTBOX
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pil.lared
adj. [only before noun] (of a building or part of a building) having PILLARS
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pill.box
noun a small shelter for soldiers, often partly underground, from which a gun can be fired
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pil.lion
noun a seat for a passenger behind the driver of a motorcycle: a pillion passenger / seat
pil.lion adv.: to ride pillion
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pil.lock
noun (BrE , slang) a stupid person
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pil.lory
verb, noun
verb (pil.lor.ies, pil.lory.ing, pil.lor.ied, pil.lor.ied) [vn] [often passive] (written) to criticize sb strongly in public: He was regularly pilloried by the press for his radical ideas.

noun (pl.-ies) a wooden frame, with holes for the head and hands, which people were locked into in the past as a punishment—compare STOCKS (9)

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pil.low
noun, verb
noun
1 a square or RECTANGULAR piece of fabric filled with soft material, used to rest your head on in bed: She lay back against the pillows.  pillow talk (= conversations in bed between lovers)  He lay back on the grass using his backpack as a pillow.—picture at BED
2 (AmE) = CUSHION

verb [vn] (literary) to rest sth, especially your head, on an object: She lay on the grass, her head pillowed on her arms.

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pil.low.case
(also 'pil.low.slip ) noun a fabric cover for a PILLOW , that can be removed
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pilot
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 a person who operates the controls of an aircraft, especially as a job: an airline pilot  a fighter pilot  The accident was caused by pilot error.—see also AUTOMATIC PILOT , AUTOPILOT , CO-PILOT , TEST PILOT
2 a person with special knowledge of a difficult area of water, for example, a canal, the entrance to a harbour, etc., whose job is to guide ships through it
3 a single television programme that is made in order to find out whether people will like it and want to watch further programmes
4 = PILOT LIGHT

verb [vn]
1 to fly an aircraft or guide a ship; to act as a pilot : The plane was piloted by the instructor.  The captain piloted the boat into a mooring.
2 ~ sth (through sth) to guide sb/sth somewhere, especially through a complicated place or system: She piloted a bill on the rights of part-time workers through parliament.
3 to test a new product, idea, etc. with a few people or in a small area before it is introduced everywhere

adj. [only before noun] done on a small scale in order to see if sth is successful enough to do on a large scale: a pilot project / study / survey  a pilot episode (= of a radio or television series)

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'pilot light
(also pilot) noun a small flame that burns all the time, for example on a gas BOILER , and lights a larger flame when the gas is turned on
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'pilot officer
noun (abbr. PO) an officer of the lowest rank in the British air force
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'pilot whale
noun a small WHALE that lives in warm seas
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pi.mento
noun (pl.-os) a small red PEPPER with a mild taste
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pimp
noun, verb
noun a man who controls prostitutes and lives on the money that they earn

verb [v] ~ (for sb) to get customers for a prostitute

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pim.ple
noun a small raised spot on the skin: a pimple on her chin—compare SPOT —see also GOOSE PIMPLES
pim.ply adj.: pimply skin  a pimply youth
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PIN
(also 'PIN number) noun the abbreviation for ‘personal identification number’ (a number given to you, for example by a bank so that you can use a plastic card to take out money from a cash machine)
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pin
noun, verb
noun
FOR FASTENING / JOINING|
1 a short thin piece of stiff wire with a sharp point at one end and a round head at the other, used especially for fastening together pieces of fabric when sewing—see also BOBBY PIN , DRAWING PIN , HAIRPIN , LINCHPIN , PINS AND NEEDLES , SAFETY PIN —picture at SEW
JEWELLERY|
2 a short thin piece of stiff wire with a sharp point at one end and an item of decoration at the other, worn as jewellery: a diamond pin—see also TIEPIN
3 (especially AmE) = BROOCH
BADGE|
4 (especially AmE) a type of BADGE that is fastened with a pin at the back: He supports the group and wears its pin on his lapel.
MEDICAL|
5 a piece of steel used to support a bone in your body when it has been broken
ELECTRICAL|
6 one of the metal parts that stick out of an electric PLUG and fit into a SOCKET : a 2-pin plug—picture at PLUG
IN GAMES|
7 a wooden or plastic object that is shaped like a bottle and that players try to knock down in games such as BOWLING —see also NINEPINS , TENPIN
IN GOLF|
8 a stick with a flag on top of it, placed in a hole so that players can see where they are aiming for—see also LINCHPIN
LEGS|
9 (pins) [pl.] (informal) a person’s legs
ON SMALL BOMB|
10 a small piece of metal on a HAND GRENADE that stops it from exploding and is pulled out just before the HAND GRENADE is thrown for two 'pins (old-fashioned, BrE) used to say that you would like to do sth, even though you know that it would not be sensible: I’d kill him for two pins.—more at HEAR

verb (-nn-) [vn + adv.  /  prep.]
FASTEN / JOIN|
1 to attach sth onto another thing or fasten things together with a pin, etc: She pinned the badge onto her jacket.  A message had been pinned to the noticeboard.  Pin all the pieces of material together.  She always wears her hair pinned back.
PREVENT MOVEMENT|
2 to make sb unable to move by holding them or pressing them against sth: They pinned him against a wall and stole his wallet.  He grabbed her arms and pinned them to her sides.  They found him pinned under the wreckage of the car. ,pin (all) your 'hopes on sb/sth | ,pin your 'faith on sb/sth to rely on sb/sth completely for success or help: The company is pinning its hopes on the new project. ,pin sb<->'down
1 to make sb unable to move by holding them firmly: Two men pinned him down until the police arrived.
2 to find sb and make them answer a question or tell you sth you need to know: I need the up-to-date sales figures but I can never pin him down at the office. ,pin sb<->'down (to sth / doing sth) to make sb make a decision or say clearly what they think or what they intend to do: It’s difficult to pin her down to fixing a date for a meeting. ,pin sth<->'down to explain or understand sth exactly: The cause of the disease is difficult to pin down precisely. 'pin sth on sb to make sb be blamed for sth, especially for sth they did not do: No one would admit responsibility. They all tried to pin the blame on someone else.  You can’t pin this one on me—I wasn’t even there!

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pina.fore
noun
1 (also informal pinny) (both BrE) a loose piece of clothing without sleeves, worn over the front of your clothes to keep them clean, for example when cooking—compare APRON
2 (also 'pinafore dress) (both especially BrE) (AmE usually jumper) a loose dress with no sleeves, usually worn over a shirt or BLOUSE
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pin.ball
noun [U] a game played on a pinball machine, in which the player sends a small metal ball up a sloping board and scores points as it bounces off objects. The player tries to prevent the ball from reaching the bottom of the machine by pressing two buttons at the side.
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pince-nez
noun (pl.pince-nez) (from French ) a pair of glasses, worn in the past, with a spring that fits on the nose, instead of parts at the sides that fit over the ears
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pin.cer
noun
1 (pincers) [pl.] a tool made of two crossed pieces of metal, used for holding things firmly and pulling things, for example nails out of wood: a pair of pincers
2 [C] one of a pair of curved CLAWS of some types of shellfish—
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'pincer movement
noun [usually sing.] a military attack in which an army attacks the enemy from two sides at the same time
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pinch
verb, noun
verb
WITH THUMB AND FINGER|
1 [vn] to take a piece of sb’s skin between your thumb and first finger and squeeze hard, especially to hurt the person: My sister’s always pinching me and it really hurts.  He pinched the baby’s cheek playfully.   (figurative) She had to pinch herself to make sure she was not dreaming.
2 [vn] to hold sth tightly between the thumb and finger or between two things that are pressed together: Pinch the nostrils together between your thumb and finger to stop the bleeding.  a pinched nerve in the neck
OF A SHOE|
3 if sth such as a shoe pinches part of your body, it hurts you because it is too tight: [v] These new shoes pinch. [alsovn]
STEAL|
4 [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) (BrE, informal) to steal sth, especially sth small and not very valuable: Kids have been pinching our apples again.  Who’s pinched my pen?
COST TOO MUCH|
5 [vn] to cost a person or an organization a lot of money or more than they can spend: Higher interest rates are already pinching the housing industry.
ARREST|
6 [vn] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to arrest sb: I was pinched for dangerous driving. pinch 'pennies (informal) to try to spend as little money as possible ,pinch sth<->'off / 'out to remove sth by pressing your fingers together and pulling: Pinch off the dead flowers.

noun
WITH THUMB AND FINGER|
1 an act of squeezing a part of sb’s skin tightly between your thumb and finger, especially in order to hurt them: She gave him a pinch on the arm to wake him up.
SMALL AMOUNT|
2 the amount of sth that you can hold between your finger and thumb: a pinch of salt at a 'pinch (BrE) (AmE in a 'pinch) used to say that sth could be done or used in a particular situation if it is really necessary: We can get six people round this table at a pinch. take sth with a pinch of 'salt to be careful about believing that sth is completely true—more at FEEL v.

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pinched
adj. (of a person’s face) pale and thin, especially because of illness, cold or worry
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'pinch-hit
verb [v] (AmE )
1 (in baseball) to hit the ball for another player
2 ~ (for sb) (informal) to do sth for sb else who is suddenly unable to do it
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pin.cush.ion
noun a small thick PAD made of fabric, used for sticking pins in when they are not being used
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pine
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'pine tree) a tall forest tree with leaves like needles. Pine trees are EVERGREEN and grow in cool northern countries: pine forests  pine needles  a Scots pine
2 (also pine.wood) [U] the pale soft wood of the pine tree, used in making furniture, etc: a pine table

verb [v] to become very sad because sb has died or gone away: She pined for months after he’d gone.
PVR V ,pine a'way to become very sick and weak because you miss sb/sth very much: After his wife died, he just pined away. 'pine for sb/sth to want or miss sb/sth very much: She was pining for the mountains of her native country.

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pine.apple
noun [C, U] a large tropical fruit with thick rough skin, sweet yellow flesh with a lot of juice and stiff leaves on top: fresh pineapple  a tin of pineapple chunks  pineapple juice—
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'pine cone
noun the hard dry fruit of the PINE tree
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'pine marten
noun a small wild animal with a long body, short legs and sharp teeth. Pine martens live in forests and eat smaller animals.
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'pine nut
(BrE also 'pine kernel) noun the white seed of some PINE trees, used in cooking
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pine.wood
noun = PINE
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ping
noun, verb
noun a short high sound made when a hard object hits sth that is made of metal or glass

verb
1 [v, vn] to make a short, high ringing sound; to make sth produce this sound
2 [v] (AmE) = PINK

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'ping-pong
(informal) noun [U] = TABLE TENNIS
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pin.head
noun the very small flat surface at one end of a pin
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pin.hole
noun a very small hole, especially one made by a pin
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pin.ion
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to hold or tie sb, especially by their arms, so that they cannot move: His arms were pinioned to his sides.  They were pinioned against the wall.
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pink
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 pale red in colour: pale pink roses  She went bright pink with embarrassment.
2 [only before noun] connected with HOMOSEXUAL people: the pink pound / dollar (= money spent by HOMOSEXUALS as an influence in the economy)
3 (politics) (informal, disapproving) having or showing slightly LEFT-WING political views: pale pink politics—compare RED adj.
pink.ness noun [U]
IDM see TICKLE v.

noun
1 [U, C] a pale red colour: She was dressed in pink at the wedding.  The bedroom was decorated in pale pinks.
2 [C] a garden plant with pink, red or white flowers that have a sweet smell
IDM in the 'pink (old-fashioned, informal) in good health

verb (BrE ) (AmE ping) [v] (of a car engine) to make knocking sounds because the fuel is not burning correctly

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,pink 'gin
noun
1 [U] an alcoholic drink made from GIN mixed with ANGOSTURA that gives it a bitter flavour
2 [C] a glass of pink gin
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pinkie
(also pinky) noun (AmE, ScotE ) the smallest finger of the hand: a pinkie ring (= worn on the smallest finger)
SYN LITTLE FINGER
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'pink.ing shears
noun [pl.] special scissors used for cutting fabric so that it will not FRAY at the edges
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pink.ish
adj. fairly pink in colour: a pinkish colour / glow
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pinko
noun
1 (AmE, informal, disapproving) a COMMUNIST or a SOCIALIST
2 (BrE, informal) a person who is slightly LEFT-WING in their ideas, but not very—compare RED n. (3)
pinko adj.
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,pink 'slip
noun (AmE , informal) a letter given to sb to say that they must leave their job
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'pin money
noun [U] a small amount of money that you earn, especially when this is used to buy things that you want rather than things that you need
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pin.na.cle
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ of sth the most important or successful part of sth: the pinnacle of her career
2 a small pointed stone ornament built on the roof of a building
3 a high pointed piece of rock, especially at the top of a mountain
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pinny
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) = PINAFORE
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pin.point
verb, adj., noun
verb [vn]
1 to find and show the exact position of sb/sth or the exact time that sth happened: He was able to pinpoint on the map the site of the medieval village.
2 to be able to give the exact reason for sth or to describe sth exactly: The report pinpointed the areas most in need of help.

adj. if sth is done with pinpoint accuracy, it is done exactly and in exactly the right position: The pilots bombed strategic targets with pinpoint accuracy.

noun a very small area of sth, especially light

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pin.prick
noun
1 a very small area of sth, especially light: His eyes narrowed to two small pinpricks of black.
2 a very small hole in sth, especially one that has been made by a pin
3 something that annoys you even though it is small and unimportant
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,pins and 'needles
noun [U] an uncomfortable feeling in a part of your body, caused when a normal flow of blood returns after it has been partly blocked, especially because you have been sitting or lying in an awkward position: to have pins and needles
IDM be on ,pins and 'needles (AmE) = BE ON TENTERHOOKS
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pin.stripe
noun
1 [C] one of the white vertical lines printed on dark fabric that is used especially for making business suits
2 [U, C] dark fabric with white vertical lines printed on it; a suit made from this cloth: a tall man in grey pinstripe  Without a pinstripe, you’d be underdressed.  a pinstripe suit
pin.striped adj. [only before noun]: a pinstriped suit  a pinstriped official (= who is wearing a pinstriped suit)—
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pint
noun
1 (abbr.pt) a unit for measuring liquids and some dry goods. There are 8 pints in a GALLON , equal to 0.568 of a litre in the UK and 0.473 of a litre in the US: a pint of beer / milk  We’d better get a couple of extra pints (= of milk) tomorrow.  Add half a pint of cream.
2 (BrE) a pint of beer (especially in a pub): Do you want to go for a pint later?
IDM see QUART
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'pint-sized
adj. (informal) (of people) very small
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'pin-up
noun
1 a picture of an attractive person, especially one who is not wearing many clothes, that is put on a wall for people to look at: Pin-ups have been banned from the factory.
2 a person who appears in a pin-up
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pin.wheel
noun (AmE ) = CATHERINE WHEEL
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pi.on.eer
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (in / of sth) a person who is the first to study and develop a particular area of knowledge, culture, etc. that other people then continue to develop: a pioneer in the field of microsurgery  a computer pioneer  a pioneer aviator  a pioneer design (= one that introduces new ideas, methods, etc.)
2 one of the first people to go to a particular area in order to live and work there: the pioneer spirit

verb [vn] when sb pioneers sth, they are one of the first people to do, discover or use sth new: a new technique pioneered by surgeons in a London hospital

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pi.on.eer.ing
adj. [usually before noun] introducing ideas and methods that have never been used before: pioneering work on infant mortality  the pioneering days of radio
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pious
adj.
1 having or showing a deep respect for God and religion: pious acts
OPP IMPIOUS —see also PIETY
2 (disapproving) pretending to be religious, moral or good in order to impress other people: pious sentiments
3 ~ hope something that you want to happen but is unlikely to be achieved: Such reforms seem likely to remain little more than pious hopes.
pi.ous.ly adv.
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pip
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually seed) the small hard seed that is found in some types of fruit: an apple / orange pip—
2 (the pips) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a series of short high sounds, especially those used when giving the exact time on the radio
3 (AmE) one of the dots showing the value on DICE and DOMINOES ; one of the marks showing the value and SUIT of a playing card

verb (-pp-) [vn] (BrE , informal) to beat sb in a race, competition, etc. by only a small amount or at the last moment: She pipped her rival for the gold medal.  He was pipped at / to the post for the top award.

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pipe
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a tube through which liquids and gases can flow: hot and cold water pipes  lead / plastic pipes  a leaking gas pipe  Copper pipe is sold in lengths.  a burst pipe—see also DRAINPIPE , EXHAUST , WINDPIPE
2 [C] a narrow tube with a bowl at one end, used for smoking tobacco: to smoke a pipe  He puffed on his pipe.  pipe tobacco
3 [C] a musical instrument in the shape of a tube, played by blowing—see also PAN PIPES
4 [C] any of the tubes from which sound is produced in an ORGAN
5 (pipes) [pl.] = BAGPIPES

verb
1 [vn] to send water, gas, oil, etc. through a pipe from one place to another: to pipe oil across the desert  Water is piped from the reservoir to the city.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to send sounds or signals through a wire or cable from one place to another: The speech was piped over a public address system.  piped music
3 to play music on a pipe or the BAGPIPES , especially to welcome sb who has arrived: [vn] Passengers were piped aboard ship at the start of the cruise.  [v] a prize for piping and drumming
4 to speak or sing in a high voice or with a high sound: [v] Outside a robin piped. [alsov speech]
5 [vn] to decorate food, especially a cake, with thin lines of ICING , etc. by squeezing it out of a special bag or tube: The cake had ‘Happy Birthday’ piped on it.
6 [vn] to decorate the edge of a cushion, a piece of clothing, etc. using thin strips of fabric, especially of a different colour
PVR V ,pipe 'down (informal, spoken) used especially in orders, to tell sb to stop talking or to be less noisy ,pipe 'up (with sth) (informal) to begin to speak: The person next to me piped up with a silly comment. [+ speech] ‘I know the answer,’ piped up a voice at the back of the room.

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'pipe-cleaner
noun a short piece of wire, covered with soft material, used for cleaning inside a pipe (= the kind used for smoking tobacco)
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pipe.dream
noun a hope or plan that is impossible to achieve or not practical
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pipe.line
noun a series of pipes that are usually underground and are used for carrying oil, gas, etc. over long distances: a gas / an oil pipeline
IDM in the 'pipeline something that is in the pipeline is being discussed, planned or prepared and will happen or exist soon
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'pipe organ
noun = ORGAN
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piper
noun a person who plays music on a pipe or the BAGPIPES
IDM see PAY v.
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pip.ette
noun (technical ) a narrow tube used in a LABORATORY for measuring or TRANSFERRING small amounts of liquids—picture at LABORATORY
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pipe.work
noun [U] the pipes used for carrying oil, gas or water around a machine, building, etc.
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pip.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 a pipe or pipes of the type or length mentioned: ten metres of lead piping
2 a folded strip of fabric, often with a length of string inside, used to decorate a piece of clothing, a cushion, etc: a uniform with gold piping
3 lines of cream or ICING/FROSTING as decoration on a cake
4 the sound of a pipe or pipes being played

adj. (of a person’s voice) high

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,piping 'hot
adj. (of liquids or food) very hot
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pipit
noun (often in compounds) a small brown bird with a pleasant song: a meadow / rock / tree pipit
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pip.squeak
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a person that you think is unimportant or does not deserve respect because they are small or young
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pi.quancy
noun [U] (written) the quality of being piquant : The situation has an added piquancy since the two men are also rivals in love.  The tart flavour of the cranberries adds piquancy.
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pi.quant
adj. (written)
1 having a pleasantly strong or spicy taste
2 exciting and interesting
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pique
noun, verb
noun [U] (formal) annoyed or bitter feelings that you have, usually because your pride has been hurt: When he realized nobody was listening to him, he left in a fit of pique .

verb [vn] (formal) to make sb annoyed or upset: The incident piqued his pride.
piqued adj. [not before noun]: She couldn’t help feeling a little piqued by his lack of interest.
IDM ,pique sb’s 'interest, curi'osity, etc. (especially AmE) to make sb very interested in sth

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pir.acy
noun [U]
1 the crime of attacking ships at sea in order to steal from them
2 the act of making illegal copies of video tapes, computer programs, books, etc., in order to sell them: software piracy—see also PIRATE
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pi.ranha
noun a small S American FRESHWATER fish that attacks and eats live animals
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pir.ate
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially in the past) a person on a ship who attacks other ships at sea in order to steal from them: a pirate ship
2 (often used as an adjective) a person who makes illegal copies of video tapes, computer programs, books, etc., in order to sell them: a pirate edition / recording  software pirates
3 (often used as an adjective) a person or an organization that broadcasts illegally: a pirate radio station—see also PIRACY
pir.at.ical adj.

verb [vn] to copy and use or sell sb’s work or a product without permission and without having the right to do so: pirated computer games / books / videos

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pirou.ette
noun a fast turn or SPIN that a person, especially a ballet dancer, makes on one foot
pirou.ette verb : [v] She pirouetted across the stage.
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Pis.ces
noun
1 [U] the 12th sign of the ZODIAC , the Fishes
2 [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 20 February and 20 March
Pis.cean noun, adj.
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piss
verb, noun
verb ( , slang) [v] to URINATE
HELP A more polite way of expressing this is ‘go to the toilet / loo’ (BrE), ‘go to the bathroom’ (AmE) or ‘to go’.
IDM 'piss yourself (laughing) to laugh very hard
PVR V ,piss a'bout / a'round (BrE) to waste time by behaving in a silly way
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess about (BrE) or mess around (AmE,BrE). ,piss sb a'bout / a'round (BrE) to treat sb in a way that is deliberately not helpful to them or wastes their time
HELP A more polite, informal way of saying this is mess sb about / around (BrE). 'piss down (BrE) to rain heavily ,piss 'off (especially BrE) (usually used in orders) to go away: Why don’t you just piss off and leave me alone? ,piss sb<->'off to make sb annoyed or bored: Her attitude really pisses me off.  I’m pissed off with the way they’ve treated me.

noun ( , slang)
1 [U] = URINE
2 [sing.] an act of URINATING : to go for a piss
IDM be on the 'piss (BrE) to be out at a pub, club, etc. and drinking a large amount of alcohol take the 'piss (out of sb/sth) (BrE) to make fun of sb, especially by copying them or laughing at them for reasons they do not understand—more at PIECE n.

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'piss artist
noun (BrE ,  , slang)
1 a person who drinks too much alcohol
SYN ALCOHOLIC
2 a person who behaves in a stupid way
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pissed
adj.
1 (BrE,  , slang) drunk
2 (AmE, slang) very angry or annoyed
IDM (as) pissed as a 'newt (BrE) very drunk
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'piss-up
noun (BrE ,  , slang) an occasion when a large amount of alcohol is drunk
HELP A more polite, informal word for this is booze-up.
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pis.ta.chio
noun (pl.-os)
1 (also pi'stachio nut) [C] the small green nut of an Asian tree—picture at NUT
2 [U] a pale green colour
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piste
noun a track of firm snow prepared for skiing on: He enjoys skiing off piste (= away from the track).  off-piste snowboarding
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pistil
noun (biology ) the female organs of a flower, which receive the POLLEN and produce seeds
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pis.tol
noun a small gun that you can hold and fire with one hand: an automatic pistol  a starting pistol (= used to signal the start of a race)—see also WATER PISTOL
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'pistol-whip
verb [vn] to hit sb with the BUTT of a pistol many times
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pis.ton
noun a part of an engine that consists of a short CYLINDER that fits inside a tube and moves up and down or backwards and forwards to make other parts of the engine move
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pit
noun, verb
noun
DEEP HOLE|
1 [C] a large deep hole in the ground: We dug a deep pit in the yard.  The body had been dumped in a pit.
2 [C] (especially in compounds) a deep hole in the ground from which minerals are dug out: a chalk / gravel pit
MINE|
3 [C] = COAL MINE : pit closures   (BrE) He went down the pit (= started work as a miner) when he left school.
IN SKIN|
4 a small shallow hole in the surface of sth, especially a mark left on the surface of the skin by some disease, such as CHICKENPOX —see also PITTED
IN FRUIT|
5 (especially AmE) = STONE (5) : a peach pit
IN MOTOR RACING|
6 (the pits) [pl.] (BrE) (AmE the pit [C]) a place near the track where cars can stop for fuel, new tyres, etc. during a race—see also PIT STOP
IN THEATRE|
7 = ORCHESTRA PIT
PART OF BODY|
8 (AmE, informal) = ARMPIT
IN BUSINESS|
9 (AmE) the area of a STOCK EXCHANGE where a particular product is traded: the corn pit—compare FLOOR (6) —see also SANDPIT be the 'pits (informal) to be very bad or the worst example of sth the pit of your / the 'stomach the bottom of the stomach where people say they feel strong feelings, especially fear: He had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.—more at BOTTOMLESS

verb (-tt-) [vn] [usually passive]
MAKE HOLES|
1 to make marks or holes on the surface of sth: The surface of the moon is pitted with craters.  Smallpox scars had pitted his face.
FRUIT|
2 = STONE (2) : pitted dates / olives 'pit sb/sth against sth to test sb or their strength, intelligence, etc. in a struggle or contest against sb/sth else: Lawyers and accountants felt that they were being pitted against each other.  a chance to pit your wits against the world champions (= in a test of your intelligence)

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pita, 'pita bread
noun [U] (AmE ) = PITTA
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pit-a-pat
(also 'pitter-patter) adv. with quick light steps or beats: Her heart went pit-a-pat.
pit-a-pat (also pitter-patter) noun [sing.]: I could hear the pit-a-pat of feet in the corridor.
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,pit ,bull 'terrier
(also 'pit ,bull) noun a small strong fierce dog, sometimes used in dog fights where people bet on which dog will win
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pitch
noun, verb
noun
FOR SPORT|
1 (BrE) (also fieldAmE, BrE) [C] an area of ground specially prepared and marked for playing a game such as football: a football / cricket / rugby pitch  The rugby tour was a disaster both on and off the pitch.
DEGREE / STRENGTH|
2 [sing., U] the degree or strength of a feeling or activity; the highest point of sth: a frenetic pitch of activity  Speculation has reached such a pitch that a decision will have to be made immediately.
OF SOUND|
3 [sing., U] how high or low a sound is, especially a musical note: A basic sense of rhythm and pitch is essential in a music teacher.—see also PERFECT PITCH
TO SELL STH|
4 [C, usually sing.] talk or arguments used by a person trying to sell things or persuade people to do sth: an aggressive sales pitch   the candidate’s campaign pitch  Each company was given ten minutes to make its pitch .
IN BASEBALL|
5 [C] an act of throwing the ball; the way in which it is thrown
BLACK SUBSTANCE|
6 [U] a black sticky substance made from oil or coal, used on roofs or the wooden boards of a ship to stop water from coming through
IN STREET / MARKET|
7 [C] (BrE) a place in a street or market where sb sells things, or where a street entertainer usually performs
OF SHIP / AIRCRAFT|
8 [U] (technical) the movement of a ship up and down in the water or of an aircraft in the air—compare ROLL n. (5)
OF ROOF|
9 [sing., U] (technical) the degree to which a roof slopes make a 'pitch for sb/sth | make a 'pitch to sb (especially AmE) to make a determined effort to get sth or to persuade sb of sth—more at QUEER v.

verb
THROW|
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to throw sb/sth in a rough or forceful way: The explosion pitched her violently into the air.   (figurative) The new government has already been pitched into a crisis.
IN SPORTS|
2 [v, vn] (in baseball) to throw the ball to the person who is BATTING —
3 [+adv. / prep.] (of the ball in the games of cricket or golf) to hit the ground; to make the ball hit the ground: [v] The ball pitched a yard short. [alsovn]
4 [vn, v] (in golf) to hit the ball in a high curve
FALL|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to fall heavily in a particular direction: With a cry she pitched forward.
OF SHIP / AIRCRAFT|
6 [v] to move up and down on the water or in the air: The sea was rough and the ship pitched and rolled all night.—compare PITCH v. (9)
SET LEVEL|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ sth (at sth) to set sth at a particular level: They have pitched their prices too high.  The test was pitched at too low a level for the students.
TRY TO SELL|
8 [vn] ~ sth (at sb)| ~ sth (as sth) to aim or direct a product or service at a particular group of people: The new software is being pitched at banks.  Orange juice is to be pitched as an athlete’s drink.
9 ~ (for sth) to try to persuade sb to buy sth, to give you sth or to make a business deal with you: [vn] Representatives went to Japan to pitch the company’s newest products.  [v] We were pitching against a much larger company for the contract.
SOUND / MUSIC|
10 [vn] to produce a sound or piece of music at a particular level: You pitched that note a little flat.  The song was pitched too low for my voice.—see also HIGH-PITCHED , LOW-PITCHED
TENT|
11 [vn] to set up a tent or a camp for a short time: We could pitch our tent in that field.  They pitched camp for the night near the river.—see also PITCHED ,pitch a 'story / 'line / 'yarn (to sb) (informal) to tell sb a story or make an excuse that is not true ,pitch 'in (with sb/sth) (informal) to join in and help with an activity, by doing some of the work or by giving money, advice, etc: Everyone pitched in with the work.  Local companies pitched in with building materials and labour. ,pitch sth<->'in to give a particular amount of money in order to help with sth: We all pitched in $10 to buy her a gift. ,pitch 'into sb (informal) to attack or criticize sb: She started pitching into me as soon as I arrived. ,pitch 'into sth (informal) to start an activity with enthusiasm: [+ -ing] I rolled up my sleeves and pitched into cleaning the kitchen.

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,pitch and 'putt
noun [U] (BrE ) golf played on a very small course
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,pitch-'black
adj. completely black or dark: a pitch-black night
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,pitch-'dark
adj. completely dark: It was pitch-dark in the shed.
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pitched
adj. (of a roof) sloping; not flat
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,pitched 'battle
noun
1 a fight that involves a large number of people: The demonstration escalated into a pitched battle with the police.
2 a military battle fought with soldiers arranged in prepared positions
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pitch.er
noun
1 (AmE) = JUG (1) : a pitcher of water / wine—picture at JUG
2 (BrE) a large clay container with a small opening and one or two handles, used, especially in the past, for holding liquids—picture at JUG
3 (in baseball) the player who throws the ball to the BATTER —
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pitch.fork
noun a farm tool in the shape of a large fork with a long handle and two or three sharp metal points, used especially for lifting and moving HAY (= dried grass), etc.
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pit.eous
adj. (literary) deserving or causing pity: a piteous cry / sight
pit.eous.ly adv.
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pit.fall
noun a danger or difficulty, especially one that is hidden or not obvious at first: the potential pitfalls of buying a house
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pith
noun [U]
1 a soft dry white substance inside the skin of oranges and some other fruits—
2 the essential or most important part of sth: the pith of her argument
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pit.head
noun the entrance to a coal mine and the offices, machinery, etc. in the area around it
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'pith helmet
noun a light hard hat worn to give protection from the sun in very hot countries
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pithy
adj. (approving) (of a comment, piece of writing, etc.) short but expressed well and full of meaning: a pithy observation
pith.ily adv.: pithily expressed
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piti.able
adj. (formal)
1 deserving pity or causing you to feel pity: The refugees were in a pitiable state.
2 not deserving respect: a pitiable lack of talent
piti.ably adv.
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piti.ful
adj.
1 deserving or causing you to feel pity: The horse was a pitiful sight (= because it was very thin or sick).
2 not deserving respect: a pitiful effort / excuse / performance
piti.fully adv.: The dog was whining pitifully.  She was pitifully thin.  The fee is pitifully low.
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piti.less
adj.
1 showing no pity; cruel: a pitiless killer / tyrant
2 very harsh or severe, and never ending: a scorching, pitiless sun
piti.less.ly adv.
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piton
noun a short pointed piece of metal used in rock-climbing. The piton is fixed into the rock and has a rope attached to it through a ring at the other end.
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'pit stop
noun
1 (in motor racing) an occasion when a car stops during a race for more fuel, etc.
2 (AmE, informal) a short stop during a long trip for a rest, a meal, etc.
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pitta
(BrE ) (AmEpita) (also 'pitta bread, 'pita bread) noun [U, C] a type of flat bread in the shape of an OVAL that can be split open and filled—
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pit.tance
noun [usually sing.] a very small amount of money that sb receives, for example as a wage, and that is hardly enough to live on: to pay sb a pittance  to work for a pittance  She could barely survive on the pittance she received as a pension.
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pit.ted
adj.
1 having small marks or holes in the surface
2 (of fruit) having had the stone/pit removed: pitted olives
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pitter-patter
adv., noun = PIT-A-PAT
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pi.tu.it.ary
(also pi'tuitary gland) noun a small organ at the base of the brain that produces HORMONES that influence growth and sexual development
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pity
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling of sympathy and sadness caused by the suffering and troubles of others: I could only feel pity for what they were enduring.  a look / feeling / surge of pity  I took pity on her and lent her the money.   (formal) I beg you to have pity on him.  I don’t want your pity.
2 [sing.] a ~ (that … )| a ~ (to do sth) used to show that you are disappointed about sth: It’s a pity that you can’t stay longer.  ‘I’ve lost it!’‘Oh, what a pity .’  What a pity that she didn’t tell me earlier.  It seems a pity to waste this food.  This dress is really nice. Pity it’s so expensive.  Oh, that’s a pity .  It would be a great pity if you gave up now.
IDM more’s the 'pity (BrE, informal) unfortunately: ‘Was the bicycle insured?’‘No, more’s the pity!’

verb (pit.ies, pity.ing, pit.ied, pit.ied) (not used in the progressive tenses) to feel sorry for sb because of their situation; to feel PITY for sb: [vn] He pitied people who were stuck in dead-end jobs.  Compulsive gamblers are more to be pitied than condemned.  [vn -ing] I pity her having to work such long hours.

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pity.ing
adj. [usually before noun] showing pity for sb, often in a way that shows that you think you are better than them: a pitying look / smile
pity.ing.ly adv.
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pivot
noun, verb
noun
1 the central point, pin or column on which sth turns or balances
2 the central or most important person or thing: West Africa was the pivot of the cocoa trade.  The pivot on which the old system turned had disappeared.

verb [usually +adv. / prep.] to turn or balance on a central point (= a pivot ); to make sth do this: [v] Windows that pivot from a central point are easy to clean.  She pivoted around and walked out. [alsovn] 'pivot on / around sth (of an argument, a theory, etc.) to depend completely on sth

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piv.otal
adj. (written) of great importance because other things depend on it: a pivotal role in European affairs
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pixel
noun (computing ) any of the small individual areas on a computer screen, which together form the whole display
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pixie
noun (in stories) a creature like a small person with pointed ears, who has magic powers
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pizza
noun [C, U] an Italian dish consisting of a flat round bread base with cheese, tomatoes, vegetables, meat, etc. on top: a ham and mushroom pizza  Is there any pizza left?
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pizz.azz
noun [U] (formal) a lively and exciting quality or style: We need someone with youth, glamour and pizzazz.
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piz.zeria
(AmE also 'pizza parlor) noun a restaurant that serves mainly pizzas
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pizzi.cato
adj., adv. (music ) played using the fingers instead of a BOW to pull at the strings of a musical instrument such as a violin
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Pl.
abbr. (used in written addresses) Place: Grosvenor Pl.
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pl.
abbr. (in writing) plural
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plac.ard
noun a large written or printed notice that is put in a public place or carried on a stick in a march: They were carrying placards and banners demanding that he resign.
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pla.cate
verb [vn] to make sb feel less angry about sth
SYN PACIFY : a placating smile  The concessions did little to placate the students.
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pla.ca.tory
adj. (formal) designed to make sb feel less angry by showing that you are willing to satisfy or please them: a placatory remark / smile / gesture
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place
noun, verb
noun
POSITION / POINT / AREA|
1 [C] a particular position, point or area: Is this the place where it happened?  This would be a good place for a picnic.  I can’t be in two places at once.
CITY / TOWN / BUILDING|
2 [C] a particular city, town, building, etc: I can’t remember all the places we visited in Thailand.  I used to live in York and I’m still fond of the place.  The police searched the place.  We were looking for a place to eat .  Let’s get out of this place!
3 [C] (especially in compounds or phrases) a building or an area of land used for a particular purpose: a meeting place   The town has many excellent eating places .  churches and other places of worship   He can usually be contacted at his place of work .—see also RESTING PLACE
AREA ON SURFACE|
4 [C] a particular area on a surface, especially on a person’s body: He broke his arm in three places.  The paint was peeling off the wall in places .
IN BOOK / SPEECH, etc.|
5 [C] a point in a book, speech, piece of music, etc., especially one that sb has reached at a particular time: She had marked her place with a bookmark.  Excuse me, I seem to have lost my place .
SEAT|
6 [C] a position, seat, etc., especially one that is available for or being used by a person or vehicle: Come and sit here—I’ve saved you a place .  I don’t want to lose my place in the line.  Would you like to change places with me so you can see better?  I’ve set a place for you at the table.
ROLE / IMPORTANCE|
7 [sing.] ~ (in sth) the role or importance of sb/sth in a particular situation, usually in relation to others: He is assured of his place in history.  Accurate reporting takes second place to lurid detail.  My father believed that people should know their place (= behave according to their social position).  It’s not your place (= your role) to give advice.  Anecdotes have no place in (= are not acceptable in) an academic essay.
AT UNIVERSITY / SCHOOL|
8 [C] an opportunity to take part in sth, especially to study at a school or university or on a course: She’s been offered a place at Bath to study Business.  There are very few places left on the course.
IN SPORTS TEAM|
9 [C] the position of being a member of a sports team: She has won a place in the Olympic team.  He lost his place in the first team.
CORRECT POSITION|
10 [C] the natural or correct position for sth: Is there a place on the form to put your address?  Put it back in its place when you’ve finished with it.
SAFE AREA|
11 [C] (usually with a negative) a suitable or safe area for sb to be: These streets are no place for a child to be out alone at night.
HOME|
12 [sing.] a house or flat/apartment; a person’s home: What about dinner at my place ?  I’m fed up with living with my parents, so I’m looking for a place of my own .
IN RACE / COMPETITION|
13 [C, usually sing.] a position among the winning competitors in a race or competition: He finished in third place.
MATHEMATICS|
14 [C] the position of a figure after a DECIMAL POINT : The number is correct to three decimal places.
STREET / SQUARE|
15 (Place) [sing.] (abbr.Pl.) used as part of a name for a short street or square: 66 Portland Place all 'over the place (BrE also all 'over the shop) (AmE also all 'over the lot) (informal)
1 everywhere: New restaurants are appearing all over the place.
2 not neat or tidy; not well organized: Your calculations are all over the place (= completely wrong). change / swap 'places (with sb) (usually used in negative sentences) to be in sb else’s situation: I’m perfectly happy—I wouldn’t change places with anyone. fall / slot into 'place if sth complicated or difficult to understand falls or slots into place, it becomes organized or clear in your mind give 'place to sb/sth (formal) to be replaced by sb/sth: Houses and factories gave place to open fields as the train gathered speed. be 'going places to be getting more and more successful in your life or career: a young architect who’s really going places if ,I was / were in 'your place used to introduce a piece of advice you are giving to sb: If I were in your place, I’d resign immediately. in the 'first place used at the end of a sentence to talk about why sth was done or whether it should have been done or not: I still don’t understand why you chose that name in the first place.  I should never have taken that job in the first place. in the 'first, 'second, etc. place used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the different points you are making in an argument: Well, in the first place he has all the right qualifications. in 'my, 'your, etc. place in my, your, etc. situation: I wouldn’t like to be in your place. in 'place | into 'place
1 in the correct position; ready for sth: Carefully lay each slab in place.  The receiver had already clicked into place.
2 working or ready to work: All the arrangements are now in place for their visit. in place of sb/sth | in sb’s / sth’s 'place instead of sb/sth: You can use milk in place of cream in this recipe.  He was unable to come to the ceremony, but he sent his son to accept the award in his place. out of 'place
1 not in the correct place: Some of these files seem to be out of place.
2 not suitable for a particular situation: Her remarks were out of place.  I felt completely out of place among all these successful people. a place in the 'sun a position of privilege or advantage put yourself in sb else’s / sb’s 'place to imagine that you are in sb else’s situation: Of course I was upset—just put yourself in my place. put sb in their 'place to make sb feel stupid or embarrassed for showing too much confidence: At first she tried to take charge of the meeting but I soon put her in her place. take 'place to happen, especially after previously being arranged or planned: The film festival takes place in October.  We may never discover what took place that night.  note at HAPPEN take sb’s / sth’s 'place | take the place of sb/sth to replace sb/sth: She couldn’t attend the meeting so her assistant took her place.  Computers have taken the place of typewriters in most offices. take your 'place
1 to go to the physical position that is necessary for an activity: Take your places for dinner.
2 to take or accept the status in society that is correct or that you deserve—more at HAIR , HEART , PRIDE n. , ROCK n.

verb
IN POSITION|
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth in a particular place, especially when you do it carefully or deliberately: He placed his hand on her shoulder.  A bomb had been placed under the seat.  The parking areas in the town are few, but strategically placed.
IN SITUATION|
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (more formal than put) to put sb/yourself in a particular situation: to place sb in command / under arrest  She was placed in the care of an uncle.  His resignation placed us in a difficult position.  The job places great demands on me.
ATTITUDE|
3 [vn] ~ sth (on sth / doing sth) used to express the attitude sb has towards sb/sth: Great emphasis is placed on education.  They place a high value on punctuality.
RECOGNIZE|
4 [vn] (usually used in negative sentences) to recognize sb/sth and be able to identify them/it: I’ve seen her before but I just can’t place her.  His accent was impossible to place.
BET / ORDER / ADVERTISEMENT|
5 [vn] to give instructions about sth or make a request for sth to happen: to place a bet / an order  We placed an advertisement for a cleaner in the local paper.
FIND HOME / JOB|
6 [vn] ~ sb (in sth)| ~ sb (with sb/sth) to find a suitable home, job, etc. for sb: The children were placed with foster parents.  The agency placed about 2 000 secretaries last year.
GIVE RANK|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to decide that sb/sth has a particular position or rank compared with other people or things: I would place her among the top five tennis players in the world.  Nursing attracts people who place relationships high on their list of priorities.
IN RACE|
8 used to describe a person, a team or a horse, etc. finishing in a particular position in a race: [vn-adj] He was placed fifth in last Saturday’s race.  [vn] (BrE ) My horse has been placed several times (= it was among the first three or four to finish the race).  [v] (AmE) His horse placed in the last race (= it was among the first three to finish the race, usually in second place). be well, ideally, uniquely, better, etc. placed for sth / to do sth
1 to be in a good, very good, etc. position or have a good, very good, etc. opportunity to do sth: Engineering graduates are well placed for a wide range of jobs.  The company is ideally placed to take advantage of the new legislation.
2 to be situated in a pleasant or convenient place: The hotel is well placed for restaurants, bars and clubs.—more at PEDESTAL , PREMIUM n. , RECORD n.

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pla.cebo
noun (pl.-os) a substance that has no physical effects, given to patients who do not need medicine but think that they do, or used when testing new drugs: the placebo effect (= the effect of taking a placebo and feeling better)
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placed
adj. [after noun] (BrE ) (of a horse, in a race) finishing among the winners (usually second or third)
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'place mat
noun a MAT on a table on which a person’s plate is put
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place.ment
noun
1 [U] the act of finding sb a suitable job or place to live: a job placement service  placement with a foster family
2 [U, C] (BrE) a job, often as part of a course of study, where you get some experience of a particular kind of work: The third year is spent on placement in selected companies.  The course includes a placement in Year 3.
3 [U] the act of placing sth somewhere: This procedure ensures correct placement of the catheter.
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'place name
noun a name of a town or other place
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pla.centa
(usually the placenta) noun (anatomy ) the material that comes out of a woman or female animal’s body after a baby has been born, and which was necessary to feed and protect the baby
SYN AFTERBIRTH
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'place setting
noun a set or an arrangement of knives, forks and spoons, and/or plates and dishes for one person
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pla.cid
adj.
1 (of a person or an animal) not easily excited or irritated: a placid baby / horse
OPP HIGH-SPIRITED
2 calm and peaceful, with very little movement: the placid waters of the lake
pla.cid.ly adv.
pla.cid.ity noun [U]
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pla.cing
noun the position of sb/sth in a race or a competition or in a list arranged in order of success: He needs a high placing in today’s qualifier to reach the final.
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pla.giar.ism
noun [U, C] (disapproving) an act of plagiarizing sth; sth that has been plagiarized : There were accusations of plagiarism.  a text full of plagiarisms
pla.giar.ist noun
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pla.giar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb (disapproving) to copy another person’s ideas, words or work and pretend that they are your own: [vn] He was accused of plagiarizing his colleague’s results. [alsov]
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plague
noun, verb
noun
1 (also the plague) [U] = BUBONIC PLAGUE : an outbreak of plague
2 [C] any infectious disease that kills a lot of people: the new plague of Aids
3 [C] ~ of sth large numbers of an animal or insect that come into an area and cause great damage: a plague of locusts / rats
IDM see AVOID

verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth)
1 to cause pain or trouble to sb/sth over a period of time: to be plagued by doubts / jealousy  Financial problems are plaguing the company.  The team has been plagued by injury this season.
2 to annoy sb or create problems, especially by asking for sth, demanding attention, etc: Rock stars have to get used to being plagued by autograph hunters.

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plaice
noun [C, U] (pl.plaice) a flat sea fish that is used for food
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plaid
noun
1 [U] a thick fabric with a pattern of lines and squares of different colours and widths, especially a TARTAN pattern—
2 [C] a long piece of woollen plaid worn over the shoulders as part of the Scottish national dress
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plain
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (plain.er, plain.est)
1 easy to see or understand: He made it plain that we should leave.  She made her annoyance plain.  The facts were plain to see.
2 not trying to trick anyone; honest and direct: The plain fact is that nobody really knows.  a politician with a reputation for plain speaking
3 not decorated or complicated; simple: a plain but elegant dress  plain food / cooking  The interior of the church was plain and simple.  plain yogurt (= without sugar or fruit)—compare FANCY
4 without marks or a pattern on it: covers in plain or printed cotton  Write on plain paper (= without lines).
5 [only before noun] used to emphasize that sth is very ordinary, not special in any way: You don’t need any special skills for this job, just plain common sense.
6 (especially of a woman) not beautiful or attractive
plain.ness noun [U]
IDM be plain 'sailing (AmE also clear 'sailing) to be simple and free from trouble in plain 'English simply and clearly expressed, without using technical language (as) plain as a 'pikestaff | (as) plain as 'day | (as) plain as the nose on your 'face very obvious

noun (also plains [pl.]) a large area of flat land: the flat coastal plain of Thassos  the Great Plains

adv. (informal) used to emphasize how bad, stupid, etc. sth is: plain stupid / wrong

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plain.chant
noun [U] = PLAINSONG
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,plain 'chocolate
noun [U] (BrE ) dark brown chocolate with a slightly bitter taste, made without milk being added—compare MILK CHOCOLATE
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,plain 'clothes
noun [pl.] ordinary clothes, not uniform, when worn by police officers on duty: officers in plain clothes
,plain-'clothes adj. [only before noun]: plain-clothes police officers
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,plain 'flour
noun [U] flour that does not contain BAKING POWDER —compare SELF-RAISING FLOUR
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plain.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is easy to see, hear, understand or believe
SYN CLEARLY : The sea was plainly visible in the distance.  The lease plainly states that all damage must be paid for.  She had no right to interfere in what was plainly a family matter.  Plainly (= obviously) something was wrong.
2 using simple words to say sth in a direct and honest way: To put it plainly, he’s a crook.
3 in a simple way, without decoration: She was plainly dressed and wore no make-up.
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plain.song
(also plain.chant) noun [U] a type of church music for voices alone, used since the Middle Ages
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plaint
noun
1 (BrE, law) a complaint made against sb in a court of law
2 (literary) a sad cry or sound
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plain.tiff
(BrE less frequent com.plain.ant) noun (law ) a person who makes a formal complaint against sb in a court of law—compare DEFENDANT
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plaint.ive
adj. (written) sounding sad, especially in a weak complaining way
SYN MOURNFUL : a plaintive cry / voice
plaint.ive.ly adv.
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plait
(BrE ) (also braidAmE, BrE) noun, verb
noun a long piece of sth, especially hair, that is divided into three parts and woven together: She wore her hair in plaits .—picture at HAIR

verb [vn] to twist three or more long pieces of hair, rope, etc. together to make one long piece

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plan
noun, verb
noun
INTENTION|
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) something that you intend to do or achieve: Do you have any plans for the summer?  There are no plans to build new offices.  Your best plan would be to go by car.  There’s been a change of plan .  We can’t change our plans now.
ARRANGEMENT|
2 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) a set of things to do in order to achieve sth, especially one that has been considered in detail in advance: Both sides agreed to a detailed plan for keeping the peace.  The government has announced plans to create one million new training places.  a development / business / peace plan  a five-point / three-year plan  We need to make plans for the future.  a plan of action / campaign   Let’s hope everything will go according to plan .—see also MASTER PLAN
MAP|
3 a detailed map of a building, town, etc: a plan of the museum  a street plan of the city
DRAWING|
4 [especially pl.] ~ (for / of sth) (technical) a detailed drawing of a machine, building, etc. that shows its size, shape and measurements: The architect is drawing up plans for the new offices.—compare ELEVATION (4) , GROUND PLAN
5 a diagram that shows how sth will be arranged: a seating plan (= showing where each person will sit, for example at a dinner)  a floor plan (= showing how furniture is arranged)
MONEY|
6 (especially in compounds) a way of investing money for the future: a savings plan

verb (-nn-)
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS|
1 ~ (sth) (for sth) to make detailed arrangements for sth you want to do in the future: [vn] to plan a trip / an expedition  A meeting has been planned for early next year.  Everything went exactly as planned.  We planned the day down to the last detail.  [v] to plan for the future  [v wh-] I’ve been planning how I’m going to spend the day.  [v that] They planned that the two routes would connect.
INTEND / EXPECT|
2 ~ (on sth / on doing sth) to intend or expect to do sth: [v] We hadn’t planned on going anywhere this evening.  [v to inf] They plan to arrive some time after three.  [vn] We’re planning a trip to France in the spring—are you interested?
DESIGN|
3 [vn] to make a design or an outline for sth: to plan an essay / a garden  a well-planned campaign ,plan sth<->'out to plan carefully and in detail sth that you are going to do in the future: Plan out your route before you go.  She has her career all planned out.

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plane
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 (BrE also aero.plane) (AmE also air.plane) a flying vehicle with wings and one or more engines: She left by plane for Berlin.  a plane crash  I caught the next plane to Dublin.  The plane took off an hour late.  The plane landed at Geneva.
2 (geometry) any flat or level surface, or an imaginary flat surface through or joining material objects: the horizontal / vertical plane
3 a level of thought, existence or development: to reach a higher plane of achievement
4 a tool with a blade set in a flat surface, used for making the surface of wood smooth by shaving very thin layers off it—picture at TOOL

adj. [only before noun] (technical ) completely flat; level: a plane surface

verb
1 to make a piece of wood smoother or flatter with a plane : [vn] Plane the surface down first.  [vn-adj] Then plane the wood smooth.
2 [v] (of a bird) to fly without moving the wings, especially high up in the air: Gulls swooped and planed overhead.
3 [v] (of a boat, etc.) to move quickly across water, only just touching the surface

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planer
noun an electric tool for making wooden surfaces smooth
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planet
noun
1 [C] a large round object in space that moves around a star (such as the sun) and receives light from it: the planets of our solar system  the planet Earth / Venus / Mars
2 (the planet) [sing.] used to mean ‘the world’, especially when talking about the environment: the battle to save the planet
IDM to be on another 'planet | what 'planet is sb on? (spoken, humorous) used to suggest that sb’s ideas are not realistic or practical
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plan.et.arium
noun (pl.-iums) a building with a curved ceiling to represent the sky at night, with moving images of the planets and stars, used to educate and entertain people
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plan.et.ary
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) relating to a planet or planets: planetary activity / motion  a planetary system
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'plane tree
noun a tree with spreading branches and broad leaves, that is often found in towns in northern countries
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plan.gent
adj.
1 (formal) (of sounds) loud, with a strong beat
2 (literary) (of sounds or images) expressing sadness: the plangent sound of the harpsichord
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plank
noun
1 a long narrow flat piece of wood that is used for making floors, etc: a plank of wood  a wooden plank—picture at VICE
2 a main point in the policy of an organization, especially a political party: The central plank of the bill was rural development.
IDM see THICK adj. , WALK v.
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plank.ing
noun [U] planks used to make a floor, etc.
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plank.ton
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] the very small forms of plant and animal life that live in seas, rivers, lakes, etc.
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plan.ner
noun
1 (also ,town 'planner) a person whose job is to plan the growth and development of a town
2 a person who makes plans for a particular area of activity: curriculum / economic / media planners
3 a book, computer program, etc. that contains dates and is used for recording information, arranging meetings, etc: a year planner
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plan.ning
noun [U]
1 the act or process of making plans for sth: curriculum / financial planning—see also FAMILY PLANNING
2 = TOWN PLANNING
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'planning permission
noun [U] official permission to build a new building or change one that already exists
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plant
noun, verb
noun
LIVING THING|
1 [C] a living thing that grows in the earth and usually has a stem, leaves and roots, especially one that is smaller than a tree or bush: All plants need light and water.  flowering / garden / indoor plants  a tomato / potato plant  the animal and plant life of the area—see also BEDDING PLANT , HOUSE PLANT , POT PLANT , RUBBER PLANT
FACTORY|
2 [C] a factory or place where power is produced or an industrial process takes place: a nuclear reprocessing plant  Japanese car plants  a chemical / manufacturing plant—see also SEWAGE PLANT
MACHINERY|
3 [U] the large machinery that is used in industrial processes: The company has been investing in new plant and equipment.
STH ILLEGAL|
4 [C, usually sing.] (informal) something that sb has deliberately placed among another person’s clothes or possessions in order to make them appear guilty of a crime
PERSON|
5 [C] a person who joins a group of criminals or enemies in order to get and secretly report information about their activities

verb [vn]
SEEDS / PLANTS|
1 to put plants, seeds, etc. in the ground to grow: to plant and harvest rice  Plant these shrubs in full sun.
2 ~ sth (with sth) to cover or supply a garden/yard, area of land, etc. with plants: a densely planted orange grove  The field had been ploughed and planted with corn.
PUT IN POSITION|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to place sth or yourself firmly in a particular place or position: They planted a flag on the summit.  He planted himself squarely in front of us.
BOMB|
4 to hide sth such as a bomb in a place where it will not be found
STH ILLEGAL|
5 ~ sth (on sb) to hide sth, especially sth illegal, in sb’s clothing, possessions etc. so that when it is found it will look as though they committed a crime: He claims that the drugs were planted on him.
PERSON|
6 ~ sb (in sth) to send sb to join a group, etc., especially in order to make secret reports on its members: The police had planted an informer in the gang.
THOUGHT / IDEA|
7 ~ sth (in sth) to make sb think or believe sth, especially without them realizing that you gave them the idea: He planted the first seeds of doubt in my mind. ,plant sth<->'out to put plants in the ground so that they have enough room to grow

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plan.tain
noun
1 [C, U] a fruit like a large BANANA , but less sweet, that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable
2 [C] a wild plant with small green flowers and broad flat leaves that spread out close to the ground
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plantar wart
noun (AmE ) = VERRUCA
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plan.ta.tion
noun
1 a large area of land, especially in a hot country, where crops such as coffee, sugar, rubber, etc. are grown: a banana plantation
2 a large area of land that is planted with trees to produce wood: conifer / forestry plantations
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plant.er
noun
1 an attractive container to grow a plant in
2 a person who owns or manages a PLANTATION in a tropical country: a tea planter
3 a machine that plants seeds, etc.
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plant.ing
noun [U, C] an act of planting sth; sth that has just been planted: The Tree Council promotes tree planting.  These bushes are fairly recent plantings.
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'plant pot
noun a container for growing plants in
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plaque
noun
1 [C] a flat piece of stone, metal, etc., usually with a name and dates on, attached to a wall in memory of a person or an event: A bronze plaque marks the house where the poet was born.
2 [U] a soft substance that forms on teeth and encourages the growth of harmful bacteria—compare SCALE
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plasma
(also plasm ) noun [U]
1 (biologyormedical) the colourless liquid part of blood, in which the blood cells, etc. float
2 (physics) a gas that contains approximately equal numbers of positive and negative electric CHARGES and is present in the sun and most stars
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plas.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a substance made of LIME , water and sand, that is put on walls and ceilings to give them a smooth hard surface: an old house with crumbling plaster and a leaking roof
2 (also less frequent ,plaster of 'Paris) [U] a white powder that is mixed with water and becomes very hard when it dries, used especially for making copies of statues or holding broken bones in place: a plaster bust of Julius Caesar   (BrE) She broke her leg a month ago and it’s still in plaster .—
3 (also 'sticking plaster) (both BrE) (also 'Band-Aid™AmE, BrE) [C, U] material that can be stuck to the skin to protect a small wound or cut; a piece of this—

verb [vn]
1 to cover a wall, etc. with plaster
2 ~ sb/sth in / with sth to cover sb/sth with a wet or sticky substance: She plastered herself in suntan lotion.  We were plastered from head to foot with mud.
3 [+adv. / prep.] to make your hair flat and stick to your head: His wet hair was plastered to his head.
4 [+adv. / prep.] to completely cover a surface with pictures or POSTERS : She had plastered her bedroom wall with photos of him.  She had photos of him plastered all over her bedroom wall.  The next day their picture was plastered all over the newspapers.
PVR V ,plaster 'over sth to cover sth such as a crack or an old wall with plaster : The original brickwork has been plastered over.

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plas.ter.board
(also 'dry wall) noun [U] a building material made of sheets of cardboard with plaster between them, used for inside walls and ceilings
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'plaster cast
noun
1 (also cast) a case made of PLASTER OF PARIS that covers a broken bone and protects it—
2 a copy of sth that is made from PLASTER OF PARIS : They took a plaster cast of the teeth for identification purposes.
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plas.tered
adj. [not before noun] (informal) drunk: to be / get plastered
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plas.terer
noun a person whose job is to put plaster on walls and ceilings
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plaster of Paris
noun [U] = PLASTER
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plas.ter.work
noun [U] the dry PLASTER on ceilings when it has been formed into shapes and patterns for decoration
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plas.tic
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U, C, usually pl.] a light strong material that is produced by chemical processes and can be formed into shapes when heated. There are many different types of plastic , used to make different objects and fabrics: The pipes should be made of plastic .  a sheet of clear plastic  the plastic industry
2 (plastics) [U] the science of making plastics
3 [U] (informal) a way of talking about CREDIT CARDS : Do they take plastic?

adj.
1 made of plastic: a plastic bag / cup / toy
2 (of a material or substance) easily formed into different shapes: Clay is a plastic substance.
3 (disapproving) that seems artificial; false; not real or sincere: TV game show hosts with their banal remarks and plastic smiles

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,plastic 'bullet
noun a bullet made of plastic, that is intended to injure but not to kill people
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,plastic ex'plosive
noun [U, C] an explosive substance that is used to make bombs
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Plas.ti.cine
™noun [U] (BrE ) a soft substance like clay that is made in different colours, used especially by children for making models
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plas.ti.city
noun [U] (technical ) the quality of being easily made into different shapes
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,plastic 'surgeon
noun a doctor who is qualified to perform plastic surgery
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,plastic 'surgery
noun [U] medical operations to repair injury to a person’s skin, or to improve their appearance
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'plastic wrap
noun (AmE ) = CLING FILM
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plate
noun, verb
noun
FOOD|
1 [C] a flat, usually round, dish that you put food on: sandwiches on a plate  a pile of dirty plates  dinner / side plates
2 [C] the amount of food that you can put on a plate : a plate of sandwiches  two large plates of pasta—compare PLATEFUL
3 [C] (especially AmE) a whole main course of a meal, served on one plate : Try the seafood plate.
FOR STRENGTH|
4 [C] a thin flat piece of metal, used especially to join or strengthen sth: The tanks were mainly constructed of steel plates.  She had a metal plate inserted in her arm.
FOR INFORMATION|
5 [C] a flat piece of metal with some information on it, for example sb’s name: A brass plate beside the door said ‘Dr Alan Tate’.—see also NAMEPLATE
ON VEHICLE|
6 [usually pl.] the pieces of metal or plastic at the front and back of a vehicle with numbers and letters on it—compare L-PLATE —see also LICENSE PLATE , NUMBER PLATE
SILVER / GOLD|
7 [U] ordinary metal that is covered with a thin layer of silver or gold: The cutlery is plate, not solid silver.—see also GOLD PLATE , SILVER PLATE , TINPLATE
8 [U] dishes, bowls, etc. that are made of silver or gold: the family plate
ON ANIMAL|
9 [C] (biology) one of the thin flat pieces of horn or bone that cover and protect an animal: the armadillo’s protective shell of bony plates
GEOLOGY|
10 [C] one of the very large pieces of rock that form the earth’s surface and move slowly: the Pacific / Indian plate  Earthquakes are caused by two tectonic plates bumping into each other.—see also PLATE TECTONICS
PRINTING / PHOTOGRAPHY|
11 [C] a photograph that is used as a picture in a book, especially one that is printed on a separate page on high quality paper: The book includes 55 colour plates.  See plate 4.
12 [C] a sheet of metal, plastic, etc. that has been treated so that words or pictures can be printed from it: a printing plate
13 [C] a thin sheet of glass, metal, etc. that is covered with chemicals so that it reacts to light and can form an image, used in larger or older cameras
IN MOUTH|
14 [C] a thin piece of plastic that fits inside your mouth, that has artificial teeth attached to it, or wire, etc. to make the teeth straight—compare BRACE , DENTURES
IN BASEBALL|
15 [sing.] (AmE) = HOME PLATE —see also BOOKPLATE , BREASTPLATE , FOOTPLATE , HOTPLATE have enough / a lot / too much on your 'plate (informal) to have a lot of work or problems, etc. to deal with—more at HAND v.

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to cover a metal with a thin layer of another metal, especially gold or silver: a silver ring plated with gold—see also GOLD-PLATED , SILVER PLATE
2 to cover sth with sheets of metal or another hard substance: The walls of the vault were plated with steel.—see also ARMOUR-PLATED

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plat.eau
noun (pl.plat.eaux or plat.eaus )
1 an area of flat land that is higher than the land around it—picture at MOUNTAIN
2 a time of little or no change after a period of growth or progress: Inflation has reached a plateau.
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plate.ful
noun the amount that a plate holds: She ate three platefuls of spaghetti.—compare PLATE
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,plate 'glass
noun [U] very clear glass of good quality, made in thick sheets, used for doors, windows of shops/stores, etc.
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plate.let
noun a very small blood cell, shaped like a disc. Platelets help to CLOT the blood when a person bleeds.
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,plate tec'tonics
noun [U] (geology ) the movements of the large sheets of rock (called PLATES ) that form the earth’s surface; the scientific study of these movements
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plat.form
noun
AT TRAIN STATION|
1 the raised flat area beside the track at a train station where you get on or off the train: (BrE) What platform does it go from?   (BrE) The train now standing at platform 1 is for Leeds.—compare TRACK
FOR PERFORMERS|
2 a flat surface raised above the level of the ground or floor, used by public speakers or performers so that the audience can see them: Coming onto the platform now is tonight’s conductor, Jane Glover.  Representatives of both parties shared a platform (= they spoke at the same meeting).
FOR EQUIPMENT|
3 a raised level surface for example one that equipment stands on or is operated from: an oil / gas platform  a launch platform (= for spacecraft)  a viewing platform giving stunning views over the valley
POLITICS / OPINIONS|
4 [usually sing.] the aims of a political party and the things that they say they will do if they are elected to power: They are campaigning on an anti-immigration platform.
5 an opportunity or a place for sb to express their opinions publicly or make progress in a particular area: She used the newspaper column as a platform for her feminist views.
COMPUTING|
6 the type of computer system or the SOFTWARE that is used: an IBM platform  a multimedia platform
SHOES|
7 a high thick sole of a shoe: platform shoes
ON BUS|
8 (BrE) the open part at the back of a DOUBLE-DECKER bus where you get on or off
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plat.ing
noun [U]
1 a thin covering of a metal, especially silver or gold, on another metal: gold plating
2 a layer of coverings, especially of metal plates: armour plating
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plat.inum
noun [U] (symb Pt) a chemical element. Platinum is a silver-grey precious metal, used in making expensive jewellery and in industry.
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,platinum 'blonde
noun (informal) a woman whose hair is a very pale silver colour, especially because it has been coloured with chemicals; this colour of hair
,platinum 'blonde adj.
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plati.tude
noun (written, disapproving) a comment or statement that has been made very often before and is therefore not interesting
plati.tud.in.ous adj. (formal)
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pla.ton.ic
adj. (of a relationship) friendly but not involving sex: platonic love  Their relationship is strictly platonic.
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pla.toon
noun a small group of soldiers that is part of a COMPANY and commanded by a LIEUTENANT
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plat.ter
noun a large plate that is used for serving food: a silver platter  I’ll have the fish platter (= several types of fish and other food served on a large plate).
IDM see SILVER n.
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platy.pus
(also ,duck-billed 'platypus) noun an Australian animal that is covered in fur and has a beak like a duck, WEBBED feet (= with skin between the toes) and a flat tail. Platypuses lay eggs but give milk to their young.
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plau.dits
noun [pl.] (formal) praise and approval: His work won him plaudits from the critics.
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plaus.ible
adj.
1 (of an excuse or explanation) reasonable and likely to be true: Her story sounded perfectly plausible.  The only plausible explanation is that he forgot.
OPP IMPLAUSIBLE
2 (disapproving) (of a person) good at sounding honest and sincere, especially when trying to trick people: She was a plausible liar.
plausi.bil.ity noun [U]
plaus.ibly adv.: He argued very plausibly that the claims were true.
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play
verb, noun
verb
OF CHILDREN|
1 ~ (with sb/sth) to do things for pleasure, as children do; to enjoy yourself, rather than work: [v] A group of kids were playing with a ball in the street.  You’ll have to play inside today.  I haven’t got anybody to play with!  There’s a time to work and a time to play.  [vn] Let’s play a different game.
2 [no passive] ~ (at doing) sth to pretend to be or do sth for amusement: [vn] Let’s play pirates.  [v] They were playing at being cowboys.
TRICK|
3 [vn] ~ a trick / tricks (on sb) to trick sb for amusement
SPORTS / GAMES|
4 ~ (sth) (with / against sb)| ~ sb (at sth) to be involved in a game; to compete against sb in a game: [vn] to play football / chess / cards  Have you played her at squash yet?  France are playing Wales tomorrow.  [v] He plays for Cleveland.  France are playing against Wales on Saturday.  Evans played very well.
5 to take a particular position in a sports team: [v] Who’s playing on the wing?  [v-n] I’ve never played right back before.
6 [vn] to include sb in a sports team: I think we should play Matt on the wing.
7 [vn] to make contact with the ball and hit or kick it in the way mentioned: She played the ball and ran forward.  He played a backhand volley.
8 [vn] (in CHESS ) to move a piece in CHESS , etc: She played her bishop.
9 (in card games) to put a card face upwards on the table, showing its value: [vn] to play your ace / a trump  [v] He played out of turn!
MUSIC|
10 ~ (sth) (on sth)| ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to perform on a musical instrument; to perform music: [vn] to play the piano / violin / flute  He played a tune on his harmonica.  [vn, vnn] Play that new piece to us.  Play us that new piece.  [v] In the distance a band was playing.
11 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb sth to make a tape, CD, etc. produce sound: [vn, vnn] Play their new CD for me, please.  Play me their new CD, please.  [v] My favourite song was playing on the radio.
ACT / PERFORM|
12 [vn] to act in a play, film/movie, etc.; to act the role of sb: The part of Elizabeth was played by Cate Blanchett.  He had always wanted to play Othello.
13 to pretend to be sth that you are not: [v-adj] I decided it was safer to play dead .  [v-n] She enjoys playing the wronged wife.
14 [v] ~ (to sb) to be performed: A production of ‘Carmen’ was playing to packed houses.
HAVE EFFECT|
15 [vn] ~ a part / role (in sth) to have an effect on sth: The media played an important part in the last election.
SITUATION|
16 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to deal with a situation in the way mentioned: He played the situation carefully for maximum advantage.
OF LIGHT / A SMILE|
17 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to move or appear quickly and lightly, often changing direction or shape: Sunlight played on the surface of the lake.
OF FOUNTAIN|
18 [v] (written) when a FOUNTAIN plays, it produces a steady stream of water Most idioms containing play are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example play the game is at game.  have money, time, etc. to 'play with (informal) to have plenty of money, time, etc. for doing sth what is sb 'playing at? used to ask in an angry way about what sb is doing: What do you think you are playing at? ,play a'bout / a'round (with sb/sth)
1 to behave or treat sth in a careless way: Don’t play around with my tools!
2 (informal) to have a sexual relationship with sb, usually with sb who is not your usual partner: Her husband is always playing around. ,play a'long (with sb/sth) to pretend to agree with sb/sth: I decided to play along with her idea. 'play at sth / at doing sth (often disapproving) to do sth without being serious about it or putting much effort into it ,play sth<->'back (to sb) to play music, film, etc. that has been recorded on a tape, video, etc: Play that last section back to me again.—related noun PLAYBACK ,play sth<->'down to try to make sth seem less important than it is
SYN DOWNPLAY
OPP PLAY UP play A off against B (BrE) (AmE play A off B) to put two people or groups in competition with each other, especially in order to get an advantage for yourself: She played her two rivals off against each other and got the job herself.—related noun PLAY-OFF ,play 'on (sport) to continue to play; to start playing again: The home team claimed a penalty but the referee told them to play on. 'play on / upon sth to take advantage of sb’s feelings, etc.
SYN EXPLOIT : Advertisements often play on people’s fears. ,play sth<->'out (written) when an event is played out, it happens
SYN ENACT : Their love affair was played out against the backdrop of war. ,play yourself / itself 'out (written) to become weak and no longer useful or important ,play 'up| ,play sb 'up (informal, especially BrE) to cause sb problems or pain: The kids have been playing up all day.  My shoulder is playing me up today. ,play sth<->'up to try to make sth seem more important than it is
SYN OVERPLAY
OPP PLAY DOWN 'play with yourself (informal) to MASTURBATE

noun
CHILDREN|
1 [U] things that people, especially children, do for pleasure rather than as work: the happy sounds of children at play   the importance of learning through play  a play area
IN THEATRE|
2 [C] a piece of writing performed by actors in a theatre or on television or radio: to put on (= perform) a play  a play by Shakespeare  a radio play—see also MYSTERY PLAY , PASSION PLAY
IN SPORT|
3 [U] the playing of a game: Rain stopped play.  There was some excellent play in yesterday’s match.—see also FAIR PLAY , FOUL PLAY
4 [C] (AmE) an action or move in a game: a defensive / passing play
IN ROPE|
5 [U] the possibility of free and easy movement: We need more play in the rope.
ACTIVITY / INFLUENCE|
6 [U] the activity or operation of sth; the influence of sth on sth else: the free play of market forces  The financial crisis has brought new factors into play .  Personal feelings should not come into play when you are making business decisions.
OF LIGHT / A SMILE|
7 [U] (literary) a light, quick movement that keeps changing: the play of sunlight on water in / out of 'play (sport) (of a ball) inside/outside the area allowed by the rules of the game: She just managed to keep the ball in play. make a 'play for sb/sth (especially AmE) to try to obtain sth; to do things that are intended to produce a particular result: She was making a play for the sales manager’s job. make great / much 'play of sth to emphasize the importance of a particular fact: He made great play of the fact that his uncle was a duke. a play on 'words the humorous use of a word or phrase that can have two different meanings
SYN PUN —more at CALL v. , CHILD , STATE n.

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play.able
adj.
1 (of a piece of music or a computer game) easy to play
2 (of a sports field) in a good condition and suitable for playing on
OPP UNPLAYABLE
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'play-acting
noun [U] behaviour that seems to be honest and sincere when in fact the person is pretending
'play-act verb : [v] He thought she was play-acting but in fact she had really hurt herself.
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play.back
noun [U, C, usually sing.] the act of playing music, showing a film/movie or listening to a telephone message that has been recorded before; a recording that you listen to or watch again
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play.bill
noun
1 a printed notice advertising a play
2 (AmE) a theatre PROGRAMME
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play.boy
noun a rich man who spends his time enjoying himself
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,play-by-'play
noun [usually sing.] (AmE ) a report on what is happening in a sports game, given as the game is being played
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,played 'out
adj. [not before noun] (informal) no longer having any influence or effect: This country’s world role is just about played out.
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play.er
noun
1 a person who takes part in a game or sport: a tennis / rugby / chess player  a game for four players  a midfield player—
2 (written) a company or person involved in a particular area of business or politics: The company has emerged as a major player in the London property market.
3 (in compounds) a machine for reproducing sound or pictures that have been recorded on cassettes, discs, etc: a CD / cassette / record player
4 (usually in compounds) a person who plays a musical instrument: a trumpet player
5 (old-fashioned) (especially in names) an actor: Phoenix Players present ‘Juno and the Paycock’.
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play.ful
adj.
1 full of fun; wanting to play: a playful puppy
2 (of a remark, an action, etc.) made or done in fun; not serious: He gave her a playful punch on the arm.
play.ful.ly adv.
play.ful.ness noun [U]
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play.ground
noun
1 an outdoor area where children can play, especially at a school or in a park—see also ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
2 a place where a particular type of people go to enjoy themselves: The resort is a playground of the rich and famous.
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play.group
(also play.school) (both BrE) noun [C, U] a place where children who are below school age go regularly to play together and to learn through playing—compare NURSERY SCHOOL
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play.house
noun
1 used in names of theatres: the Liverpool Playhouse
2 (BrE also 'Wendy house) a model of a house large enough for children to play in
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play.ing
noun
1 [U] the way in which sb plays sth, especially a musical instrument: The orchestral playing is superb.
2 [C] the act of playing a piece of music: repeated playings of the National Anthem
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'playing card
(also card) noun any one of a set of 52 cards with numbers and pictures printed on one side, which are used to play various card games: (BrE ) a pack of (playing) cards   (AmE ) a deck of (playing) cards
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'playing field
noun a large area of grass, usually with lines marked on it, where people play sports and games: the school playing fields
IDM see LEVEL adj.
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play.mate
noun a friend with whom a child plays
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'play-off
noun a match/game, or a series of them, between two players or teams with equal points or scores to decide who the winner is: They lost to Chicago in the play-offs.
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play.pen
noun a frame with wooden bars or NETTING that encloses a small area in which a baby or small child can play safely
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play.room
noun a room in a house for children to play in
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play.school
noun (BrE ) = PLAYGROUP
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play.thing
noun
1 a person or thing that you treat like a toy, without really caring about them: She was an intelligent woman who refused to be a rich man’s plaything.
2 (old-fashioned) a toy: The teddy bear was his favourite plaything.
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play.time
noun [U, C]
1 (especially BrE) a time at school when teaching stops for a short time and children can play
2 a time for playing and having fun: With so much homework to do, her playtime is now very limited.
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play.wright
noun a person who writes plays for the theatre, television or radio DRAMATIST —compare SCREENWRITER , SCRIPTWRITER
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plaza
noun (especially AmE )
1 a public outdoor square especially in a town where Spanish is spoken
2 a small shopping centre, sometimes also with offices: a downtown shopping plaza
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plc
(also PLC) abbr. (BrE ) public limited company (used after the name of a company or business): Lloyd’s Bank plc
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plea
noun
1 (formal) ~ (for sth) an urgent emotional request: She made an impassioned plea for help.  a plea to industries to stop pollution  He refused to listen to her tearful pleas.
2 (law) a statement made by sb or for sb who is accused of a crime: a plea of guilty / not guilty  to enter / offer a guilty plea
3 ~ of sth (law) a reason given to a court of law for doing or not doing sth: He was charged with murder, but got off on a plea of insanity.
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'plea bargaining
noun [U] (law ) an arrangement in a court of law by which a person admits to being guilty of a smaller crime in the hope of receiving less severe punishment for a more serious crime—compare COP A PLEA at COP v. , TURN KING’S / QUEEN’S EVIDENCEat EVIDENCE
'plea bargain noun: He reached a plea bargain with the authorities.
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plead
verb (pleaded, pleadedAmE also pled, pled )
1 ~ (with sb) (for sth) to ask sb for sth in a very strong and serious way: [v] She pleaded with him not to go.  I was forced to plead for my child’s life.  pleading eyes  [v to inf] He pleaded to be allowed to see his mother one more time.  [v speech] ‘Do something!’ she pleaded.
2 to state in a court of law that you are guilty or not guilty of a crime: [v-adj] to plead guilty / not guilty  [v] How do you plead? (= said by the judge at the start of the trial)  [vn] [no passive] He advised his client to plead insanity (= say that he / she was mentally ill and therefore not responsible for his / her actions).
3 [vn] to present a case to a court of law: They hired a top lawyer to plead their case.
4 ~ sth (for sth) to give sth as an explanation or excuse for sth: [vn] [no passive] He pleaded family problems for his lack of concentration. [alsov that]
5 ~ (for sb/sth) to argue in support of sb/sth: [vn] She appeared on television to plead the cause of political prisoners everywhere.  [v] The United Nations has pleaded for a halt to the bombing.
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plead.ing
noun
1 [C, U] an act of asking for sth that you want very much, in an emotional way: He refused to give in to her pleadings.
2 [C, usually pl.] (law) a formal statement of sb’s CASE (= their claims and the arguments they use to support them) in a court of law—see also SPECIAL PLEADING
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plead.ing.ly
adv. in an emotional way that shows that you want sth very much but are not certain that sb will give it to you: He looked pleadingly at her.
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pleas.ant
adj. (pleas.ant.er, pleas.ant.est)
HELP more pleasant and most pleasant are more common
1 enjoyable, pleasing or attractive: a pleasant climate / evening / place  What a pleasant surprise!  to live in pleasant surroundings  music that is pleasant to the ear  a pleasant environment to work in  It was pleasant to be alone again.
2 ~ (to sb) friendly and polite: a pleasant young man  a pleasant smile / voice / manner  Please try to be pleasant to our guests.
OPP UNPLEASANT
pleas.ant.ly adv.: a pleasantly cool room  I was pleasantly surprised by my exam results.  ‘Can I help you?’ he asked pleasantly.
pleas.ant.ness noun [U]: She remembered the pleasantness of the evening.
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pleas.ant.ry
noun [usually pl.] (pl.-ies) (formal) a friendly remark made in order to be polite: After exchanging the usual pleasantries, they got down to serious discussion.
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please
exclamation, verb
exclamation
1 used as a polite way of asking for sth or telling sb to do sth: Please sit down.  Two coffees, please.  Quiet please!  Please could I leave early today?
2 used to add force to a request or statement: Please don’t leave me here alone.  Please, please don’t forget.  Please, I don’t understand what I have to do.
3 used as a polite way of accepting sth: ‘Would you like some help?’‘Yes, please.’  ‘Coffee?’‘Please.’
4 (Please!) (informal, often humorous) used to ask sb to stop behaving badly: Children, please! I’m trying to work.  John! Please!
5 (Please, P-lease) used when you are replying to sb who has said sth that you think is stupid: Oh, please! You cannot be serious.

verb
1 to make sb happy: [vn] You can’t please everybody.  He’s a difficult man to please.  There’s just no pleasing some people (= some people are impossible to please).  I did it to please my parents.  [v] She’s always very eager to please. [alsovn to inf] DISPLEASE
2 [v] often used after as or what, where, etc. to mean ‘to want’, ‘to choose’ or ‘to like’ to do sth: You may stay as long as you please.  She always does exactly as she pleases.  I’m free now to live wherever I please.
IDM if you 'please
1 (old-fashioned, formal) (spoken) used when politely asking sb to do sth: Take a seat, if you please.
2 (old-fashioned, especially BrE) used to say that you are annoyed or surprised at sb’s actions: And now, if you please, he wants me to rewrite the whole thing! ,please the 'eye to be very attractive to look at ,please 'God used to say that you very much hope or wish that sth will happen: Please God, don’t let him be dead. ,please your'self (spoken) used to tell sb that you are annoyed with them and do not care what they do: ‘I don’t think I’ll bother finishing this.’‘Please yourself.’ ,please your'self | ,do as you 'please to be able to do whatever you like: There were no children to cook for, so we could just please ourselves.

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pleased
adj.
1 ~ (with sb/sth)| ~ that … feeling happy about sth: She was very pleased with her exam results.  The boss should be pleased with you.  I’m really pleased that you’re feeling better.  I’m pleased to hear about your news.  You’re coming? I’m so pleased.  He did not look too pleased when I told him.
2 ~ to do sth happy or willing to do sth: We are always pleased to be able to help.  I was pleased to hear you’ve been promoted.  Aren’t you pleased to see me?   (spoken, especially BrE) Pleased to meet you (= said when you are introduced to sb)   (written) Thank you for your invitation which I am very pleased to accept.   (written) I am pleased to inform you that the book you ordered has arrived.
IDM (as) ,pleased as 'Punch (BrE) very pleased far from 'pleased | none too 'pleased not pleased; angry: She was none too pleased at having to do it all again. only too 'pleased (to do sth) very happy or willing to do sth: We’re only too pleased to help. 'pleased with yourself (often disapproving) too proud of sth you have done: He was looking very pleased with himself.
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pleas.ing
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) that gives you pleasure or satisfaction: a pleasing design / effect  The new building was pleasing to the eye.
pleas.ing.ly adv.: She had a pleasingly direct manner.
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pleas.ur.able
adj. giving pleasure ENJOYABLE : a pleasurable activity / experience / sensation  We do everything we can to make your trip pleasurable.
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pleas.ur.ably
adv. with pleasure: He sipped his coffee pleasurably.
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pleas.ure
noun
1 [U] ~ (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ (of sth / of doing sth) a state of feeling or being happy or satisfied ENJOYMENT : to read for pleasure   He takes no pleasure in his work.  She had the pleasure of seeing him look surprised.   (formal) It gives me great pleasure to introduce our guest speaker.   (written) We request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of our daughter Lisa.
2 [U] the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working: Are you in Paris on business or pleasure?
3 [C] a thing that makes you happy or satisfied: the pleasure and pains of everyday life  the simple pleasures of the countryside  It’s a pleasure to meet you.  ‘Thanks for doing that.’‘It’s a pleasure.’ —compare DISPLEASURE
IDM at your / sb’s 'pleasure (formal) as you want; as sb else wants: The land can be sold at the owner’s pleasure. with 'pleasure (formal) used as a polite way of accepting or agreeing to sth: ‘May I sit here?’‘Yes, with pleasure.’
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'pleasure boat
(also 'pleasure craft) noun a boat used for short pleasure trips
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pleat
noun a permanent fold in a piece of fabric, made by sewing the top or side of the fold
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pleat.ed
adj. having pleats : a pleated skirt
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plebe
noun (AmE , informal) a first-year student at a military or NAVAL college in the US
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ple.beian
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with ordinary people or people of the lower social classes
2 (disapproving) lacking in culture or education: plebeian tastes

noun (usually disapproving) a person from a lower social class (used originally in ancient Rome)—compare PATRICIAN

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pleb.is.cite
noun ~ (on sth) (politics ) a vote by the people of a country or a region on an issue that is very important: to hold a plebiscite on the country’s future system of government
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plebs
noun (usually the plebs) [pl.] (informal) an offensive way of referring to ordinary people, especially those of the lower social classes
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plec.trum
noun (pl.plec.trums or plec.tra ) a small piece of metal, plastic, etc. used for PLUCKING the strings of a guitar or similar instrument
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pled
(AmE) pt, pp of PLEAD
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pledge
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (to do sth) a serious promise: a pledge of help / support / loyalty  Will the government honour its election pledge not to raise taxes?  Management has given a pledge that there will be no job losses this year.
2 a sum of money or sth valuable that you leave with sb to prove that you will do sth or pay back money that you owe
IDM sign / take the 'pledge (old-fashioned) to make a promise never to drink alcohol

verb
1 ~ sth (to sb/sth) to formally promise to give or do sth: [vn] Japan has pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid.  The government pledged their support for the plan.  We all had to pledge allegiance to the flag (= state that we are loyal to our country).  [v to inf] The group has pledged to continue campaigning.  [v (that)] The group has pledged that they will continue campaigning.
2 ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to make sb or yourself formally promise to do sth: [vn] They were all pledged to secrecy.  [vn to inf] The government has pledged itself to root out corruption.
3 [vn] to leave sth with sb as a pledge (2)
4 (AmE ) to promise to become a junior member of a FRATERNITY or SORORITY : [v] Do you think you’ll pledge this semester?  [vn] My brother pledged Sigma Nu.

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plen.ary
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 (of meetings, etc.) to be attended by everyone who has the right to attend: The new committee holds its first plenary session this week.
2 without any limit; complete: The Council has plenary powers to administer the agreement.

noun (pl.-ies) a plenary meeting

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pleni.po.ten.tiary
noun (pl.-ies) (technical ) a person who has full powers to take action, make decisions, etc. on behalf of their government, especially in a foreign country
pleni.po.ten.tiary adj.: plenipotentiary powers
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pleni.tude
noun [sing., U] (formal) a large amount of sth: a plenitude of wealth and food
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plent.eous
adj. (literary) = PLENTIFUL
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plen.ti.ful
(also plent.eous) adj. available or existing in large amounts or numbers: a plentiful supply of food  In those days jobs were plentiful.
plen.ti.ful.ly adv.: Evidence is plentifully available.  She kept them plentifully supplied with gossip.
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plenty
pron., adv., noun, det.
pron. ~ (of sth) a large amount; as much or as many as you need: plenty of eggs / money / time  ‘Do we need more milk?’‘No, there’s plenty in the fridge.’  They always gave us plenty to eat.  We had plenty to talk about.  note at MANY , MUCH

adv.
1 ~ more (of) (sth) a lot: We have plenty more of them in the warehouse.  There’s plenty more paper if you need it.
2 ~ big, long, etc. enough (to do sth) (informal) more than big, long, etc. enough: The rope was plenty long enough to reach the ground.
3 (AmE) a lot; very: We talked plenty about our kids.  You can be married and still be plenty lonely.

noun [U] (formal) a situation in which there is a large supply of food, money, etc: Everyone is happier in times of plenty .  We had food and drink in plenty .

det. (AmE or informal) a lot of: There’s plenty room for all of you!

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plenum
noun a meeting attended by all the members of a committee, etc.; a PLENARY meeting
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pleth.ora
noun [sing.] (formal) an amount that is greater than is needed or can be used
SYN EXCESS : The report contained a plethora of detail.
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pleur.isy
noun [U] a serious illness that affects the inner covering of the chest and lungs, causing severe pain in the chest or sides
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plexus
SOLAR PLEXUS
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pli.able
adj.
1 easy to bend without breaking
2 (of people) easy to influence or control: He’d always thought of her as pliable.
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pli.ant
adj. (written)
1 (of a person or their body) soft and giving way to sb, especially in a sexual way: her pliant body / lips  She lay pliant in his arms.
2 (sometimes disapproving) willing to accept change; easy to influence or control: He was deposed and replaced by a more pliant successor.
pli.ancy noun [U]
pli.ant.ly adv.
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pli.ers
noun [pl.] a tool made of two pieces of metal with handles, used for holding things firmly and twisting and cutting wire: a pair of pliers—picture at SCISSORS , TOOL
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plight
noun, verb
noun [sing.] a difficult and sad situation: the plight of the homeless  The African elephant is in a desperate plight.

verb
IDM plight your 'troth (old use or humorous) to make a promise to a person saying that you will marry them; to marry sb

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plim.soll
(also 'gym shoe, pump) (all BrE) noun a light simple sports shoe made of CANVAS (= strong cotton fabric) with a rubber sole: a pair of plimsolls
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plinth
noun a block of stone on which a column or statue stands
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plod
verb (-dd-) [+adv. / prep.] to walk slowly with heavy steps, especially because you are tired: [v] Our horses plodded down the muddy track.  We plodded on through the rain.  [vn] I watched her plodding her way across the field.
plod noun [sing.]
plod.ding adj.: plodding donkeys   (figurative, disapproving) The production was plodding and unimaginative.
PVR V ,plod a'long / 'on to make very slow progress, especially with difficult or boring work
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plod.der
noun a person who works slowly and steadily but without imagination
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plonk
verb, noun
verb (especially BrE ) (AmE usually plunk) [vn] (informal)
1 [+adv. / prep.] to put sth down on sth, especially noisily or carelessly: He plonked the books down on the table.  Just plonk your bag anywhere.
2 ~ (yourself) (down) to sit down heavily or carelessly: He just plonked himself down and turned on the TV.

noun (informal, especially BrE )
1 [U] cheap wine that is not of good quality
2 [C, usually sing.] a low sound like that of sth heavy falling and hitting a surface: She sat down with a plonk.

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plonk.er
noun (BrE , slang) a stupid person
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plop
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] a short sound like that of a small object dropping into water

verb (-pp-)
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to fall, making a plop : The frog plopped back into the water.  A tear plopped down onto the page she was reading.
2 [vn] to drop sth into sth, especially a liquid, so that it makes a plop : Can you just plop some ice in my drink?
3 [vn, v] ~ (yourself) (down) to sit or lie down heavily or in a relaxed way

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plo.sive
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound made by stopping the flow of air coming out of the mouth and then suddenly releasing it, for example and in top—compare FRICATIVE
plo.sive adj.
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plot
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the series of events which form the story of a novel, play, film/movie, etc: a conventional plot about love and marriage  The book is well organized in terms of plot.
2 [C] ~ (to do sth) a secret plan made by a group of people to do sth wrong or illegal
3 [C] a small piece of land that is used or intended for a special purpose: She bought a small plot of land to build a house on.  a vegetable plot
IDM ,lose the 'plot (BrE, informal) to lose your ability to understand or deal with what is happening the plot 'thickens used to say that a situation is becoming more complicated and difficult to understand

verb (-tt-)
1 ~ (with sb) (against sb) to make a secret plan to harm sb, especially a government or its leader: [v] They were accused of plotting against the state.  [vn] Military officers were suspected of plotting a coup.  [v to inf] They were plotting to overthrow the government.
2 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) to mark sth on a map, for example the position or course of sth: The earthquake centres had been plotted on a world map.  He plotted a new route across the Atlantic.
3 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) to make a diagram or CHART from some information: We carefully plotted each patient’s response to the drug on a chart.
4 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) to mark points on a GRAPH and draw a line or curve connecting them: First, plot the temperature curve on the graph.
5 [vn] to write the plot of a novel, play, etc: a tightly-plotted thriller

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plot.ter
noun
1 a person who makes a secret plan to harm sb
2 a device that turns data from a computer into a GRAPH , usually on paper
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plough
(BrE ) (AmEplow) noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a large piece of farming equipment with one or several curved blades, pulled by a TRACTOR or by animals. It is used for digging and turning over soil, especially before seeds are planted.—see also SNOWPLOUGH
2 (the Plough) (BrE) (AmE the ,Big 'Dipper) [sing.] a group of seven bright stars that can only be seen from the northern half of the world
IDM under the 'plough (BrE, formal) (of land) used for growing crops, not for keeping animals on

verb to dig and turn over a field or other area of land with a plough : [vn] ploughed fields [alsov] ,plough a lonely, your own, etc, 'furrow (literary) to do things that other people do not do, or be interested in things that other people are not interested in
PVR V ,plough sth<->'back (in / into sth)| ,plough sth<->back 'in
1 to turn over growing crops, grass, etc. with a plough and mix them into the soil to improve its quality
2 to put money made as profit back into a business in order to improve it: The money was all ploughed back into the company. 'plough into sb/sth (especially of a vehicle or its driver) to crash violently into sth especially because you are driving too fast or not paying enough attention: A truck ploughed into the back of the bus. ,plough sth 'into sth to invest a large amount of money in a company or project: The government has ploughed more than $20 billion into building new schools. ,plough 'on (with sth) to continue doing sth that is difficult or boring: No one was listening to her, but she ploughed on regardless . ,plough (your way) 'through sth
1 to force a way through sth: She ploughed her way through the waiting crowds.
2 (of a vehicle or an aircraft) to go violently through sth, out of control: The plane ploughed through the trees.
3 to make slow progress through sth difficult or boring especially a book, a report, etc: I had to plough through dozens of legal documents. ,plough sth<->'up
1 to turn over a field or other area of land with a plough to change it from grass, for example, to land for growing crops
2 to break up the surface of the ground by walking or driving across it again and again: The paths get all ploughed up by motorbikes.

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plough.man
(BrE ) (AmEplow.man) noun (pl.-men ) a man whose job is guiding a plough , especially one pulled by animals
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,ploughman’s 'lunch
(also 'ploughman’s) noun (BrE ) a cold meal of bread, cheese, PICKLE and salad, often served in pubs
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plough.share
(BrE ) (AmEplow.share) (AmE also share) noun the broad curved blade of a PLOUGH
IDM see SWORD
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plover
noun a bird with long legs and a short tail that lives on wet ground
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plow, plow.manplow.share
(AmE ) = PLOUGH , PLOUGHMAN , PLOUGHSHARE
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ploy
noun ~ (to do sth) words or actions that are carefully planned to get an advantage over sb else: a clever marketing ploy  It was all a ploy to distract attention from his real aims.
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pluck
verb, noun
verb
HAIR|
1 [vn] ~ sth (out) to pull out hairs with your fingers or with TWEEZERS : She plucked out a grey hair.  expertly plucked eyebrows
CHICKEN, etc.|
2 [vn] to pull the feathers off a dead bird, for example a chicken, in order to prepare it for cooking
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT|
3 (AmE also pick) to play a musical instrument, especially a guitar, by pulling the strings with your fingers: [vn] to pluck the strings of a violin  [v] He picked up the guitar and plucked at the strings.
REMOVE SB / STH|
4 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) (written) to remove sb from a place or situation, especially one that is unpleasant or dangerous: Police plucked a drowning girl from the river yesterday.  Survivors of the wreck were plucked to safety by a helicopter.  She was plucked from obscurity to instant stardom.
5 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (written) to take hold of sth and remove it by pulling it: He plucked the wallet from the man’s grasp.
FRUIT / FLOWER|
6 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (old-fashioned or literary) to pick a fruit, flower, etc. from where it is growing: I plucked an orange from the tree. pluck sth out of the 'air to say a name, number, etc. without thinking about it, especially in answer to a question: I just plucked a figure out of the air and said: ‘Would £1 000 seem reasonable to you?’ pluck up 'courage (to do sth) to make yourself do sth even though you are afraid to do it: I finally plucked up the courage to ask her for a date. 'pluck at sth to hold sth with the fingers and pull it gently, especially more than once: The child kept plucking at his mother’s sleeve.   (figurative) The wind plucked at my jacket.

noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) courage and determination: It takes a lot of pluck to do what she did.

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plucky
adj. (informal) having a lot of courage and determination
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plug
noun, verb
noun
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT|
1 a small plastic object with two or three metal pins, that connects a piece of electrical equipment to the main supply of electricity: a three-pin plug  I’ll have to change the plug on my hairdryer.
2 (informal, especially BrE) a small opening in a wall, by which you connect a piece of electrical equipment to the main supply of electricity SOCKET : Can I use this plug for my iron?
3 a small object that connects a wire from one piece of electrical equipment to an opening in another: the plug from the computer to the printer
IN ENGINE|
4 = SPARK PLUG
IN BATH / SINK|
5 a thick round piece of plastic or rubber that you put in the hole in a bath or a SINK to stop the water flowing out: She pulled out the plug and let the water drain away.
IN HOLE|
6 a round piece of material that fits into a hole and blocks it: She took the plug of cotton wool from her ear.—see also EARPLUG
7 (AmE) = STOPPER
FOR SCREW|
8 a small plastic tube that you put into a hole in a wall so that it will hold a screw
FOR BOOK / MOVIE|
9 (informal) praise or attention that sb gives to a new book, film/movie, etc. in order to encourage people to buy or see it: He managed to get in a plug for his new book.
IDM see PULL v.

verb (-gg-) [vn]
FILL HOLE|
1 ~ sth (up) to fill a hole with a substance or piece of material that fits tightly into it: He plugged the hole in the pipe with an old rag.
PROVIDE STH MISSING|
2 to provide sth that has been missing from a particular situation and is needed in order to improve it: A cheaper range of products was introduced to plug the gap at the lower end of the market.
BOOK / MOVIE|
3 to give praise or attention to a new book, film/movie, etc. in order to encourage people to buy it or see it PROMOTE : She came on the show to plug her latest album.
SHOOT|
4 (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) to shoot sb ,plug a'way (at sth) to continue working hard at sth, especially sth that you find difficult ,plug sth<->'in| ,plug sth 'into sth to connect a piece of electrical equipment to the main supply of electricity or to another piece of electrical equipment: Is the printer plugged in?
OPP UNPLUG ,plug sth 'into sth
1 = TO PLUG STH IN
2 to connect a computer to a computer system: All our computers are plugged into the main network. ,plug 'into sth
1 (of a piece of electrical equipment) to be able to be connected to the main supply of electricity or to another piece of electrical equipment: The VCR plugs into the back of the television.
2 to become involved with a particular activity or group of people: The company has doubled its profits since plugging into lucrative overseas markets.

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plug.hole
(BrE ) (AmE drain) noun a hole in a bath, SINK , etc. where the water flows away and into which a plug fits
IDM go down the 'plughole (BrE) = (GO) DOWN THE DRAIN at DRAIN n.
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plum
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a soft round fruit with smooth red or purple skin, sweet flesh and a flat stone/pit inside: a plum tree
2 [U, C] a dark reddish-purple colour

adj. (BrE ) (of a job, etc.) considered very good and worth having: She’s landed a plum job at the BBC.

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plum.age
noun [U] the feathers covering a bird’s body
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plumb
verb, adv.
verb [vn] (literary) to try to understand or succeed in understanding sth mysterious
SYN FATHOM : She spent her life plumbing the mysteries of the human psyche.
IDM plumb the depths of sth to be or to experience an extreme example of sth unpleasant: His latest novel plumbs the depths of horror and violence.  The team’s poor performances plumbed new depths last night when they lost 10-2.
PVR V ,plumb sth<->'in (especially BrE) to connect a WASHING MACHINE , toilet, etc. to the water supply in a building

adv.
1 (used before prepositions) exactly: He was standing plumb in the middle of the road.
2 (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) completely: He’s plumb crazy.

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plumb.er
noun a person whose job is to fit and repair things such as water pipes, toilets, etc.
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plumb.ing
noun [U]
1 the system of pipes, etc. that supply water to a building
2 the work of a plumber
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'plumb line
noun a piece of thick string with a weight attached to one end, used to find the depth of water or to test whether a wall, etc. is straight
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plume
noun
1 a cloud of sth that rises and curves upwards in the air: a plume of smoke
2 a large feather: a black hat with an ostrich plume
3 a group of feathers or long thin pieces of material tied together and often used as a decoration: The red plume on the horse’s head was nodding to the rhythm of its steps.—see also NOM DE PLUME
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plumed
adj. having or decorated with a plume or plumes : a plumed helmet
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plum.met
verb [v] to fall suddenly and quickly from a high level or position
SYN PLUNGE : Share prices plummeted to an all-time low.  Her spirits plummeted at the thought of meeting him again.  The jet plummeted into a row of houses.
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plummy
adj.
1 (BrE, informal, usually disapproving) (of a voice) having a sound that is typical of upper-class English people: a plummy accent
2 like a PLUM in colour, taste, etc.
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plump
adj., verb
adj. (plump.er, plump.est)
1 having a soft, round body; slightly fat: a short, plump woman  a plump body / face / figure
2 looking soft, full and attractive to use or eat: plump cushions  plump tomatoes
plump.ness noun [U]

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) to make sth larger, softer and rounder: He leaned forward while the nurse plumped up his pillows.
PVR V 'plump for sb/sth (informal) to choose sb/sth from a number of people or things, especially after thinking carefully

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,plum 'pudding
noun [U, C] (old-fashioned, BrE ) = CHRISTMAS PUDDING
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plun.der
verb, noun
verb to steal things from a place, especially using force during a time of war: [v] The troops crossed the country, plundering and looting as they went.  [vn] The abbey had been plundered of its valuables.—compare PILLAGE

noun [U]
1 the act of plundering
2 things that have been stolen, especially during a war, etc.—compare PILLAGE

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plunge
verb, noun
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move or make sb/sth move suddenly forwards and/or downwards: [v] She lost her balance and plunged 100 feet to her death.  [vn] The earthquake plunged entire towns over the edge of the cliffs.
2 [v] (of prices, temperatures, etc.) to decrease suddenly and quickly
SYN PLUMMET : Stock markets plunged at the news of the coup.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a road, surface, etc.) to slope steeply: The track plunged down into the valley.
4 [v] to move up and down suddenly and violently: The horse plunged and reared.   (figurative) His heart plunged (= because of a strong emotion).
PVR V ,plunge 'in| ,plunge 'into sth
1 to jump into sth, especially with force: The pool was declared open and eager swimmers plunged in.
2 to start doing sth in an enthusiastic way, especially without thinking carefully about what you are doing: She was about to plunge into her story when the phone rang.  He’s always plunging in at the deep end (= becoming involved in difficult situations without being well enough prepared). ,plunge sth 'in| ,plunge sth 'into sth to push sth quickly and with force into sth else: She plunged the knife deep into his chest. ,plunge 'into sth
1 = PLUNGE IN
2 to experience sth unpleasant: The country plunged deeper into recession. ,plunge sb/sth 'into sth to make sb/sth experience sth unpleasant: The news plunged them into deep depression.  There was a flash of lightning and the house was plunged into darkness .

noun [usually sing.]
1 a sudden movement downwards or away from sth: The calm water ends there and the river begins a headlong plunge.
2 ~ (in sth) a sudden decrease in an amount or the value of sth: a dramatic plunge in profits
3 ~ into sth the act of becoming involved in a situation or activity: The company is planning a deeper plunge into the commercial market.
4 an act of jumping or DIVING into water; a quick swim: He took the plunge into the deep end.  She went for a plunge.
IDM take the 'plunge (informal) to decide to do sth important or difficult, especially after thinking about it for a long time: They finally decided to take the plunge and get married.

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plun.ger
noun
1 a part of a piece of equipment that can be pushed down—picture at CAFETIERE , LABORATORY
2 a piece of equipment used for clearing kitchen and bathroom pipes, that consists of a rubber cup fixed to a handle
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plun.ging
adj. (of a dress, BLOUSE , etc.) cut in a deep V shape at the front: a plunging neckline
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plunk
verb [vn] (informal)
1 [+adv. / prep.] (AmE) = PLONK : He plunked the package down on the desk.
2 to play a guitar, a keyboard, etc. with your fingers and produce a quick, harsh sound
plunk noun: the plunk, plunk of the banjo
PVR V 'plunk down sth to pay money for sth, especially a large amount
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plu.per.fect
noun (grammar ) = PAST PERFECT
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plural
noun, adj.
noun (grammar) (abbr. pl.) a form of a noun or verb that refers to more than one person or thing: The plural of ‘child’ is ‘children’.  The verb should be in the plural .—compare SINGULAR

adj.
1 (grammar) (abbr.pl.) connected with or having the plural form: Most plural nouns in English end in ‘s’.
2 relating to more than one: a plural society (= one with more than one RACIAL , religious, etc. group)

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plur.al.ism
noun [U] (formal)
1 the existence of many different groups of people in one society, for example people of different races or of different political or religious beliefs: cultural / political pluralism
2 the belief that it is possible and good for different groups of people to live together in peace in one society
3 (usually disapproving) the fact of having more than one job or position at the same time, especially in the Church
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plur.al.ist
adj., noun
adj. (also plur.al.is.tic )
1 (of a society) having many different groups of people and different political parties in it: a pluralist democracy / system
2 (philosophy) not based on a single set of principles or beliefs: a pluralist approach to politics

noun
1 a person who believes that it is possible and good for different groups of people to live together in peace in our society
2 a person who has more than one job or position at the same time, especially in the Church

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plur.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, usually sing.] (formal) a large number: a plurality of influences
2 [C, usually sing.] (politics) (especially AmE) the number of votes given to one person, political party, etc. when this number is less than 50% but more than any other single person, etc. receives: In order to be elected, a candidate needs only a plurality of the votes cast.—compare MAJORITY
3 [U] (grammar) the state of being plural
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plus
prep., noun, adj., conj.
prep.
1 used when the two numbers or amounts mentioned are being added together: Two plus five is seven.  The cost is £22, plus £1 for postage.
2 as well as sth/sb; and also: We have to fit five of us plus all our gear in the car.
OPP MINUS
IDM plus or 'minus used when the number mentioned may actually be more or less by a particular amount: The margin of error was plus or minus three percentage points.

noun
1 (informal) an advantage; a good thing: Knowledge of French is a plus in her job.  There were a lot of pluses in the performance.
2 (also 'plus sign) the symbol( + ), used in mathematics: He put a plus instead of a minus.
OPP MINUS

adj.
1 used after a number to show that the real number or amount is more than the one mentioned: The work will cost £10 000 plus.
2 above zero: The temperature is plus four degrees.
OPP MINUS
3 [only before noun] used to describe an aspect of sth that you consider to be a good thing: One of the hotel’s plus points is that it is very central.  On the plus side , all the staff are enthusiastic.
OPP MINUS
4 [not before noun] (used in a system of marks / grades) slightly higher than the mark/grade A, B, etc: I got B plus (B+) in the test.
OPP MINUS

conj. (informal) used to add more information
SYN FURTHERMORE : I’ve got too much on at work. Plus my father is not well.

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,plus 'fours
noun [pl.] (BrE ) wide loose trousers/pants that end just below the knees, where they fit closely, and that used to be worn, for example, by men playing golf: a pair of plus fours
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plush
noun, adj.
noun [U] a silk or cotton fabric with a thick soft surface made of a mass of threads: red plush armchairs

adj. (informal) very comfortable; expensive and of good quality: a plush hotel

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Pluto
noun the planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is furthest from the sun
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plu.toc.racy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] government by the richest people of a country
2 [C] a country governed by the richest people in it
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plu.to.crat
noun (often disapproving) a person who is powerful because of their wealth
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plu.to.nium
noun [U] (symb Pu) a chemical element. Plutonium is RADIOACTIVE and is used in nuclear weapons and in producing nuclear energy.
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ply
verb, noun
verb (plies, ply.ing, plied, plied)
1 (literary) (of ships, buses, etc.) to travel regularly along a particular route or between two particular places: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Ferries ply across a narrow strait to the island.  [vn] canals plied by gondolas and steam boats
2 [vn] (formal) to use a tool, especially in a skilful way: The tailor delicately plied his needle.
IDM ply your 'trade (written) to do your work or business: This is the restaurant where he plied his trade as a cook. ply for 'hire / 'trade / 'business (BrE) to look for customers, passengers, etc. in order to do business: taxis plying for hire outside the theatre
PVR V 'ply sb with sth
1 to keep giving sb large amounts of sth, especially food and/or drink: She plied us with tea and cake.
2 to keep asking sb questions: He plied me with questions from the moment he arrived.

noun [U] (especially in compounds) a measurement of wool, rope, wood, etc. that tells you how thick it is: four-ply knitting yarn

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ply.wood
noun [U] board made by sticking thin layers of wood on top of each other: plywood furniture
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PM
noun (informal, especially BrE ) the abbreviation for PRIME MINISTER : an interview with the PM
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p.m.
(AmE also P.M.) abbr. after 12 o’clock NOON (from Latin ‘post meridiem’): The appointment is at 3 p.m.—compare A.M.
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PMS
(BrE ) (also PMT , AmE, BrE) noun [U] physical and emotional problems such as pain and feeling depressed that many women experience before their PERIOD (= flow of blood) each month. PMS/PMT are abbreviations for ‘premenstrual syndrome/tension’.
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pneu.mat.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 filled with air: a pneumatic tyre
2 worked by air under pressure: pneumatic tools
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pneu,matic 'drill
(BrE ) (AmE jack.ham.mer) noun a large powerful tool, worked by air pressure, used especially for breaking up road surfaces
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pneu.mo.nia
noun [U] a serious illness affecting one or both lungs that makes breathing difficult
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PO
abbr.
1 POST OFFICE —see also PO BOX
2 POSTAL ORDER
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poach
verb
1 [vn] to cook food, especially fish, gently in a small amount of liquid: poached salmon
2 [vn] to cook an egg gently in nearly boiling water after removing its shell
3 to illegally hunt birds, animals or fish on sb else’s property or without permission: [vn] The elephants are poached for their tusks. [alsov]
4 ~ (sb/sth) (from sb/sth) to take and use sb/sth that belongs to sb/sth else, especially in a secret, dishonest or unfair way: [vn] The company poached the contract from their main rivals.  Several of our employees have been poached by a rival firm.  [v] I hope I’m not poaching on your territory (= doing sth that is actually your responsibility).
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poach.er
noun
1 a person who illegally hunts birds, animals, or fish on sb’s else’s property
2 a special pan for POACHING eggs
IDM poacher turned 'gamekeeper (BrE) a person who has changed from one situation or attitude to the opposite one, especially sb who used to oppose people in authority but is now in a position of authority
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,P'O box
(also 'post office box) noun used as a kind of address, so that mail can be sent to a post office where it is kept until it is collected: Radio Netherlands, PO Box 222, Hilversum
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pocked
adj. having holes or hollow marks on the surface
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pocket
noun, verb
noun
IN CLOTHING|
1 a small piece of material like a small bag sewn into or onto a piece of clothing so that you can carry things in it: a coat pocket  I put the note in my pocket.  Turn out your pockets (= empty your pockets).  Take your hands out of your pockets!  a pocket dictionary (= one that is small enough to fit in your pocket)
SMALL CONTAINER|
2 a small bag or container fastened to sth so that you can put things in it, for example, in a car door or in a handbag: Information about safety procedures is in the pocket in front of you (= on a plane).—picture at BAG
MONEY|
3 [usually sing.] used to talk about the amount of money that you have to spend: We have holidays to suit every pocket.  He had no intention of paying for the meal out of his own pocket.  The Foundation is reputed to have very deep pockets (= to have a lot of money).
SMALL GROUP / AREA|
4 a small group or area that is different from its surroundings: There are still a few isolated pockets of resistance to the new regime.  a pocket of air—see also AIR POCKET
IN BILLIARDS, etc.|
5 any of the holes or nets around the edges of the table used in the games of BILLIARDS , POOL or SNOOKER , which you have to hit the ball into— be in sb’s 'pocket to be controlled or strongly influenced by sb be / live in each other’s 'pockets (BrE) if two people are in each other’s pockets, they are too close to each other or spend too much time with each other have sb in your 'pocket to have influence or power over sb, for example, a police officer or a politician, especially by threatening them or by offering them money to have sth in your 'pocket to be certain to win sth ,in / ,out of 'pocket (especially BrE) having gained/lost money as a result of sth: That one mistake left him thousands of pounds out of pocket.—more at BURN v. , DIP v. , HAND n. , LINE v. , PICK v.

verb [vn]
PUT INTO POCKET|
1 to put sth into your pocket: She paid for the drink and pocketed the change without counting it.
MONEY|
2 to take or keep sth, especially an amount of money, that does not belong to you: He regularly charges passengers more than the normal fare and pockets the difference.
3 to earn or win an amount of money: Last year, she pocketed over $1 million in advertising contracts.
IN BILLIARDS, etc.|
4 (in the games of BILLIARDS , POOL and SNOOKER ) to hit a ball into a pocket
SYN POT

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pock.et.book
noun
1 (AmE) used to refer to the financial situation of a person or country. (In the past it was a small flat case for carrying papers or money.): Many foreign goods are too expensive for American pocketbooks.  The increase is likely to hit the pocketbooks of consumers.
2 (especially BrE) a small book for writing in
SYN NOTEBOOK
3 (old-fashioned, AmE) = HANDBAG
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pock.et.ful
noun the amount a pocket holds: a pocketful of coins
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'pocket knife
noun (especially AmE ) = PENKNIFE
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'pocket money
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) (also al.low.ance especially in AmE) a small amount of money that parents give their children, usually every week or every month
2 a small amount of money that you can spend on things you need or want—compare SPENDING MONEY
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'pocket-sized
(also 'pocket-size) adj. small enough to fit into your pocket or to be carried easily
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,pocket 'veto
noun (in the US) a method by which the President can stop a new law from being introduced by not signing it and keeping it until a SESSION of Congress has finished
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pock.mark
noun a hollow mark on the skin, often caused by disease or infection
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'pock-marked
adj. covered with hollow marks or holes: a pock-marked face  The district is pock-marked with caves.
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pod
noun
1 a long thin case filled with seeds that develops from the flowers of some plants, especially peas and beans: a pea pod  a vanilla pod—
2 a long narrow container that is hung under an aircraft and used to carry fuel, equipment, weapons, etc.
3 part of a spacecraft or a boat that can be separated from the main part
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podgy
(BrE ) (also pudgyAmE, BrE) adj. (informal, usually disapproving) slightly fat: podgy arms / hands
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po.dia.trist
noun (especially AmE ) = CHIROPODIST
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po.dia.try
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = CHIROPODY
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po.dium
noun
1 a small platform that a person stands on when giving a speech or CONDUCTING an orchestra, etc.
2 (AmE) = LECTERN
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poem
noun a piece of writing in which the words are chosen for their sound and the images they suggest, not just for their obvious meanings. The words are arranged in separate lines, usually with a repeated rhythm, and sometimes the lines RHYME at the end.
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poet
noun a person who writes poems
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poet.ess
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who writes poems
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poet.ic
(also less frequent poet.ical ) adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with poetry; being poetry: poetic language  Byron’s Poetical Works
2 (approving) like or suggesting poetry, especially because it is imaginative and shows deep feeling: There is a poetic quality to her playing.
poet.ic.al.ly adv.
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po,etic 'justice
noun [U] a situation in which sth bad happens to sb, and you think that this is what they deserve
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po,etic 'licence
noun [U] the freedom to change facts, the normal rules of language, etc. in a special piece of writing or speech in order to achieve a particular effect: He used a little poetic licence to embroider a good story.
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,Poet 'Laureate
(also Laureate) noun
1 (especially in Britain) a person who has been officially chosen to write poetry for the country’s important occasions and is paid by the government or by the king or queen
2 (especially AmE) a person whose poetry is considered to be the best, or most typical of their country or region.
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poet.ry
noun
1 [U] a collection of poems; poems in general
SYN VERSE : epic / lyric / pastoral poetry  T.S. Eliot’s poetry  a poetry reading—compare PROSE
2 [U, sing.] (approving) a beautiful and graceful quality: There was poetry in all her gestures.
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po-faced
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) looking very serious and as though you do not approve of sb/sth
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pogo stick
noun a pole with a bar to stand on and a spring at the bottom, that you jump around on for fun
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pog.rom
noun the organized killing of large numbers of people, especially because of their race or religion (originally the killing of Jews in Russia)
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poign.ant
adj. having a strong effect on your feelings, especially in a way that makes you feel sad MOVING : a poignant image / moment / memory
poign.ancy noun [U]: the poignancy of parting and separation  Of particular poignancy was the photograph of their son with his sisters, taken the day before he died.
poign.ant.ly adv.
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poin.set.tia
noun a tropical plant with large red or pink leaves that grow to look like flowers, often grown indoors in pots
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point
noun, verb
noun
OPINION / FACT|
1 [C] a thing that sb says or writes giving their opinion or stating a fact: She made several interesting points in the article.  I take your point (= understand and accept what you are saying).  He’s just saying that to prove a point (= to show his idea is right).  OK, you’ve made your point !—see also TALKING POINT
MAIN IDEA|
2 [C] (usually the point) the main or most important idea in sth that is said or done: The point is you shouldn’t have to wait so long to see a doctor.  I wish he would get to the point (= say it quickly).  I’ll come straight to the point : we need more money.  Do you see my point (= understand)?  I think I missed the point (= did not understand).  You have a point (= your idea is right)—it would be better to wait till this evening.  ‘There won’t be anywhere to park.’‘Oh, that’s a (good) point .’ (= I had not thought of that)  It just isn’t true. That’s the whole point (= the only important fact).  ‘He’s been married before.’‘That’s beside the point. ’ (= not important)  I know it won’t cost very much but that’s not the point (= not the important thing).
PURPOSE|
3 [U, sing.] the purpose or aim of sth: What’s the point of all this violence?  There’s no point in getting angry.  I don’t see the point of doing it all again.  The point of the lesson is to compare the two countries.
DETAIL|
4 [C] a particular detail or fact: Here are the main points of the news.  Can you explain that point again?
QUALITY|
5 [C] a particular quality or feature that sb/sth has: Tact is not one of her strong points .  Read the manual to learn the program’s finer points (= small details).  Living in Scotland has its good points but the weather is not one of them.  One of the hotel’s plus points (= good features) is that it is very central.—see also SELLING POINT
TIME|
6 [C] a particular time or stage of development: The climber was at / on the point of death when they found him.  We were on the point of giving up.  Many people suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives.  We had reached the point when there was no money left.  At this point in time we just have to wait.  At this point I don’t care what you decide to do.—see also HIGH POINT , LOW POINT , SATURATION POINT , STARTING POINT , STICKING POINT , TURNING POINT
PLACE|
7 [C] a particular place or area: I’ll wait for you at the meeting point in the arrivals hall.  the point at which the river divides  Draw a line from point A to point B.  No parking beyond this point.—see also FOCAL POINT , JUMPING-OFF POINT , THREE-POINT TURN , VANISHING POINT , VANTAGE POINT
DIRECTION|
8 [C] one of the marks of direction around a COMPASS : the points of the compass (= N, S, E, W, etc.)
IN COMPETITION|
9 [C] (abbr.pt) an individual unit that adds to a score in a game or sports competition: to win / lose a point  Australia finished 20 points ahead.  They won on points (= by scoring more points rather than by completely defeating their opponents).—see also BROWNIE POINT , MATCH POINT
MEASUREMENT|
10 [C] a mark or unit on a scale of measurement: The party’s share of the vote fell by ten percentage points.—see also BOILING POINT , FREEZING POINT , MELTING POINT
PUNCTUATION|
11 [C] a small dot used in PUNCTUATION , especially the dot that separates a whole number from the part that comes after it: two point six (2·6)  a decimal point  We broadcast on ninety-five point nine (95·9) FM.
SHARP END|
12 [C] the sharp thin end of sth: the point of a pencil / knife / pin—see also BALLPOINT , GUNPOINT , KNIFEPOINT
LAND|
13 (also Point) a narrow piece of land that stretches into the sea: The ship sailed around the point.  Pagoda Point
OF LIGHT / COLOUR|
14 [C] a very small dot of light or colour: The stars were points of light in the sky.
FOR ELECTRICITY|
15 [C] (BrE) a place in a wall, etc. where a piece of equipment can be connected to electricity: a power / shaver / telephone point
IN BALLET|
16 (points) [pl.] = POINTE
ON RAILWAY TRACK|
17 (points) [pl.] (BrE) (AmE switch [C]) a piece of track at a place where a railway/railroad line divides that can be moved to allow a train to change tracks
SIZE OF LETTERS|
18 [U] a unit of measurement for the size of letters in printing or on a computer screen, etc: Change the text to 10 point. if / when it comes to the 'point used when you have to decide sth or say what you really think: When it comes to the point, he always changes his mind. in point of 'fact used to say what is true in a situation: In point of fact, she is their adopted daughter. make a 'point of doing sth to be or make sure you do sth because it is important or necessary: I made a point of closing all the windows before leaving the house. ,more to the 'point used to say that sth is more important than sth else: I couldn’t do the job—I’ve never been to Spain and, more to the point, I don’t speak Spanish. ,point of 'contact a place where you go or a person that you speak to when you are dealing with an organization: The receptionist is the first point of contact most people have with the clinic. a ,point of de'parture
1 a place where a journey starts
2 (formal) an idea, a theory or an event that is used to start a discussion, an activity, etc. a ,point of 'honour a thing that sb considers to be very important for their honour or reputation the ,point of ,no re'turn the time when you must continue with what you have decided to do, because it is not possible to get back to an earlier situation ,point 'taken used to say that you accept that sb else is right when they have disagreed with you or criticized you: Point taken. Let’s drop the subject. to the 'point expressed in a simple, clear way without any extra information or feelings: The letter was short and to the point. to the 'point of (doing) sth to a degree that can be described as sth: He was rude to the point of being aggressive. up to a (certain) 'point to some extent; to some degree but not completely: I agree with you up to a point.—more at BELABOUR , CASE n. , FINE adj. , LABOUR v. , MOOT adj. , SCORE v. , SORE adj. , STRETCH v.

verb
SHOW WITH FINGER|
1 [no passive] ~ (at / to / towards sb/sth) to stretch out your finger or sth held in your hand towards sb/sth in order to show sb where a person or thing is: [v] It’s rude to point!  He pointed to the spot where the house used to stand.  ‘What’s your name?’ he asked, pointing at the child with his pen.  She pointed in my direction.  [vn] She pointed her finger in my direction.
AIM|
2 [vn] ~ sth (at sb/sth) to aim sth at sb/sth: He pointed the gun at her head.
FACE DIRECTION|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to face in or be directed towards a particular direction: The telescope was pointing in the wrong direction.  The signpost pointed straight ahead.  A compass needle points north.
LEAD TO|
4 [+adv. / prep.] to lead to or suggest a particular development or logical argument: [v] The evidence seems to point in that direction.  [vn] The fans are looking to the new players to point the way to victory.
SHOW THE WAY|
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to show sb which way to go: I wonder if you could point me in the right direction for the bus station.  A series of yellow arrows pointed the way to reception.
WALL|
6 [vn] to put MORTAR between the bricks of a wall point a / the 'finger (at sb) to accuse sb of doing sth: The article points an accusing finger at the authorities. ,point sb/sth<->'out (to sb) to stretch your finger out towards sb/sth in order to show sb which person or thing you are referring to: I’ll point him out to you next time he comes in. ,point 'out (to sb)| ,point sth<->'out (to sb) to mention sth in order to give sb information about it or make them notice it: She tried in vain to point out to him the unfairness of his actions.  He pointed out the dangers of driving alone. [+ that] I should point out that not one of these paintings is original. [+ speech] ‘It’s not very far,’ she pointed out. 'point to sth
1 to mention sth that you think is important and/or the reason why a particular situation exists: The board of directors pointed to falling productivity to justify their decision.
2 to suggest that sth is true or likely: All the signs point to a successful year ahead. ,point sth<->'up (formal) to emphasize sth so that it becomes more noticeable: The conference merely pointed up divisions in the party.

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,point-'blank
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a shot) fired with the gun touching or very close to the person or thing it is aimed at: The officer was shot dead at point-blank range .
2 (of sth that is said) very definite and direct and not very polite: a point-blank refusal
,point-'blank adv.: She fired point-blank at his chest.  He refused point-blank to be photographed.
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'point duty
noun [U] (BrE ) the job of controlling traffic that is done by a police officer standing in the middle of the road: to be on point duty
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pointe
noun [U] (also pointes points [pl.]) the tops of the toes that a ballet dancer balances on
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point.ed
adj.
1 having a sharp end: a pointed chin  pointed teeth  the pointed arches used in medieval buildings  a pointed instrument—see also POINTY
2 aimed in a clear and often critical way against a particular person or their behaviour: a pointed comment / remark  His words were a pointed reminder of her position.
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point.ed.ly
adv. in a way that is clearly intended to show what you mean or to express criticism: She yawned and looked pointedly at her watch.
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point.er
noun
1 (informal) a piece of advice: Here are some pointers on how to go about the writing task.
2 ~ (to sth) a sign that sth exists; a sign that shows how sth may develop in the future: The surge in car sales was regarded as an encouraging pointer to an improvement in the economy.
3 a thin strip of metal that points to the numbers on a DIAL on a piece of equipment for measuring sth
4 a stick used to point to things on a map or picture on a wall
5 (computing) a small symbol, for example an arrow that marks a point on a computer screen
6 a large dog used in hunting, trained to stand still with its nose pointing towards the birds being hunted
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poin.til.lism
noun [U] a style of painting that was developed in France in the late 19th century in which very small dots of colour are used to build up the picture
poin.til.list adj.
poin.til.list noun: Seurat, the French pointillist
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point.ing
noun [U] (BrE ) the MORTAR that is put in the spaces between the bricks or stones in a wall; the method of filling in the spaces with MORTAR
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point.less
adj. having no purpose; not worth doing: We searched until we knew it would be pointless to continue.
point.less.ly adv.: He argued pointlessly with his parents.
point.less.ness noun [U]: the pointlessness of war
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'point man
noun a soldier who goes in front of the others to look for danger: (figurative, AmE ) the President’s point man on education (= the person who is responsible for it)
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,point of 'order
noun (pl.points of order) (formal) a question about whether the rules of behaviour in a formal discussion or meeting are being followed correctly
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,point of 'reference
noun (pl.points of reference) something that you already know that helps you understand a situation or explain sth to sb
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,point of 'sale
noun [sing.] the place where a product is sold: More information on healthy foods should be provided at the point of sale .
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,point of 'use
noun [sing.] the place where a product or a service is actually used: Medical care is still free at the point of use .
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,point of 'view
noun (pl.points of view)
1 the particular attitude or opinion that sb has about sth: Why can’t you ever see my point of view?  There are a number of different points of view on this issue.  From my point of view (= as far as I was concerned) the party was a complete success.
2 a particular way of considering or judging a situation ANGLE : These statistics are important from an ecological point of view.  From the point of view of higher education, the cuts will be a disaster.  The book is written from the father’s point of view.
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,point-to-'point
noun (BrE ) a race on horses that goes over a marked course across fields and has fences or walls for the horses to jump over
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pointy
adj. (informal) with a point at one end
SYN POINTED : pointy ears
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poise
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a calm and confident manner with control of your feelings or behaviour: His performance was full of maturity and poise.
2 the ability to move or stand in a graceful way with good control of your body

verb to be or hold sth steady in a particular position, especially above sth else: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The hawk poised in mid-air ready to swoop.  [vn to inf] He was poising himself to launch a final attack.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] She poised the javelin in her hand before the throw.

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poised
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (on, above, over, etc. sth)| ~ (to do sth) in a position that is completely still but is ready to move at any moment: Tina was tense, her hand poised over the telephone.  He stopped writing and looked at me, pen poised.  The cat crouched in the grass, poised to jump.
2 [not before noun] ~ (in, on, above, etc. sth) in a position that is balanced but likely to change in one direction or another: The dancer was poised on one foot.  The cup was poised on the edge of the chair.   (figurative) The world stood poised between peace and war.
3 [not before noun] ~ for sth| ~ to do sth completely ready for sth or to do sth
SYN SET : The economy is poised for recovery.  The British team is poised to win the title.  Kate is poised to become the highest-paid supermodel in the fashion world.
4 having a calm and confident manner and in control of your feelings and behaviour: He is a remarkably poised young man.
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poi.son
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 a substance that causes death or harm if it is swallowed or absorbed into the body: Some mushrooms contain a deadly poison.  How did he die? Was it poison?  The dog was killed by rat poison (= poison intended to kill rats).  to hunt with poison arrows  bombs containing poison gas
2 an idea, a feeling, etc. that is extremely harmful: the poison of racial hatred
IDM what’s your 'poison? (spoken, humorous) used to ask sb what alcoholic drink they would like

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (with sth) to harm or kill a person or an animal by giving them poison
2 to put poison in or on sth: a poisoned arrow  Someone had been poisoning his food.  Large sections of the river have been poisoned by toxic waste from factories.
3 (written) to have a bad effect on sth: His comment served only to poison the atmosphere still further.  She succeeded in poisoning their minds against me.
IDM a poisoned 'chalice (especially BrE) a thing which seems attractive when it is given to sb but which soon becomes unpleasant: He inherited a poisoned chalice when he took over the job as union leader.

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poi.son.er
noun a person who murders sb by using poison
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poi.son.ing
noun [U, C]
1 the fact or state of having swallowed or absorbed poison: a series of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning  At least 10 000 children are involved in accidental poisonings every year.
2 the act of killing or harming sb/sth by giving them poison: The police suspected poisoning.  The rats were controlled by poisoning.—see also BLOOD POISONING , FOOD POISONING
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,poison 'ivy
noun [U] a N American climbing plant that causes painful spots on the skin when you touch it
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,poison 'oak
noun [U] a N American bush that causes painful spots on the skin when you touch it
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poi.son.ous
adj.
1 causing death or illness if swallowed or absorbed into the body
SYN TOXIC : poisonous chemicals / plants  This gas is highly poisonous.  The leaves of certain trees are poisonous to cattle.
2 (of animals and insects) producing a poison that can cause death or illness if the animal or insect bites you
SYN VENOMOUS : poisonous snakes  a tiny spider with a poisonous bite
3 extremely unpleasant or unfriendly: a poisonous person  the poisonous atmosphere in the office
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,poison 'pen letter
noun an unpleasant letter which is not signed and is intended to upset the person who receives it
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,poison 'pill
noun (informal, business ) a form of defence used by a company to prevent, or to reduce the effect of, a TAKEOVER BID that they do not want, for example by selling some of their important possessions
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poke
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to quickly push your fingers or another object into sb/sth: She poked him in the ribs with her elbow.  She poked her elbow into his ribs.  I’m sick of being poked and prodded by doctors.  She got up and poked the fire (= to make it burn more strongly).
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push sth somewhere or move it in a particular direction with a small quick movement: He poked his head around the corner to check that nobody was coming.  Someone had poked a message under the door.  Don’t poke her eye out with that stick!
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] if an object is poking out of, through, etc. sth, you can see a part of it that is no longer covered by sth else: The end of the cable was left poking out of the wall.  Clumps of grass poked up through the snow.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ a hole in sth (with sth) to make a hole in sth by pushing your finger or another object into it: The kids poked holes in the ice with sticks.
5 [vn] (slang,  ) (of a man) to have sex with sb
IDM poke 'fun at sb/sth to say unkind things about sb/sth in order to make other people laugh at them: Her novels poke fun at the upper class.—more at NOSE n.
PVR V ,poke a'bout / a'round (informal) to look for sth, especially sth that is hidden among other things that you have to move: The police spent the day poking around in his office but found nothing.   (figurative) We’ve had journalists poking around and asking a lot of questions. 'poke at sth to push a pointed object, your finger, etc. at sth repeatedly with small quick movements: He poked at the spaghetti with a fork.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the action of quickly pushing your fingers or another object into sb/sth: to give the fire a poke  He gave me a poke in the ribs to wake me up.
2 [U] (BrE) power in a car: I prefer something with a bit more poke.
IDM have a ,poke a'round (informal) to look carefully around a place to see what you can find; to try to find out information about sb/sth take a 'poke at sb/sth (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) to make an unkind remark about sb/sth; to laugh at sb/sth—more at PIG n.

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poker
noun
1 [U] a card game for two or more people, in which the players bet on the values of the cards they hold
2 [C] a metal stick for moving or breaking up coal in a fire
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'poker-faced
adj. (informal) with an expression on your face that does not show what you are thinking or feeling: Our passports were checked by poker-faced officials.  a poker-faced expression
'poker face noun: He maintained a poker face.
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poky
adj. (informal)
1 (of a room or a building) too small; without much space: a poky little room
2 (also pokey) (both AmE) extremely slow and annoying
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pol
noun (AmE , informal) = POLITICIAN
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polar
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with, or near the North or South Pole: the polar regions  polar ice  polar explorers
2 (technical) connected with the POLES (= the positive and negative ends) of a MAGNET : polar attraction
3 (formal) used to describe sth that is the complete opposite of sth else: The parents' position is often the polar opposite of the child’s.
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'polar bear
noun a white bear that lives near the North Pole
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po.lar.ity
noun [U]
1 ~ (between A and B) (formal) the situation when two tendencies, opinions, etc. oppose each other: the growing polarity between the left and right wings of the party
2 [U, C] (physics) the condition of having two POLES with opposite qualities: the polarity of a magnet
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po.lar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 to separate or make people separate into two groups with completely opposite opinions: [v] Public opinion has polarized on this issue.  [vn] The issue has polarized public opinion.
2 [vn] (physics) to make waves of light, etc. VIBRATE in a single direction
3 [vn] (physics) to give polarity to sth: to polarize a magnet
po.lar.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
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Po.lar.oid
™noun
1 [C] (also ,Polaroid 'camera) a camera that can produce a photograph within a few seconds
2 [C] a photograph that has been taken with a Polaroid camera
3 [U] a transparent substance that is put on SUNGLASSES and car windows to make the sun seem less bright: Polaroid sunglasses
4 (Polaroids) [pl.] (also ,Polaroid 'sunglasses) SUNGLASSES that have a layer of Polaroid on them
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pole
noun, verb
noun
1 a long thin straight piece of wood or metal, especially one with the end placed in the ground, used as a support: a tent / telegraph pole  a ski pole—see also BARGEPOLE , FLAGPOLE , TOTEM POLE
2 either of the two points at the opposite ends of the line on which the earth or any other planet turns: the North / South Pole
3 (physics) either of the two ends of a MAGNET , or the positive or negative points of an electric battery
4 either of two opposite or contrasting extremes: Their opinions were at opposite poles of the debate.
IDM be 'poles apart to be widely separated; to have no interests that you share: Her own friends were poles apart from his. up the 'pole (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) crazy—more at TOUCH v.

verb [vn, v + adv.  /  prep.] to move a boat by pushing on the bottom of a river, etc. with a pole

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pole.axe
(BrE ) (AmEpole.ax) verb [vn]
1 to hit sb very hard so that they fall down and cannot stand up again
2 [usually passive] to surprise or shock you so much that you do not know what to say or do
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pole.cat
noun
1 a small European wild animal with a long thin body, dark brown fur and a strong unpleasant smell
2 (AmE) = SKUNK
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po.lem.ic
noun (formal)
1 [C] a speech or a piece of writing that argues very strongly for or against sth/sb
2 [U] (also po.lem.ics [pl.]) the practice or skill of arguing strongly for or against sth/sb: Her speech was memorable for its polemic rather than its substance.
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po.lem.ic.al
(also less frequent po.lem.ic) adj. (formal) involving strong arguments for or against sth, often in opposition to the opinion of others: a polemical attack
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po.lemi.cist
noun (formal) a person who makes skilful use of POLEMIC
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'pole position
noun [U, C] the leading position at the start of a race involving cars or bicycles
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the 'Pole Star
noun [sing.] the star that is above the North Pole in the sky
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the 'pole vault
noun [sing.] a sporting event in which people try to jump over a high bar, using a long pole to push themselves off the ground—
'pole-vaulter noun
'pole-vaulting noun [U]
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po.lice
noun, verb
noun (often the police) [pl.] an official organization whose job is to make people obey the law and to prevent and solve crime; the people who work for this organization: A man was arrested by the police and held for questioning.  Get out of the house or I’ll call the police .  Police suspect a local gang.  a police car / enquiry / warning  Hundreds of police in riot gear struggled to control the violence.—see also SECRET POLICE

verb [vn]
1 (of the police, army, etc.) to go around a particular area to make sure that nobody is breaking the law there: The border will be policed by UN officials.
2 (of a committee, etc.) to make sure that a particular set of rules is obeyed: The profession is policed by its own regulatory body.

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po'lice commissioner
noun (especially AmE ) = COMMISSIONER
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po,lice 'constable
(also constable) noun (abbr. PC) (in Britain and some other countries) a police officer of the lowest rank: Police Constable Jordan
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po'lice dog
noun a dog that is trained to find or attack suspected criminals
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po'lice force
noun the police organization of a country, district or town
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po.lice.man
noun (pl.-men ) a male police officer  note at GENDER
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po'lice officer
(also officer) noun a member of the police
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po'lice state
noun (disapproving) a country where people’s freedom, especially to travel and to express political opinions, is controlled by the government, with the help of the police
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po'lice station
(AmE also 'station house) noun the office of a local police force: The suspect was taken to the nearest police station for questioning.
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po.lice.wo.man
noun (pl.-women ) a female police officer  note at GENDER
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po.licing
noun [U]
1 the activity of keeping order in a place with police: community policing
2 the activity of controlling an industry, an activity, etc. to make sure that people obey the rules: the policing of legislation
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pol.icy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] ~ (on sth) a plan of action agreed or chosen by a political party, a business, etc: the present government’s policy on education  The company has adopted a firm policy on shoplifting.  US foreign / domestic policy  They have had a significant change in policy on paternity leave.  a policy document
2 [C, U] (formal) a principle that you believe in that influences how you behave; a way in which you usually behave: She is following her usual policy of ignoring all offers of help.   (saying) Honesty is the best policy.
3 [C] a written statement of a contract of insurance: Check the terms of the policy before you sign.
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pol.icy.hold.er
noun (formal) a person or group that holds an insurance policy
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polio
(also formal polio.my.el.itis ) noun [U] an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause temporary or permanent PARALYSIS (= loss of control or feeling in part or most of the body)
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pol.ish
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a substance used when rubbing a surface to make it smooth and shiny: furniture / floor / shoe / silver polish  wax polish—see also FRENCH POLISH , NAIL POLISH
2 [sing.] an act of polishing sth: I give it a polish now and again.
3 [sing.] the shiny appearance of sth after it has been polished
4 [U] a high quality of performance achieved with great skill: She played the cello with the polish of a much older musician.
5 [U] high standards of behaviour; being polite: She thought that her husband’s family lacked polish.
IDM see SPIT n.

verb
1 ~ sth (up) (with sth) to make sth smooth and shiny by rubbing it with a piece of fabric, often with polish on it: [vn] Polish shoes regularly to protect the leather.  He polished his glasses with a handkerchief. [alsov] —see also FRENCH POLISH
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to make changes to sth in order to improve it: The statement was carefully polished and checked before release.  The hotel has polished up its act (= improved its service) since last year.
PVR V ,polish sb<->'off (informal, especially AmE) to kill sb ,polish sth<->'off (informal) to finish sth, especially food, quickly: He polished off the remains of the apple pie.

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pol.ished
adj.
1 shiny as a result of polishing
2 elegant, confident and/or highly skilled: polished manners  She gave a polished performance on the piano.
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pol.ish.er
noun a machine for polishing sth: a floor polisher
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pol.it.buro
noun (pl.-os) the most important committee of a Communist party, with the power to decide on policy, especially in the former USSR
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po.lite
adj. (po.liter, po.litest)
HELP more polite and most polite are also common
1 having or showing good manners and respect for the feelings of others
SYN COURTEOUS : Please be polite to our guests.  We were all too polite to object.
OPP IMPOLITE
2 socially correct but not always sincere: I don’t know how to make polite conversation .  The performance was greeted with polite applause.
3 [only before noun] from a class of society that believes it is better than others: ‘Bum’ is not a word we use in polite company.
po.lite.ly adv.
po.lite.ness noun [U]
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pol.it.ic
adj. (formal) (of actions) based on good judgement
SYN WISE , PRUDENT : It seemed politic to say nothing.—see also BODY POLITIC
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pol.it.ical
adj.
1 connected with the state, government or public affairs: a monarch without political power  He was a political prisoner (= one who was imprisoned because he was thought to be harmful to the state).
2 connected with the different groups working in politics, especially their policies and the competition between them: a political debate / party / leader  What are your political sympathies?
3 (of people) interested in or active in politics: She became very political at university.  I’m not a political animal (= person).
4 concerned with power, status, etc. within an organization, rather than with matters of principle: I suspect that he was dismissed for political reasons.—see also POLITICALLY
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po,litical a'sylum
noun [U] (formal) = ASYLUM
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po,litical cor'rectness
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) the principle of avoiding language and behaviour that may offend particular groups of people
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po,litical e'conomy
noun [U] the study of how nations organize the production and use of wealth
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po,litical ge'ography
noun [U] the way in which the world is divided into different countries, especially as a subject of study
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pol.it.ic.al.ly
adv. in a way that is connected with politics: a politically sensitive issue  politically motivated crimes  It makes sense politically as well as economically.
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po,litically cor'rect
adj. (abbr. PC) used to describe language or behaviour that deliberately tries to avoid offending particular groups of people
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po,litically incor'rect
adj. failing to avoid language or behaviour that may offend particular groups of people
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po,litical 'science
(also pol.it.ics) noun [U] the study of government and politics
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po,litical 'scientist
noun an expert in political science
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pol.it.ician
noun
1 (also AmE informal pol) a person whose job is concerned with politics, especially as an elected member of parliament, etc.
2 (disapproving) a person who is good at using different situations in an organization to try to get power or advantage for himself or herself
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pol.iti.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to make sth a political issue: the highly politicized issue of unemployment
2 to make sb/sth become more involved in politics: The rural population has become increasingly politicized in recent years.
pol.iti.ciza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the politicization of education
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pol.it.ick.ing
noun [U] (often disapproving) political activity, especially to win support for yourself
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pol.it.ico
noun (pl.-os) (informal, disapproving) a politician; sb who is active in politics
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pol.it.ics
noun
1 [U+sing./pl. v.] the activities involved in getting and using power in public life, and being able to influence decisions that affect a country or a society: party politics  local politics  He’s thinking of going into politics (= trying to become a Member of Parliament, Congress, etc.)  a major figure in British politics
2 [U+sing./pl. v.] (disapproving) matters concerned with getting or using power within a particular group or organization: I don’t want to get involved in office politics.  the internal politics of the legal profession  sexual politics (= concerning relationships of power between the sexes)
3 [pl.] a person’s political views or beliefs: His politics are extreme.
4 [U] = POLITICAL SCIENCE : a degree in Politics
5 [sing.] a system of political beliefs; a state of political affairs: A politics of the future has to engage with new ideas.
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pol.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (technical )
1 [C] a society as a politically organized state
2 [U] the form or process of government
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polka
noun a fast dance for two people together that was popular in the 19th century; a piece of music for this dance
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'polka dot
noun one of many dots that together form a pattern, especially on fabric: a polka-dot tie—compare SPOT —
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poll
noun, verb
noun
1 (also o'pinion poll) [C] the process of questioning people who are representative of a larger group in order to get information about the general opinion: to carry out / conduct a poll  A recent poll suggests some surprising changes in public opinion.
2 [C] (also the polls [pl.]) the process of voting at an election; the process of counting the votes: The final result of the poll will be known tomorrow.  Thursday is traditionally the day when Britain goes to the polls (= when elections are held).  Polls close (= voting ends) at 9 p.m.
3 [sing.] the number of votes given in an election: Labour is ahead in the poll.  They gained 20% of the poll.—see also DEED POLL , EXIT POLL , STRAW POLL

verb
1 to receive a particular number of votes in an election: [vn] They polled 39% of the vote in the last election.  [v] The Republicans have polled well (= received many votes) in recent elections.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to ask a large number of members of the public what they think about sth: Over 50% of those polled were against the proposed military action.

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pol.lard
verb [vn] [usually passive] (technical ) to cut off the branches at the top of the tree so that the lower branches will grow more thickly
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pol.len
noun [U] fine powder, usually yellow, that is formed in flowers, and carried to other flowers of the same kind by the wind or by insects, to make those flowers produce seeds
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'pollen count
noun [usually sing.] a number that shows the amount of pollen in the air, used to warn people whose health is affected by it
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pol.lin.ate
verb [vn] to put POLLEN into a flower or plant so that it produces seeds: flowers pollinated by bees / the wind
pol.lin.ation noun [U]
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poll.ing
noun [U]
1 the activity of voting: Polling has been heavy since 8 a.m.
2 the act of asking questions as part of an opinion POLL
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'polling booth
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'voting booth) noun a small, partly enclosed place in a POLLING STATION where people vote by marking a card, etc.
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'polling day
noun [U, C] (BrE ) a day on which people vote in an election: a week before polling day
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'polling station
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'polling place) noun a building where people go to vote in an election
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poll.ster
noun a person who makes or asks the questions in an OPINION POLL
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'poll tax
noun a tax that must be paid at the same rate by every person or every adult in a particular area
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pol.lu.tant
noun (formal) a substance that pollutes sth, especially air and water
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pol.lute
verb [vn] ~ sth (by / with sth) to add dirty or harmful substances to land, air, water, etc. so that it is no longer pleasant or safe to use: the exhaust fumes that are polluting our cities  The river has been polluted with toxic waste from local factories.   (figurative) a society polluted by racism
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pol.luter
noun a person, company, country, etc. that causes pollution
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pol.lu.tion
noun [U]
1 the process of making air, water, soil, etc. dirty; the state of being dirty: air / water pollution  to reduce levels of environmental pollution
2 substances that make air, water, soil, etc. dirty: beaches covered with pollution
3 noise / light ~ harmful or annoying levels of noise, or of artificial light at night
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polo
noun [U] a game in which two teams of players riding on horses try to hit a ball into a goal using long wooden hammers (called MALLETS )—see also WATER POLO
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'polo neck
(BrE ) (AmE turtle.neck) noun a high round collar made when the neck of a piece of clothing is folded over; a piece of clothing with a polo neck : You can wear a polo neck with that jacket.  a polo-neck sweater—
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'polo shirt
noun an informal shirt with short sleeves, a collar and a few buttons at the neck
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pol.ter.geist
noun a ghost that makes loud noises and throws objects
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poly
noun (pl.polys) (BrE , informal) = POLYTECHNIC
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poly-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) many: polygamy  polyphonic
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poly.an.dry
noun [U] (technical ) the custom of having more than one husband at the same time
poly.an.drous adj.
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poly.es.ter
noun [U, C] a strong artificial fabric, often mixed with other fabrics and used especially for making clothes: a cotton and polyester shirt
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poly.ethyl.ene
noun [U] (AmE ) = POLYTHENE
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pol.yg.amy
noun [U] (technical ) the custom of having more than one wife at the same time—compare BIGAMY , MONOGAMY
pol.yg.am.ous adj.: a polygamous marriage / society
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poly.glot
adj. (formal) knowing, using or written in many languages: a polyglot nation
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poly.gon
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with at least three straight sides and angles, and usually five or more
pol.yg.on.al adj.
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poly.graph
noun (technical ) = LIE DETECTOR
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poly.math
noun (formal, approving) a person who knows a lot about many different subjects
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poly.mer
noun (chemistry ) a natural or artificial compound consisting of large MOLECULES (= groups of atoms) that are made from combinations of small simple MOLECULES
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poly.morph.ous
(also poly.morph.ic ) adj. (formal ortechnical ) having or passing through many stages of development
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polyp
noun
1 (medical) a small lump that grows inside the body, especially in the nose, that is caused by disease but is usually harmless
2 a small and very simple sea creature with a body shaped like a tube
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pol.yph.ony
noun [U] (music ) the combination of several different patterns of musical notes sung together to form a single piece of music
SYN COUNTERPOINT
poly.phon.ic adj.
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poly.pro.pyl.ene
noun [U] a strong plastic often used for objects such as toys or chairs that are made in a MOULD
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poly.sem.ous
adj. (linguistics ) (of a word) having more than one meaning
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poly.styr.ene
(also Styrofoam™ especially in AmE) noun [U] a very light soft plastic that is usually white, used especially for making containers that prevent heat loss: polystyrene cups / mugs
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poly.syl.lable
noun (technical ) a word of several (usually more than three) syllables
poly.syl.lab.ic adj.
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poly.tech.nic
(also BrE informal poly) noun (in Britain in the past) a college for higher education, especially in scientific and technical subjects. Most polytechnics are now called, and have the same status as, universities.
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poly.the.ism
noun [U] the belief that there is more than one god—compare MONOTHEISM
poly.the.is.tic adj.
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poly.thene
(BrE ) (AmE poly.ethyl.ene) noun [U] a strong thin plastic material, used especially for making bags or for wrapping things: a polythene bag
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poly.un.sat.ur.ated
adj. (of many vegetable fats and some animal fats) having a chemical structure which does not encourage the harmful development of CHOLESTEROL : polyunsaturated margarine—see also SATURATED , UNSATURATED
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poly.ur.eth.ane
noun [U] a type of plastic material used in making paints, glues, etc: polyurethane gloss (= a paint that dries with a hard shiny surface)
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pom
noun = POMMY
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po.man.der
noun a round container filled with dried flowers, leaves, etc. that is used to give a pleasant smell to rooms or clothes
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pom.egran.ate
noun a round fruit with thick smooth skin and red flesh full of large seeds—
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pom.mel
noun
1 the higher front part of a SADDLE on a horse
2 the round part on the end of the handle of a SWORD
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pommy
noun (pl.-ies) (also pom) (AustralE, NZE , informal, often disapproving) a British person
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pomp
noun [U] the impressive clothes, decorations, music, etc. and traditional customs that are part of an official occasion or ceremony: all the pomp and ceremony of a royal wedding
IDM ,pomp and 'circumstance formal and impressive ceremony
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pom.pom
(also pom.pon ) noun
1 a small woollen ball used for decoration, especially on a hat
SYN BOBBLE —picture at HAT
2 (especially in the US) a large round bunch of strips of plastic, tied to a handle, used by CHEERLEADERS
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pom.pous
adj. (disapproving) showing that you think you are more important than other people, especially by using long and formal words: a pompous official  His speech sounded very pompous and self-congratulatory.
pom.pos.ity noun [U]: The prince’s manner was informal, without a trace of pomposity.
pom.pous.ly adv.
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ponce
noun, verb
noun (BrE , informal)
1 a man who controls one or several prostitutes and the money that they earn
SYN PIMP
2 an offensive word for a man whose appearance and behaviour seem similar to a woman’s, or who is thought to be HOMOSEXUAL

verb
PVR V ,ponce a'bout / a'round (usually used in the progressive tenses) (BrE, informal) to waste time when you are doing sth so that you achieve nothing; to do silly things in a way that looks ridiculous

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pon.cho
noun (pl.-os) a type of coat without sleeves, made from one large piece of fabric with a hole in the middle for the head to go through
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pond
noun a small area of still water, especially one that is artificial: a fish pond
IDM across the 'pond (informal) on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean from Britain/the US—more at BIG adj.
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pon.der
verb ~ (about / on / over sth) (written) to think about sth carefully for a period of time
SYN CONSIDER : [v] She pondered over his words.  They were left to ponder on the implications of the announcement.  [vn] The senator pondered the question for a moment.  [v wh-] They are pondering whether the money could be better used elsewhere. [alsov speech]
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pon.der.ous
adj. (written)
1 (disapproving) (of speech and writing) too slow and careful; serious and boring: He spoke in a slow ponderous voice.
2 moving slowly and heavily; able to move only slowly: She watched the cow’s ponderous progress.
pon.der.ous.ly adv.
pon.der.ous.ness noun [U]
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pone
noun [U] (AmE ) = CORN PONE
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pong
noun (BrE , informal) a strong unpleasant smell: What’s that pong?
pong verb : [v] That cheese pongs!
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pon.tiff
noun (formal) the POPE (= the leader of the Roman Catholic Church)
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pon.tif.ic.al
adj. (formal) connected with a POPE
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pon.tifi.cate
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (about / on sth) (disapproving) to give your opinions about sth in a way that shows that you think you are right

noun the official position or period in office of a POPE

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pon.toon
noun
1 [C] a temporary floating platform built across several boats or hollow structures, especially one used for tying boats to
2 [C] a boat or hollow structure that is one of several used to support a floating platform or bridge: a pontoon bridge
3 [U] (BrE) = BLACKJACK
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pony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a type of small horse—see also SHETLAND PONY
2 (BrE, slang) £25
IDM see SHANK
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pony.tail
noun a bunch of hair tied at the back of the head so that it hangs like a horse’s tail—compare PIGTAIL —picture at HAIR
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'pony-trekking
noun [U] (BrE ) the activity of riding PONIES in the countryside for pleasure: to go pony-trekking
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poo
(also pooh) (both BrE) noun [U, C] (also poop [U] AmE, BrE) a child’s word for the solid waste that is passed through the bowels
SYN FAECES : dog poo  I want to do a poo!
poo (also pooh) verb [v]
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pooch
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a dog
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poo.dle
noun
1 a dog with thick, curly hair that is sometimes cut into special shapes
2 (BrE, informal) a person who is too willing to do what sb else tells them to do: He has made himself appear a poodle of the Prime Minister.
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poof
noun, exclamation
noun (also poof.ter ) (BrE ,  , slang) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL man

exclamation used when talking about sth disappearing suddenly: He walked through—and vanished. Poof! Like that.

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pooh
exclamation, noun, verb
exclamation (especially BrE )
1 used to express disgust at a bad smell: It stinks! Pooh!
2 used to say that you think sb’s idea, suggestion, etc. is not very good or that you do not believe what sb has said: ‘I might lose my job for this.’‘Oh, pooh, nobody will care.’

noun, verb = POO

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,pooh-'pooh
verb [vn] (informal) to say that a suggestion, an idea, etc. is not true or not worth thinking about: They are pooh-poohing suggestions of a split in the party.
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pool
noun, verb
noun
FOR SWIMMING|
1 [C] = SWIMMING POOL : Does the hotel have a pool?  relaxing by the pool
OF WATER|
2 [C] a small area of still water, especially one that has formed naturally: freshwater pools  a rock pool (= between rocks by the sea)
OF LIQUID / LIGHT|
3 [C] ~ (of sth) a small amount of liquid or light lying on a surface: The body was lying in a pool of blood.  a pool of light
GROUP OF THINGS / PEOPLE|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a supply of things or money that is shared by a group of people and can be used when needed: a pool of cars used by the firm’s salesmen  a pool car
5 [C] ~ (of sth) a group of people available for work when needed: a large pool of software engineers  a pool of cheap labour
GAME|
6 [U] a game for two people played with 16 coloured balls on a table, often in pubs and bars. Players use CUES (= long sticks) to try to hit the balls into pockets at the edge of the table: a pool table / hall  to shoot (= play) pool—compare BILLIARDS , SNOOKER —
FOOTBALL|
7 (the pools) = FOOTBALL POOLS : He does the pools every week.  a pools winner—see also GENE POOL

verb [vn] to collect money, information, etc. from different people so that it can be used by all of them: The students work individually, then pool their ideas in groups of six.  Police forces across the country are pooling resources in order to solve this crime.

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pool.side
noun [sing.] the area around a swimming pool: lazing at the poolside  a poolside bar
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poop
noun, verb
noun
1 (also 'poop deck) [C] the raised part at the back end of a ship—compare STERN
2 [U] (informal, especially AmE) = POO : dog poop on the sidewalk

verb (AmE , informal)
1 [v] to pass solid waste from the bowels: The dog just pooped in the kitchen!
2 [vn] ~ sb (out) to make sb very tired: That walk really pooped me out!
PVR V ,poop 'out to stop working or functioning

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pooped
(also ,pooped 'out) adj. [not before noun] (informal, especially AmE ) very tired
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pooper scoop.er
(also 'poop scoop) noun (informal) a tool used by dog owners for removing their dog’s solid waste from the streets
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poor
adj. (poor.er, poor.est)
HAVING LITTLE MONEY|
1 having very little money; not having enough money for basic needs: They were too poor to buy shoes for the kids.  We aim to help the poorest families.  It’s among the poorer countries of the world.
OPP RICH
2 (the poor) noun [pl.] people who have very little money: They provided food and shelter for the poor.
OPP RICH
UNFORTUNATE|
3 [only before noun] (especially spoken) deserving pity and sympathy: Have you heard about poor old Harry? His wife’s left him.  It’s hungry—the poor little thing.  ‘I have stacks of homework to do.’‘Oh, you poor thing.’
NOT GOOD|
4 not good; of a quality that is low or lower than expected: the party’s poor performance in the election  to be in poor health / condition  It was raining heavily and visibility was poor.  poor food / light / soil  to have a poor opinion of sb (= to not think well of sb)
5 (of a person) not good or skilled at sth: a poor swimmer  a poor judge of character  She’s a good teacher but a poor manager.  a poor sailor (= sb who easily gets sick at sea)
HAVING LITTLE OF STH|
6 ~ in sth having very small amounts of sth: a country poor in natural resources  soil poor in nutrients
OPP RICH be / come a poor second, third, etc. (especially BrE) to finish a long way behind the winner in a race, competition, etc. the ,poor man’s 'sb / 'sth a person or thing that is similar to but of a lower quality than a particular famous person or thing: Sparkling white wine is the poor man’s champagne.—more at ACCOUNT n.
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poor.house
noun = WORKHOUSE
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poor.ly
adv., adj.
adv. in a way that is not satisfactory
SYN BADLY : a poorly attended meeting (= at which there are not many people)  poorly designed  The job is relatively poorly paid.  Our candidate fared poorly in the election (= did not get many votes).

adj. [not usually before noun] (BrE , informal) ill: She felt poorly.

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,poor re'lation
noun something that is not treated with as much respect as other similar things because it is not thought to be as good, important or successful
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pop
noun, verb, adj., adv.
noun
MUSIC|
1 (also 'pop music) [U] modern popular music of the sort that has been popular since the 1950s, usually with a strong rhythm and simple tunes: rock, pop and soul
FATHER|
2 [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) used as a word for ‘father’, especially as a form of address: Hi, Pop!
SOUND|
3 [C] a short sharp explosive sound: The cork came out of the bottle with a loud pop.
DRINK|
4 [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a sweet FIZZY drink (= with bubbles) that is not alcoholic

verb (-pp-)
MAKE SOUND|
1 to make a short explosive sound; to cause sth to make this sound: [v] the sound of corks popping [alsovn]
2 to burst, or make sth burst, with a short explosive sound: [vn] She jumped as someone popped a balloon behind her. [alsov]
GO QUICKLY|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE, informal) to go somewhere quickly, suddenly or for a short time: I’ll pop over and see you this evening.  Why don’t you pop in (= visit us) for a drink next time you’re in the area?
PUT QUICKLY|
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (informal, especially BrE) to put sth somewhere quickly, suddenly or for a short time: He popped his head around the door and said hello.  I’ll pop the books in (= deliver them) on my way home.
APPEAR SUDDENLY|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to suddenly appear especially when not expected: The window opened and a dog’s head popped out.  An idea suddenly popped into his head.   (computing) The menu pops up when you click twice on the mouse.
OF EARS|
6 [v] if your ears pop, the pressure in them suddenly changes when going up or down in a plane, etc.
OF EYES|
7 [v] if your eyes pop or pop out, they suddenly open fully because you are surprised or excited: Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw them.
TAKE DRUGS|
8 [vn] (informal) to take a lot of a drug, regularly: She’s been popping pills for months. pop your 'clogs (BrE, humorous) to die pop the 'question (informal) to ask sb to marry you ,pop 'off (informal) to die ,pop sth<->'on (BrE, informal)
1 to put on a piece of clothing: I’ll just pop on a sweater and meet you outside.
2 to turn on a piece of electrical equipment

adj. [only before noun]
MUSIC / STYLE|
1 connected with modern popular music: a pop band / concert / group / singer / song / star / video
2 made in a modern popular style: pop culture

adv. go 'pop (BrE) to burst or explode with a sudden short sound: The balloon went pop.

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pop.
abbr. population: pop. 200 000
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'pop art
(also 'Pop Art) noun [U] a style of art, developed in the 1960s, that was based on popular culture and that used material such as advertisements, film/movie images, etc.
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pop.corn
noun [U] a type of food, made from grains of MAIZE that are heated until they burst, forming light whitish balls that are then covered with salt or sugar
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pope
(often the Pope) noun the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who is also the Bishop of Rome: the election of a new pope  Pope John Paul  a visit from the Pope—see also PAPACY , PAPAL
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popery
noun [U] ( , offensive) used by some people to refer to Roman Catholicism
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,pope’s 'nose
noun (AmE ) = PARSON’S NOSE
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'pop-eyed
adj. (informal) having eyes that are wide open, especially because you are very surprised, excited or frightened
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pop.gun
noun a toy gun that fires small objects such as CORKS and makes a short sharp noise
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pop.ish
adj. [usually before noun] ( , offensive) used by some people to describe sb/sth that is connected with Roman Catholicism
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pop.lar
noun a tall straight tree with soft wood
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pop.lin
noun [U] a strong cotton fabric used for making clothes
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poppa
noun (AmE , informal) used by children to talk about or to address their father—see also PAPA , POP
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pop.pa.dom
noun a type of thin round crisp Indian bread that is fried in oil and often served with CURRY
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pop.per
noun (BrE ) = PRESS STUD
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pop.pet
noun (BrE , informal, spoken) used to talk to or about sb you like or love, especially a child
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poppy
noun (pl.-ies) a wild or garden plant, with a large delicate flower that is usually red, and small black seeds. OPIUM is obtained from one type of poppy : poppy fields / seeds
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poppy.cock
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) nonsense
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'pop quiz
noun (AmE ) a short test that is given to students without any warning
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Pop.sicle
™noun (AmE ) = ICE LOLLY
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popu.lace
(usually the populace) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (formal) all the ordinary people of a particular country or area: He had the support of large sections of the local populace.  The populace at large is / are opposed to sudden change.
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popu.lar
adj.
1 ~ (with sb) liked or enjoyed by a large number of people: a hugely / immensely popular singer  This is one of our most popular designs.  Skiing has become very popular recently.  These policies are unlikely to prove popular with middle-class voters.  I’m not very popular with my parents (= they are annoyed with me) at the moment.   (spoken, ironic) ‘Our dog got into the neighbour’s garden again!’‘You’ll be popular.’
OPP UNPOPULAR
2 [only before noun] (sometimes disapproving) suited to the taste and knowledge of ordinary people: popular music / culture / fiction  the popular press
3 [only before noun] (of ideas, beliefs and opinions) shared by a large number of people: a popular misconception  Contrary to popular belief , women cause fewer road accidents than men.  Popular opinion was divided on the issue.  By popular demand , the tour has been extended by two weeks.
4 [only before noun] connected with the ordinary people of a country: The party still has widespread popular support.
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popu.lar.ity
noun [U] ~ (with / among sb) the state of being liked, enjoyed or supported by a large number of people: the increasing popularity of cycling  to win / lose popularity with the students  Her novels have gained in popularity over recent years.
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popu.lar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written)
1 to make a lot of people know about sth and enjoy it: The programme did much to popularize little-known writers.
2 to make a difficult subject easier to understand for ordinary people: He spent his life popularizing natural history.
popu.lar.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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popu.lar.ly
adv.
1 by a large number of people
SYN COMMONLY : a popularly held belief  the UN Conference on Environment and Development, popularly known as the ‘Earth Summit’
2 by the ordinary people of a country
SYN DEMOCRATICALLY : a popularly elected government
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popu.late
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to live in an area and form its population INHABIT : a heavily / densely / sparsely / thinly populated country  The island is populated largely by sheep.   (figurative) the amazing characters that populate her novels
2 to move people or animals to an area to live there: The French began to populate the island in the 15th century.
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popu.la.tion
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v., U] all the people who live in a particular area, city or country; the total number of people who live there: One third of the world’s population consumes / consume two thirds of the world’s resources.  The entire population of the town was at the meeting.  countries with ageing populations  Muslims make up 55% of the population.  an increase in population  areas of dense / sparse population (= where many / not many people live)  The population is increasing at about 6% per year.  Nigeria has a population of nearly 100 million.
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a particular group of people or animals living in a particular area: the adult / working / rural population of the country
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popu'lation explosion
noun a sudden large increase in the number of people in an area
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popu.lism
noun [U] a type of politics that claims to represent the opinions and wishes of ordinary people
popu.list noun: a party of populists
popu.list adj. [usually before noun]: a populist leader
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popu.lous
adj. (formal) where a large number of people live: one of America’s most populous states
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'pop-up
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a book, etc.) containing a picture that stands up when the pages are opened: a pop-up birthday card
2 (of an electric toaster) that pushes the bread quickly upwards when it is ready
3 (of a computer MENU , etc.) that can be brought to the screen quickly while you are working on another document: a pop-up menu / window
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por.cel.ain
noun [U, C] a hard white shiny substance made by baking clay and used for making delicate cups, plates and ornaments; objects that are made of this: a porcelain figure
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porch
noun
1 a small area at the entrance to a building, such as a house or a church, that is covered by a roof and often has walls—picture at HOUSE , THATCH
2 (AmE) = VERANDA
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por.cine
adj. (formal) like a pig; connected with pigs
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por.cu.pine
noun an animal covered with long stiff parts like needles (called QUILLS ), which it can raise to protect itself when it is attacked
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pore
noun, verb
noun one of the very small holes in your skin that sweat can pass through; one of the similar small holes in the surface of a plant or a rock: a blocked pore—see also POROUS

verb
PVR V 'pore over sth to look at or read sth very carefully: His lawyers are poring over the small print in the contract.

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pork
noun [U] meat from a pig that has not been CURED (= preserved using salt or smoke): roast pork  pork chops  a leg of pork—compare BACON , GAMMON , HAM (1)
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'pork barrel
noun [U] (AmE , slang) local projects that are given a lot of government money in order to win votes; the money that is used
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porker
noun a pig that is made fat and used as food
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,pork 'pie
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a small pie filled with PORK and usually eaten cold
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,pork 'scratchings
noun [pl.] (BrE ) crisp pieces of pig skin that are fried and eaten cold, often sold in packets as a SNACK
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porky
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) (also ,porky 'pie) (BrE , slang) a statement that is not true; a lie: to tell porkies

adj. (informal, disapproving) (of people) fat

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porn
noun [U] (informal) = PORNOGRAPHY —see also HARD PORN , SOFT PORN
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porno
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) = PORNOGRAPHIC : a porno movie / mag
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porn.og.raph.er
noun (disapproving) a person who produces or sells pornography
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porno.graph.ic
(also informal porno) adj. [usually before noun] (disapproving) intended to make people feel sexually excited by showing naked people or sexual acts, usually in a way that many other people find offensive: pornographic movies / magazines
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porn.og.raphy
(also informal porn) noun [U] (disapproving) books, videos, etc. that describe or show naked people and sexual acts in order to make people feel sexually excited, especially in a way that many other people find offensive: child pornography  the distribution of pornography  measures to tighten the laws on pornography
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por.os.ity
noun [U] (technical ) the quality or state of being porous
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por.ous
adj. having many small holes that allow water or air to pass through slowly: porous material / rocks / surfaces
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por.poise
noun a sea animal that looks like a large fish with a pointed mouth. Porpoises are similar to DOLPHINS but smaller.
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por.ridge
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually oat.meal) noun [U] a type of soft thick white food made by boiling OATS in milk or water, eaten hot, especially for breakfast
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port
noun
1 [C] a town or city with a harbour, especially one where ships load and unload goods: fishing ports  Rotterdam is a major port.
2 [C, U] (abbr.Pt.) a place where ships load and unload goods or shelter from storms: a naval port  The ship spent four days in port .  They reached port at last.  port of entry (= a place where people or goods can enter a country)—see also AIRPORT , FREE PORT , HELIPORT , SEAPORT
3 [U] a strong sweet wine, usually dark red, that is made in Portugal. It is usually drunk at the end of a meal.
4 [C] a glass of port
5 [U] the side of a ship or aircraft that is on the left when you are facing forward: the port side / engine—compare STARBOARD
IDM any port in a 'storm (saying) if you are in great trouble, you take any help that is offered
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port.able
adj., noun
adj. that is easy to carry or to move: a portable TV   (figurative) a portable loan / pension (= that can be moved if you change banks, jobs, etc.)  portable software
port.ab.il.ity noun [U]: The new light cover increases this model’s portability.

noun a small type of machine that is easy to carry, especially a computer or a television

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Porta.kabin
™noun (BrE ) a small building that can be moved from place to place by a vehicle, designed to be used as a temporary office, etc.
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por.tal
noun [often pl.] (formal or literary) a large, impressive gate or entrance to a building
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port.cul.lis
noun a strong, heavy iron gate that can be raised or lowered at the entrance to a castle
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por.tend
verb [vn] (formal) to be a sign or warning of sth that is going to happen in the future, especially sth bad or unpleasant
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por.tent
noun (literary) a sign or warning of sth that is going to happen in the future, especially when it is sth unpleasant
SYN OMEN : The event proved to be a portent of the disaster that was to come.
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por.tent.ous
adj.
1 (literary) important as a sign or a warning of sth that is going to happen in the future, especially when it is sth unpleasant: a portentous dream / sign
2 (formal, disapproving) very serious and intended to impress people: a portentous remark / voice
por.tent.ous.ly adv.: She frowned portentously to add weight to her suggestion.
por.tent.ous.ness noun [U]
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por.ter
noun
1 a person whose job is carrying people’s bags and other loads
2 (especially BrE) a person whose job is to move patients from one place to another in a hospital
3 (BrE) a person whose job is to be in charge of the entrance to a hotel, large building, college, etc: the night porter  The hotel porter will get you a taxi.—compare DOORMAN
4 (AmE) a person whose job is helping passengers on a train, especially in a SLEEPING CAR
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port.folio
noun (pl.-os)
1 a thin flat case used for carrying documents, drawings, etc.
2 a collection of photographs, drawings, etc. that you use as an example of your work, especially when applying for a job: She spent most of last year getting her portfolio together.
3 (finance) a set of shares owned by a particular person or organization: an investment / share portfolio
4 (formal, especially BrE) the particular area of responsibility of a government minister: the defence portfolio  She resigned her portfolio.  He was asked to join as a minister without portfolio (= one without responsibility for a particular government department).
5 the range of products or services offered by a particular company or organization: a portfolio of wines / courses
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port.hole
noun a round window in the side of a ship or an aircraft
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por.tico
noun (pl.-oes or -os) (formal) a roof that is supported by columns, especially one that forms the entrance to a large building
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por.tion
noun
1 one part of sth larger: a substantial / significant portion of the population  Only a small portion of the budget is spent on books.  The central portion of the bridge collapsed.
2 an amount of food that is large enough for one person: a generous portion of meat  She cut the cake into six small portions.  You should eat several portions of fruit a day.
3 [usually sing.] a part of sth that is shared with other people: You must accept a portion of the blame for this crisis.
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port.ly
adj. [usually before noun] (especially of an older man) rather fat
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port.man.teau
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-eaus or -eaux) (old-fashioned) a large heavy suitcase that opens into two parts

adj. [only before noun] consisting of a number of different items that are combined into a single thing: a portmanteau course  ‘Depression’ is a portmanteau condition.

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port'manteau word
noun a word that is invented by combining the beginning of one word and the end of another and keeping the meaning of each. For example motel is a portmanteau word that is a combination of motor and hotel.
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,port of 'call
noun (pl.ports of call)
1 a port where a ship stops during a journey
2 (informal) a place where you go or stop for a short time, especially when you are going to several places: My first port of call in town was the bank.
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por.trait
noun, adj.
noun
1 a painting, drawing or photograph of a person, especially of the head and shoulders: He had his portrait painted in uniform.  a full-length portrait  a portrait painter—see also SELF-PORTRAIT
2 a detailed description of sb/sth: a portrait of life at the French court

adj. (computing ) (of a page of a document) printed so that the top of the page is one of the shorter sides—compare LANDSCAPE —

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por.trait.ist
noun a person who makes portraits
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por.trait.ure
noun [U] the art of making portraits ; the portraits that are made
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por.tray
verb [vn]
1 to show sb/sth in a picture; to describe sb/sth in a piece of writing
SYN DEPICT : The painting portrays the duke’s third wife.  His war poetry vividly portrays life in the trenches.
2 ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to describe or show sb/sth in a particular way, especially when this does not give a complete or accurate impression of what they are like: Throughout the trial, he portrayed himself as the victim.
3 to act a particular role in a film/movie or play: Her father will be portrayed by Sean Connery.
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por.tray.al
noun [C, U] the act of showing or describing sb/sth in a picture, play, book, etc.; a particular way in which this is done: The article examines the portrayal of gay men in the media.  He is best known for his chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter.
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pose
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to create a threat, problem, etc. that has to be dealt with: to pose a threat / challenge / danger / risk  The task poses no special problems.
2 [vn] ~ a question (formal) to ask a question, especially one that needs serious thought
3 [v] ~ (for sb/sth) to sit or stand in a particular position in order to be painted, drawn or photographed: The delegates posed for a group photograph.  They posed briefly for photographs before driving off.
4 [v] ~ as sb to pretend to be sb in order to deceive other people: The gang entered the building posing as workmen.
5 [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (disapproving) to dress or behave in a way that is intended to impress other people: I saw him out posing in his new sports car.

noun
1 a particular position in which sb stands, sits, etc., especially in order to be painted, drawn or photographed: a stiff / dramatic pose  He adopted a relaxed pose for the camera.  I can’t hold this pose much longer!
2 (disapproving) a way of behaving that is not sincere and is only intended to impress other people: This show of concern is just a pose.
IDM see STRIKE v.

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poser
noun
1 (informal) a difficult question or problem
2 (also pos.eur) (disapproving) a person who behaves or dresses in a way that is intended to impress other people and is not sincere: He’s such a poser on the dance floor.
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pos.eur
noun = POSER (2)
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posh
adj. (posh.er, posh.est) (informal)
1 elegant and expensive: a posh hotel / restaurant  You look very posh in your new suit.
2 (BrE, sometimes disapproving) typical of or used by people who belong to a high social class: a posh accent / voice  They live in the posh part of town.
posh adv. (BrE): to talk posh
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posit
verb (formal) to suggest or accept that sth is true so that it can be used as the basis for an argument or discussion
SYN POSTULATE : [vn] Most religions posit the existence of life after death. [alsov that]
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pos.ition
noun, verb
noun
PLACE|
1 [C] the place where sb/sth is situated: From his position on the cliff top, he had a good view of the harbour.  Where would be the best position for the lights?
2 [U] the place where sb/sth is meant to be; the correct place: Is everybody in position ?  He took up his position by the door.
WAY OF SITTING / STANDING|
3 [C, U] the way in which sb is sitting or standing or the way in which sth is arranged: a sitting / kneeling / lying position  Keep the box in an upright position.  Make sure that you are working in a comfortable position.  My arms were aching so I shifted (my) position slightly.
SITUATION|
4 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to do sth) the situation that sb is in, especially when it affects what they can and cannot do: to be in a position of power / strength / authority  What would you do in my position?  This put him and his colleagues in a difficult position.  The company’s financial position is not certain.  I’m afraid I am not in a position to help you.
OPINION|
5 [C] ~ (on sth) an opinion on or an attitude towards a particular subject: to declare / reconsider / shift / change your position  the party’s position on education reforms  She has made her position very clear.
LEVEL OF IMPORTANCE|
6 [C, U] a person or organization’s level of importance when compared with others: the position of women in society  the company’s dominant position in the world market  Wealth and position (= high social status) were not important to her.
JOB|
7 [C] (formal) a job: He held a senior position in a large company.  I should like to apply for the position of Sales Director.
IN RACE / COMPETITION|
8 [C] a place in a race, competition, or test, when compared to others: United’s 3–0 win moved them up to third position.
IN SPORT|
9 [C] the place where sb plays and the responsibilities they have in some team games: What position does he play?
IN WAR|
10 [C, usually pl.] a place where a group of people involved in fighting have put men and guns: They attacked the enemy positions at dawn.

verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to put sb/sth in a particular position: Large television screens were positioned at either end of the stadium.  She quickly positioned herself behind the desk.  The company is now well positioned to compete in foreign markets.
pos.ition.ing noun [U]

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pos.ition.al
adj. [only before noun] (technical orsport ) connected with the position of sb/sth: The team has made some positional changes because two players are injured.
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po'sition ,paper
noun a written report from an organization or a government department that explains or recommends a particular course of action
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posi.tive
adj., noun
adj.
FEELING HOPEFUL|
1 ~ (about sth) thinking about what is good in a situation; feeling confident and hopeful: a positive attitude / outlook  the power of positive thought  She tried to be more positive about her new job.  On the positive side , profits have increased.  The report ended on a positive note.
OPP NEGATIVE
EFFECTIVE / USEFUL|
2 directed at dealing with sth or producing a successful result: We must take positive steps to deal with the problem.  It will require positive action by all in the industry.
OPP NEGATIVE
3 expressing agreement or support: We’ve had a very positive response to the idea.
OPP NEGATIVE
4 good or useful: to make a positive contribution to a discussion  His family have been a very positive influence on him.  Overseas investment has had a positive effect on exports.
OPP NEGATIVE
SURE / DEFINITE|
5 [not before noun] ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … ) (of a person) completely sure that sth is correct or true: I can’t be positive about what time it happened.  She was positive that he had been there.  ‘Are you sure?’‘Positive.’
6 [only before noun] (informal) complete and definite: He has a positive genius for upsetting people.  It was a positive miracle that we survived.
7 giving clear and definite proof or information: We have no positive evidence that she was involved.   (formal) This is proof positive that he stole the money.
SCIENTIFIC TEST|
8 showing clear evidence that a particular substance or medical condition is present: a positive pregnancy test  The athlete tested positive for steroids.  to be HIV positive
OPP NEGATIVE
NUMBER / QUANTITY|
9 greater than zero
OPP NEGATIVE
ELECTRICITY|
10 (technical) containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by a PROTON : a positive charge  the positive terminal of a battery
OPP NEGATIVE

noun
GOOD QUALITY|
1 [C, U] a good or useful quality or aspect: Take your weaknesses and translate them into positives.  To manage your way out of recession, accentuate the positive.
IN PHOTOGRAPHY|
2 [C] (technical) a developed photographic film showing light and dark areas and colours as they actually were, especially one printed from a NEGATIVE
RESULT OF TEST|
3 [C] the result of a test or an experiment that shows that a substance or condition is present
OPP NEGATIVE

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,positive dis,crimin'ation
(BrE ) (also af,firmative 'actionAmE, BrE) noun [U] the practice or policy of making sure that a particular number of jobs, etc. are given to people from groups that are often treated unfairly because of their race, sex, etc.
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posi.tive.ly
adv.
1 used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially when this is surprising or when it contrasts with a previous statement: Some diets may be positively dangerous.  The instructions were not just confusing, they were positively misleading.
2 in a way that shows you are thinking of the good things about a situation, not the bad: Very few of those interviewed spoke positively about their childhood.  Thinking positively is one way of dealing with stress.
OPP NEGATIVELY
3 in a way that shows you approve of, or agree with sth/sb: Investors reacted positively to news of the takeover.
OPP NEGATIVELY
4 in a way that leaves no possibility of doubt
SYN CONCLUSIVELY : Her attacker has now been positively identified by police.
5 (technical) in a way that contains or produces the type of electricity that is opposite to that carried by an ELECTRON : positively charged protons
OPP NEGATIVELY
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,positive 'vetting
noun [U, C] (BrE ) the process of checking everything about a person’s background and character when they apply for a job in which they will have to deal with secret information, especially in the CIVIL SERVICE
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posi.tiv.ism
noun [U] a system of philosophy based on things that can be seen or proved, rather than on ideas
posi.tiv.ist noun
posi.tiv.ist adj.: a positivist approach
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poss
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) possible: I’ll be there if poss .  as soon as poss
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posse
noun
1 (informal) a group of people who are similar in some way: a little posse of helpers
2 (in the US in the past) a group of people who were brought together by a SHERIFF (= an officer of the law) in order to help him catch a criminal
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pos.sess
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 [vn] (formal) to have or own sth: He was charged with possessing a shotgun without a licence.  I’m afraid this is the only suitcase I possess.  The gallery possesses a number of the artist’s early works.
2 [vn] (formal) to have a particular quality or feature: I’m afraid he doesn’t possess a sense of humour.  He credited her with a maturity she did not possess.
3 [vn] [usually passive] (literary) (of a feeling, an emotion, etc.) to have a powerful effect on sb and control the way that they think, behave, etc: A terrible fear possessed her.
4 [vn to inf] (used in negative sentences and questions) to make sb do sth that seems strange or unreasonable: What possessed him to say such a thing?
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pos.sessed
adj. [not before noun] ~ (by sth) (of a person or their mind) controlled by an evil spirit: She has convinced herself that she is possessed by the devil.
IDM be possessed of sth (formal) to have a particular quality or feature: She was possessed of exceptional powers of concentration. like a man / woman pos'sessed | like one pos'sessed with a lot of force or energy: He flew out of the room like a man possessed.
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pos.ses.sion
noun
HAVING / OWNING|
1 [U] (formal) the state of having or owning sth: The manuscript is just one of the treasures in their possession.  The gang was caught in possession of stolen goods.  The possession of a passport is essential for foreign travel.  On her father’s death, she came into possession of (= received) a vast fortune.  You cannot legally take possession of the property (= start using it after buying it) until three weeks after the contract is signed.—see also VACANT POSSESSION
2 [C, usually pl.] something that you own or have with you at a particular time
SYN BELONGINGS : personal possessions  The ring is one of her most treasured possessions.
IN SPORT|
3 [U] the state of having control of the ball: to win / get / lose possession of the ball
LAW|
4 [U] the state of having illegal drugs or weapons with you at a particular time: She was charged with possession.
COUNTRY|
5 [C] (formal) a country that is controlled or governed by another country: The former colonial possessions are now independent states.
BY THE DEVIL|
6 [U] the situation when sb’s mind is believed to be controlled by the devil or by an evil spirit
IDM see FIELD n.
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pos.ses.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (of / about sb/sth) demanding total attention or love; not wanting sb to be independent: Some parents are too possessive of their children.
2 ~ (of / about sth) not liking to lend things or share things with others: Jimmy’s very possessive about his toys.
3 (grammar) showing that sth belongs to sb/sth: possessive pronouns (= yours, his, etc.)
pos.ses.sive.ly adv.: ‘That’s mine!’ she said possessively.
pos.ses.sive.ness noun [U]: I couldn’t stand his jealousy and possessiveness.

noun (grammar )
1 [C] an adjective, a pronoun or a form of a word that expresses the fact that sth belongs to sb/sth: ‘Ours’ and ‘their’ are possessives.
2 (the possessive) noun [sing.] the special form of a word that expresses belonging—compare GENITIVE

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pos.ses.sor
noun (formal or humorous) a person who owns or has sth
SYN OWNER : He is now the proud possessor of a driving licence.
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pos.si.bil.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) the fact that sth might exist or happen, but is not certain to: There is now no possibility that she will make a full recovery.  He refused to rule out the possibility of a tax increase.  It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that we’ll all meet again one day.  Bankruptcy is a real possibility if sales don’t improve.  What had seemed impossible now seemed a distinct possibility .
OPP IMPOSSIBILITY
2 [C, often pl.] one of the different things that you can do in a particular situation
SYN OPTION : to explore / consider / investigate a wide range of possibilities  to exhaust all the possibilities  Selling the house is just one possibility that is open to us.  The possibilities are endless.
3 [C, usually pl.] something that gives you a chance to achieve sth
SYN OPPORTUNITY : The course offers a range of exciting possibilities for developing your skills.
4 (possibilities) [pl.] if sth has possibilities, it can be improved or made successful
SYN POTENTIAL : The house is in a bad state of repair but it has possibilities.
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pos.sible
adj., noun
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] that can be done or achieved: It is possible to get there by bus.  Would it be possible for me to leave a message for her?  This wouldn’t have been possible without you.  Try to avoid losing your temper if at all possible (= if you can).  Use public transport whenever possible (= when you can).  It’s just not physically possible to finish all this by the end of the week.  We spent every possible moment on the beach.
OPP IMPOSSIBLE
2 that might exist or happen but is not certain to: a possible future president  the possible side effects of the drug  Frost is possible, although unlikely, at this time of year.  It’s just possible that I gave them the wrong directions.  With the possible exception of the Beatles, no other band has become so successful so quickly.
3 reasonable or acceptable in a particular situation: There are several possible explanations.
4 used after adjectives to emphasize that sth is the best, worst, etc. of its type: It was the best possible surprise anyone could have given me.  Don’t leave your packing until the last possible moment.
IDM as quickly, much, soon, etc. as 'possible as quickly, much, soon, etc. as you can: We will get your order to you as soon as possible.—more at WORLD

noun a person or a thing that is suitable for a particular job, purpose, etc. and might be chosen: Out of all the people interviewed, there are only five possibles.

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pos.sibly
adv.
1 used to say that sth might exist, happen or be true, but you are not certain
SYN PERHAPS : This is possibly their worst performance ever.  She found it difficult to get on with her, possibly because of the difference in their ages.  ‘Will you be around next week?’‘Possibly.’
2 (spoken) used to emphasize that you are surprised, annoyed, etc. about sth: You can’t possibly mean that!
3 (spoken) used to ask sb politely to do sth: Could you possibly open that window for me?
4 used to say that sb will do or has done as much as they can in order to make sth happen: I will come as soon as I possibly can.  They tried everything they possibly could to improve the situation.
5 (especially spoken) used with negatives, especially ‘can’t’ and ‘couldn’t’, to say strongly that you cannot do sth or that sth cannot or could not happen or be done: I can’t possibly tell you that!  You can’t possibly carry all those bags.  ‘Let me buy it for you.’‘That’s very kind of you, but I couldn’t possibly (= accept).’
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pos.sum
noun = OPOSSUM
IDM play 'possum (informal) to pretend to be asleep or not aware of sth, in order to trick sb
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post
noun, verb
noun
LETTERS|
1 (BrE) (also mailAmE, BrE) [U] the official system used for sending and delivering letters, packages, etc: I’ll send the original to you by post .  I’ll put the information in the post to you tomorrow.  My application got lost in the post.
2 (BrE) (also mailAmE, BrE) [U] letters, packages, etc. that are sent and delivered: There was a lot of post this morning.  Have you opened your post yet?
3 (BrE) [U, sing.] an occasion during the day when letters, etc. are collected or delivered: to catch / miss the post  The parcel came in this morning’s post.  Payment should be sent by return of post (= immediately).
JOB|
4 [C] a job, especially an important one in a large organization: an academic / administrative / government post  to take up a post  to resign (from) a post  We will be creating 15 new posts next year.  The company has been unable to fill the post.  He has held the post for three years.
FOR SOLDIER / GUARD|
5 [C] the place where sb, especially a soldier, does their job: a police / customs / military post  a command / an observation post  The guards were ordered not to leave their posts.—see also THE LAST POST , STAGING POST , TRADING POST
WOOD / METAL|
6 [C] (often in compounds) a piece of wood or metal that is set in the ground in an upright position, especially to support sth or to mark a position: corner posts (= that mark the corners of a sports field)  The team’s ‘net’ was a piece of string tied to two posts.—see also BEDPOST , GATEPOST , LAMP POST , SIGNPOST
END OF RACE|
7 (the post) [sing.] the place where a race finishes, especially in horse racing—see also FIRST-PAST-THE-POST , WINNING POST
FOOTBALL|
8 [C, usually sing.] = GOALPOST : The ball hit the post and bounced in.
IDM see DEAF , PILLAR

verb
LETTERS|
1 (BrE ) (AmE mail) ~ sth (off) (to sb)| ~ sb sth to send a letter, etc. to sb by post/mail: [vn] Have you posted off your order yet?  [vn, vnn] Is it OK if I post the cheque to you next week?  Is it OK if I post you the cheque next week?—compare MAIL
2 [vn] (BrE) (AmE mail) to put a letter, etc. into a POSTBOX : Could you post this letter for me?
STH THROUGH HOLE|
3 [vn] to put sth through a hole into a container: Let yourself out and post the keys through the letter box.
SB FOR JOB|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to send sb to a place for a period of time as part of their job: She’s been posted to Washington for two years.  Most employees get posted abroad at some stage.
SOLDIER / GUARD|
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sb, especially a soldier, in a particular place so that they can guard a building or area: Guards have been posted along the border.
PUBLIC NOTICE|
6 [vn] [often passive] to put a notice, etc. in a public place so that people can see it: A copy of the letter was posted on the noticeboard.  The results will be posted on the Internet.
GIVE INFORMATION|
7 (especially AmE ) to announce sth publicly or officially, especially financial information or a warning: [vn] The company posted a $1.1 billion loss.  A snow warning was posted for Ohio.  [vn-adj] The aircraft and its crew were posted missing .
PAY MONEY TO COURT|
8 [vn] ~ bail / (a) bond (especially AmE) to pay money to a court of law so that a person accused of a crime can go free until their trial: She was released after posting $100 cash bond and her driver’s license. keep sb 'posted (about / on sth) to regularly give sb the most recent information about sth and how it is developing: I’ll keep you posted on his progress.

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post-
prefix (in nouns, verbs and adjectives) after: a postgraduate  a post-Impressionist  the post-1945 period—compare ANTE- , PRE-
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post.age
noun [U] the cost of sending a letter, etc. by post: an increase in postage rates  How much was the postage on that letter?   (BrE ) All prices include postage and packing .   (AmE ) All prices include postage and handling .
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'postage stamp
noun (formal) = STAMP
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pos.tal
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with the official system for sending and delivering letters, etc: your full postal address  postal charges / rates / services / workers  the postal service / system
2 (especially BrE) involving things that are sent by post: postal applications / bookings
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'postal ballot
noun (BrE ) a system of voting on a particular issue in which everyone sends their vote by post
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'postal code
noun = POSTCODE
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'postal order
(BrE ) (also 'money orderAmE, BrE) noun (abbr. PO) an official document that you can buy at a bank or a post office and send to sb so that they can exchange it for money
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'postal service
noun
1 a system of collecting and delivering letters, etc: a good postal service
2 (the Postal Service) (AmE) = POST OFFICE (2)
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'postal vote
(BrE ) (AmE ,absentee 'ballot) noun a vote in an election that you can send when you cannot be present
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post.bag
noun (BrE )
1 (also mail.bag) [usually sing.] all the letters received by a newspaper, a radio station, or an important person at a particular time or about a particular subject: We had a huge postbag on the subject from our readers.
2 = MAILBAG (1)
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post.box
(also 'letter box) (both BrE ) (AmE mail.box) noun a public box, for example in the street, that you put letters into when you send them—compare PILLAR BOX —picture at LETTER BOX
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post.card
(also card) noun a card used for sending messages by post without an envelope, especially one that has a picture on one side: colourful postcards of California  Send us a postcard from Venice!  Send your answers on a postcard to the above address.—see also PICTURE POSTCARD
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post.code
(also 'postal code) (both BrE ) (AmE 'Zip code) noun a group of letters and/or numbers that are used as part of an address so that post/mail can be separated into groups and delivered more quickly
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,post-'date
verb [vn]
1 to write a date on a cheque that is later than the actual date so that the cheque cannot be CASHED (= exchanged for money) until that date: a post-dated cheque—compare BACKDATE
2 to happen, exist or be made at a later date than sth else in the past
OPP PRE-DATE
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post.doc.tor.al
adj. connected with advanced research or study that is done after a PHD has been completed
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pos.ter
noun
1 a large notice, often with a picture on it, that is put in a public place to advertise sth: election posters  a poster campaign (= an attempt to educate people about sth by using posters)
2 a large picture that is printed on paper and put on a wall as decoration: posters of her favourite pop stars
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poste rest.ante
(BrE ) (AmE ,general de'livery) noun [U] an arrangement in which a post office keeps a person’s mail until they go to collect it, used especially when sb is travelling
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pos.ter.ior
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) situated behind sth or at the back of sth
OPP ANTERIOR

noun (humorous) the part of your body that you sit on; your bottom

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pos.teri.ori
A POSTERIORI
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pos.ter.ity
noun [U] (formal) all the people who will live in the future: Their music has been preserved for posterity .  Posterity will remember him as a great man.
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,post-'free
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) used to describe sth that you can send by post without having to pay anything
,post-'free adv.: Information will be sent post-free to any interested readers.
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post.gradu.ate
(especially BrE) noun a person who already holds a first degree and who is doing advanced study or research; a GRADUATE student: postgraduate students  a postgraduate course  note at STUDENT
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,post-'haste
adv. (literary) as quickly as you can: to depart post-haste
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post.hu.mous
adj. [usually before noun] happening, done, published, etc. after a person has died: a posthumous award for bravery
post.hu.mous.ly adv.
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post.ie
noun (BrE , informal) = POSTMAN
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,post-in.'dus.trial
adj. [only before noun] (of a place or society) no longer relying on heavy industry (= the production of steel, large machinery, etc.): the importance of information technology in post-industrial societies
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post.ing
noun (especially BrE ) an act of sending sb to a particular place to do their job, especially for a limited period of time: an overseas posting
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'Post-it
™ (also 'Post-it note) noun a small piece of coloured, sticky paper that you use for writing a note on, and that can be easily removed—picture at STATIONERY
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post.man, post.woman
noun (pl.-men ) (-women ) (also informal post.ie) (especially BrE ) a person whose job is to collect and deliver letters, etc.—see also MAILMAN
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,postman’s 'knock
(BrE ) (AmE 'post office) noun [U] a children’s game in which imaginary letters are exchanged for kisses
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post.mark
noun an official mark placed over the stamp on a letter, etc. that shows when and where it was posted and makes it impossible to use the stamp again
post.mark verb [vn] [usually passive]: The card was postmarked Tokyo 9th March.  an anonymous letter postmarked in Chicago
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post.mas.ter, post.mist.ress
noun a person who is in charge of a post office
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post.mod.ern
adj. connected with or influenced by postmodernism : postmodern culture / architecture
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post.mod.ern.ism
noun [U] a style and movement in art, architecture, literature, etc. in the late 20th century that reacts against modern styles, for example by mixing features from traditional and modern styles—compare MODERNISM
post.mod.ern.ist noun
post.mod.ern.ist adj. [usually before noun]: postmodernist culture / writing / cinema
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post-mortem
noun
1 (also post-,mortem exami'nation) ~ (on sb) a medical examination of the body of a dead person in order to find out how they died
SYN AUTOPSY : to do / conduct / carry out a post-mortem  The post-mortem on the child revealed that she had been poisoned.
2 ~ (on sth) a discussion or an examination of an event after it has happened, especially in order to find out why it failed: to hold a post-mortem on the party’s election defeat
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post-natal
adj. [only before noun] connected with the period after the birth of a child: post-natal care / depression—compare ANTENATAL , PRENATAL
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'post office
noun
1 [C] a place where you can buy stamps, send letters, etc: Where’s the main post office?  You can buy your stamps at the post office.  a post office counter
2 (the 'Post Office) [sing.] (abbr.PO) the national organization in many countries that is responsible for collecting and delivering letters, etc: He works for the Post Office.
3 [U] (AmE) = POSTMAN’S KNOCK
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'post office box
noun = PO BOX
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,post-'op.era.tive
adj. [only before noun] (medical ) connected with the period after a medical operation: post-operative complications / pain / care
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,post-'paid
adj. [only before noun] that you can send free because the charge has already been paid: a post-paid envelope
,post-'paid adv.
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post.pone
verb ~ sth (to / until sth) to arrange for an event, etc. to take place at a later time or date: [vn] The game has already been postponed three times.  We’ll have to postpone the meeting until next week.  [v -ing] It was an unpopular decision to postpone building the new hospital.—compare CANCEL
post.pone.ment noun [U, C]: Riots led to the postponement of local elections.
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post.pran.dial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal or humorous) happening immediately after a meal
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post.script
noun ~ (to sth)
1 (abbr.PS) an extra message that you add at the end of a letter after your signature
2 extra facts or information about a story, an event, etc. that is added after it has finished: News of the award comes as a fitting postscript to a long and successful career.
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,post-,traumatic 'stress disorder
noun [U] (medical ) a medical condition in which a person suffers mental and emotional problems resulting from an experience that shocked them very much
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pos.tu.late
verb, noun
verb (formal) to suggest or accept that sth is true so that it can be used as the basis for a theory, etc.
SYN POSIT : [vn] They postulated a 500-year lifespan for a plastic container. [alsov that]

noun (formal) a statement that is accepted as true, that forms the basis of a theory, etc.

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pos.tural
adj. (formal) connected with the way you hold your body when sitting or standing: bad postural habits
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pos.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting: a comfortable / relaxed posture  upright / sitting / supine postures  Back pains can be the result of bad posture.
2 [C, usually sing.] your attitude to a particular situation or the way in which you deal with it: The government has adopted an aggressive posture on immigration.

verb [v] ~ (as sth) (formal) to pretend to be sth that you are not by saying and doing things in order to impress or deceive people

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pos.tur.ing
noun [U, C] (disapproving) behaviour that is not natural or sincere but is intended to attract attention or to have a particular effect: political posturing
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,post-'war
adj. [usually before noun] existing, happening or made in the period after a war, especially the Second World War: the post-war years
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post.woman
POSTMAN
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posy
noun (pl.-ies) a small bunch of flowers
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pot
noun, verb
noun
FOR COOKING|
1 [C] a deep round, usually metal, container used for cooking things in: pots and pans
CONTAINER|
2 [C] (especially BrE) a container made of glass, clay or plastic, used for storing food in: a pot of jam / honey  a yogurt pot—picture at PACKAGING
3 [C] (especially in compounds) a container of various kinds, made for a particular purpose: a coffee pot  a pepper pot  a teapot  Is there any more tea in the pot?—see also CHAMBER POT , CHIMNEY POT , FLOWERPOT , LOBSTER POT , MELTING POT , POTTED
4 [C] the amount contained in a pot: They drank a pot of coffee.
5 [C] a bowl, etc. that is made by a POTTER
MONEY|
6 (the pot) [sing.] (especially AmE) the total amount of money that is bet in a card game
7 (the pot) [sing.] (especially AmE) all the money given by a group of people in order to do sth together, for example to buy food—see also KITTY
DRUG|
8 [U] (informal) = MARIJUANA : pot smoking
SHOT|
9 [C] = POTSHOT : He took a pot at the neighbour’s cat with his air rifle.
IN BILLIARDS, etc.|
10 [C] (in the game of BILLIARDS , POOL or SNOOKER ) the act of hitting a ball into one of the pockets around the edge of the table
STOMACH|
11 [C] (informal) = POT BELLY go to 'pot (informal) to be spoiled because people are not working hard or taking care of things the pot calling the kettle 'black (saying, informal) used to say that you should not criticize sb for a fault that you have yourself ,pot 'luck when you take pot luck, you choose sth or go somewhere without knowing very much about it, but hope that it will be good, pleasant, etc: It’s pot luck whether you get good advice or not.  You’re welcome to stay to supper, but you’ll have to take pot luck (= eat whatever is available).—see also POTLUCK 'pots of money (BrE, informal) a very large amount of money—more at GOLD n. , MELTING POT , QUART

verb (-tt-) [vn]
PLANT|
1 to put a plant into a FLOWERPOT filled with soil
IN BILLIARDS, etc.|
2 (in the games of BILLIARDS , POOL and SNOOKER ) to hit a ball into one of the pockets (= holes at the corners and edges of the table)
SYN POCKET : He potted the black to take a 7–3 lead.
SHOOT|
3 to kill an animal or a bird by shooting it—see also POTTED

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pot.able
adj. (formal) (of water) safe to drink
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pot.ash
noun [U] a chemical compound of potassium used to improve soil for farming and in making soap
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po.tas.sium
noun [U] (symb K) a chemical element. Potassium is a soft silver-white metal that exists mainly in compounds which are used in industry and farming.
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po.tato
noun [C, U] (pl.-oes) a round white vegetable with a brown or red skin that grows underground as the root of a plant also called a potato: Will you peel the potatoes for me?   (BrE ) mashed potato   (AmE ) mashed potatoes  roast / boiled / baked / fried potatoes—see also COUCH POTATO , HOT POTATO , JACKET , SWEET POTATO —
IDM see MEAT
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po,tato 'crisp, po,tato 'chip
(AmE) noun = CRISP
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po'tato masher
noun a kitchen UTENSIL (= tool) for MASHING potatoes—picture at KITCHEN
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,pot-'bellied
adj. (of people and animals) having a large stomach that sticks out
,pot 'belly (also informal pot) noun
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pot.boil.er
noun (disapproving) a book, a play, etc. that is produced only to earn money quickly
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po.tency
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
1 the power that sb/sth has to affect your body or mind: the potency of desire  If you keep a medicine too long, it may lose its potency.
2 the ability of a man to have sex
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po.tent
adj.
1 having a strong effect on your body or mind: a potent drug  a very potent alcoholic brew  a potent argument / reason
2 powerful: a potent weapon / force—see also IMPOTENT
po.tent.ly adv.
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po.ten.tate
noun (literary, often disapproving) a ruler who has a lot of power, especially when this is not restricted by a parliament, etc.
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po.ten.tial
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] that can develop into sth or be developed in the future
SYN POSSIBLE : potential customers  a potential source of conflict  the potential benefits of European integration  a potential prime minister  First we need to identify actual and potential problems.
po.ten.tial.ly adv.: a potentially dangerous situation

noun
1 [U] ~ (for / for doing sth) the possibility of sth happening or being developed or used: the potential for change  The European marketplace offers excellent potential for increasing sales.
2 [U] qualities that exist and can be developed: All children should be encouraged to realize their full potential .  She has great potential as an artist.  He has the potential to become a world-class musician.  The house has a lot of potential.
3 [U, C] (physics) the difference in VOLTAGE between two points in an electric field or CIRCUIT

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po.ten.ti.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal) a power or a quality that exists and is capable of being developed: We often underestimate our potentialities.
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pot.hole
noun
1 a large rough hole in the surface of a road that is formed by traffic and bad weather
2 a deep hole that is formed in rock, especially by the action of water
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pot.hol.ing
(BrE) noun [U] = CAVING : to go potholing
pot.holer noun = CAVER
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po.tion
noun (literary) a drink of medicine or poison; a liquid with magic powers: a magic / love potion
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pot.luck
noun (AmE ) a meal to which each guest brings some food, which is then shared out among the guests
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'pot plant
noun (BrE ) = HOUSE PLANT
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pot-pourri
noun (from French )
1 [U, C] a mixture of dried flowers and leaves used for making a room smell pleasant
2 [sing.] a mixture of various things that were not originally intended to form a group: a pot-pourri of tunes
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pot.shot
(also pot) noun (informal) a shot that sb fires without aiming carefully: Somebody took a potshot at him as he drove past.   (figurative) The newspapers took constant potshots at (= criticized) the president.
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pot.ted
adj. [only before noun]
1 planted in a pot: potted plants / palms
2 (BrE) (of a book, or a story) in a short simple form: a potted history of England
3 (BrE) potted meat or fish has been cooked and preserved in a small container
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pot.ter
verb, noun
verb (BrE ) (AmE putt.er) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to do things or move without hurrying, especially when you are doing sth that you enjoy and that is not important: I spent the day pottering around the house.

noun a person who makes clay pots by hand

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,potter’s 'wheel
noun a piece of equipment with a flat disc that goes around, on which potters put wet clay in order to shape it into pots—picture at POT
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pot.tery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] pots, dishes, etc. made with clay that is baked in an oven, especially when they are made by hand: Roman pottery  a piece of pottery
2 [U] the clay that some dishes and pots are made of: a jug made of blue-glazed pottery
3 [U] the skill of making pots and dishes from clay, especially by hand: a pottery class
4 [C] a place where clay pots and dishes are made
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'potting shed
noun (BrE ) a small building where seeds and young plants are grown in pots before they are planted outside
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potty
adj., noun
adj. (BrE , informal, becoming old-fashioned)
1 crazy: The kids are driving me potty!
2 ~ about sb/sth liking sb/sth a lot: She’s potty about you!

noun (pl.-ies) (informal) a bowl that very young children use when they are too small to use a toilet—compare CHAMBER POT

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'potty-train
verb [vn] to teach a small child to use a potty or toilet
'potty-trained adj.
'potty-training noun [U]
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pouch
noun
1 a small bag, usually made of leather, and often carried in a pocket or attached to a belt: a tobacco pouch  She kept her money in a pouch around her neck.
2 a large bag for carrying letters, especially official ones
3 a pocket of skin on the stomach of some female animals, such as KANGAROOS , in which they carry their young—
4 a pocket of skin in the cheeks of some animals, such as HAMSTERS , in which they store food
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pouffe
(also pouf) (both BrE ) (AmE has.sock) noun a large thick cushion used as a seat or for resting your feet on
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poult.ice
noun a soft substance spread on a cloth, sometimes heated, and put on the skin to reduce pain or swelling
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poult.ry
noun
1 [pl.] chickens, ducks and GEESE , kept for their meat or eggs: to keep poultry  poultry farming—
2 [U] meat from chickens, ducks and GEESE : Eat plenty of fish and poultry.
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pounce
verb [v] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) to move suddenly forwards in order to attack or catch sb/sth: The lion crouched ready to pounce.  The muggers pounced on her as she got out of the car.  Owen pounced on the loose ball and scored.
PVR V 'pounce on / upon sth to quickly notice sth that sb has said or done, especially in order to criticize it
SYN SEIZE ON / UPON : His comments were pounced upon by the press.
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pound
noun, verb
noun
MONEY|
1 [C] (also technical,pound 'sterling) (symb£) the unit of money in Britain, worth 100 pence: a ten-pound note  a pound coin  I’ve spent £25 on food today.  What would you do if you won a million pounds?—see also STERLING
2 [C] the unit of money of several other countries
3 (the pound) [sing.] (finance) the value of the British pound compared with the value of the money of other countries: the strength / weakness of the pound (against other currencies)  The pound closed slightly down at $1.534.
WEIGHT|
4 [C] (abbr.lb) a unit for measuring weight, equal to 0.454 of a kilogram: half a pound of butter  They cost two dollars a pound .  I’ve lost six and a half pounds since I started my diet.
FOR CARS|
5 [C] a place where motor vehicles that have been parked illegally are kept until their owners pay to get them back
FOR DOGS|
6 [C] a place where dogs that have been found in the street without their owners are kept until their owners claim them (have, get, want, etc.) your pound of 'flesh the full amount that sb owes you, even if this will cause them trouble or suffering
ORIGIN From Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, in which the moneylender Shylock demanded a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body if he could not pay back the money he borrowed.—more at PENNY , PREVENTION

verb
HIT|
1 ~ (away) (at / against / on sth) to hit sth/sb hard many times, especially in a way that makes a lot of noise: [v] Heavy rain pounded on the roof.  Someone was pounding at the door.  The factory’s machinery pounded away day and night.  [vn] She pounded him with her fists.
WALK NOISILY|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move with noisy steps: She pounded along the corridor after him.
OF HEART / BLOOD|
3 [v] to beat quickly and loudly: Her heart was pounding with excitement.  The blood was pounding (= making a beating noise) in his ears.  Her head began to pound.  a pounding headache
BREAK INTO PIECES|
4 [vn] ~ sth (to / into sth) to hit sth many times in order to break it into smaller pieces: The seeds were pounded to a fine powder.
ATTACK WITH BOMBS|
5 [vn] to attack an area with a large number of bombs over a period of time: The area is still being pounded by rebel guns.
OF MUSIC|
6 [v] ~ (out) to be played loudly: Rock music was pounding out from the jukebox. ,pound sth<->'out to play music loudly on a musical instrument: Nobody pounds out a tune on the piano quite like her.

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pound.age
noun [U]
1 (technical) a charge that is made for every pound in weight of sth, or for every £1 in value
2 (informal) weight: to carry extra poundage
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'pound cake
noun [C, U] (AmE ) = MADEIRA CAKE
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pound.er
noun (in compounds)
1 something that weighs the number of pounds mentioned: a three-pounder (= a fish, for example, that weighs 3lb)
2 a gun that fires a SHELL that weighs the number of pounds mentioned: an eighteen-pounder
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pound.ing
noun
1 a very loud repeated noise, such as the sound of sth hitting sth else hard; the sound or the feeling of your heart beating strongly: We were awoken by a pounding at the door.  There was a pounding in his head.
2 an occasion when sth is hit hard or attacked and severely damaged: The boat took a pounding in the gale.   (figurative) The team took a pounding (= were badly defeated).
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'pound sign
noun
1 the symbol ( £ ) that represents a pound in British money
2 (AmE) = HASH (3)
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pour
verb
1 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make a liquid or other substance flow from a container in a continuous stream, especially by holding the container at an angle: Pour the sauce over the pasta.  Although I poured it carefully, I still managed to spill some.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of liquid, smoke, light, etc.) to flow quickly in a continuous stream: Tears poured down his cheeks.  Thick black smoke was pouring out of the roof.
3 ~ (sth) (out) to serve a drink by letting it flow from a container into a cup or glass: [vn] Will you pour the coffee?  I was in the kitchen, pouring out drinks.  [vn, vnn] I’ve poured a cup of tea for you.  I’ve poured you a cup of tea.  [v] Shall I pour?
4 [v] when rain pours down or when it’s pouring with rain, rain is falling heavily: The rain continued to pour down.  It’s pouring outside.  It’s pouring with rain.
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to come or go somewhere continuously in large numbers: Letters of complaint continue to pour in.  Commuters came pouring out of the station.
IDM pour oil on troubled 'water(s) to try to settle a disagreement or dispute—more at COLD adj. , HEART , RAIN v. , SCORN n.
PVR V ,pour sth 'into sth to provide a large amount of money for sth: The government has poured millions into the education system. ,pour 'out when feelings or sb’s words pour out they are expressed, usually after they have been kept hidden for some time: Wave after wave of pent-up emotion poured out.  The whole story then came pouring out. ,pour sth<->'out to express your feelings or give an account of sth, especially after keeping them or it secret or hidden: She poured out her troubles to me over a cup of coffee.—related noun OUTPOURING
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pout
verb if you pout, pout your lips or if your lips pout, you push out your lips, to show you are annoyed or to look sexually attractive: [v] He pouted angrily.  Her lips pouted invitingly.  [vn] models pouting their lips for the camera [alsov speech]
pout noun: Her lips were set in a pout of annoyance.
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pov.erty
noun
1 [U] the state of being poor: conditions of abject / extreme poverty  to alleviate / relieve poverty  Many elderly people live in poverty .
2 [U, sing.] a lack of sth; poor quality: There is a poverty of colour in her work.
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the 'poverty line
(also the 'poverty level especially in AmE) noun [sing.] the official level of income that is necessary to be able to buy the basic things you need such as food and clothes and to pay for somewhere to live: A third of the population is living at or below the poverty line .
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'poverty-stricken
adj. extremely poor; with very little money
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'poverty trap
noun [usually sing.] a situation in which sb stays poor even when they get a job because the money they receive from the government is reduced
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POW
noun the abbreviation for PRISONER OF WAR : a POW camp
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pow
exclamation used to express the sound of an explosion, a gun firing or sb hitting sb else
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pow.der
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a dry mass of very small fine pieces or grains: chilli powder  lumps of chalk crushed to (a) fine white powder  The snow was like powder.  A wide range of cleaning fluids and powders is available.  The mustard is sold in powder form.—see also BAKING POWDER , CURRY POWDER , SOAP POWDER , TALCUM POWDER , WASHING POWDER
2 [U] a very fine, soft, dry substance that you can put on your face to make it look smooth and dry
3 [U] = GUNPOWDER
IDM keep your 'powder dry (old-fashioned) to remain ready for a possible emergency take a 'powder (AmE, informal) to leave suddenly; to run away

verb [vn] to put powder on sth: She powdered her face and put on her lipstick.
IDM powder your 'nose (old-fashioned) a polite way of referring to the fact that a woman is going to the toilet/bathroom: I’m just going to powder my nose.

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,powder 'blue
adj. very pale blue in colour
,powder 'blue noun [U]
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pow.dered
adj.
1 (of a substance that is naturally liquid) dried and made into powder: powdered milk
2 crushed and made into a powder: powdered chalk
3 covered with powder: her powdered cheeks
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'powdered sugar
noun [U] (AmE ) = ICING SUGAR
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'powder keg
noun a dangerous situation that may suddenly become very violent
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'powder puff
noun a round thick piece of soft material that you use for putting powder on your face
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'powder room
noun
1 a polite word for a women’s toilet/bathroom in a public building
2 (AmE) a small room in a house, containing a WASHBASIN and a toilet, usually for guests to use
SYN HALF-BATH
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pow.dery
adj. like powder; covered with powder: a light fall of powdery snow  powdery cheeks
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power
noun, verb
noun
CONTROL|
1 [U] ~ (over sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth) the ability to control people or things: The aim is to give people more power over their own lives.  He has the power to make things very unpleasant for us.  to have sb in your power (= to be able to do what you like with sb)
2 [U] political control of a country or an area: to take / seize / lose power  The present regime has been in power for two years.  The party came to power at the last election.  They are hoping to return to power.  a power struggle between rival factions within the party—see also BALANCE OF POWER
ABILITY|
3 [U] (in people) the ability or opportunity to do sth: It is not within my power (= I am unable or not in a position) to help you.  I will do everything in my power to help you.
4 [U] (also powers) [pl.] a particular ability of the body or mind: He had lost the power of speech.  The drug may affect your powers of concentration.  He had to use all his powers of persuasion.
5 (powers) [pl.] all the abilities of a person’s body or mind: Sufferers from the disease have failing mental powers and poor memories.  At 26, he is at the height of his powers and ranked fourth in the world.
AUTHORITY|
6 [U, C, usually pl.] ~ (to do sth) the right or authority of a person or group to do sth: The Secretary of State has the power to approve the proposals.  The powers of the police must be clearly defined.  The president has the power of veto over all new legislation.—see also POWER OF ATTORNEY
COUNTRY|
7 [C] a country with a lot of influence in world affairs, or with great military strength: world powers  an allied / enemy power—see also SUPERPOWER
INFLUENCE|
8 [U] (in compounds) strength or influence in a particular area of activity: military / economic power  air / sea power (= military strength in the air / at sea)  purchasing / earning power
9 [U] the influence of a particular thing or group within society: the power of television / the media  parent power
ENERGY|
10 [U] the strength or energy contained in sth: The ship was helpless against the power of the storm.  It was a performance of great power.—see also FIREPOWER , STAYING POWER
11 [U] energy that can be collected and used to operate a machine, to make electricity, etc: nuclear / wind / solar power  engine power—see also HORSEPOWER   note at STRENGTH
ELECTRICITY|
12 [U] the public supply of electricity: They’ve switched off the power.  a power failure
MATHEMATICS|
13 [C, usually sing.] the number of times that an amount is to be multiplied by itself: 4 to the power of 3 is 4³ (= 4 × 4 × 4 = 64).
OF LENS|
14 [U] the amount by which a LENS can make objects appear larger: the power of a microscope / telescope
GOOD / EVIL SPIRIT|
15 [C] a good or evil spirit that controls the lives of others: the powers of darkness (= the forces of evil) do sb a 'power of good (old-fashioned, informal) to be very good for sb’s physical or mental health more power to sb’s 'elbow (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to express support or encouragement for sb to do sth the (real) power behind the 'throne the person who really controls an organization, a country, etc. in contrast to the person who is legally in charge the ,powers that 'be (often ironic) the people who control an organization, a country, etc.—more at CORRIDOR , SWEEP v.

verb
SUPPLY ENERGY|
1 [vn] [usually passive] to supply a machine or vehicle with the energy that makes it work: The aircraft is powered by a jet engine.
MOVE QUICKLY|
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move or move sth very quickly and with great power in a particular direction: [v] He powered through the water.  [vn] She powered her way into the lead.  He powered his header past the goalie. ,power sth<->'up to prepare a machine to start working by supplying it with electricity, etc.

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,power-assisted 'steering
noun [U] (BrE ) = POWER STEERING
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'power base
noun the area or the people that provide the main support for a politician or a political party
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power.boat
noun a fast boat with a powerful engine that is used especially for racing
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'power broker
noun a person who has a strong influence on who has political power in an area
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'power cut
(BrE ) (AmE 'power outage) noun an interruption in the supply of electricity; a period of time when this happens
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'power dressing
noun [U] a style of dressing in which people in business wear formal and expensive clothes to emphasize how important they and their jobs are
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powered
adj. (usually in compounds) operated by a form of energy such as electricity or by the type of energy mentioned: a powered wheelchair  a solar-powered calculator—see also HIGH-POWERED
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power.ful
adj.
1 (of people) being able to control and influence people and events
SYN INFLUENTIAL : an immensely powerful nation / group / organization  one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood  a rich and powerful man  Only the intervention of powerful friends obtained her release.
2 having great power or force; very effective: powerful weapons / tools  a powerful engine / car  a powerful voice / smell
3 having a strong effect on your mind or body: a powerful image / drug / speech
4 (of a person or an animal) physically strong: a powerful body  a powerful athlete
power.ful.ly adv.: a powerfully emotive song  He is powerfully built (= he has a large strong body).  She argued powerfully for reform.
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power.house
noun
1 a group or an organization that has a lot of power: China has been described as an ‘emerging economic powerhouse’.
2 a person who is very strong and full of energy
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power.less
adj.
1 without power to control or to influence sb/sth
SYN HELPLESS : powerless minorities  When the enemy attacked, we were completely powerless against them.
2 ~ to do sth completely unable to do sth: I saw what was happening, but I was powerless to help.
power.less.ness noun [U]: a feeling / sense of powerlessness
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'power line
noun a thick wire that carries electricity: overhead power lines
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,power of at'torney
noun [U, C] (pl.powers of attorney) (law ) the right to act as the representative of sb in business or financial matters; a document that gives sb this right
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'power outage
noun (AmE ) = POWER CUT
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'power plant
noun = POWER STATION
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'power point
noun (BrE ) = SOCKET (1)
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'power politics
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] a situation in which a country tries to achieve its aims by using or threatening to use its military or economic power against another country
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'power-sharing
noun [U] a policy or system in which different groups or political parties share responsibility for making decisions, taking political action, etc.
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'power station
(BrE ) (also 'power plantAmE, BrE) noun a building or group of buildings where electricity is produced: a coal-fired power station  a nuclear power station
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'power steering
(BrE also ,power-assisted 'steering) noun [U] (in a vehicle) a system that uses power from the engine to help the driver change direction
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pow.wow
noun
1 a meeting of Native Americans
2 (informal or humorous) a meeting for discussion
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pox
noun (the pox) [sing.] (old use)
1 an infectious disease spread by sexual contact
SYN SYPHILIS
2 = SMALLPOX
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poxy
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) if sb describes sth as poxy, they think it has little value or importance
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pp
abbr.
1 (pp.) pages: See pp. 100–117.
2 (also p.p.) (especially BrE) used in front of a person’s name when sb signs a business letter on his/her behalf: pp Chris Baker (= from Chris Baker, but signed by sb else because Chris Baker is away)
3 (music) very quietly (from Italian ‘pianissimo’)
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PPS
noun the abbreviation for ‘Parliamentary Private Secretary’ (a Member of Parliament in Britain who is given the job of helping a minister)
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PR
noun [U]
1 the abbreviation for PUBLIC RELATIONS : a PR department / agency / campaign  The article is very good PR for the theatre.
2 the abbreviation for PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
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prac.tic.able
adj. (formal) (of an idea, a plan or a suggestion) able to be done; likely to be successful
SYN FEASIBLE , WORKABLE : at the earliest practicable date / opportunity  as soon as (is) practicable  The only practicable alternative is to postpone the meeting.—compare IMPRACTICABLE
prac.tic.abil.ity noun [U]: We were doubtful about the practicability of the plan.
prac.tic.ably adv.: Please reply as soon as is practicably possible.
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prac.tical
adj., noun
adj.
CONNECTED WITH REAL THINGS|
1 connected with real situations rather than with ideas or theories: to have gained practical experience of the work  practical advice / help / support  practical problems / difficulties  There are some obvious practical applications of the research.  In practical terms, it means spending less.  From a practical point of view, it isn’t a good place to live.—compare THEORETICAL
LIKELY TO WORK|
2 (of an idea, a method or a course of action) right or sensible; likely to be successful
SYN WORKABLE : It wouldn’t be practical for us to go all that way just for the weekend.
OPP IMPRACTICAL
USEFUL|
3 (of things) useful or suitable: a practical little car, ideal for the city
OPP IMPRACTICAL
SENSIBLE|
4 (of a person) sensible and realistic: Let’s be practical and work out the cost first.
OPP IMPRACTICAL
GOOD AT MAKING THINGS|
5 (of a person) good at making or repairing things: Bob’s very practical. He does all the odd jobs around the house.
ALMOST TOTAL|
6 [only before noun] almost complete or total
SYN VIRTUAL : She married a practical stranger. for (all) 'practical purposes used when you are stating what the reality of a situation is: There’s still another ten minutes of the game to go, but for practical purposes it’s already over.

noun (BrE , informal) a lesson or an exam in science or technology in which students have to do or make things, not just read or write about them

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prac.ti.cal.ity
noun
1 [U] the quality of being suitable, or likely to be successful: I have doubts about the practicality of their proposal.
2 [U] the quality of being sensible and realistic: I was impressed by her practicality.
3 (practicalities) [pl.] the real facts and circumstances rather than ideas or theories: It sounds like a good idea; let’s look at the practicalities and work out the costs.
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,practical 'joke
noun a trick that is played on sb to make them look stupid and to make other people laugh
,practical 'joker noun
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prac.tic.al.ly
adv.
1 (especially spoken) almost; very nearly
SYN VIRTUALLY : practically empty / impossible  I meet famous people practically every day.  My essay is practically finished now.  There’s practically no difference between the two options.  note at ALMOST
2 in a realistic or sensible way; in real situations: Practically speaking, we can’t afford it.  It sounds like a good idea, but I don’t think it will work practically.—compare THEORETICALLY
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,practical 'nurse
noun (AmE ) a nurse with practical experience but less training than a REGISTERED NURSE
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prac.tice
noun, verb
noun
ACTION NOT IDEAS|
1 [U] action rather than ideas: the theory and practice of teaching  She’s determined to put her new ideas into practice .
WAY OF DOING STH|
2 [U, C] a way of doing sth that is the usual or expected way in a particular organization or situation: common / current / standard practice  guidelines for good / best practice  a review of pay and working practices  occult / religious practices—see also CODE OF PRACTICE , RESTRICTIVE PRACTICES , SHARP PRACTICE
HABIT / CUSTOM|
3 [C] a thing that is done regularly; a habit or a custom: the German practice of giving workers a say in how their company is run  It is his practice to read several books a week.
FOR IMPROVING SKILL|
4 [U, C] doing an activity or training regularly so that you can improve your skill; the time you spend doing this: conversation practice  piano / football practice  It takes a lot of practice to play the violin well.  There’s a basketball practice every Friday evening.  She does an hour’s piano practice every day.
OF DOCTOR / LAWYER|
5 [U, C] the work or the business of some professional people such as doctors, dentists and lawyers; the place where they work: the practice of law / medicine  Students should have prior experience of veterinary practice.  My solicitor is no longer in practice.  a successful medical / dental / law practice—see also GENERAL PRACTICE , GROUP PRACTICE , PRIVATE PRACTICE in 'practice in reality: Prisoners have legal rights, but in practice these rights are not always respected. be / get / ,out of 'practice to be/become less good at doing sth than you were because you have not spent time doing it recently: Don’t ask me to speak French! I’m out of practice. ,practice makes 'perfect (saying) a way of encouraging people by telling them that if you do an activity regularly and try to improve your skill, you will become very good at it

verb (AmE ) = PRACTISE

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prac.tise
(BrE ) (AmEprac.tice) verb
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (sth) (on sb/sth) to do an activity or train regularly so that you can improve your skill: [v] You need to practise every day.  She’s practising for her piano exam.  [vn] I’ve been practising my serve for weeks.  He usually wants to practise his English on me.  [v -ing] Practise reversing the car into the garage.
2 [vn] to do sth regularly as part of your normal behaviour: to practise self-restraint / safe sex  Do you still practise your religion?
3 ~ (as sth) to work as a doctor, lawyer, etc: [v] There are over 50 000 solicitors practising in England and Wales.  She practised as a barrister for many years.  [vn] He was banned from practising medicine.
IDM ,practise what you 'preach to do the things yourself that you tell other people to do
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prac.tised
(BrE ) (AmE-ticed) adj. ~ (in sth) good at doing sth because you have been doing it regularly: She’s only 18 but she’s already a practised composer.  It took a practised eye to spot the difference.  He has good ideas but he isn’t practised in the art of marketing.
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prac.tis.ing
(BrE ) (AmE-ticing) adj. [only before noun] taking an active part in a particular religion, profession, etc: a practising Christian / teacher
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prac.ti.tion.er
noun
1 (technical) a person who works in a profession, especially medicine or law: dental / legal practitioners  a qualified practitioner—see also GENERAL PRACTITIONER
2 (formal) a person who regularly does a particular activity, especially one that requires skill: one of the greatest practitioners of science fiction
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prae.sid.ium
(especially BrE ) = PRESIDIUM
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prag.mat.ic
adj. solving problems in a practical and sensible way rather than by having fixed ideas or theories
SYN REALISTIC : a pragmatic approach to management problems
prag.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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prag.mat.ics
noun [U] (linguistics ) the study of the way in which language is used to express what sb really means in particular situations, especially when the actual words used may appear to mean sth different
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prag.ma.tism
noun [U] (formal) thinking about solving problems in a practical and sensible way rather than by having fixed ideas and theories
prag.ma.tist noun
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prairie
noun [C, U] a flat wide area of land in N. America and Canada, without many trees and originally covered with grass
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praise
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (also less frequent praises [pl.]) words that show approval of or admiration for sb/sth: His teachers are full of praise for the progress he’s making.  She wrote poems in praise of freedom.  His latest movie has won high praise from the critics.  We have nothing but praise for the way they handled the investigation.  The team coach singled out two players for special praise.  She left with their praises ringing in her ears.  They always sing his praises (= praise him very highly).
2 the expression of worship to God: hymns / songs of praise  Praise be (to God)! (= expressing belief or joy)
IDM see DAMN v.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (for sth)| ~ sb/sth (as sth) to express your approval or admiration for sb/sth
SYN COMPLIMENT : She praised his cooking.  He praised his team for their performance.  Critics praised the work as highly original.
2 to express your thanks to or your respect for God: Praise the Lord.  Allah be praised.
IDM praise sb/sth to the 'skies to praise sb/sth a lot

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praise.worthy
adj. (formal) deserving praise: a praiseworthy achievement / effort / attempt
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pram
(BrE ) (AmE 'baby carriage) noun a small vehicle on four wheels for a baby to go out in, pushed by a person on foot—picture at PUSHCHAIR
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prance
verb [v]
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move quickly with exaggerated steps so that people will look at you: The lead singer was prancing around with the microphone.  She pranced out of the room.
2 (of a horse) to move with high steps
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prang
verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to damage a vehicle in an accident
prang noun
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prank
noun a trick that is played on sb as a joke: a childish / silly prank
prank.ster noun: Student pranksters have done considerable damage to the school buildings.
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prat
noun (BrE , slang) a stupid person: He got drunk and made a complete prat of himself.
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prate
verb [v] ~ (on) (about sth) (old-fashioned, disapproving) to talk too much in a stupid or boring way
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prat.fall
noun (especially AmE )
1 an embarrassing mistake
2 a fall on your bottom
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prat.tle
verb [v] ~ (on / away) (about sb/sth) (old-fashioned, often disapproving) to talk a lot about unimportant things: She prattled on about her children all evening.
prat.tle noun [U]
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prawn
noun (especially BrE ) (AmE usually shrimp) a shellfish with ten legs and a long tail, that can be eaten. Prawns turn pink when cooked.—
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praxis
noun [U] (philosophy ) a way of doing sth; the use of a theory or a belief in a practical way
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pray
verb, adv.
verb
1 ~ (to sb) (for sb/sth) to speak to God, especially to give thanks or ask for help: [v] They knelt down and prayed.  I’ll pray for you.  to pray for peace / rain  She prayed to God for an end to her sufferings.  [v (that)] We prayed (that) she would recover from her illness.  [v to inf] He prayed to be forgiven. [alsov speech]
2 ~ (for sth) to hope very much that sth will happen: [v] We’re praying for good weather on Saturday.  [v that] I prayed that nobody would notice my mistake.

adv. (old use or ironic) used to mean ‘please’ when you are asking a question or telling sb to do sth: What, pray, is the meaning of this?  Pray continue.

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pray.er
noun
1 [C] ~ (for sb/sth) words which you say to God giving thanks or asking for help: to say your prayers  prayers for the sick  He arrived at that very moment, as if in answer to her prayer .  Their prayers were answered and the child was found safe and well.
2 [C] a fixed form of words that you can say when you speak to God: It was a prayer she had learnt as a child.—see also THE LORD’S PRAYER
3 [U] the act or habit of praying : They knelt in prayer.  We believe in the power of prayer.
4 (prayers) [pl.] a religious meeting that takes place regularly, in which people say prayers
5 [usually sing.] a thing that you hope for very much: My prayer is that one day he will walk again.
IDM see WING n.
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'prayer book
noun a book that contains prayers, for using in church services
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'prayer rug
(also 'prayer mat) noun a small carpet that Muslims kneel on when they are saying prayers
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,praying 'mantis
(also mantis) noun a large green insect that eats other insects. The female praying mantis often eats the male.
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pre-
prefix (in verbs, nouns and adjectives) before: preheat  precaution  pre-war  preseason training (= before a sports season starts)—compare ANTE- , POST-
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preach
verb
1 to give a religious talk in a public place, especially in a church during a service: [v] She preached to the congregation about forgiveness.  [vn] The minister preached a sermon on the parable of the lost sheep.
2 to tell people about a particular religion, way of life, system, etc. in order to persuade them to accept it: [vn] to preach the word of God  He preached the virtues of capitalism to us.  [v] She preached about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
3 [v] (disapproving) to give sb advice on morals, behaviour, etc., especially in a way that they find annoying or boring: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to preach.  You’re preaching at me again!
IDM preach to the con'verted to speak to people in support of views that they already hold—more at PRACTISE
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preach.er
noun a Christian, often a member of the CLERGY , who preaches at a church service or a religious meeting: a preacher famous for her inspiring sermons  a lay preacher (= who is not a priest, etc. but who has been trained to give religious talks)
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preachy
adj. (informal, disapproving) trying to give advice or to persuade people to accept an opinion on what is right and wrong
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pre.amble
noun [C, U] (formal) an introduction to a book or a written document; an introduction to sth you say: The aims of the treaty are stated in its preamble.  She gave him the bad news without preamble .
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,pre-ar'ranged
adj. planned or arranged in advance: a pre-arranged signal
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pre.car.ious
adj.
1 (of a situation) not safe or certain; dangerous: He earned a precarious living as an artist.  The museum is in a financially precarious position.  The world is a precarious and unstable place.
2 likely to fall or cause sb to fall: That ladder looks very precarious.  The path down to the beach is very precarious in wet weather.
pre.car.ious.ly adv.: The economy is precariously close to recession.  He balanced the glass precariously on the arm of his chair.
pre.car.ious.ness noun [U]
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pre.cast
adj. (of some building materials) made into blocks ready to use: precast concrete slabs
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pre.cau.tion
noun [often pl.]
1 ~ (against sth) something that is done in advance in order to prevent problems or to avoid danger: safety precautions  precautions against fire  You must take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your family.  I’ll keep the letter as a precaution .
2 (precautions) [pl.] a way of referring to CONTRACEPTION : We didn’t take any precautions and I got pregnant.
pre.cau.tion.ary adj.: He was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure .
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pre.cede
verb (written)
1 to happen before sth or come before sth/sb in order: [vn] the years preceding the war  His resignation was preceded by weeks of speculation.  She preceded me in the job.  [v] See the preceding chapter.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to go in front of sb: She preceded him out of the room.
PVR V pre'cede sth with sth to do or say sth to introduce sth else: She preceded her speech with a vote of thanks to the committee.
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pre.ce.dence
noun [U] ~ (over sb/sth) the condition of being more important than sb else and therefore coming or being dealt with first
SYN PRIORITY : She had to learn that her wishes did not take precedence over other people’s needs.  The speakers came on to the platform in order of precedence (= the most important one first).
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pre.ce.dent
noun
1 [C, U] an official action or decision that has happened in the past and that is seen as an example or a rule to be followed in a similar situation later: The ruling set a precedent for future libel cases.
2 [C, U] a similar action or event that happened earlier: historical precedents  There is no precedent for a disaster of this scale.  Such protests are without precedent in recent history.
3 [U] the way that things have always been done
SYN TRADITION : to break with precedent (= to do sth in a different way)—see also UNPRECEDENTED
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pre.cept
noun [C, U] (formal) a rule about how to behave or what to think
SYN PRINCIPLE : moral / ideological precepts
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pre.cinct
noun
1 (BrE) a commercial area in a town where cars cannot go: a pedestrian / shopping precinct
2 (AmE) one of the parts into which a town or city is divided in order to organize elections: voters in key precincts
3 (AmE) a part of a city that has its own police station; the police station in this area: Detective Hennessy of the 44th precinct  The murder occurred just a block from the precinct.
4 [usually pl.] the area around a place or a building, sometimes enclosed by a wall: the cathedral / college precincts  within the precincts of the castle
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pre.cious
adj., adv.
adj.
1 rare and worth a lot of money: a precious vase  The crown was set with precious jewels—diamonds, rubies and emeralds.—see also PRECIOUS METAL , PRECIOUS STONE
2 valuable or important and not to be wasted: Clean water is a precious commodity in that part of the world.  You’re wasting precious time!
3 loved or valued very much: precious memories / possessions
4 [only before noun] (spoken) used to show you are angry that another person thinks sth is very important: I didn’t touch your precious car!
5 (disapproving) (especially of people and their behaviour) very formal, exaggerated and not natural in what you say and do
pre.cious.ness noun [U]: the preciousness of an old friendship  His writings reveal an unattractive preciousness of style.

adv. (informal) ~ little / few used to emphasize the fact that there is very little of sth or that there are very few of sth: There’s precious little to do in this town.

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,precious 'metal
noun [C, U] a very valuable metal such as gold or silver
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,precious 'stone
(also stone) noun a rare valuable stone, such as a diamond, that is used in jewellery: a ring set with a precious stone—see also SEMI-PRECIOUS
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preci.pice
noun a very steep side of a high cliff, mountain or rock: (figurative) The country was now on the edge of a precipice (= very close to disaster).—see also PRECIPITOUS
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pre.cipi.tate
verb, adj., noun
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to make sth, especially sth bad, happen suddenly or sooner than it should: His resignation precipitated a leadership crisis.
2 ~ sb/sth into sth to suddenly force sb/sth into a particular state or condition: The assassination of the president precipitated the country into war.

adj. (formal) (of an action or a decision) happening very quickly or suddenly and usually without enough care and thought: the precipitate resignation of the director
pre.cipi.tate.ly adv.: to act precipitately

noun (chemistry ) a solid substance that has been separated from a liquid in a chemical process: A yellow precipitate should form immediately.

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pre.cipi.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] (technical) rain, snow, etc. that falls; the amount of this that falls: an increase in annual precipitation
2 [U, C] (chemistry) a chemical process in which solid material is separated from a liquid
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pre.cipit.ous
adj. (formal)
1 very steep, high and often dangerous: precipitous cliffs / slopes  a precipitous drop at the side of the road
2 sudden and great: a precipitous decline in exports
3 done very quickly, without enough thought or care: a precipitous action
pre.cipit.ous.ly adv.: The land dropped precipitously down to the rocky shore.  The dollar plunged precipitously.  We don’t want to act precipitously.—see also PRECIPICE
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pre.cis
noun [C, U] (pl.pre.cis ) a short version of a speech or a piece of writing that gives the main points or ideas
SYN SUMMARY : to write / give / make a precis of a report
pre.cis verb (pre.cises pre.cis.ing pre.cised, pre.cised ): [vn] to precis a scientific report
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pre.cise
adj.
1 clear and accurate: precise details / instructions / measurements  Can you give a more precise definition of the word?  I can be reasonably precise about the time of the incident.
2 [only before noun] used to emphasize that sth happens at a particular time or in a particular way: We were just talking about her when, at that precise moment , she walked in.  Doctors found it hard to establish the precise nature of her illness.
3 taking care to be exact and accurate, especially about small details: a skilled and precise worker  small, precise movements   (disapproving) She’s rather prim and precise.
IDM to be (more) pre'cise used to show that you are giving more detailed and accurate information about sth you have just mentioned: The shelf is about a metre long—well, 98cm, to be precise.
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pre.cise.ly
adv.
1 exactly: They look precisely the same to me.  That’s precisely what I meant.  It’s not clear precisely how the accident happened.  The meeting starts at 2 o’clock precisely.
2 accurately; carefully: to describe / define / time sth precisely  She pronounced the word very slowly and precisely.
3 used to emphasize that sth is very true or obvious: It’s precisely because I care about you that I don’t like you staying out late.
4 (spoken) used to emphasize that you agree with a statement, especially because you think it is obvious or is similar to what you have just said: ‘It’s not that easy, is it?’‘No, precisely.’
IDM more pre'cisely used to show that you are giving more detailed and accurate information about sth you have just mentioned: The problem is due to discipline, or, more precisely, the lack of discipline, in schools.
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pre.ci.sion
noun [U] the quality of being exact, accurate and careful: done with mathematical precision  Her writing is imaginative but lacks precision.  Historians can’t estimate the date with any (degree of) precision .  He chose his words with precision .  precision instruments / tools  precision engineering
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pre.clude
verb ~ sth| ~ sb from doing sth (formal) to prevent sth from happening or sb from doing sth; to make sth impossible: [vn] Lack of time precludes any further discussion.  [vn -ing] His religious beliefs precluded him / his serving in the army. [alsov -ing]
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pre.co.cious
adj. (sometimes disapproving) (of a child) having developed particular abilities and ways of behaving at a much younger age than usual: a precocious child who started her acting career at the age of 5  sexually precocious  From an early age she displayed a precocious talent for music.
pre.co.cious.ly adv.: a precociously talented child
pre.co.city , pre.co.cious.ness noun [U]: his unusual precocity
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pre.cog.ni.tion
noun [U] (formal) the knowledge that sth will happen in the future, that sb has because of a dream or a sudden feeling
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pre.con.ceived
adj. [only before noun] (of ideas, opinions, etc.) formed before you have enough information or experience of sth: Before I started the job, I had no preconceived notions of what it would be like.
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pre.con.cep.tion
noun [C, often pl., U] an idea or opinion that is formed before you have enough information or experience: a book that will challenge your preconceptions about rural life—compare MISCONCEPTION
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pre.con.di.tion
noun ~ (for / of sth) (written) something that must happen or exist before sth else can exist or be done
SYN PREREQUISITE : A ceasefire is an essential precondition for negotiation.
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,pre-'cooked
adj. (of food) prepared and partly cooked in advance so that it can be quickly heated and eaten later
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pre.cur.sor
noun ~ (of / to sth) (formal) a person or a thing that comes before sb/sth similar and that leads to or influences its development
SYN FORERUNNER
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,pre-'date
(also ante.date) verb [vn] to be built or formed, or to happen, at an earlier date than sth else in the past: Few of the town’s fine buildings pre-date the earthquake of 1755.
OPP POST-DATE
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pre.da.tion
noun [U] (technical ) the act of an animal killing and eating other animals
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preda.tor
noun
1 an animal that kills and eats other animals: the relationship between predator and prey  Some animals have no natural predators.
2 (disapproving) a person or an organization that uses weaker people for their own advantage: to protect domestic industry from foreign predators
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preda.tory
adj.
1 (technical) (of animals) living by killing and eating other animals: predatory birds / insects
2 (written) (of people) using weaker people for their own financial or sexual advantage: a predatory insurance salesman  a predatory look / smile  predatory young women
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pre.de.cease
verb [vn] (law ) to die before sb: His wife predeceased him.
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pre.de.ces.sor
noun
1 a person who did a job before sb else: The new president reversed many of the policies of his predecessor.
2 a thing, such as a machine, that has been followed or replaced by sth else—compare SUCCESSOR
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pre.des.tin.ation
noun [U] the theory or the belief that everything that happens has been decided or planned in advance by God or by fate and that humans cannot change it
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pre.des.tined
adj. ~ (to do sth) (formal) already decided or planned by God or by fate: It seems she was predestined to be famous.
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pre.de.ter.mine
verb [vn] (formal) to decide sth in advance so that it does not happen by chance: The sex of the embryo is predetermined at fertilization.
pre.de.ter.mined adj.: An alarm sounds when the temperature reaches a predetermined level.
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pre.de.ter.miner
noun (grammar ) a word that can be used before a DETERMINER , such as all in all the students or twice in twice the price
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pre.dica.ment
noun a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one where it is difficult to know what to do: the club’s financial predicament  I’m in a terrible predicament.
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predi.cate
noun, verb
noun (grammar ) a part of a sentence containing a verb that makes a statement about the subject of the verb, such as went home in John went home.—compare OBJECT n. (5)

verb (formal)
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth on / upon sth to base sth on a particular belief, idea or principle: Democracy is predicated upon the rule of law.
2 to state that sth is true: [v that] The article predicates that the market collapse was caused by weakness of the dollar. [alsovn]

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pre.dica.tive
adj. (grammar ) (of an adjective) coming after a verb such as be, become, get, seem, look. Many adjectives, for example old can be either predicative as in The man is very old, or ATTRIBUTIVE as in an old man. Some, like asleep, can only be predicative .
pre.dica.tive.ly adv.
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pre.dict
verb to say that sth will happen in the future
SYN FORECAST : [vn] a reliable method of predicting earthquakes  Nobody could predict the outcome.  [v wh-] It is impossible to predict what will happen.  [v (that)] She predicted (that) the election result would be close.  [vn that] It was predicted that inflation would continue to fall.  [vn to inf] The trial is predicted to last for months.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
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pre.dict.able
adj.
1 if sth is predictable, you know in advance that it will happen or what it will be like: predictable responses / results  The ending of the book was entirely predictable.  The disease follows a highly predictable pattern.  In March and April, the weather is much less predictable.
2 (often disapproving) behaving or happening in a way that you would expect and therefore boring: He’s very nice, but I find him rather dull and predictable.  Rock music is getting so predictable these days.
pre.dict.abil.ity noun [U]
pre.dict.ably adv.: Prices were predictably high.  Predictably, the new regulations proved unpopular.
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pre.dic.tion
noun [C, U] a statement that says what you think will happen; the act of making such a statement: Not many people agree with the government’s prediction that the economy will improve.  The results of the experiment confirmed our predictions.  Skilled readers make use of context and prediction.  It’s difficult to make accurate predictions about the effects on the environment.
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pre.dict.ive
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with the ability to show what will happen in the future: the predictive power of science
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pre.dic.tor
noun (formal) something that can show what will happen in the future: Cholesterol level is not a strong predictor of heart disease in women.
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pre.digest.ed
adj. (of information) put in a simple form that is easy to understand
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pre.di.lec.tion
noun [usually sing.] ~ (for sth) (formal) if you have a predilection for sth, you like it very much: an artist with a predilection for bright colours
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pre.dis.pose
verb (formal)
1 ~ sb to sth / to do sth to influence sb so that they are likely to think or behave in a particular way: [vn] He believes that some people are predisposed to criminal behaviour.  [vn to inf] Her good mood predisposed her to enjoy the play.
2 [vn] ~ sb to sth to make it likely that you will suffer from a particular illness: Stress can predispose people to heart attacks.
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pre.dis.pos.ition
noun [C, U] ~ (to / towards sth)| ~ (to do sth) (formal) a condition that makes sb/sth likely to behave in a particular way or to suffer from a particular disease: a genetic predisposition to liver disease
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pre.dom.in.ance
noun
1 [sing.] the situation of being greater in number or amount than other things or people
SYN PREPONDERANCE : a predominance of female teachers in elementary schools
2 [U] the state of having more power or influence than others
SYN DOMINANCE : the ongoing struggle for global predominance
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pre.dom.in.ant
adj.
1 most obvious or noticeable: a predominant feature / factor  Yellow is the predominant colour this spring in the fashion world.
2 having more power or influence than others
SYN DOMINANT : a predominant culture  a way of thinking that is predominant in modern social life
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pre.dom.in.ant.ly
(also less frequent pre.dom.in.ate.ly ) adv. mostly; mainly: She works in a predominantly male environment.
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pre.dom.in.ate
verb [v]
1 to be greater in amount or number than sth/sb else in a place, group, etc: a colour scheme in which red predominates  Women predominated in the audience.
2 ~ (over sb/sth) to have the most influence or importance: Private interest was not allowed to predominate over the public good.
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pree.mie
noun (AmE , informal) a PREMATURE baby
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,pre-'eminent
adj. (formal) more important, more successful or of a higher standard than others: a pre-eminent example of the artist’s work  Charles Dickens was pre-eminent among English writers of his day.
,pre-'eminence noun [U]: to achieve pre-eminence in public life
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,pre-'eminently
adv. to a very great degree; especially: a subject that she was pre-eminently qualified to talk about
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pre-empt
verb [vn]
1 to prevent sth from happening by taking action to stop it: Her departure pre-empted any further questions.  A good training course will pre-empt many problems.
2 to do or say sth before sb else does: She was just about to apologize when he pre-empted her.
3 (AmE) to replace a planned programme on the television: ‘Roseanne’ will be pre-empted by a special news bulletin.
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pre-emption
noun [U] (business ) the opportunity given to one person or group to buy goods, shares, etc: Existing shareholders will have pre-emption rights.
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pre-emptive
adj. done to stop sb taking action, especially action that will be harmful to yourself: a pre-emptive attack / strike on the military base
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preen
verb
1 ~ (yourself) (usually disapproving) to spend a lot of time making yourself look attractive and then admiring your appearance: [vn] Will you stop preening yourself in front of the mirror? [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ yourself (on sth) (usually disapproving) to feel very pleased with yourself about sth and show other people how pleased you are
3 [v, vn] ~ (itself) (of a bird) to clean itself or make its feathers smooth with its beak
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,pre-e'xist
verb [v] to exist from an earlier time: a pre-existing medical condition
,pre-e'xistent adj.
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pre.fab
noun (informal) a prefabricated building: prefabs built after the war
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pre.fab.ri.cated
adj. (especially of a building) made in sections that can be put together later
pre.fab.ri.ca.tion noun [U]
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pref.ace
noun, verb
noun an introduction to a book, especially one that explains the author’s aims—compare FOREWORD

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) to provide a book or other piece of writing with a preface : He prefaced the diaries with a short account of how they were discovered.
2 ~ sth by / with sth| ~ sth by doing sth (formal) to say sth before you start making a speech, answering a question, etc: I must preface my remarks with an apology.

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pre.fect
noun
1 (in some British schools) an older student with some authority over younger students and some other responsibilities and privileges
2 (also Prefect) an officer responsible for an area of local government in some countries, for example France, Italy and Japan
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pre.fec.ture
noun an area of local government in some countries, for example France, Italy and Japan
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pre.fer
verb (-rr-) (not used in the progressive tenses) to choose one thing rather than sth else because you like it better: [vn] ‘Coffee or tea?’‘I’d prefer tea, thanks.’  I prefer jazz to rock music.  I would prefer it if you didn’t tell anyone.  A local firm is to be preferred .  [vn-adj] I prefer my coffee black.  [v to inf] The donor prefers to remain anonymous.  I prefer not to think about it.  [vn to inf] Would you prefer me to stay?  [v -ing] I prefer playing in defence.  [v that] (formal) I would prefer that you did not mention my name.
IDM see CHARGE n.
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pref.er.able
adj. ~ (to sth / to doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) more attractive or more suitable; to be preferred to sth: Anything was preferable to the tense atmosphere at home.  He finds country life infinitely preferable to living in the city.  It would be preferable to employ two people, not one.
pref.er.ably adv.: We’re looking for a new house, preferably one near the school.
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pref.er.ence
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a greater interest in or desire for sb/sth than sb/sth else: It’s a matter of personal preference .  Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan.  I can’t say that I have any particular preference.  Let’s make a list of possible speakers, in order of preference .
2 [C] a thing that is liked better or best: a study of consumer preferences
IDM give (a) preference to sb/sth to treat sb/sth in a way that gives them an advantage over other people or things: Preference will be given to graduates of this university. in preference to sb/sth rather than sb/sth: She was chosen in preference to her sister.
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pref.er.en.tial
adj. [only before noun] giving an advantage to a particular person or group: Don’t expect to get preferential treatment.  Bank employees usually get preferential rates of interest.
pref.er.en.tial.ly adv.
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pre.fer.ment
noun [U] (formal) the fact of being given a more important job or a higher rank
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pre.fig.ure
verb [vn] (formal) to suggest or show sth that will happen in the future: These early paintings clearly prefigure his later work.
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pre.fix
noun, verb
noun
1 (grammar) a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning, such as un- in unhappy and pre- in preheat—compare AFFIX , SUFFIX
2 a word, letter or number that is put before another: Car insurance policies have the prefix MC (for motor car).
3 (old-fashioned) a title such as Dr or Mrs used before a person’s name

verb [vn] ~ A to B| ~ B with A to add letters or numbers to the beginning of a word or number: American members have the letters US prefixed to their code numbers.  Their code numbers are prefixed with US.

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preg.nancy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) the state of being pregnant: Many women experience sickness during pregnancy.  a pregnancy test  unplanned / unwanted pregnancies  the increase in teenage pregnancies
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preg.nant
adj.
1 (of a woman or female animal) having a baby or young animal developing inside her/its body: My wife is pregnant.  I was pregnant with our third child at the time.  a heavily pregnant woman (= one whose baby is nearly ready to be born)  to get / become pregnant  Tom got his girlfriend pregnant and they’re getting married.  She’s six months pregnant.
2 ~ with sth (formal) full of a quality or feeling: Her silences were pregnant with criticism.
IDM a pregnant 'pause / 'silence an occasion when nobody speaks, although people are aware that there are feelings or thoughts to express: There was a pregnant pause before she replied.
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pre.heat
verb [vn] to heat an oven to a particular temperature before you put food in it to cook
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pre.hen.sile
adj. (technical ) (of a part of an animal’s body) able to hold things: the monkey’s prehensile tail—
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pre.his.toric
adj. connected with the time in history before information was written down: in prehistoric times  prehistoric man / remains / animals / burial sites
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pre.his.tory
noun
1 [U] the period of time in history before information was written down: These climate changes continued throughout prehistory.
2 [sing.] the earliest stages of the development of sth: the prehistory of capitalism
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pre.judge
verb [vn] (formal) to make a judgement about a situation before you have all the necessary information: They took care not to prejudge the issue .
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preju.dice
noun, verb
noun [U, C] ~ (against sb/sth) an unreasonable dislike of or PREFERENCE for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc: a victim of racial prejudice   Their decision was based on ignorance and prejudice.  There is little prejudice against workers from other EU states.  I must admit to a prejudice in favour of British universities.
IDM without 'prejudice (to sth) (law) without affecting any other legal matter: They agreed to pay compensation without prejudice (= without admitting guilt).

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (against sb/sth) to influence sb so that they have an unfair or unreasonable opinion about sb/sth: The prosecution lawyers have been trying to prejudice the jury against her.
2 (formal) to have a harmful effect on sth: Any delay will prejudice the child’s welfare.

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preju.diced
adj. ~ (against sb/sth) having an unreasonable dislike of or PREFERENCE for sb/sth, especially based on their race, religion, sex, etc: Few people will admit to being racially prejudiced.  They are prejudiced against older applicants.   (humorous) I think it’s an excellent article, but then I’m prejudiced—I wrote it.
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preju.di.cial
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) harming or likely to harm sb/sth: developments prejudicial to the company’s future
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prel.ate
noun (formal) a priest of high rank, such as a BISHOP or CARDINAL
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pre.lim.in.ary
adj., noun
adj. ~ (to sth) happening before a more important action or event
SYN INITIAL : After a few preliminary remarks he announced the winners.  preliminary results / findings / enquiries  the preliminary rounds of the contest  pilot studies preliminary to a full-scale study

noun (pl.-ies) ~ (to sth) a preliminary is an action or event that is done in preparation for sth: Research will be needed as a preliminary to taking a decision.  I’ll skip the usual preliminaries and come straight to the point.  England was lucky to get through the preliminaries (= the preliminary stages in a sports competition).

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prel.ude
noun
1 a short piece of music, especially an introduction to a longer piece: the prelude to Act II  J S Bach’s preludes and fugues
2 ~ (to sth) (written) an action or event that happens before another more important one and forms an introduction to it
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pre.mar.ital
adj. [only before noun] happening before marriage: premarital sex
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pre.ma.ture
adj.
1 happening before the normal or expected time: his premature death at the age of 37
2 (of a birth or a baby) happening or being born before the normal length of pregnancy has been completed: The baby was four weeks premature.  a premature birth after only thirty weeks
3 happening or made too soon: a premature conclusion / decision / judgement  It is premature to talk about success at this stage.
pre.ma.ture.ly adv.: The child was born prematurely.  Her hair became prematurely white.
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pre.medi.tated
adj. (of a crime or bad action) planned in advance: a premeditated attack  The killing had not been premeditated.
OPP UNPREMEDITATED
pre.medi.ta.tion noun [U]
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pre.men.strual
adj. happening or experienced before MENSTRUATION : Many women suffer from premenstrual tension / syndrome , causing headaches and depression.—see also PMS
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prem.ier
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] most important, famous or successful: one of Britain’s premier chefs   (BrE, sport ) the Premier League / Division (= in football)

noun used especially in newspapers, etc. to mean ‘prime minister’

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premi.ere
noun, verb
noun the first public performance of a film/movie or play: the world premiere of his new play  The movie will have its premiere in July.

verb to perform a play or piece of music or show a film/movie to an audience for the first time; to be performed or shown to an audience for the first time: [vn] The play was premiered at the Birmingham Rep in 1999.  [v] His new movie premieres in New York this week.

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prem.ier.ship
noun [sing.]
1 the period or position of being PRIME MINISTER : during Blair’s premiership
2 (often the Premiership) the football LEAGUE in England and Wales which has the best teams in it
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prem.ise
(BrE also less frequent prem.iss) noun (formal) a statement or an idea that forms the basis for a reasonable line of argument: the basic premise of her argument  a false premise  His reasoning is based on the premise that all people are equally capable of good and evil.
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prem.ised
adj. ~ on / upon sth (formal) based on a particular idea or belief that is considered to be true: Traditional economic analysis is premised on the assumption that more is better.
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prem.ises
noun [pl.] the building and land near to it that a business owns or uses: business / commercial / industrial premises  The company is looking for larger premises.  No alcohol may be consumed on the premises .  Police were called to escort her off the premises .
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pre.mium
noun, adj.
noun
1 an amount of money that you pay once or regularly for an insurance policy: a monthly premium of £6.25
2 an extra payment added to the basic rate: You have to pay a high premium for express delivery.  A premium of 10% is paid out after 20 years.
IDM at a 'premium
1 if sth is at a premium, there is little of it available and it is difficult to get: Space is at a premium in a one-bedroomed apartment.
2 at a higher than normal price: Shares are selling at a premium. put / place / set a premium on sb/sth to think that sb/sth is particularly important or valuable

adj. [only before noun] very high (and higher than usual); of high quality: premium prices / products

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pre.mon.ition
noun ~ (of sth / that … ) a feeling that sth is going to happen, especially sth unpleasant: a premonition of disaster  He had a premonition that he would never see her again.
pre.moni.tory adj. (rare, formal): a premonitory dream
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pre.natal
adj. (especially AmE ) = ANTENATAL —compare POSTNATAL
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pre.occu.pa.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (with sth) a state of thinking about sth continuously; sth that you think about frequently or for a long time: She found his preoccupation with money irritating.  His current preoccupation is the appointment of the new manager.
2 [U] a mood created by thinking or worrying about sth and ignoring everything else: She spoke slowly, in a state of preoccupation.
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pre.occu.pied
adj. ~ (with sth) thinking and/or worrying continuously about sth so that you do not pay attention to other things: He was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to notice anything wrong.
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pre.occupy
verb (pre.occu.pies, pre.occu.py.ing, pre.occu.pied, pre.occu.pied) [vn] if sth is preoccupying you, you think or worry about it very often or all the time: Thoughts of failure preoccupied him.
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pre.or.dained
adj. ~ to do sth (formal) already decided or planned by God or by fate
SYN PREDESTINED : Is everything we do preordained?  They seemed preordained to meet.
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prep
noun, verb
noun [U] (BrE ) (in some private schools) school work that is done at the end of the day after lessons

verb [vn]
1 (AmE, informal) to prepare sb/sth
2 (technical) to prepare sb for a medical operation

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,pre-'packed
(also ,pre-'packaged) adj. (of goods, especially food) put into packages before being sent to shops/stores to be sold: pre-packed sandwiches
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pre.paid
adj. paid for in advance: a prepaid envelope is enclosed (= so you do not pay to have the cost of sending a letter)
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prep.ar.ation
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sth) the act or process of getting ready for sth or making sth ready: Preparation for the party started early.  food preparation  Careful preparation for the exam is essential.  The third book in the series is currently in preparation .  The team has been training hard in preparation for the big game.
2 [C, usually pl.] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) things that you do to get ready for sth or make sth ready: The country is making preparations for war.  We made preparations to move to new offices.  Christmas / wedding preparations  Was going to college a good preparation for your career?
3 [C] a substance that has been specially prepared for use as a medicine, COSMETIC , etc: a pharmaceutical preparation  preparations for the hair and skin
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pre.para.tory
adj. [only before noun] (formal) done in order to prepare for sth: preparatory meetings / studies / work  After a few preparatory drawings, she completed the portrait in one session.  Security checks had been carried out preparatory to (= to prepare for) the President’s visit.
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pre'paratory school
(also 'prep school) noun
1 (in Britain) a private school for children between the ages of 7 and 13—compare PUBLIC SCHOOL
2 (in the US) a school, usually a private one, that prepares students for college
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pre.pare
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth/sb (for sb/sth) to make sth or sb ready to be used or to do sth: to prepare a report / the accounts  A hotel room is being prepared for them.  The college prepares students for a career in business.
2 ~ (yourself) (for sth) to make yourself ready to do sth or for sth that you expect to happen: [v] I had no time to prepare.  The whole class is working hard preparing for the exams.  [vn] The police are preparing themselves for trouble at the demonstration.  [v to inf] I was preparing to leave.  [vn to inf] The troops prepared themselves to go into battle.
3 [vn] to make food ready to be eaten: He was in the kitchen preparing lunch.
4 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to make a medicine or chemical substance, for example by mixing other substances together: remedies prepared from herbal extracts
IDM prepare the 'ground (for sth) to make it possible or easier for sth to be achieved: The committee will prepare the ground for next month’s meeting.
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pre.pared
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (for sth) ready and able to deal with sth: I was not prepared for all the problems it caused.  We’ll be better prepared next time.  When they set out they were well prepared.
OPP UNPREPARED —see also ILL-PREPARED
2 ~ to do sth willing to do sth: We are not prepared to accept these conditions.  How much are you prepared to pay?
OPP UNPREPARED
3 done, made, written, etc. in advance: The police officer read out a prepared statement.
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pre.pared.ness
noun [U] ~ to do sth (formal) the state of being ready or willing to do sth: I was surprised by his preparedness to break the law.  The troops are in a state of preparedness.
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pre.pay.ment
noun [U] payment in advance: a prepayment meter / plan
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pre.pon.der.ance
noun [sing.] if there is a preponderance of one type of people or things in a group, there are more of them than others
SYN PREDOMINANCE
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pre.pon.der.ant
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) larger in number or more important than other people or things in a group
pre.pon.der.ant.ly adv.
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prep.os.ition
noun (grammar ) a word or group of words, such as in, from, to, out of and on behalf of, used before a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time or method
prep.os.ition.al adj.: a prepositional phrase (= a preposition and the noun following it, for example at night or after breakfast)
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pre.pos.sess.ing
adj. (especially after a negative) (formal) attractive in appearance
SYN APPEALING : He was not a prepossessing sight.—compare UNPREPOSSESSING
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pre.pos.ter.ous
adj. (formal)
1 completely unreasonable, especially in a way that is shocking or annoying
SYN OUTRAGEOUS : These claims are absolutely preposterous!
2 unusual in a silly or shocking way
SYN OUTRAGEOUS : The band were famous for their preposterous clothes and haircuts.
pre.pos.ter.ous.ly adv.: a preposterously expensive bottle of wine
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prep.py
(also prep.pie) noun (pl.-ies) (AmE , informal) a young person who goes or went to an expensive private school and who dresses and acts in a way that is thought to be typical of such a school
prep.py (also prep.pie) adj.: a preppy image  preppy clothes
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'prep school
noun = PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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pre.quel
noun a book or a film/movie about events that happened before those in a popular book or film/movie: Fans have been waiting for years for the first Star Wars prequel.—compare SEQUEL
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Pre-Raphael.ite
noun, adj.
noun a member of a group of British 19th century artists who painted in a style similar to Italian artists of the 14th and 15th centuries, before the time of Raphael: the Pre-Raphaelites

adj.
1 connected with or in the style of the Pre-Raphaelites : Pre-Raphaelite paintings
2 (especially of a woman) looking like a person in a painting by one of the Pre-Raphaelites , for example with pale skin and long thick dark red hair

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,pre-re'cord
verb [vn] to record music, a television programme, etc. in advance, so that it can be broadcast or used later
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,pre-re'corded
adj. [usually before noun] a pre-recorded piece of music, film, or radio or television programme has been recorded in advance so that it can be played later: a pre-recorded interview  a pre-recorded tape / video—compare LIVE adj. (2,3)
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pre.regis.ter
verb [v] (especially AmE ) to REGISTER for sth before the usual time or before sth starts: I went back to college a week early to preregister for classes.
pre.regis.tra.tion noun [U]
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pre.requis.ite
noun [usually sing.] ~ (for / of / to sth) (formal) something that must exist or happen before sth else can happen or be done
SYN PRECONDITION : A degree is an essential prerequisite for employment at this level.—compare REQUISITE
pre.requis.ite adj. [only before noun]: prerequisite knowledge / skills
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pre.roga.tive
noun (formal) a right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group because of their importance or social position: It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind!  In many countries education is still the prerogative of the rich.  the royal prerogative (= the special rights of a king or queen)
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pres.age
verb [vn] (literary) to be a warning or sign that sth will happen, usually sth unpleasant: Nothing had presaged the dreadful fate about to befall him.
pre.sage noun: the first presages of winter
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Pres.by.ter.ian
noun a member of a branch of the Christian Protestant Church that is the national Church of Scotland and one of the largest Churches in the US. It is governed by ELDERS who are all equal in rank
Pres.by.ter.ian adj.: a Presbyterian church / minister
Pres.by.ter.ian.ism noun [U]
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pres.by.tery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a local council of the Presbyterian Church
2 a house where a Roman Catholic priest lives
3 part of a church, near the east end, beyond the CHOIR
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pre.school
noun (especially AmE ) a school for children between the ages of about two and five
SYN NURSERY SCHOOL
,pre-'schooler noun: a class of pre-schoolers
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,pre-'school
adj. [only before noun] connected with the age when a child is too young to go to school: children of pre-school age  pre-school children / education
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pres.ci.ent
adj. (formal) knowing or appearing to know about things before they happen: prescient remarks / warnings
pres.ci.ence noun [U]
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pre.scribe
verb
1 ~ (sb) sth (for sth) (of a doctor) to tell sb to take a particular medicine or have a particular treatment; to write a PRESCRIPTION for a particular medicine, etc: [vn] Valium is usually prescribed to treat anxiety.  [vnn] He may be able to prescribe you something for that cough.
2 (used about a person or an organization with authority) to say what should be done or how sth should be done: [vn] The prescribed form must be completed and returned to this office.  [v that] Police regulations prescribe that an officer’s number must be clearly visible.  [v wh-] The syllabus prescribes precisely which books should be studied.
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pre.scrip.tion
noun
1 [C] (abbr.Rx) ~ (for sth) an official piece of paper on which a doctor writes the type of medicine you should have, and which enables you to get it from a CHEMIST/PHARMACIST (= a person who has been trained to prepare medicines): The doctor gave me a prescription for antibiotics.  Antibiotics are only available on prescription .  They are not available without a prescription.  prescription drugs / medication(s)—
2 [C] medicine that your doctor has ordered for you: The pharmacist will make up your prescription.  prescription charges (= in Britain, the money you must pay for a medicine your doctor has ordered for you)
3 [U] the act of prescribing medicine: The prescription of drugs is a doctor’s responsibility.
4 [C] ~ (for sth) (formal) a plan or a suggestion for making sth happen or for improving it: a prescription for happiness
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pre.scrip.tive
adj.
1 (formal) telling people what should be done: prescriptive methods of teaching
2 (linguistics) telling people how a language should be used, rather than describing how it is used: a prescriptive grammar of English
OPP DESCRIPTIVE
3 (technical) (of rights and institutions) made legal or acceptable because they have existed for a long time: prescriptive powers
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pres.ence
noun
1 [U] (of a person) the fact of being in a particular place: He hardly seemed to notice my presence.  Her presence during the crisis had a calming effect.   (formal) Your presence is requested at the meeting.
OPP ABSENCE
2 [U] (of a thing or a substance) the fact of being in a particular place or thing: The test can identify the presence of abnormalities in the unborn child.
OPP ABSENCE
3 [sing.] a group of people, especially soldiers, who have been sent to a place to deal with a particular situation: The government is maintaining a heavy police presence in the area.  a military presence
4 [C, usually sing.] (literary) a person or spirit that you cannot see but that you feel is near: She felt a presence behind her.
5 [U] (approving) the quality of making a strong impression on other people by the way you talk or behave: a man of great presence  She has a strong voice but absolutely no stage presence.
IDM in the 'presence of sb | in sb’s 'presence with sb in the same place: The document was signed in the presence of two witnesses.  She asked them not to discuss the matter in her presence. in the 'presence of sth when sth exists in a particular place: Litmus paper turns red in the presence of an acid. make your presence 'felt to do sth to make people very aware of the fact that you are there; to have a strong influence on a group of people or a situation
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,presence of 'mind
noun [U] the ability to react quickly and stay calm in a difficult or dangerous situation: The boy had the presence of mind to turn off the gas.
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pres.ent
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 [only before noun] existing or happening now
SYN CURRENT : in the present situation / case  the present owner of the house  a list of all club members, past and present   We do not have any more information at the present time .   (written) A few brief comments are sufficient for present purposes .  note at ACTUAL
2 [not before noun] ~ (at sth) (of a person) being in a particular place: Most fathers wish to be present at the birth of their child.  There were 200 people present at the meeting.
OPP ABSENT   note at HELP
3 [not before noun] ~ (in sth) (of a thing or a substance) existing in a particular place or thing: Levels of pollution present in the atmosphere are increasing.  Analysis showed that traces of arsenic were present in the body.
OPP ABSENT all ,present and cor'rect (BrE) (AmE all present and ac'counted for) (spoken) used to say that all the things or people who should be there are now there present company ex'cepted (spoken) used after being rude or critical about sb to say that the people you are talking to are not included in the criticism

noun
1 a thing that you give to sb as a gift: Christmas / wedding presents  What can I get him for a birthday present?
2 (usually the present) [sing.] the time now: You’ve got to forget the past and start living in the present.  I’m sorry he’s out at present (= now).
3 (the present) [sing.] (grammar) = THE PRESENT TENSE
IDM see MOMENT , TIME n.

verb [vn]
GIVE|
1 ~ sb with sth| ~ sth (to sb) to give sth to sb, especially formally at a ceremony: The local MP will start the race and present the prizes.  On his retirement, colleagues presented him with a set of golf clubs.  The sword was presented by the family to the museum.
STH TO BE CONSIDERED|
2 ~ sth (for sth)| ~ sth (to sb) to show or offer sth for other people to look at or consider: The committee will present its final report to Parliament in June.  Eight options were presented for consideration.  Are you presenting a paper at the conference?
STH IN PARTICULAR WAY|
3 ~ sth| ~ sth/sb / yourself as sth to show or describe sth/sb from a particular point of view or in a particular way: The company has decided it must present a more modern image.  It is essential that we present a united front (= show that we all agree).  You need to present yourself better.  He likes to present himself as a radical politician.  The article presents these proposals as misguided.
SB WITH PROBLEM|
4 ~ sb with sth| ~ sth to cause sth to happen or be experienced: Your request shouldn’t present us with any problems.  Use of these chemicals may present a fire risk.
ITSELF|
5 ~ itself (to sb) (of an opportunity, a solution, etc.) to suddenly happen or become available: One major problem did present itself, though.  As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she would get another job.  Thankfully, a solution presented itself to him surprisingly soon.
RADIO / TV PROGRAMME|
6 to appear in a radio or television programme and introduce the different items in it: She used to present a gardening programme on TV.
PLAY / BROADCAST|
7 to produce a show, play, broadcast, etc. for the public: Compass Theatre Company presents a new production of ‘King Lear’.
INTRODUCE SB|
8 ~ sb (to sb) (formal) to introduce sb formally, especially to sb of higher rank or status: May I present my fiancé to you?
YOURSELF|
9 ~ yourself at, for, in, etc. (formal) to officially appear somewhere: You will be asked to present yourself for interview.  She was ordered to present herself in court on 20 May.
EXPRESS STH|
10 ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to offer or express sth in speech or writing: Please allow me to present my apologies.
CHEQUE / BILL|
11 to give sb a cheque or bill that they should pay: A cheque presented by Mr Jackson was returned by the bank.  The builders presented a bill for several hundred pounds. pre,sent 'arms (of soldiers) to hold a RIFLE upright in front of the body as a mark of respect

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pre.sent.able
adj.
1 looking clean and attractive and suitable to be seen in public: I must go and make myself presentable before the guests arrive.
2 acceptable: You’re going to have to do a lot more work on this essay before it’s presentable.
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pre.sen.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of showing sth or of giving sth to sb: The trial was adjourned following the presentation of new evidence to the court.  The presentation of prizes began after the speeches.  The Mayor will make the presentation (= hand over the gift) herself.  Members will be admitted on presentation of a membership card.
2 [U] the way in which sth is offered, shown, explained, etc. to others: Improving the product’s presentation (= the way it is wrapped, advertised, etc.) should increase sales.  I admire the clear, logical presentation of her arguments.
3 [C] a meeting at which sth, especially a new product or idea, or piece of work, is shown to a group of people: The sales manager will give a presentation on the new products.
4 [C] a ceremony or formal occasion during which a gift or prize is given
5 [C] a performance of a play, etc. in a theatre
6 [C, U] (medical) the position in which a baby is lying in the mother’s body just before birth
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pre.sen.ta.tion.al
adj. [only before noun] connected with the act of showing, explaining or offering sth to other people, especially a new product, a policy or a performance: a course on developing presentational skills
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the ,present 'day
noun [sing.] the situation that exists in the world now, rather than in the past or the future: a study of European drama, from Ibsen to the present day
,present-'day adj. [only before noun]: present-day fashions  present-day America
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pre.sent.er
(BrE ) (AmE an.noun.cer) noun a person who introduces the different sections of a radio or television programme: a radio / sports / TV presenter
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pre.sen.ti.ment
noun (formal) a feeling that sth is going to happen, especially sth unpleasant: I was filled with a presentiment of disaster.
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pres.ent.ly
adv.
1 (especially AmE) at the time you are speaking or writing; now
SYN CURRENTLY : The crime is presently being investigated by the police.  These are the courses presently available.
HELP In this meaning presently usually comes before the verb, adjective or noun that it refers to.
2 (written) used to show that sth happened after a short time: Presently, the door opened again and three men stepped out.
HELP In this meaning presently usually comes at the beginning of a sentence.
3 used to show that sth will happen soon
SYN SHORTLY : She’ll be here presently.
HELP In this meaning presently usually comes at the end of a sentence.
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,present 'participle
noun (grammar ) the form of the verb that in English ends in -ing and is used with the verb to be to form PROGRESSIVE tenses such as I was running or sometimes as an adjective as in running water—compare PAST PARTICIPLE
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the ,present 'perfect
noun [sing.] (grammar ) the form of a verb that expresses an action done in a time period up to the present, formed in English with the present tense of have and the past participle of the verb, as in I have eaten
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,present 'tense
(also the present) noun [usually sing.] (grammar ) the form of a verb that expresses an action that is happening now or at the time of speaking
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pre.ser.va.tion
noun [U]
1 the act of keeping sth in its original state or in good condition: building / environmental / food preservation  a preservation group / society
2 the act of making sure that sth is kept: The central issue in the strike was the preservation of jobs.
3 the degree to which sth has not been changed or damaged by age, weather, etc: The paintings were in an excellent state of preservation.—see also SELF-PRESERVATION
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pre.ser.va.tion.ist
noun a person who works to keep old buildings or areas of the countryside in their original condition and to prevent them from being destroyed
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preser'vation order
noun (in Britain) a document that makes it illegal to change or destroy a building, a tree or part of the countryside, because of its beauty or historical interest
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pre.ser.va.tive
noun [C, U] a substance used to prevent food or wood from decaying: The juice contains no artificial preservatives.  (a) wood preservative
pre.ser.va.tive adj. [only before noun]
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pre.serve
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to keep a particular quality, feature, etc.; to make sure that sth is kept: He was anxious to preserve his reputation.  Efforts to preserve the peace have failed.
2 [often passive] to keep sth in its original state in good condition: [vn] a perfectly preserved 14th-century house   (humorous) Is he really 60? He’s remarkably well preserved .  [vn-adj] This vase has been preserved intact.
3 [vn] to prevent sth, especially food, from decaying by treating it in a particular way: olives preserved in brine  Wax polish preserves wood and leather.
4 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth) to keep sb/sth alive, or safe from harm or danger: The society was set up to preserve endangered species from extinction.—compare CONSERVE

noun
1 [sing.] ~ (of sb) an activity, a job, an interest, etc. that is thought to be suitable for one particular person or group of people: Football is no longer the preserve of men.  in the days when nursing was a female preserve
2 [C, usually pl., U] a type of jam made by boiling fruit with a large amount of sugar
3 [C, usually pl., U] (especially BrE) a type of PICKLE made by cooking vegetables with salt or VINEGAR
4 [C] (AmE) = RESERVE (2)
5 [C] an area of private land or water where animals and fish are kept for people to hunt

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pre.server
noun
1 [C] a person who makes sure that a particular situation does not change: The police are the preservers of law and order.
2 [C, U] a substance used to prevent wood from decaying—see also LIFE PRESERVER
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pre.set
verb (pre.setting, pre.set, pre.set)
1 to set the controls of a piece of electrical equipment so that it will start to work at a particular time: [vn to inf] You can preset the radiators to come on when you need them to.  [vn] to preset TV channels / radio stations (= to set the controls so that particular channels are selected when you press particular buttons)
2 [vn] [usually passive] to decide sth in advance: They kept to the preset route.
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pre.side
verb [v] ~ (at / over sth) to lead or be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, etc: the presiding officer / judge  They asked if I would preside at the committee meeting.   (figurative) The party presided over one of the worst economic declines in the country’s history (= it was in power when the decline happened).
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presi.dency
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-ies) the job of being president of a country or an organization; the period of time sb holds this job: the current holder of the EU presidency  He was a White House official during the Bush presidency.
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presi.dent
noun
1 (also President) the leader of a republic, especially the US: Several presidents attended the funeral.  the President of the United States  President Clinton is due to visit the country next month.  Do you have any comment, Mr President?
2 (also President) the person in charge of some organizations, clubs, colleges, etc: to be made president of the students' union
3 (especially AmE) the person in charge of a bank or a commercial organization: the bank president  the president of Columbia Pictures
presi.den.tial adj.: a presidential campaign / candidate / election  a presidential system of government
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,president-e'lect
noun (pl.presidents-elect) a person who has been elected to be president but who has not yet begun the job
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'Presidents' Day
noun [U, C] (in the US) a legal holiday on the third Monday in February, in memory of the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
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pre.sid.ium
(also prae.sid.ium especially in BrE) noun a permanent committee that makes important decisions as part of a government or large political organization, especially in COMMUNIST countries
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press
noun, verb
noun
NEWSPAPERS|
1 (often the Press) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] newspapers and magazines: the local / national / foreign press  the popular / tabloid press (= smaller newspapers with a lot of pictures and stories of famous people)  The story was reported in the press and on television.  the music / sporting press (= newspapers and magazines about music / sport)  Unlike the American, the British press operates on a national scale.  the freedom of the Press / press freedom (= the freedom to report any events and express opinions)  The event is bound to attract wide press coverage (= it will be written about in many newspapers).—see also GUTTER PRESS
2 (the press, the Press) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the journalists and photographers who work for newspapers and magazines: The Press was / were not allowed to attend the trial.
3 [sing., U] the type or amount of reports that newspapers write about sb/sth: The airline has had a bad press recently (= journalists have written unpleasant things about it).
PUBLISHING / PRINTING|
4 [C, U] a machine for printing books, newspapers, etc.; the process of printing them: We were able to watch the books rolling off the presses.  These prices are correct at the time of going to press .  a story that is hot off the press (= has just appeared in the newspapers)—see also PRINTING PRESS , STOP PRESS
5 [C] a business that prints and publishes books: Oxford University Press
EQUIPMENT FOR PRESSING|
6 [C] (especially in compounds) a piece of equipment that is used for creating pressure on things, to make them flat or to get liquid from them: a trouser press  a garlic press
ACT OF PUSHING|
7 [C, usually sing.] an act of pushing sth with your hand or with a tool that you are holding: He gave the bell another press.  Those shirts need a press (= with an iron).
CROWD|
8 [sing.] a large number of people or things competing for space or movement: the press of bodies all moving the same way
CUPBOARD|
9 [C] (IrishE, ScotE) a large cupboard, usually with shelves, for holding clothes, books, etc.

verb
PUSH / SQUEEZE|
1 ~ (sth/sb / yourself) against sth| ~ sth to sth| ~ sth together to push sth closely and firmly against sth; to be pushed in this way: [vn] She pressed her face against the window.  He pressed a handkerchief to his nose.  She pressed her lips together.  [v] His body was pressing against hers.
2 to push or squeeze part of a device, etc. in order to make it work: [vn] to press a button / switch / key  [vn-adj] He pressed the lid firmly shut.  [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] Press here to open.  She pressed down hard on the gas pedal.
3 [vn] ~ sth into / onto sth to put sth in a place by pushing it firmly: He pressed a coin into her hand and moved on.
4 [vn] to squeeze sb’s hand or arm, especially as a sign of affection
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of people in a crowd) to move in the direction mentioned by pushing: The photographers pressed around the royal visitors.   (figurative) A host of unwelcome thoughts were pressing in on him.
TRY TO PERSUADE|
6 ~ sb (for sth)| ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to make strong efforts to persuade or force sb to do sth: [vn] If pressed , he will admit that he knew about the affair.  The bank is pressing us for repayment of the loan.  [vn to inf] They are pressing us to make a quick decision.
POINT / CLAIM / CASE|
7 [vn] to express or repeat sth in a forceful way: I don’t want to press the point , but you do owe me $200.  She is still pressing her claim for compensation.  They were determined to press their case at the highest level.
MAKE FLAT / SMOOTH|
8 to make sth flat or smooth by using force or putting sth heavy on top: [vn] pressed flowers (= pressed between the pages of a book)  [vn-adj] Press the soil flat with the back of a spade.
9 [vn] to make clothes smooth using a hot iron
SYN IRON : My suit needs pressing.
FRUIT / VEGETABLES|
10 [vn] to squeeze the juice out of fruit or vegetables by using force or weight
METAL|
11 [vn] to make sth from a material, using pressure: to press a CD  The car bodies are pressed out of sheets of metal. ,press (the) 'flesh (informal) (of a famous person or politician) to greet people by shaking hands ,press sth 'home to get as much advantage as possible from a situation by attacking or arguing in a determined way: to press home an attack / an argument / a point  Simon saw she was hesitating and pressed home his advantage. ,press sb/sth into 'service to use sb/sth for a purpose that they were not trained or intended for because there is nobody or nothing else available: Every type of boat was pressed into service to rescue passengers from the sinking ferry.—more at CHARGE n. , PANIC BUTTON ,press a'head / 'on (with sth) to continue doing sth in a determined way; to hurry forward: The company is pressing ahead with its plans for a new warehouse.  ‘Shall we stay here for the night?’‘No, let’s press on.’ 'press for sth to keep asking for sth: They continued to press for a change in the law. 'press sth on sb to try to make sb accept sth, especially food or drink, although they may not want it: She kept pressing cake on us.

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'press agency
noun = NEWS AGENCY
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'press agent
(also AmE informal flack) noun a person whose job is to supply information and advertising material about a particular actor, musician, theatre, etc. to newspapers, radio or television
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'press box
noun a special area or a room at a sports ground where sports journalists sit
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'press conference
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'news conference) noun a meeting at which sb talks to a group of journalists in order to answer their questions or to make an official statement: to hold / give a press conference
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'press corps
noun (pl.press corps) a group of journalists who work in or go to a particular place to report on an event
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'press cutting
(BrE ) (also 'press clippingAmE, BrE) noun = CUTTING
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pressed
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (for sth) not having enough of sth, especially time or money: I’m really pressed for cash at the moment.—see also HARD-PRESSED
2 made flat using force or a heavy object: pictures made with pressed flowers  neatly pressed trousers
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'press gallery
noun an area in a parliament building or a court of law for journalists to sit in
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'press gang
noun a group of people who were employed in the past to force men to join the army or navy
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'press-gang
verb [vn] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (informal) to force sb to do sth that they do not want to do
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pres.sie
noun = PREZZIE
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press.ing
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 needing to be dealt with immediately
SYN URGENT : I’m afraid I have some pressing business to attend to.
2 difficult to refuse or to ignore: a pressing invitation

noun an object, especially a record, made by using pressure or weight to shape a piece of metal, plastic, etc.; a number of such objects that are made at one time: The initial pressing of the group’s album has already sold out.

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press.man
noun (pl.-men ) (BrE , informal) a journalist
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'press office
noun the office of a large organization, political party or government department that answers questions from journalists and provides them with information
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'press officer
noun a person who is in charge of or works for a press office
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'press release
noun an official statement made to journalists by a large organization, a political party or a government department
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'press secretary
noun a person who works for a politician or a political organization and gives information about them to journalists, the newspapers, etc.
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'press stud
(also pop.per) (both BrE ) (AmE snap) noun a type of button used for fastening clothes, consisting of two metal or plastic sections that can be pressed together—picture at FASTENER
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'press-up
(BrE ) (also 'push-upAmE, BrE) noun [usually pl.] an exercise in which you lie on your stomach and raise your body off the ground by pressing down on your hands until your arms are straight—picture at SIT-UP
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pres.sure
noun, verb
noun
WHEN STH PRESSES|
1 [U] the force or weight with which sth presses against sth else: The nurse applied pressure to his arm to stop the bleeding.  The barriers gave way under the pressure of the crowd.
OF GAS / LIQUID|
2 [U, C] the force produced by a particular amount of gas or liquid in an enclosed space or container; the amount of this: air / water pressure  Check the tyre pressure (= the amount of air in a tyre) regularly.—see also BLOOD PRESSURE
OF ATMOSPHERE|
3 [U] the force of the atmosphere on the earth’s surface: A band of high pressure is moving across the country.—see also ATMOSPHERIC
PERSUASION / FORCE|
4 [U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (on sb) (to do sth) the act of trying to persuade or to force sb to do sth: The pressure for change continued to mount.  There is a great deal of pressure on young people to conform.  The government eventually bowed to popular pressure (= they agreed to do what people were trying to get them to do).  Teenagers may find it difficult to resist peer pressure .
STRESS|
5 [U] (also pres.sures [pl.]) difficulties and feelings of anxiety that are caused by the need to achieve or to behave in a particular way: She was unable to attend because of the pressure of work.  You need to be able to handle pressure in this job.  How can anyone enjoy the pressures of city life? put 'pressure on sb (to do sth) to force or to try to persuade sb to do sth: Advertisements put pressure on girls to be thin. under 'pressure
1 if a liquid or a gas is kept under pressure, it is forced into a container so that when the container is opened, the liquid or gas escapes quickly
2 being forced to do sth: The director is under increasing pressure to resign.
3 made to feel anxious about sth you have to do: The team performs well under pressure.

verb [often passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (especially AmE ) = PRESSURIZE [vn] Don’t let yourself be pressured into making a hasty decision. [alsovn to inf]

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'pressure cooker
noun a strong metal pot with a tight lid, that cooks food quickly by steam under high pressure—picture at PAN
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'pressure group
noun a group of people who try to influence the government and ordinary people’s opinion in order to achieve the action they want, for example a change in a law: the environmental pressure group ‘Greenpeace’
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'pressure point
noun
1 a place on the surface of the body that is sensitive to pressure, for example where an artery can be pressed against a bone to stop bleeding
2 a place or situation where there is likely to be trouble: a new political pressure point
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pres.sur.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 (BrE ) (also pres.sureAmE, BrE) [often passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to persuade sb to do sth, especially by making them feel that they have to or should do it: [vn] Stop trying to pressurize me!  She was pressurized into accepting the job.  [vn to inf] He felt that he was being pressurized to resign.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to keep the air pressure in a SUBMARINE , an aircraft, etc. the same as it is on earth: a pressurized cabin
pres.sur.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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pres.tige
noun, adj.
noun [U] the respect and admiration that sb/sth has because of their social position, or what they have done
SYN STATUS : social / personal / international prestige  There is a lot of prestige attached to owning a car like this.  jobs with low prestige

adj. [only before noun]
1 that brings respect and admiration; important: a prestige job / accent
2 admired and respected because it looks important and expensive
SYN LUXURY : a prestige car  prestige items such as jewellery and silver

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pres.ti.gious
adj. [usually before noun] respected and admired as very important or of very high quality: a prestigious award / event  a prestigious university
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presto
exclamation (AmE ) = HEY PRESTO at HEY
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pre.sum.ably
adv. used to say that you think that sth is probably true: Presumably this is where the accident happened.  You’ll be taking the car, presumably?  I couldn’t concentrate, presumably because I was so tired.
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pre.sume
verb
1 to suppose that sth is true, although you do not have actual proof
SYN ASSUME : [v] They are very expensive, I presume?  ‘Is he still abroad?’‘I presume so .’  [v (that)] I presumed (that) he understood the rules.  [vn that] Little is known of the youngest son; it is presumed that he died young.  [vn to inf] I presumed him to be her husband.
2 to accept that sth is true until it is shown not to be true, especially in a court of law: [vn-adj] Twelve passengers are missing, presumed dead .  In English law, a person is presumed innocent until proved guilty.  [vn] We must presume innocence until we have proof of guilt. [alsovn to inf]
3 [vn] (formal) to accept sth as true or existing and to act on that basis
SYN PRESUPPOSE : The course seems to presume some previous knowledge of the subject.
4 [v to inf] (formal) to behave in a way that shows a lack of respect by doing sth that you have no right to do: I wouldn’t presume to tell you how to run your own business.
PVR V pre'sume on / upon sb/sth (formal) to make use of sb’s friendship by asking them for more than you should: [+ to inf] I felt it would be presuming on our personal relationship to keep asking her for help.
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pre.sump.tion
noun
1 [C] something that is thought to be true or probable: There is a general presumption that the doctor knows best.
2 [U] (formal) behaviour that is too confident and shows a lack of respect for other people
3 [U, C] (law) the act of supposing that sth is true, although it has not yet been proved or is not certain: Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until they are proved to be guilty.
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pre.sump.tive
adj. [usually before noun] (formal ortechnical ) likely to be true, based on the facts that are available: a presumptive diagnosis of bowel cancer—see also HEIR PRESUMPTIVE
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pre.sump.tu.ous
adj. [not usually before noun] too confident, in a way that shows a lack of respect for other people: Would it be presumptuous of me to ask to borrow your car?
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pre.sup.pose
verb (formal)
1 [vn] to accept sth as true or existing and act on that basis, before it has been proved to be true
SYN PRESUME : Teachers sometimes presuppose a fairly high level of knowledge by the students.
2 to depend on sth in order to exist or be true: [v that] His argument presupposes that it does not matter who is in power. [alsovn]
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pre.sup.pos.ition
noun [C, U] (formal) something that you believe to be true and use as the beginning of an argument even though it has not been proved; the act of believing it is true
SYN ASSUMPTION : theories based on presupposition and coincidence
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,pre-'tax
adj. [only before noun] before the tax has been taken away: pre-tax profits / losses / income
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pre.teen
noun a young person of about 11 or 12 years of age
pre-teen adj. [usually before noun]: the pre-teen years
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pre.tence
(BrE ) (AmEpre.tense) noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) the act of behaving in a particular way, in order to make other people believe sth that is not true: Their friendliness was only pretence.  By the end of the evening she had abandoned all pretence of being interested.  He made no pretence of great musical knowledge.  She was unable to keep up the pretence that she loved him.
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth / to doing sth) (formal or literary) a claim that you have a particular quality or skill: a woman with some pretence to beauty  I make no pretence to being an expert on the subject.
IDM see FALSE
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pre.tend
verb, adj.
verb
1 ~ (to sb) (that … ) to behave in a particular way, in order to make other people believe sth that is not true: [v] I’m tired of having to pretend all the time.  Of course I was wrong; it would be hypocritical to pretend otherwise .  [v (that)] He pretended to his family that everything was fine.  We pretended (that) nothing had happened.  [v to inf] He pretended not to notice.  She didn’t love him, though she pretended to .  [vn] (formal) She pretended an interest she did not feel.
2 (especially of children) to imagine that sth is true as part of a game: [v (that)] Let’s pretend (that) we’re astronauts.  [v] They didn’t have any real money so they had to pretend.
3 ~ (to sth) (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to claim to be, do or have sth, especially when this is not true: [v] I can’t pretend to any great musical talent.  [v (that)] I don’t pretend (that) I know much about the subject, but …  [v to inf] The book doesn’t pretend to be a great work of literature.

adj. [usually before noun] (informal) (often used by children) not real, imaginary: pretend cakes / toys

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pre.tend.er
noun ~ (to sth) a person who claims they have a right to a particular title even though other people disagree with them
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pre.tense
(AmE ) = PRETENCE
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pre.ten.sion
noun [C, usually pl., U]
1 the act of trying to appear more important, intelligent, etc. than you are in order to impress other people: artistic / intellectual / social pretensions  The play mocks the pretensions of the new middle class.  He spoke without pretension.
2 ~ (to sth / to doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) a claim to be or to do sth: a building with no pretensions to architectural merit  The movie makes no pretension to reproduce life.
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pre.ten.tious
adj. (disapproving) trying to appear important, intelligent, etc. in order to impress other people; trying to be sth that you are not, in order to impress: That’s a pretentious name for a dog!  It was just an ordinary house—nothing pretentious.  He’s so pretentious!—compare UNPRETENTIOUS
pre.ten.tious.ly adv.
pre.ten.tious.ness noun [U]
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pre.ter.nat.ural
adj. [only before noun] (formal) that does not seem natural; that cannot be explained by natural laws
pre.ter.nat.ur.al.ly adv.: The city was preternaturally quiet.
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pre.text
noun ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) a false reason that you give for doing sth, usually sth bad, in order to hide the real reason; an excuse: The incident was used as a pretext for intervention in the area.  He left the party early on the pretext of having work to do.  note at REASON
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pret.tify
verb (pret.ti.fies, pret.ti.fy.ing, pret.ti.fied, pret.ti.fied) [vn] (usually disapproving) to try to make sth pretty, often with the result that it looks worse or false: man’s attempts to prettify nature
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pretty
adv., adj.
adv. (especially spoken) (with adjectives and adverbs)
1 to some extent; fairly: I’m pretty sure I’ll be going.  The game was pretty good.  It’s pretty hard to explain.  I’m going to have to find a new apartment pretty soon.  note at QUITE
2 very: That performance was pretty impressive.  Things are looking pretty good!
IDM pretty 'much / 'well (BrE also pretty 'nearly) (AmE also pretty 'near) (spoken) almost; almost completely: One dog looks pretty much like another to me.—more at SIT

adj. (pret.tier, pret.ti.est)
1 (especially of a woman, or a girl) attractive without being very beautiful: a pretty face  a pretty little girl  You look so pretty in that dress!
2 (of places or things) attractive and pleasant to look at or to listen to without being large, beautiful or impressive: pretty clothes / flowers  a pretty garden / village / room  a pretty voice / name
pret.tily adv. (especially BrE): She laughed prettily.  The rooms are simply but prettily furnished.
pret.ti.ness noun [U]: the prettiness of youth
IDM as ,pretty as a 'picture (old-fashioned) very pretty not just a pretty 'face (humorous) used to emphasize that you have particular skills or qualities: ‘I didn’t know you could play the piano.’‘I’m not just a pretty face, you know!’ ,not a pretty 'sight (humorous) not pleasant to look at: You should have seen him in his swimming trunks—not a pretty sight! a pretty 'penny (old-fashioned) a lot of money—more at PASS n.

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pret.zel
noun a crisp salty biscuit in the shape of a knot or stick, often served with drinks at a party
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pre.vail
verb [v]
1 ~ (in / among sth) (written) to exist or be very common at a particular time or in a particular place: We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons.  Those beliefs still prevail among certain social groups.
2 ~ (against / over sth) (formal) (of ideas, opinions, etc.) to be accepted, especially after a struggle or an argument: Justice will prevail over tyranny.  Fortunately, common sense prevailed.
3 [v] ~ (against / over sb) (formal) to defeat an opponent, especially after a long struggle
PVR V pre'vail on / upon sb to do sth (formal) to persuade sb to do sth: I’m sure he could be prevailed upon to give a talk.
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pre.vail.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 (written) existing or most common at a particular time
SYN CURRENT , PREDOMINANT : the prevailing economic conditions  the attitude towards science prevailing at the time  The prevailing view seems to be that they will find her guilty.
2 the prevailing wind in an area is the one that blows over it most frequently
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preva.lent
adj. ~ (among sb)| ~ (in sb/sth) that exists or is very common at a particular time or in a particular place
SYN COMMON , WIDESPREAD : a prevalent belief / view  These prejudices are particularly prevalent among people living in the North.
preva.lence noun [U]
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pre.vari.cate
verb (formal) to avoid giving a direct answer to a question in order to hide the truth: [v] Stop prevaricating and come to the point. [alsov speech]
pre.vari.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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pre.vent
verb ~ sb/sth (from doing sth) to stop sb from doing sth; to stop sth from happening: [vn] The accident could have been prevented.  He is prevented by law from holding a licence.  Nothing would prevent him from speaking out against injustice.  [vn -ing] (BrE ) Nothing would prevent him / his speaking out against further injustices. [alsov -ing]
pre.vent.able adj.: preventable diseases / accidents
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pre.ven.tion
noun [U] the act of stopping sth bad from happening: accident / crime prevention  the prevention of disease  a fire prevention officer
IDM pre,vention is better than 'cure (BrE) (AmE an ounce of pre,vention is better than a pound of 'cure) (saying) it is better to stop sth bad from happening rather than try to deal with the problems after it has happened
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pre.vent.ive
(also pre.venta.tive ) adj. [only before noun] intended to try to stop sth that causes problems or difficulties from happening: preventive medicine  The police were able to take preventive action and avoid a possible riot.—compare CURATIVE
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pre.ver.bal
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with the time before a child learns to speak: a preverbal communication
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pre.view
noun, verb
noun
1 an occasion at which you can see a film/movie, a show, etc. before it is shown to the general public: a press preview (= for journalists only)  a special preview of our winter fashion collection—see also SNEAK PREVIEW
2 a description in a newspaper or a magazine that tells you about a film/movie, a television programme, etc. before it is shown to the general public: Turn to page 12 for a preview of next week’s programmes.

verb [vn]
1 to see a film/movie, a television programme, etc. before it is shown to the general public and write an account of it for a newspaper or magazine: The exhibition was previewed in last week’s issue.
2 (especially AmE) to give sb a short account of sth that is going to happen, be studied, etc: The professor previewed the course for us.

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pre.vi.ous
adj. [only before noun]
1 happening or existing before the event or object that you are talking about: No previous experience is necessary for this job.  The car has only had one previous owner.  She is his daughter from a previous marriage.  I was unable to attend because of a previous engagement.  The judge will take into consideration any previous convictions.
2 immediately before the time you are talking about
SYN PRECEDING : I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. I’d only seen him the previous day.
pre.vi.ous.ly adv.: The building had previously been used as a hotel.  I had visited them three days previously.
pre.vi.ous to prep. (spoken): Previous to this, she’d always been well.
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,pre-'war
adj. [usually before noun] happening or existing before a war, especially before the Second World War: the pre-war years  pre-war Britain
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prey
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.]
1 an animal, a bird, etc. that is hunted, killed and eaten by another: The lion will often stalk its prey for hours.  birds of prey (= birds that kill for food)
2 a person who is harmed or deceived by sb, especially for dishonest purposes: Elderly people are easy prey for dishonest salesmen.
IDM be / fall 'prey to sth (formal)
1 (of an animal) to be killed and eaten by another animal or bird
2 (of a person) to be harmed or affected by sth bad: Since the attack, she had fallen prey to irrational fears.

verb
IDM prey on sb’s 'mind (of a thought, problem, etc.) to make sb think and worry about it all the time: The thought that he could have helped more preyed on his mind.
PVR V 'prey on / upon sb/sth
1 (of an animal or a bird) to hunt and kill another animal for food: Hawks prey on rodents and small birds.
2 to harm sb who is weaker than you, or make use of them in a dishonest way to get what you want: Bogus social workers have been preying on old people living alone.

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prez.zie
(also pres.sie) noun (BrE , informal) a present that you give sb, for example for their birthday
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price
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the amount of money that you have to pay for sth: Rover 200 for sale, price £2 000  house / retail / oil / share prices  to charge a high / reasonable / low price for sth  The price of cigarettes is set to rise again.  He managed to get a good price for the car.  rising / falling prices  Can you give me a price for the work (= tell me how much you will charge)?  I’m only buying it if it’s the right price (= a price that I think is reasonable).  Children over five must pay (the) full price for the ticket.  How much are these? They don’t have a price on them.  It’s amazing how much computers have come down in price over the past few years.  price rises / increases / cuts  a price list—see also ASKING PRICE , COST PRICE , CUT-PRICE , HALF-PRICE , MARKET PRICE , LIST PRICE , PURCHASE PRICE , SELLING PRICE
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth)| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) the unpleasant things that you must do or experience in order to achieve sth or as a result of achieving sth: Criticism is part of the price of leadership.  Loneliness is a high price to pay for independence in your old age.  Giving up his job was a small price to pay for his children’s happiness.
3 [C] (in horse racing) the numbers that tell you how much money you will receive if the horse that you bet on wins the race
SYN ODDS : Six to one is a good price for that horse.—see also STARTING PRICE
IDM at 'any price whatever the cost or the difficulties may be: We want peace at any price. at a 'price
1 costing a lot of money: You can buy strawberries all year round, but at a price.
2 involving sth unpleasant: He’ll help you—at a price! beyond 'price (formal or literary) extremely valuable or important everyone has their 'price (saying) you can persuade anyone to do sth by giving them more money or sth that they want not at 'any price used to say that no amount of money would persuade you to do or to sell sth: I wouldn’t work for her again—not at any price! a 'price on sb’s head an amount of money that is offered for capturing or killing sb put a 'price on sth to say how much money sth valuable is worth: They haven’t yet put a price on the business.  You can’t put a price on that sort of loyalty. 'what price … ? (BrE, spoken)
1 used to say that you think that sth you have achieved may not be worth all the problems and difficulties it causes: What price fame and fortune?
2 used to say that sth seems unlikely: What price England winning the World Cup?—more at CHEAP adj. , PAY v.

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (at sth) to fix the price of sth at a particular level: a reasonably priced house  The tickets are priced at $100 each.  These goods are priced too high.
2 ~ sth (up) to write or stick tickets on goods to show how much they cost
3 to compare the prices of different types of the same thing: We priced various models before buying this one.
IDM price yourself / sth out of the 'market to charge such a high price for your goods, services, etc. that nobody wants to buy them

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'price-fixing
noun [U] the practice of companies agreeing not to sell goods below a particular price
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'price index
noun = RETAIL PRICE INDEX
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price.less
adj.
1 extremely valuable or important: a priceless collection of antiques  priceless information  Our family photos are priceless.—compare VALUABLE
2 (informal) extremely amusing: You should have seen his face—it was priceless!
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'price tag
noun a label on sth that shows how much you must pay: (figurative) There is a £2 million price tag on the team’s star player.
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'price war
noun a situation in which companies or shops/stores keep reducing the prices of their products and services in order to attract customers away from their competitors
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pricey
adj. (prici.er, prici.est) (informal) expensive
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pri.cing
noun [U] the act of deciding how much to charge for sth: competitive pricing  pricing strategy / policy
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prick
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to make a very small hole in sth with a sharp point: Prick holes in the paper with a pin.  He pricked the balloon and burst it.
2 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) to make a small hole in the skin so that it hurts or bleeds: She pricked her finger on a needle.
3 to make sb feel a slight pain as if they were being pricked : [v] He felt a pricking sensation in his throat.  [vn] Tears pricked her eyes.
IDM prick your 'conscience | your 'conscience pricks you to make you feel guilty about sth; to feel guilty about sth: Her conscience pricked her as she lied to her sister. prick (up) your 'ears
1 (of an animal, especially a horse or dog) to raise the ears
2 (also your 'ears prick up) (of a person) to listen carefully, especially because you have just heard sth interesting: Her ears pricked up at the sound of his name.

noun
1 ( , slang) a PENIS
2 ( , slang) an offensive word for a stupid or unpleasant man: Don’t be such a prick!
3 an act of making a very small hole in sth with a sharp point: I’m going to give your finger a little prick with this needle.
4 a slight pain caused by a sharp point or sth that feels like a sharp point: You will feel a tiny prick in your arm.   (figurative) He could feel the hot prick of tears in his eyes.

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prickle
verb, noun
verb
1 to give sb an unpleasant feeling on their skin, as if they were being pricked by sth sharp: [vn] The rough cloth prickled my skin.  [v] His moustache prickled when he kissed me.
2 [v] (of skin, eyes, etc.) to sting or feel strange and unpleasant because you are frightened, angry, excited, etc: Her eyes prickled with tears.  The hairs on the back of my neck prickled when I heard the door open.   (figurative) He prickled (= became angry) at the suggestion that it had been his fault.

noun
1 a small sharp part on the stem or leaf of a plant or on the skin of some animals: a cactus covered in prickles
2 a slight stinging feeling on the skin: a prickle of fear / excitement

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prick.ly
adj.
1 covered with prickles : a prickly bush / branch / leaf
2 causing you to feel as if your skin is touching sth that is covered with prickles : a prickly feeling / sensation
3 (informal) (of a person) easily annoyed or offended
SYN TOUCHY
4 (of a decision, an issue, etc.) difficult to deal with because people have very different ideas about it
SYN THORNY : Let’s move on to the prickly subject of taxation reform.
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,prickly 'pear
noun
1 a type of CACTUS with PRICKLES (= sharp parts like needles), and yellow flowers
2 the reddish fruit of the prickly pear that is shaped like a PEAR and can be eaten
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pride
noun, verb
noun
PLEASURE / SATISFACTION|
1 [U, sing.] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that you get when you or people who are connected with you have done sth well or own sth that other people admire: The sight of her son graduating filled her with pride.  I take (a) pride in my work .  We take great pride in offering the best service in town.  I looked with pride at what I had achieved.  Success in sport is a source of national pride.
2 [sing.] the ~ of sth a person or a thing that gives people a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction: The new sports stadium is the pride of the town.
RESPECT FOR YOURSELF|
3 [U] the feeling of respect that you have for yourself: Pride would not allow him to accept the money.  Her pride was hurt.  Losing his job was a real blow to his pride .  It’s time to swallow your pride (= hide your feelings of pride) and ask for your job back.
4 [U] (disapproving) the feeling that you are better or more important than other people: Male pride forced him to suffer in silence.—see also PROUD
LIONS|
5 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of lions sb’s pride and 'joy a person or a thing that causes sb to feel great pleasure or satisfaction pride comes / goes before a 'fall (saying) if you have too high an opinion of yourself or your abilities, sth will happen to make you look stupid pride of 'place the position in which sth is most easily seen, that is given to the most important thing in a particular group

verb 'pride yourself on sth / on doing sth [no passive] to be proud of sth: She had always prided herself on her appearance.

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priest
noun
1 a person who is qualified to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches: a parish priest  the ordination of women priests—compare CHAPLAIN , CLERGYMAN , MINISTER , VICAR
2 (femininepriest.ess ) a person who performs religious ceremonies in some religions that are not Christian
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priest.hood
(the priesthood) noun
1 [sing.] the job or position of being a priest: to enter the priesthood (= to become a priest)
2 all the priests of a particular religion or country
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priest.ly
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a priest; like a priest
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prig
noun (disapproving) a person who behaves in a morally correct way and who shows that they disapprove of what other people do
prig.gish adj.
prig.gish.ness noun [U]
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prim
adj. (disapproving)
1 (of a person) always behaving in a careful and formal way, and easily shocked by anything that is rude: You can’t tell her that joke—she’s much too prim and proper .
2 formal and neat: a prim suit with a high-necked collar
prim.ly adv.: ‘You’re not supposed to say that,’ she said primly.
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prima ballerina
noun the main woman dancer in a ballet company
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pri.macy
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the fact of being the most important person or thing: a belief in the primacy of the family
2 [C] the position of an ARCHBISHOP
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prima donna
noun
1 the main woman singer in an opera performance or an opera company
2 (disapproving) a person who thinks they are very important because they are good at sth, and who behaves badly when they do not get what they want
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prim.aeval
adj. = PRIMEVAL
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prima facie
adj. [only before noun] (from Latin, especially law ) based on what at first seems to be true, although it may be proved false later: prima facie evidence
prima facie adv.: Prima facie, there is a strong case against him.
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primal
adj. [only before noun] (formal) connected with the earliest origins of life; very basic
SYN PRIMEVAL : the primal hunter-gatherer  a primal urge / fear
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pri.mar.ily
adv. mainly: a course designed primarily for specialists  The problem is not primarily a financial one.
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pri.mary
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] main; most important; basic: The primary aim of this course is to improve your spoken English.  Our primary concern must be the children.  Good health care is of primary importance.
2 [usually before noun] developing or happening first; earliest: primary causes  The disease is still in its primary stage.
3 [only before noun] (especially BrE) connected with the education of children between the ages of about five and eleven: primary teachers—compare ELEMENTARY , SECONDARY , TERTIARY

noun (pl.-ies) (also ,primary e'lection) (in the US) an election in which people in a particular area vote to choose a candidate for a future important election: the Illinois primary  the presidential primaries

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,primary 'colour
(BrE ) (AmE,primary 'color) noun one of the three colours, red, yellow and blue, that can be mixed together to make all other colours
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,primary 'health care
noun [U] the medical treatment that you receive first when you are ill/sick, for example from your family doctor
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'primary school
noun
1 (BrE) a school for children between the ages of 5 and 11
2 (old-fashioned, AmE) = ELEMENTARY SCHOOL —compare SECONDARY SCHOOL
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'primary source
noun a document, etc. that contains information obtained by experience, research or OBSERVATION , not taken from other books, etc.—compare SECONDARY SOURCE
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,primary 'stress
noun [C, U] (phonetics ) the strongest stress that is put on a syllable in a word or a phrase when it is spoken—compare SECONDARY STRESS
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pri.mate
noun
1 any animal that belongs to the group of MAMMALS that includes human beings, APES and monkeys—
2 an ARCHBISHOP (= a priest of very high rank in the Christian Church): the Primate of all England (= the Archbishop of Canterbury)
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prime
adj., noun, verb
adj. [only before noun]
1 main; most important; basic
SYN PRIMARY : My prime concern is to protect my property.  Winning is not the prime objective in this sport.  The care of the environment is of prime importance.  He’s the police’s prime suspect in this case.
2 of the best quality; excellent: prime (cuts of) beef  The store has a prime position in the mall.
3 a prime example of sth is one that is typical of it: The building is a prime example of 1960s architecture.
4 most likely to be chosen for sth; most suitable: The house is isolated and a prime target for burglars.  He’s a prime candidate to captain the team this season.

noun [sing.] the time in your life when you are strongest or most successful: a young woman in her prime  He was barely 30 and in the prime of (his) life .  These flowers are long past their prime.

verb
1 ~ sb (for / with sth) to prepare sb for a situation so that they know what to do, especially by giving them special information
SYN BRIEF : [vn] They had been primed with good advice.  She was ready and primed for action.  [vn to inf] He had primed his friends to give the journalists as little information as possible.
2 [vn] to make sth ready for use or action: The bomb was primed, ready to explode.
3 [vn] to prepare wood, metal, etc. for painting by covering it with a special paint that helps the next layer of paint to stay on
IDM prime the 'pump to encourage the growth of a new or weak business or industry by putting money into it

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,prime 'minister
(also ,Prime 'Minister) noun (abbr. PM) the main minister and leader of the government in some countries
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,prime 'mover
noun a person or a thing that starts sth and has an important influence on its development
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,prime 'number
noun (mathematics ) a number that can be divided exactly only by itself and 1, for example 7, 17 and 41
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primer
noun
1 [U, C] a type of paint that is put on wood, metal, etc. before it is painted to help the paint to stay on the surface
2 (AmE) a book that contains basic instructions: The President doesn’t need a primer on national security.
3 (AmE, old-fashioned) a book for teaching children how to read, or containing basic facts about a school subject
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'prime rate
noun (especially AmE ) the lowest rate of interest at which business customers can borrow money from banks—compare BASE RATE
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'prime time
noun [U] the time when the greatest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio: prime-time television / viewing
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pri.meval
(also prim.aeval) adj. [usually before noun]
1 from the earliest period of the history of the world, very ancient: primeval rocks / forests  primeval soup (= the mixture of gases and substances that is thought to have existed when the earth was formed and from which life started)
2 (formal) (of a feeling, or a desire) very strong and not based on reason, as if from the earliest period of human life: primeval instincts / urges
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primi.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] belonging to a very simple society with no industry, etc: primitive tribes  primitive rituals / beliefs
2 [usually before noun] belonging to an early stage in the development of humans or animals: primitive man
3 very simple and old-fashioned, especially when sth is also not convenient and comfortable: The methods of communication used during the war were primitive by today’s standards.  The facilities on the campsite were very primitive.
4 [usually before noun] (of a feeling or a desire) very strong and not based on reason, as if from the earliest period of human life: a primitive instinct / desire
primi.tive.ness noun [U]

noun
1 an artist of the period before the Renaissance; an example of work from this period
2 an artist who paints in a very simple style like a child; an example of the work of such an artist

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primo.geni.ture
noun [U]
1 (formal) the fact of being the first child born in a family
2 (law) the system in which the oldest son in a family receives all the property when his father dies
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prim.or.dial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 existing at or from the beginning of the world
SYN PRIMEVAL : primordial gases / seas
2 (formal) (of a feeling or a desire) very basic
SYN PRIMEVAL : primordial impulses / fears
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primp
verb (often disapproving) to make yourself look attractive by arranging your hair, putting on MAKE-UP , etc: [v] She was busy primping in the bedroom. [alsovn]
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prim.rose
noun
1 [C] a small wild plant that produces pale yellow flowers in spring
2 (also ,primrose 'yellow) [U] a pale yellow colour
prim.rose (also ,primrose 'yellow) adj.: primrose paintwork
IDM the primrose 'path (literary) an easy life that is full of pleasure but that causes you harm in the end
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prim.ula
noun a type of primrose that is often grown in gardens/yards
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Pri.mus
™ (also 'Primus stove) noun a small cooker/stove that you can move around that burns oil. It is used especially by people who are camping.
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prince
noun
1 a male member of a royal family who is not king, especially the son or grandson of the king or queen: the royal princes  the Prince of Wales
2 the male ruler of a small country or state that has a royal family; a male member of this family, especially the son or grandson of the ruler: Prince Rainier of Monaco
3 (in some European countries) a NOBLEMAN
4 ~ of / among sth (literary) a man who is thought to be one of the best in a particular field: the prince of comedy  a prince among men
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,Prince 'Charming
noun [sing.] (usually humorous) a man who seems to be a perfect boyfriend or husband because he is very attractive, kind, etc: I’m still waiting for my Prince Charming!
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,prince 'consort
noun a title sometimes given to the husband of a queen who is himself a prince: Prince Albert, the Prince Consort
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prince.ling
noun (usually disapproving) a prince who rules a small or unimportant country
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prince.ly
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (usually ironic) if you say that an amount of money is princely, you are usually saying the opposite and that it is not very large: I bought a bike for the princely sum of £20!
2 (old-fashioned, formal) very grand; generous: princely buildings  a princely gift
3 connected with a prince; like a prince: a man of princely appearance
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prin.cess
noun
1 a female member of a royal family who is not queen, especially the daughter or granddaughter of the king or queen: the royal princesses  Princess Anne
2 the wife of a prince: the Princess of Wales  Princess Michael of Kent
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,Princess 'Royal
noun a title often given to the eldest daughter of a British king or queen
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prin.ci.pal
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] most important; main: The principal reason for this omission is lack of time.  New roads will link the principal cities of the area.

noun
1 (BrE) the person who is in charge of a college or a university: Peter Brown, principal of St John’s college—see also DEAN
2 (AmE) = HEAD TEACHER : Principal Ray Smith
3 [usually sing.] (finance) an amount of money that you lend to sb or invest to earn interest
4 the person who has the most important part in a play, an opera, etc: The performance of the two principals is disappointing.

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prin.ci.pal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a country that is ruled by a prince: the principality of Monaco
2 (the Principality) [sing.] (BrE) Wales
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prin.ci.pal.ly
adv. mainly: The book is aimed principally at beginners.  No new power stations have been built, principally because of the cost.
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,principal 'parts
noun [pl.] (grammar ) the forms of a verb from which all the other forms can be made. In English these are the INFINITIVE (for example swim), the past tense (swam) and the past participle (swum).
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prin.ciple
noun
1 [C, usually pl., U] a moral rule or a strong belief that influences your actions: He has high moral principles.  I refuse to lie about it; it’s against my principles .  Stick to your principles and tell him you won’t do it.  She refuses to allow her family to help her as a matter of principle .  He doesn’t invest in the arms industry on principle .
2 [C] a law, a rule or a theory that sth is based on: the principles and practice of writing reports  The principle behind it is very simple.  There are three fundamental principles of teamwork.  Discussing all these details will get us nowhere; we must get back to first principles (= the most basic rules).
3 [C] a belief that is accepted as a reason for acting or thinking in a particular way: the principle that free education should be available for all children
4 [sing.] a general or scientific law that explains how sth works or why sth happens: the principle that heat rises
IDM in 'principle
1 if something can be done in principle, there is no good reason why it should not be done although it has not yet been done and there may be some difficulties: In principle there is nothing that a human can do that a machine might not be able to do one day.
2 in general but not in detail: They have agreed to the proposal in principle but we still have to negotiate the terms.
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prin.cipled
adj.
1 having strong beliefs about what is right and wrong; based on strong beliefs: a principled woman  to take a principled stand against abortion
OPP UNPRINCIPLED
2 based on rules or truths: a principled approach to language teaching
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print
verb, noun
verb
LETTERS / PICTURES|
1 to produce letters, pictures, etc. on paper using a machine that puts ink on the surface: [vn] Do you want your address printed at the top of the letter?  I’m printing a copy of the document for you.  Each card is printed with a different message.  [v] (computing) Click on the icon when you want to print.
BOOKS / NEWSPAPERS|
2 [vn] to produce books, newspapers, etc. by printing them in large quantities: They printed 30 000 copies of the book.
PUBLISH|
3 [vn] to publish sth in printed form: The photo was printed in all the national newspapers.
PHOTOGRAPH|
4 [vn] to produce a photograph from photographic film: I’m having the pictures developed and printed.
WRITE|
5 to write without joining the letters together: [v] In some countries children learn to print when they first go to school.  [vn] Print your name and address clearly in the space provided.
MAKE MARK|
6 [vn] ~ sth (in / on sth) to make a mark on a soft surface by pressing: The tracks of the large animal were clearly printed in the sand.   (figurative) The memory of that day was indelibly printed on his brain.
MAKE DESIGN|
7 [vn] to make a design on a surface or fabric by pressing a surface against it which has been coloured with ink or DYE : They had printed their own design on the T-shirt. the ,printed 'word / 'page what is published in books, newspapers, etc: the power of the printed word—more at LICENCE n. , WORTH adj. ,print sth<->'off / 'out to produce a document or information from a computer in printed form—related noun PRINTOUT

noun
LETTERS / NUMBERS|
1 [U] letters, words, numbers, etc. that have been printed onto paper: in large / small / bold print  The print quality of the new laser printer is superb.—see also THE SMALL PRINT
NEWSPAPERS / BOOKS|
2 [U] used to refer to the business of producing newspapers, magazines and books: the print media  print unions  a print run (= the number of copies of a book, etc. printed at one time)
MARK|
3 [C, usually pl.] a mark left by your finger, foot, etc. on the surface of sth: His prints were found on the gun.—see also FINGERPRINT , FOOTPRINT
PICTURE|
4 [C] a picture that is carved into metal or wood then covered with ink and printed onto paper; a picture that is copied from a painting using photography: a framed set of prints
PHOTOGRAPH|
5 [C] a photograph produced from film: How many sets of prints would you like?  a colour print
FABRIC|
6 [U, C] cotton fabric that has a pattern printed on it; this pattern: a cotton print dress  a floral print——see also BLUEPRINT get into 'print to be published: By the time this gets into print, they’ll already have left the country. in print
1 (of a book) still available from the company that publishes it: Is this edition still in print?
2 (of a person’s work) printed in a book, newspaper, etc: It was the first time he had seen his name in print. ,out of 'print (of a book) no longer available from the company that publishes it: Her first novel is now out of print.

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print.able
adj. (usually used with a negative) suitable to be repeated in writing and read by people: His comment when he heard the news was not printable (= was very rude).
OPP UNPRINTABLE
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,printed 'circuit
noun a CIRCUIT for electricity that uses thin strips of metal instead of wires to carry the current
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print.er
noun
1 a machine for printing text on paper, especially one connected to a computer: a colour / laser printer—
2 a person or a company whose job is printing books, etc.
3 (printer’s) (pl.printers) a place where books, etc. are printed
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print.ing
noun
1 [U] the act of producing letters, pictures, patterns, etc. on sth by pressing a surface covered with ink against it: the invention of printing  the printing trade  fabric / colour printing
2 [C] the act of printing a number of copies of a book at one time: The book is in its sixth printing.
3 [U] a type of writing when you write all the letters separately and do not join them together
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'printing press
noun a machine that produces books, newspapers, etc. by pressing a surface covered in ink onto paper
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print.out
noun [U, C] a page or set of pages containing information in printed form from a computer: a printout of text downloaded from the Internet—compare READ-OUT
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prion
noun (biology ) a very small unit of PROTEIN that is believed to be the cause of brain diseases such as BSE , CJD and SCRAPIE
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prior
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 happening or existing before sth else or before a particular time
SYN PREVIOUS : Although not essential, some prior knowledge of statistics is desirable.  This information must not be disclosed without prior written consent .  Visits are by prior arrangement .  Please give us prior notice if you need an evening meal.  She will be unable to attend because of a prior engagement .
2 already existing and therefore more important: They have a prior claim to the property.
3 ('prior to) (formal) before sth: during the week prior to the meeting

noun (femininepri.or.ess )
1 a person who is in charge of a group of MONKS or NUNS living in a PRIORY
2 (in an ABBEY ) a person next in rank below an ABBOT or ABBESS

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pri.ori
A PRIORI
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pri.ori.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 to put tasks, problems, etc. in order of importance, so that you can deal with the most important first: [vn] You should make a list of all the jobs you have to do and prioritize them. [alsov]
2 [vn] (formal) to treat sth as being more important than other things: The organization was formed to prioritize the needs of older people.
pri.ori.tiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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pri.or.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] something that you think is more important than other things and should be dealt with first: a high / low priority  Education is a top priority .  Our first priority is to improve standards.  Financial security was high on his list of priorities .  You need to get your priorities right (= decide what is important to you).   (AmE) You need to get your priorities straight .
2 [U] ~ (over sth) the most important place among various things that have to be done or among a group of people
SYN PRECEDENCE : Club members will be given priority .  The search for a new vaccine will take priority over all other medical research.  Priority cases, such as homeless families, get dealt with first.
3 [U] (BrE) the right of a vehicle to go before other traffic at a particular place on a road: Buses have priority at this junction.
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pri.ory
noun (pl.-ies) a building where a community of MONKS or NUNS lives, which is smaller and less important than an ABBEY
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prise
(BrE ) (AmEprize) (also pry especially in AmE) verb to use force to separate sth from sth else: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : He prised her fingers from the bag and took it from her.  [vn-adj] She used a knife to prise open the lid.
PVR V ,prise sth<->'out (of sb)| 'prise sth from sb to force sb to give you information about sb/sth
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prism
noun
1 (geometry) a solid figure with ends that are parallel and of the same size and shape, and with sides whose opposite edges are equal and parallel—picture at SOLID
2 a transparent glass or plastic object, often with ends in the shape of a triangle, which separates light that passes through it into the colours of the RAINBOW
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pris.mat.ic
adj.
1 (technical) using or containing a prism ; in the shape of a prism
2 (literary) (of colours) formed by a prism ; very bright and clear
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prison
noun
1 [C, U] a building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime they have committed, or while they are waiting for trial: He was sent to prison for five years.  She is in prison , awaiting trial.  to be released from prison  a maximum-security prison  the prison population (= the total number of prisoners in a country)  the problem of overcrowding in prisons  Ten prison officers and three inmates needed hospital treatment following the riot.  note at SCHOOL
2 [U] the system of keeping people in prisons : the prison service / system  The government insists that ‘prison works’ and plans to introduce a tougher sentencing policy for people convicted of violent crime.
3 [C] a place or situation from which sb cannot escape: His hospital room had become a prison.
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'prison camp
noun a guarded camp where prisoners, especially prisoners of war or political prisoners, are kept
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pris.on.er
noun
1 a person who is kept in prison as a punishment, or while they are waiting for trial: The number of prisoners serving life sentences has fallen.  They are demanding the release of all political prisoners .
2 a person who has been captured, for example by an enemy, and is being kept somewhere: He was taken prisoner by rebel soldiers.  They are holding her prisoner and demanding a large ransom.   (figurative) She is afraid to go out and has become a virtual prisoner in her own home.
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,prisoner of 'conscience
noun (pl.prisoners of conscience) a person who is kept in prison because of his or her political or religious beliefs
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,prisoner of 'war
noun (pl.prisoners of war) (abbr. POW) a person, usually a member of the armed forces, who is captured by the enemy during a war and kept in a prison camp until the war has finished
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prissy
adj. (informal, disapproving) too careful to always behave correctly and appearing easily shocked by rude behaviour, etc.
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pris.tine
adj.
1 fresh and clean, as if new: The car is in pristine condition .
2 not developed or changed in any way; left in its original condition: pristine, pollution-free beaches
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priv.acy
noun [U]
1 the state of being alone and not watched or disturbed by other people: She was longing for some peace and privacy.  I value my privacy.  He read the letter later in the privacy of his own room.
2 the state of being free from the attention of the public: freedom of speech and the right to privacy
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pri.vate
adj., noun
adj.
NOT PUBLIC|
1 [usually before noun] belonging to or for the use of a particular person or group; not for public use: The sign said, ‘Private property. Keep out.’  Those are my father’s private papers.  The hotel has 110 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms.
OPP PUBLIC
CONVERSATION / MEETING|
2 intended for or involving a particular person or group of people, not for people in general or for others to know about: a private conversation / letter  They were sharing a private joke.  Senior defence officials held private talks.
FEELINGS / INFORMATION|
3 that you do not want other people to know about; SECRET : her private thoughts and feelings
NOT OWNED / RUN BY STATE|
4 [usually before noun] owned or managed by an individual person or an independent company rather than by the state: private banks / companies / schools  a programme to return many of the state companies to private ownership
OPP PUBLIC
5 [only before noun] working or acting for yourself rather than for the state or for a group or company, especially in health or education: private doctors  to offer advice to private investors   (BrE) If I can afford it, I think I’ll go private (= pay for medical care rather than use the government service).
NOT WORK|
6 [usually before noun] not connected with your work or official position: a politician’s private life
QUIET|
7 where you are not likely to be disturbed; quiet: Let’s go somewhere a bit more private.
OPP PUBLIC
PERSON|
8 [usually before noun] not wanting to share thoughts and feelings with other people: He’s a very private person.
LESSONS|
9 [usually before noun] given by a teacher, etc. to one person or a small group of people for payment: She gives private English lessons at weekends.  private students
MONEY|
10 that you receive from property or other sources but do not have to earn: He has a private income.
pri.vate.ly adv.: Can we speak privately?  In public he supported the official policy, but privately he was sure it would fail.  a privately owned company  Their children were educated privately.  She smiled, but privately she was furious.

noun
1 [C] (abbr.Pte) (BrE) a soldier of the lowest rank in the army: Private (John) Smith
2 (privates) [pl.] (informal) = PRIVATE PARTS in 'private with nobody else present: Is there somewhere we can discuss this in private?—compare IN PUBLIC

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,private 'company
(also ,private ,limited 'company) noun (business ) a business that may not offer its shares for sale to the public—compare PUBLIC COMPANY , PLC
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,private de'tective
(also ,private in'vestigator) (also informal ,private 'eye) noun a DETECTIVE who is not in the police, but who can be employed to find out information, find a missing person, follow sb, etc.
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,private 'enterprise
noun [U] the economic system in which industry or business is owned by independent companies or private people and is not controlled by the government—compare FREE ENTERPRISE
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pri.vat.eer
noun a ship used in the past for attacking and robbing other ships
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,private 'law
noun [U] (law ) the part of the law that concerns individual people and their property
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,private 'member
noun (in Britain) a member of the House of Commons who is not a minister in the government
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,private 'parts
(also informal pri.vates) noun [pl.] a polite way of referring to the sexual organs without saying their names
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,private 'patient
noun (in Britain) a person who is treated by a doctor outside the National Health Service and who pays for their treatment
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,private 'practice
noun
1 [U] (of a profession) the fact of working on your own or in a small independent company rather than as an employee of the government or a large company: Most solicitors in England and Wales are in private practice .
2 [U, C] (in Britain) the fact of providing medical care outside the National Health Service, which people must pay for; a place providing this care
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,private 'school
(also inde,pendent 'school) noun a school that receives no money from the government and where the education of the students is paid for by their parents—compare PUBLIC SCHOOL , STATE SCHOOL
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,private 'secretary
noun
1 a secretary whose job is to deal with the more important and personal affairs of a business person
2 a CIVIL SERVANT who acts as an assistant to a senior government official
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the ,private 'sector
noun [sing.] the part of the economy of a country that is not under the direct control of the government: to work in the private sector  private-sector pay rises—compare THE PUBLIC SECTOR
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,private 'view
(also ,private 'viewing) noun an occasion when a few people are invited to look at an EXHIBITION of paintings before it is open to the public
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pri.va.tion
noun [C, usually pl., U] (formal) a lack of the basic things that people need for living: the privations of poverty  They endured years of suffering and privation.
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pri.vat.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to sell a business or an industry so that it is no longer owned by the government
SYN DENATIONALIZE : Air traffic control has been privatized.
OPP NATIONALIZE
pri.vat.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: There were fears that privatization would lead to job losses.
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privet
noun [U] a bush with small dark green leaves that remain on the bush and stay green all year, often used for garden HEDGES : a privet hedge
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priv.il.ege
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has: Education should be a universal right and not a privilege.  You can enjoy all the benefits and privileges of club membership.
2 [U] (disapproving) the rights and advantages that rich and powerful people in a society have: As a member of the nobility, his life had been one of wealth and privilege.
3 [sing.] something that you are proud and lucky to have the opportunity to do
SYN HONOUR : I hope to have the privilege of working with them again.  It was a great privilege to hear her sing.
4 [C, U] (technical) a special right to do or say things without being punished: parliamentary privilege (= the special right of members of parliament to say particular things without risking legal action)

verb [vn] (formal) to give sb/sth special rights or advantages that others do not have: education policies that privilege the children of wealthy parents

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priv.il.eged
adj.
1 (sometimes disapproving) having special rights or advantages that most people do not have: Those in authority were in a privileged position.  She comes from a privileged background.  In those days, only a privileged few had the vote.
2 [not before noun] having an opportunity to do sth that makes you feel proud
SYN HONOURED : We are privileged to welcome you as our speaker this evening.
3 (law) (of information) known only to a few people and legally protected so that it does not have to be made public
SYN CONFIDENTIAL
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privy
adj., noun
adj. (formal) ~ to sth allowed to know about sth secret: She was not privy to any information contained in the letters.

noun (pl.-ies) (old-fashioned) a toilet, especially an outdoor one

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the ,Privy 'Council
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (in Britain) a group of people who advise the king or queen on political affairs
,Privy 'Councillor noun
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the ,privy 'purse
noun [sing.] (in Britain) an amount of money that the government gives to the king or queen for their own private use
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prize
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 an award that is given to a person who wins a competition, race, etc. or who does very good work: She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize.  He won first prize in the woodwind section.  There are no prizes for guessing (= it is very easy to guess) who she was with.  I won £500 in prize money .  Win a car in our grand prize draw !—see also CONSOLATION PRIZE
2 something very important or valuable that is difficult to achieve or obtain: World peace is the greatest prize of all.

adj. [only before noun]
1 (especially of an animal, a flower or a vegetable) good enough to win a prize in a competition: prize cattle / blooms
2 being a very good example of its kind: a prize pupil / student  a prize example  He’s a prize specimen of the human race!   (informal) She’s a prize idiot (= very silly).

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] ~ sth (for sth) to value sth highly
SYN TREASURE : an era when honesty was prized above all other virtues  Oil of cedarwood is highly prized for its use in medicine and perfumery.
2 (AmE) = PRISE

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prized
adj. [only before noun] very valuable to sb: I lost some of my most prized possessions in the fire.
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prize.fight
noun a boxing competition that is fought for money
prize.fight.er noun
prize.fight.ing noun [U]
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'prize-giving
noun (BrE ) a ceremony at which prizes are given to people who have done very good work
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prize.win.ner
noun a person who has won a prize
prize.win.ning adj. [only before noun]: a prizewinning story
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pro
noun, adj.
noun (pl.pros) (informal) a person who works as a PROFESSIONAL , especially in a sport: a golf pro  a young boxer who’s just turned pro   He handled the situation like an old pro (= sb who has a lot of experience).
IDM the ,pros and 'cons the advantages and disadvantages of sth: We weighed up the pros and cons.

adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE ) (in sport) professional: a pro athlete / wrestler  pro football

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pro-
prefix (in adjectives) in favour of; supporting: pro-democracy  pro-European—compare ANTI-
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pro.active
adj. (of a person or policy) controlling a situation by making things happen rather than waiting for things to happen and then reacting to them: a proactive approach / role—compare REACTIVE
pro.active.ly adv.
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,pro-'am
adj. [only before noun] (in sport) involving both professional and AMATEUR players: a pro-am golf tournament
,pro-'am noun: to play in a pro-am
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prob.abil.ist.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) (of methods, arguments, etc.) based on the idea that, as we cannot be certain about things, we can base our beliefs or actions on what is probable
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prob.abil.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] how likely sth is to happen: The probability is that prices will rise rapidly.  There seemed to be a high probability of success.
2 [C] a thing that is likely to happen: A fall in interest rates is a strong probability in the present economic climate.  It now seems a probability rather than just a possibility.
3 [C] (mathematics) a RATIO showing the chances that a particular thing will happen: There is a 60% probability that the population will be infected with the disease.
IDM in ,all proba'bility … (written) it is very likely that: In all probability he failed to understand the consequences of his actions.—more at BALANCE n.
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prob.able
adj., noun
adj. likely to happen, to exist or to be true: the probable cause / explanation / outcome  highly / quite / most probable  It is probable that the disease has a genetic element.—compare IMPROBABLE

noun ~ (for sth) (especially BrE ) a person or an animal that is likely to win a race or to be chosen for a team

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prob.ably
adv. used to say that sth is likely to happen or to be true: You’re probably right.  It’ll probably be OK.  It was the best known and probably the most popular of her songs.  ‘Is he going to be there?’‘Probably.’  ‘Do we need the car?’‘Probably not.’  As you probably know, I’m going to be changing jobs soon.   (written) The two cases are most probably connected.
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pro.bate
noun, verb
noun [U] (law ) the official process of proving that a WILL (= a legal document that says what is to happen to a person’s property when they die) is valid

verb [vn] (AmE, law ) to prove that a WILL is valid

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pro.ba.tion
noun [U]
1 (law) a system that allows a person who has committed a crime not to go to prison if they behave well and if they see an official (called a PROBATION OFFICER ) regularly for a fixed period of time: The prisoner was put on probation .  He was given two years' probation.
2 a time of training and testing when you start a new job to see if you are suitable for the work: a period of probation
3 (AmE) a fixed period of time during which a student who has behaved badly or not worked hard must improve their work or their behaviour
pro.ba.tion.ary adj.: a probationary period  young probationary teachers
pro.ba.tion.er noun: prisoners and probationers  a young probationer nurse
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pro'bation officer
noun a person whose job is to check on people who are on probation and help them
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probe
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (into sth) to ask questions in order to find out secret or hidden information about sb/sth: [v] He didn’t like the media probing into his past.  [vn] a TV programme that probed government scandals in the 1990s [alsov speech]
2 [vn] to touch, examine or look for sth, especially with a long thin instrument: The doctor probed the wound for signs of infection.  Searchlights probed the night sky.

noun
1 ~ (into sth) (used especially in newspapers) a thorough and careful investigation of sth: a police probe into the financial affairs of the company
2 (also 'space probe) a spacecraft without people on board which obtains information and sends it back to earth
3 (technical) a long thin metal tool used by doctors for examining inside the body
4 (technical) a small device put inside sth and used by scientists to test sth or record information

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prob.ing
adj.
1 intended to discover the truth: They asked a lot of probing questions .
2 examining sb/sth closely: She looked away from his dark probing eyes.
prob.ing noun: the journalist’s unwanted probings
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prob.ity
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being completely honest: financial probity
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prob.lem
noun, adj.
noun
1 a thing that is difficult to deal with or to understand: big / major / serious problems  health / unemployment / family problems  financial / practical / technical problems  to address / tackle / solve a problem   (especially AmE) to fix a problem  the problem of drug abuse  If he chooses Mary it’s bound to cause problems .  Let me know if you have any problems.  Most students face the problem of funding themselves while they are studying.  The problem first arose in 1993.  Unemployment is a very real problem for graduates now.  It’s a nice table! The only problem is (that) it’s a bit too big for our room.  Stop worrying about their marriage—it isn’t your problem.  There’s no history of heart problems (= disease connected with the heart) in our family.  the magazine’s problem page (= containing letters about readers' problems and advice about how to solve them)
2 a question that can be answered by using logical thought or mathematics: mathematical / philosophical problems  to find the answer to the problem
IDM Do you have a 'problem with that? (spoken) used to show that you are impatient with sb who disagrees with you no 'problem (spoken, informal)
1 (also not a 'problem) used to show that you are happy to help sb or that sth will be easy to do: ‘Can I pay by credit card?’‘Yes, no problem.’
2 used after sb has thanked you or said they are sorry for sth: ‘Thanks for the ride.’‘No problem.’ ,it’s / ,that’s not 'my problem (spoken, informal) used to show that you do not care about sb else’s difficulties that’s 'her / 'his / 'their / 'your problem (spoken, informal) used to show that you think a person should deal with their own difficulties What’s your problem? (spoken, informal) used to show that you think sb is being unreasonable: What’s your problem?—I only asked if you could help me for ten minutes.

adj. [only before noun] causing problems for other people: She was a problem child , always in trouble with the police.

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prob.lem.at.ic
(also less frequent prob.lem.at.ical ) adj. difficult to deal with or to understand; full of problems; not certain to be successful: Providing the necessary care for elderly people can be problematic.
OPP UNPROBLEMATIC
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'problem-solving
noun [U] the act of finding ways of dealing with problems
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pro.bos.cis
noun (pl.pro.bos.ces pro.bos.cises) (technical )
1 the long FLEXIBLE nose of some animals, such as an elephant
2 the long thin mouth, like a tube, of some insects
3 (humorous) the human nose
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probs
noun [pl.]
IDM no 'probs (spoken) used to mean ‘there is no problem’: I can let you have it by next week. No probs.
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pro.ced.ure
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (for sth) a way of doing sth, especially the usual or correct way: maintenance procedures  emergency / safety / disciplinary procedures  to follow normal / standard / accepted procedure  Making a complaint is quite a simple procedure.
2 [U] the official or formal order or way of doing sth, especially in business, law or politics: court / legal / parliamentary procedure
3 [C] (medical) a medical operation: to perform a routine surgical procedure
pro.ced.ural adj. (formal): procedural matters / rules
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pro.ceed
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth) to continue doing sth that has already been started; to continue being done: We’re not sure whether we still want to proceed with the sale.  Work is proceeding slowly.
2 [v to inf] to do sth next, after having done sth else first: He outlined his plans and then proceeded to explain them in more detail.   (humorous) Having said she wasn’t hungry, she then proceeded to order a three-course meal.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (formal) to move or travel in a particular direction: The marchers proceeded slowly along the street.  Passengers for Rome should proceed to Gate 32 for boarding.
PVR V pro'ceed against sb (law) to start a court case against sb pro'ceed from sth (formal) to be caused by or be the result of sth
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pro.ceed.ing
noun (formal)
1 [C, usually pl.] ~ (against sb) (for sth) the process of using a court of law to settle a dispute or to deal with a complaint: bankruptcy / divorce / extradition proceedings  to bring legal proceedings against sb
2 (proceedings) [pl.] an event or a series of actions: The Mayor will open the proceedings at the City Hall tomorrow.  We watched the proceedings from the balcony.
3 (proceedings) [pl.] the official written report of a meeting, etc.
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pro.ceeds
noun [pl.] ~ (of / from sth) the money that you receive when you sell sth or organize a performance, etc.; profits: She sold her car and bought a piano with the proceeds.  The proceeds of the concert will go to charity.
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pro.cess^1
noun, verb —see also PROCESS^2
noun
1 a series of things that are done in order to achieve a particular result: the Middle East peace process  a consultation process  to begin the difficult process of reforming the education system  I’m afraid getting things changed will be a slow process.  cognitive / mental processes  Coming off the drug was a long and painful (= difficult) process for him.  Find which food you are allergic to by a process of elimination .  We’re in the process of selling our house.  I was moving some furniture and I twisted my ankle in the process (= while I was doing it).
2 a series of things that happen, especially ones that result in natural changes: the digestive / ageing process  It’s a normal part of the learning process.
3 a method of doing or making sth, especially one that is used in industry: manufacturing processes

verb [vn]
1 to treat raw material, food, etc. in order to change it, preserve it, etc: Most of the food we buy is processed in some way.  processed cheese  I sent three rolls of film away to be processed.  a sewage processing plant
2 to deal officially with a document, request, etc: It will take a week for your application to be processed.
3 (computing) to perform a series of operations on data in a computer
pro.cess.ing noun [U]: a course on colour photography and processing  the food processing industry—see also DATA PROCESSING , WORD PROCESSING

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pro.cess^2
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (formal) to walk or move along slowly in, or as if in, a procession —see also PROCESS^1
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pro.ces.sion
noun
1 [C, U] a line of people or vehicles that move along slowly, especially as part of a ceremony; the act of moving in this way: a funeral procession  a torchlight procession  The procession made its way down the hill.  Groups of unemployed people from all over the country marched in procession to the capital.
2 [C] a number of people who come one after the other: A procession of waiters appeared bearing trays of food.
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pro.ces.sion.al
adj. [only before noun] used in a procession , especially a religious one; connected with a procession
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pro.ces.sor
noun
1 a machine or person that processes things
2 (computing) a part of a computer that controls all the other parts of the system
SYN CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT —see also FOOD PROCESSOR , MICROPROCESSOR , WORD PROCESSOR
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,pro-'choice
adj. believing that a pregnant woman should be able to choose to have an ABORTION if she wants—compare ANTI-CHOICE , PRO-LIFE
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pro.claim
verb
1 to publicly and officially tell people about sth important
SYN DECLARE : [vn] The president proclaimed a state of emergency.  [v that] The charter proclaimed that all states would have their own government.  [vn-n] He proclaimed himself emperor. [alsovn to inf, alsov wh-, v speech]
2 (formal) to show sth clearly; to be a sign of sth: [vn] This building, more than any other, proclaims the character of the town.  [vn-n, vn to inf] His accent proclaimed him a Scot.  His accent proclaimed him to be a Scot. [alsov that]
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pro.clama.tion
noun [C, U] an official statement about sth important that is made to the public; the act of making an official statement
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pro.cliv.ity
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) a natural tendency to do sth or to feel sth, often sth bad: his sexual / criminal proclivities  the government’s proclivity for spending money
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pro.cras.tin.ate
verb [v] (formal, disapproving) to delay doing sth that you should do, usually because you do not want to do it: People were dying of starvation while governments procrastinated.
pro.cras.tin.ation noun [U]
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pro.cre.ate
verb (formal) to produce children or baby animals
SYN REPRODUCE : [v] the urge to procreate [alsovn]
pro.cre.ation noun [U]: They believe that sex is primarily for procreation.
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proc.tor
noun, verb
noun (AmE ) = INVIGILATOR

verb [vn] (AmE ) = INVIGILATE

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proc.ur.ator fis.cal
noun (pl.proc.ur.ators fis.cal) (in Scotland) a public official whose job is to decide whether people who are suspected of a crime should be brought to trial
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pro.cure
verb
1 ~ sth (for sth) (formal) to obtain sth, especially with difficulty: [vn] She managed to procure a ticket for the concert.  [vnn, vn] They procured us a copy of the report.  They procured a copy of the report for us.
2 to provide a prostitute for sb: [vn] He was accused of procuring under-age girls. [alsov]
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pro.cure.ment
noun [U] (formal) the process of obtaining supplies of sth, especially for a government or an organization: arms procurement
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prod
verb, noun
verb (-dd-)
1 ~ (at) sb/sth to push sb/sth with your finger or with a pointed object
SYN POKE : [vn] She prodded him in the ribs to wake him up.  [v] He prodded at his breakfast with a fork.
2 [vn] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to try to make sb do sth, especially when they are unwilling: She finally prodded him into action.

noun
1 the act of pushing sb with your finger or with a pointed object: She gave him a sharp prod with her umbrella.
2 (informal) an act of encouraging sb or of reminding sb to do sth: If they haven’t replied by next week, you’ll have to call them and give them a prod .
3 an instrument like a stick that is used for prodding animals

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prod.ding
noun [U] encouragement to do sth: He needed no prodding.
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prod.igal
adj. (formal, disapproving) too willing to spend money or waste time, energy or materials
SYN EXTRAVAGANT : a prodigal administration
prod.ig.al.ity noun [U]
IDM the / a ,prodigal ('son) a person who leaves home and wastes their money and time on a life of pleasure, but who later is sorry about this and returns home
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pro.di.gious
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) very large or powerful and causing surprise or admiration
SYN COLOSSAL , ENORMOUS : a prodigious achievement / memory / talent  Laser discs can store prodigious amounts of information.
pro.di.gious.ly adv.: a prodigiously talented musician
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prod.igy
noun (pl.-ies) a young person who is unusually intelligent or skilful for their age: a child / an infant prodigy   a musical / tennis prodigy
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pro.duce
verb, noun
verb [vn]
GOODS|
1 to make things to be sold, especially in large quantities
SYN MANUFACTURE : a factory that produces microchips—see also MASS-PRODUCE
MAKE NATURALLY|
2 to grow or make sth as part of a natural process; to have a baby or young animal: The region produces over 50% of the country’s wheat.  These shrubs produce bright red berries.  Our cat produced kittens last week.  Her duty was to produce an heir to the throne.
CREATE WITH SKILL|
3 to create sth, especially when skill is needed: She produced a delicious meal out of a few leftovers.
RESULT / EFFECT|
4 to cause a particular result or effect: A phone call to the manager produced the result she wanted.  The drug produces a feeling of great happiness and excitement.
SHOW / BRING OUT|
5 ~ sth (from / out of sth) to show sth or make sth appear from somewhere: He produced a letter from his pocket.  At the meeting the finance director produced the figures for the previous year.
PERSON|
6 if a town, country, etc. produces sb with a particular skill or quality, the person comes from that town, country, etc: He is the greatest athlete this country has ever produced.
MOVIE / PLAY|
7 to be in charge of preparing a film/movie, play, etc. for the public to see: She produced a TV series about adopted children.

noun [U] things that have been made or grown, especially things connected with farming: farm produce  The shop sells only fresh local produce.  It says on the label ‘Produce of France’.

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pro.du.cer
noun
1 a person, a company or a country that grows or makes food, goods or materials: French wine producers  Libya is a major oil producer.—compare CONSUMER
2 a person who is in charge of the practical and financial aspects of making a film/movie or a play: Hollywood screenwriters, actors and producers—compare DIRECTOR (2)
3 a person or company that arranges for sb to make a programme for radio or television, or a record: an independent television producer
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prod.uct
noun
1 [C, U] a thing that is grown or produced, usually for sale: dairy / meat / pharmaceutical products  investment in product development  to launch a new product on to the market   (business) We need new product to sell (= a new range of products).—see also END PRODUCT , GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT
2 [C] a thing produced during a natural, chemical or industrial process: the products of the reaction—see also BY-PRODUCT , WASTE PRODUCT
3 ~ of sth a person or thing that is the result of sth: The child is the product of a broken home.
4 (mathematics) a quantity obtained by multiplying one number by another: The product of 21 and 16 is 336.
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pro.duc.tion
noun
1 [U] the process of growing or making food, goods or materials, especially large quantities: wheat / oil / car production  land available for food production  The new model will be in production by the end of the year.  Production of the new aircraft will start next year.  The car went out of production in 1990.  production costs / difficulties  a production manager / process—see also MASS PRODUCTION
2 [U] the quantity of goods that is produced: a decline / fall in production  an increase in production  It is important not to let production levels fall.
3 [U] the act or process of making sth naturally: drugs to stimulate the body’s production of hormones
4 [C, U] a film/movie, a play or a broadcast that is prepared for the public; the act of preparing a film or a play, etc: a new production of ‘King Lear’  Every year the school puts on a musical production.  He wants a career in film production.
IDM on production of sth (formal) when you show sth: Discounts only on production of your student ID card.
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pro'duction line
(also as'sembly line) noun a line of workers and machines in a factory, along which a product passes, having parts made, put together or checked at each stage until the product is finished: Cars are checked as they come off the production line.  Education is not a production line.
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pro'duction number
noun a scene in a musical play or a film/movie where a lot of people sing and dance
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pro.duct.ive
adj.
1 making goods or growing crops, especially in large quantities: highly productive farming land / manufacturing methods  productive farmers / workers
OPP UNPRODUCTIVE
2 doing or achieving a lot: a productive meeting  My time spent in the library was very productive.—compare COUNTERPRODUCTIVE
3 ~ of sth (formal) resulting in sth or causing sth: a play productive of the strongest emotions
OPP UNPRODUCTIVE
pro.duct.ive.ly adv.: to use land more productively  It’s important to spend your time productively.
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prod.uct.iv.ity
noun [U] the rate at which a worker, a company or a country produces goods, and the amount produced, compared with how much time, work and money is needed to produce them: high / improved / increased productivity  Wage rates depend on levels of productivity.
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Prof.
abbr. (in writing) PROFESSOR : Prof. Mike Harrison
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prof
noun (informal) = PROFESSOR : a college prof
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pro.fane
adj., verb
adj.
1 (formal) having or showing a lack of respect for God or holy things: profane language
2 (technical) not connected with religion or holy things
SYN SECULAR : songs of sacred and profane love

verb [vn] (rare, formal) to treat sth holy with a lack of respect

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pro.fan.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] behaviour that shows a lack of respect for God or holy things
2 [C, usually pl.] swear words, or religious words used in a way that shows a lack of respect for God or holy things: He uttered a stream of profanities.
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pro.fess
verb (formal)
1 to claim that sth is true or correct, especially when it is not: [vn] She still professes her innocence.  [v to inf] I don’t profess to be an expert in this subject.
2 to state openly that you have a particular belief, feeling, etc: [vn] He professed his admiration for their work.  [vn-adj] She professed herself satisfied with the progress so far.
3 [vn] to belong to a particular religion: to profess Christianity / Islam / Judaism
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pro.fessed
adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 used to describe a belief or a position that sb has publicly made known: a professed Christian / anarchist
2 used to describe a feeling or an attitude that sb says they have but which may not be sincere: These, at least, were their professed reasons for pulling out of the deal.
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pro.fes.sion
noun
1 [C] a type of job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high level of education: the medical / legal / teaching profession  to enter / go into / join the nursing profession   (BrE) the caring professions (= that involve looking after people)  He was an electrician by profession .  She was at the very top of her profession.
2 (the profession) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] all the people who work in a particular type of profession : The legal profession has / have always resisted change.
3 (the professions) [pl.] the traditional jobs that need a high level of education and training, such as being a doctor or a lawyer: employment in industry and the professions
4 [C] ~ of sth a statement about what you believe, feel or think about sth, that is sometimes made publicly: a profession of faith  His professions of love did not seem sincere.
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pro.fes.sion.al
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with a job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high level of education: professional qualifications / skills  professional standards / practice  an opportunity for professional development  If it’s a legal matter you need to seek professional advice .
2 (of people) having a job which needs special training and a high level of education: Most of the people on the course were professional women.
3 showing that sb is well trained and extremely skilled: He dealt with the problem in a highly professional way.
OPP AMATEUR
4 suitable or appropriate for sb working in a particular profession : professional conduct / misconduct
OPP UNPROFESSIONAL
5 doing sth as a paid job rather than as a hobby: a professional golfer  After he won the amateur championship he turned professional .
OPP AMATEUR
6 (of sport) done as a paid job rather than as a hobby: the world of professional football
OPP AMATEUR —compare NON-PROFESSIONAL

noun
1 a person who does a job that needs special training and a high level of education: the terms that doctors and other health professionals use
2 (also informal pro) a person who does a sport or other activity as a paid job rather than as a hobby: a top golf professional
OPP AMATEUR
3 (also informal pro) a person who has a lot of skill and experience: This was clearly a job for a real professional.
OPP AMATEUR

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pro,fessional 'foul
noun (BrE ) (in sport, especially football) a rule that sb breaks deliberately so that their team can gain an advantage, especially to prevent a player from the other team from scoring a goal
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pro.fes.sion.al.ism
noun [U]
1 the high standard that you expect from a person who is well trained in a particular job: We were impressed by the professionalism of the staff.
2 great skill and ability: the power and professionalism of her performance
3 the practice of using professional players in sport: Increased professionalism has changed the game radically.
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pro.fes.sion.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to make an activity more professional, for example by paying people who take part in it
pro.fes.sion.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the increasing professionalization of sports
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pro.fes.sion.al.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is connected with a person’s job or training: You need a complete change, both professionally and personally.
2 in a way that shows skill and experience: The product has been marketed very professionally.
3 by a person who has the right skills and qualifications: The burglar alarm should be professionally installed.
4 as a paid job, not as a hobby: After the injury, he never played professionally again.
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pro.fes.sor
(also informal prof) noun (abbr. Prof.)
1 (especially BrE) (AmE 'full professor) a university teacher of the highest rank: Professor (Ann) Williams  a chemistry professor  to be appointed Professor of French at Cambridge  He was made (a) professor at the age of 40.
HELP Full professor is used to describe a rank of university teacher, and not as a title.
2 (AmE) a teacher at a university or college—compare ASSISTANT PROFESSOR , ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
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pro.fes.sor.ial
adj. connected with a professor ; like a professor : professorial duties / posts  His tone was almost professorial.
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pro.fes.sor.ship
noun the rank or position of a university PROFESSOR : a visiting professorship  She was appointed to a professorship in Economics at Princeton.
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prof.fer
verb ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth (formal)
1 to offer sth to sb, by holding it out to them: [vn] ‘Try this,’ she said, proffering a plate. [alsovnn]
2 to offer sth such as advice or an explanation: [vn, vnn] What advice would you proffer to someone starting up in business?  What advice would you proffer her?  [vn] A solution proffered itself.
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pro.fi.cient
adj. ~ (in / at sth)| ~ (in / at doing sth) (written) able to do sth well because of training and practice: She’s proficient in several languages.  He’s proficient at his job.  I’m a reasonably proficient driver.
pro.fi.ciency noun [U] ~ (in sth / in doing sth): to develop proficiency  a high level of oral proficiency in English  a certificate of language proficiency
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pro.file
noun, verb
noun
1 the outline of a person’s face when you look from the side, not the front: his strong profile  a picture of the president in profile
2 a description of sb/sth that gives useful information: a job / employee profile  We first build up a detailed profile of our customers and their requirements.
3 the general impression that sb/sth gives to the public and the amount of attention they receive: The deal will certainly raise the company’s international profile.
4 the edge or outline of sth that you see against a background: the profile of the tower against the sky
IDM a ,high / ,low 'profile the amount of attention sb/sth has from the public: This issue has had a high profile in recent months.  I advised her to keep a low profile for the next few days (= not to attract attention).

verb [vn] (written) to give or write a description of sb/sth that gives the most important information: His career is profiled in this month’s journal.

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pro.fil.ing
noun [U] the act of collecting useful information about sb/sth so that you can give a description of them: customer profiling  offender profiling
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profit
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the money that you make in business or by selling things, especially after paying the costs involved: a rise / an increase / a drop / a fall in profits  The company made a healthy profit of $106m last year.  Net profit (= after you have paid costs and tax) was up 16.1%.  The sale generated record profits.  We should be able to sell the house at a profit .  The agency is voluntary and not run for profit .
OPP LOSS
2 [U] (formal) the advantage that you get from doing sth: Future lawyers could study this text with profit.

verb ~ (by / from sth) (formal) to get sth useful from a situation; to be useful to sb or give them an advantage: [v] Farmers are profiting from the new legislation.  We tried to profit by our mistakes (= learn from them).  [vn] Many local people believe the development will profit them.

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prof.it.able
adj.
1 that makes or is likely to make money: a highly profitable business  a profitable investment  It is usually more profitable to sell direct to the public.
2 that gives sb an advantage or a useful result: a profitable experience  She spent a profitable afternoon in the library.
prof.it.abil.ity noun [U]: to increase profitability
prof.it.ably adv.: to run a business profitably  He spent the weekend profitably.
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prof.it.eer.ing
noun [U] (disapproving) the act of making a lot of money in an unfair way, for example by asking very high prices for things that are hard to get
prof.it.eer noun
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pro.fit.er.ole
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,cream 'puff) noun a small cake in the shape of a ball, made of light pastry, filled with cream and usually with chocolate on top—
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prof.it.less
adj. (rare) producing no useful result: Further argument was profitless.
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'profit-making
adj. [usually before noun] (of a company or a business) that makes or will make a profit
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'profit margin
(also margin) noun the difference between the cost of buying or producing sth and the price that it is sold for
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'profit-sharing
noun [U] the system of dividing all or some of a company’s profits among its employees
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prof.li.gate
adj. (formal, disapproving) using money, time, materials, etc. in a careless way
SYN WASTEFUL : profligate spending
prof.li.gacy noun [U]
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pro forma
adj. (from Latin ) [usually before noun]
1 (especially of a document) prepared in order to show the usual way of doing sth or to provide a standard method: a pro forma letter  pro forma instructions
2 (of a document) sent in advance: a pro forma invoice (= a document that gives details of the goods being sent to a customer)
3 done because it is part of the usual way of doing sth, although it has no real meaning: a pro forma debate
pro forma noun: I enclose a pro forma for you to complete, sign and return.
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pro.found
adj.
1 very great; felt or experienced very strongly: profound changes in the earth’s climate  My father’s death had a profound effect on us all.
2 showing great knowledge or understanding: profound thought / understanding / insights  a profound book / drama
3 needing a lot of study or thought: profound questions about life and death
4 (medical) very serious; complete: profound disability
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pro.found.ly
adv.
1 in a way that has a very great effect on sb/sth: a profoundly disturbing programme  We are profoundly affected by what happens to us in childhood.
2 (medical) very seriously; completely: profoundly deaf
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pro.fund.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the quality of understanding or dealing with a subject at a very serious level: He lacked profundity and analytical precision.
2 [U] the quality of being very great, serious or powerful: the profundity of her misery
3 [C, usually pl.] something that sb says that shows great understanding: His profundities were lost on the young audience.
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pro.fuse
adj. produced in large amounts: profuse apologies / thanks  profuse bleeding  The flowers are profuse in spring.
pro.fuse.ly adv.: to bleed profusely  to apologize profusely
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pro.fu.sion
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v ., U] (formal or literary) a very large quantity of sth: a profusion of colours / flowers  Roses grew in profusion against the old wall.
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prog
noun (informal) = PROGRAMME
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pro.geni.tor
noun (formal)
1 a person or a thing from which sb/sth develops or is produced
SYN ANCESTOR : He was the progenitor of a distinguished family.
2 a person who starts an idea or a development: the progenitors of modern art
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pro.geny
noun [pl.] (formal or humorous) a person’s children; the young of animals and plants: He was surrounded by his numerous progeny.   (figurative) These stories have produced progeny of their own.
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pro.ges.ter.one
noun [U] a HORMONE produced in the bodies of women and female animals which prepares the body to become pregnant and is also used in CONTRACEPTION —compare OESTROGEN , TESTOSTERONE
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prog.no.sis
noun (pl.prog.no.ses )
1 (medical) an opinion, based on medical experience, of the likely development of a disease or an illness
2 (formal) a judgement about how sth is likely to develop in the future: The prognosis is for more people to work part-time in the future.
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prog.nos.ti.ca.tion
noun (formal) a thing that sb says will happen in the future: gloomy prognostications
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pro.gram
noun, verb
noun
1 (computing) a set of instructions in CODE that control the operations or functions of a computer: Load the program into the computer.
2 (AmE) = PROGRAMME

verb (-mm-, AmE also -m-)
1 (computing ) to give a computer, etc. a set of instructions to make it perform a particular task: [v] In this class, students will learn how to program.  [vn to inf] The computer is programmed to warn users before information is deleted. [alsovn] —compare PROGRAMME
2 (AmE) = PROGRAMME

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pro.gram.mable
adj. (of a computer or electrical device) able to accept instructions that control how it operates or functions: a programmable CD player
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pro.gram.mat.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with, suggesting or following a plan: programmatic reforms
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pro.gramme
(BrE ) (AmEpro.gram) noun, verb
noun
PLAN|
1 a plan of things that will be done or included in the development of sth: to launch a research programme  a training programme for new staff  a programme for / of economic reform
ON TV / RADIO|
2 (also informal prog) something that people watch on television or listen to on the radio: a news programme  Did you see that programme on India last night?
FOR PLAY / CONCERT|
3 a thin book or a piece of paper that gives you information about a play, a concert, etc: a theatre programme
ORDER OF EVENTS|
4 an organized order of performances or events: an exciting musical programme  a week-long programme of lectures   (spoken) What’s the programme for (= what are we going to do) tomorrow?
COURSE OF STUDY|
5 (AmE) a course of study: a school programme  note at COURSE
OF MACHINE|
6 a series of actions done by a machine, such as a WASHING MACHINE : Select a cool programme for woollen clothes.

verb [usually passive]
PLAN|
1 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to plan for sth to happen, especially as part of a series of planned events: The final section of road is programmed for completion next month.
PERSON / ANIMAL|
2 [vn to inf] to make a person, an animal, etc. behave in a particular way, so that it happens automatically: Human beings are genetically programmed to learn certain kinds of language.
MACHINE|
3 to give a machine instructions to do a particular task: [vn to inf] She programmed the VCR to come on at eight. [alsovn]

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,programmed 'learning
noun [U] a method of study in which a subject is divided into very small parts and the student must be successful in one part before he or she can go on to the next
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pro.gram.mer
noun a person whose job is writing programs for computers
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pro.gram.ming
noun [U]
1 the process of writing and testing programs for computers: a high-level programming language
2 the planning of which television or radio programmes to broadcast: politically balanced programming
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pro.gress
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the process of improving or developing, or of getting nearer to achieving or completing sth: to make slow / steady / rapid / good progress  economic / scientific / technical progress  We have made great progress in controlling inflation.  They asked for a progress report on the project.
2 movement forwards or towards a place: She watched his slow progress down the steep slope.  There wasn’t much traffic so we made good progress.
IDM in progress (formal) happening at this time: Work on the new offices is now in progress.  Please be quiet—examination in progress.

verb [v]
1 to improve or develop over a period of time; to make progress: The course allows students to progress at their own speed.  Work on the new road is progressing slowly.
2 [+adv. / prep.] (formal) to move forward: The line of traffic progressed slowly through the town.   (figurative) Cases can take months to progress through the courts.
3 to go forward in time: The weather became colder as the day progressed.
PVR V pro'gress to sth to move on from doing one thing to doing sth else: She started off playing the recorder and then progressed to the clarinet.

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pro.gres.sion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (from sth) (to sth) the process of developing gradually from one stage or state to another: opportunities for career progression  the rapid progression of the disease  a natural progression from childhood to adolescence
2 [C] a number of things that come in a series: a long progression of sunny days—see also ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION , GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION
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pro.gres.sive
adj., noun
adj.
1 in favour of new ideas, modern methods and change: progressive schools  The approach taken by US courts has been more progressive than that in Britain.
OPP RETROGRESSIVE
2 happening or developing steadily: a progressive reduction in the size of the workforce  a progressive muscular disease
3 (also con.tinu.ous) (grammar) connected with the form of a verb (for example I am waiting or It is raining) that is made from a part of be and the present participle. Progressive forms are used to express an action that continues for a period of time.
pro.gres.siv.ism noun [U]: political progressivism

noun [usually pl.] a person who is in favour of new ideas, modern methods and change: political battles between progressives and conservatives

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pro.gres.sive.ly
adv. (often with a comparative) steadily and continuously: The situation was becoming progressively more difficult.  The pain got progressively worse.
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pro.hibit
verb ~ sth| ~ sb from doing sth (formal)
1 [often passive] to stop sth from being done or used especially by law
SYN FORBID : [vn] a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol  Soviet citizens were prohibited from travelling abroad. [alsov -ing, vn -ing]
2 to make sth impossible to do
SYN PREVENT : The high cost of equipment prohibits many people from taking up this sport.
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pro.hib.ition
noun
1 [U] the act of stopping sth being done or used, especially by law: the prohibition of smoking in public areas
2 [C] ~ (against / on sth) a law or a rule that stops sth being done or used: a prohibition against selling alcohol to people under the age of 18
3 (Prohibition) [U] (in the US) the period of time from 1920 to 1933 when it was forbidden by law to make and sell alcoholic drinks
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pro.hibi.tive
adj.
1 (of a price or a cost) so high that it prevents people from buying sth or doing sth: prohibitive costs  a prohibitive tax on imported cars  The price of property in the city is prohibitive.
2 preventing people from doing sth by law: prohibitive legislation
pro.hibi.tive.ly adv.: Car insurance can be prohibitively expensive for young drivers.
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pro.ject
noun, verb
noun
PLANNED WORK|
1 a planned piece of work that is designed to find information about sth, to produce sth new, or to improve sth: a research project  a building project  to set up a project to computerize the library system
SCHOOL / COLLEGE WORK|
2 a piece of work involving careful study of a subject over a period of time, done by school or college students: a history project  The final term will be devoted to project work.
SET OF AIMS / ACTIVITIES|
3 a set of aims, ideas or activities that sb is interested in or wants to bring to people’s attention: The party attempted to assemble its aims into a focussed political project.
HOUSING|
4 (AmE) = HOUSING PROJECT : Going into the projects alone is dangerous.

verb
PLAN|
1 [vn] [usually passive] to plan an activity, a project etc. for a time in the future: The next edition of the book is projected for publication in March.  The projected housing development will go ahead next year.
ESTIMATE|
2 [usually passive] to estimate what the size, cost or amount of sth will be in the future based on what is happening now: [vn] A growth rate of 4% is projected for next year.  [vn to inf] The unemployment rate has been projected to fall.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive. [alsovn that]
LIGHT / IMAGE|
3 [vn] ~ sth (on / onto sth) to make light, a photographic image, etc. fall onto a flat surface or screen: Images are projected onto the retina of the eye.
STICK OUT|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to stick out beyond an edge or a surface
SYN PROTRUDE : a building with balconies projecting out over the street
PRESENT YOURSELF|
5 [vn] ~ (yourself) to present sb/sth/yourself to other people in a particular way, especially one that gives a good impression: They sought advice on how to project a more positive image of their company.  She projects an air of calm self-confidence.  He projected himself as a man worth listening to.
SEND / THROW OUTWARDS|
6 [vn] to send or throw sth outwards or upwards: Actors must learn to project their voices.   (figurative) the powerful men who would project him into The White House pro'ject sth onto sb (psychology) to imagine that other people have the same feelings, problems, etc. as yourself, especially when this is not true

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pro.ject.ile
noun (formal ortechnical )
1 an object, such as a bullet, that is fired from a gun or other weapon
2 any object that is thrown as a weapon
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pro.jec.tion
noun
ESTIMATE|
1 [C] an estimate or a statement of what figures, amounts, or events will be in the future, or what they were in the past, based on what is happening now: to make forward / backward projections of population figures  Sales have exceeded our projections.
OF IMAGE|
2 [U, C] the act of putting an image of sth onto a surface; an image that is shown in this way: the projection of three-dimensional images on a computer screen  film / holographic / laser / video projections
OF SOLID SHAPE|
3 [C] (technical) a solid shape or object as represented on a flat surface: map projections
STH THAT STICKS OUT|
4 [C] something that sticks out from a surface: tiny projections on the cell
OF VOICE / SOUND|
5 [U] the act of making your voice, a sound, etc. AUDIBLE (= able to be heard) at a distance: voice projection
PSYCHOLOGY|
6 [U] (technical) the act of imagining that sb else is thinking the same as you and is reacting in the same way
OF THOUGHTS / FEELINGS|
7 [C, U] the act of giving a form and structure to inner thoughts and feelings: The idea of God is a projection of humans' need to have something greater than themselves.
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pro.jec.tion.ist
noun a person whose job is to show films/movies by operating a PROJECTOR
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pro.ject.or
noun a piece of equipment for PROJECTING photographs or films/movies onto a screen: a slide projector—see also OVERHEAD PROJECTOR
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pro.lapse
noun (medical ) a condition in which an organ of the body has slipped forward or down from its normal position
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prole
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) an offensive word for a WORKING CLASS person
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pro.le.tar.ian
adj. (often disapproving) connected with ordinary people who earn money by working, especially those who do not own any property: proletarian power / revolution / writers—compare BOURGEOIS
pro.le.tar.ian noun
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the pro.le.tar.iat
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (technical ) (used especially when talking about the past) the class of ordinary people who earn money by working, especially those who do not own any property: the industrial proletariat—compare BOURGEOISIE
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,pro-'life
adj. [usually before noun] opposed to ABORTION : the pro-life movement  a pro-life campaigner—compare PRO-CHOICE
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pro.lif.er.ate
verb [v] (written) to increase rapidly in number or amount
SYN MULTIPLY : Books and articles on the subject have proliferated over the last year.
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pro.lif.er.ation
noun [U, sing.] the sudden increase in the number or amount of sth; a large number of a particular thing: attempts to prevent cancer cell proliferation  a proliferation of personal computers
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pro.lif.ic
adj.
1 (of an artist, a writer, etc.) producing many works, etc: a prolific author  a prolific goalscorer  one of the most prolific periods in her career
2 (of plants, animals, etc.) producing a lot of fruit, flowers, young, etc: a prolific harvest
3 able to produce enough food, etc. to keep many animals and plants alive: prolific rivers
4 existing in large numbers: a pop star with a prolific following of teenage fans
pro.lif.ic.al.ly adv.: to write prolifically  animals that breed prolifically
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pro.lix
adj. (rare, formal) (of writing, a speech, etc.) using too many words and therefore boring
pro.lix.ity noun [U]
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pro.logue
(AmE also pro.log) noun a speech, etc. at the beginning of a play, book, or film/movie that introduces it—compare EPILOGUE
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pro.long
verb [vn] to make sth last longer
SYN EXTEND : The operation could prolong his life by two or three years.  Don’t prolong the agony (= of not knowing sth)—just tell us who won!
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pro.longa.tion
noun [U, sing.] (formal) the act of making sth last longer: the artificial prolongation of human life
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pro.longed
adj. [only before noun] continuing for a long time: a prolonged illness  a prolonged period of dry weather
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prom
noun
1 (in the US) a formal dance, especially one that is held at a high school: the senior prom
2 (BrE, informal, becoming old-fashioned) = PROMENADE n. (1) : to walk along the prom
3 (BrE) = PROMENADE CONCERT : the last night of the proms
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prom.en.ade
noun, verb
noun
1 (also informal prom) (both BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a public place for walking, usually a wide path beside the sea
2 (old-fashioned) a walk that you take for pleasure or exercise, especially by the sea, in a public park, etc.

verb [v] (old-fashioned) to walk up and down in a relaxed way, by the sea, in a public park, etc.

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,promenade 'concert
(also informal prom) (both BrE) noun a concert at which many of the audience stand up or sit on the floor
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prom.in.ence
noun [U, sing.] the state of being important, well known or noticeable: a young actor who has recently risen to prominence  The newspapers have given undue prominence to the story.  She has achieved a prominence she hardly deserves.
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prom.in.ent
adj.
1 important or well known: a prominent leader / politician  He played a prominent part in the campaign.  She was prominent in the fashion industry.
2 easily seen
SYN NOTICEABLE : The church tower was a prominent feature in the landscape.  The story was given a prominent position on the front page.
3 sticking out from sth: a prominent nose  prominent cheekbones / teeth
prom.in.ent.ly adv.: The photographs were prominently displayed on her desk.  Problems of family relationships feature prominently in her novels.
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pro.mis.cu.ous
adj. (disapproving)
1 having many sexual partners: a promiscuous man / woman  promiscuous behaviour  a promiscuous lifestyle  to be sexually promiscuous
2 (formal) taken from a wide range of sources, especially without careful thought: promiscuous reading  a stylistically promiscuous piece of music
prom.is.cu.ity noun: sexual promiscuity
prom.is.cu.ous.ly adv.
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prom.ise
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to tell sb that you will definitely do or not do sth, or that sth will definitely happen: [v to inf] The college principal promised to look into the matter.  [v to inf, v] ‘Promise not to tell anyone!’‘I promise.’  [v] They arrived at 7.30 as they had promised .  [vn] The government has promised a full investigation into the disaster.  I’ll see what I can do but I can’t promise anything .  [v (that)] The brochure promised (that) the local food would be superb.  [vn (that)] You promised me (that) you’d be home early tonight.  [vn, vnn] He promised the money to his grandchildren.  He promised his grandchildren the money.  [vnn] I’ve promised myself some fun when the exams are over.  [v speech] ‘I’ll be back soon,’ she promised. [alsovn speech]
2 to make sth seem likely to happen; to show signs of sth: [v to inf] It promises to be an exciting few days.  [vn] There were dark clouds overhead promising rain.
IDM I (can) 'promise you (informal) used as a way of encouraging or warning sb about sth: I can promise you, you’ll have a wonderful time.  If you don’t take my advice, you’ll regret it, I promise you. promise (sb) the 'earth / 'moon / 'world (informal) to make promises that will be impossible to keep: Politicians promise the earth before an election, but things are different afterwards.

noun
1 [C] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) a statement that tells sb that you will definitely do or not do sth: to make / keep / break a promise  to extract / win a promise from sb  She kept her promise to visit her aunt regularly.  The government failed to keep its promise of lower taxes.  Do I have your promise that you won’t tell anyone about this?  You haven’t gone back on your promise, have you?
2 [U] a sign that sb/sth will be successful: Her work shows great promise .  He failed to fulfil his early promise .  Their future was full of promise .
3 [U, sing.] ~ of sth a sign, or a reason for hope that sth may happen, especially sth good: The day dawned bright and clear, with the promise of warm, sunny weather.

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the ,promised 'land
noun [sing.] a place or situation where you expect to be happy, safe, etc.
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prom.is.ing
adj. showing signs of being good or successful: He was voted the most promising newcomer for his part in the movie.  The weather doesn’t look very promising.
prom.is.ing.ly adv.: The day began promisingly with bright sunshine.
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prom.is.sory note
noun (technical ) a signed document containing a promise to pay a stated amount of money before a particular date
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promo
adj. [only before noun] (informal) connected with advertising (= PROMOTING ) sb/sth, especially a new pop record: a promo photo / video / poster
promo noun (pl.-os): to make pop promos
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prom.on.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a long narrow area of high land that goes out into the sea: a rocky promontory overlooking the bay—picture at COAST
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pro.mote
verb [vn]
1 to help sth to happen or develop: policies to promote economic growth  a campaign to promote awareness of environmental issues
2 ~ sth (as sth) to help sell a product, service, etc. or make it more popular by advertising it or offering it at a special price: The band has gone on tour to promote their new album.  The area is being promoted as a tourist destination.
3 ~ sb (from sth) (to sth) [often passive] to move sb to a higher rank or more senior job: She worked hard and was soon promoted.  He has been promoted to sergeant.
OPP DEMOTE
4 ~ sth (from sth) (to sth) to move a sports team from playing with one group of teams to playing in a better group: They were promoted to the First Division last season.
OPP RELEGATE
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pro.moter
noun
1 a person or company that organizes or provides money for an artistic performance or a sporting event
2 ~ of sth a person who tries to persuade others about the value or importance of sth: She became a leading promoter of European integration.
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pro.mo.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (to sth) a move to a more important job or rank in a company or an organization: Her promotion to Sales Manager took everyone by surprise.  The new job is a promotion for him.  a job with excellent promotion prospects
2 [U] ~ (to sth) a move by a sports team from playing in one group of teams to playing in a better group: the team’s promotion to the First Division
OPP RELEGATION
3 [U, C] activities done in order to increase the sales of a product or service; a set of advertisements for a particular product or service: Her job is mainly concerned with sales and promotion.  We are doing a special promotion of Chilean wines.
4 [U] ~ of sth (formal) activity that encourages people to believe in the value or importance of sth, or that helps sth to succeed: a society for the promotion of religious tolerance
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pro.mo.tion.al
adj. connected with advertising: promotional literature / material / videos
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prompt
adj., verb, noun, adv.
adj.
1 done without delay
SYN IMMEDIATE : Prompt action was required as the fire spread.  Prompt payment of the invoice would be appreciated.
2 [not before noun] (of a person) acting without delay; arriving at the right time: Please be prompt when attending these meetings.
prompt.ness noun [U]

verb
1 to make sb decide to do sth; to cause sth to happen: [vn] The discovery of the bomb prompted an increase in security.  His speech prompted an angry outburst from a man in the crowd.  [vn to inf] The thought of her daughter’s wedding day prompted her to lose some weight.
2 to encourage sb to speak by asking them questions or suggesting words that they could say: [vn] She was too nervous to speak and had to be prompted.   (computing ) The program will prompt you to enter data where required.  [v speech] ‘And then what happened?’ he prompted. [alsovn speech]
3 [vn, v] to follow the text of a play and remind the actors what the words are if they forget their lines

noun
1 a word or words said to an actor, to remind them what to say next when they have forgotten
2 (computing) a sign on a computer screen that shows that the computer has finished doing sth and is ready for more instructions

adv. exactly at the time mentioned: The meeting will begin at ten o’clock prompt.

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prompt.er
noun a person who prompts actors in a play
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prompt.ing
noun [U] (also promptings) [pl.] an act of persuading sb to do sth: He wrote the letter without further prompting.  Never again would she listen to the promptings of her heart.
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prompt.ly
adv.
1 without delay: She deals with all the correspondence promptly and efficiently.
2 exactly at the correct time or at the time mentioned
SYN PUNCTUALLY : They arrived promptly at two o’clock.
3 (always used before the verb) immediately: She read the letter and promptly burst into tears.
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pro.mul.gate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 [usually passive] to spread an idea, a belief, etc. among many people
2 to announce a new law or system officially or publicly
pro.mul.ga.tion noun [U]
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prone
adj.
1 ~ to sth / to do sth likely to suffer from sth or to do sth bad
SYN LIABLE : prone to infection / injury  Working without a break makes you more prone to error.  Tired drivers were found to be particularly prone to ignore warning signs.
2 (-prone) (in adjectives) likely to suffer or do the thing mentioned: error-prone  injury-prone—see also ACCIDENT-PRONE
3 (formal) lying flat with the front of your body touching the ground
SYN PROSTRATE : The victim lay prone without moving.  He was found lying in a prone position.—compare SUPINE
prone.ness noun [U]: proneness to depression / injury
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prong
noun
1 each of the two or more long pointed parts of a fork—picture at CUTLERY
2 each of the separate parts of an attack, argument, etc., that move towards a place, subject, etc. from different positions
3 (-pronged) (in adjectives) having the number or type of prongs mentioned: a two-pronged fork  a three-pronged attack
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pro.nom.inal
adj. (grammar ) relating to a pronoun: a pronominal reference to an object (= the use of the pronoun it to replace the name of the object)
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pro.noun
noun (grammar ) a word that is used instead of a noun or noun phrase, for example he, it, hers, me, them, etc: demonstrative / interrogative / possessive / relative pronouns—see also PERSONAL PRONOUN
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pro.nounce
verb
1 [vn] to make the sound of a word or letter in a particular way: Very few people can pronounce my name correctly.  The ‘b’ in lamb is not pronounced.—see also PRONUNCIATION , UNPRONOUNCEABLE
2 to say or give sth formally, officially or publicly: [vn] to pronounce an opinion  The judge will pronounce sentence today.  [vn-n] She pronounced him the winner of the competition.  I now pronounce you man and wife (= in a marriage ceremony).  [vn-adj] She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.  [vn to inf] He pronounced the country to be in a state of war. [alsov that, v speech] pro'nounce for / against sb (law) to give a judgement in a court of law for or against sb: The judge pronounced for (= in favour of) the defendant. pro'nounce on / upon sth (formal) to state your opinion on sth, or give a decision about sth: He feels able to pronounce on all kinds of subjects.  The minister will pronounce on further security measures later today.
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pro.nounce.able
adj. (of sounds or words) that can be pronounced
OPP UNPRONOUNCEABLE
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pro.nounced
adj. very noticeable, obvious or strongly expressed
SYN DEFINITE : He walked with a pronounced limp.  She has very pronounced views on art.
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pro.nounce.ment
noun (formal) ~ (on sth) a formal public statement: She made an official pronouncement on changes in government policy.
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pronto
adv. (informal) quickly; immediately: I expect to see you back here, pronto!
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pro.nun.ci.ation
noun
1 [U, C] the way in which a language or a particular word or sound is pronounced: a guide to English pronunciation  There is more than one pronunciation of ‘garage’.
2 [sing.] the way in which a particular person pronounces the words of a language: Your pronunciation is excellent.
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proof
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth / that … ) information, documents, etc. that show that sth is true: positive / conclusive proof  Can you provide any proof of identity ?  Keep the receipt as proof of purchase .  There is no proof that the knife belonged to her.  These results are a further proof of his outstanding ability.
2 [U] the process of testing whether sth is true or a fact: Is the claim capable of proof?—see also BURDEN OF PROOF
3 [C] (mathematics) a way of proving that a statement is true or that what you have calculated is correct
4 [C, usually pl.] a copy of printed material which is produced so that mistakes can be corrected: She was checking the proofs of her latest novel.
5 [U] a standard used to measure the strength of alcoholic drinks: What proof is this whisky?   (BrE) The purest whisky is 80% proof.   (AmE) It’s 160 (= degrees) proof.
IDM the proof of the 'pudding (is in the 'eating) (saying) you can only judge if sth is good or bad when you have tried it—more at LIVING adj.

adj.
1 ~ against sth (formal) that can resist the damaging or harmful effects of sth: The sea wall was not proof against the strength of the waves.
2 (in compounds) that can resist or protect against the thing mentioned: rainproof / windproof clothing  The car has childproof locks on the rear doors.  an inflation-proof pension plan

verb [vn]
1 to put a special substance on sth, especially fabric, to protect it against water, fire, etc: proofed canvas
2 to produce a test copy of a piece of printed work so that mistakes can be corrected: colour proofing

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proof.read
verb (proof.read, proof.read ) to read and correct a piece of written or printed work: [vn] Has this document been proofread? [alsov]
proof.read.er noun: to work as a proofreader for a publishing company
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prop
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support sth or keep it in position: Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing.  a pit prop (= one used in a coal mine)
2 a person or thing that gives help or support to sb/sth that is weak: After being the emotional prop he needed for so long, she dared not leave him.
3 [usually pl.] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a film/movie: He is responsible for all the stage props and lighting.
4 (also 'prop forward) (in rugby) a player on either side of the front row of a SCRUM

verb (-pp-) ~ sth/sb (up) (against sth) to support an object by leaning it against sth, or putting sth under it etc.; to support a person in the same way: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : He propped his bike against the wall.  She propped herself up on one elbow.  He lay propped against the pillows.  [vn-adj] The door was propped open.
PVR V ,prop sth<->'up
1 to prevent sth from falling by putting sth under it to support it: They had to prop up the tree with long poles under the branches.
2 (often disapproving) to help sth that is having difficulties: The government was accused of propping up declining industries.

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propa.ganda
noun [U] (usually disapproving) ideas or statements that may be false or exaggerated and that are used in order to gain support for a political leader, party, etc: enemy propaganda  a propaganda campaign
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propa.gand.ist
noun (formal, usually disapproving) a person who creates or spreads propaganda
propa.gand.ist adj. [only before noun]: a propagandist organization
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propa.gate
verb
1 [vn] (formal) to spread an idea, a belief or a piece of information among many people: Television advertising propagates a false image of the ideal family.
2 (technical ) to produce new plants from a parent plant: [vn] The plant can be propagated from seed.  [v] Plants won’t propagate in these conditions.
propa.ga.tion noun [U]
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pro.pane
noun [U] a colourless gas found in natural gas and PETROLEUM and used as a fuel for cooking and heating: a propane gas cylinder
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pro.pel
verb (-ll-) [vn] [often passive]
1 to move, drive or push sth forward or in a particular direction: mechanically propelled vehicles  He succeeded in propelling the ball across the line.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to force sb to move in a particular direction or to get into a particular situation: He was grabbed from behind and propelled through the door.  Fury propelled her into action.—see also PROPULSION
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pro.pel.lant
noun [C, U]
1 a gas that forces out the contents of an AEROSOL
2 a thing or substance that propels sth, for example the fuel that fires a rocket
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pro.pel.ler
noun a device with two or more blades that turn quickly and cause a ship or an aircraft to move forward
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pro.pen.sity
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (for sth)| ~ (for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) (formal) a tendency to a particular kind of behaviour: He showed a propensity for violence.  She has a propensity to exaggerate.
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proper
adj.
1 [only before noun] (especially BrE) right, appropriate or correct; according to the rules: We should have had a proper discussion before voting.  Please follow the proper procedures for dealing with complaints.  Nothing is in its proper place.
2 [only before noun] (BrE, spoken) that you consider to be real and satisfactory: Eat some proper food, not just toast and jam!  When are you going to get a proper job?
3 socially and morally acceptable: It is right and proper that parents take responsibility for their children’s attendance at school.  The development was planned without proper regard to the interests of local people.  He is always perfectly proper in his behaviour.
OPP IMPROPER —see also PROPRIETY
4 [after noun] according to the most exact meaning of the word: The celebrations proper always begin on the last stroke of midnight.
5 [only before noun] (BrE, spoken) complete: We’re in a proper mess now.
6 ~ to sth (formal) belonging to a particular type of thing; natural in a particular situation or place: They should be treated with the dignity proper to all individuals created by God.
IDM ,good and 'proper (BrE, spoken) completely; thoroughly: That’s messed things up good and proper.
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prop.er.ly
adv.
1 (especially BrE) in a way that is correct and/or appropriate: How much money do we need to do the job properly?  The television isn’t working properly.  Make sure the letter is properly addressed.
2 in a way that is socially or morally acceptable: You acted perfectly properly in approaching me first.  When will these kids learn to behave properly?
OPP IMPROPERLY
3 really; in fact: He had usurped powers that properly belonged to parliament.  The subject is not, properly speaking (= really), a science.
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,proper 'noun
(also ,proper 'name) noun (grammar ) a word that is the name of a person, a place, an institution, etc. and is written with a capital letter, for example Tom, Mrs Jones, Rome, Europe, the Rhine, the Houses of Parliament—compare ABSTRACT NOUN , COMMON NOUN
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prop.er.tied
adj. [only before noun] (formal) owning property, especially land
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prop.erty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] a thing or things that are owned by sb; a possession or possessions: This building is government property.  Be careful not to damage other people’s property.—see also INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY , LOST PROPERTY , PUBLIC PROPERTY
2 [U] land and buildings: The price of property has risen enormously.  property prices  a property developer
3 [C] a building or buildings and the surrounding land: There are a lot of empty properties in the area.
4 [C, usually pl.] (formal) a quality or characteristic that sth has: Compare the physical properties of the two substances.  a plant with medicinal properties
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proph.ecy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a statement that sth will happen in the future, especially one made by sb with religious or magic powers: to fulfil a prophecy (= make it come true)
2 [U] (formal) the power of being able to say what will happen in the future: She was believed to have the gift of prophecy.
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proph.esy
verb (proph.es.ies, proph.esy.ing, proph.es.ied, proph.es.ied) to say what will happen in the future (done in the past using religious or magic powers): [vn] to prophesy war  The event was prophesied in the Old Testament.  [v that] She prophesied that she would win a gold medal. [alsov speech]
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prophet
noun
1 [C] (in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions) a person sent by God to teach the people and give them messages from God: an Old Testament prophet  Hebrew prophets
2 (the Prophet) [sing.] Muhammad, who FOUNDED the religion of Islam
3 a person who claims to know what will happen in the future
4 ~ (of sth) a person who teaches or supports a new idea, theory, etc: William Morris was one of the early prophets of socialism.
5 (the Prophets) [pl.] the name used for some books of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible
IDM see DOOM n.
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proph.et.ess
noun a woman who is a prophet (1, 3, 4)
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proph.et.ic
adj. (formal)
1 correctly stating or showing what will happen in the future: Many of his warnings proved prophetic.
2 like or connected with a prophet or prophets : the prophetic books of the Old Testament  prophetic zeal
proph.et.ic.al.ly adv.
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prophy.lac.tic
adj., noun
adj. (medical ) done or used in order to prevent a disease: prophylactic treatment

noun (formal ortechnical )
1 a medicine, device or course of action that prevents disease
2 (AmE) = CONDOM

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pro.pin.quity
noun [U] (formal) the state of being near in space or time
SYN PROXIMITY
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pro.piti.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to stop sb from being angry by trying to please them
SYN PLACATE : Sacrifices were made to propitiate the gods.
pro.piti.ation noun [U]
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pro.pi.tious
adj. ~ (for sth/sb) (formal) likely to produce a successful result: It was not a propitious time to start a new business.
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pro.pon.ent
noun ~ (of sth) (formal) a person who supports an idea or course of action
SYN ADVOCATE
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pro.por.tion
noun
PART OF WHOLE|
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a part or share of a whole: Water covers a large proportion of the earth’s surface.  Loam is a soil with roughly equal proportions of clay, sand and silt.  The proportion of regular smokers increases with age.  A higher proportion of Americans go on to higher education than is the case in Britain.
RELATIONSHIP|
2 [U] ~ (of sth to sth) the relationship of one thing to another in size, amount, etc.
SYN RATIO : The proportion of men to women in the college has changed dramatically over the years.  The basic ingredients are limestone and clay in the proportion 2:1.  The room is very long in proportion to (= relative to) its width.
3 [U, C, usually pl.] the correct relationship in size, degree, importance, etc. between one thing and another or between the parts of a whole: You haven’t drawn the figures in the foreground in proportion .  The head is out of proportion with the body.  an impressive building with fine proportions  Always try to keep a sense of proportion (= of the relative importance of different things).
SIZE / SHAPE|
4 (proportions) [pl.] the measurements of sth; its size and shape: This method divides the task into more manageable proportions.  a food shortage that could soon reach crisis proportions   a room of fairly generous proportions
MATHEMATICS|
5 [U] the equal relationship between two pairs of numbers, as in the statement ‘4 is to 8 as 6 is to 12’ ,keep sth in pro'portion to react to sth in a sensible way and not think it is worse or more serious than it really is out of (all) pro'portion (to sth) larger, more serious, etc. in relation to sth than is necessary or appropriate: They earn salaries out of all proportion to their ability.  The media have blown the incident up out of all proportion.
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pro.por.tion.al
adj. ~ (to sth) of an appropriate size, amount or degree in comparison with sth: Salary is proportional to years of experience.  to be directly / inversely proportional to sth
pro.por.tion.al.ly adv.: Families with children spend proportionally less per person than families without children.
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pro.por.tion.al.ity
noun [U] (formal) the principle that an action, a punishment, etc. should not be more severe than is necessary
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pro,portional ,represen'tation
noun [U] (abbr. PR) a system that gives each party in an election a number of seats in relation to the number of votes its candidates receive—compare FIRST-PAST-THE-POST
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pro.por.tion.ate
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) increasing or decreasing in size, amount or degree according to changes in sth else
SYN PROPORTIONAL : Increasing costs resulted in proportionate increases in prices.  The number of accidents is proportionate to the increased volume of traffic.—compare DISPROPORTIONATE
pro.por.tion.ate.ly adv.: Prices have risen but wages have not risen proportionately.
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pro.por.tioned
adj. (used especially after an adverb) having parts that relate in size to other parts in the way that is described: a well-proportioned living room  She was tall and perfectly proportioned.
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pro.posal
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) a formal suggestion or plan; the act of making a suggestion: to submit / consider / accept / reject a proposal  a proposal to build more office accommodation  His proposal that the system should be changed was rejected.  They judged that the time was right for the proposal of new terms for the trade agreement.
2 [C] an act of formally asking sb to marry you
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pro.pose
verb
SUGGEST PLAN|
1 (formal) to suggest a plan, an idea, etc. for people to think about and decide on: [vn] The government proposed changes to the voting system.  What would you propose?  [v that] She proposed that the book be banned.   (BrE also) She proposed that the book should be banned.  [vn that] It was proposed that the president be elected for a period of two years.  [v -ing] He proposed changing the name of the company.  [vn to inf] It was proposed to pay the money from public funds.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
INTEND|
2 to intend to do sth: [v to inf] What do you propose to do now?  [v -ing] How do you propose getting home?
MARRIAGE|
3 ~ (sth) (to sb) to ask sb to marry you: [v] He was afraid that if he proposed she might refuse.  She proposed to me!  [vn] to propose marriage
AT FORMAL MEETING|
4 [vn] ~ sth| ~ sb (for / as sth) to suggest sth at a formal meeting and ask people to vote on it: I propose Tom Ellis for chairman.  to propose a motion (= to be the main speaker in support of an idea at a formal debate)—compare OPPOSE , SECOND
SUGGEST EXPLANATION|
5 [vn] (formal) to suggest an explanation of sth for people to consider
SYN PROPOUND : She proposed a possible solution to the mystery. propose a 'toast (to sb) | propose sb’s 'health to ask people to wish sb health, happiness and success by raising their glasses and drinking: I’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.
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pro.poser
noun a person who formally suggests sth at a meeting—compare SECONDER
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prop.os.ition
noun, verb
noun
1 an idea or a plan of action that is suggested, especially in business: I’d like to put a business proposition to you.  He was trying to make it look like an attractive proposition .
2 a thing that you intend to do; a problem or task to be dealt with: Getting a work permit in the UK is not always a simple proposition.
3 (also Proposition) (in the US) a suggested change to the law that people can vote on: How did you vote on Proposition 8?
4 (formal) a statement that expresses an opinion: Her assessment is based on the proposition that power corrupts.
5 (mathematics) a statement of a THEOREM , and an explanation of how it can be proved

verb [vn] to say in a direct way to sb that you would like to have sex with them: She was propositioned by a strange man in the bar.

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pro.pound
verb [vn] (formal) to suggest an idea or explanation of sth for people to consider
SYN PROPOSE : the theory of natural selection, first propounded by Charles Darwin
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pro.pri.etary
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of goods) made and sold by a particular company and protected by a REGISTERED TRADEMARK : a proprietary medicine  proprietary brands  a proprietary name
2 relating to an owner or to the fact of owning sth: The company has a proprietary right to the property.
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pro.pri.etor
noun (formal) the owner of a business, a hotel, etc: newspaper proprietors  Enquiries must be made to the proprietor.
pro.pri.etor.ship noun [U]—see also PROPRIETRESS
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pro.pri.etor.ial
adj. (formal) relating to an owner or to the fact of owning sth: proprietorial rights  He laid a proprietorial hand on her arm (= as if he owned her).
pro.pri.etor.ial.ly adv.
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pro.pri.etress
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who owns a business, hotel, etc.—see also PROPRIETOR
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pro.pri.ety
noun (formal)
1 [U] moral and social behaviour that is considered to be correct and acceptable: Nobody questioned the propriety of her being there alone.
OPP IMPROPRIETY
2 (the proprieties) [pl.] the rules of correct behaviour: They were careful to observe the proprieties.  The company had acted in accordance with all legal proprieties.
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pro.pul.sion
noun [U] (technical ) the force that drives sth forward: wind / steam / jet propulsion  The fish uses its tail fins for propulsion through the water.—see also PROPEL
pro.pul.sive adj.
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pro rata
adj. (from Latin , formal) (of a payment or share of sth) calculated according to how much of sth has been used, the amount of work done, etc.
SYN PROPORTIONATE : If costs go up, there will be a pro rata increase in prices.
pro rata adv.: Prices will increase pro rata.
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pro.sa.ic
adj. (written, usually disapproving)
1 ordinary and not showing any imagination: a prosaic style / writer
2 dull; not romantic MUNDANE : the prosaic side of life
pro.saic.al.ly adv.
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pro.scen.ium
noun the part of the stage in a theatre that is in front of the curtain: a traditional theatre with a proscenium arch (= an arch that forms a frame for the stage where the curtain is opened)
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pro.scribe
verb [vn] (formal) to say officially that sth is forbidden: proscribed organizations
pro.scrip.tion noun [U, C]
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prose
noun [U] writing that is not poetry: the author’s clear elegant prose (= style of writing)
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pros.ecute
verb
1 ~ sb (for sth / doing sth) to officially charge sb with a crime in a court of law: [vn] The company was prosecuted for breaching the Health and Safety Act.  Trespassers will be prosecuted (= a notice telling people to keep out of a particular area).  [v] The police decided not to prosecute.
2 to be a lawyer in a court of law for a person or an organization that is charging sb with a crime: [v] the prosecuting counsel / lawyer / attorney  James Spencer, prosecuting, claimed that the witness was lying. [alsovn]
3 [vn] (formal) to continue taking part in or doing sth: They had overwhelming public support to prosecute the war.
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pros.ecu.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the process of trying to prove in a court of law that sb is guilty of a crime (= of prosecuting them); the process of being officially charged with a crime in a court of law: Prosecution for a first minor offence rarely leads to imprisonment.  He threatened to bring a private prosecution against the doctor.
2 (the prosecution) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a person or an organization that prosecutes sb in a court of law, together with the lawyers, etc: He was a witness for the prosecution.  The prosecution has / have failed to prove its / their case.  defence and prosecution  a prosecution lawyer
3 [U] (formal) the act of making sth happen or continue
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pros.ecu.tor
noun
1 a public official who charges sb officially with a crime and prosecutes them in a court of law: the public / state prosecutor
2 a lawyer who leads the case against a DEFENDANT in a court of law
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pros.elyt.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] (formal, often disapproving) to try to persuade other people to accept your beliefs, especially about religion or politics
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pros.ody
noun [U] (technical ) the patterns of sounds and rhythms in poetry and speech; the study of this
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pro.spect
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) the possibility that sth will happen: There is no immediate prospect of peace.  A place in the semi-finals is in prospect (= likely to happen).  There’s a reasonable prospect that his debts will be paid.
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) an idea of what might or will happen in the future: an exciting prospect  Travelling alone around the world is a daunting prospect.  The prospect of becoming a father filled him with alarm.
3 (prospects) [pl.] ~ (for / of sth) the chances of being successful: good job / employment / career prospects  At 25 he was an unemployed musician with no prospects.  Long-term prospects for the economy have improved.  What are the prospects of promotion in this job?
4 [C] ~ (for sth) a person who is likely to be successful in a competition: She is one of Britain’s best prospects for a gold medal.
5 [C] (written) a wide view of an area of land, etc: a delightful prospect of the lake

verb [v] ~ (for sth) to search an area for gold, minerals, oil, etc: Thousands moved to the area to prospect for gold.   (figurative) to prospect for new clients

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pro.spect.ive
adj. [usually before noun]
1 expected to do sth or to become sth
SYN POTENTIAL : a prospective buyer / client
2 expected to happen soon
SYN FORTHCOMING : They are worried about prospective changes in the law.
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pro.spect.or
noun a person who searches an area for gold, minerals, oil, etc.
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pro.spec.tus
noun
1 a book or printed document that gives information about a school, college, etc. in order to advertise it
2 (business) a document that gives information about a company’s SHARES before they are offered for sale
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pros.per
verb [v] to develop in a successful way; to be successful, especially financially
SYN THRIVE : The economy prospered under his administration.  She seems to be prospering since she moved out of the city.
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pros.per.ity
noun [U] the state of being successful, especially financially
SYN AFFLUENCE : Our future prosperity depends on economic growth.  The country is enjoying a period of peace and prosperity .
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pros.per.ous
adj. rich and successful
SYN AFFLUENT : prosperous countries / cities / economies  Farmers are more prosperous in the south of the country.
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pro.state
(also 'prostate gland) noun a small organ in men, near the BLADDER , that produces a liquid in which SPERM is carried
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pros.thesis
noun (pl.pros.theses ) (medical ) an artificial part of the body, for example a limb, an eye or a tooth
pros.thet.ic adj.: a prosthetic arm
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pros.ti.tute
noun, verb
noun a person who has sex for money

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth / yourself to use your skills, abilities, etc. to do sth that earns you money but that other people do not respect because you are capable of doing sth better: Many felt he was prostituting his talents by writing Hollywood scripts.
2 ~ yourself to work as a prostitute

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pros.ti.tu.tion
noun [U]
1 the work of a prostitute: Many women were forced into prostitution.  child prostitution
2 ~ of sth (formal) the use of your abilities on sth of little value
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pros.trate
adj., verb
adj. (written)
1 lying on the ground and facing downwards: They fell prostrate in worship.  He stumbled over Luke’s prostrate body.
2 ~ (with sth) so shocked, upset, etc. that you cannot do anything: She was prostrate with grief after her son’s death.

verb [vn] (written)
1 ~ yourself to lie on your front with your face looking downwards, especially as an act of worship
2 [usually passive] to make sb feel weak, shocked, and unable to do anything: He was expecting to find her prostrated by the tragedy.  For months he was prostrated with grief .

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pros.tra.tion
noun [U] (written)
1 extreme physical weakness: a state of prostration brought on by the heat
2 the action of lying with your face downwards, especially in worship
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prot.ag.on.ist
noun (formal)
1 the main character in a play, film/movie or book
2 one of the main people in a real event, especially a competition, battle or struggle
3 an active supporter of a policy or movement, especially one that is trying to change sth: a leading protagonist of the conservation movement
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pro.tean
adj. (literary) able to change quickly and easily: a protean character
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pro.tect
verb
1 ~ (sb/sth) (against / from sth) to make sure that sb/sth is not harmed, injured, damaged, etc: [vn] Troops have been sent to protect aid workers against attack.  They huddled together to protect themselves from the wind.  Each company is fighting to protect its own commercial interests.  [v] a paint that helps protect against rust
2 [vn] [usually passive] to introduce laws that make it illegal to kill, harm or damage a particular animal, area of land, building, etc: a protected area / species
3 [vn] [usually passive] to help an industry in your own country by taxing goods from other countries so that there is less competition: protected markets
4 ~ (sb/sth) (against sth) to provide sb/sth with insurance against fire, injury, damage, etc: [vn] Many policies do not protect you against personal injury. [alsov]
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pro.tec.tion
noun
1 [U] ~ (for / of sb/sth) (against / from sth) the act of protecting sb/sth; the state of being protected: Remember to bring clothes that provide adequate protection against the wind and rain.  He asked to be put under police protection .  the conservation and protection of the environment  consumer / child / data protection laws
2 [C] ~ (against sth) a thing that protects sb/sth against sth: They wore the charm as a protection against evil spirits.
3 [U] ~ (against sth) insurance against fire, injury, damage, etc: Our policy offers complete protection against fire and theft.
4 [U] the system of helping an industry in your own country by taxing foreign goods: The government is ready to introduce protection for the car industry.
5 [U] the system of paying criminals so that they will not attack your business or property: to pay protection money   to run a protection racket
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pro.tec.tion.ism
noun [U] the principle or practice of protecting a country’s own industry by taxing foreign goods
pro.tec.tion.ist adj.: protectionist measures / policies
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pro.tect.ive
adj.
1 [only before noun] providing or intended to provide protection: Workers should wear full protective clothing .  a protective layer of varnish  a protective barrier against the sun’s rays
2 ~ (of / towards sb/sth) having or showing a wish to protect sb/sth: She had been fiercely protective towards him as a teenager.  He was extremely protective of his role as advisor.  He put a protective arm around her shoulders.  Parents can easily become over-protective of their children (= want to protect them too much).
3 intended to give an advantage to your own country’s industry: protective legislation / tariffs
pro.tect.ive.ly adv.: She clutched her bag protectively.
pro.tect.ive.ness noun [U]
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pro,tective 'custody
noun [U] the state of being kept in prison for your own safety
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pro.tect.or
noun a person, an organization or a thing that protects sb/sth: I regarded him as my friend and protector.  the company’s image as a protector of the environment  Hard hats and ear protectors are provided.
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pro.tect.or.ate
noun
1 [C] a country that is controlled and protected by a more powerful country: a British protectorate—compare COLONY
2 [U] the state or period of being controlled and protected by another country
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pro.tégé
(femininepro.té.gée) noun (from French ) a young person who is helped in their career and personal development by a more experienced person: a protégé of the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin
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pro.tein
noun [C, U] a natural substance found in meat, eggs, fish, some vegetables, etc. There are many different proteins and they are an essential part of what humans and animals eat to help them grow and stay healthy: essential proteins and vitamins  protein deficiency  Peas, beans and lentils are a good source of vegetable protein.
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pro tem
adv. (from Latin ) for now, but not for a long time
SYN TEMPORARILY : a new manager will be appointed pro tem
pro tem adj.: A pro tem committee was formed from existing members.
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pro.test
noun, verb
noun [U, C] ~ (against sth) the expression of strong disagreement with or opposition to sth; a statement or an action that shows this: The director resigned in protest at the decision.  The announcement raised a storm of protest .  a protest march  She accepted the charge without protest .  The workers staged a protest against the proposed changes in their contracts.  The building work will go ahead, despite protests from local residents.  The riot began as a peaceful protest.
IDM under 'protest unwillingly and after expressing disagreement: She wrote a letter of apology but only under protest.

verb
1 ~ (about / against / at sth) to say or do sth to show that you disagree with or disapprove of sth, especially publicly: [v] Students took to the streets to protest against the decision.  The victim’s widow protested at the leniency of the sentence.  There’s no use protesting, I won’t change my mind.  [vn] (AmE) They fully intend to protest the decision.
2 to say firmly that sth is true, especially when you have been accused of sth or when other people do not believe you: [vn] She has always protested her innocence .  [v that] He protested that the journey was too far by car.  [v speech] ‘That’s not what you said earlier!’ Jane protested.

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Prot.est.ant
noun a member of a part of the Western Christian Church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century: He’s a Protestant.
Prot.est.ant adj.: The majority of the population is Protestant.  a Protestant church / country
Prot.est.ant.ism noun [U]
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pro.test.ation
noun [C, U] (formal) a strong statement that sth is true, especially when other people do not believe you: She repeated her protestation of innocence.  Despite his protestation to the contrary, he was extremely tired.
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pro.test.er
noun a person who makes a public protest: Thousands of protesters marched through the city.
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proto-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) original; from which others develop: prototype  proto-modernist painters
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proto.col
noun
1 [U] a system of fixed rules and formal behaviour used at official meetings, usually between governments: a breach of protocol  the protocol of diplomatic visits
2 [C] (technical) the first or original version of an agreement, especially a TREATY between countries, etc.; an extra part added to an agreement or TREATY : the first Geneva Protocol  It is set out in a legally binding protocol which forms part of the treaty.
3 [C] (computing) a set of rules that control the way data is sent between computers
4 [C] (technical) a plan for carrying out a scientific experiment or medical treatment
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pro.ton
noun (physics ) a very small piece of MATTER (= a substance) with a positive electric CHARGE that forms part of the NUCLEUS (= central part) of an atom—see also ELECTRON , NEUTRON
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proto.plasm
noun [U] (biology ) a colourless substance like jelly which forms the living part of an animal or plant cell
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proto.type
noun ~ (for / of sth) the first design of sth from which other forms are copied or developed: the prototype of the modern bicycle
proto.typ.ical adj.
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proto.zoan
(also proto.zoon ) noun (pl.proto.zoans or proto.zoa ) (biology ) a very small living thing, usually with only one cell, that can only be seen under a MICROSCOPE
proto.zoan adj.
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pro.tract.ed
adj. (written) lasting longer than expected or longer than usual: protracted delays / disputes / negotiations
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pro.tract.or
noun an instrument for measuring and drawing angles, usually made from a half circle of clear plastic with degrees (0° to 180°) marked on it
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pro.trude
verb [v] ~ (from sth) (formal) to stick out from a place or a surface: protruding eyes / teeth  His stomach protruded slightly.  He hung his coat on a nail protruding from the wall.
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pro.tru.sion
noun [C, U] (formal) a thing that sticks out from a place or surface; the fact of doing this: a protrusion on the rock face
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pro.tu.ber.ance
noun (formal) a round part that sticks out from a surface: The diseased trees are marked by protuberances on their trunks.
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pro.tu.ber.ant
adj. (formal) curving or swelling out from a surface: protuberant eyes
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proud
adj., adv.
adj. (proud.er, proud.est)
PLEASED|
1 ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) feeling pleased and satisfied about sth that you own or have done, or are connected with: proud parents  the proud owner of a new car  Your achievements are something to be proud of .  He was proud of himself for not giving up.  I feel very proud to be a part of the team.  She was proud that her daughter had so much talent.—see also HOUSE-PROUD
2 [only before noun] causing sb to feel pride: This is the proudest moment of my life.  The car had been his proudest possession .
FEELING TOO IMPORTANT|
3 (disapproving) feeling that you are better and more important than other people
SYN ARROGANT : She was too proud to admit she could be wrong.  He is too proud now to be seen with his former friends.
HAVING SELF-RESPECT|
4 having respect for yourself and not wanting to lose the respect of others: They were a proud and independent people.  Don’t be too proud to ask for help.
BEAUTIFUL / TALL|
5 (literary) beautiful, tall and impressive: The sunflowers stretched tall and proud to the sun.—see also PRIDE

adv. do sb 'proud (old-fashioned, BrE) to treat sb very well by giving them a lot of good food, entertainment, etc. do yourself / sb 'proud to do sth that makes you proud of yourself or that makes other people proud of you

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proud.ly
adv.
1 in a way that shows that sb is proud of sth: She proudly displayed her prize.
2 (literary) in a way that is large and impressive: The Matterhorn rose proudly in the background.
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prov.able
adj. that can be shown to be true
SYN VERIFIABLE
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prove
verb (proved, proved) or (proved, proven especially in AmE)
HELP In BrEproved is the more common form. Look also at proven.
SHOW STH IS TRUE|
1 ~ sth (to sb) to use facts, evidence, etc. to show that sth is true: [vn] They hope this new evidence will prove her innocence.  ‘I know you’re lying.’‘Prove it!’  Just give me a chance and I’ll prove it to you.  He felt he needed to prove his point (= show other people that he was right).  Are you just doing this to prove a point ?   (spoken) What are you trying to prove ?   (spoken) I certainly don’t have anything to prove —my record speaks for itself.  [v (that)] This proves (that) I was right.  [vn-adj] She was determined to prove everyone wrong.  In this country, you are innocent until proved guilty.  [v wh-] This just proves what I have been saying for some time.  [vn that] Can it be proved that he did commit these offences? [alsovn-n, vn to inf] DISPROVE —see also PROOF
BE|
2 linking verb if sth proves dangerous, expensive, etc. or if it proves to be dangerous, etc., you discover that it is dangerous, etc. over a period of time
SYN TURN OUT : [v-adj] The opposition proved too strong for him.  [v-n] Shares in the industry proved a poor investment.  [v to inf] The promotion proved to be a turning point in his career.
YOURSELF|
3 [vn] ~ yourself (to sb) to show other people how good you are at doing sth or that you are capable of doing sth: He constantly feels he has to prove himself to others.
4 ~ yourself sth / to be sth to show other people that you are a particular type of person or that you have a particular quality: [vn-adj] He proved himself determined to succeed. [alsovn-n, vn to inf]
OF BREAD|
5 [v] to swell before being baked because of the action of YEAST
SYN RISE
IDM see EXCEPTION
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proven
adj. [only before noun] tested and shown to be true: a student of proven ability  It is a proven fact that fluoride strengthens growing teeth.—see also PROVE v.
OPP UNPROVEN
IDM not 'proven (in Scottish law) a VERDICT (= decision) at a trial that there is not enough evidence to show that sb is guilty or innocent, and that they must be set free
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prov.en.ance
noun [U, C] (technical ) the place that sth originally came from
SYN ORIGIN : All the furniture is of English provenance.  There’s no proof about the provenance of the painting (= whether it is genuine or not).
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prov.erb
noun a well-known phrase or sentence that gives advice or says sth that is generally true, for example ‘Waste not, want not’.
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pro.verb.ial
adj.
1 [only before noun] used to show that you are referring to a particular proverb or well-known phrase: Let’s not count our proverbial chickens.
2 [not usually before noun] well known and talked about by a lot of people FAMOUS : Their hospitality is proverbial.
pro.verbi.al.ly adv.
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pro.vide
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sth (for sb) to give sth to sb or make it available for them to use
SYN SUPPLY : The hospital has a commitment to provide the best possible medical care.  We are here to provide a service for the public.  We are here to provide the public with a service.  Please answer questions in the space provided.  The report was not expected to provide any answers.
2 [v that] (formal) (of a law or rule) to state that sth will or must happen
SYN STIPULATE : The final section provides that any work produced for the company is thereafter owned by the company.—see also PROVISION
PVR V pro'vide against sth (formal) to make preparations to deal with sth bad or unpleasant that might happen in the future pro'vide for sb to give sb the things that they need to live, such as food, money and clothing pro'vide for sth (formal)
1 to make preparations to deal with sth that might happen in the future
2 (of a law, rule, etc.) to make it possible for sth to be done: The legislation provides for the detention of suspected terrorists for up to seven days.
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pro.vided
(also pro.vid.ing) conj. ~ (that … ) used to say what must happen or be done to make it possible for sth else to happen IF : We’ll buy everything you produce, provided of course the price is right.  Provided that you have the money in your account, you can withdraw up to £100 a day.
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provi.dence
(also Providence) noun [U] God, or a force that some people believe controls our lives and the things that happen to us, usually in a way that protects us
SYN FATE : to trust in divine providence
IDM see TEMPT
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provi.dent
adj. (formal) careful in planning for the future, especially by saving money
OPP IMPROVIDENT
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provi.den.tial
adj. (formal) lucky because it happens at the right time, but without being planned: A providential wind carried the raft to the shore.
provi.den.tial.ly adv.
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pro.vider
noun a person or an organization that supplies sb with sth they need or want: training providers  We are one of the largest providers of employment in the area.  The eldest son is the family’s sole provider (= the only person who earns money).
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pro.vid.ing
conj. = PROVIDED
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prov.ince
noun
1 [C] one of the areas that some countries are divided into with its own local government: the provinces of Canada
2 (the provinces) [pl.] (BrE) all the parts of a country except the capital city: The show will tour the provinces after it closes in London.  a shy young man from the provinces
3 [sing.] (formal) a person’s particular area of knowledge, interest or responsibility: Such decisions are normally the province of higher management.  I’m afraid the matter is outside my province (= I cannot or need not deal with it).
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pro.vin.cial
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, with its own local government: provincial assemblies / elections
2 [only before noun] (sometimes disapproving) connected with the parts of a country that do not include the capital city: a provincial town / theatre / newspaper
3 (disapproving) unwilling to consider new or different ideas or things: In spite of his education and travels, he has remained very provincial.
pro.vin.cial.ly adv.

noun (often disapproving) a person who lives in or comes from a part of the country that is not near the capital city

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pro.vin.cial.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) the attitude of people who are unwilling to consider new or different ideas or things
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'proving ground
noun a place where sth such as a new machine, vehicle or weapon can be tested: It’s an ideal proving ground for the new car.   (figurative) The club is the proving ground for young boxers.
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pro.vi.sion
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] the act of supplying sb with sth that they need or want; sth that is supplied: educational / housing provision  The government is responsible for the provision of health care.  There is no provision for anyone to sit down here.  The provision of specialist teachers is being increased.
2 [U, C] ~ for sb/sth preparations that you make for sth that might or will happen in the future: He had already made provisions for (= planned for the financial future of) his wife and children before the accident.  You should make provision for things going wrong.
3 (provisions) [pl.] supplies of food and drink, especially for a long journey
4 [C] a condition or an arrangement in a legal document: Under the provisions of the lease, the tenant is responsible for repairs.—see also PROVIDE

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (formal) to supply sb/sth with enough of sth, especially food, to last for a particular period of time

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pro.vi.sion.al
adj.
1 arranged for the present time only and likely to be changed in the future
SYN TEMPORARY : a provisional government  provisional arrangements
2 arranged, but not yet definite: The booking is only provisional.
pro.vi.sion.al.ly adv.: The meeting has been provisionally arranged for 3 p.m. next Friday.
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pro,visional 'licence
(BrE ) (AmE 'learner’s permit) noun an official document that you must have when you start to learn to drive
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pro.viso
noun (pl.-os) a condition that must be accepted before an agreement can be made
SYN PROVISION : Their participation is subject to a number of important provisos.  He agreed to their visit with the proviso that they should stay no longer than one week.
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pro.voca.teur
noun = AGENT PROVOCATEUR
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provo.ca.tion
noun [U, C] the act of doing or saying sth deliberately in order to make sb angry or upset; something that is done or said to cause this: He reacted violently only under provocation .  The terrorists can strike at any time without provocation .  She bursts into tears at the slightest provocation .  So far the police have refused to respond to their provocations.
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pro.voca.tive
adj.
1 intended to make people angry or upset; intended to make people argue about sth: a provocative act / book / remark  He doesn’t really mean that—he’s just being deliberately provocative.
2 intended to make sb sexually excited: a provocative smile
pro.voca.tive.ly adv.
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pro.voke
verb
1 [vn] to cause a particular reaction or have a particular effect: The announcement provoked a storm of protest.  The article was intended to provoke discussion.  Dairy products may provoke allergic reactions in some people.
2 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to say or do sth that you know will annoy sb so that they react in an angry way
SYN GOAD : [vn] The lawyer claimed his client was provoked into acts of violence by the defendant.  Be careful what you say—he’s easily provoked. [alsovn to inf]
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prov.ost
(also Provost) noun
1 (in Britain) the person in charge of a college at some universities
2 (in the US) a senior member of the administrative staff at some universities
3 (in Scotland) the head of a council in some towns, cities and districts—compare MAYOR
4 the head of a group of priests belonging to a particular CATHEDRAL
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prow
noun (formal or literary) the pointed front part of a ship or boat
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prow.ess
noun [U] (formal) great skill at doing sth: academic / sporting / technical prowess
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prowl
verb, noun
verb
1 (of an animal) to move quietly and carefully around an area, especially when hunting: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : The tiger prowled through the undergrowth. [alsovn]
2 to move quietly and carefully around an area, especially with the intention of committing a crime: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : A man was seen prowling around outside the factory just before the fire started. [alsovn]
3 to walk around a room, an area, etc., especially because you are bored, anxious, etc., and cannot relax: [vn] He prowled the empty rooms of the house at night. [alsov +adv. / prep.]

noun
IDM (be / go) on the 'prowl (of an animal or a person) moving quietly and carefully, hunting or looking for sth: There was a fox on the prowl near the chickens.  an intruder on the prowl

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prowl.er
noun a person who follows sb or who moves around quietly outside their house, especially at night, in order to frighten them, harm them or steal sth from them
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prox.im.ate
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) nearest in time, order, etc. to sth
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prox.im.ity
noun [U] ~ (of sb/sth) (to sb/sth) (formal) the state of being near sb/sth in distance or time: a house in the proximity of (= near) the motorway  The proximity of the college to London makes it very popular.  The area has a number of schools in close proximity to each other.  the death of two members of her family in close proximity
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proxy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the authority that you give to sb to do sth for you, when you cannot do it yourself: You can vote either in person or by proxy .  a proxy vote
2 [C, U] ~ (for sb) a person who has been given the authority to represent sb else: Your proxy will need to sign the form on your behalf.  She is acting as proxy for her husband.  They were like proxy parents to me.
3 [C] ~ for sth (formal ortechnical) something that you use to represent sth else that you are trying to measure or calculate: The number of patients on a doctor’s list was seen as a good proxy for assessing how hard they work.
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prude
noun (disapproving) a person that you think is too easily shocked by things connected with sex
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pru.dent
adj. sensible and careful when you make judgements and decisions; avoiding unnecessary risks: a prudent businessman  a prudent decision / investment  It might be more prudent to get a second opinion before going ahead.
OPP IMPRUDENT
pru.dence noun [U]
pru.dent.ly adv.
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prud.ery
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) the attitude or behaviour of people who seem very easily shocked by things connected with sex
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prud.ish
adj. (disapproving) very easily shocked by things connected with sex
prud.ish.ness noun [U]
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prune
noun, verb
noun a dried PLUM that is often eaten cooked: stewed prunes

verb [vn] ~ sth (back)
1 to cut off some of the branches from a tree, bush, etc. so that it will grow better and stronger: When should you prune apple trees?  He pruned the longer branches off the tree.  The hedge needs pruning back.
2 to make sth smaller by removing parts; to cut out parts of sth: Staff numbers have been pruned back to 175.  The railway companies have pruned their timetables (= there are fewer trains).  Prune out any unnecessary details.
prun.ing noun [U]: All roses require annual pruning.  The company would benefit from a little pruning here and there.

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pruri.ent
adj. (formal, disapproving) having or showing too much interest in things connected with sex: a prurient interest in the details of a rape case
pruri.ence noun [U]
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Prus.sian blue
noun [U] a deep blue colour used in paints
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pry
verb (pries, pry.ing, pried, pried )
1 [v] ~ (into sth) to try to find out information about other people’s private lives in a way that is annoying or rude: I’m sick of you prying into my personal life!  I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.  She tried to keep the children away from the prying eyes of the world’s media.
2 (especially AmE) = PRISE
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PS
noun something written at the end of a letter to introduce some more information or sth that you have forgotten. PS is an abbreviation for ‘postscript’: PS Could you send me your fax number again?  She added a PS asking me to water the plants.
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psalm
noun a song, poem or prayer that praises God, especially one in the Bible: the Book of Psalms
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pseph.ology
noun [U] the study of how people vote in elections
pseph.olo.gist noun
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pseud
noun (BrE , informal, disapproving) a person who pretends to know a lot about a particular subject in order to impress other people: She’s such a pseud!
pseud adj.
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pseudo-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) not genuine; false or pretended: pseudo-intellectual  pseudo-science
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pseudo.nym
noun a name used by sb, especially a writer, instead of their real name: She writes under a pseudonym .—compare PEN-NAME
pseud.onym.ous adj. [only before noun]
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psor.ia.sis
noun [U] (medical ) a skin disease that causes rough red areas where the skin comes off in small pieces
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psst
exclamation the way of writing the sound people say when they want to attract sb’s attention quietly: Psst! Let’s get out now before they see us!
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psych
verb
PVR V ,psych sb<->'out (of sth) (informal) to make an opponent feel less confident by saying or doing things that make you seem better, stronger, etc. than them ,psych sb / yourself 'up (for sth) (informal) to prepare sb/yourself mentally for sth difficult or unpleasant: I’d got myself all psyched up for the interview and then it was called off at the last minute.—see also PSYCHED
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psy.che
noun (formal) the mind; your deepest feelings and attitudes: the human / feminine / national psyche
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psyched
adj. [not before noun] (informal, especially AmE ) excited, especially about sth that is going to happen: The kids are really psyched about the vacation.
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psy.che.delia
noun [U] music, art, fashion, etc. that is created as a result of the effects of psychedelic drugs
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psy.che.del.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of drugs) causing the user to see and hear things that are not there or that do not exist (= to HALLUCINATE )
2 (of art, music, clothes, etc.) having bright colours, strange sounds, etc. like those that are experienced when taking psychedelic drugs
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psy.chi.at.ric
adj. relating to PSYCHIATRY or to mental illness: a psychiatric hospital / nurse  psychiatric treatment  psychiatric disorders—compare MENTAL
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psych.iatrist
noun a doctor who studies and treats mental illnesses
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psych.iatry
noun [U] the study and treatment of mental illness
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psy.chic
adj., noun
adj.
1 (also less frequent psych.ical ) connected with strange powers of the mind and not able to be explained by natural laws: psychic energy / forces / phenomena  psychic powers  psychic healing
2 (of a person) seeming to have strange mental powers and to be able to do things that are not possible according to natural laws: She claims to be psychic and helps people to contact the dead.  How am I supposed to know—I’m not psychic!
3 (also less frequent psych.ical) (formal) connected with the mind rather than the body
psych.ic.al.ly adv.

noun a person who claims to have strange mental powers so that they can do things that are not possible according to natural laws, such as predicting the future and speaking to dead people

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psy.cho
noun (pl.-os) (informal) a person who is mentally ill and who behaves in a very strange violent way
psy.cho adj.
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psycho-
(also psych-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the mind: psychology  psychiatric
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psy.cho.ana.lyse
(BrE ) (AmE-yze) (also ana.lyse, ana.lyze) verb [vn] to treat or study sb using psychoanalysis
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psy.cho.analy.sis
(also an.aly.sis) noun [U] a method of treating sb who is mentally ill by asking them to talk about past experiences and feelings in order to try to find explanations for their present problems
psy.cho.ana.lyt.ic adj. [only before noun]: a psychoanalytic approach
psy.cho.ana.lyt.ic.al.ly adv.
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psy.cho.ana.lyst
(also ana.lyst) noun a person who treats patients using psychoanalysis
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psy.cho.bab.ble
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) the language that people use when they talk about feelings and emotional problems, that sounds very scientific, but really has little meaning
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psy.cho.drama
noun
1 a way of treating people who are mentally ill by encouraging them to act events from their past to help them understand their feelings
2 a play or film/movie that makes the minds and feelings of the characters more important than the events
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psy.cho.logic.al
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with a person’s mind and the way in which it works: the psychological development of children  Abuse can lead to both psychological and emotional problems.  Her symptoms are more psychological than physical (= imaginary rather than real).  Victory in the last game gave them a psychological advantage over their opponents.  a psychological novel (= one that examines the minds of the characters)
2 [only before noun] connected with the study of PSYCHOLOGY : psychological research
psy.cho.logic.al.ly adv.: psychologically harmful  Psychologically, the defeat was devastating.
IDM the ,psychological 'moment the best time to do sth in order for it to be successful
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,psychological 'warfare
noun [U] things that are said and done in order to make an opponent believe that they cannot win a war, a competition, etc.
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psych.olo.gist
noun a scientist who studies and is trained in psychology : an educational psychologist  a clinical psychologist (= one who treats people with mental disorders or problems)
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psych.ology
noun
1 [U] the scientific study of the mind and how it influences behaviour: social / educational / child psychology
2 [sing.] the kind of mind that sb has that makes them think or behave in a particular way: the psychology of small boys
3 [sing.] how the mind influences behaviour in a particular area of life: the psychology of interpersonal relationships
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psy.cho.met.ric
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) used for measuring mental abilities and processes: psychometric testing
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psy.cho.path
noun a person suffering from a serious mental illness that causes them to behave in a violent way towards other people
psy.cho.path.ic adj.: a psychopathic disorder / killer
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psy.cho.path.ology
noun [U]
1 the scientific study of mental disorders
2 a disorder that affects sb’s mind or their behaviour
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psych.osis
noun [C, U] (pl.psych.oses ) a serious mental illness that affects the whole personality—see also PSYCHOTIC
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psy.cho.somat.ic
adj.
1 (of an illness) caused by mental problems, such as stress and worry, rather than physical problems: Tests showed that her problems were more than merely psychosomatic.
2 (technical) connected with the relationship between the mind and the body
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psy.cho.ther.apy
(also ther.apy) noun [U] the treatment of mental illness by discussing sb’s problems with them rather than by giving them drugs
psy.cho.ther.ap.ist (also ther.ap.ist) noun
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psych.ot.ic
noun (medical ) a person suffering from severe mental illness
psych.ot.ic adj.: a psychotic disorder / illness  a psychotic individual / patient—see also PSYCHOSIS
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PT
abbr.
1 (BrE) the abbreviation for ‘physical training’ (sport and physical exercise that is taught in schools, in the army, etc.)
2 (also P / T) (in writing) PART-TIME : The course is 1 year FT, 2 years PT.
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pt
(also pt. especially in AmE) abbr.
1 part: Shakespeare’s Henry IV Pt 2
2 pint
3 point: The winner scored 10 pts.
4 (Pt.) (especially on a map) port: Pt. Moresby
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PTA
noun the abbreviation for ‘parent-teacher association’ (a group run by parents and teachers in a school that organizes social events and helps the school in different ways)
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Pte
abbr. (BrE ) (in writing) PRIVATE : Pte Jim Hill
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ptero.dac.tyl
noun a flying reptile that lived millions of years ago
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PTO
abbr. (BrE ) please turn over (written at the bottom of a page to show that there is more on the other side)
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pub
(also formal ,public 'house) (both BrE) noun a building where people go to drink and meet their friends. Pubs serve alcoholic and other drinks, and often also food: They’ve gone down the pub for a drink.  a pub lunch  the landlord of the local pub
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'pub crawl
noun (BrE , informal) a visit to several pubs, going straight from one to the next, drinking at each of them
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pu.berty
noun [U] the period of a person’s life during which their sexual organs develop and they become capable of having children: to reach puberty—see also ADOLESCENCE
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pu.bes.cent
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) in the period of a person’s life when they are changing physically from a child to an adult: pubescent boys / girls
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pubic
adj. [only before noun] connected with the part of a person’s body near their sexual organs: pubic hair  the pubic bone
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pub.lic
adj., noun
adj.
OF ORDINARY PEOPLE|
1 [only before noun] connected with ordinary people in society in general: The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the issues.  Levels of waste from the factory may be a danger to public health.  Why would the closure of hospitals be in the public interest (= useful to ordinary people)?  The media has a powerful influence on public opinion .  The government had to bow to public pressure.
FOR EVERYONE|
2 [only before noun] provided, especially by the government, for the use of people in general: a public education system  a public library / telephone  public transport / transportation
OPP PRIVATE
OF GOVERNMENT|
3 [only before noun] connected with the government and the services it provides: public money / spending / funding / expenditure  He spent much of his career in public office (= working in the government).   (BrE) the public purse (= the money that the government can spend)  The rail industry is no longer in public ownership (= controlled by the government).
OPP PRIVATE
SEEN / HEARD BY PEOPLE|
4 known to people in general: a public figure (= a person who is well known because they are often on the television, radio, etc.)  Details of the government report have not yet been made public .  She entered public life (= started a job in which she became known to the public) at the age of 25.
OPP PRIVATE
5 open to people in general; intended to be seen or heard by people in general: a public apology / inquiry / investigation  The painting will be put on public display next week.  This may be the band’s last public appearance together.
PLACE|
6 where there are a lot of people who can see and hear you: Let’s go somewhere a little less public.
OPP PRIVATE
pub.lic.ly adv.: a publicly owned company  He later publicly apologized for his comments.  This information is not publicly available. go 'public
1 to tell people about sth that is a secret
2 (of a company) to start selling shares on the STOCK EXCHANGE in the public 'eye well known to many people through newspapers and television: She doesn’t want her children growing up in the public eye.—more at KNOWLEDGE

noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .]
ORDINARY PEOPLE|
1 (the public) ordinary people in society in general: The palace is now open to the public.  There have been many complaints from members of the public .  The public has / have a right to know what is contained in the report.—see also THE GENERAL PUBLIC
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
2 a group of people who share a particular interest or who are involved in the same activity: the theatre-going public  She knows how to keep her public (= for example, the people who buy her books) satisfied. in 'public when other people, especially people you do not know, are present: She doesn’t like to be seen in public without her make-up on.—compare IN PRIVATE —more at WASH v.

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,public 'access
noun [U]
1 the right of people in general to go into particular buildings or areas of land or to obtain particular information: public access to the countryside
2 (in the US and some other countries) the right of people in general to use television or radio channels to present their own programmes: a public access channel
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,public ad'dress system
noun (abbr. PA system) an electronic system that uses MICROPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS to make music, voices, etc. louder so that they can be heard by everyone in a particular place or building
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,public af'fairs
noun [pl.] issues and questions about social, economic, political or business activities, etc. that affect ordinary people in general: the director of public affairs for the space centre  a public affairs department
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pub.lican
noun (BrE , formal) a person who owns or manages a pub
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pub.li.ca.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of printing a book, a magazine, etc. and making it available to the public; a book, a magazine, etc. that has been published: the publication date  the publication of his first novel  specialist publications
2 [U] the act of printing sth in a newspaper, report, etc. so that the public knows about it: a delay in the publication of the exam results  The newspaper continues to defend its publication of the photographs.
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,public 'bar
noun (in Britain) a bar in a pub with simple or less comfortable furniture than the other bars—compare LOUNGE BAR
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,public 'company
(also ,public ,limited 'company) (both BrE ) (AmE ,public corpo'ration) noun (abbr. plc, PLC) a company that sells shares in itself to the public
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,public con'venience
noun (BrE , formal) a public building containing toilets that are provided for anyone to use
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,public corpo'ration
noun
1 (AmE) = PUBLIC COMPANY
2 (BrE) an organization that is owned by the government and that provides a national service
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,public de'fender
noun (law ) (in the US) a lawyer who is paid by the government to defend people in court if they cannot pay for a lawyer themselves
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,public 'domain
noun [sing.] something that is in the public domain is available for everyone to use or to discuss and is not secret: The information has been placed in the public domain.  public domain software
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,public 'holiday
noun a day on which most of the shops/stores, businesses and schools in a country are closed, often to celebrate a particular event—compare BANK HOLIDAY
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,public 'house
noun (BrE , formal) = PUB
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,public 'housing
noun [U] (in the US) houses and flats/apartments that are built by the government for people who do not have enough money to pay for private accommodation
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pub.li.cist
noun a person whose job is to make sth known to the public, for example a new product, actor, etc.
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pub.li.city
noun [U]
1 the attention that is given to sb/sth by newspapers, television, etc: good / bad / adverse publicity  There has been a great deal of publicity surrounding his disappearance.  The trial took place amid a blaze of (= a lot of) publicity.
2 the business of attracting the attention of the public to sth/sb; the things that are done to attract attention: She works in publicity.  There has been a lot of advance publicity for her new film.  publicity material  a publicity campaign   The band dressed up as the Beatles as a publicity stunt .
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pub.li.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sth known to the public; to advertise sth: They flew to Europe to publicize the plight of the refugees.  a much / highly / widely publicized speech (= that has received a lot of attention on television, in newspapers, etc.)  He was in London publicizing his new biography of Kennedy.
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,public ,limited 'company
noun (BrE) (abbr. plc) = PUBLIC COMPANY
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,public 'nuisance
noun
1 [sing., U] (law) an illegal act that causes harm to people in general: He was charged with committing (a) public nuisance.
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person or a thing that annoys a lot of people
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,public 'property
noun [U]
1 (especially law) land, buildings, etc. that are owned by the government and can be used by everyone
2 a person or a thing that everyone has a right to know about: Sophie became public property when she married into the royal family.
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,public 'prosecutor
noun (BrE ) a lawyer who works for the government and tries to prove people guilty in a court of law—see also DISTRICT ATTORNEY
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,public re'lations
noun
1 [U] (abbr.PR) the business of giving the public information about a particular organization or person in order to create a good impression: She works in public relations.  a public relations exercise
2 [pl.] the state of the relationship between an organization and the public: Sponsoring the local team is good for public relations.
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,public 'school
noun [C, U]
1 (in Britain, especially in England) a private school for young people between the ages of 13 and 18, whose parents pay for their education. The students often live at the school while they are studying: He was educated at (a) public school.—compare PREPARATORY SCHOOL , PRIVATE SCHOOL
2 ('public school) (in the US, Australia, Scotland and other countries) a free local school paid for by the government—compare STATE SCHOOL
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the ,public 'sector
noun [sing.] (economics ) the part of the economy of a country that is owned or controlled by the government—compare THE PRIVATE SECTOR
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,public 'service
noun
1 [C] a service such as transport or health care that a government or an official organization provides for people in general in a particular society: to improve public services in the area  a public service broadcast
2 [C, U] something that is done to help people rather than to make a profit: to do / perform a public service
3 [U] the government and government departments: to work in public service  public service workers
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,public-'spirited
adj. willing to do things that will help other people in society: a public-spirited man / act  That was very public-spirited of you.
,public 'spirit noun [U]
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,public u'tility
noun (formal) a private company that must obey government rules, that supplies essential services such as gas, water and electricity to the public
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,public 'works
noun [pl.] building work, such as that of hospitals, schools and roads, that is paid for by the government
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pub.lish
verb
1 [vn] to produce a book, magazine, CD-ROM , etc. and sell it to the public: The first edition was published in 1998.  He works for a company that publishes reference books.  Most of our titles are also published on CD-ROM.
2 [vn] to print a letter, an article, etc. in a newspaper or magazine: Pictures of the suspect were published in all the daily papers.
3 [vn] to make sth available to the public on the Internet: The report will be published on the Internet.
4 (of an author) to have your work printed and sold to the public: [vn] She hasn’t published anything for years.  [v] University teachers are under pressure to publish.
5 [vn] (formal) to make official information known to the public
SYN RELEASE : The findings of the committee will be published on Friday.
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pub.lish.er
noun a person or company that prepares and prints books, magazines, newspapers or electronic products and makes them available to the public
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pub.lish.ing
noun [U] the profession or business of preparing and printing books, magazines, CD-ROMS , etc. and selling or making them available to the public: a publishing house (= company)—see also DESKTOP PUBLISHING
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puce
adj. reddish-purple in colour: His face was puce with rage.
puce noun [U]
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puck
noun a hard flat rubber disc that is used as a ball in ice hockey—picture at HOCKEY
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puck.er
verb ~ (sth) (up) to form or to make sth form small folds or lines: [v] His face puckered , and he was ready to cry.  [vn] She puckered her lips.  puckered fabric
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puck.ish
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) enjoying playing tricks on other people
SYN MISCHIEVOUS
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pud
noun (BrE , informal) = PUDDING
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pud.ding
(also informal pud) (both BrE) noun [U, C]
1 a sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal: What’s for pudding?  I haven’t made a pudding today.
SYN AFTERS , DESSERT , SWEET —
2 (BrE) a hot sweet dish, often like a cake, made from flour, fat and eggs with fruit, jam, etc. in or on it: treacle pudding  bread and butter pudding (= made with bread, butter and milk)—see also CHRISTMAS PUDDING , RICE PUDDING , SPONGE PUDDING , SUMMER PUDDING
3 (BrE) a hot dish like a pie with soft pastry made from flour, fat and eggs and usually filled with meat: a steak and kidney pudding
4 (AmE) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) like cream flavoured with fruit, chocolate, etc: chocolate pudding—see also BLACK PUDDING , YORKSHIRE PUDDING
IDM see OVER-EGG , PROOF
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'pudding basin
noun (BrE ) a deep round bowl that is used for mixing food or for cooking puddings in
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pud.dle
noun a small amount of water or other liquid, especially rain, that has collected in one place on the ground
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pu.denda
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned, formal) the sexual organs that are outside the body, especially those of a woman
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pudgy
adj. = PODGY
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pu.er.ile
adj. (disapproving) silly; suitable for a child rather than an adult
SYN CHILDISH : puerile behaviour / excuses
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puff
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at / on sth) to smoke a cigarette, pipe, etc: [v] He puffed (away) on his pipe.  [vn] I sat puffing my cigar.
2 ~ (sth) (out) to make smoke or steam blow out in clouds; to blow out in clouds: [vn] Chimneys were puffing out clouds of smoke.  [v] Steam puffed out.
3 (informal) to breathe loudly and quickly, especially after you have been running: [v] I was starting to puff a little from the climb. [alsov speech] —see also PUFFED , PUFFED OUT
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move in a particular direction, sending out small clouds of smoke or steam: The train puffed into the station.
IDM be puffed up with 'pride, etc. to be too full of pride, etc: He felt grown-up, puffed up with self-importance. ,puff and 'pant (also ,puff and 'blow, informal) to breathe quickly and loudly through your mouth after physical effort: Eventually, puffing and panting, he arrived at the gate.—more at HUFF v.
PVR V ,puff sth<->'out to make sth bigger and rounder, especially by filling it with air: She puffed out her cheeks. ,puff 'up| ,puff sth<->'up to swell or to make sth swell: Her cheeks puffed up.  The frog puffed itself up.

noun
1 [C] an act of breathing in sth such as smoke from a cigarette, or drugs: He had a few puffs at the cigar.  Take two puffs from the inhaler every four hours.
2 [C] a small amount of air, smoke, etc. that is blown from somewhere: a puff of wind  Puffs of white smoke came from the chimney.  Any chance of success seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke (= to disappear quickly).
3 [C] a hollow piece of light pastry that is filled with cream, jam, etc.—see also CREAM PUFF
4 (AmE also 'puff piece) [C] (informal, usually disapproving) a piece of writing or speech that praises sb/sth too much
5 [U] (informal, especially BrE) breath: The hill was very steep and I soon ran out of puff .—see also POWDER PUFF

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puff.ball
noun a FUNGUS with a round brown head, that bursts when it is ripe to release its seeds
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puffed
(also ,puffed 'out) adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) breathing quickly and with difficulty because you have been having a lot of physical exercise
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puff.er
noun (informal) = INHALER
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puf.fin
noun a black and white seabird with a large, brightly coloured beak, common in the N Atlantic—
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,puff 'pastry
noun [U] a type of light pastry that forms many thin layers when baked, used for making pies, cakes, etc.
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'puff piece
noun (AmE ) = PUFF
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,puff 'sleeve
(also ,puffed 'sleeve) noun a type of sleeve on a piece of clothing that fits close to the body at the shoulder and the lower edge and is wider in the middle, forming a round shape
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puffy
adj. (puff.ier, puffi.est)
1 (of eyes, faces, etc.) looking swollen (= larger, rounder, etc. than usual): Her eyes were puffy from crying.
2 (of clouds, etc.) looking soft, round and white
puf.fi.ness noun [U]
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pug
noun a small dog with short hair and a wide flat face with deep folds of skin
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pu.gil.ist
noun (old-fashioned) a boxer
pu.gil.ism noun [U]
pu.gil.is.tic adj.
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pug.na.cious
adj. (formal) having a strong desire to argue or fight with other people: a pugnacious man / attitude
pug.na.cious.ly adv.
pug.na.city noun [U]
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puke
verb ~ (sth) (up) (informal) to VOMIT : [v] The baby puked all over me this morning.  That guy makes me puke! (= makes me angry)  [vn] I puked up my dinner.
puke noun [U]: to be covered in puke
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pukka
adj. (BrE )
1 (old-fashioned) genuine; not a copy; appropriate in a particular social situation: pukka riding boots
2 (informal) of very good quality
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pull
verb, noun
verb
MOVE / REMOVE STH|
1 to hold sth firmly and use force in order to move it or try to move it towards yourself: [v] You push and I’ll pull.  Don’t pull so hard or the handle will come off.  I pulled on the rope to see if it was secure.  [vn] Stop pulling her hair!  She pulled him gently towards her.  [vn-adj] Pull the door shut.
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth from a place by pulling: Pull the plug out.  She pulled off her boots.  He pulled a gun on me (= took out a gun and aimed it at me).
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sb/sth in a particular direction by pulling: Pull your chair nearer the table.  He pulled his sweater on / pulled on his sweater.  She took his arm and pulled him along.
4 [vn] to hold or be attached to sth and move it along behind you: In this area oxen are used to pull carts.
BODY|
5 [+adv. / prep.] to move your body or a part of your body in a particular direction, especially using force: [v] He tried to kiss her but she pulled away.  [vn] The dog snapped at her and she quickly pulled back her hand.  [vn-adj] John pulled himself free and ran off.
CURTAINS|
6 [vn] to open or close curtains, etc: Pull the curtains—it’s dark outside.
MUSCLE|
7 [vn] to damage a muscle, etc. by using too much force: to pull a muscle / ligament / tendon
SWITCH|
8 [vn] to move a switch, etc. towards yourself or down in order to operate a machine or piece of equipment: Pull the lever to start the motor.  Don’t pull the trigger!
VEHICLE / ENGINE|
9 ~ (sth) to the right / the left / one side to move or make a vehicle move sideways: [v] The wheel is pulling to the left.  [vn] She pulled the car to the right to avoid the dog.
10 [v] (of an engine) to work hard and use a lot of power: The old car pulled hard as we drove slowly up the hill.
BOAT|
11 [usually +adv. / prep.] to use OARS to move a boat along: [v] They pulled towards the shore. [alsovn]
CROWD / SUPPORT|
12 [vn] ~ sb/sth (in) to attract the interest or support of sb/sth: They pulled in huge crowds on their latest tour.
ATTRACT SEXUALLY|
13 (BrE , informal) to attract sb sexually: [vn] He can still pull the girls.  [v] She’s hoping to pull tonight.
TRICK / CRIME|
14 [vn] (informal) to succeed in playing a trick on sb, committing a crime, etc: He’s pulling some sort of trick on you.
CANCEL|
15 [vn] (informal) to cancel an event; to stop showing an advertisement, etc: The gig was pulled at its last moment. pull a 'fast one (on sb) (slang) to trick sb pull sb’s 'leg (informal) to play a joke on sb, usually by making them believe sth that is not true pull the 'other one (—it’s got 'bells on) (BrE, spoken) used to show that you do not believe what sb has just said pull out all the 'stops (informal) to make the greatest effort possible to achieve sth pull the 'plug on sb/sth (informal) to put an end to sb’s project, a plan, etc. pull your 'punches (informal) (usually used in negative sentences) to express sth less strongly than you are able to, for example to avoid upsetting or shocking sb: Her articles certainly don’t pull any punches. pull sth / a ,rabbit out of the 'hat (informal) to suddenly produce sth as a solution to a problem pull 'rank (on sb) to make use of your place or status in society or at work to make sb do what you want pull the rug (out) from under sb’s 'feet (informal) to take help or support away from sb suddenly pull your 'socks up (BrE, informal) to try to improve your performance, work, behaviour, etc: You’re going to have to pull your socks up. pull 'strings (for sb) (AmE also pull 'wires) (informal) to use your influence in order to get an advantage for sb pull the 'strings to control events or the actions of other people pull your 'weight to work as hard as everyone else in a job, an activity, etc. pull the 'wool over sb’s eyes (informal) to try and deceive sb; to hide your real actions or intentions from sb—more at BOOTSTRAP , FACE n. , HORN , PIECE n. , SHRED n. ,pull a'head (of sb/sth) to move in front of sb/sth: The cyclists were together until the bend, when Tyler pulled ahead.,pull sb/sth a'part to separate people or animals that are fighting ,pull sth a'part to separate sth into pieces by pulling different parts of it in different directions 'pull at sth = PULL ON STH ,pull a'way (from sth) (of a vehicle) to start moving: They waved as the bus pulled away. ,pull 'back
1 (of an army) to move back from a place
SYN WITHDRAW
2 to decide not to do sth that you were intending to do, because of possible problems
SYN WITHDRAW : Their sponsors pulled back at the last minute. ,pull sb<->'back to make an army move back from a place ,pull 'back| ,pull sth<->'back (sport) to improve a team’s position in a game: Rangers pulled back to 4–3.  They pulled back a goal just before half-time. ,pull sb 'down (especially AmE) to make sb less happy, healthy or successful ,pull sth<->'down
1 to destroy a building completely
SYN DEMOLISH
2 = PULL STH IN ,pull sb<->'in (informal) to bring sb to a police station in order to ask them questions about a crime ,pull sth<->'in / 'down (informal) to earn the large amount of money mentioned: I reckon she’s pulling in over $100 000. ,pull 'in (to sth)
1 (of a train) to enter a station and stop
2 (BrE) (of a vehicle or its driver) to move to the side of the road or to the place mentioned and stop: The police car signalled to us to pull in. ,pull 'off| ,pull 'off sth (of a vehicle or its driver) to leave the road in order to stop for a short time ,pull sth<->'off (informal) to succeed in doing sth difficult: We pulled off the deal.  I never thought you’d pull it off. 'pull on / at sth to take long deep breaths from a cigarette, etc. ,pull 'out (of a vehicle or its driver) to move away from the side of the road, etc: A car suddenly pulled out in front of me. ,pull 'out (of sth)
1 (of a train) to leave a station
2 to move away from sth or stop being involved in it
SYN WITHDRAW : The project became so expensive that we had to pull out. ,pull sb/sth 'out (of sth) to make sb/sth move away from sth or stop being involved in it
SYN WITHDRAW : They are pulling their troops out of the war zone.—related noun PULL-OUT ,pull 'over (of a vehicle or its driver) to move to the side of the road in order to stop or let sth pass ,pull sb/sth<->'over (of the police) to make a driver or vehicle move to the side of the road ,pull 'through| ,pull 'through sth
1 to get better after a serious illness, operation, etc: The doctors think she will pull through.
2 to succeed in doing sth very difficult: It’s going to be tough but we’ll pull through it together. ,pull sb 'through| ,pull sb 'through sth
1 to help sb get better after a serious illness, operation, etc.
2 to help sb succeed in doing sth very difficult: I relied on my instincts to pull me through. ,pull to'gether to act, work, etc. together with other people in an organized way and without fighting ,pull yourself to'gether to take control of your feelings and behave in a calm way: Stop crying and pull yourself together! ,pull 'up (of a vehicle or its driver) to stop: He pulled up at the traffic lights. ,pull sb 'up (BrE, informal) to criticize sb for sth that they have done wrong

noun
TRYING TO MOVE STH|
1 [C] an act of trying to make sth move by holding it firmly and bringing it towards you: I gave the door a sharp pull and it opened.  One last pull on the rope should do it.
PHYSICAL FORCE|
2 [sing.] the ~ (of sth) a strong physical force that makes sth move in a particular direction: the earth’s gravitational pull
ATTRACTION|
3 [C, usually sing.] the ~ (of sth) the fact of sth attracting you or having a strong effect on you: The magnetic pull of the city was hard to resist.
INFLUENCE|
4 [U] (informal) power and influence over other people: people who have a lot of pull with the media
ON CIGARETTE / DRINK|
5 [C] ~ (at / on sth) an act of taking a deep breath of smoke from a cigarette, etc. or a deep drink of something: She took a long pull on her cigarette.
WALK UP HILL|
6 [C, usually sing.] (BrE) a difficult walk up a steep hill: It’s a long pull up to the summit.
MUSCLE INJURY|
7 [C] an injury to a muscle caused by using too much force
HANDLE / ROPE|
8 [C] (especially in compounds) something such as a handle or rope that you use to pull sth: a bell / door pull—see also RING PULL on the 'pull (BrE, slang) (of a person) trying to find a sexual partner

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'pull date
noun (AmE ) = SELL-BY DATE
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'pull-down
adj.
1 designed to be used by being pulled down: a pull-down bed
2 ~ menu (computing) a list of possible choices that appears on a computer screen below a MENU title—
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pul.let
noun a young chicken, especially one that is less than one year old
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pul.ley
noun a wheel or set of wheels over which a rope or chain is pulled in order to lift or lower heavy objects: a system of ropes and pulleys
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'pulling power
(BrE ) (AmE 'drawing power) noun [U] the ability of sb/sth to attract people
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Pull.man
noun (pl.Pull.mans) a type of very comfortable railway carriage
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'pull-out
noun
1 a part of a magazine, newspaper, etc. that can be taken out easily and kept separately: an eight-page pull-out on health  a pull-out guide
2 an act of taking an army away from a particular place; an act of taking an organization out of a system
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pull.over
noun (especially BrE ) a knitted woollen or cotton piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves and no buttons
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'pull-tab
noun (AmE ) = RING PULL
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'pull-up
(also 'chin-up especially in AmE) noun [usually pl.] an exercise in which you hold onto a high bar above your head and pull yourself up towards it—picture at SIT-UP
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pul.mon.ary
adj. [only before noun] (medical ) connected with the lungs
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pulp
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [sing., U] a soft wet substance that is made especially by crushing sth: Cook the fruit gently until it forms a pulp.  His face had been beaten to a pulp (= very badly beaten).
2 [U] a soft substance that is made by crushing wood, fabric or other material and then used to make paper: paper / wood pulp
3 [U] the soft part inside some fruit and vegetables
SYN FLESH
pulpy adj.: Cook the fruit slowly until soft and pulpy.

verb [vn] to crush or beat sth so that it becomes soft and wet: Unsold copies of the novel had to be pulped.  pulped fruit

adj. [only before noun] (of books, magazines, etc.) badly written and often intended to shock people: pulp fiction / horror

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pul.pit
noun a small platform in a church that is like a box and is high above the ground, where a priest, etc. stands to speak to the people: (figurative) The policy has been widely condemned from the pulpit (= by priests and other church leaders).
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pul.sar
noun (astronomy ) a star that cannot be seen but that sends out regular rapid radio signals—compare QUASAR
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pul.sate
verb [v]
1 to make strong regular movements or sounds: pulsating rhythms  a pulsating headache  Lights were pulsating in the sky.
2 ~ (with sth) to be full of excitement or energy: a pulsating game  The streets were pulsating with life.
pul.sa.tion noun [C, U]
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pulse
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually sing.] the regular beat of blood as it is pumped around the body, that can be felt in different places, especially on the inside part of the wrist; the number of times the blood beats in a minute: a strong / weak pulse  an abnormally high pulse rate  The doctor took / felt my pulse .  Fear sent her pulse racing (= made it beat very quickly).
2 a strong regular beat in music
SYN TEMPO : the throbbing pulse of the drums
3 a single short increase in the amount of light, sound or electricity produced by a machine, etc: pulse waves  sound pulses
4 (pulses) [pl.] the seeds of some plants that are eaten as food, such as peas and LENTILS
IDM see FINGER n.

verb [v]
1 to move, beat or flow with strong regular movements or sounds
SYN THROB : A vein pulsed in his temple.  the pulsing rhythm of the music   (figurative) A rush of joy pulsed through his body.
2 ~ (with sth) (written) to be full of a feeling such as excitement or energy: The auditorium pulsed with excitement.

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pul.ver.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 (formal) to crush sth into a fine powder: pulverized bones
2 (informal, especially BrE) to defeat or destroy sb/sth completely: We pulverized the opposition.
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puma
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually cou.gar) (AmE also 'mountain lion, pan.ther) noun a large American wild animal of the cat family, with yellowish-brown or greyish fur
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pum.ice
(also 'pumice stone) noun [U] a type of grey stone that comes from VOLCANOES and is very light in weight. It is used in powder form for cleaning and polishing, and in pieces for rubbing on the skin to soften it.
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pum.mel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) to keep hitting sb/sth hard, especially with your FISTS (= tightly closed hands): [vn] He pummelled the pillow with his fists.   (figurative) She pummelled (= strongly criticized) her opponents.  [v] Her fists pummelled at his chest.
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pump
noun, verb
noun
1 a machine that is used to force liquid, gas or air into or out of sth: She washed her face at the pump in front of the inn.   (BrE) a petrol pump   (AmE) a gas pump  a foot / hand pump (= that you work by using your foot or hand)  a bicycle pump—see also STOMACH PUMP —picture at BICYCLE
2 (BrE) = PLIMSOLL
3 (especially AmE) = COURT SHOE
4 (BrE) a light soft shoe that you wear for dancing or exercise: ballet pumps
IDM see PRIME v.

verb
1 to make water, air, gas, etc. flow in a particular direction by using a pump or sth that works like a pump: [vn] The engine is used for pumping water out of the mine.  The heart pumps blood around the body.  [vn-adj] The lake had been pumped dry. [alsov]
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a liquid) to flow in a particular direction as if it is being forced by a pump: Blood was pumping out of his wound.
3 [vn] to move sth quickly up and down or in and out: He kept pumping my hand up and down.  I pumped the handle like crazy.
4 [v] to move quickly up and down or in and out: She sprinted for the line, legs pumping.  My heart was pumping with excitement.
5 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to try to get information from sb by asking them a lot of questions: See if you can pump him for more details.
IDM pump 'bullets, 'shots, etc. into sb to fire a lot of bullets into sb pump sb full of sth to fill sb with sth, especially drugs: They pumped her full of painkillers. pump 'iron (informal) to do exercises in which you lift heavy weights in order to strengthen your muscles pump sb’s 'stomach to remove the contents of sb’s stomach using a pump, because they have swallowed sth harmful
PVR V ,pump sth 'into sth| ,pump sth 'in to put a lot of money into sth: He pumped all his savings into the business. ,pump sth 'into sb to force a lot of sth into sb: It’s difficult to pump facts and figures into tired students. ,pump sth<->'out (informal) to produce sth in large amounts: loudspeakers pumping out rock music  Our cars pump out thousands of tonnes of poisonous fumes every year. ,pump sb<->'up [usually passive] to make sb feel more excited or determined ,pump sth<->'up
1 to fill a tyre, etc. with air using a pump
2 (informal) to increase the amount, value or volume of sth: Interest rates were pumped up last week.

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pump.kin
noun [U, C] a large round vegetable with thick orange skin. The seeds can be dried and eaten and the soft flesh can be cooked as a vegetable or in sweet pies: Pumpkin pie is a traditional American dish served on Thanksgiving.—
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'pump-priming
noun [U] the act of investing money to encourage growth in an industry or a business, especially by a government
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pun
noun, verb
noun ~ (on sth) the clever or humorous use of a word that has more than one meaning, or of words that have different meanings but sound the same: We’re banking on them lending us the money—no pun intended!—compare WORDPLAY

verb (-nn-) [v] to make a pun

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Punch
noun
IDM see PLEASED
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punch
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (in / on sth) to hit sb/sth hard with your FIST (= closed hand): He was kicked and punched as he lay on the ground.  She punched him on the nose.  He was punching the air in triumph.
2 ~ sth (in / through sth) to make a hole in sth with a punch or some other sharp object: to punch a time card  The machine punches a row of holes in the metal sheet.
3 [vn] to press buttons or keys on a computer, telephone, etc. in order to operate it: I punched the button to summon the elevator.
punch.er noun: He’s one of boxing’s strongest punchers.
PVR V ,punch 'in / 'out (AmE) to record the time you arrive at/leave work by putting a card into a special machine—see also CLOCK IN / ON , CLOCK OUT / OFF ,punch sth<->'in| ,punch sth 'into sth to put information into a computer by pressing the keys: He punched in the security code. ,punch sb 'out (AmE, informal) to hit sb so hard that they fall down ,punch sth<->'out
1 to press a combination of buttons or keys on a computer, telephone, etc: He picked up the telephone and punched out his friend’s number.
2 to make a hole in sth or knock sth out by hitting it very hard: I felt as if all my teeth had been punched out.
3 to cut sth from paper, wood, metal, etc. with a special tool

noun
1 [C] a hard hit made with the FIST (= closed hand): a punch in the face  Hill threw a punch at the police officer.  a knockout punch  He shot out his right arm and landed a punch on Lorrimer’s nose.
2 [U] the power to interest people: It’s a well-constructed crime story, told with speed and punch.
3 [C] a tool or machine for cutting holes in paper, leather or metal: a hole punch—picture at STATIONERY
4 [U] a hot or cold drink made by mixing water, fruit juice, spices, and usually wine or another alcoholic drink: rum punch
IDM see BEAT v. , PACK v. , PULL v. , ROLL v.

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Punch and Judy show
noun (in Britain) a traditional type of entertainment for children in which PUPPETS are used to tell stories about Punch who is always fighting with his wife Judy
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punch.bag
(BrE ) (AmE 'punching bag) noun a heavy leather bag, hung on a rope, which is PUNCHED , especially by boxers as part of training, or as a form of exercise
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punch.ball
noun a heavy leather ball, fixed on a spring, which is PUNCHED , especially by boxers as a part of training, or as a form of exercise
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punch.bowl
noun a bowl in which punch (= the drink) is served
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punch.card
(also ,punched 'card) noun a card on which, in the past, information was recorded as lines of holes and used for giving instructions, etc. to computers and other machines
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'punch-drunk
(also ,slap-'happy especially in AmE) adj.
1 (of a boxer) confused as a result of being PUNCHED on the head many times
2 unable to think clearly; in a confused state
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'punching bag
noun (AmE ) = PUNCHBAG
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punch.line
(also AmE informal 'tag line) noun the last few words of a joke that make it funny
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'punch-up
noun (BrE , informal) a physical fight
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punchy
adj. (of a speech, song, etc.) having a strong effect because it expresses sth clearly in only a few words: a bright, punchy style of writing
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punc.tili.ous
adj. (formal) very careful to behave correctly or to carry out your duties exactly as you should: a punctilious host
punc.tili.ous.ly adv.
punc.tili.ous.ness noun [U]
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punc.tual
adj. happening or doing sth at the arranged or correct time; not late: She has been reliable and punctual.  a punctual start at 9 o’clock
punc.tu.al.ity noun [U]
punc.tu.al.ly adv.: They always pay punctually.
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punc.tu.ate
verb
1 [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to interrupt sth at intervals: Her speech was punctuated by bursts of applause.
2 [v, vn] to divide writing into sentences and phrases by using special marks, for example COMMAS , question marks, etc.
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punc.tu.ation
noun [U] the marks used in writing that divide sentences and phrases; the system of using these marks
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,punctu'ation mark
noun a sign or mark used in writing to divide sentences and phrases
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punc.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) a small hole in a tyre made by a sharp point: I had a puncture on the way and arrived late.—see also FLAT n. (6)
2 a small hole, especially in the skin, made by a sharp point

verb
1 to make a small hole in sth; to get a small hole: [vn] to puncture a tyre / balloon  She was taken to the hospital with broken ribs and a punctured lung.  [v] One of the front tyres had punctured.
2 [vn] (written) to suddenly make sb feel less confident, proud, etc: to puncture sb’s confidence / complacency / illusions

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pun.dit
noun a person who knows a lot about a particular subject and who often talks about it in public; an expert
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pun.gent
adj.
1 having a strong taste or smell: the pungent smell of burning rubber
2 direct and having a strong effect: pungent remarks / criticism
pun.gency noun [U]
pung.ent.ly adv.
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pun.ish
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to make sb suffer because they have broken the law or done sth wrong: Those responsible for this crime will be severely punished.  He was punished for refusing to answer their questions.  My parents used to punish me by not letting me watch TV.
2 ~ sth (by / with sth) to set the punishment for a particular crime: In those days murder was always punished with the death penalty.
3 ~ yourself (for sth) to blame yourself for sth that has happened
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pun.ish.able
adj. ~ (by / with sth) (of a crime) that can be punished, especially by law: a crime punishable by / with imprisonment  Giving false information to the police is a punishable offence.
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pun.ish.ing
adj. [usually before noun] long and difficult and making you work hard so you become very tired: The President has a punishing schedule for the next six months.
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pun.ish.ment
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (for sth) an act or a way of punishing sb: to inflict / impose / mete out punishment  What is the punishment for murder?  There is little evidence that harsher punishments deter any better than more lenient ones.  The punishment should fit the crime.  He was sent to his room as a punishment.—see also CAPITAL PUNISHMENT , CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
2 [U] rough treatment: The carpet by the door takes the most punishment.
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pu.ni.tive
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 intended as punishment: There are calls for more punitive measures against people who drink and drive.   (AmE) He was awarded punitive damages (= in a court of law).
2 very severe and that people find very difficult to pay: punitive taxes
pu.ni.tive.ly adv.
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Pun.jabi
noun
1 [C] a person from the Punjab area in NW India and Pakistan
2 [U] the language of people from the Punjab
Pun.jabi adj.
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punk
noun
1 (also ,punk 'rock) [U] a type of loud and aggressive ROCK music popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s: a punk band
2 (also ,punk 'rocker) [C] a person who likes punk music and dresses like a punk musician, for example by wearing metal chains, leather clothes and having brightly coloured hair: a punk haircut
3 [C] (informal disapproving, especially AmE) a young man or boy who behaves in a rude or violent way
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pun.net
noun (BrE ) a small box or basket that soft fruit is often sold in
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punt^1
noun, verb —see also PUNT^2
noun
1 a long shallow boat with a flat bottom and square ends which is moved by pushing the end of a long pole against the bottom of a river—picture at BOAT
2 (BrE, informal) a bet: The investment is little more than a punt.
3 (in rugby or American football) a long kick made after dropping the ball from your hands

verb
1 to travel in a punt , especially for pleasure: [v] We spent the day punting on the river.  to go punting [alsovn]
2 [vn] to kick a ball hard so that it goes a long way, sometimes after it has dropped from your hands and before it reaches the ground

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punt^2
noun the unit of money in the Republic of Ireland (to be replaced by the euro)—see also PUNT^1
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punt.er
noun (BrE , informal)
1 a person who buys or uses a particular product or service; a customer: It’s important to keep the punters happy.
2 a person who gambles on the result of a horse race
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puny
adj. (disapproving)
1 small and weak: The lamb was a puny little thing.
2 not very impressive: They laughed at my puny efforts.
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pup
noun
1 = PUPPY
2 a young animal of various SPECIES ( = types): a seal pup
IDM sell sb / buy a pup (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to sell sb or be sold sth that has no value or is worth much less than the price paid for it
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pupa
noun (pl.pupae ) an insect in the stage of development between a LARVA and an adult insect—compare CHRYSALIS
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pu.pate
verb [v] (biology ) to develop into a pupa
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pupil
noun
1 (especially BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a person who is being taught, especially a child in a school: How many pupils does the school have?  She now teaches only private pupils.  note at STUDENT
2 a person who is taught artistic, musical, etc. skills by an expert: The painting is by a pupil of Rembrandt.
3 the small round black area at the centre of the eye: Her pupils were dilated.—compare IRIS —picture at BODY
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pup.pet
noun
1 a model of a person or an animal that can be made to move, for example by pulling strings attached to parts of its body or by putting your hand inside it. A puppet with strings is also called a MARIONETTE : a wooden / hand puppet  a puppet show—see also GLOVE PUPPET
2 (usually disapproving) a person or group whose actions are controlled by another: The occupying forces set up a puppet government .
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pup.pet.eer
noun a person who performs with puppets
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pup.pet.ry
noun [U] the art and skill of making and using puppets
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puppy
noun (pl.-ies) (also pup)
1 a young dog: a litter of puppies  a Labrador puppy
2 (old-fashioned, informal) (disapproving) a proud or rude young man
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'puppy fat
(BrE ) (AmE 'baby fat) noun [U] fat on a child’s body that disappears as the child grows older
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'puppy love
noun [U] feelings of love that a young person has for sb else and that adults do not think is very serious
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pur.chase
noun, verb
noun (formal or written)
1 [U, C] the act or process or buying sth: to make a purchase (= buy sth)  Keep your receipt as proof of purchase .  The company has just announced its £27 million purchase of Park Hotel.—see also HIRE PURCHASE
2 [C] something that you have bought: major purchases, such as a new car  If you are not satisfied with your purchase we will give you a full refund.
3 [U, sing.] (technical) a firm hold on sth with the hands or feet, for example when you are climbing: She tried to get a purchase on the slippery rock.

verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb) (formal or written) to buy sth: The equipment can be purchased from your local supplier.  They purchased the land for $1 million.  Please ensure that you purchase your ticket in advance.   (figurative) Victory was purchased (= achieved) at too great a price.

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'purchase price
noun [usually sing.] (formal) the price that is paid for sth you buy: the purchase price of the house
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pur.chaser
noun (formal) a person who buys sth—compare BUYER
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pur.chas.ing
noun [U] (business ) the activity of buying things, especially for a company: the company’s purchasing manager
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'purchasing power
noun [U]
1 money that people have available to buy goods with
2 the amount that a unit of money can buy: the peso’s purchasing power
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pur.dah
noun [U] the system in some Muslim and Hindu societies by which women live in a separate part of a house or cover their faces so that men do not see them: to be in purdah   He kept his daughters in virtual purdah.
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pure
adj. (purer , purest )
NOT MIXED|
1 [usually before noun] not mixed with anything else; with nothing added: pure gold / silk  These shirts are 100% pure cotton.  Classical dance in its purest form requires symmetry and balance.  One movie is classified as pure art, the other as entertainment.
CLEAN|
2 clean and not containing any harmful substances: a bottle of pure water  The air was sweet and pure.
OPP IMPURE
COMPLETE|
3 [only before noun] complete and total: They met by pure chance.  She laughed with pure joy.
MORALLY GOOD|
4 without evil thoughts or actions, especially sexual ones; morally good: to lead a pure life  His motives were pure.   (literary) to be pure in body and mind
OPP IMPURE
COLOUR / SOUND / LIGHT|
5 very clear; perfect: beaches of pure white sand  a pure note / tone / voice
SUBJECT YOU STUDY|
6 [only before noun] concerned with increasing knowledge of the subject rather than with using knowledge in practical ways: pure mathematics  technology as opposed to pure science subjects—compare APPLIED
BREED / RACE|
7 not mixed with any other breed or race, etc: These cattle are one of the purest breeds in Britain.—see also PURE-BRED —see also PURIFY , PURITY ,pure and 'simple used after the noun that it refers to in order to emphasize that there is nothing but the thing you have just mentioned involved in sth: It’s laziness, pure and simple.
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'pure-bred
adj. (of an animal) born from parents of the same breed, not from a mix of two or more breeds
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purée
noun, verb
noun [U, C] food in the form of a thick liquid made by crushing fruit or cooked vegetables in a small amount of water: apple purée

verb (pur.éed, pur.éed) [vn] to make food into a purée : puréed apples

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pure.ly
adv. only; completely: I saw the letter purely by chance.  The charity is run on a purely voluntary basis.  She took the job purely and simply for the money.
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pur.ga.tive
noun a substance, especially a medicine, that causes your bowels to empty
pur.ga.tive adj.
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pur.ga.tory
noun [U]
1 (usually Purgatory) (in Roman Catholic teaching) a place or state in which the souls of dead people suffer for the bad things they did when they were living, so that they can become pure enough to go to heaven
2 (spoken, humorous) any place or state of suffering: Getting up at four o’clock every morning is sheer purgatory.
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purge
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (of sb)| ~ sb (from sth) to remove people from an organization, often violently, because their opinions or activities are unacceptable to the people in power: His first act as leader was to purge the party of extremists.  He purged extremists from the party.
2 ~ yourself / sb/sth (of sth)| ~ sth (from sth) (written) to make yourself/sb/sth pure, healthy or clean by getting rid of bad thoughts or feelings: We need to purge our sport of racism.  Nothing could purge the guilt from her mind.

noun the act of removing people, often violently, from an organization because their views are unacceptable to the people who have power

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pur.ify
verb (puri.fies, puri.fy.ing, puri.fied, puri.fied) [vn]
1 to make sth pure by removing substances that are dirty, harmful or not wanted: One tablet will purify a litre of water in 10 minutes.
2 to make sb pure by removing evil from their souls: Hindus purify themselves by bathing in the river Ganges.
3 ~ sth (from sth) (technical) to take a pure form of a substance out of another substance that contains it
puri.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: a water purification plant
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pur.ist
noun a person who thinks things should be done in the traditional way and who has strong opinions on what is correct in language, art, etc.
pur.ism noun [U]
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pur.itan
noun, adj.
noun
1 (usually disapproving) a person who has very strict moral attitudes and who thinks that pleasure is bad
2 (Puritan) a member of a Protestant group of Christians in England in the 16th and 17th centuries who wanted to worship God in a simple way

adj.
1 (Puritan) connected with the Puritans and their beliefs
2 = PURITANICAL

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pur.it.an.ical
(also pur.itan) adj. (usually disapproving) having very strict moral attitudes: Their parents had a puritanical streak and didn’t approve of dancing.
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pur.itan.ism
noun [U]
1 (Puritanism) the beliefs and practices of the Puritans
2 very strict moral attitudes
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pur.ity
noun [U] the state or quality of being pure: The purity of the water is tested regularly.  moral / spiritual purity
OPP IMPURITY
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purl
noun [U] a stitch used in KNITTING
purl verb [v]
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pur.loin
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) (formal or humorous) to steal sth or use it without permission: We purloined a couple of old computers from work.
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pur.ple
adj.
1 having the colour of blue and red mixed together: a purple flower / bruise  His face was purple with rage.
2 ~ prose / passage writing or a piece of writing that is too grand in style
pur.ple noun [U, C]: She was dressed in purple.
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,Purple 'Heart
noun a medal given to a member of the armed forces of the US who has been wounded in battle
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'purple patch
noun (BrE ) a period of success or good luck: He was enjoying a purple patch and scored 11 goals in 14 games.
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purp.lish
adj. fairly purple in colour: purplish lips / skin
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pur.port
verb, noun
verb [v to inf] (formal) to claim to be sth or to have done sth, when this may not be true: The book does not purport to be a complete history of the period.

noun [sing.] the ~ of sth (formal) the general meaning of sth

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pur.ported
adj. [only before noun] (formal) that has been stated to have happened or to be true, when this might not be the case: the scene of the purported crime
pur.port.ed.ly adv.: a letter purportedly written by Mozart
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pur.pose
noun
1 [C] the intention, aim or function of sth; the thing that sth is supposed to achieve: Our campaign’s main purpose is to raise money.  The purpose of the book is to provide a complete guide to the university.  A meeting was called for the purpose of appointing a new treasurer.  The experiments serve no useful purpose (= are not useful).  The building is used for religious purposes.  note at CAUSE
2 (purposes) [pl.] what is needed in a particular situation: These gifts count as income for tax purposes.  For the purposes of this study, the three groups have been combined.
3 [C, U] meaning that is important and valuable to you: Volunteer work gives her life (a sense of) purpose .
4 [U] the ability to plan sth and work successfully to achieve it
SYN DETERMINATION : He has enormous confidence and strength of purpose .—see also CROSS PURPOSES
IDM on 'purpose not by accident; deliberately: He did it on purpose, knowing it would annoy her. to little / no 'purpose (formal) with little/no useful effect or result—more at INTENT n. , PRACTICAL adj.
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,purpose-'built
adj. (BrE ) designed and built for a particular purpose
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pur.pose.ful
adj. having a useful purpose; acting with a clear aim and with determination: Purposeful work is an important part of the regime for young offenders.  She looked purposeful and determined.
pur.pose.ful.ly adv.
pur.pose.ful.ness noun [U]
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pur.pose.less
adj. having no meaning, use or clear aim: purposeless destruction
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pur.pose.ly
adv. on purpose; deliberately: He sat down, purposely avoiding her gaze.
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pur.pos.ive
adj. (formal) having a clear and definite purpose
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purr
verb
1 [v] when a cat purrs, it makes a low continuous sound in the throat, especially when it is happy or comfortable
2 [v] (of a machine or vehicle) to make a low continuous sound; to move making such a sound: a purring engine  The car purred away.
3 to speak in a low and gentle voice, for example to show you are happy or satisfied, or because you want to attract sb or get them to do sth: [v] He was purring with satisfaction. [alsov speech]
purr (also pur.ring) noun [sing.]: the purr of a contented cat / a car engine
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purse
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (especially BrE) a small bag made of leather, plastic, etc. for carrying coins and often also paper money, cards, etc., used especially by women: I took a coin out of my purse and gave it to the child.—compare CHANGE PURSE , WALLET —picture at MONEY
2 [C] (AmE) = HANDBAG
3 [sing.] the amount of money that is available to a person, an organization or a government to spend: We have holidays to suit every purse.  Should spending on the arts be met out of the public purse (= from government money)?
4 [C] (sport) a sum of money given as a prize in a boxing match
IDM see SILK

verb [vn] ~ your lips to form your lips into a small tight round shape, for example to show disapproval

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pur.ser
noun an officer on a ship who is responsible for taking care of the passengers, and for the accounts
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the 'purse strings
noun [pl.] a way of referring to money and how it is controlled or spent: Who holds the purse strings in your house?  The government will have to tighten the purse strings (= spend less).
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pur.su.ance
noun
IDM in pursuance of sth (formal orlaw) in order to do sth; in the process of doing sth: They may need to borrow money in pursuance of their legal action.
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pur.su.ant
adj. ~ to sth (formal orlaw ) according to or following sth, especially a rule or law
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pur.sue
verb (formal)
1 [vn] to do sth or try to achieve sth over a period of time: to pursue a goal / an aim / an objective  We intend to pursue this policy with determination.  She wishes to pursue a medical career.
2 to continue to discuss, find out about or be involved in sth: [vn] to pursue legal action  We have decided not to pursue the matter. [alsov speech]
3 [vn] to follow or chase sb/sth, especially in order to catch them: She left the theatre, hotly pursued by the press.  Police pursued the car at high speed.
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pur.suer
noun (written) a person who is following or chasing sb
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pur.suit
noun
1 [U] ~ of sth the act of looking for or trying to find sth: the pursuit of happiness / knowledge / profit  She travelled the world in pursuit of her dreams.
2 [U] the act of following or chasing sb: We drove away with two police cars in pursuit (= following).  I galloped off on my horse with Rosie in hot pursuit (= following quickly behind).
3 [C, usually pl.] something that you give your time and energy to, that you do as a hobby: outdoor / leisure / intellectual / artistic pursuits
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puru.lent
adj. (medical ) containing or producing PUS : a purulent discharge from the wound
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pur.vey
verb [vn] (formal) to supply food, services or information to people
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pur.vey.or
noun (formal) a person or company that supplies sth
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pur.view
noun [U]
IDM within / outside the purview of sth (formal) within the limits of what a person, an organization, etc. is responsible for; dealt with by a document, law, etc.
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pus
noun [U] a thick yellowish or greenish liquid that is produced in an infected wound
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push
verb, noun
verb
USING HANDS / ARMS / BODY|
1 [often +adv. / prep.] to use your hands, arms or body in order to make sb/sth move forward or away from you; to move part of your body into a particular position: [v] We pushed and pushed but the piano wouldn’t move.  Push hard when I tell you to.  She pushed at the door but it wouldn’t budge.  You push and I’ll pull.  [vn] He walked slowly up the hill pushing his bike.  She pushed the cup towards me.  He pushed his chair back and stood up.  He tried to kiss her but she pushed him away.  She pushed her face towards him.  [vn-adj] I pushed the door open.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to use force to move past sb/sth using your hands, arms, etc: [v] The fans pushed against the barrier.  People were pushing and shoving to get to the front.  [vn] Try and push your way through the crowd.
AFFECT STH|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to affect sth so that it reaches a particular level or state: This development could push the country into recession.  The rise in interest rates will push prices up.
SWITCH / BUTTON|
4 [vn] to press a switch, button, etc., for example in order to make a machine start working: I went into the elevator and pushed the button for the top floor.
PERSUADE|
5 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth)| ~ sb (to do sth) to persuade or encourage sb to do sth that they may not want to do: [vn] My teacher pushed me into entering the competition.  [vn to inf] No one pushed you to take the job, did they?
WORK HARD|
6 [vn] to make sb work hard: The music teacher really pushes her pupils.  Lucy should push herself a little harder.
PUT PRESSURE ON SB|
7 [vn] (informal) to put pressure on sb and make them angry or upset: Her parents are very tolerant, but sometimes she pushes them too far.
NEW IDEA / PRODUCT|
8 [vn] (informal) to try hard to persuade people to accept or agree with a new idea, buy a new product, etc: The interview gave him a chance to push his latest movie.  She didn’t want to push the point any further at that moment.
SELL DRUGS|
9 [vn] (informal) to sell illegal drugs
OF ARMY|
10 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move forward quickly through an area: The army pushed (on) towards the Nile. be ,pushing '40, '50, etc. (informal) to be nearly 40, 50, etc. years old be ,pushing up (the) 'daisies (old-fashioned, humorous) to be dead and in a grave push the 'boat out (BrE, informal) to spend a lot of money on enjoying yourself or celebrating sth push your 'luck | 'push it / things to take a risk because you have successfully avoided problems in the past: You didn’t get caught last time, but don’t push your luck! push sth to the back of your 'mind to try to forget about sth unpleasant: I tried to push the thought to the back of my mind.—more at PANIC BUTTON ,push sb a'bout / a'round to give orders to sb in a rude or unpleasant way ,push a'head / 'forward (with sth) to continue with a plan in a determined way: The government is pushing ahead with its electoral reforms. ,push sth<->'aside to avoid thinking about sth: He pushed aside the feelings of fear. ,push sth 'back to make the time or date of a meeting, etc. later than originally planned: The start of the game was pushed back from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 'push for sth| 'push sb for sth to repeatedly ask for sth or try to make sth happen because you think it is very important: The pressure group is pushing for a ban on GM foods.  I’m going to have to push you for an answer. ,push 'forward to continue moving or travelling somewhere, especially when it is a long distance or difficult ,push yourself / sb 'forward to make other people think about and notice you or sb else: She had to push herself forward to get a promotion. ,push 'in (BrE) (AmE ,cut 'in) to go in front of other people who are waiting ,push 'off
1 (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb rudely to go away: Hey, what are you doing? Push off!
2 to move away from the shore in a boat, or from the side of a swimming pool, etc. ,push 'on to continue with a journey or an activity: We rested for a while then pushed on to the next camp. ,push sb<->'out to make sb leave a place or an organization ,push sb/sth<->'out to make sth less important than it was; to replace sth ,push sth<->'out to produce sth in large quantities: factories pushing out cheap cotton shirts ,push sb/sth 'over to make sb/sth fall to the ground by pushing them: Sam pushed me over in the playground.—see also PUSHOVER ,push sth<->'through to get a new law or plan officially accepted: The government is pushing the changes through before the election.

noun
USING HANDS / ARMS / BODY|
1 an act of pushing sth/sb: She gave him a gentle push.  The car won’t start. Can you give it a push?  At the push of a button (= very easily) he could get a whole list of names.
OF ARMY|
2 a large and determined military attack: a final push against the enemy   (figurative) The firm has begun a major push into the European market.
EFFORT|
3 ~ for sth a determined effort to achieve sth: The push for reform started in 1989. at a 'push (BrE, informal) used to say that sth is possible, but only with difficulty: We can provide accommodation for six people at a push. give sb / get the 'push (BrE, informal) to dismiss sb/to be dismissed from your job: They gave him the push after only six weeks. when ,push comes to 'shove (informal) when there is no other choice; when everything else has failed

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push.bike
noun (old-fashioned, BrE ) a bicycle
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'push-button
adj. [only before noun] operated by pressing buttons with your fingers: a push-button phone
'push-button noun
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push.chair
(BrE ) (AmE stroll.er) noun a small folding seat on wheels in which a small child sits and is pushed along—compare BUGGY
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pushed
adj. [not before noun] (informal)
1 ~ (to do sth) having difficulty doing sth: You’ll be hard pushed to finish this today.
2 ~ for sth not having enough of sth: to be pushed for money / time
3 busy: I know you’re pushed, but can you make tomorrow’s meeting?
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push.er
noun (informal) a person who sells illegal drugs: drug pushers—see also PEN-PUSHER
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push.over
noun (informal)
1 a thing that is easy to do or win: The game will be a pushover.
2 a person who is easy to persuade or influence: I don’t think she’ll agree—she’s no pushover.
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push.pin
noun (AmE ) a type of DRAWING PIN with a coloured plastic head that is not flat—picture at STATIONERY
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'push-start
verb [vn] (especially BrE ) to push a vehicle in order to make the engine start
'push-start noun—see also KICK-START
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'push-up
noun (especially AmE ) = PRESS-UP
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pushy
adj. (informal, disapproving) trying hard to get what you want, especially in a way that seems rude: a pushy salesman
pushi.ness noun [U]
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pu.sil.lan.im.ous
adj. (formal) frightened to take risks
SYN COWARDLY
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puss
noun (especially BrE ) used when you are calling or talking to a cat
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pussy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (also 'pussy cat) a child’s word for a cat
2 ( , slang) the female sexual organs, especially the VULVA
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pussy.foot
verb [v] ~ (about / around) (informal, usually disapproving) to be careful or anxious about expressing your opinion in case you upset sb
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'pussy willow
noun a small tree with flowers in spring that are like soft fur
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pus.tule
noun (formal ormedical ) a spot on the skin containing PUS
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put
verb (put.ting, put, put)
IN PLACE / POSITION|
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth into a particular place or position: Put the cases down there, please.  Did you put sugar in my coffee?  Put your hand up if you need more paper.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth into a particular place or position using force: He put his fist through a glass door.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to cause sb/sth to go to a particular place: Her family put her into a nursing home.  It was the year the Americans put a man on the moon.
ATTACH|
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to attach or fix sth to sth else: We had to put new locks on all the doors.
WRITE|
5 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to write sth or make a mark on sth: Put your name here.  Friday at 11? I’ll put it in my diary.  I couldn’t read what she had put.
INTO STATE / CONDITION|
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to bring sb/sth into the state or condition mentioned: I was put in charge of the office.  The incident put her in a bad mood.  Put yourself in my position . What would you have done?  I tried to put the matter into perspective .  Don’t go putting yourself at risk .  It was time to put their suggestion into practice .  This new injury will put him out of action for several weeks.
AFFECT SB / STH|
7 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ sth on / onto / to sth to make sb/sth feel sth or be affected by sth: Her new job has put a great strain on her.  They put pressure on her to resign.  It’s time you put a stop to this childish behaviour.
GIVE VALUE / RANK|
8 [vn] ~ sth on sth to give or attach a particular level of importance, trust, value, etc. to sth: Our company puts the emphasis on quality.  He put a limit on the amount we could spend.
9 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to consider sb/sth to belong to the class or level mentioned: I’d put her in the top rank of modern novelists.
EXPRESS|
10 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to express or state sth in a particular way: She put it very tactfully.  Put simply , we accept their offer or go bankrupt.  I was, to put it mildly , annoyed (= I was extremely angry).  He was too trusting—or, to put it another way , he had no head for business.  The meat was—how shall I put it? —a little overdone.  As T.S. Eliot puts it …  She had never tried to put this feeling into words .  Can you help me put this letter into good English, please?
IN SPORT|
11 [vn] to throw the SHOT Most idioms containing put are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example put your foot in it is at foot.  put it a'bout (BrE, informal) to have many sexual partners I wouldn’t put it 'past sb (to do sth) (informal) used to say that you think sb is capable of doing sth wrong, illegal, etc. put it to sb that … to suggest sth to sb to see if they can argue against it: I put it to you that you are the only person who had a motive for the crime. put one 'over on sb (spoken) to persuade sb to believe sth that is not true: Don’t try to put one over on me! put sb 'through it (informal, especially BrE) to force sb to experience sth difficult or unpleasant: They really put me through it (= asked me difficult questions) at the interview. put to'gether used when comparing or contrasting sb/sth with a group of other people or things to mean ‘combined’ or ‘in total’: Your department spent more last year than all the others put together. ,put sth<->a'bout (BrE , informal) to tell a lot of people news, information, etc. that may be false: [+ that] Someone’s been putting it about that you plan to resign.'put sth above sth = PUT STH BEFORE STH ,put yourself / sth<->a'cross / 'over (to sb) to communicate your ideas, feelings, etc. successfully to sb: She’s not very good at putting her views across.,put sth<->a'side
1 to ignore or forget sth, usually a feeling or difference of opinion
SYN DISREGARD : They decided to put aside their differences.
2 (also ,put sth<->'by especially in BrE) to save money for a particular purpose'put sth at sth to calculate sb/sth to be a particular age, weight, amount, etc: The damage to the building is put at over $1 million.,put sb<->a'way [often passive] (informal) to send sb to prison, to a mental hospital, etc. ,put sth<->a'way
1 to put sth in the place where it is kept because you have finished using it: I’m just going to put the car away (= in the garage).
2 to save money to spend later: She has a few thousand dollars put away for her retirement.
3 (informal) to eat or drink large quantities of sth: He must have put away a bottle of whisky last night.,put sth<->'back
1 to return sth to its usual place or to the place where it was before it was moved: If you use something, put it back!
2 to move sth to a later time or date
SYN POSTPONE : The meeting has been put back to next week.
3 to cause sth to be delayed: Poor trading figures put back our plans for expansion.
4 to move the hands of a clock so that they show the correct earlier time: Remember to put your clocks back tonight (= because the time has officially changed).'put sth before / above sth to treat sth as more important than sth else,put sth be'hind you to try to forget about an unpleasant experience and think about the future,put sth<->'by = PUT STH ASIDE ,put 'down (of an aircraft or its pilot) to land: He put down in a field. ,put sb<->'down (informal) to make sb look or feel stupid, especially in front of other people—related noun PUT-DOWN ,put sth<->'down
1 to stop holding sth and place it on a table, shelf, etc: Put that knife down before you hurt somebody!  It’s a great book. I couldn’t put it down .   (BrE) She put the phone down on me (= put the receiver down before I had finished speaking).
2 to write sth; to make a note of sth: The meeting’s on the 22nd. Put it down in your diary.
3 to pay part of the cost of sth: We put a 5% deposit down on the house.
4 to stop sth by force
SYN CRUSH : to put down a rebellion  The military government is determined to put down all opposition.
5 [often passive] to kill an animal, usually by giving it a drug, because it is old or sick: We had to have our cat put down.
6 (BrE) to put a baby to bed: Can you be quiet—I’ve just put the baby down.
7 to present sth formally for discussion by a parliament or committee
SYN TABLE : to put down a motion / an amendment ,put sb 'down as sth to consider or judge sb to be a particular type of person: I’d put them both down as retired teachers. ,put sb 'down for sth to put sb’s name on a list, etc. for sth: Put me down for three tickets for Saturday.  They’ve put their son down for the local school. 'put sth down to sth to consider that sth is caused by sth: What do you put her success down to?,put sth<->'forth (formal) = PUT STH OUT ,put yourself / sb/sth<->'forward to suggest yourself/sb as a candidate for a job or position: Can I put you / your name forward for club secretary? ,put sth<->'forward
1 to move sth to an earlier time or date: We’ve put the wedding forward by one week.
2 to move the hands of a clock to the correct later time: Remember to put your clocks forward tonight (= because the time has officially changed).
3 to suggest sth for discussion: to put forward an argument / a plan / a suggestion,put sb<->'in to elect a political party to govern a country: Who will the voters put in this time? ,put sth<->'in
1 to fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used
SYN INSTALL : We’re having a new shower put in.
2 to include sth in a letter, story, etc.
3 to interrupt another speaker in order to say sth: Could I put in a word? [+ speech] ‘But what about us?’ he put in.
4 to officially make a claim, request, etc: The company has put in a claim for damages.
5 (also 'put sth into sth) to spend a lot of time or make a lot of effort doing sth: She often puts in twelve hours' work a day. [+ -ing] He’s putting a lot of work into improving his French.—related noun INPUT
6 (also 'put sth into sth) to use or give money: [+ -ing] He’s put all his savings into buying that house. ,put 'in (at … )| 'put into … (of a boat or its sailors) to enter a port: They put in at Lagos for repairs.
OPP PUT OUT (TO … / FROM … ) ,put 'in for sth (especially BrE) to officially ask for sth: Are you going to put in for that job? ,put yourself / sb/sth 'in for sth to enter yourself/sb/sth for a competition,put sth 'into sth
1 to add a quality to sth: He put as much feeling into his voice as he could.
2 = PUT STH IN (5), (6) ,put sb<->'off
1 to cancel a meeting or an arrangement that you have made with sb: It’s too late to put them off now.
2 to make sb dislike sb/sth or not trust them/it: She’s very clever but her manner does tend to put people off.  Don’t be put off by how it looks—it tastes delicious.—see also OFF-PUTTING
3 (also ,put sb 'off sth) to disturb sb who is trying to give all their attention to sth that they are doing: Don’t put me off when I’m trying to concentrate.  The sudden noise put her off her game.
4 (BrE) (of a vehicle or its driver) to stop in order to allow sb to leave: I asked the bus driver to put me off at the station. ,put sb 'off sth/sb to make sb lose interest in or enthusiasm for sth/sb: He was put off science by bad teaching. [+ -ing] The accident put her off driving for life. ,put sth<->'off to change sth to a later time or date
SYN DELAY : We’ve had to put off our wedding until September. [+ -ing] He keeps putting off going to the dentist.put sb on to give sb the telephone so that they can talk to the person at the other end: Hi, Dad—can you put Nicky on? 'put sth<->'on
1 to dress yourself in sth: Hurry up! Put your coat on!
OPP TAKE OFF
2 to apply sth to your skin, face, etc: She’s just putting on her make-up.
3 to switch on a piece of equipment: I’ll put the kettle on for tea.  She put on the brakes suddenly.
4 to make a tape, CD, etc. begin to play: Do you mind if I put some music on?
5 to become heavier, especially by the amount mentioned
SYN GAIN : She looks like she’s put on weight .  He must have put on several kilos.
6 to provide sth specially: The city is putting on extra buses during the summer.
7 to produce or present a play, a show, etc: The local drama club is putting on ‘Macbeth’ at the Playhouse.
8 to pretend to have a particular feeling, quality, way of speaking, etc: He put on an American accent.  I don’t think she was hurt. She was just putting it on . ,put sth 'on sth
1 to add an amount of money or a tax to the cost of sth: The government has put ten pence on the price of twenty cigarettes.
2 to bet money on sth: I’ve never put money on a horse.  I put £5 on him to win.,put sb 'onto sb/sth
1 to tell the police, etc. about where a criminal is or about a crime: What first put the police onto the scam?
2 to tell sb about sb/sth that they may like or find useful: Who put you onto this restaurant—it’s great!,put 'out (AmE, slang) to agree to have sex with sb ,put yourself 'out (for sb) (informal) to make a special effort to do sth for sb: Please don’t put yourself out on my account. ,put sb 'out
1 to cause sb trouble, extra work, etc: I hope our arriving late didn’t put them out.
2 (be put out) to be upset or offended: He looked really put out.
3 to make sb unconscious: These pills should put him out for a few hours. ,put sth<->'out
1 to take sth out of your house and leave it, for example for sb to collect: (BrE) to put the rubbish out   (AmE) to put the garbage / trash out  Have you put the cat out?
2 to place sth where it will be noticed and used: Have you put out clean towels for the guests?
3 to stop sth from burning or shining: to put out a candle / cigarette / light  Firefighters soon put the fire out.
4 to produce sth, especially for sale: The plant puts out 500 new cars a week.—related noun OUTPUT
5 to publish or broadcast sth: Police have put out a description of the man they wish to question.
6 to give a job or task to a worker who is not your employee or to a company that is not part of your own group or organization: A lot of the work is put out to freelancers.
7 to make a figure, result, etc. wrong: The rise in interest rates put our estimates out by several thousands.
8 to push a bone out of its normal position
SYN DISLOCATE : She fell off her horse and put her shoulder out.
9 (also formal ,put sth<->'forth) to develop or produce new leaves, SHOOTS , etc. ,put 'out (to … / from … ) (of a boat or its sailors) to leave a port: to put out to sea  We put out from Liverpool.
OPP PUT IN (AT … ) ,put yourself / sth 'over (to sb) = PUT YOURSELF / STH ACROSS (TO SB) ,put sth<->'through to continue with and complete a plan, programme, etc: We managed to put the deal through. ,put sb 'through sth
1 to make sb experience sth very difficult or unpleasant: You have put your family through a lot recently.
2 to arrange or pay for sb to attend a school, college, etc: He put all his children through college. ,put sb/sth 'through (to sb / … ) to connect sb by telephone: Could you put me through to the manager, please?'put sb to sth to cause sb trouble, difficulty, etc: I hope we’re not putting you to too much trouble. 'put sth to sb
1 to offer a suggestion to sb so that they can accept or reject it: Your proposal will be put to the board of directors.
2 to ask sb a question: The audience is now invited to put questions to the speaker.,put sth<->to'gether to make or prepare sth by fitting or collecting parts together: to put together a model plane / an essay / a meal  I think we can put together a very strong case for the defence.'put sth towards sth to give money to pay part of the cost of sth: Here’s $100 to put towards your ski trip.,put 'up sth
1 to show a particular level of skill, determination, etc. in a fight or contest: They surrendered without putting up much of a fight.  The team put up a great performance (= played very well).
2 to suggest an idea, etc. for other people to discuss: to put up an argument / a case / a proposal ,put sb<->'up
1 to let sb stay at your home: We can put you up for the night.
2 to suggest or present sb as a candidate for a job or position: The Green Party hopes to put up more candidates in the next election. ,put sth<->'up
1 to raise sth or put it in a higher position: to put up a flag  She’s put her hair up.
2 to build sth or place sth somewhere: to put up a building / fence / memorial / tent
3 to fix sth in a place where it will be seen
SYN DISPLAY : to put up a notice / a poster
4 to raise or increase sth: They’ve put up the rent by £20 a month.
5 to provide or lend money: A local businessman has put up the £500 000 needed to save the club. ,put 'up (at … ) (especially BrE) to stay somewhere for the night: We put up at a motel. ,put 'up for sth| ,put yourself 'up for sth to offer yourself as a candidate for a job or position: She is putting up for election to the committee. ,put sb 'up to sth (informal) to encourage or persuade sb to to do sth wrong or stupid: Some of the older boys must have put him up to it. ,put 'up with sb/sth to accept sb/sth that is annoying, unpleasant, etc. without complaining
SYN TOLERATE : I don’t know how she puts up with him.  I’m not going to put up with their smoking any longer.
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pu.ta.tive
adj. [only before noun] (formal orlaw ) believed to be the person or thing mentioned: the putative father of this child
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'put-down
noun (informal) a remark or criticism that is intended to make sb look or feel stupid: She couldn’t think of a good put-down quickly enough.
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'put-on
noun [usually sing.] (AmE ) something that is done to trick or deceive people
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pu.tre.fac.tion
noun [U] (formal) the process of decaying, especially that of a dead body
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pu.trefy
verb (pu.tre.fies, pu.tre.fy.ing, pu.tre.fied, pu.tre.fied) [v] (formal) to decay and smell very bad
SYN ROT
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pu.trid
adj.
1 (of dead animals or plants) decaying and therefore smelling very bad: the putrid smell of rotten meat
2 (informal) very unpleasant: a putrid pink colour
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putsch
noun (from German ) a sudden attempt to remove a government by force
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putt
verb [v, vn] (in golf) to hit the ball gently when it is on the short grass near the hole, so that it rolls across the ground a short distance into or towards the hole
putt noun
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putt.er
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 (BrE) (of a boat or vehicle) to make a repeated low sound as it moves slowly: the puttering of the engine as it reduced speed
2 (AmE) = POTTER : I spent the morning puttering around the house.

noun (in the game of golf) the type of CLUB that is used for putting (= hitting the ball short distances)

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'putting green
noun a small GOLF COURSE on an area of smooth short grass where people can practise PUTTING
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putty
noun [U] a soft sticky substance that becomes hard when it is dry and that is used for fixing glass into window frames
IDM (like) putty in sb’s 'hands easily controlled or influenced by another person: She’ll persuade him. He’s like putty in her hands.
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,put-up 'job
noun [usually sing.] (BrE , informal) a plan or an event that has been arranged secretly in order to trick or deceive sb
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'put-upon
adj. treated in an unfair way by sb because they take advantage of your kindness or willingness to do things: his much put-upon wife
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puz.zle
noun, verb
noun
1 a game, etc. that you have to think about carefully in order to answer it or do it: a crossword puzzle  a book of puzzles for children
2 (especially AmE) = JIGSAW
3 [usually sing.] something that is difficult to understand or explain
SYN MYSTERY : The deeper meaning of the poem remains a puzzle.

verb [vn] to make sb feel confused because they do not understand sth: What puzzles me is why he left the country without telling anyone.
puz.zling adj.: one of the most puzzling aspects of the crime
PVR V 'puzzle over / about sth to think hard about sth in order to understand or explain it: Karen puzzled over the question all evening. ,puzzle sth<->'out to find the answer to a difficult or confusing problem by thinking carefully: [+ wh-] He was trying to puzzle out why he had been brought to the house.

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puz.zled
adj. unable to understand sth or the reason for sth: She had a puzzled look on her face.  Scientists are puzzled as to why the whale had swum to the shore.  He looked puzzled so I repeated the question.
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puzzle.ment
noun [U] (formal) a feeling of being confused because you do not understand sth: She frowned in puzzlement.
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puz.zler
noun (informal) something that makes you feel confused
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PVC
noun [U] a strong plastic material used for a wide variety of products, such as clothing, pipes, floor coverings, etc.
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p.w.
abbr. (BrE ) per week: Rent is £100 p.w.
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pygmy
(also pigmy) noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (Pygmy) a member of a race of very short people living in parts of Africa and SE Asia
2 (disapproving) a very small person or thing or one that is weak in some way: He regarded them as intellectual pygmies.

adj. [only before noun] used to describe a plant or SPECIES (= type) of animal that is much smaller than other similar kinds: a pygmy shrew

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py.ja.mas
(BrE ) (AmEpa.ja.mas) noun [pl.]
1 a loose jacket and trousers/pants worn in bed: a pair of pyjamas—
2 loose trousers/pants tied around the waist, worn by Muslims of both sexes in some Asian countries
py.jama (BrE) (AmE pa.jama) adj. [only before noun]: pyjama bottoms
IDM see CAT
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pylon
noun a tall metal structure that is used for carrying electricity wires high above the ground
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pyra.mid
noun
1 a large building with a square or TRIANGULAR base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top. The ancient Egyptians built stone pyramids as places to bury their kings and queens.
2 (geometry) a solid shape with a square or TRIANGULAR base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top—picture at SOLID
3 an object or a pile of things that has the shape of a pyramid : a pyramid of cans in a shop window
4 an organization or a system in which there are fewer people at each level as you get near the top: a management pyramid
pyr.am.idal adj.
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,pyramid 'selling
noun [U] a way of selling things in which sb buys the right to sell a company’s goods and then sells the goods to other people. These other people sell the goods again to others.
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pyre
noun a large pile of wood on which a dead body is placed and burned in a funeral ceremony
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Pyrex
™noun [U] a type of hard glass that does not break at high temperatures, and is often used to make dishes for cooking food in
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pyr.ites
noun [U] a shiny yellow mineral that is a natural compound of SULPHUR and a metal such as iron: iron / copper pyrites
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pyro.mania
noun [U] (technical ) a mental illness that causes a strong desire to set fire to things
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pyro.maniac
noun
1 (technical) a person who suffers from pyromania
2 (informal, humorous) a person who enjoys making or watching fires
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pyro.tech.nics
noun
1 [U+sing./pl. v.] (technical) FIREWORKS or a display of FIREWORKS
2 [pl.] (formal) a clever and complicated display of skill, for example by a musician, writer or speaker: guitar pyrotechnics
pyro.tech.nic adj. [usually before noun]
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Pyr.rhic vic.tory
noun a victory that is not worth winning because the winner has suffered or lost so much in winning it
ORIGIN From Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus who defeated the Romans in 279BC but lost many of his own men.
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py.thon
noun a large tropical snake that kills animals for food by winding its long body around them and crushing them
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Q
nounabbr.
noun (also q) [C, U] (pl.Q’s, q’s ) the 17th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Queen’ begins with (a) Q / ‘Q’.—see also Q-TIP

abbr. question

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QC
noun (in Britain) the highest level of BARRISTER , who can speak for the government in a court of law. QC is an abbreviation for ‘Queen’s Counsel’ and is used when there is a queen in Britain.—compare KC
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QED
(BrE ) (also Q.E.D.AmE, BrE) abbr. that is what I wanted to prove and I have proved it (from Latin ‘quod erat demonstrandum’)
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qt
abbr. (in writing) QUART
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'Q-tip
™noun (AmE ) = COTTON BUD
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qua
prep. (from Latin , formal) as sth; in the role of sth: The soldier acted qua soldier, not as a human being.—see also SINE QUA NON
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quack
noun, verb
noun
1 the sound that a duck makes
2 (informal, disapproving) a person who dishonestly claims to have medical knowledge or skills: quack doctors  I’ve got a check-up with the quack (= the doctor) next week.

verb [v] when a duck quacks it makes the noise that is typical of ducks

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quack.ery
noun [U] the methods or behaviour of sb who pretends to have medical knowledge
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quad
noun
1 = QUADRANGLE
2 = QUADRUPLET
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quad.ran.gle
(also quad) noun an open square area that has buildings all around it, especially in a school or college
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quad.rant
noun
1 (geometry) a quarter of a circle or of its CIRCUMFERENCE (= the distance around it)—picture at CIRCLE
2 an instrument for measuring angles, especially to check your position at sea or to look at stars
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quadra.phon.ic
(also quadro.phon.ic) adj. (of a system of recording or broadcasting sound) coming from four different SPEAKERS at the same time—compare MONO , STEREO
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quad.rat.ic
adj. (mathematics ) involving an unknown quantity that is multiplied by itself once only: a quadratic equation
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quadri-
(also quadr-) combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) four; having four: quadrilateral  quadruplet
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quad.ri.lat.eral
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with four straight sides
quad.ri.lat.eral adj.
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quad.rille
noun a dance for four or more couples in a square, popular in the past
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quadri.ple.gic
noun a person who is permanently unable to use their arms and legs
quadri.ple.gic adj.
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quadro.phon.ic
adj. = QUADRAPHONIC
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quad.ru.ped
noun (technical ) any creature with four feet—compare BIPED
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quad.ru.ple
verb, adj., det.
verb to become four times bigger; to make sth four times bigger: [v] Sales have quadrupled in the last five years. [alsovn]

adj. [only before noun] det.
1 consisting of four parts, people or groups: a quadruple alliance
2 being four times as much or as many: a quadruple whisky  This year we produced quadruple the amount produced in 1998.

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quad.ru.plet
(also quad) noun one of four children born at the same time to the same mother
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quaff
verb [vn] (old-fashioned or literary) to drink a large amount of sth quickly
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quag.mire
noun
1 an area of soft wet ground
2 a difficult or dangerous situation
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quail
noun, verb
noun [C, U] (pl.quails or quail) a small brown bird, whose meat and eggs are used for food; the meat of this bird

verb [v] ~ (at / before sb/sth) (literary) to feel frightened or to show that you are frightened

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quaint
adj. attractive in an unusual or old-fashioned way: quaint old customs  a quaint and charming seaside village
quaint.ly adv.
quaint.ness noun [U]
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quake
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (with sth) (of a person) to shake because you are very frightened or nervous
SYN TREMBLE : Quaking with fear, Polly slowly opened the door.
2 (of the earth or a building) to move or shake violently: The ground quaked as the bomb exploded.

noun (informal) = EARTHQUAKE

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Quaker
noun a member of the Society of Friends, a Christian religious group that meets without any formal ceremony and is strongly opposed to violence and war
Quaker adj.: a Quaker school
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quali.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] an exam that you have passed or a course of study that you have successfully completed: academic / educational / professional / vocational qualifications  a nursing / teaching qualification  He left school with no formal qualifications.  In this job, experience counts for more than paper qualifications.
2 [C] a skill or type of experience that you need for a particular job or activity: Previous teaching experience is a necessary qualification for this job.
3 [C, U] information that you add to a statement to limit the effect that it has or the way it is applied: I accept his theories, but not without certain qualifications.  The plan was approved without qualification.
4 [U] the fact of passing an exam, completing a course of training or reaching the standard necessary to do a job or take part in a competition: Nurses in training should be given a guarantee of employment following qualification.  A victory in this game will earn them qualification for the World Cup.
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quali.fied
adj.
1 ~ (for sth) having passed the exams or completed the training that are necessary in order to do a particular job; having the experience to do a particular job: a qualified accountant / teacher  to be highly / suitably / fully qualified  She’s extremely well qualified for the job.
2 [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) having the practical knowledge or skills to do sth: I don’t know much about it, so I don’t feel qualified to comment.
3 [usually before noun] (of approval, support, etc.) limited in some way: The plan was given only qualified support.  The project was only a qualified success .
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quali.fier
noun
1 a person or team that has defeated others in order to enter a particular competition
2 a game or match that a person or team has to win in order to enter a particular competition: a World Cup qualifier
3 (grammar) a word, especially an adjective or adverb, that describes another word in a particular way: In ‘the open door’, ‘open’ is a qualifier, describing the door.
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quali.fy
verb (quali.fies, quali.fy.ing, quali.fied, quali.fied)
FOR JOB|
1 [v] ~ (as sth) to reach the standard of ability or knowledge needed to do a particular job, for example by completing a course of study or passing exams: How long does it take to qualify?  He qualified as a doctor last year.
GIVE SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE|
2 ~ sb (for sth) to give sb the skills and knowledge they need to do sth: [vn] This training course will qualify you for a better job.  [vn to inf] The test qualifies you to drive heavy vehicles.
HAVE / GIVE RIGHT|
3 ~ (sb) (for sth) to have or give sb the right to do sth: [v] If you live in the area, you qualify for a parking permit.  To qualify, you must have lived in this country for at least three years.  [vn] Paying a fee doesn’t automatically qualify you for membership.
FOR COMPETITION|
4 [v] ~ (for sth) to be of a high enough standard to enter a competition; to defeat another person or team in order to enter or continue in a competition: He failed to qualify.  They qualified for the World Cup.
FIT DESCRIPTION|
5 ~ (sth) (as sth) to have the right qualities to be described as a particular thing: [v] Do you think this dress qualifies as evening wear?  [vn] It’s an old building, but that doesn’t qualify it as an ancient monument!
STATEMENT|
6 [vn] to add sth to a previous statement to make the meaning less strong or less general: I want to qualify what I said earlier—I didn’t mean he couldn’t do the job, only that he would need supervision.
GRAMMAR|
7 [vn] (of a word) to describe another word in a particular way: In ‘the open door’, ‘open’ is an adjective qualifying ‘door’.
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quali.ta.tive
adj. [usually before noun] connected with how good sth is, rather than with how much of it there is: qualitative analysis / research  There are qualitative differences between the two products.—compare QUANTITATIVE
quali.ta.tive.ly adv.: qualitatively different
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qual.ity
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the standard of sth when it is compared to other things like it; how good or bad sth is: to be of good / poor / top quality  goods of a high quality  high-quality goods  a decline in water / air quality  When costs are cut product quality suffers.  Their quality of life improved dramatically when they moved to France.
2 [U] a high standard: contemporary writers of quality   We aim to provide quality at reasonable prices.
3 [C] a thing that is part of a person’s character, especially sth good: personal qualities such as honesty and generosity  to lack / possess leadership qualities
4 [C, U] a feature of sth, especially one that makes it different from sth else: the special quality of light and shade in her paintings
5 [C] (BrE) = QUALITY NEWSPAPER

adj.
1 [only before noun] used especially by people trying to sell goods or services to say that sth is of a high quality: We specialize in quality furniture.  quality service at a competitive price
2 (BrE, slang) very good: ‘What was the film like?’‘Quality!’

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'quality assurance
noun [U] the practice of managing the way goods are produced or services are provided to make sure they are kept at a high standard
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'quality control
noun [U] the practice of checking goods as they are being produced, to make sure that they are of a high standard
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,quality 'newspaper
(also less frequent qual.ity) noun (BrE ) a newspaper that is intended for people who are intelligent and educated—compare TABLOID
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'quality time
noun [U] time spent giving your full attention to sb, especially to your children after work
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qualm
noun [usually pl.] ~ (about sth) a feeling of doubt or worry about whether what you are doing is right: He had been working very hard so he had no qualms about taking a few days off.
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quan.dary
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-ies) the state of not being able to decide what to do in a difficult situation: George was in a quandary —should he go or shouldn’t he?
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quango
noun (pl.-os) (often disapproving) (in Britain) an organization dealing with public matters, started by the government, but working independently and with its own legal powers
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quanta
pl. of QUANTUM
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quan.tify
verb (quan.ti.fies, quan.ti.fy.ing, quan.ti.fied, quan.ti.fied) [vn] to describe or express sth as an amount or a number: The risks to health are impossible to quantify.
quan.ti.fi.able adj.: quantifiable data
quan.ti.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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quan.ti.ta.tive
adj. connected with the amount or number of sth rather than with how good it is: quantitative analysis / research  There is no difference between the two in quantitative terms.—compare QUALITATIVE
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quan.tity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] an amount or a number of sth: a large / small quantity of sth  enormous / vast / huge quantities of food  a product that is cheap to produce in large quantities   Is it available in sufficient quantity?
2 [U] the measurement of sth by saying how much of it there is: The data is limited in terms of both quality and quantity.
3 [C, U] a large amount or number of sth: The police found a quantity of drugs at his home.  It’s cheaper to buy goods in quantity .  I was overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information available.
IDM see UNKNOWN
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'quantity surveyor
noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to calculate the quantity of materials needed for building sth, how much it will cost and how long it will take
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quan.tum
noun (pl.quanta ) (physics ) a very small quantity of ELECTROMAGNETIC energy
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,quantum 'leap
(also less frequent ,quantum 'jump) noun a sudden, great and important change, improvement or development: This discovery marks a quantum leap forward in the fight against cancer.
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,quantum me'chanics
noun [U] (physics ) the branch of MECHANICS that deals with movement and force in pieces of matter smaller than atoms
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'quantum theory
noun [U] (physics ) a theory based on the idea that energy exists in units that cannot be divided
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quar.an.tine
noun, verb
noun [U] a period of time when an animal or a person that has or may have a disease is kept away from others in order to prevent the disease from spreading: The dog was kept in quarantine for six months.  quarantine regulations

verb [vn] to put an animal or a person into quarantine

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quark
noun (physics ) a very small part of MATTER (= a substance). There are several types of quark and it is thought that PROTONS , NEUTRONS , etc. are formed from them.
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quar.rel
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (with sb / between A and B) (about / over sth) an angry argument or disagreement between people, often about a personal matter: a family quarrel  He did not mention the quarrel with his wife.  They had a quarrel about money.  Were you at any time aware of a quarrel between the two of them?
2 [U] ~ (with sb/sth) (especially in negative sentences) a reason for complaining about sb/sth or for disagreeing with sb/sth: We have no quarrel with his methods.
IDM see PICK v.

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to have an angry argument or disagreement: My sister and I used to quarrel all the time.  She quarrelled with her brother over their father’s will.
PVR V 'quarrel with sb/sth to disagree with sb/sth: Nobody could quarrel with your conclusions.

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quar.rel.some
adj. (of a person) liking to argue with other people
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quarry
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a place where large amounts of stone, etc. are dug out of the ground: a chalk / slate quarry  the site of a disused quarry—compare MINE n. (1)
2 [sing.] an animal or a person that is being hunted or followed: The hunters lost sight of their quarry in the forest.  The photographers pursued their quarry through the streets.

verb (quar.ries, quarry.ing, quar.ried, quar.ried) ~ (for) sth| ~ sth (from / out of sth) to take stone, etc. out of a quarry : [vn] The local rock is quarried from the hillside.  The area is being quarried for limestone. [alsov]
quarry.ing noun [U]: There has been quarrying in the area for centuries.

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quart
noun (abbr. qt) a unit for measuring liquids, equal to 2 PINTS or about 1.14 litres in the UK and 0.94 of a litre in the US
IDM put a quart into a pint 'pot (BrE) to put sth into a space that is too small for it
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quar.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 OF 4 PARTS|
1 (also fourth especially in AmE) [C] one of four equal parts of sth: a quarter of a mile  The programme lasted an hour and a quarter.  Cut the apple into quarters.  The theatre was about three quarters full.  note at HALF
15 MINUTES|
2 [C] a period of 15 minutes either before or after every hour: It’s (a) quarter to four now—I’ll meet you at quarter past.   (AmE also) It’s (a) quarter of four now—I’ll meet you at a quarter after.
3 MONTHS|
3 [C] a period of three months, used especially as a period for which bills are paid or a company’s income is calculated
PART OF TOWN|
4 [C, usually sing.] a district or part of a town: the Latin quarter  the historic quarter of the city
PERSON / GROUP|
5 [C] a person or group of people, especially as a source of help, information or a reaction: Support for the plan came from an unexpected quarter.  The news was greeted with dismay in some quarters .
25 CENTS|
6 [C] a coin of the US and Canada worth 25 cents
ROOMS TO LIVE IN|
7 (quarters) [pl.] rooms that are provided for soldiers, servants, etc. to live in: We were moved to more comfortable living quarters .  married quarters
OF MOON|
8 [C] the period of time twice a month when we can see a quarter of the moon: The moon is in its first quarter.
IN SPORT|
9 [C] one of the four periods of time into which a game of American football is divided
WEIGHT|
10 [C] a unit for measuring weight, 28 pounds in the UK or 25 pounds in the US; a quarter of a HUNDREDWEIGHT
PITY|
11 [U] (old-fashioned or literary) pity or MERCY that sb shows towards an enemy or opponent who is in their power: His rivals knew that they could expect no quarter from such a ruthless adversary.
IDM see CLOSE^2adj.

verb [vn]
DIVIDE INTO 4|
1 to cut or divide sth into four parts: She peeled and quartered an apple.
PROVIDE ROOMS|
2 (formal) to provide sb with a place to eat and sleep: Three hundred soldiers were quartered in the town.

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quar.ter.back
noun, verb
noun (in American football) the player who directs the team’s attacking play and passes the ball to other players at the start of each attack

verb
1 [v] (in American football) to play as a quarterback
2 [vn] to direct or organize sth

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'quarter day
noun (BrE, technical ) the first day of a QUARTER (= a period of three months) on which payments must be made, for example at the STOCK EXCHANGE
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quar.ter.deck
noun a part of the upper level of a ship, at the back, that is used mainly by officers
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,quarter-'final
noun (in sports or competitions) one of the four games or matches to decide the players or teams for the SEMI-FINALS of a competition
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quar.ter.ly
adj., adv., noun
adj. produced or happening every three months: a quarterly meeting of the board
quar.ter.ly adv.: to pay the rent quarterly

noun (pl.-ies) a magazine, etc. published four times a year

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quar.ter.mas.ter
noun an officer in the army who is in charge of providing food, uniforms and accommodation
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'quarter note
noun (AmE, music ) = CROTCHET
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'quarter sessions
noun [pl.] (in England, in the past) a court of law with limited powers that was held every three months
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quar.tet
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of four musicians or singers who play or sing together: the Amadeus Quartet
2 [C] a piece of music for four musicians or singers: a Beethoven string quartet
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a set of four people or things: the last in a quartet of novels
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quarto
noun (pl.-os) (technical )
1 [U] a size of page made by folding a standard sheet of paper twice to make eight pages
2 [C] a book with pages in quarto size
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quartz
noun [U] a hard mineral, often in CRYSTAL form, that is used to make very accurate clocks and watches
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qua.sar
noun (astronomy ) a large object like a star, that is far away and that shines very brightly and occasionally sends out strong radio signals—compare PULSAR
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quash
verb [vn]
1 (law) to officially say that a decision in a court of law is no longer valid or correct
SYN OVERTURN : His conviction was later quashed by the Court of Appeal.
2 (written) to take action to stop sth from continuing: The rumours were quickly quashed.
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quasi-
combining form (in adjectives and nouns)
1 that appears to be sth but is not really so: a quasi-scientific explanation
2 partly; almost: a quasi-official body
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quat.rain
noun (technical ) a poem or verse of a poem that has four lines
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qua.ver
verb, noun
verb if sb’s voice quavers, it is unsteady, usually because the person is nervous or afraid: [v] ‘I’m not safe here, am I?’ she asked in a quavering voice. [alsov speech]
qua.very adj.: a quavery voice

noun
1 (BrE) (AmE 'eighth note) (music) a note that lasts half as long as a CROTCHET/QUARTER NOTE —picture at MUSIC
2 [usually sing.] a shaking sound in sb’s voice

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quay
noun a platform in a harbour where boats come in to load, etc: A crowd was waiting on the quay.
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quay.side
noun [usually sing.] a quay and the area near it: crowds waiting on / at the quayside to welcome them
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queasy
adj.
1 feeling sick; wanting to VOMIT : Travelling by boat makes me queasy.
2 slightly nervous or worried about sth: Now she’d arrived she felt queasy inside.
queas.ily adv.
queasi.ness noun [U]
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queen
noun
FEMALE RULER|
1 the female ruler of an independent state that has a royal family: to become / be crowned queen  kings and queens  the Queen of Norway  Queen Victoria
2 (also ,queen 'consort) the wife of a king
BEST IN GROUP|
3 ~ (of sth) a woman, place or thing that is thought to be one of the best in a particular group or area: the queen of fashion  a movie queen  Venice, queen of the Adriatic
AT FESTIVAL|
4 a woman or girl chosen to perform official duties at a festival or celebration: a carnival queen  a May queen (= at a festival to celebrate the coming of spring)  a homecoming queen—see also BEAUTY QUEEN
IN CHESS|
5 the most powerful piece used in the game of CHESS that can move any number of squares in any direction—
IN CARDS|
6 a playing card with the picture of a queen on it—
INSECT|
7 a large female insect that lays eggs for the whole group: a queen bee
HOMOSEXUAL|
8 (informal,  ) an offensive word for a male HOMOSEXUAL who behaves more like a woman than a man: a drag queen (= a man dressed in women’s clothes)
IDM see ENGLISH , EVIDENCE , UNCROWNED
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,queen 'bee
noun
1 a female bee that produces eggs for the whole group of bees in a HIVE —compare DRONE , WORKER
2 a woman who behaves as if she is the most important person in a particular place or group
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queen.ly
adj. of, like or suitable for a queen: She gave a queenly wave.
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,queen 'mother
noun a title given to the wife of a king who has died and who is the mother of the new king or queen: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
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,Queen’s 'Counsel
noun = QC
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'queen-size
adj. (AmE ) (of beds, sheets, etc.) larger than a standard size but not as big as KING-SIZE
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queer
adj., noun, verb
adj. (queer.er, queer.est)
1 (old-fashioned) strange or unusual: His face was a queer pink colour.
2 ( , slang) an offensive way of describing a HOMOSEXUAL , especially a man, which is, however, also used by some homosexuals about themselves
IDM see FISH n.

noun ( , slang) an offensive word for a HOMOSEXUAL , especially a man, which is, however, also used by some homosexuals about themselves

verb
IDM queer sb’s 'pitch | queer the 'pitch (for sb) (BrE, informal) to spoil sb’s plans or their chances of getting sth

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queer.ly
adv. in a strange or unusual way: He looked at me queerly.
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quell
verb [vn]
1 to stop sth such as violent behaviour or protests: Extra police were called in to quell the disturbances.   (figurative) She started to giggle, but Bob quelled her with a look.
2 to stop or reduce strong or unpleasant feelings: to quell your fears / doubt / excitement
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quench
verb [vn]
1 ~ your thirst to drink so that you no longer feel thirsty
SYN SLAKE
2 (written) to stop a fire from burning: Firemen tried to quench the flames raging through the building.
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queru.lous
adj. (formal, disapproving) complaining; showing that you are annoyed: He complained in a querulous voice about having been woken up.
queru.lous.ly adv.
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query
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a question, especially one asking for information or expressing a doubt about sth: Our assistants will be happy to answer your queries.  If you have a query about your insurance policy, contact our helpline.
2 a question mark to show that sth has not been finished or decided: Put a query against Jack’s name—I’m not sure if he’s coming.

verb (quer.ies, query.ing, quer.ied, quer.ied)
1 to express doubt about whether sth is correct or not: [vn] We queried the bill as it seemed far too high.  I’m not in a position to query their decision. [alsov wh-]
2 [v speech] (written) to ask a question: ‘Who will be leading the team?’ queried Simon.

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quest
noun, verb
noun (formal or literary) ~ (for sth) a long search for sth, especially for some quality such as happiness: the quest for happiness / knowledge / truth  He set off in quest of adventure.

verb [v] ~ (for sth) (formal or literary) to search for sth that is difficult to find

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ques.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a sentence, phrase or word that asks for information: to ask / answer a question  Question 3 was very difficult.  In the exam there’s sure to be a question on energy.  The question is, how much are they going to pay you?   (formal) The question arises as to whether or not he knew of the situation.  The key question of what caused the leak remains unanswered.   (formal) He put a question to the minister about the recent reforms.  I hope the police don’t ask any awkward questions .  In an interview try to ask open questions that don’t just need ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ as an answer.
2 [C] ~ (of sth) a matter or topic that needs to be discussed or dealt with: Let’s look at the question of security.  The question which needs to be addressed is one of funding.  Which route is better remains an open question (= it is not decided).
3 [U] doubt or uncertainty about sth: Her honesty is beyond question .  His suitability for the job is open to question .  Her version of events was accepted without question .
IDM bring / throw sth into 'question to cause sth to become a matter for doubt and discussion: This case brings into question the whole purpose of the law. come into 'question to become a matter for doubt and discussion ,good 'question! (spoken) used to show that you do not know the answer to a question: ‘How much is all this going to cost?’‘Good question!’ in 'question
1 that is being discussed: On the day in question we were in Cardiff.
2 in doubt; uncertain: The future of public transport is not in question. just / merely / only a question of (sth / doing sth) used to say that sth is not difficult to predict, explain, do, etc: It’s merely a question of time before the business collapses.  It’s just a question of deciding what you really want. out of the 'question impossible or not allowed and therefore not worth discussing: Another trip abroad this year is out of the question. there is / was no question of (sth happening / sb doing sth) there is/was no possibility of sth: There was no question of him cancelling the trip so near the departure date.—more at BEG , CALL v. , MOOT adj. , POP v.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (about / on sth) to ask sb questions about sth, especially officially: She was arrested and questioned about the fire.  The students were questioned on the books they had been studying.  Over half of those questioned said they rarely took any exercise. [alsov speech]
2 to have or express doubts or suspicions about sth: [vn] I just accepted what he told me. I never thought to question it.  No one has ever questioned her judgement.  [v wh-] He questioned whether the accident was solely the truck driver’s fault.

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ques.tion.able
adj.
1 that you have doubts about because you think it is not accurate or correct: The conclusions that they come to are highly questionable.  It is questionable whether this is a good way of solving the problem.
2 likely to be dishonest or morally wrong: Her motives for helping are questionable.
ques.tion.ably adv.
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ques.tion.er
noun a person who asks questions, especially in a broadcast programme or a public debate
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ques.tion.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U] the activity of asking sb questions: He was taken to the police station for questioning.  They faced some hostile questioning over the cost of the project.

adj. showing that you need information, or that you have doubts: a questioning look  She raised a questioning eyebrow.
ques.tion.ing.ly adv.

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'question mark
noun the mark ( ? ) used in writing after a question
IDM a 'question mark over / against sth used to say that sth is not certain: There’s still a big question mark hanging over his future with the team.
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'question master
(also quiz.master) (both BrE) noun a person who asks the questions in a QUIZ , especially on television or the radio
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ques.tion.naire
noun ~ (on / about sth) a written list of questions that are answered by a number of people so that information can be collected from the answers: to complete a questionnaire   (BrE ) to fill in a questionnaire   (especially AmE ) to fill out a questionnaire
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'question tag
(also 'tag question) noun (grammar ) a phrase such as isn’t it? or don’t you? that you add to the end of a statement in order to turn it into a question or check that the statement is correct, as in You like mushrooms, don’t you?
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queue
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE line) a line of people, cars, etc. waiting for sth or to do sth: the bus queue  I had to join a queue for the toilets.  How long were you in the queue ?  There was a queue of traffic waiting to turn right.
2 (computing) a list of items of data stored in a particular order
IDM see JUMP v.

verb (queu.ing or queue.ing)
1 [v] (BrE) ~ (up) (for sth) to wait in a line of people, vehicles, etc. in order to do sth, get sth or go somewhere: We had to queue up for an hour for the tickets.  Queue here for taxis.
2 (computing ) to add tasks to other tasks so that they are ready to be done in order; to come together to be done in order: [vn] The system queues the jobs before they are processed. [alsov] be ,queuing 'up (for sth / to do sth) if people are said to be queuing up for sth or to do sth, a lot of them want to have it or do it: Italian football clubs are queuing up to sign the young star.

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quib.ble
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (about / over sth) to argue or complain about a small matter or an unimportant detail: It isn’t worth quibbling over such a small amount.

noun a small complaint or criticism, especially one that is not important: minor quibbles

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quiche
noun [C, U] an open pie filled with a mixture of eggs and milk with meat, vegetables, cheese, etc: a mushroom quiche—compare FLAN , TART
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quick
adj., adv., noun
adj. (quick.er, quick.est)
1 done with speed; taking or lasting a short time: She gave him a quick glance.  These cakes are very quick and easy to make.  Would you like a quick drink?  The doctor said she’d make a quick recovery.  It’s quicker by train.  Are you sure this is the quickest way?  Have you finished already? That was quick!  His quick thinking saved her life.  He fired three shots in quick succession .—see also DOUBLE QUICK
2 ~ (to do sth) moving or doing sth fast: a quick learner / worker  The kids were quick to learn.  She was quick (= too quick) to point out the mistakes I’d made.  Her quick hands suddenly stopped moving.  Try to be quick! We’re late already.  Once again, his quick wits (= quick thinking) got him out of an awkward situation.   (AmE, informal) He’s a quick study (= he learns quickly).
3 [only before noun] happening very soon or without delay: We need to make a quick decision.  The company wants quick results.  note at FAST
IDM to have a quick 'temper to become angry easily—more at BUCK n. , DRAW n. , MARK n. , UPTAKE

adv. (quick.er, quick.est)
1 quickly; fast: Come as quick as you can!  Let’s see who can get there quickest.  It’s another of his schemes to get rich quick .
2 (quick-) (in adjectives) doing the thing mentioned quickly: quick-thinking  quick-growing
IDM (as) quick as a 'flash very quickly: Quick as a flash she was at his side.

noun (the quick) [sing.] the soft, sensitive flesh that is under the fingernails: She has bitten her nails down to the quick.
IDM cut sb to the 'quick to upset sb very much by doing or saying sth unkind

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quick.en
verb (written)
1 to become quicker or make sth quicker: [v] She felt her heartbeat quicken as he approached.  [vn] He quickened his pace to catch up with them.
2 to become more active; to make sth more active: [v] His interest quickened as he heard more about the plan. [alsovn]
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,quick-'fire
adj. [only before noun] (of a series of things) done or said very fast, one after the other: a series of quick-fire questions
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quickie
noun (informal)
1 a thing that only takes a short time: I’ve got a question—it’s just a quickie.  a quickie divorce
2 a sexual act that takes a very short time
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quick.lime
noun [U] = LIME (1)
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quick.ly
adv.
1 fast: She walked quickly away.  We’ll repair it as quickly as possible.
2 soon; after a short time: He replied to my letter very quickly.  It quickly became clear that she was dying.  note at QUICK , SOON
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quick.ness
noun [U] the quality of being fast, especially at thinking, etc: She was known for the quickness of her wit.  He amazes me with his quickness and eagerness to learn.
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'quick one
noun (BrE , informal) a drink, usually an alcoholic one, taken quickly
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quick.sand
noun [U] (also quick.sands [pl.])
1 deep wet sand that you sink into if you walk on it
2 a situation that is dangerous or difficult to escape from
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quick.sil.ver
noun, adj.
noun [U] (old use) = MERCURY

adj. [only before noun] (literary) changing or moving very quickly: his quicksilver temperament

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quick.step
noun a dance for two people together, with a lot of fast steps; a piece of music for this dance
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,quick-'tempered
adj. likely to become angry very quickly: a quick-tempered woman
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,quick-'witted
adj. able to think quickly; intelligent: a quick-witted student / response
OPP SLOW-WITTED
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quid
noun (pl.quid) (BrE , informal) one pound in money: Can you lend me five quid?
IDM quids in in a position of having made a profit, especially a good profit
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quid pro quo
noun [sing.] (from Latin ) a thing given in return for sth else
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qui.es.cent
adj.
1 (formal) quiet; not active
2 (medical) (of a disease, etc.) not developing, especially when this is probably only a temporary state
qui.es.cence noun [U]
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quiet
adj., noun, verb
adj. (quiet.er, quiet.est)
1 making very little noise: her quiet voice / footsteps  a quieter, more efficient engine  Could you keep the kids quiet while I’m on the phone?  He went very quiet (= did not say much) so I knew he was upset.  ‘Be quiet,’ said the teacher.  She crept downstairs (as) quiet as a mouse .
2 without many people or much noise or activity: a quiet house / street / town  They lead a quiet life.  Business is usually quieter at this time of year.  They had a quiet wedding.
3 not disturbed; peaceful: to have a quiet drink  I was looking forward to a quiet evening at home.
4 (of a person) tending not to talk very much: She was quiet and shy.
5 (of a feeling or an attitude) definite but not expressed in an obvious way: He had an air of quiet authority.
quiet.ly adv.: to speak / move quietly  I spent a few hours quietly relaxing.  He is quietly confident that they can succeed.  a quietly-spoken woman
quiet.ness noun [U]: the quietness of the countryside  His quietness worried her.
IDM keep quiet about sth | keep sth quiet to say nothing about sth; to keep sth secret: I’ve decided to resign but I’d rather you kept quiet about it.

noun [U] the state of being calm and without much noise: the quiet of his own room  the quiet of the early morning  I go to the library for a little peace and quiet .
IDM on the 'quiet without telling anyone
SYN SECRETLY

verb ~ (sb/sth) (down) (especially AmE ) to become calmer or less noisy; to make sb/sth calmer or less noisy: [v] The demonstrators quieted down when the police arrived.  [vn] He’s very good at quieting the kids.

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quiet.en
verb ~ (sb/sth) (down) (BrE ) to become calmer or less noisy; to make sb/sth calmer or less noisy: [v] The chatter of voices gradually quietened.  Things seem to have quietened down a bit this afternoon (= we are not so busy, etc.). [alsovn]
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quiet.ude
noun [U] (literary) the state of being still and quiet
SYN CALM : a moment of quietude
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quiff
noun a piece of hair at the front of the head that is brushed upwards and backwards
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quill
noun
1 (also 'quill feather) a large feather from the wing or tail of a bird
2 (also ,quill 'pen) a pen made from a quill feather
3 one of the long sharp stiff SPINES on a PORCUPINE
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quilt
noun
1 a decorative cover for a bed, made of two layers with soft material between them: a patchwork quilt—picture at BED
2 (BrE) = DUVET —compare COMFORTER
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quilt.ed
adj. (of clothes, etc.) made of two layers of fabric with soft material between them, held in place by lines of stitches: a quilted jacket / bedcover
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quilt.ing
noun [U] the work of making a QUILT ; fabric that is used for this
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quin
noun (BrE , informal) = QUINTUPLET
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quince
noun a hard bitter yellow fruit used for making jam, etc. It grows on a tree, also called a quince: quince jelly  a flowering quince
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quin.ine
noun [U] a drug made from the bark of a S American tree, used in the past to treat MALARIA
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quint
noun (AmE , informal) = QUINTUPLET
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quint.es.sence
noun [sing.] the ~ of sth (formal)
1 the perfect example of sth: It was the quintessence of an English manor house.
2 the most important features of sth: a painting that captures the quintessence of Viennese elegance
quint.es.sen.tial adj.: He was the quintessential tough guy.
quint.es.sen.tial.ly adv.: a sense of humour that is quintessentially British
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quin.tet
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of five musicians or singers who play or sing together: the Miles Davis Quintet
2 [C] a piece of music for five musicians or singers: a string quintet
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quin.tu.plet
(also BrE informal quin) (also AmE informal quint) noun one of five children born at the same time to the same mother
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quip
noun, verb
noun a quick and clever remark: to make a quip

verb (-pp-) [v speech] to make a quick and clever remark

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quirk
noun
1 an aspect of sb’s personality or behaviour that is a little strange
2 a strange thing that happens, especially accidentally: By a strange quirk of fate they had booked into the same hotel.
quirky adj.: a quirky sense of humour
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quis.ling
noun (disapproving) a person who helps an enemy that has taken control of his or her country
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quit
verb (quit.ting, quit, quit) (BrE also quit.ting, quit.ted, quit.ted)
1 ~ (as sth) (informal) to leave your job, school, etc: [v] If I don’t get more money I’ll quit.  He has decided to quit as manager of the team.  [vn] He quit the show last year because of bad health.
2 (informal, especially AmE ) to stop doing sth: [vn -ing] I’ve quit smoking.  [vn] Just quit it!  [v] We only just started. We’re not going to quit now.
3 to leave the place where you live: [vn] We decided it was time to quit the city.  [v] The landlord gave them all notice to quit .
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quite
adv.
1 (BrE) (not used with a negative) to some degree
SYN FAIRLY , PRETTY : quite big / good / cold / warm / interesting  He plays quite well.  I quite like opera.
HELP When quite is used with an adjective before a noun, it comes before a or an. You can say: It’s quite a small house. or Their house is quite small. but not It’s a quite small house.
2 (BrE) to the greatest possible degree
SYN COMPLETELY , ABSOLUTELY , ENTIRELY : quite delicious / amazing / empty / perfect  This is quite a different problem.  I’m quite happy to wait for you here.  Flying is quite the best way to travel.  It wasn’t quite as simple as I thought it would be.  Quite frankly , I don’t blame you.  I’ve had quite enough of your tantrums.  Are you quite sure ?  I quite agree .  I don’t quite know what to do next.  Quite apart from all the work, he had financial problems.  The theatre was not quite (= was almost) full.  It’s like being in the Alps, but not quite.   (spoken) ‘I almost think she prefers animals to people.’‘Quite right too ,’ said Bill.  ‘I’m sorry to be so difficult.’‘That’s quite all right .’
3 to a great degree; very; really: You’ll be quite comfortable here.  I can see it quite clearly.   (AmE) ‘You’ve no intention of coming back?’‘I’m quite sorry, but no, I have not.’
4 (also formal quite so) (BrE) used to agree with sb or show that you understand them: ‘He’s bound to feel shaken after his accident.’‘Quite.’
IDM 'quite a / the sth (also informal 'quite some sth) used to show that a person or thing is particularly impressive or unusual in some way: She’s quite a beauty.  We found it quite a change when we moved to London.  He’s quite the little gentleman, isn’t he?  It must be quite some car. quite a 'lot (of sth) (also BrE informal quite a 'bit) a large number or amount of sth: We drank quite a lot of wine. 'quite some sth
1 a large amount of sth: She hasn’t been seen for quite some time.
2 (informal) = QUITE A / THE STH —more at CONTRARY , FEW pron.
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quits
adj.
IDM be quits (with sb) (informal) when two people are quits, they do not owe each other anything, especially money: I’ll give you £5 and then we’re quits.
IDM see CALL v. , DOUBLE n.
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quit.ter
noun (often disapproving) a person who gives up easily and does not finish a task they have started
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quiver
verb, noun
verb [v] to shake slightly; to make a slight movement
SYN TREMBLE : Her lip quivered and then she started to cry.  The memory of that day made him quiver with anger.

noun
1 an emotion that has an effect on your body; a slight movement in part of your body: He felt a quiver of excitement run through him.  Jane couldn’t help the quiver in her voice.
2 a case for carrying arrows

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quix.ot.ic
adj. (formal) having or involving imaginative ideas or plans that are usually not practical
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quiz
noun, verb
noun (pl.quiz.zes)
1 a competition or game in which people try to answer questions to test their knowledge: a general knowledge quiz  a television quiz show
2 (especially AmE) an informal test given to students: a reading comprehension quiz—see also POP QUIZ   note at EXAM

verb (-zz-) [vn]
1 ~ sb (about sb/sth)| ~ sb (on / over sth) to ask sb a lot of questions about sth in order to get information from them: Four men are being quizzed by police about the murder.  We were quizzed on our views about education.
2 (AmE) to give students an informal test: You will be quizzed on chapter 6 tomorrow.

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quiz.master
noun = QUESTION MASTER
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quiz.zical
adj. (of an expression) showing that you are slightly surprised or amused: a quizzical expression / smile / face  He gave me a quizzical look when I ordered champagne.
quiz.zi.cal.ly adv.: She looked at him quizzically.
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quoit
noun
1 [C] a ring that is thrown onto a small post in the game of quoits
2 (quoits) [U] a game in which rings are thrown onto a small post
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Quonset hut
™noun (AmE ) = NISSEN HUT
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Quorn
™noun [U] (BrE ) a substance made from a type of MUSHROOM , used in cooking instead of meat
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quorum
noun [sing.] the smallest number of people who must be at a meeting before it can begin or decisions can be made
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quota
noun
1 [C] the limited number or amount of people or things that is officially allowed: to introduce a strict import quota on grain  a quota system for accepting refugees
2 [C] an amount of sth that sb expects or needs to have or achieve: I’m going home now—I’ve done my quota of work for the day.  to get your full quota of sleep
3 [sing.] (politics) a fixed number of votes that a candidate needs in order to be elected: He was 76 votes short of the quota.
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quot.able
adj. (of a statement) interesting or amusing and worth repeating
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quota.tion
noun
1 (also informal quote) [C] a group of words or a short piece of writing taken from a book, play, speech, etc. and repeated because it is interesting or useful: The book began with a quotation from Goethe.  a dictionary of quotations—see also MISQUOTATION
2 [U] the act of repeating sth interesting or useful that another person has written or said: The writer illustrates his point by quotation from a number of sources.
3 (also informal quote) a statement of how much money a particular piece of work will cost: You need to get a written quotation before they start work.
4 [C] (finance) a statement of the current value of goods or STOCKS : the latest quotations from the Stock Exchange
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quo'tation marks
(also quotes, 'speech marks) (BrE also in.vert.ed commas) noun [pl.] a pair of marks ( ‘ ’ ) or ( “ ” ) placed around a word, sentence, etc. to show that it is what sb said or wrote, that it is a title or that you are using it in an unusual way
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quote
verb, noun
verb
REPEAT EXACT WORDS|
1 ~ (sth) (from sb/sth)| ~ (sb) (as doing sth) to repeat the exact words that another person has said or written: [vn] He quoted a passage from the minister’s speech.  to quote Shakespeare  The figures quoted in this article refer only to Britain.  The President was quoted in the press as saying that he disagreed with the decision.  ‘It will all be gone tomorrow.’‘Can I quote you on that? ’  Don’t quote me on this (= this is not an official statement), but I think he is going to resign.  Quote this reference number in all correspondence.  [v] She said, and I quote, ‘Life is meaningless without love.’  [v speech] ‘The man who is tired of London is tired of life,’ he quoted.—see also MISQUOTE
GIVE EXAMPLE|
2 to mention an example of sth to support what you are saying: [vnn] Can you quote me an instance of when this happened? [alsovn]
GIVE PRICE|
3 ~ (sb) (sth) (for sth / for doing sth) to tell a customer how much money you will charge them for a job, service or product: [vnn] They quoted us £300 for installing a shower unit. [alsovn, v]
4 [vn] ~ sth (at sth) (finance) to give a market price for shares, gold or foreign money: Yesterday the pound was quoted at $1.8285, unchanged from Monday.
5 [vn] (finance) to give the prices for a business company’s shares on a STOCK EXCHANGE : Several football clubs are now quoted on the Stock Exchange. 'quote ( … 'unquote) (spoken) used to show the beginning (and end) of a word, phrase, etc. that has been said or written by sb else: It was quote, ‘the hardest decision of my life’, unquote, and one that he lived to regret.

noun (informal)
EXACT WORDS|
1 = QUOTATION
PUNCTUATION|
2 (quotes) [pl.] = QUOTATION MARKS : If you take text from other sources, place it in quotes .

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quoth
verb [v speech] (old use or humorous) used meaning ‘said’ before ‘I’‘he’ or ‘she’
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quo.tid.ian
adj. (formal) ordinary; typical of what happens every day: their quotidian existence
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quo.tient
noun (mathematics ) a number which is the result when one number is divided by another—see also INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT
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Qur’an
noun = KORAN
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q.v.
abbr. used in books to tell a reader that there is more information in another part of the book (from Latin ‘quod vide’)
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qwerty
(also QWERTY) adj. [usually before noun] (of a keyboard on a computer or TYPEWRITER ) with the keys arranged in the usual way with Q, W, E, R, T and Y on the left of the top row of letters
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R
noun, abbr.
noun (also r) [C, U] (pl.R’s, r’s ) the 18th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Rose’ begins with (an) R / ‘R’.
IDM see THREE

abbr.
1 (BrE) Queen; King (from Latin ‘Regina; Rex’): Elizabeth R.
2 (R.) (especially on maps) River: R. Trent
3 (also R. especially in AmE) (in politics in the US) REPUBLICAN
4 (BrE) (in abbreviations) Royal: the RAC (= Royal Automobile Club)
5 (AmE) a label for a film/movie that is not suitable for people under the age of 17 to see without an adult present (abbreviation for ‘restricted’)—see also R & B , R. & D.

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rabbi
noun a Jewish religious leader or a teacher of Jewish law: the Chief Rabbi (= the leader of Jewish communities in a particular country)  Rabbi Hugo Grin
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rab.bin.ical
(also rab.bin.ic) adj. connected with rabbis or Jewish law or teaching
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rab.bit
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small animal with soft fur, long ears and a short tail. Rabbits live in holes in the ground or are kept as pets or for food: a rabbit hole / warren / hutch—compare HARE
2 [U] meat from a rabbit
IDM see PULL v.

verb [v] (go rabbiting) to hunt or shoot rabbits
PVR V ,rabbit 'on (about sb/sth) (BrE, informal, disapproving) to talk continuously about things that are not important or interesting

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'rabbit warren
(also war.ren) noun
1 a system of holes and underground tunnels where wild rabbits live
2 (disapproving) a building or part of a city with many narrow passages or streets
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rab.ble
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (disapproving)
1 a large group of noisy people who are or may become violent: a disorganized / drunken rabble
2 (the rabble) ordinary people or people who are considered to have a low social position: a speech that appealed to the rabble
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'rabble-rouser
noun a person who makes speeches to crowds of people intending to make them angry or excited, especially for political aims
'rabble-rousing adj.
'rabble-rousing noun [U]
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rabid
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (disapproving) (of a type of person) having very strong feelings about sth and acting in an unacceptable way: rabid right-wing fanatics  the rabid tabloid press
2 [usually before noun] (disapproving) (of feelings or opinions) violent or extreme: rabid speculation
3 suffering from rabies : a rabid dog
rabid.ly adv.
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ra.bies
noun [U] a disease of dogs and other animals that causes MADNESS and death. Infected animals can pass the disease to humans by biting them.
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RAC
abbr. Royal Automobile Club. The RAC is a British organization which provides services for car owners.
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rac.coon
(also ra.coon) noun
1 a small N American animal with greyish-brown fur, black marks on its face and a thick tail
2 [U] the fur of the raccoon
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race
noun, verb
noun
COMPETITION|
1 [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (against sb) a competition between people, animals, vehicles, etc. to see which one is the faster or fastest: I bet I’d win a race between us two!  He’s already in training for the big race against Bailey.  Their horse came third in the race last year.  a boat / horse / road race  a five-kilometre race  Shall we have a race to the end of the beach?
2 [sing.] ~ (for sth / to do sth) a situation in which a number of people, groups, organizations, etc. are competing, especially for political power or to achieve sth first: the race for the presidency  The race is on (= has begun) to find a cure for this disease.—see also RAT RACE
FOR HORSES|
3 (the races) [pl.] a series of horse races that happen at one place on a particular day: to go to the races
PEOPLE|
4 [C, U] one of the main groups that humans can be divided into according to their physical differences, for example the colour of their skin: the Caucasian / Mongolian race  people of mixed race   This custom is found in people of all races throughout the world.  legislation against discrimination on the grounds of race or sex
5 [C] a group of people who share the same language, history, culture, etc: the Nordic races  He admired Canadians as a hardy and determined race.—see also HUMAN RACE
ANIMALS / PLANTS|
6 [C] a breed or type of animal or plant: a race of cattle a ,race against 'time / the 'clock a situation in which you have to do sth or finish sth very fast before it is too late—more at HORSE n.

verb
COMPETE|
1 ~ (against) sb/sth to compete against sb/sth to see who can go faster or the fastest, do sth first, etc.; to take part in a race or races: [v] Who will he be racing against in the next round?  They raced to a thrilling victory in the relay.  She’ll be racing for the senior team next year.  [vn] We raced each other back to the car.  [v to inf] Television companies are racing to be the first to screen his life story.
2 [vn] to make an animal or a vehicle compete in a race: to race dogs / horses / pigeons  to race motorbikes
MOVE FAST|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move very fast; to move sb/sth very fast: [v] He raced up the stairs.  The days seemed to race past.  [vn] The injured man was raced to the hospital.  She raced her car through the narrow streets of the town.
OF HEART / MIND / THOUGHTS|
4 [v] to function very quickly because you are afraid, excited, etc: My mind raced as I tried to work out what was happening.  She took a deep breath to calm her racing pulse.
OF ENGINE|
5 [v] to run too fast: The truck came to rest against a tree, its engine racing.

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'race car
noun (AmE ) = RACING CAR
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race.course
(BrE ) (AmE race.track) noun a track where horses race and the buildings, etc. that are connected with it
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race.goer
noun (BrE ) a person who goes to horse races
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race.horse
noun a horse that is bred and trained to run in races
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'race meeting
noun (BrE ) a series of races, especially for horses, held at one course over one day or several days
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racer
noun
1 a person or an animal that competes in races: Italy’s champion downhill racer
2 a car, boat, etc. designed for racing: an ocean racer
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,race re'lations
noun [pl.] the relationships between people of different races who live in the same community
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'race riot
noun violent behaviour between people of different races living in the same community
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race.track
noun
1 a track for races between runners, cars, bicycles, etc: You can’t cross the road—it’s like a racetrack.
2 (AmE) = RACECOURSE
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ra.cial
adj.
1 [only before noun] happening or existing between people of different races: racial hatred / prejudice / tension / violence  racial equality  They have pledged to end racial discrimination in areas such as employment.
2 [usually before noun] connected with a person’s race: racial groups / minorities  a person’s racial origin
ra.cial.ly adv.: The attacks were not racially motivated.  racially mixed schools
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ra.cial.ism
noun [U] (old-fashioned, BrE ) = RACISM
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ra.cial.ist
noun, adj. (old-fashioned, BrE ) = RACIST
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ra.cing
noun [U]
1 the sport of racing horses: a racing stable—see also FLAT RACING , HORSE RACING
2 (usually in compounds) any sport that involves competing in races: motor / yacht / greyhound racing  a racing driver
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'racing car
(BrE ) (AmE 'race car) noun a car that has been specially designed for motor racing
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ra.cism
noun [U] (disapproving)
1 the unfair treatment of people who belong to a different race; violent behaviour towards them: a victim of racism  ugly outbreaks of racism
2 the belief that some races of people are better than others: irrational racism
ra.cist noun: He’s a racist.
ra.cist adj.: racist groups / thugs  racist attitudes / attacks / remarks
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rack
noun, verb
noun
1 (often in compounds) a piece of equipment, usually made of metal or wooden bars, that is used for holding things or for hanging things on: a vegetable / wine / plate / toast rack  I looked through a rack of clothes at the back of the shop.—see also LUGGAGE RACK , ROOF RACK
2 (usually the rack) an instrument of TORTURE , used in the past for punishing and hurting people. Their arms and legs were tied to the wooden frame and then pulled in opposite directions, stretching the body: to put sb on the rack
3 ~ of lamb / pork a particular piece of meat that includes the front RIBS and is cooked in the oven: a rack of lamb
IDM go to ,rack and 'ruin to get into a bad condition: They let the house go to rack and ruin. ,off the 'rack (AmE) = OFF THE PEG at PEG n. on the 'rack feeling extreme pressure, anxiety or pain

verb (also less frequent wrack) [vn] [often passive] to make sb suffer great physical or mental pain: to be racked with / by guilt  Her face was racked with pain.  Violent sobs racked her whole body.
IDM rack your 'brain(s) (also less frequent wrack your 'brain(s)) to think very hard or for a long time about sth: She racked her brains, trying to remember exactly what she had said.
PVR V ,rack 'up sth (especially AmE) to collect sth, such as profits or losses in a business, or points in a competition: The company racked up $200 million in losses in two years.  In ten years of boxing he racked up a record 176 wins.

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racket
noun
1 [sing.] (informal) a loud unpleasant noise: Stop making that terrible racket!
2 [C] (informal) a dishonest or illegal way of getting money: a protection / extortion / drugs racket
3 (also rac.quet) [C] a piece of sports equipment used for hitting the ball, etc. in the games of tennis, SQUASH or BADMINTON . It has an OVAL frame, with strings stretched across and down it.—compare BAT
4 (rackets, racquets) [U] a game for two or four people played with rackets and a small hard ball in a court with four walls—compare SQUASH
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rack.et.eer
noun (disapproving) a person who makes money through dishonest or illegal activities
rack.et.eer.ing noun [U]
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ra.con.teur
noun a person who is good at telling stories in an interesting and amusing way
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ra.coon
noun = RACCOON
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rac.quet
= RACKET
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rac.quet.ball
noun [U] a game played especially in the US by two or four players on a court with four walls, using RACKETS and a small hollow rubber ball
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racy
adj. (raci.er, raci.est) having a style that is exciting and amusing, sometimes in a way that is connected with sex: a racy novel
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radar
noun [U] a system that uses radio waves to find the position and movement of objects, for example planes and ships, when they cannot be seen: They located the ship by radar.  a radar screen / operator—compare SONAR
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'radar trap
noun (BrE ) = SPEED TRAP
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rad.dled
adj. (BrE ) (of a person, their face, etc.) looking very tired
SYN WORN
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ra.dial
adj., noun
adj. having a pattern of lines, etc. that go out from a central point towards the edge of a circle: the radial pattern of public transport facilities
ra.di.al.ly adv.

noun (BrE also ,radial 'tyre) (AmE also ,radial 'tire) a car tyre with strong threads inside that point away from the outside part and make the tyre stronger and safer

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ra.di.ance
noun [U]
1 a special bright quality that shows in sb’s face, for example because they are very happy or healthy: the youthful radiance of her beauty
2 warm light shining from sth: the radiance of the sunset
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ra.di.ant
adj.
1 ~ (with sth) showing great happiness, love or health: a radiant smile  The bride looked radiant.  She was radiant with health.
2 giving a warm bright light: The sun was radiant in a clear blue sky.
3 [only before noun] (technical) sent out in rays from a central point: the radiant heat / energy of the sun  a radiant heater (= one that sends out heat in rays)
ra.di.ant.ly adv.: radiantly happy  He smiled radiantly.
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ra.di.ate
verb
1 if a person radiates a particular quality or emotion, or if it radiates from them, people can see it very clearly: [vn] He radiated self-confidence and optimism. [alsov]
2 if sth radiates heat, light or energy or heat, etc. radiates from it, the heat is sent out in all directions: [v] Heat radiates from the stove. [alsovn]
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of lines, etc.) to spread out in all directions from a central point: Five roads radiate from the square.  The pain started in my stomach and radiated all over my body.
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ra.di.ation
noun
1 [U, C] powerful and very dangerous rays that are sent out from RADIOACTIVE substances: high levels / doses of radiation that damage cells  the link between exposure to radiation and childhood cancer  a radiation leak from a nuclear power station  the radiations emitted by radium
2 [U] heat, energy, etc. that is sent out in the form of rays: ultraviolet radiation  electromagnetic radiation from power lines
3 (also ,radi'ation therapy) [U] the treatment of CANCER and other diseases using radiation —compare CHEMOTHERAPY , RADIOTHERAPY
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ra.di.ator
noun
1 a hollow metal device for heating rooms. Radiators are usually connected by pipes through which hot water is pumped: a central heating system with a radiator in each room
2 a device for cooling the engine of a vehicle or an aircraft
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rad.ical
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 concerning the most basic and important parts of sth; thorough and complete: the need for radical changes in education  demands for radical reform of the law  radical differences between the sexes
2 new, different and likely to have a great effect: radical ideas  a radical solution to the problem  radical proposals / measures
3 in favour of thorough and complete political or social change: the radical wing of the party  radical politicians / students / writers
4 (AmE, slang) very good
rad.ic.al.ly adv.: The new methods are radically different from the old.  Attitudes have changed radically.

noun a person with radical opinions: political / religious radicals

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rad.ic.al.ism
noun [U] belief in RADICAL ideas and principles: political / social radicalism
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rad.ic.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make people more willing to consider new and different policies, ideas, etc.; to make people more politically RADICAL : Recent events have radicalized opinion on educational matters.
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radii
pl. of RADIUS
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radio
noun, verb
noun
1 (often the radio) [U, sing.] the activity of broadcasting programmes for people to listen to; the programmes that are broadcast: The interview was broadcast on radio and television.  The play was written specially for radio.  I listen to the radio on the way to work.  Did you hear the interview with him on the radio ?  local / national radio  a radio programme / reporter / station
2 [C] a piece of equipment used for listening to programmes that are broadcast to the public: to turn the radio on / off  a car radio  a radio cassette player—see also CLOCK RADIO
3 [U] the process of sending and receiving messages through the air using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves: He was unable to contact Blake by radio.  to keep in radio contact  radio signals / waves
4 [C] a piece of equipment, for example on ships or planes, for sending and receiving radio signals: to hear a gale warning on / over the ship’s radio

verb (ra.dio.ing, ra.dioed, ra.dioed) to send a message to sb by radio: [v] The police officer radioed for help.  [vn] The warning was radioed to headquarters. [alsov that, vn that, vn to inf]

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radio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)
1 connected with radio waves or broadcasting: radio-controlled
2 connected with RADIOACTIVITY : radiotherapy
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radio.active
adj. sending out harmful RADIATION caused when the NUCLEI (= central parts) of atoms are broken up
radio.activ.ity noun [U]: the study of radioactivity  a rise in the level of radioactivity
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radio.car.bon
noun [U] a RADIOACTIVE form of CARBON that is present in the materials of which living things are formed, used in CARBON DATING : radiocarbon analysis
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,radiocarbon 'dating
noun [U] (formal) = CARBON DATING
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,radio-con'trolled
adj. controlled from a distance by radio signals
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radi.og.raph.er
noun a person working in a hospital whose job is to take X-RAY photographs or to use X-rays to treat some illnesses, such as CANCER
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radi.og.raphy
noun [U] the process or job of taking X-RAY photographs
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radi.olo.gist
noun a doctor who is trained in radiology
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radi.ology
noun [U] the study and use of different types of RADIATION in medicine, for example to treat diseases
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,radio-'telephone
noun a telephone that works by sending and receiving radio signals, used especially in cars, boats, etc.
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,radio 'telescope
noun a piece of equipment that receives radio waves from space and is used for finding stars and the position of spacecraft, etc.
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radio.ther.apy
noun [U] the treatment of disease by RADIATION : a course of radiotherapy—compare CHEMOTHERAPY
radio.thera.pist noun
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rad.ish
noun [C, U] a small crisp red or white root vegetable with a strong taste, eaten raw in salads: a bunch of radishes—
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ra.dium
noun [U] (symb Ra) a chemical element. Radium is a white RADIOACTIVE metal used in the treatment of diseases such as CANCER .
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ra.dius
noun (pl.-dii )
1 a straight line between the centre of a circle and any point on its outer edge; the length of this line—compare DIAMETER —picture at CIRCLE
2 a circular area that covers the distance mentioned from a central point: They deliver to within a 5-mile radius of the store.
3 (anatomy) the shorter bone of the two bones in the lower part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist, on the same side as the thumb—see also ULNA —picture at BODY
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radon
noun [U] (symb Rn) a chemical element. Radon is a colourless RADIOACTIVE gas used in the treatment of diseases such as CANCER .
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RAF
abbr. Royal Air Force (the British air force): He was an RAF pilot.
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raf.fia
noun [U] soft material that looks like string and is made from the leaves of a type of PALM tree, used for weaving baskets, MATS , etc. or for tying things
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raff.ish
adj. (of sb’s behaviour, clothes, etc.) not very acceptable according to some social standards, but interesting and attractive: He had a cosmopolitan, slightly raffish air.
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raf.fle
noun, verb
noun a way of making money for a particular project or organization. People buy tickets with numbers on them and some of these numbers are later chosen to win prizes.—compare LOTTERY

verb [vn] to give sth as a prize in a raffle

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raft
noun
1 a flat structure made of pieces of wood tied together and used as a boat or floating platform
2 a small boat made of rubber or plastic that is filled with air: an inflatable raft—picture at BOAT
3 [usually sing.] ~ of sth (informal) a large number or amount of sth: a whole raft of new proposals
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raft.er
noun [C, usually pl.] one of the sloping pieces of wood that support a roof
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raft.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of travelling down a river on a RAFT : We went white-water rafting on the Colorado River.
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rag
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a piece of old, often torn, cloth used especially for cleaning things—see also GLAD RAGS
2 [C] (informal, usually disapproving) a newspaper that you believe to be of low quality: the local rag
3 a piece of RAGTIME music
4 (BrE) [U, C] an event or a series of events organized by students each year to raise money for charity: rag week
IDM in 'rags wearing very old torn clothes: The children were dressed in rags. (from) ,rags to 'riches from being extremely poor to being very rich: a rags-to-riches story  Hers was a classic tale of rags to riches. ,lose your 'rag (BrE, informal) to get angry—more at RED adj.

verb (-gg-) [vn] ~ sb (about sth) (old-fashioned, BrE ) to laugh at and/or play tricks on sb
SYN TEASE

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raga
noun a traditional pattern of notes used in Indian music; a piece of music based on one of these patterns
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raga.muf.fin
noun (old-fashioned) a person, especially a child, in dirty torn clothes
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rag.bag
noun [sing.] a collection of things that appear to have little connection with each other: a ragbag of ideas / memories / stories
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,rag 'doll
noun a soft DOLL made from pieces of fabric
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rage
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a feeling of violent anger that is difficult to control: His face was dark with rage.  to be shaking / trembling / speechless with rage  Sue stormed out of the room in a rage.  He flies into a rage if you even mention the subject.
IDM be all the 'rage (informal) to be very popular and fashionable

verb
1 ~ (at / against / about sb/sth) to show that you are very angry about sth or with sb, especially by shouting: [v] He raged against the injustice of it all.  [v speech] ‘That’s unfair!’ she raged.
2 [v] ~ (on) (of a storm, battle, argument, etc.) to continue in a violent way: The riots raged for three days.  The blizzard was still raging outside.
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of an illness, a fire, etc.) to spread very quickly: Forest fires were raging out of control.  A flu epidemic raged through Europe.

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ragga
noun [U] a type of pop music from the West Indies that contains features of REGGAE and HIP HOP
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rag.ged
adj.
1 (of clothes) old and torn: a ragged jacket—picture at JAGGED
2 (of people) wearing old or torn clothes: ragged children
3 having an outline, edge or surface that is not straight or even: ragged clouds  a ragged coastline
4 not smooth or controlled: I could hear the sound of his ragged breathing.  Their performance was still very ragged.
5 (informal) very tired, especially after physical effort
rag.ged.ly adv.: raggedly dressed  She was breathing raggedly.
rag.ged.ness noun [U]
IDM ,run sb 'ragged (informal) to make sb do a lot of work or make a big effort so that they become tired
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ra.ging
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of feelings or emotions) very strong: a raging appetite / thirst  raging lust / jealousy
2 (of natural forces) very powerful: a raging storm / tempest  The stream had become a raging torrent.  The building was now a raging inferno.
3 (of a pain or an illness) very strong or painful: I’ve got a raging headache.
4 very serious and causing strong feelings: His speech has provoked a raging debate.
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rag.lan
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a sleeve) sewn to the front and back of a coat, sweater, etc. in a line that slopes down from the neck to under the arm
2 (of a coat, sweater, etc.) having raglan sleeves: a raglan cardigan
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ra.gout
noun [C, U] (from French ) a hot dish of meat and vegetables boiled together with various spices
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rag.tag
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) (of a group of people or an organization) not well organized; giving a bad impression: a ragtag band of rebels
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rag.time
noun [U] an early form of jazz, especially for the piano, first played by African American musicians in the early 1900s
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the 'rag trade
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) the business of designing, making and selling clothes
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rag.wort
noun [U] a wild plant with yellow flowers, poisonous to cows and horses
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raid
noun, verb
noun ~ (on sth)
1 a short surprise attack on an enemy by soldiers, ships or aircraft: They carried out a bombing raid on enemy bases.—see also AIR RAID
2 a surprise visit by the police looking for criminals or for illegal goods or drugs: They were arrested during a dawn raid .
3 an attack on a building, etc. in order to commit a crime: an armed bank raid—see also RAM-RAIDING

verb [vn]
1 (of police) to visit a person or place without warning to look for criminals, illegal goods, drugs, etc: The house was raided in the early hours.
2 (of soldiers, fighting planes, etc.) to attack a place without warning: Villages along the border are regularly raided.  a raiding party (= a group of soldiers, etc. that attack a place)
3 to enter a place, usually using force, and steal from it: Many treasures were lost when the tombs were raided in the last century.   (humorous) I caught him raiding the fridge again (= taking food from it).

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raid.er
noun a person who makes a criminal raid on a place: armed / masked raiders
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rail
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a wooden or metal bar placed around sth as a barrier or to provide support: She leaned on the ship’s rail and gazed out to sea.—see also GUARD RAIL , HANDRAIL
2 [C] a bar fixed to the wall for hanging things on: a picture / curtain / towel rail
3 [C, usually pl.] each of the two metal bars that form the track that trains run on
4 [U] (often before another noun) railways/railroads as a means of transport: to travel / send sth by rail   rail travel / services / fares  a rail link / network
IDM go off the 'rails (BrE, informal)
1 to start behaving in a strange or unacceptable manner, for example, drinking a lot or taking drugs
2 to lose control and stop functioning correctly: The company has gone badly off the rails in recent years. get back on the 'rails (informal) to become successful again after a period of failure, or to begin functioning normally again—more at JUMP v.

verb ~ (at / against sth/sb) (formal) to complain about sth/sb in a very angry way: [v] She railed against the injustice of it all. [alsov speech] ,rail sth 'in / 'off to separate an area or object from others by placing rails around it: The machine was railed off as a safety precaution.

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rail.card
noun (BrE ) a card that allows sb to travel by train at a reduced price
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rail.head
noun (technical ) the point at which a railway/railroad ends
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rail.ing
noun [C, usually pl.] a fence made of upright metal bars; one of these bars: iron railings  I chained my bike to the park railings.  She leaned out over the railing.
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rail.man
noun (BrE ) (pl.-men ) = RAILWAYMAN
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rail.road
noun, verb
noun (AmE ) = RAILWAY

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to force sb to do sth before they have had enough time to decide whether or not they want to do it
2 ~ sth (through / through sth) to make a group of people accept a decision, law, etc. quickly by putting pressure on them: The bill was railroaded through the House.
3 (AmE) to decide that sb is guilty of a crime, without giving them a fair trial

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'railroad crossing
noun (AmE ) = LEVEL CROSSING
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rail.road.er
noun (AmE ) = RAILWAYMAN
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rail.way
(BrE ) (AmE rail.road) noun
1 (BrE also 'railway line) a track with rails on which trains run: The railway is still under construction.  a disused railway
2 a system of tracks, together with the trains that run on them, and the organization and people needed to operate them: Her father worked on the railways.  a railway station / worker / company  the Midland Railway  a model railway
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rail.way.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also rail.man) (both BrE ) (AmE rail.road.er) a person who works for a rail company
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rai.ment
noun [U] (old use) clothing
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rain
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] water that falls from the clouds in separate drops: There will be rain in all parts tomorrow.  Rain is forecast for the weekend.  Don’t go out in the rain.  It’s pouring with rain (= raining very hard).  heavy / torrential / driving rain  The rain poured down.  It looks like rain (= as if it is going to rain).  A light rain began to fall.  I think I felt a drop of rain.—see also ACID RAIN , RAINY   note at WEATHER
2 (the rains) [pl.] the season of heavy continuous rain in tropical countries: The rains come in September.
3 [sing.] ~ of sth a large number of things falling from the sky at the same time: a rain of arrows / stones
IDM come ,rain, come 'shine | (come) ,rain or 'shine whether there is rain or sun; whatever happens: He goes jogging every morning, rain or shine.—more at RIGHT adj.

verb
1 [v] when it rains, water falls from the sky in drops: Is it raining?  It had been raining hard all night.  It hardly rained at all last summer.  It started to rain.
2 ~ (sth) (down) (on sb/sth) to fall or to make sth fall on sb/sth in large quantities: [v] Bombs rained (down) on the city’s streets.  Falling debris rained on us from above.  He covered his face as the blows rained down on him (= he was hit repeatedly).  [vn] The volcano erupted, raining hot ash over a wide area.
IDM be raining cats and 'dogs (informal) to be raining heavily it never rains but it 'pours (BrE) (AmE when it rains, it 'pours) (saying) used to say that when one bad thing happens to you, other bad things happen soon after ,rain on sb’s 'parade (AmE) to spoil sth for sb
PVR V be ,rained 'off (BrE) (AmE be ,rained 'out) (of an event) to be cancelled or to have to stop because it is raining: The game has been rained off again.

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rain.bow
noun an arch of different colours that appears in the sky when the sun shines through rain: all the colours of the rainbow
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'rain check
noun (especially AmE ) a ticket that can be used later if a game, show, etc. is cancelled because of rain
IDM take a rain check (on sth) (informal, especially AmE) to refuse an offer or invitation but say that you might accept it later: ‘Are you coming for a drink?’‘Can I take a rain check?—I must get this finished tonight.’
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rain.coat
noun a long light coat that keeps you dry in the rain—
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rain.drop
noun a single drop of rain
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rain.fall
noun [U, sing.] the total amount of rain that falls in a particular area in a particular amount of time; an occasion when rain falls: There has been below average rainfall this month.  an average annual rainfall of 10 cm
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rain.for.est
noun a thick forest in tropical parts of the world that have a lot of rain: the Amazon rainforest
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rain.proof
adj. that can keep rain out: a rainproof jacket
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rain.storm
noun a heavy fall of rain
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rain.water
noun [U] water that has fallen as rain: a barrel for collecting rainwater
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rainy
adj. (rain.ier, rain.iest) having or bringing a lot of rain: a rainy day  the rainy season  the rainiest place in Britain
IDM save, keep, etc. sth for a ,rainy 'day to save sth, especially money, for a time when you will really need it
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raise
verb, noun
verb
MOVE UPWARDS|
1 [vn] to lift or move sth to a higher level: She raised the gun and fired.  He raised a hand in greeting.  She raised her eyes from her work.
OPP LOWER   note at RISE
2 [vn] to move sth/sb/yourself to an upright position: Somehow we managed to raise her to her feet.  He raised himself up on one elbow.
OPP LOWER
INCREASE|
3 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to increase the amount or level of sth: to raise salaries / prices / taxes  They raised their offer to $500.  We need to raise public awareness of the issue.  How can we raise standards in schools?  Don’t tell her about the job until you know for sure—we don’t want to raise her hopes (= make her hope too much).  I’ve never heard him even raise his voice (= speak louder because he was angry).
COLLECT MONEY / PEOPLE|
4 [vn] to bring or collect money or people together; to manage to get or form sth: to raise funds / a loan  We are raising money for charity.  He set about raising an army .—see also FUND-RAISER
MENTION SUBJECT|
5 [vn] to mention sth for people to discuss or sb to deal with: The book raises many important questions .  I’m glad you raised the subject of money.
CAUSE|
6 to cause or produce sth; to make sth appear: to raise doubts / fears / suspicions in people’s minds  The plans for the new development have raised angry protests from local residents.  It wasn’t an easy audience but he raised a few laughs with his jokes.  It had been a difficult day but she managed to raise a smile.  The horses' hooves raised a cloud of dust.—see also CURTAIN-RAISER
CHILD / ANIMAL|
7 (especially AmE ) to care for a child or young animal until it is able to take care of itself: [vn] They were both raised in the South.  kids raised on a diet of hamburgers  [vn-n] They raised her (as) a Catholic.  I was born and raised a city boy.—compare BRING UP
FARM ANIMALS / CROPS|
8 [vn] to breed particular farm animals; to grow particular crops: to raise cattle / corn
END STH|
9 [vn] to end a restriction on sb/sth: to raise a blockade / a ban / an embargo / a siege
ON RADIO / PHONE|
10 [vn] to contact sb and speak to them by radio or telephone: We managed to raise him on his mobile phone.
DEAD PERSON|
11 [vn] ~ sb (from sth) to make sb who has died come to life again: Christians believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. raise a / your 'hand against / to sb to hit or threaten to hit sb raise your 'eyebrows (at sth) [often passive] to show that you disapprove of or are surprised by sth: Eyebrows were raised when he arrived without his wife. raise your 'glass (to sb) to hold up your glass and wish sb happiness, good luck, etc. before you drink raise 'hell (informal) to protest angrily, especially in a way that causes trouble for sb raise the 'roof to produce or make sb produce a lot of noise in a building, for example by shouting or CHEERING : Their cheers raised the roof. raise sb’s 'spirits to make sb feel more cheerful or brave: The sunny weather raised my spirits a little.—more at ANTE , HACKLES , SIGHT n. , TEMPERATURE 'raise sth to sb/sth to build or place a statue, etc. somewhere in honour or memory of sb/sth: The town raised a memorial to those killed in the war.

noun (AmE ) = RISE

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raised
adj. higher than the area around: a raised platform
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rai.sin
noun a dried grape, used in cakes, etc.
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rais.ing
noun [U, sing.] the act of raising sth: consciousness raising  a raising of standards in schools—see also FUND-RAISING
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rai.son d'être
noun [sing.] (from French ) the most important reason for sb’s/sth’s existence: Work seems to be her sole raison d'être.
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the Raj
noun [sing.] British rule in India before 1947
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raja
(also rajah) noun an Indian king or prince who ruled over a state in the past
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rake
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a garden tool with a long handle and a row of metal points at the end, used for gathering fallen leaves and making soil smooth—picture at GARDEN
2 [C] (old-fashioned) a man, especially a rich and fashionable one, who is thought to have low moral standards, for example because he drinks or gambles a lot or has sex with a lot of women
3 [sing.] (technical) the amount by which sth, especially the stage in a theatre, slopes

verb
1 to pull a rake over a surface in order to make it level or to remove sth: [vn] The leaves had been raked into a pile.   (figurative) She raked a comb through her hair.  [vn-adj] First rake the soil smooth. [alsov]
2 [vn] to point a camera, light, gun, etc. at sb/sth and move it slowly from one side to the other: They raked the streets with machine-gun fire.  Searchlights raked the grounds.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to search a place carefully for sth: She raked around in her bag for her keys.
4 [vn, v] to scratch the surface of sth with a sharp object, especially your nails
IDM rake sb over the 'coals (AmE) = HAUL SB OVER THE COALS at HAUL
PVR V ,rake 'in sth (informal) to earn a lot of money, especially when it is done easily: The movie raked in more than $300 million.  She’s been raking it in since she started her new job. ,rake 'over sth (informal, disapproving) to examine sth that happened in the past in great detail and keep talking about it, when it should be forgotten: She had no desire to rake over the past. ,rake sth<->'up (informal, disapproving) to mention sth unpleasant that happened in the past and that other people would like to forget: Raking up the past will only make things worse.

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raked
adj. (technical ) placed on a slope: raked seating
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'rake-off
noun (informal) a share of profits, especially from dishonest or illegal activity
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rak.ish
adj.
1 (of a man) acting like a RAKE (= in an immoral, etc. way): He plays the novel’s rakish hero.
2 (of a hat) worn at an angle, and making the person wearing it look relaxed and confident: He was wearing his hat at a rakish angle .
rak.ish.ly adv.
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rally
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a large public meeting, especially one held to support a particular idea or political party: to attend / hold a rally  a peace / protest rally  a mass rally in support of the strike—see also PEP RALLY
2 [C] (BrE) a race for motor vehicles over public roads: the Monte Carlo rally  rally driving
3 [C] (in tennis and similar sports) a series of hits of the ball before a point is scored
4 [sing.] (in sport or on the Stock Exchange) an act of returning to a strong position after a period of difficulty or weakness: After a furious late rally, they finally scored.  a rally in shares on the stock market

verb (ral.lies, rally.ing, ral.lied, ral.lied)
1 ~ (sb/sth) (around / behind / to sb/sth) to come together or bring people together in order to help or support sb/sth: [v] The cabinet rallied behind the Prime Minister.  Many national newspapers rallied to his support.  [vn] They have rallied a great deal of support for their campaign.
2 [v] to become healthier, stronger, etc. after a period of illness, weakness, etc: He never really rallied after the operation.  The champion rallied to win the second set 6–3.
3 [v] (finance) (especially of share prices or a country’s money) to increase in value after falling in value: The company’s shares had rallied slightly by the close of trading.  The pound rallied against the dollar.
PVR V ,rally 'round / a'round| ,rally 'round / a'round sb (of a group of people) to work together in order to help sb who is in a difficult or unpleasant situation: The whole family rallied round when Mum was ill.

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'rallying cry
noun a phrase or an idea that is used to encourage people to support sb/sth
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'rallying point
noun a person, a group, an event, etc. that makes people come together in support of sth
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RAM
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘random access memory’ (computer memory in which data can be changed or removed and can be looked at in any order): 32 megabytes of RAM
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Ram.adan
noun [U] the 9th month of the Muslim year, when Muslims do not eat or drink between SUNRISE and SUNSET
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ram
verb, noun
verb (-mm-)
1 [vn] (of a vehicle, a ship, etc.) to drive into or hit another vehicle, ship, etc. with force, sometimes deliberately: Two passengers were injured when their taxi was rammed from behind by a bus.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push sth somewhere with force: She rammed the key into the lock.   (figurative) The spending cuts had been rammed through Congress.
IDM ,ram sth<->'home (especially BrE) to emphasize an idea, argument, etc. very strongly to make sure people listen to it—more at THROAT
PVR V ,ram 'into sth| ,ram sth 'into sth to hit against sth or to make sth hit against sth with force: He rammed his truck into the back of the one in front.

noun
1 a male sheep—compare EWE
2 a part in a machine that is used for hitting sth very hard or for lifting or moving things: hydraulic rams—see also BATTERING RAM

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ram.ble
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 [+adv. / prep.] (BrE) to walk for pleasure, especially in the countryside: We spent the summer rambling in Ireland.
2 (BrE) ~ (on) (about sb/sth) to talk about sb/sth in a confused way, especially for a long time: He had lost track of what he was saying and began to ramble.  What is she rambling on about now?
3 (of plants) to grow in many different directions, especially over other plants or objects: Climbing plants rambled over the front of the house.—see also RAMBLING

noun a long walk for pleasure: to go for / on a ramble in the country

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ram.bler
noun
1 (especially BrE) a person who walks in the countryside for pleasure, especially as part of an organized group
2 a plant, especially a rose, that grows up walls, fences, etc.
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ram.bling
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of a building) spreading in various directions with no particular pattern: They live in a rambling old house in the country.
2 (of speech or writing) very long and confused: a rambling speech / letter
3 (of a plant) growing or climbing in all directions, for example up a wall: a rambling rose

noun
1 [U] (especially BrE) the activity of walking for pleasure in the countryside: a rambling club
2 (ramblings) [pl.] speech or writing that continues for a long time without saying much and seems very confused: the ramblings of a madman

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ram.bunc.tious
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) = RUMBUSTIOUS
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ram.ekin
noun a small dish for baking and serving food for one person
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ram.ifi.ca.tion
noun [usually pl.] one of the large number of complicated and unexpected results that follow an action or a decision: These changes are bound to have widespread social ramifications.
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ramp
noun
1 a slope that joins two parts of a road, path, building, etc. when one is higher than the other: Ramps should be provided for wheelchair users.
2 (AmE) = SLIP ROAD : a freeway exit ramp
3 a slope or set of steps that can be moved, used for loading a vehicle or getting on or off a plane: a loading ramp
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ram.page
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] a sudden period of wild and violent behaviour, often causing damage and destruction: Gangs of youths went on the rampage in the city yesterday.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of people or animals) to move through a place in a group, usually breaking things and causing damage: Several thousand demonstrators rampaged through the centre of the city.  a herd of rampaging elephants

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ram.pant
adj.
1 (of sth bad) existing or spreading everywhere in a way that cannot be controlled: rampant corruption / inflation  Unemployment is now rampant in most of Europe.
2 (of plants) growing thickly and very fast in a way that cannot be controlled
ram.pant.ly adv.
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ram.part
noun [usually pl.] a high wide wall of stone or earth with a path on top, built around a castle, town, etc. to defend it
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'ram-raiding
noun [U] (BrE ) the crime of driving a vehicle into a shop/store window in order to steal goods
'ram-raid noun
'ram-raid verb [vn]
'ram-raider noun
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ram.rod
noun an iron rod used in the past to push explosive material into a gun
IDM ,ramrod 'straight | (as) straight as a 'ramrod (of a person) with a very straight back and looking serious and formal
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ram.shackle
adj.
1 (of buildings, vehicles, furniture, etc.) in a very bad condition and needing repair: a ramshackle house
2 (of an organization or a system) badly organized or designed and not likely to last very long
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ran
pt of RUN
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ranch
noun a large farm, especially in N America or Australia, where cows, horses, sheep, etc. are bred: a cattle / sheep ranch  ranch hands (= the people who work on a ranch)—see also DUDE RANCH
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ranch.er
noun a person who owns, manages or works on a ranch : a cattle rancher
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'ranch house
noun
1 a house on a ranch
2 (AmE) a house built all on one level, that is very wide but not very deep from front to back and has a roof that is not very steep—compare BUNGALOW
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ranch.ing
noun [U] the activity of running a RANCH : cattle / sheep ranching
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ran.cid
adj. if food containing fat is rancid, it tastes or smells unpleasant because it is no longer fresh: rancid butter
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ran.cour
(BrE ) (AmEran.cor) noun [U] (formal) feelings of hatred and a desire to hurt other people, especially because you think that sb has done sth unfair to you: She learned to accept criticism without rancour .
ran.cor.ous adj.: a rancorous legal battle
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rand
noun (pl.rand) the unit of money in the Republic of South Africa
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R & B
abbr. RHYTHM AND BLUES
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R & D
abbr. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
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ran.dom
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] done, chosen, etc. without sb thinking or deciding in advance what is going to happen: the random killing of innocent people  a random sample / selection (= in which each thing has an equal chance of being chosen)  The information is processed in a random order.
ran.dom.ly adv.: The winning numbers are randomly selected by computer.
ran.dom.ness noun [U]: It introduced an element of randomness to the situation.

noun
IDM at 'random without thinking or deciding in advance what is going to happen: She opened the book at random (= not at any particular page) and started reading.  The terrorists fired into the crowd at random.  Names were chosen at random from a list.

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,random 'access
noun [U] (computing ) the ability in a computer to go straight to data items without having to read through items stored previously
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,random-,access 'memory
noun [U] (computing ) = RAM
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ran.dom.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (technical ) to use a method in an experiment, a piece of research, etc. that gives every item an equal chance of being considered; to put things in a RANDOM order
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randy
adj. (ran.dier, ran.di.est) (BrE , informal) sexually excited: to feel / get randy
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rang
pt of RING
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range
noun, verb
noun
VARIETY|
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a variety of things of a particular type: The hotel offers a wide range of facilities and services.  There is a full range of activities for children.
LIMITS|
2 [C, usually sing.] the limits between which sth varies: Most of the students are in the 17-20 age range.  There will be an increase in the range of 0 to 3 per cent.  It’s difficult to find a house in our price range (= that we can afford).  This was outside the range of his experience .
OF PRODUCTS|
3 [C] a set of products of a particular type: our new range of hair products—see also MID-RANGE , TOP-OF-THE-RANGE
DISTANCE|
4 [C, U] the distance over which sth can be seen or heard: The child was now out of her range of vision (= not near enough for her to see).
5 [C, U] the distance over which a gun or other weapon can hit things: These missiles have a range of 300 miles.—see also CLOSE-RANGE , LONG-RANGE , SHORT-RANGE
6 [C] the distance that a vehicle will travel before it needs more fuel
OF MOUNTAINS|
7 [C] a line or group of mountains or hills: the great mountain range of the Alps
FOR SHOOTING|
8 [C] an area of land where people can practise shooting or where bombs, etc. can be tested: a shooting range—see also RIFLE RANGE
OVEN|
9 [C] a large piece of equipment that can burn various fuels and is kept hot all the time, used for cooking, especially in the past
10 (AmE) = COOKER
FOR COWS|
11 (the range) [sing.] (AmE) a large open area for keeping cows, etc.—see also FREE-RANGE in / within 'range (of sth) near enough to be reached, seen or heard: He shouted angrily at anyone within range. out of 'range (of sth) too far away to be reached, seen or heard: The cat stayed well out of range of the children.

verb
VARY|
1 [v] ~ from A to B| ~ between A and B to vary between two particular amounts, sizes, etc., including others between them: to range in size / length / price from A to B  Estimates of the damage range between $1 million and $5 million.  Accommodation ranges from tourist class to luxury hotels.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (from A to B) to include a variety of different things in addition to those mentioned: She has had a number of different jobs, ranging from chef to swimming instructor.  The conversation ranged widely (= covered a lot of different topics).—see also WIDE-RANGING
ARRANGE|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] (formal) to arrange people or things in a particular position or order: The delegates ranged themselves around the table.  Spectators were ranged along the whole route of the procession.
MOVE AROUND|
4 to move around an area: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : He ranges far and wide in search of inspiration for his paintings.  [vn] Her eyes ranged the room. ,range yourself / sb a'gainst / 'with sb/sth [usually passive] to join with other people to oppose sb/sth: The whole family seemed ranged against him. 'range over sth to include a variety of different subjects: His lecture ranged over a number of topics.

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ran.ger
noun
1 a person whose job is to take care of a park, a forest or an area of countryside
2 Ranger (Guide) a girl who belongs to the part of the Guide Association in Britain for girls between the ages of 14 and 19
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rangy
adj. (written) (of a person or an animal) having long thin arms and/or legs
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rank
noun, verb, adj.
noun
POSITION IN ORGANIZATION / ARMY, etc.|
1 [U, C] the position, especially a high position, that sb has in a particular organization, society, etc: She was not used to mixing with people of high social rank.  He rose through the ranks to become managing director.  Within months she was elevated to ministerial rank.—see also RANKING
2 [C, U] the position that sb has in the army, navy, police, etc: He was soon promoted to the rank of captain.  officers of junior / senior rank  a campaign to attract more women into the military ranks  officers, and other ranks (= people who are not officers)  The colonel was stripped of his rank (= lost his position as colonel).
3 (the ranks) [pl.] the position of ordinary soldiers rather than officers: He served in the ranks for most of the war.  He rose from the ranks (= from being an ordinary soldier) to become a warrant officer.
QUALITY|
4 [sing.] the degree to which sb/sth is of high quality: a painter of the first rank   Britain is no longer in the front rank of world powers.  The findings are arranged in rank order according to performance.
MEMBERS OF GROUP|
5 (the ranks) [pl.] the members of a particular group or organization: We have a number of international players in our ranks.  At 50, he was forced to join the ranks of the unemployed.  There were serious divisions within the party’s own ranks.
LINE / ROW|
6 [C] a line or row of soldiers, police, etc. standing next to each other: They watched as ranks of marching infantry passed the window.
7 [C] a line or row of people or things: massed ranks of spectators  The trees grew in serried ranks (= very closely together).—see also TAXI RANK break 'ranks
1 (of soldiers, police, etc.) to fail to remain in line
2 (of the members of a group) to refuse to support a group or an organization of which they are members: Large numbers of MPs felt compelled to break ranks over the issue.—more at CLOSE^1v. , PULL v.

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
GIVE POSITION|
1 ~ (sb) (as sth) to give sb/sth a particular position on a scale according to quality, importance, success, etc.; to have a position of this kind: [vn] The tasks have been ranked in order of difficulty.  She is currently the highest ranked player in the world.  top-ranked players  [vn-adj] Last year, he was ranked second in his age group.  [v-adj] At the height of her career she ranked second in the world.  [vn-n] The university is ranked number one in the country for engineering.  [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] The restaurant ranks among the finest in town.  It certainly doesn’t rank as his greatest win.  This must rank with (= be as good as) one of the greatest movies ever made.  [v] (AmE) You just don’t rank (= you’re not good enough).
PUT IN LINE / ROW|
2 [vn] [usually passive] to arrange objects in a line or row

adj.
1 having a strong unpleasant smell: The house was full of the rank smell of urine.
2 [only before noun] used to emphasize a particular quality, state, etc: an example of rank stupidity  The winning horse was a rank outsider .
3 (of plants, etc.) growing too thickly: an area overgrown with rank grass and nettles

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the ,rank and 'file
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .]
1 the ordinary soldiers who are not officers
2 the ordinary members of an organization: the rank and file of the workforce  rank-and-file members
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rank.ing
noun, adj.
noun
1 the position of sb/sth on a scale that shows how good or important they are in relation to other similar people or things, especially in sport: He has improved his ranking this season from 67th to 30th.  She has retained her No.1 world ranking.
2 (the rankings) [pl.] an official list showing the best players of a particular sport in order of how successful they are

adj.
1 (especially AmE) having a high or the highest rank in an organization, etc: a ranking diplomat  He was the ranking officer (= the most senior officer present at a particular time).
2 (in compounds) having the particular rank mentioned: high-ranking / low-ranking police officers  a top-ranking player

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ran.kle
verb ~ (with sb) if sth such as an event or a remark rankles, it makes you feel angry or upset for a long time: [v] Her comments still rankled.  His decision to sell the land still rankled with her. [alsovn]
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ran.sack
verb [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to search a place, making it untidy and causing damage, usually because you are looking for sth: The house had been ransacked by burglars.
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ran.som
noun, verb
noun [C, U] money that is paid to sb so that they will set free a person who is being kept as a prisoner by them: The kidnappers demanded a ransom of £50 000 from his family.  a ransom demand / note  ransom money  They are refusing to pay ransom for her release.
IDM hold sb to 'ransom
1 to keep sb as a prisoner and demand that other people pay you an amount of money before you set them free
2 (disapproving) to take action that puts sb in a very difficult situation in order to force them to do what you want—more at KING

verb [vn] to pay money to sb so that they will set free the person that they are keeping as a prisoner: The kidnapped children were all ransomed and returned home unharmed.

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rant
verb [v, v speech] ~ (on) (about sth)| ~ (at sb) (disapproving) to speak or complain about sth in a loud and/or angry way
rant noun
IDM ,rant and 'rave (disapproving) to show that you are angry by shouting or complaining loudly for a long time
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rant.ings
noun [pl.] loud or angry comments or speeches that continue for a long time
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rap
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a quick sharp hit or knock: There was a sharp rap on the door.
2 [U] a type of modern music with a fast strong rhythm and words which are spoken fast, not sung: a rap song / artist
3 [C] a rap song
4 [C] (AmE, informal) a criminal CONVICTION (= the fact of being found guilty of a crime): a police rap sheet (= a record of the crimes sb has committed)
5 [sing.] (AmE, informal) an unfair judgement on sth or sb: He denounced the criticisms as ‘just one bum rap after another.’  Wolves get a bad rap , says a woman who owns three.
IDM (give sb / get) a rap on / over / across the 'knuckles (informal) (to give sb/receive) strong criticism for sth: We got a rap over the knuckles for being late. take the 'rap (for sb/sth) (informal) to be blamed or punished, especially for sth you have not done: She was prepared to take the rap for the shoplifting, though it had been her sister’s idea.—more at BEAT v.

verb (-pp-)
1 to hit a hard object or surface several times quickly, making a noise: [v] She rapped angrily on the door.  [vn] He rapped the table with his pen.
2 ~ sth (out) to say sth suddenly and quickly in a loud, angry way: [vn] He walked through the store, rapping out orders to his staff. [alsov speech]
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) (used mainly in newspapers) to criticize sb severely, usually publicly: Some of the teachers were rapped for poor performance.
4 [v, vn] (music) to say the words of a rap —see also RAPPER
IDM ,rap sb on / over the 'knuckles | rap sb’s 'knuckles to criticize sb for sth: The company was rapped over the knuckles for broadcasting the interview.

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ra.pa.cious
adj. (formal, disapproving) wanting more money or goods than you need or have a right to
ra.pa.cious.ly adv.
rap.acity noun [U]: the rapacity of landowners seeking greater profit
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rape
verb, noun
verb [vn] to force sb to have sex with you when they do not want to by threatening them or using violence—see also RAPIST

noun
1 [U, C] the crime of forcing sb to have sex with you, especially using violence: He was charged with rape.  a rape victim  an increase in the number of reported rapes—see also DATE RAPE , RAPIST
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) (literary) the act of destroying or spoiling an area in a way that seems unnecessary
3 (also ,oilseed 'rape) [U] a plant with bright yellow flowers, grown as food for farm animals and for its seeds that are used to make oil: a field of rape  refined rape oil

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rapid
adj.
1 [usually before noun] happening in a short period of time: rapid change / expansion / growth  a rapid rise / decline in sales  The patient made a rapid recovery.
2 done or happening very quickly: a rapid pulse / heartbeat  The guard fired four shots in rapid succession.  The disease is spreading at a rapid rate.  note at FAST
rap.id.ity noun [U]: the rapidity of economic growth  The disease is spreading with alarming rapidity.
rap.id.ly adv.: a rapidly growing economy  Crime figures are rising rapidly.
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'rapid-fire
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of questions, comments, etc.) spoken very quickly, one after the other
2 (of a gun) able to shoot bullets very quickly, one after the other
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rapids
noun [pl.] part of a river where the water flows very fast, usually over rocks: to shoot the rapids (= to travel quickly over them in a boat)
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,rapid 'transit
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the system of fast public transport in cities, especially the SUBWAY
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ra.pier
noun a long thin light SWORD that has two sharp edges: (figurative) rapier wit (= very quick sharp wit)
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rap.ist
noun a person who forces sb to have sex when they do not want to (= RAPES them)
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rap.pel
verb [v] (AmE ) = ABSEIL
rap.pel noun
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rap.per
noun a person who speaks the words of a RAP song
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rap.port
noun [sing., U] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) a friendly relationship in which people understand each other very well: She understood the importance of establishing a close rapport with clients.  Honesty is essential if there is to be good rapport between patient and therapist.
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rap.por.teur
noun (from French, technical ) a person officially chosen by an organization to investigate a problem and report on it: the UN special rapporteur on human rights
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rap.proche.ment
noun [sing., U] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) (from French , formal) a situation in which the relationship between two countries or groups of people becomes more friendly after a period during which they were enemies: policies aimed at bringing about a rapprochement with China  There now seems little chance of rapprochement between the warring factions.
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rapt
adj. (written) so interested in one particular thing that you are not aware of anything else: a rapt audience  She listened to the speaker with rapt attention.
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rap.tor
noun (technical ) any BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food)
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rap.ture
noun [U] (formal) a feeling of extreme pleasure and happiness: Charles listened with rapture to her singing.  The children gazed at her in rapture.
IDM be in, go into, etc. 'raptures (about / over sb/sth) to feel or express extreme pleasure or enthusiasm for sb/sth: The critics went into raptures about her performance.  The last minute goal sent the fans into raptures.
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rap.tur.ous
adj. [usually before noun] expressing extreme pleasure or enthusiasm for sb/sth: rapturous applause  The Olympic team was given a rapturous welcome.
rap.tur.ous.ly adv.
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rare
adj. (rarer, rar.est)
1 ~ (for sb/sth to do sth)| ~ (to do sth) not done, seen, happening, etc. very often: a rare disease / occurrence / sight  It’s extremely rare for it to be this hot in April.  It is rare to find such loyalty these days.  On the rare occasions when they met he hardly even dared speak to her.  It was a rare (= very great) honour to be made a fellow of the college.
2 existing only in small numbers and therefore valuable or interesting: a rare book / coin / stamp  a rare breed / plant  This species is extremely rare.
3 (of meat) cooked for only a short time so that the inside is still red—compare WELL DONE —see also RARITY
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rare.bit
noun = WELSH RAREBIT
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rar.efied
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (often disapproving) understood or experienced by only a very small group of people who share a particular area of knowledge or activity: the rarefied atmosphere of academic life
2 (of air) containing less OXYGEN than usual
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rare.ly
adv. not very often: She is rarely seen in public nowadays.  We rarely agree on what to do.  a rarely-performed play   (formal) Rarely has a debate attracted so much media attention.
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rar.ing
adj. ~ to do sth (informal) very enthusiastic about starting to do sth: The new recruits arrived early, all dressed up and raring to go (= to start).  She is raring to get back to work after her operation.
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rar.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a person or thing that is unusual and is therefore often valuable or interesting: Women are still something of a rarity in senior positions in business.  His collection of plants contains many rarities.
2 (also less frequent rare.ness) [U] the quality of being rare: The value of antiques will depend on their condition and rarity.
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ras.cal
noun
1 (humorous) a person, especially a child or man, who shows a lack of respect for other people and enjoys playing tricks on them: Come here, you little rascal!
2 (old-fashioned) a dishonest man
ras.cal.ly adj. (old-fashioned)
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rash
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] an area of red spots on a person’s skin, caused by an illness or a reaction to sth: I woke up covered in a rash.  I come out in a rash (= a rash appears on my skin) if I eat chocolate.  The sun brought her out in (= caused) an itchy rash.  a heat rash (= caused by heat)—compare SPOT
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a lot of sth; a series of unpleasant things that happen over a short period of time
SYN SPATE : a rash of movies about life in prison  There has been a rash of burglaries in the area over the last month.

adj. ~ (to do sth) (of people or their actions) doing sth that may not be sensible without first thinking about the possible results; done in this way: a rash young man  It would be rash to assume that everyone will agree with you on this.  Think twice before doing anything rash.  This is what happens when you make rash decisions.
rash.ly adv.: She had rashly promised to lend him the money.  I see now that I may have acted rashly.
rash.ness noun [U]: He bitterly regretted his rashness.

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rasher
noun (especially BrE ) a thin slice of BACON (= meat from the back or sides of a pig): a fried egg and two rashers of bacon
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rasp
noun, verb
noun
1 [sing.] an unpleasant harsh sound
2 [C] a metal tool with a long blade covered with rows of sharp points, used for making rough surfaces smooth

verb
1 ~ (sth) (out) to say sth in an unpleasant harsh voice: [v speech] ‘Where have you been?’ she rasped.  [vn] He rasped out some instructions. [alsov]
2 [v] to make an unpleasant harsh sound: a rasping cough / voice
3 [vn] to rub a surface with a rasp or with sth rough that works or feels like a rasp : The wind rasped his face.

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rasp.berry
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a small dark red soft fruit that grows on bushes: raspberry jam—
2 (AmE also ,Bronx 'cheer) (informal) a rude sound made by sticking out the tongue and blowing: to blow a raspberry at sb
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raspy
adj. (of sb’s voice) having a rough sound, as if the person has a sore throat
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Ras.ta.far.ian
(also informal Rasta) noun a member of a Jamaican religious group which worships the former Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, and which believes that black people will one day return to Africa. Rastafarians often wear DREADLOCKS and have other distinguishing patterns of behaviour and dress.
Ras.ta.far.ian (also informal Rasta) adj.
Ras.ta.far.ian.ism noun [U]
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rat
noun, verb
noun
1 a small animal with a long tail, that looks like a large mouse, usually considered a PEST (= an animal which is disliked because it destroys food or spreads disease): rat poison
2 (informal, disapproving) an unpleasant person, especially one who is not loyal or tricks sb: You mean he just walked out on her after fifteen years? What a rat!
IDM see SINK v. , SMELL v.

verb (-tt-)
PVR V 'rat on sb (informal) to tell sb in authority about sth wrong that sb else has done: Where I come from, you don’t rat on your friends. 'rat on sth (BrE, informal) to not do sth that you have agreed or promised to do: The government is accused of ratting on its promises to the unemployed.

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rata
PRO RATA
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'rat-arsed
adj. (BrE , slang) extremely drunk
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,rat-a-tat-'tat
noun [sing.] = RAT-TAT
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rat.bag
noun (BrE , slang) an unpleasant or disgusting person
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ratchet
noun a wheel or bar with teeth along the edge and a metal piece that fits between the teeth, allowing movement in one direction only
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rate
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a measurement of the speed at which sth happens: Most people walk at an average rate of 5 kilometres an hour.  The number of reported crimes is increasing at an alarming rate.  Figures published today show another fall in the rate of inflation.  At the rate you work, you’ll never finish!
2 [C] a measurement of the number of times sth happens or exists during a particular period: Local businesses are closing at a / the rate of three a year.  a high / low / rising rate of unemployment  the annual crime / divorce rate  His pulse rate dropped suddenly.  a high success / failure rate—see also BIRTH RATE , DEATH RATE
3 [C] a fixed amount of money that is charged or paid for sth: advertising / insurance / postal rates  a low / high hourly rate of pay  We offer special reduced rates for students.  a fixed-rate mortgage (= one in which the amount of money repaid each month is fixed for a particular period)  the basic rate of tax (= the lowest amount that is paid by everyone)  exchange / interest rates  rates of exchange / interest—see also BASE RATE
4 (rates) [pl.] (in Britain) a tax paid by businesses to a local authority for land and buildings that they use and in the past also paid by anyone who owned a house: business rates—see also FIRST-RATE , SECOND-RATE , THIRD-RATE
IDM at 'any rate (spoken)
1 used to say that a particular fact is true in spite of what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future: Well, that’s one good piece of news at any rate.  I may be away on business next week but at any rate I’ll be back by Friday.
2 used to show that you are being more accurate about sth that you have just said: He said he’ll be coming tomorrow. At any rate, I think that’s what he said.
3 used to show that what you have just said is not as important as what you are going to say: There were maybe 60 or 70 people there. At any rate, the room was packed. at a rate of 'knots (BrE, informal) very quickly at 'this / 'that rate (spoken) used to say what will happen if a particular situation continues to develop in the same way: At this rate, we’ll soon be bankrupt.—more at GOING adj.

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 ~ sb/sth (as) sth| ~ as sth to have or think that sb/sth has a particular level of quality, value, etc: [vn] The university is highly rated for its research.  They rated him highly as a colleague.  [vn-adj] Voters continue to rate education high on their list of priorities.  [vn-n] The show was rated (as) a success by critics and audiences.  [v] The match rated as one of their worst defeats.  [v-adj] I’m afraid our needs do not rate very high with this administration.
2 [vn] (informal) to think that sb/sth is good: What did you think of the movie? I didn’t rate it myself.
3 [usually passive] to place sb/sth in a particular position on a scale in relation to similar people or things
SYN RANK : [vn] The schools were rated according to their exam results.  a top-rated programme  [vn-n] She is currently rated number two in the world.
4 [vn] to be good, important, etc. enough to be treated in a particular way
SYN MERIT : The incident didn’t even rate a mention in the press.
5 [vn] [usually passive] to state that a film/movie or video is suitable for a particular audience—see also X-RATED , ZERO-RATED

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'rate cap
noun (in the US) a limit placed on the amount of interest banks, etc. may charge
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rate.pay.er
noun (in Britain in the past) a person who paid taxes to the local authority on the buildings and land they owned
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ra.ther
adv., exclamation
adv.
1 used to mean ‘fairly’ or ‘to some degree’, often when you are expressing slight criticism, disappointment or surprise: The instructions were rather complicated.  She fell and hurt her leg rather badly.  I didn’t fail the exam; in fact I did rather well!  It was a rather difficult question.  It was rather a difficult question.  He looks rather like his father.  The patient has responded to the treatment rather better than expected.  He was conscious that he was talking rather too much.  note at QUITE
2 used with a verb to make a statement sound less strong: I rather suspect we’re making a mistake.  We were rather hoping you’d be able to do it by Friday.
3 used to correct sth you have said, or to give more accurate information: She worked as a secretary, or rather, a personal assistant.  In the end he had to walk—or rather run—to the office.
4 used to introduce an idea that is different or opposite to the idea that you have stated previously: The walls were not white, but rather a sort of dirty grey.
IDM rather you, him, etc. than 'me (informal) used for saying that you would not like to do sth that another person is going to do: ‘I’m going climbing tomorrow.’‘Rather you than me!’ rather than instead of sb/sth: I think I’ll have a cold drink rather than coffee.  Why didn’t you ask for help, rather than trying to do it on your own? would rather … (than) (usually shortened to 'd rather) would prefer to: She’d rather die than give a speech.  ‘Do you want to come with us?’‘No, I’d rather not.’  Would you rather walk or take the bus?  ‘Do you mind if I smoke?’‘Well, I’d rather you didn’t.’

exclamation (old-fashioned, BrE ) used to agree with sb’s suggestion: ‘How about a trip to the beach?’‘Rather!’

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rat.ify
verb (rati.fies, rati.fy.ing, rati.fied, rati.fied) [vn] to make an agreement officially valid by voting for or signing it: The treaty was ratified by all the member states.
rati.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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rat.ing
noun
1 [C] a measurement of how good, popular, important, etc. sb/sth is, especially in relation to other people or things: The poll gave a popular approval rating of 39% for the President.  Education has been given a high-priority rating by the new administration.  The ‘Cosby Show’ was the highest-rated network show with a rating of 26.—see also CREDIT RATING
2 (the ratings) [pl.] a set of figures that show how many people watch or listen to a particular television or radio programme, used to show how popular a programme is: The show has gone up in the ratings.
3 [C] a number or letter that shows which groups of people a particular film/movie is suitable for: The film was given a 15 rating by British censors.  The movie carries an R rating.
4 [C] (BrE) a sailor in the navy who is not an officer
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ratio
noun (pl.-os) ~ (of A to B) the relationship between two groups of people or things that is represented by two numbers showing how much larger one group is than the other: What is the ratio of men to women in the department?  The school has a very high teacher-student ratio.  The ratio of applications to available places currently stands at 100:1.
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rati.ocin.ation
noun [U] (formal) the process of thinking or arguing about sth in a logical way
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ra.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a fixed amount of food, fuel, etc. that you are officially allowed to have when there is not enough for everyone to have as much as they want, for example during a war: the weekly butter ration
2 (rations) [pl.] a fixed amount of food given regularly to a soldier or to sb who is in a place where there is not much food available: We’re on short rations (= allowed less than usual) until fresh supplies arrive.  Once these latest rations run out, the country will again face hunger and starvation.
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) an amount of sth that is thought to be normal or fair: As part of the diet, allow yourself a small daily ration of sugar.  I’ve had my ration of problems for one day—you deal with it!

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (to sth) to limit the amount of sth that sb is allowed to have, especially because there is not enough of it available: Eggs were rationed during the war.  The villagers are rationed to two litres of water a day.

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ra.tion.al
adj.
1 (of behaviour, ideas, etc.) based on reason rather than emotions: a rational argument / choice / decision  rational analysis / thought  There is no rational explanation for his actions.
2 (of a person) able to think clearly and make decisions based on reason rather than emotions: No rational person would ever behave like that.
OPP IRRATIONAL
ra.tion.al.ity noun [U]: the rationality of his argument
ra.tion.al.ly adv.: to act / behave / think rationally  She argued her case calmly and rationally.
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ra.tion.ale
noun ~ (behind / for / of sth) (formal) the principles or reasons which explain a particular decision, course of action, belief, etc: What is the rationale behind these new exams?
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ra.tion.al.ism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the belief that all behaviour, opinions, etc. should be based on reason rather than on emotions or religious beliefs
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ra.tion.al.ist
noun a person who believes in rationalism
ra.tion.al.ist (also ra.tion.al.is.tic ) adj. [usually before noun]: a rationalistic approach / position
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ra.tion.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 to find or try to find a logical reason to explain why sb thinks, behaves, etc. in a way that is difficult to understand: [vn] an attempt to rationalize his violent behaviour [alsov]
2 (BrE ) to make changes to a business, system, etc. in order to make it more efficient, especially by spending less money: [vn] Twenty workers lost their jobs when the department was rationalized. [alsov]
ra.tion.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]: No amount of rationalization could justify his actions.  a need for rationalization of the industry
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ra.tion.ing
noun [U] the policy of limiting the amount of food, fuel, etc. that people are allowed to have when there is not enough for everyone to have as much as they want
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the 'rat race
noun [sing.] (disapproving) the way of life of people living and working in a large city where everyone competes in an aggressive way with each other in order to be more successful, earn more money, etc.
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rat.tan
noun [U] a SE Asian climbing plant with long thin strong stems used especially for making furniture: a rattan chair
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,rat-'tat
(also ,rat-a-tat-'tat) noun [sing.] the sound of knocking, especially on a door
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rat.tle
verb, noun
verb (informal)
1 to make a series of short loud sounds when hitting against sth hard; to make sth do this: [v] Every time a bus went past, the windows rattled. [alsovn]
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a vehicle) to make a series of short loud sounds as it moves somewhere: A convoy of trucks rattled by.
3 [vn] to make sb nervous or frightened
SYN UNNERVE : He was clearly rattled by the question.—see also SABRE-RATTLING
IDM ,rattle sb’s 'cage (spoken) to annoy sb: Who’s rattled his cage?
PVR V ,rattle a'round| ,rattle a'round sth (informal) to be living, working, etc. in a room or building that is too big: She spent the last few years alone, rattling around the old family home. ,rattle sth<->'off to say sth aloud from memory without having to think too hard: She can rattle off the names of all the presidents of the US. ,rattle 'on (about sth) (informal) to talk continuously about sth that is not important or interesting, especially in an annoying way

noun
1 (also rat.tling) [usually sing.] a series of short loud sounds made when hard objects hit against each other: the rattle of gunfire  From the kitchen came a rattling of cups and saucers.—see also DEATH RATTLE
2 a baby’s toy that makes a series of short loud sounds when it is shaken
3 (BrE) a wooden object that is held in one hand and makes a series of short loud sounds when you spin it round, used, for example, by people watching a football match

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rattle.snake
(also informal rat.tler ) noun a poisonous American snake that makes a noise like a rattle with its tail when it is angry or afraid
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rat.tling
adv. ~ good (old-fashioned, BrE ) very good: This book is a rattling good read.
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ratty
adj.
1 (BrE, informal) becoming angry very easily
SYN GRUMPY , IRRITABLE : He gets ratty if he doesn’t get enough sleep.
2 (AmE, informal) in bad condition
SYN SHABBY : long ratty hair  a ratty old pair of jeans
3 looking like a rat
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rau.cous
adj. sounding loud and harsh: raucous laughter / shouting  a raucous voice  a group of raucous young men
rau.cous.ly adv.
rau.cous.ness noun [U]
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raunchy
adj. (informal)
1 intended to be sexually exciting
SYN SEXY : a raunchy magazine / movie  Their stage act is a little too raunchy for television.
2 (AmE) looking dirty and untidy: a raunchy old man
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rav.age
verb [vn] [usually passive] to badly damage sth: a country ravaged by civil war  a recession that has ravaged the textile industry
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rav.ages
noun [pl.] the ~ of sth (written) the destruction caused by sth: the ravages of inflation / poverty / war  Her looks had not survived the ravages of time .
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rave
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (about sb/sth) to talk or write about sth in a very enthusiastic way: [v] The critics raved about his performance in ‘Hamlet’. [alsov speech]
2 ~ (at sb) to shout in a loud and emotional way at sb because you are angry with them: [v] She was shouting and raving at them. [alsov speech]
3 ~ (at sb) to talk or shout in a way that is not logical or sensible: [v] He wandered the streets raving at passers-by. [alsov speech]
IDM see RANT

noun (BrE )
1 (in Britain) a large party, held outside or in an empty building, at which people dance to fast electronic music and often take illegal drugs: an all-night rave
2 (AmE) = RAVE REVIEW

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raven
noun, adj.
noun a large bird of the CROW family, with shiny black feathers and a harsh cry

adj. [only before noun] (literary) (of hair) shiny and black: raven-haired

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raven.ing
adj. (literary) (especially of animals) fierce and hungry: He says the media are ravening wolves.
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rav.en.ous
adj.
1 (of a person or an animal) extremely hungry
SYN STARVING : What’s for lunch? I’m absolutely ravenous.
2 [only before noun] (of hunger) very great: a ravenous appetite
rav.en.ous.ly adv.
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raver
noun (BrE , informal)
1 (often humorous) a person who likes going out and who has an exciting social life
2 a person who goes to RAVES
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,rave re'view
(AmE also rave) noun an article in a newspaper or magazine that is very enthusiastic about a particular film/movie, book, etc: Her performance won rave reviews from the critics.
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rav.ine
noun a deep, very narrow valley with steep sides—picture at MOUNTAIN
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rav.ing
adj., adv.
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a person) talking or behaving in a way that shows they are crazy: The man’s a raving lunatic.
2 used to emphasize a particular state or quality: She’s no raving beauty.  His latest novel is already a raving success.

adv.
IDM (stark) raving 'mad / 'bonkers (informal) completely crazy

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rav.ings
noun [pl.] words that have no meaning, spoken by sb who is crazy: He dismissed her words as the ravings of a hysterical woman.
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ravi.oli
noun [U] PASTA in the shape of small squares filled with meat, cheese, etc., usually served with a sauce
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rav.ish
verb [vn] (literary)
1 (of a man) to force a woman to have sex
SYN RAPE
2 [usually passive] to give sb great pleasure
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rav.ish.ing
adj. extremely beautiful
SYN GORGEOUS : a ravishing blonde / dress / smile
rav.ish.ing.ly adv.: ravishingly beautiful
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raw
adj., noun
adj.
FOOD|
1 not cooked: raw meat  These fish are often eaten raw.
MATERIALS|
2 [usually before noun] in its natural state; not yet changed, used or made into sth else: the supply of raw materials to factories  raw cotton / sugar / wool   (figurative) Her childhood provided the raw material for her first novel.
INFORMATION|
3 [usually before noun] not yet organized into a form in which it can be easily used or understood: This information is only raw data and will need further analysis.
EMOTIONS / QUALITIES|
4 [usually before noun] powerful and natural; not controlled or trained: songs full of raw emotion  He started with nothing but raw talent and determination.
PART OF BODY|
5 red and painful because the skin has been damaged: There were raw patches on her feet where the shoes had rubbed.
PERSON|
6 [usually before noun] new to a job or an activity and therefore without experience or skill: a raw beginner  raw recruits (= for example, in the army)
WEATHER|
7 very cold: a raw north wind  It had been a wet raw winter.
DESCRIPTION|
8 honest, direct and sometimes shocking: a raw portrayal of working-class life   (AmE) raw language (= containing many sexual details)
raw.ness noun [U] a raw 'deal the fact of sb being treated unfairly: Older workers often get a raw deal.

noun catch / touch sb on the 'raw (BrE) to upset sb by reminding them of sth they are particularly sensitive about in the 'raw in a way that does not hide the unpleasant aspects of sth: He spent a couple of months on the streets to experience life in the raw.—more at NERVE n.

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raw.hide
noun [U] natural leather that has not had any special treatment
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ray
noun
1 a narrow beam of light, heat or other energy: the sun’s rays  ultraviolet rays  The windows were shining in the reflected rays of the setting sun.—see also COSMIC RAYS , GAMMA RAYS , X-RAY
2 ~ of sth a small amount of sth good or of sth that you are hoping for: There was just one small ray of hope .
3 a sea fish with a large broad flat body and a long tail, that is used for food
4 (also re) (music) the second note of a MAJOR scale
IDM a ,ray of 'sunshine (informal) a person or thing that makes life brighter or more cheerful
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rayon
noun [U] a smooth fabric made from CELLULOSE , used for making clothes
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raze
verb [vn] [usually passive] to completely destroy a building, town, etc. so that nothing is left: The village was razed to the ground .
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razor
noun an instrument that is used for shaving: an electric razor  a cut-throat / safety / disposable razor—compare SHAVER
IDM be on the 'razor’s edge | be on a 'razor edge to be in a difficult situation where any mistake may be very dangerous: Social workers operate on the razor’s edge.
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'razor blade
noun a thin sharp piece of metal that is used in a razor , especially one that can be thrown away when it is no longer sharp
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,razor-'sharp
adj.
1 extremely sharp: razor-sharp teeth
2 showing that sb is extremely intelligent: a razor-sharp mind
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'razor-thin
adj. [only before noun] (AmE ) (of a victory in an election, etc.) won by a very small number of votes
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'razor wire
noun [U] strong wire with sharp blades sticking out, placed on top of walls and around areas of land to keep people out
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raz.zle
noun
IDM be / go (out) on the razzle (BrE, informal) to go out drinking, dancing and enjoying yourself
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razz.ma.tazz
(also raz.za.ma.tazz ) noun [U] (informal) a lot of noisy exciting activity that is intended to attract people’s attention
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RC
abbr. ROMAN CATHOLIC : St Mary’s RC Church
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Rd
(also Rd. especially in AmE) abbr. (used in written addresses) Road: 12 Ashton Rd
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RE
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘religious education’ (taught as a subject in schools): an RE teacher
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re^1
= RAY
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re^2
prep. (written) used at the beginning of a business letter, etc. to introduce the subject that it is about: Re your letter of 1 September …  Re: travel expenses
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re-
prefix (in verbs and related nouns, adjectives and adverbs) again: reapply  reincarnation  reassuring
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reach
verb, noun
verb
ARRIVE|
1 [vn] to arrive at the place that you have been travelling to: They didn’t reach the border until after dark.  I hope this letter reaches you.
2 [vn] to come to sb’s attention: The rumours eventually reached the President.
LEVEL / SPEED / STAGE|
3 [vn] to increase to a particular level, speed, etc. over a period of time: The conflict has now reached a new level of intensity.  Daytime temperatures can reach 40°C.
4 [vn] to arrive at a particular point or stage of sth after a period of time: He first reached the finals in 1998.  The negotiations have reached deadlock.
ACHIEVE AIM|
5 [vn] to achieve a particular aim
SYN ARRIVE AT : to reach a conclusion / decision / verdict / compromise  Politicians again failed to reach an agreement.—see also FAR-REACHING
WITH HAND / ARM|
6 [+adv. / prep.] to stretch your hand towards sth in order to touch it, pick it up, etc: [v] She reached inside her bag for a pen.  [vn] He reached out his hand to touch her.
7 to be able to stretch your hand far enough in order to touch sth, pick sth up, etc: [v] ‘Grab the end of the rope.’‘I can’t reach that far!’  [vn] Can you reach the light switch from where you’re sitting?
8 ~ sth (down) for sb| ~ sb (down) sth to stretch your hand out or up in order to get sth for sb: [vn, vnn] Can you reach that box down for me?  Can you reach me down that box?
BE LONG ENOUGH|
9 to be big enough, long enough, etc. to arrive at a particular point: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The carpet only reached halfway across the room.  [vn] Is the cable long enough to reach the socket?
CONTACT SB|
10 [vn] to communicate with sb, especially by telephone: Do you know where I can reach him?
BE SEEN / HEARD BY SB|
11 [vn] to be seen or heard by sb: Through television and radio we are able to reach a wider audience. reach for the 'stars to try to be successful at sth that is difficult—more at EAR ,reach 'out to sb to show sb that you are interested in them and/or want to help them: The church needs to find new ways of reaching out to young people.

noun
OF ARMS|
1 [sing., U] the distance over which you can stretch your arms to touch sth; the distance over which a particular object can be used to touch sth else: As a boxer, his long reach gives him a significant advantage.  The shot was well beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.  Cleaning fluids should be kept out of the reach of children.  He lashed out angrily, hitting anyone within his reach .  Use shears with a long reach for cutting high hedges.
OF POWER / INFLUENCE|
2 [sing., U] the limit to which sb/sth has the power or influence to do sth: Such matters are beyond the reach of the law.  Victory is now out of her reach .  The basic model is priced well within the reach of most people.  The company has now overtaken IBM in terms of size and reach.
OF RIVER|
3 [C, usually pl.] a straight section of water between two bends on a river: the upper / lower reaches of the Nile (= the part that is furthest from / nearest to the sea)
PLACE FAR FROM CENTRE|
4 (reaches) [pl.] the outer, further, etc. ~ of sth the parts of an area or a place that are a long way from the centre: the outer reaches of space  the eastern reaches of the continent   (figurative) an exploration of the deepest reaches of the human mind
SECTIONS OF ORGANIZATION|
5 (reaches) [pl.] the higher, lower, etc. ~ of sth the higher, etc. sections of an organization, a system, etc: There are still few women in the upper reaches of the civil service.  Many clubs in the lower reaches of the league are in financial difficulty. within (easy) 'reach (of sth) close to sth: The house is within easy reach of schools and sports facilities.

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reach.able
adj. [not before noun] that is possible to reach: The farm is only reachable by car.
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react
verb [v]
1 ~ (to sth) (by doing sth) to change or behave in a particular way as a result of or in response to sth: Local residents have reacted angrily to the news.  I nudged her but she didn’t react.  You never know how he is going to react.  The market reacted by falling a further two points.
2 to become ill/sick after eating, breathing, etc. a particular substance: People can react badly to certain food additives.
3 ~ (with sth)| ~ (together) (chemistry) (of substances) to experience a chemical or physical change when coming into contact with another substance: Iron reacts with water and air to produce rust.
PVR V re,act a'gainst sb/sth to show dislike or opposition in response to sth, especially by deliberately doing the opposite of what sb wants you to do: He reacted strongly against the artistic conventions of his time.
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react.ant
noun (chemistry ) a substance that takes part in and is changed by a chemical reaction
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re.ac.tion
noun
TO EVENT / SITUATION|
1 [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) what you do, say or think as a result of sth that has happened: What was his reaction to the news?  My immediate reaction was one of shock.  A spokesman said the changes were not in reaction to the company’s recent losses.  There has been a mixed reaction to her appointment as director.  The decision provoked an angry reaction from local residents.  I tried shaking him but there was no reaction.
CHANGE IN ATTITUDES|
2 [C usually sing, U] ~ (against sth) a change in people’s attitudes or behaviour caused by disapproval of the attitudes, etc. of the past: The return to traditional family values is a reaction against the permissiveness of recent decades.
TO DRUGS|
3 [C, U] a response by the body, usually a bad one, to a drug, chemical substance, etc: to suffer / have an allergic reaction to a drug
TO DANGER|
4 (reactions) [pl.] the ability to move quickly in response to sth, especially if in danger: a skilled driver with quick reactions
AGAINST PROGRESS|
5 [U] opposition to social or political progress or change: The forces of reaction made change difficult.
SCIENCE|
6 [C, U] (technical) a chemical change produced by two or more substances acting on each other: a chemical / nuclear reaction—see also CHAIN REACTION
7 [U, C] a force shown by sth in response to another force, which is of equal strength and acts in the opposite direction
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re.ac.tion.ary
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving) a person who is opposed to political or social change
re.ac.tion.ary adj.: a reactionary attitude / government
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re.acti.vate
verb [vn] (written) to make sth start working or happening again after a period of time
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re.act.ive
adj.
1 (formal) showing a reaction or response: The police presented a reactive rather than preventive strategy against crime.—compare PROACTIVE
2 (chemistry) tending to show chemical change when mixed with another substance: highly reactive substances
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re.act.or
(also ,nuclear re'actor) noun a large structure used for the controlled production of nuclear energy
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read
verbnounadj.
verb (read, read )
WORDS / SYMBOLS|
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to look at and understand the meaning of written or printed words or symbols: [v] She’s still learning to read.  Some children can read and write before they go to school.  [vn] I can’t read your writing.  Can you read music?  I’m trying to read the map.
2 ~ (sth) (to sb / yourself) to go through written or printed words, etc. in silence or aloud to others: [v] I’m going to go to bed and read.  He liked reading to his grandchildren.  [vn] to read a book / a magazine / the newspaper  Have you read any Steinbeck (= novels by him)?  He read the poem aloud.  [vn, vnn] Go on—read it to us.  She read us a story.—see also PROOFREAD
DISCOVER BY READING|
3 ~ (about / of sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to discover or find out about sb/sth by reading: [v] I read about the accident in the local paper.  [v that] I read that he had resigned.  [vn] Don’t believe everything you read in the papers.
SB’S MIND / THOUGHTS|
4 [vn] ~ sb’s mind / thoughts to guess what sb else is thinking
SB’S LIPS|
5 [vn] ~ sb’s lips to look at the movements of sb’s lips to learn what they are saying—see also LIP-READ
UNDERSTAND|
6 [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to understand sth in a particular way
SYN INTERPRET : How do you read the present situation?  Silence must not always be read as consent.
OF A PIECE OF WRITING|
7 [v speech] to have sth written on it; to be written in a particular way: The sign read ‘No admittance’.  I’ve changed the last paragraph. It now reads as follows …
8 [v] to give a particular impression when read: Generally, the article reads very well.  The poem reads like (= sounds as if it is) a translation.
MEASURING INSTRUMENT|
9 [vn] (of measuring instruments) to show a particular weight, pressure, etc: What does the thermometer read?
10 [vn] to get information from a measuring instrument: A man came to read the gas meter.
HEAR|
11 [vn] to hear and understand sb speaking on a radio set: ‘Do you read me?’‘I’m reading you loud and clear.’
REPLACE WORD|
12 [vn] ~ A for B| ~ B as A to replace one word, etc. with another when correcting a text: For ‘madam’ in line 3 read ‘madman’.
SUBJECT AT UNIVERSITY|
13 ~ (for) sth (BrE , rather old-fashioned) to study a subject, especially at a university: [vn] I read English at Oxford.  [v] She’s reading for a law degree.
COMPUTING|
14 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) (of a computer or the person using it) to take information from a disk: My computer can’t read the disk you sent.  to read a file into a computer ,read between the 'lines to look for or discover a meaning in sth that is not openly stated: Reading between the lines, I think Clare needs money. ,read sb like a 'book to understand easily what sb is thinking or feeling ,read my 'lips (spoken) used to tell sb to listen carefully to what you are saying: Read my lips: no new taxes (= I promise there will be no new taxes). ,read (sb) the 'Riot Act (BrE) to tell sb forcefully that they must not do sth
ORIGIN From an Act of Parliament passed in 1715 to prevent riots. It made it illegal for a group of twelve or more people to refuse to split up if they were ordered to do so and part of the Act was read to them. ,take it / sth as 'read (BrE) to accept sth without discussing it: Can we take it as read that you want the job? ,read sth<->'back to read a message, etc. aloud in order to check that it is correct ,read sth 'into sth to think that sth means more than it really does: Don’t read too much into what she says. ,read 'on to continue reading: That’s the story so far. Now read on … ,read sth<->'out to read sth aloud, especially to other people ,read sth<->'over / 'through to read sth carefully from beginning to end to look for mistakes or check details ,read sth<->'up| ,read 'up on sb/sth to read a lot about a subject: I’ll need to read up on the case before the meeting.

noun [sing.] (informal)
1 (especially BrE) an act or period of reading sth: I was having a quiet read when the phone rang.
2 a good, interesting, etc. ~ a book, article, etc. that is good, etc: His thrillers are always a gripping read.

adj. (used after an adverb) (of a person) having knowledge that has been gained from reading books, etc: She’s very widely read in law.—see also WELL READ

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read.able
adj.
1 (of a book, article, etc.) that is easy, interesting and enjoyable to read
2 (of written or printed words) clear and easy to read
SYN LEGIBLE —see also MACHINE-READABLE
read.abil.ity noun [U]
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read.er
noun
1 a person who reads, especially one who reads a lot or in a particular way: an avid reader of science fiction  a fast / slow reader  The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusions.
2 a person who reads a particular newspaper, magazine, etc: readers' letters  Are you a ‘Times’ reader?
3 an easy book that is intended to help people learn to read their own or a foreign language: a series of graded English readers
4 (usually Reader) a senior teacher at a British university just below the rank of a PROFESSOR : She is Reader in Music at Edinburgh.
5 (computing) an electronic device that reads data stored in one form and changes it into another form so that a computer can perform operations on it
6 (technical) a machine that produces on a screen a large image of a text stored on a MICROFICHE or MICROFILM —see also MIND-READER , NEWSREADER
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read.er.ship
noun
1 [usually sing.] the number or type of people who read a particular newspaper, magazine, etc: a readership of around 10 000  In its new format, the magazine hopes to attract a much wider readership.
2 (usually Readership) ~ (in sth) (BrE) the position of a Reader at a university
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read.ily
adv.
1 quickly and without difficulty: All ingredients are readily available from your local store.
2 in a way that shows you do not object to sth: Most people readily accept the need for laws.
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readi.ness
noun
1 [U] ~ (for sth) the state of being ready or prepared for sth: Everyone has doubts about their readiness for parenthood.
2 [U, sing.] ~ (of sb) (to do sth) the state of being willing to do sth: Over half the people interviewed expressed their readiness to die for their country.
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read.ing
noun
ACTIVITY|
1 [U] the activity of sb who reads: My hobbies include reading and painting.  He needs more help with his reading.  Are you any good at map reading?  reading glasses (= worn when reading)  a reading lamp / light (= one that can be moved to shine light onto sth that you are reading)
2 [sing.] an act of reading sth: A closer (= more detailed) reading of the text reveals just how desperate he was feeling.  We are all expected to attend the reading of her will.
BOOKS / ARTICLES|
3 [U] books, articles, etc. that are intended to be read: reading matter / material  a series of reading books for children  a reading list (= a list of books, etc. that students are expected to read for a particular subject)  further reading (= at the end of a book, a list of other books that give more information about the same subject)  The report makes for interesting reading (= it is interesting to read)  The article is not exactly light reading (= it is not easy to read).
WAY OF UNDERSTANDING|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) the particular way in which you understand a book, situation, etc.
SYN INTERPRETATION : a literal reading of the text  My own reading of events is less optimistic.
MEASUREMENT|
5 [C] the amount or number shown on an instrument used for measuring sth: Meter readings are taken every three months.
EVENT|
6 [C] an event at which sth is read to an audience for entertainment; a piece of literature that is read at such an event: a poetry reading  The evening ended with a reading from her latest novel.
FROM BIBLE|
7 [C] a short section from the Bible that is read aloud as part of a religious service: The reading today is from the Book of Daniel.
IN PARLIAMENT|
8 [C] one of the stages during which a BILL (= a proposal for a new law) must be discussed and accepted by a parliament before it can become law
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'reading age
noun a person’s ability to read, measured by comparing it with the average ability of children of a particular age: a 30-year-old man with a reading age of eight
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'reading room
noun a room in a library, club, etc. where people can read or study
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re.adjust
verb
1 [v] ~ (to sth) to get used to a changed or new situation: Children are highly adaptable—they just need time to readjust.  Once again he had to readjust to living alone.
2 [vn] to change or move sth slightly: She got out of the car and readjusted her dress.
re.adjust.ment noun [C, U]: He has made a number of readjustments to his technique.  a painful period of readjustment
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re.admit
verb (-tt-) [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (to sth)
1 to allow sb to join a group, an organization or an institution again
2 to take sb into a hospital again after they had been allowed to leave: He was readmitted only a week after being discharged.
re.admis.sion noun [U, C] ~ (to sth)
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,read-only 'memory
noun [U] (computing ) = ROM
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'read-out
noun (computing ) a display of information on a computer screen—compare PRINTOUT
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ready
adj., verb, adv., noun
adj. (read.ier, readi.est)
PREPARED / AVAILABLE|
1 [not before noun] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) fully prepared for what you are going to do: Are you nearly ready?  I’m just getting the kids ready for school.  Right, we’re ready to go.  ‘Shall we go?’‘I’m ready when you are !’  Volunteers were ready and waiting to pack the food in boxes.  I was twenty years old and ready for anything .
2 [not before noun] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) completed and available to be used: Come on, dinner’s ready!  The new building should be ready by 2002.  Can you help me get everything ready for the party?  The contract will be ready to sign in two weeks.
3 available to be used easily and immediately: All the relevant records are easily available ready to hand .   (BrE) a ready meal (= one that you buy already prepared and that you only have to heat up)  a ready supply of wood  a ready source of income—see also READILY , READINESS , ROUGH-AND-READY
WILLING|
4 [not before noun] ~ (for / with sth)| ~ (to do sth) willing and quick to do or give sth: I was very angry and ready for a fight.  She’s always ready with advice.  He’s always ready to help his friends.  Don’t be so ready to believe the worst about people.
LIKELY TO DO STH|
5 ~ to do sth likely to do sth very soon: She looked ready to collapse at any minute.
NEEDING STH|
6 ~ for sth needing sth as soon as possible: Right, I’m ready for bed.  After the long walk, we were all ready for a drink.
QUICK / CLEVER|
7 [only before noun] quick and clever: She has great charm and a ready wit. make 'ready (for sth) (formal) to prepare: to make ready for the President’s visit ready, steady, 'go! (BrE) (also (get) ready, (get) set, 'goAmE, BrE) what you say to tell people to start a race ,ready to 'roll (informal) ready to start: The show is just about ready to roll.

verb (read.ies, ready.ing, read.ied, read.ied) ~ sb / yourself / sth (for sth) (formal) to prepare sb/yourself/sth for sth: [vn] Western companies were readying themselves for the challenge from Eastern markets. [alsov to inf, vn to inf]

adv. (used before a past participle, especially in compounds) already done: ready-cooked meals  The concrete was ready mixed.

noun (the ready) [sing.] (also read.ies [pl.]) (BrE , informal) money that you can use immediately at the 'ready available to be used immediately: We all had our cameras at the ready.

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,ready-'made
adj.
1 prepared in advance so that you can eat or use it immediately: ready-made pastry / pizzas
2 (old-fashioned) (especially of clothes) made in standard sizes, not to the measurements of a particular customer: a ready-made suit
3 already provided for you so you do not need to produce or think about it yourself: When he married her he also took on a ready-made family.
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,ready 'money
(also ,ready 'cash) noun [U] (informal) money in the form of coins and notes that you can spend immediately
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,ready-to-'wear
adj. (of clothes) made in standard sizes, not to the measurements of a particular customer: this winter’s ready-to-wear collections from top designers
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re.affirm
verb [vn] (written) to state sth again in order to emphasize that it is still true: The President reaffirmed his commitment to democratic elections.
re.affirm.ation noun [C, U]
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re.affor.estation
noun [U] (BrE, technical ) = REFORESTATION
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re.agent
noun (chemistry ) a substance used to cause a chemical reaction, especially in order to find out if another substance is present
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real
adj., adv.
adj.
NOT IMAGINED|
1 actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretended: It wasn’t a ghost; it was a real person.  pictures of animals, both real and mythological  In the movies guns kill people instantly, but it’s not like that in real life .  Politicians seem to be out of touch with the real world .
PROBLEM / DANGER|
2 a real problem, danger, etc. is one that actually exists, is serious, and should not be ignored: The growth of violent crime is a very real problem.  There’s no real possibility of them changing their minds.  We have a real chance of success.
TRUE|
3 [only before noun] actual or true, rather than what appears to be true: Tell me the real reason.  Bono’s real name is Paul Hewson.  See the real Africa on one of our walking safaris.
GENUINE|
4 [only before noun] having all the important qualities that it should have to deserve to be called what it is called: She never had any real friends at school.  his first real kiss
5 genuine and not false or artificial: Are those real flowers?  real gold / silk / leather
FEELINGS / QUALITIES|
6 strong and sincere: I had no real interest in politics.  He was making a real effort to be nice to her.  She has not shown any real regret for what she did.
FOR EMPHASIS|
7 [only before noun] used to emphasize a state or quality: He looks a real idiot.  This accident could have produced a real tragedy.  Her next play was a real contrast.
MONEY / INCOMES|
8 [only before noun] when the effect of such things as price rises on the power of money to buy things is included in the sums: Real wage costs have risen by 10% in the past year.  This represents a reduction of 5% in real terms . for 'real genuine or serious: This is not a fire drill—it’s for real.   (AmE) He managed to convince voters that he was for real. get 'real (informal) used to tell sb that they are behaving in a stupid or unreasonable way the ,real 'thing (informal) the genuine thing: Are you sure it’s the real thing (= love), not just infatuation?—more at MCCOY , POWER n.

adv. (AmE, ScotE , informal) very: That tastes real good.  He’s a real nice guy.  I’m real sorry.

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,real 'ale
noun [U, C] (BrE ) a type of beer that is made and stored in the traditional way
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'real estate
noun [U] (especially AmE )
1 (also realty) property in the form of land or buildings: My father sold real estate.
2 the business of selling houses or land for building: to work in real estate
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'real estate agent
noun = ESTATE AGENT
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re.align
verb [vn] (written)
1 to change the position or direction of sth slightly: The road was realigned to improve visibility.
2 to make changes to sth in order to adapt it to a new situation: The company has been forced to realign its operations in the area.
3 ~ yourself (with sb/sth) to change your opinions, policies, etc. so that they are the same as those of another person, group, etc: The rebel MPs have realigned themselves with the opposition party.
re.align.ment noun [U, C] ~ (of sth): the realignment of personal goals  political realignments
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real.ism
noun [U]
1 a way of seeing, accepting and dealing with situations as they really are without being influenced by your emotions or false hopes: There was a new mood of realism among the leaders at the peace talks.
2 (of novels, paintings, films / movies, etc.) the quality of being very like real life: the gritty realism of the new drama serial
3 (also Real.ism) a style in art or literature that shows things and people as they are in real life—compare ROMANTICISM , IDEALISM
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real.ist
noun
1 a person who accepts and deals with a situation as it really is and does not try to pretend that it is different: I’m a realist—I know you can’t change people overnight.
2 a writer, painter, etc. whose work represents things as they are in real life
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real.is.tic
adj. ~ (to do sth)
1 accepting in a sensible way what it is actually possible to do or achieve in a particular situation: a realistic assessment / view  We have to be realistic about our chances of winning.  It is not realistic to expect people to spend so much money.
2 sensible and appropriate; possible to achieve: We must set realistic goals.  a realistic target / deadline  to pay a realistic price / salary
3 representing things as they are in real life: a realistic drawing  We try to make these training courses as realistic as possible.
OPP UNREALISTIC
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real.is.tic.al.ly
adv.
1 used to say what you think can actually be achieved in a particular situation: Realistically, there is little prospect of a ceasefire.
2 in a way that shows sb accepts in a sensible way what it is actually possible to do or achieve: How many can you realistically hope to sell?  Kate spoke realistically about the task ahead.
3 in a way that represents things as they are in real life: a fireplace with realistically glowing coals
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real.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the true situation and the problems that actually exist in life, in contrast to how you would like life to be: She refuses to face reality .  You’re out of touch with reality.  The reality is that there is not enough money to pay for this project.
2 [C] a thing that is actually experienced or seen, in contrast to what people might imagine: the harsh realities of life  This decision reflects the realities of the political situation.  Will time travel ever become a reality ?
IDM in re'ality used to say that a situation is different from what has just been said or from what people believe: Outwardly she seemed confident but in reality she felt extremely nervous.—see also VIRTUAL REALITY
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real.iz.able
(BrE also -is.able) adj.
1 possible to achieve or make happen: realizable objectives / goals
2 that can be sold and turned into money: realizable assets
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real.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (that … )| ~ (of sth) the process of becoming aware of sth: the sudden realization of what she had done  There is a growing realization that changes must be made.
2 [U] ~ (of sth) the process of achieving a particular aim, etc: It was the realization of his greatest ambition.  the realization of political goals
3 [U] ~ of your assets (formal) the act of selling sth that you own, such as property, in order to get the money that you need for sth
4 [U, C] ~ (of sth) (formal) the act of producing a sound, play, design, etc.; or the thing that is produced
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real.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
BE / BECOME AWARE|
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation: [v (that)] I didn’t realize (that) you were so unhappy.  The moment I saw her, I realized something was wrong.  [v wh-] I don’t think you realize how important this is to her.  [v] The situation was more complicated than they had at first realized.  They managed to leave without any of us realizing.  [vn] I hope you realize the seriousness of this crime.  Only later did she realize her mistake.  [vn that] There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone was safely back.
ACHIEVE STH|
2 [vn] to achieve sth important that you very much want to do: She never realized her ambition of becoming a professional singer.  We try to help all students realize their full potential (= be as successful as they are able to be).
HAPPEN|
3 [vn] [usually passive] if sb’s fears are realized, the things that they are afraid will happen, do happen: His worst fears were realized when he saw that the door had been forced open.
SELL|
4 [vn] ~ your assets (formal) to sell things that you own, for example property, in order to get the money that you need for sth
5 [vn] (formal) (of goods, etc.) to be sold for a particular amount of money: The paintings realized $2 million at auction.
MAKE STH REAL|
6 [vn] (formal) to produce sth that can be seen or heard, based on written information or instructions: The stage designs have been beautifully realized.
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,real-'life
adj. [only before noun] actually happening or existing in life, not in books, stories or films/movies: a novel based on real-life events  a real-life Romeo and Juliet
OPP FICTIONAL
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re.allo.cate
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sb/sth) to change the way money or materials are shared between different people, groups, projects, etc.
SYN REDISTRIBUTE : Government funds were reallocated to the new local authorities.
re.allo.ca.tion noun [U]
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real.ly
adv.
1 used to say what is actually the fact or the truth about sth: What do you really think about it?  Tell me what really happened.  They are not really my aunt and uncle.  I can’t believe I am really going to meet the princess.
2 (usually spoken) used to emphasize sth you are saying or an opinion you are giving: I want to help, I really do.  Now I really must go.  I really don’t mind.  He really likes you.  I really and truly am in love this time.
3 used to emphasize an adjective or adverb: a really hot fire  I’m really sorry.
4 (usually spoken) used, often in negative sentences, to reduce the force of sth you are saying: I don’t really agree with that.  It doesn’t really matter.  ‘Did you enjoy the book?’‘Not really ’ (= ‘no’ or ‘not very much’).
HELP The position of really can change the meaning of the sentence. I don’t really know means that you are not sure about something; I really don’t know emphasizes that you do not know. (Look at sense 2.)
5 (usually spoken) used in questions and negative sentences when you want sb to say ‘no’: Do you really expect me to believe that?  I don’t really need to go, do I?
6 (spoken) used to express interest in or surprise at what sb is saying: ‘We’re going to Japan next month.’‘Oh, really?’  ‘She’s resigned.’‘Really? Are you sure?’
7 (spoken) used to show that you disapprove of sth sb has done: Really, you could have told us before.
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realm
noun
1 an area of activity, interest, or knowledge: in the realm of literature / science  At the end of the speech he seemed to be moving into the realms of fantasy.
2 (formal) a country ruled by a king or queen: the defence of the realm
IDM beyond / within the realms of possibility not possible/possible: A successful outcome is not beyond the realms of possibility.
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real.poli.tik
noun [U] (from German ) a system of politics that is based on the actual situation and needs of a country or political party rather than on moral principles
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,real 'time
noun [U] (computing ) the fact that there is only a very short time between a computer system receiving information and dealing with it: To make the training realistic the simulation operates in real time .  real-time missile guidance systems
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Real.tor
™noun (AmE ) = ESTATE AGENT
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realty
noun [U] (especially AmE ) = REAL ESTATE
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ream
noun
1 (reams) [pl.] (informal) a large quantity of writing: She wrote reams in the exam.
2 [C] (technical) 500 sheets of paper
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re.ani.mate
verb [vn] (formal) to give sb/sth new life or energy
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reap
verb
1 [vn] to obtain sth, especially sth good, as a direct result of sth that you have done: They are now reaping the rewards of all their hard work.
2 [v, vn] to cut and collect a crop, especially corn, from a field
IDM reap a / the 'harvest (BrE) to benefit or suffer as a direct result of sth that you have done you ,reap what you 'sow (saying) you have to deal with the bad effects or results of sth that you originally started
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reap.er
noun a person or a machine that cuts and collects crops on a farm—see also THE GRIM REAPER
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re.appear
verb [v] to appear again after not being heard of or seen for a period of time: She went upstairs and did not reappear until morning.  The moon reappeared from behind a cloud.
re.appear.ance noun [U, sing.]
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re.apply
verb (re.applies, re.apply.ing, re.applied, re.applied)
1 [vn] to put another layer of a substance on a surface: Sunblock should be reapplied every hour.
2 [v] ~ (for sth) to make another formal request for sth: Previous applicants for the post need not reapply.
3 [vn] to use sth again, especially in a different situation: Students are taught a number of skills that can be reapplied throughout their studies.
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re.appoint
verb ~ sb (as) sth| ~ sb (to sth) to give sb the job that they used to have in the past: [vn, vn-n] After the trial he was reappointed (as) treasurer.
re.appoint.ment noun [U]
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re.appraisal
noun [C usually sing, U] the act of examining sth again to see if it needs to be changed: a reappraisal of the country’s defence needs
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re.appraise
verb [vn] (formal) to think again about the value or nature of sth to see if your opinion about it should be changed
SYN REASSESS : The system needs to be continually reappraised.
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rear
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 (usually the rear) [sing.] the back part of sth: A trailer was attached to the rear of the truck.  There are toilets at both front and rear of the plane.  A high gate blocks the only entrance to the rear .  note at BACK
2 (also ,rear 'end) [C, usually sing.] (informal) the part of the body that you sit on
SYN BOTTOM : a kick in the rear
IDM ,bring up the 'rear to be at the back of a line of people, or last in a race

adj. [only before noun] at or near the back of sth: front and rear windows  the rear entrance of the building

verb
1 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (on sth) to care for young children or animals until they are fully grown
SYN BRING SB UP , RAISE : She reared a family of five on her own.
2 [vn] to breed or keep animals or birds, for example on a farm: to rear poultry / cattle
3 [v] ~ (up) (of an animal, especially a horse) to raise itself on its back legs, with the front legs in the air: The horse reared, throwing its rider.
4 [v] (of sth large) to seem to lean over you, especially in a threatening way: The great bulk of the building reared up against the night sky.
IDM sth rears its (ugly) 'head if sth unpleasant rears its head or rears its ugly head, it appears or happens
PVR V 'rear sb/sth on sth [usually passive] to give a person or an animal a particular type of food, entertainment, etc. while they are young: I was the son of sailors and reared on stories of the sea.

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,rear 'admiral
noun an officer of very high rank in the navy: Rear Admiral Baines
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'rear-end
verb [vn] (informal, especially AmE ) (of a vehicle or driver) to drive into the back of another vehicle: There was a loud crash as someone rear-ended me.
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rear.guard
noun (usually the rearguard) [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] a group of soldiers that protect the back part of an army especially when the army is RETREATING after it has been defeated
OPP VANGUARD
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,rearguard 'action
noun [usually sing.] a struggle to change or stop sth even when it is not likely that you will succeed: They have been fighting a rearguard action for two years to stop their house being demolished.
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rear.ing
noun [U]
1 the process of caring for children as they grow up, teaching them how to behave as members of society
2 the process of breeding animals or birds and caring for them as they grow: livestock rearing
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rearm
verb to obtain, or supply sb with, new or better weapons, armies, etc: [v] The country was forbidden to rearm under the terms of the treaty.  [vn] Rebel troops were being rearmed.
re.arma.ment noun [U]
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rear.most
adj. (formal) furthest back: the rearmost section of the aircraft
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re.arrange
verb [vn]
1 to change the position or order of things; to change your position: We’ve rearranged the furniture in the bedroom.  She rearranged herself in another pose.
2 to change the time, date or place of an event
SYN RESCHEDULE : Can we rearrange the meeting for next Tuesday at 2?
re.arrange.ment noun [C, U]
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,rear-view 'mirror
noun a mirror in which a driver can see the traffic behind—picture at CAR
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rear.ward
adj. (formal) at or near the back of sth: rearward seats / wheels
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rea.son
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (why … )| ~ (that … )| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done: I’d like to know the reason why you’re so late.  We aren’t going for the simple reason that we can’t afford it.  She gave no reasons for her decision.  I have no particular reason for doubting him.  He said no but he didn’t give a reason .  For some reason (= one that I don’t know or don’t understand) we all have to come in early tomorrow.  She resigned for personal reasons .  For reasons of security the door is always kept locked.  He wants to keep them all in his office for reasons best known to himself .  people who, for whatever reason , are unable to support themselves  ‘Why did she do that?’‘She must have her reasons (= secret reasons which she does not want to tell).   (formal) He was excused by reason of (= because of) his age.  note at CAUSE
2 [U] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (why … )| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth: They have reason to believe that he is lying.  We have every reason (= have very good reasons) to feel optimistic.  This result gives us all the more reason for optimism.  She complained, with reason (= rightly), that she had been underpaid.
3 [U] the power of the mind to think in a logical way, to understand and have opinions, etc: Only human beings are capable of reason (= of thinking in a logical way, etc.).  to lose your reason (= become mentally ill)
4 [U] what is possible, practical or right: I can’t get her to listen to reason .  Why can’t they see reason ?  to be open to reason (= to be willing to accept sensible advice)  He’s looking for a job and he’s willing to do anything within reason .
IDM it ,stands to 'reason (informal) it must be clear to any sensible person who thinks about it: It stands to reason that they’ll go if you don’t pay them enough.—more at RHYME n.

verb
1 to form a judgement about a situation by considering the facts and using your power to think in a logical way: [v that] She reasoned that she must have left her bag on the train.  [v] They couldn’t fire him, he reasoned. He was the only one who knew how the system worked. [alsov speech]
2 [v] to use your power to think and understand: the human ability to reason
PVR V ,reason sth 'out to try and find the answer to a problem by using your power to think in a logical way: Reason it out for yourself! 'reason with sb to talk to sb in order to persuade them to be more sensible: I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen.

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rea.son.able
adj.
1 ~ (to do sth) fair, practical and sensible: It is reasonable to assume that he knew beforehand that this would happen.  Be reasonable! We can’t work late every night.  Any reasonable person would have done exactly as you did.  The prosecution has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is guilty of murder.
OPP UNREASONABLE
2 acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation: He made us a reasonable offer for the car.  You must submit your claim within a reasonable time.
3 (of prices) not too expensive
SYN FAIR : We sell good quality food at reasonable prices.
4 [usually before noun] fairly good, but not very good
SYN AVERAGE : a reasonable standard of living  The hotel was reasonable, I suppose (= but not excellent).
rea.son.able.ness noun [U]
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rea.son.ably
adv.
1 to a degree that is fairly good but not very good: The instructions are reasonably straightforward.  She seems reasonably happy in her new job.
2 in a logical and sensible way: We tried to discuss the matter calmly and reasonably.
3 in a fair way: He couldn’t reasonably be expected to pay back the loan all at once.  The apartments are reasonably priced (= not too expensive).
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rea.soned
adj. [only before noun] (of an argument, opinion, etc.) presented in a logical way that shows careful thought
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rea.son.ing
noun [U] the process of thinking about things in a logical way; opinions and ideas that are based on logical thinking: What is the reasoning behind this decision?  This line of reasoning is faulty.
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re.assem.ble
verb
1 [vn] to fit the parts of sth together again after it has been taken apart: We had to take the table apart and reassemble it upstairs.
2 [v] to meet together again as a group after a break: The class reassembled after lunch.
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re.assert
verb
1 [vn] to make other people recognize again your right or authority to do sth, after a period when this has been in doubt: She found it necessary to reassert her position.
2 [vn] ~ itself to start to have an effect again, after a period of not having any effect: He thought about giving up his job, but then common sense reasserted itself.
3 to state again, clearly and firmly, that sth is true: [v that] He reasserted that all parties should be involved in the talks.  [vn] Traditional values have been reasserted.
re.asser.tion noun [sing., U]
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re.assess
verb [vn] to think again about sth to decide if you need to change your opinion of it
SYN REAPPRAISE : After reassessing the situation, she decided to do nothing.
re.assess.ment noun [U, C]
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re.assign
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (to sth) to give sb a duty, position, or responsibility again: After his election defeat he was reassigned to the diplomatic service.
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re.assur.ance
noun ~ (that … )
1 [U] the fact of giving advice or help that takes away a person’s fears or doubts: to give / provide / offer reassurance
2 [C] something that is said or done to take away a person’s fears or doubts: We have been given reassurances that the water is safe to drink.
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re.assure
verb [v] ~ sb (about sth) to say or do sth that makes sb less frightened or worried: [vn] They tried to reassure her, but she still felt anxious.  [vn that] The doctor reassured him that there was nothing seriously wrong.
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re.assur.ing
adj. making you feel less worried or uncertain about sth: a reassuring smile  It’s reassuring (to know) that we’ve got the money if necessary.
re.assur.ing.ly adv.: She smiled reassuringly.
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re.awaken
verb [vn] (written) to make you feel a particular emotion again or to make you remember sth again
SYN REKINDLE : The place reawakened childhood memories.
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re.bate
noun
1 an amount of money that is paid back to you because you have paid too much: a tax rebate
2 an amount of money that is taken away from the cost of sth, before you pay for it: Buyers are offered a cash rebate.
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rebel
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who fights against the government of their country: rebel forces  Armed rebels advanced towards the capital.
2 a person who opposes sb in authority over them within an organization, a political party, etc.
3 a person who does not like to obey rules or who does not accept normal standards of behaviour, dress, etc: I’ve always been the rebel of the family.

verb [v] (-ll-) ~ (against sb/sth) to fight against or refuse to obey an authority, for example a government, a system, your parents, etc: He later rebelled against his strict religious upbringing.  Most teenagers find something to rebel against.

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re.bel.lion
noun ~ (against sb/sth)
1 [U, C] an attempt by some of the people in a country to change their government, using violence: The north of the country rose in rebellion against the government.  The army put down the rebellion.
2 [U, C] opposition to authority within an organization, a political party, etc: (a) back-bench rebellion
3 [U] opposition to authority; being unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behaviour, dress, etc: Teenage rebellion often starts in the home.
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re.bel.li.ous
adj.
1 unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behaviour, dress, etc: rebellious teenagers  He has always had a rebellious streak .
2 opposed to the government of a country; opposed to those in authority within an organization: rebellious cities / factions
re.bel.li.ous.ly adv.: ‘I don’t care!’ she said rebelliously.
re.bel.li.ous.ness noun [U]
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re.birth
noun [U, sing.]
1 a period of new life, growth or activity: the seasonal cycle of death and rebirth
2 a spiritual change when a person’s faith becomes stronger or they CONVERT to another religion
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re.boot
verb [vn, v] (computing ) if you reboot a computer or it reboots, you switch it off and then start it again immediately
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re.born
verb, adj.
verb [vn] (be reborn) (used only in the passive without by)
1 to become active or popular again: With the coming of television, old legends such as those of Robin Hood and King Arthur were reborn.
2 to be born again: If you were reborn as an animal, which animal would you be?

adj.
1 having become active again: a reborn version of social democracy
2 having experienced a complete spiritual change: reborn evangelical Christians—see also BORN-AGAIN

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re.bound
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (from / off sth) to bounce back after hitting sth: The ball rebounded from the goalpost and Owen headed it in.
2 ~ (on sb) (formal) if sth that you do rebounds on you, it has an unpleasant effect on you, especially when the effect was intended for sb else
SYN BACKFIRE
3 (business) (of prices, etc.) to rise again after they have fallen: Share prices rebounded after Friday’s losses.

noun
1 (sport) a ball that hits sth and bounces back
2 (in basketball) the act of catching the ball after a player has thrown it at the BASKET and has not scored a point
3 (especially business) a positive reaction that happens after sth negative: There are signs of an economic rebound.
IDM on the 'rebound while you are sad and confused, especially after a relationship has ended

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re.buff
noun (formal) an unkind refusal of a friendly offer, request or suggestion: Her offer of help was met with a sharp rebuff.
re.buff verb : [vn] They rebuffed her request for help.
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re.build
verb (re.built, re.built ) [vn]
1 to build or put sth together again: After the earthquake, the people set about rebuilding their homes.  He rebuilt the engine using parts from cars that had been scrapped.
2 to make sth/sb complete and strong again: When she lost her job, she had to rebuild her life completely.  attempts to rebuild the shattered post-war economy
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re.build.ing
noun [U, sing.] the process of building sth again: the rebuilding of London’s churches after the Great Fire of 1666
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re.buke
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to speak severely to sb because they have done sth wrong
SYN REPRIMAND : The company was publicly rebuked for having neglected safety procedures.
re.buke noun [C, U]: He was silenced by her stinging rebuke.
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rebut
verb (-tt-) [vn] (formal) to say or prove that a statement or criticism is false
SYN REFUTE : an attempt to publicly rebut rumours of a divorce
re.but.tal noun [C, U]: The accusations met with a firm rebuttal.
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re.cal.ci.trant
adj. (formal) unwilling to obey rules or follow instructions; difficult to control: a recalcitrant child / attitude
re.cal.ci.trance noun [U]
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re.call
verb, noun
verb
1 (formal) (not used in the progressive tenses) to remember sth: [vn] She could not recall his name.  [v] If I recall correctly, he lives in Luton.  [v -ing] I can’t recall meeting her before.  [v that] He recalled that she always came home late on Wednesdays.  [v wh-] Can you recall exactly what happened? [alsovn -ing, v speech]
2 (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sb think of sth: The poem recalls Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’.
3 [vn] to order sb to return: Both countries recalled their ambassadors.  He was recalled to military duty.  They have both been recalled to the Welsh squad (= selected as members of the team after a time when they were not selected).
4 [vn] to ask for sth to be returned, often because there is sth wrong with it: The company has recalled all the faulty hairdryers.

noun
1 [U] the ability to remember sth that you have learned or sth that has happened in the past: She has amazing powers of recall.  to have instant recall (= to be able to remember sth immediately)  to have total recall (= to be able to remember all the details of sth)
2 [sing.] an official order or request for sb/sth to return, or for sth to be given back: Thomas’s recall to the Welsh team
IDM beyond re'call impossible to bring back to the original state; impossible to remember

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re.cant
verb [vn, v] (formal) to say, often publicly, that you no longer have the same belief or opinion that you had before
re.can.ta.tion noun [C, U]
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recap
verb, noun
verb (-pp-) ~ (on sth)| ~ sth = RECAPITULATE : [v] Let me just recap on what we’ve decided so far. [alsovn, v wh-]

noun = RECAPITULATION

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re.cap.itu.late
verb (formal) (also recap) ~ (on sth)| ~ sth to repeat or give a summary of what has already been said, decided, etc: [v] To recapitulate briefly, the three main points are these … [alsovn, v wh-]
re.cap.itu.la.tion noun [C, U] (formal) (also recap)
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re.cap.ture
verb [vn]
1 to win back a place, position, etc. that was previously taken from you by an enemy or a competitor: Government troops soon recaptured the island.
2 to catch a person or an animal that has escaped
3 to bring back a feeling or repeat an experience that you had in the past: He was trying to recapture the happiness of his youth.
re.cap.ture noun [U]: the recapture of towns occupied by the rebels
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re.cast
verb (re.cast, re.cast) [vn]
1 ~ sth (as / in sth) to change sth by organizing or presenting it in a different way: She recast her lecture as a radio talk.
2 ~ sb (as sth) to change the actors or the role of a particular actor in a play, etc.
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recce
noun (BrE , informal) = RECONNAISSANCE : to do a quick recce of an area
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re.cede
verb [v]
1 (written) to move gradually away from sb or away from a previous position: The sound of the truck receded into the distance.  She watched his receding figure.
2 (written) (especially of a problem, feeling or quality) to become gradually weaker or smaller: The prospect of bankruptcy has now receded (= it is less likely).  The pain was receding slightly.
3 (of hair) to stop growing at the front of the head: a middle-aged man with receding hair / a receding hairline
4 a ~ chin a chin that slopes backwards towards the neck
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re.ceipt
noun
1 (AmE also 'sales slip) [C] ~ (for sth) a piece of paper that shows that goods or services have been paid for: Can I have a receipt, please?  to make out (= write) a receipt
2 (formal) ~ (of sth) [U] the act of receiving sth: to acknowledge receipt of a letter  The goods will be dispatched on receipt of an order form.  Are you in receipt of any state benefits?
3 (receipts) [pl.] (business) money that a business, bank or government receives: net / gross receipts
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re.ceiv.able
adj. (business ) (usually following a noun) (of bills, accounts, etc.) for which money has not yet been received: accounts receivable
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re.ceiv.ables
noun [pl.] (business ) money that is owed to a business
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re.ceive
verb
GET / ACCEPT|
1 [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) (rather formal) to get or accept sth that is sent or given to you: to receive a letter / present / phone call  to receive information / payment / thanks  He received an award for bravery from the police service.
TREATMENT / INJURY|
2 [vn] ~ sth (from sb) to experience or be given a particular type of treatment or an injury: We received a warm welcome from our hosts.  Emergency cases will receive professional attention immediately.  to receive severe injuries
REACT TO STH|
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to react to sth new, in a particular way: The play was well received by the critics.  The statistics were received with concern.
GUESTS|
4 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to welcome or entertain a guest, especially formally: He was received as an honoured guest at the White House.
AS MEMBER OF STH|
5 [vn] ~ sb (into sth) to officially recognize and accept sb as a member of a group: Three young people were received into the Church at Easter.
TV / RADIO|
6 [vn] to change broadcast signals into sounds or pictures on a television, radio, etc: to receive programmes via satellite
7 [vn] to be able to hear a radio message that is being sent by sb: I’m receiving you loud and clear.
STOLEN GOODS|
8 [vn, v] (especially BrE) to buy or accept goods that you know have been stolen
IN SPORT|
9 (in tennis, etc.) to be the player that the SERVER hits the ball to: [v] Hingis won the toss and chose to receive. [alsovn] — be at / on the re'ceiving end (of sth) (informal) to be the person that an action, etc. is directed at, especially an unpleasant one: She found herself on the receiving end of a great deal of criticism.
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re.ceived
adj. [only before noun] (formal) accepted by most people as being correct: The received wisdom is that they cannot win.
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re,ceived pronunci'ation
noun [U] = RP
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re.ceiver
noun
1 the part of a telephone that you hold close to your mouth and ear: to pick up / lift / put down / replace the receiver—compare HANDSET
2 a piece of radio or television equipment that changes broadcast signals into sound or pictures: a satellite receiver—compare TRANSMITTER
3 (also of,ficial re'ceiver) (law) a person who is chosen by a court of law to be in charge of a company that is BANKRUPT : to call in the receivers
4 a person who receives sth: Molly’s more of a giver than a receiver.
5 a person who buys or accepts stolen goods, knowing that they have been stolen
6 (in American football) a player who plays in a position in which the ball can be caught when it is being passed forward
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re.ceiv.er.ship
noun [U] (law ) the state of a business being controlled by an official receiver because it has no money
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re.cent
adj. [usually before noun] that happened or began only a short time ago: a recent development / discovery / event  his most recent visit to Poland  There have been many changes in recent years .
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re.cent.ly
adv. not long ago: We received a letter from him recently.  Until recently they were living in York.  I haven’t seen them recently (= it is some time since I saw them).  Have you used it recently (= in the recent past)?
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re.cep.tacle
noun
1 ~ (for sth) (formal) a container for putting sth in: (figurative) The seas have been used as a receptacle for a range of industrial toxins.
2 (AmE) = SOCKET (1)
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re.cep.tion
noun
1 [U] (especially BrE) the area inside the entrance of a hotel, an office building, etc. where guests or visitors go first when they arrive: the reception area  We arranged to meet in reception at 6.30.  You can leave a message with reception .   (AmE, BrE) the reception desk
2 [C] a formal social occasion to welcome sb or celebrate sth: a wedding reception
3 [sing.] the type of welcome that is given to sb/sth: Her latest album has met with a mixed reception from fans.  Delegates gave him a warm reception as he called for more spending on education.
4 [U] the quality of radio and television signals that are broadcast: good / bad reception
5 [U] the act of receiving or welcoming sb: the reception of refugees from the war zone   (BrE) a reception class (= the first class at school for children aged 4 or 5)   (BrE) a reception centre for refugees (= a place where people can receive temporary help and accommodation)
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re.cep.tion.ist
noun a person whose job is to deal with people arriving at or telephoning a hotel, an office building, a doctor’s SURGERY , etc.
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re'ception room
noun (BrE ) (used especially when advertising houses for sale) a room in a house where people can sit, for example a living room or DINING ROOM
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re.cep.tive
adj. ~ (to sth) willing to listen to or to accept new ideas or suggestions: She was always receptive to new ideas.  He gave an impressive speech to a receptive audience.
re.cep.tive.ness , re.cep.tiv.ity noun [U]: receptivity to change
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re.cep.tor
noun (biology ) a nerve ending in the body that reacts to changes such as heat or cold and makes the body react in a particular way
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re.cess
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a period of time during the year when the members of a parliament, committee, etc. do not meet
2 [C] a short break in a trial in a court of law: The judge called a short recess.
3 [U] (AmE) = BREAK   note at BREAK
4 [C] a part of a wall that is set further back than the rest of the wall, forming a space ALCOVE : a recess for books
5 [C, usually pl.] the part of a place that is furthest from the light and hard to see or get to: He stared into the dark recesses of the room.   (figurative) The doubt was still there, in the deep recesses of her mind.

verb [often passive]
1 (AmE ) to take or to order a recess : [vn] The hearing was recessed for the weekend. [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ sth (in / into sth) to put sth in a position that is set back into a wall, etc: The lights should be recessed into the ceiling.  recessed shelves

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re.ces.sion
noun
1 [C, U] a difficult time for the economy of a country, when there is less trade and industrial activity than usual and more people are unemployed: the impact of the current recession on manufacturing  The economy is in deep recession .  active policies to pull the country out of recession
2 [U] (formal) the movement backwards of sth from a previous position: the gradual recession of the flood water
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re.ces.sion.ary
adj. [only before noun] connected with a recession or likely to cause one: recessionary conditions
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re.ces.sive
adj. (biology ) a recessive physical characteristic only appears in a child if it has two GENES for this characteristic, one from each parent. It does not appear if a DOMINANT characteristic is also present.
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re.charge
verb
1 to fill a battery with electrical power; to be filled with electrical power: [vn] He plugged his razor in to recharge it.  [v] The drill takes about three hours to recharge.
2 [v] (informal) to get back your strength and energy by resting for a time: We needed the break in order to recharge.
re.charge.able adj.: rechargeable batteries
IDM recharge your 'batteries to get back your strength and energy by resting for a while
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re.cher.ché
adj. (from French , formal, usually disapproving) unusual and not easy to understand, chosen in order to impress people
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re.cid.iv.ist
noun (formal) a person who continues to commit crimes, and seems unable to stop, even after being punished
re.cid.iv.ism noun [U]
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re.cipe
noun
1 ~ (for sth) a set of instructions that tells you how to cook sth and the items of food you need for it: a recipe for chicken soup  vegetarian recipes  a recipe book
2 ~ for sth a method or an idea that seems likely to have a particular result: His plans are a recipe for disaster .  What’s her recipe for success?
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re.cipi.ent
noun (formal) a person who receives sth: recipients of awards / services / funds
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re.cip.ro.cal
adj. involving two people or groups who agree to help each other or behave in the same way to each other: The two colleges have a reciprocal arrangement whereby students from one college can attend classes at the other.
re.cip.ro.cal.ly adv.
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re.cip.ro.cate
verb
1 ~ (sth) (with sth) to behave or feel towards sb in the same way as they behave or feel towards you: [vn] Her passion for him was not reciprocated.  They wanted to reciprocate the kindness that had been shown to them.  He smiled but his smile was not reciprocated.  [v] I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or to reciprocate with a remark of my own.
2 [v] (technical) to move backwards and forwards in a straight line: a reciprocating action / movement
re.cip.ro.ca.tion noun [U]
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reci.procity
noun [U] (formal) a situation in which two people, countries, etc. provide the same help or advantages to each other
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re.cital
noun
1 a public performance of music or poetry, usually given by one person or a small group: to give a piano recital
2 a spoken description of a series of events, etc. that is often long and boring
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reci.ta.tion
noun
1 [C, U] an act of saying aloud a piece of poetry or literature that you have learned
2 [C] an act of talking or writing about a series of things: She continued her recitation of the week’s events.
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reci.ta.tive
noun [C, U] (music ) a passage in an opera or ORATORIO that is sung in the rhythm of ordinary speech with many words on the same note
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re.cite
verb
1 ~ (sth) (to sb) to say aloud a poem, piece of literature, etc. that you have learned, especially to an audience: [vn] Each child had to recite a poem to the class. [alsov, v wh-, v speech]
2 ~ sth (to sb) to say aloud a list or series of things: [vn] They recited all their grievances to me.  She could recite a list of all the kings and queens. [alsov wh-, v speech]
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reck.less
adj. showing a lack of care about danger and the possible results of your actions: He showed a reckless disregard for his own safety.  She was a good rider, but reckless.  He had always been reckless with money.   (BrE ) to cause death by reckless driving
reck.less.ly adv.: He admitted driving recklessly.
reck.less.ness noun [U]
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reckon
verb
1 (informal) to think sth or have an opinion about sth: [v (that)] I reckon (that) I’m going to get that job.   (spoken) He’ll be famous one day. What do you reckon (= do you agree)?  [v] It’s worth a lot of money, I reckon.   (spoken) ‘They’ll never find out.’‘You reckon? ’ (= I think you may be wrong about that)
2 (be reckoned) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be generally considered to be sth: [vn to inf] Children are reckoned to be more sophisticated nowadays.  [vn-n] It was generally reckoned a success. [alsovn-adj]
3 [v to inf] (informal) to expect to do sth: We reckon to finish by ten.
4 ~ sth (at sth) to calculate an amount, a number, etc: [vn] The age of the earth is reckoned at about 4 600 million years.  [v (that)] They reckon (that) their profits are down by at least 20%.  [vn to inf] The journey was reckoned to take about two hours.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive. [alsovn that] 'reckon on sth to expect sth to happen or to rely on sth happening: They hadn’t reckoned on a rebellion. [+ -ing] We’d reckoned on having good weather. ,reckon sth<->'up (especially BrE) to calculate the total amount or number of sth: He reckoned up the cost of everything in his mind. 'reckon with sb/sth
1 [usually passive] to consider or treat sb/sth as a serious opponent, problem, etc: They were already a political force to be reckoned with .
2 (usually used in negative sentences) to consider sth as a possible problem that you should be prepared for: [+ -ing] I didn’t reckon with getting caught up in so much traffic. 'reckon without sb/sth (especially BrE) to not consider sb/sth as a possible problem that you should be prepared for: They had reckoned without the determination of the opposition.
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reck.on.ing
noun
1 [U, C] the act of calculating sth, especially in a way that is not very exact: By my reckoning you still owe me £5.
2 [C usually sing, U] a time when sb’s actions will be judged to be right or wrong and they may be punished: In the final reckoning truth is rewarded.  Officials concerned with environmental policy predict that a day of reckoning will come.
IDM in / into / out of the 'reckoning (especially BrE) (especially in sport) among/not among those who are likely to win or be successful: Phelan is fit again and could come into the reckoning.
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re.claim
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get sth back or to ask to have it back after it has been lost, taken away, etc: You’ll have to go to the police station to reclaim your wallet.  The team reclaimed the title from their rivals.—see also BAGGAGE RECLAIM
2 ~ sth (from sth) to make land that is naturally too wet or too dry suitable to be built on, farmed, etc: The site for the airport will be reclaimed from the swamp.  reclaimed marshland
3 [usually passive] if a piece of land is reclaimed by desert, forest, etc., it turns back into desert, etc. after being used for farming or building
4 ~ sth (from sth) to obtain materials from waste products so that they can be used again—see also RECYCLE
5 ~ sb (from sth) to rescue sb from a bad or criminal way of life
rec.lam.ation noun [U]: land reclamation
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re.cline
verb
1 [v] ~ (against / in / on sth) (formal) to sit or lie in a relaxed way, with your body leaning backwards: She was reclining on a sofa.  a reclining figure (for example in a painting)
2 when a seat reclines or when you recline a seat, the back of it moves into a comfortable sloping position: [v] a reclining chair / seat [alsovn]
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re.cliner
(also re'cliner chair) noun (especially AmE ) a soft comfortable chair with a back that can be pushed back at an angle so that you can lean back in it—picture at CHAIR
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re.cluse
noun a person who lives alone and likes to avoid other people: to lead the life of a recluse
re.clu.sive adj.: a reclusive millionaire / lifestyle
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rec.og.ni.tion
noun
1 [U] the act of remembering who sb is when you see them, or of identifying what sth is: He glanced briefly towards her but there was no sign of recognition.  the automatic recognition of handwriting and printed text by computer
2 [sing., U] ~ (that … ) the act of accepting that sth exists, is true or is official: a growing recognition that older people have potential too  There is a general recognition of the urgent need for reform.  to seek international / official / formal recognition as a sovereign state
3 [U] ~ (for sth) public praise and reward for sb’s work or actions: She gained only minimal recognition for her work.  He received the award in recognition of his success over the past year.
IDM to change, alter, etc. beyond / out of (all) recog'nition to change so much that you can hardly recognize it: The town has changed beyond recognition since I was last here.
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rec.og.niz.able
(BrE also -is.able) adj. ~ (as sth/sb) easy to know or identify: The building was easily recognizable as a prison.  After so many years she was still instantly recognizable.
OPP UNRECOGNIZABLE
rec.og.niz.ably , -is.ablyadv.
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rec.og.niz.ance
(BrE also -sance) noun [U] (law ) a promise by sb who is accused of a crime to appear in a court of law on a particular date; a sum of money paid as a GUARANTEE of this promise
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rec.og.nize
(BrE also -ise) verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (by / from sth) to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them, because you have seen or heard them or it before: I recognized him as soon as he came in the room.  Do you recognize this tune?  I recognized her by her red hair.
2 ~ sth (as sth) to admit or to be aware that sth exists or is true: [vn] They recognized the need to take the problem seriously.  Drugs were not recognized as a problem then.  [v wh-] Nobody recognized how urgent the situation was.  [v that] We recognized that the task was not straightforward.  [vn that] It was recognized that this solution could only be temporary. [alsovn to inf]
3 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to accept and approve of sb/sth officially: [vn] recognized schools / qualifications  The UK has refused to recognize the new regime.  [vn to inf] He is recognized to be their natural leader.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive.
4 [vn] (be recognized (as sth)) to be thought of as very good or important by people in general: The book is now recognized as a classic.  She’s a recognized authority on the subject.
5 [vn] to give sb official thanks for sth that they have done or achieved: His services to the state were recognized with the award of a knighthood.
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re.coil
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (from sb/sth)| ~ (at sth) (written) to move your body quickly away from sb/sth because you find them or it frightening or unpleasant: She recoiled from his touch.  He recoiled in horror at the sight of the corpse.
2 ~ (from sth / from doing sth)| ~ (at sth) (written) to react to an idea or a situation with strong dislike or fear: She recoiled from the idea of betraying her own brother.
3 (of a gun) to move suddenly backwards when you fire it

noun [U, sing.] a sudden movement backwards, especially of a gun when it is fired

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rec.ol.lect
verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (rather formal) to remember sth, especially by making an effort to remember it: [vn] She could no longer recollect the details of the letter.  [v wh-] I don’t recollect what he said.  [vn -ing] I recollect him / his saying that it was dangerous.  [v] As far as I can recollect, she wasn’t there on that occasion. [alsov speech, v that, v -ing]
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rec.ol.lec.tion
noun (formal)
1 [U] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) the ability to remember sth; the act of remembering sth
SYN MEMORY : I have no recollection of meeting her before.  My recollection of events differs from his.  To the best of my recollection (= if I remember correctly) I was not present at that meeting.
2 [C] a thing that you remember from the past
SYN MEMORY : to have a clear / vivid / dim / vague recollection of sth
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re.com.mence
verb (formal) to begin again; to start doing sth again: [v] Work on the bridge will recommence next month.  [vn] The two countries agreed to recommence talks the following week. [alsov -ing]
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rec.om.mend
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (to sb) (for / as sth) to tell sb that sth is good or useful, or that sb would be suitable for a particular job, etc: Can you recommend a good hotel?  I recommend the book to all my students.  She was recommended for the post by a colleague.  The hotel’s new restaurant comes highly recommended (= a lot of people have praised it).
2 to advise a particular course of action; to advise sb to do sth: [vn] The report recommended a 10% pay increase.  It is dangerous to exceed the recommended dose.  a recommended price of $50  [v (that)] I recommend (that) he see a lawyer.   (BrE also) I recommend (that) he should see a lawyer.  [vn (that)] It is strongly recommended that the machines should be checked every year.  [vn to inf] We’d recommend you to book your flight early.  [v -ing] He recommended reading the book before seeing the movie. [alsovn -ing, v wh-]
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (to sb) to make sb/sth seem attractive or good: This system has much to recommend it .
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rec.om.men.da.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (to sb) (for / on / about sth) an official suggestion about the best thing to do: to accept / reject a recommendation  The committee made recommendations to the board on teachers' pay and conditions.  I had the operation on the recommendation of my doctor.
2 [U] the act of telling sb that sth is good or useful or that sb would be suitable for a particular job, etc: We chose the hotel on their recommendation (= because they recommended it).  It’s best to find a builder through personal recommendation .
3 [C] (especially AmE) a formal letter or statement that sb would be suitable for a particular job, etc: The company gave her a glowing recommendation.
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rec.om.pense
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (for sth/sb) (formal) something, usually money, that you are given because you have suffered in some way, or as a payment for sth: There must be adequate recompense for workers who lose their jobs.  I received $1 000 in recompense for loss of earnings.

verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to do sth for sb or give them a payment for sth that they have suffered
SYN COMPENSATE : There was no attempt to recompense the miners for the loss of their jobs.

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recon
noun [C, U] (AmE , informal) = RECONNAISSANCE
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rec.on.cile
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) to find a satisfactory way of dealing with two or more ideas, needs, etc. that seem to be opposed to each other: an attempt to reconcile the need for industrial development with concern for the environment  It was hard to reconcile his career ambitions with the needs of his children.
2 [usually passive] ~ sb (with sb) to make people become friends again after an argument or a disagreement: The pair were reconciled after Jackson made a public apology.  He has recently been reconciled with his wife.
3 ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to make sb/yourself accept an unpleasant situation because it is not possible to change it: He could not reconcile himself to the prospect of losing her.
rec.on.cil.able adj.
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rec.on.cili.ation
noun
1 [sing.] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb) an end to a disagreement and the start of a good relationship again: Their change of policy brought about a reconciliation with Britain.
2 [U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sth) the process of making it possible for two different ideas, facts, etc. to exist together without being opposed to each other: the reconciliation between environment and development  the reconciliation of rights and duties within a democracy
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rec.on.dite
adj. (formal) not known about or understood by many people
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re.con.di.tion
verb [vn] [often passive] to repair sth so that it is in good condition and works well: a reconditioned engine
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re.con.nais.sance
(also BrE informal recce) (also AmE informal recon) noun [C, U] the activity of getting information about an area for military purposes, using soldiers, planes, etc: to make an aerial reconnaissance of the island  Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.  a reconnaissance aircraft / mission / satellite
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rec.on.noitre
(BrE ) (AmE -ter) verb to get information about an area, especially for military purposes, by using soldiers, planes, etc: [vn] A naval patrol was sent to reconnoitre the approaches to the bay. [alsov]
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re.con.sider
verb to think about sth again, especially because you might want to change a previous decision or opinion: [vn] to reconsider your decision / position  The company was forced to reconsider its plans for expansion.  [v] Recent information may persuade the board to reconsider. [alsov wh-]
re.con.sid.er.ation noun [U, sing.]
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re.con.sti.tute
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth / itself (as sth) (formal) to form an organization or a group again in a different way: The group reconstituted itself as a political party.
2 [usually passive] to bring dried food, etc. back to its original form by adding water: reconstituted orange juice / eggs
re.con.sti.tu.tion noun [U]
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re.con.struct
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to build or make sth again that has been damaged or that no longer exists: They have tried to reconstruct the settlement as it would have been in Iron Age times.
2 to be able to describe or show exactly how a past event happened, using the information you have gathered: Investigators are trying to reconstruct the circumstances of the crash.
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re.con.struc.tion
noun
1 [U] the process of changing or improving the condition of sth or the way it works; the process of putting sth back into the state it was in before: the reconstruction of the educational system  the post-war reconstruction of Germany  a reconstruction period
2 [U] the activity of building again sth that has been damaged or destroyed: the reconstruction of the sea walls
3 [C] a copy of sth that no longer exists: The doorway is a 19th century reconstruction of Norman work.
4 [C] a short film showing events that are known to have happened in order to try and get more information or better understanding, especially about a crime: Last night police staged a reconstruction of the incident.
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re.con.struct.ive
adj. [only before noun] (of medical treatment) that involves RECONSTRUCTING part of a person’s body because it has been badly damaged or because the person wants to change its shape: reconstructive surgery
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re.con.vene
verb [v, vn] if a meeting, parliament, etc. reconvenes or if sb reconvenes it, it meets again after a break
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re.cord
noun, verb
noun
WRITTEN ACCOUNT|
1 [C] ~ (of sth) a written account of sth that is kept so that it can be looked at and used in the future: You should keep a record of your expenses.  medical / dental records  Last summer was the wettest on record .
MUSIC|
2 [C] a thin round piece of plastic on which music, etc. is recorded: to play a record  a record collection  a record company (= one which produces and sells records)
HIGHEST / BEST|
3 [C] the best result or the highest or lowest level that has ever been reached, especially in sport: She holds the world record for the 100 metres.  to break the record (= to achieve a better result than there has ever been before)  to set a new record   There was a record number of candidates for the post.  I got to work in record time .  record profits / sales  Unemployment has reached a record high (= the highest level ever).
OF SB / STH’S PAST|
4 [sing.] ~ (on sth) the facts that are known about sb/sth’s past behaviour, character, achievements, etc: The report criticizes the government’s record on housing.  The airline has a good safety record .  He has an impressive record of achievement.—see also TRACK RECORD
OF CRIMES|
5 (also ,criminal 'record) [C] the fact of having committed crimes in the past: Does he have a record? (just) for the 'record
1 used to show that you want what you are saying to be officially written down and remembered
2 used to emphasize a point that you are making, so that the person you are speaking to takes notice: And, for the record, he would be the last person I’d ask. ,off the 'record if you tell sb sth off the record, it is not yet official and you do not want them to repeat it publicly put / place sth on (the) 'record | be / go on (the) 'record (as saying … ) to say sth publicly or officially so that it may be written down and repeated: He didn’t want to go on the record as either praising or criticizing the proposal.  I should like to place on record my sincere thanks to all those who have given support. put / set the 'record straight to give people the correct information about sth in order to make it clear that what they previously believed was in fact wrong—more at MATTER n.

verb
KEEP ACCOUNT|
1 to keep a permanent account of facts or events by writing them down, filming them, storing them in a computer, etc: [vn] Her childhood is recorded in the diaries of those years.  You should record all your expenses during your trip.  [v wh-] His job is to record how politicians vote on major issues. [alsov that, vn that]
MAKE COPY|
2 to make a copy of music, a film/movie, etc. by storing it on tape or a disc so that you can listen to or watch it again: [vn] Did you remember to record ‘Friends’ for me?  a recorded programme / concert  [vn -ing] He recorded the class rehearsing before the performance.  [v] Tell me when the tape starts recording.
MUSIC|
3 to perform music so that it can be copied onto and kept on tape: [vn] The band is back in the US recording their new album. [alsov]
MAKE OFFICIAL STATEMENT|
4 to make an official or legal statement about sth: [vn] The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death. [alsov that]
OF MEASURING INSTRUMENT|
5 to show a particular measurement or amount: [vn] The thermometer recorded a temperature of 40°C. [alsov wh-]

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'record-breaker
noun a person or thing that achieves a better result or higher level than has ever been achieved before
'record-breaking adj. [only before noun]: a record-breaking jump
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re,corded de'livery
(BrE ) (AmE ,certified 'mail) noun [U] a method of sending a letter or parcel/package in which the person sending it gets an official note to say it has been posted and the person receiving it must sign a form when it is delivered: I’d like to send this (by) recorded delivery.—compare REGISTERED MAIL
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re.cord.er
noun
1 (in compounds) a machine for recording sound or pictures or both: a tape / cassette recorder  a video recorder—see also FLIGHT RECORDER
2 a musical instrument in the shape of a pipe that you blow into, with holes that you cover with your fingers
3 a judge in a court of law in some parts of Britain and the US
4 a person who keeps a record of events or facts
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'record holder
noun a person who has achieved the best result that has ever been achieved in a sport
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re.cord.ing
noun
1 [C] sound or pictures that have been recorded on tape, video, etc: a cassette / tape / video recording  a hit recording on cassette and CD
2 [U] the process of making a record, tape, film/movie, etc: during the recording of the show  recording equipment / techniques  a recording session / studio
3 [U] the process or act of writing down and storing information for official purposes: the recording of financial transactions
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'record player
noun a piece of equipment for playing records in order to listen to the music, etc. on them
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re.count^1
verb ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to tell sb about sth, especially sth that you have experienced: [vn] She was asked to recount the details of the conversation to the court.  [v wh-] They recounted what had happened during those years. [alsov speech]
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re.count^2
verb [vn] to count sth again, especially votes
re.count noun: The defeated candidate demanded a recount.
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re.coup
verb [vn] to get back an amount of money that you have spent or lost
SYN RECOVER : We hope to recoup our initial investment in the first year.
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re.course
noun [U] (formal) the fact of having to, or being able to, use sth that can provide help in a difficult situation: Your only recourse is legal action.  She made a complete recovery without recourse to surgery.  The government, when necessary has recourse to the armed forces.
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re.cover
verb
FROM ILLNESS|
1 [v] ~ (from sth) to get well again after being ill/sick, hurt, etc: He’s still recovering from his operation.
FROM STH UNPLEASANT|
2 [v] ~ (from sth) to return to a normal state after an unpleasant or unusual experience or a period of difficulty: It can take many years to recover from the death of a loved one.  The economy is at last beginning to recover.
MONEY|
3 [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get back the same amount of money that you have spent or that is owed to you
SYN RECOUP : He is unlikely to ever recover his legal costs.
STH LOST / STOLEN|
4 [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get back or find sth that was lost, stolen or missing: The police eventually recovered the stolen paintings.  Six bodies were recovered from the wreckage.
POSITION / STATUS|
5 [vn] to win back a position, level, status, etc. that has been lost
SYN REGAIN : The team recovered its lead in the second half.
SENSES / EMOTIONS|
6 [vn] to get back the use of your senses, control of your emotions, etc.
SYN REGAIN : It took her a few minutes to recover consciousness.  to recover your sight / hearing  She seemed upset but quickly recovered herself.
re.covered adj. [not before noun]: She is now fully recovered from her injuries.
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re-cover
verb [vn] to put a new cover on sth
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re.cov.er.able
adj.
1 that you can get back after it has been spent or lost: Travel expenses will be recoverable from the company.  recoverable costs / damages
2 that can be obtained from the ground: recoverable oil reserves
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re.cov.ery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (from sth) the process of becoming well again after an illness or injury: My father has made a full recovery from the operation.  to make a remarkable / quick / speedy / slow recovery  She is on the road to (= making progress towards)recovery .
2 [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (in sth) the process of improving or becoming stronger again: The government is forecasting an economic recovery .  a recovery in consumer spending  The economy is showing signs of recovery.
3 [U] ~ (of sth) the action or process of getting sth back that has been lost or stolen: There is a reward for information leading to the recovery of the missing diamonds.
4 [U] (also re'covery room [C]) the room in a hospital where patients are kept immediately after an operation: Your mother is now in recovery.
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re.create
verb [vn] to make sth that existed in the past exist or seem to exist again: The movie recreates the glamour of 1940s Hollywood.
re.cre.ation noun [C, U]: The writer attempts a recreation of the sights and sounds of his childhood.
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rec.re.ation
noun
1 [U] the fact of people doing things for enjoyment, when they are not working: the need to improve facilities for leisure and recreation  the increasing use of land for recreation
2 [C] (BrE) a particular activity that sb does when they are not working: His recreations include golf, football and shooting.
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rec.re.ation.al
adj. connected with activities that people do for enjoyment when they are not working: recreational activities / facilities  These areas are set aside for public recreational use.
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recre'ational vehicle
noun (AmE) (abbr. RV) = CAMPER (2)
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recre'ation ground
noun (BrE ) an area of land used by the public for sports and games
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recre'ation room
(also AmE informal 'rec room) noun
1 a room in a school, a hospital, an office building, etc. in which people can relax, play games, etc.
2 (AmE) a room in a private house used for games, entertainment, etc.
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re.crim.in.ation
noun [C, usually pl., U] an angry statement that sb makes accusing sb else of sth, especially in response to a similar statement from them: bitter recriminations  We spent the rest of the evening in mutual recrimination.
re.crim.in.atory adj.
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rec room
noun (AmE , informal) = RECREATION ROOM
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re.cruit
verb, noun
verb
1 to find new people to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc: [vn] The police are trying to recruit more officers from ethnic minorities.  They recruited several new members to the club.  [v] He’s responsible for recruiting at all levels. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn to inf] to persuade sb to do sth, especially to help you: We were recruited to help peel the vegetables.
3 [vn] to form a new army, team, etc. by persuading new people to join it: to recruit a task force
re.cruit.er noun
re.cruit.ment noun [U]: the recruitment of new members  a recruitment drive

noun
1 a person who has recently joined the armed forces or the police: the training of new recruits  He spoke of us scornfully as raw recruits (= people without training or experience).
2 a person who joins an organization, a company, etc: attempts to attract new recruits to the nursing profession

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rec.tal
adj. (anatomy ) relating to the RECTUM : rectal cancer
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rect.angle
noun a flat shape with four straight sides, two of which are longer than the other two, and four angles of 90°—picture at PARALLELOGRAM
rect.angu.lar adj.
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rect.ify
verb (rec.ti.fies, rec.ti.fy.ing, rec.ti.fied, rec.ti.fied) [vn] (formal) to put right sth that is wrong
SYN CORRECT : to rectify a fault / mistake  We must take steps to rectify the situation.
rec.ti.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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rec.ti.lin.ear
adj. (technical )
1 in a straight line: rectilinear motion
2 having straight lines: rectilinear forms
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rec.ti.tude
noun [U] (formal) the quality of thinking or behaving in a correct and honest way: to have a sense of moral rectitude
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recto
noun (pl.-os) (technical ) the page on the right side of an open book
OPP VERSO
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rec.tor
noun
1 an Anglican priest who is in charge of a particular area, (called a PARISH ). In the past a rector received an income directly from this area.—compare VICAR
2 (in Britain) a person who is in charge of a university, college or school
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rec.tory
noun (pl.-ies) noun a house where the rector of a church lives, or lived in the past
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rec.tum
noun (pl.rec.tums or recta ) (anatomy ) the end section of the tube through which solid waste leaves the body at the ANUS —picture at BODY
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re.cum.bent
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) (of a person’s body or position) lying down: her recumbent body / form  in a recumbent posture
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re.cu.per.ate
verb (formal)
1 [v] ~ (from sth) to get back your health, strength or energy after being ill/sick, tired, injured, etc.
SYN RECOVER : He’s still recuperating from his operation.  After an exhausting few weeks I needed some time to recuperate.
2 [vn] to get back money that you have spent or lost
SYN RECOVER , RECOUP : He hoped to recuperate at least some of his losses.
re.cu.per.ation noun [U]: It was a period of rest and recuperation.
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re.cu.pera.tive
adj. (formal) helping you to get better after you have been ill/sick, very tired, etc: the recuperative powers of a good night’s sleep
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recur
verb (-rr-) [v] to happen again or a number of times: This theme recurs several times throughout the book.  a recurring illness / problem / nightmare
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re.cur.rence
noun [C usually sing, U] if there is a recurrence of sth, it happens again: attempts to prevent a recurrence of the illness / problem
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re.cur.rent
adj. that happens again and again: recurrent bleeding / infections  recurrent costs / expenditure
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re,curring 'decimal
noun (mathematics ) a DECIMAL FRACTION in which the same figure or group of figures is repeated for ever, for example 3.999 …: The recurring decimal 3.999 … is also described as 3.9 recurring.
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re.cycle
verb [vn]
1 to treat things that have already been used so that they can be used again: Denmark recycles nearly 85% of its paper.  This envelope is made from recycled paper.
2 to use the same ideas, methods, jokes, etc. again: He recycled all his old jokes.
re.cyc.lable adj.: recyclable plastic
re.cyc.ling noun [U]: the recycling of glass  a recycling plant
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red
adj., noun
adj. (red.der, red.dest) (informal)
1 having the colour of blood or fire: a red car / sunset  The lights (= traffic lights) changed to red before I could get across.
2 (of the eyes) BLOODSHOT (= with thin lines of blood in them) or surrounded by red or very pink skin: Her eyes were red from crying.
3 (of the face) bright red or pink, especially because you are angry, embarrassed or ashamed: He stammered something and went very red in the face.
4 (of hair or an animal’s fur) reddish-brown in colour: a red-haired girl  red deer / squirrels—see also REDHEAD
5 (informal) (sometimes disapproving, politics) having very LEFT-WING political opinions—compare PINK
red.ness noun [U, sing.]: You may notice redness and swelling after the injection.
IDM red in ,tooth and 'claw involving opposition or competition that is violent and without pity: nature, red in tooth and claw a red rag to a 'bull something that is likely to make sb very angry—more at PAINT v.

noun
1 [C, U] the colour of blood or fire: She often wears red.  the reds and browns of the woods in the fall (= of the leaves)  I’ve marked the corrections in red (= in red ink).  The traffic lights were on red.
2 [U, C] red wine: Would you prefer red or white?  an Italian red
3 [C] (informal) (disapproving, politics) a person with very LEFT-WING political opinions—compare PINKO
IDM be in the 'red (informal) to owe money to your bank because you have spent more than you have in your account: The company has plunged $37 million into the red.—compare BE IN THE BLACK see 'red (informal) to become very angry

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,red a'lert
noun [U, sing.] a situation in which you are prepared for sth dangerous to happen; a warning of this: Following the bomb blast, local hospitals have been put on red alert .
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,red-'blooded
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) full of strength and energy, often sexual energy: red-blooded young males
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'red-brick
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of buildings, walls, etc.) built with bricks of a reddish-brown colour: red-brick cottages
2 (becoming old-fashioned) (of universities in Britain) built in the late 19th or early 20th century, in contrast to older universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge—compare OXBRIDGE
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,red 'card
noun (in football) a card shown by the REFEREE to a player who has broken the rules of the game and is not allowed to play for the rest of the game—compare YELLOW CARD
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,red 'carpet
(usually the red carpet) noun [sing.] a strip of red carpet laid on the ground for an important visitor to walk on when he or she arrives: I didn’t expect to be given the red carpet treatment!
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,red 'cent
noun [sing.] (AmE ) (especially after a negative) a very small amount of money: I didn’t get a red cent for all my work.
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the ,Red 'Crescent
noun [sing.] the name used by national branches in Muslim countries of the International Movement of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, an organization that takes care of people suffering because of war or natural disasters
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the ,Red 'Cross
noun [sing.] an international organization that takes care of people suffering because of war or natural disasters. Its full name is the International Movement of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
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red.cur.rant
noun a very small red berry that grows in bunches on a bush and can be eaten: redcurrant jelly  a redcurrant bush
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red.den
verb to become red; to make sth red: [v] The sky was reddening.  He could feel his face reddening with embarrassment.  He stared at her and she reddened. [alsovn]
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red.dish
adj. fairly red in colour: reddish hair / fur
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re.dec.or.ate
verb to put new paint and/or paper on the walls of a room or house: [v] We’ve just redecorated.  [vn] The house has been fully redecorated.
re.dec.or.ation noun [U]
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re.deem
verb [vn]
1 to make sb/sth seem less bad
SYN COMPENSATE FOR : The excellent acting wasn’t enough to redeem a weak plot.  The only redeeming feature of the job (= good thing about it) is the salary.
2 ~ yourself to do sth to improve the opinion that people have of you, especially after you have done sth bad: He has a chance to redeem himself after last week’s mistakes.
3 (in Christianity) to save sb from the power of evil: Jesus Christ came to redeem us from sin.
4 to pay the full sum of money that you owe sb; to pay a debt: to redeem a loan / mortgage
5 to exchange sth such as shares or VOUCHERS for money or goods: This voucher can be redeemed at any of our branches.
6 to get back a valuable object from sb by paying them back the money you borrowed from them in exchange for the object: He was able to redeem his watch from the pawnshop.
7 (formal) ~ a pledge / promise to do what you have promised to do
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re.deem.able
adj. ~ (against sth) that can be exchanged for money or goods: These vouchers are redeemable against any future purchase.
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Re.deem.er
noun (the Redeemer) [sing.] (literary) Jesus Christ
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re.define
verb to change the nature or limits of sth; to make people consider sth in a new way: [vn] The new constitution redefined the powers of the president.  [v wh-] We need to redefine what we mean by democracy.
re.def.in.ition noun [U, C]
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re.demp.tion
noun [U]
1 (formal) the act of saving or state of being saved from the power of evil; the act of REDEEMING : the redemption of the world from sin
2 (finance) the act of exchanging shares for money (= of REDEEMING them)
IDM beyond / past re'demption too bad to be saved or improved
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re.demp.tive
adj. (formal) that saves you from the power of evil: the redemptive power of love
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re.deploy
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (to sth) to move sb/sth to a new position or job: Our troops are to be redeployed elsewhere.  Most of the employees will be redeployed to other parts of the company.
re.deploy.ment noun [U]: the redeployment of staff / resources
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re.design
verb [vn] to design sth again, in a different way
re.design noun [U, C]
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re.develop
verb to change an area by building new roads, houses, factories, etc: [vn] The city has plans to redevelop the site. [alsov]
re.devel.op.ment noun [U]: inner-city redevelopment
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'red-eye
noun
1 (also ,red-eye 'flight) [C] (informal, especially AmE) a flight in a plane at night, on which you cannot get enough sleep: We took the red-eye to Boston.
2 [U] the appearance of having red eyes that people sometimes have in photographs taken using FLASH
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,red-'faced
adj. with a red face, especially because you are embarrassed or angry
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,red 'flag
noun
1 a flag used to warn people of danger
2 a red flag as a symbol of revolution or COMMUNISM
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,red 'giant
noun (astronomy ) a large star towards the end of its life that is relatively cool and gives out a reddish light
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,red-'handed
adj.
IDM see CATCH v.
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red.head
noun a person who has red hair
,red-'headed : a red-headed girl
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,red 'herring
noun an unimportant fact, idea, event, etc. that takes people’s attention away from the important ones
ORIGIN From the custom of using the scent of a smoked, dried herring (which was red) to train dogs to hunt.
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,red-'hot
adj.
1 (of metal or sth burning) so hot that it looks red: Red-hot coals glowed in the fire.
2 showing strong feeling: her red-hot anger
3 (informal) new, exciting and of great interest to people: a red-hot issue
4 used to describe the person, animal or team that is considered almost certain to win a race, etc: The race was won by the red-hot favourite .
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,Red 'Indian
(also red.skin) noun (old-fashioned,  ) a very offensive word for a Native American
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re.dir.ect
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth)
1 to use sth, for example money, in a different way or for a different purpose: Resources are being redirected to this important new project.
2 to send sth to a different address or in a different direction: Inquiries on this matter are being redirected to the press office.   (BrE) Make sure you get your mail redirected to your new address.
re.dir.ec.tion noun [sing., U]: a sudden redirection of economic policy   (BrE) the redirection of mail
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re.dis.cover
verb [vn] to find again sth that had been forgotten or lost
re.dis.cov.ery noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
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re.dis.trib.ute
verb [vn] to share sth out among people in a different way: Wealth needs to be redistributed from the rich to the poor.
re.dis.tri.bu.tion noun [U, sing.]: the redistribution of wealth
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,red-'letter day
noun an important day, or a day that you will remember, because of sth good that happened then
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,red 'light
noun a signal telling the driver of a vehicle to stop: to go through a red light (= not to stop at one)—picture at FILTER
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,red-'light district
noun a part of a town where there are many prostitutes
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,red 'meat
noun [U] meat that is dark brown in colour when it has been cooked, such as beef and LAMB —compare WHITE MEAT
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red.neck
noun (informal, disapproving) (sometimes offensive) a man who lives in a country area of the US, has little education and has strong CONSERVATIVE political opinions
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redo
verb (re.does redid re.done ) [vn] to do sth again or differently: A whole day’s work had to be redone.  We’ve just redone the bathroom (= decorated it again).
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redo.lent
adj. [not before noun] ~ of / with sth (literary)
1 making you think of the thing mentioned: an atmosphere redolent of the sea and ships
2 smelling strongly of the thing mentioned: a kitchen redolent with the smell of baking
redo.lence noun [U]
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re.double
verb [vn] (written) to increase sth or make it stronger: The leading banks are expected to redouble their efforts to keep the value of the dollar down.  redoubled strength / enthusiasm
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re.doubt
noun
1 (literary) a place or situation in which sb/sth is protected when they are being attacked or threatened
2 a small building from which soldiers can fight and defend themselves
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re.doubt.able
adj. (formal) if a person is redoubtable, they have very strong qualities that make you respect them and perhaps feel afraid of them: a redoubtable leader
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re.dound
verb
PVR V re'dound to sth (rare, formal) to improve the impression that people have of you: Their defeat redounds to the glory of those whom they attacked.
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,red 'panda
noun = PANDA (2)
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,red 'pepper
noun
1 [C, U] a hollow red fruit that is eaten, raw or cooked, as a vegetable
2 [U] (especially AmE) = CAYENNE
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re.draft
verb [vn] to write an article, a letter, etc. again in order to improve it or make changes
're.draft noun
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re.draw
verb (re.drew re.drawn ) [vn] to make changes to sth such as the borders of a country or region, a plan, an arrangement, etc: After the war the map of Europe was redrawn.  to redraw the boundaries between male and female roles in the home
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re.dress
verb, noun
verb [vn] (formal) to correct sth that is unfair or wrong: to redress an injustice / a grievance
IDM redress the 'balance to make a situation equal or fair again

noun [U] ~ (for / against sth) (formal) payment, etc. that you should get for sth wrong that has happened to you or harm that you have suffered
SYN COMPENSATION : to seek legal redress for unfair dismissal  to have little / no prospect of redress

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red.skin
noun (old-fashioned,  ) (offensive) = RED INDIAN
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,red 'tape
noun [U] (disapproving) official rules that seem more complicated than necessary and prevent things from being done quickly
ORIGIN From the custom of tying up official documents with red or pink tape.
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re.duce
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) (to sth)| ~ sth (by sth) to make sth less or smaller in size, quantity, price, etc: Reduce speed now (= on a sign).  Costs have been reduced by 20% over the past year.  Giving up smoking reduces the risk of heart disease.  The number of employees was reduced from 40 to 25.
2 [vn, v] if you reduce a liquid or a liquid reduces, you boil it so that it becomes less in quantity
3 [v] (AmE, informal) to lose weight by limiting the amount and type of food that you eat: a reducing plan
IDM re,duced 'circumstances the state of being poorer than you were before. People say ‘living in reduced circumstances’ to avoid saying ‘poor’.
PVR V re'duce sb/sth (from sth) to sth / to doing sth [usually passive] to force sb/sth into a particular state or condition, usually a worse one: a beautiful building reduced to rubble  She was reduced to tears by their criticisms.  They were reduced to begging in the streets. re'duce sth to sth to change sth to a more general or more simple form: We can reduce the problem to two main issues.
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re.du.cible
adj. ~ to sth (formal) that can be described or considered simply as sth: The problem is not reducible to one of money.
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re.duc.tion
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (in sth) an act of making sth less or smaller; the state of being made less or smaller: a 33% reduction in the number of hospital beds available  There has been some reduction in unemployment.  a significant / substantial / drastic reduction in costs
2 [C] an amount of money by which sth is made cheaper: There are reductions for children sharing a room with two adults.
3 [C] a copy of a photograph, map, picture, etc. that is made smaller than the original one
OPP ENLARGEMENT
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re.duc.tion.ism
noun [U] (technical ) (often disapproving) the belief that complicated things can be explained by considering them as a combination of simple parts
re.duc.tion.ist adj., noun
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re.duc.tive
adj. (formal, often disapproving) that tries to explain sth complicated by considering it as a combination of simple parts
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re.dun.dancy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C, usually pl.] (BrE) the situation when sb has to leave their job because there is no more work available for them: Thousands of factory workers are facing redundancy in the New Year.  to accept / take voluntary redundancy (= to offer to leave your job)  the threat of compulsory redundancies   redundancy payments—see also LAY-OFF
2 [U] (formal ortechnical) the state of not being necessary or useful: Natural language is characterized by redundancy (= words are used that are not really necessary for sb to understand the meaning).
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re.dun.dant
adj.
1 (BrE) (of a person) without a job because there is no more work available for you in a company: to be made redundant from your job  redundant employees / workers
2 not needed or useful: The picture has too much redundant detail.
re.dun.dant.ly adv.
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,red 'wine
noun
1 [U, C] wine that gets its red colour from the skins of the grapes
2 [C] a glass of red wine —compare ROSÉ , WHITE WINE
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red.wood
noun
1 [C] a very tall tree that grows especially in California: giant redwoods
2 [U] the reddish wood of the redwood tree
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reed
noun
1 a tall plant like grass with a hollow stem that grows in or near water: reed beds (= where they grow)  The edge of the lake was fringed with reeds.
2 a small thin piece of CANE , metal or plastic in some musical instruments such as the OBOE or the CLARINET that moves very quickly when air is blown over it, producing a sound—
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,re-'educate
verb [vn] to teach sb to think or behave in a new or different way
,re-edu'cation noun [U]
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reedy
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of a voice or sound) high and not very pleasant
2 full of reeds : reedy river banks
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reef
noun, verb
noun
1 a long line of rocks or sand near the surface of the sea: a coral reef—picture at COAST
2 a part of a sail that can be tied or rolled up to make the sail smaller in a strong wind

verb [vn] (technical ) to make a sail smaller by tying or rolling up part of it

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reef.er
noun
1 (also 'reefer jacket) a short thick woollen jacket, usually dark blue, with two rows of buttons
2 (old-fashioned, slang) a cigarette containing MARIJUANA
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'reef knot
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'square knot) noun a type of double knot that will not become undone easily
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reek
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (of sth)
1 to smell very strongly of sth unpleasant: His breath reeked of tobacco.
2 (disapproving) to suggest very strongly that sth unpleasant or suspicious is involved in a situation: Her denials reeked of hypocrisy.

noun [sing.] a strong unpleasant smell: the reek of cigarettes and beer

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reel
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually spool) a round object around which you wind such things as cotton thread, wire or film; the film, wire, thread, etc. that is wound around a reel : a cotton reel  a reel on a fishing rod  reels of magnetic tape  a new reel of film  The hero was killed in the final reel (= in the final part of the film / movie).—picture at GARDEN
2 a fast Scottish, Irish or American dance, usually for two or four couples; a piece of music for this dance

verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move in a very unsteady way, for example because you are drunk or have been hit: I punched him on the chin, sending him reeling backwards.  She was reeling after several glasses of wine.
2 ~ (at / from / with sth) to feel very shocked or upset about sth: I was still reeling from the shock.
3 to seem to be spinning around and around: When he opened his eyes, the room was reeling.
PVR V ,reel sth<->'in / 'out to wind sth on/off a reel : I slowly reeled the fish in. ,reel sth<->'off to say or repeat sth quickly without having to stop or think about it: She immediately reeled off several names.

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,re-e'lect
verb ~ sb (to sth)| ~ sb (as) sth to elect sb again: [vn] She was re-elected to parliament.  [vn-n] The committee voted to re-elect him (as) chairman.
,re-e'lection noun [U] (BrE): to stand for re-election   (AmE) to run for re-election
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,re-e'nact
verb [vn] to repeat the actions of a past event: Members of the English Civil War Society will re-enact the battle.
,re-e'nactment noun
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,re-'enter
verb [vn, v] to return to a place or to an area of activity that you used to be in
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,re-'entry
noun [U] ~ (into sth)
1 the act of returning to a place or an area of activity that you used to be in: She feared she would not be granted re-entry into Britain.  a re-entry programme for nurses (= for nurses returning to work after a long time doing sth else)
2 the return of a spacecraft into the earth’s atmosphere: The capsule gets very hot on re-entry.
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,re-e'xamine
verb [vn] to examine or think about sth again, especially because you may need to change your opinion
SYN REASSESS : All the evidence needs to be re-examined.
,re-e'xamination noun [U, sing.]
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ref
noun (informal) = REFEREE : The game’s not over till the ref blows the whistle.
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ref.
abbr. reference (used especially in business as a way of identifying sth such as a document): our ref.: 3498
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re.fec.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a large room in which meals are served, especially in a religious institution and in some schools and colleges in Britain: a refectory table
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refer
verb (-rr-)
PVR V re'fer to sb/sth (as sth) to mention or speak about sb/sth: The victims were not referred to by name.  Her mother never referred to him again.  You know who I’m referring to.  She always referred to Ben as ‘that nice man’.  I promised not to refer to the matter again. re'fer to sb/sth
1 to describe or be connected to sb/sth: The star refers to items which are intended for the advanced learner.  The term ‘Arts’ usually refers to humanities and social sciences.  This paragraph refers to the events of last year.
2 to look at sth or ask a person for information
SYN CONSULT : You may refer to your notes if you want.  to refer to a dictionary / an expert re'fer sb/sth to sb/sth to send sb/sth to sb/sth for help, advice or a decision: My doctor referred me to a specialist.  The case was referred to the Court of Appeal.   (formal) May I refer you to my letter of 14 May?
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re.fer.able
adj. ~ to sth (formal) that can be related to sth else: These symptoms may be referable to virus infection rather than parasites.
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ref.er.ee
noun, verb
noun
1 (also informal ref) the official who controls the game in some sports, such as football, basketball and boxing: He was sent off for arguing with the referee.—compare UMPIRE
2 (BrE) a person who gives information about your character and ability, usually in a letter, for example when you are applying for a job
3 a person who is asked to settle a disagreement: to act as a referee between the parties involved
4 a person who reads and checks the quality of a technical article before it is published

verb
1 to act as the referee in a game: [v] a refereeing decision  [vn] Who refereed the final?
2 [vn] to read and check the quality of a technical article before it is published

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ref.er.ence
noun, verb
noun
MENTIONING SB / STH|
1 [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) a thing you say or write that mentions sb/sth else; the act of mentioning sb/sth: The book is full of references to growing up in India.  She made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans.  the President’s passing reference to (= brief mention of) the end of the war
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION|
2 [U] the act of looking at sth for information: Keep the list of numbers near the phone for easy reference.  I wrote down the name of the hotel for future reference (= because it might be useful in the future).  The library contains many popular works of reference (= reference books).
ASKING FOR ADVICE|
3 [U] (formal) ~ (to sb/sth) the act of asking sb for help or advice: The emergency nurse can treat minor injuries without reference to a doctor.
NUMBER / WORD / SYMBOL|
4 [C] (abbr.ref.) a number, word or symbol that shows where sth is on a map, or where you can find a piece of information: The map reference is Y4.  Please quote your reference number when making an enquiry.
FOR NEW JOB|
5 [C] a letter written by sb who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employer: We will take up references after the interview.
6 [C] a person who agrees to write a reference , for you, for example when you are applying for a job
SYN REFEREE : My previous boss will act as a reference for me.
IN BOOK|
7 [C] a note in a book that tells you where a particular piece of information comes from: There is a list of references at the end of each chapter.—see also CROSS-REFERENCE , FRAME OF REFERENCE , TERMS OF REFERENCE in / with reference to (formal or written) used to say what you are talking or writing about: With reference to your letter of July 22 …

verb [vn] (written) to refer to sth; to provide a book, etc. with references : Each chapter is referenced, citing literature up to 1999.

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'reference book
noun a book that contains facts and information, that you look at when you need to find out sth particular
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'reference library
noun a library containing books that can be read in the library but cannot be borrowed—compare LENDING LIBRARY
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'reference point
noun a standard by which sth can be judged or compared
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ref.er.en.dum
noun (pl.ref.er.en.dums or ref.er.enda) [C, U] ~ (on sth) an occasion when all the people of a country can vote on an important issue: Ireland decided to hold a referendum on divorce.  The changes were approved by referendum.
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re.fer.ral
noun [U, C] ~ (to sb/sth) the act of sending sb who needs professional help to a person or place that can provide it: illnesses requiring referral to hospitals  to make a referral
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re.fill
verb, noun
verb [vn] to fill sth again: He refilled her glass.
re.fill.able adj.: a refillable gas cylinder

noun
1 another drink of the same type: Would you like a refill?
2 an amount of sth, sold in a cheap container, that you use to fill up a more expensive container that is now empty

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re.fi.nance
verb [vn, v] (finance ) to borrow money in order to pay a debt
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re.fine
verb [vn]
1 to make a substance pure by taking other substances out of it: the process of refining oil / sugar
2 to improve sth by making small changes to it: She has refined her playing technique over the years.
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re.fined
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of a substance) made pure by having other substances taken out of it: refined sugar
2 (of a person) polite, well educated and able to judge the quality of things; having the sort of manners that are considered typical of a high social class: She was a lady of very refined tastes.
OPP UNREFINED
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re.fine.ment
noun
1 [C] a small change to sth that improves it: This particular model has a further refinement.
2 [C] ~ of sth a thing that is an improvement on an earlier, similar thing: The new plan is a refinement of the one before.
3 [U] the process of improving sth or of making sth pure: the refinement of industrial techniques  the refinement of uranium
4 [U] the quality of being polite and well educated and able to judge the quality of things; the state of having the sort of manners that are considered typical of a high social class: a person of considerable refinement  an atmosphere of refinement
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re.finer
noun a person or company that refines substances such as sugar or oil: oil refiners
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re.finery
noun (pl.-ies) a factory where a substance such as oil is REFINED (= made pure): an oil refinery  a sugar refinery
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refit
verb [vn] (-tt-) to repair or fit new parts, equipment, etc. to sth: He spent £70 000 refitting his yacht.
refit noun: The ship has undergone a complete refit.
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re.flate
verb [vn, v] (economics ) to increase the amount of money that is used in a country, usually in order to increase the demand for goods—compare DEFLATE , INFLATE
re.fla.tion noun [U]
re.fla.tion.ary adj.: reflationary policies / measures
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re.flect
verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) to show the image of sb/sth on the surface of sth such as a mirror, water or glass: His face was reflected in the mirror.  She could see herself reflected in his eyes.
2 [vn] to throw back light, heat, sound, etc. from a surface: The windows reflected the bright afternoon sunlight.  When the sun’s rays hit the earth, a lot of the heat is reflected back into space.  This material absorbs the sound, and doesn’t reflect it.
3 [vn] to show or be a sign of the nature of sth or of sb’s attitude or feeling: Our newspaper aims to reflect the views of the local community.  His music reflects his interest in African culture.
4 ~ (on / upon sth) to think carefully and deeply about sth: [v] Before I decide, I need time to reflect.  She was left to reflect on the implications of her decision.  [v that] On the way home he reflected that the interview had gone well. [alsov wh-, v speech] reflect well, badly, etc. on sb/sth to make sb/sth appear to be good, bad, etc. to other people: This incident reflects badly on everyone involved.
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re,flected 'glory
noun [U] (disapproving) admiration or praise that is given to sb, not because of sth that they have done, but because of sth that sb connected with them has done: She basked in the reflected glory of her daughter’s success.
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re.flec.tion
(BrE also less frequent re.flex.ion) noun
1 [C] an image in a mirror, on a shiny surface, on water, etc: He admired his reflection in the mirror.
2 [U] the action or process of sending back light, heat, sound, etc. from a surface
3 [C] a sign that shows the state or nature of sth: Your clothes are often a reflection of your personality.  The increase in crime is a sad reflection on (= shows sth bad about) our society today.
4 [U] careful thought about sth, sometimes over a long period of time: She decided on reflection to accept his offer after all.  A week off would give him time for reflection.
5 [C, usually pl.] your written or spoken thoughts about a particular subject or topic: a book of her reflections on childhood
6 [C] an account or a description of sth: The article is an accurate reflection of events that day.
IDM see MATURE adj.
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re.flect.ive
adj.
1 (written) thinking deeply about things: a quiet and reflective man
2 reflective surfaces send back light or heat: reflective car number plates  On dark nights children should wear reflective clothing.
3 ~ of sth (written) typical of a particular situation or thing; showing the state or nature of sth: His abilities are not reflective of the team as a whole.  Everything you do or say is reflective of your personality.
re.flect.ive.ly adv.: She sipped her wine reflectively.
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re.flect.or
noun
1 a surface that reflects light
2 a small piece of special glass or plastic that is put on a bicycle, or on clothing, so that it can be seen at night when light shines on it—picture at BICYCLE
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re.flex
noun an action or a movement of your body that happens naturally in response to sth and that you cannot control; sth that you do without thinking: The doctor tested her reflexes.  to have quick / slow reflexes  a reflex response / reaction  Only the goalkeeper’s reflexes (= his ability to react quickly) stopped the ball from going in.  Almost as a reflex action , I grab my pen as the phone rings.
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,reflex 'angle
noun an angle of more than 180°—compare ACUTE ANGLE , OBTUSE ANGLE , RIGHT ANGLE
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re.flex.ion
(BrE ) = REFLECTION
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re.flex.ive
adj. a reflexive word or form of a word shows that the action of the verb affects the person who performs the action: In ‘He cut himself’, ‘cut’ is a reflexive verb and ‘himself’ is a reflexive pronoun.
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re.float
verb [vn] to make a boat or ship float again, for example after it has become stuck on the bottom in shallow water
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re.for.est.ation
(BrE also re.affor.est.ation) noun (technical ) the act of planting new trees in an area where there used to be a forest—compare DEFORESTATION
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re.form
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to improve a system, an organization, a law, etc. by making changes to it: proposals to reform the social security system  The law needs to be reformed.
2 to improve your behaviour; to make sb do this: [vn] She thought she could reform him.  [v] He has promised to reform.
re.formed adj.: a reformed character / alcoholic  a Reformed Jew (= one who practises a form of Judaism that has changed some aspects of worship in order to adapt to modern society)

noun [U, C] change that is made to a social system, an organization, etc. in order to improve or correct it: a government committed to reform  economic / electoral / constitutional reform  the reform of the educational system  reforms in education  far-reaching / major / sweeping reforms

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,re-'form
verb to form again or form sth again, especially into a different group or pattern: [v] The band is re-forming after 23 years.  [vn] The party has recently been re-formed.
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ref.or.ma.tion
noun
1 [U] (formal) the act of improving or changing sb/sth
2 (the Reformation) [sing.] new ideas in religion in 16th century Europe that led to attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church and to the forming of the Protestant Churches; the period of time when these changes were taking place
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re.forma.tory
(pl.-ies) (also re'form school) noun (AmE ) (old-fashioned in British English) a type of school that young criminals are sent to instead of prison
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re.form.er
noun a person who works to achieve political or social change: social / political / religious reformers
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re.form.ist
adj. wanting or trying to change political or social situations: a reformist leader / party  a reformist programme / movement
re.form.ist noun
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re.fract
verb [vn] (physics ) (of water, air, glass, etc.) to make a ray of light change direction when it goes through at an angle: Light is refracted when passed through a prism.
re.frac.tion noun [U]
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re.frac.tory
adj.
1 (formal) (of a person) difficult to control; behaving badly
2 (medical) (of a disease or medical condition) difficult to treat or cure
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re.frain
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (from sth / from doing sth) (formal) to stop yourself from doing sth, especially sth that you want to do: Please refrain from smoking.  They appealed to the protesters to refrain from violence.  He has refrained from criticizing the government in public.

noun
1 a comment or complaint that is often repeated: Complaints about poor food in schools have become a familiar refrain.
2 the part of a song that is repeated after each verse
SYN CHORUS

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re.fresh
verb [vn]
1 to make sb feel less tired or less hot: The long sleep had refreshed her.  He refreshed himself with a cool shower.
2 (informal, especially AmE) to fill sb’s glass or cup again: Let me refresh your glass.
3 ~ your / sb’s memory to remind yourself/sb of sth, especially with the help of sth that can be seen or heard: He had to refresh his memory by looking at his notes.
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re'fresher course
(also re.fresh.er especially in AmE) noun a short period of training to improve your skills or to teach you about new ideas and developments in your job
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re.fresh.ing
adj.
1 pleasantly new or different: It made a refreshing change to be taken seriously for once.  It’s refreshing to meet someone who is so dedicated to their work.
2 making you feel less tired or hot: a refreshing drink / shower  The breeze was cool and refreshing.
re.fresh.ing.ly adv.: refreshingly different / honest / simple  The house was refreshingly cool inside.
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re.fresh.ment
noun
1 (refreshments) [pl.] drinks and small amounts of food that are provided or sold to people in a public place or at a public event: Light refreshments will be served during the break.  Tickets include the price of refreshments.
2 [U] (formal) food and drink: In York we had a short stop for refreshment.  Can we offer you some refreshment?  a refreshment room / kiosk / tent   (humorous) liquid refreshment (= alcoholic drink)
3 [U] (formal) the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot: a place to rest and find refreshment for mind and body
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re.friger.ate
verb [vn] to make food, etc. cold in order to keep it fresh or preserve it: Once opened, this product should be kept refrigerated.  a refrigerated lorry / truck
re.friger.ation noun [U]: Keep all meat products under refrigeration.
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re.friger.ator
noun (formal orAmE ) = FRIDGE
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re.fuel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) to fill sth, especially a plane, with fuel in order to continue a journey; to be filled with fuel: [vn] to refuel a plane  [v] The planes needed to refuel before the next mission.  a refuelling stop
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ref.uge
noun
1 [U] ~ (from sb/sth) shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc: A further 300 people have taken refuge in the US embassy.  They were forced to seek refuge from the fighting.  a place of refuge  As the situation at home got worse she increasingly took refuge in her work.
2 [C] ~ (from sb/sth) a place, person or thing that provides shelter or protection for sb/sth: He regarded the room as a refuge from the outside world.  a wetland refuge for birds, waders and wild fowl
3 [C] a building that provides a temporary home for people in need of shelter or protection from sb/sth: a women’s refuge  a refuge for the homeless
4 (BrE) = TRAFFIC ISLAND
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refu.gee
noun a person who has been forced to leave their country or home, because there is a war or for political, religious or social reasons: a steady flow of refugees from the war zone  political / economic refugees  a refugee camp
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re.fund
noun, verb
noun a sum of money that is paid back to you, especially because you paid too much or because you returned goods to a shop/store: a tax refund  to claim / demand / receive a refund  If there is a delay of 12 hours or more, you will receive a full refund of the price of your trip.

verb ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to give sb their money back, especially because they have paid too much or because they are not satisfied with sth they bought: [vn] Tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded.  [vn, vnn] We will refund your money to you in full if you are not entirely satisfied.  We will refund you your money in full.
re.fund.able adj.: a refundable deposit  Tickets are not refundable.

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re.fur.bish
verb [vn] to clean and decorate a room, building, etc. in order to make it more attractive, more useful, etc: The theatre has been extensively refurbished.
re.fur.bish.ment noun [U, C]: The hotel is closed for refurbishment.
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re.fusal
noun [U, C] ~ (of sth)| ~ (to do sth) an act of saying or showing that you will not do, give or accept sth: the refusal of a request / an invitation / an offer  a blunt / flat / curt refusal  His refusal to discuss the matter is very annoying.—see also FIRST REFUSAL
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re.fuse^1
verb
1 to say that you will not do sth that sb has asked you to do: [v] Go on, ask her; she can hardly refuse.  [v to inf] He flatly refused to discuss the matter.  She refused to accept that there was a problem.
2 [vn] to say that you do not want sth that has been offered to you
SYN TURN DOWN : I politely refused their invitation.  The job offer was simply too good to refuse.
3 [vnn] to say that you will not give sb sth that they want or need: They refused him a visa.  She would never refuse her kids anything.
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re.fuse^2
noun [U] (written) waste material that has been thrown away
SYN RUBBISH / GARBAGE : domestic / household refuse  the city refuse dump  refuse collection / disposal  note at RUBBISH
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'refuse collector
(BrE ) (AmE 'garbage collector) noun (formal) = DUSTMAN
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re.fute
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to prove that sth is wrong
SYN REBUT : to refute an argument / a theory
2 to say that sth is not true or fair DENY : She refutes any suggestion that she behaved unprofessionally.
re.fut.able adj.
refu.ta.tion noun [C, U]: a refutation of previously held views
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reg
abbr. (BrE , informal) REGISTRATION : a V reg car (= a car with ‘V’ in its registration number, showing the year that it was registered)
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re.gain
verb
1 to get back sth you no longer have, especially an ability or a quality: [vn] I struggled to regain some dignity.  The party has regained control of the region.  She paused on the edge, trying to regain her balance .  He did not regain consciousness (= wake up after being unconscious) for several days.
2 (literary) to get back to a place that you have left: They finally managed to regain the beach.
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regal
adj. typical of a king or queen, and therefore impressive: regal power  the regal splendour of the palace  She dismissed him with a regal gesture.—compare ROYAL
re.gal.ly adv.
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re.gale
verb
PVR V re'gale sb with sth to amuse or entertain sb with stories, jokes, etc: He regaled us with tales of his days as a jazz pianist.
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re.galia
noun [U] the special clothes that are worn or objects that are carried at official ceremonies: a portrait of the queen in full regalia
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re.gard
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (with sth)| ~ sb/sth as sth to think about sb/sth in a particular way: Her work is very highly regarded.  Capital punishment was regarded as inhuman and immoral.  He regards himself as a patriot.  She is widely regarded as the current leader’s natural successor.
2 (formal) to look at sb/sth, especially in a particular way: He regarded us suspiciously.
IDM as regards sb/sth (formal) concerning or in connection with sb/sth: I have little information as regards her fitness for the post.  As regards the first point in your letter …

noun
1 [U] ~ to / for sb/sth (formal) attention to or thought and care for sb/sth: to do sth with scant / little / no regard for sb/sth  to have / pay / show little regard for other people’s property  He was driving without regard to speed limits.  Social services should pay proper regard to the needs of inner-city areas.
2 [U] ~ (for sb/sth) (formal) respect or admiration for sb: He held her in high regard (= had a good opinion of her).  I had great regard for his abilities.  Children no longer have proper regard for their parents and teachers.
3 (regards) [pl.] used to send greetings at the end of a letter, or when asking sb to give your greetings to another person who is not present: With kind regards, Yours …  Give your brother my regards when you see him.
IDM have re'gard to sth (law) to remember and think carefully about sth: It is always necessary to have regard to the terms of the contract. in this / that re'gard (formal) concerning what has just been mentioned: I have nothing further to say in this regard. in / with regard to sb/sth (formal) concerning sb/sth: a country’s laws in regard to human rights  The company’s position with regard to overtime is made clear in their contracts.—more at AS conj.

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re.gard.ing
prep. concerning sb/sth; about sb/sth: She has said nothing regarding your request.  Call me if you have any problems regarding your work.
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re.gard.less
adv. paying no attention, even if the situation is bad or there are difficulties: The weather was terrible but we carried on regardless .
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re'gardless of
prep. paying no attention to sth/sb; treating sth/sb as not being important: The club welcomes all new members regardless of age.  He went ahead and did it, regardless of the consequences.  The amount will be paid to everyone regardless of whether they have children or not.
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re.gatta
noun a sporting event in which races between rowing boats or sailing boats are held
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Re.gency
adj. [usually before noun] of or in the style of the period 1811–20 in Britain, when George, Prince of Wales, was REGENT (= ruled the country in place of the king, his father): Regency architecture / furniture
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re.gency
noun (pl.-ies) a period of government by a REGENT (= a person who rules a country in place of the king or queen)
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re.gen.er.ate
verb
1 [vn] to make an area, institution, etc. develop and grow strong again: The money will be used to regenerate the commercial heart of the town.
2 (biology ) to grow again; to make sth grow again: [v] Once destroyed, brain cells do not regenerate.  [vn] If the woodland is left alone, it will regenerate itself in a few years.
re.gen.er.ation noun [U]: economic / environmental regeneration  the regeneration of cells in the body
re.gen.era.tive adj.: the regenerative powers of nature
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re.gent
(also Re.gent) noun a person who rules a country because the king or queen is too young, old, ill, etc: to act as regent
re.gent (also Re.gent) adj. [after noun]: the Prince Regent
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reg.gae
noun [U] a type of West Indian popular music with strong rhythms
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regi.cide
noun [U, C] (formal) the crime of killing a king or queen; a person who is guilty of this crime
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re.gime
noun
1 a method or system of government, especially one that has not been elected in a fair way: a fascist / totalitarian / military regime  an oppressive / brutal regime
2 a method or system of organizing or managing sth: Our tax regime is one of the most favourable in Europe.
3 = REGIMEN : a dietary / fitness regime
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regi.men
(also re.gime) noun (medical or formal) a set of rules about food and exercise or medical treatment that you follow in order to stay healthy or to improve your health: a strict regimen  a daily regimen of exercise
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regi.ment
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a large group of soldiers that is commanded by a COLONEL
2 (written) a large number of people or things
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regi.men.tal
adj. [only before noun] connected with a particular regiment of soldiers: a regimental flag / band / parade  regimental headquarters
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regi.ment.ed
adj. (disapproving)
1 involving strict discipline and/or organization: The school imposes a very regimented lifestyle on its students.
2 arranged in strict groups, patterns, etc: regimented lines of trees
regi.men.ta.tion noun [U]: She rebelled against the regimentation of school life.
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re.gion
noun
1 [C] a large area of land, usually without exact limits or borders: the Arctic / tropical / desert regions  one of the most densely populated regions of North America
2 [C] one of the areas that a country is divided into, that has its own customs and/or its own government: the Basque region of Spain
3 (the regions) [pl.] (BrE) all of a country except the capital city: People in the regions should not have to travel to London to fly to the United States.
4 [C] a part of the body, usually one that has a particular character or problem: pains in the abdominal region
IDM in the region of used when you are giving a number, price, etc. to show that it is not exact: He earns somewhere in the region of £20 000.
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re.gion.al
adj. [usually before noun] of or relating to a region: regional variations in pronunciation  the conflict between regional and national interests  regional councils / elections / newspapers
re.gion.al.ly adv.: regionally based television companies
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regis.ter
verb, noun
verb
PUT NAME ON LIST|
1 ~ (at / for / with sth)| ~ sth (in sth)| ~ (sb) as sth to record your/sb’s/sth’s name on an official list: [vn] to register a birth / marriage / death  to register a company / trademark  The ship was registered in Panama.  [vn-adj] She is officially registered (as) disabled.  [v] to register with a doctor / dentist  to register at a hotel
GIVE OPINION PUBLICLY|
2 [vn] (formal) to make your opinion known officially or publicly: China has registered a protest over foreign intervention.
ON MEASURING INSTRUMENT|
3 if a measuring instrument registers an amount or sth registers an amount on a measuring instrument, the instrument shows or records that amount: [v-n] The thermometer registered 32°C.  The earthquake registered 3 on the Richter scale.  The stock exchange has registered huge losses this week. [alsov]
SHOW FEELING|
4 [no passive] (formal) to show or express a feeling: [vn] Her face registered disapproval.  [v] Shock registered on everyone’s face.
NOTICE STH|
5 [no passive] (often used in negative sentences) to notice sth and remember it; to be noticed: [vn] He barely registered our presence.  [v] I told her my name, but it obviously didn’t register.
LETTER / PACKAGE|
6 [vn] [usually passive] to send sth by mail, paying extra money to protect it against loss or damage: Can I register this, please?  a registered letter

noun
LIST OF NAMES|
1 [C] an official list or record of names, items, etc.; a book that contains such a list: a parish register (= of births, marriages and deaths)  to be on the electoral register / register of voters  Could you sign the hotel register please, sir?   (BrE) The teacher called the register (= checked who was present at school).
OF VOICE / INSTRUMENT|
2 [C] the range, or part of a range, of a human voice or a musical instrument: in the upper / middle register  the lower register of a clarinet / piano
OF WRITING / SPEECH|
3 [C, U] (linguistics) the level and style of a piece of writing or speech, that is usually appropriate to the situation that it is used in: The essay suddenly switches from a formal to an informal register.
FOR HOT / COLD AIR|
4 [C] (AmE) an opening, with a cover that you can have open or shut, that allows hot or cold air from a heating or cooling system into a room—compare VENT
MACHINE|
5 [C] (AmE) = CASH REGISTER

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,registered 'mail
(BrE also ,registered 'post) noun [U] a method of sending a letter or package in which the person sending it can claim money in COMPENSATION if it arrives late or is lost or damaged—compare RECORDED DELIVERY
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,registered 'nurse
noun (abbr. RN)
1 (AmE) a nurse who has a degree in NURSING and who has passed an exam to be allowed to work in a particular state
2 (BrE) a nurse who has an official qualification
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,registered 'trademark
noun (symb ®) the sign or name of a product, etc. that is officially recorded and protected so that nobody else can use it
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'register office
noun the official way of referring to a REGISTRY OFFICE
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regis.trar
noun
1 a person whose job is to keep official records, especially of births, marriages and deaths
2 the senior administrative officer in a college or university
3 a doctor working in a British hospital who is training to become a specialist in a particular area of medicine: a surgical / paediatric registrar—compare CONSULTANT , RESIDENT
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regis.tra.tion
noun [U, C]
1 the act of making an official record of sth/sb: the registration of letters / parcels  the registration of students for a course  registration fees  vehicle / birth / death registrations
2 a document showing that an official record has been made of sth—compare LOGBOOK
3 (BrE) = REGISTRATION NUMBER
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regi'stration number
(also regis.tra.tion) (both BrE ) (AmE 'license (plate) number) noun the series of letters and numbers that are shown on a NUMBER PLATE at the front and back of a vehicle to identify it—picture at CAR
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regis.try
noun (pl.-ies) a place where REGISTERS (= official lists) are kept
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'registry office
(also 'register office) noun (in Britain) a place where CIVIL marriages (= that do not involve a religious ceremony) are performed and where records of births, marriages and deaths are made: to get married in / at a registry office
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re.gress
verb [v] ~ (to sth) (formal, usually disapproving) to return to an earlier or less advanced form or way of behaving
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re.gres.sion
noun [U, C] ~ (to sth) the process of going back to an earlier or less advanced form or state
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re.gres.sive
adj.
1 becoming or making sth less advanced: The policy has been condemned as a regressive step.
2 (technical) (of taxes) having less effect on the rich than on the poor
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re.gret
verb, noun
verb (-tt-)
1 to feel sorry about sth you have done or about sth that you have not been able to do: [vn] If you don’t do it now, you’ll only regret it .  The decision could be one he lives to regret .  ‘I’ve had a wonderful life,’ she said, ‘I don’t regret a thing.’  [v -ing] He bitterly regretted ever having mentioned it.  [v wh-] I deeply regret what I said. [alsov that]
2 (formal) used to say in a polite or formal way that you are sorry or sad about a situation: [vn] The airline regrets any inconvenience.  [v that] I regret that I am unable to accept your kind invitation.  [v to inf] We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful.  [vn that] It is to be regretted that so many young people leave school without qualifications.

noun [U, C] a feeling of sadness or disappointment that you have because of sth that has happened or sth that you have done or not done: It is with great regret that I accept your resignation.  She expressed her regret at the decision.  a pang / twinge of regret  I have no regrets about leaving Newcastle (= I do not feel sorry about it).  What is your greatest regret (= the thing that you are most sorry about doing or not doing)?  He gave up teaching in 1997, much to the regret of his students.

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re.gret.ful
adj. feeling or showing sadness or disappointment because of sth that has happened or sth that you have done or not done: a regretful look / smile
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re.gret.ful.ly
adv.
1 in a way that shows you are sad or disappointed about sth: ‘I’m afraid not,’ he said regretfully.  Emma shook her head regretfully.
2 used to show that you are sorry that sth is the case and you wish the situation were different
SYN REGRETTABLY : Regretfully, mounting costs have forced the museum to close.
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re.gret.table
adj. ~ (that … ) that you are sorry about and wish had not happened: It is regrettable that the police were not informed sooner.  The loss of jobs is highly regrettable.
re.gret.tably adv.: Regrettably, crime has been increasing in this area.
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re.group
verb ~ (sth) (for sth) to arrange differently the way people or soldiers work together, especially in order to continue fighting or attacking sb: [vn] They regrouped their forces and renewed the attack.  [v] After its election defeat, the party needs to regroup.
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regu.lar
adj., noun
adj.
FOLLOWING PATTERN|
1 following a pattern, especially with the same time and space in between each thing and the next: regular breathing  a regular pulse / heartbeat  A light flashed at regular intervals .  There is a regular bus service to the airport.  regular meetings / visits  The equipment is checked on a regular basis .
OPP IRREGULAR
FREQUENT|
2 done or happening often: Do you take regular exercise?  Domestic violence is a regular occurrence in some families.
OPP IRREGULAR
3 [only before noun] (of people) doing the same thing or going to the same place often: our regular customers / readers / viewers  regular offenders (= against the law)  He was a regular visitor to her house.
USUAL|
4 [only before noun] usual: I couldn’t see my regular doctor today.  On Monday he would have to return to his regular duties.  It’s important to follow the regular procedure.
EVENLY SHAPED|
5 evenly shaped: a face with regular features  a regular geometric pattern
OPP IRREGULAR
PERMANENT|
6 lasting or happening over a long period: a regular job / income  She couldn’t find any regular employment.
STANDARD SIZE|
7 (especially AmE) of a standard size: Regular or large fries?
ORDINARY|
8 [only before noun] (especially AmE) ordinary; without any special or extra features: Do you want regular or diet cola?   (approving) He’s just a regular guy who loves his dog.
SOLDIER|
9 [only before noun] belonging to or connected with the permanent armed forces or police force of a country: a regular army / soldier
OPP IRREGULAR
GRAMMAR|
10 (especially of verbs or nouns) changing their form in the same way as most other verbs and nouns: The past participle of regular verbs ends in ‘-ed’.
OPP IRREGULAR
FOR EMPHASIS|
11 (informal) used for emphasis to show that sb/sth is an exact or clear example of the thing mentioned: The whole thing was a regular disaster.

noun
CUSTOMER|
1 a customer who often goes to a particular shop/store, pub, restaurant, etc: He’s one of our regulars.
MEMBER OF TEAM|
2 a person who often plays in a particular team, takes part in a particular television show, etc: We are missing six first-team regulars because of injury.
SOLDIER|
3 a professional soldier who belongs to a country’s permanent army

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re.gu.lar.ity
noun [U]
1 [U] the fact that the same thing happens again and again, and usually with the same length of time between each time it happens: Aircraft passed overhead with monotonous regularity .  None of the lights seemed to work with any regularity.
2 [U] the fact that sth is arranged evenly or in an organized pattern: the striking regularity of her features
3 [C] a thing that has a pattern to it: to observe regularities in the behaviour of the animals—compare IRREGULARITY
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regu.lar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make a situation that already exists legal or official: Illegal immigrants were given the opportunity to regularize their position.
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regu.lar.ly
adv.
1 at regular intervals or times: to go to church regularly  We meet regularly to discuss the progress of the project.
2 often: I go there quite regularly.
3 in an even or balanced way: The plants were spaced regularly, about 50 cm apart.
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regu.late
verb
1 to control sth by means of rules: [vn] The activities of credit companies are regulated by law.  [v] It is up to the regulating authority to put the measures into effect.
2 [vn] to control the speed, pressure, temperature, etc. in a machine or system: This valve regulates the flow of water.
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regu.la.tion
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] an official rule made by a government or some other authority: too many rules and regulations   fire / safety / building regulations  to comply with the regulations  Under the new regulations spending on office equipment will be strictly controlled.  the strict regulations governing the sale of weapons
2 [U] controlling sth by means of rules: the voluntary regulation of the press

adj. [only before noun] that must be worn or used according to the official rules: in regulation uniform

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regu.la.tor
noun
1 a person or an organization that officially controls an area of business or industry and makes sure that it is operating fairly
2 a device that automatically controls sth such as speed, temperature or pressure
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regu.la.tory
adj. [usually before noun] having the power to control an area of business or industry and make sure that it is operating fairly: regulatory bodies / authorities / agencies  regulatory procedures
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re.gur.gi.tate
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to bring food that has been swallowed back up into the mouth again: The bird regurgitates half-digested fish to feed its young.
2 (disapproving) to repeat sth you have heard or read without really thinking about it or understanding it
re.gur.gi.ta.tion noun [U]
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rehab
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the process of helping to cure sb who has a problem with drugs or alcohol: to go into rehab  a rehab clinic
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re.habili.tate
verb [vn]
1 to help sb to have a normal, useful life again after they have been very ill/sick or in prison for a long time: a unit for rehabilitating drug addicts
2 to begin to consider that sb is good or acceptable after a long period during which they were considered bad or unacceptable: He played a major role in rehabilitating Magritte as an artist.
3 to return a building to its previous good condition: Billions of pounds are being spent on rehabilitating inner-city areas.
re.habili.ta.tion noun [U]: a drug rehabilitation centre  the rehabilitation of the steel industry
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re.hash
verb [vn] (disapproving) to arrange ideas, pieces of writing or pieces of film into a new form but without any great change or improvement: He just rehashes songs from the 60s.
re.hash noun [sing.] (disapproving): The movie is just a rehash of the best TV episodes.
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re.hear.ing
noun (law ) an opportunity for a case to be heard or considered again in a court of law
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re.hearsal
noun
1 [C, U] time that is spent practising a play or piece of music in preparation for a public performance: to have / hold a rehearsal  We only had six days of rehearsal.  Our new production of ‘Hamlet’ is currently in rehearsal .  a rehearsal room—see also DRESS REHEARSAL
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth) an experience or event that helps to prepare you for sth that is going to happen in the future: These training exercises are designed to be a rehearsal for the invasion.
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth (formal) the act of repeating sth that has been said before: We listened to his lengthy rehearsal of the arguments.
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re.hearse
verb
1 ~ (for sth) to practise or make people practise a play, piece of music, etc. in preparation for a public performance: [v] We were given only two weeks to rehearse.  [vn] Today, we’ll just be rehearsing the final scene.  The actors were poorly rehearsed.
2 [vn] to prepare in your mind or practise privately what you are going to do or say to sb: She walked along rehearsing her excuse for being late.
3 [vn] (formal, usually disapproving) to repeat ideas or opinions that have often been expressed before
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re.heat
verb [vn] to heat cooked food again after it has been left to go cold
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re.house
verb [vn] to provide sb with a different home to live in, especially a better one: Thousands of earthquake victims are still waiting to be rehoused.
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reign
noun, verb
noun
1 the period during which a king, queen, EMPEROR , etc. rules: in / during the reign of Charles II
2 the period during which sb is in charge of an organization, a team, etc.

verb [v]
1 ~ (over sb/sth) to rule as king, queen, EMPEROR , etc: the reigning monarch  Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901.  Herod reigned over Palestine at that time.
2 ~ (over sb/sth) to be the best or most important in a particular situation or area of skill: the reigning champion  In the field of classical music, he still reigns supreme .
3 (literary) (of an idea, a feeling or an atmosphere) to be the most obvious feature of a place or moment: At last silence reigned (= there was complete silence).

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,reign of 'terror
noun (pl.reigns of terror) a period during which there is a lot of violence and many people are killed by the ruler or people in power
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re.im.burse
verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to pay back money to sb which they have spent or lost: We will reimburse any expenses incurred.  You will be reimbursed for any loss or damage caused by our company.
re.im.burse.ment noun [U]
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rein
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a long, narrow, leather band that is fastened around a horse’s neck and is held by the rider in order to control the horse: She pulled gently on the reins.
2 (reins) [pl.] (BrE) straps worn by a small child and held by an adult in order to stop the child from walking off and getting lost
3 (the reins) [pl.] the state of being in control or the leader of sth: It was time to hand over the reins of power (= to give control to sb else).  The vice-president was forced to take up the reins of office.
IDM give / allow sb/sth free / full 'rein | give / allow free / full 'rein to sth to give sb complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freely: The designer was given free rein.  The script allows full rein to her larger-than-life acting style.—more at TIGHT

verb
PVR V ,rein sth<->'in| ,rein sb/sth<->'back
1 to start to control sb/sth more strictly
SYN CHECK : We need to rein back public spending.  She kept her emotions tightly reined in.
2 to stop a horse or make it go more slowly by pulling back the reins

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re.incar.nate
verb [often passive] ~ sb/sth (in / as sb/sth) to be born again in another body after you have died; to make sb be born again in this way: [vn] They believe humans are reincarnated in animal form. [alsov]
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re.incar.na.tion
noun
1 [U] the belief that after sb’s death their soul lives again in a new body
2 [C, usually sing.] a person or an animal whose body contains the soul of a dead person: He thinks he’s the reincarnation of Attila the Hun.
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rein.deer
noun (pl.rein.deer) a large deer with long ANTLERS (= horns shaped like branches), that lives in cold northern regions: herds of reindeer
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re.inforce
verb [vn]
1 to make a feeling, an idea, etc. stronger: The experience reinforced my sense of loss.  Such jokes tend to reinforce racial stereotypes.  The climate of political confusion has only reinforced the country’s economic decline.  Success in the talks will reinforce his reputation as an international statesman.
2 to make a structure or material stronger, especially by adding another material to it: All buildings are now reinforced to withstand earthquakes.  reinforced plastic / steel
3 to send more people or equipment in order to make an army, etc. stronger: The UN has undertaken to reinforce its military presence along the borders.
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,reinforced 'concrete
noun [U] CONCRETE with metal bars or wires inside to make it stronger
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re.inforce.ment
noun
1 (reinforcements) [pl.] extra soldiers or police officers who are sent to a place because more are needed: to send in reinforcements
2 [U, sing.] the act of making sth stronger, especially a feeling or an idea: the reinforcement of existing prejudices by the media
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re.instate
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (in / as sth)
1 to give back a job or position that had been taken away from sb: He was reinstated in his post.
2 to return sth to its previous position or status: There have been repeated calls to reinstate the death penalty.  Tennis has now been reinstated as an Olympic sport.
re.instate.ment noun [U]
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re.insur.ance
noun [U] (finance ) the practice of one insurance company buying insurance from another company against any losses that result from claims that are made against it
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re.inter.pret
verb [vn] to INTERPRET (= understand and present) sth in a new or different way: This new production radically reinterprets the play.
re.inter.pret.ation noun [C, U]
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re.intro.duce
verb [vn]
1 to start to use sth again
SYN BRING BACK : to reintroduce the death penalty  plans to reintroduce trams to the city
2 to put a type of animal, bird or plant back into a region where it once lived
re.intro.duc.tion noun [U, C]
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re.invent
verb [vn] ~ sth / yourself (as sth) to present yourself/sth in a new form or with a new image: The former wild man of rock has reinvented himself as a respectable family man.
IDM reinvent the wheel to waste time creating sth that already exists and works well: There’s no point in us reinventing the wheel.
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re.invest
verb [vn, v] to put profits that have been made on an INVESTMENT back into the same investment or into a new one
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re.issue
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth) to publish or produce again a book, record, etc. that has not been available for some time: old jazz recordings reissued on CD  The novel was reissued in paperback.

noun an old book or record that has been published or produced again after not being available for some time

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re.iter.ate
verb (formal) to repeat sth that you have already said, especially to emphasize it: [vn] to reiterate an argument / a demand / an offer  [v that] Let me reiterate that we are fully committed to this policy. [alsov speech]
re.iter.ation noun [sing.]: a reiteration of her previous statement
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re.ject
verb, noun
verb [vn]
ARGUMENT / IDEA / PLAN|
1 to refuse to accept or consider sth: to reject an argument / a claim / a decision / an offer / a suggestion  The prime minister rejected any idea of reforming the system.  The proposal was firmly rejected .
SB FOR JOB|
2 to refuse to accept sb for a job, position, etc: Please reject the following candidates …  I’ve been rejected by all the universities I applied to.
NOT USE / PUBLISH|
3 to decide not to use, sell, publish, etc. sth because its quality is not good enough: Imperfect articles are rejected by our quality control.
NEW ORGAN|
4 (of the body) to not accept a new organ after a TRANSPLANT operation, by producing substances that attack the organ: Her body has already rejected two kidneys.
NOT LOVE|
5 to fail to give a person or an animal enough care or affection: The lioness rejected the smallest cub, which died.  When her husband left home she felt rejected and useless.
re.jec.tion noun [U, C]: Her proposal met with unanimous rejection.  a rejection letter (= a letter in which you are told, for example, that you have not been accepted for a job)  painful feelings of rejection

noun
STH THAT CANNOT BE USED|
1 something that cannot be used or sold because there is sth wrong with it
PERSON|
2 a person who has not been accepted as a member of a team, society, etc: one of society’s rejects

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rejig
verb (-gg-) (BrE ) (AmE rejig.ger ) [vn] (informal) to make changes to sth; to arrange sth differently
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re.joice
verb ~ (at / in / over sth) (formal) to express great happiness about sth
SYN CELEBRATE : [v] When the war ended, people finally had cause to rejoice.  The motor industry is rejoicing at the cut in car tax.  [v to inf] They rejoiced to see their son well again. [alsov that] rejoice in the name of … (BrE, humorous) to have a name that sounds funny: He rejoiced in the name of Owen Owen.
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re.joi.cing
noun [U] (also re.joi.cings [pl.]) the happy celebration of sth: a time of great rejoicing
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re.join^1
verb to join sb/sth again after leaving them: [v] to rejoin a club / company  She hung up the phone and rejoined them at the table.  The path goes through a wood before rejoining the main road. [alsov]
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re.join^2
verb (formal) to say sth as an answer, especially sth quick, critical or amusing: [v speech] ‘You’re wrong!’ she rejoined. [alsov that]
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re.join.der
noun [usually sing.] (formal) a reply, especially a quick, critical or amusing one: ‘No!’ was his curt rejoinder.
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re.ju.ven.ate
verb [vn] to make sb/sth look or feel younger or more lively: His new job seemed to rejuvenate him.  special creams to rejuvenate the skin
re.ju.ven.ation noun [U, sing.]
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re.kin.dle
verb [vn] (written) to make sth become active again
SYN REAWAKEN : to rekindle feelings / hopes / interest / memories  The sight of her after so many years rekindled his passion.
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re.laid
pt, pp of RELAY
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re.lapse
noun, verb
noun [C, U] the fact of becoming ill/sick again after making an improvement: to have / suffer a relapse  a risk of relapse

verb [v] ~ (into sth) to go back into a previous condition or into a worse state after making an improvement: They relapsed into silence.  He relapsed into his old bad habits.  Two days after leaving the hospital she relapsed into a coma.

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re.late
verb
1 [vn] ~ A (to B) show or make a connection between two or more things: I found it difficult to relate the two ideas in my mind.  In the future, pay increases will be related to productivity.
2 ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give a spoken or written report of sth; to tell a story: [vn] She relates her childhood experiences in the first chapters.  He related the facts of the case to journalists.  [v wh-] She related how he had run away from home as a boy. [alsov that] re'late to sth/sb
1 to be connected with sth/sb; to refer to sth/sb: We shall discuss the problem as it relates to our specific case.  The second paragraph relates to the situation in Scotland.
2 to be able to understand and have sympathy with sb/sth: Many adults can’t relate to children.  Our product needs an image that people can relate to.
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re.lated
adj. ~ (to sth/sb)
1 connected with sth/sb in some way: Much of the crime in this area is related to drug abuse.  These problems are closely related.  a related issue / question  a stress-related illness
2 in the same family: Are you related to Margaret?  We’re distantly related.
3 belonging to the same group: related species / languages  The llama is related to the camel.
OPP UNRELATED
re.lated.ness noun [U]
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re.la.tion
noun
1 (relations) [pl.] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb/sth) the way in which two people, groups or countries behave towards each other or deal with each other: diplomatic / international / foreign relations  US-Chinese relations  Relations with neighbouring countries are under strain at present.  We seek to improve relations between our two countries.  teacher-pupil relations   (formal) to have sexual relations (= to have sex)—see also INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS , PUBLIC RELATIONS , RACE RELATIONS
2 [U, C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (to sth) the way in which two or more things are connected: the relation between rainfall and crop yields  the relation of the farmer to the land  The fee they are offering bears no relation to the amount of work involved.   (formal) I have some comments to make in relation to (= concerning) this matter.  Its brain is small in relation to (= compared with) its body.
3 [C] a person who is in the same family as sb else RELATIVE : a close / near / distant relation of mine  a relation by marriage  a party for friends and relations  He’s called Brady too, but we’re no relation (= not related).  Is he any relation to you?—see also BLOOD RELATION , POOR RELATION
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re.la.tion.al
adj. (formal ortechnical ) existing or considered in relation to sth else: a relational database (= one that can recognize the connection between stored items of information)
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re.la.tion.ship
noun
1 [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb) the way in which two people, groups or countries behave towards each other or deal with each other: The relationship between the police and the local community has improved.  She has a very close relationship with her sister.  I have established a good working relationship with my boss.  a master-servant relationship—see also LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP
2 [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb) a loving and/or sexual friendship between two people: Their affair did not develop into a lasting relationship.  She’s had a series of miserable relationships.
3 [C, U] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (to sth) the way in which two or more things are connected: the relationship between mental and physical health  This comment bore no relationship to the subject of our conversation.  People alter their voices in relationship to background noise.
4 [C, U] ~ (between A and B) the way in which a person is related to sb else in a family: a father-son relationship  I’m not sure of the exact relationship between them—I think they’re cousins.
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rela.tive
adj., noun
adj. (formal)
1 considered and judged by being compared with sth else: the relative merits of the two plans
2 ~ (to sth) considered according to its position or connection with sth else: the position of the sun relative to the earth
3 [only before noun] that exists or that has a particular quality only when compared with sth else: They now live in relative comfort (= compared with how they lived before).  Given the failure of the previous plan, this turned out to be a relative success.   (spoken) It’s all relative though, isn’t it? We never had any money when I was a kid and $500 was a fortune to us.—compare ABSOLUTE
4 ~ to sth (formal) having a connection with sth; referring to sth: the facts relative to the case
5 (grammar) referring to an earlier noun, sentence or part of a sentence: In ‘the man who came’, ‘who’ is a relative pronoun and ‘who came’ is a relative clause .

noun
1 a person who is in the same family as sb else
SYN RELATION : a close / distant relative  her friends and relatives
2 a thing that belongs to the same group as sth else: The ibex is a distant relative of the mountain goat.

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rela.tive.ly
adv. to a fairly large degree, especially in comparison to others: I found the test relatively easy.  We had relatively few applications for the job.  Lack of exercise is also a risk factor for heart disease but it’s relatively small when compared with the others.
IDM 'relatively speaking used when you are comparing sth with all similar things: Relatively speaking, these jobs provide good salaries.
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rela.tiv.ism
noun [U] (formal) the belief that truth is not always and generally valid, but can be judged only in relation to other things, such as your personal situation: moral / cultural relativism
rela.tiv.ist adj.: a relativist view / position
rela.tiv.ist noun
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rela.tiv.ity
noun [U]
1 (physics) Einstein’s theory of the universe based on the principle that all movement is relative and that time is a fourth DIMENSION related to space
2 (formal) the state of being relative and only able to be judged when compared with sth else
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re.launch
verb [vn] to start or present sth again in a new or different way, especially a product for sale
re.launch noun: a party to mark the relaunch of the magazine
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relax
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth) to rest while you are doing sth enjoyable, especially after work or effort: When I get home from work I like to relax with a glass of wine.  Just relax and enjoy the movie.  I’m going to spend the weekend just relaxing.
2 to become or make sb become calmer and less worried: [v] I’ll only relax when I know you’re safe.  Relax! Everything will be OK. [alsovn]
3 to become or make sth become less tight or stiff: [v] Allow your muscles to relax completely.  [vn] The massage relaxed my tense back muscles.  He relaxed his grip on her arm.   (figurative) The dictator refuses to relax his grip on power.
4 [vn] to allow rules, laws, etc. to become less strict: The council has relaxed the ban on dogs in city parks.
5 [vn] to allow your attention or effort to become weaker: You cannot afford to relax your concentration for a moment.
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re.lax.ation
noun
1 [U] ways of resting and enjoying yourself; time spent resting and enjoying yourself: I go hill-walking for relaxation.  a few days of relaxation  relaxation techniques
2 [C] something pleasant you do in order to rest, especially after you have been working: Fishing is his favourite relaxation.
3 [U, C, usually sing.] the act of making a rule or some form of control less strict or severe: the relaxation of foreign currency controls  a relaxation of travel restrictions
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re.laxed
adj.
1 ~ (about sth) (of a person) calm and not anxious or worried: He appeared relaxed and confident before the match.  She had a very relaxed manner.
2 (of a place) calm and informal: a family-run hotel with a relaxed atmosphere
3 ~ (about sth) not caring too much about discipline or making people follow rules: I take a fairly relaxed attitude towards what the kids wear to school.
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re.lax.ing
adj. helping you to rest and become less anxious: a relaxing drink / walk / evening
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relay
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to receive and send on information, news, etc. to sb: He relayed the message to his boss.  Instructions were relayed to him by phone.
2 to broadcast television or radio signals: The game was relayed by satellite to audiences all over the world.

noun
1 (also 'relay race) a race between teams in which each member of the team runs or swims one section of the race: the 4 × 100m relay  a relay team / squad  the sprint relay—
2 a fresh set of people or animals that take the place of others that are tired or have finished a period of work: Rescuers worked in relays to save the trapped miners.
3 an electronic device that receives radio or television signals and sends them on again with greater strength: a relay station / satellite

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re.lease
verb, noun
verb [vn]
SET SB / STH FREE|
1 ~ sb/sth (from sth) to let sb/sth come out of a place where they have been kept or trapped: to release a prisoner / hostage  Firefighters took two hours to release the driver from the wreckage.
STOP HOLDING STH|
2 to stop holding sth or stop it from being held so that it can move, fly, fall, etc. freely: He refused to release her arm.  10 000 balloons were released at the ceremony.  Intense heat is released in the reaction.
FEELINGS|
3 to express feelings such as anger or worry in order to get rid of them: She burst into tears, releasing all her pent-up emotions.
FREE SB FROM DUTY|
4 ~ sb (from sth) to free sb from a duty, responsibility, contract, etc: The club is releasing some of its older players.  The new law released employers from their obligation to recognize unions.
PART OF MACHINE|
5 to remove sth from a fixed position, allowing sth else to move or function: to release the clutch / handbrake / switch
MAKE LESS TIGHT|
6 to make sth less tight: You need to release the tension in these shoulder muscles.
MAKE AVAILABLE|
7 to make sth available to the public: Police have released no further details about the accident.  to release a movie / book / CD  new products released onto the market
8 to make sth available that had previously been restricted: The new building programme will go ahead as soon as the government releases the funds.

noun
SETTING SB / STH FREE|
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sb) (from sth) the act of setting a person or an animal free; the state of being set free: The government has been working to secure the release of the hostages.  She can expect an early release from prison.
MAKING STH AVAILABLE|
2 [U, sing.] the act of making sth available to the public: The new software is planned for release in April.  The movie goes on general release (= will be widely shown in cinemas / movie theaters) next week.
3 [C] a thing that is made available to the public, especially a new CD or film/movie: the latest new releases
OF GAS / CHEMICAL|
4 [U, C] the act of letting a gas, chemical, etc. come out of the container where it has been safely held: the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere  to monitor radiation releases
FROM UNPLEASANT FEELING|
5 [U, sing.] the feeling that you are free from pain, anxiety or some other unpleasant feeling: a sense of release after the exam  I think her death was a merciful release.—see also PRESS RELEASE

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rele.gate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (to sth) to give sb a lower or less important position, rank, etc. than before: She was then relegated to the role of assistant.  He relegated the incident to the back of his mind.
2 [usually passive] (especially BrE) to move a sports team, especially a football team, to a lower position within an official LEAGUE
OPP PROMOTE
rele.ga.tion noun [U]: teams threatened with relegation
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re.lent
verb [v]
1 to finally agree to sth after refusing: ‘Well, just for a little while then,’ she said, finally relenting.
2 to become less determined, strong, etc: After two days the rain relented slightly and we were able to leave the hotel.  The police will not relent in their fight against crime.
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re.lent.less
adj.
1 not stopping or getting less strong: her relentless pursuit of perfection  The sun was relentless.
2 refusing to give up or be less strict or severe: a relentless enemy  You have to be as single-minded and relentless as your rivals if you want to get to the top.
re.lent.less.ly adv.: He went on relentlessly with his questions.
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rele.vant
adj. ~ (to sth/sb)
1 closely connected with the subject you are discussing or the situation you are thinking about: a relevant suggestion / question / point  These comments are not directly relevant to this enquiry.  Do you have the relevant experience?
OPP IRRELEVANT
2 having ideas that are valuable and useful to people in their lives and work: Her novel is still relevant today.
rele.vance noun [U]: I don’t see the relevance of your question.  What he said has no direct relevance to the matter in hand.  a classic play of contemporary relevance
rele.vant.ly adv.: The applicant has experience in teaching and, more relevantly, in industry.
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re.li.able
adj.
1 that can be trusted to do sth well; that you can rely on
SYN DEPENDABLE : We are looking for someone who is reliable and hard-working.  a reliable friend / supplier / supporter  My car’s not as reliable as it used to be.
2 that is likely to be correct or true: Our information comes from a reliable source.  a reliable witness
OPP UNRELIABLE
re.li.abil.ity noun [U]: The incident cast doubt on her motives and reliability.  The reliability of these results has been questioned.
re.li.ably adv.: I am reliably informed (= told by sb who knows the facts) that the company is being sold.
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re.li.ance
noun [U, sing.] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the state of needing sb/sth in order to survive, be successful, etc.; the fact of being able to rely on sb/sth
SYN DEPENDENCE : Heavy reliance on one client is not without risk when building up a business.  Such learning methods encourage too great a reliance upon the teacher.  The study programme concentrates more on group work and places less reliance on (= depends less on) lectures.  I wouldn’t place too much reliance on (= trust) these figures.
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re.li.ant
adj. ~ on / upon sb/sth needing sb/sth in order to survive, be successful, etc.
SYN DEPENDENT : The hostel is heavily reliant upon charity.—see also SELF-RELIANT
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relic
noun
1 ~ (of / from sth) an object, a tradition, etc. that has survived from a period of time that no longer exists: The building stands as the last remaining relic of the town’s cotton industry.
2 a part of the body or clothing of a holy person, or sth that they owned, that is kept after their death and respected as a religious object: holy / sacred relics
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re.lief
noun
REMOVAL OF ANXIETY / PAIN|
1 [U, sing.] the feeling of happiness that you have when sth unpleasant stops or does not happen: a sense of relief  We all breathed a sigh of relief when he left.  She sighed with relief.  Much to my relief the car was not damaged.  News of their safety came as a great relief.  It was a relief to be able to talk to someone about it.  What a relief !
2 [U] ~ (from / of sth) the act of removing or reducing pain, anxiety, etc: modern methods of pain relief   the relief of misery / poverty / suffering
HELP|
3 [U] food, money, medicine, etc. that is given to help people in places where there has been a war or natural disaster: famine relief   a relief agency / organization / worker
4 [U] (especially AmE) financial help given by the government to people who need it
ON TAX|
5 [U] = TAX RELIEF : relief on mortgage interest payments
STH DIFFERENT|
6 [U, sing.] ~ (from sth) something that is interesting or enjoyable that replaces sth boring, difficult or unpleasant for a short period of time: a few moments of light relief in an otherwise dull performance  There was little comic relief in his speech.  The calm of the countryside came as a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of city life.
WORKERS|
7 [C+sing./pl. v.] (often used as an adjective) a person or group of people that replaces another when they have finished working for the day or when they are sick: The next crew relief comes on duty at 9 o’clock.  relief drivers
FROM ENEMY|
8 [sing.] ~ of … the act of freeing a town, etc. from an enemy army that has surrounded it
IN ART|
9 [U, C] a way of decorating wood, stone, etc. by cutting designs into the surface of it so that some parts stick out more than others; a design that is made in this way: The column was decorated in high relief (= with designs that stick out a lot) with scenes from Greek mythology.  The bronze doors are covered with sculpted reliefs.
MAKING STH NOTICEABLE|
10 [U] the effect of colours, light, etc. that makes an object more noticeable than others around it: The snow-capped mountain stood out in sharp relief against the blue sky.
11 [U] the quality of a particular situation, problem, etc. that makes it more noticeable than before: Their differences have been thrown into sharp relief by the present crisis.
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re'lief map
noun a map that uses various colours, etc. to show the different heights of hills, valleys, etc.
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re'lief road
noun (BrE ) a road that vehicles can use to avoid an area of heavy traffic, especially a road built for this purpose
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re.lieve
verb [vn]
1 to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain: to relieve the symptoms of a cold  to relieve anxiety / guilt / stress  Being able to tell the truth at last seemed to relieve her.
2 to make a problem less serious: efforts to relieve famine in Africa  to relieve traffic congestion / unemployment
3 to make sth less boring, especially by introducing sth different: We played cards to relieve the boredom of the long wait.  The black and white pattern is relieved by tiny coloured flowers.
4 to replace sb who is on duty: to relieve a driver / sentry  You’ll be relieved at six o’clock.
5 to free a town, etc. from an enemy army that has surrounded it
6 ~ yourself a polite way of referring to going to the toilet: I had to relieve myself behind a bush.
PVR V re'lieve sb of sth
1 to help sb by taking sth heavy or difficult from them: Let me relieve you of some of your bags.  The new secretary will relieve us of some of the paperwork.
2 (informal, ironic) to steal sth from sb: A boy with a knife relieved him of his wallet.
3 to dismiss sb from a job, position, etc: General Beale was relieved of his command.
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re.lieved
adj. ~ (to see, hear, find, etc. sth)| ~ (that … ) feeling happy because sth unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this: She sounded relieved.  You’ll be relieved to know your jobs are safe.  I’m just relieved that nobody was hurt.  They exchanged relieved glances.
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re.li.gion
noun
1 [U] the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them: Is there always a conflict between science and religion?
2 [C] one of the systems of faith that are based on the belief in the existence of a particular god or gods: the Jewish religion  Christianity, Islam and other world religions  The law states that everyone has the right to practise their own religion.
3 [sing.] a particular interest or influence that is very important in your life: For him, football is an absolute religion.
IDM get re'ligion (informal, disapproving) to suddenly become interested in religion
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re.ligi.os.ity
noun [U] (sometimes disapproving) the state of being religious or too religious
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re.li.gious
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with religion or with a particular religion: religious beliefs / faith  religious education (= education about religion)  religious instruction (= instruction in a particular religion)  religious groups / leaders  objects which have a religious significance
2 (of a person) believing strongly in the existence of a god or gods
SYN DEVOUT : His wife is very religious.
re.li.gious.ness noun [U]
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re.li.gious.ly
adv.
1 very carefully or regularly: She followed the instructions religiously.  They go to Greece religiously every year.
2 in a way that is connected with religion: Were you brought up religiously?
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re.lin.quish
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to stop having sth, especially when this happens unwillingly: He was forced to relinquish control of the company.  They had relinquished all hope that she was alive.  She relinquished possession of the house to her sister.
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reli.quary
noun (pl.-ies) a container in which a RELIC of a holy person is kept
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rel.ish
verb, noun
verb to get great pleasure from sth; to want very much to do or have sth: [vn] to relish a fight / challenge / debate  to relish the idea / thought of sth  I don’t relish the prospect of getting up early tomorrow.  [v -ing] Nobody relishes cleaning the oven. [alsovn -ing]

noun
1 [U] (written) great enjoyment or pleasure: She savoured the moment with obvious relish .
2 [U, C] a cold thick spicy sauce made from fruit and vegetables that have been boiled, served with meat, cheese, etc.

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re.live
verb [vn] to experience sth again, especially in your imagination: He relives the horror of the crash every night in his dreams.
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re.load
verb
1 [v, vn] to put more bullets into a gun, more film into a camera, etc.
2 [vn] to put data or a program into the memory of a computer again
3 [vn] to fill a container, vehicle, machine, etc. again
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re.locate
verb (especially of a company or workers) to move or to move sb/sth to a new place to work or operate: [v] The firm may be forced to relocate from New York to Stanford.  Some were unwilling to relocate.  [vn] The company relocated its head office to Stanford.
re.loca.tion noun [U]: relocation costs / expenses
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re.luc.tant
adj. ~ (to do sth) hesitating before doing sth because you do not want to do it or because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do: reluctant agreement / support  She was reluctant to admit she was wrong.  He finally gave a reluctant smile.  a reluctant hero (= a person who does not want to be called a hero)
re.luc.tance noun [U, sing.] ~ (to do sth): There is still some reluctance on the part of employers to become involved in this project.  They finally agreed to our terms with a certain reluctance.
re.luc.tant.ly adv.: We reluctantly agreed to go with her.
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rely
verb (re.lies, rely.ing, re.lied, re.lied)
PVR V re'ly on / upon sb/sth
1 to need or be dependent on sb/sth: As babies, we rely entirely on others for food. [+ to inf] These days we rely heavily on computers to organize our work. [+ -ing] The industry relies on the price of raw materials remaining low.
2 to trust or have faith in sb/sth: You should rely on your own judgement. [+ to inf] You can rely on me to keep your secret.  He can’t be relied on to tell the truth.
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REM
abbr. rapid eye movement (describes a period of sleep during which you dream and your eyes make many small movements)
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re.main
verb (formal) (not usually in the progressive tenses)
1 linking verb to continue to be sth; to be still in the same state or condition: [v-adj] to remain silent / standing / seated / motionless  Train fares are likely to remain unchanged.  It remains true that sport is about competing well, not winning.  [v-n] In spite of their quarrel, they remain the best of friends.  He will remain (as) manager of the club until the end of his contract.
2 [v] to still be present after the other parts have been removed, used, etc.; to continue to exist: Very little of the house remained after the fire.  Only about half of the original workforce remains.  There were only ten minutes remaining.
3 to still need to be done, said, or dealt with: [v to inf] Much remains to be done.  It remains to be seen (= it will only be known later) whether you are right.  [v] There remained one significant problem.  Questions remain about the president’s honesty.  [v (that)] I feel sorry for her, but the fact remains (that) she lied to us.
4 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to stay in the same place; to not leave: They remained in Mexico until June.  The plane remained on the ground.  She left, but I remained behind.
IDM see ALOOF
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re.main.der
noun, verb
noun
1 (usually the remainder) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (written) the remaining people, things or time
SYN THE REST : I kept some of his books and gave away the remainder.
HELP When the remainder refers to a plural noun, the verb is plural: Most of our employees work in New York; the remainder are in London.
2 [C, usually sing.] (mathematics) the numbers left after one number has been SUBTRACTED from another, or one number has been divided into another: Divide 2 into 7, and the answer is 3, remainder 1.
3 [C] a book that has been remaindered

verb [v, vn] [usually passive] to sell books at a reduced price

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re.mains
noun [pl.]
1 ~ (of sth) the parts of sth that are left after the other parts have been used, eaten, removed, etc: She fed the remains of her lunch to the dog.
2 the parts of ancient objects and buildings that have survived and are discovered in the present day: prehistoric remains  the remains of a Roman fort
3 (formal) the body of a dead person or animal: human remains
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re.make
noun, verb
noun a new or different version of an old film/movie or song

verb (re.made, re.made ) [vn] to make a new or different version of sth such as an old film/movie or song; to make sth again: ‘The Seven Samurai’ was remade in Hollywood as ‘The Magnificent Seven’.

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re.mand
verb, noun
verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] to send sb away from a court of law to wait for their trial which will take place at a later date: [vn] The two men were charged with burglary and remanded in custody (= sent to prison until their trial).  She was remanded on bail (= allowed to go free until the trial after leaving a sum of money with the court).

noun [U, C, pl.] the process of keeping sb in prison while they are waiting for their trial: He is currently being held on remand .  a remand prisoner

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re'mand centre
noun (BrE ) a place where young people are sent when they are accused of a crime and are waiting for their trial
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re.mark
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] something that you say or write which expresses an opinion, thought, etc. about sb/sth
SYN COMMENT : a cutting / pointed / racist remark  He made a number of rude remarks about the food.  What exactly did you mean by that last remark?
2 [U] (old-fashioned or formal) the quality of being important or interesting enough to be noticed: The exhibition contains nothing that is worthy of remark.

verb ~ (on / upon sth/sb)| ~ (how … ) to say or write a comment about sth/sb: [v] The judges remarked on the high standard of entries for the competition.  She remarked how tired I was looking.  [v speech] ‘It’s much colder than yesterday,’ he remarked casually.  [v that] Critics remarked that the play was not original.  [vn] The similarities between the two have often been remarked on .
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive and on must be included.

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re.mark.able
adj. ~ (for sth)| ~ (that … ) unusual or surprising in a way that causes people to take notice: a remarkable achievement / career / talent  She was a truly remarkable woman.  The area is remarkable for its scenery.  It is remarkable that nobody noticed sooner.
OPP UNREMARKABLE
re.mark.ably adv.: The car is in remarkably good condition for its age.  Remarkably, nobody was killed.
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re.marry
verb (re.mar.ries, re.marry.ing, re.mar.ried, re.mar.ried) [v] to marry again after being divorced or after your husband or wife has died
re.mar.riage noun [U, C]
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re.mas.ter
verb [vn] to make a new MASTER copy of a recording in order to improve the sound quality: All the tracks have been digitally remastered from the original tapes.
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re.match
noun [usually sing.] a match or game played again between the same people or teams, especially because neither side won the first match or game
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re.medi.able
adj. (formal) that can be solved or cured: remediable problems / diseases
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re.med.ial
adj. [only before noun]
1 aimed at solving a problem, especially when this involves correcting or improving sth that has been done wrong: remedial treatment / surgery (= for a medical problem)  Remedial action must be taken now.
2 connected with school students who are slower at learning than others: remedial education  a remedial class
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rem.edy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (for / to sth)
1 a way of dealing with or improving an unpleasant or difficult situation: There is no simple remedy for unemployment.  There are a number of possible remedies to this problem.
2 a treatment or medicine to cure a disease or reduce pain that is not very serious: a natural / herbal remedy  an excellent home remedy for sore throats
3 ~ (against sth) (law) a way of dealing with a problem, using the processes of the law: Holding copyright provides the only legal remedy against unauthorized copying.  What’s my remedy in law in this case?

verb (rem.ed.ies, rem.edy.ing, rem.ed.ied, rem.ed.ied) [vn] to correct or improve sth: to remedy a deficiency / problem / mistake  This situation is easily remedied.

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re.mem.ber
verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
SB / STH FROM THE PAST|
1 to have or keep an image in your memory of an event, a person, a place, etc. from the past: [vn] This is Carla. Do you remember her?  I don’t remember my first day at school.  He still remembered her as the lively teenager he’d known years before.  [v] As far as I can remember , this is the third time we’ve met.  [v -ing] Do you remember switching the lights off before we came out?  I vaguely remember hearing him come in.  [vn -ing] I can still vividly remember my grandfather teaching me to play cards.   (formal) I can’t remember his taking a single day off work.  [v (that)] I remember (that) we used to go and see them most weekends.
FACT / INFORMATION|
2 to bring back to your mind a fact, piece of information, etc. that you knew: [vn] I’m sorry—I can’t remember your name.  [v wh-] Can you remember how much money we spent?  [v] You were going to help me with this. Remember?  [v (that)] Remember that we’re going out tonight.
3 [v (that)] to keep an important fact in your mind: Remember (that) you may feel sleepy after taking the pills.  [vn (that)] It should be remembered that the majority of accidents happen in the home.
STH YOU HAVE TO DO|
4 to not forget to do sth; to actually do what you have to do: [v to inf] Remember to call me when you arrive!  [vn] Did you remember your homework (= to bring it)?
HELP Notice the difference between remember doing sth and remember to do sth: I remember posting the letter means ‘I have an image in my memory of doing it’; I remembered to post the letter means ‘I didn’t forget to do it.’
IN PRAYERS|
5 [vn] to think about sb with respect, especially when saying a prayer: a church service to remember the war dead
GIVE PRESENT|
6 [vn] to give money, a present, etc. to sb/sth: My aunt always remembers my birthday (= by sending a card or present).  His grandfather remembered him (= left him money) in his will. be re'membered for sth | be re'membered as sth to be famous or known for a particular thing that you have done in the past: He is best remembered as the man who brought jazz to England. re'member me to sb (especially BrE) used to ask sb to give your greetings to sb else: Remember me to your parents.
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re.mem.brance
noun
1 [U] the act or process of remembering an event in the past or a person who is dead: A service was held in remembrance of local soldiers killed in the war.  a remembrance service   (formal) He smiled at the remembrance of their first kiss.
2 [C] (formal) an object that causes you to remember sb/sth; a memory of sb/sth: The cenotaph stands as a remembrance of those killed during the war.
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Re,membrance 'Sunday
(also Re'membrance Day) noun the Sunday nearest to the 11 November on which those killed in war, especially the wars of 1914–18 and 1939–45, are remembered in ceremonies and church services in Britain—see also MEMORIAL DAY , VETERANS DAY
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re.mind
verb ~ sb (about / of sth) to help sb remember sth important that they must do: [vn] I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name. Can you remind me?  That (= what you have just said, done, etc.)reminds me , I must get some cash.  ‘Don’t forget the camera.’‘Remind me about it nearer the time.’  [vn to inf] Remind me to phone Alan before I go out.  [vn (that)] Passengers are reminded (that) no smoking is allowed on this train.  [vn wh-] Can someone remind me what I should do next?  [vn speech] ‘You had an accident,’ he reminded her.
PVR V re'mind sb of sb/sth if sb/sth reminds you of sb/sth else, they make you remember or think about the other person, place, thing, etc. because they are similar in some way: You remind me of your father when you say that.  That smell reminds me of France.
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re.mind.er
noun
1 ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (that … ) something that makes you think about or remember sb/sth, that you have forgotten or would like to forget: The sheer size of the cathedral is a constant reminder to the tourist of the power of religion.  The incident served as a timely reminder of just how dangerous mountaineering can be.
2 a letter or note informing sb that they have not done sth
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rem.in.isce
verb [v] ~ (about sth/sb) to think, talk or write about a happy time in your past: We spent a happy evening reminiscing about the past.
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rem.in.is.cence
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a spoken or written description of sth that sb remembers about their past life
SYN MEMORY : The book is a collection of his reminiscences about the actress.  reminiscences of a wartime childhood
2 [U] the act of remembering things that happened in the past
3 [C, usually pl.] something that reminds you of sth similar: Her music is full of reminiscences of African rhythms.
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rem.in.is.cent
adj.
1 ~ of sb/sth reminding you of sb/sth: The way he laughed was strongly reminiscent of his father.
2 [only before noun] (formal) showing that you are thinking about the past, especially in a way that causes you pleasure: a reminiscent smile
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re.miss
adj. [not before noun] ~ (of sb) (to do sth)| ~ (in sth / in doing sth) (formal) not giving sth enough care and attention
SYN NEGLIGENT : It was remiss of them not to inform us of these changes sooner.  She had clearly been remiss in her duty.
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re.mis.sion
noun [U, C]
1 a period during which a serious illness improves for a time and the patient seems to get better: The patient has been in remission for the past six months.  The symptoms reappeared after only a short remission.
2 (BrE) a reduction in the amount of time sb spends in prison, especially because they have behaved well: With remission for good behaviour, he could be out by the end of the year.
3 (formal) an act of reducing or cancelling the amount of money that sb has to pay: New businesses may qualify for tax remission.  There is a partial remission of fees for overseas students.
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remit
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth) (BrE ) the area of activity over which a particular person or group has authority, control or influence: Such decisions are outside the remit of this committee.  In future, staff recruitment will fall within the remit of the division manager.  a remit to report on medical services

verb (-tt-) [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sth (to sb) to send money, etc. to a person or place: to remit fees / funds  Payment will be remitted to you in full.
2 to cancel or free sb from a debt, duty, punishment, etc: to remit a tax / a fine / fees  to remit a prison sentence—see also UNREMITTING
PVR V re'mit sth to sb [usually passive] (law) to send a matter to an authority so that a decision can be made: The case was remitted to the Court of Appeal.

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re.mit.tance
noun
1 [C] (formal) a sum of money that is sent to sb in order to pay for sth: Please return the completed form with your remittance.
2 [U] the act of sending money to sb in order to pay for sth: Remittance can be made by cheque or credit card.
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remix
verb [vn] to make a new version of a recorded piece of music by using a machine to arrange the separate parts of the recording differently, add new parts, etc.
remix (also mix) noun
re.mixer noun: the skills of remixer Tom Moulton
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rem.nant
noun
1 [usually pl.] a part of sth that is left after the other parts have been used, removed, destroyed, etc: The woods are remnants of a huge forest which once covered the whole area.
2 a small piece of fabric that is left when the rest has been sold
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re.model
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] to change the structure or shape of sth: The interior of the building has been completely remodelled.
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rem.on.strance
noun [C, U] (formal) a protest or complaint
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rem.on.strate
verb ~ (with sb) (about sth) (formal) to protest or complain about sth/sb: [v] They remonstrated with the official about the decision. [alsov speech]
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re.morse
noun [U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) the feeling of being extremely sorry for sth wrong or bad that you have done
SYN REGRET : I felt guilty and full of remorse.  He was filled with remorse for not believing her.
re.morse.ful adj.
re.morse.ful.ly adv.
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re.morse.less
adj. (written)
1 (especially of an unpleasant situation) seeming to continue or become worse in a way that cannot be stopped
SYN RELENTLESS : the remorseless increase in crime
2 cruel and having or showing no pity for other people
SYN MERCILESS : a remorseless killer
re.morse.less.ly adv.
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re.mort.gage
verb [v, vn] to arrange a second MORTGAGE on your house or apartment, or to increase or change your first one
re.mort.gage noun
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re.mote
adj., noun
adj. (re.moter, re.mot.est)
PLACE|
1 ~ (from sth) far away from places where other people live
SYN ISOLATED : a remote beach  one of the remotest areas of the world  The farmhouse is remote from any other buildings.
TIME|
2 [only before noun] far away in time
SYN DISTANT : in the remote past / future  a remote ancestor (= who lived a long time ago)  a remote dream / goal
RELATIVES|
3 [only before noun] (of people) not closely related
SYN DISTANT : a remote cousin
COMPUTER / SYSTEM|
4 that you can connect to from far away, using an electronic link: a remote terminal / database
DIFFERENT|
5 ~ (from sth) very different from sth: His theories are somewhat remote from reality.
NOT FRIENDLY|
6 (of people or their behaviour) not very friendly or interested in other people
SYN DISTANT
VERY SMALL|
7 not very great: There is still a remote chance that they will find her alive.  I don’t have the remotest idea what you’re talking about.
re.mote.ness noun [U]: the geographical remoteness of the island  His remoteness made her feel unloved.

noun (informal) = REMOTE CONTROL

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re,mote 'access
noun [U] the use of a computer system, etc. that is in another place, that you can connect to when you are far away, using an electronic link
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re,mote con'trol
noun
1 [U] the ability to operate a machine from a distance using radio or electrical signals: It works by remote control .  a remote-control camera
2 (also informal re.mote, zap.per) [C] a device that allows you to operate a television, etc. from a distance: I can’t find the remote control.
re,mote-con'trolled adj.: remote-controlled equipment
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re.mote.ly
adv.
1 (usually in negative sentences) to a very slight degree: It wasn’t even remotely funny (= it wasn’t at all funny).  The two incidents were only remotely connected.  I suppose it’s remotely possible.
2 from a distance: remotely operated
3 far away from places where other people live: The church is remotely situated on the north coast of the island.
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re,mote 'sensing
noun [U] the use of SATELLITES to search for and collect information about the earth
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re.mould
verb [vn] (BrE , formal) to change sth such as an idea, a system, etc: attempts to remould policy to make it more acceptable
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re.mount
verb
1 [v, vn] to get on a horse, bicycle, etc. again after getting off it or falling off it
2 [vn] to organize and begin sth a second time
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re.mov.able
adj. [usually before noun] that can be taken off or out of sth
SYN DETACHABLE : The dryer has a removable filter.
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re.moval
noun
1 [U] ~ (of sb/sth) the act of taking sb/sth away from a particular place: Clearance of the site required the removal of a number of trees.  the removal of a tumour
2 [U] ~ (of sth) the act of getting rid of sth: stain removal  the removal of trade barriers
3 [U] ~ (of sb) the act of dismissing sb from their job: events leading to the removal of the president from office
4 [C] (BrE) an act of taking furniture, etc. from one house to another: house removals  a removal company / firm  When are the removal men coming?
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re'moval van
(also 'furniture van) (both BrE ) (AmE 'moving van) noun a large van used for moving furniture from one house to another
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re.move
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth/sb (from sth/sb) (written) to take sth/sb away from a place: He removed his hand from her shoulder.  Illegally parked vehicles will be removed.  Three children were removed from the school for persistent bad behaviour.
2 (written) to take off clothing, etc. from the body: She removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes.
3 ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get rid of sth unpleasant, dirty, etc.; to make sth disappear: She has had the tumour removed.  to remove problems / obstacles / objections  The news removed any doubts about the company’s future.  It was impossible to remove the stain from the tablecloth.
4 to dismiss sb from their position or job: The elections removed the government from power.
IDM once, twice, etc. re'moved (of a COUSIN ) belonging to a different GENERATION : He’s my cousin’s son so he’s my first cousin once removed. be far / further / furthest removed from sth to be very different from sth; to not be connected with sth: Many of these books are far removed from the reality of the children’s lives.

noun [C, U] (formal) an amount by which two things are separated: Charlotte seemed to be living at one remove from reality.

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re.mover
noun
1 [U, C] (usually in compounds) a substance used for getting rid of marks, paint, etc: nail varnish remover  stain remover
2 [usually pl.] (BrE) a person or company whose job is to take furniture, etc. from one house to another: a firm of removers
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re.mu.ner.ate
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to pay sb for work that they have done
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re.mu.ner.ation
noun [U, C] (formal) an amount of money that is paid to sb for the work they have done
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re.mu.nera.tive
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) paying a lot of money: remunerative work
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REN
abbr. registered enrolled nurse
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re.nais.sance
noun [sing.]
1 (the Renaissance) the period in Europe during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries when people became interested in the ideas and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and used these influences in their own art, literature, etc: Renaissance art
2 a situation when there is new interest in a particular subject, form of art, etc. after a period when it was not very popular
SYN REVIVAL
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renal
adj. [usually before noun] (medical ) relating to or involving the KIDNEYS : renal failure
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re.name
verb to give sb/sth a new name: [vn] to rename a street  [vn-n] Leningrad was renamed St Petersburg.
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rend
verb (rent, rent ) [vn] (old use or literary) to tear sth apart with force or violence: They rent their clothes in grief.   (figurative) a country rent in two by civil war   (figurative) Loud screams rent the air.—see also HEART-RENDING
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ren.der
verb
CAUSE SB / STH TO BE STH|
1 [vn-adj] (formal) to cause sb/sth to be in a particular state or condition: to render sth harmless / useless / ineffective  Hundreds of people were rendered homeless by the earthquake.
GIVE HELP|
2 ~ sth (to sb/sth)| ~ (sb) sth (formal) to give sb sth, especially in return for sth or because it is expected: [vn, vnn] to render a service to sb  to render sb a service  [vn] They rendered assistance to the disaster victims.  It was payment for services rendered .
PRESENT STH|
3 [vn] (formal) to present sth, especially when it is done officially: The committee was asked to render a report on the housing situation.
EXPRESS / PERFORM|
4 [vn] (formal) to express or perform sth: He stood up and rendered a beautiful version of ‘Summertime’.  The artist has rendered the stormy sea in dark greens and browns.
TRANSLATE|
5 [vn] ~ sth (as sth)| ~ sth (into sth) to express sth in a different language; to translate: The Italian phrase can be rendered as ‘I did my best’.  It’s a concept that is difficult to render into English.
WALL|
6 [vn] (BrE, technical) to cover a wall with a layer of PLASTER or CEMENT : a rendered building / wall
MELT|
7 [vn] ~ sth (down) to make fat liquid by heating it; to melt sth
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ren.der.ing
noun
1 [C] the performance of a piece of music, a role in a play, etc.; the particular way in which sth is performed: her dramatic rendering of Lady Macbeth
2 [C] a piece of writing that has been translated into a different language; the particular way in which it has been translated: a faithful rendering of the original text
3 [U, C] (technical) a layer of PLASTER or CEMENT that is put on a brick or stone wall in order to make it smooth
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ren.dez.vous
noun, verb
noun (pl.ren.dez.vous ) (from French )
1 ~ (with sb) an arrangement to meet sb at a particular time and place
2 a place where people have arranged to meet: He didn’t recognize the address of the rendezvous.
3 a cafe, bar, etc. that is a popular place for people to meet: a lively Paris rendezvous

verb (ren.dez.voused , ren.dez.voused) [v] ~ (with sb) (from French ) to meet at a time and place that have been arranged in advance

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ren.di.tion
noun the performance of sth, especially a song or piece of music; the particular way in which it is performed: The band gave a live rendition of their latest single.
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rene.gade
noun (formal, disapproving)
1 (often used as an adjective) a person who leaves one political, religious, etc. group to join another that has very different views
2 a person who opposes and lives outside a group or society that they used to belong to: teenage renegades
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re.nege
verb [v] ~ (on sth) (formal) to break a promise, an agreement, etc: to renege on a deal / debt / contract
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renew
verb [vn]
1 to begin sth again after a pause or an interruption
SYN RESUME : The army renewed its assault on the capital.  We have to renew our efforts to attract young players.  The annual dinner is a chance to renew acquaintance with old friends.
2 to make sth valid for a further period of time: to renew a licence / lease / subscription / contract  How do I go about renewing my passport?  I’d like to renew these library books (= arrange to borrow them for a further period of time).
3 to emphasize sth by saying or stating it again: to renew an appeal / a request / a complaint  Community leaders have renewed calls for a peaceful settlement.  The project is to go ahead following renewed promises of aid from the UN.
4 to change sth that is old or damaged and replace it with sth new of the same kind: The wiring in your house should be renewed every ten to fifteen years.
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re.new.able
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of energy and natural RESOURCES ) that is replaced naturally or controlled carefully and can therefore be used without the risk of finishing it all: renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power
2 (of a contract, ticket, etc.) that can be made valid for a further period of time after it has finished: a renewable lease  The work permit is not renewable.
OPP NON-RENEWABLE
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re.newal
noun [U, C]
1 ~ (of sth) a situation in which sth begins again after a pause or an interruption: a renewal of interest in traditional teaching methods
2 the act of making a contract, etc. valid for a further period of time after it has finished: The lease comes up for renewal at the end of the month.  the renewal date / fee
3 a situation in which sth is replaced, improved or made more successful: economic renewal  urban renewal (= the act of improving the buildings, etc. in a particular area)
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re.newed
adj. [usually before noun] happening again with increased interest or strength: Renewed fighting has been reported on the border.  renewed determination / enthusiasm
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ren.net
noun [U] a substance that makes milk thick and sour and is used in making cheese
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re.nounce
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to state officially that you are no longer going to keep a title, position, etc.
SYN GIVE UP : to renounce a claim / title / privilege / right  to renounce your citizenship
2 to state publicly that you no longer have a particular belief or that you will no longer behave in a particular way: to renounce ideals / principles / beliefs  to renounce terrorism / war  a joint declaration renouncing the use of violence
3 to state publicly that you no longer wish to have a connection with sb/sth because you disapprove of them: He had renounced his former associates.—see also RENUNCIATION
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reno.vate
verb [vn] to repair and paint an old building, a piece of furniture, etc. so that it is in good condition again
reno.va.tion noun [U, C, usually pl.]: buildings in need of renovation  There will be extensive renovations to the hospital.
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re.nown
noun [U] (formal) fame and respect because of sth you have done that people admire: He won renown as a fair judge.  a pianist of some / international / great renown
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re.nowned
adj. ~ (as / for sth) famous and respected: a renowned author  It is renowned as one of the region’s best restaurants.  She is renowned for her patience.
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rent
noun, verb —see also REND v.
noun
1 [U, C] an amount of money that you regularly pay so that you can use a house, etc: How much rent do you pay for this place?  The landlord has put the rent up again.  a month’s rent in advance  a high / low / fair rent   (BrE) a rent book (= used to record payments of rent)—compare HIRE n.
2 [U, C] (especially AmE) = RENTAL (1)
3 [C] a torn place in a piece of material or clothing
IDM for rent (especially AmE) (especially on printed signs) available to rent

verb
1 ~ sth (from sb) to regularly pay money to sb so that you can use sth that they own, such as a house, some land, a machine, etc: [vn] to live in rented accommodation / housing / property  Who do you rent the land from? [alsov]
2 ~ sth (out) (to sb) to allow sb to use sth that you own such as a house or some land in exchange for regular payments: [vn] He rents rooms in his house to students.  The land is rented out to other farmers.  She agreed to rent the room to me.  [vnn] She agreed to rent me the room.
3 [vn] (especially AmE) to pay money to sb so that you can use sth for a short period of time: We rented a car for the week and explored the area.  Shall we rent a movie this evening?  We rented a villa in Spain last summer.—compare HIRE v. (1)
4 [v] (AmE) to be available for sb to use if they pay a particular amount of money: The apartment rents for $500 a month.

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'rent-a-
combining form (informal, often humorous) (in nouns and adjectives) showing that the thing mentioned can be hired/rented: rent-a-car  rent-a-crowd
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ren.tal
noun
1 (also rent especially in AmE) [U, C, usually sing.] the amount of money that you pay to use sth for a particular period of time: Telephone charges include line rental.
2 [U] the act of renting sth or an arrangement to rent sth: the world’s largest car rental company  video rental   (especially AmE) a rental car  a minimum rental period of three months—compare HIRE
3 [C] (especially AmE) a house, car, or piece of equipment that you can rent: ‘Is this your own car?’‘No, it’s a rental.’
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'rent boy
noun (BrE ) a young male prostitute
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rent.ed
adj. that you pay rent for: a rented studio
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rent.er
noun
1 a person who rents sth: house buyers and renters
2 (AmE) a person or an organization that provides sth for people to rent: the nation’s biggest automobile renter
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,rent-'free
adj. for which no rent is paid: rent-free housing
,rent-'free adv.
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re.nun.ci.ation
noun [U] (formal)
1 [U, C] an act of stating publicly that you no longer believe sth or that you are giving sth up: a / the renunciation of violence
2 [U] the act of rejecting physical pleasures, especially for religious reasons—see also RENOUNCE
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re.open
verb
1 to open a shop/store, theatre, etc. again, or to be opened again, after being closed for a period of time: [vn] The school was reopened just two weeks after the fire.  [v] The store will reopen at 9 a.m. on 2 January.
2 to deal with or begin sth again after a period of time; to start again after a period of time: [vn] to reopen an argument / a discussion / a debate  The police have decided to reopen the case.  Management have agreed to reopen talks with the union.  [v] The trial reopened on 6 March.
re.open.ing noun [U, sing.]
IDM re,open old 'wounds to remind sb of sth unpleasant that happened or existed in the past
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re.order
verb
1 to ask sb to supply you with more of a product: [vn] Please quote this reference number when reordering stock. [alsov]
2 [vn] to change the order in which sth is arranged
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re.organ.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn, v] to change the way in which sth is organized or done
re.organ.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]: the reorganization of the school system
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Rep.
abbr. (in American politics)
1 REPRESENTATIVE
2 REPUBLICAN
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rep
noun (informal)
1 [C] = SALES REPRESENTATIVE , REPRESENTATIVE
2 [C] a person who speaks officially for a group of people, especially at work (abbreviation for ‘representative’): a union rep
3 [U] (informal) the abbreviation for REPERTORY
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re.paid
pt, pp of REPAY
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re.pair
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to mend sth that is broken, damaged or torn: to repair a car / roof / road / television  It’s almost 15 years old. It isn’t worth having it repaired .
2 to say or do sth in order to improve a bad or unpleasant situation: It was too late to repair the damage done to their relationship.
PVR V re'pair to … (formal or humorous) to go to a particular place

noun [C, U] an act of repairing sth: They agreed to pay the costs of any repairs.  I took my bike in for repair .  The building was in need of repair .  a TV repair shop  The car was damaged beyond repair (= it was too badly damaged to be repaired).  The hotel is currently under repair (= being repaired).  The bridge will remain closed until essential repair work has been carried out.
IDM in good, bad, etc. re'pair | in a good, bad, etc. state of re'pair (formal) in good, etc. condition

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re.pair.able
adj. [not usually before noun] that can be repaired
OPP IRREPARABLE
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re.pair.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also re.pair.er especially in BrE) a person whose job is to repair things: a TV repairman
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rep.ar.ation
noun (formal)
1 (reparations) [pl.] money that is paid by a country that has lost a war, for the damage, injuries, etc. that it has caused
2 [U] the act of giving sth to sb or doing sth for them in order to show that you are sorry for suffering that you have caused: Offenders should be forced to make reparation to the community.
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rep.ar.tee
noun [U] clever and amusing comments and replies that are made quickly
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re.past
noun (old-fashioned or formal) a meal
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re.pat.ri.ate
verb [vn]
1 to send or bring sb back to their own country: The refugees were forcibly repatriated.
2 (business) to send money or profits back to your own country: An agreement between the countries enables companies to repatriate their profits freely.
re.pat.ri.ation noun [U, C]: the repatriation of immigrants / profits  a voluntary repatriation programme
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repay
verb (re.paid, re.paid )
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) (sth) to pay back the money that you have borrowed from sb: [vn] to repay a debt / loan / mortgage  When are you going to repay them?  I’ll repay the money I owe them next week.  [vnn] I fully intend to repay them the money that they lent me.
2 [vn] ~ sb (for sth)| ~ sth (with sth) to give sth to sb or do sth for them in return for sth that they have done for you: How can I ever repay you for your generosity?  Their trust was repaid with fierce loyalty.
3 [vn] (BrE, formal) if sth repays your attention, interest, study, etc., it is worth spending time to look at it, etc: The report repays careful reading.
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re.pay.able
adj. that can or must be paid back: The loan is repayable in monthly instalments.
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re.pay.ment
noun
1 [U] the act of paying back money that you have borrowed from a bank, etc: The loan is due for repayment by the end of the year.
2 [C, usually pl.] a sum of money that you pay regularly to a bank, etc. until you have returned all the money that you owe: We were unable to meet (= pay) the repayments on the loan.  mortgage repayments
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re'payment mortgage
noun (BrE ) a type of MORTGAGE in which you pay regular sums of money to the bank, etc. until you have returned all the money and interest that you owe—compare ENDOWMENT MORTGAGE
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re.peal
verb [vn] if a government or other group or person with authority repeals a law, that law is no longer valid
re.peal noun [U]
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re.peat
verb, noun
verb
SAY / WRITE AGAIN|
1 ~ (sth / yourself) to say or write sth again or more than once: [vn] to repeat a question / warning  I’m sorry—could you repeat that?  She kept repeating his name softly over and over again.  The opposition have been repeating their calls for the president’s resignation.  Do say if I’m repeating myself (= if I have already said this).  [v that] He’s fond of repeating that the company’s success is all down to him.
DO AGAIN|
2 [vn] to do or produce sth again or more than once: to repeat a mistake / a process / an exercise  The treatment should be repeated every two to three hours.  They are hoping to repeat last year’s victory.  These offers are unlikely to be repeated.  The programmes will be repeated next year.  to repeat the class / year / grade (= in a school, to take the class / year / grade again)  [v] Lift and lower the right leg 20 times. Repeat with the left leg.
HAPPEN AGAIN|
3 ~ (itself) to happen more than once in the same way: [vn] History has a strange way of repeating itself.  [v] a repeating pattern / design
WHAT SB ELSE SAID|
4 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to tell sb sth that you have heard or been told by sb else: I don’t want you to repeat a word of this to anyone.  The rumour has been widely repeated in the press.
5 ~ (sth) (after sb) to say aloud sth that sb else has said, especially in order to learn it: [vn] Listen and repeat each sentence after me.  Can you repeat what I’ve just said word for word?  [v speech] ‘Are you really sure?’ she repeated.
OF FOOD|
6 [v] ~ (on sb) (BrE, informal) if food repeats, you can taste it for some time after you have eaten it: Do you find that onions repeat on you?
FOR EMPHASIS|
7 used to emphasize sth that you have already said: [v] The claims are, I repeat, totally unfounded.  [vn] I am not, repeat not, travelling in the same car as him!

noun
1 a television or radio programme that has been broadcast before: ‘Is it a new series?’‘No, a repeat’.
2 an event that is very similar to sth that happened before: A repeat of the 1906 earthquake could kill up to 11 000 people.  She didn’t want a repeat performance of what had happened the night before.   (business) a repeat order (= for a further supply of the same goods)
3 (music) a passage that is repeated

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re.peat.able
adj. [not usually before noun]
1 (of a comment, etc.) (usually in negative sentences) polite and not offensive: His reply was not repeatable.
2 that can be repeated
OPP UNREPEATABLE
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re.peated
adj. [only before noun] happening, said or done many times: repeated absences from work
re.peat.ed.ly adv.: The victim had been stabbed repeatedly in the chest.
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re.peat.er
noun (technical ) a gun that you can fire several times without having to load it again
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repel
verb (-ll-)
1 [vn] (formal) to successfully fight sb who is attacking you, your country, etc. and drive them away: to repel an attack / invasion / invader  Troops repelled an attempt to infiltrate the south of the island.   (figurative) The reptile’s prickly skin repels nearly all of its predators.
2 [vn] to drive, push or keep sth away: a cream that repels insects  The fabric has been treated to repel water.
3 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sb feel horror or disgust: I was repelled by the smell.
4 (technical ) if one thing repels another, or if two things repel each other, an electrical or MAGNETIC force pushes them apart: [vn] Like poles repel each other. [alsov] ATTRACT —see also REPULSION , REPULSIVE
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re.pel.lent
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) (formal) very unpleasant; causing strong dislike: I found the pictures repellent.  Their political ideas are repellent to most people.
2 (in compounds) not letting a particular substance, especially water, pass through it: water-repellent fabric

noun [U, C]
1 a substance that is used for keeping insects away from you: (an) insect repellent
2 a substance that is used on fabric, stone, etc. to prevent water from passing through it: (a) water repellent

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re.pent
verb ~ (of sth) (formal) to feel and show that you are sorry for sth bad or wrong that you have done: [v] God welcomes the sinner who repents.  She had repented of what she had done.  [vn] He came to repent his hasty decision (= wished he had not taken it).
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re.pent.ance
noun [U] ~ (for sth) the fact of showing that you are sorry for sth wrong that you have done: He shows no sign of repentance.
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re.pent.ant
adj. feeling or showing that you are sorry for sth wrong that you have done: She was not in the least repentant.
OPP UNREPENTANT
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re.per.cus.sion
noun [usually pl.] (written) an indirect and usually bad result of an action or event that may happen some time afterwards
SYN CONSEQUENCE : The collapse of the company will have repercussions for the whole industry.
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rep.er.toire
noun
1 (also formal rep.er.tory) all the plays, songs, pieces of music, etc. that a performer knows and can perform: to add to / extend your repertoire  a pianist with a wide repertoire
2 all the things that a person is able to do: a young child’s growing verbal repertoire
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rep.er.tory
noun
1 (also informal rep) [U] the type of work of a theatre company in which different plays are performed for short periods of time: an actor in repertory  a repertory actor / theatre / company
2 [C] (formal) = REPERTOIRE
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repe.ti.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the fact of doing or saying the same thing many times: learning by repetition
2 [C] a thing that has been done or said before: We do not want to see a repetition of last year’s tragic events.
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repe.ti.tious
adj. (often disapproving) involving sth that is often repeated: a long and repetitious speech
repe.ti.tious.ly adv.
repe.ti.tious.ness noun
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re.peti.tive
adj.
1 saying or doing the same thing many times, so that it becomes boring: Machines can now perform many repetitive tasks in the home.
2 repeated many times: a repetitive pattern of behaviour
re.peti.tive.ly adv.
re.peti.tive.ness noun [U]
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re.phrase
verb [vn] to say or write sth using different words in order to make the meaning clearer
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re.place
verb [vn]
1 to be used instead of sth/sb else; to do sth instead of sb/sth else: The new design will eventually replace all existing models.  Teachers will never be replaced by computers in the classroom.  She replaced her husband as the local doctor.
2 ~ sb/sth (with / by sb/sth) to remove sb/sth and put another person or thing in their place: He will be difficult to replace when he leaves.  It is not a good idea to miss meals and replace them with snacks.
3 to change sth that is old, damaged, etc. for a similar thing that is newer or better: All the old carpets need replacing.  You’ll be expected to replace any broken glasses.
4 to put sth back in the place where it was before: I replaced the cup carefully in the saucer.  to replace the handset (= after using the telephone).
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re.place.able
adj. that can be replaced
OPP IRREPLACEABLE
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re.place.ment
noun
1 [U] the act of replacing one thing with another, especially sth that is newer or better: the replacement of worn car parts  replacement windows
2 [C] a thing that replaces sth, especially because the first thing is old, broken, etc: a hip replacement
3 [C] ~ (for sb) a person who replaces another person in an organization, especially in their job: We need to find a replacement for Sue.
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re.play
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE, sport) a game that is played again because neither side won in the previous game
2 the playing again of a short section of a film/movie, tape, etc. especially to look at or listen to sth more carefully: We watched a replay of the wedding on video.—see also ACTION REPLAY
3 (informal) something that is repeated or happens in exactly the same way as it did before: This election will not be a replay of the last one.

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to play a football game, etc. again because neither team won the first game
2 to play again sth that has been recorded on tape, film, etc: The police replayed footage of the accident over and over again.   (figurative) He replayed the scene in his mind (= he thought about it many times).

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re.plen.ish
verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to make sth full again by replacing what has been used: to replenish food and water supplies  Allow me to replenish your glass.
re.plen.ish.ment noun [U]
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re.plete
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (with sth) (formal) filled with sth; with a full supply of sth: literature replete with drama and excitement
2 (old-fashioned or formal) very full of food
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rep.lica
noun a very good or exact copy of sth: a replica of the Eiffel tower  The weapon used in the raid was a replica.  replica guns  Amy was a younger replica of her mother.
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rep.li.cate
verb
1 [vn] (formal) to copy sth exactly
SYN DUPLICATE : Subsequent experiments failed to replicate these findings.
2 ~ (itself) (technical ) (of a VIRUS or a MOLECULE ) to produce exact copies of itself: The drug prevents the virus from replicating itself. [alsov]
rep.li.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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reply
verb, noun
verb (re.plies, re.ply.ing, re.plied, re.plied) ~ (to sb/sth) (with sth)
1 to say or write sth as an answer to sb/sth: [v] to reply to a question / advertisement  He never replied to any of my letters.  She only replied with a smile.  [v speech] ‘I won’t let you down,’ he replied confidently.  [v that] The senator replied that he was not in a position to comment.  note at ANSWER
2 [v] ~ (to sth) (with sth) to do sth as a reaction to sth that sb has said or done: Italy took an early lead but Brazil replied with two goals in the last five minutes.  The terrorists replied to the government’s statement with more violence.

noun [C, U] an act of replying to sth/sb in speech, writing or by some action: We had over 100 replies to our advertisement.  I asked her what her name was but she made no reply .   (formal) I am writing in reply to your letter of 16 March.   (BrE ) a reply-paid envelope (= on which you do not have to put a stamp because it has already been paid for)  note at ANSWER

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re.port
verb, noun
verb
GIVE INFORMATION|
1 ~ (on sth) (to sb)| ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb/sth (as sth / as doing sth) to give people information about sth that you have heard, seen, done, etc: [vn] The crash happened seconds after the pilot reported engine trouble.  Call me urgently if you have anything to report.  The company is expected to report record profits this year.  The house was reported as being in excellent condition.  [v] The committee will report on its research next month.  [v -ing] The neighbours reported seeing him leave the building around noon.  [vn-adj] The doctor reported the patient fully recovered.  [vn to inf] The house was reported to be in excellent condition.  She was reported by the hospital spokesman to be making excellent progress.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive. [alsov speech, v (that), v wh-, vn -ing]
NEWS / STORY|
2 ~ (on) sth to present a written or spoken account of an event in a newspaper, on television, etc: [vn] The stabbing was reported in the local press.  [vn that] It was reported that several people had been arrested.  [v] She reports on royal stories for the BBC.   (BrE ) Reporting restrictions on the trial have been lifted (= it can now legally be reported). [alsov that]
3 (be reported) used to show that sth has been stated, and you do not know if it is true or not: [vn to inf] She is reported to earn over $10 million a year.  [vn] The President is reported as saying that he needs a break.  [vn that] It was reported that changes were being considered.
CRIME / ACCIDENT, etc.|
4 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb (to sb) (for sth / for doing sth) to tell a person in authority about a crime, an accident, an illness, etc. or about sth bad that sb has done: [vn] Have you reported the accident to the police yet?  He’s already been reported twice for arriving late.  a decrease in the number of reported cases of Aids  [vn-adj] She has reported her daughter missing.
ARRIVE|
5 [v] ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) to tell sb that you have arrived, for example for work or for a meeting with sb: You should report for duty at 9.30 a.m.  All visitors must report to the reception desk on arrival. re,port 'back to return to a place, especially in order to work again: Take an hour for lunch and report back at 2. re,port 'back (on sth) (to sb) to give sb information about sth that they have asked you to find out about: Find out as much as you can about him and report back to me.  One person in the group should be prepared to report back to the class on your discussion. [+ that] They reported back that no laws had actually been broken. re'port to sb (not used in the progressive tenses) (business) if you report to a particular manager in an organization that you work for, they are officially responsible for your work and tell you what to do

noun
OF NEWS|
1 ~ (on / of sth) a written or spoken account of an event, especially one that is published or broadcast: Are these newspaper reports true?  a weather report
INFORMATION|
2 ~ (on sth) a spoken or written description of sth containing information that sb needs to have: a police / medical report  Can you give us a progress report?
OFFICIAL STUDY|
3 ~ (on sth) an official document written by a group of people who have examined a particular situation or problem: The committee will publish their report on the health service in a few weeks.
STORY|
4 a story or piece of information that may or may not be true: I don’t believe these reports of UFO sightings.  There are unconfirmed reports of a shooting in the capital.
ON STUDENT’S WORK|
5 (BrE) (AmE re'port card) a written statement about a student’s work at school, college, etc: a school report  to get a good / bad report
OF GUN|
6 (written) the sound of an explosion or of a gun being fired: a loud report of bad / good re'port (formal) talked about by people in a bad/good way

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re.por.tage
noun [U] (formal) the reporting of news or the typical style in which this is done in newspapers, or on TV and radio
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re.port.ed.ly
adv. according to what some people say: The band have reportedly decided to split up.
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re,ported 'question
noun (grammar ) = INDIRECT QUESTION
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re,ported 'speech
(also ,indirect 'speech) noun [U] (grammar ) a report of what sb has said that does not use their exact words: In reported speech, ‘I’ll come later’ becomes ‘He said he’d come later’.
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re.port.er
noun a person who collects and reports news for newspapers, radio or television: a reporter from the New York Times  a crime reporter—compare JOURNALIST —see also CUB REPORTER
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re.port.ing
noun [U] the presenting and writing about news on television and radio, and in newspapers: accurate / balanced / objective reporting
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re.pose
noun, verb
noun [U] (literary) a state of rest, sleep or feeling calm: She went outside seeking a few moments of repose.  In repose, his face was sad.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary)
1 (of an object) to be or be kept in a particular place
2 (of a person) to lie or rest in a particular place

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re.posi.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (written) a place where a large number of things can be kept or stored: an underground repository for radioactive waste
2 (formal) a person or book that is full of information: My father is a repository of family history.
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re.pos.sess
verb [vn] [usually passive] to take back property or goods from sb who has arranged to buy them but who still owes money for them or cannot pay
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re.pos.ses.sion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of repossessing property, goods, etc: families threatened with repossession  a repossession order  Early action could prevent a large number of repossessions.
2 [C] a house, car, etc. that has been repossessed : Auctions are the best place for buying repossessions.
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rep.re.hen.sible
adj. (formal) morally wrong and deserving criticism: His conduct was thoroughly reprehensible.
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rep.re.sent
verb
ACT / SPEAK FOR SB|
1 [vn] [often passive] to be a member of a group of people and act or speak on their behalf at an event, a meeting, etc: The competition attracted over 500 contestants representing 8 different countries.  Local businesses are well represented on the committee (= there are a lot of people from them on the committee).  The President was represented at the ceremony by the Vice-President.
2 [vn] to act or speak officially for sb and defend their interests: The union represents over 200 000 teachers.  The association was formed to represent the interests of women artists.  Ms Dale is representing the defendant (= is his / her lawyer) in the case.
BE EQUAL TO|
3 linking verb [v-n] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be sth
SYN CONSTITUTE : This contract represents 20% of the company’s annual revenue.  This decision represents a significant departure from previous policy.
BE EXAMPLE OF|
4 [vn] [no passive] to be an example or expression of sth: a project representing all that is good in the community  Those comments do not represent the views of us all.
BE SYMBOL|
5 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a symbol of sth
SYN SYMBOLIZE : Each colour on the chart represents a different department.  Wind direction is represented by arrows.
IN PICTURE|
6 ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to show sb/sth, especially in a picture
SYN DEPICT : [vn] The carvings represent a hunting scene.  The results are represented in fig.3 below. [alsovn -ing]
DESCRIBE|
7 [vn] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to present or describe sb/sth in a particular way, especially when this may not be fair: The king is represented as a villain in the play.  The risks were represented as negligible.
MAKE FORMAL STATEMENT|
8 ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to make a formal statement to sb in authority to make your opinions known or to protest: [vn] They represented their concerns to the authorities. [alsov that]
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re-present
verb [vn] to give, show or send sth again, especially a cheque, bill, etc. that has not been paid
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rep.re.sen.ta.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of presenting sb/sth in a particular way; something that shows or describes sth: the negative representation of single mothers in the media  The snake swallowing its tail is a representation of infinity.
2 [U] the fact of having representatives who will speak or vote for you or on your behalf: The green movement lacks effective representation in Parliament.  The accused was not allowed legal representation.—see also PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
3 (representations) [pl.] (formal, especially BrE) formal statements made to sb in authority, especially in order to make your opinions known or to protest: We have made representations to the prime minister, but without success.
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rep.re.sen.ta.tion.al
adj.
1 (technical) (especially of a style of art or painting) trying to show things as they really are—compare ABSTRACT
2 involving the act of representing sb/sth: local representational democracy
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rep.re.sen.ta.tive
noun, adj.
noun ~ (of sb/sth)
1 a person who has been chosen to speak or vote for sb else or on behalf of a group: a representative of the UN  our elected representatives in government  a student / union representative  The committee includes representatives from industry.
2 (also informal rep) a person who works for a company and travels around selling its products: a sales representative  She’s our representative in France.
3 a person chosen to take the place of sb else: He was the Queen’s representative at the ceremony.
4 a person who is typical of a particular group: The singer is regarded as a representative of the youth of her generation.
5 (Representative) (abbr.Rep.) (in the US) a member of the House of Representatives, the Lower House of Congress; a member of the House of Representatives in the lower house of a state parliament

adj.
1 ~ (of sb/sth) typical of a particular group of people: Is a questionnaire answered by 500 people truly representative of the population as a whole?
2 [usually before noun] containing or including examples of all the different types of people or things in a large group: a representative sample of teachers
3 ~ (of sth) able to be used as a typical example of sth: The painting is not representative of his work of the period.
4 (of a system of government, etc.) consisting of people who have been chosen to speak or vote on behalf of the rest of a group: a representative democracy
OPP UNREPRESENTATIVE

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re.press
verb [vn]
1 to try not to have or show an emotion, a feeling, etc: to repress a shudder / sigh / smile  He burst in, making no effort to repress his fury.
2 [often passive] to use political and/or military force to control a group of people and restrict their freedom
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re.pressed
adj.
1 (of a person) having emotions or desires that are not allowed to be expressed
2 (of emotions) not expressed openly: repressed anger
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re.pres.sion
noun [U]
1 the act of using force to control a group of people and restrict their freedom: government repression
2 the act of controlling strong emotions and desires and not allowing them to be expressed so that they no longer seem to exist: sexual repression
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re.pres.sive
adj.
1 (of a system of government) controlling people by force and restricting their freedom: a repressive regime / measure / law
2 controlling emotions and desires and not allowing them to be expressed
re.pres.sive.ly adv.
re.pres.sive.ness noun [U]
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re.prieve
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
1 to officially cancel or delay a punishment for a prisoner who is CONDEMNED to death: a reprieved murderer
2 to officially cancel or delay plans to close sth or end sth: 70 jobs have been reprieved until next April.

noun [usually sing.]
1 an official order stopping a punishment, especially for a prisoner who is CONDEMNED to death
2 a delay before sth bad happens: Campaigners have won a reprieve for the hospital threatened with closure.

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rep.ri.mand
verb ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to tell sb officially that you do not approve of them or their actions: [vn] The officers were severely reprimanded for their unprofessional behaviour. [alsov speech]
rep.ri.mand noun [C, U]: He received a severe reprimand for his behaviour.
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re.print
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] to print more copies of a book, article, etc. with few or no changes

noun
1 an act of printing more copies of a book because all the others have been sold
2 a book that has been reprinted

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re.prisal
noun [C, U] (written) a violent or aggressive act towards sb because of sth bad that they have done towards you: They did not want to give evidence for fear of reprisals.  They shot ten hostages in reprisal for the assassination of their leader.
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re.prise
noun [usually sing.] a repeated part of sth, especially a piece of music
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re.proach
noun, verb
noun (formal)
1 [U] blame or criticism for sth you have done: His voice was full of reproach.  The captain’s behaviour is above / beyond reproach (= you cannot criticize it).
2 [C] a word or remark expressing blame or criticism: He listened to his wife’s bitter reproaches.
3 [U] a state of shame or loss of honour: Her actions brought reproach upon herself.
4 [sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that brings shame on sb/sth: Such living conditions are a reproach to our society.

verb (formal)
1 ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ sb (with sth / with doing sth) to blame or criticize sb for sth that they have done or not done, because you are disappointed in them: [vn] She was reproached by colleagues for leaking the story to the press. [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] ~ yourself (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ yourself (with sth) to feel guilty about sth that you think you should have done differently: He reproached himself for not telling her the truth.

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re.proach.ful
adj. expressing blame or criticism: a reproachful look
re.proach.ful.ly adv.
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rep.ro.bate
noun (formal or humorous) a person who behaves in a way that society thinks is immoral
rep.ro.bate adj. [only before noun]: reprobate behaviour
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re.pro.duce
verb
1 [vn] to make a copy of a picture, piece of text, etc: It is illegal to reproduce these worksheets without permission from the publisher.  The photocopier reproduces colours very well.
2 [vn] to produce sth again; to make sth happen again in the same way: The computer program reproduces the effects of earthquakes on buildings.  The atmosphere of the novel is successfully reproduced in the movie.
3 if people, plants, animals, etc. reproduce or reproduce themselves, they produce young: [v] Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs on land.  [vn] cells reproducing themselves (= making new ones)
re.pro.du.cible adj.
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re.pro.duc.tion
noun
1 [U] the act or process of producing babies, young animals or plants: sexual reproduction  They are studying reproduction in shellfish.
2 [U] the act or process of producing copies of a document, book, picture, etc: Use a black pen on white paper to ensure good reproduction.
3 [U] the process of recording sounds onto tapes, records, videos, etc: Digital recording gives excellent sound reproduction.
4 [C] a thing that has been reproduced, especially a copy of a work of art: a catalogue with colour reproductions of the paintings for sale  reproduction furniture (= furniture made as a copy of an earlier style)
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re.pro.duct.ive
adj. [only before noun] connected with reproducing babies, young animals or plants: reproductive organs / patterns / systems
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re.proof
noun (formal)
1 [U] blame or disapproval: His words were a mixture of pity and reproof.
2 [C] a remark that expresses blame or disapproval: She received a mild reproof from the teacher.
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re.prove
verb ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to tell sb that you do not approve of sth that they have done: [vn] Charles reproved her for rushing away. [alsov speech, vn speech]
re.prov.ing adj. [usually before noun]: a reproving glance
re.prov.ing.ly adv.
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rep.tile
noun any animal that has cold blood and skin covered in scales, and that lays eggs. Snakes, CROCODILES and TORTOISES are all reptiles .—compare AMPHIBIAN —
rep.til.ian adj.: our reptilian ancestors   (figurative) He licked his lips in an unpleasantly reptilian way.
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re.pub.lic
noun a country that is governed by a president and politicians elected by the people and where there is no king or queen: newly independent republics  the Republic of Ireland—compare MONARCHY
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re.pub.lic.an
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who supports a form of government with a president and politicians elected by the people with no king or queen—compare ROYALIST
2 (Republican) (abbr.R, Rep.) a member or supporter of the Republican Party —compare DEMOCRAT
3 (Republican) a person from Northern Ireland who believes that Northern Ireland should be part of the Republic of Ireland and not part of the United Kingdom—compare LOYALIST

adj.
1 connected with or like a republic; supporting the principles of a republic: a republican government / movement
2 (also Republican) (abbr.R, Rep.) connected with the Republican Party
3 (also Republican) connected with or supporting the Republicans in Northern Ireland
re.pub.lic.an.ism (also Re.pub.lic.an.ism) noun [U]: a strong commitment to Republicanism

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the Re'publican Party
noun [sing.] one of the two main political parties in the US, usually considered to support CONSERVATIVE views, and to want to limit the power of central government—compare THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
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re.pudi.ate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to refuse to accept sth
SYN REJECT : to repudiate a proposal / suggestion  The West has chosen to repudiate all responsibility for these refugees.
2 to say officially and/or publicly that sth is not true
SYN DENY : to repudiate an article / a report / a claim
3 to refuse to do sth, especially sth that you are legally required to do: to repudiate a contract / an agreement
4 (old-fashioned) to refuse to be connected with sb any longer
SYN DISOWN : He repudiated his first wife and married her sister.
re.pudi.ation noun [U]
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re.pug.nance
noun [U] (formal) a strong feeling of dislike or disgust about sth: She was trying to overcome her physical repugnance for him.
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re.pug.nant
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb) (formal) making you feel strong dislike or disgust: We found his suggestion absolutely repugnant.  The idea of eating meat was repugnant to her.
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re.pulse
verb [vn] (formal)
1 [usually passive] to make sb feel disgust or strong dislike
SYN REPEL : I was repulsed by the horrible smell.
2 to fight sb who is attacking you and drive them away
SYN REPEL : to repulse an attack / invasion / offensive
3 to refuse to accept sb’s help, attempts to be friendly, etc: Each time I tried to help I was repulsed.  She repulsed his advances.
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re.pul.sion
noun [U]
1 a feeling of very strong dislike of sth that you find extremely unpleasant
2 (physics) the force by which objects tend to push each other away: the forces of attraction and repulsion—see also REPEL —compare ATTRACTION
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re.pul.sive
adj.
1 causing a feeling of strong dislike; very unpleasant: a repulsive sight / smell / habit  What a repulsive man!
2 (physics) causing repulsion (= a force that pushes away): repulsive forces
re.pul.sive.ly adv.: repulsively ugly
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rep.ut.able
adj. that people consider to be honest and to provide a good service: a reputable dealer / company / supplier—compare DISREPUTABLE
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repu.ta.tion
noun [C, U] ~ (as sth)| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) the opinion that people have about what sb/sth is like, based on what has happened in the past: to earn / establish / build a reputation  to have a good / bad reputation   She soon acquired a reputation as a first-class cook.  I’m aware of Mark’s reputation for being late.  to damage / ruin sb’s reputation  The weather in England is living up to its reputation (= is exactly as expected).
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re.pute
noun [U] (formal) the opinion that people have of sb/sth
SYN REPUTATION : I know him only by repute.  She is a writer of international repute.  My parents were artists of (some) repute (= having a very good reputation).
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re.puted
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to be sth / to have done sth) generally thought to be sth or to have done sth, although this is not certain: He is reputed to be the best heart surgeon in the country.  The house is wrongly reputed to have been the poet’s birthplace.  She sold her share of the company for a reputed £7 million.
re.puted.ly adv.
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re.quest
noun, verb
noun ~ (for sth)| ~ (that … )
1 the action of asking for sth formally and politely: They made a request for further aid.  He was there at the request of his manager / at his manager’s request (= because his manager had asked him to go).  The writer’s name was withheld by request (= because the writer asked for this to be done).  Catalogues are available on request .
2 a thing that you formally ask for: My request was granted.  a radio request programme (= a programme of music, songs, etc. that listeners have asked for)

verb ~ sth (from sb) (formal) to ask for sth or ask sb to do sth in a polite or formal way: [vn] She requested permission to film at the White House.  You can request a free copy of the leaflet.  [vn to inf] We were requested to assemble in the lobby.  You are requested not to smoke in the restaurant.  [v that] She requested that no one be told of her decision until the next meeting.   (BrE also) She requested that no one should be told of her decision. [alsov speech]

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re.quiem
(also ,requiem 'mass) noun
1 a Christian ceremony for a person who has recently died, at which people say prayers for his or her soul
2 a piece of music for this ceremony
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re.quire
verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses) (formal)
1 to need sth; to depend on sb/sth: [vn] These pets require a lot of care and attention.  This condition requires urgent treatment.  Do you require anything else? (= in a shop / store, for example)  [vn to inf] True marriage requires us to show trust and loyalty.  [v that] The situation required that he be present.   (BrE also) The situation required that he should be present.  [v -ing] Lentils do not require soaking before cooking.
2 [often passive] ~ sth (of sb) to make sb do or have sth, especially because it is necessary according to a particular law or set of rules: [vn] What exactly is required of a receptionist (= what are they expected to do)?  The wearing of seat belts is required by law.  ‘Hamlet’ is required reading (= must be read) for this course.  Several students failed to reach the required standard.  [vn to inf] All candidates will be required to take a short test. [alsov that]
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re.quire.ment
noun (formal)
1 (usually requirements) [pl.] something that you need or want: the basic requirements of life  a software package to meet your requirements   Our immediate requirement is extra staff.  These goods are surplus to requirements (= more than we need).
2 something that you must have in order to do sth else: to meet / fulfil / satisfy the requirements  What is the minimum entrance requirement for this course?
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requis.ite
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (formal) necessary for a particular purpose: She lacks the requisite experience for the job.  They were not able to start the meeting until the requisite number of members were present.

noun ~ (for / of sth) (formal) something that you need for a particular purpose: toilet requisites (= soap, TOOTHPASTE , etc.)  A university degree has become a requisite for entry into most professions.—compare PREREQUISITE

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requi.si.tion
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a formal, official written request or demand for sth: the requisition of ships by the government  a requisition form / order

verb [vn] to officially demand the use of a building, vehicle, etc., especially during a war or an emergency: The school was requisitioned as a military hospital.

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re.quite
verb [vn] (formal) to give sth such as love, kindness, a favour, etc. in return for what sb has given you: requited love—compare UNREQUITED
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,re-'route
verb [vn] to change the route that a road, vehicle, etc. normally follows
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rerun
noun, verb
noun
1 a television programme that is shown again: reruns of old TV shows
2 an event, such as a race or competition, that is held again: Officials have ordered a rerun of the last race.
3 something that is done in the same way as sth in the past: We wanted to avoid a rerun of last year’s disastrous trip.

verb (re.run.ning, reran rerun) [vn]
1 to show a film/movie, television programme, etc. again
2 to do sth again in a similar way: to rerun an experiment
3 to run a race again

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re.sale
noun [U] the sale to another person of sth that you have bought: the resale value of a car
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re.sched.ule
verb
1 ~ sth (for / to sth) to change the time at which sth has been arranged to happen, especially so that it takes place later: [vn] The meeting has been rescheduled for next week. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn] (finance) to arrange for sb to pay back money that they have borrowed at a later date than was originally agreed: to reschedule a loan
re.sched.ul.ing noun [U, sing.]
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re.scind
verb [vn] (formal) to officially state that a law, contract, decision, etc. is no longer valid
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res.cue
verb, noun
verb ~ sb/sth (from sth/sb) to save sb/sth from a dangerous or harmful situation: [vn] He rescued a child from drowning.  They were eventually rescued by helicopter.  The house was rescued from demolition.  You rescued me from an embarrassing situation.  [vn-adj] She had despaired of ever being rescued alive.
res.cuer noun

noun
1 [U] the act of saving sb/sth from a dangerous or difficult situation; the fact of being saved: We had given up hope of rescue.  A wealthy benefactor came to their rescue with a generous donation.  a rescue attempt / operation  a mountain rescue team  rescue workers / boats / helicopters
2 [C] an occasion when sb/sth is saved from a dangerous or difficult situation: Ten fishermen were saved in a daring sea rescue.

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re.search
noun, verb
noun [U] (also re.searches [pl.] especially in BrE) ~ (into / on sth/sb) a careful study of a subject, especially in order to discover new facts or information about it: medical / economic / historical / scientific research  to do / conduct / undertake research  He has carried out extensive research into renewable energy sources.  Recent research on deaf children has produced some interesting findings about their speech.  What have their researches shown?  a research project / grant / student—see also MARKET RESEARCH , OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

verb ~ (into / in / on sth) to study sth carefully and try to discover new facts about it: [v] They’re researching into ways of improving people’s diet.  [vn] to research a problem / topic / market  He spent 20 years researching Nazi Germany.  She’s in New York researching her new book (= finding facts and information to put in it). [alsov wh-]
re.search.er noun

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re,search and de'velopment
noun [U] (abbr. R & D) (in industry, etc.) work that tries to find new products and processes or to improve existing ones
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re.sell
verb (re.sold, re.sold ) [vn] to sell sth that you have bought: He resells the goods at a profit.
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re.sem.blance
noun [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) the fact of being or looking similar to sb/sth: a striking / close / strong resemblance  family resemblances  She bears an uncanny resemblance to Barbra Streisand.  The resemblance between the two signatures was remarkable.  The movie bears little resemblance to the original novel.
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re.sem.ble
verb [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to look like or be similar to another person or thing: She closely resembles her sister.  So many hotels resemble each other.  The plant resembles grass in appearance.
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re.sent
verb to feel bitter or angry about sth, especially because you feel it is unfair: [vn] I deeply resented her criticism.  [v -ing] He bitterly resents being treated like a child.  [vn -ing] She resented him making all the decisions.   (formal) She resented his making all the decisions.
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re.sent.ful
adj. ~ (of / at / about sth) feeling bitter or angry about sth that you think is unfair: a resentful look / expression / voice  They seemed to be resentful of our presence there.  She was resentful at having been left out of the team.
re.sent.ful.ly adv.
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re.sent.ment
noun [U, sing.] a feeling of anger or unhappiness about sth that you think is unfair: to feel / harbour / bear resentment towards / against sb  She could not conceal the deep resentment she felt at the way she had been treated.
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re.ser.va.tion
noun
1 [C] an arrangement for a seat on a plane or train, a room in a hotel, etc. to be kept for you: I’ll call the restaurant and make a reservation .  We have reservations in the name of Grant.—compare BOOKING
2 [C, U] a feeling of doubt about a plan or an idea: I have serious reservations about his ability to do the job.  They support the measures without reservation (= completely).
3 (also re.serve) [C] an area of land in the US that is kept separate for Native Americans to live in—see also CENTRAL RESERVATION
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re.serve
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (for sb/sth) to ask for a seat, table, room, etc. to be available for you or sb else at a future time: I’d like to reserve a table for three for eight o’clock.  I’ve reserved a room in the name of Jones.—compare BOOK
2 ~ sth (for sb/sth) to keep sth for sb/sth, so that it cannot be used by any other person or for any other reason: These seats are reserved for special guests.  I’d prefer to reserve (my) judgement (= not make a decision) until I know all the facts.
3 to have or keep a particular power: The management reserves the right to refuse admission.   (law) All rights reserved (= nobody else can publish or copy this).

noun
SUPPLY|
1 [C, usually pl.] a supply of sth that is available to be used in the future or when it is needed: large oil and gas reserves  He discovered unexpected reserves of strength.  reserve assets / funds
PROTECTED LAND|
2 (AmE also pre.serve) [C] a piece of land that is a protected area for animals, plants, etc: a wildlife reserve—see also GAME RESERVE , NATURE RESERVE
3 [C] = RESERVATION
QUALITY / FEELING|
4 [U] the quality that sb has when they do not talk easily to other people about their ideas, feelings, etc: She found it difficult to make friends because of her natural reserve.
5 [U] (formal) a feeling that you do not want to accept or agree to sth, etc. until you are quite sure that it is all right to do so: Any contract should be treated with reserve until it has been checked.  She trusted him without reserve (= completely).
IN SPORT|
6 [C] an extra player who plays in a team when one of the other players is injured or not available to play
7 (the reserves) [pl.] a team that plays when the usual one is not available
MILITARY FORCE|
8 (the reserve) [sing.] (also the reserves [pl.]) an extra military force, etc. that is not part of a country’s regular forces, but is available to be used when needed: the army reserve(s)  the reserve police
PRICE|
9 (also re'serve price) [C] (BrE) the lowest price that sb will accept for sth, especially sth that is sold at an AUCTION : The painting failed to reach to its reserve and was withdrawn from the sale. in re'serve available to be used in the future or when needed: The money was being kept in reserve for their retirement.  200 police officers were held in reserve .

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re.served
adj. (of a person or their character) slow or unwilling to show feelings or express opinions: a reserved man / manner—compare UNRESERVED
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re.serv.ist
noun a soldier, etc. who is a member of the reserves (= a military force that can be used in an emergency)
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res.er.voir
noun
1 a natural or artificial lake where water is stored before it is taken by pipes to houses, etc.
2 (written) a large amount of sth that is available to be used
3 (technical) a place in an engine or a machine where a liquid is kept before it is used: an oil reservoir
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reset
verb (re.set.ting, reset, reset) [vn]
1 to change a machine, an instrument or a control so that it gives a different time or number or is ready to use again: You need to reset your watch to local time.  I’ve reset the heating to stay on all day.
2 [often passive] to place sth in the correct position again: to reset a broken bone
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re.set.tle
verb
1 to help people go and live in a new country or area; to go and live in a new country or area: [vn] Many of the refugees were resettled in Britain and Canada. [alsov]
2 [vn] to start to use an area again as a place to live: The region was only resettled 200 years later.
3 to make yourself comfortable in a new position: [v] The birds flew around and then resettled on the pond. [alsovn]
re.set.tle.ment noun [U]: the resettlement of refugees  a resettlement agency / area / programme
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re.shape
verb [vn] to change the shape or structure of sth
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re.shuf.fle
(also less frequent shuf.fle) verb to change around the jobs that a group of people do, for example in the British Government: [vn] The Prime Minister eventually decided against reshuffling the Cabinet. [alsov]
re.shuf.fle noun: a Cabinet reshuffle
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res.ide
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (formal) to live in a particular place: He returned to Britain in 1939, having resided abroad for many years.  Do you still reside at Elm Road?
PVR V re'side in sb/sth to be in sb/sth; to be caused by sth: The poem’s main interest resides in the use of dialect.  The source of the problem resides in the fact that the currency is too strong. re'side in / with sb/sth (of a power, a right, etc.) to belong to sb/sth: The ultimate authority resides with the board of directors.
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resi.dence
noun (formal)
1 [C] a house, especially a large or impressive one: a desirable family residence for sale (= for example, in an advertisement)  10 Downing Street is the British Prime Minister’s official residence.
2 [U] the state of living in a particular place: a hall of residence (= for university or college students)   (formal) They were not able to take up residence in their new home until the spring.  Please state your occupation and place of residence.  The flag flies when the Queen is in residence .
3 (also resi.dency) [U] permission to live in a country that is not your own: They have been denied residence in this country.  a residence permit
IDM in 'residence having an official position in a particular place such as a college or university: a writer / an artist / a musician in residence
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resi.dency
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U, C] = RESIDENCE : She has been granted permanent residency in Britain.
2 [U, C] the period of time that an artist, a writer or a musician spends working for a particular institution
3 [U] the state of living in a particular place: a residency requirement for students
4 [U, C] (especially AmE) the period of time when a doctor working in a hospital receives special advanced training
5 (also resi.dence) [C] the official house of sb such as an AMBASSADOR
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resi.dent
noun, adj.
noun
1 a person who lives in a particular place or who has their home there: a resident of the United States  There were confrontations between local residents and the police.
2 a person who is staying in a hotel: The hotel restaurant is open to non-residents.
3 a doctor working in a hospital in the US who is receiving special advanced training—compare REGISTRAR

adj. living in a particular place: the town’s resident population (= not tourists or visitors)  to be resident abroad / in the US  Tom’s our resident expert (= our own expert) on foreign movies.

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resi.den.tial
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of an area of a town) suitable for living in; consisting of houses rather than factories or offices: a quiet residential area
2 (of a job, a course, etc.) requiring a person to live at a particular place; offering living accommodation: a residential language course  a residential home for the elderly  residential care for children
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'residents' association
noun a group of people who live in a particular area and join together to discuss the problems of that area
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re.sidual
adj. [only before noun] (formal) remaining at the end of a process: There are still a few residual problems with the computer program.
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re.sidu.ary
adj.
1 (law) remaining from the money and property left by a person who has died after all debts, gifts, etc. have been paid: a residuary bequest
2 (technical) remaining at the end of a process
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resi.due
noun
1 (technical) a small amount of sth that remains at the end of a process: pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables
2 (law) the part of the money, property, etc. of a person who has died that remains after all the debts, gifts, etc. have been paid: The residue of the estate was divided equally among his children.
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re.sign
verb ~ (from sth)| ~ (as sth) to officially tell sb that you are leaving your job, an organization, etc: [v] He resigned as manager after eight years.  Two members resigned from the board in protest.  [vn] My father resigned his directorship last year.
PVR V re'sign yourself to sth to accept sth unpleasant that cannot be changed or avoided: She resigned herself to her fate. [+ -ing] We had to resign ourselves to making a loss on the sale.
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res.ig.na.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of giving up your job or position; the occasion when you do this: a letter of resignation  There were calls for her resignation from the board of directors.  Further resignations are expected.
2 [C] a letter, for example to your employers, to say that you are giving up your job or position: to offer / hand in / tender your resignation  We haven’t received his resignation yet.
3 [U] patient willingness to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation that you cannot change: They accepted their defeat with resignation.
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re.signed
adj. ~ (to sth / doing sth) being willing to calmly accept sth unpleasant or difficult that you cannot change: a resigned sigh / smile / voice  He was resigned to never seeing his birthplace again.
re.sign.ed.ly adv.: ‘I suppose you’re right,’ she said resignedly.
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re.sili.ence
(also less frequent re.sili.ency ) noun [U]
1 the ability of people or things to feel better quickly after sth unpleasant, such as shock, injury, etc: He showed great courage and resilience in fighting back from a losing position to win the game.
2 the ability of a substance to return to its original shape after it has been bent, stretched or pressed: the natural beauty and resilience of wool
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re.sili.ent
adj.
1 able to feel better quickly after sth unpleasant such as shock, injury, etc: He’ll get over it—young people are amazingly resilient.
2 (of a substance) returning to its original shape after being bent, stretched, or pressed
re.sili.ent.ly adv.
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resin
noun [C, U]
1 a sticky substance that is produced by some trees and is used in making VARNISH , medicine, etc.
2 an artificial substance similar to resin , used in making plastics
res.in.ous adj.: the resinous scent of pine trees
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re.sist
verb
1 to refuse to accept sth and try to stop it from happening: [vn] to resist change  They are determined to resist pressure to change the law.  [v -ing] The bank strongly resisted cutting interest rates. [alsov]
2 to fight back when attacked; to use force to stop sth from happening: [v] He tried to pin me down, but I resisted.  [vn] She was charged with resisting arrest .
3 (usually in negative sentences) to stop yourself from having sth you like or doing sth you very much want to do: [vn] I finished the cake. I couldn’t resist it .  I found the temptation to miss the class too hard to resist.  [v -ing] He couldn’t resist showing off his new car. [alsov]
4 [vn] to not be harmed or damaged by sth: A healthy diet should help your body resist infection.  This new paint is designed to resist heat.
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re.sist.ance
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) dislike of or opposition to a plan, an idea, etc.; refusal to obey: As with all new ideas it met with resistance.  There has been a lot of resistance to this new law.  Resistance to change has nearly destroyed the industry.
2 [U, sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) the act of using force to oppose sb/sth: armed resistance  The defenders put up a strong resistance.  The demonstrators offered little or no resistance to the police.
3 [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) the power not to be affected by sth: Aids lowers the body’s resistance to infection.
4 [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) a force that stops sth moving or makes it move more slowly: low / high wind resistance (= in the design of planes or cars)
5 [U, C] (physics) (symbR) the fact of not CONDUCTING heat or electricity; a measurement of this
6 (often the Resistance) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a secret organization that resists the authorities, especially in a country that an enemy has control of: resistance fighters / forces
IDM see LINE n.
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re.sist.ant
adj. ~ (to sth)
1 not affected by sth; able to resist sth: plants that are resistant to disease
2 opposing sth and trying to stop it happening: Elderly people are not always resistant to change.
3 (-resistant) (in adjectives) not damaged by the thing mentioned: disease-resistant plants  fire-resistant materials—see also HEAT-RESISTANT , WATER-RESISTANT
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re.sist.er
noun a person who resists sb/sth
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re.sist.ible
adj. (rare) that can be resisted
OPP IRRESISTIBLE
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re.sis.tor
noun (technical ) a device that has RESISTANCE to an electric current in a CIRCUIT
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resit
verb (re.sit.ting, resat, resat ) (also re.take) [vn, v] (BrE ) to take an exam or a test again, usually after failing it the first time
resit (also re.take) noun: Students are only allowed one resit.
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reso.lute
adj. having or showing great determination: resolute action / leadership  He became even more resolute in his opposition to the plan.
OPP IRRESOLUTE
reso.lute.ly adv.: They remain resolutely opposed to the idea.
reso.lute.ness noun [U]
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reso.lution
noun
1 [C] a formal statement of an opinion agreed on by a committee or a council, especially by means of a vote: to pass / adopt / carry a resolution
2 [U, sing.] the act of solving or settling a problem, dispute, etc: the resolution of the dispute  The government is pressing for an early resolution of the hostage crisis.
3 [U] the quality of being resolute or determined
SYN RESOLVE : The reforms owe a great deal to the resolution of one man.
4 [C] ~ (to do sth) a firm decision to do or not to do sth: She made a resolution to visit her relatives more often.  Have you made any New Year’s resolutions (= for example, to give up smoking from 1 January)?
5 [U, sing.] the power of a computer screen, printer, etc. to give a clear image, depending on the size of the dots that make up the image: high-resolution graphics
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re.solve
verb, noun
verb (written)
1 [vn] to find a satisfactory solution to a problem or difficulty: to resolve an issue / a dispute / a conflict / a crisis  Attempts are being made to resolve the problem of security in schools.  Both sides met in order to try to resolve their differences.
2 ~ (on sth / on doing sth) to make a firm decision to do sth: [v to inf] He resolved not to tell her the truth.  [v (that)] She resolved (that) she would never see him again.  [v] We had resolved on making an early start.
3 (of a committee, meeting, etc.) to reach a decision by means of a formal vote: [v that] It was resolved that the matter be referred to a higher authority.  [v to inf] The Supreme Council resolved to resume control over the national press.
PVR V re'solve into sth| re'solve sth into sth
1 to separate or to be separated into its parts: to resolve a complex argument into its basic elements
2 (of sth seen or heard at a distance) to gradually turn into a different form when it is seen or heard more clearly: The orange light resolved itself into four lanterns.
3 to gradually become or be understood as sth: The discussion eventually resolved itself into two main issues.

noun [U] ~ (to do sth) (formal) strong determination to achieve sth
SYN RESOLUTION : The difficulties in her way merely strengthened her resolve.  The government reiterated its resolve to uncover the truth.

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re.solved
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) (formal) determined: I was resolved not to see him.
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res.on.ance
noun
1 [U] (formal) (of sound) the quality of being resonant : Her voice had a strange and thrilling resonance.
2 [C, U] (technical) the sound or other VIBRATION produced in an object by sound or VIBRATIONS of a similar FREQUENCY from another object
3 [U, C] (formal) (in a piece of writing, music, etc.) the power to bring images, feelings, etc. into the mind of the person reading or listening; the images, etc. produced in this way
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res.on.ant
adj.
1 (formal) (of sound) deep, clear and continuing for a long time: a deep resonant voice
2 (technical) causing sounds to continue for a long time: resonant frequencies
3 (literary) having the power to bring images, feelings, memories, etc. into your mind: a poem filled with resonant imagery
res.on.ant.ly adv.
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res.on.ate
verb [v] (formal)
1 (of a voice, an instrument, etc.) to make a deep, clear sound that continues for a long time: Her voice resonated through the theatre.
2 ~ (with sth) (of a place) to be filled with sound; to make a sound continue longer: a resonating chamber  The room resonated with the chatter of 100 people.
3 ~ (with sb/sth) to remind sb of sth; to be similar to what sb thinks or believes: These issues resonated with the voters.
PVR V 'resonate with sth (literary) to be full of a particular quality or feeling: She makes a simple story resonate with complex themes and emotions.
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res.on.ator
noun (technical ) a device for making sound louder and stronger, especially in a musical instrument
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re.sort
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a place where a lot of people go on holiday/vacation: seaside / ski / mountain resorts   (BrE) a popular holiday resort  the resort town of Byron Bay
2 [U] ~ to sth the act of using sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant, because nothing else is possible: There are hopes that the conflict can be resolved without resort to violence.
3 the first / last / final ~ the first or last course of action that you should or can take in a particular situation: Strike action should be regarded as a last resort , when all attempts to negotiate have failed.  In the last resort (= at the most basic level) what really moves us is our personal convictions.

verb
PVR V re'sort to sth to make use of sth, especially sth bad, as a means of achieving sth, often because there is no other possible solution: They felt obliged to resort to violence. [+ -ing] We may have to resort to using untrained staff.

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re.sound
verb [v] (written)
1 ~ (through sth) (of a sound, voice, etc.) to fill a place with sound: Laughter resounded through the house.   (figurative) The tragedy resounded around the world.
2 ~ (with / to sth) (of a place) to be filled with sound: The street resounded to the thud of marching feet.  The room resounded with screams and shouts.
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re.sound.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 very great: a resounding victory / win / defeat  The evening was a resounding success .
2 (of a sound) very loud and continuing for a long time
re.sound.ing.ly adv.
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re.source
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] a supply of sth that a country, an organization or a person has and can use, especially to increase their wealth: the exploitation of minerals and other natural resources   We do not have the resources (= money) to update our computer software.  We must make the most efficient use of the available financial resources.  We agreed to pool our resources (= so that everyone gives sth).—see also HUMAN RESOURCES
2 [C] something that can be used to help achieve an aim, especially a book, equipment, etc. that provides information for teachers and students: The database could be used as a teaching resource in colleges.  Time is your most valuable resource, especially in examinations.  resource books for teachers
3 (resources) [pl.] personal qualities such as courage and imagination that help you deal with difficult situations: He has no inner resources and hates being alone.

verb [vn] to provide sth with the money or equipment that is needed: Schools in the area are still inadequately resourced.

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re.source.ful
adj. (approving) good at finding ways of doing things and solving problems, etc.
re.source.ful.ly adv.
re.source.ful.ness noun [U]
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re.spect
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling of admiration for sb/sth because of their good qualities or achievements: I have the greatest respect for your brother.  A two-minute silence was held as a mark of respect .  A deep mutual respect and understanding developed between them.—see also SELF-RESPECT
OPP DISRESPECT
2 [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) polite behaviour towards or care for sb/sth that you think is important: to show a lack of respect for authority  He has no respect for her feelings.  Everyone has a right to be treated with respect .
OPP DISRESPECT
3 [C] a particular aspect or detail of sth: In this respect we are very fortunate.  There was one respect, however, in which they differed.  in all / some / many respects
IDM in respect of sth (formal orbusiness)
1 concerning: A writ was served on the firm in respect of their unpaid bill.
2 in payment for sth: money received in respect of overtime worked with re'spect | with all due re'spect (formal) used before disagreeing with sb in order to seem polite: With respect, sir, I cannot agree. with respect to sth (formal orbusiness) concerning: The two groups were similar with respect to income and status.—more at DUE adj. , PAY v.

verb [vn]
1 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb/sth (for sth) to have a very good opinion of sb/sth; to admire sb/sth: I respect Jack’s opinion on most subjects.  She had always been honest with me, and I respect her for that.  a much loved and highly respected teacher
2 to be careful about sth; to make sure you do not do sth that sb would consider to be wrong: to respect other people’s property  She promised to respect our wishes.  He doesn’t respect other people’s right to privacy.
3 to agree not to break a law, principle, etc: The new leader has promised to respect the constitution.

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re.spect.abil.ity
noun [U] the fact of being considered socially acceptable: middle-class notions of respectability
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re.spect.able
adj.
1 considered by society to be acceptable, good or correct: a highly respectable neighbourhood  a respectable married man  Go and make yourself look respectable.
OPP DISREPUTABLE
2 fairly good; that there is not reason to be ashamed of: a perfectly respectable result
re.spect.ably adv.: respectably dressed
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re.spect.er
noun
IDM be no respecter of 'persons to treat everyone in the same way, without being influenced by their importance, wealth, etc.
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re.spect.ful
adj. showing or feeling RESPECT : The onlookers stood at a respectful distance.  We were brought up to be respectful of authority.
OPP DISRESPECTFUL
re.spect.ful.ly adv.: He listened respectfully.
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re.spect.ing
prep. (formal) concerning: information respecting the child’s whereabouts
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re.spect.ive
adj. [only before noun] belonging or relating separately to each of the people or things already mentioned: They are each recognized specialists in their respective fields.  the respective roles of men and women in society—compare IRRESPECTIVE
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re.spect.ive.ly
adv. in the same order as the people or things already mentioned: Julie Wilson and Mark Thomas, aged 17 and 19 respectively
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res.pir.ation
noun [U] (formal) the act of breathing: Blood pressure and respiration are also recorded.—see also ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
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res.pir.ator
noun
1 a piece of equipment that makes it possible for sb to breathe over a long period when they are unable to do so naturally: She was put on a respirator.
2 a device worn over the nose and mouth to allow sb to breathe in a place where there is a lot of smoke, gas, etc.
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re.spira.tory
adj. connected with breathing: the respiratory tract / system  respiratory diseases
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re.spire
verb [v] (technical ) to breathe
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res.pite
noun [sing., U]
1 ~ (from sth) a short break or escape from sth difficult or unpleasant: The drug brought a brief respite from the pain.  There was no respite from the suffocating heat.  She continued to work without respite.  respite care (= temporary care arranged for old, mentally ill, etc. people so that the people who usually care for them can have a rest)
2 a short delay allowed before sth difficult or unpleasant must be done: His creditors agreed to give him a temporary respite.
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re.splen.dent
adj. (formal or literary) ~ (in sth) bright and colourful in an impressive way: He glimpsed Sonia, resplendent in a red silk dress.
re.splen.dent.ly adv.
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re.spond
verb
1 ~ (to sb/sth) (with sth) (rather formal) to give a spoken or written answer to sb/sth
SYN REPLY : [v] I asked him his name, but he didn’t respond.  She never responded to my letter.  [v speech] ‘I’m not sure,’ she responded.  [v that] When asked about the company’s future, the director responded that he remained optimistic.  note at ANSWER
2 [v] ~ (to sth) (with sth / by doing sth) to do sth as a reaction to sth that sb has said or done
SYN REACT : How did they respond to the news?  The government responded by banning all future demonstrations.
3 [v] ~ (to sth/sb) to react quickly or in the correct way to sth/sb: The car responds very well to the controls.  You can rely on him to respond to a challenge.
4 [v] ~ (to sth) to improve as a result of a particular kind of treatment: The infection did not respond to the drugs.
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re.spond.ent
noun
1 a person who answers questions, especially in a SURVEY : 60% of the respondents agreed with the suggestion
2 (law) a person who is accused of sth
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re.sponse
noun ~ (to sb/sth)
1 [C, U] a spoken or written answer: She made no response.  In response to your inquiry …  I received an encouraging response to my advertisement.
2 [C, U] a reaction to sth that has happened or been said: The news provoked an angry response.  a positive response  I knocked on the door but there was no response.  The product was developed in response to customer demand.  We sent out over 1 000 letters but the response rate has been low (= few people replied).
3 [C, usually pl.] a part of a church service that the people sing or speak as an answer to the part that the priest sings or speaks
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re.spon.si.bil.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] ~ (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) a duty to deal with or take care of sb/sth, so that you may be blamed if sth goes wrong: We are recruiting a sales manager with responsibility for the European market.  They have responsibility for ensuring that the rules are enforced.  It is their responsibility to ensure that the rules are enforced.  to take / assume overall responsibility for personnel  parental rights and responsibilities  I don’t feel ready to take on new responsibilities .  to be in a position of responsibility  I did it on my own responsibility (= without being told to and being willing to take the blame if it had gone wrong).
2 [U] ~ (for sth) blame for sth bad that has happened: The bank refuses to accept responsibility for the mistake.  Nobody has claimed responsibility for the bombing.—see also DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY
3 [U, C] ~ (to / towards sb)| ~ (to do sth) a duty to help or take care of sb because of your job, position, etc: She feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her employees.  I think we have a moral responsibility to help these countries.
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re.spon.sible
adj.
HAVING JOB / DUTY|
1 ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (for doing sth) having the job or duty of doing sth or taking care of sb/sth, so that you may be blamed if sth goes wrong: Mike is responsible for designing the entire project.  Even where parents no longer live together, they each continue to be responsible for their children.
CAUSING STH|
2 ~ (for sth) being able to be blamed for sth: Who’s responsible for this mess?  Everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.  He is mentally ill and cannot be held responsible for his actions.
3 ~ (for sth) being the cause of sth: Cigarette smoking is responsible for about 90% of deaths from lung cancer.
TO SB IN AUTHORITY|
4 ~ to sb/sth to have to report to sb/sth with authority or in a higher position and explain to them what you have done: The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Assembly.
RELIABLE|
5 (of people or their actions or behaviour) that you can trust and rely on: Clare has a mature and responsible attitude to work.
OPP IRRESPONSIBLE
JOB|
6 [usually before noun] needing sb who can be trusted and relied on; involving important duties: a responsible job / position
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re.spon.sibly
adv. in a sensible way that shows you can be trusted: to act / behave responsibly
OPP IRRESPONSIBLY
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re.spon.sive
adj. ~ (to sb/sth)
1 [not usually before noun] reacting quickly and in a positive way: Firms have to be responsive to consumer demand.  a flu virus that is not responsive to treatment
2 reacting with interest or enthusiasm: The club is responsive to suggestions or new ideas.  a responsive and enthusiastic audience
OPP UNRESPONSIVE
re.spon.sive.ly adv.
re.spon.sive.ness noun [U]: a lack of responsiveness to client needs
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re.spray
verb [vn] to change the colour of sth, especially a car, by painting it with a spray
re.spray noun [usually sing.]
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rest
noun, verb
noun
REMAINING PART / PEOPLE / THINGS|
1 [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the remaining part of sth: the rest of the world / my life / her money  How would you like to spend the rest of the day?  Take what you want and throw the rest away.
2 [pl.] the ~ (of sth) the remaining people or things; the others: Don’t blame Alex. He’s human, like the rest of us.  The first question was difficult, but the rest were pretty easy.
PERIOD OF RELAXING|
3 [C, U] ~ (from sth) a period of relaxing, sleeping or doing nothing after a period of activity: I had a good night’s rest.  We stopped for a well-earned rest.  to have / take a rest from all your hard work  Try to get some rest—you have a busy day tomorrow.  There are no matches tomorrow, which is a rest day , but the tournament resumes on Monday.
SUPPORT|
4 [C] (often in compounds) an object that is used to support or hold sth: an armrest (= for example on a seat or chair)  a headrest / footrest
IN MUSIC|
5 [C, U] a period of silence between notes; a sign that shows a rest between notes—picture at MUSIC and (all) the 'rest (of it) (spoken) used at the end of a list to mean everything else that you might expect to be on the list: She believes in God and heaven and hell and the rest. and the 'rest (spoken) used to say that the actual amount or number of sth is much higher than sb has stated: ‘We’ve run up a cost of 250 quid … ’‘And the rest, and the rest!’ at 'rest
1 (technical) not moving: At rest the insect looks like a dead leaf.
2 dead and therefore free from trouble or anxiety. People say ‘at rest’ to avoid saying ‘dead’: She now lies at rest in the churchyard. come to 'rest to stop moving: The car crashed through the barrier and came to rest in a field.  His eyes came to rest on Clara’s face. for the 'rest (BrE, formal) apart from that; as far as other matters are concerned give it a 'rest (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb to stop talking about sth because they are annoying you give sth a 'rest (informal) to stop doing sth for a while lay sb to 'rest to bury sb. People say ‘to lay sb to rest’ to avoid saying ‘to bury’ sb: George was laid to rest beside his parents. lay / put sth to 'rest to stop sth by showing it is not true: The announcement finally laid all the speculation about their future to rest. the rest is 'history used when you are telling a story to say that you do not need to tell the end of it, because everyone knows it already—more at MIND n. , WICKED n.

verb
RELAX|
1 to relax, sleep or do nothing after a period of activity or illness; to not use a part of your body for some time: [v] The doctor told me to rest.  I can rest easy (= stop worrying) knowing that she’s safely home.   (figurative) He won’t rest (= will never be satisfied) until he finds her.  [vn] Rest your eyes every half an hour.  I awoke feeling rested and refreshed.
SUPPORT|
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to support sth by putting it on or against sth; to be supported in this way: [v, vn] His chin rested on his hands.  He rested his chin in his hands.  [vn] Rest your head on my shoulder.  [v] Their bikes were resting against the wall.
BE LEFT|
3 if you let a matter rest, you stop discussing it or dealing with it: The matter cannot rest there—I intend to sue.
BE BURIED|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to be buried. People say ‘rest’ to avoid saying ‘be buried’: She rests beside her husband in the local cemetery.  May he rest in peace .—see also RIP I ,rest my 'case (spoken, lawor humorous) to have no more to say about sth, especially because you think you have proved your point rest as'sured (that … ) (formal) used to emphasize that what you say is true or will definitely happen: You may rest assured that we will do all we can to find him.—more at GOD , LAUREL 'rest on / upon sb/sth
1 to depend or rely on sb/sth: All our hopes now rest on you.
2 to look at sb/sth: Her eyes rested on the piece of paper in my hand. 'rest on sth to be based on sth: The whole argument rests on a false assumption. 'rest with sb (to do sth) (formal) if it rests with sb to do sth, it is their responsibility to do it: It rests with management to justify their actions.  The final decision rests with the doctors.

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'rest area, 'rest stop
noun (AmE ) an area beside an important road where people can stop their cars to rest, eat food, etc.—compare LAY-BY
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re.start
verb to start again, or to make sth start again, after it has stopped: [vn] to restart a game / car / meeting  The doctors struggled to restart his heart. [alsov]
re.start noun
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re.state
verb [vn] (formal) to say sth again or in a different way, especially so that it is more clearly or strongly expressed
re.state.ment noun [U]
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res.taur.ant
noun a place where you can buy and eat a meal: an Italian restaurant  We had a meal in a restaurant.  We went out to a restaurant to celebrate.  a restaurant owner  a self-service restaurant—compare CAFE
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'restaurant car
noun (BrE ) = DINING CAR
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res.taura.teur
noun (formal) a person who owns and manages a restaurant
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rest.ful
adj. that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful: a hotel with a restful atmosphere
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'rest home
noun a place where old or sick people are cared for
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'resting place
noun
1 a grave. People say ‘resting place’ to avoid saying ‘grave’: her final / last resting place
2 a place where you can rest
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res.ti.tu.tion
noun [U] ~ (of sth) (to sb/sth)
1 (formal) the act of giving back sth that was lost or stolen to its owner: the restitution of property seized under Communist rule
2 (law) payment, usually money, for some harm or wrong that sb has suffered
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rest.ive
adj. (formal) unable to stay still, or unwilling to be controlled, especially because you feel bored or not satisfied
rest.ive.ness noun [U]
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rest.less
adj.
1 unable to stay still or be happy where you are, because you are bored or need a change: The audience was becoming restless.  After five years in the job, he was beginning to feel restless.
2 without real rest or sleep: a restless night
rest.less.ly adv.: He moved restlessly from one foot to another.
rest.less.ness noun [U]: the restlessness of youth
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re.stock
verb [vn, v] ~ sth (with sth) to fill sth with new or different things to replace those that have been used, sold, etc.; to get a new supply of sth
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res.tor.ation
noun
1 [U, C] the work of repairing and cleaning an old building, a painting, etc. so that its condition is as good as it originally was: The palace is closed for restoration .  restoration work
2 [U, C] ~ of sth the act of bringing back a system, a law, etc. that existed previously: the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries  the restoration of democracy / the monarchy
3 [U] ~ (of sth) the act of returning sth to its correct place, condition or owner: the restoration of the Elgin marbles to Greece
4 (the Restoration) [sing.] the time in Britain in 1660 when, following a period with no king or queen, Charles II became king: Restoration comedy / poetry (= written during and after this time)
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re.stora.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 (formal) making you feel strong and healthy again: the restorative power of fresh air
2 (medical) connected with treatment that repairs the body or a part of it: restorative dentistry / surgery

noun (old-fashioned) a thing that makes you feel better, stronger, etc: Sleep is the best restorative there is.

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re.store
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (to sb) to bring back a situation or feeling that existed before: The measures are intended to restore public confidence in the economy.  Order was quickly restored after the riots.  Such kindness restores your faith in human nature (= makes you believe most people are kind).  The most recent operation restored his sight (= made him able to see again).
2 ~ sb/sth to sth to bring sb/sth back to a former condition, place or position: He is now fully restored to health.  We hope to restore the garden to its former glory (= make it as beautiful as it used to be).
3 ~ sth (to sth) to repair a building, work of art, piece of furniture, etc. so that it looks as good as it did originally: Her job is restoring old paintings.  The house has been lovingly restored to the way it looked in 1900 when it was built.
4 to bring a law, tradition, way of working, etc. back into use: to restore ancient rights / traditions  The death penalty was restored in 1982.
5 ~ sth (to sb/sth) (formal) to give sth that was lost or stolen back to sb: The police have now restored the painting to its rightful owner.
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re.storer
noun a person whose job is to repair old buildings, works of art, etc. so that they look as they did when new
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re.strain
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (from sth / from doing sth) to stop sb/sth from doing sth, especially by using physical force: The prisoner had to be restrained by the police.  I had to restrain her from hitting out at passers-by.  They have obtained an injunction restraining the company from selling the product.  Morse placed a restraining hand on Lewis’s arm.
2 ~ yourself (from sth / from doing sth) to stop yourself from feeling an emotion or doing sth that you would like to do: John managed to restrain his anger.  She had to restrain herself from crying out in pain.
3 to stop sth that is growing or increasing from becoming too large: The government is taking steps to restrain inflation.
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re.strained
adj.
1 showing calm control rather than emotion: her restrained smile
2 not too colourful or brightly decorated: The costumes and lighting in the play were restrained.
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re'straining order
noun ~ (against sb) (especially AmE ) an official order given by a judge which demands that sth must or must not be done. A restraining order does not require a trial in a court of law but only lasts for a limited period of time.—compare INJUNCTION
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re.straint
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] ~ (on sb/sth) a rule, a fact, an idea, etc. that limits or controls what people can do: The government has imposed export restraints on some products.  social restraints on drinking alcohol
2 [U] the act of controlling or limiting sth because it is necessary or sensible to do so: wage restraint
3 [U] the quality of behaving calmly and with control: The police appealed to the crowd for restraint.  He exercised considerable restraint in ignoring the insults.
4 [U] (formal) the use of physical force to control sb who is behaving in a violent way: the physical restraint of prisoners
5 [C] (formal) a type of SEAT BELT or safety device: Children must use an approved child restraint or adult seat belt.
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re.strict
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (to sth) to limit the size, amount or range of sth: In Britain speed is restricted to 30 m.p.h. in towns.  We restrict the number of students per class to 10.  Fog severely restricted visibility.
2 to stop sb/sth from moving or acting freely: The long skirt restricted her movements.  Having small children tends to restrict your freedom.
3 ~ sth (to sb) to control sth with rules or laws: Access to the club is restricted to members only.
4 ~ yourself / sb (to sth / to doing sth) to allow yourself or sb to have only a limited amount of sth or to do only a particular kind of activity: I restrict myself to one cup of coffee a day.
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re.stricted
adj.
1 limited or small in size or amount: a restricted space  a restricted range of foods
2 limited in what you are able to do: In those days women led fairly restricted lives.  Her vision is restricted in one eye.
3 controlled by rules or laws: to allow children only restricted access to the Internet   (BrE) a restricted area (= controlled by laws about speed or PARKING )  The tournament is restricted to players under the age of 23.
4 [usually before noun] (of a place) only open to people with special permission, especially because it is secret or dangerous: to enter a restricted zone
5 (BrE) officially secret and only available to people with special permission
SYN CLASSIFIED : a restricted document
OPP UNRESTRICTED
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re.stric.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (on sth) a rule or law that limits what you can do or what can happen: import / speed / travel restrictions  to impose / place a restriction on sth  The government has agreed to lift restrictions on press freedom.
2 [U] the act of limiting or controlling sb/sth: sports clothes that prevent any restriction of movement
3 [C] a thing that limits the amount of freedom you have: the restrictions of a prison
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re.strict.ive
adj. preventing people from doing what they want: restrictive laws / policies
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re,strictive 'practices
noun [pl.] (BrE , often disapproving) agreements or ways of working that limit the freedom of workers or employers in order to prevent competition or to protect people’s jobs
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rest.room
noun (AmE ) a room with a toilet in a public place, such as a theatre or restaurant
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re.struc.ture
verb [vn, v] to organize sth such as a system or a company in a new and different way
re.struc.tur.ing noun [U, C, usually sing.]: restructuring charges / costs
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re.sult
noun, verb
noun
CAUSED BY STH|
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth) a thing that is caused or produced because of sth else: She died as a result of her injuries.  The failure of the company was a direct result of bad management.  He made one big mistake, and, as a result, lost his job.  The farm was flooded, with the result that most of the harvest was lost.  The end result (= the final one) of her hard work was a place at medical school.  This book is the result of 25 years of research.
OF GAME / ELECTION|
2 [C] ~ (of sth) the final score or the name of the winner in a sports event, competition, election, etc: They will announce the result of the vote tonight.  the election results  the football results
3 [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a victory, especially in a game of football: We badly need to get a result from this match.
OF EXAM|
4 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) the mark/grade you get in an exam or in a number of exams: Have you had your results yet?
OF TEST / RESEARCH|
5 [C] ~ (of sth) the information that you get from a scientific test or piece of research: the result of an X-ray / an experiment
SUCCESS|
6 (results) [pl.] things that are achieved successfully: The project is beginning to show results.  a coach who knows how to get results from his players

verb [v] ~ (from sth) to happen because of sth else that happened first: job losses resulting from changes in production  When water levels rise, flooding results.  It was a large explosion and the resulting damage was extensive. re'sult in sth to make sth happen: The cyclone has resulted in many thousands of deaths. [+ -ing] These policies resulted in many elderly and disabled people suffering hardship.

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re.sult.ant
adj. [only before noun] (formal) caused by the thing that has just been mentioned: the growing economic crisis and resultant unemployment
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re.sume
verb (formal)
1 if you resume an activity, or if it resumes, it begins again or continues after an interruption: [vn] to resume talks / negotiations  She resumed her career after an interval of six years.  [v] The noise resumed, louder than before.  There is no sign of the peace talks resuming.  [v -ing] He got back in the car and resumed driving.
2 [vn] ~ your seat / place / position to go back to the seat or place that you had before
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re.sumé
noun
1 ~ (of sth) a short summary or account of sth: a brief resumé of events so far
2 (AmE) = CURRICULUM VITAE (1)
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re.sump.tion
noun [sing., U] ~ (of sth) (formal) the act of beginning sth again after it has stopped: We are hoping for an early resumption of peace talks.
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re.sur.face
verb
1 [v] to come to the surface again after being under water or under the ground: The submarine resurfaced.   (figurative) All the old hostilities resurfaced when they met again.
2 [vn] to put a new surface on a road, path, etc.
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re.sur.gence
noun [sing., U] the return and growth of an activity that had stopped: a resurgence of interest in the artist’s work
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re.sur.gent
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) becoming stronger or more popular again: a resurgent economy  resurgent nationalism
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res.ur.rect
verb [vn]
1 to bring back into use sth, such as a belief, a practice, etc., that had disappeared or been forgotten: The campaign for spelling reform has been resurrected.  He has succeeded in resurrecting his career in television.
2 to bring a dead person back to life
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res.ur.rec.tion
noun
1 (the Resurrection) [sing.] (in the Christian religion) the time when Jesus Christ returned to life again after his death; the time when all dead people will become alive again, when the world ends
2 [U, sing.] a new beginning for sth which is old or which had disappeared or become weak: the resurrection of the British motor industry
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re.sus.ci.tate
verb [vn] to make sb start breathing again or become conscious again after they have almost died: He had a heart attack and all attempts to resuscitate him failed.   (figurative) efforts to resuscitate the Japanese economy
re.sus.ci.ta.tion noun [U]: frantic attempts at resuscitation—see also MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION
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re.tail^1
noun, adv., verb —see also RETAIL^2 verb
noun [U] the selling of goods to the public, usually through shops/stores: The recommended retail price is £9.99.  department stores and other retail outlets   the retail trade—compare WHOLESALE
re.tail adv.: to buy / sell retail (= in a shop / store)

verb
1 [vn] to sell goods to the public, usually through shops/stores: The firm manufactures and retails its own range of sportswear.
2 [v] ~ at / for sth (business) to be sold at a particular price: The book retails at £14.95.

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re.tail^2
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to tell people about sth, especially about a person’s behaviour or private life: She retailed the neighbours' activities with relish.—see also RETAIL^1
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re.tail.er
noun (written) a person or business that sells goods to the public
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re.tail.ing
noun [U] the business of selling goods to the public, usually through shops/stores: career opportunities in retailing—compare WHOLESALING
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,retail 'price index
(also 'price index) noun [sing.] (abbr. RPI) (in Britain) a list of the prices of some ordinary goods and services which shows how much these prices change each month—see also CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
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re.tain
verb [vn] (rather formal)
1 to keep sth; to continue to have sth: to retain your freedom / independence  He struggled to retain control of the situation.  The house retains much of its original charm.  She retained her tennis title for the third year.
2 to continue to hold or contain sth: a soil that retains moisture  This information is no longer retained within the computer’s main memory.   (figurative) She has a good memory and finds it easy to retain facts.
3 (law) if a member of the public retains sb such as a lawyer, he or she pays money regularly or in advance so the lawyer, etc. will do work for him or her: a retaining fee  to retain the services of a lawyer—see also RETENTION , RETENTIVE
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re.tain.er
noun
1 a sum of money that is paid to sb to make sure they will be available to do work when they are needed: The agency will pay you a monthly retainer.
2 (BrE) a small amount of rent that you pay for a room, etc. when you are not there in order to keep it available for your use
3 (AmE) a device that keeps a person’s teeth straight after they have had ORTHODONTIC treatment with a BRACE
4 (old-fashioned) a servant, especially one who has been with a family for a long time
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re.tain.ing
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) intended to keep sth in the correct position: a retaining screw / strap
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re.take
verb, noun
verb (re.took , re.taken ) [vn]
1 (especially of an army) to take control of sth such as a town again: Government forces moved in to retake the city.   (figurative) Moore fought back to retake the lead later in the race.
2 = RESIT

noun
1 the act of filming a scene in a film/movie again, because it was not right before
2 = RESIT

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re.tali.ate
verb [v] ~ (against sb/sth)| ~ (by doing sth / with sth) to do sth harmful to sb because they have harmed you first: to retaliate against an attack / injustice  The boy hit his sister, who retaliated by kicking him.
re.tali.atory adj.: retaliatory action
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re.tali.ation
noun [U] ~ (against sb/sth) (for sth) action that a person takes against sb who has harmed them in some way: retaliation against UN workers  The shooting may have been in retaliation for the arrest of the terrorist suspects.
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re.tard
verb, noun
verb [vn] (formal) to make the development or progress of sth slower: The progression of the disease can be retarded by early surgery.
re.tard.ation noun [U]: Many factors can lead to growth retardation in unborn babies.

noun (slang) an offensive way of describing sb who is not intelligent or who has not developed normally

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re.tard.ed
adj. (old-fashioned, offensive) less developed mentally than is normal for a particular age
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retch
verb [v] to make sounds and movements as if you are VOMITING although you do not actually do so: The smell made her retch.
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re.tell
verb (re.told, re.told ) [vn] to tell a story again, often in a different way
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re.ten.tion
noun [U] (formal)
1 the action of keeping sth rather than losing it or stopping it: The company needs to improve its training and retention of staff.
2 the action of keeping liquid, heat, etc. inside sth rather than letting it escape: Eating too much salt can cause fluid retention.
3 the ability to remember things: Visual material aids the retention of information.—see also RETAIN
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re.ten.tive
adj. (of the memory) able to store facts and remember things easily—see also RETAIN
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re.think
verb (re.thought, re.thought ) to think again about an idea, a course of action, etc., especially in order to change it: [vn] to rethink a plan / an approach / an attitude [alsov]
re.think (also re.think.ing) noun [sing.]: a major / radical rethink of company policy
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reti.cent
adj. ~ (about sth) unwilling to tell people about things: She was shy and reticent.  He was extremely reticent about his personal life.
reti.cence noun [U] (formal)
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ret.ina
noun (pl.ret.inas or ret.inae ) a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light and sends signals to the brain about what is seen—picture at BODY
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ret.inue
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] a group of people who travel with an important person to provide help and support
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re.tire
verb
FROM JOB|
1 ~ (from sth)| ~ (as sth) to stop doing your job, especially because you have reached a particular age or because you are ill/sick; to tell sb they must stop doing their job: [v] She was forced to retire early from teaching because of ill health.  My dream is to retire to a villa in France.  He has no plans to retire as editor of the magazine.  The company’s official retiring age is 65.  [vn] She was retired on medical grounds.
IN SPORT|
2 ~ (from sth) to stop competing during a game, race, etc., usually because you are injured: [v] She fell badly, spraining her ankle, and had to retire.  [v-adj] He retired hurt in the first five minutes of the game.
FROM / TO A PLACE|
3 (formal) to leave a place, especially to go somewhere quieter or more private: The jury retired to consider the evidence.  After dinner he likes to retire to his study.
OF ARMY|
4 [v] (formal) to move back from a battle in order to organize your soldiers in a different way
GO TO BED|
5 [v] (literary) to go to bed: I retired late, for as always the morning would arrive too soon.
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re.tired
adj. having retired from work: a retired doctor  Dad is retired now.
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re.tir.ee
noun (AmE ) a person who has stopped working because of their age
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re.tire.ment
noun
1 [U, C] the fact of stopping work because you have reached a particular age; the time when you do this: At 60, he was now approaching retirement.  Susan is going to take early retirement (= retire before the usual age).  retirement age  a retirement pension / plan
2 [U, sing.] the period of your life after you have stopped work at a particular age: to provide for retirement  We all wish you a long and happy retirement.  Up to a third of one’s life is now being spent in retirement .
3 [U] ~ (from sth) the act of stopping a particular type of work, especially in sport, politics, etc: He announced his retirement from football.  She came out of retirement to win two gold medals at the championships.
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re'tirement home
noun = OLD PEOPLE’S HOME
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re.tir.ing
adj. preferring not to spend time with other people; shy: a quiet, retiring man
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re.tool
verb
1 [vn, v] to replace or change the machines or equipment in a factory so that it can produce new or better goods
2 [vn] (AmE, informal) to organize sth in a new or different way: The senator retooled his style and his campaign manager.
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re.tort
verb, noun
verb to reply quickly to a comment, in an angry, offended or humorous way: [v speech] ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ Pat retorted angrily.  [v that] Sam retorted that it was my fault as much as his.

noun
1 a quick, angry or humorous reply: She bit back (= stopped herself from making) a sharp retort.
2 a closed bottle with a long narrow bent SPOUT that is used in a LABORATORY for heating chemicals—picture at LABORATORY

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re.touch
verb [vn] to make small changes to a picture or photograph so that it looks better
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re.trace
verb [vn]
1 to go back along exactly the same path or route that you have come along: She turned around and began to retrace her steps towards the house.
2 to make the same trip that sb else has made in the past: They are hoping to retrace the epic voyage of Christopher Columbus.
3 to find out what sb has done or where they have been: Detectives are trying to retrace her movements on the night she disappeared.
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re.tract
verb
1 (formal) to say that sth you have said earlier is not true or correct or that you did not mean it: [vn] He made a false confession which he later retracted.  They tried to persuade me to retract my words.
2 [vn] (formal) to refuse to keep an agreement, a promise, etc: to retract a bid / an offer
3 (technical ) to move back into the main part of sth; to pull sth back into the main part of sth: [v] The animal retracted into its shell.  [vn] The undercarriage was fully retracted.
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re.tract.able
adj. that can be moved or pulled back into the main part of sth: a knife with a retractable blade
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re.trac.tion
noun (formal)
1 [C] a statement saying that sth you previously said or wrote is not true: He demanded a full retraction of the allegations against him.
2 [U] (technical) the act of pulling sth back (= of retracting it): the retraction of a cat’s claws
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re.train
verb ~ (sb) (as sth) to learn, or to teach sb, a new type of work, a new skill, etc: [v] nurses retraining for work in the community  She retrained as a teacher.  [vn to inf] Staff have been retrained to use the new technology. [alsovn]
re.train.ing noun [U]
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re.tread
noun
1 a tyre made by putting a new rubber surface on an old tyre
2 (AmE, disapproving) a book, film/movie, song, etc. that contains ideas that have been used before
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re.treat
verb, noun
verb
FROM DANGER / DEFEAT|
1 [v] to move away from a place or an enemy because you are in danger or because you have been defeated: The army was forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses.  We retreated back down the mountain.—compare ADVANCE
MOVE AWAY / BACK|
2 [v] to move away or back: He watched her retreating figure.  The flood waters slowly retreated.
CHANGE DECISION|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to change your mind about sth because of criticism or because a situation has become too difficult
SYN BACK OFF : The government had retreated from its pledge to reduce class sizes.
TO QUIET PLACE|
4 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to escape to a place that is quieter or safer: Bored with the conversation, she retreated to her bedroom.   (figurative) He retreated into a world of fantasy.
FINANCE|
5 [vn] to lose value: Share prices retreated 45p to 538p.

noun
FROM DANGER / DEFEAT|
1 [C usually sing, U] a movement away from a place or an enemy because of danger or defeat: Hitler’s retreat from Russia  The army was in full retreat (= retreating very quickly).  to sound the retreat (= to give a loud signal for an army to move away)
ESCAPE|
2 [C usually sing, U] ~ (from / into sth) an act of trying to escape from a particular situation to one that you think is safer or more pleasant: Is watching television a retreat from reality?
CHANGE OF DECISION|
3 [C, usually sing.] an act of changing a decision because of criticism or because a situation has become too difficult: The Senator made an embarrassing retreat from his earlier position.
QUIET PLACE|
4 [C] a quiet, private place that you go to in order to get away from your usual life: a country retreat
5 [U, C] a period of time when sb stops their usual activities and goes to a quiet place for prayer and thought; an organized event when people can do this: He went into retreat and tried to resolve the conflicts within himself.  to go on a Buddhist retreat
IDM see BEAT v.

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re.trench
verb [v] (formal) (of a business, government, etc.) to spend less money; to reduce costs
re.trench.ment noun [U, C]: a period of retrenchment
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re.trial
noun [usually sing.] a new trial of a person whose criminal offence has already been judged once in a court of law
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ret.ri.bu.tion
noun [U] ~ (for sth) (formal) severe punishment for sth seriously wrong that sb has done: People are seeking retribution for the latest terrorist outrages.  fear of divine retribution (= punishment from God)
re.tribu.tive adj. [usually before noun]: retributive justice
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re.trieval
noun [U]
1 (formal) the process of getting sth back, especially from a place where it should not be: The ship was buried, beyond retrieval, at the bottom of the sea.   (figurative) By then the situation was beyond retrieval (= impossible to put right).
2 (computing) the process of getting back information that is stored on a computer: methods of information retrieval   retrieval programs / skills / systems
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re.trieve
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sb/sth) (formal) to bring or get sth back, especially from a place where it should not be: She bent to retrieve her comb from the floor.  The police have managed to retrieve some of the stolen money.
2 (computing) to find and get back data or information that has been stored in the memory of a computer: to retrieve information from the database  The program allows you to retrieve items quickly by searching under a keyword.
3 to make a bad situation better; to get back sth that was lost: You can only retrieve the situation by apologizing.  Employers are anxious to retrieve the investment they have made in training their employees.
re.triev.able adj.
OPP IRRETRIEVABLE
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re.triever
noun a large dog used in hunting to bring back birds that have been shot—see also GOLDEN RETRIEVER
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retro
adj. using styles or fashions from the recent past: the current Seventies retro trend
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retro-
prefix (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) back or backwards: retrograde  retrospectively
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retro.active
adj. (formal) = RETROSPECTIVE
retro.active.ly adv.: The ruling should be applied retroactively.
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retro.fit
verb (-tt-) [vn] to put a new piece of equipment into a machine that did not have it when it was built; to provide a machine with a new part, etc: Voice recorders were retrofitted into planes already in service.  They retrofitted the plane with improved seating.
retro.fit noun
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retro.grade
adj. (formal, disapproving) (of an action) making a situation worse or returning to how sth was in the past: The closure of the factory is a retrograde step .
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retro.gres.sive
adj. (formal, disapproving) returning to old-fashioned ideas or methods instead of making progress: a retrogressive change
OPP PROGRESSIVE
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retro.spect
noun
IDM in retrospect thinking about a past event or situation, often with a different opinion of it from the one you had at the time: In retrospect, I think that I was wrong.  The decision seems extremely odd, in retrospect.
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retro.spec.tion
noun [U] (formal) thinking about past events or situations: to indulge in idle retrospection
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retro.spect.ive
adj., noun
adj.
1 thinking about or connected with sth that happened in the past: She felt a pang of retrospective sympathy for Mel.
2 (also less frequent, formal retro.active) (of a new law or decision) intended to take effect from a particular date in the past rather than from the present date: retrospective legislation  retrospective pay awards
retro.spect.ive.ly adv.: She wrote retrospectively about her childhood.  The new rule will be applied retrospectively.

noun a public EXHIBITION of the work that an artist has done in the past, showing how his or her work has developed

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retry
verb (re.tries, re.try.ing, re.tried, re.tried)
1 [vn] to examine a person or case again in a court of law: He was retried and executed.  They have decided to retry the case.
2 [v] to make another attempt to do sth, especially on a computer
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ret.sina
noun [U, C] a type of red or white wine from Greece that is given a special flavour with RESIN (1)
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re.turn
verb, noun
verb
COME / GO BACK|
1 [v] ~ (to … ) (from … ) to come or go back from one place to another: I waited a long time for him to return.  She’s returning to Australia tomorrow after six months in Europe.  I returned from work to find the house empty.  When did she return home from the trip?  I had to return to the store to look for my purse.
BRING / GIVE BACK|
2 ~ sb/sth (to sb/sth) to bring, give, put or send sth back to sb/sth: [vn] We had to return the hairdryer to the store because it was faulty.  I must return some books to the library.  Don’t forget to return my pen!  [vn-adj] I returned the letter unopened.
OF FEELING / QUALITY|
3 [v] to come back again: The following day the pain returned.  Her suspicions returned when things started going missing again.
TO PREVIOUS SUBJECT / ACTIVITY|
4 [v] ~ (to sth) to start discussing a subject you were discussing earlier, or doing an activity you were doing earlier: He returns to this topic later in the report.  She looked up briefly then returned to her sewing.  The doctor may allow her to return to work next week.
TO PREVIOUS STATE|
5 [v] ~ to sth to go back to a previous state: Train services have returned to normal after the strike.
DO / GIVE THE SAME|
6 [vn] to do or give sth to sb because they have done or given the same to you first; to have the same feeling about sb that they have about you: to return a favour / greeting / stare  She phoned him several times but he was too busy to return her call.  It’s time we returned their invitation (= invite them to sth as they invited us to sth first).  He did not return her love.
IN TENNIS|
7 [vn] to hit the ball back to your opponent during a game: to return a service / shot
A VERDICT|
8 [vn] ~ a verdict to give a decision about sth in a court of law: The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
ELECT POLITICIAN|
9 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (to sth)| ~ sb (as sth) (BrE) to elect sb to a political position
PROFIT / LOSS|
10 [vn] (business) to give or produce a particular amount of money as a profit or loss: to return a high rate of interest  Last year the company returned a loss of £157 million.

noun
COMING BACK|
1 [sing.] ~ (to … ) (from … ) the action of arriving in or coming back to a place that you were in before: He was met by his brother on his return from Italy.  I saw the play on its return to Broadway.  on the return flight / journey / trip
GIVING / SENDING BACK|
2 [U, sing.] the action of giving, putting or sending sth/sb back: We would appreciate the prompt return of books to the library.  The judge ordered the return of the child to his mother.  Write your return address (= the address that a reply should be sent to) on the back of the envelope.
OF FEELING / STATE|
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the situation when a feeling or state that has not been experienced for some time starts again: the return of spring  a return of my doubts / suspicions / symptoms
TO PREVIOUS SITUATION / ACTIVITY|
4 [sing.] ~ to sth the action of going back to an activity or a situation that you used to do or be in: his return to power / public life  They appealed for a return to work (= after a strike).
PROFIT|
5 [U, C] the amount of profit that you get from sth: a high rate of return on capital  farmers seeking to improve returns from their crops
OFFICIAL REPORT|
6 [C] an official report or statement that gives particular information to the government or another body: census returns  election returns (= the number of votes for each candidate in an election)—see also TAX RETURN
TICKET|
7 [C] (BrE) = RETURN TICKET : ‘Brighton, please.’‘Single or return?’  A return is cheaper than two singles.  the return fare to London—see also DAY RETURN
8 [C] a ticket for the theatre or a sports game that was bought by sb but is given back to be sold again
ON COMPUTER|
9 [U] (also re'turn key [C]) the button that you press on a computer when you reach the end of an instruction, or to begin a new line: To exit this option, press return.
IN TENNIS|
10 [C] (in tennis and some other sports) the action of hitting the ball, etc. back to your opponent: a powerful return of serve by re'turn (of 'post) (BrE) using the next available post; as soon as possible: Please reply by return of post. in re'turn (for sth)
1 as a way of thanking sb or paying them for sth they have done: Can I buy you lunch in return for your help?
2 as a response or reaction to sth: I asked her opinion, but she just asked me a question in return.—more at HAPPY , POINT n. , SALE n.

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re.turn.able
adj.
1 (formal) that can or must be given back after a period of time: A returnable deposit is payable on arrival.  The application form is returnable not later than 7th June.
2 (of bottles and containers) that can be taken back to a shop/store in order to be used again: returnable bottles
OPP NON-RETURNABLE
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re.turn.ee
noun [usually pl.] (especially AmE ) a person who returns to their own country, after living in another country
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re.turn.er
noun (BrE ) a person who goes back to work after not working for a long time: women returners  courses for adult returners
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re'turning officer
noun (BrE ) an official in a particular area who is responsible for arranging an election and announcing the result
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re,turn 'match
(also re,turn 'game) noun (especially BrE ) a second match or game between the same two players or teams
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re,turn 'ticket
(also re.turn) (both BrE ) (AmE ,round-trip 'ticket) noun a ticket for a journey to a place and back again
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re,turn 'visit
noun a trip to a place that you have been to once before, or a trip to see sb who has already come to see you: This hotel is worth a return visit.  The US president is making a return visit to Moscow.
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re.unify
verb (re.uni.fies, re.uni.fy.ing, re.uni.fied, re.uni.fied) [vn] [often passive] to join together two or more regions or parts of a country so that they form a single political unit again
re.uni.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: the reunification of Germany
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re.union
noun
1 [C] a social occasion or party attended by a group of people who have not seen each other for a long time: a family reunion  the school’s annual reunion  a reunion of the class of '85
2 [C, U] ~ (with sb)| ~ (between A and B) the act of people coming together after they have been apart for some time: an emotional reunion between mother and son  Christmas is a time of reunion.
3 [U] the action of becoming a single group or organization again: the reunion of the Church of England with the Church of Rome
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re.unite
verb
1 ~ A with B| ~ A and B [usually passive] to bring two or more people together again after they have been separated for a long time; to come together again: [vn] Last night she was reunited with her children.  The family was reunited after the war.  [v] There have been rumours that the band will reunite for a world tour.
2 to join together again separate areas or separate groups within an organization, a political party, etc.; to come together again: [vn] As leader, his main aim is to reunite the party. [alsov]
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re.us.able
adj. that can be used again: reusable plastic bottles
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reuse
verb [vn] to use sth again: Please reuse your envelopes.
reuse noun [U]: the reuse of materials
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Rev.
(BrE also Revd) abbr. (used before a name) REVEREND : Rev. Jesse Jackson
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rev
verb, noun
verb (-vv-) ~ (sth) (up) when you rev an engine or it revs, it runs quickly: [vn] The taxi driver revved up his engine.  [v] I could hear the car revving outside.

noun (informal) a complete turn of an engine, used when talking about an engine’s speed
SYN REVOLUTION : 4 000 revs per minute  The needle on the rev counter soared.

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re.value
verb
1 [vn] to estimate the value of sth again, especially giving it a higher value
2 to increase the value of the money of a country when it is exchanged for the money of another country: [vn] The yen is to be revalued. [alsov] DEVALUE
re.valu.ation noun [U, C, usually sing.]: the revaluation of the pound
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re.vamp
verb [vn] to make changes to the form of sth, usually to improve its appearance
re.vamp noun [sing.]: Could your kitchen do with a revamp?
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re.veal
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to make sth known to sb: [vn] to reveal a secret  Details of the murder were revealed by the local paper.  [v (that)] The report reveals (that) the company made a loss of £20 million last year.  [vn (that)] It was revealed that important evidence had been suppressed.  [v wh-] Officers could not reveal how he died. [alsovn to inf]
2 [vn] to show sth that previously could not be seen: He laughed, revealing a line of white teeth.  The door opened to reveal a cosy little room.  She crouched in the dark, too frightened to reveal herself .—see also REVELATION , REVELATORY
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re.veal.ing
adj.
1 giving you interesting information that you did not know before: The document provided a revealing insight into the government’s priorities.  The answers the children gave were extremely revealing.
2 (of clothes) allowing more of sb’s body to be seen than usual: a revealing blouse / dress
re.veal.ing.ly adv.: He spoke revealingly about his problems.
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re.veille
noun [U] a tune that is played to wake soldiers in the morning; the time when it is played: Reveille sounded at first light.
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revel
verb, noun
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v] to spend time enjoying yourself in a noisy, enthusiastic way
PVR V 'revel in sth to enjoy sth very much: She was clearly revelling in all the attention. [+ -ing] Some people seem to revel in annoying others.

noun [usually pl.] (literary) noisy celebrations

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reve.la.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (about / concerning sth)| ~ (that … ) a fact that people are made aware of, especially one that has been secret and is surprising: startling / sensational revelations about her private life
2 [U] ~ (of sth) the act of making people aware of sth that has been secret: The company’s financial problems followed the revelation of a major fraud scandal.
3 [C, U] something that is considered to be a sign or message from God—see also REVEAL
IDM come as / be a revelation (to sb) to be a completely new or surprising experience; to be different from what was expected: His performance in the race today was a revelation to everyone.  My trip to Texas was a revelation.
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rev.ela.tory
adj. (formal) making people aware of sth that they did not know before: a revelatory experience / insight—see also REVEAL
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rev.el.ler
(BrE ) (AmErev.el.er) noun a person who is having fun in a noisy way, usually with a group of other people and often after drinking alcohol
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rev.el.ry
noun [U] (also rev.el.ries [pl.]) noisy fun, usually involving a lot of eating and drinking: We could hear sounds of revelry from next door.  New Year revelries
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re.venge
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 something that you do in order to make sb suffer because they have made you suffer: He swore to take (his) revenge on his political enemies.  She is seeking revenge for the murder of her husband.  The bombing was in revenge for the assassination.  an act of revenge  revenge attacks / killings
2 (sport) the defeat of a person or team that defeated you in a previous game: The team wanted to get revenge for their defeat earlier in the season.

verb
PVR V re'venge yourself on sb| be re'venged on sb (literary) to punish or hurt sb because they have made you suffer: She vowed to be revenged on them all.  note at AVENGE

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rev.enue
noun [U] (also rev.enues [pl.]) the money that a government receives from taxes or that an organization, etc. receives from its business: a shortfall in tax revenue  Advertising revenue finances the commercial television channels.  a slump in oil revenues  The company’s annual revenues rose by 30%.—see also THE INLAND REVENUE
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re.ver.ber.ate
verb [v]
1 (of a sound) to be repeated several times as it bounces off different surfaces
SYN ECHO : Her voice reverberated around the hall.
2 ~ (with / to sth) (of a place) to seem to shake because of a loud noise: The hall reverberated with the sound of music and dancing.
3 (formal) to have a strong effect on people for a long time or over a large area: Repercussions of the case continue to reverberate through the financial world.
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re.ver.ber.ation
noun
1 [C, usually pl., U] a loud noise that continues for some time after it has been produced because of the surfaces around it
SYN ECHO
2 (reverberations) [pl.] the effects of sth that happens, especially unpleasant ones that spread among a large number of people
SYN REPERCUSSION
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re.vere
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to feel great respect or admiration for sb/sth: a trumpeter revered by fellow musicians
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rev.er.ence
noun [U] ~ (for sb/sth) (formal) a feeling of great respect or admiration for sb/sth: The poem conveys his deep reverence for nature.  The crowd knelt in reverence and worship.
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rev.er.end
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. Rev.) the title of a member of the clergy that is also sometimes used to talk to or about one: the Reverend Charles Dodgson  Good morning, Reverend.—see also RIGHT REVEREND
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,Reverend 'Mother
noun a title of respect used when talking to or about a MOTHER SUPERIOR (= the head of a female religious community)
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rev.er.ent
adj. (formal) showing great respect and admiration
rev.er.ent.ly adv.
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rev.er.en.tial
adj. (formal) full of respect or admiration: His name was always mentioned in almost reverential tones.
rev.er.en.tial.ly adv.: She lowered her voice reverentially.
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rev.erie
noun [C, U] (formal) a state of thinking about pleasant things, almost as though you are dreaming: She was jolted out of her reverie as the door opened.
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re.ver.sal
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth) a change of sth so that it is the opposite of what it was: a complete / dramatic / sudden reversal of policy  the reversal of a decision / position / trend  The government suffered a total reversal of fortunes last week.
2 [C] a change from being successful to having problems or being defeated: the team’s recent reversal  The company’s financial problems were only a temporary reversal.
3 [C, U] an exchange of positions or functions between two or more people: It’s a complete role reversal / reversal of roles (= for example when a husband cares for the house and children while the wife works).
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re.verse
verb, noun, adj.
verb
CHANGE TO OPPOSITE|
1 [vn] to change sth completely so that it is the opposite of what it was before: to reverse a procedure / process / trend  The government has failed to reverse the economic decline.  It is sometimes possible to arrest or reverse the disease.
2 [vn] to change a previous decision, law, etc. to the opposite one: The Court of Appeal reversed the decision.  The policy is likely to be reversed if there is a change of government.
3 [vn] to turn sth the opposite way around or change the order of sth around: Writing is reversed in a mirror.  You should reverse the order of these pages.
EXCHANGE TWO THINGS|
4 [vn] to exchange the positions or functions of two things: It felt as if we had reversed our roles of parent and child.  She used to work for me, but our situations are now reversed.
YOURSELF|
5 [vn] ~ yourself (on sth) (AmE) to admit you were wrong or to stop having a particular position in an argument: He has reversed himself on a dozen issues.
VEHICLE|
6 (especially BrE ) when a vehicle or its driver reverses or the driver reverses a vehicle, the vehicle goes backwards: [vn] Now reverse the car.  [v] He reversed around the corner.  She reversed into a parking space.  Caution! This truck is reversing.—compare BACK v.
TELEPHONE CALL|
7 [vn] ~ (the) charges (BrE) to make a telephone call that will be paid for by the person you are calling, not by you: a reverse charges call—see also COLLECT adj.

noun
OPPOSITE|
1 (the reverse) [sing.] the opposite of what has just been mentioned: This problem is the reverse of the previous one.  Although I expected to enjoy living in the country, in fact the reverse is true .  In the south, the reverse applies.  It wasn’t easy to persuade her to come—quite the reverse .
BACK|
2 (the reverse) [sing.] the back of a coin, piece of material, piece of paper, etc.
IN VEHICLE|
3 (also re,verse 'gear) [U] the mechanism used to make a vehicle move backwards: Put the car in / into reverse .
LOSS / DEFEAT|
4 [C] (formal) a loss or defeat; a change from success to failure: Property values have suffered another reverse.  a damaging political reverse in re'verse in the opposite order or way
SYN BACKWARDS : The secret number is my phone number in reverse.  We did a similar trip to you, but in reverse. go / put sth into re'verse to start to happen or to make sth happen in the opposite way: In the 1980s economic growth went into reverse.

adj. [only before noun]
OPPOSITE|
1 opposite to what has been mentioned: to travel in the reverse direction  The winners were announced in reverse order (= the person in the lowest place was announced first).  The experiment had the reverse effect to what was intended.
BACK|
2 opposite to the front: Iron the garment on the reverse side.

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re.vers.ible
adj.
1 (of clothes, materials, etc.) that can be turned inside out and worn or used with either side showing: a reversible jacket
2 (of a process, an action or a disease) that can be changed so that sth returns to its original state or situation: Is the trend towards privatization reversible?  reversible kidney failure
OPP IRREVERSIBLE
re.vers.ibil.ity noun [U] (formal): Reversibility depends on the severity of the damage to the brain.
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re'versing light
(BrE ) (AmE 'backup light) noun a white light at the back of a vehicle that comes on when the vehicle moves backwards
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re.ver.sion
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) (formal) the act or process of returning to a former state or condition: a reversion to traditional farming methods
2 [U, C] (law) the return of land or property to sb: the reversion of Hong Kong to China
3 (AmE, law) = LEASEBACK
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re.vert
verb
PVR V re'vert to sb/sth (law) (of property, rights, etc.) to return to the original owner again—see also REVERSION re'vert to sth (formal)
1 to return to a former state; to start doing sth again that you used to do in the past: After her divorce she reverted to her maiden name.  His manner seems to have reverted to normal.  Try not to revert to your old eating habits.
2 to return to an earlier topic or subject: So, to revert to your earlier question …  The conversation kept reverting to the events of March 6th.
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re.view
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] an examination of sth, with the intention of changing it if necessary: the government’s review of its education policy  The case is subject to judicial review .  His parole application is up for review next week.  The terms of the contract are under review .  a pay / salary review  a review body / date / panel
2 [C, U] a report in a newspaper or magazine in which sb gives their opinion of a book, play, film/movie, etc.; the act of writing this kind of report: a book review  the reviews (page) in the papers  enthusiastic / good / mixed / rave reviews in the national press  He submitted his latest novel for review.
3 [C] a report on a subject or on a series of events: a review of customer complaints  to publish a review of recent cancer research
4 [C] (formal) a ceremony that involves an official INSPECTION of soldiers, etc. by an important visitor: to hold a review of the fleet

verb [vn]
1 to carefully examine or consider sth again, especially so that you can decide if it is necessary to make changes: to review the evidence  The government will review the situation later in the year.  Staff performance is reviewed annually.
2 to think about past events, for example to try to understand why they happened: to review your failures and triumphs  She had been reviewing the previous week on her way home.
3 to write a report of a book, play, film/movie, etc. in which you give your opinion of it: The play was reviewed in the national newspapers.
4 to make an official INSPECTION of a group of soldiers, etc. in a military ceremony: The Commander-in-Chief reviewed the troops.
5 (especially AmE) to look again at sth you have read or studied

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re.view.er
noun
1 a person who writes reviews of books, films/movies or plays: a book reviewer for ‘The Guardian’
2 a person who examines or considers sth carefully, for example to see if any changes need to be made: (BrE) a rent reviewer
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re.vile
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize sb/sth in a way that shows how much you dislike them
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re.vise
verb
1 [vn] to change your opinions or plans, for example because of sth you have learned: I can see I will have to revise my opinions of his abilities now.  The government may need to revise its policy in the light of this report.
2 [vn] to change sth, such as a book or an estimate, in order to correct or improve it: a revised edition of a textbook  I’ll prepare a revised estimate for you.  We may have to revise this figure upwards.
3 (BrE ) to prepare for an exam by looking again at work that you have done: [v] I spent the weekend revising for my exam.  I can’t come out tonight. I have to revise.  [vn] I’m revising Geography today.
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re.vi.sion
noun
1 [C] a change or set of changes to sth: He made some minor revisions to the report before printing it out.
2 [U, C] the act of changing sth, or of examining sth with the intention of changing it: a system in need of revision  a revision of trading standards
3 [U] (BrE) the process of learning work for an exam: Have you started your revision yet?
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re.vi.sion.ism
noun [U] (often disapproving, politics ) ideas that are different from, and want to change, the main ideas or practices of a political system, especially Marxism
re.vi.sion.ist noun: bourgeois revisionists
re.vi.sion.ist adj.: revisionist history / historians
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re.visit
verb [vn] (written)
1 to visit a place again, especially after a long period of time
2 to return to an idea or a subject and discuss it again: It’s an idea that may be worth revisiting at a later date.
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re.vit.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make sth stronger, more active or more healthy: measures to revitalize the inner cities  The local economy has been revitalized.
re.vit.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the revitalization of the steel industry
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re.vival
noun
1 [U, C] an improvement in the condition or strength of sth: the revival of trade  an economic revival  a revival of interest in folk music
2 [C, U] the process of sth becoming or being made popular or fashionable again: a religious revival  Jazz is enjoying a revival.
3 [C] a new production of a play that has not been performed for some time: a revival of Peter Shaffer’s ‘Equus’
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re.vival.ism
noun [U]
1 the process of creating interest in sth again, especially religion: Christian revivalism
2 the practice of using ideas, designs, etc. from the past: revivalism in architecture
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re.vival.ist
noun a person who tries to make sth popular again: Christian revivalists
re.vival.ist adj.: revivalist ideas / movements / styles  a revivalist preacher
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re.vive
verb
1 to become, or to make sb/sth become, conscious or healthy and strong again: [v] The flowers soon revived in water.  The economy is beginning to revive.  [vn] The paramedics couldn’t revive her.  This movie is intended to revive her flagging career.
2 [vn] to make sth start being used or done again: This quaint custom should be revived.  She has been trying to revive the debate over equal pay.
3 [vn] to produce again a play, etc. that has not been performed for some time: This 1930s musical is being revived at the National Theatre.—see also REVIVAL
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re.viv.ify
verb (re.vivi.fies, re.vivi.fy.ing, re.vivi.fied, re.vivi.fied) [vn] (rare, formal) to give new life or health to sth
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revo.ca.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) the act of cancelling a law, etc: the revocation of planning permission
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re.voke
verb [vn] (formal) to officially cancel sth so that it is no longer valid
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re.volt
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a protest against authority, especially that of a government, often involving violence; the action of protesting against authority: the Peasants' Revolt of 1381  to lead / stage a revolt  The army quickly crushed the revolt.  the biggest back-bench revolt this government has ever seen  Attempts to negotiate peace ended in armed revolt.   (formal) The people rose in revolt .

verb
1 [v] ~ (against sb/sth) to take violent action against the people in power: Finally the people revolted against the military dictatorship.  The peasants threatened to revolt.—see also REVOLUTION
2 [v] ~ (against sth) to behave in a way that is the opposite of what sb expects of you, especially in protest: Teenagers often revolt against parental discipline.
3 [vn] to make you feel horror or disgust: All the violence in the movie revolted me.  The way he ate his food revolted me.—see also REVULSION

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re.volt.ing
adj. extremely unpleasant
SYN DISGUSTING : a revolting smell  a revolting little man
re.volt.ing.ly adv.: She’s revoltingly overweight.
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revo.lu.tion
noun
1 [C, U] an attempt, by a large number of people, to change the government of a country, especially by violent action: a bourgeois / socialist revolution  the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789  to cause / start a revolution  a country on the brink of revolution—see also COUNTER-REVOLUTION , REVOLT
2 [C] ~ (in sth) a great change in conditions, ways of working, beliefs, etc. that affects large numbers of people: a cultural / social / scientific revolution  A revolution in information technology is taking place.—see also INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
3 [C, U] ~ (around / on sth) a complete circular movement around a point, especially of one planet around another: the revolution of the earth around the sun—see also REVOLVE
4 (also informal rev) [C] a circular movement made by sth fixed to a central point, for example in a car engine: rotating at 300 revolutions per minute
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revo.lu.tion.ary
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with political revolution : a revolutionary leader / movement  revolutionary uprisings
2 involving a great or complete change: a revolutionary idea   a time of rapid and revolutionary change

noun (pl.-ies) a person who starts or supports a revolution , especially a political one: socialist / student revolutionaries

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revo.lu.tion.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to completely change the way that sth is done: Aerial photography has revolutionized the study of archaeology.
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re.volve
verb [v] to go in a circle around a central point: The fan revolved slowly.  The earth revolves on its axis.
PVR V re'volve around / round sth to move around sth in a circle: The earth revolves around the sun. re'volve around / round sb/sth to have sb/sth as the main interest or subject: His whole life revolves around surfing.  She thinks that the world revolves around her.  The discussion revolved around the question of changing the club’s name.
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re.volver
noun a small gun that has a container for bullets that turns around so that shots can be fired quickly without having to stop to put more bullets in
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re.volv.ing
adj. [usually before noun] able to turn in a circle: a revolving chair  The theatre has a revolving stage.
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,revolving 'door
noun a type of door in an entrance to a large building that turns around in a circle as people go through it
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revue
noun [C, U] a show in a theatre, with songs, dances, jokes, short plays, etc., often about recent events: a musical / comedy / satirical revue
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re.vul.sion
noun [U, sing.] ~ (at / against / from sth) (formal) a strong feeling of disgust or horror: a feeling / look of revulsion  She felt a deep sense of revulsion at the violence.  I started to feel a revulsion against their decadent lifestyle.  Most people viewed the bombings with revulsion .—see also REVOLT
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re.ward
noun, verb
noun ~ (for sth / for doing sth)
1 [C, U] a thing that you are given because you have done sth good, worked hard, etc: a cash / financial reward  a reward for good behaviour  The company is now reaping the rewards of their investments.  You deserve a reward for being so helpful.  Winning the match was just reward for the effort the team had made.
2 [C] an amount of money that is offered to sb for helping the police to find a criminal or for finding sth that is lost: A £100 reward has been offered for the return of the necklace.

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to give sth to sb because they have done sth good, worked hard, etc: She was rewarded for her efforts with a cash bonus.  He rewarded us handsomely (= with a lot of money) for helping him.  She started singing to the baby and was rewarded with a smile.  Our patience was finally rewarded.

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re.ward.ing
adj. (of an activity, etc.) worth doing; that makes you happy because you think it is useful or important
SYN SATISFYING : a rewarding experience / job  Teaching is not very financially rewarding (= is not very well paid).
OPP UNREWARDING
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re.wind
verb (re.wound, re.wound ) [vn, v] to make a tape in a cassette player, etc. go backwards
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re.wire
verb [vn] to put new electrical wires into a building or piece of equipment
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re.word
verb [vn] (written) to write sth again using different words in order to make it clearer or more acceptable
re.word.ing noun [C, U]
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re.work
verb [vn] to make changes to sth in order to improve it or make it more suitable
re.work.ing noun [C, U]: The movie is a reworking of the Frankenstein story.
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re.write
verb (re.wrote , re.writ.ten ) [vn] to write sth again in a different way, usually in order to improve it or because there is some new information: I intend to rewrite the story for younger children.  This essay will have to be completely rewritten.  an attempt to rewrite history (= to present historical events in a way that shows or proves what you want them to)
re.write noun
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RGN
abbr. registered general nurse
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rhap.sod.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v, v speech] ~ (about / over sth) (rare, formal) to talk or write with great enthusiasm about sth
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rhap.sody
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (often in titles) a piece of music that is full of feeling and is not regular in form: Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies
2 (written) the expression of great enthusiasm or happiness in speech or writing
rhap.sodic adj.
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rhe.sus factor
noun [sing.] (medical ) a substance present in the red blood cells of around 85% of humans. Its presence ( rhesus positive) or ABSENCE ( rhesus negative) can be dangerous for babies when they are born and for people having BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS .
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rhe.sus monkey
noun a small N Indian monkey, often used in scientific experiments
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rhet.oric
noun [U]
1 (formal, often disapproving) speech or writing that is intended to influence people, but that is not completely honest or sincere: the rhetoric of political slogans  empty rhetoric
2 (formal) the skill of using language in speech or writing in a special way that influences or entertains people
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rhet.oric.al
adj.
1 (of a question) asked only to make a statement or to produce an effect rather than to get an answer: ‘Don’t you care what I do?’ he asked, but it was a rhetorical question .
2 (formal, often disapproving) (of a speech or piece of writing) intended to influence people, but not completely honest or sincere
3 (formal) connected with the art of RHETORIC : the use of rhetorical devices such as metaphor and irony
rhet.oric.al.ly adv.: ‘Do you think I’m stupid?’ she asked rhetorically.  a rhetorically structured essay
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rheu,matic 'fever
noun [U] a serious disease that causes fever with swelling and pain in the joints
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rheuma.tism
noun [U] a disease that makes the muscles and joints painful, stiff and swollen
rheum.at.ic adj.: rheumatic complaints / pains
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rheuma.toid arth.ritis
noun [U] (medical ) a disease that gets worse over a period of time and causes painful swelling and permanent damage in the joints of the body, especially the fingers, wrists, feet and ankles
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rhine.stone
noun a clear colourless stone that is intended to look like a diamond, used in cheap jewellery
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rhino
noun (pl.-os) (informal) = RHINOCEROS : a black / white rhino  rhino horn
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rhi.noceros
noun (pl.rhi.noceros or rhi.nocer.oses) (also informal rhino) a large heavy animal with very thick skin and either one or two horns on its nose, that lives in Africa and S Asia—
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rhi.zome
noun (technical ) the thick stem of some plants, such as IRIS and MINT , that grows along or under the ground and has roots and stems growing from it
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rhodo.den.dron
noun a bush with large red, purple, pink or white flowers
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rhom.boid
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with four straight sides, with only the opposite sides and angles equal to each other—picture at PARALLELOGRAM
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rhom.bus
noun (geometry ) a flat shape with four equal sides and four angles which are not 90°—picture at PARALLELOGRAM
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rhu.barb
noun [U]
1 the thick red stems of a garden plant, also called rhubarb, that are cooked and eaten as a fruit: rhubarb pie
2 a word that a group of actors repeat on stage to give the impression of a lot of people talking at the same time
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rhumba
= RUMBA
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rhyme
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a word that has the same sound or ends with the same sound as another word: Can you think of a rhyme for ‘beauty’?
2 [C] a short poem in which the last word in the line has the same sound as the last word in another line, especially the next one: children’s rhymes and stories—see also NURSERY RHYME
3 [U] the use of words in a poem or song that have the same sound, especially at the ends of lines: a poem written in rhyme   the poet’s use of rhyme
IDM there’s no ,rhyme or 'reason to / for sth | without ,rhyme or 'reason if there is no rhyme or reason to sth or it happens without rhyme or reason, it happens in a way that cannot be easily explained or understood

verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth) if two words, syllables, etc. rhyme, or if one rhymes with the other, they have or end with the same sound: ‘Though’ rhymes with ‘low’.  ‘Tough’ and ‘through’ don’t rhyme.  rhyming couplets
2 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to put words that sound the same together, for example when you are writing poetry: You can rhyme ‘girl’ with ‘curl’.
3 [v] (of a poem) to have lines that end with the same sound: I prefer poems that rhyme.

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'rhyming slang
noun [U] a way of talking in which you use words or phrases that rhyme with the word you mean, instead of using that word. For example in COCKNEY rhyming slang ‘apples and pears’ means ‘stairs’.
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rhythm
noun [U, C]
1 a strong regular repeated pattern of sounds or movements: to dance to the rhythm of the music  music with a fast / slow / steady rhythm  jazz rhythms  He can’t seem to play in rhythm .  The boat rocked up and down in rhythm with the sea.  the rhythm of her breathing  a dancer with a natural sense of rhythm (= the ability to move in time to a fixed beat)
2 a regular pattern of changes or events: the rhythm of the seasons / tides  biological / body rhythms
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,rhythm and 'blues
noun [U] (abbr. R & B) a type of music that is a mixture of BLUES and jazz and has a strong rhythm
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rhyth.mic
(also less frequent rhyth.mic.al ) adj. having a regular pattern of sounds, movements or events: music with a fast, rhythmic beat  Do the exercises with slow, rhythmic movements.  the rhythmic ticking of the clock
rhyth.mic.al.ly adv.
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'rhythm section
noun the part of a band that supplies the rhythm , usually consisting of drums, BASS , and sometimes piano
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rib
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] any of the curved bones that are connected to the SPINE and surround the chest: a broken / bruised / cracked rib  Stop poking me in the ribs !—see also RIBCAGE —picture at BODY
2 [U, C] a piece of meat with one or more bones from the ribs of an animal—see also SPARE RIB
3 [C] a curved piece of wood, metal or plastic that forms the frame of a boat, roof, etc. and makes it stronger
4 [U, C] a way of knitting that produces a pattern of vertical lines in which some are higher than others: a rib cotton sweater
IDM see DIG v.

verb (-bb-) [vn] ~ sb (about / over sth) (old-fashioned, informal) to laugh at sb and make jokes about them, but in a friendly way

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rib.ald
adj. (written) (of language or behaviour) referring to sex in a rude but humorous way
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rib.ald.ry
noun [U] (written) language or behaviour that refers to sex in a rude but humorous way
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ribbed
adj. (especially of fabrics for clothes) having raised lines: a ribbed sweater
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rib.bing
noun [U]
1 a pattern of raised lines in knitting or on a surface
2 (old-fashioned, informal) the act of making fun of sb in a friendly way
SYN TEASING
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rib.bon
noun
1 [U, C] a narrow strip of material, used to tie things or for decoration: a present tied with yellow ribbon  lengths / pieces of velvet ribbon  She was wearing two blue silk ribbons in her hair.—picture at ROPE
2 [C] something that is long and narrow in shape: The road was a ribbon of moonlight.   (BrE) Ribbon developments (= lines of buildings) extended along the main road.
3 [C] a ribbon in special colours, or tied in a special way, that is given to sb as a prize or as a military honour, or that is worn by sb to show that they belong to a particular political party—compare ROSETTE
4 [C] a long strip of material containing ink that you put into TYPEWRITERS and some computer printers
IDM cut / tear, etc. sth to 'ribbons to cut/tear, etc. sth very badly
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rib.cage
noun the structure of curved bones, (called RIBS ), that surrounds and protects the chest
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rice
noun [U] short, narrow white or brown grain grown on wet land in hot countries as food; the plant that produces this grain: a grain of rice  boiled / steamed / fried rice  long- / short-grain rice  brown rice (= without its outer covering removed)  rice paddies (= rice fields)—picture at CEREAL
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,rice 'pudding
noun [U, C] a hot DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from rice cooked with milk and sugar
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rich
adj. (rich.er, rich.est)
WITH A LOT OF MONEY|
1 having a lot of money or property: one of the richest women in the world  Nobody gets rich from writing nowadays.   (slang) to be filthy / stinking (= extremely)rich
OPP POOR
2 (the rich) noun [pl.] people who have a lot of money or property: It’s a favourite resort for the rich and famous.
OPP THE POOR
3 (of a country) producing a lot of wealth so that many of its people can live at a high standard: the richest countries / economies / nations
OPP POOR
FULL OF VARIETY|
4 very interesting and full of variety: the region’s rich history and culture  She leads a rich and varied life.
CONTAINING / PROVIDING STH|
5 ~ (in sth) (often in compounds) containing or providing a large supply of sth: Oranges are rich in vitamin C.  The area is rich in wildlife.  His novels are a rich source of material for the movie industry.  iron-rich rocks
OPP POOR
FOOD|
6 containing a lot of fat, butter, eggs, etc. and making you feel full quickly: a rich creamy sauce  a rich chocolate cake
SOIL|
7 containing the substances that make it good for growing plants in: a rich well-drained soil
OPP POOR
COLOURS / SOUNDS|
8 (of colours, sounds, smells and tastes) strong or deep; very beautiful or pleasing: rich dark reds
EXPENSIVE|
9 (literary) expensive and beautiful: The rooms were decorated with rich fabrics.
CRITICISM|
10 (spoken, especially BrE) used to say that a criticism sb makes is surprising and not reasonable, because they have the same fault: Me? Lazy? That’s rich, coming from you!—compare RICHNESS
IDM see STRIKE v.
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riches
noun [pl.] (especially written) large amounts of money and valuable or beautiful possessions: a career that brought him fame and riches  material / spiritual riches
IDM see EMBARRASSMENT , RAG n.
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rich.ly
adv.
1 in a beautiful and expensive manner: a richly decorated / furnished room
2 used to express the fact that sth has a pleasant strong colour, taste or smell: a richly-flavoured sauce  The polished floor glowed richly.
3 in a generous way: She was richly rewarded for all her hard work.
4 in a way that people think is right and good: richly deserved success  richly earned respect
5 used to express the fact that the quality or thing mentioned is present in large amounts: richly varied countryside  a richly atmospheric novel
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rich.ness
noun [U] the state of being rich in sth, such as colour, minerals or interesting qualities: The richness and variety of marine life.—compare WEALTH
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Rich.ter scale
noun (the Richter scale) [sing.] a system for measuring how strong an earthquake is: an earthquake measuring 7·3 on the Richter scale
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rick
noun, verb
noun a large pile of HAY or STRAW that is built in a regular shape and covered to protect it from rain

verb [vn] (BrE ) to injure a part of your body by twisting it suddenly

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rick.ets
noun [U] a disease of children caused by a lack of good food that makes the bones become soft and badly formed, especially in the legs
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rick.ety
adj. not strong or well made; likely to break: a rickety chair / staircase
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rick.shaw
noun a small light vehicle with two wheels used in some Asian countries to carry passengers. The rickshaw is pulled by sb walking or riding a bicycle.
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rico.chet
verb, noun
verb (rico.chet.ing rico.cheted, rico.cheted , BrE also rico.chet.ting rico.chet.ted, rico.chet.ted ) [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a moving object) to hit a surface and come off it fast at a different angle: The bullet ricocheted off a nearby wall.

noun
1 [C] a ball, bullet or stone that ricochets : A woman protester was killed by a ricochet (bullet).
2 [U] the action of ricocheting : the ricochet of bricks and bottles off police riot shields

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rid
verb (rid.ding, rid, rid)
IDM be 'rid of sb/sth (formal) to be free of sb/sth that has been annoying you or that you do not want: She wanted to be rid of her parents and their authority.  I was glad to be rid of the car when I finally sold it.   (BrE) He was a nuisance and we’re all well rid of him (= we’ll be much better without him). get 'rid of sb/sth to make yourself free of sb/sth that is annoying you or that you do not want; to throw sth away: Try and get rid of your visitors before I get there.  The problem is getting rid of nuclear waste.  I can’t get rid of this headache.  We got rid of all the old furniture.—more at WANT v.
PVR V 'rid sb/sth of sb/sth (written) to remove sth that is causing a problem from a place, group, etc: Further measures will be taken to rid our streets of crime. 'rid yourself of sb/sth (formal) to make yourself free from sb/sth that is annoying you or causing you a problem: to rid yourself of fear / guilt / pain  He wanted to rid himself of the burden of the secret.
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rid.dance
noun [U]
IDM good 'riddance (to sb/sth) an unkind way of saying that you are pleased that sb/sth has gone: ‘Goodbye and good riddance!’ she said to him angrily as he left.
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rid.den
adj. —see also RIDE v. (usually in compounds) full of a particular unpleasant thing: a disease-ridden slum  a class-ridden society  She was guilt-ridden at the way she had treated him.  She was ridden with guilt.
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rid.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 a question that is difficult to understand, and that has a surprising answer, that you ask sb as a game: Stop talking in riddles (= asking questions that are confusing)—say what you mean.  to solve the riddle of the Sphinx
2 a mysterious event or situation that you cannot explain: the riddle of how the baby died

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make a lot of holes in sb/sth: The car was riddled with bullets .
IDM be 'riddled with sth to be full of sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant: His body was riddled with cancer.  Her typing was slow and riddled with mistakes.

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ride
verb, noun
verb (rode rid.den )
HORSE|
1 [often +adv. / prep.] to sit on a horse, etc. and control it as it moves: [v] I learnt to ride as a child.  They rode along narrow country lanes.  He was riding on a large black horse.  [vn] She had never ridden a horse before.  He’s ridden six winners so far this year (= in horse racing).
2 [v] (go riding) (BrE) (AmE go 'horseback riding) to spend time riding a horse for pleasure: How often do you go riding?
BICYCLE / MOTORCYCLE|
3 [often +adv. / prep.] to sit on and control a bicycle, motorcycle, etc: [vn] The boys were riding their bikes around the streets.  He rode a Harley Davidson.  [v] The ground there is too rough to ride over.
IN VEHICLE|
4 [usually +adv. / prep.] to travel in a vehicle, especially as a passenger: [v] I walked back while the others rode in the car.   (AmE ) [vn] to ride the subway / an elevator  She rode the bus to school every day.
ON WATER / AIR|
5 [usually +adv. / prep.] to float or be supported on water or air: [v] We watched the balloon riding high above the fields.  [vn] surfers riding the waves
GO THROUGH AREA|
6 [vn] to go through or over an area on a horse, bicycle, etc: We rode the mountain trails. be riding for a 'fall to be doing sth that involves risks and that may end in disaster be riding 'high to be successful or very confident: The company is riding high this year. let sth 'ride to decide to do nothing about a problem that you know you may have to deal with later: He was rude to me but I let it ride this time. ride the crest of sth to enjoy great success or support because of a particular situation or event: The band is riding the crest of its last tour. ride 'herd on sb/sth (AmE, informal) to keep watch or control over sb/sth: police riding herd on crowds of youths on the streets ride 'shotgun (AmE, informal) to ride in the front passenger seat of a car or truck ride a / the wave of sth to enjoy or be supported by the particular situation or quality mentioned: Schools are riding a wave of renewed public interest. 'ride on sth (usually used in the progressive tenses) to depend on sth: My whole future is riding on this interview. ,ride sth<->'out to manage to survive a difficult situation or time without having to make great changes ,ride 'up (of clothing) to move gradually upwards, out of position: Short skirts tend to ride up when you sit down.

noun
IN VEHICLE|
1 a short journey in a vehicle, on a bicycle, etc: a train ride through beautiful countryside  It’s a ten-minute bus ride from here to town.  Steve gave me a ride on his motorbike.  We went for a ride on our bikes.  a bike ride
2 (AmE) = LIFT : She hitched a ride to the station.  We managed to get a ride into town when we missed the bus.
3 the kind of journey you make in a car, etc: a smooth / comfortable ride   (figurative) The new legislation faces a bumpy ride (= will meet with opposition and difficulties).
ON HORSE|
4 a short journey on a horse, etc: a pony ride  The kids had a ride on an elephant at the zoo.  He goes for a ride most mornings.
AT FUNFAIR|
5 a large machine at a FUNFAIR or amusement park that you ride on for amusement or excitement; an occasion when you go on one of these: The rides are free.  a roller coaster ride come / go along for the 'ride (informal) to join in an activity for pleasure but without being seriously interested in it have a rough / an easy 'ride | give sb a rough / an easy 'ride (informal) to experience/not experience difficulties when you are doing sth; to make things difficult/easy for sb: He will be given a rough ride at the party conference. take sb for a 'ride (informal) to cheat or trick sb: It’s not a pleasant feeling to discover you’ve been taken for a ride by someone you trusted.—more at FREE adj.

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rider
noun
1 a person who rides a horse, bicycle or motorcycle: Three riders (= people riding horses) were approaching.  horses and their riders  She’s an experienced rider.  a motorcycle dispatch rider
2 ~ (to sth) an extra piece of information that is added to an official document
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ridge
noun, verb
noun
1 a narrow area of high land along the top of a line of hills; a high pointed area near the top of a mountain: walking along the ridge  the north-east ridge of Mount Everest—picture at MOUNTAIN
2 a raised line on the surface of sth; the point where two sloping surfaces join: The ridges on the soles of my boots stopped me from slipping.  the ridge of the roof
3 [C] ~ (of high pressure) (technical) a long narrow area of high pressure in the atmosphere—compare TROUGH

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make narrow raised lines or areas on the surface of sth

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ridged
adj. (of an object or area) with raised lines on the surface
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ridi.cule
noun, verb
noun [U] unkind comments that make fun of sb or make them look silly: She is an object of ridicule in the tabloid newspapers.  to hold sb up to ridicule (= make fun of sb publicly)

verb [vn] to make sb/sth look silly by laughing at them or it in an unkind way

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ri.dicu.lous
adj. very silly or unreasonable: I look ridiculous in this hat.  Don’t be ridiculous! You can’t pay £50 for a T-shirt!
ri.dicu.lous.ly adv.: The meal was ridiculously expensive.
ri.dicu.lous.ness noun [U]
IDM see SUBLIME n.
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rid.ing
(BrE also 'horse riding) (AmE also 'horseback riding) noun [U] the sport or activity of riding horses: I’m taking riding lessons.  riding boots   (BrE ) to go riding   (AmE ) to go horseback riding
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rife
adj. [not before noun]
1 if sth bad or unpleasant is rife in a place, it is very common there: It is a country where corruption is rife.  Rumours are rife that he is going to resign.
2 ~ (with sth) full of sth bad or unpleasant: Los Angeles is rife with gossip about the stars' private lives.
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riff
noun a short repeated pattern of notes in popular music or jazz
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rif.fle
verb ~ (through) sth to turn over papers or the pages of a book quickly and without reading them all: [v] He was riffling through the papers on his desk.  [vn] to riffle the pages of a book
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riff-raff
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] (disapproving) an insulting way of referring to people of low social class or people who are not considered socially acceptable
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rifle
noun, verb
noun a gun with a long BARREL which you hold to your shoulder to fire

verb
1 ~ (through) sth to search quickly through sth in order to find or steal sth: [v] She rifled through her clothes for something suitable to wear. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to steal sth from somewhere: His wallet had been rifled.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to kick a ball very hard and straight in a game of football

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rifle.man
noun (pl.-men ) a soldier who carries a rifle
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'rifle range
noun
1 [C] a place where people practise shooting with rifles
2 [U] the distance that a bullet from a rifle will travel
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rift
noun
1 a serious disagreement between people that stops their relationship from continuing: The rift within the party deepens.  a serious marriage rift  Efforts to heal the rift between the two countries have failed.
2 a large crack or opening in the ground, rocks or clouds
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'rift valley
noun a valley with steep sides formed when two parallel cracks develop in the earth’s surface and the land between them sinks
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rig
verb, noun
verb (-gg-) [vn] [usually passive]
1 to arrange or influence sth in a dishonest way in order to get the result that you want: He said the election had been rigged.  A commission was appointed to ensure the lottery was not rigged.  to rig the market (= to cause an artificial rise or fall in prices, in order to make a profit)
2 ~ sth (with sth) to provide a ship or boat with ropes, sails, etc.; to fit the sails, etc. in position
3 ~ sth (up) (with sth) to fit equipment somewhere, sometimes secretly: The lights had been rigged (up) but not yet tested.  The car had been rigged with about 300 lbs of explosive.
PVR V ,rig sb / yourself<->'out (in / with sth) [often passive] (old-fashioned) to provide sb/sth with a particular kind of clothes or equipment: I was accepted for the job and rigged out in a uniform. ,rig sth<->'up to make or to build sth quickly, using whatever materials are available: We managed to rig up a shelter for the night.

noun
1 (especially in compounds) a large piece of equipment that is used for taking oil or gas from the ground or the bottom of the sea: an oil rig
2 the way that the MASTS and sails on a boat, etc. are arranged
3 (AmE, informal) a large lorry/truck
4 equipment that is used for a special purpose: a CB radio rig

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rig.ging
noun [U]
1 the ropes that support the MASTS and sails of a boat or ship
2 the act of influencing sth in a dishonest way in order to get the result that you want: vote rigging
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right
adj., adv., noun, verb, exclamation
adj.
MORALLY GOOD|
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) morally good or acceptable; what is correct according to law or a person’s duty: You were quite right to criticize him.  Is it ever right to kill?  It seems only right to warn you of the risk.  I hope we’re doing the right thing .
OPP WRONG
TRUE / CORRECT|
2 true or correct as a fact: Did you get the answer right?  ‘What’s the right time ?’‘10.37.’  ‘David, isn’t it?’‘Yes, that’s right .’   (spoken) It was Monday you went to see Angie, right?   (spoken) Let me get this right (= understand correctly)—you want us to do an extra ten hours' work for no extra pay?  ‘I’ll have to do it again.’‘Too right you will (= there is no doubt about it).’
OPP WRONG
3 correct for a particular situation or thing, or for a particular person: Have you got the right money (= the exact amount) for the bus fare?  Is this the right way to the beach?  You’re not holding it the right way up .  Are you sure you’ve got that on the right way round ?  Next time we’ll get it right .  He’s the right man for the job.  I’m glad you split up. She wasn’t right for you.  I was waiting for the right moment to ask him.  She knows all the right people (= important people, for example those who can help her career).  His success was down to being in the right place at the right time (= being able to take opportunities when they came).
OPP WRONG
4 [not before noun] ~ (about sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (in doing sth) correct in your opinion or judgement: She was right about Tom having no money.  You’re right to be cautious.  ‘It’s not easy.’‘Yeah, you’re right .’  Am I right in thinking we’ve met before?
OPP WRONG
NORMAL|
5 [not before noun] in a normal or satisfactory condition: I don’t feel quite right today (= I feel ill / sick).  That sausage doesn’t smell right.  Things aren’t right between her parents.  If only I could have helped put matters right .  He’s not quite right in the head (= not mentally normal).
OPP WRONG
NOT LEFT|
6 [only before noun] of, on or towards the side of the body that is towards the east when a person faces north: my right eye / shoe  Keep on the right side of the road.  Take a right turn at the intersection.—see also RIGHT-WING
OPP LEFT
COMPLETE|
7 [only before noun] (BrE, informal, especially disapproving) used to emphasize sth bad: You made a right mess of that!  I felt a right idiot.—see also ALL RIGHT
right.ness noun [U]: the rightness (= justice) of their cause  the rightness of his decision ,give your right 'arm for sth / to do sth (informal) used to say that sb is willing to give up a lot in order to have or do sth that they really want: I’d have given my right arm to have been there with them. (not) in your right 'mind (not) mentally normal (as) right as 'rain (informal) in excellent health or condition right e'nough (spoken) certainly; in a way that cannot be DENIED : You heard me right enough (= so don’t pretend that you did not). right 'on (spoken) used to express strong approval or encouragement—see also RIGHT-ON ,right side 'up (AmE) with the top part turned to the top; in the correct, normal position: I dropped my toast, but luckily it fell right side up.
OPP UPSIDE DOWN —more at ALL RIGHT adj. , FOOT n. , HEAD n. , HEART , IDEA , MR , NOTE n. , SIDE n. , TRACK n.

adv.
EXACTLY|
1 exactly; directly: Lee was standing right behind her.  The wind was right in our faces.  I’m right behind you on this one (= I am supporting you).  The bus came right on time.
COMPLETELY|
2 all the way; completely: The car spun right off the track.  I’m right out of ideas.  She kept right on swimming until she reached the other side.
IMMEDIATELY|
3 (informal) immediately; without delay: I’ll be right back.  I’ll be right with you (= I am coming very soon).
CORRECTLY|
4 correctly: You guessed right.
OPP WRONG
SATISFACTORILY|
5 in a satisfactory way: Nothing’s going right for me today.
OPP WRONG
NOT LEFT|
6 on or to the right side: Turn right at the end of the street.
OPP LEFT ,right and 'left everywhere: She owes money right and left. right a'way / 'off immediately; without delay: I want it sent right away.  I told him right off what I thought of him. ,right, left and 'centre = LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE at LEFT adv. right 'now
1 at this moment: He’s not in the office right now.
2 immediately: Do it right now! see sb 'right (AmE also do sb 'right) (informal) to make sure that sb has all they need or want: You needn’t worry about money—I’ll see you right.—more at ALLEY , SERVE v.

noun
STH MORALLY GOOD|
1 [U, C] what is morally good or correct: She doesn’t understand the difference between right and wrong.  You did right to tell me about it.  They both had some right on their side.  He wouldn’t apologize. He knew he was in the right (= had justice on his side).  It was difficult to establish the rights and wrongs (= the true facts) of the matter.
OPP WRONG
MORAL / LEGAL CLAIM|
2 [C, U] ~ (to sth / to do sth) a moral or legal claim to have or get sth or to behave in a particular way: Everyone has a right to a fair trial.  You have no right to stop me from going in there.  What gives you the right to do that?  She had every right to be angry.  You’re quite within your rights to ask for your money back.  By rights (= if justice were done) half the money should be mine.  There is no right of appeal against the decision.  Education is provided by the state as of right (= everyone has a right to it).  The property belongs to her by right .  They had fought hard for equal rights .  animal rights campaigners—see also CIVIL RIGHTS , HUMAN RIGHT
FOR BOOK / MOVIE, etc.|
3 (rights) [pl.] the authority to perform, publish, film, etc. a particular work, event, etc: He sold the rights for $2 million.  all rights reserved (= protected or kept for the owners of the book, film / movie, etc.)
NOT LEFT SIDE|
4 (the / sb’s right) [sing.] the right side or direction: Take the first street on the right.  She seated me on her right.
OPP LEFT
5 [sing.] the first, second, etc. ~ the first, second, etc. road on the right side: Take the first right, then the second left.
OPP LEFT
6 (a right) [sing.] a turn to the right: to make a right   (AmE, informal) to hang a right
OPP LEFT
POLITICS|
7 (the right, the Right) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] political groups that most strongly support the CAPITALIST system—compare RIGHT WING : The Right in British politics is represented by the Conservative Party.
OPP LEFT
8 (the right) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the part of a political party whose members are least in favour of social change: He’s on the right of the Labour Party.
OPP LEFT
IN BOXING|
9 a blow that is made with your right hand
OPP LEFT bang to 'rights (BrE) (AmE dead to 'rights) (informal) in the act of committing a crime, so that you cannot claim to be innocent: We’ve got you bang to rights handling stolen property. do 'right by sb (old-fashioned) to treat sb fairly in your own 'right because of your personal qualifications or efforts, not because of your connection with sb else: She sings with a rock band, but she’s also a jazz musician in her own right. put / set sb/sth to 'rights to correct sb/sth; to put things in their right places or right order: It took me ages to put things to rights after the workmen had left.—more at WORLD , WRONG n.

verb [vn]
RETURN TO POSITION|
1 to return sb/sth/yourself to the normal, upright position: They learnt to right a capsized canoe.  At last the plane righted itself and flew on.
CORRECT|
2 to correct sth that is wrong or not in its normal state: Righting the economy will demand major cuts in expenditure. right a 'wrong to do sth to correct an unfair situation or sth bad that you have done

exclamation (BrE , informal)
1 used to show that you accept a statement or an order: ‘You may find it hurts a little at first.’‘Right.’  ‘Barry’s here.’‘Oh, right.’  ‘I’ll have a whisky and soda.’‘Right you are , sir.’
2 used to get sb’s attention to say that you are ready to do sth, or to tell them to do sth: Right! Let’s get going.
3 used to check that sb agrees with you or has understood you: So that’s twenty of each sort, right?  And I didn’t think any more of it, right, but Mum says I should see a doctor.

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'right angle
noun an angle of 90°: Place the table at right angles / at a right angle to the wall—compare ACUTE ANGLE , OBTUSE ANGLE , REFLEX ANGLE —picture at TRIANGLE
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'right-angled
adj. having or consisting of a right angle : (BrE ) a right-angled triangle—picture at TRIANGLE
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right.eous
adj. (formal)
1 morally right and good: a righteous God
2 that you think is acceptable or fair from a moral point of view: righteous anger / indignation / rage—see also SELF-RIGHTEOUS
right.eous.ly adv.
right.eous.ness noun [U]
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right.ful
adj. [only before noun] (formal) that is correct, right or legal: The stolen car was returned to its rightful owner .
right.ful.ly adv.: She was only claiming what was rightfully hers.
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'right-hand
adj. [only before noun]
1 on the right side of sth: on the right-hand side of the road  the top right-hand corner of the screen
2 intended for use by your right hand: a right-hand glove
OPP LEFT-HAND
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,right-hand 'drive
adj. (of a vehicle) with the driver’s seat and STEERING WHEEL on the right side
OPP LEFT-HAND DRIVE
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,right-'handed
adj.
1 a person who is right-handed uses their right hand for writing, using tools, etc.
2 a right-handed tool is designed to be used with the right hand
,right-'handed adv.
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,right-'hander
noun
1 a person who uses their right hand for writing, using tools, etc.
2 a hit with the right hand
OPP LEFT-HANDER
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,right-hand 'man
noun [sing.] a person who helps sb a lot and who they rely on, especially in an important job: the President’s right-hand man
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,Right 'Honourable
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. Rt Hon)
1 (the Right Honourable …) a title of respect used when talking to or about a person of high social rank, especially a LORD
2 (the / my Right Honourable …) the title of respect used by Members of Parliament in Britain when talking to or about a senior Member of Parliament during a debate: my Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment—compare HONOURABLE
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right.ist
noun a person who supports RIGHT-WING political parties and their ideas
SYN RIGHT-WINGER
OPP LEFTIST
right.ist adj.
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right.ly
adv.
1 for a good reason
SYN JUSTIFIABLY : The school was rightly proud of the excellent exam results.  He was proud of his beautiful house, and rightly so .  Quite rightly , the environment is of great concern.
2 in a correct or accurate way: Rightly or wrongly , many older people are afraid of violence in the streets.  As she rightly pointed out the illness can affect adults as well as children.   (spoken) I can’t rightly say what happened.   (spoken) I don’t rightly know where he’s gone.   (spoken) If I remember rightly , there’s a train at six o’clock.  note at RIGHT
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,right-'minded
adj. (of a person) having beliefs and opinions that most people approve of: Any right-minded person would be offended by this book.
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righto
exclamation (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) = RIGHT
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,right of a'bode
noun [U] official permission that allows a person to live in a particular country
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,right of 'way
noun (pl.,rights of 'way)
1 [U] (especially BrE) legal permission to go onto or through another person’s land: Private property—no right of way.
2 [C] (especially BrE) a public path that goes through private land: a public right of way for walkers
3 [U] the right to drive across or into a road before another vehicle: I had right of way at the junction.  Whose right of way is it?
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,right-'on
adj. (informal, sometimes disapproving) having political opinions or being aware of social issues that are fashionable and LEFT-WING : right-on middle-class intellectuals
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,Right 'Reverend
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. Rt Revd) a title of respect used when talking about a BISHOP (= a senior priest): Anthony Hunter, Bishop of Huddersfield
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'rights issue
noun (business ) an offer to buy shares in a company at a cheaper price to people who already own some shares in it
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right.ward
(also right.wards especially in BrE) adj.
1 on or to the right: a rightward movement
2 towards more RIGHT-WING political ideas: a rightward shift in voting patterns
right.ward (also right.wards) adv.
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the ,right 'wing
noun
1 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the part of a political party whose members are least in favour of social change: He is on the right wing of the party.
2 [C, U] an attacking player or a position on the right side of the field in a game of football, etc.
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,right-'wing
adj. strongly supporting the CAPITALIST system: right-wing opinions / policies / views
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,right-'winger
noun
1 a person on the right wing of a political party: She is a prominent Tory right-winger.
2 a person who plays on the right side of the field in a game of football, etc.
OPP LEFT-WINGER
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righty-ho
exclamation (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) = RIGHT
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rigid
adj.
1 (often disapproving) (of rules, methods, etc.) very strict and difficult to change: The curriculum was too narrow and too rigid.  His rigid adherence to the rules made him unpopular.
2 (of a person) not willing to change their ideas or behaviour: rigid attitudes
3 (of an object or substance) stiff and difficult to move or bend: a rigid support for the tent  She sat upright, her body rigid with fear .   (figurative) I was bored rigid (= extremely bored).
ri.gid.ity noun [U, C]: the rigidity of the law on this issue  the rigidity of the metal bar
ri.gid.ly adv.: The speed limit must be rigidly enforced.  She stared rigidly ahead.
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rig.mar.ole
noun
1 [U] a long and complicated process that is annoying and seems unnecessary: I couldn’t face the whole rigmarole of getting a work permit again.
2 [U, sing.] a long and complicated story
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rigor mor.tis
noun [U] the process by which the body becomes stiff after death: Rigor mortis had already set in.
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rig.or.ous
adj.
1 done carefully and with a lot of attention to detail THOROUGH : a rigorous analysis / investigation
2 demanding that particular rules, processes, etc. are strictly followed
SYN STRICT : The work failed to meet their rigorous standards.
rig.or.ous.ly adv.: The country’s press is rigorously controlled.
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rig.our
(BrE ) (AmErigor) noun
1 [U] the fact of being careful and paying great attention to detail: academic / intellectual / scientific rigour
2 [U] (formal) the fact of being strict or severe
SYN SEVERITY : This crime must be treated with the full rigour of the law.
3 (the rigours of sth) [pl.] the difficulties and unpleasant conditions of sth: The plants were unable to withstand the rigours of a harsh winter.
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rile
verb to annoy sb or make them angry: [vn] Nothing ever seemed to rile him. [alsovn that] be / get (all) ,riled 'up (informal, especially AmE) to be or get very annoyed
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rim
noun, verb
noun
1 the edge of sth that is circular: He looked at them over the rim of his glass.  The rims of her eyes were red with crying.  spectacles with gold rims—picture at EDGE
2 the metal edge of a wheel onto which the tyre is fixed—picture at BICYCLE
3 (-rimmed) adj.having a particular type of rim : gold-rimmed spectacles  red-rimmed eyes (= for example, from crying)—see also HORN-RIMMED

verb (-mm-) [vn] [often passive] (formal) to form an edge around sth

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rime
noun [U] (literary) FROST
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rim.less
adj. [only before noun] (of glasses) having LENSES (= the transparent parts that you look through) that are not surrounded by frames
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rind
noun
1 [U] the thick outer skin of some types of fruit: lemon rind—compare PEEL , SKIN , ZEST
2 [U, C] the thick outer skin of some foods such as BACON and some types of cheese
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ring^1
noun, verb —see also RING^2
noun
JEWELLERY|
1 [C] a piece of jewellery that you wear on your finger, consisting of a circular band of gold, silver, etc., sometimes decorated with precious stones: a gold ring  A large diamond glittered on her ring finger (= the finger next to the little finger, especially on the left hand).—see also ENGAGEMENT RING , SIGNET RING , WEDDING RING —picture at JEWELLERY
CIRCLE|
2 [C] an object in the shape of a circle with a large hole in the middle: a key ring  curtain rings  onion rings
3 [C] a circular mark or shape: She had dark rings around her eyes from lack of sleep.  The children sat on the floor in a ring.
FOR PERFORMANCE / COMPETITION|
4 [C] an enclosed area in which animals or people perform or compete, with seats around the outside for the audience: a boxing ring  a circus ring  The next competitor rode into the ring.—see also BULLRING
FOR COOKING|
5 [C] (especially BrE) a small flat plate on a cooker/stove that is heated by gas or electricity and is used for cooking on
SYN BURNER : to turn off the gas ring—
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
6 [C] a group of people who are working together, especially in secret or illegally: a spy ring  a drugs ring run 'rings around / round sb (informal) to be much better at doing sth than sb else—more at HAT

verb (ringed, ringed) [vn]
SURROUND|
1 [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to surround sb/sth: Thousands of demonstrators ringed the building.
BIRD’S LEG|
2 to put a metal ring around a bird’s leg so that it can be easily identified in the future
DRAW CIRCLE|
3 (especially BrE) to draw a circle around sth
SYN CIRCLE : Ring the correct answer in pencil.

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ring^2
verb, noun —see also RING^1
verb (rang rung )
TELEPHONE|
1 (BrE ) (also callAmE, BrE) ~ sb/sth (up) to telephone sb/sth: [vn] I’ll ring you up later.  He rang up the police station.  When is the best time to ring New York?  [v] David rang up while you were out.  He said he was ringing from London.  I’m ringing about your advertisement in the paper.  Could you ring for a cab?  She rang to say she’d be late.  note at PHONE
2 [v] (of a telephone) to make a sound because sb is trying to telephone you: Will you answer the telephone if it rings?
BELL|
3 if you ring a bell or if a bell rings, it produces a sound: [vn] Someone was ringing the doorbell.  [v] The church bells rang.  Just ring for the nurse (= attract the nurse’s attention by ringing a bell) if you need her.
WITH SOUND|
4 [v] ~ (with sth) (literary) to be full of a sound; to fill a place with sound: The house rang with children’s laughter.  Applause rang through the hall.
WITH QUALITY|
5 [v] to be full of a particular quality: His words rang with pride.
OF EARS|
6 [v] to be uncomfortable and be unable to hear clearly, usually because you have heard a loud noise, etc: The music was so loud it made my ears ring. ring a 'bell (informal) to sound familiar to you, as though you have heard it before: His name rings a bell but I can’t think where we met. ring the 'changes (with sth) (BrE) to make changes to sth in order to have greater variety: Ring the changes with a new colour. ,ring in your 'ears / 'head to make you feel that you can still hear sth: His warning was still ringing in my ears. ,ring off the 'hook (usually used in the progressive tenses) (AmE) (of a telephone) to ring many times: The phone has been ringing off the hook with offers of help. ring 'true / 'hollow / 'false to give the impression of being sincere/true or not sincere/true: It may seem a strange story but it rings true to me.—more at ALARM n. ,ring 'back| ,ring sb<->'back (BrE) to telephone sb again, for example because they were not there when you called earlier, or to return a call they made to you: He isn’t here now—could you ring back later?  I’ll ask Simon to ring you back when he gets in. ,ring 'in (BrE) to telephone a television or radio show, or the place where you work ,ring 'in sth to ring bells to celebrate sth, especially the new year ,ring 'off (BrE) to put down the telephone because you have finished speaking: He rang off before I could explain. ,ring 'out to be heard loudly and clearly: A number of shots rang out. ,ring 'round| ,ring 'round sb/sth (BrE) to telephone a number of people in order to organize sth or to get some information, etc. ,ring 'through (to sb) (BrE) to make a telephone call to sb, especially within the same building: Reception just rang through to say my visitor has arrived. ,ring sth<->'up to enter the cost of goods being bought in a shop/store on a CASH REGISTER by pressing the buttons; to make sales of a particular value: She rang up all the items on the till.  The company rang up sales of $166 million last year.

noun
OF BELL|
1 [C] the sound that a bell makes; the act of ringing a bell: There was a ring at the door.  He gave a couple of loud rings on the doorbell.
SOUND|
2 [sing.] a loud clear sound: the ring of horse’s hooves on the cobblestones
QUALITY|
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a particular quality that words, sounds, etc. have: His explanation has a ring of truth about it.  Her protestation of innocence had a hollow ring to it (= did not sound sincere).  The story had a familiar ring to it (= as if I had heard it before). give sb a 'ring (BrE, informal) to make a telephone call to sb: I’ll give you a ring tomorrow.  note at PHONE

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'ring binder
noun (BrE ) a file for holding papers, in which metal rings go through the edges of the pages, holding them in place—picture at STATIONERY
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ringed
adj. [only before noun]
1 having a ring or rings on: a ringed hand / finger
2 (especially of an animal or bird) having a mark or marks like a ring on it: a ringed plover
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ringer
noun
1 = BELL-RINGER
2 (AmE) a horse or person that takes part in a race illegally, for example by using a false name
IDM see DEAD adj.
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'ring-fence
verb [vn] (BrE, technical ) to protect a particular sum of money by putting restrictions on it so that it can only be used for a particular purpose
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'ring finger
noun the finger next to the smallest one, especially on the left hand, on which a wedding ring is traditionally worn—picture at BODY
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ringing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a sound) loud and clear: a ringing voice
2 (of a statement, etc.) powerful and made with a lot of force: a ringing endorsement of her leadership

noun [sing., U] an act or a sound of ringing: There was an unpleasant ringing in my ears.

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ring.lead.er
noun (disapproving) a person who leads others in crime or in causing trouble
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ring.let
noun [usually pl.] a long curl of hair hanging down from sb’s head
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ring.mas.ter
noun a person in charge of a CIRCUS performance
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'ring pull
(BrE ) (AmE 'pull-tab, tab) noun a small piece of metal with a ring attached which is pulled to open cans of food, drink, etc.—picture at PACKAGING
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'ring road
(BrE ) (AmE 'outer belt) noun a road that is built around a city or town to reduce traffic in the centre
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ring.side
noun [U] the area closest to the enclosed space in which a boxing match or CIRCUS takes place: According to law, a doctor must be present at the ringside.  a ringside seat
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ring.toss
noun [U] (AmE ) = HOOPLA (2)
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ring.worm
noun [U] an infectious skin disease that produces round red areas, especially on the head or the feet
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rink
noun
1 = ICE RINK
2 = SKATING RINK
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rinse
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to wash sth with clean water only, not using soap: Rinse the cooked pasta with boiling water.
2 to remove the soap from sth with clean water after washing it
3 [+adv. / prep.] to remove dirt, etc. from sth by washing it with clean water: She rinsed the mud from her hands.  I wanted to rinse the taste out of my mouth.
PVR V ,rinse sth<->'out to make sth clean, especially a container, by washing it with water: Rinse the cup out before use.

noun
1 [C] an act of rinsing sth: I gave the glass a rinse.  Fabric conditioner is added during the final rinse.
2 [C, U] a liquid that you put on your hair when it is wet in order to change its colour: a blue rinse
3 [C, U] a liquid used for cleaning the mouth and teeth

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riot
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a situation in which a group of people behave in a violent way in a public place, often as a protest: One prison guard was killed when a riot broke out in the jail.  food / race riots
2 [sing.] ~ of sth (written) a collection of a lot of different types of the same thing: The garden was a riot of colour .
3 (a riot) [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) a person or an event that is very amusing and enjoyable
IDM run 'riot
1 (of people) to behave in a way that is violent and/or not under control: They let their kids run riot.
2 if your imagination, a feeling, etc. runs riot, you allow it to develop and continue without trying to control it: An artist must learn to let his imagination run riot.
3 (of plants) to grow and spread quickly—more at READ v.

verb [v] (of a crowd of people) to behave in a violent way in a public place, often as a protest
riot.er noun: Rioters set fire to parked cars.
riot.ing noun [U]: Serious rioting broke out in the capital.

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'riot gear
noun [U] the clothes and equipment used by the police when they are dealing with riots
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riot.ous
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (formal orlaw) noisy and/or violent, especially in a public place: riotous behaviour / crowds / demonstrations  The organizers of the march were charged with assault and riotous assembly .
2 noisy, exciting and enjoyable in an uncontrolled way: a riotous evening / party  riotous laughter
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riot.ous.ly
adv. extremely: riotously enjoyable / funny
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'riot police
noun [pl.] police who are trained to deal with people RIOTING
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'riot shield
(also shield) noun a piece of equipment made from strong plastic, used by the police to protect themselves from angry crowds
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RIP
(BrE ) (also R.I.P.AmE, BrE) abbr. rest in peace (often written on graves)
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rip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 to tear sth or to become torn, often suddenly or violently: [vn] I ripped my jeans on the fence.  The flags had been ripped in two.  [vn-adj] She ripped the letter open .  [v] I heard the tent rip.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth quickly or violently, often by pulling it: He ripped off his tie.  The carpet had been ripped from the stairs.
IDM let 'rip (at sb) (informal) to speak or do sth with great force, enthusiasm, etc. and without control: When she gets angry with her boyfriend, she really lets rip at him.  The group let rip with a single from their new album. let 'rip | let sth 'rip (informal)
1 to go or allow sth such as a car to go as fast as possible: Once on the open road, he let rip.  Come on Steve—let her rip.
2 to do sth or to allow sth to happen as fast as possible: This would cause inflation to let rip again. rip sb/sth a'part / to 'shreds / to 'bits, etc. to destroy sth; to criticize sb very strongly—more at HEART , LIMB
PVR V 'rip at sth to attack sth violently, usually by tearing or cutting it ,rip 'into sb (for / with sth) to criticize sb and tell them that you are very angry with them ,rip 'into / 'through sb/sth to go very quickly and violently into or through sb/sth: A bullet ripped into his shoulder. ,rip sb<->'off [usually passive] (informal) to cheat sb, by making them pay too much, by selling them sth of poor quality, etc: Tourists complain of being ripped off by local cab drivers.—related noun RIP-OFF ,rip 'off sth (slang) to steal sth: Thieves broke in and ripped off five computers. ,rip sth<->'up to tear sth into small pieces: He ripped up the letter and threw it in the fire.

noun [usually sing.] a long tear in fabric, paper, etc.

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rip.cord
noun the string that you pull to open a PARACHUTE
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ripe
adj. (riper, rip.est)
1 (of fruit or crops) fully grown and ready to be eaten: Pick the tomatoes before they get too ripe.
OPP UNRIPE
2 (of cheese or wine) having a flavour that has fully developed
SYN MATURE
3 (of a smell) strong and unpleasant
4 ~ (for sth) ready or suitable for sth to happen: This land is ripe for development.  The conditions were ripe for social change.  Reforms were promised when the time was ripe .
ripe.ness noun [U]
IDM a / the ripe old age (of … ) an age that is considered to be very old: He lived to the ripe old age of 91.
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ripen
verb [v, vn] to become ripe; to make sth ripe
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'rip-off
noun (informal)
1 [usually sing.] something that is not worth what you pay for it: $70 for a T-shirt! What a rip-off!
2 ~ (of sth) a copy of sth, especially one that is less expensive or not as good as the original thing: The single is a rip-off of a 70s hit.
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ri.poste
noun (formal)
1 a quick and clever reply, especially to criticism: a witty riposte
2 a course of action that takes place in response to sth that has happened: The US delivered an early riposte to the air attack.
ri.poste verb [v speech]
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rip.ple
noun, verb
noun
1 a small wave on the surface of a liquid, especially water in a lake, etc: The air was so still that there was hardly a ripple on the pond’s surface.
2 a thing that looks or moves like a small wave
3 [usually sing.] ~ of sth a sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter again: a ripple of applause / laughter
4 [usually sing.] ~ of sth a feeling that gradually spreads through a person or group of people: A ripple of fear passed through him.  The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd.

verb
1 to move or to make sth move in very small waves: [v] The sea rippled and sparkled.  rippling muscles  [vn] The wind rippled the wheat in the fields.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a feeling, etc.) to spread through a person or a group of people like a wave: A gasp rippled through the crowd.

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'ripple effect
noun a situation in which an event or action has an effect on sth, which then has an effect on sth else: His resignation will have a ripple effect on the whole department.
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'rip-roaring
adj. [only before noun] (informal)
1 noisy, exciting and/or full of activity: a rip-roaring celebration
2 ~ drunk extremely drunk
3 ~ success a great success
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rise
noun, verb
noun
INCREASE|
1 [C] ~ (in sth) an increase in an amount, a number or a level: The industry is feeling the effects of recent price rises.  There has been a sharp rise in the number of people out of work.
2 [C] (BrE) (AmE raise) an increase in the money you are paid for the work you do: I’m going to ask for a rise.  He criticized the huge pay rises awarded to industry bosses.
IN POWER / IMPORTANCE|
3 [sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) the act of becoming more important, successful, powerful, etc: the rise of fascism in Europe  the rise and fall of the British Empire  her meteoric rise to power
UPWARD MOVEMENT|
4 [sing.] an upward movement: She watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he slept.
SLOPING LAND|
5 [C] an area of land that slopes upwards: The church was built at the top of a small rise.—see also HIGH-RISE get a rise out of sb to make sb react in an angry way by saying sth that you know will annoy them, especially as a joke give 'rise to sth (formal) to cause sth to happen or exist: The novel’s success gave rise to a number of sequels.

verb (rose risen ) [v]
MOVE UPWARDS|
1 to come or go upwards; to reach a higher level or position: Smoke was rising from the chimney.  The river has risen (by) several metres.
GET UP|
2 (written) to get up from a lying, sitting or kneeling position: He was accustomed to rising (= getting out of bed) early.  They rose from the table.  She rose to her feet.
OF SUN / MOON|
3 when the sun, moon, etc. rises, it appears above the HORIZON : The sun rises in the east.
OPP SET
END MEETING|
4 (formal) (of a group of people) to end a meeting
SYN ADJOURN : The House (= members of the House of Commons) rose at 10 p.m.
INCREASE|
5 to increase in amount or number: rising fuel bills / divorce rates  The price of gas rose.  Gas rose in price .  Unemployment rose (by) 3%.  Air pollution has risen above an acceptable level.
BECOME POWERFUL / IMPORTANT|
6 to become more successful, important, powerful, etc: a rising young politician  She rose to power in the 70s.  He rose to the rank of general.  She rose through the ranks to become managing director.
OF SOUND|
7 (written) if a sound rises, it become louder and higher: Her voice rose angrily.
OF WIND|
8 if the wind rises, it begins to blow more strongly
SYN GET UP
OF FEELING|
9 (written) if a feeling rises inside you, it begins and gets stronger: He felt anger rising inside him.  Her spirits rose (= she felt happier) at the news.
OF YOUR COLOUR|
10 (written) if your colour rises, your face becomes pink or red with embarrassment
OF HAIR|
11 if hair rises, it becomes upright instead of lying flat: The hair on the back of my neck rose when I heard the scream.
FIGHT|
12 ~ (up) (against sb/sth) (formal) to begin to fight against your ruler or government or against a foreign army
SYN REBEL : The peasants rose in revolt.  He called on the people to rise up against the invaders.—related noun UPRISING
BECOME VISIBLE|
13 (written) to be or become visible above the surroundings: Mountains rose in the distance.
OF LAND|
14 if land rises, it slopes upwards: The ground rose steeply all around.
OF BEGINNING OF RIVER|
15 a river rises where it begins to flow: The Thames rises in the Cotswold hills.
OF BREAD / CAKES|
16 when bread, cakes, etc. rise, they swell because of the action of YEAST or BAKING POWDER
OF DEAD PERSON|
17 ~ (from sth) to come to life again: to rise from the dead   (figurative) Can a new party rise from the ashes of the old one? ,rise and 'shine (old-fashioned) usually used in orders to tell sb to get out of bed and be active—more at HEIGHT , HACKLES ,rise a'bove sth (written)
1 to not be affected or limited by problems, insults, etc: She had the courage and determination to rise above her physical disability.
2 to be wise enough or morally good enough not to do sth wrong or not to think the same as other people: I try to rise above prejudice.
3 to be of a higher standard than other things of a similar kind: His work rarely rises above the mediocre. 'rise to sth
1 to show that you are able to deal with an unexpected situation, problem, etc: Luckily, my mother rose to the occasion .  He was determined to rise to the challenge .
2 to react when sb is deliberately trying to make you angry or get you interested in sth: I refuse to rise to that sort of comment.  As soon as I mentioned money he rose to the bait .

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riser
noun
1 early / late ~ a person who usually gets out of bed early/late in the morning
2 (technical) the upright part between two steps in a set of stairs—compare TREAD
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ris.ible
adj. (formal, disapproving) deserving to be laughed at rather than taken seriously
SYN LUDICROUS , RIDICULOUS
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ris.ing
noun a situation in which a group of people protest against, and try to get rid of, a government, a leader, etc.
SYN REVOLT , UPRISING : The rising was crushed by government troops.
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,rising 'damp
noun (BrE ) [U] a condition in which water comes up from the ground into the walls of a building, causing damage
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risk
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ (to sb/sth) the possibility of sth bad happening at some time in the future; a situation that could be dangerous or have a bad result: Smoking can increase the risk of developing heart disease.  Patients should be made aware of the risks involved with this treatment.  There is still a risk that the whole deal will fall through.  The chemicals pose little risk (= are not dangerous) to human health.  a calculated risk (= one that you think is small compared with the possible benefits)  Any business venture contains an element of risk .  We could probably trust her with the information but it’s just not worth the risk .
2 [C] ~ (to sth) a person or thing that is likely to cause problems or danger at some time in the future: The group was considered to be a risk to national security.  a major health / fire risk
3 [C] a good / bad / poor ~ a person or business that a bank or an insurance company is willing/unwilling to lend money or sell insurance to because they are likely/unlikely to pay back the money etc: With five previous claims, he’s now a bad insurance risk.
IDM at 'risk (from / of sth) in danger of sth unpleasant or harmful happening: As with all diseases, certain groups will be more at risk than others.  If we go to war, innocent lives will be put at risk . at the 'risk of doing sth used to introduce sth that may sound stupid or may offend sb: At the risk of showing my ignorance, how exactly does the Internet work? at risk to yourself / sb/sth with the possibility of harming yourself/sb/sth: He dived in to save the dog at considerable risk to his own life. do sth at your ,own 'risk to do sth even though you have been warned about the possible dangers and will have to take responsibility for anything bad that happens: Persons swimming beyond this point do so at their own risk (= on a notice).  Valuables are left at their owner’s risk (= on a notice). run the 'risk (of doing sth) | run 'risks to be or put yourself in a situation in which sth bad could happen to you: We don’t want to run the risk of losing their business.  Investment is all about running risks. take a 'risk | take 'risks to do sth even though you know that sth bad could happen as a result: That’s a risk I’m not prepared to take.  You have no right to take risks with other people’s lives.

verb
1 [vn] to put sth valuable or important in a dangerous situation, in which it could be lost or damaged: He risked his life to save her.  She was risking her own and her children’s health.  He risked all his money on a game of cards.
2 to do sth that may mean that you get into a situation which is unpleasant for you: [vn] There was no choice. If they stayed there, they risked death.  [v -ing] They knew they risked being arrested. [alsovn -ing]
3 to do sth that you know is not really a good idea or may not succeed: [vn] He risked a glance at her furious face.  It was a difficult decision but we decided to risk it .  [v -ing] We’ve been advised not to risk travelling in these conditions.
IDM risk ,life and 'limb | risk your 'neck to risk being killed or injured in order to do sth

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'risk-taking
noun [U] the practice of doing things that involve risks in order to achieve sth
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risky
adj. (risk.ier, riski.est
HELP You can also use more risky and most risky.) involving the possibility of sth bad happening: Life as an aid worker can be a risky business (= very dangerous).  a risky investment  It’s far too risky to generalize from one set of results.
risk.ily adv.
riski.ness noun [U]
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ris.otto
noun (pl.-os) [C, U] an Italian dish of rice cooked with vegetables, meat, etc.
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ris.qué
adj. a risqué performance, comment, joke, etc. is a little shocking, usually because it is about sex
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ris.sole
noun (BrE ) a small flat mass or ball of chopped meat (sometimes covered with BREADCRUMBS ) that is fried
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rite
noun a ceremony performed by a particular group of people, often for religious purposes: fertility / funeral rites  initiation rites (= performed when a new member joins a secret society)—see also THE LAST RITES
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,rite of 'passage
noun a ceremony or an event that marks an important stage in sb’s life
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rit.ual
noun, adj.
noun [C, U]
1 a series of actions that are always carried out in the same way, especially as part of a religious ceremony: religious / pagan rituals  She objects to the ritual of organized religion.
2 something that is done regularly and always in the same way: Sunday lunch with the in-laws has become something of a ritual.

adj. [only before noun]
1 done as part of a ritual or ceremony: ritual chanting / practices
2 always done or said in the same way, especially when this is not sincere: ritual expressions of sympathy
ritu.al.ly adv.: The goat was ritually slaughtered.

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ritu.al.is.tic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the rituals performed as part of a ceremony: a ritualistic act of worship
2 always done or said in the same way, especially when this is not sincere
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ritu.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] (written) to do sth in the same way or pattern every time: ritualized expressions of grief
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ritzy
adj. (informal) expensive and fashionable: a ritzy nightclub
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rival
noun, adj., verb
noun ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) a person, company, or thing that competes with another in sport, business, etc: The two teams have always been rivals.  The Japanese are our biggest economic rivals.  This latest design has no rivals (= it is easily the best design available).
rival adj. [only before noun]: a rival bid / claim / offer  fighting between rival groups  He was shot by a member of a rival gang.

verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [vn] ~ sb/sth (for / in sth) to be as good, impressive, etc. as sb/sth else: You will find scenery to rival anything you can see in the Alps.—see also UNRIVALLED

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ri.val.ry
noun [C, U] (pl.-ries) ~ (with sb/sth) (for sth)| ~ (between A and B) (for sth) a state in which two people, companies, etc. are competing for the same thing: a fierce rivalry for world supremacy  There is a certain amount of friendly rivalry between the teams.  political rivalries  sibling rivalry (= between brothers and sisters)
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riven
adj. [not before noun] ~ (by / with sth) (formal)
1 (of a group of people) divided because of disagreements, especially in a violent way: a party riven by internal disputes
2 (of an object) divided into two or more pieces
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river
noun
1 (abbr.R.) a natural flow of water that continues in a long line across land to the sea/ocean: the River Thames  the Hudson River  the river bank (= the ground at the side of a river)  to travel up / down river (= in the opposite direction to / in the same direction as the way in which the river is flowing)  the mouth of the river (= where it enters the sea / ocean)  a houseboat on the river  They have a house on the river (= beside it).
2 ~ (of sth) a large amount of liquid that is flowing in a particular direction: Rivers of molten lava flowed down the mountain.
IDM see SELL v.
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'river bed
noun the area of ground over which a river usually flows: a dried-up river bed
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river.front
noun [sing.] (especially AmE ) an area of land next to a river with buildings, shops/stores, restaurants, etc. on it
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river.side
noun [sing.] the ground along either side of a river: a riverside path / restaurant  a walk by the riverside
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rivet
noun, verb
noun a metal pin that is used to fasten two pieces of leather, metal, etc. together

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to hold sb’s interest or attention so completely that they cannot look away or think of anything else: I was absolutely riveted by her story.  My eyes were riveted on the figure lying in the road.
2 to fasten sth with rivets : The steel plates were riveted together.
IDM be riveted to the spot / ground to be so shocked or frightened that you cannot move

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rivet.ing
adj. (approving) so interesting or exciting that it holds your attention completely
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rivi.era
noun (often Riviera) an area by the sea that is warm and popular for holidays, especially the Mediterranean coast of France: the French Riviera
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rivu.let
noun (formal or written) a very small river; a small stream of water or other liquid: Rivulets of sweat ran down her back.
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RM
abbr. (in Britain) Royal Marine—see also MARINE
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RN
abbr.
1 registered nurse
2 (in Britain) Royal Navy
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RNA
noun [U] (chemistry ) a chemical present in all living cells; like DNA it is a type of NUCLEIC ACID
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roach
noun
1 (AmE, informal) = COCKROACH : The apartments were infested with rats and roaches.
2 (pl.roach) a small European FRESHWATER fish
3 (slang) the end part of a cigarette containing MARIJUANA
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road
noun
1 a hard surface built for vehicles to travel on: a main / major / minor road  a country / mountain road  They live just along / up / down the road (= further on the same road).  The house is on a very busy road.  He was walking along the road when he was attacked.  It takes about five hours by road (= driving).  It would be better to transport the goods by rail rather than by road .  Take the first road on the left and then follow the signs.  We parked on a side road .  road accidents / safety / users  a road map
2 (Road) (abbr.Rd) used in names of roads, especially in towns: 35 York Road
3 the way to achieving sth: to be on the road to success / recovery  We have discussed privatization, but we would prefer not to go down that particular road .
IDM 'any road (NorthE) = ANYWAY one for the 'road (spoken) a last alcoholic drink before you leave a party, etc. on the 'road
1 travelling, especially for long distances or periods of time: The band has been on the road for six months.
2 (of a car) in good condition so that it can be legally driven: It will cost about £500 to get the car back on the road.
3 moving from place to place, and having no permanent home: Life on the road can be very hard.—more at END n. , FURTHER adv. , HIT v. , SHOW n.
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road.block
noun
1 a barrier put across the road by the police or army so that they can stop and search vehicles
2 (AmE) something that stops a plan from going ahead: The project faces legal roadblocks.
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'road hog
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who drives in a dangerous way without thinking about the safety of other road users
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road.house
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a restaurant or bar on a main road in the country
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roadie
noun (informal) a person who works with musicians, especially pop bands, when they are on tour, and helps move and set up their equipment
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'road rage
noun [U] a situation in which a driver becomes extremely angry or violent with the driver of another car because of the way they are driving
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road.run.ner
noun a N American bird of the CUCKOO family, that lives in desert areas and can run very fast
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'road sense
noun [U] the ability to behave in a safe way when driving, walking, etc. on roads
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road.show
noun a travelling show arranged by a radio or television programme, or by a magazine, company or political party
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road.side
noun the edge of the road: We parked by the roadside.  a roadside cafe
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'road sign
noun a sign near a road giving information or instructions to drivers
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'road tax
noun [U] (in Britain) a tax that sb who owns a car must pay to drive on the roads
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'road test
noun a test to see how a car functions or what condition it is in
'road-test verb [vn]
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road.way
noun [C, U] a road or the part of a road used by vehicles
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road.works
noun [pl.] (BrE ) repairs that are being done to the road; an area where these repairs are being done
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road.worthy
adj. (of a vehicle) in a safe condition to drive
road.worthi.ness noun [U]
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roam
verb
1 to walk or travel around an area without any definite aim or direction
SYN WANDER [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] : The sheep are allowed to roam freely on this land.  [vn] to roam the countryside / the streets
2 ~ (over) sth/sb (of the eyes or hands) to move slowly over every part of sb/sth: [v] His gaze roamed over her.  [vn] Her eyes roamed the room.
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roan
noun an animal, especially a horse, that has hair of two colours mixed together: a strawberry roan (= with a mixture of brown and grey hair that looks pink)
roan adj. [only before noun]: a roan mare
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roar
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a very loud, deep sound: We heard a lion roar.  The gun roared deafeningly.  The engine roared to life (= started noisily).  The wind was roaring in my ears.
2 ~ (sth) (out) to shout sth very loudly: [v] The crowd roared.  [vn] The fans roared (out) their approval.  [v speech] ‘Stand back,’ he roared.
3 [v] ~ (with laughter) to laugh very loudly: He looked so funny, we all roared.  It made them roar with laughter.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a vehicle or its rider / driver) to move very fast, making a lot of noise: She put her foot down and the car roared away.
5 [v] (of a fire) to burn brightly with a lot of flames, heat and noise: A log fire was roaring in the hearth.

noun
1 a loud deep sound made by an animal, especially a lion, or by sb’s voice: His speech was greeted by a roar of applause.  roars of laughter
2 a loud continuous noise made by the wind or sea, or by a machine: I could barely hear above the roar of traffic.

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roar.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 making a continuous loud deep noise: All we could hear was the sound of roaring water.
2 (of a fire) burning with a lot of flames and heat
IDM do a 'roaring trade (in sth) (informal) to sell a lot of sth very quickly ,roaring 'drunk extremely drunk and noisy a ,roaring suc'cess (informal) a very great success
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roast
verb, noun, adj.
verb
1 to cook food, especially meat, without liquid in an oven or over a fire; to be cooked in this way: [vn] to roast a chicken  [v] the smell of roasting meat
2 [vn] to cook nuts, beans, etc. in order to dry them and turn them brown: roasted chestnuts / coffee beans / peanuts
3 [vn] (informal or humorous) to be very angry with sb; to criticize sb strongly
4 (informal) to become or to make sth become very hot in the sun or by a fire: [v] She could feel her skin beginning to roast. [alsovn]

noun
1 (BrE also joint) a large piece of meat that is cooked whole in the oven: the Sunday roast
2 (AmE) (often in compounds) a party that takes place in sb’s garden/yard at which food is cooked over an open fire: a hot dog roast
3 (AmE) an event, especially a meal, at which people celebrate sb’s life by telling funny stories, insulting jokes, etc. about them

adj. [only before noun] cooked in an oven or over a fire: roast chicken / beef / chestnuts

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roast.ing
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] used for roasting meat, vegetables, etc: a roasting dish
2 (also ,roasting 'hot) so hot that you feel uncomfortable: I’m roasting in this sweater.  a roasting hot day

noun [sing.] (informal)
IDM give sb / get a 'roasting to criticize sb or be criticized in an angry way

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rob
verb (-bb-) [vn] ~ sb/sth (of sth) to steal money or property from a person or place: to rob a bank   The tomb had been robbed of its treasures.  note at STEAL
IDM ,rob sb 'blind (informal) to cheat or deceive sb so that they lose a lot of money rob ,Peter to pay 'Paul (saying) to borrow money from one person to pay back what you owe to another person; to take money from one thing to use for sth else
PVR V 'rob sb/sth of sth [often passive] to prevent sb having sth that they need or deserve: A last-minute goal robbed the team of victory.  He had been robbed of his dignity.
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rob.ber
noun a person who steals from a person or place, especially using violence or threats: a bank robber  note at STEAL
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rob.bery
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) the crime of stealing money or goods from a bank, shop/store, person, etc., especially using violence or threats: armed robbery (= using a gun, knife, etc.)  There has been a spate of robberies in the area recently.—compare BURGLARY , THEFT
IDM see DAYLIGHT
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robe
noun, verb
noun
1 a long loose outer piece of clothing, especially one worn as a sign of rank or office at a special ceremony: coronation robes  cardinals in scarlet robes
2 = BATHROBE

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to dress sb/yourself in long loose clothes or in the way mentioned: a robed choir  The priests were robed in black.

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robin
noun
1 a small brown European bird with a red breast
2 a grey American bird with a red breast, larger than a European robin —see also ROUND ROBIN
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robot
noun a machine that can do some tasks that a human can do and that works automatically or is controlled by a computer: These cars are built by robots.
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ro.bot.ic
adj.
1 connected with robots : a robotic arm
2 like a robot , making stiff movements, speaking without feeling or expression, etc: robotic movements
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ro.bot.ics
noun [U] the science of designing and operating ROBOTS
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ro.bust
adj.
1 strong and healthy: She was almost 90, but still very robust.
2 strong; able to survive being used a lot and not likely to break
SYN STURDY : a robust piece of equipment
3 (of a system or an organization) strong and not likely to fail or become weak: robust economic growth
4 strong and full of determination; showing that you are sure about what you are doing or saying: It was a typically robust performance by the Foreign Secretary.
ro.bust.ly adv.: The furniture was robustly constructed.  They defended their policies robustly.
ro.bust.ness noun [U]
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rock
noun, verb
noun
HARD MATERIAL|
1 [U, C] the hard solid material that forms part of the surface of the earth and some other planets: They drilled through several layers of rock to reach the oil.  a collapsed sea cave with striking rock formations (= shapes made naturally from rock)  The tunnel was blasted out of solid rock.  volcanic / igneous / sedimentary rocks
2 [C] a mass of rock standing above the earth’s surface or in the sea/ocean: the Rock of Gibraltar  The ship crashed into the infamous Sker Point rocks and broke into three pieces.
3 [C] a large single piece of rock : They clambered over the rocks at the foot of the cliff.  The sign said ‘Danger: falling rocks’.
STONE|
4 [C] (AmE) a small stone: Protesters pelted the soldiers with rocks.
MUSIC|
5 (also 'rock music) [U] a type of loud modern music with a strong beat played on electric guitars and drums: hard / punk rock  a rock band / star
SWEET / CANDY|
6 (BrE) (AmE,rock 'candy) [U] a type of hard sweet/candy made in long sticks, often sold at holiday/vacation RESORTS (= towns) by the sea/ocean: a stick of Brighton rock
JEWEL|
7 [C, usually pl.] (AmE, informal) a jewel, especially a diamond (caught / stuck) between a ,rock and a 'hard place in a situation where you have to choose between two things, both of which are unpleasant on the 'rocks
1 a relationship or business that is on the rocks is having difficulties and is likely to fail soon: Sue’s marriage is on the rocks.
2 (of drinks) served with pieces of ice but no water: Scotch on the rocks—more at STEADY adj.

verb
MOVE GENTLY|
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side; to make sb/sth move in this way: [v] The boat rocked from side to side in the waves.  She was rocking backwards and forwards in her seat.  [vn] He rocked the baby gently in his arms.
SHOCK|
2 [vn] [often passive] (written) to shock sb/sth very much or make them afraid: The country was rocked by a series of political scandals.  The news rocked the world.
SHAKE|
3 to shake or to make sth shake violently: [v] The whole house rocked when the bomb exploded.  [vn] The town was rocked by an earthquake.   (figurative) The scandal rocked the government (= made the situation difficult for it).
DANCE|
4 [v] (old-fashioned) to dance to ROCK MUSIC rock the 'boat (informal) to do sth that upsets a situation and causes problems: She was told to keep her mouth shut and not rock the boat.—more at FOUNDATION

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rocka.billy
noun [U] a type of American music that combines ROCK AND ROLL and country music
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,rock and 'roll
(also ,rock 'n' 'roll) noun [U] a type of music popular in the 1950s with a strong beat and simple tunes
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,rock 'bottom
noun [U] (informal) the lowest point or level that is possible: Prices hit rock bottom.  The marriage had reached rock bottom.
,rock-'bottom adj.: rock-bottom prices
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,rock 'candy
noun [U] (AmE ) = ROCK (6)
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'rock climbing
noun [U] the sport or activity of climbing steep rock surfaces: to go rock climbing
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rock.er
noun
1 one of the two curved pieces of wood on the bottom of a rocking chair
2 (especially AmE) = ROCKING CHAIR
3 (Rocker) (BrE) a member of a group of young people in Britain, especially in the 1960s, who liked to wear leather jackets, ride motorcycles and listen to ROCK MUSIC —compare MOD
4 a person who performs, dances to or enjoys ROCK MUSIC
IDM be ,off your 'rocker (informal, spoken) to be crazy
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rock.ery
noun (pl.-ies) (also 'rock garden) a garden or part of a garden consisting of an arrangement of large stones with plants growing among them
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rocket
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a spacecraft in the shape of a tube that is driven by a stream of gases let out behind it when fuel is burned inside: a space rocket  The rocket was launched in March 1980.  The idea took off like a rocket (= it immediately became popular).
2 [C] a MISSILE (= a weapon that travels through the air) that carries a bomb and is driven by a stream of burning gases: a rocket attack  A rocket smashed into the side of the building.
3 [C] a FIREWORK that goes high into the air and then explodes with coloured lights
4 [U] (BrE) (AmE aru.gula) a plant with long green leaves that have a strong flavour and are eaten raw in salads
IDM to give sb a 'rocket | to get a 'rocket (BrE, informal) to speak angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong; to be spoken to angrily for this reason

verb
1 [v] to increase very quickly and suddenly: rocketing crime / prices  Unemployment has rocketed up again.  The total has rocketed from 376 to 532.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move very fast: The car rocketed out of a side street.
3 to achieve or to make sb/sth achieve a successful position very quickly: [v] The band rocketed to stardom with their first single. [alsovn]
4 [vn] to attack a place with rockets

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'rock face
noun [sing.] a vertical surface of rock, especially on a mountain
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rock.fall
noun the fact of rocks falling down; a pile of rocks that have fallen
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'rock garden
noun = ROCKERY
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,rock-'hard
adj. extremely hard or strong: The ground is still rock-hard.
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'rocking chair
(also rock.er especially in AmE) noun a chair with two curved pieces of wood under it that make it move backwards and forwards—picture at CHAIR
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'rocking horse
noun a wooden horse for children that can be made to ROCK backwards and forwards
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'rock music
noun = ROCK
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rock 'n' roll
noun = ROCK AND ROLL
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'rock pool
(BrE ) (AmE 'tide pool) noun a small amount of water that collects between the rocks by the sea/ocean
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,rock 'solid
adj.
1 that you can trust not to change or to disappear: The support for the party was rock solid.
2 extremely hard and not likely to break
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rocky
adj. (rock.ier, rocki.est)
1 made of rock; full of rocks: a rocky coastline  rocky soil
2 difficult and not certain to continue or to be successful: a rocky marriage
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ro.coco
(also Ro.coco) adj. used to describe a style of architecture, furniture, etc. that has a lot of decoration, especially in the shape of curls; used to describe a style of literature or music that has a lot of detail and decoration. The rococo style was popular in the 18th century: a rococo palace / garden / mirror
ro.coco (also Ro.coco) noun [U]: She had a passion for Italian rococo.
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rod
noun
1 (often used in compounds) a long straight piece of wood, metal or glass—see also LIGHTNING ROD —picture at LABORATORY
2 = FISHING ROD : fishing with rod and line
3 (also the rod) (old-fashioned) a stick that is used for hitting people as a punishment: There used to be a saying: ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child.’
4 (AmE, slang) a small gun
IDM make a rod for your own 'back to do sth that will cause problems for you in the future—more at BEAT v. , RULE v.
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rode
pt of RIDE
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ro.dent
noun any small animal that belongs to a group of animals with strong sharp front teeth. Mice, rats and rabbits are all rodents .—
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rodeo
noun (pl.-os) a public competition, especially in the US, in which COWBOYS show their skill at riding wild horses and catching CATTLE with ropes
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roe
noun
1 [U, C] the mass of eggs inside a female fish ( hard roe) or the SPERM of a male fish ( soft roe), used as food: Taramasalata is made from cod’s roe, olive oil and garlic.
2 = ROE DEER
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'roe deer
noun (pl.roe deer) (also roe) a small European and Asian deer
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roger
exclamation, verb
exclamation people say Roger! in communication by radio to show that they have understood a message

verb [vn] (BrE ,  , slang) (of a man) to have sex with sb

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rogue
noun, adj.
noun
1 (humorous) a person who behaves badly, but in a harmless way: He’s a bit of a rogue, but very charming.
2 (old-fashioned) a man who is dishonest and immoral: a rogues' gallery (= a collection of pictures of criminals)

adj. [only before noun]
1 (of an animal) living apart from the main group, and possibly dangerous
2 behaving differently from other similar people or things, often causing damage: a rogue gene  a rogue police officer

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roguish
adj. (usually approving) (of a person) pleasant and amusing but looking as if they might do sth wrong: a roguish smile
roguish.ly adv.
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rois.ter.ing
adj. (old-fashioned) having fun in a cheerful, noisy way
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role
noun
1 the function or position that sb has or is expected to have in an organization, in society or in a relationship: the role of the teacher in the classroom  She refused to take on the traditional woman’s role.  In many marriages there has been a complete role reversal (= change of roles) with the man staying at home and the woman going out to work.
2 an actor’s part in a play, film/movie, etc: It is one of the greatest roles she has played.  Who is in the leading role (= the most important one)?
3 the degree to which sb/sth is involved in a situation or an activity and the effect that they have on it: the role of diet in preventing disease  The media play a major role in influencing people’s opinions.  a key / vital role
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'role model
noun a person that you admire and try to copy
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'role-play
noun a learning activity in which you behave in the way sb else would behave in a particular situation: Role-play allows students to practise language in a safe situation.
'role-play verb [v, vn]
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roll
noun, verb
noun
OF PAPER / FABRIC, etc.|
1 [C] ~ (of sth) a long piece of paper, fabric, film, etc. that has been wrapped around itself or a tube several times so that it forms the shape of a tube: a roll of carpet / film  Wallpaper is sold in rolls.—see also TOILET ROLL
OF SWEETS / CANDY|
2 (AmE) a paper tube wrapped around sweets/candy, etc: a roll of mints—picture at PACKAGING
BREAD|
3 (also ,bread 'roll) [C] a small LOAF of bread for one person: Soup and a roll: £1.50   (especially BrE) a chicken / ham roll (= filled with chicken / ham)—compare BUN —see also SAUSAGE ROLL , SPRING ROLL , SWISS ROLL —
OF BODY|
4 [sing.] an act of rolling the body over and over: The kittens were enjoying a roll in the sunshine.
5 [C] a physical exercise in which you roll your body on the ground, moving your back and legs over your head: a forward / backward roll
OF SHIP / PLANE|
6 [U] the act of moving from side to side so that one side is higher than the other—compare PITCH n. (8)
OF FAT|
7 [C] an area of too much fat on your body, especially around your waist: Rolls of fat hung over his belt.
LIST OF NAMES|
8 [C] an official list of names: the electoral roll (= a list of all the people who can vote in an election)  The chairman called / took the roll (= called out the names on a list to check that everyone was present).—see also PAYROLL
SOUND|
9 [C] ~ (of sth) a deep continuous sound: the distant roll of thunder  a drum roll
OF DICE|
10 [C] an act of rolling a DICE : The order of play is decided by the roll of a dice.—see also ROCK AND ROLL be on a 'roll (informal) to be experiencing a period of success at what you are doing: Don’t stop me now—I’m on a roll! a ,roll in the 'hay (informal) an act of having sex with sb

verb
TURN OVER|
1 [+adv. / prep.] to turn over and over and move in a particular direction; to make a round object do this: [v] The ball rolled down the hill.  We watched the waves rolling onto the beach.  [vn] Delivery men were rolling barrels across the yard.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to turn over and over or round and round while remaining in the same place; to make sth do this: [v] a dog rolling in the mud  [vn] He was rolling a pencil between his fingers.  [v, vn] Her eyes rolled.  She rolled her eyes upwards (= to show surprise or disapproval).
3 ~ (sb/sth) over (onto sth)| ~ (sb/sth) (over) onto sth to turn over to face a different direction; to make sb/sth do this: [v] She rolled over to let the sun brown her back.  He rolled onto his back.  [vn] I rolled the baby over onto its stomach.   (AmE) She rolled her car in a 100 mph crash.  to roll a dice / die (= in a game)
MOVE ON WHEELS|
4 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move smoothly (on wheels or as if on wheels); to make sth do this: [v] The car began to roll back down the hill.  The traffic rolled slowly forwards.  Mist was rolling in from the sea.  [vn] He rolled the trolley across the room.
MAKE BALL / TUBE|
5 ~ (sth) (up) (into sth) to make sth/yourself into the shape of a ball or tube: [vn] I rolled the string into a ball.  We rolled up the carpet.  a rolled-up newspaper  I always roll my own (= make my own cigarettes).  [v] The hedgehog rolled up into a ball.—compare UNROLL
FOLD CLOTHING|
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] ~ sth (up) to fold the edge of a piece of clothing, etc. over and over on itself to make it shorter: Roll up your sleeves.  She rolled her jeans to her knees.
MAKE STH FLAT|
7 [vn] to make sth flat by pushing sth heavy over it: Roll the pastry on a floured surface.
WRAP UP|
8 [vn] ~ sb/sth / yourself (up) in sth to wrap or cover sb/sth/yourself in sth: Roll the meat in the breadcrumbs.  He rolled himself up in the blanket.
OF SHIP / PLANE / WALK|
9 to move or make sth move from side to side: [v] He walked with a rolling gait.  The ship was rolling heavily to and fro. [alsovn] —compare PITCH v. (6)
MAKE SOUND|
10 to make a long continuous sound: [v] rolling drums  Thunder rolled.  [vn] to roll your r’s (= by letting your tongue VIBRATE with each ‘r’ sound)
MACHINE|
11 when a machine rolls or sb rolls it, it operates: [v] They had to repeat the scene because the cameras weren’t rolling.  [vn] Roll the cameras! be 'rolling in money / it (informal) to have a lot of money rolled into 'one combined in one person or thing: Banks are several businesses rolled into one. ,rolling in the 'aisles laughing a lot: She soon had us rolling in the aisles. 'roll on … ! (spoken, BrE) used to say that you want sth to happen or arrive soon: Roll on Friday! roll up your 'sleeves to prepare to work or fight roll with the 'punches to adapt yourself to a difficult situation—more at BALL n. , GRAVE^1n. , HEAD n. , READY adj. , TONGUE n. ,roll a'round (BrE also ,roll a'bout) to be laughing so much that you can hardly control yourself ,roll sth<->'back
1 to turn or force sth back or further away: to roll back the frontiers of space
2 to reduce prices, etc: to roll back inflation ,roll sth<->'down
1 to open sth by turning a handle: He rolled down his car window and started shouting at them.
2 to make a rolled piece of clothing, etc. hang or lie flat: to roll down a blind / your sleeves ,roll 'in (informal)
1 to arrive in great numbers or amounts: Offers of help are still rolling in.
2 to arrive late at a place, without seeming worried or sorry: Steve rolled in around lunchtime. ,roll sth<->'out
1 to make sth flat by pushing sth over it: Roll out the pastry.
2 to officially make a new product available or start a new political CAMPAIGN
SYN LAUNCH : The new model is to be rolled out in July.—related noun ROLL-OUT ,roll 'up (informal) to arrive: Bill finally rolled up two hours late.  Roll up! Roll up! (= used to invite people who are passing to form an audience) ,roll sth<->'up to close sth by turning a handle: She rolled up all the windows.

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roll.back
noun [sing., U] (especially AmE )
1 a reduction in a price or in pay, to a past level
2 the act of changing a situation, law, etc. back to what it was before
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'roll-call
noun [U, sing.] the reading aloud of a list of names to check who is there: Roll-call will be at 7 a.m.  The guest list reads like a roll-call of the nation’s heroes.
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roll.er
noun
1 a piece of wood, metal or plastic, shaped like a tube, that rolls over and over and is used in machines, for example to make sth flat, or to move sth: the heavy steel rollers under the conveyor belt  a roller blind (= a blind for a window that is wound on a roller)  a roller towel (= a long piece of towel on a roller, usually used in a public place)—picture at BLIND
2 (often in compounds) a machine or piece of equipment with a part shaped like a tube so that it rolls backwards and forwards. It may be used for making sth flat, crushing or spreading sth: Flatten the surface of the grass with a roller.  a paint roller—see also STEAMROLLER
3 a piece of wood or metal, shaped like a tube, that is used for moving heavy objects: We’ll need to move the piano on rollers.
4 a long, powerful wave in the sea/ocean: Huge Atlantic rollers crashed onto the rocks.
5 a small plastic tube that hair is rolled around to give it curls
SYN CURLER : heated rollers  Her hair was in rollers .—see also HIGH ROLLER
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Roll.er.blade
™ (BrE ) (AmERoller Blade™) (also ,in-line 'skate) noun a type of boot with a line of small wheels attached to the bottom
Roll.er.blade verb [v] —
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'roller coaster
noun
1 a track at a FAIRGROUND that goes up and down very steep slopes and that people ride on in a small train for fun and excitement: a roller-coaster ride
2 a situation that keeps changing very quickly: The last few weeks have been a real roller coaster.
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'roller skate
(also skate) noun, verb
noun a type of boot with two pairs of small wheels attached to the bottom: a pair of roller skates

verb [v] to move over a hard surface wearing roller skates
'roller skating (also skat.ing) noun [U]

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rol.licking
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] cheerful and often noisy: a rollicking comedy

noun (informal, BrE ) angry criticism for sth bad sb has done: He gave us both a rollicking.

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roll.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of hills or countryside) having gentle slopes
2 done in regular stages or at regular intervals over a period of time: a rolling programme of reform
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'rolling mill
noun a machine or factory that produces flat sheets of metal
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'rolling pin
noun a wooden or glass kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) in the shape of a tube, used for rolling pastry flat—picture at KITCHEN
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'rolling stock
noun [U] the engines, trains, etc. that are used on a railway/railroad
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,roll of 'honour
(BrE ) (AmE 'honor roll) noun [usually sing.] a list of people who are being praised officially for sth they have done
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'roll-on
adj. [only before noun] spread or put on the body using a ball that moves around in the top of a bottle or container: a roll-on deodorant
'roll-on noun
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,roll-,on ,roll-'off
adj. [usually before noun] (abbr. 'ro-ro) (BrE ) (of a ship) designed so that cars can be driven straight on and off: a roll-on roll-off car ferry
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'roll-out
noun an occasion when a company introduces a new product, especially an aircraft, to the public
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roll.over
noun
1 [U] (technical) the act of allowing money that is owed to be paid at a later date
2 [U, C] (BrE) a prize of money in a competition or LOTTERY in a particular week, that is added to the prize given in the following week if nobody wins it: a rollover jackpot
3 [U] (especially AmE) the turning over of a vehicle during an accident
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'roll-up
noun (BrE , informal) a cigarette that you make yourself with tobacco and special paper
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roly-poly
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (informal) (of people) short, round and fat

noun (pl.-ies) (also ,roly-poly 'pudding) [U, C] (BrE ) a hot DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from SUET pastry spread with jam and rolled up

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ROM
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘read-only memory’ (computer memory that contains instructions or data that cannot be changed or removed): ROM chips—compare CD-ROM
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ro.maine
noun [C, U] (AmE ) = COS LETTUCE
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Roman
adj., noun
adj.
1 of or connected with ancient Rome or the Roman Empire: a Roman road / temple / villa  Roman Britain
2 of or connected with the modern city of Rome
3 of or connected with the Roman Catholic Church: the Roman rite
4 roman type is ordinary upright printing type: Definitions in this dictionary are printed in roman type.—compare ITALIC

noun
1 [C] a member of the ancient Roman republic or empire: after the Romans invaded Britain
2 [C] a person from the modern city of Rome
3 (roman) [U] the ordinary style of printing that uses small upright letters, like these words—compare ITALICS
IDM see ROME

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the ,Roman 'alphabet
noun [sing.] the alphabet that is used in English and in most Western European languages
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,Roman 'Catholic
(also Cath.olic) noun (abbr. RC) a member of the part of the Christian Church that has the POPE as its leader
,Roman 'Catholic (also Cath.olic) adj.
,Roman Ca'tholicism (also Cath.oli.cism) noun [U]
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Ro.mance
adj. [only before noun] Romance languages, such as French, Italian and Spanish, are languages that developed from Latin
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ro.mance
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an exciting, usually short, relationship between two people who are in love with each other: a teenage / holiday romance  They had a whirlwind romance .
2 [U] love or the feeling of being in love: Spring is here and romance is in the air.  How can you put the romance back into your marriage?
3 [U] a feeling of excitement and adventure, especially connected to a particular place or activity: the romance of travel
4 [C] a story about a love affair: She’s a compulsive reader of romances.
5 [C] a story of excitement and adventure, often set in the past: medieval romances

verb (written)
1 [v] to tell stories that are not true or to describe sth in a way that makes it seem more exciting or interesting than it really is
2 [vn] to have or to try to have a romantic relationship with sb

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Ro.man.esque
adj. used to describe a style of architecture that was popular in Western Europe from the 10th to the 12th centuries and that had round arches, thick walls and tall PILLARS —see also NORMAN
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,Roman 'nose
noun a nose that curves out at the top
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,Roman 'numeral
noun one of the letters used by the ancient Romans to represent numbers and still used today, in some situations. In this system I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1 000 and these letters are used in combinations to form other numbers: Henry VIII  Copyright BBC MCMXCVII (1997)—compare ARABIC NUMERAL
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ro.man.tic
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected or concerned with love or a sexual relationship: a romantic candlelit dinner  romantic stories / fiction / comedy  I’m not interested in a romantic relationship.
2 (of people) showing feelings of love: Why don’t you ever give me flowers? I wish you’d be more romantic.
3 beautiful in a way that makes you think of love or feel strong emotions: romantic music  romantic mountain scenery
4 very imaginative and emotional; not looking at situations in a realistic way: a romantic view of life  When I was younger, I had romantic ideas of becoming a writer.
5 (Ro.man.tic) [usually before noun] used to describe literature, music or art, especially of the 19th century, that is concerned with strong feelings, imagination and a return to nature, rather than reason, order and INTELLECTUAL ideas: the Romantic movement  poets / composers of the Romantic period  Keats is one of the greatest Romantic poets.
ro.man.tic.al.ly adv.: to be romantically involved with sb  Their names have been linked romantically.  He talked romantically of the past and his youth.

noun
1 a person who is very imaginative and emotional, and who has ideas and hopes that may not be realistic: an incurable romantic  He was a romantic at heart and longed for adventure.
2 (Ro.man.tic) a writer, a musician or an artist who writes, etc. in the style of Romanticism

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ro.man.ti.cism
noun [U]
1 (also Ro.man.ti.cism) a style and movement in art, music and literature in the late 18th and early 19th century, in which strong feelings, imagination and a return to nature were more important than reason, order and intellectual ideas—compare REALISM
2 the quality of seeing people, events and situations as more exciting and interesting than they really are
3 strong feelings of love; the fact of showing emotion, affection, etc.
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ro.man.ti.cize
(BrE also -ise) verb to make sth seem more attractive or interesting than it really is: [vn] romanticizing the past  a romanticized picture of parenthood [alsov]
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Rom.any
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a member of a race of people, originally from Asia, who travel around and traditionally live in CARAVANS
SYN GYPSY
2 [U] the language of Romany people
Rom.any adj. [usually before noun]
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Rome
noun
IDM Rome wasn’t built in a 'day (saying) used to say that a complicated task will take a long time and needs patience when in 'Rome (do as the 'Romans do) (saying) used to say that when you are in a foreign country, or a situation you are not familiar with, you should behave in the way that the people around you behave
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romp
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to play in a happy and noisy way: kids romping around in the snow  Two fox cubs romped playfully on the river bank.
IDM romp home / to victory to easily win a race or competition: Their horse romped home in the 2 o’clock race.  The Dutch team romped to a 5–1 victory over Napoli.
PVR V ,romp a'way / a'head (BrE, informal) to increase, make progress or win quickly and easily ,romp 'through (sth) (BrE, informal) to do sth easily and quickly: She romped through the exam questions.

noun (often used in newspapers) (informal)
1 [C] an enjoyable sexual experience that is not serious: politicians involved in sex romps with call-girls
2 [C] an amusing book, play or film/movie that is full of action or adventure: His latest film is an enjoyable romp.
3 [sing.] an easy victory in a sports competition: They won in a 5–1 romp.

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romp.ers
noun [pl.] (also 'romper suit [C]) (old-fashioned) a piece of clothing worn by a baby, that covers the body and legs
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rondo
noun (pl.-os) a piece of music in which the main tune is repeated several times, sometimes forming part of a longer piece
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rood screen
noun (technical ) a wooden or stone structure in some churches that divides the part near the ALTAR from the rest of the church
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roof
noun, verb
noun (pl.roofs)
1 the structure that covers or forms the top of a building or vehicle: a flat / sloping roof  a thatched / slate roof  The corner of the classroom was damp where the roof had leaked.  Tim climbed on to the garage roof.  The roof of the car was not damaged in the accident.—see also SUNROOF —picture at HOUSE
2 (-roofed) (in adjectives) having the type of roof mentioned: flat-roofed buildings
3 the top of an underground space such as a tunnel or CAVE
4 ~ of your mouth the top of the inside of your mouth
IDM go through the 'roof
1 (of prices, etc.) to rise or increase very quickly: House prices here have gone through the roof.
2 (also hit the 'roof) (informal) to become very angry have a 'roof over your head to have somewhere to live: Thanks to Bob’s generosity, I still have a roof over my head. under one 'roof | under the same 'roof in the same building or house: There are various stores and restaurants all under one roof.  I don’t think I can live under the same roof as you any longer. under your 'roof in your home: I don’t want her under my roof again.—more at HIT v. , RAISE v.

verb ~ sth (in / over)| ~ sth (with / in sth) [vn] [often passive] to cover sth with a roof; to put a roof on a building: The shopping centre is not roofed over.  Their cottage was roofed with green slate.

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'roof garden
noun a garden on the flat roof of a building
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roof.ing
noun [U]
1 material used for making or covering roofs: timber roofing  roofing felt / slates / tiles
2 the process of building roofs: a roofing contractor
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'roof rack
noun a metal frame fixed to the roof of a car and used for carrying bags, cases and other large objects—picture at RACK , CAR
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roof.top
noun the outside part of the roof of a building: From the hill we looked out over the rooftops of Athens.  The prisoners staged a rooftop protest.
IDM ,shout, etc. sth from the 'rooftops to talk about sth in a very public way: He was in love and wanted to shout it from the rooftops.
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rook
noun
1 a large black bird of the CROW family. Rooks build their nests in groups at the tops of trees.
2 = CASTLE
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rookie
noun (informal)
1 (especially AmE) a person who has just started a job or an activity and has very little experience: a rookie police officer
2 (AmE) a member of a sports team in his or her first full year of playing that sport
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room
noun, verb
noun
IN BUILDING|
1 [C] a part of a building that has its own walls, floor and ceiling and is usually used for a particular purpose: He walked out of the room and slammed the door.  They were in the next room and we could hear every word they said.  a dining / living / sitting room  They had to sit in the waiting room for an hour.  I think Simon is in his room (= bedroom).   (spoken) I don’t want to watch television. I’ll be in the other room (= a different room).
HELP There are many compounds ending in room. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
-ROOMED / -ROOM|
2 (in adjectives) having the number of rooms mentioned: a three-roomed / three-room apartment
IN HOTEL|
3 [C] a bedroom in a hotel, etc: a double / single room  I’d like to book a room with a view of the lake.  She lets out rooms to students.
PLACE TO LIVE|
4 (rooms) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a set of two or more rooms that you rent to live in
SYN LODGINGS : They lived in rooms in Kensington.
SPACE|
5 [U] ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth) empty space that can be used for a particular purpose: Is there enough room for me in the car?  There’s room for one more at the table.  Do you have room for a computer on your desk?  Yes, there’s plenty of room .  I’ll move the table—it takes up too much room .  How can we make room for all the furniture?  Make sure you have plenty of room to sit comfortably.—see also ELBOW ROOM , HEADROOM , HOUSEROOM , LEGROOM , STANDING ROOM   note at PLACE
POSSIBILITY|
6 ~ for sth the possibility of sth existing or happening; the opportunity to do sth: He had to be certain. There could be no room for doubt .  There’s some room for improvement in your work (= it is not as good as it could be).  It is important to give children room to think for themselves.
PEOPLE|
7 [sing.] all the people in a room: The whole room burst into applause. no room to swing a 'cat (informal) when sb says there’s no room to swing a cat, they mean that a room is very small and that there is not enough space—more at MANOEUVRE n. , SMOKE n.

verb [v] (AmE ) ~ (with sb)| ~ (together) to rent a room somewhere; to share a rented room or flat/apartment with sb: She and Nancy roomed together at college.

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room.ful
noun [sing.] a large number of people or things that are in a room: He announced his resignation to a roomful of reporters.  a roomful of old books
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'rooming house
noun (AmE ) a building where rooms with furniture can be rented for living in
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'room-mate
noun
1 a person that you share a room with, especially at a college or university
2 (AmE) = FLATMATE
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'room service
noun [U] a service provided in a hotel, by which guests can order food and drink to be brought to their rooms: He ordered coffee from room service.
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roomy
adj. (room.ier, roomi.est) (approving) having a lot of space inside: a surprisingly roomy house / car
roomi.ness noun [U] (rare)
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roost
noun, verb
noun a place where birds sleep
IDM see RULE v.

verb [v] (of birds) to rest or go to sleep somewhere
IDM see HOME adv.

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roost.er
noun (especially AmE ) = COCK
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root
noun, verb
noun
OF PLANT|
1 [C] the part of a plant that grows under the ground and absorbs water and minerals that it sends to the rest of the plant: deep spreading roots  I pulled the plant up by (= including)the roots .  Tree roots can cause damage to buildings.  root crops / vegetables (= plants whose roots you can eat, such as carrots)—see also GRASS ROOTS , TAPROOT —picture at PLANT
OF HAIR / TOOTH / NAIL|
2 [C] the part of a hair, tooth, nail or tongue that attaches it to the rest of the body: hair that is blonde at the ends and dark at the roots
MAIN CAUSE OF PROBLEM|
3 [C, usually sing.] the main cause of sth, such as a problem or difficult situation: Money, or love of money, is said to be the root of all evil.  We have to get to the root of the problem .  What lies at the root of his troubles is a sense of insecurity.  What would you say was the root cause of the problem?
ORIGIN|
4 [C, usually pl.] the origin or basis of sth: Flamenco has its roots in Arabic music.
CONNECTION WITH PLACE|
5 (roots) [pl.] the feelings or connections that you have with a place because you have lived there or your family came from there: I’m proud of my Italian roots.  After 20 years in America, I still feel my roots are in England.
OF WORD|
6 [C] (linguistics) the part of a word that has the main meaning and that its other forms are based on; a word that other words are formed from: ‘Walk’ is the root of ‘walks’, ‘walked’, ‘walking’ and ‘walker’.
MATHEMATICS|
7 [C] a quantity which, when multiplied by itself a particular number of times, produces another quantity—see also CUBE ROOT , SQUARE ROOT put down 'roots
1 (of a plant) to develop roots
2 to settle and live in one place: After ten years travelling the world, she felt it was time to put down roots somewhere. ,root and 'branch thoroughly and completely: The government set out to destroy the organization root and branch.  root-and-branch reforms take 'root
1 (of a plant) to develop roots
2 (of an idea) to become accepted widely: Fortunately, militarism failed to take root in Europe as a whole.

verb
OF PLANTS|
1 [v, vn] to grow roots; to make or encourage a plant to grow roots
SEARCH|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (about / around) for sth| ~ (through sth) (for sth) to search for sth by moving things or turning things over: pigs rooting for food  ‘It must be here somewhere,’ she said, rooting through the suitcase.  Who’s been rooting around in my desk? 'root for sb/sth [no passive] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (informal) to support or encourage sb in a sports competition or when they are in a difficult situation: We’re rooting for the Bulls.  Good luck—I’m rooting for you! ,root sth/sb<->'out
1 to find the person or thing that is causing a problem and remove or get rid of them
2 to find sb/sth after searching for a long time: I’ll root out the photo for you. ,root sb to 'sth to make sb unable to move because of fear, shock, etc: Embarrassment rooted her to the spot . ,root sth<->'up to dig or pull up a plant with its roots

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'root beer
noun
1 [U] a sweet FIZZY drink (= with bubbles), that does not contain alcohol, made from GINGER and the roots of other plants. It is drunk especially in the US.
2 [C] a bottle, can or glass of root beer : Two root beers.
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root.ed
adj.
1 ~ in sth developing from or being strongly influenced by sth: His problems are deeply rooted in his childhood experiences.
2 fixed in one place; not moving or changing: She was rooted to her chair.  Their life is rooted in Chicago now.  Life in the countryside remained firmly rooted in the past.  Racism is still deeply rooted in our society.—see also DEEP-ROOTED
IDM rooted to the 'spot so frightened or shocked that you cannot move
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root.less
adj. having nowhere that you really think of as home, or as the place where you belong: She had had a rootless childhood moving from town to town.
root.less.ness noun [U]
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rope
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] very strong thick string made by twisting thinner strings, wires, etc. together: The rope broke and she fell 50 metres onto the rocks.  We tied his hands together with rope.  The anchor was attached to a length of rope.  Coils of rope lay on the quayside.—see also JUMP ROPE , SKIPPING ROPE , TOW ROPE
2 (the ropes) [pl.] the fence made of rope that is around the edge of the area where a boxing or WRESTLING match takes place
3 [C] a number of similar things attached together by a string or thread: a rope of pearls / beads
IDM give sb enough 'rope to allow sb freedom to do what they want, especially in the hope that they will make a mistake or look silly: The question was vague, giving the interviewee enough rope to hang herself . on the 'ropes (informal) very close to being defeated show sb / know / learn the 'ropes (informal) to show sb/know/learn how a particular job should be done—more at END n. , MONEY

verb [vn]
1 [+adv. / prep.] ~ A and B together| ~ A to B to tie one person or thing to another with a rope: Thieves had roped the guard’s feet together.  I roped the goat to a post.
2 to tie sth with a rope so that it is held tightly and safely: I closed and roped the trunk.
3 (especially AmE) to catch an animal by throwing a circle of rope around it
PVR V ,rope sb<->'in| ,rope sb 'into sth [usually passive] (informal) to persuade sb to join in an activity or to help to do sth, even when they do not want to: [+ to inf] Everyone was roped in to help with the show. [+ -ing] Ben was roped into making the coffee for the whole team. ,rope sth<->'off to separate an area from another one, using ropes, to stop people from entering it: Police roped off the street to investigate the accident.

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,rope 'ladder
noun a ladder made of two long ropes connected by short pieces of wood or metal at regular intervals
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ropy
(also ropey) adj. (BrE , informal)
1 not in good condition; of bad quality: We spent the night in a ropy old tent.
2 feeling slightly ill/sick: I felt a bit ropy earlier this week, but I’m better now.
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ro-ro
abbr. (BrE ) ROLL-ON ROLL-OFF
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ros.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a string of BEADS that are used by some Roman Catholics for counting prayers as they say them
2 (the Rosary) [sing.] the set of prayers said by Roman Catholics while counting rosary BEADS
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rose
noun, adj. —see also RISE v.
noun
1 [C] a flower with a sweet smell that grows on a bush with THORNS (= sharp pointed growths) on its stems. There are many different types of rose : a bunch of red roses  a rose bush / garden  a climbing / rambling rose
2 (also ,rose 'pink) [U] a pink colour
3 [C] a piece of metal or plastic with small holes in it that is attached to the end of a pipe or WATERING CAN so that the water comes out in a fine spray when you are watering plants—picture at GARDEN
4 = CEILING ROSE
IDM be coming up 'roses (informal) (of a situation) to be developing in a successful way: Everything’s coming up roses! put 'roses in sb’s cheeks (BrE, informal) to make sb look healthy—more at BED n. , SMELL v.

adj. (also ,rose 'pink) pink in colour: The walls were rose pink.

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rosé
noun [U, C] (from French ) a light pink wine: a bottle of rosé  an excellent rosé—compare RED WINE , WHITE WINE
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ros.eate
adj. [usually before noun] (literary ortechnical ) pink in colour: the roseate glow of dawn
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rose.bud
noun the flower of a rose before it is open
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'rose-coloured
(BrE ) (AmE'rose-colored) adj.
1 pink in colour
2 (also 'rose-tinted) used to describe an idea or a way of looking at a situation as being better or more positive than it really is: a rose-tinted vision of the world  He tends to view the world through rose-coloured spectacles .
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'rose hip
noun = HIP
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rose.mary
noun [U] a bush with small narrow leaves that smell sweet and are used in cooking as a herb
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ros.ette
noun
1 a circular decoration made of RIBBON that is worn by supporters of a political party or sports team, or to show that sb has won a prize
2 a thing that has the shape of a rose: The leaves formed a dark green rosette.
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'rose water
noun [U] a liquid with a sweet smell made from roses, used as a PERFUME or in cooking
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,rose 'window
noun a decorative circular window in a church, often with coloured glass (= STAINED GLASS ) in it
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rose.wood
noun [U] the hard reddish-brown wood of a tropical tree, that has a pleasant smell and is used for making expensive furniture
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Rosh Hash.ana
(also Rosh Hash.anah) noun [U] the Jewish New Year festival, held in September
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rosin
noun [U] a substance that is used on the BOW of a musical instrument such as a violin so that it moves across the STRINGS more easily
rosin verb [vn]
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ros.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 a list of people’s names and the jobs that they have to do at a particular time
SYN ROTA : a duty roster
2 a list of the names of people who are available to do a job, play in a team, etc.

verb (BrE ) to put sb’s name on a roster : [vn] The driver was rostered for Sunday. [alsovn to inf]

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ros.trum
noun (pl.ros.trums or ros.tra ) a small raised platform that a person stands on to make a speech, CONDUCT music, receive a prize, etc: He climbed on to the winner’s rostrum.
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rosy
adj. (rosi.er, rosi.est)
1 pink and pleasant in appearance: She had rosy cheeks.  The sky was turning rosy over the harbour.
2 likely to be good or successful: The future is looking very rosy for our company.  She painted a rosy picture of their life together in Italy (= made it appear to be very good and perhaps better than it really was).
IDM see GARDEN n.
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rot
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) to decay, or make sth decay, naturally and gradually
SYN DECOMPOSE : [v] rotting leaves / fruit  The window frame had rotted away completely.   (figurative) prisoners thrown in jail and left to rot   [vn] Too much sugar will rot your teeth.—see also ROTTEN

noun [U]
1 the process or state of decaying and falling apart: The wood must not get damp as rot can quickly result.—see also DRY ROT
2 (the rot) used to describe the fact that a situation is getting worse: The rot set in last year when they reorganized the department.  The team should manage to stop the rot if they play well this week.
3 (old-fashioned, BrE) nonsense; silly things that sb says
SYN RUBBISH : Don’t talk such rot!

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rota
noun (pl.rotas) (BrE ) a list of jobs that need to be done and the people who will do them in turn
SYN ROSTER : Dave organized a cleaning rota.  We share out the babysitting on a rota basis.
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ro.tary
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a movement) moving in a circle around a central fixed point: rotary motion
2 (of a machine or piece of equipment) having parts that move in this way: a rotary engine

noun (pl.-ies) (AmE ) = ROUNDABOUT

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ro.tate
verb
1 ~ (about / around sth) to move or turn around a central fixed point; to make sth do this: [v] Stay well away from the helicopter when its blades start to rotate.  winds rotating around the eye of a hurricane  [vn] Rotate the wheel through 180 degrees.
2 if a job rotates, or if people rotate a job, they regularly change the job or regularly change who does the job: [v] The EU presidency rotates among the members.  When I joined the company, I rotated around the different sections.  [vn] We rotate the night shift so no one has to do it all the time.
ro.tat.ing adj. [only before noun]: rotating parts  a rotating presidency
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ro.ta.tion
noun
1 [U] the action of an object moving in a circle around a central fixed point: the daily rotation of the earth on its axis
2 [C] one complete movement in a circle around a fixed point: This switch controls the number of rotations per minute.
3 the act of regularly changing the thing that is being used in a particular situation, or of changing the person who does a particular job: crop rotation / the rotation of crops (= changing the crop that is grown on an area of land in order to protect the soil)  Wheat, maize and sugar beet are planted in rotation .  The committee is chaired by all the members in rotation .
ro.ta.tion.al adj. [only before noun]
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rote
noun [U] (often used as an adjective) the process of learning sth by repeating it until you remember it rather than by understanding the meaning of it: to learn by rote   rote learning
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rotor
noun a part of a machine that turns around a central point: rotor blades on a helicopter
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rot.ten
adj., adv.
adj.
1 (of food, wood, etc.) that has decayed and cannot be eaten or used: the smell of rotten vegetables  The fruit is starting to go rotten .  rotten floorboards
2 [usually before noun] (informal) very bad
SYN TERRIBLE : I’ve had a rotten day!  What rotten luck!  She’s a rotten singer.
3 [usually before noun] (informal) dishonest: The organization is rotten to the core .
4 [not before noun] (informal) looking or feeling ill/sick: She felt rotten.
5 [not before noun] (informal) feeling guilty about sth you have done: I feel rotten about leaving them behind.
6 [only before noun] (informal) used to emphasize that you are angry or upset about sth: You can keep your rotten money!
rot.ten.ness noun [U]
IDM a rotten 'apple one bad person who has a bad effect on others in a group

adv. (informal) to a large degree; very much: She spoils the children rotten.   (BrE ) He fancies you (something) rotten.

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rot.ter
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a person who behaves badly towards other people
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Rott.weiler
noun a large dog that can be very fierce
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ro.tund
adj. (formal or humorous) having a fat round body: the rotund figure of Mr Stevens
ro.tund.ity noun [U]
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ro.tunda
noun a round building or hall, especially one with a curved roof (= a DOME )
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rou.ble
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ruble) noun the unit of money in Russia
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rouge
noun [U] (old-fashioned) a red powder used by women for giving colour to their cheeks
rouge verb [vn]
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rough
adj., noun, verb, adv.
adj. (rough.er, rough.est)
NOT SMOOTH|
1 having a surface that is not even or regular: rough ground  The skin on her hands was hard and rough.  Trim rough edges with a sharp knife.
OPP SMOOTH
NOT EXACT|
2 (written) not exact; not including all details
SYN APPROXIMATE : a rough calculation / estimate of the cost  I’ve got a rough idea of where I want to go.  There were about 20 people there, at a rough guess .  a rough draft of a speech  a rough drawing / sketch
VIOLENT|
3 not gentle or careful; violent: This watch is not designed for rough treatment.  They complained of rough handling by the guards.  rough kids  Don’t try any rough stuff with me!
4 where there is a lot of violence or crime: the roughest neighbourhood in the city
SEA|
5 having large and dangerous waves: It was too rough to sail that night.
WEATHER|
6 wild and with storms
UNPLEASANT|
7 difficult and unpleasant
SYN TOUGH : He’s had a really rough time recently (= he’s had a lot of problems).  We’ll get someone in to do the rough work (= the hard physical work).
NOT WELL|
8 not feeling well: You look rough—are you OK?  I had a rough night (= I didn’t sleep well).
PLAIN / BASIC|
9 simply made and not finished in every detail; plain or basic: rough wooden tables  a rough road / track   (BrE) rough paper for making notes on
HARSH|
10 harsh and unpleasant to taste, listen to, etc: a rough wine / voice
rough.ness noun [U] —see also ROUGHLY rough 'edges small parts of sth or of a person’s character that are not yet as good as they should be: The ballet still had some rough edges.  He had a few rough edges knocked off at school. a rough 'deal the fact of being treated unfairly—more at RIDE n.

noun
IN GOLF|
1 (the rough) [sing.] the part of a GOLF COURSE where the grass is long, making it more difficult to hit the ball—compare FAIRWAY —picture at GOLF
DRAWING / DESIGN|
2 [C] (technical) the first version of a drawing or design that has been done quickly and without much detail
VIOLENT PERSON|
3 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a violent person: a gang of roughs in 'rough (especially BrE) if you write or draw sth in rough, you make a first version of it, not worrying too much about mistakes or details take the ,rough with the 'smooth to accept the unpleasant or difficult things that happen in life as well as the good things—more at BIT

verb 'rough it (informal) to live in a way that is not very comfortable for a short time: We can sleep on the beach. I don’t mind roughing it for a night or two. ,rough sth<->'out to draw or write sth without including all the details: I’ve roughed out a few ideas. ,rough sb<->'up (informal) to hurt sb by hitting or kicking them: He claimed that guards had roughed him up in prison.

adv. using force or violence: Do they always play this rough? live / sleep 'rough (BrE) to live or sleep outdoors, usually because you have no home and no money: young people sleeping rough on the streets

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rough.age
noun [U] the part of food that helps to keep a person healthy by keeping the bowels working and moving other food quickly through the body
SYN FIBRE
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,rough-and-'ready
adj. [usually before noun]
1 simple and prepared quickly but good enough for a particular situation: a rough-and-ready guide to the education system
2 (of a person) not very polite, educated or fashionable
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,rough and 'tumble
noun [U, sing.]
1 ~ (of sth) a situation in which people compete with each other and are aggressive in order to get what they want: the rough and tumble of politics
2 noisy and slightly violent behaviour when children or animals are playing together
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rough.cast
noun [U] a type of PLASTER containing small stones that is used for covering the outside walls of buildings
rough.cast adj.
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,rough 'diamond
(BrE ) (AmE ,diamond in the 'rough) noun a person who has many good qualities even though they do not seem to be very polite, educated, etc.
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rough.en
verb to become rough; to make sth rough: [v] His voice roughened with every word.  [vn] Cold weather roughens your skin.
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,rough-'hewn
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of stone, wood, etc.) cut in a way that leaves it with a rough surface: rough-hewn walls   (figurative) the rough-hewn features of his face
2 (written) (of a person or their behaviour) not very polite or educated
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,rough 'justice
noun [U]
1 punishment that does not seem fair: It was rough justice that they lost in the closing seconds of the game.
2 treatment that is fair but not official or expected: There was a certain amount of rough justice in his downfall.
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rough.ly
adv.
1 approximately but not exactly: Sales are up by roughly 10%.  We live roughly halfway between here and the coast.  They all left at roughly the same time.  Roughly speaking , we receive about fifty letters a week on the subject.
2 using force or not being careful and gentle: He pushed her roughly out of the way.  ‘What do you want?’ she demanded roughly.
3 in a way that does not leave a smooth surface: roughly plastered walls
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rough.neck
noun (informal)
1 (especially AmE) a man who is noisy, rude and aggressive
2 a man who works on an OIL RIG
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rough.shod
adv.
IDM ride, etc. 'roughshod over sb (especially BrE) (AmE usually run 'roughshod over sb) to treat sb badly and not worry about their feelings
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roul.ette
noun [U] a gambling game in which a ball is dropped onto a moving wheel that has holes with numbers on it. Players bet on which hole the ball will be in when the wheel stops.—see also RUSSIAN ROULETTE
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round
adj., adv., prep., noun, verb
adj. (round.er, round.est)
1 shaped like a circle or a ball: a round table / plate  These glasses suit people with round faces.  The fruit are small and round.  Rugby isn’t played with a round ball.  the discovery that the world is round  The child was watching it all with big round eyes (= showing interest).  a T-shirt with a round neck—see also ROUND-EYED , ROUND-TABLE
2 having a curved shape: the round green hills of Donegal  round brackets (= in punctuation)  She had a small mouth and round pink cheeks.
3 [only before noun] a round figure or amount is one that is given as a whole number, usually one ending in 0 or 5: Make it a round figure—say forty dollars.  Two thousand is a nice round number—put that down.  Well, in round figures (= not giving the exact figures) we’ve spent twenty thousand so far.
round.ness noun [U] (written): His face had lost its boyish roundness.

adv. (especially BrE ) (AmE usually around) For the special uses of round in phrasal verbs, look at the verb entries. For example, the meaning of come round to sth is given in the phrasal verb section of the entry for come.
1 moving in a circle: Everybody joins hands and dances round.  How do you make the wheels go round?  The children were spinning round and round .   (figurative) The thought kept going round and round in her head.
2 measuring or marking the edge or outside of sth: a young tree measuring only 18 inches round  They’ve built a high fence all round to keep intruders out.
3 on all sides of sb/sth: A large crowd had gathered round to watch.
4 at various places in an area: People stood round waiting for something to happen.
5 in a circle or curve to face another way or the opposite way: He turned the car round and drove back again.  She looked round at the sound of his voice.
6 to the other side of sth: We walked round to the back of the house.  The road’s blocked—you’ll have to drive the long way round .
7 from one place, person, etc. to another: They’ve moved all the furniture round.  He went round interviewing people about local traditions.  Pass the biscuits round.  Have we enough cups to go round ?
8 (informal) to or at a particular place, especially where sb lives: I’ll be round in an hour.  We’ve invited the Frasers round this evening.  note at AROUND ,round a'bout
1 in the area near a place: in Oxford and the villages round about
2 approximately: We’re leaving round about ten.  A new roof will cost round about £3 000.—more at TIME

prep. (especially BrE ) (AmE usually around)
1 in a circle: the first woman to sail round the world  The earth moves round the sun.
2 on, to or from the other side of sth: Our house is round the next bend.  There she is, coming round the corner.  There must be a way round the problem.
3 on all sides of sb/sth; surrounding sb/sth: She put her arms round him.  He had a scarf round his neck.  They were all sitting round the table.
4 in or to many parts of sth: She looked all round the room.
5 to fit in with particular people, ideas, etc: He has to organize his life round the kids.  note at AROUND ,round 'here near where you are now or where you live: There are no decent schools round here.

noun
STAGE IN PROCESS|
1 a set of events which form part of a longer process: the next round of peace talks  a new round of pay bargaining  the final round of voting in the election
IN SPORT|
2 a stage in a sports competition: the qualifying rounds of the National Championships  Rafter was knocked out of the tournament in the third round.
3 a stage in a boxing or WRESTLING match: The fight only lasted five rounds.
4 a complete game of golf; a complete way around the COURSE in some other sports, such as SHOWJUMPING : We played a round of golf.  the first horse to jump a clear round
REGULAR ACTIVITIES / ROUTE|
5 a regular series of activities: the daily round of school life  Her life is one long round of parties and fun.
6 a regular route that sb takes when delivering or collecting sth; a regular series of visits that sb makes: Dr Green was on her daily ward rounds .   (BrE) a postman on his delivery round—see also MILK ROUND , PAPER ROUND
DRINKS|
7 a number of drinks bought by one person for all the others in a group: a round of drinks  It’s my round (= it is my turn to pay for the next set of drinks).
BREAD|
8 (BrE) a whole slice of bread; sandwiches made from two whole slices of bread: Who’s for another round of toast?  two rounds of beef sandwiches
CIRCULAR OBJECT|
9 a circular object or piece of sth: Cut the pastry into rounds.
OF APPLAUSE / CHEERS|
10 ~ of applause / cheers a short period during which people show their approval of sb/sth by CLAPPING , etc: There was a great round of applause when the dance ended.
SHOT|
11 a single shot from a gun; a bullet for one shot: They fired several rounds at the crowd.  We only have three rounds of ammunition left.
SONG|
12 (music) a song for two or more voices in which each sings the same tune but starts at a different time do / go the 'rounds (of sth)
1 (BrE) (AmE make the 'rounds) if news or a joke does the rounds, it is passed on quickly from one person to another
2 (BrE) (also make the 'roundsAmE, BrE) to go around from place to place, especially when looking for work or support for a political CAMPAIGN , etc: He’s doing the rounds of insurance firms. in the 'round
1 (of a work of art) made so that it can be seen from all sides: an opportunity to see Canova’s work in the round
2 (of a theatre or play) with the people watching all around a central stage

verb
1 [vn] to go around a corner of a building, a bend in the road, etc: The boat rounded the tip of the island.  We rounded the bend at high speed.
2 to make sth into a round shape; to form into a round shape: [vn] She rounded her lips and whistled.  [v] His eyes rounded with horror.
3 [vn] ~ sth (up / down) (to sth) to increase or decrease a number to the next highest or lowest whole number ,round sth<->'off (with sth)
1 (AmE also ,round sth<->'out) to finish an activity or complete sth in a good or suitable way: She rounded off the tour with a concert at Carnegie Hall.
2 to take the sharp or rough edges off sth: You can round off the corners with sandpaper. 'round on sb to suddenly speak angrily to sb and criticize or attack them: He rounded on journalists, calling them ‘a pack of vultures’. ,round sb/sth<->'up
1 to find and gather together people, animals or things: I rounded up a few friends for a party.  The cattle are rounded up in the evenings.
2 if police or soldiers round up a group of people, they find them and arrest or capture them: A number of suspects were rounded up and questioned.—related noun ROUND-UP

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round.about
noun, adj.
noun (BrE )
1 (AmE 'traffic circle, ro.tary) a place where two or more roads meet, forming a circle that all traffic must go around in the same direction: At the roundabout, take the second exit.
2 (AmE 'merry-go-round) a circular platform for children to play on in a park, etc. that is pushed round while the children are sitting on it
3 (BrE) = MERRY-GO-ROUND (1)
IDM see SWING n.

adj. [usually before noun] not done or said using the shortest, simplest or most direct way possible: It was a difficult and roundabout trip.  He told us, in a very roundabout way, that he was thinking of leaving.

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'round bracket
noun (BrE ) = BRACKET
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round.ed
adj. [usually before noun]
1 having a round shape: a surface with rounded edges  rounded shoulders
2 having a wide variety of qualities that combine to produce sth pleasant, complete and balanced: a smooth rounded taste / sound  a fully rounded education—see also WELL ROUNDED
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roundel
noun (technical ) a circular design that is used as a decoration or to identify an aircraft
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round.ers
noun [U] a British game played especially in schools by two teams using a bat and ball. Each player tries to hit the ball and then run around the four sides of a square before the other team can return the ball.—compare BASEBALL
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,round-'eyed
adj. with eyes that are fully open because of surprise, fear, etc.
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round.ly
adv. strongly or by a large number of people: The report has been roundly criticized.  They were roundly defeated (= they lost by a large number of points).
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,round 'robin
noun
1 a letter that has been signed by a large number of people who wish to express their opinions about sth
2 (sport) a competition in which every player or team plays every other player or team
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,round-'shouldered
adj. with shoulders that are bent forward or sloping downwards
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'round-table
adj. [only before noun] (of discussions, meetings, etc.) at which everyone is equal and has the same rights: round-table talks / negotiations
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,round-the-'clock
(also a,round-the-'clock) adj. [only before noun] lasting or happening all day and night: round-the-clock nursing care—see also CLOCK
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,round 'trip
noun [C, U] a journey to a place and back again: a 30-mile round trip to work   (AmE ) It’s 30 miles round trip to work.
,round-'trip adj. (AmE): a round-trip ticket—see also RETURN TICKET
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'round-up
noun [usually sing.]
1 a summary of the most important points of a particular subject, especially the news: We’ll be back after the break with a round-up of today’s other stories.
2 an act of bringing people or animals together in one place for a particular purpose: the round-up of sheep for shearing
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round.worm
noun a small worm that lives in the INTESTINES of pigs, humans and some other animals
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rouse
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (from sleep / bed) (formal) to wake sb up, especially when they are sleeping deeply: The telephone roused me from my sleep at 6 a.m.  Nicky roused her with a gentle nudge.
2 ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to make sb want to start doing sth when they were not active or interested in doing it: [vn] A lot of people were roused to action by the appeal.  [vn to inf] Richard couldn’t rouse himself to say anything in reply.
3 [vn] (formal) to make sb feel a particular emotion: to rouse sb’s anger / fear / curiosity  What roused your suspicions (= what made you suspicious)?
4 [vn] [usually passive] to make sb angry, excited or full of emotion: Chris is not easily roused.—see also AROUSE
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rous.ing
adj. [usually before noun]
1 full of energy and enthusiasm: a rousing cheer  The team was given a rousing reception by the fans.
2 intended to make other people feel enthusiastic about sth: a rousing speech
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roust
verb [vn] (AmE ) ~ sb (from sth) to disturb sb or make them move from a place
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roust.about
noun (especially AmE ) a man with no special skills who does temporary work, for example on an OIL RIG or in a CIRCUS
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rout
noun, verb
noun [sing.] a situation in which sb is defeated easily and completely in a battle or competition: Only the skill of the goalkeeper prevented the match from turning into a rout.
IDM put sb to 'rout (literary) to defeat sb easily and completely

verb [vn] to defeat sb completely in a competition, a battle, etc: The Buffalo Bills routed the Atlanta Falcons 41–14.

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route
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (from A to B) a way that you follow to get from one place to another: Which is the best route to take?  Motorists are advised to find an alternative route.  a scenic / coastal route  the quickest route from Florence to Rome  an escape route—see also EN ROUTE
2 a fixed way along which a bus, train, etc. regularly travels or goods are regularly sent: The house is not on a bus route.  shipping routes  a cycle route (= a path that is only for cyclists)
3 ~ (to sth) a particular way of achieving sth: the route to fame / power / success
4 used before the number of a main road in the US: Route 66

verb (rout.ing or route.ing, rout.ed, rout.ed) [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to send sb/sth by a particular route: Satellites route data all over the globe.

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rou.tine
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] the normal order and way in which you regularly do things: We are trying to get the baby into a routine for feeding and sleeping.  Make exercise a part of your daily routine .  We clean and repair the machines as a matter of routine .
2 [U] (disapproving) a situation in which life is boring because things are always done in the same way: She needed a break from routine .
3 [C] a series of movements, jokes, etc. that are part of a performance: a dance routine
4 [C] (computing) a list of instructions that enable a computer to perform a particular task

adj. [usually before noun]
1 done or happening as a normal part of a particular job, situation or process: routine enquiries / questions / tests  The fault was discovered during a routine check.
2 not unusual or different in any way: He died of a heart attack during a routine operation.
3 (disapproving) ordinary and boring
SYN DULL : a routine job / task / life  This type of work rapidly becomes routine.
rou.tine.ly adv.: Visitors are routinely checked as they enter the building.

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rove
verb
1 (written) to travel from one place to another, often with no particular purpose: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A quarter of a million refugees roved around the country.  [vn] bands of thieves who roved the countryside
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] if sb’s eyes rove, the person keeps looking in different directions: Ali’s eyes roved over the map.
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rover
noun (literary) a person who likes to travel a lot rather than live in one place
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rov.ing
adj. [usually before noun] travelling from one place to another and not staying anywhere permanently: a roving reporter for ABC news  Patrick’s roving lifestyle takes him between London and Los Angeles.
IDM have a roving 'eye (old-fashioned) to always be looking for the chance to have a new sexual relationship
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row^1
noun, verb —see also ROW^2
noun
1 ~ (of sb/sth) a number of people standing or sitting next to each other in a line; a number of objects arranged in a line: a row of children / shops / trees  We sat in a row at the back of the room.  The vegetables were planted in neat rows.
2 a line of seats in a cinema/movie theater, etc: Let’s sit in the back row.  Our seats are five rows from the front.
3 a complete line of stitches in knitting or CROCHET —picture at SEW
4 (Row) used in the name of some roads: Manor Row
5 [usually sing.] an act of rowing a boat; the period of time spent doing this: We went for a row on the lake.—see also DEATH ROW , SKID ROW
IDM in a 'row
1 if sth happens several times in a row, it happens in exactly the same way each time, and nothing different happens in the time between: This is her third win in a row.
2 if sth happens for several days, etc. in a row, it happens on each of those days: Inflation has fallen for the third month in a row.

verb
1 to move a boat through water using OARS (= long wooden poles with flat ends): [v] We rowed around the island.  [vn] Grace rowed the boat out to sea again.
2 [vn] to take sb somewhere in a boat with OARS : The fisherman rowed us back to the shore.

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row^2
noun, verb —see also ROW^1
noun (informal, especially BrE )
1 [C] ~ (over sth) a serious disagreement between people, organizations, etc. about sth: A row has broken out over education.
2 [C] a noisy argument between two or more people
SYN QUARREL : She left him after a blazing row.  family rows  He had a row with his son.
3 [sing.] a loud unpleasant noise
SYN DIN , RACKET : Who’s making that row?

verb [v] ~ (with sb) (BrE , informal) to have a noisy argument: Mike and Sue are always rowing.  She had rowed with her parents about her boyfriend.

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rowan
(also 'rowan tree, ,mountain 'ash) noun a small tree that has red berries in the autumn/fall
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row.boat
noun (AmE ) = ROWING BOAT
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rowdy
adj. (row.dier, row.di.est) (of people) making a lot of noise or likely to cause trouble: a rowdy crowd at the pub
row.dily adv.
row.di.ness noun [U]
rowdy noun (pl.-ies): rowdies and troublemakers
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rowdy.ism
noun [U] behaviour that is noisy and causes trouble
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rower
noun a person who rows a boat
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row house
noun (AmE ) = TERRACED HOUSE
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row.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of travelling in a boat using OARS : to go rowing
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'rowing boat
(BrE ) (AmE row.boat) noun a small open boat that you row with OARS —picture at BOAT
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'rowing machine
noun a piece of sports equipment on which you make the same movements as sb who is rowing a boat
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row.lock
(BrE ) (AmE oar.lock) noun a device fixed to the side of a boat for holding an OAR
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royal
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with or belonging to the king or queen of a country: the royal family  the royal household—compare REGAL
2 (abbr.R) used in the names of organizations that serve or are supported by a king or queen: the Royal Navy  the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
3 impressive; suitable for a king or queen: We were given a royal welcome.
IDM the royal ‘we’ the use of ‘we’ to mean ‘I’, used traditionally by a king or queen

noun [usually pl.] (informal) a member of a royal family

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,royal 'blue
adj. deep bright blue
,royal 'blue noun [U]
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,Royal Com'mission
noun ~ (on / into sth)| ~ (to do sth) (in Britain) a group of people who are officially chosen to examine a particular law or subject and suggest any changes or new laws that should be introduced
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,Royal 'Highness
noun (His / Her / Your Royal Highness) a title of respect used when talking to or about a member of the royal family: Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Kent
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roy.al.ist
noun a person who believes that a country should have a king or queen
SYN MONARCHIST —compare REPUBLICAN
roy.al.ist adj.
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roy.al.ly
adv. (old-fashioned) very well; in a very impressive way or to a great degree
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roy.alty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] one or more members of a royal family: The gala evening was attended by royalty and politicians.  We were treated like royalty.
2 [C, usually pl.] a sum of money that is paid to sb who has written a book, piece of music, etc. each time that it is sold or performed: All royalties from the record will go to Aids charities.  She received £2 000 in royalties .
3 [C, usually pl.] a sum of money that is paid by an oil or MINING company to the owner of the land that they are working on
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RP
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘received pronunciation’ (the standard form of British pronunciation, based on educated speech in Southern England): RP is the accent most commonly taught in language schools.
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RPI
abbr. RETAIL PRICE INDEX
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rpm
abbr. revolutions per minute (a measurement of the speed of an engine or a record when it is playing)
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RRP
abbr. recommended retail price
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RSA
abbr. (BrE ) Royal Society of Arts
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RSI
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘repetitive strain injury’ (pain and swelling, especially in the arms and hands, caused by performing the same movement many times in a job or an activity): The spread of computers in offices has led to a rise in cases of RSI.
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RSVP
(BrE ) (also R.S.V.P.AmE, BrE) abbr. (written on invitations) please reply (from French ‘répondez s’il vous plaît’)
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Rt Hon
abbr. (BrE ) (in writing) RIGHT HONOURABLE
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Rt Revd
(also Rt. Rev.) abbr. (BrE ) (in writing) RIGHT REVEREND
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rub
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 ~ sth (with sth) to move your hand, or sth such as a cloth, backwards and forwards over a surface while pressing firmly: [vn] She rubbed her chin thoughtfully.  Rub the surface with sandpaper before painting.  The cat rubbed itself against my legs.  [v] I rubbed at the stain on the cloth.  Animals had been rubbing against the trees.  [vn-adj] Rub the surface smooth.
2 ~ (sth) (together) to press two surfaces against each other and move them backwards and forwards; to be pressed together and move in this way: [vn] She rubbed her hands in delight.  [v] It sounded like two pieces of wood rubbing together.
3 ~ (on / against sth) (of a surface) to move backwards and forwards many times against sth while pressing it, especially causing pain or damage: [v] The back of my shoe is rubbing.  The wheel is rubbing on the mudguard.  [vn-adj] The horse’s neck was rubbed raw (= until the skin came off) where the rope had been. [alsovn]
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to spread a liquid or other substance over a surface while pressing firmly: She rubbed the lotion into her skin.
IDM rub sb’s 'nose in it (informal) to keep reminding sb in an unkind way of their past mistakes rub 'salt into the wound | rub 'salt into sb’s wounds to make a difficult experience even more difficult for sb rub 'shoulders with sb (AmE also rub 'elbows with sb) to meet and spend time with a famous person, socially or as part of your job rub sb up the wrong 'way (BrE) (AmE rub sb the wrong 'way) (informal) to make sb annoyed or angry, often without intending to, by doing or saying sth that offends them—more at TWO
PVR V ,rub a'long (with sb / together) (BrE, informal) (of two people) to live or work together in a satisfactory way ,rub sb / oneself / sth<->'down to rub the skin of a person, horse, etc. hard with sth to make it clean and dry: I came out of the water and rubbed myself down with a towel. ,rub sth<->'down to make sth smooth by rubbing it with a special material ,rub it 'in| ,rub sth 'in [no passive] to keep reminding sb of sth they feel embarrassed about and want to forget: I know I was stupid; you don’t have to rub it in . ,rub 'off (on / onto sb) (of personal qualities, behaviour, opinions, etc.) to become part of a person’s character as a result of that person spending time with sb who has those qualities, etc: Her sense of fun has rubbed off on her children. ,rub sth<->'off (sth)| ,rub 'off to remove sth or to be removed by rubbing: She rubbed off the dead skin.  The gold colouring had begun to rub off.   (BrE) If you write on the blackboard, rub it off at the end of the lesson. ,rub sb<->'out (AmE, slang) to murder sb ,rub sth<->'out (BrE) (also eraseAmE, BrE) to remove the marks made by a pencil, etc., using a RUBBER : to rub out a mistake / word / drawing

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] an act of rubbing a surface: She gave her knee a quick rub.
2 (the rub) [sing.] (formal or humorous) a problem or difficulty: The hotel is in the middle of nowhere and there lies the rub . We don’t have a car.

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rub.ber
noun
1 [U] a strong substance that can be stretched and does not allow liquids to pass through it, used for making tyres, boots, etc. It is made from the juice of a tropical plant or is produced using chemicals: a ball made of rubber  a rubber tree—see also FOAM RUBBER
2 [C] (BrE) (also eraserAmE, BrE) a small piece of rubber or a similar substance, used for removing pencil marks from paper; a piece of soft material used for removing chalk marks from a BLACKBOARD
3 [C] (old-fashioned informal, especially AmE) = CONDOM
4 [C] (in some card games or sports) a competition consisting of a series of games or matches between the same teams or players
rub.ber adj. [usually before noun]: a rubber ball  rubber gloves
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,rubber 'band
(BrE also e,lastic 'band) noun a thin circular piece of rubber used for holding things together—picture at STATIONERY
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,rubber 'boot
noun (AmE ) = WELLINGTON
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,rubber 'bullet
noun a bullet made of rubber intended to injure but not to kill people, used by the army or police to control violent crowds
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,rubber 'dinghy
(also dinghy) (AmE also ,rubber 'raft) noun a small boat made of rubber that is filled with air, used especially for rescuing people from ships and planes—picture at BOAT
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rub.ber.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. [only before noun] covered with rubber: rubberized cloth
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rub.ber.neck
verb [v] (informal, especially AmE ) to turn to look at sth while you are driving past it
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'rubber plant
noun a plant with thick shiny green leaves, often grown indoors
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,rubber 'stamp
noun
1 a small tool that you hold in your hand and use for printing the date, the name of an organization, etc. on a document—picture at STATIONERY
2 (disapproving) a person or group that automatically gives approval to the actions or decisions of others: Parliament is seen as a rubber stamp for decisions made elsewhere.
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,rubber-'stamp
verb [vn] (often disapproving) to give official approval to a law, plan, decision, etc., especially without considering it carefully
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rub.bery
adj.
1 looking or feeling like rubber: The eggs were overcooked and rubbery.  He had large rubbery lips.
2 (of legs or knees) feeling weak and unable to support your weight: They leaned against each other on rubbery legs.
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rub.bing
noun a copy of writing or a design on a piece of stone or metal that is made by placing a piece of paper over it and rubbing with chalk, a pencil, etc.—see also BRASS RUBBING
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'rubbing alcohol
noun [U] (AmE ) = SURGICAL SPIRIT
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rub.bish
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them: a rubbish bag / bin  a rubbish dump / heap / tip  The streets were littered with rubbish.  garden / household rubbish—see also GARBAGE , TRASH
2 (BrE, informal) (also used as an adjective) something that you think is of poor quality: I thought the play was rubbish!  Do we have to listen to this rubbish music?
3 (BrE, informal) comments, ideas, etc. that you think are stupid or wrong
SYN NONSENSE : Rubbish! You’re not fat!  You’re talking a load of rubbish!  It’s not rubbish—it’s true!

verb (AmE trash) [vn] (BrE , informal) to criticize sb/sth severely or treat them as though they are of no value

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rub.bishy
adj. (BrE , informal) of very poor quality: rubbishy old films
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rub.ble
noun [U] broken stones or bricks from a building or wall that has been destroyed or damaged: The bomb reduced the houses to rubble .
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Rube Goldberg
(AmE) adj. [only before noun] (humorous) = HEATH ROBINSON
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ru.bella
noun [U] (especially medical ) = GERMAN MEASLES
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Ru.bi.con
(the Rubicon) noun [sing.] the point at which a decision has been taken which can no longer be changed: Today we cross the Rubicon . There is no going back
ORIGIN From the Rubicon, a stream which formed the border between Italy and Gaul. When Julius Caesar broke the law by crossing it with his army in 49BC, it led inevitably to war.
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ru.bi.cund
adj. (literary) (of a person’s face) having a healthy red colour
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ruble
noun (especially AmE ) = ROUBLE
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ru.bric
noun (formal) a title or set of instructions written in a book, an exam paper, etc.
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ruby
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a dark red precious stone: a ruby ring
2 [U] a dark red colour
ruby adj.: ruby lips
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,ruby 'wedding
(BrE ) (AmE ,ruby anni'versary) (also ,ruby 'wedding anniversaryAmE, BrE) noun the 40th anniversary of a wedding—compare DIAMOND WEDDING , GOLDEN WEDDING , SILVER WEDDING
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RUC
abbr. Royal Ulster Constabulary (the police force in Northern Ireland)
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ruched
adj. (of fabric, clothes, etc.) sewn together so that they hang in folds: ruched curtains
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ruck
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (in rugby) a group of players who gather round the ball when it is lying on the ground and push each other in order to get the ball
2 [sing.] a group of people standing closely together or fighting
3 (the ruck) [sing.] (disapproving) ordinary people or events: She saw marriage to him as a way out of the ruck.

verb [v] (in rugby) to do or take part in a ruck (1)
PVR V ,ruck 'up| ,ruck sth<->'up (of fabric) to form untidy folds; to make sth do this: Your dress is rucked up at the back.

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ruck.sack
(BrE ) (also back.packAmE, BrE) noun a large bag, often supported on a light metal frame, carried on the back and used especially by people who go climbing or walking—picture at BAG
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ruckus
noun [sing.] (informal, especially AmE ) a situation in which there is a lot of noisy activity, confusion or argument
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ruc.tions
noun [pl.] (especially BrE ) angry protests or arguments: There’ll be ructions if her father ever finds out.
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rud.der
noun a piece of wood or metal at the back of a boat or an aircraft that is used for controlling its direction—picture at YACHT , PLANE
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rud.der.less
adj. (formal) with nobody in control; not knowing what to do: At no time should a government be rudderless, without a leader.
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ruddy
adj., adv.
adj.
1 (of a person’s face) looking red and healthy: ruddy cheeks  a ruddy complexion
2 (literary) red in colour: a ruddy sky
3 [only before noun] (BrE, informal) a mild swear word that some people use to show that they are annoyed: I can’t get the ruddy car to start!

adv. (BrE , informal) a mild swear word used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed: There was a ruddy great hole in the ceiling.

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rude
adj. (ruder, rud.est)
1 ~ (to sb) (about sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth) having or showing a lack of respect for other people and their feelings
SYN IMPOLITE : a rude comment / remark  The man was downright rude to us.  She was very rude about my driving.  Why are you so rude to your mother?  It’s rude to speak when you’re eating.
2 (especially BrE) (AmE usually crude) connected with sex or the body in a way that people find offensive or embarrassing: a rude gesture / suggestion  Someone made a rude noise.  The joke is too rude to repeat.
3 [only before noun] (written) sudden, unpleasant and unexpected: Those expecting good news will get a rude shock.  If the players think they can win this match easily, they are in for a rude awakening .
4 (literary) made in a simple, basic way
SYN PRIMITIVE : rude shacks
rude.ness noun [U]: She was critical to the point of rudeness.
IDM in rude 'health (old-fashioned, BrE) looking or feeling very healthy
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rude.ly
adv.
1 in a way that shows a lack of respect for other people and their feelings: They brushed rudely past us.  ‘What do you want?’ she asked rudely.
2 in a way that is sudden, unpleasant and unexpected: I was rudely awakened by the phone ringing.  As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted …
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ru.di.men.tary
adj.
1 (formal) dealing with only the most basic matters or ideas
SYN BASIC : They were given only rudimentary training in the job.
2 (formal ortechnical) not highly or fully developed
SYN BASIC : rudimentary housing / weapons  Health care in the village is still quite rudimentary.  Some dinosaurs had only rudimentary teeth.
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ru.di.ments
noun [pl.] the ~ (of sth) (formal) the most basic or essential facts of a particular subject, skill, etc.
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rue
verb (rue.ing or ruing, rued, rued) [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) to feel bad about sth that happened or sth that you did because it had bad results
SYN REGRET : He rued the day they had bought such a large house.
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rue.ful
adj. (written) feeling or showing that you are sad or sorry: a rueful expression / laugh  Jenny gave a rueful smile.
rue.ful.ly adv.: He laughed ruefully.  ‘So this is goodbye,’ she said ruefully.
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ruff
noun
1 a ring of coloured or marked feathers or fur around the neck of a bird or an animal
2 a wide stiff white collar with many folds in it, worn especially in the 16th and 17th centuries
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ruf.fian
noun (old-fashioned) a violent man, especially one who commits crimes
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ruf.fle
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (up) to disturb the smooth surface of sth, so that it is not even: She ruffled his hair affectionately.  The bird ruffled up its feathers.
2 [often passive] to make sb annoyed, worried or upset: Nothing ever seems to ruffle Susan.  She was obviously ruffled by his question.  He never gets ruffled , even under pressure.
IDM ruffle sb’s / a few 'feathers (informal) to annoy or upset sb or a group of people: The senator’s speech ruffled a few feathers in the business world.—more at SMOOTH v.

noun [usually pl.] a strip of fabric that is sewn in folds and is used to decorate a piece of clothing at the neck or wrists
SYN FRILL —picture at FRILL

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ruf.fled
adj. decorated with ruffles
SYN FRILLED : a ruffled blouse
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rug
noun
1 a piece of thick material like a small carpet that is used for covering or decorating part of a floor: a hearth rug (= in front of a fireplace)
2 (BrE) a piece of thick warm material, like a BLANKET , that is used for wrapping around your legs to keep warm
IDM see PULL v. , SWEEP v.
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rugby
(sometimes Rugby) (also ,rugby 'football) noun [U] a game played by two teams of 13 or 15 players, using an OVAL ball which may be kicked or carried. Teams try to put the ball over the other team’s line: a rugby ball / club / match / game
ORIGIN Named after Rugby school, where the game was first played.
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,Rugby 'League
noun [U] a form of rugby, with 13 players in a team
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,Rugby 'Union
(also informal rug.ger especially in BrE) noun [U] a form of rugby, with 15 players in a team
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rug.ged
adj.
1 (of the landscape) not level or smooth and having rocks rather than plants or trees: rugged cliffs  The countryside around here is very rugged.  They admired the rugged beauty of the coastline.  He loves the rugged outdoor life (= the lack of comfort connected with being outside).
2 [usually before noun] (approving) (of a man’s face) having strong, attractive features
3 [usually before noun] (of a person) determined to succeed in a difficult situation, even if this means using force or upsetting other people: a rugged individualist
4 (of equipment, clothing, etc.) strong and designed to be used in difficult conditions: A less rugged vehicle would never have made the trip.  rugged outdoor clothing
rug.ged.ly adv.: ruggedly handsome
rug.ged.ness noun [U]
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rug.ger
noun [U] (informal, especially BrE ) = RUGBY UNION
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ruin
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to damage sth so badly that it loses all its value, pleasure, etc.; to spoil sth: The bad weather ruined our trip.  That one mistake ruined his chances of getting the job.  My new shoes got ruined in the mud.  The crops were ruined by the late frost.
2 to make sb/sth lose all their money, their position, etc: If she loses the court case it will ruin her.  The country was ruined by the war.

noun
1 [U] the state or process of being destroyed or severely damaged: A large number of churches fell into ruin after the revolution.
2 [U] the fact of having no money, of having lost your job, position, etc: The divorce ultimately led to his ruin.  The bank stepped in to save the company from financial ruin .
3 [sing.] something that causes a person, company, etc. to lose all their money, job, position, etc: Gambling was his ruin.
4 [C] (also ruins [pl.]) the parts of a building that remain after it has been destroyed or severely damaged: The old mill is now little more than a ruin.  We visited the ruins of a Norman castle.   (figurative) He was determined to build a new life out of the ruins of his career.
IDM in 'ruins destroyed or severely damaged: Years of fighting have left the area in ruins.  The scandal left his reputation in ruins.—more at RACK n.

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ruin.ation
noun [U] (formal) the process of destroying sth/sb or being destroyed: Urban development has led to the ruination of vast areas of countryside.
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ruined
adj. [only before noun] (of a building, town, etc.) destroyed or severely damaged so that only parts remain: a ruined castle
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ruin.ous
adj. (written)
1 costing a lot of money and more than you can AFFORD : ruinous legal fees
2 causing serious problems or damage: The decision was to prove ruinous.
3 (formal) (of a town, building, etc.) destroyed or severely damaged: a ruinous chapel  The buildings were in a ruinous state.
ruin.ous.ly adv.: ruinously expensive
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rule
noun, verb
noun
OF ACTIVITY / GAME|
1 [C] a statement of what may, must or must not be done in a particular situation or when playing a game: to follow / obey / observe the rules  It’s against all rules and regulations .  to break a rule (= not follow it)  This explains the rules under which the library operates.  Without unwritten rules civilized life would be impossible.—see also GROUND RULE
ADVICE|
2 [C] a statement of what you are advised to do in a particular situation: There are no hard and fast rules for planning healthy meals.  The first rule is to make eye contact with your interviewer.—see also GOLDEN RULE
HABIT / NORMALLY TRUE|
3 [C, usually sing.] a habit; the normal state of things; what is true in most cases: He makes it a rule never to borrow money.  I go to bed early as a rule .  Cold winters here are the exception rather than the rule (= are rare).  As a general rule vegetable oils are better for you than animal fats.
OF SYSTEM|
4 [C] a statement of what is possible according to a particular system, for example the grammar of a language: the rules of grammar
GOVERNMENT / CONTROL|
5 [U] the government of a country or control of a group of people by a particular person, group or system: under Communist / colonial British / civilian / military rule  majority rule (= government by the political party that most people have voted for)  The 1972 act imposed direct rule from Westminster.—see also HOME RULE
MEASURING TOOL|
6 [C] a measuring instrument with a straight edge—see also SLIDE RULE bend / stretch the 'rules to change the rules to suit a particular person or situation play by sb’s (own) 'rules if sb plays by their own rules or makes other people play by their rules, they set the conditions for doing business or having a relationship play by the 'rules to deal fairly and honestly with people the rules of the 'game the standards of behaviour that most people accept or that actually operate in a particular area of life or business the rule of 'law the condition in which all members of society, including its rulers, accept the authority of the law a rule of 'thumb a practical method of doing or measuring sth, usually based on past experience rather than on exact measurement work to 'rule to follow the rules of your job in a very strict way in order to cause delay, as a form of protest against your employer or your working conditions—see also WORK-TO-RULE —more at EXCEPTION

verb
GOVERN / CONTROL|
1 ~ (over sb/sth) to control and have authority over a country, a group of people, etc: [vn] At that time John ruled England.   (figurative) Eighty million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth.  [v] Charles I ruled for eleven years.  She once ruled over a vast empire.   (figurative) After the revolution, anarchy ruled.
2 [vn] [often passive] (often disapproving) to be the main thing that influences and controls sb/sth: The pursuit of money ruled his life.  We live in a society where we are ruled by the clock.
GIVE OFFICIAL DECISION|
3 ~ (on sth) to give an official decision about sth: [v] The court will rule on the legality of the action.  The judge ruled against / in favour of the plaintiff.  [vn-adj] The deal may be ruled illegal.  [v that] The court ruled that the women were unfairly dismissed. [alsovn to inf, vn that]
DRAW STRAIGHT LINE|
4 to draw a straight line using sth that has a firm straight edge: Rule a line at the end of every piece of work. rule the 'roost (informal) to be the most powerful member of a group rule (sb/sth) with a rod of 'iron to control a person or a group of people very severely—more at COURT n. , DIVIDE v. , HEART ,rule 'off| ,rule sth<->'off to separate sth from the next section of writing by drawing a line underneath it ,rule sb/sth<->'out
1 ~ (as sth) to state that sth is not possible or that sb/sth is not suitable
SYN EXCLUDE : Police have not ruled out the possibility that the man was murdered.  The proposed solution was ruled out as too expensive.
2 to prevent sb from doing sth; to prevent sth from happening: His age effectively ruled him out as a possible candidate. ,rule sb 'out of sth [usually passive] (in sport) to state that a player or competitor will not be able to take part in a sporting event; to prevent a player from taking part: Owen has been ruled out of tonight’s match with a knee injury.

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'rule book
(usually the rule book) noun the set of rules that must be followed in a particular job, organization or game
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ruled
adj. ruled paper has lines printed across it
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ruler
noun
1 a person who rules or governs
2 a straight strip of wood, plastic or metal, marked in CENTIMETRES or INCHES , used for measuring or for drawing straight lines
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rul.ing
noun, adj.
noun ~ (on sth) an official decision made by sb in a position of authority, especially a judge: The court will make its ruling on the case next week.

adj. [only before noun] having control over a particular group, country, etc: the ruling party

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rum
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U, C] a strong alcoholic drink made from the juice of SUGAR CANE
2 [C] a glass of rum

adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) strange
SYN ODD , PECULIAR

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rumba
(also rhumba) noun a fast dance originally from Cuba; a piece of music for this dance
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rum.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a long deep sound or series of sounds: The machine rumbled as it started up.  thunder rumbling in the distance  I’m so hungry my stomach’s rumbling .
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move slowly and heavily, making a rumbling sound: tanks rumbling through the streets
3 [vn] (BrE, informal) to discover the truth about sb or what they are trying to hide: They knew they had been rumbled.
4 (AmE, informal) (of a GANG of young people) to fight against another GANG
PVR V ,rumble 'on (written, especially BrE) (of an argument, a dispute, etc.) to continue slowly and steadily for a long time: Discussions rumble on over the siting of the new airport.

noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth) a long deep sound or series of sounds: the rumble of laughter / thunder / gunfire  Inside, the noise of the traffic was reduced to a distant rumble.   (figurative) Although an agreement has been reached, rumbles of resentment can still be heard.
2 [C] (AmE, informal) a fight in the street between two or more GANGS (= groups of young people)

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'rumble strip
noun (informal) a series of raised strips across a road or along its edge that make a loud noise when a vehicle drives over them in order to warn the driver to slow down or that he or she is too close to the edge of the road
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rum.bling
noun
1 (also used as an adjective) a long deep sound or series of sounds: the rumblings of thunder  a rumbling noise   (figurative) the rumblings of discontent
2 [usually pl.] things that people are saying that may not be true RUMOUR : There are rumblings that the election may have to be postponed.
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rum.bus.tious
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ram.bunc.tious) adj. [usually before noun] (informal) full of energy in a cheerful and noisy way BOISTEROUS
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ru.min.ant
noun (technical ) any animal that brings back food from its stomach and chews it again. Cows and sheep are both ruminants .
ru.min.ant adj.: ruminant animals
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ru.min.ate
verb [v, v speech] (formal) ~ (on / over / about sth) to think deeply about sth
ru.min.ation noun [C, U]
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ru.mina.tive
adj. (formal) tending to think deeply and carefully about things PENSIVE , THOUGHTFUL : in a ruminative mood
ru.mina.tive.ly adv.
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rum.mage
verb, noun
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move things around carelessly while searching for sth: She was rummaging around in her bag for her keys.  I rummaged through the contents of the box until I found the book I wanted.

noun [sing.] the act of looking for sth among a group of other objects in a way that makes them untidy: Have a rummage around in the drawer and see if you can find a pen.

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'rummage sale
noun (especially AmE ) = JUMBLE SALE
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rummy
noun [U] a simple card game in which players try to collect particular combinations of cards
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ru.mour
(BrE ) (AmErumor) noun, verb
noun [C, U] ~ (of / about sth)| ~ (that...) a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but that may not be true: to start / spread a rumour  There are widespread rumours of job losses.  Some malicious rumours are circulating about his past.  I heard a rumour that they are getting married.  Many of the stories are based on rumour.  Rumour has it (= people say) that he was murdered.

verb (be rumoured) to be reported as a rumour and possibly not true: [vn (that)] It’s widely rumoured that she’s getting promoted.  [vn to inf] He was rumoured to be involved in the crime.
ru.moured adj. [only before noun]: He denied his father’s rumoured love affair.

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rumour-monger
(BrE ) (AmEru.mor.mon.ger) noun a person who spreads rumours
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rump
noun
1 [C] the round area of flesh at the top of the back legs of an animal that has four legs: He slapped the horse on the rump.
2 [U] (also ,rump 'steak [C, U]) a piece of good quality meat cut from the rump of a cow
3 [C, usually sing.] (humorous) the part of the body that you sit on
SYN BACKSIDE
4 [sing.] (BrE) the small or unimportant part of a group or an organization that remains when most of its members have left: The election reduced the party to a rump.
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rum.ple
verb [vn] to make sth untidy or not smooth and neat: She rumpled his hair playfully.  The bed was rumpled where he had slept.  a rumpled linen suit
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rum.pus
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a lot of noise that is made especially by people who are complaining about sth
SYN COMMOTION : to cause a rumpus
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run
verb, noun
verb (running, ran run)
MOVE FAST ON FOOT|
1 [v] to move using your legs, going faster than when you walk: Can you run as fast as Mike?  They turned and ran when they saw us coming.  She came running to meet us.  The dogs ran off as soon as we appeared.
HELP In spoken English run can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, especially to tell somebody to hurry and do something: Run and get your swimsuits, kids.  I ran and knocked on the nearest door.
2 [vn] to travel a particular distance by running: Who was the first person to run a mile in under four minutes?—see also MILE
3 [v] (sometimes go running) to run as a sport: She used to run when she was at college.  I often go running before work.
RACE|
4 ~ (in sth) to take part in a race: [v] Gail Devers will be running in the 100 metres tonight.  There are only five horses running in the first race.  [vn] to run the marathon  Johnson ran a fine race to take the gold medal.—see also RUNNER (1)
5 [vn] [often passive] to make a race take place: The Derby will be run in spite of the bad weather.
HURRY|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to hurry from one place to another: I’ve spent the whole day running around after the kids.
MANAGE|
7 [vn] to be in charge of a business, etc: to run a hotel / store / language school  He has no idea how to run a business.  Stop trying to run my life (= organize it) for me.  The shareholders want more say in how the company is run.  a badly-run company  state-run industries—see also RUNNING n. (2)
PROVIDE|
8 [vn] to make a service, course of study, etc. available to people
SYN ORGANIZE : The college runs summer courses for foreign students.
VEHICLE / MACHINE|
9 [vn] to own and use a vehicle or machine: I can’t afford to run a car on my salary.
10 ~ (on sth) to operate or function; to make sth do this: [v] Stan had the chainsaw running.  Our van runs on (= uses) diesel.   (figurative) Her life had always run smoothly before.  [vn] Could you run the engine for a moment?
BUSES / TRAINS|
11 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to travel on a particular route: Buses to Oxford run every half-hour.  All the trains are running late (= are leaving later than planned).
12 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make buses, trains, etc. travel on a particular route: They run extra trains during the rush hour.
DRIVE SB|
13 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to drive sb to a place in a car: Shall I run you home?
MOVE SOMEWHERE|
14 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move, especially quickly, in a particular direction: The car ran off the road into a ditch.  A shiver ran down my spine.  The sledge ran smoothly over the frozen snow.  The old tramlines are still there but now no trams run on them.
15 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth in a particular direction: She ran her fingers nervously through her hair.  I ran my eyes over the page.
LEAD / STRETCH|
16 [+adv. / prep.] to lead or stretch from one place to another; to make sth do this: [v] He had a scar running down his left cheek.  The road runs parallel to the river.  [vn] We ran a cable from the lights to the stage.
CONTINUE FOR TIME|
17 [v] ~ (for sth) to continue for a particular period of time without stopping: Her last musical ran for six months on Broadway.  This debate will run and run !
18 [v] ~ (for sth) to operate or be valid for a particular period of time: The permit runs for three months.  The lease on my house only has a year left to run.
HAPPEN|
19 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (usually used in the progressive tenses) to happen at the time mentioned: Programmes are running a few minutes behind schedule this evening.  The murderer was given three life sentences, to run concurrently.
GUNS, DRUGS, etc.|
20 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to bring or take sth into a country illegally and secretly
SYN SMUGGLE : He used to run guns across the border.—see also RUNNER
OF STORY / ARGUMENT|
21 to have particular words, contents, etc: [v] Their argument ran something like this …  [v speech] ‘Ten shot dead by gunmen,’ ran the newspaper headline.
LIQUID|
22 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to flow: The tears ran down her cheeks.  Water was running all over the bathroom floor.
23 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ (sb) sth to make liquid flow: [vn] She ran hot water into the bucket.  to run the hot tap (= to turn it so that water flows from it)  [vn, vnn] I’ll run a bath for you.  I’ll run you a bath .
24 [v] to send out a liquid: Who left the tap running?  Your nose is running (= MUCUS is flowing from it).  The smoke makes my eyes run.
25 [v] ~ with sth (usually used in the progressive tenses) to be covered with a liquid: His face was running with sweat.  The bathroom floor was running with water.
OF COLOUR|
26 [v] if the colour runs in a piece of clothing when it gets wet, it dissolves and may come out of the clothing into other things
MELT|
27 [v] (of a solid substance) to melt: The wax began to run.—see also RUNNY
BE / BECOME|
28 [v-adj] to become different in a particular way, especially a bad way: The river ran dry (= stopped flowing) during the drought.  Supplies are running low .  We’ve run short of milk.  You’ve got your rivals running scared .
29 [v] ~ at sth to be at or near a particular level: Inflation was running at 26%.
OF NEWSPAPER / MAGAZINE|
30 [vn] to print and publish an item or a story: On advice from their lawyers they decided not to run the story.
A TEST / CHECK|
31 [vn] ~ a test / check (on sth) to do a test/check on sth: The doctors decided to run some more tests on the blood samples.
IN ELECTION|
32 [v] ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (in sth) to be a candidate in an election for a political position, especially in the US: Clinton ran a second time in 1996.  to run for president  to run in the election—compare STAND v. (16)
OF TIGHTS / STOCKINGS|
33 [v] (AmE) if TIGHTS or STOCKINGS run, a long thin hole appears in them
SYN LADDER Most idioms containing run are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example run riot is at riot.  come 'running to be pleased to do what sb wants: She knew she had only to call and he would come running. 'run for it (often used in orders) to run in order to escape from sb/sth ,up and 'running working fully and correctly: It will be a lot easier when we have the database up and running. 'run across sb/sth to meet sb or find sth by chance,run 'after sb (informal) to try to have a romantic or sexual relationship with sb: He’s always running after younger women. ,run 'after sb/sth to run to try to catch sb/sth,run a'long (old-fashioned, informal) used in orders to tell sb, especially a child, to go away,run a'round with sb (AmE also 'run with sb) (usually disapproving) to spend a lot of time with sb: She’s always running around with older men.'run at sb [no passive] to run towards sb to attack or as if to attack them: He ran at me with a knife.,run a'way (from sb / … ) to leave sb/a place suddenly; to escape from sb/a place: He ran away from home at the age of thirteen.  Looking at all the accusing faces, she felt a sudden urge to run away.—related noun RUNAWAY ,run a'way from sth to try to avoid sth because you are shy, lack confidence, etc: You can’t just run away from the situation. ,run a'way with you if a feeling runs away with you, it gets out of your control: Her imagination tends to run away with her. ,run a'way / 'off with sb| ,run a'way / 'off (together) to leave home, your husband, wife, etc. in order to have a relationship with another person: She ran away with her boss.  She and her boss ran away together. ,run a'way with sth
1 to win sth clearly or easily
2 (spoken) to believe sth that is not true: I don’t want you to run away with the impression that all I do is sign cheques all day.,run back 'over sth to discuss or consider sth again
SYN REVIEW : I’ll run back over the procedure once again.,run sth 'by / 'past sb (informal) to show sb sth or tell sb about an idea in order to see their reaction to it,run 'down
1 to lose power or stop working: The battery has run down.
2 to stop functioning gradually or become smaller in size or number: British manufacturing industry has been running down for years.—related noun RUNDOWN ,run sth<->'down
1 to make sth lose power or stop working: If you leave your headlights on you’ll soon run down the battery.
2 to make sth stop functioning gradually or become smaller in size or number: The company is running down its sales force.—related noun RUNDOWN ,run sb/sth<->'down
1 (of a vehicle or its driver) to hit sb/sth and knock them/it to the ground
2 to criticize sb/sth in an unkind way: He’s always running her down in front of other people.
3 to find sb/sth after a search: She finally ran the professor down in the library.,run sb<->'in (old-fashioned, informal) to arrest sb and take them to a police station ,run sth<->'in (BrE) (in the past) to prepare the engine of a new car for normal use by driving slowly and carefully: (figurative) Whatever system you choose, it must be run in properly.,run 'into sb to meet sb by chance: Guess who I ran into today! 'run into sth
1 to enter an area of bad weather while travelling: We ran into thick fog on the way home.
2 to experience difficulties, etc: Be careful not to run into debt.  to run into danger / trouble / difficulties
3 to reach a particular level or amount: Her income runs into six figures (= is more than £100 000, $100 000, etc.). 'run into sb/sth to crash into sb/sth: The bus went out of control and ran into a line of people. 'run sth into sb/sth to make a vehicle crash into sb/sth: He ran his car into a tree.,run 'off (BrE) (of a liquid) to flow out of a container ,run sth<->'off
1 to copy sth on a machine: Could you run off twenty copies of the agenda?
2 to cause a race to be run: The heats of the 200 metres will be run off tomorrow.
3 to make a liquid flow out of a container ,run 'off with sb| ,run 'off (together) = RUN AWAY WITH SB ,run 'off with sth to steal sth and take it away: The treasurer had run off with the club’s funds.,run 'on to continue without stopping; to continue longer than is necessary or expected: The meeting will finish promptly—I don’t want it to run on. 'run on sth [no passive] if your thoughts, a discussion, etc. run on a subject, you think or talk a lot about that subject,run 'out
1 if a supply of sth runs out, it is used up or finished: Time is running out for the trapped miners.
2 if an agreement or a document runs out, it becomes no longer valid
SYN EXPIRE ,run 'out (of sth) to use up or finish a supply of sth: We ran out of fuel.  Could I have a cigarette? I seem to have run out. ,run 'out on sb (informal) to leave sb that you live with, especially when they need your help ,run sb<->'out [often passive] (in cricket) to make a player stop BATTING by hitting the WICKET with the ball before the player has completed his or her run,run 'over if a container or its contents run over, the contents come over the edge of the container
SYN OVERFLOW ,run sb/sth<->'over (of a vehicle or its driver) to knock a person or an animal down and drive over their body or a part of it: Two children were run over and killed. ,run 'over sth to read through or practise sth quickly: She ran over her notes before giving the lecture.,run sth 'past sb = RUN STH BY / PAST SB : Run that past me again.,run sb<->'through (literary) to kill sb by sticking a knife, SWORD , etc. through them ,run 'through sth (written)
1 [no passive] to pass quickly through sth: An angry murmur ran through the crowd.  Thoughts of revenge kept running through his mind.
2 [no passive] to be present in every part of sth: A deep melancholy runs through her poetry.
3 to discuss, repeat or read sth quickly: He ran through the names on the list.  Could we run through your proposals once again?
4 to perform, act or practise sth: Can we run through Scene 3 again, please?—related noun RUN-THROUGH
5 to use up or spend money carelessly: She ran through the entire amount within two years.'run to sth
1 to be of a particular size or amount: The book runs to nearly 800 pages.
2 (especially BrE) if you or your money will not run to sth, you do not have enough money for sth: Our funds won’t run to a trip abroad this year.,run sth<->'up
1 to allow a bill, debt, etc. to reach a large total: How had he managed to run up so many debts?
2 to make a piece of clothing quickly, especially by sewing: to run up a blouse
3 to raise sth, especially a flag ,run 'up against sth to experience a difficulty: The government is running up against considerable opposition to its tax reforms.

noun
ON FOOT|
1 [C] an act of running; a period of time spent running or the distance that sb runs: I go for a run every morning.  a five-mile run  Catching sight of her he broke into a run (= started running).  I decided to make a run for it (= to escape by running).  She took the stairs at a run .—see also FUN RUN
TRIP|
2 [C] a trip by car, plane, boat, etc., especially a short one or one that is made regularly: They took the car out for a run.  an enemy aircraft on a bombing run
OF SUCCESS / FAILURE|
3 [C] a period of sth good or bad happening; a series of successes or failures: a run of good / bad luck  Liverpool lost to Leeds, ending an unbeaten run of 18 games.
OF PLAY / MOVIE|
4 [C] a series of performances of a play or film/movie: The show had a record-breaking run in the London theatre.
OF PRODUCT|
5 [C] the amount of a product that a company decides to make at one time: The first print run of 6 000 copies sold out.
SUDDEN DEMAND|
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ on sth a sudden demand for sth by a lot of people: a run on the pound / dollar  When the new currency measures were announced there was a run on the bank (= a lot of people suddenly took their money out of the bank).
WAY THINGS HAPPEN|
7 [sing.] the ~ of sth the way things usually happen; the way things seem to be happening on a particular occasion: In the normal run of things the only exercise he gets is climbing in and out of taxis.   (BrE) Wise scored in the 15th minute against the run of play (= although the other team had seemed more likely to score).
IN SPORTS|
8 [C] a sloping track used in skiing and some other sports: a ski / toboggan run
9 [C] a point scored in the game of cricket or baseball: Our team won by four runs.—see also HOME RUN
IN ELECTION|
10 [sing.] (AmE) an act of trying to get elected to public office: He made an unsuccessful run for governor in 1998.
FOR ANIMALS / BIRDS|
11 [C] (often in compounds) an enclosed area in which animals or birds are kept as pets or on a farm: a chicken run
IN MUSIC|
12 [C] a series of notes sung or played quickly up or down the SCALE
IN CARD GAMES|
13 [C] a series of cards held by one player
IN TIGHTS / STOCKINGS|
14 [C] (AmE) = LADDER
ILLNESS|
15 (the runs) [pl.] (informal) = DIARRHOEA —see also DRY RUN , DUMMY RUN , TRIAL RUN the common, general, ordinary, usual run (of sth) the average type of sth: He was very different from the general run of American movie stars. give sb / get / have the 'run of sth to give sb/get/have permission to make full use of sth: Her dogs have the run of the house. give sb a (good) run for their 'money to make sb try very hard, using all their skill and effort, in order to beat you in a game or competition on the 'run
1 trying to avoid being captured: He’s on the run from the police.
2 (informal) continuously active and moving around: I’ve been on the run all day and I’m exhausted.—more at LONG adj. , SHORT adj.

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run.about
noun (BrE , informal) a small car, especially one used for short journeys
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run.around
noun
IDM give sb the 'runaround (informal) to treat sb badly by not telling them the truth, or by not giving them the help or the information they need, and sending them somewhere else
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run.away
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 (of a person) having left without telling anyone: a hostel for runaway children
2 (of an animal or a vehicle) not under the control of its owner, rider or driver: a runaway horse / car
3 happening very easily or quickly, and not able to be controlled: a runaway winner / victory  the runaway success of her first play  runaway inflation

noun a person who has suddenly left or escaped from sb/sth, especially a child who has left home without telling anyone: teenage runaways living on the streets

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,run-'down
adj.
1 (of a building or place) in very bad condition; that has not been looked after
SYN NEGLECTED : run-down inner-city areas
2 (of a business, etc.) not as busy or as active as it used to be: run-down transport services
3 [not before noun] (of a person) tired or slightly ill/sick, especially from working hard: to be / feel / get run-down
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run.down
noun [usually sing.]
1 ~ (in / of sth) (BrE) a reduction in the amount, size or activity of sth, especially a business: a rundown of rural transport services
2 ~ (on / of sth) an explanation or a description of sth: I can give you a brief rundown on each of the job applicants.
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rune
noun
1 one of the letters in an alphabet that people in Northern Europe used in ancient times and carved on wood or stone
2 a symbol that has a mysterious or magic meaning
runic adj.: runic inscriptions
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rung
noun one of the bars that forms a step in a ladder: He put his foot on the bottom rung to keep the ladder steady.   (figurative) to get a foot on the bottom rung of the career ladder  She was a few rungs above him on the social ladder.—see also RING v.
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'run-in
noun
1 ~ (with sb) (informal) an argument or a fight: The fiery player has had numerous run-ins with referees.
2 ~ (to sth) (BrE) = RUN-UP
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run.nel
noun (formal or literary) a small stream or channel
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run.ner
noun
1 a person or an animal that runs, especially one taking part in a race: a long-distance / cross-country / marathon runner  a list of runners (= horses in a race) and riders—see also FORERUNNER , FRONT RUNNER , ROADRUNNER
2 (especially in compounds) a person who takes goods illegally into or out of a place: a drug runner—see also GUNRUNNER
3 a strip of metal, plastic or wood that sth slides on or can move along on: the runners of a sledge
4 a plant stem that grows along the ground and puts down roots to form a new plant
5 a long narrow piece of fabric or carpet on a piece of furniture or on the floor
6 a person in a company or an organization whose job is to take messages, documents, etc. from one place to another
IDM do a 'runner (BrE, informal) to leave or run away from somewhere in a hurry, especially to avoid paying a bill or receiving a punishment
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,runner 'bean
(also ,string 'bean) noun (both BrE ) a type of bean which is a long flat green POD growing on a climbing plant also called a runner bean. The PODS are cut up, cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
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,runner-'up
noun (pl.runners-up) a person or team that finishes second in a race or competition; a person or team that has not finished first but that wins a prize: Winner: Kay Hall. Runner-up: Chris Platts.  They finished runners-up behind Sweden.  The runners-up will all receive a £50 prize.
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run.ning
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 the action or sport of running: to go / take up running  running shoes
2 the activity of managing or operating sth: the day-to-day running of a business  the running costs of a car (for example of fuel, repairs, insurance)
3 (-running) (in compounds) the activity of bringing sth such as drugs, guns, etc. into a country secretly and illegally: drug-running  gunrunning
IDM in / out of the 'running (for sth) (informal) having some/no chance of succeeding or achieving sth make the 'running (BrE, informal) to set the speed at which sth is done; to take the lead in doing sth

adj.
1 used after a number and a noun such as ‘year’‘day’ or ‘time’, to say that sth has happened in the same way several times, without a change: She’s won the championship three years running.  It was the third day running that the train had been late.  No party has won an election four times running.
2 running water is water that is flowing somewhere or water that is supplied to a building and available to be used through taps/faucets: I can hear the sound of running water.  a remote cottage without electricity or running water
3 [only before noun] lasting a long time; continuous
SYN ONGOING : For years he had fought a running battle with the authorities over the land.  a running argument  His old raincoat became a running joke (= people kept laughing at it).—see also LONG-RUNNING
4 (-running) (in compounds) running or flowing in the way mentioned: a fast-running river
IDM (go and) take a running 'jump (old-fashioned, spoken) used to tell sb in a rude way to go away—more at ORDER n.

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,running 'commentary
noun a continuous description of an event, especially a sporting event, that sb gives as it happens: to give a running commentary on the game  My small son kept up a running commentary for the whole trip.
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'running mate
noun [usually sing.] (politics ) (in the US) a person who is chosen by the candidate in an election, especially that for president, to support them and to have the next highest political position if they win: The presidential nominee was advised to choose a woman as a running mate.
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'running order
noun [sing.] the order of the items in a television programme or a show; the order that members of a team will play in
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,running re'pairs
noun [pl.] (BrE ) small things that you do to a piece of clothing, a vehicle, a machine, etc. to mend it or to keep it working
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,running 'sore
noun a small area on the body that is infected and has liquid (called PUS ) coming out of it
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'running time
noun the amount of time that a film/movie, a journey, etc. lasts
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,running 'total
noun the total number or amount of things, money, etc. that changes as you add each new item
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runny
adj. (run.nier, run.ni.est)
1 (of your nose or eyes) producing a lot of liquid, for example when you have a cold
2 having more liquid than is usual; not solid: runny honey  Omelettes should be runny in the middle.
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'run-off
noun
1 [C] a second vote or competition that is held to find a winner because two competitors in the first competition got the same result
2 [U, C] rain, water or other liquid that runs off land into streams and rivers
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,run-of-the-'mill
adj. (often disapproving) ordinary, with no special or interesting features: a run-of-the-mill job
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runt
noun
1 the smallest, weakest animal of the young that are born from the same mother at the same time: the runt of the litter
2 (slang, disapproving) a rude way of referring to a small, weak or unimportant person
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'run-through
noun a practice for a performance of a play, show, etc.
SYN REHEARSAL
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'run-up
noun (BrE )
1 (also less frequent 'run in) ~ (to sth) a period of time leading up to an important event; the preparation for this: an increase in spending in the run-up to Christmas  during the run-up to the election
2 the act of running or the distance you run, to gain speed before you jump a long distance, throw a ball, etc.
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run.way
noun
1 a long narrow strip of ground with a hard surface that an aircraft takes off from and lands on
2 (AmE) = CATWALK
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rupee
noun the unit of money in India, Pakistan and some other countries
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rup.ture
noun, verb
noun [C, U]
1 (medical) an injury in which sth inside the body breaks apart or bursts: the rupture of a blood vessel
2 a situation when sth breaks or bursts: ruptures of oil and water pipelines
3 (informal) a HERNIA of the ABDOMEN : I nearly gave myself a rupture lifting that pile of books.
4 (formal) the ending of agreement or of good relations between people, countries, etc: a rupture in relations between the two countries  Nothing could heal the rupture with his father.

verb
1 (medical ) to burst or break apart sth inside the body; to be broken or burst apart: [vn] a ruptured appendix / spleen / artery  He ruptured himself (= got a HERNIA ) trying to lift the piano. [alsov]
2 to make sth such as a container or a pipe break or burst; to be broken or burst: [vn] The impact ruptured both fuel tanks.  [v] A pipe ruptured, leaking water all over the house.
3 [vn] (written) to make an agreement or good relations between people or countries end: the risk of rupturing North-South relations

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rural
adj. [usually before noun] connected with or like the countryside: rural areas / communities  a rural economy / society  rural America  a rural way of life—compare URBAN
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,rural 'dean
noun = DEAN
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ruse
noun (written) a way of doing sth or of getting sth by deceiving sb
SYN TRICK
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rush
verb, noun
verb
MOVE FAST|
1 to move or to do sth with great speed, often too fast: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : We’ve got plenty of time; there’s no need to rush.  the sound of rushing water  Don’t rush off, I haven’t finished.  I’ve been rushing around all day trying to get everything done.  People rushed to buy shares in the company.  [vn] We had to rush our meal.
TAKE / SEND QUICKLY|
2 to transport or send sb/sth somewhere with great speed: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : Ambulances rushed the injured to the hospital.  Relief supplies were rushed in. [alsovnn]
DO STH TOO QUICKLY|
3 ~ (sb) (into sth / into doing sth) to do sth or to make sb do sth without thinking about it carefully: [v] We don’t want to rush into having a baby.  [vn] Don’t rush me. I need time to think about it.  I’m not going to be rushed into anything.
ATTACK|
4 [vn] to try to attack or capture sb/sth suddenly: A group of prisoners rushed an officer and managed to break out.  Fans rushed the stage after the concert.
IN AMERICAN FOOTBALL|
5 [vn] (AmE) to run into sb who has the ball
6 [v] (AmE) to move forward and gain ground by carrying the ball and not passing it
IN AMERICAN COLLEGES|
7 [vn] (AmE) to give a lot of attention to sb, especially to a student because you want them to join your FRATERNITY or SORORITY : He is being rushed by Sigma Nu and Phi Delta.
IDM see FOOT n. ,rush sth<->'out to produce sth very quickly: The editors rushed out an item on the crash for the late news. ,rush sth<->'through| ,rush sth 'through sth to deal with official business very quickly by making the usual process shorter than usual: to rush a bill through Parliament

noun
FAST MOVEMENT|
1 [sing.] a sudden movement forward made by a lot of people or things: Shoppers made a rush for the exits.  She was trampled in the rush to get out.  They listened to the rush of the sea below.
HURRY|
2 [sing., U] a situation in which you are in a hurry and need to do things quickly: I can’t stop—I’m in a rush .  What’s the rush?  ‘I’ll let you have the book back tomorrow.’‘There’s no rush .’  The words came out in a rush .  a rush job (= one that has been done quickly)
BUSY SITUATION|
3 [sing.] a situation in which people are very busy and there is a lot of activity: The evening rush was just starting.  the Christmas rush
OF FEELING|
4 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a sudden increase in the amount of sth
SYN SURGE : She felt a rush of blood to her cheeks.  a rush of adrenalin
5 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a sudden strong feeling or emotion: a sudden rush of excitement / fear / anger
SUDDEN DEMAND|
6 [sing.] ~ (on / for sth) a sudden large demand for goods, etc: There’s been a rush on umbrellas this week.—see also GOLD RUSH
PLANT|
7 [C, usually pl.] a tall plant like grass that grows near water. Its long thin stems can be dried and used for making baskets, the seats of chairs, etc: rush matting
OF FILM / MOVIE|
8 (rushes) [pl.] (technical) the first prints of a film/movie before they have been EDITED
IN AMERICAN COLLEGES|
9 [sing.] (AmE) the time when parties are held for students who want to join a FRATERNITY or SORORITY : rush week  a rush party

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'rush hour
noun [C usually sing, U] the time, usually twice a day, when the roads are full of traffic and trains are crowded because people are travelling to or from work: the morning / evening rush hour  Don’t travel at rush hour.  rush-hour traffic
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rusk
noun (especially BrE ) a hard crisp biscuit for babies to eat
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rus.set
adj. reddish-brown in colour
rus.set noun [U]: leaves of russet and gold
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,Russian rou'lette
noun [U] a dangerous game in which a person shoots at their own head with a gun that contains a bullet in only one of its CHAMBERS , so that the person does not know if the gun will fire or not
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rust
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a reddish-brown substance that is formed on some metals by the action of water and air: pipes covered with rust  rust spots  a rust-coloured dress—see also RUSTY
2 a plant disease that causes reddish-brown spots; the FUNGUS that causes this disease

verb if metal rusts or sth rusts it, it becomes covered with rust : [v] old rusting farming implements  Brass doesn’t rust.  [vn] Water had got in and rusted the engine.
rust.ed adj.: rusted iron—see also RUSTY
PVR V ,rust a'way to be gradually destroyed by rust

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'rust belt
noun (especially AmE ) a region that used to have a lot of industry, but that has now decreased in importance and wealth
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rus.tic
adj., noun
adj.
1 (approving) typical of the country or of country people; simple: an old cottage full of rustic charm
2 made very simply of rough wood: a rustic garden seat  a rustic fence
rus.ti.city noun [U]

noun (disapproving or humorous) a person who lives in or comes from the country

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rus.tle
verb, noun
verb
1 if sth dry and light rustles or you rustle it, it makes a sound like paper, leaves, etc. moving or rubbing together: [v] the sound of the trees rustling in the breeze [alsovn]
2 [vn] to steal farm animals
PVR V ,rustle sth<->'up (for sb) (informal) to make or find sth quickly for sb and without planning: I’m sure I can rustle you up a sandwich.  They have been busy rustling up new business.

noun [sing.] a light dry sound like leaves or pieces of paper moving or rubbing against each other: There was a rustle of paper as people turned the pages.  I heard a faint rustle in the bushes.

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rust.ler
noun a person who steals farm animals
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rust.ling
noun
1 [U, C] the sound of light, dry things moving together: the soft rustling of leaves
2 [U] the act of stealing farm animals
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rust.proof
adj. rustproof metal has had a substance put on it so that it will not RUST
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rusty
adj.
1 covered with RUST : rusty metal  a rusty old car / nail
2 [not usually before noun] (informal) (of a sport, skill, etc.) not as good as it used to be, because you have not been practising: My tennis is very rusty these days.
rusti.ness noun [U]
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rut
noun
1 [C] a deep track that a wheel makes in soft ground
2 [C] a boring way of life that does not change: I gave up my job because I felt I was stuck in a rut .  If you don’t go out and meet new people, it’s easy to get into a rut .
3 [U] (also the rut) [sing.] the time of year when male animals, especially deer, become sexually active—see also RUTTED , RUTTING
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ru.ta.baga
noun [C, U] (AmE ) = SWEDE
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ruth.less
adj. (disapproving) (of people or their behaviour) hard and cruel; determined to get what you want and not caring if you hurt other people: a ruthless dictator  The way she behaved towards him was utterly ruthless.  He has a ruthless determination to succeed.  We’ll have to be ruthless if we want to make this company more efficient.
ruth.less.ly adv.
ruth.less.ness noun [U]
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rut.ted
adj. (of a road or path) with deep tracks that have been made by wheels—see also RUT (1)
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rut.ting
adj. (of male animals, especially deer) in a time of sexual activity: rutting deer  the rutting season—see also RUT (3)
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RV
noun (AmE ) = CAMPER (the abbreviation for ‘recreational vehicle’)
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Rx
noun (AmE )
1 the written abbreviation for a doctor’s PRESCRIPTION
2 a solution to a problem: There’s no Rx for unemployment.
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-ry
-ERY
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rye
noun [U] a plant that looks like BARLEY but that produces larger grain, grown as food for animals and for making flour and whisky; the grain of this plant: rye bread  rye whisky—picture at CEREAL
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S
noun, abbr.
noun (also s) [C, U] (pl.S’s, s’s ) the 19th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Snow’ begins with (an) S / ‘S’.—see also S-BEND

abbr.
1 (pl.SS) Saint
2 (especially for sizes of clothes) small
3 (AmE also So.) south; southern: S Yorkshire—see also S AND H

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-'s
suffix, short form
suffix (added to nouns)
1 belonging to: the woman’s hat  Peter’s desk  children’s clothes
2 used to refer to sb’s home or, in British English, a particular shop: Shall we go to David’s (= David’s house) tonight?   (BrE) I’ll call in at the chemist’s on my way home

short form (informal)
1 used after he, she or it and where, what, who or how to mean ‘is’ or ‘has’: She’s still in the bath.  What’s he doing now?  It’s time to go now.  Who’s taken my pen?  Where’s he gone?  It’s gone wrong again.
2 (used after let when making a suggestion that includes yourself and others) us: Let’s go out for lunch.

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-s'
suffix (forming the end of plural nouns) belonging to: the cats' tails  their wives' jobs
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SA
abbr. South Africa
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sab.bath
(the Sabbath) noun [sing.] (in Judaism and Christianity) the holy day of the week that is used for resting and worshipping God. For Jews this day is Saturday and for Christians it is Sunday: to keep / break the Sabbath (= to obey / disobey the religious rules for this day)
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sab.bat.ic.al
noun [C, U] a period of time when sb, especially a teacher at a university, is allowed to stop their normal work in order to study or travel: to take a year’s sabbatical  a sabbatical term / year  He’s on sabbatical .
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saber
(AmE ) = SABRE
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sable
noun
1 [C] a small animal from northern Asia with dark yellowish-brown fur
2 [U] the skin and fur of the sable , used for making expensive coats and artists' brushes
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sabo.tage
noun, verb
noun [U] the act of doing deliberate damage to equipment, transport, machines, etc. to prevent an enemy from using them or to protest about sth: an act of economic / military / industrial sabotage  Police investigating the train derailment have not ruled out sabotage.

verb [vn]
1 to damage, destroy or spoil sth deliberately to prevent an enemy from using it or to protest about sth: The main electricity supply had been sabotaged by the rebels.  Protesters failed to sabotage the peace talks.
2 to make sth no longer possible or successful: The rise in interest rates sabotaged any chance of the firm’s recovery.

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sabo.teur
noun a person who does deliberate damage to sth to prevent an enemy from using it, or to protest about sth: Saboteurs blew up a small section of the track.   (BrE ) hunt saboteurs (= people who try to stop people from hunting foxes, etc.)
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sabre
(AmEsaber) noun
1 a heavy SWORD with a curved blade
2 a light SWORD with a thin blade used in the sport of FENCING
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'sabre-rattling
(BrE ) (AmE'saber rattling) noun [U] the act of trying to frighten sb by threatening to use force
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sac
noun a part inside the body of a person, an animal or a plant, that is shaped like a bag, has thin skin around it, and contains liquid or air
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sac.charin
noun [U] a sweet chemical substance used instead of sugar, especially by people who are trying to lose weight
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sac.char.ine
(also less frequent sac.char.in) adj. (disapproving) (of people or things) too emotional in a way that seems exaggerated: a saccharine smile  saccharine songs
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sa.chet
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE packet) a closed plastic or paper packet that contains a very small amount of liquid or a powder: a sachet of sauce / sugar / shampoo—picture at PACKAGING
2 a small bag containing dried herbs or flowers that you put with your clothes to make them smell pleasant
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sack
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a large bag with no handles, made of strong rough material or strong paper or plastic, used for storing and carrying, for example flour, coal, etc.
2 [C] the contents of a sack : They got through a sack of potatoes.   (AmE) two sacks of groceries
3 (the sack) [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) a bed: He caught them in the sack together.
4 (usually the sack) [sing.] (formal) the act of stealing or destroying property in a captured town: the sack of Rome
IDM get the 'sack | give sb the 'sack (informal) if you get the sack or sb gives you the sack, you are told that you can no longer work for a company, etc., usually because of sth that you have done wrong—more at HIT v.

verb [vn]
1 (informal, especially BrE) to dismiss sb from a job
SYN FIRE : She was sacked for refusing to work on Sundays.
2 (of an army, etc., especially in the past) to destroy things and steal property in a town or building: Rome was sacked by the Goths in 410.
3 [vn] (in American football) to knock down the QUARTERBACK
PVR V ,sack 'out (AmE, informal) to go to sleep or to bed: We watched a video and sacked out on the couch.

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sack.cloth
(also sack.ing) noun [U] a rough fabric made from JUTE , etc., used for making sacks
IDM wear, put on, etc. ,sackcloth and 'ashes to behave in a way that shows that you are sorry for sth that you have done
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sack.ful
noun the amount contained in a SACK : two sackfuls of flour
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sack.ing
noun
1 [C] an act of SACKING sb (= dismissing them from their job)
2 [U] = SACKCLOTH
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sac.ra.ment
noun (in Christianity)
1 [C] an important religious ceremony such as marriage, BAPTISM or COMMUNION
2 (the sacrament) [sing.] the bread and wine that are eaten and drunk during the service of COMMUNION : to receive the sacrament
sac.ra.men.tal adj. [usually before noun]: sacramental wine
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sac.red
adj.
1 connected with God or a god; considered to be holy: a sacred image / shrine / temple  sacred music  Cows are sacred to Hindus.
2 very important and treated with great respect: Human life must always be sacred.  For journalists nothing is sacred (= they can write about anything).  Some companies offer five-year plans but there is nothing sacred about this length of time (= it can be changed).
sac.red.ness noun [U]—see also SANCTITY
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,sacred 'cow
noun (disapproving) a custom, system, etc. that has existed for a long time and that many people think should not be questioned or criticized
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sac.ri.fice
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the fact of giving up sth important or valuable to you in order to get or do sth that seems more important; sth that you give up in this way: The makers of the product assured us that there had been no sacrifice of quality.  Her parents made sacrifices so that she could have a good education.  to make the final / supreme sacrifice (= to die for your country, to save a friend, etc.)
2 ~ (to sb) [C, U] the act of offering sth to a god, especially an animal that has been killed in a special way; an animal, etc. that is offered in this way: They offered sacrifices to the gods.  a human sacrifice (= a person killed as a sacrifice)

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to give up sth that is important or valuable to you in order to get or do sth that seems more important for yourself or for another person: She sacrificed everything for her children.  The designers have sacrificed speed for fuel economy.  Would you sacrifice a football game to go out with a girl?
2 [vn, v] to kill an animal or a person and offer it or them to a god, in order to please the god

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sac.ri.fi.cial
adj. [usually before noun] offered as a sacrifice : a sacrificial lamb
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sac.ri.lege
noun [U, sing.] an act of treating a holy thing or place without respect: (figurative) It would be sacrilege to alter the composer’s original markings.
sac.ri.le.gious adj.
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sac.ris.tan
noun a person whose job is to look after the holy objects in a Christian church and to prepare the ALTAR for services
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sac.risty
noun (pl.-ies) a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service by putting on special clothes and where various objects used in worship are kept
SYN VESTRY
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sacro.sanct
adj. that is considered to be too important to change or question: I’ll work till late in the evening, but my weekends are sacrosanct.
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sad
adj. (sad.der, sad.dest)
UNHAPPY|
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that...) unhappy or showing unhappiness: We are very sad to hear that you are leaving.  I was sad that she had to go.  She looked sad and tired.  I felt terribly sad about it.  He gave a slight, sad smile.  The divorce left him sadder and wiser (= having learned from the unpleasant experience).
2 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) that makes you feel unhappy: a sad story / poem / song  It was sad to see them go.  It is sad that so many of his paintings have been lost.  We had some sad news yesterday.  He’s a sad case—his wife died last year and he can’t seem to manage without her.  Sad to say (= unfortunately) the house has now been demolished.
UNACCEPTABLE|
3 unacceptable; deserving blame or criticism: a sad state of affairs  It’s a sad fact that many of those killed were children.
BORING|
4 (spoken, slang) boring or not fashionable: You sad old man.
IN POOR CONDITION|
5 in poor condition: The salad consisted of a few leaves of sad-looking lettuce.—see also SADLY , SADNESS
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sad.den
verb [often passive] (formal) to make sb sad: [vn] We were deeply saddened by the news of her death.  [vn to inf] Fans were saddened to see the former champion play so badly.  [vn that] It saddened her that people could be so cruel.
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sad.dle
noun, verb
noun
1 a leather seat for a rider on a horse: She swung herself into the saddle.
2 a seat on a bicycle or motorcycle—picture at BICYCLE
3 a piece of meat from the back of an animal
IDM in the 'saddle
1 in a position of authority and control
2 riding a horse: Three weeks after the accident he was back in the saddle.

verb [vn] to put a saddle on a horse: Their horses were saddled and waiting.
PVR V ,saddle 'up| ,saddle sth<->'up to put a saddle on a horse: He saddled up and rode off. 'saddle sb / yourself with sth [often passive] to give sb/yourself an unpleasant responsibility, task, debt, etc: I’ve been saddled with organizing the conference.  The company was saddled with debts of £12 million.

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saddle.bag
noun
1 one of a pair of bags put over the back of a horse
2 a bag attached to the back of a bicycle or motorcycle saddle
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sad.dler
noun a person whose job is making, repairing and selling saddles and other leather goods
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sad.dlery
noun [U] SADDLES and leather goods for horses; the art of making these
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'saddle-sore
adj. feeling sore and stiff after riding a horse
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sadhu
noun (pl.-us) a Hindu holy man, especially one who lives apart from people and society
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sad.ism
noun [U]
1 enjoyment from watching or making sb suffer: There’s a streak of sadism in his nature.
2 a need to hurt sb in order to get sexual pleasure—compare MASOCHISM
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sad.ist
noun a person who gets pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from hurting other people
sad.is.tic adj.: He took sadistic pleasure in taunting the boy.
sad.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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sadly
adv.
1 unfortunately: Sadly, after eight years of marriage they had grown apart.
2 in a sad way: She shook her head sadly.
3 very much and in a way that makes you sad: She will be sadly missed.  They had hoped to win and were sadly disappointed.  If you think I’m going to help you again, you’re sadly (= completely) mistaken.
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sad.ness
noun
1 [U, sing.] the feeling of being sad: memories tinged with sadness  I felt a deep sadness.
2 [C, usually pl.] something which makes you sad: our joys and sadnesses
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sado.maso.chism
noun [U] enjoyment from hurting sb and being hurt, especially during sexual activity
sado.maso.chist noun
sado.maso.chis.tic adj.
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sae
noun (BrE ) an envelope on which you have written your name and address and usually put a stamp so that sb else can use it to send sth to you (abbreviation for ‘stamped addressed envelope’ or ‘self-addressed envelope’): Please enclose an sae for your test results.—compare SASE
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sa.fari
noun [U, C] a trip to see or hunt wild animals, especially in E Africa: to be / go on safari
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sa'fari park
noun a park in which wild animals move around freely and are watched by visitors from their cars
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safe
adj., noun
adj. (safer, saf.est)
PROTECTED|
1 [not before noun] ~ (from sb/sth) protected from any danger or harm: The children are quite safe here.  She didn’t feel safe on her own.  Will the car be safe parked in the road?  They aimed to make the country safe from terrorist attacks.  Your secret is safe with me (= I will not tell anyone else).
OPP UNSAFE
WITHOUT PHYSICAL DANGER|
2 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sb) not likely to lead to any physical harm or danger: a safe and effective remedy for coughs and colds  Is the water here safe to drink?  The street is not safe for children to play in.  It is one of the safest cars in the world.  We watched the explosion from a safe distance .  Builders were called in to make the building safe .
OPP UNSAFE
NOT HARMED / LOST|
3 [not before noun] not harmed, damaged, lost, etc: We were glad she let us know she was safe.  The missing child was found safe and well .  They turned up safe and sound .  A reward was offered for the animal’s safe return .
PLACE|
4 where sb/sth is not likely to be in danger or to be lost: We all want to live in safer cities.  Keep your passport in a safe place.
OPP UNSAFE
WITHOUT RISK|
5 ~ (to do sth) not involving much or any risk; not likely to be wrong or to upset sb: a safe investment  a safe subject for discussion  It’s safe to assume (that) there will always be a demand for new software.  It would be safer to take more money with you in case of emergency.   (disapproving) The show was well performed, but so safe and predictable.
PERSON|
6 [usually before noun] doing an activity in a careful way: a safe driver / worker
LAW|
7 based on good evidence: a safe verdict
OPP UNSAFE —see also FAIL-SAFE ,better ,safe than 'sorry (saying) used to say that it is wiser to be too careful than to act too quickly and do sth you may later wish you had not in safe 'hands | in the safe hands of sb being taken care of well by sb: I’ve left the kids in safe hands—with my parents.  Their problem was in the safe hands of the experts. on the 'safe side being especially careful; taking no risks: I took some extra cash just to be on the safe side. play (it) 'safe to be careful; to avoid risks (as) ,safe as 'houses (BrE) very safe safe in the knowledge that confident because you know that sth is true or will happen: She went out safe in the knowledge that she looked fabulous. a safe pair of 'hands (especially BrE) a person that you can trust to do a job well—more at BET n.

noun a strong metal box or cupboard with a complicated lock, used for storing valuable things in, for example, money or jewels

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,safe 'conduct
(also ,safe 'passage) noun [U, C] official protection from being attacked, arrested, etc. when passing through an area; a document that promises this: The guerillas were promised safe conduct out of the country.
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'safe deposit box
(also 'safety deposit box) noun a metal box for storing valuable things, usually kept in a special room at a bank
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safe.guard
verb, noun
verb ~ sth (against / from sth)| ~ against sth (formal) to protect sth from loss, harm or damage; to keep sth safe: [vn] to safeguard sb’s interests / rights / privacy  to safeguard jobs / the environment  The new card will safeguard the company against fraud.  [v] The leaflet explains how to safeguard against dangers in the home.

noun ~ (against sth) something that is designed to protect people from harm, risk or danger: Stronger legal safeguards are needed to protect the consumer.

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,safe 'haven
noun a place where sb can go to be safe from danger or attack
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'safe house
noun a house used by people who are hiding, for example by criminals hiding from the police, or by people who are being protected by the police from other people who may wish to harm them
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,safe 'keeping
noun [U]
1 the fact of sth being in a safe place where it will not be lost or damaged: She had put her watch in her pocket for safe keeping .
2 the fact of sb/sth being taken care of by sb who can be trusted: The documents are in the safe keeping of our lawyers.
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safe.ly
adv.
1 without being harmed, damaged or lost: The plane landed safely.
2 in a way that does not cause harm or that protects sb/sth from harm: The bomb has been safely disposed of.  The money is safely locked in a drawer.
3 without much possibility of being wrong: We can safely say that he will accept the job.
4 without any possibility of the situation changing: I thought the kids were safely tucked up in bed.
5 without any problems being caused; with no risk: These recommendations can safely be ignored.
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,safe 'passage
noun [U, C] = SAFE CONDUCT
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the 'safe period
noun [sing.] the time just before and during a woman’s PERIOD when she is unlikely to become pregnant
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,safe 'seat
noun (BrE ) a CONSTITUENCY where a particular political party has a lot of support and is unlikely to be defeated in an election
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,safe 'sex
noun [U] sexual activity in which people try to protect themselves from AIDS and other sexual diseases, for example by using a CONDOM
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safety
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of being safe and protected from danger or harm: a place where children can play in safety   The police are concerned for the safety of the 12-year-old boy who has been missing for three days.  He was kept in custody for his own safety .
2 [U] the state of not being dangerous: I’m worried about the safety of the treatment.  safety standards / measures / precautions  a local campaign to improve road safety   The airline has an excellent safety record .
3 [U] a place where you are safe: I managed to swim to safety .  We watched the lions from the safety of the car.  They reached safety seconds before the building was engulfed in flames.
4 [C] (AmE) = SAFETY CATCH
IDM ,safety 'first (saying) safety is the most important thing there’s ,safety in 'numbers (saying) being in a group makes you safer and makes you feel more confident
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'safety belt
noun = SEAT BELT
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'safety catch
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually safety) noun a device that stops a gun from being fired or a machine from working by accident
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'safety deposit box
noun = SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
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'safety glass
noun [U] strong glass that does not break into sharp pieces
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'safety island
noun (AmE ) = TRAFFIC ISLAND
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'safety net
noun
1 an arrangement that helps to prevent disaster if sth goes wrong: a financial safety net  people who have fallen through the safety net and ended up homeless on the streets
2 a net placed underneath ACROBATS , etc. to catch them if they fall
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'safety pin
noun a pin with a point bent back towards the head, that is covered when closed so that it cannot hurt you—picture at FASTENER
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'safety razor
noun a RAZOR with a cover over the blade to stop it from cutting the skin—compare CUT-THROAT RAZOR
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'safety valve
noun
1 a device that lets out steam or pressure in a machine when it becomes too great
2 a harmless way of letting out feelings of anger, excitement, etc: Exercise is a good safety valve for the tension that builds up at work.
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saf.fron
noun [U]
1 a bright yellow powder made from CROCUS flowers, used in cooking to give colour to food
2 a bright orange-yellow colour
saf.fron adj.: Buddhist monks in saffron robes
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sag
verb (-gg-) [v]
1 to hang or bend down in the middle, especially of weight or pressure: a sagging roof  The tent began to sag under the weight of the rain.  Your skin starts to sag as you get older.
2 to become weaker or fewer: Their share of the vote sagged badly at the last election.
sag noun [U, C, usually sing.]: Weight has caused the sag.
IDM see JAW n.
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saga
noun
1 a long traditional story about adventures and brave acts, especially one from Norway or Iceland
2 a long story about events over a period of many years: She has written a huge and compelling family saga.
3 a long series of events or adventures and/or a report about them: The front page is devoted to the continuing saga of the hijack.   (humorous) the saga of how I missed the plane
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sa.ga.cious
adj. (formal) showing good judgement and understanding
SYN WISE
sa.ga.city noun [U]
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sage
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] a plant with flat, light green leaves that have a strong smell and are used in cooking as a herb: duck with sage and onion stuffing
2 [C] (formal) a very wise person: ancient Indian sages  political / economic sages

adj. (literary) wise, especially because you have a lot of experience
sage.ly adv.: She nodded sagely.

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sage.brush
noun [U] a plant with leaves that smell sweet that grows in dry regions in the western US; an area of ground covered with sagebrush
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saggy
adj. (informal) no longer firm; hanging or sinking down in way that is not attractive: a saggy mattress
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Sa.git.tar.ius
noun
1 [U] the 9th sign of the ZODIAC , the ARCHER
2 [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 22 November and 20 December, approximately
Sa.git.tar.ian noun, adj.
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sago
noun [U] hard white grains made from the soft inside of a type of PALM tree, often cooked with milk to make a DESSERT : sago pudding
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sahib
noun used in India, especially in the past, to address a European man, especially one with some social or official status
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said

1 pt, pp of SAY
2 adj. [only before noun] (formal orlaw) = AFOREMENTIONED : the said company
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sail
verb, noun
verb
1 (of a boat or ship or the people on it) to travel on water using sails or an engine: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : to sail up the coast / into harbour  The dinghy sailed smoothly across the lake.  The ferry sails from Newhaven to Dieppe.  one of the first people to sail around the world  [vn] to sail the Atlantic
2 (also go sailing) to control or travel on a boat with a sail, especially as a sport: [v] We spent the weekend sailing off the south coast.  Do you go sailing often?  [vn] She sails her own yacht.
3 [v] (of a boat or ship or the people in it) to begin a journey on water: We sail at 2 p.m. tomorrow.  He sailed for the West Indies from Portsmouth.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move quickly and smoothly in a particular direction; (of people) to move in a confident manner: clouds sailing across the sky  The ball sailed over the goalie’s head.  She sailed past me, ignoring me completely.
IDM sail close to the 'wind to take a risk by doing sth that is dangerous or that may be illegal
PVR V ,sail 'through (sth) to pass an exam, a test, etc. without any difficulty

noun
1 [C, U] a sheet of strong fabric which the wind blows against to make a boat or ship travel through the water: As the boat moved down the river the wind began to fill the sails.  a ship under sail (= using sails)  in the days of sail (= when ships all used sails)  Mrs Healy moved away like a ship in full sail (= with all its sails spread out).
2 [sing.] a trip in a boat or ship: We went for a sail.  a two-hour sail across the bay
3 [C] a set of boards attached to the arm of a WINDMILL
IDM set 'sail (from / for … ) (formal) to begin a trip by sea: a liner setting sail from New York  We set sail (for France) at high tide.—more at TRIM v. , WIND^1n.

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sail.board
(also board) noun = WINDSURFER
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sail.boat
noun (AmE ) = SAILING BOAT , YACHT
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sail.ing
noun
1 [U] the sport or activity of travelling in a boat with sails: to go sailing  a sailing club
2 [C] one of the regular times that a ship leaves a port: There are six sailings a day from Dover to Ostend.  What time is the next sailing?
IDM see CLEAR adj. , PLAIN adj.
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'sailing boat
(BrE ) (AmE sail.boat) noun a boat with sails
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'sailing ship
noun a ship with sails
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sail.or
noun
1 a person who works on a ship as a member of the CREW
2 a person who sails a boat
IDM a good / bad 'sailor a person who rarely/always becomes sick at sea
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'sailor suit
noun a suit for a child made in the style of an old-fashioned sailor’s uniform
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saint
noun
1 (abbr.S, St) a person that the Christian Church recognizes as being very holy, because of the way they have lived or died: St John  St Valentine’s Day  The children were all named after saints.—see also PATRON SAINT St Bernard
2 a very good, kind or patient person: She’s a saint to go on living with that man.  His behaviour would try the patience of a saint .
saint.hood noun [U]
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saint.ed
adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned or humorous) considered or officially stated to be a saint: And how is my sainted sister?
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saint.ly
adj. like a saint; very holy and good: to lead a saintly life
saint.li.ness noun [U]
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'saint’s day
noun (in the Christian Church) a day of the year when a particular saint is remembered and on which, in some countries, people who are named after that saint have celebrations
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saith
(old use) says
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sake^1
noun —see also SAKE^2
IDM for Christ’s, God’s, goodness', heaven’s, pity’s, etc. 'sake used to emphasize that it is important to do sth or when you are annoyed about sth: Do be careful, for goodness' sake.  Oh, for heaven’s sake!  For pity’s sake, help me!
HELP Some people find the use of Christ, God or heaven here offensive. for sth’s 'own sake because of the interest or value sth has, not because of the advantages it may bring: I believe in education for its own sake.  art for art’s sake for the sake of sb/sth | for sb’s / sth’s sake in order to help sb/sth or because you like sb/sth: They stayed together for the sake of the children.  You can do it. Please, for my sake.  I hope you’re right, for all our sakes (= because this is important for all of us). for the sake of sth / of doing sth in order to get or keep sth: The translation sacrifices naturalness for the sake of accuracy.  She gave up smoking for the sake of her health.  Don’t get married just for the sake of it .  Let’s suppose, for the sake of argument (= in order to have a discussion), that interest rates went up by 2%.—more at OLD
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sake^2
(also saki) noun [U] a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice—see also SAKE^1
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sa.laam
verb [v, vn] (in some Eastern countries) to greet sb in a formal way by bending forward from the waist and putting your right hand on your forehead
sa.laam noun
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sal.acious
adj. (formal) (of stories, pictures, etc.) encouraging sexual desire or containing too much sexual detail: salacious gossip
sal.acious.ness noun [U]
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salad
noun
1 [U, C] a mixture of raw vegetables such as LETTUCE , tomato and CUCUMBER , usually served with other food as part of a meal: All main courses come with salad or vegetables.  Is cold meat and salad OK for lunch?  a side salad (= a small bowl of salad served with the main course of a meal)  a salad bowl (= a large bowl for serving salad in)—see also GREEN SALAD
2 [C, U] (in compounds) meat, fish, cheese, etc. served with salad : a chicken / beef salad
3 [U, C] (in compounds) raw or cooked vegetables, etc. that are cut into small pieces, often mixed with MAYONNAISE and served cold with other food: bean / carrot / potato salad  a pasta / rice salad—see also FRUIT SALAD
4 [U] any green vegetable, especially LETTUCE , that is eaten raw in a salad : salad leaves / plants
IDM your 'salad days (old-fashioned) the time when you are young and do not have much experience of life
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'salad cream
noun [U] (BrE ) a pale yellow sauce, similar to MAYONNAISE , sold in bottles and eaten on salads, in sandwiches, etc.
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'salad dressing
noun [U, C] = DRESSING
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sala.man.der
noun an animal like a LIZARD , with short legs and a long tail, that lives both on land and in water (= is an AMPHIBIAN )—
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sa.lami
noun [U, C] (pl.sa.lamis) a type of large spicy sausage served cold in thin slices
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sal.ar.ied
adj.
1 (of a person) receiving a salary : a salaried employee
2 (of a job) for which a salary is paid: a salaried position
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sal.ary
noun (pl.-ies) money that employees receive for doing their job, especially professional employees or people working in an office, usually paid every month: an annual salary of $40 000  a 9% salary increase  She’s on a salary of £24 000.  He gets a basic salary plus commission.—compare WAGE
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sale
noun
1 [U, C] an act or the process of selling sth: the sale of cars / clothes / goods  regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages  I haven’t made a sale all week.  She gets 10% commission on each sale.
2 (sales) [pl.] the number of items sold: Retail sales fell in November by 10%.  Export sales were up by 32% last year.  The company reported booming sales figures .  a sales drive / campaign (= a special effort to sell more)
3 (sales) [U] (also 'sales department [C]) the part of a company that deals with selling its products: a sales and marketing director  She works in sales / the sales department.  The Weldon Group has a 6 000 strong sales force .
4 [C] an occasion when a shop/store sells its goods at a lower price than usual: The sale starts on December 28th.  the January sales  I bought a coat in the sales .  sale prices / goods
5 [C] an occasion when goods are sold, especially an AUCTION : a contemporary art sale—see also CAR BOOT SALE , GARAGE SALE , JUMBLE SALE
IDM for 'sale available to be bought, especially from the owner: I’m sorry, it’s not for sale.  They’ve put their house up for sale .  an increase in the number of stolen vehicles being offered for sale   a ‘for sale’ sign on 'sale
1 available to be bought, especially in a shop/store: Tickets are on sale from the booking office.  The new model goes on sale next month.
2 (especially AmE) being offered at a reduced price: All video equipment is on sale today and tomorrow. (on) ,sale or re'turn (BrE) (of goods) supplied with the agreement that any item that is not sold can be sent back without having to be paid for
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sale.able
adj. good enough to be sold; that sb will want to buy: a saleable commodity / product  not in saleable condition
OPP UNSALEABLE
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sale.room
(BrE ) (AmE sales.room) noun a room where goods are sold at an AUCTION
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'sales clerk
noun (AmE ) = SHOP ASSISTANT
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sales.man, sales.woman
noun (pl.-men ) (-women ) a man or woman whose job is to sell goods, for example, in a shop/store: a car salesman  note at GENDER
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sales.man.ship
noun [U] skill in persuading people to buy things
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sales.per.son
noun (pl.-people) a person whose job is to sell goods, for example, in a shop/store
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'sales representative
(also informal 'sales rep, rep) noun an employee of a company who travels around a particular area selling the company’s goods to shops/stores, etc.
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sales.room
noun (AmE ) = SALEROOM
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'sales slip
noun (AmE ) = RECEIPT
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'sales talk
noun [U] talk that tries to persuade sb to buy sth
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'sales tax
noun [U, C] (in some countries) the part of the price you pay when you buy sth that goes to the government as tax
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sa.li.ent
adj. [only before noun] most important or noticeable: She pointed out the salient features of the new design.  He summarized the salient points .
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sa.line
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) containing salt: Wash the lenses in saline solution.
sal.in.ity noun [U]: to measure the salinity of the water

noun [U] (technical ) a mixture of salt in water

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sal.iva
noun [U] the liquid that is produced in your mouth that helps you to swallow food
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sal.iv.ary
adj. (technical ) of or producing saliva
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sali.vate
verb [v] (formal) to produce more SALIVA in your mouth than usual, especially when you see or smell food: (figurative) He was salivating over the thought of the million dollars.
sali.va.tion noun [U]
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sal.low
adj., noun
adj. (of a person’s skin or face) having a slightly yellow colour that does not look healthy

noun a type of WILLOW tree that does not grow very tall

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sally
noun, verb
noun (pl.sal.lies)
1 a remark that is intended to entertain or amuse sb: Everyone waited for his next sally.
2 a sudden attack by an enemy

verb (sal.lies, sally.ing, sal.lied, sal.lied)
PVR V ,sally 'forth / 'out (old-fashioned or literary) to leave a place in a determined or enthusiastic way

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sal.mon
noun [C, U] (pl.sal.mon) a large fish with silver skin and pink flesh that is used for food. Salmon live in the sea but swim up rivers to lay their eggs: a whole salmon  smoked salmon  wild and farmed salmon
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sal.mon.ella
noun [U] a type of bacteria that makes people sick if they eat infected food; an illness caused by this bacteria: cases of salmonella poisoning  an outbreak of salmonella
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,salmon 'pink
adj. orange-pink in colour, like the flesh of a salmon
,salmon 'pink noun [U]
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salon
noun
1 a shop/store that gives customers hair or beauty treatment or that sells expensive clothes: a beauty salon  a hairdressing salon
2 (old-fashioned) a room in a large house used for entertaining guests
3 (in the past) a regular meeting of writers, artists and other guests at the house of a famous or important person: a literary salon
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sal.oon
noun
1 (also sa'loon car) (both BrE) (AmE sedan) a car with four doors and a BOOT (= space at the back for carrying things) which is separated from the part where the driver and passengers sit: a five-seater family saloon—picture at CAR
2 (also sa'loon bar) (both BrE) = LOUNGE BAR
3 a bar where alcoholic drinks were sold in the western US in the past
4 a large comfortable room on a ship, used by the passengers to sit and relax in
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salsa
noun [U]
1 a type of Latin American dance music
2 a sauce eaten with Mexican food
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sal.sify
noun [U] (BrE ) a plant with a long root that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable
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salt
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [U] a white substance that is added to food to give it a better flavour or to preserve it. Salt is obtained from mines and is also found in sea water. It is sometimes called common salt to distinguish it from other chemical salts .
SYN SODIUM CHLORIDE : Pass the salt, please.  a pinch of salt (= a small amount of it)  Season with salt and pepper.  sea salt—see also ROCK SALT
2 [C] (chemistry) a chemical compound of a metal and an acid: mineral salts—see also EPSOM SALTS
3 (salts) [pl.] a substance that looks or tastes like salt : bath salts (= used to give a pleasant smell to bath water)—see also SMELLING SALTS
IDM the salt of the 'earth a very good and honest person that you can always depend on—more at DOSE n. , PINCH n. , RUB v. , WORTH adj.

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to put salt on or in food: salted peanuts  a pan of boiling salted water
2 ~ sth (down) to preserve food with salt: salted fish
3 to put salt on roads to melt ice or snow
PVR V ,salt sth<->a'way to save sth for the future, secretly and usually dishonestly: She salted away the profits in foreign bank accounts.

adj. [only before noun] containing, tasting of or preserved with salt: salt water  salt beef

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salt.box
noun (AmE ) a house that has two floors at the front and one floor at the back, with a roof that slopes down between the two floors
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'salt cellar

1 (BrE) (AmE 'salt shaker) nouna small container for salt, usually with one hole in the top, that is used at the table
2 (AmE) a small open dish containing salt
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salt.petre
(BrE ) (AmEsalt.peter) noun [U] a white powder used for preserving food and making matches and GUNPOWDER
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'salt truck
noun (AmE ) = GRITTER
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'salt water
noun [U] sea water; water containing salt
'salt.water adj. [only before noun]: saltwater fish—compare FRESHWATER
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salty
adj. (comparativesalt.ier no superlative)
1 containing or tasting of salt: salty food  salty sea air—compare SWEET
2 (old-fashioned) (of language or humour) amusing and sometimes slightly rude
salti.ness noun [U]: She could taste the saltiness of her tears.
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sa.lu.bri.ous
adj. (formal) (of a place) pleasant to live in; clean and healthy: We had to move to a house in a less salubrious area.
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salu.tary
adj. (of an experience) having a good effect on sb/sth, though often seeming unpleasant: a salutary lesson / experience / warning  The accident was a salutary reminder of the dangers of climbing.
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sa.lu.ta.tion
noun
1 [C, U] (formal) a greeting or the action of greeting sb
2 [C] (technical) the words that are used in a letter to address the person you are writing to, for example ‘Dear Sir’
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sa.lute
verb, noun
verb
1 to touch the side of your head with the fingers of your right hand to show respect, especially in the armed forces: [v] The sergeant stood to attention and saluted.  [vn] to salute the flag / an officer
2 [vn] (formal) to express respect and admiration for sb/sth: The players saluted the fans before leaving the field.  The president saluted the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fought for their country.

noun
1 [C] the action of raising your right hand to the side of your head as a sign of respect, especially between soldiers and officers
2 [C, U] a thing that you say or do to show your admiration or respect for sb/sth or to welcome sb: He raised his hat as a friendly salute.  His first words were a salute to the people of South Africa.  They all raised their glasses in salute .
3 [C] an official occasion when guns are fired into the air to show respect for an important person: a 21-gun salute

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sal.vage
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the act of saving things that have been, or are likely to be, damaged or lost, especially in a disaster or an accident: the salvage of the wrecked tanker  a salvage company / operation / team
2 the things that are saved from a disaster or an accident: an exhibition of the salvage from the wreck

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sth) to save a badly damaged ship, etc. from being lost completely; to save parts or property from a damaged ship or from a fire, etc: The wreck was salvaged by a team from the RAF.  We only managed to salvage two paintings from the fire.  The house was built using salvaged materials.
2 to manage to rescue sth from a difficult situation; to stop a bad situation from being a complete failure: What can I do to salvage my reputation? (= get a good reputation again)  He wondered what he could do to salvage the situation.  United lost 5–2, salvaging a little pride with two late goals.

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sal.va.tion
noun [U]
1 (in Christianity) the state of being saved from the power of evil: to pray for the salvation of the world
2 a way of protecting sb from danger, disaster, loss, etc: Group therapy classes have been his salvation.
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the Sal,vation 'Army
noun [sing.] a Christian organization whose members wear military uniforms and work to help poor people
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salve
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a substance that you put on a wound or sore skin to help it heal or to protect it: lip salve

verb [vn] ~ your conscience (formal) to do sth that makes you feel less guilty: He took them presents to salve his conscience.

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sal.ver
noun a large plate, usually made of metal, on which drinks or food are served at a formal event
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salvo
noun (pl.-os or -oes) the act of firing several guns or dropping several bombs, etc. at the same time; a sudden attack: The first salvo exploded a short distance away.   (figurative) The newspaper article was the opening salvo in what proved to be a long battle.  This statement provoked a salvo of accusations.
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Sa.mar.itan
noun
IDM a ,good Sa'maritan a person who gives help and sympathy to people who need it
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samba
noun a fast dance originally from Brazil; a piece of music for this dance
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same
adj., pron., adv.
adj.
1 exactly the one or ones referred to or mentioned; not different: We have lived in the same house for twenty years.  She’s still the same fun-loving person that I knew at college.  This one works in exactly the same way as the other.  They both said much the same thing.  He used the very same (= exactly the same) words.  I resigned last Friday and left that same day.
2 exactly like the one or ones referred to or mentioned: I bought the same car as yours (= another car of that type).  She was wearing the same dress that I had on.  The same thing happened to me last week.
IDM Idioms containing same are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example be in the same boat is at boat.

pron.
1 the ~ (as … ) the same thing or things: I would do the same again.  I think the same as you do about this.  Just do the same as me (= as I do).  His latest movie is just more of the same —exotic locations, car chases and a final shoot-out.   (spoken) ‘I’ll have coffee.’‘Same for me, please (= I will have one too).’
2 the ~ (as … ) having the same number, colour, size, quality, etc: There are several brands and they’re not all the same.  I’d like one the same as yours.
3 (the same) (BrE) the same person: ‘Was that George on the phone?’‘The same (= yes, it was George).’
IDM ,all / ,just the 'same in spite of this
SYN NEVERTHELESS : He’s not very reliable, but I like him just the same.  ‘Will you stay for lunch?’‘No, but thanks all the same.’  All the same, there’s some truth in what she says. be all the 'same to sb to not be important to sb: It’s all the same to me whether we eat now or later. ,one and the 'same the same person or thing: It turns out that her aunt and my cousin are one and the same. (the) ,same a'gain (spoken) used to ask sb to serve you the same drink as before: Same again, please! ,same 'here (spoken) used to say that sth is also true of you: ‘I can’t wait to see it.’‘Same here.’ (the) ,same to 'you (spoken) used to answer a greeting, an insult, etc: ‘Happy Christmas!’‘And the same to you!’  ‘Get lost!’‘Same to you!’

adv. (usually the same) in the same way; SIMILARLY : Babies all look the same to me.  We treat boys exactly the same as girls.   (informal) He gave me five dollars, same as usual .

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same.ness
noun [U] the quality of being the same; a lack of variety: She grew tired of the sameness of the food.
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samey
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) not changing or different and therefore boring
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sa.mosa
noun a type of hot spicy Indian food consisting of a triangle of thin crisp pastry filled with meat or vegetables and fried
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samo.var
noun a large container for heating water, used especially in Russia for making tea
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sam.pan
noun a small boat with a flat bottom used along the coast and rivers of China
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sam.ple
noun, verb
noun
1 a number of people or things taken from a larger group and used in tests to provide information about the group: The interviews were given to a random sample of students.  The survey covers a representative sample of schools.  a sample survey
2 a small amount of a substance taken from a larger amount and tested in order to obtain information about the substance: a blood sample  Samples of the water contained pesticide.
3 a small amount or example of sth that can be looked at or tried to see what it is like: ‘I’d like to see a sample of your work,’ said the manager.  a free sample of shampoo  sample exam papers

verb [vn]
1 to try a small amount of a particular food to see what it is like; to experience sth for a short time to see what it is like: I sampled the delights of Greek cooking for the first time.
2 (technical) to test, question, etc., part of sth or of a group of people in order to find out what the rest is like: 12% of the children sampled said they prefer cats to dogs.
3 (technical) to record part of a piece of music, or a sound, in order to use it in a new piece of music

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sam.pler
noun
1 a piece of fabric decorated with different stitches that people made in the past to show a person’s skill at sewing
2 a collection that shows typical examples of sth, especially pieces of music
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sam.pling
noun [U]
1 the process of taking a SAMPLE : statistical sampling
2 the process of copying and recording parts of a piece of music in an electronic form so that they can be used in a different piece of music
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sam.urai
noun (pl.sam.urai) (in the past) a member of a powerful military class in Japan
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sana.tor.ium
(AmE also sani.tar.ium, sana.tar.ium ) noun (pl.-riums or -ria ) a place like a hospital where patients who have a lasting illness or who are getting better after an illness are treated
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sanc.tify
verb (sanc.ti.fies, sanc.ti.fy.ing, sanc.ti.fied, sanc.ti.fied) [vn] [usually passive] (formal)
1 to make sth holy
2 to make sth seem right or legal; to give official approval to sth: This was a practice sanctified by tradition.
sanc.ti.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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sanc.ti.mo.ni.ous
adj. (disapproving) giving the impression that you feel you are better and more moral than other people: the sanctimonious middle class
sanc.ti.mo.ni.ous.ly adv.
sanc.ti.mo.ni.ous.ness noun [U]
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sanc.tion
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] ~ (against sb) an official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country, in order to make it do sth, such as obeying international law: Trade sanctions were imposed against any country that refused to sign the agreement.  The economic sanctions have been lifted.
2 [U] (formal) official permission or approval for an action or a change: These changes will require the sanction of the court.
3 [C] ~ (against sth) a course of action that can be used, if necessary, to make people obey a law or behave in a particular way: The ultimate sanction will be the closure of the restaurant.

verb [vn]
1 (formal) to give permission for sth to take place: The government refused to sanction a further cut in interest rates.
2 (technical) to punish sb/sth; to IMPOSE a sanction (1) on sth

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sanc.tity
noun [U]
1 ~ (of sth) the state of being very important and worth protecting and preserving: the sanctity of marriage
2 the state of being holy: a life of sanctity, like that of St Francis
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sanc.tu.ary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] an area where wild birds or animals are protected and encouraged to breed: a bird / wildlife sanctuary
2 [U] safety and protection, especially for people who are being chased or attacked: to take sanctuary in a place  The government offered sanctuary to 4 000 refugees.  She longed for the sanctuary of her own home.
3 [C, usually sing.] a safe place, especially one where people who are being chased or attacked can stay and be protected: The church became a sanctuary for the refugees.
4 [C] a holy building or the part of it that is considered the most holy
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sanc.tum
noun [usually sing.] (formal)
1 a private room where sb can go and not be disturbed: She once allowed me into her inner sanctum .
2 a holy place
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sand
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a substance that consists of very small fine grains of rock. Sand is found on beaches, in deserts, etc: a grain of sand  Concrete is a mixture of sand and cement.  His hair was the colour of sand.  The children were playing in the sand (= for example, in a SANDPIT ).
2 [U, C, usually pl.] a large area of sand on a beach: We went for a walk along the sand.  children playing on the sand  miles of golden sands—see also SANDY
IDM see HEAD n. , SHIFT v.

verb [vn] ~ sth (down) = SANDPAPER

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san.dal
noun a type of light open shoe that is worn in warm weather. The top part consists of leather bands that attach the sole to your foot: open-toed sandals—picture at SHOE
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san.dalled
(BrE ) (AmEsan.daled) adj. [only before noun] wearing sandals : sandalled feet
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san.dal.wood
noun [U] a type of oil with a sweet smell that is obtained from a hard tropical wood, also called sandalwood, and is used to make PERFUME
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sand.bag
noun, verb
noun a bag filled with sand used to build a wall as a protection against floods or explosions

verb (-gg-) [vn]
1 to put sandbags in or around sth as protection against floods or explosions
2 (informal, especially AmE) to attack sb by criticizing them strongly; to treat sb badly

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sand.bank
noun a bank or raised area of sand in a river or the sea—picture at COAST
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sand.bar
noun a long mass of sand at the point where a river meets the sea that is formed by the movement of the water
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sand.blast
verb [vn] [often passive] to clean, polish, decorate, etc. a surface by firing sand at it from a special machine
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sand.box
noun (AmE ) = SANDPIT
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sand.cas.tle
noun a pile of sand made to look like a castle, usually by a child on a beach
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'sand dune
noun = DUNE
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sand.er
noun an electric tool with a rough surface used for making wood smooth
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s and h
(also s & h) abbr. (AmE ) shipping and handling—compare P. AND P.
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sand.man
noun (the sandman) [sing.] an imaginary man who is said to make children fall asleep
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sand.paper
noun, verb
noun [U] strong paper with a rough surface covered with sand or a similar substance, used for rubbing surfaces in order to make them smooth

verb [vn] (also sand) ~ sth (down) to make sth smooth by rubbing it with sandpaper

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sand.piper
noun a small bird with long legs and a long beak that lives near rivers and lakes
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sand.pit
(BrE ) (AmE sand.box) noun an area in the ground or a shallow container, filled with sand for children to play in
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sand.stone
noun [U] a type of stone that is formed of grains of sand tightly pressed together, used in building
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sand.storm
noun a storm in a desert in which sand is blown into the air by strong winds
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'sand trap
(also trap) noun (both AmE ) = BUNKER
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sand.wich
noun, verb
noun
1 (also BrE informal sar.nie) two slices of bread, often spread with butter, with a layer of meat, cheese, etc. between them: a ham / chicken sandwich  a sandwich bar (= a place that sells sandwiches)—see also CLUB SANDWICH —
2 (BrE) (in compounds) a SPONGE CAKE consisting of two layers with jam and/or cream between them: a chocolate sponge sandwich  a sandwich tin (= for baking such a cake in)

verb
PVR V 'sandwich sb/sth between sb/sth [usually passive] to fit sth/sb into a very small space between two other things or people, or between two times: I was sandwiched between two fat men on the bus. ,sandwich A and B to'gether (with sth) to put sth between two things to join them: Sandwich the cakes together with cream.

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'sandwich board
noun a pair of boards with advertisements on them that sb wears at the front and back of their body as they walk around in public
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'sandwich course
noun (BrE ) a course of study which includes periods of study and periods of working in business or industry
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sandy
adj.
1 covered with or containing sand: a sandy beach  sandy soil
2 (of hair) having a light colour, between yellow and red
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sane
adj. (saner, san.est)
1 having a normal healthy mind; not mentally ill: No sane person would do that.  Being able to get out of the city at the weekend keeps me sane .
2 sensible and reasonable: a sane idea / argument / policy
OPP INSANE —see also SANITY
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sang
pt of SING
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sang.froid
noun [U] (from French ) the ability to remain calm in a difficult or dangerous situation
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san.gria
noun [U] (from Spanish ) an alcoholic drink made of red wine mixed with fruit, and sometimes with water, fruit juice, LEMONADE or BRANDY added
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san.guine
adj. ~ (about sth) (formal) cheerful and confident about the future
SYN OPTIMISTIC : They are less sanguine about the company’s long-term prospects.  He tends to take a sanguine view of the problems involved.
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sani.tar.ium
(AmE ) = SANATORIUM
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sani.tary
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with keeping places clean and healthy to live in, especially by removing human waste: Overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions led to disease in the refugee camps.  The hut had no cooking or sanitary facilities.
2 clean; not likely to cause health problems
SYN HYGIENIC : The new houses were more sanitary than the old ones had been.
OPP INSANITARY
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'sanitary towel
(BrE ) (AmE 'sanitary napkin) noun a thick piece of soft material that women wear outside their body to absorb the blood during their PERIOD —compare TAMPON
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sani.ta.tion
noun [U] the equipment and systems that keep places clean, especially by removing human waste: disease resulting from poor sanitation
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sani.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal)
1 (disapproving) to remove the parts of sth that could be considered unpleasant: This sanitized account of his life does not mention his time in prison.
2 to clean sth thoroughly using chemicals to remove bacteria
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san.ity
noun [U]
1 the state of having a normal healthy mind: His behaviour was so strange that I began to doubt his sanity.  to hang on to / keep / preserve your sanity
2 the state of being sensible and reasonable: After a series of road accidents the police pleaded for sanity among drivers.
OPP INSANITY —see also SANE
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sank
pt of SINK
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sans serif
(also san.serif) noun [U] (technical ) (in printing) a TYPEFACE in which the letters have no SERIF
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Santa Claus
(also informal Santa) = FATHER CHRISTMAS
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sap
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the liquid in a plant or tree that carries food to all its parts: Maple syrup is made from sap extracted from the sugar maple tree.
2 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a stupid person that you can easily trick or treat unfairly

verb (-pp-) [vn] ~ sth| ~ sb (of sth) to make sth/sb weaker; to destroy sth gradually: The hot sun sapped our energy.  Years of failure have sapped him of his confidence.

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sap.ling
noun a young tree
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sap.per
noun (BrE ) a soldier whose job is to build or repair roads, bridges, etc.
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sap.phire
noun
1 [C, U] a clear, bright blue precious stone
2 [U] a bright blue colour
sap.phire adj.: sapphire eyes
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sappy
adj.
1 (AmE, informal) = SOPPY
2 (of plants) full of SAP (= liquid)
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sar.casm
noun [U] a way of using words that are the opposite of what you mean in order to be unpleasant to sb or to make fun of them: ‘That will be useful,’ she snapped with heavy sarcasm (= she really thought it would not be useful at all).  a hint / touch / trace of sarcasm in his voice
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sar.cas.tic
(also BrE informal sarky) adj. showing or expressing sarcasm : sarcastic comments / remarks  a sarcastic manner / smile / tone  ‘There’s no need to be sarcastic,’ she said.
sar.cas.tic.al.ly adv.
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sar.copha.gus
noun (pl.sar.coph.agi ) a stone COFFIN (= box that a dead person is buried in), especially one that is decorated, used in ancient times
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sar.dine
noun a small young sea fish (for example, a young PILCHARD ) that is either eaten fresh or preserved in tins/cans
IDM (packed, crammed, etc.) like sar'dines (informal) pressed tightly together in a way that is uncomfortable or unpleasant
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sar.don.ic
adj. (written, disapproving) showing that you think that you are better than other people and do not take them seriously
SYN MOCKING : a sardonic comment / smile / tone
sar.don.ic.al.ly adv.
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sarge
noun (informal) used to talk to or about a SERGEANT
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sari
noun a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body and worn as the main piece of clothing, especially by Indian women
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sarky
adj. (BrE , informal) = SARCASTIC
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sar.nie
noun (BrE , informal) = SANDWICH
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sar.ong
noun a long piece of fabric wrapped around the body from the waist or the chest, worn by Malaysian and Indonesian men and women
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sar.tor.ial
adj. [only before noun] (formal) relating to clothes, especially men’s clothes, and the way they are made or worn
sar.tor.ial.ly adv.
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SAS
abbr. Special Air Service (a group of highly trained soldiers in Britain who are used on very secret or difficult military operations)
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SASE
noun (AmE ) an envelope on which you have written your name and address and put a stamp so that sb else can use it to send sth to you (abbreviation used in writing for ‘self-addressed stamped envelope’)—compare SAE
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sash
noun
1 a long strip of fabric worn around the waist or over one shoulder, especially as part of a uniform
2 either of a pair of windows, one above the other, that are opened and closed by sliding them up and down inside the frame
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sashay
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk in a very confident but relaxed way, especially in order to be noticed
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,sash 'window
noun a window that consists of two separate parts, one above the other that you open by sliding one of the parts up or down—picture at HOUSE
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sass
noun, verb
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) behaviour or talk that is rude and lacking respect: Don’t give me any of your sass!

verb [vn] (AmE , informal) to speak to sb in a rude way, without respect: Don’t sass your mother!

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Sas.sen.ach
noun (ScotE , disapproving or humorous) an English person
Sas.sen.ach adj.
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sassy
adj. (informal, especially AmE )
1 (disapproving) rude; showing a lack of respect
2 (approving) fashionable and confident: his sassy, streetwise daughter  a sassy black linen dress
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SAT
noun
1 (SAT™) (in the US) a test taken by high school students who want to go to a college or university (the abbreviation for ‘scholastic aptitude test’): to take the SAT  I scored 1050 on the SAT.  a SAT score
2 (in Britain) the abbreviation for ‘Standard Assessment Task’
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sat
pt, pp of SIT
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Satan
noun the Devil
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sa.tan.ic
adj.
1 (often Sa.tan.ic) connected with the worship of the Devil: satanic cults / rites / rituals
2 (written) extremely wicked and evil
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sa.tan.ism
noun [U] the worship of Satan
sa.tan.ist noun
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satchel
noun a leather bag that you hang over your shoulder or wear on your back, that children used to use for carrying their books to school
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sated
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) (formal) having had so much of sth that you do not need any more: sated with food / pleasure
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sat.el.lite
noun
1 an electronic device that is sent into space and moves around the earth or another planet. It is used for communicating by radio, television, etc. and for providing information: a weather / communications satellite  The interview came live by satellite from Hollywood.  satellite television / TV (= broadcast using a satellite)  a satellite broadcast / channel / picture
2 a natural object that moves around a larger natural object in space: The moon is a satellite of earth.
3 a town, a country or an organization that is controlled by and dependent on another larger or more powerful one: satellite states
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'satellite dish
noun a piece of equipment that receives signals from a satellite , used to enable people to watch satellite television
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'satellite station
noun
1 a company that broadcasts television programmes using a satellite
2 a place where special equipment is used to follow the movements of satellites and receive information from them
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sa.ti.ate
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to give sb so much of sth so that they do not feel they want any more
sa.ti.ation noun [U]
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satin
noun, adj.
noun [U] a woven fabric with a smooth shiny surface: a white satin dress / ribbon

adj. [only before noun] having the smooth shiny appearance of satin : The paint has a satin finish.

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sat.ire
noun [U, C] a way of criticizing a person, an idea or an institution in which you use humour to show their faults or weaknesses; a piece of writing that uses this type of criticism: political / social satire  a work full of savage / biting satire  The novel is a stinging satire on American politics.
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sa.tir.ic.al
(also less frequent sa.tir.ic ) adj. using satire to criticize sb/sth: a satirical cartoon / magazine / poem
sa.tir.ic.al.ly adv.
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sat.ir.ist
noun a person who writes or uses SATIRE
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sat.ir.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to use SATIRE to show the faults in a person, an organization, a system, etc.
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sat.is.fac.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the good feeling that you have when you have achieved sth or when sth that you wanted to happen does happen; sth that gives you this feeling: to gain / get / derive satisfaction from sth  a look / smile of satisfaction  She looked back on her career with great satisfaction.  He had the satisfaction of seeing his book become a best-seller.  She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry.  The company is trying to improve customer satisfaction .  He was enjoying all the satisfactions of being a parent.—see also DISSATISFACTION
2 [U] the act of FULFILLING a need or desire: the satisfaction of sexual desires  the satisfaction of your goals / ambitions
3 [U] (formal) an acceptable way of dealing with a complaint, a debt, an injury, etc: I complained to the manager but I didn’t get any satisfaction.
IDM to sb’s satis'faction
1 if you do sth to sb’s satisfaction, they are pleased with it: The affair was settled to the complete satisfaction of the client.
2 if you prove sth to sb’s satisfaction, they believe or accept it: Can you demonstrate to our satisfaction that your story is true?
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sat.is.fac.tory
adj. good enough for a particular purpose; acceptable: a satisfactory explanation / answer / solution / conclusion  The work is satisfactory but not outstanding.  The existing law is not wholly satisfactory.
OPP UNSATISFACTORY   note at ENOUGH
sat.is.fac.tor.ily adv.: Her disappearance has never been satisfactorily explained.  Our complaint was dealt with satisfactorily.
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sat.is.fied
adj. ~ (with sb/sth)
1 pleased because you have achieved sth or because sth that you wanted to happen has happened: a satisfied smile  Keep all letters from satisfied customers.  She’s never satisfied with what she’s got.
OPP DISSATISFIED
2 ~ (that … ) believing or accepting that sth is true CONVINCED : I’m satisfied that they are telling the truth.—compare UNSATISFIED
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sat.isfy
verb (sat.is.fies, sat.is.fy.ing, sat.is.fied, sat.is.fied)
1 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sb pleased by doing or giving them what they want: Nothing satisfies him—he’s always complaining.  The proposed plan will not satisfy everyone.
2 [vn] to provide what is wanted, needed or asked for: to satisfy sb’s hunger / curiosity  The education system must satisfy the needs of all children.  We cannot satisfy demand for the product.  She failed to satisfy all the requirements for entry to the college.
3 (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb (of sth) to show or prove to sb that sth is true or has been done: [vn] Her explanation did not satisfy the teacher.  People need to be satisfied of the need for a new system.  [vn (that)] Once I had satisfied myself (that) it was the right decision, we went ahead.
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sat.is.fy.ing
adj. giving pleasure because it provides sth you need or want: a satisfying meal  a satisfying experience  It’s satisfying to play a game really well.
sat.is.fy.ing.ly adv.
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sat.suma
noun a type of small orange without seeds and with loose skin that comes off easily
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sat.ur.ate
verb [vn]
1 (often technical) to make sth completely wet
SYN SOAK : The continuous rain had saturated the soil.
2 [often passive] ~ sth/sb (with / in sth) to fill sth/sb completely with sth so that it is impossible or useless to add any more: The company claimed to have saturated the market for personal organizers (= so that no new buyers could be found).
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sat.ur.ated
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] completely wet
SYN SOAKED
2 [usually before noun] (chemistry) saturated fats are not easily processed by the body when eaten because of the way their chemical structure is arranged: dairy products high in saturated fats—see also POLYUNSATURATED —compare UNSATURATED
3 [usually before noun] (chemistry) if a chemical SOLUTION (= a liquid with sth dissolved in it) is saturated, it contains the greatest possible amount of the substance that has been dissolved in it: a saturated solution of sodium chloride
4 [usually before noun] (written) (of colours) very strong: bold contrasts of saturated reds and greens
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sat.ur.ation
noun [U]
1 (often figurative) the state or process that happens when no more of sth can be be accepted or added because there is already too much of it or too many of them: a business beset by price wars and market saturation (= the fact that no new customers can be found)  saturation bombing of the city (= covering the whole city)  There was saturation coverage (= so much that it was impossible to avoid it or add to it) of the event by the media.
2 (chemistry) the degree to which sth is absorbed in sth else, expressed as a PERCENTAGE of the greatest possible
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,satu'ration point
noun [U, sing.]
1 the stage at which no more of sth can be accepted or added because there is already too much of it or too many of them: The market for computer games has reached saturation point.
2 (chemistry) the stage at which no more of a substance can be absorbed into a liquid or VAPOUR
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Sat.ur.day
noun [C, U] (abbr. Sat.) the day of the week after Friday and before Sunday
HELP To see how Saturday is used, look at the examples at Monday.
ORIGIN From the Old English for ‘day of Saturn’, translated from Latin Saturni dies.
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Sat.urn
noun a large planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that has rings around it and is 6th in order of distance from the sun
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sat.ur.nine
adj. (literary) (of a person or their face) looking serious and threatening
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satyr
noun (in ancient Greek stories) a god of the woods, with a man’s face and body and a goat’s legs and horns
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sauce
noun
1 [C, U] a thick liquid that is eaten with food to add flavour to it: tomato / cranberry / chilli sauce  chicken in a white wine sauce  ice cream with a hot fudge sauce—see also SOY SAUCE , TARTARE SAUCE , WHITE SAUCE
2 [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) talk or behaviour that is annoying or lacking in respect
SYN CHEEK
IDM what’s ,sauce for the 'goose is ,sauce for the 'gander (old-fashioned, saying) what one person is allowed to do, another person must be allowed to do in a similar situation
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'sauce boat
noun a long low JUG used for serving or pouring sauce at a meal
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sauce.pan
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually pot) noun a deep round metal pot with a lid and one long handle or two short handles, used for cooking things over heat—picture at PAN
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sau.cer
noun a small shallow round dish that a cup stands on; an object that is shaped like this: cups and saucers—see also FLYING SAUCER —picture at CUP
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saucy
adj. rude or referring to sex in a way that is amusing but not offensive
SYN CHEEKY : saucy comments / jokes  a saucy smile
sau.cily adv.
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sauer.kraut
noun [U] (from German ) CABBAGE (= a type of green vegetable) that is preserved in salt water and then cooked
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sauna
noun a type of bath in which you sit or lie in a small room (also called a sauna) which has been heated to a very high temperature by burning coal or wood. Some saunas involve the use of steam which is produced by pouring water over the hot coal or wood: to have a sauna  a hotel with a swimming pool and sauna  to have / take a sauna
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saun.ter
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk in a slow relaxed way: He sauntered by, looking as if he had all the time in the world.
saun.ter noun [sing.]: This part of the route should be an easy saunter.
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saus.age
noun [C, U] a mixture of finely chopped meat, fat, bread, etc. in a long tube of skin, cooked and eaten whole or served cold in thin slices: beef / pork sausages  200g of garlic sausage
IDM not a 'sausage (old-fashioned, informal) nothing at all
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'sausage dog
noun (BrE , informal) = DACHSHUND
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'sausage meat
noun [U] the mixture of finely chopped meat, fat, bread, etc. used for making sausages
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,sausage 'roll
noun (BrE ) a small tube of pastry filled with sausage meat and cooked
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sauté
verb (sauté.ing, sautéed, sautéed) or (sauté.ing, sautéd, sautéd) [vn] to fry food quickly in a little hot fat
sauté adj. [only before noun]: sauté potatoes
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sav.age
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 fierce and violent; causing great harm: savage dogs  She had been badly hurt in what police described as ‘a savage attack’.  savage public spending cuts
2 involving very strong criticism: The article was a savage attack on the government’s record.
3 [only before noun] (old-fashioned,  ) an offensive way of referring to groups of people or customs that are considered to be simple and not highly developed
SYN PRIMITIVE : a savage tribe
sav.age.ly adv.: savagely attacked / criticized  ‘No!’ he snarled savagely.

noun (old-fashioned,  ) an offensive word for a person who belongs to a tribe that is simple and not developed: the development of the human race from primitive savages  He described the terrorist attack as the work of savages (= cruel and violent people).

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 (of an animal) to attack sb violently, causing serious injury: She was savaged to death by a bear.
2 (written) to criticize sb/sth severely: Her latest novel has been savaged by the critics.

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sav.agery
noun [U] behaviour that is very cruel and violent: The police were shocked by the savagery of the attacks.  She replied with a savagery that took him by surprise.
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sa.van.nah
(also sa.vanna) noun [C, U] a wide flat open area of land, especially in Africa, that is covered with grass but has few trees—compare VELD
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sav.ant
noun (formal)
1 a person with great knowledge and ability
2 a person who is less intelligent than others but who has particular unusual abilities that other people do not have
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save
verb, noun, prep., conj.
verb
KEEP SAFE|
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sth / from doing sth) to keep sb/sth safe from death, harm, loss, etc: to save sb’s life   to save a rare species (from extinction)  Doctors were unable to save her.  She saved a little girl from falling into the water.  He’s trying to save their marriage.  She needs to win the next two games to save the match.  Thanks for doing that. You saved my life (= helped me a lot).
MONEY|
2 ~ (sth) (up) (for sth) to keep money instead of spending it, especially in order to buy a particular thing: [v] I’m not very good at saving.  I’m saving for a new bike.  We’ve been saving up to go to Australia.  [vn] You should save a little each week.  I’ve saved almost £100 so far.
COLLECT STH|
3 [vn] to collect sth because you like it or for a special purpose: I’ve been saving theatre programmes for years.  If you save ten tokens you can get a T-shirt.
KEEP FOR FUTURE|
4 ~ sth (for sth/sb) to keep sth to use or enjoy in the future: [vn, vnn] Save some food for me.  Save me some food.  [vn] He’s saving his strength for the last part of the race.  We’ll eat some now and save some for tomorrow.
NOT WASTE|
5 ~ (sth) on sth| ~ sth (on sth) to avoid wasting sth or using more than necessary: [vn] We’ll take a cab to save time.  Book early and save £50!  We should try to save water and electricity.  The government is trying to save £1 million on defence.  [vnn] If we go this way it will save us two hours on the trip.  [v] I save on fares by walking to work.
AVOID STH BAD|
6 to avoid doing sth difficult or unpleasant; to make sb able to avoid doing sth difficult or unpleasant: [vn] The prize money saved her from having to find a job.  She did it herself to save argument.  [vnn] Thanks for sending that letter for me—it saved me a trip.  [v -ing] He’s grown a beard to save shaving.  [vn -ing] If you phone for an appointment, it’ll save you waiting.
IN SPORT|
7 (in football, hockey, etc.) to prevent an opponent’s shot from going in the goal: [v] The goalie saved brilliantly from Johnson’s long-range shot.  [vn] to save a penalty—
COMPUTING|
8 to make a computer keep work, for example by putting it on a disk: [vn] Save data frequently. [alsov] not be able to do sth to ,save your 'life (informal) to be completely unable to do sth: He can’t interview people to save his life. save sb’s 'bacon / 'neck to rescue sb from a very difficult situation save the 'day / situ'ation to prevent failure or defeat, when this seems certain to happen: Owen’s late goal saved the day for Liverpool. save (sb’s) 'face to avoid or help sb avoid embarrassment: She was fired, but she saved face by telling everyone she’d resigned. save your 'breath (spoken) used to tell sb that it is not worth wasting time and effort saying sth because it will not change anything: Save your breath—you’ll never persuade her. save your (own) 'skin / 'hide / 'neck to try to avoid death, punishment, etc., especially by leaving others in an extremely difficult situation: To save his own skin, he lied and blamed the accident on his friend.

noun (in football, etc.) an action by the GOALKEEPER that stops a goal being scored: He made a spectacular save.

prep. (also save for) (old use or formal) except sth: They knew nothing about her save her name.

conj. (old use or formal) except: They found out nothing more save that she had borne a child.

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saver
noun
1 a person who saves money and puts it in a bank, etc. for future use: The increase in interest rates is good news for savers.
2 (often in compounds) something that helps you spend less money or use less of the thing mentioned: a money / time saver  Their new model of dishwasher is a great water and energy saver.—see also LIFESAVER
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sav.ing
noun
1 [C] an amount of sth such as time or money that you do not need to use or spend: Buy three and make a saving of 55p.  With the new boiler you can make big savings on fuel bills.
2 (savings) [pl.] money that you have saved, especially in a bank, etc: He put all his savings into buying a boat.
3 (-saving) (in adjectives) that prevents the waste of the thing mentioned or stops it from being necessary: energy-saving modifications  labour-saving devices  space-saving fitted furniture—see also FACE-SAVING
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,saving 'grace
noun [usually sing.] the one good quality that a person or thing has that prevents them or it from being completely bad: Her sense of humour is her saving grace.
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,savings and 'loan association
noun (AmE ) = BUILDING SOCIETY
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sa.viour
(BrE ) (AmEsa.vior) noun
1 a person who rescues sb/sth from a dangerous or difficult situation: The new manager has been hailed as the saviour of the club.
2 (the Saviour) used in the Christian religion as another name for Jesus Christ
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savoir faire
noun [U] (from French , approving) the ability to behave in the appropriate way in social situations
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sa.vory
(AmE ) = SAVOURY
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sa.vour
(BrE ) (AmEsavor) verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to enjoy the full taste or flavour of sth, especially by eating or drinking it slowly: He ate his meal slowly, savouring every mouthful.
2 to enjoy a feeling or an experience thoroughly
SYN RELISH : I wanted to savour every moment.
PVR V 'savour of sth [no passive] (formal) to seem to have an amount of sth, especially sth bad: His recent comments savour of hypocrisy.

noun [usually sing.] (formal or literary) a taste or smell, especially a pleasant one: (figurative) For Emma, life had lost its savour.

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sa.voury
(BrE ) (AmEsa.vory) adj., noun
adj.
1 having a taste that is salty not sweet: savoury dishes / snacks
2 having a pleasant taste or smell: a savoury smell from the kitchen—see also UNSAVOURY

noun [usually pl.] (pl.-ies) a small amount of a food with a salty taste, not a sweet one, often served at a party, etc.

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savvy
noun, adj.
noun [U] (informal) practical knowledge or understanding of sth: business / political savvy

adj. (informal, especially AmE ) having practical knowledge and understanding of sth; having COMMON SENSE : savvy shoppers / travellers

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saw
noun, verb —see also SEE v.
noun
1 (often in compounds) a tool that has a long blade with sharp points (called TEETH ) along one of its edges. A saw is moved backwards and forwards by hand or driven by electricity and is used for cutting wood or metal.—see also CHAINSAW , CIRCULAR SAW , HACKSAW , HANDSAW , JIGSAW
2 (old-fashioned) a short phrase or sentence that states a general truth about life or gives advice

verb (sawed, sawn ) (AmE also sawed, sawed)
1 to use a saw to cut sth: [v] The workmen sawed and hammered all day.  He accidentally sawed through a cable.  [vn] She sawed the plank in half.
2 ~ (away) (at sth) to move sth backwards and forwards on sth as if using a saw : [v] She sawed away at her violin.  He was sawing energetically at a loaf of bread. [alsovn] ,saw sth<->'down to cut sth and bring it to the ground using a saw : The tree had to be sawn down. ,saw sth<->'off| ,saw sth 'off sth to remove sth by cutting it with a saw : We sawed the dead branches off the tree. ,saw sth<->'up (into sth) to cut sth into pieces with a saw : We sawed the wood up into logs.

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saw.dust
noun [U] very small pieces of wood that fall as powder when wood is cut with a SAW
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saw.mill
noun a factory in which wood is cut into boards using machinery
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sax
noun (informal) = SAXOPHONE
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Saxon
noun a member of a race of people once living in NW Germany, some of whom settled in Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries—see also ANGLO-SAXON
Saxon adj.: Saxon churches / kings
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saxo.phone
(also informal sax) noun a metal musical instrument that you blow into, used especially in jazz—
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sax.opho.nist
noun a person who plays the saxophone
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say
verb, noun, exclamation
verb (says said, said )
SPEAK|
1 ~ sth (to sb) to speak or tell sb sth, using words: [v speech] ‘Hello!’ she said.  ‘That was marvellous,’ said Daniel.
HELP In stories the subject often comes after said, says or say when it follows the actual words spoken, unless it is a pronoun. [vn] Be quiet, I have something to say.  She said nothing to me about it.  Having said that (= despite what I have just said), I agree with your other point.  He knew that if he wasn’t back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it (= be angry).  That’s a terrible thing to say .  I didn’t believe a word she said.  [v (that)] He said (that) his name was Sam.  [vn that] It is said that she lived to be over 100.  [v wh-] She finds it hard to say what she feels.  [v] I said to myself (= thought), ‘That can’t be right!’  ‘That’s impossible!’‘So you say (= but I think you may be wrong).’  ‘Why can’t I go out now?’‘Because I say so .’  ‘What do you want it for?’‘I’d rather not say .’  [v to inf] He said to meet him here.  [vn to inf] He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
REPEAT WORDS|
2 [vn] to repeat words, phrases, etc: to say a prayer  Try to say that line with more conviction.
EXPRESS OPINION|
3 to express an opinion on sth: [vn] Say what you like (= although you disagree) about her, she’s a fine singer.  I’ll say this for them , they’re a very efficient company.  Anna thinks I’m lazy—what do you say (= what is your opinion)?  [v (that)] I can’t say I blame her for resigning (= I think she was right).  I say (= suggest) we go without them.  I wouldn’t say they were rich (= in my opinion they are not rich).  That’s not to say it’s a bad movie (= it is good but it is not without faults).  [v wh-] It’s hard to say what caused the accident.  [v] ‘When will it be finished?’‘I couldn’t say (= I don’t know).’
GIVE EXAMPLE|
4 [no passive] to suggest or give sth as an example or a possibility: [vn] You could learn the basics in, let’s say , three months.  Let’s take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens …  [v (that)] Say you lose your job: what would you do then?
SHOW THOUGHTS / FEELINGS|
5 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to sb by using words, looks, movements, etc: His angry glance said it all .  That says it all really, doesn’t it? (= it shows clearly what is true)  Just what is the artist trying to say in her work?
GIVE WRITTEN INFORMATION|
6 [no passive] (of sth that is written or can be seen) to give particular information or instructions: [v speech] The notice said ‘Keep Out’.  [vn] The clock said three o’clock.  [v (that)] The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours.  [v wh-] The book doesn’t say where he was born.  [v to inf] The guidebook says to turn left. before you can say Jack 'Robinson (old-fashioned) very quickly; in a very short time ,go without 'saying to be very obvious or easy to predict: Of course I’ll help you. That goes without saying . have something, nothing, etc. to 'say for yourself to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or give your views on sth: She doesn’t have much to say for herself (= doesn’t take part in conversation).  He had plenty to say for himself (= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk).  Late again—what have you got to say for yourself (= what is your excuse)? 'I’ll say! (old-fashioned, spoken) used to say ‘yes’ in a very forceful way: ‘Does she see him often?’‘I’ll say! Nearly every day.’ I 'must say (spoken) used to emphasize an opinion: Well, I must say, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all week. ,I 'say (old-fashioned, BrE, spoken)
1 used to express surprise, shock, etc: I say! What a huge cake!
2 used to attract sb’s attention or introduce a new subject of conversation: I say, can you lend me five pounds? it says a 'lot, very 'little, etc. for sb/sth (informal) it shows a good/bad quality that sb/sth has: It says a lot for her that she never lost her temper.  It didn’t say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late. I ,wouldn’t say 'no (to sth) (spoken) used to say that you would like sth or to accept sth that is offered: I wouldn’t say no to a pizza.  ‘Tea, Brian?’‘I wouldn’t say no.’ ,least 'said ,soonest 'mended (BrE, saying) a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it the less / least said the 'better the best thing to do is say as little as possible about sth ,never say 'die (saying) do not stop hoping 'not to say used to introduce a stronger way of describing sth: a difficult, not to say impossible, task say 'cheese used to ask sb to smile before you take their photograph say 'no (to sth) to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc: If you don’t invest in this, you’re saying no to a potential fortune. ,say no 'more (spoken) used to say that you understand exactly what sb means or is trying to say, so it is unnecessary to say anything more: ‘They went to Paris together.’‘Say no more!’ ,say your 'piece to say exactly what you feel or think say 'what? (AmE, spoken) used to express surprise at what sb has just said: ‘He’s getting married.’‘Say what?’ say 'when used to ask sb to tell you when you should stop pouring a drink or serving food for them because they have enough 'that is to say in other words: three days from now, that is to say on Friday that’s not 'saying much used to say that sth is not very unusual or special: She’s a better player than me, but that’s not saying much (= because I am a very bad player). there’s no 'saying used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen: There’s no saying how he’ll react. there’s something, not much, etc. to be said for sth / doing sth there are/are not good reasons for doing sth, believing sth or agreeing with sth to ,say the 'least without exaggerating at all: I was surprised, to say the least. to say 'nothing of sth used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned
SYN NOT TO MENTION : It was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted. well 'said! (spoken) I agree completely: ‘We must stand up for ourselves.’‘Well said, John.’ ,what do / would you 'say (to sth / doing sth) (spoken) would you like sth/to do sth?: What do you say to eating out tonight?  Let’s go away for a weekend. What do you say? what / whatever sb says, 'goes (informal, often humorous) a particular person must be obeyed: Sarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes. whatever you 'say (spoken) used to agree to sb’s suggestion because you do not want to argue when ,all is said and 'done when everything is considered: I know you’re upset, but when all’s said and done it isn’t exactly a disaster. who can 'say ( … )? (spoken) used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question: Who can say what will happen next year? who 'says ( … )? (spoken) used to disagree with a statement or an opinion: Who says I can’t do it? who’s to say ( … )? (spoken) used to say that sth might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows: Who’s to say we would not have succeeded if we’d had more time? you can say 'that again (spoken) I agree with you completely: ‘He’s in a bad mood today.’‘You can say that again!’ you can’t say 'fairer (than 'that) (BrE, spoken) used to say that you think the offer you are making is reasonable or generous: Look, I’ll give you £100 for it. I can’t say fairer than that. you don’t 'say! (spoken, often ironic) used to express surprise: ‘They left without us.’‘You don’t say!’ (= I’m not surprised) you 'said it! (spoken)
1 (BrE) used to agree with sb when they say sth about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself: ‘I know I’m not the world’s greatest cook.’‘You said it!’
2 (AmE) used to agree with sb’s suggestion—more at DARE v. , EASY adj. , ENOUGH pron. , GLAD , LET v. , MEAN v. , MIND v. , NEEDLESS , RECORD n. , SOON , SORRY adj. , SUFFICE , WORD n.

noun [sing., U] ~ (in sth) the right to influence sth by giving your opinion before a decision is made: We had no say in the decision to sell the company.  People want a greater say in local government.  The judge has the final say on the sentence. have your 'say (informal) to have the opportunity to express yourself fully about sth: She won’t be happy until she’s had her say.—see also SAY YOUR PIECE

exclamation (AmE , informal)
1 used for showing surprise or pleasure: Say, that’s a nice haircut!
2 used for attracting sb’s attention or for making a suggestion or comment: Say, how about going to a movie tonight?

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say.ing
noun a well-known phrase or statement that expresses sth about life that most people believe is wise and true: ‘Accidents will happen’, as the saying goes .
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'say-so
noun [sing.] (informal) permission that sb gives to do sth: Nothing could be done without her say-so.  He has the final say-so on these matters (= the right to make decisions).
IDM on sb’s 'say-so based on a statement that sb makes without giving any proof: He hired and fired people on his partner’s say-so.
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'S-bend
noun a bend in a road or pipe that is shaped like an S
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scab
noun
1 [C] a hard dry covering that forms over a wound as it heals
2 [U] a skin disease of animals
3 [U] a disease of plants, especially apples and potatoes, that causes a rough surface
4 [C] (informal, disapproving) a worker who refuses to join a strike or takes the place of sb on strike
SYN BLACKLEG
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scab.bard
noun a cover for a SWORD that is made of leather or metal
SYN SHEATH
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sca.bies
noun [U] a skin disease that causes ITCHING and small red raised spots
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scab.rous
adj.
1 (formal) offensive or shocking in a sexual way
2 (technical) having a rough surface: scabrous skin
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scads
noun [pl.] ~ (of sth) (informal, especially AmE ) large numbers or amounts of sth: scads of $20 bills
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scaf.fold
noun
1 a platform used when EXECUTING criminals by cutting off their heads or hanging them from a rope
2 a structure made of scaffolding , for workers to stand on when they are working on a building
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scaf.fold.ing
noun [U] metal poles and wooden boards that are joined together to make a structure for workers to stand on when they are working high up on the outside wall of a building
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sca.lar
adj. (mathematics ) (of a quantity) having size but no direction—compare VECTOR
sca.lar noun
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scala.wag
noun (AmE , informal) = SCALLYWAG
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scald
verb, noun
verb [vn] to burn yourself or part of your body with very hot liquid or steam: Be careful not to scald yourself with the steam.   (figurative) Tears scalded her eyes.

noun an injury to the skin from very hot liquid or steam

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scald.ing
adj. hot enough to SCALD : scalding water   (figurative) Scalding tears poured down her face.
scald.ing adv.: scalding hot
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scale
noun, verb
noun
SIZE|
1 [sing., U] ~ (of sth) the size or extent of sth, especially when compared with sth else: They entertain on a large scale (= they hold expensive parties with a lot of guests).  Here was corruption on a grand scale .  On a global scale, 77% of energy is created from fossil fuels.  to achieve economies of scale in production (= to produce many items so the cost of producing each one is reduced)  It was impossible to comprehend the full scale of the disaster.  It was not until morning that the sheer scale of the damage could be seen (= how great it was).—see also FULL-SCALE , LARGE-SCALE , SMALL-SCALE
RANGE OF LEVELS|
2 [C] a range of levels or numbers used for measuring sth: a five-point pay scale  to evaluate performance on a scale from 1 to 10—see also RICHTER SCALE , SLIDING SCALE , TIMESCALE
3 [C, usually sing.] the set of all the different levels of sth, from the lowest to the highest: At the other end of the scale , life is a constant struggle to get enough to eat.  the social scale
MARKS FOR MEASURING|
4 [C] a series of marks at regular intervals on an instrument that is used for measuring: How much does it read on the scale?
WEIGHING INSTRUMENT|
5 (scales) [pl.] (AmE also scale) an instrument for weighing people or things: bathroom / kitchen / weighing scales   (figurative) the scales of justice (= represented as the two pans on a BALANCE (5) )
OF MAP / DIAGRAM / MODEL|
6 [C] the relation between the actual size of sth and its size on a map, diagram or model that represents it: a scale of 1:25 000  a scale model / drawing  Both plans are drawn to the same scale.  Is this diagram to scale (= are all its parts the same size and shape in relation to each other as they are in the thing represented)?
IN MUSIC|
7 [C] a series of musical notes moving upwards or downwards, with fixed intervals between each note, especially a series of eight starting on a particular note: the scale of C major  to practise scales on the piano—compare KEY n. (4) , OCTAVE
OF FISH / REPTILE|
8 [C] any of the thin plates of hard material that cover the skin of many fish and reptiles—
IN WATER PIPES, etc.|
9 (BrE also fur) [U] a hard greyish-white substance that is sometimes left inside water pipes and containers for heating water—see also LIMESCALE
ON TEETH|
10 [U] a hard substance that forms on teeth, especially when they are not cleaned regularly—compare PLAQUE
IDM see TIP v.

verb [vn]
CLIMB|
1 (written) to climb to the top of sth very high and steep: the first woman to scale Mount Everest   (figurative) He has scaled the heights of his profession.
FISH|
2 to remove the small flat hard pieces of skin from a fish
TEETH|
3 to remove TARTAR from the teeth by SCRAPING : The dentist scaled and polished my teeth.
CHANGE SIZE|
4 (technical) to change the size of sth: Text can be scaled from 4 points to 108 points without any loss of quality. ,scale sth<->'down (AmE also ,scale sth<->'back) to reduce the number, size or extent of sth: We are thinking of scaling down our training programmes next year.  The IMF has scaled back its growth forecasts for the next decade. ,scale sth<->'up to increase the size or number of sth

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scal.lion
noun (AmE ) = SPRING ONION
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scal.lop
noun, verb
noun
1 a shellfish that can be eaten, with two flat round shells that fit together: a scallop shell
2 any one of a series of small curves cut on the edge of fabric, pastry, etc. for decoration

verb [vn] [usually passive] to decorate the edge of sth with small curves: a scalloped edge

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scally.wag
(BrE ) (AmE scala.wag) noun (informal) a person, especially a child, who behaves badly, but not in a serious way
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scalp
noun, verb
noun
1 the skin that covers the part of the head where the hair grows: A dry scalp can lead to dandruff.
2 (in the past) the skin and hair that was removed from the head of a dead enemy by some Native American tribes as a sign of victory
3 (informal) a symbol of the fact that sb has been defeated or punished: They have claimed some impressive scalps in their bid for the championship.

verb [vn]
1 to remove the skin and hair from the top of an enemy’s head as a sign of victory: (figurative, informal) If he finds me here, he’ll scalp me!
2 (AmE) = TOUT

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scal.pel
noun a small sharp knife used by doctors in medical operations
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scalp.er
noun (AmE ) = TOUT : ticket scalpers
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scaly
adj. (of skin) covered with SCALES
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scam
noun (informal) a clever and dishonest plan for making money
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scamp
noun (old-fashioned) a child who enjoys playing tricks and causing trouble
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scam.per
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially of children or small animals) to move quickly with short light steps
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scampi
noun [U+sing./pl. v.] (BrE ) large PRAWNS (= a type of sea creature) covered with BREADCRUMBS or BATTER and fried: scampi and chips
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scan
verb, noun
verb (-nn-)
1 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to look at every part of sth carefully, especially because you are looking for a particular thing or person: He scanned the horizon for any sign of land.  She scanned his face anxiously.
2 ~ (through) sth (for sth) to look quickly but not very carefully at a document, etc: [vn] I scanned the list quickly for my name.  [v] She scanned through the newspaper over breakfast.
3 [vn] to get an image of an object, a part of sb’s body, etc. on a computer by passing a beam of X-RAYS , ULTRASOUND waves or ELECTROMAGNETIC waves over it in a special machine: Their brains are scanned so that researchers can monitor the progress of the disease.
4 [vn] (of a light, RADAR , etc.) to pass across an area: Concealed video cameras scan every part of the compound.
5 [v] (of poetry) to have a regular rhythm according to fixed rules: This line doesn’t scan.
PVR V ,scan sth 'into sth| ,scan sth 'in (computing) to pass an electronic beam over sth in order to put it in the memory of a computer: Text and pictures can be scanned into the computer.

noun
1 [C] a medical test in which a machine produces a picture of the inside of a person’s body on a computer screen after taking X-RAYS : to do / have a brain scan
2 [C] a medical test for pregnant women in which a machine uses ULTRASOUND to produce a picture of a baby inside its mother’s body: to have a scan
3 [sing.] the act of looking quickly through sth written or printed, usually in order to find sth

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scan.dal
noun
1 [C, U] behaviour or an event that people think is morally or legally wrong and causes public feelings of shock or anger: a series of sex scandals  to cause / create a scandal  The scandal broke (= became known to the public) in 1998.  There has been no hint of scandal during his time in office.
2 [U] talk or reports about the shocking or immoral things that people have done or are thought to have done: to spread scandal  newspapers full of scandal
3 [sing.] ~ (that … ) an action, attitude, etc. that you think is shocking and not at all acceptable: It is a scandal that such a large town has no orchestra.
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scan.dal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to do sth that people find very shocking: She scandalized her family with her extravagant lifestyle.
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scan.dal.mon.ger
noun (disapproving) a person who spreads stories about the shocking or immoral things that other people have done
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scan.dal.ous
adj.
1 ~ (that … ) shocking and unacceptable: a scandalous waste of money  It is scandalous that he has not been punished.
2 [only before noun] containing talk about the shocking or immoral things that people have done or are thought to have done: scandalous stories
scan.dal.ous.ly adv.: scandalously low pay
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Scan.di.navian
adj. of or connected with the countries of Scandinavia, especially Norway, Sweden and Denmark
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scan.ner
noun
1 a device for examining sth or recording sth using beams of light sound or X-RAYS : The identity cards are examined by an electronic scanner.  a document scanner (= that stores the contents of a document on a computer)
2 a machine used by doctors to produce a picture of the inside of a person’s body on a computer screen: a body scanner  an ultrasound / X-ray scanner
3 a piece of equipment for receiving and sending RADAR signals
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scant
adj. [only before noun] hardly any; not very much and not as much as there should be: I paid scant attention to what she was saying.  The firefighters went back into the house with scant regard for their own safety.
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scanty
adj. too little in size or amount for what is needed: Details of his life are scanty.  scanty evidence  a scanty bikini
scant.ily adv.: scantily dressed models
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-scape
combining form (in nouns) a view or scene of: landscape  seascape  moonscape
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scape.goat
noun a person who is blamed for sth bad that sb else has done or for some failure
SYN FALL GUY : She felt she had been made a scapegoat for her boss’s incompetence.
scape.goat verb [vn]
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scap.ula
noun (pl.scapu.lae or scapu.las) (anatomy ) the SHOULDER BLADE
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scar
noun, verb
noun
1 a mark that is left on the skin after a wound has healed: a scar on his cheek  Will the operation leave a scar?  scar tissue
2 a permanent feeling of great sadness or mental pain that a person is left with after an unpleasant experience: His years in prison have left deep scars .
3 something unpleasant or ugly that spoils the appearance or public image of sth: The town still bears the scars of war.  Racism has been a scar on the game.
4 an area of a hill or cliff where there is bare rock and no grass

verb [vn] [often passive]
1 (of a wound, etc.) to leave a mark on the skin after it has healed: His face was badly scarred.
2 (of an unpleasant experience) to leave sb with a feeling of sadness or mental pain: The experience left her scarred for life .
3 to spoil the appearance of sth: The hills are scarred by quarries.  battle-scarred buildings

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scarab
(also 'scarab beetle) noun a large black BEETLE (= an insect with a hard shell); a design showing a scarab beetle
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scarce
adj., adv.
adj. (scar.cer, scar.cest) if sth is scarce, there is not enough of it and it is only available in small quantities: scarce resources   Details of the accident are scarce.  Food was becoming scarce.
IDM ,make oneself 'scarce (informal) to leave somewhere and stay away for a time in order to avoid an unpleasant situation

adv. (literary) only just; almost not: I can scarce remember him.

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scarce.ly
adv.
1 only just; almost not: I can scarcely believe it.  We scarcely ever meet.  Scarcely a week goes by without some new scandal in the papers.
2 used to say that sth happens immediately after sth else happens: He had scarcely put the phone down when the doorbell rang.  Scarcely had the game started when it began to rain.
3 used to suggest that sth is not at all reasonable or likely: It was scarcely an occasion for laughter.  She could scarcely complain, could she?  note at HARDLY
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scar.city
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) if there is a scarcity of sth, there is not enough of it and it is difficult to obtain it
SYN SHORTAGE : a time of scarcity  a scarcity of food / resources / data
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scare
verb, noun
verb
1 to frighten sb: [vn] You scared me.  [vn to inf] It scared me to think I was alone in the building.
2 [v] to become frightened: He doesn’t scare easily.—see also SCARY
IDM scare the 'shit out of sb | scare sb 'shitless ( , slang) to frighten sb very much—more at DAYLIGHTS , DEATH , LIFE
PVR V ,scare sb<->a'way / 'off to make sb go away by frightening them: They managed to scare the bears away. 'scare sb into doing sth to frighten sb in order to make them do sth: Local businesses were scared into paying protection money. ,scare sb<->'off to accidentally make sb afraid of or nervous about doing sth that they were going to do: Rising prices are scaring customers off. ,scare 'up sth (AmE, informal) to find or make sth by using whatever is available: I’ll see if I can scare up enough chairs for us all.

noun
1 [C] (used especially in newspapers) a situation in which a lot of people are anxious or frightened about sth: a bomb / health scare  recent scares about pesticides in food  a scare story (= a news report that spreads more anxiety or fear about sth than is necessary)  to cause a major scare  scare tactics (= ways of persuading people to do sth by frightening them)
2 [sing.] a sudden feeling of fear: You gave me a scare !  We’ve had quite a scare.—see also SCARY

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scare.crow
noun a figure made to look like a person, that is dressed in old clothes and put in a field to frighten birds away
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scared
adj. ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (of doing sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) frightened of sth or afraid that sth bad might happen: She is scared of going out alone.  He’s scared of heights.  People are scared to use the buses late at night.  I’m scared (that) I’m going to fall.  The thieves got scared and ran away.  a scared face / look  I was scared to death (= very frightened).  We were scared stiff (= very frightened).  note at AFRAID
IDM see SHADOW n. , WIT , WITLESS
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scare.mon.ger
noun (disapproving) a person who spreads stories deliberately to make people frightened or nervous
scare.monger.ing noun [U]
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scarf
noun, verb
noun (pl.scarves or less frequent scarfs) a piece of fabric worn for warmth or decoration around the neck or, by women, over the shoulders or hair: a woollen / silk scarf

verb [v, vn] (AmE , informal) = SCOFF

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scar.ify
verb (scari.fies, scari.fy.ing, scari.fied, scari.fied) [vn] (technical )
1 to break up an area of grass, etc. and remove pieces of material from it that are not wanted
2 to make cuts in the surface of sth, especially skin
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scar.let
adj. bright red in colour: scarlet berries / flowers  She went scarlet with embarrassment.
scar.let noun [U]
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,scarlet 'fever
noun [U] a serious infectious disease that causes fever and red marks on the skin
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,scarlet 'woman
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who has sexual relationships with many different people
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scarp
noun (technical ) a very steep slope
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scar.per
verb [v] (BrE , informal) to run away; to leave: The police arrived, so we scarpered.
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scarves
pl. of SCARF
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scary
adj. (scari.er, scari.est) (informal) frightening: It was a really scary moment.  a scary movie—see also SCARE v.
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scath.ing
adj. ~ (about sb/sth) criticizing sb or sth very severely: a scathing attack on the new management  He was scathing about the government’s performance.
scath.ing.ly adv.: ‘Oh, she’s just a kid,’ he said scathingly.
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scato.logic.al
adj. (formal) connected with human waste from the body in an unpleasant way: scatological humour
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scat.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (on / over / around sth)| ~ sth (with sth) to throw or drop things in different directions so that they cover an area of ground: Scatter the grass seed over the lawn.  Scatter the lawn with grass seed.  They scattered his ashes at sea.
2 to move or to make people or animals move very quickly in different directions: [v] At the first gunshot, the crowd scattered.  [vn] The explosion scattered a flock of birds roosting in the trees.

noun [usually sing.] (also scat.ter.ing [sing.]) a small amount or number of things spread over an area: a scatter / scattering of houses

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scat.ter.brain
noun (informal) a person who is always losing or forgetting things and cannot think in an organized way
scat.ter.brained adj.
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scat.tered
adj. spread far apart over a wide area or over a long period of time: a few scattered settlements  sunshine with scattered showers  Her family are scattered around the world.
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scatty
adj. (BrE , informal) tending to forget things and behave in a slightly silly way
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scav.enge
verb
1 ~ (for sth) (of a person, an animal or a bird) to search through waste for things that can be used or eaten: [vn] Much of their furniture was scavenged from other people’s garbage.  [v] Dogs and foxes scavenged through the trash cans for something to eat.
2 (of animals or birds) to eat dead animals that have been killed by another animal, by a car, etc: [vn] Crows scavenge carrion left on the roads.  [v] Some fish scavenge on dead fish in the wild.
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scav.en.ger
noun an animal, a bird or a person that scavenges
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SCE
abbr. Scottish Certificate of Education (exams taken by Scottish school students at two different levels at the ages of 16 and 17)—see also HIGHER , STANDARD GRADE
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scen.ario
noun (pl.-os)
1 a description of how things might happen in the future: Let me suggest a possible scenario .  The worst-case scenario (= the worst possible thing that could happen) would be for the factory to be closed down.  a nightmare scenario
2 a written outline of what happens in a film/movie or play
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scene
noun
PLACE|
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the place where sth happens, especially sth unpleasant: the scene of the accident / attack / crime  Firefighters were on the scene immediately.  Italy was the scene of many demonstrations at that time.
EVENT|
2 [C] ~ (of sth) an event or a situation that you see, especially one of a particular type: a scene of panic / terror / violence  The team’s victory produced scenes of joy all over the country.  She witnessed some very distressing scenes.
IN MOVIE / PLAY, etc.|
3 [C] a part of a film/movie, play or book in which the action happens in one place or is of one particular type: The movie opens with a scene in a New York apartment.  love / sex scenes  I got very nervous before my big scene (= the one where I have a very important part).
4 [C] one of the small sections that a play or an opera is divided into: Act I, Scene 2 of ‘Macbeth’
AREA OF ACTIVITY|
5 (the scene, the … scene) [sing.] (informal) a particular area of activity or way of life and the people who are part of it: After years at the top, she just vanished from the scene.  the club / dance / music scene  A newcomer has appeared on the fashion scene.
VIEW|
6 [C] a view that you see: a delightful rural scene  They went abroad for a change of scene (= to see and experience new surroundings).
PAINTING / PHOTOGRAPH|
7 [C] a painting, drawing, or photograph of a place and the things that are happening there: an exhibition of Parisian street scenes
ARGUMENT|
8 [C, usually sing.] a loud, angry argument, especially one that happens in public and is embarrassing: She had made a scene in the middle of the party.  ‘Please leave,’ he said. ‘I don’t want a scene.’ behind the 'scenes
1 in the part of a theatre, etc. that the public does not usually see: The students were able to go behind the scenes to see how programmes are made.
2 in a way that people in general are not aware of: A lot of negotiating has been going on behind the scenes.  behind-the-scenes work not sb’s 'scene (informal) not the type of thing that sb likes or enjoys doing set the 'scene (for sth)
1 to create a situation in which sth can easily happen or develop: His arrival set the scene for another argument.
2 to give sb the information and details they need in order to understand what comes next: The first part of the programme was just setting the scene.
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scen.ery
noun [U]
1 the natural features of an area, such as mountains, valleys, rivers and forests, when you are thinking about them being attractive to look at: The scenery is magnificent.  to enjoy the scenery  note at LANDSCAPE
2 the painted background that is used to represent natural features or buildings on a theatre stage
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scenic
adj.
1 [usually before noun] having beautiful natural scenery: an area of scenic beauty  They took the scenic route back to the hotel.  a scenic drive
2 [only before noun] connected with scenery in a theatre: scenic designs
scen.ic.al.ly adv.: scenically attractive areas
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scent
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the pleasant smell that sth has: The air was filled with the scent of wild flowers.  These flowers have no scent.
2 [U, C, usually sing.] the smell that a person or an animal leaves behind and that other animals such as dogs can follow: The dogs must have lost her scent.
3 [U] (especially BrE) a liquid with a pleasant smell that you wear on your skin to make it smell nice: a bottle of scent
4 ~ of sth [sing.] the feeling that sth is present or is going to happen very soon: The scent of victory was in the air.
IDM put / throw sb off the 'scent to do sth to stop sb from finding you or discovering sth on the 'scent (of sth) close to discovering sth

verb [vn]
1 to find sth by using the sense of smell: The dog scented a rabbit.
2 (written) to begin to feel that sth exists or is about to happen: The press could scent a scandal.  By then, the team was scenting victory.
3 ~ sth (with sth) [often passive] to give sth a particular, pleasant smell: Roses scented the night air.  Scent the room with your favourite aromas.

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scent.ed
adj. having a strong pleasant smell: scented pine woods
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scep.ter
(AmE ) = SCEPTRE
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scep.tic
(BrE ) (AmEskep.tic) noun a person who usually doubts that claims or statements are true, especially those that other people believe in: I am a born sceptic.  He was unable to convince the sceptics in the audience.
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scep.tical
(AmEskep.tical) adj. ~ (about / of sth) having doubts that a claim or statement is true or that sth will happen: I am sceptical about his chances of winning.  The public remain sceptical of these claims.  She looked highly sceptical.
scep.tic.al.ly (AmE skep.tic.al.ly) adv.
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scep.ti.cism
(AmEskep.ti.cism) noun [U, sing.] an attitude of doubting that claims or statements are true or that sth will happen: Such claims should be regarded with a certain amount of scepticism.
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sceptre
(BrE ) (AmEscep.ter) noun a decorated rod carried by a king or queen at ceremonies as a symbol of their power—compare MACE , ORB
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Schad.en.freude
noun [U] (from German ) a feeling of pleasure at the bad things that happen to other people
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sched.ule
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a plan that lists all the work that you have to do and when you must do each thing: I have a hectic schedule for the next few days.  We’re working to a tight schedule (= we have a lot of things to do in a short time).  Filming began on schedule (= at the planned time).  The new bridge has been finished two years ahead of schedule .  The tunnel project has already fallen behind schedule .
2 [C] (AmE) = TIMETABLE : a train schedule
3 [C] a list of the television and radio programmes that are on a particular channel and the times that they start: The channel’s schedules are filled with old films and repeats.
4 [C] a written list of things, for example prices, rates or conditions: tax schedules  note at AGENDA

verb
1 ~ sth (for sth) [usually passive] to arrange for sth to happen at a particular time: [vn] The meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon.  One of the scheduled events is a talk on alternative medicine.  We’ll be stopping here for longer than scheduled.  [vn to inf] I’m scheduled to arrive in LA at 5 o’clock.
2 [vn] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to include sth in an official list of things: The substance has been scheduled as a poison.
sched.uler noun: The President’s schedulers allowed 90 minutes for TV interviews.

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'scheduled flight
noun a plane service that leaves at a regular time each day or week—compare CHARTER FLIGHT
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schema
noun (pl.sche.mas or sche.mata ) (technical ) an outline of a plan or theory
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sche.mat.ic
adj.
1 in the form of a diagram that shows the main features or relationships but not the details: a schematic diagram
2 according to a fixed plan or pattern: The play has a very schematic plot.
sche.mat.ic.al.ly adv.: The process is shown schematically in figure 3.
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sche.ma.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (technical ) to organize sth in a system: schematized data
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scheme
noun, verb
noun ~ (for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth)
1 (BrE) a plan or system for doing or organizing sth: a training / insurance scheme  a local scheme for recycling newspapers  to introduce / operate a scheme to improve links between schools and industry  Under the new scheme only successful schools will be given extra funding.—see also COLOUR SCHEME , PENSION SCHEME
2 a plan for getting money or some other advantage for yourself, especially one that involves deceiving other people: an elaborate scheme to avoid taxes
IDM the / sb’s 'scheme of things the way things seem to be organized; the way sb wants everything to be organized: My personal problems are not really important in the overall scheme of things.  I don’t think marriage figures in his scheme of things.

verb (disapproving) to make secret plans to do sth that will help yourself and possibly harm others: [v] She seemed to feel that we were all scheming against her.  [v to inf] His colleagues, meanwhile, were busily scheming to get rid of him.  [vn] Her enemies were scheming her downfall.

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schemer
noun (disapproving) a person who plans secretly to do sth for their own advantage
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schem.ing
adj. (formal) often planning secretly to do sth for your own advantage, especially by deceiving other people
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scherzo
noun (pl.-os) a short, lively piece of music, that is often part of a longer piece
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schism
noun [C, U] (formal) strong disagreement within an organization, especially a religious one, that makes its members divide into separate groups: the threat of a schism within the Church
schis.mat.ic adj.
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schist
noun [U] a type of rock formed of layers of different minerals, that breaks naturally into thin flat pieces
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schiz.oid
adj. (technical ) similar to or suffering from schizophrenia : schizoid tendencies
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schizo.phre.nia
noun [U] a mental illness in which a person becomes unable to link thought, emotion and behaviour, leading to WITHDRAWAL from reality and personal relationships
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schizo.phren.ic
noun a person who suffers from schizophrenia
schizo.phren.ic adj.
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schlep
(also schlepp) verb (-pp-) (informal, especially AmE )
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere, especially if it is a slow, difficult journey, or you do not want to go: The restaurant’s supposed to be great but I don’t feel like schlepping all the way out there.
2 [vn] to carry or pull sth heavy: I’m not schlepping these suitcases all over town.
ORIGIN From Yiddish shlepn, ‘to drag’.
schlep (also schlepp) noun [sing.]
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schlock
noun [U] (AmE , informal) things that are cheap and of poor quality: stores full of schlock
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schmaltz
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) the quality of being too SENTIMENTAL
schmaltzy adj.
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schmo
(also schmoe) noun (pl.-oes) (AmE , informal, disapproving) a person who is stupid or foolish in an annoying way
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schmooze
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (informal, especially AmE ) to talk in an informal and friendly way about things that are not important
SYN CHAT
schmooz.er noun
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schmuck
noun (informal disapproving, especially AmE ) a stupid person: He’s such a schmuck!
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schnapps
noun [U] (from German ) a strong alcoholic drink made from grain
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schnook
noun (AmE , informal, disapproving) a stupid or unimportant person
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scholar
noun
1 a person who knows a lot about a particular subject because they have studied it in detail: a biblical / classical scholar  He was the most distinguished scholar in his field.
2 a student who has been given a scholarship to study at a school, college or university: a Rhodes scholar
3 (BrE, informal) a clever person who works hard at school: I was never much of a scholar.
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schol.ar.ly
adj.
1 (of a person) spending a lot of time studying and having a lot of knowledge about an academic subject: He was a very scholarly young man.
2 connected with academic study: a scholarly journal  There was an explosion of scholarly interest in her poetry.
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schol.ar.ship
noun
1 [C] an amount of money given to sb by an organization to help pay for their education: She won a scholarship to study at Stanford.  He went to drama school on a scholarship .
2 [U] the serious study of an academic subject and the knowledge and methods involved: a magnificent work of scholarship
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scho.las.tic
adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 connected with schools and education: scholastic achievements
2 connected with scholasticism
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scho.las.ti.cism
noun [U] a system of philosophy, based on religious principles and writing, that was taught in universities in the Middle Ages
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school
noun, verb
noun
WHERE CHILDREN LEARN|
1 [C] a place where children go to be educated: My brother and I went to the same school.   (formal) Which school do they attend?  I’m going to the school today to talk to Kim’s teacher.  We need more money for roads, hospitals and schools.  school buildings / rules / buses
2 [U] (used without the or a) the process of learning in a school ; the time during your life when you go to a school : (BrE) to start / leave school   (AmE) to start / quit school  Where did you go to school?   (BrE) All my kids are still at school .   (AmE) All my kids are still in school .   (AmE) to teach school (= teach in a school)  The transition from school to work can be difficult.
3 [U] (used without the or a) the time during the day when children are working in a school: Shall I meet you after school today?  School begins at 9.  The kids are at / in school until 3.30.  after-school activities / clubs
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS|
4 (the school) [sing.] all the children or students and the teachers in a school: I had to stand up in front of the whole school.
FOR PARTICULAR SKILL|
5 [C] (often in compounds) a place where people go to learn a particular subject or skill: a drama / language / riding school  the London Business School
COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY|
6 [C, U] (AmE, informal) a college or university; the time that you spend there: famous schools like Yale and Harvard  I’ve known her since law school.  Where did you go to school?—see also GRADUATE SCHOOL
7 [C] a department of a college or university that teaches a particular subject: the university medical / law school  the School of Dentistry / Languages
OF WRITERS / ARTISTS|
8 [C] a group of writers, artists, etc. whose style of work or opinions have been influenced by the same person or ideas: the Dutch school of painting
OF FISH|
9 [C] a large number of fish or other sea animals, swimming together: a school of dolphins / sharks / whales—compare SHOAL
HELP There are many compounds ending in school. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. school(s) of 'thought a way of thinking that a number of people share: There are two schools of thought about how this illness should be treated.—more at OLD

verb
YOURSELF / ANIMAL|
1 ~ sb / yourself (in sth) (formal) to train sb/yourself/an animal to do sth: [vn] to school a horse  She had schooled herself in patience.  [vn to inf] I have schooled myself to remain calm under pressure.
CHILD|
2 [vn] (formal) to educate a child: She should be schooled with her peers.

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'school age
noun [U] the age or period when a child normally attends school: children of school age  school-age children
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school.boy
noun a boy who attends school
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school.child
noun (pl.school.chil.dren ) (also informal school.kid) a child who attends school
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school.days
noun [pl.] the period in your life when you go to school: She hadn’t seen Laura since her schooldays.
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'school district
noun (in the US) an area that contains several schools that are governed together
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'school friend
(also less frequent school.mate) noun (especially BrE ) a friend who attends or attended the same school as you: She met up with some of her old (= former) school friends.
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school.girl
noun a girl who attends school
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school.house
noun
1 a school building, especially a small one in a village in the past
2 a house for a teacher next to a small school
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school.ing
noun [U] the education you receive at school: secondary schooling  He had very little schooling.
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school.kid
noun (informal) = SCHOOLCHILD
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,school-'leaver
noun (BrE ) a person who has just left school, especially when they are looking for a job: the problem of rising unemployment among school-leavers
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school-marm
noun (disapproving, especially AmE ) a woman who teaches in a school, especially one who is old-fashioned and strict
school-marm.ish adj.
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school.mas.ter, school.mis.tress
noun (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) a teacher in a school, especially a private school—compare MASTER
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school.mate
noun (especially BrE ) = SCHOOL FRIEND
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,school 'run
noun [sing.] (BrE ) the journey that parents make to take their children to school or to bring them home again
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school.teach.er
noun a person whose job is teaching in a school
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schooner
noun
1 a sailing ship with two or more MASTS (= posts that support the sails)
2 a tall glass for SHERRY or beer
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schtick
noun = SHTICK
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schwa
noun (phonetics ) a vowel sound in parts of words that are not stressed, for example the ‘a’ in about or the ‘e’ in moment; the PHONETIC symbol for this,
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sci.at.ic
adj. [only before noun] (anatomy ) of the hip or of the nerve which goes from the PELVIS to the THIGH (= the sciatic nerve)
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sci.at.ica
noun [U] pain in the back, hip and outer side of the leg, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve
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sci.ence
noun
1 [U] knowledge about the structure and behaviour of the natural and physical world, based on facts that you can prove, for example by experiments: new developments in science and technology  the advance of modern science  the laws of science
2 [U] the study of science : science students / teachers / courses
3 [U, C] a particular branch of science : to study one of the sciences—compare ART (6) , HUMANITIES
4 [sing.] a system for organizing the knowledge about a particular subject, especially one concerned with aspects of human behaviour or society: Is there an adequate basis for a science of international politics?—see also DOMESTIC SCIENCE , EARTH SCIENCE , LIFE SCIENCES , NATURAL SCIENCE , POLITICAL SCIENCE , SOCIAL SCIENCE
IDM see BLIND v.
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,science 'fiction
(also informal 'sci-fi) noun [U] a type of book, film/movie, etc. that is based on imagined scientific discoveries of the future, and often deals with space travel and life on other planets
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'science park
noun an area where there are a lot of companies or organizations involved in scientific research and development
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sci.en.tif.ic
adj. [usually before noun]
1 involving science; connected with science: a scientific discovery / study / adviser  scientific knowledge / research / instruments  sites of scientific interest
2 (of a way of doing sth or thinking) careful and logical: He took a very scientific approach to management.  We need to be more scientific about this problem.
OPP UNSCIENTIFIC —compare NON-SCIENTIFIC
sci.en.tif.ic.al.ly adv.
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sci.en.tist
noun a person who studies one or more of the NATURAL SCIENCES (= for example, physics, chemistry and biology): a research scientist  nuclear scientists  scientists and engineers  the cartoon figure of the mad scientist working in his laboratory—see also COMPUTER SCIENTIST , POLITICAL SCIENTIST , SOCIAL SCIENTIST
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Sci.en.tol.ogy
™noun [U] a religious system based on getting knowledge of yourself and spiritual FULFILMENT through courses of study and training
Sci.en.tolo.gist noun
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sci-fi
noun [U] (informal) = SCIENCE FICTION
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scimi.tar
noun a short curved SWORD with one sharp edge, used especially in eastern countries
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scin.tilla
noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) (usually in negative sentences) a very small amount of sth: There is not a scintilla of truth in what she says.
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scin.til.lat.ing
adj. very clever, amusing and interesting: a scintillating performance / conversation  Statistics on unemployment levels hardly make for scintillating reading.
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scion
noun
1 (formal or literary) a young member of a family, especially a famous or important one
2 (technical) a piece of a plant, especially one cut to make a new plant
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scis.sors
noun [pl.] a tool for cutting paper or fabric, that has two sharp blades with handles, joined together in the middle: a pair of scissors—see also NAIL SCISSORS
scis.sor adj. [only before noun]: The legs move in a scissor action.
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scler.osis
noun [U] (medical ) a condition in which soft tissue in the body becomes hard, in a way that is not normal—see also MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
scler.otic adj.
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scoff
verb
1 ~ (at sb/sth) to talk about sb/sth in a way that makes it clear that you think they are stupid or ridiculous: [v] He scoffed at our amateurish attempts.  Don’t scoff—she’s absolutely right. [alsov speech]
2 [vn] (BrE) (AmE scarf) (informal) to eat a lot of sth quickly: Who scoffed all the grapes?
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scold
verb ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to speak angrily to sb, especially a child, because they have done sth wrong
SYN TELL OFF : [vn] He scolded them for arriving late. [alsov speech, v]
scold.ing noun [usually sing.]: I got a scolding from my mother.
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scone
noun (BrE ) a small round cake, sometimes with dried fruit in it and often eaten with butter, jam and cream spread on it—
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scoop
noun, verb
noun
1 a tool like a large spoon with a deep bowl, used for picking up substances in powder form like flour, or for serving food like ice cream
2 the amount picked up by a scoop : two scoops of mashed potato
3 a piece of important or exciting news that is printed in one newspaper before other newspapers know about it

verb [vn]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] ~ sth (up) to move or lift sth with a scoop or sth like a scoop : She scooped ice cream into their bowls.  He quickly scooped the money up from the desk.  First, scoop a hole in the soil.  Scoop out the melon flesh.
2 [+adv. / prep.] ~ sb/sth (up) to move or lift sb/sth with a quick continuous movement: She scooped the child up in her arms.  He quickly scooped his clothes from the chair.
3 to publish a story before all the other newspapers, television companies, etc: The paper had inside information and scooped all its rivals.
4 (informal) to win sth, especially a large sum of money or a prize: He scooped £10 000 on the lottery.

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scoot
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to go or leave somewhere in a hurry: I’d better scoot or I’ll be late.  They scooted off to Dublin for the weekend.
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scoot.er
noun
1 (BrE) (also 'motor scooterAmE, BrE) a light motorcycle, usually with small wheels and a curved metal cover at the front to protect the rider’s legs—picture at MOTORCYCLE
2 a child’s vehicle with two small wheels attached to a narrow board with an upright handle. The rider holds the handle, puts one foot on the board and pushes against the ground with the other.
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scope
noun [U]
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (for sb) (to do sth) the opportunity or ability to do or achieve sth
SYN POTENTIAL : There’s still plenty of scope for improvement.  The extra money will give us the scope to improve our facilities.  Her job offers very little scope for promotion.  First try to do something that is within your scope .
2 the range of things that a subject, an organization, an activity, etc. deals with: Our powers are limited in scope .  This subject lies beyond the scope of our investigation.  These issues were outside the scope of the article.
3 (-scope) (in nouns) an instrument for looking through or watching sth with: microscope  telescope
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scorch
verb
1 to burn and slightly damage a surface by making it too hot; to be slightly burned by heat: [vn] I scorched my dress when I was ironing it.  [v] Don’t stand so near the fire—your coat is scorching! [alsovn-adj]
2 to become or to make sth become dry and brown, especially from the heat of the sun or from chemicals: [vn] scorched grass  [v] The leaves will scorch if you water them in the sun.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE, informal) to move very fast: The car scorched off down the road.
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scorched 'earth policy
noun (in a war) a policy of destroying anything in a particular area that may be useful to the enemy
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scorch.er
noun (informal)
1 a very hot day
2 (BrE) (used mainly in newspapers) a very good stroke, shot, etc. in a sport: a scorcher of a free kick
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scorch.ing
adj. (informal)
1 very hot: a scorching hot day
2 (especially BrE) used to emphasize how strong, powerful, etc. sth is: a scorching critique of the government’s economic policy  a scorching 6–1 victory
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'scorch mark
noun a mark made on a surface by burning
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score
noun, verb
noun
POINTS / GOALS, etc.|
1 [C] the number of points, goals, etc. scored by each player or team in a game or competition: a high / low score  What’s the score now?  The final score was 4–3.  I’ll keep (the) score .
2 [C] (especially AmE) the number of points sb gets for correct answers in a test: college entrance test scores  an IQ score of 120  a perfect score
MUSIC|
3 [C] a written or printed version of a piece of music showing what each instrument is to play or what each voice is to sing: an orchestral score  the score of Verdi’s ‘Requiem’
4 [C] the music written for a film/movie or play: The film picked up awards for best director and best original score.
TWENTY|
5 [C] (pl.score) a set or group of 20 or approximately 20: Several cabs and a score of cars were parked outside.  Doyle’s success brought imitators by the score (= very many).  the biblical age of three score years and ten (= 70)
MANY|
6 (scores) [pl.] very many: There were scores of boxes and crates, all waiting to be checked and loaded.
CUT|
7 [C] a cut in a surface, made with a sharp tool
FACTS ABOUT SITUATION|
8 (the score) [sing.] (informal) the real facts about the present situation: What’s the score?   You don’t have to lie to me. I know the score . on 'that / 'this score as far as that/this is concerned: You don’t have to worry on that score.—more at EVEN v. , SETTLE v.

verb
GIVE / GET POINTS / GOALS|
1 to win points, goals, etc. in a game or competition: [v] Fraser scored again in the second half.  [vn] to score a goal / try / touchdown / victory
2 [v] to keep a record of the points, goals, etc. won in a game or competition: Who’s going to score?
3 to gain marks in a test or an exam: [vn] She scored 98% in the French test.  [v] Girls usually score highly in language exams.
4 [vn] to give sth/sb a particular number of points: The tests are scored by psychologists.  Score each criterion on a scale of 1 to 5.  a scoring system
5 [vn] to be worth a particular number of points: Each correct answer will score two points.
SUCCEED|
6 to succeed; to have an advantage: [vn] The army continued to score successes in the south.  [v] She’s scored again with her latest blockbuster.
ARRANGE / WRITE MUSIC|
7 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (for sth) to arrange a piece of music for one or more musical instruments or for voices: The piece is scored for violin, viola and cello.  The director invited him to score the movie (= write the music for it).
CUT|
8 [vn] to make a cut or mark on a surface: Score the card first with a knife.
HAVE SEX|
9 [v] ~ (with sb) (slang) (especially of a man) to have sex with a new partner: Did you score last night?
BUY DRUGS|
10 [vn, v] (slang) to buy or get illegal drugs ,score a 'point / 'points (off / against / over sb) = SCORE OFF SB 'score off sb [no passive] (especially BrE) to show that you are better than sb, especially by making clever remarks, for example in an argument: He was always trying to score off his teachers. ,score sth<->'out / 'through to draw a line or lines through sth: Her name had been scored out on the list.

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score.board
noun a large board on which the score in a game or competition is shown
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score.card
noun a card or piece of paper that people watching a game can use to write the score on, or on which the score can be officially recorded
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'score draw
noun (BrE ) the result of a football match in which both teams score the same number of goals
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score.less
adj. (of a game) without either team getting any points, goals, etc: a scoreless draw
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score.line
noun (BrE ) (used mainly in newspapers) the final score or result in a game, competition, etc: a 2–1 scoreline  The team did not play as badly as the scoreline suggests.
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scorer
noun
1 (in sports) a player who scores points, goals, etc: United’s top scorer
2 a person who keeps a record of the points, goals, etc. scored in a game or competition
3 a high / low ~ a person who gets a high/low number of points in a test or exam
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'score sheet
noun (BrE ) a piece of paper on which the score of a game can be officially recorded
IDM get your name on the 'score sheet (informal) (used in newspapers) to score a goal, etc.
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scorn
noun, verb
noun [U] ~ (for sb/sth) a strong feeling that sb/sth is stupid or not good enough, usually shown by the way you speak
SYN CONTEMPT : Her fellow teachers greeted her proposal with scorn .  They had nothing but scorn for his political views.  She was unable to hide the scorn in her voice.
IDM pour / heap 'scorn on sb/sth to speak about sb/sth in a way that shows that you do not respect them or have a good opinion of them

verb
1 [vn] to feel or show that you think sb/sth is stupid and you do not respect them or it: She scorned their views as old-fashioned.
2 (formal) to refuse to have or do sth because you are too proud: [vn] to scorn an invitation / offer  [v to inf] She would have scorned to stoop to such tactics.
IDM see HELL

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scorn.ful
adj. ~ (of sth) showing or feeling scorn : a scornful laugh  He was scornful of such ‘female’ activities as cooking.
scorn.ful.ly adv.: She laughed scornfully.
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Scor.pio
noun
1 [U] the 8th sign of the ZODIAC , the SCORPION
2 [C] (pl.-os) a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 23 October and 21 November, approximately
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scor.pion
noun a small creature like an insect with six legs, two front CLAWS (= curved and pointed limbs) and a long tail that curves over its back and can give a poisonous sting. Scorpions live in hot countries.—
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Scot
noun
1 a person from Scotland
2 (the Scots) (also less frequent the Scottish) [pl.] the people of Scotland  note at SCOTTISH
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Scotch
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] the type of whisky made in Scotland: a bottle of Scotch
2 [C] a glass of Scotch : Do you want a Scotch?

adj. of or connected with Scotland  note at SCOTTISH

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scotch
verb [vn] to stop sth from happening; to take action to end sth: Plans for a merger have been scotched.  Rumours that he had fled the country were promptly scotched by his wife.
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,Scotch 'egg
noun (BrE ) a boiled egg covered with SAUSAGE MEAT and BREADCRUMBS , fried and eaten cold
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'Scotch tape
™noun [U] (AmE ) = SELLOTAPE ™
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,scot-'free
adv. (informal) without receiving the punishment you deserve: They got off scot-free because of lack of evidence.
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Scot.land Yard
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (in Britain) the main office of the London police, especially the department that deals with serious crimes in London: Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorist squad  Scotland Yard has / have been called in.
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Scots
adj., noun
adj. of or connected with Scotland, and especially with the English language as spoken in Scotland or the Scots language: He spoke with a Scots accent.  She comes from an old Scots family.

noun [U] a language spoken in Scotland, closely related to English but with many differences—compare GAELIC
note at SCOTTISH
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Scot.tish
adj.
1 of or connected with Scotland or its people: the Scottish Highlands  Scottish dancing
2 (the Scottish) noun [pl.] (rare) = THE SCOTS
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scoun.drel
noun (old-fashioned) a man who treats other people badly, especially by being dishonest or immoral
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scour
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (for sb/sth) to search a place or thing thoroughly in order to find sb/sth: We scoured the area for somewhere to pitch our tent.
2 ~ sth (out) to clean sth by rubbing its surface hard with rough material: I had to scour out the pans.
3 ~ sth (away / out)| ~ sth (from / out of sth) to make a passage, hole, or mark in the ground, rocks, etc. as the result of movement, especially over a long period: The water had raced down the slope and scoured out the bed of a stream.
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scour.er
(also 'scouring pad) noun a small ball of wire or stiff plastic used for cleaning pans
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scourge
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) (written) a person or thing that causes trouble or suffering: the scourge of war / disease / poverty  Pirates are once again the scourge of the China Sea.  Inflation was the scourge of the 1970s.
2 a WHIP used to punish people in the past

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] (literary) to cause trouble or suffering to sb: He lay awake, scourged by his conscience.
2 (old use) to hit sb with a scourge

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Scouse
noun (BrE , informal)
1 (also Scouser ) [C] a person from Liverpool in NW England
2 [U] a way of speaking, used by people from Liverpool
Scouse adj.: a Scouse accent
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scout
noun, verb
noun
1 (the Scouts) [pl.] an organization (officially called the Scout Association) originally for boys, which trains young people in practical skills and does a lot of activities with them, for example camping: to join the Scouts
2 (BrE) a boy or girl who is a member of the Scouts : Both my brothers were scouts.  a scout troop—see also BOY SCOUT , GUIDE —compare BROWNIE
3 a person, an aircraft, etc. sent ahead to get information about the enemy’s position, strength, etc.
4 = TALENT SCOUT

verb
1 ~ (around) (for sb/sth) to search an area or various areas in order to find or discover sth: [vn] They scouted the area for somewhere to stay the night.  [v] The kids were scouting around for wood for the fire.  a military scouting party
2 to look for sports players, actors, musicians, etc. who have special ability, so you can offer them work: [v] He scouts for Manchester United. [alsovn] ,scout sth<->'out to find out what an area is like or where sth is, by searching: We went ahead to scout out the lie of the land.

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scout.er
noun a person who is the leader of a group of scouts
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scout.ing
noun [U] the activities that boy and girl SCOUTS take part in; the Scout organization
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scowl
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to look at sb/sth in an angry or annoyed way
SYN GLOWER : The receptionist scowled at me.

noun an angry look or expression: He looked up at me with a scowl.

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Scrab.ble
™noun [U] a board game in which players try to make words from letters printed on small plastic blocks and connect them to words that have already been placed on the board
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scrab.ble
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (around / about) (for sth) (especially BrE ) to try to find or to do sth in a hurry or with difficulty, often by moving your hands or feet about quickly, without much control: She scrabbled around in her bag for her glasses.  He was scrabbling for a foothold on the steep slope.  a sound like rats scrabbling on the other side of the wall
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scrag.gly
adj. (AmE , informal) thin and growing in a way that is not even: a scraggly beard
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scraggy
adj. (disapproving) (of people or animals) very thin and not looking healthy: women with scraggy necks  a scraggy old cat
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scram
verb (-mm-) [v] (old-fashioned, slang) (usually used in orders) to go away quickly: Scram! I don’t want you here.
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scram.ble
verb, noun
verb
WALK / CLIMB|
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move quickly, especially with difficulty, using your hands to help you: She managed to scramble over the wall.  He scrambled to his feet as we came in.  They finally scrambled ashore.
PUSH / FIGHT|
2 ~ (for sth) to push, fight or compete with others in order to get or to reach sth: [v] The audience scrambled for the exits.  [v to inf] Shoppers were scrambling to get the best bargains.
ACHIEVE STH WITH DIFFICULTY|
3 [vn] to manage to achieve sth with difficulty, or in a hurry, without much control: Cork scrambled a 1–0 win over Monaghan.  Owen managed to scramble the ball into the net.
EGGS|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to cook an egg by mixing the white and yellow parts together and heating them, sometimes with milk and butter: scrambled eggs
TELEPHONE / RADIO|
5 [vn] [often passive] to change the way that a telephone or radio message sounds so that only people with special equipment can understand it: scrambled satellite signals
CONFUSE THOUGHTS|
6 [vn] to confuse sb’s thoughts, ideas, etc. so that they have no order: Alcohol seemed to have scrambled his brain.
AIRCRAFT|
7 [usually passive] to order that planes, etc. should take off immediately in an emergency; to take off immediately in an emergency: [vn] A helicopter was scrambled to help rescue three young climbers.  [v] They scrambled as soon as the call came through.

noun
DIFFICULT WALK / CLIMB|
1 [sing.] a difficult walk or climb over rough ground, especially one in which you have to use your hands
PUSH / FIGHT|
2 [sing.] ~ (for sth) a situation in which people push, fight or compete with each other in order to get or do sth: There was a mad scramble for the best seats.
MOTORCYCLE RACE|
3 [C] a race for motorcycles over rough ground

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scram.bler
noun a device that changes radio or telephone signals or messages so that they cannot be understood by other people
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scram.bling
noun [U] (BrE ) = MOTOCROSS
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scrap
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a small piece of sth, especially paper, fabric, etc: She scribbled his phone number on a scrap of paper.   (figurative) scraps of news / information   (figurative) She was just a scrap of a thing (= small and thin).
2 [sing.] (usually with a negative) a small amount of sth: It won’t make a scrap of difference .  There’s not a scrap of evidence to support his claim.  a barren landscape without a scrap of vegetation
3 (scraps) [pl.] food left after a meal: Give the scraps to the dog.
4 [U] things that are not wanted or cannot be used for their original purpose, but which have some value for the material they are made of: We sold the car for scrap (= so that any good parts can be used again).  scrap metal / iron  a scrap merchant / dealer (= a person who buys and sells scrap)
5 (informal) a short fight or quarrel: He was always getting into scraps at school.—see also SCRAPPY

verb (-pp-)
1 [vn] [often passive] to cancel or get rid of sth that is no longer practical or useful: They had been forced to scrap plans for a new school building.  The oldest of the aircraft were scrapped.
2 [v] (informal) to fight with sb: The bigger boys started scrapping.

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scrap.book
noun a book with empty pages where you can stick pictures, newspaper articles, etc.
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scrape
verb, noun
verb
REMOVE|
1 to remove sth from a surface by moving sth sharp and hard like a knife across it: [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : She scraped the mud off her boots.  [vn-adj] The kids had scraped their plates clean.
DAMAGE|
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to rub sth accidentally so that it gets damaged or hurt: I scraped the side of my car on the wall.  Sorry, I’ve scraped some paint off the car.  She fell and scraped her knee.  The wire had scraped the skin from her fingers.
MAKE SOUND|
3 [usually +adv. / prep.] to make an unpleasant noise by rubbing against a hard surface; to make sth do this: [v] I could hear his pen scraping across the paper.   (disapproving) We could hear her scraping away at the violin.  [vn] Don’t scrape your chairs on the floor.
WIN WITH DIFFICULTY|
4 to manage to win or to get sth with difficulty: [vn] The team scraped a narrow victory last year.   (BrE ) I just scraped a pass in the exam.  They scraped a living by playing music on the streets.  [v] The government scraped home (= just won) by three votes.
MAKE HOLE IN GROUND|
5 [vn] ~ sth (out) to make a hole or hollow place in the ground: He found a suitable place, scraped a hole and buried the bag in it.
PULL HAIR BACK|
6 [vn] ~ your hair back to pull your hair tightly back, away from your face: Her hair was scraped back from her face in a ponytail. scrape (the bottom of) the 'barrel (disapproving) to have to use whatever things or people you can get, because there is not much choice available—more at BOW^1v. ,scrape 'by (on sth) to manage to live on the money you have, but with difficulty: I can just scrape by on what my parents give me. ,scrape 'in| ,scrape 'into sth to manage to get a job, a position, a place at college, etc., but with difficulty: He scraped in with 180 votes.  Our team just scraped into the semi-finals. ,scrape sth<->'out to remove sth from inside sth else, using sth sharp or hard like a knife: Scrape out the flesh of the melon with a spoon. ,scrape 'through| ,scrape 'through sth to succeed in doing sth with difficulty, especially in passing an exam: I might scrape through the exam if I’m lucky. ,scrape sth<->to'gether / 'up to obtain or collect together sth, but with difficulty: We managed to scrape together eight volunteers.

noun
ACTION / SOUND|
1 [sing.] the action or unpleasant sound of one thing rubbing roughly against another: the scrape of iron on stone
DAMAGE|
2 [C] an injury or a mark caused by rubbing against sth rough: She emerged from the overturned car with only a few scrapes and bruises.
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
3 [C] (old-fashioned) a difficult situation that you have caused yourself: He was always getting into scrapes as a boy.

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scraper
noun a tool used for scraping , for example for scraping mud from shoes or ice from a car
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'scrap heap
noun a pile of things, especially of metal, that are no longer wanted or useful
IDM on the 'scrap heap (informal) no longer wanted or considered useful
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scra.pie
noun [U] a brain disease of sheep that causes death
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scrap.ing
noun [usually pl.] a small amount of sth produced by scratching a surface
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'scrap paper
noun [U] loose pieces of paper used for writing notes on
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scrappy
adj. (scrap.pier, scrap.pi.est)
1 consisting of individual sections, events, etc. that are not organized into a whole: a scrappy essay  The concert was rather a scrappy affair.
2 (especially BrE) not tidy and often of poor quality: The note was written on a scrappy bit of paper.—see also SCRAP n.
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scrap.yard
(BrE ) (also junk.yardAmE, BrE) noun a place where old cars, machines, etc. are collected, so that parts of them, or the metal they are made of, can be sold to be used again
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scratch
verb, noun, adj.
verb
RUB WITH YOUR NAILS|
1 ~ (at sth) to rub your skin with your nails, usually because it is ITCHING : [vn] John yawned and scratched his chin.  The dog scratched itself behind the ear.  [v] Try not to scratch.  She scratched at the insect bites on her arm.
CUT SKIN|
2 ~ (sb/sth / yourself) (on sth) to cut or damage your skin slightly with sth sharp: [vn] I’d scratched my leg and it was bleeding.  She scratched herself on a nail.  [v] Does the cat scratch?
DAMAGE SURFACE|
3 [vn] to damage the surface of sth, especially accidentally, by making thin shallow marks on it: Be careful not to scratch the furniture.  The car’s paintwork is badly scratched.
MAKE / REMOVE MARK|
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make or remove a mark, etc. on sth deliberately, by rubbing it with sth hard or sharp: They scratched lines in the dirt to mark out a pitch.  Some graffiti had been scratched on the back of the door.  We scratched some of the dirt away.   (figurative) You can scratch my name off the list.
MAKE SOUND|
5 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make an irritating noise by rubbing sth with sth sharp: The dog kept scratching at the door to go out.  His pen scratched away on the paper.
A LIVING|
6 [vn] ~ a living to make enough money to live on, but with difficulty
CANCEL|
7 ~ (sb/sth) (from sth) to decide that sth cannot happen or sb/sth cannot take part in sth, before it starts: [vn] to scratch a rocket launch  The horse was scratched from the race because of injury.  [v] She had scratched because of a knee injury. scratch your 'head (over sth) to think hard in order to find an answer to sth scratch the 'surface (of sth) to deal with, understand, or find out about only a small part of a subject or problem ,you scratch 'my back and ,I’ll scratch 'yours (saying) used to say that if sb helps you, you will help them, even if this is unfair to others ,scratch a'bout / a'round (for sth) to search for sth, especially with difficulty ,scratch sth<->'out to remove a word, especially a name, from sth written, usually by putting a line through it

noun
MARK / CUT|
1 [C] a mark, a cut or an injury made by scratching sb’s skin or the surface of sth: Her hands were covered in scratches from the brambles.  a scratch on the paintwork  It’s only a scratch (= a very slight injury).  He escaped without a scratch (= was not hurt at all).
SOUND|
2 [sing.] the unpleasant sound of sth sharp or rough being rubbed against a surface
WITH YOUR NAILS|
3 [sing.] the act of scratching a part of your body when it ITCHES : Go on, have a good scratch! from 'scratch without any previous preparation or knowledge: I learned German from scratch in six months.  They decided to dismantle the machine and start again from scratch. (be / come) up to 'scratch | (bring sb/sth) up to 'scratch as good as sth/sb should be; satisfactory: His work simply isn’t up to scratch.  It’ll take months to bring the band up to scratch.

adj. (BrE )
1 put together in a hurry using whatever people or materials are available: a scratch team
2 (especially in golf) with no HANDICAP : a scratch player

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scratch.card
noun a card that you buy that has an area that you scratch off to find out if you have won some money or a prize
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'scratch pad
noun (AmE ) a small book of cheap paper for writing notes on
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scratchy
adj.
1 (of clothes or fabric) rough and unpleasant to the touch: This sweater is too scratchy.  a scratchy blanket
2 (of a record, voice, etc.) making a rough, unpleasant sound like sth being scratched across a surface: a scratchy recording of Mario Lanza  a scratchy pen
3 (of writing or drawings) done without care
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scrawl
verb, noun
verb ~ (sth) (across / in / on sth) to write sth in a careless untidy way, making it difficult to read
SYN SCRIBBLE : [vn] I tried to read his directions, scrawled on a piece of paper.  [v] Someone had scrawled all over my notes.

noun a careless untidy way of writing; sth written in this way: Her signature was an illegible scrawl.  I can’t be expected to read this scrawl!  The paper was covered in scrawls.

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scrawny
adj. (disapproving) (of people or animals) very thin in a way that is not attractive: He had long scrawny fingers.
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scream
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (out) (in / with sth) to give a loud, high cry, because you are hurt, frightened, excited, etc.
SYN SHRIEK : [v] He covered her mouth to stop her from screaming.  The kids were screaming with excitement.  People ran for the exits, screaming out in terror.  [vn-adj] The baby was screaming itself hoarse.
2 ~ (sth) (out) (at sb)| ~ (out) (for sth/sb) to shout sth in a loud, high voice because of fear, anger, etc.
SYN YELL : [v speech] ‘Help!’ she screamed.  [v] Someone was screaming for help.  He screamed at me to stop.  [vn] She screamed abuse at him.  [v that] His sister screamed out that he was crazy.
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make a loud, high noise; to move fast, making this noise
SYN SCREECH : Lights flashed and sirens screamed.  The powerboat screamed out to sea.  note at SHOUT
IDM scream blue 'murder (BrE) (AmE scream bloody 'murder) to scream loudly and for a long time, especially in order to protest about sth
PVR V ,scream 'out (for sth) to be in need of attention in a very noticeable way: These books scream out to be included in a list of favourites.

noun
1 [C] a loud high cry made by sb who is hurt, frightened, excited, etc.; a loud high noise: She let out a scream of pain.  They ignored the baby’s screams.  He drove off with a scream of tyres.
2 [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) a person or thing that causes you to laugh: He’s a scream.

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scream.ing.ly
adv. extremely: It was screamingly obvious what we should do next.
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scree
noun [U, C] an area of small loose stones, especially on a mountain, which may slide when you walk on them
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screech
verb, noun
verb
1 to make a loud high unpleasant sound; to say sth using this sound: [v] Monkeys were screeching in the trees.  The wind screeched in his ears.  screeching brakes  He screeched with pain.  [v speech] ‘No, don’t!’ she screeched.  [vn] He screeched something at me.
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a vehicle) to make a loud high unpleasant noise as it moves: The car screeched to a halt outside the hospital.  A police car screeched out of a side street.

noun a loud high unpleasant cry or noise: a screech of brakes / tyres  She suddenly let out a screech.

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screed
noun a long piece of writing, especially one that is not very interesting
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screen
noun, verb
noun
OF TV / COMPUTER|
1 [C] the flat surface at the front of a television or computer, on which you see pictures or information: a computer / radar screen  a monitor with a 21 inch screen  They were staring at the television screen.  Move your cursor to the top of the screen.  the screen display / image  Can you do a printout of this screen for me (= of all the information on it)?—see also ON-SCREEN
FILMS / MOVIES / TV|
2 [C] the large flat surface that films/movies or pictures are shown on: a cinema / movie screen  an eight-screen cinema  The movie will be coming to your screens shortly.
3 (often the screen) [sing., U] films/movies or television in general: He has adapted the play for the screen.  Some actors never watch themselves on screen .  She was a star of stage and screen (= plays and films / movies).  a screen actor / debut—see also OFF-SCREEN , SILVER SCREEN , SMALL SCREEN
PIECE OF FURNITURE|
4 [C] an upright piece of furniture or equipment that is fixed or that can be moved to divide a room or to keep one area hidden or separate: The nurse put a screen around the bed.  A wooden screen hid one corner of the room.—see also FIRE SCREEN
FOR HIDING / PROTECTING STH / SB|
5 [C] ~ (of sth) something that prevents sb from seeing or being aware of sth, or that protects sb/sth: We planted a screen of tall trees.  A screen of bodyguards protected the President.   (figurative) All the research was conducted behind a screen of secrecy.—see also SMOKESCREEN , SUNSCREEN , WINDSCREEN
ON WINDOW / DOOR|
6 [C] (especially AmE) a wire or plastic net that is held in a frame and fastened on a window, or a door, to let in air but keep out insects: Do you have screens on your windows?  screen windows / doors—picture at HOUSE
IN CHURCH|
7 [C] a wood or stone structure in a church, that partly separates the main area from the ALTAR or CHOIR

verb [vn]
HIDE STH / SB|
1 ~ sth/sb (from sth/sb) to hide or protect sth/sb by placing sth in front of or around them: Dark glasses screened his eyes from the sun.
PROTECT SB|
2 ~ sb from sb/sth to protect sb from sth dangerous or unpleasant, especially to protect sb who has done sth illegal or dishonest
FOR DISEASE|
3 [often passive] ~ (sb) (for sth) to examine people in order to find out if they have a particular disease or illness: Men over 55 should be regularly screened for prostate cancer.
EMPLOYEES|
4 (of a company, an organization, etc.) to find out information about people who work or who want to work for you in order to make sure that they can be trusted: Government employees may be screened by the security services.
SHOW FILM / MOVIE / PROGRAMME|
5 [usually passive] to show a film/movie, etc. in a cinema/movie theater or on television: a list of films to be screened as part of the festival ,screen sth<->'off [often passive] to separate part of a room, etc. from the rest of it by putting a screen around it: Beds can be screened off to give patients more privacy. ,screen sb<->'out to decide not to allow sb to join an organization, enter a country, etc. because you think they may cause trouble ,screen sth<->'out to prevent sth harmful from entering or going through sth: The ozone layer screens out dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun.

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screen.ing
noun
1 [C] the act of showing a film/movie or television programme: This will be the movie’s first screening in this country.
2 [U, C] the testing or examining of a large number of people or things for disease, faults, etc: breast cancer screening
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screen.play
noun the words that are written for a film/movie (= the SCRIPT ), together with instructions for how it is to be acted and filmed
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'screen saver
noun a computer program that replaces a screen display on a computer with another, moving, display after a particular length of time, to stop the screen from being damaged
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'screen test
noun a test to see if sb is suitable to appear in a film/movie
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screen.writer
noun a person who writes SCREENPLAYS —compare PLAYWRIGHT , SCRIPTWRITER
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screw
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a thin pointed piece of metal like a nail with a raised SPIRAL line (called a THREAD ) along it and a line or cross cut into its head. Screws are turned and pressed into wood, metal, etc. with a SCREWDRIVER in order to fasten two things together: One of the screws is loose.  Now tighten all the screws.—see also CORKSCREW —picture at TOOL
2 [C] an act of turning a screw
3 [sing.] ( , slang) an act of having sex: He hadn’t had a screw for weeks.
4 [sing.] ( , slang) a partner in sex: a good screw
5 [C] a PROPELLER on a ship, a motor boat or an aircraft: a twin-screw cruiser
6 [C] (BrE, slang) a prison officer
IDM have a 'screw loose to be slightly strange in your behaviour put the 'screws on (sb) to force sb to do sth by frightening and threatening them—more at TURN n.

verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to fasten one thing to another or make sth tight with a screw or screws: The bookcase is screwed to the wall.  You need to screw all the parts together.  Now screw down the lid.
2 to twist sth around in order to fasten it in place: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : She screwed the cap back on the jar.  [vn-adj] Screw the bolt tight.
3 [v] to be attached by screwing: The bulb should just screw into the socket.  The lid simply screws on.
4 [vn] ~ sth up (into sth)| ~ sth (up) into sth to squeeze sth, especially a piece of paper, into a tight ball: I screwed up the letter and threw it into the fire.  Screw the foil into a little ball.—see also SCREWED-UP
5 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (slang) to cheat sb, especially by making them pay too much money for sth: We’ve been screwed.  How much did they screw you for (= how much did you have to pay)?
6 ( , slang) to have sex with sb: [v] a couple screwing in the back of a car  [vn] He accused me of screwing his wife.
IDM screw 'him, 'you, 'that, etc. ( , slang) an offensive way of showing that you are annoyed or do not care about sb/sth screw up your 'courage to force yourself to be brave enough to do sth: I finally screwed up my courage and went to the dentist.—more at HEAD n.
PVR V ,screw a'round ( , slang) to have sex with a lot of different people ,screw sth 'from / 'out of sb to force sb to give you sth: They screwed the money out of her by threats. ,screw 'up (slang, especially AmE) to do sth badly or spoil sth: You really screwed up there!—related noun SCREW-UP ,screw sb<->'up (slang) to upset or confuse sb so much that they are not able to deal with problems in their life: Her father’s death really screwed her up.—see also SCREWED-UP ,screw sth<->'up
1 to fasten sth with screws: to screw up a crate
2 to fasten sth by turning it: I screwed up the jar and put it back on the shelf.
OPP UNSCREW
3 (slang) to do sth badly or spoil sth: Don’t screw it up this time. ,screw your 'eyes / 'face<->up to tighten the muscles of your eyes or face because the light is too strong, you are in pain, etc: He took a sip of the medicine and screwed up his face.

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screw.ball
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a strange or crazy person: That guy’s a complete screwball.
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screw.driver
noun a tool with a narrow blade that is specially shaped at the end, used for turning screws—picture at TOOL
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,screwed-'up
adj.
1 (informal) upset and anxious, especially because of sth bad that has happened to you in the past: an extremely screwed-up kid
2 (especially BrE) twisted into a ball: a screwed-up tissue
3 if your face or eyes are screwed-up, the muscles are tight, because you are worried, in pain, etc., or because the light is too bright
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'screw-top
(also 'screw-topped) adj. [only before noun] (of a container) having a top or lid that SCREWS onto it
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screwy
adj. (informal) strange or crazy: What a screwy idea!
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scrib.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (down) to write sth quickly and carelessly, especially because you do not have much time
SYN SCRAWL : [vn] He scribbled a note to his sister before leaving.  She scribbled down her phone number and pushed it into his hand.  [v] Throughout the interview the journalists scribbled away furiously.
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to draw marks that do not mean anything: Someone had scribbled all over the table in crayon.

noun
1 [U, sing.] careless and untidy writing
SYN SCRAWL : How do you expect me to read this scribble?
2 [C, usually pl.] marks or pictures that seem to have no meaning
SYN SCRAWL : The page was covered with a mass of scribbles.

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scrib.bler
noun (disapproving or humorous) a journalist, author or other writer
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scribe
noun a person who made copies of written documents before printing was invented
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scrim.mage
noun
1 a confused struggle or fight
2 (in American football) a period of play that begins with the ball being placed on the ground
3 (AmE) a practice game of American football, basketball, etc.
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scrimp
verb [v] to spend very little money on the things that you need to live, especially so that you can save it to spend on sth else: They scrimped and saved to give the children a good education.
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scrip
noun (business ) an extra share in a business, given out instead of a DIVIDEND
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script
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a written text of a play, film/movie, broadcast, talk, etc: That line isn’t in the original script.
2 [U] writing done by hand: She admired his neat script.—see also MANUSCRIPT
3 [U, C] a set of letters in which a language is written
SYN ALPHABET : a document in Cyrillic script
4 [C] (BrE) a candidate’s written answer or answers in an exam

verb [vn] [often passive] to write the script for a film/movie, play, etc.

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script.ed
adj. read from a script : a scripted talk
OPP UNSCRIPTED
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scrip.ture
noun
1 (Scripture) [U] (also the Scriptures [pl.]) the Bible
2 (scriptures) [pl.] the holy books of a particular religion: Hindu scriptures
scrip.tural adj.: scriptural references
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script.writer
noun a person who writes the words for films/movies, television and radio plays—compare PLAYWRIGHT , SCREENWRITER
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scroll
noun, verb
noun
1 a long roll of paper for writing on
2 a decoration cut in stone or wood with a curved shape like a roll of paper

verb (computing ) to move text on a computer screen up or down so that you can read different parts of it: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Use the arrow keys to scroll through the list of files.  Scroll down to the bottom of the document.  [vn] Use the arrow keys to scroll the list of files.

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'scroll bar
noun (computing ) a strip at the edge of a computer screen that you use to scroll through a file with, using a mouse—
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Scrooge
noun [usually sing.] (informal, disapproving) a person who is very unwilling to spend money
ORIGIN From Ebenezer Scrooge, a character in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol who is extremely mean.
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scro.tum
noun (pl.scro.tums or scrota ) the bag of skin that contains the TESTICLES in men and most male animals
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scrounge
verb, noun
verb ~ (sth) (off / from sb)| ~ (for sth) (informal, disapproving) to get sth from sb by asking them for it rather than by paying for it
SYN SPONGE : [vn] He’s always scrounging free meals off us.  [v] What is she scrounging for this time?
scroun.ger noun: a campaign against welfare scroungers

noun
IDM on the 'scrounge (BrE, informal, disapproving) trying to get sth by persuading sb to give it to you: That brother of yours is always on the scrounge.

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scrub
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 ~ sth (down)| ~ (at sth) to clean sth by rubbing it hard, perhaps with a brush and usually with soap and water: [vn] I found him in the kitchen, scrubbing the floor.  She scrubbed the counters down with bleach.  [v] The woman scrubbed at her face with a tissue.  [vn-adj] Scrub the vegetables clean.
2 [vn] (informal) to cancel sth that you have arranged to do
PVR V ,scrub sth<->'off| scrub sth off sth to remove sth from the surface of an object by rubbing it hard with a brush, etc: This treatment involves scrubbing off the top layer of dead skin. ,scrub sth<->'out to clean the inside of sth by rubbing it hard with a brush and usually with soap and water: He scrubbed out the pans and left them to drain. ,scrub 'up (of a doctor, nurse, etc.) to wash your hands and arms before performing a medical operation

noun
1 [sing.] an act of scrubbing sth: I’ve given the floor a good scrub.
2 [U] small bushes and trees: The bird disappeared into the scrub.
3 (also scrub.land ) [U] an area of land covered with small bushes and trees

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scrub.ber
noun
1 (BrE, informal) an offensive word for a prostitute or for a woman who has sex with a lot of men
2 a brush or other object that you use for cleaning things, for example pans
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'scrubbing brush
(AmE 'scrub brush) noun a stiff brush for cleaning floors and other surfaces
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scrubby
adj.
1 covered with small bushes and trees: a scrubby hillside
2 (of trees) small and not fully developed: scrubby vegetation / bushes
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scruff
noun (BrE , informal) a dirty or untidy person
IDM by the scruff of the / sb’s 'neck roughly holding the back of an animal’s or person’s neck: She grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and threw him out.
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scruffy
adj. (scruff.ier, scruffi.est) (informal) dirty or untidy: He looked a little scruffy.  She was wearing a scruffy pair of jeans.
scruff.ily adv.
scruffi.ness noun [U]
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scrum
noun
1 (also formal scrum.mage) a part of a rugby game when players from both sides link themselves together in a group, with their heads down, and push against the other side. The ball is then thrown between them and each side tries to get it
2 the group of players who link themselves together in a scrum
3 a crowd of people who are pushing each other: There was a real scrum when the bus arrived.
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,scrum 'half
noun (in rugby) a player who puts the ball into the scrum
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scrum.mage
noun, verb
noun (formal) = SCRUM

verb (also ,scrum 'down) [v] (sport ) to form a SCRUM during a game of rugby

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scrump.tious
adj. (informal) tasting very good
SYN DELICIOUS : scrumptious desserts
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scrumpy
noun [U] (BrE ) a type of strong CIDER (= an alcoholic drink made from apples), made especially in the west of England
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scrunch
verb
1 [v] to make a loud sound like the one that is made when you walk on small stones (= GRAVEL ): The snow scrunched underfoot.
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to squeeze sth into a small round shape in your hands: He scrunched up the note and threw it on the fire.
3 [vn] ~ sth (up) to make sth become smaller: The hedgehog scrunched itself up into a ball.
scrunch noun [sing.]: the scrunch of tyres on the gravel
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scru.ple
noun, verb
noun [C, usually pl., U] a feeling that prevents you from doing sth that you think may be morally wrong: I overcame my moral scruples.  He had no scruples about spying on her.  She is totally without scruple .

verb [v to inf] (not scruple to do sth) (formal) to be willing to do sth even if it might be wrong or immoral

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scru.pu.lous
adj.
1 careful about paying attention to every detail
SYN METICULOUS : You must be scrupulous about hygiene when you’re preparing a baby’s feed.  scrupulous attention to detail
2 ~ (in sth / in doing sth) careful to be honest and do what is right: She had a reputation for scrupulous honesty.  He was scrupulous in all his business dealings.
OPP UNSCRUPULOUS
scru.pu.lous.ly adv.: Her house is scrupulously clean.  to be scrupulously fair / honest
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scru.tin.eer
noun (BrE ) a person who checks that an election or other vote is organized correctly and fairly
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scru.tin.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (written) to look at or examine sb/sth carefully: She leaned forward to scrutinize their faces.  The statement was carefully scrutinized before publication.
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scru.tiny
noun [U] (formal) careful and thorough examination: Her argument doesn’t really stand up to scrutiny.  Foreign policy has come under close scrutiny recently.  The documents should be available for public scrutiny.
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scuba-diving
(also scuba) noun [U] the sport or activity of swimming underwater using special breathing equipment. This consists of a container of air which you carry on your back and a tube through which you breathe the air: to go scuba-diving—picture at SNORKELLING
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scud
verb (-dd-) [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) (of clouds) to move quickly across the sky
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scuff
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (on sth) to make a mark on the smooth surface of sth when you rub it against sth rough: I scuffed the heel of my shoe on the stonework.
2 ~ your feet, heels, etc. to drag your feet along the ground as you walk
scuffed adj.: After only one day, his shoes were already scuffed and dirty.
scuff (also 'scuff mark) noun
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scuf.fle
noun, verb
noun ~ (with sb) a short and not very violent fight or struggle: Scuffles broke out between police and demonstrators.  He was involved in a scuffle with a photographer.

verb [v]
1 ~ (with sb) (of two or more people) to fight or struggle with each other for a short time, in a way that is not very serious: She scuffled with photographers as she left her hotel.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move quickly making a quiet rubbing noise: Some animal was scuffling in the bushes.

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scuf.fling
noun [U] a low noise made by sth moving around: He could hear whispering and scuffling on the other side of the door.
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scull
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] one of a pair of small OARS used by a single person rowing a boat, one in each hand
2 (sculls) [pl.] a race between small light boats with pairs of sculls : single / double sculls (= with one / two people in each boat)
3 [C] a small light boat used in sculls races

verb [v] to ROW a boat using sculls

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scull.er
noun a person who rows with sculls
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scull.ery
noun (pl.-ies) a small room next to the kitchen in an old house, originally used for washing dishes, etc.
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sculling
noun [U] the sport of racing with SCULLS
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sculpt
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sth (in / from / out of sth) to make figures or objects by carving or shaping wood, stone, clay, metal, etc: a display of animals sculpted in ice  The figures were sculpted from single blocks of marble.
2 (written) to give sth a particular shape: a coastline sculpted by the wind and sea   (figurative) a firmly sculpted mouth
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sculp.tor
noun a person who makes SCULPTURES
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sculp.tress
noun a woman who makes SCULPTURES
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sculp.ture
noun
1 [C, U] a work of art that is a solid figure or object made by carving or shaping wood, stone, clay, metal, etc: a marble sculpture of Venus  He collects modern sculpture.
2 [U] the art of making sculptures : the techniques of sculpture in stone
sculp.tural adj.: sculptural decoration
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sculp.tured
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of figures or objects) carved or shaped from wood, stone, clay, metal, etc.
2 (approving) (of part of the body) having a clear and pleasing shape: sculptured cheekbones
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scum
noun
1 [U, sing.] a layer of bubbles or an unpleasant substance that forms on the surface of a liquid: Skim off any scum.  stinking water covered by a thick green scum
2 (informal) [pl.] an insulting word for people that you strongly disapprove of: Don’t waste your sympathy on scum like that.  Drug dealers are the scum of the earth (= the worst people there are).
scummy adj.: scummy water  scummy people dropping litter
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scum.bag
noun (slang, offensive) an unpleasant person
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scup.per
verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to cause sb/sth to fail
SYN FOIL : The residents' protests scuppered their plans for developing the land.
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scur.ril.ous
adj. (formal) very rude and insulting, and intended to damage sb’s reputation: scurrilous gossip / rumours / attacks
scur.ril.ous.ly adv.
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scurry
verb (scur.ries, scurry.ing, scur.ried, scur.ried) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to run with quick short steps
SYN SCUTTLE : She said goodbye and scurried back to work.  Ants scurried around the pile of rotting food.
scurry noun [sing.]
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scurvy
noun [U] a disease caused by a lack of VITAMIN C from not eating enough fruit and vegetables
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scut.tle
verb, noun
verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to run with quick short steps
SYN SCURRY : She scuttled off when she heard the sound of his voice.  He held his breath as a rat scuttled past.
2 [vn] to deliberately cause sth to fail
SYN FOIL : Shareholders successfully scuttled the deal.
3 [vn] to sink a ship deliberately by making holes in the side or bottom of it

noun = COAL SCUTTLE

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scuttle.butt
noun [U] (AmE , slang) stories about other people’s private lives, that may be unkind or not true
SYN GOSSIP
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scuzzy
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) dirty and unpleasant
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scythe
noun, verb
noun a tool with a long handle and a slightly curved blade, used for cutting long grass and corn

verb to cut grass, corn, etc. with a scythe : [vn] the scent of newly scythed grass  [v] (figurative) The plane scythed through buildings in the city’s suburbs.

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SDLP
abbr. (in N Ireland) Social and Democratic Labour Party
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SE
abbr. south-east; south-eastern: SE Asia
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sea
noun
1 (often the sea) [U] (also literary seas [pl.]) (especially BrE) the salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface and surrounds its continents and islands: to travel by sea   a cottage by the sea   The waste was dumped in the sea.  Now the wreck is lying at the bottom of the sea.  We left port and headed for the open sea (= far away from land).  the cold seas of the Antarctic  a sea voyage  a hotel room with sea view—see also THE HIGH SEAS , OCEAN —picture at COAST
2 [C] (often Sea, especially as part of a name) a large area of salt water that is part of an ocean or surrounded by land: the North Sea  the Caspian Sea
3 [C] (also seas [pl.]) the movement of the waves of the sea: It was a calm sea.  The sea was very rough.
4 [sing.] ~ of sth a large amount of sth that stretches over a wide area: He looked down at the sea of smiling faces before him.
IDM at 'sea
1 on the sea, especially in a ship, or in the sea: It happened on the second night at sea.  They were lost at sea .
2 confused and not knowing what to do: I’m all at sea with these new regulations. go to 'sea to become a sailor out to 'sea far away from land where the sea is deepest: She fell overboard and was swept out to sea. put (out) to 'sea to leave a port or harbour by ship or boat—more at DEVIL , FISH n.
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,sea 'air
noun [U] air near the sea/ocean, thought to be good for the health: a breath of sea air
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'sea anemone
noun a simple, brightly-coloured sea creature that sticks onto rocks and looks like a flower
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the 'sea bed
noun [sing.] the floor of the sea/ocean
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sea.bird
noun a bird that lives close to the sea, for example on cliffs or islands, and gets its food from it—
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sea.board
noun the part of a country that is along its coast: Australia’s eastern seaboard
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sea.borne
adj. [only before noun] carried in ships: a seaborne invasion
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,sea 'breeze
noun a wind blowing from the sea/ocean towards the land
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'sea change
noun [usually sing.] (written) a strong and noticeable change in a situation
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sea.farer
noun (old-fashioned or formal) a sailor
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sea.far.ing
adj. [only before noun] connected with work or travel on the sea/ocean: a seafaring nation
sea.far.ing noun [U]
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'sea fish
noun (pl.sea fish) a fish that lives in the sea, rather than in rivers or lakes
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sea.food
noun [U] fish and sea creatures that can be eaten, especially shellfish: a seafood restaurant  a seafood cocktail
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'sea front
(often the sea front) noun [sing.] the part of a town facing the sea/ocean: the grand houses along the sea front
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sea.going
adj. [only before noun] (of ships) built for crossing the sea/ocean: a seagoing vessel
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,sea-'green
adj. bluish-green in colour, like the sea
,sea 'green noun [U]
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sea.gull
noun = GULL : a flock of seagulls
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'sea horse
noun a small sea fish that swims upright and has a head that looks like the head of a horse
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seal
noun, verb
noun
SEA ANIMAL|
1 [C] a sea animal that eats fish and lives around coasts. There are many types of seal , some of which are hunted for their fur: a colony of seals  grey seals basking on the rocks
OFFICIAL MARK|
2 [C] an official design or mark, stamped on a document to show that it is genuine and carries the authority of a particular person or organization: The letter bore the president’s seal.
MAKING STH DEFINITE|
3 [sing.] a thing that makes sth definite: The project has been given the government’s seal of approval (= official approval).  I looked upon the gift as a seal on our friendship.
ON CONTAINERS|
4 [C] a substance, strip of material, etc. used to fill a crack so that air, liquid, etc. cannot get in or out: a jar with a rubber seal in the lid  Only drink bottled water and check the seal isn’t broken.
ON LETTERS / BOXES|
5 [C] a piece of WAX (= a soft substance produced by bees), soft metal or paper that is placed across the opening of sth such as a letter or box and which has to be broken before the letter or box can be opened: He broke the wax seal and unrolled the paper.
6 a piece of metal, a ring, etc. with a design on it, used for stamping a WAX or metal seal set the 'seal on sth (formal) to make sth definite or complete: Her election to the premiership set the seal on a remarkable political career. under 'seal (formal) (of a document) in a sealed envelope that cannot be opened before a particular time

verb [vn]
CLOSE ENVELOPE|
1 ~ sth (up / down) to close an envelope, etc. by sticking the edges of the opening together: Make sure you’ve signed the cheque before sealing the envelope.  a sealed bid (= one that is kept in a sealed envelope and therefore remains secret until all other bids have been received)
CLOSE CONTAINER|
2 [often passive] ~ sth (up) (with sth) to close a container tightly or fill a crack, etc., especially so that air, liquid, etc. cannot get in or out: The organs are kept in sealed plastic bags.
COVER SURFACE|
3 [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover the surface of sth with a substance in order to protect it: The floors had been stripped and sealed with varnish.
MAKE STH DEFINITE|
4 (written) to make sth definite, so that it cannot be changed or argued about: to seal a contract / deal  They drank a glass of wine to seal their new friendship.  The discovery of new evidence sealed his fate (= nothing could prevent what was going to happen to him).
CLOSE BORDERS / EXITS|
5 (of the police, army, etc.) to prevent people from passing through a place: Troops have sealed the borders between the countries.
IDM see LIP , SIGN v. ,seal sth<->'in to prevent sth that is contained in sth else from escaping 'seal sth in sth to put sth in an envelope, container, etc. and seal it: The body was sealed in a lead coffin. ,seal sth<->'off (of the police, army) to prevent people from entering a particular area

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seal.ant
(also seal.er) noun [U, C] a substance that is put onto a surface to stop air, water, etc. from entering or escaping from it
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'sea legs
noun [pl.] the ability to walk easily on a moving ship and not to feel sick at sea: It won’t take you long to find your sea legs.
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seal.er
noun
1 = SEALANT
2 a person who hunts SEALS
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'sea level
noun [U] the average height of the sea/ocean, used as the basis for measuring the height of all places on land: 50 metres above sea level
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seal.ing
noun [U] the activity of hunting SEALS
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'sealing wax
noun [U] a type of WAX that melts quickly when it is heated and becomes hard quickly when it cools, used in the past for SEALING letters, etc.
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'sea lion
noun a large SEAL (= a sea animal with thick fur, that eats fish and lives around the coast) that lives by the Pacific Ocean
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seam
noun
1 a line along which two edges of fabric, etc. are joined or sewn together: a shoulder seam—picture at SEW
2 a thin layer of coal or other material, between layers of rock under the ground: They struck a rich seam of iron ore.   (figurative) The book is a rich seam of information.
3 a line where two edges meet, for example the edges of wooden boards: Light was spilling in through the seams of the door.
IDM be bursting / bulging at the 'seams (informal) to be very full, especially of people be falling / coming apart at the 'seams (informal) to be going very badly wrong and likely to stop functioning completely: She was falling apart at the seams, spending most of her time in tears.—more at FRAY v.
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sea.man
noun (pl.-men ) a member of the navy or a sailor on a ship below the rank of an officer: Seaman Bates  a merchant seaman—see also ABLE SEAMAN , ORDINARY SEAMAN
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sea.man.ship
noun [U] skill in sailing a boat or ship
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seamed
adj.
1 having a seam or seams : seamed stockings
2 (written) covered with deep lines: an old man with a brown seamed face
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'sea mile
noun = NAUTICAL MILE
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seam.less
adj.
1 without a SEAM : a seamless garment
2 with no spaces or pauses between one part and the next: a seamless flow of talk
seam.less.ly adv.
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seam.stress
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who can sew and make clothes or whose job is sewing and making clothes
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seamy
adj. (seam.ier, seami.est) unpleasant and immoral
SYN SORDID : a seamy sex scandal  the seamier side of life
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se.ance
noun a meeting at which people try to make contact with and talk to the spirits of dead people
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sea.plane
(AmE also hydro.plane) noun a plane that can take off from and land on water
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sea.port
noun a town with a harbour used by large ships: the Baltic seaports
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'sea power
noun
1 [U] the ability to control the seas with a strong navy
2 [C] a country with a strong navy
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sear
verb
1 [vn] to burn the surface of sth in a way that is sudden and powerful: The heat of the sun seared their faces.  spicy food that sears the mouth  Sear the meat first (= cook the outside of it quickly at a high temperature) to retain its juices.
2 (written) to cause sb to feel sudden and great pain: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The pain seared along her arm.  [vn] Feelings of guilt seared him.—see also SEARING
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search
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (for sb/sth) an attempt to find sb/sth, especially by looking carefully for them/it: After a long search for the murder weapon, the police found a knife.  Detectives carried out a thorough search of the building.  She went into the kitchen in search of (= looking for) a drink.  The search for a cure goes on.  The search is on (= has begun) for someone to fill the post.  Eventually the search was called off.  a mountain search and rescue team
2 (computing) an act of looking for information in a computer DATABASE or NETWORK : to do a search on the Internet  a search engine (= a program that does searches)

verb
1 ~ (sth) (for sth/sb) to look carefully for sth/sb; to examine a particular place when looking for sb/sth: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : She searched in vain for her passport.  The customs officers searched through our bags.  I’ve searched high and low for those files but I can’t find them anywhere.  [vn] His house had clearly been searched and the book was missing.  Firefighters searched the buildings for survivors.  searching the Web for interesting sites  [v, vn] Police searched for clues in the area.  Police searched the area for clues.
2 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (especially of the police) to examine sb’s clothes, their pockets, etc. in order to find sth that they may be hiding: Visitors are regularly searched as they enter the building.  The youths were arrested and searched for anything that would incriminate them.—see also STRIP-SEARCH
3 [v] ~ (for sth) to think carefully about sth, especially in order to find the answer to a problem: He searched desperately for something to say.—see also SOUL-SEARCHING
IDM ,search 'me (spoken) used to emphasize that you do not know the answer to sb’s question: ‘Why didn’t she say anything?’‘Search me!’
PVR V ,search sth/sb<->'out to look for sth/sb until you find them: Fighter pilots searched out and attacked enemy aircraft.

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search.er
noun
1 a person who is trying to find sth/sb
2 (computing) a program that helps you find information in a computer DATABASE or NETWORK ; a search engine
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search.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (of a book, a question, etc.) trying to find out the truth about sth; thorough and serious
search.ing.ly adv.
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search.light
noun a powerful lamp that can be turned in any direction, used, for example, for finding people or vehicles at night
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'search party
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] an organized group of people who are looking for a person or thing that is missing or lost
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'search warrant
noun an official document that allows the police to search a building, for example to look for stolen property
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sear.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (written)
1 so strong that it seems to burn you: the searing heat of a tropical summer  He felt a searing pain in his neck.
2 (of words or speech) powerful and critical: The article was a searing attack on the government.
sear.ing.ly adv.—see also SEAR
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sea.scape
noun a picture or view of the sea—compare TOWNSCAPE
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'sea shanty
noun (BrE ) = SHANTY
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sea.shell
noun the shell of a small creature that lives in the sea, often found empty when the creature has died
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sea.shore
(usually the seashore) noun [usually sing.] the land along the edge of the sea or ocean, usually where there is sand and rocks
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sea.sick
adj. [not usually before noun] feeling ill/sick or wanting to VOMIT when you are travelling on a boat or ship: to be / feel / get seasick
'sea.sick.ness noun [U]
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sea.side
(often the seaside) noun [sing.] (especially BrE ) an area that is by the sea, especially one where people go for a day or a holiday/vacation: a trip to the seaside  a day at / by the seaside
sea.side adj. [only before noun]: a seaside resort  a seaside vacation home  note at COAST
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sea.son
noun, verb
noun
1 any of the four main periods of the year: spring, summer, autumn/fall and winter: the changing seasons
2 the dry / rainy / wet ~ a period of the year in tropical countries when it is either very dry or it rains a lot
3 a period of time during a year when a particular activity happens or is done: the cricket / hunting / shooting season  He scored his first goal of the season on Saturday.  The female changes colour during the breeding season .  The hotels are always full during the peak season (= when most people are on holiday / vacation).   (BrE) the holiday season   (AmE) the tourist season   (AmE) the holiday season (= the time of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year)   (BrE) the festive season (= Christmas)—see also CLOSE SEASON , HIGH SEASON , LOW SEASON , OFF SEASON , THE SILLY SEASON
4 a period of time in which a play is shown in one place; a series of plays, films/movies or television programmes: The play opens for a second season in London next week.  a season of films by Alfred Hitchcock
5 a period of time during one year when a particular style of clothes, hair, etc. is popular and fashionable: This season’s look is soft and romantic.
IDM in 'season
1 (of fruit or vegetables) easily available and ready to eat because it is the right time of year for them: Strawberries are now in season.
2 (of a female animal) ready to MATE out of 'season
1 (of fruit or vegetables) not easily available because it is not the right time of year for them
2 at the times of year when few people go on holiday/vacation: Hotels are cheaper out of season. season’s 'greetings (written) used as a greeting at Christmas

verb ~ sth (with sth) to add salt, pepper, etc. to food in order to give it more flavour: [vn] Season the lamb with garlic and rosemary.  [v] Add the mushrooms and onions, and season to taste (= add as much salt, pepper, etc. as you think is necessary).

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sea.son.able
adj. usual or suitable for the time of year: seasonable temperatures
OPP UNSEASONABLE
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sea.son.al
adj.
1 happening or needed during a particular season; varying with the seasons: seasonal workers brought in to cope with the Christmas period  seasonal variations in unemployment figures
2 typical of or suitable for the time of year, especially Christmas: seasonal decorations
OPP UNSEASONAL
sea.son.al.ly adv.: seasonally adjusted unemployment figures (= not including the changes that always happen in different seasons)
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sea.son.al.ity
noun [U, sing.] (technical ) the fact of varying with the seasons: a high degree of climatic seasonality
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sea.soned
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of a person) having a lot of experience of a particular activity: a seasoned campaigner / performer / traveller
2 (of food) with salt, pepper, etc. added to it
3 (of wood) made suitable for use by being left outside: seasoned oak / timber
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sea.son.ing
noun [U, C] a substance used to add flavour to food, especially salt and pepper
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'season ticket
noun a ticket that you can use many times within a particular period, for example on a regular train or bus journey, or for a series of games, sports, etc., and that costs less than paying separately each time: an annual / a monthly season ticket  a season ticket holder
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seat
noun, verb
noun
PLACE TO SIT|
1 a place where you can sit, for example a chair: She sat back in her seat.  He put his shopping on the seat behind him.  Please take a seat (= sit down).  a window / corner seat (= one near a window / in a corner)  a child seat (= for a child in a car)  We used the branch of an old tree as a seat.  We all filed back to our seats in silence.—see also BACK SEAT , BUCKET SEAT , HOT SEAT , LOVE SEAT
-SEATER|
2 (in nouns and adjectives) with the number of seats mentioned: (BrE) a ten-seater minibus  an all-seater stadium (= in which nobody is allowed to stand)
PART OF CHAIR|
3 the part of a chair, etc. on which you actually sit: a steel chair with a plastic seat
IN PLANE / TRAIN / THEATRE|
4 a place where you pay to sit in a plane, train, theatre, etc: to book / reserve a seat (= for a concert, etc.)  There are no seats left on that flight.
OFFICIAL POSITION|
5 an official position as a member of a parliament, council, committee, etc: a seat on the city council / in Parliament / in Congress  to win / lose a seat (= in an election)   (BrE) to take your seat (= to begin your duties, especially in Parliament)  The majority of seats on the board will be held by business representatives.—see also SAFE SEAT
TOWN / CITY|
6 ~ of sth (formal) a place where people are involved in a particular activity, especially a city that has a university or the offices of a government: Washington is the seat of government of the US.  a university town renowned as a seat of learning
COUNTRY HOUSE|
7 (also ,country 'seat) (both BrE) a large house in the country, that belongs to a member of the upper class: the family seat in Norfolk
PART OF BODY|
8 (especially formal) the part of the body on which a person sits
SYN BUTTOCKS
PART OF TROUSERS / PANTS|
9 the part of a pair of trousers/pants that covers a person’s seat (fly) by the seat of your 'pants to act without careful thought and without a plan that you have made in advance, hoping that you will be lucky and be successful be in the 'driving seat (BrE) (AmE be in the 'driver’s seat) to be the person in control of a situation—more at BACK SEAT , BUM n. , EDGE n.

verb [vn]
SIT DOWN|
1 ~ (yourself) (formal) to give sb a place to sit; to sit down in a place: Please wait to be seated (= in a restaurant, etc.).  Please be seated (= sit down).  He seated himself behind the desk.  Please remain seated until the aircraft has come to a halt.  The bus can carry 42 seated passengers.
OF BUILDING / VEHICLE|
2 to have enough seats for a particular number of people: The aircraft seats 200 passengers.

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'seat belt
(also 'safety belt) noun a belt that is attached to the seat in a car or a plane and that you fasten around yourself so that you are not thrown out of the seat if there is an accident: Fasten your seat belts.—picture at CAR
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seat.ing
noun [U] places to sit; seats: The theatre has seating for about 500 people.  The room had a seating capacity of over 200.  the seating arrangements for the conference
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'sea turtle
noun (AmE ) = TURTLE
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'sea urchin
(also ur.chin) noun a small sea creature with a round prickly shell
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,sea 'wall
noun a large strong wall built to stop the sea from flowing onto the land
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sea.ward
adj. towards the sea; in the direction of the sea: the seaward side of the coastal road
sea.ward (also sea.wards ) adv.: Her gaze was fixed seawards.
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'sea water
noun [U] water from the sea or ocean, that is salty
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sea.way
noun a passage from the sea through the land along which large ships can travel
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sea.weed
noun [U, C] a plant that grows in the sea or ocean, or on rocks at the edge of the sea or ocean. There are many different types of seaweed , some of which are eaten as food.
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sea.worthy
adj. (of a ship) in a suitable condition to sail
sea.worthi.ness noun [U]
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se.ba.ceous
adj. [usually before noun] (biology ) producing a substance like oil in the body: the sebaceous glands in the skin
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Sec.
(AmE also Secy.) abbr. secretary
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sec
noun (a sec) [sing.] (informal) a very short time; a second: Stay there. I’ll be back in a sec .  Hang on (= wait) a sec.
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sec.
abbr. second(s)
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seca.teurs
noun [pl.] (BrE ) a garden tool like a pair of strong scissors, used for cutting plant stems and small branches: a pair of secateurs—picture at SCISSORS
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se.cede
verb [v] ~ (from sth) (formal) (of a state, country, etc.) to officially leave an organization of states, countries, etc. and become independent: The Republic of Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903.
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se.ces.sion
noun [U, C] ~ (from sth) the fact of an area or group becoming independent from the country or larger group that it belongs to
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se.ces.sion.ist
adj. [only before noun] supporting or connected with secession : secessionist groups
se.ces.sion.ist noun: a military campaign against the secessionists
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se.cluded
adj.
1 (of a place) quiet and private; not used or disturbed by other people: a secluded garden / beach / spot
2 without much contact with other people: to lead a secluded life
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se.clu.sion
noun [U] the state of being private or of having little contact with other people: the seclusion and peace of the island
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sec.ond^1
det., ordinal number, adv., noun, verb —see also SECOND^2
det., ordinal number
1 happening or coming next after the first in a series of similar things or people; 2nd: This is the second time it’s happened.  Italy scored a second goal just after half-time.  the second of June / June 2nd  He was the second to arrive.  We have one child and are expecting our second in July.
2 next in order of importance, size, quality, etc. to one other person or thing: Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city / Japan’s second city.  The spreadsheet application is second only to word processing in terms of popularity.  As a dancer, he is second to none (= nobody is a better dancer than he is).
3 [only before noun] another; in addition to one that you already own or use: They have a second home in Tuscany.  teachers of English as a second language (= to people who already speak one or more other languages)

adv.
1 after one other person or thing in order or importance: She came second in the marathon.  I agreed to speak second.  He is a writer first and a scientist second.
2 used to introduce the second of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing
SYN SECONDLY : She did it first because she wanted to, and second because I asked her to.

noun
1 [C] (symb″) (abbr.sec.) a unit for measuring time. There are 60 seconds in one minute: She can run 100 metres in just over 11 seconds.  For several seconds he did not reply.  The light flashes every 5 seconds .  The water flows at about 1.5 metres per second .
2 [C] (also informal sec) a very short time
SYN MOMENT : I’ll be with you in a second .  They had finished in / within seconds .—see also SPLIT SECOND
3 [C] (symb″) a unit for measuring angles. There are 60 seconds in one minute: 1° 6′ 10″ (= one degree, six minutes and ten seconds)
4 (seconds) [pl.] (spoken) a second amount of the same food that you have just eaten: Seconds, anybody?
5 [C, usually pl.] an item that is sold at a lower price than usual because it is not perfect
6 (also ,second 'gear) [U] one of four or five positions of the GEARS in a vehicle: When it’s icy, move off in second .
7 [C] a level of university degree at British universities. An upper second is a good degree and a lower second is average.—compare FIRST n. (4) , THIRD n. (2)
8 [C] a person whose role is to help and support sb else, for example in a boxing match or in a formal DUEL in the past
IDM see JUST adv. , WAIT v.

verb [vn] to state officially at a meeting that you support another person’s idea, suggestion, etc. so that it can be discussed and/or voted on: Any proposal must be seconded by two other members of the committee.   (spoken) ‘Thank God that’s finished.’‘I’ll second that! (= I agree)’—compare PROPOSE

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se.cond^2
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (from sth) (to sth) (especially BrE ) to send an employee to another department, office, etc. in order to do a different job for a short period of time: Each year two teachers are seconded to industry for six months.—see also SECOND^1
se.cond.ment (BrE) noun [U, C]: They met while she was on secondment from the Foreign Office.
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sec.ond.ary
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) less important than sth else: a secondary consideration / issue / role  Experience is what matters—age is of secondary importance.  Raising animals was only secondary to other forms of farming.
2 happening as a result of sth else: a secondary infection / tumour  a secondary effect  a secondary colour (= made from mixing two primary colours)
3 [only before noun] connected with teaching children of 11-18 years: secondary teachers  the secondary curriculum—compare ELEMENTARY , PRIMARY , TERTIARY
sec.ond.ar.ily adv.: Poverty is primarily a cause of illness and only secondarily its effect.
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,secondary edu'cation
noun [U] (especially BrE ) education for children between the ages of 11 and 18: primary and secondary education
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,secondary 'modern
noun (in Britain until the 1970s) a school for young people between the ages of 11 and 16 who did not go to a GRAMMAR SCHOOL
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'secondary school
noun a school for young people between the ages of 11 and 16 or 18—compare PRIMARY SCHOOL , HIGH SCHOOL
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'secondary source
noun a book or other source of information where the writer has taken the information from some other source and not collected it himself or herself—compare PRIMARY SOURCE
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,secondary 'stress
noun [U, C] (phonetics ) the second strongest stress that is put on a syllable in a word or a phrase when it is spoken—compare PRIMARY STRESS
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,second 'best
adj.
1 not as good as the best: The two teams seemed evenly matched but Arsenal came off second best (= did not win).  my second-best suit
2 not exactly what you want; not perfect: a second-best choice / option / solution
,second 'best noun [U]: Sometimes you have to settle for (= be content with)second best .
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,second 'chamber
noun (especially BrE ) = UPPER HOUSE
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,second 'class
noun [U]
1 a way of travelling on a train or ship that costs less and is less comfortable than FIRST CLASS . In Britain this is now usually called standard class.
2 (in Britain) the class of mail that costs less and takes longer to arrive than FIRST CLASS
3 (in the US) the system of sending newspapers and magazines by mail
4 [U, sing.] the second highest standard of degree given by a British university, often divided into upper second class and lower second class
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,second-'class
adj.
1 (disapproving) (of a person) less important than other people: Older people should not be treated as second-class citizens .
2 of a lower standard or quality than the best: a second-class education
3 [only before noun] connected with the less expensive way of travelling on a train, ship, etc: second-class carriages / compartments / passengers
4 [only before noun] (in Britain) connected with letters, parcels/packages, etc. that you pay less to send and that are delivered less quickly: second-class letters / stamps
5 (in the US) connected with the system of sending newspapers and magazines by mail
6 [only before noun] used to describe a British university degree which is good but not of the highest class: Applicants should have at least a second-class honours degree.
,second-'class adv.: to send a letter second-class  to travel second-class
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the ,Second 'Coming
noun [sing.] a day in the future when Christians believe Jesus Christ will come back to earth
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,second 'cousin
noun a child of a COUSIN of your mother or father
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,second-de'gree
adj. [only before noun]
1 ~ murder, assault, burglary, etc. (especially AmE) murder, etc. that is less serious than FIRST-DEGREE crimes
2 ~ burns burns of the second most serious of three kinds, causing BLISTERS but no permanent marks—compare FIRST-DEGREE , THIRD-DEGREE
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sec.ond.er
noun a person who SECONDS a proposal, etc. (= supports it so that it can be discussed)—compare PROPOSER
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,second-'guess
verb
1 [vn] to guess what sb will do before they do it: It was impossible to second-guess the decision of the jury.
2 (especially AmE ) to criticize sb after a decision has been made; to criticize sth after it has happened: [vn] There’s no point in second-guessing the issue now. [alsov]
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'second hand
noun the hand on some watches and clocks that shows seconds
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,second-'hand
adj.
1 not new; owned by sb else before: second-hand cars  a second-hand bookshop (= for selling second-hand books)
2 (often disapproving) (of news, information, etc.) learned from other people, not from your own experience: second-hand knowledge / opinions
,second-'hand adv.: I bought the camera second-hand.  I only heard about it second-hand.—compare FIRST-HAND
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,second 'home
noun
1 [C] a house or flat/apartment that sb owns as well as their main home and uses, for example, for holidays/vacations
2 [sing.] a place where sb lives and which they know as well as, and like as much as, their home
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,second in com'mand
noun a person who has the second highest rank in a group and takes charge when the leader is not there
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,second 'language
noun a language that sb learns to speak well and that they use for work or at school, but that is not the language they learned first: ESL or English as a Second Language
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,second lieu'tenant
noun an officer of lower rank in the army or the US air force just below the rank of a LIEUTENANT
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sec.ond.ly
adv. used to introduce the second of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing: Firstly, it’s expensive, and secondly, it’s too slow.
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'second name
noun (especially BrE )
1 a family name or SURNAME
2 a second personal name: His second name is Willem, after his grandfather.
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,second 'nature
noun [U] ~ (to sb) (to do sth) something that you do very easily and naturally, because it is part of your character or you have done it so many times
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the ,second 'person
noun [sing.] (grammar ) the form of a pronoun or verb used when addressing sb: In the phrase ‘you are’, the verb ‘are’ is in the second person and the word ‘you’ is a second-person pronoun.—compare THE FIRST PERSON , THE THIRD PERSON
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,second-'rate
adj. not very good or impressive: a second-rate player
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,second 'sight
noun [U] the ability that some people seem to have to know or see what will happen in the future or what is happening in a different place
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,second-'string
adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE ) (usually of a player in a sports team) only used occasionally where sb/sth else is not available: a second-string quarterback
,second 'string noun: Wilson was a second string for New Zealand in last week’s match.
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,second 'wind
noun [sing.] (informal) new energy that makes you able to continue with sth that had made you tired
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se.crecy
noun [U] the fact of making sure that nothing is known about sth; the state of being secret: the need for absolute secrecy in this matter  Everyone involved was sworn to secrecy .  The whole affair is still shrouded in secrecy .
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se.cret
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (from sb) known about by only a few people; kept hidden from others: secret information / meetings / talks  He tried to keep it secret from his family.  Details of the proposals remain secret.  a secret passage leading to the beach—see also TOP SECRET
2 [only before noun] used to describe actions and behaviour that you do not tell other people about: He’s a secret drinker.  I didn’t know you were a secret football fan.  her secret hopes / fears  a secret room
3 [not usually before noun] ~ (about sth) (of a person or their behaviour) liking to have secrets that other people do not know about; showing this
SYN SECRETIVE : They were so secret about everything.  Jessica caught a secret smile flitting between the two of them.
se.cret.ly adv.: The police had secretly filmed the conversations.  She was secretly pleased to see him.

noun
1 [C] something that is known about by only a few people and not told to others: Can you keep a secret ?  The location of the ship is a closely-guarded secret .  Shall we let him in on (= tell him)the secret ?  He made no secret of his ambition (= he didn’t try to hide it).  She was dismissed for revealing trade secrets.  official / State secrets
2 (usually the secret) [sing.] the best or only way to achieve sth; the way a particular person achieves sth: Careful planning is the secret of success.  She still looks so young. What’s her secret?
3 [C, usually pl.] a thing that is not yet fully understood or that is difficult to understand: the secrets of life / the universe
IDM in 'secret without other people knowing about it: The meeting was held in secret.—more at OPEN adj.

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,secret 'agent
(also agent) noun a person who is used by a government to find out secret information about other countries or governments
SYN SPY
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sec.re.tar.ial
adj. involving or connected with the work of a secretary: secretarial work / qualifications
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sec.re.tar.iat
noun the administrative department of a large international or political organization, especially the office of a SECRETARY GENERAL
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sec.re.tary
noun (pl.-ies) (abbr. Sec.)
1 a person who works in an office, working for another person, dealing with letters and telephone calls, typing, keeping records, arranging meetings with people, etc: a legal / medical secretary  Please contact my secretary to make an appointment.—see also PRIVATE SECRETARY
2 an official of a club, society, etc. who deals with writing letters, keeping records, and making business arrangements: the membership secretary
3 (Secretary) = SECRETARY OF STATE —see also HOME SECRETARY , PERMANENT UNDERSECRETARY
4 (AmE) the head of a government department, chosen by the President: Secretary of the Treasury
5 (in Britain) an assistant of a government minister, an AMBASSADOR , etc.—see also UNDERSECRETARY
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,Secretary 'General
noun the person who is in charge of the administrative department of a large international or political organization: the former Secretary General of NATO
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,Secretary of 'State
noun
1 (also Sec.re.tary) (in Britain) the head of an important government department: the Secretary of State for Education and Employment  the Education Secretary  the Foreign Secretary
2 (in the US) the head of the government department that deals with foreign affairs
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se.crete
verb [vn]
1 (of part of the body or a plant) to produce a liquid substance: Insulin is secreted by the pancreas.
2 ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to hide sth, especially sth small: The drugs were secreted in the lining of his case.
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se.cre.tion
noun (technical )
1 [U] the process by which liquid substances are produced by parts of the body or plants: the secretion of bile by the liver
2 [C, usually pl.] a liquid substance produced by parts of the body or plants: bodily secretions
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se.cret.ive
adj. ~ (about sth) tending or liking to hide your thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. from other people: He’s very secretive about his work.  The child became secretive and withdrawn.
se.cret.ive.ly adv.
se.cret.ive.ness noun [U]
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,secret po'lice
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] a police force that works secretly to make sure that citizens behave as their government wants
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,secret 'service
noun [usually sing.] a government department that is responsible for protecting its government’s military and political secrets and for finding out the secrets of other governments
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sect
noun a small group of people who belong to a particular religion but who have some beliefs or practices which separate them from the rest of the group
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sect.ar.ian
adj. [usually before noun] (often disapproving) connected with the differences that exist between groups of people who have different religious views: sectarian attacks / violence  attempts to break down the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland
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sect.ar.ian.ism
noun [U] (often disapproving) strong support for one particular religious or political group, especially when this leads to violence between different groups
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sec.tion
noun, verb
noun
PART / PIECE|
1 [C] any of the parts into which sth is divided: That section of the road is still closed.  The library has a large biology section.  the tail section of the plane
2 [C] a separate part of a structure from which the whole can be put together: The shed comes in sections that you assemble yourself.
OF DOCUMENT / BOOK|
3 [C] a separate part of a document, book, etc: These issues will be discussed more fully in the next section.  the sports section of the newspaper
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
4 [C] a separate group within a larger group of people: an issue that will affect large sections of the population  the brass section of an orchestra—see also RHYTHM SECTION
OF ORGANIZATION|
5 [C] a department in an organization, institution, etc: He’s the director of the finance section.
DIAGRAM|
6 [C] a drawing or diagram of sth as it would look if it were cut from top to bottom or from one side to the other: The illustration shows a section through a leaf.  The architect drew the house in section .—see also CROSS SECTION
MEDICAL|
7 [C, U] (medical) the act of cutting or separating sth in an operation: The surgeon performed a section (= made a cut) on the vein.—see also CAESAREAN
8 [C] (medical, biology) a very thin flat piece cut from body tissue to be looked at under a MICROSCOPE : to examine a section from the kidney

verb [vn]
MEDICAL / BIOLOGY|
1 (medical) to divide body tissue by cutting
2 (biology) to cut animal or plant tissue into thin slices in order to look at it under a MICROSCOPE
MENTAL PATIENT|
3 [often passive] (BrE) to officially send sb with a mental illness to a PSYCHIATRIC hospital ,section sth<->'off to separate an area from a larger one: Parts of the town had been sectioned off.

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sec.tion.al
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with one particular group within a community or an organization: the sectional interests of managers and workers
2 made of separate sections: a sectional building
3 connected with a CROSS SECTION of sth (= a surface or an image formed by cutting through sth from top to bottom): a sectional drawing
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sec.tor
noun
1 a part of an area of activity, especially of a country’s economy: the manufacturing sector  service-sector jobs (= in hotels, restaurants, etc.)—see also THE PRIVATE SECTOR , THE PUBLIC SECTOR
2 a part of a particular area, especially an area under military control: each sector of the search / war zone
3 (geometry) a part of a circle lying between two straight lines drawn from the centre to the edge—picture at CIRCLE
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secu.lar
adj.
1 not connected with spiritual or religious matters: secular art / education / music
2 (of priests) living among ordinary people rather than in a religious community
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secu.lar.ism
noun [U] (technical ) the belief that religion should not be involved in the organization of society, education, etc.
secu.lar.ist adj. [usually before noun]
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secu.lar.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun [U] the act or process of removing the influence or power that religion has over sth: the secularization of society / education
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secu.lar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive] to make sth SECULAR ; to remove sth from the control or influence of religion: a secularized society
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se.cure
adj., verb
adj.
HAPPY / CONFIDENT|
1 feeling happy and confident about yourself or a particular situation: At last they were able to feel secure about the future.  She finished the match, secure in the knowledge that she was through to the next round.
OPP INSECURE
CERTAIN / SAFE|
2 likely to continue or be successful for a long time
SYN SAFE : a secure job / income  It’s not a very secure way to make a living.  The future of the company looks secure.
OPP INSECURE
3 ~ (against / from sth) that cannot be affected or harmed by sth: Information must be stored so that it is secure from accidental deletion.
BUILDING / DOOR / ROOM|
4 guarded and/or made stronger so that it is difficult for people to enter or leave: Check that all windows and doors have been made as secure as possible.  a secure unit for child offenders
OPP INSECURE
FIRM|
5 not likely to move, fall down, etc: The aerial doesn’t look very secure to me.  It was difficult to maintain a secure foothold on the ice.   (figurative) Our relationship was now on a more secure footing.
OPP INSECURE
se.cure.ly adv.: She locked the door securely behind her.  Make sure the ropes are securely fastened.  Democracy is becoming more securely established in Eastern Europe.

verb
GET STH|
1 ~ sth (for sb/sth)| ~ sb sth (formal) to obtain or achieve sth, especially when this means using a lot of effort: [vn] to secure a contract / deal  The team managed to secure a place in the finals.  She secured 2 000 votes.  [vn, vnn] He secured a place for himself at law school.  He secured himself a place at law school.
FASTEN FIRMLY|
2 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to attach or fasten sth firmly: She secured the rope firmly to the back of the car.  The tables on board were secured firmly to the floor.
PROTECT FROM HARM|
3 [vn] ~ sth (against sth) to protect sth so that it is safe and difficult to attack or damage: to secure a property against intruders  The windows were secured with locks and bars.   (figurative) a savings plan that will secure your child’s future
A LOAN|
4 [vn] to legally agree to give sb property or goods that are worth the same amount as the money that you have borrowed from them, if you are unable to pay the money back: a short-term loan secured on the house

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se.cur.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
PROTECTION|
1 [U] the activities involved in protecting a country, building or person against attack, danger, etc: national security (= the defence of a country)  airport / hotel security  The visit took place amidst tight security (= the use of many police officers).  the security forces / services (= the police, army, etc.)  a high / maximum security prison (= for dangerous criminals)—see also HIGH-SECURITY
2 [U+sing./pl. v.] the department of a large company or organization that deals with the protection of its buildings, equipment and staff: Security was / were called to the incident.
3 [U] protection against sth bad that might happen in the future: financial security  Job security (= the guarantee that you will keep your job) is a thing of the past.
FEELING HAPPY / SAFE|
4 [U] the state of feeling happy and safe from danger or worry: the security of a loving family life  She’d allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security (= a feeling that she was safe when in fact she was in danger).
FOR A LOAN|
5 [U, C] a valuable item, such as a house, that you agree to give to sb if you are unable to pay back the money that you have borrowed from them: His home and business are being held as security for the loan.
SHARES IN COMPANY|
6 (securities) [pl.] (finance) documents proving that sb is the owner of shares, etc. in a particular company—see also SOCIAL SECURITY
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se'curity guard
noun a person whose job is to guard money, valuables, a building, etc.
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se'curity risk
noun a person who cannot be given secret information because they are a danger to a particular country, organization, etc., especially because of their political beliefs
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Se'curity Service
noun a government organization that protects a country and its secrets from enemies
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Secy.
abbr. (AmE ) = SEC.
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sedan
noun (AmE ) = SALOON (1)
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se,dan 'chair
noun a box containing a seat for one person, carried on poles by two people, used in the 17th and 18th centuries
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sed.ate
adj., verb
adj. [usually before noun]
1 slow, calm and relaxed
SYN UNHURRIED : a sedate game of golf  We followed the youngsters at a more sedate pace.
2 quiet, especially in a way that lacks excitement: a sedate country town
3 (of a person) quiet and serious in a way that seems formal: a sedate, sober man
sed.ate.ly adv.

verb [vn] [often passive] to give sb drugs in order to make them calm and or to make them sleep: Most of the patients are heavily sedated.

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sed.ation
noun [U] the act of giving sb drugs in order to make them calm or to make them sleep; the state that results from this: The victim’s wife was last night being kept under sedation in the local hospital.
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seda.tive
noun a drug that makes sb go to sleep or makes them feel calm and relaxed
seda.tive adj. [usually before noun]: sedative drugs / effects
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sed.en.tary
adj.
1 (of work, activities, etc.) in which you spend a lot of time sitting down: a sedentary job / occupation  a sedentary lifestyle
2 (of people) spending a lot of time sitting down and not moving: He became increasingly sedentary in later life.
3 (technical) (of people or animals) that stay and live in the same place or area: Rhinos are largely sedentary animals.  a sedentary population
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Seder
noun a Jewish CEREMONIAL service and dinner on the first night or first two nights of Passover
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sedge
noun [U] a plant like grass that grows in wet ground or near water
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sedi.ment
noun [U]
1 the solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid
2 (geology) sand, stones, mud, etc. carried by water or wind and left, for example, on the bottom of a lake, river, etc.
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sedi.ment.ary
adj. (geology ) connected with or formed from the sand, stones, mud, etc. that settle at the bottom of lakes, etc: sedimentary layers / rocks / deposits
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sedi.men.ta.tion
noun [U] (geology ) the process of DEPOSITING (= leaving) sediment
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se.di.tion
noun [U] (formal) the use of words or actions that are intended to encourage people to oppose a government: to be charged with sedition
se.di.tious adj.: seditious activity
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se.duce
verb [vn]
1 to persuade sb to have sex with you, especially sb who is younger or who has less experience than you
2 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to persuade sb to do sth that they would not usually agree to do by making it seem very attractive: The promise of huge profits seduced him into parting with his money.
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se.du.cer
noun a person who persuades sb to have sex with them
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se.duc.tion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of persuading sb to have sex with you: Cleopatra’s seduction of Caesar
2 [C, usually pl., U] ~ (of sth) the qualities or features of sth that make it seem attractive: Who could resist the seductions of the tropical island?
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se.duc.tive
adj.
1 sexually attractive: a seductive woman / voice
2 attractive in a way that makes you want to have or do sth: The idea of retiring to the south of France is highly seductive.
se.duc.tive.ly adv.
se.duc.tive.ness noun [U]
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se.duc.tress
noun a woman who persuades sb to have sex with her
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see
verb, noun
verb (saw seen )
USE EYES|
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to become aware of sb/sth by using your eyes: [vn] She looked for him but couldn’t see him in the crowd.  [v (that)] He could see (that) she had been crying.  [v wh-] Did you see what happened?  [vn-adj] I hate to see you unhappy.  [v, vn] The opera was the place to see and be seen (= by other important or fashionable people).  [vn -ing] She was seen running away from the scene of the crime.  [vn inf] I saw you put the key in your pocket.  [vn to inf] He was seen to enter the building about the time the crime was committed.
HELP This pattern is only used in the passive.
2 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have or use the power of sight: [v] She will never see again (= she has become blind).  On a clear day you can see for miles from here.  [v to inf] It was getting dark and I couldn’t see to read.
WATCH|
3 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to watch a game, television programme, performance, etc: Did you see that programme on Brazil last night?  In the evening we went to see a movie.  Fifty thousand people saw the match.
LOOK UP INFORMATION|
4 [vn] (used in orders) to look at sth in order to find information: See page 158.
MEET BY CHANCE|
5 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be near and recognize sb; to meet sb by chance: Guess who I saw at the party last night!
VISIT|
6 [vn] to visit sb: Come and see us again soon.
HAVE MEETING|
7 [vn] ~ sb (about sth) to have a meeting with sb: You ought to see a doctor about that cough.  What is it you want to see me about?  I can only see you for five minutes.
SPEND TIME|
8 [vn] (often used in the progressive tenses) to spend time with sb: Are you seeing anyone (= having a romantic relationship with anyone)?  They’ve been seeing a lot of each other (= spending a lot of time together) recently.
UNDERSTAND|
9 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to understand sth: [v] ‘It opens like this.’‘Oh, I see .’  [vn] He didn’t see the joke.  I don’t think she saw the point of the story.  I can see both sides of the argument.  Make Lydia see reason (= be sensible), will you?  [v (that)] Can’t you see (that) he’s taking advantage of you?  I don’t see that it matters what Josh thinks.  [v wh-] ‘It’s broken.’‘Oh yes, I see what you mean .’  ‘Can we go swimming?’‘I don’t see why not (= yes, you can).’  [vn to inf] The government not only has to do something, it must be seen to be doing something (= people must be aware that it is doing sth).
HELP This pattern is only used with see in the passive.
HAVE OPINION|
10 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have an opinion of sth: I see things differently now.  Try to see things from her point of view.  Lack of money is the main problem, as I see it (= in my opinion).  The way I see it , you have three main problems.
IMAGINE|
11 ~ sb/sth (as sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to consider sth as a future possibility; to imagine sb/sth as sth: [vn -ing] I can’t see her changing her mind.  [vn] His colleagues see him as a future director.
FIND OUT|
12 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to find out sth by looking, asking or waiting: [v] ‘Has the mail come yet?’‘I’ll just go and see.’  ‘Is he going to get better?’‘I don’t know, we’ll just have to wait and see .’  [v wh-] Go and see what the kids are doing, will you?  We’ll have to see how it goes .  [v (that)] I see (that) interest rates are going up again.  [vn that] It can be seen that certain groups are more at risk than others.
13 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to find out or decide sth by thinking or considering: [v] ‘Will you be able to help us?’‘I don’t know, I’ll have to see.’  ‘Can I go to the party?’‘We’ll see (= I’ll decide later).  [v wh-] I’ll see what I can do to help.
MAKE SURE|
14 [v that] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to make sure that you do sth or that sth is done: See that all the doors are locked before you leave.
EXPERIENCE|
15 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to experience or suffer sth: He has seen a great deal in his long life.  I hope I never live to see the day when computers finally replace books.  It didn’t surprise her—she had seen it all before .
WITNESS EVENT|
16 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the time when an event happens: Next year sees the centenary of Verdi’s death.
17 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the place where an event happens
SYN WITNESS : This stadium has seen many thrilling football games.
HELP|
18 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to go with sb to help or protect them: I saw the old lady across (= helped her cross) the road.  May I see you home (= go with you as far as your house)?  My secretary will see you out (= show you the way out of the building). Most idioms containing see are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example not see the wood for the trees is at wood.  for all (the world) to 'see clearly visible; in a way that is clearly visible see sth 'coming to realize that there is going to be a problem before it happens: We should have seen it coming. There was no way he could keep going under all that pressure. ,see for your'self to find out or look at sth yourself in order to be sure that what sb is saying is true: If you don’t believe me, go and see for yourself! see sb/sth for what they 'are / it 'is to realize that sb/sth is not as good, pleasant, etc. as they/it seem seeing that … (also informal seeing as (how) …) because of the fact that …: Seeing that he’s been off sick all week he’s unlikely to come. 'see you (a'round) | (I’ll) be 'seeing you | ,see you 'later (spoken) goodbye: I’d better be going now. See you! you 'see (spoken) used when you are explaining sth: You see, the thing is, we won’t be finished before Friday. 'see about sth to deal with sth: I must see about (= prepare) lunch.  He says he won’t help, does he? Well, we’ll soon see about that (= I will demand that he does help). [+ -ing] I’ll have to see about getting that roof repaired. 'see sth in sb/sth to find sb/sth attractive or interesting: I don’t know what she sees in him. ,see sb<->'off
1 to go to a station, an airport, etc. to say goodbye to sb who is starting a journey
2 (BrE) to force sb to leave a place, for example by chasing them: The dogs saw them off in no time.
3 (BrE) to defeat sb in a game, fight, etc: The home team saw off the challengers by 68 points to 47. ,see sth<->'out (not used in the progressive tenses) to last until the end of sth: They had enough fuel to see the winter out. ,see 'over sth (BrE) to visit and look at a place carefully: We need to see over the house before we can make you an offer. ,see 'through sb/sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to realize the truth about sb/sth so that you are not deceived: We saw through him from the start.  I can see through your little game (= I am aware of the trick you are trying to play on me). ,see sth 'through (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to not give up doing a task, project, etc. until it is finished: She’s determined to see the job through. ,see sb 'through| see sb through sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to give help or support to sb for a particular period of time: Her courage and good humour saw her through.  I only have $20 to see me through the week. 'see to sth to deal with sth: Will you see to the arrangements for the next meeting?  Don’t worry—I’ll see to it .  We’ll have to get that door seen to (= repaired). 'see to it that … to make sure that …: Can you see to it that the fax goes this afternoon?

noun (formal) the district or office of a BISHOP or an ARCHBISHOP : the Holy See (= the office of the POPE )

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seed
noun, verb
noun
OF PLANTS / FRUIT|
1 [C, U] the small hard part produced by a plant, from which a new plant can grow: a packet of wild flower seeds  sunflower / sesame seeds  Sow the seeds outdoors in spring.  These vegetables can be grown from seed .  seed potatoes (= used for planting)
2 [C] (AmE) = PIP (2)
BEGINNING|
3 [C, usually pl.] ~ (of sth) the beginning of a feeling or a development which continues to grow: the seeds of conflict / rebellion  This planted the seeds of doubt in my mind.
IN TENNIS|
4 [C] (especially in tennis) one of the best players in a competition. The seeds are given a position in a list to try and make sure that they do not play each other in the early parts of the competition: The top seed won comfortably.  the number one seed
OF A MAN|
5 [U] (old-fashioned or humorous) SEMEN
6 [U] (literary) all the people who are descended from one man go / run to 'seed
1 (especially of a vegetable plant) to produce flowers and seeds as well as leaves: The lettuces had all run to seed.
2 to become much less attractive or good because of lack of attention: After his divorce, he let himself go to seed.—more at SOW v.

verb
OF A PLANT|
1 [v] to produce seeds
2 [vn] ~ itself to produce other plants using its own seeds
AREA OF GROUND|
3 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to plant seeds in an area of ground: a newly seeded lawn
IN TENNIS|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to make sb a seed in a competition: He has been seeded 14th at Wimbledon next week.

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seed.bed
noun
1 an area of soil which has been specially prepared for planting seeds in
2 [usually sing.] ~ (of / for sth) a place or situation in which sth can develop
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'seed corn
noun [U]
1 the grain that is kept for planting the next year’s crops
2 people or things that will be successful or useful in the future
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seed.ed
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (especially of a tennis player) given a number showing that they are one of the best players in a particular competition: a seeded player
2 (of fruit) with the seeds removed: seeded tomatoes
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seed.less
adj. [usually before noun] (of fruit) having no seeds: seedless grapes / raisins
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seed.ling
noun a young plant that has grown from a seed
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'seed money
(also 'seed capital) noun [U] money to start a new business, project, etc.
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'seed pearl
noun a small PEARL
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seeds.man
noun (pl.-men ) a person who grows and sells seeds
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seedy
adj. (seed.ier, seedi.est) (disapproving) dirty and unpleasant, possibly connected with immoral or illegal activities: a seedy bar  the seedy world of prostitution  a seedy-looking man
seedi.ness noun [U]
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,Seeing 'Eye dog
™noun (AmE ) = GUIDE DOG
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seek
verb (sought, sought ) (formal)
1 ~ (for) sth/sb to look for sth/sb: [vn] Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.  [v] (BrE) They sought in vain for somewhere to shelter.
2 to try to obtain or achieve sth: [vn] to seek compensation / funding  Highly qualified secretary seeks employment. (= in an advertisement)  We are currently seeking new ways of expanding our membership. [alsov]
3 [vn] ~ sth (from sb) to ask sb for sth: I think it’s time we sought legal advice.  She managed to calm him down and seek help from a neighbour.
4 [v to inf] to try to do sth: They quickly sought to distance themselves from the protesters.
5 (-seeking) (in adjectives and nouns) looking for or trying to get the thing mentioned; the activity of doing this: attention-seeking behaviour  Voluntary work can provide a framework for job-seeking.—see also HEAT-SEEKING , SELF-SEEKING —see also HIDE-AND-SEEK
IDM seek your 'fortune (literary) to try to find a way to become rich, especially by going to another place
PVR V ,seek sb/sth 'out to look for and find sb/sth, especially when this means using a lot of effort
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seek.er
noun (often in compounds) a person who is trying to find or get the thing mentioned: an attention / a publicity seeker  seekers of / after the truth—see also ASYLUM SEEKER , JOB SEEKER
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seem
linking verb
1 ~ (to sb) (to be) sth| ~ like sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to give the impression of being or doing sth; to appear: [v-adj] You seem happy.  Do whatever seems best to you.  [v-n] He seems a nice man.  [v] It seemed like a good idea at the time.  ‘He’ll be there, then?’‘So it seems (= people say so).’  It always seemed as though they would get married.  [v that] It seems that they know what they’re doing.  [v to inf] They seem to know what they’re doing.
2 [v to inf] used to make what you say about your thoughts, feelings or actions less forceful: I seem to have left my book at home.  I can’t seem to (= I’ve tried, but I can’t) get started today.
3 (it seems, it would seem) used to suggest that sth is true when you are not certain or when you want to be polite: [v (that)] It would seem that we all agree.  [v-adj] It seems only reasonable to ask students to buy a dictionary.
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seem.ing
adj. [only before noun] (formal) appearing to be sth that may not be true
SYN APPARENT : a seeming contradiction / impossibility  She handled the matter with seeming indifference.
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seem.ing.ly
adv.
1 in a way that appears to be true but may in fact not be: a seemingly stupid question  a seemingly endless journey
2 according to what you have read or heard
SYN APPARENTLY : Seemingly, he borrowed the money from the bank.
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seem.ly
adv. (old-fashioned or formal) appropriate for a particular social situation
OPP UNSEEMLY
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seen
pp of SEE
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seep
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially of liquids) to flow slowly and in small quantities through sth or into sth: Blood was beginning to seep through the bandages.  Water seeped from a crack in the pipe.   (figurative) Gradually the pain seeped away.
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seep.age
noun [U, C, usually pl.] the process by which a liquid flows slowly and in small quantities through sth; the result of this process: Water gradually escapes by seepage through the ground.  oil seepages
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seer
noun (in the past) a person who claimed that they could see what was going to happen in the future
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seer.sucker
noun [U] a light cotton fabric with a pattern of raised lines and squares on its surface
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'see-saw
noun, verb
noun
1 (AmE also 'teeter-totter) [C] a piece of equipment for children to play on consisting of a long flat piece of wood that is supported in the middle. A child sits at each end and makes the see-saw move up and down.
2 [sing.] a situation in which things keep changing from one state to another and back again

verb [v] to keep changing from one situation, opinion, emotion, etc. to another and back again: Her emotions see-sawed from anger to fear.  Share prices see-sawed all day.

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seethe
verb [v]
1 ~ (with sth)| ~ (at sth) to be extremely angry about sth but try not to show other people how angry you are
SYN FUME : She seethed silently in the corner.  He marched off, seething with frustration.
2 ~ (with sth) (written) (of a place) to be full of a lot of people or animals, especially when they are all moving around: The resort is seething with tourists all year round.  He became caught up in a seething mass of arms and legs.
3 (written) (of liquids) to move around quickly and violently: The grey ocean seethed beneath them.
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'see-through
adj. (of fabric) very thin so that you can see through it: a see-through blouse
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seg.ment
noun, verb
noun
1 a part of sth that is separate from the other parts or can be considered separately: She cleaned a small segment of the painting.  Lines divided the area into segments.
2 one of the sections of an orange, a lemon, etc.—
3 (geometry) a part of a circle separated from the rest by a single line—picture at CIRCLE

verb [vn] [often passive] (technical ) to divide sth into different parts: Market researchers often segment the population on the basis of age and social class.  The worm has a segmented body (= with different sections joined together).

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seg.men.ta.tion
noun [U, C, usually pl.] (technical ) the act of dividing sth into different parts; one of these parts: the segmentation of social classes
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seg.re.gate
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (from sb) to separate people of different races, religions or sexes and treat them differently: a culture in which women are segregated from men  a racially segregated community  a segregated school (= one for students of one race or religion only)
OPP INTEGRATE
2 ~ sth (from sth) to keep one thing separate from another: In all our restaurants, smoking and non-smoking areas are segregated from each other.
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seg.re.ga.tion
noun [U]
1 the act or policy of separating people of different races, religions or sexes and treating them differently: racial / religious / sex segregation  segregation by age and sex
2 (formal) the act of separating people or things from a larger group: the segregation of smokers and non-smokers in restaurants
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seg.re.ga.tion.ist
adj. supporting the separation of people according to their sex, race or religion: segregationist policies
seg.re.ga.tion.ist noun
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segue
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move smoothly from one song, subject, place, etc. to another: a spiritual that segued into a singalong chorus  He then segued into a discussion of atheism.
segue noun
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seis.mic
adj. [only before noun] connected with or caused by earthquakes: seismic data / waves
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seis.mo.graph
noun an instrument that measures and records information about earthquakes
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seis.mol.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of earthquakes
seis.molo.gical adj.: the National Seismological Institute
seis.molo.gist noun
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seize
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sb) to take sb/sth in your hand suddenly and using force
SYN GRAB : She tried to seize the gun from him.  He seized her by the arm.  She seized hold of my hand.
2 ~ sth (from sb) to take control of a place or situation, often suddenly and violently: They seized the airport in a surprise attack.  The army has seized control of the country.  He seized power in a military coup.
3 to arrest or capture sb: The men were seized as they left the building.
4 to take illegal or stolen goods away from sb: A large quantity of drugs was seized during the raid.
5 ~ a chance, an opportunity, the initiative, etc. to be quick to make use of a chance, an opportunity, etc.
SYN GRAB : The party seized the initiative with both hands (= quickly and with enthusiasm).
6 (of an emotion) to affect sb suddenly and deeply: Panic seized her.  He was seized by curiosity.
PVR V 'seize on / upon sth to suddenly show a lot of interest in sth, especially because you can use it to your advantage
SYN POUNCE ON / UPON : The rumours were eagerly seized upon by the local press. ,seize 'up
1 (of the parts of a machine) to stop moving or working correctly: The engine suddenly seized up.
2 if a part of your body seizes up, you are unable to move it easily and it is often painful
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seiz.ure
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth) the use of legal authority to take sth from sb; an amount of sth that is taken in this way: The court ordered the seizure of his assets.  the largest ever seizure of cocaine at a British port
2 [U] ~ (of sth) the act of using force to take control of a country, town, etc: the army’s seizure of power  the seizure of Burma by Japan in 1942
3 (old-fashioned) [C] a sudden attack of an illness, especially one that affects the brain
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sel.dom
adv. not often
SYN RARELY : He had seldom seen a child with so much talent.  She seldom, if ever, goes to the theatre.  They seldom watch television these days.   (literary) Seldom had he seen such beauty.
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se.lect
verb, adj.
verb ~ sb/sth (as / for sth)| ~ sb/sth (from sth) to choose sb/sth, usually carefully, from a group of people or things: [vn] He hasn’t been selected for the team.  All our hotels have been carefully selected for the excellent value they provide.  She was selected as the parliamentary candidate for Bath.  a randomly selected sample of 23 schools  selected poems of T.S. Eliot  This model is available at selected stores only.  Select ‘New Mail’ from the ‘Send’ menu.  [vn to inf] Six theatre companies have been selected to take part in this year’s festival. [alsov wh-]

adj.
1 [only before noun] carefully chosen as the best out of a larger group of people or things: a select wine list  Only a select few (= a small number of people) have been invited to the wedding.
2 (of a society, club, place, etc.) used by people who have a lot of money or a high social position
SYN EXCLUSIVE : They live in a very select area.  a select club / restaurant

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se,lect com'mittee
noun (BrE ) a small group of politicians or experts that have been chosen to examine a particular subject or problem
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se.lec.tion
noun
1 [U] the process of choosing sb/sth carefully from a group of people or things: The final team selection will be made tomorrow.  the random selection of numbers  selection criteria  the selection process
2 [C] a number of people or things that have been chosen from a larger group: A selection of reader’s comments are published below.
3 [C] a collection of things from which sth can be chosen
SYN CHOICE , RANGE : The showroom has a wide selection of kitchens.—see also NATURAL SELECTION
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se.lect.ive
adj.
1 [usually before noun] affecting or concerned with only a small number of people or things from a larger group: the selective breeding of cattle  selective strike action
2 ~ (about / in sth) tending to be careful about what or who you choose: You will have to be selective about which information to include in the report.  Their admissions policy is very selective.  a selective school (= one that chooses which children to admit, especially according to ability)
se.lect.ive.ly adv.: The product will be selectively marketed in Europe and the US.
se.lect.iv.ity noun [U]: Schools are tending towards greater selectivity.
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se.lect.or
noun
1 (BrE) a person who chooses the members of a particular sports team
2 a device in an engine, a piece of machinery, etc. that allows you to choose a particular function: a gear selector  a selector lever / switch
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self
noun (pl.selves )
1 [C, usually sing.] the type of person you are, especially the way you normally behave, look or feel: You’ll soon be feeling your old self again (= feeling well or happy again).  He’s not his usual happy self this morning.  Only with a few people could she be her real self (= show what she was really like rather than what she pretended to be).  his private / professional self (= how he behaves at home / work)
2 [U] (also the self [sing.]) (formal) a person’s personality or character that makes them different from other people: Many people living in institutions have lost their sense of self (= the feeling that they are individual people).  the inner self (= a person’s emotional and spiritual character)  a lack of confidence in the self
3 [U] (formal) your own advantage or pleasure rather than that of other people: She didn’t do it for any reason of self.
4 [C] used to refer to a person: Jon gave his whole self to his job.  You didn’t hurt your little self, did you?  We look forward to seeing Mrs Brown and your good self this evening.
IDM see FORMER
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self-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) of, to or by yourself or itself: self-control  self-addressed  self-taught
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,self-ab'sorbed
adj. only concerned about or interested in yourself
,self-ab'sorp.tion noun [U]
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,self-'access
noun [U] a method of learning in which students choose their materials and use them to study on their own: a self-access centre / library
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,self-ad'hesive
adj. [usually before noun] covered on one side with a sticky substance so that it can be stuck to sth without the use of glue, etc: self-adhesive tape
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,self-ap'point.ed
adj. [usually before noun] (usually disapproving) giving yourself a particular title, job, etc., especially without the agreement of other people
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,self-ap'prais.al
noun [U, C] an act or the process of judging your own work or achievements: Students are given the opportunity for self-appraisal.
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,self-as'sembly
adj. (of furniture) bought in several parts that you have to put together yourself: cheap self-assembly kitchen units
,self-as'sembly noun [U]: kitchen units for self-assembly
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,self-as'sert.ive
adj. very confident and not afraid to express your opinions
,self-as'sertion , ,self-as'sert.ive.ness noun [U]
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,self-as'sess.ment
noun [U]
1 the process of judging your own progress, achievements, etc.
2 (BrE) a system of paying tax in which you calculate yourself how much you should pay
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,self-as'sured
adj. having a lot of confidence in yourself and your abilities
SYN CONFIDENT
,self-as'surance noun [U]
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,self-a'wareness
noun [U] knowledge and understanding of your own character
,self-a'ware adj.
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,self-'catering
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE ) a self-catering holiday is one which provides you with accommodation and the equipment that is necessary to cook your own meals: self-catering accommodation
,self-'catering noun [U] (BrE): All prices are based on a week’s self-catering in shared accommodation.
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,self-'centred
(BrE ) (AmE,self-'centered) adj. (disapproving) tending to think only about yourself and not thinking about the needs or feelings of other people
,self-'centred.ness (BrE) (AmE ,self-'centered.ness) noun [U]
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,self-con'fessed
adj. [only before noun] admitting that you are a particular type of person or have a particular problem, especially a bad one: a self-confessed criminal / cynic
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,self-'confident
adj. having confidence in yourself and your abilities
SYN SELF-ASSURED , CONFIDENT : a self-confident child  a self-confident manner
,self-'confidence noun [U]: He has no self-confidence.
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,self-congratu.'la.tion
noun [U] (usually disapproving) a way of behaving that shows that you think you have done sth very well and are pleased with yourself
,self-con'gratu.la.tory adj.: The winners gave themselves a self-congratulatory round of applause.
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,self-'conscious
adj.
1 ~ (about sth) nervous or embarrassed about your appearance or what other people think of you: He’s always been self-conscious about being so short.  She was a shy, self-conscious girl.
2 (often disapproving) done in a way that shows you are aware of the effect that is being produced: The humour of the play is self-conscious and contrived.
OPP UNSELFCONSCIOUS
,self-'consciously adv.: She was self-consciously aware of his stare.
,self-'conscious.ness noun [U]
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,self-con'tained
adj.
1 not needing or depending on other people: Her father was a quiet self-contained man.  a self-contained life
2 able to operate or exist without outside help or influence
SYN INDEPENDENT : a self-contained community  Each chapter is self-contained and can be studied in isolation.
3 [usually before noun] (BrE) (of a flat / apartment) having its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance: self-contained accommodation
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,self-contra'dict.ory
adj. containing two ideas or statements that cannot both be true
,self-contra'diction noun [U]
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,self-con'trol
noun [U] the ability to remain calm and not show your emotions even though you are feeling angry, excited, etc: to lose / regain your self-control  It took all his self-control not to shout at them.
,self-con'trolled adj.
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,self-'criticism
noun [U] the process of looking at and judging your own faults or weaknesses
,self-'critical adj.: Don’t be too self-critical.
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,self-de'ception
noun [U] the act of making yourself believe sth that you know is not true
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,self-de'feat.ing
adj. causing more problems and difficulties instead of solving them; not achieving what you wanted to achieve but having an opposite effect: Paying children too much attention when they misbehave can be self-defeating.
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,self-de'fence
(BrE ) (AmE,self-de'fense) noun [U]
1 something you say or do in order to protect yourself when you are being attacked, criticized, etc: The man later told police that he was acting in self-defence .
2 the skill of being able to protect yourself from physical attack without using weapons: I’m taking classes in self-defence.
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,self-de'nial
noun [U] the act of not having or doing the things you like, either because you do not have enough money, or for moral or religious reasons: a life of self-denial and sacrifice  an act of self-denial
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,self-'deprecat.ing
adj. (written) done in a way that makes your own achievements or abilities seem unimportant: He gave a self-deprecating shrug.
,self-depre'ca.tion noun [U]
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,self-de'struct
verb [v] (especially of an explosive device, a machine, etc.) to destroy itself, usually by exploding: This tape will self-destruct in 30 seconds.   (figurative) In the last half-hour of the movie the plot rapidly self-destructs.
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,self-de'struc.tion
noun [U] the act of doing things to deliberately harm yourself: He wanted Jill to give up her life of alcohol and self-destruction.
,self-de'structive
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,self-de,termi'n.ation
noun [U]
1 the right of a country and its people to be independent and to choose their own government and political system
SYN INDEPENDENCE
2 the right or ability of a person to control their own fate
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,self-'discip.line
noun [U] the ability to make yourself do sth, especially sth difficult or unpleasant: It takes a lot of self-discipline to go jogging in winter.
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,self-'doubt
noun [U, C] the feeling that you are not good enough: His life was plagued by fear and self-doubt.
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,self-'drive
adj. [only before noun] (BrE )
1 a self-drive car is one that you hire and drive yourself
2 a self-drive holiday is one on which you use your own car to travel to the holiday area
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,self-'educated
adj. having learned things by reading books, etc. rather than at school or college
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,self-ef'facing
adj. not wanting to attract attention to yourself or your abilities
SYN MODEST : In spite of her success, she remains self-effacing and reserved.  a shy, self-effacing man
,self-ef'face.ment noun [U]
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,self-em'ployed
adj. working for yourself and not employed by a company, etc: a self-employed musician  I decided to become self-employed.  retirement plans for the self-employed (= people who are self-employed)
,self-em'ploy.ment noun [U]
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,self-e'steem
noun [U] a feeling of being happy with your own character and abilities: to have high / low self-esteem   You need to build your self-esteem.
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,self-'evident
adj. obvious and needing no further proof or explanation: The dangers of such action are self-evident.  a self-evident truth
,self-'evident.ly adv.
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,self-ex,ami'n.ation
noun [U]
1 the study of your own behaviour and beliefs to find out if they are right or wrong: spiritual self-examination
2 the act of checking your body for any signs of illness
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,self-ex'plana.tory
adj. easy to understand and not needing any more explanation: I think the title is self-explanatory.
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,self-ex'pres.sion
noun [U] the expression of your thoughts or feelings, especially through activities such as writing, painting, dancing, etc: You should encourage your child’s attempts at self-expression.
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,self-ful'fil.ling
adj. [usually before noun] a self-fulfillingPROPHECY is one that becomes true because people expect it to be true and behave in a way that will make it happen: If you expect to fail, you will fail. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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,self-ful'fil.ment
(BrE ) (also ,self-ful'fill.mentAmE, BrE) noun [U] the feeling of being happy and satisfied that you have everything you want or need
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,self-'govern.ment
noun [U] the government or control of a country or an organization by its own people or members, not by others
,self-'govern.ing adj.
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,self-'help
noun [U] the act of relying on your own efforts and abilities in order to solve your problems, rather than depending on other people for help
,self-'help adj. [only before noun]: a self-help discussion group for people suffering from depression (= whose members help each other)
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,self-'image
noun the opinion or idea you have of yourself, especially of your appearance or abilities: to have a positive / poor self-image
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,self-im'port.ant
adj. (disapproving) thinking that you are more important than other people
,self-im'port.ance noun [U]
,self-im'port.ant.ly adv.
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,self-im'posed
adj. [usually before noun] a self-imposed task, duty, etc. is one that you force yourself to do rather than one that sb else forces you to do: a self-imposed deadline
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,self-in'duced
adj. (of illness, problems, etc.) caused by yourself: self-induced vomiting
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,self-in'dulgent
adj. (disapproving) allowing yourself to have or do things that you like, especially when you do this too much or too often: a self-indulgent lifestyle  She writes a tedious and self-indulgent column for a Sunday paper.
,self-in'dulgence noun [U]
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,self-in'flict.ed
adj. a self-inflicted injury, problem, etc. is one that you cause for yourself: a self-inflicted wound  Most of Ian’s problems are self-inflicted.
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,self-'interest
noun [U] (disapproving) the fact of sb only considering their own interests and of not caring about things that would help other people: Not all of them were acting out of self-interest.
,self-'interest.ed adj.
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self.ish
adj. caring only about yourself rather than about other people: selfish behaviour / demands  Do you think I’m being selfish by not letting her go?  What a selfish thing to do!  It was selfish of him to leave all the work to you.
OPP UNSELFISH , SELFLESS
self.ish.ly adv.: She looked forward, a little selfishly, to a weekend away from her family.
self.ish.ness noun [U]: He was the victim of his own greed and selfishness.
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self.less
adj. thinking more about the needs, happiness, etc. of other people than about your own: a life of selfless service to the community
OPP SELFISH
self.less.ly adv.
self.less.ness noun [U]
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,self-'made
adj. [usually before noun] having become rich and successful through your own hard work rather than having had money given to you: He was proud of the fact that he was a self-made man .
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,self-muti'la.tion
noun [U] the act of wounding yourself, especially when this is a sign of mental illness
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,self-o'pinion.ated
adj. (disapproving) believing that your own opinions are always right and refusing to listen to those of other people
SYN OPINIONATED
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,self-'pity
noun [U] (often disapproving) a feeling of pity for yourself, especially because of sth unpleasant or unfair that has happened to you: She’s not someone who likes to wallow in self-pity .  tears of self-pity  A wave of self-pity came over him.
,self-'pitying adj.
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,self-'portrait
noun a painting that you do of yourself: a Rembrandt self-portrait
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,self-pos'sessed
adj. able to remain calm and confident in a difficult situation: She always seems so calm and self-possessed.
,self-pos'ses.sion noun [U]: He soon recovered his usual self-possession.
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,self-preser.'va.tion
noun [U] the fact of protecting yourself in a dangerous or difficult situation: She was held back by some sense of self-preservation.
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,self-pro'claimed
adj. (often disapproving) giving yourself a particular title, job, etc. without the agreement or permission of other people
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,self-raising 'flour
(BrE ) (AmE 'baking flour, ,self-rising 'flour) noun [U] flour that contains BAKING POWDER —compare PLAIN FLOUR
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,self-re'liant
adj. able to do or decide things by yourself, rather than depending on other people for help
SYN INDEPENDENT
,self-re'liance noun [U]
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,self-re'spect
noun [U] a feeling of pride in yourself that what you do, say, etc. is right and good: Despite poverty and appalling conditions, these people still manage to keep their dignity and self-respect.
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,self-re'spect.ing
adj. [only before noun] (especially in negative sentences) having pride in yourself because you believe that what you do is right and good: No self-respecting journalist would ever work for that newspaper.
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,self-re'straint
noun [U] the ability to stop yourself doing or saying sth that you want to because you know it is better not to: She exercised all her self-restraint and kept quiet.
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,self-'righteous
adj. (disapproving) feeling or behaving as if what you say or do is always morally right, and other people are wrong
,self-'righteous.ly adv.
,self-'righteous.ness noun [U]
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,self-rising 'flour
noun [U] (AmE ) = SELF-RAISING FLOUR
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,self-'rule
noun [U] the governing of a country or an area by its own people
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,self-'sacrifice
noun [U] (approving) the act of not allowing yourself to have or do sth in order to help other people: the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fought in the war  an act of heroic self-sacrifice
,self-'sacrifi.cing adj.: self-sacrificing behaviour / love
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self.same
adj. [only before noun] (written) (the, this, etc. selfsame …) used to emphasize that two people or things are the same: Jane had been wondering that selfsame thing.
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,self-'satisfied
adj. (disapproving) too pleased with yourself or your own achievements
SYN SMUG : He had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
,self-satis'fac.tion noun [U]: a look of self-satisfaction
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,self-'seeking
adj. (disapproving) interested only in your own needs and interests rather than thinking about the needs of other people
,self-'seeking noun [U]: They were accused of self-seeking and corruption.
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,self-'service
adj. [usually before noun] a self-service shop/store, restaurant, etc. is one in which customers serve themselves and then pay for the goods
,self-'service noun [U]: The cafe provides quick self-service at low prices.
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,self-'serving
adj. (disapproving) interested only in gaining an advantage for yourself: He was a ruthless, self-serving politician.
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,self-'starter
noun (approving) a person who is able to work on their own and make their own decisions without needing anyone to tell them what to do
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,self-'styled
adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) using a name or title that you have given yourself, especially when you do not have the right to do it: the self-styled king of fashion
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,self-suf'ficient
adj. ~ (in sth) able to do or produce everything that you need without the help of other people: The country is totally self-sufficient in food production.  policies to encourage people to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on welfare
,self-suf'ficiency noun [U]
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,self-sup'port.ing
adj. having enough money to be able to operate without financial help from other people
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,self-'taught
adj. having learned sth by reading books, etc., rather than by sb teaching you: a self-taught artist
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,self-'willed
adj. (disapproving) determined to do what you want without caring about other people: Even at four years old, Carol was stubborn and self-willed.
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,self-'worth
noun [U] a feeling of confidence in yourself that you are a good and useful person: Praise your child to increase her sense of self-worth.
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sell
verb, noun
verb (sold, sold )
EXCHANGE FOR MONEY|
1 ~ sth (to sb) (at / for sth)| ~ sb sth (at / for sth) to give sth to sb in exchange for money: [vn, vnn] I sold my car to James for £800.  I sold James my car for £800.  [vn] They sold the business at a profit / loss (= they gained / lost money when they sold it).  [v] We offered them a good price but they wouldn’t sell.
OFFER FOR SALE|
2 [vn] to offer sth for people to buy: Most supermarkets sell a range of organic products.  Do you sell stamps?  to sell insurance / advertising space
BE BOUGHT|
3 to be bought by people in the way or in the numbers mentioned; to be offered at the price mentioned: [vn] The magazine sells 300 000 copies a week.  [v] The book sold well and was reprinted many times.  The new design just didn’t sell (= nobody bought it).  The pens sell for just 50p each.
PERSUADE|
4 to make people want to buy sth: [v] You may not like it but advertising sells.  [vn] It is quality not price that sells our products.
5 [vn] ~ sth / yourself (to sb) to persuade sb that sth is a good idea, service, product, etc.; to persuade sb that you are the right person for a job, position, etc: Now we have to try and sell the idea to management.  You really have to sell yourself at a job interview.
TAKE MONEY / REWARD|
6 [vn] ~ yourself (to sb) (disapproving) to accept money or a reward from sb for doing sth that is against your principles
SYN PROSTITUTE —see also SALE be 'sold on sth (informal) to be very enthusiastic about sth: We were really sold on the idea. sell your 'body to have sex with sb in exchange for money sell sb down the 'river (informal) to betray sb you have promised to help
ORIGIN From the custom of buying and selling slaves on the plantations on the Mississippi river in America. Slaves who caused trouble for their masters could be sold to plantation owners lower down the river, where conditions would be worse. sell sb / yourself 'short to not value sb/yourself highly enough and show this by the way you treat or present them/yourself sell your 'soul (to the devil) to do anything, even sth bad or dishonest, in return for money, success or power—more at HOT adj. , PUP ,sell sth<->'off
1 to sell things cheaply because you want to get rid of them or because you need the money
2 to sell all or part of an industry, a company or land: The Church sold off the land for housing.—related noun SELL-OFF ,sell 'out| be ,sold 'out (of tickets for a concert, football game, etc.) to be all sold: The tickets sold out within hours.  This week’s performances are completely sold out. ,sell 'out (of sth)| be ,sold 'out (of sth) to have sold all the available items, tickets, etc: I’m sorry, we’ve sold out of bread.  We are already sold out for what should be a fantastic game. ,sell 'out (to sb/sth)
1 (disapproving) to change or give up your beliefs or principles: He’s a talented screenwriter who has sold out to TV soap operas.
2 to sell your business or a part of your business: The company eventually sold out to a multinational media group.—related noun SELL-OUT ,sell 'up| ,sell sth<->'up (especially BrE) to sell your home, possessions, business, etc., usually because you are leaving the country or RETIRING

noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) something that is not as good as it seemed to be: The band only played for about half an hour—it was a real sell.—see also HARD SELL

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'sell-by date
(BrE ) (AmE 'pull date) noun the date printed on food packages, etc. after which the food must not be sold: This milk is past its sell-by date.   (figurative) These policies are way past their sell-by date.
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sell.er
noun
1 a person who sells sth: a flower seller  The law is intended to protect both the buyer and the seller.—see also BOOKSELLER —compare VENDOR
2 a good, poor, etc. ~ a product that has been sold in the amounts or way mentioned: This particular model is one of our biggest sellers.—see also BEST-SELLER
IDM a ,seller’s 'market a situation in which people selling sth have an advantage, because there is not a lot of a particular item for sale, and prices can be kept high
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'selling point
noun a feature of sth that makes people want to buy or use it: The price is obviously one of the main selling points.  Sales departments try to identify a product’s USP or ‘unique selling point’.
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'selling price
noun the price at which sth is sold—compare ASKING PRICE , COST PRICE
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'sell-off
noun
1 (BrE) the sale by the government of an industry or a service to individual people or private companies
2 (AmE, business) the sale of a large number of STOCKS and SHARES , after which their value usually falls
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Sel.lo.tape
™noun (also 'sticky tape) (both BrE ) (AmE 'Scotch tape™) [U] clear plastic tape that is sticky on one side, used for sticking things together: a roll of Sellotape  The envelope was stuck down with Sellotape.—picture at STATIONERY
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sel.lo.tape
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth) (BrE ) to join or stick things together with Sellotape : We found a note sellotaped to the front door.
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'sell-out
noun [usually sing.]
1 a play, concert, etc. for which all the tickets have been sold: Next week’s final looks like being a sell-out.  a sell-out tour
2 a situation in which sb betrays a person or group who trusted them, by not doing sth that they promised to do, or by doing sth that they promised not to do: The workers see the deal as a union sell-out to management.
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selt.zer
noun [U, C] FIZZY water (= with bubbles), usually containing minerals, used as a drink
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selves
pl. of SELF
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se.man.tic
adj. [usually before noun] (linguistics ) connected with the meaning of words and sentences: semantic theory / analysis
se.man.tic.al.ly adv.: semantically related words
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se.man.tics
noun [U] (linguistics )
1 the study of the meanings of words and phrases
2 the meaning of words, phrases or systems: the semantics of the language
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sema.phore
noun, verb
noun [U] a system for sending signals in which you hold your arms or two flags in particular positions to represent different letters of the alphabet

verb [v, vn, v that] to send a message to sb by semaphore or a similar system of signals

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semb.lance
noun [sing., U] ~ of sth (written) a situation in which sth seems to exist although this may not, in fact, be the case: The ceasefire brought about a semblance of peace.  Life at last returned to some semblance of normality.
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semen
noun [U] the whitish liquid containing SPERM that is produced by the sex organs of men and male animals
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se.mes.ter
noun (especially in the US) one of the two periods that the school or college year is divided into: the spring / fall semester—compare TRIMESTER
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semi
noun (pl.semis) (BrE , informal) a SEMI-DETACHED house (= one that is joined to another house by one shared wall): suburban semis
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semi-
prefix (in adjectives and nouns) half; partly: semicircular  semi-final
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,semi-auto'mat.ic
adj. (of a gun) able to load bullets automatically, and therefore very quickly, but not firing automatically
,semi-auto'mat.ic noun
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semi.breve
(BrE ) (AmE 'whole note) noun (music ) a note that lasts as long as four CROTCHETS/QUARTER NOTES —picture at MUSIC
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semi.circle
noun
1 (geometry) one half of a circle—picture at CIRCLE
2 the line that encloses a semicircle
3 a thing, or a group of people or things, shaped like a semicircle : a semicircle of chairs  We sat in a semicircle round the fire.
semi.cir.cu.lar adj.: a semicircular driveway
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semi.colon
noun the mark ( ; ) used to separate the parts of a complicated sentence or items in a detailed list, showing a pause that is longer than a COMMA but shorter than a FULL STOP —compare COLON
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semi.con.duct.or
noun (technical )
1 a solid substance that CONDUCTS electricity in particular conditions, better than INSULATORS but not as well as CONDUCTORS
2 a device containing a semiconductor used in ELECTRONICS
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,semi-de'tached
adj. (BrE ) (of a house) joined to another house by a wall on one side that is shared
,semi-de'tached noun—compare DETACHED —see also SEMI , TERRACED
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,semi-'final
noun one of the two games or parts of a sports competition that are held to decide who will compete in the last part (the FINAL ): He’s through to the semi-final of the men’s singles.
,semi-'finalist noun: They are semi-finalists for the fourth year in succession.
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sem.inal
adj.
1 (formal) very important and having a strong influence on later developments: a seminal work / article / study
2 [usually before noun] (technical) of or containing SEMEN : seminal fluid
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sem.inar
noun
1 a class at a university or college when a small group of students and a teacher discuss or study a particular topic: Teaching is by lectures and seminars.  a graduate seminar  a seminar room / group
2 a meeting for discussion or training: a one-day management seminar
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sem.in.ar.ian
noun a student in a seminary
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sem.in.ary
noun (pl.-ies) a college where priests, ministers or RABBIS are trained
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semi.ot.ics
noun [U] the study of signs and symbols and of their meaning and use
semi.ot.ic adj.: semiotic analysis
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,semi-'precious
adj. [usually before noun] (of a jewel) less valuable than the most valuable types of jewels: semi-precious stones
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,semi-pro'fes.sion.al
adj. semi-professional musicians or sports players are paid for what they do, but do not do it as their main job
,semi-pro'fes.sion. al noun
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semi.quaver
(BrE ) (AmE ,six'teenth note) noun (music ) a note that lasts half as long as a QUAVER/EIGHTH NOTE —picture at MUSIC
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,semi-'skilled
adj. [usually before noun] (of workers) having some special training or qualifications, but less than skilled people: a semi-skilled machine operator  semi-skilled jobs (= for people who have some special training)
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,semi-'skimmed
adj. (BrE ) (of milk) that has had a lot of the fat removed
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Sem.it.ic
adj.
1 of or connected with a family of languages that includes Hebrew and Arabic
2 of or connected with the people who speak Semitic languages, especially Hebrew and Arabic
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semi.tone
(BrE ) (AmE 'half step, 'half-tone) noun (music ) half a TONE on a musical scale, for example the INTERVAL between C and C# or between E and F—compare STEP n. (10)
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,semi-'tropic.al
adj. = SUBTROPICAL
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semi.vowel
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound that sounds like a vowel but functions as a consonant, for example
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semo.lina
noun [U]
1 large hard grains of wheat used for making PASTA and sweet dishes
2 a sweet dish made from semolina and milk, eaten for DESSERT in Britain and for breakfast in the US
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sem.tex
noun [U] a powerful explosive substance that is used for making bombs, often illegally
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Sen.
abbr. SENATOR : Sen. John K Nordqvist
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sen.ate
noun (usually the Senate)
1 [sing.] one of the two groups of elected politicians who make laws in some countries, for example in the US, France and Australia. The Senate is smaller than the other group but higher in rank. Many state parliaments in the US also have a Senate: a member of the Senate  a Senate committee—compare CONGRESS , THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2 [C usually sing, U] (in some countries) the group of people who control a university: the senate of London University
3 [sing.] (in ancient Rome) the most important council of the government; the building where the council met
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sen.ator
noun (often Senator) (abbr. Sen.) a member of a senate : Senator McCarthy  He has served as a Democratic senator for Texas since 1994.
sen.at.or.ial adj. [only before noun]: a senatorial candidate / committee
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send
verb (sent, sent )
BY MAIL / RADIO|
1 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to make sth go or be taken to a place, especially by post/mail, radio, etc: [vn] to send a letter / package / cheque / fax / e-mail  She sent the letter by airmail.   (BrE ) to send sth by post   (AmE ) to send sth by mail  A radio signal was sent to the spacecraft.  The CD player was faulty so we sent it back to the manufacturers.  [vn, vnn] Have you sent a postcard to your mother yet?  Have you sent your mother a postcard yet?
MESSAGE|
2 to tell sb sth by sending them a message: [vn] My parents send their love .  What sort of message is that sending to young people?  [vnn] He sent me word to come.  [vn (that)] She sent word (that) she could not come.  [v to inf] (formal) She sent to say that she was coming home.
SB SOMEWHERE|
3 to tell sb to go somewhere or to do sth; to arrange for sb to go somewhere: [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : Ed couldn’t make it so they sent me instead.  She sent the kids to bed early.  to send sb to prison / boarding school  [vn to inf] I’ve sent Tom to buy some milk.
MAKE STH MOVE QUICKLY|
4 to make sth/sb move quickly or suddenly: [vn -ing] Every step he took sent the pain shooting up his leg.  The punch sent him flying .  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] The report sent share prices down a further 8p.
MAKE SB REACT|
5 ~ sb (to / into sth) to make sb behave or react in a particular way: [vn] Her music always sends me to sleep.  Her account of the visit sent us into fits of laughter.  [vn-adj] All the publicity nearly sent him crazy. send sb 'packing (informal) to tell sb firmly or rudely to go away—more at COVENTRY , LOVE n. ,send a'way (to sb) (for sth) = SEND OFF (FOR STH) ,send sb<->'down (BrE)
1 (informal) to send sb to prison
2 (old-fashioned) to order a student to leave a university because of bad behaviour 'send for sb to ask or tell sb to come to you, especially in order to help you: Send for a doctor, quickly! 'send for sth to ask sb to bring or deliver sth to you: His son found him and sent for help.  She sent for the latest sales figures. ,send sb 'forth (old-fashioned or literary) to send sb away from you to another place ,send 'forth sth (formal) to produce a sound, signal, etc. so that other people can hear it, receive it, etc: He opened his mouth and sent forth a stream of noise. ,send sb<->'in to order sb to go to a place to deal with a difficult situation: Troops were sent in to restore order. ,send sth<->'in to send sth by post/mail to a place where it will be dealt with: Have you sent in your application yet? ,send 'off (for sth)| ,send a'way (to sb) (for sth) to write to sb and ask them to send you sth by post/mail: I’ve sent off for some books for my course. ,send sb<->'off (BrE) (in a sports game) to order sb to leave the field because they have broken the rules of the game: Beckham was sent off for a foul in the second half.—related noun SENDING-OFF ,send sth<->'off to send sth to a place by post/mail: I’m sending the files off to my boss tomorrow. ,send sth<->'on
1 to send sth to a place so that it arrives before you get there: We sent our furniture on by ship.
2 to send a letter that has been sent to sb’s old address to their new address
SYN FORWARD
3 to send sth from one place/person to another: They arranged for the information to be sent on to us. ,send 'out for sth to ask a restaurant or shop/store to deliver food to you at home or at work: Let’s send out for a pizza. ,send sth<->'out
1 to send sth to a lot of different people or places: Have the invitations been sent out yet?
2 to produce sth, such as light, a signal, sound, etc.
SYN EMIT ,send sb/sth<->'up (BrE, informal) to make people laugh at sb/sth by copying them/it in a funny way: a TV programme that sends up politicians—related noun SEND-UP
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send.er
noun a person who sends sth: If undelivered, please return to sender.
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,sending-'off
noun (pl.sendings-off) (BrE ) (in football) a situation when a REFEREE tells a player to leave the field because they have broken the rules in a serious way
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'send-off
noun (informal) an occasion when people come together to say goodbye to sb who is leaving
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'send-up
noun (informal) an act of making sb/sth look silly by copying them in a funny way
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sen.es.cence
noun [U] (formal ortechnical ) the process of becoming old and showing the effects of old age
sen.es.cent adj.
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se.nile
adj. behaving in a confused or strange way, and unable to remember things, because of old age: I think she’s going senile .
sen.il.ity noun [U]: an old man on the verge of senility
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,senile de'mentia
noun [U] a serious mental disorder in old people that causes loss of memory, loss of control of the body, etc.
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se.nior
adj., noun
adj.
OF HIGH RANK|
1 ~ (to sb) high in rank or status; higher in rank or status than others: a senior officer / manager / lecturer  a senior partner in a law firm  a senior post / position  I have ten years' experience at senior management level.   (BrE) Junior nurses usually work alongside more senior nurses.  He is senior to me.  The meeting should be chaired by the most senior person present.
IN SPORT|
2 [only before noun] for adults or people at a more advanced level: to take part in senior competitions  He won the senior men’s 400 metres.
FATHER|
3 (Senior) (abbr.Snr., Sr) used after the name of a man who has the same name as his son, to avoid confusion
SCHOOL / COLLEGE|
4 [only before noun] (BrE) (of a school or part of a school) for children over the age of 11 or 13
5 [only before noun] (AmE) connected with the last year in high school or college: the senior prom

noun
OLDER PERSON|
1 a person who is older than sb else: She was ten years his senior.  My brother is my senior by two years.—compare JUNIOR
2 (especially AmE) = SENIOR CITIZEN
HIGHER RANK|
3 a person who is higher in rank or status: She felt unappreciated both by her colleagues and her seniors.
IN SPORT|
4 adults or people who have reached an advanced level: tennis coaching for juniors and seniors
IN SCHOOL / COLLEGE|
5 (BrE) a child at a senior school; an older child in a school
6 (in the US and some other countries) a student in the last year at a high school or college: high school seniors—compare SOPHOMORE

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,senior 'citizen
(also se.nior especially in AmE) noun an older person, especially sb who has RETIRED from work. People often call sb a ‘senior citizen’ to avoid saying that they are old or using the word ‘old-age pensioner’.
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,senior 'high school
(also ,senior 'high) noun (in the US) a school for young people between the ages of 14 and 18—compare JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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se.ni.or.ity
noun [U]
1 the fact of being older or of a higher rank than others: a position of seniority
2 the rank that you have in a company because of the length of time you have worked there: a lawyer with five years' seniority  Should promotion be based on merit or seniority?
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sen.sa.tion
noun
1 [C] a feeling that you get when sth affects your body: a tingling / burning / pleasant sensation  I had a sensation of falling, as if in a dream.
2 [U] the ability to feel through your sense of touch
SYN FEELING : She seemed to have lost all sensation in her arms.
3 [C, usually sing.] a general feeling or impression that is difficult to explain; an experience or a memory: He had the eerie sensation of being watched.  When I arrived, I had the sensation that she had been expecting me.
4 [C usually sing, U] very great surprise, excitement, or interest among a lot of people; the person or the thing that causes this surprise: News of his arrest caused a sensation .  The band became a sensation overnight.
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sen.sa.tion.al
adj.
1 causing great surprise, excitement, or interest: The result was a sensational 4–1 victory.
2 (disapproving) (of a newspaper, etc.) trying to get your interest by presenting facts or events as worse or more shocking than they really are: sensational news stories
3 (informal) extremely good; wonderful: You look sensational in that dress!
sen.sa.tion.al.ly : They won sensationally against the top team.  The incident was sensationally reported in the press.  He’s sensationally good-looking!
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sen.sa.tion.al.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) a way of getting people’s interest by using shocking words or by presenting facts and events as worse or more shocking than they really are
sen.sa.tion.al.ist adj.: sensationalist headlines / newspapers
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sen.sa.tion.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (disapproving) to exaggerate a story so that it seems more exciting or shocking than it really is
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sense
noun, verb
noun
SIGHT / HEARING, etc.|
1 [C] one of the five powers (sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch) that your body uses to get information about the world around you: the five senses  Dogs have a keen (= strong) sense of smell.  the sense organs (= eyes, ears, nose, etc.)  I could hardly believe the evidence of my own senses (= what I could see, hear, etc.).  The mixture of sights, smells and sounds around her made her senses reel.—see also SIXTH SENSE
FEELING|
2 [C] a feeling about sth important: He felt an overwhelming sense of loss.  a strong sense of purpose / identity / duty  Doesn’t she have any sense of guilt about what she did?  Helmets can give cyclists a false sense of security.  I had the sense that he was worried about something.
UNDERSTANDING / JUDGEMENT|
3 [sing.] an understanding about sth; an ability to judge sth: One of the most important things in a partner is a sense of humour (= the ability to find things funny or make people laugh).  He has a very good sense of direction (= finds the way to a place easily).  She has lost all sense of direction in her life.  Always try to keep a sense of proportion (= of the relative importance of different things).  a sense of rhythm / timing  Alex doesn’t have any dress sense (= does not know which clothes look attractive).—see also ROAD SENSE
4 [U] good understanding and judgement; knowledge of what is sensible or practical behaviour: You should have the sense to take advice when it is offered.  There’s no sense in (= it is not sensible) worrying about it now.  Can’t you talk sense (= say sth sensible)?  There’s a lot of sense in what Mary says.—see also COMMON SENSE , GOOD SENSE
NORMAL STATE OF MIND|
5 (senses) [pl.] a normal state of mind; the ability to think clearly: If she threatens to leave, it should bring him to his senses .  He waited for Dora to come to her senses and return.   (old-fashioned) Are you out of your senses ? You’ll be killed!   (old-fashioned) Why does she want to marry him? She must have taken leave of her senses .
MEANING|
6 [C] the meaning that a word or phrase has; a way of understanding sth: The word ‘love’ is used in different senses by different people.  education in its broadest sense  He was a true friend, in every sense of the word (= in every possible way).  In a sense (= in one way) it doesn’t matter any more.  In some senses (= in one or more ways) the criticisms were justified.   (formal) In no sense can the issue be said to be resolved.  There is a sense in which we are all to blame for the tragedy.  note at SENSIBLE knock / talk some 'sense into sb to try and persuade sb to stop behaving in a stupid way, sometimes using rough or violent methods: Try and talk some sense into her before she makes the wrong decision. make 'sense
1 to have a meaning that you can easily understand: This sentence doesn’t make sense.
2 to be a sensible thing to do: It makes sense to buy the most up-to-date version.
3 to be easy to understand or explain: John wasn’t making much sense on the phone.  Who would send me all these flowers? It makes no sense. make 'sense of sth to understand sth that is difficult or has no clear meaning: I can’t make sense of that painting. see 'sense to start to be sensible or reasonable a sense of oc'casion a feeling or understanding that an event is important or special: Candles on the table gave the evening a sense of occasion.

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
BECOME AWARE|
1 to become aware of sth even though you cannot see it, hear it, etc: [vn] Sensing danger, they started to run.  [v] Thomas, she sensed, could convince anyone of anything.  [v (that)] Lisa sensed that he did not believe her. [alsovn -ing, vn inf, v wh-]
OF MACHINE|
2 [vn] to discover and record sth: equipment that senses the presence of toxic gases

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sense.less
adj.
1 (disapproving) having no meaning or purpose
SYN POINTLESS : senseless destruction / violence  His death was a senseless waste of life.  It’s senseless to continue any further.
2 [not before noun] unconscious: He was beaten senseless.  She drank herself senseless.
3 not using good judgement: The police blamed senseless drivers who went too fast.
sense.less.ly adv.
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sens.ibil.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the ability to experience and understand deep feelings, especially in art and literature: a man of impeccable manners, charm and sensibility  musical / artistic sensibility
2 (sensibilities) [pl.] a person’s feelings, especially when the person is easily offended or influenced by sth: The article offended her religious sensibilities.  The play gave no thought to the sensibilities of the audience.
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sens.ible
adj.
1 (of people and their behaviour) able to make good judgements based on reason and experience rather than emotion; practical: a sensible person / decision / precaution  I think that’s a very sensible idea.  Say something sensible.  I think the sensible thing would be to take a taxi home.
2 (of clothes, etc.) useful rather than fashionable: sensible shoes
3 (formal or literary) aware of sth: I am sensible of the fact that mathematics is not a popular subject.
OPP for sense 3 INSENSIBLE
HELP Use silly (sense 1) or impractical (senses 1 and 2) as the opposite for the other senses.
sens.ibly adv.: to eat / behave / drive / talk sensibly  He decided, very sensibly, not to drive when he was so tired.  She’s always very sensibly dressed.
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sen.si.tive
adj.
TO PEOPLE’S FEELINGS|
1 ~ (to sth) aware of and able to understand other people and their feelings: a sensitive and caring man  She is very sensitive to other people’s feelings.
OPP INSENSITIVE
TO ART / MUSIC / LITERATURE|
2 able to understand art, music and literature and to express yourself through them: an actor’s sensitive reading of the poem  a sensitive musician / poet  a sensitive portrait
EASILY UPSET|
3 ~ (about / to sth) easily offended or upset: You’re far too sensitive.  He’s very sensitive about his weight.  She’s very sensitive to criticism.
OPP INSENSITIVE
INFORMATION / SUBJECT|
4 that you have to treat with great care because it may offend people or make them angry: Health care is a politically sensitive issue.  That’s a sensitive area.
TO COLD / LIGHT / FOOD, etc.|
5 ~ (to sth) reacting quickly or more than usual to sth: sensitive areas of the body  My teeth are very sensitive to cold food.
OPP INSENSITIVE
TO SMALL CHANGES|
6 ~ (to sth) able to measure very small changes: a sensitive barometer / instrument  The eyes can be a sensitive indicator of health.   (figurative) The Stock Exchange is very sensitive to political change.
OPP INSENSITIVE
sen.si.tive.ly adv.: She handled the matter sensitively and effectively.  He writes sensitively.
IDM see NERVE n.
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sen.si.tiv.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
TO PEOPLE’S FEELINGS|
1 [U] ~ (to sth) the ability to understand other people’s feelings: sensitivity to the needs of children  She pointed out with tact and sensitivity exactly where he had gone wrong.
OPP INSENSITIVITY
TO ART / MUSIC / LITERATURE|
2 [U] the ability to understand art, music and literature and to express yourself through them: She played with great sensitivity.
BEING EASILY UPSET|
3 [U, C, usually pl.] a tendency to be easily offended or upset by sth: He’s a mixture of anger and sensitivity.  She was blind to the feelings and sensitivities of other people.
OPP INSENSITIVITY
OF INFORMATION / SUBJECT|
4 [U] the fact of needing to be treated very carefully because it may offend or upset people: Confidentiality is important because of the sensitivity of the information.
TO FOOD / COLD / LIGHT, etc.|
5 [U, C, usually pl.] (technical) the quality of reacting quickly or more than usual to sth: food sensitivity  allergies and sensitivities  Some children develop a sensitivity to cow’s milk.  The eyes of some fish have a greater sensitivity to light than ours do.
TO SMALL CHANGES|
6 [U] the ability to measure very small changes: the sensitivity of the test
OPP INSENSITIVITY
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sen.si.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sb/sth (to sth) to make sb/sth more aware of sth, especially a problem or sth bad: People are becoming more sensitized to the dangers threatening the environment.
2 (technical) to treat a material or piece of equipment so that it will be sensitive to physical or chemical changes
sen.si.tiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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sen.sor
noun a device that can react to light, heat, pressure, etc. in order to make a machine, etc. do sth or show sth: security lights with an infrared sensor (= that come on when a person is near them)
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sens.ory
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with your physical senses: sensory organs  sensory deprivation
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sens.ual
adj.
1 connected with your physical feelings; giving pleasure to your physical senses, especially sexual pleasure: sensual pleasure / delight  Food is a great sensual experience.
2 suggesting an interest in physical pleasure, especially sexual pleasure: sensual lips / eyes  He was darkly sensual and mysterious.
sen.su.al.ity noun [U]: the sensuality of his poetry
sen.su.al.ly adv.
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sen.su.ous
adj.
1 giving pleasure to your senses: sensuous pleasure / music  I’m drawn to the poetic, sensuous qualities of her paintings.
2 suggesting an interest in sexual pleasure: his full sensuous lips
sen.su.ous.ly adv.
sen.su.ous.ness noun [U]
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sent
pt, pp of SEND
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sen.tence
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (grammar) a set of words expressing a statement, a question or an order, usually containing a subject and a verb. In written English sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop (.), a question mark (?) or an EXCLAMATION mark (!).
2 [C, U] the punishment given by a court of law: a jail / prison sentence  a light / heavy sentence  to be under sentence of death   The judge passed sentence (= said what the punishment would be).  The prisoner has served (= completed)his sentence and will be released tomorrow.—see also DEATH SENTENCE , LIFE SENTENCE

verb [often passive] ~ sb (to sth) to say officially in a court of law that sb is to receive a particular punishment: [vn] to be sentenced to death / life imprisonment / three years in prison [alsovn to inf]

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sen.ten.tious
adj. (formal, disapproving) trying to sound important or intelligent, especially by expressing moral judgements: sententious remarks
sen.ten.tious.ly adv.
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sen.tient
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) able to see or feel things through the senses: Man is a sentient being.
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sen.ti.ment
noun
1 [C, U] (formal) a feeling or an opinion, especially one based on emotions
SYN VIEW : the spread of nationalist sentiments  This is a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.  Public sentiment is against any change to the law.
2 [U] (sometimes disapproving) feelings of pity, romantic love, sadness, etc. which may be too strong or not appropriate: There was no fatherly affection, no display of sentiment.  There is no room for sentiment in business.
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sen.ti.men.tal
adj.
1 connected with your emotions, rather than reason: He has a strong sentimental attachment to the place.  She kept the letters for sentimental reasons.  The ring wasn’t worth very much but it had great sentimental value .
2 (often disapproving) producing emotions such as pity, romantic love or sadness, which may be too strong or not appropriate; feeling these emotions too much: a slushy, sentimental love story  Her book is honest without being sentimental.  He’s not the sort of man who gets sentimental about old friendships.
OPP UNSENTIMENTAL
sen.ti.men.tal.ly adv.
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sen.ti.men.tal.ist
noun (sometimes disapproving) a person who is sentimental about things
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sen.ti.men.tal.ity
noun [U] (disapproving) the quality of being too sentimental
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sen.ti.men.tal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb (disapproving) to present sth in an emotional way, emphasizing its good aspects and not mentioning its bad aspects: [vn] Jackie was careful not to sentimentalize country life. [alsov]
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sen.ti.nel
noun (literary) a soldier whose job is to guard sth
SYN SENTRY : (figurative) a tall round tower standing sentinel over the river
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sen.try
noun (pl.-ies) a soldier whose job is to guard sth: to be on sentry duty
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'sentry box
noun a small shelter for a sentry to stand in
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sepal
noun (technical ) a part of a flower, like a leaf, that lies under and supports the PETALS (= the delicate coloured parts that make up the head of the flower). Each flower has a ring of sepals called a CALYX .
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sep.ar.able
adj. ~ (from sth) that can be separated from sth, or considered separately: The moral question is not entirely separable from the financial one.
OPP INSEPARABLE
sep.ar.abil.ity noun [U]
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sep.ar.ate
adj., verb
adj.
1 ~ (from sth/sb) forming a unit by itself; not joined to sth else: separate bedrooms / offices  Raw meat must be kept separate from cooked meat.  The school is housed in two separate buildings.
2 [usually before noun] different; not connected: It happened on three separate occasions.  For the past three years they have been leading totally separate lives.
sep.ar.ate.ness noun [U, sing.]: Japan’s long-standing sense of separateness and uniqueness
IDM go your separate 'ways
1 to end a relationship with sb
2 to go in a different direction from sb you have been travelling with—more at COVER n.

verb
1 ~ (sth) (from / and sth) to divide into different parts or groups; to divide things into different parts or groups: [v] Stir the sauce constantly so that it does not separate.  [vn] It is impossible to separate belief from emotion.  Separate the eggs (= separate the YOLK from the white).  Make a list of points and separate them into ‘desirable’ and ‘essential’.
2 ~ sb/sth (from / and sb/sth) to move apart; to make people or things move apart: [v] We separated into several different search parties.  South America separated from Africa 200 million years ago.  South America and Africa separated 200 million years ago.  [vn] Police tried to separate the two men who were fighting.  The war separated many families.  Those suffering from infectious diseases were separated from the other patients.
3 [vn] ~ sb (from / and sb) to be between two people, areas, countries, etc. so that they are not touching or connected: A thousand kilometres separates the two cities.  A high wall separated our back yard from the playing field.
4 [v] ~ (from sb) to stop living together as a couple with your husband, wife or partner: He separated from his wife after 20 years of marriage.  They separated last year.
5 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) to make sb/sth different in some way from sb/sth else: Politics is the only thing that separates us (= that we disagree about).  Her lack of religious faith separated her from the rest of her family.  The judges found it impossible to separate the two contestants (= they gave them equal scores).  Only four points separate the top three teams.
IDM see MAN n. , SHEEP , WHEAT
PVR V ,separate 'out| ,separate sth<->'out to divide into different parts; to divide sth into different parts: to separate out different meanings

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sep.ar.ated
adj. ~ (from sb) no longer living with your husband, wife or partner: Her parents are separated but not divorced.  He’s been separated from his wife for a year.
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sep.ar.ate.ly
adv. ~ (from sb/sth) as a separate person or thing; not together: They were photographed separately and then as a group.  Last year’s figures are shown separately.
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sep.ar.ates
noun [pl.] individual pieces of clothing, for example skirts, jackets, and trousers/pants, that are designed to be worn together in different combinations
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sep.ar.ation
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (from sb/sth)| ~ (between A and B) the act of separating people or things; the state of being separate: the state’s eventual separation from the federation  the need for a clear separation between Church and State
2 [C] a period of time that people spend apart from each other: They were reunited after a separation of more than 20 years.
3 [C] a decision that a husband and wife make to live apart while they are still legally married: a legal separation—compare DIVORCE
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sep.ar.at.ist
noun a member of a group of people within a country who want to separate from the rest of the country and form their own government: Basque separatists
sep.ar.at.ism noun [U]: There has been an alarming rise in separatism and inter-ethnic violence in the country.
sep.ar.at.ist adj.: a separatist movement
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sep.ar.ator
noun a machine for separating things
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sepia
noun [U]
1 a brown substance used in inks and paints and used in the past for printing photographs
2 a reddish-brown colour
sepia adj. [usually before noun]: sepia ink / prints / photographs
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sep.sis
noun [U] (medical ) an infection of part of the body in which PUS is produced
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Sep.tem.ber
noun [U, C] (abbr. Sept.) the 9th month of the year, between August and October
HELP To see how September is used, look at the examples at April.
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sep.tet
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of seven musicians or singers
2 [C] a piece of music for seven musicians or singers
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sep.tic
adj. (of a wound or part of the body) infected with harmful bacteria: a septic finger  A dirty cut may go septic.
OPP ASEPTIC
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septi.cae.mia
(BrE ) (AmEsepti.ce.mia) noun [U] (medical ) infection of the blood by harmful bacteria
SYN BLOOD POISONING
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,septic 'tank
noun a large container, usually underground, that holds human waste from toilets until the action of bacteria makes it liquid enough to soak into the ground
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sep.tua.gen.ar.ian
noun (formal) a person between 70 and 79 years old
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se.pul.chral
adj.
1 (literary) looking or sounding sad and serious; making you think of death: He spoke in sepulchral tones.
2 (technical) connected with burying dead people, or graves or sepulchres : a sepulchral monument
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sep.ul.chre
(BrE ) (AmEsep.ul.cher) noun (old use) a place for a dead body, either cut in rock or built of stone
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se.quel
noun ~ (to sth)
1 a book, film/movie, play, etc. that continues the story of an earlier one: a sequel to the hit movie ‘Sister Act’—compare PREQUEL
2 [usually sing.] something that happens after an earlier event or as a result of an earlier event: There was an interesting sequel to these events later in the year.
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se.quence
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a set of events, actions, numbers, etc. which have a particular order and which lead to a particular result: He described the sequence of events leading up to the robbery.
2 [C, U] the order that events, actions, etc. happen in or should happen in: The tasks had to be performed in a particular sequence.  Number the pages in sequence .  These pages are out of sequence .
3 [C] a part of a film/movie that deals with one subject or topic or consists of one scene: the dream sequence in the middle of the movie

verb [vn] (technical ) to arrange things into a sequence
se.quen.cing noun [U]

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the ,sequence of 'tenses
noun [sing.] (grammar ) the rules according to which the tense of a SUBORDINATE CLAUSE depends on the tense of a main CLAUSE , so that, for example, ‘I think that you are wrong’ becomes ‘I thought that you were wrong’ in the past tense
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se.quen.tial
adj. (formal) following in order of time or place: sequential data processing
se.quen.tial.ly adv.: data stored sequentially on a computer
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se.ques.ter
verb [vn] (law )
1 = SEQUESTRATE
2 to keep a JURY together in a place, in order to prevent them from talking to other people about a case in a court of law, or learning about it in the newspapers, on television, etc.
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se.ques.tered
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) (of a place) quiet and far away from people
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se.ques.trate
(also se.ques.ter) verb [vn] (law ) to take control of sb’s property or ASSETS until a debt has been paid
se.ques.tra.tion noun [U, C]
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se.quin
noun a small circular shiny disc sewn onto clothing as decoration
se.quinned adj. [usually before noun]
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se.quoia
noun a very tall N American tree that can live a very long time
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sera
pl. of SERUM
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ser.aph
noun (pl.ser.aph.im or ser.aphs) an ANGEL of the highest rank—compare CHERUB
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ser.aph.ic
adj. (literary)
1 as beautiful, pure, etc. as an angel : a seraphic child / nature
2 extremely happy: a seraphic smile
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ser.en.ade
noun, verb
noun
1 a song or tune played or sung at night by a lover outside the window of the woman he loves
2 a gentle piece of music in several parts, usually for a small group of instruments

verb [vn] to sing or play music to sb (as done in the past by a man singing under her window to the woman he loved)

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ser.en.dip.ity
noun [U] (written) the fact of sth interesting or pleasant happening by chance
ser.en.dip.it.ous adj.: serendipitous discoveries
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se.rene
adj. calm and peaceful: The child’s face was serene and beautiful.  a lake, still and serene in the sunlight
se.rene.ly adv.: serenely beautiful  She smiled serenely.
se.ren.ity noun [U, sing.]: The hotel offers a haven of peace and serenity away from the bustle of the city.
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serf
noun (in the past) a person who was forced to live and work on land that belonged to a LANDOWNER whom they had to obey
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serf.dom
noun [U] the system under which crops were grown by serfs ; the state of being a serf : the abolition of serfdom in Russia in 1861
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serge
noun [U] a strong woollen fabric used for making clothes: a blue serge suit
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ser.geant
noun (abbr. Sergt, Sgt)
1 a member of one of the middle ranks in the army and the air force, below an officer: Sergeant Salter—see also FLIGHT SERGEANT , STAFF SERGEANT
2 (in Britain) a police officer just below the rank of an INSPECTOR
3 (in the US) a police officer just below the rank of a LIEUTENANT or CAPTAIN —see also SARGE
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,sergeant 'major
noun (often used as a title)
1 a soldier of middle rank in the British army who is responsible for helping the administrative officer of a particular REGIMENT (= a large group of soldiers)
2 a soldier in the US army of the highest rank of NON-COMMISSIONED officers
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ser.ial
noun, adj.
noun a story on television or the radio, or in a magazine, that is broadcast or published in several separate parts: a classic drama serial

adj.
1 [usually before noun] (technical) arranged in a series: tasks carried out in the same serial order
2 [only before noun] doing the same thing in the same way several times: a serial rapist
3 [only before noun] (of a story, etc.) broadcast or published in several separate parts: a novel in serial form
seri.al.ly adv.

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seri.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to publish or broadcast sth in parts as a serial : The novel was serialized on TV in six parts.
seri.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [C, U]: a newspaper serialization of the book
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,serial 'killer
noun a person who murders several people one after the other in a similar way
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'serial number
noun a number put on a product, such as a camera, television, etc. in order to identify it
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ser.ies
noun (pl.ser.ies)
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth several events or things of a similar kind that happen one after the other: The incident sparked off a whole series of events that nobody had foreseen.  the first / latest in a series of articles on the nature of modern society
2 [C] a set of radio or television programmes that deal with the same subject or that have the same characters
3 [C] (sport) a set of sports games played between the same two teams: England have lost the Test series (= of cricket matches) against India.  the World Series (= in baseball)
4 [U, C] (technical) an electrical CIRCUIT in which the current passes through all the parts in the correct order
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serif
noun a short line at the top or bottom of some styles of printed letters: a serif typeface—compare SANS SERIF
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ser.ious
adj.
BAD|
1 bad or dangerous: a serious illness / problem / offence  to cause serious injury / damage  They pose a serious threat to security.  The consequences could be serious.
NEEDING THOUGHT|
2 needing to be thought about carefully; not only for pleasure: a serious article  a serious newspaper  It’s time to give serious consideration to this matter.
IMPORTANT|
3 that must be treated as important: We need to get down to the serious business of working out costs.  The team is a serious contender for the title this year.
NOT SILLY|
4 thinking about things in a careful and sensible way; not silly: Be serious for a moment; this is important.  I’m afraid I’m not a very serious person.
NOT JOKING|
5 ~ (about sb/sth)| ~ (about doing sth) sincere about sth; not joking or meant as a joke: Believe me, I’m deadly (= extremely)serious .  Don’t laugh, it’s a serious suggestion.  Is she serious about wanting to sell the house?  He’s really serious about Penny and wants to get engaged.
LARGE AMOUNT|
6 (informal) used to emphasize that there is a large amount of sth: You can earn serious money doing that.  I’m ready to do some serious eating (= I am very hungry).
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ser.ious.ly
adv.
1 in a serious way: to be seriously ill / injured  You’re not seriously expecting me to believe that?  They are seriously concerned about security.  Smoking can seriously damage your health.
2 (spoken) used at the beginning of a sentence to show a change from joking to being more serious: Seriously though, it could be really dangerous.
3 (informal) very; extremely: They’re seriously rich.
IDM take sb/sth 'seriously to think that sb/sth is important and deserves your attention and respect: We take threats of this kind very seriously.  Why can’t you ever take anything seriously?
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ser.ious.ness
noun [U, sing.] the state of being serious: He spoke with a seriousness that was unusual in him.
IDM in all 'seriousness very seriously; not as a joke
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ser.mon
noun
1 a talk on a moral or religious subject, usually given by a religious leader during a service
2 (informal, usually disapproving) moral advice that a person tries to give you in a long talk
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ser.mon.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] (disapproving) to give moral advice, especially when it is boring or not wanted
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ser.pent
noun (literary) a snake, especially a large one
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ser.pen.tine
adj. (literary) bending and twisting like a snake: the serpentine course of the river
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ser.rated
adj. having a series of sharp points on the edge like a SAW : a knife with a serrated edge—picture at CUTLERY
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ser.ried
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) standing or arranged closely together in rows or lines: serried ranks of soldiers
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serum
noun (pl.sera or ser.ums)
1 [U] (biology) the thin liquid that remains from blood when the rest has CLOTTED
2 [U, C] (medical) serum taken from the blood of an animal and given to people to protect them from disease, poison, etc: snakebite serum
3 [U] any liquid like water in body TISSUE
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ser.vant
noun
1 a person who works in another person’s house, and cooks, cleans, etc. for them: a domestic servant  They treat their mother like a servant.
2 a person who works for a company or an organization: a public servant—see also CIVIL SERVANT
3 a person or thing that is controlled by sth: He was willing to make himself a servant of his art.
IDM see OBEDIENT
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serve
verb, noun
verb
FOOD / DRINK|
1 ~ sth (with sth)| ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to give sb food or drink, for example at a restaurant or during a meal: [vn] Breakfast is served between 7 and 10 a.m.  Serve the lamb with new potatoes and green beans.  They served a wonderful meal to more than fifty delegates.  The delegates were served with a wonderful meal.  Pour the sauce over the pasta and serve immediately.  [vnn] She served us a delicious lunch.  [v] Shall I serve?  [vn-adj] The quiche can be served hot or cold.
2 [vn] (of an amount of food) to be enough for sb/sth: This dish will serve four hungry people.
CUSTOMERS|
3 (especially BrE ) to help a customer or sell them sth in a shop/store: [vn] Are you being served? [alsov]
BE USEFUL|
4 [vn] to be useful to sb in achieving or satisfying sth: These experiments serve no useful purpose .  Most of their economic policies serve the interests of big business.  How can we best serve the needs of future generations?  His linguistic ability served him well in his chosen profession.
PROVIDE STH|
5 [vn] ~ sb (with sth) to provide an area or a group of people with a product or service: The town is well served with buses and major road links.  The centre will serve the whole community.
BE SUITABLE|
6 [v] ~ (as sth) to be suitable for a particular use, especially when nothing else is available: The sofa will serve as a bed for a night or two.
HAVE PARTICULAR RESULT|
7 ~ (as sth) to have a particular effect or result: [v] The judge said the punishment would serve as a warning to others.  [v to inf] The attack was unsuccessful and served only to alert the enemy.
WORK|
8 ~ (sb) (as sth)| ~ (in / on / with sth)| ~ (under / with sb) to work or perform duties for a person, an organization, a country, etc: [v] He served as a captain in the army.  She served in the medical corps.  He served under Edward Heath in the 1970s.  [vn] I wanted to work somewhere where I could serve the community.  He served the family faithfully for many years (= as a servant).
9 ~ (as sth) to spend a period of time in a particular job or training for a job: [vn] He served a one-year apprenticeship.  [v] She was elected to serve for another year as secretary of the local party.
TIME IN PRISON|
10 [vn] to spend a period of time in prison: prisoners serving life sentences  She is serving two years for theft.  He has served time (= been to prison) before.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENT|
11 [vn] ~ sth (on sb)| ~ sb with sth (law) to give or send sb an official document, especially one that orders them to appear in a court of law: to serve a writ / summons on sb  to serve sb with a writ / summons
IN SPORT|
12 (in tennis, etc.) to start playing by throwing the ball into the air and hitting it: [v] Who’s serving?  [vn] She served an ace.— it serves sb 'right (for doing sth) used to say that sth that has happened to sb is their own fault and they deserve it: Left you, did she? It serves you right for being so selfish. serve your / its 'turn (BrE) to be useful for a particular purpose or period of time serve two 'masters (usually used in negative sentences) to support two opposing parties, principles, etc. at the same time—more at FIRST adv. , MEMORY ,serve sth<->'out
1 to continue doing sth, especially working or staying in prison, for a fixed period of time that has been set: He has three more years in prison before he’s served out his sentence.   (BrE) They didn’t want me to serve out my notice.
2 (BrE) = SERVE STH UP ,serve sth<->'up (BrE also ,serve sth<->'out)
1 to put food onto plates and give it to people: He served up a delicious meal.
2 to give or offer sth: She served up the usual excuse.

noun (in tennis, etc.) the action of serving the ball to your opponent

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ser.ver
noun
1 (computing) a computer program that controls or supplies information to several computers connected in a NETWORK ; the main computer on which this program is run: a file / print server
2 (sport) a player who is serving, for example in tennis
3 [usually pl.] a kitchen UTENSIL (= tool) used for putting food onto sb’s plate: salad servers—picture at CUTLERY
4 (AmE) a person who serves food in a restaurant; a WAITER or WAITRESS
5 a person who helps a priest during a church service
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serv.ery
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) part of a restaurant where you collect your food to take back to your table
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ser.vice
noun, verb
noun
PROVIDING STH|
1 [C] a system that provides sth that the public needs, organized by the government or a private company: the ambulance / bus / telephone service  The government aims to improve public services , especially education.  Essential services (= the supply of water, gas, electricity) will be maintained.—see also EMERGENCY SERVICES , POSTAL SERVICE
2 (also Service) [C] an organization or a company that provides sth for the public or does sth for the government: the prison service  the BBC World Service—see also CIVIL SERVICE , DIPLOMATIC SERVICE , FIRE SERVICE , HEALTH SERVICE , INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE , NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE , SECRET SERVICE , SECURITY SERVICE , SOCIAL SERVICES
3 [C, U] a business whose work involves doing sth for customers but not producing goods; the work that such a business does: financial / banking / insurance services  the development of new goods and services   Smith’s Catering Services (= a company) offers the best value.  We guarantee (an) excellent service.  the service sector (= the part of the economy involved in this type of business)  a service industry
IN HOTEL / SHOP / RESTAURANT|
4 [U] the serving of customers in hotels, restaurants, and shops/stores: The food was good but the service was very slow.  10% will be added to your bill for service.  Our main concern is to provide quality customer service .—see also ROOM SERVICE , SELF-SERVICE
WORK FOR ORGANIZATION|
5 [U] ~ (to sth) the work that sb does for an organization, etc., especially when it continues for a long time or is admired very much: She has just celebrated 25 years' service with the company.  The employees have good conditions of service.  After retiring, she became involved in voluntary service in the local community.—see also JURY SERVICE
OF VEHICLE / MACHINE|
6 [U] the use that you can get from a vehicle or machine; the state of being used: That computer gave us very good service.  The ship will be taken out of service within two years.
7 [C] an examination of a vehicle or machine followed by any work that is necessary to keep it operating well: I had taken the car in for a service.  We offer excellent after sales service on all our goods.  a service engineer
SKILLS / HELP|
8 [usually pl.] ~ (of sb)| ~ (as sb/sth) the particular skills or help that a person is able to offer: You need the services of a good lawyer.  He offered his services as a driver.
ARMY / NAVY / AIR FORCE|
9 [C, usually pl., U] the army, the navy and the air force; the work done by people in them: Most of the boys went straight into the services .  He saw service in North Africa.  a service family—see also ACTIVE SERVICE , MILITARY SERVICE , NATIONAL SERVICE
RELIGIOUS CEREMONY|
10 [C] a religious ceremony: to attend morning / evening service  a funeral / marriage / memorial service
BUS / TRAIN|
11 [C, usually sing.] a bus, train, etc. that goes regularly to a particular place at a particular time: the cancellation of the 10.15 service to Glasgow
ON MOTORWAY|
12 (services) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (BrE) a place beside a motorway where you can stop for petrol, a meal, the toilets, etc: motorway services  It’s five miles to the next services.—see also SERVICE AREA , SERVICE STATION
IN TENNIS|
13 [C] an act of hitting the ball in order to start playing; the way that you hit it
SYN SERVE : It’s your service (= your turn to start playing).  Her service has improved.
SET OF PLATES|
14 [C] a complete set of plates, dishes, etc. that match each other: a tea service (= cups, SAUCERS , a TEAPOT and plates, for serving tea)—see also DINNER SERVICE
BEING SERVANT|
15 [U] (old-fashioned) the state or position of being a servant: to be in / go into service (= to be / become a servant)
OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENT|
16 [U] (law) the formal giving of an official document, etc. to sb: the service of a demand for payment at the 'service of sb/sth | at sb’s 'service completely available for sb to use or to help sb: Health care must be at the service of all who need it. (formal or humorous) If you need anything, I am at your service . be of 'service (to sb) (formal) to be useful or helpful: Can I be of service to anyone? do sb a / no 'service (formal) to do sth that is helpful/not helpful to sb: She was doing herself no service by remaining silent.—more at PRESS v.

verb [vn]
VEHICLE / MACHINE|
1 [usually passive] to examine a vehicle or machine and repair it if necessary so that it continues to work correctly: We need to have the car serviced.
PROVIDE STH|
2 (written) to provide people with sth they need, such as shops/stores, or a transport system
SYN SERVE : Botley is well serviced by a regular bus route into Oxford.  This department services the international sales force (= provides services for it).
PAY INTEREST|
3 (technical) to pay interest on money that has been borrowed: The company can no longer service its debts.

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ser.vice.able
adj. suitable to be used: The carpet is worn but still serviceable.
OPP UNSERVICEABLE
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'service area
noun (BrE ) a place on a motorway where you can stop and buy food, petrol, have a meal, go to the toilet, etc.
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'service charge
noun
1 an amount of money that is added to a bill, as an extra charge for a service: That will be $50, plus a service charge of $2.50.
2 (BrE) an amount of money that is added to a bill in a restaurant, for example 10% of the total, that goes to pay for the work of the staff
3 an amount of money that is paid to the owner of an apartment building for services such as putting out rubbish/garbage, cleaning the stairs, etc.
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ser.vice.man, ser.vice.woman
noun (pl.-men , -women ) a man or woman who is a member of the armed forces
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'service road
(AmE also 'frontage road) noun a side road that runs parallel to a main road, that you use to reach houses, shops/stores, etc.
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'service station
noun
1 = PETROL STATION
2 (BrE) an area and building beside a motorway where you can buy food and petrol, go to the toilet, etc: a motorway service station
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ser.vicing
noun [U]
1 the act of checking and repairing a vehicle, machine, etc. to keep it in good condition: Like any other type of equipment it requires regular servicing.
2 (finance) the act of paying interest on money that has been borrowed: debt servicing
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ser.vi.ette
noun (BrE ) a piece of fabric or paper used at meals for protecting your clothes and cleaning your lips and fingers
SYN NAPKIN
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ser.vile
adj. (disapproving) wanting too much to please sb and obey them: Parents have no right to demand servile obedience from their children.
ser.vil.ity noun [U]
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serv.ing
noun an amount of food for one person: This recipe will be enough for four servings.
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ser.vi.tude
noun [U] (formal) the condition of being a slave or being forced to obey another person
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servo
noun (pl.-os) (technical ) a mechanism that controls a larger mechanism
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ses.ame
noun [U] a tropical plant grown for its seeds and their oil that are used in cooking: sesame seeds——see also OPEN SESAME
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ses.sion
noun
1 a period of time that is spent doing a particular activity: a photo / recording / training session  The course is made up of 12 two-hour sessions.—see also JAM SESSION
2 a formal meeting or series of meetings of a court of law, a parliament, etc.; a period of time when such meetings are held: a session of the UN General Assembly  The court is now in session .  The committee met in closed session (= with nobody else present).—see also QUARTER SESSIONS
3 (ScotE) a school or university year
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set
verb, noun, adj.
verb (set.ting, set, set)
PUT / START|
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth/sb in a particular place or position: She set a tray down on the table.  They ate everything that was set in front of them.  The house is set (= situated) in fifty acres of parkland.
2 to cause sb/sth to be in a particular state; to start sth happening: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : Her manner immediately set everyone at their ease.  He pulled the lever and set the machine in motion.  [vn-adj] The hijackers set the hostages free .  [vn -ing] Her remarks set me thinking.
PLAY / BOOK / MOVIE|
3 [vn] [usually passive] to place the action of a play, novel or film/movie in a particular place, time, etc: The novel is set in London in the 1960s.
CLOCK / MACHINE|
4 [vn] to prepare or arrange sth so that it is ready for use or in position: She set the camera on automatic.  I set my watch by (= make it show the same time as) the TV.  Set the alarm for 7 o’clock.
TABLE|
5 [vn] ~ a / the table to arrange knives, forks, etc. on a table for a meal: Could you set the table for dinner?  The table was set for six guests.
JEWELLERY|
6 [vn] [usually passive] ~ A in B| ~ B with A to put a precious stone into a piece of jewellery: She had the sapphire set in a gold ring.  Her bracelet was set with emeralds.
ARRANGE|
7 [vn] to arrange or fix sth; to decide on sth: They haven’t set a date for their wedding yet.  The government has set strict limits on public spending this year.
EXAMPLE / STANDARD, etc.|
8 [vn] to fix sth so that others copy it or try to achieve it: This could set a new fashion .  They set high standards of customer service.  I am unwilling to set a precedent .  She set a new world record for the high jump.  I rely on you to set a good example .
WORK / TASK|
9 ~ sth (for sb)| ~ sb (to do sth) to give sb a piece of work, a task, etc: [vn] Who will be setting (= writing the questions for) the French exam?  What books have been set (= are to be studied) for the English course?  [vnn, vn] She’s set herself a difficult task.  She’s set a difficult task for herself.  [vn to inf] I’ve set myself to finish the job by the end of the month.—see also SET BOOK
BECOME FIRM|
10 to become firm or hard: [v] Leave the concrete to set for a few hours.  [v-adj] The glue had set hard.
FACE|
11 [vn] [usually passive] to fix your face into a firm expression: Her jaw was set in a determined manner.
HAIR|
12 [vn] to arrange sb’s hair while it is wet so that it dries in a particular style: She had her hair washed and set.
BONE|
13 [vn] to put a broken bone into a fixed position and hold it there, so that it will heal; to heal in this way: The surgeon set her broken arm. [alsov]
FOR PRINTING|
14 [vn] (technical) to prepare a book, etc. for printing: Books were previously set by hand but much of the work is now done by computer.—see also TYPESETTER
WORDS TO MUSIC|
15 [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to write music to go with words: Schubert set many poems to music.
OF SUN / MOON|
16 [v] to go down below the HORIZON : We sat and watched the sun setting.—see also SUNSET
OPP RISE Idioms containing set are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example set the pace is at pacen.  'set about sb (BrE, old-fashioned, informal) to attack sb 'set about sth [no passive] to start doing sth: She set about the business of cleaning the house. [+ -ing] We need to set about finding a solution.,set sb a'gainst sb to make sb oppose a friend, relative, etc: She accused her husband of setting the children against her. set sth (off) against sth
1 to judge sb/sth by comparing good or positive qualities with bad or negative ones: Set against the benefits of the new technology, there is also a strong possibility that jobs will be lost.
2 (finance) to record sth as a business cost as a way of reducing the amount of tax you must pay: to set capital costs off against tax,set sb/sth a'part (from sb/sth) to make sb/sth different from or better than others: Her clear and elegant writing sets her apart from other journalists. ,set sth<->a'part (for sth) [usually passive] to keep sth for a special use or purpose: Two rooms were set apart for use as libraries.,set sth<->a'side
1 to move sth to one side until you need it
2 to save or keep money or time for a particular purpose: She tries to set aside some money every month.
3 to not consider sth, because other things are more important: Let’s set aside my personal feelings for now.
4 (law) to state that a decision made by a court of law is not legally valid: The verdict was set aside by the Appeal Court.—related noun SET-ASIDE ,set sth/sb<->'back to delay the progress of sth/sb by a particular time: The bad weather set back the building programme by several weeks.—related noun SETBACK ,set sb 'back sth [no passive] (informal) to cost sb a particular amount of money: The repairs could set you back over £200. ,set sth 'back (from sth) [usually passive] to place sth, especially a building, at a distance from sth: The house is set well back from the road.,set sb<->'down (BrE) (of a bus or train, or its driver) to stop and allow sb to get off: Passengers may be set down and picked up only at the official stops. ,set sth<->'down
1 to write sth down on paper in order to record it
2 to give sth as a rule, principle, etc: The standards were set down by the governing body.,set 'forth (literary) to start a journey ,set sth<->'forth (formal) to present sth or make it known: The President set forth his views in a television broadcast.,set 'in (of rain, bad weather, infection, etc.) to begin and seem likely to continue: The rain seemed to have set in for the day. ,set sth 'in / 'into sth [usually passive] to fasten sth into a flat surface so that it does not stick out from it: a plaque set into the wall,set 'off to begin a journey: We set off for London just after ten. ,set sth<->'off
1 to make a bomb, etc. explode: A gang of boys were setting off fireworks in the street.
2 to make an ALARM start ringing: Opening this door will set off the alarm.
3 to start a process or series of events: Panic on the stock market set off a wave of selling.
4 to make sth more noticeable or attractive by being placed near it: That blouse sets off the blue of her eyes. ,set sb 'off (doing sth) to make sb start doing sth such as laughing, crying or talking'set on / upon sb [usually passive] to attack sb suddenly: I opened the gate, and was immediately set on by a large dog. 'set sb/sth on sb to make a person or an animal attack sb suddenly: The farmer threatened to set his dogs on us.,set 'out
1 to leave a place and begin a journey: They set out on the last stage of their journey.
2 to begin a job, task, etc. with a particular aim or goal: She set out to break the world record.  They succeeded in what they set out to do. ,set sth<->'out
1 to arrange or display things: We’ll need to set out some chairs for the meeting.  Her work is always very well set out.
2 to present ideas, facts, etc. in an organized way, in speech or writing: He set out his objections to the plan.  She set out the reasons for her resignation in a long letter.,set 'to (old-fashioned, informal) to begin doing sth in a busy or determined way,set sb<->'up
1 to provide sb with the money that they need in order to do sth: A bank loan helped to set him up in business.
2 (informal) to make sb healthier, stronger, more lively, etc: The break from work really set me up for the new year.
3 (informal) to trick sb, especially by making them appear guilty of sth: He denied the charges, saying the police had set him up.—related noun SET-UP ,set sth<->'up
1 to build sth or put sth somewhere: The police set up roadblocks on routes out of the city.
2 to make a piece of equipment or a machine ready for use: She set up her stereo in her bedroom.
3 to arrange for sth to happen: I’ve set up a meeting for Friday.
4 to create sth or start it: to set up a business  A fund will be set up for the dead men’s families.
5 to start a process or a series of events: The slump on Wall Street set up a chain reaction in stock markets around the world.—related noun SET-UP ,set (yourself) 'up (as sb) to start running a business: She took out a bank loan and set up on her own.  After leaving college, he set himself up as a freelance photographer.

noun
GROUP|
1 [C] ~ (of sth) a group of similar things that belong together in some way: a set of six chairs  a complete set of her novels  a set of false teeth  a new set of rules to learn  You can borrow my keys—I have a spare set.—see also TEA SET
2 [C] a group of objects used together, for example for playing a game: a chess set
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] (sometimes disapproving) a group of people who have similar interests and spend a lot of time together socially: the smart set (= rich, fashionable people)  Dublin’s literary set—see also THE JET SET
TV / RADIO|
4 [C] a piece of equipment for receiving television or radio signals
FOR PLAY / MOVIE|
5 (AmE also set.ting) [C] the scenery used for a play, film/movie, etc: We need volunteers to help build and paint the set.
6 [C, U] a place where a play is performed or part of a film/movie is filmed: The cast must all be on (the) set by 7 a.m.
IN SPORT|
7 [C] one section of a match in games such as tennis or VOLLEYBALL : She won in straight sets (= without losing a set).
MATHEMATICS|
8 [C] a group of things that have a shared quality: set function / theory
POP MUSIC|
9 [C] a series of songs or pieces of music that a musician or group performs at a concert: a stunning solo set of ten songs
CLASS|
10 [C] (BrE) a group of school students with a similar ability in a particular subject: She’s in the top set for French.
OF FACE / BODY|
11 [sing.] ~ of sth the way in which sb’s face or body is fixed in a particular expression, especially one showing determination: She admired the firm set of his jaw.
HAIR|
12 [sing.] an act of arranging hair in a particular style while it is wet: A shampoo and set costs £15.
BECOMING FIRM|
13 [sing.] the state of becoming firm or solid
ANIMAL’S HOME|
14 [C] = SETT
PLANT|
15 [C] a young plant, SHOOT etc. for planting: onion sets

adj.
IN POSITION|
1 in a particular position: a house set in 40 acres of parkland  He had close-set eyes.
PLANNED|
2 [usually before noun] planned or fixed: Each person was given set jobs to do.  The school funds a set number of free places.  Mornings in our house always follow a set pattern.—see also SET BOOK
OPINIONS / IDEAS|
3 not likely to change: set ideas / opinions / views on how to teach  As people get older, they get set in their ways .
MEAL|
4 [only before noun] (of a meal in a restaurant) having a fixed price and a limited choice of dishes: a set dinner / lunch / meal  Shall we have the set menu?
LIKELY / READY|
5 ~ for sth| ~ to do sth likely to do sth; ready for sth or to do sth: Interest rates look set to rise again.  The team looks set for victory.  Be set to leave by 10 o’clock
FACE|
6 [usually before noun] (of a person’s expression) fixed; not natural: a set smile  His face took on a set expression. be (dead) set against sth / against doing sth to be strongly opposed to sth: Why are you so dead set against the idea? be 'set on sth / on doing sth to want to do or have sth very much; to be determined to do sth—more at MARK n.

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'set-aside
noun [U] a system in which the government pays farmers not to use some of their land for growing crops; the land that the farmers are paid not to use
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set.back
noun a difficulty or problem that delays or prevents sth, or makes a situation worse: The team suffered a major setback when their best player was injured.  The breakdown in talks represents a temporary setback in the peace process.
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,set 'book
(also ,set 'text) noun (both BrE ) a book that students must study for a particular exam
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,set 'piece
noun
1 a part of a play, film/movie, piece of music, etc. that has a well-known pattern or style, and is used to create a particular effect
2 (BrE) a move in a game, especially football, that is well planned and practised
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'set square
(BrE ) (AmE tri.angle) noun an instrument for drawing straight lines and angles, made from a flat piece of plastic or metal in the shape of a triangle with one angle of 90°
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sett
(also set) noun a hole in the ground where a BADGER lives
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set.tee
noun (BrE ) a long comfortable seat with a back and arms, for two or more people to sit on
SYN SOFA , COUCH
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set.ter
noun
1 a large dog with long hair, sometimes used in hunting. There are several types of setter : an Irish setter  a red setter
2 (often in compounds) a person who sets sth: a quiz setter—see also JET-SETTER , PACESETTER , TRENDSETTER
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set.ting
noun
1 a set of surroundings; the place at which sth happens: a rural / an ideal / a beautiful / an idyllic setting  It was the perfect setting for a wonderful Christmas.  People tend to behave differently in different social settings.
2 the place and time at which the action of a play, novel, etc. takes place: short stories with a contemporary setting
3 (AmE) = SET (5)
4 a position at which the controls on a machine can be set, to set the speed, height, temperature, etc: The performance of the engine was tested at different settings.
5 (music) music written to go with a poem, etc: Schubert’s setting of a poem by Goethe
6 a piece of metal in which a precious stone is fixed to form a piece of jewellery: a ruby in a heavy gold setting
7 a complete set of equipment for eating with (knife, fork, spoon, glass, etc.) for one person, arranged on a table: a place setting
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set.tle
verb, noun
verb
END ARGUMENT|
1 to put an end to an argument or a disagreement: [vn] to settle a dispute / an argument / a matter  It’s time you settled your differences with your father.  [v] There is pressure on the unions to settle.  The company has agreed to settle out of court (= come to an agreement without going to court).
DECIDE / ARRANGE|
2 to decide or arrange sth finally: [vn] [often passive] It’s all settled —we’re leaving on the nine o’clock plane.   (spoken) Bob will be there? That settles it . I’m not coming.  He had to settle his affairs (= arrange all his personal business) in Paris before he could return home. [alsovn that]
CHOOSE PERMANENT HOME|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to make a place your permanent home: She settled in Vienna after her father’s death.
4 (of a group of people) to make your permanent home in a country or an area as COLONISTS : [vn] [usually passive] This region was settled by the Dutch in the nineteenth century. [alsov]
INTO COMFORTABLE POSITION / STATE|
5 ~ (back) to make yourself or sb else comfortable in a new position: [v] Ellie settled back in her seat.  [vn] He settled himself comfortably in his usual chair.  I settled her on the sofa and put a blanket over her.
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth carefully in a position so that it does not move: She settled the blanket around her knees.
7 to become or make sb/sth become calm or relaxed: [v] The baby wouldn’t settle.  [vn] I took a pill to help settle my nerves.  This should settle your stomach.
COME TO REST|
8 [v] ~ (on / over sth) to fall from above and come to rest on sth; to stay for some time on sth: Dust had settled on everything.  Two birds settled on the fence.  I don’t think the snow will settle (= remain on the ground without melting).  His gaze settled on her face.
SINK DOWN|
9 to sink slowly down; to make sth do this: [v] The contents of the package may have settled in transit. [alsovn]
PAY MONEY|
10 ~ sth| ~ (up) (with sb) to pay the money that you owe: [vn] Please settle your bill before leaving the hotel.  The insurance company is refusing to settle her claim.  [v] Let me settle with you for the meal.  I’ll pay now—we can settle up later. settle a 'score / an ac'count (with sb) | settle an old 'score to hurt or punish sb who has harmed or cheated you in the past: ‘Who would do such a thing?’‘Maybe someone with an old score to settle.’—more at DUST n. ,settle 'down
1 to get into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying: I settled down with a book.
2 to start to have a quieter way of life, living in one place: When are you going to get married and settle down? ,settle 'down| ,settle sb<->'down to become or make sb become calm, less excited, etc: It always takes the class a while to settle down at the start of the lesson. settle (down) to sth to begin to give your attention to sth: They finally settled down to a discussion of the main issues.  He found it hard to settle to his work. 'settle for sth to accept sth that is not completely satisfactory but is the best that is available: In the end they had to settle for a draw.  I couldn’t afford the house I really wanted, so I had to settle for second best . ,settle 'in| ,settle 'into sth to move into a new home, job, etc. and start to feel comfortable there: How are the kids settling into their new school? 'settle on sth to choose or make a decision about sth after thinking about it: Have you settled on a name for the baby yet? 'settle sth on sb (law) to formally arrange to give money or property to sb, especially in a WILL

noun an old-fashioned piece of furniture with a long wooden seat and a high back and arms, often also with a box for storing things under the seat

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set.tled
adj.
1 not likely to change or move: dry and settled weather  a settled way of life
2 comfortable and happy with your home, job, way of life, etc: You’ll feel more settled when you’ve been here a few weeks.
OPP UNSETTLED
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settle.ment
noun
1 [C] an official agreement that ends an argument between two people or groups: to negotiate a peace settlement  The management and unions have reached a settlement over new working conditions.  an out-of-court settlement (= money that is paid to sb or an agreement that is made to stop sb going to court)
2 [U] the action of reaching an agreement: the settlement of a claim / dispute
3 [C] (law) the conditions, or a document stating the conditions, on which money or property is given to sb: a divorce / marriage / property settlement
4 [U] the action of paying back money that you owe: the settlement of a debt  a cheque in settlement of a bill
5 [C] a place where people have come to live and make their homes, especially where few or no people lived before: signs of an Iron Age settlement
6 [U] the process of people making their homes in a place: the settlement of the American West
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set.tler
noun a person who goes to live in a new country or region: white settlers in Africa
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,set-'to
noun [sing.] (informal, especially BrE ) a small fight or an argument
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,set-,top 'box
noun a device that changes a DIGITAL television signal into a form which can be seen on an ordinary television
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'set-up
noun [usually sing.] (informal)
1 a way of organizing sth; a system: I’ve only been here a couple of weeks and I don’t really know the set-up.
2 a situation in which sb tricks you or makes it seem as if you have done sth wrong: He didn’t steal the goods. It was a set-up.
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seven
number 7
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
IDM see SIX
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seven.teen
number 17
seven.teenth ordinal number
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sev.enth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 7th
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.
IDM in seventh 'heaven extremely happy: Now that he’s been promoted he’s in seventh heaven.

noun each of seven equal parts of sth

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sev.enty
number
1 70
2 (the seventies) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 70 to 79
seven.ti.eth ordinal number: his seventieth birthday
IDM in your 'seventies between the ages of 70 and 79
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sever
verb [vn] (formal)
1 ~ sth (from sth) to cut sth into two pieces; to cut sth off sth: to sever a rope  a severed artery  His hand was severed from his arm.
2 to completely end a relationship or all communication with sb: The two countries have severed all diplomatic links.  to sever relations / ties / connections
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sev.eral
det., pron., adj.
det., pron. more than two but not very many: Several letters arrived this morning.  He’s written several books about India.  Several more people than usual came to the meeting.  If you’re looking for a photo of Alice you’ll find several in here.  Several of the paintings were destroyed in the fire.

adj. (formal) separate: They said goodbye and went their several ways .

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sev.er.al.ly
adv. (formal orlaw ) separately: Tenants are jointly and severally liable for payment of the rent.
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sev.er.ance
noun [sing., U] (formal)
1 the act of ending a connection or relationship: the severance of diplomatic relations  the severance of Church and State
2 the act of ending sb’s contract of employment: employees given notice of severance  severance pay / terms
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se.vere
adj. (se.verer, se.ver.est)
VERY BAD|
1 extremely bad or serious: a severe handicap  His injuries are severe.  severe weather conditions  a severe winter (= one during which the weather conditions are extremely bad)  The party suffered severe losses during the last election.  a severe shortage of qualified staff
PUNISHMENT|
2 ~ (on / with sb) punishing sb in an extreme way when they break a particular set of rules
SYN HARSH : The courts are becoming more severe on young offenders.  a severe punishment / sentence
NOT KIND|
3 not kind or sympathetic and showing disapproval of sb/sth: a severe look / expression  She was a severe woman who seldom smiled.
VERY DIFFICULT|
4 extremely difficult and requiring a lot of skill or ability
SYN STIFF : The marathon is a severe test of stamina.
STYLE / APPEARANCE / CLOTHING|
5 (disapproving) extremely plain and lacking any decoration: Modern furniture is a little too severe for my taste.  Her hair was short and severe.
se.vere.ly adv.: severely disabled  areas severely affected by unemployment  Anyone breaking the law will be severely punished.  a severely critical report  Her hair was tied severely in a bun.
se.ver.ity noun [U]: A prison sentence should match the severity of the crime.  The chances of a full recovery will depend on the severity of her injuries.  the severity of the problem  He frowned with mock severity.  The elaborate facade contrasts strongly with the severity of the interior.
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sew
verb (sewed, sewn or sewed)
1 to use a needle and thread to make stitches in fabric: [v] My mother taught me how to sew.  to sew by hand / machine  [vn] to sew a seam / hem
2 [vn] ~ sth (on) to make, repair or attach sth using a needle and thread: She sews all her own clothes.  Can you sew a button on for me?
PVR V ,sew sth<->'up
1 to join or repair sth by sewing : to sew up a seam
2 [often passive] (informal) to arrange sth in a satisfactory way: It didn’t take me long to sew up the deal.  They think they have the election sewn up (= they think they are definitely going to win).
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sew.age
noun [U] used water and waste substances that are produced by human bodies, that are carried away from houses and factories through special pipes (= SEWERS ): a ban on the dumping of raw sewage (= that has not been treated with chemicals) at sea  sewage pipes / disposal
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'sewage farm
noun (BrE ) = SEWAGE WORKS
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'sewage plant
(also sewage 'treatment plant) noun (especially AmE ) = SEWAGE WORKS
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'sewage works
(also sewage 'treatment works, sewage dis'posal works) noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (pl.'sewage works) (BrE ) a place where chemicals are used to clean sewage so that it can then be allowed to go into rivers, etc. or used to make MANURE
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sewer
noun an underground pipe that is used to carry sewage away from houses, factories, etc.
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sew.er.age
noun [U] the system by which sewage is carried away from houses, factories, etc. and is cleaned and made safe by adding chemicals to it: an increase in water and sewerage charges
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'sewer grate
noun (AmE ) = DRAIN —picture at HOUSE
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sew.ing
noun [U]
1 the activity of making, repairing or decorating things made of fabric using a needle and thread: knitting and sewing
2 something that is being sewn: a pile of sewing
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'sewing machine
noun a machine that is used for sewing things that are made of fabric
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sewn
pp of SEW
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sex
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the state of being male or female
SYN GENDER : How can you tell what sex a fish is?  a process that allows couples to choose the sex of their baby  Please indicate your sex and date of birth below.  sex discrimination (= the act of treating men and women differently in an unfair way)
2 [C] either of the two groups that people, animals and plants are divided into according to their function of producing young: a member of the opposite sex   single sex schools / education—see also FAIR SEX
3 [U] physical activity between two people in which they touch each other’s sexual organs, and which may include SEXUAL INTERCOURSE : It is illegal to have sex with a person under the age of 16.  gay sex  the sex act  a sex attack / crime  a sex shop (= one selling magazines, objects, etc. that are connected with sex)  sex education in schools  These drugs may affect your sex drive (= your interest in sex and the ability to have it).—see also SAFE SEX , SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
4 (-sexed) (in adjectives) having the amount of sexual activity or desire mentioned: a highly-sexed woman

verb [vn] (technical ) to examine an animal in order to find out whether it is male or female

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'sex appeal
noun [U] the quality of being attractive in a sexual way: He exudes sex appeal.
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'sex change
noun [usually sing.] a medical operation in which parts of a person’s body are changed so that they become like a person of the opposite sex
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'sex chromosome
noun (biology ) a CHROMOSOME that decides the sex of an animal or a plant—see also X CHROMOSOME , Y CHROMOSOME
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sex.ism
noun [U] the unfair treatment of people, especially women, because of their sex; the attitude that causes this: legislation designed to combat sexism in the work place  a study of sexism in language
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sex.ist
noun (disapproving) a person who treats other people, especially women, unfairly because of their sex or who makes offensive remarks about them
sex.ist adj.: a sexist attitude / remark  sexist language
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sex.less
adj.
1 that is neither male nor female, or does not seem to be either male or female: a sexless child / figure
2 in which there is no sexual desire or activity
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'sex life
noun a person’s sexual activities: ways to improve your sex life
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'sex maniac
noun a person who wants to have sex all the time
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'sex object
noun a person considered only for their sexual attraction and not for their character or their intelligence
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'sex offender
noun a person who has been found guilty of illegal sexual acts
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sex.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of human sexual behaviour
sex.olo.gist noun
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'sex symbol
noun a famous person who is thought by many people to be sexually attractive
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sex.tant
noun an instrument for measuring angles and distances, used to calculate the exact position of a ship or an aircraft
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sex.tet
noun
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of six musicians or singers who play or sing together
2 [C] a piece of music for six musicians or singers
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sex.ton
noun a person whose job is to take care of a church and its surroundings, ring the church bell, etc.
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sex.tu.plet
noun one of six children born at the same time to the same mother
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sex.ual
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with the physical activity of sex: sexual activity / behaviour / desire  They were not having a sexual relationship at the time.  Her interest in him is purely sexual.  sexual orientation (= whether you are heterosexual or homosexual)
2 [only before noun] connected with the process of producing young: the sexual organs (= the penis, vagina, etc.)  sexual reproduction
3 [usually before noun] connected with the state of being male or female: sexual characteristics / differences
sex.ual.ly adv.: sexually abused children  She finds him sexually attractive.  sexually explicit  Girls become sexually mature earlier than boys.
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,sexual 'harassment
noun [U] comments about sex, physical contact, etc. usually happening at work, that a person finds annoying and offensive
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,sexual 'intercourse
(also inter.course) (also formal co.itus) noun [U] (formal) the physical activity of sex, usually describing the act of a man putting his PENIS inside a woman’s VAGINA
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sexu.al.ity
noun [U] the feelings and activities connected with a person’s sexual desires: male / female sexuality  He was confused about his sexuality.
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,sexually trans,mitted di'sease
noun [C, U] (abbr. STD) any disease that is spread through sexual intercourse , such as SYPHILIS
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sexy
adj. (sex.ier, sexi.est)
1 (of a person) sexually attractive: the sexy lead singer  She looked incredibly sexy in a black evening gown.
2 sexually exciting: sexy clothes / underwear  a sexy look / smile
3 (of a person) sexually excited: The music and wine began to make him feel sexy.
4 exciting and interesting: a sexy new range of software  Accountancy just isn’t sexy.
sex.ily adv.
sexi.ness noun [U]
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Sgt
(especially BrE ) (also Sgt.AmE, BrE) abbr. SERGEANT : Sgt Williams
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sh
(also shh) exclamation the way of writing the sound people make when they are telling sb to be quiet: Sh! Keep your voice down!
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shabby
adj. (shab.bier, shab.bi.est)
1 (of buildings, clothes, objects, etc.) in poor condition because they have been used a lot: The outside of the house was beginning to look shabby.  She wore shabby old jeans and a T-shirt.
2 (of a person) badly dressed in clothes that have been worn a lot: The old man was shabby and unkempt.
3 (of behaviour) unfair or unreasonable: She tried to make up for her shabby treatment of him.
shab.bily adv.: shabbily dressed  I think you were very shabbily treated.
shab.bi.ness noun [U]
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shack
noun, verb
noun a small building, usually made of wood or metal, that has not been built well

verb
PVR V ,shack 'up with sb| be ,shacked 'up with sb (slang) to start/be living with sb that you have a sexual relationship with, but that you are not married to: I hear he’s shacked up with some woman.

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shackle
verb [vn]
1 to put shackles on sb: The hostage had been shackled to a radiator.  The prisoners were kept shackled during the trial.
2 [usually passive] to prevent sb from behaving or speaking as they want: She is opposed to shackling the press with privacy laws.
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shackles
noun [pl.]
1 two metal rings joined together by a chain and placed around a prisoner’s wrists or ankles to prevent them from escaping or moving easily
2 ~ (of sth) (formal) a particular state, set of conditions or circumstances, etc. that prevent you from saying or doing what you want: a country struggling to free itself from the shackles of colonialism
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shade
noun, verb
noun
OUT OF SUN|
1 [U] ~ (of sth) an area that is dark and cool under or behind sth, for example a tree or building, because the sun’s light does not get to it: We sat down in the shade of the wall.  The temperature can reach 40°C in the shade .  The trees provide shade for the animals in the summer.—see also SHADY
ON LAMP|
2 [C] a thing that you use to prevent light from coming through or to make it less bright: I bought a new shade for the lamp.  an eyeshade—see also LAMPSHADE , SUNSHADE
ON WINDOW|
3 [C] (also 'window shade) (both AmE) = BLIND
OF COLOUR|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a particular form of a colour, that is, how dark or light it is: a delicate / pale / rich / soft shade of red  Cool pastel shades are just right for summer.
IN PICTURE|
5 [U] the dark areas in a picture, especially the use of these to produce variety: The painting needs more light and shade .
OF OPINION / FEELING|
6 [C, usually pl.] ~ of sth a different kind or level of opinion, feeling, etc: politicians of all shades of opinion  The word can have many shades of meaning.
SLIGHTLY|
7 (a shade) [sing.] (written) a little; slightly: He was feeling a shade disappointed.  Her skirt was a shade too short.
FOR EYES|
8 (shades) [pl.] (informal) = SUNGLASSES
STH THAT REMINDS YOU|
9 (shades) [pl.] ~ of sb/sth (informal) used when you are referring to things that remind you of a particular person, thing or time: short skirts and long boots—shades of the 1960s
GHOST|
10 [C] (literary) the spirit of a dead person; a ghost put sb/sth in the 'shade to be much better or more impressive than sb/sth: I tried hard but her work put mine in the shade.

verb [vn]
FROM DIRECT LIGHT|
1 ~ sb/sth (from / against sth) to prevent direct light from reaching sth: The courtyard was shaded by high trees.  She shaded her eyes against the sun.
LAMP|
2 [usually passive] to provide a screen for a lamp, light, etc. to make it less bright: a shaded lamp
PART OF PICTURE|
3 ~ sth (in) to make a part of a drawing, etc. darker, for example with an area of colour or with pencil lines: What do the shaded areas on the map represent?  I’m going to shade this part in.
JUST WIN|
4 (BrE, informal) to just win a contest ,shade 'into sth to change gradually into sth else, so that you cannot tell where one thing ends and the other thing begins: The scarlet of the wings shades into pink at the tips.  Distrust of foreigners can shade into racism.

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shad.ing
noun
1 [U] the use of colour, pencil lines, etc. to give an impression of light and shade in a picture or to emphasize areas of a map, diagram, etc.
2 (shadings) [pl.] slight differences that exist between different aspects of the same thing: the shadings of opinion found among church leaders
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shadow
noun, verb, adj.
noun
DARK SHAPE|
1 [C] the dark shape that sb/sth’s form makes on a surface, for example on the ground, when they are between the light and the surface: The children were having fun, chasing each other’s shadows.  The ship’s sail cast a shadow on the water.  The shadows lengthened as the sun went down.   (figurative) He didn’t want to cast a shadow on (= spoil) their happiness.—picture at SHADE   note at SHADE
DARKNESS|
2 [U] (also shadows [pl.]) darkness in a place or on sth, especially so that you cannot easily see who or what is there: His face was deep in shadow , turned away from her.  I thought I saw a figure standing in the shadows.  note at SHADE
SMALL AMOUNT|
3 [sing.] ~ of sth a very small amount of sth: A shadow of a smile touched his mouth.  She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt (= with no doubt at all) that he was lying.
INFLUENCE|
4 [sing.] ~ of sb/sth the strong (usually bad) influence of sb/sth: The new leader wants to escape from the shadow of his predecessor.  These people have been living for years under the shadow of fear.
UNDER EYES|
5 (shadows) [pl.] dark areas under sb’s eyes, because they are tired, etc: She looked pale, with deep shadows under her eyes.
SB THAT FOLLOWS SB|
6 [C] a person or an animal that follows sb else all the time
STH NOT REAL|
7 [C] a thing that is not real or possible to obtain: You can’t spend all your life chasing shadows .—see also EYESHADOW , FIVE O’CLOCK SHADOW be frightened / nervous / scared of your own 'shadow to be very easily frightened; to be very nervous in / under the 'shadow of
1 very close to: The new market is in the shadow of the City Hall.
2 when you say that sb is in/under the shadow of another person, you mean that they do not receive as much attention as that person—more at FORMER

verb [vn]
FOLLOW AND WATCH|
1 to follow and watch sb closely and often secretly: He was shadowed for a week by the secret police.
2 to be with sb who is doing a particular job, so that you can learn about it: It is often helpful for teachers to shadow managers in industry.
COVER WITH SHADOW|
3 to cover sth with a shadow: A wide-brimmed hat shadowed her face.  The bay was shadowed by magnificent cliffs.—see also OVERSHADOW

adj. [only before noun] (BrE, politics ) used to refer to senior politicians of the main opposition party who would become government ministers if their party won the next election: the shadow Chancellor  the shadow Cabinet

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'shadow-box
verb [v] to BOX with an imaginary opponent, especially for physical exercise or in order to train
'shadow-boxing noun [U]
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shad.owy
adj.
1 dark and full of shadows: Someone was waiting in the shadowy doorway.
2 [usually before noun] difficult to see because there is not much light: Shadowy figures approached them out of the fog.
3 [usually before noun] that not much is known about
SYN MYSTERIOUS : the shadowy world of terrorism
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shady
adj. (shadi.er, shadi.est)
1 protected from direct sunlight by trees, buildings, etc: a shady garden / forest  We went to find somewhere cool and shady to have a drink.
2 (of a tree, etc.) providing shade from the sunlight
3 [usually before noun] (informal) seeming to be dishonest or illegal: a shady businessman / deal  a shady character
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shaft
noun, verb
noun
1 (often in compounds) a long, narrow, usually vertical passage in a building or underground, used especially for a lift/elevator or as a way of allowing air in or out: a lift / elevator shaft  a mineshaft  a ventilation shaft
2 the long narrow part of an arrow, hammer, GOLF CLUB , etc.
3 (often in compounds) a metal bar that joins parts of a machine or an engine together, enabling power and movement to be passed from one part to another—see also CAMSHAFT , CRANKSHAFT
4 [usually pl.] either of the two poles at the front of a carriage or CART between which a horse is fastened in order to pull it
5 ~ of light, sunlight, etc. (literary) a narrow beam of light: A shaft of moonlight fell on the lake.   (figurative) a shaft of inspiration
6 ~ of pain, fear, etc. (literary) a sudden strong feeling of pain, etc. that travels through your body: Shafts of fear ran through her as she heard footsteps behind her.
7 ~ of sth (formal) a clever remark that is intended to upset or annoy sb: a shaft of wit / criticism
IDM give sb the 'shaft (AmE, informal) to treat sb unfairly

verb [vn] (informal) to treat sb unfairly or cheat them

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shag
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [U] a strong type of tobacco cut into long thin pieces
2 [C] a large black seabird with a long neck
3 [C, usually sing.] (BrE,  , slang) an act of sex with sb: Fancy a shag?

verb (-gg-) [v, vn] (BrE ,  , slang) to have sex with sb

adj. [only before noun] used to describe a carpet, etc. that has long woollen threads

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shagged
(also ,shagged 'out) adj. [not before noun] (BrE ,  , slang) very tired
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shaggy
adj.
1 (of hair, fur, etc.) long and untidy: a shaggy mane of hair
2 having long untidy hair, fur, etc: a huge shaggy white dog
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,shaggy-'dog story
noun a very long joke with a silly or disappointing ending
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shah
noun the title of the kings of Iran in the past
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shaikh
= SHEIKH
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shake
verb, noun
verb (shook shaken )
OBJECT / BUILDING / PERSON|
1 to move or make sb/sth move with short quick movements from side to side or up and down: [v] The whole house shakes when a train goes past.  [vn] Shake the bottle well before use.  He shook her violently by the shoulders.  [vn-adj] She shook her hair loose .
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth in a particular direction by shaking : She bent down to shake a pebble out of her shoe.
YOUR HEAD|
3 [vn] ~ your head to turn your head from side to side as a way of saying ‘no’ or to show sadness, disapproval, doubt, etc: She shook her head in disbelief.
HANDS|
4 [vn] ~ sb’s hand | ~ hands (with sb) (on sth) | ~ sb by the hand to take sb’s hand and move it up and down as a greeting or to show that you agree about sth: Do people in Italy shake hands when they meet?  They shook hands on the deal (= to show that they had reached an agreement).  Our host shook each of us warmly by the hand.
YOUR FIST|
5 [vn] ~ your fist (at sb) to show that you are angry with sb; to threaten sb by shaking your FIST (= closed hand)
OF BODY|
6 [v] ~ (with sth) to make short quick movements that you cannot control, for example because you are cold or afraid
SYN TREMBLE : He was shaking with fear.  I was shaking like a leaf .  Her hands had started to shake.
OF VOICE|
7 [v] ~ (with sth) (of sb’s voice) to sound unsteady, usually because you are nervous, upset or angry
SHOCK SB|
8 [vn] ~ sb (up) (not used in the progressive tenses) to shock or upset sb very much: He was badly shaken by the news of her death.  The accident really shook her up.
BELIEF / IDEA|
9 [vn] to make a belief or an idea less certain: to shake somebody’s faith / belief  This announcement is bound to shake the confidence of the industry.
GET RID OF|
10 [vn] ~ sth (off) to get rid of sth: I can’t seem to shake off this cold.  He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something wrong. shake in your 'shoes (informal) to be very frightened or nervous shake a 'leg (old-fashioned, informal) used to tell sb to start to do sth or to hurry—more at FOUNDATION ,shake 'down (informal) to become familiar with a new situation and begin to work well in it ,shake sb/sth<->'down (AmE, informal)
1 to search a person or place in a very thorough way—related noun SHAKEDOWN
2 to threaten sb in order to get money from them ,shake sb<->'off to get away from sb who is chasing or following you 'shake on sth to shake hands in order to show that sth has been agreed: They shook on the deal.  Let’s shake on it. ,shake sth<->'out to open or spread sth by shaking, especially so that bits of dirt, dust, etc. come off it: to shake out a duster ,shake sb<->'up to surprise sb and make them think about sth in a different way, become more active, etc: Shaken up by the early goal against them, the team began to fight back. ,shake sth<->'up to make important changes in an organization, a profession, etc. in order to make it more efficient: The whole industry needs shaking up.—related noun SHAKE-UP

noun
MOVEMENT|
1 [C, usually sing.] an act of shaking sth/sb: Give the bottle a good shake before opening.  He dismissed the idea with a firm shake of his head (= turning it from side to side to mean ‘no’).  She gave him a shake to wake him.—see also HANDSHAKE
OF BODY|
2 (the shakes) [pl.] (informal) a physical condition in which you cannot stop your body from shaking because of fear, illness, or because you have drunk too much alcohol: I always get the shakes before exams.
DRINK|
3 [C] = MILKSHAKE : a strawberry shake in two 'shakes | in a couple of 'shakes (informal) very soon—more at FAIR adj. , GREAT adj.

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shake.down
noun (AmE , informal)
1 a situation in which sb tries to force sb else to give them money using violence, threats, etc.
2 a thorough search of sb/sth: a police shakedown of the area
3 a test of a vehicle to see if there are any problems before it is used generally
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shaken
(also shaken 'up) adj. [not usually before noun] shocked, upset or frightened by sth
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'shake-out
noun [usually sing.]
1 a situation in which people lose their jobs and less successful companies are forced to close because of competition and difficult economic conditions
2 = SHAKE-UP
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shaker
noun
1 (often in compounds) a container that is used for shaking things: a salt shaker  a cocktail shaker
2 (Shaker) a member of a religious group in the US who live simply in a community and do not marry or have partners
IDM see MOVER
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'shake-up
(also 'shake-out) noun ~ (in / of sth) a situation in which a lot of changes are made to a company, an organization, etc. in order to improve the way in which it works: a management shake-up
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shak.ing
noun [sing., U] the act of shaking sth/sb or the fact of being shaken
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shaky
adj. (shaki.er, shaki.est)
1 shaking and feeling weak because of illness, emotion or old age: Her voice sounded shaky on the phone.  The old man was very shaky on his feet.
2 not firm or safe; not certain: That ladder looks a little shaky.   (figurative) Her memories of the accident are a little shaky.   (figurative) The protesters are on shaky ground (= it is not certain that their claims are valid).
3 not seeming very successful; likely to fail: Business is looking shaky at the moment.  After a shaky start, they fought back to win 3–2.
shaki.ly adv.: ‘Get the doctor,’ he whispered shakily.
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shale
noun [U] a type of soft stone that splits easily into thin flat layers
shaly adj.
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shall
modal verb (negativeshall notshort formshan’tptshouldnegativeshould notshort formshouldn’t ) (especially BrE )
1 (becoming old-fashioned) used with I and we for talking about or predicting the future: This time next week I shall be in Scotland.  We shan’t be gone long.  I said that I should be pleased to help.
2 used in questions with I and we for making offers or suggestions or asking advice: Shall I send you the book?  What shall we do this weekend?  Let’s look at it again, shall we?
3 (old-fashioned or formal) used to show that you are determined, or to give an order or instruction: He is determined that you shall succeed.  Candidates shall remain in their seats until all the papers have been collected.  note at MODAL
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shal.lot
noun a vegetable like a small onion with a very strong taste—
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shal.low
adj. (shal.low.er, shal.low.est)
1 not having much distance between the top or surface and the bottom: a shallow dish  They were playing in the shallow end (= of the swimming pool).  These fish are found in shallow waters around the coast.
OPP DEEP
2 (disapproving) (of a person, an idea, a comment, etc.) not showing serious thought, feelings, etc. about sth
3 shallow breathing involves taking in only a small amount of air each time
shal.low.ly adv.: He was breathing shallowly.
shal.low.ness noun [U]
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shal.lows
(the shallows) noun [pl.] a shallow place in a river or the sea
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sha.lom
exclamation a Hebrew word for ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’ that means ‘peace’
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shalt
verb (thou shalt) (old use) used to mean ‘you shall’, when talking to one person
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sham
noun, adj., verb
noun (disapproving)
1 [sing.] a situation, feeling, system, etc. that is not as good or true as it seems to be: The latest crime figures are a complete sham.
2 [C, usually sing.] a person who pretends to be sth that they are not
3 [U] behaviour, feelings, words, etc. that are intended to make sb/sth seem to be better than they really are: Their promises turned out to be full of sham and hypocrisy.

adj. [only before noun] (usually disapproving) not genuine but intended to seem real
SYN FALSE : a sham marriage

verb (-mm-) to pretend sth: [v] Is he really sick or is he just shamming? [alsov-adj, vn]

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shaman
noun a person in some religions and societies who is believed to be able to contact good and evil spirits and cure people of illnesses
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sham.ble
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to walk in an awkward or lazy way, dragging your feet along the ground: The old porter shambled along behind her.  a shambling gait / figure
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sham.bles
(a shambles) noun [sing.] (informal)
1 a situation in which there is a lot of confusion or disorder
SYN MESS : The press conference was a complete shambles.  What a shambles!  The government is in a shambles over Europe.
2 a place which is dirty or untidy
SYN MESS : The house was a shambles.
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sham.bol.ic
adj. (BrE , informal) lacking order or organization
SYN DISORGANIZED : a shambolic campaign
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shame
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the feelings of guilt, sadness and embarrassment that you have when you know that sth you have done is wrong or stupid: His face burned with shame.  She hung her head in shame.  He could not live with the shame of other people knowing the truth.  To my shame (= I feel shame that) I refused to listen to her side of the story.
2 [U] (formal) (only used in questions and negative sentences) the ability to feel shame at sth you have done: Have you no shame?
3 (a shame) [sing.] used to say that sth is a cause for feeling sad or disappointed: What a shame they couldn’t come.  It’s a shame about Tim, isn’t it?  It’s a shame that she wasn’t here to see it.  It would be a crying shame (= a great shame) not to take them up on the offer.
4 [U] the loss of respect that is caused when you do sth wrong or stupid: There is no shame in wanting to be successful.   (formal) She felt that her failure would bring shame on her family.
IDM put sb/sth to 'shame to be much better than sb/sth: Their presentation put ours to shame. 'shame on you, him, etc. (spoken) used to say that sb should feel ashamed for sth they have said or done

verb [vn]
1 (written) to make sb feel ashamed: His generosity shamed them all.
2 (formal) to make sb feel that they have lost honour or respect: You have shamed your family.
PVR V 'shame sb into doing sth to persuade sb to do sth by making them feel ashamed not to do it: She shamed her father into promising more help.

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shame.faced
adj. feeling or looking ashamed because you have done sth bad or stupid: a shamefaced smile
shame.faced.ly adv.
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shame.ful
adj. that should make you feel ashamed: shameful behaviour  a shameful secret / thought  It was shameful the way she was treated.
shame.ful.ly adv.
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shame.less
adj. (disapproving) not feeling ashamed of sth you have done, although other people think you should: a shameless display of greed
shame.less.ly adv.: He shamelessly admits his part in the crime.
shame.less.ness noun [U]
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sham.ing
adj. causing sb to feel ashamed: a shaming defeat by a less experienced team
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sham.poo
noun, verb
noun (pl.-os)
1 [C, U] a liquid soap that is used for washing your hair; a similar liquid used for cleaning carpets, furniture covers or a car: a shampoo for greasy hair  carpet shampoo
2 [C, usually sing.] an act of washing your hair using shampoo : Rinse the hair thoroughly after each shampoo.  a shampoo and set (= an act of washing and styling sb’s hair)

verb (sham.pooed, sham.pooed) [vn] to wash or clean hair, carpets, etc. with shampoo

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sham.rock
noun a small plant with three leaves on each stem. The shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland.
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shandy
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE )
1 [U] a drink made by mixing beer with LEMONADE
2 [C] a glass or can of shandy : Two shandies, please.
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shang.hai
verb (shang.hai.ing , shang.haied, shang.haied ) [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) (old-fashioned, informal) to trick or force sb into doing sth that they do not really want to do
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shank
noun
1 the straight narrow part between the two ends of a tool or an object
2 the part of an animal’s or a person’s leg between the knee and ankle
IDM (on) Shanks’s 'pony (BrE, informal) walking, rather than travelling by car, bus, etc.
SYN ON FOOT
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shan’t
short form of SHALL NOT
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shanty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 a small house, built of pieces of wood, metal and cardboard, where very poor people live, especially on the edge of a big city
2 (also 'sea shanty) (both BrE) (AmEchanty, chantey) a song that sailors traditionally used to sing while pulling ropes, etc.
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'shanty town
noun an area in or near a town where poor people live in shanties
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shape
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the form of the outer edges or surfaces of sth; an example of sth that has a particular form: a rectangular shape  The pool was in the shape of a heart.  The island was originally circular in shape .  Squares, circles and triangles are types of shape.  Candles come in all shapes and sizes .  You can recognize the fish by the shape of their fins.  This old T-shirt has completely lost its shape.   (figurative) The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans.
2 [C] a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly
SYN FIGURE : Ghostly shapes moved around in the dark.
3 [U] the physical condition of sb/sth: What sort of shape was the car in after the accident?  He’s in good shape for a man of his age.  I like to keep in shape (= keep fit).
4 [U] the particular qualities or characteristics of sth: Will new technology change the shape of broadcasting?
IDM get (yourself) into 'shape to take exercise, eat healthy food, etc. in order to become physically fit get / knock / lick sb into 'shape to train sb so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well get / knock / lick sth into 'shape to make sth more acceptable, organized or successful: I’ve got all the information together but it still needs knocking into shape. give 'shape to sth (formal) to express or explain a particular idea, plan, etc. in 'any (way,) shape or form (informal) of any type: I don’t approve of violence in any shape or form. out of 'shape
1 not having the normal shape: The wheel had been twisted out of shape.
2 (of a person) not in good physical condition the ,shape of ,things to 'come the way things are likely to develop in the future take 'shape to develop and become more complete or organized: The garden is beginning to take shape.

verb
1 [vn] ~ A (into B) to make sth into a particular shape: Shape the dough into a ball.  This tool is used for shaping wood.
2 [vn] to have an important influence on the way that sb/sth develops: His ideas had been shaped by his experiences during the war.  She had a leading role in shaping party policy.
3 [v to inf] to prepare to do sth, especially hit or kick sth: She was shaping to hit her second shot.
IDM 'shape up or ship 'out (AmE, informal) used to tell sb that if they do not improve, work harder, etc. they will have to leave their job, position, etc: He finally faced up to his drug problem when his band told him to shape up or ship out.
PVR V ,shape 'up
1 to develop in a particular way, especially in a satisfactory way: Our plans are shaping up nicely (= showing signs that they will be successful).
2 (informal) to improve your behaviour, work harder, etc: If he doesn’t shape up, he’ll soon be out of a job.

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shaped
adj. having the type of shape mentioned: a huge balloon shaped like a giant cow  almond-shaped eyes  an L-shaped room—see also PEAR-SHAPED
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shape.less
adj. [usually before noun] (often disapproving)
1 not having any definite shape: a shapeless sweater
2 lacking clear organization: a shapeless and incoherent story
shape.less.ly adv.
shape.less.ness noun [U]
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shape.ly
adj. (especially of a woman’s body) having an attractive curved shape: a shapely young woman  a shapely figure / leg
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shard
(also sherd) noun (written) a piece of broken glass, metal, etc: shards of glass / pottery
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share
verb, noun
verb
USE AT SAME TIME|
1 ~ (sth) (with sb) to have or use sth at the same time as sb else: [vn] Sue shares a house with three other students.  [v] There isn’t an empty table. Would you mind sharing?—see also JOB-SHARING
DIVIDE BETWEEN PEOPLE|
2 [vn] ~ sth (out) (among / between sb) to divide sth between two or more people: We shared the pizza between the four of us.  Rita shared her money out among her six grandchildren.—see also POWER-SHARING
GIVE SOME OF YOURS|
3 ~ (sth) (with sb) to give some of what you have to sb else; to let sb use sth that is yours: [vn] Eli shared his chocolate with the other kids.  The conference is a good place to share information and exchange ideas.  [v] John had no brothers or sisters and wasn’t used to sharing.
FEELINGS / IDEAS / PROBLEMS|
4 ~ (in) sth| ~ sth (with sb) to have the same feelings, ideas, experiences, etc. as sb else: [vn] They shared a common interest in botany.  People often share their political views with their parents.  a view that is widely shared  shared values  [v] I didn’t really share in her love of animals.
5 ~ sth (with sb) to tell other people about your ideas, experiences and feelings: [vn] Men often don’t like to share their problems.  The two friends shared everything—they had no secrets.  Would you like to share your experience with the rest of the group?  [v] The group listens while one person shares (= tells other people about their experiences, feelings, etc.).
BLAME / RESPONSIBILITY|
6 ~ (in) sth| ~ sth (with sb) to be equally involved in sth or responsible for sth: [v] I try to get the kids to share in the housework.  [vn] Both drivers shared the blame for the accident. share and share a'like (saying) used to say that everyone should share things equally and in a fair way

noun
PART / AMOUNT OF STH|
1 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of / in sth) one part of sth that is divided between two or more people: How much was your share of the winnings?  Next year we hope to have a bigger share of the market.   (BrE) I’m looking for a flat share (= a flat that is shared by two or more people who are not related).—see also MARKET SHARE , TIMESHARE
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the part that sb has in a particular activity that involves several people: We all did our share.  Everyone must accept their share of the blame.
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) an amount of sth that is thought to be normal or acceptable for one person: I’ve had my share of luck in the past.  I’ve done my share of worrying for one day!
IN BUSINESS|
4 [C] ~ (in sth) any of the units of equal value into which a company is divided and sold to raise money. People who own shares receive part of the company’s profits: shares in British Telecom  a fall / increase in share prices—compare STOCK n. (4) —see also ORDINARY SHARE
FARM EQUIPMENT|
5 [C] (AmE) = PLOUGHSHARE
IDM see CAKE n. , FAIR adj. , LION , PIE

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share.crop.per
noun (especially AmE ) a farmer who gives part of his or her crop as rent to the owner of the land
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share.hold.er
noun an owner of shares in a company or business
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share.hold.ing
noun the amount of a company or business that sb owns in the form of shares: They have a 51 per cent shareholding in the business.
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'share index
noun [usually sing.] a list that shows the current value of shares on the STOCK MARKET , based on the prices of shares of particular companies
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'share-out
noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) an act of dividing sth between two or more people; the amount of sth that one person receives when it is divided
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share.ware
noun [U] (computing ) computer SOFTWARE (= programs, etc.) that is available free for a user to test, after which they must pay if they wish to continue using it—compare FREEWARE
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sha.ria
(also sha.riah) noun [U] the system of religious laws that Muslims follow
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shark
noun
1 a large sea fish with very sharp teeth and a pointed FIN on its back. There are several types of shark , some of which can attack people swimming: a Great White Shark  a fatal shark attack
2 (informal, disapproving) a person who is dishonest in business, especially sb who gives bad advice and gets people to pay too much for sth—see also LOAN SHARK
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sharp
adj., adv., noun
adj. (sharp.er, sharp.est)
EDGE / POINT|
1 having a fine edge or point, especially of sth that can cut or make a hole in sth: a sharp knife / pencil  sharp teeth / claws
OPP BLUNT
RISE / DROP / CHANGE|
2 [usually before noun] sudden and rapid, especially of a change in sth: a sharp drop in prices  a sharp rise in crime  a sharp fall / decline / increase / reduction in sth  He heard a sharp intake of breath .  We need to give young criminals a short, sharp shock (= a punishment that is very unpleasant for a short time).
CLEAR / DEFINITE|
3 [usually before noun] clear and definite: a sharp outline  The photograph is not very sharp (= there are no clear contrasts between areas of light and shade).  She drew a sharp distinction between domestic and international politics.  In sharp contrast to her mood, the clouds were breaking up to reveal a blue sky.  The issue must be brought into sharper focus.
MIND / EYES|
4 (of people or their minds, eyes, etc.) quick to notice or understand things or to react: to have sharp eyes / ears / reflexes  a girl of sharp intelligence  a sharp sense of humour  He kept a sharp lookout for any strangers.  It was very sharp of you to see that!
CRITICAL|
5 ~ (with sb) (of a person or what they say) critical or harsh: sharp criticism / words  Emma has a sharp tongue (= she often speaks in a harsh or unkind way).  He was very sharp with me when I was late.
SOUNDS|
6 [usually before noun] loud, sudden and often high in tone: She read out the list in sharp, clipped tones.  There was a sharp knock on the door.
FEELING|
7 (of a physical feeling or an emotion) very strong and sudden, often like being cut or wounded: He winced as a sharp pain shot through his leg.  Polly felt a sharp pang of jealousy.
CURVES|
8 changing direction suddenly: a sharp bend in the road  a sharp turn to the left
FLAVOUR / SMELL|
9 strong and slightly bitter: The cheese has a distinctively sharp taste.
FROST / WIND|
10 used to describe a very cold or very severe FROST or wind—see also RAZOR-SHARP
CLEVER AND DISHONEST|
11 (disapproving) (of a person or their way of doing business) clever but possibly dishonest: His lawyer’s a sharp operator .  The firm had to face some sharp practice from competing companies.
CLOTHES|
12 [usually before noun] (of clothes or the way sb dresses) fashionable and new: (BrE, disapproving) The consultants were a group of men in sharp suits .   (AmE, approving) Todd is a really sharp dresser !
FACE / FEATURES|
13 not full or round in shape: a man with a thin face and sharp features (= a pointed nose and chin)
IN MUSIC|
14 used after the name of a note to mean a note a SEMITONE/HALF TONE higher: the Piano Sonata in C sharp minor
OPP FLAT —compare NATURAL —picture at MUSIC
15 above the correct PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds): That note sounded sharp.
OPP FLAT look 'sharp (BrE) used in orders to tell sb to be quick or to hurry: You’d better look sharp or you’ll be late. the 'sharp end (of sth) (BrE, informal) the place or position of greatest difficulty or responsibility: He started work at the sharp end of the business, as a salesman.

adv.
EXACTLY|
1 used after an expression for a time of day to mean ‘exactly’: Please be here at seven o’clock sharp.
LEFT / RIGHT|
2 (BrE) ~ left / right turning suddenly to the left or right
MUSIC|
3 (comparativesharp.er no superlative) above the correct PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds)
OPP FLAT

noun (music ) a note played a SEMITONE/HALF TONE higher than the note that is named. The written symbol is (#): It’s a difficult piece to play, full of sharps and flats.
OPP FLAT —compare NATURAL

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sharp.en
verb
1 to make sth sharper; to become sharper: [vn] This knife needs sharpening.  [v] The outline of the trees sharpened as it grew lighter.
2 if a sense or feeling sharpens or sth sharpens it, it becomes stronger and/or clearer: [vn] The sea air sharpened our appetites. [alsov]
3 [vn] to make a disagreement between people, or an issue on which people disagree, clearer and more likely to produce a result: There is a need to sharpen the focus of the discussion.
4 ~ (sth) (up) to become or make sth better, more skilful, more effective, etc. than before
SYN IMPROVE : [v] He needs to sharpen up before the Olympic trials.  [vn] She’s doing a course to sharpen her business skills.
5 [v, vn] if your voice sharpens or sth sharpens it, it becomes high and loud in an unpleasant way
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sharp.en.er
noun (usually in compounds) a tool or machine that makes things sharp: a pencil sharpener  a knife sharpener
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,sharp-'eyed
adj. able to see very well and quick to notice things
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sharp.ish
adv. (BrE , informal) quickly; in a short time
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sharp.ly
adv.
1 in a critical, harsh or severe way: The report was sharply critical of the police.  ‘Is there a problem?’ he asked sharply.
2 suddenly and by a large amount
SYN DRAMATICALLY : Profits fell sharply following the takeover.  The road fell sharply to the sea.
3 in a way that clearly shows the differences between two things: Their experiences contrast sharply with those of other children.
4 quickly and suddenly or loudly: She moved sharply across the room to block his exit.  He rapped sharply on the window.
5 used to emphasize that sth has a sharp point or edge: sharply pointed
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sharp.shoot.er
noun a person who is skilled at shooting a gun
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shat
pt, pp of SHIT
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shat.ter
verb
1 ~ (sth) (into sth) to suddenly break into small pieces; to make sth suddenly break into small pieces: [v] He dropped the vase and it shattered into pieces on the floor.  [vn] The explosion shattered all the windows in the building.  the sound of shattering glass
2 ~ (sth) (into sth) to destroy sth completely, especially sb’s feelings, hopes or beliefs; to be destroyed in this way: [vn] Anna’s self-confidence had been completely shattered.  Her experience of divorce shattered her illusions about love.  [v] My whole world shattered into a million pieces.
3 [vn] to make sb feel extremely shocked and upset: The unexpected death of their son shattered them.
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shat.tered
adj.
1 very shocked and upset: The experience left her feeling absolutely shattered.
2 (BrE, informal) very tired
SYN EXHAUSTED
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shat.ter.ing
adj.
1 very shocking and upsetting: a shattering experience  The news of his death came as a shattering blow.
2 very loud
SYN DEAFENING : a shattering crash of thunder
shat.ter.ing.ly adv.
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'shatter-proof
adj. designed not to SHATTER : shatter-proof glass
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shave
verb, noun
verb
1 to cut hair from the skin, especially the face, using a RAZOR : [v] Mike cut himself shaving.  [vn] The nurse washed and shaved him.  a shaved head—see also SHAVEN —picture at HAIR
2 [vn] to cut a small amount off a price, etc: The firm had shaved profit margins.
PVR V ,shave sth<->'off| shave sth off sth
1 to remove a BEARD or MOUSTACHE by shaving: Charles decided to shave off his beard.
2 to cut very thin pieces from the surface of wood, etc: I had to shave a few millimetres off the door to make it shut.
3 to reduce a number by a very small amount: Keith shaved a tenth of a second off his best time in the 200 metres.

noun an act of shaving: I need a shave.  to have a shave
IDM see CLOSE^2adj.

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shaven
adj. with all the hair shaved off: a shaven head—see also CLEAN-SHAVEN —compare UNSHAVEN
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shaver
(also e,lectric 'razor) noun an electric tool for shaving—compare RAZOR
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'shaving cream, 'shaving foam
noun [U] special cream or FOAM for spreading over the face with a shaving brush before shaving
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shav.ings
noun [pl.] thin pieces cut from a piece of wood, etc. using a sharp tool, especially a PLANE : wood shavings
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shawl
noun a large piece of fabric worn by a woman around the shoulders or head, or wrapped around a baby
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she
pron., noun
pron. (used as the subject of a verb) a female person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified: ‘What does your sister do?’‘She’s a dentist.’  Doesn’t she (= the woman we are looking at) look like Sue?—compare HER

noun
1 [sing.] (informal) a female: What a sweet little dog. Is it a he or a she?
2 (she-) (in compound nouns) a female animal: a she-wolf

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sheaf
noun (pl.sheaves )
1 a number of pieces of paper tied or held together: He waved a sheaf of documents at me.
2 a bunch of corn or wheat tied together after being cut
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shear
verb (sheared, shorn or sheared)
1 [vn] to cut the wool off a sheep: It was time for the sheep to be shorn.  sheep shearing
2 [vn] (formal) to cut off sb’s hair: shorn hair
3 ~ (sth) (off) (technical ) (especially of metal) to break under pressure; to cut through sth and make it break: [v] The bolts holding the wheel in place sheared off. [alsovn] be 'shorn of sth (literary) to have sth important taken away from you: Shorn of his power, the deposed king went into exile.
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shears
noun [pl.] a garden tool like a very large pair of scissors, used for cutting bushes and HEDGES : a pair of garden shears—see also PINKING SHEARS —picture at SCISSORS
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sheath
noun (pl.sheaths )
1 a cover that fits closely over the blade of a knife or other sharp weapon or tool: He put the dagger back in its sheath.
2 any protective covering that fits closely over sth: the sheath around an electric cable
3 (BrE) = CONDOM
4 a woman’s dress that fits the body closely: a simple black silk sheath
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sheathe
verb [vn]
1 (literary) to put a knife or SWORD into a sheath
2 [usually passive] ~ sth (in / with sth) to cover sth in a material, especially in order to protect it
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sheaves
pl. of SHEAF
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she.bang
noun
IDM the whole she'bang (informal) the whole thing; everything
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she.been
noun (informal, especially IrishE ) a place where alcoholic drinks are sold illegally
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shed
noun, verb
noun (often in compounds)
1 a small simple building, usually built of wood or metal, used for keeping things in: a bicycle / tool shed   (BrE) a garden shed
2 (BrE) a large industrial building, used for working in or keeping equipment: an engine shed—see also COWSHED , POTTING SHED , WOODSHED

verb (shed.ding, shed, shed) [vn]
GET RID OF|
1 (often used in newspapers) to get rid of sth that is no longer wanted: The factory is shedding a large number of jobs.  a quick way to shed unwanted pounds (= extra weight or fat on your body)  Museums have been trying hard to shed their stuffy image.
DROP|
2 (formal) to let sth fall; to drop sth: Luke shed his clothes onto the floor.  A duck’s feathers shed water immediately.
3 (BrE) (of a vehicle) to lose or drop what it is carrying: The traffic jam was caused by a lorry shedding its load .
SKIN / LEAVES|
4 if an animal sheds its skin, or a plant sheds leaves, it loses them naturally: How often does a snake shed its skin?  trees that shed their leaves in autumn
LIGHT|
5 ~ sth (on / over sb/sth) to send light over sth; to let light fall somewhere: The candles shed a soft glow on her face.
TEARS|
6 (formal or literary) if you shed tears, you cry: She shed no tears when she heard he was dead.
BLOOD|
7 (formal) if you shed blood, you kill or injure people, especially in a war: How much blood will be shed before the fighting ends?—see also BLOODSHED
IDM see LIGHT n.

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she’d
short form
1 she had
2 she would
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sheen
noun [sing., U] a soft smooth shiny quality: hair with a healthy sheen
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sheep
noun (pl.sheep) an animal with a thick coat, kept on farms for its meat (called MUTTON or LAMB ) or its wool: a flock of sheep  Sheep were grazing in the fields.—compare EWE , LAMB , RAM —see also BLACK SHEEP
IDM like 'sheep (disapproving) if people behave like sheep, they all do what the others are doing, without thinking for themselves sort out / separate the ,sheep from the 'goats to distinguish good people from bad people—more at COUNT v. , WOLF n.
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'sheep dip
noun [U, C] a liquid which is used to kill insects, etc. in a sheep’s coat; the container in which sheep are put to treat them with this
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sheep.dog
noun
1 a dog that is trained to help control sheep on a farm
2 (BrE) a dog of a breed that is often used for controlling sheep, especially a COLLIE —see also OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
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sheep.herd.er
noun (AmE ) = SHEPHERD
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sheep.ish
adj. looking or feeling embarrassed because you have done sth silly or wrong: Mary gave her a sheepish grin.
sheep.ish.ly adv.
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sheep.skin
noun [U, C] the skin of a sheep with the wool still on it: a sheepskin coat / rug
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sheer
adj., adv., verb
adj.
1 [only before noun] used to emphasize the size, degree or amount of sth: The area is under threat from the sheer number of tourists using it.  We were impressed by the sheer size of the cathedral.
2 [only before noun] complete and not mixed with anything else: The concert was sheer delight.  I only agreed out of sheer desperation.
3 very steep: sheer cliffs / slopes  Outside there was a sheer drop down to the sea below.
4 (of fabrics, etc.) thin, light and almost transparent: sheer nylon

adv. straight up or down: The cliffs rise sheer from the beach.  The ground dropped sheer away at our feet.

verb
PVR V ,sheer a'way / 'off (from sth) to change direction suddenly, especially in order to avoid hitting sth: (figurative) Her mind sheered away from images she did not wish to dwell on.

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sheet
noun
ON BED|
1 a large piece of thin fabric used on a bed to lie on or lie under: Have you changed the sheets (= put clean sheets on the bed)?  He slid between the sheets and closed his eyes.—picture at BED
OF PAPER|
2 a piece of paper for writing or printing on, etc. usually in a standard size: a clean / blank sheet of paper (= with no writing on it)  Start each answer on a fresh sheet.  Pick up one of our free information sheets at reception.
FLAT THIN PIECE|
3 a flat thin piece of any material, normally square or RECTANGULAR : a sheet of glass / steel  sheet metal (= metal that has been made into thin sheets)  Place the dough on a baking sheet (= for cooking sth in an oven).
WIDE FLAT AREA|
4 a wide flat area of sth, covering the surface of sth else: The road was covered with a sheet of ice.
OF FIRE / WATER|
5 a large moving mass of fire or water: a sheet of flame  The rain was coming down in sheets (= very heavily).
ON SAIL|
6 (technical) a rope or chain fastened to the lower corner of a sail to hold it and to control the angle of the sail
HELP There are other compounds ending sheet. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
IDM see CLEAN adj.
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sheet.ing
noun [U]
1 metal, plastic, etc. made into flat thin pieces: metal / plastic / polythene / metal sheeting
2 fabric used for making sheets for beds
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,sheet 'lightning
noun [U] LIGHTNING that appears as a broad area of light in the sky—compare FORKED LIGHTNING
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'sheet music
noun [U] printed music as opposed to recorded music; printed music published on separate sheets of paper that are not fastened together to form a book
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sheikh
(also shaikh ) noun
1 an Arab prince or leader; the head of an Arab village, tribe, etc.
2 a leader in a Muslim community or organization
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sheikh.dom
noun an area of land ruled by a sheikh
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sheila
noun (AustralE, NZE , slang) a girl or young woman
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shekel
noun
1 the unit of money in Israel
2 an ancient silver coin used by the Jews
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shelf
noun (pl.shelves )
1 a flat board, made of wood, metal, glass, etc., fixed to the wall or forming part of a cupboard/closet, BOOKCASE , etc., for things to be placed on: I helped him put up some shelves in his bedroom.  The book I wanted was on the top shelf.  supermarket / library shelves  empty shelves
2 (geology) a thing shaped like a shelf, especially a piece of rock sticking out from a cliff or from the edge of a mass of land under the sea: the continental shelf—see also SHELVE
IDM on the 'shelf (informal)
1 not wanted by anyone; not used
2 (old-fashioned) (especially of women) considered to be too old to get married off the 'shelf that can be bought immediately and does not have to be specially designed or ordered: I bought this package off the shelf.  off-the-shelf software packages—compare OFF THE PEG at PEG n.
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'shelf life
noun [usually sing.] the length of time that food, etc. can be kept before it is too old to be sold
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shell
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the hard outer part of eggs, nuts, some seeds and some animals: We collected shells on the beach.  snail / mussel / walnut shells  earrings made out of coconut shell—see also EGGSHELL , NUTSHELL , SEASHELL , TORTOISESHELL —
2 [C] any object that looks like the shell of a SNAIL or sea creature: pasta shells
3 [C] a metal case filled with explosive, to be fired from a large gun
4 (AmE) = CARTRIDGE
5 [C] the walls or outer structure of sth, for example, an empty building or ship after a fire or a bomb attack: The house was now a shell gutted by flames.   (figurative) My life has been an empty shell since he died.
6 [C] any structure that forms a hard outer frame: the body shell of a car
7 [sing.] the outer layer of sb’s personality; how they seem to be or feel: She had developed a shell of indifference.
IDM come out of your 'shell to become less shy and more confident when talking to other people to go / retreat etc. into your 'shell to become shyer and avoid talking to other people: Whenever my friends are here, she just withdraws into her shell.

verb
1 to fire shells at sth: [vn] They shelled the city all night.  [v] Just as they were leaving the rebels started shelling.
2 [vn] to remove the shell or covering from nuts, peas, etc.
PVR V ,shell 'out (for sth)| ,shell sth<->'out (for sth) (informal) to pay a lot of money for sth
SYN FORK OUT : The band shelled out $100 000 for a mobile recording studio.

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she’ll
short form she will
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shel.lac
noun [U] a natural substance used in making varnish to protect surfaces and make them hard
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shell.fire
noun [U] attacks or explosions caused by SHELLS being fired from large guns
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shell.fish
noun (pl.shell.fish) a creature with a shell, that lives in water, especially one of the types that can be eaten. OYSTERS and CRABS are all shellfish .—compare CRUSTACEAN , MOLLUSC
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shell.ing
noun [U] the firing of SHELLS from large guns: We suffered weeks of heavy shelling.
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'shell shock
noun [U] a mental illness that can affect soldiers who have been in battle for a long time
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'shell-shocked
adj.
1 shocked, confused or anxious because of a difficult situation, and unable to think or act normally: I felt completely shell-shocked after I heard the news.
2 suffering from shell shock
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'shell suit
noun (BrE ) a loose pair of trousers/pants and matching jacket worn as informal clothes. Shell suits are made of a light, slightly shiny, material and are often brightly coloured.—compare TRACKSUIT
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shel.ter
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the fact of having a place to live or stay, considered as a basic human need: Human beings need food, clothing and shelter.  They were anxious to find shelter for the night.
2 [U] ~ (from sth) protection from rain, danger or attack: to take shelter from the rain / wind / weather  The fox was running for the shelter of the trees.  People were desperately seeking shelter from the gunfire.
3 [C] (often in compounds) a structure built to give protection, especially from the weather or from attack: They built a rough shelter from old pieces of wood and cardboard.  an air-raid shelter—see also BUS SHELTER
4 [C] a building, usually owned by a charity, that provides a place to stay for people without a home, or protection for people or animals who have been badly treated: a night shelter for the homeless  an animal shelter—see also HOSTEL

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) to give sb/sth a place where they are protected from the weather or from danger; to protect sb/sth: Trees shelter the house from the wind.  helping the poor and sheltering the homeless  Perhaps I sheltered my daughter too much (= protected her too much from unpleasant or difficult experiences).
2 [v] ~ (from sth) to stay in a place that protects you from the weather or from danger: We sheltered from the rain in a doorway.

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shel.tered
adj.
1 (of a place) protected from bad weather: a sheltered bay / beach
2 (sometimes disapproving) protected from the more unpleasant aspects or difficulties of life: She had a very sheltered childhood.  They both lead very sheltered lives.
3 [only before noun] (BrE) (of houses, flats / apartments, etc.) designed for people, especially old people, who can still live fairly independent lives, but with staff available to help them if necessary: sheltered accommodation / housing  a sheltered workshop for the blind
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shelve
verb
1 [vn] to decide not to continue with a plan, either for a short time or permanently: The government has shelved the idea until at least next year.
2 [vn] to put books, etc. on a shelf
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of land) to slope downwards: The beach shelved gently down to the water.
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shelves
pl. of SHELF
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shelv.ing
noun [U] shelves; material for making shelves: wooden shelving
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she.nani.gans
noun [pl.] (informal) secret or dishonest activities that people find interesting or amusing: political / financial / sexual shenanigans
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shep.herd
noun, verb
noun (AmE sheep.herd.er) a person whose job is to take care of sheep

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to guide sb or a group of people somewhere, making sure they go where you want them to go: He shepherded her towards a line of taxis.

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shep.herd.ess
noun (old-fashioned) a woman who takes care of sheep
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,shepherd’s 'pie
(also ,cottage 'pie) noun [C, U] (BrE ) a dish of MINCED (= finely chopped) meat covered with a layer of MASHED potato
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sher.bet
noun
1 [U] (BrE) a powder that tastes of fruit and FIZZES when you put it in your mouth, eaten as a sweet/candy
2 [C, U] (AmE, becoming old-fashioned) = SORBET
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sherd
noun = SHARD
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sher.iff
noun
1 (in the US) an elected officer responsible for keeping law and order in a county or town
2 (often High Sheriff) (in England and Wales) an officer representing the king or queen in counties, and some cities, who performs some legal duties and attends ceremonies
3 (in Scotland) a judge
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'sheriff court
noun a lower court of law in Scotland
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Sherpa
noun a member of a Himalayan people, who often guide people in the mountains, sometimes carrying their bags, etc.
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sherry
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] a strong yellow or brown wine, originally from southern Spain. It is often drunk before meals: sweet / dry sherry  cream sherry (= a type of very sweet sherry)  fine quality sherries  a sherry glass (= a type of small narrow wine glass)
2 [C] a glass of sherry : I’ll have a sherry.
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she’s
short form
1 she is
2 she has
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,Shetland 'pony
noun a very small, strong horse with a rough coat
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shh
= SH
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Shia
(also Shi’a) noun (pl.Shia or Shias)
1 [U] one of the two main branches of the Islamic religion—compare SUNNI
2 [C] (also Shi.ite, Shi’ite) a member of the Shia branch of Islam
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shib.bo.leth
noun (formal)
1 an old idea, principle or phrase that is no longer accepted by many people as important or appropriate to modern life
2 a custom, word, etc. that distinguishes one group of people from another
ORIGIN From a Hebrew word meaning ‘ear of corn’. In the Bible story, Jephthah, the leader of the Gileadites, was able to use it as a test to tell which were his own men, because foreigners found the ‘sh’ sound difficult to pronounce.
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shied
pt, pp of SHY
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shield
noun, verb
noun
1 a large piece of metal or leather carried by soldiers in the past to protect the body when fighting
2 = RIOT SHIELD
3 a person or thing used to protect sb/sth, especially by forming a barrier: The gunman used the hostages as a human shield.  Water is not an effective shield against the sun’s more harmful rays.  She hid her true feelings behind a shield of cold indifference.
4 a plate or screen that protects a machine or the person using it from damage or injury
5 an object in the shape of a shield , given as a prize in a sports competition, etc.
6 a drawing or model of a shield showing a COAT OF ARMS
7 (AmE) a police officer’s BADGE

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) to protect sb/sth from danger, harm or sth unpleasant: I shielded my eyes against the glare.  The ozone layer shields the earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  Police believe that somebody is shielding the killer.  You can’t shield her from the truth forever.
2 to put a shield around a piece of machinery, etc. in order to protect the person using it

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shift
verb, noun
verb
MOVE|
1 ~ (sth) (from … ) (to … ) to move, or move sth, from one position or place to another: [v] The action of the novel shifts from Paris to London.  Lydia shifted uncomfortably in her chair.  [vn] He shifted his gaze from the child to her.  Could you help me shift some furniture?  She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
2 [v, vn] ~ (yourself) (BrE, informal) to move quickly
SYN HURRY
SITUATION / OPINION / POLICY|
3 [v] ~ (from … ) (to / towards / toward … ) (of a situation, an opinion, a policy etc.) to change from one state, position, etc. to another: Public attitudes towards marriage have shifted over the past 50 years.  The balance of power shifted away from workers towards employers.
4 [vn] ~ sth (from … ) (to / towards / toward … ) to change your opinion of or attitude towards sth, or change the way that you do sth: We need to shift the focus of this debate.  The new policy shifted the emphasis away from fighting inflation.
RESPONSIBILITY|
5 [vn] ~ responsibility / blame (for sth) (onto sb) to make sb else responsible for sth you should do or sth bad that you have done: He tried to shift the blame for his mistakes onto his colleagues.
REMOVE MARK|
6 [vn] to remove sth such as a dirty mark: a detergent that shifts even the most stubborn stains
SELL GOODS|
7 [vn] to sell goods, especially goods that are difficult to sell: They cut prices drastically to try and shift stock.
IN VEHICLE|
8 [v] (AmE) to change the GEARS when you are driving a vehicle: to shift into second gear shift your 'ground (usually disapproving) to change your opinion about a subject, especially during a discussion (the) ,shifting 'sands (of sth) used to describe a situation that changes so often that it is difficult to understand or deal with it ,shift for your'self (BrE) to do things without help from other people: You’re going to have to shift for yourself from now on.

noun
CHANGE|
1 [C] ~ (in sth) a change in position or direction: a gradual shift in the population away from the countryside to the towns  a dramatic shift in public opinion  a shift of emphasis
PERIOD OF WORK|
2 [C] a period of time worked by a group of workers who start work as another group finishes: to be on the day / night shift at the factory  to work an eight-hour shift  working in shifts  shift workers / work
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] the workers who work a particular shift : The night shift has / have just come off duty.
ON COMPUTER|
4 [U] the mechanism on a TYPEWRITER or computer keyboard that allows capital letters or a different set of characters to be typed: a shift key
CLOTHING|
5 [C] a woman’s simple straight dress
6 [C] a simple straight piece of clothing worn by women in the past as underwear

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shift.less
adj. (disapproving) lazy and having no AMBITION to succeed in life
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shifty
adj. (informal) seeming to be dishonest; looking guilty about sth: shifty eyes  to look shifty
shift.ily adv.
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Shi.ite
(also Shi’ite) noun a member of one of the main branches of Islam (called Shia)—compare SUNNI
Shi.ite (also Shi’ite) adj. [usually before noun]
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shil.ling
noun
1 a British coin in use until 1971, worth 12 old pence. There were 20 shillings in one pound.
2 the unit of money in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia
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shilly-shally
verb (shilly-shallies, shilly-shally.ing, shilly-shallied, shilly-shallied) [v] (informal, disapproving) to take a long time to do sth, especially to make a decision
SYN DITHER : Stop shilly-shallying and make up your mind.
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shim.mer
verb, noun
verb [v] (written) to shine with a soft light that seems to move slightly: The sea was shimmering in the sunlight.

noun [U, sing.] (written) a shining light that seems to move slightly: the shimmer of silk  a shimmer of moonlight in the dark sky

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shimmy
verb (shim.mies, shimmy.ing, shim.mied, shim.mied) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to dance or move in a way that involves shaking your hips and shoulders: She shimmied onto the dance floor.
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shin
noun, verb
noun the front part of the leg below the knee—picture at BODY

verb (-nn-) (BrE ) (AmE shinny)
PVR V 'shin / 'shinny up / down sth (informal) to climb up or down sth quickly, using your hands and legs: He shinned down the drainpipe and ran off.

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'shin bone
noun the front and larger bone of the two bones in the lower part of the leg between the knee and the ankle
SYN TIBIA —picture at BODY
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shin.dig
noun (informal) a big noisy party
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shine
verb, noun
verb (shone, shone )
HELP In sense 3 shined is used for the past tense and past participle.
1 [v] to produce or reflect light; to be bright: The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky.  The dark polished wood shone like glass.   (figurative) Her eyes were shining with excitement.  Excitement was shining in her eyes.
2 [vn] to aim or point the light of a lamp, etc. in a particular direction: He shone the flashlight around the cellar.   (figurative) Campaigners are shining a spotlight on the world’s diminishing natural resources.
3 (shined, shined) [vn] to polish sth; to make sth smooth and bright: He shined shoes and sold newspapers to make money.
4 [v] to be very good at sth: He failed to shine academically but he was very good at sports.  She has set a shining example of loyal service over four decades.—see also SHINY
IDM see HAY , KNIGHT n. , RISE v.
PVR V ,shine 'through (sth) (of a quality) to be easy to see or notice: Her old professional skills shone through.

noun [sing.] the bright quality that sth has when light is reflected on it: a shampoo that gives your hair body and shine
IDM take a 'shine to sb/sth (informal) to begin to like sb very much as soon as you see or meet them take the 'shine off sth (informal) to make sth seem much less good than it did at first—more at RAIN n.

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shingle
noun
1 [U] a mass of small smooth stones on a beach or at the side of a river: a shingle beach / bank
2 [C, U] a small flat piece of wood that is used to cover a wall or roof of a building
3 [C] (AmE) a board with a sign on it, in front of a doctor’s or lawyer’s office: He hung out his own shingle (= started a business as a doctor or lawyer).
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shin.gled
adj. (of a roof, building, etc.) covered with shingles
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shin.gles
noun [U] a disease that affects the nerves and produces a band of painful spots on the skin
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'shin guard
(BrE also 'shin pad) noun a piece of thick material that is used to protect the lower front part of the leg when playing football, etc.
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shinny
verb (shin.nies, shinny.ing, shin.nied, shin.nied) (AmE ) = SHIN
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shiny
adj. (shini.er, shini.est) smooth and bright; reflecting the light: shiny black hair / shoes  His face was red and shiny.
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ship
noun, verb
noun a large boat that carries people or goods by sea: There are two restaurants on board ship .  a sailing / cargo / cruise ship  a ship’s captain / crew / company / cook  Raw materials and labour come by ship , rail or road.—see also AIRSHIP , FLAGSHIP , LIGHTSHIP
IDM see JUMP v. , SINK v. , TIGHT

verb (-pp-)
1 [vn] to send or transport sb/sth by ship or by another means of transport: The company ships its goods all over the world.  He was arrested and shipped back to the UK for trial.
2 (computing ) to be available to be bought; to make sth available to be bought: [v] The software is due to ship next month.  [vn] The company continues to ship more computer systems than its rivals.
3 [vn] ~ water (of a boat, etc.) to have water coming in over the sides
IDM see SHAPE v.
PVR V ,ship sb<->'off (disapproving) to send sb to a place where they will stay: The children were shipped off to a boarding school at an early age.

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-ship
suffix (in nouns)
1 the state or quality of: ownership  friendship
2 the status or office of: citizenship  professorship
3 skill or ability as: musicianship
4 the group of: membership
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ship.board
adj. [only before noun] happening on a ship: shipboard romances
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ship.build.er
noun a person or company that builds ships
ship.build.ing noun [U]: the shipbuilding industry
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ship.load
noun as many goods or passengers as a ship can carry: a shipload of food and medical supplies
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ship.mate
noun sailors who are shipmates are sailing on the same ship as each other
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ship.ment
noun
1 [U] the process of sending goods from one place to another: The goods are ready for shipment.  the illegal shipment of arms  shipment costs / dates
2 [C] a load of goods that are sent from one place to another: arms shipments  a shipment of arms
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ship.owner
noun a person who owns a ship or ships
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ship.per
noun a person or company that arranges for goods to be sent from one place to another, especially by ship
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ship.ping
noun [U]
1 ships in general or considered as a group: The canal is open to shipping.  the shipping forecast (= a report for ships on the weather conditions at sea)  international shipping lanes (= routes for ships)
2 the activity of carrying people or goods from one place to another by ship: a shipping company / group / line
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'ship’s chandler
noun = CHANDLER
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ship.shape
adj. [not usually before noun] clean and neat; in good condition and ready to use
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'ship-to-shore
adj. [only before noun] providing communication between people on a ship and people on land: a ship-to-shore radio
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ship.wreck
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the loss or destruction of a ship at sea because of a storm or because it hits rocks, etc: They narrowly escaped shipwreck in a storm in the North Sea.
2 [C] a ship that has been lost or destroyed at sea: The contents of shipwrecks belong to the state.

verb [vn] (be shipwrecked) to be left somewhere after the ship that you have been sailing in has been lost or destroyed at sea: They were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa.
ship.wrecked adj.: a shipwrecked sailor

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ship.yard
noun a place where ships are built or repaired: shipyard workers
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shire
noun (BrE )
1 [C] (old use) a county (now used in the names of some counties in Britain, for example Hampshire, Yorkshire)
2 (the Shires), (also the Shire Counties) [pl.] counties in central England that are in country areas
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'shire horse
noun a large powerful horse, used for pulling loads
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shirk
verb ~ (from) (sth / doing sth) to avoid doing sth you should do, especially because you are too lazy: [v] Discipline in the company was strict and no one shirked.  A determined burglar will not shirk from breaking a window to gain entry.  [vn] She never shirked her responsibilities. [alsov -ing]
shirk.er noun
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shirt
noun a piece of clothing worn on the upper part of the body, especially by men, made of light fabric, with sleeves, a collar and buttons down the front: to wear a shirt and tie  a short-sleeved shirt——see also NIGHTSHIRT , STUFFED SHIRT , SWEATSHIRT , T-SHIRT
IDM keep your 'shirt on (informal) used to tell sb not to get angry: Keep your shirt on! It was only a joke. put your 'shirt on sb/sth (BrE, informal) to bet all your money on sb/sth the ,shirt off sb’s 'back anything that sb has, including the things they really need themselves, that sb else takes from them or they are willing to give
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'shirt front
noun the front part of a shirt, especially the stiff front part of a formal white shirt
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shirt.sleeve
noun [usually pl.] a sleeve of a shirt
IDM in (your) 'shirtsleeves wearing a shirt without a jacket, etc. on top of it
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'shirt tail
noun the part of a shirt that is below the waist and is usually inside your trousers/pants
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shirty
adj. ~ (with sb) (BrE , informal) angry or annoyed with sb about sth, and acting in a rude way
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shish kebab
noun (especially AmE ) = KEBAB
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shit
exclamation, noun, verb, adj.
exclamation ( , slang) a swear word that many people find offensive, used to show that you are angry or annoyed: Shit! I’ve lost my keys!
HELP Less offensive exclamations to use are blast, darn it (especially AmE), damn or (BrE) bother.

noun ( , slang)
1 [U] solid waste matter from the bowels EXCREMENT : a pile of dog shit on the path
HELP A more polite way to express this example would be ‘a pile of dog dirt’.
2 [sing.] an act of emptying solid waste matter from the bowels: to have / need a shit
3 [U] stupid remarks or writing; nonsense: You’re talking shit!  She’s so full of shit.—see also BULLSHIT
4 [C] (disapproving) an unpleasant person who treats other people badly: He’s an arrogant little shit.
5 [U] criticism or unfair treatment: I’m not going to take any shit from them.
IDM beat, kick, etc. the 'shit out of sb to attack sb violently so that you injure them in the 'shit | in ,deep 'shit in trouble: I’ll be in the shit if I don’t get this work finished today.  You’re in deep shit now. like 'shit really bad, ill/sick etc.; really badly: I woke up feeling like shit.  We get treated like shit in this job. No 'shit! (often ironic) used to show that you are surprised, impressed, etc. or that you are pretending to be not give a 'shit (about sb/sth) to not care at all about sb/sth: He doesn’t give a shit about anybody else. when the ,shit hits the 'fan when sb in authority finds out about sth bad or wrong that sb has done: When the shit hits the fan, I don’t want to be here.—more at CROCK , SCARE v.

verb (shit.ting, shit, shit) ( , slang)
HELP shat and, in BrE, shit.ted are also used for the past tense and past participle.
1 [v, vn] to empty solid waste matter from the bowels
HELP A more polite way of expressing this is ‘to go to the toilet / lavatory’ (BrE), ‘to go to the bathroom’ (AmE) or ‘to go’. A more formal expression is ‘to empty the bowels’.
2 [vn] (~ yourself) to empty solid waste matter from the bowels accidentally
3 [vn] (~ yourself) to be very frightened

adj. (  slang, especially BrE ) very bad: You’re shit and you know you are!  They’re a shit team.

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shite
exclamation, noun [U] (BrE ,  , slang) another word for SHIT
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shit.less
adj. ( , slang)
IDM see SCARE v.
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,shit 'scared
adj. [not before noun] ( , slang) very frightened
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shitty
adj. ( , slang)
1 unpleasant; very bad: I’m not going to eat this shitty food.  a shitty week at work
2 unfair or unkind: What a shitty way to treat a friend!
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shiver
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (with sth) (of a person) to shake slightly because you are cold, frightened, excited, etc: to shiver with cold / tiredness / excitement / pleasure  Don’t stand outside shivering—come inside and get warm!  He shivered at the thought of the cold, dark sea.

noun
1 [C] a sudden shaking movement of your body because you are cold, frightened, excited, etc: The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine .  He felt a cold shiver of fear run through him.
2 (the shivers) [pl.] shaking movements of your body because of fear or a high temperature: I don’t like him. He gives me the shivers .  Symptoms include headaches, vomiting and the shivers.

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shiv.ery
adj. shaking with cold, fear, illness, etc.
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shoal
noun
1 a large number of fish swimming together as a group—compare SCHOOL (9)
2 a small hill of sand just below the surface of the sea: The boat ran aground on a shoal.
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shock
noun, verb
noun
UNPLEASANT SURPRISE|
1 [C usually sing, U] an unpleasant feeling as a result of sth bad happening; the event that causes this feeling: The news of his death came as a shock to us all.  He’s still in a state of shock .  I got a terrible shock the other day.  She still hadn’t got over the shock of seeing him again.   (informal) If you think the job will be easy, you’re in for a shock .  Losing in the first round was a shock to the system (= it was a more of a shock because it was not expected).  The team suffered a shock defeat in the first round.—see also CULTURE SHOCK
MEDICAL|
2 [U] a serious medical condition, usually the result of injury in which a person has lost a lot of blood and they are extremely weak: She was taken to hospital suffering from shock .  He isn’t seriously injured but he is in (a state of) shock .—see also SHELL SHOCK , TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME
VIOLENT SHAKING|
3 [C, U] a violent shaking movement that is caused by an explosion, earthquake, etc: The shock of the explosion could be felt up to six miles away.  The bumper absorbs shock on impact.
FROM ELECTRICITY|
4 [C] = ELECTRIC SHOCK : Don’t touch that wire or you’ll get a shock .
OF HAIR|
5 a thick mass of hair on a person’s head ,shock 'horror (BrE, informal, often humorous) used when you pretend to be shocked by sth that is not really very serious or surprising

verb
SURPRISE AND UPSET|
1 to surprise and upset sb: [vn] It shocks you when something like that happens.  We were all shocked at the news of his death.  [vn that] Neighbours were shocked that such an attack could happen in their area.  [vn to inf] I was shocked to hear that he had resigned.
OFFEND / DISGUST|
2 (of bad language, immoral behaviour, etc.) to make sb feel offended or disgusted: [v] These movies deliberately set out to shock.  [vn] She enjoys shocking people by saying outrageous things. [alsovn to inf]
shocked adj.: For a few minutes we stood in shocked silence .

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'shock absorber
noun a device that is fitted to each wheel of a vehicle in order to reduce the effects of travelling over rough ground, so that passengers can be more comfortable
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shock.er
noun (informal) (often used in newspapers) a film/movie, piece of news or person that shocks you
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shock.ing
adj.
1 that offends or upsets people; that is morally wrong: shocking behaviour  shocking news  It is shocking that they involved children in the crime.  a shocking waste of money
2 (informal, especially BrE) very bad: The house was left in a shocking state.
shock.ing.ly adv.: a shockingly high mortality rate  She looked shockingly ill.
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,shocking 'pink
adj. very bright pink in colour
,shocking 'pink noun [U]
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'shock tactics
noun [pl.] actions that are done to deliberately shock people in order to persuade them to do sth or to react in a particular way
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'shock therapy
(also 'shock treatment) noun [U] a way of treating mental illness by giving ELECTRIC SHOCKS or a drug that has a similar effect
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'shock troops
noun [pl.] soldiers who are specially trained to make sudden attacks on the enemy
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'shock wave
noun
1 a movement of very high air pressure that is caused by an explosion, earthquake, etc.
2 (shock waves) [pl.] feelings of shock that people experience when sth bad happens suddenly: The murder sent shock waves through the whole community.
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shod
adj. (literary) wearing shoes of the type mentioned: She turned on her elegantly shod heel.—see also SHOE , SHOEING , SHOD , SHOD v.
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shoddy
adj. (shod.dier, shod.di.est)
1 (of goods, work, etc.) made or done badly and with not enough care: I always complain about bad service or shoddy goods.  He was accused of shoddy workmanship.
2 dishonest or unfair: shoddy treatment
shod.dily adv.
shod.di.ness noun [U]
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shoe
noun, verb
noun
1 one of a pair of outer coverings for your feet, usually made of leather or plastic: a pair of shoes  He took his shoes and socks off.  What’s your shoe size?  a shoe brush  shoe polish—see also SNOWSHOE
2 = HORSESHOE
IDM be in sb’s shoes | put yourself in sb’s shoes to be in, or imagine that you are in, another person’s situation, especially when it is an unpleasant or difficult one: I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes when they find out about it. if ,I were in 'your shoes used to introduce a piece of advice you are giving to sb: If I were in your shoes, I’d resign immediately. if the shoe fits (AmE) = IF THE CAP FITS at CAP the shoe is on the other 'foot (AmE) = THE BOOT IS ON THE OTHER FOOT at BOOT —more at FILL v. , SHAKE v. , STEP v.

verb (shoe.ing, shod, shod ) [vn] to put one or more HORSESHOES on a horse: The horses were sent to the blacksmith to be shod.

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shoe.horn
noun, verb
noun a curved piece of plastic or metal, used to help your heel slide into a shoe

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to succeed in putting sth into a small space or a place where it does not fit very easily: They managed to shoehorn the material onto just one CD.

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shoe.lace
(also lace) noun a long thin piece of material like string that goes through the holes on a shoe and is used to fasten it: a pair of shoelaces  to tie / untie your shoelaces  Your shoelace is undone.
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shoe.maker
noun a person whose job is making shoes and boots—compare COBBLER
shoe.mak.ing noun [U]
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shoe.shine
noun (especially AmE ) the activity of cleaning people’s shoes for money: a shoeshine boy / man  a shoeshine stand on West 32nd Street
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shoe.string
noun, adj.
noun
IDM on a 'shoestring (informal) using very little money: In the early years, the business was run on a shoestring.

adj. [only before noun] (informal) that uses very little money: The club exists on a shoestring budget.

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sho.gun
noun (in the past) a Japanese military leader
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shone
pt, pp of SHINE
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shoo
verb, exclamation
verb (shoo.ing, shooed, shooed) [vn] to make sb/sth go away or to another place, especially by saying ‘shoo’! and waving your arms and hands: He shooed the dog out of the kitchen.

exclamation used to tell a child or an animal to go away

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'shoo-in
noun ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) (AmE , informal) a person or team that will win easily
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shook
pt, pp of SHAKE
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shoot
verb, noun, exclamation
verb (shot, shot )
WEAPON|
1 ~ (sth) (at sb/sth)| ~ sth (from sth) to fire a gun or other weapon; to fire sth from a weapon: [v] Don’t shoot—I surrender.  troops shooting at the enemy  a serious shooting incident  The police rarely shoot to kill (= try to kill the people they shoot at).  [vn] He shot an arrow from his bow.  They shot the lock off (= removed it by shooting).
2 to kill or wound a person or an animal with a bullet, etc: [vn] A man was shot in the leg.  He shot himself during a fit of depression.  The guards were ordered to shoot on sight anyone trying to escape.  [vn-adj] Three people were shot dead during the robbery.
3 (of a gun or other weapon) to fire bullets, etc: [vn] This is just a toy gun—it doesn’t shoot real bullets. [alsov]
FOR SPORT|
4 to hunt and kill birds and animals with a gun as a sport: [vn] to shoot pheasants  [v] They go shooting in Scotland.
MOVE QUICKLY|
5 [+adv. / prep.] to move suddenly or quickly in one direction; to make sb/sth move in this way: [v] A plane shot across the sky.  His hand shot out to grab her.  Flames were shooting up through the roof.   (figurative) The band’s last single shot straight to number one in the charts.  [vn] He shot out his hand to grab her.
OF PAIN|
6 [v] to move suddenly and quickly and be very sharp: a shooting pain in the back  The pain shot up her arm.
DIRECT AT SB|
7 ~ sth at sb| ~ sb sth [no passive] to direct sth at sb suddenly or quickly: [vn, vnn] She shot an angry glance at him.  She shot him an angry glance.  [vn] Journalists were shooting questions at the candidates.
FILM / PHOTOGRAPH|
8 to make a film/movie or photograph of sth: [v] Cameras ready? OK, shoot!  [vn] Where was the movie shot?  The movie was shot in black and white.
IN SPORTS|
9 ~ (at sth) (in football, hockey, etc.) to try to kick, hit or throw the ball into a goal or to score a point: [v] He should have shot instead of passing.  [vn] After school we’d be on the driveway shooting baskets (= playing basketball).—
10 [vn] (informal) (in golf) to make a particular score in a complete ROUND or competition: She shot a 75 in the first round.
PLAY GAME|
11 [vn] (especially AmE) to play particular games: to shoot pool
SPEAK|
12 (shoot!) [v] (spoken, especially AmE) used to tell sb to say what they want to say: You want to tell me something? OK, shoot! be / get 'shot of sth/sb (BrE, informal) to no longer have sth; to get rid of sth: I’ll be glad to get shot of this car. have shot your 'bolt (informal) to have used all your power, money or supplies shoot the 'breeze / 'bull (AmE, informal) to have a conversation in an informal way: We sat around in the bar, shooting the breeze. ,shoot from the 'hip to react quickly without thinking carefully first ,shoot yourself in the 'foot (informal) to do or say sth that will cause you a lot of trouble or harm, especially when you are trying to get an advantage for yourself ,shoot it 'out (with sb) (informal) to fight against sb with guns, especially until one side is killed or defeated: The gang decided to shoot it out with the police.—related noun SHOOT-OUT ,shoot your 'mouth off (about sth) (informal)
1 to talk with too much pride about sth
2 to talk about sth that is private or secret shoot the 'rapids to go in a boat over part of a river where the water flows very fast ,shoot sb/sth<->'down
1 to make sb/sth fall to the ground by shooting them/it: Several planes were shot down by enemy fire.
2 to be very critical of sb’s ideas, opinions, etc: His latest theory has been shot down in flames . 'shoot for sth (AmE, informal) to try to achieve or get sth, especially sth difficult: We’ve been shooting for a pay raise for months. ,shoot 'off (informal) to leave very quickly: I had to shoot off at the end of the meeting. ,shoot 'through (AustralE, NZE, informal) to leave, especially in order to avoid sb/sth: I was only five when my Dad shot through. ,shoot 'up
1 to grow very quickly: Their kids have shot up since I last saw them.
2 to rise suddenly by a large amount: Ticket prices shot up last year. ,shoot sth<->'up
1 to cause great damage to sth by shooting
2 [no passive] (slang) to INJECT an illegal drug directly into your blood

noun
PLANT|
1 the part that grows up from the ground when a plant starts to grow; a new part that grows on plants or trees: new green shoots  bamboo shoots—picture at PLANT
FILM / PHOTOGRAPHS|
2 an occasion when sb takes professional photographs for a particular purpose or makes a film/movie: a fashion shoot
FOR SPORT|
3 (especially BrE) an occasion when a group of people hunt and shoot animals or birds for sport; the land where this happens

exclamation (AmE ) used to show that you are annoyed when you do sth stupid or when sth goes wrong (to avoid saying ‘shit’): Shoot! I’ve forgotten my book!

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'shoot-'em-up
adj. (informal) a shoot-'em-up computer game, etc. is one involving a lot of violence with guns
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shoot.er
noun
1 (especially in compounds) a person or weapon that shoots—see also PEASHOOTER , SHARPSHOOTER , SIX-SHOOTER , TROUBLESHOOTER
2 (informal) a gun
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shoot.ing
noun
1 [C] a situation in which a person is shot with a gun: Terrorist groups claimed responsibility for the shootings and bomb attacks.
2 [U] the sport of shooting animals and birds with guns: grouse shooting
3 [U] the process of filming a film/movie: Shooting began early this year.
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'shooting gallery
noun a place where people shoot guns at objects for practice or to win prizes
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'shooting match
noun an occasion when people or groups fight or attack each other
IDM the whole 'shooting match (BrE, informal) everything, or a situation which includes everything
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,shooting 'star
(also ,falling 'star) noun a small METEOR (= a piece of rock in outer space) that travels very fast and burns with a bright light as it enters the earth’s atmosphere
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'shooting stick
noun a pointed stick that has a handle at the top which opens out to make a simple seat
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'shoot-out
noun a fight that is fought with guns until one side is killed or defeated—see also PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
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shop
noun, verb
noun
WHERE YOU BUY STH|
1 [C] (especially BrE) a building or part of a building where you can buy goods or services: a pet / shoe shop  There’s a little gift shop around the corner.   (BrE) a butcher’s shop   (AmE) a butcher shop   (BrE) I’m just going down to the shops. Can I get you anything?—see also BUCKET SHOP , COFFEE SHOP , CORNER SHOP
FOR MAKING / REPAIRING THINGS|
2 (also work.shop) [C] (especially in compounds) a place where things are made or repaired, especially part of a factory where a particular type of work is done: a repair shop  a paint shop (= where cars are painted)—see also BODY SHOP
SHOPPING|
3 [sing.] (BrE, informal) an act of going shopping, especially for food and other items needed in the house: I do my weekly shop at the supermarket.
SCHOOL SUBJECT|
4 (also 'shop class) [U] (both AmE) = INDUSTRIAL ARTS
ROOM FOR TOOLS|
5 (also work.shop) [C] (AmE) a room in a house where tools are kept for making repairs to the house, building things out of wood, etc. all 'over the shop (BrE, informal) = ALL OVER THE PLACE at PLACE n. ,set up 'shop to start a business: American Technologies set up shop in Warsaw in 1990.—more at BULL , HIT v. , MIND v. , SHUT v. , TALK v.

verb (-pp-)
BUY|
1 [v] ~ (for sth) to buy things in shops/stores: to shop for food / clothes / presents  He likes to shop at the local market.
2 (go shopping) [v] to spend time going to shops/stores and looking for things to buy: There should be plenty of time to go shopping before we leave New York.  ‘Where’s Mum?’‘She went shopping.’
TELL POLICE ABOUT SB|
3 [vn] ~ sb (to sb) (BrE, informal) to give information to sb, especially to the police, about sb who has committed a crime: He didn’t expect his own mother to shop him to the police. ,shop a'round (for sth) to compare the quality or prices of goods or services that are offered by different shops/stores, companies, etc. so that you can choose the best: Shop around for the best deal.

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'shop assistant
(also as.sist.ant) (both BrE ) (AmE 'sales clerk, clerk) noun a person whose job is to serve customers in a shop/store
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'shop-bought
(BrE ) (AmE store-bought) adj. [only before noun] bought from a shop/store and not made at home: shop-bought cakes
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shop.fit.ting
noun [U] the business of putting equipment and furniture into shops/stores
shop.fit.ter noun
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,shop 'floor
noun [sing.] (BrE )
1 the area in a factory where the goods are made by the workers: to work on the shop floor
2 the workers in a factory, not the managers
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shop.front
(BrE ) (AmE store.front) noun the outside of a shop/store that faces the street
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shop.keep.er
(also store.keep.er especially in AmE) noun a person who owns or manages a shop/store, usually a small one
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shop.lift.ing
noun [U] the crime of stealing goods from a shop/store by deliberately leaving without paying for them
shop.lift verb [v]
shop.lift.er noun: Shoplifters will be prosecuted.
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shop.per
noun a person who buys goods from shops/stores: The streets were full of Christmas shoppers.
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shop.ping
noun [U]
1 the activity of going to shops/stores and buying things: (BrE) When shall I do the shopping ?   (BrE) We do our shopping on Saturdays.  a shopping bag / basket  a shopping trolley   (AmE) a shopping cart—see also WINDOW-SHOPPING
2 (especially BrE) the things that you have bought from shops/stores: to put the shopping in the car
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'shopping arcade
noun = ARCADE
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'shopping centre
(BrE ) (AmE'shopping center) noun a group of shops/stores built together, sometimes under one roof
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'shopping list
noun a list that you make of all the things that you need to buy when you go shopping: (figurative) The union presented a shopping list of demands to the management.
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'shopping mall
(also mall) (both especially AmE ) (BrE also ar.cade, 'shopping arcade) noun a large group of shops/stores built together under one roof and closed to traffic
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'shop-soiled
(BrE ) (AmE shop.worn) adj. (of goods) dirty or not in perfect condition because they have been in a shop/store for a long time: a sale of shop-soiled goods at half price
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,shop 'steward
noun (especially BrE ) a person who is elected by members of a trade union in a factory or company to represent them in meetings with managers
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shop.worn
adj. (AmE ) = SHOP-SOILED : (figurative) a shopworn argument (= that is no longer new or useful)
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shore
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the land along the edge of the sea or ocean, a lake or another large area of water: a rocky / sandy shore  to swim from the boat to the shore  a house on the shores of the lake  The ship was anchored off shore.  note at COAST
2 (shores) [pl.] (especially literary) a country, especially one with a coast: foreign / distant shores

verb
PVR V ,shore sth<->'up
1 to support part of a building or other large structure by placing large pieces of wood or metal against or under it so that it does not fall down: Timbers were used to shore up the tunnel.
2 to help to support sth that is weak or going to fail: The measures were aimed at shoring up the economy.

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shore.line
noun [usually sing.] the edge of the sea, the ocean or a lake: a rocky shoreline  The road follows the shoreline for a few miles.
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shorn
pp of SHEAR
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short
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (short.er, short.est)
LENGTH / DISTANCE|
1 measuring or covering a small length or distance, or a smaller length or distance than usual: He had short curly hair.  a short walk / drive / flight  a short skirt
OPP LONG
HEIGHT|
2 (of a person) small in height: She was short and dumpy.
OPP TALL
TIME|
3 lasting or taking a small amount of time or less time than usual: I’m going to France for a short break.  Which is the shortest day of the year?  a short book / list (= taking a short time to read / deal with)  She has a very short memory (= remembers only things that have happened recently)   (spoken) Life’s too short to sit around moping.  It was all over in a relatively short space of time .
OPP LONG
4 [only before noun] (of a period of time) seeming to have passed very quickly: Just two short years ago he was the best player in the country.
OPP LONG
NOT ENOUGH|
5 [not before noun] ~ (of sth) not having enough of sth; lacking sth: I’m afraid I’m a little short (= of money) this month.  She is not short of excuses when things go wrong.
6 ~ on sth (informal) lacking or not having enough of a particular quality: He was a big strapping guy but short on brains.
7 [not before noun] not easily available; not supplying as much as you need: Money was short at that time.
8 [not before noun] ~ (of sth) less than the number, amount or distance mentioned or needed: Her last throw was only three centimetres short of the world record.  The team was five players short.  She was just short of her 90th birthday when she died.
OF BREATH|
9 ~ of breath having difficulty breathing, for example because of illness: a fat man, always short of breath
NAME / WORD|
10 ~ for sth being a shorter form of a name or word: Call me Jo—it’s short for Joanna.  file transfer protocol or FTP for short
RUDE|
11 [not before noun] ~ (with sb) (of a person) speaking to sb using few words in a way that seems rude: I’m sorry I was short with you earlier—I had other things on my mind.
VOWEL|
12 (phonetics) a short vowel is pronounced for a shorter time than other vowels: Compare the short vowel in ‘full’ and the long vowel in ‘fool’.
OPP LONG —see also SHORTLY
short.ness noun [U]: She suffered from shortness of breath. a ,brick short of a 'load, two ,sandwiches short of a 'picnic, etc. (informal) (of a person) stupid; not very intelligent get the short end of the 'stick (AmE) = DRAW THE SHORT STRAW at DRAW v. give sb/sth / get short 'shrift to give sb/get little attention or sympathy have / be on a short 'fuse to have a tendency to get angry quickly and easily: You may find your temper on a short fuse when confronting your teenager. in ,short 'order quickly and without trouble in the 'short run concerning the immediate future: In the short run, unemployment may fall. in ,short sup'ply not existing in large enough quantities to satisfy demand: Basic foodstuffs were in short supply.  Sunshine will be in short supply for the west coast. little / nothing short of 'sth used when you are saying that sth is almost true, or is equal to sth: Last year’s figures were little short of disastrous.  The transformation has been nothing short of a miracle. make short 'work of sth/sb to defeat, deal with sth/sb quickly: Liverpool made short work of the opposition (= in a football game).  He made short work of his lunch (= ate it quickly). ,short and 'sweet (informal) pleasant but not lasting a long time: We haven’t much time so I’ll keep it short and sweet.—more at DRAW v. , LONG adj. , MEASURE n. , NOTICE n. , TERM n. , THICK adj.

adv. (short.er, short.est)
1 if you go short of or run short of sth, you do not have enough of it: I’d never let you go short of anything.  Mothers regularly go short of food to ensure their children have enough.  They had run short of (= used most of their supply of) fuel.
2 not as far as you need or expect: All too often you pitch the ball short.
3 before the time expected or arranged; before the natural time: a career tragically cut short by illness  I’m afraid I’m going to have to stop you short there, as time is running out. be caught 'short (BrE also be taken 'short)
1 (BrE, informal) to suddenly feel an urgent need to go to the toilet
2 to be put at a disadvantage fall 'short of sth to fail to reach the standard that you expected or need: The hotel fell far short of their expectations. short of (doing) sth without sth; without doing sth; unless sth happens: Short of a miracle, we’re certain to lose.  Short of asking her to leave (= and we don’t want to do that) there’s not a lot we can do about the situation. pull, bring, etc. sb up 'short to make sb suddenly stop what they are doing: I was brought up short by a terrible thought.—more at SELL v. , STOP v.

noun (informal)—see also SHORTS
1 (BrE) a small strong alcoholic drink, for example of whisky
2 a short film/movie, especially one that is shown before the main film
3 = SHORT CIRCUIT in 'short in a few words: His novels belong to a great but vanished age. They are, in short, old-fashioned.—more at LONG adj.

verb ~ (sth) (out) (informal) = SHORT-CIRCUIT [v] Lightning crackled overhead as cables shorted out. [alsovn]

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short.age
noun [C, U] a situation when there is not enough of the people or things that are needed: food / housing / water shortages  a shortage of funds / space  There is no shortage of (= there are plenty of) things to do in the town.
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,short ,back and 'sides
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) a way of cutting a man’s hair so that the hair is very short at the sides and the back of the head
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short.bread
(BrE also short.cake) noun [U] a rich crisp biscuit/cookie made with flour, sugar and a lot of butter
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short.cake
noun [U]
1 (BrE) = SHORTBREAD
2 a cake with a pastry base and cream and fruit on top: strawberry shortcake
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,short-'change
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to give back less than the correct amount of money to sb who has paid for sth with more than the exact price: I think I’ve been short-changed at the bar.
2 to treat sb unfairly by not giving them what they have earned or deserve: America is short-changing half its young adults by treating those who don’t attend college as failures.
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,short 'circuit
(also informal short) noun a failure in an electrical CIRCUIT , when electricity travels along the wrong route because of damaged wires or a fault in the connections between the wires
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,short-'circuit
(also informal short) verb
1 to have a short circuit ; to make sth have a short circuit : [v] The wires had short-circuited and burnt out. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to succeed in doing sth more quickly than usual, without going through all the normal processes, which would take longer
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short.com.ing
noun [usually pl.] a fault in sb’s character, a plan, a system, etc.
SYN DEFECT : She made me aware of my own shortcomings.
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short.crust pastry
noun [U] a type of pastry that CRUMBLES easily, used for making pies, etc.
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,short 'cut
(also 'short cut) noun
1 a quicker or shorter way of getting to a place: You can take a short cut across the field.
2 a way of doing sth that is quicker than the usual way: There are no short cuts to economic recovery.
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short.en
verb ~ (sth to sth) to make sth shorter; to become shorter: [vn] Injury problems could shorten his career.  a shortened version of the game  Her name’s Katherine, generally shortened to Kay.  [v] In November the temperatures drop and the days shorten.
OPP LENGTHEN
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short.en.ing
noun [U] fat that is used for making pastry
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short.fall
noun ~ (in sth) if there is a shortfall in sth, there is less of it than you need or expect: a shortfall of over 500 000 tonnes in the grain supply
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short.hand
noun
1 (AmE also sten.og.raphy) [U] a quick way of writing using special signs or abbreviations, used especially to record what sb is saying: typing and shorthand  to take sth down in shorthand   a shorthand typist
2 [U, C] ~ (for sth) a shorter way of saying or referring to sth, which may not be as accurate as the more complicated way of saying it
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,short-'handed
adj. [not usually before noun] not having as many workers or people who can help as you need
SYN SHORT-STAFFED
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'short-haul
adj. [only before noun] that involves transporting people or goods over short distances, especially by plane
OPP LONG-HAUL
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short.list
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] a small number of candidates for a job, etc., who have been chosen from all the people who applied: to draw up a shortlist  a shortlist for a literary prize  She is one of the four people on my shortlist of great singers.

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (for sth) (BrE ) to put sb/sth on a shortlist for a job, prize, etc: Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by the end of the week.

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,short-'lived
adj. lasting only for a short time
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short.ly
adv.
1 a short time; not long: She arrived shortly after us.  I saw him shortly before he died.
2 soon: I’ll be ready shortly.
3 in an angry and impatient way
SYN SHARPLY
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,short-order 'cook
noun a person who works in a restaurant cooking food that can be prepared quickly
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,short-'range
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of weapons) designed to travel only over short distances: short-range missiles
2 (of plans, etc.) connected with a short period of time in the future: a short-range weather forecast—compare LONG-RANGE
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shorts
noun [pl.]
1 short trousers/pants that end above or at the knee, worn when playing sports, in hot weather or by children: a pair of tennis shorts  He was wearing a T-shirt and shorts.
2 (AmE) = BOXER SHORTS
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,short-'sighted
adj.
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually ,near-'sighted) able to see things clearly only if they are very close to you
OPP LONG-SIGHTED
2 not thinking carefully about the possible effects of sth or what might happen in the future: a short-sighted policy
,short 'sight noun [U]: She suffered from short sight.
,short-'sighted.ly adv.
,short-'sighted.ness noun [U]: an eye test to detect short-sightedness  Many people accused the government of short-sightedness.
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,short-'staffed
adj. [not usually before noun] having fewer members of staff than you need or usually have
SYN SHORT-HANDED —see also UNDERSTAFFED
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,short-'stay
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) (of a place) where you only stay for a short time: a short-stay car park
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,short 'story
noun a story, usually about imaginary characters and events, that is short enough to be read from beginning to end without stopping
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,short 'temper
noun [sing.] a tendency to become angry very quickly and easily
,short-'tempered adj.
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,short-'term
adj. [usually before noun] lasting a short time; designed only for a short period of time in the future: a short-term loan  to find work on a short-term contract  short-term aims / plans / forecasts  a short-term solution to the problem  His short-term memory (= the ability to remember things that happened a short time ago) is failing.—compare LONG-TERM
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,short-'termism
noun [U] a way of thinking or planning that is concerned with the advantages or profits you could have now, rather than the effects in the future
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,short 'time
noun [U] (BrE ) if workers are put on short time, they work for fewer hours than usual, because there is not enough work to do or not enough money to pay them
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,short 'wave
noun [C, U] (abbr. SW) a radio wave that has a FREQUENCY greater than 3 MEGAHERTZ : a short-wave radio / broadcast—compare LONG WAVE , MEDIUM WAVE
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shot
noun, adj. —see also SHOOT , SHOT , SHOT v.
noun
WITH GUN|
1 [C] ~ (at sb/sth) the act of firing a gun; the sound this makes: The man fired several shots from his pistol.  Someone took a shot at the car.  We heard some shots in the distance.—see also GUNSHOT , POTSHOT
2 [C] a good, bad, etc. ~ a person who shoots a gun in a particular way (well, badly, etc.)
BULLETS|
3 (also ,lead 'shot) [U] a large number of small metal balls that you fire together from a SHOTGUN —see also BUCKSHOT
4 [C] (pl.shot) a large stone or metal ball that was shot from a CANNON or large gun in the past
REMARK / ACTION|
5 [C] a remark or an action that is usually one of a series, and is aimed against sb/sth that you are arguing or competing with: This statement was the opening shot in the argument.  The supermarket fired the first shot in a price war today.
ATTEMPT|
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ (at sth / at doing sth) (informal) the act of trying to do or achieve sth: The team are looking good for a shot at the title.  I’ve never produced a play before but I’ll have a shot at it.  I’m willing to give it a shot .  Just give it your best shot (= try as hard as you can) and you’ll be fine.
IN SPORT|
7 [C] the action of hitting, kicking or throwing the ball in order to score a point or goal in a game: Taylor scored with a low shot into the corner of the net.  Good shot!
8 (often the shot) [sing.] the heavy ball that is used in the sports competition called THE SHOT-PUT
PHOTOGRAPH|
9 [C] a photograph: I got some good shots of people at the party.—see also MUG SHOT , SNAPSHOT
SCENE IN FILM / MOVIE|
10 [C] a scene in a film/movie that is filmed continuously by one camera: the opening shot of a character walking across a desert
DRUG|
11 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a small amount of a drug that is put into your body using a SYRINGE
SYN INJECTION : a flu shot (= to protect you against flu)  a shot of morphine
DRINK|
12 [C] (informal) a small amount of a drink, especially a strong alcoholic one: a shot of whisky
OF SPACECRAFT|
13 [C] an occasion when a spacecraft is sent into space: The space shot was shown live on television.
HORSE / DOG IN RACE|
14 [sing.] (used with numbers) a horse, dog, etc. that has the particular chance of winning a race that is mentioned: The horse is a 10–1 shot.
HELP You will find other compounds ending in shot at their place in the alphabet. like a 'shot (informal) very quickly and without hesitating: If I had the chance to go there, I’d go like a shot. a shot across the / sb’s 'bows something that you say or do as a warning to sb about what might happen if they do not change, etc. a shot in the 'arm something that gives sb/sth the help or encouragement they need—more at BIG adj. , CALL v. , DARK n. , LONG adj. , PARTING adj.

adj.
1 ~ (with sth) (of fabric, hair, etc.) having another colour showing through or mixed with the main colour: shot silk
2 [not before noun] (informal) in a very bad condition; destroyed: The brakes on this car are shot.  I’m shot—I’m too old for this job.  After the accident his nerves were shot to pieces . be / get 'shot of sb/sth (BrE, informal) to get rid of sb/sth so you no longer have the problems they cause shot through with sth containing a lot of a particular colour, quality or feature: a voice shot through with emotion

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shot.gun
noun a long gun that fires a lot of small metal bullets, (called SHOT ), and is used especially for shooting birds or animals: (BrE ) The raiders were armed with sawn-off shotguns .   (AmE ) sawed-off shotguns
IDM see RIDE v.
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,shotgun 'wedding
(also ,shotgun 'marriage) noun (old-fashioned, informal) a wedding that has to take place quickly, for example because the woman is pregnant
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the 'shot-put
noun [sing.] (also 'shot-putting, ,putting the 'shot) the event or sport of throwing a heavy metal ball (called a SHOT ) as far as possible—
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should
modal verb (negativeshould not, short formshouldn’t )
1 used to show what is right, appropriate, etc., especially when criticizing sb’s actions: You shouldn’t drink and drive.  He should have been more careful.
2 used for giving or asking for advice: You should stop worrying about it  Should I call him and apologize?  I should wait a little longer, if I were you .   (ironic) ‘She doesn’t think she’ll get a job.’‘She should worry, with all her qualifications (= she does not need to worry).’
3 used to say that you expect sth is true or will happen: We should arrive before dark.  I should have finished the book by Friday.  The roads should be less crowded today.
4 used to say that sth that was expected has not happened: It should be snowing now, according to the weather forecast.  The bus should have arrived ten minutes ago.
5 (BrE, formal) used after I or we instead of would for describing what you would do if sth else happened first: If I were asked to work on Sundays, I should resign.
6 (formal) used to refer to a possible event or situation: If you should change your mind, do let me know.  In case you should need any help, here’s my number.  Should anyone call (= if anyone calls), please tell them I’m busy.
7 used as the past form of shall when reporting what sb has said: He asked me what time he should come. (= His words were: ‘What time shall I come?’)   (BrE, formal) I said (that) I should be glad to help.
8 (BrE) used after that when sth is suggested or arranged: She recommended that I should take some time off.  In order that training should be effective it must be planned systematically.
HELP In both AmE and BrE this idea can be expressed without ‘should’: She recommended that I take some time off.  In order that training be effective …
9 used after that after many adjectives that describe feelings: I’m anxious that we should allow plenty of time.  I find it astonishing that he should be so rude to you.
10 (BrE, formal) used with I and we in polite requests: I should like to call my lawyer.  We should be grateful for your help.
11 used with I and we to give opinions that you are not certain about: I should imagine it will take about three hours.  ‘Is this enough food for everyone?’‘I should think so .’  ‘Will it matter?’‘I shouldn’t think so .’
12 used for expressing strong agreement: ‘I know it’s expensive but it will last for years.’‘I should hope so too! ’  ‘Nobody will oppose it.’‘I should think not! ’
13 why, how, who, what ~ sb/sth do used to refuse sth or to show that you are annoyed at a request; used to express surprise about an event or a situation: Why should I help him? He’s never done anything for me.  How should I know where you’ve left your bag?  I got on the bus and who should be sitting in front of me but Tony!
14 used to tell sb that sth would amuse or surprise them if they saw or experienced it: You should have seen her face when she found out!  note at MODAL
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shoul.der
noun, verb
noun
PART OF BODY|
1 [C] either of the two parts of the body between the top of each arm and the neck: He slung the bag over his shoulder.  She tapped him on the shoulder.  He looked back over his shoulder.  She shrugged her shoulders (= showing that she didn’t know or care).  an off-the-shoulder dress  He carried the child on his shoulders.—picture at BODY
-SHOULDERED|
2 (in adjectives) having the type of shoulders mentioned: broad-shouldered—see also ROUND-SHOULDERED
CLOTHING|
3 [C] the part of a piece of clothing that covers the shoulder : a jacket with padded shoulders
MEAT|
4 [U, C] ~ (of sth) meat from the top part of one of the front legs of an animal that has four legs
OF MOUNTAIN / BOTTLE, etc.|
5 [C] ~ (of sth) a part of sth, such as a bottle or mountain, that is shaped like a shoulder : The village lay just around the shoulder of the hill.
SIDE OF ROAD|
6 [C] (AmE) an area of ground at the side of a road where vehicles can stop in an emergency: No shoulder for next 5 miles.—see also HARD SHOULDER , SOFT SHOULDER be looking over your 'shoulder to be anxious and have the feeling that sb is going to do sth unpleasant or harmful to you on sb’s shoulders if blame, guilt, etc. is on sb’s shoulders, they must take responsibility for it put your shoulder to the 'wheel to start working very hard at a particular task a shoulder to 'cry on (used to describe a person who listens to your problems and gives you sympathy) ,shoulder to 'shoulder (with sb)
1 physically close to sb
2 as one group that has the same aims, opinions, etc.—more at CHIP n. , COLD adj. , HEAD n. , OLD , RUB v. , STRAIGHT adv.

verb
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY|
1 [vn] to accept the responsibility for sth: to shoulder the responsibility / blame for sth  women who shoulder the double burden of childcare and full-time work
PUSH WITH SHOULDER|
2 [+adv. / prep.] to push forward with your shoulder in order to get somewhere: [vn] He shouldered his way through the crowd and went after her.  [v] She shouldered past a woman with a screaming baby.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push sb/sth out of your way with your shoulder: He shouldered the man aside.
CARRY ON SHOULDER|
4 [vn] to carry sth on your shoulder: She shouldered her bag and set off home.

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'shoulder bag
noun a bag, especially a handbag, that has a long strap and is carried over the shoulder
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'shoulder blade
noun either of the two large flat bones at the top of the back
SYN SCAPULA —picture at BODY
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,shoulder-'high
adj. as high as a person’s shoulders: a shoulder-high wall
,shoulder-'high adv.: They carried him shoulder-high through the crowd.
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'shoulder-length
adj. (especially of hair) long enough to reach your shoulders
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'shoulder pad
noun [usually pl.] a small piece of thick fabric that is sewn into the shoulders of a dress, jacket, etc. to make a person’s shoulders look bigger
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'shoulder strap
noun
1 a strip of fabric on a dress or other piece of clothing that goes over your shoulder from the front to the back
2 a long strip of fabric, leather, etc. that is attached to a bag so that you can carry it over your shoulder
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shout
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (at / to sb)| ~ (at sb to do sth) to say sth in a loud voice; to speak loudly/angrily to sb: [v] Stop shouting and listen!  I shouted for help but nobody came.  She shouted at him to shut the gate.  Then he started shouting and swearing at her.  [vn] to shout abuse / encouragement / orders  [v that] He shouted that he couldn’t swim.  [vn-adj] She shouted herself hoarse, cheering on the team.  [v speech] ‘Run!’ he shouted.
2 [v] ~ (out) to make a loud noise: She shouted out in pain when she tried to move her leg.
PVR V ,shout sb<->'down to shout so that sb who is speaking cannot be heard: The speaker was shouted down by a group of protesters. ,shout sth<->'out to say sth in a loud voice so that it can be clearly heard: Don’t shout out all the answers. [+ speech] ‘I’m over here!’ I shouted out.

noun
1 a loud cry of anger, fear, excitement, etc: loud / angry / distant shouts  a shout of anger / pain / joy  I heard her warning shout too late.
2 (AustralE, BrE, informal) a person’s turn to buy drinks: What are you drinking? It’s my shout.
IDM be ,in with a 'shout (of sth / of doing sth) (informal) to have a good chance of winning sth or of achieving sth give sb a 'shout (spoken) to tell sb sth: Give me a shout when you’re ready.

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shout.ing
noun [U] loud cries from a number of people: Didn’t you hear all the shouting?
IDM be all over bar the 'shouting (BrE) (of an activity or a competition) to be almost finished or decided, so that there is no doubt about the final result within 'shouting distance (especially AmE) = WITHIN SPITTING DISTANCE at SPIT v.
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'shouting match
noun an argument or a quarrel when people shout loudly at each other
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shove
verb, noun
verb
1 to push sb/sth in a rough way: [v] The crowd was pushing and shoving to get a better view.  The door wouldn’t open no matter how hard she shoved.  [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] He shoved her down the stairs.
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to put sth somewhere roughly or carelessly: She shoved the book into her bag and hurried off.  He came over and shoved a piece of paper into my hand.  Shove your suitcase under the bed.
IDM 'shove it (informal, especially AmE) used to say rudely that you will not accept or do sth: ‘The boss wants that report now.’‘Yeah? Tell him he can shove it.’
PVR V ,shove 'off (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb rudely to go away ,shove 'up (BrE, spoken) to move in order to make a space for sb to sit down beside you: Shove up! Jan wants to sit down.

noun [usually sing.] a strong push: to give sb/sth a shove
IDM see PUSH n.

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shovel
noun, verb
noun
1 a tool with a long handle and a broad blade with curved edges, used for moving earth, snow, sand, etc: workmen with picks and shovels—compare SPADE —picture at GARDEN
2 the part of a large machine or vehicle that digs or moves earth

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] to lift and move earth, stones, coal, etc. with a shovel : A gang of workmen were shovelling rubble onto a truck.  They went out in freezing conditions to shovel snow.   (AmE ) to shovel the sidewalk / driveway (= to remove snow)   (figurative) He sat at the table, shovelling food into his mouth.

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shovel.ful
noun the amount that a shovel can hold
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show
verb, noun
verb (showed, shown or, rarely, showed)
MAKE CLEAR|
1 to make sth clear; to prove sth: [v (that)] The figures clearly show that her claims are false.  [vn that] Market research has shown us that people want quality, not just low prices.  [vn] a report showing the company’s current situation  [vn to inf] His new book shows him to be a first-rate storyteller.  [v wh-] This shows how people are influenced by TV advertisements. [alsovn wh-]
LET SB SEE STH|
2 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to let sb see sth: [vn] If there’s a letter from France please show it to me.  You have to show your ticket as you go in.  [vn, vnn] Have you shown your work to anyone?  Have you shown anyone your work?
TEACH|
3 ~ sth to sb| ~ sb sth to help sb to do sth by letting them watch you do it or by explaining it: [vn, vnn] She showed the technique to her students.  She showed her students the technique.  [vn wh-] Can you show me how to do it?
POINT|
4 to point to sth so that sb can see where or what it is: [vnn] He showed me our location on the map.  [vn wh-] Show me which picture you drew.
GUIDE|
5 to lead or guide sb to a place: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : The attendant showed us to our seats.  We were shown into the waiting room.  [vnn] I’ll go first and show you the way .
QUALITY / BEHAVIOUR / FEELING|
6 to make it clear that you have a particular quality: [vn] to show great courage / determination  [vn-adj] She had shown herself unable to deal with money.  [vn to inf] He has shown himself to be ready to make compromises. [alsov that]
7 ~ sth (for / to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to behave in a particular way towards sb: [vn, vnn] They showed no respect for their parents.  They showed their parents no respect.
8 if a feeling or quality shows, or if you show it, people can see it: [v] Fear showed in his eyes.  She tried not to let her disappointment show.  [vn] Her expression showed her disappointment.  James began to show signs of impatience.  [v wh-] She tried not to show how disappointed she was.
BE VISIBLE|
9 if sth shows, people can see it. If sth shows a mark, dirt, etc., the mark can be seen: [v] She had a warm woollen hat on that left only her eyes and nose showing.  [vn] Their new white carpet showed every mark.
INFORMATION|
10 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to give particular information, or a time or measurement: The map shows the principal towns and rivers.  The clock showed midnight.  The end-of-year accounts show a loss.
OF PICTURE / PHOTOGRAPH|
11 ~ sth| ~ sb (as sth) to be of sb/sth; to represent sb/sth: [vn] She had objected to a photo showing her in a bikini. [alsovn -ing]
FOR PUBLIC TO SEE|
12 to be or make sth available for the public to see: [v] The movie is now showing at all major movie theaters.  [vn] The movie is being shown now.  She plans to show her paintings early next year.
PROVE|
13 [no passive] (informal) to prove that you can do sth or are sth: [vn] They think I can’t do it, but I’ll show them!  [vn to inf] He has shown himself to be a caring father. [alsovnn]
ARRIVE|
14 [v] (informal, especially AmE) to arrive where you have arranged to meet sb or do sth: I waited an hour but he didn’t show.—see also SHOW UP
ANIMAL|
15 [vn] to enter an animal in a competition it goes to 'show used to say that sth proves sth: It just goes to show what you can do when you really try. show sb the 'door to ask sb to leave, because they are no longer welcome show your 'face to appear among your friends or in public: She stayed at home, afraid to show her face. show your 'hand / 'cards (BrE) (AmE tip your 'hand) to make your plans or intentions known show sb who’s 'boss to make it clear to sb that you have more power and authority than they have show the 'way to do sth first so that other people can follow show 'willing (BrE) to show that you are ready to help, work hard, etc. if necessary (have) something, nothing, etc. to 'show for sth (to have) something, nothing, etc. as a result of sth: All those years of hard work, and nothing to show for it!—more at FLAG n. , PACE n. , ROPE n. ,show sb a'round / 'round (sth) to be a guide for sb when they visit a place for the first time to show them what is interesting: We were shown around the school by one of the students.  Has anyone shown you round yet? ,show 'off (informal, disapproving) to try to impress others by talking about your abilities, possessions, etc: He’s just showing off because that girl he likes is here.—related noun SHOW-OFF ,show sb/sth<->'off
1 to show people sb/sth that you are proud of: She wanted to show off her new husband at the party. [+ wh-] He likes to show off how well he speaks French.
2 (of clothing) to make sb look attractive, by showing their best features: a dress that shows off her figure ,show 'through| ,show 'through sth to be able to be seen behind or under sth else: The writing on the other side of the page shows through.   (figurative) When he spoke, his bitterness showed through.  Veins showed through her pale skin. ,show 'up (informal) to arrive where you have arranged to meet sb or do sth: It was getting late when she finally showed up. ,show 'up| ,show sth<->'up to become visible; to make sth become visible: a broken bone showed up on the X-ray  The harsh light showed up the lines on her face. ,show sb<->'up
1 (BrE, informal) to make sb feel embarrassed by behaving badly: He showed me up by snoring during the concert.
2 to make sb feel embarrassed by doing sth better than them: Don’t worry about being shown up by the kids—they’ve always used computers.

noun
ENTERTAINMENT|
1 [C] a theatre performance, especially one that includes singing and dancing: to see / watch / go to a show  a one-woman / -man show  to put on / stage a show  She’s the star of the show !—see also FLOOR SHOW , ROADSHOW
2 [C] a programme on television or the radio: to host a TV / radio show  a comedy / quiz show—see also CHAT SHOW , GAME SHOW , ROADSHOW , TALK SHOW
OF COLLECTION OF THINGS|
3 [C, U] an occasion when a collection of things are brought together for people to look at
SYN EXHIBITION : an agricultural show  the Paris fashion shows  The latest computers will be on show at the exhibition.—see also PEEP SHOW
OF FEELING|
4 [C] an action or a way of behaving that shows how you feel
SYN DISPLAY : a show of emotion / gratitude / temper  a show of support / unity  A show of force by 4 000 soldiers led to an agreement being reached quickly.
INSINCERE ACT|
5 [U, sing.] something that is done only to give a good impression, but is not sincere: He may seem charming, but it’s all show!  She pretends to be interested in opera, but it’s only for show .  He made a great show of affection, but I knew he didn’t mean it.
COLOURFUL SIGHT|
6 [C, U] a colourful or pleasing sight
SYN DISPLAY : a lovely show of spring flowers
EVENT / SITUATION|
7 [sing.] (informal) an event, a business or a situation where sth is being done or organized: She runs the whole show.  I won’t interfere—it’s your show.
GOOD / POOR SHOW|
8 [C, usually sing.] (informal, especially BrE) something that is done in a particular way: The team put on a good show in the competition.  It’s a poor show if he forgets your birthday. for 'show intended to be seen but not used: These items are just for show—they’re not for sale. get the ,show on the 'road (spoken) to start an activity or a journey: Let’s get this show on the road! (jolly) good 'show! (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to show you like sth or to say that sb has done sth well a show of 'hands a group of people each raising a hand to vote for or against sth—more at STEAL

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'show business
(also informal show.biz ) noun [U] the business of providing public entertainment, for example in the theatre, in films/movies or in television: to be / work in show business  show-business people / stars  That’s showbiz!
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show.case
noun
1 [usually sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) an event that presents sb’s abilities or the good qualities of sth in an attractive way: The festival was a showcase for young British musicians.
2 a box with a glass top or sides that is used for showing objects in a shop/store, museum, etc.
show.case verb : [vn] Jack was looking for a film role that would showcase all his talents.
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show.down
noun [usually sing.] an argument, a fight or a test that will settle a disagreement that has lasted for a long time: Management are facing a showdown with union members today.  Fans gathered outside the stadium for the final showdown (= the game that will decide the winner of the competition).
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shower
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of equipment producing a spray of water that you stand under to wash yourself; the small room or part of a room that contains a shower : a hotel room with bath and shower  He’s in the shower.  a shower cubicle
2 the act of washing yourself with a shower : (especially BrE) to have a shower   (especially AmE) to take a shower  shower gel
3 a short period of rain or snow: wintry / scattered snow showers  April showers  We were caught in a heavy shower.
4 a large number of things that arrive or fall together: a shower of glass / leaves  a shower of sparks from the fire  a shower of kisses / insults
5 (AmE) a party at which you give presents to a woman who is getting married or having a baby: a bridal / baby shower

verb
1 [v] to wash yourself under a shower: She showered and dressed and went downstairs.
2 [v] ~ (down) on sb/sth| ~ down to fall onto sb/sth, especially in a lot of small pieces: Volcanic ash showered down on the town after the eruption.
3 [vn] ~ sb with sth to drop a lot of small things onto sb: The bride and groom were showered with rice as they left the church.  The roof collapsed, showering us with dust and debris.
4 [vn] ~ sb with sth| ~ sth on sb to give sb a lot of sth: He showered her with gifts.  He showered gifts on her.

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show.ery
adj. (of the weather) with frequent showers of rain: a showery day
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show.girl
noun a female performer who sings and dances in a musical show
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show.ground
noun a large outdoor area where FAIRS , farm shows, etc. take place
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'show house
(also 'show home) (both BrE ) (AmE 'model home) noun a house in a group of new houses that has been painted and filled with furniture, so that people who might want to buy one of the houses can see what they will be like
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show.ing
noun
1 an act of showing a film/movie: There are three showings a day.
2 [usually sing.] evidence of how well or how badly sb/sth is performing: the strong / poor showing of the Green Party in the election  On (= judging by) last week’s showing, the team is unlikely to win today.
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show.jump.ing
noun [U] the sport of riding a horse and jumping over a set of fences as quickly as possible
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show.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a person who does things in an entertaining way and is good at getting people’s attention
2 a person who organizes public entertainments, especially at FAIRGROUNDS : travelling showmen
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show.man.ship
noun [U] skill in doing things in an entertaining way and getting a lot of attention
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shown
pp of SHOW
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'show-off
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who tries to impress other people by showing how good he or she is at doing sth
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show.piece
noun an excellent example of sth that people are meant to see and admire
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show.place
noun a place of great beauty, historical interest, etc. that is open to the public
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show.room
noun a large shop/store in which goods for sale, especially cars and electrical goods, are displayed: a car showroom
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'show-stopper
noun (informal) a performance that is very impressive and receives a lot of APPLAUSE from the audience
'show-stopping adj. [only before noun]: a show-stopping performance
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show.time
noun [U] the time that a theatre performance will begin: It’s five minutes to showtime and the theatre is packed.   (figurative, AmE ) Everybody ready? It’s showtime!
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'show trial
noun an unfair trial of sb in a court of law, organized by a government for political reasons, not in order to find out the truth
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showy
adj. (often disapproving) so bright, colourful, large or exaggerated that it attracts a lot of attention: showy flowers
show.ily adv.
showi.ness noun [U]
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shrank
pt of SHRINK
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shrap.nel
noun [U] small pieces of metal that are thrown outwards from an exploding bomb
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shred
verb, noun
verb (-dd-) [vn] to cut or tear sth into small pieces: Serve the fish on a bed of shredded lettuce.  He was accused of shredding documents relating to the case (= putting them in a SHREDDER ).

noun
1 [usually pl.] a small thin piece that has been torn or cut from sth: shreds of fabric / paper  His jacket had been torn to shreds by the barbed wire.
2 [usually sing.] ~ of sth (used especially in negative sentences) a very small amount of sth: There is not a shred of evidence to support his claim.
IDM in 'shreds
1 very badly damaged: Her nerves were in shreds.  The country’s economy is in shreds.
2 torn in many places: The document was in shreds on the floor. pick / pull / tear sb/sth to 'pieces / 'shreds (informal) to criticize sb, or their work or ideas, very severely

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shred.der
noun a machine that tears sth into small pieces, especially paper, so that nobody can read what was printed on it
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shrew
noun
1 a small animal like a mouse with a long nose
2 (old-fashioned) a bad-tempered unpleasant woman
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shrewd
adj. (shrewd.er, shrewd.est)
1 clever at understanding and making judgements about a situation
SYN ASTUTE : a shrewd businessman  She is a shrewd judge of character.
2 showing good judgement and likely to be right: a shrewd guess / move  I have a shrewd idea who the mystery caller was.
shrewd.ly adv.
shrewd.ness noun [U]
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shrew.ish
adj. (old-fashioned) (of women) bad-tempered and always arguing
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shriek
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth)| ~ (at sb) to give a loud high shout, for example when you are excited, frightened or in pain
SYN SCREAM : She shrieked in fright.  The audience was shrieking with laughter.   (figurative) The answer shrieked at her (= was very obvious).
2 ~ (sth) (at sb) to say sth in a loud, high voice
SYN SCREAM : [vn] She was shrieking abuse at them as they carried her off.  [v speech] ‘Look out!’ he shrieked.

noun a loud high shout, for example one that you make when you are excited, frightened or in pain: She let out a piercing shriek.  a shriek of pain / delight / surprise

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shrift
noun
IDM see SHORT adj.
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shrike
noun a bird with a strong beak, that catches small birds and insects and sticks them on thorn bushes
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shrill
adj., verb
adj. (shrill.er, shrill.est)
1 (of sounds or voices) very high and loud, in an unpleasant way: a shrill voice / whistle / laugh
2 loud and determined but often unreasonable: shrill demands / protests / threats
shrilly adv.
shrill.ness noun [U]

verb (written)
1 [v] to make an unpleasant high loud sound: Behind him, the telephone shrilled.
2 [v speech] to say sth in a loud, high voice: ‘Wait for me!’ she shrilled.

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shrimp
noun (pl.shrimps or shrimp)
1 a small shellfish that can be eaten, like a PRAWN but smaller. Shrimps turn pink when cooked.
2 (AmE) = PRAWN : grilled shrimp—
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shrimp.ing
noun [U] the activity of catching shrimps : a shrimping net
shrimp.er noun (especially AmE): shrimpers and fishermen in the gulf of Mexico
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shrine
noun
1 ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (of sb/sth) a place where people come to worship because it is connected with a holy person or event: a shrine to the Virgin Mary  to visit the shrine of Mecca
2 ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (for sb) a place that people visit because it is connected with sb/sth that is important to them: Wimbledon is a shrine for all lovers of tennis.
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shrink
verb, noun
verb (shrank shrunk or, shrunk, shrunk)
1 to become smaller, especially when washed in water that is too hot; to make clothes, fabric, etc. smaller in this way: [v] My sweater shrank in the wash. [alsovn]
2 to become or to make sth smaller in size or amount: [v] The tumour had shrunk to the size of a pea.  The market for their products is shrinking.  There was a movie called ‘Honey I shrunk the kids!’.  [vn] Television in a sense has shrunk the world.—see also SHRUNKEN
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move back or away from sth because you are frightened or shocked: He shrank back against the wall as he heard them approaching.
IDM a ,shrinking 'violet (humorous) a way of describing a very shy person
PVR V 'shrink from sth (written) to be unwilling to do sth that is difficult or unpleasant: We made it clear to them that we would not shrink from confrontation. [+ -ing] They did not shrink from doing what was right.

noun (slang, humorous) a PSYCHIATRIST or PSYCHOLOGIST

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shrink.age
noun [U] the process of becoming smaller in size; the amount by which sth becomes smaller: the shrinkage of heavy industry  She bought a slightly larger size to allow for shrinkage.
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'shrink-wrapped
adj. wrapped tightly in a thin plastic covering
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shrivel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) ~ (sth) (up) to become or make sth dry and WRINKLED from heat, cold or old age: [v] The leaves on the plant had shrivelled up from lack of water.  [vn] The prolonged hot weather had shrivelled the grapes in every vineyard.
shriv.elled adj.: He had become a shrivelled old man.
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shroud
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of fabric that a dead person’s body is wrapped in before it is buried
2 ~ of sth (written) a thing that covers, surrounds or hides sth: The organization is cloaked in a shroud of secrecy.  a shroud of smoke

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth in sth
1 (of darkness, clouds, fabric, etc.) to cover or hide sth: The city was shrouded in mist.  furniture shrouded in dust sheets
2 to hide information or keep it secret and mysterious: His family background is shrouded in mystery .

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Shrove Tuesday
noun [U, C] (in the Christian Church) the day before the beginning of Lent —compare MARDI GRAS , PANCAKE DAY —see also ASH WEDNESDAY
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shrub
noun a large plant that is smaller than a tree and that has several stems of wood coming from the ground: evergreen shrubs  shrub roses
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shrub.bery
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) an area planted with shrubs
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shrug
verb (-gg-) [no passive] to raise your shoulders and then lower them to show that you do not know or care about sth: [v] Sam shrugged and said nothing.  [vn] ‘I don’t know,’ Anna replied, shrugging her shoulders.
shrug noun [usually sing.]: Andy gave a shrug. ‘It doesn’t matter.’
PVR V ,shrug sth 'off / a'side to treat sth as if it is not important
SYN DISMISS : Shrugging off her injury, she played on.  He shrugged aside suggestions that he resign. ,shrug sb/sth 'off / a'way to push sb/sth back or away with your shoulders: Kevin shrugged off his jacket  She shrugged him away angrily.
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shrunk
pt, pp of SHRINK
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shrunk.en
adj. [usually before noun] that has become smaller (and less attractive): a shrunken old woman
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shtick
(also schtick) noun [U, sing.] (especially AmE )
1 a style of humour that is typical of a particular performer
2 a particular ability that sb has: That’s not my shtick.
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shuck
noun, verb
noun (AmE ) the outer covering of a nut, plant, etc. or an OYSTER or a CLAM

verb [vn] (AmE ) to remove the shell or covering of nuts, shellfish, etc.

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shucks
exclamation (old-fashioned, AmE , informal) used to express embarrassment or disappointment
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shud.der
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (with sth)| ~ (at sth) to shake because you are cold or frightened, or because of a strong feeling: [v] Just thinking about the accident makes me shudder.  Alone in the car, she shuddered with fear.  I shuddered at the thought of all the trouble I’d caused.  [v to inf] I shudder to think how much this is all going to cost (= I don’t want to think about it because it is too unpleasant).
2 [v] (of a vehicle, machine, etc.) to shake very hard: The bus shuddered to a halt.

noun [usually sing.]
1 a shaking movement you make because you are cold, frightened or disgusted: a shudder of fear  She gave an involuntary shudder.  A cold shudder ran through him.
2 a strong shaking movement: The elevator rose with a shudder.

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shuf.fle
verb, noun
verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk slowly without lifting your feet completely off the ground: He shuffled across the room to the window.  The line shuffled forward a little.
2 to move from one foot to another; to move your feet in an awkward or embarrassed way: [vn] Jenny shuffled her feet and blushed with shame. [alsov]
3 to mix cards up in a pack/deck of playing cards before playing a game: [vn] Shuffle the cards and deal out seven to each player. [alsov]
4 [vn] to move paper or things into different positions or a different order: I shuffled the documents on my desk.

noun [usually sing.]
1 a slow walk in which you take small steps and do not lift your feet completely off the ground: The old man walked with a shuffle.  There was a shuffle of feet as the room emptied.
2 the act of mixing cards before a card game: Give the cards a good shuffle.
3 (rare) = RESHUFFLE

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shun
verb (-nn-) [vn] (written) to avoid sb/sth: She was shunned by her family when she remarried.  an actor who shuns publicity
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shunt
verb [vn]
1 to move a train or a railway carriage/train car from one track to another
2 [+adv. / prep.] (usually disapproving) to move sb/sth to a different place, especially a less important one: John was shunted sideways to a job in sales.
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shush
exclamation, verb
exclamation used to tell sb to be quiet

verb [vn] to tell sb to be quiet, especially by saying ‘shush’, or by putting your finger against your lips: Lyn shushed the children.

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shut
verb, adj.
verb (shut.ting, shut, shut)
1 to make sth close; to become closed: [vn] Philip went into his room and shut the door behind him.  I can’t shut my suitcase—it’s too full.  She shut her eyes and fell asleep immediately.  He shut his book and looked up.  [v] The window won’t shut  The doors open and shut automatically.
2 (BrE ) when a shop/store, restaurant, etc. shuts or when sb shuts it, it stops being open for business and you cannot go into it: [v] The bank shuts at 4. [alsovn]   note at CLOSE^1
IDM shut your 'mouth / 'face! (slang) a rude way of telling sb to be quiet or stop talking shut up 'shop (BrE, informal) to close a business permanently or to stop working for the day—more at DOOR , EAR , EYE n. , MOUTH n.
PVR V ,shut sb/sth<->a'way to put sb/sth in a place where other people cannot see or find them ,shut yourself a'way to go somewhere where you will be completely alone: Mary always shuts herself away in her room while she’s working. ,shut 'down (of a factory, shop / store, etc. or a machine) to stop opening for business; to stop working: The theatre shut down after more than half a century.—related noun SHUTDOWN ,shut sth<->'down to stop a factory, shop/store, etc. from opening for business; to stop a machine from working: The computer system will be shut down over the weekend.—related noun SHUTDOWN ,shut sb / yourself 'in (sth) to put sb in a room and keep them there; to go to a room and stay there: She shut the dog in the shed while she prepared the barbecue. 'shut sth in sth to trap sth by closing a door, lid, etc. on it: Sam shut his finger in the car door. ,shut 'off (of a machine, tool, etc.) to stop working: The engines shut off automatically in an emergency. ,shut sth<->'off
1 to stop a machine, tool, etc. from working: I wish someone would shut off that car alarm.
2 to stop a supply of gas, water, etc. from flowing or reaching a place: A valve immediately shuts off the gas when the lid is closed. ,shut yourself 'off (from sth) to avoid seeing people or having contact with anyone: Martin shut himself off from the world to write his book. ,shut sb/sth 'off from sth to separate sb/sth from sth: Bosnia is shut off from the Adriatic by the mountains. ,shut sb/sth<->'out (of sth)
1 to prevent sb/sth from entering a place: Mum, Ben keeps shutting me out of the bedroom!  sunglasses that shut out 99% of the sun’s harmful rays
2 to not allow a person to share or be part of your thoughts; to stop yourself from having particular feelings: I wanted to shut John out of my life for ever.  She learned to shut out her angry feelings.  If you shut me out, how can I help you? ,shut 'up (informal) to stop talking (often used as an order as a rude way of telling sb to stop talking): Just shut up and listen!  Will you tell Mike to shut up?  When they’d finally shut up, I started again. ,shut sb 'up to make sb stop talking: She kicked Anne under the table to shut her up. ,shut sth<->'up to close a room, house, etc: The summer house was shut up for another year and we went back to the city. ,shut sb/sth 'up (in sth) to keep sb/sth in a place and prevent them from going anywhere: He shuts himself up with that computer for hours.

adj. [not before noun]
1 not open
SYN CLOSED : The door was shut.  She slammed the door shut.  Keep your eyes shut.
2 (BrE) not open for business
SYN CLOSED : Unfortunately the bank is shut now.

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shut.down
noun the act of closing a factory or business or stopping a large machine from working, either temporarily or permanently: factory shutdowns  the nuclear reactor’s emergency shutdown procedures
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'shut-eye
noun [U] (informal) sleep
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'shut-in
noun (AmE ) a person who cannot leave their home very easily because they are ill/sick or DISABLED
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'shut-out
noun (AmE ) a game in which one team prevents the other from scoring
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shut.ter
noun
1 [usually pl.] one of a pair of wooden or metal covers that can be closed over the outside of a window to keep out light or protect the windows from damage: to open / close the shutters   (BrE, figurative) More than 70 000 shopkeepers have been forced to put up the shutters (= close down their businesses) in the past year.—picture at BLIND , HOUSE
2 the part of a camera that opens to allow light to pass through the LENS when you take a photograph
IDM ,bring / ,put down the 'shutters to stop letting sb know what your thoughts or feelings are; to stop letting yourself think about sth
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shut.tered
adj. with the shutters closed; with shutters fitted
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shut.tle
noun, verb
noun
1 a plane, bus or train that travels regularly between two places: a shuttle service between London and Edinburgh
2 = SPACE SHUTTLE
3 a pointed tool used in weaving to pull a thread backwards and forwards over the other threads that pass along the length of the fabric

verb [+adv. / prep.]
1 [v] ~ (between A and B) to travel between two places frequently: Her childhood was spent shuttling between her mother and father.
2 [vn] to carry people between two places that are close, making regular journeys between the two places: A bus shuttles passengers back and forth from the station to the terminal.

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shuttle.cock
(AmE also bird.ie) noun the object that players hit backwards and forwards in the game of BADMINTON
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,shuttle di'plomacy
noun [U] international talks carried out by sb who travels between two or more countries to talk to the different governments involved
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shy
adj., verb
adj. (shyer, shy.est)
1 (of people) nervous or embarrassed about meeting and speaking to other people: a quiet, shy man  Don’t be shy—come and say hello.  She was too shy to ask anyone for help.  As a teenager I was painfully shy .  She’s very shy with adults.
2 showing that sb is nervous or embarrassed about meeting and speaking to other people: a shy smile / glance
3 (of animals) easily frightened and not willing to come near people: The panda is a shy creature.
4 [not before noun] ~ of / about (doing) sth afraid of doing sth or being involved in sth: The band has never been shy of publicity.  He disliked her and had never been shy of saying so.
5 [not before noun] ~ (of sth) (informal, especially AmE) lacking the amount that is needed: He died before Christmas, only a month shy of his 90th birthday.  We are still two players shy (of a full team).
6 (-shy) (in compounds) avoiding or not liking the thing mentioned: camera-shy (= not liking to be photographed)  He’s always been work-shy.
shyly adv.
shy.ness noun [U]
IDM see FIGHT v. , ONCE adv.

verb (shies, shy.ing, shied, shied ) [v] ~ (at sth) (especially of a horse) to turn away suddenly because of fear or surprise: My horse shied at the unfamiliar noise.—see also COCONUT SHY
PVR V ,shy a'way (from sth) to avoid doing sth because you are nervous or frightened: Hugh never shied away from his responsibilities.  The newspapers have shied away from investigating the story.

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shy.ster
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a dishonest person, especially a lawyer
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SI
abbr. International System (used to describe units of measurement; from French ‘Système International’): SI units
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Siamese cat
(also Siam.ese) noun a cat with short pale fur and a brown face, ears, tail and feet
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,Siamese 'twin
(also technical con,joined 'twin) noun one of two people who are born with their bodies joined together in some way, sometimes sharing the same organs
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sibi.lant
adj., noun
adj. (formal or literary) making an ‘s’ or ‘sh’ sound: the sibilant sound of whispering

noun (phonetics ) a sibilant sound made in speech, such as or

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sib.ling
noun (formal ortechnical ) a brother or sister: squabbles between siblings  sibling rivalry (= competition between brothers and sisters)
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sic
adv., verb
adv. (from Latin ) written after a word that you have copied from somewhere, to show that you know that the word is wrongly spelled or wrong in some other way: In the letter to parents it said: ‘The school is proud of it’s [sic] record of excellence’.

verb (-cc-) [vn] (AmE , informal) to attack sb: Sic him, Duke! (= said to a dog)
PVR V 'sic sth on sb (informal) to tell a dog to attack sb

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sick
adj., noun, verb
adj.
ILL|
1 physically or mentally ill: a sick child / relative / bird  Her mother’s very sick.  Peter has been off sick (= away from work because he is ill) for two weeks.  Emma has just called in sick (= telephoned to say she will not be coming to work because she is ill).  Britain’s workers went sick (= did not go to work because they were ill) for a record number of days last year.   (AmE) I can’t afford to get sick (= become ill).
WANTING TO VOMIT|
2 [not usually before noun] (especially BrE) feeling that you want to VOMIT : If you eat any more cake you’ll make yourself sick .  a sick feeling in your stomach
-SICK|
3 (in compounds) feeling sick as a result of travelling on a ship, plane, etc: seasick  airsick  carsick  travel-sick
BORED|
4 ~ of sb/sth| ~ of doing sth (informal) bored with or annoyed about sth that has been happening for a long time, and wanting it to stop: I’m sick of the way you’ve treated me.  We’re sick of waiting around like this.  I’m sick and tired of your moaning.  I’m sick to death of all of you!
CRUEL / STRANGE|
5 (informal) (especially of humour) dealing with suffering, disease or death in a cruel way that some people think is offensive: a sick joke  That’s really sick.
6 (informal) getting enjoyment from doing strange or cruel things: a sick mind  People think I’m sick for having a rat as a pet.  We live in a sick society.—see also HOMESICK , LOVESICK be 'sick (BrE) to bring food from your stomach back out through your mouth
SYN VOMIT : I was sick three times in the night.  She had been violently sick . be worried 'sick; be 'sick with worry to be extremely worried: Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you. fall 'sick (also old-fashioned take 'sick) (formal) to become ill make sb 'sick to make sb angry or disgusted: His hyprocrisy makes me sick. (as) sick as a 'dog (informal) feeling very ill; VOMITING a lot (as) sick as a 'parrot (BrE, humorous) very disappointed sick at 'heart (formal) very unhappy or disappointed sick to your 'stomach
1 feeling very angry or worried: Nora turned sick to her stomach on hearing this news.
2 (AmE) = SICK (2)

noun
VOMIT|
1 [U] (BrE, informal) food that you bring back up from your stomach through your mouth
SYN VOMIT
ILL PEOPLE|
2 (the sick) [pl.] people who are ill

verb ,sick sth<->'up (BrE, informal) to bring sth up from the stomach back out through your mouth
SYN VOMIT : She’d sicked up her milk.

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sick.bay
noun a room or rooms, for example on a ship or in a school, with beds for people who are ill/sick
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sick.bed
noun [sing.] the bed on which a person who is ill/sick is lying: The President left his sickbed to attend the ceremony.
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sick.en
verb (BrE )
1 [vn] to make sb feel very shocked and angry
SYN DISGUST : The public is becoming sickened by these pictures of violence and death.
2 [v] to become ill: (old-fashioned) The baby sickened and died before his first birthday.   (BrE) Faye hasn’t eaten all day—she must be sickening for something .
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sick.en.ing
adj.
1 making you feel disgusted or shocked: She was the victim of a sickening attack.  the sickening stench of burnt flesh
2 making you afraid that sb has been badly hurt or that sth has been broken: Her head hit the ground with a sickening thud.
3 (informal, spoken) making you feel jealous or annoyed: ‘She’s off to the Bahamas for a month.’‘How sickening!’
sick.en.ing.ly adv.
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sickie
noun (BrE , informal) a day when you say that you are ill/sick and cannot go to work when it is not really true
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sickle
noun a tool with a curved blade and a short handle, used for cutting grass or corn—see also HAMMER AND SICKLE —picture at SCYTHE
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'sick leave
noun [U] permission to be away from work because of illness; the period of time spent away from work: to be on sick leave
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sick.ly
adj.
1 often ill/sick: He was a sickly child.
2 not looking healthy and strong: She looked pale and sickly.  sickly plants
3 that makes you feel sick, especially because it is too sweet or full of false emotion: a sickly sweet smell  She gave me a sickly smile.
4 (of colours) unpleasant to look at: The walls were painted a sickly green colour.
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sick.ness
noun
1 [U] illness; bad health: She’s been off work because of sickness.  insurance against sickness and unemployment
2 [U, C, usually sing.] a particular type of illness or disease: altitude / travel / radiation sickness—see also SLEEPING SICKNESS
3 [U] (especially BrE) the feeling that you are likely to VOMIT (= bring food back up from the stomach to the mouth); the fact of VOMITING : symptoms include sickness and diarrhoea  The sickness passed off after a while.—see also MORNING SICKNESS
4 [sing.] a feeling of great sadness, disappointment or disgust: He felt a sickness rise in him at the thought of leaving.
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'sickness benefit
noun [U] (BrE ) money paid by the government to people who are away from work because of illness—compare SICK PAY
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sicko
noun (pl.-os) (informal, especially AmE ) a person who gets enjoyment from doing strange and cruel things: child molesters and other sickos
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sick.out
noun (AmE ) a strike in which all the workers at a company say they are sick and stay at home
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'sick pay
noun [U] pay given to an employee who is away from work because of illness—compare SICKNESS BENEFIT
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sick.room
noun a room in which a person who is ill/sick is lying in bed
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side
noun, verb
noun
LEFT / RIGHT|
1 [C, usually sing.] either of the two halves of a surface, an object or an area that is divided by an imaginary central line: We drive on the left-hand side of the road in this country.  the right side of the brain  satellite links to the other side of the world  She was on the far side of the room.  They crossed from one side of London to the other.  Keep on your side of the bed!
2 [C, usually sing.] a position or an area to the left or right of sth: There is a large window on either side of the front door.  He crossed the bridge to the other side of the river.  people on both sides of the Atlantic  She tilted her head to one side .
NOT TOP OR BOTTOM|
3 [C] one of the flat surfaces of sth that is not the top or bottom, front or back: Write your name on the side of the box.  There’s a scratch on the side of my car.  The kitchen door is at the side of the house.  a side door / entrance / window  Now lay the jar on its side.
4 [C] the upright or sloping surface around sth, but not the top or bottom of it: A path went up the side of the hill.  Brush the sides of the tin with butter.—see also HILLSIDE , MOUNTAINSIDE
EDGE|
5 [C] a part or an area of sth near the edge and away from the middle: She sat on the side of the bed.  A van was parked at the side of the road.  the south side of the lake—see also BEDSIDE , FIRESIDE , RINGSIDE , RIVERSIDE , ROADSIDE , SEASIDE
OF BODY|
6 [C, usually sing.] either the right or left part of a person’s body, from the ARMPIT (= where the arm joins the body) to the hip: She has a pain down her right side.  He was lying on his side.
NEAR TO SB / STH|
7 [sing.] a place or position very near to sb/sth: Keep close to my side.  Her husband stood at her side.
OF STH FLAT AND THIN|
8 [C] either of two surfaces of sth flat and thin, such as paper or fabric: Write on one side of the paper only.  Fry the steaks for two minutes on each side.  Let’s listen to side A of the tape.
PAGE|
9 [C] the amount of writing needed to fill one side of a sheet of paper: He told us not to write more than three sides.
MATHEMATICS|
10 [C] any of the flat surfaces of a solid object: A cube has six sides.
11 [C] any of the lines that form a flat shape such as a square or triangle: a shape with five sides  The farm buildings form three sides of a square.
-SIDED|
12 used in adjectives to state the number or type of sides: a six-sided object  a glass-sided container
IN WAR / ARGUMENT|
13 [C] one of the two or more people or groups taking part in a dispute, war, etc: Each side is capable of destroying the other in a nuclear war.  We have finally reached an agreement acceptable to all sides.  At some point during the war he seems to have changed sides .
14 [C] one of the opinions, attitudes or positions held by sb in an argument, a business arrangement, etc: We heard both sides of the argument.  I just want you to hear my side of the story first.  There are, of course, arguments on both sides.  Will you keep your side of the bargain?
ASPECT|
15 [C] a particular aspect of sth, especially a situation or a person’s character: These poems reveal her gentle side.  This is a side of Alan that I never knew existed.  It’s good you can see the funny side of the situation.  I’ll take care of that side of things.
16 [U] (BrE, informal) a part of sb’s character that makes them think they are better than other people: There was no side to him at all.
SPORTS TEAM|
17 [C] (BrE) a sports team: As captain, Pryce is confident of leading his side to victory.  The French have a very strong side.  five-a-side football
OF FAMILY|
18 [C] the part of your family that people belong to who are related either to your mother or to your father: a cousin on my father’s side (= a child of my father’s brother or sister)
MEAT|
19 [C] a ~ of beef / bacon, etc. one of the two halves of an animal that has been killed for meat
TV CHANNEL|
20 [C] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a television channel: What’s on the other side? come down on 'one side of the fence or the 'other to choose between two possible choices from ,side to 'side moving to the left and then to the right: He shook his head slowly from side to side.  The ship rolled from side to side. get on the right / wrong 'side of sb to make sb pleased with you/annoyed with you have sth on your 'side to have sth as an advantage that will make it more likely that you will achieve sth: She may not win this year, but she does have youth on her side. let the 'side down (especially BrE) to fail to give your friends, family, etc. the help and support they expect, or to behave in a way that makes them disappointed: You can always rely on Maggie—she’d never let the side down. not leave sb’s 'side to stay with sb, especially in order to take care of them on / from all 'sides | on / from every 'side in or from all directions; everywhere: We realized we were surrounded on all sides.  Disaster threatens on every side. on the 'big, 'small, 'high, etc. side (informal) slightly too big, small, high, etc: These shoes are a little on the tight side. on the other side of the 'fence in a situation that is different from the one that you are in on the ,right / ,wrong side of '40, '50, etc. (informal) younger or older than 40, 50, etc. years of age on the 'side (informal)
1 in addition to your main job: a mechanic who buys and sells cars on the side
2 secretly or illegally: He’s married but he has a girlfriend on the side.
3 (especially AmE) (of food in a restaurant) served at the same time as the main part of the meal, but on a separate plate on / to one 'side
1 out of your way: I left my bags on one side.
2 to be dealt with later: I put his complaint to one side until I had more time.  Leaving that to one side for a moment, are there any other questions? be on sb’s side to support and agree with sb: I’m definitely on your side in this.  Whose side are you on anyway? the other side of the 'coin the aspect of a situation that is the opposite of or contrasts with the one you have been talking about ,side by 'side
1 close together and facing in the same direction: There were two children ahead, walking side by side.  They sat on the desk, side by side.
2 together, without any difficulties: We have been using both systems, side by side, for two years.  The two communities exist happily side by side. take 'sides to express support for sb in a dispute: She didn’t think it was wise to take sides in their argument. take / draw sb to one 'side to speak to sb in private, especially in order to warn or tell them about sth this side of … before a particular time, event, age, etc: They aren’t likely to arrive this side of midnight.—more at BED n. , BIT , BRIGHT adj. , CREDIT n. , DISTAFF , ERR , GRASS n. , KNOW v. , LAUGH v. , RIGHT adj. , SAFE adj. , SPLIT v. , THORN , TIME n. , TWO , WRONG adj.

verb 'side with sb (against sb/sth) to support one person or group in an argument against sb else: The kids always sided with their mother against me.

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side.board
noun
1 (AmE also buf.fet) [C] a piece of furniture in a DINING ROOM for putting food on before it is served, with drawers for storing knives, forks, etc.
2 (side.boards) (also side.burns ) [pl.] hair that grows down the sides of a man’s face in front of his ears—picture at HAIR
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side.car
noun a small vehicle attached to the side of a motorcycle in which a passenger can ride
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'side dish
noun a small amount of food, for example a salad, served with the main course of a meal
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'side effect
noun [usually pl.]
1 an extra and usually bad effect that a drug has on you, as well as curing illness or pain
2 an unexpected result of a situation or course of action that happens as well as the result you were aiming for
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'side issue
noun an issue that is less important than the main issue, and may take attention away from it
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side.kick
noun (informal) a person who helps another more important or more intelligent person: Batman and his young sidekick Robin
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side.light
noun
1 ~ (on sb/sth) a piece of information, usually given accidentally or in connection with another subject, that helps you to understand sb/sth
2 (BrE) either of a pair of small lights at the front of a vehicle
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side.line
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an activity that you do as well as your main job in order to earn extra money
2 (sidelines) [pl.] the lines along the two long sides of a sports field, tennis court, etc. that mark the outer edges; the area just outside these: The coach stood on the sidelines yelling instructions to the players.
IDM on / from the 'sidelines watching sth but not actually involved in it: He was content to watch from the sidelines as his wife built up a successful business empire.

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to prevent sb from playing in a team, especially because of an injury: The player has been sidelined by a knee injury.
2 to prevent sb from having an important part in sth that other people are doing: The vice-president is increasingly being sidelined.

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side.long
adj. [only before noun] (of a look) out of the corner of your eye, especially in a way that is secret or disapproving: She cast a sidelong glance at Eric to see if he had noticed her blunder.
side.long adv.: She looked sidelong at him.
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,side-'on
adv. (BrE ) coming from the side rather than from the front or back: The car hit us side-on.
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'side order
noun a small amount of food ordered in a restaurant to go with the main dish, but served separately: a side order of fries
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'side road
noun a smaller and less important road leading off a main road
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'side-saddle
adv. if you ride a horse side-saddle, you ride with both your legs on the same side of the horse
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side.show
noun
1 a separate small show or attraction at a FAIR or CIRCUS where you pay to see a performance or take part in a game
2 an activity or event that is much less important than the main activity or event
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side.step
verb (-pp-)
1 [vn] to avoid answering a question or dealing with a problem: Did you notice how she neatly sidestepped the question?
2 to avoid sth, for example being hit, by stepping to one side: [vn] He cleverly sidestepped the tackle. [alsov]
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'side street
noun a less important street leading off a road in a town
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side.swipe
noun
1 (AmE) a hit from the side: a sideswipe by a truck
2 ~ (at sb/sth) (informal) a critical comment made about sb/sth while you are talking about sb/sth completely different: It was a good speech, but he couldn’t resist taking a sideswipe at his opponent.
side.swipe verb : [vn] (AmE) The bus sideswiped two parked cars.
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side.track
verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb start to talk about or do sth that is different from the main thing that they are supposed to be talking about or doing: I was supposed to be writing a letter but I’m afraid I got sidetracked .
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side.walk
noun (AmE ) = PAVEMENT
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side.ways
adv.
1 to, towards or from the side: He looked sideways at her.  The truck skidded sideways across the road.  He has been moved sideways (= moved to another job at the same level as before, not higher or lower).
2 with one side facing forwards: She sat sideways on the chair.
side.ways adj.: She slid him a sideways glance.  a sideways move
IDM see KNOCK v.
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sid.ing
noun
1 a short track beside a main railway/railroad line, where trains can stand when they are not being used
2 (AmE) protective material used to cover the outside walls of buildings—picture at HOUSE
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sidle
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk somewhere in a shy or uncertain way as if you do not want to be noticed: She sidled up to me and whispered something in my ear.
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SIDS
abbr. [U] the abbreviation for ‘sudden infant death syndrome’ (the sudden death while sleeping of a baby which appears to be healthy)
SYN COT DEATH
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siege
noun
1 a military operation in which an army tries to capture a town by surrounding it and stopping the supply of food, etc. to the people inside: the siege of Troy  The siege was finally lifted (= ended) after six months.  The police placed the city centre under a virtual state of siege (= it was hard to get in or out).
2 a situation in which the police surround a building where people are living or hiding, in order to make them come out—see also BESIEGE
IDM under 'siege
1 surrounded by an army or the police in a siege
2 being criticized all the time or put under pressure by problems, questions, etc. lay 'siege to sth
1 to begin a siege of a town, building, etc.
2 to surround a building, especially in order to speak to or question the person or people living or working there
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'siege mentality
noun [sing., U] a feeling that you are surrounded by enemies and must protect yourself
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si.enna
noun [U] a type of dark yellow or red clay used for giving colour to paints, etc.
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si.erra
noun (especially in place names) a long range of steep mountains with sharp points, especially in Spain and America: the Sierra Nevada
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si.esta
noun a rest or sleep taken in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries: to have / take a siesta—compare NAP
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sieve
noun, verb
noun a tool for separating solids from liquids or larger solids from smaller solids, made of a wire or plastic net attached to a ring. The liquid or small pieces pass through the net but the larger pieces do not.—picture at KITCHEN
IDM have a memory / mind like a 'sieve (informal) to have a very bad memory; to forget things easily

verb [vn] to put sth through a sieve

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sift
verb
1 [vn] to put flour or some other fine substance through a SIEVE/SIFTER : Sift the flour into a bowl.
2 ~ (through) sth to examine sth very carefully in order to decide what is important or useful or to find sth important: [vn] We will sift every scrap of evidence.  [v] Crash investigators have been sifting through the wreckage of the aircraft.
3 [vn] ~ sth (out) from sth to separate sth from a group of things: He sifted the relevant data from the rest.  She looked quickly through the papers, sifting out from the pile anything that looked interesting.
PVR V ,sift sth<->'out
1 to remove sth that you do not want from a substance by putting it through a SIEVE : Put the flour through a sieve to sift out the lumps.
2 to separate sth, usually sth you do not want, from a group of things: We need to sift out the applications that have no chance of succeeding.
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sift.er
noun
1 (AmE) a small SIEVE used for sifting flour—picture at KITCHEN
2 a container with a lot of small holes in the top, used for shaking flour or sugar onto things: a sugar sifter
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sigh
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (with sth) to take and then let out a long deep breath that can be heard, to show that you are disappointed, sad, tired, etc: He sighed deeply at the thought.  She sighed with relief that it was all over.
2 [v speech] to say sth with a sigh : ‘Oh well, better luck next time,’ she sighed.
3 [v] (literary) (especially of the wind) to make a long sound like a sigh

noun an act or the sound of sighing : to give / heave / let out a sigh  a deep / long sigh  ‘I’ll wait,’ he said with a sigh.  We all breathed a sigh of relief when it was over.

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sight
noun, verb
noun
ABILITY TO SEE|
1 [U] the ability to see: to lose your sight (= to become blind)  She has very good sight.  The disease has affected her sight.  He has very little sight in his right eye.—see also EYESIGHT
ACT OF SEEING|
2 [U] ~ of sb/sth the act of seeing sb/sth: After ten days at sea, we had our first sight of land.  I have been known to faint at the sight of blood.  The soldiers were given orders to shoot on sight (= as soon as they saw sb).  She caught sight of a car in the distance.
HOW FAR YOU CAN SEE|
3 [U] the area or distance within which sb can see or sth can be seen: There was no one in sight .  At last we came in sight of a few houses.  A bicycle came into sight on the main road.  The end is in sight (= will happen soon).  Leave any valuables in your car out of sight .  Keep out of sight (= stay where you cannot be seen).  She never lets her daughter out of her sight (= always keeps her where she can see her).  Get out of my sight! (= Go away!)  The boat disappeared from sight .  The house was hidden from sight behind some trees.  He had placed himself directly in my line of sight .
WHAT YOU CAN SEE|
4 [C] a thing that you see or can see: It’s a spectacular sight as the flamingos lift into the air.  The museum attempts to recreate the sights and sounds of wartime Britain.  He was a sorry sight , soaked to the skin and shivering.  The bird is now a rare sight in this country.
INTERESTING PLACES|
5 (sights) [pl.] the interesting places, especially in a town or city, that are often visited by tourists: We’re going to Paris for the weekend to see the sights .
RIDICULOUS / UNTIDY PERSON|
6 (a sight) [sing.] (informal, especially BrE) a person or thing that looks ridiculous, untidy, unpleasant, etc: She looks a sight in that hat!
ON GUN / TELESCOPE|
7 [C, usually pl.] a device that you look through to aim a gun, etc. or to look at sth through a TELESCOPE , etc: He had the deer in his sights now.   (figurative) Even as a young actress, she always had Hollywood firmly in her sights (= as her final goal). at first 'sight
1 when you first begin to consider sth: At first sight, it may look like a generous offer, but always read the small print.
2 when you see sb/sth for the first time: It was love at first sight (= we fell in love the first time we saw each other). hate, be sick of, etc. the 'sight of sb/sth (informal) to hate, etc. sb/sth very much: I can’t stand the sight of him! in the sight of sb / in sb’s sight (formal) in sb’s opinion: We are all equal in the sight of God. lose 'sight of sb/sth
1 to become no longer able to see sb/sth: They finally lost sight of land.
2 to stop considering sth; to forget sth: We must not lose sight of our original aim. ,out of 'sight, ,out of 'mind (saying) used to say sb will quickly be forgotten when they are no longer with you raise / lower your 'sights to expect more/less from a situation set your sights on sth / on doing sth to decide that you want sth and to try very hard to get it: She’s set her sights on getting into Harvard. a (damn, etc.) sight better, etc. | a (damn, etc.) sight too good, etc. (informal) very much better; much too good, etc: She’s done a darn sight better than I have.  It’s worth a damn sight more than I thought. a ,sight for sore 'eyes (spoken) a person or thing that you are pleased to see; something that is very pleasant to look at sight un'seen if you buy sth sight unseen, you do not have an opportunity to see it before you buy it—more at HEAVE v. , KNOW v. , NOWHERE , PRETTY adj.

verb [vn] (written) to suddenly see sth, especially sth you have been looking for: After twelve days at sea, they sighted land.

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sight.ed
adj.
1 able to see; not blind: the blind parents of sighted children
2 (-sighted) (in compounds) able to see in the way mentioned: partially sighted  short-sighted  long-sighted
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sight.ing
noun an occasion when sb sees sb/sth, especially sth unusual or sth that lasts for only a short time: a reported sighting of the Loch Ness monster
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sight.less
adj. (literary) unable to see
SYN BLIND : The statue stared down at them with sightless eyes.
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'sight-read
verb [v, vn] to play or sing written music when you see it for the first time, without practising it first
'sight-reader noun: He’s an excellent sight-reader.
'sight-reading noun [U]
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sight.see.ing
noun [U] the activity of visiting interesting buildings and places as a tourist: to go sightseeing  Did you have a chance to do any sightseeing ?  a sightseeing tour of the city
sight.see verb [v] (only used in the progressive tenses)
sight.seer noun: Oxford attracts large numbers of visitors and sightseers.
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sign
noun, verb
noun
SHOWING STH|
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth)| ~ (that … ) an event, an action, a fact, etc. that shows that sth exists, is happening or may happen in the future
SYN INDICATION : Headaches may be a sign of stress.  There is no sign of John anywhere.  Call the police at the first sign of trouble.  The gloomy weather shows no sign of improving.  Her work is showing some signs of improvement.  The fact that he didn’t say ‘no’ immediately is a good sign .  If an interview is too easy, it’s a sure sign that you haven’t got the job.  There was no sign of life in the house (= there seemed to be nobody there).
FOR INFORMATION / WARNING|
2 [C] a piece of paper, wood or metal that has writing or a picture on it that gives you information, instructions, a warning, etc: a road / traffic sign  a shop / pub sign  The sign on the wall said ‘Now wash your hands’.  Follow the signs for the city centre.
MOVEMENT / SOUND|
3 [C] a movement or sound that you make to tell sb sth: He gave us a thumbs-up sign.  She nodded as a sign for us to sit down.—see also V-SIGN
SYMBOL|
4 [C] a mark used to represent sth, especially in mathematics: a plus / minus sign (+ / −)  a pound / dollar sign (£ / $)
STAR SIGN|
5 [C] (informal) = STAR SIGN : What sign are you? a ,sign of the 'times something that you feel shows what things are like now, especially how bad they are

verb
YOUR NAME|
1 to write your name on a document, letter, etc. to show that you have written it, that you agree with what it says, or that it is genuine: [v, vn] Sign here, please.  Sign your name here, please.  [vn] You haven’t signed the letter.  to sign a deal / contract / cheque  The treaty was signed on 24 March.  The player was signing autographs for a group of fans.  [vn-n] He signed himself ‘Jimmy’.
CONTRACT|
2 to arrange for sb, for example a sports player or musician, to sign a contract agreeing to work for your company; to sign a contract agreeing to work for a company: [vn] United have just signed a new goalie.  [v] He signed for United yesterday.  The band signed with Virgin Records.
MAKE MOVEMENT / SOUND|
3 ~ (to sb) (to do sth) to make a request or tell sb to do sth by using a sign, especially a hand movement: [v to inf] The hotel manager signed to the porter to pick up my case. [alsov that]
FOR DEAF PERSON|
4 to use sign language to communicate with sb: [v] She learnt to sign to help her deaf child.  [vn] An increasing number of plays are now being signed.
sign.er noun: the signers of the petition  signers communicating information to deaf people ,signed and 'sealed | ,signed, ,sealed and de'livered definite, because all the legal documents have been signed sign on the dotted 'line (informal) to sign a document to show that you have agreed to buy sth or do sth: Just sign on the dotted line and the car is yours.—more at PLEDGE n. ,sign sth<->a'way to lose your rights or property by signing a document 'sign for sth to sign a document to show that you have received sth: Someone must sign for the package when we deliver it. ,sign 'in / 'out| ,sign sb<->'in / 'out to write your/sb’s name when you arrive at or leave an office, a club, etc: All visitors must sign in on arrival.  You must sign guests out when they leave the club. ,sign 'off
1 (BrE) to end a letter: She signed off with ‘Yours, Janet’.
2 to end a broadcast by saying goodbye or playing a piece of music ,sign sth<->'off to give your formal approval to sth, by signing your name ,sign 'off on sth (AmE, informal) to express your approval of sth formally and definitely: The President hasn’t signed off on this report. ,sign 'on (BrE, informal) to sign a form stating that you are an unemployed person so that you can receive payment from the government ,sign 'on / 'up| ,sign sb<->'on / 'up to sign a form or contract which says that you agree to do a job or become a soldier; to persuade sb to sign a form or contract like this: He signed on for five years in the army.  The company has signed up three top models for the fashion show. ,sign sth<->'over (to sb) to give your rights or property to sb else by signing a document: She has signed the house over to her daughter. ,sign 'up (for sth) to arrange to do a course of study by adding your name to the list of people doing it

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sig.nal
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 a movement or sound that you make to give sb information, instructions, a warning, etc.
SYN SIGN : a danger / warning / distress signal  At an agreed signal they left the room.  The siren was a signal for everyone to leave the building.  When I give the signal, run!   (AmE) All I get is a busy signal when I dial his number (= his phone is being used).—see also TURN SIGNAL
2 an event, an action, a fact, etc. that shows that sth exists or is likely to happen
SYN SIGN , INDICATION : The rise in inflation is a clear signal that the government’s policies are not working.  Chest pains can be a warning signal of heart problems.
3 a piece of equipment that uses different coloured lights to tell drivers to slow down, stop, etc., used especially on railways/railroads and roads: traffic signals  a stop signal
4 a series of electrical waves that carry sounds, pictures or messages, for example to a radio or television: TV signals  a high frequency signal  a sound / radio / radar signal  to detect / pick up signals  to emit a signal

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
1 ~ (to sb) to make a movement or sound to give sb a message, an order, etc: [v] Don’t fire until I signal.  Did you signal before you turned right?  He signalled to the waiter for the bill.  [vn] The referee signalled a foul.  [v (that)] She signalled (that) it was time to leave.  [v to inf] He signalled to us to join him.  [vn to inf] She signalled him to follow.  [v wh-] You must signal which way you are going to turn.
2 [vn] to be a sign that sth exists or is likely to happen: This announcement signalled a clear change of policy.  The scandal surely signals the end of his political career.
3 to do sth to make your feelings or opinions known: [vn] He signalled his discontent by refusing to vote.  [v (that)] She has signalled (that) she is willing to stand as a candidate.

adj. [only before noun] (formal) important: a signal success / honour
sig.nal.ly adv.: They have signally failed to keep their election promises.

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'signal box
noun (BrE ) a building beside a railway/railroad from which rail signals are operated
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sig.nal.ler
(AmE also sig.nal.er) noun = SIGNALMAN
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sig.nal.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also sig.nal.ler) (BrE )
1 a person whose job is operating signals on a railway
2 a person trained to give and receive signals in the army or navy
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sig.na.tory
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (to / of sth) (formal) a person, a country or an organization that has signed an official agreement: a signatory of the Declaration of Independence  Many countries are signatories to / of the Berne Convention.
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sig.na.ture
noun
1 [C] your name as you usually write it, for example at the end of a letter: Someone had forged her signature on the cheque.  They collected 10 000 signatures for their petition.  He was attacked for having put his signature to the deal.
2 [U] (formal) the act of signing sth: Two copies of the contract will be sent to you for signature.
3 [C, usually sing.] a particular quality that makes sth different from other similar things and makes it easy to recognize: Bright colours are his signature.—see also KEY SIGNATURE , TIME SIGNATURE
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'signature tune
noun (BrE ) a short tune played at the beginning and end of a particular television or radio programme, or one that is connected with a particular performer—compare THEME MUSIC
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sign.board
noun a piece of wood that has some information on it, such as a name, and is displayed outside a shop/store, hotel, etc.
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sig.net ring
noun a ring with a design cut into it, that you wear on your finger—picture at JEWELLERY
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sig.nifi.cance
noun [U, C]
1 the importance of sth, especially when this has an effect on what happens in the future: a decision of major political significance  The new drug has great significance for the treatment of the disease.  We should be fully aware of the significance of television in shaping our ideas.
OPP INSIGNIFICANCE
2 the meaning of sth: She couldn’t grasp the full significance of what he had said.  Do these symbols have any particular significance?
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sig.nifi.cant
adj.
1 large or important enough to have an effect or to be noticed: a highly significant discovery  The results of the experiment are not statistically significant .  There are no significant differences between the two groups of students.  Your work has shown a significant improvement.
OPP INSIGNIFICANT
2 having a particular meaning: It is significant that he changed his will only days before his death.
3 [usually before noun] having a special or secret meaning that is not understood by everyone
SYN MEANINGFUL : a significant look / smile
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sig.nifi.cant.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is large or important enough to have an effect on sth or to be noticed: The two sets of figures are not significantly different from each other.  Profits have increased significantly over the past few years.
2 in a way that has a particular meaning: Significantly, he did not deny that there might be an election.
3 in a way that has a special or secret meaning: She paused significantly before she answered.
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sig,nificant 'other
noun (often humorous) your husband, wife, partner or sb that you have a special relationship with
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sig.ni.fi.ca.tion
noun (formal orlinguistics ) [U, C] the exact meaning of sth, especially a word or phrase
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sig.nify
verb (sig.ni.fies, sig.ni.fy.ing, sig.ni.fied, sig.ni.fied) (formal)
1 to be a sign of sth; to mean sth: [vn] The church bell used to be rung to signify disaster.  This decision signified a radical change in their policies.  [v that] This mark signifies that the products conform to an approved standard.  The white belt signifies that he’s an absolute beginner.
2 to do sth to make your feelings, intentions, etc. known: [vn] She signified her approval with a smile.  [v that] He nodded to signify that he agreed.
3 [v] (usually used in questions or negative sentences) to be important or to matter: His presence no longer signified.
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sign.ing
noun
1 [U] the act of writing your name at the end of an official document to show that you accept it: the signing of the Treaty of Rome
2 [C] (BrE) a person who has just signed a contract to join a particular sports team or record or film company
3 [U] the act of making an official contract that arranges for sb to join a sports team or a record or film company
4 [U] the act of using sign language : the use of signing in classrooms
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'sign language
noun [U, C] a system of communicating with people who cannot hear, by using hand movements rather than spoken words
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sign.post
noun, verb
noun a sign at the side of a road giving information about the direction and distance of places: Follow the signposts to the superstore.   (figurative) The chapter headings are useful signposts to the content of the book.

verb [vn] (BrE )
1 [usually passive] to mark a road, place, etc. with signposts : The route is well signposted.  The lane is signposted ‘To the beach’.
2 to show clearly the way that an argument, a speech, etc. will develop: You need to signpost for the reader the various points you are going to make.
sign.post.ing noun [U]

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Sikh
noun a member of a religion (called Sikhism) that developed from Hinduism in Punjab in the late 15th century and is based on a belief that there is only one God
Sikh adj.
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sil.age
noun [U] grass or other green crops that are stored without being dried and are used to feed farm animals in winter
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si.lence
noun, verb, exclamation
noun
1 [U] a complete lack of noise or sound: Their footsteps echoed in the silence.  A scream broke the silence of the night.
2 [C, U] a situation when nobody is speaking: an embarrassed / awkward silence  a moment’s stunned silence  I got used to his long silences.  They finished their meal in total silence .  She lapsed into silence again.  There was a deafening silence (= one that is very noticeable).  a two-minute silence in honour of those who had died
3 [U, sing.] ~ (on sth) a situation in which sb refuses to talk about sth or to answer questions: She broke her public silence in a TV interview.  The company’s silence on the subject has been taken as an admission of guilt.  the right to silence (= the legal right not to say anything when you are arrested)  There is a conspiracy of silence about what is happening (= everyone has agreed not to discuss it).
4 [U] a situation in which people do not communicate with each other by letter or telephone: The phone call came after months of silence.
IDM ,silence is 'golden (saying) it is often best not to say anything—more at PREGNANT

verb [vn] (written)
1 to make sb/sth stop speaking or making a noise: She silenced him with a glare.  Our bombs silenced the enemy’s guns (= they destroyed them).
2 to make sb stop expressing opinions that are opposed to yours: All protest had been silenced.  Her recent achievements have silenced her critics.
IDM see HEAVY adj.

exclamation (formal) used to tell people to be quiet: Silence in court!

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si.len.cer
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE muf.fler) a device that is fixed to the EXHAUST of a vehicle in order to reduce the amount of noise that the engine makes
2 a device that is fixed to the end of a gun in order to reduce the amount of noise that it makes when it is fired
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si.lent
adj.
1 (of a person) not speaking: to remain / stay / keep silent  They huddled together in silent groups.  As the curtain rose, the audience fell silent .
2 [only before noun] (especially of a man) not talking very much
SYN QUIET : He’s the strong, silent type.
3 where there is little or no sound; making little or no sound
SYN QUIET : At last the traffic fell silent .  The streets were silent and deserted.
4 [only before noun] not expressed with words or sound: a silent prayer / protest  They nodded in silent agreement.
5 ~ (on / about sth) not giving information about sth; refusing to speak about sth: The report is strangely silent on this issue.  the right to remain silent (= the legal right not to say anything when you are arrested)
6 [only before noun] (of old films / movies) with pictures but no sound: a silent film / movie  stars of the silent screen
7 (of a letter in a word) written but not pronounced: The ‘b’ in ‘lamb’ is silent.
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si.lent.ly
adv.
1 without speaking: They marched silently through the streets.
2 without making any or much sound: She crept silently out of the room.
3 without using words or sounds to express sth: She prayed silently.  He silently agreed with much of what she had said.
IDM sit / stand ,silently 'by to do or say nothing to help sb or deal with a difficult situation
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the ,silent ma'jority
noun [usually sing.] the large number of people in a country who think the same as each other, but do not express their views publicly
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,silent 'partner
noun (AmE ) = SLEEPING PARTNER
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sil.hou.ette
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] the dark outline or shape of a person or an object that you see against a light background: the silhouette of chimneys and towers  The mountains stood out in silhouette .
2 [C] the shape of a person’s body or of an object: The dress is fitted to give you a flattering silhouette.
3 [C] a picture that shows sb/sth as a black shape against a light background, especially one that shows the side view of a person’s face

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (against sth) to make sth appear as a silhouette : A figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the light.

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sil.ica
noun [U] (symb SiO2) a chemical compound of silicon found in sand and in rocks such as QUARTZ , used in making glass and CEMENT
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sili.cate
noun [C, U]
1 (chemistry) a compound containing SILICON , OXYGEN and one or more metals: aluminium silicate
2 a mineral that contains silica . There are many different silicates and they form a large part of the earth’s CRUST .
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sil.icon
noun [U] (symb Si) a chemical element. Silicon exists as a grey solid or as a brown powder and is found in rocks and sand. It is used in making glass and TRANSISTORS .
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,silicon 'chip
noun a very small piece of silicon used to carry a complicated electronic CIRCUIT
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sili.cone
noun [U] a chemical compound of silicon . There are several different types of silicone , used to make paint, artificial rubber, VARNISH , etc: a silicone breast implant
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silk
noun
1 [U] fine soft thread produced by SILKWORMS
2 [U] a fine smooth fabric made from silk thread: a silk blouse  silk stockings  made of pure silk  Her skin was as smooth as silk .
3 [U] silk thread used for sewing
4 (silks) [pl.] clothes made of silk , especially the coloured shirts worn by people riding horses in a race (= JOCKEYS )
5 [C] (BrE, law) a type of lawyer who represents the government (= a KING’S/QUEEN’S COUNSEL ): to take silk (= to become this type of lawyer)
IDM make a silk ,purse out of a sow’s 'ear to succeed in making sth good out of material that does not seem very good at all
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silk.en
adj. (literary)
1 [usually before noun] soft, smooth and shiny like silk: silken hair / skin
2 [usually before noun] smooth and gentle: her silken voice / touch
3 [only before noun] made of silk: silken ribbons
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'silk-screen
adj. [only before noun] involving a method of printing in which ink is forced through a design cut in a piece of fine fabric: silk-screen printing / prints
'silk-screen noun: Warhol’s silk-screen of Marilyn Monroe
'silk-screen verb [vn]
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silk.worm
noun a CATERPILLAR (= a small creature like a worm with legs) that produces silk thread
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silky
adj.
1 soft, smooth and shiny like silk: soft, silky hair / fur
2 [usually before noun] smooth and gentle: He spoke in a silky tone.
3 made of silk or a fabric that looks like silk: a silky dress
silk.ily adv.: ‘How have I changed?’ he asked silkily.
silki.ness noun [U]
silky adv.: The leaves are grey and silky smooth.
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sill
noun
1 = WINDOW SILL
2 a piece of metal that forms part of the frame of a vehicle below the doors
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silly
adj., noun
adj. (sil.lier, sil.li.est)
1 showing a lack of thought, understanding or judgement
SYN FOOLISH : a silly idea / question  That was a silly thing to do !  Her work is full of silly mistakes.  ‘I can walk home.’‘Don’t be silly—it’s much too far!’  You silly boy!
2 stupid or embarrassing, especially in a way that is more typical of a child than an adult
SYN RIDICULOUS : a silly sense of humour  a silly game / joke  I feel silly in these clothes.  She had a silly grin on her face.   (especially BrE) I got it for a silly price (= very cheap).
sil.li.ness noun [U]
IDM ,drink, ,laugh, ,shout, etc. yourself 'silly (informal) to drink, laugh, shout, etc. so much that you cannot behave in a sensible way play 'silly buggers (BrE, informal) to behave in a stupid and annoying way—more at GAME n.

noun (also less frequent ,silly 'billy) [sing.] (spoken) often used when speaking to children to say that they are not behaving in a sensible way: No, silly, those aren’t your shoes!

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the 'silly season
noun [sing.] (BrE ) the time, usually in the summer, when newspapers are full of unimportant stories because there is little serious news
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silo
noun (pl.-os)
1 a tall tower on a farm used for storing grain, etc.
2 an underground place where nuclear weapons or dangerous substances are kept
3 an underground place where SILAGE is made and stored
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silt
noun, verb
noun [U] sand, mud, etc. that is carried by flowing water and is left at the mouth of a river or in a harbour
silty adj.: silty soils

verb
PVR V ,silt sth<->'up| ,silt 'up to block sth with silt ; to become blocked with silt : Sand has silted up the river delta.  The harbour has now silted up.

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sil.ver
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [U] (symbAg) a chemical element. Silver is a greyish-white precious metal used for making coins, jewellery, ornaments, etc: a silver candlestick / chain / coin  made of solid silver  a silver mine
2 [U] coins that are made of silver or a metal that looks like silver : I need £2 in silver for the parking meter.
3 [U] dishes, ornaments, etc. that are made of silver : They’ve had to sell the family silver to pay the bills.
4 [U] a shiny greyish-white colour—see also SILVERY
5 [U, C] = SILVER MEDAL : She won silver in last year’s championships.  The team won two silvers and a bronze.
IDM (hand sb sth) on a silver 'platter to give sth to sb without expecting them to do or give anything in return—more at BORN , CLOUD n. , CROSS v.

adj. shiny greyish-white in colour: a silver car / dress  silver hair—see also SILVERY

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to cover the surface of sth with a thin layer of silver or sth that looks like silver
2 (especially literary) to make sth become bright like silver: Moonlight was silvering the countryside.

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,silver anni'versary
noun (especially AmE )
1 = SILVER WEDDING
2 = SILVER JUBILEE
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,silver 'birch
noun [C, U] a tree with smooth, very pale grey or white bark and thin branches, that grows in northern countries
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sil.ver.fish
noun (pl.sil.ver.fish) a small insect without wings that is silver in colour and that lives in houses
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,silver 'foil
noun [U] (BrE ) = FOIL
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,silver 'jubilee
(BrE ) (AmE ,silver anni'versary) noun [usually sing.] the 25th anniversary of an important event; a celebration of sth that began 25 years ago: the silver jubilee of the Queen’s coronation  The college celebrated its silver jubilee last year.—compare DIAMOND JUBILEE , GOLDEN JUBILEE
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,silver 'medal
noun [C] (also sil.ver [U, C]) a medal that is given to the person or the team that wins the second prize in a race or competition: an Olympic silver medal winner—compare BRONZE MEDAL , GOLD MEDAL
,silver 'medallist (BrE) (AmE,silver 'medalist) noun: He’s an Olympic silver medallist.
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,silver 'paper
noun [U] (BrE ) very thin, shiny sheets of ALUMINIUM that are used for wrapping chocolate, etc.
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,silver 'plate
noun [U] metal that is covered with a thin layer of silver; objects that are made of this metal
,silver-'plated adj.
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the ,silver 'screen
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) the film/movie industry
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sil.ver.smith
noun a person who makes, repairs or sells articles made of silver
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sil.ver.ware
noun [U]
1 objects that are made of or covered with silver, especially knives, forks, dishes, etc. that are used for eating and serving food: a piece of silverware
2 (AmE) = CUTLERY
3 (BrE, informal) a silver cup that you win in a sports competition
SYN TROPHY
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,silver 'wedding
(BrE ) (AmE ,silver anni'versary) (also ,silver 'wedding anniversaryAmE, BrE) noun the 25th anniversary of a wedding: They celebrated their silver wedding in May.—compare DIAMOND WEDDING , GOLDEN WEDDING , RUBY WEDDING
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sil.very
adj. [usually before noun]
1 shiny like silver; having the colour of silver: silvery water / light / fish  a silvery grey / blue colour
2 (literary) (especially of a voice) having a pleasant musical sound
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sim.ian
adj. (technical ) like a monkey, especially an APE ; connected with monkeys or APES
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simi.lar
adj. ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (in sth) like sb/sth but not exactly the same: We have very similar interests.  My teaching style is similar to that of most other teachers.  The two houses are similar in size.  The brothers look very similar.  All our patients have broadly similar problems.
OPP DIFFERENT , DISSIMILAR
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simi.lar.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, sing.] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (to sb/sth)| ~ (in sth) the state of being like sb/sth but not exactly the same: The report highlights the similarity between the two groups.  She bears a striking similarity to her mother.  There is some similarity in the way they sing.  They are both doctors but that is where the similarity ends.
2 [C] ~ (in / of sth)| ~ (to / with sb/sth) a feature that things or people have that makes them like each other: a study of the similarities and differences between the two countries  similarities in / of style  The karate bout has many similarities to a boxing match.
OPP DIFFERENCE , DISSIMILARITY
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simi.lar.ly
adv.
1 in almost the same way: Husband and wife were similarly successful in their chosen careers.
2 used to say that two facts, actions, statements, etc. are like each other: The United States won most of the track and field events. Similarly, in swimming, the top three places went to Americans.
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sim.ile
noun [C, U] (technical ) a word or phrase that compares sth to sth else, using the words like or as, for example a face like a mask or as white as snow; the use of such words and phrases—compare METAPHOR
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sim.mer
verb, noun
verb
1 to cook sth by keeping it almost at boiling point; to be cooked in this way: [vn] Simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes.  [v] Leave the soup to simmer.
2 [v] ~ (with sth) to be filled with a strong feeling, especially anger, which you have difficulty controlling: She was still simmering with resentment.  Anger simmered inside him.
3 [v] (of an argument, a dispute, etc.) to develop for a period of time without any real anger or violence being shown: This argument has been simmering for months.  The simmering dispute finally erupted.
PVR V ,simmer 'down (informal) to become calm after a period of anger or excitement: I left him alone until he simmered down.  Things have simmered down since the riots last week.

noun [sing.] the state when sth is almost boiling: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

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sim.per
verb (written) to smile in a silly and annoying way: [v] a silly simpering girl  He just simpered at me.  [v speech] ‘You’re such a darling,’ she simpered.
sim.per noun [sing.]
sim.per.ing.ly adv.
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sim.ple
adj. (sim.pler, sim.plest)
HELP You can also use more simple and most simple.
EASY|
1 not complicated; easy to understand or do: a simple method / solution / task  The answer is really quite simple.  This machine is very simple to use.   (especially spoken) We lost because we played badly. It’s as simple as that .  Give the necessary information but keep it simple .
BASIC / PLAIN|
2 basic or plain without anything extra or unnecessary: simple but elegant clothes  We had a simple meal of soup and bread.  The accommodation is simple but spacious.
OPP FANCY
FOR EMPHASIS|
3 used before a noun to emphasize that it is exactly that and nothing else: Nobody wanted to believe the simple truth.  It was a matter of simple survival.  It’s nothing to worry about—just a simple headache.  I had to do it for the simple reason that (= because) I couldn’t trust anyone else.
WITH FEW PARTS|
4 [usually before noun] consisting of only a few parts; not complicated in structure: simple forms of life, for example amoebas  a simple design / machine / plan   (grammar) a simple sentence (= one with only one verb)
ORDINARY|
5 [only before noun] (of a person) ordinary; not special: I’m a simple country girl.
NOT INTELLIGENT|
6 [not usually before noun] (of a person) not very intelligent; not mentally normal: He’s not mad—just a bit simple.
GRAMMAR|
7 used to describe the present or past tense of a verb that is formed without using an AUXILIARY verb, as in She loves him or He arrived late.: the simple present / past tense—see also SIMPLY
IDM see PURE
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,simple 'fracture
noun an injury when a bone in your body is broken but does not come through the skin—compare COMPOUND FRACTURE
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,simple 'interest
noun [U] (finance ) interest that is paid only on the original amount of money that you invested, and not on any interest that it has earned—compare COMPOUND INTEREST
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,simple-'minded
adj. (disapproving) not intelligent; not able to understand how complicated things are: a simple-minded person  a simple-minded view / approach
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simple.ton
noun (old-fashioned) a person who is not very intelligent and can be tricked easily
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sim.pli.city
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the quality of being easy to understand or use: the relative simplicity of the new PC  For the sake of simplicity , let’s divide the discussion into two parts.
2 [U] (approving) the quality of being natural and plain: the simplicity of the architecture  the simplicity of country living
3 [C, usually pl.] an aspect of sth that is easy, natural or plain: the simplicities of our old way of life
IDM be sim,plicity it'self to be very easy or plain: Programming the video is simplicity itself.
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sim.pli.fi.ca.tion
noun
1 [U, sing.] the process of making sth easier to do or understand: Complaints have led to (a) simplification of the rules.
2 [C] the thing that results when you make a problem, statement, system, etc. easier to understand or do: A number of simplifications have been made to the taxation system.—compare OVERSIMPLIFICATION at OVERSIMPLIFY
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sim.plify
verb (sim.pli.fies, sim.pli.fy.ing, sim.pli.fied, sim.pli.fied) [vn] to make sth easier to do or understand: The application forms have now been simplified.  I hope his appointment will simplify matters .  a simplified version of the story for young children
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sim.plis.tic
adj. (disapproving) making a problem, situation, etc. seem less difficult or complicated than it really is: a simplistic approach / view / solution
sim.plis.tic.al.ly adv.
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simp.ly
adv.
1 used to emphasize how easy or basic sth is
SYN JUST : Simply add hot water and stir.  The runway is simply a strip of grass.  Fame is often simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time.  You can enjoy all the water sports, or simply lie on the beach.
2 used to emphasize a statement
SYN ABSOLUTELY : You simply must see the play.  The view is simply wonderful!  That is simply not true!  I haven’t seen her for simply ages.
3 in a way that is easy to understand: The book explains grammar simply and clearly.  Anyway, to put it simply , we still owe them £2 000.
4 in a way that is natural and plain: The rooms are simply furnished.  They live simply (= they do not spend much money).
5 used to introduce a summary or an explanation of sth that you have just said or done: I don’t want to be rude, it’s simply that we have to be careful who we give this information to.
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simu.lac.rum
noun (pl.simu.lacra ) (formal) something that looks like sb/sth else or that is made to look like sb/sth else
SYN COPY
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simu.late
verb [vn]
1 to pretend that you have a particular feeling: I tried to simulate surprise at the news.
2 to create particular conditions that exist in real life using computers, models, etc., usually for study or training purposes: Computer software can be used to simulate conditions on the sea bed.  Role-playing is a useful way of simulating real-life situations.
3 to be made to look like sth else: a gas heater that simulates a coal fire
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simu.lated
adj. [only before noun] not real, but made to look, feel, etc. like the real thing
SYN ARTIFICIAL : simulated fur / leather  ‘How wonderful!’ she said with simulated enthusiasm.
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simu.la.tion
noun
1 [C, U] a situation in which a particular set of conditions is created artificially in order to study or experience sth that could exist in reality: a computer simulation of how the planet functions  a simulation model
2 [U] the act of pretending that sth is real when it is not: the simulation of genuine concern
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simu.la.tor
noun a piece of equipment that artificially creates a particular set of conditions in order to train sb to deal with a situation that they may experience in reality: a flight simulator
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sim.ul.cast
verb (sim.ul.cast, sim.ul.cast) [vn] (especially AmE ) to broadcast sth on radio and television at the same time or on both AM and FM radio
sim.ul.cast noun
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sim.ul.tan.eous
adj. happening or done at the same time as sth else: There were several simultaneous attacks by the rebels.  Any ceasefire would be simultaneous with the withdrawal of US forces.  simultaneous translation / interpreting
sim.ul.tan.eity noun [U]
sim.ul.tan.eous.ly adv.: The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.
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sin
noun, verb, abbr.
noun
1 [C] an offence against God or against a religious or moral law: to commit a sin  Confess your sins to God and he will forgive you.  The Bible says that stealing is a sin.—see also MORTAL SIN , ORIGINAL SIN
2 [U] the act of breaking a religious or moral law: a life of sin
3 [C, usually sing.] (informal) an action that people strongly disapprove of: It’s a sin to waste taxpayers' money like that.—see also SINFUL , SINNER
IDM be / do sth for your sins (spoken humorous, especially BrE) used to say that sth that sb does is like a punishment: She works with us in Accounts, for her sins! (as) miserable / ugly as 'sin (spoken) used to emphasize that sb is very unhappy or ugly—more at MULTITUDE , LIVE^1

verb (-nn-) [v] to break a religious or moral law: Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned.  He was more sinned against than sinning (= although he did wrong, other people treated him even worse).

abbr. (mathematics ) SINE

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'sin bin
noun (slang) (in some sports, for example ice hockey) a place away from the playing area where the REFEREE sends a player who has broken the rules
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since
prep., conj., adv.
prep.
1 (used with the present, perfect or past perfect tense) from a time in the past until a later past time, or until now: She’s been off work since Tuesday.  We’ve lived here since 1994.  I haven’t eaten since breakfast.  He’s been working in a bank since leaving school.  Since the party she had only spoken to him once.  ‘They’ve split up.’‘Since when? ’  That was years ago. I’ve changed jobs since then .
HELP Use for, not since, with a period of time: I’ve been learning English for five years.  I’ve been learning English since five years.
2 ~ when? used when you are showing that you are angry about sth: Since when did he ever listen to me?

conj.
1 (used with the present perfect, past perfect or simple present tense in the main clause) from an event in the past until a later past event, or until now: Cath hasn’t phoned since she went to Berlin.  It was the first time I’d had visitors since I’d moved to London.  It’s twenty years since I’ve seen her.  How long is it since we last went to the theatre?  She had been worrying ever since the letter arrived.
2 because; as: We thought that, since we were in the area, we’d stop by and see them.

adv. (used with the present, perfect or past perfect tense)
1 from a time in the past until a later past time, or until now: He left home two weeks ago and we haven’t heard from him since.  The original building has long since (= long before now) been demolished.
2 at a time after a particular time in the past: We were divorced two years ago and she has since remarried.

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sin.cere
adj. (superlativesin.cerest, no comparative)
1 (of feelings, beliefs or behaviour) showing what you really think or feel
SYN GENUINE : a sincere attempt to resolve the problem  sincere concern / gratitude / regret  Please accept our sincere thanks.  a sincere apology
2 ~ (in sth) (of a person) saying only what you really think or feel
SYN HONEST : He seemed sincere enough when he said he wanted to help.  She is never completely sincere in what she says about people.
OPP INSINCERE
sin.cer.ity noun [U]: The sincerity of his beliefs is unquestionable.  She spoke with total sincerity.  I can say in all sincerity that I knew nothing of these plans.
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sin.cere.ly
adv. in a way that shows what you really feel or think about sb/sth: I sincerely believe that this is the right decision.  ‘I won’t let you down.’‘I sincerely hope not.’
IDM Yours sincerely (BrE) (AmE Sincerely (yours)) (formal, written) used at the end of a formal letter before you sign your name, when you have addressed sb by their name
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sine
noun (abbr. sin) (mathematics ) the RATIO of the length of the side opposite one of the angles in a RIGHT-ANGLED triangle that are less than 90° to the length of the longest side—compare COSINE , TANGENT
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sine.cure
noun (formal) a job that you are paid for even though it involves little or no work
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sine qua non
noun [sing.] ~ (of / for sth) (from Latin , formal) something that is essential before you can achieve sth else
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sinew
noun
1 [C, U] a strong band of tissue in the body that joins a muscle to a bone
2 [usually pl.] (literary) a source of strength or power: the sinews of economic life
IDM see STRAIN v.
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sinewy
adj. (of a person or an animal) having a thin body and strong muscles
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sin.ful
adj. morally wrong or wicked: sinful acts / thoughts  It is sinful to lie.   (informal) It’s sinful to waste good food!
sin.ful.ly adv.
sin.ful.ness noun [U]
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sing
verb (sang , sung )
1 to make musical sounds with your voice in the form of a song or tune: [v] She usually sings in the shower.  I just can’t sing in tune!  He was singing softly to the baby.  [vn, vnn] Will you sing a song to us?  Will you sing us a song?  [vn] Now I’d like to sing a song by the Beatles.  She sang the baby to sleep (= sang until the baby went to sleep).
2 [v] (of birds) to make high musical sounds: The birds were singing outside my window.
3 [v] to make a high ringing sound like a whistle: Bullets sang past my ears.
sing noun [sing.]: Let’s have a sing.
IDM sing a different 'tune to change your opinion about sb/sth or your attitude towards sb/sth
PVR V ,sing a'long (with sb/sth)| ,sing a'long (to sth) to sing together with sb who is already singing or while a record, radio, or musical instrument is playing: Do sing along if you know the words.  She loves singing along to the radio.—related noun SINGALONG 'sing of sth (old-fashioned or formal) to mention sth in a song or a poem, especially to praise it: Poets used to sing of such heroic deeds. ,sing 'out to sing or say sth clearly and loudly: A voice suddenly sang out above the rest. ,sing 'up (BrE) (AmE ,sing 'out) to sing more loudly: Sing up, let’s hear you.
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sing.along
(BrE also 'sing-song) noun an informal occasion at which people sing songs together: a singalong in the local bar
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singe
verb (singe.ing, singed, singed) to burn the surface of sth slightly, usually by mistake; to be burnt in this way: [vn] He singed his hair as he tried to light his cigarette.  [v] the smell of singeing fur
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sing.er
noun a person who sings, or whose job is singing, especially in public: She’s a wonderful singer.  an opera singer
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sing.ing
noun [U] the activity of making musical sounds with your voice: the beautiful singing of birds  choral / folk singing  There was singing and dancing all night.  a singing career / teacher  She has a beautiful singing voice.
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sin.gle
adj., noun, verb
adj.
ONE|
1 [only before noun] only one: He sent her a single red rose.  a single-sex school (= for boys only or for girls only)  All these jobs can now be done by one single machine.  I couldn’t understand a single word she said!  the European single currency, the euro
FOR EMPHASIS|
2 [only before noun] used to emphasize that you are referring to one particular person or thing on its own: Unemployment is the single most important factor in the growing crime rates.  We eat rice every single day !
NOT MARRIED|
3 (of a person) not married or having a romantic relationship with sb: The apartments are ideal for single people living alone.  Are you still single?—see also SINGLE PARENT
FOR ONE PERSON|
4 [only before noun] intended to be used by only one person: a single bed / room—compare DOUBLE adj. (3)
TICKET|
5 [only before noun] (BrE) (also one-wayAmE, BrE) a single ticket, etc. can be used for travelling to a place but not back again: a single ticket  How much is the single fare to Glasgow?—compare RETURN n. (7)
IDM see FILE n. , GLANCE n.

noun
TICKET|
1 [C] (BrE) a ticket that allows you to travel to a place but not back again: How much is a single to York?—compare RETURN n. (7)
TAPE / CD|
2 [C] a tape, CD, etc. with only one song on each side; the main song on this tape or CD: The group releases its new single next week.—compare ALBUM
ROOM|
3 [C] a room in a hotel, etc. for one person: Singles are available from £50 per night.—compare DOUBLE n. (5)
UNMARRIED PEOPLE|
4 (singles) [pl.] people who are not married and do not have a romantic relationship with sb else: They organize parties for singles.  a singles bar / club
IN SPORT|
5 (singles) [U] (especially in tennis) a game when only one player plays against one other; a series of two or more of these games: the women’s singles champion  the first round of the men’s singles  a singles match  She’s won three singles titles this year.—compare DOUBLES n. (6)
6 [C] (in cricket) a hit from which a player scores one RUN (= point)
7 (in baseball) a hit that only allows the player to run to FIRST BASE

verb ,single sb/sth<->'out (for sth / as sb/sth) to choose sb/sth from a group for special attention: She was singled out for criticism.  He was singled out as the outstanding performer of the games.

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,single-'breasted
adj. (of a jacket or coat) having only one row of buttons that fasten in the middle—compare DOUBLE-BREASTED —
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,single 'combat
noun [U] fighting between two people, usually with weapons
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,single-'decker
noun a bus with only one level—compare DOUBLE-DECKER —picture at BUS
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,single 'figures
noun [pl.] a number that is less than ten: Inflation is down to single figures.  The number of people who fail each year is now in single figures .
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,single-'handed
adv. on your own with nobody helping you: to sail around the world single-handed
,single-'handed adj.: a single-handed voyage / yachtsman
,single-'handed.ly adv.
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,single 'market
noun [usually sing.] (economics ) a group of countries that have few or no restrictions on the movement of goods, money and people between the members of the group
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,single-'minded
adj. only thinking about one particular aim or goal because you are determined to achieve sth: the single-minded pursuit of power  She is very single-minded about her career.
,single-'minded.ly adv.
,single-'minded.ness noun [U]
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single.ness
noun [U]
1 ~ of purpose the ability to think about one particular aim or goal because you are determined to succeed
2 the state of not being married or having a partner
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,single 'parent
noun a person who looks after their child or children without a husband, wife or partner: a single-parent family
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sing.let
noun (BrE ) a piece of clothing without sleeves, worn under or instead of a shirt; a similar piece of clothing worn by runners, etc.—compare VEST
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sin.gly
adv. alone; one at a time
SYN INDIVIDUALLY : The stamps are available singly or in books of ten.  Guests arrived singly or in groups.
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'sing-song
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] (BrE) = SINGALONG
2 [sing.] a way of speaking in which a person’s voice keeps rising and falling: She spoke to the child in her soft Irish singsong.

adj. [only before noun] a sing-song voice keeps rising and falling

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sin.gu.lar
noun, adj.
noun (grammar ) a form of a noun or verb that refers to one person or thing: The singular of ‘bacteria’ is ‘bacterium’.  The verb should be in the singular.—compare PLURAL

adj.
1 (grammar) connected with or having the singular form: a singular noun / verb / ending
2 (formal) very great or obvious: landscape of singular beauty  He shows a singular lack of concern for other people’s feelings.
3 (literary) unusual; strange: a singular style of dress / writing

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sin.gu.lar.ity
noun (pl.-ies) [U] (formal) the quality of sth that makes it unusual or strange
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sin.gu.lar.ly
adv. (formal) very; in an unusual way: singularly beautiful / foolish  He chose a singularly inappropriate moment to make his request.
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Sin.hal.ese
noun (pl.Sin.hal.ese)
1 [C] a member of a race of people originally from northern India and now living in Sri Lanka
2 [U] the language of the Sinhalese
Sin.hal.ese adj.
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sin.is.ter
adj. seeming evil or dangerous; making you think sth bad will happen: There was something cold and sinister about him.  There is another, more sinister, possibility.
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sink
verb, noun
verb (sank sunk ) or (less frequent sunk, sunk)
IN WATER / MUD, etc.|
1 [v] to go down below the surface or towards the bottom of a liquid or soft substance: The ship sank to the bottom of the sea.  We’re sinking!  The wheels started to sink into the mud.
BOAT|
2 [vn] to damage a boat or ship so that it goes below the surface of the sea, etc: a battleship sunk by a torpedo
FALL / SIT DOWN|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person) to move downwards, especially by falling or sitting down: I sank into an armchair.  She sank back into her seat, exhausted.  The old man had sunk to his knees .
MOVE DOWNWARDS|
4 [v] (of an object) to move slowly downwards: The sun was sinking in the west.  The foundations of the building are starting to sink.
DECREASE|
5 [v] to decrease in amount, volume, strength, etc: The pound has sunk to its lowest recorded level against the dollar.  He is clearly sinking fast (= getting weaker quickly and will soon die).
OF VOICE|
6 [v] (written) to become quieter: Her voice sank to a whisper.
DIG IN GROUND|
7 [vn] to make a deep hole in the ground: to sink a well / shaft / mine
8 [vn] to place sth in the ground by digging: to sink a post into the ground—see also SUNKEN
PREVENT SUCCESS|
9 [vn] (informal) to prevent sb or sb’s plans from succeeding: I think I’ve just sunk my chances of getting the job.  If the car breaks down, we’ll be sunk (= have serious problems).
BALL|
10 [vn] to hit a ball into a hole in golf or SNOOKER : He sank a 12-foot putt to win the match.
ALCOHOL|
11 [vn] (BrE, informal) to drink sth quickly, especially a large amount of alcohol: We sank three pints each in 10 minutes. be 'sunk in sth to be in a state of unhappiness or deep thought: She just sat there, sunk in thought. (like rats) deserting / leaving a sinking 'ship (humorous, disapproving) used to talk about people who leave an organization, a company, etc. that is having difficulties, without caring about the people who are left: I might have known he’d be the first rat to desert this sinking ship! sink your 'differences to agree to forget about your disagreements: We need to sink our differences and present a united opposition to the plan. a / that 'sinking feeling (informal) an unpleasant feeling that you get when you realize that sth bad has happened or is going to happen ,sink or 'swim to be in a situation where you will either succeed by your own efforts or fail completely: The new students were just left to sink or swim. ,sink so 'low | sink to sth to have such low moral standards that you do sth very bad: Stealing from your friends? How could you sink so low?  I can’t believe that anyone would sink to such depths.—more at HEART ,sink 'in| ,sink 'into sth
1 (of words, an event, etc.) to be fully understood or realized: He paused to allow his words to sink in.  The full scale of the disaster has yet to sink in.
2 (of liquids) to go down into another substance through the surface: The rain sank into the dry ground. 'sink into sth to go gradually into a less active, happy or pleasant state: She sank into a deep sleep.  He sank deeper into depression. ,sink 'into sth| sink sth into sth to go, or to make sth sharp go, deep into sth solid: The dog sank its teeth into my leg (= bit it).  I felt her nails sink into my wrist. ,sink sth 'into sth to spend a lot of money on a business or an activity, for example in order to make money from it in the future: We sank all our savings into the venture.

noun
1 a large open container in a kitchen that has taps/faucets to supply water and that you use for washing dishes in: Don’t just leave your dirty plates in the sink!  I felt chained to the kitchen sink (= I had to spend all my time doing jobs in the house).—picture at PLUG
2 (especially AmE) = WASHBASIN
IDM see KITCHEN

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sink.er
noun a weight that is attached to a FISHING LINE or net to keep it under the water
IDM see HOOK n.
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sin.ner
noun (formal) a person who has committed a SIN or SINS (= broken God’s law)
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Sino-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) Chinese: Sino-Japanese relations
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sinu.ous
adj. (literary) turning while moving, in a graceful way; having many curves: a sinuous movement  the sinuous grace of a cat  the sinuous course of the river
sinu.ous.ly adv.
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si.nus
noun any of the hollow spaces in the bones of the head that are connected to the inside of the nose: blocked sinuses
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si.nus.itis
noun [U] the painful swelling of the sinuses
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-sion
-ION
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sip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-) ~ (sth)| ~ (at sth) to drink sth, taking a very small amount each time: [v] She sat there, sipping at her tea.  [vn] He slowly sipped his wine.

noun a very small amount of a drink that you take into your mouth: to have / take a sip of water

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si.phon
(also sy.phon) noun, verb
noun a tube that is used for moving liquid from one container to another, using pressure from the atmosphere

verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to move a liquid from one container to another, using a siphon : I siphoned the gasoline out of the car into a can.  The waste liquid needs to be siphoned off.
2 (informal) to remove money from one place and move it to another, especially dishonestly or illegally
SYN DIVERT : She has been accused of siphoning off thousands of pounds from the company into her own bank account.

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sir
noun
1 used as a polite way of addressing a man whose name you do not know, for example in a shop/store or restaurant, or to show respect: Good morning, sir. Can I help you?  Are you ready to order, sir?  ‘Report to me tomorrow, corporal!’‘Yes, sir!’  ‘Thank you very much.’‘You’re welcome, sir. Have a nice day.’—compare MA’AM —see also MADAM
2 (Dear Sir / Sirs) used at the beginning of a formal business letter when you do not know the name of the man or people that you are dealing with: Dear Sir / Sirs  Dear Sir or Madam
3 (Sir) a title that is used before the first name of a man who has received one of the highest British honours (= a KNIGHT ), or before the first name of a BARONET : Sir Paul McCartney  Thank you, Sir Paul.—compare LADY
4 (BrE) used as a form of address by children in school to a male teacher: Please, sir, can I open a window?—compare MISS
IDM ,no 'sir! | ,no sir'ree! (spoken, especially AmE) certainly not: We will never allow that to happen! No sir! ,yes 'sir! | ,yes sir'ree! used to emphasize that sth is true: That’s a fine car you have. Yes sir!
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sire
noun, verb
noun
1 (technical) the male parent of an animal, especially a horse—compare DAM
2 (old use) a word that people used when they addressed a king

verb [vn]
1 to be the male parent of an animal, especially a horse
2 (old-fashioned or humorous) to become the father of a child

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siren
noun
1 a device that makes a long loud sound as a signal or warning: an air-raid siren  A police car raced past with its siren wailing.
2 (in ancient Greek stories) any of a group of sea creatures that were part woman, part bird, whose beautiful singing made sailors sail towards them into rocks or dangerous waters
3 a woman who is very attractive or beautiful but also dangerous
4 ~ voices / song / call (literary) the TEMPTATION to do sth that seems very attractive but that will have bad results: The government must resist the siren voices calling for tax cuts.
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sir.loin
(also ,sirloin 'steak) noun [U, C] good quality beef that is cut from a cow’s back
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sisal
noun [U] strong FIBRES made from the leaves of a tropical plant also called sisal, used for making rope, floor coverings, etc.
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sissy
(BrE also cissy) noun (pl.-ies) (informal, disapproving) a boy that other men or boys laugh at because they think he is weak or frightened, or only interested in the sort of things girls like
sissy adj.
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sis.ter
noun
1 a girl or woman who has the same mother and father as another person: She’s my sister.  an older / younger sister   (informal) a big / little / kid sister  We’re sisters.  Do you have any brothers or sisters ?  My best friend has been like a sister to me (= very close).—see also HALF-SISTER , STEPSISTER
2 used for talking to or about other members of a women’s organization or other women who have the same ideas, purpose, etc. as yourself: They supported their sisters in the dispute.
3 (Sister) (BrE) a senior female nurse who is in charge of a hospital WARD —see also CHARGE NURSE
4 (Sister) a female member of a religious group, especially a NUN : Sister Mary  the Sisters of Charity
5 (in the US) a member of a SORORITY (= a club for a group of female students at a college or university)
6 (AmE, informal) used by black people as a form of address for a black woman
7 (usually used as an adjective) a thing that belongs to the same type or group as sth else: our sister company in Italy  a sister ship
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sis.ter.hood
noun
1 [U] the close loyal relationship between women who share ideas and aims
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of women who live in a community together, especially a religious one: a sisterhood of nuns
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'sister-in-law
noun (pl.sisters-in-law) the sister of your husband or wife; your brother’s wife; the wife of your husband or wife’s brother—compare BROTHER-IN-LAW
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sis.ter.ly
adj. typical of or like a sister: She gave him a sisterly kiss.
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sit
verb (sit.ting, sat, sat )
ON CHAIR, etc.|
1 to rest your weight on your bottom with your back upright, for example on/in a chair: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : She sat and stared at the letter in front of her.  May I sit here?  Just sit still!  He went and sat beside her.  She was sitting at her desk.  [v -ing] We sat talking for hours.—see also SIT DOWN
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sb in a sitting position: He lifted the child and sat her on the wall.
OF THINGS|
3 to be in a particular place: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A large bus was sitting outside.  The pot was sitting in a pool of water.  The jacket sat beautifully on her shoulders (= fitted well).  [v-adj] The box sat unopened on the shelf.
HAVE OFFICIAL POSITION|
4 [v] ~ in / on / for sth| ~ as sth to have an official position as sth or as a member of sth: He was sitting as a temporary judge.  She sat on a number of committees.  For years he sat for Henley (= was the MP for that constituency).  They both sat as MPs in the House of Commons.
OF PARLIAMENT, etc.|
5 [v] (of a parliament, committee, court of law, etc.) to meet in order to do official business: Parliament sits for less than six months of the year.
EXAM|
6 ~ (for) sth (BrE , rather formal) to do an exam: [vn] Candidates will sit the examinations in June.  Most of the students sit at least 5 GCSEs.  [v] He was about to sit for his entrance exam.
OF BIRD|
7 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to rest on a branch, etc. or to stay on a nest to keep the eggs warm
OF DOG|
8 [v] to sit on its bottom with its front legs straight: Rover! Sit!
TAKE CARE OF CHILDREN|
9 [v] ~ (for sb) = BABYSIT : Who’s sitting for you?—see also HOUSE-SIT be ,sitting 'pretty (informal) to be in a good situation, especially when others are not sit at sb’s 'feet to admire sb very much, especially a teacher or sb from whom you try to learn sit comfortably / easily / well, etc. (with sth) (written) to seem right, natural, suitable, etc. in a particular place or situation: His views did not sit comfortably with the management line. sit in 'judgement (on / over / upon sb) to decide whether sb’s behaviour is right or wrong, especially when you have no right to do this: How dare you sit in judgement on me? sit on the 'fence to avoid becoming involved in deciding or influencing sth: He tends to sit on the fence at meetings. ,sit 'tight
1 to stay where you are rather than moving away or changing position: We sat tight and waited to be rescued.
2 to stay in the same situation, without changing your mind or taking any action: Shareholders are being advised to sit tight until the crisis passes.—more at BOLT adv. , LAUREL , SILENTLY ,sit a'bout / a'round (often disapproving) to spend time doing nothing very useful: I’m far too busy to sit around here. [+ -ing] He just sits around watching videos. ,sit 'back
1 to sit on sth, usually a chair, in a relaxed position: He sat back in his chair and started to read.
2 to relax, especially by not getting too involved in or anxious about sth: She’s not the kind of person who can sit back and let others do all the work. ,sit 'by to take no action to stop sth bad or wrong from happening: We cannot just sit by and watch this tragedy happen. ,sit 'down| ,sit yourself 'down to move from a standing position to a sitting position: Please sit down.  He sat down on the bed.  They sat down to consider the problem.  Come in and sit yourselves down. sit down and do sth to give sth time and attention in order to try to solve a problem or achieve sth: This is something that we should sit down and discuss as a team. 'sit for sb/sth [no passive] to be a model for an artist or a photographer: to sit for your portrait  She sat for Augustus John. ,sit 'in for sb to do sb’s job or perform their duties while they are away, ill, etc.
SYN STAND IN FOR ,sit 'in on sth to attend a meeting, class, etc. in order to listen to or learn from it rather than to take an active part: I was allowed to sit in on an executive meeting. 'sit on sth (informal) to have received a letter, report, etc. from sb and then not replied or taken any action concerning it: They have been sitting on my application for a month now. ,sit sth<->'out
1 to stay in a place and wait for sth unpleasant or boring to finish: We sat out the storm in a cafe.
2 to not take part in a dance, game or other activity 'sit through sth to stay until the end of a performance, speech, meeting, etc. that you think is boring or too long: We had to sit through nearly two hours of speeches. ,sit 'up
1 to be or move yourself into a sitting position, rather than lying down or leaning back: Do you feel well enough to sit up yet?  Sit up straight—don’t slouch.
2 to not go to bed until later than usual: We sat up half the night, talking. ,sit 'up (and do sth) (informal) to start to pay careful attention to what is happening, being said, etc: The proposal had made his clients sit up and take notice . ,sit sb 'up to move sb into a sitting position after they have been lying down
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sitar
noun a musical instrument from India like a guitar, with a long neck and two sets of metal strings
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sit.com
(also formal ,situation 'comedy) noun [C, U] a regular programme on television that shows the same characters in different amusing situations
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'sit-down
noun
1 [C] a strike or protest in which people sit down to block a road or the entrance to a building until people listen to their demands
2 [sing.] (BrE, informal) a rest while sitting in a chair: I need a cup of tea and a sit-down.
'sit-down adj. [only before noun]: a sit-down protest  a sit-down meal for 50 wedding guests (= served to people sitting at tables)
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site
noun, verb
noun
1 a place where a building, town, etc. was, is or will be situated: the site of a sixteenth century abbey  to work on a building / construction site  A site has been chosen for the new school.  All the materials are on site so that work can start immediately.
2 a place where sth has happened or that is used for sth: the site of the battle  an archaeological site  a camping / caravan site
3 (computing) a place on the Internet where a company, an organization, a university, etc. puts information: a website

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [often passive] to build or place sth in a particular position: There was a meeting to discuss the siting of the new school.  The castle is magnificently sited high up on a cliff.

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'sit-in
noun a protest in which a group of workers, students, etc. refuse to leave their factory, college, etc. until people listen to their demands: to hold / stage a sit-in
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sit.ter
noun
1 a person who sits or stands somewhere so that sb can paint a picture of them or photograph them
2 (especially AmE) = BABYSITTER
3 (BrE, informal) (in football) an easy chance to score a goal
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sit.ting
noun
1 a period of time during which a court of law or a parliament deals with its business
2 a time when a meal is served in a hotel, etc. to a number of people at the same time: A hundred people can be served at one sitting (= at the same time).
3 a period of time that a person spends sitting and doing an activity: I read the book in one sitting .
4 a period of time when sb sits or stands to have their picture painted or be photographed
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,sitting 'duck
noun a person or thing that is easy to attack
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'sitting room
noun (BrE ) = LIVING ROOM
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,sitting 'tenant
noun (BrE ) a person who is living in a rented house or flat and who has the legal right to stay there
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situ
IN SITU
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situ.ate
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (formal)
1 to build or place sth in a particular position
2 to consider how an idea, event, etc. is related to other things that influence your view of it: Let me try and situate the events in their historical context.
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situ.ated
adj. [not before noun]
1 in a particular place or position: My bedroom was situated on the top floor of the house.  The hotel is beautifully situated in a quiet spot near the river.  All the best theatres and restaurants are situated within a few minutes' walk of each other.
2 (formal) (of a person, an organization, etc.) in a particular situation or in particular circumstances: Small businesses are well situated to benefit from the single market.
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situ.ation
noun
1 all the circumstances and things that are happening at a particular time and in a particular place: to be in a difficult situation  You could get into a situation where you have to decide immediately.  We have all been in similar embarrassing situations.  the present economic / financial / political situation  He could see no way out of the situation.  In your situation, I would look for another job.  What we have here is a crisis situation.  I’m in a no-win situation (= whatever I do will be bad for me).
2 (written) the kind of area or surroundings that a building or town has: The town is in a delightful situation in a wide green valley.
3 (old-fashioned or written) a job: Situations Vacant (= the title of the section in a newspaper where jobs are advertised)
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,situation 'comedy
noun [C, U] (formal) = SITCOM
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'sit-up
noun an exercise for making your stomach muscles strong, in which you lie on your back on the floor and raise the top part of your body to a sitting position
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six
number 6
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
IDM at ,sixes and 'sevens (informal) in confusion; not well organized: I haven’t had time to clear up, so I’m all at sixes and sevens. hit / knock sb for 'six (BrE) to affect sb very deeply: The business over the lawsuit had really knocked her for six. it’s six of ,one and half a dozen of the 'other used to say that there is not much real difference between two possible choices
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'six-figure
adj. [only before noun] used to describe a number that is 100 000 or more: a six-figure salary
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six.fold
adj., adv.  -FOLD
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'six-gun
noun = SIX-SHOOTER
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'six-pack
noun
1 a set of six bottles or cans sold together, especially of beer
2 (informal) stomach muscles that are very strong and that you can see clearly across sb’s stomach
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six.pence
noun a British coin in use until 1971, worth six old pence
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'six-shooter
(also 'six-gun) noun (especially AmE ) a small gun that holds six bullets
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six.teen
number 16
six.teenth ordinal number
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,six'teenth note
noun (AmE, music ) = SEMIQUAVER
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sixth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 6th
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.

noun each of six equal parts of sth

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'sixth form
noun [usually sing.] (BrE ) the two final years at school for students between the ages of 16 and 18 who are preparing to take A-LEVELS (= advanced level exams): Sue is in the sixth form now.
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'sixth-form college
noun (in Britain) a school for students over the age of 16
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'sixth-former
noun (BrE ) a student who is in the sixth form at school
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,sixth 'sense
noun [sing.] a special ability to know sth without using any of the five senses that include sight, touch, etc: My sixth sense told me to stay here and wait.
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sixty
number
1 60
2 (the sixties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 60 to 69
six.ti.eth ordinal number
IDM in your 'sixties between the ages of 60 and 69
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size
noun, verb
noun
HOW LARGE / SMALL|
1 [U, C] how large or small a person or thing is: an area the size of (= the same size as) Wales  They complained about the size of their gas bill.  Dogs come in all shapes and sizes .  The facilities are excellent for a town that size.  The kitchen is a good size (= not small).  It’s similar in size to a tomato.
2 [U] the large amount or extent of sth: You should have seen the size of their house!  We were shocked at the size of his debts.
OF CLOTHES / SHOES / GOODS|
3 [C] one of a number of standard measurements in which clothes, shoes and other goods are made and sold: The jacket was the wrong size.  It’s not my size.  They didn’t have the jacket in my size .  She’s a size 12 in clothes.  The hats are made in three sizes: small, medium and large.  I need a bigger / smaller size.  What size do you take?  She takes a size 5 in shoes.  Try this one for size (= to see if it is the correct size).  The glass can be cut to size (= cut to the exact measurements) for you.
HELP To ask about the size of something, you usually say How big? You use What size? to ask about something that is produced in fixed measurements.
-SIZED / -SIZE|
4 (in adjectives) having the size mentioned: a medium-sized house  Cut it into bite-size pieces.—see also KING-SIZE , MAN-SIZED , PINT-SIZED , QUEEN-SIZE
STICKY SUBSTANCE|
5 [U] a sticky substance that is used for making material stiff or for preparing walls for WALLPAPER cut sb down to 'size to show sb that they are not as important as they think they are that’s about the 'size of it (spoken) that’s how the situation seems to be: ‘So they won’t pay up?’‘That’s about the size of it.’

verb [vn]
GIVE SIZE|
1 [usually passive] to mark the size of sth; to give a size to sth: The screws are sized in millimetres.
CHANGE SIZE|
2 [usually passive] to change the size of sth: The fonts can be sized according to what effect you want.
MAKE STICKY|
3 to cover sth with a sticky substance called SIZE ,size sb/sth<->'up (informal) to form a judgement or an opinion about sb/sth
SYN SUM UP : She knew that he was looking at her, sizing her up.  He sized up the situation very quickly.

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size.able
(also siz.able) adj. fairly large: The town has a sizeable Sikh population.
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siz.zle
verb [v] to make the sound of food frying in hot oil: sizzling sausages / fat
siz.zle noun [sing.]
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siz.zling
adj.
1 very hot: sizzling summer temperatures
2 very exciting: a sizzling love affair
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ska
noun [U] a type of West Indian pop music with a strong beat
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skate
verb, noun
verb
1 to move on skates (usually referring to ICE SKATING , if no other information is given): [v] Can you skate?  It was so cold that we were able to go skating on the lake.  [vn] He skated an exciting programme at the American Championships.
2 [v] to ride on a SKATEBOARD
IDM see THIN adj.
PVR V ,skate 'over sth to avoid talking about or considering a difficult subject: He politely skated over the issue.

noun
1 = ICE SKATE , ROLLER SKATE : a pair of skates
2 (pl.skate or skates) a large flat sea fish that can be eaten
IDM get / put your 'skates on (BrE, informal) used to tell sb to hurry: Get your skates on or you’ll miss the bus.

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skate.board
noun a short narrow board with small wheels at each end, which you stand on and ride as a sport
skate.board verb [v]
skate.board.ing noun [U] —
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skater
noun a person who skates for pleasure or as a sport: a figure / speed skater  ice skaters
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skat.ing
noun [U]
1 (also 'ice skating) the sport or activity of moving on ice on SKATES : to go skating—see also FIGURE-SKATING , SPEED SKATING
2 = ROLLER SKATING
IDM see THIN adj.
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'skating rink
(also rink) noun
1 = ICE RINK
2 an area or a building where you can ROLLER SKATE
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ske.dad.dle
verb [v] (spoken, humorous) to move away or leave a place quickly, especially in order to avoid sb
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skeet shooting
noun (AmE ) = CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
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skein
noun a long piece of wool, thread, or YARN that is loosely tied together
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skel.etal
adj.
1 (technical) connected with the skeleton of a person or an animal
2 looking like a skeleton : skeletal figures dressed in rags
3 that exists only in a basic form, as an outline: He has written only a skeletal plot for the book so far.
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skel.eton
noun
1 the structure of bones that supports the body of a person or an animal; a model of this structure: The human skeleton consists of 206 bones.  a dinosaur skeleton—picture at BODY
2 (informal) a very thin person or animal: The disease has reduced her to a skeleton.
3 [C, usually sing.] the main structure that supports a building, etc: Only the concrete skeleton of the factory remained.
4 [C, usually sing.] the basic outline of a plan, piece of writing, etc. to which more details can be added later: Examples were used to flesh out the skeleton of the argument.
5 ~ staff, crew, etc. the smallest number of people, etc. that you need to do sth: There will only be a skeleton staff on duty over the holiday.  We managed to operate a skeleton bus service during the strike.
IDM a skeleton in the 'cupboard (BrE) (also a skeleton in the 'closetAmE, BrE) (informal) something shocking, embarrassing, etc. that has happened to you or your family in the past that you want to keep secret
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'skeleton key
noun a key that will open several different locks
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skep.tic, skep.ticalskep.ti.cism
(AmE ) = SCEPTIC , SCEPTICAL , SCEPTICISM
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sketch
noun, verb
noun
1 a simple picture that is drawn quickly and does not have many details: The artist is making sketches for his next painting.  She drew a sketch map of the area to show us the way.
2 a short funny scene on television, in the theatre, etc: The drama group did a sketch about a couple buying a new car.
3 a short report or story that gives only basic details about sth: a biographical sketch of the Prime Minister

verb
1 to make a quick drawing of sb/sth: [vn] He quickly sketched the view from the window. [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ sth (out) to give a general description of sth, giving only the basic facts
SYN OUTLINE : She sketched out her plan for tackling the problem.
3 [vn] (literary) to do sth in a quick and careless way, as if you do not really mean it: He sketched a smile.
PVR V ,sketch sth<->'in to give more information or details about sth: You need to sketch in his character a little more.

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sketch.book
(also 'sketch pad) noun a book of sheets of paper for drawing on
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sketchy
adj. (sketch.ier, sketch.iest) not complete or detailed and therefore not very useful: He gave us only a very sketchy account of his visit.  sketchy notes
sketch.ily adv.
sketchi.ness noun [U]
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skew
verb
1 [vn] to change or influence sth with the result that it is not accurate, fair, normal, etc: to skew the statistics
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE) to move or lie at an angle, especially in a position that is not normal: The ball skewed off at a right angle.
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skewed
adj.
1 (of information) not accurate or correct
SYN DISTORTED : skewed statistics
2 ~ (towards sb/sth) directed towards a particular group, place, etc. in a way that may not be accurate or fair: The book is heavily skewed towards American readers.
3 not straight or level
SYN CROOKED : The car had ended up skewed across the road.—see also ASKEW
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skew.er
noun, verb
noun a long thin pointed piece of metal or wood that is pushed through pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. to hold them together while they are cooking, or used to test whether sth is completely cooked

verb [vn] to push a skewer or other thin pointed object through sth

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,skew-'whiff
adj. (BrE , informal) not straight
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ski
noun, adj., verb
noun (pl.skis)
1 one of a pair of long narrow pieces of wood, metal or plastic that you attach to boots so that you can move smoothly over snow: a pair of skis—picture at SKIING
2 = WATERSKI

adj. [only before noun] connected with the sport of skiing : ski boots  the ski slopes

verb (ski.ing, skied, skied) [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move over snow on skis, especially as a sport: How well do you ski?  We skied down the slope one by one.
2 (go skiing) to spend time skiing for pleasure: We went skiing in France in March.—see also SKIING , WATERSKI

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skid
verb, noun
verb (-dd-) [v] (usually of a vehicle) to slide sideways or forwards in an uncontrolled way: The car skidded on the ice and went straight into the wall.  She could feel they were skidding.  The taxi skidded to a halt just in time.  Her foot skidded on the wet floor and she fell heavily.

noun
1 the movement of a vehicle when it suddenly slides sideways in an uncontrolled way: The motorbike went into a skid .  The skid marks on the road showed how fast the car had been travelling.
2 a part that is underneath some aircraft, beside the wheels, and is used for landing: the skids of a helicopter
IDM put the 'skids under sb/sth (informal) to stop sb/sth from being successful or making progress be on the 'skids (informal) to be in a bad situation that will get worse

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skid.pan
noun an area with a surface that is especially prepared so that drivers can practise controlling skids
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,skid 'row
noun [U] (informal, especially AmE ) used to describe the poorest part of a town, the sort of place where people who have no home or job and who drink too much live: to be on skid row
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skier
noun a person who skis
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skies
pl. of SKY
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skiff
noun a small light boat for rowing or sailing, usually for one person
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skif.fle
noun a type of music popular in the 1950s, that was a mixture of jazz and FOLK MUSIC
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ski.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of moving over snow on skis: to go downhill / cross-country skiing  a skiing holiday / instructor / lesson / vacation
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'ski jump
noun a very steep artificial slope that ends suddenly and that is covered with snow. People ski down the slope, jump off the end and see how far they can travel through the air before landing.
'ski-jumper noun
'ski-jumping noun [U]: Is ski-jumping an Olympic sport?  the Swiss ski-jumping team
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skil.ful
(BrE ) (AmEskill.ful) adj.
1 (of a person) good at doing sth, especially sth that needs a particular ability or special training: a skilful player / performer / teacher
2 made or done very well: Thanks to her skilful handling of the affair, the problem was averted.
skil.ful.ly adv.
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'ski lift
noun a machine for taking SKIERS up a slope so that they can then ski down
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skill
noun
1 [U] ~ (in / at sth)| ~ (in / at doing sth) the ability to do sth well: The job requires skill and an eye for detail.  What made him remarkable as a photographer was his skill in capturing the moment.
2 [C] a particular ability or type of ability: We need people with practical skills like carpentry.  management skills
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skilled
adj.
1 ~ (in / at sth)| ~ (in / at doing sth) having enough ability, experience and knowledge to be able to do sth well: a skilled engineer / negotiator / craftsman  She is highly skilled at dealing with difficult customers.  a shortage of skilled labour (= people who have had training in a skill)
2 (of a job) needing special abilities or training: Furniture-making is very skilled work.
OPP UNSKILLED
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skil.let
noun (AmE ) = FRYING PAN
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skill.ful
(AmE ) = SKILFUL
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skim
verb (-mm-)
1 [vn] ~ (sth off / from) sth to remove fat, cream, etc. from the surface of a liquid: Skim the scum off the jam and let it cool.  Skim the jam and let it cool.
2 [no passive] ~ (along / over, etc.) sth to move quickly and lightly over a surface, not touching it or only touching it occasionally; to make sth do this: [v] We watched the birds skimming over the lake.  [vn] The speedboat took off, skimming the waves.   (figurative) This report has barely skimmed the surface of the subject.   (BrE) Small boys were skimming stones across the water.—see also SKIP
3 ~ (through / over) sth to read sth quickly in order to find a particular point or the main points: [v] He skimmed through the article trying to find his name.  [vn] I always skim the financial section of the newspaper.
PVR V ,skim sth/sb<->'off to take for yourself the best part of sth, often in an unfair way: Private companies should not be allowed to skim off profitable sectors of the postal service.
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,skimmed 'milk
(BrE ) (also ,skim 'milkAmE, BrE) noun [U] milk that contains less fat than normal because the cream has been removed from it
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skimp
verb [v] ~ (on sth) to try to spend less time, money, etc. on sth than is really needed: Older people should not skimp on food or heating.
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skimpy
adj. (skimp.ier, skimpi.est)
1 (of clothes) very small and not covering much of your body: a skimpy dress
2 (disapproving) not large enough in amount or size: a skimpy meal  They provided only skimpy details.
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skin
noun, verb
noun
ON BODY|
1 [U, C] the layer of tissue that covers the body: to have dark / fair / olive skin  The snake sheds its skin once a year.  cosmetics for sensitive skins  skin cancer—see also FORESKIN , REDSKIN
-SKINNED|
2 (in adjectives) having the type of skin mentioned: dark-skinned  fair-skinned—see also THICK-SKINNED , THIN-SKINNED
OF DEAD ANIMAL|
3 [C, U] (often in compounds) the skin of a dead animal with or without its fur, used for making leather, etc: The skins are removed and laid out to dry.  a tiger skin rug
OF FRUIT / VEGETABLES|
4 [C, U] the outer layer of some fruit and vegetables: Remove the skins by soaking the tomatoes in hot water.—see also BANANA SKIN —compare PEEL , RIND , ZEST —
OF SAUSAGE|
5 [C, U] the thin outer layer of a sausage: Prick the skins before grilling.
ON LIQUIDS|
6 [C, U] the thin layer that forms on the surface of some liquids, especially when they become cold: A skin had formed on the top of the milk.
OUTSIDE LAYER|
7 [C] a layer that covers the outside of sth: the outer skin of the earth  the metal skin of the aircraft—see also OILSKIN by the ,skin of your 'teeth (informal) if you do sth by the skin of your teeth, you only just manage to do it get under sb’s 'skin (informal) to annoy sb: Don’t let him get under your skin. have got sb under your 'skin (informal) to be extremely attracted to sb it’s no skin off 'my, 'your, 'his, etc. nose (informal) used to say that sb is not upset or annoyed about sth because it does not affect them in a bad way make your 'skin crawl to make you feel afraid or full of disgust (nothing but / all / only) skin and 'bone (informal) extremely thin in a way that is not attractive or healthy—more at JUMP v. , SAVE v. , THICK adj. , THIN adj.

verb (-nn-) [vn]
ANIMAL / FRUIT / VEGETABLE|
1 to take the skin off an animal, a fruit or a vegetable: You’ll need four ripe tomatoes, skinned and chopped.
PART OF BODY|
2 to accidentally rub the skin off part of your body: He skinned his knees climbing down the tree.
IDM see EYE n.

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,skin-'deep
adj. [not usually before noun] (of a feeling or an attitude) not as important or strongly felt as it appears to be
SYN SUPERFICIAL
IDM see BEAUTY
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'skin diving
noun [U] the sport or activity of swimming underwater with simple breathing equipment but without a special protective suit: to go skin diving
'skin-diver noun
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skin.flint
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who does not like spending money
SYN MISER
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skin.ful
noun [usually sing.] (BrE , slang) a large quantity of alcohol to drink, enough to make you very drunk
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'skin graft
noun a medical operation in which healthy skin is taken from one part of sb’s body and placed over another part to replace skin that has been burned or damaged; a piece of skin that is moved in this way
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skin.head
noun a young person with very short hair, especially one who is violent, aggressive and RACIST
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skinny
adj. (skin.nier, skin.ni.est)
1 (informal, usually disapproving) very thin, especially in a way that you find unpleasant or ugly: skinny arms / legs
2 (of clothes) designed to fit closely to the body: a skinny sweater
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'skinny-dipping
noun [U] (informal) swimming naked
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skint
adj. [not usually before noun] (BrE , informal) having no money: I can’t go out tonight—I’m skint.
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skin.tight
adj. (of clothes) fitting very closely to the body: a skintight dress
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skip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
MOVE WITH JUMPS|
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to move forwards lightly and quickly making a little jump with each step: She skipped happily along beside me.
JUMP OVER ROPE|
2 [v] (BrE) (AmE ,jump 'rope, ,skip 'rope) to jump over a rope which is held at both ends by yourself or by two other people and is passed again and again over your head and under your feet: He skips for about 20 minutes a day.  The girls were skipping in the playground.—
NOT DO STH|
3 [vn] to not do sth that you usually do or should do: I often skip breakfast altogether.  She decided to skip the afternoon’s class.
4 to leave out sth that would normally be the next thing that you would do, read, etc: [vn] You can skip the next chapter if you have covered the topic in class.  [v] I skipped over the last part of the book.  I suggest we skip to the last item on the agenda.
CHANGE QUICKLY|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move from one place to another or from one subject to another very quickly: She kept skipping from one topic of conversation to another.
LEAVE SECRETLY|
6 [vn] to leave a place secretly or suddenly: [vn] The bombers skipped the country shortly after the blast.
STONES|
7 [vn] (BrE also skim) to make a flat stone jump across the surface of water: The boys were skipping stones across the pond. 'skip it (spoken, informal) used to tell sb rudely that you do not want to talk about sth or repeat what you have said: ‘What were you saying?’‘Oh, skip it!’ ,skip 'off / 'out to leave secretly or suddenly ,skip 'out on sb (AmE) to leave sb, especially when they need you: One day he just skipped out on his wife, leaving her with four kids to take care of.

noun
MOVEMENT|
1 a skipping movement: She gave a skip and a jump and was off down the street.
CONTAINER FOR WASTE|
2 (BrE) (AmE Dumpster™) a large open container for putting old bricks, rubbish/garbage, etc. in. The skip is then loaded on a lorry/truck and taken away.

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skip.per
noun, verb
noun
1 the captain of a small ship or fishing boat
2 (informal, especially BrE) the captain of a sports team

verb [vn] to be the captain of a boat, sports team, etc: to skipper a yacht   (especially BrE ) He skippered the team to victory.

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'skipping rope
(BrE ) (AmE 'jump rope) noun a piece of rope, usually with a handle at each end, that you hold, turn over your head and then jump over, for fun or to keep fit—
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skir.mish
noun, verb
noun
1 a short fight between small groups of soldiers, etc., especially one that is not planned: Several people were killed in skirmishes during the night.
2 a short argument, especially between political opponents

verb [v] to take part in a short fight or argument
skir.mish.er noun
skir.mish.ing noun [U]: There are reports of skirmishing along the border.

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skirt
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a piece of clothing for a woman or girl that hangs from the waist: a long / short / straight / pleated skirt
2 [C] (also skirts) [pl.] the part of a dress, coat, etc. that hangs below the waist
3 [C] an outer covering or protective part for the base of a vehicle or machine: the rubber skirt around the bottom of a hovercraft—picture at BOAT

verb
1 to be or go around the edge of sth: [vn] They followed the road that skirted the lake.  [v] I skirted around the field and crossed the bridge.
2 ~ (around / round sth) to avoid talking about a subject, especially because it is difficult or embarrassing: [vn] He carefully skirted the issue of where they would live.  [v] She tactfully skirted around the subject of money.

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'skirting board
(also skirt.ing) (both BrE ) (AmE base.board) noun [C, U] a narrow piece of wood that is fixed along the bottom of the walls in a house—picture at ALCOVE
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'ski run
(also run) noun a track that is marked on a slope that you ski down
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skit
noun ~ (on sth) a short piece of humorous writing or a performance that makes fun of sb/sth by copying them: a skit on daytime TV programmes
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skit.ter
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to run or move very quickly and lightly
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skit.tish
adj.
1 (of horses) easily excited or frightened and therefore difficult to control
2 (of people) not very serious and with ideas and feelings that keep changing
3 (especially AmE, business) likely to change suddenly: skittish financial markets
skit.tish.ly adv.
skit.tish.ness noun [U]
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skit.tle
noun
1 [C] a wooden or plastic object used in the game of skittles
2 (skittles) [U] a game in which players try to knock over as many skittles as possible by rolling a ball at them
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skive
verb ~ (off) (BrE , informal) to avoid work or school by staying away or leaving early
SYN BUNK OFF : [v] ‘Where’s Tom?’‘Skiving as usual.’  She always skives off early on Fridays.  [vn] I skived the last lecture.
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skivvy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a servant, usually female, who does all the dirty or boring jobs in a house: He treats his wife like a skivvy.

verb (skiv.vies, skivvy.ing, skiv.vied, skiv.vied) [v] (BrE , informal) to do dirty or boring jobs: Her aunt kept her skivvying day and night.

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skua
noun a large brownish seabird that eats fish, which it sometimes steals from other birds
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skul.dug.gery
(also skull.dug.gery) noun [U] (old-fashioned or humorous) dishonest behaviour or activities
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skulk
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (disapproving) to hide or move around secretly, especially when you are planning sth bad: There was someone skulking behind the bushes.
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skull
noun
1 the bone structure that forms the head and surrounds and protects the brain
SYN CRANIUM : a fractured skull—picture at BODY
2 (informal) the head or the brain: Her skull was crammed with too many thoughts.   (informal) When will he get it into his thick skull that I never want to see him again!
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,skull and 'crossbones
noun [sing.] a picture of a human skull above two crossed bones, used in the past on the flags of PIRATE ships, and now used as a warning on containers with dangerous substances inside
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skull.cap
noun a small round cap worn on top of the head, especially by Jewish men and Catholic BISHOPS —see also YARMULKE
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skunk
(AmE also pole.cat) noun a small black and white N American animal that can produce a strong unpleasant smell to defend itself when it is attacked
IDM see DRUNK adj.
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sky
noun [C, U] (pl.skies) the space above the earth that you can see when you look up, where clouds and the sun, moon and stars appear
HELP You usually say the sky. When sky is used with an adjective or adjectival phrase, use a … sky. You can also use the plural form skies, especially when you are thinking about the great extent of the sky: What’s that in the sky?  The sky suddenly went dark and it started to rain.  the night sky  a cloudless sky  cloudless skies  a land of blue skies and sunshine  The skies above London were ablaze with a spectacular firework display.
IDM the sky’s the 'limit (informal, spoken) there is no limit to what sb can achieve, earn, do, etc: With a talent like his, the sky’s the limit.—more at GREAT adj. , PIE , PRAISE v.
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,sky-'blue
adj. bright blue in colour, like the sky on a clear day
,sky 'blue noun [U]
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sky.cap
noun (AmE ) a person whose job is to carry people’s bags at an airport
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sky.div.ing
noun [U] a sport in which you jump from a plane and fall for as long as you safely can before opening your PARACHUTE : to go skydiving
sky.diver noun
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,sky-'high
adj. very high; too high: His confidence is still sky-high.  sky-high interest rates
,sky-'high adv.: After the election, prices went sky-high.
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sky.lark
noun a small bird that sings while it flies high up in the sky
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sky.light
noun a small window in a roof—picture at HOUSE
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sky.line
noun the outline of buildings, trees, hills, etc. seen against the sky: the New York skyline
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sky.rocket
verb [v] (of prices, etc.) to rise quickly to a very high level
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sky.scraper
noun a very tall building in a city
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sky.wards
(also sky.ward) adv. towards the sky; up into the sky: She pointed skywards.  The rocket soared skywards.
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slab
noun
1 a thick flat piece of stone, wood or other hard material: a slab of marble / concrete  The road was paved with smooth stone slabs.  paving slabs  a dead body on the slab (= on a table in a MORTUARY )
2 a thick, flat slice or piece of sth: a slab of chocolate  slabs of meat
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slack
adj., noun, verb
adj. (slack.er, slack.est)
1 not stretched tight: She was staring into space, her mouth slack.  The rope suddenly went slack.  slack muscles
2 (of business) not having many customers or sales; not busy: a slack period  slack demand for beef
3 (disapproving) (of a person) not putting enough care, attention or energy into sth and so not doing it well enough: He’s been very slack in his work lately.  Discipline in the classroom is very slack.
slack.ly adv.: Her arms hung slackly by her sides.
slack.ness noun [U]

noun [U]—see also SLACKS
1 the part of a rope, etc. that is hanging loosely: There’s too much slack in the tow rope.
2 people, money or space that is not being used fully in an organization: There’s very little slack in the budget.
3 very small pieces of coal
IDM take up the 'slack
1 to improve the way money or people are used in an organization
2 to pull on a rope, etc. until it is tight

verb [v] to work less hard than you usually do or should do
PVR V ,slack 'off (on sth) to do sth more slowly or with less energy than before: He’s gone from success to success in his movie career, and there’s no sign of him slacking off.

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slack.en
verb
1 ~ sth to gradually become, or to make sth become, slower, less active, etc: [v] We’ve been really busy, but things are starting to slacken off now.  [vn] She slackened her pace a little (= walked a little more slowly).
2 to become or to make sth become less tight: [v] His grip slackened and she pulled away from him.  [vn] He slackened the ropes slightly.
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slack.er
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is lazy and avoids work
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slacks
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned orAmE , formal) trousers/pants for men or women, that are not part of a suit: a pair of slacks
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slag
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the waste material that remains after metal has been removed from rock
2 [C] (BrE, slang) an offensive word for a woman, used to suggest that she has a lot of sexual partners

verb (-gg-)
PVR V ,slag sb<->'off (BrE, slang) to say cruel or critical things about sb: I hate the way he’s always slagging off his colleagues.

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'slag heap
noun (BrE ) a large pile of slag from a mine
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slain
pp of SLAY
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slake
verb [vn] (literary)
1 ~ your thirst to drink so that you no longer feel thirsty
SYN QUENCH
2 to satisfy a desire
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sla.lom
noun a race for people on skis or in CANOES along a winding course marked by poles
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slam
verb, noun
verb (-mm-)
1 to shut, or to make sth shut, with a lot of force, making a loud noise: [v] I heard the door slam behind him.  A window slammed shut in the wind.  [vn] He stormed out of the house, slamming the door as he left.  [vn-adj] She slammed the lid shut.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put, push or throw sth into a particular place or position with a lot of force: She slammed down the phone angrily.  He slammed on the brakes (= stopped the car very suddenly).
3 (used especially in newspapers) to criticize sb/sth very strongly: The government has been slammed for failing to take firm action against drinking and driving.
IDM see DOOR
PVR V slam into / against sb/sth| slam sth into / against sb/sth to crash into sth with a lot of force; to make sth crash into sth with a lot of force: The car skidded and slammed into a tree.  The force of the explosion slammed me against the wall.

noun [usually sing.] an act of slamming sth; the noise of sth being slammed : She gave the door a good hard slam.—see also GRAND SLAM

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'slam-dunk
verb [vn] (in basketball) to jump up and put the ball through the net with a lot of force
'slam dunk noun
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slam.mer
noun (the slammer) [sing.] (slang) prison
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slan.der
noun, verb
noun [C, U] a false spoken statement intended to damage the good opinion people have of sb; the legal offence of making this kind of statement: a vicious slander on the company’s good name  He’s suing them for slander.—compare LIBEL
slan.der.ous adj.: a slanderous attack / remark / statement

verb [vn] to make a false spoken statement about sb that is intended to damage the good opinion that people have of them: He angrily accused the investigators of slandering both him and his family.—compare LIBEL

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slang
noun [U] very informal words and expressions that are more common in spoken language, especially used by a particular group of people, for example, children, criminals, soldiers, etc: army / teenage slang  a slang word / expression / term—see also RHYMING SLANG
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'slanging match
noun (BrE , informal) an angry argument in which people insult each other
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slant
verb, noun
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to slope or to make sth slope in a particular direction or at a particular angle: [v] (literary) The sun slanted through the window.  [vn] Slant your skis a little more to the left.
2 [vn] (sometimes disapproving) to present information from a particular point of view, especially in an unfair way: The findings of the report had been slanted in favour of the manufacturers.

noun
1 a sloping position: The sofa faced the fire at a slant .  Cut the flower stems on the slant .
2 ~ (on sth/sb) a way of thinking about sth, especially one that shows support for a particular point of view: She put a new slant on the play.

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slant.ed
adj.
1 sloping in one direction: She had slanted brown eyes.
2 ~ (towards sb/sth) tending to be in favour of one person or thing in a way that may be unfair to others: a biased and slanted view of events
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slant.ing
adj. not straight or level; sloping: slanting eyes / handwriting / rain
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slap
verb, noun, adv.
verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 to hit sb/sth with the flat part of your hand: She slapped his face hard.  She slapped him hard across the face.  ‘Congratulations!’ he said, slapping me on the back.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth on a surface in a quick, careless and often noisy way, especially because you are angry: He slapped the newspaper down on the desk.  She slapped a $10 bill into my hand.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to hit against sth with the noise of sb being slapped : The water slapped against the side of the boat.
PVR V ,slap sb a'bout / a'round (informal) to hit sb regularly or often: Her ex-husband used to slap her around. ,slap sb/sth<->'down (informal) to criticize sb in an unfair way, often in public, so that they feel embarrassed or less confident 'slap sth on sb/sth (informal) to order, especially in a sudden or an unfair way, that sth must happen or sb must do sth: The company slapped a no-smoking ban on the premises. ,slap sth 'on sth (informal) to increase the price of sth suddenly: They’ve slapped 50p on the price of a pack of cigarettes. ,slap sth 'on sth| ,slap sth<->'on to spread sth on a surface in a quick, careless way: Just slap some paint on the walls and it’ll look fine.  I’d better slap some make-up on before I go out.

noun
1 the action of hitting sb/sth with the flat part of your hand: She gave him a slap across the face.  He gave me a hearty slap on the back.
2 the noise made by hitting sb/sth with the flat part of your hand; a similar noise made by sth else: the gentle slap of water against the shore
IDM slap and 'tickle (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) enthusiastic kissing and CUDDLING between lovers a slap in the 'face an action that seems to be intended as a deliberate insult to sb a slap on the 'wrist (informal) a warning or mild punishment

adv. (also ,slap 'bang) (informal)
1 straight, and with great force: Storming out of her room, she went slap into Luke.
2 exactly: Their apartment is slap bang in the middle of town.

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slap.dash
adj. done, or doing sth, too quickly and carelessly: She has a very slapdash approach to keeping accounts.  a slapdash piece of writing
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,slap-'happy
adj. (informal)
1 cheerful, but careless about things that should be taken seriously: a slap-happy approach to life
2 (especially AmE) = PUNCH-DRUNK
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slap.per
noun (BrE , slang) an offensive word for a woman, used to suggest that she has a lot of sexual partners
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slap.stick
noun [U] the type of humour that is based on simple actions, for example people hitting each other, falling down, etc.
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'slap-up
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , informal) (of a meal) large and very good
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slash
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to make a long cut with a sharp object, especially in a violent way: Someone had slashed the tyres on my car.  She tried to kill herself by slashing her wrists.  We had to slash our way through the undergrowth with sticks.
2 [often passive] (often used in newspapers) to reduce sth by a large amount: to slash costs / prices / fares  The workforce has been slashed by half.
PVR V 'slash at sb/sth (with sth) to attack sb violently with a knife, etc.

noun
1 [C] a sharp movement made with a knife, etc. in order to cut sb/sth
2 [C] a long narrow wound or cut: a slash across his right cheek   (figurative) Her mouth was a slash of red lipstick.
3 [C] (BrE also ob.lique) the symbol (/) used to show ALTERNATIVES , as in lunch and/or dinner and 4/5 people and to write FRACTIONS , as in 3/4—see also BACKSLASH
4 (a slash) [sing.] (BrE, slang) an act of URINATING : He’s just nipped out to have a slash.

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slat
noun one of a series of thin flat pieces of wood, metal or plastic, used in furniture, fences, etc.—picture at BLIND
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slate
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a type of dark grey stone that splits easily into thin flat layers: a slate quarry  The walls were mostly slate.  The sea was the colour of slate.
2 [C] a small thin piece of slate , used for covering roofs: A loose slate had fallen from the roof.—picture at HOUSE
3 [C] (AmE) a list of the candidates in an election: a slate of candidates  the Democratic slate
4 [C] a small sheet of slate in a wooden frame, used in the past in schools for children to write on
IDM see CLEAN adj. , WIPE v.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sth) (BrE, written) to criticize sb/sth, especially in a newspaper: to slate a book / play / writer  The critics slated his latest production.
2 ~ sth (for sth) [usually passive] to plan that sth will happen at a particular time in the future: [vn] The next conference is slated for July.  The houses were first slated for demolition five years ago.  [vn to inf] The new store is slated to open in spring.
3 [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) (informal, especially AmE ) to suggest or choose sb for a job, position, etc: [vn] I was told that I was being slated for promotion.  [vn to inf] He is slated to play the lead in Spielberg’s next movie.

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slated
adj. covered with pieces of SLATE : a slated roof
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,slate-'grey
adj. bluish-grey in colour, like slate
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slather
verb
PVR V 'slather sth on sth| 'slather with / in sth| ,slather sth<->'on to cover sth with a thick layer of a substance: hot dogs slathered with mustard
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slat.ted
adj. [usually before noun] made of slats : slatted blinds / chairs / shelves
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slat.tern
noun (old-fashioned) a dirty untidy woman
slat.tern.ly adj.: a slatternly girl
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slaugh.ter
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the killing of animals for their meat: cows taken for slaughter
2 the cruel killing of large numbers of people at one time, especially in a war
SYN MASSACRE : the wholesale slaughter of innocent people
IDM see LAMB n.

verb [vn]
1 to kill an animal, usually for its meat: The lambs are taken to the local abattoir to be slaughtered.
2 to kill a large number of people or animals violently: Men, women and children were slaughtered and villages destroyed.
3 (informal) to defeat sb/sth by a large number of points in a sports game, competition, etc: We were slaughtered 10–1 by the home team.

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slaugh.ter.house
noun (BrE also ab.at.toir) a building where animals are killed for food
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Slav
noun a member of any of the races of people of central and eastern Europe who speak Slavic languages
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slave
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who is legally owned by another person and is forced to work for them: She treated her daughter like a slave.
2 ~ of / to sth a person who is so strongly influenced by sth that they cannot live without it, or cannot make their own decisions: We are slaves of the motor car.  Sue’s a slave to fashion.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (away) (at sth) to work very hard: I’ve been slaving away all day trying to get this work finished.  I haven’t got time to spend hours slaving over a hot stove (= doing a lot of cooking).

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'slave-driver
noun (disapproving) a person who makes people work extremely hard
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,slave 'labour
(BrE ) (AmE,slave 'labor) noun [U]
1 work that is done by slaves; the slaves who do the work: Huge palaces were built by slave labour.
2 (informal) work that is very hard and very badly paid: I left because the job was just slave labour.
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slaver^1
verb [v] (usually of an animal) to let SALIVA (= the liquid produced in the mouth) run out of the mouth, especially because of hunger or excitement: slavering dogs
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slaver^2
noun
1 (in the past) a person who bought and sold slaves
2 a ship that was used in the past for carrying slaves
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slav.ery
noun [U]
1 the state of being a slave: to be sold / born into slavery
2 the practice of having slaves: the abolition of slavery
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'slave trade
noun [sing.] the buying and selling of people as slaves, especially in the 17th–19th centuries
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Slav.ic
(also Slav.on.ic) adj. of or connected with Slavs or their languages, which include Russian, Polish and Czech
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slav.ish
adj. (disapproving) following or copying sb/sth exactly without having any original thought at all
slav.ish.ly adv.
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Sla.von.ic
adj. = SLAVIC
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slay
verb (slew slain ) [vn]
1 (old-fashioned or literary) to kill sb/sth in a war or a fight: St George slew the dragon.
2 (especially AmE) (used especially in newspapers) to murder sb: Two passengers were slain by the hijackers.
3 (old-fashioned informal, especially AmE) to have a strong effect on sb: Those old movies still slay me!
slay.ing noun (especially AmE): the drug-related slayings of five people
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sleaze
noun
1 [U] (BrE) dishonest, immoral or illegal behaviour, especially by politicians: allegations of sleaze  The candidate was seriously damaged by the sleaze factor.
2 [U] behaviour or conditions that are immoral, unpleasant and not socially acceptable: the sleaze of a town that was once a naval base
3 [C] (also sleaze.bag sleaze.ball especially in AmE) a dishonest or immoral person
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sleazy
adj. (sleaz.ier, sleazi.est) (informal)
1 (of a place) dirty, unpleasant and not socially acceptable: a sleazy bar  a sleazy neighbourhood
2 (of people) immoral and unpleasant: a sleazy reporter / lawyer
sleazi.ness noun [U]
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sled
noun, verb (-dd-) (especially AmE ) = SLEDGE
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sledge
(BrE ) (also sledAmE, BrE) noun, verb
noun a vehicle for travelling over snow and ice, with long narrow strips of wood or metal instead of wheels. Larger sledges are pulled by horses or dogs and smaller ones are used for going down hills as a sport or for pleasure.—compare SLEIGH , TOBOGGAN

verb [v] to ride on a sledge / sled : We were hoping we could go sledging .

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sledge.ham.mer
noun a large heavy hammer with a long handle
IDM use a ,sledgehammer to crack a 'nut to use more force than is necessary
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sleek
adj. (sleek.er, sleek.est)
1 (approving) smooth and shiny: sleek black hair / fur  the sleek dark head of a seal
2 (approving) having an elegant smooth shape: a sleek yacht  the sleek lines of the new car
3 (often disapproving) (of a person) looking rich, and dressed in elegant and expensive clothes: a sleek and ambitious politician  sleek businessmen / lawyers
sleek.ly adv.
sleek.ness noun [U]
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sleep
verb, noun
verb (slept, slept )
1 [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] to rest with your eyes closed and your mind and body not active: to sleep well / deeply / soundly / badly  I couldn’t sleep because of the noise.  I had to sleep on the sofa.  He slept solidly for ten hours.  I slept at my sister’s house last night (= stayed the night there).  We both slept right through (= were not woken up by) the storm.  She only sleeps for four hours a night.  We sometimes sleep late at the weekends (= until late in the morning).  I put the sleeping baby down gently.  What are our sleeping arrangements here (= where shall we sleep)?
HELP It is more common to say that somebody is asleep than to say that somebody is sleeping. Sleep can only be used in the passive with a preposition such as in or on: It was clear her bed hadn’t been slept in.
2 [vn] [no passive] to have enough beds for a particular number of people: The apartment sleeps six.  The hotel sleeps 120 guests.
IDM let sleeping dogs 'lie (saying) to avoid mentioning a subject or sth that happened in the past, in order to avoid any problems or arguments sleep like a 'log / 'baby (informal) to sleep very well sleep 'tight (informal, spoken) used especially to children before they go to bed to say that you hope they sleep well: Good night, sleep tight!—more at ROUGH adv. , WINK n.
PVR V ,sleep a'round (informal, disapproving) to have sex with a lot of different people ,sleep 'in to sleep until after the time you usually get up in the morning ,sleep sth<->'off to get better after sth, especially drinking too much alcohol, by sleeping: Let’s leave him to sleep it off . 'sleep on sth (informal) to delay making a decision about sth until the next day, so that you have time to think about it: Could I sleep on it and let you know tomorrow? ,sleep 'over to stay the night at sb else’s home: It’s very late now—why don’t you sleep over?  Can I sleep over at my friend’s house?—related noun SLEEPOVER 'sleep together| 'sleep with sb (informal) to have sex with sb, especially sb you are not married to: I know he’s going out with her, but I don’t think they’re sleeping together.  Everyone knows she sleeps with the boss.

noun
1 [U] the natural state of rest in which your eyes are closed, your body is not active, and your mind is not conscious: I need to get some sleep .  I didn’t get much sleep last night.  Can you give me something to help me get to sleep (= start sleeping)?  Go to sleep —it’s late.  He cried out in his sleep .  Anxiety can be caused by lack of sleep .  His talk nearly sent me to sleep (= it was boring).  Try to go back to sleep .
2 [sing.] a period of sleep: Did you have a good sleep?  Ros fell into a deep sleep.  I’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep (= a night when I sleep well).
3 [U] (informal) the substance that sometimes forms in the corners of your eyes after you have been sleeping
IDM be able to do sth in your 'sleep (informal) to be able to do sth very easily because you have done it many times before ,go to 'sleep (informal) if part of your body goes to sleep, you lose the sense of feeling in it, usually because it has been in the same position for too long not lose 'sleep / lose no 'sleep over sth to not worry much about sth: It’s not worth losing sleep over. put sb to 'sleep (informal) to make sb unconscious before an operation by using drugs, (called an ANAESTHETIC ) put sth to 'sleep to kill a sick or injured animal by giving it drugs so that it dies without pain. People say ‘put to sleep’ to avoid saying ‘kill’.—more at WINK n.

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sleep.er
noun
1 (used with an adjective) a person who sleeps in a particular way: a heavy / light / sound sleeper
2 a person who is asleep: Only the snores of the sleepers broke the silence of the house.
3 a night train with beds for passengers on it: the London–Edinburgh sleeper
4 = SLEEPING CAR
5 (BrE) (AmE tie) one of the heavy beams of wood or CONCRETE on which the rails on a railway/railroad track are laid
6 (informal, especially AmE) a film/movie, play or book that for a long time is not very successful and then is suddenly a success
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'sleeping bag
noun a thick warm bag that you use for sleeping in, for example when you are camping—picture at BED
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'sleeping car
(also sleep.er) noun a railway/railroad carriage with beds for people to sleep in
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,sleeping 'partner
(BrE ) (AmE ,silent 'partner) noun a person who has put money into a business company but who is not actually involved in running it
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'sleeping pill
(BrE also 'sleeping tablet) noun a PILL containing a drug that helps you to sleep
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,sleeping po'liceman
noun (BrE , informal) = SPEED HUMP
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'sleeping sickness
noun [U] a tropical disease carried by the TSETSE FLY that causes a feeling of wanting to go to sleep and usually causes death
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sleep.less
adj.
1 [only before noun] without sleep: I’ve had a few sleepless nights recently.
2 [not before noun] not able to sleep: She lay sleepless until dawn.
sleep.less.ly adv.
sleep.less.ness noun [U]: to suffer from sleeplessness—see also INSOMNIA
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sleep.over
(AmE also 'slumber party) noun a party for children or young people when a group of them spend the night at one house
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sleep.walk
verb [v] to walk around while you are asleep
sleep.walk.er (also formal som.nam.bu.list) noun
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sleepy
adj. (sleep.ier, sleepi.est)
1 needing sleep; ready to go to sleep: a sleepy child  He had begun to feel sleepy.  The heat and the wine made her sleepy.
2 (of places) quiet and where nothing much happens: a sleepy little town
sleep.ily adv.: She yawned sleepily.
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sleet
noun, verb
noun [U] a mixture of rain and snow

verb [v] when it sleets, a mixture of rain and snow falls from the sky: It’s sleeting!

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sleeve
noun
1 a part of a piece of clothing that covers all or part of your arm: a dress with short / long sleeves  Dan rolled up his sleeves and washed his hands.—see also SHIRTSLEEVE —
2 (-sleeved) (in adjectives) having sleeves of the type mentioned: a short-sleeved shirt
3 (also jacket especially in AmE) a stiff paper or cardboard envelope for a record: a colourful sleeve design  sleeve notes (= information about the music or the performers on the record)
4 a tube that covers a part of a machine to protect it
sleeve.less adj.: a sleeveless dress
IDM have / keep sth up your 'sleeve to keep a plan or an idea secret until you need to use it—more at ACE n. , CARD n. , LAUGH v. , ROLL v. , TRICK n. , WEAR v.
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sleigh
noun a SLEDGE (= a vehicle that slides over snow), especially one pulled by horses: a sleigh ride
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sleight
noun
IDM ,sleight of 'hand
1 skilful movements of your hand that other people cannot see: The trick is done simply by sleight of hand.
2 an act of deceiving people in a clever way
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slen.der
adj. (slen.derer, slen.derest)
HELP You can also use more slender and most slender.
1 (approving) (of people or their bodies) thin in an attractive or graceful way
SYN SLIM : her slender figure  long, slender fingers  a slender young woman
2 thin or narrow: a glass with a slender stem
3 small in amount or size and hardly enough: to win by a slender margin / majority  people of slender means (= with little money)  Australia held a slender 1–0 lead at half-time.
slen.der.ness noun [U]
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slept
pt, pp of SLEEP
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sleuth
noun (old-fashioned or humorous) a person who investigates crimes
SYN DETECTIVE : an amateur sleuth
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sleuth.ing
noun [U] the act of investigating a crime or mysterious event: to do some private sleuthing
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slew
verb, noun —see also SLAY v.
verb [+adv. / prep.] (especially of a vehicle) to turn or slide suddenly in another direction; to make a vehicle do this: [v] The car skidded and slewed sideways.  [vn] He slewed the motorbike over as they hit the freeway.

noun [sing.] ~ of sth (informal, especially AmE ) a large number or amount of sth: This year has seen a whole slew of novels set in Hong Kong.

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slice
noun, verb
noun
1 a thin flat piece of food that has been cut off a larger piece: a slice of bread / ham  Cut the meat into thin slices.—
2 (informal) a part or share of sth: Our firm is well placed to grab a large slice of the market.  The rent for my room was a large slice out of my budget.
3 a kitchen UTENSIL (= tool) that you use to lift and serve pieces of food: a fish slice
4 (sport) (in golf, tennis, etc.) a stroke that makes the ball spin to one side rather than going straight ahead
IDM a ,slice of 'life a film/movie, play or book that gives a very realistic view of ordinary life—more at PIE , ACTION , CAKE n.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to cut sth into slices: to slice (up) onions / mushrooms / meat  Slice the cucumber thinly.  a sliced loaf  a loaf of sliced bread
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to cut sth easily with or as if with a sharp blade: [v] He accidentally sliced through his finger.  A piece of glass sliced into his shoulder.   (figurative) Her speech sliced through all the confusion surrounding the situation.  [vn] The knife sliced his jacket.   (figurative) The ship sliced the water. [alsovn-adj]
3 [vn] (sport) to hit a ball so that it spins and does not move in the expected direction: He managed to slice a shot over the net.
4 [vn] (in golf) to hit the ball so that it flies away in a curve, usually without meaning to
5 [vn] (AmE, informal) to reduce sth by a large amount: The new tax has sliced annual bonuses by 30 percent.
IDM see THING , WAY n.
PVR V ,slice sth<->'off / a'way| ,slice sth 'off sth to cut sth from a larger piece: Slice a piece off.   (figurative) He sliced two seconds off the world record.

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slick
adj., noun, verb
adj. (slick.er, slick.est)
1 (sometimes disapproving) done or made in a way that is clever and efficient but often does not seem to be sincere or lacks important ideas: a slick advertising campaign  a slick performance  You had to admire the slick presentation of last night’s awards ceremony.
2 (sometimes disapproving) speaking very easily and smoothly but in a way that does not seem sincere
SYN GLIB : slick TV presenters  a slick salesman  Her reply was too fast, too slick.
3 done quickly and smoothly: The crowd enjoyed the team’s slick passing.  a slick gear change
4 smooth and difficult to hold or move on: The roads were slick with rain.
slick.ly adv.: The magazine is slickly produced.
slick.ness noun [U]

noun
1 (also 'oil slick) an area of oil that is floating on the surface of the sea
2 a small area of sth wet and shiny: a slick of sweat

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] to make hair very flat and smooth by putting oil, water, etc. on it: His hair was slicked back / down with gel.

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slick.er
noun (AmE ) a long loose coat that keeps you dry in the rain—see also CITY SLICKER
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slide
verb, noun
verb (slid, slid )
MOVE SMOOTHLY / QUIETLY|
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move easily over a smooth or wet surface; to make sth move in this way: [v] We slid down the grassy slope.  The drawers slide in and out easily.  [vn] She slid her hand along the rail.  [v-adj] The automatic doors slid open. [alsovn-adj]
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move quickly and quietly, for example in order not to be noticed; to make sth move in this way: [v] He slid into bed.  She slid out while no one was looking.  [vn] The man slid the money quickly into his pocket.
BECOME LOWER / WORSE|
3 [v] ~ (from … ) (to … ) to become gradually lower or of less value: Shares slid to a 10-year low.
4 [v] ~ (down / into / towards sth) to move gradually into a worse situation: The industry has slid into decline.  They were sliding towards bankruptcy.  He got depressed and began to let things slide (= failed to give things the attention they needed).

noun
BECOMING LOWER / WORSE|
1 [C, usually sing.] a change to a lower or worse condition: a downward slide in the price of oil  the team’s slide down the table  talks to prevent a slide into civil war  The economy is on the slide (= getting worse).
ON ICE|
2 [sing.] a long, smooth movement on ice or a smooth surface: Her car went into a slide.
FOR CHILDREN|
3 [C] a structure with a steep slope that children use for sliding down: to go down the slide
FALL OF ROCK|
4 [C] a sudden fall of a large amount of rock or earth down a hill: I was afraid of starting a slide of loose stones.—see also LANDSLIDE
PHOTOGRAPH|
5 [C] a small piece of film held in a frame that can be shown on a screen when you shine a light through it
SYN TRANSPARENCY : a talk with colour slides  a slide show / projector
FOR MICROSCOPE|
6 [C] a small piece of glass that sth is placed on so that it can be looked at under a MICROSCOPE —picture at LABORATORY
PART OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENT|
7 [C] a part of a musical instrument or other device that slides backwards and forwards
FOR HAIR|
8 [C] (BrE) = HAIRSLIDE

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'slide rule
noun a long narrow instrument like a ruler, with a middle part that slides backwards and forwards, used for calculating numbers
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,sliding 'door
noun a door that slides across an opening rather than swinging away from it
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,sliding 'scale
noun a system in which the rate at which sth is paid varies according to particular conditions: Fees are calculated on a sliding scale according to income (= richer people pay more).
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slight
adj., noun, verb
adj. (slight.er, slight.est)
1 very small in degree: a slight increase / change / delay / difference  I woke up with a slight headache.  The damage was slight.  She takes offence at the slightest thing (= is very easily offended).  There was not the slightest hint of trouble.  He is, without the slightest doubt, the greatest living novelist.
2 small and thin in size: a slight figure / man
3 (formal) not deserving serious attention: This is a very slight novel.
IDM not in the 'slightest not at all: He didn’t seem to mind in the slightest.

noun ~ (on sb/sth) an act or a remark that criticizes sth or offends sb: Nick took her comment as a slight on his abilities as a manager.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to treat sb rudely or without respect; to insult sb: She felt slighted because she hadn’t been invited.
slight.ing adj. [only before noun]: slighting remarks / references

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slight.ly
adv.
1 a little: a slightly different version  We took a slightly more direct route.  I knew her slightly.  ‘Are you worried?’‘Only slightly.’
2 a slightly built person is small and thin
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slim
adj., verb
adj. (slim.mer, slim.mest)
1 (approving) (of a person) thin, in a way that is attractive: a slim figure / body / waist  She was tall and slim.  How do you manage to stay so slim?   (figurative) Many companies are a lot slimmer than they used to be (= have fewer workers).
2 thinner than usual: a slim volume of poetry
3 not as big as you would like or expect; small: a slim chance of success  The party was returned to power with a slim majority.—see also SLIMMER , SLIMMING
slim.ness noun [U]

verb (-mm-) [v] (BrE ) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to try to become thinner, for example by eating less: You can still eat breakfast when you are slimming.
PVR V ,slim 'down to become thinner, for example as a result of eating less: She slimmed down to 60 kilos before her wedding. ,slim 'down| ,slim sth<->'down to make a company or an organization smaller, by reducing the number of jobs in it; to be made smaller in this way: They’re restructuring and slimming down the workforce.  The industry may have to slim down even further.  the new, slimmed-down company—see also SLIMMING

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slime
noun [U] any unpleasant thick liquid substance: The pond was full of mud and green slime.—see also SLIMY
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slim.line
adj. [only before noun]
1 smaller or thinner in design than usual: a slimline phone
2 (BrE) (of a drink) containing very little sugar: slimline tonic water
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slim.mer
noun (BrE ) a person who is trying to lose weight: a calorie-controlled diet for slimmers—see also SLIM
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slim.ming
noun [U] (BrE ) the practice of trying to lose weight: a slimming club—see also SLIM
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slimy
adj. (slimi.er, slimi.est)
1 like or covered with SLIME : thick slimy mud  The walls were black, cold and slimy.
2 (informal, disapproving) (of a person or their manner) polite and extremely friendly in a way that is not sincere or honest
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sling
verb, noun
verb (slung, slung ) [usually +adv. / prep.]
1 (informal, especially BrE ) to throw sth somewhere in a careless way: [vn] Don’t just sling your clothes on the floor.  [vnn] Sling me an apple, will you?—see also MUD-SLINGING
2 [vn] [often passive] to put sth somewhere where it hangs loosely: Her bag was slung over her shoulder.  We slung a hammock between two trees.
3 [vn] [often passive] (informal) to put sb somewhere by force; to make sb leave somewhere: They were slung out of the club for fighting.
IDM sling your 'hook (BrE, informal) (used especially in orders) to go away

noun
1 a band of fabric that is tied around a person’s neck and used to support a broken or injured arm: He had his arm in a sling .
2 a device consisting of a band, ropes, etc. for holding and lifting heavy objects: The engine was lifted in a sling of steel rope.
3 a device like a bag for carrying a baby on your back or in front of you
4 (in the past) a simple weapon made from a band of leather, etc., used for throwing stones

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sling.back
noun a woman’s shoe that is open at the back with a strap around the heel
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sling.shot
noun (AmE ) = CATAPULT
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slink
verb (slunk, slunk ) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere very quietly and slowly, especially because you are ashamed or do not want to be seen: John was trying to slink into the house by the back door.  The dog howled and slunk away.
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slinky
adj.
1 (of a woman’s clothes) fitting closely to the body in a sexually attractive way: a slinky black dress
2 (of movement or sound) smooth and slow, often in a way that is sexually attractive: a slinky voice
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slip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
SLIDE / FALL|
1 [v] ~ (over) to slide a short distance accidentally so that you fall or nearly fall: She slipped over on the ice and broke her leg.  As I ran up the stairs, my foot slipped and I fell.
OUT OF POSITION|
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to slide out of position or out of your hand: His hat had slipped over one eye.  The fish slipped out of my hand.  The child slipped from his grasp and ran off.   (figurative) She was careful not to let her control slip.
GO / PUT QUICKLY|
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere quickly and quietly, especially without being noticed: She slipped out of the house before the others were awake.  The ship slipped into the harbour at night.   (figurative) She knew that time was slipping away.
4 to put sth somewhere quickly, quietly or secretly: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : Anna slipped her hand into his.  He slipped the letter back into its envelope.  I managed to slip a few jokes into my speech.  I managed to slip in a few jokes.  [vnn, vn] They’d slipped the guards some money.  They’d slipped some money to the guards.
BECOME WORSE|
5 [v] to fall to a lower level; to become worse: His popularity has slipped recently.  The director never lets the tension slip.  That’s three times she’s beaten me—I must be slipping !
INTO DIFFICULT SITUATION|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to pass into a particular state or situation, especially a difficult or unpleasant one: He began to slip into debt.  The patient had slipped into a coma.  We seem to have slipped behind schedule.
CLOTHES ON / OFF|
7 [+adv. / prep.] to put clothes on or to take them off quickly and easily: [v] to slip into / out of a dress  [vn] to slip your shoes on / off  He slipped a coat over his sweatshirt.
GET FREE|
8 to get free; to make sth/sb/yourself free from sth: [vn] The ship had slipped its moorings in the night.  [v-adj] The animal had slipped free and escaped. [alsovn-adj] let 'slip sth to give sb information that is supposed to be secret: I happened to let it slip that he had given me £1 000 for the car.  She tried not to let slip what she knew. let sth 'slip (through your fingers) to miss or fail to use an opportunity: Don’t let the chance to work abroad slip through your fingers. slip your 'mind if sth slips your mind, you forget it or forget to do it: I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It completely slipped my mind. ,slip one 'over on sb (informal) to trick sb slip through the 'net when sb/sth slips through the net, an organization or a system fails to find them and deal with them: We tried to contact all former students, but one or two slipped through the net.—more at GEAR n. , TONGUE n. ,slip a'way to stop existing; to disappear or die: Their support gradually slipped away. ,slip 'out when sth slips out, you say it without really intending to: I’m sorry I said that. It just slipped out. ,slip 'up (informal) to make a careless mistake: We can’t afford to slip up.—related noun SLIP-UP

noun
SMALL MISTAKE|
1 a small mistake, usually made by being careless or not paying attention: He recited the whole poem without making a single slip.—see also FREUDIAN SLIP
PIECE OF PAPER|
2 a small piece of paper, especially one for writing on or with sth printed on it: I wrote it down on a slip of paper.  a betting slip—see also PAYSLIP
ACT OF SLIPPING|
3 an act of slipping: One slip and you could fall to your death.
CLOTHING|
4 a piece of women’s underwear like a thin dress or skirt, worn under a dress
IN CRICKET|
5 a player who stands behind and to one side of the BATSMAN and tries to catch the ball; the position on the field where this player stands give sb the 'slip (informal) to escape or get away from sb who is following or chasing you a 'slip of a boy, girl, etc. (old-fashioned) a small or thin, usually young, person a slip of the 'pen / 'tongue a small mistake in sth that you write or say: Did I call you Richard? Sorry, Robert, just a slip of the tongue.

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'slip cover
noun (AmE ) = LOOSE COVER
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'slip-on
noun a shoe that you can slide your feet into without having to tie LACES : a pair of slip-ons / slip-on shoes
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slip.page
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (written)
1 failure to achieve an aim or complete a task by a particular date
2 a slight or gradual fall in the amount, value, etc. of sth
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,slipped 'disc
noun a painful condition caused when one of the DISCS between the bones of the SPINE in a person’s back moves out of place
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slip.per
noun a loose soft shoe that you wear in the house: a pair of slippers—see also CARPET SLIPPER —picture at SHOE
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slip.pery
adj.
1 (also informal slippy) difficult to hold or to stand or move on, because it is smooth, wet or polished: slippery like a fish  In places the path can be wet and slippery.  His hand was slippery with sweat.
2 (informal) (of a person) that you cannot trust: Don’t believe what he says—he’s a slippery customer.
3 (informal) (of a situation, subject, problem, etc.) difficult to deal with and that you have to think about carefully: Freedom is a slippery concept (= because its meaning changes according to your point of view).
IDM the / a slippery 'slope a course of action that is difficult to stop once it has begun, and can lead to serious problems or disaster
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'slip road
(BrE ) (AmE ramp) noun a road used for driving onto or off a motorway/freeway—compare ACCESS ROAD
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slip.shod
adj. done without care; doing things without care
SYN CARELESS : The work was done in a slipshod manner.
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slip.stream
noun [sing.] the stream of air behind a vehicle that is moving very fast
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'slip-up
noun (informal) a careless mistake: We cannot afford another slip-up like this one.
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slip.way
noun a sloping track leading down to water, on which ships are built or pulled up out of the water for repairs, or from which they are LAUNCHED (= put into the water)
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slit
noun, verb
noun a long narrow cut or opening: a long skirt with a slit up the side  His eyes narrowed into slits.

verb (slit.ting, slit, slit) to make a long narrow cut or opening in sth: [vn] Slit the roll with a sharp knife.  The child’s throat had been slit.  Her skirt was slit at both sides (= designed with an opening at the bottom on each side).  [vn-adj] He slit open the envelope and took out the letter.

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slither
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to move somewhere in a smooth, controlled way, often close to the ground: The snake slithered away as we approached.
2 to move somewhere without much control, for example because the ground is steep or wet: We slithered down the slope to the road.  They were slithering around on the ice.
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sliver
noun a small or thin piece of sth that is cut or broken off from a larger piece: slivers of glass / wood   (figurative) A sliver of light showed under the door.
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Sloane
noun (BrE , informal, often disapproving) a young person, especially a woman, from a rich upper-class background, especially one who lives in a fashionable area of London
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slob
noun, verb
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is lazy and dirty or untidy: Get out of bed, you fat slob!

verb (-bb-)
PVR V ,slob a'round / 'out (BrE, slang) to spend time being lazy and doing nothing

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slob.ber
verb [v] to let SALIVA come out of your mouth: The baby was slobbering all over her bib.
PVR V 'slobber over sb/sth (informal, disapproving) to show how much you like or want sb/sth without any pride or control
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sloe
noun a bitter wild fruit like a small PLUM that grows on a bush called a BLACKTHORN
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slog
verb, noun
verb (-gg-) (informal)
1 ~ (through sth)| ~ (away) (at sth) to work hard and steadily at sth, especially sth that takes a long time and is boring or difficult: [v] He’s been slogging away at that piece of music for weeks.  [vn] She slogged her way through four piles of ironing.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk or travel somewhere steadily, with great effort or difficulty: He started to slog his way through the undergrowth.  I’ve been slogging around the streets of London all day.
3 [vn, v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to hit a ball very hard but often without skill
IDM ,slog it 'out (BrE, informal) to fight or compete in order to prove who is the strongest, the best, etc.—more at GUT n.

noun [U, C, usually sing.] a period of hard work or effort: Writing the book took ten months of hard slog.  It was a long slog to the top of the mountain.

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slo.gan
(also AmE informal 'tag line) noun a word or phrase that is easy to remember, used for example by a political party or in advertising to attract people’s attention or to suggest an idea quickly: an advertising / a campaign slogan  The crowd began chanting anti-government slogans.
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slo.gan.eer.ing
noun [U] (disapproving) the use of slogans in advertisements, by politicians, etc.
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sloop
noun a small sailing ship with one MAST (= a post to support the sails)
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slop
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a liquid) to move around in a container, often so that some liquid comes out over the edge: Water was slopping around in the bottom of the boat.  As he put the glass down the beer slopped over onto the table.
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make liquid or food come out of a container in an untidy way: He got out of the bath, slopping water over the sides.  She slopped some beans onto a plate.
PVR V ,slop a'bout / a'round (BrE, informal)
1 to spend time relaxing or being lazy: He used to slop around all day in his pyjamas.
2 to move around in water, mud. etc: She was enjoying slopping about in the water. ,slop 'out (BrE) when prisoners slop out, they empty the containers that they use as toilets

noun [U] (also slops [pl.])
1 waste food, sometimes fed to animals
2 liquid or partly liquid waste, for example URINE or dirty water from baths: a slop bucket

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slope
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a surface or piece of land that slopes (= is higher at one end than the other): a grassy / wooded slope  The town is built on a slope .
2 [C, usually pl.] an area of land that is part of a mountain or hill: the eastern slopes of the Andes  ski slopes  He spends all winter on the slopes (= skiing).—picture at MOUNTAIN
3 [sing., U] the amount by which sth slopes: a gentle / steep slope  a slope of 45 degrees  the angle of slope
IDM see SLIPPERY

verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] (of a horizontal surface) to be at an angle so that it is higher at one end than the other: The garden slopes away towards the river.  The path sloped gently down.  sloping shoulders
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] (of sth vertical) to be at an angle rather than being straight or upright: His handwriting slopes backwards.  It was a very old house with sloping walls.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE, informal) to go somewhere quietly, especially in order to avoid sth/sb: They got bored waiting for him and sloped off .

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sloppy
adj. (slop.pier, slop.pi.est)
1 that shows a lack of care, thought or effort: sloppy thinking / speech  Your work is sloppy.  a sloppy writer / worker / dresser
2 (of clothes) loose and without much shape: a sloppy T-shirt
3 (informal, especially BrE) romantic in a silly or embarrassing way: a sloppy, sentimental love story
4 containing too much liquid: Don’t make the mixture too sloppy.   (informal) She gave him a big sloppy kiss.
slop.pily adv.: a sloppily run department
slop.pi.ness noun [U]: There is no excuse for sloppiness in your work.
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sloppy joe
noun (AmE ) finely chopped meat served in a spicy tomato sauce inside a BUN (= bread roll)
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slosh
verb [+adv. / prep.] (informal)
1 [v] (of liquid) to move around making a lot of noise or coming out over the edge of sth: The water was sloshing around under our feet.  Some of the paint sloshed out of the can.
2 [vn] to make liquid move in a noisy way; to use liquid carelessly: The children were sloshing water everywhere.  She sloshed coffee into the mugs.
3 [v] to walk noisily in water or mud: We all sloshed around in the puddles.
PVR V ,slosh a'bout / a'round (BrE, informal) (especially of money) to be available or present in large quantities: There’s a lot of money sloshing around in professional tennis.
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sloshed
adj. (slang) drunk
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slot
noun, verb
noun
1 a long narrow opening, into which you put or fit sth: to put some coins in the slot
2 a position, a time or an opportunity for sb/sth, for example in a list, a programme of events or a series of broadcasts: He has a regular slot on the late-night programme.  Their album has occupied the Number One slot for the past six weeks.  the airport’s take-off and landing slots

verb (-tt-) [+adv. / prep.] to put sth into a space that is available or designed for it; to fit into such a space: [vn] He slotted a cassette into the VCR.  The bed comes in sections which can be quickly slotted together .  [v] The dishwasher slots neatly between the cupboards.
IDM see PLACE n.
PVR V ,slot sb/sth<->'in to manage to find a position, a time or an opportunity for sb/sth: I can slot you in between 3 and 4.  We slotted in some extra lessons before the exam.

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sloth
noun
1 [C] a S American animal that lives in trees and moves very slowly
2 [U] (formal) the bad habit of being lazy and unwilling to work
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sloth.ful
adj. (formal) lazy
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'slot machine
noun
1 (BrE) a machine with an opening for coins, used for selling things such as cigarettes and bars of chocolate
2 (especially AmE) = FRUIT MACHINE
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slot.ted
adj. [usually before noun] (especially technical ) having a SLOT or SLOTS in it: a screw with a slotted head
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,slotted 'spoon
noun a large spoon with holes in it
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slouch
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to stand, sit or move in a lazy way, often with your shoulders and head bent forward: Several students were slouching against the wall.  Sit up straight. Don’t slouch.

noun [usually sing.] a way of standing or sitting in which your shoulders are not straight, so that you look tired or lazy
IDM be no 'slouch (informal) to be very good at sth or quick to do sth: She’s no slouch on the guitar.

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slough^1
verb [vn] ~ sth (off) to lose a layer of dead skin, etc: a snake sloughing its skin  Slough off dead skin cells by using a facial scrub.
PVR V ,slough sth<->'off (formal) to get rid of sth that you no longer want: Responsibilities are not sloughed off so easily.
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slough^2
noun (literary)
1 [sing.] ~ of misery, despair, etc. a state of sadness with no hope
2 [C] a very soft wet area of land
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slov.en.ly
adj. careless, untidy or dirty in appearance or habits: He grew lazy and slovenly in his habits.  a slovenly attitude / appearance
slov.en.li.ness noun [U]
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slow
adj., adv., verb
adj. (slow.er, slow.est)
NOT FAST|
1 not moving, acting or done quickly; taking a long time; not fast: a slow driver / walker / reader  Progress was slower than expected.  The country is experiencing slow but steady economic growth.  Collecting data is a painfully slow process.  a slow, lingering death  Oh you’re so slow; come on, hurry up!  The slow movement opens with a cello solo.  She gave a slow smile.
2 not going or allowing you to go at a fast speed: I missed the fast train and had to get the slow one (= the one that stops at all the stations).  We drove in the slow lane.
WITH DELAY|
3 ~ to do sth| ~ (in) doing sth hesitating to do sth or not doing sth immediately: She wasn’t slow to realize what was going on.  His poetry was slow in achieving recognition.  They were very slow paying me.
NOT CLEVER|
4 not quick to learn; finding things hard to understand: He’s the slowest in the class.
NOT BUSY|
5 not very busy; containing little action: Sales are slow (= not many goods are being sold).
WATCH / CLOCK|
6 [not before noun] showing a time earlier than the correct time: My watch is five minutes slow (= it shows 1.45 when it is 1.50).
IN PHOTOGRAPHY|
7 slow film is not very sensitive to light
slow.ness noun [U]: There was impatience over the slowness of reform. do a slow 'burn (AmE, informal) to slowly get angry—more at MARK n. , UPTAKE

adv. (slow.er, slow.est) (used especially in the comparative and superlative forms, or in compounds) at a slow speed
SYN SLOWLY : Could you go a little slower?  slow-drying paint  slow-moving traffic   (AmE ) Drive slow! go 'slow (on sth) to show less enthusiasm for achieving sth: The government is going slow on tax reforms.—see also GO-SLOW

verb ~ (sth/sb) (down / up) to go or to make sth/sb go at a slower speed or be less active: [v] The car slowed down as it approached the junction.  The bus slowed to a halt .  Economic growth has slowed a little.  The game slowed up a little in the second half.  You must slow down a little (= work less hard) or you’ll make yourself ill.  [vn] The ice on the roads was slowing us down.  We hope to slow the spread of the disease.—see also SLOWDOWN

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slow.coach
(BrE ) (AmE 'slow.poke) noun (informal) a person who moves, acts or works too slowly
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slow.down
noun
1 a reduction in speed or activity: a slowdown in economic growth
2 (AmE) = GO-SLOW
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'slow lane
noun [sing.] the part of a main road such as a motorway where vehicles drive slowest
IDM in the 'slow lane not making progress as fast as other people, countries, companies, etc.
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slow.ly
adv. at a slow speed; not quickly: to move / walk / turn slowly  Please could you speak more slowly?  The boat chugged slowly along.  He found that life moved slowly in the countryside.  Don’t rush into a decision. Take it slowly .  Slowly things began to improve.  note at SLOW
IDM ,slowly but 'surely making slow but definite progress: We’ll get there slowly but surely.
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,slow 'motion
noun [U] (in a film / movie or on television) the method of showing action at a much slower speed than it happened in real life: Some scenes were filmed in slow motion .  a slow-motion replay
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slow.poke
noun (AmE , informal) = SLOWCOACH
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'slow-witted
adj. not able to think quickly; slow to learn or understand things
OPP QUICK-WITTED
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'slow-worm
noun a small European reptile with no legs, like a snake
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SLR
abbr. single-lens reflex (= used to describe a camera in which there is one LENS which is used both for the film, and for the photographer to look through)
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sludge
noun [U]
1 thick, soft, wet mud or a substance that looks like it: There was some sludge at the bottom of the tank.
2 industrial or human waste that has been treated: industrial / chemical sludge  the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer on farm land
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slug
noun, verb
noun
1 a small soft creature, like a SNAIL without a shell, that moves very slowly and often eats garden plants—
2 (informal) a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink: He took another slug of whisky.
3 (informal, especially AmE) a bullet
4 (AmE, informal) a piece of metal shaped like a coin used to get things from machines, etc., sometimes illegally

verb (-gg-) [vn]
1 (informal) to hit sb hard, especially with your closed hand
2 (in baseball) to hit the ball hard
IDM ,slug it 'out to fight or compete until it is clear who has won

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slug.gish
adj. moving, reacting or working more slowly than normal and in a way that seems lazy: sluggish traffic  a sluggish economy  the sluggish black waters of the canal  He felt very heavy and sluggish after the meal.
slug.gish.ly adv.
slug.gish.ness noun [U]
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sluice
noun, verb
noun (also 'sluice gate) a sliding gate or other device for controlling the flow of water out of or into a canal, etc.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (down / out)| ~ sth (with sth) to wash sth with a stream of water: The ship’s crew was sluicing down the deck.  I quickly sluiced my face with cold water.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of water) to flow somewhere in large quantities: Rain was sluicing down.

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slum
noun, verb
noun an area of a city that is very poor and where the houses are dirty and in bad condition: a slum area / district  city / urban slums  She was brought up in the slums of London.

verb (-mm-) [v] (usually be slumming) (informal) to spend time in places or conditions that are much worse than those you are used to: There are plenty of ways you can cut costs on your trip without slumming.
IDM 'slum it to accept conditions that are worse than those you are used to: Several businessmen had to slum it in economy class.

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slum.ber
noun, verb
noun [U, C, usually pl.] (literary) sleep; a time when sb is asleep: She fell into a deep and peaceful slumber.

verb [v] (literary) to sleep

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'slumber party
noun (AmE ) = SLEEPOVER
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slump
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (by sth)| ~ (from sth) (to sth) to fall in price, value, number, etc., suddenly and by a large amount: Sales have slumped this year.  Profits slumped by over 50%.  The paper’s circulation has slumped to 90 000.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to sit or fall down heavily: The old man slumped down in his chair.  She slumped to her knees.

noun
1 ~ (in sth) a sudden fall in sales, prices, the value of sth, etc: a slump in sales / profits
2 a period when a country’s economy or a business is doing very badly: the slump of the 1930s  Housing sales are finally coming out of a three-month slump.  The toy industry is in a slump.—compare BOOM n. (1)

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slumped
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (against / over sth) sitting with your body leaning forward, for example because you are asleep or unconscious: The driver was slumped exhausted over the wheel.  There was a slumped figure in the chair.
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slung
pt, pp of SLING
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slunk
pt, pp of SLINK
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slur
verb, noun
verb (-rr-)
1 to pronounce words in a way that is not clear so that they run into each other, usually because you are drunk or tired: [vn] She had drunk too much and her speech was slurred. [alsov speech]
2 [vn] (music) to play or sing a group of two or more musical notes so that each one runs smoothly into the next
3 [vn] to harm sb’s reputation by making unfair or false statements about them: She accused the programme of slurring the company’s name.

noun
1 ~ (on sb/sth) an unfair remark about sb/sth that may damage other people’s opinion of them: She had dared to cast a slur on his character.   (especially AmE) The crowd started throwing bottles and shouting racial slurs .
2 (music) a curved sign used to show that two or more notes are to be played smoothly and without a break

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slurp
verb (informal)
1 to make a loud noise while you are drinking sth: [vn] He was slurping his tea.  [v] She slurped noisily from her cup.
2 [v] to make a noise like this: The water slurped in the tank.
slurp noun [usually sing.]: She took a slurp from her mug.
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slurry
noun [U] a thick liquid consisting of water mixed with animal waste, clay, coal dust or CEMENT
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slush
noun [U]
1 partly melted snow that is usually dirty: In the city the clean white snow had turned to grey slush.
2 (informal, disapproving) stories, films/movies or feelings that are considered to be silly and without value because they are too emotional and romantic
slushy adj.: slushy pavements  slushy romantic fiction
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'slush fund
noun (disapproving) a sum of money kept for illegal purposes, especially in politics
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slut
noun (disapproving, offensive)
1 a woman who has many sexual partners
2 a woman who is very untidy or lazy
slut.tish adj.
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sly
adj.
1 (disapproving) acting or done in a secret or dishonest way, often intending to trick people
SYN CUNNING : a sly political move   (humorous) You sly old devil! How long have you known?
2 [usually before noun] suggesting that you know sth secret that other people do not know
SYN KNOWING : a sly smile / grin / look / glance
slyly adv.: He glanced at her slyly.
sly.ness noun [U]
IDM on the 'sly secretly; not wanting other people to discover what you are doing: He has to visit them on the sly.
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smack
verb, noun, adv.
verb
1 [vn] (especially BrE) to hit sb with your open hand, especially as a punishment: I think it’s wrong to smack children.—compare SPANK
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth somewhere with a lot of force so that it makes a loud noise: She smacked her hand down on to the table.  He smacked a fist into the palm of his hand.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to hit against sth with a lot of force: Two players accidentally smacked into each other.
IDM see LIP
PVR V smack of sth to seem to contain or involve a particular unpleasant quality: Her behaviour smacks of hypocrisy.  Today’s announcement smacks of a government cover-up.

noun
1 [C] (especially BrE) a sharp hit given with your open hand, especially to a child as a punishment: You’ll get a smack on your backside if you’re not careful.
2 [C] (informal) a hard hit given with a closed hand: a smack on the jaw
3 [C, usually sing.] a short loud sound: She closed the ledger with a smack.
4 [C] (informal) a loud kiss: a smack on the lips / cheek
5 [U] (slang) the drug HEROIN : smack addicts / dealers
6 [C] (BrE) a small fishing boat

adv. (informal)
1 (AmE also 'smack-dab) exactly or directly in a place: It landed smack in the middle of the carpet.
2 with sudden, violent force, often making a loud noise: The car drove smack into a brick wall.  He hit me smack in the mouth.

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smack.er
noun
1 (informal) a loud kiss
2 (slang) a British pound or US dollar
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smack.ing
noun [sing., U] (especially BrE ) an act of hitting sb, especially a child, several times with your open hand, as a punishment: He gave both of the children a good smacking.  We don’t approve of smacking.
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small
adj., adv., noun
adj. (small.er, small.est)
NOT LARGE|
1 not large in size, number, degree, amount, etc: a small house / town / car / man  A much smaller number of students passed than I had expected.  They’re having a relatively small wedding.  a small claims court (= for legal claims for small amounts of money)  That dress is too small for you.  ‘I don’t agree,’ he said in a small (= quiet) voice.
2 (abbr.S) used to describe one size in a range of sizes of clothes, food, products used in the house, etc: small, medium, large  This is too big—have you got a small one?
3 not as big as sth else of the same kind: the small intestine
YOUNG|
4 young: They have three small children.  We travelled around a lot when I was small.  As a small boy he had spent most of his time with his grandparents.
NOT IMPORTANT|
5 slight; not important: I made only a few small changes to the report.  She noticed several small errors in his work.  Everything had been planned down to the smallest detail.  It was no small achievement getting her to agree to the deal.
BUSINESS|
6 [usually before noun] not doing business on a very large scale: a small farmer / shopkeeper  The government is planning to give more help to small businesses.
LETTERS|
7 [usually before noun] not written or printed as CAPITALS : Should I write ‘god’ with a small ‘g’ or a capital?  She’s a socialist with a small ‘s’ (= she believes in socialist ideas but is not a member of a socialist party).
NOT MUCH|
8 [only before noun] (used with uncountable nouns) little; not much: The government has small cause for optimism.
small.ness noun [U] be grateful / thankful for small 'mercies to be happy that a situation that is bad is not as bad as it could have been: Well, at least you weren’t hurt. I suppose we should be grateful for small mercies. it’s a ,small 'world (saying) used to express your surprise when you meet sb you know in an unexpected place, or when you are talking to sb and find out that you both know the same person look / feel 'small to look or feel stupid, weak, ashamed, etc.—more at BIG adj. , GREAT adj. , HOUR , SWEAT v. , WAY n. , WONDER n.

adv. (small.er, small.est)
1 into small pieces: Chop the cabbage up small.
2 in a small size: You can fit it all in if you write very small.

noun
1 the ~ of the / sb’s back [sing.] the lower part of the back where it curves in: He felt a sharp pain in the small of his back.
2 (smalls) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) small items of clothing, especially underwear

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'small ads
noun [pl.] (BrE , informal) = CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
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'small arms
noun [pl.] small light weapons that you can carry in your hands
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,small 'beer
(BrE ) (AmE ,small po'tatoes) noun [U] (informal) a person or thing that has no great importance or value, especially when compared with sb/sth else
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,small 'change
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth) coins of low value: Have you got any small change for the phone?
2 something that is of little value when compared with sth else
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,small 'fortune
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a lot of money: That holiday cost me a small fortune.
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'small fry
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] (informal) people or things that are considered unimportant compared to sb/sth else: That’s small fry to her.  People like us are small fry to such a large business.
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small.hold.er
noun (BrE ) a person who owns or rents a small piece of land for farming
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small.hold.ing
noun a small piece of land used for farming
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small.ish
adj. fairly small: a smallish town / child
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,small-'minded
adj. (disapproving) having fixed opinions and ways of doing things and not willing to change them or consider other people’s opinions or feelings; interested in small problems and details and not in things which are really important
,small-'minded.ness noun [U]
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,small po'tatoes
noun [U] (AmE ) = SMALL BEER
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small.pox
noun [U] a serious infectious disease (now extremely rare) that causes fever, leaves permanent marks on the skin and often causes death
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the ,small 'print
(BrE ) (AmE the ,fine 'print) noun [U] the important details of an agreement or a legal document that are usually printed in small type and are therefore easy to miss: Read all the small print before signing.
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,small-'scale
adj.
1 (of an organization, activity, etc.) not large in size or extent; limited in what it does: small-scale farming  a small-scale study of couples in second marriages
2 (of maps, drawings, etc.) drawn to a small SCALE so that not many details are shown
OPP LARGE-SCALE
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the ,small 'screen
noun [sing.] television (when contrasted with cinema): This will be the film’s first showing on the small screen.  his first small-screen role
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'small talk
noun [U] polite conversation about ordinary or unimportant subjects, especially at social occasions
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'small-time
adj. [only before noun] (informal, disapproving) (often of criminals) not very important or successful
SYN PETTY : a small-time crook—compare BIG TIME
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'small-town
adj. [only before noun]
1 (disapproving) not showing much interest in new ideas or what is happening outside your own environment
SYN NARROW-MINDED : small-town values / views
2 connected with a small town: small-town America (= people who live in small towns in America)
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smarmy
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) too polite in a way that is not sincere: a smarmy salesman / comment
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smart
adj., verb
adj. (smart.er, smart.est)
CLEAN / NEAT|
1 (especially BrE) (of people) looking clean and neat; well dressed in fashionable and/or formal clothes: You look very smart in that suit.
2 (especially BrE) (of clothes, etc.) clean, neat and looking new and attractive: They were wearing their smartest clothes.  a smart car
INTELLIGENT|
3 (especially AmE) intelligent: She’s smarter than her brother.  That was a smart career move.  OK, I admit it was not the smartest thing I ever did (= it was a stupid thing to do).  The smart money is on Liam Neeson for best actor (= smart people are betting on him).
FASHIONABLE|
4 (especially BrE) connected with fashionable rich people: smart hotels / restaurants  She mixes with the smart set .
QUICK|
5 (of a movement, etc.) quick and usually done with force: He was struck with a smart crack on the head.  We set off at a smart pace.
WEAPON / BOMB|
6 a very accurate weapon/bomb that is controlled by computers
smart.ly adv. (especially BrE): smartly dressed  He ran off pretty smartly (= quickly and suddenly).
smart.ness noun [U]

verb [v]
1 ~ (from sth) to feel a sharp stinging pain in a part of your body: His eyes were smarting from the smoke.
2 ~ (from / over sth) to feel upset about a criticism, failure, etc: They are still smarting from the 4–0 defeat last week.

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smart alec
(BrE ) (AmEsmart aleck) (also 'smarty-pants) (BrE also 'smart-arse) (AmE also 'smart-ass) noun (informal, disapproving) somebody who thinks they are very clever and likes to show people this in an annoying way
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'smart card
noun a small plastic card on which information is stored in electronic form
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smart.en
verb
PVR V ,smarten sb/sth<->'up| ,smarten (yourself) 'up (especially BrE) to make yourself, another person or a place look neater or more attractive: The hotel has been smartened up by the new owners.
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smarts
noun [U] (AmE , informal) intelligence: She made it to the top on her smarts and hard work.
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'smarty-pants
noun = SMART ALEC
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smash
verb, noun
verb
BREAK|
1 to break sth, or to be broken, violently and noisily into many pieces: [vn] Several windows had been smashed.  He smashed the radio to pieces.  [v] The glass bowl smashed into a thousand pieces.
HIT VERY HARD|
2 to move with a lot of force against sth solid; to make sth do this: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : the sound of waves smashing against the rocks  The car smashed into a tree.  [vn] Mark smashed his fist down on the desk.
3 [+adv. / prep.] to hit sth very hard and break it, in order to get through it: [vn] They had to smash holes in the ice.  The elephant smashed its way through the trees.  [vn-adj] We had to smash the door open.  [v] They had smashed through a glass door to get in.
4 [vn] to hit sth/sb very hard: He smashed the ball into the goal.
DESTROY / DEFEAT|
5 [vn] to destroy, defeat or put an end to sth/sb: Police say they have smashed a major drugs ring.  She has smashed the world record (= broken it by a large amount).
CRASH VEHICLE|
6 [vn] ~ sth (up) to crash a vehicle: He’s smashed (up) his new car.
IN TENNIS, etc.|
7 [vn] to hit a high ball downwards and very hard over the net ,smash sth<->'down to make sth fall down by hitting it hard and breaking it: The police had to smash the door down. ,smash sth<->'in to make a hole in sth by hitting it with a lot of force: Vandals had smashed the door in.   (informal) I wanted to smash his face in (= hit him hard in the face). ,smash sth<->'up to destroy sth deliberately: Youths had broken into the bar and smashed the place up.

noun
ACT OF BREAKING|
1 [sing.] an act of breaking sth noisily into pieces; the sound this makes: The cup hit the floor with a smash.
VEHICLE CRASH|
2 [C] (BrE) an accident in which a vehicle hits another vehicle: a car smash
IN TENNIS, etc.|
3 [C] a way of hitting the ball downwards and very hard
SONG / MOVIE / PLAY|
4 (also ,smash 'hit) [C] a song, film/movie or play that is very popular: her latest chart smash

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,smash-and-'grab
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) relating to the act of stealing from a shop/store by breaking a window and taking the goods you can see or reach easily: a smash-and-grab raid
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smashed
adj. [not before noun] (slang) very drunk
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smash.er
noun (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) a very good or attractive person or thing
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smash.ing
adj. (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) very good or enjoyable: We had a smashing time.  You look smashing!
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smat.ter.ing
noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) a small amount of sth, especially knowledge of a language: He only has a smattering of French.
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smear
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth on / over sth| ~ sth with sth to spread an OILY or soft substance over a surface in a rough or careless way: The children had smeared mud on the walls.  The children had smeared the walls with mud.  His face was smeared with blood.
2 [vn] to make sth dirty or GREASY : His glasses were smeared.  smeared windows
3 [vn] to damage sb’s reputation by saying unpleasant things about them that are not true: The story was an attempt to smear the party leader.
4 to rub writing, a drawing, etc. so that it is no longer clear; to become not clear in this way
SYN SMUDGE : [vn] The last few words of the letter were smeared. [alsov]

noun
1 an OILY or dirty mark: a smear of jam / paint
2 an untrue story about sb that is intended to damage their reputation, especially in politics: He was a victim of a smear campaign .
3 (BrE) = SMEAR TEST

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'smear test
(also smear, ,cervical 'smear) (all BrE ) (AmE 'Pap smear) noun a medical test in which a very small amount of tissue from a woman’s CERVIX is removed and examined for CANCER cells
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smell
verb, noun
verb (smelled, smelled) (BrE also smelt, smelt )
1 ~ (of sth) to have a particular smell: [v-adj] The room smelt damp.  Dinner smells good.  a bunch of sweet-smelling flowers  [v] His breath smelt of garlic.  What does the perfume smell like?
2 [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses; often with can or could) to notice or recognize a particular smell: [vn] He said he could smell gas when he entered the room.  The dog had smelt a rabbit.  I could smell alcohol on his breath.  [vn -ing] Can you smell something burning? [alsov (that)]
3 [vn] (not usually used in the passive) to put your nose near sth and breathe in so that you can discover or identify its smell: Smell this and tell me what you think it is.  I bent down to smell the flowers.
4 [v] (not used in the progressive tenses) to have an unpleasant smell: The drains smell.  It smells in here.  He hadn’t washed for days and was beginning to smell.
5 [v] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be able to smell: Can birds smell?
6 [vn] [no passive] (written) to feel that sth exists or is going to happen: He smelt danger.  I can smell trouble.
IDM come up / out of sth smelling of 'roses (informal) to still have a good reputation, even though you have been involved in sth that might have given people a bad opinion of you: Nobody ever knew the details and he came out of the deal smelling of roses. ,smell a 'rat (informal) to suspect that sth is wrong about a situation
PVR V ,smell sb/sth<->'out
1 to be aware of fear, danger, trouble, etc. in a situation: He could always smell out fear.
2 to find sth by smelling: dogs trained to smell out drugs

noun
1 [C, U] the quality of sth that people and animals sense through their noses: a faint / strong smell of garlic  a sweet / fresh / musty smell  There was a smell of burning in the air.  The smells from the kitchen filled the room.
2 [sing.] an unpleasant smell: What’s that smell?  Yuk! What a smell!
3 [U] the ability to sense things with the nose: Dogs have a very good sense of smell .  Taste and smell are closely connected.
4 [C] the act of smelling sth: He took one smell of the liquid and his eyes began to water.
IDM see SWEET adj.

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'smelling salts
noun [pl.] a chemical with a very strong smell, kept in a small bottle, used especially in the past for putting under the nose of a person who has lost consciousness
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smelly
adj. (smell.ier, smelli.est) (informal) having an unpleasant smell: smelly feet / cheese
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smelt
verb [vn] to heat and melt ORE (= rock that contains metal) in order to obtain the metal it contains: a method of smelting iron—see also SMELL v.
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smelt.er
noun a piece of equipment for smelting metal
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smidgen
(also smidg.eon, smid.gin) noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) (informal) a small piece or amount of sth: ‘Sugar?’‘Just a smidgen.’
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smile
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to make a smile appear on your face: to smile sweetly / faintly / broadly  She smiled at him and he smiled back.  He smiled with relief.  He never seems to smile.  I had to smile at (= was amused by) his optimism.
2 to say or express sth with a smile: [vn] She smiled her thanks.  [v speech] ‘Perfect,’ he smiled.
3 [vn] [no passive] (written) to give a smile of a particular type: to smile a slow / small / grim / knowing smile  She smiled a smile of dry amusement.
IDM see EAR
PVR V 'smile on sb/sth (formal) if luck, etc. smiles on you, you are lucky or successful

noun the expression that you have on your face when you are happy, amused, etc. in which the corners of your mouth turn upwards: ‘Oh, hello,’ he said, with a smile.  She gave a wry smile.  He had a big smile on his face.  I’m going to wipe that smile off your face (= make you stop thinking this is funny).
IDM all 'smiles looking very happy, especially soon after you have been looking worried or sad: Twelve hours later she was all smiles again.

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smil.ing.ly
adv. with a smile or smiles
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smirk
verb [v] to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself, know sth that other people do not know, etc: It was hard not to smirk.  He smirked unpleasantly when we told him the bad news.
smirk noun: She had a self-satisfied smirk on her face.
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smite
verb (smote , smit.ten ) [vn] (old use or literary)
1 to hit sb/sth hard; to attack or punish sb
2 to have a great effect on sb, especially an unpleasant or serious one: Suddenly my conscience smote me.—see also SMITTEN
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smith
noun = BLACKSMITH —see also GOLDSMITH , GUNSMITH , LOCKSMITH , SILVERSMITH
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smith.er.eens
noun [pl.]
IDM smash, blow, etc. sth to smithe'reens (informal) to destroy sth completely by breaking it into small pieces: The bomb blew the car to smithereens.
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smithy
noun (pl.-ies) a place where a BLACKSMITH works
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smit.ten
adj. [only before noun]
1 ~ (with / by sb/sth) (especially humorous) suddenly feeling that you are in love with sb: From the moment they met, he was completely smitten by her.
2 ~ with / by sth severely affected by a feeling, disease, etc: She was suddenly smitten with remorse.—see also SMITE
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smock
noun
1 a loose comfortable piece of clothing like a long shirt, worn especially by women: a shapeless cotton smock
2 a long loose piece of clothing worn over other clothes to protect them from dirt, etc: The artist’s smock was covered in paint.
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smog
noun [U, C] a form of air POLLUTION that is or looks like a mixture of smoke and FOG , especially in cities: attempts to reduce smog caused by traffic fumes
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smoke
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the grey, white or black gas that is produced by sth burning: cigarette smoke  Clouds of thick black smoke billowed from the car’s exhaust.  a smoke alarm / detector (= a device that makes a noise if smoke is in the air to warn you of a fire)
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal) an act of smoking a cigarette: Are you coming outside for a smoke?
IDM go up in 'smoke
1 to be completely burnt: The whole house went up in smoke.
2 if your plans, hopes, etc. go up in smoke, they fail completely (there is) no smoke without 'fire (BrE) (AmE where there’s smoke, there’s 'fire) (saying) if sth bad is being said about sb/sth, it usually has some truth in it a smoke-filled 'room (disapproving) a decision that people describe as being made in a smoke-filled room is made by a small group of people at a private meeting, rather than in an open and DEMOCRATIC way

verb
1 to suck smoke from a cigarette, pipe, etc. into your mouth and let it out again: [vn] He was smoking a large cigar.  How many cigarettes do you smoke a day?  [v] Do you mind if I smoke?
2 [v] to use cigarettes, etc. in this way as a habit: Do you smoke?  She smokes heavily.
3 [v] to produce smoke: smoking factory chimneys  the smoking remains of burnt-out cars  This fireplace smokes badly (= sends smoke into the room instead of up the chimney).
4 [vn] [usually passive] to preserve meat or fish by hanging it in smoke from wood fires to give it a special taste: smoked salmon / mackerel / cheese
PVR V ,smoke sb/sth<->'out
1 to force sb/sth to come out of a place by filling it with smoke: to smoke out wasps from a nest
2 to take action to discover where sb is hiding or to make a secret publicly known: The police are determined to smoke out the leaders of the gang.

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'smoke bomb
noun a bomb that produces clouds of smoke when it explodes
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'smoke-free
adj. free from cigarette smoke; where smoking is not allowed: a smoke-free working environment
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smoke.less
adj. [usually before noun]
1 able to burn without producing smoke: smokeless fuels
2 free from smoke: a smokeless zone (= where smoke from factories or houses is not allowed)
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smoker
noun a person who smokes tobacco regularly: a heavy smoker (= sb who smokes a lot)  a smoker’s cough  a cigarette / cigar / pipe smoker
OPP NON-SMOKER
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smoke.screen
noun
1 something that you do or say in order to hide what you are really doing or intending
2 a cloud of smoke used to hide soldiers, ships, etc. during a battle
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smoke.stack
noun (especially AmE )
1 a tall chimney that takes away smoke from factories
2 = FUNNEL
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smok.ing
noun the activity or habit of smoking cigarettes, etc: No Smoking (for example, on a notice)  He’s trying to give up smoking.
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'smoking jacket
noun a man’s comfortable jacket worn in the past, often made of VELVET
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smoky
adj. (smoki.er, smoki.est)
1 full of smoke: a smoky atmosphere  a smoky pub / restaurant
2 producing a lot of smoke: smoky chimneys / fires
3 tasting or smelling like smoke: This wine has a slightly smoky flavour.
4 having the colour or appearance of smoke: smoky blue glass
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smol.der
(AmE ) = SMOULDER
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smooch
verb [v] (informal) to kiss and hold sb closely, especially when you are dancing slowly
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smooth
adj., verb
adj. (smooth.er, smooth.est)
FLAT / EVEN|
1 completely flat and even, without any lumps, holes or rough areas: a lotion to make your skin feel soft and smooth  The water was as smooth as glass.  a paint that gives a smooth, silky finish  Over the years, the stone steps had worn smooth.
OPP ROUGH
WITHOUT LUMPS|
2 (of a liquid mixture) without any lumps: Mix the flour with the milk to form a smooth paste.
WITHOUT PROBLEMS|
3 happening or continuing without any problems: They are introducing new measures to ensure the smooth running of the business.  They could not ensure a smooth transfer of political power.
MOVEMENT|
4 even and regular, without sudden stops and starts: The car’s improved suspension gives you a smoother ride.  The plane made a smooth landing.  She swung herself over the gate in one smooth movement.
MAN|
5 (often disapproving) (of people, especially men, and their behaviour) very polite and pleasant, but in a way that is often not very sincere: I don’t like him. He’s far too smooth for me.  He’s something of a smooth operator .
DRINK / TASTE|
6 pleasant and not bitter: This coffee has a smooth, rich taste.
VOICE / MUSIC|
7 pleasant to hear, and without any harsh sounds: a smooth flowing melody
smooth.ness noun [U]: the smoothness of her skin  They admired the smoothness and efficiency with which the business was run.
IDM see ROUGH n.

verb
1 ~ sth (back / down / out) to make sth smooth: [vn] rocks smoothed by the sea  He smoothed his hair back.  She was smoothing out the creases in her skirt.  [vn-adj] He took the letter and smoothed it flat on the table.
2 ~ sth on / into / over sth to put a layer of a soft substance over a surface: Smooth the icing over the top of the cake. smooth the 'path / 'way to make it easier for sb/sth to develop or make progress: These negotiations are intended to smooth the path to a peace treaty. smooth (sb’s) ruffled 'feathers to make sb feel less angry or offended ,smooth sth<->a'way / 'out to make problems or difficulties disappear: Any differences between the groups were soon smoothed away. ,smooth sth<->'over to make problems or difficulties seem less important or serious, especially by talking to people: She spoke to both sides in the dispute in an attempt to smooth things over.

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smoothie
noun
1 (informal) a man who dresses well and talks very politely and confidently but who is often not honest or sincere
2 (AmE, AustralE) a drink made of fruit or fruit juice mixed with milk or ice cream
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smooth.ly
adv.
1 in an even way, without suddenly stopping and starting again: Traffic is now flowing smoothly again.  The engine was running smoothly.
2 without problems or difficulties: The interview went smoothly .
3 in a calm or confident way: ‘Would you like to come this way?’ he said smoothly.
4 in a way that produces a smooth surface or mixture: a smoothly polished table  The colours blend smoothly together.
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,smooth-'talking
adj. (usually disapproving) talking very politely and confidently, especially to persuade sb to do sth, but in a way that may not be honest or sincere: a smooth-talking lawyer
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smor.gas.bord
noun [U, sing.] (from Swedish ) a meal at which you serve yourself from a large range of hot and cold dishes
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smote
pt of SMITE
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smother
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (with sth) to kill sb by covering their face so that they cannot breathe: He smothered the baby with a pillow.
2 ~ sth/sb with / in sth to cover sth/sb thickly or with too much of sth: a rich dessert smothered in cream  She smothered him with kisses.
3 to prevent sth from developing or being expressed
SYN STIFLE : to smother a yawn / giggle / grin  The voices of the opposition were effectively smothered.
4 to give sb too much love or protection so that they feel restricted: Her husband was very loving, but she felt smothered.
5 to make a fire stop burning by covering it with sth: He tried to smother the flames with a blanket.
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smoul.der
(BrE ) (AmEsmol.der) verb [v]
1 to burn slowly without a flame: The bonfire was still smouldering the next day.  a smouldering cigarette   (figurative) The feud smouldered on for years.
2 (written) to be filled with a strong emotion that you do not fully express: His eyes smouldered with anger.  Anger smouldered in his eyes.
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smudge
noun, verb
noun a dirty mark with no clear shape: a smudge of lipstick on a cup

verb
1 to touch or rub sth, especially wet ink or paint, so that it is no longer clear; to become not clear in this way: [vn] He had smudged his signature with his sleeve.  Tears had smudged her mascara.  [v] Her lipstick had smudged.
2 [vn] to make a dirty mark on a surface: The mirror was smudged with fingerprints.

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smudgy
adj.
1 with dirty marks on
2 (of a picture, writing, etc.) with edges that are not clear
SYN BLURRED
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smug
adj. (disapproving) looking or feeling too pleased about sth you have done or achieved: a smug expression / smile / face  What are you looking so smug about?
smug.ly adv.
smug.ness noun [U]
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smug.gle
verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take, send or bring goods or people secretly and illegally into or out of a country, etc: They were caught smuggling diamonds into the country.  He managed to smuggle a gun into the prison.  smuggled drugs
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smug.gler
noun a person who takes goods into or out of a country illegally
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smug.gling
noun [U] the crime of taking, sending or bringing goods secretly and illegally into or out of a country: drug smuggling
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smut
noun
1 [U] (informal) stories, pictures or comments about sex that deal with it in a way that some people find offensive
2 [C, U] dirt, ash, etc. that causes a black mark on sth; a black mark made by this
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smutty
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) (of stories, pictures and comments) dealing with sex in a way that some people find offensive: smutty jokes
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snack
noun, verb
noun (informal) a small meal or amount of food, usually eaten in a hurry: a mid-morning snack  I only have time for a snack at lunchtime.  Do you serve bar snacks?  a snack lunch

verb [v] ~ on sth to eat snacks between or instead of main meals: It’s healthier to snack on fruit rather than chocolate.

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'snack bar
noun a place where you can buy a small quick meal, such as a sandwich
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snaf.fle
verb [vn] (BrE , informal) to take sth quickly for yourself, especially before anyone else has had the time or opportunity
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snafu
noun [sing.] (AmE , informal) a situation in which nothing happens as planned: It was another bureaucratic snafu.
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snag
noun, verb
noun
1 a problem or difficulty, especially one that is small, hidden or unexpected: There is just one small snag—where is the money coming from?  Let me know if you run into any snags.
2 an object or a part of an object that is rough or sharp and may cut sth

verb (-gg-)
1 ~ (sth) (on / in sth) to catch or tear sth on sth rough or sharp; to become caught or torn in this way: [vn] I snagged my sweater on the wire fence.  The fence snagged my sweater.  [v] The nets snagged on some rocks.
2 (AmE, informal) to succeed in getting sth quickly, often before other people: I snagged a ride from Joe.

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snail
noun a small soft creature with a hard round shell on its back, that moves very slowly and often eats garden plants. Some types of snail can be eaten.—
IDM at a 'snail’s pace very slowly
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'snail mail
noun [U] (informal, humorous) used especially by people who use e-mail on computers to describe the system of sending letters by ordinary mail
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snake
noun, verb
noun a reptile with a very long thin body and no legs. There are many types of snake , some of which are poisonous: a snake coiled up in the grass  Venomous snakes spit and hiss when they are cornered.
IDM a ,snake (in the 'grass) (disapproving) a person who pretends to be your friend but who cannot be trusted

verb [+adv. / prep.] (written) to move like a snake, in long twisting curves; to go in a particular direction in long twisting curves: [v] The road snaked away into the distance.  [vn] The procession snaked its way through narrow streets.

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snake.bite
noun [C, U] a wound that you get when a poisonous snake bites you
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'snake charmer
noun an entertainer who seems to be able to control snakes and make them move by playing music to them
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,snakes and 'ladders
(BrE ) (AmE ,Chutes and 'Ladders) ™noun [U] a children’s game played on a special board with pictures of snakes and ladders on it. Players move their pieces up the ladders to go forward and down the snakes to go back.
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snake.skin
noun [U] the skin of a snake, used for making expensive shoes, bags, etc.
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snap
verb, noun, adj., exclamation
verb (-pp-)
BREAK|
1 ~ (sth) (off) to break sth suddenly with a sharp noise; to be broken in this way: [vn] The wind had snapped the tree in two.  He snapped a twig off a bush.  [v] Suddenly, the rope snapped.  The branch she was standing on must have snapped off.
OPEN / CLOSE / MOVE INTO POSITION|
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move, or to move sth, into a particular position quickly, especially with a sudden sharp noise: [v-adj] The lid snapped shut.  His eyes snapped open.  [v] He snapped to attention and saluted.  [vn-adj] She snapped the bag shut.
SPEAK IMPATIENTLY|
3 ~ (at sb) to speak or say sth in an impatient, usually angry, voice: [v speech] ‘Don’t just stand there,’ she snapped.  [v] I was tempted to snap back angrily at him.  [vn] He snapped a reply.
OF ANIMAL|
4 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to try to bite sb/sth: The dogs snarled and snapped at our heels.
TAKE PHOTOGRAPH|
5 (informal) to take a photograph: [vn] A passing tourist snapped the incident.  [v] She seemed oblivious to the crowds of photographers snapping away.
LOSE CONTROL|
6 [v] to suddenly be unable to control your feelings any longer because the situation has become too difficult: My patience finally snapped.  When he said that, something snapped inside her.  And that did it. I snapped.
FASTEN CLOTHING|
7 [v, vn] (AmE) to fasten a piece of clothing with a snap snap your 'fingers to make a sharp noise by moving your second or third finger quickly against your thumb, to attract sb’s attention, or to mark the beat of music, for example: He snapped his fingers for the waiter to bring more wine. ,snap 'out of it / sth | ,snap sb 'out of it / sth [no passive] (informal) to make an effort to stop feeling unhappy or depressed; to help sb to stop feeling unhappy: You’ve been depressed for weeks. It’s time you snapped out of it. ,snap 'to it (informal) used, especially in orders, to tell sb to start working harder or more quickly—more at HEAD n. ,snap sth<->'out to say sth in a sharp unpleasant way: The sergeant snapped out an order. ,snap sth<->'up to buy or obtain sth quickly because it is cheap or you want it very much: All the best bargains were snapped up within hours.   (figurative) She’s been snapped up by Hollywood to star in two major movies.

noun
SHARP NOISE|
1 [C] a sudden sharp noise, especially one made by sth closing or breaking: She closed her purse with a snap.  the snap of a twig
PHOTOGRAPH|
2 (also snap.shot) [C] a photograph, especially one taken quickly: She showed us her holiday snaps.
CARD GAME|
3 (Snap) [U] a card game in which players take turns to put cards down and try to be the first to call out ‘snap’ when two similar cards are put down together
FASTENER|
4 (AmE) = PRESS STUD —see also BRANDY SNAP , COLD SNAP be a 'snap (AmE, informal) to be very easy to do: This job’s a snap.

adj. [only before noun] made or done quickly and without careful thought or preparation: a snap decision / election

exclamation
1 you say snap! in the card game called ‘Snap’ when two cards that are the same are put down
2 (BrE, spoken) people say snap! to show that they are surprised when two things are the same: Snap! I’ve just bought that CD too!

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snap.dragon
noun a small garden plant with red, white, yellow or pink flowers that open and shut like a mouth when squeezed
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snap.per
noun
1 [C, U] a fish that lives in warm seas and is used for food
2 [C] (informal) a photographer, especially one who takes pictures of famous people for newspapers and magazines
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snappy
adj. (snap.pier, snap.pi.est)
1 (of a remark, title, etc.) clever or amusing and short: a snappy headline / title / slogan  a snappy answer / remark
2 [usually before noun] (informal) attractive and fashionable: a snappy outfit  She’s a snappy dresser .
3 (of people or their behaviour) tending to speak to people in a bad-tempered, impatient way: Interruptions make her snappy and nervous.
4 lively; quick: a snappy tune  a snappy tennis player
snap.pily adv.: He summarized the speech snappily.  snappily dressed  ‘What?’ she asked snappily.
snap.pi.ness noun [U]
IDM ,make it 'snappy (informal) used to tell sb to do sth quickly or to hurry
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snap.shot
noun
1 = SNAP : snapshots of the children
2 [usually sing.] a short description or a small amount of information that gives you an idea of what sth is like
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snare
noun, verb
noun
1 a device used for catching small animals and birds, especially one that holds their leg so that they cannot escape
2 (formal) a situation which seems attractive but is unpleasant and difficult to escape from: City life can be full of snares for young people.

verb [vn] to catch sth, especially an animal, in a snare : to snare a rabbit   (figurative) Her one thought was to snare a rich husband.   (figurative) He found himself snared in a web of intrigue.

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'snare drum
noun a small drum with metal strings across one side that make a continuous sound when the drum is hit—
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snarl
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) (of dogs, etc.) to show the teeth and make a deep angry noise in the throat: The dog snarled at us.
2 ~ (sth) (at sb) to speak in an angry or bad tempered way: [v speech] ‘Get out of here!’ he snarled.  [vn] She snarled abuse at anyone who happened to walk past.
PVR V ,snarl 'up| ,snarl sth<->'up to involve sb/sth in a situation that stops their movement or progress; to become involved in a situation like this: The sheets kept getting snarled up.  The accident snarled up the traffic all day.—related noun SNARL-UP

noun
1 [usually sing.] a deep sound that an animal makes when it is angry and shows its teeth: The dog bared its teeth in a snarl.
2 [usually sing.] an act of speaking in an angry or bad-tempered way; the sound you make when you are angry, in pain, etc: a snarl of pain / hate  She answered with an angry snarl.
3 = SNARL-UP : rush-hour traffic snarls
4 (informal) something that has become twisted in an untidy way: She used conditioner to remove the snarls from her hair.

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'snarl-up
(also snarl) noun (BrE , informal) a situation in which traffic is unable to move
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snatch
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to take sth quickly and often rudely or roughly: [vn] She managed to snatch the gun from his hand.  Gordon snatched up his jacket and left the room.  [v] Hey, you kids! Don’t all snatch!
2 [vn] to take sb/sth away from a person or place, especially by force; to steal sth: The raiders snatched $100 from the cash register.  The baby was snatched from its parents' car.
3 [vn] to take or get sth quickly, especially because you do not have much time: I managed to snatch an hour’s sleep.  The team snatched a dramatic victory in the last minute of the game.
PVR V 'snatch at sth
1 to try to take hold of sth with your hands: He snatched at the steering wheel but I pushed him away.   (figurative) The wind snatched at our clothes.
2 to take an opportunity to do sth: We snatched at every moment we could be together.

noun
1 a very small part of a conversation or some music that you hear
SYN SNIPPET : a snatch of music  I only caught snatches of the conversation.
2 an act of moving your hand very quickly to take or steal sth: a bag / cash snatch  to make a snatch at sth
IDM in 'snatches for short periods rather than continuously: Sleep came to him in brief snatches.

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snatch.er
noun (often in compounds) a person who takes sth quickly with their hand and steals it: a handbag / purse snatcher
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snazzy
adj. (snaz.zier, snaz.zi.est) (informal) (of clothes, cars, etc.) fashionable, bright and modern, and attracting your attention: a snazzy suit / car
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sneak
verb, noun, adj.
verb
HELP The usual past form is sneaked, but snuck is now very common in informal speech in AmE and some people use it in BrE too. However, many people consider it incorrect and it should not be used in formal writing.
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere secretly, trying to avoid being seen: What are you doing sneaking around out there?
2 to do sth or take sb/sth somewhere secretly, often without permission: [vn] We sneaked a look at her private diary.  I was caught sneaking my kitten into the school.  [vn, vnn] I managed to sneak a note to him.  I managed to sneak him a note.
3 [vn] (informal) to secretly take sth small or unimportant: I sneaked a cake when they were out of the room.
4 [v] ~ (on sb) (to sb) (old-fashioned, BrE, disapproving) to tell an adult that another child has done sth wrong, especially in order to cause trouble
SYN SNITCH : Did you sneak on me to the teacher?
PVR V ,sneak 'up (on sb/sth) to move towards sb very quietly so that they do not see or hear you until you reach them: He sneaked up on his sister and shouted ‘Boo!’.

noun (old-fashioned, BrE , disapproving) a person, especially a child, who tells sb about sth wrong that another person has done
SYN SNITCH

adj. [only before noun] done without any warning: a sneak attack / raid

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sneak.er
noun (AmE ) = TRAINER : He wore old jeans and a pair of sneakers.
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sneak.ing
adj. [only before noun] if you have a sneaking feeling for sb or about sth, you do not want to admit it to other people, because you feel embarrassed, or you are not sure that this feeling is right: She had always had a sneaking affection for him.  I have a sneaking suspicion that she knows more than she’s telling us.
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,sneak 'preview
noun an opportunity to see sth before it is officially shown to the public
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'sneak thief
noun a person who steals things without using force or breaking doors or windows
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sneaky
adj. (informal) behaving in a secret and sometimes dishonest or unpleasant way: I took a sneaky glance at my watch.  That was a sneaky trick to play!
sneak.ily adv.
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sneer
verb, noun
verb ~ (at sb/sth) to show that you have no respect for sb by the expression on your face or by the way you speak: [v] He sneered at people who liked pop music.  a sneering comment / smile / laugh  [v speech] ‘You? A writer?’ she sneered.
sneer.ing.ly adv.

noun [usually sing.] an unpleasant look, smile or comment that shows you do not respect sb/sth

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sneeze
verb, noun
verb [v] to have air come suddenly and noisily out through your nose and mouth in a way that you cannot control, for example because you have a cold: I’ve been sneezing all morning.—
IDM not to be 'sneezed at (informal) good enough to be accepted or considered seriously: In those days, $20 was not a sum to be sneezed at.

noun the act of sneezing or the noise you make when you sneeze : coughs and sneezes  She gave a violent sneeze.

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snicker
verb [v] (especially AmE ) = SNIGGER
snicker noun
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snide
adj. (informal) criticizing sb/sth in an unkind and indirect way: snide comments / remarks
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sniff
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to breathe air in through your nose in a way that makes a sound, especially when you are crying, have a cold, etc: We all had colds and couldn’t stop sniffing and sneezing.
2 ~ (at) (sth) to breathe air in through the nose in order to discover or enjoy the smell of sth: [vn] sniffing the fresh morning air  to sniff glue  [v] The dog sniffed at my shoes.—see also GLUE-SNIFFING
3 to say sth in a complaining or disapproving way: [v speech] ‘It’s hardly what I’d call elegant,’ she sniffed. [alsov, vn] not to be 'sniffed at (informal) good enough to be accepted or considered seriously: In those days, $20 was not a sum to be sniffed at.
PVR V ,sniff a'round / 'round (informal) to try to find out information about sb/sth, especially secret information: We don’t want journalists sniffing around. 'sniff around / round sb [no passive] (especially BrE) to try to get sb as a lover, employee, etc: Hollywood agents have been sniffing around him. 'sniff at sth to show no interest in or respect for sth: He sniffed at my efforts at writing. ,sniff sb/sth<->'out
1 to discover or find sb/sth by using your sense of smell: The dogs are trained to sniff out drugs.
2 (informal) to discover or find sb/sth by looking: Journalists are good at sniffing out a scandal.

noun
1 [C] an act or the sound of sniffing : She took a deep sniff of the perfume.  My mother gave a sniff of disapproval.  His sobs soon turned to sniffs.
2 [sing.] ~ of sth an idea of what sth is like or that sth is going to happen: The sniff of power went to his head.  They make threats but back down at the first sniff of trouble.
3 [sing.] ~ of sth a small chance of sth: She didn’t get even a sniff at a medal.
IDM have a (good) ,sniff a'round to examine a place carefully

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'sniffer dog
noun (informal, especially BrE ) a dog that is trained to find drugs or explosives by smell
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snif.fle
verb, noun
verb [v, v speech] to sniff or keep sniffing, especially because you are crying or have a cold

noun an act or the sound of sniffling : After a while, her sniffles died away.
IDM get, have, etc. the 'sniffles (informal) to get, have, etc. a slight cold

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sniffy
adj. ~ (about sth) (informal) not approving of sth/sb because you think they are not good enough for you
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snif.ter
noun
1 (especially AmE) a large glass used for drinking BRANDY
2 (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink
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snig.ger
verb, noun
verb (BrE ) (also snickerAmE, BrE) ~ (at sb/sth) to laugh in a quiet unpleasant way, especially at sth rude or at sb’s problems or mistakes: [v] What are you sniggering at? [alsov speech]

noun (BrE ) (also snickerAmE, BrE) a quiet unpleasant laugh, especially at sth rude or at sb’s problems or mistakes

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snip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-) ~ (at / through) sth to cut sth with scissors using short quick strokes: [vn] Snip a tiny hole in the paper.  [v] She snipped at the loose threads hanging down.
PVR V ,snip sth<->'off to remove sth by cutting it with scissors in short quick strokes: Snip off the end of the tube.

noun
1 [C] an act of cutting sth with scissors; the sound that this makes: Make a series of small snips along the edge of the fabric.  Snip, snip, went the scissors.
2 (snips) [pl.] a tool like large scissors, used for cutting metal
3 (a snip) [sing.] (BrE, informal) a thing that is cheap and good value: It’s a snip at only £25.

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snipe
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth)
1 to shoot at sb from a hiding place, usually from a distance: Gunmen continued to snipe at people leaving their homes to find food.
2 to criticize sb in an unpleasant way
snip.ing noun [U]: Aid workers remain in the area despite continuous sniping.

noun (pl.snipe) a bird with a long straight beak that lives on wet ground

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sniper
noun a person who shoots at sb from a hidden position
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snip.pet
noun
1 a small piece of information or news: Have you got any interesting snippets for me?  a snippet of information / gossip
2 a short piece of a conversation, piece of music, etc.
SYN SNATCH , EXTRACT
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snippy
adj. (AmE , informal) rude; not showing respect
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snitch
verb [v] ~ (on sb) (to sb) (informal, disapproving) to tell a parent, teacher, etc. about sth wrong that another child has done
SYN SNEAK : Johnnie snitched on me to his mom.
snitch noun: You little snitch! I’ll never tell you anything again!
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snivel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v] to cry and complain in a way that people think is annoying
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sniv.el.ling
(BrE ) (AmEsniv.el.ing) adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) tending to cry or complain a lot in a way that annoys people: a snivelling little brat
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snob
noun (disapproving)
1 a person who admires people in the higher social classes too much and has no respect for people in the lower social classes: She’s such a snob!
2 a person who thinks they are much better than other people because they are intelligent or like things that many people do not like: an intellectual snob  a food / wine snob  There is a snob value in driving the latest model.
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snob.bery
noun [U] (disapproving) the attitudes and behaviour of people who are snobs : cultural / intellectual snobbery—see also INVERTED SNOBBERY
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snob.bish
(also informal snobby ) adj. (disapproving) thinking that having a high social class is very important; feeling that you are better than other people because you are more intelligent or like things that many people do not like
snob.bish.ness noun [U]
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snog
verb (-gg-) (BrE , informal) (of two people) to kiss each other, especially for a long time: [v] They were snogging on the sofa.  [vn] I caught him snogging my friend.
snog noun [sing.]
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snook
noun
IDM see COCK v.
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snook.er
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a game for two people played on a long table covered with green fabric. Players use CUES (= long sticks) to hit a white ball against other balls (15 red and 6 of other colours) in order to get the coloured balls into pockets at the edge of the table, in a particular set order: a snooker player / table—compare BILLIARDS , POOL
2 [C] a position in snooker in which one player has made it very difficult for the opponent to play a shot within the rules

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 (in the game of snooker) to have your opponent in a snooker (2)
2 (BrE, informal) to make it impossible for sb to do sth, especially sth they want to do: Any plans I’d had for the weekend were by now well and truly snookered.
3 (AmE, informal) to deceive or trick sb

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snoop
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (around / round sth)| ~ (on sb) (informal, disapproving) to find out private things about sb, especially by looking secretly around a place: Someone’s been snooping around my apartment.  journalists snooping on politicians
snoop.er noun = SNOOP

noun
1 (also snoop.er) a person who looks around a place secretly to find out private things about sb
2 [sing.] a secret look around a place: He had a snoop around her office.

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snooty
(also informal snotty) adj. (disapproving) treating people as if they are not as good or as important as you
snooti.ness noun [U]
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snooze
verb [v] (informal) to have a short light sleep, especially during the day and usually not in bed: My brother was snoozing on the sofa.
snooze noun [sing.]: I often have a snooze after lunch.
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snore
verb, noun
verb [v] to breathe noisily through your nose and mouth while you are asleep: I could hear Paul snoring in the next room.
snorer noun
snor.ing noun [U]: heavy / loud / gentle snoring

noun noisy breathing while you are asleep: She lay awake listening to his snores.

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snor.kel
noun a tube that you can breathe air through when you are swimming under the surface of the water
snor.kel verb [v]
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snor.kel.ling
(BrE ) (AmEsnor.kel.ing) noun [U] the sport or activity of swimming underwater with a snorkel : to go snorkelling
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snort
verb, noun
verb
1 to make a loud sound by breathing air out noisily through your nose, especially to show that you are angry or amused: [v] to snort with laughter / annoyance  She snorted in disgust.  The horse snorted and tossed its head.  [v speech] ‘You!’ he snorted contemptuously.
2 [vn] (slang) to take drugs by breathing them in through the nose: to snort cocaine

noun
1 a loud sound that you make by breathing air out noisily through your nose, especially to show that you are angry or amused: to give a snort of disgust / laughter / derision  I could hear the snort and stamp of a horse.
2 (slang) a small amount of a drug that is breathed in through the nose; an act of taking a drug in this way: to take a snort of cocaine

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snot
noun [U] (informal) a word that some people find offensive, used to describe the liquid substance (= MUCUS ) that is produced in the nose
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snotty
(also ,snotty-'nosed) adj. (informal)
1 = SNOOTY
2 full of or covered in snot : a snotty nose  snotty kids
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snout
noun
1 the long nose and area around the mouth of some types of animal, such as a pig—compare MUZZLE —
2 (informal, humorous) a person’s nose
3 a part of sth that sticks out at the front: the snout of a pistol
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snow
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] small soft white pieces, (called FLAKES ), of frozen water that fall from the sky in cold weather; this substance when it is lying on the ground: Snow was falling heavily.  We had snow in May this year.  The snow was beginning to melt.  Children were playing in the snow.  20 cm of snow was / were expected today.  The snow didn’t settle (= stay on the ground).  Her skin was as white as snow .
2 (snows) [pl.] (literary) an amount of snow that falls in one particular place or at one particular time: the first snows of winter  the snows of Everest
IDM as clean, pure, etc. as the driven 'snow extremely clean, pure, etc.

verb
1 [v] when it snows, snow falls from the sky: It’s been snowing heavily all day.  It snowed for three days without stopping.
2 [vn] (AmE, informal) to impress sb a lot by the things you say, especially if these are not true or not sincere: He really snowed me with all his talk of buying a Porsche.
IDM be snowed 'in / 'up to be unable to leave a place because of heavy snow be snowed 'under (with sth) to have more things, especially work, than you feel able to deal with: I’d love to come but I’m completely snowed under at the moment. be snowed 'up (especially of a road) to be blocked with snow

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snow.ball
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a ball that you make out of snow to throw at sb/sth in a game: a snowball fight
2 [sing.] (often used as an adjective) a situation that develops more and more quickly as it continues: All this publicity has had a snowball effect on the sales of their latest album.
IDM not have a ,snowball’s chance in 'hell (of doing sth) (informal) to have no chance at all of doing sth

verb [v] if a problem, a plan, an activity, etc. snowballs, it quickly becomes much bigger, more serious, more important, etc: Opposition to the proposals has snowballed.

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snow.blow.er
noun a machine that removes snow from roads or paths by blowing it to one side
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snow.board.ing
noun [U] the sport of moving over snow on a long wide board called a snowboard: to go snowboarding  Snowboarding is now an Olympic sport.
snow.board.er noun
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snow.bound
adj.
1 (of a person or vehicle) trapped in a particular place and unable to move because a lot of snow has fallen
2 (of a road or building) that you cannot use or reach because a lot of snow has fallen
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'snow-capped
adj. (literary) (of mountains and hills) covered with snow on top
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'snow chains
noun [pl.] chains that are put on the wheels of a car so that it can drive over snow
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'snow-covered
(also literary 'snow-clad) adj. [usually before noun] covered with snow: snow-covered fields / mountains
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snow.drift
noun a deep pile of snow that has been blown together by the wind
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snow.drop
noun a small white flower that appears in early spring
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snow.fall
noun [C, U] an occasion when snow falls; the amount of snow that falls in a particular place in a period of time: a heavy / light snowfall  an area of low snowfall  What is the average annual snowfall for this state?
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snow.field
noun a large area that is always covered with snow, for example in the mountains
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snow.flake
noun a small soft piece of frozen water that falls from the sky as snow
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'snow job
noun (AmE , informal) an attempt to deceive sb or to persuade them to support sth by telling them things that are not true, or by praising them too much
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snow.line
(the snowline) noun [sing.] the level on mountains above which snow never melts completely
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snow.man
noun (pl.-men ) a figure like a man that people, especially children, make out of snow for fun
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snow.mobile
noun a motor vehicle that can move over snow and ice easily
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'snow pea
noun [usually pl.] (AmE ) = MANGETOUT
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snow.plough
(BrE ) (AmE snow.plow) noun, verb
noun a vehicle or machine for cleaning snow from roads or railways

verb [v] to bring the two points of your skis together, in order to slow down or stop

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snow.shoe
noun one of a pair of flat frames that you attach to the bottom of your shoes so that you can walk on deep snow without sinking in
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snow.storm
noun a very heavy fall of snow, usually with a strong wind
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,snow-'white
adj. (written) pure white in colour: snow-white sheets
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snowy
adj.
1 [usually before noun] covered with snow: snowy fields / peaks
2 (of a period of time) when a lot of snow falls: a snowy weekend
3 (literary) very white, like new snow: snowy hair
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SNP
abbr. Scottish National Party (a Scottish political party which believes that Scotland should be independent)
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snub
verb, noun
verb (-bb-) [vn]
1 to insult sb, especially by ignoring them when you meet: I tried to be friendly, but she snubbed me completely.
2 to refuse to attend or accept sth, for example as a protest: All the country’s leading players snubbed the tournament.

noun ~ (to sb) an action or a comment that is deliberately rude in order to show sb that you do not like or respect them: Her refusal to attend the dinner is being seen as a deliberate snub to the President.

adj. [only before noun] (of a nose) short, flat and turned up at the end
,snub-'nosed adj.: a snub-nosed child  a snub-nosed revolver (= with a short barrel)

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snuck
pt, pp of SNEAK
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snuff
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (out) to stop a small flame from burning, especially by pressing it between your fingers or covering it with sth
2 (of an animal) to smell sth by breathing in noisily through the nose: [v] The dogs were snuffing gently at my feet. [alsovn] 'snuff it (BrE, humorous, slang) to die
PVR V ,snuff sth<->'out (written) to stop or destroy sth completely: An innocent child’s life has been snuffed out by this senseless shooting.

noun [U] tobacco in the form of a powder that people take by breathing it into their noses

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snuff.box
noun a small, usually decorated, box for holding snuff
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snuf.fle
verb, noun
verb
1 to breathe noisily because you have a cold or you are crying
SYN SNIFF : [v] I could hear the child snuffling in her sleep. [alsov speech]
2 [v] ~ (about / around) if an animal snuffles, it breathes noisily through its nose, especially while it is smelling sth: The dog was snuffling around in the bushes.

noun (also less frequent snuf.fling) an act or the sound of snuffling : The silence was broken only by the snuffles of the dogs.  His breath came in snuffles.
IDM get, have, etc. the 'snuffles (informal) to get/have a cold

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snug
adj., noun
adj.
1 warm, comfortable and protected, especially from the cold
SYN COSY : a snug little house  I spent the afternoon snug and warm in bed.
2 fitting sb/sth closely: The elastic at the waist gives a nice snug fit.  These jeans are a bit snug (= too tight).
snug.ly adv.: I left the children tucked up snugly in bed.  The lid should fit snugly.
snug.ness noun [U]

noun (BrE ) a small comfortable room in a pub, with seats for only a few people

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snug.gle
verb ~ (up to sb/sth) [+adv. / prep.] to get into, or to put sb/sth into, a warm comfortable position, especially close to sb: [v] The child snuggled up to her mother.  He snuggled down under the bedclothes.  She snuggled closer.  [vn] He snuggled his head onto her shoulder.
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So.
abbr. (AmE ) south; southern
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so
adv., conj., noun
adv.
1 ~ … (that) …| ~ … as to do sth to such a great degree: Don’t look so angry.  There’s no need to worry so.  She spoke so quietly (that) I could hardly hear her.  I’m not so stupid as to believe that.   (formal, especially BrE) Would you be so kind as to lock the door when you leave?
2 (especially spoken) very; extremely: The girls looked so pretty in their summer dresses.  I’m so glad to see you.  We have so much to do.  Their attitude is so very English.  The article was just so much (= nothing but) nonsense.   (BrE) He sat there ever so quietly.   (BrE) I do love it so.
3 not ~ … (as … ) (used in comparisons) not to the same degree: I haven’t enjoyed myself so much for a long time.  It wasn’t so good as last time.  It’s not so easy as you’d think.  He was not so quick a learner as his brother.  It’s not so much a hobby as a career (= more like a career than a hobby).   (disapproving) Off she went without so much as (= without even) a ‘goodbye’.
4 (spoken) used to show the size, amount or number of sth: The fish was about so big (= said when using your hands to show the size).  There are only so many (= only a limited number of) hours in a day.
5 used to refer back to sth that has already been mentioned: ‘Is he coming?’‘I hope so .’  ‘Did they mind?’‘I don’t think so .’  If she notices, she never says so .  I might be away next week. If so , I won’t be able to see you.  We are very busy—so much so that we won’t be able to take time off this year.  Programs are expensive, and even more so if you have to keep altering them.  I hear that you’re a writer—is that so (= is that true)?  He thinks I dislike him but that just isn’t so.  George is going to help me, or so he says (= that is what he says).  They asked me to call them and I did so (= I called).
6 also: Times have changed and so have I .  ‘I prefer the first version.’‘So do we .’
HELP You cannot use so with negative verbs. Use neither or either: ‘I’m not hungry.’‘Neither am I  / I’m not very hungry either .’
7 (spoken) used to agree that sth is true, especially when you are surprised: ‘You were there, too.’‘So I was —I’d forgotten.’  ‘There’s another one.’‘So there is .’
8 (spoken) used, especially by children, to say that what sb says is not the case and the opposite is true: ‘You’re not telling the truth, are you?’‘I am, so!’
9 used when you are showing sb how to do sth or telling them how sth happened: (spoken) Stand with you arms out, so.   (literary) So it was that he finally returned home.
IDM and 'so forth | and 'so on (and 'so forth) used at the end of a list to show that it continues in the same way: We discussed everything—when to go, what to see and so on. … or so used after a number, an amount, etc. to show that it is not exact: There were twenty or so (= about twenty) people there.  We stayed for an hour or so. so as to do sth with the intention of doing sth: We went early so as to get good seats. so 'be it (formal) used to show that you accept sth and will not try to change it or cannot change it: If he doesn’t want to be involved, then so be it. ,so much for 'sth
1 used to show that you have finished talking about sth: So much for the situation in Germany. Now we turn our attention to France.
2 (informal) used to suggest that sth has not been successful or useful: So much for that idea! so … that (formal) in such a way that: The programme has been so organized that none of the talks overlap.

conj.
1 used to show the reason for sth: It was still painful so I went to see a doctor.
2 ~ (that … ) used to show the result of sth: Nothing more was heard from him so that we began to wonder if he was dead.
3 ~ (that … ) used to show the purpose of sth: But I gave you a map so you wouldn’t get lost!  She worked hard so that everything would be ready in time.
4 used to introduce the next part of a story: So after shouting and screaming for an hour she walked out in tears.
5 (spoken) used to show that you think sth is not important, especially after sb has criticized you for it: So I had a couple of drinks on the way home. What’s wrong with that?  ‘You’ve been smoking again.’‘So?’
6 (spoken) used to introduce a comment or a question: So, let’s see. What do we need to take?  So, what have you been doing today?
7 (spoken) used when you are making a final statement: So, that’s it for today.
8 (spoken) used in questions to refer to sth that has just been said: So there’s nothing we can do about it?  ‘I’ve just got back from a trip to Rome.’‘So, how was it?’
9 used when stating that two events, situations, etc. are similar: Just as large companies are having to cut back, so small businesses are being forced to close.
IDM so 'what? (spoken) used to show that you think sth is not important, especially after sb has criticized you for it: ‘He’s fifteen years younger than you!’‘So what?’  So what if nobody else agrees with me?

noun = SOH

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soak
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (in sth) to put sth in liquid for a time so that it becomes completely wet; to become completely wet in this way: [vn] I usually soak the beans overnight.  If you soak the tablecloth before you wash it, the stains should come out.  [v] Leave the apricots to soak for 20 minutes.  I’m going to go and soak in the bath.
2 [vn] to make sb/sth completely wet: A sudden shower of rain soaked the spectators.
3 [vn] (informal) to obtain a lot of money from sb by making them pay very high taxes or prices: He was accused of soaking his clients.
PVR V 'soak into / through sth| soak 'in (of a liquid) to enter or pass through sth: Blood had soaked through the bandage. ,soak sth<->'off / 'out to remove sth by leaving it in water ,soak sth<->'up
1 to take in or absorb liquid: Use a cloth to soak up some of the excess water.
2 to absorb sth into your senses, your body or your mind: We were just sitting soaking up the atmosphere.

noun (also soak.ing) [sing.]
1 an act of leaving sth in a liquid for a period of time; an act of making sb/sth wet: Give the shirt a good soak before you wash it.
2 (informal) a period of time spent in a bath

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soaked
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) very wet
SYN DRENCHED : He woke up soaked with sweat.  You’re soaked through ! (= completely wet)  They were soaked to the skin .  You’ll get soaked if you go out in this rain.  Your clothes are soaked!
2 (-soaked) used with nouns to form adjectives describing sth that is made completely wet with the thing mentioned: a blood-soaked cloth  rain-soaked clothing
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soak.ing
(also ,soaking 'wet) adj. completely wet: That coat is soaking—take it off.  We arrived home soaking wet.
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so-and-so
noun (pl.so-and-sos) (informal)
1 [usually sing.] used to refer to a person, thing, etc. when you do not know their name or when you are talking in a general way: Let’s imagine Mrs So-and-so walks in. What would you say to her?  What would you say to Mrs So-and-so who has called to complain about a noisy neighbour?
2 an annoying or unpleasant person. People sometimes say so-and-so to avoid using an offensive word: He’s an ungrateful so-and-so.
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soap
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a substance that you use with water for washing your body: soap and water  a bar / piece of soap  soap bubbles
2 [C] (informal) = SOAP OPERA

verb [vn] to rub yourself/sb/sth with soap—see also SOFT-SOAP

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soap.box
noun a small temporary platform that sb stands on to make a speech in a public place, usually outdoors
IDM get / be on your 'soapbox (informal) to express the strong opinions that you have about a particular subject
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'soap flakes
noun [pl.] very small thin pieces of soap that you buy in packets and use for washing your clothes by hand
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'soap opera
(also informal soap) noun [C, U] a story about the lives and problems of a group of people which is broadcast every day or several times a week on television or radio
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'soap powder
noun [U, C] (BrE ) a powder made from soap and other substances that you use for washing your clothes, especially in a machine
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soap.stone
noun [U] a type of soft stone that feels like soap, used in making ornaments
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soap.suds
noun [pl.] = SUDS
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soapy
adj. [usually before noun]
1 full of soap; covered with soap
2 tasting or feeling like soap
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soar
verb [v] (written)
1 if the value, amount or level of sth soars, it rises very quickly: soaring costs / prices / temperatures  Air pollution will soon soar above safety levels.  Unemployment has soared to 18%.
2 ~ (up) (into sth) to rise quickly and smoothly up into the air: The rocket soared (up) into the air.   (figurative) Her spirits soared (= she became very happy and excited).
3 to fly very high in the air or remain high in the air: an eagle soaring high above the cliffs
4 to be very high or tall: soaring hills / mountains  The building soared above us.
5 when music soars, it becomes higher or louder: soaring strings
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SOB
noun (slang, especially AmE ) = SON OF A BITCH
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sob
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 [v] to cry noisily, taking sudden, sharp breaths: I heard a child sobbing loudly.  He started to sob uncontrollably.
2 ~ sth (out) to say sth while you are crying: [v speech] ‘I hate him,’ she sobbed.  [vn] He sobbed out his troubles.
IDM sob your 'heart out to cry noisily for a long time because you are very sad

noun an act or the sound of sobbing : He gave a deep sob.  Her body was racked (= shaken) with sobs.

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sober
adj., verb
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] not drunk (= not affected by alcohol): I promised him that I’d stay sober tonight.  He was as sober as a judge (= completely sober).
2 (of people and their behaviour) serious and sensible: a sober assessment of the situation  He is honest, sober and hard-working.  On sober reflection (= after some serious thought), I don’t think I really need a car after all.
3 (of colours or clothes) plain and not bright: a sober grey suit
sober.ly adv.
IDM see STONE COLD

verb to make sb behave or think in a more serious and sensible way; to become more serious and sensible: [vn] The bad news sobered us for a while.  [v] He suddenly sobered.
PVR V ,sober 'up| ,sober sb 'up to become or to make sb no longer drunk: Stay here with us until you’ve sobered up.

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sober.ing
adj. making you feel serious and think carefully: a sobering effect / experience / thought  It is sobering to realize that this is not a new problem.
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so.bri.ety
noun [U] (formal)
1 the state of being sober (= not being drunk)
2 the fact of being sensible and serious
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so.bri.quet
(also sou.bri.quet) noun (written) an informal name or title that you give sb/sth
SYN NICKNAME
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'sob story
noun (informal, disapproving) a story that sb tells you just to make you feel sorry for them, especially one that does not have that effect or is not true
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Soc.
abbr. (in writing) SOCIETY : Royal Geographical Soc.
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,so-'called
adj.
1 [only before noun] used to show that you do not think that the word or phrase that is being used to describe sb/sth is appropriate: the opinion of a so-called ‘expert’  How have these so-called improvements helped the local community?
2 [usually before noun] used to introduce the word that people usually use to describe sth: artists from the so-called ‘School of London’
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soc.cer
noun [U] = FOOTBALL (1) : soccer players / fans  a soccer pitch / team / match—
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so.ci.able
(also less frequent so.cial) adj. (of people) enjoying spending time with other people: She’s a sociable child who’ll talk to anyone.  I’m not feeling very sociable this evening.  We had a very sociable weekend (= we did a lot of things with other people).—compare ANTISOCIAL
OPP UNSOCIABLE
so.ci.abil.ity noun [U]
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so.cial
adj., noun
adj.
CONNECTED WITH SOCIETY|
1 [only before noun] connected with society and the way it is organized: social issues / problems / reforms  a call for social and economic change
2 [only before noun] connected with your position in society: social class / background  social advancement (= improving your position in society)
ACTIVITIES WITH OTHERS|
3 [only before noun] connected with activities in which people meet each other for pleasure: a busy / hectic social life   Team sports help to develop a child’s social skills (= the ability to talk easily to other people and do things in a group).  Social events and training days are arranged for all the staff.  Join a social club to make new friends.
ANIMALS|
4 [only before noun] (technical) living naturally in groups, rather than alone
FRIENDLY|
5 = SOCIABLE
so.cial.ly adv.: The reforms will bring benefits, socially and politically.  This type of behaviour is no longer socially acceptable.  a socially disadvantaged family (= one that is poor and from a low social class)  We meet at work, but never socially.  Carnivores are usually socially complex mammals.

noun
1 [C] (old-fashioned) a party that is organized by a group or club: a youth club social
2 (the social) [U] (BrE, spoken) = SOCIAL SECURITY : We’re living on the social now.

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,social 'climber
noun (disapproving) a person who tries to improve their position in society by becoming friendly with people who belong to a higher social class
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,social 'conscience
noun [sing., U] the state of being aware of the problems that affect a lot of people in society, such as being poor or having no home, and wanting to do sth to help these people
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,social de'mocracy
noun [U, C] a political system that combines the principles of SOCIALISM with the greater personal freedom of DEMOCRACY ; a country that has this political system of government
,social 'democrat noun
,social demo'cratic adj. [only before noun]
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,social engi'neering
noun [U] the attempt to change society and to deal with social problems according to particular political beliefs, for example by changing the law
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'social fund
noun [usually sing.] a sum of money that can be used to help people who have financial, family or other social problems
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,social 'housing
noun [U] (in Britain) houses or flats/apartments that are provided by a local council or another organization for people to buy or rent at a low price
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so.cial.ism
noun [U] a set of political and economic theories based on the belief that everyone has an equal right to a share of a country’s wealth and that the government should own and control the main industries—compare CAPITALISM , COMMUNISM , SOCIAL DEMOCRACY
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so.cial.ist
noun a person who believes in or supports socialism ; a member of a political party that believes in socialism
so.cial.ist adj. [usually before noun]: a socialist country / government / politician  socialist beliefs / ideals / traditions  the ruling Socialist Party
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so.cial.is.tic
adj. [usually before noun] (often disapproving) having some of the features of socialism
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so.cial.ite
noun (sometimes disapproving) a person who goes to a lot of fashionable parties and is often written about in the newspapers, etc.
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so.cial.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun [U] (formal) the process by which sb, especially a child, learns to behave in a way that is acceptable in their society
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so.cial.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 [v] ~ (with sb) to meet and spend time with people in a friendly way, in order to enjoy yourself: I enjoy socializing with the other students.  Maybe you should socialize more.
2 [vn] [often passive] (formal) to teach people to behave in ways that are acceptable to their society: The family has the important function of socializing children. [alsovn to inf]
3 [vn] [usually passive] to organize sth according to the principles of SOCIALISM
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,social 'science
noun
1 (also ,social 'studies) [U] the study of people in society
2 [C] a particular subject connected with the study of people in society, for example geography, ECONOMICS or SOCIOLOGY
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,social 'scientist
noun a person who studies social science
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,social se'curity
noun [U]
1 (BrE) (also wel.fareAmE, BrE) money that the government pays regularly to people who are poor, unemployed, sick, etc: to live on social security  social security payments  the Department of Social Security
2 (Social Security) (AmE) a system in which people pay money regularly to the government when they are working and receive payments from the government when they are unable to work, especially when they are sick or too old to work—compare NATIONAL INSURANCE
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,social 'services
noun [pl.] a system that is organized by the local government to help people who have financial or family problems; the department or the people who provide this help: a leaflet on the range of social services available  the local social services department
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'social work
noun [U] paid work that involves giving help and advice to people living in the community who have financial or family problems
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'social worker
noun a person whose job is social work
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so.ci.etal
adj. [only before noun] (technical ) connected with society and the way it is organized: societal values / structure
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so.ci.ety
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] people in general, living together in communities: policies that will benefit society as a whole  Racism exists at all levels of society.  They carried out research into the roles of men and women in today’s society
2 [C, U] a particular community of people who share the same customs, laws, etc: modern industrial societies  demand created by a consumer society  Can Britain ever be a classless society?  They were discussing the problems of Western society.
3 [C] (abbr.Soc.) (especially in names) a group of people who join together for a particular purpose
SYN ASSOCIATION : a member of the drama society  the American Society of Newspaper Editors—see also BUILDING SOCIETY
4 [U] the group of people in a country who are fashionable, rich and powerful: Their daughter married into high society .  a society wedding
5 [U] (formal) the state of being with other people
SYN COMPANY : He was a solitary man who avoided the society of others.
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socio-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with society or the study of society: socio-economic  sociolinguistics
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soci.olo.gist
noun a person who studies sociology
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soci.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of the nature and development of society and social behaviour
socio.logic.al adj.: sociological research / theories
socio.logic.al.ly adv.
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socio.path
noun a person who has a mental illness and who behaves in an aggressive or dangerous way towards other people
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sock
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of clothing that is worn over the foot, ankle and lower part of the leg, especially inside a shoe: a pair of socks
2 (informal) a strong blow, especially with the FIST : to give sb a sock on the jaw
IDM blow / knock sb’s 'socks off (informal) to surprise or impress sb very much put a 'sock in it (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to tell sb to stop talking or making a noise—more at PULL v.

verb [vn] (informal) to hit sb hard: She got angry and socked him in the mouth.   (figurative) The banks are socking customers with higher charges.
IDM 'sock it to sb (informal or humorous) to do sth or tell sb sth in a strong and effective way: Go in there and sock it to 'em!
PVR V ,sock sth<->a'way (AmE) to save money

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socket
noun
1 (also 'power point) (both BrE) (AmE out.let, re.cep.tacle) a device in a wall that you put a PLUG into in order to connect electrical equipment to the power supply of a building: a mains / wall socket—picture at PLUG
2 a device on a piece of electrical equipment that you can fix a PLUG , a light BULB , etc. into: an aerial socket on the television
3 a curved hollow space in the surface of sth that another part fits into or moves around in: His eyes bulged in their sockets.
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sod
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE,  , slang) used to refer to a person, especially a man, that you are annoyed with or think is unpleasant: You stupid sod!
2 (BrE,  , slang) used with an adjective to refer to a person, especially a man: The poor old sod got the sack yesterday.  You lucky sod!
HELP You can use words like man, boy, devil or thing instead.
3 (BrE,  , slang) a thing that is difficult or causes problems: It was a real sod of a job.
4 [sing.] (formal or literary) a layer of earth with grass growing on it; a piece of this that has been removed: under the sod (= in your grave)

verb (-dd-) [vn] (BrE ,  , slang) (only used in orders) a swear word that many people find offensive, used when sb is annoyed about sth or to show that they do not care about sth: Sod this car! It’s always breaking down.  Oh, sod it! I’m not doing any more.
IDM see LARK n.
PVR V ,sod 'off (BrE,  , slang) (usually used in orders) to go away: Sod off, the pair of you!

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soda
noun
1 [U, C] = SODA WATER : Add some soda to the whisky, please.  a Scotch and soda
2 (also old-fashioned 'soda pop) (both AmE) [U, C] a sweet FIZZY drink (= a drink with bubbles) made with soda water, fruit flavour and sometimes ice cream: Do you have any diet soda?  He had an ice-cream soda.
3 [U] a chemical substance in common use that is a compound of SODIUM : baking / washing soda—see also CAUSTIC SODA , SODIUM BICARBONATE , SODIUM CARBONATE
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'soda fountain
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a type of cafe where you can buy sodas to drink, ice creams, etc.
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,sod 'all
noun [U] (BrE ,  , slang) a phrase that some people find offensive, used to mean ‘none at all’ or ‘nothing at all’
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'soda water
(also soda) noun
1 [U] FIZZY water (= water with bubbles) used as a drink on its own or to mix with alcoholic drinks or fruit juice
2 [C] a glass of soda water
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sod.den
adj.
1 extremely wet
SYN SOAKED : sodden clothing / grass  We arrived home completely sodden.
2 (-sodden) extremely wet with the thing mentioned: a rain-sodden jacket
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sod.ding
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ,  , slang) a swear word that many people find offensive, used to emphasize a comment or an angry statement: I couldn’t understand a sodding thing!
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so.dium
noun [U] (symb Na) a chemical element. Sodium is a soft silver-white metal that is found naturally only in compounds, such as salt.
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,sodium bi'carbonate
(also bi,carbonate of 'soda, 'baking soda) (also informal bi.carb) noun [U] (symb NaHCO3) a chemical compound in the form of a white powder that dissolves and is used in baking to make cakes, etc. rise and become light, and in making FIZZY drinks and some medicines
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sodium carbonate
(also 'washing soda) noun [U] (symb Na2CO3) a chemical compound in the form of white CRYSTALS or powder that dissolves and is used in making glass, soap and paper, and for softening water
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,sodium 'chloride
noun [U] (symb NaCl) common salt (a chemical compound of SODIUM and CHLORINE )
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sod.om.ite
noun (old-fashioned, formal) a person who practises sodomy
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sod.om.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (disapproving) to have ANAL sex with sb
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sod.omy
noun [U] a sexual act in which a man puts his PENIS in sb’s, especially another man’s, ANUS
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,Sod’s 'Law
noun [U] (BrE , humorous) the tendency for things to happen in just the way that you do not want, and in a way that is not useful: We always play better when we are not being recorded—but that’s Sod’s Law, isn’t it?  It was Sod’s Law—the only day he could manage was the day I couldn’t miss work.
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sofa
noun a long comfortable seat with a back and arms, for two or more people to sit on
SYN SETTEE , COUCH —picture at CHAIR
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'sofa bed
noun a sofa that can be folded out to form a bed—picture at BED
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soft
adj. (soft.er, soft.est)
NOT HARD|
1 changing shape easily when pressed; not stiff or firm: soft margarine  soft feather pillows  The grass was soft and springy.
2 less hard than average: soft rocks such as limestone  soft cheeses
OPP HARD
NOT ROUGH|
3 smooth and pleasant to touch: soft skin / hair / fur  a dress made from the finest, softest silk
OPP ROUGH
WITHOUT ANGLES / EDGES|
4 not having sharp angles or hard edges: This season’s fashions focus on warm tones and soft lines.  The moon’s pale light cast soft shadows.
LIGHT / COLOURS|
5 [usually before noun] not too bright, in a way that is pleasant and relaxing to the eyes: a soft pink  the soft glow of candlelight
OPP HARSH
RAIN / WIND|
6 not strong or violent: A soft breeze rustled the trees.
SOUNDS|
7 not loud, and usually pleasant and gentle: soft background music  a soft voice
SYMPATHETIC|
8 kind and sympathetic; easily affected by other people’s suffering: Julia’s soft heart was touched by his grief.
OPP HARD
NOT STRICT|
9 ~ (on sb/sth)| ~ (with sb) (usually disapproving) not strict or severe; not strict or severe enough: The government is not becoming soft on crime.  If you’re too soft with these kids they’ll never respect you.
OPP TOUGH
CRAZY|
10 (informal, disapproving) stupid or crazy: He must be going soft in the head .
NOT BRAVE / TOUGH ENOUGH|
11 (informal, disapproving) not brave enough; wanting to be safe and comfortable: Stay in a hotel? Don’t be so soft. I want to camp out under the stars.
TOO EASY|
12 (disapproving) not involving much work; too easy and comfortable: They had got too used to the soft life at home.
OPP HARD
WATER|
13 not containing mineral salts and therefore good for washing: You won’t need much soap—the water here is very soft.
OPP HARD
CONSONANTS|
14 (phonetics) not sounding hard, for example ‘c’ in ‘city’ and ‘g’ in ‘general’
OPP HARD
soft.ness noun [U, sing.]: the softness of her skin / voice  the softness of the water—see also SOFTLY have a soft 'spot for sb/sth (informal) to like sb/sth: She’s always had a soft spot for you.—more at OPTION , TOUCH n.
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soft.ball
noun
1 [U] a game similar to baseball but played on a smaller field with a larger softer ball
2 [C] the ball used in softball
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,soft-'boiled
adj. (of eggs) boiled for a short time so that the YOLK is still soft or liquid—compare HARD-BOILED
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,soft 'drink
noun a cold drink that does not contain alcohol—compare HARD adj. (11)
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,soft 'drug
noun an illegal drug, such as CANNABIS , that some people take for pleasure, that is not considered very harmful or likely to cause ADDICTION —compare HARD DRUG
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soft.en
verb
1 to become, or to make sth softer: [v] Fry the onions until they soften.  [vn] a lotion to soften the skin  Linseed oil will soften stiff leather.
2 to become or to make sth less bright or harsh: [vn] Trees soften the outline of the house. [alsov]
3 to become or to make sb/sth more sympathetic and less severe or critical: [v] She felt herself softening towards him.  His face softened as he looked at his son.  [vn] She softened her tone a little.
4 [vn] to reduce the force or the unpleasant effects of sth: Air bags are designed to soften the impact of a car crash.
IDM see BLOW n.
PVR V ,soften sb<->'up (informal)
1 to try to persuade sb to do sth for you by being very nice to them before you ask them: Potential customers are softened up with free gifts before the sales talk.
2 to make an enemy weaker and easier to attack
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soft.en.er
noun
1 [C] a device that is used with chemicals to make hard water soft: a water softener
2 [U, C] a substance that you add when washing clothes to make them feel soft
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,soft 'focus
noun [U] a method of producing a photograph so that the edges of the image are not clear, in order to make it look more romantic and attractive
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,soft 'fruit
noun [C, U] small fruits without stones/pits or hard skin, such as STRAWBERRIES or CURRANTS
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,soft 'furnishings
noun [pl.] (BrE ) cushions, curtains and other things made from fabric in a house
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,soft-'hearted
adj. kind, sympathetic and emotional—compare HARD-HEARTED
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softie
(also softy) noun (pl.-ies) (informal) a kind, sympathetic or emotional person: There’s no need to be afraid of him—he’s a big softie.
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soft.ly
adv. in a soft way: She closed the door softly behind her.  ‘I missed you,’ he said softly.  She stroked his hand softly.  The room was softly lit by a lamp.  a softly tailored suit
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,softly-'softly
adj. (BrE , informal) (of a way of doing sth) careful and patient, with no sudden actions: The police used a softly-softly approach with him.
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,softly-'spoken
adj. = SOFT-SPOKEN
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,soft-'pedal
verb ~ (on) sth (informal) to treat sth as less serious or important than it really is: [vn] Television has been accused of soft-pedalling bad news. [alsov]
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,soft 'porn
noun [U] films/movies, books, pictures, etc. that show or describe sexual activity in a way that is sexually exciting but not in a very detailed or violent way—compare HARD PORN
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,soft 'sell
noun [U] a method of selling that involves persuading sb to buy sth rather than using pressure or aggressive methods—compare HARD SELL
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,soft 'shoulder
noun (AmE ) = VERGE
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,soft-'soap
verb [vn] (informal) to say nice things to sb in order to persuade them to do sth
,soft 'soap noun [U]
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,soft-'spoken
(also less frequent ,softly-'spoken) adj. having a gentle and quiet voice
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'soft-top
noun a type of car that has a soft roof that can be folded down or removed; the roof of such a car—see also CONVERTIBLE
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,soft 'toy
(BrE ) (also ,stuffed 'animalAmE, BrE) noun a toy in the shape of an animal, made of fabric and filled with a soft substance—
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soft.ware
noun [U] the programs, etc. used to operate a computer: applications / system software—compare HARDWARE
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'software engineer
noun a person who writes computer PROGRAMS
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'software package
noun (computing ) = PACKAGE (4)
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soft.wood
noun [U, C] wood from trees such as PINE , that is cheap to produce and can be cut easily—compare HARDWOOD
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softy
noun = SOFTIE
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soggy
adj. (sog.gier, sog.gi.est) wet and soft, usually in a way that is unpleasant: We squelched over the soggy ground.  soggy bread / cornflakes
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soh
(also so) (also sol) noun (music ) the fifth note of a MAJOR scale
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soi.gnée
adj. (from French , formal) (used of women) elegant; carefully and neatly dressed
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soil
noun, verb
noun [U, C]
1 the top layer of the earth in which plants, trees, etc. grow: poor / dry / acid / sandy soil  the study of rocks and soils  soil erosion  note at EARTH
2 (literary) a country; an area of land: It was the first time I had set foot on African soil.

verb [vn] [often passive] (formal) to make sth dirty: soiled bedding / linen   (figurative) I don’t want you soiling your hands with this sort of work (= doing sth unpleasant or wrong).—see also SHOP-SOILED

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soirée
noun (from French , formal) a formal party in the evening, especially at sb’s home
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so.journ
noun (literary) a temporary stay in a place away from your home
so.journ verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
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sol
noun = SOH
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sol.ace
noun [U, sing.] (formal) a feeling of emotional comfort when you are sad or disappointed; a person or thing that makes you feel better or happier when you are sad or disappointed: He sought solace in the whisky bottle.  She turned to Rob for solace.  His grandchildren were a solace in his old age.
so.lace verb : [vn] (literary) She smiled, as though solaced by the memory.
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solar
adj. [only before noun]
1 of or connected with the sun: solar radiation  the solar cycle
2 using the sun’s energy: solar power / heating
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,solar 'cell
noun a device that changes energy from sunlight and heat into electricity
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sol.ar.ium
noun a room enclosed mainly by glass or having special lamps, where people go to get a SUNTAN (= make their skin go brown) in real or artificial sunlight
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,solar 'panel
noun a piece of equipment on a roof that collects energy from sunlight in order to heat water and produce electricty
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solar plexus
noun [sing.]
1 (anatomy) a system of nerves behind the stomach
2 (informal) the part of the body at the top of the stomach, below the RIBS : a painful punch in the solar plexus
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'solar system
noun
1 (the solar system) [sing.] the sun and all the planets that move around it
2 [C] any group of planets that all move around the same star
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,solar 'year
noun the time it takes the earth to go around the sun once, approximately 365¼ days
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sold
pt, pp of SELL
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sol.der
noun, verb
noun [U] a mixture of metals that is heated and melted and then used to join metals, wires, etc. together

verb [vn] ~ sth (to / onto sth)| ~ (A and B together) to join pieces of metal or wire with solder

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'soldering iron
noun a tool that is heated and used for joining metals and wires by soldering them
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sol.dier
noun, verb
noun a member of an army, especially one who is not an officer: soldiers in uniform  soldiers on duty / leave

verb
PVR V ,soldier 'on to continue with what you are doing or trying to achieve, especially when this is difficult or unpleasant

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sol.dier.ing
noun [U] the life or activity of being a soldier
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sol.dier.ly
adj. typical of a good soldier
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,soldier of 'fortune
noun a person who fights for any country or person who will pay them
SYN MERCENARY
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sol.diery
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] (old-fashioned) a group of soldiers, especially of a particular kind
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,sold 'out
adj.
1 if a concert, match, etc. is sold out, there are no more tickets available for it
2 if a shop/store is sold out of a product, it has no more of it left to sell
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sole
adj., noun, verb
adj. [only before noun]
1 only; single: the sole surviving member of the family  My sole reason for coming here was to see you.  This is the sole means of access to the building.
2 belonging to one person or group; not shared: She has sole responsibility for the project.  the sole owner

noun
1 [C] the bottom surface of the foot: The hot sand burned the soles of their feet.
2 [C] the bottom part of a shoe or sock, not including the heel: leather / rubber soles—compare HEEL n. (3) —picture at SHOE
3 (-soled) (in adjectives) having the type of soles mentioned: rubber-soled shoes
4 [U, C] (pl.sole) a flat sea fish that is used for food

verb [vn] [usually passive] to repair a shoe by replacing the sole

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sol.ecism
noun (formal)
1 a mistake in the use of language in speech or writing
2 an example of bad manners or unacceptable behaviour
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sole.ly
adv. only; not involving sb/sth else: She was motivated solely by self-interest.  Selection is based solely on merit.  He became solely responsible for the firm.
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sol.emn
adj.
1 (of a person) not happy or smiling; looking very serious: Her face grew solemn.  a solemn expression
2 done, said, etc. in a very serious and sincere way: a solemn oath / undertaking / vow
3 (of a religious ceremony or formal occasion) performed in a serious way: a solemn festival / ceremony / ritual
sol.emn.ly adv.: He nodded solemnly.  She solemnly promised not to say a word to anyone about it.  The choir walked solemnly past.
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so.lem.nity
noun
1 [U] the quality of being solemn : He was smiling, but his eyes retained a look of solemnity.  She handed him the envelope with mock solemnity.  He was buried with great pomp and solemnity.
2 (solemnities) [pl.] (formal) formal things that people do at a serious event or occasion: to observe the solemnities of the occasion
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sol.em.nize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to perform a religious ceremony, especially a marriage
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so.licit
verb
1 ~ sth (from sb)| ~ (sb) (for sth) (formal) to ask sb for sth, such as support, money, or information; to try to get sth or persuade sb to do sth: [vn] They were planning to solicit funds from a number of organizations.  They send representatives abroad to solicit business.  Historians and critics are solicited for their opinions.  [v] to solicit for money [alsovn to inf]
2 (of a prostitute) to offer to have sex with people in return for money: [v] Prostitutes solicited openly in the streets.  the crime of soliciting [alsovn]
so.lici.ta.tion noun [U, C] (especially AmE): the solicitation of money for election funds
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so.lici.tor
noun (BrE ) a lawyer who prepares legal documents, for example for the sale of land or buildings, advises people on legal matters, and can speak for them in some courts of law  note at LAWYER
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So,licitor 'General
noun (pl.Solicitors General) a senior legal officer in Britain or the US, next in rank below the ATTORNEY-GENERAL
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so.lici.tous
adj. (formal) being very concerned for sb and wanting to make sure that they are comfortable, well or happy
so.lici.tous.ly adv. (formal)
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so.lici.tude
noun [U] ~ (for sb/sth) (formal) anxious care for sb’s comfort, health or happiness: I was touched by his solicitude for the boy.
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solid
adj., noun
adj.
NOT LIQUID / GAS|
1 hard or firm; not in the form of a liquid or gas: The planet Jupiter may have no solid surface at all.  The boat bumped against a solid object.  She had refused all solid food.  It was so cold that the stream had frozen solid .  The boiler uses solid fuel .
WITHOUT HOLES OR SPACES|
2 having no holes or spaces inside; not hollow: They were drilling through solid rock.  The stores are packed solid (= very full and crowded) at this time of year.
STRONG|
3 strong and made well: These chains seem fairly solid.
RELIABLE|
4 that you can rely on; having a strong basis: As yet, they have no solid evidence.  His advice was always solid and practical.  This provided a solid foundation for their marriage.  The Irish team were solid as a rock in defence.
GOOD BUT NOT SPECIAL|
5 definitely good and steady but perhaps not excellent or special: 1999 was a year of solid achievement.  He’s a solid player.
MATERIAL|
6 [only before noun] made completely of the material mentioned (that is, the material is not only on the surface): a solid gold bracelet
PERIOD OF TIME|
7 (informal) without a pause; continuous: The essay represents a solid week’s work.  It rained for two hours solid this afternoon.
COLOUR|
8 of the colour mentioned and no other colour: One cat is black and white, the other solid black.
SHAPE|
9 (geometry) a shape that is solid has length, width and height and is not flat: A cube is a solid figure.
IN AGREEMENT|
10 in complete agreement; agreed on by everyone: The department was solid against the changes.  The strike was solid, supported by all the members.—see also ROCK SOLID

noun
NOT LIQUID / GAS|
1 a substance or an object that is solid, not a liquid or a gas: liquids and solids  The baby is not yet on solids (= eating solid food).
SHAPE|
2 (geometry) a shape which has length, width and height, such as a CUBE

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soli.dar.ity
noun [U] ~ (with sb) support by one person or group of people for another because they share feelings, opinions, aims, etc: family / community / social solidarity  to express / show solidarity with sb  Demonstrations were held as a gesture of solidarity with the hunger strikers.
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so.lid.ify
verb (so.lidi.fies, so.lidi.fy.ing, so.lidi.fied, so.lidi.fied) ~ (into sth)
1 to become solid; to make sth solid: [v] The mixture will solidify into toffee.  [vn] solidified lava
2 (written) (of ideas, etc.) to become or to make sth become more definite and less likely to change: [v] Vague objections to the system solidified into firm opposition.  [vn] They solidified their position as Britain’s top band.
so.lidi.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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so.lid.ity
noun [U] the quality or state of being solid: the strength and solidity of Romanesque architecture  Her writings have extraordinary depth and solidity.  the solidity of his support for his staff
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sol.id.ly
adv.
1 in a firm and strong way: a large, solidly-built house  He stood solidly in my path.
2 continuously; without stopping: It rained solidly for three hours.
3 agreeing with or supporting sb/sth completely: Her colleagues were solidly behind her.  The state is solidly Republican.
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so.lilo.quy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) a speech in a play in a which a character, who is alone on the stage, speaks his or her thoughts aloud; the act of speaking thoughts aloud in this way: Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, ‘To be or not to be … ’  the playwright’s use of soliloquy—compare MONOLOGUE
so.lilo.quize , -iseverb [v]
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sol.ip.sism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the theory that only the self exists or can be known
sol.ip.sis.tic adj.
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soli.taire
noun
1 [U] (BrE) a game for one person in which you remove pieces from their places on a special board after moving other pieces over them. The aim is to finish with only one piece left on the board.
2 [U] (AmE) = PATIENCE (3)
3 [C] a single jewel; a piece of jewellery with a single jewel in it: a solitaire ring
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soli.tary
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] done alone; without other people: She enjoys long solitary walks.  He led a solitary life.
2 (of a person or an animal) enjoying being alone; frequently spending time alone: He was a solitary child.  Tigers are solitary animals.
3 (of a person, thing or place) alone, with no other people or things around: a solitary farm  A solitary light burned dimly in the hall.
4 [usually before noun] (especially in negative sentences and questions) only one; single: There was not a solitary shred of evidence (= none at all).
soli.tari.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (informal) = SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
2 [C] (formal) a person who chooses to live alone

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,solitary con'finement
(also informal soli.tary) noun [U] a punishment in which a prisoner is kept alone in a separate cell: to be in solitary confinement
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soli.tude
noun [U] the state of being alone, especially when you find this pleasant: She longed for peace and solitude.  I returned to the solitude of my room.
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solo
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 done by one person alone, without anyone helping them: his first solo flight  a solo effort
2 connected with or played as a musical solo : a solo artist (= for example a singer who sings on their own, not as part of group)  a piece for solo violin
solo adv.: She wanted to fly solo across the Atlantic.  After three years with the band he decided to go solo .

noun (pl.-os)
1 a piece of music, dance or entertainment performed by only one person: a guitar solo—compare DUET
2 a flight in which the pilot flies alone without an INSTRUCTOR (= teacher)

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solo.ist
noun a person who plays an instrument or performs alone
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sol.stice
noun either of the two times of the year at which the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at midday, marked by the longest and shortest days: the summer / winter solstice
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sol.uble
adj.
1 ~ (in sth) that can be dissolved in a liquid: soluble aspirin  Glucose is soluble in water.
2 (formal) (of a problem) that can be solved
OPP INSOLUBLE
solu.bil.ity noun [U]
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so.lu.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (to sth) a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation: Attempts to find a solution have failed.  There’s no simple solution to this problem.  Do you have a better solution?
2 [C] ~ (to sth) an answer to a PUZZLE : The solution to last week’s quiz is on page 81.
3 [C, U] a liquid in which sth is dissolved: an alkaline solution  saline solution
4 [U] the process of dissolving a solid or gas in a liquid: the solution of glucose in water
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solve
verb [vn]
1 to find a way of dealing with a problem or difficult situation: Attempts are being made to solve the problem of waste disposal.
2 to find the correct answer or explanation for sth: to solve an equation / puzzle / riddle  to solve a crime / mystery
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solv.ency
noun [U] (written) the state of not being in debt (= not owing money)
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solv.ent
noun, adj.
noun [U, C] a substance, especially a liquid, that can dissolve another substance

adj.
1 [not usually before noun] having enough money to pay your debts; not in debt
OPP INSOLVENT
2 (technical) able to dissolve another substance, or be dissolved in another substance: Lead is more solvent in acidic water.

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'solvent abuse
noun [U] the practice of breathing in gases from glue or similar substances in order to produce a state of excitement—see also GLUE-SNIFFING
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solv.er
noun a person who finds an answer to a problem or a difficult situation: She’s a good problem solver .
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sombre
(BrE ) (AmEsom.ber) adj.
1 dark in colour; dull: dressed in sombre shades of grey and black
2 sad and serious: Paul was in a quiet and sombre mood .  The year had ended on a sombre note.
sombre.ly (BrE) (AmEsom.berly) adv.
sombre.ness (BrE) (AmEsom.berness) noun [U]
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som.brero
noun (pl.-os) a Mexican hat for men that is tall with a very wide BRIM , turned up at the edges
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some
det., pron., adv.
det.
1 used with uncountable nouns or plural countable nouns to mean ‘an amount of’ or ‘a number of’, when the amount or number is not given: There’s still some wine in the bottle.  Have some more vegetables.
HELP In negative sentences and questions any is usually used instead of ‘some’: I don’t want any more vegetables.  Is there any wine left? However, some is used in questions that expect a positive reply: Would you like some milk in your coffee?  Didn’t you borrow some books of mine?
2 used to refer to certain members of a group or certain types of a thing, but not all of them: Some people find this more difficult than others.  Some people never seem to put on weight while others are always on a diet.  I like some modern music (= but not all of it).
3 a large number or amount of sth: It was with some surprise that I heard the news.  We’ve known each other for some years now.  We’re going to be working together for some time (= a long time).
4 a small amount or number of sth: There is some hope that things will improve.
5 used with singular countable nouns to refer to a person, place, thing or time that is not known or not identified: There must be some mistake.  He’s in some kind of trouble.  She won a competition in some newspaper or other .  I’ll see you again some time, I’m sure.
6 (informal, sometimes ironic) used to express a positive or negative opinion about sb/sth: That was some party!  Some expert you are! You know even less than me.

pron. ~ (of sb/sth)
1 used to refer to an amount of sth or a number of people or things when the amount or number is not given: Some disapprove of the idea.  You’ll find some in the drawer.  Here are some of our suggestions.
HELP In negative sentences and questions any is usually used instead of ‘some’: I don’t want any.  Do you have any of the larger ones? However, some is used in questions that expect a positive reply: Would you like some?  Weren’t you looking for some of those?
2 a part of the whole number or amount being considered: All these students are good, but some work harder than others.  Some of the music was weird.
IDM … and 'then some (informal) and a lot more than that: We got our money’s worth and then some.

adv.
1 used before numbers to mean ‘approximately’: Some thirty people attended the funeral.
2 (AmE, informal) to some degree: He needs feeding up some.  ‘Are you finding the work any easier?’‘Some.’

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-some
suffix
1 (in adjectives) producing; likely to: fearsome  quarrelsome
2 (in nouns) a group of the number mentioned: a foursome
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some.body
pron. = SOMEONE : Somebody should have told me.  She thinks she’s really somebody in that car.
OPP NOBODY
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'some day
(also some.day) adv. at some time in the future: Some day he’ll be famous.
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some.how
adv.
1 (also AmE informal some.way, some.ways) in a way that is not known or certain: We must stop him from seeing her somehow.  Somehow or other I must get a new job.
2 for a reason that you do not know or understand: Somehow, I don’t feel I can trust him.  She looked different somehow.
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some.one
(also some.body) pron.
1 a person who is not known or mentioned by name: There’s someone at the door.  Someone’s left their bag behind.  It’s time for someone new (= a new person) to take over.  It couldn’t have been me—it must have been someone else (= a different person).  Should we call a doctor or someone ?
HELP The difference between someone and anyone is the same as the difference between some and any. Look at the notes there.
2 an important person: He was a small-time lawyer keen to be someone —compare NOBODY
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some.place
adv., pron. (AmE ) = SOMEWHERE : It has to go someplace.  Can’t you do that someplace else ?  We need to find someplace to live.
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som.er.sault
noun, verb
noun a movement in which sb turns over completely, with their feet over their head, on the ground or in the air: to do / turn a somersault  He turned back somersaults.   (figurative) Her heart did a complete somersault when she saw him.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to turn over completely in the air: The car hit the kerb and somersaulted into the air.

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some.thing
pron., adv.
pron.
1 a thing that is not known or mentioned by name: We stopped for something to eat.  Give me something to do .  There’s something wrong with the TV.  There’s something about this place that frightens me.  Don’t just stand there. Do something !  His name is Alan something (= I don’t know his other name).  She’s a professor of something or other (= I’m not sure what) at Leeds.  He’s something in (= has a job connected with) television.  The car hit a tree or something .  I could just eat a little something .
HELP The difference between something and anything is the same as the difference between some and any. Look at the notes there.
2 (informal) a thing that is thought to be important or worth taking notice of: There’s something in (= some truth or some fact or opinion worth considering in) what he says.  It’s quite something (= a thing that you should feel happy about) to have a job at all these days.  ‘We should finish by tomorrow.’‘That’s something (= a good thing), anyway.’
3 (informal) used to show that a description or an amount, etc. is not exact: She called at something after ten o’clock.  a new comedy aimed at thirty-somethings (= people between thirty and forty years old)  It tastes something like melon.  They pay six pounds an hour. Something like that .  She found herself something of a (= to some degree a) celebrity.  The programme’s something to do with (= in some way about) the environment.  He gave her a wry look, something between amusement and regret.
IDM something 'else
1 a different thing; another thing: He said something else that I thought was interesting.
2 (informal) a person, a thing or an event that is much better than others of a similar type: I’ve seen some fine players, but she’s something else.

adv. (non-standard) used with an adjective to emphasize a statement: She was swearing something terrible.

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some.time
adv., adj.
adv. (also 'some time) at a time that you do not know exactly or has not yet been decided: I saw him sometime last summer.  We must get together sometime.

adj. [only before noun] (formal)
1 used to refer to what sb used to be: Thomas Atkins, sometime vicar of this parish
2 (AmE) used to refer to what sb does occasionally: a sometime contributor to this magazine

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some.times
adv. occasionally rather than all of the time: Sometimes I go by car.  He sometimes writes to me.  I like to be on my own sometimes.
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some.way
(also some.ways) adv. (AmE , informal) = SOMEHOW
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some.what
adv. to some degree; rather: I was somewhat surprised to see him.  The situation has changed somewhat since we last met.  What happened to them remains somewhat of a mystery.
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some.where
(AmE also some.place) adv. in, at or to some place that you do not know or do not mention by name: I’ve seen him somewhere before.  Can we go somewhere warm?  I’ve already looked there—it must be somewhere else .  He went to school in York or somewhere (= I’m not sure where).  They live somewhere or other in France.
HELP The difference between somewhere and anywhere is the same as the difference between some and any. Look at the notes there.
some.where (AmE also some.place) pron.: We need to find somewhere to (= a place to) live.  I know somewhere we can go.
IDM 'get somewhere (informal) to make progress in what you are doing somewhere around, between, etc. sth approximately the number or amount mentioned: It cost somewhere around two thousand dollars.
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som.nam.bu.list
noun (formal) = SLEEPWALKER
som.nam.bu.lism noun [U]
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som.no.lent
adj. (written)
1 almost asleep: a somnolent cat   (figurative) a somnolent town
2 making you feel tired: a somnolent Sunday afternoon
som.no.lence noun [U]
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son
noun
1 [C] a person’s male child: We have two sons and a daughter.  They have three grown-up sons.  He’s the son of an Oxford professor.  Maine & Sons, Grocers (= the name of a company on a sign)
2 [sing.] (spoken, informal) a friendly form of address that is used by an older man to a young man or boy: Well, son, how can I help you?
3 [C] (literary) a man who belongs to a particular place or country, etc: one of France’s most famous sons
4 (my son) (spoken, formal) used by a priest to address a boy or man
5 (the Son) [sing.] Jesus Christ as the second member of the TRINITY : the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
IDM see FATHER n. , FAVOURITE adj. , PRODIGAL
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sonar
noun [U] equipment or a system for finding objects underwater using sound waves—compare RADAR
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son.ata
noun a piece of music for one instrument or for one instrument and piano, usually divided into three or four parts: Beethoven’s piano sonatas  a violin sonata
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son et lu.mi.ère
noun [U] (from French ) a performance held at night at a famous place that tells its history with special lights and sound
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song
noun
1 [C] a short piece of music with words that you sing: a folk / love / pop song  We sang a song together.—see also SWANSONG
2 [U] songs in general; music for singing: The story is told through song and dance.  Suddenly he burst into song (= started to sing).—see also PLAINSONG
3 [U, C] the musical sounds that birds make: the song of the blackbird
IDM for a 'song (informal) very cheaply; at a low price a song and 'dance (about sth)
1 (BrE, informal, disapproving) if you make a song and dance about sth, you complain or talk about it too much when this is not necessary
2 [C] (AmE, informal) a long explanation about sth, or excuse for sth on 'song (informal) working or performing well: The whole team was on song.
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song.bird
noun a bird that has a musical call, for example a BLACKBIRD or THRUSH
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song.book
noun a book containing the music and words of different songs
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song.ster
noun (old-fashioned)
1 a word sometimes used in newspapers to mean ‘singer’
2 a SONGBIRD
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song.stress
noun a word sometimes used in newspapers to mean ‘a woman singer’
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song.writer
noun a person who writes the words and usually also the music for songs
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song.writ.ing
noun [U] the process of writing songs
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sonic
adj. (technical ) connected with sound or the speed of sound: sonic waves
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,sonic 'boom
noun the explosive sound that is made when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound
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'son-in-law
noun (pl.'sons-in-law) the husband of your daughter—compare DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
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son.net
noun a poem that has 14 lines, each containing 10 syllables, and a fixed pattern of rhyme : Shakespeare’s sonnets
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sonny
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) a word used by an older person to address a young man or boy
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,son of a 'bitch
noun (pl.sons of bitches) (also SOB especially in AmE) ( , slang) an offensive word for a person that you think is bad or very unpleasant: I’ll kill that son of a bitch when I get my hands on him!
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,son of a 'gun
noun (AmE , informal, spoken)
1 a person or thing that you are annoyed with: My car’s at the shop—the son of a gun broke down again.
2 used to express the the fact that you are surprised or annoyed: Well, son of a gun—and I thought the old guy couldn’t dance!
3 (old-fashioned) used by a man to address or talk about a male friend that he admires and likes: Frank, you old son of a gun—I haven’t seen you for months.
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son.or.ous
adj. (formal) having a pleasant full deep sound: a sonorous voice
son.or.ity noun [U, C]: the rich sonority of the bass
son.or.ous.ly adv.
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soon
adv. (soon.er, soon.est)
1 in a short time from now; a short time after sth else has happened: We’ll be home soon. / We’ll soon be home.  She sold the house soon after her husband died.  I soon realized the mistake.  It soon became clear that the programme was a failure.   (spoken) See you soon!
2 early; quickly: How soon can you get here?  We’ll deliver the goods as soon as we can.  Please send it as soon as possible .  Next Monday is the soonest we can deliver.  They arrived home sooner than expected.  The sooner we set off, the sooner we will arrive.  The note said, ‘Call Bill soonest’ (= as soon as possible).   (written) All too soon the party was over.—see also ASAP
IDM no sooner said than 'done used to say that sth will be done immediately no sooner … than … (written) used to say that sth happens immediately after sth else: No sooner had she said it than she burst into tears.  note at HARDLY the ,sooner the 'better very soon; as soon as possible: ‘When shall I tell him?’‘The sooner the better.’ ,sooner or 'later at some time in the future, even if you are not sure exactly when: Sooner or later you will have to make a decision. ,sooner rather than 'later after a short time rather than after a long time: We urged them to sort out the problem sooner rather than later. I, etc. would sooner do sth (than sth else) to prefer to do sth (than do sth else): She’d sooner share a house with other students than live at home with her parents.—more at ANY TIME , JUST adv. , SAY v.
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soot
noun [U] black powder that is produced when wood, coal, etc. is burnt—see also SOOTY
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soothe
verb [vn]
1 to make sb who is anxious, upset, etc. feel calmer: The music soothed her for a while.
2 to make a tense or painful part of your body feel more comfortable: This should soothe the pain.  Take a warm bath to soothe tense, tired muscles.
sooth.ing adj.: a soothing voice / lotion
sooth.ing.ly adv.: ‘There’s no need to worry,’ he said soothingly.
PVR V 'soothe sth<->away to remove a pain or an unpleasant feeling: The pain can be soothed away with massage.  She quickly soothed away his fears.
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sooth.say.er
noun (old use) a person who is believed to be able to tell what will happen in the future
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sooty
adj.
1 covered with SOOT
2 of the colour of SOOT
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sop
noun [usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a small, not very important, thing that is offered to sb who is angry or disappointed in order to make them feel better
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so.phis.ti.cate
noun (formal) a sophisticated person
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so.phis.ti.cated
adj.
1 having a lot of experience of the world and knowing about fashion, culture and other things that people think are socially important: the sophisticated pleasures of city life  Mark is a smart and sophisticated young man.—compare NAIVE
2 (of a machine, system, etc.) clever and complicated in the way that it works or is presented: highly sophisticated computer systems  Medical techniques are becoming more sophisticated all the time.
3 (of a person) able to understand difficult or complicated ideas: a sophisticated audience
OPP UNSOPHISTICATED
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so.phis.ti.ca.tion
noun [U] the quality of being sophisticated
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soph.is.try
noun (pl.-ies) (formal)
1 [U] the use of clever arguments to persuade people that sth is true when it is really false
2 [C] a reason or an explanation that tries to show that sth is true when it is really false
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sopho.more
noun (AmE )
1 a student in the second year of a course of study at a college or university
2 a high school student in the 10th GRADE —compare FRESHMAN , JUNIOR , SENIOR
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sop.or.if.ic
adj. (formal) making you feel like going to sleep: the soporific effect of the sun
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sop.ping
(also ,sopping 'wet) adj. (informal) very wet
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soppy
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually sappy) adj. (informal) silly and SENTIMENTAL ; full of unnecessary emotion: soppy love songs  She is soppy about cats.
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sop.rano
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-os ) a singing voice with the highest range for a woman or boy; a singer with a soprano voice—compare ALTO , MEZZO-SOPRANO , TREBLE

adj. [only before noun] (of a musical instrument) with the highest range of notes in its group: a soprano saxophone—compare ALTO , BASS , TENOR

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sor.bet
(BrE also 'water ice) noun [C, U] a sweet frozen food made from sugar, water and fruit juice, often eaten as a DESSERT
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sor.cer.er
noun (in stories) a man with magic powers, who is helped by evil spirits
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sor.cer.ess
noun (in stories) a woman with magic powers, who is helped by evil spirits
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sor.cery
noun [U] magic that uses evil spirits
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sor.did
adj.
1 immoral or dishonest: It was a shock to discover the truth about his sordid past.  I didn’t want to hear the sordid details of their relationship.
2 very dirty and unpleasant: people living in sordid conditions
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sore
adj., noun
adj.
1 if a part of your body is sore, it is painful, and often red, especially because of infection or because a muscle has been used too much: to have a sore throat  His feet were sore after the walk.  My stomach is still sore (= painful) after the operation.
2 [not before noun] ~ (at sb / about sth) (informal, especially AmE) upset and angry especially because you have been treated unfairly
sore.ness noun [U]: an ointment to reduce soreness and swelling
IDM a ,sore 'point a subject that makes you feel angry or upset when it is mentioned: It’s a sore point with Sue’s parents that the children have not been baptized yet. stand / stick out like a sore 'thumb to be very noticeable in an unpleasant way—more at BEAR n. , SIGHT n.

noun a painful, often red, place on your body where there is a wound or an infection: open sores—see also BEDSORE , CANKER SORE , COLD SORE

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sore.ly
adv. seriously; very much: I was sorely tempted to complain, but I didn’t.  If you don’t come to the reunion you’ll be sorely missed.
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sor.ghum
noun [U] very small grain grown as food in tropical countries; the plant that produces this grain
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sor.or.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (AmE ) a club for a group of women students at an American college or university—compare FRATERNITY
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sor.rel
noun [U] a plant with leaves that taste bitter and are used in cooking as a herb
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sor.row
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] ~ (at / for / over sth) a feeling of great sadness because sth very bad has happened
SYN GRIEF : He expressed his sorrow at the news of her death.  They said that the decision was made more in sorrow than in anger .
2 [C] a very sad event or situation: the joys and sorrows of childhood

verb [v] ~ (over sth) (literary) to feel or express great sadness: the sorrowing relatives  They had sorrowed over his death.

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sor.row.ful
adj. (literary) very sad: her sorrowful eyes
sor.row.ful.ly adv.
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sorry
adj., exclamation
adj. (sor.rier, sor.ri.est)
HELP You can also use more sorry and most sorry.
1 [not before noun] ~ (that … )| ~ (to see, hear, etc.) feeling sad and sympathetic: I’m sorry that your husband lost his job.  We’re sorry to hear that your father’s in hospital again.  No one is sorrier than I am about what happened.
2 [not before noun] ~ (for / about sth) feeling sad and ashamed about sth that has been done: We’re very sorry about the damage to your car.  She was sorry that she’d lost her temper.  If you say you’re sorry we’ll forgive you.  He says he’s really sorry for taking the car without asking.
3 [not before noun] ~ (that … )| ~ (to do sth) feeling disappointed about sth and wishing you had done sth different or had not done sth: She was sorry that she’d lost contact with Mary.  You’ll be sorry if I catch you!  I was genuinely sorry to be leaving college.
4 [only before noun] very sad or bad, especially making you feel pity or disapproval: The business is in a sorry state .  They were a sorry sight when they eventually got off the boat.
IDM be / feel sorry for sb to feel pity or sympathy for sb: He decided to help Jan as he felt sorry for her. feel sorry for yourself (informal, disapproving) to feel unhappy; to pity yourself: Stop feeling sorry for yourself and think about other people for a change. I’m 'sorry to say used for saying that sth is disappointing: He didn’t accept the job, I’m sorry to say. I’m sorry (spoken)
1 used when you are APOLOGIZING for sth: I’m sorry, I forgot.  Oh, I’m sorry. Have I taken the one you wanted?  I’m sorry. I can’t make it tomorrow.
2 used for disagreeing with sb or politely saying ‘no’: I’m sorry, I don’t agree.  I’m sorry, I’d rather you didn’t go.
3 used for introducing bad news: I’m sorry to have to tell you you’ve failed.—more at SAFE adj.

exclamation
1 used when you are APOLOGIZING for sth: Sorry I’m late!  Did I stand on your foot? Sorry!  Sorry to bother you, but could I speak to you for a moment?  Sorry, we don’t allow dogs in the house.  He didn’t even say sorry .
2 (especially BrE) used for asking sb to repeat sth that you have not heard clearly: Sorry? Could you repeat the question?
3 used for correcting yourself when you have said sth wrong: Take the first turning, sorry, the third turning on the right.

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sort
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a group or type of people or things that are similar in a particular way: ‘What sort of music do you like?’‘Oh, all sorts.’  This sort of problem is quite common. / These sorts of problems are quite common.  He’s the sort of person who only cares about money.  There are all sorts of jobs you could do.  For dessert there’s a fruit pie of some sort (= you are not sure what kind).   (spoken) Most people went on training courses of one sort or another (= of various types) last year.   (spoken) There were snacks—peanuts, olives, that sort of thing .   (spoken) There are all sorts of activities (= many different ones) for kids at the campsite.   (spoken) What sort of price did you want to pay? (= approximately how much)   (spoken) What sort of time do you call this? (= I’m very angry that you have come so late).  note at KIND
2 [C, usually sing.] (informal, especially BrE) a particular type of person: My brother would never cheat on his wife; he’s not that sort.
3 (computing) [sing.] the process of putting data in a particular order: to do a sort
IDM it takes all sorts (to make a world) used to say that you think sb’s behaviour is very strange or unusual but that everyone is different and likes different things of 'sorts (informal) used when you are saying that sth is not a good example of a particular type of thing: He offered us an apology of sorts and we accepted it. out of 'sorts (especially BrE) ill/sick or upset: She was tired and out of sorts by the time she arrived home.  Are you feeling all right? You look a bit out of sorts. sort of (informal)
1 to some extent but in a way that you cannot easily describe: She sort of pretends that she doesn’t really care.  ‘Do you understand?’‘Sort of.’
2 (also sort of like) (BrE, spoken) used when you cannot think of a good word to use to describe sth, or what to say next: We’re sort of like doing it the wrong way. a sort of sth (informal) used for describing sth in a not very exact way: I had a sort of feeling that he wouldn’t come.  They’re a sort of greenish-blue colour.—more at KIND n.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (into sth) to arrange things in groups or in a particular order according to their type, etc.; to separate things of one type from others: sorting the mail  The computer sorts the words into alphabetical order.  Rubbish can easily be separated and sorted into plastics, glass and paper.—see also SORT OUT
2 [often passive] (informal, especially BrE) to deal with a problem or organize sth/sb in a satisfactory way: Don’t worry. We’ll soon have this sorted.  It’s our problem. We’ll get it sorted .  It’s all sorted.  It’s time you got yourself sorted .
IDM see MAN n. , SHEEP , WHEAT
PVR V ,sort itself 'out (of a problem) to stop being a problem without anyone having to take action: It will all sort itself out in the end. ,sort sth<->'out
1 (informal) to organize the contents of sth; to tidy sth: The cupboards need sorting out.
2 to organize sth in a satisfactory way: If you’re going to the bus station, can you sort out the tickets for tomorrow? ,sort sth<->'out (from sth) to separate sth from a larger group: Could you sort out the toys that can be thrown away?  It was difficult to sort out the lies from the truth.—related noun SORT-OUT ,sort sth/sb / yourself 'out (especially BrE) to deal with sb’s/your own problems in a satisfactory way: If you can wait a moment, I’ll sort it all out for you.  You load up the car and I’ll sort the kids out. ,sort sb<->'out (informal) to deal with sb who is causing trouble, etc. especially by punishing or attacking them: Wait till I get my hands on him—I’ll soon sort him out! 'sort through sth (for sth) to look through a number of things, either in order to find sth or to put them in order: I sorted through my paperwork.  She sorted through her suitcase for something to wear.

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sor.tie
noun
1 a flight that is made by an aircraft during military operations; an attack made by soldiers
SYN RAID
2 a short trip away from your home or the place where you are
SYN FORAY : I went on a shopping sortie with my mother.
3 ~ into sth an effort that you make to do or join sth new
SYN FORAY : His first sortie into politics was unsuccessful.
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'sort-out
noun (BrE , informal) an act of arranging or organizing the contents of sth in a tidy or neat way and removing things you do not want
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SOS
noun [sing.]
1 a signal or message that a ship or plane sends when it needs urgent help: to send an SOS  an SOS message
2 an urgent request for help: We’ve received an SOS from the area asking for food parcels.—see also MAYDAY
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,so-'so
adj. (informal) not particularly good or bad; average: ‘How are you feeling today?’‘So-so.’
,so-'so adv.: I only did so-so in the exam.
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sotto voce
adv. (from Italian , written) in a quiet voice so that not everyone can hear
sotto voce adj.
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sou.bri.quet
noun = SOBRIQUET
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souf.flé
noun [C, U] a dish made from egg whites, milk and flour mixed together to make it light, flavoured with cheese, fruit, etc. and baked until it rises: a chocolate / cheese soufflé
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sought
pt, pp of SEEK
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'sought after
adj. wanted by many people, because it is of very good quality or difficult to get or to find: This design is the most sought after.  a much sought-after actress
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soul
noun
SPIRIT OF PERSON|
1 [C] the spiritual part of a person, believed to exist after death: He believed his immortal soul was in peril.  The howling wind sounded like the wailing of lost souls (= the spirits of dead people who are not in heaven).
INNER CHARACTER|
2 [C] a person’s inner character, containing their true thoughts and feelings: There was a feeling of restlessness deep in her soul.
SPIRITUAL / MORAL / ARTISTIC QUALITIES|
3 [sing.] the spiritual and moral qualities of humans in general: the dark side of the human soul
4 [U, C] strong and good human feeling, especially that gives a work of art its quality or enables sb to recognize and enjoy that quality: It was a very polished performance, but it lacked soul.
5 [sing.] the ~ of sth a perfect example of a good quality: He is the soul of discretion.
PERSON|
6 [C] (becoming old-fashioned) a person of a particular type: She’s lost all her money, poor soul.  You’re a brave soul.
7 [C] (especially in negative sentences) a person: There wasn’t a soul in sight (= nobody was in sight).  Don’t tell a soul (= do not tell anyone).   (literary) a village of 300 souls (= with 300 people living there)
MUSIC|
8 (also 'soul music) [U] a type of music that expresses strong emotions, made popular by African American musicians: a soul singer good for the 'soul (humorous) good for you, even if it seems unpleasant: ‘Want a ride?’‘No thanks. Walking is good for the soul.’—more at BARE v. , BODY , GOD , HEART , LIFE , SELL v.
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'soul-destroying
adj. (of a job or task) very dull and boring, because it has to be repeated many times or because there will never be any improvement
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'soul food
noun [U] the type of food that was traditionally eaten by black people in the southern US
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soul.ful
adj. expressing deep feelings, especially feelings of sadness or love: soulful eyes  a soulful melody
soul.ful.ly adv.
soul.ful.ness noun [U]
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soul.less
adj.
1 (of things and places) lacking any attractive or interesting qualities that make people feel happy
SYN DEPRESSING : They live in soulless concrete blocks.
2 (of a person) lacking the ability to feel emotions
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'soul mate
noun a person that you have a special friendship with because you understand each other’s feelings and interests
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'soul music
noun [U] = SOUL
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'soul-searching
noun [U] the careful examination of your thoughts and feelings, for example in order to reach the correct decision or solution to sth
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sound
noun, verb, adj., adv.
noun
STH YOU HEAR|
1 [C] something that you can hear: a high / low sound  a clicking / buzzing / scratching sound  the different sounds and smells of the forest  She heard the sound of footsteps outside.  He crept into the house trying not to make a sound .
2 [U] continuous rapid movements, (called VIBRATIONS ) that travel through air or water and can be heard when they reach a person’s or an animal’s ear: Sound travels more slowly than light.  note at NOISE
FROM TELEVISION / RADIO|
3 [U] what you can hear coming from a television, radio, etc., or as part of a film/movie: Could you turn the sound down?  The sound quality of the tapes was excellent.  a sound engineer
OF MUSICIANS|
4 [C, U] the effect that is produced by the music of a particular singer or group of musicians: I like their sound.
IMPRESSION|
5 [sing.] the ~ of sth the idea or impression that you get of sb/sth from what sb says or what you read: They had a wonderful time by the sound of it .  From the sound of things you were lucky to find him.  They’re consulting a lawyer? I don’t like the sound of that .
WATER|
6 [C] (often in place names) a narrow passage of water that joins two larger areas of water
SYN STRAIT like, etc. the sound of your own 'voice (disapproving) to like talking a lot or too much, usually without wanting to listen to other people within (the) sound of sth (BrE) near enough to be able to hear sth: a house within sound of the sea

verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
GIVE IMPRESSION|
1 linking verb to give a particular impression when heard or read about: [v-adj] His voice sounded strange on the phone.  She didn’t sound surprised when I told her the news.  His explanation sounds reasonable to me.  Leo made it sound so easy. But it wasn’t.  [v-n] She sounds just the person we need for the job.  [v] You sounded just like your father when you said that.  I hope I don’t sound as if / as though I’m criticizing you.
HELP In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though, especially in AmE, but this is considered incorrect in written BrE.
-SOUNDING|
2 (in adjectives) giving the impression of having a particular sound: an Italian-sounding name  fine-sounding words
PRODUCE SOUND|
3 to produce a sound; to make sth such as a musical instrument produce a sound: [v] The bell sounded for the end of the class.  [vn] Passing motorists sounded their horns in support.
GIVE WARNING / SIGNAL|
4 [vn] to give a signal such as a warning by making a sound: When I saw the smoke, I tried to sound the alarm.   (figurative) Scientists have sounded a note of caution on the technique.  Leaving him out of the team may sound the death knell for our chances of winning (= signal the end of our chances).
PRONOUNCE|
5 [vn] (technical) to pronounce sth: You don’t sound the ‘b’ in the word comb.
MEASURE DEPTH|
6 [vn, v] (technical) to measure the depth of the sea or a lake by using a line with a weight attached, or an electronic instrument
IDM see NOTE n. , SUSPICIOUSLY ,sound 'off (about sth) (informal, disapproving) to express your opinions loudly or in an aggressive way ,sound sb<->'out (about / on sth)| ,sound sth<->'out to try to find out from sb what they think about sth, often in an indirect way: I wanted to sound him out about a job.  They decided to sound out her interest in the project.

adj. (sound.er, sound.est)
RELIABLE|
1 sensible; that you can rely on and that will probably give good results: a person of sound judgement  to reach a sound conclusion  He gave me some very sound advice.  This gives the design team a sound basis for their work.
OPP UNSOUND
THOROUGH|
2 [only before noun] good and thorough: a sound knowledge / understanding of sth  He has a sound grasp of the issues.
NOT DAMAGED / HURT|
3 in good condition; not damaged, hurt, etc: We arrived home safe and sound .  to be of sound mind (= not mentally ill)  The house needs attention but the roof is sound.
OPP UNSOUND
SLEEP|
4 [usually before noun] deep and peaceful: to have a sound night’s sleep  to be a sound sleeper
GOOD, BUT NOT EXCELLENT|
5 good and accurate, but not excellent: a sound piece of writing  a sound tennis player
PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT|
6 severe: to give sb a sound beating
sound.ness noun [U]: soundness of judgement  financial soundness  the soundness of the building’s foundations—see also SOUNDLY (as) sound as a 'bell (informal) in perfect condition

adv. ~ asleep very deeply asleep

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the 'sound barrier
noun [sing.] the point at which an aircraft’s speed is the same as the speed of sound, causing reduced control, a very loud noise (called a SONIC BOOM ) and various other effects: to break the sound barrier (= to travel faster than the speed of sound)
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'sound bite
noun a very short part of a speech, usually one made by a politician, that is broadcast on a news programme on television or the radio
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'sound card
noun (computing ) a device that can be put into a computer to allow the use of sound with MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE
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'sound check
noun a process of checking that the equipment used for recording music, or for playing music at a concert, is working correctly and producing sound of a good quality
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'sound effect
noun [usually pl.] a sound that is made artificially, for example the sound of the wind or a battle, and used in a film/movie, play, computer game, etc. to make it more realistic
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'sound engineer
noun a person who works in a recording or broadcasting STUDIO and whose job is to control the levels and balance of sound
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'sounding board
noun (written) a person or group of people that you discuss your ideas with before you make them known or reach a decision
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sound.ings
noun [pl.]
1 careful questions that are asked in order to find out people’s opinions about sth: They will take soundings among party members.  What do your soundings show?
2 measurements that are made to find out how deep water is: They took soundings along the canal.
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sound.less
adj. (written) without making any sound; silent: Her lips parted in a soundless scream.
sound.less.ly adv.
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sound.ly
adv.
1 if you sleep soundly, you sleep very well and very deeply
2 in a way that is sensible or can be relied on: Your information is soundly based.  a soundly-based conclusion
3 completely and thoroughly: The team was soundly defeated.
4 strongly; firmly: These houses are soundly built.
5 very well, but not in an excellent way: He played soundly.
6 (of physical punishment) severely: He was soundly beaten by his mother.
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sound.proof
(also sound.proofed) adj. made so that sound cannot pass through it or into it: a soundproof room
sound.proof verb [vn]
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'sound system
noun equipment for playing recorded or live music and for making it louder
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sound.track
noun
1 all the music, speech and sounds that are recorded for a film/movie: The soundtrack of ‘Casablanca’ took weeks to edit.
2 some of the music, and sometimes some speech, from a film/movie or musical play that is recorded on tape or disc for people to buy: I’ve just bought the soundtrack of the latest Tarantino movie.
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'sound wave
noun a VIBRATION in the air, in water, etc. that we hear as sound
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soup
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a liquid food made by boiling meat, vegetables, etc. in water, often eaten as the first course of a meal: a bowl of tomato / chicken soup   (BrE ) tinned / packet soups   (AmE ) canned / packaged soups  a soup spoon / plate—picture at CUTLERY

verb
PVR V ,soup sth<->'up (informal) to make changes to sth such as a car or computer, so that it is more powerful or exciting than before

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soup.çon
noun [sing.] (from French , sometimes humorous) a very small amount
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'soup kitchen
noun a place where people who have no money can get soup and other food free
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sour
adj., verb
adj.
1 having a bitter taste like the taste of a lemon or of fruit that is not ripe: sour apples  a sour flavour
OPP SWEET —see also SWEET-AND-SOUR
2 (especially of milk) having an unpleasant taste or smell because it is not fresh: to turn / go sour
3 (of people) not cheerful; bad-tempered and unpleasant: a sour and disillusioned woman  a sour face / smile  The meeting ended on a sour note with several people walking out.
sour.ly adv.: ‘Who asked you?’ he said sourly.
sour.ness noun [U]: the sourness of the fruit  his increasing sourness
IDM go / turn 'sour to stop being pleasant or satisfactory: Their relationship soon went sour. sour 'grapes (saying) used to show that you think sb is jealous and is pretending that sth is not important: He said he didn’t want the job anyway, but that’s just sour grapes.

verb
1 (of relationships, attitudes, people, etc.) to change so that they become less pleasant or friendly than before; to make sth do this: [v] The atmosphere at the house soured.  [vn] The disagreement over trade tariffs has soured relations between the two countries.
2 [v, vn] if milk sours or if sth sours it, it becomes sour and has an unpleasant taste or smell

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source
noun, verb
noun
1 a place, person or thing that you get sth from: renewable energy sources  Your local library will be a useful source of information.  What is their main source of income?
2 [usually pl.] a person, book or document that provides information, especially for study, a piece of written work or news: He refused to name his sources.  Government sources indicated yesterday that cuts may have to be made.  source material  Historians use a wide range of primary and secondary sources for their research.
3 a person or thing that causes sth, especially a problem: a source of pollution / violence  a source of anxiety / confusion
4 the place where a river or stream starts: the source of the Nile
IDM at 'source at the place or the point that sth comes from or begins from: Is your salary taxed at source (= by your employer)?

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (from … ) (business ) to get sth from a particular place: We source all the meat sold in our stores from British farms.—see also OUTSOURCE

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'source code
noun [U] (computing ) a computer program written in text form that must be translated into MACHINE CODE before it can run on a computer
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,sour 'cream
(BrE also ,soured 'cream) noun [U] cream that has been made sour by adding bacteria to it, used in cooking
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sour.dough
noun [U] DOUGH (= a mixture of flour, fat and water) that is left to FERMENT so that it has a sour taste, used for making bread; bread made with this DOUGH
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sour.puss
noun (informal) a person who is not cheerful or pleasant
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souse
verb [vn] [usually passive] to soak sth/sb completely in a liquid
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soused
adj.
1 [only before noun] (of fish) preserved in salt water and VINEGAR : soused herring
2 (old-fashioned, informal) drunk
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south
noun, adj., adv.
noun [U, sing.] (abbr. S)
1 (usually the south) the direction that is on your right when you watch the sun rise; one of the four main points of the COMPASS : Which way is south?  warmer weather coming from the south  He lives to the south of (= further south than) the city.—compare EAST , NORTH , WEST —picture at COMPASS
2 (the south, the South) the southern part of a country, a region or the world: birds flying to the south for the winter  They bought a villa in the South of France.  Houses are less expensive in the North than in the South (= of England).
3 (the South) the southern states of the US—see also THE DEEP SOUTH
4 (the South) the poorer countries in the southern half of the world

adj. (abbr. S, So.) [only before noun]
1 in or towards the south: South Wales  They live on the south coast.
2 a south wind blows from the south—compare SOUTHERLY

adv. towards the south: This room faces south.
IDM down 'south (informal) to or in the south, especially of England: They’ve gone to live down south.

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south.bound
adj. travelling or leading towards the south: southbound traffic  the southbound carriageway of the motorway
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,south-'east
noun (usually the south-east) [sing.] (abbr. SE) the direction or region halfway between south and east—picture at COMPASS
,south-'east adv., adj.
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,south-'easter.ly
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the south-east
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the south-east
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,south-'eastern
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. SE) connected with the south-east
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,south-'eastwards
(also ,south-'eastward) adv. towards the south-east
,south-'eastward adj.
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south.er.ly
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the south: travelling in a southerly direction
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the south: a warm southerly breeze—compare SOUTH

noun (pl.-ies) a wind that blows from the south: warm southerlies

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south.ern
(also Southern) adj. (abbr. S) [usually before noun] situated in the south or facing south; connected with or typical of the south part of the world or a region: the northern slopes of the mountains  southern Spain  a southern accent / climate
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south.ern.er
noun a person who comes from or lives in the southern part of a country
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south.ern.most
adj. [usually before noun] furthest south: the southernmost part of the island
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south.paw
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a person who prefers to use their left hand rather than their right, especially in a sport such as boxing
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the ,South 'Pole
noun [sing.] the point of the earth that is furthest south
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south.wards
(also south.ward) adv. towards the south: to go / look / turn southwards
south.ward adj.: in a southward direction
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,south-'west
noun (usually the south-west) [sing.] (abbr. SW) the direction or region halfway between south and west—picture at COMPASS
,south-'west adv., adj.
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,south-'wester.ly
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the south-west
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the south-west
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,south-'western
adj. [only before noun] (abbr. SW) connected with the south-west
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,south-'westwards
(also ,south-'westward) adv. towards the south-west
,south-'westward adj.
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sou.venir
noun a thing that you buy and/or keep to remind yourself of a place, an occasion, or a holiday/vacation; something that you bring back for other people when you have been on holiday/vacation: I bought the ring as a souvenir of Greece.
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sou'.wester
noun
1 a hat made of shiny material that keeps out the rain, with a long wide piece at the back to protect the neck
2 a strong wind or storm coming from the south-west
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sov.er.eign
noun, adj.
noun
1 (formal) a king or queen
2 an old British gold coin worth one pound

adj. (formal)
1 [only before noun] (of a country or state) free to govern itself; completely independent
2 having complete power or the greatest power in the country: a sovereign ruler  Parliament must always remain sovereign.

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sov.er.eign.ty
noun [U] (formal)
1 ~ (over sth) complete power to govern a country: The country claimed sovereignty over the island.  the sovereignty of Parliament   (figurative) the idea of consumer sovereignty
2 the state of being a country with freedom to govern itself: The declaration proclaimed the full sovereignty of the republic.
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So.viet
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the former USSR: Soviet Russia  Soviet troops
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so.viet
noun
1 [C] an elected local, district or national council in the former USSR
2 (the Soviets) [pl.] (especially AmE) the people of the former USSR
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sow^1
verb —see also SOW^2 (sowed, sown ) or (sowed, sowed)
1 ~ sth (in / on sth)| ~ sth (with sth) to plant or spread seeds in or on the ground: [vn] Sow the seeds in rows.  The fields around had been sown with wheat.  [v] Water well after sowing.
2 [vn] ~ sth (in sth) to introduce or spread feelings or ideas, especially ones that cause trouble: to sow doubt in sb’s mind  to sow confusion / dissension
IDM sow the seeds of sth to start the process that leads to a particular situation or result: In this way he sowed the seeds of his own success. sow (your) wild 'oats (of young men) to go through a period of wild behaviour while young, especially having a lot of romantic or sexual relationships—more at REAP
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sow^2
noun a female pig—compare BOAR , HOG —see also SOW^1
IDM see SILK
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sower
noun a person or machine that puts seeds in the ground
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soya
(BrE ) (AmE soy) noun [U] the plant on which soya beans grow; the food obtained from soya beans : a soya crop  soya flour / milk / oil
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'soya bean
(BrE ) (AmE soy.bean ) noun a type of bean, originally from SE Asia, that is used instead of meat or animal PROTEIN in some types of food: a soya bean casserole
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soy sauce
(also ,soya 'sauce) noun [U] a thin dark brown sauce that is made from SOYA BEANS and has a salty taste, used in Chinese and Japanese cooking
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soz.zled
adj. (BrE , slang) very drunk
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spa
noun
1 a place where water with minerals in it, that is considered to be good for your health, comes up naturally out of the ground; the name given to a town that has such a place and where there are, or were, places where people could drink the water: Leamington Spa  a spa town / resort  spa waters
2 (especially AmE) a place where people can relax and improve their health, with, for example, a swimming pool: a superb health spa which includes sauna, Turkish bath and fitness rooms
3 (especially AmE) = JACUZZI
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space
noun, verb
noun
EMPTY AREA|
1 [U] an amount of an area or of a place that is empty or that is available for use
SYN ROOM : disk / floor / office / shelf space  We must make good use of the available space.  That desk takes up too much space .  There is very little storage space in the department.  Can we make space for an extra chair?  note at PLACE
2 [C] an area or a place that is empty: a large / small / narrow / wide space  a space two metres by three metres  a parking space  crowded together in a confined space  I’ll clear a space for your books.  Put it in the space between the table and the wall.
3 [U] the quality of being large and empty, allowing you to move freely
SYN SPACIOUSNESS : The room has been furnished and decorated to give a feeling of space.
4 [C, U] a large area of land that has no buildings on it: the wide open spaces of the Canadian prairies  It’s a city with fine buildings and plenty of open space .
OUTSIDE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE|
5 (also ,outer 'space) [U] the area outside the earth’s atmosphere where all the other planets and stars are: the first woman in space  the possibility of visitors from outer space   a space flight / mission
PERIOD OF TIME|
6 [C, usually sing.] a period of time: Forty-four people died in the space of five days.  They had achieved a lot in a short space of time .  Leave a space of two weeks between appointments.
IN WRITING / PRINTING|
7 [U, C] the part of a line, page or document that is empty and is available for use: Don’t waste space by leaving a wide margin.  There was not enough space to print all the letters we received.  Leave a space after the comma.
FREEDOM|
8 [U] the freedom and the time to think or do what you want to: She was upset and needed space.  You have to give teenagers plenty of space.—see also BREATHING SPACE
WHERE THINGS EXIST / MOVE|
9 [U] the whole area in which all things exist and move: It is quite possible that space and time are finite. look / stare / gaze into 'space to look straight in front of you without looking at a particular thing, usually because you are thinking about sth—more at WASTE n. , WATCH v.

verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] [often passive] to arrange things so that they have regular spaces between them: evenly / widely spaced plants  a row of closely spaced dots  Space the posts about a metre apart. ,space 'out (informal, especially AmE) to take no notice of what is happening around you, especially as a result of taking drugs—see also SPACED OUT ,space sth<->'out to arrange things with a wide space between them: The houses are spaced out in this area of town.

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'space-age
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) (especially of design or technology) very modern and advanced: a space-age kitchen
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'space bar
noun a bar on the keyboard of a computer or TYPEWRITER that you press to make spaces between words
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space.craft
noun (pl.space.craft) a vehicle that travels in space
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,spaced 'out
(also spacey) adj. (informal) not completely conscious of what is happening around you, often because of taking drugs
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'space heater
noun (AmE ) an electric device for heating a room
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space.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (informal) a man who travels into space; an ASTRONAUT
2 (in stories) a being that visits the earth from another planet
SYN ALIEN —see also SPACEWOMAN
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'space probe
noun = PROBE
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space.ship
noun a vehicle that travels in space, carrying people
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'space shuttle
(also shuttle) noun a spacecraft designed to be used, for example, for travelling between the earth and a space station
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'space station
noun a large structure that is sent into space and remains above the earth as a base for people working and travelling in space
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space.suit
noun a special suit that covers the whole body and has a supply of air, allowing sb to survive and move around in space
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'space-time
noun [U] (physics ) the universe considered as a CONTINUUM with four measurements—length, width, depth and time—inside which any event or physical object is LOCATED
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space.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a woman who travels into space
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spacey
adj. = SPACED OUT
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spa.cial
adj. = SPATIAL
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spa.cing
noun [U]
1 the amount of space that is left between things, especially between the words or lines printed on a page: single / double spacing (= with one or two lines left between lines of type)
2 the amount of time that is left between things happening: In music, the spacing of intervals is vital.
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spa.cious
adj. (approving) (of a room or building) large and with plenty of space for people to move around in
spa.cious.ly adv.
spa.cious.ness noun [U]: White walls can give a feeling of spaciousness.
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spade
noun
1 [C] a garden tool with a broad metal blade and a long handle, used for digging: Turn the soil over with a spade.  The children took their buckets and spades to the beach.—compare SHOVEL —picture at GARDEN
2 (spades) [pl., U] one of the four sets of cards (called SUITS ) in a pack/deck of cards. The cards have a black design shaped like pointed leaves with short stems: the five / queen / ace of spades—
3 [C] a card from the set of spades : You must play a spade if you have one.
IDM in 'spades (informal) in large amounts or to a great degree: He’d got his revenge now, and in spades.—more at CALL v.
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spade.work
noun [U] the hard work that has to be done in order to prepare for sth
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spa.ghetti
noun [U] PASTA in the shape of long thin sticks that look like string when they are cooked
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spaghetti bolognese
noun [U, C] a dish of spaghetti with a sauce of meat, tomatoes, etc.
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spake
(old use) pt of SPEAK
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spam
noun [U]
1 (Spam™) finely chopped cooked meat that has been pressed together in a container, usually sold in cans and served cold in slices
2 (informal) advertising material sent by e-mail to people who have not asked for it—compare JUNK MAIL
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spam.ming
noun [U] (informal) the practice of sending mail, especially advertising material, through the Internet to a large number of people, who have not asked for it
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span
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 the length of time that sth lasts or is able to continue: I worked with him over a span of six years.  The project must be completed within a specific time span .  Small children have a short attention span .—see also LIFESPAN
2 ~ (of sth) a range or variety of sth: Managers have a wide span of control.  These forests cover a broad span of latitudes.
3 the part of a bridge or an arch between one vertical support and another: The bridge crosses the river in a single span.
4 the width of sth from one side to the other: The kite has a span of 1.5 metres.—see also WINGSPAN

verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 to last all through a period of time or to cover the whole of it: His acting career spanned 55 years.  Family photos spanning five generations were stolen.
2 to include a large area or a lot of things: The operation, which spanned nine countries, resulted in 200 arrests.
3 to stretch right across sth, from one side to the other: a series of bridges spanning the river

adj.
IDM see SPICK

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Span.dex
™noun = LYCRA
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span.gle
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover or to decorate sth with small pieces of sth shiny—see also STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

noun a small piece of shiny metal or plastic used to decorate clothes SEQUIN : a dress covered with red spangles

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span.iel
noun a dog with large soft ears that hang down. There are several types of spaniel : a cocker spaniel  a springer spaniel
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Spanish moss
noun [U] a tropical American plant that has long thin grey leaves and that grows over other trees
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spank
verb [vn] to hit sb, especially a child, several times on their bottom as a punishment—compare SMACK
spank noun
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spank.ing
noun, adv., adj.
noun [C, U] a series of hits on the bottom, given to sb, especially a child, as a punishment: to give sb a spanking  I don’t agree with spanking.

adv. (informal) when you say that sth is spanking new, etc. you are emphasizing that it is very new, etc.

adj. [only before noun] (informal) very fast, good or impressive: The horse set off at a spanking pace .

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span.ner
(BrE ) (also wrenchAmE, BrE) noun a metal tool with a specially shaped end for holding and turning NUTS and BOLTS (= small metal rings and pins that hold things together): I’ll need a spanner to change the back wheel.—compare ADJUSTABLE SPANNER —picture at TOOL
IDM (throw) a 'spanner in the works (BrE) (AmE (throw) a ('monkey) 'wrench in the works) (to cause) a delay or problem with sth that sb is planning or doing
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spar
verb, noun
verb (-rr-) [v] ~ (with sb)
1 to make the movements used in boxing, either in training or to test the speed of your opponent’s reaction
2 to argue with sb, usually in a friendly way

noun
1 a strong pole used to support the sails, etc. on a ship
2 a structure that supports the wing of an aircraft

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spare
adj., verb, noun
adj.
NOT USED / NEEDED|
1 [usually before noun] that is not being used or is not needed at the present time: We’ve got a spare bedroom, if you’d like to stay.  I’m afraid I haven’t got any spare cash .  Are there any tickets going spare (= are there any available, not being used by sb else)?
EXTRA|
2 [only before noun] kept in case you need to replace the one you usually use; extra: a spare key / tyre  Take some spare clothes in case you get wet.
TIME|
3 available to do what you want with rather than work: He’s studying music in his spare time .  I haven’t had a spare moment this morning.
PERSON|
4 (written) thin, and usually quite tall go 'spare (BrE, informal) to become very angry or upset

verb
TIME / MONEY / ROOM / THOUGHT, etc.|
1 ~ sth/sb (for sb/sth)| ~ (sb) sth to make sth such as time or money available to sb or for sth, especially when it requires an effort for you to do this: [vn] I’d love to have a break, but I can’t spare the time just now.  We can only spare one room for you.  Could you spare one of your staff to help us out?  You should spare a thought for (= think about) the person who cleans up after you.  [vnn] Surely you can spare me a few minutes?
SAVE SB PAIN / TROUBLE|
2 ~ sb / yourself (from) sth to save sb/yourself from having to go through an unpleasant experience: [vnn] He wanted to spare his mother any anxiety.  Please spare me (= do not tell me) the gruesome details.  You could have spared yourself an unnecessary trip by phoning in advance.  [vn] She was spared from the ordeal of appearing in court.
NOT HARM / DAMAGE|
3 [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (from sth) (literary) to allow sb/sth to escape harm, damage or death, especially when others do not escape it: [vn] They killed the men but spared the children.  During the bombing only one house was spared (= was not hit by a bomb). [alsovnn]
NO EFFORT / EXPENSE, etc.|
4 [vn] to do everything possible to achieve sth or to do sth well without trying to limit the time or money involved: He spared no effort to make her happy again.  No expense was spared in furnishing the new office.
WORK HARD|
5 [vn] not ~ yourself to work as hard as possible spare sb’s 'blushes (BrE) to save sb from an embarrassing situation: A last minute goal spared their blushes. spare sb’s 'feelings to be careful not to do or say anything that might upset sb to 'spare if you have time, money, etc. to spare, you have more than you need: I’ve got absolutely no money to spare this month.  We arrived at the airport with five minutes to spare.

noun
1 an extra thing that you keep in case you need to replace the one you usually use (used especially about a tyre of a car): to get the spare out of the boot / trunk  I’ve lost my key and I haven’t got a spare.
2 (spares) [pl.] (especially BrE) = SPARE PARTS : It can be difficult to get spares for some older makes of car.

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,spare 'part
noun [usually pl.] a new part that you buy to replace an old or broken part of car, machine, etc.
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,spare 'rib
noun a RIB of PORK (= meat from a pig) with most of the meat cut off: barbecued spare ribs
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,spare 'tyre
(BrE ) (AmE,spare 'tire) noun
1 an extra wheel for a car
2 (BrE) a large roll of fat around sb’s waist
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spar.ing
adj. ~ (with sth) careful to use or give only a little of sth: Doctors now advise only sparing use of such creams.  He was always sparing with his praise.
spar.ing.ly adv.: Use the cream very sparingly.
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spark
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a very small burning piece of material that is produced by sth that is burning or by hitting two hard substances together: A shower of sparks flew up the chimney.
2 [C] a small flash of light produced by an electric current: sparks from a faulty light switch  A spark ignites the fuel in a car engine.
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth a small amount of a particular quality or feeling: For a moment, she felt a spark of hope.
4 [U, sing.] a special quality of energy, intelligence or enthusiasm that makes sb very imaginative, amusing, etc: As a writer he seemed to lack creative spark.
5 [C] an action or event that causes sth important to develop, especially trouble or violence: These were the sparks of revolution.
6 [C, usually pl.] feelings of anger or excitement between people: Sparks flew at the meeting (= there was a lot of argument).
IDM see BRIGHT adj.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (off) to cause sth to start or develop, especially suddenly: The proposal would spark a storm of protest around the country.  The riots were sparked off by the arrest of a local leader.  Winds brought down power lines, sparking a fire.
2 [v] to produce small flashes of fire or electricity: a sparking, crackling fire   (figurative) The game suddenly sparked to life.

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spar.kle
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (with sth)
1 to shine brightly with small flashes of light: sparkling eyes  Her jewellery sparkled in the candlelight.  The sky sparkled with brilliant stars.
2 to be full of life, enthusiasm or humour: He always sparkles at parties.

noun [C, U]
1 a series of flashes of light produced by light hitting a shiny surface: the sparkle of glass / crystal  the sparkles of light on water   (figurative) There was a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.
2 the quality of being lively and original: The performance lacked sparkle.

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spark.ler
noun a type of small FIREWORK that you hold in your hand and light. It burns with many bright sparks .
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spark.ling
adj. (also less frequent, informal sparkly )
1 shining and flashing with light: the calm and sparkling waters of the lake  sparkling blue eyes
2 (of drinks) containing bubbles of gas: a sparkling wine  sparkling mineral water
3 interesting and amusing: a sparkling conversation / personality
4 excellent; of very good quality
SYN BRILLIANT : The champion was in sparkling form .
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'spark plug
(also plug) (BrE also 'sparking plug) noun a part in a car engine that produces a SPARK (= flash of electricity) which makes the fuel burn and starts the engine
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sparky
adj. (BrE , informal) full of life; interesting and amusing: a sparky personality / kid
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'sparring partner
noun
1 a person that you regularly have friendly arguments or discussions with
2 (in boxing) a person that a boxer regularly practises with during training
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spar.row
noun a small brown and grey bird, common in many parts of the world
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spar.row.hawk
noun a small BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the HAWK family
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sparse
adj. (comparativesparser no superlative) only present in small amounts or numbers and often spread over a large area: the sparse population of the islands  Vegetation becomes sparse higher up the mountains.  The information available on the subject is sparse.
sparse.ly adv.: a sparsely populated area
sparse.ness noun [U]
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spar.tan
adj. (of conditions) simple or harsh; lacking anything that makes life easier or more pleasant
ORIGIN From Sparta, a powerful city in ancient Greece, where the people were not interested in comfort or luxury.
OPP LUXURIOUS
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spasm
noun
1 [C, U] a sudden and often painful tightening of a muscle, which you cannot control: She felt a muscle spasm in her back.  The injection sent his leg into spasm.
2 [C] ~ (of sth) a sudden strong feeling or reaction that lasts for a short time: a spasm of anxiety / anger / coughing / pain
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spas.mod.ic
adj.
1 happening suddenly for short periods of time; not regular or continuous: a spasmodic interest in politics  There was spasmodic fighting in the area yesterday.
2 (technical) caused by your muscles becoming tight in a way that you cannot control: spasmodic movements
spas.mod.ic.al.ly adv.
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spas.tic
adj.
1 (medicalor old-fashioned) having or caused by CEREBRAL PALSY , an illness which makes it difficult for sb to control their muscles and movements. Using this word is now often considered offensive: spastic children  spastic reactions
2 (informal) an offensive word, sometimes used by children to mean ‘stupid’
spas.tic noun
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spat
noun
1 (informal) a short argument or disagreement about sth unimportant
2 [usually pl.] a fabric covering for the ankle that was worn in the past by men over the shoe and fastened with buttons at the side—see also SPIT , SPITTING , SPAT , SPAT v.
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spate
noun [usually sing.] ~ of sth a large number of things, which are usually unpleasant, that happen suddenly within a short period of time: The bombing was the latest in a spate of terrorist attacks.
IDM in (full) 'spate (especially BrE) (of a river) containing more water and flowing more strongly than usual: After heavy rain, the river was in spate.   (figurative) Celia was in full spate (= completely involved in talking and not likely to stop or able to be interrupted).
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spa.tial
(also spa.cial) adj. (formal ortechnical ) relating to space and the position, size, shape, etc. of things in it: changes taking place in the spatial distribution of the population  the development of a child’s spatial awareness (= the ability to judge the positions and sizes of objects)
spa.tial.ly adv.
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spat.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sb/sth (with sth)| ~ sth (on / over sb/sth) to cover sb/sth with drops of liquid, dirt, etc., especially accidentally: [vn] blood-spattered walls  As the bus passed, it spattered us with mud.  Oil was spattered on the floor. [alsov]
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of liquid) to fall on a surface in drops, often noisily: We heard the rain spattering on the roof.

noun (also spat.ter.ing) [sing.] ~ (of sth) a number of drops of a liquid or small amounts of sth that hit a surface; the noise this makes: a spatter of rain against the window  a spattering of blood   (figurative) a spatter of applause

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spat.ula
noun
1 a tool with a broad flat blade used for mixing and spreading things, especially in cooking and painting—picture at LABORATORY
2 (especially AmE) = FISH SLICE
3 (BrE) (AmE 'tongue depressor) a thin flat instrument that doctors use for pressing the tongue down when they are examining sb’s throat
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spawn
verb, noun
verb
1 [v, vn] (of fish, FROGS , etc.) to lay eggs
2 [vn] (often disapproving) to cause sth to develop or be produced: The band’s album spawned a string of hit singles.

noun [U] a soft substance containing the eggs of fish, FROGS etc.—see also FROGSPAWN

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spay
verb [vn] (technical ) to remove the OVARIES of a female animal, to prevent it from breeding: Have you had your cat spayed?
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speak
verb (spoke spoken )
HAVE CONVERSATION|
1 [v] ~ (to sb) (about sth/sb)| ~ (with sb) (about sth/sb) to talk to sb about sth; to have a conversation with sb: I’ve spoken to the manager about it.  The President refused to speak to the waiting journalists.   (especially AmE) Can I speak with you for a minute?  ‘Can I speak to Susan?’‘Speaking.’ (= at the beginning of a telephone conversation)  ‘Do you know him?’‘Not to speak to.’ (= only by sight)  I saw her in the street but we didn’t speak.
USE VOICE|
2 [v] to use your voice to say sth: He can’t speak because of a throat infection.  Please speak more slowly.  Without speaking, she stood up and went out.  He speaks with a strange accent.  She has a beautiful speaking voice.
MENTION / DESCRIBE|
3 [v] ~ of / about sth/sb to mention or describe sth/sb: She still speaks about him with great affection.  Witnesses spoke of a great ball of flame.  Speaking of travelling, (= referring back to a subject just mentioned) are you going anywhere exciting this year?
A LANGUAGE|
4 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be able to use a particular language: to speak several languages / a little Urdu / an unusual dialect  Do you speak English?
5 to use a particular language to express yourself: [vn] What language is it they’re speaking?  [v] Would you prefer it if we spoke in German?
-SPEAKING|
6 (in adjectives) speaking the language mentioned: French-speaking Canada  non-English-speaking students
-SPEAK|
7 (in nouns) (informal, often disapproving) the language or JARGON of a particular group, organization or subject: computerspeak  eurospeak
MAKE SPEECH|
8 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to make a speech to an audience: to speak in public / on the radio / at a conference / to Congress  Professor Wilson was invited to speak about the results of his research.  She spoke in favour of the new tax.
SAY / STATE|
9 [vn] to say or state sth: She was clearly speaking the truth .  He spoke the final words of the play.—see also SPOKEN be on 'speaking terms (with sb) | be 'speaking (to sb) to be willing to be polite or friendly towards sb, especially after an argument: She’s not been on speaking terms with her uncle for years.  Are they speaking to each other again yet? no sth / nothing to 'speak of | not to 'speak of such a small amount of sth that is not worth mentioning: She’s saved a little money but nothing to speak of.  They’ve got no friends to speak of. 'generally, 'broadly, 'roughly, 'relatively, etc. speaking used to show that what you are saying is true in a general, etc. way: Generally speaking, the more you pay, the more you get.  There are, broadly speaking, two ways of doing this.  Personally speaking, I’ve always preferred Italian food. ,so to 'speak used to emphasize that you are expressing sth in an unusual or amusing way: They were all very similar. All cut from the same cloth, so to speak. speak for it'self / them'selves to be so easy to see and understand that you do not need to say anything else about it/them: Her success speaks for itself. speak for my'self / her'self / him'self, etc. to express what you think or want yourself, rather than sb else doing it for you: I’m quite capable of speaking for myself, thank you! speak for your'self (spoken, informal) used to tell sb that a general statement they have just made is not true of you: ‘We didn’t play very well.’‘Speak for yourself!’ (= I think that I played well) speaking as sth used to say that you are the type of person mentioned and are expressing your opinion from that point of view: Speaking as a parent, I’m very concerned about standards in education. speak your 'mind to say exactly what you think, in a very direct way ,speak out of 'turn to say sth when you should not, for example because it is not the right time or you are not the right person to say it speak 'volumes (about / for sth/sb) to tell you a lot about sth/sb, without the need for words speak 'well / 'ill of sb (formal) to say good or bad things about sb—more at ACTION n. , DEVIL , FACT , ILL n. , LANGUAGE , MANNER , STRICTLY , TURN n. 'speak for sb to state the views or wishes of a person or a group; to act as a representative for sb 'speak of sth (formal) to be evidence that sth exists or is present: Everything here speaks of perfect good taste. ,speak 'out (against sth) to state your opinions publicly, especially in opposition to sth and in a way that takes courage: He was the only one to speak out against the decision.—see also OUTSPOKEN 'speak to sb (about sth) (informal) to talk to sb in a serious way about sth wrong they have done, to try and stop them doing it again ,speak 'up usually used in orders to tell sb to speak more loudly: Please speak up—we can’t hear you at the back. ,speak 'up (for sb/sth) to say what you think clearly and freely, especially in order to support or defend sb/sth
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speak.easy
noun (pl.-ies) a place in the US where people could buy alcohol illegally, at the time in the 1920s and 1930s when it was illegal to make or sell alcohol
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speak.er
noun
1 a person who gives a talk or makes a speech: Sir David Bellamy was a guest speaker at the conference.  She was a brilliant public speaker.
2 a person who is or was speaking: I looked around to see who the speaker was.
3 a person who speaks a particular language: French speakers  native speakers of English
4 (the) Speaker the title of the person whose job is to control the discussions in a parliament: the Speaker of the House of Commons / Representatives
5 the part of a radio or piece of musical or computing equipment that the sound comes out of: a CD player and radio with two ultra-slim speakers——see also LOUDSPEAKER
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speak.er.phone
noun (AmE ) a telephone that can be used without being held, because it contains a MICROPHONE and a LOUDSPEAKER
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spear
noun, verb
noun
1 a weapon with a long wooden handle and a sharp metal point used for fighting, hunting and fishing in the past
2 the long pointed stem of some plants—

verb [vn] to push or throw a spear or other pointed object through sth/sb: They were standing in the river spearing fish.  She speared an olive with her fork.

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spear.head
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] (written) a person or group that begins an activity or leads an attack against sb/sth

verb [vn] (written) to begin an activity or lead an attack against sb/sth: He is spearheading a campaign for a new stadium in the town.

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spear.mint
noun [U] a type of MINT used especially in making sweets/candy and TOOTHPASTE : spearmint chewing gum—compare PEPPERMINT
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spec
noun (BrE ) (AmE specs) a detailed description of sth, especially the design and materials needed to produce sth: We want the machine manufactured to our own spec.—see also SPECIFICATION , SPECS
IDM on 'spec (BrE, informal) when you do sth on spec, you are trying to achieve sth without organizing it in advance, but hoping you will be lucky: I went to the concert on spec—I hadn’t reserved a seat.
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spe.cial
adj., noun
adj.
1 [usually before noun] not ordinary or usual; different from what is normal: The school will only allow this in special circumstances.  Some of the officials have special privileges.  There is something special about this place.
2 more important than others; deserving or getting more attention than usual: What are your special interests?  She’s a very special friend.  Our special guest on next week’s show will be …  Don’t lose it—it’s special.
3 organized or intended for a particular purpose: a special event / occasion  These teachers need special training.
4 used by or intended for one particular person or group of people: She has a special way of smiling.  He sent a special message to the men.
5 [only before noun] better or more than usual: As an only child she got special attention.  Please take special care of it.—compare ESPECIAL

noun
1 something that is not usually available but is provided for a particular purpose or on one occasion: an election-night special on television  The menu changes regularly and there are daily specials to choose from.
2 (informal, especially AmE) a price for a particular product in a shop/store or restaurant that is lower than usual: There’s a special on coffee this week.

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'special agent
noun a DETECTIVE who works for the FEDERAL government in the US, for example for the FBI
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'Special Branch
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] the department of the British police force that deals with the defence of the country against political crimes and TERRORISM
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,special 'constable
noun (in Britain) a person who is not a professional police officer but who is trained to help the police force, especially during an emergency
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,special de'livery
noun [U] a service that delivers a letter, etc. faster than normal
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,special edu'cation
noun [U] the education of children who have physical or learning problems
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,special ef'fects
noun [pl.] unusual or exciting pieces of action in films/movies or television programmes, that are created by computers or clever photography to show things that do not normally exist or happen
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spe.cial.ism
noun
1 [C] an area of study or work that sb SPECIALIZES in: a business degree with a specialism in computing  Dr Crane’s specialism is tropical diseases.
2 [U] the fact of SPECIALIZING in a particular subject
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spe.cial.ist
noun
1 a person who is an expert in a particular area of work or study: a specialist in Japanese history
2 a doctor who has SPECIALIZED in a particular area of medicine: a cancer specialist—compare GENERALIST
spe.cial.ist adj. [only before noun]: specialist magazines / shops  You need some specialist advice.
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spe.ci.al.ity
(BrE ) (also spe.cial.tyAmE, BrE) noun (pl.-ies)
1 a type of food or product that a restaurant or place is famous for because it is so good: Seafood is a speciality on the island.  local specialities
2 an area of work or study that sb gives most of their attention to and knows a lot about; sth that sb is good at: My speciality is international tax law.
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spe.cial.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] ~ (in sth) to become an expert in a particular area of work, study or business; to spend more time on one area of work, etc. than on others: He specialized in criminal law.  Many students prefer not to specialize too soon.  The shop specializes in hand-made chocolates.
spe.cial.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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spe.cial.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. designed or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge: specialized equipment  specialized skills
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,special 'licence
noun (BrE ) a LICENCE allowing two people to get married at a time or place that is not usually allowed
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spe.cial.ly
adv.
1 for a particular purpose, person, etc: The ring was specially made for her.  a specially designed diet plan  We came specially to see you.
2 (informal) more than usual or more than other things: It will be hard to work today—specially when it’s so warm and sunny outside.  I hate homework. Specially history.  note at ESPECIALLY
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,special 'needs
noun [pl.] (especially BrE ) needs that a person has because of mental or physical problems: She teaches children with special needs.
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,special 'offer
noun [C, U] a product that is sold at less than its usual price, especially in order to persuade people to buy it; the act of offering goods in this way: Shop around for special offers.  a special offer on perfume  French wine is on special offer this week.
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,special 'pleading
noun [U] trying to persuade sb about sth by mentioning only the arguments that support your point of view and ignoring the arguments that do not support it
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,special 'school
noun a school for children who have physical or learning problems
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spe.cialty
noun (especially AmE ) = SPECIALITY : regional specialties  specialty foods / stores  Her specialty is taxation law.
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spe.cies
noun (pl.spe.cies) a group into which animals, plants, etc. that are able to breed with each other are divided, smaller than a GENUS and identified by a Latin name: a rare species of beetle  There are many species of dog(s).  a conservation area for endangered species
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spe.cif.ic
adj.
1 detailed and exact
SYN PRECISE : I gave you specific instructions.  ‘I’d like your help tomorrow.’‘Can you be more specific (= tell me exactly what you want)?’
2 [usually before noun] connected with one particular thing only
SYN PARTICULAR : children’s television programmes aimed at a specific age group  The money was collected for a specific purpose.  children with specific learning difficulties (= in one area only)
3 ~ to sth (formal) existing only in one place or limited to one thing
SYN PECULIAR : a belief that is specific to this part of Africa
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spe.cif.ic.al.ly
adv.
1 in a detailed and exact way: I specifically told you not to go near the water!
2 connected with or intended for one particular thing only: liquid vitamins specifically designed for children  a magazine aimed specifically at working women
3 used when you want to add more detailed and exact information: The newspaper, or more specifically, the editor, was taken to court for publishing the photographs.
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speci.fi.ca.tion
noun [C, U] a detailed description of how sth is, or should be, designed or made: the technical specifications of the new model (= of car)  The house has been built exactly to our specifications .  The office was furnished to a high specification .
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speci.fi.city
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being specific
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spe.cif.ics
noun [pl.] the details of a subject that you need to think about or discuss: Okay, that’s the broad plan—let’s get down to the specifics.
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spe.cify
verb (speci.fies, speci.fy.ing, speci.fied, speci.fied) to state sth, especially by giving an exact measurement, time, exact instructions, etc: [vn] Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes.  Forms must be returned by the specified date.  [v wh-] The contract clearly specifies who can operate the machinery.  [v that] The regulations specify that calculators may not be used in the examination.
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speci.men
noun
1 a small amount of sth that shows what the rest of it is like: Astronauts have brought back specimens of rock from the moon.
2 an example of sth, especially an animal or a plant: The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.  Redwood trees can live for a long time; one specimen is 4 000 years old.   (humorous) They were fine specimens of British youth!
3 a small quantity of blood, URINE , etc. that is taken from sb and tested by a doctor: to provide / take a specimen
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spe.cious
adj. (formal) seeming right or true but actually wrong or false: a specious argument
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speck
noun a very small spot; a small piece of dirt, etc: The ship was now just a speck in the distance.  specks of dust / dirt
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speckle
noun [usually pl.] a small coloured mark or spot on a background of a different colour
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speck.led
adj. covered with small marks or spots
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specs
noun [pl.]
1 (informal, especially BrE) = GLASSES : I need a new pair of specs.
2 (AmE) = SPEC
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spec.tacle
noun
1 (spectacles) [pl.] (formal) = GLASSES : a pair of spectacles  a spectacle case (= to put your glasses in)
2 [C, U] a performance or an event that is very impressive and exciting to look at: The carnival parade was a magnificent spectacle.
3 [C] a sight or view that is very impressive to look at: The sunset was a stunning spectacle.
4 [sing.] an unusual or surprising sight or situation that attracts a lot of attention: I remember the sad spectacle of her standing in her wedding dress, covered in mud.
IDM make a 'spectacle of yourself to draw attention to yourself by behaving or dressing in a ridiculous way in public
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spec.tacu.lar
adj., noun
adj. very impressive: spectacular scenery / views  Giggs scored a spectacular goal.  It was a spectacular achievement on their part.
spec.tacu.lar.ly adv.: It has been a spectacularly successful year.

noun an impressive show or performance: a Christmas TV spectacular

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spec.tate
verb [v] to watch sth, especially a sports event
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spec.ta.tor
noun a person who is watching an event, especially a sports event
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spec'tator sport
noun a sport that many people watch; a sport that is interesting to watch
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spec.tra
pl. of SPECTRUM
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spec.tral
adj.
1 (literary) like a ghost; connected with a ghost
2 (technical) connected with a SPECTRUM : spectral bands
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spectre
(BrE ) (AmEspec.ter) noun
1 ~ (of sth) something unpleasant that people are afraid might happen in the future: The country is haunted by the spectre of civil war.
2 (literary) a ghost: Was he a spectre returning to haunt her?
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spec.trom.eter
noun (technical ) a piece of equipment for measuring the WAVELENGTHS of SPECTRA
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spec.tro.scope
noun (technical ) a piece of equipment for forming and looking at SPECTRA
spec.tro.scop.ic adj.: spectroscopic analysis
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spec.tros.copy
noun [U] the study of forming and looking at SPECTRA using SPECTROMETERS , SPECTROSCOPES , etc.
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spec.trum
noun (pl.spec.tra )
1 a band of coloured lights in order of their WAVELENGTHS , as seen in a RAINBOW and into which a ray of light may be separated: A spectrum is formed by a ray of light passing through a prism.  Red and violet are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
2 a range of sound waves or several other types of wave: the electromagnetic / radio / sound spectrum
3 [usually sing.] (written) a complete or wide range of related qualities, ideas, etc: a broad spectrum of interests  We shall hear views from across the political spectrum.
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specu.late
verb
1 ~ (about / on sth) to form an opinion about sth without knowing all the details or facts: [v] We all speculated about the reasons for her resignation.  [v wh-] It is useless to speculate why he did it.  [v that] We can speculate that the stone circles were used in some sort of pagan ceremony.
2 [v] ~ (in / on sth) to buy goods, property, shares, etc., hoping to make a profit when you sell them, but with the risk of losing money: He likes to speculate on the stock market.
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specu.la.tion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (that … )| ~ (about / over sth) the act of forming opinions about what has happened or what might happen without knowing all the facts: There was widespread speculation that she was going to resign.  His private life is the subject of much speculation.  Today’s announcement ends months of speculation about the company’s future.  She dismissed the newspaper reports as pure speculation .  Our speculations proved right.
2 [U, C] ~ (in sth) the activity of buying and selling goods or shares in a company in the hope of making a profit, but with the risk of losing money: speculation in oil
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specu.la.tive
adj. (especially written)
1 based on guessing or on opinions that have been formed without knowing all the facts: The report is highly speculative and should be ignored.
2 showing that you are trying to guess sth: She cast a speculative look at Kate.
3 (of business activity) done in the hope of making a profit but involving the risk of losing money: speculative investment
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specu.la.tor
noun a person who buys and sells goods or shares in a company in the hope of making a profit: property / currency speculators
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sped
pt, pp of SPEED
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speech
noun
1 [C] ~ (on / about sth) a formal talk that a person gives to an audience: to give / make / deliver a speech on human rights  He made the announcement in a speech on television.  Several people made speeches at the wedding.
2 [U] the ability to speak: I seemed to have lost the power of speech .  a speech defect  freedom of speech (= the right to say openly what you think)
3 [U] the way in which a particular person speaks: Her speech was slurred—she was clearly drunk.
4 [U] the language used when speaking: This expression is used mainly in speech, not in writing.  speech sounds
5 [C] a group of lines that an actor speaks in a play in the theatre: She has the longest speech in the play.—see also FIGURE OF SPEECH
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'speech bubble
noun a circle around the words that sb says in a CARTOON
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'speech day
noun an event held once a year in some British schools at which there are speeches and prizes
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speechi.fy.ing
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) the act of making speeches in a very formal way, trying to sound important
speech.ify verb (speechi.fies, speechi.fy.ing, speechi.fied, speechi.fied) [v]
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speech.less
adj. not able to speak, especially because you are extremely angry or surprised: Laura was speechless with rage.  His words left her speechless.
speech.less.ly adv.
speech.less.ness noun [U]
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'speech marks
noun [pl.] = QUOTATION MARKS
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,speech 'therapy
noun [U] special treatment to help people who have problems in speaking clearly, for example in pronouncing particular sounds
,speech 'therapist noun
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speed
noun, verb
noun
RATE OF MOVEMENT / ACTION|
1 [C, U] the rate at which sb/sth moves or travels: He reduced speed and turned sharp left.  The train began to pick up speed (= go faster).  The car was gathering speed .  a speed of 50 mph / 80 kph  at high / low / full / top speed  at breakneck speed (= dangerously fast)  travelling at the speed of light / sound
2 [C, U] the rate at which sth happens or is done: the processing speed of the computer  This course is designed so that students can progress at their own speed.  We aim to increase the speed of delivery (= how quickly goods are sent).
3 [U] the quality of being quick or rapid: The accident was due to excessive speed.  Speed is his greatest asset as a tennis player.  She was overtaken by the speed of events (= things happened more quickly than she expected).   (formal) A car flashed past them at speed (= fast).
IN PHOTOGRAPHY|
4 [C] a measurement of how sensitive photographic film is to light
5 [C] the time taken by a camera SHUTTER to open and close: Higher shutter speeds are best used only in good light.
ON BICYCLE / CAR|
6 [C] (especially in compounds) a GEAR on a bicycle, in a car, etc: a four-speed gearbox  a ten-speed mountain bike
DRUG|
7 [U] (informal) an illegal AMPHETAMINE drug that is taken to give feelings of excitement and energy be up to 'speed (on sth)
1 (of a person, company, etc.) performing at an expected rate or level: the cost of bringing the chosen schools up to speed
2 (of a person) having the most recent and accurate information or knowledge: I’ll bring you up to speed on the latest developments. full speed / steam a'head with as much speed or energy as possible—more at HASTE , TURN n.

verb (speed.ed, speed.ed
HELP In senses 1 and 2 sped is also used for the past tense and past participle.)
MOVE / HAPPEN QUICKLY|
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to move along quickly: The car sped along the road towards the village.  He sped away on his bike.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to take sb/sth somewhere very quickly, especially in a vehicle: The cab speeded them into the centre of the city.
3 [vn] (written) to make sth happen more quickly: The drugs will speed her recovery.
DRIVE TOO FAST|
4 [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) to drive faster than the speed that is legally allowed: The police caught him speeding. ,speed 'up| ,speed sth<->'up to move or happen faster; to make sth move or happen faster: The train soon speeded up.  Can you try and speed things up a bit?

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speed.boat
noun a motor boat that can travel very fast
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'speed hump
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'speed bump) (also BrE informal ,sleeping po'liceman) noun a raised area across a road that is put there to make traffic go slower
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speed.ing
noun [U] the traffic offence of driving faster than the legal limit: Max was fined £300 for speeding.
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'speed limit
noun the highest speed at which you can legally drive on a particular road: You should always keep to the speed limit.  to break / exceed the speed limit  The road has a 30 mph speed limit.
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speed.om.eter
noun an instrument in a vehicle which shows how fast the vehicle is going—picture at CAR
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'speed skating
noun [U] the sport of SKATING on ice as fast as possible—compare FIGURE-SKATING
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'speed trap
(BrE also 'radar trap) noun a place on a road where police use special equipment to catch drivers who are going too fast
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speed.way
noun
1 [U] (BrE) the sport of racing motorcycles on a special track
2 [C] (AmE) a special track for racing cars or motorcycles on
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speedy
adj. (speed.ier, speedi.est)
1 happening or done quickly or without delay: We wish you a speedy recovery (= from an illness or injury).  a speedy reply / response
2 moving or working very quickly: speedy computers  note at FAST
speed.ily adv.: All enquiries will be dealt with as speedily as possible.
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spele.olo.gist
noun a scientist who studies CAVES or a person who goes into caves as a sport—compare CAVER , POTHOLER , SPELUNKER
spele.ology noun [U]
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spell
verb, noun
verb (spelt, spelt ) or (spelled, spelled)
1 [vn] to say or write the letters of a word in the correct order: How do you spell your surname?  I thought her name was Catherine, but it’s Kathryn spelt with a ‘K’.
2 to form words correctly from individual letters: [v] I’ve never been able to spell.  [vn-adj] You’ve spelt my name wrong.—see also MISSPELL
3 [vn] (of letters of a word) to form words when they are put together in a particular order: C—A—T spells ‘cat’.
4 [vn] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to have sth, usually sth bad, as a result; to mean sth, usually sth bad: The crop failure spelt disaster for many farmers.
PVR V ,spell sth<->'out
1 to explain sth in a simple, clear way: You know what I mean—I’m sure I don’t need to spell it out. [+ wh-] Let me spell out why we need more money.
2 to say or write the letters of a word in the right order: Could you spell that name out again?

noun
1 [C] a short period of time during which sth lasts: a spell of warm weather  a cold / hot / wet / bright spell  There will be rain at first, with sunny spells later.  She went to the doctor complaining of dizzy spells .
2 [C] a period of time doing sth or working somewhere: She had a spell as a singer before becoming an actress.  I spent a brief spell on the Washington Post.
3 [C] words that are thought to have magic power or to make a piece of magic work; a piece of magic that happens when sb says these magic words: a book of spells  The wizard recited a spell.  to cast / put a spell on sb  to be under a spell (= affected by magic)
4 [sing.] a quality that a person or thing has that makes them so attractive or interesting that they have a strong influence on you: I completely fell under her spell .  It was a magic night until the spell was broken.
IDM see CAST v. , WEAVE v.

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spell.bind.ing
adj. holding your attention completely: a spellbinding performance
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spell.bound
adj. [not usually before noun] with your attention completely held by what you are listening to or watching: a storyteller who can hold audiences spellbound
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'spell check
verb [vn] to use a computer program to check your writing to see if your spelling is correct
'spell check noun = SPELLCHECKER
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spell.checker
noun a computer program that checks your writing to see if your spelling is correct
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spell.er
noun if sb is a good/bad speller, they find it easy/difficult to spell words correctly
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spell.ing
noun
1 [U] the act of forming words correctly from individual letters; the ability to do this: a spelling mistake / test  the differences between British and American spelling  My spelling is terrible.
2 [C] the way that a word is spelt: a list of difficult spellings
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spelt
pt, pp of SPELL
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spe.lunk.ing
noun [U] (AmE ) = CAVING
spe.lunk.er noun (AmE) = CAVER —compare SPELEOLOGIST
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spend
verb, noun
verb (spent, spent )
1 ~ sth (on sth / on doing sth) to give money to pay for goods, services, etc: [vn] I’ve spent all my money already.  She spent £100 on a new dress.  [vn -ing] The company has spent thousands of pounds updating their computer systems. [alsov]
2 ~ sth (on sth)| ~ sth (doing sth / in doing sth) to use time for a particular purpose; to pass time: [vn] We spent the weekend in Paris.  How long did you spend on your homework?  How do you spend your spare time?  Most of her life was spent in caring for others.  [vn -ing] I spend too much time watching television.
3 [vn] [often passive] to use energy, effort, etc., especially until it has all been used: She spends too much effort on things that don’t matter.—see also SPENT
IDM spend the 'night with sb
1 to stay with sb for a night: My daughter’s spending the night with a friend.
2 (also spend the 'night together) to stay with sb for a night and have sex with them spend a 'penny (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) people say ‘spend a penny’ to avoid saying ‘use the toilet’

noun [sing.] (informal) the amount of money spent for a particular purpose or over a particular length of time: The average spend at the cafe is £10 a head.

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spend.er
noun a person who spends money in the particular way mentioned: a big spender (= who spends a lot of money)
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spend.ing
noun [U] the amount of money that is spent by a government or an organization: to increase / reduce public spending
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'spending money
noun [U] money that you can spend on personal things for pleasure or entertainment: You’ll need to take money for food and some spending money.—compare POCKET MONEY
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spend.thrift
noun (disapproving) a person who spends too much money or who wastes money
spend.thrift adj. [usually before noun]: spendthrift governments / institutions
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spent
adj.
1 [usually before noun] that has been used, so that it cannot be used again: spent bullets / matches  spent blooms (= flowers that have died)
2 (written) very tired: After the gruelling test, he felt totally spent.
IDM a ,spent 'force a person or group that no longer has any power or influence—see also SPEND , SPENT , SPENT v.
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sperm
noun (pl.sperm or sperms)
1 [C] a cell that is produced by the sex organs of a male and that can combine with a female egg to produce young: He has a low sperm count (= very few live male cells).
2 [U] the liquid that is produced by the male sex organs that contains these cells
SYN SEMEN
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sperm.ato.zoon
noun (pl.sperm.ato.zoa ) (biology ) a sperm
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'sperm bank
noun a place where sperm is kept and then used to help women become pregnant artificially
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spermi.cide
noun [U, C] a substance that kills SPERM , used during sex to prevent the woman from becoming pregnant
spermi.cidal adj. [only before noun]
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'sperm whale
noun a large WHALE that is hunted for its oil and fat—
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spew
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to flow out quickly, or to make sth flow out quickly, in large amounts: [v] Flames spewed from the aircraft’s engine.  [vn] Massive chimneys were spewing out smoke and flames.
2 ~ (sth) (up) (BrE , informal) to VOMIT : [v] He spewed up on the pavement.  [vn] She spewed up the entire meal.
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sphag.num
(also 'Sphagnum moss) noun [U] a type of MOSS that grows in wet areas, used especially for planting plants in pots, making FERTILIZER , etc.
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sphere
noun
1 (geometry) a solid figure that is completely round, with every point on its surface at an equal distance from the centre—picture at SOLID
2 any object that is completely round, for example a ball
3 an area of activity, influence or interest; a particular section of society: the political / economic sphere  This area was formerly within the sphere of influence of the US.  He and I moved in totally different social spheres.
4 (-sphere) (in nouns) a region that surrounds a planet, especially the earth: ionosphere  atmosphere
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spher.ic.al
adj. shaped like a sphere
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spher.oid
noun (technical ) a solid object that is approximately the same shape as a SPHERE
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sphinc.ter
noun (anatomy ) a ring of muscle that surrounds an opening in the body and can tighten to close it: the anal sphincter
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sphinx
noun (often the Sphinx) an ancient Egyptian stone statue of a creature with a human head and the body of a lion lying down. In ancient Greek stories the Sphinx spoke in RIDDLES .
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spic
noun (  slang, especially AmE ) a very offensive word for a person from a country where Spanish is spoken, for example a Mexican or Puerto Rican
IDM ,spic and 'span = SPICK AND SPAN at SPICK
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spice
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] one of the various types of powder or seed that come from plants and are used in cooking. Spices have a strong taste and smell: common spices such as ginger and cinnamon  a spice jar / rack
2 [U] extra interest or excitement: We need an exciting trip to add some spice to our lives.
IDM see VARIETY

verb [vn] ~ sth (up) (with sth)
1 to add spice to food in order to give it more flavour: highly spiced dishes
2 to add interest or excitement to sth: He exaggerated the details to spice up the story.  Her conversation is always spiced with humour.

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spick
adj.
IDM ,spick and 'span (also ,spic and 'span) [not usually before noun] neat and clean: Their house is always spick and span.
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spicy
adj. (spici.er, spici.est)
1 (of food) having a strong taste because spices have been used to flavour it: spicy chicken wings
2 (informal) (of a story, piece of news, etc.) exciting and slightly shocking
spici.ness noun [U]
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spider
noun a small creature with eight thin legs. Many spiders spin WEBS (= nets of thin threads) to catch insects for food: She stared in horror at the hairy black spider.—
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'spider monkey
noun a S American monkey with very long limbs and a long PREHENSILE tail—
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'spider’s web
(especially BrE ) (also 'spider web especially in AmE) (also web) noun a fine net of threads made by a spider to catch insects: (figurative) a spider’s web of overhead wires and cables   (figurative) to be caught in a spider’s web of confusion—see also COBWEB
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spi.dery
adj. long and thin, like the legs of a spider: spidery fingers  spidery writing (= consisting of thin lines that are not very clear)
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spied
pt, pp of SPY
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spiel
noun (informal, usually disapproving) a long speech that sb has used many times, that is intended to persuade you to believe sth or buy sth
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spiff
verb
PVR V ,spiff 'up| ,spiff sb/sth<->'up (AmE, informal) to make yourself/sb/sth look neat and attractive: He got all spiffed up.  She spiffed up her old shoes.
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spiffy
adj. (AmE , informal) attractive and fashionable
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spigot
noun
1 (technical) a device in a tap/faucet that controls the flow of liquid from a container
2 (AmE) any tap/faucet, especially one outdoors
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spike
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a thin object with a sharp point, especially a pointed piece of metal, wood, etc: a row of iron spikes on a wall  Her hair stood up in spikes.—see also SPIKE HEEL
2 [C, usually pl.] a metal point attached to the sole of a sports shoe to prevent you from slipping while running—compare CLEAT
3 (spikes) [pl.] shoes fitted with these metal spikes , used for running: a pair of spikes
4 [C] a long pointed group of flowers that grow together on a single stem

verb [vn]
1 to push a sharp piece of metal, wood, etc. into sb/sth; to injure sth on a sharp point
2 ~ sth (with sth) to add alcohol, poison or a drug to sb’s drink or food without them knowing: He gave her a drink spiked with tranquillizers   (figurative) Her words were spiked with malice.
3 to reject sth that a person has written or said; to prevent sth from happening or being made public: The article was spiked for fear of legal action against the newspaper.
IDM spike sb’s 'guns (BrE) to spoil the plans of an opponent

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spiked
adj. with one or more spikes : spiked running shoes  short spiked hair
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,spike 'heel
noun (especially AmE ) a very thin high heel on a woman’s shoe; a shoe with such a heel
SYN STILETTO
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spiky
adj.
1 having sharp points: spiky leaves / plants
2 (of hair) sticking straight up from the head
3 (BrE) (of people) easily annoyed or offended
spiki.ness noun [U]
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spill
verb, noun
verb (spilled, spilled) (BrE also spilt, spilt )
1 (especially of liquid) to accidentally flow over the edge of a container; to make liquid do this: [v] Water had spilled out of the bucket onto the floor.  [vn] He startled her and made her spill her drink.  Thousands of gallons of crude oil were spilled into the ocean.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of people) to come out of a place in large numbers and spread out: The doors opened and people spilled into the street.   (figurative) Light spilled from the windows.
IDM spill the 'beans (informal) to tell sb sth that should be kept secret or private spill (sb’s) 'blood (formal or literary) to kill or wound people: Nothing can justify spilling innocent blood. spill your 'guts (to sb) (AmE, informal) to tell sb everything you know or feel about sth, because you are upset—more at CRY v.
PVR V ,spill sth<->'out| ,spill 'out to tell sb all about a problem etc. very quickly; to come out quickly: Has she been spilling out her troubles to you again?  When he started to speak, the words just spilled out. ,spill 'over (into sth)
1 to fill a container and go over the edge: She filled the glass so full that the water spilled over.   (figurative) Her emotions suddenly spilled over.
2 to start in one area and then affect other areas: Unrest has spilt over into areas outside the city.  The effects of stress at work can spill over into home life.—related noun OVERSPILL , SPILLOVER

noun
1 (also formal spill.age) [C, U] an act of letting a liquid come or fall out of a container; the amount of liquid that comes or falls out: Many seabirds died as a result of the oil spill.  I wiped up the coffee spills on the table.
2 [C] a long match, or a thin piece of twisted paper, used for lighting fires, oil lamps, etc.
3 [C, usually sing.] a fall, especially from a bicycle or a boat: to take a spill
IDM see THRILL n.

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spill.age
noun [U, C] (formal) = SPILL : Put the bottle in a plastic bag in case of spillage.
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spill.over
noun [C, U]
1 something that is too large or too much for the place where it starts, and spreads to other places: A second room was needed for the spillover of staff and reporters.
2 the results or the effects of sth that have spread to other situations or places
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spin
verb, noun
verb (spin.ning, spun, spun )
TURN ROUND QUICKLY|
1 ~ (sth) (round / around) to turn round and round quickly; to make sth do this: [v] The plane was spinning out of control.  a spinning ice skater  My head is spinning (= I feel as if my head is going around and I can’t balance).  [vn] to spin a ball / coin / wheel
2 ~ (round / around) to turn round quickly once; to make sb do this: [v] He spun around to face her. [alsovn]
MAKE THREAD|
3 ~ (A into B)| ~ (B from A) to make thread from wool, cotton, silk, etc. by twisting it: [v] She sat by the window spinning.  [vn] to spin and knit wool  spinning silk into thread
OF SPIDER / SILKWORM|
4 [vn] to produce thread from its body to make a WEB or COCOON : a spider spinning a web
DRIVE / TRAVEL QUICKLY|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to drive or travel quickly: They went spinning along the roads on their bikes.
DRY CLOTHES|
6 [vn] to remove the water from clothes that have just been washed, in a SPIN DRYER
PRESENT INFORMATION|
7 [vn] to present information or a situation in a particular way, especially one that makes you or your ideas seem good: An aide was already spinning the senator’s defeat as ‘almost as good as an outright win’. spin (sb) a 'yarn, 'tale, etc. to tell sb a long story that is not true, usually in order to deceive them—more at HEEL n. ,spin 'off (from sth)| ,spin sth<->'off (from sth) to happen or to produce sth as a new or unexpected result of sth that already exists: products spinning off from favourite books  toys spun off from the popular children’s TV programme—related noun SPIN-OFF ,spin sth<->'off (business) (especially AmE) to form a new company from parts of an existing one: The transportation operation will be spun off into a separate company. ,spin sth<->'out to make sth last as long as possible

noun
FAST TURNING MOVEMENT|
1 [C, U] a very fast turning movement: the earth’s spin  the spin of a wheel  The dance was full of twists and spins.  Give the washing a short spin.
2 [C, usually sing.] if an aircraft goes into a spin, it falls and turns round rapidly
IN CAR|
3 [C] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) a short ride in a car for pleasure
IN TENNIS / CRICKET|
4 [U] the way you make a ball turn very fast when you throw it or hit it: a spin bowler (= in cricket, a bowler who uses spin)—see also TOPSPIN
ON INFORMATION|
5 [sing., U] (informal) a way of presenting information or a situation in a particular way, especially one that makes you or your ideas seem good: Politicians put their own spin on the economic situation. in a (flat) 'spin very confused, worried or excited: Her resignation put her colleagues in a spin.

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spina bif.ida
noun [U] a medical condition in which some bones in the SPINE have not developed normally at birth, often causing PARALYSIS (= loss of control or feeling) in the legs
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spin.ach
noun [U] a vegetable with large dark green leaves that are usually eaten cooked
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spinal
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) connected with the SPINE (= the long bone in the back): spinal injuries
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,spinal 'column
noun the SPINE
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,spinal 'cord
noun the mass of nerves inside the SPINE that connects all parts of the body to the brain—picture at BODY
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'spinal tap
noun (AmE ) = LUMBAR PUNCTURE
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spin.dle
noun
1 a rod that turns in a machine, or that another part of the machine turns around
2 a thin pointed rod used for spinning wool into thread by hand
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spindly
adj. (informal, often disapproving) very long and thin and not strong: spindly legs
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'spin doctor
noun (informal) a person whose job is to present information to the public about a politician, an organization, etc. in the way that seems most positive
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,spin 'dryer
(also ,spin 'drier) noun (BrE ) a machine that partly dries clothes that you have washed by turning them round and round very fast to remove the water—compare TUMBLE-DRYER
,spin-'dry verb [vn]
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spine
noun
1 the row of small bones that are connected together down the middle of the back
SYN BACKBONE —picture at BODY
2 any of the sharp pointed parts like needles on some plants and animals: Porcupines use their spines to protect themselves.—see also SPINY
3 the narrow part of the cover of a book that the pages are joined to
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'spine-chilling
adj. frightening in an exciting way: a spine-chilling horror story
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spine.less
adj.
1 (disapproving) (of people) weak and easily frightened
2 (of animals) having no SPINE (= the long bone in the back)
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spi.net
noun
1 a kind of HARPSICHORD (= an early type of musical instrument), played like a piano
2 ~ piano / organ (AmE) a small upright piano/electronic ORGAN
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'spine-tingling
adj. (of an event, a piece of music, etc.) enjoyable because it is very exciting or frightening
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spin.naker
noun a large extra sail on a racing YACHT that you use when the wind is coming from behind—picture at YACHT
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spin.ner
noun
1 (in cricket) a BOWLER who uses SPIN when throwing the ball; a SPIN BOWLER
2 a person who spins thread
3 a device that spins around, used on a fishing line to attract fish
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spin.ney
noun (BrE ) a small area of trees
SYN COPSE
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spin.ning
noun [U] the art or the process of twisting wool, etc. to make thread
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'spinning wheel
noun a simple machine that people used in their homes in the past for twisting wool, etc. It has a large wheel operated with the foot.
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'spin-off
noun ~ (from / of sth)
1 an unexpected but useful result of an activity that is designed to produce sth else: commercial spin-offs from medical research
2 a book, a film/movie, a television programme, or an object that is based on a book, film/movie or television series that has been very successful: The TV comedy series is a spin-off of the original movie.  spin-off merchandise from the latest Disney movie
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spin.ster
noun (old-fashioned, often disapproving) a woman who is not married, especially an older woman who is not likely to marry
HELP This word should not now be used to mean simply a woman who is not married.—compare BACHELOR
spin.ster.hood noun [U]: For most women, marriage used to bring a higher status than spinsterhood.
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spiny
adj. (of animals or plants) having sharp points like needles: spiny sea urchins  spiny leaves—see also SPINE
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spiral
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 a shape or design, consisting of a continuous curved line that winds around a central point, with each curve further away from the centre: The birds circled in a slow spiral above the house.
2 a continuous harmful increase or decrease in sth, that gradually gets faster and faster: the destructive spiral of violence in the inner cities  measures to control the inflationary spiral  the upward / downward spiral of sales

adj. moving in a continuous curve that winds around a central point: a spiral staircase  A snail’s shell is spiral in form.
spir.al.ly adv.

verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to move in continuous circles, going upwards or downwards: Smoke spiralled into the sky.  The plane spiralled down to the ground.
2 to increase rapidly: the spiralling cost of health care  Prices are spiralling out of control.
PVR V ,spiral 'down / 'downward to decrease rapidly

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spire
noun a tall pointed structure on the top of a building, especially a church: a magnificent view of the spires of the city—picture at STEEPLE
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spirit
noun, verb
noun
MIND / FEELINGS / CHARACTER|
1 [U, C] the part of a person that includes their mind, feelings and character rather than their body: the power of the human spirit to overcome difficulties
2 (spirits) [pl.] a person’s feelings or state of mind: to be in high / low spirits   You must try and keep your spirits up (= stay cheerful).  My spirits sank at the prospect of starting all over again.
3 [C] (always with an adjective) a person of the type mentioned: a brave / generous / mean / proud spirit  kindred spirits (= people who like the same things as you)  She was one of the leading spirits of the reform movement.—see also FREE SPIRIT
COURAGE / DETERMINATION|
4 [U] courage, determination or energy: Show a little fighting spirit .  Although the team lost, they played with tremendous spirit.  They took away his freedom and broke his spirit.
LOYAL FEELINGS|
5 [U, sing.] loyal feelings towards a group, team or society: There’s not much community spirit around here.—see also TEAM SPIRIT
ATTITUDE|
6 [sing.] a state of mind or mood; an attitude: We approached the situation in the wrong spirit.  ‘OK, I’ll try’. ‘That’s the spirit (= the right attitude).’  The party went well because everyone entered into the spirit of things .—see also PARTY SPIRIT
TYPICAL QUALITY|
7 [sing.] the typical or most important quality or mood of sth: the spirit of the times  the pioneer spirit
REAL MEANING|
8 [U] the real or intended meaning or purpose of sth: Obey the spirit, not the letter (= the narrow meaning of the words) of the law.
SOUL|
9 [C] the soul thought of as separate from the body and believed to live on after death; a GHOST : He is dead, but his spirit lives on.  It was believed that people could be possessed by evil spirits.—see also THE HOLY SPIRIT
IMAGINARY CREATURE|
10 [C] (old-fashioned) an imaginary creature with magic powers, for example, a FAIRY or an ELF
ALCOHOL|
11 [C, usually pl.] (especially BrE) a strong alcoholic drink: I don’t drink whisky or brandy or any other spirits.
12 [U] a special type of alcohol used in industry or medicine—see also METHYLATED SPIRIT , SURGICAL SPIRIT , WHITE SPIRIT in 'spirit in your thoughts: I shall be with you in spirit (= thinking about you though not with you physically). the ,spirit is 'willing (but the ,flesh is 'weak) (humorous, saying) you intend to do good things but you are too lazy, weak or busy to actually do them as / when / if the ,spirit 'moves you as/when/if you feel like it: I’ll go for a run this evening, if the spirit moves me.—more at FIGHT v. , RAISE v.

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to take sb/sth away in a quick, secret or mysterious way: After the concert, the band was spirited away before their fans could get near them.

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spir.it.ed
adj. [usually before noun] full of energy, determination or courage: a spirited young woman  a spirited horse  a spirited discussion / conversation  She put up a spirited defence in the final game.—compare DISPIRITED —see also HIGH-SPIRITED , PUBLIC-SPIRITED
spir.it.ed.ly adv.
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spir.it.less
adj. (formal) without energy, enthusiasm or determination: a pale, spiritless child  a spiritless argument
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'spirit level
(also level) noun a glass tube partly filled with liquid, with a bubble of air inside. Spirit levels are used to test whether a surface is level, by the position of the bubble.
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spir.it.ual
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun]
1 connected with the human spirit, rather than the body or physical things: a spiritual experience  spiritual development / growth / needs  a lack of spiritual values in the modern world  We’re concerned about your spiritual welfare .
OPP MATERIAL
2 connected with religion: a spiritual leader—compare TEMPORAL
spir.itu.al.ly adv.: a spiritually uplifting book
IDM your ,spiritual 'home the place where you are happiest, especially a country where you feel you belong more than in your own country because you share the ideas and attitudes of the people who live there

noun (also ,Negro 'spiritual) a religious song of the type originally sung by black slaves in America

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spir.itu.al.ism
noun [U] the belief that people who have died can send messages to living people, usually through a MEDIUM (= a person who has special powers)
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spir.itu.al.ist
noun a person who believes that people who have died can send messages to living people
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spir.itu.al.ity
noun [U] the quality of being concerned with religion or the human spirit
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spit
verb, noun
verb (spit.ting, spat, spat spit is also sometimes used for the past tense and past participle, especially in AmE.)
FROM MOUTH|
1 [vn] ~ sth (out) to force liquid, food, etc. out of your mouth: She took a mouthful of food and then suddenly spat it out.  He was spitting blood from a badly cut lip.
2 [v] ~ (at / on sb/sth) to force SALIVA (= the liquid that is produced in the mouth) out of your mouth, often as a sign of anger or lack of respect: He coughed and spat.  The prisoners were spat on by their guards.  She spat in his face and went out.
SAY STH ANGRILY|
3 to say sth in an angry or forceful way: [v speech] ‘You liar!’ she spat.  [vn] He was dragged out of the court, spitting abuse at the judge and jury.
OF AN ANIMAL|
4 [v] to make a short angry sound: Snakes spit and hiss when they are cornered.
OF STH COOKING / BURNING|
5 [v] to make a noise and throw out fat, SPARKS , etc: sausages spitting in the frying pan  The logs on the fire crackled and spat.
RAIN|
6 [v] (informal) (only used in the progressive tenses) when it is spitting, it is raining lightly ,spit it 'out (spoken) usually used in orders to tell sb to say sth when they seem frightened or unwilling to speak: If you’ve got something to say, spit it out! spit 'venom / 'blood to show that you are very angry; to speak in an angry way within 'spitting distance (of sth) (BrE) (also within 'shouting distanceAmE, BrE) (spoken, informal) very close—more at IMAGE ,spit 'up (AmE, informal) (especially of a baby) to VOMIT

noun
IN / FROM MOUTH|
1 [U] the liquid that is produced in your mouth
SYN SALIVA
2 [C, usually sing.] the act of spitting liquid or food out of your mouth
PIECE OF LAND|
3 [C] a long thin piece of land that sticks out into the sea/ocean, a lake, etc.—picture at COAST
FOR COOKING MEAT|
4 [C] a long thin metal rod that you put through meat to hold and turn it while you cook it over a fire ,spit and 'polish (informal) thorough cleaning and polishing of sth

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spite
noun, verb
noun [U] a feeling of wanting to hurt or upset sb
SYN MALICE : I’m sure he only said it out of spite .
IDM in 'spite of sth if you say that sb did sth in spite of a fact, you mean it is surprising that that fact did not prevent them from doing it
SYN DESPITE : In spite of his age, he still leads an active life.  They went swimming in spite of all the danger signs.  English became the official language for business in spite of the fact that the population was largely Chinese. in 'spite of yourself if you do sth in spite of yourself, you do it although you did not intend or expect to: He fell asleep, in spite of himself.

verb [vn] (only used in the infinitive with to) to deliberately annoy or upset sb: They’re playing the music so loud just to spite us.
IDM see NOSE n.

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spite.ful
adj. behaving in an unkind way in order to hurt or upset sb
SYN MALICIOUS
spite.ful.ly adv.: ‘I don’t need you,’ she said spitefully.
spite.ful.ness noun [U]
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spit.tle
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the liquid that forms in the mouth
SYN SPIT , SALIVA
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spit.toon
noun a container, used especially in the past, for people to SPIT into
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spiv
noun (BrE , slang, disapproving) a man who makes his money by being dishonest in business, especially one who dresses in a way that makes people believe he is rich and successful
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splash
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of liquid) to fall noisily onto a surface: Water splashed onto the floor.  Rain splashed against the windows.
2 [vn] ~ sth (on / onto / over sb/sth)| ~ sb/sth (with sth) to make sb/sth wet by making water, mud, etc. fall on them/it: He splashed cold water on his face.  He splashed his face with cold water.  My clothes were splashed with mud.  Stop splashing me!
3 [v] to move through water making drops fly everywhere: The kids were splashing through the puddles.  People were having fun in the pool, swimming or just splashing around.
4 [vn] ~ sth with sth [usually passive] to decorate sth with areas of bright colour, not in a regular pattern: The walls were splashed with patches of blue and purple.
PVR V 'splash sth across / over sth to put a photograph, news story, etc. in a place where it will be easily noticed ,splash 'down (of a spacecraft) to land in the sea or ocean—related noun SPLASHDOWN ,splash 'out (on sth)| ,splash sth<->'out (on / for sth) (BrE, informal) to spend a lot of money on sth: We’re going to splash out and buy a new car.  He splashed out hundreds of pounds on designer clothes.

noun
1 [C] the sound of sth hitting liquid or of liquid hitting sth: We heard the splash when she fell into the pool.
2 [C] a small amount of liquid that falls onto sth; the mark that this makes: splashes of water on the floor  dark splashes of mud on her skirt  Any splashes on the skin should be removed immediately.
3 [C] a small area of bright colour or light that contrasts with the colours around it: These flowers will give a splash of colour throughout the summer.
4 [sing.] (BrE, informal) a small amount of liquid that you add to a drink—compare DASH
5 [sing.] an article in a newspaper, etc. that is intended to attract a lot of attention
IDM make / cause, etc. a 'splash (informal) to do sth in a way that attracts a lot of attention, or causes a lot of excitement

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splash.down
noun [C, U] a landing of a spacecraft in the sea/ocean: Splashdown is scheduled for 0500 hours.
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splashy
adj. (splash.ier, splashi.est) (especially AmE ) bright and very easy to notice: a splashy advertising campaign
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splat
noun [sing.] (informal) the sound made by sth wet hitting a surface with force: The tomato hit the wall with a splat.
splat adv.: The omelette fell splat onto the floor.
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splat.ter
verb
1 [v] (of large drops of liquid) to fall or hit sth noisily: Heavy rain splattered on the roof.
2 to drop or throw water, paint, mud, etc. on sb/sth; to make sb/sth wet or dirty by landing on them in large drops: [vn] The walls were splattered with blood.  [v] Coffee had splattered across the front of his shirt.
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splay
verb ~ (sth) (out) to make fingers, legs, etc. become further apart from each other or spread out; to be spread out wide apart: [vn] She lay on the bed, her arms and legs splayed out.  [v] His long fingers splayed across her back.
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spleen
noun
1 [C] a small organ near the stomach that controls the quality of the blood: a ruptured spleen—picture at BODY
2 [U] (literary) anger: He vented his spleen (= shouted in an angry way) on the assembled crowd.
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splen.did
adj., exclamation
adj. (especially BrE )
1 (old-fashioned) excellent; very good: What a splendid idea!  We’ve all had a splendid time.
2 very impressive; very beautiful: a splendid house / castle  The hotel stands in splendid isolation , surrounded by moorland.
splen.did.ly adv.: You all played splendidly.

exclamation (old-fashioned, especially BrE ) used to express approval or pleasure

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splen.dour
(BrE ) (AmEsplen.dor) noun
1 [U] grand and impressive beauty: a view of Rheims Cathedral, in all its splendour  The palace has been restored to its former splendour.
2 (splendours) [pl.] the beautiful and impressive features or qualities of sth, especially a place: the splendours of Rome (= its fine buildings, etc.)
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splice
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth (together)
1 to join the ends of two pieces of rope by weaving them together
2 to join the ends of two pieces of film, tape, etc. by sticking them together
IDM get 'spliced (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to get married

noun the place where two pieces of film, tape, rope, etc. have been joined

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spli.cer
noun a person or machine that joins pieces of tape, cable, etc. together
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spliff
noun (BrE , slang) a cigarette containing CANNABIS
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splint
noun a long piece of wood or metal that is tied to a broken arm or leg to keep it still and in the right position
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splin.ter
noun, verb
noun a small thin sharp piece of wood, metal, glass, etc. that has broken off a larger piece: splinters of glass  to remove a splinter from your finger

verb
1 (of wood, glass, stone, etc.) to break, or to make sth break, into small, thin sharp pieces: [v] The mirror cracked but did not splinter.  [vn] The impact splintered the wood.
2 [v] (of a group of people) to divide into smaller groups that are no longer connected; to separate from a larger group: The party began to splinter.  Several firms have splintered off from the original company.

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'splinter group
noun a small group of people that has separated from a larger one, especially in politics
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split
verb, noun
verb (split.ting, split, split)
DIVIDE|
1 to divide, or to make a group of people divide, into smaller groups that have very different opinions: [vn] a debate that has split the country down the middle   [v] The committee split over government subsidies.
2 ~ (sth) (into sth) to divide, or to make sth divide, into two or more parts: [vn] She split the class into groups of four.  [v] The results split neatly into two groups.—see also SPLIT UP
3 [vn] ~ sth (between sb/sth)| ~ sth (with sb) to divide sth into two or more parts and share it between different people, activities, etc: She split the money she won with her brother.  We share a house and split all the bills.  His time is split between the London and Paris offices.—see also SPLIT UP
TEAR|
4 ~ (sth) (open) to tear, or to make sth tear, along a straight line: [v] Her dress had split along the seam.  [v-adj] The cushion split open and sent feathers everywhere.  [vn] Don’t tell me you’ve split another pair of pants! [alsovn-adj]
CUT|
5 ~ sth (open) to cut sb’s skin and make it bleed: [vn-adj] She split her head open on the cupboard door.  [vn] How did you split your lip?
END RELATIONSHIP|
6 [v] ~ (from / with sb) to leave sb and stop having a relationship with them: The singer split with his wife last June.  She intends to split from the band at the end of the tour.—see also SPLIT UP
LEAVE|
7 [v] (old-fashioned, informal) to leave a place quickly: Let’s split! split the 'difference (when discussing a price, etc.) to agree on an amount that is exactly halfway between the two amounts that have been suggested split 'hairs to pay too much attention in an argument to differences that are very small and not important split an in'finitive to place an adverb between ‘to’ and the INFINITIVE of a verb, for example, to say ‘to strongly deny a rumour’. Some people consider this to be bad English style. split your 'sides (laughing / with laughter) to laugh a lot at sb/sth split the 'ticket (AmE, politics) to vote for candidates from more than one party—more at MIDDLE n. ,split a'way / 'off (from sth)| ,split sth<->a'way / 'off (from sth) to separate from, or to separate sth from, a larger object or group: A rebel faction has split away from the main group.  The storm split a branch off from the main trunk. 'split on sb (to sb) (BrE, informal) to tell sb in authority about sth wrong, dishonest etc. that sb else has done: Don’t worry—he won’t split on us. ,split 'up (with sb) to stop having a relationship with sb: My parents split up last year.  She’s split up with her boyfriend. ,split sb 'up to make two people stop having a relationship with each other: My friend is doing her best to split us up. ,split sb 'up| ,split 'up to divide a group of people into smaller parts; to become divided up in this way: We were split up into groups to discuss the question.  Let’s split up now and meet again at lunchtime. ,split sth<->'up to divide sth into smaller parts: The day was split up into 6 one-hour sessions.

noun
DISAGREEMENT|
1 [C] ~ (between A and B)| ~ (with sb/sth) a disagreement that divides a group of people or makes sb separate from sb else: a damaging split within the party leadership  the years following his bitter split with his wife
DIVISION|
2 [sing.] a division between two or more things; one of the parts that sth is divided into: He demanded a 50–50 split in the profits.
TEAR / HOLE|
3 [C] a long crack or hole made when sth tears: There’s a big split in the tent.
BANANA DISH|
4 [C] a sweet dish made from fruit, especially a BANANA cut in two along its length, with cream, ice cream, etc. on top: a banana split
BODY POSITION|
5 (the splits) [pl.] (AmE also split [sing.]) a position in which you stretch your legs flat across the floor in opposite directions with the rest of your body upright: a gymnast doing the splits

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,split 'ends
noun [pl.] if you have split ends, some of your hairs have divided into parts at the ends because they are dry or in poor condition
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,split in'finitive
noun (grammar ) the form of the verb with to, with an adverb placed between to and the verb, as in She seems to really like it. Some people consider this to be bad English style.
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,split-'level
adj. (of a room, floor, etc.) having parts at different levels
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,split 'screen
noun a way of displaying two or more pictures or pieces of information at the same time on a television, cinema or computer screen
,split-'screen adj. [only before noun]: a movie with several split-screen sequences
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,split 'second
noun a very short moment of time: Their eyes met for a split second .
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'split-second
adj. [only before noun] done very quickly or very accurately: She had to make a split-second decision.  The success of the raid depended on split-second timing .
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,split 'ticket
noun (in elections in the US) a vote in which sb votes for candidates from two different parties
,split-'ticket adj.: a split-ticket vote
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split.ting
adj. [only before noun] if you have a splitting headache, you have a very bad pain in your head
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splodge
(also splotch , AmE, BrE) noun a large mark or spot of ink, paint, mud, etc.; a small area of colour or light: He had a splodge of oil on his cheek.
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splurge
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] (informal) an act of spending a lot of money on sth that you do not really need

verb [vn, v] ~ (sth) (on sth) (informal) to spend a lot of money on sth that you do not really need

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splut.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (out)| ~ (with sth) to speak quickly and with difficulty, making soft SPITTING sounds, because you are angry or embarrassed
SYN SPUTTER : [v speech] ‘But, but … you can’t!’ she spluttered.  [vn] Her father spluttered indignation. [alsov]
2 [v] to make a series of short explosive sounds
SYN SPUTTER : The firework spluttered and went out.  She fled from the blaze, coughing and spluttering .

noun a short explosive sound: The car started with a splutter.

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spoil
verb, noun
verb (spoiled, spoiled ) (BrE also spoilt, spoilt )
1 [vn] to change sth good into sth bad, unpleasant, useless, etc.
SYN RUIN : Our camping trip was spoilt by bad weather.  Don’t let him spoil your evening.  The tall buildings have spoiled the view.  Don’t eat too many nuts—you’ll spoil your appetite (= will no longer be hungry at mealtime).   (BrE) spoiled ballot papers (= not valid because not correctly marked)
2 [vn] to give a child everything that they ask for and not enough discipline in a way that has a bad effect on their character and behaviour: She spoils those kids of hers.
3 [vn] ~ sb / yourself to make sb/yourself happy by doing sth special: Why not spoil yourself with a weekend in a top hotel?  He really spoiled me on my birthday.
4 [v] (of food) to become bad so that it can no longer be eaten
IDM be 'spoiling for a fight to want to fight with sb very much—more at COOK n.

noun
1 (the spoils) [pl.] (formal or literary) goods stolen from a place by thieves or by an army that has won a battle or war: the spoils of war / conquest  The robbers divided up the spoils.
2 (spoils) [pl.] the profits or advantages that sb gets from being successful: the spoils of high office  The two teams shared the spoils with a 1–1 result.
3 [U] (technical) waste material that is brought up when a hole is dug, etc.

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spoil.age
noun [U] (technical ) the decay of food which means that it can no longer be used
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spoil.er
noun
1 a part of an aircraft’s wing that can be raised in order to interrupt the flow of air over it and so slow the aircraft’s speed—picture at PLANE
2 a raised part on a fast car that prevents it from being lifted off the road when travelling very fast: rear / front spoilers
3 (especially AmE) a candidate for a political office who is unlikely to win but who may get enough votes to prevent one of the main candidates from winning
4 a person or thing that spoils sth
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spoil.sport
noun (informal) a person who spoils other people’s enjoyment, for example by not taking part in an activity or by trying to stop other people from doing it: Don’t be such a spoilsport!
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spoilt
(BrE ) (also spoiled , AmE, BrE) adj. (of a child) rude and badly behaved because they are given everything they ask for and not enough discipline: a spoiled brat  He’s spoilt rotten (= a lot).
IDM be spoilt for 'choice (BrE) to have such a lot of things to choose from that it is very difficult to make a decision
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spoke
noun one of the thin bars or rods that connect the centre of a wheel to its outer edge, for example on a bicycle—picture at BICYCLE
IDM put a 'spoke in sb’s wheel (BrE) to prevent sb from carrying out their plans—see also SPEAK , SPOKE , SPOKEN v.
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spoken

1 pp ofSPEAK
2 (-spoken) (in adjectives) speaking in the way mentioned: a quietly spoken man—see also OUTSPOKEN
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'spoken for
adj. [not before noun] already claimed or being kept for sb: I’m afraid you can’t sit there—those seats are spoken for.  Liza is already spoken for (= she is already married or has a boyfriend).
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the ,spoken 'word
noun [sing.] language expressed in speech, rather than being written or sung
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spokes.man, spokeswoman
noun (pl.-men , -women ) ~ (for sb/sth) a person who speaks on behalf of a group or an organization: a police spokesman  A spokeswoman for the government denied the rumours.  note at GENDER
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spokes.per.son
noun (pl.-persons or -people) ~ (for sb/sth) a person who speaks on behalf of a group or an organization
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sponge
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a piece of artificial or natural material that is soft and light and full of holes and can hold water easily, used for washing or cleaning: a bath sponge (= to wash your body with in the bath)   (figurative) His mind was like a sponge, ready to absorb anything.
2 [U] artificial sponge used for filling furniture, cushions, etc.
3 [C] a simple sea creature with a light body full of holes, from which natural sponge is obtained
4 [C, U] (BrE) = SPONGE CAKE : a chocolate sponge—

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb / yourself / sth (down) to wash sb/yourself/sth with a wet cloth or SPONGE : She sponged his hot face.  Take your jacket off and I’ll sponge it down with water.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth using a wet cloth or SPONGE : We tried to sponge the blood off my shirt.
3 [v] ~ (off / on sb) (informal, disapproving) to get money, food, etc. regularly from other people without doing anything for them or offering to pay: He spent his whole life sponging off his relatives.

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'sponge bag
(also 'toilet bag, wash.bag) noun (all BrE ) a small bag for holding your soap, TOOTHBRUSH , etc., especially when you are travelling
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'sponge cake
(also sponge) noun [C, U] (BrE ) a light cake made from eggs, sugar and flour, with or without fat—
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,sponge 'pudding
noun [U, C] (BrE ) a hot DESSERT (= a sweet dish) like a sponge cake that usually has jam or fruit on top: sponge pudding and custard
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spon.ger
noun (disapproving) a person who gets money, food, etc. from other people without doing anything for them or offering to pay
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spongi.form
adj. (medical ) having or relating to a structure with holes in it like a SPONGE —see also BSE
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spongy
adj. soft and able to absorb water easily like a SPONGE : spongy moss  The ground was soft and spongy.  The bread had a spongy texture.
spon.gi.ness noun [U]
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spon.sor
noun, verb
noun
1 a person or company that pays for a radio or television programme, or for a concert or sporting event, usually in return for advertising: The race organizers are trying to attract sponsors.
2 a person who agrees to give sb money for a charity if that person succeeds in completing a particular activity: I’m collecting sponsors for next week’s charity run.
3 a person or company that supports sb by paying for their training or education: Unless he can find a sponsor he’ll be forced to retire from athletics.
4 a person who introduces and supports a proposal for a new law, etc: the sponsor of the new immigration bill
5 a person who agrees to be officially responsible for another person
6 a person who presents a child for Christian BAPTISM or CONFIRMATION
SYN GODPARENT

verb
1 [vn] (of a company, etc.) to pay the costs of a particular event, programme, etc. as a way of advertising: sports events sponsored by the tobacco industry
2 [vn] to arrange for sth official to take place: The US is sponsoring negotiations between the two sides.
3 to agree to give sb money for a charity if they complete a particular task: [vn] Will you sponsor me for a charity walk I’m doing?  a sponsored walk / swim [alsovn to inf]
4 [vn] to support sb by paying for their training or education: She found a company to sponsor her through college.
5 [vn] (technical) to introduce a proposal for a new law, etc: The bill was sponsored by a Labour MP.

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spon.sor.ship
noun [U]
1 financial support from a sponsor : a $50 million sponsorship deal  The project needs to raise £8 million in sponsorship.  We need to find sponsorship for the expedition.
2 the act of sponsoring sb/sth or being sponsored : the senator’s sponsorship of the job training legislation
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spon.tan.eity
noun [U] the quality of being spontaneous
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spon.tan.eous
adj.
1 not planned but done because you suddenly want to do it: a spontaneous offer of help  The audience burst into spontaneous applause.
2 (of a person) often doing things without planning to, because they suddenly want to do them
3 (technical) happening naturally, without being made to happen: spontaneous remission of the disease  a spontaneous abortion (= a MISCARRIAGE )
4 done naturally, without being forced or practised: a tape recording of spontaneous speech  a wonderfully spontaneous performance of the piece
spon.tan.eous.ly adv.: We spontaneously started to dance.  The bleeding often stops spontaneously.
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spon,taneous com'bustion
noun [U] the burning of a mineral or vegetable substance caused by chemical changes inside it and not by fire or heat from outside
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spoof
noun (informal) a humorous copy of a film/movie, television programme, etc. that exaggerates its main features: It’s a spoof on horror movies.  a spoof game show / a game show spoof
spoof verb [v, vn]
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spook
noun, verb
noun (informal)
1 a ghost: a castle haunted by spooks
2 (especially AmE) a SPY : a CIA spook

verb (informal, especially AmE ) to frighten a person or an animal; to become frightened: [vn] [usually passive] We were spooked by the strange noises and lights.  [v] The horse spooked at the siren.

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spooky
adj. (spook.ier, spooki.est)
HELP You can also use more spooky and most spooky. (informal) strange and frightening: a spooky old house  a spooky atmosphere / feeling  I was just thinking about her when she phoned. Spooky!
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spool
noun, verb
noun (especially AmE ) = REEL (1) : a spool of thread

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to wind sth onto or off a spool
2 [vn, v] (computing) to move data and store it for a short time, for example on a disk, especially before it is printed

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spoon
noun, verb
noun
1 a tool that has a handle with a shallow bowl at the end, used for stirring, serving and eating food: a soup spoon  a wooden spoon—see also DESSERTSPOON , GREASY SPOON , TABLESPOON , TEASPOON —picture at CUTLERY
2 = SPOONFUL
IDM see BORN

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to lift and move food with a spoon: She spooned the sauce over the chicken pieces.

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spoon.er.ism
noun a mistake in which you accidentally change around the first sounds of two words when saying them, often with a humorous result, for example well-boiled icicle for well-oiled bicycle
ORIGIN Named after W.A. Spooner, (1844–1930), the head of New College, Oxford, who was said to make many mistakes like this when he spoke.
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'spoon-feed
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb (with sth)| ~ sth to sb (disapproving) to teach people sth in a way that gives them too much help and does not make them think for themselves: The students here do not expect to be spoon-fed.  They had information spoon-fed to them.
2 to feed sb, especially a baby, with a spoon
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spoon.ful
(also spoon) noun the amount that a spoon can hold: two spoonfuls of sugar
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spoor
noun [sing.] a track or smell that a wild animal leaves as it travels
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spor.ad.ic
adj. (written) happening only occasionally or at intervals that are not regular: sporadic fighting / gunfire / violence  sporadic outbreaks of the disease
spor.ad.ic.al.ly adv.
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spore
noun (biology ) one of the very small cells like seeds that are produced by some plants and that develop into new plants: Ferns, mosses and fungi produce spores.
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spor.ran
noun a flat bag, usually made of leather or fur, that is worn by men in front of the KILT as part of the Scottish national dress
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sport
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] (BrE) (AmE sports [pl.]) activity that you do for pleasure and that needs physical effort or skill, usually done in a special area and according to fixed rules: There are excellent facilities for sport and recreation.  I’m not interested in sport.  the use of drugs in sport
2 [C] a particular form of sport : What’s your favourite sport?  team / water sports  a sports club—see also BLOOD SPORT , FIELD SPORTS , SPECTATOR SPORT , WINTER SPORTS
3 [C] (informal, especially AustralE) used as a friendly way of greeting sb, especially a man
4 [U] (formal) amusement or fun: The comments were only made in sport .  to make sport of (= to joke about) sb/sth
5 [C] (technical) a plant or an animal that is different in a noticeable way from its usual type
IDM be a (good) 'sport (informal) to be generous, cheerful and pleasant, especially in a difficult situation: She’s a good sport.  Go on, be a sport (= used when asking sb to help you).

verb
1 [vn] to have or wear sth in a proud way so that everyone can see: to sport a beard / a diamond ring / a flower in your buttonhole
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) to play in a happy and lively way

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sport.ing
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with sports: a major sporting event  a range of sporting activities  His main sporting interests are golf and tennis.   (AmE) a store selling sporting goods
2 (especially BrE) fair and generous in your treatment of other people, especially in a game or sport
OPP for sense 2 UNSPORTING
sport.ing.ly adv.: He sportingly agreed to play the point again.
IDM a ,sporting 'chance a reasonable chance of success
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'sports car
(AmE also 'sport car) noun a low fast car, often with a roof that can be folded back
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sports.cast
noun (AmE ) a television or radio broadcast of sports news or a sports event
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sports.cast.er
noun (AmE ) a person who introduces and presents a sportscast
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'sports centre
noun (BrE ) a building where the public can go to play many different kinds of sports, swim, etc.
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'sports day
(BrE ) (AmE 'field day) noun a special day at school when there are no classes and children compete in sports events
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'sports jacket
(AmE also 'sport jacket) noun a man’s jacket for informal occasions, sometimes made of TWEED
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sports.man, sportswoman
noun (pl.-men , -women ) (especially BrE ) a person who takes part in sport, especially sb who is very good at it
SYN ATHLETE : a keen sportswoman  He is one of this country’s top professional sportsmen.
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sports.man.like
adj. behaving in a fair, generous and polite way, especially when playing a sport or game: a sportsmanlike attitude
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sports.man.ship
noun [U] fair, generous and polite behaviour, especially when playing a sport or game: He has a reputation for fair play and good sportsmanship.
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sports.per.son
noun (pl.-persons or -people) (especially BrE ) a person who takes part in sport, especially sb who is very good at it
SYN ATHLETE
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'sports shirt
(AmE also 'sport shirt) noun a man’s shirt for informal occasions
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sports.wear
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) clothes that are worn for playing sports, or in informal situations
2 (especially AmE) clothes that are worn in informal situations
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sporty
adj. (sport.ier, sporti.est) (informal)
1 (especially BrE) liking or good at sport: I’m not very sporty.
2 (of clothes) bright, attractive and informal; looking suitable for wearing for sports: a sporty cotton top
3 (of cars) fast and elegant: a sporty Mercedes
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spot
noun, verb
noun
SMALL MARK|
1 a small round area that has a different colour or feels different from the surface it is on: Which has spots, the leopard or the tiger?  The male bird has a red spot on its beak.   (BrE) She was wearing a black skirt with white spots.—see also BEAUTY SPOT , SUNSPOT
2 a small dirty mark on sth: His jacket was covered with spots of mud.  grease / rust spots
3 [usually pl.] a small mark or lump on a person’s skin, sometimes with a yellow head to it: The baby’s whole body was covered in small red spots.   (BrE) teenagers worried about their spots—compare PIMPLE , RASH , ZIT
PLACE|
4 a particular area or place: a quiet / secluded / lonely spot  He showed me the exact spot where he had asked her to marry him.  She stood rooted to the spot with fear (= unable to move).  a picnic / tourist spot—see also BLACK SPOT , BLIND SPOT , HOT SPOT , NIGHTSPOT , TROUBLE SPOT
SMALL AMOUNT|
5 [usually sing.] ~ of sth (BrE, informal) a small amount of sth: He’s in a spot of trouble.  Would you like a spot of lunch?
6 [usually pl.] ~ (of sth) a small amount of a liquid: I felt a few spots of rain.
PART OF SHOW|
7 a part of a television, radio, club or theatre show that is given to a particular entertainer or type of entertainment: a guest / solo spot
IN COMPETITION|
8 a position in a competition or an event: two teams battling for top spot
LIGHT|
9 (informal) = SPOTLIGHT
BUSINESS|
10 [sing.] (used before nouns to make compound nouns) connected with a system of trading where goods are delivered and paid for immediately after sale: spot prices  spot goods in a (tight) 'spot (informal) in a difficult situation on the 'spot
1 immediately: He answered the question on the spot.  an on-the-spot parking fine
2 at the actual place where sth is happening: An ambulance was on the spot within minutes.  an on-the-spot report
3 in one exact place, without moving in any direction: Running on the spot is good exercise. put sb on the 'spot to make sb feel awkward or embarrassed by asking them a difficult question: The interviewer’s questions really put him on the spot.—more at BRIGHT adj. , GLUE v. , HIT v. , KNOCK v. , LEOPARD , RIVET v. , SOFT

verb (-tt-)
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to see or notice a person or thing, especially suddenly or when it is not easy to do so: [vn] I finally spotted my friend in the crowd.  I’ve just spotted a mistake on the front cover.  Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?  [vn -ing] Neighbours spotted smoke coming out of the house.  [v that] No one spotted that the gun was a fake.  [v wh-] I soon spotted what the mistake was.—see also SPOTTER
2 [vnn] (AmE, sport) to give your opponent or the other team an advantage: We spotted the opposing team two goals. be spotted with sth to be covered with small round marks of sth: His shirt was spotted with oil.

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,spot 'check
noun a check that is made suddenly and without warning on a few things or people chosen from a group to see that everything is satisfactory: to carry out random spot checks on vehicles
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spot.less
adj. perfectly clean: a spotless white shirt  She keeps the house spotless.   (figurative) He has a spotless record so far.
spot.less.ly adv.: spotlessly clean
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spot.light
noun, verb
noun
1 (also informal spot) [C] a light with a single, very bright beam that can be directed at a particular place or person; the area of light from this: The room was lit by spotlights.  She stood alone on stage in the spotlight.
2 (the spotlight) [sing.] attention from newspapers, television and the public: Unemployment is once again in the spotlight .  The issue will come under the spotlight when parliament reassembles.  The report has turned the spotlight on the startling rise in street crime.  She was happy to share the spotlight with her sister.

verb (spot.lit, spot.lit Especially in sense 2, spot.light.ed is also used for the past tense and past participle.) [vn]
1 to shine a spotlight on sb/sth: a spotlit stage
2 to give special attention to a problem, situation, etc. so that people notice it
SYN HIGHLIGHT : The programme spotlights serious financial problems in the health service.

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,spot 'on
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) exactly right: His assessment of the situation was spot on.
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spot.ted
adj.
1 (of fabric, etc.) having a regular pattern of round dots on it: a black and white spotted dress
2 having dark marks on it, sometimes in a pattern: a leopard’s spotted coat
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,spotted 'dick
noun [U] (BrE ) a hot DESSERT (= a sweet dish) like a SPONGE CAKE with dried fruit in it
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spot.ter
noun
1 (especially in compounds) a person who looks for a particular type of thing or person, as a hobby or job: a talent spotter (= sb who visits clubs and theatres looking for new performers)—see also TRAINSPOTTER
2 (also 'spotter plane) a plane used for finding out what an enemy is doing
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spotty
adj.
1 (BrE, usually disapproving) (of a person) having a lot of spots on the skin: a spotty adolescent  a spotty face / skin
2 (AmE) = PATCHY (2)
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spouse
noun (formal orlaw ) a husband or wife: Fill in your spouse’s name here.
spou.sal adj. [only before noun] (AmE, formal): spousal consent / support  spousal abuse
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spout
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a pipe or tube on a container, that you can pour liquid out through: the spout of a teapot
2 a stream of liquid coming out of somewhere with great force
IDM be / go up the 'spout (BrE, slang) to be/go wrong; to be spoilt or not working: Well, that’s my holiday plans gone up the spout!

verb
1 to send out sth, especially a liquid, in a stream with great force; to come out of sth in this way: [vn] The wound was still spouting blood.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] Clear water spouted from the fountains.
2 [v] (of a WHALE ) to send out a stream of water from a hole in its head
3 ~ (off / on) (about sth) (informal, disapproving) to speak a lot about sth; to repeat sth in a boring or annoying way: [v] He’s always spouting off about being a vegetarian.  What are you spouting on about now?  [vn] He could spout poetry for hours.  She could do nothing but spout insults.  The article was full of the usual clichés spouted by fashion editors.

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sprain
verb [vn] to injure a joint in your body, especially your wrist or ankle, by suddenly twisting it: I stumbled and sprained my ankle.
sprain noun: a bad ankle sprain
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sprang
pt of SPRING
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sprat
noun a very small European sea fish that is used for food
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sprawl
verb, noun
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to sit or lie with your arms and legs spread out in a relaxed or awkward way: He was sprawling in an armchair in front of the TV.  Something hit her and sent her sprawling to the ground.  I tripped and went sprawling .
2 to spread in an untidy way; to cover a large area: The town sprawled along the side of the lake.

noun
1 [C usually sing, U] a large area covered with buildings that spreads from the city into the countryside in an ugly way: attempts to control the fast-growing urban sprawl
2 [C, usually sing.] an act of spreading to cover a large area in an untidy way; sth that spreads like this

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sprawled
adj. sitting or lying with your arms and legs spread out in a lazy or awkward way: He was lying sprawled in an armchair, watching TV.
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sprawl.ing
adj. [only before noun] spreading in an untidy way: a modern sprawling town  sprawling handwriting
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spray
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] very small drops of a liquid that are sent through the air, for example by the wind: sea spray  A cloud of fine spray came up from the waterfall.   (figurative) a spray of machine-gun bullets
2 [U, C] (especially in compounds) a substance that is forced out of a container such as an AEROSOL , in very small drops: a can of insect spray (= used to kill insects)  body spray—see also HAIRSPRAY —picture at PACKAGING
3 [C] a device or container, for example, an AEROSOL , that you use to apply liquid in fine drops: I need a new throat spray.  It’s better to buy a non-aerosol spray.
4 [C] an act of applying liquid to sth in very small drops: I’ll just give the plants a quick spray.
5 [C] a small branch of a tree or plant, with its leaves and flowers or berries, that you use for decoration
6 [C] an attractive arrangement of flowers or jewels, that you wear: a spray of orchids

verb
1 ~ sth (on / onto / over sb/sth)| ~ sb/sth (with sth) to cover sb/sth with very small drops of a liquid that are forced out of a container or sent through the air: [vn] Spray the conditioner onto your wet hair.  The crops are regularly sprayed with pesticide.  [vn-adj] She’s had the car sprayed blue.  [v] Champagne sprayed everywhere.
2 ~ sb/sth (with sth) to cover sb/sth with a lot of small things with a lot of force: [vn] The gunman sprayed the building with bullets.  [v] Pieces of glass sprayed all over the room.
3 [v] (especially of a male cat) to leave small amounts of URINE to mark its own area

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'spray can
noun a small metal container that has paint in it under pressure and that you use to spray paint onto sth
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spray.er
noun a piece of equipment used for spraying liquid, especially paint or a substance used to kill insects that damage crops: a paint / crop sprayer
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'spray gun
noun a device for spraying paint onto a surface, that works by air pressure
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'spray-on
adj. [only before noun] (especially BrE ) that you can spray onto sth/sb from a special container: a spray-on water repellent for shoes
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'spray paint
noun [U] paint that is kept in a container under pressure and that you can spray onto sth
'spray-paint verb [vn]
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spread
verb, noun
verb (spread, spread)
OPEN / ARRANGE|
1 [vn] ~ sth (out) (on / over sth) to open sth that has been folded so that it covers a larger area than before: to spread a cloth on a table  Sue spread the map out on the floor.  The bird spread its wings.
2 [vn] ~ sth (out) (on / over sth) to arrange objects so that they cover a large area and can be seen easily: Papers had been spread out on the desk.
ARMS / LEGS|
3 [vn] ~ sth (out) to move your arms, legs, fingers, etc. far apart from each other: She spread her arms and the child ran towards her.
AMONG PEOPLE|
4 to affect or make sth affect, be known by, or used by more and more people: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : The disease spreads easily.  Within weeks, his confidence had spread throughout the team.  Use of computers spread rapidly during that period.  [vn] to spread rumours / lies about sb  The disease is spread by mosquitoes.
COVER LARGE AREA|
5 [usually +adv. / prep.] to cover, or to make sth cover, a larger and larger area: [v] The fire rapidly spread to adjoining buildings.  Water began to spread across the floor.  A smile spread slowly across her face.  [vn] Using too much water could spread the stain.
6 [vn] to cause sb/sth to be in a number of different places: Seeds and pollen are spread by the wind.  We have 10 000 members spread all over the country.
7 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (out) to cover a large area: The valley spread out beneath us.
SOFT LAYER|
8 ~ (A on / over B)| ~ (B with A) to put a layer of a substance onto the surface of sth; to be able to be put onto a surface: [vn] to spread butter on pieces of toast  pieces of toast spread with butter  [v] If the paint is too thick, it will not spread evenly.
DIVIDE / SHARE|
9 [vn] ~ sth (out) (over sth) to separate sth into parts and divide them between different times or different people: A series of five interviews will be spread over two days.  Why not pay monthly and spread the cost of your car insurance?  We attempted to spread the workload between the departments.
spread.er noun: a spreader of gossip  a glue spreader spread like 'wildfire (of news, etc.) to become known by more and more people very quickly spread your 'net to consider a wide range of possibilities or cover a large area, especially to try to find sb/sth: They have spread their net far and wide in the search for a new team coach. spread your 'wings to become more independent and confident and try new activities, etc: Going to college gave her the chance to spread her wings. spread the 'word to tell people about sth ,spread 'out| ,spread yourself 'out
1 to stretch your body or arrange your things over a large area: There’s more room to spread out in first class.  Do you have to spread yourself out all over the sofa?
2 to separate from other people in a group, to cover a larger area: The searchers spread out to cover the area faster.

noun
INCREASE|
1 [U] an increase in the amount or number of sth that there is, or in the area that is affected by sth: to prevent the spread of disease / infection  to encourage the spread of information / knowledge  Shut doors to delay the spread of fire.  the spread of a city into the surrounding areas—see also MIDDLE-AGE SPREAD
RANGE / VARIETY|
2 [C, usually sing.] a range or variety of people or things: a broad spread of investments / opinions
ON BREAD|
3 [C, U] a soft food that you put on bread: Use a low-fat spread instead of butter.  cheese spread
AREA COVERED|
4 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the area that sth exists in or happens in: The company has a good geographical spread of hotels in this country.
5 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) how wide sth is or the area that sth covers: The bird’s wings have a spread of nearly a metre.
IN NEWSPAPER / MAGAZINE|
6 [C] an article or advertisement in a newspaper or magazine, especially one that covers two opposite pages: The story continued with a double-page spread on the inside pages.—see also CENTRE SPREAD
MEAL|
7 [C] (informal) a large meal, especially one that is prepared for a special occasion: They had laid on a huge spread for the party.
OF LAND / WATER|
8 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (AmE) an area of land or water: a vast spread of water   (AmE) They have a huge spread in California (= a large farm or ranch).
FINANCE|
9 [U] the difference between two rates or prices
ON BED|
10 [C] (AmE) = BEDSPREAD

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spread.eagled
(BrE ) (AmE spread.eagle) adj. [not usually before noun] in a position with your arms and legs spread out: He lay spreadeagled on the floor.
spread.eagle verb [vn]
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spread.sheet
noun a computer program that is used, for example, when doing financial or project planning. You enter data in rows and columns and the program calculates costs, etc. from it.
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spree
noun
1 a short period of time that you spend doing one particular activity that you enjoy, but often too much of it: a shopping / spending spree  He’s out on a spree .
2 (used especially in newspapers) a period of activity, especially criminal activity: to go on a killing / wrecking spree
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sprig
noun a small stem with leaves on it from a plant or bush, used in cooking or as a decoration: a sprig of parsley / holly / heather
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sprigged
adj. (especially of fabric or paper) decorated with patterns of stems with leaves or flowers on
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spright.ly
(also less frequent spry) adj. (especially of older people) full of life and energy: a sprightly 80-year-old
spright.li.ness noun [U]
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spring
noun, verb
noun
SEASON|
1 [U, C] the season between winter and summer when plants begin to grow: flowers that bloom in spring / in the spring   He was born in the spring of 1944.  There’s a feeling of spring in the air today.  spring flowers / weather
TWISTED WIRE|
2 [C] a twisted piece of metal that can be pushed, pressed or pulled but which always returns to its original shape or position afterwards: bed springs
3 [U] the ability of a spring to return to its original position: The mattress has lost its spring.
WATER|
4 [C] a place where water comes naturally to the surface from under the ground: a mountain spring  spring water
CHEERFUL QUALITY|
5 [U, sing.] a cheerful, lively quality: She walked along with a spring in her step .
SUDDEN JUMP|
6 [C] a quick sudden jump upwards or forwards: With a spring, the cat leapt on to the table.
IDM see JOY

verb (sprang sprung ) (AmE also sprung, sprung)
JUMP / MOVE SUDDENLY|
1 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person or an animal) to move suddenly and with one quick movement in a particular direction: He turned off the alarm and sprang out of bed.  Everyone sprang to their feet (= stood up suddenly) when the principal walked in.  The cat crouched ready to spring.   (figurative) to spring to sb’s defence / assistance (= to quickly defend or help sb)
2 (of an object) to move suddenly and violently: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : The branch sprang back and hit him in the face.  [v-adj] She turned the key and the lid sprang open.
SURPRISE|
3 [vn] ~ sth (on sb) to do sth, ask sth or say sth that sb is not expecting: She sprang a surprise by winning the tournament.  I’m sorry to spring it on you, but I’ve been offered another job.
APPEAR SUDDENLY|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to appear or come somewhere suddenly: Tears sprang to her eyes.
FREE PRISONER|
5 [vn] (informal) to help a prisoner to escape: Plans to spring the hostages have failed. ,spring into 'action | ,spring into / to 'life (of a person, machine, etc.) to suddenly start working or doing sth: ‘Let’s go!’ he said, springing into action.  The town springs into life (= becomes busy) during the carnival. spring a 'leak (of a boat or container) to develop a hole through which water or another liquid can pass spring a 'trap
1 to make a trap for catching animals close suddenly
2 to try to trick sb into doing or saying sth; to succeed in this—more at MIND n. 'spring from sth (written) to be caused by sth; to start from sth: The idea for the novel sprang from a trip to India. 'spring from … (spoken, informal) to appear suddenly and unexpectedly from a particular place: Where on earth did you spring from? ,spring 'up to appear or develop quickly and/or suddenly: Play areas for children are springing up all over the place.

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spring.board
noun
1 a strong board that you jump on and use to help you jump high in DIVING and GYMNASTICS
2 ~ (for / to sth) something that helps you start an activity, especially by giving you ideas: The document provided a springboard for a lot of useful discussion.
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spring.bok
noun a small S African ANTELOPE (= an African animal like a deer) that can jump high into the air
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,spring 'chicken
noun
IDM be no ,spring 'chicken (humorous) to be no longer young
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,spring-'clean
verb to clean a house, room, etc. thoroughly, including the parts you do not usually clean: [vn] Fran decided to spring-clean the apartment. [alsov]
,spring 'clean noun [sing.] (BrE): The place needed a good spring clean before we could move in.
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,spring-'loaded
adj. containing a metal spring that presses one part against another
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,spring 'onion
(BrE ) (AmE ,green 'onion, scal.lion) noun a type of small onion with a long green stem and leaves. Spring onions are eaten raw in salads.—
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,spring 'roll
(especially BrE) noun a type of Chinese food consisting of a tube of thin pastry, filled with vegetables and/or meat and fried until it is crisp—see also EGG ROLL
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,spring 'tide
noun a TIDE in which there is a very great rise and fall of the sea, and which happens near the new moon and the full moon each month
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spring.time
noun [U] (especially written) the season of spring: a visit to Holland in springtime / in the springtime
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springy
(spring.ier, springi.est) adj.
1 returning quickly to the original shape after being pushed, pulled, stretched, etc: We walked across the springy grass.
2 full of energy and confidence: She’s 73, but hasn’t lost that youthful, springy step.
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sprin.kle
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ A on / onto / over B| ~ B with A to throw small pieces of sth or drops of a liquid on sth: She sprinkled sugar over the strawberries.  She sprinkled the strawberries with sugar.  Sprinkle chocolate on top of the cake.
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth with sth to include a few of sth in sth else: His poems are sprinkled with quotations from ancient Greek.
3 [v] (AmE) if it sprinkles, it rains lightly: It’s only sprinkling. We can still go out.

noun [sing.]
1 = SPRINKLING : Add a sprinkle of cheese and serve.
2 (especially AmE) light rain: We’ve only had a few sprinkles (of rain) recently.

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sprink.ler
noun
1 a device with holes in that is used to spray water in drops on plants, soil or grass
2 a device inside a building which automatically sprays out water if there is a rise in temperature because of a fire
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sprink.ling
(also sprin.kle) noun a small amount or number of sth that is dropped, spread or included somewhere: Add a sprinkling of pepper.  There was a sprinkling of freckles on her cheeks.  Most were men, but there was also a sprinkling of young women.
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sprint
verb, noun
verb to run a short distance very fast: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : He sprinted for the line.  Three runners sprinted past.  She jumped out of the car and sprinted for the front door.  [vn] I sprinted the last few metres.

noun
1 a race in which the competitors run, swim, etc. very fast over a short distance: a 100-metre sprint  the world sprint champion
2 [usually sing.] a short period of running, swimming, etc. very fast: a sprint for the line  a sprint for the bus  She won in a sprint finish.
sprint.er noun

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sprite
noun (in stories) a small creature with magic powers, especially one that is graceful or likes playing tricks
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spritz
verb [vn] (especially AmE ) to spray very small drops of liquid on sth quickly: Lightly spritz your hair with water.
spritz noun
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spritz.er
noun a drink made with wine mixed with SODA WATER : a white wine spritzer
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sprocket
noun
1 (also 'sprocket wheel) a wheel with a row of teeth around the edge that connect with the holes of a bicycle chain or with holes in a film, etc. in order to turn it—picture at BICYCLE
2 one of the teeth on such a wheel
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sprog
noun (BrE , informal, humorous) a child or baby
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sprout
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] (of plants, vegetables, etc.) to produce new leaves or BUDS : The seeds will sprout in a few days.  new leaves sprouting from the trees
2 to appear; to develop sth, especially in large numbers: [v] Hundreds of mushrooms had sprouted up overnight.  [vn] The town has sprouted shopping malls, discos and nightclubs in recent years.
3 to start to grow sth; to start to grow on sb/sth: [vn] Tim has sprouted a beard since we last saw him.  [v] Hair sprouted from his chest.

noun
1 = BRUSSELS SPROUT
2 a new part growing on a plant

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spruce
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 [C, U] an EVERGREEN forest tree with leaves like needles
2 [U] the soft wood of the spruce , used, for example, in making paper

verb
PVR V ,spruce 'up| ,spruce sb/sth / yourself<->'up to make sb/sth/yourself clean and neat: She spruced up for the interview.  The city is sprucing up its museums and galleries.  I spruced myself up before I went out.

adj. (of people or places) neat and clean in appearance

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sprung
adj. fitted with metal springs: a sprung mattress—see also SPRING , SPRANG , SPRUNG v.
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spry
adj. = SPRIGHTLY
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spud
noun (BrE , informal) a potato
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spume
noun [U] (literary) the mass of white bubbles that forms in waves when the sea is rough
SYN FOAM
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spun
pp of SPIN
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spunk
noun
1 [U] (informal) courage; determination
2 [U] (BrE,  , slang) = SEMEN
3 [C] (informal, especially AustralE) a sexually attractive man
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spunky
adj. (informal) brave and determined; full of enthusiasm: She is bright, tough and spunky.
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spur
noun, verb
noun
1 a sharp pointed object that riders sometimes wear on the heels of their boots and use to encourage their horse to go faster
2 [usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a fact or an event that makes you want to do sth better or more quickly: His speech was a powerful spur to action.
3 an area of high ground that sticks out from a mountain or hill—picture at MOUNTAIN
4 a road or a railway/railroad track that leads from the main road or line
IDM on the ,spur of the 'moment suddenly, without planning in advance: I phoned him up on the spur of the moment.  a spur-of-the-moment decision win / earn your 'spurs (formal) to achieve fame or success

verb (-rr-) [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (on) (to sth / to do sth) to encourage sb to do sth or to encourage them to try harder to achieve sth: Her difficult childhood spurred her on to succeed.  I was spurred into action by the letter.  The band has been spurred on by the success of their last single.
2 to make sth happen faster or sooner: The agreement is essential to spurring economic growth around the world.
3 to encourage a horse to go faster, especially by pushing the spurs on your boots into its side

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spuri.ous
adj.
1 false, although seeming to be genuine: He had managed to create the entirely spurious impression that the company was thriving.
2 based on false ideas or ways of thinking: a spurious argument
spuri.ous.ly adv.
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spurn
verb [vn] (written) to reject or refuse sb/sth, especially in a proud way: Eve spurned Mark’s invitation.  a spurned lover
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spurt
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (out) (from sth) (of liquid or flames) to burst or pour out suddenly in a fast stream; to produce a sudden fast stream of liquid or flames: [v] Blood was spurting from her nose.  Red and yellow flames spurted out of the fire.  [vn] Her nose was spurting blood.  The volcano spurted clouds of steam and ash high into the air.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to increase your speed for a short time to get somewhere faster: She spurted past me to get to the line first.

noun
1 an amount of liquid or flames that comes out of somewhere with great force: a great spurt of blood  The water came out of the tap in spurts.
2 a sudden increase in speed, effort, activity or emotion for a short period of time: You’d better put on a spurt (= hurry up) if you want to finish that work today.  Babies get very hungry during growth spurts.  a sudden spurt of anger / laughter / interest

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sput.ter
verb
1 [v] if an engine, a lamp or a fire sputters, it makes a series of short explosive sounds
SYN SPLUTTER : Suddenly the car sputtered and stopped.  sputtering fireworks
2 to speak quickly and with difficulty, making soft SPITTING sounds, because you are angry or shocked
SYN SPLUTTER : [v speech] ‘W-What?’ sputtered Anna. [alsovn]
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spu.tum
noun [U] (medical ) liquid from the throat or lungs, especially when it is coughed up because of disease: blood in the sputum
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spy
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) a person who tries to get secret information about another country, organization, or person, especially sb who is employed by a government or the police: a government / police spy  He worked as a British spy in Russia.  a spy plane / satellite (= used to watch the activities of the enemy)  a spy ring  Video spy cameras are being used in public places.

verb (spies, spy.ing, spied, spied)
1 [v] to collect secret information about another country, organization or person: He spied for his government for more than ten years.
2 [vn] (literary or formal) to suddenly see or notice sb/sth: In the distance we spied the Pacific for the first time.
IDM ,spy out the 'land to collect information before deciding what to do
PVR V 'spy on sb/sth to watch sb/sth secretly: Have you been spying on me? ,spy sth<->'out to get information about sth

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Sq.
abbr. (used in written addresses) SQUARE : 6 Hanover Sq.
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sq
(also sq. especially in AmE) abbr. (in measurements) square: 10 sq cm
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squab.ble
verb [v] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to quarrel noisily about sth that is not very important: My sisters were squabbling over what to watch on TV.
squab.ble noun: family squabbles  There were endless squabbles over who should sit where.
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squad
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a section of a police force that deals with a particular type of crime: the drugs / fraud squad  an anti-terrorist squad—see also FLYING SQUAD
2 (in sport) a group of players or competitors from which a team is chosen for a particular game or match: the Olympic / national squad
3 a small group of soldiers working or being trained together—see also FIRING SQUAD
4 a group of people who kill their opponents, usually for political reasons: a death / hit / assassination squad
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'squad car
noun a police car
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squad.die
noun (BrE , slang) a new soldier; a soldier of low rank
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squad.ron
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a group of military aircraft or ships forming a section of a military force: a bomber / fighter squadron
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'squadron leader
noun an officer of high rank in the British air force
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squalid
adj. (disapproving)
1 (of places and living conditions) very dirty and unpleasant: squalid housing  squalid, overcrowded refugee camps
2 (of situations or activities) involving low moral standards or dishonest behaviour
SYN SORDID : It was a squalid affair involving prostitutes and drugs.
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squall
noun, verb
noun a sudden strong and violent wind, often during rain or snow storms

verb [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (disapproving) to cry very loudly and noisily: squalling kids

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squally
adj. (of weather) involving sudden, violent and strong winds: squally showers / winds
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squalor
noun [U] dirty and unpleasant conditions: the poverty and squalor of the slums  He had lost his job and was living in squalor .
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squan.der
verb [vn] ~ sth (on sb/sth) to waste money, time, etc. in a stupid or careless way: My uncle squandered all his money on gambling.  She squandered her chances of winning.
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square
adj., noun, verb, adv.
adj.
SHAPE|
1 (geometry) having four straight equal sides and four angles of 90°: a square room / table—picture at PARALLELOGRAM
2 forming an angle of 90° exactly or approximately: The book had rounded, not square, corners.  square shoulders  He had a firm, square jaw.
MEASUREMENT|
3 used after a unit of measurement to say that sth measures the same amount on each of four sides: a carpet four metres square
4 (abbr.sq) used after a number to give a measurement of area: an area of 36 square metres
BROAD / SOLID|
5 used to describe sth that is broad or that looks solid in shape: a man / woman of square build—see also FOUR-SQUARE
LEVEL / PARALLEL|
6 [not before noun] ~ (with sth) level with or parallel to sth: tables arranged square with the wall
WITH MONEY|
7 (informal) if two people are square , neither of them owes money to the other: Here’s the £10 I owe you—now we’re square.
IN SPORT|
8 ~ (with sb) if two teams are square , they have the same number of points: The teams were all square at half-time.
FAIR / HONEST|
9 fair or honest, especially in business matters: a square deal  Are you being square with me?
IN AGREEMENT|
10 ~ with sth in agreement with sth: That isn’t quite square with what you said yesterday.
BORING|
11 (informal, disapproving) (of a person) considered to be boring, for example, because they are old-fashioned or work too hard at school a square 'meal a good, satisfying meal: He looks as though he hasn’t had a square meal for weeks. a square 'peg (in a round 'hole) (BrE, informal) a person who does not feel happy or comfortable in a particular situation, or who is not suitable for it

noun
SHAPE|
1 [C] a shape with four straight sides of equal length and four angles of 90°; a piece of sth that has this shape: First break the chocolate into squares.  The floor was tiled in squares of grey and white marble.
IN TOWN|
2 [C] an open area in a town, usually with four sides, surrounded by buildings: The hotel is just off the main square.  the market / town / village square
3 (Square) [sing.] (abbr.Sq.) (used in addresses): They live at 95 Russell Square.
MATHEMATICS|
4 [C] the number obtained when you multiply a number by itself: The square of 7 is 49.—see also SET SQUARE , T-SQUARE
BORING PERSON|
5 [C] (informal, disapproving) a person who is considered to be boring, for example because they are old-fashioned or because they work too hard at school back to square 'one a return to the situation you were in at the beginning of a project, task, etc., because you have made no real progress: If this suggestion isn’t accepted, we’ll be back to square one.

verb [vn]
SHAPE|
1 ~ sth (off) to make sth have straight edges and corners: It was like trying to square a circle . That is, it was impossible.  The boat is rounded at the front but squared off at the back.
MATHEMATICS|
2 [usually passive] to multiply a number by itself: Three squared is written 3².  Four squared equals 16.
SHOULDERS|
3 if you square yourself, or square your shoulders, you make your back and shoulders straight to show you are ready or determined to do sth: Bruno squared himself to face the waiting journalists.
IN SPORT|
4 (especially BrE) to make the number of points you have scored in a game or competition equal to those of your opponents: His goal squared the game 1–1.
PAY MONEY|
5 (informal) to pay money to sb in order to get their help: They must have squared the mayor before they got their plan underway. ,square sth<->a'way [usually passive] (AmE) to put sth in order; to finish sth completely ,square 'off (against sb) (AmE) to fight or prepare to fight sb ,square 'up (to sb/sth)
1 to face a difficult situation and deal with it in a determined way
2 to face sb as if you are going to fight them: Diane squared up to him defiantly. ,square 'up (with sb) to pay money that you owe: Can I leave you to square up with the waiter? 'square sth with sth| 'square with sth to make two ideas, facts or situations agree or combine well with each other; to agree or be CONSISTENT with another idea, fact or situation: The interests of farmers need to be squared with those of consumers.  How can you square this with your conscience ?  Your theory does not square with the facts. 'square sth with sb to ask permission or check with sb that they approve of what you want to do: I think I’ll be able to come, but I’ll square it with my parents first.

adv. (only used after the verb) directly; not at an angle
SYN SQUARELY : I looked her square in the face.
IDM see FAIR adv.

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,square 'bracket
(BrE ) (AmEbracket) noun [usually pl.] either of a pair of marks, [ ], placed at the beginning and end of extra information in a text, especially comments made by an EDITOR
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squared
adj. marked with squares; divided into squares: squared paper
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'square dance
noun
1 a traditional dance from the US in which groups of four couples dance together, starting the dance by facing each other in a square
2 a social event at which people dance square dances
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'square knot
noun (AmE ) = REEF KNOT
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square.ly
adv. (usually used after the verb)
1 directly; not at an angle or to one side: She looked at me squarely in the eye.  He stood squarely in front of them, blocking the entrance.   (figurative) We must meet the challenge squarely (= not try to avoid it).
2 directly or exactly; without any uncertainty: The responsibility for the crisis rests squarely on the government.  The show is aimed squarely at people under the age of 25.
IDM see FAIRLY
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,square 'root
noun (mathematics ) a number which when multiplied by itself produces a particular number: The square root of 64 (√64) is 8 (8 × 8 = 64).—compare CUBE ROOT
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squar.ish
adj. almost square in shape
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squash
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (against sth) to press sth so that it becomes soft, damaged or flat, or changes shape: [vn] The tomatoes at the bottom of the bag had been squashed.  He squashed his nose against the window.  [vn-adj] Squash your cans flat before recycling.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to push sb/sth or yourself into a space that is too small: [v] We all squashed into the back of the car.  [vn] How many people are they going to try and squash into this bus?  She was squashed between the door and the table.
3 [vn] to stop sth from continuing; to destroy sth because it is a problem for you: to squash a plan / an idea / a revolt  If parents don’t answer children’s questions, their natural curiosity will be squashed.  The statement was an attempt to squash the rumours.
PVR V ,squash 'up (against sb/sth)| ,squash sb/sth<->'up (against sb/sth) to move so close to sb/sth else that it is uncomfortable: We squashed up to make room for Sue.  I was squashed up against the wall.

noun
1 (also formal 'squash rackets) [U] a game for two players, played in a court enclosed by four walls, using RACKETS and a small rubber ball: a squash court  to play squash
2 [U, C] (BrE) a drink made with fruit juice, sugar and water: a glass of orange / lemon squash  Two orange squashes, please.
3 [C, U] (pl.squashBrE also squashes) a type of vegetable that grows on the ground. Winter squash have hard skin and orange flesh. Summer squash have soft yellow or green skin and white flesh.—
4 [sing.] (informal) if sth is a squash, there is hardly enough room for everything or everyone to fit into a small space: It’s a real squash with six of us in the car.

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squashy
adj. soft and easy to crush or squeeze
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squat
verb, noun, adj.
verb (-tt-)
1 [v] ~ (down) to sit on your heels with your knees bent up close to your body: Children were squatting on the floor.—picture at KNEEL
2 to live in a building or on land which is not yours, without the owner’s permission: [v] They ended up squatting in the empty houses on Oxford Road. [alsovn]

noun
1 a building that people are living in without permission and without paying rent: to live in a squat
2 a squatting position of the body

adj. short and wide or fat, in a way that is not attractive: a squat tower  a squat muscular man with a shaven head

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squat.ter
noun a person who is living in a building or on land without permission and without paying rent
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squaw
noun (old use) a word for a Native American woman that is now often considered offensive
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squawk
verb
1 [v] (of birds) to make a loud sharp sound: The parrot squawked and flew away.
2 to speak or make a noise in a loud, sharp voice because you are angry, surprised, etc: [v speech] ‘You did what?!’ she squawked. [alsov]
squawk noun: The bird gave a startled squawk.  a squawk of protest
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squeak
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a short high sound that is not very loud: My new shoes squeak.  The mouse ran away, squeaking with fear.  One wheel makes a horrible squeaking noise.
2 to speak in a very high voice, especially when you are nervous or excited: [v speech] ‘Let go of me!’ he squeaked nervously. [alsov]
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to only just manage to win sth, pass a test, etc: We squeaked into the final with a goal in the last minute.

noun a short, high cry or sound, that is not usually very loud: the squeak of a mouse  Shirley gave a little squeak of surprise.

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squeaky
adj. making a short, high sound; squeaking : squeaky floorboards  a high squeaky voice
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,squeaky 'clean
adj. (informal)
1 completely clean, and therefore attractive: squeaky clean hair
2 morally correct in every way; that cannot be criticized: an all-American boy with a squeaky clean image.
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squeal
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a long, high sound: The pigs were squealing.  The car squealed to a halt.  Children were running around squealing with excitement.
2 to speak in a very high voice, especially when you are excited or nervous: [v speech] ‘Don’t!’ she squealed. [alsov]
3 [v] ~ (on sb) (informal, disapproving) to give information, especially to the police, about sth illegal that sb has done: Someone must have squealed on him.

noun a long high cry or sound: a squeal of pain  a squeal of delight  He stopped with a squeal of brakes.

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squeam.ish
adj.
1 easily upset, or made to feel sick by unpleasant sights or situations, especially when the sight of blood is involved
2 not wanting to do sth that might be considered dishonest or immoral
3 (the squeamish) noun [pl.] people who are squeamish : This movie is not for the squeamish.
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squee.gee
noun
1 a tool with a rubber edge and a handle, used for removing water from smooth surfaces such as windows
2 a tool for washing floors, that has a long handle with two thick pieces of soft material at the end, which may be squeezed together using a mechanism attached to the handle
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squeeze
verb, noun
verb
PRESS WITH FINGERS|
1 to press sth firmly, especially with your fingers: [vn] to squeeze a tube of toothpaste  to squeeze the trigger of a gun (= to fire it)  He squeezed her hand and smiled at her.  [v] Just take hold of the tube and squeeze.
GET LIQUID OUT|
2 ~ sth (out of / from sth)| ~ sth (out) to get liquid out of sth by pressing or twisting it hard: [vn] to squeeze the juice from a lemon  He took off his wet clothes and squeezed the water out.  freshly squeezed orange juice   (figurative) She felt as if every drop of emotion had been squeezed from her. [alsovn-adj]
INTO / THROUGH SMALL SPACE|
3 ~ (sb/sth) into, through, etc. sth| ~ through, in, past, etc. to force sb/sth/yourself into or through a small space: [vn] We managed to squeeze six people into the car.   (figurative) We managed to squeeze a lot into a week (= we did a lot of different things).  [v] to squeeze into a tight dress / a parking space  to squeeze through a gap in the hedge / a crowd  If you move forward a little, I can squeeze past.
THREATEN|
4 [vn] ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to get sth by putting pressure on sb, threatening them, etc: He’s squeezing me for £500.
LIMIT MONEY|
5 [vn] to strictly limit or reduce the amount of money that sb/sth had or can use: High interest rates have squeezed the industry hard.  The banks have had their profits squeezed this year. ,squeeze sb 'dry to get as much money, information, etc. out of sb as you can ,squeeze sb/sth<->'in to give time to sb/sth, although you are very busy: If you come this afternoon the doctor will try to squeeze you in. ,squeeze sb/sth<->'out (of sth) to prevent sb/sth from continuing to do sth or be in business: Supermarkets are squeezing out small shops. ,squeeze sth 'out of / 'from sb to get sth by putting pressure on sb, threatening them, etc: to squeeze a confession from a suspect ,squeeze 'up (against sb/sth)| ,squeeze sb<->'up (against sb/sth) to move close to sb/sth so that you are pressed against them/it: There’ll be enough room if we all squeeze up a little.  I had to sit squeezed up against the wall.

noun
PRESSING WITH FINGERS|
1 [C, usually sing.] an act of pressing sth, usually with your hands: He gave my hand a little squeeze.  Give the tube another squeeze.
OF LIQUID|
2 [C] a small amount of liquid that is produced by pressing sth: a squeeze of lemon juice
IN SMALL SPACE|
3 [sing.] a situation where it is almost impossible for a number of people or things to fit into a small or restricted space: It was a tight squeeze but we finally got everything into the case.  Seven people in the car was a bit of a squeeze.
REDUCTION IN MONEY|
4 [C, usually sing.] a reduction in the amount of money, jobs, etc. available; a difficult situation caused by this: a squeeze on jobs / profits / benefits  We’re really feeling the squeeze since I lost my job.
BOYFRIEND / GIRLFRIEND|
5 [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) a boyfriend or girlfriend: Who’s his main squeeze? put the 'squeeze on sb (to do sth) (informal) to put pressure on sb to act in a particular way; to make a situation difficult for sb

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squelch
verb
1 [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] to make a wet sucking sound: The mud squelched as I walked through it.  Her wet shoes squelched at every step.  We squelched across the muddy field.
2 [vn] (AmE) to stop sth from growing, increasing or developing
SYN SQUASH : to squelch a rumour / strike / fire
squelch noun [usually sing.]: He pulled his foot out of the mud with a squelch.
squelchy adj.: squelchy ground / tomatoes
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squib
noun a small FIREWORK
IDM see DAMP adj.
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squid
noun [C, U] (pl.squid or squids) a sea creature that has a long soft body and ten short arms around its mouth, and that is sometimes used for food
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squidgy
adj. (informal, especially BrE ) soft and wet, and easily SQUASHED
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squiffy
adj. (BrE , informal) slightly drunk
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squig.gle
noun a line, for example in sb’s HANDWRITING that is drawn or written in a careless way with twists and curls in it: Are these dots and squiggles supposed to be your signature?
squig.gly adj.
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squint
verb, noun
verb
1 to look at sth with your eyes partly shut in order to keep out bright light or to see better: [v] to squint into / against the sun  She was squinting through the keyhole.  [vn] When he squinted his eyes, he could just make out a house in the distance.
2 [v] (BrE) (of an eye) to look in a different direction from the other eye: His left eye squints a little.
3 [v] to have eyes that look in different directions: Does she squint?

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a disorder of the eye muscles which causes each eye to look in a different direction: He was born with a squint.
2 [sing.] (BrE, informal) a short look: Have a squint at this.

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squire
noun
1 (also Squire) (in the past in England) a man of high social status who owned most of the land in a particular country area
2 (Squire) (BrE, informal or humorous) used by a man as a friendly way of addressing another man: What can I get you, Squire?
3 (in the past) a young man who was an assistant to a KNIGHT before becoming a KNIGHT himself
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squirm
verb
1 to move around a lot making small twisting movements, because you are nervous, uncomfortable, etc.: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : The children were squirming restlessly in their seats.  [v-adj] Someone grabbed him but he managed to squirm free.
2 [v] to feel great embarrassment or shame: It made him squirm to think how badly he’d messed up the interview.
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squir.rel
noun, verb
noun a small animal with a long thick tail and red, grey or black fur. Squirrels eat nuts and live in trees.——see also GROUND SQUIRREL

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
PVR V ,squirrel sth<->a'way to hide or store sth so that it can be used later: She had money squirrelled away in various bank accounts.

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squirt
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to force liquid, gas, etc. in a thin fast stream through a narrow opening; to be forced out of a narrow opening in this way: [vn] The snake can squirt poison from a distance of a metre.  I desperately squirted water on the flames.  [v] When I cut the lemon, juice squirted in my eye.
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to hit sb/sth with a stream of water, gas, etc: The children were squirting each other with water from the hose.  He squirted a water pistol at me (= made the water come out of it).

noun
1 a thin, fast stream of a liquid that comes out of a small opening: a squirt of perfume
2 (informal, disapproving) a word used to refer to a short, young or unimportant person that you do not like or that you find annoying

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squish
verb (informal)
1 [v, vn] if sth soft squishes or is squished, it is crushed out of shape when it is pressed
2 [v] to make a soft wet sucking sound
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squishy
adj. (informal) soft and wet
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Sr
(also Sr. especially in AmE) abbr. SENIOR —compare JR
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SS
abbr.
1 Saints: SS Philip and James
2 STEAMSHIP : the SS Titanic
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St
abbr.
1 (also st) (both BrE) (also St., st.AmE, BrE) (used in written addresses) Street: Fleet St
2 (St.) (AmE) State
3 (also St. especially in AmE) Saint
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st
(BrE ) (also st.AmE, BrE) abbr. STONE (a British measurement of weight): 9st 2lb
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stab
verb, noun
verb (-bb-)
1 [vn] to push a sharp, pointed object, especially a knife, into sb, killing or injuring them: He was stabbed to death in a racist attack.  She stabbed him in the arm with a screwdriver.
2 ~ (sth) (at sb)| ~ sb/sth (with sth)| ~ (sth) (at / into / through sth) to make a short, forceful movement with a finger or pointed object: [vn] He stabbed his finger angrily at my chest.  She stabbed the air with her fork.  [v] (figurative) The pain stabbed at his chest.
IDM stab sb in the 'back to do or say sth that harms sb who trusts you
SYN BETRAY

noun
1 an act of stabbing or trying to stab sb/sth; a wound caused by stabbing : He received several stabs in the chest.  She died of a single stab wound to the heart.
2 a sudden sharp pain or unpleasant feeling: She felt a sudden stab of pain in the chest.  a stab of guilt / fear / pity / jealousy
3 [usually sing.] ~ (at sth / at doing sth) (informal) an attempt to do sth: He found the test difficult but nevertheless made a good stab at it.  Countless people have had a stab at solving the riddle.
IDM a ,stab in the 'back (informal) an act that harms sb, done by a person they thought was a friend—more at DARK n.

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stab.bing
noun, adj.
noun an occasion when a person is stabbed with a knife or other pointed object: a fatal stabbing

adj. [usually before noun] (of pain) very sharp, sudden and strong

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sta.bil.ity
noun [U] the quality or state of being steady and not changing or being disturbed in any way (= the quality of being STABLE ): political / economic / social stability  the stability of the dollar on the world’s money markets
OPP INSTABILITY
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sta.bil.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb to become or to make sth become firm, steady and unlikely to change; to make sth STABLE : [v] The patient’s condition stabilized.  [vn] government measures to stabilize prices  Doctors stabilized the patient’s condition.—compare DESTABILIZE
sta.bil.iza.tion , -isa.tion [U]: economic stabilization
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sta.bil.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun
1 a device that keeps sth steady, especially one that stops an aircraft or a ship from rolling to one side
2 (stabilizers) [pl.] (BrE) (AmE 'training wheels) small wheels that are fitted at each side of the back wheel on a child’s bicycle to keep it upright
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stable
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 firmly fixed; not likely to move, change or fail
SYN STEADY : stable prices / employment  a stable relationship  This ladder doesn’t seem very stable.  The patient’s condition is stable (= it is not getting worse).
2 (of a person) calm and reasonable; not easily upset
SYN BALANCED : Mentally, she is not very stable.
3 (technical) (of a substance) staying in the same chemical or ATOMIC state: chemically stable
OPP UNSTABLE
sta.bly adv.

noun
1 [C] a building in which horses are kept: The horse was led back to its stable.
2 (BrE also stables) [C+sing./pl. v.] an organization that keeps horses for a particular purpose: (BrE) a riding / racing stables  His stables are near Oxford.
3 [C] a group of RACEHORSES owned or trained by the same person: There have been just three winners from his stable this season.
4 [sing.] a group of people who work or trained in the same place; a group of products made by the same company: actors from the same stable  the latest printer from the Epson stable
IDM close, lock, etc. the stable door after the horse has 'bolted (BrE) (AmE close, etc. the barn door after the horse has e'scaped) to try to prevent or avoid loss or damage when it is already too late to do so

verb [vn] to put or keep a horse in a stable : Where do you stable your pony?

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'stable boy, 'stable girl
(BrE also 'stable lad) noun a person who works in a stable
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stable.man
noun (-men ) a person who works in a stable
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stab.ling
noun [U] buildings or space where horses can be kept
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stac.cato
adj.
1 (music) with each note played separately in order to produce short, sharp sounds: staccato sounds
OPP LEGATO
2 with short, sharp sounds: a peculiar staccato voice  staccato bursts of gunfire
stac.cato adv.
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stack
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a pile of sth, usually neatly arranged: a stack of plates / books  a stack hi-fi system (= where radio, CD player, etc. are arranged on top of each other)—see also HAYSTACK
2 [C] ~ (of sth) (informal, especially BrE) a large number or amount of sth; a lot of sth: stacks of money  There’s a stack of unopened mail waiting for you at the house.  I’ve got stacks of work to do.
3 [C] a tall chimney, especially on a factory—see also CHIMNEY STACK , SMOKESTACK
4 (the stacks) [pl.] the part of a library, sometimes not open to the public, where books that are not often needed are stored: The books you need will have to be brought up from the stacks.
5 [C] (computing) a way of storing information in a computer in which the most recently stored item is the first to be RETRIEVED (= found or got back)
IDM see BLOW v.

verb
1 ~ (sth) (up) to arrange objects neatly in a pile; to be arranged in this way: [vn] to stack plates / boxes  Logs stacked up against a wall.  [v] Do these chairs stack?  stacking chairs
2 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to fill sth with piles of things: They were busy stacking the shelves with goods.
3 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (up) if aircraft stack (up) or are stacked (up) over an airport, there are several flying around waiting for their turn to land
PVR V ,stack 'up
1 to keep increasing in quantity until there is a large pile, a long line, etc: Cars quickly stacked up behind the bus.  During the strike, refuse has been stacking up in the streets.
2 ~ (against sb/sth) (informal) to compare to sb/sth else: Let’s try him in the team and see how he stacks up.  This year’s figures didn’t stack up to those of 1999 (= they were not as good).

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stacked
adj. [not usually before noun] if a surface is stacked with objects, there are large numbers or piles of them on it: a table stacked with glasses  shelves stacked with files
IDM the cards / odds are stacked a'gainst you you are unlikely to succeed because the conditions are not good for you the cards / odds are stacked in your 'favour you are likely to succeed because the conditions are good and you have an advantage
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sta.dium
noun (pl.sta.diums or -dia ) a large sports ground surrounded by rows of seats and usually other buildings: a football / sports stadium
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staff
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] all the workers employed in an organization considered as a group: medical / library staff   (BrE) teaching staff   (BrE) We have 20 part-time members of staff .   (AmE) staff members   staff development / training  a staff restaurant / meeting   (especially BrE) a lawyer on the staff of the Worldwide Fund for Nature—see also GROUND STAFF
2 [sing.] (AmE) the people who work at a school, college or university, but who do not teach students: students, faculty and staff
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of senior army officers who help a commanding officer: a staff officer—see also CHIEF OF STAFF , GENERAL STAFF
4 [C] (old-fashioned or formal) a long stick used as a support when walking or climbing, as a weapon, or as a symbol of authority
5 [C] (music) (especially AmE) = STAVE
IDM the ,staff of 'life (literary) a basic food, especially bread

verb [vn] [usually passive] to work in an institution, a company, etc.; to provide people to work there: The advice centre is staffed entirely by volunteers.  The charity provided money to staff and equip two hospitals.  a fully staffed department—see also OVERSTAFFED , SHORT-STAFFED , UNDERSTAFFED
staf.fing noun [U]: staffing levels

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'staff nurse
noun (in Britain) a qualified hospital nurse
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'staff officer
noun a military officer who helps an officer of very high rank or who works at a military HEADQUARTERS or a government department
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'staff sergeant
noun a member of the army or the US air force just above the rank of a SERGEANT : Staff Sergeant Bob Woods
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stag
noun a male deer—compare BUCK , DOE , HART
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stage
noun, verb
noun
PERIOD / STATE|
1 [C] a period or state that sth/sb passes through while developing or making progress: This technology is still in its early stages.  The children are at different stages of development.  The product is at the design stage.  People tend to work hard at this stage of life.  At one stage it looked as though they would win.
PART OF PROCESS|
2 [C] a separate part that a process, etc. is divided into: We did the first stage of the trip by train.  The police are building up a picture of the incident stage by stage .  The pay increase will be introduced in stages (= not all at once).  We can take the argument one stage further.
THEATRE|
3 [C] a raised area, usually in a theatre, etc. where actors, dancers, etc. perform: The audience threw flowers onto the stage.  There were more than 50 people on stage in one scene.  They marched off stage to the sound of trumpets.—see also BACKSTAGE , OFFSTAGE , ONSTAGE
4 (often the stage) [sing.] the theatre and the world of acting as a form of entertainment: His parents didn’t want him to go on the stage (= to be an actor).  She was a popular star of stage and screen (= theatre and cinema / movies).
IN POLITICS|
5 [sing.] an area of activity where important things happen, especially in politics: She was forced to the centre of the political stage.  Germany is playing a leading role on the international stage.—see also CENTRE STAGE
CARRIAGE|
6 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) = STAGECOACH —see also LANDING STAGE set the 'stage for sth to make it possible for sth to happen; to make sth likely to happen

verb [vn]
1 to organize and present a play or an event for people to see: to stage a ceremony / an event / an exhibition  The local theatre group is staging a production of ‘Hamlet’.  Birmingham has bid to stage the next national athletics championships.
2 to organize and take part in action that needs careful planning, especially as a public protest: to stage a strike / demonstration / march / protest
3 to make sth happen: The dollar staged a recovery earlier today.  After five years in retirement, he staged a comeback to international tennis.

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stage.coach
noun a large carriage pulled by horses, that was used in the past to carry passengers, and often mail, along a regular route
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'stage direction
noun a note in the text of a play telling actors when to come on to or leave the stage, what actions to perform, etc.
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,stage 'door
noun the entrance at the back of a theatre used by actors, staff, etc.
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'stage fright
noun [U] nervous feelings felt by performers before they appear in front of an audience
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stage.hand
noun a person whose job is to help move scenery, etc. in a theatre, to prepare the stage for the next play or the next part of a play
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,stage 'left
adv. on the left side of a stage in a theatre, as seen by an actor facing the audience
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,stage-'manage
verb [vn]
1 to act as stage manager for a performance in a theatre
2 to arrange and carefully plan an event that the public will see, especially in order to give a particular impression
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,stage 'manager
noun the person who is responsible for the stage, lights, scenery, etc. during the performance of a play in a theatre
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'stage name
noun a name that an actor uses instead of his or her real name
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,stage 'right
adv. on the right side of a stage in a theatre, as seen by an actor facing the audience
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'stage-struck
adj. enjoying the theatre a lot and wishing very much to become an actor
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,stage 'whisper
noun
1 words that are spoken quietly by an actor to the audience and that the other people on stage are not supposed to hear
2 words that are spoken quietly by sb but that they in fact want everyone to hear: ‘I knew this would happen,’ she said in a stage whisper.
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stagey
= STAGY
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stag.fla.tion
noun [U] an economic situation where there is high INFLATION (= prices rising continuously) but no increase in employment and business activity
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stag.ger
verb
1 to walk with weak unsteady steps, as if you are about to fall: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : The injured woman staggered to her feet.  He staggered home, drunk.  We seem to stagger from one crisis to the next.   (figurative) The company is staggering under the weight of a £10m debt  [vn] I managed to stagger the last few steps.
2 to shock or surprise sb very much: [vn] Her remarks staggered me.  [v that] It staggers me that the government is doing nothing about it.
3 [vn] to arrange for events that would normally happen at the same time to start or happen at different times: There were so many runners, that they had to stagger the start.
stag.ger noun: to walk with a stagger
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stag.gered
adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (at / by sth)| ~ (to hear, learn, see, etc.) very surprised and shocked at sth you are told or at sth that happens: I was staggered at the amount of money the ring cost.
2 arranged in such a way that not everything happens at the same time: staggered working hours (= people start and finish at different times)
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stag.ger.ing
adj. so large, shocking or surprising that it is difficult to believe
SYN ASTOUNDING : They paid a staggering £1 million for the house.
stag.ger.ing.ly adv.: staggeringly beautiful / expensive
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sta.ging
noun
1 [C, U] the way in which a play is produced and presented on stage: a modern staging of ‘King Lear’
2 [U] a temporary platform used for standing or working on
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'staging post
noun a place where people, planes, ships, etc. regularly stop during a long journey
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stag.nant
adj.
1 stagnant water or air is not moving and therefore smells unpleasant: a stagnant pond / pool
2 not developing, growing or changing: Major new investments are aimed at reviving the stagnant economy.
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stag.nate
verb [v]
1 to stop developing or making progress: Profits have stagnated.  I feel I’m stagnating in this job.
2 to be or become stagnant : The water in the pond was stagnating.
stag.na.tion noun [U]: a period of economic stagnation
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'stag night
noun [usually sing.]
1 (BrE) the night before a man’s wedding, often spent with his male friends
2 (also 'stag party) (both BrE) (AmE 'bachelor party) a party that a man has with his male friends just before he gets married, often the night before—compare HEN PARTY
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stagy
(also stagey) adj. not natural, as if it is being acted by sb in a play: He fell to the ground writhing in stagy agony.
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staid
adj. (staid.er, staid.est) not amusing or interesting; boring and old-fashioned: The museum is trying to get rid of its staid image.
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stain
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sth) (with sth) to leave marks that are difficult to remove on sth; to be marked in this way: [vn] I hope it doesn’t stain the carpet.  [v] This carpet stains easily.  [vn-adj] The juice from the berries stained their fingers red.
2 to change the colour of sth using a coloured liquid: [vn] to stain wood  Stain the specimen before looking at it under the microscope.  [vn-adj] They stained the floors dark brown.
3 [vn] (written) to damage the opinion that people have of sth: The events had stained the city’s reputation unfairly.

noun
1 [C] a dirty mark on sth, that is difficult to remove: a blood / a coffee / an ink stain  stubborn stains (= that are very difficult to remove)  How can I get this stain out?
2 [U, C] a liquid used for changing the colour of wood or fabric
3 [sing.] a ~ on sth (written) something that damages a person’s reputation, so that people think badly of them: He left the court without a stain on his character.

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stained
adj. (often in compounds) covered with stains or marked with a stain : My dress was stained.  paint-stained jeans
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,stained 'glass
noun [U] pieces of coloured glass that are put together to make windows, especially in churches
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stain.less steel
noun [U] a type of steel that does not RUST (= change colour)
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stair
noun
1 (stairs) [pl.] a set of steps built between two floors inside a building: We had to carry the piano up three flights of stairs .  The children ran up / down the stairs .  at the bottom / top of the stairs   He remembered passing her on the stairs .—see also DOWNSTAIRS , UPSTAIRS
2 [C] one of the steps in a set of stairs: How many stairs are there up to the second floor?
3 [sing.] (literary) = STAIRCASE : The house had a panelled hall and a fine oak stair.
stair adj. [only before noun]: the stair carpet
IDM below 'stairs (old-fashioned, BrE) in the part of a house where the servants lived in the past
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stair.case
noun a set of stairs inside a building including the posts and rails (= BANISTERS ) that are fixed at the side: a marble / stone / wooden staircase  a spiral staircase (= a set of stairs that curve upwards around a central post)
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stair.way
noun a staircase or set of stairs, inside or outside a building
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stair.well
noun [usually sing.] the space in a building in which the stairs are built
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stake
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a wooden or metal post that is pointed at one end and pushed into the ground in order to support sth, mark a particular place, etc.
2 (the stake) [sing.] a wooden post that sb could be tied to in former times before being burnt to death (= killed by fire) as a punishment: Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake .
3 [C] money that sb invests in a company: a 20% stake in the business
4 [sing.] ~ in sth an important part or share in a business, plan, etc. that is important to you and that you want to be successful: She has a personal stake in the success of the play.  Many young people no longer feel they have a stake in society.
5 [C, usually pl.] something that you risk losing, especially money, when you try to predict the result of a race, game, etc., or when you are involved in an activity that can succeed or fail: They were playing cards for high stakes (= a lot of money).
6 (stakes) [pl.] the money that is paid to the winners in horse racing
IDM at 'stake that can be won or lost, depending on the success of a particular action: We cannot afford to take risks when peoples' lives are at stake.  The prize at stake is a place in the final. go to the 'stake over / for sth to be prepared to do anything in order to defend your opinions or beliefs in the … stakes used to say how much of a particular quality a person has, as if they were in a competition in which some people are more successful than others: John doesn’t do too well in the personality stakes.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (on sth) to risk money or sth important on the result of sth: He staked £25 on the favourite (= for example, in horse racing).  She staked her political career on tax reform, and lost.  That’s him over there—I’d stake my life on it (= I am completely confident).
2 ~ sth (up) to support sth with a stake : to stake newly planted trees
IDM stake (out) a / your 'claim (to / for / on sth) to say or show publicly that you think sth should be yours: Adams staked his claim for a place in the Olympic team with his easy win yesterday.
PVR V ,stake sth<->'out
1 to clearly mark the limits of sth that you claim is yours
2 to state your opinion, position, etc. on sth very clearly: The President staked out his position on the issue.
3 to watch a place secretly, especially for signs of illegal activity: Detectives had been staking out the house for several weeks.—related noun STAKE-OUT

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stake.hold.er
noun
1 a person or company that is involved in a particular organization, project, system, etc., especially because they have invested money in it: The government has said it wants to create a stakeholder economy in which all members of society feel that they have an interest in its success.
2 a person who holds all the bets placed on a game or race and who pays the money to the winner
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'stake-out
noun a situation in which police watch a building secretly to find evidence of illegal activities
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stal.ac.tite
noun a long pointed piece of rock hanging down from the roof of a CAVE (= a hollow place underground), formed over a long period of time as water containing LIME runs off the roof
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stal.ag.mite
noun a piece of rock pointing upwards from the floor of a CAVE (= a hollow place underground), that is formed over a long period of time from drops of water containing LIME that fall from the roof
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stale
adj.
1 (of food, especially bread and cake) no longer fresh and therefore unpleasant to eat
2 (of air, smoke, etc.) no longer fresh; smelling unpleasant: stale cigarette smoke  stale sweat
3 something that is stale has been said or done too many times before and is no longer interesting or exciting: stale jokes / news  Their marriage had gone stale .
4 a person who is stale has done the same thing for too long and so is unable to do it well, feel enthusiastic about it or produce any new ideas: After ten years in the job, she felt stale and needed a change.  The cast is changed regularly to stop the actors from getting stale.
stale.ness noun [U]
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stale.mate
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] a situation in a dispute or competition in which neither side is able to win or make any progress: The talks ended in (a) stalemate.
2 [U, sing.] (in CHESS ) a situation in which a player cannot successfully move any of their pieces and the game ends without a winner—compare CHECKMATE
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stalk
noun, verb
noun
1 a thin stem that supports a leaf, flower or fruit and joins it to another part of the plant or tree; the main stem of a plant: flowers on long stalks  celery stalks  He ate the apple, stalk and all.—picture at PLANT
2 a long thin structure that supports sth, especially an organ in some animals, and joins it on to another part: Crabs and lobsters have eyes on stalks.

verb
1 to move slowly and quietly towards an animal or a person, in order to kill, catch or harm it or them: [vn] The lion was stalking a zebra.  He stalked his victim as she walked home, before attacking and robbing her. [alsov]
2 [vn] to illegally follow and watch sb over a long period of time, in a way that is annoying or frightening: She claimed that he had been stalking her over a period of three years.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk in an angry or proud way: He stalked off without a word.
4 (written) to move through a place in an unpleasant or threatening way: [vn] The gunmen stalked the building, looking for victims.   (figurative) Fear stalks the streets of the city at night. [alsov]

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stalk.er
noun
1 a person who follows and watches another person over a long period of time in a way that is annoying or frightening
2 a person who follows an animal quietly and slowly, especially in order to kill or capture it
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stalk.ing
noun [U] the crime of following and watching sb over a long period of time in a way that is annoying or frightening
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'stalking horse
noun [sing.]
1 a person or thing that is used to hide the real purpose of a particular course of action
2 a politician who competes against the leader of their party in order to see how much support the leader has; a stronger candidate can then compete against the leader more seriously
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stall
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a table or small shop with an open front that people sell things from, especially at a market STAND : a market stall—see also BOOKSTALL
2 [C] a section inside a farm building that is large enough for one animal to be kept in
3 [C] (especially AmE) a small enclosed area of a room that contains a shower or toilet
4 (the stalls) [pl.] (BrE) (AmE the orchestra [sing.]) the seats that are nearest to the stage in a theatre: the front row of the stalls
5 [C, usually pl.] the seats at the front of a church where the CHOIR (= singers) and priests sit
6 [C, usually sing.] a situation in which a vehicle’s engine suddenly stops because it is not getting enough power
7 [C, usually sing.] a situation in which an aircraft loses speed and goes steeply downwards

verb
1 (of a vehicle or an engine) to stop suddenly because of a lack of power or speed; to make a vehicle or engine do this: [v] The car stalled and refused to start again.  [vn] I stalled the car three times during my driving test.
2 [v] ~ (on / over sth) to try to avoid doing sth or answering a question so that you have more time: They are still stalling on the deal.  ‘What do you mean?’ she asked, stalling for time .
3 [vn] to make sb wait so that you have more time to do sth: See if you can stall her while I finish searching her office.
4 to stop sth from happening until a later date; to stop making progress: [vn] attempts to revive the stalled peace plan  [v] Discussions have once again stalled.

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stall.hold.er
noun (BrE ) a person who sells things from a stall in a market, etc.
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stal.lion
noun a fully grown male horse, especially one that is used for breeding—compare COLT , GELDING , MARE
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stal.wart
noun, adj.
noun ~ (of sth) a loyal supporter who does a lot of work for an organization, especially a political party

adj. [usually before noun]
1 that is loyal and you can rely on, even in a difficult situation: stalwart supporters
2 (formal) physically strong

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sta.men
noun (technical ) a small thin male part in the middle of a flower that produces POLLEN and is made up of a STALK supporting an ANTHER . The centre of each flower usually has several stamens .
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stam.ina
noun [U] the physical or mental strength that enables you to do sth difficult for long periods of time: It takes a lot of stamina to run a marathon.
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stam.mer
verb, noun
verb to speak with difficulty, repeating sounds or words and often stopping, before saying things correctly
SYN STUTTER : [v] Many children stammer but grow out of it.  [v speech] ‘W-w-what?’ he stammered.  [vn] She was barely able to stammer out a description of her attacker.
stam.mer.er noun

noun [sing.] a problem that sb has in speaking in which they repeat sounds or words or often pause before saying things correctly

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stamp
noun, verb
noun
ON LETTER / PACKAGE|
1 (also formal 'postage stamp) [C] a small piece of paper with a design on it that you buy and stick on an envelope or a parcel/package before you post it: a 28p stamp  Could I have three first-class stamps, please?  He has been collecting stamps since he was eight.  a stamp album
PRINTING TOOL|
2 [C] a tool for printing the date or a design or mark onto a surface: a date stamp—see also RUBBER STAMP
PRINTED DESIGN / WORDS|
3 [C] a design or words made by stamping sth onto a surface: The passports, with the visa stamps, were waiting at the embassy.   (figurative) The project has the government’s stamp of approval .
PROOF OF PAYMENT|
4 [C] a small piece of paper with a design on it, stuck on a document to show that a particular amount of money has been paid: a TV licence stamp
CHARACTER / QUALITY|
5 ~ (of sth) (formal) the mark or sign of a particular quality or person: All his work bears the stamp of authority.
6 [sing.] (formal) a kind or class, especially of people: men of a different stamp
OF FOOT|
7 an act or sound of stamping the foot: The stamp of hoofs alerted Isabel.

verb
FOOT|
1 to put your foot down heavily and noisily on the ground: [vn] I tried stamping my feet to keep warm.  Sam stamped his foot in anger.  [v] The audience were stamping and cheering.
WALK|
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk with loud heavy steps
SYN STAMP : She turned and stamped out of the room.
PRINT DESIGN / WORDS|
3 [vn] [often passive] ~ A on B| ~ B (with A) to print letters, words, a design, etc. onto sth using a special tool: I’ll stamp the company name on your cheque.  Wait here to have your passport stamped.  The maker’s name was stamped in gold on the box.  The box was stamped with the maker’s name.—see also RUBBER-STAMP , STAMP STH ON STH
SHOW FEELING / QUALITY|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to make a feeling show clearly on sb’s face, in their actions, etc: Their faces were stamped with hostility.  The crime had revenge stamped all over it.
5 [vn] ~ sb as sth to show that sb has a particular quality: Her success has stamped her as one of the country’s top riders.
ON LETTER / PACKAGE|
6 [vn] [usually passive] to stick a stamp on a letter or parcel/package
CUT OUT OBJECT|
7 [vn] ~ sth (out) (of / from sth) to cut and shape an object from a piece of metal or plastic using a special machine or tool—see also STAMP STH OUT 'stamp on sth
1 to put your foot down with force on sth: The child stamped on the spider.
2 to stop sth from happening or stop sb from doing sth, especially by using force or authority: All attempts at modernization were stamped on by senior officials. 'stamp sth on sth to make sth have an important effect or influence on sth: She stamped her own interpretation on the role.  The date is forever stamped on her memory. ,stamp sth<->'out
1 to get rid of sth that is bad, unpleasant or dangerous, especially by using force or a lot of effort: to stamp out racism / drug abuse / rebellion
2 to put out a fire by bringing your foot down heavily on it

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'stamp collecting
noun [U] the hobby of collecting stamps
'stamp collector noun
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'stamp duty
noun [U] a tax in Britain on some legal documents
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,stamped addressed 'envelope
noun (abbr. SAE) (BrE ) an envelope on which you have written your name and address and put a stamp so that sb else can use it to send sth to you: Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope to get your test results.
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stam.pede
noun, verb
noun [C, usually sing.]
1 a situation in which a group of people or large animals such as horses suddenly start running in the same direction, especially because they are frightened or excited: A stampede broke out when the doors opened.
2 a situation in which a lot of people are trying to do or achieve the same thing at the same time: Falling interest rates has led to a stampede to buy property.

verb
1 (of large animals or people) to run in a stampede ; to make animals do this: [v] a herd of stampeding elephants  A huge bunch of kids came stampeding down the corridor. [alsovn]
2 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to make sb rush into doing sth without giving them time to think about it: I refuse to be stampeded into making any hasty decisions.

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'stamping ground
(AmE also 'stomping ground) noun (informal) a place that sb likes and where they often go
SYN HAUNT
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stance
noun
1 ~ (on sth) the opinions that sb has about sth and expresses publicly
SYN POSITION : What is the newspaper’s stance on the war?  He is known for his anti-abortion stance.
2 the way in which sb stands, especially when playing a sport
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stanch
verb [vn] (especially AmE ) = STAUNCH
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stan.chion
noun (formal) a vertical pole used to support sth
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stand
verb, noun
verb (stood, stood )
ON FEET / BE UPRIGHT|
1 [v] to be on your feet; to be upright: She was too weak to stand.  a bird standing on one leg  Don’t just stand there—do something!  I was standing only a few feet away.  Stand still while I take your photo.  We all stood around in the corridor waiting.  to stand on your head / hands (= to be upside down, balancing on your head / hands).  After the earthquake, only a few houses were left standing.
2 [v] ~ (up) to get up onto your feet from another position: Everyone stood when the President came in.  We stood up in order to get a better view.
PUT UPRIGHT|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth/sb in an upright position somewhere: Stand the ladder up against the wall.  I stood the little girl on a chair so that she could see.
BE IN PLACE / CONDITION|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to be in a particular place: The castle stands on the site of an ancient battlefield.  An old oak tree once stood here.
5 [v-adj] to be in a particular condition or situation: The house stood empty for a long time.  ‘You’re wrong about the date—it was 1988.’‘I stand corrected (= accept that I was wrong).’  [v] You never know where you stand with her—one minute she’s friendly, the next she’ll hardly speak to you.  As things stand, there is little chance of a quick settlement of the dispute.
BE AT HEIGHT / LEVEL|
6 [v-n] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a particular height: The tower stands 30 metres high.
7 [v] ~ at sth to be at a particular level, amount, height, etc: Interest rates stand at 3%.  The world record then stood at 6.59 metres.
OF CAR / TRAIN, etc.|
8 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to be in a particular place, especially while waiting to go somewhere: The train standing at platform 3 is for London, Victoria.
OF LIQUID / MIXTURE|
9 [v] to remain still, without moving or being moved: Mix the batter and let it stand for twenty minutes.  standing pools of rainwater
OFFER / DECISION|
10 [v] if an offer, a decision, etc. made earlier stands, it is still valid: My offer still stands.  The world record stood for 20 years.
BE LIKELY TO DO STH|
11 [v to inf] to be in a situation where you are likely to do sth: You stand to make a lot from this deal.
HAVE OPINION|
12 [v] ~ (on sth) to have a particular attitude or opinion about sth or towards sb: Where do you stand on private education?
DISLIKE|
13 [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) used especially in negative sentences and questions to emphasize that you do not like sb/sth: [vn] I can’t stand his brother.  I can’t stand the sight of blood.  I can’t stand it when you do that.  [v -ing] She couldn’t stand being kept waiting.  [vn -ing] I can’t stand people interrupting all the time.  How do you stand him being here all the time?
SURVIVE TREATMENT|
14 [vn] used especially with can/could to say that sb/sth can survive sth or can TOLERATE sth without being hurt or damaged: His heart won’t stand the strain much longer.  Modern plastics can stand very high and very low temperatures.
BUY DRINK / MEAL|
15 [no passive] to buy a drink or meal for sb: [vn] He stood drinks all round.  [vnn] She was kind enough to stand us a meal.
IN ELECTION|
16 (especially BrE ) (AmE usually run) [v] ~ (for / as sth) to be a candidate in an election: He stood for parliament (= tried to get elected as an MP).  She stood unsuccessfully as a candidate in the local elections. Idioms containing stand are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example stand on ceremony is at ceremony.  ,stand a'side
1 to move to one side: She stood aside to let us pass.
2 to not get involved in sth: Don’t stand aside and let others do all the work.
3 to stop doing a job so sb else can do it,stand 'back (from sth)
1 to move back from a place: The police ordered the crowd to stand back.
2 to be situated away from sth: The house stands back from the road.
3 to think about a situation as if you are not involved in it: It’s time to stand back and look at your career so far.,stand 'by
1 to be present while sth bad is happening but not do anything to stop it: How can you stand by and see him accused of something he didn’t do?—related noun BYSTANDER
2 to be ready for action: The troops are standing by.—related noun STANDBY 'stand by sb to help sb or be friends with them, even in difficult situations: her famous song, ‘Stand by your man’ 'stand by sth to still believe or agree with sth you said, decided or agreed earlier: She still stands by every word she said.,stand 'down
1 ~ (as sth) to leave a job or position: He stood down to make way for someone younger.
2 (of a witness) to leave the STAND in a court of law after giving evidence'stand for sth [no passive]
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to be an abbreviation or symbol of sth: ‘The book’s by T.C. Smith.’‘What does the ‘T.C.’ stand for?’
2 to support sth: I hated the organization and all it stood for (= the ideas that it supported).
3 (not stand for sth) to not let sb do sth or sth happen: I’m not standing for it any longer.,stand 'in (for sb) to take sb’s place
SYN DEPUTIZE : My assistant will stand in for me while I’m away.—related noun STAND-IN ,stand 'out (as sth) to be much better or more important than sb/sth: Four points stand out as being more important than the rest.—see also OUTSTANDING ,stand 'out (from / against sth) to be easily seen; to be noticeable: The lettering stood out well against the dark background.  She’s the sort of person who stands out in a crowd .,stand 'over sb be near sb and watch them: I don’t like you standing over me while I am cooking.,stand 'up to be on your feet: There were no seats left so I had to stand up.  You’ll look taller if you stand up straight . ,stand sb 'up (informal) to deliberately not meet sb you have arranged to meet, especially sb you are having a romantic relationship with: I’ve been stood up! ,stand 'up for sb/sth to support or defend sb/sth: Always stand up for your friends.  You must stand up for your rights.  She had learnt to stand up for herself. ,stand 'up (to sth) to remain valid even when tested, examined closely, etc: His argument simply doesn’t stand up to close scrutiny.  I’m afraid this document will never stand up in a court of law. ,stand 'up to sb to resist sb; to not accept bad treatment from sb without complaining: It was brave of her to stand up to those bullies. ,stand 'up to sth (of materials, products, etc.) to remain in good condition in spite of rough treatment
SYN WITHSTAND : The carpet is designed to stand up to a lot of wear and tear.

noun
OPINION|
1 [usually sing.] an attitude towards sth or an opinion that you make clear to people: to take a firm / strong stand on sth  He was criticized for his tough stand on immigration.
DEFENCE|
2 [usually sing.] a strong effort to defend yourself or your opinion about sth: We must make a stand against further job losses.  the rebels' desperate last stand
FOR SHOWING / HOLDING STH|
3 a table or an upright structure that goods are sold from, especially in the street or at a market
SYN STALL : a hamburger / ice cream / newspaper stand—see also NEWS-STAND
4 (especially BrE) a table or an upright structure where things are displayed or advertised, for example at an EXHIBITION : a display / exhibition / trade stand
5 (often in compounds) a piece of equipment or furniture that you use for holding a particular type of thing: a bicycle / microphone / cake stand—see also MUSIC STAND , NIGHTSTAND , WASHSTAND
AT SPORTS GROUND|
6 a large sloping structure at a STADIUM with rows where people sit or stand to watch the game: We had seats in the east stand.—see also GRANDSTAND
IN COURT OF LAW|
7 [usually sing.] = WITNESS BOX : He took the stand as the first witness.
IN CRICKET|
8 [usually sing.] the period of time in which two people who are BATTING (= hitting the ball) play together and score points: Clinch and Harris shared an opening stand of 69.
FOR BAND / ORCHESTRA, etc.|
9 a raised platform for a band, an orchestra, a speaker, etc.—see also BANDSTAND
FOR TAXIS / BUSES, etc.|
10 a place where taxis, buses, etc. park while they are waiting for passengers—compare TAXI RANK
OF PLANTS / TREES|
11 ~ (of sth) (technical) a group of plants or trees of one kind: a stand of pines—see also HANDSTAND , ONE-NIGHT STAND
IDM see FIRM adj.

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'stand-alone
adj. [usually before noun] (especially of a computer) able to be operated on its own without being connected to a larger system
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stand.ard
noun, adj.
noun
LEVEL OF QUALITY|
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth) a level of quality, especially one that people think is acceptable: a fall in academic standards  We aim to maintain high standards of customer care.  The standard of this year’s applications is very low.  He failed to reach the required standard , and did not qualify for the race.  Her work is not up to standard (= of a good enough standard).  Who sets the standard for water quality?  A number of Britain’s beaches fail to meet European standards on cleanliness.  In the shanty towns there are very poor living standards .—see also STANDARD OF LIVING
2 [C, usually pl.] a level of quality that is normal or acceptable for a particular person or in a particular situation: You’d better lower your standards if you want to find somewhere cheap to live.  It was a simple meal by Eddie’s standards.  The equipment is slow and heavy by modern standards .
LEVEL OF BEHAVIOUR|
3 (standards) [pl.] a level of behaviour that sb considers to be morally acceptable: a man of high moral standards  Standards aren’t what they used to be.—see also DOUBLE STANDARD
UNIT OF MEASUREMENT|
4 [C] a unit of measurement that is officially used; an official rule used when producing sth: a reduction in the weight standard of silver coins  industry standards—see also GOLD STANDARD
FLAG|
5 [C] a flag that is used during official ceremonies, especially one connected with a particular military group
SONG|
6 [C] a song that has been recorded by many different singers

adj.
AVERAGE / NORMAL|
1 average or normal rather than having special or unusual features: A standard letter was sent to all candidates.  Televisions are a standard feature in most hotel rooms.  the standard rate of tax (= paid by everyone)  It is standard practice to search visitors as they enter the building.  All vehicles come with a catalytic converter as standard .
SIZE / MEASUREMENT|
2 [usually before noun] following a particular standard set, for example, by an industry: standard sizes of clothes  Washing machines have standard measurements to fit under kitchen units.
BOOK / WRITER|
3 [only before noun] read by most people who are studying a particular subject
LANGUAGE|
4 [usually before noun] (of spelling, pronunciation, grammar. etc.) believed to be correct and used by most people: Standard English—compare NON-STANDARD , SUB-STANDARD

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'standard-bearer
noun (written) a leader in a political group or CAMPAIGN : a standard-bearer of the left / right of the party
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,standard de'duction
noun [usually sing.] (AmE ) a fixed amount of money that you can earn free of tax
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,standard devi'ation
noun (mathematics ) the amount by which measurements in a set vary from the average for the set
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'Standard Grade
noun (in Scotland) an exam in a particular subject at a lower level than HIGHERS . Standard Grades are usually taken in a number of different subjects at the age of 16.
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stand.ard.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make objects or activities of the same type have the same features or qualities; to make sth standard : attempts to standardize legislation on the matter  a standardized contract / design / test
stand.ard.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]: the standardization of components
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'standard lamp
(BrE ) (AmE 'floor lamp) noun a tall lamp that stands on the floor
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,standard of 'living
noun (pl.,standards of 'living) the amount of money and level of comfort that a particular person or group has
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'standard time
noun [U] the official time of a country or an area
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stand.by
noun, adj.
noun (pl.stand.bys) noun a person or thing that can always be used if needed, for example if sb/sth else is not available or if there is an emergency: I always keep a pizza in the freezer as a standby  a standby electricity generator
IDM on 'standby
1 ready to do sth immediately if needed or asked: The emergency services were put on standby after a bomb warning.
2 ready to travel or go somewhere if a ticket or sth that is needed suddenly becomes available: He was put on standby for the flight to New York.

adj. [only before noun] a standby ticket for a flight, theatre, etc. cannot be bought in advance and is only available a very short time before the plane leaves or the performance starts: a standby ticket / passenger

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'stand-in
noun
1 a person who does sb’s job for a short time when they are not available: I acted as Tom’s stand-in when he was away.  the stand-in captain
2 a person who replaces an actor in some scenes in a film/movie, especially dangerous ones
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stand.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 existing or arranged permanently, not formed or made for a particular situation: a standing army   (BrE) a standing charge (= an amount of money that you pay in order to use a service, such as gas or water)  a standing committee   It’s a standing joke (= something that a group of people regularly laugh at).  We have a standing invitation to visit them anytime.
2 done from a position in which you are standing rather than sitting or running: a standing jump / start—see also FREE-STANDING

noun [U]
1 the position or reputation of sb/sth within a group of people or in an organization
SYN STATUS : the high / low standing of politicians with the public  The contract has no legal standing.
2 [U] the period of time that sth has existed: a friendship of many years' standing—see also LONG-STANDING
3 (standings) [pl.] a list of people, teams, etc. showing their positions in a sports competition

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,standing 'order
noun [C, U] an instruction that you give to your bank to pay sb a fixed amount of money from your account on the same day each week/month, etc.—compare BANKER’S ORDER , DIRECT DEBIT
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'standing room
noun [U] space for people to stand in, especially in a theatre, sports ground, etc: standing room for 12 000 supporters  It was standing room only at the concert (= all the seats were sold).
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'stand-off
noun ~ (between A and B) a situation in a dispute in which no agreement can be reached
SYN DEADLOCK
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stand.off.ish
adj. (informal) not friendly towards other people
SYN ALOOF
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stand.out
noun (AmE , informal) a person or thing that is very noticeable because they are better, more impressive, etc. than others in a group
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stand.pipe
noun a pipe that is connected to a public water supply and used to provide water outside a building
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stand.point
noun [usually sing.] a point of view or way of thinking about ideas or situations
SYN PERSPECTIVE : a modern / political / theoretical standpoint  He is writing from the standpoint of someone who knows what life is like in prison.
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stand.still
noun [sing.] a situation in which all activity or movement has stopped: The security alert brought the airport to a standstill .  Traffic in the northbound lane is at a complete standstill .
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'stand-up
adj. [only before noun]
1 stand-upCOMEDY consists of one person standing in front of an audience and telling jokes
2 (especially BrE) a stand-up argument, fight, etc. is one in which people shout loudly at each other or are violent towards each other
3 worn, used, etc. in an upright position: a stand-up collar
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stank
pt of STINK
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Stan.ley knife
noun (BrE ) a very sharp knife with a blade in the shape of a triangle that can be replaced
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stanza
noun (technical ) a group of lines in a repeated pattern that form a unit in some types of poem
SYN VERSE
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staple
adj., noun, verb
adj. [only before noun] forming a basic, large or important part of sth: The staple crop is rice.  Jeans are a staple part of everyone’s wardrobe.

noun
1 a small piece of wire that is used in a device called a STAPLER and is pushed through pieces of paper and bent over at the ends in order to fasten the pieces of paper together—picture at STATIONERY
2 a small piece of metal in the shape of a U that is hit into wooden surfaces using a hammer, used especially for holding electrical wires in place
3 a basic type of food that is used a lot: Aid workers helped distribute corn, milk and other staples.
4 something that is produced by a country and is important for its economy: Rubber became the staple of the Malayan economy.
5 ~ (of sth) a large or important part of sth: Royal gossip is a staple of the tabloid press.

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to attach one thing to another using a staple or staples : Staple the invoice to the receipt.  Staple the invoice and the receipt together.

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,staple 'diet
noun [U, C] ~ (of sth)
1 the food that a person or an animal normally eats: a staple diet of meat and potatoes  Bamboo is the panda’s staple diet.
2 something that is used a lot: Sex and violence seem to be the staple diet of television drama.
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stapler
noun a small device used for putting staples into paper, etc.—picture at STATIONERY
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star
noun, verb
noun
IN SKY|
1 [C] a large ball of burning gas in space that we see as a point of light in the sky at night: There was a big moon and hundreds of stars were shining overhead.  Sirius is the brightest star in the sky.  We camped out under the stars .—see also FALLING STAR , LODESTAR , POLE STAR , SHOOTING STAR , STARRY
SHAPE|
2 [C] an object, a decoration, a mark, etc., usually with five or six points, whose shape represents a star : a horse with a white star on its forehead  a sheriff’s star  I’ve put a star by the names of the girls in the class.  a four-star general
MARK OF QUALITY|
3 [C, usually sing.] a mark that represents a star and tells you how good sth is, especially a hotel or restaurant: three- / four- / five-star hotels  What star rating does this restaurant have?
PERFORMER|
4 [C] a famous and excellent singer, performer, sports player, etc: pop / rock / Hollywood stars  a football / tennis star  He’s so good—I’m sure he’ll be a big star.  She acts well but she hasn’t got star quality .  The best models receive star treatment .—see also ALL-STAR , FILM STAR , MEGASTAR , MOVIE STAR , SUPERSTAR
5 [C] a person who has the main part, or one of the main parts, in a film/movie, play, etc: She was the star of many popular television series.  The star of the show was a young Italian singer.  the star role / part—see also STAR TURN
BEST OF GROUP|
6 [C] (often used before another noun) a person or thing that is the best of a group: a star student  He was the star performer at the championships.  The star prize is a weekend for two in Paris.  The monkey was the star attraction (= the best or most popular act) at the show.
HELPFUL PERSON|
7 [C, usually sing.] (spoken, informal) used to show that you feel very grateful for sth that sb has done or that you think they are wonderful: Thanks! You’re a star!
INFLUENCE ON SB’S FUTURE|
8 (stars) [pl.] a description of what is going to happen to sb in the future, based on the position of the stars and planets when they were born
SYN HOROSCOPE : Do you read your stars in the paper?
9 [C] a planet or force that some people believe to influence a person’s life: You must have been born under a lucky star!—see also ILL-STARRED see 'stars (informal) to see flashes of light in front of your eyes, usually because you have been hit on the head—more at REACH v. , THANK

verb (-rr-)
PERFORM IN MOVIE / PLAY|
1 [v] ~ (with / opposite sb) (in sth) to have one of the main parts in a film/movie, play, etc: She starred opposite Jack Nicholson in ‘As Good as it Gets’.  No one has yet been chosen for the starring role (= the main part).
2 [vn] [no passive] if a film/movie, play, etc. stars sb, that person has one of the main parts: a movie starring Tom Cruise and Demi Moore  The studio wants to star her in a sequel to last year’s hit.—see also CO-STAR
MARK WITH SYMBOL|
3 [vn] [usually passive] to put a symbol shaped like a star (called an ASTERISK ) next to a word, etc. in order to make people notice it: Treat all the sections that have been starred as priority.

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star.board
noun [U] the side of a ship or an aircraft that is on the right when you are facing forward—compare PORT
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starch
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a white CARBOHYDRATE food substance found in potatoes, flour, rice, etc.; food containing this: rice / potato starch  You need to cut down on starch.
2 [U] starch prepared in powder form or as a spray and used for making clothes, sheets, etc. stiff: Spray starch on the shirt collars before ironing them.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to make clothes, sheets, etc. stiff using starch : a starched white shirt

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starchy
adj. (of food) containing a lot of starch
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'star-crossed
adj. (literary) not able to be happy because of bad luck or fate: Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet
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star.dom
noun [U] the state of being famous as an actor, a singer, etc: The group is being tipped for stardom (= people say they will be famous).  She shot to stardom in a Broadway musical.
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stare
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to look at sb/sth for a long time: I screamed and everyone stared.  I stared blankly at the paper in front of me.  He sat staring into space (= looking at nothing).  She looked at them with dark staring eyes.
IDM be staring sb in the 'face
1 to be obvious or easy to see: The answer was staring us in the face.
2 to be certain to happen: Defeat was staring them in the face. be staring sth in the 'face to be unable to avoid sth: They were staring defeat in the face.
PVR V ,stare sb 'out (BrE) (also ,stare sb 'down especially in AmE) to look into sb’s eyes for a long time until they feel embarrassed and are forced to look away

noun an act of looking at sb/sth for a long time, especially in a way that is unfriendly or that shows surprise: She gave him a blank stare.

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star.fish
noun (pl.star.fish) a flat sea creature in the shape of a star with five arms
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star.fruit
noun (pl.star.fruit) a green or yellow tropical fruit with a shape like a star—
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star.gazer
noun (informal) a person who studies ASTROLOGY or ASTRONOMY
star.gaz.ing noun [U]
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stark
adj., adv.
adj. (stark.er, stark.est)
1 (often disapproving) looking severe and without any colour or decoration: I think white would be too stark for the bedroom.  The hills stood stark against the winter sky.
2 unpleasant; real, and impossible to avoid: The author paints a stark picture of life in a prison camp.  a stark choice / warning  The remains of the building stand as a stark reminder of the fire.  He now faces the stark reality of life in prison.
3 very different to sth in a way that is easy to see: stark alternatives / differences  Social divisions in the city are stark.  The good weather was in stark contrast to the storms of previous weeks.
4 [only before noun] complete and total: The children watched in stark terror.
stark.ly adv.: The interior is starkly simple.  The lighthouse stood out starkly against the dark sky.  We are starkly aware of the risks.
stark.ness noun [U]

adv. ~ naked completely naked
IDM see RAVING

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stark.ers
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) not wearing any clothes NAKED
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star.less
adj. with no stars in the sky: a starless night
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star.let
noun a young woman actor who plays small parts and hopes to become famous
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star.light
noun [U] light from the stars: We walked home by starlight.
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star.ling
noun a common bird with dark shiny feathers and a noisy call: a flock of starlings
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star.lit
adj. (written) with light from the stars: a starlit night
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,Star of 'David
noun (pl.Stars of David) a star with six points that is used as a symbol of Judaism and the state of Israel
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starry
noun [usually before noun]
1 (of the sky) full of stars: a beautiful starry night
2 looking like a star: starry flowers
3 (of eyes) shining like stars
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,starry-'eyed
adj. (informal) full of emotion, hopes or dreams about sb/sth in a way that is not realistic
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the ,Stars and 'Stripes
noun [sing.] the national flag of the US
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'star sign
(also informal sign) noun one of the twelve signs of the ZODIAC : ‘What’s your star sign?’‘Aquarius.’
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the ,Star-,Spangled 'Banner
noun [sing.] the national ANTHEM (= song) of the US
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'star-studded
adj. (written) including many famous performers: a star-studded cast
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start
verb, noun
verb
DOING STH|
1 to begin doing sth: [vn] I start work at nine.  He’s just started a new job.  I only started (= began to read) this book yesterday.  We need to start (= begin using) a new jar of coffee.  The kids start school next week.  [v to inf] It started to rain.  Mistakes were starting to creep in.  [v -ing] She started laughing.  [v] It’s a long story. Where shall I start?  It’s time you started on your homework.  Let’s start by reviewing what we did last week.  Can you start (= a new job) on Monday?  [v-adj] The best professional musicians start young .
HAPPENING|
2 to start happening; to make sth start happening: [v] When does the class start?  Have you any idea where the rumour started?  [vn] Who started the fire?  Do you start the day with a good breakfast?  You’re always trying to start an argument.  [vn -ing] The news started me thinking.
MACHINE / VEHICLE|
3 when you start a machine or a vehicle or it starts, it begins to operate: [vn] Start the engines!  I can’t get the car started.  [v] The car won’t start.
EXISTING|
4 ~ (sth) (up) to begin to exist; to make sth begin to exist: [v] There are a lot of small businesses starting up in that area.  [vn] They decided to start a catering business.  She started a yoga class at work.
JOURNEY|
5 [v] ~ (out) to begin a journey; to leave: What time are we starting tomorrow?
GOING / WALKING|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to begin to move in a particular direction: I started after her (= began to follow her) to tell her the news.  He started for the door, but I blocked his way.
IN PARTICULAR WAY / FROM PLACE / LEVEL|
7 ~ (out / off) (sth) (as sth) to begin, or to begin sth such as a career, in a particular way that changed later: [v] She started as a secretary but ended up running the department.  The company started out with 30 employees.  [vn] He started life as a teacher before turning to journalism.
8 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to begin from a particular place, amount or situation: The trail starts just outside the town.  Hotel prices start at £65 a night for a double room.  The evening started badly when the speaker failed to turn up.
MOVE SUDDENLY|
9 [v] to move suddenly and quickly because you are surprised or afraid
SYN JUMP : The sudden noise made her start.  note at BEGIN ,don’t (you) 'start (spoken, informal) used to tell sb not to complain or be critical: Don’t start! I told you I’d be late. you, he, she, etc. 'started it (spoken, informal) you, he, she, etc. began a fight or an argument: ‘Stop fighting, you two!’‘He started it!’ 'start something (informal) to cause trouble to 'start with
1 used when you are giving the first and most important reason for sth: To start with it’s much too expensive …
2 at the beginning: The club had only six members to start with.  I’ll have melon to start with.  She wasn’t keen on the idea to start with.—more at ALARM n. , BALL n. , FOOT n. ,start 'back to begin to return somewhere: Isn’t it time we started back? ,start 'off
1 to begin to move: The horse started off at a steady trot.
2 to begin happening; to begin doing sth: The discussion started off mildly enough.
3 to begin by doing or being sth: Let’s start off with some gentle exercises.  We started off by introducing ourselves. [+adj] The leaves start off green but turn red later. [+ -ing] I started off working quite hard, but it didn’t last. ,start sb 'off (on sth)
1 [no passive] to make sb begin doing sth: What started her off on that crazy idea?  Don’t say anything to her—you’ll start her off again (= make her get angry). [+ -ing] Kevin started us all off laughing.
2 to help sb begin doing sth: My mother started me off on the piano when I was three. [+ -ing] His father started him off farming. 'start on sb [no passive] to attack sb physically or with words ,start 'on at sb (about sth)| ,start 'on (at sb) about sth (informal) to begin to complain about sth or criticize sb: She started on at me again about getting some new clothes.  Don’t start on about him not having a job. ,start 'out
1 to begin to do sth, especially in business or work: to start out in business  She started out on her legal career in 1963.
2 to have a particular intention when you begin sth: [+ to inf] I started out to write a short story, but it soon developed into a novel. ,start 'over (especially AmE) to begin again: She wasn’t happy with our work and made us start over. ,start 'up| ,start sth<->'up to begin working, happening, etc.; to make sth do this: I heard his car start up.  Start up the engines!—see also START-UP

noun
BEGINNING|
1 [C, usually sing.] the point at which sth begins: a perfect start to the day  Things didn’t look too hopeful at the start of the year.  If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss the start of the game.  The meeting got off to a good / bad start (= started well / badly).  The trip was a disaster from start to finish .  We’ve had problems (right) from the start .   (informal) This could be the start of something big.
2 [sing.] the act or process of beginning sth: I’ll paint the ceiling if you make a start on the walls.  I want to make an early start in the morning.  She’s moving abroad to make a fresh start (= to begin a new life).—see also FALSE START , KICK-START
OPPORTUNITY|
3 [C, usually sing.] the opportunity that you are given to begin sth in a successful way: They worked hard to give their children a good start in life .  The job gave him his start in journalism.
IN RACE|
4 (the start) [sing.] the place where a race begins: The runners / riders lined up at the start.
5 [C, usually sing.] an amount of time or distance that sb has as an advantage over other people at the beginning of a race: She went into the second round with a five-minute start on the rest of the cyclists.  I gave the younger children a start.—see also HEAD START
6 [C, usually pl.] (sport) a race or competition that sb has taken part in: She has been beaten only once in six starts.
SUDDEN MOVEMENT|
7 [C, usually sing.] an act of moving your body quickly and suddenly because you are surprised, afraid, etc: She woke from the dream with a start .  You gave me quite a start! for a 'start (spoken) used to emphasize the first of a list of reasons, opinions, etc: I’m not working there—for a start, it’s too far to travel.—more at FIT n. , FLYING START

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start.er
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually ap.pe.tiz.er) a small amount of food that is served before the main course of a meal: This dish serves 4–6 people as a starter.—compare HORS D’OEUVRE
2 a person, horse, car, etc. that is in a race at the beginning: Only 8 of the 28 starters completed the course.—compare NON-STARTER
3 a person who gives the signal for a race to start
4 a device used for starting the engine of a vehicle
5 a person who begins doing a particular activity in the way mentioned: He was a late starter in the theatre (= older than most people when they start).  a slow starter—see also SELF-STARTER
6 (often used as an adjective) something that is intended to be used by sb who is starting to do sth: a starter home (= a small home for sb who is buying property for the first time)  a starter kit / pack
IDM for 'starters (spoken) used to emphasize the first of a list of reasons, opinions, etc., or to say what happens first under ,starters 'orders (of a runner, rider, etc.) waiting for a signal to start the race
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'starting blocks
(also the blocks) noun [pl.] the two blocks on the ground that runners push their feet against at the beginning of a race—
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'starting gate
noun a barrier that is raised to let horses or dogs start running in a race
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'starting point
noun
1 ~ (for sth) a thing, an idea or a set of facts that can be used to begin a discussion or process: The TV documentary served as a useful starting point for our discussion.
2 the place where you begin a journey
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'starting price
noun the final ODDS that are given for a horse or dog just before a race begins
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star.tle
verb to surprise sb suddenly in a way that slightly shocks or frightens them: [vn] I didn’t mean to startle you.  The explosion startled the horse.  I was startled by her question.  [vn to inf] It startled me to find her sitting in my office.
star.tled adj.: She looked at him with startled eyes.  He looked startled.  She jumped back like a startled rabbit.
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start.ling
adj.
1 extremely unusual and surprising: a startling contrast / discovery  startling revelations in the Sunday papers
2 (of a colour) extremely bright: startling blue eyes
start.ling.ly adv.
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'start-up
adj. [only before noun] connected with starting a new business or project: start-up costs / problems
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,star 'turn
noun [usually sing.] the main performer or entertainer in a show
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star.va.tion
noun [U] the state of suffering and death caused by having no food: to die of / from starvation  Millions will face starvation next year as a result of the drought.  a starvation diet (= one in which you do not have much to eat)  They were on starvation wages (= extremely low wages).
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starve
verb
1 to suffer or die because you do not have enough food to eat; to make sb suffer or die in this way: [v] The animals were left to starve to death.  pictures of starving children  The new job doesn’t pay as much but we won’t starve!  [vn] She’s starving herself to try to lose weight.
2 (-starved) (in adjectives) not having sth that you need: supply-starved rebels—see also CASH-STARVED
IDM be 'starving (for sth) (also be 'starved especially in AmE) (informal) to feel very hungry: When’s food? I’m starving!
PVR V starve sb into sth / into doing sth to force sb to do sth by not allowing them to get any food or money: The blockade was aimed at starving the country into submission. starve sb/sth of sth (AmE also starve sb/sth for sth) [usually passive] to not give sth that is needed: I felt starved of intelligent conversation.  The department has been starved of resources. ,starve sb<->'out (of sth) to force sb to leave a particular building or area by not allowing them to get any food
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stash
verb, noun
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to store sth in a safe or secret place: She has a fortune stashed away in various bank accounts.

noun [usually sing.] (informal) an amount of sth that is kept secretly: a stash of money

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sta.sis
noun [U, C] (pl.sta.ses ) (formal) a situation in which there is no change or development
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state
noun, adj., verb
noun
CONDITION OF SB / STH|
1 [C] the mental, emotional or physical condition that a person or thing is in: a confused state of mind   He was in a state of permanent depression.  A report condemned the state of prisoners' cells.  anxieties about the state of the country’s economy  The building is in a bad state of repair (= needs to be repaired).  She was in a state of shock .   (BrE, informal) Look at the state of you! You can’t go out looking like that.  You’re not in a fit state to drive.  note at CONDITION
COUNTRY|
2 (also State) [C] a country considered as an organized political community controlled by one government: the Baltic States  the State of Israel  European Union member states—see also CITY STATE , NATION STATE , POLICE STATE , WELFARE STATE   note at COUNTRY
PART OF COUNTRY|
3 (also State) [C] (abbr.St.) an organized political community forming part of a country: the states of Victoria and Western Australia  the southern States of the US
GOVERNMENT|
4 (also the State) [U, sing.] the government of a country: matters / affairs of state  people who are financially dependent on the state  a state-owned company  They wish to limit the power of the State.
OFFICIAL CEREMONY|
5 [U] the formal ceremonies connected with high levels of government or with kings and queens: The president was driven in state through the streets.
THE US|
6 (the States) [pl.] (informal) the United States of America: I’ve never been to the States. be in / get into a 'state (informal, especially BrE)
1 to be/become excited or anxious: She was in a real state about her exams.
2 to be dirty or untidy: What a state this place is in! in a state of 'grace (in the Roman Catholic Church) having been forgiven by God for the wrong or evil things you have done: He died in a state of grace. a state of af'fairs a situation: This state of affairs can no longer be ignored. the state of 'play
1 the stage that has been reached in a dispute, process, etc. which has not yet been completed: What is the current state of play in the peace talks?
2 (especially BrE) the score in a sports match, especially in cricket turn State’s 'evidence (AmE) = TURN KING’S / QUEEN’S EVIDENCE at EVIDENCE —more at LIE v. , NANNY

adj. (also State) [only before noun]
GOVERNMENT|
1 provided or controlled by the government of a country: state education  families dependent on state benefits (= in Britain, money given by the government to people who are poor)  state secrets (= information that could be harmful to a country if it were discovered by an enemy)
OFFICIAL|
2 connected with the leader of a country attending an official ceremony: The Queen is on a state visit to Moscow.  the state opening of Parliament  the state apartments / rooms (= used for official ceremonies)
PART OF COUNTRY|
3 connected with a particular state of a country, especially in the US: a state prison / hospital / university  state police / troopers  a state holiday / tax

verb
1 to formally write or say sth, especially in a careful and clear way: [vn] He has already stated his intention to run for election.  The facts are clearly stated in the report.  There is no need to state the obvious (= to say sth that everyone already knows).  [v wh-] State clearly how many tickets you require.  [v that] He stated categorically that he knew nothing about the deal.  [vn that] It was stated that standards at the hospital were dropping.  [vn to inf] The contract was stated to be invalid.
HELP This pattern is usually used in the passive.
2 [vn] [usually passive] to fix or announce the details of sth, especially on a written document: This is not one of their stated aims.  You must arrive at the time stated.  Do not exceed the stated dose (= of medicine).

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the 'State Department
noun the US government department of foreign affairs
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state.hood
noun [U] (written)
1 the fact of being an independent country and of having the rights and powers of a country
2 the condition of being one of the states within a country such as the US or Australia: West Virginia was granted statehood in 1863.
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'state house
noun [usually sing.] (in the US) a building in which a state LEGISLATURE (= parliament) meets
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state.less
adj. not officially a citizen of any country
state.less.ness noun [U]
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,state 'line
noun the line between two states in the US: the Nevada-California state line
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state.ly
adj.
1 impressive in size, appearance or manner: an avenue of stately chestnut trees  a tall, stately woman
2 slow, formal and graceful: a stately dance  The procession made its stately progress through the streets of the city.
state.li.ness noun [U]
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,stately 'home
noun (BrE ) a large, impressive house of historical interest, especially one that the public may visit
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state.ment
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] something that you say or write that gives information or an opinion: Are the following statements true or false?  Your statement is misleading.  Is that a statement or a question?  The play makes a strong political statement.
2 [C] ~ (on / about sth) a formal or official account of facts or opinions: a public / a written / an official statement  A government spokesperson made a statement to the press.  The prime minister is expected to issue a statement on the policy change this afternoon.  The police asked me to make a statement (= a written account of facts concerning a crime, used in court if legal action follows).
3 [C] a printed record of money paid, received, etc: The directors are responsible for preparing the company’s financial statements.  My bank sends me monthly statements.—see also BANK STATEMENT
4 [C] (in Britain) an official report on a child’s special needs made by a local education authority: a statement of special educational needs
5 [U] (formal) the act of stating or expressing sth in words: When writing instructions, clarity of statement is the most important thing.

verb [vn] [often passive] (in Britain) to officially decide and report that a child has special needs for his or her education: statemented children

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,state of 'siege
noun a situation in which the government limits people’s freedom to enter or leave a city, town or building
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,state of the 'art
adj. using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods; as good as it can be at the present time: The system was state of the art.  a state-of-the-art system
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state.room
noun
1 a private room on a large ship
2 a room used by important government members, members of a royal family, etc. on formal occasions
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'state school
(BrE ) (AmE 'public school) noun a school that is paid for by the government and provides free education—compare PRIVATE SCHOOL , PUBLIC SCHOOL
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state.side
adj., adv. (AmE , informal) connected with the US; in or towards the US (used when the person speaking is not in the US): When are you next planning a trip stateside?
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states.man
noun (pl.-men ) a wise, experienced and respected political leader: the party’s elder statesman
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states.man.like
adj. having or showing the qualities and abilities of a statesman : He was commended for his statesmanlike handling of the crisis.
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states.man.ship
noun [U] skill in managing state affairs
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state.wide
adj., adv. happening or existing in all parts of a state of the US: a statewide election / poll  She won 10% of the vote statewide.
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static
adj., noun
adj.
1 not moving, changing or developing: The balance sheet provides a static picture of the financial position at a point in time.  Prices on the stock market, which have been static, are now rising again.  a static population level
2 (physics) (of a force) acting as a weight but not producing movement: static pressure
OPP DYNAMIC

noun [U]
1 noise or other effects that disturb radio or television signals and are caused by particular conditions in the atmosphere
2 (also ,static elec'tricity) electricity that gathers on or in an object which cannot CONDUCT a current: My hair gets full of static when I brush it.
3 (statics) the science that deals with the forces that balance each other to keep objects in a state of rest—compare DYNAMICS

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sta.tion
noun, verb
noun
FOR TRAINS / BUSES|
1 a place where trains stop so that passengers can get on and off; the buildings connected with this: (BrE) a railway station   (especially AmE) a train station   (BrE) a tube / an underground station   (AmE) a subway station  I get off at the next station  We met in front of the main station.
2 (usually in compounds) a place where buses and COACHES stop; the buildings connected with this: a bus / coach station
FOR WORK / SERVICE|
3 (usually in compounds) a place or building where a service is organized and provided or a special type of work is done: a police / fire station   (BrE) a petrol station   (AmE) a gas station  an agricultural research station  a pollution monitoring station—compare SPACE STATION
RADIO / TV COMPANY|
4 (often in compounds) a radio or television company and the programmes it broadcasts: a local radio / TV station  He tuned to another station.
SOCIAL POSITION|
5 (old-fashioned or formal) your social position: She was definitely getting ideas above her station .
POSITION|
6 a place where sb has to wait and watch or be ready to do work if needed: You are not to leave your station without permission.
LARGE FARM|
7 (usually in compounds) a large sheep or CATTLE farm in Australia or New Zealand
FOR ARMY / NAVY|
8 a small base for the army or navy; the people living in it: a naval station—see also ACTION STATIONS
IDM see PANIC n.

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.]
ARMED FORCES|
1 [often passive] to send sb, especially from one of the armed forces, to work in a place for a period of time: troops stationed abroad
GO TO POSITION|
2 ~ sb / yourself … (formal) to go somewhere and stand or sit there, especially to wait for sth; to send sb somewhere to do this: She stationed herself at the window to await his return.

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'station agent
noun (AmE ) = STATIONMASTER
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sta.tion.ary
adj.
1 not moving; not intended to be moved: I remained stationary.  The car collided with a stationary vehicle.  a stationary exercise bike
OPP MOBILE
2 not changing in condition or quantity: a stationary population
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sta.tion.er
noun (especially BrE )
1 a person who owns or manages a shop selling stationery
2 (stationer’s) (pl.stationers) a shop that sells stationery : Is there a stationer’s near here?
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sta.tion.ery
noun [U]
1 materials for writing and for using in an office, for example paper, pens and envelopes
2 special paper for writing letters on
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'station house
noun (AmE ) = POLICE STATION
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sta.tion.mas.ter
(BrE ) (AmE 'station agent) noun a person in charge of a train station
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'station wagon
noun (AmE ) = ESTATE CAR
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stat.is.tic
noun
1 (statistics) (also informal stats) [pl.] a collection of information shown in numbers: crime / unemployment statistics  According to official statistics the disease killed over 500 people.  Statistics show that far more people are able to ride a bicycle than can drive a car.  These statistics are misleading.—see also VITAL STATISTICS
2 (statistics) (also informal stats) [U] the science of collecting and analysing statistics : There is a compulsory course in statistics.
3 [C] a piece of information shown in numbers: An important statistic is that 94 per cent of crime relates to property.  I felt I was no longer being treated as a person but as a statistic.
stat.is.tic.al adj.: statistical analysis / methods / data
stat.is.tic.al.ly adv.: The difference between the two samples was not statistically significant .
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stat.is.ti.cian
noun a person who studies or works with statistics
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stats
noun (informal) = STATISTICS
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statu.ary
noun [U] (formal) statues: a collection of marble statuary
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statue
noun a figure of a person or an animal in stone, metal, etc., usually the same size as in real life or larger
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statu.esque
adj. (written) (usually used about a woman) tall and beautiful in an impressive way; like a statue
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statu.ette
noun a small statue
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stat.ure
noun [U] (written)
1 the importance and respect that a person has because of their ability and achievements: an actress of considerable stature  The orchestra has grown in stature.
2 a person’s height: a woman of short stature  He is small in stature.
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sta.tus
noun [U, C, usually sing.]
1 the legal position of a person, group or country: They were granted refugee status.  The party was denied legal status.
2 [U, C, usually sing.] the social or professional position of sb/sth in relation to others: low status jobs  to have a high social status  Women are only asking to be given equal status with men.  She achieved celebrity status overnight.
3 [U] high rank or social position: The job brings with it status and a high income.
4 [U, C, usually sing.] the level of importance that is given to sth: the high status accorded to science in our culture
5 [U] the situation at a particular time during a process: What is the current status of our application for funds?
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sta.tus quo
noun [sing.] (from Latin ) the situation as it is now, or as it was before a recent change: to defend / restore the status quo  conservatives who want to maintain the status quo .
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'status symbol
noun a possession that people think shows their high social status and wealth: Exotic pets are the latest status symbol.
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stat.ute
noun
1 a law that is passed by a parliament, council, etc. and formally written down: Penalties are laid down in the statute.  Corporal punishment was banned by statute in 1987.
2 a formal rule of an organization or institution: Under the statutes of the university they had no power to dismiss him.
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'statute book
noun a collection of all the laws made by a government: It’s not yet on the statute book (= it has not yet become law).
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'statute law
noun [U] all the written laws of a parliament, etc. as a group—compare CASE LAW , COMMON LAW
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,statute of limi'tations
noun (law ) the legal limit on the period of time within which action can be taken on a crime or other legal question
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statu.tory
adj. [usually before noun] fixed by law; that must be done by law: The authority failed to carry out its statutory duties.  When you buy foods you have certain statutory rights.
statu.tor.ily adv.
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,statutory 'offence
noun (law ) a crime that is described by law and can be punished by a court
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,statutory 'rape
noun [U] (AmE, law ) the crime of having sex with sb who is not legally old enough
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staunch
adj., verb
adj. (superlativestaunch.est, no comparative) strong and loyal in your opinions and attitude: a staunch supporter of the monarchy  one of the president’s staunchest allies  a staunch Catholic
staunch.ly adv.: She staunchly defended the new policy.  The family was staunchly Protestant.
staunch.ness noun [U]

verb (also stanch especially in AmE) [vn] (formal) to stop the flow of sth, especially blood

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stave
noun, verb
noun
1 a strong stick or pole: fence staves
2 (BrE) (also staffAmE, BrE) (music) a set of five lines on which music is written—picture at MUSIC

verb (staved, staved) or (stove, stove )
PVR V ,stave sth<->'in to break or damage sth by making part of it fall inwards: The side of the boat was staved in when it hit the rocks. ,stave sth<->'off (staved, staved) to prevent sth bad from affecting you for a period of time; to delay sb/sth: to stave off hunger / illness / inflation / bankruptcy  The company managed to stave off bankruptcy for another few months.

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stay
verb, noun
verb
1 to continue to be in a particular place for a period of time without moving away: [v] to stay in bed / in the house / in your room  ‘Do you want a drink?’‘No, thanks, I can’t stay.’  Stay there and don’t move!  We ended up staying for lunch.  She stayed at home (= did not go out to work) while the children were young.  I’m staying late at the office tonight.  My hat won’t stay on!  Can you stay behind after the others have gone and help me clear up?  I can stay a few minutes longer.  We stayed to see what would happen.  [v -ing] They stayed talking until well into the night.
HELP In spoken English stay can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, to show purpose or to tell somebody what to do: I’ll stay and help you.  Can you stay and keep an eye on the baby?
2 to continue to be in a particular state or situation: [v-adj] He never stays angry for long.  I can’t stay awake any longer.  The store stays open until late on Thursdays.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] I don’t know why they stay together (= remain married or in a relationship).  Inflation stayed below 4% last month.  [v-n] We promised to stay friends for ever.
3 [v] to live in a place temporarily as a guest or visitor: We found out we were staying in the same hotel.  My sister’s coming to stay next week.  He’s staying with friends this weekend.  I stayed three nights at my cousin’s house.
HELP In Scottish English, stay can mean ‘to live in a place permanently’: Where do you stay (= where do you live)?
IDM be here to 'stay | have come to 'stay to be accepted or used by most people and therefore a permanent part of our lives: It looks like televised trials are here to stay. stay! (spoken) used to tell a dog not to move stay the 'course to continue doing sth until it has finished or been completed, even though it is difficult: Very few of the trainees have stayed the course. stay your 'hand (old-fashioned or literary) to stop yourself from doing sth; to prevent you from doing sth stay the 'night (especially BrE) to sleep at sb’s house for one night: You can always stay the night at our house. stay 'put (informal) if sb/sth stays put, they continue to be in the place where they are or where they have been put—more at CLEAR adv. , LOOSE adj.
PVR V ,stay a'round (informal) to not leave somewhere: I’ll stay around in case you need me.  They didn’t stay around to be caught. ,stay a'way (from sb/sth) to not go near a particular person or place: I want you to stay away from my daughter. ,stay 'in to not go out or to remain indoors: I feel like staying in tonight. ,stay 'on to continue studying, working, etc. somewhere for longer than expected or after other people have left: She’s staying on at university to do research. ,stay 'out
1 to continue to be outdoors or away from your house at night: I don’t like you staying out so late.
2 (of workers) to continue to be on strike ,stay 'out of sth
1 to not become involved in sth that does not concern you: I wish you’d stay out of my business!
2 to avoid sth: to stay out of trouble / sight ,stay 'over to sleep at sb’s house for one night: We have a spare bed if you want to stay over. ,stay 'up to go to bed later than usual: You’ve got school tomorrow. I don’t want you staying up late .

noun
1 a period of staying; a visit: I enjoyed my stay in Prague.  an overnight stay
2 a rope or wire that supports a ship’s MAST , a pole, etc.—see also MAINSTAY
IDM a ,stay of exe'cution (especially law) a delay in carrying out the order of a court: to grant a stay of execution

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'stay-at-home
noun (informal, often disapproving) a person who rarely goes out or does anything exciting
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stay.er
noun (BrE ) a person or an animal, especially a horse, with the ability to keep going in a tiring race or competition
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'staying power
noun [U] the ability to continue doing sth difficult or tiring until it is finished
SYN STAMINA
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St Bernard
noun a large strong dog, originally from Switzerland, where it was trained to help find people who were lost in the snow
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STD
noun
1 a disease that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity (abbreviation for ‘sexually transmitted disease’)
2 (BrE) a system of making direct telephone calls over long distances (abbreviation for ‘subscriber trunk dialling’)
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stead
noun
IDM in sb’s / sth’s 'stead (formal) instead of sb/sth: Foxton was dismissed and John Smith was appointed in his stead. stand sb in good 'stead to be useful or helpful to sb when needed: Your languages will stand you in good stead when it comes to finding a job.
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stead.fast
adj. ~ (in sth) (literary, approving) not changing in your attitudes or aims: steadfast loyalty  He remained steadfast in his determination to bring the killers to justice.
stead.fast.ly adv.
stead.fast.ness noun [U]
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steady
adj., verb, adv., exclamation
adj. (stead.ier, steadi.est)
1 developing, growing, etc. gradually and in an even and regular way: a steady increase / decline in numbers  five years of steady economic growth  We are making slow but steady progress.  The castle receives a steady stream of visitors.
2 not changing and not interrupted
SYN REGULAR : His breathing was steady.  a steady job / income  She drove at a steady 50 mph  They set off at a steady pace.  a steady boyfriend / girlfriend (= with whom you have a serious relationship or one that has lasted a long time)  to have a steady relationship
3 firmly fixed, supported or balanced; not shaking or likely to fall down: He held the boat steady as she got in.  I met his steady gaze.  Such fine work requires a good eye and a steady hand .  She’s not very steady on her feet these days.
OPP UNSTEADY
4 (of a person) sensible; who can be relied on
stead.ily : The company’s exports have been increasing steadily.  The situation got steadily worse.  He looked at her steadily.  The rain fell steadily.
steadi.ness noun [U]
IDM (as) steady as a 'rock extremely steady and calm; that you can rely on—more at READY adj.

verb (stead.ies, steady.ing, stead.ied, stead.ied)
1 ~ (yourself / sb/sth) to stop yourself/sb/sth from moving, shaking or falling; to stop moving, shaking or falling: [vn] She steadied herself against the wall.  [v] The lift rocked slightly, steadied, and the doors opened.
2 [v] to stop changing and become regular again: Her heartbeat steadied.  The pound steadied against the dollar.
3 [vn] to make sb/sth calm: He took a few deep breaths to steady his nerves .

adv. in a way that is steady and does not change or shake: In trading today the dollar held steady against the yen.
IDM go 'steady (with sb) (old-fashioned, informal) to have a romantic or sexual relationship with sb, in which you see the other person regularly

exclamation (informal)
1 ~ on (becoming old-fashioned) used to tell sb to be careful about what they are saying or doing, for example because it is extreme or not appropriate: Steady on! You can’t say things like that about somebody you’ve never met.
2 used to tell sb to be careful: Steady! You’re going to fall off that wall if you’re not careful.

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steak
noun
1 (also less frequent beef.steak) [U, C] a thick slice of good quality beef: fillet / rump / sirloin steak  How would you like your steak done?  a steak knife (= one with a special blade for eating steak with)—picture at CUTLERY
2 [U, C] a thick slice of any type of meat: pork steak  a gammon steak
3 [U] (often in compounds) beef that is not of the best quality, often sold in small pieces and used in pies, STEWS , etc: braising / stewing steak  a steak and kidney pie
4 [C] a large thick piece of fish: a cod / salmon steak
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steal
verb, noun
verb (stole stolen )
1 ~ (sth) (from sb/sth) to take sth from a person, shop/store, etc. without permission and without intending to return it or pay for it: [v] We found out he’d been stealing from us for years.  I’ll report you to the police if I catch you stealing again.  [vn] My wallet was stolen.  I had my wallet stolen .  Thieves stole jewellery worth over £10 000.  It’s a crime to handle stolen goods.   (figurative) to steal sb’s ideas
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move secretly and quietly so that other people do not notice you: She stole out of the room so as not to wake the baby.   (figurative) A chill stole over her body.
3 [vn] (in baseball) to run to the next BASE before another player from your team hits the ball, so that you are closer to scoring: He tried to steal second base but was out.
IDM steal a 'glance / 'look (at sb/sth) (written) to look at sb/sth quickly so that nobody sees you doing it steal sb’s 'heart (literary) to make sb fall in love with you steal a 'kiss (from sb) (literary) to kiss sb suddenly or secretly steal a 'march (on sb) [no passive] (written) to gain an advantage over sb by doing sth before them: The company is looking at ways to steal a march on its European competitors. steal the 'show [no passive] to attract more attention and praise than other people in a particular situation: As always, the children stole the show. steal sb’s 'thunder to get the attention, success, etc. that sb else was expecting, usually by saying or doing what they had intended to say or do

noun (AmE ) (in baseball) the act of running to another BASE while the PITCHER is throwing the ball
IDM be a 'steal (especially AmE) to be for sale at an unexpectedly low price: This suit is a steal at $80.

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stealth
noun, adj.
noun [U] the fact of doing sth in a quiet or secret way: The government was accused of trying to introduce the tax by stealth .  Lions rely on stealth when hunting.

adj. [only before noun] (of an aircraft) designed in a way that makes it difficult to be discovered by RADAR : a stealth bomber

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stealthy
adj. doing things quietly or secretly; done quietly or secretly: a stealthy animal  a stealthy movement
stealth.ily adv.
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steam
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the hot gas that water changes into when it boils: Steam rose from the boiling kettle.
2 the power that is produced from steam under pressure, used to operate engines, machines, etc: the introduction of steam in the 18th century  steam power  the steam age  a steam train / engine
3 very small drops of water that form in the air or on cold surfaces when warm air suddenly cools: She wiped the steam from her glasses.
IDM full speed / steam a'head with as much speed or energy as possible ,get up / ,pick up 'steam
1 (informal) to become gradually more powerful, active, etc: His election campaign is beginning to get up steam.
2 (of a vehicle) to increase speed gradually ,let off 'steam (informal) to get rid of your energy, anger or strong emotions by doing sth active or noisy: I went for a long walk to let off steam. ,run out of 'steam (informal) to lose energy and enthusiasm and stop doing sth, or do it less well get, etc. somewhere under your own 'steam (BrE, informal) to go somewhere without help from other people: I’ll get to the party under my own steam.

verb
1 [v] to send out steam: Our damp clothes steamed in the heat.  a mug of steaming hot coffee
2 to place food over boiling water so that it cooks in the steam; to be cooked in this way: [vn] steamed fish / vegetables [alsov]
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a boat, ship, etc.) to move using the power produced by steam: The boat steamed across the lake.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (especially of a person) to go somewhere very quickly: He spotted her steaming down the corridor towards him.   (figurative) The company is steaming ahead with its investment programme.
IDM be / get (all) steamed 'up (about / over sth) (BrE) (AmE be 'steamed (about sth)) (informal) to be/become very angry or excited about sth: You’re getting all steamed up about nothing!
PVR V ,steam sth<->'off| ,steam sth 'off sth to remove one piece of paper from another using steam to soften the glue that is holding them together ,steam sth<->'open to open an envelope using steam to soften the glue ,steam 'up| ,steam sth<->'up to become, or to make sth become, covered with steam: As he walked in, his glasses steamed up.

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steam.boat
noun a boat driven by steam, used especially in the past on rivers and along coasts
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steam.er
noun
1 a boat or ship driven by steam—see also PADDLE STEAMER
2 a metal container with small holes in it, that is placed over a pan of boiling water in order to cook food in the steam—picture at PAN
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steam.roll.er
noun, verb
noun a large slow vehicle with a ROLLER used for making roads flat

verb (AmE usually 'steam roll) to defeat sb or force them to do sth, using your power or authority: [vn] The team steamrollered their way to victory.  She knew that she’d let herself be steamrollered. [alsov]

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steam.ship
noun (abbr. SS) a ship driven by steam
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steamy
adj.
1 full of steam; covered with steam: a steamy bathroom  steamy windows  the steamy heat of Tokyo
2 (informal) sexually exciting
SYN EROTIC : a steamy love scene
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steed
noun (literary or humorous) a horse to ride on
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steel
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a strong hard metal that is made of a mixture of iron and CARBON : the iron and steel industry  The frame is made of steel.  The bridge is reinforced with huge steel girders.—see also STAINLESS STEEL
2 the industry that produces steel: Steel used to be important in South Wales.  steel workers  a steel town
3 (old use or literary) weapons that are used for fighting: the clash of steel
IDM of 'steel having a quality like steel, especially a strong, cold or hard quality: She felt a hand of steel (= a strong, firm hand) on her arm.  You need a cool head and nerves of steel (= great courage).  There was a hint of steel in his voice (= he sounded cold and firm).

verb ~ yourself (for / against sth) to prepare yourself to deal with sth unpleasant: [vn] As she waited, she steeled herself for disappointment.  [vn to inf] He steeled himself to tell them the truth.

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,steel 'band
noun a group of musicians who play music on drums that are made from empty metal oil containers. Steel bands originally came from the West Indies.
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,steel 'wool
(BrE also ,wire 'wool) noun [U] a mass of fine steel threads that you use for cleaning pots and pans, making surfaces smooth, etc.
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steel.work.er
noun a person who works in a place where steel is made
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steel.works
noun (pl.steel.works) [C+sing./pl. v .] a factory where steel is made
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steely
adj.
1 (of a person’s character or behaviour) strong, hard and unfriendly: a cold, steely voice  a look of steely determination
2 like steel in colour: steely blue eyes  The sky was cold and steely.
steeli.ness noun [U]
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steep
adj., verb
adj. (steep.er, steep.est)
1 (of a slope, hill, etc.) rising or falling quickly, not gradually: a steep hill / slope / bank  a steep climb / descent / drop  a steep flight of stairs  The path grew steeper as we climbed higher.
2 [usually before noun] (of a rise or fall in an amount) sudden and very big: a steep decline in the birth rate  a steep rise in unemployment
3 (informal) (of a price or demand) too much; unreasonable: £2 for a cup of coffee seems a little steep to me.
steep.ly adv.: a steeply sloping roof  The path climbed steeply upwards.  Prices rose steeply.
steep.ness noun [U]

verb
IDM be 'steeped in sth (written) to have a lot of a particular quality: a city steeped in history
PVR V 'steep sth in sth to put food in a liquid and leave it for some time so that it becomes soft and flavoured by the liquid 'steep yourself in sth (written) to spend a lot of time thinking or learning about sth: They spent a month steeping themselves in Chinese culture.

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steep.en
verb to become or to make sth become steeper : [v] After a couple of miles, the slope steepened considerably. [alsovn]
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steeple
noun a tall pointed tower on the roof of a church, often with a SPIRE on it
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steeple.chase
(also chase) noun
1 a long race in which horses have to jump over fences, water, etc.—compare FLAT RACING
2 a long race in which people run and jump over gates and water, etc. around a track
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steeple.chaser
noun a horse or a person that takes part in steeplechases
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steeple.jack
noun a person whose job is painting or repairing towers, tall chimneys, etc.
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steer
verb, noun
verb
1 to control the direction in which a boat, car, etc. moves: [vn] He steered the boat into the harbour.   (figurative) He took her arm and steered her towards the door.  [v] You row and I’ll steer.
2 (of a boat, car, etc.) to move in a particular direction: [vn] The ship steered a course between the islands.  [v] The ship steered into port.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to take control of a situation and influence the way in which it develops: He managed to steer the conversation away from his divorce.  She steered the team to victory.  The skill is in steering a middle course between the two extremes.
IDM see CLEAR adv.

noun a BULL (= a male cow) that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed), kept for its meat—compare BULLOCK , OX

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steer.age
noun [U] (in the past) the part of a ship where passengers with the cheapest tickets used to travel: steerage passengers
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steer.ing
noun [U] the mechanism of a vehicle that you use to control the direction it goes in—see also POWER STEERING
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'steering column
noun the part of a car or other vehicle that the STEERING WHEEL is fitted on
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'steering committee, 'steering group
noun a group of people that a government or an organization chooses to direct an activity and to decide how it will be done
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'steering wheel
noun the wheel that the driver turns to control the direction that a vehicle goes in—picture at CAR
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stel.lar
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (technical) connected with the stars—compare INTERSTELLAR
2 (informal) excellent: a stellar performance / career
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stem
noun, verb
noun
1 the main long thin part of a plant above the ground from which the leaves or flowers grow; a smaller part that grows from this and supports flowers or leaves: long, trailing stems of ivy  a tall plant with branching stems—picture at PLANT
2 the long thin part of a wine glass between the bowl and the base—picture at GLASS
3 the thin tube of a tobacco pipe
4 (-stemmed) (in adjectives) having one or more stems of the type mentioned: a long-stemmed rose  slender-stemmed wine glasses
5 (grammar) the main part of a word that stays the same when endings are added to it: ‘Writ’ is the stem of the forms ‘writes’, ‘writing’ and ‘written’.
IDM from ,stem to 'stern all the way from the front of a ship to the back

verb (-mm-) [vn] to stop sth that is flowing from spreading or increasing: The cut was bandaged to stem the bleeding.  They discussed ways of stemming the flow of smuggled drugs.  The government had failed to stem the tide of factory closures.
PVR V 'stem from sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the result of sth: Most people’s insecurities stem from something that happened in their childhood.

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stench
noun [sing.] a strong, very unpleasant smell: an overpowering stench of rotting fish   (figurative) The stench of treachery hung in the air.
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sten.cil
noun, verb
noun a thin piece of metal, plastic or card with a design cut out of it, that you put onto a surface and paint over so that the design is left on the surface; the pattern or design that is produced in this way—picture at FRIEZE

verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [vn, v] to make letters or a design on sth using a stencil

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steno
noun (pl.-os) (AmE , informal)
1 [C] = STENOGRAPHER
2 [U] = STENOGRAPHY
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sten.og.raph.er
(also informal steno) noun (especially AmE ) a person whose job is to write down what sb else says, using a quick system of signs or abbreviations
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sten.og.raphy
(also informal steno) noun [U] (AmE ) = SHORTHAND
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sten.tor.ian
adj. (formal) (of a voice) loud and powerful
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step
noun, verb
noun
MOVEMENT / SOUND|
1 [C] the act of lifting your foot and putting it down in order to walk or move somewhere; the sound this makes: a baby’s first steps  He took a step towards the door.  We heard steps outside.—see also FOOTSTEP , GOOSE-STEP
WAY OF WALKING|
2 [C, usually sing.] the way that sb walks: He walked with a quick light step.
DISTANCE|
3 [C] the distance that you cover when you take a step : It’s only a few steps further.  He turned around and retraced his steps (= went back the way he had come).  She moved a step closer to me.  The hotel is only a short step from the beach.
IN SERIES / PROCESS|
4 [C] one of a series of things that you do in order to achieve sth: This was a first step towards a united Europe.  We are taking steps to prevent pollution.  This won’t solve the problem but it’s a step in the right direction .  The new drug is a major step forward in the treatment of the disease.
5 [C] one of a series of things that sb does or that happen, which forms part of a process
SYN STAGE : Having completed the first stage, you can move on to step 2.  I’d like to take this idea a step further .  This was a big step up (= to a better position) in his career.  I’ll explain it to you step by step .  a step-by-step guide to building your own home
STAIR|
6 [C] a surface that you put your foot on in order to walk to a higher or lower level, especially one of a series: She was sitting on the bottom step of the staircase.  We walked down some stone steps to the beach.  A short flight of steps led up to the door.—see also DOORSTEP
IN DANCE|
7 [C, usually pl.] a series of movements that you make with your feet and which form a dance: Do you know the steps of this dance?—see also QUICKSTEP
EXERCISE|
8 [U] (often in compounds) a type of exercise that you do by stepping on and off a raised piece of equipment: step aerobics  a step class
LADDER|
9 (steps) [pl.] (BrE) a STEPLADDER : a pair of steps  We need the steps to get into the attic.
IN MUSIC|
10 [C] (AmE) the interval between two notes that are next to each other in a scale—compare TONE (7) , SEMITONE break 'step to change the way you are walking so that you do not walk in the same rhythm as the people you are walking or marching with fall into 'step (beside / with sb) (written) to change the way you are walking so that you start walking in the same rhythm as the person you are walking with: He caught her up and fell into step beside her. in / out of 'step (with sb/sth)
1 putting your feet on the ground in the right/wrong way, according to the rhythm of the music or the people you are moving with: I found myself marching in step with the music.
2 having ideas that are the same as or different from other people’s: She was out of step with her colleagues. mind / watch your 'step
1 to walk carefully
2 to behave in a careful and sensible way: You’d better watch your step with him if you don’t want trouble. a / one step a'head (of sb/sth) when you are one step ahead of sb/sth, you manage to avoid them or to achieve sth more quickly than they do

verb (-pp-) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to lift your foot and move it in a particular direction or put it on or in sth; to move a short distance: to step onto / off a bus  I stepped forward when my name was called out.  She stepped aside to let them pass.  We stepped carefully over the broken glass.  I turned around quickly and stepped on his toes.  She opened the door and stepped out into the sunshine.   (figurative) Going into the hotel is like stepping back in time. step into the 'breach to do sb’s job or work when they are suddenly or unexpectedly unable to do it step into sb’s 'shoes to continue a job or the work that sb else has started 'step on it (spoken) used especially in orders to tell sb to drive faster step on sb’s 'toes (AmE) = TREAD ON SB’S TOES at TOE n. step out of 'line | be / get out of 'line to behave badly or break the rules ,step 'back (from sth) to think about a situation calmly, as if you are not involved in it yourself: We are learning to step back from ourselves and identify our strengths and weaknesses. ,step a'side / 'down to leave an important job or position and let sb else take your place ,step 'forward to offer to help sb or give information ,step 'in to help sb in a dispute or difficult situation: A local businessman stepped in with a large donation for the school.  The team coach was forced to step in to stop the two athletes from coming to blows. ,step 'out (especially AmE) to go out: I’m just going to step out for a few minutes. ,step 'up to come forward: She stepped up to receive her prize. ,step sth<->'up to increase the amount, speed, etc. of sth: He has stepped up his training to prepare for the race.

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step-
combining form (in nouns) related as a result of one parent marrying again: stepmother
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step.brother
noun the son from an earlier marriage of your STEPMOTHER or STEPFATHER —compare HALF-BROTHER
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step.child
noun (pl.step.chil.dren ) a child of your husband or wife by an earlier marriage
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step.daugh.ter
noun a daughter that your husband or wife has from an earlier marriage to another person
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step.father
noun the man who is married to your mother but who is not your real father
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step.lad.der
noun a short ladder that is made of two parts, one with steps, that are joined together at the top, so that it can stand on its own or be folded flat for carrying or storing
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step.mother
noun the woman who is married to your father but who is not your real mother
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'step-parent
noun a stepmother or stepfather
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steppe
noun [C, usually pl., U] a large area of land with grass but few trees, especially in SE Europe and Siberia: the vast Russian steppes
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'stepping stone
noun
1 one of a line of flat stones that you step on in order to cross a stream or river
2 something that allows you to make progress or begin to achieve sth: a stepping stone to a more lucrative career
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step.sis.ter
noun the daughter from an earlier marriage of your STEPMOTHER or STEPFATHER —compare HALF-SISTER
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step.son
noun a son that your husband or wife has from an earlier marriage to another person
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-ster
suffix (in nouns) a person who is connected with or has the quality of: gangster  youngster
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stereo
noun (pl.-os)
1 (also 'stereo system) [C] a machine that plays CDs or cassettes, or a radio, etc. that has two separate SPEAKERS so that you hear different sounds from each: a car / personal stereo  Let’s put some music on the stereo.
2 [U] the system for playing recorded music, speech, etc. in which the sound is directed through two channels: to broadcast in stereo —compare MONO
stereo (also formal stereo.phon.ic ) adj. [only before noun]: stereo sound—compare QUADRAPHONIC
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stereo.scop.ic
adj.
1 (technical) able to see objects with length, width and depth, as humans do: stereoscopic vision
2 (of a picture, photograph, etc.) that is made so that you see the objects in it with length, width, and depth when you use a special machine: a stereoscopic image / photograph
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stereo.type
noun, verb
noun a fixed idea or image that many people have of a particular type of person or thing, but which is often not true in reality: cultural / gender / racial stereotypes  He doesn’t conform to the usual stereotype of the businessman with a dark suit and briefcase.
stereo.typ.ical adj.: the stereotypical image of feminine behaviour

verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (as sth) to form a fixed idea about a person or thing which may not really be true: Children from certain backgrounds tend to be stereotyped by their teachers.  Why are professors stereotyped as absent-minded?
stereo.typed adj.: a play full of stereotyped characters
stereo.typ.ing noun [U]: sexual stereotyping

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ster.ile
adj.
1 (of humans or animals) not able to produce children or young animals
SYN INFERTILE —compare FERTILE
2 completely clean and free from bacteria: sterile bandages / equipment  sterile water
3 (of a discussion, an argument, etc.) not producing any useful result: a sterile debate
4 lacking individual personality, imagination or new ideas: The room felt cold and sterile.  He felt creatively and emotionally sterile.
5 (of land) not good enough to produce crops
ster.il.ity noun [U]: The disease can cause sterility in men and women.  the meaningless sterility of statistics
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ster.il.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 [often passive] to kill the bacteria in sth: to sterilize surgical instruments  sterilized milk / water
2 [usually passive] to make a person or an animal unable to have babies, especially by removing or blocking their sex organs
ster.il.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
ster.il.iz.ing , -is.ingadj. [only before noun]: sterilizing fluid / tablets
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ster.il.izer
(BrE also -iser) noun a machine or piece of equipment that you use to make objects or substances completely clean and free from bacteria
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ster.ling
noun, adj.
noun [U] the money system of Britain, based on the pound: the value of sterling  You can be paid in pounds sterling or American dollars.

adj. [usually before noun] (formal) of excellent quality: He has done sterling work on the finance committee.

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,sterling 'silver
noun [U] silver of a particular standard of PURITY
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stern
adj., noun
adj. (stern.er, stern.est)
1 serious and often disapproving; expecting sb to obey you: a stern face / expression / look  a stern warning  Her voice was stern.  The police are planning sterner measures to combat crime.
2 serious and difficult: a stern test of nerves  We face stern opposition.
stern.ly adv.stern.ness noun [U]
IDM be made of sterner 'stuff to have a stronger character and to be more determined in dealing with problems than other people

noun the back end of a ship or boat: to stand in / on / at the stern—compare BOW^1n. , POOP —picture at BOAT , YACHT
IDM see STEM n.

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ster.num
noun (pl.ster.nums or sterna ) (anatomy ) the BREASTBONE
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ster.oid
noun a chemical substance produced naturally in the body. There are several different steroids and they can be used to treat various diseases and are also sometimes used illegally by people playing sports to improve their performance.
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stetho.scope
noun an instrument that a doctor uses to listen to sb’s heart and breathing
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stet.son
(BrE ) (AmEStetson™) noun a tall hat with a wide BRIM , worn especially by American COWBOYS
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steve.dore
noun a person whose job is moving goods on and off ships—see also DOCKER
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stew
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid in a container that has a lid: beef stew and dumplings  I’m making a stew for lunch.
IDM get (yourself) / be in a 'stew (about / over sth) (informal) to become/feel very anxious or upset about sth: There’s no point getting in a stew about it.

verb
1 to cook sth slowly, or allow sth to cook slowly, in liquid in a closed dish: [vn] stewed apples  [v] The meat needs to stew for two hours.—see also STEWED
2 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to think or worry about sth: I’ve been stewing over the problem for a while.  Leave him to stew.
IDM let sb stew in their own 'juice (informal) to leave sb to worry and suffer the unpleasant effects of their own actions

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stew.ard
noun
1 a man whose job is to take care of passengers on a ship, an aircraft or a train and who brings them meals, etc: a ship’s steward
2 a person employed to manage another person’s property, especially a large house or land
3 (BrE) a person who helps to organize a large public event, for example, a race, public meeting, etc.
4 (BrE) a person whose job is to arrange for the supply of food to a college, club, etc.—see also SHOP STEWARD
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stew.ard.ess
noun
1 = AIR HOSTESS
2 a woman whose job is to take care of the passengers on a ship or train
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stew.ard.ship
noun [U] (formal) the act of taking care of or managing sth, for example, property, an organization, money or valuable objects: The organization certainly prospered under his stewardship.
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stewed
adj. (of tea) tasting too strong and bitter because it has been left in the pot too long
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stick
verb, noun
verb (stuck, stuck )
PUSH STH IN|
1 [+adv. / prep.] to push sth, usually a sharp object, into sth; to be pushed into sth: [vn] The nurse stuck the needle into my arm.  Don’t stick your fingers through the bars of the cage.  [v] I found a nail sticking in the tyre.
ATTACH|
2 [+adv. / prep.] to fix sth to sth else, usually with a sticky substance; to become fixed to sth in this way: [vn] He stuck a stamp on the envelope.  We used glue to stick the broken pieces together.  I stuck the photos into an album.  [v] Her wet clothes were sticking to her body.  The glue’s useless—the pieces just won’t stick.
PUT|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to put sth in a place, especially quickly or carelessly: Stick your bags down there.  He stuck his hands in his pockets and strolled off.  Can you stick this on the noticeboard?  Peter stuck his head around the door and said, ‘Coffee, anyone?’   (spoken) Stick 'em up! (= put your hands above your head—I have a gun)
BECOME FIXED|
4 [v] ~ (in sth) to become fixed in one position and impossible to move: The key has stuck in the lock.  This drawer keeps sticking.
DIFFICULT SITUATION|
5 (BrE , informal) (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation or person: [vn] I don’t know how you stick that job.  They’re always arguing—I can’t stick it any longer.  The problem is, my mother can’t stick my boyfriend.  [v -ing] John can’t stick living with his parents.
BECOME ACCEPTED|
6 [v] to become accepted: The police couldn’t make the charges stick (= show them to be true).  His friends called him Bart and the name has stuck (= has become the name that everyone calls him).
IN CARD GAMES|
7 [v] to not take any more cards—see also STUCK stick in your 'mind (of a memory, an image, etc.) to be remembered for a long time: One of his paintings in particular sticks in my mind. stick in your 'throat / 'craw (informal)
1 (of words) to be difficult or impossible to say
2 (of a situation) to be difficult or impossible to accept; to make you angry stick your 'neck out (informal) to do or say sth when there is a risk that you may be wrong stick to your 'guns (informal) to refuse to change your mind about sth even when other people are trying to persuade you that you are wrong—more at BOOT n. , FINGER n. , KNIFE n. , MILE , NOSE n. , OAR , SORE adj. , TELL ,stick a'round (informal) to stay in a place, waiting for sth to happen or for sb to arrive: Stick around; we’ll need you to help us later. 'stick at sth to work in a serious and determined way to achieve sth: If you want to play an instrument well, you’ve got to stick at it . 'stick by sb [no passive] to be loyal to a person and support them, especially in a difficult situation: Her husband was charged with fraud but she stuck by him. 'stick by sth [no passive] to do what you promised or planned to do: They stuck by their decision. ,stick sth<->'down (informal) to write sth somewhere: I think I’ll stick my name down on the list. ,stick 'out to be noticeable or easily seen: They wrote the notice in big red letters so that it would stick out. ,stick 'out (of sth)| ,stick sth<->'out (of sth) to be further out than sth else or come through a hole; to push sth further out than sth else or through a hole: His ears stick out.  She stuck her tongue out at me.  Don’t stick your arm out of the car window. ,stick it / sth 'out (informal) to continue doing sth to the end, even when it is difficult or boring: She didn’t like the course but she stuck it out to get the certificate. ,stick 'out for sth (informal) to refuse to give up until you get what you need or want: They are sticking out for a higher pay rise. 'stick to sth
1 to continue doing sth in spite of difficulties: She finds it impossible to stick to a diet.
2 to continue doing or using sth and not want to change it: He promised to help us and he stuck to his word (= he did as he had promised).  ‘Shall we meet on Friday this week?’‘No, let’s stick to Saturday.’  She stuck to her story. ,stick to'gether (informal) (of people) to stay together and support each other ,stick 'up to point upwards or be above a surface: The branch was sticking up out of the water. ,stick 'up for sb / yourself / sth [no passive] to support or defend sb/yourself/sth: Stick up for what you believe.  She taught her children to stick up for themselves at school.  Don’t worry—I’ll stick up for you. 'stick with sb/sth [no passive] (informal)
1 to stay close to sb so that they can help you
2 to continue with sth or continue doing sth: They decided to stick with their original plan.

noun
FROM TREE|
1 [C] a thin piece of wood that has fallen or been broken from a tree: We collected dry sticks to start a fire.  The boys were throwing sticks and stones at the dog.  Her arms and legs were like sticks (= very thin).
FOR WALKING|
2 [C] (especially BrE) = WALKING STICK : The old lady leant on her stick as she talked.—see also SHOOTING STICK
IN SPORT|
3 [C] a long thin object that is used in some sports to hit or control the ball: a hockey stick
LONG THIN PIECE|
4 [C] (often in compounds) a long thin piece of sth: a stick of dynamite  carrot sticks   (AmE) a stick of butter—picture at PACKAGING —see also FRENCH STICK
5 [C] (often in compounds) a thin piece of wood or plastic that you use for a particular purpose: pieces of pineapple on sticks  The men were carrying spades and measuring sticks.—see also CHOPSTICK , COCKTAIL STICK , DRUMSTICK , MATCHSTICK , YARDSTICK
OF GLUE, etc.|
6 [C] a quantity of a substance, such as solid glue, that is sold in a small container with round ends and straight sides, and can be pushed further out of the container as it is used—see also LIPSTICK
IN PLANE / VEHICLE|
7 [C] (informal, especially AmE) the control stick of a plane—see also JOYSTICK
8 [C] (informal, especially AmE) a handle used to change the GEARS of a vehicle—see also GEAR LEVER , STICK SHIFT
FOR ORCHESTRA|
9 [C] a BATON , used by the person who CONDUCTS an orchestra
CRITICISM|
10 [U] (BrE, informal) criticism or harsh words: The referee got a lot of stick from the home fans.
COUNTRY AREAS|
11 (the sticks) [pl.] (informal) country areas, a long way from cities: We live out in the sticks .
PERSON|
12 [C] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a person: He’s not such a bad old stick .
HELP There are many other compounds ending in stick. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
IDM see BEAT v. , BIG adj. , CARROT , CLEFT adj. , SHORT n. , UP v. , WRONG adj.

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stick.er
noun a sticky label with a picture or message on it, that you stick on to sth: window / car / bumper stickers
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'stick figure
noun (AmE ) = MATCHSTICK FIGURE
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'sticking plaster
noun (BrE ) = PLASTER
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'sticking point
noun something that people do not agree on and that prevents progress in a discussion: This was one of the major sticking points in the negotiations.
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'stick insect
noun a large insect with a long thin body that looks like a stick
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'stick-in-the-mud
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who refuses to try anything new or exciting
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stickle.back
noun a small FRESHWATER fish with sharp points on its back
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stick.ler
noun ~ (for sth) a person who thinks that a particular quality or type of behaviour is very important and expects other people to think and behave in the same way: a stickler for punctuality
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'stick-on
adj. [only before noun] (of an object) with glue on one side so that it sticks to sth: stick-on badges / labels
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stick.pin
noun (AmE ) a decorative pin that is worn on a tie to keep it in place, or as a piece of jewellery
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'stick shift
noun (AmE )
1 = GEAR LEVER
2 a vehicle that has a stick shift —compare AUTOMATIC n.
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sticky
adj. (stick.ier, sticki.est)
1 made of or covered in a substance that sticks to things that touch it: sticky fingers covered in jam  Stir in the milk to make a soft but not sticky dough.
2 (of paper, labels, etc.) with glue on one side so that you can stick it to a surface
3 (informal) (of the weather) hot and damp: a sticky, humid afternoon
4 (informal) (of a person) feeling hot and uncomfortable
SYN SWEATY
5 (informal) difficult or unpleasant: a sticky problem / situation
stick.ily adv.sticki.ness noun [U]
IDM have sticky 'fingers (informal) to be likely to steal sth a ,sticky 'wicket (BrE, informal) a difficult situation—more at END n.
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'sticky tape
noun [U] (BrE ) = SELLOTAPE ™
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stiff
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (stiff.er, stiff.est)
DIFFICULT TO BEND / MOVE|
1 firm and difficult to bend or move: stiff cardboard  a stiff brush  The windows were stiff and she couldn’t get them open.  I’ve got a stiff neck.
MUSCLES|
2 when a person is stiff, their muscles hurt when they move them: I’m really stiff after that bike ride yesterday.
MIXTURE|
3 thick and almost solid; difficult to stir: Whisk the egg whites until stiff.
DIFFICULT / SEVERE|
4 more difficult or severe than usual: It was a stiff climb to the top of the hill.  The company faces stiff competition from its rivals.  The new proposals have met with stiff opposition.  There are stiff fines for breaking the rules.  a stiff breeze / wind (= one that blows strongly)
NOT FRIENDLY|
5 (of a person or their behaviour) not friendly or relaxed: The speech he made to welcome them was stiff and formal.
PRICE|
6 (informal) costing a lot or too much: There’s a stiff £6 entrance fee to the exhibition.
ALCOHOLIC DRINK|
7 [only before noun] strong; containing a lot of alcohol: a stiff whisky
stiff.ly adv.
stiff.ness noun [U]: pain and stiffness in her legs (keep) a stiff upper 'lip to keep calm and hide your feelings when you are in pain or in a difficult situation

adv.
1 (informal) very much; to an extreme degree: be bored / scared / worried stiff
2 frozen ~ (of wet material) very cold and hard because the water has become ice: The clothes on the washing line were frozen stiff.  I came home from the game frozen stiff (= very cold).

noun (slang) the body of a dead person

verb [vn] (AmE , informal) to cheat sb or not pay them what you owe them, especially by not leaving any money as a TIP

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stiff.en
verb
1 ~ (sth) (with sth) to make yourself or part of your body firm, straight and still, especially because you are angry or frightened: [v] She stiffened with fear.  [vn] I stiffened my back and faced him.
2 ~ (up)| ~ sth (of part of the body) to become, or to make sth become, difficult to bend or move: [v] My muscles had stiffened up after the climb.  [vn] stiffened legs / muscles
3 to make an attitude or idea stronger or more powerful; to become stronger: [vn] The threat of punishment has only stiffened their resolve (= made them even more determined to do sth). [alsov]
4 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to make sth, such as fabric, firm and unable to bend: a starch to stiffen fabrics
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,stiff-'necked
adj. proud and refusing to change
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stifle
verb
1 [vn] to prevent sth from happening; to prevent a feeling from being expressed: She managed to stifle a yawn.  to stifle a cry / giggle  They hope the new rules will not stifle creativity.  The government failed to stifle the unrest.
2 to feel unable to breathe, or to make sb unable to breathe, because it is too hot and/or there is no fresh air: [v] I felt I was stifling in the airless room.  [vn] Most of the victims were stifled by the fumes.
stif.ling adj.: a stifling smell / room  ‘It’s stifling in here—can we open a window?’
stif.ling.ly adv.: The room was stiflingly hot.
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stigma
noun [U, C, usually sing.] feelings of disapproval that people have about particular illnesses or ways of behaving: the social stigma of alcoholism  There is no longer any stigma attached to being divorced.
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stig.mata
noun [pl.] marks that look like the wounds made by nails on the body of Jesus Christ, believed by some Christians to have appeared as holy marks on the bodies of some saints
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stig.ma.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] (written) to treat sb in a way that makes them feel that they are very bad or unimportant
stig.ma.tiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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stile
noun a set of steps that help people climb over a fence or gate, in a field, etc.
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stil.etto
noun (pl.-os or -oes)
1 (also ,stiletto 'heel) (especially BrE) a woman’s shoe with a very high narrow heel; the heel on such a shoe
SYN SPIKE HEEL —picture at SHOE
2 a small knife with a narrow pointed blade
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still
adv., adj., noun, verb
adv.
1 continuing until a particular point in time and not finishing: I wrote to them last month and I’m still waiting for a reply.  Mum, I’m still hungry!  Do you still live at the same address?  There’s still time to change your mind.  It was, and still is, my favourite movie.
2 in spite of what has just been said: Although he promised faithfully to come, I still didn’t think he would.  We searched everywhere but we still couldn’t find it.  The weather was cold and wet. Still, we had a great time.
3 used for making a comparison stronger: The next day was warmer still.  If you can manage to get two tickets that’s better still.
4 ~ more / another even more: There was still more bad news to come.
IDM see LESS adv.

adj.
1 not moving; calm and quiet: still water  Keep still while I brush your hair.  The kids found it hard to stay still .  Can’t you sit still ?  We stayed in a village where time has stood still (= life has not changed for many years).
2 with no wind: a still summer’s day  the still night air
3 (BrE) (of a drink) not containing bubbles of gas; not FIZZY : still mineral water
IDM the still of the 'night (literary) the time during the night when it is silent and calm still waters run 'deep (saying) a person who seems to be quiet or shy may surprise you by knowing a lot or having deep feelings

noun
1 a photograph of a scene from a film/movie or video: a publicity still from his new movie  The police studied the stills from the security video.
2 a piece of equipment that is used for making strong alcoholic drinks: a whisky still—see also DISTIL

verb (literary) to become calm and quiet; to make sth calm and quiet: [v] The wind stilled.  [vn] She spoke quietly to still the frightened child.   (figurative) to still sb’s doubts / fears

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still.birth
noun [C, U] a birth in which the baby is born dead
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still.born
adj.
1 born dead: a stillborn baby
2 not successful; not developing
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,still 'life
noun [U, C] (pl.,still 'lifes) the art of painting or drawing arrangements of objects such as flowers, fruit, etc.; a painting, etc. like this
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still.ness
noun [U] the quality of being quiet and not moving: The sound of footsteps on the path broke the stillness.
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stilt
noun [usually pl.]
1 one of a set of posts that support a building so that it is high above the ground or water
2 one of two long pieces of wood that have a step on the side that you can stand on, so that you can walk above the ground: a circus performer on stilts
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stilt.ed
adj. (disapproving) (of a way of speaking or writing) not natural or relaxed; too formal: We made stilted conversation for a few moments.
stilt.ed.ly adv.
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Stil.ton
™noun [U, C] a type of English cheese with blue lines of MOULD running through it and a strong flavour
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stimu.lant
noun
1 a drug or substance that makes you feel more awake and gives you more energy: Coffee and tea are mild stimulants.
2 ~ (to sth) an event or activity that encourages more activity
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stimu.late
verb
1 [vn] to make sth develop or become more active; to encourage sth: The exhibition has stimulated interest in her work.  The article can be used to stimulate discussion among students.
2 to make sb interested and excited about sth: [vn] Parents should give children books that stimulate them.  Both men and women are stimulated by erotic photos (= sexually).  [vn to inf] The conference stimulated him to study the subject in more depth.
3 [vn] (technical) to make a part of the body function: The women were given fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries.
stimu.la.tion noun [U]: sensory / intellectual / sexual / visual / physical stimulation
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stimu.lat.ing
adj.
1 full of interesting or exciting ideas; making people feel enthusiastic: a stimulating book / discussion  a stimulating teacher
2 making you feel more active and healthy
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stimu.lus
noun (pl.stim.uli ) ~ (to / for sth)| ~ (to do sth)
1 [usually sing.] something that helps sb/sth to develop better or more quickly: Books provide children with ideas and a stimulus for play.  The new tax laws should act as a stimulus to exports.
2 something that produces a reaction in a human being, an animal or a plant: sensory / verbal / visual stimuli  The animals were conditioned to respond to auditory stimuli (= sounds).
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sting
verb, noun
verb (stung, stung )
1 (of an insect or plant) to touch your skin or make a very small hole in it so that you feel a sharp pain: [vn] I was stung on the arm by a wasp.  [v] Be careful of the nettles—they sting!
2 to feel, or to make sb feel, a sharp pain in a part of their body: [v] I put some antiseptic on the cut and it stung for a moment.  My eyes were stinging from the smoke.  [vn] Tears stung her eyes.
3 [vn] ~ sb (to / into sth)| ~ sb (into doing sth) to make sb feel angry or upset: He was stung by their criticism.  Their cruel remarks stung her into action.  They launched a stinging attack on the government.
4 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to charge sb more money than they expected; to charge sb who did not expect to pay: I got stung for a £100 meal.
PVR V 'sting sb for sth (BrE, informal) to borrow money from sb

noun
1 (AmE also sting.er) [C] the sharp pointed part of an insect or creature that can go into the skin leaving a small, painful and sometimes poisonous wound: the sting of a bee  The scorpion has a sting in its tail.—
2 [C] a wound that is made when an insect, a creature or a plant stings you: A wasp or bee sting is painful but not necessarily serious.
3 [C, U] any sharp pain in your body or mind: the sting of salt in a wound  There was a sting of sarcasm in his voice.  He smiled at her, trying to take the sting out of his words (= trying to make the situation less painful or difficult).
4 [C] (AmE) a clever secret plan by the police to catch criminals: a sting operation to catch heroin dealers in Detroit
5 [C] (especially AmE) a clever plan by criminals to cheat people out of a lot of money
IDM a ,sting in the 'tail (informal) an unpleasant feature that comes at the end of a story, an event, etc. and spoils it

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'stinging nettle
noun = NETTLE
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sting.ray
noun a large wide flat sea fish that has a long tail with a sharp sting in it that can cause serious wounds
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stingy
adj. (informal) not given or giving willingly; not generous, especially with money: You’re stingy! (= not willing to spend money)  Don’t be so stingy with the cream!
stingi.ness noun [U]
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stink
verb, noun
verb (stank stunk ) or (stunk, stunk) [v] ~ (of sth) (informal)
1 to have a strong, unpleasant smell: Her breath stank of garlic.  It stinks of smoke in here.
2 to seem very bad, unpleasant or dishonest: The whole business stank of corruption.  ‘What do you think of the idea?’‘I think it stinks.’
PVR V ,stink sth<->'out to fill a place with a strong, unpleasant smell: She stinks out the whole house with her incense and candles.

noun (informal)
1 [C, usually sing.] a very unpleasant smell: the stink of sweat and urine
2 [sing.] a lot of trouble and anger about sth: The whole business caused quite a stink.  We’ll kick up a stink (= complain a lot and cause trouble) if they try to close the school down.

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'stink bomb
noun a container that produces a very bad smell when it is broken. Stink bombs are used for playing tricks on people.
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stink.er
noun (informal) a person or thing that is very unpleasant or difficult: It’s been a real stinker of a day.
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stink.ing
adj., adv.
adj.
1 having a very strong, unpleasant smell: I was pushed into a filthy, stinking room.
2 [only before noun] (informal, especially BrE) very bad or unpleasant: I’ve got a stinking cold.
3 [only before noun] (BrE, informal) showing a lot of anger: I wrote them a stinking letter to complain.

adv. (informal, usually disapproving) extremely: They must be stinking rich

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stint
noun, verb
noun ~ (as sth) a period of time that you spend working somewhere or doing a particular activity: He did a stint abroad early in his career.  a two-year stint in the Navy  I’ve done my stint in the kitchen for today.

verb ~ (on sth)| ~ (yourself) (usually used in negative sentences) to provide or use only a small amount of sth: [v] She never stints on the food at her parties.  [vn] We don’t need to stint ourselves—have some more!—see also UNSTINTING

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sti.pend
noun (formal) an amount of money that is paid regularly to sb, especially a priest, as wages or money to live on: an annual / monthly stipend   (especially AmE ) a summer internship with a small stipend
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sti.pen.diary
noun (pl.-ies) (also sti,pendiary 'magistrate) (in Britain) a MAGISTRATE who is paid for his or her work
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stip.ple
verb [vn] [often passive] (technical ) to paint or draw sth using small dots or marks: a stippled effect
stip.pling noun [U]
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stipu.late
verb (formal) to state clearly and firmly that sth must be done, or how it must be done: [vn] A delivery date is stipulated in the contract.  [v that] The job advertisement stipulates that the applicant must have three years' experience. [alsov wh-]
stipu.la.tion noun [C, U]: The only stipulation is that the topic you choose must be related to your studies.
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stir
verb, noun
verb (-rr-)
MIX|
1 [vn] ~ sth (into sth)| ~ sth (in) to move a liquid or substance around, using a spoon or sth similar, in order to mix it thoroughly: She stirred her tea.  Stir the paint before you use it.  The vegetables are stirred into the rice while it is hot.  Stir in the milk until the sauce thickens.
MOVE|
2 to move, or to make sth move, slightly: [v] She heard the baby stir in the next room.  [vn] A slight breeze was stirring the branches.  A noise stirred me from sleep.
3 to move, or to make sb move, in order to do sth: [v] You haven’t stirred from that chair all evening!  [vn] Come on, stir yourself. You’re late!  Their complaints have finally stirred him into action.
FEELINGS|
4 [vn] ~ sb (to sth) to make sb excited or make them feel sth strongly: a book that really stirs the imagination  She was stirred by his sad story.
5 [v] (of a feeling or a mood) to begin to be felt: A feeling of guilt began to stir in her.  New optimism was stirring throughout the country.
CAUSE TROUBLE|
6 (BrE , informal, disapproving) to try to cause trouble: [vn] You’re just stirring it! [alsov] —see also STIRRER stir your 'stumps (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) to begin to move; to hurry ,stir sb<->'up to encourage sb to do sth; to make sb feel they must do sth ,stir sth<->'up
1 to make people feel strong emotions: to stir up anger / discontent / hatred
2 to try to cause arguments or problems: to stir up a debate  Whenever he’s around, he always manages to stir up trouble .  We’ve got enough problems without you trying to stir things up .
3 to make sth move around in water or air: The wind stirred up a lot of dust.

noun
1 [sing.] excitement, anger or shock that is felt by a number of people: Her resignation caused quite a stir .
2 [C, usually sing.] the action of stirring sth: Could you give the rice a stir?

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'stir-crazy
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) showing signs of mental illness because of being kept in prison
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'stir-fry
verb, noun
verb [vn] to cook thin strips of vegetables or meat quickly by stirring them in very hot oil: stir-fried chicken—

noun a hot dish made by stir-frying small pieces of meat, fish and/or vegetables

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stir.rer
noun (BrE , informal, disapproving) a person who likes causing trouble, especially between other people by spreading secrets
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stir.ring
noun, adj.
noun ~ (of sth) the beginning of a feeling, an idea or a development: She felt a stirring of anger.  the first stirrings of spring in the air

adj. [usually before noun] causing strong feelings; exciting: a stirring performance / song  stirring memories

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stir.rup
noun one of the metal rings that hang down on each side of a horse’s SADDLE , used to support the rider’s foot
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stitch
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] one of the small lines of thread that you can see on a piece of fabric after it has been sewn; the action that produces this: Try to keep the stitches small and straight.—picture at SEW
2 [C] one of the small circles of wool that you make around the needle when you are knitting: to drop a stitch (= to lose one that you have made)
3 [C, U] (especially in compounds) a particular style of sewing or knitting that you use to make the pattern you want
4 [C] a short piece of thread, etc. that doctors use to sew the edges of a wound together: The cut needed eight stitches.  I had six stitches in my foot after the accident.
5 [C, usually sing.] a sudden pain in the side of your body, usually caused by running or laughing: Can we slow down? I’ve got a stitch.
IDM in 'stitches (informal) laughing a lot: The play had us in stitches . not have a stitch 'on | not be wearing a 'stitch (informal) to be naked a stitch in 'time (saves 'nine) (saying) it is better to deal with sth immediately because if you wait it may become worse or more difficult and cause extra work

verb [vn] to sew sth; to use a needle and thread to mend, join, or decorate pieces of fabric: Her wedding dress was stitched by hand.  A pocket was stitched to the front of the jacket.   (figurative) An agreement was hastily stitched together (= made very quickly).
PVR V ,stitch sb<->'up (BrE, informal) to cheat sb or put them in a position where they seem guilty of sth they have not done ,stitch sth<->'up
1 to use a needle and thread to join things together: to stitch up a wound / cut / tear
2 (BrE, informal) to arrange or complete sth: to stitch up a deal  They think they have the US market stitched up.

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stitch.ing
noun [U] a row of stitches: The stitching has come undone.
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stoat
noun a small wild animal with a long body and brown fur that, in northern areas, turns white in winter. The white fur is called ERMINE .
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stock
noun, verb, adj.
noun
SUPPLY|
1 [U, C] a supply of goods that is available for sale in a shop/store: We have a fast turnover of stock.  That particular model is not currently in stock .  I’m afraid we’re temporarily out of stock .  We don’t carry a large stock of pine furniture.
2 [C, U] ~ (of sth) a supply of sth that is available for use: She’s built up a good stock of teaching materials over the years.  Food stocks are running low.  a country’s housing stock (= all the houses available for living in)
FINANCE|
3 [U] the value of the shares in a company that have been sold
4 [C, usually pl.] a share that sb has bought in a company or business: stock prices  stocks and shares—compare SHARE n. (4)
5 [U, C] (BrE) money that is lent to a government at a fixed rate of interest; an official document that gives details of this: government stock
FARM ANIMALS|
6 [U] farm animals, such as cows and sheep, that are kept for their meat, wool, etc: breeding stock—see also LIVESTOCK
FAMILY / ANCESTORS|
7 [U] of farming, noble, French, etc. ~ having the type of family or ancestors mentioned
FOOD|
8 [U, C] a liquid made by cooking bones, meat, etc. in water, used for making soups and sauces: fish / vegetable stock
FOR PUNISHMENT|
9 (stocks) [pl.] a wooden structure with holes for the feet, used in the past to lock criminals in as a form of punishment, especially in a public place—compare PILLORY
RESPECT|
10 [U] (formal) the degree to which sb is respected or liked by other people: Their stock is high / low.
OF GUN|
11 [C] the part of a gun that you hold against your shoulder when firing it
PLANT|
12 [U, C] a garden plant with brightly coloured flowers with a sweet smell
13 [C] (technical) a plant from which a stem is taken to be added to another plant so that the two grow together; the plant onto which this stem is added
THEATRE|
14 [C] (AmE) = STOCK COMPANY —see also LAUGHING STOCK , ROLLING STOCK on the 'stocks in the process of being made, built or prepared: Our new model is already on the stocks and will be available in the spring. take 'stock (of sth) to stop and think carefully about the way in which a particular situation is developing in order to decide what to do next—more at LOCK n. —see also STOCKTAKING

verb [vn]
1 (of a shop / store) to keep a supply of a particular type of goods to sell: Do you stock green tea?  We stock a wide range of camping equipment.
2 [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) to fill sth with food, books, etc: The pond was well stocked with fish.  a well-stocked library ,stock sth<->'up to fill sth with goods, food, etc: We need to stock up the freezer. ,stock 'up (on / with sth) to buy a lot of sth so that you can use it later: We ought to stock up on film before our trip.

adj. [only before noun]
1 (disapproving) a stock excuse, answer, etc. is one that is often used because it is easy and convenient, but that is not very original: ‘No comment,’ was the actor’s stock response.
2 usually available for sale in a shop/store: stock sizes

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stock.ade
noun a line or wall of strong wooden posts built to defend a place
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stock.broker
(also broker) noun a person or an organization that buys and sells STOCKS and shares for other people
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stock.brok.ing
noun [U] the work of a stockbroker
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'stock car
noun an ordinary car that has been strengthened for use in stock-car racing
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'stock-car racing
noun [U] (BrE ) (AmE ,demolition 'derby [C]) a type of race in which the competing cars are allowed to hit each other
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'stock company
noun (AmE )
1 a company owned by people who have shares in it
2 (also stock) a theatre company that does several different plays in a season; a REPERTORY company
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'stock cube
noun a solid CUBE made from the dried juices of meat or vegetables, sold in packets and used for making soups, sauces, etc.
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'stock exchange
noun [usually sing.] a place where shares in companies are bought and sold; all of the business activity involved in doing this: the London Stock Exchange  to lose money on the stock exchange
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stock.hold.er
noun (especially AmE ) a person who owns STOCKS and shares in a business
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stock.ing
noun
1 either of a pair of thin pieces of clothing that fit closely over a woman’s legs and feet: a pair of silk stockings—compare TIGHTS —see also BODY STOCKING
2 = CHRISTMAS STOCKING
IDM in your ,stocking(ed) 'feet wearing socks or stockings but not shoes
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'stocking filler
(BrE ) (AmE 'stocking stuffer) noun a small present that is put in a CHRISTMAS STOCKING
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,stock-in-'trade
noun [U] a person’s stock-in-trade is sth that they do, say or use very often or too often: Famous people and their private lives are the stock-in-trade of the popular newspapers.
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stock.ist
noun (BrE ) a shop/store or company that sells a particular product or type of goods: The paints are available from stockists throughout the UK.
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stock.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (especially AustralE) a man whose job is to take care of farm animals
2 (AmE) a man who owns farm animals
3 (AmE) a man who is in charge of the goods in a WAREHOUSE , etc.
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'stock market
(also mar.ket) noun the business of buying and selling shares in companies and the place where this happens; a STOCK EXCHANGE : to make money on the stock market  a stock market crash (= when prices of shares fall suddenly and people lose money)
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stock.pile
noun, verb
noun a large supply of sth that is kept to be used in the future if necessary: the world’s stockpile of nuclear weapons

verb [vn] to collect and keep a large supply of sth: to stockpile food / fuel

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stock.room
noun a room for storing things in a shop/store, an office, etc.
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,stock-'still
adv. without moving at all: We stood stock-still watching the animals.
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stock.tak.ing
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) the process of making a list of all the goods in a shop/store or business—compare INVENTORY
2 the process of thinking carefully about your own situation or position: She had some mental stocktaking to do.
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stocky
adj. (stock.ier, stocki.est) (of a person) short, with a strong, solid body: a stocky figure / build
stock.ily adv.
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stock.yard
noun a place where farm animals are kept for a short time before they are sold at a market
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stodge
noun [U] (BrE , informal, usually disapproving) heavy food that makes you feel very full
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stodgy
adj. (informal disapproving, especially BrE )
1 (of food) heavy and making you feel very full: stodgy puddings
2 serious and boring; not exciting
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stoic
noun (formal) a person who is able to suffer pain or trouble without complaining or showing what they are feeling
stoic (also sto.ic.al ) adj.: her stoic endurance  his stoical acceptance of death
sto.ic.al.ly adv. From the Stoics, a group of ancient Greek philosophers, who believed that wise people should not allow themselves to be affected by painful or pleasant experiences.
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sto.icism
noun [U] (formal) the fact of not complaining or showing what you are feeling when you are suffering: She endured her long illness with stoicism.
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stoke
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (up) (with sth) to add fuel to a fire, etc: to stoke up a fire with more coal  to stoke a furnace
2 ~ sth (up) to make people feel sth more strongly: to stoke up anger / envy  The publicity was intended to stoke up interest in her music.
PVR V ,stoke 'up (on / with sth) (informal) to eat or drink a lot of sth, especially so that you do not feel hungry later: Stoke up for the day on a good breakfast.
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stoker
noun a person whose job is to add coal or other fuel to a fire, etc., especially on a ship or a steam train
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stole
noun a piece of clothing consisting of a wide band of fabric or fur, worn by a woman around the shoulders; a similar piece of clothing worn by a priest—see also STEAL , STOLE , STOLEN v.
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stolid
adj. (usually disapproving) not showing much emotion or interest; remaining always the same and not reacting or changing: Mark sat stolid and silent.
stol.id.ly adv.
stol.id.ity noun [U]
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stom.ach
noun, verb
noun the organ inside the body where food goes when you swallow it; the front part of the body below the chest: stomach pains  an upset stomach   (BrE also) a stomach upset  It’s not a good idea to drink (= alcohol) on an empty stomach (= without having eaten anything).  You shouldn’t exercise on a full stomach .  The attacker kicked him in the stomach.  Lie on your stomach with your arms by your side.—see also TUMMY —picture at BODY
IDM have no 'stomach for sth
1 to not want to eat sth: She had no stomach for the leftover stew.
2 to not have the desire or courage to do sth: They had no stomach for a fight. turn your 'stomach to make you feel upset, sick or disgusted: Pictures of the burnt corpses turned my stomach.—more at BUTTERFLY , EYE n. , FEEL v. , PIT n. , PUMP v. , STRONG

verb [vn] (especially in negative sentences or questions)
1 to approve of sth and be able to enjoy it; to enjoy being with a person: I can’t stomach violent films.  I find him very hard to stomach .
2 to be able to eat sth without feeling ill/sick: She couldn’t stomach any breakfast.

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'stomach ache
noun [C, U] pain in or near your stomach
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'stomach pump
noun a machine with a tube that doctors use to remove poisonous substances from sb’s stomach through their mouth
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stomp
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to walk, dance, or move with heavy steps: She stomped angrily out of the office.  The children were stomping around noisily.
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'stomping ground
noun (AmE , informal) = STAMPING GROUND
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stone
noun, verb
noun
HARD SUBSTANCE|
1 [U] (often used before nouns or in compounds) a hard solid mineral substance that is found in the ground, often used for building: Most of the houses are built of stone.  stone walls  a stone bridge / floor / carving  a flight of stone steps—see also DRYSTONE WALL , LIMESTONE , SANDSTONE , SOAPSTONE
2 [C] (especially BrE) a small piece of rock of any shape: a pile of stones  Some children were throwing stones into the lake.—see also HAILSTONE
3 [C] (usually in compounds) a piece of stone shaped for a particular purpose: These words are carved on the stone beside his grave.—see also CORNERSTONE , FOUNDATION STONE , GRAVESTONE , HEADSTONE , LODESTONE , MILLSTONE , PAVING STONE , STEPPING STONE , TOMBSTONE
JEWEL|
4 [C] = PRECIOUS STONE
IN FRUIT|
5 [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually pit) a hard shell containing the nut or seed in the middle of some types of fruit: cherry / peach stones—
IN BODY|
6 [C] (often in compounds) a small piece of hard material that can form in the BLADDER or KIDNEY and cause pain: kidney stones—see also GALLSTONE
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHT|
7 [C] (pl.stone) (abbr.st) (in Britain) a unit for measuring weight, equal to 6.35 kg or 14 pounds: He weighs over 15 stone.  She’s trying to lose a stone. leave no stone un'turned to try every possible course of action in order to find or achieve sth a 'stone’s throw a very short distance away: We live just a stone’s throw from here.  The hotel is within a stone’s throw of the beach.—more at BLOOD n. , CARVE , HEART , KILL v. , PEOPLE n.

verb [vn]
THROW STONES|
1 [usually passive] to throw stones at sb/sth: Shops were looted and vehicles stoned.  to be stoned to death (= as a punishment)
FRUIT|
2 (BrE) (also pitAmE, BrE) to remove the hard seed (= the stone/pit) from the inside of a fruit: stoned black olives ,stone the 'crows | ,stone 'me (old-fashioned, BrE) used to express surprise, shock, anger, etc.

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the 'Stone Age
noun [sing.] the very early period of human history when tools and weapons were made of stone
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,stone 'cold
adj. completely cold, when it should be warm or hot: The soup was stone cold.
IDM ,stone-cold 'sober having drunk no alcohol at all
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stoned
adj. [not usually before noun] (slang) not behaving or thinking normally because of the effects of a drug such as MARIJUANA or alcohol
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,stone 'dead
adj. (BrE ) completely dead or completely destroyed
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,stone 'deaf
adj. completely unable to hear
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stone.ground
adj. (of flour for bread, etc.) made by being crushed between heavy stones
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stone.mason
noun a person whose job is cutting and preparing stone for buildings
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stone.wall
verb [vn, v] (especially in politics) to delay a discussion or decision by refusing to answer questions or by talking a lot
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stone.ware
noun [U] pots, dishes, etc. made from clay that contains a small amount of the hard stone called FLINT
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stone.washed
adj. (of jeans, etc.) washed in a special way so that the fabric loses some colour and looks older
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stone.work
noun [U] the parts of a building that are made of stone
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stoni.ly
adv. in a way that shows a lack of feeling or sympathy: She stared stonily at him for a minute.
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stony
adj. (stoni.er, stoni.est)
1 having a lot of stones on it or in it: a stony beach  stony ground / soil
2 showing a lack of feeling or sympathy: They listened to him in stony silence.
IDM fall on stony 'ground to fail to produce the result or the effect that you hope for; to have little success stony 'broke = FLAT BROKE at FLAT adv.
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,stony-'faced
adj. not showing any friendly feelings
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stood
pt, pp of STAND
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stooge
noun
1 (informal, usually disapproving) a person who is used by sb to do things that are unpleasant or dishonest
2 a performer in a show whose role is to appear silly so that the other performers can make jokes about him or her
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stool
noun
1 (often in compounds) a seat with legs but with nothing to support your back or arms: a bar stool  a piano stool—picture at BAR , CHAIR
2 (medical) a piece of solid waste from your body
IDM see TWO
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'stool pigeon
noun (informal) a person, especially a criminal, who helps the police to catch another criminal, for example by spending time with them and getting secret information
SYN INFORMER
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stoop
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (down) to bend your body forwards and downwards: She stooped down to pick up the child.  The doorway was so low that he had to stoop.
2 to stand or walk with your head and shoulders bent forwards: He tends to stoop because he’s so tall.
IDM stoop so 'low (as to do sth) (written) to lower your moral standards far enough to do sth bad or unpleasant: She was unwilling to believe anyone would stoop so low as to steal a ring from a dead woman’s finger.
PVR V 'stoop to sth to lower your moral standards to do sth bad or unpleasant: You surely don’t think I’d stoop to that! [+ -ing] I didn’t think he’d stoop to cheating.

noun
1 [sing.] if sb has a stoop, their shoulders are always bent forward
2 [C] (AmE) a raised area outside the door of a house with steps leading up to it: the front stoop

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stop
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
NOT MOVE|
1 to no longer move; to make sb/sth no longer move: [v] The car stopped at the traffic lights.  We stopped for the night in Port Augusta.  [vn] He was stopped by the police for speeding.
NOT CONTINUE|
2 to no longer continue to do sth; to make sb/sth no longer do sth: [v -ing] That phone never stops ringing!  Please stop crying and tell me what’s wrong.  [v] She criticizes everyone and the trouble is, she doesn’t know when to stop .   (spoken) Can’t you just stop?  [vn] Stop me (= make me stop talking) if I’m boring you.   (spoken) Stop it! You’re hurting me.  [v wh-] Mike immediately stopped what he was doing.
HELP Notice the difference between stop doing sth and stop to do sth: We stopped taking pictures. means ‘We were no longer taking pictures.’; We stopped to take pictures. means ‘We stopped what we were doing so that we could start taking pictures.’
END|
3 to end or finish; to make sth end or finish: [v] When is this fighting going to stop?  The bus service stops at midnight.  [v -ing] Has it stopped raining yet?  [vn] Doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding.  The referee was forced to stop the game because of heavy snow.
PREVENT|
4 ~ sb/sth (from doing sth)| (BrE also) ~ sb/sth (doing sth) to prevent sb from doing sth; to prevent sth from happening: [vn] I want to go and you can’t stop me.  We need more laws to stop pollution.  There’s nothing to stop you from accepting the offer.  There’s no stopping us now (= nothing can prevent us from achieving what we want to achieve).  You can’t stop people from saying what they think.   (BrE also) [vn -ing] You can’t stop people saying what they think.
FOR SHORT TIME|
5 [v] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) to end an activity for a short time in order to do sth: I’m hungry. Let’s stop for lunch.  We stopped to admire the scenery.  People just don’t stop to think about the consequences.
HELP In spoken English, stop can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, to show purpose: He stopped and bought some flowers.  Let’s stop and look at the map.
NOT FUNCTION|
6 to no longer work or function; to make sth no longer work or function: [v] Why has the engine stopped?  I felt as if my heart had stopped.  [vn] I stopped the tape and pressed rewind.
STAY|
7 [v] ~ (for sth) (BrE, informal) to stay somewhere for a short time, especially at sb’s house: I’m not stopping. I just came to give you this message.  Can you stop for tea?
MONEY|
8 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to prevent money from being paid: to stop a cheque (= tell the bank not to pay it)   (BrE) Dad threatened to stop £1 a week from our pocket money if we didn’t clean our rooms.
CLOSE HOLE|
9 [vn] ~ sth (up) (with sth) to block, fill or close a hole, an opening, etc: Stop up the other end of the hose, will you?  I stopped my ears but still heard her cry out. stop at 'nothing to be willing to do anything to get what you want, even if it is dishonest or wrong ,stop the 'clock to stop measuring time in a game or an activity that has a time limit ,stop 'short | ,stop sb 'short to suddenly stop, or make sb suddenly stop, doing sth: He stopped short when he heard his name. stop short of sth / of doing sth to be unwilling to do sth because it may involve a risk, but to nearly do it: She stopped short of calling the president a liar.—more at BUCK n. , TRACK n. ,stop 'by (sth) to make a short visit somewhere: I’ll stop by this evening for a chat.  Could you stop by the store on the way home for some bread? ,stop 'in (BrE, informal) to stay at home rather than go out ,stop 'off (at / in … ) to make a short visit somewhere during a trip in order to do sth: We stopped off at a hotel for the night. ,stop 'out (BrE, informal) to stay out late at night ,stop 'over (at / in … ) to stay somewhere for a short time during a long journey: I wanted to stop over in India on the way to Australia.—related noun STOPOVER ,stop 'up (BrE, informal) to stay up late

noun
ACT OF STOPPING|
1 an act of stopping or stopping sth; the state of being stopped: The trip included an overnight stop in Brussels.  She brought the car to a stop .  Work has temporarily come to a stop while the funding is reviewed.  It is time to put a stop to the violence.  Babies do not grow at a steady rate but in stops and starts .—see also NON-STOP , WHISTLE-STOP
OF BUS / TRAIN|
2 a place where a bus or train stops regularly for passengers to get on or off: I get off at the next stop.  Is this your stop?—see also BUS STOP , PIT STOP , REQUEST STOP
PUNCTUATION|
3 (BrE) = FULL STOP
MUSIC|
4 a row of pipes on an ORGAN that produce the different sounds
5 a handle on an ORGAN that the player pushes in or pulls out to control the sound produced by the pipes
PHONETICS|
6 a speech sound made by stopping the flow of air coming out of the mouth and then suddenly releasing it, for example PLOSIVE —see also GLOTTAL STOP
IDM see FULL STOP , PULL v.

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stop.cock
(also cock) noun a tap that controls the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe
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stop.gap
noun something that you use or do for a short time while you are looking for sth better: The arrangement was only intended as a stopgap.  a stopgap measure
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,stop-'go
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE , disapproving) used to describe the policy of first restricting and then encouraging economic activity and growth: the damaging stop-go economic cycle
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'stop light
noun [C]
1 (BrE) a red TRAFFIC LIGHT
2 (also stop.lights [pl.]) (AmE) = TRAFFIC LIGHT
3 (AmE) = BRAKE LIGHT
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stop.over
(AmE also lay.over) noun a short stay somewhere between two parts of a journey: We had a two-day stopover in Fiji on the way to Australia.
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stop.page
noun
1 [C] a situation in which people stop working as part of a protest or strike
2 [C] (sport) an interruption in the game for a particular reason: Play resumed quickly after the stoppage.  stoppage time (= added on at the end of the game if there have been stoppages)
3 [C] a situation in which sth does not move forward or is blocked: a stoppage of blood to the heart
4 (stoppages) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE, formal) an amount of money that an employer takes from people’s wages for tax and other payments
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stop.per
(AmE also plug) noun an object that fits into the top of a bottle to close it: a glass / plastic stopper  a bottle stopper—picture at LABORATORY
stop.per verb [vn]
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'stopping train
noun (BrE ) a train that stops at a lot of stations between main stations
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,stop 'press
noun [U] late news that is added to a newspaper after printing has begun
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stop.watch
noun a watch that you can stop and start by pressing buttons, in order to time a race, etc. accurately
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stor.age
noun [U]
1 the process of keeping sth in a particular place until it is needed; the space where things can be kept: tables that fold flat for storage  There’s a lot of storage space in the loft.  food storage facilities  We need more storage now.—see also COLD STORAGE
2 (computing) the process of keeping information, etc. on a computer; the way it is kept: the storage and retrieval of information  data storage
3 the process of paying to keep furniture, etc. in a special building until you want it: When we moved we had to put our furniture in storage for a while.
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'storage heater
noun (BrE ) an electric HEATER that stores heat when electricity is cheaper, for example at night
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store
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a large shop that sells many different types of goods: a big department store—see also CHAIN STORE , VARIETY STORE
2 [C] (AmE) a shop, large or small: a health food store  a liquor store—see also CONSIGNMENT STORE , CONVENIENCE STORE , GENERAL STORE
3 [C] a quantity or supply of sth that you have and use: her secret store of chocolate  There is a vast store of knowledge in the world on every conceivable subject.
4 (stores) [pl.] goods of a particular kind or for a particular purpose: medical / military stores
5 [C] (often stores) [pl.] a place where goods of a particular kind are kept: a grain store  weapons stores
IDM in store (for sb) waiting to happen to sb: We don’t know what life holds in store for us.  If she had known what lay in store for her, she would never have agreed to go.  They think it’ll be easy but they have a surprise in store . set / put (great, etc.) 'store by sth to believe in sth; to consider sth to be important: She sets great store by her appearance.  It is unwise to put too much store by these statistics.—more at HIT v. , MIND v.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (away / up) to put sth somewhere and keep it there to use later: animals storing up food for the winter  You can store coffee beans in the freezer to keep them fresh.  He hoped the electronic equipment was safely stored away.
2 to keep information or facts in a computer or in your brain: Thousands of pieces of data are stored in a computer’s memory.
PVR V ,store sth<->'up to not express strong feelings or deal with problems when you have them, especially when this causes problems later: She had stored up all her anger and eventually snapped.  By ignoring your feelings you are only storing up trouble for yourself.

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'store-bought
adj. (AmE ) = SHOP-BOUGHT : store-bought cookies
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'store-brand
adj. (AmE ) = OWN-BRAND
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'store card
noun a card that a particular shop/store provides for regular customers so that they can use it to buy goods that they will pay for later—compare CREDIT CARD
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'store detective
noun a person employed by a large shop/store to watch customers and make sure they do not steal goods
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store.front
noun (AmE )
1 = SHOPFRONT
2 a room at the front of a shop/store: They run their business from a small storefront.  a storefront office
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store.house
noun
1 a building where things are stored
SYN WAREHOUSE
2 ~ of information, knowledge, etc. a place or thing that has or contains a lot of information: This book is a storehouse of useful information.
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store.keep.er
noun (especially AmE ) = SHOPKEEPER
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store.room
noun a room used for storing things
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storey
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually story) noun (pl.stor.eys, AmEstor.ies)
1 a level of a building; a floor: the upper / lower storey of the house  a single-storey / two-storey / three-storey building—see also MULTI-STOREY
2 (-storeyed) (AmE-storied) (in adjectives) (of a building) having the number of levels mentioned: a four-storeyed building
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stor.ied
adj. (AmE )
1 [only before noun] mentioned in stories; famous; well known: the rock star’s storied career
2 (-storied) = -STOREYED at STOREY
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stork
noun a large black and white bird with a long beak and neck and long legs, that lives near water but often builds its nest on the top of a high building
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storm
noun, verb
noun
1 very bad weather with strong winds and rain, and often THUNDER and LIGHTNING : fierce / heavy / violent storms  A few minutes later the storm broke (= began).  I think we’re in for a storm (= going to have one).  storm damage  note at WEATHER
2 (in compounds) very bad weather of the type mentioned: a thunderstorm / snowstorm / sandstorm—see also ELECTRIC STORM , RAINSTORM
3 ~ (of sth) a situation in which a lot of people suddenly express very strong feelings about sth: a storm of protest / controversy
4 ~ of sth a sudden loud noise that is caused by emotion or excitement
SYN ROAR : a storm of applause / weeping—see also BRAINSTORM
IDM a storm in a 'teacup (BrE) (AmE a tempest in a 'teapot) a lot of anger or worry about sth that is not important take sth/sb by 'storm
1 to be extremely successful very quickly in a particular place or among particular people: The play took London by storm.
2 to attack a place suddenly and capture it—more at CALM n. , PORT

verb
1 to suddenly attack a place: [vn] Police stormed the building and captured the gunman.  [v] Soldiers stormed into the city at dawn.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere quickly and in an angry, noisy way: She stormed into my office waving a newspaper.  He burst into tears and stormed off.
3 [v speech] (written) to say sth in a loud angry way: ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ she stormed.

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'storm cloud
noun [usually pl.] a dark cloud that you see when bad weather is coming: (figurative) The storm clouds of revolution were gathering.
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'storm door
noun an extra door that is fitted to the outside door of a house, etc. to give protection from bad weather or the winter
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'storm-tossed
adj. [only before noun] (literary) affected or damaged by storms
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'storm trooper
noun a soldier who is specially trained for violent attacks, especially one in Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s
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stormy
adj. (storm.ier, stormi.est)
1 with strong winds and heavy rain or snow: a dark and stormy night  stormy weather / seas
2 full of strong feelings and angry arguments: a stormy debate / meeting / relationship
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story
noun (pl.-ies)
1 ~ (about / of sth/sb) a description of events and people that the writer or speaker has invented in order to entertain people: adventure / detective / love stories  a book of short stories  a story about time travel  Shall I tell you a story ?  He read the children a story .  a bedtime story—see also FAIRY STORY , GHOST STORY , SHORT STORY
2 ~ (about / of sth/sb) an account, often spoken, of what happened to sb or of how sth happened: It was many years before the full story was made public.  The police didn’t believe her story.  We must stick to our story about the accident.  I can’t decide until I’ve heard both sides of the story.  It’s a story of courage.  Many years later I returned to Africa but that’s another story (= I am not going to talk about it now).—see also COCK AND BULL STORY , HARD-LUCK STORY , LIFE STORY , SHAGGY-DOG STORY , SOB STORY , SUCCESS STORY , TALL STORY
3 an account of past events or of how sth has developed: He told us the story of his life.  the story of the Beatles  the story of the building of the bridge
4 a report in a newspaper, magazine or news broadcast: a front-page story  Now for a summary of tonight’s main news stories.—see also COVER STORY , LEAD STORY
5 (also story.line) the series of events in a book, film/movie, play, etc.
SYN PLOT : Her novels always have the same basic story.
6 (informal) something that sb says which is not true: She knew the child had been telling stories again.
7 (AmE) = STOREY
IDM the story goes (that) … | so the story goes used to describe sth that people are saying although it may not be correct: She never saw him again—or so the story goes. that’s the ,story of my 'life (informal) when you say that’s the story of my life about an unfortunate experience you have had, you mean you have had many similar experiences—more at LIKELY adj. , LONG adj. , OLD , PITCH v. , TELL
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story.board
noun a series of drawings or pictures that show the outline of the story of a film/movie, etc.
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story.book
noun a book of stories for children: a picture in a storybook  storybook characters  storybook adventures (= like the ones in stories for children)
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story.tell.er
noun a person who tells or writes stories
story.tell.ing noun [U]
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stoup
noun (technical ) a stone container for holy water in a church
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stout
adj., noun
adj. (stout.er, stout.est)
1 (of a person) rather fat
2 [usually before noun] strong and thick: a stout pair of shoes
3 [usually before noun] (formal) brave and determined: He put up a stout defence in court.  This requires a stout heart.
stout.ly adv.: He was tall and stoutly built.  ‘I disagree,’ said Polly stoutly.
stout.ness noun [U]

noun [U, C] strong dark beer made with MALT or BARLEY

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stove
noun
1 a piece of equipment that can burn various fuels and is used for heating rooms: a gas / wood-burning stove
2 (especially AmE) = COOKER : She put a pan of water on the stove.   (AmE, BrE) Most people don’t want to spend hours slaving over a hot stove (= cooking).—see also STAVE , STOVE , STOVE v.
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stow
verb [vn] ~ sth (away) (in sth) to put sth in a safe place: She found a seat, stowed her backpack and sat down.  His passport was stowed away in the desk.
PVR V ,stow a'way to hide in a ship, plane, etc. in order to travel secretly: At the age of 13 he had stowed away on a ship bound for Rio.—related noun STOWAWAY
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stow.age
noun [U] space provided for stowing things away, in a boat or a plane
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stow.away
noun a person who hides in a ship or plane before it leaves, in order to travel without paying or being seen
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strad.dle
verb [vn]
1 to sit or stand with one of your legs on either side of sb/sth: He swung his leg over the motorcycle, straddling it easily.
2 to cross, or exist on both sides of, a river, a road or an area of land: The mountains straddle the French-Swiss border.
3 to exist within, or include, different periods of time, activities or groups of people: a writer who straddles two cultures
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strafe
verb [vn] to attack a place with bullets or bombs from an aircraft flying low
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strag.gle
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to grow, spread or move in an untidy way in different directions: Her hair was straggling over her eyes.  The town straggled to an end and the fields began.
2 to move slowly behind a group of people that you are with so that you become separated from them: On the way the kids straggled behind us.
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strag.gler
noun [usually pl.] a person or an animal that is among the last or the slowest in a group to do sth, for example, to finish a race or leave a place
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strag.gly
adj. growing or hanging in a way that does not look tidy or attractive: a thin woman with grey, straggly hair
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straight
adv., adj., noun
adv. (straight.er, straight.est)
NOT IN CURVE|
1 not in a curve or at an angle; in a straight line: Keep straight on for two miles.  Can you stretch your arms out straighter?  He was too tired to walk straight.  I can’t shoot straight (= accurately).  She looked me straight in the eye.
IMMEDIATELY|
2 by a direct route; immediately: Come straight home after school.  I was so tired I went straight to bed.  She went straight from college to a top job.  I’m going to the library straight after the class.  I’ll come straight to the point —your work isn’t good enough.
IN LEVEL / CORRECT POSITION|
3 in or into a level or upright position; in or into the correct position: Sit up straight!  She pulled her hat straight.
HONESTLY|
4 honestly and directly: I told him straight that I didn’t like him.  Are you playing straight with me?
WITHOUT INTERRUPTION|
5 continuously without interruption: They had been working for 16 hours straight. go 'straight (informal) to stop being a criminal and live an honest life play it 'straight to be honest and not try to deceive sb ,straight a'way immediately; without delay: I’ll do it straight away. ,straight from the 'shoulder if you say sth straight from the shoulder, you are being very honest and direct, even if what you are saying is critical ,straight 'off / 'out (informal) without hesitating: She asked him straight off what he thought about it all. ,straight 'up (BrE, spoken, informal) used to ask if what sb has said is true or to emphasize that what you have said is true: I saw it—straight up!—more at THINK v.

adj. (straight.er, straight.est)
WITHOUT CURVES|
1 without a bend or curve; going in one direction only: a straight line / road  long straight hair (= without curls)  a boat sailing in a straight line   straight-backed chairs
CLOTHING|
2 not fitting close to the body and not curving away from the body: a straight skirt
AIM / BLOW|
3 going directly to the correct place: a straight punch to the face
IN LEVEL / CORRECT POSITION|
4 positioned in the correct way; level, upright or parallel to sth: Is my tie straight?
CLEAN / NEAT|
5 [not usually before noun] clean and neat, with everything in the correct place: It took hours to get the house straight.
HONEST|
6 honest and direct: a straight answer to a straight question  I don’t think you’re being straight with me.  It’s time for some straight talking .
CHOICE|
7 [only before noun] simple; involving only two clear choices: It was a straight choice between taking the job and staying out of work.   (BrE) The election was a straight fight between the two main parties.
ACTOR / PLAY|
8 [only before noun] (of an actor or a play) not connected with COMEDY or musical theatre, but with serious theatre
WITHOUT INTERRUPTION|
9 [only before noun] one after another in a series, without interruption: The team has had five straight wins.
ALCOHOLIC DRINK|
10 (AmE) (BrE neat) not mixed with water or anything else
NORMAL / BORING|
11 (informal) you can use straight to describe a person who is normal and ordinary, but who you consider dull and boring
SEX|
12 (informal) HETEROSEXUAL
OPP GAY
straight.ness noun [U] (earn / get) straight 'A’s (especially AmE) (to get) the best marks/grades in all your classes: a straight A student get sth 'straight to make a situation clear; to make sure that you or sb else understands the situation: Let’s get this straight—you really had no idea where he was? a straight 'face if you keep a straight face, you do not laugh or smile, although you find sth funny—see also STRAIGHT-FACED put / set sb 'straight (about / on sth) to correct sb’s mistake; to make sure that sb knows the correct facts when they have had the wrong idea or impression the ,straight and 'narrow (informal) the honest and morally acceptable way of living: His wife is trying to keep him on the straight and narrow.—more at RAMROD , RECORD n.

noun
SEX|
1 (informal) a person who has sexual relationships with people of the opposite sex, rather than the same sex: gays and straights
OF ROAD / TRACK|
2 (AmE also straight.away) a straight part of a RACETRACK or road—see also THE HOME STRAIGHT

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,straight 'arrow
noun (AmE , informal) a person who is very honest or who never does anything new, exciting or different
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straight.away
adv., noun
adv. immediately; at once: You’d better call the doctor straightaway.

noun (AmE ) = STRAIGHT (2)

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'straight edge
noun a strip of wood, metal or plastic with a straight edge used for drawing accurate straight lines, or checking them
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straight.en
verb
1 ~ (sth) (out) to become straight; to make sth straight: [vn] I straightened my tie and walked in.  [v] The road bends here then straightens out.
2 ~ (sth) (up) to make your body straight and upright: [vn] He stood up and straightened his shoulders.  I straightened myself up to answer the question.  [v] Straighten up slowly, then repeat the exercise ten times.
PVR V ,straighten sb<->'out to help sb to deal with problems or understand a confused situation ,straighten sth<->'out to deal with a confused situation by organizing things that are causing problems: I need time to straighten out my finances. ,straighten sth<->'up to make sth neat and tidy
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,straight-'faced
adj. without laughing or smiling, even though you may be amused
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straight.for.ward
adj.
1 easy to do or to understand; not complicated: a straightforward process / operation / solution  It’s quite straightforward to get here.
2 (of a person or their behaviour) honest and open; not trying to deceive sb or hide sth
straight.for.ward.ly adv.: Let me put it more straightforwardly.  a straightforwardly pleasant man
straight.for.ward.ness noun [U]
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straight.jacket
noun = STRAITJACKET
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,straight-'laced
adj. = STRAIT-LACED
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'straight man
noun a person in a show whose role is to provide the main entertainer with opportunities to make jokes
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strain
noun, verb
noun
WORRY / ANXIETY|
1 [U, C] pressure on sb/sth because they have too much to do or manage, or sth very difficult to deal with; the problems, worry or anxiety that this produces: Their marriage is under great strain at the moment.  These repayments are putting a strain on our finances.  Relax, and let us take the strain (= do things for you).  The transport service cannot cope with the strain of so many additional passengers.  You will learn to cope with the stresses and strains of public life.  I found it a strain having to concentrate for so long.  There are strains in the relationship between the two countries.
PHYSICAL PRESSURE|
2 [U, C] the pressure that is put on sth when a physical force stretches, pushes, or pulls it: The rope broke under the strain .  You should try not to place too much strain on muscles and joints.  The ground here cannot take the strain of a large building.  The cable has a 140kg breaking strain (= it will break when it is stretched or pulled by a force greater than this).
INJURY|
3 [C, U] an injury to a part of your body, such as a muscle, that is caused by using it too much or by twisting it: a calf / groin / leg strain  muscle strain
TYPE OF PLANT / ANIMAL / DISEASE|
4 [C] a particular type of plant or animal, or of a disease caused by bacteria, etc: a new strain of mosquitoes resistant to the poison  This is only one of the many strains of the disease.
IN SB’S CHARACTER|
5 [C, usually sing.] a particular tendency in the character of a person or group, or a quality in their manner
SYN STREAK : He had a definite strain of snobbery in him.
OF MUSIC|
6 [C, usually pl.] (formal) the sound of music being played or sung: She could hear the strains of Mozart through the window.

verb
INJURE|
1 [vn] to injure yourself or part of your body by making it work too hard: to strain a muscle  You’ll strain your back carrying those heavy suitcases.
MAKE EFFORT|
2 ~ (sth) (for sth)| ~ (sth) (to do sth) to make an effort to do sth, using all your mental or physical strength: [vn to inf] I strained my ears (= listened very hard) to catch what they were saying.  [vn] Necks were strained for a glimpse of the stranger.  [v to inf] People were straining to see what was going on.  [v] He burst to the surface, straining for air.  Bend gently to the left without straining.
STRETCH TO LIMIT|
3 [vn] to try to make sth do more than it is able to do: The sudden influx of visitors is straining hotels in the town to the limit.  His constant complaints were straining our patience.  The dispute has strained relations between the two countries (= made them difficult).
PUSH / PULL HARD|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to push hard against sth; to pull hard on sth: She strained against the ropes that held her.  The dogs were straining at the leash, eager to get to the park.
SEPARATE SOLID FROM LIQUID|
5 [vn] ~ sth (off) to pour food, etc. through sth with very small holes in it, for example a SIEVE , in order to separate the solid part from the liquid part: Use a colander to strain the vegetables.  Strain off any excess liquid. strain at the 'leash (informal) to want to do sth very much: Like all youngsters, he’s straining at the leash to leave home. strain every 'nerve / 'sinew (to do sth) (written) to try as hard as you can to do sth—more at CREAK v.

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strained
adj.
1 showing the effects of worry or pressure
SYN TENSE : Her face looked strained and weary.  He spoke in a low, strained voice.
2 (of a situation) not relaxed or friendly
SYN TENSE : There was a strained atmosphere throughout the meeting.  Relations between the two families are strained.
3 not natural; produced by a deliberate effort
SYN FORCED : She gave a strained laugh.
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strain.er
noun a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) with a lot of small holes in it, used for separating solids from liquids: a tea-strainer
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strait
noun
1 (also straits) [pl.] (especially in the names of places) a narrow passage of water that connects two seas or large areas of water: the Strait(s) of Gibraltar
2 (straits) [pl.] a very difficult situation especially because of lack of money: The factory is in dire straits .  She found herself in desperate financial straits.
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strait.ened
adj. [only before noun] (formal) without enough money or as much money as there was before: The family of eight was living in straitened circumstances .
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strait.jacket
(also straight.jacket) noun
1 a piece of clothing like a jacket with long arms which are tied to prevent the person wearing it from behaving violently. Straitjackets are sometimes used to control people who are mentally ill.
2 (disapproving) a thing that stops sth from growing or developing: the straitjacket of taxation
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strait-laced
(also straight-laced) adj. (disapproving) having strict or old-fashioned ideas about people’s moral behaviour
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strand
noun, verb
noun
1 a single thin piece of thread, wire, hair, etc: a strand of wool  a few strands of dark hair  She wore a single strand of pearls around her neck.
2 one of the different parts of an idea, a plan, a story, etc: We heard every strand of political opinion.  The author draws the different strands of the plot together in the final chapter.
3 (literary orIrishE) the shore of the sea or ocean, or of a lake or river

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to leave sb in a place from which they have no way of leaving: The strike left hundreds of tourists stranded at the airport.
2 to make a boat, fish, WHALE , etc. be left on the shore and unable to return to the water: The ship was stranded on a sandbank.

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strange
adj. (stran.ger, stran.gest)
1 ~ (that / how … ) unusual or surprising, especially in a way that is difficult to understand: A strange thing happened this morning.  She was looking at me in a very strange way.  It’s strange (that) we haven’t heard from him.  It’s strange how childhood impressions linger.  That’s strange—the front door’s open.  I’m looking forward to the exam, strange as it may seem.  There was something strange about her eyes.  Strange to say , I don’t really enjoy television.
2 ~ (to sb) not familiar because you have not been there before or met the person before: a strange country / city / neighbourhood  to wake up in a strange bed  Never accept lifts from strange men.  At first the place was strange to me.
strange.ness noun [U]
IDM feel 'strange to not feel comfortable in a situation; to have an unpleasant physical feeling: She felt strange sitting at her father’s desk.  It was terribly hot and I started to feel strange.—more at TRUTH
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strange.ly
adv. in an unusual or surprising way: She’s been acting very strangely lately.  The house was strangely quiet.  strangely shaped rocks  Strangely enough , I don’t feel at all nervous.
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strang.er
noun
1 ~ (to sb) a person that you do not know: There was a complete stranger sitting at my desk.  They got on well together although they were total strangers .  We’ve told our daughter not to speak to strangers.  She remained a stranger to me.
2 ~ (to … ) a person who is in a place that they have not been in before: Sorry, I don’t know where the bank is. I’m a stranger here myself.  He must have been a stranger to the town.
IDM be no / a 'stranger to sth (formal) to be familiar/not familiar with sth because you have/have not experienced it many times before: He is no stranger to controversy.
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stran.gle
verb [vn]
1 to kill sb by squeezing or pressing on their throat and neck: to strangle sb to death  He strangled her with her own scarf.
2 (written) to prevent sth from growing or developing: The current monetary policy is strangling the economy.
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stran.gled
adj. (of a cry, sb’s voice, etc.) a cry or other sound that is not clear because it stops before it has completely finished: There was a strangled cry from the other room.  a strangled gasp / voice / whisper
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strangle.hold
noun [sing.]
1 a strong hold around sb’s neck that makes it difficult for them to breathe
2 ~ (on sth) complete control over sth that makes it impossible for it to grow or develop well: The company now had a stranglehold on the market.
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stran.gler
noun a person who kills sb by squeezing their throat tightly
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stran.gu.lated
adj.
1 (medical) (of a part of the body) squeezed so tightly that blood etc. cannot pass through it
2 (written) (of a voice) sounding as though the throat is tightly squeezed, usually because of fear or worry: He gave a strangulated squawk.
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stran.gu.la.tion
noun [U]
1 the act of killing sb by squeezing their throat tightly; the state of being killed in this way: to die of slow strangulation
2 (disapproving) the act of preventing sth from growing or developing: the strangulation of the human spirit
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strap
noun, verb
noun a strip of leather, fabric or other material that is used to fasten sth, keep sth in place, carry sth or hold onto sth: the shoulder straps of her dress  a watch with a leather strap—picture at BAG

verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 [+adv. / prep.] to fasten sb/sth in place using a strap or straps : He strapped the knife to his leg.  Everything had to be strapped down to stop it from sliding around.  Are you strapped in (= wearing a seat belt in a car, plane, etc.)?
2 ~ sth (up) to wrap strips of material around a wound or an injured part of the body: I have to keep my leg strapped up for six weeks.

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strap.less
adj. (especially of a dress or BRA ) without straps
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strapped
adj. ~ (for cash, funds, etc.) (informal) having little or not enough money: I’m strapped for cash at the moment—can I pay you later?
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strap.ping
adj. [only before noun] (informal) (of people) big, tall and strong: a strapping lad
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strata
pl. of STRATUM
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strata.gem
noun (formal) a trick or plan that you use to gain an advantage or to deceive an opponent: to adopt a cunning stratagem
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stra.tegic
(also less frequent stra.tegic.al ) adj. [usually before noun]
1 done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a particular purpose or to gain an advantage: strategic planning  a strategic decision to sell off part of the business  Cameras were set up at strategic points (= in places where they would be most effective) along the route.
2 connected with getting an advantage in a war or other military situation: Malta was of vital strategic importance during the war.
3 (of weapons, especially nuclear weapons) intended to be fired at an enemy’s country rather than used in a battle: strategic missiles—compare TACTICAL (3)
stra.tegic.al.ly adv.: a strategically placed microphone  a strategically important target
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strat.egist
noun a person who is skilled at planning things, especially military activities
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strat.egy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] ~ (for doing sth)| ~ (to do sth) a plan that is intended to achieve a particular purpose: to develop a strategy for dealing with unemployment  It’s all part of an overall strategy to gain promotion.  the government’s economic strategy
2 [U] the process of planning sth or carrying out a plan in a skilful way: marketing strategy
3 [U, C] the skill of planning the movements of armies in a battle or war; an example of doing this: military strategy  defence strategies—compare TACTIC
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strati.fi.ca.tion
noun [U] (technical ) the division of sth into different layers or groups: social stratification
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strat.ify
verb (strati.fies, strati.fy.ing, strati.fied, strati.fied) [vn] [usually passive] (formal ortechnical ) to arrange sth in layers or STRATA : a highly stratified society  stratified rock
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strato.sphere
noun (the stratosphere) [sing.] the layer of the earth’s atmosphere between about 10 and 50 kilometres above the surface of the earth—compare IONOSPHERE
strato.spher.ic adj.: stratospheric clouds / ozone
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stra.tum
noun (pl.strata )
1 (geology) a layer or set of layers of rock, earth, etc.
2 (written) a class in a society: people from all social strata
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straw
noun
1 [U] stems of wheat or other grain plants that have been cut and dried. Straw is used for making MATS , hats, etc., for packing things to protect them, and as food for animals or for them to sleep on: a mattress filled with straw  a straw hat—compare HAY
2 [C] a single stem or piece of straw : He was leaning over the gate chewing on a straw.
3 (also 'drinking straw) a thin tube of plastic or paper that you suck a drink through
IDM clutch / grasp at 'straws to try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely the last / final 'straw | the ,straw that breaks the camel’s 'back the last in a series of bad events, etc. that makes it impossible for you to accept a situation any longer a straw in the 'wind (BrE) a small sign of what might happen in the future—more at BRICK n. , DRAW v.
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straw.berry
noun (pl.-ies) a soft red fruit with very small yellow seeds on the surface, that grows on a low plant: strawberries and cream  strawberry plants—
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,straw 'poll
(AmE also ,straw 'vote) noun an occasion when a number of people are asked in an informal way to give their opinion about sth or to say how they are likely to vote in an election
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stray
verb, adj., noun
verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move away from the place where you should be, without intending to: He strayed into the path of an oncoming car.  Her eyes kept straying over to the clock on the wall.  Her parents fear that, living in this neighbourhood, she might stray into the wrong company.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to begin to think about or discuss a different subject from the one you should be thinking about or discussing: My mind kept straying back to our last talk together.  We seem to be straying from the main theme of the debate.
3 (of a person who is married or in a relationship) to have a sexual relationship with sb who is not your usual partner: It had never occurred to her that her husband might stray while he was away on business.

adj. [only before noun]
1 (of animals normally kept as pets) lost from home; having no home: stray dogs / cats
2 separated from other things or people of the same kind: A civilian was killed by a stray bullet .  a few stray hairs

noun
1 an animal that has got lost or separated from its owner or that has no owner—see also WAIF
2 a person or thing that is not in the right place or is separated from others of the same kind

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streak
noun, verb
noun
1 a long thin mark or line that is a different colour from the surface it is on: There was a streak of blood on his face.  streaks of grey in her hair  dirty streaks on the window
2 a part of a person’s character, especially an unpleasant part: a ruthless / vicious / mean streak  a streak of cruelty
3 a series of successes or failures, especially in a sport or in gambling: a streak of good luck  to hit (= have) a winning streak   to be on a losing streak   a lucky / unlucky streak

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to mark or cover sth with streaks : Tears streaked her face.  His face was streaked with mud.  She’s had her hair streaked (= had special chemicals put on her hair so that it has attractive coloured lines in it).
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move very fast in a particular direction: A car pulled out and streaked off down the road.
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to run through a public place with no clothes on as a way of getting attention

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streak.er
noun a person who runs through a public place with no clothes on as a way of getting attention
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streaky
adj. marked with lines of a different colour: streaky blonde hair  The wallpaper was streaky with grease.   (BrE ) streaky bacon (= with layers of fat in it)
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stream
noun, verb
noun
1 a small narrow river: mountain / underground streams—see also DOWNSTREAM , UPSTREAM , THE GULF STREAM
2 ~ (of sth) a continuous flow of liquid or gas: A stream of blood flowed from the wound.—see also BLOODSTREAM
3 ~ (of sth/sb) a continuous flow of people or vehicles: I’ve had a steady stream of visitors.  Cars filed past in an endless stream.
4 ~ of sth a large number of things that happen one after the other: a constant stream of enquiries / complaints  The agency provided me with a steady stream of work.
5 (especially BrE) a group in which students of the same age and level of ability are placed in some schools: She was put into the fast stream.
IDM be / come on 'stream to be in operation or available: The new computer system comes on stream next month.

verb
1 ~ (from sth)| ~ (with sth) (of liquid or gas) to move or pour out in a continuous flow; to produce a continuous flow of liquid or gas: [v] Tears streamed down his face.  a streaming cold (= with a lot of liquid coming from the nose)  Blood was streaming from her head.  Her head was streaming with blood.  [v, vn] Black smoke streamed from the exhaust.  The exhaust streamed black smoke.
2 (of people or things) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere in large numbers, one after the other: People streamed across the bridge.
3 [v] to move freely, especially in the wind or water: Her scarf streamed behind her.
4 [vn] [usually passive] (especially BrE) (AmE usually track) (in schools) to put school students into groups according to their ability: Pupils are streamed for French and Maths.

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stream.er
noun
1 a long narrow piece of coloured paper, used to decorate a place for a party or other celebration
2 a long narrow piece of fabric or other material
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stream.ing
noun [U] (especially BrE ) the policy of dividing school students into groups of the same level of ability
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stream.line
verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 to give sth a smooth even shape so that it can move quickly and easily through air or water: The cars all have a new streamlined design.
2 to make a system, an organization, etc. work better, especially in a way that saves money: The production process is to be streamlined.
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,stream of 'consciousness
noun [U] a continuous flow of ideas, thoughts, and feelings, as they are experienced by a person; a style of writing that expresses this without using the usual methods of description and conversation
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street
noun (abbr. St, st) a public road in a city or town that has houses and buildings on one side or both sides: The bank is just across the street.  to walk along / down / up the street  the town’s narrow cobbled streets  92nd Street  10 Downing Street  He is used to being recognized in the street .  a street map / plan of York  street theatre / musicians  My office is at street level (= on the ground floor).  It’s not safe to walk the streets at night.—see also BACKSTREET , HIGH STREET , SIDE STREET   note at ROAD
IDM (out) on the 'streets / 'street (informal) without a home; outside, not in a house or other building: the problems of young people living on the streets  If it had been left to me I would have put him out on the street long ago. on / walking the 'streets working as a prostitute 'streets ahead (of sb/sth) (BrE, informal) much better or more advanced than sb/sth else: a country that is streets ahead in the control of environmental pollution  Beth is streets ahead of all the other students in her year. the streets are ,paved with 'gold (saying) used to say that it seems easy to make money in a place (right) up your 'street (especially BrE) (AmE usually (right) up your 'alley) (informal) very suitable for you because it is sth that you know a lot about or are very interested in: This job seems right up your street.—more at EASY adj. , HIT v. , MAN n.
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street.car
noun (AmE ) = TRAM
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'street cred
(also cred) (informal) (also less frequent 'street credibility) noun [U] a way of behaving and dressing that is acceptable to young people, especially those who live in cities and have experienced the problems of real life: Those clothes do nothing for your street cred.
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,street 'furniture
noun [U] (technical ) equipment such as road signs, street lights, etc. placed at the side of a road
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'street light
(BrE also 'street lamp) noun a light at the top of a tall post in the street—compare LAMP POST
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'street people
noun (especially AmE ) people who have no home and who live outside in a town
SYN THE HOMELESS
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street.smart
adj. (AmE ) = STREETWISE
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'street value
noun [usually sing.] a price for which sth that is illegal or has been obtained illegally can be sold: drugs with a street value of over £1 million
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street.walk.er
noun (old-fashioned) a prostitute who looks for customers on the streets
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street.wise
(AmE also street.smart) adj. (informal) having the knowledge and experience that is needed to deal with the difficulties and dangers of life in a big city: Kids seem much more streetwise these days.
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strength
noun
BEING PHYSICALLY STRONG|
1 [U, sing.] ~ to do sth the quality of being physically strong: He pushed against the rock with all his strength.  It may take a few weeks for you to build up your strength again.  She didn’t have the strength to walk any further.  He had a physical strength that matched his outward appearance.
2 [U] the ability that sth has to resist force or hold heavy weights without breaking or being damaged: the strength of a rope / box
BEING BRAVE|
3 [U, sing.] the quality of being brave and determined in a difficult situation: During this ordeal he was able to draw strength from his faith.  She has a remarkable inner strength .  You have shown great strength of character .
POWER / INFLUENCE|
4 [U] the power and influence that sb/sth has: Political power depends upon economic strength.  Their superior military strength gives them a huge advantage.  to negotiate from a position of strength   The rally was intended to be a show of strength by the socialists.
OF OPINION / FEELING|
5 [U] how strong or deeply felt an opinion or a feeling is: the strength of public opinion  This view has recently gathered strength (= become stronger or more widely held).  I was surprised by the strength of her feelings.
ADVANTAGE|
6 [C] a quality or an ability that a person or thing has that gives them an advantage: The ability to keep calm is one of her many strengths.  the strengths and weaknesses of an argument
OF NATURAL FORCE|
7 [U] how strong a natural force is: the strength of the sun  wind strength  the strength and direction of the tide
OF FLAVOUR|
8 [U, C] how strong a particular flavour or substance is: Add more curry powder depending on the strength required.  a range of beers with different strengths (= with different amounts of alcohol in them)
OF CURRENCY|
9 [U] how strong a country’s CURRENCY (= unit of money) is in relation to other countries' CURRENCIES : the strength of the dollar
NUMBER IN GROUP|
10 [U] the number of people in a group, a team or an organization: The strength of the workforce is about to be doubled from 3 000 to 6 000.  The team will be back at full strength (= with all the best players) for the next match.  The protesters turned out in strength (= in large numbers).  These cuts have left the local police force under strength (= with fewer members than it needs). go from ,strength to 'strength to become more and more successful: Since her appointment the department has gone from strength to strength. on the strength of sth because sb has been influenced or persuaded by sth: I got the job on the strength of your recommendation.—more at TOWER n.
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strength.en
verb to become stronger; to make sb/sth stronger: [v] Her position in the party has strengthened in recent weeks.  Yesterday the pound strengthened against the dollar.  The wind had strengthened overnight.  [vn] Repairs are necessary to strengthen the bridge.  The exercises are designed to strengthen your stomach muscles.  The move is clearly intended to strengthen the President’s position as head of state.  The new manager has strengthened the side by bringing in several younger players.  Their attitude only strengthened his resolve to fight on.  The new evidence will strengthen their case.
OPP WEAKEN
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strenu.ous
adj.
1 needing great effort and energy: a strenuous climb / walk  Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after a meal.  How about a stroll in the park? Nothing too strenuous.
2 showing great energy and determination: The ship went down although strenuous efforts were made to save it.
strenu.ous.ly adv.: He still works out strenuously every morning.  The government strenuously denies the allegations.
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strep throat
noun (AmE , informal) an infection of the throat
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strepto.coc.cus
noun (pl.-cocci ) (medical ) a type of bacteria, some types of which can cause serious infections and illnesses
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stress
noun, verb
noun
MENTAL PRESSURE|
1 [U, C] pressure or worry caused by the problems in sb’s life: Things can easily go wrong when people are under stress .  to suffer from stress  coping with stress  She failed to withstand the stresses and strains of public life.  stress-related illnesses  emotional / mental stress  Stress is often a factor in the development of long-term sickness.  stress management (= dealing with stress)
PHYSICAL PRESSURE|
2 [U, C] ~ (on sth) pressure put on sth that can damage it or make it lose its shape: When you have an injury you start putting stress on other parts of your body.  a stress fracture of the foot (= one caused by such pressure)
EMPHASIS|
3 [U] ~ (on sth) special importance given to sth: She lays great stress on punctuality.  I think the company places too much stress on cost and not enough on quality.
ON WORD / SYLLABLE|
4 [U, C] (phonetics) an extra force used when pronouncing a particular word or syllable: We worked on pronunciation, stress and intonation.  primary / secondary stress  In ‘strategic’ the stress falls on the second syllable—compare INTONATION
IN MUSIC|
5 [U, C] extra force used when making a particular sound in music
ILLNESS|
6 [U] illness caused by difficult physical conditions: Those most vulnerable to heat stress are the elderly.

verb
EMPHASIZE|
1 to emphasize a fact, an idea, etc: [vn] He stressed the importance of a good education.  [v that] I must stress that everything I’ve told you is strictly confidential.  [v speech] ‘There is,’ Johnson stressed, ‘no real alternative.’  [vn that] It must be stressed that this disease is very rare. [alsov wh-]
WORD / SYLLABLE|
2 [vn] to give extra force to a word or syllable when saying it: You stress the first syllable in ‘happiness’.

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stressed
adj.
1 (also informal ,stressed 'out) [not before noun] too anxious and tired to be able to relax: He was feeling very stressed and tired.
2 (of a syllable) pronounced with emphasis
OPP UNSTRESSED
3 [only before noun] (technical) that has had a lot of physical pressure put on it: stressed metal
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stress.ful
adj. causing a lot of anxiety and worry: a stressful job / situation / lifestyle  It was a very stressful time for all of us.
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'stress mark
noun a mark used to show where the stress is placed on a particular word or syllable—see also PRIMARY STRESS , SECONDARY STRESS
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stretch
verb, noun
verb
MAKE BIGGER / LOOSER|
1 to make sth longer, wider or looser, for example, by pulling it; to become longer, etc. in this way: [vn] Is there any way of stretching shoes?  [v] This sweater has stretched.
2 [v] (of fabric) to become bigger or longer when you pull it and return to its original shape when you stop: The jeans stretch to provide a perfect fit.
PULL TIGHT|
3 to pull sth so that it is smooth and tight: [vn] Stretch the fabric tightly over the frame.  [vn-adj] Make sure that the rope is stretched tight.
YOUR BODY|
4 to put your arms or legs out straight and tighten your muscles: [v] He stretched and yawned lazily.  [vn] The exercises are designed to stretch and tone your leg muscles.
REACH WITH ARM|
5 [+adv. / prep.] to put out an arm or a leg in order to reach sth: [v] She stretched across the table for the butter.  [vn] I stretched out a hand and picked up the book.
OVER AREA|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to spread over an area of land: Fields and hills stretched out as far as we could see.
OVER TIME|
7 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to continue over a period of time: The town’s history stretches back to before 1500.  Endless summer days stretched out before us.  The talks look set to stretch into a second week.
MONEY / SUPPLIES|
8 [v] ~ (to sth) (used in negative sentences and questions about an amount of money) to be enough to buy or pay for sth: I need a new car, but my savings won’t stretch to it.
9 [vn] to make use of all your money, supplies, etc: The influx of refugees has stretched the country’s resources to the limit .
SB’S SKILL / INTELLIGENCE|
10 [vn] to make use of all sb’s skill, intelligence, etc: I need a job that will stretch me.  We can’t take on any more work—we’re fully stretched as it is.
TRUTH / BELIEF|
11 [vn] to use sth in a way that would not normally be considered fair, acceptable, etc: He admitted that he had maybe stretched the truth (= not been completely honest) a little.  The play’s plot stretches credulity to the limit . stretch your 'legs (informal) to go for a short walk after sitting for some time: It was good to get out of the car and stretch our legs. stretch a 'point to allow or do sth that is not usually acceptable, especially because of a particular situation—more at RULE n. ,stretch 'out| ,stretch yourself 'out to lie down, usually in order to relax or sleep: He stretched himself out on the sofa and fell asleep.

noun
AREA OF LAND / WATER|
1 [C] ~ (of sth) an area of land or water, especially a long one: an unspoilt stretch of coastline  a particularly dangerous stretch of road  You rarely see boats on this stretch of the river.
PERIOD OF TIME|
2 [C] a continuous period of time
SYN SPELL : They worked in four-hour stretches.  She used to read for hours at a stretch (= without stopping).
3 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a period of time that sb spends in prison: He did a ten-year stretch for fraud.
OF BODY|
4 [C, U] an act of stretching out your limbs or your body and tightening the muscles; the state of being stretched: We got out of the car and had a good stretch.  Only do these more difficult stretches when you are warmed up.  Stay in this position and feel the stretch in your legs.
OF FABRIC|
5 [U] the ability to be made longer or wider without breaking or tearing: You need a material with plenty of stretch in it.  stretch jeans
ON RACETRACK|
6 [C, usually sing.] a straight part at the end of a racing track
SYN STRAIGHT : the finishing / home stretch   (figurative) The campaign has entered its final stretch. at full 'stretch using as much energy as possible, or the greatest possible amount of supplies: Fire crews have been operating at full stretch. not by any stretch of the imagination | by no stretch of the imagination used to say strongly that sth is not true, even if you try to imagine or believe it: She could not, by any stretch of the imagination, be called beautiful.

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stretch.er
noun, verb
noun a long piece of strong fabric with a pole on each side, used for carrying sb who is sick or injured and who cannot walk: He was carried off on a stretcher.  stretcher cases (= people too badly injured to be able to walk)

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] to carry sb somewhere on a stretcher : He was stretchered off the pitch with a broken leg.

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'stretcher-bearer
noun a person who helps to carry a stretcher , especially in a war or when there is a very serious accident
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'stretch limo
noun (pl.stretch limos) (also formal ,stretch limou'sine) a very large car that has been made longer so that it can have extra seats
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'stretch marks
noun [pl.] the marks that are left on a person’s skin after it has been stretched, particularly after a woman has been pregnant
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stretchy
adj. that can easily be made longer or wider without tearing or breaking: stretchy fabric  a stretchy skirt
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strew
verb (strewed, strewed or strewn )
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ A on, over, across, etc. B| ~ B with A to cover a surface with things: Clothes were strewn across the floor.  The floor was strewn with clothes.   (figurative) The way ahead is strewn with difficulties.
2 [vn] to be spread or lying over a surface: Leaves strewed the path.
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strewth
exclamation (old-fashioned, BrE , slang) used to express surprise, anger, etc.
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stricken
adj. (formal)
1 ~ (with sth) seriously affected by an unpleasant feeling or disease or by a difficult situation: She raised her stricken face and begged for help.  Whole villages were stricken with the disease.  We went to the aid of the stricken boat.
2 (in compounds) seriously affected by the thing mentioned: poverty-stricken families—see also PANIC-STRICKEN , GRIEF-STRICKEN , HORROR-STRICKEN , STRIKE v.
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strict
adj. (strict.er, strict.est)
1 that must be obeyed exactly: strict rules / regulations / discipline  She left strict instructions that she was not to be disturbed.  He told me in the strictest confidence (= on the understanding that I would tell nobody else).  She’s on a very strict diet.
2 demanding that rules, especially rules about behaviour, should be obeyed: a strict teacher / parent / disciplinarian  She’s very strict about things like homework.  They were always very strict with their children.
3 obeying the rules of a particular religion, belief, etc. exactly: a strict Muslim / Catholic / vegetarian
4 [usually before noun] very exact and clearly defined: It wasn’t illegal in the strict sense (of the word) .
strict.ness noun [U]
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strict.ly
adv.
1 with a lot of control and rules that must be obeyed: She was brought up very strictly.  The industry is strictly regulated.
2 used to emphasize that sth happens or must happen in all circumstances
SYN ABSOLUTELY : Smoking is strictly forbidden.  My letter is, of course, strictly private and confidential.
3 in all details; exactly: This is not strictly true.
4 used to emphasize that sth only applies to one particular person, thing or situation
SYN PURELY : We’ll look at the problem from a strictly legal point of view.  I know we’re friends, but this is strictly business.
IDM 'strictly speaking if you are using words or rules in their exact or correct sense: Strictly speaking, the book is not a novel, but a short story.  Using the word in that context is not, strictly speaking, correct.
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stric.ture
noun (formal)
1 [usually pl.] ~ (on sb/sth) a severe criticism, especially of sb’s behaviour
2 ~ (against / on sth) a rule or situation that restricts your behaviour
SYN RESTRICTION : social / economic strictures  strictures against civil servants expressing political opinions
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stride
verb, noun
verb (ptstrode ) (not used in the perfect tenses) [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk with long steps in a particular direction: We strode across the snowy fields.  She came striding along to meet me.

noun
1 one long step; the distance covered by a step: He crossed the room in two strides.  I was gaining on the other runners with every stride .
2 your way of walking or running: his familiar purposeful stride  She did not slow her stride until she was face to face with us.
3 an improvement in the way sth is developing: We’re making great strides in the search for a cure.
IDM get into your 'stride (BrE) (AmE hit (your) 'stride) to begin to do sth with confidence and at a good speed after a slow, uncertain start: After a nervous start, he finally got into his stride in the second set. put sb off their 'stride to make sb take their attention off what they are doing and stop doing it so well (match sb) ,stride for 'stride to keep doing sth as well as sb else, even though they keep making it harder for you: We’ve managed to match our closest competitors stride for stride as regards prices. take sth in your 'stride (BrE) (AmE take sth in 'stride) to accept and deal with sth difficult without letting it worry you too much without breaking 'stride (especially AmE) without stopping what you are doing

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stri.dent
adj.
1 having a loud harsh and unpleasant sound: a strident voice / tone  strident music
2 aggressive and determined: He is a strident advocate of nuclear power.  The plan has provided strident criticism from local residents.
stri.dency noun [U]
stri.dent.ly adv.
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strife
noun [U] (formal or literary) angry or violent disagreement between two people or groups of people
SYN CONFLICT : civil / industrial / political strife  The country was torn apart by strife.
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strike
verb, noun
verb (struck, struck ) (AmE also struck, strick.en )
HIT SB / STH|
1 [vn] (formal) to hit sb/sth hard or with force: The ship struck a rock.  The child ran into the road and was struck by a car.  The tree was struck by lightning.  He fell, striking his head on the edge of the table.  The stone struck her on the forehead.
2 (formal) to hit sb/sth with your hand or a weapon: [vn] She struck him in the face.  He struck the table with his fist.  Who struck the first blow (= started the fight)? [alsovnn]
KICK / HIT BALL|
3 [vn] (formal) to hit or kick a ball, etc: He walked up to the penalty spot and struck the ball firmly into the back of the net.
ATTACK|
4 [v] to attack sb/sth, especially suddenly: The lion crouched ready to strike.  Police fear that the killer may strike again.
OF DISASTER / DISEASE|
5 (written) to happen suddenly and have a harmful or damaging effect on sb/sth: [v] Two days later tragedy struck.  [vn] The area was struck by an outbreak of cholera.
THOUGHT / IDEA / IMPRESSION|
6 (not used in the progressive tenses) (of a thought or an idea) to come into sb’s mind suddenly: [vn] An awful thought has just struck me.  I was struck by her resemblance to my aunt.  [vn wh-] It suddenly struck me how we could improve the situation.
7 ~ sb (as sth) to give sb a particular impression: [vn] His reaction struck me as odd.  How does the idea strike you?  She strikes me as a very efficient person.  [vn (that)] It strikes me that nobody is really in favour of the changes.
OF LIGHT|
8 [vn] to fall on a surface: The windows sparkled as the sun struck the glass.
DUMB / DEAF / BLIND|
9 [vn-adj] [usually passive] to put sb suddenly into a particular state: to be struck dumb / deaf / blind
OF WORKERS|
10 [v] to refuse to work as a protest: The union has voted to strike for a pay increase of 6%.  Striking workers picketed the factory.
MATCH|
11 to rub sth such as a match against a surface so that it produces a flame; to produce a flame when rubbed against a rough surface: [vn] to strike a match on a wall  The sword struck sparks off the stone floor.  [v] The matches were damp and he couldn’t make them strike.
OF CLOCK|
12 to show the time by making a ringing noise, etc: [v] Did you hear the clock strike?  [vn] The clock has just struck three.
MAKE SOUND|
13 [vn] to produce a musical note, sound, etc. by pressing a key or hitting sth: to strike a chord on the piano
GOLD / OIL, etc.|
14 [vn] to discover gold, oil, etc. by digging or DRILLING : They had struck oil!
GO WITH PURPOSE|
15 [v + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (off / out) to go somewhere with great energy or purpose: We left the road and struck off across the fields. be 'struck by / on / with sb/sth (informal) to be impressed or interested by sb/sth; to like sb/sth very much: I was struck by her youth and enthusiasm.  We’re not very struck on that new restaurant. strike a 'balance (between A and B) to manage to find a way of being fair to two opposing things; to find a COMPROMISE between two things strike a 'bargain / 'deal to make an agreement with sb in which both sides have an advantage strike a blow for / against / at sth to do sth in support of/against a belief, principle, etc: He felt that they had struck a blow for democracy. strike fear, etc. into sb/sb’s heart (formal) to make sb be afraid, etc. strike 'gold to find or do sth that brings you a lot of success or money: He has struck gold with his latest novel. strike it 'rich (informal) to get a lot of money, especially suddenly or unexpectedly strike (it) 'lucky (informal) to have good luck: We certainly struck it lucky with the weather. strike a 'pose / an 'attitude to hold your body in a particular way to create a particular impression: to strike a dramatic / heroic pose strike while the iron is 'hot (saying) to make use of an opportunity immediately within 'striking distance (of sth) near enough to be reached or attacked easily; near enough to reach or attack sth easily: The beach is within striking distance.  The cat was now within striking distance of the duck.—more at CHORD , HARD adj. , HOME adv. , LIGHTNING n. , NOTE n. , PAY DIRT 'strike at sb/sth
1 to try to hit sb/sth, especially with a weapon: He struck at me repeatedly with a stick.
2 to cause damage or have a serious effect on sb/sth: to strike at the root of the problem  criticisms that strike at the heart of the party’s policies ,strike 'back (at / against sb) to try to harm sb in return for an attack or injury you have received ,strike sb 'down [usually passive]
1 (of a disease, etc.) to make sb unable to lead an active life; to make sb seriously ill; to kill sb: He was struck down by cancer at the age of thirty.
2 to hit sb very hard, so that they fall to the ground ,strike sth<->'off to remove sth with a sharp blow; to cut sth off: He struck off the rotten branches with an axe. ,strike sb/sth 'off (sth) to remove sb/sth’s name from sth, such as the list of members of a professional group: Strike her name off the list.  The doctor was struck off (= not allowed to continue to work as a doctor) for incompetence. ,strike 'out
1 to start being independent: I knew it was time I struck out on my own.
2 (AmE, informal) to fail or be unsuccessful: The movie struck out and didn’t win a single Oscar. ,strike 'out (at sb/sth)
1 to aim a sudden violent blow at sb/sth: He lost his temper and struck out wildly.
2 to criticize sb/sth, especially in a public speech or in a book or newspaper: In a recent article she strikes out at her critics. ,strike sth<->'out / 'through to remove sth by drawing a line through it
SYN CROSS OUT : The editor struck out the whole paragraph. ,strike 'out (for / towards sth) to move in a determined way (towards sth): He struck out (= started swimming) towards the shore. ,strike 'up (with sth)| ,strike 'up sth (of a band, an orchestra, etc.) to begin to play a piece of music: The orchestra struck up and the curtain rose.  The band struck up a waltz. ,strike 'up sth (with sb) to begin a friendship, a relationship, a conversation, etc: He would often strike up conversations with complete strangers.

noun
OF WORKERS|
1 a period of time when an organized group of employees of a company stops working because of a disagreement over pay or conditions: the train drivers' strike  a strike by teachers  a general / unofficial / one-day strike  Air traffic controllers are threatening to come out on / go on strike .  Half the workforce are now (out) on strike .  The train drivers have voted to take strike action .  The student union has called for a rent strike (= a refusal to pay rent as a protest).—see also HUNGER STRIKE
ATTACK|
2 a military attack, especially by aircraft dropping bombs: an air strike  a lightning strike (= a very quick, sudden attack)  They decided to launch a pre-emptive strike.
HITTING / KICKING|
3 [usually sing.] an act of hitting or kicking sth/sb: His spectacular strike in the second half made the score 2–0.
IN BASEBALL|
4 an unsuccessful attempt to hit the ball
IN BOWLING|
5 a situation in TENPIN BOWLING when a player knocks down all the PINS with the first ball
DISCOVERY OF OIL|
6 [usually sing.] a sudden discovery of sth valuable, especially oil

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'strike-bound
adj. unable to operate because employees have stopped working as a protest: a strike-bound airport
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'strike-breaker
noun a person who continues to work while other employees are on strike; a person who is employed to replace people who are on strike—compare BLACKLEG
'strike-breaking noun [U]
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'strike force
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a military or police force that is ready to act quickly when necessary
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strike.out
noun (in baseball) a situation in which the player who is supposed to be hitting the ball is out and has to stop because he or she has tried to hit the ball three times and failed
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striker
noun
1 a worker who has stopped working because of a disagreement over pay or conditions
2 (in football) a player whose main job is to attack and try to score goals
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'strike rate
noun [usually sing.] (sport ) the number of times a player is successful in relation to the number of times they try to score or win
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strik.ing
adj.
1 interesting and unusual enough to attract attention
SYN MARKED : a striking feature / example  She bears a striking resemblance to her older sister.  In striking contrast to their brothers, the girls were both intelligent and charming.
2 very attractive, often in an unusual way
SYN STUNNING : striking good looks  She was undoubtedly a very striking young woman.
strik.ing.ly adv.: The two polls produced strikingly different results.  She is strikingly beautiful.
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Strim.mer
™noun (BrE ) an electric garden tool held in the hands and used for cutting grass that is difficult to cut with a larger machine
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string
noun, verb, adj.
noun
FOR TYING / FASTENING|
1 [U, C] material made of several threads twisted together, used for tying things together; a piece of string used to fasten or pull sth or keep sth in place: a piece / length of string  He wrapped the package in brown paper and tied it with string.  The key is hanging on a string by the door.—see also DRAWSTRING , THE PURSE STRINGS —picture at ROPE
THINGS JOINED|
2 [C] a set or series of things that are joined together, for example on a string : a string of pearls  The molecules join together to form long strings.
SERIES|
3 [C] a series of things or people that come closely one after another: a string of hits / successes  He owns a string of racing stables.
COMPUTING|
4 [C] a series of CHARACTERS (= letters, numbers, etc.)
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS|
5 [C] a tightly stretched piece of wire, NYLON , or CATGUT on a musical instrument, that produces a musical note when the instrument is played—picture at PIANO
6 (the strings) [pl.] the group of musical instruments in an orchestra that have strings , for example violins; the people who play them: The opening theme is taken up by the strings.—compare BRASS , PERCUSSION , WOODWIND —
ON TENNIS RACKET|
7 [C] any of the tightly stretched pieces of NYLON , etc. in a RACKET , used for hitting balls in tennis and some other games—see also G-STRING have another string / more strings to your bow (BrE) to have more than one skill or plan that you can used if you need to (with) no 'strings (attached) with no special conditions or restrictions: It’s a business proposition, pure and simple. No strings attached.—more at APRON , LONG adj. , PULL v.

verb (strung, strung ) [vn]
HANG DECORATION|
1 [+adv. / prep.] ~ A on, along, in, etc. B| ~ B with A to hang or tie sth in place, especially as decoration: We strung paper lanterns up in the trees.  Flags were strung out along the route.  The route was strung with flags.
JOIN THINGS|
2 [+adv. / prep.] to put a series of small objects on string, etc.; to join things together with string, etc: She had strung the shells on a silver chain.   (figurative) carbon atoms strung together to form giant molecules
RACKET / MUSICAL INSTRUMENT|
3 to put a string or strings on a RACKET or musical instrument—see also HIGHLY STRUNG ,string sb a'long (informal) to allow sb to believe sth that is not true, for example that you love them, intend to help them, etc: She has no intention of giving you a divorce; she’s just stringing you along. ,string a'long (with sb) (BrE, informal) to go somewhere with sb, especially because you have nothing else to do ,string sth<->'out to make sth last longer than expected or necessary: They seem determined to string the talks out for an indefinite period.—see also STRUNG OUT ,string sth<->to'gether to combine words or phrases to form sentences: I can barely string two words together in Japanese. ,string sb<->'up (informal) to kill sb by hanging them, especially illegally: If I ever find out who did this, I’ll string them up.

adj. [only before noun]
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT|
1 consisting of musical instruments that have strings; connected with these musical instruments: a string quartet  a string player
MADE OF STRING|
2 made of string or sth like string: a string bag / vest

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,string 'bean
noun
1 (BrE) = RUNNER BEAN
2 (AmE) = GREEN BEAN
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,stringed 'instrument
noun any musical instrument with strings that you play with your fingers or with a BOW
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strin.gent
adj. (formal)
1 (of a law, rule, regulation, etc.) very strict and that must be obeyed: stringent air quality regulations  Licences are only granted under the most stringent conditions.
2 (of financial conditions) difficult and very strictly controlled because there is not much money: the government’s stringent economic policies
strin.gency noun [U]: a period of financial stringency
strin.gent.ly adv.: The rules are stringently enforced.
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string.er
noun a journalist who is not on the regular staff of a newspaper, but who often supplies stories for it
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stringy
adj. (disapproving)
1 (of hair) long and thin and looking as if it has not been washed
2 (of food) containing long thin pieces like string and difficult to chew: tough, stringy meat
3 (of a person or part of their body) thin so that you can see the muscles: a stringy neck
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strip
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
TAKE OFF CLOTHES|
1 ~ sth (off)| ~ (down to sth)| ~ sb (to sth) to take off all or most of your clothes: [v] I stripped and washed myself all over.  We stripped off and ran down to the water.  She stripped down to her underwear.  [vn] He stood there stripped to the waist (= the upper part of his body was bare).  [vn-adj] He was stripped naked and left in a cell.
REMOVE LAYER|
2 [vn] ~ sth (off)| ~ A (off / from B) / ~ B (of A) to remove a layer from sth, especially so that it is completely bare: Strip off all the existing paint.  Deer had stripped the tree of its bark.  Deer had stripped all the bark off the tree.  After the guests had gone, I stripped all the beds (= removed all the sheets in order to wash them).
REMOVE EVERYTHING|
3 ~ sth (out) to remove all the things from a place and leave it empty: [vn] We had to strip out all the old wiring and start again.  [vn-adj] Thieves had stripped the house bare.
MACHINE|
4 [vn] ~ sth (down) to separate a machine, etc. into parts so that they can be cleaned or repaired
SYN DISMANTLE : He strips and cleans his rifle every morning.  They taught us how to strip down a car engine and put it back together again.
PUNISHMENT|
5 [vn] ~ sb of sth to take away property or honours from sb, as a punishment: He was disgraced and stripped of his title. ,strip sth<->a'way
1 to remove a layer from sth: First, you need to strip away all the old plaster.
2 to remove anything that is not true or necessary: The movie aims to strip away the lies surrounding Kennedy’s life and death.

noun
LONG, NARROW PIECE|
1 a long narrow piece of paper, metal, fabric, etc: a strip of material  Cut the meat into strips.—see also RUMBLE STRIP
2 a long narrow area of land, sea, etc: the Gaza Strip  a tiny strip of garden  The islands are separated by a narrow strip of water.—see also AIRSTRIP , LANDING STRIP
OF SPORTS TEAM|
3 [usually sing.] (BrE) the uniform that is worn by the member of a sports team when they are playing: Juventus in their famous black and white strip  the team’s away strip (= that they use when playing games away from home)
TAKING CLOTHES OFF|
4 [usually sing.] an act of taking your clothes off, especially in a sexually exciting way and in front of an audience: to do a strip  a strip show—see also STRIPTEASE
STREET|
5 (AmE) a street that has many shops, stores, restaurants, etc. along it: Sunset Strip
PICTURE STORY|
6 (AmE) = COMIC STRIP
IDM see TEAR^1v.

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,strip car'toon
(also cartoon) noun (BrE ) = COMIC STRIP
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'strip club
(also 'strip joint especially in AmE) noun a club where people go to watch performers take their clothes off in a sexually exciting way
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stripe
noun
1 a long narrow line of colour, that is a different colour from the areas next to it: a zebra’s black and white stripes  a white tablecloth with red stripes—see also PINSTRIPE , THE STARS AND STRIPES
2 a narrow piece of fabric, often in the shape of a V, that is worn on the uniform of a soldier or police officer to show their rank: a uniform with a sergeant’s stripes on the sleeve
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striped
(also BrE informal stripy) adj. marked with a pattern of stripes : a striped shirt  a blue and white striped jacket—
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'strip light
noun a light consisting of a long glass tube that is used especially in offices, kitchens, etc.
'strip lighting noun [U]
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strip.ling
noun (old-fashioned or humorous) a young man who is older than a boy but who does not seem to be a real man yet
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'strip mining
noun [U] (AmE ) a type of mining in which coal is taken out of the ground near the surface—see also OPENCAST
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strip.per
noun
1 [C] a performer who takes his or her clothes off in a sexually exciting way in front of an audience: a male stripper
2 [U, C] (especially in compounds) a substance or tool that is used for removing paint, etc. from sth: The vandals threw paint stripper on the car.
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'strip search
noun an act of searching a person for illegal drugs, weapons, etc., for example at an airport or in a prison, after they have been made to take off all their clothes
'strip-search verb [vn]
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strip.tease
noun [C, U] a form of entertainment, for example in a bar or club, when a performer removes his or her clothes in a sexually exciting way, usually to music, in front of an audience
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stripy
(also stripey) adj. (BrE , informal) = STRIPED : a stripy jumper / cat
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strive
verb (strove striven ) or (less frequent strived, strived) ~ (for / against sth) (formal) to try very hard to achieve sth or to defeat sth: [v] We encourage all members to strive for the highest standards.  striving against corruption  [v to inf] Newspaper editors all strive to be first with a story.
striv.ing noun [U, sing.]: our striving for perfection
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strobe
(also 'strobe light) noun a bright light that flashes rapidly on and off, used especially at DISCOS
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strode
pt of STRIDE
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stroke
noun, verb
noun
HITTING MOVEMENT|
1 an act of hitting a ball, for example with a bat or RACKET : What a beautiful stroke!  He won by two strokes (= in golf, by taking two fewer strokes than his opponent).
2 a single movement of the arm when hitting sb/sth: His punishment was six strokes of the cane.
IN SWIMMING / ROWING|
3 any of a series of repeated movements in swimming or rowing: She took a few more strokes to reach the bank.—picture at SWIMMING
4 (often in compounds) a style of swimming: Butterfly is the only stroke I can’t do.—see also BACKSTROKE , BREASTSTROKE
5 the person who sets the speed at which everyone in a boat rows
GENTLE TOUCH|
6 [usually sing.] (especially BrE) an act of moving your hand gently over a surface, usually several times: He gave the cat a stroke.
OF PEN / BRUSH|
7 a mark made by moving a pen, brush, etc. once across a surface: to paint with fine brush strokes  At the stroke of a pen (= by signing sth) they removed thousands of people from the welfare system.
ACTION|
8 ~ (of sth) a single successful action or event: Your idea was a stroke of genius .  It was a stroke of luck that I found you here.  It was a bold stroke to reveal the identity of the murderer on the first page.  She never does a stroke (of work) (= never does any work).—see also MASTER STROKE
OF CLOCK|
9 each of the sounds made by a clock or bell giving the hours: At the first stroke it will be 9 o’clock exactly.  on the stroke of three (= at 3 o’clock exactly)
ILLNESS|
10 a sudden serious illness when a blood VESSEL (= tube) in the brain bursts or is blocked, which can cause death or the loss of the ability to move or to speak clearly: to have / suffer a stroke  The stroke left him partly paralysed. at a (single) 'stroke | at one 'stroke with a single immediate action: They threatened to cancel the whole project at a stroke. put sb off their 'stroke (BrE) to make sb make a mistake or hesitate in what they are doing

verb [vn]
TOUCH GENTLY|
1 (especially BrE) to move your hand gently and slowly over an animal’s fur or hair: He’s a beautiful dog. Can I stroke him?—see also PET
2 to move your hand gently over a surface, sb’s hair, etc: He stroked her hair affectionately.
MOVE STH GENTLY|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move sth somewhere with a gentle movement: She stroked away his tears.  He stroked the ball between the posts.
BE NICE TO SB|
4 (informal, especially AmE) to be very nice to sb, especially to get them to do what you want

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stroll
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to walk somewhere in a slow relaxed way: People were strolling along the beach.

noun a slow relaxed walk: We went for a stroll in the park.

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stroll.er
noun
1 a person who is enjoying a slow relaxed walk: The street was crowded with evening strollers.
2 (AmE) = BUGGY , PUSHCHAIR
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strong
adj. (strong.er , strong.est )
HAVING PHYSICAL POWER|
1 (of people, animals, etc.) having a lot of physical power so that you can lift heavy weights, do hard physical work, etc: strong muscles / arms  She wasn’t a strong swimmer (= she could not swim well).  He’s strong enough to lift a car!
2 (of a natural or physical force) having great power: Stay indoors in the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest.  a strong wind / current  a strong magnet
3 having a powerful effect on the body or mind: a strong drug
HAVING POWER OVER PEOPLE|
4 having a lot of power or influence: a strong leader / government
5 (the strong) [pl.] people who are rich or powerful
HARD TO RESIST / DEFEAT / ATTACK|
6 very powerful and difficult for people to fight against or defeat: a strong army / team   (figurative) The temptation to tell her everything was very strong.
7 (of an argument, evidence, etc.) difficult to attack or criticize: There is strong evidence of a link between exercise and a healthy heart.  You have a strong case for getting your job back.
OPINION / BELIEF / FEELING|
8 [only before noun] (of a person) holding an opinion or a belief very firmly and seriously: a strong supporter / opponent of the government
9 (of an opinion, a belief or a feeling) very powerful: strong support for / opposition to the government  People have strong feelings about this issue.
NOT EASILY BROKEN|
10 (of objects) not easily broken or damaged; made well: a strong stick / rope / chair
NOT EASILY UPSET|
11 not easily upset or frightened; not easily influenced by other people: You need strong nerves to ride a bike in London.  It’s difficult, I know. But be strong!  a strong character / personality  She’s had a strong will since she was a baby.—see also HEADSTRONG , STRONG-MINDED , STRONG-WILLED
LIKELY TO SUCCEED|
12 likely to succeed or happen: a strong candidate for the job  You’re in a strong position to negotiate a deal.  There’s a strong possibility that we’ll lose the game.
GOOD AT STH|
13 good at sth: The play has a very strong cast.  Mathematics was never my strong point (= I was never very good at it).
NUMBER|
14 great in number: There was a strong police presence at the demonstration.
15 used after numbers to show the size of a group: a 5 000-strong crowd  The crowd was 5 000 strong.
HEALTHY|
16 (of a person) not easily affected by disease; healthy: Are you feeling stronger now after your rest?
FIRMLY ESTABLISHED|
17 firmly established; difficult to destroy: a strong marriage  The college has strong links with local industry.
BUSINESS|
18 (of prices, an economy, etc.) having a value that is high or increasing: strong share prices  The euro is getting stronger against the dollar.
19 (of a business or an industry) in a safe financial position: Their catering business remained strong despite the recession.
EASY TO SEE / HEAR / FEEL / SMELL|
20 easy to see, hear, feel or smell; very great or INTENSE : a strong smell  a strong feeling of nausea  a strong voice (= loud)  strong colours  a face with strong features (= large and noticeable)  She spoke with a strong Australian accent.  He was under strong pressure to resign.
FOOD|
21 having a lot of flavour: strong cheese / mustard
DRINKS|
22 containing a lot of a substance: strong black coffee
WORDS|
23 (of words or language) very forceful, often causing offence to people: The movie has been edited for strong language (= swearing).
GRAMMAR|
24 [usually before noun] (of a verb) forming the past tense by changing a vowel, not by adding a regular ending, for example sing, sang
PHONETICS|
25 [usually before noun] used to describe the way some words are pronounced when they have stress. For example, the strong form of and is .—see also STRENGTH
OPP WEAK
strong.ly adv.: a strongly-built boat  a light shining strongly  a strongly-worded protest  He was strongly opposed to the idea.  This is an issue I feel strongly about (= I have firm opinions about).  The room smelt strongly of polish. be a bit 'strong (BrE, informal) used to say that you think what sb has said is unfair or too critical be 'strong on sth
1 to be good at sth: I’m not very strong on dates (= I can’t remember the dates of important events).
2 to have a lot of sth: The report was strong on criticism, but short on practical suggestions. be sb’s 'strong suit to be a subject that sb knows a lot about: I’m afraid geography is not my strong suit. come on 'strong (informal) to make your feelings clear in an aggressive way, especially your sexual feelings towards sb going 'strong (informal) to continue to be healthy, active or successful: My grandmother is 90 and still going strong. have a strong 'stomach to be able to see or do unpleasant things without feeling sick or upset—more at CARD n.
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'strong-arm
adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) using threats or violence in order to make people do what you want: to use strong-arm tactics / methods against your political opponents
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strong.box
noun a strong, usually metal, box for keeping valuable things in
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strong.hold
noun
1 an area in which there is a lot of support for a particular belief or group of people, especially a political party: a Republican stronghold / a stronghold of Republicanism
2 a castle or a place that is strongly built and difficult to attack
3 an area where there are a large number of a particular type of animal: This valley is one of the last strongholds of the Siberian tiger.
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strong.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a leader who uses threats or violence to rule a country: The country has been under the control of military strongmen for a long time.
2 a physically very strong man, especially sb who performs in a CIRCUS
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,strong-'minded
adj. having strong opinions that are not easily influenced by what other people think or say
SYN DETERMINED
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strong.room
noun a room, for example in a bank, with thick walls and a strong solid door, where valuable items are kept
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,strong-'willed
adj. determined to do what you want to do, even if other people advise you not to
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stron.tium
noun [U] (symb Sr) a chemical element. Strontium is a soft silver-white metal.
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strop
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) a very bad mood when you are annoyed about sth: Don’t get in a strop —I’m only a few minutes late.
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stroppy
adj. (BrE , informal) (of a person) easily annoyed and difficult to deal with: Don’t get stroppy with me—it isn’t my fault!
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strove
pt of STRIVE
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struck
pt, pp of STRIKE
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struc.tural
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the way in which sth is built or organized: Storms have caused structural damage to hundreds of homes.  There have been some fundamental structural changes in society.  a structural engineer (= a person who is qualified to design large buildings, bridges, etc.)
struc.tur.al.ly adv.: The building is structurally sound.  The languages are structurally different.
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struc.tur.al.ism
noun [U] (in literature, language and social science) a theory that considers any text as a structure whose various parts only have meaning when they are considered in relation to each other—compare DECONSTRUCTION
struc.tur.al.ist noun, adj.: a structuralist critic / approach
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struc.ture
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] the way in which the parts of sth are connected together, arranged or organized; a particular arrangement of parts: the structure of the building / human body  changes in the social and economic structure of society  the grammatical structures of a language  a career / salary / tax structure
2 [C] a thing that is made of several parts, especially a building: a stone / brick / wooden structure
3 [U, C] the state of being well organized or planned with all the parts linked together; a careful plan: Your essay needs (a) structure.

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (around sth) to arrange or organize sth into a system or pattern: How well does the teacher structure the lessons?  The exhibition is structured around the themes of work and leisure.  Make use of the toys in structured group activities.

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stru.del
noun [U, C] (from German ) a cake made from pieces of fruit, especially apple, rolled in thin pastry and baked
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strug.gle
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (for sth) to try very hard to do sth when it is difficult or when there are a lot of problems: [v] a country struggling for independence  Shona struggled for breath .  life as a struggling artist (= one who is very poor)  [v to inf] They struggled just to pay their bills.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere or do sth with difficulty: I struggled up the hill with the heavy bags.  Paul struggled out of his wheelchair.
3 [v] ~ (against / with sb/sth) to fight against sb/sth in order to prevent a bad situation or result: He struggled against cancer for two years.  Lisa struggled with her conscience before talking to the police.
4 [v] ~ (with sb) to fight sb or try to get away from them: Ben and Jack struggled together on the grass.  I struggled and screamed for help.  James was hit in the mouth as he struggled with the raiders.  How did she manage to struggle free ?
5 [v] ~ (with sb) (for sth) to compete or argue with sb, especially in order to get sth: rival leaders struggling for power
PVR V ,struggle a'long / 'on to continue in spite of problems: The business struggled along for some time.  Life is hard but we all have to struggle on.

noun
1 [C] ~ (with sb) (for / against sth)| ~ (with sb) (to do sth)| ~ (between A and B) a hard fight in which people try to obtain or achieve sth, especially sth that sb else does not want them to have: a power / leadership struggle  a struggle for freedom / independence  the struggle between good and evil  He is engaged in a bitter struggle with his rival to get control of the company.  She will not give up her children without a struggle.
2 [C] a physical fight between two people or groups of people, especially when one of them is trying to escape, or to get sth from the other: There were no signs of a struggle at the murder scene.  After a short struggle, I managed to get the knife away from him.
3 [sing.] ~ (to do sth) something that is difficult for you to do or achieve: It was a real struggle to be ready on time.

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strum
verb (-mm-) ~ (on) sth to play a guitar or similar instrument by moving your fingers up and down across the strings: [v] As she sang she strummed on a guitar. [alsovn]
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strung
pt, pp of STRING
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,strung 'out
adj. [not before noun]
1 spread out in a line: a group of riders strung out along the beach
2 ~ (on sth) (slang) strongly affected by an illegal drug such as HEROIN
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,strung 'up
adj. [not before noun] (BrE , informal) very nervous, worried or excited
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strut
verb, noun
verb (-tt-) [v] to walk proudly with your head up and chest out to show that you think you are important: The players strutted and posed for the cameras.
IDM ,strut your 'stuff (informal) to proudly show your ability, especially at dancing or performing: strutting your stuff to the latest chart hits

noun
1 a long thin piece of wood or metal used to support or strengthen part of a vehicle or building
2 [sing.] (disapproving) an act of walking in a proud and confident way

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strych.nine
noun [U] a poisonous substance used in very small amounts as a medicine
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stub
noun, verb
noun
1 a short piece of a cigarette, pencil, etc. that is left when the rest of it has been used
2 the small part of a ticket, cheque, etc. that you keep as a record when you have given the main part to sb

verb (-bb-) [vn] ~ your toe (against / on sth) to hurt your toe by accidentally hitting it against sth hard
PVR V ,stub sth<->'out to stop a cigarette, etc. from burning by pressing the end against sth hard

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stub.ble
noun [U]
1 the lower short stiff part of the stems of crops such as wheat, etc. that are left in the ground after the top part has been cut and collected
2 the short stiff hairs that grow on a man’s face when he has not shaved recently—picture at HAIR
stub.bly adj.
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stub.born
adj.
1 (often disapproving) determined not to change your opinion or attitude
SYN OBSTINATE : He was too stubborn to admit that he was wrong.  She can be as stubborn as a mule .  stubborn pride  a stubborn resistance to change  a stubborn refusal to listen
2 difficult to get rid of or deal with: a stubborn cough / stain  a stubborn problem
stub.born.ly adv.: She stubbornly refused to pay.  Unemployment remains stubbornly high.
stub.born.ness noun [U]
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stubby
adj. [usually before noun] short and thick: stubby fingers
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stucco
noun [U] a type of PLASTER that is used for covering ceilings and the outside walls of buildings
stuc.coed adj.: a stuccoed house / wall
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stuck
adj. [not before noun]—see also STICK v.
1 unable to move or to be moved: The wheels were stuck in the mud.  This drawer keeps getting stuck .  She got the key stuck in the lock.  I can’t get out—I’m stuck.
2 in an unpleasant situation or place that you cannot escape from: We were stuck in traffic for over an hour.  I hate being stuck at home all day.
3 ~ (on sth) unable to answer or understand sth: I got stuck on the first question.  I’ll help you if you’re stuck.
4 ~ (for sth) not knowing what to do in a particular situation: If you’re stuck for something to do tonight, come out with us.  I’ve never known him to be stuck for words before.
5 ~ with sb/sth (informal) unable to get rid of sb/sth that you do not want: I was stuck with him for the whole journey.
IDM ,get stuck 'in | ,get stuck 'into sth (BrE, informal) to start doing sth in an enthusiastic way, especially to start eating—more at GROOVE , ROCK n. , TIME WARP
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,stuck-'up
adj. (informal, disapproving) thinking that you are more important than other people and behaving in an unfriendly way towards them
SYN SNOBBISH
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stud
noun
1 [C] a small piece of jewellery with a rod that is pushed through a hole in your ear, nose, etc: diamond studs—picture at JEWELLERY
2 [C] a small round piece of metal that is attached to the surface of sth, especially for decoration: a leather jacket with studs on the back
3 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) one of several small metal or plastic objects that are fixed to the bottom part of a FOOTBALL BOOT or running shoe—compare CLEAT —picture at SHOE
4 [C] a small metal object used in the past for fastening a collar onto a shirt—see also PRESS STUD
5 [C, U] an animal, especially a horse, that is kept for breeding; the place where animals, especially horses, are kept for breeding: a stud farm  The horse was retired from racing and put out to stud (= kept for breeding).
6 [C] (informal) a man who has many sexual partners and who is thought to be sexually attractive
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stud.ded
adj.
1 decorated with small raised pieces of metal: a studded leather belt
2 ~ with sth (written) having a lot of sth on or in it: The sky was clear and studded with stars.  an essay studded with quotations—see also STAR-STUDDED
stud verb (-dd-): [vn] Stars studded the sky.
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stu.dent
noun
1 a person who is studying at a university or college: a medical / science student  a graduate / postgraduate / research student  an overseas student  a student teacher / nurse  a student grant / loan (= money that is given / lent to students to pay for their studies)  She’s a student at Sussex University.—see also MATURE STUDENT
2 (especially AmE) a person who is studying at a school, especially a secondary school: a 15-year-old high school student—compare PUPIL
3 ~ of sth a person who is very interested in a particular subject: a keen student of human nature
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stu.dent.ship
noun (BrE ) one of a small number of places that a university gives to students who wish to continue studying or to do research after they have finished their degree; an amount of money that is given to a student who wins one of these places
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,students' 'union
(also ,student 'union) noun
1 a building where students at a university or college can go to meet socially
2 (BrE) an association of students at a particular university or college, concerned with students' rights and WELFARE
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stud.ied
adj. [only before noun] (written) deliberate and carefully planned: She introduced herself with studied casualness.
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stu.dio
noun (pl.-os)
1 a room where radio or television programmes are recorded and broadcast from, or where music is recorded: a television studio  a studio audience (= one in a studio, that can be seen or heard as a programme is broadcast)  a recording studio
2 a place where films/movies are made or produced
3 a company that makes films/movies: She works for a major Hollywood studio.  a studio executive
4 a room where an artist works: a sculptor’s / photographer’s studio
5 a place where dancing is taught or where dancers practise: a dance studio
6 (BrE also 'studio flat) (AmE also 'studio apartment) a small flat/apartment with one main room for living and sleeping in and usually a kitchen and BATHROOM
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stu.di.ous
adj. spending a lot of time studying or reading: a studious young man
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stu.di.ous.ly
adv. in a way that is carefully planned and deliberate: He studiously avoided answering the question.
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study
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies)
ACTIVITY OF LEARNING|
1 [U] the activity of learning or gaining knowledge, either from books or by examining things in the world: a room set aside for private study  academic / literary / scientific study  It is important to develop good study skills.  Physiology is the study of how living things work.
2 (studies) [pl.] (formal) a particular person’s learning activities, for example at a college or university: to continue / pursue your studies
ACADEMIC SUBJECT|
3 (studies) [U+sing./pl. v.] (used in the names of some academic subjects): business / media / American studies
DETAILED EXAMINATION|
4 [U] the act of considering or examining sth in detail: These proposals deserve careful study.
5 [C] a piece of research that examines a subject or question in detail: to make / carry out / conduct a study  This study shows / confirms / suggests that …  a detailed study of how animals adapt to their environment  scientific studies of fishing grounds and methods of fishing—see also CASE STUDY
ROOM|
6 [C] a room, especially in sb’s home, used for reading and writing
ART|
7 [C] a drawing or painting of sth, especially one done for practice or before doing a larger picture: a study of Chartres Cathedral  a nude study
MUSIC|
8 (BrE) (also étudeAmE, BrE) [C] a piece of music designed to give a player practice in technical skills
PERFECT EXAMPLE|
9 [sing.] ~ (in sth) (written) a perfect example of sth: His face was a study in concentration.

verb (stud.ies, study.ing, stud.ied, stud.ied)
LEARN|
1 ~ (sth) (at … )| ~ (for sth) to spend time learning about a subject by reading, going to college, etc: [vn] How long have you been studying English?  [v] Don’t disturb Jane, she’s studying for her exams.  My brother studied at the Royal College of Art.  a composer who studied under Nadia Boulanger (= Nadia Boulanger taught the composer)  [v to inf] Nina is studying to be an architect.
EXAMINE CAREFULLY|
2 [vn] to watch, or look at sb/sth carefully in order to find out sth: Scientists are studying photographs of the planet for signs of life.  He studied her face thoughtfully.  Fran was studying the menu.
3 to examine sth carefully in order to understand it: [vn] We will study the report carefully before making a decision.  [v wh-] The group will study how the region coped with the loss of thousands of jobs.

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'study hall
noun [U] (AmE ) a period of time during the school day when students study quietly on their own, usually with a teacher present
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stuff
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (informal, sometimes disapproving) used to refer to a substance, material, group of objects, etc. when you do not know the name, when the name is not important or when it is obvious what you are talking about: What’s all that sticky stuff on the carpet?  The chairs were covered in some sort of plastic stuff.  This wine is good stuff.   (disapproving) I don’t know how you can eat that stuff!  They sell stationery and stuff (like that) .  Where’s all my stuff (= my possessions)?   (disapproving) Could you move all that stuff off the table?—see also FOODSTUFF
2 (informal) used to refer in a general way to things that people do, say, think, etc: I’ve got loads of stuff to do today.  I like reading and stuff .  The band did some great stuff on their first album.  This is all good stuff . Well done!  What’s all this ‘Mrs Smith’ stuff? Call me Anna.  I don’t believe in all that stuff about ghosts.
3 ~ (of sth) (formal or literary) the most important feature of sth; something that sth else is based on or is made from: The trip was magical; the stuff of which dreams are made.  Parades and marches were the very stuff of politics in the region.  Let’s see what stuff you’re made of (= what sort of person you are).—see also HOT STUFF
IDM do your 'stuff (informal) to do what you are good at or what you have been trained to do: Some members of the team are just not doing their stuff (= doing as well as they should).   (figurative) The medicine has clearly done its stuff. not give a 'stuff (BrE, slang) to not care at all about sth—more at KID n. , KNOW v. , STERN adj. , STRUT v. , SWEAT v.

verb
1 ~ A (with B)| ~ B (in, into, under, etc. A) to fill a space or container tightly with sth: [vn] She had 500 envelopes to stuff with leaflets.  She had 500 leaflets to stuff into envelopes.  The fridge is stuffed to bursting.  My nose is stuffed up (= blocked because of illness).  [vn-adj] All the drawers were stuffed full of letters and papers.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to push sth quickly and carelessly into a small space: She stuffed the money under a cushion.  His hands were stuffed in his pockets.
3 [vn] to fill a vegetable, chicken, etc. with another type of food: Are you going to stuff the turkey?  stuffed peppers
4 [vn] ~ sb / yourself (with sth)| ~ your face (informal) to eat a lot of food or too much food; to give sb a lot or too much to eat: He sat at the table stuffing himself.  Don’t stuff the kids with chocolate before their dinner.  We stuffed our faces at the party.
5 [vn] [usually passive] to fill the dead body of an animal with material and preserve it, so that it keeps its original shape and appearance: They had had their pet dog stuffed.
IDM get 'stuffed (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb in a rude and angry way to go away, or that you do not want sth: If they don’t offer you more money, tell them to get stuffed. 'stuff it (spoken, informal) used to show that you have changed your mind about sth or do not care about sth: I didn’t want a part in the play, then I thought—stuff it—why not? you, etc. can stuff sth (spoken, informal) used to tell sb in a rude and angry way that you do not want sth: I told them they could stuff their job.

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stuffed
adj. [not before noun] (informal) having eaten so much that you cannot eat anything else
SYN FULL
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,stuffed 'animal
noun
1 (especially AmE) = SOFT TOY —
2 a dead animal that has been STUFFED : stuffed animals in glass cases
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,stuffed 'shirt
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is very serious, formal or old-fashioned
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stuff.ing
noun [U]
1 (AmE also dress.ing) a mixture of finely chopped food, such as bread, onions and herbs, placed inside a chicken, etc. before it is cooked to give it flavour
2 soft material used to fill cushions, toys, etc.
IDM see KNOCK v.
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stuffy
adj. (stuff.ier, stuffi.est)
1 (of a building, room, etc.) warm in an unpleasant way and without enough fresh air: a stuffy room / atmosphere  It gets very hot and stuffy in here in summer.
2 (informal, disapproving) very serious, formal, boring or old-fashioned: a stuffy, formal family  plain, stuffy clothes
stuffi.ness noun [U]
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stul.ti.fy.ing
adj. (formal) making you feel very bored and unable to think of new ideas: the stultifying effects of work that never varies
stul.tify verb (stul.ti.fies, stul.ti.fy.ing, stul.ti.fied, stul.ti.fied) [vn]
stul.ti.fy.ing.ly adv.
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stum.ble
verb [v]
1 ~ (over / on sth) to hit your foot against sth while you are walking or running and almost fall: The child stumbled and fell.  I stumbled over a rock.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to walk or move in an unsteady way: Max stumbled out of bed sleepily.  We were stumbling around in the dark looking for a candle.
3 ~ (over / through sth) to make a mistake or mistakes and stop while you are speaking, reading to sb or playing music: In her nervousness she stumbled over her words.  I stumbled through the piano piece with difficulty.
stum.ble noun 'stumble across / on / upon sth/sb to discover sth/sb unexpectedly: Police have stumbled across a huge drugs ring. 'stumble into sth to become involved in sth by chance: I stumbled into acting when I left college.
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'stumbling block
noun ~ (to sth)| ~ (to doing sth) something that causes problems and prevents you from achieving your aim
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stump
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the bottom part of a tree left in the ground after the rest has fallen or been cut down
2 [C] the end of sth or the part that is left after the main part has been cut, broken off or worn away: the stump of a pencil / tooth
3 [C] the short part of sb’s leg or arm that is left after the rest has been cut off
4 [C, usually pl.] (in cricket) one of the set of three upright wooden sticks (called the stumps) that form the WICKET
5 (the stump) [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) the fact of a politician before an election going to different places and trying to get people’s support by making speeches: The senator gave his standard stump speech.  politicians on the stump

verb
1 [vn] [usually passive] (informal) to ask sb a question that is too difficult for them to answer or give them a problem that they cannot solve: I’m stumped. I don’t know how they got here before us.  Kate was stumped for words (= unable to answer).
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk in a noisy, heavy way, especially because you are angry or upset
SYN STOMP : He stumped off, muttering under his breath.
3 (AmE ) to travel around making political speeches, especially before an election: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : He stumped around the country trying to build up support. [alsovn]
4 [vn] (in cricket) to put a BATSMAN out of the game by touching the stumps with the ball when he or she is out of the area in which the ball can be hit
PVR V ,stump 'up (for sth)| ,stump 'up sth (for sth) (BrE, informal) to pay money for sth
SYN COUGH UP : We were asked to stump up for the repairs.  Who is going to stump up the extra money?

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stumpy
adj. (disapproving) short and thick
SYN STUBBY : stumpy fingers  a stumpy tail
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stun
verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 to make a person or an animal unconscious for a short time, especially by hitting them on the head: The fall stunned me for a moment.  The animals are stunned before slaughter.
2 to surprise or shock sb so much that they cannot think clearly or speak: Her words stunned me—I had no idea she felt that way.
3 to impress sb very much: They were stunned by the view from the summit.
stunned adj.: She was too stunned to speak.  There was a stunned silence when I told them the news.
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stung
pt, pp of STING
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'stun gun
noun a weapon that makes a person or an animal unconscious or unable to move for a short time, usually by giving them a small electric shock
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stunk
pp of STINK
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stun.ner
noun (informal)
1 a person (especially a woman) or a thing that is very attractive or exciting to look at: His daughter is a real stunner.  The movie is visually a stunner.
2 something, such as a piece of news, that is very surprising or shocking
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stun.ning
adj.
1 extremely attractive or impressive
SYN BEAUTIFUL : a stunning woman  You look absolutely stunning!  a stunning view of the lake  His performance was simply stunning.
2 extremely surprising or shocking: He suffered a stunning defeat in the election.
stun.ning.ly adv.: stunningly beautiful  a stunningly simple idea
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stunt
noun, verb
noun
1 a dangerous and difficult action that sb does to entertain people, especially as part of a film/movie: He did all his own stunts.  a stunt pilot / rider
2 (sometimes disapproving) something that is done in order to attract people’s attention: a publicity stunt
3 (informal) a stupid or dangerous act: I’ve had enough of her childish stunts.  Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again!

verb [vn] to prevent sb/sth from growing or developing as much as they/it should: The constant winds had stunted the growth of plants and bushes.  His illness had not stunted his creativity.

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stunt.ed
adj. that has not been able to grow or develop as much as it should: stunted trees  the stunted lives of children deprived of education
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stunt.man, stunt.woman
noun (pl.-men -women ) a person whose job is to do dangerous things in place of an actor in a film/movie, etc.; a person who does dangerous things in order to entertain people
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stu.pefy
verb (stu.pe.fies, stu.pe.fy.ing, stu.pe.fied, stu.pe.fied) [vn] [often passive] to surprise or shock sb; to make sb unable to think clearly: He was stupefied by the amount they had spent.  She was stupefied with cold.
stu.pe.fac.tion noun [U]
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stu.pe.fy.ing
adj.
1 making you unable to think clearly: stupefying boredom
2 very surprising or shocking: His next action was utterly stupefying.
stu.pe.fy.ing.ly adv.: The party was stupefyingly dull.
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stu.pen.dous
adj. extremely large or impressive, especially greater or better than you expect
SYN STAGGERING : stupendous efforts / achievements  stupendous views over the sea  stupendous costs
stu.pen.dous.ly adv.
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stu.pid
adj., noun
adj. (stu.pider, stu.pidest)
HELP more stupid and most stupid are also common.
1 showing a lack of thought or good judgement
SYN FOOLISH , SILLY : a stupid mistake / question / idea / joke  It was a pretty stupid thing to do.  I was stupid enough to believe him.  It was stupid of you to get involved.
2 (disapproving) (of a person) slow to learn or understand things; not clever or intelligent: He’ll manage—he isn’t stupid.  She always makes me feel really stupid.
3 [only before noun] (spoken) used to emphasize that you are annoyed with sb/sth: I can’t get the stupid thing open!  Get your stupid feet off the chair!
stu.pid.ly adv.: I stupidly agreed to lend him the money.  Todd stared stupidly at the screen.

noun [sing.] (informal) if you call sb stupid, you are telling them, usually in a joking way, that you think they are not being very intelligent: Yes, stupid, it’s you I’m talking to!

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stu.pid.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C, usually pl.] behaviour that shows a lack of thought or good judgement: I couldn’t believe my own stupidity.  the errors and stupidities of youth
2 [U] the state or quality of being slow to learn and not clever or intelligent
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stu.por
noun [sing., U] (written) a state in which you are unable to think, hear, etc. clearly, especially because you have drunk too much alcohol, taken drugs or had a shock: He drank himself into a stupor.  a drunken stupor  She was led away in a state of stupor.
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sturdy
adj. (stur.dier, stur.di.est)
1 (of an object) strong and not easily damaged
SYN ROBUST : a sturdy pair of boots  a sturdy table
2 (of people and animals, or their bodies) physically strong and healthy: a man of sturdy build  sturdy legs  a sturdy breed of cattle
3 not easily influenced or changed by other people
SYN FIRM , DETERMINED : The village has always maintained a sturdy independence.  a sturdy defence of the government’s position
stur.dily adv.: The boat was sturdily made.  a sturdily built young man  a sturdily independent community
stur.di.ness noun [U]
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stur.geon
noun [C, U] (pl.stur.geon or stur.geons) a large sea and FRESHWATER fish that lives in northern regions. Sturgeon are used for food and the eggs (called CAVIAR ) are also eaten.
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stut.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 to have difficulty speaking because you cannot stop yourself from repeating the first sound of some words several times
SYN STAMMER : [v speech] ‘W-w-what?’ he stuttered.  [vn] I managed to stutter a reply. [alsov]
2 [v] (of a vehicle or an engine) to move or start with difficulty, making short sharp noises or movements: The car stuttered along in first gear.

noun [sing.] a speech problem in which a person finds it difficult to say the first sound of a word and repeats it several times: He had a terrible stutter.

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sty
noun
1 (pl.sties) = PIGSTY
2 (also stye) (pl.sties or styes) an infection of the EYELID (= the skin above or below the eye) which makes it red and sore
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Sty.gian
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) very dark: Stygian darkness / gloom
ORIGIN From the Styx, the river in the underworld which the souls of the dead had to cross in Greek myth.
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style
noun, verb
noun
WAY STH IS DONE|
1 [C, U] ~ (of sth) the particular way in which sth is done: a style of leadership / management  furniture to suit your style of living  a study of different learning / teaching styles  I like your style (= I like the way you do things).  Caution was not her style (= not the way she usually behaved).—see also LIFESTYLE
DESIGN OF CLOTHES / HAIR|
2 [C] a particular design of sth, especially clothes: We stock a wide variety of styles and sizes.  Have you thought about having your hair in a shorter style?—see also HAIRSTYLE
3 [U] the quality of being fashionable in the clothes that you wear: Hot tips for style-conscious teenagers.  Short skirts are back in style (=fashionable).
BEING ELEGANT|
4 [U] the quality of being elegant and made to a high standard: The hotel has been redecorated but it’s lost a lot of its style.  She does everything with style and grace.
OF BOOK / PAINTING / BUILDING|
5 [C, U] the features of a book, painting, building, etc. that make it typical of a particular author, artist, historical period, etc: a style of architecture  a fine example of Gothic style  a parody written in the style of Molière
USE OF LANGUAGE|
6 [U, C] the correct use of language: It’s not considered good style to start a sentence with ‘but’.  Please follow house style (= the rules of spelling, etc. used by a particular publishing company).
-STYLE|
7 (in adjectives) having the type of style mentioned: Italian-style gardens  a buffet-style breakfast—see also OLD-STYLE be more sb’s 'style to be what sb prefers or what suits sb: I’m surprised he rides a motorbike—I’d have thought big cars were more his style. in (great, grand, etc.) style in an impressive way: She always celebrates her birthday in style.  He won the championship in fine / great style.—more at CRAMP v.

verb
CLOTHES / HAIR, etc.|
1 [vn] to design, make or shape sth in a particular way: an elegantly styled jacket  He’d had his hair styled at an expensive salon.
GIVE NAME / TITLE|
2 [vn-n] (formal) to give sb/sth/yourself a particular name or title: He styled himself Major Carter. 'style sth / yourself on sth/sb to copy the style, manner or appearance of sb/sth
SYN MODEL : a coffee bar styled on a Parisian cafe  He styled himself on Elvis Presley.

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styl.ing
noun [U]
1 the act of cutting and/or shaping hair in a particular style: styling gel / mousse
2 the way in which sth is designed: The car has been criticized for its outdated body styling.
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styl.ish
adj. (approving) fashionable; elegant and attractive: his stylish wife  a stylish restaurant  It was a stylish performance by both artists.
styl.ish.ly adv.
styl.ish.ness noun [U]
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styl.ist
noun
1 a person whose job is cutting and shaping people’s hair: She was the salon’s top stylist.
2 a person, for example a writer, who takes great care to write or say sth in an elegant or unusual way
3 a person whose job is to create or design a particular style or image for a product, an advertisement, etc.
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styl.is.tic
adj. [only before noun] connected with the style an artist uses in a particular piece of art, writing or music: stylistic analysis / features / devices
styl.is.tic.al.ly adv.
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styl.is.tics
noun [U] the study of style and the methods used in written language
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styl.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. drawn, written, etc. in a way that is not natural or realistic: a stylized drawing of a house  the highly stylized form of acting in Japanese theatre
styl.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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sty.lus
noun (pl.sty.luses) a device on a RECORD PLAYER that looks like a small needle and is placed on the record in order to play it
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sty.mie
verb (sty.mie.ing or sty.mying, sty.mied, sty.mied) [vn] (informal) to prevent sb from doing sth that they have planned or want to do; to prevent sth from happening
SYN FOIL
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Styro.foam
™noun [U] (especially AmE ) = POLYSTYRENE : Styrofoam cups
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suave
adj. (especially of a man) confident, elegant and polite, sometimes in a way that does not seem sincere
suave.ly adv.
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sub
noun (informal)
1 = SUBMARINE
2 a SUBSTITUTE (= a player who replaces another player in a team): He came on as sub.
3 (BrE) a SUBSCRIPTION (= money that you pay regularly when you are a member of a club, etc.)
4 (BrE) a SUBEDITOR
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sub-
prefix
1 (in nouns and adjectives) below; less than: sub-zero temperatures  a subtropical (= almost tropical) climate  sub-standard  a sub lieutenant
2 (in nouns and adjectives) under: subway  submarine
3 (in verbs and nouns) a smaller part of sth: subdivide  subset
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sub.al.tern
noun any officer in the British army who is lower in rank than a captain
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sub-aqua
adj. [only before noun] done or used underwater: sub-aqua diving / equipment
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sub.atom.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) smaller than, or found in, an atom: subatomic particles
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sub.com.mit.tee
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] a smaller committee formed from a main committee in order to study a particular subject in more detail
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sub.com.pact
noun (AmE ) a small car, smaller than a COMPACT
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sub.con.scious
adj., noun
adj. [usually before noun] connected with feelings that influence your behaviour even though you are not aware of them: subconscious desires / fears  the subconscious mind—compare CONSCIOUS , UNCONSCIOUS
sub.con.scious.ly adv.: Subconsciously, she was looking for the father she had never known.

noun (the / your subconscious) [sing.] the part of your mind that contains feelings that you are not aware of—compare THE UNCONSCIOUS

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sub.con.tin.ent
noun [usually sing.] a large land mass that forms part of a continent, especially the part of Asia that includes India, Pakistan and Bangladesh: the Indian subcontinent
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sub.con.tract
verb, noun
verb ~ sth (to sb) to pay a person or company to do some of the work that you have been given a contract to do: [vn, vn to inf] We subcontracted the work to a small engineering firm.  We subcontracted a small engineering firm to do the work.
sub.con.tract.ing noun [U]

noun a contract to do part of the work that has been given to another person or company

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sub.con.tract.or
noun a person or company that does part of the work given to another person or company
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sub.cul.ture
noun (sometimes disapproving) the behaviour and beliefs of a particular group of people in society that are different from those of most people: the criminal / drug / youth subculture
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sub.cuta.ne.ous
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) under the skin: a subcutaneous injection
sub.cuta.ne.ous.ly adv.
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sub.div.ide
verb [vn, v] [often passive] ~ (sth) (into sth) to divide sth into smaller parts; to be divided into smaller parts
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sub.div.ision
noun
1 [U] the act of dividing a part of sth into smaller parts
2 [C] one of the smaller parts into which a part of sth has been divided: a police subdivision (= the area covered by one particular police force)  subdivisions within the Hindu caste system
3 [C] (AmE) one of the parts of an area of land that has been divided up for building houses on
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sub.due
verb [vn] (rather formal)
1 to bring sb/sth under control, especially by using force
SYN DEFEAT : Troops were called in to subdue the rebels.  government efforts to subdue inflation
2 to calm or control your feelings: Julia had to subdue an urge to stroke his hair.
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sub.dued
adj.
1 (of a person) unusually quiet, and possibly unhappy: He seemed a bit subdued to me.  She was in a subdued mood.  The reception was a subdued affair.
2 (of light or colours) not very bright: subdued lighting
3 (of sounds) not very loud: a subdued conversation  the sound of subdued laughter
4 (of business activity) not very busy; with not much activity: a subdued housing market  a period of subdued trading
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sub.edi.tor
(also informal sub) noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to check and make changes to the text of a newspaper or magazine before it is printed
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sub.group
noun a smaller group made up of members of a larger group: population subgroups
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'sub-head.ing
noun a title given to any of the sections into which a longer piece of writing has been divided
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sub.human
adj. (disapproving) not working or behaving like a normal human being; not fit for human beings: subhuman behaviour  They were living in subhuman conditions.—compare INHUMAN , SUPERHUMAN
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sub.ject
noun, adj., verb
noun
OF CONVERSATION / BOOK|
1 [C] a thing or person that is being discussed, described or dealt with: an unpleasant subject of conversation  books on many different subjects  a magazine article on the subject of space travel  I have nothing more to say on the subject.  I wish you’d change the subject (= talk about sth else).  How did we get onto the subject of marriage?  We seem to have got off the subject we’re meant to be discussing.  Nelson Mandela is the subject of a new biography.  Climate change is still very much a subject for debate .
AT SCHOOL / COLLEGE|
2 [C] an area of knowledge studied in a school, college, etc: Biology and English are my favourite subjects.
OF PICTURE / PHOTOGRAPH|
3 a person or thing that is the main feature of a picture or photograph, or that a work of art is based on: Focus the camera on the subject.  Classical landscapes were a popular subject with many 18th-century painters.
OF EXPERIMENT|
4 [C] a person or thing being used to study sth, especially in an experiment: We need male subjects between the ages of 18 and 25 for the experiment.
GRAMMAR|
5 [C] a noun, noun phrase or pronoun representing the person or thing that performs the action of the verb (I in I sat down.), about which sth is stated (the house in The house is very old.) or, in a PASSIVE sentence, that is affected by the action of the verb (the tree in The tree was blown down in the storm.)—compare OBJECT n. (4) , PREDICATE
OF COUNTRY|
6 a person who has the right to belong to a particular country, especially one with a king or queen: a British / French subject  note at CITIZEN

adj.
1 ~ to sth likely to be affected by sth, especially sth bad: Flights are subject to delay because of the fog.  Smokers are more subject to heart attacks than non-smokers.
2 ~ to sth depending on sth in order to be completed or agreed: The article is ready to publish, subject to your approval.  All the holidays on offer are subject to availability.
3 ~ to sth/sb under the authority of sth/sb: All nuclear installations are subject to international safeguards.  As a diplomat, he is not subject to local laws.
4 [only before noun] (formal) controlled by the government of another country: subject peoples

verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth) (formal) to bring a country or group of people under your control, especially by using force: The Roman Empire subjected most of Europe to its rule.
sub.jec.tion noun [U] sub'ject sb/sth to sth [often passive] (written) to make sb/sth experience, suffer or be affected by sth, usually sth unpleasant: to be subjected to abuse / ridicule / harassment / criticism  The city was subjected to heavy bombing.

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sub.ject.ive
adj.
1 based on your own ideas or opinions rather than facts and therefore sometimes unfair: a highly subjective point of view  Everyone’s opinion is bound to be subjective.
2 (of ideas, feelings or experiences) existing in sb’s mind rather than in the real world
OPP OBJECTIVE
sub.ject.ive.ly adv.: People who are less subjectively involved are better judges.  subjectively perceived changes
sub.ject.iv.ity noun [U]: There is an element of subjectivity in her criticism.
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sub.ject.iv.ism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the theory that all knowledge and moral values are subjective rather than based on truth that actually exists in the real world
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'subject matter
noun [U] the ideas or information contained in a book, speech, painting, etc: The artist was revolutionary in both subject matter and technique.  She’s searching for subject matter for her new book.
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sub ju.dice
adj. [not usually before noun] (from Latin, law ) if a legal case is sub judice, it is still being discussed in a court of law and it is therefore illegal for anyone to talk about it on the television, in newspapers, etc.
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sub.ju.gate
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to defeat sb/sth; to gain control over sb/sth: a subjugated race  Her personal ambitions had been subjugated to (= considered less important than) the needs of her family.
sub.ju.ga.tion noun [U] (formal): the subjugation of women / Ireland
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sub.junct.ive
noun (grammar ) the form (or MOOD ) of a verb that expresses wishes, possibility or uncertainty; a verb in this form: The verb is in the subjunctive.  In ‘I wish I were taller’, ‘were’ is a subjunctive.
sub.junct.ive adj.: the subjunctive mood
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sub.let
verb (sub.let.ting, sub.let, sub.let) [vn, v] ~ (sth) (to sb) to rent to sb else all or part of a property that you rent from the owner
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,sub lieu'tenant
noun an officer in the British navy just below the rank of LIEUTENANT
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sub.lim.ate
verb [vn] (psychology ) to direct your energy, especially sexual energy, to socially acceptable activities such as work, exercise, art, etc.
sub.lim.ation noun [U]
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sub.lime
adj., noun
adj.
1 (written) of very high quality and causing great admiration: sublime beauty  a sublime combination of flavours  The location of the hotel is sublime.
2 (formal, often disapproving) (of a person’s behaviour or attitudes) extreme, especially in a way that shows they are not aware of what they are doing or are not concerned about what happens because of it: the sublime confidence of youth  He battled on, in the sublime conviction that he was in the right.
sub.lime.ly adv.: sublimely beautiful  She was sublimely unaware of the trouble she had caused.
sub.lim.ity noun [U]

noun (the sublime) [sing.] (written) something that is sublime : He transforms the most ordinary subject into the sublime.
IDM from the sublime to the ri'diculous used to describe a situation in which sth serious, important or of high quality is followed by sth silly, unimportant or of poor quality

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sub.lim.inal
adj. affecting your mind even though you are not aware of it: subliminal advertising
sub.lim.in.al.ly adv.
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,sub-ma'chine gun
noun a light MACHINE GUN that you can hold in your hands to fire
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sub.mar.ine
noun, adj.
noun (also informal sub)
1 a ship that can travel underwater: a nuclear submarine  a submarine base
2 (also ,submarine 'sandwich, hero) (all AmE) a long bread roll split open along its length and filled with various types of food—

adj. [only before noun] (technical ) existing or situated under the sea: submarine plant life  submarine cables

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sub.mar.iner
noun a sailor who works on a submarine
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sub.merge
verb
1 to go under the surface of water or liquid; to put sth or make sth go under the surface of water or liquid: [v] The submarine had had time to submerge before the warship could approach.  [vn] The fields had been submerged by flood water.
2 [vn] (written) to hide ideas, feelings, opinions, etc. completely: Doubts that had been submerged in her mind suddenly resurfaced.
sub.merged adj.: Her submerged car was discovered in the river by police divers.
sub.mer.sion noun [U]
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sub.mers.ible
adj., noun
adj. (AmE also sub.merg.ible ) that can be used under water: a submersible camera

noun a SUBMARINE (= a ship that can travel underwater) that goes underwater for short periods

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sub.mis.sion
noun
1 [U] the act of accepting that sb has defeated you and that you must obey them: a gesture of submission  to beat / force / starve sb into submission
2 [U, C] the act of giving a document, proposal, etc. to sb in authority so that they can study or consider it; the document, etc. that you give: When is the final date for the submission of proposals?  They prepared a report for submission to the council.  The deadline is 1 October and late submissions will not be marked.  All parties will have the opportunity to make submissions relating to this case.
3 [C] (law) a statement that is made to a judge in a court of law
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sub.mis.sive
adj. willing to obey sb whatever they want you to do: She followed him like a submissive child.
OPP ASSERTIVE
sub.mis.sive.ly adv.: ‘You’re right and I was wrong,’ he said submissively.
sub.mis.sive.ness noun [U]
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sub.mit
verb (-tt-)
1 [vn] ~ sth (to sb/sth) to give a document, proposal, etc. to sb in authority so that they can study or consider it: to submit an application / a claim / a complaint  Completed projects must be submitted by 10 March.
2 ~ (yourself) (to sb/sth) to accept the authority, control or greater strength of sb/sth; to agree to sth because of this
SYN YIELD , GIVE IN TO SB/STH : She refused to submit to threats.  He submitted himself to a search by the guards.
3 [v that] (lawor formal) to say or suggest sth: Counsel for the defence submitted that the evidence was inadmissible.
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sub.nor.mal
adj.
1 (technical) lower than normal: subnormal temperatures
2 (sometimes offensive) having less than the normal level of intelligence: educationally subnormal children
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sub.or.din.ate
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) having less power or authority than sb else in a group or an organization: In many societies women are subordinate to men.  a subordinate minister / officer
2 ~ (to sth) less important than sth else: All other issues are subordinate to this one.

noun a person who has a position with less authority and power than sb else in an organization: the relationship between subordinates and superiors

verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (to sb/sth) to treat sb/sth as less important than sb/sth else: Safety considerations were subordinated to commercial interests.
sub.or.din.ation noun [U]

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su,bordinate 'clause
(also de,pendent 'clause) noun (grammar ) a group of words that is not a sentence but adds information to the main part of a sentence, for example when it rang in She answered the phone when it rang.—compare COORDINATE CLAUSE , MAIN CLAUSE
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sub.orn
verb [vn] (law ) to pay or persuade sb to do sth illegal, especially to tell lies in a court of law: to suborn a witness
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'sub-plot
noun a series of events in a play, novel, etc. that is separate from but linked to the main story
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sub.poena
noun, verb
noun (law ) a written order to attend a court of law as a WITNESS to give evidence

verb (law ) to order sb to attend a court of law and give evidence as a WITNESS : [vn to inf] The court subpoenaed her to appear as a witness. [alsovn]

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sub.scribe
verb
1 [v] ~ (to sth) to pay money, normally once a year, to receive regular copies of a newspaper, magazine, etc: Which journals does the library subscribe to?
2 [v] ~ (to sth) to pay money regularly to be a member of an organization or to support a charity: He subscribes regularly to Amnesty International.
3 [v] ~ (for sth) (finance) to apply to buy shares in a company—see also OVERSUBSCRIBED
4 [vn] [usually passive] to apply to take part in an activity, use a service, etc: The tour of Edinburgh is fully subscribed.
PVR V sub'scribe to sth (formal) to agree with or support an opinion, a theory, etc: The authorities no longer subscribe to the view that disabled people are unsuitable as teachers.
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sub.scriber
noun
1 a person who pays money, usually once a year, to receive regular copies of a magazine or newspaper: subscribers to ‘New Scientist’
2 (BrE) a person who gives money regularly to help the work of an organization such as a charity
3 a person who pays to receive a service: subscribers to cable television
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sub.scrip.tion
noun [C, U]
1 ~ (to / for sth) an amount of money you pay, usually once a year, to receive regular copies of a newspaper or magazine, etc.; the act of paying this money: to take out an annual subscription to ‘Newsweek’  to cancel / renew your subscription  Copies are available by subscription.
2 (BrE, informal) a sum of money that you pay regularly to be a member of a club or to receive a service; the act of paying this money: money raised through subscription and advertising
3 a sum of money given regularly to a charity; the act of paying this money: A statue in his memory was erected by public subscription.
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sub.sec.tion
noun a part of a section, especially of a legal document: The case is described in subsection six below.
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sub.se.quent
adj. (formal) happening after sth else: subsequent years / generations  Subsequent events confirmed our doubts.
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sub.se.quent.ly
adv. (formal) afterwards; later; after sth else has happened: The original interview notes were subsequently lost.  Subsequently, new guidelines were issued to all employees.
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'subsequent to
prep. (formal) after; following: There have been further developments subsequent to our meeting.
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sub.ser.vi.ent
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) (disapproving) too willing to obey other people: The press was accused of being subservient to the government.  She did not wish to leave him, but she could not accept her subservient role.
2 ~ (to sth) (formal) less important than sth else: The needs of individuals were subservient to those of the group as a whole.
sub.ser.vi.ence noun [U]
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sub.set
noun (technical ) a smaller group of people or things formed from the members of a larger group: a subset of the people who took part in the survey
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sub.side
verb [v]
1 to become calmer or quieter: She waited nervously for his anger to subside.  When the rain had subsided we continued our walk.  I took an aspirin and the pain gradually subsided.
2 (of water) to go back to a normal level: The flood waters gradually subsided.
3 (of land or a building) to sink to a lower level; to sink lower into the ground: Weak foundations caused the house to subside.
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sub.sid.ence
noun [U] the process by which an area of land sinks to a lower level than normal, or by which a building sinks into the ground
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sub.sid.iary
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sth) connected with sth but less important than it: a subsidiary matter / subject  subsidiary information
2 (of a business company) owned or controlled by another company

noun (pl.-ies) a business company that is owned or controlled by another larger company: She’s working for an overseas subsidiary of the company.

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sub.sid.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to give money to sb or an organization to help pay for sth; to give a subsidy : The housing projects are subsidized by the government.  She’s not prepared to subsidize his gambling any longer.
sub.sid.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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sub.sidy
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] money that is paid by a government or an organization to reduce the costs of services or of producing goods so that their prices can be kept low: agricultural / state / housing subsidies  to increase / reduce the level of subsidy
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sub.sist
verb [v]
1 ~ (on sth) to manage to stay alive, especially with limited food or money: Old people often subsist on very small incomes.
2 (formal) to exist; to be valid: The terms of the contract subsist.
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sub.sist.ence
noun [U] the state of having just enough money or food to stay alive: Many families are living below the level of subsistence.  to live at / above / below (the) subsistence level  They had no visible means of subsistence.  subsistence agriculture / farming (= growing enough only to live on, not to sell)  subsistence crops  He worked a 16-hour day for a subsistence wage (= enough money to buy only basic necessities).
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sub.soil
noun [U] the layer of soil between the surface of the ground and the hard rock underneath it—compare TOPSOIL
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sub.son.ic
adj. less than the speed of sound; flying at less than the speed of sound—compare SUPERSONIC
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sub.stance
noun
1 [C] a type of solid, liquid or gas that has particular qualities: a chemical / radioactive substance  banned / illegal substances (= drugs)  a sticky / rich / fatty substance
2 [U] (written) the quality of being based on facts or the truth: It was malicious gossip, completely without substance .  The commission’s report gives substance to these allegations.  There is some substance in what he says.
3 [U] the most important or main part of sth: Love and guilt form the substance of his new book.  I agree with what she said in substance , though not with every detail.
4 [U] (formal) importance
SYN SIGNIFICANCE : matters of substance  Nothing of any substance was achieved in the meeting.
IDM a man / woman of 'substance (formal) a rich and powerful man or woman
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,sub-'standard
adj. not as good as normal; not acceptable: sub-standard goods
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sub.stan.tial
adj.
1 large in amount or value; important
SYN CONSIDERABLE : substantial sums of money  a substantial change / improvement  Substantial numbers of people support the reforms.  He ate a substantial breakfast.
2 [usually before noun] (formal) large and solid; strongly built: a substantial house
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sub.stan.tial.ly
adv.
1 very much; a lot
SYN CONSIDERABLY : The costs have increased substantially.  The plane was substantially damaged in the crash.
2 (formal) mainly; in most details, even if not completely: What she says is substantially true.
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sub.stan.ti.ate
verb [vn] (formal) to provide information or evidence to prove that sth is true: The results of the tests substantiated his claims.
sub.stan.ti.ation noun [U]
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sub.stan.tive
adj., noun
adj. (formal) dealing with real, important or serious matters: substantive issues / matters  The report concluded that no substantive changes were necessary.

noun (old-fashioned, grammar ) a noun

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sub.sta.tion
noun a place where the strength of electric power from a POWER STATION is reduced before it is passed on to homes and businesses
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sub.sti.tute
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (for sb/sth) a person or thing that you use or have instead of the one you normally use or have: a meat / milk substitute  Paul’s father only saw him as a substitute for his dead brother.  a substitute family  The course teaches you the theory but there’s no substitute for practical experience.  The local bus service was a poor substitute for their car.
2 (also informal sub) a player who replaces another player in a sports game: He was brought on as (a) substitute after half-time.

verb ~ A (for B)| ~ B (with / by A)| ~ for sb/sth to take the place of sb/sth else; to use sb/sth instead of sb/sth else: [v] Nothing can substitute for the advice your doctor is able to give you.  [vn] Margarine can be substituted for butter in this recipe.  Butter can be substituted with margarine in this recipe.  Beckham was substituted in the second half after a knee injury (= somebody else played instead of Beckham in the second half).
HELP When for, with or by are not used, as in the last example, it can be difficult to tell whether the person or thing mentioned is being used, or has been replaced by somebody or something else. The context will usually make this clear.
sub.sti.tu.tion noun [U, C]: the substitution of low-fat spreads for butter  Two substitutions were made during the game.

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,substitute 'teacher
noun (AmE ) = SUPPLY TEACHER
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sub.stra.tum
noun (pl.sub.strata ) (technical ) a layer of sth, especially rock or soil, that is below another layer: a substratum of clay  the substrata of society
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sub.struc.ture
noun a base or structure that is below another structure and that supports it: a substructure of timber piles   (figurative) the substructure of national culture—compare SUPERSTRUCTURE
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sub.sume
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] (formal) to include sth in a particular group and not consider it separately: All these different phenomena can be subsumed under just two broad categories.
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sub.tend
verb [vn] (geometry ) (of a line or CHORD ) to be opposite to an ARC or angle
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sub.ter.fuge
noun [U, C] (formal) a secret, usually dishonest, way of behaving or doing sth: Journalists often use subterfuge to obtain material for stories.  a political subterfuge
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sub.ter.ra.nean
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) under the ground: a subterranean cave / tunnel / passage
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sub.text
noun a hidden meaning or reason for doing sth
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sub.title
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually pl.] words that translate what is said in a film/movie into a different language and appear on the screen at the bottom. Subtitles are also used, especially on television, to help DEAF people (= people who cannot hear well): a Polish film with English subtitles  Is the film dubbed or are there subtitles?
2 a second title of a book that appears after the main title and gives more information

verb [usually passive] to give a subtitle or subtitles to a book, film/movie, etc: [vn] a Spanish film subtitled in English  [vn-n] The book is subtitled ‘New language for new times’.—compare DUB

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sub.tle
adj. (sub.tler, sub.tlest)
HELP more subtle is also common.
1 (often approving) not very noticeable or obvious: subtle colours / flavours  subtle changes / differences / distinctions  The fragrance is a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood.  She’s been dropping subtle hints about what she’d like as a present.
2 (of a person or their behaviour) behaving in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve sth: There was nothing subtle or sophisticated about him.  I decided to try a more subtle approach.
3 organized in a clever way: a subtle strategy / plan / technique  a subtle use of lighting in the play
4 good at noticing and understanding things: The job required a subtle mind.
subtly adv.: Her version of events is subtly different from what actually happened.  Not very subtly, he raised the subject of money.
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subtle.ty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the quality of being subtle : It’s a thrilling movie even though it lacks subtlety.
2 [C, usually pl.] the small but important details or aspects of sth: the subtleties of language  the subtleties of the British constitution
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sub.total
noun the total of a set of numbers which is then added to other totals to give a final number
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sub.tract
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to take a number or an amount away from another number or amount: 6 subtracted from 9 is 3 (9–6=3)
OPP ADD
sub.trac.tion —compare ADDITION noun [U, C]
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sub.trop.ic.al
(also ,semi-'tropical) adj. in or connected with regions that are near tropical parts of the world
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sub.urb
noun (also AmE informal the burbs [pl.]) an area where people live that is outside the centre of a city: a suburb of London  a London suburb  They live in the suburbs .
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sub.ur.ban
adj.
1 in or connected with a suburb : suburban areas / streets / houses / life  life in suburban London
2 (disapproving) boring and ordinary: a suburban lifestyle
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sub.ur.ban.ite
noun (often disapproving) a person who lives in the SUBURBS of a city: middle-class suburbanites
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sub.ur.bia
noun [U] (often disapproving) the SUBURBS and the way of life, attitudes, etc. of the people who live there
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sub.ven.tion
noun (formal) an amount of money that is given by a government, etc. to help an organization
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sub.ver.sive
adj. trying or likely to destroy or damage a government or political system by attacking it secretly or indirectly: subversive literature / activities
sub.ver.sive noun: He was a known political subversive.
sub.ver.sive.ly adv.
sub.ver.sive.ness noun [U]
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sub.vert
verb (formal)
1 [vn, v] to try to destroy the authority of a political, religious, etc. system by attacking it secretly or indirectly
SYN UNDERMINE
2 [vn] to try to destroy a person’s beliefs or loyalties
SYN UNDERMINE
sub.ver.sion noun [U]
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sub.way
noun
1 (BrE) a path that goes under a road, etc. which people can use to cross to the other side
SYN UNDERPASS
2 (AmE) an underground railway/railroad system in a city: the New York subway  a subway station / train  a downtown subway stop  to ride / take the subway  note at UNDERGROUND
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,sub-'zero
adj. [usually before noun] (of temperatures) below zero
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suc.ceed
verb
1 [v] ~ (in doing sth) to achieve sth that you have been trying to do or get; to have the result or effect that was intended: Our plan succeeded.  He succeeded in getting a place at art school.  I tried to discuss it with her but only succeeded in making her angry (= I failed and did the opposite of what I intended).—see also SUCCESS
2 [v] ~ (in sth)| ~ (as sth) to be successful in your job, earning money, power, respect, etc: You will have to work hard if you are to succeed.  She doesn’t have the ruthlessness required to succeed in business.  He had hoped to succeed as a violinist.—see also SUCCESS
3 [vn] to come next after sb/sth and take their/its place or position: Who succeeded Kennedy as President?  Their early success was succeeded by a period of miserable failure.  Strands of DNA are reproduced through succeeding generations .—see also SUCCESSION
4 [v] ~ (to sth) to gain the right to a title, property, etc. when sb dies: She succeeded to the throne (= became queen) in 1558.—see also SUCCESSION
IDM nothing succeeds like suc'cess (saying) when you are successful in one area of your life, it often leads to success in other areas
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suc.cess
noun
1 [U] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) the fact that you have achieved sth that you want and have been trying to do or get; the fact of becoming rich or famous or of getting a high social position: What’s the secret of your success?  I didn’t have much success in finding a job.  Confidence is the key to success .  commercial / economic / electoral success  Their plan will probably meet with little success .  She was surprised by the book’s success (= that it had sold a lot of copies).  They didn’t have much success in life.
2 [C] a person or thing that has achieved a good result and been successful: The party was a big success.  He’s proud of his daughter’s successes.  She wasn’t a success as a teacher.  He was determined to make a success of the business.
OPP FAILURE
IDM see ROARING , SUCCEED , SWEET adj.
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suc.cess.ful
adj.
1 ~ (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ (at sth / at doing sth) achieving your aims or what was intended: They were successful in winning the contract.  I wasn’t very successful at keeping the news secret.  We congratulated them on the successful completion of the project.
2 having become popular and/or made a lot of money: The play was very successful on Broadway.  a successful career / actor  The company has had another successful year.
OPP UNSUCCESSFUL
suc.cess.ful.ly adv.
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suc.ces.sion
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a number of people or things that follow each other in time or order; a series: a succession of events / problems / visitors  He’s been hit by a succession of injuries since he joined the team.  She has won the award for the third year in succession .  They had three children in quick succession .  The gunman fired three times in rapid succession .
2 [U] the regular pattern of one thing following another thing: the succession of the seasons
3 [U] the act of taking over an official position or title; the right to take over an official position or title, especially to become the king or queen of a country: He became chairman in succession to Bernard Allen.  She’s third in order of succession to the throne.—see also SUCCEED
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suc.ces.sive
adj. [only before noun] following immediately one after the other: This was their fourth successive win.  Successive governments have tried to tackle the problem.  There has been low rainfall for two successive years.
suc.ces.sively adv.: This concept has been applied successively to painting, architecture and sculpture.
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suc.ces.sor
noun ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that comes after sb/sth else and takes their/its place: Who’s the likely successor to Blair as party leader?  This car is the successor to the popular Ford Mondeo.—compare PREDECESSOR
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suc'cess story
noun a person or thing that is very successful
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suc.cinct
adj. (approving) expressed clearly and in a few words: Keep your answers as succinct as possible.
suc.cinct.ly adv.: You put that very succinctly.
suc.cinct.ness noun [U]
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suc.cour
(AmEsuc.cor) noun, verb
noun [U] (literary) help that you give to sb who is suffering or having problems: to give / bring succour to the sick and wounded

verb [vn] (literary) to help sb who is suffering or having problems

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suc.cu.bus
noun (pl.suc.cu.bi ) (literary) a female evil spirit, supposed to have sex with a sleeping man—compare INCUBUS
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suc.cu.lent
adj., noun
adj.
1 (approving) (of fruit, vegetables and meat) containing a lot of juice and tasting good: a succulent pear / steak
2 (technical) (of plants) having leaves and stems that are thick and contain a lot of water
suc.cu.lence noun [U]

noun (technical ) any plant with leaves and stems that are thick and contain a lot of water, for example a CACTUS

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suc.cumb
verb [v] ~ (to sth) to fail to resist an attack, an illness, a TEMPTATION , etc: The town succumbed after a short siege.  His career was cut short when he succumbed to cancer.  He finally succumbed to Lucy’s charms and agreed to her request.
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such
det., pron.
1 of the type already mentioned: They had been invited to a Hindu wedding and were not sure what happened on such occasions.  He said he didn’t have time or made some such excuse.  She longed to find somebody who understood her problems, and in him she thought she had found such a person.  We were second-class citizens and they treated us as such .  Accountants were boring. Such (= that) was her opinion before meeting Ian!
2 of the type that you are just going to mention: There is no such thing as a free lunch.  Such advice as he was given (= he was given very little advice) has proved almost worthless.  The knot was fastened in such a way that it was impossible to undo.  The damage was such that it would cost thousands to repair.
3 ~ (is, was, etc.) sth that … used to emphasize the great degree of sth: This issue was of such importance that we could not afford to ignore it.  Why are you in such a hurry?   (informal) It’s such a beautiful day!   (formal) Such is the elegance of this typeface that it is still a favourite of designers.
IDM … and such and similar things or people: The centre offers activities like canoeing and sailing and such. as 'such as the word is usually understood; in the exact sense of the word: The new job is not a promotion as such but it has good prospects.  ‘Well, did they offer it to you?’‘No, not as such, but they said I had a good chance.’ such as
1 for example: Wild flowers such as orchids and primroses are becoming rare.  ‘There are loads of things to do.’‘Such as?’ (= give me an example)
2 of a kind that; like: Opportunities such as this did not come every day. ,such as it 'is / they 'are used to say that there is not much of sth or that it is of poor quality: The food, such as it was, was served at nine o’clock.
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'such-and-such
pron., det. (spoken) used for referring to sth without saying exactly what it is: Always say at the start of an application that you’re applying for such-and-such a job because …
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such.like
pron. things of the type mentioned: You can buy brushes, paint, varnish and suchlike there.
such.like det.: food, drink, clothing and suchlike provisions
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suck
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to take liquid, air, etc. into your mouth by using the muscles of your lips: to suck the juice from an orange  She was noisily sucking up milk through a straw.
2 ~ (at, on) sth to keep sth in your mouth and pull on it with your lips and tongue: [v, vn] She sucked on a mint.  She sucked a mint.  [vn] Stop sucking your thumb!  [v] The baby sucked at its mother’s breast.
3 to take liquid, air, etc. out of sth: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : The pump sucks air out through the valve.  [vn-adj] Greenfly can literally suck a plant dry.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to pull sb/sth with great force in a particular direction: The canoe was sucked down into the whirlpool.
5 (sth sucks) [v] (slang) used to say that sth is very bad: Their new CD sucks.
IDM ,suck it and 'see (BrE, informal) used to say that the only way to know if sth is suitable is to try it ,suck it 'up (AmE, informal) to accept sth bad and deal with it well, controlling your emotions—more at DRY adj. , TEACH
PVR V ,suck sb 'in| ,suck sb 'into sth [usually passive] to involve sb in an activity or a situation, especially one they do not want to be involved in ,suck 'up (to sb) (informal, disapproving) to try to please sb in authority by praising them too much, helping them, etc., in order to gain some advantage for yourself

noun [usually sing.] an act of sucking

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suck.er
noun
1 (informal) a person who is easily tricked or persuaded to do sth
2 ~ for sb/sth (informal) a person who cannot resist sb/sth or likes sb/sth very much: I’ve always been a sucker for men with green eyes.
3 a special organ on the body of some animals that enables them to stick to a surface
4 a disc shaped like a cup, usually made of rubber or plastic, that sticks to a surface when you press it against it
5 a part of a tree or bush that grows from the roots rather than from the main stem or the branches and can form a new tree or bush
6 (AmE, slang) used to refer in a general way to a person or thing, especially for emphasis: The pilot said, ‘I don’t know how I got the sucker down safely.’
7 (AmE, informal) = LOLLIPOP
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suckle
verb
1 [vn] (of a woman or female animal) to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or UDDER : a cow suckling her calves   (old-fashioned) a mother suckling a baby
2 [v] (of a baby or young animal) to drink milk from its mother’s breast or UDDER
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suck.ling
noun (old-fashioned) a baby or young animal that is still drinking milk from its mother
IDM see MOUTH n.
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su.crose
noun [U] (chemistry ) the form of sugar that is obtained from SUGAR CANE and SUGAR BEET
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suc.tion
noun [U] the process of removing air or liquid from a space or container so that sth else can be sucked into it or so that two surfaces can stick together: Vacuum cleaners work by suction.  a suction pump / pad
suc.tion verb [vn] (technical)
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sud.den
adj. happening or done quickly and unexpectedly: a sudden change / decision  Don’t make any sudden movements.  His death was very sudden.
sud.den.ness noun [U]
IDM ,all of a 'sudden quickly and unexpectedly: All of a sudden someone grabbed me around the neck.
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,sudden 'death
noun [U] a way of deciding the winner of a game when the scores are equal at the end. The players or teams continue playing and the game ends as soon as one of them gains the lead: a sudden-death play-off in golf
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sud.den.ly
adv. quickly and unexpectedly: ‘Listen!’ said Doyle suddenly.  I suddenly realized what I had to do.  It all happened so suddenly.
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suds
(also soap.suds) noun
1 [pl.] a mass of very small bubbles that forms on top of water that has soap in it: She was up to her elbows in suds.
2 [U] (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) beer
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sue
verb
1 ~ (sb) (for sth) to make a claim against sb in a court of law about sth that they have said or done to harm you: [vn] to sue sb for breach of contract  to sue sb for damages / $10 million (= in order to get money from sb)  [v] They threatened to sue if the work was not completed.
2 [v] ~ for sth (formal) to formally ask for sth, especially in a court of law: to sue for divorce  The rebels were forced to sue for peace.
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suede
noun [U] soft leather with a surface like VELVET on one side, used especially for making clothes and shoes: a suede jacket
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suet
noun [U] hard fat from around the KIDNEYS of cows, sheep, etc., used in cooking: suet pudding (= one made using suet)
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suf.fer
verb
1 [v] ~ (from sth)| ~ (for sth) to be badly affected by a disease, pain, sadness, a lack of sth, etc: I hate to see animals suffering.  He suffers from asthma.  road accident victims suffering from shock  Many companies are suffering from a shortage of skilled staff.  He made a rash decision and now he is suffering for it.
2 [vn] to experience sth unpleasant, such as injury, defeat or loss: He suffered a massive heart attack.  The party suffered a humiliating defeat in the general election.  The company suffered huge losses in the last financial year.
3 [v] to become worse: His school work is suffering because of family problems.
IDM not suffer fools 'gladly to have very little patience with people that you think are stupid: She was a forceful personality who didn’t suffer fools gladly.
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suf.fer.ance
noun [U]
IDM on 'sufferance if you do sth on sufferance, sb allows you to do it although they do not really want you to: He’s only staying here on sufferance.
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suf.fer.er
noun a person who suffers, especially sb who is suffering from a disease: cancer sufferers  She received many letters of support from fellow sufferers.
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suf.fer.ing
noun
1 [U] physical or mental pain: Death finally brought an end to her suffering.  This war has caused widespread human suffering.
2 (sufferings) [pl.] feelings of pain and unhappiness: The hospice aims to ease the sufferings of the dying.
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suf.fice
verb (formal) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be enough for sb/sth: [v] Generally a brief note or a phone call will suffice.  [v to inf] One example will suffice to illustrate the point.
IDM suffice (it) to say (that) … used to suggest that although you could say more, what you do say will be enough to explain what you mean
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suf.fi.ciency
noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an amount that is enough for a particular purpose
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suf.fi.cient
adj. ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth/sb) enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need: Allow sufficient time to get there.  These reasons are not sufficient to justify the ban.  Is £100 sufficient for your expenses?
OPP INSUFFICIENT —see also SELF-SUFFICIENT   note at ENOUGH
suf.fi.cient.ly adv.: The following day she felt sufficiently well to go to work.
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suf.fix
noun (grammar ) a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to make another word, such as -ly in quickly or -ness in sadness—compare AFFIX , PREFIX
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suf.fo.cate
verb
1 to die because there is no air to breathe; to kill sb by not letting them breathe air: [v] Many dogs have suffocated in hot cars.  [vn] The couple were suffocated by fumes from a faulty gas fire.  He put the pillow over her face and suffocated her.   (figurative) She felt suffocated by all the rules and regulations.
2 [v] (be suffocating) if it is suffocating, it is very hot and there is little fresh air: Can I open a window? It’s suffocating in here!
suf.fo.ca.tion noun [U]: to die from / of suffocation
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suf.fo.cat.ing
adj.
1 making it difficult to breathe normally: The afternoon heat was suffocating.
2 restricting what sb/sth can do: Some marriages can sometimes feel suffocating.
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suf.fra.gan
(also suffragan 'bishop) noun a BISHOP who is an assistant to a bishop of a particular DIOCESE
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suf.frage
noun [U] the right to vote in political elections: universal suffrage (= the right of all adults to vote)  women’s suffrage
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suf.fra.gette
noun a member of a group of women who, in Britain and the US in the early part of the 20th century, worked to get the right for women to vote in political elections
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suf.fuse
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (literary) (especially of a colour, light or feeling) to spread all over or through sb/sth: Her face was suffused with colour.  Colour suffused her face.
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Sufi
noun a member of a Muslim group who try to become united with God through prayer and MEDITATION and by living a very simple, strict life
Suf.ism noun [U]
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sugar
noun, verb, exclamation
noun
1 [U] a sweet substance, often in the form of white or brown CRYSTALS , made from the juices of various plants, used in cooking or to make tea, coffee, etc. sweeter: a sugar plantation / refinery / bowl  This juice contains no added sugar.  Do you take sugar (= have it in your tea, coffee, etc.)?—see also BROWN SUGAR , CANE SUGAR , CASTER SUGAR , GRANULATED SUGAR , ICING SUGAR
2 [C] the amount of sugar that a small spoon can hold or that is contained in a small CUBE , added to tea, coffee, etc: How many sugars do you take in coffee?
3 [C, usually pl.] (technical) any of various sweet substances that are found naturally in plants, fruit, etc: fruit sugars  a person’s blood sugar level (= the amount of GLUCOSE in their blood)
4 [U] (spoken, especially AmE) a way of addressing sb that you like or love: See you later, sugar.

verb [vn] to add sugar to sth; to cover sth in sugar
IDM see PILL

exclamation used to show that you are annoyed when you do sth stupid or when sth goes wrong (to avoid saying ‘shit’): Oh sugar! I’ve forgotten my book!

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'sugar beet
noun [U] a plant with a large round root, from which sugar is made
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'sugar cane
noun [U] a tall tropical plant with thick stems from which sugar is made
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'sugar-coat
verb [vn] to do sth that makes an unpleasant situation seem less unpleasant
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,sugar-'coated
adj.
1 covered with sugar
2 (disapproving) made to seem attractive, in a way that deceives people: a sugar-coated promise
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'sugar cube
noun (especially AmE ) = SUGAR LUMP
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'sugar daddy
noun (informal) a rich older man who gives presents and money to a much younger woman, usually in return for sex
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'sugar lump
(also lump) (both BrE ) (also 'sugar cubeAmE, BrE) noun a small CUBE of sugar, used in cups of tea or coffee
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sug.ary
adj.
1 containing sugar; tasting of sugar: sugary snacks / drinks
2 (disapproving) seeming too full of emotion in a way that is not sincere
SYN SENTIMENTAL : a sugary smile  sugary pop music
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sug.gest
verb
1 ~ sth (to sb) to put forward an idea or a plan for other people to think about
SYN PROPOSE : [vn] May I suggest a white wine with this dish, Sir?  A solution immediately suggested itself to me (= I immediately thought of a solution).  [v (that)] I suggest (that) we go out to eat.  [v -ing] I suggested going in my car.  [vn that] It has been suggested that bright children take their exams early.   (BrE also) It has been suggested that bright children should take their exams early.
2 ~ sb/sth (for sth)| ~ sb/sth (as sth) to tell sb about a suitable person, thing, method, etc. for a particular job or purpose
SYN RECOMMEND : [vn] Who would you suggest for the job?  She suggested Paris as a good place for the conference.  Can you suggest a good dictionary?
HELP You cannot ‘suggest somebody something’: Can you suggest me a good dictionary? [v wh-] Can you suggest how I might contact him?
3 ~ sth (to sb) to put an idea into sb’s mind; to make sb think that sth is true: [v (that)] All the evidence suggests (that) he stole the money.  [vn] The symptoms suggest a minor heart attack.  What do these results suggest to you?
4 to state sth indirectly
SYN IMPLY : [v (that)] Are you suggesting (that) I’m lazy?  [vn] I would never suggest such a thing.
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sug.gest.ible
adj. easily influenced by other people: He was young and highly suggestible.
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sug.ges.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (for / about / on sth)| ~ (that … ) an idea or a plan that you mention for sb else to think about: Can I make a suggestion ?  Do you have any suggestions ?  I’d like to hear your suggestions for ways of raising money.  Are there any suggestions about how best to tackle the problem?  We welcome any comments and suggestions on these proposals.  He agreed with my suggestion that we should change the date.  We are open to suggestions (= willing to listen to ideas from other people).  We need to get it there by four. Any suggestions?
2 [U, C, usually sing.] ~ of / that a reason to think that sth, especially sth bad, is true: A spokesman dismissed any suggestion of a boardroom rift.  There was no suggestion that he was doing anything illegal.
3 [C, usually sing.] a slight amount or sign of sth: She looked at me with just a suggestion of a smile.
4 [U] (written) putting an idea into people’s minds by connecting it with other ideas: Most advertisements work through suggestion.  the power of suggestion
IDM at / on sb’s sug'gestion because sb suggested it: At his suggestion, I bought the more expensive printer.
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sug.gest.ive
adj.
1 ~ (of sth) reminding you of sth or making you think about sth: music that is suggestive of warm summer days
2 making people think about sex: suggestive jokes  to make suggestive remarks
sug.gest.ive.ly adv.: He leered suggestively.
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sui.cidal
adj.
1 people who are suicidal feel that they want to kill themselves: On bad days I even felt suicidal.  suicidal tendencies
2 very dangerous and likely to lead to death; likely to cause very serious problems or disaster: a suicidal leap into the swollen river  It would be suicidal to risk going out in this weather.  The new economic policies could prove suicidal for the party.
sui.cid.al.ly adv.: suicidally depressed
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sui.cide
noun
1 [U, C] the act of killing yourself deliberately: to commit suicide  an attempted suicide (= one in which the person survives)  a suicide letter / note (= written before sb tries to commit suicide)  a suicide bomber (= who expects to die while trying to kill other people with a bomb)
2 [U] a course of action that is likely to ruin your career, position in society, etc: It would have been political suicide for him to challenge the allegations in court.
3 [C] (formal) a person who commits suicide
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'suicide pact
noun an agreement between two or more people to kill themselves at the same time
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sui generis
adj. (from Latin , formal) different from all other people or things
SYN UNIQUE
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suit
noun, verb
noun
1 a set of clothes made of the same fabric, including a jacket and trousers/pants or a skirt: a business suit  a pinstripe suit  a two- / three-piece suit (= of two / three pieces of clothing)—see also JUMPSUIT , LOUNGE SUIT , SAILOR SUIT , SHELL SUIT , SWEATSUIT , TRACKSUIT , TROUSER SUIT
2 a set of clothing worn for a particular activity: a diving suit  a suit of armour—see also BOILER SUIT , SPACESUIT , SWIMSUIT , WET SUIT
3 any of the four sets that form a pack/deck of cards: The suits are called hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades.—
4 = LAWSUIT : to file / bring a suit against sb  a divorce suit—see also PATERNITY SUIT
IDM see BIRTHDAY , FOLLOW , STRONG

verb [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 to be convenient or useful for sb: [vn] Choose a computer to suit your particular needs.  If we met at 2, would that suit you?  If you want to go by bus, that suits me fine .  He can be very helpful, but only when it suits him.  [vn to inf] It suits me to start work at a later time.
2 [vn] (especially of clothes, colours, etc.) to make you look attractive: Blue suits you. You should wear it more often.  I don’t think this coat really suits me.
3 (especially BrE ) [vn] (usually used in negative sentences) to be right or good for sb/sth: This hot weather doesn’t suit me.
IDM suit your / sb’s book (BrE, informal) to be convenient or useful for you/sb: Well, if you’re honest and hard-working, that suits our book. suit sb ,down to the 'ground (BrE, informal) to be very convenient or acceptable for sb: This job suits me down to the ground. ,suit your'self (informal)
1 to do exactly what you would like: I choose my assignments to suit myself.
2 usually used in orders to tell sb to do what they want, even though it annoys you: ‘I think I’ll stay in this evening.’‘Suit yourself!’
PVR V 'suit sth to sth/sb to make sth appropriate for sth/sb: He can suit his conversation to whoever he’s with.

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suit.able
adj. ~ (for sth/sb)| ~ (to do sth) right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion: a suitable candidate  This programme is not suitable for children.  a suitable place for a picnic  I don’t have anything suitable to wear for the party.  Would now be a suitable moment to discuss my report?
OPP UNSUITABLE
suit.abil.ity noun [U]: There is no doubt about her suitability for the job.
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suit.ably
adv.
1 in a way that is right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion: I am not really suitably dressed for a party.  suitably qualified candidates
2 showing the feelings, etc. that you would expect in a particular situation: He was suitably impressed when I told him I’d won.
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suit.case
(also case) noun a case with flat sides and a handle, used for carrying clothes, etc. when you are travelling: to pack / unpack a suitcase—picture at BAG
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suite
noun
1 a set of rooms, especially in a hotel: a hotel / private / honeymoon suite  a suite of rooms / offices—see also EN SUITE
2 a set of matching pieces of furniture: a bathroom / bedroom suite   (BrE) a three-piece suite with two armchairs and a sofa
3 a piece of music made up of three or more related parts, for example pieces from an opera: Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite
4 (computing) a set of related computer programs: a suite of software development tools
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suit.ed
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (to / for sb/sth) right or appropriate for sb/sth: She was ideally suited to the part of Eva Peron.  He is not really suited for a teaching career.  This diet is suited to anyone who wants to lose weight fast.
OPP UNSUITED
2 if two people are suited or well suited, they are likely to make a good couple: Jo and I are very well suited.  They were not suited to one another.
OPP UNSUITED
3 (-suited) (in compounds) wearing a suit of the type mentioned: sober-suited city businessmen
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suitor
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a man who wants to marry a particular woman
2 (business) a company that wants to buy another company: a hostile / friendly suitor  a merger proposal from an unwanted suitor
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sul.fate, sul.fidesul.fursul.fur.ic acid
(AmE ) = SULPHATE , SULPHIDE , SULPHUR , SULPHURIC ACID
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sulk
verb, noun
verb [v] (disapproving) to look angry and refuse to speak or smile because you want people to know that you are upset about sth: He went off to sulk in his room.

noun (BrE also the sulks [pl.]) a period of being silent and bad-tempered because you are angry about sth: Jo was in a sulk upstairs.  to have the sulks

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sulky
adj. (disapproving) silent or bad-tempered because you are angry about sth: Sarah had looked sulky all morning.  a sulky child
sulk.ily adv.
sulki.ness noun [U]
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sul.len
adj. (disapproving)
1 silent and bad-tempered, either on a particular occasion or because it is part of your character: Bob looked pale and sullen.  She gave him a sullen glare.  sullen teenagers
2 (literary) (of the sky or weather) dark and unpleasant: a sullen grey sky
sul.len.ly adv.
sul.len.ness noun [U]
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sully
verb (sul.lies, sully.ing, sul.lied, sul.lied) [vn] (formal or literary)
1 to spoil or lower the value of sth: By cheating they have sullied the good name of their country.
2 to make sth dirty: She wondered if she dared risk sullying the gleaming sink.
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sul.phate
(BrE ) (AmEsul.fate) noun [C, U] (chemistry ) a compound of SULPHURIC ACID and a chemical element: copper sulphate
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sul.phide
(BrE ) (AmEsul.fide) noun [C, U] (chemistry ) a compound of sulphur and another chemical element
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sul.phur
(BrE ) (AmEsul.fur) noun [U] (symb S) a chemical element. Sulphur is a pale yellow substance that produces a strong unpleasant smell when it burns and is used in medicine and industry.
sul.phur.ous (BrE) (AmEsul.fur.ous) adj.: sulphurous fumes
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,sulphur di'oxide
(BrE ) (AmE,sulfur di'oxide) noun [U] (symb SO2) a poisonous gas with a strong smell, that is used in industry and causes air POLLUTION
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sul.phur.ic acid
(BrE ) (AmEsul.fur.ic acid) noun [U] (chemistry) (symb H2SO4) a strong colourless acid
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sul.tan
noun the title given to Muslim rulers in some countries: the Sultan of Brunei
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sul.tana
(BrE ) (AmE ,golden 'raisin) noun a small dried grape without seeds, used in cakes, etc.
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sul.tan.ate
noun
1 the rank or position of a SULTAN
2 an area of land that is ruled over by a SULTAN : the Sultanate of Oman
3 the period of time during which sb is a SULTAN
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sul.try
adj.
1 (of the weather or air) very hot and uncomfortable: a sultry summer afternoon  The weather was still very heavy and sultry.
2 (written) (of a woman or her appearance) sexually attractive; seeming to have strong sexual feelings: a sultry smile / voice  a sultry singer
sul.tri.ness noun [U]
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sum
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth) an amount of money: You will be fined the sum of £200.  a large sum of money  a six-figure sum—see also LUMP SUM
2 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the number you get when you add two or more numbers together: The sum of 7 and 12 is 19.
3 (also ,sum 'total) [sing.] the ~ of sth all of sth, especially when you think that it is not very much: This is the sum of my achievements so far.
4 [C] a simple problem that involves calculating numbers: to do a sum in your head  I was good at sums at school.  If I’ve got my sums right, I should be able to afford the rent.
IDM be greater / more than the ,sum of its 'parts to be better or more effective as a group than you would think just by looking at the individual members of the group in 'sum (formal) used to introduce a short statement of the main points of a discussion, speech, etc.

verb (-mm-)
PVR V ,sum 'up| ,sum sth<->'up
1 to state the main points of sth in a short and clear form
SYN SUMMARIZE : To sum up , there are three main ways of tackling the problem … [+ wh-] Can I just sum up what we’ve agreed so far?
2 (of a judge) to give a summary of the main facts and arguments in a legal case, near the end of a trial—related noun SUMMING-UP ,sum sb/sth<->'up
1 to describe or show the most typical characteristics of sb/sth, especially in a few words: Totally lazy—that just about sums him up.
2 to form or express an opinion of sb/sth
SYN SIZE UP : She quickly summed up the situation and took control.—related noun SUMMING-UP

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summa cum laude
adv., adj. (from Latin ) (in the US) at the highest level of achievement that students can reach when they finish their studies at college: He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard.—compare CUM LAUDE , MAGNA CUM LAUDE
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sum.mar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb to give a summary of sth: [vn] The results of the research are summarized at the end of the chapter. [alsov]
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sum.mary
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) a short statement that gives only the main points of sth, not the details: The following is a summary of our conclusions.  a news summary  a two-page summary of a government report  In summary , this was a disappointing performance.

adj. [only before noun]
1 (formal) giving only the main points of sth, not the details: a summary financial statement  I made a summary report for the records.
2 (sometimes disapproving) done immediately, without paying attention to the normal process that should be followed: summary justice / execution  a summary judgement
sum.mar.ily adv.: to be summarily dismissed / executed

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sum.mat
noun (NorthE , non-standard) a way of writing the spoken form of ‘something’
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sum.ma.tion
noun (rare, formal)
1 [usually sing.] a summary of what has been done or said: What he said was a fair summation of the discussion.
2 a collection of different parts that forms a complete account or impression of sb/sth: The exhibition presents a summation of the artist’s career.
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sum.mer
noun [U, C] the warmest season of the year, coming between spring and autumn/fall: We’re going away in the summer .  It’s very hot here in summer .  in the summer of 1999  late / early summer  this / next / last summer  a cool / hot / wet summer  It is now high summer (= the hottest part of summer).  a summer’s day  a summer dress  the summer holidays / vacation  two summers ago—see also INDIAN SUMMER
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'summer camp
noun [C, U] (in the US) a place where children go during the summer and take part in sports and other activities
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'summer house
noun a small building in a garden/yard for sitting in in good weather
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,summer 'pudding
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from berries surrounded by slices of bread that have been soaked in their juice
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'summer school
noun [C, U] courses that are held in the summer at a university or college or, in the US, at a school
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'summer time
(BrE ) (AmE 'daylight saving time) noun the period between March and October during which in some countries the clocks are put forward one hour, so that it is light for an extra hour in the evening
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sum.mer.time
noun [U] the season of summer: It’s beautiful here in (the) summertime.
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sum.mery
adj. typical of or suitable for the summer: summery weather  a light summery dress
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,summing-'up
noun (pl.summings-up)
1 a speech that the judge makes near the end of a trial in a court of law, in which he or she reminds the JURY about the evidence and the most important points in the case before the JURY makes its decision
2 an occasion when sb states the main points of an argument, etc.
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sum.mit
noun
1 the highest point of sth, especially the top of a mountain: We reached the summit at noon.  This path leads to the summit.   (figurative) the summit of his career—picture at MOUNTAIN
2 an official meeting or series of meetings between the leaders of two or more governments at which they discuss important matters: a summit in Moscow  a summit conference
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sum.mon
verb
1 (formal) to order sb to appear in a court of law
SYN SUMMONS : [vn to inf] He was summoned to appear before the magistrates. [alsovn]
2 ~ sb (to sth) (formal) to order sb to come to you: [vn] In May 1688 he was urgently summoned to London.  She summoned the waiter. [alsovn to inf]
3 [vn] (formal) to arrange an official meeting
SYN CONVENE : to summon a conference / meeting
4 [vn] (formal) to call for or try to obtain sth: to summon assistance / help / reinforcements
5 [vn] ~ sth (up) to make an effort to produce a particular quality in yourself, especially when you find it difficult
SYN MUSTER : She was trying to summon up the courage to leave him.  I couldn’t even summon the energy to get out of bed.
PVR V ,summon sth<->'up to make a feeling, an idea, a memory, etc. come into your mind
SYN EVOKE : The book summoned up memories of my childhood.
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sum.mons
noun, verb
noun (pl.sum.monses )
1 (AmE also cit.ation) an order to appear in a court of law: to issue a summons against sb  The police have been unable to serve a summons on him.  She received a summons to appear in court the following week.
2 an order to come and see sb: to obey a royal summons

verb ~ sb (for sth) to order sb to appear in a court of law
SYN SUMMON [vn] She was summonsed for speeding.  [vn to inf] He was summonsed to appear in court.

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sumo
(also ,sumo 'wrestling) noun [U] a Japanese style of WRESTLING , in which the competitors are extremely large: a sumo wrestler
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sump
noun
1 a hole or hollow area in which liquid waste collects
2 (AmE also 'oil pan) the place under an engine that holds the engine oil
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sump.tu.ous
adj. (written) very expensive and looking very impressive: a sumptuous meal / room  We dined in sumptuous surroundings.
sump.tu.ous.ly adv.
sump.tu.ous.ness noun [U]
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,sum 'total
noun [sing.] (sometimes disapproving) the whole of sth; everything
SYN SUM : A photo, a book of poems and a gold ring—this was the sum total of his possessions.
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sun
noun, verb
noun
1 (the sun, the Sun) [sing.] the star that shines in the sky during the day and gives the earth heat and light: the sun’s rays  the rising / setting sun  The sun was shining and birds were singing.  The sun was just setting.
2 (usually the sun) [sing., U] the light and heat from the sun
SYN SUNSHINE : the warmth of the afternoon sun  This room gets the sun in the mornings.  We sat in the sun .  The sun was blazing hot.  Too much sun ages the skin.  We did our best to keep out of the sun .  They’ve booked a holiday in the sun (= in a place that is warm and sunny).  Her face had obviously caught the sun (= become red or brown) on holiday.—see also SUNNY
3 [C] any star around which planets move
IDM under the 'sun used to emphasize that you are talking about a very large number of things: We talked about everything under the sun.  I’ve been called all the names under the sun! with the 'sun when the sun rises or sets: I get up with the sun.—more at HAY , PLACE n.

verb (-nn-) [vn] ~ yourself to sit or lie in a place where the sun is shining on you: We lay sunning ourselves on the deck.

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'sun-baked
adj.
1 made hard and dry by the heat of the sun: sun-baked earth
2 receiving a lot of light and heat from the sun: sun-baked beaches
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sun.bathe
verb [v] to sit or lie in the sun, especially in order to go brown and get a SUNTAN   note at BATH
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sun.beam
noun a ray of sunlight
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sun.bed
noun
1 a bed for lying on under a SUNLAMP
2 = SUNLOUNGER
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Sun.belt
(the Sunbelt) noun [sing.] the southern and south-western parts of the US
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sun.block
noun [U, C] a cream that you put on your skin to protect it completely from the harmful effects of the sun
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sun.burn
noun [U] the condition of having painful red skin because you have spent too much time in the sun—compare SUNTAN
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sun.burned
(also sun.burnt ) adj.
1 suffering from sunburn : Her shoulders were badly sunburned.
2 (BrE) (of a person or of skin) having an attractive brown colour from being in the sun: She looked fit and sunburnt.
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sun.dae
noun a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) of ice cream covered with a sweet sauce, nuts, pieces of fruit, etc., usually served in a tall glass: a hot chocolate fudge sundae
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Sun.day
noun (abbr. Sun.)
1 [C, U] the day of the week after Saturday and before Monday
HELP To see how Sunday is used, look at the examples at Monday.
ORIGIN From the Old English for ‘day of the sun’, translated from Latin dies solis.
2 [C, usually pl.] (BrE, informal) a newspaper published on a Sunday
IDM your ,Sunday 'best (informal, humorous) your best clothes: I put on my Sunday best for the occasion.—more at MONTH
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'Sunday school
noun [C, U] a class that is organized by a church or SYNAGOGUE where children can go for a short time on Sundays to learn about the Christian or Jewish religion
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sun.der
verb [vn] ~ sth/sb (from sth/sb) (formal or literary) to split or break sth/sb apart, especially by force—see also ASUNDER
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sun.dial
noun a device used outdoors, especially in the past, for telling the time when the sun is shining. A pointed piece of metal throws a shadow on a flat surface that is marked with the hours like a clock, and the shadow moves around as the sun moves across the sky.
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sun.down
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the time when the sun goes down and night begins
SYN SUNSET : The celebration begins at sundown.
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'sun-drenched
adj. [only before noun] (approving) having a lot of hot sun: sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches
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sun.dress
noun a dress that does not cover the arms, neck or shoulders, worn in hot weather
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'sun-dried
adj. [only before noun] (especially of food) dried naturally by the heat of the sun: sun-dried tomatoes
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sun.dries
noun [pl.] (written) various items, especially small ones, that are not important enough to be named separately: You can claim up to £10 a day for sundries.
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sun.dry
adj. [only before noun] (formal) various; not important enough to be named separately: a watch, a notebook, a diary and sundry other items
IDM ,all and 'sundry (informal) everyone, not just a few special people: She was known to all and sundry as Bella.  The club is open to all and sundry.
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sun.flower
noun a very tall plant with large yellow flowers, grown in gardens or for its seeds and their oil that are used in cooking: sunflower oil
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sung
pp of SING
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sun.glasses
(also informal shades) noun [pl.] a pair of glasses with dark glass in them that you wear to protect your eyes from bright sunlight: a pair of sunglasses—see also DARK GLASSES
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sun.hat
noun a hat worn to protect the head and neck from the sun—picture at HAT
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sunk
pp of SINK
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sunk.en
adj.
1 [only before noun] that has fallen to the bottom of the sea, or the ocean, or of a lake or river: a sunken ship  sunken treasure
2 (of eyes or cheeks) hollow and falling inwards as a result of disease, hunger or age: His eyes were dark and sunken.
3 [only before noun] at a lower level than the area around: a sunken bath / garden
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sun.lamp
noun a lamp that produces ULTRAVIOLET light that has the same effect as the sun and can turn the skin brown
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sun.less
adj. without any sun; receiving no light from the sun: a sunless day  the sunless side of the house
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sun.light
noun [U] the light from the sun: a ray / pool of sunlight  shafts of bright sunlight  The morning sunlight flooded into the room.
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sun.lit
adj. [usually before noun] (written) receiving light from the sun: sunlit water / streets / rooms
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'sun lounge
(BrE ) (also sun.roomAmE, BrE) noun a room with large windows, and often a glass roof, that lets in a lot of sunlight
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sun.loun.ger
(also loun.ger, sun.bed) noun (BrE ) a chair with a long seat that supports your legs, used for sitting or lying on in the sun—picture at CHAIR
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Sunni
noun (pl.Sunni or Sun.nis)
1 [U] one of the two main branches of the Islamic religion—compare SHIA
2 [C] a member of the Sunni branch of Islam—compare SHIITE
Sun.nite adj. [usually before noun]
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sunny
adj. (sun.nier, sun.ni.est)
1 with a lot of bright light from the sun: a sunny day / afternoon  sunny weather  The outlook for the weekend is hot and sunny.  a sunny garden  Italy was at its sunniest.
2 cheerful and happy: a sunny disposition / smile
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'sunny side
noun the side of sth that receives most light from the sun: (figurative) the sunny side of life (= the more cheerful aspects of life)
IDM ,sunny-side 'up (AmE) (of an egg) fried on one side only
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sun.rise
noun
1 [U] the time when the sun first appears in the sky in the morning
SYN DAWN : We got up at sunrise .
2 [C, usually sing.] the colours in the part of the sky where the sun first appears in the morning: the pinks and yellows of the sunrise
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'sunrise industry
noun a new industry, especially one connected with electronics or computers, that is successful and growing
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sun.roof
noun (pl.-roofs) a part of the roof of a car that you can open to let air and light in—picture at CAR
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sun.room
noun (especially AmE ) = SUN LOUNGE
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sun.screen
noun [C, U] a cream or liquid that you put on your skin to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun: a high factor (= strong) sunscreen
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sun.set
noun
1 [U] the time when the sun goes down and night begins: Every evening at sunset the flag was lowered.
2 [C] the colours in the part of the sky where the sun slowly goes down in the evening: a spectacular sunset
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sun.shade
noun
1 (BrE) an object, sometimes shaped like an umbrella, that is used to protect people from hot sun—picture at HOUSE
2 a type of light umbrella that people use to protect themselves or babies from the sun: a child’s buggy fitted with a sunshade—compare PARASOL
3 (sunshades) [pl.] a pair of dark glasses that you wear to protect your eyes from bright sunlight, especially ones that fix on to your ordinary glasses
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sun.shine
noun [U]
1 the light and heat of the sun: the warm spring sunshine
2 (informal) happiness: She brought sunshine into our dull lives.
3 (BrE, informal) used for addressing sb in a friendly, or sometimes a rude way: Hello, sunshine!  Look, sunshine, who do you think you’re talking to?
IDM see RAY
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sun.spot
noun a dark area that sometimes appears on the sun’s surface
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sun.stroke
noun [U] an illness with fever, weakness, HEADACHE , etc. caused by too much direct sunlight, especially on the head
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sun.tan
noun [usually sing.] = TAN : Where have you been to get that suntan?—compare SUNBURN
sun.tan adj. [only before noun]: suntan oil
sun.tanned adj. = TANNED : a suntanned face
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sun.trap
noun a place that is sheltered from the wind and gets a lot of sun
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'sun-up
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the time when the sun rises and day begins
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'sun-worshipper
noun (informal) a person who enjoys lying in the sun very much
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sup
verb (-pp-) [v, vn] (NorthE or old-fashioned) to drink sth, especially in small amounts
sup noun
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super
adj., adv., noun
adj. (informal, becoming old-fashioned) extremely good: a super meal / place  We had a super time in Italy.  ‘The pilot did a super job,’ a passenger said afterwards.  She was super (= very kind) when I was having problems.

adv. (informal) especially; particularly: He’s been super understanding.

noun
1 (BrE, informal) a SUPERINTENDENT in the police
2 (AmE) a SUPERINTENDENT of a building

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super-
combining form
1 (in adjectives, adverbs and nouns) extremely; more or better than normal: super-rich  superhuman  superglue
2 (in nouns and verbs) above; over: superstructure  superimpose
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super.abun.dance
noun [sing., U] (formal) much more than enough of sth: a superabundance of energy
super.abun.dant adj.
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super.annu.ated
adj. [usually before noun] (formal or humorous) (of people or things) too old for work or to be used for their original purpose: superannuated rock stars
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super.annu.ation
noun [U] (especially BrE ) a PENSION that you get, usually from your employer, when you stop working when you are old and that you pay for while you are working; the money that you pay for this
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su.perb
adj. excellent; of very good quality: a superb player / meal / goal  The car’s in superb condition.  His performance was absolutely superb.  You look superb.
su.perb.ly adv.: a superbly illustrated book  She plays superbly.
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super.charged
adj.
1 (of an engine) powerful because it is supplied with air or fuel at a pressure that is higher than normal
2 (informal) stronger, more powerful or more effective than usual: supercharged words, like ‘terrorism’ or ‘fascism’
super.charg.er noun: VW’s supercharger for its 16-valve engine
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super.cili.ous
adj. (disapproving) behaving towards other people as if you think you are better than they are
SYN SUPERIOR : The dress shop assistant was very supercilious.  She gave a supercilious smile.
super.cili.ous.ly adv.
super.cili.ous.ness noun [U]
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super.com.puter
noun a powerful computer with a large amount of memory and a very fast CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
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super.con.duct.iv.ity
noun [U] (physics ) the PROPERTY (= characteristic) of some substances at very low temperatures to let electricity flow with no RESISTANCE
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super.con.duct.or
noun (physics ) a substance that has SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
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super.ego
noun [usually sing.] (pl.-os) (psychology ) the part of the mind that makes you aware of right and wrong and makes you feel guilty if you do wrong—compare EGO , ID
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super.fi.cial
adj.
1 (often disapproving) not studying or looking at sth thoroughly; seeing only what is obvious: a superficial analysis / approach / examination / view  The book shows a somewhat superficial understanding of the historical context.
2 appearing to be true, real or important until you look at it more carefully: superficial differences / similarities  When you first meet her, she gives a superficial impression of warmth and friendliness.
3 (of a wound or damage) only affecting the surface and therefore not serious: a superficial scratch / cut / injury  superficial burns
4 (disapproving) not concerned with anything serious or important and lacking any depth of understanding or feeling
SYN SHALLOW : a superficial mind / person / friendship  The guests engaged in superficial chatter.
5 (technical) of or on the surface of sth: superficial veins  a superficial deposit of acidic soils
super.fici.al.ity noun [U]
super.fi.cial.ly adv.
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su.per.flu.ous
adj. more than you need or want
SYN UNNECESSARY : She gave him a look that made words superfluous.
su.per.flu.ity noun [U, sing.] (formal)
su.per.flu.ous.ly adv.
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super.glue
noun [U] a very strong glue that sticks very quickly and is used in small quantities for repairing things in the home
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super.grass
noun (BrE , informal) a criminal who informs the police about the activities of a large number of other criminals, usually in order to get a less severe punishment—compare GRASS n. (5)
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super.hero
noun (pl.-oes) a character in a story, film/movie, etc. who has unusual strength or power and uses it to help people; a real person who has done sth unusually brave to help sb
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super.high.way
noun a way of quickly sending information such as video, sound and pictures through a computer NETWORK , especially the Internet—see also INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY
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super.human
adj. having much greater power, knowledge, etc. than is normal: superhuman courage / strength  It took an almost superhuman effort to contain his anger.—compare SUBHUMAN
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super.im.pose
verb [vn] ~ sth (on / onto sth)
1 to put one image on top of another so that the two can be seen combined: A diagram of the new road layout was superimposed on a map of the city.
2 to make a system or pattern combine with an existing system or pattern that contrasts with it
super.im.pos.it.ion noun [U]
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super.in.tend
verb [vn] (formal) to be in charge of sth and make sure that everything is working, being done, etc. as it should be
SYN SUPERVISE : He superintended the building work.
super.in.tend.ence noun [U]
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super.in.tend.ent
noun
1 a person who has a lot of authority and manages and controls an activity, a place, a group of workers, etc: a park superintendent  the superintendent of schools in Dallas
2 (abbr.Supt) (in Britain) a police officer just above the rank of CHIEF INSPECTOR : Superintendent Livesey
3 (abbr.Supt.) (in the US) the head of a police department
4 (AmE) a person whose job is to be in charge of a building and make small repairs, etc. to it
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su.per.ior
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) better in quality than sb/sth else; greater than sb/sth else: vastly superior  superior intelligence / strength / knowledge  This model is technically superior to its competitors.  Liverpool were clearly the superior team.  The enemy won because of their superior numbers.
OPP INFERIOR
2 ~ (to sb) higher in rank, importance or position: my superior officer  to have superior status  a superior court of law
OPP INFERIOR
3 (disapproving) showing by your behaviour that you think you are better than others: a superior air / manner / smile  He always looks so superior.
4 (used especially in advertisements) of very good quality; better than other similar things: superior apartments / wines

noun
1 a person of higher rank, status or position: your social superiors  He’s my immediate superior (= the person directly above me).  I’m going to complain to your superiors.
OPP INFERIOR
2 used in titles for the head of a religious community: Mother Superior

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su.per.ior.ity
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth)| ~ (to / over sth/sb) the state or quality of being better, more skilful, more powerful, greater, etc. than others: the superiority of this operating system  to have naval / air superiority (= more ships / planes than the enemy)
2 behaviour that shows that you think you are better than other people: an air / a sense of superiority
OPP INFERIORITY
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su.per.la.tive
adj., noun
adj.
1 excellent: a superlative achievement / performance
2 (grammar) relating to adjectives or adverbs that express the highest degree of sth, for example best, worst, slowest and most difficult—compare COMPARATIVE
su.per.la.tive.ly adv.

noun (grammar ) the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of sth: It’s hard to find enough superlatives to describe this book.—compare COMPARATIVE

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super.man
noun (pl.-men ) a man who is unusually strong or intelligent or who can do sth extremely well—compare SUPERWOMAN
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super.mar.ket
(AmE also 'grocery store) noun a large shop/store that sells food, drinks and goods used in the home. People choose what they want from the shelves and pay for it as they leave.
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super.model
noun a very successful, famous and highly paid fashion model
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super.nat.ural
adj.
1 that cannot be explained by the laws of science and that seems to involve gods or magic: supernatural forces / powers  supernatural strength—compare NATURAL
2 (the supernatural) noun [sing.] events, forces or powers that cannot be explained by the laws of science and that seem to involve gods or magic: a belief in / a fear of the supernatural
super.nat.ur.al.ly adv.
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super.nova
noun (pl.super.novae or super.novas) (astronomy ) a star that suddenly becomes much brighter because it is exploding—compare NOVA
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super.numer.ary
adj. (rare, formal) more than you normally need; extra: supernumerary posts for trainees
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super.power
noun one of the countries in the world that has very great military or economic power and a lot of influence, for example the US
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super.script
adj. (technical ) written or printed above the normal line of writing or printing
super.script noun [U]
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super.sede
verb [vn] [often passive] to take the place of sth/sb that is considered to be old-fashioned or no longer the best available: The theory has been superseded by more recent research.
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super.sonic
adj. faster than the speed of sound: a supersonic aircraft  supersonic flight—compare SUBSONIC
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super.star
noun a very famous performer, for example an actor, a singer or a sports player
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super.state
noun a very powerful state, especially one that is formed by several nations joining or working together: the European superstate
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super.sti.tion
noun [U, C] (often disapproving) the belief that particular events happen in a way that cannot be explained by reason or science; the belief that particular events bring good or bad luck: According to superstition, breaking a mirror brings bad luck.  Most cultures have their superstitions.
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super.sti.tious
adj. believing in superstitions : superstitious beliefs / fears / practices  I’m superstitious about the number 13.
super.sti.tious.ly adv.
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super.store
noun a very large supermarket or a large shop/store that sells a wide variety of one type of goods: a computer superstore
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super.struc.ture
noun
1 a structure that is built on top of sth, for example the upper parts of a ship or the part of a building above the ground—compare SUBSTRUCTURE
2 (formal) the systems and beliefs in a society that have developed from more simple ones: the relationship between the economic base of society and the political superstructure of power
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super.tank.er
noun a very large ship for carrying oil, etc.
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super.vene
verb [v] (formal) to happen, especially unexpectedly, and have a powerful effect on the existing situation
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super.vise
verb to be in charge of sb/sth and make sure that everything is done correctly, safely, etc: [vn] to supervise building work  [vn -ing] She supervised the children playing near the pool. [alsov]
super.vi.sion noun [U, C]: Very young children should not be left to play without supervision.  The drug should only be used under medical supervision .  I have weekly supervisions (= meetings with a TUTOR or supervisor).
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super.visor
noun a person who supervises sb/sth: I have a meeting with my supervisor about my research topic.
super.vis.ory adj.: She has a supervisory role on the project.
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super.woman
noun (pl.-women ) a woman who is unusually strong or intelligent or who can do sth extremely well, especially a woman who has a successful career and also looks after her home and family well—compare SUPERMAN
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su.pine
adj. (formal)
1 lying flat on your back: a supine position—compare PRONE
2 (disapproving) not willing to act or disagree with sb because you are lazy or morally weak: the supine attitude of some of our politicians
su.pine.ly adv.
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sup.per
noun [U, C] the last meal of the day, either a main meal, usually smaller and less formal than dinner, or a SNACK eaten before you go to bed: I’ll do my homework after supper.  What’s for supper?  We’ll have an early supper tonight.—compare TEA (6)   note at MEAL
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sup.plant
verb [vn] (written) to take the place of sb/sth (especially sb/sth older or less modern)
SYN REPLACE : Their work has been largely supplanted by the use of a computer program that fulfils the same function.
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sup.ple
adj.
1 able to bend and move parts of your body easily into different positions: her slim, supple body  These exercises will help to keep you supple.
2 soft and able to bend easily without cracking: Moisturizing cream helps to keep your skin soft and supple.
supple.ness noun [U]
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sup.ple.ment
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (to sth) a thing that is added to sth else to improve or complete it: vitamin / dietary supplements (= vitamins and other foods eaten in addition to what you usually eat)  Industrial sponsorship is a supplement to government funding.
2 an extra separate section, often in the form of a magazine, that is sold with a newspaper: the Sunday colour supplements
3 ~ (to sth) a book or a section at the end of a book that gives extra information or deals with a special subject: the supplement to the Oxford English Dictionary
4 an amount of money that you pay for an extra service or item, especially in addition to the basic cost of a holiday/vacation: There is a £10 supplement for a single room.  Safety deposit boxes are available at a supplement .

verb [vn] ~ sth (with sth) to add sth to sth in order to improve it or make it more complete: a diet supplemented with vitamin pills  He supplements his income by giving private lessons.

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sup.ple.men.tary
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually sup.ple.men.tal ) adj. provided in addition to sth else in order to improve or complete it: supplementary information / income
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sup.pli.cant
(also sup.pli.ant ) noun (formal) a person who asks for sth in a HUMBLE way, especially from God or a powerful person
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sup.pli.ca.tion
noun [U, C] (formal) the act of asking for sth with a very HUMBLE request or prayer: She knelt in supplication.
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sup.plier
noun a person or company that supplies goods: a leading supplier of computers in the UK
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sup.ply
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an amount of sth that is provided or available to be used: The water supply is unsafe.  Supplies of food are almost exhausted.  We cannot guarantee adequate supplies of raw materials.
2 (supplies) [pl.] the things such as food, medicines, fuel, etc. that are needed by a group of people, for example an army or EXPEDITION : Our supplies were running out.  a transport plane carrying food and medical supplies for refugees
3 [U] the act of supplying sth: The UN has agreed to allow the supply of emergency aid.  A stroke can disrupt the supply of oxygen to the brain.  The electricity supply (= the system supplying electricity) had been cut off.
IDM see SHORT adj.

verb (sup.plies, sup.ply.ing, sup.plied, sup.plied) [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth)| ~ sth (to sb/sth) to provide sb/sth with sth that they need or want, especially in large quantities: Foreign governments supplied arms to the rebels.  Foreign governments supplied the rebels with arms.  Local schools supply many of the volunteers.  foods supplying our daily vitamin needs

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sup,ply and de'mand
noun [U] (economics ) the relationship between the amount of goods or services that are available and the amount that people want to buy, especially when this controls prices
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sup'ply line
noun a route along which food, equipment, etc. is transported to an army during a war
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sup'ply-side
adj. [only before noun] (economics ) connected with the policy of reducing taxes in order to encourage economic growth: supply-side economics / policies
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sup'ply teacher
(BrE ) (AmE 'substitute teacher) noun a teacher employed to do the work of another teacher who is away because of illness, etc.
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sup.port
verb, noun
verb [vn]
ENCOURAGE / GIVE HELP|
1 ~ sb/sth (in sth) to help or encourage sb/sth by saying or showing that you agree with them/it
SYN BACK : to support a proposal / ban / reform  The government supported the unions in their demand for a minimum wage.  These measures are strongly supported by environmental groups.  If you raise it at the meeting, I’ll support you.
2 to give or be ready to give help to sb if they need it: an organization that supports people with Aids  The company will support customers in Europe (= solve their problems with the product).
PROVIDE MONEY, etc.|
3 to help or encourage sth to be successful by giving it money: Several major companies are supporting the project.
4 to provide everything necessary, especially money, so that sb/sth can live or exist: Mark has two children to support from his first marriage.  He turned to crime to support his drug habit.  The atmosphere of Mars could not support life.
HOLD IN POSITION|
5 to hold sb/sth in position; to prevent sb/sth from falling: a platform supported by concrete pillars  Support the baby’s head when you hold it.
HELP PROVE STH|
6 to help to show that sth is true: The witness’s story was not supported by the evidence.
SPORTS TEAM|
7 (BrE) to like a particular sports team, watch their games, etc: Which team do you support?

noun
ENCOURAGEMENT / MONEY|
1 [U] ~ (for sth) encouragement and help that you give to sb/sth because you approve of them and want them to be successful: There is strong public support for the change.  Can I rely on your support (= will you vote for me) in the election?  Only a few people spoke in support of the proposal.  Local businesses have provided financial support .  She has no visible means of support (= no work, income etc.).
HELP|
2 [U] sympathy and help that you give to sb who is in a difficult or unhappy situation: Her family and friends have given her lots of support.—see also MORAL SUPPORT
HOLDING IN POSITION|
3 [C] a thing that holds sth and prevents it from falling: The supports under the bridge were starting to bend.   (figurative) When my father died, Jim was a real support.
4 [U] the act of holding sth firmly in position or preventing it from falling: I wrapped a bandage around my ankle to give it some support.  She held on to his arm for support.
5 [C] something you wear to hold an injured or weak part of your body firmly in position: a knee / back support
PROOF|
6 [U] evidence that helps to show that sth is true or correct: The statistics offer further support for our theory.

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sup.port.er
noun
1 a person who supports a political party, an idea, etc: a strong / loyal / staunch supporter  Labour supporters
2 (BrE) a person who supports a particular sports team
SYN FAN : I’m an Arsenal supporter.
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sup'port group
noun a group of people who meet to help each other with a particular problem: a support group for single parents
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sup.port.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 a supporting actor in a play or film/movie has an important part but not the leading one: The movie featured Robert Lindsay in a supporting role.
2 (written) helping to show that sth is true: There was a wealth of supporting evidence.
3 carrying the weight of sth: a supporting wall
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sup.port.ive
adj. giving help, encouragement or sympathy to sb: a supportive family  She was very supportive during my father’s illness.
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sup.pose
verb
1 to think or believe that sth is true or possible (based on the knowledge that you have): [v] Getting a visa isn’t as simple as you might suppose.  Prices will go up, I suppose .  [vn to inf] (formal) This combination of qualities is generally supposed to be extremely rare.  [vn to inf, vn-adj] (formal) She had supposed him (to be) very rich.  [vn-n] (formal) I had supposed his wife a younger woman.  [v (that)] I don’t suppose for a minute that he’ll agree (= I’m sure that he won’t).  Why do you suppose he resigned?  There is no reason to suppose she’s lying.  I suppose you think that’s funny, do you? (= showing anger).
HELP ‘That’ is nearly always left out, especially in speech.
2 to pretend that sth is true; to imagine what would happen if sth were true: [v (that)] Suppose flights are fully booked on that day—which other day could we go?  Let us suppose, for example, that you are married with two children.  [vn] (formal) The theory supposes the existence of life on other planets.  [vn-adj] (formal) Suppose him dead—what then? [alsovn-n, vn to inf]
3 used to make a statement, request or suggestion less direct or less strong: [v] I could take you in the car, I suppose (= but I don’t really want to).  ‘Can I borrow the car?’‘I suppose so’ (= Yes, but I’m not happy about it).  [v (that)] I don’t suppose (that) I could have a look at your newspaper, could I?  Suppose we take a later train?
IDM be supposed to do / be sth
1 to be expected or required to do/be sth according to a rule, a custom, an arrangement, etc: You’re supposed to buy a ticket, but not many people do.  I thought we were supposed to be paid today.  The engine doesn’t sound like it’s supposed to.  You were supposed to be here an hour ago!  How was I supposed to know you were waiting for me?  ‘Yes and no.’‘What is that supposed to mean ?’ (= showing that you are annoyed)
2 to be generally believed or expected to be/do sth: I haven’t seen it myself, but it’s supposed to be a great movie. not be supposed to do sth to not be allowed to do sth: You’re not supposed to walk on the grass.
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sup.posed
adj. [only before noun] used to show that you think that a claim, statement or way of describing sb/sth is not true or correct, although it is generally believed to be
SYN ALLEGED : This is the opinion of the supposed experts.  When did this supposed accident happen?
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sup.posed.ly
adv. according to what is generally thought or believed but not known for certain
SYN ALLEGEDLY : The novel is supposedly based on a true story.
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sup.pos.ing
conj. ~ (that) used to ask sb to pretend that sth is true or to imagine that sth will happen: Supposing (that) you are wrong, what will you do then?  But supposing he sees us?
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sup.pos.ition
noun (formal)
1 [C] ~ (that … ) an idea that you think is true although you may not be able to prove it ASSUMPTION : The police are working on the supposition that he was murdered.
2 [U] the act of believing or claiming that sth is true even though it cannot be proved: The report is based entirely on supposition.
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sup.posi.tory
noun (pl.-ies) a small piece of solid medicine that is placed in the RECTUM or VAGINA and left to dissolve gradually
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sup.press
verb [vn]
1 (usually disapproving) (of a government, ruler, etc.) to put an end, often by force, to a group or an activity that is believed to threaten authority: The rebellion was brutally suppressed.
2 (usually disapproving) to prevent sth from being published or made known: The police were accused of suppressing vital evidence.
3 to prevent yourself from having or expressing a feeling or an emotion: to suppress a smile / yawn / shiver  She was unable to suppress her anger.
4 to prevent sth from growing, developing or continuing: drugs that suppress the appetite
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sup.pres.sant
noun a drug that is used to prevent one of the body’s functions from working normally: an appetite suppressant
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sup.pres.sion
noun [U] the act of SUPPRESSING sth: the suppression of a rebellion / free speech / the truth  the suppression of emotion / feelings
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sup.pres.sor
noun a thing or person that SUPPRESSES sb/sth: the body’s pain suppressors
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sup.pur.ate
verb [v] (formal) (of a cut, wound, etc.) to produce a thick yellow liquid (called PUS ) because of infection
sup.pur.ation noun [U]
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supra.nation.al
adj. (formal) involving more than one country: a supranational authority
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su.prema.cist
noun a person who believes that their own race is better than others and should be in power: a white supremacist
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su.prem.acy
noun [U] ~ (over sb/sth) (written) a position in which you have more power, authority or status than anyone else: the battle for supremacy in the region  the dangerous notion of white supremacy (= that white races are better than others and should control them)  The company has established total supremacy over its rivals.
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su.preme
adj. [usually before noun]
1 highest in rank or position: the Supreme Commander of the armed forces  the supreme champion  It is an event in which she reigns supreme .
2 very great or the greatest in degree: to make the supreme sacrifice (= die for what you believe in)  a supreme effort / achievement  She smiled with supreme confidence.
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the ,Supreme 'Being
noun [sing.] (formal) God
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the Su,preme 'Court
(also ,High 'Court) noun [sing.] the highest court of law in a country or state
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su.preme.ly
adv. (written) extremely: supremely happy / confident  They managed it all supremely well.
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su.premo
noun (pl.-os) (BrE , informal) a person who has the most power or authority in a particular business or activity: the Microsoft supremo, Bill Gates
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Supt
(also Supt. especially in AmE) abbr. (in the police force) SUPERINTENDENT : Chief Supt Pauline Clark
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sur.charge
noun, verb
noun ~ (on sth) an extra amount of money that you must pay in addition to the usual price

verb to make sb pay a surcharge : [vnn] We were surcharged £50 for travelling on a Friday. [alsovn]

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sure
adj., adv.
adj. (surer, sur.est)
HELP You can also use more sure and most sure, especially in sense 1.
1 [not before noun] ~ (of / about sth)| ~ (that … ) confident that you know sth or that you are right
SYN CERTAIN : ‘Is that John over there?’‘I’m not sure ’.  You don’t sound very sure.  I’m pretty sure (that) he’ll agree.  Are you sure you don’t mind?  I hope you are sure of your facts.  Are you sure about that?  Ask me if you’re not sure how to do it.  I’m not sure whether I should tell you this.
OPP UNSURE
2 [not before noun] ~ of sth / of doing sth certain that you will receive sth or that sth will happen: You’re always sure of a warm welcome there.  England must win this game to be sure of qualifying for the World Cup.
3 ~ to do sth certain to do sth or to happen: The exhibition is sure to be popular.  It’s sure to rain.
4 [usually before noun] that can be trusted or relied on: It’s a sure sign of economic recovery.  There’s only one sure way to do it.  Bush is a sure bet for the presidential nominations (= certain to succeed).
5 [usually before noun] steady and confident: We admired her sure touch at the keyboard.
IDM be sure to do sth used to tell sb to do sth: Be sure to give your family my regards.
HELP In spoken English and plus another verb can be used instead of to and the infinitive: Be sure and call me tomorrow. for sure (informal) without doubt: No one knows for sure what happened.  I think he’ll be back on Monday, but I can’t say for sure.  One thing is for sure —it’s not going to be easy.   (AmE) ‘Will you be there?’‘For sure.’ make 'sure (of sth / that … )
1 to do sth in order to be certain that sth else happens: Make sure (that) no one finds out about this.  They scored another goal and made sure of victory.  Our staff will do their best to make sure you enjoy your visit.
2 to check that sth is true or has been done: She looked around to make sure that she was alone.  I think the door’s locked, but I’ll just go and make sure. 'sure of yourself (sometimes disapproving) very confident: She seems very sure of herself. ,sure 'thing (spoken, especially AmE) used to say ‘yes’ to a suggestion or request: ‘Are you coming?’‘Sure thing.’ to be 'sure (formal) used to admit that sth is true: He is intelligent, to be sure, but he’s also very lazy.

adv. (informal, especially AmE )
1 used to say ‘yes’ to sb: ‘Will you open the wine?’‘Sure, where is it?’  Did it hurt? Sure it hurt.
2 used to emphasize sth that you are saying: Boy, it sure is hot.  ‘Amazing view’. ‘Sure is.’  That song sure as hell sounds familiar.  He sure looked unhappy.
3 used to reply to sb who has just thanked you for sth: ‘Thanks for the ride.’‘Sure—anytime.’
IDM (as) sure as eggs is 'eggs (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to say that sth is definitely true ,sure e'nough used to say that sth happened as expected: I said he’d forget, and sure enough he did.

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'sure-fire
adj. [only before noun] (informal) certain to be successful or to happen as you expect: a sure-fire success  Bad behaviour is a sure-fire way of getting people’s attention.
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,sure-'footed
adj.
1 not likely to fall when walking or climbing on rough ground
2 confident and unlikely to make mistakes, especially in difficult situations
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sure.ly
adv.
1 used to show that you are almost certain of what you are saying and want other people to agree with you: Surely we should do something about it?  It’s surely only a matter of time before he is found, isn’t it?
2 used with a negative to show that sth surprises you and you do not want to believe it: Surely you don’t think I was responsible for this?  ‘They’re getting married.’‘Surely not! ’  They won’t go, surely?
3 (formal) without doubt; certainly: He knew that if help did not arrive soon they would surely die.
4 (old-fashioned, AmE, spoken) used to say ‘yes’ to sb or to agree to sth
IDM see SLOWLY
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sure.ness
noun [U] the quality of being confident and steady; not hesitating or doubting: an artist’s sureness of touch  her sureness that she had done the right thing
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surety
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (law )
1 money given as a promise that you will pay a debt, appear in a court of law, etc: She was granted bail with a surety of $500.
2 a person who accepts responsibility if sb else does not pay a debt, appear in a court of law, etc: to act as surety for sb
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surf
noun, verb
noun [U] large waves in the sea or ocean, and the white FOAM that they produce as they fall on the shore or on rocks: the sound of surf breaking on the beach  Sydney, surf capital of the world (= where the sport of surfing is very popular)

verb
1 [v, vn] (often go surfing) to take part in the sport of riding on waves on a SURFBOARD
2 [vn] ~ the net / Internet to use the Internet: I was surfing the net looking for information on Indian music.

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sur.face
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the outside or top layer of sth: an uneven road surface  We’ll need a flat surface to play the game on.  Teeth have a hard surface layer called enamel.  a broad leaf with a large surface area
2 [C, usually sing.] the top layer of an area of water or land: the earth’s surface  These plants float on the surface of the water.
3 [C] the flat upper part of a piece of furniture, that is used for working on: a work surface  She’s cleaned all the kitchen surfaces.
4 [sing.] the outer appearance of a person, thing or situation; the qualities that you see or notice, that are not hidden: Rage bubbled just below the surface of his mind.
IDM on the 'surface when not thought about deeply or thoroughly; when not looked at carefully: It seems like a good idea on the surface but there are sure to be problems.  On the surface, he appeared unchanged.—more at SCRATCH v.

verb
1 [v] to come up to the surface of water: The ducks dived and surfaced again several metres away.
2 [v] to suddenly appear or become obvious after having been hidden for a while: Doubts began to surface.  She surfaced again years later in London.
3 [v] (informal) to wake up or get up after being asleep: He finally surfaced around noon.
4 [vn] to put a surface on a road, path, etc.

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'surface mail
noun [U] letters, etc. carried by road, rail or sea, not by air
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,surface 'tension
noun [U] (technical ) the PROPERTY (= characteristic) of liquids by which they form a layer at their surface, and which makes sure that this surface covers as small an area as possible
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,surface-to-'air
adj. [only before noun] (especially of MISSILES ) fired from the ground or from ships and aimed at aircraft
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,surface-to-'surface
adj. [only before noun] (especially of MISSILES ) fired from the ground or from ships and aimed at another point on the ground or a ship
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surf.board
(also board) noun a long narrow board used for SURFING
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sur.feit
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an amount that is too large
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surf.er
noun
1 a person who goes SURFING
2 (also 'net surfer) (informal) a person who spends a lot of time using the Internet
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surf.ing
noun [U]
1 the sport of riding on waves while standing on a narrow board called a SURFBOARD : to go surfing
2 the activity of looking at different things on the Internet in order to find sth interesting, or of changing between TV channels in order to find an interesting programme
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surge
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 [+adv. / prep.] to move quickly and forcefully in a particular direction: The gates opened and the crowd surged forward.  Flood waters surged into their homes.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to fill sb with a strong feeling: Relief surged through her.
3 (of prices, profits, etc.) to suddenly increase in value: Share prices surged.—related noun UPSURGE

noun
1 ~ (of sth) a sudden increase of a strong feeling: She felt a sudden surge of anger.  a surge of excitement / panic / relief—see also UPSURGE
2 ~ (in / of sth) a sudden increase in the amount or number of sth; a large amount of sth: a surge in consumer spending  We are having trouble keeping up with the recent surge in demand.—see also UPSURGE
3 ~ (of sth) a sudden, strong forward or upward movement: a tidal surge

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sur.geon
noun a doctor who is trained to perform medical operations in a hospital: a brain / heart surgeon—compare PHYSICIAN
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,Surgeon 'General
noun (pl.Surgeons General) (in the US) the head of a public health service or of a medical service in the armed forces: Surgeon General’s warning: cigarette smoking causes cancer
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sur.gery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] medical treatment of injuries or diseases that involves cutting open the body and often removing or replacing some parts; the branch of medicine connected with this treatment: major / minor surgery  to undergo heart surgery  He will require surgery on his left knee.—see also OPEN-HEART SURGERY , PLASTIC SURGERY
2 [U, C] (BrE) the time during which a doctor, dentist or VET is available to see patients: morning / afternoon / evening surgery  surgery hours  Is there a surgery this evening?
3 [C] (BrE) (AmE office) a place where a doctor, dentist or VET sees patients: a doctor’s / dentist’s surgery
4 [C] (BrE) a time when people can meet their Member of Parliament to ask questions and get help: a constituency surgery
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sur.gi.cal
adj. [only before noun] used in or connected with surgery : surgical intervention / procedures / gloves  a surgical ward (= for patients having operations)
sur.gi.cal.ly adv.: The lumps will need to be surgically removed.
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,surgical 'spirit
(BrE ) (AmE 'rubbing alcohol) noun [U] a clear liquid, consisting mainly of alcohol, used for cleaning wounds, etc.
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surly
adj. (sur.lier, sur.li.est) bad-tempered and rude: a surly face / manner / youth
sur.li.ness noun [U]
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sur.mise
verb, noun
verb (formal) to guess or suppose sth using the evidence you have, without definitely knowing
SYN CONJECTURE : [v (that)] From the looks on their faces, I surmised that they had had an argument. [alsov, v speech, vn, v wh-]

noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal) a guess based on some facts that you know already: This is pure surmise on my part.

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sur.mount
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to deal successfully with a difficulty
SYN OVERCOME : She was well aware of the difficulties that had to be surmounted.
2 [usually passive] to be placed on top of sth: a high column surmounted by a statue
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sur.name
noun a name shared by all the members of a family (written last in English names)—compare FAMILY NAME , LAST NAME
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sur.pass
verb (formal) to do or be better than sb/sth: [vn] He hopes one day to surpass the world record.  Its success has surpassed all expectations .  Her cooking was always good, but this time she had surpassed herself (= done better than her own high standards).  [v] scenery of surpassing beauty
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sur.plice
noun a loose white piece of clothing with wide sleeves worn by priests and singers in the CHOIR during church services
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sur.plus
noun, adj.
noun [C, U]
1 an amount that is extra or more than you need: agricultural / food surpluses  Wheat was in surplus that year.
2 the amount by which the amount of money received is greater than the amount of money spent: a trade surplus of £400 million  The balance of payments was in surplus last year (= the value of exports was greater than the value of imports).—compare DEFICIT

adj. ~ (to sth) more than is needed or used: surplus cash / funds  Surplus grain is being sold for export.  These items are surplus to requirements (= not needed).

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sur.prise
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] an event, a piece of news, etc. that is unexpected or that happens suddenly: What a nice surprise!  a surprise attack / announcement / visit  There are few surprises in this year’s budget.  I have a surprise for you!  It comes as no surprise to learn that they broke their promises.  Her letter came as a complete surprise .  There are lots of surprises in store for visitors to the gallery.  Visitors to the gallery are in for a few surprises .
2 [U, C] ~ (at sth)| ~ (at seeing, hearing, etc.) a feeling caused by sth happening suddenly or unexpectedly: a look of surprise  She looked up in surprise .  He gasped with surprise at her strength.  They couldn’t conceal their surprise at seeing us together.  I got a surprise when I saw the bill.  Much to my surprise , I passed.  To everyone’s surprise , the plan succeeded.  Imagine our surprise when he walked into the room!
3 [U] the use of methods that cause feelings of surprise : A successful campaign should have an element of surprise .
IDM sur,prise, sur'prise (spoken)
1 (ironic, often disapproving) used to show that sth is not a surprise to you, as you could easily have predicted that it would happen or be true: One of the candidates was the manager’s niece, and surprise, surprise, she got the job.
2 used when giving sb a surprise: Surprise, surprise! Look who’s here! take sb/sth by sur'prise to attack or capture sb/sth unexpectedly or without warning: The police took the burglars by surprise. take sb by sur'prise to happen unexpectedly so that sb is slightly shocked; to surprise sb: His frankness took her by surprise.

verb
1 to make sb feel surprised: [vn] It wouldn’t surprise me if they got married soon.  [vn wh-] It’s always surprised me how popular he is.  [vn that] It surprises me that you’ve never sung professionally.  [vn to inf] Would it surprise you to know that I’m thinking of leaving?
2 [vn] to attack, discover, etc, sb suddenly and unexpectedly: The army attacked at night to surprise the rebels.  We arrived home early and surprised a burglar trying to break in.

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sur.prised
adj. ~ (at / by sb/sth)| ~ (that … )| ~ (to see, hear, etc.) feeling or showing surprise: a surprised look / expression  She looked surprised when I told her.  I was surprised at how quickly she agreed.  I’m surprised at you, behaving like that in front of the kids.  They were surprised to find that he’d already left.  You shouldn’t be surprised (that) he didn’t come.  Don’t be surprised if I pretend not to recognise you.  ‘Will she cancel the party?’‘I wouldn’t be surprised .’—compare UNSURPRISED
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sur.pris.ing
adj. causing surprise: It’s not surprising (that) they lost.  We had a surprising amount in common.  It’s surprising what people will do for money.
sur.pris.ing.ly adv.: She looked surprisingly well.  Surprisingly, he agreed straight away.  Not surprisingly on such a hot afternoon, the river was very busy.
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sur.real
(also less frequent sur.real.is.tic) adj. very strange; more like a dream than reality, with ideas and images mixed together in a strange way
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sur.real.ism
noun [U] a 20th century style and movement in art and literature in which images and events that are not connected are put together in a strange or impossible way, like a dream, to try to express what is happening deep in the mind
sur.real.ist adj. [usually before noun]: a surrealist painter / painting
sur.real.ist noun: the surrealist Salvador Dali
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sur.real.is.tic
adj.
1 = SURREAL
2 connected with surrealism : a surrealistic painting
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sur.ren.der
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (yourself) (to sb) to admit that you have been defeated and want to stop fighting; to allow yourself to be caught, taken prisoner, etc: [v] The rebel soldiers were forced to surrender.  [vn] The hijackers eventually surrendered themselves to the police.
2 [vn] ~ sth/sb (to sb) (formal) to give up sth/sb when you are forced to
SYN RELINQUISH : He agreed to surrender all claims to the property.  They surrendered their guns to the police.  The defendant was released to await trial but had to surrender her passport.
PVR V sur'render to sth| sur'render yourself to sth (formal) to stop trying to prevent yourself from having a feeling, habit, etc. and allow it to control what you do: He finally surrendered to his craving for drugs.  She surrendered herself to sleep.

noun [U, sing.]
1 ~ (to sb/sth) an act of admitting that you have been defeated and want to stop fighting: They demanded (an) unconditional surrender .
2 the fact of allowing yourself to be controlled by sth: They accused the government of a surrender to business interests.
3 ~ of sth (to sb) an act of giving sth to sb else even though you do not want to, especially after a battle, etc: They insisted on the immediate surrender of all weapons.

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sur.rep.ti.tious
adj. (written) done secretly or quickly, in the hope that other people will not notice: She sneaked a surreptitious glance at her watch.
sur.rep.ti.tious.ly adv.
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sur.ro.gacy
noun [U] the practice of giving birth to a baby for another woman who is unable to have babies herself
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sur.ro.gate
adj. (formal) used to describe a person or thing that takes the place of, or is used instead of, sb/sth else: She saw him as a sort of surrogate father.
sur.ro.gate noun
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,surrogate 'mother
noun a woman who gives birth to a baby for another woman who is unable to have babies herself
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sur.round
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth/sb (with sth)
1 to be all around sth/sb: Tall trees surround the lake.  The lake is surrounded with / by trees.  the membranes surrounding the brain  As a child I was surrounded by love and kindness.
2 ~ sb/sth (with sb/sth) to move into position all around sb/sth, especially so as to prevent them from escaping; to move sb/sth into position in this way: Police surrounded the building.  They’ve surrounded the building with police.
3 to be closely connected with sth/sb: publicity surrounding the divorce
4 ~ yourself with sb/sth to choose to have particular people or things near you all the time: I like to surround myself with beautiful things.

noun a border or an area around the edge of sth, especially one that is decorated

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sur.round.ing
adj. [only before noun] that is near or around sth: Oxford and the surrounding area
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sur.round.ings
noun [pl.] everything that is around or near sb/sth
SYN ENVIRONMENT : to work in pleasant surroundings  The buildings have been designed to blend in with their surroundings.
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sur.tax
noun [U] a tax charged at a higher rate than the normal rate, on income above a particular level
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sur.veil.lance
noun [U] (written) the act of carefully watching a person suspected of a crime or a place where a crime may be committed: The police are keeping the suspects under constant surveillance .  surveillance cameras / equipment
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sur.vey
noun, verb
noun
1 an investigation of the opinions, behaviour, etc. of a particular group of people, which is usually done by asking them questions: A recent survey showed 75% of those questioned were in favour of the plan.  The survey found / revealed that …  to conduct / carry out a survey
2 the act of examining and recording the measurements, features, etc. of an area of land in order to make a map or plan of it: an aerial survey (= made by taking photographs from an aircraft)  a geological survey
3 (BrE) an examination of the condition of a house, etc., usually done for sb who is thinking of buying it
4 a general study, view or description or sth: a comprehensive survey of modern music

verb [vn]
1 to look carefully at the whole of sth, especially in order to get a general impression of it: The next morning we surveyed the damage caused by the fire.  He surveyed himself in the mirror before going out.
2 to study and give a general description of sth: This chapter briefly surveys the current state of European politics.
3 to measure and record the features of an area of land, for example in order to make a map or in preparation for building
4 (BrE) to examine a building to make sure it is in good condition
5 to investigate the opinions or behaviour of a group of people by asking them a series of questions: We surveyed 500 smokers and found that over three quarters would like to give up.

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sur.vey.or
noun
1 a person whose job is to examine a building to make sure its structure is in good condition or to examine and record the details of a piece of land
2 (BrE) an official whose job is to check that sth is accurate, of good quality, etc: the surveyor of public works—see also QUANTITY SURVEYOR
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sur.vival
noun
1 [U] the state of continuing to live or exist, often in spite of difficulty or danger: the struggle / battle / fight for survival  His only chance of survival was a heart transplant.  Exporting is necessary for our economic survival.  Continued trade in these products is a threat to the survival of the species.
2 [C] ~ (from sth) something that has continued to exist from an earlier time
SYN RELIC : The ceremony is a survival from pre-Christian times.
IDM the sur,vival of the 'fittest the principle that only the people or things that are best adapted to their surroundings will continue to exist
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sur.vive
verb
1 [v] ~ (from sth)| ~ (on sth)| ~ (as sth) to continue to live or exist: She was the last surviving member of the family.  Of the six people injured in the crash, only two survived.  Some strange customs have survived from earlier times.  I can’t survive on £40 a week (= it is not enough for my basic needs).  He survived as party leader until his second election defeat.   (humorous) ‘How are you these days?’‘Oh, surviving.’
2 to continue to live or exist in spite of a dangerous event or time: [vn] The company managed to survive the crisis.  Many birds didn’t survive the severe winter.  [vn-adj] Few buildings survived the war intact.
3 [vn] to live or exist longer than sb/sth
SYN OUTLIVE : She survived her husband by ten years.
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sur.vivor
noun a person who continues to live, especially in spite of being nearly killed or experiencing great danger or difficulty: the sole / only survivor of the massacre  The plane crashed in an area of dense jungle. There were no survivors.  There are only a few survivors from the original team (= members who remain in it while others have been replaced).  She’ll cope. She’s one of life’s great survivors (= sb who deals very well with difficult situations).
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sus.cep.ti.bil.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (written)
1 [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) the state of being very likely to be influenced, harmed or affected by sth: susceptibility to disease / infection
2 (susceptibilities) [pl.] a person’s feelings which are likely to be easily hurt
SYN SENSIBILITIES
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sus.cep.tible
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) very likely to be influenced, harmed or affected by sb/sth: He’s highly susceptible to flattery.  Some of these plants are more susceptible to frost damage than others.  Salt intake may lead to raised blood pressure in susceptible adults.
2 easily influenced by feelings and emotions
SYN IMPRESSIONABLE : She was both charming and susceptible.
3 ~ (of sth) (formal) allowing sth; capable of sth: Is this situation not susceptible of improvement by legislation?
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sushi
noun [U] a Japanese dish of small cakes of cold cooked rice, flavoured with VINEGAR and served with raw fish, etc. on top: a sushi bar
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sus.pect
verb, noun, adj.
verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1 to have an idea that sth is probably true or likely to happen, especially sth bad, but without having definite proof: [vn] If you suspect a gas leak, do not strike a match or even turn on an electric light.  Suspecting nothing, he walked right into the trap.  [v (that)] I began to suspect (that) they were trying to get rid of me.  [v] As I had suspected all along, he was not a real policeman. [alsovn to inf, vn that]
2 [vn] to be suspicious about sth; to not trust sth: I suspected her motives in offering to help.
3 [vn] ~ sb (of sth / of doing sth) to have an idea that sb is guilty of sth, without having definite proof: He resigned after being suspected of theft.  The drug is suspected of causing over 200 deaths.  Whom do the police suspect?—see also SUSPICION , SUSPICIOUS
sus.pected adj.: a suspected broken arm  suspected tax evasion  suspected terrorists

noun a person who is suspected of a crime or of having done sth wrong: a murder suspect  He is the prime suspect in the case.

adj.
1 that may be false and that cannot be relied on: Some of the evidence they produced was highly suspect.
2 that you suspect to be dangerous or illegal: a suspect package (= one that may contain drugs, a bomb, etc.)

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sus.pend
verb [vn]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] ~ sth/sb (from sth) (by / on sth) to hang sth from sth else: A lamp was suspended from the ceiling.  Her body was found suspended by a rope.
2 to officially stop sth for a time; to prevent sth from being active, used, etc. for a time: Production has been suspended while safety checks are carried out.  The constitution was suspended as the fighting grew worse.  In the theatre we willingly suspend disbelief (= temporarily believe that the characters, etc. are real).
3 to officially delay sth; to arrange for sth to happen later than planned: The introduction of the new system has been suspended until next year.  to suspend judgement (= delay forming or expressing an opinion)
4 [usually passive] ~ sb (from sth) to officially prevent sb from doing their job, going to school, etc. for a time: The police officer was suspended while the complaint was investigated.  She was suspended from school for a week.
5 (be suspended in sth) (technical) to float in liquid or air without moving: Small droplets are held suspended in the atmosphere.—see also SUSPENSION
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su,spended ani'mation
noun [U]
1 the state of being alive but not conscious or active
2 a feeling that you cannot do anything because you are waiting for sth to happen
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su,spended 'sentence
noun a punishment given to a criminal in a court of law which means that they will only go to prison if they commit another crime within a particular period of time
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sus.pend.er
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) (AmE gar.ter) a short elastic fastening for holding up a sock or STOCKING
2 (suspenders) [pl.] (AmE) = BRACES at BRACE —
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su'spender belt
noun (BrE ) (AmE 'garter belt) a piece of women’s underwear like a belt, worn around the waist, with fastenings for holding STOCKINGS up
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sus.pense
noun [U] a feeling of worry or excitement that you have when you feel that sth is going to happen, sb is going to tell you some news, etc: a tale of mystery and suspense  Don’t keep us in suspense . Tell us what happened!  I couldn’t bear the suspense a moment longer.
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sus.pen.sion
noun
1 [U, C] the act of officially removing sb from their job, school, team, etc. for a period of time, usually as a punishment: suspension from school  The two players are appealing against their suspensions.
2 [U, sing.] the act of delaying sth for a period of time, until a decision has been taken: These events have led to the suspension of talks.
3 [U, C] the system by which a vehicle is supported on its wheels and which makes it more comfortable to ride in when the road surface is not even: the front / rear suspension—picture at BICYCLE
4 [C, U] (technical) a liquid with very small pieces of solid matter floating in it; the state of such a liquid—see also SUSPEND
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su'spension bridge
noun a bridge that hangs from steel cables that are supported by towers at each end
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sus.pi.cion
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (that … ) a feeling that sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest, even though you have no proof: They drove away slowly to avoid arousing suspicion.  He was arrested on suspicion of murder.  I have a sneaking suspicion that she’s not telling the truth.  My suspicions were confirmed when police raided the property.—see also SUSPECT
2 [C] ~ (that … ) a feeling or belief that sth is true, even though you have no proof: I have a horrible suspicion that we’ve come to the wrong station.
3 [U, C] the feeling that you cannot trust sb/sth: Their offer was greeted with some suspicion.
4 [sing.] ~ of sth (formal) a small amount of sth
SYN HINT : His mouth quivered in the suspicion of a smile.
IDM above / beyond su'spicion too good, honest, etc. to have done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest: Nobody who was near the scene of the crime is above suspicion. under su'spicion (of sth) suspected of doing sth wrong, illegal or dishonest: The whole family is currently under suspicion of her murder.  A number of surgeons came under suspicion of unethical behaviour.—more at FINGER n.
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sus.pi.cious
adj.
1 ~ (of / about sb/sth) feeling that sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest, without having any proof: They became suspicious of his behaviour and contacted the police.  a suspicious glance / look  You have a very suspicious mind (= you always think that people are behaving in an illegal or dishonest way).
2 making you feel that sth is wrong, illegal or dishonest: Didn’t you notice anything suspicious in his behaviour?  She died in suspicious circumstances .  It was all very suspicious.
3 ~ (of sb/sth) not willing or able to trust sb/sth: I was suspicious of his motives.  Many were suspicious of reform.—see also SUSPECT
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sus.pi.cious.ly
adv.
1 in a way that shows you think sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest: The man looked at her suspiciously.
2 in a way that makes people think sth wrong, illegal or dishonest is happening: Let me know if you see anyone acting suspiciously.
3 in a way that shows you think there may be sth wrong with sth: She eyed the fish on her plate suspiciously.
IDM look / sound suspiciously like sth (often humorous) to be very similar to sth: Their latest single sounds suspiciously like the last one.
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suss
(also sus) verb ~ (sb/sth) (out) (BrE , informal) to realize sth; to understand the important things about sb/sth: [vn] I think I’ve got him sussed (= now I understand him).  If you want to succeed in business you have to suss out the competition.  [v] He cheated on her for years, but she never sussed. [alsov that, v wh-]
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sus.tain
verb [vn]
1 to provide enough of what sb/sth needs in order to live or exist: Few planets can sustain life.  I only had a little chocolate to sustain me on my walk.  The love and support of his family sustained him during his time in prison.
2 to make sth continue for some time without becoming less
SYN MAINTAIN : a period of sustained economic growth  a sustained attack / effort  She managed to sustain everyone’s interest until the end of her speech.
3 (formal) to experience sth bad
SYN SUFFER : to sustain damage / an injury / a defeat  The company sustained losses of millions of dollars.
4 to provide evidence to support an opinion, a theory, etc: The evidence is not detailed enough to sustain his argument.
5 (formal) to support a weight without breaking or falling: The ice will not sustain your weight.
6 (law) to decide that a claim, etc. is valid: The court sustained his claim that the contract was illegal.  Objection sustained! (= said by a judge when a lawyer makes an objection in court)
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sus.tain.able
adj.
1 involving the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment: sustainable forest management  an environmentally sustainable society
2 that can continue or be continued for a long time: sustainable economic growth / recovery
OPP UNSUSTAINABLE
sus.tain.abil.ity noun [U]
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sus.ten.ance
noun [U] (formal)
1 the food and drink that people, animals and plants need to live and stay healthy: Rice was the basis of daily sustenance.  There’s not much sustenance in a bowl of soup.   (figurative) Arguing would only give further sustenance to his allegations.
2 ~ (of sth) the process of making sth continue to exist: Elections are essential for the sustenance of parliamentary democracy.
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su.ture
noun, verb
noun (medical ) a stitch or stitches made when sewing up a wound, especially after an operation

verb [vn] (medical ) to sew up a wound

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su.zer.ainty
noun [U] (formal) the right of a country to rule over another country
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svelte
adj. (approving) (of a person, especially a woman) thin in a graceful and attractive way
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SW
abbr.
1 (especially BrE) SHORT WAVE : SW and LW radio
2 south-west; south-western: SW Australia
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swab
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of soft material used by a doctor, nurse, etc. for cleaning wounds or taking a SAMPLE from sb’s body for testing
2 an act of taking a SAMPLE from sb’s body, with a swab : to take a throat swab

verb [vn]
1 to clean or remove liquid from a wound, etc., using a swab
2 ~ sth (down) to clean or wash a floor, surface, etc. using water and a cloth, etc.

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swad.dle
verb [vn] (old-fashioned) to wrap sb/sth, especially a baby, tightly in clothes or a piece of fabric
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'swaddling clothes
noun [pl.] strips of fabric used in the past for swaddling a baby
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swag
noun
1 [U] (old-fashioned, informal) goods that have been stolen
SYN LOOT
2 [C, usually pl.] fabric that is hung in large curved folds as decoration, especially above a window
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swag.ger
verb, noun
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (usually disapproving) to walk in an extremely proud and confident way: He swaggered into the room looking very pleased with himself.

noun [sing.] (disapproving) a way of walking or behaving that seems too confident: She walked to the front of the class with a swagger.

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Swa.hili
noun [U] a language widely used in E Africa, especially between people who speak different first languages
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swain
noun (old use or humorous) a young man who is in love
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swal.low
verb, noun
verb
FOOD / DRINK|
1 to make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach: [vn] Always chew food well before swallowing it.  [vn-adj] The pills should be swallowed whole.  [v] I had a sore throat and it hurt to swallow.
MOVE THROAT MUSCLES|
2 [v] to move the muscles of your throat as if you were swallowing sth, especially because you are nervous: She swallowed hard and told him the bad news.
COMPLETELY COVER|
3 [vn] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (up) to take sb/sth in or completely cover it so that they cannot be seen or no longer exist separately: I watched her walk down the road until she was swallowed by the darkness.  Large areas of countryside have been swallowed up by towns.
USE UP MONEY|
4 [vn] ~ sb/sth (up) to use up sth completely, especially an amount of money: Most of my salary gets swallowed (up) by the rent and bills.
BELIEVE|
5 to accept that sth is true; to believe sth: [vn] I found her excuse very hard to swallow .  [vn-adj] He told her a pack of lies, but she swallowed it whole .
FEELINGS|
6 [vn] to hide your feelings: to swallow your doubts / anger  You’re going to have to swallow your pride and ask for your job back.
ACCEPT INSULTS|
7 [vn] to accept insults, criticisms, etc. without complaining or protesting: I was surprised that he just sat there and swallowed all their remarks.
IDM see BITTER adj.

noun
BIRD|
1 a small bird with long pointed wings and a tail with two points, that spends the winter in Africa but flies to northern countries for the summer
OF FOOD / DRINK|
2 an act of swallowing; an amount of food or drink that is swallowed at one time: She took a swallow of coffee.

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swam
pt of SWIM
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swami
noun (also used as a title) a Hindu religious teacher: Swami Vivekanand
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swamp
noun, verb
noun [C, U] an area of ground that is very wet or covered with water and in which plants, trees, etc. are growing: tropical swamps
swampy adj.: swampy forests / ground

verb [vn] [often passive]
1 ~ sb/sth (with sth) to make sb have more of sth than they can deal with
SYN INUNDATE : The department was swamped with job applications.  In summer visitors swamp the island.
2 to fill or cover sth with a lot of water: The little boat was swamped by the waves.

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swan
noun, verb
noun a large graceful bird that is usually white and has a long thin neck. Swans live on or near water.

verb (-nn-) [v + adv.  /  prep.] (BrE , informal, disapproving) to go around enjoying yourself in a way that annoys other people or makes them jealous: They’ve gone swanning off to Paris for the weekend.

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swank
verb [v] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal, disapproving) to behave in way that is too proud or confident
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swanky
(swank.ier, swanki.est) (especially BrE ) (also swank especially in AmE) adj. (informal, disapproving) fashionable and expensive in a way that is intended to impress people
SYN POSH : a swanky hotel / car
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swan.song
noun [sing.] the last piece of work produced by an artist, a musician, etc. or the last performance by an actor, ATHLETE , etc.
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swap
(also swop) verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 ~ (sth) (with sb)| ~ sth for sth to give sth to sb and receive sth in exchange: [v] I’ve finished this magazine. Can I swap with you?  [vn] I swapped my red scarf for her blue one.   (especially BrE ) Can we swap places ? I can’t see the screen.  We spent the evening in the pub swapping stories (= telling each other stories) about our travels.  [vnn] I swapped him my CD for his cassette.
2 [v] ~ (over) to start doing sb else’s job, etc. while they do yours: I’ll drive there and then we’ll swap over on the way back.
3 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for sb/sth)| ~ sb/sth (over) (especially BrE) to replace sth with sth else: I think I’ll swap this sweater for one in another colour.  I’m going to swap you over. Mike will go first and Jon will go second.
IDM see PLACE n.

noun
1 [usually sing.] an act of exchanging one thing or person for another: Let’s do a swap . You work Friday night and I’ll do Saturday.
2 a thing or person that has been exchanged for another: Most of my football stickers are swaps.

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sward
noun [C, U] (literary) an area of grass
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swarm
noun, verb
noun ~ (of sth)
1 a large group of insects, especially bees, moving together in the same direction: a swarm of bees / locusts / flies
2 a large group of people, especially when they are all moving quickly in the same direction

verb [v]
1 [+adv. / prep.] (often disapproving) (of people, animals, etc.) to move around in a large group: Tourists were swarming all over the island.
2 (of bees and other flying insects) to move around together in a large group, looking for a place to live
PVR V 'swarm with sb/sth to be full of people or things: The capital city is swarming with police.

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swar.thy
adj. (especially of a person or their face) having dark skin: a swarthy complexion / face / man
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swash.buck.ling
adj. [only before noun] (especially of films / movies) set in the past and full of action, adventure, fighting with SWORDS , etc: a swashbuckling tale of adventure on the high seas  the swashbuckling hero of Hollywood epics
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swas.tika
noun an ancient symbol in the form of a cross with its ends bent at an angle of 90°, used in the 20th century as the symbol of the German Nazi party
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swat
verb (-tt-) [vn] to hit sth, especially an insect, using your hand or a flat object
swat noun
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swatch
noun a small piece of fabric used to show people what a larger piece would look or feel like
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swathe
noun, verb
noun (also swath ) (written)
1 a long strip of land, especially one on which the plants or crops have been cut: The combine had cut a swathe around the edge of the field.  Development has affected vast swathes of our countryside.
2 a large strip or area of sth: a swathe of hair / fabric / sunlight
IDM cut a 'swathe through sth (of a person, fire, etc.) to pass through a particular area destroying a large part of it

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (written) to wrap or cover sb/sth in sth: He was lying on the hospital bed, swathed in bandages.

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'SWAT team
noun (especially AmE ) a group of police officers who are especially trained to deal with violent situations. SWAT stands for ‘Special Weapons and Tactics’.
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sway
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move slowly from side to side; to move sth in this way: [v] The branches were swaying in the wind.  Vicky swayed and fell.  [vn] They danced rhythmically, swaying their hips to the music.
2 [vn] [often passive] to persuade sb to believe sth or do sth
SYN INFLUENCE : He’s easily swayed.  She wasn’t swayed by his good looks or his clever talk.

noun [U]
1 a movement from side to side: The sway of the yacht was making her feel sick.
2 (literary) power or influence over sb: Rebel forces hold sway over much of the island.  She was brought up under the sway of Communism.  He was quick to exploit those who fell under his sway .

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swear
verb (swore sworn )
1 [v] ~ (at sb/sth) to use rude or offensive language, usually because you are angry: She fell over and swore loudly.  I don’t like to hear children swearing.  Why did you let him swear at you like that?
2 [no passive] to make a serious promise to do sth: [vn] He swore revenge on the man who had killed his father.  [v (that)] I swear (that) I’ll never leave you.
HELP ‘That’ is usually left out, especially in speech. [v to inf] She made him swear not to tell anyone.
3 ~ (to sb)| ~ (on sth) to promise that you are telling the truth: [v (that)] She swore (that) she’d never seen him before.  I could have sworn (= I am sure) I heard the phone ring.  [v] I swear to God I had nothing to do with it.
4 ~ (on sth) to make a public or official promise, especially in a court of law: [v] Witnesses were required to swear on the Bible.  [v that] Are you willing to stand up in court and swear that you don’t recognize him?  [v to inf] Remember, you have sworn to tell the truth.  [vn] Barons had to swear an oath of allegiance to the king.
5 [vn] ~ sb to secrecy / silence to make sb promise not to tell sth to anyone: Everyone was sworn to secrecy about what had happened.—see also SWORN
IDM swear 'blind (informal) to say that sth is definitely true swear like a 'trooper (old-fashioned, BrE) to often use very rude or offensive language
PVR V 'swear by sb/sth
1 to name sb/sth to show that you are making a serious promise: I swear by almighty God that I will tell the truth.
2 (not used in progressive tenses) to be certain that sth is good or useful: She swears by meditation as a way of relieving stress. ,swear sb<->'in| swear sb into sth [often passive] to make sb promise to do a job correctly, to be loyal to an organization, a country, etc: He was sworn in as president.  The new prime minister was sworn into office.—related noun SWEARING-IN 'swear to sth (informal) to say that sth is definitely true: I think I put the keys back in the drawer, but I couldn’t swear to it (= I’m not completely sure).
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swear.ing
noun [U] rude or offensive language used especially when angry: Giles was shocked at the swearing.
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,swearing-'in
noun [U, sing.] the act of publicly asking sb to promise to be loyal and perform their duties well when they start a new job, etc: the swearing-in of the new President
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'swear word
noun a rude or offensive word, used especially to express anger
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sweat
noun, verb
noun
LIQUID ON SKIN|
1 [U] drops of liquid that appear on the surface of your skin when you are hot, ill/sick or afraid
SYN PERSPIRATION : beads of sweat  She wiped the sweat from her face.  By the end of the match, the sweat was pouring off him.—see also SWEATY
2 [usually sing.] the state of being covered with sweat : I woke up in a sweat.  She completed the routine without even working up a sweat .  He breaks out in a sweat just at the thought of flying.  He started having night sweats.—see also COLD SWEAT
HARD WORK|
3 [U] hard work or effort: (informal) Growing your own vegetables sounds like a lot of sweat.   (literary) She achieved success by the sweat of her brow (= by working very hard).
CLOTHES|
4 (sweats) [pl.] (informal, especially AmE) a SWEATSUIT or SWEATPANTS : I hung around the house all day in my sweats.— be / get in a 'sweat (about sth) to be/become anxious or frightened about sth no 'sweat (spoken) used to tell sb that sth is not difficult or a problem when they thank you or ask you to do sth: ‘Thanks for everything.’‘Hey, no sweat!’—more at BLOOD n.

verb
PRODUCE LIQUID ON SKIN / SURFACE|
1 when you sweat, drops of liquid appear on the surface of your skin, for example when you are hot, ill/sick or afraid
SYN PERSPIRE : [v] to sweat heavily  [vn] He was sweating buckets (= a lot).
2 [v] if sth sweats, the liquid that is contained in it appears on its surface: The cheese was beginning to sweat.
WORK HARD|
3 [v] ~ (over sth) to work hard at sth: Are you still sweating over that report?
WORRY|
4 [v] (informal) to worry or feel anxious about sth: They really made me sweat during the interview.
HEAT FOOD|
5 [vn, v] (BrE) if you sweat meat or vegetables or let them sweat, you heat them slowly with a little fat in a pan that is covered with a lid sweat 'blood (informal) to work very hard don’t 'sweat it (AmE, spoken) used to tell sb to stop worrying about sth don’t sweat the 'small stuff (AmE, spoken) used to tell sb not to worry about small details or unimportant things—more at GUT n. ,sweat sth<->'off to lose weight by doing a lot of hard exercise to make yourself sweat ,sweat it 'out (informal) to be waiting for sth difficult or unpleasant to end, and be feeling anxious about it

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sweat.band
noun a band of fabric worn around the head or wrist, for absorbing sweat
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,sweated 'labour
noun [U] (BrE ) hard work that is done for low wages in poor conditions; the people who do this work
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sweat.er
noun a knitted woollen or cotton piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves. In British English the word is used to describe a piece of clothing with no buttons. In American English a sweater can have buttons and be like a jacket.—
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sweat.pants
noun [pl.] loose warm trousers/pants, usually made of thick cotton and worn for relaxing or playing sports in—
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sweat.shirt
noun a piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves, usually made of thick cotton and often worn for sports—
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sweat.shop
noun (disapproving) a place where people work for low wages in poor conditions
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sweat.suit
noun (also informal sweats [pl.]) (both AmE ) a sweatshirt and SWEATPANTS worn together, for relaxing or playing sports in
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sweaty
adj.
1 covered or damp with sweat: sweaty feet / socks  He felt all hot and sweaty.
2 [only before noun] making you become hot and covered with sweat: It was sweaty work, under the hot sun.
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swede
(BrE ) (AmE ru.ta.baga) (ScotE tur.nip) noun [C, U] a large round yellow root vegetable—
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sweep
verb, noun
verb (swept, swept )
WITH BRUSH|
1 to clean a room, surface, etc. using a BROOM (= a type of brush on a long handle): [vn] to sweep the floor / street / stairs  [vn-adj] The showroom had been emptied and swept clean. [alsov]
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth from a surface using a brush, your hand, etc: She swept the crumbs into the wastebasket.  He swept the leaves up into a pile.
MOVE QUICKLY / WITH FORCE|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move or push sb/sth suddenly and with a lot of force: The little boat was swept out to sea.  She let herself be swept along by the crowd.
4 (of weather, fire, etc.) to move suddenly and/or with force over an area or in a particular direction: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Rain swept in through the broken windows.  [vn] Strong winds regularly sweep the islands.
OF A PERSON|
5 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move quickly and/or smoothly, especially in a way that impresses or is intended to impress other people: Without another word she swept out of the room.   (figurative) He swept into the lead with an almost perfect performance.
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth, especially your hand or arm, quickly and smoothly in a particular direction: He rushed to greet her, sweeping his arms wide.
OF FEELINGS|
7 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to suddenly affect sb strongly: A wave of tiredness swept over her.  Memories came sweeping back.
OF IDEAS / FASHIONS|
8 to spread quickly: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : Rumours of his resignation swept through the company.  [vn] the latest craze sweeping America
LOOK / MOVE OVER AREA|
9 to move over an area, especially in order to look for sth: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : His eyes swept around the room.  [vn] Searchlights swept the sky.
TOUCH SURFACE|
10 [vn] to move, or move sth, over a surface, touching it lightly: Her dress swept the ground as she walked.
HAIR|
11 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to brush, comb, etc. your hair in a particular direction: Her hair was swept back from her face.
OF LANDSCAPE|
12 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to form a long smooth curve: The hotel gardens sweep down to the beach. sweep the 'board to win all the prizes, etc. in a competition ,sweep sb off their 'feet to make sb fall suddenly and deeply in love with you sweep (sb) to 'power to win an election by a large number of votes; to make sb win an election with a large number of votes sweep sth under the 'carpet (AmE also sweep sth under the 'rug) to try to stop people from finding out about sth wrong, illegal, embarrassing, etc. that has happened or that you have done ,sweep sb a'long / a'way [usually passive] to make sb very interested or involved in sth, especially in a way that makes them forget everything else: They were swept along by the force of their emotions. ,sweep sth<->a'side to ignore sth completely: All their advice was swept aside. ,sweep sth<->a'way to get rid of sth completely: Any doubts had long since been swept away. ,sweep sth<->'out to remove all the dust, dirt, etc. from a room or building using a brush ,sweep sb<->'up to lift sb up with a sudden smooth movement: He swept her up into his arms.

noun
WITH BRUSH|
1 [C, usually sing.] an act of cleaning a room, surface, etc. using a BROOM : Give the room a good sweep.
CURVING MOVEMENT|
2 [C] a smooth curving movement: He indicated the door with a sweep of his arm.
LANDSCAPE|
3 [C, usually sing.] a long, often curved, piece of road, river, coast, etc: the broad sweep of white cliffs around the bay
RANGE|
4 [U] the range of an idea, a piece of writing, etc. that considers many different things: Her book covers the long sweep of the country’s history.
MOVEMENT / SEARCH OVER AREA|
5 [C] a movement over an area, for example in order to search for sth or attack sth: The rescue helicopter made another sweep over the bay.
CHIMNEY|
6 [C] = CHIMNEY SWEEP
IDM see CLEAN adj.

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sweep.er
noun
1 a person whose job is to sweep sth: a road sweeper
2 a thing that sweeps sth: a carpet sweeper—see also MINESWEEPER
3 (BrE) (in football) a player who plays behind the other defending players in order to try and stop anyone who passes them
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sweep.ing
adj.
1 [usually before noun] having an important effect on a large part of sth: sweeping reforms / changes  Security forces were given sweeping powers to search homes.
2 [usually before noun] (disapproving) too general and failing to think about or understand particular examples: a sweeping generalization / statement
3 ~ victory a victory by a large number of votes, etc.
4 [only before noun] forming a curved shape: a sweeping gesture (= with your hand or arm)  a sweeping staircase
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sweep.stake
(AmE also sweep.stakes [pl.]) noun a type of betting in which the winner gets all the money bet by everyone else
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sweet
adj., noun
adj. (sweet.er, sweet.est)
FOOD / DRINK|
1 containing, or tasting as if it contains, a lot of sugar: a cup of hot sweet tea  Too much sweet food is bad for your teeth.  I had a craving for something sweet.  This wine is too sweet for me.—compare BITTER , SALTY
OPP SOUR
SMELL|
2 having a pleasant smell: a sweet-smelling rose  The air was sweet with incense.
SOUND|
3 having a pleasant sound: a sweet voice
PURE|
4 pleasant and not containing any harmful substances: the sweet air of a mountain village
SATISFYING|
5 making you feel happy and/or satisfied: Good night. Sweet dreams .  I can’t tell you how sweet this victory is.
ATTRACTIVE|
6 (especially BrE) (especially of children or small things) attractive
SYN CUTE : His sister’s a sweet young thing.  You look sweet in this photograph.  We stayed in a sweet little hotel on the seafront.
KIND|
7 having or showing a kind character: a sweet old lady  She gave him her sweetest smile.  It was sweet of them to offer to help.
GOOD|
8 (Sweet!) (AmE, informal) used to show that you approve of sth: Free tickets? Sweet!—see also BITTER-SWEET be 'sweet on sb (old-fashioned, informal) to like sb very much in a romantic way have a sweet 'tooth (informal) to like food that contains a lot of sugar in your ,own sweet 'time / 'way how and when you want to, even though this might annoy other people: He always does the work, but in his own sweet time. keep sb 'sweet (informal) to say or do pleasant things in order to keep sb in a good mood so that they will agree to do sth for you sweet F'A | sweet Fanny 'Adams (BrE, informal) nothing at all. People say ‘sweet FA’ to avoid saying ‘ FUCK ALL ’. sweet 'nothings romantic words: to whisper sweet nothings in sb’s ear the sweet smell of suc'cess (informal) the pleasant feeling of being successful—more at HOME n. , SHORT adj.

noun
FOOD|
1 [C] (BrE) a small piece of sweet food, usually made with sugar and/or chocolate and eaten between meals
SYN CANDY : a packet of boiled sweets  a sweet shop
2 [C, U] (BrE) a sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal: I haven’t made a sweet today.  Would you like some more sweet?
SYN AFTERS , DESSERT , PUDDING
PERSON|
3 [U] (spoken, old-fashioned) a way of addressing sb that you like or love: Don’t you worry, my sweet.

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,sweet-and-'sour
adj. [only before noun] (of food) cooked in a sauce that contains sugar and VINEGAR or lemon: Chinese sweet-and-sour pork
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sweet.bread
noun [usually pl.] the PANCREAS of a young cow or sheep, eaten as food
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sweet.corn
(BrE ) (AmE corn) noun [U] the yellow seeds of a type of MAIZE plant, also called sweetcorn, which grow on thick stems and are cooked and eaten as a vegetable: tinned sweetcorn—see also CORN ON THE COB —
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sweet.en
verb [vn]
1 to make food or drinks taste sweeter by adding sugar, etc.
2 ~ sb (up) (informal) to try to make sb more willing to help you, agree to sth, etc. by giving them money, praising them, etc.
3 to make sth more pleasant or acceptable: The fall in inflation did little to sweeten news of massive job losses.
IDM see PILL
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sweet.en.er
noun
1 [U, C] a substance used to make food or drink taste sweeter, used instead of sugar: artificial sweetener(s)
2 [C] (informal) something that is given to sb in order to persuade them to do sth, especially when this is done in a secret or dishonest way
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sweet.heart
noun
1 [sing.] used to address sb in a way that shows affection: Do you want a drink, sweetheart?
2 [C] (becoming old-fashioned) a person with whom sb is having a romantic relationship: They were childhood sweethearts.
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sweetie
noun (informal)
1 [C] (BrE) a child’s word for a sweet/a piece of candy
2 [C] a person who is kind and easy to like: He’s a real sweetie.
3 [sing.] used to address sb in a way that shows affection
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sweet.ish
adj. fairly sweet
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sweet.ly
adv.
1 in a pleasant way: She smiled sweetly at him.
2 in a way that smells sweet: a sweetly scented flower
3 in a way that is without difficulties or problems: Everything went sweetly and according to plan.  He headed the ball sweetly into the back of the net.
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sweet.meat
noun (old use) a sweet/candy; any food preserved in sugar
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sweet.ness
noun [U]
1 the quality of being pleasant: a smile of great sweetness
2 the quality of tasting or smelling sweet: The air was filled with the sweetness of mimosa.
IDM be (all) ,sweetness and 'light
1 (of a person) to be pleasant, friendly and polite
2 (of a situation) to be enjoyable and easy to deal with: It’s not all sweetness and light being an actor.
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,sweet 'pea
noun a climbing garden plant with pale flowers that have a sweet smell
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,sweet po'tato
noun [C, U] a root vegetable that looks like a red potato, but that is yellow inside and tastes sweet—
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'sweet-talk
verb [vn] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (disapproving) to try to persuade sb to do sth by praising them and telling them things they like to hear: I can’t believe you let him sweet-talk you into working for him!
'sweet talk noun [U]
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swell
verb, noun, adj.
verb (swelled swol.len ) or (swelled, swelled)
1 [v] ~ (up) to become bigger or rounder: Her arm was beginning to swell up where the bee had stung her.  Cook the lentils for 20 minutes until they swell and soften.
2 ~ (sth) (out) to curve or make sth curve outwards: [v] The sails swelled (out) in the wind.  [vn] The wind swelled (out) the sails.
3 ~ (sth) (to sth) to increase or make sth increase in number or size: [vn] Last year’s profits were swelled by a fall in production costs.  We are looking for more volunteers to swell the ranks (= increase the number) of those already helping.  [v] Membership has swelled to over 20 000.
4 [v] (of a sound) to become louder: The cheering swelled through the hall.
5 [v] ~ (with sth) to be filled with a strong emotion: to swell with pride / joy—see also SWOLLEN

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] the movement of the sea when it rises and falls without the waves breaking: The boat was caught in a heavy (= strong) swell.
2 [sing.] (written) the curved shape of sth, especially a part of the body: the firm swell of her breasts
3 [sing.] a situation in which sth increases in size, number, strength, etc: a growing swell of support  a swell of panic / pride—see also GROUNDSWELL
4 [sing.] (of music or noise) a gradual increase in the volume of sth
SYN CRESCENDO
5 (old-fashioned, informal) an important or fashionable person

adj. (old-fashioned, AmE , informal) very good, enjoyable, etc: We had a swell time.

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swell.ing
noun
1 [U] the condition of being larger or rounder than normal (= of being SWOLLEN ): Use ice to reduce the swelling.
2 [C] a place on your body that has become larger or rounder than normal as the result of an illness or injury: The fall left her with a painful swelling above her eye.
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swel.ter
verb [v] to be very hot in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable: Passengers sweltered in temperatures of over 90°F.
swel.ter.ing adj.: sweltering heat
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swept
pt, pp of SWEEP
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swerve
verb [v] (especially of a vehicle) to change direction suddenly, especially in order to avoid hitting sb/sth: She swerved sharply to avoid a cyclist.  The bus suddenly swerved into his path.  The ball swerved into the net.
swerve noun
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swift
adj., noun
adj. (swift.er, swift.est) (written)
1 ~ (to do sth) happening or done quickly and immediately; doing sth quickly: swift action / progress  a swift decision / glance  He rose to his feet in one swift movement.  The White House was swift to deny the rumours.
2 moving very quickly; able to move very quickly: a swift current / runner  note at FAST
swift.ly adv.
swift.ness noun [U, sing.]

noun a small bird with long narrow wings, similar to a SWALLOW

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swig
verb (-gg-) [vn] (informal) to take a quick drink of sth, especially alcohol: They sat around swigging beer from bottles.
swig noun: She took a swig of wine and lit a cigarette.
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swill
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (out / down) (especially BrE) to clean sth by pouring large amounts of water in, on or through it: She swilled the glasses with clean water.
2 [vn] ~ sth (down) (informal) to drink sth quickly and/or in large quantities
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move, or to make a liquid move, in a particular direction or around a particular place: [vn] He swilled the juice around in his glass.  [v] Water swilled around in the bottom of the boat.

noun [U]
1 (also pig.swill) a mixture of waste food and water that is given to pigs to eat
2 (AmE) any liquid waste or dirt

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swim
verb, noun
verb (swim.ming, swam swum )
1 (of a person) to move through water in a horizontal position using the arms and legs: [v] I can’t swim.  The boys swam across the lake.  They spent the day swimming and sunbathing.  [vn] Can you swim backstroke yet?  How long will it take her to swim the Channel?  note at BATH
2 [v] (go swimming) to spend time swimming for pleasure: I go swimming twice a week.
3 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a fish, etc.) to move through or across water: A shoal of fish swam past.  Ducks were swimming around on the river.
4 [v] (usually be swimming) ~ (in / with sth) to be covered with a lot of liquid: The main course was swimming in oil.  Her eyes were swimming with tears.
5 [v] (of objects, etc.) to seem to be moving around, especially when you are ill/sick or drunk: The pages swam before her eyes.
6 [v] to feel confused and/or as if everything is spinning around: His head swam and he swayed dizzily.
IDM see SINK v.

noun [sing.] a period of time during which you swim: Let’s go for a swim .
IDM in the 'swim (of things) (informal) involved in things that are happening in society or in a particular situation

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swim.mer
noun a person who can swim; a person who is swimming: a good / keen / strong swimmer  They watched the swimmers splashing through the water.  a shallow pool for non-swimmers
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swim.ming
noun [U] the sport or activity of swimming: Swimming is good exercise.
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'swimming bath
noun [usually pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE ) a public swimming pool inside a building: to go to the local swimming baths
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'swimming cap
(also 'swimming hat) (both BrE ) (also 'bathing capAmE, BrE) noun a soft rubber or plastic cap that fits closely over your head to keep your hair dry while you are swimming
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'swimming costume
noun (BrE ) (also swim.suitBrE, AmE) (also 'bathing suitAmEor old-fashioned) a piece of clothing worn for swimming, especially the type worn by women and girls
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swim.ming.ly
adv. (informal) without any problems or difficulties: We hope everything will go swimmingly .
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'swimming pool
(also pool) noun
1 an area of water that has been created for people to swim in: an indoor / outdoor swimming pool  a heated swimming pool  an open-air swimming pool
2 the building that contains a public swimming pool : She trained five times a week at her local swimming pool.
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'swimming trunks
(also trunks) noun [pl.] a piece of clothing covering the lower part of the body and sometimes the top part of the legs, worn by men and boys for swimming: a pair of swimming trunks—picture at SNORKELLING
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swim.suit
noun = SWIMMING COSTUME
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swim.wear
noun [U] (written) clothing that you wear for swimming in
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swin.dle
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sb (out of sth)| ~ sth (out of sb) to cheat sb in order to get sth, especially money, from them: They swindled him out of hundreds of dollars.  They swindled hundreds of dollars out of him.
swind.ler noun

noun [usually sing.] a situation in which sb uses dishonest or illegal methods in order to get money from a company, another person, etc: an insurance swindle

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swine
noun (pl.swines or swine)
1 [C] (informal) an unpleasant person: He’s an arrogant little swine!   (figurative) The car can be a swine to start.
2 (swine) [pl.] (old use ortechnical) pigs: a herd of swine  swine fever (= a disease of pigs)
IDM see PEARL
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swing
verb, noun
verb (swung, swung )
HANG AND MOVE|
1 to move backwards or forwards or from side to side while hanging from a fixed point; to make sth do this: [v] His arms swung as he walked.  A set of keys swung from her belt.  As he pushed her, she swung higher and higher (= while sitting on a swing).  [vn] He sat on the stool, swinging his legs.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move from one place to another by holding sth that is fixed and pulling yourself along, up, etc: [vn] He swung himself out of the car.  [v] The gunshot sent monkeys swinging away through the trees.
MOVE IN CURVE|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move or make sth move with a wide curved movement: [v] A line of cars swung out of the palace gates.  [vn] He swung his legs over the side of the bed.  [v-adj, vn-adj] The door swung open.  She swung the door open.
TURN QUICKLY|
4 [+adv. / prep.] to turn or change direction suddenly; to make sth do this: [v] The bus swung sharply to the left.  [vn] He swung the camera around to face the opposite direction.
TRY TO HIT|
5 ~ (sth) (at sb/sth) to try to hit sb/sth: [v] She swung at me with the iron bar.  [vn] He swung another punch in my direction.
CHANGE OPINION / MOOD|
6 ~ (from A) (to B)| ~ (between A and B) to change or make sb/sth change from one opinion, mood, etc. to another: [v] The state has swung from Republican to Democrat.  His emotions swung between fear and curiosity.  The game could swing either way (= either side could win it).  [vn] I managed to swing them round to my point of view.
DO / GET STH|
7 (informal) to succeed in getting or achieving sth, sometimes in a slightly dishonest way: [vn] We’re trying to swing it so that we can travel on the same flight.  [vnn] Is there any chance of you swinging us a couple of tickets?
OF MUSIC|
8 [v] to have a strong rhythm
OF PARTY|
9 [v] (informal) if a party, etc. is swinging, there are a lot of people there having a good time swing the 'balance = TIP THE BALANCE / SCALE at TIP v. swing both 'ways (informal) to be BISEXUAL (= sexually attracted to both men and women) ,swing into 'action to start doing sth quickly and with a lot of energy—more at ROOM n. ,swing 'by| 'swing by sth (AmE, informal) to visit a place or person for a short time DROP BY : I’ll swing by your house on the way home from work.

noun
MOVEMENT|
1 [C] a swinging movement or rhythm: He took a wild swing at the ball.  the swing of her hips
OF OPINION / MOOD|
2 [C] a change from one opinion or situation to another; the amount by which sth changes: He is liable to abrupt mood swings / swings of mood (= for example from being very happy to being very sad).  Voting showed a 10% swing to Labour.
HANGING SEAT|
3 [C] a seat for swinging on, hung from above on ropes or chains: The kids were playing on the swings.—picture at HOUSE
IN GOLF|
4 [sing.] the swinging movement you make with your arms and body when you hit the ball in the game of golf: I need to work on my swing.
MUSIC|
5 [U] a type of jazz with a smooth rhythm, played especially by big dance bands in the 1930s get in / into the 'swing (of sth) (informal) to get used to an activity or a situation and become fully involved in it: I’ve only been here a week so I haven’t got into the swing of things yet. go with a 'swing (BrE)
1 (of a party or an activity) to be lively and enjoyable: She made the whole party go with a swing.
2 (of music) to have a strong rhythm in full 'swing having reached a very lively level: When we arrived the party was already in full swing. ,swings and 'roundabouts (BrE, informal) used to say that there are advantages and disadvantages whatever decision you make: If you earn more, you pay more in tax, so it’s all swings and roundabouts.

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,swing 'bridge
noun (BrE ) a bridge that can be moved to one side to allow tall ships to pass
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,swing 'door
(AmE ,swinging 'door) noun a door that you can open in either direction and that closes itself when you stop holding it open
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swinge.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE , written)
1 large and likely to cause people problems, especially financial problems: swingeing cuts / fines / increases
2 extremely critical of sb/sth: a swingeing attack on government policy
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swing.er
noun (old-fashioned, informal)
1 a person who is fashionable and has an active social life
2 a person who has sex with many different people
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swing.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (old-fashioned, informal) lively and fashionable
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,swinging 'door
noun (AmE ) = SWING DOOR
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swipe
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at) sb/sth to hit or try to hit sb/sth with your hand or an object by swinging your arm: [v] He swiped at the ball and missed. [alsovn]
2 [vn] (informal) to steal sth
SYN PINCH : They’re always swiping other kids' sweets.
3 [vn] to pass a plastic card, such as a CREDIT CARD , through a special machine that is able to read the information that is stored on it: The cash register only opens once the card has been swiped.

noun ~ (at sb/sth) (informal)
1 an act of hitting or trying to hit sb/sth by swinging your arm or sth that you are holding: She took a swipe at him with her umbrella.
2 an act of criticizing sb/sth: He used the interview to take a swipe at his critics .

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'swipe card
noun a special plastic card with information recorded on it which can be read by an electronic device: Access to the building is by swipe card only.
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swirl
verb, noun
verb [usually +adv. / prep.] to move around quickly with a circular movement; to make sth do this: [v] The water swirled down the drain.  A long skirt swirled around her ankles.  swirling mists  [vn] He took a mouthful of water and swirled it around his mouth.

noun
1 the movement of sth that twists and turns in different directions and at different speeds
2 a pattern or an object that twists in a circular shape

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swish
verb, noun, adj.
verb to move quickly through the air in a way that makes a soft sound; to make sth do this: [v] A large car swished past them and turned into the embassy gates.  [vn] She swished her racket aggressively through the air.  [v, vn] The pony’s tail swished.  The pony swished its tail.

noun [sing.] the movement or soft sound made by sth moving quickly, especially through the air: She turned away with a swish of her skirt.

adj. (BrE , informal) looking expensive and fashionable
SYN SMART : a swish restaurant

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Swiss chard
noun [U] = CHARD
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,Swiss 'cheese
noun [U, C] any hard cheese with holes in it
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,Swiss 'roll
(BrE ) (AmE 'jelly roll) noun a thin flat cake that is spread with jam, etc. and rolled up—
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switch
noun, verb
noun
1 a small device that you press or move up and down in order to turn a light or piece of electrical equipment on and off: a light switch  an on-off switch  That was in the days before electricity was available at the flick of a switch .  Which switch do I press to turn it off?  to throw a switch (= to move a large switch)
2 ~ (in / of sth)| ~ (from A to B) a change from one thing to another, especially when this is sudden and complete: a switch of priorities  She made the switch from full-time to part-time work when her first child was born.  a policy switch
3 (AmE) the POINTS on a railway/railroad line
4 a thin stick that bends easily: a riding switch

verb
1 ~ (sth) (over) (from sth) (to sth)| ~ (between A and B) to change or make sth change from one thing to another: [v] We’re in the process of switching over to a new system of invoicing.  Press these two keys to switch between documents on screen.  [vn] When did you switch jobs?
2 [vn] ~ sth (with sth)| ~ sth (over / around / round) to exchange one thing for another
SYN SWAP : The dates of the last two exams have been switched.  I see you’ve switched the furniture around (= changed its position).  Do you think she’ll notice if I switch my glass with hers?
3 ~ (sth) (with sb)| ~ (sth) (over / around / round) to do sb else’s job for a short time or work during different hours so that they can do your job or work during your usual hours
SYN SWAP : [v] I can’t work next weekend—will you switch with me?  [vn] Have you been able to switch your shift with anyone?
PVR V ,switch 'off (informal) to stop thinking about sth or paying attention to sb/sth: When I hear the word ‘football’ I switch off (= because I am not interested in it).  The only time he really switches off (= stops thinking about work, etc.) is when we’re on vacation. ,switch 'off / 'on| ,switch sth<->'off / 'on to turn a light, machine, etc. off/on by pressing a button or switch: Please switch the lights off as you leave.  How do you switch this thing on?  We only switched on halfway through the programme. ,switch 'over| ,switch sth<->'over (BrE) to change stations on a radio or television

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switch.back
noun
1 a road or railway/railroad track that has many sharp bends as it goes up a steep hill, or one that rises and falls steeply many times
2 (AmE) a sharp bend in a road that is going up a steep hill
3 (old-fashioned, BrE) = ROLLER COASTER
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switch.blade
noun (especially AmE ) = FLICK KNIFE
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switch.board
noun the central part of a telephone system used by a company, etc., where telephone calls are answered and PUT THROUGH (= connected) to the appropriate person or department; the people who work this equipment: a switchboard operator  Call the switchboard and ask for extension 410.  Hundreds of fans jammed the switchboard for over an hour.
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swivel
noun, verb
noun (often used as an adjective) a device used to connect two parts of an object together, allowing one part to turn around without moving the other: a swivel chair (= one on which the seat turns around without moving the base)—picture at CHAIR

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [usually +adv. / prep.]
1 to turn or make sth turn around a fixed central point: [vn] She swivelled the chair around to face them. [alsov]
2 to turn or move your body, eyes or head around quickly to face another direction: [v] He swivelled around to look at her. [alsovn]

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swizz
(also swiz) noun [usually sing.] (informal) something unfair or disappointing: What a swizz!
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swol.len
adj.
1 (of a part of the body) larger than normal, especially as a result of a disease or an injury: swollen joints / glands / feet  Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.
2 (of a river) containing more water than normal—see also SWELL v.
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swoon
verb [v]
1 ~ (over sb) to feel very excited, emotional, etc. about sb that you think is sexually attractive, so that you almost lose consciousness: He’s used to having women swooning over him.
2 (old-fashioned) to lose consciousness
SYN FAINT
swoon noun [sing.] (old-fashioned): to fall / go into a swoon
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swoop
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] (of a bird or plane) to fly quickly and suddenly downwards, especially in order to attack sb/sth: The aircraft swooped down over the buildings.
2 ~ (on sb/sth) (especially of police or soldiers) to visit or attack sb/sth suddenly and without warning: Officers swooped on the vehicles as they left the ferry.

noun
1 an act of moving suddenly and quickly through the air in a downward direction, as a bird does
2 ~ (on sth/sb) an act of arriving somewhere or attacking sth/sb in a way that is sudden and unexpected: Large quantities of drugs were found during a police swoop on the star’s New York home.
IDM see FELL adj.

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swop
= SWAP
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sword
noun a weapon with a long metal blade and a handle: to draw / sheathe a sword (= to take it out / put it into its cover)
IDM put sb to the 'sword (old-fashioned or literary) to kill sb with a SWORD a / the sword of 'Damocles (literary) a bad or unpleasant thing that might happen to you at any time and that makes you feel worried or frightened
ORIGIN From the legend in which Damocles had to sit at a meal at the court of Dionysius with a sword hanging by a single hair above his head. He had praised Dionysius' happiness, and Dionysius wanted him to understand how quickly happiness can be lost. turn swords into 'ploughshares (literary) to stop fighting and return to peaceful activities—more at CROSS v. , DOUBLE-EDGED
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'sword dance
noun a Scottish dance in which people dance between and over SWORDS that are placed on the ground
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sword.fish
noun [C, U] (pl.sword.fish) a large sea fish with a very long thin pointed upper jaw: swordfish steaks
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swords.man
noun (pl.-men ) (usually used with an adjective) a person who fights with a SWORD : a fine swordsman
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swore
pt of SWEAR
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sworn
adj. [only before noun]
1 made after you have promised to tell the truth, especially in a court of law: a sworn statement
2 ~ enemies people, countries, etc. that have a strong hatred for each other—see also SWEAR v.
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swot
noun, verb
noun (BrE ) (AmE grind) (informal, disapproving) a person who spends too much time studying

verb (-tt-) [v] ~ (for sth) (BrE , informal) to study very hard, especially in order to prepare for an exam
PVR V ,swot sth<->'up| ,swot 'up on sth (BrE, informal) to study a particular subject very hard, especially in order to prepare for an exam: Make sure you swot up on the company before the interview.

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swum
pp of SWIM
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swung
pt, pp of SWING
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syb.ar.it.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (rare, formal) connected with a desire for pleasure: his sybaritic lifestyle
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syca.more
noun
1 [C, U] (especially BrE) a European tree of the MAPLE family, with leaves that have five points and seeds shaped like a pair of wings
2 [C] (especially AmE) an American PLANE TREE
3 [U] the valuable hard wood of the European sycamore
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syco.phant
noun (formal, disapproving) a person who praises important or powerful people too much and in a way that is not sincere, especially in order to get sth from them
syco.phancy noun [U]
syco.phan.tic adj.: a sycophantic admirer / letter / review
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syl.lab.ic
adj. (phonetics )
1 based on syllables: syllabic stress
2 (of a consonant) forming a whole syllable, for example in ‘bottle’
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syl.lable
noun any of the units into which a word is divided, containing a vowel sound and usually one or more consonants: a word with two syllables  a two-syllable word  ‘Potato’ is stressed on the second syllable.
IDM see WORD n.
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syl.la.bub
noun [C, U] (BrE ) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from cream that has been mixed very quickly with sugar, wine, fruit juice, etc. to make it thick
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syl.la.bus
noun (pl.syl.la.buses or less frequent syl.labi ) a list of the topics, books, etc. that students should study in a particular subject at school or college—compare CURRICULUM
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syl.lo.gism
noun (technical ) a way of arguing in which two statements are used to prove that a third statement is true, for example: ‘All humans must die; I am a human; therefore I must die.’
syl.lo.gist.ic adj. [only before noun]
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syl.van
adj. (literary) connected with woods and trees: sylvan surroundings
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sym.bi.osis
noun [U, C] (pl.sym.bi.oses )
1 (biology) the relationship between two different living creatures that live close together and depend on each other in particular ways, each getting particular benefits from the other
2 a relationship between people, companies, etc. that is to the advantage of both
sym.bi.ot.ic adj.: a symbiotic relationship
sym.bi.ot.ic.al.ly adv.
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sym.bol
noun
1 ~ (of sth) a person, an object, an event, etc. that represents a more general quality or situation: White has always been a symbol of purity in Western cultures.  Mandela became a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle.
2 ~ (for sth) a sign, number, letter, etc. that has a fixed meaning, especially in science, mathematics and music: What is the chemical symbol for copper?  A list of symbols used on the map is given in the index.—see also SEX SYMBOL , STATUS SYMBOL
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sym.bol.ic
adj. ~ (of sth) containing symbols, or being used as a symbol: The dove is symbolic of peace.  He shook his fist in a symbolic gesture of defiance.  The Channel Tunnel has enormous symbolic significance for a united Europe.  The new regulations are largely symbolic (= they will not have any real effect).
sym.bol.ic.al.ly adv.: a symbolically significant gesture
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sym.bol.ism
noun [U] the use of symbols to represent ideas, especially in art and literature: poetry full of religious symbolism
sym.bol.ist adj., noun: the symbolist poet Rimbaud
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sym.bol.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to be a symbol of sth
SYN REPRESENT : The use of light and dark symbolizes good and evil.  He came to symbolize his country’s struggle for independence.
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sym.met.rical
(also sym.met.ric ) adj. (of a body, a design, an object, etc.) having two halves, parts or sides that are the same in size and shape: a symmetrical pattern / shape  People’s bodies are never quite symmetrical.
OPP ASYMMETRIC
sym.met.ric.al.ly adv.
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sym.metry
noun [U]
1 the exact match in size and shape between two halves, parts or sides of sth: the perfect symmetry of the garden design—picture at AXIS
2 the quality of being very similar or equal: the increasing symmetry between men’s and women’s jobs
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sym.pa.thet.ic
adj.
1 ~ (to / towards sb) kind to sb who is hurt or sad; showing that you understand and care about their problems: a sympathetic friend / listener / employer  I did not feel at all sympathetic towards Kate.  I’m here if you need a sympathetic ear (= sb to talk to about your problems).
2 ~ (to / towards sb/sth) showing that you approve of sb/sth or that you share their views and are willing to support them: to be sympathetic to aims / causes / ideas  Russian newspapers are largely sympathetic to the president.
3 (of a person) easy to like: a sympathetic character in a novel  I don’t find her a very sympathetic person.
HELP This meaning is not very common and you should use likeable or pleasant instead.
OPP UNSYMPATHETIC
sym.pa.thet.ic.al.ly adv.: to nod / look / smile at sb sympathetically  We hope this application will be treated sympathetically (= it will be approved).
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sym.pa.thize
(BrE also -ise) verb
1 ~ (with sb/sth) to feel sorry for sb; to show that you understand and feel sorry about sb’s problems: [v] I find it very hard to sympathize with him. [alsov speech]
2 [v] ~ with sb/sth to support sb/sth: He has never really sympathized with the aims of Animal Rights activists.
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sym.pa.thizer
(BrE also -iser) noun a person who supports or approves of sb/sth, especially a political cause or party: communist sympathizers
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sym.pathy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C, usually pl.] the feeling of being sorry for sb; showing that you understand and care about sb’s problems: to express / feel / have sympathy for sb  I have no sympathy for Jan, it’s all her own fault.  I wish he’d show me a little more sympathy.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims of the war.   (formal) May we offer our deepest sympathies on the death of your wife.
2 [U, C, usually pl.] the act of showing support for or approval of an idea, a cause, an organization, etc: The seamen went on strike in sympathy with (= to show their support for) the dockers.  Her sympathies lie with the anti-abortion lobby.
3 [U] friendship and understanding between people who have similar opinions or interests: There was no personal sympathy between them.
IDM in 'sympathy with sth (written) happening because sth else has happened: Share prices slipped in sympathy with the German market. out of 'sympathy with sb/sth (written) not agreeing with or not wanting to support sb/sth
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sym.phony
noun (pl.-ies) a long complicated piece of music for a large orchestra, in three or four main parts (called MOVEMENTS ): Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony  a symphony orchestra
sym.phon.ic adj.: Mozart’s symphonic works
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sym.po.sium
noun (pl.sym.po.sia or sym.po.siums) ~ (on sth) a meeting at which experts have discussions about a particular subject; a small CONFERENCE
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symp.tom
noun
1 a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy: cold / flu symptoms  Look out for symptoms of depression.
2 a sign that sth exists, especially sth bad: The rise in inflation was just one symptom of the poor state of the economy.
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symp.tom.at.ic
adj. ~ (of sth) (written) being a sign of an illness or a problem: a symptomatic infection  These disagreements are symptomatic of the tensions within the party.
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symp.tom.ize
verb [vn] (AmE ) to be a sign or SYMPTOM of sth
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syna.gogue
noun a building where Jews meet for religious worship and teaching
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syn.apse
noun (biology ) a connection between two nerve cells
syn.ap.tic adj.: the synaptic membranes
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sync
(also synch) noun [U] (informal)
IDM in 'sync moving or working at exactly the same time and speed as sb/sth else: The soundtrack is not in sync with the picture. out of 'sync not moving or working at exactly the same time and speed as sb/sth else—see also LIP-SYNC , SYNCHRONIZATION
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syn.chron.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb ~ (sth) (with sth) to happen at the same time or to move at the same speed as sth; to make sth do this: [v] The sound track did not synchronize with the action.  [vn] Let’s synchronize our watches (= make them show exactly the same time).
syn.chron.iza.tion , -isa.tion (also informal sync) noun [U]
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,synchronized 'swimming
(BrE also -ised) noun [U] a sport in which groups of SWIMMERS move in patterns in the water to music
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syn.chron.ous
adj. (technical ) happening or existing at the same time: synchronous experiences / development
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syn.co.pated
adj. (music ) in syncopated rhythm the strong beats are made weak and the weak beats are made strong
syn.co.pa.tion noun [U]
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syn.dic.al.ism
noun [U] the belief that factories, businesses, etc. should be owned and managed by all the people who work in them
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syn.dic.al.ist
noun a person who believes in syndicalism
syn.dic.al.ist adj.
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syn.di.cate
noun, verb
noun a group of people or companies who work together and help each other in order to achieve a particular aim

verb [vn] [usually passive] to sell an article, a photograph, a television programme, etc. to several different newspapers, etc: His column is syndicated throughout the world.
syn.di.ca.tion noun [U]

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syn.drome
noun
1 a set of physical conditions that show you have a particular disease or medical problem: PMS or premenstrual syndrome  This syndrome is associated with frequent coughing.—see also AIDS , DOWN’S SYNDROME
2 a set of opinions or a way of behaving that is typical of a particular type of person, attitude or social problem: With teenagers, be prepared for the ‘Me, me, me!’ syndrome (= they think of themselves first).
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syn.ergy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (technical ) the extra energy, power, success, etc. that is achieved by two or more people or companies working together, instead of on their own
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synod
noun an official meeting of Church members to discuss religious matters and make important decisions
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syno.nym
noun a word or expression that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another in the same language: ‘Big’ and ‘large’ are synonyms.—compare ANTONYM
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syn.onym.ous
adj.
1 (of words or expressions) having the same, or nearly the same, meaning
2 ~ (with sth) so closely connected with sth that the two things appear to be the same: Wealth is not necessarily synonymous with happiness.
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syn.op.sis
noun (pl.syn.op.ses ) a summary of a piece of writing, a play, etc.
syn.op.tic adj. (formal)
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syn.tac.tic
adj. (linguistics ) connected with SYNTAX : syntactic rules / structures
syn.tac.tic.al.ly adv.: to be syntactically correct / incorrect
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syn.tax
noun [U]
1 (linguistics) the way that words and phrases are put together to form sentences in a language; the rules of grammar for this—compare MORPHOLOGY
2 (computing) the rules that state how words and phrases must be used in a computer language: The instructions were not carried out because of a syntax error.
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syn.the.sis
noun (pl.syn.the.ses )
1 [U, C] ~ (of sth) the act of combining separate ideas, beliefs, styles, etc.; a mixture or combination of ideas, beliefs, styles, etc: the synthesis of art with everyday life  a synthesis between / of traditional and modern values
2 [U] (technical) the natural chemical production of a substance in animals and plants: protein synthesis
3 [U] (technical) the artificial production of a substance that is present naturally in animals and plants: the synthesis of penicillin
4 [U] the production of sounds, music or speech by electronic means: digital / sound / speech synthesis
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syn.the.size
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn]
1 (technical) to produce a substance by means of chemical or BIOLOGICAL processes
2 to produce sounds, music or speech using electronic equipment
3 to combine separate ideas, beliefs, styles, etc.
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syn.the.sizer
(BrE also -iser) noun an electronic machine for producing different sounds. Synthesizers are used as musical instruments, especially for copying the sounds of other instruments, and for copying speech sounds: a voice / speech synthesizer—compare KEYBOARD (3)
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syn.thet.ic
adj., noun
adj. artificial; made by combining chemical substances rather than being produced naturally by plants or animals
SYN MAN-MADE : synthetic drugs / fabrics
syn.thet.ic.al.ly adv.

noun an artificial substance or material: cotton fabrics and synthetics

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syph.ilis
noun [U] a disease that gets worse over a period of time, spreading from the sexual organs to the skin, bones, muscles and brain. It is caught by having sex with an infected person.
syph.il.it.ic adj.
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sy.phon
= SIPHON
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syr.inge
noun, verb
noun
1 (also hypo.der.mic, ,hypodermic sy'ringe) a plastic or glass tube with a long hollow needle that is used for putting drugs, etc. into a person’s body or for taking a small amount of blood from a person—
2 a plastic or glass tube with a rubber part at the end, used for sucking up liquid and then pushing it out—picture at LABORATORY

verb [vn] (BrE ) to clean sth with a SYRINGE : to have your ears syringed

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syrup
noun [U]
1 a sweet liquid made from sugar and water, often used in cans of fruit: pears in syrup
2 any thick sweet liquid made with sugar, used especially as a sauce: (BrE) syrup sponge and custard—see also CORN SYRUP , GOLDEN SYRUP , MAPLE SYRUP
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syr.upy
adj.
1 thick and sticky like syrup ; containing syrup
2 (disapproving) extremely emotional and romantic and therefore unpleasant; too SENTIMENTAL : a syrupy romantic novel
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sys.tem
noun
1 [C] ~ (of / for sth) an organized set of ideas or theories or a particular way of doing sth: the British educational system  a new system for assessing personal tax bills  a system of government—see also BINARY , METRIC SYSTEM
2 [C] a group of things, pieces of equipment, etc. that are connected or work together: a transport system  heating systems  a computer / stereo system  a security system—see also ECOSYSTEM , EXPERT SYSTEM , OPERATING SYSTEM , PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM , SOLAR SYSTEM
3 [C] a human or an animal body, or a part of it, when it is being thought of as the organs and processes that make it function: You have to wait until the drugs have passed out of your system.  the male reproductive system—see also CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM , DIGESTIVE SYSTEM , IMMUNE SYSTEM
4 (the system) [sing.] (informal, usually disapproving) the rules or people that control a country or an organization, especially when they seem to be unfair because you cannot change them: You can’t beat the system (= you must accept it).  young people rebelling against the system
IDM get sth out of your 'system (informal) to do sth so that you no longer feel a very strong emotion or have a strong desire: I was very angry with him, but now I feel I’ve got it out of my system.
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sys.tem.at.ic
adj. done according to a system or plan, in a thorough, efficient or determined way: a systematic approach to solving the problem  a systematic attempt to destroy the organization  The prisoner was subjected to systematic torture.
OPP UNSYSTEMATIC
sys.tem.at.ic.al.ly adv.: The search was carried out systematically.
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sys.tem.atize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal) to arrange sth according to a system
sys.tem.atiza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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sys.tem.ic
adj. (technical )
1 affecting or connected with the whole of sth, especially the human body
2 systemic chemicals or drugs that are used to treat diseases in plants or animals enter the body of the plant or animal and spread to all parts of it: systemic weedkillers
sys.tem.ic.al.ly adv.
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'systems analyst
noun a person whose job is to analyse the needs of a business company or an organization and then design a way of carrying out processes and working efficiently using computer programs
'systems analysis noun [U]
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T
(also t) noun [C, U] (pl.T’s, t’s ) the 20th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Tin’ begins with (a) T / ‘T’.—see also T-BONE STEAK , T-JUNCTION , T-SHIRT , T-SQUARE
IDM to a 'T / 'tee (informal) used to say that sth is exactly right for sb, succeeds in doing sth in exactly the right way, etc: Her new job suits her to a T.  The novel captures the feeling of the pre-war period to a T.—more at DOT v.
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TA
abbr.
1 (BrE) TERRITORIAL ARMY
2 (AmE) TEACHING ASSISTANT
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ta
exclamation (BrE , slang) thank you
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tab
noun
1 a small piece of paper, fabric, metal, etc. that sticks out from the edge of sth, and that is used to give information about it, or to hold it, fasten it, etc: Insert tab A into slot 1 (= for example to make a model, box, etc.).
2 = TAB STOP
3 (AmE) = RING PULL
4 a bill for goods you receive but pay for later, especially for food or drinks in a restaurant or bar; the price or cost of sth: a bar tab  Can I put it on my tab?  The tab for the meeting could be $3 000.
5 (informal) a small solid piece of an illegal drug: a tab of Ecstasy
IDM keep (close) tabs on sb/sth (informal) to watch sb/sth carefully in order to know what is happening so that you can control a particular situation: It’s not always possible to keep tabs on everyone’s movements.—more at PICK v.
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Tab.asco
™noun [U] a red spicy sauce made from PEPPERS
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tabby
noun (pl.-ies) (also 'tabby cat) a cat with brown or grey fur marked with dark lines or spots
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tab.er.nacle
noun
1 [C] a place of worship for some groups of Christians: a Baptist / Mormon tabernacle
2 (the tabernacle) [sing.] a small place of worship that could be moved, used by the Jews in ancient times when they were travelling in the desert
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table
noun, verb
noun
FURNITURE|
1 a piece of furniture that consists of a flat top supported by legs: a kitchen table  A table for two, please (= in a restaurant).  I’d like to book a table for tonight.  to set the table (= to put the plates, knives, etc. on it for a meal)   (BrE also) to lay the table   to clear the table (= take away the dirty plates, etc. at the end of a meal)  He questioned her next morning over the breakfast table (= during breakfast).   (BrE, formal) Children must learn to behave at table .  a table lamp (= one that stands on a table)  a billiard / snooker / pool table
HELP There are many compounds ending in table. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
PEOPLE|
2 the people sitting at a table for a meal or to play cards, etc: He kept the whole table entertained with his jokes.—see also ROUND-TABLE
LIST OF FACTS / NUMBERS|
3 a list of facts or numbers arranged in a special order, usually in rows and columns: a table of contents (= a list of the main points or information in a book, usually at the front of the book)  Table 2 shows how prices and earnings have increased over the past 20 years.—see also THE PERIODIC TABLE
IN SPORT|
4 a list of sports teams, countries, schools, etc. that shows their position in a competition, etc: If Arsenal win this game they’ll go to the top of the table.  school performance league tables
MATHEMATICS|
5 = MULTIPLICATION TABLE : Do you know your six times table?—see also TURNTABLE , WATER TABLE on the 'table
1 (BrE) (of a plan, suggestion, etc.) offered to people so that they can consider or discuss it: Management have put several new proposals on the table.
2 (especially AmE) (of a plan, suggestion, etc.) not going to be discussed or considered until a future date turn the 'tables (on sb) to change a situation so that you are now in a stronger position than the person who used to be in a stronger position than you—more at CARD n. , DRINK v. , WAIT v.

verb [vn]
1 (BrE) to present sth formally for discussion: to table a question in Parliament  They have tabled a motion for debate at the next Party Conference.
2 (AmE) to leave an idea, a proposal, etc. to be discussed at a later date: They voted to table the proposal until the following meeting.

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tab.leau
noun (pl.tab.leaux )
1 a scene showing, for example, events and people from history, that is presented by a group of actors who do not move or speak: The procession included a tableau of the Battle of Hastings.   (figurative) She stood at the door observing the peaceful domestic tableau around the fire.
2 a work of art, especially one carved out of stone, showing a group of people, animals, etc.
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table.cloth
noun a cloth that you use for covering a table, especially when you have a meal
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table d’hôte
adj. a table d’hôte meal in a restaurant costs a fixed price and there are only a limited number of dishes to choose from: the table d’hôte menu
table d’hôte noun [U]: The restaurant offers both table d’hôte and à la carte.
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'table linen
noun [U] the cloths that you use during a meal, for example TABLECLOTHS and NAPKINS
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'table manners
noun [pl.] the behaviour that is considered correct while you are having a meal at a table with other people
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'table mat
(BrE) noun a small piece of wood or fabric that you put under a hot dish or plate to protect the surface of the table
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'table napkin
noun = NAPKIN
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table.spoon
noun
1 a large spoon, used especially for serving food—picture at CUTLERY
2 (also table.spoon.ful ) (abbr.tbsp) the amount a tablespoon can hold: Add two tablespoons of water.
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tab.let
noun
1 (especially BrE) a small round solid piece of medicine that you swallow
SYN PILL : vitamin tablets  Take two tablets with water before meals.—
2 an amount of another substance in a small round solid piece: water purification tablets
3 a flat piece of stone that has words written on it, especially one that has been fixed to a wall in memory of an important person or event: The school has a memorial tablet engraved with the name of the founder.   (figurative) We can be very flexible—our entry requirements are not set in tablets of stone (= they can be changed).
4 ~ of soap (old-fashioned, formal) a piece of soap
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'table tennis
(also informal 'ping-pong) noun [U] a game played like tennis with bats and a small plastic ball on a table with a net across it
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'table top
noun the top or the surface of a table
'table-top adj. [only before noun]: a table-top machine (= that can be used on a table)  a table-top sale (= where goods for sale are displayed on tables)
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table.ware
noun [U] the word used in shops/stores, etc. for items that you use for meals, such as plates, glasses, knives and forks
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tab.loid
noun (sometimes disapproving) a newspaper with small pages (usually half the size of those in larger papers). Tabloids usually have short articles and a lot of pictures and stories about famous people, and are thought of as less serious than other newspapers: The story made the front page in all the tabloids.—compare BROADSHEET , QUALITY NEWSPAPER
tab.loid adj. [only before noun]: tabloid journalists  a tabloid newspaper  the tabloid press
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taboo
noun (pl.ta.boos) ~ (against / on sth)
1 a cultural or religious custom that does not allow people to do, use or talk about a particular thing as people find it offensive or embarrassing: an incest taboo  a taboo on working on a Sunday  to break / violate a taboo  Death is one of the great taboos in our culture.
2 a general agreement not to do sth or talk about sth: The subject is still a taboo in our family.
taboo adj.: in the days when sex was a taboo subject
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ta'boo words
noun [pl.] words that many people consider offensive or shocking, for example because they refer to sex, the body or people’s race
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'tab stop
(also tab) noun a fixed position in a line of a document that you are typing that shows where a piece of text or a column of figures, etc. will begin
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tabu.lar
adj. [usually before noun] (written) presented or arranged in a TABLE (= in rows and columns): tabular data  The results are presented in tabular form .
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tabu.late
verb [vn] to arrange facts or figures in columns or lists so that they can be read easily
tabu.la.tion noun [U, C]
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tacho.graph
noun a device that is used in vehicles such as large lorries/trucks and some types of buses to measure their speed, how far they have travelled and when the driver has stopped to rest
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tacit
adj. [usually before noun] (written) that is suggested indirectly or understood, rather than said in words: tacit approval / support / knowledge  By tacit agreement , the subject was never mentioned again.
tacit.ly adv.
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taci.turn
adj. tending not to say very much, in a way that seems unfriendly: a taciturn and serious young man
taci.turn.ity noun [U]
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tack
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] the way in which you deal with a particular situation; the direction of your words or thoughts: a complete / sudden change of tack  It was a brave decision to change tack in the middle of the project.  When threats failed, she decided to try / take a different tack .  His thoughts wandered off on another tack.
2 [C, U] (technical) the direction that a boat with sails takes as it sails at an angle to the wind in order to fill its sails: They were sailing on (a) port / starboard tack (= with the wind coming from the left / right side).
3 [C] a small nail with a sharp point and a flat head, used especially for fixing a carpet to the floor: a carpet tack—compare NAIL n. (2)
4 [C] (AmE) = DRAWING PIN —see also BLU-TACK
5 [C] a long loose stitch used for holding pieces of fabric together temporarily, before you sew them finally
6 [U] (technical) the equipment that you need for riding a horse, such as a SADDLE and BRIDLE
IDM see BRASS

verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to fasten sth in place with a tack or tacks : The carpet was tacked to the floor.
2 [vn] to fasten pieces of fabric together temporarily with long, loose stitches before sewing it finally: She tacked the sleeve of the blouse into the armhole.
3 [v] (technical) to change the direction of a sailing boat so that the wind blows onto the sails from the opposite side; to do this several times in order to travel in the direction that the wind is coming from
PVR V ,tack sth<->'on| ,tack sth 'onto sth (informal) to add sth to sth that already exists, especially in a careless way: The poems were tacked on at the end of the book.

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tackle
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation: The government is determined to tackle inflation.  I think I’ll tackle the repairs next weekend.
2 [vn] ~ sb (about sth) to speak to sb about a problem or difficult situation
SYN CONFRONT : I tackled him about the money he owed me.
3 (in football, hockey, etc.) to try and take the ball from an opponent: [vn] He was tackled just outside the penalty area. [alsov] —
4 [v, vn] (in rugby or American football) to make an opponent fall to the ground in order to stop them running
5 [vn] to deal with sb who is violent or threatening you: He tackled a masked intruder at his home.

noun
1 [C] an act of trying to take the ball from an opponent in football, etc.; an act of knocking an opponent to the ground in rugby or American football
2 [C] (AmE) (in American football) a player whose job is to stop opponents by knocking them to the ground
3 [U] the equipment used to do a particular sport or activity, especially fishing
4 [U] (BrE, slang) a man’s sexual organs—see also BLOCK AND TACKLE

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tack.ler
noun (BrE ) a player who tries to take the ball from an opponent in football, etc.
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tacky
adj.
1 (informal) cheap, badly made and/or lacking in taste: tacky souvenirs  The movie had a really tacky ending.
2 (of paint, glue, etc.) not dry and therefore slightly sticky
tacki.ness noun [U]
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taco
noun (pl.-os) (from Spanish ) a type of Mexican food consisting of a crisp fried PANCAKE that is folded over and filled with meat, beans, etc.
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tact
noun [U] the ability to deal with difficult or embarrassing situations carefully and without doing or saying anything that will annoy or upset other people: Settling the dispute required great tact and diplomacy.  She is not exactly known for her tact.
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tact.ful
adj. careful not to say or do anything that will annoy or upset other people: That wasn’t a very tactful thing to say!  I tried to find a tactful way of telling her the truth.
OPP TACTLESS
tact.ful.ly adv.: a tactfully worded reply  I tactfully suggested he should see a doctor.
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tac.tic
noun
1 [C, usually pl.] the particular method you use to achieve sth: They tried all kinds of tactics to get us to go.  This was just the latest in a series of delaying tactics .  The manager discussed tactics with his team.  Confrontation is not always the best tactic.  It’s time to try a change of tactic.
2 (tactics) [pl.] the art of moving soldiers and military equipment around during a battle or war in order to use them in the most effective way—compare STRATEGY
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tac.tic.al
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with the particular method you use to achieve sth: tactical discussions / planning  to have a tactical advantage  Telling your boss you were looking for a new job was a tactical error (= it was the wrong thing to do at that time).
2 [usually before noun] carefully planned in order to achieve a particular aim: a tactical decision / retreat—see also TACTICAL VOTING
3 [only before noun] (especially of weapons) used or having an effect over short distances or for a short time: tactical aircraft / missiles  tactical nuclear weapons—compare STRATEGIC (3)
4 [only before noun] connected with military tactics : He was given tactical command of the operation.
tac.tic.al.ly adv.: At the time, it was tactically the right thing to do.  The enemy was tactically superior.
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,tactical 'voting
noun [U] (BrE ) the act of voting for a particular person or political party, not because you support them, but in order to prevent sb else from being elected
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tac.ti.cian
noun a person who is very clever at planning the best way to achieve sth: a fine political tactician
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tact.ile
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with the sense of touch; using your sense of touch: tactile sensations / stimuli  visual and tactile communication  tactile fabric (= pleasant to touch)  tactile displays / maps (= that you can touch and feel)  He’s a very tactile man (= he enjoys touching people).
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tact.less
adj. saying or doing things that are likely to annoy or to upset other people: a tactless question / remark  It was tactless of you to comment on his hair!
OPP TACTFUL
tact.less.ly adv.
tact.less.ness noun [U]
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tad
noun (a tad) [sing.] (informal) a very small amount: Could you turn the sound down just a tad?
a tad adv.: It’s a tad too expensive for me.
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tad.pole
noun a small creature with a large head and a small tail, that lives in water and is the young form of a FROG or TOAD —
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tae kwon do
noun [U] a Korean system of fighting without weapons, similar to KARATE
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taf.feta
noun [U] a stiff shiny fabric made from silk or a similar material, used especially for making dresses
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Taffy
noun (pl.-ies) (also Taff ) (BrE , informal, often offensive) a person from Wales
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taffy
noun [U] (AmE ) a type of soft sweet/candy made of brown sugar boiled until it is very thick and given different shapes and colours
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tag
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (often in compounds) a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, etc. attached to sth to identify it or give information about it: He put name tags on all his shirts.  a gift tag (= tied to a present)  The police use electronic tags to monitor the whereabouts of young offenders on probation.—see also PRICE TAG
2 [C, usually sing.] a name or phrase that is used to describe a person or thing in some way: They are finally ready to drop the tag ‘the new Beatles’.  The ‘lucky’ tag stuck for years.
3 [C] (linguistics) a word or phrase that is added to a sentence for emphasis, for example I do in Yes, I do—see also QUESTION TAG
4 [C] a short QUOTATION or saying in a foreign language: the Latin tag ‘Si vis pacem, para bellum’ (= if you want peace, prepare for war)
5 (BrE also tig) [U] a children’s game in which one child chases the others and tries to touch one of them

verb (-gg-)
1 [vn] to fasten a tag onto sth/sb: Each animal was tagged with a number for identification.—see also ELECTRONIC TAGGING
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth as sth to give sb/sth a name that describes what they are or do
SYN LABEL : The country no longer wanted to be tagged as a Third World nation.
PVR V ,tag a'long (behind / with sb) to go somewhere with sb, especially when you have not been asked or invited: Do you mind if I tag along with you tonight? ,tag sth<->'on| ,tag sth 'onto sth to add sth to the end of sth that already exists, especially in a careless way: An apology was tagged onto the end of the letter.

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'tag line
noun (AmE , informal)
1 = PUNCHLINE
2 = SLOGAN
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'tag question
noun (grammar ) = QUESTION TAG
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t’ai chi ch’uan
(also t’ai chi) noun [U] a Chinese system of exercises consisting of sets of very slow controlled movements
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tail
noun, verb
noun
OF BIRD / ANIMAL / FISH|
1 [C] the part that sticks out and can be moved at the back of the body of a bird, an animal or a fish: The dog ran up, wagging its tail.  The male has beautiful tail feathers.—
-TAILED|
2 (in adjectives) having the type of tail mentioned: a white-tailed eagle
OF PLANE / SPACECRAFT|
3 [C] the back part of a plane, spacecraft, etc: the tail wing—picture at PLANE
BACK / END OF STH|
4 [C] ~ (of sth) a part of sth that sticks out at the back like a tail : the tail of a kite / comet
5 [C] ~ (of sth) the last part of sth that is moving away from you: the tail of the storm / procession—see also TAIL END
JACKET|
6 (tails) [pl.] (also tail.coat [C]) a long jacket divided at the back below the waist into two pieces that become narrower at the bottom, worn by men at very formal events: The men all wore top hat and tails.—see also COAT-TAILS , SHIRT TAIL —compare DINNER JACKET , MORNING COAT
SIDE OF COIN|
7 (tails) [U] the side of a coin that does not have a picture of the head of a person on it, used as one choice when a coin is TOSSED to decide sth—compare HEADS n. (5)
PERSON WHO FOLLOWS SB|
8 [C] (informal) a person who is sent to follow sb secretly and find out information about where that person goes, what they do, etc: The police have put a tail on him .—see also PONYTAIL
tail.less adj.: Manx cats are tailless. on sb’s 'tail (informal) following behind sb very closely, especially in a car the tail (is) wagging the 'dog used to describe a situation in which the most important aspect is being influenced and controlled by sb/sth that is not as important turn 'tail to run away from a fight or dangerous situation: When they heard the sirens, they turned tail and ran. with your tail between your 'legs (informal) feeling ashamed, embarrassed or unhappy because you have been defeated or punished—more at BRIGHT-EYED , HEAD n. , NOSE n. , STING n.

verb [vn] to follow sb closely, especially in order to watch where they go and what they do
SYN SHADOW : A private detective had been tailing them for several weeks.
IDM see TOP v. ,tail a'way / 'off (especially BrE) to become smaller or weaker: The number of tourists tails off in October.  ‘But why … ?’ Her voice tailed away. ,tail 'back (of traffic) to form a tailback

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tail.back
noun (BrE ) a long line of traffic that is moving slowly or not moving at all, because sth is blocking the road
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tail.board
noun = TAILGATE
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tail.bone
noun the small bone at the bottom of the SPINE
SYN COCCYX
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tail.coat
noun a long jacket divided at the back below the waist into two pieces that become narrower at the bottom, worn by men at formal events
SYN TAILS
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,tail 'end
noun [sing.] the very last part of sth: the tail end of the queue  I only caught the tail end of the conversation.
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tail.gate
noun, verb
noun
1 (also tail.board) a door at the back of a lorry/truck that opens downwards and that you can lower or remove when you are loading or unloading the vehicle
2 the door that opens upwards at the back of a car that has three or five doors (called a HATCHBACK )

verb
1 [v, vn] (informal, especially AmE) to drive too closely behind another vehicle
2 [v] (AmE) to eat food and drinks outdoors, served from the tailgate of a car

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'tail light
noun a red light at the back of a car, bicycle or train
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tailor
noun, verb
noun a person whose job is to make men’s clothes, especially sb who makes suits, jackets, etc. for individual customers

verb ~ sth to / for sb/sth to make or adapt sth for a particular purpose, a particular person, etc: [vn] Special programmes of study are tailored to the needs of specific groups.  [vn to inf] Most travel agents are prepared to tailor travel arrangements to meet individual requirements.

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tailored
adj.
1 (of clothes) made to fit well or closely: a tailored jacket
2 made for a particular person or purpose
SYN TAILOR-MADE : a tailored programme  tailored benefits
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tailor.ing
noun [U]
1 the style or the way in which a suit, jacket, etc. is made: Clever tailoring can flatter your figure.
2 the job of making men’s clothes: a tailoring business
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,tailor-'made
adj.
1 ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (to sth / to do sth) made for a particular person or purpose, and therefore very suitable: a tailor-made course of study  a trip tailor-made just for you   (figurative) She seems tailor-made for the job (= perfectly suited for it).
2 (of clothes) made by a TAILOR for a particular person: a tailor-made suit
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tail.piece
noun
1 ~ (to sth) a part that you add to the end of a piece of writing to make it longer or complete
2 (music) a piece of wood that the lower ends of the strings of some musical instruments are attached to
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tail.pipe
noun (especially AmE ) = EXHAUST (2)
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tail.spin
noun [sing.]
1 a situation in which a pilot loses control of an aircraft and it spins as it falls quickly towards the ground, with the back making larger circles than the front
2 a situation that suddenly becomes much worse and is not under control: Following the announcement, share prices went into a tailspin.
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tail.wind
noun a wind that blows from behind a moving vehicle, a runner, etc.—compare HEADWIND
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taint
verb, noun
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to damage or spoil the quality of sth or the opinion that people have of sb/sth: The administration was tainted with scandal.
taint.ed adj.: tainted drinking water

noun [usually sing.] the effect of sth bad or unpleasant that spoils the quality of sb/sth: to be free from the taint of corruption

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take
verb, noun
verb (took taken )
CARRY / LEAD|
1 ~ sth (with you)| ~ sth (to sb)| ~ (sb) sth to carry or move sth from one place to another: [vn] I forgot to take my bag with me when I got off the bus.  Take this to the bank for me, would you?  [vn, vnn] Shall I take a gift to my host family?  Shall I take my host family a gift?
2 to go with sb from one place to another, especially to guide or lead them: [vn] It’s too far to walk—I’ll take you by car.  A boy took us to our room.  [vn -ing] I’m taking the kids swimming later.  [vn to inf] The boys were taken to see their grandparents most weekends.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make sb/sth go from one level, situation, etc. to another: Her energy and talent took her to the top of her profession.  The new loan takes the total debt to $100 000.  I’d like to take my argument a stage further.
REACH AND HOLD|
4 [vn] to put your hands or arms around sb/sth and hold them/it; to reach for sb/sth and hold them/it: I passed him the rope and he took it.  Free newspapers: please take one.  Can you take (= hold) the baby for a moment?  He took her hand / took her by the hand (= held her hand, for example to lead her somewhere).  She took the child in her arms and kissed him.
REMOVE|
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth/sb from a place or a person: Will you take your books off the table?  The sign must be taken down.  He took some keys out of his pocket.  My name had been taken off the list.  She was playing with a knife, so I took it away from her.   (informal) She was playing with a knife, so I took it off her.   (figurative) The new sports centre will take the pressure off the old one.
6 [vn] to remove sth without permission or by mistake: Someone has taken my scarf.  Did the burglars take anything valuable?   (figurative) The storms took the lives of 50 people.
7 [vn] ~ sth from sth / out of sth to get sth from a particular source: The scientists are taking water samples from the river.  Part of her article is taken straight (= copied) out of my book.  The machine takes its name from its inventor.
CAPTURE|
8 ~ sth (from sb) to capture a place or person; to get control of sth: [vn] The rebels succeeded in taking the town.  The state has taken control of the company.  [vn-n] The rebels took him prisoner.  He was taken prisoner by the rebels.
CHOOSE / BUY|
9 [vn] to choose, buy or rent sth: I’ll take the grey jacket.  We took a room at the hotel for two nights.
10 [vn] (formal) to buy a newspaper or magazine regularly: We take the ‘Express’.
EAT / DRINK|
11 [vn] to eat, drink, etc. sth: Do you take sugar in your coffee?  The doctor has given me some medicine to take for my cough.  He started taking drugs (= illegal drugs) at college.
MATHEMATICS|
12 [vn] ~ A (away) from B| ~ A away (not used in the progressive tenses) to reduce one number by the value of another
SYN SUBTRACT : Take 5 from 12 and you’re left with 7.   (spoken, informal) 80 take away 5 is 75.
WRITE DOWN|
13 [vn] to find out and record sth; to write sth down: The police officer took my name and address.  Did you take notes in the class?
PHOTOGRAPH|
14 [vn] to photograph sb/sth: to take a photograph / picture / snapshot of sb/sth  to have your picture / photo taken
MEASUREMENT|
15 [vn] to test or measure sth: to take sb’s pulse / temperature  I need to have my blood pressure taken.
SEAT|
16 [vn] to sit down in or use a chair, etc: Are these seats taken?  Come in; take a seat .
GIVE EXAMPLE|
17 [vn] used to introduce sb/sth as an example: Lots of couples have problems in the first year of marriage. Take Ann and Paul.
ACCEPT / RECEIVE|
18 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses or in the passive) to accept or receive sth: If they offer me the job, I’ll take it.  She was accused of taking bribes.  Does the hotel take credit cards?  I’ll take the call in my office.  Why should I take the blame for somebody else’s mistakes?  If you take my advice you’ll have nothing more to do with him.  Will you take $10 for the book (= will you sell it for $10)?  The store took (= sold goods worth) $100 000 last week.
19 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to accept sb as a customer, patient, etc: The school doesn’t take boys (= only has girls).  The dentist can’t take any new patients.
20 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to experience or be affected by sth: The school took the full force of the explosion.  Can the ropes take the strain (= not break)?  The team took a terrible beating.
21 [vn] [no passive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be able to bear sth: She can’t take criticism.  I don’t think I can take much more of this heat.  I find his attitude a little hard to take.
22 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to react to sth/sb in a particular way: He took the criticism surprisingly well.  These threats are not to be taken lightly.  I wish you’d take me seriously.  She took it in the spirit in which it was intended.
CONSIDER|
23 ~ sth (as sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or consider sth in a particular way: [vn] She took what he said as a compliment.  How am I supposed to take that remark?  Taken overall, the project was a success.  [vn to inf] What did you take his comments to mean?
24 ~ sb/sth for sb/sth / to be sb/sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to consider sb/sth to be sb/sth, especially when you are wrong: [vn] Even the experts took the painting for a genuine Van Gogh.   (spoken) Of course I didn’t do it! What do you take me for (= what sort of person do you think I am)?  [vn to inf] I took the man with him to be his father.
HAVE FEELING / OPINION|
25 [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular feeling, opinion or attitude: My parents always took an interest in my hobbies.  Don’t take offence (= be offended) at what I said.  I took an instant dislike to him.  He takes the view that children are responsible for their own actions.
ACTION|
26 [vn] to use a particular course of action in order to deal with or achieve sth: The government is taking action to combat drug abuse.  We need to take a different approach to the problem.
27 [vn] used with nouns to say that sb is doing sth, performing an action, etc: to take a step / walk / stroll  to take a bath / shower / wash  to take a look / glance  to take a bite / drink / sip  to take a deep breath  to take a break / rest  No decision will be taken on the matter until next week.
FORM / POSITION|
28 [vn] to have a particular form, position or state: Our next class will take the form of a debate.  The new President takes office in January.
TIME|
29 [no passive] to need or require a particular amount of time: [vn] The journey to the airport takes about half an hour.  It takes about half an hour to get to the airport.  [vnn] It took her three hours to repair her bike.  [vn to inf] That cut is taking a long time to heal.  [vnn, vn] It’ll take her time to recover from the illness.  It’ll take time (= take a long time) for her to recover from the illness.  [v] I need a shower—I won’t take long .  note at LAST^1
NEED|
30 [no passive] to need or require sth in order to happen or be done: [vn to inf] It only takes one careless driver to cause an accident.  It doesn’t take much to make her angry.  [vn] (informal) He didn’t take much persuading (= he was easily persuaded).
31 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of machines, etc.) to use sth in order to work: All new cars take unleaded petrol.
SIZE OF SHOES / CLOTHES|
32 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to wear a particular size in shoes or clothes: What size shoes do you take?
HOLD / CONTAIN|
33 [vn] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to have enough space for sth/sb; to be able to hold or contain a particular quantity: The bus can take 60 passengers.  The tank takes 50 litres.
TEACH / LEAD|
34 [vn] ~ sb (for sth)| ~ sth to be the teacher or leader in a class or a religious service: The head teacher usually takes us for French.
STUDY|
35 [vn] to study a subject at school, college, etc: She is planning to take a computer course.  How many subjects are you taking this year?
EXAM|
36 [vn] to do an exam or a test: When did you take your driving test?
TRANSPORT / ROAD|
37 [vn] to use a form of transport, a road, a path, etc. to go to a place: to take the bus / plane / train  to take a cab  Take the second road on the right.  It’s more interesting to take the coast road.
GO OVER / AROUND|
38 [vn] to go over or around sth: The horse took the first fence well.  He takes bends much too fast.
IN FOOTBALL|
39 [vn] (of a person playing football, etc.) to kick or throw the ball from a fixed or agreed position: to take a penalty / free kick / corner
VOTE / SURVEY|
40 [vn] to use a particular method to find out people’s opinions: to take a vote / poll / survey
BE SUCCESSFUL|
41 [v] to be successful; to work: The skin graft failed to take.
GRAMMAR|
42 [vn] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of verbs, nouns, etc.) to have or require sth when used in a sentence or other structure: The verb ‘rely’ takes the preposition ‘on’. Most idioms containing take are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example take the biscuit is at biscuit.  I / you, etc. can’t take sb 'anywhere (informal, often humorous) used to say that you cannot trust sb to behave well in public: You haven’t spilled your coffee again! I can’t take you anywhere! have (got) what it 'takes (informal) to have the qualities, ability, etc. needed to be successful take sth as it 'comes | take sb as they 'come to accept sth/sb without wishing it/them to be different or without thinking about it/them very much in advance: She takes life as it comes. 'take it (that … ) to suppose; to ASSUME : I take it you won’t be coming to the party? take it from 'me (that … ) (informal) used to emphasize that what you are going to say is the truth: Take it from me—he’ll be a millionaire before he’s 30. take it on / upon yourself to do sth to decide to do sth without asking permission or advice take it or 'leave it used to say that you do not care if sb accepts or rejects your offer take it / a lot 'out of sb to make sb physically or mentally tired: Taking care of small children takes it out of you. take some / a lot of 'doing (informal) to need a lot of effort or time; to be very difficult to do ,take sb a'back [usually passive] to shock or surprise sb very much,take 'after sb [no passive]
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to look or behave like an older member of your family, especially your mother or father: Your daughter doesn’t take after you at all.
2 (AmE, informal) to follow sb quickly: I was afraid that if I started running the man would take after me.,take a'gainst sb/sth [no passive] (old-fashioned, BrE) to start not liking sb/sth for no clear reason,take sb/sth<->a'part (informal)
1 to defeat sb easily in a game or competition: We were simply taken apart by the other team.
2 to criticize sb/sth severely: In his speech he took the opposition apart. ,take sth<->a'part to separate a machine or piece of equipment into the different parts that it is made of
SYN DISMANTLE ,take sth<->a'way
1 to make a feeling, pain, etc. disappear: I was given some pills to take away the pain.
2 (BrE) (AmE ,take sth<->'out) to buy cooked food at a restaurant and carry it away to eat, for example at home: Two burgers to take away, please.—related noun TAKEAWAY , TAKEOUT ,take a'way from sth [no passive] to make the effort or value of sth seem less: I don’t want to take away from his achievements, but he couldn’t have done it without my help.,take sb<->'back to allow sb, such as your husband, wife or partner, to come home after they have left because of a problem ,take sb 'back (to … ) to make sb remember sth: The smell of the sea took him back to his childhood.  That song takes me back 30 years. ,take sth<->'back
1 if you take sth back to a shop/store, or a shop/store takes sth back, you return sth that you have bought there, for example because it is the wrong size or does not work
2 to admit that sth you said was wrong or that you should not have said it: OK, I take it all back!,take sth<->'down
1 to remove a structure, especially by separating it into pieces: to take down a tent / fence  Workmen arrived to take down the scaffolding.
2 to pull down a piece of clothing worn below the waist without completely removing it: to take down your trousers / pants
3 to write sth down: Reporters took down every word of his speech.,take sb<->'in
1 to allow sb to stay in your home: to take in lodgers  He was homeless, so we took him in.
2 [often passive] to make sb believe sth that is not true
SYN DECEIVE : She took me in completely with her story.  Don’t be taken in by his charm—he’s ruthless. ,take sth<->'in
1 to absorb sth into the body, for example by breathing or swallowing: Fish take in oxygen through their gills.—related noun INTAKE
2 to make a piece of clothing narrower or tighter: This dress needs to be taken in at the waist.
OPP LET OUT
3 [no passive] to include or cover sth: The tour takes in six European capitals.
4 [no passive] to go to see or visit sth such as a film/movie: I generally take in a show when I’m in New York on business.
5 to take notice of sth with your eyes: He took in every detail of her appearance.  She took in the scene at a glance.
6 to understand or remember sth that you hear or read: Halfway through the chapter I realized I hadn’t taken anything in.,take 'off
1 (of an aircraft, etc.) to leave the ground and begin to fly: The plane took off an hour late.—related noun TAKE-OFF
OPP LAND
2 (informal) to leave a place, especially in a hurry: When he saw me coming he took off in the opposite direction.
3 (of an idea, a product, etc.) to become successful or popular very quickly or suddenly: The new magazine has really taken off.  Her singing career took off after her TV appearance. ,take sb<->'off
1 to copy sb’s voice, actions or manner in an amusing way
2 (in sports, entertainment, etc.) to make sb stop playing, acting, etc. and leave the field or the stage: He was taken off after twenty minutes. ,take sth<->'off
1 to remove sth, especially a piece of clothing from your/sb’s body: to take off your coat / hat / skirt / glasses  He took off my wet boots and made me sit by the fire.
OPP PUT ON
2 to have a period of time as a break from work: I’ve decided to take a few days off next week.
3 [often passive] to stop a public service, television programme, performances of a show, etc: The show was taken off because of poor audience figures.
4 to remove some of sb’s hair, part of sb’s body, etc: The hairdresser asked me how much she should take off.  The explosion nearly took his arm off. ,take yourself / sb 'off (to … ) (informal) to leave a place; to make sb leave a place take sb off sth [often passive] to remove sb from sth such as a job, position, piece of equipment, etc: The officer leading the investigation has been taken off the case.  After three days she was taken off the ventilator. ,take sth 'off sth
1 to remove an amount of money or a number of marks, points, etc. in order to reduce the total: The manager took $10 off the bill.  That experience took ten years off my life (= made me feel ten years older).
2 [often passive] to stop sth from being sold: Doctors recommended that the slimming pills should be taken off the market.,take sb<->'on
1 to employ sb: to take on new staff  She was taken on as a trainee.  note at EMPLOY
2 [no passive] to play against sb in a game or contest; to fight against sb: to take somebody on at snooker / tennis / chess  The rebels took on the entire Roman army. ,take sth<->'on [no passive] to begin to have a particular quality, appearance, etc: The chameleon can take on the colours of its background.  His voice took on a more serious tone. ,take sth/sb<->'on
1 to decide to do sth; to agree to be responsible for sb/sth: I can’t take on any extra work.  We’re not taking on any new clients at present.
2 (of a bus, plane or ship) to allow sb/sth to enter: The bus stopped to take on more passengers.  The ship took on more fuel at Freetown.,take sb<->'out to go to a restaurant, theatre, club, etc. with sb you have invited ,take sb/sth<->'out (informal) to kill sb or destroy sth: They took out two enemy bombers. ,take sth<->'out
1 to remove sth from inside sb’s body, especially a part of it: How many teeth did the dentist take out?
2 to obtain an official document or service: to take out an insurance policy / a mortgage / a loan  to take out an ad in a newspaper
3 (AmE) = TAKE STH AWAY (2) ,take sth<->'out (against sb) to start legal action against sb by means of an official document: The police have taken out a summons against the driver of the car. ,take sth<->'out (of sth) to obtain money by removing it from your bank account ,take sth 'out of sth to remove an amount of money from a larger amount, especially as a payment: The fine will be taken out of your wages. ,take it / sth 'out on sb to behave in an unpleasant way towards sb because you feel angry, disappointed, etc., although it is not their fault: OK, so you had a bad day. Don’t take it out on me.  She tended to take her frustrations out on her family. ,take sb 'out of themselves to make sb forget their worries and become less concerned with their own thoughts and situation,take 'over (from sth) to become bigger or more important than sth else; to replace sth: Try not to let negative thoughts take over.  It has been suggested that mammals took over from dinosaurs 65 million years ago. ,take 'over (from sb)| ,take sth<->'over (from sb)
1 to begin to have control of or responsibility for sth, especially in place of sb else
2 to gain control of a political party, a country, etc: The army is threatening to take over if civil unrest continues. ,take sth<->'over to gain control of a business, a company, etc., especially by buying shares: CBS Records was taken over by Sony.—related noun TAKEOVER ,take sb 'through sth to help sb learn or become familiar with sth, for example by reading or talking about each part in turn: The director took us through the play scene by scene.'take to sth [no passive]
1 to go away to a place, especially to escape from danger: The rebels took to the hills.
2 to begin to do sth as a habit: [+ -ing] I’ve taken to waking up very early.
3 to develop an ability for sth: She took to tennis as if she’d been playing all her life. 'take to sb/sth [no passive] to start liking sb/sth: I took to my new boss immediately.  He hasn’t taken to his new school.,take 'up to continue, especially starting after sb/sth else has finished: The band’s new album takes up where their last one left off. ,take 'up sth to fill or use an amount of space or time: The table takes up too much room.  I won’t take up any more of your time.  Her time is fully taken up with writing. ,take sth<->'up
1 to make sth such as a piece of clothing shorter: This skirt needs taking up.
OPP LET DOWN
2 to learn or start to do sth, especially for pleasure: They’ve taken up golf.  She has taken up (= started to learn to play) the oboe.
3 to start or begin sth such as a job: He takes up his duties next week.
4 to join in singing or saying sth: to take up the chorus / song / cry  Their protests were later taken up by other groups.
5 to continue sth that sb else has not finished, or that has not been mentioned for some time: She took up the story where Tim had left off.  I’d like to take up the point you raised earlier.
6 to move into a particular position: I took up my position by the door.
7 to accept sth that is offered or available: to take up a challenge  She took up his offer of a drink. ,take 'up with sb (informal) to begin to be friendly with sb, especially sb with a bad reputation ,take sb 'up on sth
1 to question sb about sth, because you do not agree with them: I must take you up on that point.
2 (informal) to accept an offer, a bet, etc. from sb: Thanks for the invitation—we’ll take you up on it some time. ,take sth 'up with sb to speak or write to sb about sth that they may be able to deal with or help you with: They decided to take the matter up with their MP. be ,taken 'up with sth/sb to be giving all your time and energy to sth/sb: She’s completely taken up with preparing for her exams.be 'taken with sb/sth to find sb/sth attractive or interesting: We were all very taken with his girlfriend.  I think he’s quite taken with the idea.

noun
1 a scene or part of a film/movie that is filmed at one time without stopping the camera: We managed to get it right in just two takes.
2 [usually sing.] (informal) an amount of money that sb receives, especially the money that is earned by a business during a particular period of time
SYN TAKINGS : How much is my share of the take?
3 ~ on sth (informal) the particular opinion or idea that sb has about sth: What’s his take on the plan?  Branagh’s new take on the Romeo and Juliet story (= his way of presenting it)—see also DOUBLE TAKE be on the 'take (informal) to accept money from sb for helping them in a dishonest or illegal way

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take.away
(BrE ) (AmE 'take.out) (also 'carry-outAmE, ScotE) noun
1 a restaurant that cooks and sells food that you take away and eat somewhere else: We can get something to eat from the Chinese takeaway.
2 a meal that you buy at this type of restaurant: Let’s have a takeaway tonight.
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'take-home pay
noun [U] the amount of money that you earn after you have paid tax, etc.
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'take-off
noun
1 [U, C] the moment at which an aircraft leaves the ground and starts to fly: The plane is ready for take-off.  take-off speed   (figurative) The local economy is poised for take-off.
OPP LANDING
2 [C, U] the moment when your feet leave the ground when you jump
3 [C] if you do a take-off of sb, you copy the way they speak or behave, in a humorous way to entertain people
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take.over
noun [C, U]
1 an act of taking control of a company by buying most of its shares: They made a takeover bid for the company.
2 an act of taking control of a country, an area or a political organization by force: a military takeover of the government
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taker
noun
1 [usually pl.] a person who is willing to accept sth that is being offered: They won’t find many takers for the house at that price.
2 (often in compounds) a person who takes sth: drug / hostage / risk takers  It is better to be a giver than a taker.
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'take-up
noun [U, sing.] the rate at which people accept sth that is offered or made available to them: a high / low take-up of government benefits
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tak.ings
noun [pl.] the amount of money that a shop/store, theatre, etc. receives from selling goods or tickets over a particular period of time: The box office takings are up on last week.
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tal.cum pow.der
(also informal talc ) noun [U] a fine soft powder, usually with a pleasant smell, that you put on your skin to make it feel smooth and dry
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tale
noun
1 an imaginative story, especially one that is full of action and adventure: Dickens' ‘A Tale of Two Cities’  a fairy / moral / romantic tale—see also FOLK TALE
2 an exciting spoken description of an event, which may not be completely true: I love listening to his tales of life at sea.  I’ve heard tales of people seeing ghosts in that house.  The team’s tale of woe continued on Saturday (= they lost another match).  Her experiences provide a cautionary tale (= a warning) for us all.—see also TELLTALE
IDM see OLD , TELL
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tal.ent
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (for sth) a natural ability to do sth well: to have great artistic talent  a man / woman of many talents  She showed considerable talent for getting what she wanted.  a talent competition / contest / show (= in which people perform, to show how well they can sing, dance, etc.)
2 [U, C] people or a person with a natural ability to do sth well: There is a wealth of young talent in British theatre.  He is a great talent.
3 [U] (BrE, slang) people who are sexually attractive: He likes to spend his time chatting up the local talent.
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tal.ent.ed
adj. having a natural ability to do sth well: talented players / artists / youngsters
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'talent scout
(also scout, 'talent spotter) noun a person whose job is to find people who are good at singing, acting, sport, etc. in order to give them work
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tal.is.man
noun an object that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck
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talk
verb, noun
verb
SPEAK TO SB|
1 ~ (to / with sb) (about sb/sth)| ~ of / on sth to say things; to speak in order to give information or to express feelings, ideas, etc: [v] Stop talking and listen!  We talked on the phone for over an hour.  Who were you talking to just now?  We looked around the school and talked with the principal.  Ann and Joe aren’t talking to each other right now (= they refuse to speak to each other because they have argued).  When they get together, all they talk about is football.  What are you talking about? (= used when you are surprised, annoyed and / or worried by sth that sb has just said)  Mary is talking of looking for another job.  [vn-adj] We talked ourselves hoarse , catching up on all the news.  note at SPEAK
DISCUSS|
2 ~ (to / with sb) (about sth) to discuss sth, usually sth serious or important: [v] This situation can’t go on. We need to talk.  The two sides in the dispute say they are ready to talk.  Talk to your doctor if you’re still worried.  [vn] to talk business / politics
SAY WORDS|
3 to say words in a language: [v] The baby is just starting to talk.  We couldn’t understand them because they were talking in Chinese.  [vn] Are they talking Swedish or Danish?
SENSE / NONSENSE|
4 [vn] to say things that are/are not sensible: She talks a lot of sense.   (BrE) You’re talking rubbish!  See if you can talk some sense into him (= persuade him to be sensible).
FOR EMPHASIS|
5 [vn] (be talking sth) (informal) used to emphasize an amount of money, how serious sth is, etc: We’re talking £500 for three hours' work.
ABOUT PRIVATE LIFE|
6 [v] to talk about a person’s private life
SYN GOSSIP : Don’t phone me at work—people will talk .
GIVE INFORMATION|
7 [v] to give information to sb, especially unwillingly: The police questioned him but he refused to talk. look who’s 'talking | 'you can / can’t talk | you’re a 'fine one to talk (spoken) used to tell sb that they should not criticize sb else for sth because they do the same things too: ‘George is so careless with money.’‘Look who’s talking!’ now you’re 'talking (spoken) used when you like what sb has suggested very much 'talk about … (spoken) used to emphasize sth: Talk about mean! She didn’t even buy me a card. talk 'dirty (informal) to talk to sb about sex in order to make them sexually excited talk the hind leg off a 'donkey (informal) to talk too much, especially about boring or unimportant things talking of sb/sth (spoken, especially BrE) used when you are going to say more about a subject that has already been mentioned: Talking of Sue, I met her new boyfriend last week. talk 'shop (usually disapproving) to talk about your work with the people you work with, especially when you are also with other people who are not connected with or interested in it talk through your 'hat (old-fashioned, informal) to say silly things while you are talking about a subject you do not understand talk 'tough (on sth) (informal, especially AmE) to tell people very strongly what you want talk 'turkey (informal, especially AmE) to talk about sth seriously talk your way out of sth / of doing sth to make excuses and give reasons for not doing sth; to manage to get yourself out of a difficult situation: I managed to talk my way out of having to give a speech.  His wife’s found out about everything! I’d like to see him talk his way out of this one! 'you can / can’t talk (spoken) = LOOK WHO’S TALKING you’re a 'fine one to talk (spoken) = LOOK WHO’S TALKING —more at DEVIL , KNOW v. , LANGUAGE , MONEY , SENSE n. , TURN n. ,talk a'round / 'round sth to talk about sth in a general way without dealing with the most important parts of it 'talk at sb to speak to sb without listening to what they say in reply ,talk 'back (to sb) to answer sb rudely, especially sb in authority—related noun BACK TALK ,talk sb/sth<->'down to help a pilot of a plane to land by giving instructions from the ground ,talk sth<->'down to make sth seem less important or successful than it really is: You shouldn’t talk down your own achievements. ,talk 'down to sb to speak to sb as if they were less important or intelligent than you ,talk sb 'into / 'out of sth to persuade sb to do/not to do sth: I didn’t want to move abroad but Bill talked me into it. [+ -ing] She tried to talk him out of leaving. ,talk sth<->'out to discuss sth thoroughly in order to make a decision, solve a problem, etc. ,talk sth<->'over (with sb) to discuss sth thoroughly, especially in order to reach an agreement or make a decision: You’ll find it helpful to talk things over with a friend. ,talk sb 'round (to sth) (BrE) to persuade sb to accept sth or agree to sth: We finally managed to talk them round to our way of thinking. ,talk sth <->'through to discuss sth thoroughly until you are sure you understand it ,talk sb/sth 'up to describe sb/sth in a way that makes them sound better than they really are

noun
CONVERSATION|
1 [C] ~ (with sb) (about sth) a conversation or discussion: I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.  We need to have a serious talk about money matters.
FORMAL DISCUSSIONS|
2 (talks) [pl.] formal discussions between governments or organizations: arms / pay / peace talks  to hold talks
SPEECH|
3 [C] ~ (on sth) a speech or LECTURE on a particular subject: She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.
WORDS WITHOUT ACTIONS|
4 [U] (informal) words that are spoken, but without the necessary facts or actions to support them: It’s just talk. He’d never carry out his threats.  Don’t pay any attention to her—she’s all talk.
STORIES / RUMOURS|
5 [U] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) stories that suggest a particular thing might happen in the future: There was talk in Washington of sending in troops.
TOPIC / WAY OF SPEAKING|
6 [U] (often in compounds) a topic of conversation or a way of speaking: girl / sales talk  It was tough talk, coming from a man who had begun the year in a hospital bed.—see also SMALL TALK , SWEET TALK the talk of sth the person or thing that everyone is talking about in a particular place: Overnight, she became the talk of the town (= very famous).—more at FIGHT v.

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talka.tive
adj. liking to talk a lot: He’s not very talkative, except on the subject of his plants.  She was in a talkative mood.
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talk.er
noun a person who talks in a particular way or who talks a lot: a brilliant / persuasive / good talker  She’s a (great) talker (= she talks a lot).  He’s more a talker than a doer (= he talks instead of doing things).
IDM see FAST adj.
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talkie
noun [usually pl.] (old-fashioned, especially AmE ) a film/movie that has sounds and not just pictures—see also WALKIE-TALKIE
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'talking point
noun
1 (BrE) a subject that is talked about or discussed by many people: The judge’s decision became a legal talking point.
2 (AmE) an item that sb will speak about at a meeting, often one that supports a particular argument
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'talking-to
noun [sing.] (informal) a serious talk with sb who has done sth wrong: to give sb a good talking-to
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'talk show
noun (especially AmE ) = CHAT SHOW : a talk-show host
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tall
adj. (tall.er, tall.est)
1 (of a person, building, tree, etc.) having a greater than average height: She’s tall and thin with light brown hair.  tall chimneys / towers  the tallest building in the world  a tall glass of iced tea
OPP SHORT
2 used to describe or ask about the height of sb/sth: How tall are you?  He’s six feet tall and weighs 200 pounds.  note at HIGH
tall.ness noun [U]
IDM stand 'tall (especially AmE) to show that you are proud and able to deal with anything be a ,tall 'order (informal) to be very difficult to do—more at WALK v.
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tall.boy
(BrE ) (AmE high.boy) noun a tall piece of furniture with drawers, used for storing clothes in
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tal.low
noun [U] animal fat used for making candles, soap, etc.
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,tall 'story
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,tall 'tale) noun a story that is difficult to believe because what it describes seems exaggerated and not likely to be true
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tally
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) a record of the number or amount of sth, especially one that you can keep adding to: He hopes to improve on his tally of three goals in the past nine games.  Keep a tally of how much you spend while you’re away.

verb (tal.lies, tally.ing, tal.lied, tal.lied)
1 [v] ~ (with sth) to be the same as or to match another person’s account of sth, another set of figures, etc.
SYN MATCH UP : Her report of what happened tallied exactly with the story of another witness.
2 [vn] ~ sth (up) to calculate the total number, cost, etc. of sth

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Tal.mud
(the Talmud) noun [sing.] a collection of ancient writings on Jewish law and traditions
Tal.mud.ic adj.
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talon
noun a long sharp curved nail on the feet of some birds, especially BIRDS OF PREY (= birds that kill other creatures for food)—
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tam.ar.ind
noun a tropical tree that produces fruit, also called tamarinds, that are often preserved and used in Asian cooking
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tam.bour.ine
noun a musical instrument that has a circular wooden frame covered with plastic or skin, with metal discs around the edge. To play it you shake it or hit it with your hand.—
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tame
adj., verb
adj. (tamer, tam.est)
1 (of animals, birds, etc.) not afraid of people, and used to living with them
OPP WILD
2 (informal) not interesting or exciting: You’ll find life here pretty tame after New York.
3 (informal) (of a person) willing to do what other people ask: I have a tame doctor who’ll always give me a sick note when I want a day off.
tame.ly adv.
tame.ness noun [U]

verb [vn] to make sth tame or easy to control: Lions can never be completely tamed.  She made strenuous efforts to tame her anger.

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tamer
noun (usually in compounds) a person who trains wild animals: a lion-tamer
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Tamil
noun
1 [C] a member of a race of people living in parts of S India and Sri Lanka
2 [U] the language of the Tamils
Tamil adj.
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tamp
verb [vn] ~ sth (down) to press sth down firmly, especially into a closed space: He tamped down the tobacco in his pipe with his thumb.
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tam.per
verb
PVR V 'tamper with sth to make changes to sth without permission, especially in order to damage it: Someone had obviously tampered with the brakes of my car.
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tam.pon
noun a specially shaped piece of cotton material that a woman puts inside her VAGINA to absorb blood during her PERIOD —compare SANITARY TOWEL
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tan
verb, noun, adj., abbr.
verb (-nn-)
1 if a person or their skin tans or is tanned, they become brown as a result of spending time in the sun: [v] My skin tans really easily. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to make animal skin into leather by treating it with chemicals
IDM see HIDE n.

noun
1 [U] a yellowish-brown colour
2 (also sun.tan) [C] the brown colour that sb with pale skin goes when they have been in the sun: to get a tan  My tan’s fading already.

adj. yellowish brown in colour

abbr. (mathematics ) TANGENT

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tan.dem
noun a bicycle for two riders, one behind the other
IDM in 'tandem (with sb/sth) a thing that works or happens in tandem with sth else works together with it or happens at the same time as it
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tan.doori
noun [U] (often used as an adjective) an Indian method of cooking meat on a metal rod (called a SPIT ) in a clay oven: tandoori chicken  a tandoori restaurant
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tang
noun [usually sing.] a strong sharp taste or smell: the tang of lemons
tangy adj.: a refreshing tangy lemon flavour  She breathed in the crisp, tangy air and realized that it was almost autumn.
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tan.gent
noun
1 (geometry) a straight line that touches the outside of a curve but does not cross it—picture at CIRCLE
2 (abbr.tan) (mathematics) the RATIO of the length of the side opposite an angle in a RIGHT-ANGLED triangle to the length of the side next to it—compare COSINE , SINE
IDM fly / go off at a 'tangent (BrE) (AmE go off on a 'tangent) (informal) to suddenly start saying or doing sth that does not seem to be connected to what has gone before
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tan.gen.tial
adj.
1 (formal) having only a slight or indirect connection with sth: a tangential argument
2 (geometry) of or along a tangent
tan.gen.tial.ly adv.
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tan.ger.ine
noun
1 [C] a type of small sweet orange with loose skin that comes off easily
2 [U] a deep orange-yellow colour
tan.ger.ine adj.: a tangerine evening gown
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tan.gible
adj.
1 [usually before noun] that can be clearly seen to exist: tangible benefits / improvements / results  We cannot accept his findings without tangible evidence.  tangible assets (= a company’s buildings, machinery, etc.)
2 that you can touch and feel: The tension between them was almost tangible .   (formal) the tangible world
OPP INTANGIBLE
tan.gibly adv.
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tan.gle
noun, verb
noun
1 a twisted mass of threads, hair, etc. that cannot be easily separated: a tangle of branches  Her hair was a mass of tangles.
2 a state of confusion or disorder: His financial affairs are in a tangle.
3 (informal) a disagreement or fight

verb ~ (sth) up to twist sth into an untidy mass; to become twisted in this way: [vn] She had tangled up the sheets on the bed as she lay tossing and turning. [alsov] 'tangle with sb/sth to become involved in an argument or a fight with sb/sth: Last time I tangled with him, he won!

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tan.gled
adj.
1 twisted together in an untidy way: tangled hair / bed clothes
2 complicated, and not easy to understand: tangled financial affairs
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tango
noun, verb
noun (pl.-os ) a fast S American dance with a strong beat, in which two people hold each other closely; a piece of music for this dance

verb (tango.ing, tan.goed, tan.goed) [v] to dance the tango

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tank
noun
1 a large container for holding liquid or gas: a hot water tank  a fuel / petrol / fish tank—see also SEPTIC TANK , THINK TANK —picture at SNORKELLING
2 (also tank.ful ) the contents of a tank or the amount it will hold: We drove there and back on one tank of petrol.
3 a military vehicle covered with strong metal and armed with guns. It can travel over very rough ground using wheels that move inside metal belts.
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tank.ard
noun a large, usually metal, cup with a handle, that is used for drinking beer from
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,tanked 'up
(BrE ) (AmE tanked) adj. (informal) very drunk
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tank.er
noun a ship or lorry/truck that carries oil, gas or petrol/gas in large quantities: an oil tanker  a tanker driver—see also SUPERTANKER
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'tank top
noun
1 (BrE) a sweater without sleeves
2 (AmE) a piece of clothing like a T-SHIRT without sleeves
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tanned
(also sun.tanned) adj. having a brown skin colour as a result of being in the sun: He had a tanned face and clear eyes.
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tan.ner
noun a person whose job is to TAN animal skins to make leather
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tan.nery
noun (pl.-ies) a place where animal skins are TANNED and made into leather
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tan.nin
noun [U] a yellowish or brownish substance found in the bark of some trees and the fruit of many plants, used especially in making leather, ink and wine
tan.nic adj.
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Tan.noy
™noun (BrE ) a system with LOUDSPEAKERS used for giving information in a public place: to make an announcement over the Tannoy
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tan.tal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make a person or an animal want sth that they cannot have or do
tan.tal.iz.ing , -is.ingadj.: The tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee wafted towards them.  a tantalizing glimpse of the future
tan.tal.iz.ing.ly , -is.ing.lyadv.: The branch was tantalizingly out of reach.
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tan.ta.mount
adj. ~ to sth (written) having the same bad effect as sth else: If he resigned it would be tantamount to admitting that he was guilty.
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tan.trum
noun a sudden short period of angry, unreasonable behaviour, especially in a child: to have / throw a tantrum
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Taoi.seach
noun the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic
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tap
verb, noun
verb (-pp-)
1 to hit sb/sth quickly and lightly: [v] Someone tapped at the door.  He was busy tapping away at his computer.  [vn] Ralph tapped me on the shoulder.
2 if you tap your fingers, feet, etc. or they tap, you hit them gently against a table, the floor, etc., for example to the rhythm of music: [vn] He kept tapping his fingers on the table.  [v] The music set everyone’s feet tapping.
3 ~ (into) sth to make use of a source of energy, knowledge, etc. that already exists: [vn] We need to tap the expertise and skill of the people we already have.  [v] The movie seems to tap into a general sentimentality about animals.
4 [vn] (also wire.tap especially in AmE) to fit a device to a telephone so that sb’s calls can be listened to secretly: He was convinced his phone was being tapped.
5 [vn] to cut into a tree in order to get liquid from it
PVR V 'tap sb for sth (BrE, informal) to persuade sb to give you sth, especially money: He tried to tap me for a loan. ,tap sth<->'in / 'out to put information, numbers, letters, etc. into a machine by pressing buttons: Tap in your PIN number. ,tap sth<->'out to hit a surface gently to the rhythm of music: She tapped out the beat on the table.

noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually fau.cet) [C] a device for controlling the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container: bath taps  the hot / cold tap (= the tap that hot / cold water comes out of)  a gas tap  Turn the tap on / off.  Don’t leave the tap running.  the sound of a dripping tap—see also TAP WATER —picture at PLUG
2 [C] a light hit with your hand or fingers: a tap at / on the door  He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned round.
3 [C] an act of fitting a device to a telephone so that sb’s telephone calls can be listened to secretly: a phone tap
4 [U] = TAP-DANCING
IDM on 'tap
1 available to be used at any time: We have this sort of information on tap.
2 beer that is on tap is in a BARREL with a tap on it

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'tap dance
noun [U, C] a style of dancing in which you tap the rhythm of the music with your feet, wearing special shoes with pieces of metal on the heels and toes
'tap dancer noun
'tap-dancing (also tap) noun [U]
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tape
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a long narrow strip of MAGNETIC material that is used for recording sounds, pictures or information: His albums are available on tape and CD.—see also MAGNETIC TAPE , VIDEOTAPE
2 [C] a cassette that contains sounds, or sounds and pictures, that have been recorded: a blank tape (= a tape that has nothing recorded on it)  I lent her my Bob Marley tapes.  Police seized various books and tapes.
3 [U] a long narrow strip of material with a sticky substance on one side that is used for sticking things together: adhesive / sticky tape—see also INSULATING TAPE , MASKING TAPE , SCOTCH TAPE , SELLOTAPE
4 [C, U] a narrow strip of material that is used for tying things together or as a label: The papers were in a pile, tied together with a tape.—see also RED TAPE , TICKER TAPE
5 [C] a long narrow strip of material that is stretched across the place where a race will finish: the finishing tape
6 [C] = TAPE MEASURE

verb [vn]
1 to record sb/sth on MAGNETIC tape using a special machine: Will you tape ‘Friends’ for me tonight?  Private conversations between the two had been taped and sent to a newspaper.  a taped announcement
2 ~ sth (up) to fasten sth by sticking or tying it with tape: Put it in a box and tape it up securely.
3 [+adv. / prep.] to stick sth onto sth else using sticky tape: Someone had taped a message on the door.
4 (AmE) ~ sth (up) to tie a BANDAGE firmly around an injury or a wound: That’s a nasty cut—come on, we’ll get it all taped up.
IDM have (got) sb/sth 'taped (BrE, informal) to understand sb/sth completely and to have learned how to deal with them/it successfully: He can’t fool me—I’ve got him taped.

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'tape measure
(also tape, 'measuring tape) noun a long narrow strip of plastic, fabric or FLEXIBLE metal that has measurements marked on it and is used for measuring the length of sth—picture at SEW
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taper
verb, noun
verb to become gradually narrower; to make sth become gradually narrower: [v] The tail tapered to a rounded tip.  [vn] The pots are wide at the base and tapered at the top.
PVR V ,taper 'off to become gradually less in number, amount, degree, etc: The number of applicants for teaching posts has tapered off. ,taper sth<->'off to make sth become gradually less in number, amount, degree, etc: They are gradually tapering off production of the older models.

noun
1 a long thin piece of wood, paper, etc. that is used for lighting fires or lamps
2 a long thin candle
3 [usually sing.] the way that sth gradually decreases in shape or size

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'tape-record
verb [vn] to record sth on tape: a tape-recorded interview
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'tape recorder
noun a machine that is used for recording and playing sounds on tape
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'tape recording
noun something that has been recorded on tape: a tape recording of the interview
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tap.es.try
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) a picture or pattern that is made by weaving coloured wool on to heavy fabric; the art of doing this: medieval tapestries  tapestry cushions  crafts such as embroidery and tapestry
tap.es.tried adj.: tapestried walls
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tape.worm
noun a long flat worm that lives in the INTESTINES of humans and animals
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tapi.oca
noun [U] hard white grains obtained from the CASSAVA plant, often cooked with milk to make a DESSERT (= a sweet dish)
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tapir
noun an animal like a pig with a long nose, that lives in Central and S America and SE Asia
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tap.root
noun the main root of a plant that grows straight downwards and produces smaller side roots
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'tap water
noun [U] water supplied through pipes to taps/faucets in a building: Is the tap water safe to drink?
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tar
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a thick black sticky liquid that becomes hard when cold. Tar is obtained from coal and is used especially in making roads.
2 a substance similar to tar that is formed by burning tobacco: low-tar cigarettes

verb (-rr-) [vn] to cover sth with tar : a tarred road / roof
IDM tar and 'feather sb to put tar on sb then cover them with feathers, as a punishment be tarred with the same 'brush (as sb) to be thought to have the same faults, etc. as sb else

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tara.ma.sa.lata
noun [U] (BrE ) a type of Greek food made from fish eggs, eaten on bread, etc.
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ta.ran.tula
noun a large hairy spider that lives in hot countries. Some types of tarantula have a poisonous bite.
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tardy
adj. ~ (in doing sth) (formal) slow to act, move or happen; late in happening or arriving: The law is often tardy in reacting to changing attitudes.  people who are tardy in paying their bills   (AmE ) to be tardy for school
tar.dily adv.
tar.di.ness noun [U]
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tar.get
noun, verb
noun
1 a result that you try to achieve: business goals and targets  attainment targets  Set yourself targets that you can reasonably hope to achieve.  to meet a target date of April 2001  The university will reach its target of 5 000 students next September.  The new sports complex is on target to open in June.  a target area / audience / company / group (= the particular area, audience, etc. that a product, programme, etc. is aimed at)
2 ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (of sth) an object, a person or a place that people aim at when attacking: They bombed military and civilian targets.  Doors and windows are an easy target for burglars.  It’s a prime target (= an obvious target) for terrorist attacks.   (figurative) He’s become the target for a lot of criticism recently.
3 an object that people practise shooting at, especially a round board with circles on it: to aim at a target  to hit / miss the target  target practice

verb (tar.get.ing, tar.get.ed, tar.get.ed) [vn] [usually passive]
1 to aim an attack or a criticism at sb/sth: The missiles were mainly targeted at the United States.  The company has been targeted by animal rights groups for its use of dogs in drugs trials.
2 to try to have an effect on a particular group of people: The campaign is clearly targeted on the young.  a new magazine that targets single men

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tar.iff
noun
1 a tax that is paid on goods coming into or going out of a country
2 a list of fixed prices that are charged by a hotel or restaurant for rooms, meals, etc., or by a company for a particular service
3 (law) a level of punishment for sb who has been found guilty of a crime
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Tar.mac
™noun [U]
1 (also less frequent tar.mac.adam ) (AmE also black.top) a black material used for making road surfaces, that consists of small stones mixed with TAR
2 (the tarmac) an area with a Tarmac surface, especially at an airport: Three planes were standing on the tarmac, waiting to take off.
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tar.mac
verb (-ck-) [vn] (AmE also blacktop) to cover a surface with Tarmac : tarmacked roads
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tarn
noun a small lake among mountains
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tar.nish
verb, noun
verb
1 if metal tarnishes or sth tarnishes it, it no longer looks bright and shiny: [v] The mirrors had tarnished with age.  [vn] The silver candlesticks were tarnished and dusty.
2 [vn] to spoil the good opinion people have of sb/sth: He hopes to improve the newspaper’s somewhat tarnished public image.

noun [sing., U] a thin layer on the surface of a metal that makes it look dull and not bright

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tarot
noun [sing., U] a set of special cards with pictures on them, used for telling sb what will happen to them in the future
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tar.paulin
(also AmE informal tarp) noun [C, U] a large sheet made of heavy WATERPROOF material, used to cover things to keep rain off
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tar.ra.gon
noun [U] a plant with leaves that have a strong taste and are used in cooking as a herb and to add flavour to VINEGAR
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tarry
verb (tar.ries, tarry.ing, tar.ried, tar.ried) [v] (old use or literary) to stay in a place, especially when you ought to leave; to delay coming to or going from a place
SYN LINGER
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tart
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 [C, U] an open pie filled with sweet food such as fruit: a strawberry tart—compare FLAN , QUICHE —
2 [C] (BrE, informal, disapproving) a woman who you think behaves or dresses in a way that is immoral and is intended to make men sexually excited
3 [C] (slang) a prostitute

adj.
1 having an unpleasant sour taste: tart apples
2 [usually before noun] (of remarks, etc.) quick and unkind: a tart reply / comment
tart.ly adv.: ‘Too late!’ said my mother tartly.
tart.ness noun [U]

verb
PVR V ,tart yourself 'up (BrE, informal) (especially of a woman) to make yourself more attractive by putting on nice clothes, jewellery, make-up , etc. ,tart sth<->'up (BrE, informal) to decorate or improve the appearance of sth, often in a way that other people do not think is attractive

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tar.tan
noun
1 [U, C] a pattern of squares and lines of different colours and widths that cross each other at an angle of 90°, used especially on fabric, and originally from Scotland: a tartan shirt / kilt / rug
2 [C] a tartan pattern connected with a particular group of families (= a CLAN ) in Scotland: the MacLeod tartan
3 [U] fabric, especially made of wool, that is woven with a tartan pattern—compare PLAID —
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tar.tar
noun
1 [U] a hard substance that forms on teeth
2 [C] (old-fashioned) a person in a position of authority who has a very bad temper
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tar.tare sauce
noun [U] a thick cold white sauce made from MAYONNAISE , chopped onions and CAPERS , usually eaten with fish
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tarty
adj. (disapproving) (of a woman) dressing or behaving in a way that is intended to attract sexual attention
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task
noun, verb
noun a piece of work that sb has to do, especially a hard or unpleasant one: to perform / carry out / complete / undertake a task  a daunting / an impossible / a formidable / an unenviable task  a thankless task (= an unpleasant one that nobody wants to do and nobody thanks you for doing)  Our first task is to set up a communications system.  Detectives are now faced with the task of identifying the body.  Getting hold of this information was no easy task (= was difficult).
IDM take sb to 'task (for / over sth) to criticize sb strongly for sth they have done

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (with sth) (formal) to give sb a task to do

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'task force
noun
1 a military force that is brought together and sent to a particular place
2 a group of people who are brought together to deal with a particular problem
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task.mas.ter
noun a person who gives other people work to do, often work that is difficult: She was a hard taskmaster .
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tas.sel
noun a bunch of threads that are tied together at one end and hang from cushions, curtains, clothes, etc. as a decoration
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tas.selled
(BrE ) (AmEtas.seled) adj. decorated with tassels
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taste
noun, verb
noun
FLAVOUR|
1 [C, U] the particular quality that different foods and drinks have that allows you to recognize them when you put them in your mouth: a salty / bitter / sweet taste  I don’t like the taste of olives.  This dish has an unusual combination of tastes and textures.  The soup has very little taste.
SENSE|
2 [U] the sense you have that allows you to recognize different foods and drinks when you put them in your mouth: I’ve lost my sense of taste.
SMALL QUANTITY|
3 [C, usually sing.] a small quantity of food or drink that you try in order to see what it is like: Just have a taste of this cheese.
SHORT EXPERIENCE|
4 [sing.] a short experience of sth: This was my first taste of live theatre.  Although we didn’t know it, this incident was a taste of things to come .
ABILITY TO CHOOSE WELL|
5 [U] a person’s ability to choose things that people recognize as being of good quality or appropriate: He has very good taste in music.  They’ve got more money than taste.  The room was furnished with taste.
WHAT YOU LIKE|
6 [C, U] ~ (for sth) what a person likes or prefers: That trip gave me a taste for foreign travel.  She has very expensive tastes in clothes.  The colour and style is a matter of personal taste.  Modern art is not to everyone’s taste .  There are trips to suit all tastes. be in bad, poor, the worst possible, etc. 'taste to be offensive and not at all appropriate: Most of his jokes were in very poor taste. be in good, the best possible, etc. 'taste to be appropriate and not at all offensive leave a bad / nasty 'taste in the mouth (of events or experiences) to make you feel disgusted or ashamed afterwards to 'taste in the quantity that is needed to make sth taste the way you prefer: Add salt and pepper to taste.—more at ACCOUNT v. , ACQUIRE , MEDICINE

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
HAVE FLAVOUR|
1 linking verb ~ (of sth) to have a particular flavour: [v-adj] It tastes sweet.  [v] The ice tasted of mint.  This drink tastes like sherry.
2 (-tasting) (in adjectives) having a particular flavour: foul-tasting medicine
RECOGNIZE FLAVOUR|
3 [vn] (often used with can or could) to be able to recognize flavours in food and drink: You can taste the garlic in this stew.
TEST FLAVOUR|
4 [vn] to test the flavour of sth by eating or drinking a small amount of it: Taste it and see if you think there’s enough salt in it.
EAT / DRINK|
5 [vn] to eat or drink food or liquid: I’ve never tasted anything like it.
HAVE SHORT EXPERIENCE|
6 [vn] to have a short experience of sth, especially sth that you want more of: He had tasted freedom only to lose it again.

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'taste bud
noun [usually pl.] one of the small cells on the tongue that allow you to recognize the flavours of food and drink
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taste.ful
adj. (especially of clothes, furniture, decorations, etc.) attractive and of good quality and showing that the person who chose them can recognize good things: tasteful furniture
taste.ful.ly adv.: The bedroom was tastefully furnished.
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taste.less
adj.
1 having little or no flavour: tasteless soup
2 offensive and not appropriate: tasteless jokes / remarks
3 showing a lack of the ability to choose things that people recognize as attractive and of good quality: a tasteless brown suit
taste.less.ly adv.
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taster
noun
1 a person whose job is to judge the quality of wine, tea, etc. by tasting it
2 (informal, especially BrE) a small example of sth for you to try in order to see if you would like more of it
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tast.ing
noun an event at which people can try different kinds of food and drink, especially wine, in small quantities: a wine tasting
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tasty
adj. (tasti.er, tasti.est)
1 (approving) having a strong and pleasant flavour: a tasty dish / meal  something tasty to eat
2 (BrE, informal, sometimes offensive) a word that some men use about women that they think are sexually attractive
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tat
noun [U] (BrE , informal) goods that are cheap and of low quality—see also TIT FOR TAT
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ta-ta
exclamation (BrE , informal) goodbye: Ta-ta for now!
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tater
noun [usually pl.] (slang) a potato
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tat.tered
adj. old and torn; in bad condition: tattered clothes   (figurative) tattered relationships   (figurative) the hotel’s tattered reputation
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tat.ters
noun [pl.] clothes or pieces of fabric that are badly torn: a beggar dressed in tatters
IDM in tatters
1 torn in many places: His clothes were in tatters.
2 ruined or badly damaged: Her reputation was in tatters.  The government’s education policy lies in tatters.
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tat.tie
noun (ScotE , informal) a potato
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tat.tle
verb [v] ~ (on sb) (to sb) (informal disapproving, especially AmE ) to tell sb, especially sb in authority, about sth bad that sb else has done
SYN TELL ON SB
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tat.tle.tale
noun (AmE ) = TELLTALE
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tat.too
noun, verb
noun (pl.tat.toos)
1 a picture or design that is marked permanently on a person’s skin by making small holes in the skin with a needle and filling them with coloured ink: His arms were covered in tattoos.
2 (especially BrE) an outdoor show by members of the armed forces that includes marching, music and military exercises: the Edinburgh military tattoo
3 [usually sing.] a rapid and continuous series of taps or hits, especially on a drum as a military signal: The drummers beat a tattoo each morning.  Her fingers tapped a light tattoo on the table.

verb [vn] ~ A on B| ~ B (with A) to mark sb’s skin with a tattoo : He had a heart tattooed on his shoulder.  His shoulder was tattooed with a heart.

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tatty
adj. (informal, especially BrE ) in a bad condition because it has been used a lot or has not been cared for well
SYN SHABBY : a tatty carpet / office
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taught
pt, pp of TEACH
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taunt
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sb (with sth) to try to make sb angry or upset by saying unkind things about them, laughing at their failures, etc: The other kids continually taunted him about his size.

noun an insulting or unkind remark that is intended to make sb angry or upset: Black players often had to endure racist taunts.

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taupe
noun [U] a brownish-grey colour
taupe adj.
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Taurus
noun
1 [U] the second sign of the ZODIAC , the BULL
2 [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 April and 21 May
Taur.ean noun, adj.
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taut
adj.
1 stretched tightly: taut violin strings  Keep the rope taut.
2 showing that you are anxious or tense: a voice taut with anger  Her face was taut and pale.
3 (of a person or their body) with firm muscles; not fat: His body was solid and taut.
4 (of a piece of writing, etc.) tightly controlled, with no unnecessary parts in it: a taut thriller
taut.ly adv.
taut.ness noun [U]
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taut.en
verb [v, vn] to become taut ; to make sth taut
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tau.tol.ogy
noun [U, C] a statement in which you say the same thing twice in different words, when this is unnecessary, for example ‘They spoke in turn, one after the other.’
tauto.logic.al
tau.tolo.gous adj.
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tav.ern
noun (old use or literary) a pub or an INN
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taw.dry
adj. (disapproving)
1 intended to be bright and attractive but cheap and of low quality: tawdry jewellery
2 involving low moral standards; extremely unpleasant or offensive: a tawdry affair / scandal
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tawny
adj. brownish-yellow in colour: the lion’s tawny mane
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'tawny owl
noun a reddish-brown or grey European BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the OWL family
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tax
noun, verb
noun [C, U] ~ (on sth) money that you have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services. People pay tax according to their income and businesses pay tax according to their profits. Tax is also often paid on goods and services: to raise / cut taxes  tax increases / cuts  changes in tax rates  to pay over £1 000 in tax   profits before / after tax   a tax on cigarettes / alcohol—see also CORPORATION TAX , COUNCIL TAX , INHERITANCE TAX , POLL TAX , ROAD TAX , SALES TAX , VALUE ADDED TAX , WITHHOLDING TAX

verb [vn]
1 to put a tax on sb/sth; to make sb pay tax: Any interest payments are taxed as part of your income.  His declared aim was to tax the rich.
2 (BrE) to pay tax on a vehicle so that you may use it on the roads: The car is taxed until July.
3 to need a great amount of physical or mental effort: The questions did not tax me.  The problem is currently taxing the brains of the nation’s experts (= making them think very hard).
PVR V 'tax sb with sth (formal) to accuse sb of doing sth wrong: I taxed him with avoiding his responsibility as a parent.

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tax.able
adj. (of money) that you have to pay tax on: taxable income / profits / earnings
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tax.ation
noun [U]
1 money that has to be paid as taxes: to reduce / increase taxation
2 the system of collecting money by taxes: changes in the taxation structure
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'tax avoidance
noun [U] ways of paying only the smallest amount of tax that you legally have to—compare TAX EVASION
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'tax bracket
noun a range of different incomes on which the same rate of tax must be paid: There are now only two tax brackets—22% and 40%.
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'tax break
noun (especially AmE ) a special advantage or reduction in taxes that the government gives to particular people or organizations: a tax break for low income families with young children
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'tax collector
noun a person whose job is collecting the tax that people must pay on the money they earn
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,tax-de'ductible
adj. (of costs) that can be taken off your income before the amount of tax that you have to pay is calculated
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'tax disc
noun (in Britain) a small paper disc that is displayed on the window of a vehicle or on a motorcycle to show that the owner has paid the tax that allows them to use the vehicle on public roads
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'tax dodge
noun (informal) a way of paying less tax, legally or illegally
'tax dodger noun: Police have begun a campaign against car tax dodgers.
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'tax evasion
noun [U] the crime of deliberately not paying all the taxes that you should pay—compare TAX AVOIDANCE
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,tax-e'xempt
adj. that is not taxed: tax-exempt savings
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'tax exile
noun a rich person who has left their own country and gone to live in a place where the taxes are lower
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,tax-'free
adj. (of money, goods, etc.) that you do not have to pay tax on: a tax-free bonus / allowance
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'tax haven
noun a place where taxes are low and where people choose to live or officially REGISTER their companies because taxes are higher in their own countries
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taxi
noun, verb
noun (also cab, taxi.cab) a car with a driver that you pay to take you somewhere. Taxis usually have METERS which show how much money you have to pay: a taxi driver / ride  We’d better take a taxi .  I came home by taxi .  to order / hail / call a taxi

verb (taxi.ing, tax.ied, tax.ied) [v] (of a plane) to move slowly along the ground before taking off or after landing

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taxi.der.mist
noun a person whose job is taxidermy
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taxi.dermy
noun [U] the art of STUFFING dead animals, birds and fish with a special material so that they look like living ones and can be displayed
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tax.ing
adj. needing a great amount of physical or mental effort
SYN DEMANDING : a taxing job  This shouldn’t be too taxing for you.
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'tax inspector
noun (BrE ) = INSPECTOR OF TAXES
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'taxi rank
(BrE ) (also 'taxi standAmE, BrE) noun a place where taxis park while they are waiting for passengers
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taxi.way
noun the hard path that a plane uses as it moves to and from the RUNWAY (= the hard surface where planes take off and land)
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tax.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (the taxman) [sing.] (informal) a way of referring to the government department that is responsible for collecting taxes: He had been cheating the taxman for years.
2 [C] a person whose job is to collect taxes
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tax.ono.mist
noun a person who studies or is skilled in taxonomy
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tax.onomy
noun
1 [U] the scientific process of CLASSIFYING things (= arranging them into groups): plant taxonomy
2 [C] a particular system of CLASSIFYING things
taxo.nom.ic adj.
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tax.pay.er
noun a person who pays tax to the government, especially on the money that they earn
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'tax relief
(also relief) noun [U] a reduction in the amount of tax you have to pay, especially when you are using the money for a particular purpose such as buying property
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'tax return
noun an official document in which you give details of the amount of money that you have earned so that the government can calculate how much tax you have to pay
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'tax shelter
noun a way of using or investing money so that you can legally avoid paying tax on it
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TB
noun [U] a serious infectious disease in which swellings appear on the lungs and other parts of the body (abbreviation for ‘tuberculosis’): an increase in the number of TB cases
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t.b.a.
abbr. (used in notices about events) to be announced: party with live band (t.b.a.)
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'T-bone steak
noun a thick slice of beef containing a bone in the shape of a T
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tbsp
(also tbs) abbr. (pl.tbsp or tbsps) TABLESPOONFUL : Add 3 tbsp sugar.
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TD
noun a member of the Irish parliament (abbreviation for ‘Teachta Dála’, ‘Member of the Dáil’)
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te
(BrE ) (AmEti) noun (music ) the 7th note of a MAJOR scale
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tea
noun
1 [U] the dried leaves, (called tea leaves), of the tea bush—see also GREEN TEA
2 [U] a hot drink made by pouring boiling water onto tea leaves. It may be drunk with milk or lemon and/or sugar added: a cup / mug / pot of tea  China / lemon / iced tea  Would you like tea or coffee?  Do you take sugar in your tea?
3 [C] a cup of tea : Two teas, please.
4 [U, C] a hot drink made by pouring boiling water onto the leaves of other plants: chamomile / mint / herb tea
5 [U, C] the name used by some people in Britain for the cooked meal eaten in the evening, especially when it is eaten early in the evening: You can have your tea as soon as you come home from school.—compare DINNER , SUPPER
6 [U, C] (BrE) a light meal eaten in the afternoon or early evening, usually with sandwiches and/or biscuits and cakes and with tea to drink: Would you like to come to tea on Sunday?—see also CREAM TEA , HIGH TEA   note at MEAL
IDM not for all the tea in 'China not even for a great reward: I wouldn’t do your job. Not for all the tea in China!—more at CUP n.
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'tea bag
noun a small thin paper bag containing tea leaves, which you pour boiling water onto in order to make tea
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'tea break
noun (BrE ) a short period of time when people stop working and drink tea, coffee, etc.
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'tea caddy
(also caddy) noun (especially BrE ) a small box with a lid that you keep tea in
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tea.cake
noun (BrE ) a small flat round cake made of a bread-like mixture, usually containing dried fruit: toasted teacakes
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tea.cart
noun (AmE ) = TEA TROLLEY
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teach
verb (taught, taught )
1 to give lessons to students in a school, college, university, etc.; to help sb learn sth by giving information about it: [v] She teaches at our local school.  He taught for several years before becoming a writer.  [vn] I’ll be teaching history and sociology next term.   (AmE ) to teach school (= teach in a school)  [vn, vnn] He teaches English to advanced students.  He teaches them English.
2 to show sb how to do sth so that they will be able to do it themselves: [vn to inf] Could you teach me to do that?  [vn wh-] My father taught me how to ride a bike. [alsovn]
3 to make sb feel or think in a different way: [vn to inf] She taught me to be less critical of other people.  [vn that] My parents taught me that honesty was always the best policy.  [vnn] Our experience as refugees taught us many valuable lessons. [alsov that]
4 [no passive] (informal) to persuade sb not to do sth again by making them suffer so much that they are afraid to do it: [vn to inf] Lost all your money? That’ll teach you to gamble.  I’ll teach you to call (= punish you for calling) me a liar!  [vnn] The accident taught me a lesson I’ll never forget.
IDM teach your grandmother to suck 'eggs (BrE, informal) to tell or show sb how to do sth that they can already do well, and probably better than you can (you can’t) teach an old dog new 'tricks (saying) (you cannot) successfully make old people change their ideas, methods of work, etc.
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teach.er
noun a person whose job is teaching, especially in a school: a language / history / science teacher  primary school teachers  There is a growing need for qualified teachers of Business English.  note at TEACH
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,teacher 'training
noun [U] the process of teaching or learning the skills you need to be a teacher in a school
,teacher 'trainer noun: experienced teachers and teacher trainers
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'tea chest
noun (BrE ) a large light wooden box lined with metal in which tea is transported. Tea chests are sometimes used for transporting personal possessions, for example, when moving to another home.
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'teach-in
noun an informal LECTURE and discussion on a subject of public interest
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teach.ing
noun
1 [U] the work of a teacher: She wants to go into teaching (= make it a career).  the teaching profession
2 [C, usually pl., U] the ideas of a particular person or group, especially about politics, religion or society, that are taught to other people: the teachings of Lenin  views that go against traditional Christian teaching
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'teaching assistant
noun
1 a person who is not a qualified teacher who helps a teacher in a school
2 (abbr.TA) (AmE) (also 'teaching fellowAmE, BrE) a GRADUATE student who teaches UNDERGRADUATE classes at a university or college, takes discussion or practical classes, marks written work, etc.
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'tea cloth
noun (BrE ) = TEA TOWEL
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'tea cosy
noun a cover placed over a TEAPOT in order to keep the tea warm
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tea.cup
noun a cup in which tea is served
IDM see STORM n.
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teak
noun [U] the strong hard wood of a tall Asian tree, used especially for making furniture
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teal
noun
1 [C] (pl.teal) a small wild duck
2 [U] (especially AmE) a bluish-green colour
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team
noun, verb
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 a group of people who play a particular game or sport against another group of people: a football / cricket / rugby team  a team event (= one played by groups of people rather than individual players)   (BrE) Whose team are you in?   (AmE) Whose team are you on?  The team is / are not playing very well this season.
2 a group of people who work together at a particular job: the design / sales team  a team leader / member  a team player (= a person who works well with others)  A team of experts has / have been called in to investigate.
3 two or more animals that are used together to pull a carriage, CART , etc.

verb [vn] [usually passive] to combine or match two or more things or people: This production of ‘Macbeth’ teams two of our finest actors.  He was teamed with his brother in the doubles.
PVR V ,team 'up (with sb) to join with another person or group in order to do sth together

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'team handball
noun [U] (AmE ) = HANDBALL
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team.mate
noun a member of the same team or group as yourself
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,team 'spirit
noun [U] (approving) the desire and willingness of people to work together and help each other as part of a team
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team.ster
noun (AmE ) a person whose job is driving a truck
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team.work
noun [U] the activity of working well together as a team: She stressed the importance of good teamwork.
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'tea party
noun a social event at which people eat cake, drink tea, etc. in the afternoon
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tea.pot
noun a container with a SPOUT , a handle and a lid, used for making and serving tea—picture at POT
IDM see TEMPEST
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tear^1
verb, noun —see also TEAR^2
verb (tore torn )
DAMAGE|
1 to damage sth by pulling it apart or into pieces or by cutting it on sth sharp; to become damaged in this way: [vn] I tore my jeans on the fence.  I tore a hole in my jeans.  He tore the letter in two.  a torn handkerchief  [vn-adj] I tore the package open.  [v] Careful—the fabric tears very easily.
2 [vn] ~ sth in sth to make a hole in sth by force: The blast tore a hole in the wall.
REMOVE FROM STH / SB|
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove sth from sth else by pulling it roughly or violently: The storm nearly tore the roof off.  I tore another sheet from the pad.  He tore his clothes off (= took them off quickly and carelessly) and dived into the lake.
4 ~ yourself / sb (from sb/sth) to pull yourself/sb away by force from sb/sth that is holding you or them: [vn] She tore herself from his grasp.  [vn-adj] He tore himself free.
INJURE MUSCLE|
5 [vn] to injure a muscle, etc. by stretching it too much: a torn ligament
MOVE QUICKLY|
6 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move somewhere very quickly or in an excited way: He tore off down the street.  A truck tore past the gates.
-TORN|
7 (in adjectives) very badly affected or damaged by sth: to bring peace to a strife-torn country  a strike-torn industry—see also WAR-TORN tear sb/sth a'part, to 'shreds, to 'bits, etc. to destroy or defeat sb/sth completely or criticize them or it severely: We tore the other team apart in the second half.  The critics tore his last movie to shreds. ,tear at your 'heart | ,tear your 'heart out (formal) to strongly affect you in an emotional way tear your 'hair (out) (informal) to show that you are very angry or anxious about sth: She’s keeping very calm—anyone else would be tearing their hair out. (be in) a tearing 'hurry / 'rush (especially BrE) (to be) in a very great hurry tear sb 'off a strip | tear a 'strip off sb (BrE, informal) to speak angrily to sb who has done sth wrong ,that’s 'torn it (BrE, informal) used to say that sth has happened to spoil your plans—more at HEART , LIMB , LOOSE adj. ,tear sth<->a'part
1 to destroy sth violently, especially by pulling it to pieces: The dogs tore the fox apart.  They tore the room apart, looking for money.
2 to make people in a country, an organization or other place fight or argue with each other: Racial strife is tearing our country apart.
3 to make sb feel very unhappy or worried: His distress tore me apart. 'tear at sth to pull or cut sth violently so that it tears: He tore at the meat with his bare hands. ,tear yourself a'way (from sth)| ,tear sth a'way (from sth) to leave somewhere even though you would prefer to stay there; to take sth away from somewhere: Dinner’s ready, if you can tear yourself away from the TV.  She was unable to tear her eyes away from him (= could not stop looking at him). be torn between A and B to be unable to decide or choose between two things or feelings: I was torn between my parents and my friend. ,tear sth<->'down to pull or knock down a building, wall, etc.
SYN DEMOLISH ,tear 'into sb/sth
1 to attack sb/sth physically or with words
2 to start doing sth with a lot of energy: They tore into their food as if they were starving. ,tear sth<->'up to destroy a document, etc. by tearing it into pieces: She tore up all the letters he had sent her.   (figurative) He accused the leader of tearing up the party’s manifesto (= of ignoring it).

noun a hole that has been made in sth by tearing: This sheet has a tear in it.
IDM see WEAR n.

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tear^2
noun [usually pl.]—see also TEAR^1 a drop of liquid that comes out of your eye when you cry: A tear rolled down his face.  She left the room in tears (= crying).  He suddenly burst into tears (= began to cry).  As he listened to the music, his eyes filled with tears.  Their story will move you to tears (= make you cry).  They reduced her to tears (= made her cry, especially by being cruel or unkind).  Ann wiped a tear from her eye.  The memory brought a tear to her eye (= made her cry).  Most of the audience was on the verge of tears .  I was close to tears as I told them the news.  Desperately she fought back the tears (= tried not to cry).  to shed tears of pain / frustration / happiness
IDM see BLOOD n. , BORED , CROCODILE , END v.
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tear.away
noun (informal) a young person who is difficult to control and often does stupid, dangerous and/or illegal things
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tear.drop
noun a single tear that comes from your eye
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tear.ful
adj.
1 (of a person) crying, or about to cry: She suddenly became very tearful.
2 (of an event, etc.) at which people feel emotional and cry: a tearful farewell
tear.ful.ly adv.
tear.ful.ness noun [U]
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tear gas
noun [U] a gas that makes your eyes sting and fill with tears, used by the police or army to control crowds
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tear jerker
noun (informal) a film/movie, story, etc. that is designed to make people feel sad
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'tea room
(also 'tea shop) noun (BrE ) a cafe in which tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches are served
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tease
verb, noun
verb
1 to laugh at sb and make jokes about them either in a friendly way or in order to annoy or embarrass them: [v] Don’t get upset—I was only teasing.  [vn] I used to get teased about my name. [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] to annoy an animal, especially by touching it, pulling its tail, etc.
3 [v, vn] (disapproving) to make sb sexually excited, especially when you do not intend to have sex with them
4 [vn] to pull sth gently apart into separate pieces: to tease wool into strands
5 [vn] (AmE) = BACKCOMB
PVR V ,tease sth<->'out
1 to remove knots from hair, wool, etc. by gently pulling or brushing it
2 to spend time trying to find out information or the meaning of sth, especially when this is complicated or difficult: The teacher helped them tease out the meaning of the poem.

noun [usually sing.]
1 a person who likes to play tricks and jokes on other people, especially by telling them sth that is not true or by not telling them sth that they want to know
2 an act that is intended as a trick or joke
3 (disapproving) a person who pretends to be attracted to sb, makes them sexually excited and then refuses to have sex with them

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tea.sel
(also tea.zle) noun a plant with large prickly flowers, used in the past for brushing woollen or woven fabric to give it a smooth surface
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teaser
noun (informal) a difficult problem or question—see also BRAIN-TEASER
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'tea set
(BrE ) (also 'tea serviceAmE, BrE) noun a set consisting of a TEAPOT , sugar bowl, cups, plates, etc., used for serving tea
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'tea shop
noun (BrE ) = TEA ROOM
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teas.ing.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is intended to make sb feel embarrassed, annoyed, etc.
2 in a way that suggests sth and makes sb want to know more
3 in a way that is intended to make sb sexually excited
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tea.spoon
noun
1 a small spoon for putting sugar into tea and other drinks—picture at CUTLERY
2 (also tea.spoon.ful ) (abbr.tsp) the amount a teaspoon can hold: Add two teaspoons of salt.  a teaspoonful of sugar
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teat
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE nip.ple) the rubber part at the end of a baby’s bottle that the baby sucks in order to get milk, etc. from the bottle
2 one of the parts of a female animal’s body that the young suck in order to get milk
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tea.time
noun [U] (BrE ) the time during the afternoon or early evening when people have the meal called tea
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'tea towel
(also 'tea cloth) (both BrE ) (AmE dish.towel) noun a small towel used for drying cups, plates, knives, etc. after they have been washed
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'tea tree
noun a small Australian tree. The oil from its leaves can be used to treat wounds and skin problems.
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'tea trolley
(BrE ) (AmE 'tea wagon, 'tea.cart) noun a small table on wheels that is used for serving tea, coffee, etc.
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tea.zle
noun = TEASEL
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tech
noun (BrE , informal) = TECHNICAL COLLEGE —see also HIGH-TECH , LOW-TECH
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tech.nical
adj.
1 [usually before noun] connected with the practical use of machinery, methods, etc. in science and industry: We offer free technical support for those buying our software.  a technical education  technical drawing (= especially taught as a school subject)
2 [usually before noun] connected with the skills needed for a particular job, sport, art, etc: Skaters score extra points for technical complexity.
3 connected with a particular subject and therefore difficult to understand if you do not know about that subject: The article is full of technical terms .  The guide is too technical for a non-specialist.
4 [only before noun] connected with the details of a law or set of rules: Their lawyers spent days arguing over technical details.
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'technical college
(also BrE informal tech) noun a college where students can study mainly practical subjects
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,technical 'hitch
noun a temporary problem or difficulty, especially one caused by a piece of machinery or equipment
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tech.ni.cal.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (technicalities) [pl.] the small details of how to do sth or how sth works
2 a small detail in a law or set of rules, especially one that does not seem fair: She was released on a technicality (= because of a small detail in the law).
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tech.nic.al.ly
adv.
1 according to the exact meaning, facts etc: Technically (speaking) , the two countries are still at war.  It is still technically possible for them to win (= but it seems unlikely).
2 in a way that is connected with the skills needed for a particular job, sport, art, etc: As a musician, she is technically accomplished.
3 in a way that is connected with the practical use of machinery, methods, etc. in science and industry: a technically advanced society  In those days recording sound was not technically possible .
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tech.ni.cian
noun
1 a person whose job is keeping a particular type of equipment or machinery in good condition: laboratory / aircraft technicians
2 a person who is very skilled at the technical aspects of an art, a sport, etc: As a pianist, she’s a brilliant technician, but she lacks passion.
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Tech.ni.color
™noun [U] a process of producing colour film, as used in cinema films/movies
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tech.ni.col.our
(BrE ) (AmEtech.ni.color) noun [U] (informal) the state of having many bright colours: The rooms were painted in glorious technicolour .
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tech.nique
noun
1 [C] a particular way of doing sth, especially one in which you have to learn special skills: The artist combines different techniques in the same painting.  management / marketing techniques
2 [U, sing.] the skill with which sb is able to do sth practical: Her technique has improved a lot over the past season.
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techno
noun [U] a style of modern popular music with a regular rhythm for dancing, that makes use of technology to produce the sound
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techno-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with technology: technocracy  technophobe (= a person who is afraid of technology)
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tech.no.cracy
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) a social or political system in which people with scientific knowledge have a lot of power
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tech.no.crat
noun an expert in science, engineering, etc. who has a lot of power in politics and/or industry
tech.no.crat.ic adj. [usually before noun]
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tech.nolo.gist
noun an expert in technology
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tech.nol.ogy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] scientific knowledge used in practical ways in industry, for example in designing new machines: science and technology  recent advances in medical technology  to make use of the most modern technologies—see also HIGH TECHNOLOGY , INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
2 [U] machinery or equipment designed using technology : The company has invested in the latest technology.
tech.no.logic.al adj.: technological advances / developments  technological change / progress  a major technological breakthrough
tech.no.logic.al.ly adv.: technologically advanced
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tec.ton.ic
adj. [only before noun] (geology ) connected with the structure of the earth’s surface—see also PLATE TECTONICS
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teddy bear
(BrE also teddypl.-ies) noun a soft toy bear—
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'Teddy boy
(also informal ted ) noun (in Britain in the 1950s) a member of a group of young men who liked ROCK AND ROLL music and who had their own style of dressing (usually wearing narrow trousers/pants, long jackets and pointed shoes)
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te.di.ous
adj. lasting or taking too long and not interesting
SYN BORING : The journey soon became tedious.  We had to listen to all the tedious details of his operation.
te.di.ous.ly adv.
te.di.ous.ness noun [U]
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te.dium
noun [U] (written) the quality of being boring
SYN BOREDOM : She longed for something to relieve the tedium of everyday life.
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tee
noun, verb
noun
1 a flat area on a golf course from which players hit the ball: to drive off from the first tee  a tee shot
2 a small piece of plastic or wood that you stick in the ground to support a golf ball before you hit it—picture at GOLF
IDM see T

verb (teed, teed)
PVR V ,tee 'off to hit a golf ball from a tee , especially at the start of a match ,tee sb<->'off (AmE, informal) to make sb angry or annoyed: It really teed me off when she was late again. ,tee sth<->'up| ,tee 'up to prepare to hit a golf ball by placing it on a tee

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teem
verb [v] (usually be teeming) (of rain) to fall heavily: The rain was teeming down.  It was teeming with rain.
PVR V 'teem with sth (usually be 'teeming with sth) to be full of people, animals, etc. moving around: The streets were teeming with tourists.  a river teeming with fish
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teem.ing
adj. present in large numbers; full of people, animals, etc. that are moving around: teeming insects  the teeming streets of the city
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teen.age
(also informal teen especially in AmE) adj. [usually before noun] between 13 and 19 years old; connected with people of this age: teenage girls / boys  teenage problems / rebellion  teen magazines
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teen.aged
adj. between 13 and 19 years old: They have two teenaged daughters.
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teen.ager
(also informal teen especially in AmE) noun a person who is between 13 and 19 years old: a magazine aimed at teenagers
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teens
noun [pl.] the years of a person’s life when they are between 13 and 19 years old: She began writing poetry in her teens .  to be in your early / late teens
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teeny
adj. (informal) (teen.ier, teeni.est)
1 (also teeny-weeny teensy teensy-weensy ) very small
2 connected with people between 13 and 19 years old: teeny magazines
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teeny-bopper
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a young girl between the ages of about 10 and 13, who is very interested in pop music, fashionable clothes, etc.
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tee.pee
noun = TEPEE
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tee.ter
verb [v] to stand or move in an unsteady way so that you look as if you are going to fall: She teetered after him in her high-heeled shoes.
IDM teeter on the 'brink / 'edge of sth to be very close to a very unpleasant or dangerous situation: The country is teetering on the brink of civil war.
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'teeter-totter
noun (AmE ) = SEE-SAW
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teeth
pl. of TOOTH
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teethe
verb [v] when a baby is teething, its first teeth are starting to grow
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'teething troubles
(also 'teething problems) noun [pl.] small problems that a company, product, system, etc. has at the beginning
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tee.total
adj. never drinking alcohol: He’s strictly teetotal.
tee.total.ism noun [U]
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tee.total.ler
(BrE ) (AmEtee.total.er) noun a person who does not drink alcohol
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TEFL
abbr. (BrE ) teaching English as a foreign language
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Tef.lon
™noun [U] a substance used especially to cover the inside of cooking pans, that stops food from sticking to them
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tel.
(also Tel.) abbr. telephone number: tel. 01865 556767
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tele-
combining form (in nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs)
1 over a long distance; far: telepathy  telescopic
2 connected with television: teletext
3 done using a telephone: telesales
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tele.cast
noun (especially AmE ) a broadcast on television
tele.cast verb (tele.cast, tele.cast) [vn] [usually passive]: The event will be telecast simultaneously to nearly 150 cities.
tele.cast.er noun
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tele.com.mu.ni.ca.tions
(also informal tele.coms ) noun [pl.] the technology of sending signals, images and messages over long distances by radio, telephone, television, SATELLITE , etc: technological developments in telecommunications  telecommunications links / networks / operators
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tele.con.fer.ence
noun a CONFERENCE or discussion at which members are in different places and speak to each other using telephone and video connections
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tele.gen.ic
adj. a telegenic person looks good on television
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tele.gram
noun a message sent by TELEGRAPH and then printed and given to sb
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tele.graph
noun, verb
noun [U] a method of sending messages over long distances, using wires that carry electrical signals

verb
1 [v, vn] to send a message by telegraph
2 [vn] to make it clear to people what you are going to do, often without intending to

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tele.graph.ic
adj. connected with sending messages by telegraph : You will need to arrange a telegraphic transfer from your bank to ours.
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'telegraph pole
(BrE ) (AmE 'telephone pole) noun a tall wooden pole used for carrying telephone or telegraph wires high above the ground
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tel.eg.raphy
noun [U] the process of sending messages by telegraph
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tele.mar.ket.ing
noun [U] = TELESALES
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tel.em.etry
noun [U] (technical ) the process of using special equipment to take scientific measurements and send them over long distances, usually by radio
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tele.ology
noun [U, sing.] (philosophy ) the theory that events and developments are meant to achieve a purpose and happen because of that
teleo.logic.al adj.
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tele.path.ic
adj.
1 using telepathy : telepathic communication
2 (of a person) able to communicate by telepathy : How do I know what he’s thinking? I’m not telepathic!
tele.path.ic.al.ly adv.
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tel.ep.athy
noun [U] the direct communication of thoughts or feelings from one person to another without using speech, writing, or any other normal method
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tele.phone
(also phone) noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a system for talking to sb else over long distances, using wires or radio; a machine used for this: The telephone rang and Pat answered it.  You can reserve seats over the telephone .  I need to make a telephone call .  telephone lines / networks / services
2 [C] the part of the telephone that you hold in your hand and speak into
SYN RECEIVER , HANDSET
IDM be on the 'telephone
1 to be using the telephone: He’s on the telephone at the moment.  You’re wanted (= sb wants to speak to you) on the telephone.
2 (BrE) to have a telephone in your home or place of work: We’re not on the telephone at the cottage.

verb (formal, especially BrE ) to speak to sb by telephone
SYN PHONE , CALL [v] Please write or telephone for details.  He telephoned to say he’d be late.  [vn] You can telephone your order 24 hours a day.  I was about to telephone the police.  note at PHONE

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'telephone booth
noun = PHONE BOOTH
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'telephone box
noun (BrE ) = PHONE BOX
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'telephone directory
(also 'phone book, 'telephone book) noun a book that lists the names, addresses and telephone numbers of people in a particular area: to look up a number in the telephone directory
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'telephone exchange
(also exchange) noun a place where telephone calls are connected so that people can speak to each other
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'telephone kiosk
noun (BrE ) = PHONE BOX
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'telephone number
(also 'phone number) noun the number of a particular telephone, that you use when you make a call to it
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'telephone pole
noun (AmE ) = TELEGRAPH POLE
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'telephone tapping
(also 'phone tapping) noun [U] the practice of connecting a piece of equipment to a telephone in order to listen secretly to other people’s telephone conversations
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tel.eph.on.ist
noun (BrE ) = OPERATOR
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tel.eph.ony
noun [U] the process of sending messages and signals by telephone
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tele.photo lens
noun a camera LENS that produces a large image of an object that is far away and allows you to take photographs of it
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tele.print.er
(AmE also tele.type.writer) noun a machine that prints out TELEX messages that have been typed in another place and sent by telephone lines
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tele.prompt.er
noun (especially AmE ) = AUTOCUE
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tele.sales
(BrE ) (also tele.mar.ket.ingAmE, BrE) noun [U] a method of selling things and taking orders for sales by telephone
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tele.scope
noun, verb
noun a piece of equipment shaped like a tube, containing LENSES , that you look through to make objects that are far away appear larger and nearer: to look at the stars through a telescope—see also RADIO TELESCOPE

verb
1 [v, vn] to become shorter, or make sth shorter, by sliding sections inside one another
2 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to reduce sth so that it happens in less time: Three episodes have been telescoped into a single programme.

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tele.scop.ic
adj.
1 connected with or using a telescope ; making things look larger as a telescope does: telescopic observations / lenses  a rifle with a telescopic sight
2 made of sections that can slide into each other to make the object longer or shorter: a telescopic aerial / umbrella
tele.scop.ic.al.ly adv.
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tele.text
noun [U] a service providing written news and information using television: See if the results are on teletext .
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tele.thon
noun a very long television show, broadcast to raise money for charity
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tele.type.writer
noun (AmE ) = TELEPRINTER
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tele.van.gel.ist
noun (especially in the US) a person who appears regularly on television to try to persuade people to become Christians and to give money
tele.van.gel.ism noun [U]
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tele.vise
verb [vn] [usually passive] to broadcast sth on television: a televised debate  to televise a novel  The speech will be televised live.
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tele.vi.sion
(abbr. TV) noun
1 (also 'television set) (also BrE informal telly) [C] a piece of electrical equipment with a screen on which you can watch programmes with moving pictures and sounds: a colour television  to turn the television on / off
2 (also BrE informal telly) [U] the programmes broadcast on television: We don’t do much in the evenings except watch television .
3 [U] the system, process or business of broadcasting television programmes: satellite / terrestrial / digital television  the television news  a television series / documentary  a television company / presenter  I’d like to work in television (= for a television company).—see also CABLE TELEVISION , CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION
IDM on (the) 'television (also informal on TV) (also BrE informal on the 'telly) being broadcast by television; appearing in a television programme: What’s on television tonight?  Is there anything good on the telly tonight?  It was on TV yesterday.  I recognize you. Aren’t you on television?
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tele.work.ing
noun [U] (BrE ) the practice of working from home, communicating with your office, customers and others by telephone, computer, etc.
tele.worker noun
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telex
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] an international system of communication in which messages are typed on a special machine and sent by the telephone system
2 [C] a message sent or received by telex : Several telexes arrived this morning.
3 [C] (informal) a machine for sending and receiving messages by telex

verb [v, vn] to send a message by telex

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tell
verb (told, told )
GIVE INFORMATION|
1 ~ sb (sth)| ~ sth to sb (of a person) to give information to sb by speaking or writing: [vn, vnn] He told the news to everybody he saw.  He told everybody he saw the news.  [vn] Why wasn’t I told about the accident?  [vnn] Did she tell you her name?  [vn (that)] They’ve told us (that) they’re not coming.  Are you telling me you didn’t have any help with this? (= I don’t believe what you have said)  [vn wh-] Tell me where you live.  [vn speech] ‘I’m ready to go now,’ he told her.  note at SAY
2 (of some writing, an instrument, a sign, etc.) to give information about sth: [vnn] The advertisement told us very little about the product.  [vn wh-] This gauge tells you how much fuel you have left.  [vn (that)] The sound of his breathing told her (that) he was asleep.
EXPRESS IN WORDS|
3 to express sth in words: [vn] to tell stories / jokes / lies  Are you telling the truth?  [vn wh-] I can’t tell you how happy I am.
SECRET|
4 [v] to let sb know a secret: Promise you won’t tell.  ‘Who are you going out with tonight?’‘That would be telling!’ (= it’s a secret)
ORDER|
5 to order or advise sb to do sth: [vn to inf] He was told to sit down and wait.  There was a sign telling motorists to slow down.  I kept telling myself to keep calm.  [vnn] Do what I tell you.  [vn] Children must do as they’re told .  [vn wh-] Don’t tell me what to do!  [vn (that)] The doctor told me (that) I should eat less fat.  note at ORDER , SAY
KNOW / JUDGE|
6 (not used in the progressive tenses) to know, see or judge sth correctly: [v] I think he’s happy. It’s hard to tell .  As far as I can tell, she’s enjoying the course.  [v (that)] I could tell (that) he was angry from his expression.  [v wh-] ‘That’s not an original.’‘How can you tell?’  The only way to tell if you like something is by trying it.
DISTINGUISH|
7 ~ A from B (not used in the progressive tenses or in the passive) to distinguish one thing or person from another: [vn] It was hard to tell the difference between the two versions.  Can you tell Tom from his twin brother?  It’s difficult to tell them apart .  [v wh-] The kittens looked exactly alike—how could you tell which was which?
HAVE EFFECT|
8 [v] ~ (on sb) to have an effect on sb/sth, especially a bad one: The strain was beginning to tell on the rescue team. all 'told with all people, etc. counted and included: There are 52 people coming, all told. don’t 'tell me (spoken, informal) used to say that you know or can guess what sb is going to say, especially because it is typical of them: Don’t tell me you were late again! I / I’ll ,tell you 'what (spoken) used to introduce a suggestion: I’ll tell you what—let’s stay in instead. I 'tell you | I can 'tell you | I’m 'telling you (spoken) used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when it is surprising or difficult to believe: It isn’t cheap, I can tell you!  I’m telling you, that’s exactly what she said. I 'told you (so) (spoken) used when sth bad has happened, to remind sb that you warned them about it and they did not listen to you ,live, etc. to ,tell the 'tale to survive a difficult or dangerous experience so that you can tell others what really happened tell a 'different story / tale to give some information that is different from what you expect or have been told tell its own tale / story to explain itself, without needing any further explanation or comment: Her face told its own story. 'tell me (spoken) used to introduce a question: Tell me, have you had lunch yet? 'tell me about it (spoken) used to say that you understand what sb is talking about and have had the same experience: ‘I get so annoyed with Steve!’‘Tell me about it. He drives me crazy.’ tell me a'nother! (spoken) used to tell sb that you do not believe what they have said tell 'tales (about sth / on sb) (BrE) to tell sb about sth that another person has done wrong—related noun TELLTALE tell the 'time (BrE) (AmE tell 'time) to read the time from a clock, etc: She’s only five—she hasn’t learnt to tell the time yet. tell sb where to get 'off / where they get 'off (BrE, informal) to make it clear to sb that you will no longer accept their bad behaviour tell sb where to 'put / 'stick sth | tell sb what they can 'do with sth (informal) to make it clear to sb that you are angry and are rejecting what they are offering you there’s no 'telling used to say that it is impossible to know what happened or will happen: There’s no telling how they’ll react. to tell (you) the 'truth used when admitting sth: To tell the truth, I fell asleep in the middle of her talk. you can never 'tell | you never can 'tell you can never be sure, for example because things are not always what they appear to be you’re telling 'me! (spoken, informal) I completely agree with you—more at HEAR , KISS v. , LITTLE adj. , THING , TIME n. , TRUTH ,tell a'gainst sb (BrE, formal) to be a disadvantage to sb: Her lack of experience told against her. 'tell of sth (formal or literary) to make sth known; to give an account of sth: notices telling of the proposed job cuts ,tell sb<->'off (for sth / for doing sth) (informal) to speak angrily to sb for doing sth wrong
SYN SCOLD : I told the boys off for making so much noise.  Did you get told off?—related noun TELLING-OFF 'tell on sb (informal) to tell a person in authority about sth bad that sb has done: Promise not to tell on me!
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tell.er
noun
1 a person whose job is to receive and pay out money in a bank
2 a machine that does this automatically: automatic teller machines
3 a person whose job is to count votes, especially in a parliament
4 (usually in compounds) a person who tells stories, etc: a foul-mouthed teller of lies—see also FORTUNE TELLER , STORYTELLER
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tell.ing
adj.
1 having a strong or important effect; effective: a telling argument / criticism
2 showing effectively what sb/sth is really like, but often without intending to: The number of homeless people is a telling comment on the state of society.
tell.ing.ly adv.
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,telling-'off
noun [usually sing.] (pl.,tellings-'off) (BrE , informal) the act of speaking angrily to sb, especially a child, because they have done sth bad
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tell.tale
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] showing that sth exists or has happened: telltale clues / marks / signs / sounds  The telltale smell of cigarettes told her that he had been in the room.

noun (BrE ) (AmE tat.tle.tale) (informal, disapproving) a child who tells an adult what another child has done wrong

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telly
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal)
1 [C] a television set: He spends most evenings just sitting in front of the telly.
2 [U] the programmes broadcast on television: daytime telly  Is there anything good on telly ?
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tem.er.ity
noun [U] (formal) extremely confident behaviour that people are likely to consider rude: He had the temerity to call me a liar!
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temp
noun, verb, abbr.
noun a temporary employee in an office, especially a secretary

verb [v] (informal) to do a temporary job or a series of temporary jobs: I’ve been temping for an employment agency.

abbr. (also temp. especially in AmE) temperature: Max temp 17 °C

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tem.per
noun, verb
noun
1 [C usually sing, U] if sb has a temper, they become angry very easily: a violent / short / quick temper  He must learn to control his temper.  She broke the plates in a fit of temper .  After an hour of waiting, tempers began to fray (= people began to get angry).
2 [C, usually sing.] a short period of feeling very angry: to fly into a temper  She says awful things when she’s in a temper .
3 [C] the way that you are feeling at a particular time
SYN MOOD : Come back when you’re in a better temper.  to be in a bad / filthy / foul temper
4 (-tempered) (in adjectives) having a particular type of temper: good- / bad-tempered  a sweet-tempered child
HELP You will find other compounds ending in -tempered at their place in the alphabet.
IDM lose / keep your 'temper (with sb) to fail/manage to control your anger: She lost her temper with a customer and shouted at him.  I struggle to keep my temper with the kids when they misbehave.—more at QUICK adj.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to make sth less severe by adding sth that has the opposite effect: Justice must be tempered with mercy.
2 (technical) to make metal as hard as it needs to be by heating and then cooling it

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tem.pera
noun [U] a kind of paint in which the colour is mixed with egg and water; a method of painting that uses this kind of paint
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tem.pera.ment
noun
1 [C, U] a person’s or an animal’s nature as shown in the way they behave or react to situations or people: to have an artistic / a nervous / a fiery temperament  a horse with an excellent temperament  She’s a dreamer and a romantic by temperament .
2 [U] the tendency to get emotional and excited very easily and behave in an unreasonable way: an actor given to displays of temperament
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tem.pera.men.tal
adj.
1 (usually disapproving) having a tendency to become angry, excited or upset easily, and to behave in an unreasonable way: You never know what to expect with her. She’s so temperamental.   (figurative) The printer’s being temperamental this morning.
2 connected with sb’s nature and personality: They are firm friends in spite of temperamental differences.
tem.pera.men.tal.ly adv.: I’m temperamentally unsuited to this job.
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tem.per.ance
noun [U]
1 (old-fashioned) the practice of not drinking alcohol because of your moral or religious beliefs
2 (formal) the practice of controlling your behaviour, the amount you eat, etc., so that it is always reasonable
SYN MODERATION
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tem.per.ate
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (technical) (of a climate or region) having a mild temperature without extremes of heat or cold: temperate zones / forests / latitudes
2 (formal) behaving in a calm and controlled way
OPP of sense 2 INTEMPERATE
tem.per.ate.ly adv.
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tem.pera.ture
noun [C, U] (abbr. temp)
1 the measurement in degrees of how hot or cold a thing or place is: high / low temperatures  a sudden fall / drop in temperature  The temperature has risen (by) five degrees.  Heat the oven to a temperature of 200°C (= degrees centigrade).  Some places have had temperatures in the 40s (= over 40° centigrade).  Keep the wine at room temperature .
2 the measurement of how hot sb’s body is: to take sb’s temperature (= measure the temperature of sb’s body using a special instrument)  Does he have a temperature (= is it higher than normal, because of illness)?  She’s running a temperature (= it is higher than normal).  He’s in bed with a temperature of 40°.—compare FEVER
IDM raise / lower the 'temperature to increase/decrease the amount of excitement, emotion, etc. in a situation: His angry refusal to agree raised the temperature of the meeting.  The government tried to lower the political temperature by agreeing to some of the demands.
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tem.pest
noun (formal or literary) a violent storm
IDM a tempest in a 'teapot (AmE) = A STORM IN A TEACUP at STORM n.
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tem.pes.tu.ous
adj.
1 (written) full of extreme emotions and excitement: a tempestuous relationship / love affair
2 (formal or literary) caused by or affected by a violent storm: tempestuous seas
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tem.plate
noun
1 a shape cut out of a hard material, used as a model for producing exactly the same shape many times in another material
2 a thing that is used as a model for producing other similar examples: If you need to write a lot of similar letters, set up a template on your computer.
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tem.ple
noun
1 a building used for the worship of a god or gods, especially in religions other than Christianity: the Temple of Diana at Ephesus  a Buddhist / Hindu / Sikh temple   (AmE) to go to temple (= to a service in a SYNAGOGUE , where Jews worship)
2 each of the flat parts at the side of the forehead: She had black hair, greying at the temples.—picture at BODY
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tempo
noun (pl.-os or, in sense 1,technicaltempi )
1 the speed or rhythm of a piece of music: a slow / fast tempo  It’s a difficult piece, with numerous changes of tempo.
2 the speed of any movement or activity
SYN PACE : the increasing tempo of life in Western society  Don’t let the other team dictate the tempo of the game.
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tem.poral
adj.
1 (formal) connected with the real physical world, not spiritual matters: Although spiritual leader of millions of people, the Pope has no temporal power.
2 (formal) connected with or limited by time: a universe which has spatial and temporal dimensions
3 (anatomy) near the TEMPLE(S) at the side of the head: the left / right temporal lobe of the brain
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tem.por.ary
adj. lasting or intended to last only for a short time; not permanent: temporary relief from pain  temporary work / accommodation  a temporary measure / solution / arrangement  More than half the staff are temporary.
OPP PERMANENT
tem.por.ar.ily adv.: We regret this service is temporarily unavailable.
tem.por.ari.ness noun [U]
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tem.por.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [v] (formal) to delay making a decision or giving a definite answer, in order to gain time
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tempt
verb ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth)
1 to attract sb or make sb want to do or have sth, even if they know it is wrong: [vn] I was tempted by the dessert menu.  Don’t tempt thieves by leaving valuables clearly visible.  [vn to inf] I was tempted to take the day off.
2 to persuade or try to persuade sb to do sth that you want them to do, for example by offering them sth: [vn] How can we tempt young people into engineering?  [vn to inf] Nothing would tempt me to live here.
IDM tempt 'fate / 'providence to do sth too confidently in a way that might mean that your good luck will come to an end: She felt it would be tempting fate to try the difficult climb a second time.
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temp.ta.tion
noun
1 [C, U] the desire to do or have sth that you know is bad or wrong: the temptation of easy profits  to give way to / yield to temptation  I couldn’t resist the temptation to open the letter.  Don’t put temptation in her way by offering her a cigarette.
2 [C] a thing that makes sb want to do or have sth that they know is bad or wrong: An expensive bicycle is a temptation to thieves.
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tempt.er
noun a person who tries to persuade sb to do sth, especially sth bad or wrong
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tempt.ing
adj. something that is tempting is attractive, and makes people want to have it, do it, etc: It was a tempting offer.  That cake looks very tempting.  It’s tempting to speculate about what might have happened.
tempt.ing.ly adv.
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temp.tress
noun (old-fashioned or humorous) a woman who TEMPTS sb, especially one who deliberately makes a man want to have sex with her
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ten
number 10
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
IDM ,ten out of 'ten (for sth) (BrE, often ironic) used to say that sb has guessed sth correctly or done sth very well: Not brilliant, Robyn, but I’ll give you ten out of ten for effort. ,ten to 'one very probably: Ten to one he’ll be late.
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ten.able
adj.
1 (of a theory, an opinion, etc.) easy to defend against attack or criticism: a tenable position  The old idea that this type of work was not suitable for women was no longer tenable.
OPP UNTENABLE
2 [not before noun] (of a job, position, etc., especially in a university) that can be held for a particular period of time: The lectureship is tenable for a period of three years.
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ten.acious
adj. (written)
1 that does not stop holding sth or give up sth easily; determined: a tenacious grip  The party has kept its tenacious hold on power for more than twenty years.
2 continuing to exist, have influence, etc. for longer than you might expect
SYN PERSISTENT : tenacious traditions / beliefs  a tenacious illness
ten.acious.ly adv.: Though seriously ill, he still clings tenaciously to life.
ten.acity noun [U]: They competed with skill and tenacity.
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ten.ancy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a period of time that you rent a house, land, etc. for: a three-month tenancy  a tenancy agreement
2 [C, U] the right to live or work in a building or on land that you rent: They had taken over the tenancy of the farm.
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ten.ant
noun, verb
noun a person who pays rent for the use of a room, building, land, etc. to the person who owns it: They had evicted their tenants for non-payment of rent.  The decorating was done by a previous tenant.  tenant farmers (= ones who do not own their own farms)

verb [vn] [usually passive] to live or work in a place as a tenant : a tenanted farm

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tench
noun (pl.tench) a European FRESHWATER fish
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tend
verb
1 [v to inf] to be likely to do sth or to happen in a particular way because this is what often or usually happens: Women tend to live longer than men.  When I’m tired, I tend to make mistakes.  It tends to get very cold here in the winter.  People tend to think that the problem will never affect them.
2 [v] ~ (to / towards sth) to take a particular direction or often have a particular quality: His views tend towards the extreme.  Prices have tended downwards over recent years.
3 ~ (to) sb/sth to care for sb/sth: [vn] a shepherd tending his sheep  Doctors and nurses tended the injured.  well-tended gardens  [v] Ambulance crews were tending to the injured.
4 [vn] (AmE) to serve customers in a store, bar, etc: He had a job tending bar in San Francisco.
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ten.dency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth)| ~ (to / towards sth) if sb/sth has a particular tendency, they are likely to behave or act in a particular way: to display artistic / musical / criminal tendencies  I have a tendency to talk too much when I’m nervous.  There is a tendency for this disease to run in families.  She has a strong natural tendency towards caution.
2 [C] ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth)| ~ (to / towards sth) a new custom that is starting to develop
SYN TREND : There is a growing tendency among employers to hire casual staff.
3 [C+sing./pl. v.] (BrE) a group within a larger political group, whose views are more extreme than those of the rest of the group: the militant tendency
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ten.den.tious
adj. (formal, usually disapproving) (of a speech, piece of writing, theory, etc.) expressing a very strong opinion that people are likely to disagree with: tendentious political memoirs
ten.den.tious.ly adv.
ten.den.tious.ness noun [U]
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ten.der
adj., noun, verb
adj. (ten.derer, ten.derest)
HELP more tender and most tender are also common
1 kind, gentle and loving: tender words / looks / kisses  What he needs now is a lot of tender loving care (= sympathetic treatment).
2 (of food) easy to bite through and cut: This meat is extremely tender.  Boil the beans until they are tender.
OPP TOUGH
3 (of part of the body) painful when you touch it SORE : My leg is still very tender where I banged it.
4 easily hurt or damaged DELICATE : tender young plants
ten.der.ly adv.
ten.der.ness noun [U]
IDM at a ,tender 'age | at the tender age of … used in connection with sb who is still young and does not have much experience: He left home at the tender age of 15.  She shouldn’t be having to deal with problems like this at such a tender age .

noun
1 a formal offer to supply goods or carry out work at a stated price
SYN BID : Cleaning and laundry services have been put out to tender (= companies have been asked to make offers to supply these services).  a competitive tender
2 a truck attached to a steam engine, carrying fuel and water
3 a small boat, used for carrying people or goods between a larger boat and the shore

verb
1 [v] ~ (for sth) to make a formal offer to supply goods or carry out work at a stated price: Local firms were invited to tender for the building contract.  competitive tendering
2 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to offer or give sth to sb: He has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister.

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tend.er.foot
noun (pl.tend.er.feet or tend.er.foots) (AmE , informal) a person who is new to sth and not experienced
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,tender-'hearted
adj. having a kind and gentle nature
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ten.der.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] to make meat softer and easier to cut and eat by preparing it in a particular way
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ten.der.loin
noun [U] good quality meat from the back or side of a cow or pig
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ten.don
noun a strong band of tissue in the body that joins a muscle to a bone
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ten.dril
noun
1 a thin curling stem that grows from a climbing plant. A plant uses tendrils to attach itself to a wall or other support.
2 (literary) a thin curling piece of sth such as hair: Her hair hung in tendrils about her face.
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tene.ment
noun a large building divided into flats/apartments, especially in a poor area of a city: a tenement block / building  They lived in a crumbling Glasgow tenement.
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tenet
noun (formal) one of the principles or beliefs that a theory or larger set of beliefs is based on: one of the basic / central tenets of Christianity
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ten.fold
adj., adv.  -FOLD
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ten.ner
noun (BrE , informal) £10 or a ten-pound note: You can have it for a tenner.
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ten.nis
(also formal ,lawn 'tennis) noun [U] a game in which two or four players use RACKETS to hit a ball backwards and forwards across a net on a specially marked court: a tennis player / tournament / club / court—
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'tennis racket
(also 'tennis rac.quet) noun the RACKET that you use when you play tennis
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'tennis shoe
(AmE also ath'letic shoe) noun a sports shoe that is made of strong cotton fabric or leather—picture at SHOE
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tenon
noun (technical ) an end of a piece of wood that has been cut to fit into a MORTISE so that the two are held together
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tenor
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a man’s singing voice with a range just below the lowest woman’s voice; a man with a tenor voice—compare ALTO , BARITONE , BASS
2 [sing.] a musical part written for tenor voice
3 [sing.] the ~ of sth (formal) the general character or meaning of sth: I was encouraged by the general tenor of his remarks.

adj. [only before noun] (of a musical instrument) with a range of notes similar to that of a tenor voice: a tenor saxophone / trombone—compare ALTO , SOPRANO

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,ten 'pence
(also ,ten pence 'piece, 10p ) noun a British coin worth ten pence: Have you got a ten pence piece?
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ten.pin
noun
1 [C] any of the ten bottle-shaped objects that players try to knock over in the game of TENPIN BOWLING
2 (ten.pins) [U] (AmE) = TENPIN BOWLING
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,tenpin 'bowling
(AmE also ten.pins) noun [U] a game in which players try to knock over tenpins by rolling a heavy ball at them, played indoors, especially in a BOWLING ALLEY
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tense
adj., noun, verb
adj.
1 (of a person) nervous or worried, and unable to relax: He’s a very tense person.  She sounded tense and angry.
2 (of a situation, an event, a period of time, etc.) in which people have strong feelings such as worry, anger, etc. that often cannot be expressed openly: I spent a tense few weeks waiting for the results of the tests.  The atmosphere in the meeting was getting more and more tense.
3 (of a muscle or other part of the body) tight rather than relaxed: tense shoulders / hands  A massage will relax those tense muscles.
4 (of wire, etc.) stretched tightly
tense.ly adv.
tense.ness noun [U]

noun (grammar ) any of the forms of a verb that may be used to show the time of the action or state expressed by the verb: the past / present / future tense

verb ~ (sth) (up) to make your muscles tight and stiff, especially because you are not relaxed: [v] She tensed, hearing the strange noise again.  [vn] He tensed himself, listening to see if anyone had followed him.
IDM be / get tensed 'up to become or feel nervous or worried so that you cannot relax

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ten.sile
adj. (technical )
1 [only before noun] used to describe the extent to which sth can stretch without breaking: the tensile strength of wire / rope
2 that can be drawn out or stretched: tensile cable
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ten.sion
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C, usually pl.] ~ (between A and B) a situation in which people do not trust each other, or feel unfriendly towards each other, and which may cause them to attack each other: There is mounting tension along the border.  international / racial / political tensions  Family tensions and conflicts may lead to violence.
2 [C, U] ~ (between A and B) a situation in which the fact that there are different needs or interests causes difficulties: There is often a tension between the aims of the company and the wishes of the employees.
3 [U] a feeling of anxiety and stress that makes it impossible to relax: nervous tension  We laughed and that helped ease the tension.
4 [U] the feeling of fear and excitement that is created by a writer or a film/movie DIRECTOR : dramatic tension  As the movie progresses the tension builds.
5 [U] the state of being stretched tight; the extent to which sth is stretched tight: muscular tension  Adjust the string tension of your tennis racket to suit your style of playing.—see also SURFACE TENSION

verb [vn] (technical ) to make a wire, sail, etc. tight and stretched

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tent
noun a shelter made of a large sheet of CANVAS , NYLON , etc. that is supported by poles and ropes fixed to the ground, and is used especially for camping: to put up / take down a tent  to pitch (= put up) a tent
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ten.tacle
noun
1 [C] a long thin part of the body of some creatures, such as an OCTOPUS , used for feeling or holding things, for moving or for getting food: (figurative) Tentacles of fear closed around her body.—
2 (tentacles) [pl.] (usually disapproving) the influence that a large place, organization or system has and that is hard to avoid: The tentacles of satellite television are spreading even wider.
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ten.ta.tive
adj.
1 (of an arrangement, agreement, etc.) not definite or certain because you may want to change it later: We made a tentative arrangement to meet again next Friday.  He reached some tentative conclusions about the possible cause of the accident.
2 not behaving or done with confidence
SYN HESITANT : a tentative smile / nod / greeting  Her English is correct but tentative.
ten.ta.tive.ly adv.
ten.ta.tive.ness noun [U]
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tent.ed
adj. consisting of tents; like a tent: a tented village / camp
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ten.ter.hooks
noun [pl.]
IDM (be) on 'tenterhooks (AmE also be on ,pins and 'needles) (to be) very anxious or excited while you are waiting to find out sth or see what will happen: I’ve been on tenterhooks all week waiting for the results.
ORIGIN From tenterhook, a hook which in the past was used to keep material stretched on a drying frame during manufacture.
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tenth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 10th
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.

noun each of ten equal parts of sth

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'tent peg
noun = PEG
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tenu.ous
adj.
1 so weak or uncertain that it hardly exists: a tenuous hold on life  His links with the organization turned out to be, at best, tenuous.
2 extremely thin and easily broken: the tenuous threads of a spider’s web
tenu.ous.ly adv.
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ten.ure
noun [U]
1 the period of time when sb holds an important job, especially a political one; the act of holding an important job: his four-year tenure as President  She knew that tenure of high political office was beyond her.
2 the right to stay permanently in your job, especially as a teacher at a university: It’s still extremely difficult to get tenure.
3 the legal right to live in a house or use a piece of land: When you rent a house here, you don’t have security of tenure.
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ten.ured
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of an official job) that you can keep permanently: a tenured appointment / post
2 (of a person, especially a teacher at a university) having the right to keep their job permanently: a tenured professor
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tepee
(also tee.pee) noun a type of tall tent shaped like a CONE , used by Native Americans in the past—see also WIGWAM
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tepid
adj.
1 slightly warm, sometimes in a way that is not pleasant
SYN LUKEWARM : tepid tea  a tepid bath / shower
2 not enthusiastic
SYN LUKEWARM : The play was greeted with tepid applause.
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te.quila
noun
1 [U] a strong alcoholic drink made in Mexico from a tropical plant
2 [C] a glass of tequila
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ter.cen.ten.ary
noun (pl.-ies) the 300th anniversary of sth: the tercentenary of the school’s foundation  tercentenary celebrations
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term
noun, verb
noun —see also TERMS
1 [C] a word or phrase used as the name of sth, especially one connected with a particular type of language: technical / legal / scientific terms  a term of abuse  ‘Register’ is the term commonly used to describe different levels of formality in language.
2 (AmE also tri.mes.ter) [C, U] (especially in Britain) one of the three periods in the year during which classes are held in schools, universities, etc: the spring / summer / autumn / fall term   (BrE) It’s nearly the end of term .   (AmE) the end of the term  during term (time)—see also SEMESTER , TERMLY , TERM-TIME
3 [C] a period of time for which sth lasts; a fixed or limited time: during the president’s first term of / in office   He faces a maximum prison / jail term of 25 years.  a long term of imprisonment
4 [sing.] (formal) the end of a particular period of time, especially one for which an agreement, etc. lasts: His life had reached its natural term.   (medical) The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time).
5 [C] (mathematics) each of the various parts in a series, an EQUATION etc.
IDM in the 'long / 'short / 'medium term used to describe what will happen a long, short, etc. time in the future: Such a development seems unlikely, at least in the short term (= it will not happen for quite a long time).—see also LONG-TERM , MEDIUM-TERM , SHORT-TERM

verb [often passive] (formal) to use a particular name or word to describe sb/sth: [vn-n] At his age, he can hardly be termed a young man.  REM sleep is termed ‘active’ sleep. [alsovn-adj]

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ter.min.al
noun, adj.
noun
1 a building or set of buildings at an airport where air passengers arrive and leave: A second terminal was opened in 1998.
2 a place, building or set of buildings where journeys by train, bus or boat begin or end: a railway / bus / ferry terminal
3 (computing) a piece of equipment, usually consisting of a keyboard and a screen that joins the user to a central computer system
4 (technical) a point at which connections can be made in an electric CIRCUIT : a positive / negative terminal

adj.
1 (of an illness or a disease) that cannot be cured and will lead to death, often slowly: He has terminal lung cancer.  The illness is usually terminal.   (figurative) She’s suffering from terminal (= very great) boredom.
2 (of a person) suffering from an illness that cannot be cured and will lead to death: a terminal case / patient
3 certain to get worse and come to an end: The industry is in terminal decline .
4 [only before noun] (formal ortechnical) at the end of sth: a terminal branch of a tree  terminal examinations (= at the end of a course, etc.)
ter.min.al.ly adv.: a hospice for the terminally ill  a terminally dull film

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ter.min.ate
verb (formal)
1 to end; to make sth end: [v] Your contract of employment terminates in December.  [vn] The agreement was terminated immediately.  to terminate a pregnancy (= to have an ABORTION )
2 [v] (of a bus or train) to end a journey/trip: This train terminates at London Victoria.
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ter.min.ation
noun
1 [U, C] (formal) the act of ending sth; the end of sth: Failure to comply with these conditions will result in termination of the contract.
2 [C] (medical) a medical operation to end a pregnancy at an early stage
SYN ABORTION
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ter.min.ology
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the set of technical words or expressions used in a particular subject: medical terminology
2 [U] words used with particular meanings: The disagreement arose over a difference use of terminology.
ter.mino.logic.al adj.
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ter.minus
noun (pl.ter.mini ) the last station at the end of a railway/railroad line or the last stop on a bus route
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ter.mite
noun an insect that lives in organized groups, mainly in hot countries. Termites do a lot of damage by eating the wood of trees and buildings: a termite colony
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term.ly
adj. (BrE ) happening in each of the periods that the school or college year is divided into: termly reports / examinations  to pay fees in termly instalments
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'term paper
noun (in an American school or college) a long piece of written work that a student does on a subject that is part of a course of study
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terms
noun [pl.]
1 the conditions that people offer, demand or accept when they make an agreement, an arrangement or a contract: peace terms  Under the terms of the agreement, their funding of the project will continue until 2005.  They failed to agree on the terms of a settlement.  These are the terms and conditions of your employment.
2 conditions that you agree to when you buy, sell, or pay for sth; a price or cost: to buy sth on easy terms (= paying for it over a long period)  My terms are £20 a lesson.
3 a way of expressing yourself or of saying sth: We wish to protest in the strongest possible terms (= to say we are very angry).  I’ll try to explain in simple terms.  The letter was brief, and couched in very polite terms .
IDM be on good, friendly, bad, etc. 'terms (with sb) to have a good, friendly, etc. relationship with sb: I had no idea that you and he were on such intimate terms (= were such close friends).  He is still on excellent terms with his ex-wife.  I’m on first-name terms with my boss now (= we call each other by our first names). come to 'terms (with sb) to reach an agreement with sb; to find a way of living or working together come to 'terms with sth to accept sth unpleasant by learning to deal with it: She is still coming to terms with her son’s death. in terms of 'sth | in … terms used to show what aspect of a subject you are talking about or how you are thinking about it: The job is great in terms of salary, but it has its disadvantages.  The decision was disastrous in political terms.  He’s talking in terms of starting a completely new career. on your own 'terms | on sb’s 'terms according to the conditions that you or sb else decides: I’ll only take the job on my own terms.  I’m not doing it on your terms.—more at CONTRADICTION , EQUAL , SPEAK , UNCERTAIN
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,terms of 'reference
noun [pl.] the limits that are set on what an official committee or report has been asked to do: The matter, they decided, lay outside the commission’s terms of reference.
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'term-time
noun [U] (BrE ) the period of time when classes are held at a school, college, or university, as opposed to the holidays/vacations: I never went out in the evenings during term-time.
'term-time adj. [only before noun]: Please state your home and term-time addresses.
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tern
noun a seabird with long pointed wings and a tail with two points
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ter.race
noun
1 [C] (BrE) (often in the names of streets) a continuous row of similar houses that are joined together in one block: 12 Albert Terrace
2 [C] a flat, hard area, especially outside a house or restaurant, where you can sit, eat and enjoy the sun: a sun terrace  a roof terrace  All rooms have a balcony or terrace.—see also PATIO
3 (terraces) [pl.] (BrE) the wide steps at a football ground where people can stand to watch the game
4 [C] one of a series of flat areas of ground that are cut into the side of a hill like steps so that crops can be grown there
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ter.raced
adj.
1 (BrE) used to describe houses that form part of a terrace , or streets with houses in terraces : a terraced cottage  terraced housing  terraced streets
2 (of a slope or the side of a hill) having a series of flat areas of ground like steps cut into it: a terraced garden  a terraced hillside
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,terraced 'house
(also less frequent ,terrace 'house) (both BrE ) (AmE 'row house, town.house) noun a house that is one of a row of houses that are joined together on each side
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ter.ra.cing
noun [U]
1 (BrE) an area with wide steps at a football ground where people can stand to watch the game: Many clubs want to keep terracing at their grounds.
2 a slope or the side of a hill that has had flat areas like steps cut into it
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terra.cotta
noun [U]
1 reddish-brown clay that has been baked but not GLAZED , used for making pots, etc: terracotta pots / tiles / roofs
2 a reddish-brown colour
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terra firma
noun [U] (from Latin , usually humorous) safe dry land, as contrasted with water or air: After two days at sea, it was good to be back on terra firma again.
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ter.rain
noun [C, U] (written) used to refer to an area of land when you are mentioning its natural features, for example, if it is rough, flat, etc: difficult / rough / mountainous terrain
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terra.pin
noun a small TURTLE (= a reptile with a hard round shell), that lives in warm rivers and lakes in N America—compare TORTOISE
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ter.res.trial
adj.
1 (technical) (of animals and plants) living on the land or on the ground, rather than in water, in trees or in the air
2 connected with the planet Earth: terrestrial life—compare CELESTIAL , EXTRATERRESTRIAL
3 (of television and broadcasting systems) operating on earth rather than from a SATELLITE
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ter.rible
adj.
1 very unpleasant; making you feel very unhappy, upset or frightened: a terrible shock / experience / nightmare  What terrible news!  I’ve just had a terrible thought.
2 causing great harm or injury; very serious: a terrible storm / murder / accident  He had suffered terrible injuries.
3 [not before noun] unhappy or ill: I feel terrible—I think I’ll go to bed.
4 (informal) of very bad quality; very bad: a terrible meal / book / hotel  I have a terrible memory for names.  Your driving is terrible!
5 [only before noun] used to show the great extent or degree of sth bad: a terrible mistake  to be in terrible pain  The room was in a terrible mess.   (informal) I had a terrible job (= it was very difficult) to persuade her to come!
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ter.ribly
adv.
1 (especially BrE) very: I’m terribly sorry—did I hurt you?  It’s terribly important for parents to be consistent.
2 very much; very badly: I miss him terribly.  They suffered terribly when their son was killed.  The experiment went terribly wrong.
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ter.rier
noun a small active dog. There are many types of terrier .—see also BULL TERRIER , JACK RUSSELL , PIT BULL TERRIER , YORKSHIRE TERRIER
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ter.rif.ic
adj.
1 (informal) excellent; wonderful: I feel absolutely terrific today!  She’s doing a terrific job.
2 very large; very great: We drove along at a terrific speed.  I’ve got a terrific amount of work to do.
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ter.rif.ic.al.ly
adv. (informal) extremely (usually used about positive qualities): terrifically exciting / talented
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ter.ri.fied
adj. ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) very frightened: to be terrified of heights / spiders  I’m terrified of losing you.  He was terrified (that) he would fall.  She was terrified at the thought of being alone.
IDM see WIT
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ter.rify
verb (ter.ri.fies, ter.ri.fy.ing, ter.ri.fied, ter.ri.fied) [vn] to make sb feel extremely frightened: Flying terrifies her.
ter.ri.fy.ing adj.: It was a terrifying experience.
ter.ri.fy.ing.ly adv.
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ter.rine
noun [U, C] a soft mixture of finely chopped meat, fish, etc. pressed into a container and served cold, especially in slices as the first course of a meal: chicken / vegetable terrine
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Ter.ri.tor.ial
noun (in Britain) a member of the Territorial Army
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ter.ri.tor.ial
adj.
1 connected with the land or sea that is owned by a particular country: territorial gains / disputes  Both countries feel they have territorial claims to (= have a right to own) the islands.
2 (technical) (of animals, birds, etc.) guarding and defending an area of land that they believe to be their own: territorial instincts  Cats are very territorial.
ter.ri.tori.al.ity noun [U]: the instinctive territoriality of some animals
ter.ri.tori.al.ly adv.: The country was trying to expand territorially.
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the ,Territorial 'Army
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (abbr. TA) (in Britain) a military force of people who are not professional soldiers but who train as soldiers in their free time
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,territorial 'waters
noun [pl.] the parts of a sea or an ocean which are near a country’s coast and are legally under its control
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ter.ri.tory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] land that is under the control of a particular country or ruler: enemy / disputed / foreign territory  occupied territories  They have refused to allow UN troops to be stationed in their territory.
2 [C, U] an area that one person, group, animal, etc. considers as their own and defends against others who try to enter it: Mating blackbirds will defend their territory against intruders.   (figurative) This type of work is uncharted territory for us.   (figurative) Legal problems are Andy’s territory (= he deals with them).
3 [C, U] an area of a town, country, etc. that sb has responsibility for in their work or another activity: Our representatives cover a very large territory.
4 [U] a particular type of land: unexplored territory
5 (also Territory) [C] a country or an area that is part of the US, Australia or Canada but is not a state or PROVINCE : Guam and American Samoa are US territories.
IDM ,come / ,go with the 'territory to be a normal and accepted part of a particular job, situation, etc.—more at NEUTRAL adj.
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ter.ror
noun
1 [U, sing.] a feeling of extreme fear: a feeling of sheer / pure terror  Her eyes were wild with terror.  People fled from the explosion in terror .  She lives in terror of (= is constantly afraid of) losing her job.  Some women have a terror of losing control in the birth process.   (literary) The very name of the enemy struck terror into their hearts.
2 [C] a person, situation or thing that makes you very afraid: These street gangs have become the terror of the neighbourhood.  Death holds no terrors for (= does not frighten or worry) me.  The terrors of the night were past.
3 [U] violent action or the threat of violent action that is intended to cause fear, usually for political purposes
SYN TERRORISM : a campaign of terror  terror tactics—see also REIGN OF TERROR
4 [C] (informal) a person (usually a child) or an animal that causes you trouble or is difficult to control: Their kids are real little terrors.
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ter.ror.ism
noun [U] the use of violent action in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to act: an act of terrorism
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ter.ror.ist
noun a person who takes part in terrorism : The terrorists are threatening to blow up the plane.  a terrorist attack / bomb / group—compare FREEDOM FIGHTER
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ter.ror.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sb (into doing sth) to frighten and threaten people so that they will not oppose sth or will do as they are told: drug dealers terrorizing the neighbourhood  Thousands of people were terrorized into leaving their homes.
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'terror-stricken
adj. extremely frightened
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terry
noun [U] a soft cotton fabric that absorbs liquids and has a surface covered with raised LOOPS of thread, used especially for making towels
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terse
adj. using few words and often not seeming polite or friendly: a terse voice / style  The President issued a terse statement denying the charges.
terse.ly adv.
terse.ness noun [U]
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ter.tiary
adj. third in order, rank or importance: the tertiary sector (= the area of industry that deals with services rather than materials or goods)   (BrE ) tertiary education (= at university or college level)—compare PRIMARY , SECONDARY
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'tertiary college
noun (in Britain) a college that provides education for people aged 16 and older, but that is not a university
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Tery.lene
™noun [U] (BrE ) a light strong artificial fabric, used for making clothes, etc.
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TESL
abbr. teaching English as a second language
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TESOL
abbr.
1 teaching English to speakers of other languages
2 (AmE) teachers of English to speakers of other languages (an organization of teachers)
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test
noun, verb
noun
OF KNOWLEDGE / ABILITY|
1 ~ (on sth) an examination of sb’s knowledge or ability, consisting of questions for them to answer or activities for them to carry out: an IQ / intelligence / aptitude test  to take a test   (BrE) to do a test  a test on irregular verbs  to pass / fail a test   (BrE) a good mark in the test   (AmE) a good grade on the test
HELP Use take / do / sit a test not write a test.—see also DRIVING TEST   note at EXAM
OF HEALTH|
2 a medical examination to discover what is wrong with you or to check the condition of your health: a test for Aids  an eye test  a pregnancy test  When can I get my test results?—see also BLOOD TEST , BREATH TEST
OF MACHINE / PRODUCT, etc.|
3 an experiment to discover whether or how well sth works, or to find out more information about it: laboratory tests  a nuclear test  Tests have shown high levels of pollutants in the water.—see also ACID TEST , FIELD TEST , MEANS TEST , ROAD TEST
OF STRENGTH, etc.|
4 a situation or an event that shows how good, strong, etc. sb/sth is: The local elections will be a good test of the government’s popularity.  The match with Dundee is a real test of character for us.
IN CRICKET, etc.|
5 = TEST MATCH put sb/sth to the 'test to put sb/sth in a situation which will show what their true qualities are: His theories have never really been put to the test. stand the test of 'time to prove to be good, popular, etc. over a long period of time: Her poetry will stand the test of time.

verb
KNOWLEDGE / ABILITY|
1 to examine sb’s knowledge or ability by asking them questions or giving them activities to carry out: [vn] We test your English before deciding which class to put you in.  Children are tested on core subjects at ages 7, 11 and 14.  [v] Schools use various methods of testing.
HEALTH|
2 ~ sb/sth (for sth) to examine the blood, a part of the body, etc. to find out what is wrong with a person, or to check the condition of their health: [vn] to test sb’s eyesight / hearing  The doctor tested him for hepatitis.  [v-adj] to test positive / negative  Two athletes tested positive for steroids.
MACHINE / PRODUCT, etc.|
3 [vn] ~ sth (on sth / for sth) to use a machine, product or substance to find out how well it works or to find out more information about it: You should test your brakes regularly.  Our beauty products are not tested on animals.  The water is regularly tested for purity.
STRENGTH, etc.|
4 [vn] to be difficult and therefore need all your strength, ability, etc: The long climb tested our fitness and stamina.—see also TESTING test the 'waters to find out what the situation is before doing sth or making a decision—more at TRIED 'test for sth| test sth for sth to examine sth to see if a particular substance, etc. is present: testing for oil  The software has been tested for viruses.

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test.able
adj. that can be tested: testable predictions / hypotheses
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tes.ta.ment
noun (formal)
1 [C usually sing, U] ~ (to sth) a thing that shows that sth else exists or is true
SYN TESTIMONY : The new model is a testament to the skill and dedication of the workforce.
2 [C] = WILL : This is the last will and testament of …—see also NEW TESTAMENT , OLD TESTAMENT
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'test ban
noun an agreement between countries to stop testing nuclear weapons: a test ban treaty
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'test case
noun a legal case or other situation whose result will be used as an example when decisions are being made on similar cases in the future
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'test drive
noun an occasion when you drive a vehicle that you are thinking of buying so that you can see how well it works and if you like it
'test-drive verb : [vn] Why not test-drive the new BMW?
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test.er
noun
1 a person or thing that tests sth: a battery tester  testers of new software
2 a small container of a product, such as PERFUME , that you can try in a shop/store to see if you like it
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tes.tes
pl. of TESTIS
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tes.ticle
noun either of the two organs that produce SPERM , enclosed in a bag of skin below the PENIS
tes.ticu.lar adj. [only before noun]: testicular cancer
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test.ify
verb (testi.fies, testi.fy.ing, testi.fied, testi.fied)
1 ~ (against / for sb)| ~ (to / about sth) to make a statement that sth happened or that sth is true, especially as a WITNESS in a court of law: [v] She refused to testify against her husband.  There are several witnesses who will testify for the defence.  He was summoned to testify before a grand jury.  [v (that)] He testified (that) he was at the theatre at the time of the murder. [alsov speech]
2 [v (that)] to say that you believe sth is true because you have evidence of it: Too many young people are unable to write or spell well, as employers will testify.
3 [v] (especially AmE) to express your belief in God publicly
PVR V 'testify to sth (formal) to show or be evidence that sth is true
SYN EVIDENCE : The film testifies to the courage of ordinary people during the war.
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tes.ti.mo.nial
noun
1 a formal written statement, often by a former employer, about sb’s abilities, qualities and character; a formal written statement about the quality of sth: a glowing testimonial  The catalogue is full of testimonials from satisfied customers.
2 a thing that is given or done to show admiration for sb or to thank sb: a testimonial game (= to raise money for a particular player)
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tes.ti.mony
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that shows that sth else exists or is true
SYN TESTAMENT : This increase in exports bears testimony to the successes of industry.  The pyramids are an eloquent testimony to the ancient Egyptians' engineering skills.
2 [C, U] a formal written or spoken statement saying what you know to be true, usually in a court of law: a sworn testimony  Her claim was supported by the testimony of several witnesses.  Can I refuse to give testimony?
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test.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U] the activity of testing sb/sth in order to find sth out, see if it works, etc: nuclear testing  testing and assessment in education

adj. (of a problem or situation) difficult to deal with and needing particular strength or abilities: This has been a testing time for us all.

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'testing ground
noun
1 a place or situation used for testing new ideas and methods to see if they work: Eastern Europe has been a testing ground for rapid economic reform.
2 a place used for testing machines, vehicles, etc. to see if they work correctly: a piece of land in use as a tank testing ground
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tes.tis
noun (pl.tes.tes ) (anatomy ) a TESTICLE
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'test match
(also test) noun a cricket or rugby match played between the teams of two different countries, usually as part of a series of matches on a tour
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tes.tos.ter.one
noun a HORMONE produced in men’s TESTICLES that causes them to develop the physical and sexual features that are characteristic of the male body—compare OESTROGEN , PROGESTERONE
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'test pilot
noun a pilot whose job is to fly aircraft in order to test their performance
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,test 'run
noun = TRIAL RUN
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'test tube
noun a small glass tube, closed at one end, that is used in scientific experiments—picture at LABORATORY
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'test-tube baby
noun a baby that grows from an egg that is FERTILIZED outside the mother’s body and then put back inside to continue developing normally—see also IN VITRO
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testy
adj. (written) easily annoyed or irritated
SYN IRRITABLE : The old man sounded testy.
test.ily adv.: ‘Leave me alone,’ she said testily.
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tet.anus
noun [U] a disease in which the muscles, especially the jaw muscles, become stiff, caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds
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tetchy
adj. bad-tempered; likely to get angry easily or without good reason
tetch.ily adv.
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tête-à-tête
noun (from French ) a private conversation between two people
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tether
verb, noun
verb [vn] ~ sth (to sth) to tie an animal to a post so that it cannot move very far

noun a rope or chain used to tie an animal to sth, allowing it to move around in a small area
IDM see END n.

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Teut.on.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (informal, often disapproving) showing qualities considered typical of German people: The preparations were made with Teutonic thoroughness.
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Tex-Mex
adj. [only before noun] connected with the variety of Mexican cooking, music, etc. that is found in Texas and the SW part of the US: a Tex-Mex restaurant
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text
noun
1 [U] the main printed part of a book or magazine, not the notes, pictures, etc: My job is to lay out the text and graphics on the page.
2 [U] any form of written material: a computer that can process text  printed text
3 [C] the written form of a speech, a play, an article, etc: The newspaper had printed the full text of the president’s speech.  Can you act out this scene without referring to the text?
4 [C] a book, play, etc., especially one studied for an exam: a literary text   (BrE) ‘Macbeth’ is a set text this year.
5 [C] a piece of writing that you have to answer questions about in an exam or a lesson
SYN PASSAGE : Read the text carefully and then answer the questions.
6 [C] (AmE) = TEXTBOOK : medical texts
7 [C] a sentence or short passage from the Bible that is read out and discussed by sb, especially during a religious service
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text.book
noun, adj.
noun (AmE also text) a book that teaches a particular subject and that is used especially in schools and colleges: a school / medical / history textbook

adj. [only before noun] used to describe sth that is done exactly as it should be done, in the best possible way: It was a textbook example of how the game should be played.

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tex.tile
noun
1 [C, U] any type of fabric made by weaving or knitting: a factory producing a range of textiles  the textile industry  a textile mill / designer
2 (textiles) [pl.] the industry that makes fabric
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text.ual
adj. [usually before noun] (written) connected with or contained in a text: textual criticism / analysis  textual errors
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tex.tural
adj. (technical ) relating to texture : the textural characteristics of the rocks
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tex.ture
noun [C, U]
1 the way a surface, substance or fabric feels when you touch it, for example, how rough, smooth, hard or soft it is: the soft texture of velvet  She uses a variety of different colours, shapes and textures in her wall hangings.
2 the way food or drink tastes or feels in your mouth, for example, whether it is rough, smooth, light, heavy, etc: The two cheeses were very different in both taste and texture.
3 the way that different parts of a piece of music or literature are combined to create a final impression: the rich texture of the symphony
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tex.tured
adj. with a surface that is not smooth, but has a particular texture : textured wallpaper  a coarse-textured surface
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-th
suffix
1 (in ordinal numbers): sixth  fifteenth  hundredth
2 (in nouns) the action or process of: growth
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thal.ido.mide
noun [U] a SEDATIVE drug which was given to pregnant women until, in the 1960s, it was found to have prevented some babies from developing normal arms and legs
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than
prep., conj.
1 used to introduce the second part of a comparison: I’m older than her.  There was more whisky in it than soda.  He loves me more than you do.  It was much better than I’d expected.  You should know better than to behave like that.  I’d rather e-mail than phone, if that’s OK by you.
2 more / less / fewer, etc. ~ used for comparing amounts, numbers, distances, etc: It never takes more than an hour.  It’s less than a mile to the beach.  There were fewer than twenty people there.
3 used in expressions showing that one thing happens straight after another: No sooner had I sat down than there was a loud knock on the door.  Hardly had we arrived than the problems started.
IDM see OTHER adj.
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thank
verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to tell sb that you are grateful for sth: I must write and thank Mary for the present.  There’s no need to thank me—I enjoyed doing it.  In his speech, he thanked everyone for all their hard work.  She said goodbye and thanked us for coming.
IDM have sb to thank (for sth) used when you are saying who is responsible for sth: I have my parents to thank for my success. I’ll thank you for sth / to do sth (formal, spoken) used to tell sb that you are annoyed and do not want them to do sth: I’ll thank you to mind your own business. thank 'God / 'goodness / 'heaven(s) (for sth) used to say that you are pleased about sth: Thank God you’re safe!  ‘Thank goodness for that!’ she said with a sigh of relief.
HELP Some people find the phrase thank God offensive. thank your lucky 'stars to feel very grateful and lucky about sth sb won’t 'thank you for sth used to say that sb will not be pleased or will be annoyed about sth: John won’t thank you for interfering.
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thank.ful
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) pleased about sth good that has happened, or sth bad that has not happened: I was thankful to see they’d all arrived safely.  He wasn’t badly hurt—that’s something to be thankful for.  I was thankful that they hadn’t asked for more.
IDM see SMALL adj.
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thank.ful.ly
adv.
1 used to show that you are pleased and relieved that sth good has happened or that sth bad has been avoided
SYN FORTUNATELY : There was a fire in the building, but thankfully no one was hurt.  Thankfully, the house was empty when I got home.
2 in a pleased or grateful way: At the end of a busy day, I just sink thankfully into bed.  I accepted the invitation thankfully.
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thank.less
adj. unpleasant or difficult to do and unlikely to bring you any rewards or thanks from anyone: Sometimes being a mother and a housewife felt like a thankless task .
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thanks
exclamation, noun
exclamation —see also THANK YOU
1 ~ (for sth / doing sth) used to show that you are grateful to sb for sth they have done: Thanks a lot for lending me the money.  Many thanks for your support.  ‘How are you?’‘Fine, thanks.’ (= thanks for asking)
2 a polite way of accepting sth that sb has offered you: ‘Would you like a coffee?’‘Oh, thanks.’  ‘Here’s the change.’‘Thanks very much .’
3 (no thanks) a polite way of refusing sth that sb has offered you: ‘Would you like some more?’‘No thanks.’

noun [pl.] ~ (to sb) (for sth) words or actions that show that you are grateful to sb for sth
SYN GRATITUDE : How can I ever express my thanks to you for all you’ve done?  Thanks are due to all those who worked so hard for so many months.  She murmured her thanks.—see also VOTE OF THANKS
IDM no thanks to sb/sth in spite of sb/sth; with no help from sb/sth: We managed to get it finished in the end—no thanks to him (= he didn’t help). thanks to sb/sth (sometimes ironic) used to say that sth has happened because of sb/sth: It was all a great success—thanks to a lot of hard work.  Everyone knows about it now, thanks to you!

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thanks.giv.ing
noun
1 Thanks'giving (Day) [U, C] a public holiday in the US (on the fourth Thursday in November) and in Canada (on the second Monday in October), originally to give thanks to God for the HARVEST and for health—compare HARVEST FESTIVAL
2 [U] (formal) the expression of thanks to God
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'thank you
exclamation, noun
exclamation —see also THANKS
1 ~ (for sth / for doing sth) used to show that you are grateful to sb for sth they have done: Thank you for your letter.  Thank you very much for sending the photos.
2 a polite way of accepting sth that sb has offered you: ‘Would you like some help with that?’‘Oh, thank you.’
3 (no thank you) a polite way of refusing sth that sb has offered you: ‘Would you like some more cake?’‘No thank you.’
4 used at the end of a sentence to tell sb firmly that you do not need their help or advice: ‘Shall I do that?’‘I can do it myself, thank you.’

noun [usually sing.] ~ (to sb) (for sth) an act, a gift, a comment, etc. intended to thank sb for sth they have done: The actor sent a big thank you to all his fans for their letters of support.  She took the money without so much as a thank you.  a thank-you letter

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that
det., pron., conj., adv.
det. (pl.those )
1 used for referring to a person or thing that is not near the speaker or as near to the speaker as another: Look at that man over there.  How much are those apples at the back?
2 used for referring to sb/sth that has already been mentioned or is already known about: I was living with my parents at that time.  That incident changed their lives.  Have you forgotten about that money I lent you last week?  That dress of hers is too short.

pron. (pl.those )
1 used for referring to a person or thing that is not near the speaker, or not as near to the speaker as another: Who’s that?  That’s Peter over there.  Hello. Is that Jo?  That’s a nice dress.  Those look riper than these.
2 used for referring to sb/sth that has already been mentioned, or is already known about: What can I do about that?  Do you remember when we went to Norway? That was a good trip.  That’s exactly what I think.
3 (formal) used for referring to people or things of a particular type: Those present were in favour of change.  There are those who say (= some people say) she should not have got the job.  Salaries are higher here than those in my country.
4 (pl.that) used as a relative pronoun to introduce a part of a sentence which refers to the person, thing or time you have been talking about: Where’s the letter that came yesterday?  Who was it that won the US Open?  The watch (that) you gave me keeps perfect time.  The people (that) I spoke to were very helpful.  It’s the best novel (that) I’ve ever read.  We moved here the year (that) my mother died.
HELP In spoken and informal written English that is nearly always left out when it is the object of the verb or is used with a preposition.
IDM and (all) 'that (BrE, informal) and everything else connected with an activity, a situation, etc.
SYN AND SO ON : Did you bring the contract and (all) that? that is (to say) used to say what sth means or to give more information: He’s a local government administrator, that is to say a civil servant.  You’ll find her very helpful—if she’s not too busy, that is. ,that’s 'that used to say that your decision cannot be changed: Well I’m not going, and that’s that.

conj.
1 used after some verbs, adjectives and nouns to introduce a new part of the sentence: She said (that) the story was true.  It’s possible (that) he has not received the letter.  The fact (that) he’s older than me is not relevant.
HELP In spoken and informal written English that is usually left out after reporting verbs and adjectives. It is less often left out after nouns.
2 so … that … used to express a result: She was so tired (that) she couldn’t think straight.
HELP In informal English that is often left out.
3 (literary) used for expressing a hope or a wish: Oh that I could see him again!

adv.
1 used when saying how much or showing how long, big, etc. sth is with your hands: I can’t walk that far (= as far as that).  It’s about that long.
2 not (all) ~ not very, or not as much as has been said: It isn’t all that cold.  There aren’t that many people here.
3 (BrE, informal) used to emphasize how much: I was that scared I didn’t know what to do.

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thatch
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] dried STRAW , REEDS , etc. used for making a roof; a roof made of this material: a roof made of thatch  The thatch was badly damaged in the storm.
2 [sing.] ~ of hair (informal) thick hair on sb’s head

verb [vn] to cover the roof of a building with thatch
thatched adj.: They live in a thatched cottage.

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thatch.er
noun a person whose job is thatching roofs
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thaw
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (out) (of ice and snow) to turn back into water after being frozen: The snow started to thaw as the temperature kept up.
OPP FREEZE
2 [v] when it thaws or is thawing, the weather becomes warm enough to melt snow and ice: It’s starting to thaw.
3 ~ (sth) (out) to become, or to let frozen food become, soft or liquid ready for cooking—compare DEFROST , DE-ICE , UNFREEZE : [v] Leave the meat to thaw completely before cooking. [oftenvn]
4 ~ (sth) (out) to become, or make sth become, a normal temperature after being very cold: [v] I could feel my ears and toes start to thaw out. [alsovn]
5 [v] ~ (out) to become more friendly and less formal: Relations between the two countries thawed a little after the talks.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a period of warmer weather following one of cold weather, causing snow and ice to melt: The river doubles in size during the spring thaw.
2 [sing.] ~ (in sth) a situation in which the relations between two enemy countries become more friendly

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the
definite article
1 used to refer to sb/sth that has already been mentioned or is easily understood: There were three questions. The first two were relatively easy but the third one was hard.  There was an accident here yesterday. A car hit a tree and the driver was killed.  The heat was getting to be too much for me.  The nights are getting longer.
2 used to refer to sb/sth that is the only, normal or obvious one of their kind: the Mona Lisa  the Nile  the Queen  What’s the matter?  The phone rang.  I patted her on the back.  How’s the (= your) baby?
3 used when explaining which person or thing you mean: the house at the end of the street  The people I met there were very friendly.  It was the best day of my life.  You’re the third person to ask me that.  Friday the thirteenth  Alexander the Great
4 used to refer to a thing in general rather than a particular example: He taught himself to play the violin.  The dolphin is an intelligent animal.  They placed the African elephant on their endangered list.  I heard it on the radio.  I’m usually out during the day.
5 used with adjectives to refer to a thing or a group of people described by the adjective: With him, you should always expect the unexpected.  the unemployed / the elderly / the French
6 used before the plural of sb’s last name to refer to a whole family or a married couple: Don’t forget to invite the Jordans.
7 enough of sth for a particular purpose: I wanted it but I didn’t have the money.
8 used with a unit of measurement to mean ‘every’: My car does forty miles to the gallon.  You get paid by the hour.
9 used with a unit of time to mean ‘the present’: Why not have the dish of the day?  She’s flavour of the month with him.
10 (spoken) used, stressing the, to show that the person or thing referred to is famous or important: Sheryl Crow? Not 'the Sheryl Crow?  At that time London was 'the place to be.
IDM the more, less, etc. … , the more, less, etc. … used to show that two things change to the same degree: The more she thought about it, the more depressed she became.  The less said about the whole thing, the happier I’ll be.
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theatre
(BrE ) (AmEtheater) noun
1 [C] a building or an outdoor area where plays and similar types of entertainment are performed: West End / Broadway theatres  an open-air theatre  How often do you go to the theatre ?—see also LECTURE THEATRE
2 [C] (AmE) = CINEMA
3 [U] plays considered as entertainment: an evening of live music and theatre   (BrE) I like music, theatre and cinema.  current ideas about what makes good theatre (= what makes good entertainment when performed)
4 [U] (also the theatre [sing.]) the work of writing, producing and acting in plays: I want to work in theatre.  He was essentially a man of the theatre.
5 [C, U] (BrE) = OPERATING THEATRE : a theatre sister (= a nurse who helps during operations)  He’s still in theatre .
6 [C, usually sing.] ~ (of war, etc.) (formal) the place in which a war or fighting takes place: an intelligence officer in the Pacific theatre
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theatre.goer
(BrE ) (AmE theater.goer) noun a person who goes regularly to the theatre
theatre.going (BrE) (AmEtheater.going) adj.: the theatregoing public
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the.at.ri.cal
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the theatre: a theatrical agent / career
2 (often disapproving) (of behaviour) exaggerated in order to attract attention or create a particular effect: a theatrical gesture / sigh
the.at.ri.cal.ly adv.
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the.at.ri.cal.ity
noun [U] the exaggerated quality of sth that is intended to attract attention or create a particular effect
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the.at.ri.cals
noun [pl.]
1 performances of plays: amateur theatricals
2 (also the.at.rics especially in AmE) behaviour that is exaggerated and emotional in order to attract attention
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thee
pron. (old use ordialect ) a word meaning ‘you’, used when talking to only one person who is the object of the verb: We beseech thee, O Lord.—compare THOU
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theft
noun [U, C] ~ (of sth) the crime of stealing sth from a person or place: car theft  Police are investigating the theft of computers from the company’s offices.  A number of thefts have been reported recently.—compare BURGLARY , ROBBERY —see also THIEF
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their
det. (the possessive form of they)
1 of or belonging to them: Their parties are always fun.  Which is their house?
2 used instead of his or her to refer to a person whose sex is not mentioned or not known: If anyone calls, ask for their number so I can call them back.
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theirs
pron. (the possessive form of they) of or belonging to them: Theirs are the children with very fair hair.  It’s a favourite game of theirs.
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the.ism
noun [U] belief in the existence of God or gods
OPP ATHEISM
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them
pron. (the object form of they)
1 used when referring to people, animals or things as the object of a verb or preposition: Tell them the news.  What are you doing with those matches? Give them to me.  Did you eat all of them?
2 used instead of him or her to refer to a person whose sex is not mentioned or not known: If anyone comes in before I get back, ask them to wait.
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the.mat.ic
adj. [usually before noun] connected with the theme or themes of sth: the thematic structure of a text
the.mat.ic.al.ly adv.: The books have been grouped thematically.
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theme
noun
1 the subject or main idea in a talk, piece of writing or work of art: North American literature is the main theme of this year’s festival.  The President stressed a favourite campaign theme—greater emphasis on education.  The naked male figure was always the central theme of Greek art.  The stories are all variations on the theme of unhappy marriage.
2 (music) a short tune that is repeated or developed in a piece of music
3 = THEME MUSIC : the theme from ‘The Godfather’
4 (old-fashioned, AmE) a short piece of writing on a particular subject, done for school
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themed
adj. [usually before noun] (BrE ) (of an event or a place of entertainment) designed to reflect a particular subject or period of history: a themed restaurant
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'theme music
noun [U] (also theme, 'theme song, 'theme tune [C]) music that is played at the beginning and end and/or is often repeated in a film/movie, television programme, etc: theme music for the hit TV series, ‘Harry’s Game’—compare SIGNATURE TUNE
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'theme park
noun a large park where people go to enjoy themselves, for example by riding on large machines such as ROLLER COASTERS , and where much of the entertainment is connected with one subject or idea: a western-style theme park
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them.selves
pron.
1 (the reflexive form of they) used when people or animals performing an action are also affected by it: They seemed to be enjoying themselves.  The children were arguing amongst themselves.  They’ve bought themselves a new VCR.
2 used to emphasize they or a plural subject: They themselves had had a similar experience.  Don and Julie paid for it themselves.
3 used instead of himself or herself to refer to a person whose sex is not mentioned or not known: There wasn’t anyone who hadn’t enjoyed themselves.
IDM (all) by them'selves
1 alone; without anyone else: They wanted to spend the evening by themselves.
2 without help: They did the cooking by themselves. (all) to them'selves for them alone; not shared with anyone
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then
adv., adj.
adv.
1 used to refer to a particular time in the past or future: Life was harder then because neither of us had a job.  Things were very different back then .  She grew up in Zimbabwe, or Rhodesia as it then was.  I saw them at Christmas but haven’t heard a thing since then .  I’ve been invited too, so I’ll see you then.  There’s a room free in Bob’s house next week but you can stay with us until then .  Call again next week. They should have reached a decision by then .  Just then (= at that moment) there was a knock at the door.  She left in 1984 and from then on he lived alone.  I took one look at the car and offered to buy it there and then / then and there (= immediately).
2 used to introduce the next item in a series of actions, events, instructions, etc: He drank a glass of whisky, then another and then another.  First cook the onions, then add the mushrooms.  We lived in France and then Italy before coming back to England.
3 used to show the logical result of a particular statement or situation: If you miss that train then you’ll have to get a taxi.  ‘My wife’s got a job in Glasgow.’‘I take it you’ll be moving, then.’  ‘You haven’t done anything to upset me.’‘So what’s wrong, then?’  Why don’t you hire a car? Then you’ll be able to visit more of the area.
4 used to introduce additional information: She’s been very busy at work and then there was all that trouble with her son.
5 (formal) used to introduce a summary of sth that has just been said: These, then, are the main areas of concern.
6 used to show the beginning or end of a conversation, statement, etc: Right then, where do you want the table to go?  ‘I really have to go.’‘OK. Bye, then.’  OK then, I think we’ve just about covered everything on the agenda.
IDM … and 'then some (spoken) used to emphasize the large amount or number of sth, and to say that you have not mentioned everything: There are Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai restaurants … and then some! but 'then | then a'gain | but then a'gain (spoken) used to introduce additional information or information that contrasts with sth that has just been said: She was early, but then again, she always is.  ‘So you might accept their offer?’‘Yes, then again I might not.’—more at NOW adv.

adj. [only before noun] used to describe sb who had a particular title, job, etc. at the time in the past that is being discussed: That decision was taken by the then president.

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thence
adv. (old use or formal) from that place; following that: They made their way from Spain to France and thence to England.  He was promoted to manager, thence to a partnership in the firm.
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thence.forth
(also thence.for.ward ) adv. (old use or formal) starting from that time: Thenceforth he became known as the Lord Protector.
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theo-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with God or a god: theology
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the.oc.racy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] government of a country by religious leaders
2 [C] a country that is governed by religious leaders
theo.crat.ic adj.: theocratic rule
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the.odo.lite
noun a piece of equipment used by SURVEYORS for measuring angles
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theo.lo.gian
noun a person who studies theology
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the.ology
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the study of religion and beliefs: a degree in Theology  a theology student
2 [C] a set of religious beliefs: the theologies of the East
theo.logic.al adj. (BrE): a theological college   (AmE) a theological seminary
theo.logic.al.ly adv.
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the.orem
noun (technical ) a rule or principle, especially in mathematics, that can be proved to be true
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the.or.etic.al
adj. [usually before noun]
1 concerned with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment: a theoretical analysis / approach / debate / model  theoretical physics
OPP EXPERIMENTAL , PRACTICAL
2 that could possibly exist, happen or be true, although this is unlikely: It’s a theoretical possibility.
the.or.etic.al.ly adv.: theoretically sound conclusions  It is theoretically possible for him to overrule their decision, but highly unlikely.
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the.or.ist
(also the.or.et.ician ) noun a person who develops ideas and principles about a particular subject in order to explain why things happen or exist
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the.or.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb ~ (about / on sth) to suggest facts and ideas to explain sth; to form a theory or theories about sth: [v] The study theorizes about the role of dreams in peoples' lives. [alsovn, v that]
the.or.iz.ing , -is.ingnoun [U]
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the.ory
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] a formal set of ideas that is intended to explain why sth happens or exists: According to the theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than light.
2 [U] the principles on which a particular subject is based: the theory and practice of language teaching
3 [C] ~ (that) an opinion or idea that sb believes is true but that is not proved: I have this theory that most people prefer being at work to being at home.
IDM in 'theory used to say that a particular statement is supposed to be true but may in fact be wrong: In theory, these machines should last for ten years or more.  That sounds fine in theory, but have you really thought it through?
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thera.peut.ic
adj.
1 [usually before noun] designed to help treat an illness: the therapeutic properties of herbs
2 helping you to relax: Painting can be very therapeutic.
thera.peut.ic.al.ly adv.
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thera.peut.ics
noun [U] the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of diseases
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ther.ap.ist
noun
1 (especially in compounds) a specialist who treats a particular type of illness or problem, or who uses a particular type of treatment: a speech therapist  a beauty therapist—see also OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST , PHYSIOTHERAPIST
2 = PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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ther.apy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, C] the treatment of a physical problem or an illness: Most patients undergo some sort of drug therapy (= treatment using drugs) for leukaemia.  alternative / complementary / natural therapies (= treatments that do not use traditional drugs)   (figurative) The next stage in the economic shock therapy will be freeing energy prices.
2 [U] = PSYCHOTHERAPY : a therapy group / session  She’s in therapy .—see also CHEMOTHERAPY , GROUP THERAPY , HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY , OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY , PHYSIOTHERAPY , RADIOTHERAPY , SPEECH THERAPY
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there
adv., exclamation
adv.
1 (there is, are, was, were, etc.) used to show that sth exists or happens: There’s a restaurant around the corner.  There are two people waiting outside.  Has there been an accident?  I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding.  There seemed to be no doubt about it.  There comes a point where you give up.  There remains the problem of finance.  Suddenly there was a loud bang.   (informal) There’s only four days left.   (literary) There once was a poor farmer who had four sons.
2 in, at or to that place or position: We went on to Paris and stayed there eleven days.  I hope we get there in time.  It’s there, right in front of you!  There it is —just behind the chair.  ‘Have you seen my pen?’‘Yes, it’s over there .’  There are a lot of people back there (= behind) waiting to get in.  I’m not going in there—it’s freezing!  We’re almost there (= we have almost arrived).  Can I get there and back in a day?  I left in 1990 and I haven’t been back there since.  Hello, is Bob there please? (= used when calling sb on the phone)  I took one look at the car and offered to buy it there and then / then and there (= immediately).
3 existing or available: I went to see if my old school was still there.  The money’s there if you need it.
4 at that point (in a story, an argument, etc.): ‘I feel … ’ There she stopped.  I don’t agree with you there.
5 (especially spoken) used to attract sb’s attention: Hello, there!  You there! Come back!  There you are ! I’ve been looking for you everywhere.
6 (especially spoken) used to attract sb’s attention to a particular person, thing or fact: There’s the statue I was telling you about.  That woman there is the boss’s wife.  There goes the last bus (= we’ve just missed it).  There goes the phone (= it’s ringing).   (humorous) There goes my career! (= my career is ruined)  So, there you have it : that’s how it all started.
7 ~ to do sth used to show the role of a person or thing in a situation: The fact is, they’re there to make money.
IDM ,been 'there, ,done 'that (informal) used to show that you think a place or an activity is not very interesting or impressive because you have already experienced it: Not Spain again! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. be 'there for sb to be available if sb wants to talk to you or if they need help: You know I’ll always be there for you. have been there be'fore (informal) to know all about a situation because you have experienced it not all 'there (spoken) not very intelligent, especially because of mental illness ,there it 'is (spoken) that is the situation: It’s crazy, I know, but there it is. 'there’s a good boy, girl, dog, etc. (spoken) used to praise or encourage small children or animals: Finish your lunch, there’s a good boy. ,there’s 'sth for you (spoken) used to say that sth is a very good example of sth: She visited him every day he was in the hospital. There’s devotion for you.   (ironic) He didn’t even say thank you. There’s gratitude for you! ,there you 'are (also ,there you 'go) (spoken)
1 used when giving sb a thing they want or have asked for: There you are—that’ll be £3.80, please.  OK, there you go.
2 used when explaining or showing sth to sb: You switch on, push in the disk and there you are!  There you are! I told you it was easy!
3 used when you are talking about sth that happens in a typical way or about a situation that cannot be changed: There you go—that’s what they’re like.  I know it’s not ideal but there you go … ,there you go a'gain used to criticize sb when they behave in a way that is typical of them: There you go again—jumping to conclusions.—more at HERE adv.

exclamation used to express satisfaction that you were right about sth; used to show that sth annoys you: There now! What did I tell you? (= you can see that I was right.)  There! That didn’t hurt too much, did it?  There! You’ve gone and woken the baby!
IDM ,so 'there! used to show that you are determined not to change your attitude or opinion: Well, you can’t have it, so there! ,there, 'there! used to persuade a small child to stop crying or being upset: There, there! Never mind, you’ll soon feel better.

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there.abouts
adv. (usually used after or)
1 near the place mentioned: He comes from Leeds or thereabouts.
2 used to say that a particular number, quantity, time, etc. is not exact: They paid $100 000 or thereabouts for the house.
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there.after
adv. (formal) after the time or event mentioned: She married at 17 and gave birth to her first child shortly thereafter.—compare HEREAFTER
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there.by
adv. (formal) used to introduce the result of the action or situation mentioned: Regular exercise strengthens the heart, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack.
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there.fore
adv. used to introduce the logical result of sth that has just been mentioned: He’s only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote.  There is still much to discuss. We shall, therefore, return to this item at our next meeting.
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there.from
adv. (formal orlaw ) from the thing mentioned: The committee will examine the contents of the agreement and any problems arising therefrom.
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there.in
adv. (formal orlaw ) in the place, object, document, etc. mentioned: The insurance policy covers the building and any fixtures contained therein.
IDM therein lies … used to emphasize the result or CONSEQUENCE of a particular situation: He works extremely hard and therein lies the key to his success.
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there.of
adv. (formal orlaw ) of the thing mentioned: Is the property or any part thereof used for commercial activity?
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there.on
adv. (formal orlaw ) on the thing mentioned: a meeting to discuss the annual accounts and the auditors' report thereon
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there’s
short form
1 there is
2 there has
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there.to
adv. (formal orlaw ) to the thing mentioned: The lease entitles the holder to use the buildings and any land attached thereto.
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there.upon
adv. (formal)
1 immediately after the situation mentioned; as a direct result of the situation mentioned: The audience thereupon rose cheering to their feet.
2 on the thing mentioned: a large notice with black letters printed thereupon
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therm
noun a unit of heat, used in Britain for measuring a gas supply
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ther.mal
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 (technical) connected with heat: thermal energy / insulation
2 (of clothing) designed to keep you warm by preventing heat from escaping from the body: thermal underwear
3 (of streams, lakes, etc.) in which the water has been naturally heated by the earth: thermal springs
ther.mal.ly adv.

noun
1 [C] a rising current of warm air used, for example, by a GLIDER to gain height
2 (thermals) [pl.] (especially BrE) warm underwear that prevents heat from escaping from the body

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thermo-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with heat: thermonuclear  thermometer
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thermo.dynam.ics
noun [U] the science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy: the laws of thermodynamics
thermo.dynam.ic adj.
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therm.om.eter
noun an instrument used for measuring the temperature of the air, a person’s body, etc: a thermometer reading—
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thermo.nuclear
adj. connected with nuclear reactions that only happen at very high temperatures
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Ther.mos
™ (BrE also 'Thermos flask) (AmE also 'Thermos bottle) noun a particular kind of VACUUM FLASK (= a container like a bottle with double walls with a VACUUM between them, used for keeping liquids hot or cold)—compare FLASK
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thermo.stat
noun a device that measures and controls the temperature of a machine or room, by switching the heating or cooling system on and off as necessary
thermo.stat.ic adj. [only before noun]
thermo.stat.ic.al.ly adv.
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the.saurus
noun (pl.the.sauri or the.saur.uses ) a book that is like a dictionary, but in which the words are arranged in groups that have similar meanings
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these
THIS
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thesis
noun (pl.theses )
1 ~ (on sth) a long piece of writing completed by a student as part of a university degree, based on their own research: (BrE) a doctoral / PhD thesis   (AmE) a thesis for a master’s degree
2 a statement or an opinion that is discussed in a logical way and presented with evidence in order to prove that it is true: These latest findings support the thesis that sexuality is determined by nature rather than choice.
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thes.pian
noun (often humorous) an actor
thes.pian adj.
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they
pron. (used as the subject of a verb)
1 people, animals or things that have already been mentioned or are easily identified: ‘Where are John and Liz?’‘They went for a walk.’  They (= the things you are carrying) go on the bottom shelf.
2 used instead of he or she to refer to a person whose sex is not mentioned or not known: If anyone arrives late they’ll have to wait outside.
3 people in general: The rest, as they say, is history.
4 people in authority or experts: They cut my water off.  They now say that red wine is good for you.
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they’d
short form
1 they had
2 they would
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they’ll
short form they will
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they’re
short form they are
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they’ve
short form they have
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thick
adj., noun, adv.
adj. (thick.er, thick.est)
DISTANCE BETWEEN SIDES|
1 having a larger distance between opposite sides or surfaces than other similar objects or than normal: a thick carpet / slice of bread  a thick book (= one that has a lot of pages)  a thick coat (= one made of heavy fabric)  thick fingers  Everything was covered with a thick layer of dust.
2 used to ask about or state the distance between opposite sides or surfaces: How thick are the walls?  They’re two feet thick.
HAIR / FUR / TREES|
3 growing closely together in large numbers: thick dark hair  a thick forest  a thick bush (= with a lot of leaves)
LIQUID|
4 not flowing very easily: thick cream / soup  The effect will be ruined if the paint is too thick.
FOG / SMOKE / AIR|
5 ~ (with sth) difficult to see through; difficult to breathe in: The plane crashed in thick fog.  thick smoke  The air was thick with dust.   (figurative) The atmosphere was thick with tension.
WITH LARGE NUMBER / AMOUNT|
6 ~ with sb/sth having a large number of people or a large amount of sth in one place: The beach was thick with sunbathers.
STUPID|
7 (BrE, informal) (of a person) slow to learn or understand things: Are you thick, or what?
ACCENT|
8 (sometimes disapproving) easily recognized as being from a particular country or area: a thick Brooklyn accent
VOICE|
9 ~ (with sth) deep and not as clear as normal, especially because of illness or emotion: His voice was thick with emotion.
FRIENDLY WITH SB|
10 ~ (with sb) (informal) very friendly with sb, especially in a way that makes other people suspicious: You seem to be very thick with the boss!—see also THICKLY , THICKNESS give sb / get a thick 'ear (BrE, informal) to hit sb/be hit on the head as a punishment lay it on 'thick (informal) to talk about sb/sth in a way that makes them or it seem much better or much worse than they really are; to exaggerate sth: Praise them when necessary, but don’t lay it on too thick. (as) thick as 'thieves (informal) (of two or more people) very friendly, especially in a way that makes other people suspicious (as) thick as two short 'planks (BrE, informal) (of a person) very stupid a thick 'head (informal) a physical condition in which your head is painful or you cannot think clearly as a result of an illness or of drinking too much alcohol sb’s thick 'head (informal) used to show that you are annoyed that sb does not understand sth: When will you get it into your thick head that I don’t want to see you again! a ,thick 'skin the ability to accept criticism, insults, etc. without becoming upset
OPP A THIN SKIN —see also THICK-SKINNED —more at BLOOD n. , GROUND n.

noun [U] in the 'thick of sth involved in the busiest or most active part of sth: As a player, he’s always in the thick of the action. through ,thick and 'thin even when there are problems or difficulties: He’s supported the team for over ten years through thick and thin.

adv. (comparativethick.er no superlative) in a way that produces a wide piece or deep layer of sth: Make sure you cut the bread nice and thick. thick and 'fast quickly and in large quantities: Questions were coming at them thick and fast.

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thick.en
verb to become thicker; to make sth thicker: [v] Keep stirring until the sauce has thickened.  It was a dangerous journey through thickening fog.  [vn] You can thicken the stew with flour.
IDM see PLOT n.
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thicket
noun
1 a group of bushes or small trees growing closely together: a dense thicket of bamboo
2 a large number of things that are not easy to understand or separate: He spent the morning trying to work his way through a thicket of statistics.
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thick.ly
adv.
1 in a way that produces a wide piece or deep layer of sth: thickly sliced / buttered bread  thickly carpeted stairs  Apply the paint thickly in even strokes.
2 ~ wooded, populated, etc. having a lot of trees, people, etc. close together
3 in a deep voice that is not as clear as normal, especially because of illness or emotion: ‘Just leave me alone,’ he said thickly.
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thick.ness
noun
1 [U, C] the size of sth between opposite surfaces or sides
SYN WIDTH : Use wood of at least 12 mm thickness.  The board is available in four thicknesses.
2 [C] ~ (of sth) a layer of sth: The jacket was lined with a double thickness (= two layers) of fabric.
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thick.set
adj. (especially of a man) having a strong heavy body: He has the same thickset build as his father.
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,thick-'skinned
adj.
1 (of a person) not easily upset by criticism or unkind comments: You have to be pretty thick-skinned to do this job.
2 (of fruit) having a thick skin: a thick-skinned variety of grape
OPP THIN-SKINNED
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thief
noun (pl.thieves ) a person who steals sth from another person or place: a car / jewel thief—see also THEFT   note at STEAL
IDM see HONOUR n. , THICK adj.
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thiev.ing
noun [U] (informal) the act of stealing things
thiev.ing adj. (informal): You’ve no right to take that, you thieving swine!
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thigh
noun
1 the top part of the leg between the knee and the hip—picture at BODY
2 the top part of the leg of a chicken, etc., cooked and eaten
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'thigh bone
noun the large thick bone in the top part of the leg between the hip and the knee
SYN FEMUR —picture at BODY
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thim.ble
noun a small metal or plastic object that you wear on the end of your finger to protect it when sewing—picture at SEW
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thin
adj., adv., verb
adj. (thin.ner, thin.nest)
NOT THICK|
1 having a smaller distance between opposite sides or surfaces than other similar objects or than normal: Cut the vegetables into thin strips.  A number of thin cracks appeared in the wall.  The body was hidden beneath a thin layer of soil.  a thin blouse (= of light fabric)—see also PAPER-THIN   note at NARROW
NOT FAT|
2 (of a person or part of the body) (sometimes disapproving) not covered with much flesh: He was tall and thin, with dark hair.  She was looking pale and thin.  He is as thin as a rake (= very thin).  thin arms / legs / lips
HAIR|
3 not growing closely together or in large amounts: thin grey hair
LIQUID|
4 containing more liquid than is normal or expected
SYN RUNNY : The sauce was thin and tasteless.
SMOKE|
5 fairly easy to see through: They fought their way through where the smoke was thinner.
AIR|
6 containing less OXYGEN than normal
SOUND|
7 (disapproving) high and weak: Her thin voice trailed off into silence.
SMILE|
8 not sincere or enthusiastic: He gave a thin smile.
LIGHT|
9 not very bright: the thin grey light of dawn
POOR QUALITY|
10 of poor quality; lacking an important quality: a thin excuse (= one that people are not likely to believe)  Their arguments all sound a little thin to me.
thin.ness noun [U]—see also THINLY be skating / walking on thin 'ice to be taking a risk disappear, vanish, etc. into thin 'air to disappear suddenly in a mysterious way have a thin 'time (of it) (BrE, informal) to have many problems or difficulties to deal with; to not be successful out of thin 'air from nowhere or nothing, as if by magic: Unfortunately, I can’t just conjure up the money out of thin air! the thin end of the 'wedge (especially BrE) an event or action that is the beginning of sth more serious and/or unpleasant thin on 'top (informal) without much hair on the head: He’s starting to get a little thin on top (= he’s losing his hair). a ,thin 'skin the lack of ability to accept criticism, insults, etc. without becoming upset: You shouldn’t be in politics if you have such a thin skin.
OPP A THICK SKIN —see also THIN-SKINNED —more at GROUND n. , LINE n. , THICK adj. , WEAR v.

adv. (thin.ner, thin.nest) in a way that produces a thin piece or layer of sth: Don’t spread it too thin.  I like my bread sliced thin.

verb (-nn-)
LIQUID|
1 [vn] ~ sth (down) (with sth) to make a liquid less thick or strong by adding water or another substance: Thin the paint with water.
OF HAIR|
2 to become less thick: a middle-aged man with thinning hair
BECOME LESS THICK|
3 ~ sth (out) to become less thick or fewer in number; to make sth less thick or fewer, for example by removing some things or people: [v] The clouds thinned and the moon shone through.  The crowd had thinned out and only a few people were left.  [vn] Thin out the seedlings to about 10cm apart.

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thine
pron., det. (old use)
pron. a word meaning ‘yours’, used when talking to only one person

det. the form of thy that is used before a vowel or ‘h’, meaning ‘your’

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thing
noun
OBJECT|
1 [C] an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it: Can you pass me that thing over there?  She’s very fond of sweet things (= sweet foods).  He’s just bought one of those exercise things.  Turn that thing off while I’m talking to you!
2 [C] an object that is not alive in the way that people and plants are: Don’t treat her like that—she’s a person, not a thing!  He’s good at making things with his hands.  She took no interest in the people and things around her.
POSSESSIONS / EQUIPMENT|
3 (things) [pl.] objects, clothing or tools that belong to sb or are used for a particular purpose: Shall I help you pack your things?  Bring your swimming things with you.  I’ll just clear away the breakfast things.  Put your things (= coat, etc.) on and let’s go.
ANYTHING|
4 (a thing) [sing.] used with negatives to mean ‘anything’ in order to emphasize what you are saying: I haven’t got a thing to wear!  She hasn’t had a thing to eat all day.  There wasn’t a thing we could do to help.  Ignore what he said—it doesn’t mean a thing .
FACT / EVENT / SITUATION / ACTION|
5 [C] a fact, an event, a situation or an action; what sb says or thinks: There are a lot of things she doesn’t know about me.  There’s another thing I’d like to ask you.  A terrible thing happened last night.  He found the whole thing very boring.  I’ve got loads of things to do today.  The main thing to remember is to switch off the burglar alarm.  I like camping, climbing and that sort of thing .  She said the first thing that came into her head.  ‘Why did you tell her our secret?’‘I did no such thing !’  Let’s forget the whole thing (= everything).
6 (things) [pl.] the general situation, as it affects sb: Things haven’t gone entirely to plan.   (spoken) Hi, Jane! How are things ?  Think things over before you decide.  As things stand at present, he seems certain to win.  All things considered (= considering all the difficulties or problems), she’s done very well.  Why do you make things so difficult for yourself?
WHAT IS NEEDED / RIGHT|
7 [C, usually sing.] what is needed or socially acceptable: You need something to cheer you up—I know just the thing!  to do / say the right / wrong thing   The best thing to do is to apologize.
THINGS OF PARTICULAR TYPE|
8 (things) [pl.] (formal) (followed by an adjective) all that can be described in a particular way: She loves all things Japanese.
CREATURE|
9 [C] (used with an adjective) a living creature: All living things are composed of cells.
PERSON / ANIMAL|
10 [C] (with an adjective) (spoken) used to talk to or about a person or an animal, to show how you feel about them: You silly thing!  You must be starving, you poor things.  The cat’s very ill, poor old thing. A is 'one thing, B is a'nother | it’s 'one thing to do A, it’s a'nother thing to do B B is very different from A, for example it is more difficult, serious or important: Romance is one thing, marriage is quite another.  It’s one thing to tease your sister, but it’s another to hit her. ,all / ,other things being 'equal if the conditions stay the same; if other conditions are the same: All things being equal, we should finish the job tomorrow. and 'things (like 'that) (spoken, informal) used when you do not want to complete a list: She likes nice clothes and things like that.  I’ve been busy shopping and things. be all things to all 'men / 'people
1 (of people) to please everyone by changing your attitudes or opinions to suit different people
2 (of things) to be understood or used in different ways by different people come to / be the same 'thing to have the same result or meaning be a 'good thing (that) … to be lucky that …: It’s a good thing we got here early. be no bad 'thing (that) … used to say that although sth seems to be bad, it could have good results: We didn’t want the press to get hold of the story, but it might be no bad thing. be onto a good 'thing to have found a job, situation or style of life that is pleasant or easy the best thing since sliced 'bread (spoken, informal) if you say that sth is the best thing since sliced bread, you think it is extremely good, interesting, etc. 'do things to sb (informal) to have a powerful emotional effect on sb: That song just does things to me. do your own 'thing (informal) to do what you want to do or what interests you, without thinking about other people; to be independent ,first / ,last 'thing … early in the morning/late in the evening: I need the report on my desk first thing Monday morning. ,first things 'first (often humorous) the most important matters must be dealt with first: We have a lot to discuss, but, first things first, let’s have a cup of coffee! for 'one thing used to introduce one of two or more reasons for doing sth: ‘Why don’t you get a car?’‘Well, for one thing, I can’t drive!’ have a 'thing about sb/sth (informal) to have a strong like or dislike of sb/sth in a way that seems strange or unreasonable: She has a thing about men with beards. it isn’t my, his, etc. 'thing it isn’t sth that you really enjoy or are interested in it’s a … thing (informal) it is sth that only a particular group understands: You wouldn’t know what it means—it’s a girl thing. know / tell sb a 'thing or two (about sb/sth) (informal) to know/tell sb some useful, interesting or surprising information about sb/sth: She’s been married five times, so she knows a thing or two about men! make a (big) 'thing of / about sth (informal) to make sth seem more important than it really is not know, etc. the first 'thing about sth/sb to know nothing at all about sth/sb: We’ve lived next to him for years, but we still don’t know the first thing about him. not ,quite the 'thing
1 not considered socially acceptable: It wouldn’t be quite the thing to turn up in running gear.
2 (old-fashioned) not healthy or normal (just) ,one of those 'things used to say that you do not want to discuss or think about sth bad or unpleasant that has happened, but just accept it: It wasn’t your fault. It was just one of those things. ,one (damned / damn) thing after a'nother (spoken) used to complain that a lot of unpleasant things keep happening to you ,one thing leads to a'nother used to suggest that the way one event or action leads to others is so obvious that it does not need to be stated: He offered me a ride home one night, and, well, one thing led to another and now we’re married! 'seeing / 'hearing things (informal) to imagine that you can see or hear sth that is in fact not there: (humorous) Tom’s washing the dishes—I must be seeing things! there’s only ,one thing 'for it there is only one possible course of action the ,thing 'is (spoken) used to introduce an important fact, reason or explanation: I’m sorry my assignment isn’t finished. The thing is, I’ve had a lot of other work this week. the ,thing (about / with sth/sb) 'is used to introduce a problem about sth/sb: The thing with Karl is, he’s always late. the (whole) … thing (informal) a situation or an activity of the type mentioned: She really didn’t want to be involved in the whole family thing. ,things that go ,bump in the 'night (informal, humorous) used to refer to ghosts and other SUPERNATURAL things that cannot be explained: There are mysterious lights in the sky and things that go bump in the night. too 'much of a good thing used to say that, although sth is pleasant, you do not want to have too much of it (what) with ,one thing and a'nother (informal) because you have been busy with various problems, events or things you had to do: I completely forgot her birthday, what with one thing and another.—more at CHANCE n. , CLOSE^2adj. , CLOSE^2adv. , DAY , DECENT , DONE , EASY adv. , NATURE , NEAR adj. , ONLY adj. , OVERDO , PUSH v. , REAL , SCHEME n. , SHAPE n. , SURE adj. , TURN v. , WAY n. , WORK v.
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thing.ummy
noun (pl.-ies) (also thing.uma.bob thing.uma.jig thingy) (informal, spoken) used to refer to a person or thing whose name you do not know or have forgotten, or which you do not want to mention: It’s one of those thingummies for keeping papers together.  Is thingummy going to be there? You know, that woman from the Sales Department?
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thingy
noun (pl.-ies) = THINGUMMY
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think
verb, noun
verb (thought, thought )
HAVE OPINION / BELIEF|
1 ~ (about sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular idea or opinion about sth/sb; to believe sth: [v (that)] Do you think (that) they’ll come?  I thought I heard a scream.  I didn’t think you liked sports.  Am I right in thinking that you used to live here?  I think this is their house, but I’m not sure.  He ought to resign, I think.  We’ll need about 20 chairs, I should think .  [vn (that)] It was once thought that the sun travelled around the earth.  [vn] What did you think about the idea?  Well, I like it. What do you think?  [v] ‘Will we make it in time?’‘I think so .’  ‘Is he any good?’‘I don’t think so .’  [vn-adj] I think it highly unlikely that I’ll get the job.  She thought him kind and generous.  [vn to inf] He’s thought to be one of the richest men in Europe.
HELP This pattern is not usually used unless think is in the passive.
USE MIND|
2 ~ (about sth) to use your mind to consider sth, to form connected ideas, to try to solve problems, etc: [v] Are animals able to think?  Let me think (= give me time before I answer).  I can’t tell you now—I’ll have to think about it .  She had thought very deeply about this problem.  All he ever thinks about is money.  I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking (= said when you have upset or offended sb accidentally).  [v wh-] He was trying to think what to do.
3 (usually used in the progressive tenses) to have ideas, words or images in your mind: [vn] You’re very quiet. What are you thinking?  [v wh-] I was just thinking what a long way it is.  [v speech] ‘I must be crazy,’ she thought.
IMAGINE|
4 [no passive] to form an idea of sth; to imagine sth: [v wh-] We couldn’t think where you’d gone.  Just think how nice it would be to see them again.  [v (that)] I can’t think (that) he would be so stupid.  [v] Just think —we’ll be lying on the beach this time tomorrow.  [vn] If I’m late home, my mother always thinks the worst .  Try to think yourself into the role.
EXPECT|
5 to expect sth: [v (that)] I never thought (that) I’d see her again.  The job took longer than we thought.  You’d think she’d have been grateful for my help (= but she wasn’t).  [v to inf] (formal) Who would have thought to find you here?
IN A PARTICULAR WAY|
6 (informal) [no passive] to think in a particular way or on a particular subject: [v-adj] Let’s think positive.  You need to think big (= aim to achieve a lot).  [vn] If you want to make money, you’ve got to think money.
SHOWING ANGER / SURPRISE|
7 [v (that)] (spoken) used in questions to show that you are angry or surprised: What do you think you’re doing?
BEING LESS DEFINITE / MORE POLITE|
8 (spoken) used to make sth you say sound less definite or more polite: [v (that)] I thought we could go out tonight.  Twenty guests are enough, I would have thought.  Do you think you could open the window?  [v] ‘You’ve made a mistake.’‘I don’t think so / I think not.’
INTEND|
9 to intend sth; to have a plan about sth: [v (that)] I think I’ll go for a swim.  [v] I’m thinking in terms of about 70 guests at the wedding.
REMEMBER|
10 to remember sth; to have sth come into your mind: [v to inf] I didn’t think (= it did not OCCUR to me) to tell her.  [v wh-] I can’t think where I put the keys. come to 'think of it used when you suddenly remember sth or realize that it might be important: Come to think of it, he did mention seeing you. I ,don’t 'think so (spoken) used to say very strongly that you do not agree with sth, or that sth is not possible: Me? Fail? I don’t think so. if / when you 'think about it used to draw attention to a fact that is not obvious or has not previously been mentioned: They do have a big house, when you think about it. I 'thought as much that is what I expected or suspected: ‘He said he’d forgotten.’‘I thought as much.’ ,think a'gain to consider a situation again and perhaps change your idea or intention think a'loud to say what your thoughts are as you have them think 'better of it / of doing sth to decide not to do sth after thinking further about it: Rosie was about to protest but thought better of it. think (the) 'better of sb to have a higher opinion of sb: She has behaved appallingly—I must say I thought better of her. think nothing 'of it (formal) used as a polite response when sb has said sorry to you or thanked you think 'nothing of sth / of doing sth to consider an activity to be normal and not particularly unusual or difficult: She thinks nothing of walking thirty miles a day. think on your 'feet to be able to think and react to things very quickly and effectively without any preparation 'think straight to think in a clear or logical way think 'twice about sth / about doing sth to think carefully before deciding to do sth: You should think twice about employing someone you’ve never met. think the world, highly, a lot, not much, poorly, little, etc. of sb/sth to have a very good, poor, etc. opinion of sb/sth: He thinks the world of his daughter.  I don’t think much of her idea. to think (that … ) used to show that you are surprised or shocked by something: To think that my mother wrote all those books and I never knew!—more at FIT adj. , ILL adv. , LET v. , LIKE v. , OWN v. 'think about / of sb/sth
1 to consider sb/sth when you are doing or planning sth: Don’t you ever think about other people?
2 to consider doing sth
SYN CONTEMPLATE [+ -ing]: She’s thinking of changing her job. ,think a'head (to sth) to think about a future event or situation and plan for it ,think 'back (to sth) to think about sth that happened in the past: I keep thinking back to the day I arrived here. ,think for your'self to form your own opinions and make decisions without depending on others 'think of sth/sb
1 to have an image or idea of sth/sb in your mind: When I said that I wasn’t thinking of anyone in particular.
2 to create an idea in your imagination: Can anybody think of a way to raise money?  ‘What shall we do now?’‘I’ll think of something.’  Have you thought of a name for the baby yet?
3 [no passive] (used especially with can) to remember sth/sb: I can think of at least three occasions when he arrived late.  I can’t think of her name at the moment. 'think of sb/sth as sb/sth to consider sb/sth in a particular way: I think of this place as my home.  She is thought of as a possible future director.—see also WELL THOUGHT OF 'think of sth to imagine an actual or a possible situation: Just think of the expense! [+ -ing] I couldn’t think of letting you take the blame (= I would not allow that to happen). ,think sth<->'out to consider or plan sth carefully: It’s a very well thought out plan. ,think sth<->'over to consider sth carefully, especially before reaching a decision: He’d like more time to think things over.  I’ve been thinking over what you said. ,think sth<->'through to consider a problem or a possible course of action fully ,think sth<->'up (informal) to create sth in your mind
SYN INVENT , DEVISE : Can’t you think up a better excuse than that?

noun [sing.] have a 'think (about sth) (informal) to think carefully about sth in order to make a decision about it: I’ll have a think and let you know tomorrow. you’ve got another think 'coming (informal) used to tell sb that they are wrong about sth and must change their plans or opinions

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think.able
adj. [not before noun] that you can imagine as a possibility: Such an idea was scarcely thinkable ten years ago.
OPP UNTHINKABLE
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think.er
noun
1 a person who thinks seriously, and often writes about important things, such as philosophy or science
2 a person who thinks in a particular way: a clear / quick / creative thinker
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think.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 the process of thinking about sth: I had to do some quick thinking.—see also LATERAL THINKING , WISHFUL THINKING
2 ideas or opinions about sth: What is the current thinking on this question?  She explained the thinking behind the campaign.
IDM see WAY n.

adj. [only before noun] intelligent and able to think seriously about things: the thinking woman’s magazine

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'thinking cap
noun
IDM put your 'thinking cap on (informal) to try to solve a problem by thinking about it
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'think tank
noun a group of experts who provide advice and ideas on political, social or economic issues
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thin.ly
adv.
1 in a way that produces a thin piece or layer of sth: Slice the potatoes thinly.
2 with very few things or people close together in one place: a thinly populated area  For best results, sow the seeds thinly in early March.
3 in a way that is not sincere or enthusiastic: She smiled thinly.
4 in a way that does not hide the truth very well: The novel is a thinly disguised autobiography.  thinly veiled contempt
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thin.ner
noun [U, C] a substance that is added to paint, VARNISH , etc. to make it less thick
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,thin-'skinned
adj.
1 easily upset by criticism or insults
2 (of fruit) having a thin skin
OPP THICK-SKINNED
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third
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 3rd
HELP There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.
IDM third time 'lucky (AmE also third time is the 'charm) used when you have failed to do sth twice and hope that you will succeed the third time

noun
1 each of three equal parts of sth
2 ~ (in sth) a level of university degree at British universities, that is lower than average—compare FIRST n. (4) , SECOND n. (7)

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,third 'class
noun
1 [U, sing.] (especially in the past) the cheapest and least comfortable part of a train, ship, etc.
2 [U] (in the US) the class of mail used for sending advertisements, etc.
3 [U, sing.] the lowest standard of degree given by a British university
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'third-class
adj.
1 (especially in the past) connected with the cheapest and least comfortable way of travelling on a train, ship, etc.
2 (in the US) connected with the class of mail used to send advertisements, etc.
3 [only before noun] used to describe the lowest standard of degree given by a British university
4 (disapproving) (of people) less important than other people: They are treated as third-class citizens.
,third-'class adv.: to travel third-class
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,third de'gree
noun [sing.]
IDM give sb the ,third de'gree (informal) to question sb for a long time and in a thorough way; to use threats or violence to get information from sb
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,third-'degree
adj.
1 ~ burns burns of the most serious kind, affecting tissue below the skin
2 (AmE) ~ murder, assault, robbery, etc. murder, etc. of the least serious of three kinds—compare FIRST-DEGREE , SECOND-DEGREE
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third.ly
adv. used to introduce the third of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing: Thirdly, I would like to say that …
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,third 'party
noun (formal orlaw ) a person who is involved in a situation in addition to the two main people involved
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,third party in'surance
noun [U] insurance that COVERS (= protects) you if you injure sb or damage sb’s property
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the ,third 'person
noun [sing.]
1 (grammar) a set of pronouns and verb forms used by a speaker to refer to other people and things: ‘They are’ is the third person plural of the verb ‘to be’.
2 a way of writing a novel, etc. as the experience of sb else, using third person forms: a book written in the third person —compare THE FIRST PERSON , THE SECOND PERSON
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,third-'rate
adj. of very poor quality: a third-rate actor
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the ,Third 'World
noun [sing.] a way of referring to the poor or developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, which is sometimes considered offensive: the causes of poverty and injustice in the Third World  third-world debt—compare FIRST WORLD
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thirst
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, sing.] the feeling of needing or wanting a drink: He quenched his thirst with a long drink of cold water.  She woke up with a raging thirst and a pounding headache.
2 [U] the state of not having enough water to drink: Thousands are dying of thirst.
3 [sing.] ~ (for sth) a strong desire for sth: a thirst for knowledge

verb [v] (old use) to be thirsty
PVR V 'thirst for sth (literary) to feel a strong desire for sth: She thirsted for power.

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thirsty
adj. (thirst.ier, thirsti.est)
1 needing or wanting to drink: We were hungry and thirsty.  Digging is thirsty work (= makes you thirsty).
2 ~ for sth having a strong desire for sth: He is thirsty for power.
3 (of plants, fields, etc.) dry; in need of water
thirst.ily adv.: Paul drank thirstily.
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thir.teen
number 13
thir.teenth ordinal number
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thirty
number
1 30
2 (the thirties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 30 to 39
thir.ti.eth ordinal number
IDM in your 'thirties between the ages of 30 and 39
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this
det., pron., adv.
det., pron. (pl.these )
1 used to refer to a particular person, thing or event that is close to you, especially compared with another: How long have you been living in this country?  Well, make up your mind. Which do you want? This one or that one?  I think you’ll find these more comfortable than those.  Is this your bag?
2 used to refer to sth/sb that has already been mentioned: There was a court case resulting from this incident.  The boy was afraid and the dog had sensed this.  What’s this I hear about you getting married?
3 used for introducing sb or showing sth to sb: Hello, this is Maria Diaz (= on the telephone).  Jo, this is Kate (= when you are introducing them).  This is the captain speaking.  Listen to this.  Do it like this (= in the way I am showing you).
4 used with periods of time related to the present: this week / month / year  I saw her this morning (= today in the morning).  Do you want me to come this Tuesday (= Tuesday of this week) or next Tuesday?  Do it this minute (= now).  He never comes to see me these days (= now, as compared with the past).
5 ~ sth of sb’s (informal) used to refer to sb/sth that is connected with a person, especially when you have a particular attitude towards it or them: These new friends of hers are supposed to be very rich.
6 (informal) used when you are telling a story or telling sb about sth: There was this strange man sitting next to me on the plane.  I’ve been getting these pains in my chest.
IDM ,this and 'that | ,this, ,that and the 'other (spoken) various things or activities: ‘What did you talk about?’‘Oh, this and that.’

adv. to this degree; so: It’s about this high (= as high as I am showing you with my hands).  I didn’t think we’d get this far.

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this.tle
noun a wild plant with prickly leaves and purple, yellow or white flowers made up of a mass of narrow PETALS pointing upwards. The thistle is the national symbol of Scotland.
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thistle.down
noun [U] a very light soft substance that contains THISTLE seeds and is blown from THISTLES by the wind
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thither
adv. (old use) to or towards that place
IDM see HITHER
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tho'
adv. an informal spelling of ‘though’
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thong
noun
1 a narrow strip of leather that is used to fasten sth or as a whip
2 a pair of women’s KNICKERS or men’s UNDERPANTS that has only a very narrow strip of fabric, like a string, at the back
3 (AmE) = FLIP-FLOP
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thorax
noun (pl.thor.axes or thor.aces )
1 (anatomy) the part of the body that is enclosed by the RIBS , between the neck and the waist
2 the middle section of an insect’s body, to which the legs and wings are attached—
thor.acic adj. [only before noun]
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thorn
noun
1 [C] a small sharp pointed part on the stem of some plants, such as roses—picture at PLANT
2 [C, U] a tree or bush that has thorns : an old hedge of thorns  a thorn tree—see also BLACKTHORN , HAWTHORN
IDM a thorn in sb’s 'flesh / 'side a person or thing that repeatedly annoys sb or stops them from doing sth
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thorny
adj. (thorn.ier, thorni.est)
1 [usually before noun] causing difficulty or disagreement: a thorny question / issue / problem
2 having thorns : a thorny bush
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thor.ough
adj.
1 done completely; with great attention to detail: a thorough knowledge of the subject  The police carried out a thorough investigation.
2 [not usually before noun] (of a person) doing things very carefully and with great attention to detail: She’s very thorough and conscientious.  He was determined to be thorough in his research.
3 (BrE, informal) used to emphasize how bad or annoying sb/sth is: Everything was in a thorough mess.
thor.ough.ness noun [U]: I was impressed by the thoroughness of the report.  I admire his thoroughness.
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thor.ough.bred
noun an animal, especially a horse, of high quality, that has parents that are both of the same breed
thor.ough.bred adj.: a thoroughbred mare
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thor.ough.fare
noun a public road or street used by traffic, especially a main road in a city or town: We walked down Patrick Street, Cork’s main thoroughfare.
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thor.ough.going
adj. [only before noun] (written)
1 very thorough; looking at every detail: a thoroughgoing revision of the text
2 complete: a thoroughgoing commitment to change
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thor.ough.ly
adv.
1 very much; completely: We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  I’m thoroughly confused.  a thoroughly professional performance
2 completely and with great attention to detail: Wash the fruit thoroughly before use.  The work had not been done very thoroughly.
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those
THAT
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thou
pron. (old use ordialect ) a word meaning ‘you’, used when talking to only one person who is the subject of the verb: Thou art indeed just, Lord.—compare THEE
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though
conj., adv.
conj.
1 in spite of the fact that
SYN ALTHOUGH : Anne was fond of Tim, though he often annoyed her.  Though she gave no sign, I was sure she had seen me.  His clothes, though old and worn, looked clean and of good quality.  Strange though it may sound, I was pleased it was over.
2 used to add a fact or an opinion that makes the previous statement less strong or less important: They’re very different, though they did seem to get on well when they met.  He’ll probably say no, though it’s worth asking.  note at ALTHOUGH
IDM see AS conj. , EVEN adv.

adv. (especially spoken) used especially at the end of a sentence to add a fact or an opinion that makes the previous statement less strong or less important: Our team lost. It was a good game though.  ‘Have you ever been to Australia?’‘No. I’d like to, though.’  note at ALTHOUGH

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thought
noun
STH YOU THINK|
1 [C] ~ (of sth / of doing sth)| ~ (that … ) something that you think of or remember: I don’t like the thought of you walking home alone.  She was struck by the sudden thought that he might already have left.  The very thought of it makes me feel sick.  I’ve just had a thought (= an idea).  Would Mark be able to help? It’s just a thought .  ‘Why don’t you try the other key?’‘That’s a thought !’  All kinds of thoughts raced through my mind.  I’d like to hear your thoughts on the subject.
MIND / IDEAS|
2 (thoughts) [pl.] a person’s mind and all the ideas that they have in it when they are thinking: My thoughts turned to home.
PROCESS / ACT OF THINKING|
3 [U] the power or process of thinking: A good teacher encourages independence of thought.  She was lost in thought (= concentrating so much on her thoughts that she was not aware of her surroundings).
4 [U] the act of thinking seriously and carefully about sth: I’ve given the matter careful thought.  Not enough thought has gone into this essay.
CARE / WORRY|
5 [C] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling of care or worry: Spare a thought for those without enough to eat this winter.  Don’t give it another thought (= to tell sb not to worry after they have said they are sorry).  It’s the thought that counts (= used to say that sb has been very kind even if they have only done sth small or unimportant).
INTENTION|
6 [U, C] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) an intention or a hope of doing sth: She had given up all thought of changing her job.  He acted with no thoughts of personal gain.
IN POLITICS / SCIENCE, etc.|
7 [U] ideas in politics, science, etc. connected with a particular person, group or period of history: feminist / twentieth century thought—see also THINK v. have ,second 'thoughts to change your opinion after thinking about sth again on 'second thoughts (BrE) (AmEon 'second thought) used to say that you have changed your opinion: I’ll wait here. No, on second thoughts, I’ll come with you. without a second 'thought immediately; without stopping to think about sth further: He dived in after her without a second thought.—more at COLLECT v. , FOOD , PAUSE n. , PENNY , PERISH , SCHOOL n. , TRAIN n.
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thought.ful
adj.
1 quiet, because you are thinking: He looked thoughtful.  They sat in thoughtful silence.
2 (approving) showing that you think about and care for other people: It was very thoughtful of you to send the flowers.
3 showing signs of careful thought: a player who has a thoughtful approach to the game
thought.ful.ly adv.: Martin looked at her thoughtfully.  She wrote down a few ideas on the paper thoughtfully provided by her host.
thought.ful.ness noun [U]
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thought.less
adj. (disapproving) not caring about the possible effects of your words or actions on other people: a thoughtless remark
thought.less.ly adv.
thought.less.ness noun [U]
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'thought-provoking
adj. making people think seriously about a particular subject or issue
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thou.sand
number (plural verb) (abbr. K)
1 1 000
HELP You say a, one, two, etc. thousand without a final ‘s’ on ‘thousand’. Thousands (of … ) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with thousand or thousands.
2 a thousand or thousands (of … ) (usually informal) a large number: There were thousands of people there.
3 (the thousands) the numbers from 1 000 to 9 999: The cost ran into the thousands.
HELP There are more examples of how to use numbers at the entry for hundred.
IDM see BAT v.
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thou.sandth
ordinal number, noun
ordinal number 1 000th: the city’s thousandth anniversary

noun each of one thousand parts of sth: a / one thousandth of a second

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thrall
noun
IDM in (sb’s / sth’s) 'thrall | in 'thrall to sb/sth (literary) controlled or strongly influenced by sb/sth
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thrash
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to hit a person or an animal many times with a stick, etc. as a punishment
SYN BEAT
2 ~ (sth) (about / around) to move or make sth move in a violent or uncontrolled way: [v] Someone was thrashing around in the water, obviously in trouble.  [vn] A whale was thrashing the water with its tail.  She thrashed her head from side to side.
3 [vn] (informal, especially BrE) to defeat sb very easily in a game: Scotland thrashed England 5–1.
PVR V ,thrash sth<->'out to discuss a situation or problem thoroughly in order to decide sth: The details have not been thrashed out yet.

noun
1 [U] a type of loud ROCK music
2 [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a party with music and dancing

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thrash.ing
noun
1 an act of hitting sb very hard, especially with a stick: to give sb / get a thrashing
2 (informal) a severe defeat in a game
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thread
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] a thin string of cotton, wool, silk, etc. used for sewing or making fabric: a needle and thread  a robe embroidered with gold thread  the delicate threads of a spider’s web—picture at ROPE
2 [C] an idea or a feature that is part of sth greater; an idea that connects the different parts of sth: A common thread runs through these discussions.  The author skilfully draws together the different threads of the plot.  I lost the thread of the argument (= I could no longer follow it).
3 [C] ~ (of sth) a long thin line of sth: A thread of light emerged from the keyhole.
4 [C] the raised line that runs around the length of a screw and that allows it to be fixed in place by twisting
5 (threads) [pl.] (old-fashioned, AmE, slang) clothes
IDM see HANG v. , PICK v.

verb
1 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to pass sth long and thin, especially thread, through a narrow opening or hole: to thread a needle (with cotton)  to thread cotton through a needle  A tiny wire is threaded through a vein to the heart.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move or make sth move through a narrow space, avoiding things that are in the way: [v] The waiters threaded between the crowded tables.  [vn] It took me a long time to thread my way through the crowd.
3 [vn] to join two or more objects together by passing sth long and thin through them: to thread beads (onto a string)
4 [vn] to pass film, tape, string, through parts of a piece of equipment so that it is ready to use
5 [vn] [usually passive] to sew or weave a particular type of thread into sth: a robe threaded with gold and silver

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thread.bare
adj.
1 (of fabric, clothing, etc.) old and thin because it has been used a lot: a threadbare carpet / coat
2 (of an argument, excuse, etc.) that does not have much effect, especially because it has been used too much: an explanation that is becoming increasingly threadbare
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thread.worm
noun a small thin worm that lives in the INTESTINES of humans and animals
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threat
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (to do sth) a statement in which you tell sb that you will punish or harm them, especially if they do not do what you want: to make threats against sb  She is prepared to carry out her threat to resign.  He received death threats from right-wing groups.  crimes involving violence or the threat of violence
2 [U, C, usually sing.] the possibility of trouble, danger or disaster: These ancient woodlands are under threat from new road developments.  There is a real threat of war.
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a person or thing that is likely to cause trouble, danger, etc: He is unlikely to be a threat to the Spanish player in the final.  Drug abuse poses a major threat to the fabric of our society.
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threat.en
verb
1 ~ sb (with sth) to say that you will cause trouble, hurt sb, etc. if you do not get what you want: [vn] They broke my windows and threatened me.  The attacker threatened them with a gun.  He was threatened with dismissal if he continued to turn up late for work.  The threatened strike has been called off.  [v to inf] The hijackers threatened to kill one passenger every hour if their demands were not met. [alsov that]
2 to seem likely to happen or cause sth unpleasant: [v] A storm was threatening.  [v to inf] This dispute threatens to split the party.  [vn] The clouds threatened rain.
3 [vn] to be a danger to sth: Pollution along the coastline is threatening marine life.
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threat.en.ing
adj.
1 expressing a threat of harm or violence: threatening letters  threatening behaviour  The house seemed less threatening in the cold light of day.
2 (of the sky, clouds, etc.) showing that bad weather is likely: The sky was dark and threatening.
threat.en.ing.ly adv.: He glared at her threateningly.
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three
number 3
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
IDM the three 'Rs (old-fashioned) reading, writing and ARITHMETIC , thought to be the most important parts of a child’s education—more at TWO
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,three-'cornered
adj. [usually before noun]
1 having three corners: a three-cornered hat
2 involving three people or groups: a three-cornered contest
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,three-'D
(also 3-D) noun [U] the quality of having, or appearing to have, length, width and depth (= three DIMENSIONS ): These glasses allow you to see the film in three-D.  a three-D image
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,three-day e'venting
noun = EVENTING
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,three-di'mensional
adj. having, or appearing to have, length, width and depth: three-dimensional objects / forms / graphics
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three.fold
adj., adv.  -FOLD
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,three 'fourths
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = THREE QUARTERS
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three-legged race
noun a race in which competitors run in pairs, the right leg of one runner being tied to the left leg of the other
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,three-line 'whip
noun (in Britain) a written notice to Members of Parliament from their party leaders telling them that they must be present at a particular vote and must vote in a particular way
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three.pence
noun [U] (BrE ) the sum of three old pence
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three.penny bit
(also ,three.penny 'piece ) noun a British coin in use until 1971, worth three old pence
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'three-piece
adj. [only before noun] consisting of three separate parts or pieces: a three-piece suit (= a set of clothes consisting of trousers / pants, a jacket and a WAISTCOAT / VEST )   (BrE ) a three-piece suite (= a set of three pieces of furniture, usually a SOFA and two ARMCHAIRS )
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'three-ply
adj. (of wood, wool, etc.) having three layers or threads
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,three-point 'turn
noun a method of turning a car in a small space by driving forwards, then backwards, then forwards again, in a series of curves
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,three-'quarter
adj. [only before noun] used to describe sth which is three quarters of the usual size: a three-quarter length coat
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,three 'quarters
(AmE also ,three 'fourths) noun ~ (of sth) three of the four equal parts into which sth may be divided: three quarters of an hour
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,three-ring 'circus
noun [sing.] (AmE , informal) a place or situation with a lot of confusing or amusing activity
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three.some
noun a group of three people
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,three-'way
adj. [only before noun] happening or working in three ways or directions, or between three people: a three-way switch  a three-way discussion
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thresh
verb
1 [vn] to separate grains of corn, rice, etc. from the rest of the plant using a machine or, especially in the past, by hitting it with a special tool
2 [v, vn] to make, or cause sth to make, uncontrolled movements
SYN THRASH
thresh.ing noun [U]: a threshing machine
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thresh.old
noun
1 the floor or ground at the bottom of a DOORWAY , considered as the entrance to a building or room: She stood hesitating on the threshold.  He stepped across the threshold.
2 the level at which sth starts to happen: He has a low boredom threshold (= he gets bored easily).  I have a high pain threshold (= I can suffer a lot of pain before I start to react).
3 [usually sing.] the point just before a new situation, period of life, etc. begins: She felt as though she was on the threshold of a new life.
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threw
pt of THROW
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thrice
adv. (old use or formal) three times
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thrift
noun [U]
1 (approving) the habit of saving money and spending it carefully so that none is wasted—see also SPENDTHRIFT
2 a wild plant with bright pink flowers that grows by the sea/ocean
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thrifty
adj. (approving) careful about spending money and not wasting things
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thrill
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (of doing sth) a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure; an experience that gives you this feeling: It gave me a big thrill to meet my favourite author in person.  the thrill of catching a really big fish  She gets an obvious thrill out of performing.
2 a sudden strong feeling that produces a physical effect: A thrill of alarm ran through him.
IDM (the) thrills and 'spills (informal) the excitement that is involved in dangerous activities, especially sports

verb [vn] to excite or please sb very much: This band has thrilled audiences all over the world.  I was thrilled by your news.
PVR V 'thrill to sth (formal) to feel very excited at sth: Audiences still thrill to the sound of The Rolling Stones.

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thrilled
adj. ~ (about / at / with sth)| ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) very excited and pleased: He was thrilled at the prospect of seeing them again.  I was thrilled to be invited.   (BrE ) She was thrilled to bits (= extremely pleased) that he’d been offered the job.  ‘Are you pleased?’‘I’m thrilled.’
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thrill.er
noun a book, play or film/movie with an exciting story, especially one about crime or SPYING
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thrill.ing
adj. exciting and enjoyable: a thrilling experience / finish / victory
thrill.ing.ly adv.
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thrive
verb [v] to become, and continue to be, successful, strong, healthy, etc: New businesses thrive in this area.  These animals rarely thrive in captivity.
thriv.ing adj.: a thriving industry / city / garden
PVR V 'thrive on sth to enjoy sth or be successful at sth, especially sth that other people would not like: He thrives on hard work.
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throat
noun
1 the tube in the neck that takes food and air into the body; the front part of the neck: a sore throat  A sob caught in his throat.  He held the knife to her throat.  Their throats had been cut.
2 (-throated) (in adjectives) having the type of throat mentioned: a deep-throated roar  a red-throated diver—see also CUTTHROAT
IDM be at each other’s 'throats (of two or more people, groups, etc.) to be fighting or arguing with each other cut your own 'throat to do sth that is likely to harm you, especially when you are angry and trying to harm sb else force / thrust / ram sth down sb’s 'throat (informal) to try to force sb to listen to and accept your opinions in a way that they find annoying—more at CLEAR v. , FROG , JUMP v. , LUMP n. , STICK v.
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throaty
adj. sounding low and rough: a throaty growl / laugh / voice  the throaty roar of the engines
throat.ily adv.
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throb
verb, noun
verb (-bb-) [v] ~ (with sth)
1 (of a part of the body) to feel a series of regular painful movements: His head throbbed painfully.  My feet were throbbing after the long walk home.
2 to beat or sound with a strong, regular rhythm: The ship’s engines throbbed quietly.  a throbbing pain / drumbeat  The blood was throbbing in my veins.   (figurative) His voice was throbbing with emotion.

noun (also throb.bing) [sing.] a strong regular beat; a feeling of pain that you experience as a series of strong beats: the throb of the machines  My headache faded to a dull throbbing.—see also HEART-THROB

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throes
noun [pl.] violent pains, especially at the moment of death: The creature went into its death throes.
IDM in the throes of sth / of doing sth in the middle of an activity, especially a difficult or complicated one: The country was in the throes of revolutionary change.
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throm.bosis
noun [C, U] (pl.throm.boses ) (medical ) a serious condition caused by a blood CLOT (= a thick mass of blood) forming in a blood VESSEL (= tube) or in the heart—see also CORONARY THROMBOSIS
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throne
noun
1 [C] a special chair used by a king or queen to sit on at ceremonies
2 (the throne) [sing.] the position of being a king or queen: Queen Elizabeth came / succeeded to the throne in 1952.  when Henry VIII was on the throne (= was king)
IDM see POWER n.
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throng
noun, verb
noun (written) a crowd of people: We pushed our way through the throng.  He was met by a throng of journalists and photographers.

verb (written) to go somewhere or be present somewhere in large numbers: [v + adv.  /  prep.] The children thronged into the hall.  [v to inf] People are thronging to see his new play.  [vn] Crowds thronged the stores.
PVR V 'throng with sb/sth| be 'thronged with sb/sth to be full of people, cars, etc: The cafes were thronging with students.  The streets were thronged with people.

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throt.tle
verb, noun
verb [vn] to attack or kill sb by squeezing their throat in order to stop them from breathing
SYN STRANGLE : He throttled the guard with his bare hands.   (humorous) I like her, although I could cheerfully throttle her at times (= because she is annoying).   (figurative) The city is being throttled by traffic.
PVR V ,throttle (sth) 'back / 'down / 'up to control the supply of fuel or power to an engine in order to reduce/increase the speed of a vehicle: I throttled back as we approached the runway.

noun a device that controls the amount of fuel that goes into the engine of a vehicle, for example the ACCELERATOR in a car: He drove along at full throttle (= as fast as possible).

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through
prep., adv., adj.
prep.
HELP For the special uses of through in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get through sth is in the phrasal verb section at get.
1 from one end or side of sth/sb to the other: The burglar got in through the window.  The bullet went straight through him.  Her knees had gone through (= made holes in) her jeans.  The sand ran through (= between) my fingers.  The path led through the trees to the river.  The doctor pushed his way through the crowd.  The Charles River flows through Boston.
2 see, hear, etc. ~ sth to see, hear, etc. sth from the other side of an object or a substance: I couldn’t hear their conversation through the wall.  He could just make out three people through the mist.
3 from the beginning to the end of an activity, a situation or a period of time: The children are too young to sit through a concert.  He will not live through the night.  I’m halfway through (= reading) her second novel.
4 past a barrier, stage or test: Go through this gate, and you’ll see the house on your left.  He drove through a red light (= passed it when he should have stopped).  First I have to get through the exams.  The bill had a difficult passage through Parliament.  I’d never have got through it all (= a difficult situation) without you.
5 (also informal thru) (both AmE) until, and including: We’ll be in New York Tuesday through Friday.  note at INCLUSIVE
6 by means of; because of: You can only achieve success through hard work.  It was through him (= as a result of his help) that I got the job.  The accident happened through no fault of mine.

adv.
HELP For the special uses of through in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example carry sth through is in the phrasal verb section at carry.
1 from one end or side of sth to the other: Put the coffee in the filter and let the water run through.  The tyre’s flat—the nail has gone right through.  The onlookers stood aside to let the paramedics through.  The flood was too deep to drive through.
2 from the beginning to the end of a thing or period of time: Don’t tell me how it ends—I haven’t read it all the way through yet.  I expect I’ll struggle through until pay day.
3 past a barrier, stage or test: The lights were red but he drove straight through.  Our team is through to (= has reached) the semi-finals.
4 travelling through a place without stopping or without people having to get off one train and onto another: ‘Did you stop in Oxford on the way?’‘No, we drove straight through.’  This train goes straight through to York.
5 connected by telephone: Ask to be put through to me personally.  I tried to call you but I couldn’t get through .
6 used after an adjective to mean ‘completely’: We got wet through.
IDM ,through and 'through completely; in every way: He’s British through and through.

adj.
1 [only before noun] through traffic travels from one side of a place to the other without stopping
2 [only before noun] a through train takes you to the final place you want to get to and you do not have to get off and get on another train
3 [only before noun] a through road or route is open at both ends and allows traffic to travel from one end to the other: The village lies on a busy through road.  No through road (= the road is closed at one end).
4 [not before noun] ~ (with sth/sb) (especially AmE) used to show that you have finished using sth or have ended a relationship with sb: Are you through with that newspaper?  Todd and I are through.

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through.out
prep.
1 in or into every part of sth: They export their products to markets throughout the world.
2 during the whole period of time of sth: The museum is open daily throughout the year.
through.out adv.: The house was painted white throughout.  The ceremony lasted two hours and we had to stand throughout.
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through.put
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (technical ) the amount of work that is done, or the number of people that are dealt with, in a particular period of time: high / low rates of throughput  The centre has a weekly throughput of 200 000 shoppers.
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throw
verb, noun
verb (threw , thrown )
WITH HAND|
1 to send sth from your hand through the air by moving your hand or arm quickly: [vn] Stop throwing stones at the window!  She threw the ball up and caught it again.  Don’t throw it to him, give it to him!  [vnn] Can you throw me that towel?  [v] They had a competition to see who could throw the furthest.
PUT CARELESSLY|
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put sth in a particular place quickly and carelessly: Just throw your bag down over there.  Don’t throw litter on the ground.
MOVE WITH FORCE|
3 [+adv. / prep.] to move sth suddenly and forcefully: [vn] The boat was thrown onto the rocks.  The sea throws up all sorts of debris on the beach.  [vn-adj] I threw open the windows to let the smoke out.
PART OF BODY|
4 [vn] to move your body or part of it quickly or suddenly: He threw back his head and roared with laughter.  I ran up and threw my arms around him.  Jenny threw herself onto the bed.
MAKE SB FALL|
5 [vn] to make sb fall quickly or violently to the ground: Two riders were thrown (= off their horses) in the second race.
INTO PARTICULAR STATE|
6 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] [usually passive] to make sb/sth be in a particular state: Hundreds were thrown out of work.  We were thrown into confusion by the news.  The problem was suddenly thrown into sharp focus.
DIRECT STH AT SB / STH|
7 [vn] to direct sth at sb/sth: to throw doubt on the verdict  to throw the blame on someone  to throw threats / insults / accusations at someone  He threw the question back at me (= expected me to answer it myself).
UPSET|
8 [vn] ~ sb (off) (informal) to make sb feel upset, confused, or surprised: The news of her death really threw me.  The speaker was completely thrown off by the interruption.
DICE|
9 [vn] to roll a DICE or let it fall after shaking it; to obtain a particular number in this way: Throw the dice!  He threw three sixes in a row.
CLAY POT|
10 [vn] (technical) to make a clay pot, dish, etc. on a POTTER’S wheel: a hand-thrown vase
LIGHT / SHADE|
11 [vn] (written) to send light or shade onto sth: The trees threw long shadows across the lawn.
YOUR VOICE|
12 [vn] ~ your voice to make your voice sound as if it is coming from another person or place
A PUNCH|
13 [vn] ~ a punch to hit sb with your FIST
SWITCH / HANDLE|
14 [vn] to move a switch, handle, etc. to operate sth
BAD TEMPER|
15 [vn] to have a sudden period of bad temper, violent emotion, etc: She’ll throw a fit if she finds out.  Children often throw tantrums at this age.
A PARTY|
16 [vn] ~ a party (informal) to give a party
IN SPORTS / COMPETITIONS|
17 [vn] (informal) to deliberately lose a game or contest that you should have won: He was accused of having thrown the game. Idioms containing throw are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example throw your hat into the ring is at hat.  ,throw sth<->a'side to reject sth such as an attitude, a way of life, etc. 'throw yourself at sth/sb
1 to rush violently at sth/sb
2 (informal, disapproving) (usually of a woman) to be too enthusiastic in trying to attract a sexual partner ,throw sth<->a'way
1 (also ,throw sth<->'out) to get rid of sth that you no longer want: I don’t need that—you can throw it away.  That old chair should be thrown away.
2 to fail to make use of sth; to waste sth: to throw away an opportunity / advantage  You must take the exam—you can’t throw away all that work!—see also THROWAWAY ,throw sth 'back at sb to remind sb of sth they have said or done in the past, especially to upset or annoy them ,throw sb 'back on sth [usually passive] to force sb to rely on sth because nothing else is available: There was no TV so we were thrown back on our own resources (= had to entertain ourselves). ,throw sth<->'in
1 to include sth with what you are selling or offering, without increasing the price: You can have the piano for $200, and I’ll throw in the stool as well.
2 to add a remark to a conversation: Jack threw in the odd encouraging comment. ,throw yourself / sth 'into sth to begin to do sth with energy and enthusiasm ,throw sth/sb<->'off
1 to manage to get rid of sth/sb that is making you suffer, annoying you, etc: to throw off a cold / your worries / your pursuers
2 to take off a piece of clothing quickly and carelessly: She entered the room and threw off her wet coat. ,throw sth<->'on to put on a piece of clothing quickly and carelessly: She just threw on the first skirt she found. ,throw sth<->'open (to sb)
1 to allow people to enter or visit a place where they could not go before
2 to allow people to discuss sth, take part in a competition, etc: The debate will be thrown open to the audience.  The organizers are throwing the contest open to under 21s for the first time. ,throw sb<->'out (of … ) to force sb to leave a place: You’ll be thrown out if you don’t pay the rent. ,throw sth<->'out
1 to say sth in a way that suggests you have not given it a lot of thought: to throw out a hint / a suggestion / an idea
2 to decide not to accept a proposal, an idea, etc.
3 = THROW STH AWAY
4 to produce smoke, light, heat, etc: a small fire that threw out a lot of heat ,throw sb 'over (old-fashioned) to stop being friends with sb or having a romantic relationship with them ,throw sb<->to'gether [often passive] to bring people into contact with each other, often unexpectedly: Fate had thrown them together. ,throw sth<->to'gether to make or produce sth in a hurry: I threw together a quick meal. ,throw 'up to VOMIT : The smell made me want to throw up. ,throw sth<->'up
1 to VOMIT food: The baby’s thrown up her dinner.
2 to make people notice sth: Her research has thrown up some interesting facts.
3 to build sth suddenly or in a hurry: They’re throwing up new housing estates all over the place.
4 to leave your job: to throw up your job / career

noun
1 the act of throwing sth, especially a ball or DICE : a well-aimed throw  It’s your throw (= it’s your turn to throw the dice).  He threw me to the ground with a judo throw.
2 the distance which sth is thrown: a javelin throw of 57 metres
3 a loose fabric cover that can be thrown over a SOFA , etc. $100, £50, etc. a 'throw (informal) used to say how much items cost each: The tickets for the dinner were £50 a throw.—more at STONE n.

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throw.away
adj. [only before noun]
1 ~ line / remark / comment something you say quickly without careful thought, sometimes in order to be funny: She was very upset at what to him was just a throwaway remark.
2 (of goods, etc.) produced cheaply and intended to be thrown away after use: throwaway products  We live in a throwaway society (= a society in which things are not made to last a long time).
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throw.back
noun [usually sing.] ~ (to sth) a person or thing that is similar to sb/sth that existed in the past: The car’s design is a throwback to the 1960s.
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throw.er
noun a person who throws sth: a discus thrower—see also FLAME-THROWER
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'throw-in
noun (in football and rugby) the act of throwing the ball back onto the playing field after it has gone outside the area
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thru
(AmE , informal) = THROUGH prep. (5)
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thrush
noun
1 [C] a bird with a brown back and brown spots on its chest: a song thrush
2 [U] an infectious disease that affects the mouth and throat
3 [U] (BrE) (AmE 'yeast infection) an infectious disease that affects the VAGINA
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thrust
verb, noun
verb (thrust, thrust)
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to push sth/sb suddenly or violently in a particular direction; to move quickly and suddenly in a particular direction: [vn] He thrust the baby into my arms and ran off.  She thrust her hands deep into her pockets.   (figurative) He tends to thrust himself forward too much.  [v] She thrust past him angrily and left.
2 ~ (at sb) (with sth)| ~ (sth at sb) to make a sudden strong forward movement at sb with a weapon, etc: [v] He thrust at me with a knife.  a thrusting movement [alsovn]
IDM see THROAT
PVR V ,thrust sth<->a'side to refuse to listen to sb’s complaints, comments, etc: All our objections were thrust aside. 'thrust sth/sb on / upon sb to force sb to accept or deal with sth/sb that they do not want: She was annoyed at having three extra guests suddenly thrust on her.  Children of famous people have fame thrust upon them.

noun
1 (the thrust) [sing.] the main point of an argument, a policy, etc: The thrust of his argument was that change was needed.
2 [C] a sudden strong movement that pushes sth/sb forward: He killed her with a thrust of the knife.
3 [U] (technical) the force that is produced by an engine to push a plane, rocket, etc. forward
IDM see CUT v.

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thru.way
noun (AmE ) used in the names of some FREEWAYS (= important roads across or between states): the New York State Thruway
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thud
noun, verb
noun a sound like the one which is made when a heavy object hits sth else: His head hit the floor with a dull thud.

verb (-dd-)
1 to fall or hit sth with a low dull sound: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : His arrow thudded into the target.  We heard him thudding up the stairs. [alsovn]
2 [v] (literary) (especially of the heart) to beat strongly

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thug
noun a violent person, especially a criminal: a gang of thugs
thug.gish adj.: thuggish brutality
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thug.gery
noun [U] (written) violent, usually criminal, behaviour
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thumb
noun, verb
noun
1 the short thick finger at the side of the hand, slightly apart from the other four: She still sucks her thumb when she’s worried.—see also GREEN THUMB —picture at BODY
2 the part of a glove that covers the thumb : There’s a hole in the thumb.
IDM be all (,fingers and) 'thumbs to be awkward with your hands so that you drop things or are unable to do sth thumbs 'up / 'down used to show that sth has been accepted/rejected or that it is/is not a success: Their proposals were given the thumbs down .  It looks like it’s thumbs up for their latest album. under sb’s 'thumb (of a person) completely controlled by sb—more at RULE n. , SORE adj. , TWIDDLE v.

verb
1 to make a signal with your thumb to passing drivers to ask them to stop and take you somewhere: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : He had thumbed all across Europe.  [vn] We managed to thumb a lift / ride with a truck driver.
2 [vn, often + adv.  /  prep.] to touch or move sth with your thumb: She thumbed off the safety catch of her pistol.—see also WELL THUMBED
IDM thumb your 'nose at sb/sth to make a rude sign with your thumb on your nose; to show that you have no respect for sb/sth: The company just thumbs its nose at the legislation on pollution.
PVR V 'thumb through sth to turn the pages of a book quickly in order to get a general idea of what is in it

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'thumb index
noun a series of cuts in the edge of a book, with letters of the alphabet on them, to help you to find the section that you want more easily
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thumb.nail
noun the nail on the thumb
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,thumbnail 'sketch
noun a short description of sth, giving only the main details
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thumb.screw
noun an instrument that was used in the past for TORTURING people by crushing their thumbs
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thumb.tack
noun (AmE ) = DRAWING PIN
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thump
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to hit sb/sth hard, especially with your closed hand: [vn] He thumped the table angrily.  She couldn’t get her breath and had to be thumped on the back.   (informal) I’ll thump you if you say that again.   (figurative) He thumped out a tune (= played it very loudly) on the piano. [alsov]
2 [+adv. / prep.] to fall on or hit a surface hard, with a loud dull sound; to make sth do this: [v] A bird thumped against the window.  [vn] He thumped the report down on my desk.
3 [v] to beat strongly: My heart was thumping with excitement.—see also TUB-THUMPING

noun
1 the sound of sth heavy hitting the ground or another object: There was a thump as the truck hit the bank.
2 (BrE, informal) an act of hitting sb/sth hard: She gave him a thump on the back.

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thump.ing
adj. [only before noun] (informal) very big: a thumping defeat / majority
thump.ing adv. (BrE): He told us a thumping great lie.
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thun.der
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the loud noise that you hear after a flash of LIGHTNING , during a storm: the rumble of distant thunder  a clap / crash / roll of thunder  Thunder crashed in the sky.
2 a loud noise like thunder : the thunder of gunfire / hooves
IDM see FACE n. , STEAL v.

verb
1 [v] when it thunders, there is a loud noise in the sky during a storm: It was thundering all night but there was no rain.
2 [v] to make a very loud deep noise: A voice thundered in my ear.  thundering traffic / hooves / machinery
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move very fast and with a loud deep noise: Heavy trucks kept thundering past.
4 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to make sth move somewhere very fast: Owen thundered the ball past the goalie.
5 (written) to shout, complain, etc. very loudly and angrily: [v] He thundered against the evils of television.  [v speech] ‘Sit still!’ she thundered. [alsovn]

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thun.der.bolt
noun (written) a flash of LIGHTNING that comes at the same time as the noise of THUNDER and that hits sth: The news hit them like a thunderbolt (= was very shocking).
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thun.der.clap
noun a loud crash made by THUNDER
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thun.der.cloud
noun a large dark cloud that produces THUNDER and LIGHTNING during a storm
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thun.der.ous
adj. (written)
1 very loud: thunderous applause
2 looking very angry: his thunderous expression
thun.der.ous.ly adv.
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thun.der.storm
noun a storm with THUNDER and LIGHTNING and usually very heavy rain
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thun.der.struck
adj. [not usually before noun] (written) extremely surprised and shocked
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thun.dery
adj. (of weather) with THUNDER ; suggesting that THUNDER is likely: thundery rain  a thundery sky
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Thurs.day
noun [C, U] (abbr. Thur., Thurs.) the day of the week after Wednesday and before Friday
HELP To see how Thursday is used, look at the examples at Monday.
ORIGIN From the Old English for ‘day of thunder’, translated from Latin Jovis dies‘Jupiter’s day’. Jupiter was the god associated with thunder.
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thus
adv. (formal)
1 in this way; like this: Many scholars have argued thus.  The universities have expanded, thus allowing many more people the chance of higher education.
2 as a result of sth just mentioned
SYN THEREFORE , HENCE : He is the eldest son and thus heir to the title.  We do not own the building. Thus, it would be impossible for us to make any major changes to it.
IDM see FAR adv.
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thwack
verb [vn] to hit sb/sth hard, making a short loud sound
thwack noun: the thwack of bat on ball
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thwart
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sth| ~ sb (in sth) to prevent sb from doing what they want to do: to thwart sb’s plans / ambitions / efforts  She was thwarted in her attempt to take control of the party.
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thy
(also thine before a vowel) det. (old use) a word meaning ‘your’, used when talking to only one person: Honour thy father and thy mother.
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thyme
noun [U] a plant with small leaves that have a sweet smell and are used in cooking as a herb
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thy.roid
(also 'thyroid gland) noun a small organ at the front of the neck that produces HORMONES that control the way in which the body grows and functions
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thy.self
pron. (old use ordialect ) a word meaning ‘yourself’, used when talking to only one person: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
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ti
(AmE ) = TE
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tiara
noun a piece of jewellery like a small CROWN decorated with precious stones, worn by a woman, for example a princess, on formal occasions
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tibia
noun (pl.tib.iae ) (anatomy ) the SHIN BONE —see also FIBULA —picture at BODY
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tic
noun a sudden quick movement of a muscle, especially in your face or head, that you cannot control
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tick
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] ~ (away) (of a clock, etc.) to make short, light, regular repeated sounds to mark time passing: In the silence we could hear the clock ticking.  While we waited the taxi’s meter kept ticking away.  a ticking clock / bomb
2 [vn] (BrE) (AmE check) to put a mark () next to an item on a list, an answer, etc: Please tick the appropriate box.  Tick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to each question.  I’ve ticked the names of the people who have paid.
IDM what makes sb 'tick what makes sb behave in the way that they do: I’ve never really understood what makes her tick.
PVR V ,tick a'way / 'by / 'past (of time) to pass: I had to get to the airport by two, and the minutes were ticking away. ,tick sth<->a'way (of a clock, etc.) to mark the time as it passes: The clock ticked away the minutes. ,tick sb<->'off
1 (BrE, informal) to speak angrily to sb, especially a child, because they have done sth wrong—related noun TICKING OFF
2 (AmE, informal) to make sb angry or annoyed ,tick sb/sth 'off (BrE) (AmE ,check sb/sth 'off) to put a mark () beside a name or an item on a list to show that sth has been dealt with ,tick 'over (BrE) (usually used in the progressive tenses)
1 (of an engine) to run slowly while the vehicle is not moving
2 (of a business, a system, an activity, etc.) to keep working slowly without producing or achieving much: Just keep things ticking over while I’m away.

noun
1 [C] (BrE) (AmE 'check mark, check) a mark () put beside a sum or an item on a list, usually to show that it has been checked or done or is correct: Put a tick in the appropriate box if you would like further information about any of our products.—compare CROSS , X (4)
2 [C] a small insect that bites humans and animals and sucks their blood. There are several types of tick , some of which can carry diseases: a tick bite—
3 (also tick.ing) [U] a short, light, regularly repeated sound, especially that of a clock or watch: The only sound was the soft tick of the clock.
4 [C] (BrE, informal) a moment: Hang on a tick!  I’ll be with you in two ticks.
5 [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) permission to delay paying for sth that you have bought
SYN CREDIT : Can I have these on tick ?

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tick.er
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a person’s heart
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'ticker tape
noun [U] (especially AmE ) long narrow strips of paper with information, for example STOCK MARKET prices, printed on them by a special TELEGRAPH machine: a ticker-tape parade in the streets of New York (= an occasion when people throw pieces of paper as part of a celebration, for example in honour of a famous person)
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ticket
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (for / to sth) a printed piece of paper that gives you the right to travel on a particular bus, train, etc. or to go into a theatre, etc: a bus / theatre / plane ticket  free tickets to the show  Tickets are available from the Arts Centre at £2.50.  a ticket office / machine / collector   (figurative) She hoped that getting this job would finally be her ticket to success.—see also MEAL TICKET , RETURN TICKET , SEASON TICKET
2 a label that is attached to sth in a shop/store giving details of its price, size, etc.
3 an official notice that orders you to pay a FINE because you have done sth illegal while driving or parking your car: a parking / speeding ticket
4 [usually sing.] (especially AmE) a list of candidates that are supported by a particular political party in an election: She ran for office on the Democratic ticket.—see also DREAM TICKET
IDM just the 'ticket = JUST THE JOB at JOB 'that’s the ticket (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to say that sth is just what is needed or that everything is just right—more at SPLIT v.

verb [vn]
1 (technical) to produce and sell tickets for an event, a trip, etc.; to give sb a ticket: The museum holds both free and ticketed exhibitions.  Passengers can now be ticketed electronically.
2 [usually passive] (especially AmE) to give sb an official notice that orders them to pay a FINE because they have done sth illegal while driving or parking a car: Park illegally, and you’re likely to be ticketed.
PVR V be 'ticketed for sth (especially AmE) to be intended for a particular purpose

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ticket.ing
noun [U] the process of producing and selling tickets: ticketing systems
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'ticket tout
noun (BrE ) = TOUT
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tick.ing
noun [U] a strong cotton fabric that is often STRIPED , used especially for making MATTRESS and PILLOW covers
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,ticking 'off
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) the act of telling sb that they have done sth to make you angry
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tickle
verb, noun
verb
1 to move your fingers on a sensitive part of sb’s body in a way that makes them laugh: [vn] The bigger girls used to chase me and tickle me.  [v] Stop tickling!
2 to produce a slightly uncomfortable feeling in a sensitive part of the body; to have a feeling like this: [vn] His beard was tickling her cheek.  [v] My throat tickles.  a tickling cough
3 to amuse and interest sb: [vn] to tickle sb’s imagination / curiosity / sense of humour  [vn to inf] I was tickled to discover that we’d both done the same thing.
IDM be tickled 'pink (informal) to be very pleased or amused tickle sb’s 'fancy (informal) to please or amuse sb: See if any of these tickle your fancy.

noun [usually sing.]
1 an act of tickling sb: She gave the child a little tickle.
2 a slightly uncomfortable feeling in a part of your body: to have a tickle in your throat (= that makes you want to cough)
IDM see SLAP n.

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tick.lish
adj.
1 (of a person) sensitive to being tickled : Are you ticklish?
2 (informal) (of a situation or problem) difficult to deal with, and possibly embarrassing
3 (of a cough) that irritates your throat: a dry ticklish cough
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tick-tock
noun [usually sing.] used to describe the sound of a large clock TICKING
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ticky-tacky
noun [U] (AmE , informal) building material that is cheap and of low quality
ticky-tacky adj.
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tic-tac-toe
(also tick-tack-toe) noun [U] (AmE ) = NOUGHTS AND CROSSES
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tidal
adj. connected with TIDES (= the regular rise and fall of the sea): tidal forces  a tidal river
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,tidal 'wave
noun
1 a very large ocean wave that is caused by a storm or an earthquake, and that destroys things when it reaches the land
2 ~ (of sth) a sudden increase in a particular feeling, activity or type of behaviour: a tidal wave of crime / change / emotion
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tid.bit
noun (AmE ) = TITBIT
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tid.dler
noun (BrE , informal) a very small fish
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tid.dly
adj. (BrE , informal)
1 slightly drunk: I feel a bit tiddly.
2 very small: All I got to eat was a tiddly little biscuit.
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tiddly.winks
noun [U] a game in which players try to make small plastic discs jump into a cup by pressing them on the edge with a larger disc
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tide
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a regular rise and fall in the level of the sea, caused by the pull of the moon and sun; the flow of water that happens as the sea rises and falls: the ebb and flow of the tide  The tide is in / out.  Is the tide coming in or going out?  The body was washed up on the beach by the tide.—see also HIGH TIDE , LOW TIDE , NEAP TIDE , SPRING TIDE
2 [C, usually sing.] the direction in which the opinion of a large number of people seems to be moving: It takes courage to speak out against the tide of opinion.
3 [C, usually sing.] a large amount of sth unpleasant that is increasing and is difficult to control: There is anxiety about the rising tide of crime.
4 [sing.] ~ of sth a feeling that you suddenly have that gets stronger and stronger: A tide of rage surged through her.
5 [sing.] (old use) (in compounds) a time or season of the year: Christmastide
IDM go, swim, etc. with / against the 'tide to agree with/oppose the attitudes or opinions that most other people have the 'tide turned | turn the 'tide used to say that there is a change in sb’s luck or in how successful they are being

verb
PVR V ,tide sb 'over (sth) [no passive] to help sb during a difficult period by providing what they need: Can you lend me some money to tide me over until I get paid?

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tide.mark
noun
1 a line that is made by the sea on a beach at the highest point that the sea reaches
2 (BrE, informal) a line that is left around the inside of a bath by dirty water
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'tide pool
noun (AmE ) = ROCK POOL
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tide.water
noun
1 [C] (AmE) an area of land at or near the coast
2 [U, C] water that is brought by the TIDE
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tid.ings
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned or humorous) news: I am the bearer of good tidings .  He brought glad tidings .
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tidy
adj., verb, noun
adj. (tidi.er, tidi.est)
1 (especially BrE) arranged neatly and with everything in order: a tidy room / desk  She keeps her flat very tidy.  I like everything to be neat and tidy .
OPP UNTIDY
2 (especially BrE) keeping things neat and in order: I’m a tidy person.  tidy habits
3 [only before noun] (informal) a tidy amount of money is fairly large: It must have cost a tidy sum.  a tidy profit
OPP UNTIDY
tidi.ly adv.: The room was very tidily arranged.
tidi.ness noun [U]

verb (tidies, tidy.ing, tidied, tidied) ~ (sth) (up) (especially BrE ) to make sth look neat by putting things in the place where they belong: [v] I spent all morning cleaning and tidying.  When you cook, could you please tidy up after yourself.  [vn] to tidy (up) a room / a cupboard / papers / your hair
PVR V ,tidy sth<->a'way (BrE) to put things in the place where they belong, especially where they cannot be seen, so that a room appears tidy: Can you tidy away your clothes, please? ,tidy sth<->'up to arrange or deal with sth so that it is well or correctly finished: I tidied up the report before handing it in.

noun (pl.-ies) (BrE ) (especially in compounds) a container for putting small objects in, in order to keep a place tidy: a desk tidy

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tie
verb, noun
verb (ties, tying, tied, tied)
FASTEN WITH STRING / ROPE|
1 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to attach or hold two or more things together using string, rope, etc.; to fasten sb/sth with string, rope, etc: She tied the newspapers in a bundle.  He had to tie her hands together.  They tied him to a chair with cable.  Shall I tie the package or tape it?  I tie back my hair when I’m cooking.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to fasten sth to or around sth else: She tied a label on to the suitcase.  He tied an apron on and got down to work.
3 [vn] to make a knot in a piece of string, rope, etc: to tie a ribbon / tie  Tie up your shoelaces!  She tied her hair in a knot at the back of her head.  I tied a knot in the rope.
4 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to be closed or fastened with a knot, etc: The skirt ties at the waist.
CONNECT / LINK|
5 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (to sth/sb) to connect or link sb/sth closely with sb/sth else: Pay increases are tied to inflation.  The house is tied to the job, so we’ll have to move when I retire.
RESTRICT|
6 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (to sth / to doing sth) to restrict sb and make them unable to do everything they want to: to be tied by a contract / promise  I want to work but I’m tied to the house with the baby.  I don’t want to be tied to coming home at a particular time.
IN GAME / COMPETITION|
7 (of two teams, etc.) to have the same number of points: [v] England tied 2–2 with Germany in the first round.  They tied for second place.  [vn] The scores are tied at 3–3.  Last night’s vote was tied.
MUSIC|
8 to join notes with a tie—see also TONGUE-TIED tie sb / yourself (up) in 'knots to become or make sb very confused ,tie one 'on (old-fashioned, AmE, slang) to get very drunk ,tie the 'knot (informal) to get married—more at APRON , HAND n. ,tie sb 'down (to sth / to doing sth) to restrict sb’s freedom, for example by making them accept particular conditions or by keeping them busy: Kids tie you down, don’t they?  I don’t want to tie myself down to coming back on a particular date. ,tie 'in (with sth) to match or agree with sth: This evidence ties in closely with what we already know. ,tie 'in (with sth)| ,tie sth<->'in (with sth) to link sth or be linked to sth; to happen, or arrange for sth to happen, at the same time as sth else: The concert will tie in with the festival of dance taking place the same weekend.—related noun TIE-IN ,tie sth<->'off to put a knot in the end of sth; to close sth with string, thread, etc: to tie off a rope  to tie off an artery ,tie 'up| ,tie sth<->'up
1 to attach a boat to a fixed object with a rope: We tied up alongside the quay.  We tied the boat up.
2 to close sth with a knot; to be closed or fastened with a knot: to tie up a garbage bag  I’m so fat my bathrobe won’t tie up! ,tie sb<->'up
1 to tie sb’s arms and legs tightly so that they cannot move or escape: The gang tied up a security guard.
2 [usually passive] to keep sb busy so that they have no time for other things: I’m tied up in a meeting until 3. ,tie sth<->'up
1 to attach an animal to sth with a rope, chain, etc: He left his dog tied up to a tree.
2 [usually passive] to connect or link sth to sth else: Her behaviour is tied up with her feelings of guilt.—related noun TIE-UP
3 [often passive] to invest money so that it is not easily available for use: Most of the capital is tied up in property.
4 to deal with all the remaining details of sth: We are hoping to tie up the deal by tomorrow.  I went into the office for an hour to tie up any loose ends (= finish remaining small jobs).

noun
CLOTHES|
1 (AmE also neck.tie) a long narrow piece of fabric worn around the neck, especially by men, with a knot in front: a collar and tie  a striped silk tie—see also BLACK TIE , BOW TIE , OLD SCHOOL TIE , WHITE TIE —
FOR FASTENING|
2 a piece of string or wire used for fastening or tying sth: ties for closing plastic bags
CONNECTION|
3 [usually pl.] a strong connection between people or organizations: family ties  the ties of friendship  economic / diplomatic ties  The firm has close ties with an American corporation.
RESTRICTION|
4 a thing that limits sb’s freedom of action: He was still a young man and he did not want any ties.
IN GAME / COMPETITION|
5 a situation in a game or competition when two or more players have the same score: The match ended in a tie.—compare DRAW n. (2)
6 (BrE) a sports match, especially a football match, that is part of a larger competition: the first leg of the Cup tie between Leeds and Roma
MUSIC|
7 a curved line written over two notes of the same PITCH (how high or low a note is) to show that they are to be played or sung as one note—picture at MUSIC
ON RAILWAY|
8 (AmE) = SLEEPER (5)

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tie.break
(BrE ) (AmE tie.break.er) noun (in tennis) a period of extra play to decide who is the winner of a SET when both players have won six games
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tie.breaker
noun
1 (AmE) = TIEBREAK
2 an extra question in a competition to decide who is the winner when two or more competitors have equal scores
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tied
adj. [only before noun] (BrE ) (of a house) rented to sb on the condition that they work for the owner: a tied cottage on a farm
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,tied 'house
noun (BrE ) a pub that is owned by a particular BREWERY (= a company that produces beer) and that sells only the beer which that brewery produces—compare FREE HOUSE
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'tie-dye
verb [vn] to make patterns on fabric by tying knots in it or tying string around it before you put it in a DYE , so that some parts receive more colour than others
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'tie-in
noun a product such as a book or toy that is connected with a new film/movie, television programme, etc.
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tie.pin
(AmE also 'tie tack) noun a small decorative pin that is worn on a tie to keep it in place
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tier
noun
1 a row or layer of sth that has several rows or layers placed one above the other: a wedding cake with three tiers  The seating is arranged in tiers .—
2 one of several levels in an organization or a system: We have introduced an extra tier of administration.  a two-tier system of management
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tiered
adj.
1 arranged in tiers : tiered seating
2 (-tiered) (in compounds) having the number of tiers mentioned: a two-tiered system
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'tie-up
noun
1 ~ (with sb/sth) (BrE) an agreement between two companies to join together: They’re negotiating a tie-up with Ford.
2 ~ (between A and B) (BrE) a connection between two or more things: a tie-up between politics and economics
3 (especially AmE) a situation in which sth stops working or moving forward: a traffic tie-up
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tiff
noun a slight argument between close friends or lovers: to have a tiff with sb
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tig
noun [U] (BrE ) = TAG (5)
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tiger
noun a large wild animal of the cat family, that has yellowish fur with black lines (= STRIPES ) and lives in parts of Asia: She fought like a tiger to be able to keep her children.—compare TIGRESS —see also PAPER TIGER
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tight
adj., adv.
adj. (tight.er, tight.est)
FIXED FIRMLY|
1 held or fixed in position firmly; difficult to move or undo: He kept a tight grip on her arm.  She twisted her hair into a tight knot.  The screw was so tight that it wouldn’t move.
CLOTHES|
2 fitting closely to your body and sometimes uncomfortable: She was wearing a tight pair of jeans.  These shoes are much too tight.  The new sweater was a tight fit .
OPP LOOSE —see also SKINTIGHT
CONTROL|
3 very strict and firm: to exercise / keep tight control over sb/sth  We need tighter security at the airport.
STRETCHED|
4 stretched or pulled so that it cannot stretch much further: The rope was stretched tight.
CLOSE TOGETHER|
5 [usually before noun] with things or people packed closely together, leaving little space between them: There was a tight group of people around the speaker.  With six of us in the car it was a tight squeeze .
MONEY / TIME|
6 difficult to manage with because there is not enough: We have a very tight budget.  The president has a tight schedule today.
EXPRESSION / VOICE|
7 looking or sounding anxious, upset, angry, etc: ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, with a tight smile.—see also UPTIGHT
PART OF BODY|
8 feeling painful or uncomfortable because of illness or emotion: He complained of having a tight chest.  Her throat felt tight, just looking at her baby.
RELATIONSHIP|
9 having a close relationship with sb else or with other people: It was a tight community and newcomers were not welcome.—see also TIGHT-KNIT
BEND / CURVE|
10 curving suddenly rather than gradually: The driver slowed down at a tight bend in the road.  The plane flew around in a tight circle.
CONTEST / RACE|
11 with competitors or teams that seem to be equally good
SYN CLOSE : a tight race / game
NOT GENEROUS|
12 (BrE, informal, disapproving) not wanting to spend much money; not generous: He’s very tight with his money.
DRUNK|
13 [not usually before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) drunk
-TIGHT|
14 (in compounds) not allowing the substance mentioned to enter: measures to make your home weathertight—see also AIRTIGHT , WATERTIGHT
tight.ness noun [U] to keep a tight 'rein on sb/sth to control sb/sth carefully or strictly: It’s essential to keep a tight rein on public spending. run a tight 'ship to organize sth in a very efficient way, controlling other people very closely a tight 'spot / 'corner a very difficult or dangerous situation: She’ll always help if you’re in a tight spot.

adv. (tight.er, tight.est) closely and firmly; tightly: Hold tight!  My suitcase was packed tight.  His fists were clenched tight.
IDM see SIT , SLEEP v.

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tight.en
verb ~ (sth) (up)
1 to become or make sth become tight or tighter: [v] The rope holding the boat suddenly tightened and broke.  His mouth tightened into a thin line.  [vn] to tighten a lid / screw / rope / knot  The nuts weren’t properly tightened and the wheel came off.  She tightened her grip on his arm.
2 [vn] to make sth become stricter: to tighten security / regulations / rules
OPP LOOSEN
IDM tighten your 'belt to spend less money because there is less available
PVR V ,tighten 'up (on sth) to become stricter or more careful: Laws on gambling have tightened up recently.  The police are tightening up on under-age drinking.
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,tight-'fisted
adj. not willing to spend or give much money
SYN MEAN , STINGY
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,tight-'fitting
adj. that fits very tightly or closely: a tight-fitting skirt
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,tight-'knit
(also ,tightly-'knit) adj. (of a family or community) with all the members having strong friendly relationships with one another: a tight-knit mining community
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,tight-'lipped
adj.
1 not willing to talk about sth
2 keeping your lips pressed firmly together, especially because you are angry about sth
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tight.ly
adv. closely and firmly; in a tight manner: Her eyes were tightly closed.  He held on tightly to her arm.  a tightly packed crowd of tourists  note at TIGHT
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tight.rope
noun a rope or wire that is stretched tightly high above the ground and that performers walk along, especially in a CIRCUS : a tightrope walker
IDM tread / walk a 'tightrope to be in a difficult situation in which you do not have much freedom of action and need to be extremely careful about what you do
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tights
noun [pl.]
1 (BrE) (AmE panty.hose) a piece of clothing made of very thin fabric that fits closely over a woman’s hips, legs and feet: a pair of tights—compare STOCKING
2 a piece of clothing similar to tights but made of thicker fabric, worn especially by dancers
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tight.wad
noun (AmE , informal) a person who hates to spend or give money
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tig.ress
noun a female TIGER
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tike
noun = TYKE
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til, 'til
UNTIL
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tilde
noun
1 the mark ( ˜ ) placed over letters in some languages and some vowels in the International Phonetic Alphabet to show how they should be pronounced, as in España, São Paulo and penchant —compare ACUTE ACCENT , CIRCUMFLEX , GRAVE^2 , UMLAUT
2 the mark ( ˜ ) used in this dictionary in some parts of an entry to represent the word in dark type at the top of the entry
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tile
noun, verb
noun
1 a flat, usually square, piece of baked clay, carpet or other material that is used in rows for covering walls and floors: ceramic floor tiles  carpet tiles
2 a piece of baked clay that is used in rows for covering roofs
3 any of the small flat pieces that are used in particular board games
IDM see NIGHT

verb [vn]
1 to cover a surface with tiles : a tiled bathroom / roof
2 (computing) to arrange several windows on a computer screen so that they fill the screen but do not cover each other

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til.ing
noun [U]
1 an area covered with tiles
2 the work of covering a floor, wall, etc. with tiles
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till
conj., prep., noun, verb
conj., prep. = UNTIL : We’re open till 6 o’clock.  Can’t you wait till we get home?  Just wait till you see it. It’s great.
HELP Till is generally felt to be more informal than until and is used much less often in writing. At the beginning of a sentence, until is usually used.

noun
1 (BrE) = CASH REGISTER
2 (BrE, informal) the place where you pay for goods in a large shop/store: Please pay at the till.  a long queue at the till
3 (especially AmE) the drawer where the money is put in a CASH REGISTER
IDM see FINGER n.

verb [vn] (old use) to prepare and use land for growing crops

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till.er
noun a bar that is used to turn the RUDDER of a small boat in order to steer it—compare HELM
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tilt
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move, or make sth move, into a position with one side or end higher than the other: [v] Suddenly the boat tilted to one side  The seat tilts forward, when you press this lever.  [vn] His hat was tilted slightly at an angle.  She tilted her head back and looked up at me with a smile.
2 to make sth/sb change slightly so that one particular opinion, person, etc. is preferred or more likely to succeed than another; to change in this way: [vn] The hot conditions may tilt the balance in favour of the Kenyan runners.  [v] Popular opinion has tilted in favour of the socialists.
IDM tilt at 'windmills to waste your energy attacking imaginary enemies
ORIGIN From Cervantes' Don Quixote, in which the hero thought that the windmills he saw were giants and tried to fight them.
PVR V 'tilt at sb/sth (BrE) to attack sb/sth in speech or writing: a satirical magazine tilting at public figures 'tilt at sth (BrE) to try to win sth: He was tilting at the top prize.

noun
1 a position in which one end or side of sth is higher than the other; an act of tilting sth to one side: The table is at a slight tilt.  He answered with a tilt of his head.
2 an attempt to win sth or defeat sb: She aims to have a tilt at the world championship next year.
IDM (at) full 'tilt / 'pelt as fast as possible

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tim.ber
noun
1 [U] trees that are grown to be used in building or for making things: the timber industry
2 [U] (especially BrE) (AmE usually lum.ber) wood that is prepared for use in building, etc: houses built of timber
3 [C, usually pl.] a wooden beam used in building a house or ship: roof timbers
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tim.bered
adj. built of wooden beams; with a FRAMEWORK of wooden beams—see also HALF-TIMBERED
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timbre
noun (formal) the quality of sound that is produced by a particular voice or musical instrument
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time
noun, verb
noun —see also TIMES
MINUTES / HOURS / YEARS, etc.|
1 [U] what is measured in minutes, hours, days, etc: The changing seasons mark the passing of time.  A visit to the museum will take you back in time to the 1930s.  time and space  As time went by we saw less and less of each other.  Perceptions change over time (= as time passes).
2 [U] the time shown on a clock in minutes and hours: What time is it / What’s the time?   (BrE) What time do you make it?   (AmE) What time do you have?  Do you have the time?  The time is now half past ten.   (BrE) Can she tell the time yet (= say what time it is by looking at a clock)?   (AmE) Can she tell time yet?  My watch keeps perfect time (= always shows the correct time).  Look at the time! We’ll be late.  This time tomorrow I’ll be in Canada.
3 [U] the time measured in a particular part of the world: Greenwich Mean Time  6 o’clock local time —see also STANDARD TIME , SUMMER TIME
4 [U, C] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) the time when sth happens or when sth should happen: What time do you finish work?  The baby loves bath time.  I think it’s time to go to bed.  It’s time the kids were in bed.  It’s time for lunch.  A computer screen shows arrival and departure times.  The train arrived right on time (= at exactly the correct time).  By the time you get there the meeting will be over.  You’ll feel differently about it when the time comes (= when it happens).—see also ANY TIME , CLOSING TIME , NIGHT-TIME , OPENING TIME
PERIOD|
5 [U] ~ to do sth an amount of time; the amount of time available to work, rest, etc: Allow plenty of time to get to the airport.  He spends most of his time working.  She doesn’t have much free / spare time .  I can probably make the time to see them.  What a waste of time!  We have no time to lose (= we must hurry).  It takes time to make changes in the law.  I didn’t finish the test—I ran out of time.  Time’s up —have you worked out the answer yet?  He never takes any time off (= time spent not working).  Jane’s worked here for some time (= for a fairly long period of time).  Do it now please—not in three hours' time (= three hours from now).  The journey time is two hours.
6 (a time) [sing.] a period of time, either long or short, during which you do sth or sth happens: His injuries will take a long time to heal.  I lived in Egypt for a time .  The early morning is the best time of day .  Her parents died a long time ago .  At one time (= at a period of time in the past) Emily was my best friend.  Mr Curtis was the manager in my time (= when I was working there).
7 [U, pl.] a period of history connected with particular events or experiences in people’s lives: The movie is set at the time of the Russian revolution.  in ancient / Victorian times  the violent times we live in (= the present period of history)  Times are hard for the unemployed.  Times have changed since Grandma was young.  At some time in the future there will be a cure for Aids.—see also OLD-TIME
OCCASION / EVENT|
8 [C] an occasion when you do sth or when sth happens: Every time I hear that song I feel happy.  Next time you’re here let’s have lunch together.  He failed his driving test three times.  He’s determined to pass this time .  When was the last time you saw her?   (spoken) How many times (= how often) do I have to tell you not to do that?   (especially AmE) I remember one time (= once) we had to abandon our car in the snow.   (formal) At no time did I give my consent to the plan.
HELP To talk about the first or the last time you do sth, use the first / last time (that) I …: This is the first time (that) I’ve been to London.  This is the first time for me to go to London.  That was the last time (that) I saw her.
9 [C] an event or occasion that you experience in a particular way: Did you have a good time in Spain?  I had an awful time in the hospital.
FOR RACE|
10 [C, U] how long sb takes to run a race or complete an event: The winner’s time was 11.6 seconds.  She completed the 500 metres in record time (= faster than any previous runner).  one of the fastest times this year
IN MUSIC|
11 [U] the number of BEATS in a BAR of music: This piece is in four-four time.  a slow waltz time  The conductor beat time with a baton.
12 [U] the correct speed and rhythm of a piece of music: Try and dance in time to the music (= with the same speed and rhythm).  Clap your hands to keep time (= sing or play with the correct speed and rhythm).  to play in / out of time (= follow / not follow the correct speed and rhythm)  He always plays in perfect time.—see also BIG TIME , SMALL-TIME (and) about 'time ('too) | (and) not before 'time (spoken) used to say that sth should have happened before now against 'time if you do sth against time, you do it as fast as you can because you do not have much time: They’re working against time to try and get people out of the rubble alive. ahead of / behind 'time earlier/later than was expected: We finished 15 minutes ahead of time. ahead of your 'time having advanced or new ideas that other people use or copy later all the 'time | the whole 'time
1 during the whole of a particular period of time: The letter was in my pocket all the time (= while I was looking for it).
2 very often; repeatedly: She leaves the lights on all the time. at all 'times always: Our representatives are ready to help you at all times. at the 'best of times even when the circumstances are very good: He’s never very happy at the best of times—he’ll be much worse now! at the same 'time
1 at one time; together: She was laughing and crying at the same time.
2 used to introduce a contrasting fact, etc. that must be considered: You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic. at a 'time separately or in groups of two, three, etc. on each occasion: We had to go and see the principal one at a time.  She ran up the stairs two at a time. at 'my, 'your, 'his, etc. time of life at the age you are (especially when you are not young): Eyesight doesn’t get any better at my time of life. at 'times sometimes: He can be really bad-tempered at times. before my, your, his, etc. 'time
1 happening before you were born or can remember or before you lived, worked, etc. somewhere: ‘Were you taught by Professor Pascal?’‘No, he was before my time.’
2 before the usual time in sb’s life when sth happens: She got old before her time. behind the 'times old-fashioned in your ideas, methods, etc. do 'time (informal) to spend time in prison every 'time whenever there is a choice: I don’t really like cities—give me the countryside every time. for the time 'being for a short period of time but not permanently: You can leave your suitcase here for the time being. from ,time to 'time occasionally but not regularly: She has to work at weekends from time to time. have a lot of time for sb/sth (informal, especially BrE) to like and be interested in sb/sth have no time for sb/sth | not have much time for sb/sth (informal) to dislike sb/sth: I have no time for lazy people like Steve. have the ,time of your 'life (informal) to enjoy yourself very much have time on your 'hands | have time to 'kill (informal) to have nothing to do or not be busy in good 'time early; with enough time so that you are not in a hurry (all) in good 'time (spoken) used to say that sth will be done or will happen at the appropriate time and not before: Be patient, Emily! All in good time. in (less than / next to) 'no time so soon or so quickly that it is surprising: The kids will be leaving home in no time. in 'time after a period of time when a situation has changed: They learned to accept their stepmother in time. in time (for sth / to do sth) not late; with enough time to be able to do sth: Will we be in time for the six o’clock train?  The ambulance got there just in time (= to save sb’s life). in your own (good) 'time (informal) when you are ready and not sooner: Don’t hassle him! He’ll do it in his own good time. in your own time in your free time and not when you usually work or study it’s a,bout / ,high 'time (spoken) used to say that you think sb should do sth soon: It’s about time you cleaned your room! keep up / move with the 'times to change and develop your ideas, way of working, etc. so that you do what is modern and what is expected make good, etc. 'time to complete a journey quickly: We made excellent time and arrived in Spain in two days. 'many a time | 'many’s the time (that) … (old-fashioned) many times; frequently ,nine times out of 'ten | ,ninety-,nine times out of a 'hundred used to say that sth is usually true or almost always happens: Nine times out of ten she gives the right answer. (and) not before 'time = (AND) ABOUT TIME (TOO) (there is) no time like the 'present (saying) now is the best time to do sth, not in the future of all 'time that has ever existed: Many rated him the best singer of all time.—see also ALL-TIME take your 'time (over sth) | take your 'time to do sth / doing sth
1 to use as much time as you need without hurrying: There’s no rush—take your time.
2 used to say you think sb is late or is too slow in doing sth: You certainly took your time getting here! ,time after 'time | ,time and (,time) a'gain often; on many or all occasions: You will get a perfect result time after time if you follow these instructions. time and a 'half one and a half times the usual rate of pay—see also DOUBLE TIME time is on your 'side used to say that sb can wait for sth to happen or can wait before doing sth (the) next, first, second, etc. time 'round on the next, first, etc. occasion that the same thing happens: He repeated none of the errors he’d made first time round.  This time round it was not so easy. time 'was (when) … (old-fashioned) used to say that sth used to happen in the past: Time was when you could go for a walk in the country and not see another person for miles. time (alone) will 'tell | only time will 'tell used to say that you will have to wait for some time to find out the result of a situation: Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful. the whole 'time = ALL THE TIME —more at BEAT v. , BIDE , BORROW , BUY v. , CALL v. , COURSE n. , DAY , DEVIL , EASY adj. , FORTH , FULLNESS , GAIN v. , GIVE v. , HARD adj. , HIGH adj. , KILL v. , LONG adj. , LOST adj. , LUCK n. , MARK v. , MATTER n. , MOVE v. , NICK n. , OLD , ONCE adv. , PASS v. , RACE n. , SIGN n. , STITCH n. , SWEET adj. , THIN adj. , THIRD , WHALE

verb
ARRANGE TIME|
1 [often passive] to arrange to do sth or arrange for sth to happen at a particular time: [vn] She timed her arrival for shortly after 3.  Their request was badly timed (= it was made at the wrong time).  ‘I hope we’re not too early.’‘You couldn’t have timed it better!’  [vn to inf] Publication of his biography was timed to coincide with his 70th birthday celebrations.
MEASURE TIME|
2 to measure how long it takes for sth to happen or for sb to do sth: [vn] The winner was timed at 20.4 seconds.  [v wh-] Time how long it takes you to answer the questions.
IN SPORT|
3 [vn] to hit or kick a ball at a particular moment in a sports game: She timed the pass perfectly.  a beautifully timed shot—see also ILL-TIMED , MISTIME , TIMING , WELL TIMED

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,time-and-'motion study
noun a study to find out how efficient a company’s working methods are
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'time bomb
noun
1 a bomb that can be set to explode at a particular time
2 a situation that is likely to cause serious problems in the future: Rising unemployment is a political time bomb for the government.
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'time capsule
noun a container that is filled with objects that people think are typical of the time they are living in. It is buried so that it can be discovered by people in the future.
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'time card
noun (especially AmE ) a piece of card on which the number of hours that sb has worked are recorded, usually by a machine
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'time clock
noun a special clock that records the exact time that sb starts and finishes work
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'time-consuming
adj. taking or needing a lot of time: a difficult and time-consuming process
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'time frame
noun the length of time that is used or available for sth: We expect to complete the project within a fairly short time frame.
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'time-honoured
(BrE ) (AmE -honored) adj. (written) respected because it has been used or done for a long time: They showed their approval in the time-honoured way (= by cheering, for example).
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time.keep.er
noun a person who records the time that is spent doing sth, for example at work or at a sports event
IDM be a good / bad 'timekeeper to be regularly on time/late for work
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time.keep.ing
noun
1 a person’s ability to arrive in time for things, especially work
2 the activity of recording the time sth takes
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'time lag
(also lag, 'time lapse) noun the period of time between two connected events: There is a long time lag between when I do the work and when I get paid.
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time.less
adj. (formal or written)
1 not appearing to be affected by the passing of time or by changes in fashion: her timeless beauty  His work has a timeless quality.
2 existing or continuing for ever: timeless eternity
time.less.ly adv.
time.less.ness noun [U]
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'time limit
noun the length of time within which you must do or complete sth: We have to set a time limit for the work.  The work must be completed within a certain time limit.
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time.ly
adj. happening at exactly the right time: A nasty incident was prevented by the timely arrival of the police.  This has been a timely reminder to us all.
OPP UNTIMELY
time.li.ness noun [U]
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'time machine
noun (in SCIENCE FICTION stories) a machine that enables you to travel in time to the past or the future
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time.out
noun (AmE ) a short period of rest during a sports game
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time.piece
noun (formal) a clock or watch
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timer
noun (often in compounds) a device that is used to measure the time that sth takes; a device that starts or stops a machine working at a particular time: an oven timer—see also EGG TIMER , OLD-TIMER
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times

1 prep. (informal) multiplied by: Five times two is / equals ten (= 5 × 2 = 10).
2 noun [pl.] used in comparisons to show how much more, better, etc. sth is than sth else: three times as long as sth  three times longer than sth  three times the length of sth
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'time-saving
adj. [usually before noun] that reduces the amount of time it takes to do sth: time-saving devices
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time.scale
noun the period of time that it takes for sth to happen or be completed: What’s the timescale for the project?  We hope the negotiations will be completed within a six-month timescale.
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'time-server
noun (disapproving) a person who does as little work as possible in their job because they are just waiting until they leave for another job or RETIRE (= finish work completely)
'time-serving adj., noun: time-serving bureaucrats
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time.share
noun
1 (also 'time-sharing) [U] an arrangement in which several people own a holiday/vacation home together and each uses it at a different time of the year: timeshare apartments
2 [C] a holiday/vacation home that you own in this way: They have a timeshare in Spain.
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'time sheet
noun a piece of paper on which the number of hours that sb has worked are recorded
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'time signature
noun (music ) a sign at the start of a piece of music, usually in the form of numbers, showing the number of beats in each BAR/MEASURE —picture at MUSIC
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'time span
noun a period of time: These changes have occurred over a long time span.
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'time switch
noun a switch that can be set to start and stop working automatically at a particular time: The heating is on a time switch.
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time.table
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually sched.ule) a list showing the times at which particular events will happen: a bus / train timetable (= when they arrive and leave)  We have a new timetable each term (= showing the times of each class in school).  Sport is no longer so important in the school timetable (= all the subjects that are taught at schools).
2 a plan of when you expect or hope particular events to happen
SYN SCHEDULE : I have a busy timetable this week (= I have planned to do many things).  The government has set out its timetable for the peace talks.  note at AGENDA

verb [vn] [usually passive] (especially BrE ) to arrange for sth to take place at a particular time
SYN SCHEDULE : A series of discussion groups have been timetabled for the afternoons.
time.tab.ling noun [U]

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'time warp
noun an imaginary situation, described, for example, in SCIENCE FICTION , in which it is possible for people or things from the past or the future to move to the present
IDM be (stuck) in a 'time warp not having changed at all from a time in the past although everything else has: Her whole house seems to be stuck in a time warp. It’s like something out of the 1950s.
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'time-worn
adj. old and used a lot, and therefore damaged, or no longer useful or interesting
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'time zone
noun one of the 24 areas that the world is divided into, each with its own time that is one hour earlier than that of the time zone immediately to the east
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timid
adj. shy and nervous; not brave: He stopped in the doorway, too timid to go in.  They’ve been rather timid in the changes they’ve made (= they’ve been afraid to make any big changes).  ‘May I come in?’ she asked in a timid voice.
tim.id.ity noun [U]
tim.id.ly adv.
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tim.ing
noun
1 [U, C] the act of choosing when sth happens; a particular point or period of time when sth happens or is planned: The timing of the decision was a complete surprise.   (written) Please check your flight timings carefully.
2 [U] the skill of doing sth at exactly the right time: an actor with a great sense of comic timing  Your timing is perfect. I was just about to call you.
3 [U] the repeated rhythm of sth; the skill of producing this: She played the piano confidently but her timing was not good.
4 [U] (technical) the rate at which an electric SPARK is produced in a vehicle’s engine in order to make it work
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tim.or.ous
adj. (formal or literary) nervous and easily frightened: ‘Who’s that?’ asked a timorous voice.
tim.or.ous.ly adv.
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tim.pani
noun [pl.] a set of large metal drums (also called KETTLEDRUMS ) in an orchestra—
tim.pan.ist noun
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tin
noun
1 [U] (symbSn) a chemical element. Tin is a soft silver-white metal that is often mixed with other metals or used to cover them to prevent them from RUSTING : a tin mine  a tin box
2 [C] (also ,tin 'can) (both BrE) (also canAmE, BrE) ~ (of sth) a metal container in which food and drink is sold; the contents of one of these containers: a tin of beans / soup  Next, add two tins of tomatoes.—picture at PACKAGING
3 [C] (BrE) (also canAmE, BrE) ~ (of sth) a metal container with circular ends, straight sides and a lid in which paint, glue, etc. is sold and stored; the contents of one of these containers: a tin of varnish  The bedroom needed three tins of paint (= in order to paint it).
4 [C] a metal container with a lid used for keeping food in: a biscuit / cake / cookie tin
5 [C] (BrE) (AmE pan) a metal container used for cooking food in: a roasting / cake tin
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,tin 'can
noun = TIN
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tinc.ture
noun [C, U] (technical ) a substance dissolved in alcohol for use as a medicine
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tin.der
noun [U] dry material, especially wood or grass, that burns easily and can be used to light a fire
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tin.der.box
noun
1 a box containing dry material, used in the past for lighting a fire
2 (written) a situation that is likely to become dangerous
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tine
noun (technical ) any of the points or sharp parts of, for example, a fork or a deer’s ANTLERS
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tin.foil
noun [U] metal made into very thin sheets, that is used for wrapping food, etc.
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tinge
verb, noun
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth)
1 to add a small amount of colour to sth: white petals tinged with blue
2 to add a small amount of a particular emotion or quality to sth: a look of surprise tinged with disapproval

noun [usually sing.] a small amount of a colour, feeling or quality: to feel a tinge of envy / regret / sadness  There was a faint pink tinge to the sky.

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tin.gle
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 (of a part of your body) to feel as if a lot of small sharp points are pushing into it: The cold air made her face tingle.  a tingling sensation
2 ~ with sth to feel an emotion strongly: She was still tingling with excitement.

noun [usually sing.]
1 a slight stinging or uncomfortable feeling in a part of your body
2 an exciting or uncomfortable feeling of emotion: to feel a tingle of anticipation / excitement / fear

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tin.ker
noun, verb
noun (in the past) a person who travelled from place to place, selling or repairing things

verb [v] ~ (with sth) to make small changes to sth in order to repair or improve it, especially in a way that may not be helpful: He’s in the garage tinkering with his bike.

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tin.kle
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.]
1 (also tink.ling [sing., U]) a light high ringing sound: the tinkle of glass breaking
2 (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a telephone call
3 (BrE, informal) an act of URINATING : to have a tinkle

verb to make a series of light high ringing sounds; to make sth produce this sound: [v] A bell tinkled as the door opened.  tinkling laughter [alsovn]

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tinned
(BrE ) (also cannedAmE, BrE) adj. [usually before noun] (of food) preserved in a can: tinned fruit / soup
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tin.nitus
noun [U] (medical ) an unpleasant condition in which sb hears ringing in their ears
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tinny
adj. (disapproving, especially BrE ) having a high thin sound like small pieces of metal hitting each other: tinny music  a tinny voice / radio
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'tin-opener
(BrE ) (also 'can-openerAmE, BrE) noun a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) for opening tins of food—picture at KITCHEN
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tin.plate
noun [U] a metal material made from iron and steel and covered with a layer of tin
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tin.pot
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , disapproving) (especially of a leader or government) not important and of little worth or use: a tinpot dictator
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tin.sel
noun [U] strips of shiny material like metal, used as decorations, especially at Christmas
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tint
noun, verb
noun
1 a shade or small amount of a particular colour; a faint colour covering a surface: leaves with red and gold autumn tints  the brownish tint of an old photo
2 an artificial colour used to change the colour of your hair; the act of COLOURING the hair with a tint : a blond tint  to have a tint

verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to add a small amount of colour to sth: She’s had her eyelashes tinted.
tint.ed adj. [usually before noun]: tinted glasses / lenses

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,tin 'whistle
(also ,penny 'whistle) noun a simple musical instrument like a short pipe with six holes, that you play by blowing
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tiny
adj. (tini.er, tini.est) very small in size or amount: a tiny baby  Only a tiny minority hold such extreme views.
IDM see PATTER n.
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-tion
-ION
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tip
noun, verb
noun
END OF STH|
1 the thin pointed end of sth: the tips of your fingers / toes  the tip of your nose  the northern tip of the island—see also FINGERTIP
2 a small part that fits on or over the end of sth: a walking stick with a rubber tip—see also FELT-TIP PEN , FILTER TIP
ADVICE|
3 ~ (on / for sth)| ~ (on / for doing sth) a small piece of advice about sth practical: handy tips for buying a computer  useful tips on how to save money
4 (informal) a secret or expert piece of advice about what the result of a competition, etc. is likely to be, especially about which horse is likely to win a race: a hot tip for the big race
EXTRA MONEY|
5 a small amount of extra money that you give to sb, for example sb who serves you in a restaurant: to leave a tip  He gave the waiter a generous tip.
FOR RUBBISH|
6 (BrE) a place where you can take rubbish/garbage and leave it
UNTIDY PLACE|
7 (BrE, informal, disapproving) an untidy place: Their flat is a tip! on the tip of your 'tongue if a word or name is on the tip of your tongue, you are sure that you know it but you cannot remember it the tip of the 'iceberg only a small part of a much larger problem

verb (-pp-)
LEAN / POUR / PUSH AT AN ANGLE|
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move so that one end or side is higher than the other; to move sth into this position: [v] The boat tipped to one side.  The seat tips forward to allow passengers into the back.  [vn] She tipped her head back and laughed loudly.  His hat was tipped over his forehead.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make sth/sb come out of a container or its/their position by holding or lifting it/them at an angle: She tipped the dirty water down the drain.  The bus stopped abruptly, nearly tipping me out of my seat.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to touch sth lightly so that it moves in a particular direction: The goalkeeper just managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.
LEAVE RUBBISH|
4 (BrE ) to leave rubbish/garbage somewhere outdoors in order to get rid of it: [v] ‘No tipping.’ (= for example, on a notice) [alsovn]
GIVE EXTRA MONEY|
5 to give sb an extra amount of money to thank them for sth they have done for you as part of their job: [v] Americans were always welcome because they tended to tip heavily.  [vn] Did you remember to tip the waiter?  [vnn] She tipped the porter a pound.
PREDICT SUCCESS|
6 ~ sb/sth (as / for sth) to say in advance that sb/sth will be successful: [vn] The band is being tipped for the top.  The senator has been tipped by many as a future president.  [vn to inf] The actor is tipped to win an Oscar for his performance.
COVER END|
7 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover the end or edge of sth with a colour, a substance, etc: The wings are tipped with yellow. it is / was 'tipping (it) down (BrE, informal) it is/was raining heavily tip the 'balance / 'scales (also swing the 'balance) to affect the result of sth in one way rather than another: In an interview, smart presentation can tip the scales in your favour. tip your 'hand (AmE) = SHOW YOUR HAND / CARDS at SHOW v. tip the scales at sth to weigh a particular amount: He tipped the scales at just over 80 kilos. tip sb the 'wink | tip the 'wink to sb (BrE, informal) to give sb secret information that they can use to gain an advantage for themselves—more at HAT n. ,tip sb<->'off (about sth) (informal) to warn sb about sth that is going to happen, especially sth illegal: Three men were arrested after police were tipped off about the raid. [+ that] They were tipped off that he might be living in Wales.—related noun TIP-OFF ,tip 'up / 'over| ,tip sth<->'up / 'over to fall or turn over; to make sth do this: The mug tipped over, spilling hot coffee everywhere.  We’ll have to tip the sofa up to get it through the door.

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'tip-off
noun (informal) secret information that sb gives, for example to the police, to warn them about an illegal activity that is going to happen: The man was arrested after an anonymous tip-off.
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Tipp-Ex
™noun [U] (BrE ) a liquid, usually white, that you use to cover mistakes that you make when you are writing or typing, and that you can write on top of; a type of CORRECTION FLUID
SYN WITEOUT
tip.pex verb [vn] ~ sth (out): I tippexed out the mistakes.
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tip.ple
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] (informal, especially BrE ) an alcoholic drink: His favourite tipple was rum and lemon.

verb [v, vn] (informal, especially BrE ) to drink alcohol
tip.pler noun

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tip.ster
noun
1 a person who tells you, often in exchange for money, which horse is likely to win a race, so that you can bet on it and win money
2 (especially AmE) a person who gives information to the police about a crime or criminal
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tipsy
adj. (informal) slightly drunk
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tip.toe
noun, verb
noun
IDM on 'tiptoe / 'tiptoes standing or walking on the front part of your foot, with your heels off the ground, in order to make yourself taller or to move very quietly or lightly: She had to stand on tiptoe to reach the top shelf.  We crept around on tiptoes so as not to disturb him.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to walk using the front parts of your feet only, so that other people cannot hear you: I tiptoed over to the window.

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,tip-'top
adj. [usually before noun] (informal) excellent: The house is in tip-top condition .
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tir.ade
noun ~ (against sb/sth) a long angry speech criticizing sb/sth or accusing sb of sth: She launched into a tirade of abuse against politicians.
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tire
verb, noun
verb to become tired and feel as if you want to sleep or rest; to make sb feel this way: [v] Her legs were beginning to tire.  He has made a good recovery but still tires easily. [alsovn] never tire of doing sth to do sth a lot, especially in a way that annoys people: He went to Harvard—as he never tires of reminding us.
PVR V 'tire of sth/sb to become bored with sth/sb or begin to enjoy it/them less: They soon tired of the beach and went for a walk.  There are plenty of restaurants for those who tire of shopping. ,tire sb / yourself 'out to make sb/yourself feel very tired—see also TIRED

noun (AmE ) = TYRE

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tired
adj.
1 feeling that you would like to sleep or rest; needing rest: to be / look / feel tired  I’m too tired even to think.  They were cold, hungry and tired out (= very tired).  tired eyes / feet / muscles
2 ~ of sb/sth| ~ of doing sth feeling that you have had enough of sb/sth because you no longer find it/them interesting or because they make you angry or unhappy: I’m sick and tired of all the arguments.  She was tired of hearing about their trip to India.
3 boring because it is too familiar or has been used too much: He always comes out with the same tired old jokes.
tired.ly adv.: He shook his head tiredly.
tired.ness noun [U] —see also DOG-TIRED
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'tire iron
noun (AmE ) a metal tool for taking tyres off wheels
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tire.less
adj. (approving) putting a lot of hard work and energy into sth over a long period of time: a tireless campaigner for human rights  to have tireless energy  She was tireless in her efforts on our behalf.
tire.less.ly adv.
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tire.some
adj. making you feel annoyed: Buying a house can be a very tiresome business.  The children were being very tiresome.
tire.some.ly adv.
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tir.ing
adj. making you feel the need to sleep or rest: It had been a long tiring day.
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'tis
short form (old use) it is
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tis.sue
noun
1 [U] (also tis.sues [pl.]) a mass of cells that form the different parts of humans, animals and plants: muscle / brain / nerve / scar tissue
2 [C] a piece of soft paper that absorbs liquids, used especially as a HANDKERCHIEF : a box of tissues
3 (also 'tissue paper) [U] very thin paper used for wrapping and packing things that break easily
IDM a ,tissue of 'lies (literary) a story, an excuse, etc. that is full of lies
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tit
noun
1 [usually pl.] (also titty) ( , slang) a woman’s breast or NIPPLE
2 (BrE, slang) a stupid person
3 a small European bird that eats insects and seeds. There are several types of tit : a great tit—see also BLUE TIT
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Titan
(also titan) noun (written) a person who is very large, strong, intelligent or important
ORIGIN From the Titans, who in Greek myth were the older gods who were defeated in a battle with Zeus.
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ti.tan.ic
adj. (written) very large, important, strong or difficult: a titanic struggle between good and evil
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ti.tan.ium
noun [U] (symb Ti) a chemical element. Titanium is a silver-white metal used in making various strong light materials.
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tit.bit
(BrE ) (AmE tid.bit) noun
1 a small special piece of food: She had saved a few titbits for her cat.
2 a small but interesting piece of news: titbits of gossip / information / news
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titch
noun (BrE , informal often humorous) used as a way of talking about or addressing a very small person
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titchy
adj. (BrE , informal) very small
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,tit for 'tat
noun [U] a situation in which you do sth bad to sb because they have done the same to you: the routine tit for tat when countries expel each other’s envoys  tit-for-tat assassinations by rival gangs
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tithe
noun (especially in the past) a TENTH or other fixed part of the goods that sb produces or the money that they earn, that they give regularly to help support the Church
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tit.il.late
verb (often disapproving) to interest or excite sb, especially in a sexual way: [v] titillating details / pictures  [vn] a story intended to titillate the imagination of the public
tit.il.la.tion noun [U]
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title
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the name of a book, poem, painting, piece of music, etc: His poems were published under the title of ‘Love and Reason’.  the title track from their latest CD (= the song with the same title as the disc)  She has sung the title role in ‘Carmen’ (= the role of Carmen in that opera).
2 [C] a particular book or magazine: The company publishes twenty new titles a year.
3 [C] a word in front of a person’s name to show their rank or profession, whether or not they are married, etc: The present duke inherited the title from his father.  Give your name and title (= Mr, Miss, Ms, Dr, etc.).  note at NAME
4 [C] a name that describes a job: The official title of the job is ‘Administrative Assistant’.
5 [C] the position of being the winner of a competition, especially a sports competition: the world heavyweight title  She has three world titles.
6 [U, C] ~ (to sth / to do sth) (law) the legal right to own sth, especially land or property; the document that shows you have this right: He claims he has title to the land.

verb [vn-n] [usually passive] to give a book, piece of music, etc. a particular name: Their first album was titled ‘Ocean Drive’.

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titled
adj. having a title such as LORD , LADY , etc.
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'title deed
noun [usually pl.] a legal document proving that sb is the owner of a particular house, etc.
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'title-holder
noun
1 a person or team that has defeated all the other competitors in an important competition: the current Olympic title-holder
2 (AmE, technical) the legal owner of sth
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'title page
noun a page at the front of a book that has the title and the author’s name on it
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tit.ter
verb [v] to laugh quietly, especially in a nervous or embarrassed way
SYN GIGGLE : There was an embarrassing pause on stage and the audience began to titter.
tit.ter noun
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tittle-tattle
noun [U] (informal, disapproving) unimportant talk, usually not true, about other people and their lives
SYN GOSSIP
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titty
noun (pl.-ies) (slang) = TIT (1)
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titu.lar
adj. [only before noun] (formal) having a particular title or status but no real power or authority
SYN NOMINAL : the titular head of state
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tizzy
(also tizz ) noun [sing.] (informal) a state of nervous excitement or confusion: She was in a real tizzy before the meeting.
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'T-junction
noun (BrE ) a place where one road joins another but does not cross it, so that the roads form the shape of the letter T
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TLC
noun [U] the abbreviation for ‘tender loving care’ (care that you give sb to make them feel better): What he needs now is just rest and a lot of TLC.
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TM
abbr., noun
abbr. TRADEMARK

noun (BrE ) (AmET.M.) [U] the abbreviation for TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

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TNT
noun [U] a powerful explosive
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to
prep., infinitive marker, adv.
prep.
HELP For the special uses of to in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example see to sth is in the phrasal verb section at see.
1 in the direction of sth; towards sth: I walked to the office.  It fell to the ground.  It was on the way to the station.  He’s going to Paris.  my first visit to Africa  He pointed to something on the opposite bank.  Her childhood was spent travelling from place to place.
2 ~ the sth (of sth) situated in the direction mentioned from sth: Place the cursor to the left of the first word.  There are mountains to the north.
3 as far as sth: The meadows lead down to the river.  Her hair fell to her waist.
4 reaching a particular state: The vegetables were cooked to perfection.  He tore the letter to pieces.  She sang the baby to sleep.  The letter reduced her to tears (= made her cry).  His expression changed from amazement to joy.
5 used to show the end or limit of a range or period of time: a drop in profits from $105 million to around $75 million  I’d say he was 25 to 30 years old (= approximately 25 or 30 years old).  I like all kinds of music from opera to reggae.  We only work from Monday to Friday.  I watched the programme from beginning to end.
6 before the start of sth: How long is it to lunch?   (especially BrE) It’s five to ten (= five minutes before ten o’clock).
7 used to show the person or thing that receives sth: He gave it to his sister.  I’ll explain to you where everything goes.  I am deeply grateful to my parents.  Who did she address the letter to?   (formal) To whom did she address the letter?
8 used to show the person or thing that is affected by an action: She is devoted to her family.  What have you done to your hair?
9 used to show that two things are attached or connected: Attach this rope to the front of the car.
10 used to show a relationship between one person or thing and another: She’s married to an Italian.  the Japanese ambassador to France  the key to the door  the solution to this problem
11 directed towards; concerning: It was a threat to world peace.  She made a reference to her recent book.
12 used to introduce the second part of a comparison or RATIO : I prefer walking to climbing.  The industry today is nothing to what it once was.  We won by six goals to three.
13 used to show a quantity or rate: There are 2.54 centimetres to an inch.  This car does 30 miles to the gallon.—compare PER
14 in honour of sb/sth: a monument to the soldiers who died in the war  Let’s drink to Julia and her new job.
15 while sth else is happening or being done: He left the stage to prolonged applause.
16 used after verbs of movement to mean ‘with the intention of giving sth’: People rushed to her rescue and picked her up.
17 used to show sb’s attitude or reaction to sth: His music isn’t really to my taste.  To her astonishment, he smiled.
18 used to show what sb’s opinion or feeling about sth is: It sounded like crying to me.

infinitive marker
HELP To is often used before the base form of a verb to show that the verb is in the infinitive. The infinitive is used after many verbs and also after many nouns and adjectives.
1 used to show purpose or intention: I set out to buy food.  I am going to tell you a story.  She was determined to do well.  His aim was to become president.  To be honest with you, I don’t remember what he said.
2 used to show the result of sth: She managed to escape.  It was too hot to go out.  He couldn’t get close enough to see.
3 used to show the cause of sth: I’m sorry to hear that.
4 used to show an action that you want or are advised to do: I’d love to go to France this summer.  The leaflet explains how to apply for a place.  I don’t know what to say.
HELP To can also be used without a verb following when the missing verb is easy to understand: He asked her to come but she said she didn’t want to.
5 used to show sth that is known or reported about a particular person or thing: The house was said to be haunted.
6 used to show that one action immediately follows another: I reached the station only to find that my train had already left.
7 am, is, are, was, were ~ used to show that you must or should do sth: You are not to talk during the exam.  She was to be here at 8.30 but she didn’t arrive.

adv. (usually of a door) in or into a closed position: Push the door to.—see also TOING
IDM ,to and 'fro backwards and forwards: She rocked the baby to and fro.
HELP For the special uses of to in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example set to is in the phrasal verb section at set.

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toad
noun
1 a small animal like a FROG but with a drier and less smooth skin, that lives on land but breeds in water (= is an AMPHIBIAN )—
2 (informal, disapproving) an unpleasant person: You repulsive little toad!
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,toad-in-the-'hole
noun [U] a British dish of sausages cooked in BATTER
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toad.stool
noun a FUNGUS with a round flat or curved head and a short stem. Many types of toadstool are poisonous.—compare MUSHROOM
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toady
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving) a person who treats sb more important with special kindness or respect in order to gain their favour or help

verb (toad.ies, toady.ing, toad.ied, toad.ied) [v] ~ (to sb) (disapproving) to treat sb more important with special kindness or respect in order to gain their favour or help

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toast
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] slices of bread that have been made brown and crisp by heating them on both sides in a toaster or under a GRILL : cheese on toast  a piece of toast  two slices / rounds of toast
2 [C] ~ (to sb/sth) the act of a group of people wishing sb happiness, success, etc. by drinking a glass of sth, especially alcohol, at the same time: I’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.  The committee drank a toast to the new project.
3 [sing.] the ~ of … a person who is praised by a lot of people in a particular place because of sth that they have done well: The performance made her the toast of the festival.

verb
1 [vn] to lift a glass of wine, etc. in the air and drink it at the same time as other people in order to wish sb/sth success, happiness, etc: The happy couple were toasted in champagne.  We toasted the success of the new company.
2 to make sth, especially bread, turn brown by heating it in a toaster or close to heat; to turn brown in this way: [vn] The buns should be served lightly toasted.  a toasted sandwich  [v] Place under a hot grill until the nuts have toasted.
3 [vn] to warm a part of your body by placing it near a fire: He sat toasting his feet in front of the fire.

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toast.er
noun an electrical machine that you put slices of bread in to make toast—
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toast.mas.ter
noun a person who introduces the speakers at a formal dinner and calls for people to drink sth together in honour of a particular person (= proposes the toast)
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toasty
adj. (AmE ) warm and comfortable
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to.bacco
noun [U, C] (pl.-os) the dried leaves of the tobacco plant that are used for making cigarettes, smoking in a pipe or chewing: The government imposed a ban on tobacco advertising (= the advertising of cigarettes and all other forms of tobacco).
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to.bac.con.ist
noun
1 a person who owns, manages or works in a shop/store selling cigarettes, tobacco for pipes, etc.
2 (to.bac.con.ist’s) (pl.to.bac.con.ists) a shop/store that sells cigarettes, tobacco, etc: There’s a tobacconist’s on the corner.
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to.bog.gan
noun, verb
noun a long light narrow SLEDGE (= a vehicle that slides over snow) sometimes curved up in front, used for sliding down slopes

verb [v] to travel down a slope on snow or ice using a toboggan
to.bog.gan.ing noun [U]

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toc.cata
noun a piece of music for ORGAN or HARPSICHORD which includes difficult passages designed to show the player’s skill
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tod
noun
IDM on your 'tod (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) on your own; alone
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today
adv., noun
adv.
1 on this day: I’ve got a piano lesson later today.  The exams start a week today / today week (= one week from now).
2 at the present period
SYN NOWADAYS : Young people today face a very difficult future at work.

noun [U]
1 this day: Today is her tenth birthday.  The review is in today’s paper.  I’m leaving a week from today.
2 the present period of time: today’s young people

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tod.dle
verb [v]
1 when a young child who has just learnt to walk toddles, it walks with short, unsteady steps: I have to watch him all the time now that he’s toddling.
2 [+adv. / prep.] (informal) to walk or go somewhere: She toddles down to the park most afternoons.
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tod.dler
noun a child who has only recently learnt to walk
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toddy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) a drink made with strong alcohol, sugar, hot water and sometimes spices
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to-do
noun [sing.] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) unnecessary excitement or anger about sth
SYN FUSS : What a to-do!
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toe
noun, verb
noun
1 one of the five small parts that stick out from the foot: the big / little toe (= the largest / smallest toe)  I stubbed my toe on the step.  Can you touch your toes ? (= by bending over while keeping your legs straight)—picture at BODY
2 the part of a sock, shoe, etc. that covers the toes —picture at SHOE
3 (-toed) (in adjectives) having the type or number of toes mentioned: open-toed sandals  a three-toed sloth—see also PIGEON-TOED
IDM keep sb on their 'toes to make sure that sb is ready to deal with anything that might happen by doing things that they are not expecting: Regular surprise visits help to keep the staff on their toes. make sb’s 'toes curl to make sb feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about sth—more at DIG v. , DIP v. , HEAD n. , STEP v. , TOP n. , TREAD v.

verb
IDM toe the 'line (AmE also toe the 'mark) to say or do what sb in authority tells you to say or do, even if you do not share the same opinions, etc: One or two of them refused to toe the line.  to toe the company / party line

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toe.cap
noun a piece of metal or leather that covers the front part of a shoe or boot to make it stronger
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TOEFL
abbr. Test of English as a Foreign Language (a test of a person’s level of English that is taken in order to go to a university in the US)
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toe.hold
noun
1 a position in a place or an activity which you hope will lead to more power or success: The firm is anxious to gain a toehold in the North American market.
2 a very small hole or space on a cliff, just big enough to put your foot in when you are climbing
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toe.nail
noun the nail on a toe—picture at BODY
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toe.rag
noun (BrE , slang) used as a rude and offensive way of addressing sb you do not like or that you are angry with
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toff
noun (BrE , informal) a disapproving way of referring to sb from a high social class
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tof.fee
noun [U, C] a hard sticky sweet/candy made by heating sugar, butter and water together and allowing it to cool
IDM can’t do sth for 'toffee (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) if sb can’t do sth for toffee, they are very bad at doing it: He can’t dance for toffee!
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'toffee apple
(BrE ) (AmE 'candy apple) noun an apple covered with a thin layer of hard toffee and fixed on a stick
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'toffee-nosed
adj. (BrE , informal, becoming old-fashioned) behaving as if you are better than other people, especially those of a lower social class
SYN SNOBBISH
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tofu
(also 'bean curd) noun [U] a soft white substance like cheese, made from SOYA and used in cooking, often instead of meat
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tog
noun, verb
noun (BrE )
1 (togs) [pl.] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) clothes, especially ones that you wear for a particular purpose: tennis / swimming / running togs
2 a unit for measuring the warmth of DUVETS , etc.

verb (-gg-)
IDM be ,togged 'out / 'up (in sth) (informal) to be wearing clothes for a particular activity or occasion: They were all togged up in their skiing gear.

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to.gether
adv., adj.
adv.
HELP For the special uses of together in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example pull yourself together is in the phrasal verb section at pull.
1 with or near to sb/sth else; with each other: We grew up together.  Together they climbed the dark stairs.  Get all the ingredients together before you start cooking.  Stay close together —I don’t want anyone to get lost.
2 so that two or more things touch or are joined to or combined with each other: He rubbed his hands together in satisfaction.  She nailed the two boards together.  Mix the sand and cement together.  Taken together , these factors are highly significant.  He has more money than the rest of us put together .
3 (of two people) in a close relationship, for example a marriage: They split up after ten years together.
4 in or into agreement: After the meeting the two sides in the dispute were no closer together.
5 at the same time: They both spoke together.   (spoken) All together now : ‘Happy birthday to you … ’
6 for hours, days, etc. ~ (written) for hours, days, etc. without stopping: She sat for hours together just staring into space.
IDM together with
1 including: Together with the Johnsons, there were 12 of us in the villa.
2 in addition to; as well as: I sent them my order, together with a cheque for £40.

adj. (informal, approving) (of a person) well organized and confident: He’s incredibly together for someone so young.

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to.gether.ness
noun [U] the happy feeling you have when you are with people you like, especially family and friends
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tog.gle
noun, verb
noun
1 a short piece of wood, plastic, etc. that is put through a LOOP of thread to fasten sth, such as a coat or bag, instead of a button—picture at FASTENER
2 (also 'toggle switch) (computing) a key on a computer that you press to change from one style or operation to another, and back again

verb (computing ) to press a key or set of keys on a computer keyboard in order to turn a feature on or off, or to move from one program, etc. to another: [v] He toggled between the two windows.  [vn] This key toggles various views of the data.

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'toggle switch
noun
1 an electrical switch which you move up and down or backwards and forwards
2 (computing) = TOGGLE
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toil
verb, noun
verb [v] (formal)
1 ~ (away) (at / over sth) to work very hard and/or for a long time: Hundreds of men toiled for years at building the pyramid.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to move slowly and with difficulty: They toiled up the hill in the blazing sun.
toil.er noun

noun [U] (formal or literary) hard unpleasant work that makes you very tired: a life of hardship and toil

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toi.let
noun
1 [C] a large bowl attached to a pipe that you sit on or stand over when you get rid of waste matter from your body: Have you flushed the toilet?   (BrE) I need to go to the toilet (= use the toilet).  a toilet seat  toilet facilities
2 (BrE) (AmE bath.room) [C] a room containing a toilet: Every flat has its own bathroom and toilet.  Who’s in the toilet?
3 (BrE) [C] (also toi.lets [pl.]) a room or small building containing several toilets, each in a separate smaller room: public toilets  Could you tell me where the ladies' toilet is, please?
4 [U] (old-fashioned) the process of washing and dressing yourself, arranging your hair, etc.
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'toilet bag
noun (BrE ) = SPONGE BAG
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'toilet paper
(also 'toilet tissue) noun [U] thin soft paper used for cleaning your bottom after you have used the toilet: a roll of toilet paper
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toi.let.ries
noun [pl.] things such as soap or TOOTHPASTE that you use for washing, cleaning your teeth, etc.
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'toilet roll
noun (BrE ) a roll of toilet paper
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'toilet soap
noun [U, C] soap that you use for washing yourself
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'toilet-train
verb [vn] [usually passive] to teach a small child to use the toilet
'toilet-trained adj.
'toilet-training noun [U]
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'toilet water
noun [U, C] a kind of PERFUME (= a pleasant smelling liquid for the skin) that has water added to it and is not very expensive
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toils
noun [pl.] (formal or literary) if you are caught in the toils of an unpleasant feeling or situation, you cannot escape from it
SYN SNARE
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toing
noun
IDM ,toing and 'froing
1 movement or travel backwards and forwards between two or more places: All this toing and froing between London and New York takes it out of him.
2 a lot of unnecessary or repeated activity or discussion: After a great deal of toing and froing, I decided not to change jobs after all.
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token
noun, adj.
noun
1 a round piece of metal or plastic used instead of money to operate some machines or as a form of payment: a parking token
2 (BrE) a piece of paper that you pay for and that sb can exchange for sth in a shop/store: a £20 book / record / gift token  note at VOUCHER
3 a piece of paper that you can collect when you buy a particular product and then exchange for sth: Collect six tokens for a free T-shirt.
4 something that is a symbol of a feeling, a fact, an event, etc: Please accept this small gift as a token of our gratitude.
IDM by the same 'token for the same reasons: The penalty for failure will be high. But, by the same token, the rewards for success will be great.

adj. [only before noun]
1 involving very little effort or feeling and intended only as a way of showing other people that you think sb/sth is important, when really you are not sincere: The government has only made a token gesture towards helping the unemployed.  There was one token woman on the committee (= a woman who is included in the group to make it look as if women are always included, although that is not true).
2 done as a symbol to show that you are serious about sth and will keep a promise or an agreement or do more later: The government agreed to send a small token force to the area.  a one-day token strike
3 (of a small amount of money) that you pay or charge sb only as a symbol, because a payment is expected: We charge only a token fee for use of the facilities.

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token.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) the fact of doing sth only in order to do what the law requires or to satisfy a particular group of people, but not in a way that is really sincere: Appointing one woman to the otherwise all-male staff could look like tokenism.
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Tok Pisin
(also pidgin) noun [U] a CREOLE language based on English, used in Papua New Guinea
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told
pt, pp of TELL
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tol.er.able
adj. (written)
1 fairly good, but not of the best quality
SYN REASONABLE : We have had a tolerable degree of success in recruiting good staff.
2 that you can accept or bear, although unpleasant or painful: At times, the heat was barely tolerable.
OPP INTOLERABLE
tol.er.ably adv.: He plays the piano tolerably (well).
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tol.er.ance
noun
1 [U] ~ (of / for sb/sth) the willingness to accept or TOLERATE sb/sth, especially opinions or behaviour that you may not agree with, or people who are not like you: She had no tolerance for jokes of any kind.  religious / racial tolerance  a reputation for tolerance towards refugees—see also ZERO TOLERANCE
OPP INTOLERANCE
2 [C, U] ~ (to sth) the ability to suffer sth, especially pain, difficult conditions, etc. without being harmed: tolerance to antibiotics / cold  Tolerance to alcohol decreases with age.
3 [C, U] (technical) the amount by which the measurement of a value can vary without causing problems: They were working to a tolerance of 0.0001 of a centimetre.
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tol.er.ant
adj.
1 ~ (of / towards sb/sth) able to accept what other people say or do even if you do not agree with it: He has a very tolerant attitude towards other religions.
2 ~ (of sth) (of plants, animals or machines) able to survive or operate in difficult conditions: The plants are tolerant of frost.
OPP INTOLERANT
tol.er.ant.ly adv.
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tol.er.ate
verb
1 to allow sb to do sth that you do not agree with or like
SYN PUT UP WITH : [vn] Their relationship was tolerated but not encouraged.  This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.  [v -ing] She refused to tolerate being called a liar. [alsovn -ing]
2 [vn] to accept sb/sth that is annoying, unpleasant, etc. without complaining
SYN PUT UP WITH : There is a limit to what one person can tolerate.  I don’t know how you tolerate that noise!
3 [vn] to be able to be affected by a drug, difficult conditions, etc. without being harmed: She tolerated the chemotherapy well.  Few plants will tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
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tol.er.ation
noun [U] a willingness to allow sth that you do not like or agree with to happen or continue: religious toleration
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toll
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] money that you pay to use a particular road or bridge: motorway tolls  a toll road / bridge
2 [C, usually sing.] the amount of damage or the number of deaths and injuries that are caused in a particular war, disaster, etc: The official death toll has now reached 7 000.  the war’s growing casualty toll
3 [sing.] the sound of a bell ringing with slow regular strokes
4 [C] (AmE) a charge for a telephone call that is calculated at a higher rate than a local call
IDM take a heavy 'toll (on sb/sth) | take its 'toll (on sb/sth) to have a bad effect on sb/sth; to cause a lot of damage, deaths, suffering, etc: Illness had taken a heavy toll on her.  The recession is taking its toll on the housing markets.

verb when a bell tolls or sb tolls it, it is rung slowly many times, especially as a sign that sb has died: [v] The Abbey bell tolled for those killed in the war.  [vn] The bell tolled the hour.   (figurative) The revolution tolled the death knell (= signalled the end) for the Russian monarchy.

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toll.booth
noun a small building by the side of a road where you pay to drive on a road, go over a bridge, etc.
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,toll-'free
adj. (AmE ) (of a telephone call to an organization or a service) that you do not have to pay for: a toll-free number—see also FREEPHONE
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Tom
noun
IDM any / every ,Tom, ,Dick and 'Harry (usually disapproving) any ordinary person rather than the people you know or people who have special skills or qualities: We don’t want any Tom, Dick, or Harry using the club bar.
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tom
noun = TOMCAT
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toma.hawk
noun a light AXE used by Native Americans
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to.mato
noun [C, U] (pl.-oes) a soft fruit with a lot of juice and shiny red skin that is eaten as a vegetable either raw or cooked: a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich  sliced tomatoes  tomato plants—
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tomb
noun a large grave, especially one built of stone above or below the ground: the tombs of the Pharaohs
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tom.bola
noun [U, C] (BrE ) a game in which you buy tickets with numbers on them. If the number on your ticket is the same as the number on one of the prizes, you win the prize.
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tom.boy
noun a young girl who enjoys activities and games that are traditionally considered to be for boys
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tomb.stone
noun a large, flat stone that lies over a grave or stands at one end, that shows the name, age, etc. of the person buried there—compare HEADSTONE , GRAVESTONE
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tom.cat
(also tom) noun a male cat
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tome
noun (formal) a large heavy book, especially one dealing with a serious topic
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tom.fool.ery
noun [U] (old-fashioned) silly behaviour
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tommy gun
noun a type of SUB-MACHINE GUN
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to.mor.row
adv., noun
adv. on or during the day after today: I’m off now. See you tomorrow.  She’s leaving tomorrow.
IDM see JAM n.

noun [U]
1 the day after today: Today is Tuesday, so tomorrow is Wednesday.  tomorrow afternoon / morning / night / evening  I’ll see you the day after tomorrow .  The announcement will appear in tomorrow’s newspapers.  I want it done by tomorrow.
2 the future: Who knows what changes tomorrow may bring?  Tomorrow’s workers will have to be more adaptable.
IDM do sth as if / like there’s no to'morrow to do sth a lot or as though you do not care what effects it will have: I ate as if there was no tomorrow.  She was spending money like there’s no tomorrow.

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'tom-tom
noun a tall narrow drum that you play with your hands
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ton
noun
1 [C] (pl.tons or ton) a unit for measuring weight, in Britain 2 240 pounds ( long ton) and in the US 2 000 pounds ( short ton): (informal) What have you got in this bag? It weighs a ton!—compare TONNE
2 [C] a unit for measuring the size of a ship. 1 ton is equal to 100 CUBIC feet.
3 (tons) [pl.] (informal) a lot: They’ve got tons of money.  I’ve still got tons to do.
4 (a / the ton) (BrE, informal) 100, especially when connected with a speed of 100 miles per hour: He was caught doing a ton.
IDM like a ton of 'bricks (informal) very heavily; very severely: Disappointment hit her like a ton of bricks.  They came down on him like a ton of bricks (= criticized him very severely).
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tonal
adj.
1 (technical) relating to tones of sound or colour
2 (music) having a particular KEY
OPP ATONAL
tonal.ly adj.
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ton.al.ity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) (music ) the quality of a piece of music that depends on the KEY in which it is written
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tone
noun, verb
noun
OF VOICE|
1 [C] the quality of sb’s voice, especially expressing a particular emotion: speaking in hushed / low / clipped / measured tones  a light / dry / sharp / conversational tone  a tone of bitterness / command / surprise  Don’t speak to me in that tone of voice (= in that unpleasant or critical way).  There’s no need to take that tone with me—it’s not my fault we’re late.
CHARACTER / ATMOSPHERE|
2 [sing.] the general character and attitude of sth such as a piece of writing, or the atmosphere of an event: The overall tone of the book is gently nostalgic.  She set the tone for the meeting with a firm statement of company policy.  Trust you to lower the tone of the conversation (= for example by telling a rude joke).  The article was moderate in tone and presented both sides of the case.
OF SOUND|
3 [C] the quality of a sound, especially the sound of a musical instrument or one produced by electronic equipment: the full, rich, tone of the trumpet  the volume and tone controls on a car stereo
COLOUR|
4 [C] a shade of a colour: a carpet in warm tones of brown and orange
OF MUSCLES / SKIN|
5 [U] how strong and firm your muscles or skin are: how to improve your muscle / skin tone
ON TELEPHONE|
6 [C] a sound heard on a telephone line: (BrE) the dialling tone   (AmE) the dial tone  Please speak after the tone (= for example as an instruction on an answering machine).
IN MUSIC|
7 (BrE) (AmE 'whole step) [C] one of the five longer INTERVALS in a musical scale, for example the INTERVAL between C and D or between E and F#—compare SEMITONE , STEP n. (10)
PHONETICS|
8 [C] the PITCH (= how high or low a sound is) of a syllable in speaking: a rising / falling tone
-TONED|
9 (in adjectives) having the type of tone mentioned: a bright-toned soprano  olive-toned skin

verb
MUSCLES / SKIN|
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to make your muscles, skin, etc. firmer and stronger: Massage will help to tone up loose skin under the chin.  a beautifully toned body
COLOUR|
2 [v] ~ (in) (with sth) (BrE) to match the colour of sth: The beige of his jacket toned (in) with the cream shirt. ,tone sth<->'down
1 to make a speech, an opinion, etc. less extreme or offensive: The language of the article will have to be toned down for the mass market.
2 to make a colour less bright

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,tone-'deaf
adj. unable to hear the difference between musical notes
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tone.less
adj. (of a voice, etc.) dull or flat; not expressing any emotion or interest
tone.less.ly adv.
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toner
noun [U, C]
1 a type of ink used in machines that print or PHOTOCOPY
2 a liquid or cream used for making the skin on your face firm and smooth
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tongs
noun [pl.]
1 a tool with two long parts that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things: a pair of tongs—picture at SCISSORS , LABORATORY
2 a tool that is heated and used for curling hair
IDM see HAMMER n.
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tongue
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] the soft part in the mouth that moves around, used for tasting, swallowing, speaking, etc: He clicked his tongue to attract their attention.  She ran her tongue over her lips.  It’s very rude to stick your tongue out at people.—picture at BODY
2 [U, C] the tongue of some animals, cooked and eaten: a slice of ox tongue
3 [C] (formal or literary) a language: None of the tribes speak the same tongue.  I tried speaking to her in her native tongue.—see also MOTHER TONGUE
4 [sing.] a particular way of speaking: He has a sharp tongue.   (formal) I’ll thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head (= speak politely).
5 (-tongued) (in adjectives) speaking in the way mentioned: sharp-tongued
6 [C] a long narrow piece of leather under the LACES on a shoe—picture at SHOE
7 [C] ~ (of sth) (literary) something that is long and narrow and shaped like a tongue : a tongue of flame / land
IDM get your 'tongue around / round sth to pronounce a difficult word correctly: He was having trouble getting his tongue around my name. ,hold your 'tongue / 'peace (old-fashioned) to remain silent although you would like to give your opinion roll / slip / trip off the 'tongue to be easy to say or pronounce: It’s not a name that exactly trips off the tongue, is it? set 'tongues wagging (informal) to cause people to start talking about sb’s private affairs with your tongue in your 'cheek | with tongue in 'cheek if you say sth with your tongue in your cheek, you are not being serious and mean it as a joke—more at BITE v. , FIND v. , LOOSE adj. , LOOSEN v. , SLIP n. , TIP n. , WATCH v.

verb [vn]
1 to stop the flow of air into a wind instrument with your tongue in order to make a note
2 to LICK sth with your tongue

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tongue depressor
noun (AmE ) = SPATULA (3)
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,tongue-in-'cheek
adj. not intended seriously; done or said as a joke: a tongue-in-cheek remark
,tongue-in-'cheek adv.: The offer was made almost tongue-in-cheek.
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'tongue-tied
adj. not able to speak because you are shy or nervous
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'tongue-twister
noun a word or phrase that is difficult to say quickly or correctly, such as ‘She sells sea shells on the sea shore.’
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tonic
noun
1 (also 'tonic water) [U, C] a clear FIZZY drink (= with bubbles in it) with a slightly bitter taste, that is often mixed with a strong alcoholic drink, especially GIN or VODKA : a gin and tonic
2 [C] a medicine that makes you feel stronger and healthier, taken especially when you feel tired: herbal tonics
3 [C, U] a liquid that you put on your hair or skin in order to make it healthier: hair / skin tonic
4 [C, usually sing.] (old-fashioned) anything that makes people feel healthier or happier: The weekend break was just the tonic I needed.
5 [C] (music) the first note of a SCALE of eight notes
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to.night
adv., noun
adv. on or during the evening or night of today: Will you have dinner with me tonight?  It’s cold tonight.

noun [U] the evening or night of today: Here are tonight’s football results.  Tonight will be cloudy.

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ton.nage
noun [U, C]
1 the size of a ship or the amount it can carry, expressed in TONS
2 the total amount that sth weighs
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tonne
(pl.tonnes or tonne) noun = METRIC TON : a record grain harvest of 236m tonnes  a 17-tonne truck—compare TON
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ton.sil
noun either of the two small organs at the sides of the throat, near the base of the tongue: I’ve had my tonsils out (= removed).—picture at BODY
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ton.sil.litis
noun [U] an infection of the tonsils in which they become swollen and sore
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ton.sure
noun the part of a MONK’S or priest’s head that has been shaved
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tony
adj. (AmE , informal, becoming old-fashioned) fashionable and expensive
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too
adv.
1 used before adjectives and adverbs to say that sth is more than is good, necessary, possible, etc: He’s far too young to go on his own.  This is too large a helping for me / This helping is too large for me.  Is it too much to ask for a little quiet?  The dress was too tight for me.  It’s too late to do anything about it now.  Accidents like this happen all too (= much too) often.
2 (usually placed at the end of a clause) also; as well: Can I come too?  When I’ve finished painting the bathroom, I’m going to do the kitchen too.  note at ALSO
3 used to comment on sth that makes a situation worse: She broke her leg last week—and on her birthday too!
4 very: I’m not too sure if this is right.  I’m just going out—I won’t be too long.  She’s none too (= not very) clever.
5 used to emphasize sth, especially your anger, surprise or agreement with sth: ‘He did apologize eventually.’‘I should think so too!’  ‘She gave me the money.’‘About time too!’
IDM be too 'much (for sb) to need more skill or strength than you have; to be more difficult, annoying, etc. than you can bear
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took
pt of TAKE
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tool
noun, verb
noun
1 an instrument such as a hammer, SCREWDRIVER , SAW , etc. that you hold in your hand and use for making things, repairing things, etc: garden tools  a cutting tool  a tool kit (= a set of tools in a box or bag)  power tools (= using electricity)  Always select the right tool for the job.
2 a thing that helps you to do your job or to achieve sth: research tools like questionnaires  The computer is now an invaluable tool for the family doctor.  Some of them carried the guns which were the tools of their trade (= the things they needed to do their job).
3 a person who is used or controlled by another person or group: The prime minister was an unwitting tool of the president.
4 ( , slang) a PENIS
IDM see DOWN v.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (AmE , informal) to drive around in a vehicle
PVR V ,tool 'up| ,tool sb/sth<->'up (BrE, technical) to get or provide sb/sth with the equipment, etc. that is necessary to do or produce sth: The factory is not tooled up to produce this type of engine.

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toot
noun, verb
noun a short high sound made by a car horn or a whistle: She gave a sharp toot on her horn.

verb (especially BrE ) when a car horn toots or you toot it, it makes a short high sound: [v] the sound of horns tooting  [vn] Toot your horn to let them know we’re here.
IDM see HORN

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tooth
noun (pl.teeth )
1 any of the hard white objects in the mouth used for biting and chewing food: I’ve just had a tooth out at the dentist’s.  to brush / clean your teeth  tooth decay  false teeth  She answered through clenched teeth (= opening her mouth only a little because of anger).  The cat sank its teeth into his finger.—see also BUCK-TEETH , MILK TOOTH , WISDOM TOOTH —picture at BODY
2 a narrow pointed part that sticks out of an object: the teeth on a saw—see also FINE-TOOTH COMB
IDM cut your teeth on sth to do sth that gives you your first experience of a particular type of work: She cut her teeth on local radio. cut a 'tooth (of a baby) to grow a new tooth get your 'teeth into sth (informal) to put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into sth that is difficult enough to keep you interested: Choose an essay topic that you can really get your teeth into. have 'teeth (BrE, informal) (of an organization, a law, etc.) to be powerful and effective in the teeth of sth
1 in spite of problems, opposition, etc: The new policy was adopted in the teeth of fierce criticism.
2 in the direction that a strong wind is coming from: They crossed the bay in the teeth of a howling gale. set sb’s 'teeth on edge (of a sound or taste) to make sb feel physically uncomfortable: Just the sound of her voice sets my teeth on edge.—more at ARM v. , BARE v. , BIT , EYE n. , EYE TEETH , FIGHT v. , GNASH , GRIT v. , HELL , KICK v. , KICK n. , LIE^2v. , LONG adj. , RED adj. , SKIN n. , SWEET adj.
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tooth.ache
noun [U, C, usually sing.] a pain in your teeth or in one tooth: (BrE ) I’ve got toothache.   (AmE, BrE ) I’ve got a toothache.
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tooth.brush
noun a small brush for cleaning your teeth
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toothed
adj. [only before noun]
1 (technical) having teeth: a toothed whale
2 (-toothed) (in compounds) having the type of teeth mentioned: a saw-toothed wheel  His face broke into a gap-toothed smile.
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tooth.less
adj.
1 having no teeth: a toothless old man  She gave us a toothless grin.
2 (written) having no power or authority
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tooth.paste
noun [U] a substance that you put on a brush and use to clean your teeth
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tooth.pick
noun a short pointed piece of wood or plastic used for removing bits of food from between the teeth
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toothy
adj. a toothy smile shows a lot of teeth
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too.tle
verb (BrE , informal)
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk, drive, etc. somewhere without hurrying
2 [v, vn] to produce a series of notes by blowing into a musical instrument
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top
noun, adj., verb
noun
HIGHEST POINT|
1 [C] the highest part or point of sth: She was standing at the top of the stairs.  Write your name at the top.  He filled my glass to the top.  Snow was falling on the mountain tops.   (BrE) the top of the milk (= the cream that rises to the top of a bottle of milk)  The wind was blowing in the tops of the trees.—see also ROOFTOP , TREETOP
UPPER SURFACE|
2 [C] the upper flat surface of sth: Can you polish the top of the table?  a desk / bench top—see also HARDTOP , ROLL-TOP DESK , TABLE TOP
HIGHEST RANK|
3 [sing.] the highest or most important rank or position: He’s at the top of his profession.  She is determined to make it to the top (= achieve fame or success).  They finished the season at the top of the league.  We have a lot of things to do, but packing is at the top of the list .  This printer is a top of the range model (= the best it is possible to buy).  This decision came from the top.
FARTHEST POINT|
4 [sing.] the ~ of sth the end of a street, table, etc. that is farthest away from you or from where you usually come to it: I’ll meet you at the top of Thorpe Street.
OF PEN / BOTTLE|
5 [C] a thing that you put on the end of sth to close it: Where’s the top of this pen?  a bottle with a screw top
CLOTHING|
6 [C] a piece of clothing worn on the upper part of the body: I need a top to go with this skirt.  a tracksuit / pyjama / bikini top—see also CROP TOP
LEAVES OF PLANT|
7 [C, usually pl.] the leaves of a plant that is grown mainly for its root: Remove the green tops from the carrots.
AMOUNT OF MONEY|
8 (tops) [pl.] (BrE, spoken) used after an amount of money to show that it is the highest possible: It couldn’t have cost more than £50, tops.
BEST|
9 (tops) [pl.] (old-fashioned, informal) a person or thing of the best quality: Among sports superstars she’s (the) tops.  In the survey the Brits come out tops for humour.
TOY|
10 [C] a child’s toy that spins on a point when it is turned round very quickly by hand or by a string: She was so confused—her mind was spinning like a top .—see also BIG TOP at the top of the 'tree in the highest position or rank in a profession or career at the top of your 'voice as loudly as possible: She was screaming at the top of her voice. come out on 'top to win a contest or an argument: In most boardroom disputes he tends to come out on top. from ,top to 'bottom going to every part of a place in a very thorough way: We cleaned the house from top to bottom. from ,top to 'toe completely; all over: She was dressed in green from top to toe. get on 'top of sb to be too much for sb to manage or deal with: All this extra work is getting on top of him. get on 'top of sth to manage to control or deal with sth: How will I ever get on top of all this work? off the ,top of your 'head (informal) just guessing or using your memory, without taking time to think carefully or check the facts: I can’t remember the name off the top of my head, but I can look it up for you. on 'top
1 on the highest point or surface: a cake with cream on top  Stand on top and look down.  He’s going bald on top (= on the top of his head).
2 in a leading position or in control: She remained on top for the rest of the match.
3 in addition: Look, here’s 30 dollars, and I’ll buy you lunch on top. on top of sth/sb
1 on, over or covering sth/sb: Books were piled on top of one another.  Many people were crushed when the building collapsed on top of them.
2 in addition to sth: He gets commission on top of his salary.  On top of everything else, my car’s been stolen.
3 very close to sth/sb: We were all living on top of each other in that tiny apartment.
4 in control of a situation: Do you think he’s really on top of his job? on ,top of the 'world very happy or proud ,over the 'top (abbr.OTT) (informal, especially BrE) done to an exaggerated degree and with too much effort: His performance in the movie is completely over the top. ,take sth from the 'top (informal) to go back to the beginning of a song, piece of music, speech, etc. and repeat it: OK, everybody, let’s take it from the top. up 'top (BrE, informal) used to talk about a person’s intelligence: He hasn’t got much up top (= He isn’t very intelligent).—more at BLOW v. , HEAP n. , PILE n. , THIN adj.

adj. [usually before noun] highest in position, rank or degree: He lives on the top floor.  She kept his passport in the top drawer.  He’s one of the top players in the country.  She got the top job.  He finished top in the exam.  She got top marks for her essay.  They’re top of the league.  The athletes are all on top form (= performing their best).  Welfare reform is a top priority for the government.  The car was travelling at top speed.

verb (-pp-) [vn]
BE MORE|
1 to be higher than a particular amount: Worldwide sales look set to top $1 billion.
BE THE BEST|
2 to be in the highest position on a list because you are the most successful, important, etc: The band topped the charts for five weeks with their first single.
PUT ON TOP|
3 [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to put sth on the top of sth else: fruit salad topped with cream
SAY / DO STH BETTER|
4 to say or do sth that is better, funnier, more impressive, etc. than sth that sb else has said or done in the past: I’m afraid the other company has topped your offer (= offered more money).
KILL YOURSELF|
5 ~ yourself (BrE, informal) to kill yourself deliberately
CLIMB HILL|
6 (literary) to reach the highest point of a hill, etc. to top / cap it 'all (spoken) used to introduce the final piece of information that is worse than the other bad things that you have just mentioned ,top and 'tail sth (BrE) to cut the top and bottom parts off fruit and vegetables to prepare them to be cooked or eaten ,top sth<->'off (with sth) to complete sth successfully by doing or adding one final thing ,top 'out (at sth) if sth tops out at a particular price, speed, etc. it does not rise any higher: Inflation topped out at 12%. ,top sth<->'up (especially BrE)
1 to fill a container that already has some liquid in it with more liquid: I want to top the car up with oil before we set off.  I want to top the oil up before we set off.
2 to increase the amount of sth to the level you want or need: She relies on tips to top up her wages.—related noun TOP-UP ,top sb 'up (especially BrE) to fill sb’s glass or cup with sth more to drink: Can I top you up?—related noun TOP-UP

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topaz
noun [C, U] a clear yellow precious stone: a topaz ring
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,top 'brass
(BrE ) (also brassAmE, BrE) noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (informal) the people who are in the most important positions in a company, an organization, etc: All the top brass was / were at the ceremony.
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,top-'class
adj. of the highest quality or standard: a top-class player / performance
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top.coat
noun
1 the last layer of paint put on a surface—compare UNDERCOAT
2 (old-fashioned) an OVERCOAT
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,top 'dog
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a person, group or country that is better than all the others, especially in a situation that involves competition
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,top-'down
adj. (of a plan, project, etc.) starting with a general idea to which details are added later
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,top 'drawer
noun [sing.] if sb/sth is out of the top drawer, they are of the highest social class or of the highest quality
,top-'drawer adj.
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topee
= TOPI
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,top-'flight
adj. of the highest quality; the best or most successful
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,top 'gear
noun [U] (BrE ) the highest GEAR in a motor vehicle: They cruised along in top gear .   (figurative) Her career is moving into top gear.
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,top-'grossing
adj. [only before noun] earning more money than other similar things or people: the top-grossing movie of 1999
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,top 'hat
(also informal top.per) noun a man’s tall black or grey hat, worn with formal clothes on very formal occasions—picture at HAT
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,top-'heavy
adj.
1 too heavy at the top and therefore likely to fall
2 (of an organization) having too many senior staff or managers compared to the number of workers
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topi
(also topee) noun a light hard hat worn to give protection from the sun in very hot countries
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topi.ary
noun [U] the art of cutting bushes into shapes such as birds or animals
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topic
noun a subject that you talk, write or learn about: The main topic of conversation was Tom’s new girlfriend.  The article covered a wide range of topics.
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top.ic.al
adj. connected with sth that is happening or of interest at the present time: a topical joke / reference  topical crimes / events
top.ic.al.ity noun [U, sing.]
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top.knot
noun a way of arranging your hair in which it is tied up on the top of your head
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top.less
adj. (of a woman) not wearing any clothes on the upper part of the body so that her breasts are not covered: a topless model  a topless bar (= where the female staff are topless)
top.less adv.: to sunbathe / go topless
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,top-'level
adj. [only before noun] involving the most important or best people in a company, an organization or a sport: a top-level meeting  top-level tennis
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top.most
adj. [only before noun] (written) highest: A bird was singing in the topmost branches of the tree.
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,top-'notch
adj. (informal) excellent; of the highest quality
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,top-of-the-'range
adj. [usually before noun] used to describe the most expensive of a group of similar products: Let me show you our top-of-the-range model.
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top.og.raphy
noun [U] (technical ) the physical features of an area of land, especially the position of its rivers, mountains, etc.; the study of these features: a map showing the topography of the island
topo.graph.ic.al adj.: a topographical map / feature
topo.graph.ic.al.ly adv.
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top.per
noun (informal) = TOP HAT
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top.ping
noun [C, U] a layer of food that you put on top of a dish, cake, etc. to add flavour or to make it look nice: baked vegetables with a cheese topping—
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top.ple
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to become unsteady and fall down; to make sth do this: [v] The pile of books toppled over.  [vn] He brushed past, toppling her from her stool.
2 [vn] to make sb lose their position of power or authority
SYN OVERTHROW : a plot to topple the President
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,top-'ranking
adj. [only before noun] of the highest rank, status or importance in an organization, a sport, etc: top-ranking officials / players
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,top-'rated
adj. [only before noun] most popular with the public: a top-rated TV show
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,top 'secret
adj. that must be kept completely secret, especially from other governments: This information has been classified top secret.  top-secret documents
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top.soil
noun [U] the layer of soil nearest the surface of the ground—compare SUBSOIL
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top.spin
noun [U] (sport ) the fast forward spinning movement that a player can give to a ball by hitting or throwing it in a special way
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topsy-turvy
adj. (informal) in a state of great confusion: Everything’s topsy-turvy in my life at the moment.
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,top 'table
(BrE ) (AmE ,head 'table) noun the table at which the most important guests sit at a formal dinner
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the ,top 'ten
noun [pl.] the ten pop records that have sold the most copies in a particular week
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'top-up
noun (BrE )
1 a sum of money that is added to what you already have in order to increase it to the amount that you need
2 an amount of a drink that you add to a cup or glass in order to fill it again: Can I give anyone a top-up?
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tor
noun a small hill with rocks at the top, especially in parts of SW England
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Torah
noun (usually the Torah) (in Judaism) the law of God as given to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Bible
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torch
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) (also flash.lightAmE, BrE) a small electric lamp that uses batteries and that you can hold in your hand: Shine the torch on the lock while I try to get the key in.
2 (AmE) = BLOWLAMP
3 a long piece of wood that has material at one end that is set on fire and that people carry to give light: a flaming torch  the Olympic torch   (figurative) They struggled to keep the torch of idealism and hope alive.
IDM put sth to the 'torch (literary) to set fire to sth deliberately—more at CARRY

verb [vn] to set fire to a building or vehicle deliberately in order to destroy it

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torch.light
noun [U] the light that is produced by an electric torch or by burning torches
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tore
pt of TEAR
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torea.dor
noun a man, especially one riding a horse, who fights BULLS to entertain people, for example in Spain
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tor.ment
noun, verb
noun [U, C] (written) extreme suffering, especially mental suffering; a person or thing that causes this: the cries of a man in torment   She suffered years of mental torment after her son’s death.  The flies were a terrible torment.

verb [vn]
1 (written) to make sb suffer very much: He was tormented by feelings of insecurity.
2 to annoy a person or an animal in a cruel way because you think it is amusing

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tor.ment.or
noun (written) a person who causes sb to suffer: The dog suddenly turned on its tormentors.
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torn
pp of TEAR
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tor.nado
noun (pl.-oes or -os) a violent storm with very strong winds which move in a circle. There is often also a long cloud which is narrower at the bottom than the top
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tor.pedo
noun, verb
noun (pl.-oes) a long narrow bomb that is fired under the water from a ship or SUBMARINE and that explodes when it hits a ship, etc.

verb (tor.pe.does, tor.pe.do.ing, tor.pe.doed, tor.pe.doed) [vn]
1 to attack a ship or make it sink using a torpedo
2 to completely destroy the possibility that sth could succeed: Her comments had torpedoed the deal.

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tor.pid
adj. (formal) not active; with no energy or enthusiasm
SYN LETHARGIC
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tor.por
noun [U, sing.] (formal) the state of not being active and having no energy or enthusiasm: In the heat they sank into a state of torpor.
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torque
noun [U] (technical ) a twisting force that causes machinery, etc. to ROTATE (= turn round): The more torque an engine has, the bigger the load it can pull in the same gear.
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tor.rent
noun
1 a large amount of water moving very quickly: After the winter rains, the stream becomes a raging torrent.  The rain was coming down in torrents .
2 a large amount of sth that comes suddenly and violently: a torrent of abuse / criticism / words
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tor.ren.tial
adj. (of rain) falling in large amounts
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tor.rid
adj. [usually before noun]
1 full of strong emotions, especially connected with sex and love: a torrid love affair
2 (formal) (of a climate or country) very hot or dry: a torrid summer
3 (BrE) very difficult: They face a torrid time in tonight’s game.
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tor.sion
noun [U] (technical ) twisting, especially of one end of sth while the other end is held fixed
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torso
noun (pl.-os)
1 the main part of the body, not including the head, arms or legs
SYN TRUNK
2 a statue of a torso
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tort
noun [C, U] (law ) something wrong that sb does to sb else that is not criminal, but that can lead to action in a CIVIL court of law
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tor.tilla
noun (from Spanish ) a thin Mexican PANCAKE made with eggs and corn flour, usually eaten hot and filled with meat, cheese, etc.
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tor.toise
noun a reptile with a hard round shell, that lives on land and moves very slowly. It can pull its head and legs into its shell.—compare TERRAPIN , TURTLE —
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tor.toise.shell
noun
1 [U] the hard shell of a TURTLE , especially the type with orange and brown marks, used for making combs and small ornaments
2 (AmE also 'calico cat) [C] a cat with black, brown, orange and white fur
3 [C] a BUTTERFLY with orange and brown marks on its wings
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tor.tu.ous
adj. [usually before noun] (written)
1 (usually disapproving) not simple and direct; long, complicated and difficult to understand: tortuous language / laws  the long, tortuous process of negotiating peace
2 (of a road, path, etc.) full of bends: a tortuous mountain track
tor.tu.ous.ly adv.
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tor.ture
noun, verb
noun [U, C]
1 the act of causing sb severe pain in order to punish them or make them say or do sth: Many of the refugees have suffered torture.  the use of torture  terrible instruments of torture  His confessions were made under torture .  I heard stories of gruesome tortures in prisons.
2 (informal) mental or physical suffering; sth that causes this: The interview was sheer torture from start to finish.

verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to hurt sb physically or mentally in order to punish them or make them tell you sth: Many of the rebels were captured and tortured by secret police.  He was tortured into giving them the information.
2 to make sb feel extremely unhappy or anxious
SYN TORMENT : He spent his life tortured by the memories of his childhood.
tor.turer noun

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tor.tured
adj. [only before noun] suffering severely; involving a lot of suffering and difficulty: a tortured mind
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Tory
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) a member of the British Conservative party: The Tories (= the Tory party) lost the election.
Tory adj. [usually before noun]: the Tory party  Tory policies
Tory.ism noun [U]
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tosh
noun [U] (old-fashioned, BrE , slang) nonsense
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toss
verb, noun
verb
THROW|
1 to throw sth lightly or carelessly: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : I tossed the book aside and got up.  [vn + adv.  /  prep., vnn] He tossed the ball to Anna.  He tossed Anna the ball.
YOUR HEAD|
2 [vn] to move your head suddenly upwards, especially to show that you are annoyed or impatient: She just tossed her head and walked off.
SIDE TO SIDE / UP AND DOWN|
3 to move or make sb/sth move from side to side or up and down: [v] Branches were tossing in the wind.  I couldn’t sleep but kept tossing and turning in bed all night.  [vn] Our boat was being tossed by the huge waves.
IN COOKING|
4 [vn] to shake or turn food in order to cover it with oil, butter, etc: Drain the pasta and toss it in melted butter.
5 [vn] ~ a pancake (BrE) to throw a PANCAKE upwards so that it turns over in the air and you can fry the other side
COIN|
6 ~ (sb) for sth (especially BrE ) (BrE also toss up (for sth)) to throw a coin in the air in order to decide sth, especially by guessing which side is facing upwards when it lands
SYN FLIP : [vn] There’s only one ticket left—I’ll toss you for it.  Let’s toss a coin .  [v] We tossed up to see who went first.   (figurative) He had to toss up between (= decide between) paying the rent or buying food.—related noun TOSS-UP ,toss 'off| ,toss sb / yourself 'off (BrE,  , slang) to give yourself sexual pleasure by rubbing your sex organs; to give sb sexual pleasure by rubbing their sex organs
SYN MASTURBATE ,toss sth<->'off (BrE) to produce sth quickly and without much thought or effort: I tossed off my article in half an hour.

noun [usually sing.]
OF COIN|
1 an act of throwing a coin in the air in order to decide sth: The final result was decided on / by the toss of a coin.  to win / lose the toss (= to guess correctly / wrongly which side of a coin will face upwards when it lands on the ground after it has been thrown in the air)
OF HEAD| (slang)
2 ~ of your head an act of moving your head suddenly upwards, especially to show that you are annoyed or impatient: She dismissed the question with a toss of her head.
THROW|
3 an act of throwing sth, especially in a competition or game: a toss of 10 metres not give a 'toss (about sb/sth) (BrE, slang) to not care at all about sb/sth—more at ARGUE

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toss.er
noun (BrE , slang) a stupid or unpleasant person
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'toss-up
noun [sing.] (informal) a situation in which either of two choices, results, etc. is equally possible: ‘Have you decided on the colour yet?’‘It’s a toss-up between the blue and the green.’
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tot
noun, verb
noun
1 (informal) a very young child: TV programmes for tiny tots
2 (especially BrE) a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink in a glass: a tot of whisky

verb (-tt-)
PVR V ,tot sth<->'up (informal, especially BrE) to add together several numbers or amounts in order to calculate the total: The trip isn’t really that cheap when you tot everything up.

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total
adj., noun, verb
adj. [usually before noun]
1 being the amount or number after everyone or everything is counted or added together: the total profit  This brought the total number of accidents so far this year to 113.  The club has a total membership of about 300.
2 complete; including everything: The room was in total darkness.  They demanded a total ban on handguns.  The evening was a total disaster!  I can’t believe you’d tell a total stranger about it!

noun the amount you get when you add several numbers or amounts together; the final number of people or things when they have all been counted: You got 47 points on the written examination and 18 on the oral, making a total of 65.  His businesses are worth a combined total of $3 billion.  Out of a total of 15 games, they only won 2.  The repairs came to over £500 in total (= including everything).—see also GRAND TOTAL , RUNNING TOTAL , SUM TOTAL

verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-)
1 [v-n] to reach a particular total: Imports totalled $1.5 billion last year.
2 [vn] ~ sth/sb (up) to add up the numbers of sth/sb and get a total: Each student’s points were totalled and entered in a list.
3 [vn] (informal, especially AmE) to damage a car very badly, so that is not worth repairing it—see also WRITE STH OFF

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to.tali.tar.ian
adj. (disapproving) (of a country or system of government) in which there is only one political party that has complete power and control over the people: a totalitarian state / regime
to.tali.tar.ian.ism noun [U]
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to.tal.ity
noun [C, U] (formal) the state of being complete or whole; the whole number or amount: The seriousness of the situation is difficult to appreciate in its totality .
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tot.al.ly
adv. completely: They come from totally different cultures.  I’m still not totally convinced that he knows what he’s doing.  This behaviour is totally unacceptable.   (AmE , spoken) ‘She’s so cute!’‘Totally!’ (= I agree)   (AmE , spoken) It’s a totally awesome experience.
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tote
noun, verb
noun
1 (also the Tote) [sing.] a system of betting on horses in which the total amount of money that is bet on each race is divided among the people who bet on the winners
2 (also 'tote bag) [C] (AmE) a large bag for carrying things with you

verb [vn] (informal, especially AmE )
1 to carry sth, especially sth heavy: We arrived, toting our bags and suitcases.
2 (-toting) (in adjectives) carrying the thing mentioned: gun-toting soldiers

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totem
noun an animal or other natural object that is chosen and respected as a special symbol of a tribe or family, especially among Native Americans; an image of this animal, etc.
to.tem.ic adj.: totemic animals  a totemic culture / religion
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'totem pole
noun
1 a tall wooden pole that has symbols and pictures (called TOTEMS ) carved or painted on it, traditionally made by Native Americans
2 (AmE, informal) a range of different levels or ranks in an organization, etc: I didn’t want to be low man on the totem pole for ever.
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t’other
adj., pron. (BrE, dialect ) the other: I saw it t’other day.  They were talking of this, that and t’other.
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toto
IN TOTO
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tot.ter
verb [v]
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to walk or move with weak unsteady steps, especially because you are drunk or ill/sick: She managed to totter back to her seat.
2 to be weak and seem likely to fall: the tottering walls of the castle   (figurative) a failed attempt to salvage a tottering dictatorship
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totty
noun [U] (BrE , slang) sexually attractive women (an expression used by men, and usually offensive to women)
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tou.can
noun a tropical American bird with bright feathers and a very large beak
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touch
verb, noun
verb
WITH HANDS / FINGERS|
1 [vn] to put your hands or fingers onto sb/sth: Don’t touch that plate—it’s hot!  Can you touch your toes (= bend and reach them with your hands)?  I touched him lightly on the arm.   (figurative) I must do some more work on that article—I haven’t touched it all week.
NO SPACE BETWEEN|
2 (of two or more things, surfaces, etc.) to be or come so close together that there is no space between: [v] Make sure the wires don’t touch.  [vn] Don’t let your coat touch the wet paint.  His coat was so long it was almost touching the floor.
MOVE STH / HIT SB|
3 [vn] (often in negative sentences) to move sth, especially in such a way that you damage it; to hit or harm sb: I told you not to touch my things.  He said I kicked him, but I never touched him!
EAT / DRINK / USE|
4 [vn] (usually in negative sentences) to eat, drink or use sth: You’ve hardly touched your food.  He hasn’t touched the money his aunt left him.
AFFECT SB / STH|
5 to make sb feel upset or sympathetic: [vn] Her story touched us all deeply.  What he said really touched my heart. [alsovn to inf]
6 [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) to affect or concern sb/sth: These are issues that touch us all.
EQUAL SB|
7 [vn] (usually in negative sentences) to be as good as sb in skill, quality, etc: No one can touch him when it comes to interior design.
REACH LEVEL|
8 [vn] to reach a particular level, etc: The speedometer was touching 90.
BE INVOLVED WITH|
9 [vn] to become connected with or work with a situation or person: Everything she touches turns to disaster.  His last two movies have been complete flops and now no studio will touch him.
OF SMILE|
10 [vn] to be seen on sb’s face for a short time: A smile touched the corners of his mouth. be touched with sth to have a small amount of a particular quality: His hair was touched with grey.  Some of her poems are touched with real genius. not touch sb/sth with a 'bargepole (BrE) (AmE not touch sb/sth with a 'ten-foot pole) (informal) to refuse to get involved with sb/sth or in a particular situation touch 'base (with sb) (informal) to make contact with sb again touch 'bottom
1 to reach the ground at the bottom of an area of water
2 (BrE) to reach the worst possible state or condition: Her career really touched bottom with that movie. ,touch 'wood (BrE) (AmE ,knock on 'wood) (saying) used when you have just mentioned some way in which you have been lucky in the past, to avoid bringing bad luck: I’ve been driving for over 20 years and never had an accident—touch wood!—more at CHORD , FORELOCK , HAIR , NERVE n. , RAW n. ,touch 'down
1 (of a plane, spacecraft, etc.) to land—related noun TOUCHDOWN
2 (in rugby) to score a TRY by putting the ball on the ground behind the other team’s goal line—related noun TOUCHDOWN 'touch sb for sth (informal) to persuade sb to give or lend you sth, especially money ,touch sth<->'off to make sth begin, especially a difficult or violent situation: The blaze was touched off by lightning.  Her comments touched off a wave of protests. 'touch on / upon sth to mention or deal with a subject in only a few words, without going into detail: In his speech he was only able to touch on a few aspects of the problem. ,touch sb<->'up (BrE, informal) to touch sb sexually, usually in a way that is not expected or welcome ,touch sth<->'up to improve sth by changing or adding to it slightly: She was busy touching up her make-up in the mirror.

noun
SENSE|
1 [U] the sense that enables you to be aware of things and what they are like when you put your hands and fingers on them: the sense of touch  to read Braille by touch
WITH HANDS / FINGERS|
2 [C, usually sing.] an act of putting your hands and fingers onto sb/sth: The gentle touch of his hand on her shoulder made her jump.  All this information is readily available at the touch of a button (= by simply pressing a button).  This type of engraving requires a delicate touch.
WAY STH FEELS|
3 [sing.] the way that sth feels when you put your hand or fingers on it or when it comes into contact with your body: The body was cold to the touch .  material with a smooth silky touch  He could not bear the touch of clothing on his sunburnt skin.
SMALL DETAIL|
4 [C] a small detail that is added to sth in order to improve it or make it complete: I spent the morning putting the finishing touches to the report.  Meeting them at the airport was a nice touch.
WAY OF DOING STH|
5 [sing.] a way or style of doing sth: She prefers to answer any fan mail herself for a more personal touch.  Computer graphics will give your presentation the professional touch.  He couldn’t find his magic touch with the ball today (= he didn’t play well).  This meal is awful. I think I’m losing my touch (= my ability to do sth).
SMALL AMOUNT|
6 [C, often sing.] ~ of sth a very small amount
SYN TRACE : There was a touch of sarcasm in her voice.  There could be a touch of frost tonight.
SLIGHTLY|
7 (a touch) [sing.] slightly; a little: The music was a touch too loud for my liking.
IN FOOTBALL / RUGBY|
8 [U] the area outside the lines that mark the sides of the playing field: He kicked the ball into touch. be, get, keep, etc. in 'touch (with sb) to communicate with sb, especially by writing to them or telephoning them: Are you still in touch with your friends from college?  Thanks for showing us your products—we’ll be in touch.  I’m trying to get in touch with Jane. Do you have her number?  Let’s keep in touch.  I’ll put you in touch with someone in your area. be, keep, etc. in 'touch (with sth) to know what is happening in a particular subject or area: It is important to keep in touch with the latest research. be out of 'touch (with sb) to no longer communicate with sb, so that you no longer know what is happening to them be, become, etc. out of 'touch (with sth) to not know or understand what is happening in a particular subject or area: Unfortunately, the people making the decisions are out of touch with the real world. an easy / a soft 'touch (informal) a person that you can easily persuade to do sth, especially to give you money: Unfortunately, my father is no soft touch. lose 'touch (with sb/sth)
1 to no longer have any contact with sb/sth: I’ve lost touch with all my old friends.
2 to no longer understand sth, especially how ordinary people feel—more at COMMON adj. , LIGHT adj.

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,touch-and-'go
adj. [not usually before noun] (informal) used to say that the result of a situation is uncertain and that there is a possibility that sth bad or unpleasant will happen: She’s fine now, but it was touch-and-go for a while (= there was a possibility that she might die).
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touch.down
noun
1 [C, U] the moment when a plane or spacecraft lands
SYN LANDING
2 [C] (in rugby) an act of scoring points by putting the ball down on the area of ground behind the other team’s GOAL LINE
3 [C] (in American football) an act of scoring points by crossing the other team’s GOAL LINE while carrying the ball, or receiving the ball when you are over the other team’s GOAL LINE
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tou.ché
exclamation (from French ) used during an argument or a discussion to show that you accept that sb has answered your comment in a clever way and has gained an advantage by making a good point
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touched
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ (by sth)| ~ (that … ) feeling happy and grateful because of sth kind that sb has done; feeling emotional about sth: She was touched by their warm welcome.  I was touched that he still remembered me.  She was touched by the plight of the refugees.
2 (old-fashioned, informal) slightly crazy
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,touch 'football
noun [U] (AmE ) a type of American football in which touching is used instead of TACKLING —compare FLAG FOOTBALL
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touch.ing
adj. causing feelings of pity or sympathy; making you feel emotional: It was a touching story that moved many of us to tears.  I find his devotion to her rather touching.
touch.ing.ly adv.
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touch.line
noun a line that marks the side of the playing field in football, rugby, etc.
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touch.stone
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of / for sth) (written) something that provides a standard against which other things are compared and/or judged: the touchstone for quality
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'Touch-Tone
™adj. (of a telephone or telephone system) producing different sounds when different numbers are pushed
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'touch-type
verb [v] to type without having to look at the keys of a TYPEWRITER or KEYBOARD
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touchy
adj. (touch.ier, touchi.est)
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (about sth) (of a person) easily upset or offended
SYN SENSITIVE : He’s a little touchy about his weight.
2 [usually before noun] (of a subject) that may upset or offend people and should therefore be dealt with carefully
SYN DELICATE , SENSITIVE
touchi.ness noun [U]
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,touchy-'feely
adj. (informal, usually disapproving) expressing emotions too openly, especially through physical contact
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tough
adj., noun, verb
adj. (tough.er, tough.est)
DIFFICULT|
1 having or causing problems or difficulties: a tough childhood / match  It was a tough decision to make.  She’s been having a tough time of it (= a lot of problems) lately.  He faces the toughest test of his leadership so far.
STRICT / FIRM|
2 ~ (on / with sb/sth) demanding that particular rules be obeyed and showing a lack of sympathy for any problems or suffering that this may cause: Don’t be too tough on him—he was only trying to help.  It’s about time teachers started to get tough with bullies.  The school takes a tough line on (= punishes severely) cheating.
OPP SOFT
STRONG|
3 strong enough to deal successfully with difficult conditions or situations: a tough breed of cattle  He’s not tough enough for a career in sales.  She’s a tough cookie / customer (= sb who knows what they want and is not easily influenced by other people).
4 (of a person) physically strong and likely to be violent: You think you’re so tough, don’t you?  He plays the tough guy in the movie.
MEAT|
5 difficult to cut or chew
OPP TENDER
NOT EASILY DAMAGED|
6 not easily cut, broken, torn, etc: a tough pair of shoes  The reptile’s skin is tough and scaly.
UNFORTUNATE|
7 ~ (on sb) (informal) unfortunate for sb in a way that seems unfair: It was tough on her being dropped from the team like that.   (ironic) ‘I can’t get it finished in time.’‘Tough!’ (= I don’t feel sorry about it.)
tough.ly adv.
tough.ness noun [U] (as) tough as old 'boots | (as) tough as 'nails (informal)
1 very strong and able to deal successfully with difficult conditions or situations: She’s almost 90 but she’s still as tough as old boots.
2 not feeling or showing any emotion tough 'luck (informal)
1 (BrE) used to show sympathy for sth unfortunate that has happened to sb: ‘I failed by one point.’‘That’s tough luck.’
2 (ironic) used to show that you do not feel sorry for sb who has a problem: ‘If you take the car, I won’t be able to go out.’‘Tough luck!’—more at GOING n. , HANG v. , NUT n. , TALK v.

noun (old-fashioned, informal) a person who regularly uses violence against other people

verb ,tough sth<->'out to stay firm and determined in a difficult situation: You’re just going to have to tough it out .

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tough.en
verb ~ (sth/sb) (up)
1 to become or make sth stronger, so that it is not easily cut, broken, etc: [vn] toughened glass [alsov]
2 [vn] to make sth such as laws or rules stricter: The government is considering toughening up the law on censorship.
3 [vn] to make sb stronger and more able to deal with difficult situations: His parents sent him away to school to toughen him up.
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tou.pee
noun a small section of artificial hair, worn by a man to cover an area of his head where hair no longer grows
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tour
noun, verb
noun
1 ~ (of / round / around sth) a journey made for pleasure during which several different towns, countries, etc. are visited: a walking / sightseeing tour  a coach tour of / around Northern France  a tour operator (= a person or company that organizes tours)—see also PACKAGE TOUR , WHISTLE-STOP
2 an act of walking around a town, building, etc. in order to visit it: We were given a guided tour (= by sb who knows about the place) of the palace.  a tour guide  a tour of inspection (= an official visit of a factory, classroom, etc. made by sb whose job is to check that everything is working as expected)
3 an official series of visits made to different places by a sports team, an orchestra, an important person, etc: The band is currently on a nine-day tour of France.  The band is on tour in France.  a concert / cricket tour  The Prince will visit Boston on the last leg (= part) of his American tour.  The soldiers all do a six-month tour of duty in Northern Ireland.

verb to travel around a place, for example to perform, to advertise sth, etc: [vn] He toured America with his one-man show.  She toured the country promoting her book.  [v] We spent four weeks touring around Europe.

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tour de force
noun (pl.tours de force ) (from French ) an extremely skilful performance or achievement: a literary / cinematic tour de force
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tour.ism
noun [U] the business activity connected with providing accommodation, services and entertainment for people who are visiting a place for pleasure: We hope that this investment will lead to increased tourism in the area.
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tour.ist
noun
1 a person who is travelling or visiting a place for pleasure: busloads of foreign tourists  a popular tourist attraction / destination / resort  the tourist industry / sector  Further information is available from the local tourist office.
2 (BrE) a member of a sports team that is playing a series of official games in a foreign country
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'tourist class
noun [U] the cheapest type of ticket or accommodation that is available on a plane or ship or in a hotel
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'tourist trap
noun (informal, disapproving) a place that attracts a lot of tourists and where food, drink, entertainment, etc. is more expensive than normal
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tour.isty
adj. (informal, disapproving) attracting or designed to attract a lot of tourists: Bali is the most touristy of the islands.  a shop full of touristy souvenirs
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tour.na.ment
noun
1 (AmE less frequent tour.ney) a sports competition involving a number of teams or players who take part in different games and must leave the competition if they lose. The competition continues until there is only the winner left: a golf / squash / tennis tournament
2 a competition in the Middle Ages between soldiers on HORSEBACK fighting to show courage and skill: a medieval jousting tournament
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tour.ney
noun (AmE ) = TOURNAMENT (1)
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tour.ni.quet
noun a piece of fabric, etc. that is tied tightly around an arm or a leg to stop a wound from bleeding
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tou.sle
verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb’s hair untidy
tou.sled adj.: a boy with blue eyes and tousled hair
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tout
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to try to persuade people that sb/sth is important or valuable by praising them/it: She’s being touted as the next leader of the party.
2 ~ (for sth) (especially BrE ) to try to persuade people to buy your goods or services, especially by going to them and asking them directly: [v] the problem of unlicensed taxi drivers touting for business at airports  [vn] He’s busy touting his client’s latest book around London’s literary agents.
3 [v, vn] (BrE) (AmE scalp) to sell tickets that you have bought at one price at a higher price, especially outside a theatre, STADIUM , etc.

noun (also 'ticket tout) (both BrE ) (AmE scalp.er) a person who buys tickets for concerts, sports events, etc. and then sells them to other people at a higher price

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tow
verb, noun
verb [vn] to pull a car or boat behind another vehicle, using a rope or chain: Our car was towed away by the police.—see also TOW BAR , TOW ROPE

noun [sing.] an act of one vehicle pulling another vehicle using a rope or chain: The car broke down and we had to get somebody to give us a tow.  a tow truck
IDM in tow
1 (informal) if you have sb in tow, they are with you and following closely behind: She turned up with her mother in tow.
2 if a ship is taken in tow, it is pulled by another ship

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to.wards
(also to.ward especially in AmE) prep.
1 in the direction of sb/sth: They were heading towards the German border.  She had her back towards me.
2 getting closer to achieving sth: This is a first step towards political union.
3 close or closer to a point in time: towards the end of April
4 in relation to sb/sth: He was warm and tender towards her.  our attitude towards death
5 with the aim of obtaining sth, or helping sb to obtain sth: The money will go towards a new school building (= will help pay for it).
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'tow bar
noun a bar fixed to the back of a vehicle for TOWING (= pulling) another vehicle
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towel
noun, verb
noun a piece of fabric or paper used for drying things, especially your body: Help yourself to a clean towel.  a hand / bath towel (= a small / large towel)  a beach towel (= a large towel used for lying on in the sun)  a kitchen towel (= a piece of paper from a roll that you use to wipe up liquid, etc. in the kitchen)—see also PAPER TOWEL , SANITARY TOWEL , TEA TOWEL
IDM throw in the 'towel (informal) to admit that you have been defeated and stop trying

verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [vn] ~ yourself / sb/sth (down) to dry yourself/sb/sth with a towel

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tow.el.ling
(BrE ) (AmEtow.el.ing) noun [U] a thick soft cotton fabric that absorbs liquids, used especially for making towels: a towelling bathrobe—
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'towel rail
(BrE ) (AmE'towel rack) noun a bar or frame for hanging towels on in a bathroom
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tower
noun, verb
noun
1 a tall narrow building or part of a building, especially of a church or castle: a clock / bell tower  the Tower of London  the Eiffel Tower—picture at STEEPLE
2 (often in compounds) a tall structure used for sending television or radio signals: a television tower
3 (usually in compounds) a tall piece of furniture used for storing things: a CD tower—see also CONTROL TOWER , COOLING TOWER , IVORY TOWER , WATCHTOWER , WATER TOWER
IDM a ,tower of 'strength a person that you can rely on to help, protect and comfort you when you are in trouble

verb
PVR V ,tower 'over / a'bove sb/sth
1 to be much higher or taller than the people or things that are near: The cliffs towered above them.  He towered over all his classmates.
2 to be much better than others in ability, quality, fame, etc: She towers over other dancers of her generation.

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'tower block
noun (BrE ) a very tall block of flats/apartments or offices
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tower.ing
adj. [only before noun]
1 extremely tall or high and therefore impressive: towering cliffs
2 of extremely high quality: a towering performance
3 (of emotions) extremely strong: to be in a towering rage
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town
noun
1 [C, U] a place with many houses, shops/stores, etc. where people live and work. It is larger than a village but smaller than a city: a university town  They live in a rough part of town.  The nearest town is ten miles away.  We spent a month in the French town of Le Puy.  When she retired, she moved back to her home town (= the town where she was born and spent her childhood).—see also SMALL-TOWN
HELP You will find other compounds ending in town at their place in the alphabet.
2 (the town) [sing.] the people who live in a particular town : I suppose the whole town is talking about it.
3 [U] the area of a town where most of the shops/stores and businesses are: Can you give me a lift into town?—see also DOWNTOWN , MIDTOWN , OUT-OF-TOWN , UPTOWN
4 [U] (especially AmE) a particular town where sb lives and works or one that has just been referred to: I’ll be in town next week if you want to meet for a drink.  He married a girl from out of town.—see also OUT-OF-TOWN
5 [sing., U] life in towns or cities as opposed to life in the country: Pollution is just one of the disadvantages of living in the town.
IDM go to 'town (on sth) (informal) to do sth with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, etc., especially by spending a lot of money (out) on the 'town (informal) visiting restaurants, clubs, theatres, etc. for entertainment, especially at night: a night on the town  How about going out on the town tonight?—more at MAN n. , PAINT v.
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,town 'centre
noun (BrE ) the main part of a town, where the shops/stores are—compare DOWNTOWN
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,town 'crier
(also crier) noun (in the past) a person whose job was to walk through a town shouting news, official ANNOUNCEMENTS , etc.
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townee
noun = TOWNIE
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,town 'hall
noun a building containing local government offices and, in Britain, usually a hall for public meetings, concerts, etc.
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'town house
noun
1 (BrE) a house in a town owned by sb who also has a house in the country: the Earl of Derby’s town house
2 (BrE) a tall narrow house in a town that is part of a row of similar houses: an elegant Georgian town house
3 (usually 'townhouse) (AmE) = TERRACED HOUSE
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townie
(also townee) noun (disapproving)
1 a person who lives in or comes from a town or city, especially sb who does not know much about life in the countryside
2 (AmE) a person who lives in a town with a college or university but does not attend or work at it
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,town 'planner
noun = PLANNER
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,town 'planning
(also plan.ning) noun [U] the control of the growth and development of towns and their buildings, roads, etc. so that they can be pleasant and convenient places for people to live in; the subject that studies this
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town.scape
noun
1 what you see when you look at a town, for example from a distance: a historical / industrial townscape
2 (technical) a picture of a town—compare LANDSCAPE , SEASCAPE
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town.ship
noun
1 (in South Africa in the past) a town or part of a town that black people had to live in, and where only black people lived
2 (in the US or Canada) a division of a county that is a unit of local government
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towns.people
(also towns.folk ) noun [pl.] people who live in towns, not in the countryside; the people who live in a particular town
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tow.path
noun a path along the bank of a river or canal, that was used in the past by horses pulling boats (called BARGES )
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'tow rope
noun a rope that is used for pulling sth along, especially a vehicle
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'tow truck
noun (AmE ) = BREAKDOWN TRUCK
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tox.ae.mia
(BrE ) (AmEtox.emia) noun [U] (medical ) infection of the blood by harmful bacteria
SYN BLOOD POISONING
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toxic
adj. containing poison; poisonous: toxic chemicals / fumes / gases / substances  to dispose of toxic waste  Many pesticides are highly toxic.
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tox.icity
noun (pl.-ies) (technical )
1 [U] the quality of being poisonous; the extent to which sth is poisonous: substances with high / low levels of toxicity
2 [C] the effect that a poisonous substance has: Minor toxicities of this drug include nausea and vomiting.
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toxi.col.ogy
noun [U] the scientific study of poisons
toxi.colo.gical adj.
toxi.colo.gist noun
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,toxic 'shock syndrome
noun [U] a serious illness in women caused by harmful bacteria in the VAGINA , connected with the use of TAMPONS
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toxin
noun a poisonous substance, especially one that is produced by bacteria in plants and animals
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toy
noun, adj., verb
noun
1 an object for children to play with: cuddly / soft toys  The children were playing happily with their toys.—
2 an object that you have for enjoyment or pleasure rather than for a serious purpose: executive toys  His latest toy is the electric drill he bought last week.

adj. [only before noun]
1 made as a copy of a particular thing and used for playing with: a toy car / telephone  toy soldiers
2 (of a dog) of a very small breed: a toy poodle

verb
PVR V 'toy with sth
1 to consider an idea or a plan, but not very seriously and not for a long time: I did briefly toy with the idea of living in France.
2 to play with sth and move it around carelessly or without thinking: He kept toying nervously with his pen.  She hardly ate a thing, just toyed with a piece of cheese on her plate.

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toy.boy
noun (BrE , informal, humorous) a woman’s male lover who is much younger than she is
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trace
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (to sth) to find or discover sb/sth by looking carefully for them/it: We finally traced him to an address in Chicago.  I have been unable to trace the letter you mentioned.
2 ~ sth (back) (to sth) to find the origin or cause of sth: She could trace her family tree back to the 16th century.  The leak was eventually traced to a broken seal.  The police traced the call (= used special electronic equipment to find out who made the telephone call) to her ex-husband’s number.
3 to describe a process or the development of sth: Her book traces the town’s history from Saxon times to the present day.
4 ~ sth (out) to draw a line or lines on a surface: She traced a line in the sand.
5 to follow the shape or outline of sth: He traced the route on the map.  A tear traced a path down her cheek.
6 to copy a map, drawing, etc. by drawing on transparent paper (= TRACING PAPER ) placed over it

noun
1 [C, U] a mark, an object or a sign that shows that sb/sth existed or was present: It’s exciting to discover traces of earlier civilizations.  Police searched the area but found no trace of the escaped prisoners.  Years of living in England had eliminated all trace of her American accent.  The ship had vanished without (a) trace .
2 [C] ~ of sth a very small amount of sth: The post-mortem revealed traces of poison in his stomach.  She spoke without a trace of bitterness.
3 [C] (technical) a line or pattern on paper or a screen that shows information that is found by a machine: The trace showed a normal heart rhythm.
4 [C, usually pl.] one of the two long pieces of leather that fasten a carriage or CART to the horse that pulls it
IDM see KICK v.

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trace.able
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) if sth is traceable, you can find out where it came from, where it has gone, when it began or what its cause was: Most telephone calls are traceable.  a tradition that is traceable back to the 15th century
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'trace element
noun
1 a chemical substance that is found in very small amounts
2 a chemical substance that living things, especially plants, need only in very small amounts to be able to grow well
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tracer
noun
1 a bullet or SHELL (= a kind of bomb) that leaves a line of smoke or flame behind it
2 (technical) a RADIOACTIVE substance that can be seen in the human body and is used to find out what is happening inside the body
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tra.cery
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (technical) a pattern of lines and curves in stone on the top part of some church windows
2 [U, C, usually sing.] (literary) an attractive pattern of lines and curves
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trachea
noun (pl.trach.eas or trach.eae ) (anatomy ) the tube in the throat that carries air to the lungs
SYN WINDPIPE —picture at BODY
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trache.ot.omy
noun (pl.-ies) (medical ) a medical operation to cut a hole in sb’s trachea so that they can breathe
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tra.cing
noun a copy of a map, drawing, etc. that you make by drawing on a piece of transparent paper placed on top of it
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'tracing paper
noun [U] strong transparent paper that is placed on top of a map, drawing, etc. so that you can follow the lines with a pen or pencil in order to make a copy of it
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track
noun, verb
noun
ROUGH PATH|
1 [C] a rough path or road, usually one that has not been built but that has been made by people walking there: a muddy track through the forest—see also CART TRACK
MARKS ON GROUND|
2 [C, usually pl.] marks left by a person, an animal or a moving vehicle: We followed the bear’s tracks in the snow.  There were two sets of fresh tyre tracks outside.
FOR TRAIN|
3 [C, U] rails that a train moves along: railway / railroad tracks  India has thousands of miles of track.
4 [C] (AmE) a track with a number at a train station that a train arrives at or leaves from: The train for Chicago is on track 9.  note at PLATFORM
FOR RACES|
5 [C] a piece of ground with a special surface for people, cars, etc. to have races on: a running track  a Formula One Grand Prix track (= for motor racing)—see also DIRT TRACK (2) , TRACK AND FIELD
DIRECTION / COURSE|
6 [C] the path or direction that sb/sth is moving in: Police are on the track of (= searching for) the thieves.  She is on the fast track to promotion (= will get it quickly).—see also ONE-TRACK MIND
ON TAPE / CD|
7 [C] a piece of music or song on a record, tape or CD: a track from their latest album
8 [C] part of a tape or computer disk that music or information can be recorded on: a sixteen track recording studio  She sang on the backing track.—see also SOUNDTRACK
FOR CURTAIN|
9 [C] a pole or rail that a curtain moves along
ON LARGE VEHICLE|
10 [C] a continuous belt of metal plates around the wheels of a large vehicle such as a BULLDOZER that allows it to move over the ground ,back on 'track going in the right direction again after a mistake, failure, etc: I tried to get my life back on track after my divorce. be ,on 'track to be doing the right thing in order to achieve a particular result: Curtis is on track for the gold medal. keep / lose track of sb/sth to have/not have information about what is happening or where sb/sth is: Bank statements help you keep track of where your money is going.  I lost all track of time (= forgot what time it was). make 'tracks (spoken) to leave a place, especially to go home: It’s getting late—I’d better make tracks. on the right / wrong 'track thinking or behaving in the right/wrong way: We haven’t found a cure yet—but we are on the right track. stop / halt sb in their 'tracks | stop / halt / freeze in your 'tracks to suddenly make sb stop by frightening or surprising them; to suddenly stop because sth has frightened or surprised you: The question stopped Alice in her tracks.  The horse stopped dead in its tracks and refused to move.—more at BEAT v. , COVER v. , HOT adj. , WRONG adj.

verb
FOLLOW|
1 to find sb/sth by following the marks, signs, information, etc., that they have left behind them: [vn] hunters tracking and shooting bears [alsov]
2 to follow the movements of sb/sth, especially by using special electronic equipment: [vn] We continued tracking the plane on our radar. [alsov wh-]
3 to follow the progress or development of sb/sth: [vn] The research project involves tracking the careers of 400 law school graduates. [alsov wh-]
OF CAMERA|
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move in relation to the thing that is being filmed: The camera eventually tracked away.
SCHOOL STUDENTS|
5 [vn] (AmE) = STREAM (4)
LEAVE MARKS|
6 [vn] (especially AmE) to leave dirty marks behind you as you walk: Don’t track mud on my clean floor. ,track sb/sth<->'down to find sb/sth after searching in several different places: The police have so far failed to track down the attacker.  I finally tracked the reference down in a book of quotations.

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,track and 'field
noun (AmE ) = ATHLETICS (1)
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track.er
noun a person who can find people or wild animals by following the marks that they leave on the ground
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'tracker dog
noun a dog that has been trained to help the police find people or explosives
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'track event
noun [usually pl.] a sports event that is a race run on a track, rather than jumping or throwing sth—compare FIELD EVENT —
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'tracking station
noun a place where people follow the movements of aircraft, etc. in the sky by RADAR or radio
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'track.less trol.ley
noun (AmE ) = TROLLEYBUS
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'track record
noun [sing.] all the past achievements, successes or failures of a person or an organization: He has a proven track record in marketing.
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track.suit
(also 'jogging suit) noun (BrE ) a warm loose pair of trousers/pants and matching jacket worn for sports practice or as informal clothes—compare SHELL SUIT —
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tract
noun
1 (technical) a system of organs or tubes in the body that are connected and that have a particular purpose: the digestive / urinary tract
2 an area of land, especially a large one: vast tracts of forest
3 (sometimes disapproving) a short piece of writing, especially on a religious, moral or political subject, that is intended to influence people’s ideas
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tract.able
adj. (formal) easy to deal with or control: This approach helps to make the issues more tractable.
OPP INTRACTABLE
tract.abil.ity noun [U]
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'tract house
(also 'tract home) noun (AmE ) a modern house built on an area of land where a lot of other similar houses have also been built
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trac.tion
noun [U]
1 the action of pulling sth along a surface; the power that is used for doing this: diesel / electric / steam traction
2 a way of treating a broken bone in your body that involves using special equipment to pull the bone gradually back into its correct place: He spent six weeks in traction after he broke his leg.
3 the force that stops sth, for example the wheels of a vehicle, from sliding on the ground
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'traction engine
noun a vehicle, driven by steam or DIESEL oil, used in the past for pulling heavy loads
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trac.tor
noun
1 a powerful motor vehicle with two large and two smaller wheels, used especially for pulling farm machinery
2 (AmE) the front part of a tractor-trailer , where the driver sits
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'tractor-trailer
noun (AmE ) a large lorry/truck with two sections, one in front where the driver sits and one behind for carrying goods. The sections are connected by a FLEXIBLE joint so that the tractor-trailer can turn corners more easily.—see also ARTICULATED —picture at TRUCK
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trad
(also less frequent 'trad jazz) (both BrE) noun [U] traditional jazz in the style of the 1920s, with free playing (= IMPROVISATION ) against a background of fixed rhythms and combinations of notes—see also DIXIELAND
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trad.able
(also trade.able) adj. (technical ) that you can easily buy and sell or exchange for money or goods MARKETABLE
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trade
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the activity of buying and selling or of exchanging goods or services between people or countries: international / foreign trade  Trade between the two countries has increased.  the international trade in oil  the arms trade—see also BALANCE OF TRADE , FREE TRADE
2 [C] a particular type of business: the building / food / tourist trade  He works in the retail trade (= selling goods in shops / stores).—see also RAG TRADE
3 (the trade) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a particular area of business and the people or companies that are connected with it: They offer discounts to the trade (= to people who are working in the same business).  a trade magazine / journal—see also STOCK-IN-TRADE
4 [U, C] the amount of goods or services that you sell: Trade was very good last month.
5 [U, C] a job, especially one that involves working with your hands and that requires special training and skills: He was a carpenter by trade .
IDM see JACK n. , PLY v. , ROARING , TRICK n.

verb
1 ~ (in sth) (with sb) to buy and sell things: [v] The firm openly traded in arms.  Early explorers traded directly with the Indians.  trading partners (= countries that you trade with)  [vn] Our products are now traded worldwide.
2 [v] ~ (as sb/sth) to exist and operate as a business or company: The firm has now ceased trading.  They traded as ‘Walker and Son’.
3 to be bought and sold, or to buy and sell sth, on a STOCK EXCHANGE : [v] Shares were trading at under half their usual value. [alsovn]
4 to exchange sth that you have for sth that sb else has: [vn] to trade secrets / insults / jokes  She traded her posters for his CD.  I wouldn’t mind trading places with her for a day. [alsovnn] 'trade at sth (AmE) to buy goods or shop at a particular store ,trade 'down to spend less money on things than you used to: Shoppers are trading down and looking for bargains. ,trade sth<->'in (to sth) to give sth used as part of the payment for sth new: He traded in his old car for a new Mercedes.—related noun TRADE-IN ,trade sth<->'off (against / for sth) to balance two things or situations that are opposed to each other: They were attempting to trade off inflation against unemployment.—related noun TRADE-OFF 'trade on sth (disapproving) to use sth to your own advantage, especially in an unfair way: They trade on people’s insecurity to sell them insurance. ,trade 'up (for sth)
1 to sell sth in order to buy sth more expensive: We’re going to trade up to a larger house.
2 to give sth you have used as part of the payment for sth more expensive

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'trade balance
noun = BALANCE OF TRADE
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'trade deficit
(also 'trade gap) noun [usually sing.] the difference between the value of a country’s imports and the value of its exports: a widening / worsening trade deficit
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'trade fair
(also 'trade show) noun an event at which many different companies show and sell their products
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'trade-in
noun a method of buying sth by giving a used item as part of the payment for a new one; the used item itself: the trade-in value of a car  Do you have a trade-in?—see also PART EXCHANGE
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trade.mark
noun (abbr. TM)
1 a name, symbol or design that a company uses for its products and that cannot be used by anyone else: ‘Big Mac’ is McDonald’s best-known trademark.
2 a special way of behaving or dressing that is typical of sb and that makes them easily recognized
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'trade name
noun
1 = BRAND NAME : Coffee is sold under a wide range of trade names.
2 a name that is taken and used by a company for business purposes
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'trade-off
noun ~ (between sth and sth) the act of balancing two things that you need or want but which are opposed to each other: There is a trade-off between the benefits of the drug and the risk of side effects.
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trader
noun a person who buys and sells things as a job: small / independent / local traders  bond / currency traders
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'trade school
noun (AmE ) a school where students go to learn a trade
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,trade 'secret
noun a piece of information, for example about how a particular product is made, that is known only to the company that makes it
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'trade show
noun = TRADE FAIR
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trades.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a person whose job involves going to people’s houses to sell or deliver goods
2 (especially BrE) a person who buys and sells goods, especially in a shop/store
SYN SHOPKEEPER
3 (especially AmE) a skilled person, especially one who makes beautiful things by hand
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trades.people
noun [pl.]
1 people whose job involves selling goods or services, especially people who own a shop/store
2 people whose job involves training and special skills, for example CARPENTERS
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the ,Trades ,Union 'Congress
noun [sing.] = TUC
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,trade 'surplus
noun a situation in which a country’s exports are worth more than its imports
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,trade 'union
(also ,trades 'union) (both BrE ) (AmE 'labor union) (also unionBrE, AmE) noun an organization of workers, usually in a particular industry, that exists to protect their interests, improve conditions of work, etc.
,trade-'unionism noun [U]: the history of trade unionism
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,trade 'unionist
(also ,trades 'unionist, union.ist) noun a member of a trade union
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'trade wind
noun a strong wind that blows all the time towards the EQUATOR and then to the west
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trad.ing
noun [U] the activity of buying and selling things: new laws on Sunday trading (= shops being open on Sundays)  Supermarkets everywhere reported excellent trading in the run-up to Christmas.  Shares worth $8 million changed hands during a day of hectic trading.
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'trading estate
noun (BrE ) an area of land, often on the edge of a city or town, where there are a number of businesses and small factories—compare INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
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'trading post
noun a small place in an area that is a long way from any town, used as a centre for buying and selling goods (especially in N America in the past)
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trad.ition
noun [C, U] a belief, custom or way of doing sth that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people; a set of these beliefs or customs: religious / cultural / literary traditions  This region is steeped in folklore and tradition.  The company has a long tradition of fine design.  The British are said to love tradition (= to want to do things in the way they have always been done).  They broke with tradition (= did things differently) and got married quietly.  By tradition , children play tricks on 1 April.  There’s a tradition in our family that we have a party on New Year’s Eve.  He’s a politician in the tradition of (= similar in style to) Kennedy.
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trad.ition.al
adj.
1 being part of the beliefs, customs or way of life of a particular group of people, that have not changed for a long time: traditional dress / music  It’s traditional in America to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
2 (sometimes disapproving) following older methods and ideas rather than modern or different ones
SYN CONVENTIONAL : traditional methods of teaching  Their marriage is very traditional.
trad.ition.al.ly adv.: The festival is traditionally held in May.  Housework has traditionally been regarded as women’s work.
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trad.ition.al.ism
noun [U] the belief that customs and traditions are more important for a society than modern ideas
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trad.ition.al.ist
noun a person who prefers tradition to modern ideas or ways of doing things
trad.ition.al.ist adj.
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'trad jazz
noun [U] = TRAD
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tra.duce
verb [vn] (rare, formal) to say things about sb that are unpleasant or not true
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traf.fic
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the vehicles that are on a road at a particular time: heavy / rush-hour traffic  local / through traffic  There’s always a lot of traffic at this time of day.  They were stuck in traffic and missed their flight.  a plan to reduce traffic congestion  traffic police (= who control traffic on a road or stop drivers who are breaking the law)
2 the movement of ships, trains, aircraft, etc. along a particular route: transatlantic traffic  air traffic control / controllers
3 the movement of people or goods from one place to another: commuter / freight / passenger traffic  the traffic of goods between one country and another
4 ~ (in sth) illegal trade in sth: the traffic in drugs / firearms

verb (-ck-)
PVR V 'traffic in sth to buy and sell sth illegally: to traffic in drugs / arms

traf.fick.er noun: a drugs trafficker
traf.fick.ing noun [U]: to be accused of drug trafficking
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'traffic calming
noun [U] (BrE ) ways of making roads safer, especially for people who are walking or riding bicycles, by building raised areas, etc. to make cars go more slowly
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'traffic circle
noun (AmE ) = ROUNDABOUT
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'traffic cone
noun = CONE
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'traffic island
(also island, ref.uge) (all BrE ) (AmE 'safety island) noun
1 an area in the middle of a road where you can stand and wait for cars to go past until it is safe for you to cross
2 (AmE) an area of road with a raised surface, for example at a JUNCTION or between two LANES of traffic, that vehicles must not drive on
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'traffic jam
noun a long line of vehicles on a road that cannot move or that can only move very slowly: We were stuck in a traffic jam .
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'traffic light
noun [C] (also 'traffic lights [pl.]) (AmE also stop.lights [pl.]) a signal that controls the traffic on a road, by means of red, orange and green lights that show when you must stop and when you can go: Turn left at the traffic lights.
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'traffic warden
noun (BrE ) a person whose job is to check that people do not park their cars in the wrong place or for longer than is allowed, and to report on those who do or tell them that they have to pay a FINE
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tra.gedian
noun (formal)
1 a person who writes tragedies for the theatre
2 an actor in tragedies
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tra.gedy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies)
1 a very sad event or situation, especially one that involves death: It’s a tragedy that she died so young.  Tragedy struck the family when their three-year-old son was hit by a car and killed.  The whole affair ended in tragedy.
2 a serious play with a sad ending, especially one in which the main character dies; plays of this type: Shakespeare’s tragedies  Greek tragedy—compare COMEDY
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tra.gic
adj.
1 making you feel very sad, usually because sb has died or suffered a lot: He was killed in a tragic accident at the age of 24.  Cuts in the health service could have tragic consequences for patients.  It would be tragic if her talent remained unrecognized.
2 [only before noun] connected with tragedy (= the style of literature): a tragic actor / hero
tra.gic.al.ly adv.: Tragically, his wife was killed in a car accident.  He died tragically young.
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tragi.com.edy
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies)
1 a play that is both funny and sad; plays of this type
2 an event or a situation that is both funny and sad
tragi.com.ic adj.
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trail
noun, verb
noun
1 a long line or series of marks that is left by sth as it moves and that shows where it has been: a trail of blood / footprints  tourists who leave a trail of litter everywhere they go  The hurricane left a a trail of destruction behind it.
2 a track, sign or smell that is left behind and that can be followed, especially in hunting: The hounds were following the fox’s trail.  The police are still on the trail of the escaped prisoner.  Fortunately the trail was still warm (= clear and easy to follow).  The trail had gone cold.
3 a path through the countryside: a trail through the forest—see also NATURE TRAIL
4 a route that is followed for a particular purpose: a tourist trail (= of famous buildings)  politicians on the campaign trail (= travelling around to attract support)
IDM see BLAZE v. , HIT v. , HOT adj.

verb
1 to pull sth behind sb/sth, usually along the ground; to be pulled along in this way: [vn] A jeep trailing a cloud of dust was speeding in my direction.  I trailed my hand in the water as the boat moved along.  [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] The bride’s dress trailed behind her.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to walk slowly because you are tired or bored, especially behind sb else: The kids trailed around after us while we shopped for clothes.
3 ~ (by / in sth) (used especially in the progressive tenses) to be losing a game or other contest: [v] United were trailing 2–0 at half-time.  We were trailing by five points.  This country is still trailing badly in scientific research.  [vn] The Conservatives are trailing Labour in the opinion polls.
4 [vn] to follow sb/sth by looking for signs that show you where they have been: The police trailed Dale for days.
5 [v] (especially of plants) to grow or hang downwards over sth or along the ground: trailing plants  Computer wires were trailing all over the floor.
PVR V ,trail a'way / 'off (of sb’s speech) to become gradually quieter and then stop: His voice trailed away to nothing. [+ speech] ‘I only hope … ’ She trailed off.

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trail.blazer
noun a person who is the first to do or discover sth and so makes it possible for others to follow—compare BLAZE A TRAIL at BLAZE
trail.blaz.ing adj. [usually before noun]: trailblazing scientific research
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trail.er
noun
1 a truck, or a container with wheels, that is pulled by another vehicle: a car towing a trailer with a boat on it—see also TRACTOR-TRAILER
2 (AmE) a vehicle without an engine, that can be pulled by a car or truck or used as a home or an office when it is parked: a trailer park (= an area where trailers are parked and used as homes)
3 (especially BrE) a series of short scenes from a film/movie or television programme, shown in advance to advertise it
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train
noun, verb
noun
1 a railway/railroad engine pulling a number of carriages or trucks, taking people and goods from one place to another: to get on / off a train  I like travelling by train .  a passenger / commuter / goods / freight train  to catch / take / get the next train to London  a train journey / driver  You have to change trains at Reading.—see also GRAVY TRAIN
2 a number of people or animals moving in a line: a camel train  a wagon train
3 [usually sing.] a series of events or actions that are connected: His death set in motion a train of events that led to the outbreak of war.
4 the part of a long formal dress that spreads out on the floor behind the person wearing it
IDM bring sth in its 'train (written) to have sth as a result: Unemployment brings great difficulties in its train. in sb’s 'train (written) following behind sb: In the train of the rich and famous came the journalists. set sth in 'train (formal) to prepare or start sth: That telephone call set in train a whole series of events. a train of 'thought the connected series of thoughts that are in your head at a particular time: The phone ringing interrupted my train of thought.

verb
1 ~ (sb) (as / in / for sth) to teach a person or an animal the skills for a particular job or activity; to be taught in this way: [vn] well / badly trained staff  Steve can’t get a job, he’s not trained in anything.  [vn to inf] They train dogs to sniff out drugs.  [v] He trained as a teacher before becoming an actor.  All members of the team have trained in first aid.  [v to inf] Sue is training to be a doctor.
2 ~ (sb) (for / in sth) to prepare yourself/sb for a particular activity, especially a sport, by doing a lot of exercise; to prepare a person or an animal in this way: [v] athletes training for the Olympics  [vn] She trains horses.  He trains the Olympic team.
3 to develop a natural ability or quality so that it improves: [vn] An expert with a trained eye will spot the difference immediately.  [vn to inf] You can train your mind to think positively.
4 [vn] ~ sth (around / along / up, etc.) to make a plant grow in a particular direction: Roses had been trained around the door.
PVR V 'train sth at / on sb/sth (written) to aim a gun, camera, light, etc. at sb/sth: He carefully trained his gun on the suspect.

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train.ee
noun a person who is being taught how to do a particular job: a management trainee  a trainee salesman / teacher
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train.er
noun
1 (also 'training shoe) (both BrE) (AmE sneak.er) [usually pl.] a shoe that you wear for sports or as a piece of informal clothing: a pair of trainers—picture at SHOE
2 a person who teaches people or animals to perform a particular job or skill well, or to do a particular sport: teacher trainers  a racehorse trainer  Her trainer had decided she shouldn’t run in the race.
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train.ing
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth / in doing sth) the process of learning the skills that you need to do a job: staff training  Few candidates had received any training in management.  a training course
2 the process of preparing to take part in a sports competition by doing physical exercises: to be in training for a race
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'training college
noun (BrE ) a college that trains people for a job or profession: a police training college
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'training shoe
noun (BrE ) = TRAINER
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'training wheels
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = STABILIZERS
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train.man
noun (pl.-men ) (AmE ) a member of the team of people operating a train
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'train set
noun a toy train, together with the track that it runs on, toy station, etc.
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train.spot.ter
noun (BrE )
1 a person who collects the numbers of railway engines as a hobby
2 (disapproving) a person who is interested in the details of a subject that other people think are boring
'train.spot.ting noun [U]
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traipse
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to walk somewhere slowly when you are tired and unwilling: We spent the afternoon traipsing around the town.
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trait
noun a particular quality in your personality: personality traits
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trai.tor
noun ~ (to sb/sth) a person who betrays their friends, their country, etc: He was seen as a traitor to the socialist cause.  She denied that she had turned traitor (= become a traitor).
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trai.tor.ous
adj. (rare, formal) betraying your friends, your country, etc.
trai.tor.ous.ly adv.
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tra.jec.tory
(pl.-ies) noun (technical ) the curved path of sth that has been fired, hit or thrown into the air: a missile’s trajectory   (figurative, written) My career seemed to be on a downward trajectory.
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tram
(also tram.car) (both BrE ) (AmE street.car, trol.ley) noun a vehicle driven by electricity, that runs on rails along the streets of a town and carries passengers: a tram route / track / service / stop
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tram.lines
noun [pl.]
1 the rails in the street that trams run on
2 (BrE) (AmE alley) (informal) the pair of parallel lines on a tennis or badminton court that mark the extra area that is used when four people are playing
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tram.mel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [vn] [often passive] (rare, formal) to restrict or limit sb’s freedom of movement or activity: He felt himself trammelled by convention.—compare UNTRAMMELLED
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tramp
noun, verb
noun
1 (also hobo) [C] a person with no home or job who travels from place to place, usually asking people in the street for food or money
2 [sing.] the ~ of sb/sth the sound of sb’s heavy steps: the tramp of marching feet
3 [C, usually sing.] a long walk: We had a long tramp home.
4 (old-fashioned, AmE, disapproving) a woman who has many sexual partners

verb (also AmE informal tromp) to walk with heavy or noisy steps, especially for a long time: [v] We tramped across the wet grass to look at the statue.  the sound of tramping feet  [vn] She’s been tramping the streets looking for a job.

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tram.ple
verb
1 ~ sb/sth (down)| ~ on / over sth to step heavily on sb/sth so that you crush or harm them/it with your feet: [vn] People were trampled underfoot in the rush for the exit.  He was trampled to death (= killed) by a runaway horse.  The campers had trampled the corn down.  [v] Don’t trample on the flowers!
2 ~ (on / over) sb/sth to ignore sb’s feelings or rights and treat them as if they are not important: [v] The government is trampling on the views of ordinary people. [alsovn]
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tram.po.line
noun, verb
noun a piece of equipment that is used in GYMNASTICS for doing jumps in the air. It consists of a sheet of strong material that is attached by springs to a frame.

verb [v] to jump on a trampoline
tram.po.lin.ing noun [U]

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tram.way
noun the rails that form the route for a TRAM
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trance
noun
1 a state in which sb seems to be asleep but is aware of what is said to them, for example if they are HYPNOTIZED : to go / fall into a trance
2 a state in which you are thinking so much about sth that you do not notice what is happening around you: She drove, gripping the wheel in a trance, hardly aware of her surroundings.
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tranche
noun (BrE, finance ) one of the parts into which an amount of money or a number of SHARES in a company is divided
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tran.quil
adj. (written) quiet and peaceful: a tranquil scene / place  the tranquil waters of the lake  She led a tranquil life in the country.
tran.quil.lity (BrE) (AmE also tran.quil.ity) noun [U]
tran.quil.ly adv.
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tran.quil.lize
(also -ise) (both BrE ) (AmEtran.quil.ize) verb [vn] to make a person or an animal calm or unconscious, especially by giving them a drug (= a TRANQUILLIZER ): a fast-acting tranquillizing drug
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tran.quil.lizer
(also -iser) (both BrE ) (AmEtran.quil.izer) noun a drug used to reduce anxiety: She’s on (= is taking) tranquillizers.
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trans-
prefix
1 (in adjectives) across; beyond: transatlantic  transcontinental
2 (in verbs) into another place or state: transplant  transform
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trans.act
verb ~ (sth) (with sb) (formal) to do business with a person or an organization: [vn] buyers and sellers transacting business [alsov]
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trans.ac.tion
noun
1 [C] ~ (between A and B) a piece of business that is done between people, especially an act of buying or selling: financial transactions between companies  commercial transactions
2 [U] ~ of sth (formal) the process of doing sth: the transaction of government business
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trans.at.lan.tic
adj. [only before noun]
1 crossing the Atlantic Ocean: a transatlantic flight
2 connected with countries on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean: a transatlantic alliance
3 on or from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean: to speak with a transatlantic accent  transatlantic (= American) visitors to Europe
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trans.ceiver
noun a radio that can both send and receive messages
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tran.scend
verb [vn] (formal) to be or go beyond the usual limits of sth
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tran.scend.ent
adj. (formal) going beyond the usual limits; extremely great: a writer of transcendent genius
tran.scend.ence noun [U]: the transcendence of God
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tran.scen.den.tal
adj. [usually before noun] going beyond the limits of human knowledge, experience or reason, especially in a religious or spiritual way: a transcendental experience
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,transcen,dental medi'tation
(BrE ) (AmE Transcendental Meditation™) noun [U] (abbr. TM) a method of making yourself calm by thinking deeply in silence and repeating a special phrase to yourself many times
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trans.con.tin.en.tal
adj. crossing a continent: a transcontinental railway / railroad
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tran.scribe
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (into sth) to record thoughts, speech or data in a written form, or in a different written form from the original: Clerks transcribe everything that is said in court.  The interview was recorded and then transcribed.  How many official documents have been transcribed into Braille for blind people?
2 (technical) to show the sounds of speech using a special PHONETIC alphabet
3 ~ sth (for sth) to write a piece of music in a different form so that it can be played by another musical instrument or sung by another voice: a piano piece transcribed for the guitar
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tran.script
noun
1 (also tran.scrip.tion) a written or printed copy of words that have been spoken: a transcript of the interview / speech / trial
2 (especially AmE) an official record of a student’s work that shows the courses they have taken and the marks/grades they have achieved
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tran.scrip.tion
noun
1 [U] the act or process of representing sth in a written or printed form: errors made in transcription  phonetic transcription
2 [C] = TRANSCRIPT : The full transcription of the interview is attached.
3 [C] something that is represented in writing: This dictionary gives phonetic transcriptions of all headwords.
4 [C] a change in the written form of a piece of music so that it can be played on a different instrument or sung by a different voice
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trans.ducer
noun (technical ) a device for producing an electrical signal from another form of energy such as pressure
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tran.sept
noun (architecture ) either of the two wide parts of a church shaped like a cross, that are built at RIGHT ANGLES to the main central part—compare NAVE
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trans.fer
verb, noun
verb (-rr-)
TO NEW PLACE|
1 ~ (sth/sb) (from … ) (to … ) to move from one place to another; to move sth/sb from one place to another: [v] The film studio is transferring to Hollywood.  [vn] How can I transfer money from my bank account to his?  The patient was transferred to another hospital.  [vn, v] (especially AmE) I couldn’t transfer all my credits from junior college.   (especially AmE) If I spend a semester in Madrid, will my credits transfer?
TO NEW JOB / SCHOOL / SITUATION|
2 ~ (sb) (from … ) (to … ) to move from one job, school, situation, etc. to another; to arrange for sb to move: [v] Children usually transfer to secondary school at 11 or 12.  He transferred to UCLA after his freshman year.  [vn] Ten employees are being transferred from the sales department.
FEELING / DISEASE / POWER|
3 if you transfer a feeling, a disease, or power, etc., or if it transfers from one person to another, the second person has it, often instead of the first: [vn] Joe had already transferred his affections from Lisa to Cleo.  This disease is rarely transferred from mother to baby (= so that the baby has it as well as the mother). [alsov]
PROPERTY|
4 [vn] ~ sth (to sb) to officially arrange for sth to belong to sb else or for sb else to control sth: He transferred the property to his son.
IN SPORT|
5 ~ (sb) (from … ) (to … ) (especially BrE ) to move, or to move sb, to a different sports team, especially a professional football team: [v] He transferred to Everton for £6 million.  [vn] He was transferred from Spurs to Arsenal for a huge fee.
TO NEW VEHICLE|
6 ~ (sb) (from … ) (to … ) to change to a different vehicle during a journey; to arrange for sb to change to a different vehicle during a journey: [v] I transferred at Bahrain for a flight to Singapore.  [vn] Passengers are transferred from the airport to the hotel by taxi.
INFORMATION / MUSIC, etc.|
7 ~ (sth) (from sth) (to sth) to copy information, music, an idea, etc. from one method of recording or presenting it to another; to be recorded or presented in a different way: [vn] You can transfer data to a disk in a few seconds.  [v] The novel does not transfer well to the movies.

noun
CHANGE OF PLACE / JOB / SITUATION|
1 [U, C] the act of moving sb/sth from one place, group or job to another; an occasion when this happens: data / information transfer  the transfer of currency from one country to another  He has asked for a transfer to the company’s Paris branch.  After the election there was a swift transfer of power .
IN SPORT|
2 [U, C] the act of moving a sports player from one club or team to another: It was the first goal he had scored since his transfer from Chelsea.  a transfer fee / request  to be on the transfer list (= available to join another club)
CHANGE OF VEHICLE|
3 [U, C] an act of changing to a different place, vehicle or route when you are travelling: The transfer from the airport to the hotel is included in the price.
TRAIN / BUS TICKET|
4 [C] (AmE) a ticket that allows a passenger to continue their journey on another bus or train
PICTURE|
5 [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually decal) a picture or design that can be removed from a piece of paper and stuck onto a surface, for example by being pressed or heated

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trans.fer.able
adj. that can be moved from one place, person or use to another: This ticket is not transferable (= it may only be used by the person who has bought it).  We aim to provide our students with transferable skills (= that can be used in different jobs).
trans.fer.abil.ity noun [U]
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trans.fer.ence
noun [U] (technical or formal) the process of moving sth from one place, person or use to another: the transference of heat from the liquid to the container  the transference of ideas / information / wealth
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trans.fig.ure
verb [vn] [often passive] (literary) to change the appearance of a person or thing so that they look more beautiful: Ann’s whole face was transfigured by the early morning light.
trans.fig.ur.ation noun [U]
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trans.fix
verb [vn] [usually passive] to be unable to move because sth has all your attention, or because you are afraid, surprised, etc: Luisa stood transfixed with shock.
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trans.form
verb [vn] ~ sth/sb (from sth) (into sth)
1 to change the form of sth
SYN CONVERT : The photochemical reactions transform the light into electrical impulses.
2 to completely change the appearance or character of sth, especially so that it is better: A new colour scheme will transform your bedroom.  It was an event that would transform my life.  The company has been transformed from a family business to a multi-million-pound operation.
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trans.form.ation
noun [C, U] ~ (from sth) (to / into sth) a complete change in sb/sth: The way in which we work has undergone a complete transformation in the past decade.  the country’s transformation from dictatorship to democracy  What a transformation! You look great.
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trans.form.er
noun a device for reducing or increasing the VOLTAGE of an electric power supply, usually to allow a particular piece of electrical equipment to be used
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trans.fu.sion
noun [C, U]
1 = BLOOD TRANSFUSION
2 ~ of sth the act of investing extra money in a place or an activity that needs it: The project badly needs a transfusion of cash.
trans.fuse verb : [vn] to transfuse blood to / into a patient
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trans.gen.ic
adj. (biology ) (of an animal or a plant) having GENETIC material introduced from another type of animal or plant
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trans.gress
verb [vn] (formal) to go beyond the limit of what is morally or legally acceptable: They had transgressed the bounds of decency.
trans.gres.sion noun [C, U]
trans.gres.sor noun
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tran.si.ent
adj., noun
adj. (formal)
1 continuing for only a short time
SYN TEMPORARY : the transient nature of speech
2 staying or working in a place for only a short time, before moving on: a city with a large transient population (= of students, temporary workers, etc.)
tran.si.ence noun [U]: the transience of human life

noun (especially AmE ) a person who stays or works in a place for only a short time, before moving on

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tran.sis.tor
noun
1 a small electronic device used in computers, radios, televisions, etc. for controlling an electric current as it passes along a CIRCUIT
2 (also tran,sistor 'radio) a small radio with transistors
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tran.sit
noun
1 [U] the process of being moved or carried from one place to another: The cost includes transit.  goods damaged or lost in transit   transit times
2 [U, C, usually sing.] the act of going through a place on the way to somewhere else: the transit lounge at Vienna airport  a transit visa (= one that allows a person to pass through a country but not to stay there)
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'transit camp
noun a camp that provides temporary accommodation for REFUGEES
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tran.si.tion
noun [U, C] ~ (from sth) (to sth)| ~ (between A and B) the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another: the transition from school to full-time work  We need to ensure a smooth transition between the old system and the new one.  He will remain head of state during the period of transition to democracy.  This course is useful for students who are in transition (= in the process of changing) from one training programme to another.
tran.si.tion.al adj.: a transitional period  a transitional government
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tran.si.tive
adj. (grammar ) (of verbs) used with a DIRECT OBJECT : In ‘She wrote a letter’, the verb ‘wrote’ is transitive and the word ‘letter’ is the direct object.
OPP INTRANSITIVE
tran.si.tive.ly adv.: The verb is being used transitively.
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tran.si.tory
adj. (formal) continuing for only a short time
SYN TEMPORARY : the transitory nature of his happiness  These feelings tend to be transitory.
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trans.late
verb
1 ~ (sth) (from sth) (into sth)| ~ sth (as sth) to express the meaning of speech or writing in a different language: [vn] He translated the letter into English.  Her books have been translated into 24 languages.  ‘Suisse’ had been wrongly translated as ‘Sweden’.  Can you help me translate this legal jargon into plain English?  [v] I don’t speak Greek so Dina offered to translate for me.  My work involves translating from German.
2 [v] ~ (as sth) to be changed from one language to another: Most poetry does not translate well.  The Welsh name translates as ‘Land’s End’.
3 ~ (sth) (into sth) to change sth, or to be changed, into a different form: [vn] It’s time to translate words into action.  [v] I hope all the hard work will translate into profits.  Most attempts to translate Shakespeare to the small screen (= television) are not successful.
4 ~ (sth) (as sth) to understand sth in a particular way or give sth a particular meaning: [vn] the various words and gestures that we translate as love [alsov]
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trans.la.tion
noun
1 [U] ~ (of sth) (into sth)| ~ (from sth) (into sth) the process of changing sth that is written or spoken into another language: an error in translation  He specializes in translation from Danish into English.  The book loses something in translation .
2 [C, U] a text or work that has been changed from one language into another: to make / do a translation of a document  The usual translation of ‘glasnost’ is ‘openness’.  a rough / a literal / an exact translation  I have only read Tolstoy in translation .  a copy of Dryden’s translation of the Aeneid
3 [U] ~ (of sth) into sth the process of changing sth into a different form: the translation of theory into practice
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trans.la.tor
noun a person who translates writing or speech into a different language, especially as a job: She works as a translator of technical texts.—compare INTERPRETER
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trans.lit.er.ate
verb [vn] ~ sth (into / as sth) (formal) to write words or letters using letters of a different alphabet or language
trans.lit.er.ation noun [C, U]
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trans.lu.cent
adj. (written) allowing light to pass through but not transparent: The sky was a pale translucent blue.  His skin was translucent with age.
trans.lu.cence (also trans.lu.cency ) noun [U]
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trans.mi.gra.tion
noun [U] the passing of a person’s soul after their death into another body
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trans.mis.sion
noun (formal)
1 [U] the act or process of passing sth from one person, place or thing to another: the transmission of the disease / virus  the risk of transmission
2 [U] the act or process of sending out an electronic signal or message or of broadcasting a radio or television programme: the transmission of computer data along telephone lines  a break in transmission (= of a radio or television broadcast) due to a technical fault
3 [C] a radio or television message or broadcast: a live transmission from Sydney
4 [U, C] the system in a motor vehicle by which power is passed from the engine to the wheels
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trans.mit
verb (-tt-)
1 ~ (sth) (from … ) (to … ) to send an electronic signal, radio or television broadcast, etc: [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : signals transmitted from a satellite  The ceremony was transmitted live by satellite to over fifty countries.  [v] a short-wave radio that can transmit as well as receive
2 [vn] to pass sth from one person to another: sexually transmitted diseases  Parents can unwittingly transmit their own fears to their children.
3 [vn] (technical) to allow heat, light, sound, etc. to pass through
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trans.mit.ter
noun
1 a piece of equipment used for sending electronic signals, especially radio or television signals—compare RECEIVER
2 ~ of sth (formal) a person or thing that transmits sth from one person or thing to another: Emphasis was placed on the school as a transmitter of moral values.
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trans.mog.rify
verb (trans.mog.ri.fies, trans.mog.ri.fy.ing, trans.mog.ri.fied, trans.mog.ri.fied) [vn] [often passive] (often humorous) to change sb/sth completely, especially in a surprising way
trans.mog.ri.fi.ca.tion noun [U]
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trans.mute
verb ~ (sth) (into sth) (formal) to change, or make sth change, into sth different: [vn + adv.  /  prep.] : It was once thought that lead could be transmuted into gold. [alsov]
trans.mu.ta.tion noun [C, U]
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trans.nation.al
adj. (especially business ) operating in or between many different countries, without being based in any particular one
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tran.som
noun
1 a bar of wood or stone across the top of a door or window
2 (AmE) = FANLIGHT
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trans.par.ency
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] a picture printed on a piece of photographic film, usually in a frame, that can be shown on a screen by shining light through the film
SYN SLIDE : an overhead transparency (= used with an OVERHEAD PROJECTOR )
2 [U] the quality of sth, such as glass, that allows you to see through it
3 [U] the quality of sth, such as an excuse or a lie, that allows sb to see the truth easily: They were shocked by the transparency of his lies.
4 [U] the quality of sth, such as a situation or an argument, that makes it easy to understand: a need for greater transparency in legal documents
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trans.par.ent
adj.
1 (of glass, plastic, etc.) allowing you to see through it: The insect’s wings are almost transparent.
OPP OPAQUE
2 (of an excuse, a lie, etc.) allowing you to see the truth easily
SYN OBVIOUS : a man of transparent honesty  a transparent attempt to buy votes  Am I that transparent (= are my intentions that obvious)?
3 (of language, information, etc.) easy to understand: a campaign to make official documents more transparent
OPP OPAQUE
trans.par.ent.ly adv.: transparently clear / honest / obvious
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tran.spire
verb (formal)
1 [v that] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) if it transpires that sth has happened or is true, it is known or has been shown to be true: It transpired that the gang had had a contact inside the bank.  This story, it later transpired, was untrue.
2 [v] to happen: You’re meeting him tomorrow? Let me know what transpires.
3 [v, vn] (biology) when plants or leaves transpire, water passes out from their surface
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trans.plant
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (from sb/sth) (into sb/sth) to take an organ, skin, etc. from one person, animal, part of the body, etc. and put it into or onto another: Surgeons have successfully transplanted a liver into a four-year-old boy.  Patients often reject transplanted organs.—compare IMPLANT
2 to move a growing plant and plant it somewhere else
3 (formal) ~ sb/sth (from … ) (to … ) to move sb/sth to a different place or environment: Japanese production methods have been transplanted into some British factories.
trans.plan.ta.tion noun [U]: liver transplantation  the transplantation of entire communities overseas

noun
1 [C, U] a medical operation in which a damaged organ, etc. is replaced with one from another person: to have a heart transplant  a transplant operation / patient  a shortage of suitable kidneys for transplant
2 [C] an organ, etc. that is used in a transplant operation: There is always a chance that the body will reject the transplant.—compare IMPLANT

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tran.spon.der
noun (technical ) a piece of equipment that receives radio signals and automatically sends out another signal in reply
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trans.port
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually trans.por.ta.tion) [U] a system for carrying people or goods from one place to another using vehicles, roads, etc: air / freight / road transport  to travel on / by public transport (= by train, bus, etc.)  the government’s transport policy
2 (BrE) (AmE trans.por.ta.tion) [U] a vehicle or method of travel: Applicants must have their own transport.  Transport to and from the airport is included in the price.  His bike is his only means of transport .
3 [U] (especially BrE) (also transportationAmE, BrE) the activity or business of carrying goods from one place to another using lorries/trucks, trains, etc: The goods were damaged during transport.  controls on the transport of nuclear waste
4 [C] a ship, plane or lorry/truck used for carrying soldiers, supplies, etc. from one place to another: Several transports were sent to convey them to the camp.  a transport helicopter
5 (transports) [pl.] ~ of sth (literary) strong feelings and emotions: to be in transports of joy / delight / grief

verb [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to take sth/sb from one place to another in a vehicle: to transport goods / passengers / cattle  Most of our luggage was transported by sea.
2 to move sth somewhere by means of a natural process: The seeds are transported by the wind.  Blood transports oxygen around the body.
3 to make sb feel that they are in a different place, time or situation: The book transports you to another world.
4 (in the past) to send sb to a far away place as a punishment

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trans.port.able
adj. [not usually before noun] that can be carried or moved from one place to another, especially by vehicle
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trans.por.ta.tion
noun [U]
1 (especially AmE) = TRANSPORT : the transportation industry  public transportation  The city is providing free transportation to the stadium from downtown.  the transportation of heavy loads  transportation costs
2 (in the past) the act of sending criminals to a place that is far away as a form of punishment
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'transport cafe
(BrE ) (AmE 'truck stop) noun a cafe at the side of a main road that serves cheap food and is used mainly by lorry/truck drivers
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trans.port.er
noun a large vehicle used for carrying heavy objects, for example other vehicles: a car transporter
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trans.pose
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 (formal) to change the order of two or more things
SYN REVERSE
2 (formal) to move or change sth to a different place or environment or into a different form
SYN TRANSFER : The director transposes Shakespeare’s play from 16th-century Venice to present-day England.
3 (music) to write or play a piece of music or a series of notes in a different key
trans.pos.ition noun [C, U]
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trans.sex.ual
noun a person who feels emotionally that they want to live, dress, etc. as a member of the opposite sex, especially one who has a medical operation to change their sexual organs
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tran.sub.stan.ti.ation
noun [U] the belief that the bread and wine of the COMMUNION service become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ after they have been BLESSED , even though they still look like bread and wine
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trans.verse
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) situated across sth: A transverse bar joins the two posts.
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trans.vest.ite
noun a person, especially a man, who enjoys dressing as a member of the opposite sex
trans.vest.ism noun [U]
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trap
noun, verb
noun
FOR ANIMALS|
1 a piece of equipment for catching animals: a fox with its leg in a trap  A trap was laid, with fresh bait.—see also MOUSETRAP
TRICK|
2 a clever plan designed to trick sb, either by capturing them or by making them do or say sth that they did not mean to do or say: She had set a trap for him and he had walked straight into it.—see also BOOBY TRAP , RADAR TRAP , SAND TRAP , TOURIST TRAP
BAD SITUATION|
3 [usually sing.] an unpleasant situation from which it is hard to escape: the unemployment trap  Some women see marriage as a trap.—see also DEATH TRAP , POVERTY TRAP
CARRIAGE|
4 a light carriage with two wheels, pulled by a horse: a pony and trap
MOUTH|
5 (slang) mouth: Shut your trap! (= a rude way of telling sb to be quiet)  to keep your trap shut (= to not tell a secret)
FOR RACING DOG|
6 a cage from which a GREYHOUND (= a type of dog) is let out at the start of a race
IN GOLF|
7 (AmE) = BUNKER to fall into / avoid the trap of doing sth to do/avoid doing sth that is a mistake but which seems at first to be a good idea: Parents often fall into the trap of trying to do everything for their children.—more at SPRING v.

verb (-pp-) [vn]
IN DANGEROUS / BAD SITUATION|
1 [often passive] to keep sb in a dangerous place or bad situation that they want to get out of but cannot: Help! I’m trapped!  They were trapped in the burning building.  We became trapped by the rising flood water.  He was trapped in an unhappy marriage.  I feel trapped in my job.
PART OF BODY / CLOTHING|
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to have part of your body, your clothing, etc. held in a place so tightly that you cannot remove it and it may be injured or damaged: I trapped my coat in the car door.  The pain was caused by a trapped nerve.
CATCH|
3 to catch or keep sth in a place and prevent it from escaping, especially so that you can use it: Solar panels trap energy from the sun.
4 to force sb/sth into a place or situation that they cannot escape from, especially in order to catch them: The escaped prisoners were eventually trapped in an underground garage and recaptured.
5 to catch an animal in a trap: Raccoons used to be trapped for their fur.
TRICK|
6 ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to trick sb into sth: He felt he had been trapped into accepting the terms of the contract.

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trap.door
noun a small door in a floor or ceiling
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trap.eze
noun a wooden or metal bar hanging from two pieces of rope high above the ground, used especially by CIRCUS performers: a trapeze artist
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tra.pez.ium
noun (pl.tra.pez.iums or tra.pezia ) (geometry )
1 (BrE) (AmE trap.ez.oid) a flat shape with four straight sides, one pair of opposite sides being parallel and the other pair not parallel
2 (AmE) = TRAPEZOID
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trap.ez.oid
noun (geometry )
1 (BrE) (AmE tra.pez.ium) a flat shape with four straight sides, none of which are parallel
2 (AmE) = TRAPEZIUM
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trap.per
noun a person who traps and kills animals, especially for their fur
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trap.pings
noun [pl.] ~ (of sth) (written, especially disapproving) the possessions, clothes, etc. that are connected with a particular situation, job or social position: They enjoyed all the trappings of wealth.
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trash
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 (AmE) things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them  note at RUBBISH
2 (BrE, informal, disapproving) objects, writing, ideas, etc. that you think are of poor quality: What’s this trash you’re watching?  He’s talking trash (= nonsense).
3 (AmE, informal) an offensive word used to describe people that you do not respect: white trash (= poor white people, especially those living in the southern US)

verb [vn] (informal)
1 to damage or destroy sth: The band was famous for trashing hotel rooms.
2 to criticize sth/sb very strongly
3 (AmE) to throw away sth that you do not want: I’m leaving my old toys here—if you don’t want them, just trash them.

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'trash can
noun (AmE ) = DUSTBIN , LITTER BIN
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trashy
adj. (informal) of poor quality; with no value
SYN RUBBISHY : trashy TV shows
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trauma
noun
1 [U] (psychology) a mental condition caused by severe shock, especially when the harmful effects last for a long time
2 [C, U] an unpleasant experience that makes you feel upset and/or anxious: She felt exhausted after the traumas of recent weeks.
3 [U, C] (medical) an injury: The patient suffered severe brain trauma.
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trau.mat.ic
adj.
1 extremely unpleasant and causing you to feel upset and/or anxious: a traumatic childhood / experience
2 [only before noun] (psychologyormedical) connected with or caused by trauma : traumatic amnesia—see also POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
trau.mat.ic.al.ly adv.
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trau.ma.tize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to shock and upset sb very much, often making them unable to think or work normally
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trav.ail
noun [U, pl.] (old use or literary) an unpleasant experience or situation that involves a lot of hard work, difficulties and/or suffering: the travails of life in post-war Britain
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travel
verb, noun
verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-)
1 to go from one place to another, especially over a long distance: [v] to travel abroad / across Africa / around the world  I go to bed early if I’m travelling the next day.  I love travelling by train.  We always travel first class.  We travelled to California for the wedding.  When I finished college I went travelling for six months (= spent time visiting different places).  [vn] He travelled the length of the Nile in a canoe.  I travel 40 miles to work every day.  note at JOURNEY
2 [v] to go or move at a particular speed, in a particular direction, or a particular distance: to travel at 50 miles an hour / at twice the speed of sound  Messages travel along the spine from the nerve endings to the brain.  News travels fast these days.
3 [v] (of food, wine, an object, etc.) to be still in good condition after a long journey: Some wines do not travel well.
4 [v] (of a book, an idea, etc.) to be equally successful in another place and not just where it began: Some writing travels badly in translation.
5 [v] to go fast: Their car can really travel!
6 [v] (in basketball) to move while you are holding the ball, in a way that is not allowed
IDM travel 'light to take very little with you when you go on a trip

noun
1 [U] the act or activity of travelling: air / rail / space travel  travel expenses / arrangements  The post involves a considerable amount of foreign travel.  the travel industry  travel sickness  a travel bag / clock (= for use when travelling)
2 (travels) [pl.] time spent travelling, especially in foreign countries and for pleasure: The novel is based on his travels in India.  When are you off on your travels (= going travelling)?  note at JOURNEY

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'travel agency
noun a company that arranges travel and/or accommodation for people going on a holiday/vacation or journey
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'travel agent
noun
1 a person or business whose job is to make arrangements for people wanting to travel, for example, buying tickets or arranging hotel rooms
2 (travel agent’s) (pl.travel agents) a shop/store where you can go to arrange a holiday/vacation, etc: He works in a travel agent’s.—see also TRAVEL AGENCY
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trav.elled
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually trav.eled) adj. (usually in compounds) (written)
1 (of a person) having travelled the amount mentioned: a much-travelled man
2 (of a road, etc.) used the amount mentioned: The path was steeper and less travelled than the previous one.
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trav.el.ler
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually trav.el.er) noun
1 a person who is travelling or who often travels: She is a frequent traveller to Belgium.  He passed the time chatting with fellow travellers.—see also COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER
2 (BrE) a person who does not live in one place but travels around, especially as part of a group (often used as a word for a GYPSY ): New Age travellers
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'traveller’s cheque
(BrE ) (AmE'traveler’s check) noun a cheque for a fixed amount, sold by a bank or TRAVEL AGENT , that can be exchanged for cash in foreign countries
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trav.el.ling
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually trav.el.ing) adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 going from place to place: a travelling circus / exhibition / performer  the travelling public   (BrE) travelling people (= people who have no fixed home, especially those living in a community that moves from place to place, also known as ‘travellers’)
2 used when you travel: a travelling clock

noun [U] the act of travelling: The job requires a lot of travelling.  travelling expenses  a travelling companion

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,travelling 'salesman
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually ,traveling 'salesman) noun (old-fashioned) = SALES REPRESENTATIVE
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trav.el.ogue
(AmE also trav.elog) noun a film/movie, broadcast or piece of writing about travel
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'travel-sick
adj. feeling sick because you are travelling in a vehicle
'travel-sickness noun [U]
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tra.verse
verb, noun
verb [vn] (formal ortechnical ) to cross an area of land or water: skiers traversing the slopes  The region is traversed by several roads.

noun (in mountain climbing) an act of moving sideways or walking across a steep slope, not climbing up or down it; a place where this is possible or necessary

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trav.esty
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (of sth) something that does not have the qualities or values that it should have, and as a result is often shocking or offensive: The trial was a travesty of justice .
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trawl
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (through sth) (for sth/sb)| ~ sth (for sth/sb) to search through a large amount of information or a large number of people, places, etc. looking for a particular thing or person: [vn] She trawled the shops for bargains.  Major companies trawl the universities for potential graduate trainees.  [v] The police are trawling through their files for similar cases.
2 [v] ~ (for sth) to fish for sth by pulling a large net with a wide opening through the water

noun
1 a search through a large amount of information, documents, etc: A quick trawl through the newspapers yielded five suitable job adverts.
2 (also 'trawl net) a large net with a wide opening, that is dragged along the bottom of the sea by a boat in order to catch fish

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trawl.er
noun a fishing boat that uses large nets that it drags through the sea behind it—picture at BOAT
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tray
noun
1 a flat piece of wood, metal or plastic with raised edges, used for carrying or holding things, especially food: He brought her breakfast in bed on a tray.  She came in with a tray of drinks.  a tea tray
2 (especially BrE) (often in compounds) a shallow plastic box, used for various purposes: a seed tray (= for planting seeds in)  a cat’s litter tray—see also BAKING TRAY , IN TRAY , OUT TRAY
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treach.er.ous
adj.
1 that cannot be trusted; intending to harm you: He was weak, cowardly and treacherous.  lying, treacherous words
2 dangerous, especially when seeming safe: The ice on the roads made driving conditions treacherous.
treach.er.ous.ly adv.
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treach.ery
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies) behaviour that involves betraying sb who trusts you; an example of this: an act of treachery
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trea.cle
noun [U] (BrE )
1 (AmE mo.las.ses) a thick black sweet sticky liquid produced when sugar is REFINED (= made pure), used in cooking
2 = GOLDEN SYRUP : a treacle tart
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tread
verb, noun
verb (trod trod.den or trod)
1 [v] ~ (on / in / over sth/sb) (especially BrE) to put your foot down while you are stepping or walking: Ouch! You trod on my toe!  Careful you don’t tread in that puddle.
2 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to crush or press sth with your feet: Don’t tread ash into the carpet!  The wine is still made by treading grapes in the traditional way.
3 (formal or literary) to walk somewhere: [vn] Few people had trod this path before.  [v] He was treading quietly and cautiously.
IDM tread 'carefully, 'warily, etc. to be very careful about what you do or say: The government will have to tread very carefully in handling this issue. ,tread a difficult, dangerous, solitary, etc. 'path to choose and follow a particular way of life, way of doing sth, etc: A restaurant has to tread the tricky path between maintaining quality and keeping prices down. ,tread on sb’s 'heels to follow sb closely ,tread on sb’s 'toes (especially BrE) (AmE usually ,step on sb’s 'toes) (informal) to offend or annoy sb, especially by getting involved in sth that is their responsibility: I don’t want to tread on anybody’s toes so I’ll keep quiet. ,tread 'water
1 to keep yourself upright in deep water by moving your arms and legs
2 to make no progress while you are waiting for sth to happen: I decided to tread water until a better job came along.—more at LINE n. , TIGHTROPE

noun
1 [sing.] the way that sb walks; the sound that sb makes when they walk: I heard his heavy tread on the stairs.
2 [C, U] the raised pattern on the surface of a tyre on a vehicle: The tyres were worn below the legal limit of 1·6 mm of tread.
3 [C] the upper surface of a step or STAIR —compare RISER

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treadle
noun (especially in the past) a device worked by the foot to operate a machine
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tread.mill
noun
1 [sing.] work or a way of life that is boring or tiring because it involves always doing the same things: I’d like to escape the office treadmill.
2 [C] (especially in the past) a large wheel turned by the weight of people or animals walking on steps around its inside edge, and used to operate machinery
3 [C] an exercise machine that has a moving surface that you can walk or run on while remaining in the same place
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trea.son
(also ,high 'treason) noun [U] the crime of doing sth that could cause danger to your country, such as helping its enemies during a war
treas.on.able adj.: a treasonable act / offence
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treas.ure
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a collection of valuable things such as gold, silver and jewellery: buried treasure  a pirate’s treasure chest
2 [C, usually pl.] a highly valued object: the priceless art treasures of the Uffizi gallery
3 [sing.] a person who is much loved or valued

verb [vn] to have or keep sth that you love and that is extremely valuable to you: I treasure his friendship.  This ring is my most treasured possession.

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'treasure hunt
noun a game in which players try to find a hidden prize by answering a series of questions that have been left in different places
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treas.urer
noun a person who is responsible for the money and accounts of a club or an organization
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'treasure trove
noun
1 [U, C, usually sing.] valuable things that are found hidden and whose owner is unknown
2 [C, usually sing.] a place, book, etc. containing many useful or beautiful things
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treas.ury
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (the Treasury) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (in Britain, the US and some other countries) the government department that controls public money
2 [C] a place in a castle, etc. where valuable things are stored
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treat
verb, noun
verb [vn]
BEHAVE TOWARDS SB / STH|
1 ~ sb/sth (with / as / like sth) to behave in a particular way towards sb/sth: to treat people with respect / consideration / suspicion  Treat your keyboard with care and it should last for years.  My parents still treat me like a child.  He was treated as a hero on his release from prison.
CONSIDER|
2 ~ sth as sth to consider sth in a particular way: I decided to treat his remark as a joke.
3 to deal with or discuss sth in a particular way: The question is treated in more detail in the next chapter.
ILLNESS / INJURY|
4 to give medical care or attention to a person, an illness, an injury, etc: She was treated for sunstroke.  The condition is usually treated with drugs and a strict diet.  The hospital treated forty cases of malaria last year.
USE CHEMICAL|
5 ~ sth (with sth) to use a chemical substance or process to clean, protect, preserve, etc. sth: to treat crops with insecticide  wood treated with preservative
PAY FOR STH ENJOYABLE|
6 ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to pay for sth that sb/you will enjoy and that you do not usually have or do: She treated him to lunch.  Don’t worry about the cost—I’ll treat you.  I’m going to treat myself to a new pair of shoes.
treat.able adj.: a treatable condition / infection treat sb like 'dirt (informal) to treat sb with no respect at all 'treat sb to sth to entertain sb with sth special: The crowd were treated to a superb display of tennis.

noun something very pleasant and enjoyable, especially sth that you give sb or do for them: We took the kids to the zoo as a special treat.  You’ve never been to this area before? Then you’re in for a real treat.  When I was young chocolate was a treat.  Let’s go out for lunch—my treat (= I will pay). a 'treat (BrE, informal) extremely well or good: His idea worked a treat (= was successful).—more at TRICK n.

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trea.tise
noun ~ (on sth) a long and serious piece of writing on a particular subject
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treat.ment
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (for sth) something that is done to cure an illness or injury, or to make sb look and feel good: He is receiving treatment for shock.  She is responding well to treatment.  to require hospital / medical treatment  There are various treatments available for this condition.  Guests at the health spa receive a range of beauty and fitness treatments.
2 [U] a way of behaving towards or dealing with a person or thing: the brutal treatment of political prisoners  Certain city areas have been singled out for special treatment.
3 [U, C] a way of dealing with or discussing a subject, work of art, etc: Shakespeare’s treatment of madness in ‘King Lear’
4 [U, C] ~ (for sth) a process by which sth is cleaned, or protected against sth: a sewage / water treatment plant  an effective treatment for dry rot
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treaty
noun (pl.-ies) a formal agreement between two or more countries: the Treaty of Rome  a peace treaty  to draw up / sign / ratify a treaty  Under the terms of the treaty, La Rochelle was ceded to the English.
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treble
noun, verb, det., adj.
noun
1 [U] the high tones or part in music or a sound system: to turn up the treble on the stereo  the piping treble of childish voices—compare BASS
2 [C] a child’s high voice; a boy who sings with a treble voice—compare SOPRANO
3 [sing.] a musical part written for a treble voice
4 [sing.] (BrE) three successes in a row: The victory completed a treble for the horse’s owner.

verb to become, or to make sth, three times as much or as many
SYN TRIPLE [v] Cases of food poisoning have trebled in the last two years.  [vn] He trebled his earnings in two years.

det. [usually before noun] three times as much or as many: Capital expenditure was treble the 1998 level.

adj. [only before noun] high in tone: a treble voice  the treble clef (= the symbol in music showing that the notes following it are high)—picture at MUSIC —compare BASS

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tree
noun a tall plant that can live a long time. Trees have a thick central wooden stem (the TRUNK ) from which branches grow, usually with leaves on them: an oak / an ash / a pine tree  to plant a tree  to chop / cut down a tree  They followed a path through the trees.—compare BUSH , SHRUB —see also BAY TREE , CHRISTMAS TREE , FAMILY TREE , GUM TREE , PLANE TREE
IDM see BARK v. , FOREST , GROW , TOP n. , WOOD
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'tree house
noun a structure built in the branches of a tree, usually for children to play on
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tree.less
adj. without trees: a treeless plain
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tree.line
noun [sing.] a level of land, for example on a mountain, above which trees will not grow
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'tree surgeon
noun a person whose job is treating trees that are damaged or have a disease, especially by cutting off branches, to try to preserve them
'tree surgery noun [U]
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tree.top
noun [usually pl.] the branches at the top of a tree: birds nesting in the treetops
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tref.oil
noun
1 (technical) a plant whose leaves are divided into three similar parts, for example CLOVER
2 an ornament or a design shaped like a trefoil leaf
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trek
noun, verb
noun
1 a long, hard walk lasting several days or weeks, especially in the mountains
2 (informal) a long walk: It’s a long trek into town.

verb (-kk-) [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.]
1 (informal) to make a long or difficult journey, especially on foot: I hate having to trek up that hill with all the groceries.
2 (also go trekking) to spend time walking, especially in mountains and for enjoyment and interest: We went trekking in Nepal.  During the expedition, they trekked ten to thirteen hours a day.—see also PONY-TREKKING

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trel.lis
noun [C, U] a light frame made of long narrow pieces of wood that cross each other, used to support climbing plants—picture at LATTICE
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trem.ble
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (with sth) to shake in a way that you cannot control, especially because you are very nervous, excited, frightened, etc: My legs were trembling with fear.  Her voice trembled with excitement.  He opened the letter with trembling hands.
2 to shake slightly: leaves trembling in the breeze
3 to be very worried or frightened: I trembled at the thought of having to make a speech.

noun [C, usually sing.] (also trem.bling [C, U]) a feeling, movement or sound of trembling : a tremble of excitement / fear  She tried to control the trembling in her legs.

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tre.men.dous
adj.
1 very great: a tremendous explosion  A tremendous amount of work has gone into the project.
2 extremely good: It was a tremendous experience.
tre.men.dous.ly adv.: a tremendously exciting challenge
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trem.olo
noun (pl.-os) (music ) a special effect in singing or playing a musical instrument made by repeating the same note or two notes very quickly
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tremor
noun
1 a small earthquake in which the ground shakes slightly: an earth tremor
2 a slight shaking movement in a part of your body caused, for example, by cold or fear: There was a slight tremor in his voice.
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tremu.lous
adj. (literary) shaking slightly because you are nervous; causing you to shake slightly: a tremulous voice / smile  He was in a state of tremulous excitement.
tremu.lous.ly adv.
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trench
noun
1 a long deep hole dug in the ground, for example for carrying away water
2 a long deep hole dug in the ground in which soldiers can be protected from enemy attacks (for example in northern France and Belgium in the First World War): life in the trenches   trench warfare
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tren.chant
adj. (written) (of criticism, remarks, etc.) expressed strongly and effectively, in a clear way: His trenchant views on the subject are well known.
tren.chant.ly adv.
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'trench coat
noun a long loose coat, worn especially to keep off rain, with a belt and pockets in the style of a military coat—
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trench.er
noun a wooden plate used in the past for serving food
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trend
noun ~ (towards sth) a general direction in which a situation is changing or developing: economic / social / political trends  There is a growing trend towards earlier retirement.  current trends in language teaching  a downward / upward trend in sales  You seem to have set (= started) a new trend .  This trend is being reversed (= is going in the opposite direction).
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trend.set.ter
noun (often approving) a person who starts a new fashion or makes it popular
trend.set.ting adj. [only before noun]: a trendsetting band
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trendy
adj., noun
adj. (trend.ier, trendi.est) (informal) very fashionable: trendy clothes / restaurants
trend.ily adv.
trendi.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal, usually disapproving) a trendy person: young trendies from art college

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trepi.da.tion
noun [U] (formal) great worry or fear about sth unpleasant that may happen: He knocked on the door with some trepidation.
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tres.pass
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 ~ (on sth) to enter land or a building that you do not have permission or the right to enter: He told me I was trespassing on private land.
2 (old use) to do sth wrong
PVR V 'trespass on sth (formal) to make unfair use of sb’s time, help, etc: I mustn’t trespass on your time any longer.

noun
1 [U, C] an act of trespassing on land
2 [C] (old use) something that you do that is morally wrong
SYN SIN

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tres.pass.er
noun a person who goes onto sb’s land without their permission: The notice read: ‘Trespassers will be prosecuted’.
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tresses
noun [pl.] (literary) a woman’s long hair
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tres.tle
noun a wooden or metal structure with two pairs of sloping legs. Trestles are used in pairs to support a flat surface, for example the top of a table.
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'trestle table
noun a table that consists of a wooden top supported by trestles
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trews
noun [pl.] trousers/pants, especially when they are made of TARTAN
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tri-
combining form (in nouns and adjectives) three; having three: tricycle  triangular
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triad
noun
1 (formal) a group of three related people or things
2 (also Triad) a Chinese secret organization involved in criminal activity
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tri.age
noun [U] (in a hospital) the process of deciding how seriously ill/sick or injured a person is, so that the most serious cases can be treated first
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trial
noun, verb
noun
LAW|
1 [U, C] a formal examination of evidence in a court of law by a judge and often a JURY , to decide if sb accused of a crime is guilty or not: a murder trial  He’s on trial for murder.  She will stand trial / go on trial for fraud.  The men were arrested but not brought to trial .  The case never came to trial .  She is awaiting trial on corruption charges.  He did not receive a fair trial.  She was detained without trial.
TEST|
2 [C, U] the process of testing the ability, quality or performance of sb/sth, especially before you make a final decision about them: The new drug is undergoing clinical trials.  She agreed to employ me for a trial period .  The system was introduced on a trial basis for one month.  a trial separation (= of a couple whose marriage is in difficulties)  We had the machine on trial for a week.  a trial of strength (= a contest to see who is stronger)
IN SPORT|
3 [C, usually pl.] (BrE) (AmE 'try-out) a competition or series of tests to find the best players for a sports team or an important event: Olympic trials
FOR ANIMALS|
4 [C, usually pl.] an event at which animals compete or perform: sheepdog / horse trials
DIFFICULT EXPERIENCE|
5 [C] ~ (to sb) an experience or a person that causes difficulties for sb: the trials and tribulations of married life  She was a sore trial to her family at times. ,trial and 'error the process of solving a problem by trying various methods until you find a method that is successful: Children learn to use computer programs by trial and error .

verb (-ll-) [vn, v] (BrE ) to test the ability, quality or performance of sth to see if it will be effective or successful

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,trial 'run
(also ,test 'run) noun a test of how well sth new works, so that you can see if any changes are necessary: This year is a trial run for the new service, before it is officially introduced in 2001.
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tri.angle
noun
1 a flat shape with three straight sides and three angles; a thing in the shape of a triangle : (BrE) a right-angled triangle   (AmE) a right triangle  Cut the sandwiches into triangles.
2 a simple musical instrument that consists of a metal rod bent into the shape of a triangle , that you hit with another metal rod—
3 a situation involving three people in a complicated relationship: a love triangle—see also ETERNAL TRIANGLE
4 (AmE) = SET SQUARE
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tri.angu.lar
adj.
1 shaped like a triangle
2 involving three people or groups: a triangular contest in an election
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tri.angu.la.tion
noun [U] (technical ) a method of finding out distance and position, usually on a map, by measuring the distance between two fixed points and then measuring the angle from each of these to the third point
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tri.ath.lon
noun a sporting event in which people compete in three different sports, usually swimming, CYCLING and running—compare BIATHLON , DECATHLON , HEPTATHLON , PENTATHLON
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tri.bal
adj. [usually before noun] connected with a tribe or tribes: tribal art / peoples / leaders
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tri.bal.ism
noun [U]
1 behaviour, attitudes, etc. that are based on being loyal to a tribe or other social group
2 the state of being organized in a tribe or tribes
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tribe
noun
1 (sometimes offensive) (in developing countries) a group of people of the same race, and with the same customs, language, religion, etc., living in a particular area and often led by a CHIEF : tribes living in remote areas of the Amazonian rainforest
2 (usually disapproving) a group or class of people, especially of one profession: He had a sudden outburst against the whole tribe of actors.
3 (biology) a group of related animals or plants: a tribe of cats
4 (informal or humorous) a large number of people: One or two of the grandchildren will be there, but not the whole tribe.
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tribes.man, tribes.woman
noun (pl.-men -women ) a member of a tribe
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tribu.la.tion
noun [C, U] (literary or humorous) great trouble or suffering: the tribulations of modern life
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tri.bu.nal
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] a type of court with the authority to deal with a particular problem or disagreement: She took her case to a tribunal.  a disciplinary tribunal—see also INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL
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trib.une
noun
1 an official elected by the people in ancient Rome to defend their rights; a popular leader
2 a raised area that sb stands on to make a speech in public
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tribu.tary
noun (pl.-ies) a river or stream that flows into a larger river or a lake—picture at COAST
tribu.tary adj. [only before noun]: a tributary stream / river
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trib.ute
noun
1 [U, C] ~ (to sb) an act, a statement or a gift that is intended to show your respect or admiration, especially for a dead person: At her funeral her oldest friend paid tribute to her life and work.  This book is a fitting tribute to the bravery of the pioneers.  floral tributes (= gifts of flowers at a funeral)
2 [sing.] ~ to sth/sb showing the good effects or influence of sth/sb: His recovery is a tribute to the doctors' skill.
3 [U, C] (especially in the past) money given by one country or ruler to another, especially in return for protection or for not being attacked
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trice
noun
IDM in a 'trice very quickly or suddenly: He was gone in a trice.
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tri.ceps
noun (pl.tri.ceps) the large muscle at the back of the top part of the arm—compare BICEPS
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trick
noun, verb
noun
STH TO DECEIVE SB|
1 something that you do to deceive sb or to annoy sb as a joke: They had to think of a trick to get past the guards.  The kids are always playing tricks on their teacher.  It was a trick question (= one to which the answer seems easy but actually is not).—see also CONFIDENCE TRICK , DIRTY TRICK
STH CONFUSING|
2 something that confuses you so that you see, understand, remember, etc. things in the wrong way: One of the problems of old age is that your memory can start to play tricks on you.  Was there somebody standing there or was it a trick of the light ?  It’s all done using trick photography (= photography that uses clever techniques to show things that do not actually exist or are impossible).
ENTERTAINMENT|
3 a clever action that sb/sth performs as a way of entertaining people: He amused the kids with conjuring tricks.  a card trick—see also HAT-TRICK
GOOD METHOD|
4 [usually sing.] a way of doing sth that works well; a good method: The trick is to pick the animal up by the back of its neck.  He used the old trick of attacking in order to defend himself.
IN CARD GAMES|
5 the cards that you play or win in a single part of a card game: I made / won six tricks in a row. a bag / box of 'tricks (informal) a set of methods or equipment that sb can use: Hotel managers are using a whole new bag of tricks to attract their guests. be up to your (old) 'tricks (informal, disapproving) to be behaving in the same dishonest way as before do the 'trick (informal) to succeed in solving a problem or achieving a particular result: I don’t know what it was that did the trick, but I am definitely feeling much better. every trick in the 'book every available method, whether it is honest or not: He’ll try every trick in the book to stop you from winning. have a 'trick, some more 'tricks, etc. up your sleeve to have an idea, some plans, etc. that you keep ready to use if it becomes necessary ,trick or 'treat said by children who visit people’s houses at Halloween and threaten to play tricks on people who do not give them sweets/candy the ,tricks of the 'trade the clever ways of doing things, known and used by people who do a particular job or activity ,turn a 'trick (AmE, slang) to have sex with sb for money—more at MISS v. , TEACH

verb [vn] to deceive sb: I’d been tricked and I felt stupid.  He managed to trick his way past the security guards. ,trick sb 'into sth / into doing sth to make sb do sth by means of a trick: He tricked me into lending him £100. ,trick sb 'out of sth to get sth from sb by means of a trick: She was tricked out of her life savings. ,trick sb/sth<->'out (in / with sth) (literary) to dress or decorate sb/sth in a way that attracts attention

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trick.ery
noun [U] (written) the use of dishonest methods to trick people in order to achieve what you want
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trickle
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to flow, or to make sth flow, slowly in a thin stream: [v] Tears were trickling down her cheeks.  [vn] Trickle some oil over the salad.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to go, or to make sth go, somewhere slowly or gradually: [v] People began trickling into the hall.  News is starting to trickle out. [alsovn] ,trickle 'down (especially of money) to spread from rich to poor people through the economic system of a country

noun
1 a small amount of liquid, flowing slowly
2 [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a small amount or number of sth, coming or going slowly: a steady trickle of visitors

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trick.ster
noun a person who deceives or cheats people
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tricky
adj. (trick.ier, tricki.est)
1 difficult to do or deal with: a tricky question / situation  Getting it to fit exactly is a tricky business .  The equipment can be tricky to install.
2 (of people) clever but likely to deceive you
SYN CRAFTY
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tri.col.our
(BrE ) (AmEtri.color) noun [C] a flag which has three bands of different colours, especially the French and Irish national flags
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tri.cycle
(also informal trike) noun a vehicle similar to a bicycle, but with one wheel at the front and two at the back
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tri.dent
noun a weapon used in the past that looks like a long fork with three points
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tried
adj. —see also TRY v.
IDM ,tried and 'tested / 'trusted (BrE) (AmE ,tried and 'true) that you have used or relied on in the past successfully: a tried and tested method for solving the problem
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tri.en.nial
adj. happening every three years
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trier
noun a person who tries very hard at what they are doing and does their best: He’s a real trier. He gets tired but he never gives up.
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trifle
noun, verb
noun
1 (a trifle) [sing.] (formal) slightly: She seemed a trifle anxious.
2 [C] something that is not valuable or important: There’s no point worrying over such trifles.  $1 000 is a mere trifle to her.
3 [C, U] (BrE) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from cake and fruit soaked in wine and/or jelly, covered with CUSTARD and cream—

verb
PVR V 'trifle with sb/sth (formal) (used especially in negative sentences) to treat sb/sth without genuine respect: He is not a person to be trifled with.

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trif.ling
adj. (formal) small and not important
SYN TRIVIAL : trifling details / matters
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trig.ger
noun, verb
noun
1 the part of a gun that you press in order to fire it: to pull / squeeze the trigger  He kept his finger on the trigger.
2 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to sth / to do sth) something that is the cause of a particular reaction or development, especially a bad one: The trigger for the strike was the closure of yet another factory.
3 the part of a bomb that causes it to explode: nuclear triggers

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (off) to make sth happen suddenly: Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction.
2 to cause a device to start functioning: to trigger an alarm / a switch

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'trigger-happy
adj. (informal, disapproving) too willing and quick to use violence, especially with guns
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trig.onom.etry
noun [U] the type of mathematics that deals with the relationship between the sides and angles of triangles
trig.ono.met.ric adj.
trig.ono.met.ric.al adj.
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trike
noun (informal) = TRICYCLE
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trilby
noun (pl.-ies) (especially BrE ) a man’s soft hat with a narrow BRIM and the top part pushed in from front to back—picture at HAT
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trill
noun, verb
noun
1 a repeated short high sound made, for example, by sb’s voice or by a bird
2 (music) the sound made when two notes next to each other in the musical scale are played or sung quickly several times one after the other

verb
1 [v] to make repeated short high sounds: A phone trilled on the desk.  The canary was trilling away happily.
2 [v speech] to say sth in a high cheerful voice: ‘How wonderful!’ she trilled.
3 [vn] (phonetics) to pronounce the letter ‘r’ by VIBRATING the tongue against the top of the mouth

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tril.lion
number (plural verb)
1 1 000 000 000 000; one million million
HELP You say a, one, two, several, etc. trillion without a final ‘s’ on ‘trillion’. Trillions (of … ) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with trillion or trillions.
2 (a trillion or trillions) (informal) a very large amount
HELP There are more examples of how to use numbers at the entry for hundred.
3 (old-fashioned, BrE) 1 000 000 000 000 000 000; one million million million
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tril.ogy
noun (pl.-ies) a group of three books, films/movies, etc. that have the same subject or characters
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trim
verb, noun, adj.
verb (-mm-) [vn]
1 to make sth neater, smaller, better, etc., by cutting parts from it: to trim your hair  to trim a hedge (back)   (figurative) The training budget had been trimmed by £10 000.
2 ~ sth (off sth)| ~ sth (off / away) to cut away unnecessary parts from sth: Trim any excess fat off the meat.  I trimmed two centimetres off the hem of the skirt.
3 [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to decorate sth, especially around its edges: gloves trimmed with fur
IDM ,trim your 'sails
1 to arrange the sails of a boat to suit the wind so that the boat moves faster
2 to reduce your costs
PVR V ,trim 'down| ,trim sth<->'down to become smaller in size; to make sth smaller: By a combination of diet and exercise he’s trimmed down from 90 kilos to 70.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] an act of cutting a small amount off sth, especially hair: How much is it for a wash and trim?  The hedge needs a trim.
2 [U, sing.] material that is used to decorate clothes, furniture, cars, etc., especially along the edges, by being a different colour, etc: The car is available with black or red trim (= the colour of the seats).  a blue jacket with a white trim
IDM in (good, etc.) 'trim (BrE, informal) in good condition or order: He keeps in trim by running every day.  The team need to get in trim for the coming season.

adj.
1 (of a person) looking thin, healthy and attractive: She has kept very trim.  a trim figure
2 neat and well cared for: a trim garden

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tri.maran
noun a fast sailing boat like a CATAMARAN , but with three HULLS instead of two
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tri.mes.ter
noun
1 (medical) a period of three months when a woman is pregnant: the first / second / third trimester of pregnancy
2 (AmE) = TERM : The school year is divided into three trimesters.—compare SEMESTER
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trim.mer
noun a machine for cutting the edges of bushes, grass and HEDGES : a hedge trimmer
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trim.ming
noun
1 (trimmings) (AmE also fixings) [pl.] the extra things that it is traditional to have for a special meal or occasion: a splendid feast of turkey with all the trimmings
2 (trimmings) [pl.] the small pieces of sth that are left when you have cut sth: hedge trimmings
3 [U, C, usually pl.] material that is used to decorate sth, for example along its edges: a white blouse with navy-blue trimming
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trin.ity
noun [sing.]
1 (the Trinity) (in Christianity) the union of Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT as one God
2 (formal) a group of three people or things
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trin.ket
noun a piece of jewellery or small ornament that is not worth much money
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trio
noun (pl.-os)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of three people or things: A trio of English runners featured in the women’s 1 500 metres.—compare DUO
2 [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of three musicians or singers who play or sing together
3 [C] a piece of music for three musicians or singers: a trio for piano, oboe and bassoon—compare DUET
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trip
noun, verb
noun
1 a journey to a place and back again, especially a short one for pleasure or a particular purpose: Did you have a good trip?  We went on a trip to the mountains.  a day trip (= lasting a day)  a boat / coach trip  a business / school / shopping trip  They took a trip down the river.  We had to make several trips to bring all the equipment over.—see also EGO TRIP , FIELD TRIP , ROUND TRIP   note at JOURNEY
2 (slang) the experience that sb has if they take a powerful drug that affects the mind and makes them imagine things: an acid (= LSD) trip
3 an act of falling or nearly falling down, because you hit your foot against sth
IDM see GUILT

verb (-pp-)
1 [v, often + adv.  /  prep.] ~ (over / up)| ~ (over / on sth) to catch your foot on sth and fall or almost fall: She tripped and fell.  Someone will trip over that cable.  Be careful you don’t trip up on the step.
2 [vn] (BrE also trip sb up) to catch sb’s foot and make them fall or almost fall: As I passed, he stuck out a leg and tried to trip me up.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) to walk, run or dance with quick light steps: She said goodbye and tripped off along the road.
4 [vn] to release a switch, etc. or to operate sth by doing so: to trip a switch  Any intruders will trip the alarm.
5 [v] (informal) to be under the influence of a drug that makes you HALLUCINATE
IDM see MEMORY LANE , TONGUE n.
PVR V ,trip 'up| ,trip sb<->'up to make a mistake; to deliberately make sb do this: Read the questions carefully, because the examiners sometimes try to trip you up.

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tri.par.tite
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) having three parts or involving three people, groups, etc.
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tripe
noun [U]
1 the LINING of a cow’s or pig’s stomach, eaten as food: tripe and onions
2 (informal) something that sb says or writes that you think is nonsense or not of good quality: What a load of tripe!  I don’t read that tripe!
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triple
adj., verb
adj. [only before noun]
1 having three parts or involving three people or groups: a triple heart bypass operation  a triple alliance / partnership  They’re showing a triple bill of horror movies (= three horror movies one after the other).
2 three times as much or as many as sth: The amount of alcohol in his blood was triple the legal maximum.  Its population is about triple that of Venice.  a triple murderer (= one who has killed three people)
triply adv.

verb to become, or to make sth, three times as much or as many
SYN TREBLE : [v] Output should triple by next year. [alsovn]

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the 'triple jump
noun [sing.] a sporting event in which people try to jump as far forward as possible with three jumps. The first jump lands on one foot, the second on the other, and the third on both feet.
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trip.let
noun
1 one of three children born at the same time to the same mother
2 (music) a group of three equal notes to be played or sung in the time usually taken to play or sing two of the same kind
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trip.li.cate
noun
IDM in 'triplicate
1 done three times: Each sample was tested in triplicate.
2 (of a document) copied twice, so that there are three copies in total—compare DUPLICATE
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tri.pod
noun a support with three legs for a camera, TELESCOPE , etc.—picture at LABORATORY
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trip.per
noun (BrE ) a person who is visiting a place for a short time for pleasure: a day tripper
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trip.tych
noun (technical ) a picture or carved design on three pieces of wood placed side by side, especially one over an ALTAR in a church
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trip.wire
noun a wire that is stretched close to the ground as part of a device for catching sb/sth if they touch it
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trite
adj. (of a remark, an opinion, etc.) dull and boring because it has been expressed so many times before; not original
trite.ly adv.
trite.ness noun [U]
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tri.umph
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (over sb/sth) a great success, achievement or victory: one of the greatest triumphs of modern science  It was a personal triumph over her old rival.
2 [U] the feeling of great satisfaction or joy that you get from a great success or victory: a cry / glance / smile of triumph  The winning team returned home in triumph .
3 [sing.] a ~ (of sth) an excellent example of how successful sth can be: Her arrest was a triumph of international cooperation.

verb [v] ~ (over sb/sth) to defeat sb/sth; to be successful: As is usual in this kind of movie, good triumphs over evil in the end.  France triumphed 3–0 in the final.

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tri.umph.al
adj. [usually before noun] done or made in order to celebrate a great success or victory
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tri.umph.al.ism
noun [U] (disapproving) behaviour that celebrates a victory or success in a way that is too proud and intended to upset the people you have defeated
tri.umph.al.ist adj.
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tri.umph.ant
adj.
1 very successful in a way that causes great satisfaction: They emerged triumphant in the September election.
2 showing great satisfaction or joy about a victory or success: a triumphant expression / smile
tri.umph.ant.ly adv.
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tri.um.vir.ate
noun (formal) a group of three powerful people or groups who control sth together
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trivet
noun a metal stand that you can put a hot dish, etc. on
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trivia
noun [U]
1 unimportant matters, details or information: We spent the whole evening discussing domestic trivia.
2 (usually in compounds) facts about many subjects that are used in a game to test people’s knowledge: a trivia quiz
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triv.ial
adj. not important or serious; not worth considering: a trivial detail / matter / problem  I know it sounds trivial, but I’m worried about it.  I’ll try to fix it—but it’s not trivial (= it may be difficult to fix).
trivi.al.ly adv.
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trivi.al.ity
noun (pl.-ies) (disapproving)
1 [C] a matter that is not important: I don’t want to waste time on trivialities.
2 [U] the state of being unimportant or dealing with unimportant things: His speech was one of great triviality.
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trivi.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (usually disapproving) to make sth seem less important, serious, difficult, etc. than it really is: It is important not to trivialize children’s worries.
trivi.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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trod
pt of TREAD
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trod.den
pp of TREAD
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trog.lo.dyte
noun a person living in a CAVE , especially in PREHISTORIC times
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troika
noun (formal) a group of three politicians or countries working together
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Tro.jan
noun, adj. a person from the ancient city of Troy in Asia Minor
IDM work like a 'Trojan (old-fashioned) to work very hard
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,Trojan 'horse
noun a person or thing that is used to deceive an enemy in order to achieve a secret purpose
ORIGIN From the myth in which the Greeks hid inside a hollow wooden statue of a horse in order to enter the city of their enemies, Troy.
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troll
noun, verb
noun (in Scandinavian stories) a creature that looks like an ugly person. Some trolls are very large and evil, others are small and friendly but like to trick people.

verb [v] ~ (for sth) (especially AmE ) to catch fish by pulling a line with BAIT on it through the water behind a boat: (figurative) to troll for votes

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trol.ley
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE cart) a small vehicle with wheels that can be pushed or pulled along and is used for carrying things: a shopping / supermarket / luggage trolley
2 (BrE) (AmE cart, wagon) a small table on very small wheels, used for carrying or serving food or drink: a drinks trolley  a tea trolley
3 (AmE) = TRAM
IDM off your 'trolley (BrE, informal) crazy; stupid
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trol.ley.bus
(BrE ) (AmE 'trackless trolley) noun a bus driven by electricity from a cable above the street
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trol.lop
noun (old-fashioned, offensive)
1 a woman who is very untidy
2 a woman who has many sexual partners
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trom.bone
noun a large BRASS musical instrument that you blow into, with a sliding tube used to change the note—
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trom.bon.ist
noun a person who plays the trombone
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tromp
verb [v, vn] (AmE , informal) = TRAMP
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troop
noun, verb
noun
1 (troops) [pl.] soldiers, especially in large groups: They announced the withdrawal of 12 000 troops from the area.  American / French / Russian troops
2 [C] one group of soldiers, especially in TANKS or on horses: (figurative) A troop of guests was moving towards the house.
3 [C] a local group of SCOUTS
troop adj. [only before noun]: troop movements / numbers / reductions (= of soldiers)

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (used with a plural subject) to walk somewhere together as a group: After lunch we all trooped down to the beach.

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troop.er
noun
1 a soldier of low rank in the part of an army that uses TANKS or horses
2 (AmE) a member of a State police force
IDM see SWEAR
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troop.ship
noun a ship used for transporting soldiers
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trop
DE TROP
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trope
noun (technical ) a word or phrase that is used in a way that is different from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental image or effect. METAPHORS and SIMILES are tropes .
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trophy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 an object such as a silver cup that is given as a prize for winning a competition
2 (Trophy) used in the names of some competitions and races in which a trophy is given to the winner
3 an object that you keep to show that you were successful in sth, especially hunting or war
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trop.ic
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] one of the two imaginary lines drawn around the world 23° 26′ north ( the Tropic of Cancer) or south ( the Tropic of Capricorn) of the EQUATOR
2 (the tropics) [pl.] the area between the two tropics , which is the hottest part of the world
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trop.ic.al
adj. coming from, found in or typical of the tropics : tropical fish / birds / plants  tropical Africa / rainforests  a tropical island / paradise
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trot
verb, noun
verb (-tt-)
1 [v] (of a horse or its rider) to move forward at a speed that is faster than a walk and slower than a CANTER
2 [vn] to ride a horse in this way: She trotted her pony around the field.
3 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person or an animal) to run or walk fast, taking short quick steps: The children trotted into the room.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to walk or go somewhere: The guide led the way and we trotted along behind him.
PVR V ,trot sth<->'out (informal, disapproving) to give the same excuses, facts, explanations, etc. for sth that have often been used before: They trotted out the same old excuses for the lack of jobs in the area.

noun
1 [sing.] a trotting speed, taking short quick steps: The horse slowed to a trot.  The girl broke into a trot and disappeared around the corner.
2 [C] a period of trotting
IDM on the 'trot (BrE, informal)
1 one after the other: They’ve now won 3 games on the trot.
2 busy all the time: I’ve been on the trot all day.

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troth
noun
IDM see PLIGHT v.
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Trot.sky.ist
(also Trot.sky.ite ) noun a supporter of the political ideas of Leon Trotsky, especially that SOCIALISM should be introduced all over the world by means of revolution
Trot.sky.ist (also Trot.sky.ite) adj.
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trot.ter
noun
1 a pig’s foot, especially when cooked and eaten as food
2 a horse that has been trained to TROT fast in races
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trou.ba.dour
noun (literary) a writer and performer of songs or poetry (after the French travelling performers of the 11th-13th centuries)
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trouble
noun, verb
noun
PROBLEM / WORRY|
1 [U, C] ~ (with sb/sth) a problem, worry, difficulty, etc. or a situation causing this: We’ve been having trouble getting staff.  He could make trouble for me if he wanted to.  The trouble with you is you don’t really want to work.  Her trouble is she’s incapable of making a decision.  The trouble is (= what is difficult is) there aren’t any trains at that time.  The only trouble is we won’t be here then.  No, I don’t know his number—I have quite enough trouble remembering my own.  We’ve never had much trouble with vandals around here.  financial troubles  She was on the phone for an hour telling me her troubles.  Our troubles aren’t over yet.—see also TEETHING TROUBLES
ILLNESS / PAIN|
2 [U] illness or pain: back / eye / heart trouble  I’ve been having trouble with my knee.
WITH MACHINE|
3 [U] something that is wrong with a machine, vehicle, etc: mechanical trouble
DIFFICULT / VIOLENT SITUATION|
4 [U] a situation that is difficult or dangerous; a situation in which you can be criticized or punished: The company ran into trouble early on, when a major order was cancelled.  I’ve never been one to run away from trouble.  A yachtsman got into trouble off the coast and had to be rescued.  If I don’t get this finished in time, I’ll be in trouble .  He’s in trouble with the police.  My brother was always getting me into trouble with my parents.
5 [C, U] an angry or violent situation: The police were expecting trouble after the match.  If you’re not in by midnight, there’ll be trouble (= I’ll be very angry).  the troubles in Northern Ireland  He had to throw out a few drunks who were causing trouble in the bar.
EXTRA EFFORT|
6 [U] ~ (to sb) extra effort or work
SYN BOTHER : I don’t want to put you to a lot of trouble .  I’ll get it if you like, that will save you the trouble of going out.  Making your own yogurt is more trouble than it’s worth .  She went to a lot of trouble to find the book for me.  He thanked me for my trouble and left.  Nothing is ever too much trouble for her (= she’s always ready to help).  I can call back later—it’s no trouble (= I don’t mind).  I hope the children weren’t too much trouble. get sb into 'trouble (old-fashioned) to make a woman who is not married pregnant give (sb) (some, no, any, etc.) 'trouble to cause problems or difficulties: My back’s been giving me a lot of trouble lately.  The children didn’t give me any trouble at all when we were out. look for 'trouble to behave in a way that is likely to cause an argument, violence, etc: Drunken youths hang around outside looking for trouble. take trouble over / with sth | take trouble doing / to do sth to try hard to do sth well: They take a lot of trouble to find the right person for the right job. take the trouble to do sth to do sth even though it involves effort or difficulty: She didn’t even take the trouble to find out how to spell my name.—more at ASK

verb
MAKE SB WORRIED|
1 [vn] to make sb worried or upset: What is it that’s troubling you?  He was deeply troubled by the allegations.
DISTURB|
2 (often used in polite requests) to disturb sb because you want to ask them sth
SYN BOTHER : [vn] Sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me the time?  I don’t want to trouble the doctor with such a small problem.   (formal) [vn to inf] Could I trouble you to open the window, please?
MAKE EFFORT|
3 [v to inf] (BrE, formal) (usually used in negative sentences) to make an effort to do sth
SYN BOTHER : He rushed into the room without troubling to knock.
CAUSE PAIN|
4 [vn] (of a medical problem) to cause pain: My back’s been troubling me again.
IDM see POUR

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troubled
adj.
1 (of a person) worried and anxious: She looked into his troubled face.
2 (of a place, situation or time) having a lot of problems: a troubled marriage  We live in troubled times .
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trouble.maker
noun a person who often causes trouble, especially by involving others in arguments or encouraging them to complain about people in authority
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trouble.shoot.er
noun a person who helps to solve problems in a company or an organization
trouble.shoot.ing noun [U]
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trouble.some
adj. causing trouble, pain, etc. over a long period of time: a troublesome cough / child / problem
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'trouble spot
noun a place or country where trouble often happens, especially violence or war
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trough
noun
1 [C] a long narrow open container for animals to eat or drink from: a water trough
2 (the trough) [sing.] (informal) if you say that people have their noses in the trough, you mean that they are trying to get a lot of money for themselves
3 [C] (technical) a long narrow region of low air pressure between two regions of higher pressure—compare RIDGE
4 [C] a period of time when the level of sth is low, especially a time when a business or the economy is not growing: There have been peaks and troughs in the long-term trend of unemployment.
5 [C] a low area between two waves in the sea, or two hills
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trounce
verb [vn] (written) to defeat sb completely: Brazil trounced Italy 5–1 in the final.
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troupe
noun a group of actors, singers, etc. who work together—compare TROOP
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trouper
noun (informal) an actor or other person who has a lot of experience and who you can depend on
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trou.sers
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually pants) noun [pl.] a piece of clothing that covers the body from the waist down and is divided into two parts to cover each leg separately: a pair of grey trousers  I was still in short trousers (= still only a boy) at the time.  He dropped his trousers.—
trou.ser adj. [only before noun]: trouser buttons / legs / pockets
IDM see CATCH v. , WEAR v.
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'trouser suit
(BrE ) (AmE pant.suit) noun a woman’s suit of jacket and trousers/pants
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trous.seau
noun (pl.trous.seaus or trous.seaux ) (old-fashioned) the clothes and other possessions collected by a woman who is soon going to get married, to begin her married life with
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trout
noun
1 [C, U] (pl.trout) a common FRESHWATER fish that is used for food. There are several types of trout : rainbow / brown trout  trout fishing  Shall we have trout for dinner?—
2 [C, usually sing.] (usually old trout) (informal, disapproving) a bad-tempered or annoying old woman
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trove
noun  TREASURE TROVE
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trowel
noun
1 a small garden tool with a curved blade for lifting plants and digging holes—picture at GARDEN
2 a small tool with a flat blade, used in building for spreading CEMENT or PLASTER
IDM lay it on with a 'trowel (informal) to talk about sb/sth in a way that makes them or it seem much better or much worse than they really are; to exaggerate sth: He was laying the flattery on with a trowel.
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tru.ancy
noun [U] the practice of staying away from school without permission: Truancy rates at the school are very high.
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tru.ant
noun a child who stays away from school without permission
tru.ant verb : [v] A number of pupils have been truanting regularly.
IDM play 'truant (BrE) (AmE informal play 'hooky) (old-fashioned) to stay away from school without permission—see also BUNK OFF , SKIVE
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truce
noun an agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting for an agreed period of time; the period of time that this lasts: to call / break a truce
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truck
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] (especially AmE) = LORRY : a truck driver
2 [C] (BrE) (AmE car) an open railway vehicle for carrying goods or animals: a cattle truck
3 [C] a vehicle that is open at the back, used for carrying goods, soldiers, animals, etc: a farm / an army truck
4 [C] a vehicle for carrying things, that is pulled or pushed by hand—see also FORK-LIFT TRUCK , PICKUP TRUCK , SALT TRUCK
IDM have / want no truck with sb/sth (BrE) to refuse to deal with sb; to refuse to accept or consider sth: We in this party will have no truck with illegal organizations.

verb [vn] (especially AmE ) to take sth somewhere by truck: Water had to be trucked in to the town.
truck.ing noun [U]: trucking companies

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truck.er
noun (especially AmE ) a person whose job is driving a truck
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'truck farm
noun (AmE ) = MARKET GARDEN
'truck farmer noun
'truck farming noun [U]
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truck.load
noun ~ (of sb/sth) the amount of sb/sth that fills a truck (often used to express the fact that an amount is large)
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'truck stop
noun (AmE ) = TRANSPORT CAFE
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trucu.lent
adj. (written, disapproving) tending to argue or be bad-tempered; slightly aggressive
trucu.lence noun [U]
trucu.lent.ly adv.
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trudge
verb, noun
verb to walk slowly or with heavy steps, because you are tired or carrying sth heavy: [vn] He trudged the last two miles to the town.  [v + adv.  /  prep.] The men trudged up the hill, laden with supplies.

noun [sing.] a long tiring walk

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true
adj., adv., noun
adj. (truer, tru.est)
CORRECT|
1 connected with facts rather than things that have been invented or guessed: Indicate whether the following statements are true or false .  Is it true she’s leaving?  All the rumours turned out to be true.  That’s not strictly (= completely) true.  The novel is based on a true story .  His excuse just doesn’t ring (= sound)true .  Unfortunately, these findings do not hold true (= are not valid) for women and children.  The music is dull and uninspiring, and the same is true of the acting.  You never spoke a truer word (= used to emphasize that you agree with what sb has just said).
OPP UNTRUE
REAL|
2 real or exact, especially when this is different from how sth seems: the true face of socialism (= what socialism is really like rather than what people think it is like)  The true cost of these experiments to the environment will not be known for years to come.  He reveals his true character to very few people.
3 [usually before noun] having the qualities or characteristics of the thing mentioned: It was true love between them.  He’s a true gentleman.  She is not the true owner of this house.  The painting is a masterpiece in the truest sense of the word.  He is credited with inventing the first true helicopter.
ADMITTING FACT|
4 used to admit that a particular fact or statement is true , although you think that sth else is more important: It’s true that he could do the job, but would he fit in with the rest of the team?  ‘We could get it cheaper.’‘True, but would it be as good?’
LOYAL|
5 ~ (to sb/sth) showing respect and support for a particular person or belief in a way that does not change, even in different situations: a true friend  She has always been true to herself (= done what she thought was good, honourable, etc.).  He was true to his word (= did what he promised to do).
ACCURATE|
6 ~ (to sth) being an accurate version or copy of sth: The movie is not true to the book.
7 [not usually before noun] (old-fashioned or literary) straight and accurate: His aim was true (= he hit the target).  note at REAL come 'true (of a hope, wish, etc.) to become reality: Winning the medal was like a dream come true . too ,good to be 'true used to say that you cannot believe that sth is as good as it seems: ‘I’m afraid you were quoted the wrong price.’‘I thought it was too good to be true.’ your true 'colours (often disapproving) your real character, rather than the one that you usually allow other people to see true to 'form used to say that sb is behaving in the way that you expect them to behave, especially when this is annoying true to 'life (of a book, film / movie, etc.) seeming real rather than invented: I don’t think the characters are very true to life.—more at RING^2v. , TRIED

adv. (old-fashioned or literary)
STRAIGHT|
1 in a direct line: The arrow flew straight and true to the target.
CORRECTLY|
2 speak ~ to tell the truth: He had spoken truer than he knew.

noun ,out of 'true if an object is out of true, it is not straight or in the correct position

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,true-'blue
adj.
1 (BrE) strongly supporting the British Conservative Party: true-blue Tory voters
2 (especially AmE) being a loyal supporter of a particular person, group, principle, etc.; being a typical example of sth: a true-blue Californian
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,true-'life
adj. [only before noun] a true-life story is one that actually happened rather than one that has been invented
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,true 'north
noun [U] north according to the earth’s AXIS (= the imaginary line through the earth’s centre from north to south)—compare MAGNETIC NORTH
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truf.fle
noun
1 an expensive type of FUNGUS that grows underground, used in cooking
2 a soft round sweet/candy made of chocolate
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trug
noun a shallow basket used for carrying garden tools, plants, etc.
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tru.ism
noun a statement that is clearly true and does not therefore add anything interesting or important to a discussion
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truly
adv.
1 used to emphasize that a particular statement, feeling, etc. is sincere or genuine: I’m truly sorry that things had to end like this.
2 used to emphasize a particular quality: a truly memorable occasion
3 used to emphasize that a particular description is accurate or correct: a truly democratic system of government   (spoken) Well, really and truly , things weren’t quite how she described them.
IDM Yours Truly (AmE, formal, written) used at the end of a formal letter before you sign your name —more at WELL adv.
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trump
noun, verb
noun
1 (also 'trump card) [C] (in some card games) a card that belongs to the SUIT (= one of the four sets in a pack/deck of cards) that has been chosen for a particular game to have a higher value than the other three suits : I played a trump and won the trick.
2 (trumps) [U+sing./pl. v.] (in some card games) the SUIT that has been chosen for a particular game to have a higher value than the other three suits : What’s trumps?  Clubs are trumps.
IDM ,come up / ,turn up 'trumps to do what is necessary to make a particular situation successful, especially when this is sudden or unexpected: I didn’t honestly think he’d pass the exam but he came up trumps on the day.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sth (with sth) (in some card games) to play a trump card that beats sb else’s card
2 to beat sth that sb says or does by saying or doing sth even better: They were trumped by another firm that made a lower bid.
PVR V ,trump sth<->'up to make up a false story about sb/sth, especially accusing them of doing sth wrong: She was arrested on a trumped-up charge.

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'trump card
noun
1 = TRUMP
2 something that gives you an advantage over other people, especially when they do not know what it is and you are able to use it to surprise them
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trum.pet
noun, verb
noun
1 a BRASS musical instrument made of a curved metal tube that you blow into, with three VALVES for changing the note: a trumpet blast / call—
2 a thing shaped like a trumpet , especially the open flower of a DAFFODIL
IDM see BLOW v.

verb
1 ~ sth (as sth) to talk about sth publicly in a proud or enthusiastic way: [vn] to trumpet sb’s achievements  Their marriage was trumpeted as the society wedding of the year. [alsov speech]
2 [v] (especially of an elephant) to make a loud noise

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trum.pet.er
noun a person who plays a trumpet
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trun.cate
verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to make sth shorter, especially by cutting off the top or end: My article was published in truncated form.  a truncated pyramid  Further discussion was truncated by the arrival of tea.
trun.ca.tion noun [U, C]
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trun.cheon
(also baton) (both especially BrE ) (AmE usually night.stick) noun a short thick stick that police officers carry as a weapon
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trun.dle
verb [+adv. / prep.]
1 to move or roll somewhere slowly and noisily; to move sth slowly and noisily, especially sth heavy, with wheels: [v] A train trundled across the bridge. [alsovn]
2 [v] (of a person) to walk slowly with heavy steps
PVR V ,trundle sth<->'out (disapproving, especially BrE) to mention or do sth that you have often mentioned or done before: A long list of reasons was trundled out to justify their demands.
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trunk
noun
1 [C] the thick main stem of a tree, that the branches grow from
2 [C] (AmE) = BOOT (2)
3 [C] the long nose of an elephant—
4 (trunks) [pl.] = SWIMMING TRUNKS
5 [C] a large strong box with a lid used for storing or transporting clothes, books, etc.
6 [C, usually sing.] the main part of the human body apart from the head, arms and legs—see also TORSO
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'trunk road
noun (BrE ) an important main road
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truss
noun, verb
noun
1 a special belt with a thick piece of material, worn by sb suffering from a HERNIA in order to support the muscles
2 a frame made of pieces of wood or metal used to support a roof, bridge, etc.

verb [vn]
1 ~ sb/sth (up) to tie up sb’s arms and legs so that they cannot move: The guard had been gagged and trussed up.
2 to tie the legs and wings of a chicken, etc. before it is cooked

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trust
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] ~ (in sb/sth) the belief that sb/sth is good, sincere, honest, etc. and will not try to harm or deceive you: Her trust in him was unfounded.  a partnership based on trust   It has taken years to earn their trust .  If you put your trust in me, I will not let you down.  She will not betray your trust (= do sth that you have asked her not to do).  He was appointed to a position of trust (= a job involving a lot of responsibility, because people trust him).
2 [C, U] (law) an arrangement by which an organization or a group of people has legal control of money or property that has been given to sb, usually until that person reaches a particular age; an amount of money or property that is controlled in this way: He set up a trust for his children.  The money will be held in trust until she is 18.  Our fees depend on the value of the trust.—see also UNIT TRUST
3 [C] (law) an organization or a group of people that invests money that is given or lent to it and uses the profits to help a charity: a charitable trust
4 [C] (business) (especially AmE) a group of companies that work together illegally to reduce competition, control prices, etc: anti-trust laws
IDM in sb’s 'trust | in the trust of sb being looked after by sb: The family pet was left in the trust of a neighbour. take sth on 'trust to believe what sb says even though you do not have any proof or evidence to show that it is true

verb
1 to have confidence in sb; to believe that sb is good, sincere, honest, etc: [vn] She trusts Alan implicitly.  [vn to inf] Can they be trusted to take care of the business while we are away?  You can trust me not to tell anyone.
2 [vn] to believe that sth is true or correct or that you can rely on it: He trusted her judgement.  Don’t trust what the newspapers say!
3 [v (that)] (formal) to hope and expect that sth is true: I trust (that) you have no objections to our proposals?
IDM not trust sb an 'inch to not trust sb at all: He says he just wants to help you but I wouldn’t trust him an inch if I were you. trust 'you, 'him, 'her, etc. (to do sth) (spoken, informal) used when sb does or says sth that you think is typical of them: Trust John to forget Sue’s birthday!—more at TRIED
PVR V 'trust in sb/sth (formal) to have confidence in sb/sth; to believe that sb/sth is good and can be relied on: She needs to trust more in her own abilities. 'trust to sth [no passive] to put your confidence in sth such as luck, chance, etc. because there is nothing else to help you: I stumbled along in the dark, trusting to luck to find the right door. 'trust sb with sth/sb to give sth/sb to a person to take care of because you believe they would be very careful with it/them: I’d trust her with my life.

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trust.ee
noun
1 a person or an organization that has control of money or property that has been put into a TRUST for sb: The bank will act as trustees for the estate until the child is 18.
2 a member of a group of people that controls the financial affairs of a charity or other organization
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trustee.ship
noun [U, C]
1 the job of being a trustee
2 the responsibility for governing a particular region, given to a country by the United Nations Organization; a region that is governed by another country in this way
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'trust fund
noun money that is controlled for sb by an organization or a group of people: She set up a trust fund for her children.
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trust.ing
adj. tending to believe that other people are good, sincere, honest, etc: If you’re too trusting, other people will take advantage of you.
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'trust territory
noun a region governed by the United Nations Organization or by another country that has been chosen by the United Nations Organization
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trust.worthy
adj. that you can rely on to be good, honest, sincere, etc.
SYN RELIABLE
trust.worthi.ness noun [U]
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trusty
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun] (old use or humorous) that you have had a long time and have always been able to rely on
SYN RELIABLE : a trusty friend  She spent years touring Europe with her trusty old camera.

noun (pl.-ies) a prisoner who is given special privileges because of good behaviour

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truth
noun (pl.truths )
1 (the truth) [sing.] the true facts about sth, rather than the things that have been invented or guessed: Do you think she’s telling the truth ?  We are determined to get at (= discover) the truth.  The truth (of the matter) is we can’t afford to keep all the staff on.  I don’t think you are telling me the whole truth about what happened.
2 [U] the quality or state of being based on fact: There is no truth in the rumours.  There is not a grain of truth in what she says.
OPP FALSITY
3 [C] a fact that is believed by most people to be true: universal truths  She was forced to face up to a few unwelcome truths about her family.—see also HALF-TRUTH , HOME TRUTH —compare UNTRUTH
IDM if (the) ,truth be 'known / 'told used to tell sb the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other people in 'truth (written) used to emphasize the true facts about a situation: She laughed and chatted but was, in truth, not having much fun. ,nothing could be ,further from the 'truth used to say that a fact or comment is completely false ,truth is stranger than 'fiction (saying) used to say that things that actually happen are often more surprising than stories that are invented (the) ,truth will 'out (saying) used to say that people will find out the true facts about a situation even if you try to keep them secret—more at BEND v. , ECONOMICAL , MOMENT
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truth.ful
adj.
1 ~ (about sth) (of a person) saying only what is true: They were less than truthful about their part in the crime.  Are you being completely truthful with me?
2 (of a statement) giving the true facts about sth: a truthful answer
OPP UNTRUTHFUL
truth.ful.ly adv.: She answered all their questions truthfully.
truth.ful.ness noun [U]
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try
verb, noun
verb (tries, try.ing, tried, tried)
1 to make an attempt or effort to do or get sth: [v] I don’t know if I can come but I’ll try.  [v to inf] What are you trying to do?  I tried hard not to laugh.  [vn to inf] She tried her best to solve the problem.  [vn] Just try your hardest .
HELP In spoken English try can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive: I’ll try and get you a new one tomorrow.  Try and finish quickly. In this structure, try can only be used in the infinitive, or to tell somebody what to do.
2 to use, do or test sth in order to see if it is good, suitable, etc: [vn] Have you tried this new coffee? It’s very good.  ‘Would you like to try some raw fish?’‘Why not? I’ll try anything once !’  Have you ever tried windsurfing?  Try these shoes for size —they should fit you.  She tried the door, but it was locked.  [v -ing] John isn’t here. Try phoning his home number.
HELP Notice the difference between try to do sth and try doing sth: You should try to eat more fruit. means ‘You should make an effort to eat more fruit.’; You should try eating more fruit. means ‘You should see if eating more fruit will help you’ (to feel better, for example).
3 [vn] ~ sb (for sth)| ~ sth to examine evidence in a court of law and decide whether sb is innocent or guilty: He was tried for murder.  The case was tried before a jury.
IDM ,not for want / lack of 'trying used to say that although sb has not succeeded in sth, they have tried very hard: They haven’t won a game yet, but it isn’t for want of trying. try your 'hand (at sth) to do sth such as an activity or a sport for the first time ,try it 'on (with sb) (BrE, informal, disapproving)
1 to behave badly towards sb or try to get sth from them, even though you know this will make them angry: Children often try it on with new teachers.
2 to try to start a sexual relationship with sb try your 'luck (at sth) to do sth that involves risk or luck, hoping to succeed: My grandparents emigrated to Canada to try their luck there. try sb’s 'patience to make sb feel impatient—more at DAMNEDEST , LEVEL adj.
PVR V 'try for sth to make an attempt to get or win sth ,try sth<->'on to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits and how it looks: Try the shoes on before you buy them. ,try 'out for sth (especially AmE) to compete for a position or place in sth, or to be a member of a team: She’s trying out for the school play.—related noun TRY-OUT ,try sb/sth<->'out (on sb) to test or use sb/sth in order to see how good or effective they are: They’re trying out a new presenter for the show.—related noun TRY-OUT

noun (pl.tries)
1 [usually sing.] ~ (at sth / at doing sth) an act of trying to do sth
SYN ATTEMPT : I doubt they’ll be able to help but it’s worth a try (= worth asking them).  Why don’t you have a try at convincing him?  I don’t think I’ll be any good at tennis, but I’ll give it a try .   (spoken) ‘What’s that behind you?’‘Nice try (= at making me turn round), but you’ll have to do better than that!’   (AmE) The US negotiators decided to make another try at reaching a settlement.
2 (in rugby) an act of scoring points by touching the ground behind your opponents' GOAL LINE with the ball: to score a try

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try.ing
adj. annoying or difficult to deal with: She can be very trying at times.  These are trying times for all of us.
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'try-out
noun
1 an act of testing how good or effective sb/sth is before deciding whether to use them in the future
2 (AmE) = TRIAL (3)
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tryst
noun (literary or humorous) a secret meeting between lovers
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tsar
(also tzar, czar) noun the title of the EMPEROR of Russia in the past: Tsar Nicholas II
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tsar.ina
(also tzar.ina, czar.ina) noun the title of the EMPRESS of Russia in the past
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tsar.ism
(also tzar.ism, czar.ism) noun [U] the Russian system of government by a tsar , which existed before 1917
tsar.ist (also tzar.ist, czar.ist) noun, adj.
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tsetse fly
noun [C, U] an African fly that bites humans and animals and sucks their blood and can spread a disease called SLEEPING SICKNESS
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'T-shirt
noun an informal shirt with short sleeves and no buttons, or just a few buttons at the top
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tsp
abbr. (pl.tsp or tsps) TEASPOONFUL : 1 tsp chilli powder
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'T-square
noun a plastic or metal instrument in the shape of a T for drawing or measuring RIGHT ANGLES (= of 90°)
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tsu.nami
noun (from Japanese ) an extremely large wave in the sea caused, for example, by an earthquake
SYN TIDAL WAVE
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tub
noun
1 a large round container without a lid, used for washing clothes in, growing plants in, etc: There were tubs of flowers on the balcony.
2 a small wide, usually round, plastic or paper container with a lid, used for food, etc: a tub of margarine—picture at PACKAGING
3 (especially AmE) = BATH , BATHTUB : They found her lying in the tub.—see also HOT TUB
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tuba
noun a large BRASS musical instrument that you play by blowing, and that produces low notes—
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tubby
adj. (informal) (of a person) short and slightly fat
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tube
noun
PIPE|
1 [C] a long hollow pipe made of metal, plastic, rubber, etc., through which liquids or gases move from one place to another—see also CATHODE RAY TUBE , INNER TUBE , TEST TUBE
2 [C] a hollow object in the shape of a pipe or tube : a bike’s inner tube  the cardboard tube from the centre of a toilet roll
CONTAINER|
3 [C] ~ (of sth) a long narrow container made of soft metal or plastic, with a lid, used for holding thick liquids that can be squeezed out of it: a tube of toothpaste—picture at PACKAGING
PART OF BODY|
4 [C] a part inside the body that is shaped like a tube and through which air, liquid, etc. passes: bronchial tubes—see also FALLOPIAN TUBES
UNDERGROUND RAILWAY|
5 (the tube) [sing.] (BrE) the underground railway system in London: a tube station / train  We came by tube .  note at UNDERGROUND
TELEVISION|
6 (the tube) [sing.] (AmE, informal) the television
IN EAR|
7 [C] (AmE) = GROMMET go down the 'tube / 'tubes (informal) (of a plan, company, situation, etc.) to fail: The education system is going down the tubes.
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tuber
noun the short thick round part of an underground stem or root of some plants, such as potatoes, which stores food and from which new plants grow
tu.ber.ous adj.
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tu.ber.cu.losis
noun [U] (abbr. TB) a serious infectious disease in which swellings appear on the lungs and other parts of the body
tu.ber.cu.lar adj.: a tubercular infection / lung
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'tube top
noun (AmE ) = BOOB TUBE
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tub.ing
noun [U] metal, plastic, etc. in the shape of a tube: a piece / length of copper tubing—picture at LABORATORY
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'tub-thumping
noun [U] (BrE , disapproving) the act of giving your opinions about sth in a loud and aggressive way
'tub-thumping adj.
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tu.bu.lar
adj.
1 made of tubes or of parts that are shaped like tubes: a tubular metal chair
2 shaped like a tube
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TUC
abbr. Trades Union Congress. The TUC is an organization to which many British trade unions belong.
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tuck
verb, noun
verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to push, fold or turn the ends or edges of clothes, paper, etc. so that they are held in place or look neat: She tucked up her skirt and waded into the river.  The sheets should be tucked in neatly (= around the bed).  Tuck the flap of the envelope in.
2 to put sth into a small space, especially to hide it or keep it safe or comfortable: She tucked her hair (up) under her cap.  He sat with his legs tucked up under him.  The letter had been tucked under a pile of papers.
3 to cover sb with sth so that they are warm and comfortable: She tucked a blanket around his legs.
PVR V ,tuck sth<->a'way
1 (be tucked away) to be situated in a quiet place, where not many people go: The shop is tucked away down a backstreet.
2 to hide sth somewhere or keep it in a safe place: She kept his letters tucked away in a drawer.  They have thousands of pounds tucked away in a savings account.
3 (BrE, informal) to eat a lot of food ,tuck sb 'in / 'up to make sb feel comfortable in bed by pulling the covers up around them: I tucked the children in and said good night. ,tuck 'in| ,tuck 'into sth (BrE, especially spoken) to eat a lot of food, especially when it is done quickly and with enthusiasm: Come on, tuck in everyone!  He was tucking into a huge plateful of pasta.

noun
1 [C] a fold that is sewn into a piece of clothing or fabric, either for decoration or to change the shape of it
2 [C] (informal) a medical operation in which skin and/or fat is removed to make sb look younger or thinner
3 [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) food, especially sweets, etc. eaten by children at school

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tuck.er
noun
IDM see BIB
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Tues.day
noun [C, U] (abbr. Tue., Tues.) the day of the week after Monday and before Wednesday
HELP To see how Tuesday is used, look at the examples at Monday.
ORIGIN Originally translated from the Latin for ‘day of Mars’dies Marti and named after the Germanic god Tiw.
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tuft
noun ~ (of sth) a number of pieces of hair, grass, etc. growing or held closely together at the base
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tuft.ed
adj. [usually before noun] having a tuft or tufts ; growing in tufts : a tufted carpet  a tufted duck  tufted grass
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tug
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
1 ~ (at / on) sth to pull sth hard, often several times: [v] She tugged at his sleeve to get his attention.   (figurative) a sad story that tugs at your heartstrings (= makes you feel sad)  [vn] The baby was tugging her hair.  [vn-adj] He tugged the door open.
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to pull sth hard in a particular direction: He tugged the hat down over his head.
IDM see FORELOCK

noun
1 (also tug.boat ) a small powerful boat for pulling ships, especially into harbour or up river—picture at BOAT
2 a sudden hard pull: I felt a tug at my sleeve.  She gave her sister’s hair a sharp tug.
3 [usually sing.] a sudden strong emotional feeling: a tug of attraction / jealousy / sympathy

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,tug of 'love
noun [sing.] (BrE , informal) a situation in which a child’s parents are divorced or no longer living together and are fighting over who the child should live with
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,tug of 'war
noun [sing., U]
1 a sporting event in which two teams pull at opposite ends of a rope until one team drags the other over a line on the ground
2 a situation in which two people or groups try very hard to get or keep the same thing: After the divorce they became involved in an emotional tug of war over the children.
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tu.ition
noun [U]
1 ~ (in sth) (formal) the act of teaching sth, especially to one person or to people in small groups: She received private tuition in French.
2 (also tu'ition fees [pl.]) the money that you pay to be taught, especially in a college or university
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tulip
noun a large, brightly coloured spring flower, shaped like a cup, on a tall stem
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tulle
noun [U] a soft fine fabric made of silk, NYLON , etc. and full of very small holes, used especially for making VEILS and dresses
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tum
noun (BrE , informal) a person’s stomach or the area around the stomach: I’d like to lose some weight from my tum.
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tum.ble
verb, noun
verb
1 [+adv. / prep.] to fall downwards, often hitting the ground several times, but usually without serious injury; to make sb/sth fall in this way: [v] He slipped and tumbled down the stairs. [alsovn]
2 [v] ~ (down) to fall suddenly and in a dramatic way: The scaffolding came tumbling down.   (figurative) World records tumbled at the last Olympics.—see also TUMBLEDOWN
3 [v] to fall rapidly in value or amount: The price of oil is still tumbling.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move or fall somewhere in a relaxed, UNCONTROLLED , or noisy way: I undressed and tumbled into bed.  A group of noisy children tumbled out of the bus.  The water tumbled over the rocks.  Thick golden curls tumbled down over her shoulders.
PVR V 'tumble to sth/sb (BrE, informal) to suddenly understand sth or be aware of sth

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a sudden fall: The jockey took a nasty tumble at the third fence.  Share prices took a sharp tumble following news of the merger.—see also ROUGH AND TUMBLE
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) an untidy group of things: a tumble of blond curls

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tumble.down
adj. [usually before noun] (of a building) old and in a poor condition so that it looks as if it is falling down
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,tumble-'dryer
(also ,tumble-'drier) (both BrE) noun a machine that uses hot air to dry clothes after they have been washed—compare SPIN DRYER
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tum.bler
noun
1 a glass for drinking out of, with a flat bottom, straight sides and no handle or stem—picture at GLASS
2 (also tum.bler.ful ) the amount held by a tumbler
3 (old-fashioned) an ACROBAT who performs SOMERSAULTS (= a jump in which you turn over completely in the air)
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tumble.weed
noun [U] a plant that grows like a bush in the desert areas of N America and Australia. In the autumn/fall, it breaks off just above the ground and is blown around like a ball by the wind.
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tum.bril
noun an open vehicle used for taking people to their deaths at the GUILLOTINE during the French Revolution
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tu.mes.cent
adj. (formal) (especially of parts of the body) larger than normal, especially as a result of sexual excitement
SYN SWOLLEN
tu.mes.cence noun [U]
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tummy
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) (used especially by children or when speaking to children) the stomach or the area around the stomach: Mum, my tummy hurts.  to have (a) tummy ache  a tummy bug / upset (= an illness when you feel sick or vomit)
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tu.mour
(BrE ) (AmEtu.mor) noun a mass of cells growing in or on a part of the body where they should not, usually causing medical problems: a brain tumour  a benign / malignant (= harmless / harmful) tumour
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tu.mult
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal)
1 a confused situation in which there is usually a lot of noise and excitement, often involving large numbers of people: the tumult of war  A tumult of shouting and screaming came from within the house.
2 a state in which your thoughts or feelings are confused
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tu.mul.tu.ous
adj. [usually before noun]
1 very loud; involving strong feelings, especially feelings of approval: tumultuous applause  a tumultuous reception / welcome
2 involving a lot of change and confusion and/or violence: the tumultuous years of the English Civil War  It was a tumultuous time in her life.
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tu.mu.lus
noun (pl.tu.muli ) (technical ) a large pile of earth built over the grave of an important person in ancient times
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tuna
noun [C, U] (pl.tuna or tunas) (also 'tuna fish) (BrE also less frequent tunny) a large sea fish that is used for food: fishing for tuna  tuna steaks  a tin / can of tuna in vegetable oil
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tun.dra
noun [U] the large flat Arctic regions of northern Europe, Asia and N America where no trees grow and where the soil below the surface of the ground is always frozen
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tune
noun, verb
noun [C] a series of musical notes that are sung or played in a particular order to form a piece of music: He was humming a familiar tune.  I don’t know the title but I recognize the tune.  It was a catchy tune (= song).  a football song sung to the tune of (= using the tune of)‘When the saints go marching in’—see also SIGNATURE TUNE , THEME TUNE
IDM be ,in / ,out of 'tune (with sb/sth) to be/not be in agreement with sb/sth; to have/not have the same opinions, feelings, interests, etc. as sb/sth: These proposals are perfectly in tune with our own thoughts on the subject.  The President is out of tune with public opinion. ,in / ,out of 'tune to be/not be singing or playing the correct musical notes to sound pleasant: None of them could sing in tune.  The piano is out of tune. to the tune of sth (informal) used to emphasize how much money sth has cost: The hotel has been refurbished to the tune of a million dollars.—more at CALL v. , CHANGE v. , DANCE v. , PAY v. , SING

verb [vn]
1 to adjust a musical instrument so that it plays at the correct PITCH : to tune a guitar / piano
2 to adjust an engine so that it runs smoothly and as well as possible
3 [usually passive] ~ sth (in) (to sth) to adjust the controls on a radio or television so that you can receive a particular programme or channel: The radio was tuned (in) to the BBC World Service.   (spoken) Stay tuned for the news and weather coming up next.
4 ~ sth (to sth) to prepare or adjust sth so that it is suitable for a particular situation: His speech was tuned to what the audience wanted to hear.
PVR V ,tune 'in (to sth) to listen to a radio programme or watch a television programme ,tune 'in to sb/sth to become aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings, etc. ,tune 'out| ,tune sb/sth<->'out to stop listening to sth: When she started talking about her job, he just tuned out. ,tune 'up| ,tune sth<->'up to adjust musical instruments so that they can play together: The orchestra was tuning up as we entered the hall.

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,tuned 'in
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to sth) aware of what is happening in a particular situation: The resort is tuned in to the tastes of young and old alike.
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tune.ful
adj. having a pleasant tune
SYN MELODIOUS : a tuneful song / melody  a tuneful voice (= that has a musical quality)
tune.ful.ly adv.
tune.ful.ness noun [U]
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tune.less
adj. not having a pleasant tune: tuneless singing
tune.less.ly adv.: He was humming tunelessly.
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tuner
noun
1 (especially in compounds) a person who tunes musical instruments, especially pianos
2 the part of a radio, television, etc. that you move in order to change the signal and receive the radio or television station that you want
3 an electronic device that receives a radio signal and sends it to an AMPLIFIER so that it can be heard
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tung.sten
noun [U] (symb W) a chemical element. Tungsten is a very hard silver-grey metal, used especially in making steel and in FILAMENTS for LIGHT BULBS .
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tunic
noun
1 a loose piece of clothing covering the body down to the knees, usually without sleeves, as worn in ancient Greece and Rome
2 a piece of women’s clothing like a tunic , that reaches to the hips and is worn over trousers/pants or a skirt
3 (BrE) a tightly fitting jacket worn as part of a uniform by police officers, soldiers, etc.
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'tuning fork
noun a small metal instrument with two long parts joined together at one end, that produces a particular musical note when you hit it and is used in TUNING musical instruments
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'tuning peg
noun = PEG
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tun.nel
noun, verb
noun
1 a passage built underground, for example to allow a road or railway/railroad to go through a hill, under a river, etc: a railway / railroad tunnel  the Channel Tunnel—see also WIND TUNNEL
2 an underground passage made by an animal
IDM see LIGHT n.

verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [+adv. / prep.] to dig a tunnel under or through the ground: [v] The engineers had to tunnel through solid rock.  [vn] The rescuers tunnelled their way in to the trapped miners.

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,tunnel 'vision
noun [U]
1 (medical) a condition in which sb cannot see well things that are not straight ahead of them
2 (disapproving) an inability to see or understand all the aspects of a situation, an argument, etc. instead of just one part of it
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tunny
noun (pl.tunny) (BrE ) = TUNA
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tup.pence
noun [U] (BrE , informal) the sum of two pence
IDM not care / give 'tuppence for sb/sth to think that sb/sth is not important or that they have no value
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tup.penny
adj. [only before noun] (BrE , informal) = TWOPENNY
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tur.ban
noun
1 a long piece of fabric wound tightly around the head, worn especially by Sikh, Muslim and Hindu men
2 a woman’s hat that looks like a turban
tur.baned adj.: turbaned Sikhs
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tur.bid
adj. (rare, formal) (of liquid) full of mud, dirt, etc. so that you cannot see through it
tur.bid.ity noun [U]
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tur.bine
noun a machine or an engine that receives its power from a wheel that is turned by the pressure of water, air or gas
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turbo.char.ger
(also turbopl.-os) noun a system driven by a turbine that gets its power from an engine’s EXHAUST gases. It sends the mixture of petrol/gas and air into the engine at high pressure, making it more powerful.
turbo.charge verb : [vn] turbocharged engines
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turbo.jet
noun
1 a TURBINE engine that produces forward movement by forcing out a stream of hot air and gas behind it
2 a plane that gets its power from this type of engine
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turbo.prop
noun
1 a TURBINE engine that produces forward movement by turning a PROPELLOR (= a set of spinning blades)
2 a plane that gets its power from this type of engine
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tur.bot
noun [C, U] (pl.tur.bot or tur.bots) a large flat European sea fish that is used for food
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tur.bu.lence
noun [U]
1 a situation in which there is a lot of sudden change, confusion, disagreement and sometimes violence
2 a series of sudden and violent changes in the direction that air or water is moving in: We experienced severe turbulence during the flight.
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tur.bu.lent
adj. [usually before noun]
1 in which there is a lot of sudden change, confusion, disagreement and sometimes violence: a short and turbulent career in politics  a turbulent part of the world
2 (of air or water) changing direction suddenly and violently: The aircraft is designed to withstand turbulent conditions.  a turbulent sea / storm (= caused by turbulent water / air)
3 (of people) noisy and/or difficult to control: a turbulent crowd
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turd
noun ( , slang)
1 a lump of solid waste from the bowels: dog turds
2 an offensive word for an unpleasant person
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tur.een
noun a large deep dish with a lid, used for serving vegetables or soup
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turf
noun, verb
noun (pl.turfs or turves )
1 [U, C] short grass and the surface layer of soil that is held together by its roots; a piece of this that has been cut from the ground and is used especially for making LAWNS (= the area of grass in a garden/yard): newly laid turf   (especially BrE) the hallowed turf of Wembley, etc. (= the grass used for playing a sport on)
2 [U, C] PEAT that is cut to be used as fuel; a piece of this
3 (the turf) [sing.] the sport of horse racing
4 [U] sb’s ~ (informal, especially AmE) the place where sb lives and/or works, especially when they think of it as their own: He feels more confident on home turf .

verb [vn] to cover an area of ground with turf
PVR V ,turf sb 'out (of sth)| ,turf sb 'off (sth) (BrE, informal) to make sb leave a place, an organization, etc: He was turfed out of the party.  The boys were turfed off the bus.

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'turf accountant
noun (BrE , formal) = BOOKMAKER
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tur.gid
adj. (written)
1 (of language, writing, etc.) boring, complicated and difficult to understand: turgid prose
2 swollen; containing more water than usual: the turgid waters of the Thames
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tur.key
noun (pl.-eys)
1 [C] a large bird that is often kept for its meat, eaten especially at Christmas in Britain and at Thanksgiving in the US—
2 [U] meat from a turkey : roast turkey
3 [C] (AmE, informal) a failure: His latest movie is a real turkey.
4 [C] (AmE, informal) a stupid or useless person—see also COLD TURKEY
IDM see TALK v.
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Turkish bath
noun a type of bath in which you sit in a room full of hot steam, have a MASSAGE and then a cold shower or bath; a building where this treatment takes place
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,Turkish 'coffee
noun very strong, usually very sweet, black coffee
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,Turkish de'light
noun [U, C] a sweet/candy made from a substance like jelly that is flavoured with fruit and covered with fine white sugar
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tur.meric
noun [U] a yellow powder made from the root of an E Indian plant, used in cooking as a spice, especially in CURRY
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tur.moil
noun [U, sing.] a state of great anxiety, confusion and uncertainty: emotional / mental / political turmoil  His statement threw the court into turmoil .  Her mind was in (a) turmoil .
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turn
verb, noun
verb
MOVE ROUND|
1 to move or make sth move around a central point: [v] The wheels of the car began to turn.  I can’t get the screw to turn.  [vn] He turned the key in the lock.  She turned the wheel sharply to the left.
CHANGE POSITION / DIRECTION|
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move your body or part of your body so as to face or start moving in a different direction: [v] We turned and headed for home.  She turned to look at me.  He turned back to his work.  I turned away and looked out of the window.  [vn] He turned his back to the wall.  She turned her head away.—see also TURN OVER
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to move sth so that it is in a different position or facing a different direction: [vn] She turned the chair on its side to repair it.  Turn the sweater inside out before you wash it.—see also TURN OVER
4 to change the direction you are moving or travelling in; to make sth change the direction it is moving in: [v] He turned into a narrow street.  [vn] The man turned the corner and disappeared.  I turned the car into the car park.
5 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a road or river) to curve in a particular direction: The road turns to the left after the church.  The river turns north at this point.
AIM / POINT|
6 to aim or point sth in a particular direction: [vn] Police turned water cannon on the rioters.  He turned the gun on himself.  Don’t turn your anger on the children.  She looked at him then turned her attention back to me.  [v] His thoughts turned to his dead wife.
OF TIDE|
7 [v] to start to come in or go out: The tide is turning—we’d better get back.
LET SB / STH GO|
8 to make or let sb/sth go into a particular place or state: [vn] They turned the horse into the field.  [vn-adj] to turn the dogs loose
FOLD|
9 [vn] to fold sth in a particular way: She turned down the blankets and climbed into bed.  He turned up the collar of his coat and hurried out into the rain.
CARTWHEEL / SOMERSAULT|
10 [vn] [no passive] to perform a movement by moving your body in a circle: to turn cartwheels / somersaults
PAGE|
11 if you turn a page of a book or magazine, you move it so that you can read the next page: [vn] He sat turning the pages idly.  [v] Turn to p.23.
GAME|
12 [v, vn] ~ (sth) (around) if a game turns or sb turns it, it changes the way it is developing so that a different person or team starts to win
BECOME|
13 to change into a particular state or condition; to make sth do this: [v-adj] The leaves were already turning brown.  The weather has turned cold and windy.  He turned nasty when we refused to give him the money.  He has decided to turn professional .  [vn-adj] The heat turned the milk sour.  [v-n] She turned a deathly shade of white when she heard the news.  He’s a lawyer turned politician (= he used to be a lawyer but is now a politician).  note at BECOME
AGE / TIME|
14 [v-n] (not used in the progressive tenses) to reach or pass a particular age or time: She turns 21 in June.  It’s turned midnight.
STOMACH|
15 [v, vn] when your stomach turns or sth turns your stomach, you feel as though you will VOMIT
WOOD|
16 [vn] to shape sth on a LATHE : to turn a chair leg  turned boxes and bowls Most idioms containing turn are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example not turn a hair is at hair.  as it / things turned 'out as was shown or proved by later events: I didn’t need my umbrella, as it turned out (= because it didn’t rain). be well, badly, etc. turned 'out to be well, badly, etc. dressed turn round / around and do sth (informal) used to report what sb says or does, when this is surprising or annoying: How could she turn round and say that, after all I’ve done for her. ,turn a'gainst sb| ,turn sb a'gainst sb to stop or make sb stop being friendly towards sb: She turned against her old friend.  After the divorce he tried to turn the children against their mother.,turn a'round / 'round| ,turn sb/sth a'round / 'round to change position or direction so as to face the other way; to make sb/sth do this: Turn around and let me look at your back.  I turned my chair round to face the fire. ,turn a'round / 'round| ,turn sth<->a'round / 'round if a business, economy, etc. turns around or sb turns it around, it starts being successful after it has been unsuccessful for a time—related noun TURNAROUND ,turn sb<->a'way (from sth) to refuse to allow sb to enter a place: Hundreds of people were turned away from the stadium (= because it was full).  They had nowhere to stay so I couldn’t turn them away.,turn 'back| ,turn sb/sth<->'back to return the way you have come; to make sb/sth do this: The weather became so bad that they had to turn back.   (figurative) We said we would do it—there can be no turning back.  Our car was turned back at the border.,turn sb/sth<->'down to reject or refuse to consider an offer, a proposal, etc. or the person who makes it: Why did she turn down your invitation?  He has been turned down for ten jobs so far.  He asked her to marry him but she turned him down. ,turn sth<->'down to reduce the noise, heat, etc. produced by a piece of equipment by moving its controls: Please turn the volume down. [+adj] He turned the lights down low.,turn 'in
1 to face or curve inwards: Her feet turn in.
2 (old-fashioned) to go to bed: It’s late—I think I’ll turn in. ,turn sb<->'in (informal) to take sb to the police or sb in authority because they have committed a crime: She threatened to turn him in to the police.  He decided to turn himself in. ,turn sth<->'in
1 to give back sth that you no longer need: You must turn in your pass when you leave the building.
2 (especially AmE) to give sth to sb in authority: They turned in a petition with 80 000 signatures.  Only a few guns have been turned in so far.  I haven’t even turned in Monday’s work yet.
3 to achieve a score, performance, profit, etc: The champion turned in a superb performance to retain her title. ,turn 'in on yourself to become too concerned with your own problems and stop communicating with others,turn 'off| ,turn 'off sth [no passive] to leave a road in order to travel on another: Is this where we turn off?  The jet began to turn off the main runway. ,turn 'off (informal) to stop listening to or thinking about sb/sth: I couldn’t understand the lecture so I just turned off. ,turn sb<->'off
1 to make sb feel bored or not interested: People had been turned off by both candidates in the election.
2 to stop sb feeling sexually attracted; to make sb have a feeling of disgust—related noun TURN-OFF ,turn sth<->'off to stop the flow of electricity, gas, water, etc. by moving a switch, button, etc: to turn off the light / oven  They’ve turned off the water while they repair a burst pipe.  Please turn the television off before you go to bed.'turn on sb to attack sb suddenly and unexpectedly: The dogs suddenly turned on each other.  Why are you all turning on me (= criticizing or blaming me)? 'turn on sth [no passive]
1 (BrE) to depend on sth: Much turns on the outcome of the current peace talks.
2 [no passive] to have sth as it main topic: The discussion turned on the need to raise standards. ,turn sb<->'on (informal) to make sb excited or interested, especially sexually: Jazz has never really turned me on.  She gets turned on by men in uniform.—related noun TURN-ON ,turn sb 'on (to sth) (informal) to make sb become interested in sth or to use sth for the first time: He turned her on to jazz. ,turn sth<->'on to start the flow of electricity, gas, water, etc. by moving a switch, button, etc: to turn on the light / heating  I’ll turn the television on.   (figurative) He really knows how to turn on the charm (= suddenly become pleasant and attractive).,turn 'out
1 to be present at an event: A vast crowd turned out to watch the procession.—related noun TURNOUT
2 (used with an adverb or adjective, or in questions with how) to happen in a particular way; to develop or end in a particular way: Despite our worries everything turned out well.  You never know how your children will turn out! [+adj] If the day turns out wet, we may have to change our plans.
3 to point outwards: Her toes turn out.
4 to be discovered to be; to prove to be: [+ that] It turned out that she was a friend of my sister. [+ to inf] The job turned out to be harder than we thought.: The house they had offered us turned out to be a tiny apartment. ,turn sb/sth<->'out to produce sb/sth: The factory turns out 900 cars a week. ,turn sb 'out (of / from sth) to force sb to leave a place ,turn sth<->'out
1 to switch a light or a source of heat off: Remember to turn out the lights when you go to bed.
2 (BrE) to clean sth thoroughly by removing the contents and organizing them again: to turn out the attic / a drawer
3 to empty sth, especially your pockets
4 to make sth point outwards: She turned her toes out.,turn 'over
1 to change position so that the other side is facing outwards or upwards: If you turn over you might find it easier to get to sleep.  The car skidded and turned over.   (figurative) The smell made my stomach turn over (= made me feel sick).
2 (of an engine) to start or to continue to run
3 to change to another channel when you are watching television ,turn 'over sth to do business worth a particular amount of money in a particular period of time: The company turns over £3.5 million a year.—related noun TURNOVER ,turn sth<->'over
1 to make sth change position so that the other side is facing outwards or upwards: Brown the meat on one side, then turn it over and brown the other side.
2 to think about sth carefully: She kept turning over the events of the day in her mind.
3 (of a shop / store) to sell goods and replace them: A supermarket will turn over its stock very rapidly.—related noun TURNOVER
4 (informal) to rob a place: Burglars had turned the house over.
5 to make an engine start running ,turn sb<->'over to sb to deliver sb to the control or care of sb else, especially sb in authority: Customs officials turned the man over to the police. ,turn sth<->'over to sb to give the control of sth to sb: He turned the business over to his daughter. ,turn sth<->'over to sth to change the use or function of sth: The factory was turned over to the manufacture of aircraft parts.'turn to sb/sth to go to sb/sth for help, advice, etc: She has nobody she can turn to.,turn 'up
1 to be found, especially by chance, after being lost: Don’t worry about the letter—I’m sure it’ll turn up.
2 (of a person) to arrive: We arranged to meet at 7.30, but she never turned up.
3 (of an opportunity) to happen, especially by chance: He’s still hoping something (= for example, a job or a piece of luck) will turn up.—related noun TURN-UP ,turn sth<->'up
1 to increase the sound, heat, etc. of a piece of equipment: Could you turn the TV up? [+adj] The music was turned up loud.
2 (BrE) to make a piece of clothing shorter by folding and sewing it up at the bottom
OPP LET DOWN —related noun TURN-UP
3 to find sth: Our efforts to trace him turned up nothing.

noun [C]
MOVEMENT|
1 an act of turning sb/sth around: Give the handle a few turns.
OF ROAD / VEHICLE|
2 a change in direction in a vehicle: Make a left / right turn into West street.—see also THREE-POINT TURN , U-TURN
3 (especially AmE) = TURNING
4 a bend or corner in a road: a lane full of twists and turns
TIME|
5 the time when sb in a group of people should or is allowed to do sth: When it’s your turn, take another card.  Please wait your turn.  Whose turn is it to cook?  Steve took a turn driving while I slept.
CHANGE|
6 an unusual or unexpected change in what is happening: a surprising turn of events   His health has taken a turn for the worse (= suddenly got worse).  Events took a dramatic turn in the weeks that followed.  The book is, by turns , funny and very sad.—see also ABOUT-TURN
PERFORMANCE|
7 a short performance or piece of entertainment such as a song, etc: Everyone got up on stage to do a turn.—see also STAR TURN
WALK|
8 (old-fashioned) a short walk: We took a turn around the park.
ILLNESS|
9 (old-fashioned) a feeling of illness: a funny turn (= a feeling that you may faint) at every 'turn everywhere or every time you try and do sth: At every turn I met with disappointment. (do sb) a good 'turn (to do) sth that helps sb: Well, that’s my good turn for the day. done to a 'turn (BrE) cooked for exactly the right amount of time give sb a 'turn (old-fashioned) to frighten or shock sb in 'turn
1 one after the other in a particular order: The children called out their names in turn.
2 as a result of sth in a series of events: Increased production will, in turn, lead to increased profits. ,one good ,turn deserves a'nother (saying) you should help sb who has helped you on the 'turn (especially BrE) going to change soon: His luck is on the turn. speak / talk ,out of 'turn to say sth that you should not because it is the wrong situation or because it offends sb take 'turns (in sth / to do sth) (BrE also take it in 'turns) if people take turns or take it in turns to do sth, they do it one after the other to make sure it is done fairly: The male and female birds take turns in sitting on the eggs.  We take it in turns to do the housework. the ,turn of the 'century / 'year the time when a new century/year starts: It was built at the turn of the century. a ,turn of 'mind a particular way of thinking about things a ,turn of 'phrase a particular way of describing sth a ,turn of the 'screw an extra amount of pressure, CRUELTY , etc. added to a situation that is already difficult to bear or understand a ,turn of 'speed a sudden increase in your speed or rate of progress; the ability to suddenly increase your speed: He put on an impressive turn of speed in the last lap.—more at HAND n. , SERVE v.

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turn.about
noun [sing.] ~ (in sth) a sudden and complete change in sb/sth: a dramatic turnabout in overseas policy
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turn.around
(BrE also turn.round) noun [usually sing.]
1 the amount of time it takes to unload a ship or plane at the end of one journey and load it again for the next one
2 the amount of time it takes to do a piece of work that you have been given and return it
3 a situation in which sth changes from bad to good: a turnaround in the economy
4 a complete change in sb’s opinion, behaviour, etc.
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turn.coat
noun (disapproving) a person who leaves one political party, religious group, etc. to join one that has very different views
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turn.ing
(BrE ) (also turnAmE, BrE) noun a place where a road leads away from the one you are travelling on: Take the first turning on the right.  I think we must have taken a wrong turning somewhere.
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'turning circle
noun the smallest circle that a vehicle can turn around in
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'turning point
noun ~ (in sth) the time when an important change takes place, usually with the result that a situation improves: The promotion marked a turning point in her career.  That game was a turning point for the team.
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tur.nip
noun [C, U]
1 a round white, or white and purple, root vegetable—
2 (ScotE) = SWEDE
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turn.key
adj. (especially of computer systems) complete and ready to use immediately
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'turn-off
noun
1 a place where a road leads away from another larger or more important road: We missed the turn-off for / to the airport.
2 [usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that people do not find interesting, attractive or sexually exciting: The city’s crime rate is a serious turn-off to potential investors.  I find beards a real turn-off.
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'turn-on
noun [usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that people find sexually exciting
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turn.out
noun [C usually sing, U]
1 the number of people who attend a particular event: This year’s festival attracted a record turnout.
2 the number of people who vote in a particular election: a high / low / poor turnout  a 60% turnout of voters
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turn.over
noun
1 [C usually sing, U] ~ (of sth) the total amount of goods or services sold by a company during a particular period of time: The firm has an annual turnover of $75 million.  a rise / fall in turnover
2 [sing.] ~ (of sb) the rate at which employees leave a company and are replaced by other people: The factory has a high turnover of staff.
3 [sing.] ~ (of sth) the rate at which goods are sold in a shop/store and replaced by others: Special offers help to ensure a fast turnover of stock.
4 [C] a small pie in the shape of a triangle or half a circle, filled with fruit or jam: an apple turnover
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turn.pike
(also pike) (both AmE) noun a road that drivers must pay a TOLL to use
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turn.round
noun (BrE ) = TURNAROUND
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'turn signal
noun (AmE ) = INDICATOR (3)
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turn.stile
noun a gate at the entrance to a public building, STADIUM , etc. that turns in a circle when pushed, allowing one person to go through at a time—picture at STILE
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turn.table
noun
1 the round surface on a RECORD PLAYER that you place the record on to be played
2 a large round surface that is able to move in a circle and onto which a railway/railroad engine is driven in order to turn it to go in the opposite direction
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'turn-up
noun (BrE )
1 (AmE cuff) [C] the bottom of the leg of a pair of trousers/pants that has been folded over on the outside—
2 (informal) something surprising or unexpected that happens: He actually offered to help? That’s a turn-up for the books !
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tur.pen.tine
(also informal turps ) noun [U] a colourless liquid with a strong smell, used especially for making paint thinner and for cleaning paint from brushes and clothes
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tur.pi.tude
noun [U] (rare, formal) very immoral behaviour
SYN WICKEDNESS
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tur.quoise
noun
1 [C, U] a blue or greenish-blue precious stone: a turquoise brooch
2 [U] a greenish-blue colour
tur.quoise adj.: a turquoise dress
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tur.ret
noun
1 a small tower on top of a wall or building, especially a castle
2 a small metal tower on a ship, plane or TANK that can usually turn around and from which guns are fired
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tur.ret.ed
adj. [usually before noun] having one or more turrets
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tur.tle
noun
1 (AmE also 'sea turtle) a large reptile with a hard round shell, that lives in the sea
2 (AmE, informal) any reptile with a large shell, for example a TORTOISE or TERRAPIN —
IDM turn 'turtle (of a boat) to turn over completely while sailing
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'turtle dove
noun a wild DOVE (= a type of bird) with a pleasant soft call, thought to be a very loving bird
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turtle.neck
noun
1 (also ,turtleneck 'sweater) a sweater with a high part fitting closely around the neck
2 (AmE) = POLO NECK —
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turves
pl. of TURF
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tusk
noun either of the long curved teeth that stick out of the mouth of elephants and some other animals—see also IVORY —
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tus.sle
noun, verb
noun ~ (for / over sth) a short struggle, fight or argument especially in order to get sth: He was injured during a tussle for the ball.

verb [v] to fight or compete with sb/sth, especially in order to get sth: The children were tussling with one another for the ball.

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tus.sock
noun a small area of grass that is longer and thicker than the grass around it
tus.socky adj.: tussocky grass
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tut
(also ,tut-'tut) exclamation, noun used as the written or spoken way of showing the sound that people make when they disapprove of sth (made by putting the tongue behind the teeth and sucking in air): Tut-tut, I expected better of you.  tut-tuts of disapproval
tut (also ,tut-'tut) verb (-tt-): [v] He tut-tutted under his breath.
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tu.tel.age
noun [U] (formal)
1 the teaching and instruction that one person gives to another
2 the state of being protected or controlled by another person, organization or country: parental tutelage
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tutor
noun, verb
noun
1 a private teacher, especially one who teaches an individual student or a very small group
2 (especially BrE) a teacher whose job is to pay special attention to the studies or health, etc. of a student or a group of students: a history / German tutor  He was my personal tutor at university.  She’s course tutor in anthropology.  She’s in my tutor group at school.
3 (BrE) a teacher, especially one who teaches adults or who has a special role in a school or college: a part-time adult education tutor
4 (AmE) an assistant LECTURER in a college
5 a book of instruction in a particular subject, especially music: a violin tutor

verb
1 [vn] ~ sb (in sth) to be a tutor to a an individual student or a small group; to teach sb, especially privately: He tutors students in mathematics.
2 [v] to work as a tutor : Her work was divided between tutoring and research.

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tu.tor.ial
noun, adj.
noun
1 a period of teaching in a university that involves discussion between an individual student or a small group of students and a tutor
2 a short book or computer program that gives information on a particular subject or explains how sth is done: An online tutorial is provided.

adj. connected with the work of a tutor : tutorial staff   (BrE ) a tutorial college (= a private school that prepares students for exams)

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tutti-frutti
noun [U] a type of ice cream that contains pieces of fruit of various kinds
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tutu
noun a ballet dancer’s skirt made of many layers of material. Tutus may be either short and stiff, sticking out from the waist, or long and bell-shaped.
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tu-whit , tu-whoo
noun used to represent the sound that an OWL makes
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tux.edo
noun (pl.-os) (also informal tux ) (AmE ) = DINNER SUIT —compare DINNER JACKET
ORIGIN From Tuxedo Park in New York, where it was first worn.
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TV
noun [C, U] television: What’s on TV tonight?  We’re buying a new TV with the money.  Almost all homes have at least one TV set .  All rooms have a bathroom and colour TV.  a TV series / show / programme  satellite / cable TV  She’s a highly paid TV presenter.
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twad.dle
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) something that has been said or written that you think is stupid and not true
SYN NONSENSE
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twain
number (old use) two
IDM never the ,twain shall 'meet (saying) used to say that two things are so different that they cannot exist together
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twang
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.]
1 used to describe a way of speaking, usually one that is typical of a particular area and especially one in which the sounds are produced through the nose as well as the mouth
2 a sound that is made when a tight string, especially on a musical instrument, is pulled and released

verb to make a sound like a tight wire or string being pulled and released; to make sth do this: [v] The bed springs twanged.  [vn] Someone was twanging a guitar in the next room.

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twat
noun (  slang, especially BrE )
1 an offensive word for an unpleasant or stupid person
2 an offensive word for the outer female sex organs
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tweak
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to pull or twist sth suddenly: She tweaked his ear playfully.
2 to make slight changes to a machine, system, etc. to improve it: I think you’ll have to tweak these figures a little before you show them to the boss.

noun
1 a sharp pull or twist: She gave his ear a tweak.
2 a slight change that you make to a machine, system, etc. to improve it

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twee
adj. (BrE , informal, disapproving) very pretty, in a way that you find unpleasant and silly; appearing SENTIMENTAL : The room was decorated with twee little pictures of animals.
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tweed
noun
1 [U] a thick rough woollen fabric that has small spots of different coloured thread in it: a tweed jacket / skirt / suit—
2 (tweeds) [pl.] clothes made of tweed
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tweedy
adj.
1 made of or looking like tweed : a tweedy jacket
2 (BrE, informal, often disapproving) used to describe the sort of person who often wears tweeds and therefore shows that they belong to the social class of rich people who live in the country
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tweet
noun the short high sound made by a small bird
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tweet.er
noun a LOUDSPEAKER for reproducing the high notes from a STEREO —compare WOOFER
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tweez.ers
noun [pl.] a small tool with two long thin parts joined together at one end, used for picking up very small things or for pulling out hairs: a pair of tweezers
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twelve
number 12
twelfth ordinal number
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twenty
number
1 20
2 (the twenties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 20 to 29
IDM in your 'twenties between the ages of 20 and 29
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,twenty-'first
noun [sing.] (informal, especially BrE ) a person’s 21st birthday and the celebrations for this occasion
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,twenty 'pence
(also ,twenty pence 'piece, 20p ) noun a British coin worth 20 pence: You need two 20ps for the machine.
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,twenty-,twenty 'vision
(also 20 / 20 vision) noun [U] the ability to see perfectly
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twerp
noun (old-fashioned, informal) a stupid or annoying person
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twice
adv.
1 two times; on two occasions: I don’t know him well; I’ve only met him twice.  They go there twice a week / month / year .  a twice-monthly / yearly newsletter
2 double in quantity, rate, etc: an area twice the size of Wales  Cats sleep twice as much as people.  At 56 he’s twice her age.
IDM twice 'over not just once but twice: There was enough of the drug in her stomach to kill her twice over.—more at LIGHTNING n. , ONCE adv. , THINK v.
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twid.dle
verb, noun
verb (BrE ) ~ (with) sth to twist or turn sth with your fingers often because you are nervous or bored: [v] He twiddled with the radio knob until he found the right programme.  [vn] She was twiddling the ring on her finger.
IDM twiddle your thumbs
1 to move your thumbs around each other with your fingers joined together, because you are bored or waiting for sth
2 to do nothing while you are waiting for sth to happen

noun
1 (BrE) a twist or turn: a twiddle of the knob
2 a decorative twist in a pattern, piece of music, etc: twiddles on the clarinet

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twid.dly
adj. (BrE , informal) detailed or complicated
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twig
noun, verb
noun a small very thin branch that grows out of a larger branch on a bush or tree: Use dry sticks and twigs to start a fire.

verb (-gg-) (BrE , informal) to suddenly understand or realize sth: [v] Haven’t you twigged yet?  [v wh-] I finally twigged what he meant. [alsovn, v (that)]

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twi.light
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 the faint light or the period of time at the end of the day after the sun has gone down: It was hard to see him clearly in the twilight .  We went for a walk along the beach at twilight .
2 the ~ (of sth) (written) the final stage of sth when it becomes weaker or less important than it was: the twilight years (= the last years of your life)

adj. [only before noun]
1 (written) used to describe a state in which things are strange and mysterious, or where things are kept secret and do not seem to be part of the real world: the twilight world of the occult  They lived in the twilight zone on the fringes of society.
2 used to describe a situation or area of thought that is not clearly defined

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twi.lit
adj. (literary) lit by twilight
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twill
noun [U] a strong fabric that is woven in a particular way to produce a surface of raised DIAGONAL lines: a cotton twill skirt
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twin
noun, verb, adj.
noun
1 one of two children born at the same time to the same mother: She’s expecting twins.—see also IDENTICAL TWIN , SIAMESE TWIN
2 one of two similar things that make a pair

verb (-nn-) [vn] ~ sth (with sth)
1 [usually passive] (especially in Britain) to make a close relationship between two towns or areas: Oxford is twinned with Bonn in Germany.
2 to join two people or things closely together: The opera twins the themes of love and death.

adj. [only before noun]
1 used to describe one of a pair of children who are twins : twin boys / girls  a twin brother / sister
2 used to describe two things that are used as a pair: a ship with twin propellers
3 used to describe two things that are connected, or present or happening at the same time: The prison service has the twin goals of punishment and rehabilitation.

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,twin 'bed
noun
1 [usually pl.] one of a pair of single beds in a room: Would you prefer twin beds or a double?
2 (AmE) a bed big enough for one person: sheets to fit a twin bed
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,twin-'bedded
adj. (of a room) having two single beds in it
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,twin 'bedroom
noun a room in a hotel, etc. that has two single beds
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twine
noun, verb
noun [U] strong string that has two or more STRANDS (= single thin pieces of thread or string) twisted together

verb [+adv. / prep.] ~ (sth) around / round / through / in sth to wind or twist around sth; to make sth do this: [v] ivy twining around a tree trunk  [vn] She twined her arms around my neck.

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,twin-'engined
adj. (of an aircraft) having two engines
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twinge
noun
1 a sudden short feeling of pain: He felt a twinge in his knee as he jumped over the wall.
2 ~ (of sth) a sudden short feeling of an unpleasant emotion: a twinge of disappointment / envy / guilt / jealousy / regret
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twin.kle
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 to shine with a light that keeps changing from bright to faint to bright again: Stars twinkled in the sky.  twinkling lights in the distance
2 ~ (with sth)| ~ (at sb) if your eyes twinkle, you have a bright expression because you are happy or excited: twinkling blue eyes  Her eyes twinkled with merriment.

noun [sing.]
1 an expression in your eyes that shows you are happy or amused about sth: He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye .
2 a small light that keeps changing from bright to faint to bright again: the twinkle of stars  We could see the twinkle of the harbour lights in the distance.

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twink.ling
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) a very short time
IDM in the ,twinkling of an 'eye very quickly: Suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, her whole life had been turned upside down.
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twin.set
noun (BrE ) a woman’s matching sweater and CARDIGAN that are designed to be worn together
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,twin 'town
noun one of two towns in different countries that have a special relationship with each other: a visit to Lyon, Birmingham’s twin town in France
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twirl
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (sb) (around / round) to move or dance round and round; to make sb do this: [v] She twirled around in front of the mirror.  [vn] He held her hand and twirled her around.
2 [vn] ~ sth (around / about) to make sth turn quickly and lightly round and round
SYN SPIN : He twirled his hat in his hand.  She sat twirling the stem of the glass in her fingers.
3 [vn] to twist or curl sth with your fingers: He kept twirling his moustache.

noun the action of a person spinning around once: Kate did a twirl in her new dress.

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twist
verb, noun
verb
BEND INTO SHAPE|
1 [vn] to bend or turn sth into a particular shape: Twist the wire to form a circle.  Her hair was twisted into a knot on top of her head.
2 [often +adv. / prep.] to bend or turn sth into a shape or position that is not normal or natural; to be bent or turned in this way: [vn] The bike was just a heap of twisted metal.  He grabbed me and twisted my arm behind my back.  [v] Her face twisted in anger.
TURN BODY|
3 to turn part of your body around while the rest stays still: [vn] He twisted his head around to look at her.  [v] She twisted in her chair when I called her name.
4 [usually +adv. / prep.] to turn your body with quick sharp movements and change direction often: [v] I twisted and turned to avoid being caught.  She tried unsuccessfully to twist free.  [vn] He managed to twist himself round in the restricted space.
TURN WITH HAND|
5 [vn] to turn sth around in a circle with your hand: Twist the knob to the left to open the door.  Nervously I twisted the ring on my finger.
OF ROADS / RIVERS|
6 [v] to bend and change direction often: The road twists and turns along the coast.  narrow twisting streets  a twisting staircase
ANKLE / WRIST / KNEE|
7 [vn] to injure part of your body, especially your ankle, wrist or knee, bending it in an awkward way: She fell and twisted her ankle.
WIND AROUND|
8 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to wind sth around or through an object: She twisted a scarf around her head.  The telephone cable has got twisted (= wound around itself).
9 [v] ~ (round / around sth) to move or grow by winding around sth: A snake was twisting around his arm.
FACTS|
10 [vn] to deliberately change the meaning of what sb has said, or to present facts in a particular way, in order to benefit yourself or harm sb else: You always twist everything I say.  The newspaper was accused of twisting the facts.
THREADS|
11 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to turn or wind threads, etc. together to make sth longer or thicker: They had twisted the sheets into a rope and escaped by climbing down it. twist sb’s 'arm (informal) to persuade or force sb to do sth—more at KNIFE n. , LITTLE FINGER ,twist sth<->'off to turn and pull sth with your hand to remove it from sth: I twisted off the lid and looked inside.  a twist-off cap / top

noun
ACTION OF TURNING|
1 [C] the action of turning sth with your hand, or of turning a part of your body: She gave the lid another twist and it came off.  He gave a shy smile and a little twist of his head.
UNEXPECTED CHANGE|
2 [C] an unexpected change or development in a story or situation: the twists and turns of his political career  The story has taken another twist.  The disappearance of a vital witness added a new twist to the case.  By a curious twist of fate we met again only a week or so later.
IN ROAD / RIVER|
3 [C] a sharp bend in a road or river: The car followed the twists and turns of the mountain road.
SHAPE|
4 [C] a thing that has been twisted into a particular shape: a twist of tobacco / paper  mineral water with a twist of lemon
DANCE|
5 (the twist) [sing.] a fast dance that was popular in the 1960s in which you twist from side to side round the bend / twist (informal, especially BrE) crazy: She’s gone completely round the twist.—more at KNICKERS

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twist.ed
adj.
1 bent or turned so that the original shape is lost: After the crash the car was a mass of twisted metal.  a twisted ankle / knee (= injured by being turned suddenly)  She gave a small twisted smile.—picture at CURL
2 (of a person’s mind or behaviour) not normal; strange in an unpleasant way
SYN PERVERTED
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twist.er
noun (AmE , informal) a violent storm that is caused by a powerful spinning column of air
SYN TORNADO
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twisty
adj. (especially of a road) having many bends or turns
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twit
noun (informal, especially BrE ) a silly or annoying person
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twitch
verb, noun
verb
1 if a part of your body twitches, or if you twitch it, it makes a sudden quick movement, sometimes one that you cannot control: [v] Her lips twitched with amusement.  The cats watched each other, their tails twitching. [alsovn]
2 to give sth a short sharp pull; to be pulled in this way: [vn] He twitched the package out of my hands.  [v] The curtains twitched as she rang the bell.

noun
1 a sudden quick movement that you cannot control in one of your muscles: She has a twitch in her left eye.  a nervous twitch
2 a sudden quick movement or feeling: He greeted us with a mere twitch of his head.  At that moment she felt the first twitch of anxiety.

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twitchy
adj. (informal)
1 nervous or anxious about sth
SYN JITTERY
2 making sudden quick movements
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twit.ter
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] when birds twitter, they make a series of short high sounds: starlings twittering in the trees
2 [v, v speech] ~ (on) (about sth) (especially BrE) to talk quickly in a high excited voice, especially about sth that is not very important

noun [sing.]
1 (also twit.tering) a series of short high sounds that birds make: the twitter of starlings
2 (informal) a state of nervous excitement

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twixt
prep. (old use) between
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two
number 2
HELP There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.
IDM a 'day, 'moment, 'pound, etc. or two one or a few days, moments, pounds, etc: May I borrow it for a day or two? fall between two 'stools (BrE) to fail to be or to get either of two choices, both of which would have been satisfactory in 'two in or into two pieces or halves: He broke the bar of chocolate in two and gave me half. in ,twos and 'threes two or three at a time; in small numbers: People arrived in twos and threes. it takes two to do sth (saying) one person cannot be completely responsible for sth: You can’t put all the blame on him. It takes two to make a marriage. not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub to'gether (informal) to have no money; to be very stupid, etc. put ,two and ,two to'gether to guess the truth from what you see, hear, etc: He’s inclined to put two and two together and make five (= make an incorrect guess from what he sees, hears, etc.). that makes 'two of us (informal) I am in the same position or I agree with you: ‘I’m tired!’‘That makes two of us!’ two ,sides of the same 'coin used to talk about two ways of looking at the same situation—more at MIND n. , SHAKE n.
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'two-bit
adj. [only before noun] (informal, especially AmE ) not good or important: She wanted to be more than just a two-bit secretary.
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,two 'bits
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned, AmE , informal) 25 cents
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,two-di'mensional
adj. flat; having no depth; appearing to have only two DIMENSIONS : a two-dimensional drawing   (figurative) The novel was criticized for its two-dimensional characters (= that did not seem like real people).
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,two-'edged
adj.
1 (of a blade, knife, etc.) having two sharp edges for cutting
2 having two possible meanings or results, one good and one bad: Fame can be a two-edged sword .  a two-edged remark
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,two-'faced
adj. (informal, disapproving) not sincere; not acting in a way that supports what you say that you believe; saying different things to different people about a particular subject
SYN HYPOCRITICAL
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,two 'fingers
noun [pl.] (BrE , informal) a sign that you make by holding up your hand with the inside part facing towards you and making a V-shape with your first and second fingers (used as a way of being rude to other people): I gave him the two fingers.—compare V-SIGN
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two.fold
adj. (written)
1 consisting of two parts: The problem was twofold.
2 twice as much or as many: a twofold increase in demand
two.fold adv.: Her original investment has increased twofold.
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,two-'handed
adj. using or needing both hands: a two-handed backhand (= in tennis)  a two-handed catch
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,two 'pence
(also ,two pence 'piece, 2p ) noun a British coin worth two pence
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two.pence
noun (BrE ) = TUPPENCE
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two.penny
(also informal tupp.enny) adj. (BrE ) costing or worth two old pence: a twopenny stamp
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,two-'piece
noun a set of clothes consisting of two matching pieces of clothing, for example a skirt and jacket or trousers/pants and a jacket
,two-'piece adj.: a two-piece suit
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'two-ply
adj. (of wool, wood or other material) with two threads or thicknesses
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,two-'seater
noun a vehicle, an aircraft or a piece of furniture with seats for two people—picture at CHAIR
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two.some
noun a group of two people who do sth together
SYN PAIR
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'two-time
verb [vn] (informal) to deceive a person you have a relationship with, especially a sexual one, by having a secret relationship with sb else at the same time: Are you sure he’s not two-timing you?
'two-timer noun
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'two-tone
adj. [only before noun] having two different colours or sounds
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,two-'way
adj. [usually before noun]
1 moving in two different directions; allowing sth to move in two different directions: two-way traffic  two-way trade  a two-way switch (= that allows electric current to be turned on or off from either of two points)
2 (of communication between people) needing equal effort from both people or groups involved: Friendship is a two-way process.
3 (of radio equipment, etc.) used both for sending and receiving signals
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,two-way 'mirror
noun a piece of glass that is a mirror on one side, but that you can see through from the other
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ty.coon
noun a person who is successful in business or industry and has become rich and powerful: a business / property / media tycoon
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tyke
(also tike) noun (informal)
1 a small child, especially one who behaves badly
2 (BrE) a person from Yorkshire
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type
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (of sth) a class or group of people or things that share particular qualities or features and are part of a larger group; a kind or sort: different racial types  a rare blood type  There are three main types of contract(s).  Bungalows are a type of house.  She mixes with all types of people.  She mixes with people of all types.  I love this type of book.  I love these types of books.   (informal) I love these type of books.  What do you charge for this type of work?  What do you charge for work of this type?  It is the first car of its type to have this design feature.
2 [sing.] (informal) a person of a particular character, with particular features, etc: She’s the artistic type.  He’s not the type to be unfaithful.  She’s not my type (= not the kind of person I am usually attracted to).
3 (-type) (in adjectives) having the qualities or features of the group, person or thing mentioned: a police-type badge  a continental-type cafe
4 [U] letters that are printed or typed: The type was too small for me to read.  The important words are in bold type.
5 [U] (technical) the small metal blocks used for printing letters and numbers

verb
1 to write sth using a WORD PROCESSOR or TYPEWRITER : [v] How fast can you type?  typing errors / courses  [vn] This letter will need to be typed (out) again.  Type (in) the file name, then press ‘Return’.  Has that report been typed up yet?
2 [vn] (technical) to find out the group or class that a person or thing belongs to: Blood samples were taken from patients for typing.

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type.cast
verb (type.cast, type.cast) [vn] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sth) if an actor is typecast, he or she is always given the same kind of character to play: She didn’t want to be typecast as a dumb blonde.
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type.face
noun a set of letters, numbers, etc. of a particular design, used in printing: I’d like the heading to be in a different typeface from the text.
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type.script
noun [C, U] a copy of a text or document that has been typed
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type.set.ter
noun a person, machine or company that prepares a book, etc. for printing
type.set verb (type.set.ting, type.set, type.set): [vn] Pages can now be typeset on-screen.
type.set.ting noun [U]: computerized typesetting
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type.writer
noun a machine that produces writing similar to print. It has keys that you press to make metal letters or signs hit a piece of paper through a strip of fabric covered with ink.—see also TYPIST
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type.writ.ing
noun = TYPING
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type.writ.ten
adj. written using a typewriter or WORD PROCESSOR
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ty.phoid
(also less frequent ,typhoid 'fever) noun [U] a serious infectious disease that causes fever, red spots on the chest and severe pain in the bowels, and sometimes causes death: a typhoid epidemic
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ty.phoon
noun a violent tropical storm with very strong winds—compare CYCLONE , HURRICANE
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ty.phus
noun [U] a serious infectious disease that causes fever, HEADACHES , purple marks on the body and often death
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typ.ical
adj.
1 ~ (of sb/sth) having the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing or group
SYN REPRESENTATIVE : a typical Italian cafe  This is a typical example of Roman pottery.  This meal is typical of local cookery.  The weather at the moment is not typical for July.
OPP ATYPICAL
2 happening in the usual way; showing what sth is usually like
SYN NORMAL : A typical working day for me begins at 7·30.  On a typical day, we receive about 50 letters.
OPP UNTYPICAL
3 ~ (of sb/sth) (often disapproving) behaving in the way that you expect: It was typical of her to forget.  He spoke with typical enthusiasm.   (informal) She’s late again—typical!
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typ.ic.al.ly
adv.
1 used to say that sth usually happens in the way that you are stating: The factory typically produces 500 chairs a week.  A typically-priced meal will be around $10.
2 in a way that shows the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing or group: typically American hospitality  Mothers typically worry about their children.
3 in the way that you expect sb/sth to behave: Typically, she couldn’t find her keys.  He was typically modest about his achievements.
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typ.ify
verb (typi.fies, typi.fy.ing, typi.fied, typi.fied) [vn] (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
1 to be a typical example of sth: clothes that typify the 1960s  the new style of politician, typified by the Prime Minister
2 to be a typical feature of sth: the haunting guitar melodies that typify the band’s music
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typ.ing
(also less frequent type.writ.ing) noun [U]
1 the activity or job of using a TYPEWRITER or WORD PROCESSOR to write sth: to do the typing  typing errors  a typing pool (= a group of people who share a company’s typing work)
2 writing that has been done on a TYPEWRITER or WORD PROCESSOR
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typ.ist
noun
1 a person who works in an office typing letters, etc.
2 a person who uses a TYPEWRITER or computer keyboard: I’m quite a fast typist.
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typo
noun (pl.-os) (informal) a small mistake in a typed or printed text
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typ.og.raph.er
noun a person who is skilled in typography
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typ.og.raphy
noun [U] the art or work of preparing books, etc. for printing, especially of designing how text will appear when it is printed
typo.graph.ic.al (also typo.graph.ic ) adj.: a typographical error  typographic style / design
typo.graph.ic.al.ly adv.
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typ.ology
noun (pl.-ies) (technical ) a system of dividing things into different types
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tyr.an.nical
(also formal tyr.an.nous ) adj. using power or authority over people in an unfair and cruel way: tyrannical power  a tyrannical government
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tyr.an.nize
(BrE also -ise) verb ~ (over) sb/sth (written) to use your power to treat sb in a cruel or unfair way: [vn] a father tyrannizing his children  [v] a political leader who tyrannizes over his people—see also TYRANT
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tyr.anny
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
1 unfair or cruel use of power or authority: a victim of oppression and tyranny  The children had no protection against the tyranny of their father.  the tyrannies of Nazi rule   (figurative) These days it seems we must all submit to the tyranny of the motor car.
2 the rule of a tyrant ; a country under this rule: a protest against tyranny  Any political system refusing to allow dissent becomes a tyranny.
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tyr.ant
noun a person who has complete power in a country and uses it in a cruel and unfair way: The country was ruled by a succession of tyrants.   (figurative) His boss is a complete tyrant.
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tyre
(BrE ) (AmEtire) noun a thick rubber ring that fits around the edge of a wheel of a car, bicycle, etc: a front tyre  a back / rear tyre  to pump up a tyre  a flat / burst / punctured tyre  bald / worn tyres—see also SPARE TYRE —picture at BICYCLE , CAR
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tyro
noun (pl.-os) a person who has little or no experience of sth or is beginning to learn sth
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tzar, tzar.inatzar.ismtzar.ist
= TSAR , TSARINA , TSARISM , TSARIST
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U
noun, abbr.
noun (also u) [C, U] (pl.U’s, u’s ) the 21st letter of the English alphabet: ‘Under’ begins with (a) U / ‘U’.—see also U-BOAT , U-TURN

abbr. (BrE ) universal (the label of a film that is suitable for anyone including children): Aladdin, certificate U

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ubi.qui.tous
adj. [usually before noun] (formal or humorous) seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time; very common: the ubiquitous bicycles of university towns  the ubiquitous movie star, Tom Hanks
ubi.qui.tous.ly adv.
ubi.quity noun [U]: the ubiquity of the mass media
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'U-boat
noun a German SUBMARINE (= a ship that can travel underwater)
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UCAS
abbr. (in Britain) Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (an official organization that deals with APPLICATIONS to study at universities)
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UDA
abbr. Ulster Defence Association (an illegal military organization in Northern Ireland that wants Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK)
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udder
noun an organ shaped like a bag that produces milk and hangs underneath the body of a cow, goat, etc.
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UDR
abbr. Ulster Defence Regiment (a branch of the British army in Northern Ireland, now forming part of the Royal Irish Regiment)
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UEFA
abbr. Union of European Football Associations
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UFO
(also ufo) noun (pl.UFOs) a strange object that some people claim to have seen in the sky and believe is a spacecraft from another planet (abbreviation for ‘Unidentified Flying Object’)—compare FLYING SAUCER
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ugh
exclamation the way of writing the sound () that people make when they think that sth is disgusting or unpleasant: Ugh! How can you eat that stuff?
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Ugli
™ (also 'Ugli fruit) noun a large CITRUS fruit with a rough, yellowish-orange skin and sweet flesh with a lot of juice
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ugly
adj. (ug.lier, ugli.est)
1 unpleasant to look at
SYN UNATTRACTIVE : an ugly face / building
2 (of an event, a situation, etc.) unpleasant or dangerous; involving threats or violence: an ugly incident  There were ugly scenes in the streets last night as rioting continued.
ugli.ness noun [U]
IDM see REAR v. , SIN n.
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,ugly 'duckling
noun a person or thing that at first does not seem attractive or likely to succeed but that later becomes successful or much admired
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uh
exclamation the way of writing the sound that people make when they are not sure about sth, when they do not hear or understand sth you have said, or when they want you to agree with what they have said: Uh, yeah, I guess so.  ‘Are you ready yet?’‘Uh? Oh. Yes.’  We can discuss this another time, uh?
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UHF
abbr. ultra-high frequency (a range of radio waves used for high-quality radio and television broadcasting)
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uh-huh
exclamation the way of writing the sound that people make when they understand or agree with what you have said, when they want you to continue or when they are answering ‘Yes’: ‘Did you read my note?’‘Uh-huh.’
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uh-oh
exclamation the way of writing the sound that people make when they want to say that they have done sth wrong or that they think there will be trouble: Uh-oh. I forgot to write that letter.  Uh-oh! Turn the TV off. Here comes Dad!
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UHT
abbr. (BrE ) ultra heat treated. UHT milk has been heated to a very high temperature in order to make it last for a long time.
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uh-uh
exclamation the way of writing the sound that people make when they are answering ‘No’ to a question
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UK
(also U.K. especially in AmE) abbr. United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
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uku.lele
noun a musical instrument with four strings, like a small guitar
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ulcer
noun a sore area on the outside of the body or on the surface of an organ inside the body which is painful and may bleed or produce a poisonous substance: a stomach ulcer—see also MOUTH ULCER
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ul.cer.ate
verb [v, vn] [usually passive] (medical ) to become, or make sth become, covered with ulcers
ul.cer.ation noun [U, C]
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ulna
noun (pl.ulnae ) (anatomy ) the longer bone of the two bones in the lower part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist, on the side opposite the thumb—see also RADIUS (3) —picture at BODY
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ul.ter.ior
adj. [only before noun] (of a reason for doing sth) that sb keeps hidden and does not admit: She must have some ulterior motive for being nice to me—what does she really want?
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ul.tim.ate
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 happening at the end of a long process
SYN FINAL : our ultimate goal / aim / objective / target  We will accept ultimate responsibility for whatever happens.  The ultimate decision lies with the parents.
2 most extreme; best, worst, greatest, most important, etc: This race will be the ultimate test of your skill.  Silk sheets are the ultimate luxury.
3 from which sth originally comes; basic
SYN FUNDAMENTAL : the ultimate truths of philosophy and science

noun [sing.] the ~ in sth (informal) the best, most advanced, greatest, etc. of its kind: the ultimate in modern design

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ul.tim.ate.ly
adv.
1 in the end; finally: Ultimately, you’ll have to make the decision yourself.  A poor diet will ultimately lead to illness.
2 at the most basic and important level: All life depends ultimately on oxygen.
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ul.ti.matum
noun (pl.ul.ti.matums or ul.ti.ma.ta) a final warning to a person or country that if they do not do what you ask, you will use force or take action against them: to issue an ultimatum
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ultra-
prefix (in adjectives and nouns) extremely; beyond a particular limit: ultra-modern  ultraviolet—compare INFRA-
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ultra.mar.ine
noun [U] a bright blue colour
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ultra.son.ic
adj. [usually before noun] (of sounds) higher than human beings can hear: ultrasonic frequencies / waves / signals
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ultra.sound
noun
1 [U] sound that is higher than human beings can hear
2 [U, C] a medical process that produces an image of what is inside your body: Ultrasound showed she was expecting twins.
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ultra.vio.let
adj. [usually before noun] (physics ) of or using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves that are just shorter than those of VIOLET light in the SPECTRUM and that cannot be seen: ultraviolet rays (= that cause the skin to go darker)  an ultraviolet lamp—compare INFRARED
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ulu.late
verb [v] (rare, literary) to give a long cry
ulu.la.tion noun [U, C]
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um
exclamation the way of writing the sound that people make when they hesitate, or do not know what to say next: Um, I’m not sure how to ask you this … .
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umber
noun [U] a dark brown or yellowish-brown colour used in paints: burnt / raw umber
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um.bil.ical cord
noun a long tube of tissue that connects a baby to its mother before it is born and is cut at the moment of birth
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um.brage
noun
IDM take 'umbrage (at sth) (formal or humorous) to feel offended, insulted or upset by sth, often without a good reason
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um.brella
noun
1 (also BrE informal brolly) an object with a folding circular frame of metal rods covered with material, that you use to protect yourself from the rain or from hot sun: I put up my umbrella.  colourful beach umbrellas—compare PARASOL , SUNSHADE
2 a thing that contains or includes many different parts or elements: Many previously separate groups are now operating under the umbrella of a single authority.  an umbrella organization / group / fund  ‘Contact sports’ is an umbrella term for a variety of different sports.
3 (written) a country or system that protects people: For decades the United States with its nuclear weapons was the umbrella for the western world.
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um.laut
noun the mark placed over a vowel in some languages to show how it should be pronounced, as over the u in the German word für—compare ACUTE ACCENT , CIRCUMFLEX , GRAVE^2 , TILDE
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um.pire
noun, verb
noun (also AmE informal ump) (in sports such as tennis and baseball) a person whose job is to watch a game and make sure that rules are not broken—compare REFEREE

verb to act as the umpire in a game or competition: [v] We need someone to umpire.  [vn] to umpire a game of baseball / cricket

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ump.teen
det. (informal) very many: I’ve told this story umpteen times.
ump.teen pron.: Umpteen of them all arrived at once.
ump.teenth det.: ‘This is crazy,’ she told herself for the umpteenth time (= she had done it many times before).
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UN
(also U.N. especially in AmE) abbr. United Nations. The UN is an association of many countries that aims to help economic and social conditions improve and to solve political problems in the world in a peaceful way: the UN Security Council  a UN peacekeeping plan
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un-
prefix
1 (in adjectives, adverbs and nouns) not; the opposite of: unable  unconsciously  untruth  un-American concepts such as subsidized medical treatment and free education (= not typical of the US)  un-American activities (= against the interests of the US)
2 (in verbs that describe the opposite of a process): unlock  undo  unfold
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'un
pron. (BrE , informal) a way of saying or writing ‘one’: That was a good 'un.  The little 'uns (= the small children) couldn’t keep up.
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un.abashed
adj. (written) not ashamed, embarrassed or affected by people’s disapproval, when other people would be
OPP ABASHED
un.abashed.ly adv.
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un.abated
adj. [not usually before noun] (written) without becoming any less strong: The rain continued unabated .
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un.able
adj. [not before noun] ~ to do sth (rather formal) not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do sth: He lay there, unable to move.  I tried to contact him but was unable to.
OPP ABLE
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un.abridged
adj. (of a novel, play, speech, etc.) complete, without being made shorter in any way ABRIDGED
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un.accept.able
adj. that you cannot accept, allow or approve of: Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society.  Noise from the factory has reached an unacceptable level.
OPP ACCEPTABLE
un.accept.ably adv.: unacceptably high levels of unemployment
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un.accom.pan.ied
adj.
1 (formal) without a person going together with sb/sth: No unaccompanied children allowed.  unaccompanied luggage / baggage (= travelling separately from its owner)
2 (music) performed without anyone else playing or singing at the same time: a sonata for unaccompanied violin
3 (formal) ~ by sth not together with a particular thing: Mere words, unaccompanied by any violence, cannot amount to an assault.
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un.account.able
adj. (written)
1 impossible to understand or explain
SYN INEXPLICABLE : There has been an unaccountable increase in cases of the disease.  For some unaccountable reason, the letter never arrived.
2 ~ (to sb/sth) not having to explain or give reasons for your actions to anyone: Too many government departments are unaccountable to the general public.
OPP ACCOUNTABLE
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un.account.ably
adv. (written) in a way that is very difficult to explain; without any obvious reason: He has been unaccountably delayed.
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un.account.ed for
adj. [not before noun]
1 a person or thing that is unaccounted for cannot be found and people do not know what has happened to them or it: At least 300 civilians are unaccounted for after the bombing raids.
2 not explained: In the story he gave the police, half an hour was left unaccounted for.
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un.accus.tomed
adj. (formal)
1 ~ to sth / to doing sth not in the habit of doing sth; not used to sth: He was unaccustomed to hard work.  I am unaccustomed to being told what to do.
2 [usually before noun] not usual, normal or familiar: The unaccustomed heat made him weary.
OPP ACCUSTOMED
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un.achiev.able
adj. that you cannot manage to reach or obtain: unachievable goals / ambitions / profits
OPP ACHIEVABLE
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un.acknow.ledged
adj.
1 not receiving the thanks or praise that is deserved: Her contribution to the research went largely unacknowledged.
2 that people do not admit as existing or true; that people are not aware of: unacknowledged feelings
3 not publicly or officially recognized: the unacknowledged leader of the group
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un.acquaint.ed
adj. ~ (with sth/sb) (written) not familiar with sth/sb; having no experience of sth: visitors unacquainted with local customs
OPP ACQUAINTED
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un.adorned
adj. (written) without any decoration; simple: The walls were plain and unadorned.
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un.adul.ter.ated
adj.
1 [usually before noun] you use unadulterated to emphasize that sth is complete or total: For me, the holiday was sheer unadulterated pleasure.
2 not mixed with other substances; pure; not ADULTERATED : unadulterated, unprocessed foods
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un.ad.ven.tur.ous
adj. not willing to take risks or try new and exciting things
OPP ADVENTUROUS
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un.affect.ed
adj.
1 ~ (by sth) not changed or influenced by sth; not affected by sth: People’s rights are unaffected by the new law.  His attitudes have remained largely unaffected by changes in fashion.  Some members of the family may remain unaffected by the disease.
2 (approving) (of a person or their behaviour) natural and sincere: She had a warm smile and an unaffected manner.
OPP AFFECTED
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un.affili.ated
adj. ~ (with sth) not belonging to or connected with a political party or a large organization
SYN INDEPENDENT
OPP AFFILIATED
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un.afraid
adj. [not before noun] ~ (of sth)| ~ (to do sth) (written) not afraid or nervous; not worried about what might happen: He felt calm and unafraid.  She was unafraid of conflict.  He’s unafraid to speak his mind.
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un.aid.ed
adj. without help from anyone or anything: Did she produce this work unaided?  He can now walk unaided.
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un.alloyed
adj. (formal) not mixed with anything else, such as negative feelings
SYN PURE : unalloyed joy / delight
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un.alter.able
adj. (formal) that cannot be changed: the unalterable laws of the universe
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un.altered
adj. (written) that has not changed or been changed: This practice has remained unaltered for centuries.
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un.am.bigu.ous
adj. clear in meaning; that can only be understood in one way: an unambiguous statement / definition  The message was clear and unambiguous—‘Get out!’
OPP AMBIGUOUS
un.am.bigu.ous.ly adv.
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un.am.bi.tious
adj. (written)
1 (of a person) not interested in becoming successful, rich, powerful, etc.
2 not involving a lot of effort, time, money, etc. or anything new: an unambitious plan / novel
OPP AMBITIOUS
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unan.im.ity
noun [U] (written) complete agreement about sth among a group of people
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unani.mous
adj.
1 if a decision or an opinion is unanimous, it is agreed or shared by everyone in a group: a unanimous vote  unanimous condemnation / support  The decision was not unanimous.
2 ~ (in sth) if a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about sth: Local people are unanimous in their opposition to the proposed new road.
unani.mous.ly adv.: The motion was passed unanimously.
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un.announced
adj. happening without anyone being told or warned in advance: She just turned up unannounced on my doorstep.  an unannounced increase in bus fares
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un.answer.able
adj.
1 an unanswerable argument, etc. is one that nobody can question or disagree with: They presented an unanswerable case for more investment.
2 an unanswerable question is one that has no answer or that you cannot answer
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un.answered
adj. (written)
1 (of a question, problem, etc.) that has not been answered: Many questions about the crime remain unanswered .
2 (of a letter, telephone call, etc.) that has not been replied to: unanswered letters  Their cries for help went unanswered.
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un.antici.pated
adj. (written) that you have not expected or predicted; that you have not ANTICIPATED : unanticipated events / consequences / costs
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un.apolo.get.ic
adj. (written) not saying that you are sorry about sth, even in situations in which other people might expect you to
OPP APOLOGETIC
un.apolo.get.ic.al.ly adv.
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un.appeal.ing
adj. not attractive or pleasant: The room was painted in an unappealing shade of brown.  The prospect of studying for another five years was distinctly unappealing.
OPP APPEALING
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un.appe.tiz.ing
(BrE also -is.ing) adj. (of food) unpleasant to eat; looking as if it will be unpleasant to eat
OPP APPETIZING
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un.appre.ci.ated
adj. [not usually before noun] (written) not having your work or your qualities recognized and enjoyed by other people; not APPRECIATED : He was in a job where he felt unappreciated and undervalued.
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un.approach.able
adj. (of a person) unfriendly and not easy to talk to
OPP APPROACHABLE
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un.argu.able
adj. (formal) that nobody can disagree with: unarguable proof / logic—compare ARGUABLE
un.argu.ably adv.: She is unarguably one of the country’s finest athletes.
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un.armed
adj.
1 not carrying a weapon: unarmed civilians / planes  He walked into the camp alone and unarmed.
2 not involving the use of weapons: The soldiers were trained in unarmed combat .
OPP ARMED
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un.ashamed
adj. feeling no shame or embarrassment about sth or about sth you have done, especially when people might expect you to: There were unashamed tears in his eyes.—compare ASHAMED
un.ashamed.ly adv.: She wept unashamedly.  an unashamedly sentimental song
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un.asked
adj.
1 an unasked question is one that you have not asked even though you would like to know the answer
2 without being invited or asked: He came to the party unasked.  She brought him, unasked, the relevant file.
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un.assail.able
adj. (written) that cannot be destroyed, defeated or questioned: The party now has an unassailable lead.  Their ten-point lead puts the team in an almost unassailable position.  She replied with what she thought was unassailable logic …
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un.assist.ed
adj. not helped by anyone or anything: She could not move unassisted.
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un.assum.ing
adj. (approving) not wanting to draw attention to yourself or to your abilities or status
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un.attached
adj.
1 not married or involved in a romantic relationship: He was still unattached at the age of 34.
2 not connected with or belonging to a particular group or organization—compare ATTACHED
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un.attain.able
adj. (written) impossible to achieve or reach: an unattainable dream / goal
OPP ATTAINABLE
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un.attend.ed
adj. without the owner present; not being watched or cared for: unattended luggage / vehicles  She was reprimanded for leaving the children unattended.
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un.attract.ive
adj.
1 not attractive or pleasant to look at: an unattractive brown colour
2 not good, interesting or pleasant: one of the unattractive aspects of the free market economy
OPP ATTRACTIVE
un.attract.ive.ly adv.
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un.author.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (written) without official permission: No access for unauthorized personnel.
OPP AUTHORIZED
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un.avail.able
adj. [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth)
1 that cannot be obtained: Such luxury items were unavailable to ordinary people.
2 not able or not willing to see, meet or talk to sb: The minister was unavailable for comment .
OPP AVAILABLE
un.avail.abil.ity noun [U]
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un.avail.ing
adj. (formal) without success
SYN UNSUCCESSFUL : Their efforts were unavailing.
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un.avoid.able
adj. impossible to avoid or prevent: unavoidable delays
OPP AVOIDABLE
un.avoid.ably adv.: I was unavoidably delayed.
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un.aware
adj. [not before noun] ~ of sth| ~ that … not knowing or realizing that sth is happening or that sth exists: He was completely unaware of the whole affair.  She was unaware that I could see her.
OPP AWARE
un.aware.ness noun [U]
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un.awares
adv.
1 when not expected: The camera had caught her unawares .  The announcement took me unawares .  She came upon him unawares when he was searching her room.
2 (formal) without noticing or realizing: He slipped unawares into sleep.
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un.bal.ance
verb [vn]
1 to make sth no longer balanced, for example by giving too much importance to one part of it
2 to make sb/sth unsteady so that they are likely to fall down
3 to make sb slightly crazy or mentally ill
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un.bal.anced
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] (of a person) slightly crazy; mentally ill
2 [usually before noun] giving too much or too little importance to one part or aspect of sth: an unbalanced article  an unbalanced diet
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unban
verb (-nn-) [vn] to allow sth that was forbidden before
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un.bear.able
adj. too painful, annoying or unpleasant to deal with or accept
SYN INTOLERABLE : The heat was becoming unbearable.  unbearable pain / loneliness  He’s been unbearable since he won that prize.
OPP BEARABLE
un.bear.ably adv.: unbearably hot / arrogant / painful
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un.beat.able
adj.
1 (of a team, player, etc.) impossible to defeat
2 (of prices, value, etc.) impossible to improve: unbeatable discounts / offers
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un.beat.en
adj. (sport ) not having been defeated: The team are unbeaten in their last four games.  They will be putting their unbeaten record to the test next Saturday.
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un.be.com.ing
adj. (formal)
1 not suiting a particular person: She was wearing an unbecoming shade of purple.
2 ~ (to / of sb) not appropriate or acceptable: He was accused of conduct unbecoming to an officer.
OPP BECOMING
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un.be.known
(also less frequent un.be.knownst ) adj. ~ to sb (written) without the person mentioned knowing: Unbeknown to her they had organized a surprise birthday party.
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un.belief
noun [U] (formal) lack of belief, or the state of not believing, especially in God, a religion, etc.—compare BELIEF , DISBELIEF
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un.believ.able
adj.
1 used to emphasize how good, bad or extreme sth is
SYN INCREDIBLE : We had an unbelievable (= very good) time in Paris.  Conditions in the prison camp were unbelievable (= very bad).  We get through an unbelievable amount of food each week.  The cold was unbelievable (= it was extremely cold).  It’s unbelievable that (= very shocking) they have permitted this trial to go ahead.
2 very difficult to believe and unlikely to be true
SYN INCREDIBLE : I found the whole story bizarre, not to say unbelievable.
OPP BELIEVABLE for sense 2
un.believ.ably : unbelievably good / hot / painful / stupid  Unbelievably it actually works.
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un.believer
noun (formal) a person who does not believe, especially in God, a religion, etc.
OPP BELIEVER
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un.believ.ing
adj. (written) feeling or showing that you do not believe sb/sth: She stared at us with unbelieving eyes.  He gazed at the letter, unbelieving.
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un.bend
verb (un.bent, un.bent )
1 [v] to relax and become less strict or formal in your behaviour or attitude: He could be fun if he’d unbend a little.
2 [vn, v] to make sth that was bent become straight; to become straight
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un.bend.ing
adj. (often disapproving) unwilling to change your opinions, decisions, etc.
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un.biased
(also un.biassed) adj. fair and not influenced by your own or sb else’s opinions, desires, etc.
SYN IMPARTIAL : unbiased advice / reporting / information  an unbiased judge / observer
OPP BIASED
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un.bid.den
adj. (literary) (usually used after the verb) without being asked, invited or expected: He walked into the room unbidden.
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un.bleached
adj. not made whiter by the use of chemicals; not bleached : unbleached paper / flour
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un.blem.ished
adj. (written) not spoiled, damaged or marked in any way: He had an unblemished reputation.  her pale unblemished skin
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un.blink.ing
adj. (written) if sb has an unblinking stare or looks with unblinking eyes, they look very steadily at sth and do not BLINK
un.blink.ing.ly adv.
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un.block
verb [vn] to clean sth, for example a pipe, by removing sth that is blocking it
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un.born
adj. [usually before noun] not yet born: her unborn baby / child
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un.bound.ed
adj. (formal) having, or seeming to have, no limits
SYN BOUNDLESS : her unbounded energy / enthusiasm
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un.bowed
adj. (literary) not defeated or not ready to accept defeat: The losing team left the field bloody but unbowed .
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un.break.able
adj. impossible to break: This new material is virtually unbreakable.  the unbreakable bond between parent and child
OPP BREAKABLE
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un.bridge.able
adj. an unbridgeableGAP or difference between two people or groups or their opinions is one that cannot be closed or made less wide
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un.bridled
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) not controlled and therefore extreme: unbridled enthusiasm / lust / passion
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un.broken
adj.
1 not interrupted or disturbed in any way: a single unbroken line  30 years of virtually unbroken peace  Last night was my first night of unbroken sleep since the baby was born.
2 (of a record in a sport, etc.) that has not been improved on
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un.buckle
verb [vn] to undo the BUCKLE of a belt, shoe, etc.
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un.bur.den
verb [vn]
1 ~ yourself / sth (of sth) (to sb) (formal) to talk to sb about your problems or sth you have been worrying about, so that you feel less anxious: She needed to unburden herself to somebody.
2 ~ sb/sth (of sth) to take sth that causes a lot of work or worry away from sb/sth
OPP BURDEN
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un.but.ton
verb [vn] to undo the buttons on a piece of clothing: He unbuttoned his shirt.
OPP BUTTON (UP)
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un'called for
adj. (of behaviour or remarks) not fair or appropriate: His comments were uncalled for.  uncalled-for comments
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un.canny
adj. strange and difficult to explain: I had an uncanny feeling I was being watched.  It was uncanny really, almost as if she knew what I was thinking.
un.can.nily adv.: He looked uncannily like someone I knew.
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un'cared for
adj. not looked after
SYN NEGLECTED : The garden looked uncared for.  an uncared-for garden
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un.car.ing
adj. (disapproving) not sympathetic about the problems or suffering of other people: He was selfish and uncaring.  We live in an uncaring society.
OPP CARING
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un.ceas.ing
adj. (written) continuing all the time
SYN INCESSANT : unceasing efforts  Planes passed overhead with unceasing regularity.
un.ceas.ing.ly adv.: Snow fell unceasingly.
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un.cen.sored
adj. (of a report, film / movie, etc.) not CENSORED (= having had parts removed that are not considered suitable for the public): an uncensored newspaper article
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un.cere.mo.ni.ous
adj. (written) done roughly and rudely: He was bundled out of the room with unceremonious haste.—compare CEREMONIOUS
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un.cere.mo.ni.ous.ly
adv. (written) in a rough or rude way, without caring about a person’s feelings: They dumped his belongings unceremoniously on the floor.
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un.cer.tain
adj.
1 [usually after noun] ~ (about / of sth) feeling doubt about sth; not sure: They’re both uncertain about what to do.  I’m still uncertain of my feelings for him.
OPP CERTAIN
2 likely to change, especially in a negative or unpleasant way: Our future looks uncertain.  a man of uncertain temper
3 not definite or decided: It is uncertain what his role in the company will be.
4 not confident
SYN HESITANT : The baby took its first uncertain steps.
IDM in ,no un,certain 'terms clearly and strongly: I told him what I thought of him in no uncertain terms.
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un.cer.tain.ly
adv. without confidence
SYN HESITANTLY : They smiled uncertainly at one another.
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un.cer.tainty
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of being uncertain: There is considerable uncertainty about the company’s future.  He had an air of uncertainty about him.
2 [C] something that you cannot be sure about; a situation that causes you to be or feel uncertain: life’s uncertainties  the uncertainties of war
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un.chal.lenge.able
adj. that cannot be questioned or argued with; that cannot be CHALLENGED : unchallengeable power / evidence / truth  The committee’s decision is unchallengeable.
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un.chal.lenged
adj.
1 not doubted; accepted without question; not CHALLENGED : She could not allow such a claim to go unchallenged .
2 (of a ruler or leader, or their position) not opposed by anyone: He is in a position of unchallenged authority.
3 without being stopped and asked to explain who you are, what you are doing, etc: I walked into the building unchallenged.
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un.change.able
adj. that cannot be changed: unchangeable laws / circumstances—compare CHANGEABLE
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un.changed
adj. [not usually before noun] that has stayed the same and not changed: My opinion remains unchanged.
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un.chan.ging
adj. that always stays the same and does not change: unchanging customs / principles / truths  The days went by, unchanging.
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un.char.ac.ter.is.tic
adj. ~ (of sb) not typical of sb; not the way sb usually behaves: The remark was quite uncharacteristic of her.
OPP CHARACTERISTIC
un.char.ac.ter.is.tic.al.ly adv.: The children had been uncharacteristically quiet.
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un.char.it.able
adj. unkind and unfair in the way that you judge people; not sympathetic: uncharitable thoughts / remarks  I don’t want to be uncharitable, but he isn’t very intelligent, is he?
OPP CHARITABLE
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un.chart.ed
adj. [usually before noun]
1 that has not been visited or investigated before; not familiar: They set off into the country’s uncharted interior.   (figurative) The party is sailing in uncharted waters (= a situation it has not been in before).   (figurative) I was moving into uncharted territory (= a completely new experience) with this relationship.
2 not marked on a map: The ship hit an uncharted rock.
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un.checked
adj. if sth harmful is unchecked, it is not controlled or stopped from getting worse: The fire was allowed to burn unchecked.  The rise in violent crime must not go unchecked .  The plant will soon choke ponds and waterways if left unchecked .
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un.civil
adj. (rare, formal) not polite
OPP CIVIL —see also INCIVILITY
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un.civ.il.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (disapproving)
1 (of people or their behaviour) not behaving in a way that is acceptable according to social or moral standards
2 (of people or places) not having developed a modern culture and way of life: I have worked in the wildest and most uncivilized parts of the world.
OPP CIVILIZED
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un.claimed
adj. that nobody has claimed as belonging to them or being owed to them
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un.clas.si.fied
adj.
1 (of documents, information, etc.) not officially secret; available to everyone
OPP CLASSIFIED
2 (technical) that has not been CLASSIFIED as being the member of a particular group: (BrE) A high proportion of candidates get low or unclassified grades (= their work is not good enough to receive a grade).
3 (BrE) (of a road) not large or important enough to be given a number
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uncle
noun
1 the brother of your mother or father; the husband of your aunt: Uncle Ian  I’m going to visit my uncle.  I’ve just become an uncle (= because your brother / sister has had a baby).
2 used by children, with a first name, to address a man who is a close friend of their parents
IDM see BOB
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un.clean
adj.
1 (formal) dirty and therefore likely to cause disease: unclean water  unclean premises / hands
OPP CLEAN
2 considered to be bad, immoral or not pure in a religious way, and therefore not to be touched, eaten, etc: unclean thoughts  unclean food / animals
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un.clear
adj.
1 not clear or definite; difficult to understand or be sure about: His motives are unclear.  Our plans are unclear at the moment.  It is unclear whether there is any damage.  Some of your diagrams are unclear.
2 ~ (about sth)| ~ (as to sth) not fully understanding sth; uncertain about sth: I’m unclear about what you want me to do.
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,Uncle 'Sam
noun (informal) a way of referring to the United States of America or the US government (sometimes shown as a tall man with a white BEARD and a tall hat): He owed $20 000 in tax to Uncle Sam.
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,Uncle 'Tom
noun (informal,  ) (offensive) sometimes used in the past to refer to a black man who wants to please or serve white people
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un.clothed
adj. (formal) not wearing any clothes
SYN NAKED
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un.clut.tered
adj. (approving) not containing too many objects, details or unnecessary items
SYN TIDY : an uncluttered surface / room
OPP CLUTTERED
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un.coil
verb to become or make sth straight after it has been wound or twisted round in a circle: [v] The snake slowly uncoiled.  [vn] to uncoil a rope
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un.col.oured
(BrE ) (AmEun.col.ored) adj. with no colour; with no colour added: plain, uncoloured glass
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un.com.fort.able
adj.
1 (of clothes, furniture, etc.) not letting you feel physically comfortable; unpleasant to wear, sit on, etc: uncomfortable shoes  I couldn’t sleep because the bed was so uncomfortable.
OPP COMFORTABLE
2 not feeling physically relaxed, warm, etc: I was sitting in an extremely uncomfortable position.  She still finds it uncomfortable to stand without support.
OPP COMFORTABLE
3 anxious, embarrassed or afraid and unable to relax; making you feel like this: He looked distinctly uncomfortable when the subject was mentioned.  There was an uncomfortable silence.
OPP COMFORTABLE
4 unpleasant or difficult to deal with: an uncomfortable truth / fact  I had the uncomfortable feeling that it was my fault.
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un.com.fort.ably
adv.
1 in a way that makes you feel anxious or embarrassed; in a way that shows you are anxious or embarrassed: I became uncomfortably aware that no one else was laughing.  Her comment was uncomfortably close to the truth.  He shifted uncomfortably in his seat when I mentioned money.
2 in a way that is not physically comfortable: I was feeling uncomfortably hot.  She perched uncomfortably on the edge of the table.
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un.com.mit.ted
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) not having given or promised support to a particular person, group, belief, action, etc: The party needs to canvass the uncommitted voters.—compare COMMITTED
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un.com.mon
adj.
1 not existing in large numbers or in many places
SYN UNUSUAL , RARE : an uncommon occurrence / experience  Side effects from the drug are uncommon.  It is not uncommon for college students to live at home.  Red squirrels are uncommon in England.
OPP COMMON
2 (formal or literary) unusually large in degree or amount; great: She showed uncommon pleasure at his arrival.
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un.com.mon.ly
adv. (formal)
1 to an unusual degree; extremely: an uncommonly gifted child
2 not often; not usually: Not uncommonly, there is a great deal of rain in August.
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un.com.mu.ni.ca.tive
adj. (disapproving) (of a person) not willing to talk to other people or give opinions
OPP COMMUNICATIVE
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un.com.peti.tive
adj. (business ) not cheaper or better than others and therefore not able to compete equally: an uncompetitive industry  uncompetitive prices
OPP COMPETITIVE
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un.com.plain.ing
adj. (approving) not saying that you are unhappy about a difficult or unpleasant situation; not saying that you are in pain
un.com.plain.ing.ly adv.
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un.com.pleted
adj. that has not been finished: an uncompleted building / project / investigation
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un.com.pli.cated
adj. simple; without any difficulty or confusion
SYN STRAIGHTFORWARD : an easygoing, uncomplicated young man  Why can’t I have an uncomplicated life?
OPP COMPLICATED
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un.com.pli.men.tary
adj. rude or insulting: uncomplimentary remarks—compare COMPLIMENTARY
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un.com.pre.hend.ing
adj. (written) (of a person) not understanding a situation or what is happening
un.com.pre.hend.ing.ly adv.: She looked at him uncomprehendingly.
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un.com.prom.is.ing
adj. unwilling to change your opinions or behaviour: an uncompromising attitude  He has a reputation for being tough and uncompromising.
un.com.prom.is.ing.ly adv.
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un.con.cealed
adj. [usually before noun] (of an emotion, etc.) that you do not try to hide
SYN OBVIOUS : unconcealed anxiety / curiosity
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un.con.cern
noun [U] (written) a lack of care, interest or worry about sth that other people would care about: She received the news with apparent unconcern.—compare CONCERN
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un.con.cerned
adj.
1 ~ (about / by sth) not worried or anxious about sth because you feel it does not affect you or is not important: He drove on, apparently unconcerned about the noise the engine was making.
2 ~ (with sb/sth) not interested in sth: Young people are often quite unconcerned with political issues.
OPP CONCERNED
un.con.cern.ed.ly adv.
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un.con.di.tion.al
adj. without any conditions or limits: the unconditional surrender / withdrawal of military forces  unconditional love
OPP CONDITIONAL
un.con.di.tion.al.ly adv.
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un.con.di.tioned
adj. (psychology ) (of behaviour) not trained or influenced by experience; natural: an unconditioned response / stimulus
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un.con.firmed
adj. that has not yet been proved to be true or CONFIRMED : unconfirmed rumours  Unconfirmed reports said that at least six people had been killed.
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un.con.gen.ial
adj. (formal)
1 (of a person) not pleasant or friendly; not like yourself: uncongenial company
2 ~ (to sb) (of a place, job, etc.) not pleasant; not making you feel relaxed; not suitable for your personality: an uncongenial atmosphere  A career in commerce proved uncongenial for him.
3 ~ (to sth) not suitable for sth; not encouraging sth: The religious climate at the time was uncongenial to new ideas.
OPP CONGENIAL
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un.con.nect.ed
adj. ~ (with / to sth) not related or connected in any way: The two crimes are apparently unconnected.  My resignation was totally unconnected with recent events.
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un.con.scion.able
adj. [usually before noun] (formal)
1 (of an action, etc.) so bad, immoral, etc. that it should make you feel ashamed: It would be unconscionable for her to keep the money.
2 (often humorous) too great, large, long, etc.
SYN EXCESSIVE : You take an unconscionable amount of time getting dressed!
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the un.con.scious
noun [sing.] (psychology ) the part of a person’s mind with thoughts, feelings, etc. that they are not aware of and cannot control but which can sometimes be understood by studying their behaviour or dreams—compare SUBCONSCIOUS
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un.con.scious
adj.
1 in a state like sleep because of an injury or illness, and not able to use your senses: She was knocked unconscious.  They found him lying unconscious on the floor.
2 (of feelings, thoughts, etc.) existing or happening without you realizing or being aware; not deliberate or controlled: unconscious desires / feelings / impulses  The brochure is full of unconscious humour.—compare SUBCONSCIOUS
3 ~ of sb/sth not aware of sb/sth; not noticing sth; not conscious
SYN OBLIVIOUS : She is unconscious of the effect she has on people.  He was quite unconscious of the danger.
OPP CONSCIOUS
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un.con.scious.ly
adv. without being aware: Perhaps, unconsciously, I’ve done something to offend her.
OPP CONSCIOUSLY
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un.con.scious.ness
noun [U] a state like sleep caused by injury or illness, when you are unable to use your senses: He had lapsed into unconsciousness.
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un.con.sid.ered
adj. (written) not thought about, or not thought about with enough care: I came to regret my unconsidered remarks.
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un.con.sti.tu.tion.al
adj. not allowed by the CONSTITUTION of a country, a political system or an organization
OPP CONSTITUTIONAL
un.con.sti.tu.tion.al.ly adv.
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un.con.tam.in.ated
adj. not harmed or spoilt by sth (for example, dangerous substances): uncontaminated water / food
OPP CONTAMINATED
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un.con.ten.tious
adj. (formal) not likely to cause disagreement between people: The proposal is relatively uncontentious.
OPP CONTENTIOUS
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un.con.test.ed
adj. without any opposition or argument: an uncontested election / divorce  These claims have not gone uncontested.
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un.con.trol.lable
adj. that you cannot control or prevent: an uncontrollable temper  uncontrollable bleeding  I had an uncontrollable urge to laugh.  The ball was uncontrollable.  He’s an uncontrollable child (= he behaves very badly and cannot be controlled).
un.con.trol.lably adv.: She began shaking uncontrollably.
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un.con.trolled
adj.
1 (of emotions, behaviour, etc.) that sb cannot control or stop: uncontrolled anger / fear  The thoughts rushed into my mind uncontrolled.
2 that is not limited or managed by law or rules: the uncontrolled growth of cities  uncontrolled dumping of toxic wastes—compare CONTROLLED
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un.con.tro.ver.sial
adj. not causing, or not likely to cause, any disagreement: an uncontroversial policy / opinion
OPP CONTROVERSIAL —compare NON-CONTROVERSIAL
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un.con.ven.tion.al
adj. (often approving) not following what is done or considered normal or acceptable by most people; different and interesting: an unconventional artist / teacher  She is known for her unconventional views.
OPP CONVENTIONAL
un.con.ven.tion.al.ity noun [U]
un.con.ven.tion.al.ly adv.
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un.con.vinced
adj. ~ (of sth)| ~ (by sth)| ~ (that … ) not believing or not certain about sth in spite of what you have been told: I remain unconvinced of the need for change.  She seemed unconvinced by their promises.  The jury were unconvinced that he was innocent.
OPP CONVINCED
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un.con.vin.cing
adj. not seeming true or real; not making you believe that sth is true: I find the characters in the book very unconvincing.  His explanation was unconvincing.  She managed a weak, unconvincing smile.
OPP CONVINCING
un.con.vin.cing.ly adv.: He laughed unconvincingly.
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un.cooked
adj. not cooked
SYN RAW : Eat plenty of uncooked fruit and vegetables.  The steak was uncooked in the middle.
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un.cool
adj. (informal) not considered acceptable by fashionable young people
OPP COOL
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un.co.opera.tive
adj. not willing to be helpful to other people or do what they ask: The witness was extremely uncooperative.
OPP COOPERATIVE
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un.co.or.din.ated
adj.
1 if a person is uncoordinated, they are not able to control their movements well, and therefore not very skilful at some sports and physical activities
2 (of movements or parts of the body) not controlled; not moving smoothly or together: uncoordinated limbs / movements
3 (of plans, projects, etc.) not well organized; with no thought for how the different parts work together
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un.cork
verb [vn] to open a bottle by removing the CORK from the top
OPP CORK
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un.cor.rob.or.ated
adj. (of a statement or claim) not supported by any other evidence; not having been CORROBORATED
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un.count.able
adj. (grammar ) a noun that is uncountable cannot be made plural or used with a or an, for example water, bread and information—compare COUNTABLE , COUNTLESS
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un.couple
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to remove the connection between two vehicles, two parts of a train, etc.
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un.couth
adj. (of a person or their behaviour) rude or socially unacceptable
SYN COARSE : uncouth laughter  an uncouth young man
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un.cover
verb [vn]
1 to remove sth that is covering sth: Uncover the pan and let the soup simmer.
2 to discover sth that was previously hidden or secret: Police have uncovered a plot to kidnap the President’s son.
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un.covered
adj. not covered by anything: His head was uncovered.
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un.crit.ic.al
adj. (usually disapproving) not willing to criticize sb/sth or to judge whether sb/sth is right or wrong: an uncritical attitude / view  Her uncritical acceptance of everything I said began to irritate me.
OPP CRITICAL
un.crit.ic.al.ly adv.
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un.crowd.ed
adj. not full of people: Did you manage to find an uncrowded beach?
OPP CROWDED
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un.crowned
adj. (of a king or queen) not yet CROWNED
IDM the ,uncrowned 'king / 'queen (of sth) the person considered to be the best, most famous or successful in a particular place or area of activity
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unc.tu.ous
adj. (formal, disapproving) friendly or giving praise in a way that is not sincere and which is therefore unpleasant: an unctuous host
unc.tu.ous.ly adv.
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un.culti.vated
adj. (of land) not used for growing crops
OPP CULTIVATED
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un.curl
verb ~ (sth / yourself) to become straight, or to make sth become straight, after being in a curled position: [vn] The cat uncurled itself and jumped off the wall.  [v] The snake slowly uncurled.
OPP CURL UP
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uncut
adj.
1 left to grow; not cut short: The uncut grass came up to her waist.
2 (of a book, film / movie, etc.) left in its complete form; without any parts removed; not CENSORED : the original uncut version
3 (of a precious stone) not shaped by cutting: uncut diamonds
4 not cut into separate pieces: an uncut loaf of bread
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un.dam.aged
adj. not damaged or spoilt: There was a slight collision but my car was undamaged.  He emerged from the court case with his reputation undamaged.
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un.dated
adj.
1 without a date written or printed on it: an undated letter
2 of which the date is not known: undated archaeological remains—compare DATED
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un.daunt.ed
adj. [not usually before noun] (written) still enthusiastic and determined, in spite of difficulties or disappointment
SYN UNDETERRED : He seemed undaunted by all the opposition to his idea.
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un.decided
adj. [not usually before noun]
1 ~ (about sb/sth)| ~ (as to sth) not having made a decision about sb/sth: I’m still undecided (about) who to vote for.
2 not having been decided: The venue for the World Cup remains undecided.—compare DECIDED
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un.declared
adj. not admitted to; not stated in an open way; not having been DECLARED : No income should remain undeclared.  Undeclared goods (= that the customs are not told about) may be confiscated.
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un.defeat.ed
adj. (especially in sport) not having lost or been defeated: They are undefeated in 13 games.  the undefeated world champion
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un.defend.ed
adj.
1 not protected or guarded: undefended frontiers
2 if a case in a court of law is undefended, no defence is made against it
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un.defined
adj. not made clear or definite: The money was lent for an undefined period of time.  His power is undefined, and therefore unlimited.
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un.demand.ing
adj.
1 not needing a lot of effort or thought: an undemanding job
2 (of a person) not asking for a lot of attention or action from other people: She was a pleasant and undemanding companion.
OPP DEMANDING
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un.demo.crat.ic
adj. against or not acting according to the principles of DEMOCRACY : undemocratic decisions  an undemocratic regime
OPP DEMOCRATIC
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un.demon.stra.tive
adj. not showing feelings openly, especially feelings of affection
OPP DEMONSTRATIVE
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un.deni.able
adj. true or certain; that cannot be DENIED
SYN INDISPUTABLE : undeniable achievements / charm / attractions  It is an undeniable fact that drug-related crime is increasing.
un.deni.ably adv.: undeniably beautiful / impressive
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under
prep., adv., adj.
prep.
1 in, to or through a position that is below sth: Have you looked under the bed?  She placed the ladder under (= just lower than) the window.  The dog squeezed under the gate and ran into the road.
2 below the surface of sth; covered by sth: The boat lay under several feet of water.
3 less than; younger than: an annual income of under £10 000  It took us under an hour.  Nobody under 18 is allowed to buy alcohol.
4 used to say who or what controls, governs or manages sb/sth: The country is now under martial law.  The coinage was reformed under Elizabeth I (= when she was queen).  She has a staff of 19 working under her.  Under its new conductor, the orchestra has established an international reputation.
5 according to an agreement, a law or a system: Six suspects are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.  Under the terms of the lease you had no right to sublet the property.  Is the television still under guarantee?
6 experiencing a particular process: The hotel is still under construction.  The matter is under investigation.
7 affected by sth: The wall collapsed under the strain.  I’ve been feeling under stress lately.  I’m under no illusions about what hard work this will be.  You’ll be under anaesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing.
8 using a particular name: She also writes under the pseudonym of Barbara Vine.
9 found in a particular part of a book, list, etc: If it’s not under ‘sports’, try looking under ‘games’.

adv.
1 below sth: He pulled up the covers and crawled under.
2 below the surface of water: She took a deep breath and stayed under for more than a minute.  The boat was going under fast.
3 less; younger: prices of ten dollars and under  children aged 12 and under
4 in or into an unconscious state: He felt himself going under.

adj. [only before noun] lower; underneath: the under layer  the under surface of a leaf

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under-
prefix
1 (in nouns and adjectives) below; BENEATH : undergrowth  undercover
2 (in nouns) lower in age or rank: the under-fives  an undergraduate
3 (in adjectives and verbs) not enough: underripe  undercooked
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under.achieve
verb [v] to do less well than you could do, especially in school work
under.achieve.ment noun [U]
under.achiever noun
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,under 'age
adj.  AGE : under-age drinking
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under.arm
adj., adv.
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with a person’s ARMPIT : underarm hair / deodorant / sweating
2 an underarm throw of a ball is done with the hand kept below the level of the shoulder—compare OVERARM

adv. if you throw, etc. underarm, you throw keeping your hand below the level of your shoulder—compare OVERARM

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under.belly
noun [sing.]
1 the weakest part of sth that is most easily attacked: The trade deficit remains the soft underbelly of the US economy.
2 the underneath part of an animal: (figurative) He became familiar with the dark underbelly of life in the city (= the parts that are usually hidden).
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under.bid
verb (under.bid.ding, under.bid, under.bid) [vn] to make a lower BID than sb else, for example when trying to win a contract
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under.brush
noun [U] (AmE ) = UNDERGROWTH
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under.car.riage
(also 'landing gear) noun the part of an aircraft, including the wheels, that supports it when it is landing and taking off—picture at PLANE
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under.charge
verb [v, vn] ~ (sb) (for sth) to charge too little for sth, usually by mistake
OPP OVERCHARGE
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under.class
noun [sing.] a social class that is very poor and has no status: The long-term unemployed are becoming a new underclass.
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under.class.man, under.class.woman
noun (pl.-men ) (pl.-women ) (AmE ) a student in the first or second year of high school or college—compare UPPERCLASSMAN
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under.clothes
noun [pl.] (also under.cloth.ing [U]) (formal) = UNDERWEAR
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under.coat
noun [C, U] a layer of paint under the final layer; the paint used for making this: Apply the undercoat first.—compare TOPCOAT
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under.cover
adj. [usually before noun] working or done secretly in order to find out information for the police, a government, etc: an undercover agent / officer  an undercover operation / investigation
under.cover adv.: The illegal payments were discovered by a journalist working undercover.
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under.cur.rent
noun ~ (of sth) a feeling, especially a negative one, that is hidden but whose effects are felt: I detect an undercurrent of resentment towards the new proposals.  Racial hatred has been a powerful undercurrent in the country’s history.
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under.cut
verb, noun
verb (under.cut.ting, under.cut, under.cut) [vn]
1 to sell goods or services at a lower price than your competitors: to undercut sb’s prices  We were able to undercut our European rivals by 5%.
2 to make sth weaker or less likely to be effective
SYN UNDERMINE : Some members of the board were trying to undercut the chairman’s authority.

noun a way of cutting sb’s hair in which the hair is left quite long on top but the hair on the lower part of the head is cut much shorter—picture at HAIR

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under.devel.oped
adj. (of a country, society, etc.) having few industries and a low standard of living—compare DEVELOPED , DEVELOPING , UNDEVELOPED
HELP ‘A developing country’ is now the usual expression used.
under.devel.op.ment noun [U]
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under.dog
noun a person, team, country, etc. that is thought to be in a weaker position than others and therefore not likely to be successful, win a competition, etc: Before the game we were definitely the underdogs.  In politics, he was a champion of the underdog (= always fought for the rights of weaker people).
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under.done
adj. not completely cooked—compare WELL DONE , OVERDONE
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under.employed
adj. not having enough work to do; not having work that makes full use of your skills and abilities
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under.esti.mate
verb, noun
verb
1 to think or guess that the amount, cost or size of sth is smaller than it really is: [vn] to underestimate the cost / difficulty / danger of the expedition  We underestimated the time it would take to get there. [alsov wh-]
2 [vn] to not realize how good, strong, determined, etc. sb really is: Never underestimate your opponent.
OPP OVERESTIMATE —compare UNDERRATE

noun (also under.esti.ma.tion [C, U]) an estimate about the size, cost, etc. of sth that is too low: My guess of 400 proved to be a serious underestimate.

OPP OVERESTIMATE
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under.expose
verb [vn] [usually passive] to allow too little light to reach the film when you take a photograph
OPP OVEREXPOSE
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under.fed
adj. having had too little food to eat: underfed children / animals
OPP OVERFED
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under.floor
adj. [only before noun] situated underneath the floor: underfloor heating
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under.foot
adv. under your feet; on the ground where you are walking: The ground was dry and firm underfoot.  I was nearly trampled underfoot by the crowd of people rushing for the door.
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under.fund.ed
adj. (of an organization, a project, etc.) not having enough money to spend, with the result that it cannot function well: seriously / chronically underfunded
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under.gar.ment
noun (old-fashioned or formal) a piece of underwear
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under.go
verb (under.went under.gone ) [vn] to experience sth, especially a change or sth unpleasant: to undergo tests / trials / repairs  My mother underwent major surgery last year.  Some children undergo a complete transformation when they become teenagers.
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under.gradu.ate
noun a university or college student who is studying for their first degree: a first-year undergraduate  an undergraduate course / student / degree  note at STUDENT
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under.ground
adj., adv., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 under the surface of the ground: underground passages / caves / streams  underground cables—compare OVERGROUND
2 operating secretly and often illegally, especially against a government: an underground resistance movement

adv.
1 under the surface of the ground: Rescuers found victims trapped several feet underground.  toxic waste buried deep underground
2 in or into a secret place in order to hide from the police, the government, etc: He went underground to avoid arrest.

noun
1 (often the Underground) (BrE) (AmE sub.way) [sing.] an underground railway/railroad system in a city: underground stations  the London Underground  I always travel by underground.—compare METRO , TUBE
2 (the underground) [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a secret political organization, usually working against the government of a country

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under.growth
(BrE ) (AmE under.brush) noun [U] a mass of bushes and plants that grow close together under trees in woods and forests: They used their knives to clear a path through the dense undergrowth.  The murder weapon was found concealed in undergrowth.
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under.hand
(also less frequent under.hand.ed ) adj. (disapproving) secret and dishonest: I would never have expected her to behave in such an underhand way.
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under.lay
noun [U, C] a layer of thick material placed under a carpet to protect it
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under.lie
verb (under.lying, under.lay under.lain ) [vn] [no passive] (formal) to be the basis or cause of sth: These ideas underlie much of his work.  It is a principle that underlies all the party’s policies.—see also UNDERLYING
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under.line
(also under.score especially in AmE) verb
1 [vn] to draw a line under a word, sentence, etc.
2 to emphasize or show that sth is important or true: [vn] The report underlines the importance of pre-school education.  [v wh-] Her question underlined how little she understood him. [alsov that]
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under.ling
noun (disapproving) a person with a lower rank or status
SYN MINION : He dishes out orders to his underlings.
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under.lying
adj. [only before noun]
1 important in a situation but not always easily noticed or stated clearly: The underlying assumption is that the amount of money available is limited.  Unemployment may be an underlying cause of the rising crime rate.
2 existing under the surface of sth else: the underlying rock formation—see also UNDERLIE
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under.manned
adj. (of a hospital, factory, etc.) not having enough people working in order to be able to function well
SYN UNDERSTAFFED
OPP OVERMANNED
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under.mine
verb [vn]
1 to make sth, especially sb’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective: Our confidence in the team has been seriously undermined by their recent defeats.  This crisis has undermined his position.
2 to make sth weaker at the base, for example by digging under it
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under.neath
prep., adv., noun
prep., adv.
1 under or below sth else, especially when it is hidden or covered by the thing on top: The coin rolled underneath the piano.  This jacket’s too big, even with a sweater underneath.
2 used to talk about sb’s real feelings or character, as opposed to the way they seem to be: Underneath her cool exterior she was really very frightened.  He seems bad-tempered, but he’s very soft-hearted underneath.  note at UNDER

noun (the underneath) [sing.] the lower surface or part of sth: She pulled the drawer out and examined the underneath carefully.

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under.nour.ished
adj. in bad health because of a lack of food or a lack of the right type of food
SYN MALNOURISHED : severely undernourished children
under.nour.ish.ment noun [U]
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under.paid
adj. not paid enough for the work you do
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under.pants
noun [pl.]
1 (also informal pants) (BrE) a piece of men’s underwear worn under their trousers/pants
2 (AmE) a piece of underwear worn by men or women under trousers/pants, a skirt, etc.
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under.pass
noun a road or path that goes under another road or railway/railroad track—compare OVERPASS
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under.pay
verb (under.paid, under.paid ) [vn] [usually passive] to pay sb too little money, especially for their work: Nurses complain of being overworked and underpaid .
OPP OVERPAY
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under.pin
verb (-nn-) [vn]
1 (written) to support or form the basis of an argument, a claim, etc: The report is underpinned by extensive research.  Certain qualities and values underpin good journalism.
2 (technical) to support a wall by putting metal, CONCRETE , etc. under it
under.pin.ning noun [C, U]
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under.play
verb [vn] (written, especially BrE ) to make sth seem less important than it really is
SYN PLAY DOWN , DOWNPLAY
OPP OVERPLAY
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under.priv.il.eged
adj.
1 [usually before noun] having less money and fewer opportunities than most people in society
SYN DISADVANTAGED : underprivileged sections of the community  educationally / socially underprivileged groups—compare PRIVILEGED
2 (the underprivileged) noun [pl.] people who are underprivileged
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under.rate
verb [vn] to not recognize how good, important, etc. sb/sth really is: He’s seriously underrated as a writer.  an underrated movie—compare OVERRATE , UNDERESTIMATE
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under.score
verb (especially AmE ) = UNDERLINE
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under.sea
adj. [only before noun] found, used or happening below the surface of the sea: undersea cables / earthquakes
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under.sec.re.tary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 (in Britain) a senior CIVIL SERVANT in charge of one part of a government department—compare PERMANENT UNDERSECRETARY
2 (in Britain) a junior minister who reports to the minister in charge of a government department
3 (in the US) an official of high rank in a government department, directly below a member of a CABINET : an undersecretary of State for inter-American affairs
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under.sell
verb (un.der.sold, un.der.sold ) [vn]
1 to sell goods or services at a lower price than your competitors
2 to sell sth at a price lower than its real value
3 to make people think that sth is not as good or as interesting as it really is: Don’t undersell yourself at the interview.
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under.shirt
noun (AmE ) = VEST (1)
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under.side
noun the side or surface of sth that is underneath
SYN BOTTOM
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the under.signed
noun (pl.the under.signed) (formal) the person who has signed that particular document: We, the undersigned, agree to …
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under.sized
adj. not as big as normal
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under.sold
pt, pp of UNDERSELL
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under.staffed
adj. [not usually before noun] not having enough people working and therefore not able to function well
SYN UNDERMANNED
OPP OVERSTAFFED
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under.stand
verb (under.stood, under.stood ) (not used in the progressive tenses)
MEANING|
1 to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, what sb says, etc: [vn] Can you understand French?  Do you understand the instructions?  She didn’t understand the form she was signing.  [v] I’m not sure that I understand. Go over it again.   (figurative) I don’t want you doing that again. Do you understand?  [v wh-] I don’t understand what he’s saying.
HOW STH WORKS / HAPPENS|
2 to know or realize how or why sth happens, how it works or why it is important: [vn] Doctors still don’t understand much about the disease.  No one is answering the phone—I can’t understand it.  [v wh-] I could never understand why she was fired.  [vn -ing] I just can’t understand him taking the money.   (formal) I just can’t understand his taking the money. [alsov that, v]
KNOW SB|
3 to know sb’s character, how they feel and why they behave in the way they do: [vn] Nobody understands me.  He doesn’t understand women at all.  [v wh-] They understand what I have been through.  [v that] I quite understand that you need some time alone.  [vn -ing] I quite understand you needing some time alone.  [v] If you want to leave early, I’m sure he’ll understand.
THINK / BELIEVE|
4 (formal) to think or believe that sth is true because you have been told that it is: [v (that)] I understand (that) you wish to see the manager.  Am I to understand that you refuse?  [vn to inf] The Prime Minister is understood to have been extremely angry about the report.  [vn that] It is understood that the band are working on their next album.
BE AGREED|
5 [vn (that)] [usually passive] to agree sth with sb without it needing to be said: I thought it was understood that my expenses would be paid.
MISSING WORD|
6 [vn] [usually passive] to realize that a word in a phrase or sentence is not expressed and to supply it in your mind: In the sentence ‘I can’t drive’, the object ‘a car’ is understood. ,make yourself under'stood to make your meaning clear, especially in another language: He doesn’t speak much Japanese but he can make himself understood.—more at GIVE v.
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under.stand.able
adj.
1 (of behaviour, feelings, reactions, etc.) seeming normal and reasonable in a particular situation
SYN NATURAL : an understandable concern / fear / temptation  Their attitude is perfectly understandable.  It was an understandable mistake to make.
2 (of language, documents, etc.) easy to understand
SYN COMPREHENSIBLE : Warning notices must be readily understandable.
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under.stand.ably
adv. in a way that seems normal and reasonable in a particular situation: They were understandably disappointed with the result.
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under.stand.ing
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the knowledge that sb has about a particular subject or situation: The committee has little or no understanding of the problem.  The existence of God is beyond human understanding (= humans cannot know whether God exists or not).
2 [C, usually sing.] an informal agreement: We finally came to an understanding about what hours we would work.  We have this understanding that nobody talks about work over lunch.
3 [U, sing.] the ability to understand why people behave in a particular way and the willingness to forgive them when they do sth wrong: We must tackle the problem with sympathy and understanding.  We are looking for a better understanding between the two nations.
4 [U, C] ~ (of sth) the particular way in which sb understands sth
SYN INTERPRETATION : My understanding of the situation is …  The statement is open to various understandings.
IDM on the understanding that … (formal) used to introduce a condition that must be agreed before sth else can happen: They agreed to the changes on the understanding that they would be introduced gradually.

adj. showing sympathy for other people’s problems and being willing to forgive them when they do sth wrong
SYN SYMPATHETIC : She has very understanding parents.

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under.state
verb [vn] to state that sth is smaller, less important or less serious than it really is: It would be a mistake to understate the seriousness of the problem.  The figures probably understate the real unemployment rate.
OPP OVERSTATE
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under.stated
adj. (approving) if a style, colour, etc. is understated, it is pleasing and elegant in a way that is not too obvious
SYN SUBTLE
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under.state.ment
noun
1 [C] a statement that makes sth seem less important, impressive, serious, etc. than it really is: To say we were pleased is an understatement (= we were extremely pleased).  ‘These figures are a bit disappointing.’‘That’s got to be the understatement of the year .’
2 [U] the practice of making things seem less impressive, important, serious, etc. than they really are: typical English understatement  He always goes for subtlety and understatement in his movies.
OPP OVERSTATEMENT
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under.study
noun, verb
noun (pl.-ies) ~ (to sb) an actor who learns the part of another actor in a play so that they can play that part if necessary

verb (under.stud.ies, under.study.ing, under.stud.ied, under.stud.ied) [vn] to learn a part in a play as an understudy ; to act as an understudy to sb

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under.take
verb (under.took under.taken ) (formal)
1 [vn] to make yourself responsible for sth and start doing it: to undertake a task / project  University professors both teach and undertake research.  The company has announced that it will undertake a full investigation into the accident.
2 to agree or promise that you will do sth: [v to inf] He undertook to finish the job by Friday. [alsov that]
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under.taker
(also 'funeral director) (AmE also mor.ti.cian) noun a person whose job is to prepare dead people to be buried or CREMATED , and to arrange funerals
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under.tak.ing
noun
1 [C] a task or project, especially one that is important and/or difficult
SYN VENTURE : He is interested in buying the club as a commercial undertaking.  In those days, the trip across country was a dangerous undertaking.
2 [C] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) (formal) an agreement or a promise to do sth: a government undertaking to spend more on education  The landlord gave a written undertaking that repairs would be carried out before the end of the month.
3 [U] the business of an undertaker
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,under-the-'counter
adj. (informal) illegal: under-the-counter payments / deals
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under.tone
noun ~ (of sth) a feeling, quality or meaning that is not expressed directly but is still noticeable from what sb says or does: His soft words contained an undertone of warning.  The play does not have the political undertones of the novel.—compare OVERTONE
IDM in an 'undertone | in 'undertones in a quiet voice: ‘I must leave now,’ he said in an undertone.
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under.tow
noun [usually sing.]
1 a current in the sea or ocean that moves in the opposite direction to the water near the surface: The children were carried out to sea by the strong undertow.
2 ~ (of sth) a feeling or quality that influences people in a particular situation even though they are not really aware of it
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under.used
(also formal under.util.ized) adj. not used as much as it could or should be: The airport is currently grossly underused.
under.use (also formal under.util.iza.tion) noun [U]
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under.util.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (formal) = UNDERUSED
under.util.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U] = UNDERUSE
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under.value
verb [vn] [usually passive] to not recognize how good, valuable or important sb/sth really is: Education is currently undervalued in this country.  He believes his house has been undervalued.
OPP OVERVALUE
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under.water
adj. [only before noun] found, used or happening below the surface of water: underwater creatures  an underwater camera  police underwater divers
under.water adv.: Take a deep breath and see how long you can stay underwater.
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under.way
adj. [not before noun]
IDM be underway = BE UNDER WAY at WAY
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under.wear
noun [U] (also formal under.clothes [pl.] under.cloth.ing [U]) clothes that you wear under other clothes and next to the skin: She packed one change of underwear.
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under.weight
adj. (especially of a person) weighing less than the normal or expected weight: The baby was dangerously underweight at birth.  She is a few pounds underweight for (= in relation to) her height.
OPP OVERWEIGHT
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under.went
pt of UNDERGO
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under.whelmed
adj. (informal, humorous) not impressed with or excited about sth at all: We were distinctly underwhelmed by the director’s speech.—compare OVERWHELMED
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under.whelm.ing
adj. (informal, humorous) not impressing or exciting you at all: the contrast between his overwhelming guitar-playing and his underwhelming singing
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under.world
noun [sing.]
1 the people and activities involved in crime in a particular place: the criminal underworld  the Glasgow underworld
2 (the underworld) (in myths and legends, for example those of Ancient Greece) the place under the earth where people are believed to go when they die
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under.write
verb (under.wrote under.writ.ten ) [vn] (technical )
1 to accept financial responsibility for an activity so that you will pay for special costs or for losses it may make
2 to accept responsibility for an insurance policy so that you will pay money in case loss or damage happens
3 to agree to buy shares that are not bought by the public when new shares are offered for sale
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under.writer
noun
1 a person or organization that underwrites insurance policies, especially for ships
2 a person whose job is to estimate the risks involved in a particular activity and decide how much sb must pay for insurance
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un.deserved
adj. that sb does not deserve and therefore unfair: The criticism was totally undeserved.  an undeserved success / victory
un.deserved.ly adv.
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un.deserv.ing
adj. ~ (of sth) (formal) not deserving to have or receive sth: He was undeserving of her affections.  the undeserving victim of a conspiracy
OPP DESERVING
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un.desir.able
adj., noun
adj. not wanted or approved of; likely to cause trouble or problems: undesirable behaviour / consequences / effects  It would be highly undesirable to increase class sizes further.
OPP DESIRABLE
un.desir.ably adv.

noun [usually pl.] a person who is not wanted in a particular place, especially because they are considered dangerous or criminal: He’s been mixing with drug addicts and other undesirables.

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un.detect.able
adj. impossible to see or find: The sound is virtually undetectable to the human ear.
OPP DETECTABLE
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un.detect.ed
adj. not noticed by anyone: How could anyone break into the palace undetected?  The disease often remains undetected for many years.
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un.deterred
adj. if sb is undeterred by sth, they do not allow it to stop them from doing sth
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un.devel.oped
adj.
1 (of land) not used for farming, industry, building, etc.
2 (of a country) not having modern industries, and with a low standard of living
3 not grown to full size: undeveloped buds / limbs—compare UNDERDEVELOPED
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un.did
pt of UNDO
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un.dies
noun [pl.] (informal) underwear
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un.dif.fer.en.ti.ated
adj. having parts that you cannot distinguish between; not split into different parts or sections: a view of society as an undifferentiated whole  an undifferentiated target audience
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un.dig.ni.fied
adj. causing you to look silly and to lose the respect of other people: There was an undignified scramble for the best seats.
OPP DIGNIFIED
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un.diluted
adj.
1 (of a liquid) not made weaker by having water added to it; not having been DILUTED
2 (of a feeling or quality) not mixed or combined with anything and therefore very strong: I looked back on that time with undiluted pleasure.
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un.dimin.ished
adj. that has not become smaller or weaker: They continued with undiminished enthusiasm.  Her influence in the company remained undiminished.
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un.dis.charged
adj. (law ) an undischargedBANKRUPT is a person who has been officially stated to be bankrupt by a court of law but who still has to pay his or her debts
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un.dis.cip.lined
adj. lacking control and organization; behaving badly
OPP DISCIPLINED
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un.dis.closed
adj. not made known or told to anyone; not having been DISCLOSED : He was paid an undisclosed sum.
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un.dis.cov.ered
adj. that has not been found or noticed; that has not been DISCOVERED : a previously undiscovered talent
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un.dis.guised
adj. (especially of a feeling) that you do not try to hide from other people; not DISGUISED : a look of undisguised admiration
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un.dis.mayed
adj. [not before noun] (formal) not worried or frightened by sth unpleasant or unexpected
SYN UNDAUNTED
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un.dis.puted
adj.
1 that cannot be questioned or proved to be false; that cannot be DISPUTED
SYN IRREFUTABLE : undisputed facts / evidence
2 that everyone accepts or recognizes: the undisputed champion of the world
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un.dis.tin.guished
adj. not very interesting, successful or attractive: an undistinguished career
OPP DISTINGUISHED
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un.dis.turbed
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] not moved or touched by anyone or anything
SYN UNTOUCHED : The treasure had lain undisturbed for centuries.
2 not interrupted by anyone
SYN UNINTERRUPTED : She succeeded in working undisturbed for a few hours.
3 [not usually before noun] ~ (by sth) not affected or upset by sth
SYN UNCONCERNED : He seemed undisturbed by the news of her death.—compare DISTURBED
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un.div.ided
adj.
1 not split into smaller parts; not divided: an undivided Church
2 [usually before noun] total; complete; not divided: undivided love / loyalty / concentration  You must be prepared to give the job your undivided attention .
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undo
verb (un.does un.did un.done ) [vn]
1 to open sth that is fastened, tied or wrapped: to undo a button / knot / zip  to undo a jacket / shirt / bag  I undid the package and took out the books.
OPP DO UP
2 to cancel the effect of sth: He undid most of the good work of the previous manager.  It’s not too late to try and undo some of the damage.  UNDO (= an editing command on a computer that cancels the previous action)
3 [usually passive] (formal) to make sb/sth fail: The team was undone by the speed and strength of their opponents.
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un.do.ing
noun [sing.] the reason why sb fails at sth or is unsuccessful in life
SYN DOWNFALL : That one mistake was his undoing.
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un.done
adj. [not usually before noun]
1 (especially of clothing) not fastened or tied: Her blouse had come undone .
2 (especially of work) not finished: Most of the work had been left undone.
3 (old use) (of a person) defeated and without any hope for the future
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un.doubt.ed
adj. [usually before noun] used to emphasize that sth exists or is definitely true: undoubted difficulties / problems  She has an undoubted talent as an organizer.
un.doubt.ed.ly adv.: There is undoubtedly a great deal of truth in what he says.
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undreamed-of
(also undreamt-of especially in BrE) adj. much more or much better than you thought was possible: undreamed-of happiness / success
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un.dress
verb, noun
verb to take off your clothes; to remove sb else’s clothes: [v] She undressed and got into bed.  He got undressed in a small cubicle next to the pool.  [vn] to undress a child / doll
OPP DRESS

noun [U] (formal) the fact of sb wearing no, or few, clothes: He appeared at the window in a state of undress .

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un.dressed
adj. [not usually before noun] not wearing any clothes: She began to get undressed (= remove her clothes).
OPP DRESSED
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undue
adj. [only before noun] (formal) more than you think is reasonable or necessary
SYN EXCESSIVE : They are taking undue advantage of the situation.  The work should be carried out without undue delay.  We did not want to put any undue pressure on them.—compare DUE adj. (6)
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un.du.late
verb [v] (written) to go or move gently up and down like waves: The countryside undulates pleasantly.
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un.du.la.tion
noun [C, U] a smooth curving shape or movement like a series of waves
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un.duly
adv. (formal) more than you think is reasonable or necessary
SYN EXCESSIVELY : He did not sound unduly worried at the prospect.  The levels of pollution in this area are unduly high.  The thought did not disturb her unduly.—compare DULY
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un.dying
adj. [only before noun] lasting for ever: undying love / support / gratitude
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un.earned
adj. [U] used to describe money that you receive but do not earn by working: Declare all unearned income .
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un.earth
verb [vn]
1 to find sth in the ground by digging
SYN DIG UP : to unearth buried treasures
2 to find or discover sth by chance or after searching for it
SYN DIG UP : I unearthed my old diaries when we moved house.  The newspaper has unearthed some disturbing facts.
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un.earth.ly
adj. [usually before noun] very strange; not natural and therefore frightening: an unearthly cry / yell  an unearthly light / sight
IDM at an unearthly 'hour (informal) very early, especially when this is annoying: The job involved getting up at some unearthly hour to catch the first train.
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un.ease
(also un.easi.ness ) noun [U, sing.] the feeling of being worried or unhappy about sth: a deep feeling / sense of unease  There was a growing unease about their involvement in the war.  He was unable to hide his unease at the way the situation was developing.
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un.easy
adj.
1 ~ (about sth / about doing sth) feeling worried or unhappy about a particular situation, especially because you think that sth bad or unpleasant may happen or because you are not sure that what you are doing is right: an uneasy laugh / smile  He was beginning to feel distinctly uneasy about their visit.  She felt uneasy about leaving the children with them.
OPP EASY
2 not certain to last; not safe or settled: an uneasy alliance / truce / peace / relationship  The two sides eventually reached an uneasy compromise.
3 that does not enable you to relax or feel comfortable: She woke from an uneasy sleep to find the house empty.
4 used to describe a mixture of two things, feelings, etc. that do not go well together: an uneasy mix of humour and violence  Old farmhouses and new villas stood together in uneasy proximity.
un.eas.ily adv.: I wondered uneasily what he was thinking.  She shifted uneasily in her chair.  His socialist views sit uneasily with his huge fortune.
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un.eat.able
adj. (of food) not good enough to be eaten—see also INEDIBLE
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un.eat.en
adj. (written) not eaten: Bill put the uneaten food away.
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un.eco.nom.ic
adj.
1 (of a business, factory, etc.) not making a profit
SYN UNPROFITABLE : uneconomic farms / industries
OPP ECONOMIC
2 = UNECONOMICAL
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un.eco.nom.ic.al
(also un.eco.nom.ic) adj. ~ (to do sth) using too much time or money, or too many materials, and therefore not likely to make a profit: It soon proved uneconomical to stay open 24 hours a day.
OPP ECONOMICAL
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un.edify.ing
adj. (formal, especially BrE ) unpleasant in a way that makes you feel disapproval: the unedifying sight of the two party leaders screeching at each other—compare EDIFYING
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un.edu.cated
adj. having had little or no formal education at a school; showing a lack of education: an uneducated workforce  an uneducated point of view—compare EDUCATED
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un.emo.tion.al
adj. not showing your feelings: an unemotional speech / voice  She seemed very cool and unemotional.
OPP EMOTIONAL
un.emo.tion.al.ly adv.
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un.employ.able
adj. lacking the skills or qualities that you need to get a job
OPP EMPLOYABLE
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un.employed
adj. without a job although able to work: How long have you been unemployed?  an unemployed builder / teacher
the un.employed noun [pl.]: a programme to get the long-term unemployed back to work  I’ve joined the ranks of the unemployed (= I’ve lost my job).
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un.employ.ment
noun [U]
1 the fact of a number of people not having a job; the number of people without a job: an area of high unemployment  rising / falling rates of unemployment  measures to help reduce / tackle unemployment
2 the state of not having a job: Thousands of young people are facing long-term unemployment.—compare EMPLOYMENT
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unem'ployment benefit
(BrE ) (AmE unem,ployment compen'sation) noun [U] (also unem'ployment benefits [pl.]) money paid by the government to sb who is unemployed: people on (= receiving) unemployment benefit  Applications for unemployment benefits dropped last month.
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un.end.ing
adj. seeming to last for ever: a seemingly unending supply of money
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un.en.dur.able
adj. (formal) too bad, unpleasant, etc. to bear: unendurable heat / noise / pain
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un.envi.able
adj. [usually before noun] difficult or unpleasant; that you would not want to have: She was given the unenviable task of informing the losers.
OPP ENVIABLE
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un.equal
adj.
1 [usually before noun] in which people are treated differently or have different advantages in a way that seems unfair: an unequal distribution of power / wealth  an unequal contest / relationship
2 ~ (in sth) different in size, amount, etc: The sleeves are unequal in length.  The rooms upstairs are of unequal size.
3 ~ to sth (formal) not capable of doing sth: She suddenly felt unequal to the task she had set herself.
OPP EQUAL
un.equal.ly adv.
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un.equalled
(BrE ) (AmEun.equaled) adj. better than all others
SYN UNPARALLELED : an unequalled record of success
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un.equivo.cal
adj. (formal) expressing your opinion or intention very clearly and firmly: an unequivocal answer / rejection / warning  The answer was an unequivocal ‘no’.
OPP EQUIVOCAL
un.equivo.cal.ly adv.
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un.err.ing
adj. always right or accurate: She had an unerring instinct for a good business deal.
un.err.ing.ly adv.
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UNESCO
(also Unesco) abbr. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
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un.eth.ic.al
adj. not morally acceptable: unethical behaviour / conduct
OPP ETHICAL
un.eth.ic.al.ly adv.
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un.even
adj.
1 not level, smooth or flat: an uneven path / wall  The floor felt uneven under his feet.
OPP EVEN
2 not following a regular pattern; not having a regular size and shape
SYN IRREGULAR : Her breathing was quick and uneven.  uneven teeth
OPP EVEN
3 not having the same quality in all parts: an uneven performance (= with some good parts and some bad parts)
4 (of a contest or match) in which one group, team or player is much better than the other
SYN UNEQUAL
OPP EVEN
5 organized in a way that is not regular and/or fair
SYN UNEQUAL : an uneven distribution of resources
OPP EVEN
un.even.ly adv.
un.even.ness noun [U]
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un.event.ful
adj. in which nothing interesting, unusual or exciting happens: an uneventful career / life / weekend
OPP EVENTFUL
un.event.ful.ly adv.: The day passed uneventfully.
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un.ex.cep.tion.able
adj.
1 (formal) not giving any reason for criticism: a man of unexceptionable character
2 (informal) not very new or exciting
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un.ex.cep.tion.al
adj. not interesting or unusual
SYN UNREMARKABLE —compare EXCEPTIONAL
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un.ex.cit.ing
adj. dull; boring
OPP EXCITING
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un.ex.pect.ed
adj. if sth is unexpected, it surprises you because you were not expecting it: an unexpected development / result / visitor  The announcement was not entirely unexpected.
the unexpected noun [sing.]: Police officers must be prepared for the unexpected.
un.ex.pec.ted.ly adv.: They had arrived unexpectedly.  an unexpectedly large bill  The plane was unexpectedly delayed.
un.ex.pect.ed.ness noun [U] —compare EXPECT
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un.ex.pired
adj. [usually before noun] (of an agreement or a period of time) still valid; not yet having come to an end or EXPIRED
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un.ex.plained
adj. for which the reason or cause is not known; that has not been explained: an unexplained mystery  He died in unexplained circumstances.
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un.ex.ploded
adj. [only before noun] (of a bomb, etc.) that has not yet exploded
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un.ex.plored
adj.
1 (of a country or an area of land) that nobody has investigated or put on a map; that has not been EXPLORED
2 (of an idea, a theory, etc.) that has not yet been examined or discussed thoroughly
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un.ex.pressed
adj. (of a thought, a feeling or an idea) not shown or made known in words, looks or actions; not expressed
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un.fail.ing
adj. that you can rely on to always be there and always be the same
SYN UNERRING : unfailing devotion / support  She fought the disease with unfailing good humour.
un.fail.ing.ly adv.: unfailingly loyal / polite
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un.fair
adj. ~ (on / to sb) not right or fair according to a set of rules or principles; not treating people equally
SYN UNJUST : unfair criticism / treatment  It seems unfair on him to make him pay for everything.  It would be unfair not to let you have a choice.  They had been given an unfair advantage.  unfair dismissal (= a situation in which sb is illegally dismissed from their job)  measures to prevent unfair competition between member countries  Life seems so unfair sometimes.  It’s so unfair!
OPP FAIR
un.fair.ly adv.: She claims to have been unfairly dismissed.  The tests discriminate unfairly against older people.
un.fair.ness noun [U]
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un.faith.ful
adj. ~ (to sb) having sex with sb who is not your husband, wife or usual partner: Have you ever been unfaithful to him?
OPP FAITHFUL
un.faith.ful.ness noun [U]
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un.famil.iar
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) that you do not know or recognize: an unfamiliar feeling / place / sound  Please highlight any terms that are unfamiliar to you.
2 ~ with sth not having any knowledge or experience of sth: an introductory course for students who are unfamiliar with computers
OPP FAMILIAR
un.famili.ar.ity noun [U]
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un.fash.ion.able
adj. not popular or fashionable at a particular time: They live in an unfashionable part of London.  unfashionable ideas / attitudes
OPP FASHIONABLE
un.fash.ion.ably adv.: a man with unfashionably long hair
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un.fas.ten
verb [vn] to undo sth that is fastened: to unfasten a belt / button / chain / lock
OPP FASTEN
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un.fath.om.able
adj. (formal)
1 too strange or difficult to be understood: an unfathomable mystery
2 if sb has an unfathomable expression, it is impossible to know what they are thinking
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un.favour.able
(BrE ) (AmEun.favor.able) adj.
1 ~ (for / to sth) (of conditions, situations, etc.) not good and likely to cause problems or make sth more difficult: The conditions were unfavourable for intensive agricultural production.  an unfavourable exchange rate
2 showing that you do not approve of or like sb/sth: an unfavourable attitude / comment  The documentary presents him in a very unfavourable light .  an unfavourable comparison (= one that makes one thing seem much worse than another)
OPP FAVOURABLE
un.favour.ably (BrE) (AmEun.favor.ably) adv.: In this respect, Britain compares unfavourably with other European countries.
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un.fazed
adj. (informal) not worried or surprised by sth unexpected that happens: She was totally unfazed by the news.
OPP FAZED
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un.feas.ible
adj. not possible to do or achieve: The teachers' demands were economically unfeasible.
OPP FEASIBLE
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un.feel.ing
adj. not showing care or sympathy for other people
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un.feigned
adj. (written) real and sincere
SYN GENUINE : He looked at her with unfeigned admiration.
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un.fenced
adj. (of a road or piece of land) without fences beside or around it
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un.fet.tered
adj. (formal) not controlled or restricted: an unfettered free market  unfettered by regulations / restrictions
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un.filled
adj.
1 if a job or position is unfilled, nobody has been chosen for it
2 if a pause in a conversation is unfilled, nobody speaks
3 an unfilled cake has nothing inside it
4 (especially AmE) if an order for goods is unfilled, the goods have not been supplied
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un.fin.ished
adj. not complete; not finished: We have some unfinished business to settle.  an unfinished drink / game / book
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unfit
adj.
1 ~ (for sth)| ~ (to eat, drink, live in, etc.)| ~ (to do sth) not of an acceptable standard; not suitable: unfit for human consumption / habitation  This water is unfit to drink.  Most of the buildings are unfit to live in.  They described him as unfit to govern.   (technical) Many of the houses were condemned as unfit.   (technical) The court claims she is an unfit mother.
2 ~ for sth| ~ to do sth not capable of doing sth, for example because of illness: He’s still unfit for work.  The company’s doctor found that she was unfit to carry out her normal work.
3 (especially BrE) (of a person) not in good physical condition; not fit, because you have not taken exercise: The captain is still unfit and will miss tonight’s game.
OPP FIT
un.fit.ness noun [U]
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un.fit.ted
adj. ~ for sth| ~ to do sth (formal) not suitable for sth: She felt herself unfitted for marriage.
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un.flag.ging
adj. [usually before noun] remaining strong; not becoming weak or tired: unflagging effort / energy  She had shown unflagging support for the cause.
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un.flap.pable
adj. (informal) able to stay calm in a difficult situation
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un.flat.ter.ing
adj. making sb/sth seem worse or less attractive than they really are: an unflattering dress / portrait  Short hair can be very unflattering.  unflattering comments
OPP FLATTERING
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un.flinch.ing
adj. remaining strong and determined, even in a difficult or dangerous situation: unflinching determination / loyalty / pride  an unflinching gaze / stare
un.flinch.ing.ly adv.—see also FLINCH
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un.focused
(also un.focussed) adj.
1 (especially of eyes) not looking at a particular thing or person; not having been FOCUSED : an unfocused glance / look
2 (of plans, work, etc.) not having a clear aim or purpose; not well organized or clear: The research is too unfocused to have any significant impact.  unfocused questions / longings
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un.fold
verb
1 to spread open or flat sth that has previously been folded; to become open and flat: [vn] to unfold a map / tablecloth / letter  She unfolded her arms. [alsov] FOLD
2 to be gradually made known; to gradually make sth known to other people: [v] The audience watched the story unfold before their eyes.  [vn] She unfolded her tale to us.
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un.forced
adj.
1 (especially in sports) an unforcedERROR (= mistake) is one that you make by playing badly, not because your opponent has caused you to make a mistake by their skilful play
2 natural; done without effort: unforced humour / style
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un.fore.see.able
adj. that you cannot predict or FORESEE : Building a dam here could have unforeseeable consequences for the environment.
OPP FORESEEABLE
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un.fore.seen
adj. that you did not expect to happen
SYN UNEXPECTED : unforeseen delays / problems  The project was running late owing to unforeseen circumstances .—compare FORESEE
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un.for.get.table
adj. if sth is unforgettable, you cannot forget it, usually because it is so beautiful, interesting, enjoyable, etc.
SYN MEMORABLE —compare FORGETTABLE
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un.for.giv.able
adj. if sb’s behaviour is unforgivable, it is so bad or unacceptable that you cannot forgive the person
SYN INEXCUSABLE
OPP FORGIVABLE
un.for.giv.ably adv.
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un.for.giv.ing
adj. (written)
1 (of a person) unwilling to forgive other people when they have done sth wrong
OPP FORGIVING
2 (of a place, situation, etc.) unpleasant and causing difficulties for people
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un.formed
adj. (formal) not fully developed: unformed ideas
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un.forth.com.ing
adj. not wanting to help or give information about sth: He was very unforthcoming about what had happened.
OPP FORTHCOMING
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un.for.tu.nate
adj., noun
adj.
1 having bad luck; caused by bad luck
SYN UNLUCKY : He was unfortunate to lose in the final round.  It was an unfortunate accident.
OPP FORTUNATE
2 (formal) if you say that a situation is unfortunate, you wish that it had not happened or that it had happened differently
SYN REGRETTABLE : She described the decision as ‘unfortunate’.  It was unfortunate that he couldn’t speak English.  You’re putting me in a most unfortunate position.
3 embarrassing and/or offensive: It was an unfortunate choice of words.

noun (literary) a person who does not have much luck, money, etc: one of life’s unfortunates

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un.for.tu.nate.ly
adv. used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed, or gets you into a difficult position
SYN REGRETTABLY : Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the meeting.  I can’t make it, unfortunately.  Unfortunately for him, the police had been informed and were waiting outside.  It won’t be finished for a few weeks. Unfortunately!
OPP FORTUNATELY
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un.found.ed
adj. (written) not based on reason or fact: unfounded allegations / fears / optimism  Speculation about a divorce proved totally unfounded.
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un.freeze
verb (un.froze un.frozen )
1 [vn, v] if you unfreeze sth that has been frozen or very cold, or it unfreezes, it melts or warms until it reaches a normal temperature—compare DEFROST , DE-ICE , THAW
2 [vn] to remove official controls on money or an economy: The party plans to unfreeze some of the cash held by local government.
OPP FREEZE
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un.friend.ly
adj. ~ (to / towards sb) not kind or pleasant to sb: unfriendly eyes / people  an unfriendly atmosphere  There’s no need to be so unfriendly towards them.  the use of environmentally unfriendly products (= that harm the environment)
OPP FRIENDLY
un.friend.li.ness noun [U]
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un.ful.filled
adj.
1 (of a need, wish, etc.) that has not been satisfied or achieved: unfulfilled ambitions / hopes / promises
2 if a person feels unfulfilled, they feel that they could achieve more in their life or work
OPP FULFILLED
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un.funny
adj. not funny or amusing, especially when sth is supposed to be funny: The show was deeply unfunny.
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un.furl
verb to open, or to make sth open, that is curled or rolled tightly: [v] The leaves slowly unfurled.  [vn] to unfurl a flag / sail / banner
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un.fur.nished
adj. without furniture: We rented an unfurnished apartment.
OPP FURNISHED
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un.gain.ly
adj. moving in a way that is not graceful
SYN AWKWARD : He was a tall, ungainly boy of 18.
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un.gentle.man.ly
adj. (of a man’s behaviour) not polite or pleasant; not acceptable
OPP GENTLEMANLY
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un.glam.or.ous
adj. not attractive or exciting; dull: an unglamorous job  Lunch was a decidedly unglamorous affair.
OPP GLAMOROUS
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un.glued
adj.
IDM come un'glued (AmE, informal)
1 to become very upset
2 if a plan, etc. comes unglued, it does not work successfully
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un.god.ly
adj. (old-fashioned) not showing respect for God; wicked
OPP GODLY
IDM at an ungodly 'hour very early or very late and therefore annoying
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un.gov.ern.able
adj.
1 (written) (of a country, region, etc.) impossible to govern or control
2 (formal) (of a person’s feelings) impossible to control: ungovernable rage
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un.gra.cious
adj. (formal) not polite or friendly, especially towards sb who is being kind to you
OPP GRACIOUS
un.gra.cious.ly adv.
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un.gram.mat.ical
adj. not following the rules of grammar
OPP GRAMMATICAL
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un.grate.ful
adj. not showing or expressing thanks for sth that sb has done for you or given to you
OPP GRATEFUL
un.grate.ful.ly adv.
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un.guard.ed
adj.
1 not protected or watched: The museum was unguarded at night.  an unguarded fire (= that has nothing to stop people from burning themselves on it)
2 (of a remark, look, etc.) said or done carelessly, at a time when you are not thinking about the effects of your words or are not paying attention: an unguarded response / remark  It was something I’d let out in an unguarded moment .—compare GUARDED
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un.hap.pily
adv.
1 in an unhappy way: He sighed unhappily.
2 (written) used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed
SYN UNFORTUNATELY : Unhappily, such good luck is rare.  His wife, unhappily, died five years ago.
OPP HAPPILY
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un.happy
adj. (un.hap.pier, un.happi.est)
HELP more unhappy and most unhappy are also common
1 not happy; sad: to look / seem / sound unhappy  an unhappy childhood / marriage
2 ~ (about / at / with sth) not pleased or satisfied with sth: They were unhappy with their accommodation.  He was unhappy at being left out of the team.
3 (formal) unfortunate or not suitable: an unhappy coincidence  It was an unhappy choice of words.
un.hap.pi.ness noun [U]
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un.harmed
adj. not injured or damaged; not HARMED
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un.healthy
adj.
1 not having good health; showing a lack of good health: They looked poor and unhealthy.  unhealthy hair / skin
2 harmful to your health; likely to make you ill: unhealthy living conditions  an unhealthy diet / lifestyle
3 not normal and likely to be harmful: He had an unhealthy interest in disease and death.
OPP HEALTHY
un.health.ily adv.
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un.heard
adj.
1 that nobody pays attention to: Their protests went unheard .
2 not listened to or heard: a previously unheard tape of their conversations
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unheard-of
adj. that has never been known or done; very unusual: He’d dyed his hair, which was almost unheard-of in the 1960s.  Home computers are now used on a scale unheard-of a few years ago.  It is almost unheard-of for a new band to be offered such a deal.
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un.heat.ed
adj. having no form of heating: an unheated bathroom
OPP HEATED
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un.heed.ed
adj. (formal) that is heard, seen or noticed but then ignored: Her warning went unheeded .—compare HEED
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un.help.ful
adj. not helpful or useful; not willing to help sb: an unhelpful response / reply
OPP HELPFUL
un.help.ful.ly adv.
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un.her.ald.ed
adj. (formal) not previously mentioned; happening without any warning
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un.hesi.tat.ing
adj. done or given immediately and confidently: an unhesitating reply / answer
un.hesi.tat.ing.ly adv.
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un.hin.dered
adj. without anything stopping or preventing the progress of sb/sth: She had unhindered access to the files.  He was able to pass unhindered through several military checkpoints.—see also HINDER
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un.hinge
verb [vn] [usually passive] to make sb mentally ill: Her mind was unhinged by the death of her child and she never recovered.
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un.hitch
verb [vn] to undo sth that is tied to sth else: to unhitch a horse / trailer—see also HITCH
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un.holy
adj.
1 dangerous; likely to be harmful: an unholy alliance between the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry
2 not respecting the laws of a religion: (figurative) He took an unholy delight in her discomfort.
OPP HOLY
3 [only before noun] (informal) used to emphasize how bad sth is: She wondered how she had got into this unholy mess.
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un.hook
verb [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth from a hook; to undo the hooks on clothes, etc: He unhooked his coat from the door.  She unhooked her bra.
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un.hur.ried
adj. (written) relaxed and calm; not done too quickly: His conversation was relaxed and unhurried.
OPP HURRIED
un.hur.ried.ly adv.: Lynn walked unhurriedly into the kitchen.
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un.hurt
adj. [not before noun] not injured or harmed
SYN UNHARMED : He escaped from the crash unhurt.
OPP HURT
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un.hygien.ic
adj. not clean and therefore likely to cause disease or infection
OPP HYGIENIC
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uni
noun (BrE , spoken) university: friends from uni
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uni-
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) one; having one: uniform  unilaterally
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uni.cam.eral
adj. (technical ) (of a parliament) that has only one main governing body
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UNICEF
abbr. United Nations Children’s Fund (an organization within the United Nations that helps to look after the health and education of children all over the world)
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uni.corn
noun (in stories) an animal like a white horse with a long straight horn on its forehead
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uni.cycle
noun a vehicle that is similar to a bicycle but that has only one wheel
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un.iden.ti.fi.able
adj. impossible to identify: He had an unidentifiable accent.  Many of the bodies were unidentifiable except by dental records.
OPP IDENTIFIABLE
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un.iden.ti.fied
adj. not recognized or known; not IDENTIFIED : an unidentified virus  He was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman.  The painting was sold to an unidentified American dealer (= his or her name was not given).
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uni.form
noun, adj.
noun [C, U] the special set of clothes worn by all members of an organization or a group at work, or by children at school: a military / police / nurse’s uniform  soldiers / sailors in uniform  The hat is part of the school uniform .

adj. not varying; the same in all parts and at all times: uniform rates of pay  The walls were a uniform grey.  Growth has not been uniform across the country.  uniform lines of terraced houses (= they all looked the same)
uni.form.ity noun [U, sing.]: They tried to ensure uniformity across the different departments.  the drab uniformity of the houses
uni.form.ly adv.: The principles were applied uniformly across all the departments.  The quality is uniformly high.  Pressure must be uniformly distributed over the whole surface.

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uni.formed
adj. wearing a uniform: a uniformed chauffeur
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unify
verb (uni.fies, uni.fy.ing, uni.fied, uni.fied) [vn] to join people, things, parts of a country, etc. together so that they form a single unit: The new leader hopes to unify the country.  the task of unifying Europe  a unified transport system
uni.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: the unification of Germany
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uni.lat.eral
adj. done by one member of a group or an organization without the agreement of the other members: a unilateral decision  a unilateral declaration of independence  They were forced to take unilateral action.  They had campaigned vigorously for unilateral nuclear disarmament (= when one country gets rid of its nuclear weapons without waiting for other countries to do the same).—compare BILATERAL , MULTILATERAL
uni.lat.eral.ly adv.
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un.imagin.able
adj. (written) impossible to think of or to believe exists; impossible to imagine: unimaginable wealth / possibilities  This level of success would have been unimaginable just last year.
OPP IMAGINABLE
un.imagin.ably adv.
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un.imagina.tive
adj. lacking in original or new ideas: an unimaginative solution to a problem  The food was adequate but unimaginative.  a boring unimaginative man
OPP IMAGINATIVE
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un.im.paired
adj. (written) not damaged or spoiled: Although he’s ninety, his mental faculties remain unimpaired.
OPP IMPAIRED
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un.im.peach.able
adj. (formal, approving) that you cannot doubt or question: evidence from an unimpeachable source / witness
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un.im.peded
adj. (written) with nothing blocking or stopping sb/sth: an unimpeded view of the bay  free and unimpeded trade
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un.im.port.ant
adj. not important: unimportant details  relatively / comparatively unimportant  They dismissed the problem as unimportant.  This consideration was not unimportant.  I was just a young girl from a small town and I felt very unimportant.
un.im.port.ance noun [U]
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un.im.pressed
adj. ~ (by / with sb/sth) not thinking that sb/sth is particularly good, interesting, etc.; not IMPRESSED by sb/sth
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un.im.pres.sive
adj. ordinary; not special in any way: His academic record was unimpressive.
OPP IMPRESSIVE
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un.in.forma.tive
adj. not giving enough information: The TV reports of the explosion were brief and uninformative.
OPP INFORMATIVE
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un.in.formed
adj. having or showing a lack of knowledge or information about sth: an uninformed comment / criticism  The public is generally uninformed about these diseases.
OPP INFORMED
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un.in.hab.it.able
adj. not fit to live in; impossible to live in: The building was totally uninhabitable.
OPP HABITABLE
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un.in.hab.it.ed
adj. with no people living there; not INHABITED : an uninhabited island
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un.in.hib.it.ed
adj. behaving or expressing yourself freely without worrying about what other people think: uninhibited dancing / fun / passion
OPP INHIBITED
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un.initi.ated
(the uninitiated) noun [pl.] people who have no special knowledge or experience of sth: To the uninitiated the system seems extremely complicated.
un.initi.ated adj.
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un.in.jured
adj. [not usually before noun] not hurt or injured in any way
SYN UNHURT : They escaped from the crash uninjured.
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un.in.spired
adj. not original or exciting
SYN DULL
OPP INSPIRED
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un.in.spir.ing
adj. not making people interested or excited: The view from the window was uninspiring.
OPP INSPIRING
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un.in.tel.li.gent
adj. not intelligent: a good-natured but unintelligent boy
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un.in.tel.li.gible
adj. ~ (to sb) impossible to understand: unintelligible noises / shouts  She turned away and muttered something unintelligible.  A lot of the jargon they use is unintelligible to outsiders.
OPP INTELLIGIBLE
un.in.tel.li.gib.ly adv.
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un.in.tend.ed
adj. an unintended effect, result or meaning is one that you did not plan or intend to happen: In law you are considered responsible for the unintended consequences of your actions.
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un.in.ten.tion.al
adj. not done deliberately, but happening by accident: Perhaps I misled you, but it was quite unintentional (= I did not mean to).
OPP INTENTIONAL
un.in.ten.tion.al.ly adv.: They had unintentionally provided wrong information.
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un.inter.est.ed
adj. ~ (in sb/sth) not interested; not wanting to know about sb/sth: He was totally uninterested in sport.  She seemed cold and uninterested.  note at INTERESTED
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un.inter.est.ing
adj. not attracting your attention or interest; not interesting  note at INTERESTED
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un.inter.rupt.ed
adj. not stopped or blocked by anything; continuous and not interrupted: We had an uninterrupted view of the stage.  eight hours of uninterrupted sleep  We managed to eat our meal uninterrupted by phone calls.
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un.in.vited
adj. doing sth or going somewhere when you have not been asked or invited to, especially when sb does not want you to: uninvited guests at a party  He turned up uninvited.
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un.in.vit.ing
adj. not attractive or pleasant: The water looked cold and uninviting.
OPP INVITING
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union
noun
1 [C] = TRADE UNION
2 [C] an association or a club for people or organizations with the same interest: the Scottish Rugby Union—see also STUDENTS' UNION (2)
3 [C] a group of states or countries that have the same central government or that agree to work together: the former Soviet Union  the European Union
4 (Union) [sing.] the US (used especially at the time of the Civil War): the Union and the Confederacy  the State of the Union address by the President
5 [U, sing.] the act of joining two or more things together; the state of being joined together; the act of two people joining together: a summit to discuss economic and monetary union  Northern Ireland’s union with Britain  sexual / physical union
6 [C] (old-fashioned) a marriage: Their union was blessed with six children.
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union.ist
noun
1 = TRADE UNIONIST
2 (Union.ist) a person who believes that Northern Ireland should stay part of the United Kingdom
3 (Union.ist) a supporter of the Union during the Civil War in the US
union.ism noun [U]
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union.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb to organize people to become members of a trade union: [vn] a unionized workforce / industry [alsov]
union.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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the ,Union 'Jack
noun [sing.] the name for the national flag of the United Kingdom
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unique
adj.
1 being the only one of its kind: Everyone’s fingerprints are unique.
HELP You can use absolutely, totally or almost with unique in this meaning.
2 very special or unusual: a unique talent  The preview offers a unique opportunity to see the show without the crowds.  The deal will put the company in a unique position to export goods to Eastern Europe.
HELP You can use more, very, etc. with unique in this meaning.
3 ~ (to sb/sth) belonging to or connected with one particular person, place or thing: an atmosphere that is unique to New York  The koala is unique to Australia.
unique.ly adv.: Her past experience made her uniquely suited to lead the campaign.  The UK, uniquely, has not had to face the problem of mass unemployment.  He was a uniquely gifted teacher.
unique.ness noun [U]: The author stresses the uniqueness of the individual.
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uni.sex
adj. intended for or used by both men and women: a unisex hair salon  unisex jeans
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uni.son
noun
IDM in 'unison (with sb/sth)
1 if people do or say sth in unison, they all do it at the same time
2 if people or organizations are working in unison, they are working together, because they agree with each other
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unit
noun
SINGLE THING|
1 a single thing, person or group that is complete by itself but can also form part of sth larger: The cell is the unit of which all living organisms are composed.  The basic unit of society is the family.
2 (business) a single item of the type of product that a company sells: The game’s selling price was $15 per unit.  What’s the unit cost ?
GROUP OF PEOPLE|
3 a group of people who work or live together, especially for a particular purpose: army / military / police units  Medical units were operating in the disaster area.
IN HOSPITAL|
4 a department, especially in a hospital, that provides a particular type of care or treatment: the intensive care unit  a maternity / psychiatric unit
MEASUREMENT|
5 ~ (of sth) a fixed quantity, etc. that is used as a standard measurement: a unit of time / length / weight  a unit of currency, such as the euro or the dollar  Women are advised not to drink more than fourteen units of alcohol per week.
FURNITURE|
6 a piece of furniture, especially a cupboard, that fits with and matches others of the same type: a fitted kitchen with white units  floor / wall units  bedroom / kitchen / storage units
SMALL MACHINE|
7 a small machine that has a particular purpose or is part of a larger machine: a waste disposal unit  the central processing unit of a computer
IN TEXTBOOK|
8 one of the parts into which a TEXTBOOK or a series of lessons is divided: The present perfect is covered in Unit 8.
FLAT / APARTMENT|
9 a single flat/apartment in a building that contains a number of them
NUMBER|
10 any whole number from 0 to 9: a column for the tens and a column for the units
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Uni.tar.ian
noun a member of a Christian Church that does not believe in the TRINITY and has no formal teachings
Uni.tar.ian adj.
Uni.tar.ian.ism noun [U]
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uni.tary
adj.
1 (technical) (of a country or an organization) consisting of a number of areas or groups that are joined together and are controlled by one government or group: a single unitary state   (BrE) a unitary authority (= a type of local council, introduced in some areas from 1995 to replace existing local governments which consisted of county and district councils)
2 (formal) single; forming one unit
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unite
verb
1 [v] ~ (in sth / in doing sth)| ~ (behind / against sb/sth) to join together with other people in order to do sth as a group: Local resident groups have united in opposition to the plan.  We will unite in fighting crime.  Will they unite behind the new leader?  Nationalist parties united to oppose the government’s plans.
2 ~ (sb/sth) (with sb/sth) to make people or things join together to form a unit; to join together: [vn] A special bond unites our two countries.  His aim was to unite Italy.  She unites keen business skills with a charming personality.  [v] The two countries united in 1887.
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united
adj.
1 (of countries) joined together politically or by shared aims: the United States of America  efforts to build a united Europe
2 (of people or groups) in agreement and working together: We need to become a more united team.  They are united in their opposition to the plan.  We should present a united front (= an appearance of being in agreement with each other).
3 used in the names of some teams and companies: Manchester United  United Distillers
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the U,nited 'Kingdom
noun [sing.] (abbr. (the) UK) England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
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the U,nited 'Nations
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (abbr. (the) UN) an association of many countries which aims to improve economic and social conditions and to solve political problems in the world in a peaceful way
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the U,nited 'States (of A'merica)
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] (abbr. (the) US, USA) a large country in N America consisting of 50 states and the District of Columbia  note at AMERICAN
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,unit 'trust
(BrE ) (AmE 'mutual fund) noun a company that offers a service to people by investing their money in various different businesses
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unity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U, sing.] the state of being in agreement and working together; the state of being joined together to form one unit: European unity  a plea for unity within the party  unity of interest / purpose
OPP DISUNITY
2 [U] (in art, etc.) the state of looking or being complete in a natural and pleasing way: The design lacks unity.
3 [C] (in literature and theatre) any of the principles of CLASSICAL or NEOCLASSICAL theatre that restrict the action of a play to a single story, day and place: the unities of action, time and place
4 [sing.] (formal) a single thing that may consist of a number of different parts: If society is to exist as a unity, its members must have shared values.
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Univ.
abbr. (in writing) University
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uni.ver.sal
adj.
1 done by or involving all the people in the world or in a particular group: Such problems are a universal feature of old age.  Agreement on this issue is almost universal.  universal suffrage (= the right of all the people in a country to vote)
2 true or right at all times and in all places: universal facts about human nature
uni.ver.sal.ity noun: the universality of religious experience
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uni.ver.sal.ly
adv.
1 by everyone: to be universally accepted / condemned / known / recognized
2 everywhere or in every situation: This treatment is not universally available.  The theory does not apply universally.
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uni.verse
noun
1 (the universe) [sing.] the whole of space and everything in it, including the earth, the planets and the stars: theories of how the universe began
2 [C] a system of stars, planets, etc. in space outside our own: The idea of a parallel universe is hard to grasp.  He lives in a little universe of his own.
3 [sing.] a set of experiences of a particular type: the moral universe
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uni.ver.sity
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (abbr. Univ.) an institution at the highest level of education where you can study for a degree or do research: Is there a university in this town?  the University of York  York University   (BrE ) Both their children are at university .   (BrE ) He’s hoping to go to university next year.  a university course / degree / lecturer  note at COLLEGE
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un.just
adj. not deserved or fair: an unjust accusation / law / punishment  The system is corrupt and unjust.
OPP JUST
un.just.ly adv.: She felt that she had been unjustly treated.
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un.jus.ti.fi.able
adj. (of an action) impossible to excuse or accept because there is no good reason for it: an unjustifiable delay / expense / remark
OPP JUSTIFIABLE
un.jus.ti.fi.ably adv.
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un.jus.ti.fied
adj. not fair or necessary: The criticism was wholly unjustified.
OPP JUSTIFIED
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un.kempt
adj. (especially of sb’s hair or general appearance) not well cared for; not neat or tidy: greasy, unkempt hair
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un.kind
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) (to do sth) unpleasant or unfriendly; slightly cruel: an unkind person / remark  He was never actually unkind to them.  It would be unkind to go without him.
OPP KIND
un.kind.ly adv.: ‘That’s your problem,’ she remarked unkindly.
un.kind.ness noun [U]
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un.know.able
adj. (formal) that cannot be known: a distant, unknowable divine power
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un.know.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) not aware of what you are doing or what is happening: He was the unknowing cause of all the misunderstanding.—compare KNOWING
un.know.ing.ly adv.: She had unknowingly broken the rules.
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un.known
adj., noun
adj.
1 ~ (to sb) not known or identified: a species of insect previously unknown to science  He was trying, for some unknown reason , to count the stars.  The man’s identity remains unknown.
2 (of people) not famous or well known: an unknown actor / artist / writer  The author is virtually unknown outside Poland.
3 never happening or existing: The disease is as yet unknown in Europe (= there have been no cases there).  It was not unknown for people to have to wait several hours (= it happened sometimes).
IDM an ,unknown 'quantity a person or thing whose qualities or abilities are not yet known unknown to sb without the person mentioned being aware of it: Unknown to me, he had already signed the agreement.

noun
1 (the unknown) [sing.] places or things that are not known about: a journey into the unknown  a fear of the unknown
2 [C] a person who is not well known: A young unknown played the leading role.
3 [C] a fact or an influence that is not known: There are so many unknowns in the proposal.
4 [C] (mathematics) a quantity that does not have a known value: X and Y in the equation are both unknowns.

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un.lace
verb [vn] to undo the LACES of shoes, clothes, etc.
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un.laden
adj. (technical ) (of a vehicle) not loaded: a vehicle with an unladen weight of 3 000 kg—compare LADEN
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un.law.ful
adj. (formal) not allowed by the law
SYN ILLEGAL
OPP LAWFUL
un.law.ful.ly adv.
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un.lead.ed
adj. (of petrol / gas) not containing LEAD and therefore less harmful to the environment
OPP LEADED
un.lead.ed noun [U]: Unleaded is cheaper than diesel.
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un.learn
verb [vn] to deliberately forget sth that you have learned, especially sth bad or wrong: You’ll have to unlearn all the bad habits you learned with your last piano teacher.
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un.leash
verb [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to suddenly let a strong force, emotion, etc. be felt or have an effect: The government’s proposals unleashed a storm of protest in the press.
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un.leav.ened
adj. (of bread) made without any YEAST and therefore flat and heavy—see also LEAVEN
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un.less
conj.
1 used to say that sth can only happen or be true in a particular situation: You won’t get paid for time off unless you have a doctor’s note.  I won’t tell them—not unless you say I can.  Unless I’m mistaken, she was back at work yesterday.  He hasn’t got any hobbies—unless you call watching TV a hobby.
2 used to give the only situation in which sth will not happen or be true: I sleep with the window open unless it’s really cold.  Unless something unexpected happens, I’ll see you tomorrow.  Have a cup of tea—unless you’d prefer a cold drink?
HELP Unless is used to talk about a situation that could happen, or something that could be true, in the future. If you know that something has not happened or that sth is not true, use if … not: If you weren’t always in such a hurry (= but you are), your work would be much better.  Your work would be much better unless you were always in such a hurry.
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un.licensed
adj. without a LICENCE (= an official document that gives you permission to do or own sth): an unlicensed pistol / vehicle
OPP LICENSED
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un.like
prep., adj.
prep.
1 different from a particular person or thing: Music is quite unlike any other art form.   (written) The sound was not unlike that of birds singing.
2 used to contrast sb/sth with another person or thing: Unlike most systems, this one is very easy to install.
3 not typical of sb/sth: It’s very unlike him to be so late.
OPP LIKE

adj. [not before noun] (written) (of two people or things) different from each other: They are both teachers. Otherwise they are quite unlike.—compare ALIKE , LIKE

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un.like.ly
adj. (un.like.lier, un.likeli.est)
HELP more unlikely and most unlikely are the usual forms
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) not likely to happen; not probable: The project seemed unlikely to succeed.  It’s most (= very) unlikely that she’ll arrive before seven.  In the unlikely event of a problem arising, please contact the hotel manager.
2 [only before noun] not the person, thing or place that you would normally think of or expect: He seems a most unlikely candidate for the job.  They have built hotels in the most unlikely places.
3 [only before noun] difficult to believe: She gave me an unlikely explanation for her behaviour.
OPP LIKELY
un.like.li.hood , un.like.li.ness noun [U]
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un.lim.it.ed
adj. as much or as many as is possible; not limited in any way: The ticket gives you unlimited travel for seven days.  The court has the power to impose an unlimited fine for this offence.  You will be allowed unlimited access to the files.
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un.lined
adj.
1 not marked with lines: unlined paper / skin
2 (of a piece of clothing, etc.) made without an extra layer of fabric on the inside: an unlined skirt
OPP LINED
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un.list.ed
adj.
1 not on a published list, especially of STOCK EXCHANGE prices: an unlisted company
2 (of a telephone number) not listed in the public telephone book, at the request of the owner of the telephone. The telephone company will not give unlisted numbers to people who ask for them.—see also EX-DIRECTORY
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unlit
adj.
1 dark because there are no lights or the lights are not switched on: an unlit passage
2 not yet burning: an unlit cigarette
OPP LIGHTED
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un.load
verb
1 ~ sth (from sth) to remove things from a vehicle or ship after it has taken them somewhere: [vn] Everyone helped to unload the luggage from the car.  This isn’t a suitable place to unload the van.  [v] The truck driver was waiting to unload.
OPP LOAD
2 [vn] to remove the contents of sth after you have finished using it, especially the bullets from a gun or the film from a camera
OPP LOAD
3 [vn] ~ sth/sb (on / onto sb) (informal) to pass the responsibility for sb/sth to sb else: It’s his problem, not something he should unload onto you.
4 [vn] ~ sth (on / onto sb/sth) (informal) to get rid of or sell sth, especially sth illegal or of bad quality: They want to unload their shares at the right price.
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un.lock
verb [vn]
1 to undo the lock of a door, window, etc., using a key: to unlock the front door
OPP LOCK
2 to discover sth and let it come out: The divers hoped to unlock some of the secrets of the sea bed.
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un.locked
adj. not locked: Don’t leave your desk unlocked.
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unlooked-for
adj. (formal) not expected: unlooked-for developments / happiness
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un.loose
(also un.loosen ) verb [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) to make sth loose: He unloosed his tie.
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un.loved
adj. (formal) not loved by anyone: unloved children
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un.love.ly
adj. (written) not attractive: an unlovely building
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un.luck.ily
adv. unfortunately; as a result of bad luck: He was injured in the first game and unluckily missed the final.
OPP LUCKILY
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un.lucky
adj. (un.luck.ier, un.lucki.est)
HELP You can also use more unlucky and most unlucky.
1 ~ (to do sth) having bad luck or happening because of bad luck; not lucky: He was very unlucky not to win.  By some unlucky chance, her name was left off the list.
2 ~ (to do sth) causing bad luck: Some people think it’s unlucky to walk under a ladder.  Thirteen is often considered an unlucky number.
OPP LUCKY
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un.made
adj.
1 an unmade bed is not ready for sleeping in because the sheets, etc. have not been arranged neatly
2 (BrE) an unmade road does not have a hard smooth surface
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un.man.age.able
adj. difficult or impossible to control or deal with: The costs involved had become unmanageable.
OPP MANAGEABLE
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un.man.ly
adj. (rare, formal) not having the qualities that are admired or expected in a man
OPP MANLY
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un.manned
adj. if a machine, vehicle or place is unmanned, it does not have or need a person to control or operate it: an unmanned spacecraft / station
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un.marked
adj. without a sign or words to show what or where sth is: an unmarked police car  He was buried in an unmarked grave.—compare MARKED
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un.mar.ried
adj. not married
SYN SINGLE : an unmarried mother  He remained unmarried all his life.
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un.mask
verb [vn] to show the true character of sb, or a hidden truth about sth
SYN EXPOSE : to unmask a killer / spy
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un.matched
adj. ~ (by sb/sth) (written) better than all others: He had a talent unmatched by any other politician of this century.
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un.mem.or.able
adj. that cannot be remembered because it was not special
OPP MEMORABLE
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un.men.tion.able
adj. [usually before noun] too shocking or embarrassing to be mentioned or spoken about: an unmentionable disease / subject
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unmet
adj. (written) (of needs, etc.) not satisfied: a report on the unmet needs of elderly people
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un.mind.ful
adj. ~ of sb/sth (rare, formal) not giving thought or attention to sb/sth
OPP MINDFUL
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un.miss.able
adj. that you must not miss because it is so good: an unmissable opportunity
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un.mis.tak.able
(also less frequent un.mis.take.able) adj. that cannot be MISTAKEN for sb/sth else: Her accent was unmistakable.  the unmistakable sound of gunfire
un.mis.tak.ably (also less frequent un.mis.take.ably) adv.: His accent was unmistakably British.
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un.miti.gated
adj. [only before noun] used to mean ‘complete’, usually when describing sth bad: The evening was an unmitigated disaster.—see also MITIGATE
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un.mol.est.ed
adj. [not usually before noun] (written) not disturbed or attacked by sb; not prevented from doing sth: They allowed him to leave unmolested.
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un.moved
adj. ~ (by sth) not feeling pity or sympathy, especially in a situation where it would be normal to do so: Alice seemed totally unmoved by the whole experience.  She pleaded with him but he remained unmoved.
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un.mov.ing
adj. (written) not moving: He stood, unmoving, in the shadows.
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un.music.al
adj.
1 (of a sound) unpleasant to listen to: His voice was harsh and unmusical.
2 (of a person) unable to play or enjoy music
OPP MUSICAL
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un.named
adj. whose name is not given or not known: information from an unnamed source  Two casualties, as yet unnamed, were still in the local hospital last night.
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un.nat.ural
adj.
1 different from what is normal or expected, or from what is generally accepted as being right: It seems unnatural for a child to spend so much time alone.  There was an unnatural silence and then a scream.  unnatural sexual practices  He gave an unnatural smile (= that did not seem genuine).
2 different from anything in nature: Her leg was bent at an unnatural angle.  an unnatural death (= one not from natural causes)
OPP NATURAL
un.nat.ur.al.ly adv.: She was, not unnaturally , very surprised at the news.  His eyes were unnaturally bright.
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un.neces.sary
adj.
1 not needed; more than is needed: unnecessary expense / risks / delays  They were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.  All this fuss is totally unnecessary.
OPP NECESSARY
2 (of remarks, etc.) not necessary in the situation and likely to be offensive: That last comment was a little unnecessary, wasn’t it?
un.neces.sar.ily adv.: There’s no point worrying him unnecessarily.  unnecessarily complicated instructions
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un.nerve
verb [vn] to make sb feel nervous or frightened or lose confidence: His silence unnerved us.
un.nerv.ing adj.: an unnerving experience
un.nerv.ing.ly adv.
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un.noticed
adj. [not before noun] not seen or noticed: His kindness did not go unnoticed by his staff.  Her death passed almost unnoticed.
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un.num.bered
adj. not marked with a number; not NUMBERED : unnumbered seats
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un.ob.jec.tion.able
adj. (formal) (of an idea, etc.) that you can accept
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un.ob.served
adj. without being seen: It’s not easy for somebody to get into the building unobserved.
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un.ob.tain.able
adj. [not usually before noun] that cannot be obtained
OPP OBTAINABLE
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un.ob.tru.sive
adj. (formal, often approving) not attracting unnecessary attention: The service at the hotel is efficient and unobtrusive.
OPP OBTRUSIVE
un.ob.tru.sive.ly adv.: Dora slipped unobtrusively in through the back door.
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un.occu.pied
adj.
1 empty, with nobody living there or using it: an unoccupied house  I sat down at the nearest unoccupied table.
2 (of a region or country) not controlled by foreign soldiers: unoccupied territory
OPP OCCUPIED
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un.offi.cial
adj.
1 that does not have permission or approval from sb in authority: an unofficial agreement / strike  Unofficial estimates put the figure at over 2 million.
2 that is not part of sb’s official business: The former president paid an unofficial visit to China.
OPP OFFICIAL
un.offi.cial.ly adv.
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un.opposed
adj. [not usually before noun] not opposed or stopped by anyone: The party leader was re-elected unopposed.
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un.organ.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj.
1 (of workers) without a trade union or other organization to represent or support them
2 (rare) = DISORGANIZED
3 not having been organized: unorganized data—compare ORGANIZED
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un.ortho.dox
adj. different from what is usual or accepted: unorthodox behaviour / methods
OPP ORTHODOX —compare HETERODOX
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un.pack
verb
1 to take things out of a suitcase, bag, etc: [vn] I unpacked my bags as soon as I arrived.  She unpacked all the clothes she needed and left the rest in the case.  [v] She went to her room to unpack.
OPP PACK
2 [vn] to separate sth into parts so that it is easier to understand: to unpack a theory / proposition / problem
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un.paid
adj.
1 not yet paid: unpaid bills / debts / fees / rent
2 done or taken without payment: unpaid domestic work  to take unpaid leave
OPP PAID
3 (of people) not receiving payment for work that they do: unpaid volunteers
OPP PAID
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un.pal.at.able
adj. ~ (to sb)
1 (of facts, ideas, etc.) unpleasant and not easy to accept: Only then did I learn the unpalatable truth.
2 not pleasant to taste: unpalatable food
OPP PALATABLE
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un.par.al.leled
adj. (formal) used to emphasize that sth is bigger, better or worse than anything else like it: It was an unparalleled opportunity to develop her career.  The book has enjoyed a success unparalleled in recent publishing history.—compare PARALLEL v.
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un.par.don.able
adj. (written) that cannot be forgiven or excused
SYN UNFORGIVABLE , INEXCUSABLE
OPP PARDONABLE
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un.par.lia.men.tary
adj. against the accepted rules of behaviour in a parliament: unparliamentary language
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un.pat.ri.ot.ic
adj. not supporting your own country
OPP PATRIOTIC
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un.per.turbed
adj. not worried or anxious: She seemed unperturbed by the news.
OPP PERTURBED
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un.pick
verb [vn] to take out stitches from a piece of sewing or knitting
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un.placed
adj. (BrE ) not one of the first three to finish in a race or competition
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un.planned
adj. not planned in advance: an unplanned pregnancy
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un.play.able
adj. (especially BrE ) not able to be played; impossible to play on or with: The ball was unplayable (= it was hit so well that it was impossible to hit it back).—compare PLAYABLE
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un.pleas.ant
adj.
1 not pleasant or comfortable: an unpleasant atmosphere / experience / feeling / smell  The minerals in the water made it unpleasant to drink.
2 ~ (to sb) not kind, friendly or polite: He was very unpleasant to me.  She said some very unpleasant things about you.
OPP PLEASANT
un.pleas.ant.ly adv.: The drink is very sweet, but not unpleasantly so.  He laughed unpleasantly.
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un.pleas.ant.ness
noun [U] bad feeling or arguments between people
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un.plug
verb (-gg-) [vn] to remove the PLUG of a piece of electrical equipment from the electricity supply: If I’m very busy, I unplug the phone.
OPP PLUG STH IN
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un.pol.luted
adj. that has not been POLLUTED (= made dirty by harmful substances)
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un.popu.lar
adj. ~ (with / among sb) not liked or enjoyed by a person, a group or people in general: an unpopular choice / decision / leader / government  The proposed increase in income tax proved deeply unpopular with the electorate.
OPP POPULAR
un.popu.lar.ity noun [U]: the growing unpopularity of the military regime
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un.pre.ced.ent.ed
adj. that has never happened, been done or been known before: unprecedented levels of unemployment  The situation is unprecedented in modern times.
un.pre.ced.ent.ed.ly adv.: a period of unprecedentedly high food prices
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un.pre.dict.able
adj.
1 that cannot be predicted because it changes a lot or depends on too many different things: unpredictable weather  The result is entirely unpredictable.
2 if a person is unpredictable, you cannot predict how they will behave in a particular situation
OPP PREDICTABLE
un.pre.dict.abil.ity noun [U]: the unpredictability of the English weather
un.pre.dict.ably adv.
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un.pre.ju.diced
adj. not influenced by an unreasonable fear or dislike of sth/sb; willing to consider different ideas and opinions
OPP PREJUDICED
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un.pre.medi.tated
adj. (written) (of a crime or bad action) not planned in advance PREMEDITATED
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un.pre.pared
adj.
1 ~ (for sth) not ready or not expecting sth: She was totally unprepared for his response.
2 ~ (to do sth) (formal) not willing to do sth: She was unprepared to accept that her marriage was over.
OPP PREPARED
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un.pre.pos.sess.ing
adj. (formal) not attractive; not making a good or strong impression—compare PREPOSSESSING
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un.pre.ten.tious
adj. (approving) not trying to appear more special, intelligent, important, etc. than you really are
OPP PRETENTIOUS
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un.prin.cipled
adj. without moral principles
SYN DISHONEST
OPP PRINCIPLED
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un.print.able
adj. (of words or comments) too offensive or shocking to be printed and read by people
OPP PRINTABLE
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un.prob.lem.at.ic
(also less frequent un.prob.lem.at.ic.al ) adj. not having or causing problems
OPP PROBLEMATIC
un.prob.lem.at.ic.al.ly adv.
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un.pro.duct.ive
adj. not producing very much; not producing good results: an unproductive discussion / meeting  I’ve had a very unproductive day.
OPP PRODUCTIVE
un.pro.duct.ive.ly adv.
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un.pro.fes.sion.al
adj. not reaching the standard expected in a particular profession: She was found guilty of unprofessional conduct.
OPP PROFESSIONAL —compare NON-PROFESSIONAL
un.pro.fes.sion.al.ly adv.
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un.prof.it.able
adj.
1 not making enough financial profit: unprofitable companies / products / services
2 (formal) not bringing any advantage
OPP PROFITABLE
un.prof.it.ably adv.
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un.prom.is.ing
adj. not likely to be successful or show good results: The first attempt was unpromising.
OPP PROMISING
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un.prompt.ed
adj. said or done without sb asking you to say or do it: Quite unprompted, Sam started telling us exactly what had happened that night.—see also PROMPT
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un.pro.nounce.able
adj. (of a word, especially a name) too difficult to pronounce
OPP PRONOUNCEABLE
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un.pro.tect.ed
adj.
1 not protected against being hurt or damaged
2 not covered to prevent it from causing damage or injury: Machinery was often unprotected and accidents were frequent.
3 (of sex) done without using a CONDOM
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un.proven
adj. not proved or tested: unproven theories—compare PROVEN
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un.pro.voked
adj. (especially of an attack) not caused by anything the person being attacked has said or done: an act of unprovoked aggression  Her angry outburst was totally unprovoked.—see also PROVOKE
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un.pub.lished
adj. not published: unpublished data / material
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un.pun.ished
adj. (written) not punished: He promised that the murder would not go unpunished .
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un.quali.fied
adj.
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) not having the right knowledge, experience or qualifications to do sth: an unqualified instructor  I feel unqualified to comment on the subject.  He was totally unqualified for his job as a senior manager.
2 [usually before noun] complete; not limited by any negative qualities: The event was not an unqualified success.  I gave her my unqualified support.
OPP QUALIFIED
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un.quench.able
adj. (formal) that cannot be satisfied—see also QUENCH
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un.ques.tion.able
adj. that cannot be doubted: a man of unquestionable honesty and integrity
OPP QUESTIONABLE
un.ques.tion.ably adv.: It was unquestionably a step in the right direction.
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un.ques.tioned
adj. (formal)
1 so obvious that it cannot be doubted: His courage remains unquestioned.
2 accepted as right or true without really being considered: an unquestioned assumption
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un.ques.tion.ing
adj. (formal) done or given without asking questions, expressing doubt, etc: unquestioning acceptance / obedience / support
un.ques.tion.ing.ly adv.
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un.quiet
adj. [usually before noun] (literary) not calm; anxious and RESTLESS
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un.quote
noun
IDM see QUOTE
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un.ravel
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
1 if you unravel threads that are twisted, woven or knitted, or if they unravel, they become separated into loose threads: [vn] I unravelled the string and wound it into a ball. [alsov]
2 [v] (of a system, plan, relationship, etc.) to start to fail or no longer stay together as a whole: When did communism begin to unravel in Eastern Europe?
3 to explain sth that is difficult to understand or is mysterious; to become clearer or easier to understand: [vn] The discovery will help scientists unravel the mystery of the Ice Age. [alsov]
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un.read
adj. (of a book, etc.) that has not been read: a pile of unread newspapers
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un.read.able
adj.
1 (of a book, etc.) too dull or difficult to be worth reading
2 = ILLEGIBLE
3 if sb’s face or expression is unreadable, you cannot tell what they are thinking or feeling
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un.real
adj.
1 so strange that it is more like a dream than reality: The party began to take on an unreal, almost nightmarish quality.
2 not related to reality: Many people have unreal expectations of what marriage will be like.
3 (spoken) used to say that you like sth very much or that sth surprises you: ‘That’s unreal!’ she laughed.
un.real.ity noun [U]
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un.real.is.tic
adj. not showing or accepting things as they are: unrealistic expectations  It is unrealistic to expect them to be able to solve the problem immediately.
OPP REALISTIC
un.real.is.tic.al.ly adv.: These prices are unrealistically high.
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un.rea.son.able
adj. not fair; expecting too much: The job was beginning to make unreasonable demands on his free time.  The fees they charge are not unreasonable.  It would be unreasonable to expect somebody to come at such short notice.  He was being totally unreasonable about it.
OPP REASONABLE
un.rea.son.able.ness noun [U]
un.rea.son.ably adv.
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un.rea.son.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) not based on facts or reason: unreasoning fear / hatred
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un.rec.og.niz.able
(BrE also -is.able) adj. (of a person or thing) so changed or damaged that you do not recognize them or it: He was unrecognizable without his beard.
OPP RECOGNIZABLE
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un.rec.og.nized
(BrE also -ised) adj.
1 that people are not aware of or do not realize is important: The problem of ageism in the workplace often goes unrecognized .
2 (of a person) not having received the admiration they deserve for sth that they have done or achieved
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un.re.con.struct.ed
adj. [only before noun] (disapproving) (of people and their beliefs) not having changed, although the situation they are in has changed
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un.re.cord.ed
adj. not written down or recorded: Many crimes go unrecorded .
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un.re.fined
adj.
1 (of a substance) not separated from the other substances that it is combined with in its natural form: unrefined sugar / oil
2 (of a person or their behaviour) not polite or educated
OPP REFINED
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un.re.lated
adj.
1 not connected; not related to sth else: The two events were totally unrelated.
2 (of people, animals, etc.) not belonging to the same family; not related
OPP RELATED
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un.re.lent.ing
adj. (written)
1 (of an unpleasant situation) not stopping or becoming less severe
SYN RELENTLESS : unrelenting criticism / pressure  The heat was unrelenting.
2 if a person is unrelenting, they continue with sth without considering the feelings of other people
SYN RELENTLESS : He was unrelenting in his search for the truth about his father.
un.re.lent.ing.ly adv.
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un.re.li.able
adj. that cannot be trusted or depended on: The trains are notoriously unreliable.  He’s totally unreliable as a source of information.
OPP RELIABLE
un.re.li.abil.ity noun [U]: the unreliability of some statistics
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un.re.lieved
adj. (written) (of an unpleasant situation) continuing without changing: unrelieved gloom
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un.re.mark.able
adj. ordinary; not special or REMARKABLE in any way: an unremarkable life / building
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un.re.marked
adj. [not usually before noun] (formal) not noticed: His absence went unremarked.
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un.re.mit.ting
adj. (formal) never stopping: unremitting hostility
un.re.mit.ting.ly adv.: unremittingly gloomy weather
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un.re.peat.able
adj.
1 too offensive or shocking to be repeated
2 that cannot be repeated or done again: an unrepeatable experience / event
OPP REPEATABLE
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un.re.pent.ant
adj. showing no shame about your actions or beliefs
OPP REPENTANT
un.re.pent.ant.ly adv.
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un.rep.re.sen.ta.tive
adj. ~ (of sb/sth) not typical of a group of people or things and therefore not useful as a source of information about that group: an unrepresentative sample
OPP REPRESENTATIVE
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un.re.quit.ed
adj. (formal) (of love) not returned by the person that you love—compare REQUITE
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un.re.served
adj.
1 (of seats in a theatre, etc.) not paid for in advance; not kept for the use of a particular person
2 (formal) complete and without any doubts: He offered us his unreserved apologies.
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un.re.served.ly
adv. completely; without hesitating or having any doubts: We apologize unreservedly for any offence caused by his remarks.
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un.re.solved
adj. (formal) (of a problem or question) not yet solved or answered; not having been RESOLVED
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un.re.spon.sive
adj. ~ (to sth) (formal) not reacting to sb/sth; not giving the response that you would expect or hope for: a politician who is unresponsive to the mood of the country
OPP RESPONSIVE
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un.rest
noun [U] a political situation in which people are angry and likely to protest or fight: industrial / civil / social / political / popular unrest  There is growing unrest in the south of the country.
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un.re.strained
adj. (written) not controlled; not having been RESTRAINED : unrestrained aggression / delight
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un.re.strict.ed
adj. not controlled or limited in any way
SYN UNLIMITED : We have unrestricted access to all the facilities.
OPP RESTRICTED
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un.re.ward.ed
adj. not receiving the success that you are trying to achieve: Real talent often goes unrewarded .
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un.re.ward.ing
adj. (of an activity, etc.) not bringing feelings of satisfaction or achievement
OPP REWARDING
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un.ripe
adj. not yet ripe: unripe fruit
OPP RIPE
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un.rivalled
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually un.rivaled) adj. (formal) better or greater than any other
SYN UNSURPASSED
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un.roll
verb
1 if you unroll paper, fabric, etc. that was in a roll or if it unrolls, it opens and becomes flat: [vn] We unrolled our sleeping bags. [alsov] —compare ROLL
2 [v] (of events) to happen one after another in a series: We watched the events unroll before the cameras.
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un.ruf.fled
adj. (of a person) calm
SYN UNPERTURBED : He remained unruffled by their accusations.
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un.ruly
adj. difficult to control or manage: an unruly crowd / child  unruly behaviour  unruly hair (= difficult to keep looking neat)
un.ru.li.ness noun [U]
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un.sad.dle
verb
1 [vn, v] to take the saddle off a horse
2 [vn] to throw a rider off
SYN UNSEAT
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un.safe
adj.
1 (of a thing, a place or an activity) not safe; dangerous: The roof was declared unsafe.  It was considered unsafe to release the prisoners.  unsafe sex (= for example, sex without a CONDOM )
2 (of people) in danger of being harmed: He felt unsafe and alone.
3 (law) (of a decision in a court of law) based on evidence that may be false or is not good enough: Their convictions were declared unsafe.
OPP SAFE
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un.said
adj. [not before noun] thought but not spoken: Some things are better left unsaid.
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un.sale.able
(also un.sal.able) adj. that cannot be sold, because it is not good enough or because nobody wants to buy it
OPP SALEABLE
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un.sani.tary
adj. (especially AmE ) = INSANITARY
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un.sat.is.fac.tory
adj. not satisfactory; not good enough
SYN INADEQUATE , UNACCEPTABLE
un.sat.is.fac.tor.ily adv.
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un.sat.is.fied
adj.
1 (of a need, demand, etc.) not dealt with in a satisfactory way
2 (of a person) not having got what you hoped; not having had enough of sth: The novel had interested him, but left him unsatisfied.—compare DISSATISFIED , SATISFIED
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un.sat.ur.ated
adj. (chemistry ) unsaturated fats are easily dealt with by the body when eaten, because of the way their chemical structure is arranged: soft spread with a high percentage of unsaturated fats—compare POLYUNSATURATED , SATURATED
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un.savoury
(BrE ) (AmEun.savory) adj. unpleasant or offensive; not considered morally acceptable: an unsavoury incident / reputation  Her friends are all pretty unsavoury characters.
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un.scathed
adj. [not before noun] not hurt
SYN UNHARMED : The hostages emerged from their ordeal unscathed.
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un.sched.uled
adj. that was not planned in advance: an unscheduled stop / visit
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un.sci.en.tif.ic
adj. (often disapproving) not scientific; not done in a careful, logical way: an unscientific approach to a problem—compare NON-SCIENTIFIC
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un.scram.ble
verb [vn]
1 to change a word, message, television signal, etc. that has been sent in a CODE (= a secret form) so that it can be read or understood
OPP SCRAMBLE
2 to arrange sth that is confused or in the wrong order in a clear, correct way
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un.screw
verb [vn]
1 to undo sth by twisting or turning it; to become undone in this way: [vn] I can’t unscrew the lid of this jar. [alsov] SCREW STH UP
2 to take the screws out of sth: You’ll have to unscrew the handles to paint the door.
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un.script.ed
adj. (of a speech, broadcast, etc.) not written or prepared in detail in advance
OPP SCRIPTED
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un.scru.pu.lous
adj. without moral principles; not honest or fair
SYN UNPRINCIPLED : unscrupulous methods / treatment
OPP SCRUPULOUS
un.scru.pu.lous.ly adv.
un.scru.pu.lous.ness noun [U]
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un.sea.son.able
adj. unusual for the time of year: unseasonable weather
OPP SEASONABLE
un.sea.son.ably adv.: unseasonably warm
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un.sea.son.al
adj. not typical of or not suitable for the time of year: unseasonal weather
OPP SEASONAL
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un.seat
verb [vn]
1 to remove sb from a position of power
2 to make sb fall off a horse or bicycle: The horse unseated its rider at the first fence.
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un.seed.ed
adj. not chosen as a SEED in a sports competition, especially in tennis: unseeded players
OPP SEEDED
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un.see.ing
adj. (literary) not noticing or really looking at anything although your eyes are open
un.see.ing.ly adv.: They stared unseeingly at the wreckage.
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un.seem.ly
adj. (old-fashioned or formal) (of behaviour, etc.) not polite or suitable for a particular situation
SYN IMPROPER
OPP SEEMLY
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un.seen
adj.
1 that cannot be seen: unseen forces / powers  He was killed by a single shot from an unseen soldier.  I managed to slip out the room unseen.
2 not previously seen: unseen dangers / difficulties  The exam consists of an essay and an unseen translation.
IDM see SIGHT n.
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un.self.con.scious
adj. not worried about or aware of what other people think of you
OPP SELF-CONSCIOUS
un.self.con.scious.ly adv.
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un.self.ish
adj. giving more time or importance to other people’s needs, wishes, etc. than to your own
SYN SELFLESS : unselfish motives
OPP SELFISH
un.self.ish.ly adv.
un.self.ish.ness noun [U]
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un.sen.ti.men.tal
adj. not having or expressing emotions such as love or pity; not allowing such emotions to influence what you do: an unsentimental approach to life
OPP SENTIMENTAL
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un.ser.vice.able
adj. not suitable to be used
OPP SERVICEABLE
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un.set.tle
verb [vn] to make sb feel upset or worried, especially because a situation has changed: Changing schools might unsettle the kids.
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un.set.tled
adj.
1 (of a situation) that may change; making people uncertain about what might happen: These were difficult and unsettled times.  The weather has been very unsettled (= it has changed a lot).
2 not calm or relaxed: They all felt restless and unsettled.
3 (of an argument, etc.) that continues without any agreement being reached
SYN UNRESOLVED
4 (of a bill, etc.) not yet paid
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un.set.tling
adj. making you feel upset, nervous or worried
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un.shake.able
(BrE ) (also un.shak.ableAmE, BrE) adj. (of a feeling or an attitude) that cannot be changed or destroyed
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un.shaken
adj. ~ (in sth) not having changed a particular feeling or attitude: They remain unshaken in their loyalty.
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un.shaven
adj. not having shaved or been shaved recently: He looked pale and unshaven.  his unshaven face—compare SHAVEN
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un.sight.ly
adj. not pleasant to look at
SYN UGLY
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un.skilled
adj. not having or needing special skills or training: unskilled manual workers  unskilled work
OPP SKILLED
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un.smil.ing
adj. (written) not smiling; looking unfriendly: His eyes were hard and unsmiling.
un.smil.ing.ly adv.
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un.soci.able
adj.
1 not enjoying the company of other people; not friendly
OPP SOCIABLE
2 = UNSOCIAL
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un.social
(also less frequent un.soci.able) (BrE) adj. outside the normal times of working: I work long and unsocial hours, so I don’t get out much.
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un.sold
adj. not bought by anyone: Many of the houses remain unsold.
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un.soli.cit.ed
adj. not asked for and sometimes not wanted: unsolicited comments / criticism / advice  The record company receives dozens of unsolicited demo tapes each week.
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un.solved
adj. not having been solved: an unsolved murder / mystery / problem
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un.sophis.ti.cated
adj.
1 not having or showing much experience of the world and social situations: unsophisticated tastes / people
2 simple and basic; not complicated
SYN CRUDE : unsophisticated equipment / methods
OPP SOPHISTICATED
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un.sound
adj.
1 not acceptable; not holding acceptable views: politically / ideologically unsound  The use of disposable products is considered ecologically unsound.
2 containing mistakes; that you cannot rely on: The methods used were unsound.
3 (of a building, etc.) in poor condition; weak and likely to fall down
OPP SOUND
un.sound.ness noun [U]
IDM of ,unsound 'mind (law) not responsible for your actions because of a mental illness or condition
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un.spar.ing
adj. (formal)
1 ~ (in sth)| ~ (of sb/sth) severe; not caring about people’s feelings: She is unsparing in her criticism.
2 giving generously: He is unsparing of his own peace and comfort.—compare SPARING
un.spar.ing.ly adv.
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un.speak.able
adj. (literary, usually disapproving) that cannot be described in words, usually because it is so bad
un.speak.ably adv.
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un.speci.fied
adj. not stated clearly or definitely; not having been SPECIFIED : The story takes place at an unspecified date.
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un.spec.tacu.lar
adj. ordinary; not exciting or special: He had a steady but unspectacular career.
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un.spoiled
(BrE also un.spoilt ) adj. (approving)
1 (of a place) beautiful because it has not been changed or built on
2 (of a person) not made unpleasant, bad-tempered, etc. by being praised too much
OPP SPOILT
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un.spoken
adj. (formal) not stated; not said in words but understood or agreed between people
SYN UNSTATED : an unspoken assumption  Something unspoken hung in the air between them.
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un.sport.ing
adj. (disapproving) not fair or generous in your behaviour or treatment of others, especially of an opponent in a game
OPP SPORTING
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un.stable
adj.
1 likely to change suddenly: unstable share prices  The political situation remains highly unstable.
2 if people are unstable, their behaviour and emotions change often and suddenly because their minds are upset: emotionally / mentally unstable
3 likely to move or fall
4 (technical) (of a substance) not staying in the same chemical or ATOMIC state: chemically unstable
OPP STABLE —see also INSTABILITY
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un.stated
adj. (formal) not stated; not said in words but understood or agreed between people
SYN UNSPOKEN : Their reasoning was based on a set of unstated assumptions.
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un.steady
adj.
1 not completely in control of your movements so that you might fall: She is still a little unsteady on her feet after the operation.
2 shaking or moving in a way that is not controlled: an unsteady hand / voice / step
OPP STEADY
un.stead.ily adv.
un.steadi.ness noun [U]
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un.stint.ing
adj. ~ (in sth) (written) given or giving generously: unstinting support  They were unstinting in their praise.
un.stint.ing.ly adv.
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un.stop.pable
adj. that cannot be stopped or prevented: an unstoppable rise in prices  On form, the team was simply unstoppable.
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un.stressed
adj. (phonetics ) (of a syllable) pronounced without emphasis
OPP STRESSED
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un.struc.tured
adj. (written) without structure or organization: an unstructured interview
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un.stuck
adj.
IDM ,come un'stuck
1 to become separated from sth it was stuck or fastened to: The flap of the envelope had come unstuck.
2 (BrE, informal) (of a person, plan, etc.) to fail completely, with bad results
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un.sub.stan.ti.ated
adj. (formal) not proved to be true by evidence
SYN UNSUPPORTED : an unsubstantiated claim / rumour
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un.suc.cess.ful
adj. not successful; not achieving what you wanted to: His efforts to get a job proved unsuccessful.  They were unsuccessful in meeting their objectives for the year.  She made several unsuccessful attempts to see him.
un.suc.cess.ful.ly adv.
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un.suit.able
adj. ~ (for sb/sth) not right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose or occasion: He was wearing shoes that were totally unsuitable for climbing.
OPP SUITABLE
un.suit.abil.ity noun [U]
un.suit.ably adv.: They were unsuitably dressed for the occasion.
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un.suit.ed
adj.
1 ~ (to / for sth)| ~ (to do sth) not having the right or necessary qualities for sth: He is unsuited to academic work.  She was totally unsuited for the job.
2 if two people are unsuited to each other they do not have the same interests, etc. and are therefore not likely to make a good couple
OPP SUITED
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un.sul.lied
adj. (literary) not spoiled by anything; still pure or in the original state
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un.sung
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) not praised or famous but deserving to be: the unsung heroes of the war
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un.sup.port.ed
adj.
1 (of a statement, etc.) not proved to be true by evidence
SYN UNSUBSTANTIATED : Their claims are unsupported by research findings.
2 not helped or supported financially by sb/sth else: She has brought up three children unsupported.
3 not physically supported: Sections of the structure have been left unsupported.
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un.sure
adj. [not before noun]
1 ~ about / of sth| ~ (as to) whether, how, what, etc. not certain of sth; having doubts: There were a lot of things I was unsure about.  He was unsure of what to do next.  I was unsure how to reply to this question.  They were unsure as to what the next move should be.
2 ~ (of yourself) lacking confidence in yourself: Like many women, deep down she was unsure of herself.
OPP SURE
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un.sur.passed
adj. (formal) better or greater than any other
SYN UNRIVALLED
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un.sur.prised
adj. [not usually before noun] not surprised: She appeared totally unsurprised at the news.
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un.sur.pris.ing
adj. not causing surprise
OPP SURPRISING
un.sur.pris.ing.ly adv.: Unsurprisingly, the plan failed.
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un.sus.pect.ed
adj. (written) not predicted or known; that you were not previously aware of
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un.sus.pect.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (written) feeling no suspicion; not aware of danger or of sth bad: He had crept up on his unsuspecting victim from behind.
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un.sus.tain.able
adj. (written) that cannot be continued at the same level, rate, etc: unsustainable growth / demands
OPP SUSTAINABLE
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un.sweet.ened
adj. (of food or drinks) without sugar or a similar substance having been added
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un.swerv.ing
adj. (written) strong and not changing or becoming weaker: unswerving loyalty / support
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un.sym.pa.thet.ic
adj.
1 ~ (to / towards sb) not feeling or showing any sympathy: I told him about the problem but he was totally unsympathetic.
2 ~ (to / towards sth) not in agreement with sth; not supporting an idea, aim, etc: How can you trust a government that is unsympathetic to public opinion?
3 (of a person) not easy to like; unpleasant: All the characters in the novel are as unsympathetic as each other.
OPP SYMPATHETIC
un.sym.pa.thet.ic.al.ly adv.: ‘You’ve only got yourself to blame,’ she said unsympathetically.
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un.sys.tem.at.ic
adj. not organized into a clear system
OPP SYSTEMATIC
un.sys.tem.at.ic.al.ly adv.
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un.taint.ed
adj. ~ (by sth) (formal) not damaged or spoiled by sth unpleasant; not TAINTED by sth
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un.tamed
adj. (written) allowed to remain in a wild state; not changed, controlled or influenced by anyone; not TAMED
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un.tan.gle
verb [vn]
1 to undo string, hair, wire, etc. that has become twisted or has knots in it: Can you untangle all those cables on the floor?
2 to make sth that is complicated or confusing easier to deal with or understand: It will not be easy to untangle his financial affairs.
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un.tapped
adj. (written) available but not yet used: untapped reserves of oil
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un.ten.able
adj. (formal) (of a theory, position, etc.) that cannot be defended against attack or criticism: His position had become untenable and he was forced to resign.
OPP TENABLE
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un.test.ed
adj. not tested; of unknown quality or value
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un.think.able
adj. ~ (for sb) (to do sth)| ~ (that … ) impossible to imagine or accept
SYN INCONCEIVABLE : It was unthinkable that she could be dead.
OPP THINKABLE
the un.think.able noun [sing.]: Suddenly the unthinkable happened and he drew out a gun.  The time has come to think the unthinkable (= consider possibilities that used to be unacceptable).
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un.think.ing
adj. (written) not thinking about the effects of what you do or say; not thinking much about serious things
un.think.ing.ly adv.
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un.tidy
adj.
1 not neat or well arranged; in a state of disorder: an untidy desk / room  untidy hair / writing
2 (of a person) not keeping things neat or well organized
OPP TIDY
un.tidi.ly adv.
un.tidi.ness noun [U]
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untie
verb [vn] to undo a knot in sth; to undo sth that is tied: to untie a knot  I quickly untied the package and peeped inside.  He untied the rope and pushed the boat into the water.
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until
conj., prep. (also informal till, til, 'til)
HELP These short forms are not usually used at the beginning of a sentence.up to the point in time or the event mentioned: Let’s wait until the rain stops.  Until she spoke I hadn’t realized she wasn’t English.  You’re not going out until you’ve finished this.  Until now I have always lived alone.  They moved here in 1990. Until then they’d always been in the London area.  He continued working up until his death.  The street is full of traffic from morning till night .  You can stay on the bus until London (= until you reach London).
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un.time.ly
adj. (formal)
1 happening too soon or sooner than is normal or expected
SYN PREMATURE : She met a tragic and untimely death at 25.
2 happening at a time or in a situation that is not suitable
SYN ILL-TIMED : His interruption was untimely.
OPP TIMELY
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un.tir.ing
adj. (approving) continuing to do sth for a long period of time with a lot of effort and/or enthusiasm
SYN TIRELESS
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un.titled
adj. (of a work of art) without a title
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unto
prep. (old use)
1 to or towards sb/sth: The angel appeared unto him in a dream.
2 until a particular time or event: The knights swore loyalty unto death.
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un.told
adj.
1 [only before noun] used to emphasize how large, great, unpleasant, etc. sth is: untold misery / wealth  These gases cause untold damage to the environment.
2 (of a story) not told to anyone
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un.touch.able
adj., noun
adj.
1 a person who is untouchable is in a position where they are unlikely to be punished or criticized: Given his political connections, he thought he was untouchable.
2 that cannot be touched or changed by other people: She looked delicate and untouchable, dressed in white.  The department’s budget is untouchable.
3 (in India) belonging to or connected with the Hindu social class (or CASTE ) that is considered by other classes as the lowest

noun (often Untouchable) a member of a Hindu social class (or CASTE ) that is considered by other classes to be the lowest

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un.touched
adj. [not usually before noun]
1 ~ (by sth) not affected by sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant; not damaged: The area has remained relatively untouched by commercial development.  Some buildings had remained untouched by the explosion.
2 (of food or drink) not eaten or drunk: She left her meal untouched.
3 not changed in any way: The final clause in the contract will be left untouched.
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un.to.ward
adj. unusual and unexpected, and usually unpleasant: That’s the plan—unless anything untoward happens.  He had noticed nothing untoward .
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un.trained
adj. ~ (in sth) not trained to perform a particular job or skill; without formal training in sth: untrained in keyboard skills  untrained teachers  To the untrained eye , the two products look remarkably similar.
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un.tram.melled
(BrE ) (AmEun.tram.meled) adj. ~ (by sth) (formal) not restricted or limited by sth—compare TRAMMEL
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un.treat.ed
adj.
1 not receiving medical treatment: If untreated, the illness can become severe.
2 (of substances) not made safe by chemical or other treatment: untreated sewage
3 (of wood) not treated with substances to preserve it
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un.tried
adj. (written)
1 without experience of doing a particular job: She chose two untried actors for the leading roles.
2 not yet tried or tested to discover if it works or is successful: This is a new and relatively untried procedure.
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un.true
adj.
1 not true; not based on facts: These accusations are totally untrue.  an untrue claim / statement  It would be untrue to say that something like this could never happen again.
2 ~ (to sb/sth) (literary) not loyal to sb/sth
SYN UNFAITHFUL : If he agreed to their demands, he would have to be untrue to his own principles.
OPP TRUE
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un.trust.worthy
adj. that cannot be trusted
OPP TRUSTWORTHY
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un.truth
noun (pl.un.truths )
1 [C] (formal) a lie. People often say ‘untruth’ to avoid saying ‘lie’.—compare TRUTH
2 [U] the state of being false
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un.truth.ful
adj. saying things that you know are not true
OPP TRUTHFUL
un.truth.ful.ly adv.
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un.turned
adj.
IDM see STONE n.
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un.tutored
adj. (formal) not having been formally taught about sth
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un.typ.ical
adj. ~ (of sb/sth) not typical: an untypical example  Schools in this area are quite untypical of schools in the rest of the country.  All in all, it had been a not untypical day (= it had been very like other days).
OPP TYPICAL —compare ATYPICAL
un.typ.ic.al.ly adv.
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un.usable
adj. in such a bad condition or of such low quality that it cannot be used
OPP USABLE
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un.used^1
adj. not being used at the moment; never having been used—compare DISUSED
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un.used^2
adj. ~ to sth / to doing sth not having much experience of sth and therefore not knowing how to deal with it; not used to sth: This is an easy routine, designed for anyone who is unused to exercise.  She was unused to talking about herself.
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un.usual
adj.
1 different from what is usual or normal
SYN STRANGE : It’s unusual for the trees to flower so early.  She has a very unusual name.  It’s not unusual for young doctors to work a 70-hour week (= it happens often).
2 different from other similar things and therefore interesting and attractive: an unusual colour / feature / hobby
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un.usual.ly
adv.
1 used before adjectives to emphasize that a particular quality is greater than normal: unusually high levels of radiation  an unusually cold winter
2 used to say that a particular situation is not normal or expected: Unusually for him, he wore a tie.
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un.utter.able
adj. [only before noun] (formal) used to emphasize how great a particular emotion or quality is: unutterable loneliness / sadness / pleasure
un.utter.ably adv.
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un.var.nished
adj.
1 [only before noun] (written) with nothing added: It was the plain unvarnished truth.
2 (of wood, etc.) not covered with VARNISH
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un.vary.ing
adj. (written) never changing: an unvarying routine
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un.veil
verb [vn]
1 to remove a cover or curtain from a painting, statue, etc. so that it can be seen in public for the first time: The Queen unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the hospital.
2 to show or introduce a new plan, product, etc. to the public for the first time: They will be unveiling their new models at the Motor Show.
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un.voiced
adj.
1 thought about but not expressed in words—compare VOICE v.
2 (phonetics) (of consonants) produced without VIBRATION of the VOCAL CORDS ; not VOICED
SYN VOICELESS : unvoiced consonants such as ‘p’ and ‘t’
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un.waged
adj. (BrE , written)
1 (of a person) not earning money by working
OPP WAGED
2 (of work) for which you are not paid
SYN UNPAID
3 (the unwaged) noun [pl.] people who are unwaged
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un.want.ed
adj. that you do not want: unwanted advice / attention  unwanted pregnancies  It is very sad when children feel unwanted (= feel that other people do not care about them).
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un.war.rant.ed
adj. (formal) not reasonable or necessary; not appropriate
SYN UNJUSTIFIED : Much of the criticism was totally unwarranted.  They condemned the new law as an unwarranted intrusion into people’s private lives.
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un.wary
adj.
1 [only before noun] not aware of the possible dangers or problems of a situation and therefore likely to be harmed in some way—compare WARY
2 (the unwary) noun [pl.] people who are unwary : The stock market is full of traps for the unwary.
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un.washed
adj. not washed; dirty: a pile of unwashed dishes  Their clothes were dirty and their hair unwashed.
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un.waver.ing
adj. (formal) not changing or becoming weaker in any way: unwavering support / determination
un.waver.ing.ly adv.
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un.wel.come
adj. not wanted: an unwelcome visitor  To avoid attracting unwelcome attention he kept his voice down.
OPP WELCOME
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un.wel.com.ing
adj.
1 (of a person) not friendly towards sb who is visiting or arriving
2 (of a place) not attractive and looking uncomfortable to be in: She went back to her cold unwelcoming house.
OPP WELCOMING
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un.well
adj. [not before noun] (rather formal) ill/sick: She said she was feeling unwell and went home.
OPP WELL
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un.whole.some
adj. (written)
1 harmful to health; not looking healthy
2 that you consider unpleasant or not natural
OPP WHOLESOME
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un.wieldy
adj.
1 (of an object) difficult to move or control because of its size, shape or weight
SYN CUMBERSOME
2 (of a system or group of people) difficult to control or organize because it is very large or complicated
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un.will.ing
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) not wanting to do sth and refusing to do it: They are unwilling to invest any more money in the project.  She was unable, or unwilling, to give me any further details.
2 [only before noun] not wanting to do or be sth, but forced to by other people
SYN RELUCTANT : an unwilling hero  He became the unwilling object of her attention.
OPP WILLING
un.will.ing.ly adv.
un.will.ing.ness noun [U]
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un.wind
verb (un.wound, un.wound )
1 to undo sth that has been wrapped into a ball or around sth: [vn] to unwind a ball of string  He unwound his scarf from his neck.  [v] The bandage gradually unwound and fell off.
2 [v] to stop worrying or thinking about problems and start to relax
SYN WIND DOWN : Listening to music helps me unwind after a busy day.
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un.wise
adj. ~ (to do sth) showing a lack of good judgement
SYN FOOLISH : It would be unwise to comment on the situation without knowing all the facts.  an unwise decision / investment
OPP WISE
un.wise.ly adv.: Perhaps unwisely, I agreed to help.
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un.wit.ting
adj. [only before noun] (written) not aware of what you are doing or of the situation you are involved in: He became an unwitting accomplice in the crime.  She was the unwitting cause of the argument.
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un.wit.ting.ly
adv. without being aware of what you are doing or the situation that you are involved in: She had broken the law unwittingly, but still she had broken it.
OPP WITTINGLY
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un.wont.ed
adj. (formal) not usual or expected: He spoke with unwonted enthusiasm.
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un.work.able
adj. not practical or possible to do successfully: an unworkable plan / proposal
OPP WORKABLE
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un.world.ly
adj.
1 not interested in money or the things that it buys
2 lacking experience of life
SYN NAIVE
OPP WORLDLY
3 having qualities that do not seem to belong to this world: The landscape had a stark, unworldly beauty.
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un.wor.ried
adj. [not usually before noun] (written) not worried; calm; relaxed: She appeared unworried by criticism.
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un.worthy
adj. (formal)
1 ~ (of sth) not having the necessary qualities to deserve sth, especially respect: an unworthy opponent  He considered himself unworthy of the honour they had bestowed on him.
OPP WORTHY
2 ~ (of sb) not acceptable from sb, especially sb who has an important job or high social position: Such opinions are unworthy of educated people.
un.worthi.ness noun [U]: feelings of unworthiness
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un.wound
pt, pp of UNWIND
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un.wrap
verb (-pp-) [vn] to take off the paper, etc. that covers or protects sth: Don’t unwrap your present until your birthday.
OPP WRAP UP
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un.writ.ten
adj.
1 ~ law, rule, agreement, etc. a law, etc. that everyone knows about and accepts even though it has not been made official: We have an unwritten understanding that nobody leaves before five o’clock.
2 (of a book, etc.) not yet written: The photographs were to be included in his as yet unwritten autobiography.
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un.yield.ing
adj. (written)
1 if a person is unyielding, they are not easily influenced and they are unlikely to change their mind: severe unyeilding parents
2 an unyielding substance or object does not bend or break when pressure is put on it
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unzip
verb (-pp-) [vn, v] if you unzip a piece of clothing, a bag, etc., or if it unzips, you open it by undoing the ZIP that fastens it
OPP ZIP UP
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up
adv., prep., adj., verb, noun
adv.
HELP For the special uses of up in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example break up is in the phrasal verb section at break.
1 towards or in a higher position: He jumped up from his chair.  The sun was already up (= had risen) when they set off.  They live up in the mountains.  It didn’t take long to put the tent up.  I pinned the notice up on the wall.  Lay the cards face up (= facing upwards) on the table.  You look nice with your hair up (= arranged on top of or at the back of your head).   (spoken) Up you come! (= said when lifting a child).
2 to or at a higher level: She turned the volume up.  Prices are still going up (= rising).  United were 3–1 up at half time.  The wind is getting up (= blowing more strongly).  Sales are well up on last year.
3 to the place where sb/sth is: A car drove up and he got in.  She went straight up to the door and knocked loudly.
4 to or at an important place, especially a large city: We’re going up to New York for the day.   (BrE, formal) His son’s up at Oxford (= Oxford University).
5 to a place in the north of a country: They’ve moved up north .  We drove up to Inverness to see my father.
6 into pieces or parts: She tore the paper up.  They’ve had the road up (= with the surface broken or removed) to lay some pipes.  How shall we divide up the work?
7 completely: We ate all the food up.  The stream has dried up.
8 so as to be formed or brought together: The government agreed to set up a committee of inquiry.  She gathered up her belongings.
9 so as to be finished or closed: I have some paperwork to finish up.  Do your coat up; it’s cold.
10 (of a period of time) finished; over: Time’s up. Stop writing and hand in your papers.
11 out of bed: I stayed up late (= did not go to bed until late) last night.   (BrE) He’s up and about again after his illness.
12 (spoken) used to say that sth is happening, especially sth unusual or unpleasant: I could tell something was up by the looks on their faces.  What’s up? (= What is the matter?)  What’s up with him? He looks furious.  Is anything up? You can tell me.
HELP In AmEWhat’s up? can just mean ‘What’s new?’ or ‘What’s happening?’ There may not be anything wrong.
IDM be up to sb to be sb’s duty or responsibility; to be for sb to decide: It’s not up to you to tell me how to do my job.  Shall we eat out or stay in? It’s up to you. not be 'up to much (BrE) to be of poor quality; to not be very good: His work isn’t up to much. up against sth (informal) facing problems or opposition: Teachers are up against some major problems these days.  She’s really up against it (= in a difficult situation). ,up and 'down
1 moving upwards and downwards: The boat bobbed up and down on the water.
2 in one direction and then in the opposite direction: She was pacing up and down in front of her desk.
3 sometimes good and sometimes bad: My relationship with him was up and down. ,up and 'running (of a system, for example a computer system) working; being used: By that time the new system should be up and running. up before sb/sth appearing in front of sb in authority for a judgement to be made about sth that you have done: He came up before the local magistrate for speeding. up for sth
1 on offer for sth: The house is up for sale.
2 being considered for sth, especially as a candidate: Two candidates are up for election.
3 willing to take part in a particular activity: We’re going clubbing tonight. Are you up for it ? up to sth
1 as far as a particular number, level, etc: I can take up to four people (= but no more than four) in my car.  The temperature went up to 35°C.
2 (also up until sth) not further or later than sth; until sth: Read up to page 100.  Up to now he’s been very quiet.
3 as high or as good as sth: Her latest book isn’t up to her usual standard.
4 (also up to doing sth) physically or mentally capable of sth: He’s not up to the job.  I don’t feel up to going to work today.
5 (spoken) doing sth, especially sth bad: What’s she up to?  What’ve you been up to?  I’m sure he’s up to no good (= doing sth bad).

prep.
1 to or in a higher position somewhere: She climbed up the flight of steps.  The village is further up the valley.
2 along or further along a road or street: We live just up the road, past the post office.
3 towards the place where a river starts: a cruise up the Rhine
IDM up and down sth in one direction and then in the opposite direction along sth: I looked up and down the corridor. ,up 'yours! ( , slang) an offensive way of being rude to sb, for example because they have said sth that makes you angry

adj.
1 [only before noun] directed or moving upwards: an up stroke  the up escalator
2 [not before noun] (informal) cheerful; happy or excited: The mood here is resolutely up.
3 [not before noun] (of a computer system) working: Our system should be up by this afternoon.

verb (-pp-)
1 [v] (up and …) (informal or humorous) to suddenly move or do sth unexpected: He upped and left without telling anyone.
2 [vn] to increase the price or amount of sth
SYN RAISE : The buyers upped their offer by £1 000.
IDM ,up 'sticks (BrE, informal) to suddenly move from your house and go to live somewhere else: He upped sticks and went back to France.—more at ANTE

noun
IDM on the 'up increasing or improving: Business confidence is on the up. on the ,up and 'up (informal)
1 (BrE) becoming more and more successful: The club has been on the up and up since the beginning of the season.
2 (AmE) = ON THE LEVEL at LEVEL n. : The offer seems to be on the up and up. ,ups and 'downs the mixture of good and bad things in life or in a particular situation or relationship: Every business has its ups and downs.

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up-
prefix (in adjectives, verbs and related nouns) higher; upwards; towards the top of sth: upland  upturned  upgrade  uphill
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,up-and-'coming
adj. [only before noun] (informal) likely to be successful and popular in the future: up-and-coming young actors
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up.beat
adj. (informal) positive and enthusiastic; making you feel that the future will be good: The tone of the speech was upbeat.  The presentation ended on an upbeat note.
OPP DOWNBEAT
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up.braid
verb [vn] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize sb or speak angrily to them because you do not approve of sth that they have said or done
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up.bring.ing
noun [sing., U] the way in which a child is cared for and taught how to behave while it is growing up: to have a sheltered / religious / strict upbringing  He was a Catholic by upbringing.
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UPC
abbr. (AmE, technical ) Universal Product Code: The Universal Product Code symbol, also known as the ‘bar code’, is printed on products for sale and contains information that a computer can read.
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up.com.ing
adj. [only before noun] (especially AmE ) going to happen soon: the upcoming presidential election  a single from the band’s upcoming album
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,up-'country
adj. [only before noun] connected with an area of a country that is situated away from large towns
,up-'country adv.
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up.date
verb [vn]
1 to make sth more modern by adding new parts, etc: It’s about time we updated our software.
2 ~ sb (on sth)| ~ sth to give sb the most recent information about sth; to add the most recent information to sth: I called the office to update them on the day’s developments.  Our records are regularly updated.
up.date noun~ (on sth): a news update  The newsletter gives an update on current activities.
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upend
verb [vn] to turn sb/sth upside down: The bicycle lay upended in a ditch.
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up.field
adv. (sport ) towards your opponent’s end of the playing field
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up.front
adj.
1 ~ (about sth) not trying to hide what you think or do
SYN HONEST , FRANK : He’s been upfront about his intentions since the beginning.
2 [only before noun] paid in advance, before other payments are made: There will be an upfront fee of 4%.—see also UP FRONT at FRONT
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up.grade
verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to make a piece of machinery, computer system, etc. more powerful and efficient
2 ~ sb (to sth) to give sb a more important job
SYN PROMOTE
3 ~ sb (to sth) to give sb a better seat on a plane, room in a hotel, etc. than the one that they have paid for
4 to improve the condition of a building, etc. in order to provide a better service: The money will enable us to upgrade the town’s leisure facilities.—compare DOWNGRADE
up.grade noun
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up.heav.al
noun [C, U] a big change that causes a lot of confusion, worry and problems: the latest upheavals in the education system  I can’t face the upheaval of moving house again.  a period of emotional upheaval
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up.hill
adj., adv.
adj.
1 sloping upwards: an uphill climb / slope  The last part of the race is all uphill.
OPP DOWNHILL
2 ~ battle, struggle, task, etc. an argument or a struggle that is difficult to win and takes a lot of effort over a long period of time

adv. towards the top of a hill or slope: We cycled uphill for over an hour.  The path slopes steeply uphill.
OPP DOWNHILL

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up.hold
verb (up.held, up.held ) [vn]
1 to support sth that you think is right, fair, etc. and make sure that it continues to exist: We have a duty to uphold the law.
2 (especially of a court of law) to agree that a previous decision was correct or that a request is reasonable: to uphold a conviction / an appeal / a complaint
up.hold.er noun: an upholder of traditional values
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up.hol.ster
verb [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) to cover a chair, etc. with soft material (= PADDING ) and fabric
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up.hol.ster.er
noun a person whose job is to upholster furniture
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up.hol.stery
noun [U]
1 soft covering on furniture such as ARMCHAIRS and SOFAS
2 the process or trade of UPHOLSTERING
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up.keep
noun [U]
1 ~ (of sth) the cost or process of keeping sth in good condition
SYN MAINTENANCE : Tenants are responsible for the upkeep of rented property.
2 ~ (of sb/sth) the cost or process of giving a child or an animal the things that they need: He makes regular payments to his ex-wife for the upkeep of their children.
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up.land
noun [usually pl.] an area of high land that is situated away from the coast
up.land adj. [only before noun]: upland agriculture
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up.lift
noun, verb
noun [U, sing.]
1 the fact of sth being raised or of sth increasing: an uplift in sales  an uplift bra (= that raises the breasts)
2 a feeling of hope and happiness: The news gave them a much needed uplift.
3 (geology) the process or result of land being moved to a higher level by movements inside the earth

verb [vn] (formal) to make sb feel happier or more hopeful

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up.lift.ed
adj.
1 [not before noun] feeling happy and full of hope: Everyone left the meeting feeling uplifted.
2 (literary) lifted upwards: a sea of uplifted faces
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up.lift.ing
adj. making you feel happier or more hopeful: an uplifting experience / speech
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up.mar.ket
(BrE ) (AmE up.scale) adj. [usually before noun] designed for or used by people who belong to a high social class: an upmarket brand / restaurant / store
OPP DOWNMARKET
,up'market (BrE) (AmE ,up'scale) adv.: The company has been forced to move more upmarket.
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upon
prep. (formal, especially BrE ) = ON : The decision was based upon two considerations.
IDM (almost) u'pon you if sth in the future is almost upon you, it is going to arrive or happen very soon: The summer season was almost upon them again.—more at ONCE adv.
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upper
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 situated above sth else, especially sth of the same type or the other of a pair: the upper jaw / lip  the upper deck / floor / storey
2 at or near the top of sth: the upper arm / body  the upper slopes of the mountain  a member of the upper middle class  salaries at the upper end of the pay scale  There is an upper limit of £20 000 spent on any one project.
3 (of a place) situated away from the coast, on high ground or towards the north of an area: the upper reaches of the Thames
OPP LOWER
IDM gain, get, have, etc. the ,upper 'hand to get an advantage over sb so that you are in control of a particular situation—more at STIFF adj.

noun [usually pl.]
1 the top part of a shoe that is attached to the sole: shoes with leather uppers
2 (informal) a drug that makes you feel excited and full of energy—compare DOWNER
IDM on your 'uppers (BrE, informal) having very little money

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,upper 'case
noun [U] capital letters (= the large form of letters, for example A, B, C rather than a, b, c): Headings should be in upper case.—compare LOWER CASE
,upper 'case adj.: upper-case letters
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the ,upper 'class
noun [sing.] (also the ,upper 'classes [pl.]) the groups of people that are considered to have the highest social status and that have more money and/or power than other people in society: a member of the upper class / upper classes
,upper 'class adj.: Her family is very upper class.  an upper-class accent—compare LOWER CLASS , MIDDLE CLASS , WORKING CLASS
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upper.class.man, upper.class.woman
noun (pl.-men -women ) (AmE ) a student in the last two years of high school or college—compare UNDERCLASSMAN
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the ,upper 'crust
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (informal) the people who belong to the highest social class
,upper-'crust adj. [only before noun]
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upper.cut
noun (in boxing) a way of hitting sb on the chin, in which you bend your arm and move your hand upwards
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,upper 'house
(also ,upper 'chamber) (also ,second 'chamber especially in BrE) noun [sing.] one of the parts of a parliament in countries which have a parliament that is divided into two parts. In Britain it is the House of Lords and in the US it is the Senate.—compare LOWER HOUSE
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upper.most
adj., adv.
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (written) higher or nearer the top than other things: the uppermost branches of the tree
2 [not usually before noun] more important than other things in a particular situation: These thoughts were uppermost in my mind .  Defence is no longer uppermost in their priorities.

adv. (written) in the highest position; facing upwards: Place the material on a flat surface, shiny side uppermost.

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'upper school
noun (BrE ) a school, or the classes in a school, for older students, usually between the ages of 14 and 18—compare LOWER SCHOOL , MIDDLE SCHOOL
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up.pity
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) behaving as if you are more important than you really are, especially when this means that you refuse to obey orders
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up.raised
adj. lifted upwards: She strode towards them, her fist upraised.
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up.right
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of a person) not lying down, and with the back straight rather than bent: She sat upright in bed.  He managed to pull himself upright.  an upright posture / stance  Gradually raise your body into an upright position.
2 placed in a vertical position: Keep the bottle upright.  an upright bar  an upright freezer (= one that is taller than it is wide)  an upright chair (= one with a high straight back)
3 (of a person) behaving in a moral and honest way: an upright citizen
IDM see BOLT adv.

noun
1 a long piece of wood, metal or plastic that is placed in a vertical position, especially in order to support sth
2 = UPRIGHT PIANO

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,upright pi'ano
(also up.right) noun a piano in which the strings are vertical—compare GRAND PIANO , SPINET —picture at PIANO
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up.ris.ing
noun ~ (against sth) a situation in which a group of people join together in order to fight against the people who are in power
SYN REBELLION , REVOLT : an armed uprising against the government  a popular uprising (= by the ordinary people of the country)  to crush / suppress an uprising
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up.river
adv. = UPSTREAM
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up.roar
noun [U, sing.]
1 a situation in which people shout and make a lot of noise because they are angry or upset about sth: The room was in (an) uproar .  Her comments provoked (an) uproar from the audience.
2 a situation in which there is a lot of public criticism and angry argument about sth that sb has said or done: The article caused (an) uproar when it was published.
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up.roari.ous
adj. [not usually before noun] (written)
1 in which there is a lot of noise and people laugh or shout a lot: an uproarious party
2 extremely funny: an uproarious story
up.roari.ous.ly adv.: The audience laughed uproariously.  uproariously funny
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up.root
verb [vn]
1 to pull a tree, plant, etc. out of the ground
2 ~ yourself / sb to leave a place where you have lived for a long time; to make sb do this: If I accept the job, it will mean uprooting my family and moving to Italy.
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up.scale
adj., adv. (AmE ) = UPMARKET
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upset
verb, adj., noun
verb (up.set.ting, upset, upset)
1 to make sb/yourself feel unhappy, anxious or annoyed
SYN DISTRESS : [vn] This decision is likely to upset a lot of people.  Don’t upset yourself about it—let’s just forget it ever happened.  [vn that] It upset him that nobody had bothered to tell him about it.  [vn to inf] It upsets me to think of her all alone in that big house.
2 [vn] to make a plan, situation, etc. go wrong: He arrived an hour late and upset all our arrangements.
3 [vn] ~ sb’s stomach to make sb feel sick after they have eaten or drunk sth
4 [vn] to make sth fall over by hitting it accidentally: She stood up suddenly, upsetting a glass of wine.
IDM upset the 'apple cart to cause problems for sb or spoil their plans, arrangements, etc.

adj.
1 [not before noun] ~ (about sth)| ~ (that … ) unhappy or disappointed because of sth unpleasant that has happened: There’s no point getting upset about it.  I understand how upset you must be feeling.  She was upset that he had left without saying goodbye.
2 an ,upset 'stomach an illness in the stomach that makes you feel sick or have DIARRHOEA

noun
1 [C] a situation in which there are problems or difficulties, especially when these are unexpected: The company has survived the recent upset in share prices.  His health has not been improved by all the upset at home.
2 [C] (in a competition) a situation in which a person or team beats the person or team that was expected to win
3 [C] an illness in the stomach that makes you feel sick or have DIARRHOEA : a stomach upset
4 [U, C] feelings of unhappiness and disappointment caused by sth unpleasant that has happened: It had been the cause of much emotional upset.

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up.set.ting
adj. making you feel unhappy, anxious or annoyed: an upsetting experience  She finds the divorce too upsetting to talk about.
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up.shot
noun (the upshot) [sing.] the final result of a particular series of events: The upshot of it all was that he left college and got a job.
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up.side
noun [sing.] the more positive aspect of a situation that is generally bad
OPP DOWNSIDE
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,upside 'down
adv. in or into a position in which the top of sth is where the bottom is normally found and the bottom is where the top is normally found: The canoe floated upside down on the lake.  Turn the cake upside down and cover it with cream.
OPP RIGHT SIDE UP
,upside 'down adj. [not usually before noun]: The painting looks like it’s upside down to me.
IDM turn sth ,upside 'down
1 to make a place untidy when looking for sth: The police turned the whole house upside down looking for clues.
2 to cause large changes and confusion in a person’s life: His sudden death turned her world upside down.
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up.stage
adv., adj., verb
adv. at or towards the back of the stage in a theatre
up.stage adj. [only before noun]

verb [vn] to say or do sth that makes people notice you more than the person that they should be interested in: She was furious at being upstaged by her younger sister.

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up.stairs
adv., adj., noun
adv. up the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or other building higher than the one that you are on: The cat belongs to the people who live upstairs.  I carried her bags upstairs.  She went upstairs to get dressed.
OPP DOWNSTAIRS
up.stairs adj. [only before noun]: an upstairs room / window
IDM see KICK v.

noun [sing.] the floor or floors in a building that are above the ground floor: We’ve converted the upstairs into an office.
OPP DOWNSTAIRS

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up.stand.ing
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) behaving in a moral and honest way
SYN UPRIGHT : an upstanding member of the community
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up.start
noun (disapproving) a person who has just started in a new position or job but who behaves as if they are more important than other people, in a way that is annoying
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up.state
adv. (AmE ) in or to the northern part of a state that is far from its main cities: They retired and went to live upstate.
up.state adj. [only before noun]: upstate New York
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up.stream
(also less frequent up.river) adv. ~ (of / from sth) along a river, in the opposite direction to the way in which the water flows: The nearest town is about ten miles upstream.  upstream of / from the bridge
OPP DOWNSTREAM
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up.surge
noun [usually sing.] ~ (in / of sth) (written) a sudden large increase in sth: an upsurge in violent crime  a recent upsurge of interest in his movies
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up.swing
noun [usually sing.] ~ (in sth) (written) a situation in which sth improves or increases over a period of time
SYN UPTURN : an upswing in economic activity  an upswing in the team’s fortunes
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up.take
noun [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) (technical ) the process by which sth is taken into a body or system; the rate at which this happens: the uptake of oxygen by muscles
IDM be ,quick / ,slow on the 'uptake (informal) to be quick/slow to understand sth: Is he always this slow on the uptake?
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up.tempo
adj. (especially of music) fast: uptempo dance tunes
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up.tight
adj. ~ (about sth) (informal)
1 anxious and/or angry about sth: Relax! You’re getting too uptight about it.
2 (especially AmE) nervous about showing your feelings: I remember him when he was an uptight teenager.
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,up to 'date
adj.
1 modern; fashionable: This technology is bang up to date (= completely modern).  up-to-date clothes  up-to-date equipment / methods
2 having or including the most recent information: We are keeping up to date with the latest developments.  up-to-date information / records—see also OUT OF DATE
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,up-to-the-'minute
adj. [usually before noun]
1 having or including the most recent information: up-to-the-minute news / information
2 modern; fashionable: up-to-the-minute designs / styles—see also UP TO THE MINUTE at MINUTE n.
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up.town
adv. (AmE ) in or to the parts of a town or city that are away from the centre: They live in an apartment uptown.  We walked uptown a couple of blocks until we found a cab.—compare DOWNTOWN , MIDTOWN
up.town adj. [only before noun]: an uptown district / train
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up.trend
noun [sing.] (AmE ) a situation in which business activity or performance increases or improves over a period of time
OPP DOWNTREND
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up.turn
noun [usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a situation in which sth improves or increases over a period of time
SYN UPSWING : There are signs of an upturn in the economy.  The restaurant trade is on the upturn.
OPP DOWNTURN
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up.turned
adj. [usually before noun]
1 pointing or facing upwards: an upturned nose (= that curves upwards at the end)  She looked down at the sea of upturned faces.
2 turned upside down: She sat on an upturned box.
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up.ward
adj. [only before noun]
1 pointing towards or facing a higher place: an upward gaze / look  an upward curve
2 increasing in amount or price: a sharp upward movement in property prices
OPP DOWNWARD
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,upwardly 'mobile
adj. moving towards a higher social position, usually in which you become richer: upwardly mobile immigrant groups  an upwardly mobile lifestyle
,upward mo'bility noun [U]
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up.wards
(especially BrE ) (also up.ward especially in AmE) adv.
1 towards a higher place or position: A flight of steps led upwards to the front door.  Place your hands on the table with the palms facing upwards.
OPP DOWNWARDS
2 towards a higher amount or price: Bad weather forced the price of fruit upwards.  The budget has been revised upwards.
OPP DOWNWARDS
3 ~ of sth more than the amount or number mentioned: You should expect to pay upwards of £50 for a hotel room.
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up.wind
adv. in the opposite direction to the way in which the wind is blowing: to sail upwind  The house was upwind of the factory and its smells (= the wind did not blow the smells towards the house).
OPP DOWNWIND
up.wind adj.
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ur.an.ium
noun [U] (symb U) a chemical element. Uranium is a heavy, silver-white, RADIOACTIVE metal, used mainly in producing nuclear energy.
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Ura.nus
noun the planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is 7th in order of distance from the sun
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urban
adj. [only before noun] connected with a town or city: damage to both urban and rural environments  urban areas / centres / populations  urban life / unrest  urban development (= the process of building towns and cities or making them larger)  urban renewal / regeneration (= the process of improving the buildings, etc. in the poor parts of a town or city)  efforts to control urban sprawl (= the spread of city buildings into the countryside)—compare RURAL
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ur.bane
adj. (written) (especially of a man) good at knowing what to say and how to behave in social situations; appearing relaxed and confident: He was charming and urbane, full of witty conversation.
ur.bane.ly adv.
ur.ban.ity noun [U]
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ur.ban.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj.
1 (of an area, a country, etc.) having a lot of towns, streets, factories, etc. rather than countryside
2 (of people) living and working in towns and cities rather than in the country: an increasingly urbanized society
ur.ban.iza.tion , -isa.tion (BrE) noun [U]
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ur.chin
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a young child who is poor and dirty, often one who has no home: a dirty little street urchin
2 = SEA URCHIN
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Urdu
noun [U] the official language of Pakistan, also widely used in India
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-ure
suffix (in nouns) the action, process or result of: closure  failure
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urea
noun [U] (technical ) a colourless substance containing NITROGEN that is found especially in URINE
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ur.ethra
noun (anatomy ) the tube that carries liquid waste out of the body. In men and male animals SPERM also flows along this tube.
ur.eth.ral adj. [only before noun]
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urge
verb, noun
verb
1 to advise or try hard to persuade sb to do sth: [vn to inf] She urged him to stay.  [v that] The report urged that all children be taught to swim. [alsov speech, vn speech]
2 [vn] ~ sth (on / upon sb) to recommend sth strongly: The situation is dangerous, but the UN is urging caution.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] (written) to make a person or an animal move more quickly and/or in a particular direction, especially by pushing or forcing them: He urged his horse forward.
PVR V ,urge sb<->'on to encourage sb to do sth or support them so that they do it better: She could hear him urging her on as she ran past.

noun ~ (to do sth) a strong desire to do sth: sexual / creative urges  I had a sudden urge to hit him.

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ur.gent
adj.
1 that needs to be dealt with immediately: an urgent appeal for information  a problem that requires urgent attention  ‘Can I see you for a moment?’‘Is it urgent?’  Mark the message ‘urgent’, please.  The law is in urgent need of reform.
2 (written) showing that you think that sth needs to be dealt with immediately: an urgent look / whisper
ur.gen.cy noun [U, sing.]: This is a matter of some urgency.  The attack added a new urgency to the peace talks.
ur.gent.ly adv.: New equipment is urgently needed.  I need to speak to her urgently.  ‘We must find him,’ she said urgently.
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ur.inal
noun a type of toilet for men that is attached to the wall; a room or building containing urinals
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urin.ary
adj. [usually before noun] (medical ) connected with URINE or the parts of the body through which it passes
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urin.ate
verb [v] (formal ortechnical ) to get rid of URINE from the body
urin.ation noun [U]
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urine
(also spoken wee especially in BrE) noun [U] the waste liquid that collects in the BLADDER and that you pass from your body
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URL
abbr. (computing ) uniform/universal resource locator (the address of a WORLD WIDE WEB page)
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urn
noun
1 a tall decorated container, especially one used for holding the ashes of a dead person
2 a large metal container with a tap, used for making and/or serving tea or coffee: a tea urn
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ur.ology
noun [U] (medical ) the scientific study of the URINARY system
uro.logic.al adj.
ur.olo.gist noun
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US
(also U.S. especially in AmE) abbr. United States (of America): She became a US citizen.  the US dollar
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us
pron. (the object form of we)
1 used when the speaker or writer and another or others are the object of a verb or preposition: She gave us a picture as a wedding present.  We’ll take the dog with us.  Hello, it’s us back again.
2 (BrE, spoken, informal) me: Give us the newspaper, will you?
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us.able
adj. that can be used; in good enough condition to be used: The bike is rusty but usable.  How can we display this data in a usable form?
OPP UNUSABLE
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USA
(also U.S.A. especially in AmE) abbr. United States of America: Do you need a visa for the USA?
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USAF
abbr. United States Air Force
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usage
noun
1 [U, C] the way in which words are used in a language: current English usage  It’s not a word in common usage .
2 [U] the fact of sth being used; how much sth is used: land usage  Car usage is predicted to increase.
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use
verb, noun
verb (used, used )
1 [vn] ~ sth (for sth / for doing sth)| ~ sth (as sth) to do sth with a machine, a method, an object, etc. for a particular purpose: Can I use your phone?  Have you ever used this software before?  How often do you use (= travel by) the bus?  They were able to achieve a settlement without using military force.  Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds.  The blue files are used for storing old invoices.  The building is currently being used as a warehouse.  You can’t keep using your bad back as an excuse.  I have some information you may be able to use (= to get an advantage from).
2 [vn] to take a particular amount of a liquid, substance, etc. in order to achieve or make sth: This type of heater uses a lot of electricity.  I hope you haven’t used all the milk.
3 [vn] (disapproving) to be kind, friendly, etc. to sb with the intention of getting an advantage for yourself from them: Can’t you see he’s just using you for his own ends ?  I felt used.
4 to take illegal drugs: [vn] Most of the inmates have used drugs at some point in their lives.  [v] (slang) She’s been using since she was 13.
IDM I, you, etc. could use sth (spoken) used to say that you would like to have sth very much: I think we could all use a drink after that! use your 'head (BrE also use your 'loaf) (informal) used to tell sb to think about sth, especially when they have asked for your opinion or said sth stupid: ‘Why don’t you want to see him again?’‘Oh, use your head!’
ORIGIN From rhyming slang, in which loaf of bread stands for ‘head’.
PVR V ,use sth<->'up to use all of sth so that there is none left: Making soup is a good way of using up leftover vegetables.

noun
1 [U, sing.] the act of using sth; the state of being used: A ban was imposed on the use of chemical weapons.  The software is designed for use in schools.  I’m not sure that this is the most valuable use of my time.  The chapel was built in the 12th century and is still in use today.  The bar is for the use of members only.
2 [C, U] a purpose for which sth is used; a way in which sth is or can be used: I’m sure you’ll think of a use for it.  This chemical has a wide range of industrial uses.
3 [U] ~ (of sth) the right or opportunity to use sth, for example sth that belongs to sb else: I have the use of the car this week.
4 [U] the ability to use your mind or body: He lost the use of his legs (= became unable to walk) in an accident.
IDM be no 'use (to sb) (also formal be of no 'use) to be useless: You can throw those away—they’re no use to anyone. be of 'use (to sb) (formal) to be useful: Can I be of any use (= can I help)? come into / go out of 'use to start/stop being used: These pesticides are gradually being phased out of use.  When did this word come into common use? have its / their / your 'uses (informal, often humorous) to be useful sometimes: I know you don’t like him, but he has his uses. have no 'use for sb to dislike sb: I’ve no use for people who don’t make an effort. have no 'use for sth to not need sth it’s no 'use (doing sth) | What’s the 'use (of doing sth)? used to say that there is no point in doing sth because it will not be successful or have a good result: What’s the use of worrying about it?  It’s no use—I can’t persuade her. make 'use of sth/sb to use sth/sb, especially in order to get an advantage: We could make better use of our resources.  You should make use of your contacts. put sth to good 'use to be able to use sth for a purpose, and get an advantage from doing so: She’ll be able to put her languages to good use in her new job.

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used^1
adj. ~ to sth / to doing sth familiar with sth because you do it or experience it often: I’m not used to eating so much at lunchtime.  I found the job tiring at first but I soon got used to it.  note at USED TO
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used^2
adj. [usually before noun] that has belonged to or been used by sb else before
SYN SECOND-HAND : used cars
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used to
modal verb (negativedidn’t use to , BrE also, old-fashioned or formal used not toshort formusedn’t to ) used to say that sth happened continuously or frequently during a period in the past: I used to live in London.  We used to go sailing on the lake in summer.  I didn’t use to like him much when we were at school.  You used to see a lot of her, didn’t you?  note at MODAL
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use.ful
adj.
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (to sb)| ~ (for sth / for doing sth) that can help you to do or achieve what you want: a useful gadget / book  It can be useful to write a short summary of your argument first.  He might be useful to us.  These plants are particularly useful for brightening up shady areas.  Don’t just sit watching television—make yourself useful !  This information could prove useful .  Your knowledge of German may come in useful (= be useful in a particular situation).  Some products can be recycled at the end of their useful life.
2 (BrE, informal) good; satisfactory: He’s a very useful player.
use.ful.ly adv.: The money could be more usefully spent on new equipment.
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use.ful.ness
noun [U] the fact of being useful or possible to use: There are doubts about the usefulness of these tests.  The building has outlived its usefulness.
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use.less
adj.
1 ~ (to do sth)| ~ (doing sth) not useful; not doing or achieving what is needed or wanted: This pen is useless.  He knew it was useless to protest.  It’s useless worrying about it.  She tried to work, but it was useless (= she wasn’t able to).
2 ~ (at doing sth) (informal) not very good at sth; not able to do things well: I’m useless at French.  Don’t ask her to help. She’s useless.
use.less.ly adv.
use.less.ness noun [U]
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user
noun
1 a person or thing that uses sth: road users  computer software users  Please enter your user name .
2 (slang) a person who is ADDICTED TO drugs
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'user fee
noun (AmE ) a tax on a service that is provided for the public
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,user-'friendly
adj. easy for people who are not experts to use or understand: Computer programs have become more user-friendly.
,user-'friendli.ness noun [U]
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usher
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who shows people where to sit in a church, public hall, etc.
2 an official who has special responsibilities in a court of law, for example allowing people in and out of the court
3 a friend of the BRIDEGROOM at a wedding, who has special duties

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to take or show sb where they should go: The secretary ushered me into his office.
PVR V ,usher sth<->'in (formal) to be the beginning of sth new or to make sth new begin: The change of management ushered in fresh ideas and policies.

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ush.er.ette
noun (especially BrE ) a woman whose job is to lead people to their seats in a theatre or cinema/movie theater
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USN
abbr. United States Navy
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USS
abbr. United States Ship: USS Oklahoma
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USSR
abbr. (the former) Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
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usual
adj.
1 ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) that happens or is done most of the time or in most cases: She made all the usual excuses.  He came home later than usual.  She sat in her usual seat at the back.  It is usual to start a speech by thanking everybody for coming.  He didn’t sound like his usual happy self.  note at NORMAL —compare UNUSUAL
2 (the usual) noun [sing.] (spoken) what usually happens; what you usually have, especially the drink that you usually have
IDM as usual in the same way as what happens most of the time or in most cases: Steve, as usual, was the last to arrive.  As usual at that hour, the place was deserted.  Despite her problems, she carried on working as usual.—more at BUSINESS , PER
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usu.al.ly
adv. in the way that is usual or normal; most often: I’m usually home by 6 o’clock.  We usually go by car.  How long does the journey usually take?
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us.urer
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) a person who lends money to people at unfairly high rates of interest
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usurp
verb [vn] (formal) to take sb’s position and/or power without having the right to do this: He attempted to usurp the principal’s authority.
usurp.ation noun [U, C]
usurp.er noun
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usury
noun [U] (old-fashioned, disapproving) the practice of lending money to people at unfairly high rates of interest
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uten.sil
noun a tool that is used in the house: cooking / kitchen utensils
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uterus
noun (anatomy ) the organ in women and female animals in which babies develop before they are born
SYN WOMB
uter.ine adj. [only before noun] —see also INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
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utili.tar.ian
adj.
1 (formal) designed to be useful and practical rather than attractive: a utilitarian building
2 (philosophy) based on or supporting the ideas of utilitarianism
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utili.tar.ian.ism
noun [U] (philosophy ) the belief that the right course of action is the one that will produce the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people
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util.ity
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] (especially AmE) a service provided for the public, for example an electricity, water or gas supply: the administration of public utilities
2 [U] (formal) the quality of being useful
3 [C] (computing) a piece of computer SOFTWARE that performs a particular task

adj. [only before noun] that can be used for several different purposes: a utility vehicle

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u'tility room
noun a room, especially in a private house, that contains large pieces of equipment such as a washing machine, FREEZER , etc.
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util.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to use sth, especially for a practical purpose: The Romans were the first to utilize concrete as a building material.  The resources at our disposal could have been better utilized.
util.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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ut.most
adj., noun
adj. (also less frequent ut.ter.most) [only before noun] greatest; most extreme: This is a matter of the utmost importance.  You should study this document with the utmost care.

noun [sing.] the greatest amount possible: Our resources are strained to the utmost.  He did his utmost (= tried as hard as possible) to persuade me not to go.

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Uto.pia
noun [C, U] an imaginary place or state in which everything is perfect: a Socialist Utopia
Uto.pian adj.: Utopian ideals
Uto.pian.ism noun [U]
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utter
adj., verb
adj. [only before noun] used to emphasize how complete sth is: That’s complete and utter nonsense!  To my utter amazement she agreed.  He felt an utter fool!
ut.ter.ly adv.: We’re so utterly different from each other.  She utterly failed to convince them.

verb [vn] (formal) to make a sound with your voice; to say sth: to utter a cry / groan / moan / sigh  She did not utter a word during lunch (= said nothing).

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ut.ter.ance
noun (formal)
1 [U] the act of expressing sth in words: to give utterance to your thoughts
2 [C] something that you say: one of her few recorded public utterances
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ut.ter.most
= UTMOST
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'U-turn
noun
1 a turn of 180° that a vehicle makes so that it can move forwards in the opposite direction: to do / make a U-turn
2 (informal) a complete change in policy or behaviour, usually one that is embarrassing
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uvula
noun (pl.uvu.lae ) (anatomy ) a small piece of flesh that hangs from the top of the inside of the mouth just above the throat—picture at BODY
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V
noun, abbr., symbol
noun (also v) (pl.V’s, v’s )
1 [C, U] the 22nd letter of the English alphabet: ‘Violin’ begins with (a) V / ‘V’.
2 a thing shaped like a V: Ahead was the deep V of a gorge with water pouring down it.—see also V-NECK , V-SIGN

abbr. (in writing) VOLT(S) : a 1.5 V battery

symbol (also v) the number 5 in ROMAN NUMERALS

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v
abbr.
1 (also vs especially in AmE) (in sport or in a legal case) versus (= against): England v West Indies  the State vs Kramer (= a case in a court of law)
2 (BrE, informal, written) very: I was v pleased to get your letter.
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vac
noun (BrE , informal) a university VACATION
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va.cancy
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C] ~ (for sb/sth) a job that is available for sb to do: a casual / temporary vacancy  vacancies for bar staff  to fill a vacancy
2 [C] a room that is available in a hotel, etc: I’m sorry, we have no vacancies.
3 [U] (written) lack of interest or ideas
SYN EMPTINESS : the vacancy of her expression
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va.cant
adj.
1 (of a seat, hotel room, house, etc.) empty; not being used: vacant properties  The seat next to him was vacant.   (especially AmE) a vacant lot (= a piece of land in a city that is not being used)—compare ENGAGED , OCCUPIED
2 (formal) if a job in a company is vacant, nobody is doing it and it is available for sb to take: When the post finally fell (= became) vacant, they offered it to Fiona.   (BrE) Situations Vacant (= a section in a newspaper where jobs are advertised)
3 (written) (of a look, an expression, etc.) showing no sign that the person is thinking of anything: a vacant look / stare
va.cant.ly adv.: to look / smile / stare vacantly
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,vacant pos'session
noun [U] (BrE, technical ) the fact of owning a house that is empty because the people who lived there have moved out
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vac.ate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to leave a building, seat, etc., especially so that sb else can use it: Guests are requested to vacate their rooms by noon on the day of departure.
2 to leave a job, position of authority, etc. so that it is available for sb else: She has taken over the role vacated by her boss.
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vac.ation
noun, verb
noun
1 (in Britain) one of the periods of time when universities or courts of law are closed; (in the US) one of the periods of time when schools, colleges, universities or courts of law are closed: the Christmas / Easter / summer vacation   (BrE) the long vacation (= the summer vacation)—see also VAC
2 [U, C] (AmE) = HOLIDAY : They’re on vacation in Hawaii right now.  You look tired—you should take a vacation.  The job includes two weeks' paid vacation.  a vacation home  note at HOLIDAY

verb [v] (AmE ) = HOLIDAY : They are currently vacationing in Florida.

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vac.ation.er
noun (AmE ) = HOLIDAYMAKER
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vac.cin.ate
verb [vn] [often passive] ~ sb (against sth) to give a person or an animal a vaccine , especially by INJECTING it, in order to protect them against a disease: Have you been vaccinated against polio?—compare IMMUNIZE , INOCULATE
vac.cin.ation noun [C, U]: Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.  vaccination against hepatitis B
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vac.cine
noun [C, U] a substance that is put into the blood and that protects the body from a disease: a polio / measles vaccine  There is no vaccine against HIV infection.—
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vacil.late
verb [v] (formal) to keep changing your opinion or thoughts about sth, especially in a way that annoys other people
SYN WAVER : The country’s leaders are still vacillating between confrontation and compromise.
va.cil.la.tion noun [U, C]
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vacu.ity
noun [U] (formal) lack of serious thought or purpose
SYN EMPTINESS
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vacu.ous
adj. (formal) showing no sign of intelligence or sensitive feelings: a vacuous look / expression / smile
vacu.ous.ly adv.
vacu.ous.ness noun [U]
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vac.uum
noun, verb
noun
1 a space that is completely empty of all substances, including all air or other gas: a vacuum pump (= one that creates a vacuum in an enclosed space)  vacuum-packed foods (= in a package from which most of the air has been removed)
2 [usually sing.] a situation in which sb/sth is missing or lacking: His resignation has created a vacuum which cannot easily be filled.
3 [usually sing.] the act of cleaning sth with a vacuum cleaner : to give a room a quick vacuum
IDM in a 'vacuum existing separately from other people, events, etc. when there should be a connection: This kind of decision cannot ever be made in a vacuum.

verb to clean sth using a vacuum cleaner
SYN HOOVER [vn] Have you vacuumed the stairs? [alsov]

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'vacuum cleaner
(BrE also Hoover™) noun an electrical machine that cleans floors, carpets, etc. by sucking up dirt and dust
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'vacuum flask
(also flask) (both BrE ) (AmE 'vacuum bottle) noun a container like a bottle with double walls with a vacuum between them, used for keeping liquids hot or cold—compare THERMOS
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vaga.bond
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) a person who has no home or job and who travels from place to place
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va.gar.ies
noun [pl.] changes in sb/sth that are difficult to predict or control
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va.gina
noun the passage in the body of a woman or female animal between the outer sex organs and the WOMB
va.ginal adj. [only before noun]
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va.grancy
noun [U] (law ) the crime of living on the streets and BEGGING (= asking for money) from people
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va.grant
noun (formal orlaw ) a person who has no home or job, especially one who BEGS (= asks for money) from people
va.grant adj.
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vague
adj. (vaguer, vaguest)
1 not clear in a person’s mind: to have a vague impression / memory / recollection of sth  They had only a vague idea where the place was.
2 ~ (about sth) not having or giving enough information or details about sth: She’s a little vague about her plans for next year.  The politicians made vague promises about tax cuts.  He was accused of being deliberately vague.  We had only a vague description of the attacker.
3 (of a person’s behaviour) suggesting a lack of clear thought or attention: a vague expression / look  His vague manner concealed a brilliant mind.
4 not having a clear shape
SYN INDISTINCT : In the darkness they could see the vague outline of a church.
vague.ness noun [U]
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vague.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is not detailed or exact: a vaguely worded statement  I can vaguely remember my first day at school.
2 slightly: There was something vaguely familiar about her face.  He was vaguely aware of footsteps behind him.
3 in a way that shows that you are not paying attention or thinking clearly: He smiled vaguely, ignoring her questions.
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vain
adj.
1 that does not produce the result you want
SYN USELESS : She closed her eyes tightly in a vain attempt to hold back the tears.  I knocked loudly in the vain hope that someone might answer.
2 (disapproving) too proud of your own appearance, abilities or achievements
SYN CONCEITED : She’s too vain to wear glasses.—see also VANITY
IDM in 'vain without success: They tried in vain to persuade her to go.  All our efforts were in vain.—more at NAME n.
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vain.glori.ous
adj. (literary, disapproving) too proud of your own abilities or achievements
vainglory noun [U]
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vain.ly
adv. without success: He shouted after them, vainly trying to attract their attention.
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val.ance
noun
1 a narrow piece of fabric like a short curtain that hangs around the frame of a bed, under a shelf, etc.
2 (especially AmE) = PELMET
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vale
noun (old use or literary) (also used in modern place names) a valley: a wooded vale  the Vale of the White Horse
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val.edic.tion
noun [C, U] (formal) the act of saying goodbye, especially in a formal speech
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val.edic.tor.ian
noun (AmE ) the student who has the highest marks/grades in a particular group of students and who gives the valedictory speech at a GRADUATION ceremony
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val.edic.tory
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) connected with saying goodbye, especially at a formal occasion: a valedictory speech
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va.lency
noun [C, U] (pl.-ies) (also va.lence especially in AmE)
1 (chemistry) a measurement of the power of an atom to combine with others, by the number of HYDROGEN atoms it can combine with or DISPLACE : Carbon has a valency of 4.
2 (linguistics) the number of GRAMMATICAL elements that a word, especially a verb, combines with in a sentence
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val.en.tine
noun
1 (also 'valentine card) a card that you send to sb that you love on St Valentine’s Day (14 February), often without putting your name on it
2 a person that you send a valentine to
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valet
noun, verb
noun
1 a man’s personal servant who takes care of his clothes, serves his meals, etc.
2 (BrE) a hotel employee whose job is to clean the clothes of hotel guests
3 (AmE) a person who parks your car for you at a hotel or restaurant

verb
1 [vn] (BrE) to clean a person’s car thoroughly, especially on the inside: a car valeting service
2 [v] to perform the duties of a valet

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vali.ant
adj. (especially literary) very brave or determined: valiant warriors / efforts  She made a valiant attempt not to laugh.
vali.ant.ly adv.
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valid
adj.
1 that is legally or officially acceptable: a valid passport  a bus pass valid for 1 month  They have a valid claim to compensation.
2 based on what is logical or true: She had valid reasons for not supporting the proposals.  The point you make is perfectly valid.
3 (computing) that is accepted by the system: a valid password
OPP INVALID
val.id.ly adv.: The contract had been validly drawn up.
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val.id.ate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to prove that sth is true: to validate a claim / theory
OPP INVALIDATE
2 to make sth legally valid: to validate a contract
OPP INVALIDATE
3 to state officially that sth is useful and of an acceptable standard: Check that their courses have been validated by a reputable organization.
val.id.ation noun [U, C]
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val.id.ity
noun [U]
1 the state of being legally or officially acceptable: The period of validity of the agreement has expired.
2 the state of being logical and true: We had doubts about the validity of their argument.
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val.ise
noun (old-fashioned) a small bag for carrying clothes, used when you are travelling
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Val.ium
™noun [U] a drug used to reduce anxiety: The doctor prescribed Valium.
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val.ley
noun an area of low land between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it; the land that a river flows through: a small town set in a valley  the Loire Valley—picture at MOUNTAIN
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val.our
(BrE ) (AmEvalor) noun [U] (literary) great courage, especially in war: acts of valour
val.or.ous adj.
IDM see DISCRETION
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valu.able
adj.
1 ~ (to sb/sth) very useful or important: a valuable experience / resource / tool / insight  The book provides valuable information on recent trends.  This advice was to prove valuable.
2 worth a lot of money: valuable antiques / jewellery
OPP VALUELESS , WORTHLESS —compare INVALUABLE , PRICELESS
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valu.ables
noun [pl.] things that are worth a lot of money, especially small personal things such as jewellery, cameras, etc.
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valu.ation
noun [C, U]
1 a professional judgement about how much money sth is worth; its estimated value: land valuation  Surveyors carried out a valuation of the property.  Experts set a high valuation on the painting.
2 (formal) a judgement about how useful or important sth is; its estimated importance: She puts a high valuation on trust between colleagues.
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value
noun, verb
noun
HOW MUCH STH IS WORTH|
1 [U, C] how much sth is worth in money or other goods for which it can be exchanged: to go up / rise / increase in value  to go down / fall / drop in value  rising property values  The winner will receive a prize to the value of £1 000.  Sports cars tend to hold their value well.—see also MARKET VALUE , STREET VALUE
2 [U] (especially BrE) how much sth is worth compared with its price: to be good / excellent value (= worth the money it costs)  to be bad / poor value (= not worth the money it costs)  Charter flights give the best value for money .
BEING USEFUL / IMPORTANT|
3 [U] the quality of being useful or important: The value of regular exercise should not be underestimated.  The arrival of canals was of great value to many industries.  to be of little / no value to sb  food with a high nutritional / energy value  The story has very little news value.  This ring has great sentimental value for me.  I suppose it has a certain novelty value (= it’s interesting because it’s new) but you’ll soon get bored of it.
BELIEFS|
4 (values) [pl.] beliefs about what is right and wrong and what is important in life: cultural / social / moral values  a return to traditional values in education, such as firm discipline  The young have a completely different set of values and expectations.
MATHEMATICS|
5 [C] the amount represented by a letter or symbol: Let y have the value 33.

verb [vn]
CONSIDER IMPORTANT|
1 (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb/sth (as sth)| ~ sb/sth (for sth) to think that sb/sth is important: I really value him as a friend.  The area is valued for its vineyards.  a valued member of staff
DECIDE WORTH|
2 [usually passive] ~ sth (at sth) to decide that sth is worth a particular amount of money: The property has been valued at over $2 million.

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,value 'added tax
noun [U] = VAT
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'value judgement
(also 'value judgment especially in AmE) noun [C, U] (sometimes disapproving) a judgement about how good or important sth is, based on personal opinions rather than facts
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value.less
adj. (formal) without value or worth
SYN WORTHLESS
OPP VALUABLE
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valuer
noun a person whose job is to estimate how much property, land, etc. is worth
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valve
noun
1 a device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gas, letting it move in one direction only—picture at BICYCLE
2 a structure in the heart or in a VEIN that lets blood flow in one direction only
3 a device in some BRASS musical instruments for changing the note
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vamp
noun (old-fashioned, disapproving) a sexually attractive woman who uses this power to control men
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vam.pire
noun (in stories) a dead person who leaves his or her grave at night to suck the blood of living people
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'vampire bat
noun a S American BAT (= an animal like a mouse with wings) that sucks the blood of other animals
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van
noun
1 a covered vehicle with no side windows in its back half, usually smaller than a lorry/truck, used for carrying goods or people: a furniture / removal van  a police van (= for carrying police officers or prisoners)  a delivery van  a van driver—picture at TRUCK
2 (AmE) a covered vehicle with side windows, usually smaller than a lorry/truck, that can carry about twelve passengers
3 (BrE) a closed railway carriage for carrying bags, cases, etc. or mail: a mail / luggage van
IDM in the 'van (BrE, formal) at the front or in the leading position
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van.adium
noun [U] (symb V) a chemical element. Vanadium is a soft poisonous silver-grey metal that is added to some types of steel to make it stronger.
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'van conversion
noun (AmE ) = CONVERSION VAN
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van.dal
noun a person who commits acts of vandalism
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van.dal.ism
noun [U] the crime of destroying or damaging sth, especially public property, deliberately and for no good reason: an act of vandalism
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van.dal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to damage sth, especially public property, deliberately and for no good reason: The pay phone had been vandalized and wasn’t working.
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vane
noun a flat blade that is moved by wind or water and is part of the machinery in a WINDMILL , etc.—see also WEATHERVANE
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van.guard
noun (usually the vanguard) [sing.]
1 the leaders of a movement in society, for example in politics, art, industry, etc: The company is proud to be in the vanguard of scientific progress.
2 the part of an army, etc. that is at the front when moving forward to attack the enemy
OPP REARGUARD
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van.illa
noun, adj.
noun [U] a substance obtained from the beans of the tropical vanilla plant, used to give flavour to sweet foods, for example ice cream: (BrE ) vanilla essence   (AmE ) vanilla extract   (BrE ) a vanilla pod   (AmE ) a vanilla bean

adj.
1 flavoured with vanilla : vanilla ice cream
2 (informal, especially AmE) plain and ordinary: The city is pretty much plain vanilla.

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van.ish
verb [v]
1 to disappear suddenly and/or in a way that you cannot explain: The magician vanished in a puff of smoke.  My glasses seem to have vanished.  He seems to have vanished without trace .
2 to stop existing: the vanishing woodlands of northern Europe  All hopes of a peaceful settlement had now vanished.
IDM see ACT n. , FACE n.
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'vanishing point
noun [usually sing.] (technical ) the point in the distance at which parallel lines appear to meet
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van.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] (disapproving) too much pride in your own appearance, abilities or achievements: She had no personal vanity (= about her appearance).—see also VAIN
2 [U] (literary) the quality of being unimportant, especially compared with other things that are important: the vanity of human ambition in the face of death
3 (vanities) [pl.] behaviour or attitudes that show people’s vanity : Politics is too often concerned only with the personal vanities of politicians.
4 [C] (AmE) = DRESSING TABLE
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van.quish
verb [vn] (literary) to defeat sb completely in a competition, war, etc.
SYN CONQUER : a vanquished enemy / opponent
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the van.quished
noun [pl.] (literary) people who have been completely defeated in a competition, war, etc.
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vant.age point
(also formal vant.age) noun a position from which you watch sth; a point in time or a situation from which you consider sth, especially the past: The cafe was a good vantage point for watching the world go by.  From the vantage point of the late 20th century, the war seems to have achieved nothing.
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vapid
adj. (rare, formal) lacking interest or intelligence
vap.id.ity noun [U]
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vapor
(AmE ) = VAPOUR
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va.por.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (technical ) to turn into gas; to make sth turn into gas
va.por.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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va.por.ous
adj. (rare, formal) full of vapour ; like vapour : clouds of vaporous air
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va.pour
(BrE ) (AmEvapor) noun [C, U] a mass of very small drops of liquid in the air, for example steam: water vapour
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'vapour trail
(BrE ) (AmE'va.por trail) noun the white line that is left in the sky by a plane
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vari.abil.ity
noun [U] (written) the fact of sth being likely to vary: climatic variability  a degree of variability in the exchange rate
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vari.able
adj., noun
adj.
1 often changing; likely to change: variable rainfall / temperature  The acting is of variable quality (= some of it is good and some of it is bad).—compare INVARIABLE
2 able to be changed: The drill has variable speed control.  variable lighting
vari.ably adv.

noun a situation, number or quantity that can vary or be varied: With so many variables to consider, it is difficult to calculate the cost.  The temperature remained constant while pressure was a variable in the experiment.
OPP CONSTANT

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vari.ance
noun [U, C] (formal) the amount by which sth changes or is different from sth else: variance in temperature / pay  a note with subtle variances of pitch
IDM at 'variance (with sb/sth) (formal) disagreeing with or opposing sb/sth: These conclusions are totally at variance with the evidence.
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vari.ant
noun ~ (of / on sth) a thing that is a slightly different form or type of sth else: This game is a variant of / on baseball.
vari.ant adj.: variant forms of spelling  a variant form of oxygen known as ozone
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vari.ation
noun
1 [C, U] ~ (in / of sth) a change, especially in the amount or level of sth: The dial records very slight variations in pressure.  Currency exchange rates are always subject to variation.  regional / seasonal variation (= depending on the region or time of year)
2 [C] ~ (on sth) a thing that is different from other things in the same general group: This soup is a spicy variation on a traditional favourite.
3 [C] ~ (on sth) (music) any of a set of short pieces of music based on a simple tune repeated in a different and more complicated form: a set of variations on a theme by Mozart   (figurative) His numerous complaints are all variations on a theme (= all about the same thing).
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vari.cose vein
noun a VEIN , especially one in the leg, which has become swollen and painful
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var.ied
adj. (usually approving)
1 of many different types: varied opinions / cultures / menus  a wide and varied selection of cheeses
2 not staying the same, but changing often: He led a full and varied life.
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varie.gated
adj.
1 (technical) having differently coloured spots or marks: a plant with variegated leaves
2 (rare, written) consisting of many different types of thing or person
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var.iety
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [sing.] ~ (of sth) several different sorts of the same thing: There is a wide variety of patterns to choose from.  He resigned for a variety of reasons.  This tool can be used in a variety of ways.  I was impressed by the variety of dishes on offer.
2 [U] the quality of not being the same or not doing the same thing all the time: We all need variety in our diet.  We want more variety in our work.
3 [C] ~ (of sth) a type of a thing, for example a plant or language, that is different from the others in the same general group: Apples come in a great many varieties.  a rare variety of orchid  different varieties of English   (spoken) My cooking is of the ‘quick and simple’ variety.
4 (AmE also vaude.ville) [U] a form of theatre or television entertainment that consists of a series of short performances, such as singing, dancing and funny acts: a variety show / theatre
IDM variety is the spice of 'life (saying) new and exciting experiences make life more interesting
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va'riety store
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a shop/store that sells a wide range of goods at low prices
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vari.ous
adj.
1 several different: Tents come in various shapes and sizes.  She took the job for various reasons.  There are various ways of doing this.
2 (formal) having many different features: a large and various country
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vari.ous.ly
adv. (written) in several different ways, usually by several different people: He has been variously described as a hero, a genius and a bully.  The cost has been variously estimated at between £10 million and £20 million.
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var.nish
noun, verb
noun [U, C] a liquid that is painted onto wood, metal, etc. and that forms a hard shiny transparent surface when it is dry—see also NAIL VARNISH

verb to put varnish on the surface of sth: [vn] The doors are then stained and varnished.   (BrE ) Josie was sitting at her desk, varnishing her nails.  [vn-n] Her nails were varnished a brilliant shade of red.

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var.sity
noun, adj.
noun (pl.-ies) (AmE ) the main team that represents a college or high school, especially in sports competitions

adj. [only before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE , informal) used when describing activities connected with the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, especially sports competitions: the varsity match

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vary
verb (vary.ing, var.ied, var.ied)
1 [v] ~ (in sth) (of a group of similar things) to be different from each other in size, shape, etc.
SYN DIFFER : The students' work varies considerably in quality.  The quality of the students' work varies considerably.  New techniques were introduced with varying degrees of success.
2 [v] ~ (with sth)| ~ (from sth to sth)| ~ (between A and B) to change or be different according to the situation: The menu varies with the season.  Prices vary according to the type of room you require.  Class numbers vary between 25 and 30.  ‘What time do you start work?’‘It varies .’
3 [vn] to make changes to sth to make it slightly different: The job enables me to vary the hours I work.—see also VARIED   note at CHANGE
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vas.cu.lar
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) of or containing VEINS (= the tubes that carry liquids around the bodies of animals and plants)
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vase
noun a container made of glass, etc., used for holding cut flowers or as an ornament: a vase of flowers
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vas.ec.tomy
noun (pl.-ies) (medical ) a medical operation to remove part of each of the tubes in a man’s body that carry SPERM , after which he is not able to make a woman pregnant
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Vas.el.ine
™noun [U] a thick soft clear substance that is used on skin to heal or protect it, or as a LUBRICANT to stop surfaces from sticking together
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vas.sal
noun
1 a man in the Middle Ages who promised to fight for and be loyal to a king or other powerful owner of land, in return for being given land to live on
2 a country that is dependent on and controlled by another country
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vast
adj. extremely large in area, size, amount, etc.
SYN HUGE : a vast area of forest  a vast crowd  a vast amount of information  At dusk bats appear in vast numbers .  His business empire was vast.  In the vast majority of cases, this should not be a problem.
vast.ness (written) noun [U, C]: the vastness of space
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vast.ly
adv. very much: I’m a vastly different person now.  The quality of the training has vastly improved.
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VAT
noun [U] (BrE ) a tax that is added to the price of goods and services (abbreviation for ‘value added tax’): Prices include VAT.  £27.50 + VAT
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vat
noun a large container for holding liquids, especially in industrial processes: distilling / fermenting vats  a vat of whisky
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Vati.can
noun (the Vatican)
1 [sing.] the group of buildings in Rome where the POPE lives and works
2 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] the centre of government of the Roman Catholic Church
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vaude.ville
noun [U]
1 (AmE) = VARIETY
2 = MUSIC HALL (1)
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'vaudeville theater
noun (AmE ) = MUSIC HALL (2)
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vault
noun, verb
noun
1 a room with thick walls and a strong door, especially in a bank, used for keeping valuable things safe: Most of her jewellery is stored in bank vaults.
2 a room under a church or in a CEMETERY , used for burying people: She is to be buried in the family vault.
3 a roof or ceiling in the form of an arch or a series of arches
4 a jump made by vaulting —see also POLE VAULT

verb ~ (over) sth to jump over an object in a single movement, using your hands or a pole to push you: [v] She vaulted over the gate and ran up the path.  [vn] There’s no way he could have vaulted the fence with that injury.—see also POLE VAULT

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vault.ed
adj. (architecture ) made in the shape of an arch or a series of arches; having a ceiling or roof of this shape: a vaulted ceiling / cellar
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vault.ing
noun [U] (architecture ) a pattern of arches in a ceiling or roof
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'vaulting horse
(also horse) noun a large object with legs, and sometimes handles, that GYMNASTS use to vault over
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vaunt.ed
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) proudly talked about or praised as being very good, especially when this is not deserved: Their much vaunted reforms did not materialize.
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VC
noun [sing.] a medal for special courage that is given to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces (abbreviation for ‘Victoria Cross’): He was awarded the VC.  Col James Blunt VC
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VCR
noun (especially AmE ) a machine which is used to play videos or to record programmes from a television (abbreviation for ‘video cassette recorder’): Don’t forget to program the VCR.
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VD
abbr. VENEREAL DISEASE
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VDU
(BrE ) (AmE VDT ) noun a machine with a screen like a television that displays information from a computer (abbreviation for ‘visual display unit/video display terminal’)
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veal
noun [U] meat from a CALF (= a young cow)
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vec.tor
noun
1 (mathematics) a quantity that has both size and direction: Acceleration and velocity are both vectors.—compare SCALAR
2 (biology) an insect, etc. that carries a particular disease from one living thing to another
3 (technical) a course taken by an aircraft
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veep
noun (AmE , informal) VICE-PRESIDENT
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veer
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 (especially of a vehicle) to change direction suddenly
SYN SWERVE : The bus veered onto the wrong side of the road.  It is still not clear why the missile veered off course.
2 (of a conversation or way of behaving or thinking) to change in the way it develops: The debate veered away from the main topic of discussion.  His emotions veered between fear and anger.
3 (technical) (of the wind) to change direction: The wind slowly veered around to the west.
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veg
noun, verb
noun [U, C] (pl.veg) (BrE , informal) a vegetable or vegetables: a fruit and veg stall  He likes the traditional meat and two veg for his main meal.

verb (-gg-)
PVR V ,veg 'out (informal) to relax by doing sth that needs very little effort, for example watching television

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vegan
noun a person who does not eat any animal products such as meat, milk or eggs. Some vegans do not use animal products such as silk or leather.
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Vege.bur.ger
™noun = VEGGIE BURGER
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vege.table
noun
1 (also informal veg.gie especially in AmE) a plant or part of a plant that is eaten as food. Potatoes, beans and onions are all vegetables : green vegetables (for example CABBAGE )  root vegetables (for example CARROTS )  a salad of raw vegetables  a vegetable garden / patch / plot  vegetable oils  vegetable matter (= plants in general)—compare ANIMAL , FRUIT , MINERAL —
2 (BrE also cab.bage) a person who is physically alive but not capable of much mental or physical activity, for example because of an accident or illness: Severe brain damage turned him into a vegetable.
3 a person who has a boring life: Since losing my job I’ve felt like a vegetable.
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vege.tar.ian
(also BrE informal veg.gie) noun a person who does not eat meat or fish: Is she a vegetarian?—compare HERBIVORE
vege.tar.ian adj.: Are you vegetarian?  a vegetarian diet (= with no meat or fish in it)  a vegetarian restaurant (= that serves no meat or fish)
vege.tar.ian.ism noun [U]
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vege.tate
verb [v] (of a person) to spend time doing very little and feeling bored
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vege.tated
adj. having the amount of plant life mentioned: a densely / sparsely vegetated area
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vege.ta.tion
noun [U] (written) plants in general, especially the plants that are found in a particular area or environment: The hills are covered in lush green vegetation.
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vege.ta.tive
adj.
1 relating to plant life
2 (medical) (of a person) alive but showing no sign of brain activity—see also PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE
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veg.gie
noun
1 (BrE, informal) = VEGETARIAN : He’s turned veggie (= become a vegetarian).
2 (especially AmE) = VEGETABLE
veg.gie adj.
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'veggie burger
(also Vege.bur.ger™) noun a BURGER made with vegetables, especially beans, instead of meat
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vehe.ment
adj. (written) showing very strong feelings, especially anger: a vehement denial / attack / protest  He had been vehement in his opposition to the idea.
vehe.mence noun [U]
vehe.ment.ly adv.: The charge was vehemently denied.
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ve.hicle
noun
1 (rather formal) a thing that is used for transporting people or goods from one place to another, such as a car or lorry/truck: motor vehicles (= cars, buses, lorries / trucks, etc.)  Are you the driver of this vehicle?  rows of parked vehicles
2 ~ (for sth) something that can be used to express your ideas or feelings or as a way of achieving sth: Art may be used as a vehicle for propaganda.  The play is an ideal vehicle for her talents.
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ve.hicu.lar
adj. (formal) intended for vehicles or consisting of vehicles: vehicular access  The road is closed to vehicular traffic.
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veil
noun, verb
noun
1 a covering of very thin transparent material worn, especially by women, to protect or hide the face, or as part of a hat, etc: a bridal veil
2 a piece of fabric worn by NUNS over the head and shoulders
3 [sing.] (written) something that stops you from learning the truth about a situation: Their work is carried out behind a veil of secrecy.  It would be better to draw a veil over what happened next (= not talk about it).
4 [sing.] (written) a thin layer that stops you from seeing sth: The mountain tops were hidden beneath a veil of mist.
IDM take the 'veil (old-fashioned) to become a NUN

verb [vn]
1 to cover your face with a veil
2 (literary) to cover sth with sth that hides it partly or completely: A fine drizzle began to veil the hills.  eyes veiled with tears

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veiled
adj.
1 not expressed directly or clearly because you do not want your meaning to be obvious: a thinly veiled threat / attack / warning / criticism
2 wearing a veil : a mysterious veiled woman
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vein
noun
1 [C] any of the tubes that carry blood from all parts of the body to the heart: the jugular vein—compare ARTERY —see also VARICOSE VEIN
2 [C] any of the very thin tubes that form the frame of a leaf or an insect’s wing
3 [C] a narrow strip of a different colour in some types of stone, wood and cheese
4 [C] a thin layer of minerals or metal contained in rock: a vein of gold
SYN SEAM
5 [sing.] ~ (of sth) an amount of a particular quality or feature in sth: They had tapped a rich vein of information in his secretary.
6 [sing., U] a particular style or manner: A number of other people commented in a similar vein .  ‘And that’s not all,’ he continued in angry vein.
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veined
adj. having or marked with veins or thin lines: thin blue-veined hands  veined marble
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velar
noun (phonetics ) a speech sound, such as or , made by placing the back of the tongue against or near the back part of the mouth
velar adj.
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Vel.cro
™noun [U] a material for fastening clothes, etc. consisting of two strips of fabric, one rough and one smooth, that stick to each other when they are pressed together—picture at FASTENER
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veld
noun [U] (in S Africa) flat open land with grass and no trees—compare PAMPAS , PRAIRIE , SAVANNAH , STEPPE
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vel.lum
noun [U]
1 material made from the skin of a sheep, goat or CALF , used for making book covers and, in the past, for writing on
2 smooth cream-coloured paper used for writing on
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vel.ocity
noun [U, C] (pl.-ies)
1 (technical) the speed of sth in a particular direction: the velocity of light  to gain / lose velocity  a high-velocity rifle / bullet
2 (formal) high speed: Jaguars can move with an astonishing velocity.
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velo.drome
noun a track or building used for CYCLE RACING
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vel.our
noun [U] a silk or cotton fabric with a thick soft surface like VELVET
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vel.vet
noun [U] a fabric woven from silk, cotton or NYLON , with a thick soft surface made of a mass of threads: a velvet dress  velvet curtains / drapes
IDM see IRON adj.
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vel.vet.een
noun [U] a cotton fabric that looks like VELVET but is less expensive
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vel.vety
adj. pleasantly smooth and soft: velvety skin  a velvety red wine
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venal
adj. (formal) prepared to do dishonest or immoral things in return for money: venal politicians / journalists
ve.nal.ity noun [U] (rare)
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ven.detta
noun
1 a long and violent dispute between two families, in which people are murdered in return for previous murders
2 ~ (against sb) a long argument or disagreement in which one person or group does or says things to harm another: He has accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him.  She conducted a personal vendetta against me.
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vending machine
noun a machine from which you can buy cigarettes, drinks, etc. by putting coins into it
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vend.or
noun
1 a person who sells things, for example food or newspapers, usually outside on the street: street vendors
2 (law) a person who is selling a house or other property—compare SELLER
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ven.eer
noun, verb
noun
1 [C, U] a thin layer of wood or plastic that is glued to the surface of cheaper wood, especially on a piece of furniture
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an outer appearance of a particular quality that hides the true nature of sb/sth: For the first time her veneer of politeness began to crack.

verb [vn] ~ sth (with / in sth) to cover the surface of sth with a veneer of wood, etc.

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ven.er.able
adj.
1 (formal) venerable people or things deserve respect because they are old, important, wise, etc: a venerable old man  a venerable institution / tradition
2 (the Venerable …) [only before noun] (in the Anglican Church), a title of respect used when talking about an ARCHDEACON : the Venerable Martin Roberts
3 (the Venerable …) [only before noun] (in the Roman Catholic Church), a title given to a dead person who is very holy but who has not yet been made a saint
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ven.er.ate
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to have and show a lot of respect for sb/sth, especially sb/sth that is considered to be holy or very important
SYN REVERE
ven.er.ation noun [U]: The relics were objects of veneration.
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ven.ereal
adj. [only before noun] relating to diseases spread by sexual contact: a venereal infection / complaint
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ve,nereal di'sease
noun [C, U] (abbr. VD) any disease caught by having sex with an infected person
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ven.etian blind
noun a BLIND for a window that has flat horizontal plastic or metal strips going across it that you can turn to let in as much light as you want—picture at BLIND
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ven.geance
noun [U] ~ (on / upon sb) (formal) the act of punishing or harming sb in return for what they have done to you, your family or friends
SYN REVENGE : a desire for vengeance  to take vengeance on sb  He swore vengeance on his child’s killer.
IDM with a 'vengeance (informal) to a greater degree than is expected or usual: She set to work with a vengeance.  After two days the infection came back with a vengeance.
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venge.ful
adj. (formal) showing a desire to punish sb who has harmed you
vengeful.ly adv.
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ve.nial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal) (of a SIN or mistake) not very serious and therefore able to be forgiven
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ven.ison
noun [U] meat from a deer
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venom
noun [U]
1 the poisonous liquid that some snakes, spiders, etc. produce when they bite or sting you
2 (written) strong bitter feeling; hatred and a desire to hurt sb: His voice was full of venom.  a look of pure venom
IDM see SPIT v.
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ven.om.ous
adj.
1 (of a snake, etc.) producing venom
2 (written) full of bitter feeling or hatred: a venomous look  a venomous attack on his political enemies
ven.om.ous.ly adv.
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ven.ous
adj. (technical ) of or contained in VEINS (= the tubes that carry liquids around the bodies of animals and plants): venous blood
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vent
noun, verb
noun
1 an opening that allows air, gas or liquid to pass out of or into a room, building, container, etc: air / heating vents—picture at CAR —compare REGISTER
2 (technical) the opening in the body of a bird, fish, reptile or other small animal, though which waste matter is passed out
3 a long thin opening at the bottom of the back or side of a coat or jacket
IDM give (full) vent to sth (formal) to express a feeling, especially anger, strongly: Children give vent to their anger in various ways.  She gave full vent to her feelings in a violent outburst.

verb [vn] ~ sth (on sb) (written) to express feelings, especially anger, strongly: He vented his anger on the referee.

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ven.ti.late
verb [vn]
1 to allow fresh air to enter and move around a room, building, etc: a well-ventilated room  The bathroom is ventilated by means of an extractor fan.
2 (formal) to express your feelings or opinions publicly
SYN AIR
ven.ti.lation noun [U]: a ventilation shaft / opening / system  Make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the room before using the paint.
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ven.ti.la.tor
noun
1 a device or an opening for letting fresh air come into a room, etc.
2 a piece of equipment that helps sb to breathe by pumping air in and out of their lungs: He was put on a ventilator.
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ven.tricle
noun (anatomy )
1 either of the two lower spaces in the heart that pump blood around the body—compare AURICLE
2 any hollow space in the body, especially one of four main hollow spaces in the brain
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ven.trilo.quism
noun [U] the art of speaking without moving your lips and of making it look as if your voice is coming from another person
ven.trilo.quist noun: Entertainment included a hypnotist and a ventriloquist.  a ventriloquist’s dummy
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ven.ture
noun, verb
noun a business project or activity, especially one that involves taking risks: The project is a joint venture between the public and private sectors.  A disastrous business venture lost him thousands of dollars.

verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere even though you know that it might be dangerous or unpleasant: They ventured nervously into the water.  He’s never ventured abroad in his life.
2 (formal) to say or do sth in a careful way, especially because it might upset or offend sb: [vn] She hardly dared to venture an opinion.  [v to inf] I ventured to suggest that she might have made a mistake.  [v speech] ‘And if I say no?’ she ventured. [alsov that]
3 [vn] ~ sth (on sth) to risk losing sth valuable or important if you are not successful at sth: It was wrong to venture his financial security on such a risky deal.
IDM nothing 'ventured, nothing 'gained (saying) used to say that you have to take risks if you want to achieve things and be successful
PVR V 'venture into / on sth to do sth, even though it involves risks: This is the first time the company has ventured into movie production.

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'venture capital
noun [U] (business ) money that is lent to sb to buy buildings, equipment, etc. when they start a business—compare WORKING CAPITAL
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ven.ture.some
adj. (formal or literary) willing to take risks
SYN DARING
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venue
noun a place where people meet for an organized event, for example a concert, sporting event or CONFERENCE : The band will be playing at twenty different venues on their UK tour.  Please note the change of venue for this event.
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Venus
noun the planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is second in order of distance from the sun, between Mercury and the earth
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ver.acity
noun [U] (formal) the quality of being true; the habit of telling the truth
SYN TRUTHFULNESS : Some people questioned the veracity of her story.
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ver.anda
(also ver.an.dah) (especially BrE ) (AmE usually porch) noun a platform with an open front and a roof, built onto the side of a house on the ground floor: After dinner, we sat talking on the veranda.
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verb
noun (grammar ) a word or group of words that expresses an action (such as eat), an event (such as happen) or a state (such as exist): regular / irregular verbs  transitive / intransitive verbs—see also PHRASAL VERB
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ver.bal
adj.
1 relating to words: The job applicant must have good verbal skills.  non-verbal communication (= gestures, expressions of the face, etc.)
2 spoken, not written: a verbal agreement / warning  verbal instructions—compare ORAL
3 (grammar) relating to verbs: a verbal noun
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ver.bal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb (formal) to express your feelings or ideas in words: [vn] He’s a real genius but he has difficulty verbalizing his ideas. [alsov]
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ver.bal.ly
adv. in spoken words and not in writing or actions: The company had received complaints both verbally and in writing.
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ver.ba.tim
adj., adv. exactly as spoken or written; word for word: a verbatim report  He reported the speech verbatim.
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ver.bi.age
noun [U] (formal, disapproving) the use of too many words, or of more difficult words than are needed, to express an idea, etc.
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ver.bose
adj. (formal, disapproving) using or containing more words than are needed: a verbose speaker / speech / style
ver.bos.ity noun [U]
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ver.dant
adj. (literary) (of grass, plants, fields, etc.) fresh and green
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ver.dict
noun
1 a decision that is made by a JURY in a court of law, stating if sb is considered guilty of a crime or not: Has the jury reached a verdict ?  The jury returned a verdict (= gave a verdict) of guilty / not guilty.—see also MAJORITY VERDICT , OPEN VERDICT
2 ~ (on sth/sb) a decision that you make or an opinion that you give about sth, after you have tested it or considered it carefully: The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.  The panel will give their verdict on the latest video releases.
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verge
noun, verb
noun (BrE ) (AmE ,soft 'shoulder) a piece of grass at the edge of a path, road, etc: a grass verge
IDM on / to the verge of sth / of doing sth very near to the moment when sb does sth or sth happens: He was on the verge of tears.  They are on the verge of signing a new contract for a further two years' work.  These events left her on the verge of having a nervous breakdown.

verb
PVR V 'verge on sth to be very close to an extreme state or condition
SYN BORDER ON STH : Some of his suggestions verged on the outrageous.  a dislike verging on contempt

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ver.ger
noun (especially BrE ) a Church of England official whose job is to look after the inside of a church and to perform some simple duties during church services
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ver.ify
verb (veri.fies, veri.fy.ing, veri.fied, veri.fied)
1 to check that sth is true or accurate: [vn] We have no way of verifying his story.  [v that] Please verify that there is sufficient memory available before loading the program.  [v wh-] I’ll leave you to verify whether these claims are true.
2 to show or say that sth is true or accurate
SYN CONFIRM : [vn] Her version of events was verified by neighbours. [alsov that]
veri.fi.able adj.: a verifiable fact / statement
veri.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: the verification of hypotheses
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verily
adv. (old use) really; TRULY
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veri.sim.ili.tude
noun [U] (formal) the quality of seeming to be true or real
SYN AUTHENTICITY : To add verisimilitude, the stage is covered with sand for the desert scenes.
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ver.it.able
adj. [only before noun] (formal or humorous) a word used to emphasize that sb/sth can be compared to sb/sth else that is more exciting, more impressive, etc.
SYN POSITIVE : The meal that followed was a veritable banquet.
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ver.ity
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [usually pl.] (formal) a belief or principle about life, the world, etc. that is accepted as true: the eternal verities of life
2 [U] (old use) truth
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ver.mil.ion
adj. bright red in colour
ver.mil.ion noun [U]
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ver.min
noun [pl.]
1 wild animals or birds that destroy plants or food, or attack farm animals and birds: On farms the fox is considered vermin and treated as such.
2 insects that live on the bodies of animals and sometimes human beings: The room was crawling with vermin.
3 (disapproving) people who are very unpleasant or dangerous to society
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ver.min.ous
adj. (written) covered with vermin
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ver.mouth
noun [U] a strong wine, flavoured with herbs and spices, often mixed with other drinks as a COCKTAIL
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ver.nacu.lar
noun
1 (usually the vernacular) [sing.] the language spoken in a particular area or by a particular group, especially one that is not the official or written language
2 [U] (technical) a style of architecture concerned with ordinary houses rather then large public buildings
ver.nacu.lar adj.: vernacular languages / architecture
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ver.nal
adj. [only before noun] (formal or literary) connected with the season of spring: the vernal equinox
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ver.ruca
noun (pl.ver.rucas or, in medical use,ver.ru.cae ) (BrE ) (AmE 'plantar wart) a small hard infectious growth like a WART , on the bottom of the foot
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ver.sa.tile
adj. (approving)
1 (of a person) able to do many different things: He’s a versatile actor who has played a wide variety of parts.
2 (of food, a building, etc.) having many different uses: Eggs are easy to cook and are an extremely versatile food.
ver.sa.til.ity noun [U]: She is a designer of extraordinary versatility.
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verse
noun
1 [U] writing that is arranged in lines, often with a regular rhythm or pattern of RHYME
SYN POETRY : Most of the play is written in verse, but some of it is in prose.—see also BLANK VERSE , FREE VERSE
2 [C] a group of lines that form a unit in a poem or song: a hymn with six verses
3 (verses) [pl.] (old-fashioned) poetry: a book of comic verses
4 [C] any one of the short NUMBERED divisions of a CHAPTER in the Bible
IDM see CHAPTER
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versed
adj. ~ in sth having a lot of knowledge about sth, or skill at sth: He had become well versed in employment law.
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ver.si.fi.ca.tion
noun [U] (formal) the art of writing poetry in a particular pattern; the pattern in which poetry is written
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ver.sion
noun
1 a copy of sth that is slightly different from the original thing: the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf  the de luxe / luxury version  The English version of the novel is due for publication next year.
2 a description of an event from the point of view of a particular person or group of people: She gave us her version of what had happened that day.  Their versions of how the accident happened conflict.
3 a film/movie, play, piece of music, etc. that is slightly different from the original film, etc. on which it is based: the film version of ‘War and Peace’  the latest version of the software package—see also THE AUTHORIZED VERSION , COVER VERSION
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verso
noun (pl.-os) (technical ) the page on the left side of an open book
OPP RECTO
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ver.sus
prep. (abbr. v, vs)
1 (especially sportorlaw) used to show that two teams or sides are against each other: It is France versus Brazil in the final.  in the case of the State versus Ford
2 used to compare two different ideas, choices, etc: It was the promise of better job opportunities versus the inconvenience of moving away and leaving her friends.
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ver.tebra
noun (pl.ver.te.brae ) any of the small bones that are connected together to form the SPINE —picture at BODY
ver.te.bral adj. [only before noun]
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ver.te.brate
noun (technical ) any animal with a BACKBONE , including all MAMMALS , birds, fish, reptiles and AMPHIBIANS —compare INVERTEBRATE
ver.te.brate adj.
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ver.tex
noun (pl.ver.ti.ces or ver.texes)
1 (geometry) a point where two lines meet to form an angle, especially the point of a triangle or CONE opposite the base
2 (technical) the highest point or top of sth
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ver.ti.cal
adj., noun
adj.
1 (of a line, pole, etc.) going straight up or down from a level surface or from top to bottom in a picture, etc: the vertical axis of the graph  The cliff was almost vertical.  There was a vertical drop to the ocean.—compare HORIZONTAL
2 having a structure in which there are top, middle and bottom levels: a vertical flow of communication
ver.ti.cal.ly adv.

noun (usually the vertical) a vertical line or position
SYN PERPENDICULAR : The wall is several degrees off the vertical.

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ver.tigin.ous
adj. (formal) causing a feeling of vertigo : From the top of the mountain there was a vertiginous drop to the valley below.
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ver.tigo
noun [U] the feeling of DIZZINESS and fear, and of losing your balance, that is caused in some people when they look down from a very high place
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verve
noun [U, sing.] (written) energy, excitement or enthusiasm
SYN GUSTO : It was a performance of verve and vitality.
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very
adv., adj.
adv. (abbr. v)
1 used before adjectives, adverbs and DETERMINERS to mean ‘in a high degree’ or ‘extremely’: very small / hot / useful  very quickly / soon / far  Very few people know that.  Thanks very much.  ‘Do you like it?’‘Yeah, I do. Very much .’  ‘Is it what you expected?’‘Oh yes, very much so .’  ‘Are you busy?’‘Not very.’  The new building has been very much admired.  I’m not very (= not at all) impressed.
2 used to emphasize a superlative adjective or before own: They wanted the very best quality.  Be there by six at the very latest.  At last he had his very own car (= belonging to him and to nobody else).
3 the ~ same exactly the same: Mario said the very same thing.

adj. [only before noun]
1 used to emphasize that you are talking about a particular thing or person and not about another
SYN ACTUAL : Those were her very words.  He might be phoning her at this very moment .  That’s the very thing I need.
2 extreme: It happens at the very beginning of the book.
3 used to emphasize a noun
SYN MERE : The very thought of drink made him feel sick.  ‘I can’t do that!’ she gasped, appalled at the very idea .
IDM see EYE n. , IMAGE

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,very high 'frequency
noun [U] = VHF
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ves.icle
noun
1 (biology) a small bag or hollow structure in the body of a plant or an animal
2 (medical) a small swelling filled with liquid under the skin
SYN BLISTER
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ves.pers
noun [U] the service of evening prayer in some Christian Churches—compare EVENSONG , MATINS
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ves.sel
noun
1 (formal) a large ship or boat: ocean-going vessels
2 (old use ortechnical) a container used for holding liquids, such as a bowl, cup, etc: a Bronze Age drinking vessel
3 a tube that carries blood through the body of a person or an animal, or liquid through the parts of a plant—see also BLOOD VESSEL
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vest
noun, verb
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE under.shirt) a piece of underwear worn under a shirt, etc. next to the skin: a cotton / string / thermal vest—compare SINGLET —
2 a special piece of clothing that covers the upper part of the body: a bullet-proof vest  a running vest
3 (AmE) = WAISTCOAT

verb
PVR V 'vest in sb/sth (law) (of power, property, etc.) to belong to sb/sth legally vest sth in sb/sth| vest sb with sth [often passive] (formal)
1 to give sb the legal right or power to do sth: Overall authority is vested in the Supreme Council.  The Supreme Council is vested with overall authority.
2 to make sb the legal owner of land or property

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,vested 'interest
noun ~ (in sth) a personal reason for wanting sth to happen, especially because you get some advantage from it: They have a vested interest in keeping their club as exclusive as possible.  Powerful vested interests (= people with a vested interest) are opposing the plan.
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ves.ti.bule
noun
1 (formal) an entrance hall, for example where hats and coats can be left: the vestibule of a church / theatre / hotel
2 (technical) an enclosed space at the end of a carriage on a train that connects it with the next carriage
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ves.tige
noun (formal)
1 a small part of sth that still exists after the rest of it has stopped existing: the last vestiges of the old colonial regime
2 usually used in negative sentences, to say that not even a small amount of sth exists: There’s not a vestige of truth in the rumour.
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ves.tigial
adj. [usually before noun] (formal ortechnical ) remaining as the last small part of sth that used to exist: vestigial traces of an earlier culture  It is often possible to see the vestigial remains of rear limbs on some snakes.
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vest.ment
noun [usually pl.] a piece of clothing worn by a priest during church services
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ves.try
noun (pl.-ies) a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service by putting on special clothes and where various objects used in worship are kept
SYN SACRISTY
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vet
noun, verb
noun
1 (especially BrE) (AmE usually vet.er.in.ar.ian) (also BrE formal 'veterinary surgeon) a person who has been trained in the science of animal medicine, whose job is to treat animals who are ill or injured
2 (vet’s) (pl.vets) the place where a vet works: I’ve got to take the dog to the vet’s tomorrow.
3 (AmE, informal) = VETERAN : a Vietnam vet

verb (-tt-) [vn] (BrE )
1 to find out about a person’s past life and career in order to decide if they are suitable for a particular job
SYN SCREEN : All candidates are carefully vetted for security reasons.—see also POSITIVE VETTING
2 to check the contents, quality, etc. of sth carefully
SYN SCREEN : All reports are vetted before publication.

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vetch
noun [U, C] a plant of the pea family. There are several types of vetch , one of which is used as food for farm animals.
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vet.eran
noun
1 a person who has a lot of experience in a particular area or activity: the veteran British actor and producer, Sir Richard Attenborough
2 (also AmE informal vet) a person who has been a soldier, sailor, etc. in a war: war veterans  a veteran of the Spanish Civil War  a Vietnam vet
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,veteran 'car
noun (BrE ) a car made before 1916—compare VINTAGE
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'Veterans Day
noun [U, C] a holiday in the US on 11 November, in honour of members of the armed forces and others who have died in war—see also MEMORIAL DAY , REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
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vet.er.in.ar.ian
noun (AmE ) = VET
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vet.er.in.ary
adj. [only before noun] connected with caring for the health of animals: veterinary medicine / science
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'veterinary surgeon
noun (BrE , formal) = VET
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veto
noun, verb
noun (pl.-oes)
1 [C, U] the right to refuse to allow sth to be done, especially the right to stop a law from being passed or a decision from being taken: The British government used its veto to block the proposal.  to have the power / right of veto  the use of the presidential veto
2 [C] ~ (on sth) an occasion when sb refuses to allow sth to be done: For months there was a veto on employing new staff.

verb (ve.toes, veto.ing, ve.toed, ve.toed) [vn]
1 to stop sth from happening or being done by using your official authority (= by using your veto ): Plans for the dam have been vetoed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
2 to refuse to accept or do what sb has suggested: I wanted to go camping but the others quickly vetoed that idea.

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vex
verb [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) to annoy or worry sb: The memory of their conversation still vexed him.
vex.ing adj.: a vexing problem / question
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vex.ation
noun (old-fashioned or formal)
1 [U] the state of feeling upset or annoyed: She sat down and cried in vexation.
2 [C] a thing that upsets or annoys you
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vex.atious
adj. (old-fashioned or formal) making you feel upset or annoyed
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vexed
adj.
1 ~ question / issue a problem that is difficult to deal with
SYN THORNY : The conference spent much of its time discussing the vexed question of border controls.
2 ~ (at / with sb/sth) (old-fashioned) upset or annoyed
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VHF
abbr. very high frequency (a range of radio waves used for high-quality broadcasting): a VHF transmitter
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via
prep.
1 through a place: We flew home via Dubai.
2 by means of a particular person, system, etc: I heard about the sale via Jane.  The news programme came to us via satellite.
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vi.able
adj.
1 that can be done; that will be successful: a viable option / proposition  There is no viable alternative .  to be commercially / politically / financially / economically viable  If there was any delay then the rescue plan would cease to be viable.
2 (biology) capable of developing and surviving independently: viable organisms
via.bil.ity noun [U]: commercial / economic / financial viability
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via.duct
noun a long high bridge, usually with arches, that carries a road or railway/railroad across a river or valley
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Viagra
™noun [U] a drug used to treat IMPOTENCE in men
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vial
noun (especially AmE ) = PHIAL
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vibes
noun [pl.]
1 (also formal vi.bra.tions) (also vibe [sing.]) (informal) a mood or an atmosphere produced by a particular person, thing or place: good / bad vibes  The vibes weren’t right.
2 = VIBRAPHONE : a jazzy vibes backing
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vi.brant
adj. (written)
1 full of life and energy
SYN EXCITING : a vibrant city / personality  Thailand is at its most vibrant during the New Year celebrations.
2 (of colours) very bright and strong
SYN BRILLIANT : The room was decorated in vibrant reds and yellows.
3 (of music, sounds, etc.) loud and powerful: vibrant rhythms / tunes
vi.brancy noun [U]
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vi.bra.phone
noun [C] (also informal vibes [pl.]) a musical instrument used especially in jazz, that has two rows of metal bars that you hit, and a motor that makes them vibrate
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vi.brate
verb to move or make sth move from side to side very quickly and with small movements: [v] Every time a train went past the walls vibrated.  The atmosphere seemed to vibrate with tension. [alsovn]
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vi.bra.tion
noun
1 [C, U] a continuous shaking movement or feeling: We could feel the vibrations from the trucks passing outside.  a reduction in the level of vibration in the engine
2 (vibrations) [pl.] (formal) = VIBES
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vi.brato
noun [U, C] (pl.-os) (music ) a shaking effect in singing or playing a musical instrument, made by rapid slight changes in PITCH (= how high or low a sound is)
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vi.bra.tor
noun an electrical device that produces a continuous shaking movement, used in MASSAGE or for sexual pleasure
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vicar
noun (especially BrE ) an Anglican priest who is in charge of a church and the area around it (called a PARISH )—compare CURATE , MINISTER , PRIEST , RECTOR
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vic.ar.age
noun (BrE ) a vicar’s house
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vic.ari.ous
adj. [only before noun] felt or experienced by watching or reading about sb else doing sth, rather than by doing it yourself: He got a vicarious thrill out of watching his son score the winning goal.
vic.ari.ous.ly adv.
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vice
noun
1 [U] criminal activities that involve sex or drugs: plain-clothes detectives from the vice squad
2 [U, C] evil or immoral behaviour; an evil or immoral quality in sb’s character: The film ended most satisfactorily: vice punished and virtue rewarded.  Greed is a terrible vice.   (humorous) Cigarettes are my only vice.
3 (BrE) (AmEvise) [C] a tool with two metal blocks that can be moved together by turning a screw. The vice is used to hold an object firmly while work is done on it: He held my arm in a vice-like (= very firm)grip .
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vice-
combining form (in nouns and related adjectives) next in rank to sb and able to represent them or act for them: vice-captain
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,vice 'chancellor
noun the head of a university in Britain, who is in charge of the work of running the university. (Compare the CHANCELLOR , who is the official head of a university but only has duties at various ceremonies.)
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,vice-'president
noun (abbr. VP)
1 the person below the president of a country in rank, who takes control of the country if the president is not able to
2 (AmE) a person in charge of a particular part of a business company: the vice-president of sales
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vice.roy
noun (often used as a title) a person who is sent by a king or queen to govern a COLONY
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vice versa
adv. used to say that the opposite of what you have just said is also true: You can cruise from Cairo to Aswan or vice versa (= also from Aswan to Cairo).
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vicin.ity
noun (the vicinity) [sing.] the area around a particular place: Crowds gathered in the vicinity of Trafalgar Square.  There is no hospital in the immediate vicinity .
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vi.cious
adj.
1 violent and cruel
SYN BRUTAL : a vicious assault / attack / murder  a vicious criminal / gang  She has a vicious temper.
2 (of animals) fierce and dangerous: a vicious dog
3 (of an attack, criticism, etc.) full of hatred and anger: She wrote me a vicious letter after the incident.
4 (informal) very bad or severe: a vicious headache  a vicious spiral of rising prices
vi.cious.ly adv.
vi.cious.ness noun [U]: Police were shocked by the viciousness of the assault.
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,vicious 'circle
noun [sing.] a situation in which one problem causes another problem which then makes the first problem worse
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vi.cis.si.tude
noun [usually pl.] (formal) one of the many changes and problems in a situation or in your life, that you have to deal with: the vicissitudes of family life
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vic.tim
noun
1 a person who has been attacked, injured or killed as the result of a crime, a disease, an accident, etc: murder / rape victims  accident / earthquake / famine victims  Aids / cancer / stroke victims  victims of crime  She was the innocent victim of an arson attack.  Schools are the latest victims of cuts in public spending.
2 a person who has been tricked: They were the victims of a cruel hoax.  She’s a fashion victim (= wears the newest fashions even if they do not suit her).
3 an animal or a person that is killed and offered as a SACRIFICE : a sacrificial victim
IDM fall 'victim (to sth) (written) to be injured, damaged or killed by sth: Many plants have fallen victim to the sudden frost.
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vic.tim.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [often passive] to make sb suffer unfairly because you do not like them, their opinions, or sth that they have done: For years the family had been victimized by racist neighbours.  The union claimed that some of its members had been victimized for taking part in the strike.
vic.tim.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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vic.tor
noun (literary) the winner of a battle, competition, game, etc.
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Vic.tor.ian
adj., noun
adj.
1 connected with the period from 1837 to 1901 when Queen Victoria ruled Britain: Victorian architecture / novels / England  the Victorian age / era / period
2 having the attitudes that were typical of society during Queen Victoria’s REIGN : Victorian attitudes to sex (= being easily shocked by sexual matters)  She advocated a return to Victorian values (= hard work, pride in your country, etc.).

noun a British person who was alive during the period from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria ruled

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vic.tori.ous
adj. ~ (in sth) having won a victory; that ends in victory: the victorious army / team  a victorious battle / campaign  He emerged victorious in the elections.
vic.tori.ous.ly adv.
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vic.tory
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] ~ (over / against sb/sth) success in a game, an election, a war, etc: the team’s 3–2 victory over / against Poland  to win a decisive / narrow / stunning victory  an election / a military victory  She is confident of victory in Saturday’s final.  victory celebrations / parades—see also MORAL VICTORY
IDM roar, romp, sweep, etc. to victory to win sth easily: He swept to victory in the final of the championship.
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vict.uals
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned) food and drink
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video
noun, verb
noun (pl.-os)
1 (also video.tape) [U, C] a type of MAGNETIC tape used for recording television pictures and sound; a box containing this tape, also called a video cassette: The movie will be released on video in June.  Do we have any blank videos?
2 [C] a copy of a film/movie, programme, etc. that is recorded on VIDEOTAPE : a video of ‘ET’  The school made a short promotional video.  a home video (= not a professional one)  a video shop / store
3 [C] (BrE) = VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER : to programme the video to record a movie
4 [U] the process of recording and showing films/movies and programmes using a special camera and a television set: A wedding is the perfect subject for video.  the use of video in schools  video equipment / material

verb (also formal video.tape) [vn] (especially BrE ) to record a television programme using a VIDEO RECORDER ; to film sb/sth using a video camera: Did you remember to video that programme?  Videoing students can be a useful teaching exercise.

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'video arcade
noun a place where you can play video games on machines that you use coins to operate
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'video camera
noun a special camera for making video films—see also CAMCORDER
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,video ca'ssette recorder
noun (abbr. VCR) (also video, ,video ca'ssette player, 'video recorder) a piece of equipment that you use to record and play films/movies and TV programmes on video
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video.con.fer.en.cing
noun [U] a system that enables people in different parts of the world to have a meeting by watching and listening to each other using video screens
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video.disc
noun [U, C] a plastic disc that you can record films/movies and programmes on, for showing on a television screen—see also DVD
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'video game
noun a game in which you press buttons to control and move images on a screen—
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,video 'nasty
noun (BrE , informal) a video film/movie that shows offensive scenes of sex and violence
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video.phone
noun a type of telephone with a screen that enables you to see the person you are talking to
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video.tape
noun, verb
noun [U, C] = VIDEO

verb [vn] (formal) = VIDEO : a videotaped interview

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video.tex
noun [U] (AmE ) = VIEWDATA
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vie
verb (vying vied, vied) ~ (with sb) (for sth) (formal) to compete strongly with sb in order to obtain or achieve sth: [v] She was surrounded by men all vying for her attention.  a row of restaurants vying with each other for business  [v to inf] Screaming fans vied to get closer to their idol.
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view
noun, verb
noun
OPINION|
1 [C, often pl.] ~ (about / on sth) a personal opinion about sth; an attitude towards sth: to have different / conflicting / opposing views  to have strong political views  His views on the subject were well known.  This evidence supports the view that there is too much violence on television.  We take the view that it would be wrong to interfere.  In my view it was a waste of time.—see also POINT OF VIEW
WAY OF UNDERSTANDING|
2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a way of understanding or thinking about sth: He has an optimistic view of life.  the Christian view of the world / the Christian world view  The traditional view was that marriage was meant to last.
WHAT YOU CAN SEE|
3 [U, sing.] used when you are talking about whether you can see sth or whether sth can be seen in a particular situation: The lake soon came into view .  The sun disappeared from view .  There was nobody in view .  Sit down—you’re blocking my view.  I didn’t have a good view of the stage.
4 [C] what you can see from a particular place or position, especially beautiful natural scenery: There were magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.  The view from the top of the tower was spectacular.  a sea / mountain view  I’d like a room with a view.  note at SIGHT
PHOTOGRAPH / PICTURE|
5 [C] a photograph or picture that shows an interesting place or scene: a book with views of Paris
CHANCE TO SEE STH|
6 (also view.ing) [C] a special chance to see or admire sth: a private view (for example, of an art exhibition) have, etc. sth in 'view (formal) to have a particular aim, plan, etc. in your mind: He wanted to make money and went abroad with this end in view. in full 'view (of sb/sth) completely visible, directly in front of sb/sth: He was shot in full view of a large crowd. in view of sth considering sth: In view of the weather, the event will now be held indoors. on 'view being shown in a public place so that people can look at it with a view to sth / to doing sth (formal) with the intention or hope of doing sth: He’s painting the house with a view to selling it.—more at BIRD , DIM adj. , HEAVE v. , LONG adj.

verb [vn]
THINK ABOUT STH|
1 ~ sb/sth as sth| ~ sb/sth with sth to think about sb/sth in a particular way
SYN REGARD : When the car was first built, the design was viewed as highly original.  How do you view your position within the company?  She has always viewed him with suspicion.
LOOK AT STH|
2 to look at sth, especially when you look carefully: People came from all over the world to view her work.  A viewing platform gave stunning views over the valley.
3 to visit a house, etc. with the intention of buying or renting it: The property can only be viewed by appointment.
WATCH TV, FILM / MOVIE|
4 (formal) to watch television, a film/movie, etc: The show has a viewing audience of six million (= six million people watch it).  an opportunity to view the movie before it goes on general release

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view.data
(AmE also video.tex) noun [U] an information system in which computer data is sent along telephone lines and shown on a television screen: viewdata services / systems
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view.er
noun
1 a person watching television: The programme attracted millions of viewers.
2 a person who looks at or considers sth: Some of her art is intended to shock the viewer.  viewers of the current political scene
3 a device like a small box with a light in it, that is used for looking at SLIDES (= photographs on special film)
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view.find.er
noun the part of a camera that you look through to see the area that you are photographing
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view.point
noun
1 ~ (on sth) a way of thinking about a subject: Try looking at things from a different viewpoint.  She will have her own viewpoint on the matter.  From a practical viewpoint, I’d advise you not to go.
2 a direction or place from which you look at sth: The artist has painted the scene from various viewpoints.—see also POINT OF VIEW
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vigil
noun [C, U] a period of time when people stay awake, especially at night, in order to watch a sick person, say prayers, protest, etc: His parents kept a round-the-clock vigil at his bedside.
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vigi.lant
adj. (formal) very careful to notice any signs of danger or trouble: A pilot must remain vigilant at all times.
vigi.lance noun [U]: She stressed the need for constant vigilance.
vigi.lant.ly adv.
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vigi.lante
noun (sometimes disapproving) a member of a group of people who try to prevent crime or punish criminals in their community, especially because they think the police are not doing this
vigi.lant.ism noun [U]
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vi.gnette
noun (formal)
1 a short piece of writing or acting that clearly shows what a particular person, situation, etc. is like
2 a small picture or drawing, especially on the first page of a book
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vig.or.ous
adj.
1 very active, determined or full of energy: a vigorous campaign against tax fraud  a vigorous opponent / supporter of the government  Take vigorous exercise for several hours a week.
2 strong and healthy: a vigorous young man  This plant is a vigorous grower.
vig.or.ous.ly adv.
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vig.our
(BrE ) (AmEvigor) noun [U] energy, force or enthusiasm: He worked with renewed vigour and determination.
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Vi.king
noun a member of a race of Scandinavian people who attacked and sometimes settled in parts of NW Europe, including Britain, in the 8th to the 11th centuries: Viking invaders / ships
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vile
adj. (viler, vil.est)
1 (informal) extremely unpleasant or bad: a vile smell / taste  The weather was really vile most of the time.  He was in a vile mood.
2 (formal) wicked; completely unacceptable: the vile practice of taking hostages
vile.ly adv.
vile.ness noun [U]
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vil.ify
verb (vili.fies, vili.fy.ing, vili.fied, vili.fied) [vn] ~ sb/sth (as sth)| ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to say or write unpleasant things about sb/sth so that other people will have a low opinion of them
SYN MALIGN : They were vilified by the press as ‘international terrorists’.
vili.fi.ca.tion noun [U]: the vilification of single parents by right-wing politicians
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villa
noun
1 (BrE) a house where people stay on holiday/vacation: We rented a holiday villa in Spain.
2 a house in the country with a large garden, especially in southern Europe
3 (in Roman times) a country house or farm with land attached to it
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vil.lage
noun
1 [C] a very small town situated in a country area: We visited towns and villages all over Spain.  a fishing / mountain / seaside village   (especially BrE) the village hall / shop  Her books are about village life.
2 (the village) [sing.] (especially BrE) the people who live in a village: The whole village was invited to the party.
HELP Do not use village to talk about small towns in the US. In AmEvillage is used for a small place in another country that seems more old-fashioned than a town in the US.
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vil.la.ger
noun a person who lives in a village
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vil.lain
noun
1 the main bad character in a story, play, etc: He often plays the part of the villain.
2 a wicked person: the heroes and villains of the 20th century
3 (BrE, informal) a criminal
IDM the 'villain of the piece (especially humorous) the person or thing that is responsible for all the trouble in a situation
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vil.lain.ous
adj. [usually before noun] (written) very wicked; very unpleasant
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vil.lainy
noun [U] (formal) wicked behaviour
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vil.lein
noun (in the Middle Ages) a poor man who had to work for a richer man in return for a small piece of land to grow food on
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vim
noun [U] (old-fashioned, informal) energy
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vin.ai.grette
noun [U] a mixture of oil, VINEGAR and various herbs, etc., used to add flavour to a salad
SYN FRENCH DRESSING
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vin.di.cate
verb [vn] (formal)
1 to prove that sth is true or that you were right to do sth, especially when other people thought differently
SYN JUSTIFY : Our fears of conflict were partially vindicated by today’s events.  I have every confidence that this decision will be fully vindicated.
2 to prove that sb is not guilty when they have been accused of doing sth wrong or illegal: New evidence emerged, vindicating him completely.
vin.di.ca.tion noun [U, sing.]: Anti-nuclear protesters regarded the Chernobyl accident as a clear vindication of their campaign.
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vin.dic.tive
adj. trying to harm or upset sb, or showing that you want to, because you think that they have harmed you: He accused her of being vindictive.  a vindictive comment / person
vin.dic.tive.ly adv.
vin.dic.tive.ness noun [U]
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vine
noun
1 a climbing plant that produces grapes: grapes on the vine  vine leaves—see also GRAPEVINE
2 any climbing plant with long thin stems; one of these stems
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vin.egar
noun [U] a liquid with a bitter taste made from MALT (= a type of grain) or wine, used to add flavour to food or to preserve it: malt / wine vinegar  onions pickled in vinegar
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vin.egary
adj. having a taste or smell that is typical of vinegar : a vinegary wine
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vine.yard
noun a piece of land where grapes are grown in order to produce wine
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vino
noun [U] (informal, humorous) wine
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vin.tage
noun, adj.
noun
1 the wine that was produced in a particular year or place; the year in which it was produced
2 [usually sing.] the period or season of gathering grapes for making wine: The vintage was later than usual.

adj. [only before noun]
1 vintage wine is of very good quality and has been stored for several years
2 (BrE) (of a vehicle) made between 1917 and 1930 and admired for its style and interest—compare VETERAN CAR
3 typical of a period in the past and of high quality; the best work of the particular person: a collection of vintage designs  vintage TV drama  The opera is vintage Rossini.
4 ~ year a particularly good and successful year: 1999 was not a vintage year for the movies.

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vint.ner
noun (old-fashioned, formal) a person whose business is buying and selling wines or a person who grows grapes and makes wine
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vinyl
noun [U, C] a strong plastic that can bend easily, used for making wall, floor and furniture coverings, book covers, and, especially in the past, records: a vinyl sofa
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viol
noun an early type of musical instrument with strings, in the violin family
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viola
noun a musical instrument with strings, that you hold under your chin and play with a BOW . A viola is larger than a violin and plays lower notes: a viola player—
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vio.late
verb [vn]
1 (formal) to go against or refuse to obey a law, an agreement, etc: to violate human rights / international law
2 (formal) to disturb or not respect sb’s peace, PRIVACY , etc: She accused the press photographers of violating her privacy.
3 to damage or destroy a holy or special place
SYN DESECRATE : to violate a grave / shrine / tomb
4 (literary or old-fashioned) to force sb to have sex
SYN RAPE
vio.la.tion noun [U, C]: They were in open violation of the treaty.  gross violations of human rights
vio.la.tor noun
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vio.lence
noun [U]
1 ~ (against sb) violent behaviour that is intended to hurt or kill sb: crimes / acts / threats of violence  He condemned the protesters' use of violence against the police.  domestic violence (= between family members)  Is there too much sex and violence on TV?
2 physical or emotional force and energy: The violence of her feelings surprised him.
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vio.lent
adj.
1 involving or caused by physical force that is intended to hurt or kill sb: violent crime  Students were involved in violent clashes with the police.  to die / meet with a violent death (for example, to be murdered)  Her husband was a violent man.  Children should not be allowed to watch violent movies (= that show a lot of violence).
2 showing or caused by very strong emotion: There was a violent reaction from the public.
3 very strong and sudden: I took a violent dislike to him.  a violent explosion / storm  a violent change / upheaval  a violent headache
4 (of a colour) extremely bright: Her dress was a violent pink.
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vio.lent.ly
adv.
1 with great energy or strong movement, especially caused by a strong emotion such as fear or hatred: She shook her head violently.  to shiver / tremble / shudder violently
2 very strongly or severely: He was violently sick.  They are violently opposed to the idea.
3 in a way that involves physical violence: The crowd reacted violently.
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vio.let
noun
1 [C] a small wild or garden plant with purple or white flowers with a sweet smell that appear in spring
2 [U] a bluish-purple colour: dressed in violet
vio.let adj.: violet eyes
IDM see SHRINK v.
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vio.lin
noun a musical instrument with strings, that you hold under your chin and play with a BOW : Brahms' violin concerto—compare VIOLA —see also FIDDLE —
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vio.lin.ist
noun a person who plays the violin
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VIP
noun a famous or important person who is treated in a special way (abbreviation for ‘Very Important Person’): the VIP lounge  to get / give sb the VIP treatment
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viper
noun
1 a small poisonous snake
2 (written) a person who harms other people
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vir.ago
noun (pl.-os) (literary, disapproving) a fierce aggressive woman
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viral
adj. like or caused by a VIRUS : a viral infection
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vir.gin
noun, adj.
noun
1 [C] a person who has never had sex
2 (the (Blessed) Virgin) [sing.] the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ

adj.
1 [usually before noun] in its original pure or natural condition and not changed, touched or spoiled: virgin forest / land / territory  virgin snow (= fresh and not marked)
2 [only before noun] with no sexual experience: a virgin bride / saint  the virgin birth (= the belief that Mary was a virgin before and after giving birth to Jesus)

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vir.gin.al
adj. of or like a virgin ; pure and innocent: She was dressed in virginal white.
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Vir.ginia creep.er
noun [U, C] a climbing plant, often grown on walls, with large leaves that turn red in the autumn/fall
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vir.gin.ity
noun [U] the state of being a virgin : He lost his virginity (= had sex for the first time) when he was 18.
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,virgin 'olive oil
noun [U] good quality oil obtained the first time that OLIVES are pressed: extra virgin olive oil (= the best quality oil)
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Virgo
noun
1 [U] the 6th sign of the ZODIAC , the VIRGIN
2 [C] (pl.-os) a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 23 August and 23 September, approximately
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vir.ile
adj. (usually approving)
1 (of men) strong and full of energy, especially sexual energy
2 having or showing the strength and energy that is considered typical of men: a virile performance  virile athleticism
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vir.il.ity
noun [U]
1 sexual power in men: displays of male virility  a need to prove his virility
2 strength or energy: political / economic virility
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vir.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of VIRUSES and the diseases caused by them
vir.olo.gist noun
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vir.tual
adj. [only before noun]
1 almost or very nearly the thing described, so that any slight difference is not important: The country was sliding into a state of virtual civil war.  The company has a virtual monopoly in this area of trade.  He married a virtual stranger.  When her husband had a stroke, she was given virtual control of the business.
2 made to appear to exist by the use of computer SOFTWARE : virtual memory / space  New technology has enabled development of an online ‘virtual library’.
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vir.tu.al.ly
adv.
1 almost or very nearly, so that any slight difference is not important: to be virtually impossible / unknown / identical / certain  Virtually all students will be exempt from the tax.  He virtually admitted he was guilty.
2 (computing) by the use of computer SOFTWARE that makes sth appear to exist; using VIRTUAL REALITY technology
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,virtual re'ality
noun [U] images created by a computer that appear to surround the person looking at them and seem almost real
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vir.tue
noun
1 [U] (formal) behaviour or attitudes that show high moral standards: He led a life of virtue.  She was certainly no paragon of virtue !
2 [C] a particular good quality or habit: Patience is not one of her virtues, I’m afraid.
3 [C, U] an attractive or useful quality
SYN ADVANTAGE : The plan has the virtue of simplicity.  He was extolling the virtues of the Internet.  They could see no virtue in discussing it further.
IDM by / in virtue of sth (formal) by means of or because of sth: She got the job by virtue of her greater experience. make a ,virtue of ne'cessity to manage to gain an advantage from sth that you have to do and cannot avoid—more at EASY adj.
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vir.tu.os.ity
noun [U] (formal) a very high degree of skill in performing or playing: orchestral / technical virtuosity  a performance of breathtaking virtuosity
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vir.tu.oso
noun, adj.
noun (pl.vir.tu.osos or vir.tu.osi ) a person who is extremely skilful at doing sth, especially playing a musical instrument: a piano virtuoso  a virtuoso pianist

adj. [only before noun] showing extremely great skill: a virtuoso display / performance

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vir.tu.ous
adj.
1 (formal) behaving in a very good and moral way: a wise and virtuous man  She lived an entirely virtuous life.
2 (disapproving or humorous) claiming to behave better or have better morals than other people: He was feeling virtuous because he had finished and they hadn’t.
vir.tu.ous.ly adv.
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viru.lent
adj.
1 (of a disease or poison) extremely dangerous or harmful and quick to have an effect
2 (formal) showing strong negative and bitter feelings: virulent nationalism / hatred / criticism
viru.lence noun [U]
viru.lent.ly adv.
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virus
noun
1 a living thing, too small to be seen without a MICROSCOPE , that causes infectious disease in people, animals and plants: the flu virus  a virus infection
2 (informal) a disease caused by a virus : There’s a virus going around the office.
3 instructions that are hidden within a computer program and are designed to cause faults or destroy data—see also VIRAL
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visa
noun a stamp or mark put in your PASSPORT by officials of a foreign country that gives you permission to enter, pass through or leave their country: entry / tourist / transit / exit visas
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vis.age
noun (literary) a person’s face
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vis-à-vis
prep. (from French , written)
1 in relation to: Britain’s role vis-à-vis the United States
2 in comparison with: It was felt that the company had an unfair advantage vis-à-vis smaller companies elsewhere.
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vis.cera
noun [pl.] (anatomy ) the large organs inside the body, such as the heart, lungs and stomach
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vis.ceral
adj.
1 (literary) resulting from strong feelings rather than careful thought
2 (technical) relating to the viscera
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vis.cose
noun [U] (especially BrE ) a smooth fabric made from CELLULOSE , used for making clothes
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vis.count
noun (in Britain) a NOBLEMAN of a rank below an EARL and above a BARON
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vis.count.cy
noun the rank or position of a viscount
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vis.count.ess
noun
1 a woman who has the rank of a VISCOUNT
2 the wife of a VISCOUNT
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vis.cous
adj. (technical ) (of a liquid) thick and sticky; not flowing freely
vis.cos.ity noun [U]
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vise
noun (AmE ) = VICE
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visi.bil.ity
noun [U]
1 how far or well you can see, especially as affected by the light or the weather: poor / bad / zero visibility  Visibility was down to about 100 metres in the fog.  The car has excellent all-round visibility (= you can see what is around you very easily from it).
2 the fact or state of being easy to see: high visibility equipment for cyclists  The advertisements were intended to increase the company’s visibility in the marketplace (= to make people more aware of their products and services).
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vis.ible
adj.
1 that can be seen: The house is clearly visible from the beach.  Most stars are not visible to the naked eye .
2 that is obvious enough to be noticed: visible benefits / changes  a visible police presence  He showed no visible sign of emotion.  She made a visible effort to control her anger.
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vis.ibly
adv. in a way that is easily noticeable: He was visibly shocked.  She paled visibly at the news.
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vi.sion
noun
1 [U] the ability to see; the area that you can see from a particular position: to have good / perfect / poor / blurred / normal vision  20–20 vision (= the ability to see perfectly)  Cats have good night vision .  The couple moved outside her field of vision .  He glimpsed something on the edge of his vision.—see also TUNNEL VISION
2 [C] an idea or a picture in your imagination: He had a vision of a world in which there would be no wars.  I had visions of us getting hopelessly lost.
3 [C] a dream or similar experience, especially of a religious kind: The idea came to her in a vision.
4 [U] the ability to think about or plan the future with great imagination and intelligence: a leader of vision
5 [C] a ~ (of sth) (literary) a person of great beauty or who shows the quality mentioned: She was a vision in white lace.  a vision of loveliness / beauty / health
6 [U] the picture on a television or cinema/movie theater screen: We apologize for the temporary loss of vision.
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vi.sion.ary
adj., noun
adj.
1 (approving) original and showing the ability to think about or plan the future with great imagination and intelligence: a visionary leader  visionary leadership / speeches
2 relating to dreams or strange experiences, especially of a religious kind: visionary experiences

noun (pl.-ies) (usually approving) a person who has the ability to think about or plan the future in an intelligent, imaginative way: She was a true visionary.  The company needs visionaries to see opportunities.

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visit
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to go to see a person or a place for a period of time: She went to visit relatives in Wales.  The Prime Minister is visiting Japan at the moment.  You should visit your dentist at least twice a year.
2 to stay somewhere for a short time: [v] We don’t live here. We’re just visiting.  [vn] The lake is also visited by seals in the summer.
3 [vn] to make an official visit to sb, for example to carry out checks or give advice: government inspectors visiting schools / prisons / factories
PVR V 'visit sth on / upon sb/sth (old use) to punish sb/sth: The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children (= children are blamed or suffer for what their parents have done). 'visit with sb (AmE) to spend time with sb, especially talking socially: Come and visit with me some time.

noun
1 ~ (to sb/sth) (from sb) an occasion or a period of time when sb goes to see a place or person and spends time there: It’s my first visit to New York.  They’re on an exchange visit to France.  If you have time, pay a visit to the local museum.  We had a visit from the police last night.  Is this a social visit, or is it business?  a visit to the doctor / dentist   (BrE) a home visit (= when your doctor visits you)—see also FLYING VISIT
2 ~ (with sb) (AmE, informal) an occasion when two or more people, especially important people, meet to talk in an informal way: He had a visit with the President.

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vis.it.ation
noun
1 [U] (AmE) the right of a parent who is divorced or separated from his or her partner to visit a child who is living with the partner: She is seeking more liberal visitation with her daughter.  visitation rights—compare ACCESS n. (3)
2 [C, U] ~ (of / from sb/sth) (formal) an official visit, especially to to check that rules are being obeyed and everything is satisfactory
3 [C] ~ (of / from sb/sth) (formal) an unexpected appearance of sth, for example a ghost
4 [C] ~ (of sth) (formal) a disaster that is believed to be a punishment from God: a visitation of plague
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vis.it.ing
adj. [only before noun] a visitingprofessor or lecturer is one who is teaching for a fixed period at a particular university or college, but who normally teaches at another one
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'visiting card
(BrE ) (AmE 'calling card) (also cardBrE, AmE) noun a small card with your name on it which you leave with sb after, or instead of, a formal visit—compare BUSINESS CARD
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vis.it.or
noun ~ (to … ) a person who visits a person or place: We’ve got visitors coming this weekend.  Do you get many visitors?  She’s a frequent visitor to the US.  The theme park attracts 2.5 million visitors a year.—see also HEALTH VISITOR
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'visitors' book
noun a book in which visitors write their names, addresses and sometimes comments, for example, at a hotel or place of public interest
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visor
noun
1 a part of a helmet that can be pulled down to protect the eyes and face—picture at HAT
2 a curved piece of plastic, etc. worn on the head above the eyes to protect them from the sun
3 a small piece of plastic, etc. inside the front window of a car that can be pulled down to protect the driver’s eyes from the sun
4 (AmE) = PEAK (4)
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vista
noun
1 (literary) a beautiful view, for example, of the countryside, a city, etc.
2 (written) a range of things that might happen in the future: This new job could open up whole new vistas for her.
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vis.ual
adj., noun
adj. of or connected with seeing or sight: I have a very good visual memory.  the visual arts  The building makes a tremendous visual impact.
visu.al.ly adv.: visually handicapped / impaired  visually exciting / dull

noun a picture, map, piece of film, etc. used to make an article or a talk easier to understand or more interesting: He used striking visuals to get his point across.

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,visual 'aid
noun [usually pl.] a picture, video, etc. used in teaching to help people to learn or understand sth
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,visual di'splay unit
noun (computing ) = VDU
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,visual 'field
noun (technical ) = FIELD OF VISION
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visu.al.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb ~ sth (as sth) to form a picture of sb/sth in your mind
SYN IMAGINE : [vn] Try to visualize him as an old man.  [v wh-] I can’t visualize what this room looked like before it was decorated.  [vn -ing] It can help to visualize yourself making your speech clearly and confidently.  [v -ing] She couldn’t visualize climbing the mountain.
visu.al.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U, C]
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vital
adj.
1 ~ (for / to sth) necessary or essential in order for sth to succeed or exist: the vitamins that are vital for health  Good financial accounts are vital to the success of any enterprise.  It is vital that you keep accurate records when you are self-employed.  Reading is of vital importance in language learning.  The police play a vital role in our society.  It was vital to show that he was not afraid.
2 [only before noun] connected with or necessary for staying alive: the vital organs (= the brain, heart, lungs, etc.)
3 (written) (of a person) full of energy and enthusiasm
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vi.tal.ity
noun [U] energy and enthusiasm
SYN VIGOUR : She is bursting with vitality and new ideas.  The music has a wonderful freshness and vitality.
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vi.tal.ly
adv. extremely; in an essential way: Education is vitally important for the country’s future.
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the vitals
noun [pl.] (old-fashioned or humorous) the organs of the body that are essential for staying alive, for example the brain, heart, lungs, etc.
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,vital sta'tistics
noun [pl.]
1 figures that show the number of births and deaths in a country
2 (BrE, informal) the measurements of a woman’s chest, waist and hips
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vita.min
noun a natural substance found in food that is an essential part of what humans and animals eat to help them grow and stay healthy. There are many different vitamins : Oranges are rich in vitamin C.  breakfast cereals enriched with vitamins  vitamin deficiency  vitamin pills
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viti.ate
verb [vn] [usually passive] (rare, formal) to spoil or reduce the effect of sth: The ‘yes’ vote was vitiated by the low turnout in the election.
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viti.cul.ture
noun [U] (technical ) the science or practice of growing grapes to make wine
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vit.re.ous
adj. (technical ) hard, shiny and transparent like glass: vitreous enamel / china
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vit.riol
noun [U] (formal) very cruel and bitter comments or criticism
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vit.ri.ol.ic
adj. (formal) (of language or comments) full of anger and hatred: The newspaper launched a vitriolic attack on the president.
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vitro
IN VITRO
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vi.tu.per.ation
noun [U] (rare, formal) cruel and angry criticism
vi.tu.pera.tive adj.: a vituperative article / attack / commentary
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viv.acious
adj. (approving) (especially of a woman) having a lively, attractive personality: a vivacious manner  He had three pretty, vivacious daughters.
viv.acious.ly adv.
viv.acity noun [U]: He was charmed by her beauty and vivacity.
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viva voce
(BrE also viva) noun (from Latin ) a spoken exam, especially in a British university
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vivid
adj.
1 (of memories, a description, etc.) producing very clear pictures in your mind: vivid memories / dreams  He gave a vivid account of his life as a fighter pilot.
2 (of light, colours, etc.) very bright: vivid blue eyes
3 (of sb’s imagination) able to form pictures of ideas, situations, etc. easily in the mind
viv.id.ly adv.: I vividly remember the day we first met.
viv.id.ness noun [U]: the frightening vividness of my dream
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vivi.sec.tion
noun [U] the practice of doing experiments on live animals for medical or scientific research
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vivo
IN VIVO
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vixen
noun
1 a female FOX (= a wild animal of the dog family)
2 (old-fashioned) an unpleasant and bad-tempered woman
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viz.
adv. (formal written, especially BrE ) used to introduce a list of things that explain sth more clearly or are given as examples
SYN NAMELY : four major colleges of surgery, viz. London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin
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vizier
noun an important official in some Muslim countries in the past
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'V-neck
noun an opening for the neck in a piece of clothing shaped like the letter V; a piece of clothing with a V-neck : a V-neck sweater  I went out and bought a navy V-neck.
'V-necked adj.: a V-necked sweater—
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vo.cabu.lary
noun (pl.-ies)
1 [C, U] all the words that a person knows or uses: to have a wide / limited vocabulary  your active vocabulary (= the words that you use)  your passive vocabulary (= the words that you understand but don’t use)  Reading will increase your vocabulary.  The word ‘failure’ is not in his vocabulary (= for him, failure does not exist).
2 [C] all the words in a particular language: When did the word ‘bungalow’ first enter the vocabulary?
3 [C, U] the words that people use when they are talking about a particular subject: The word has become part of advertising vocabulary.
4 (also informal vocab ) [C, U] a list of words with their meanings, especially in a book for learning a foreign language
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vocal
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] connected with the voice: vocal music  the vocal organs (= the tongue, lips, etc.)
2 telling people your opinions or protesting about sth loudly and with confidence: He has been very vocal in his criticism of the government’s policy.  The protesters are a small but vocal minority.

noun [usually pl.] the part of a piece of music that is sung, rather than played on a musical instrument: backing vocals  In this recording Armstrong himself is on vocals .

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,vocal 'cords
noun [pl.] the thin strips of muscle in the throat that move to produce the voice
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vo.cal.ist
noun a singer, especially in a pop or jazz band: a lead / guest / backing vocalist—compare INSTRUMENTALIST
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vo.cal.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun (formal)
1 [C] a word or sound that is produced by the voice: the vocalizations of animals
2 [U] the process of producing a word or sound with the voice
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vo.cal.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb (formal)
1 [vn] to use words to express sth: Showing children pictures sometimes helps them to vocalize their ideas.
2 to say or sing sounds or words: [v] Your baby will begin to vocalize long before she can talk. [alsovn]
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vo.cal.ly
adv.
1 in a way that uses the voice: to communicate vocally
2 by speaking in a loud and confident way: They protested vocally.
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vo.ca.tion
noun
1 [C] a type of work or way of life that you believe is especially suitable for you
SYN CALLING : Nursing is not just a job—it’s a vocation.  She believes that she has found her true vocation in life.  You missed your vocation—you should have been an actor.
2 [C, U] ~ (for sth) a belief that a particular type of work or way of life is especially suitable for you: He has a vocation for teaching.  She is a doctor with a strong sense of vocation.
3 [C, U] a belief that you have been chosen by God to be a priest or NUN : a vocation to the priesthood
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vo.ca.tion.al
adj. connected with the skills, knowledge, etc. that you need to have in order to do a particular job: vocational education / qualifications / training
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voca.tive
noun (grammar ) (in some languages) the form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective used when addressing a person or thing—compare ACCUSATIVE , DATIVE , GENITIVE , NOMINATIVE
voca.tive adj.: the vocative case
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vo.cif.er.ous
adj. (formal) expressing your opinions or feelings in a loud and confident way
SYN STRIDENT : vociferous complaints / protests / demands  He is a vociferous critic of the president’s stance on abortion.
vo.cif.er.ous.ly adv.: to complain / protest vociferously
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vodka
noun
1 [U] a strong clear alcoholic drink, made from grain, originally from Russia
2 [C] a glass of vodka : I’ll have a vodka and lime.
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vogue
noun [C usually sing, U] ~ (for sth) a fashion for sth: the vogue for child-centred education  Black is in vogue again.
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voice
noun, verb
noun
SOUND FROM MOUTH|
1 [C, U] the sound or sounds produced through the mouth by a person speaking or singing: I could hear voices in the next room.  to speak in a deep / soft / loud / husky voice  to raise / lower your voice (= to speak louder / more quietly)  Keep your voice down (= speak quietly).  Don’t take that tone of voice with me!  Her voice shook with emotion.  ‘There you are,’ said a voice behind me.  When did his voice break (= become deep like a man’s)?  He was suffering from flu and had lost his voice (= could not speak).  She has a good singing voice.  She was in good voice (= singing well) at the concert tonight.
-VOICED|
2 (in adjectives) having a voice of the type mentioned: low-voiced  squeaky-voiced
OPINION|
3 [sing.] ~ (in sth) the right to express your opinion and influence decisions: Employees should have a voice in the decision-making process.
4 [C] a particular attitude, opinion or feeling that is expressed; a feeling or an opinion that you become aware of inside yourself: He pledged that his party would listen to the voice of the people.  Very few dissenting voices were heard on the right of the party.  the voice of reason / sanity / conscience   ‘Coward!’ a tiny inner voice insisted.
GRAMMAR|
5 [sing.] the active / passive ~ the form of a verb that shows whether the subject of a sentence performs the action (the active voice) or is affected by it (the passive voice)
PHONETICS|
6 [U] a sound produced by movement of the VOCAL CORDS used in the pronunciation of vowels and some consonants () give voice to sth to express your feelings, worries, etc. make your 'voice heard to express your feelings, opinions, etc. in a way that makes people notice and consider them with ,one 'voice as a group; with everyone agreeing: The various opposition parties speak with one voice on this issue.—more at FIND v. , SOUND n. , TOP n.

verb [vn]
GIVE OPINION|
1 to tell people your feelings or opinions about sth: to voice complaints / criticisms / doubts / objections  A number of parents have voiced concern about their children’s safety.
PHONETICS|
2 to produce a sound with a movement of your VOCAL CORDS as well as your breath: voiced consonants—compare UNVOICED , VOICELESS

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'voice box
noun the area at the top of the throat that contains the VOCAL CORDS
SYN LARYNX
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voice.less
adj. (phonetics ) (of consonants) produced without VIBRATION of the VOCAL CORDS . The consonants are voiceless .
SYN UNVOICED
OPP VOICED
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voice.mail
noun [U] an electronic system which can store telephone messages, so that sb can listen to them later
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'voice-over
noun information or comments in a film/movie, television programme, etc. that are given by a person who is not seen on the screen: She earns a lot of money doing voice-overs for TV commercials.
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void
noun, adj., verb
noun [usually sing.] (formal or literary) a large empty space: Below him was nothing but a black void.   (figurative) The void left by his mother’s death was never filled.

adj.
1 ~ of sth (formal) completely lacking sth
SYN DEVOID : The sky was void of stars.
2 (law) (of a contract, an agreement etc.) not valid or legal: The agreement was declared void.
3 (formal) empty: void spaces
IDM see NULL

verb [vn]
1 (law) to state officially that sth is no longer valid
SYN NULLIFY
2 (formal) to empty waste matter from the BLADDER or bowels

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voile
noun [U] a cotton, woollen or silk fabric that is almost transparent, used for making clothes
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vol.
abbr. VOLUME n. : the Complete Works of Byron Vol. 2
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vola.tile
adj.
1 (often disapproving) (of a person or their moods) changing easily from one mood to another: a highly volatile personality
2 (of a situation) likely to change suddenly; easily becoming dangerous: a highly volatile situation from which riots might develop  a volatile exchange rate
3 (technical) (of a substance) that changes quickly into a gas: Petrol is a volatile substance.
vola.til.ity noun [U]
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vol-au-vent
noun (BrE, from French ) a small round case of light pastry filled with meat, fish, etc. in a cream sauce, often eaten with your fingers at parties
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vol.can.ic
adj. caused or produced by a volcano : volcanic rocks / eruptions / ash  volcanic activity
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vol.cano
noun (pl.-oes or -os) a mountain with a large opening at the top through which gases and LAVA (= hot liquid rock) are forced out into the air, or have been in the past: An active volcano may erupt at any time.  a dormant volcano (= one that is not active at present)  an extinct volcano (= one that is no longer active)
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vole
noun a small animal like a mouse or rat that lives in fields or near rivers—see also WATER VOLE
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vol.ition
noun [U] (formal) the power to choose sth freely or to make your own decisions: They left entirely of their own volition (= because they wanted to).
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vol.ley
noun, verb
noun
1 (in some sports, for example tennis or football) a hit or kick of the ball before it touches the ground: She hit a forehand volley into the net.
2 a lot of bullets, stones, etc. that are fired or thrown at the same time: A volley of shots rang out.  Police fired a volley over the heads of the crowd.
3 a lot of questions, comments, insults, etc. that are directed at sb quickly one after the other: She faced a volley of angry questions from her mother.

verb (in some sports, for example tennis or football) to hit or kick the ball before it touches the ground: [vn] He volleyed the ball into the back of the net. [alsov]

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vol.ley.ball
noun [U] a game in which two teams of six players use their hands to hit a large ball backwards and forwards over a high net while trying not to let the ball touch the ground on their own side
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volt
noun (abbr. V) a unit for measuring the force of an electric current: a high security fence with 5 000 volts passing through it
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volt.age
noun [U, C] electrical force measured in volts : high / low voltage
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volte-face
noun [sing.] (formal) a complete change of opinion or plan
SYN ABOUT-TURN : This represents a volte-face in government thinking.
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volt.meter
noun an instrument for measuring VOLTAGE
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vol.uble
adj. (formal)
1 talking a lot, and with enthusiasm, about a subject: Evelyn was very voluble on the subject of women’s rights.
2 expressed in many words and spoken quickly: voluble protests
vol.ubly adv.
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vol.ume
noun
1 [U, C] the amount of space that an object or a substance fills; the amount of space that a container has: How do you measure the volume of a gas?  jars of different volumes
2 [C, U] the amount of sth: the sheer volume (= large amount) of business  This work has grown in volume recently.  New roads are being built to cope with the increased volume of traffic.  Sales volumes fell 0.2% in June.
3 [U] the amount of sound that is produced by a television, radio, etc: to turn the volume up / down  the volume control on the television
4 [C] (abbr.vol.) a book, especially one that is part of a series of books: an encyclopedia in 20 volumes
5 [C] (formal) a book: a library of over 50 000 volumes  a slim volume of poetry
6 [C] (abbr.vol.) a series of different ISSUES of the same magazine, especially all the ISSUES for one year: ‘New Scientist’ volume 142, number 3
IDM see SPEAK
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vo.lu.min.ous
adj. (formal)
1 (of clothing) very large; having a lot of fabric: a voluminous cloak / skirt
2 (of a piece of writing, a book, etc.) very long and detailed
3 (of a container, piece of furniture, etc.) very large: I sank down into a voluminous armchair.
vo.lu.min.ous.ly adv.
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vol.un.tar.ily
adv.
1 willingly; without being forced: He was not asked to leave—he went voluntarily.
2 without payment; free of charge: The fund is voluntarily administered.
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vol.un.tary
adj., noun
adj.
1 done willingly, not because you are forced: a voluntary agreement / arrangement  Attendance on the course is purely voluntary.  to pay voluntary contributions into a pension fund   (BrE) He took voluntary redundancy .
OPP COMPULSORY
2 [usually before noun] (of work) done by people who choose to do it without being paid: I do some voluntary work at the local hospital.  She works there on a voluntary basis .  voluntary services / bodies / agencies / organizations (= organized, controlled or supported by people who choose to do this and are usually not paid)  the voluntary sector (= organizations which are set up to help people and which do not make a profit, for example charities)
3 [only before noun] (of a person) doing a job without wanting to be paid for it: a voluntary worker
4 (technical) (of movements of the body) that you can control
OPP INVOLUNTARY

noun (pl.-ies) a piece of music played before, during or after a church service, usually on an ORGAN

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vol.un.teer
noun, verb
noun
1 a person who does a job without being paid for it: volunteer carers / helpers  Schools need volunteers to help children to read.
2 a person who offers to do sth without being forced to do it: Are there any volunteers to help clear up?  No volunteers came forward.
3 a person who chooses to join the armed forces without being forced to join—compare CONSCRIPT

verb
1 ~ (sth) (for / as sth) to offer to do sth without being forced to do it or without getting paid for it: [v to inf] Jill volunteered to organize a petition.  [v] Several staff members volunteered for early retirement.  [vn] He volunteered his services as a driver.
2 to suggest sth or tell sb sth without being asked: [vn] to volunteer advice / information [alsov speech]
3 ~ (for sth) to join the army, etc. without being forced to: [v] to volunteer for military service [alsov to inf]
4 ~ sb (for / as sth) to suggest sb for a job or an activity, even though they may not want to do it: [vn] They volunteered me for the job of interpreter. [alsovn to inf]

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vo.lup.tu.ous
adj.
1 (written) (of a woman) attractive in a sexual way with large breasts and hips: a voluptuous woman  a voluptuous body / mouth
2 (literary) giving you physical pleasure: voluptuous perfume  voluptuous soft velvet
vo.lup.tu.ous.ly adv.
vo.lup.tu.ous.ness noun [U]
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vomit
verb, noun
verb (also informal ,throw 'up) ~ (sth up)| ~ sth to bring food from the stomach back out through the mouth
SYN BE SICK : [v] The smell made her want to vomit.  [vn] He had vomited up his supper.  The injured man was vomiting blood.—see also SICK

noun [U] food from the stomach bought back out through the mouth

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voo.doo
noun [U] a religion that is practised especially in Haiti and involves magic and WITCHCRAFT
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vor.acious
adj. (written)
1 eating or wanting large amounts of food: a voracious eater  to have a voracious appetite
2 wanting a lot of new information and knowledge: a voracious reader  a boy with a voracious and undiscriminating appetite for facts
vor.acious.ly adv.
vor.acity noun [C, U] (formal)
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vor.tex
noun (pl.vor.texes or vor.ti.ces )
1 (technical) a mass of air, water, etc. that spins around very fast and pulls things into its centre
2 (literary) a very powerful feeling, force or situation that you cannot avoid or escape from: They were both caught up in a whirling vortex of emotion.
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vote
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (for / against sb/sth) a formal choice that you make in an election or at a meeting in order to choose sb or decide sth: There were 21 votes for and 17 against the motion, with 2 abstentions.  The motion was passed by 6 votes to 3.  The chairperson has the casting / deciding vote .  The Green candidate won over 3 000 of the 14 000 votes cast .
2 [C] ~ (on sth) an occasion when a group of people vote on sth: to have / take a vote on an issue  The issue was put to the vote .  The vote was unanimous.
3 (the vote) [sing.] the total number of votes in an election: She obtained 40% of the vote.  The party increased their share of the vote.
4 (the vote) [sing.] the vote given by a particular group of people, or for a particular party, etc: the popular / student / working class vote  the Labour / Conservative vote
5 (the vote) [sing.] the right to vote, especially in political elections: In Britain and the US, people get the vote at 18.—see also BLOCK VOTE

verb
1 ~ (for / against sb/sth)| ~ (on sth) to show formally by marking a paper or raising your hand which person you want to win an election, or which plan or idea you support: [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : Did you vote for or against her?  How did you vote at the last election?  We’ll listen to the arguments on both sides and then vote on it.  Over 60% of members voted in favour of (= for) the motion.  Only about half of the electorate bothered to vote.  [vn] We voted Democrat in the last election.  [v to inf] Parliament voted to set up an independent inquiry into the matter.
2 [vn-n] [usually passive] to choose sb/sth for a position or an award by voting : He was voted most promising new director.
3 [vn-n] [usually passive] to say that sth is good or bad: The event was voted a great success.
4 [vnn] to agree to give sb/yourself sth by voting : The directors have just voted themselves a huge pay increase.
5 [v (that)] to suggest sth or support a suggestion that sb has made: I vote (that) we go out to eat.
IDM ,vote with your 'feet to show what you think about sth by going or not going somewhere: Shoppers voted with their feet and avoided the store.
PVR V ,vote sb/sth<->'down to reject or defeat sb/sth by voting for sb/sth else ,vote sb 'in| ,vote sb 'into / 'onto sth to choose sb for a position by voting : He was voted in as treasurer.  She was voted onto the board of governors. ,vote sb 'out| ,vote sb 'out of / 'off sth to dismiss sb from a position by voting : He was voted out of office. ,vote sth<->'through to bring a plan, etc. into effect by voting for it: A proposal to merge the two companies was voted through yesterday.

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,vote of 'confidence
noun [usually sing.] a formal vote to show that people support a leader, a political party, an idea, etc.
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,vote of ,no 'confidence
noun [usually sing.] a formal vote to show that people do not support a leader, a political party, an idea, etc.
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,vote of 'thanks
noun [usually sing.] a short formal speech in which you thank sb for sth and ask other people to join you in thanking them
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voter
noun a person who votes or has the right to vote, especially in a political election: A clear majority of voters were in favour of the motion.  Only 60% of eligible voters actually used their vote.—see also FLOATING VOTER
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vot.ing
noun [U] the action of choosing sb/sth in an election or at a meeting: He was eliminated in the first round of voting.  Voting will take place on May 1.  tactical voting  to be of voting age
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'voting booth
noun (especially AmE ) = POLLING BOOTH
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vo.tive
adj. [usually before noun] (technical ) presented to a god as a sign of thanks: votive offerings
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vouch
verb
PVR V 'vouch for sb/sth to say that you believe that sb will behave well and that you will be responsible for their actions: Are you willing to vouch for him?  I can vouch for her ability to work hard. 'vouch for sth to say that you believe that sth is true or good because you have evidence for it: I was in bed with the flu. My wife can vouch for that.
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vouch.er
noun (BrE ) a printed piece of paper that can be used instead of money to pay for sth, or that allows you to pay less than the usual price of sth: a voucher for a free meal  a food / travel voucher  This discount voucher entitles you to 10% off your next purchase.—see also LUNCHEON VOUCHER
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vouch.safe
verb ~ sth (to sb) (old-fashioned or formal) to give, offer or tell sth to sb, especially as a privilege: [vn] He vouchsafed to me certain family secrets. [alsov that, vnn, v speech]
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vow
noun, verb
noun a formal and serious promise, especially a religious one, to do sth: to make / take a vow  to break / keep a vow  to break your marriage vows   Nuns take a vow of chastity .

verb to make a formal and serious promise to do sth or a formal statement that is true: [v to inf] She vowed never to speak to him again.  [v (that)] He vowed (that) he had not hurt her.  [vn] They vowed eternal friendship. [alsov speech]

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vowel
noun (phonetics )
1 a speech sound in which the mouth is open and the tongue is not touching the top of the mouth, the teeth, etc., for example : vowel sounds  Each language has a different vowel system.
2 a letter that represents a vowel sound. In English the vowels are a, e, i, o, and u.—compare CONSONANT —see also DIPHTHONG
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vox pop
noun [C, U] (BrE , informal) the opinion of members of the public, especially when it is broadcast or published
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voy.age
noun, verb
noun (especially written) a long journey, especially by sea or in space: an around-the-world voyage  a voyage in space  The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage (= first journey).   (figurative) Going to college can be a voyage of self-discovery.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (literary) to travel, especially in a ship and over a long distance

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voy.ager
noun (old-fashioned or literary) a person who goes on a long journey, especially by ship to unknown parts of the world
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voy.eur
noun (disapproving)
1 a person who gets pleasure from secretly watching other people have sex
2 a person who enjoys watching the problems and private lives of others: Most writers are voyeurs of a kind.
voy.eur.ism noun [U]
voy.eur.is.tic adj.: a voyeuristic interest in other people’s lives
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VP
abbr. VICE-PRESIDENT
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vs
abbr. (especially AmE ) VERSUS
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'V-sign
noun a sign that you make by holding up your hand and making a V-shape with your first and second fingers. When the PALM (= inside part) of your hand is facing away from you, the sign means ‘victory’; when the palm is facing towards you the sign is used as a way of being rude to other people.—compare TWO FINGERS
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vul.can.ized
(BrE also -ised) adj. (technical ) (of rubber) treated with SULPHUR at great heat to make it stronger
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vul.gar
adj.
1 not having or showing good taste; not polite, elegant or well behaved: a vulgar man / woman  vulgar decorations / furnishings  She found their laughter and noisy games coarse and rather vulgar.
2 rude and likely to offend: vulgar jokes / language
vul.gar.ly adv. (rare): He eyed her vulgarly.
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,vulgar 'fraction
noun (BrE ) a FRACTION (= a number less than one) that is shown as numbers above and below a line: ¾ and 5/8 are vulgar fractions.—compare DECIMAL FRACTION
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vul.gar.ity
noun [U, C] the fact of being rude or not having good taste; a rude object, picture, etc: the vulgarity of mass tourism  She was offended by the vulgarity of their jokes.  a pornographic magazine full of vulgarities
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vul.gar.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] (formal, disapproving) to spoil sth by changing it so that it is more ordinary than before and not of such a high standard
vul.gar.iza.tion , -isa.tionnoun [U]
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vul.ner.able
adj. ~ (to sb/sth) weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally: to be vulnerable to abuse / attack / illness  She looked very vulnerable standing there on her own.  In cases of food poisoning, young children are especially vulnerable.  The sudden resignation of the financial director put the company in a very vulnerable position .
vul.ner.abil.ity noun [U] ~ (of sb/sth) (to sth): financial / political vulnerability  the vulnerability of newborn babies to disease
vul.ner.ably adv.
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vul.pine
adj. (formal) of or like a FOX
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vul.ture
noun
1 a large bird, usually without feathers on its head or neck, that eats the flesh of animals that are already dead: vultures circling / wheeling overhead—
2 a person who hopes to gain from the troubles or sufferings of other people
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vulva
noun (anatomy ) the outer opening of the female sex organs
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vying
pres part of VIE
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W
noun, abbr.
noun (also w) [C, U] (pl.W’s, w’s ) the 23rd letter of the English alphabet: ‘Water’ begins with (a) W / ‘W’.

abbr.
1 west; western
2 WATT : a 100W light bulb

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wacko
adj. (informal, disapproving) crazy: wacko opinions
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wacky
(also whacky) adj. (wack.ier, wacki.est) (informal) funny or amusing in a slightly crazy way: wacky humour / ideas
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wad
noun, verb
noun
1 a thick pile of pieces of paper, paper money, etc. folded or rolled together: He pulled a thick wad of £10 notes out of his pocket.   (BrE, slang) They had a wad / wads of money (= a large amount).
2 a mass of soft material, used for blocking sth or keeping sth in place: The nurse used a wad of cotton wool to stop the bleeding.

verb (-dd-) [vn]
1 ~ sth (up) (especially AmE) to fold or press sth into a tight wad
2 to fill sth with soft material for warmth or protection

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wad.ding
noun [U] soft material that you wrap around things to protect them
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wad.dle
verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to walk with short steps, swinging from side to side, like a duck: A short plump man came waddling towards me.
wad.dle noun [sing.]: She walked with a waddle.
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wade
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to walk with an effort through sth, especially water or mud: [v] He waded into the water to push the boat out.  Sometimes they had to wade waist-deep through mud.  They waded the river at a shallow point.
2 [v] (AmE) = PADDLE
PVR V ,wade 'in| ,wade 'into sth (informal) to enter a fight, a discussion or an argument in a forceful or not very sensitive way: The police waded into the crowd with batons.  You shouldn’t have waded in with all those unpleasant accusations. ,wade 'into sb (informal) to attack sb with words in a forceful angry way: She waded into him as soon as he got home. ,wade 'through sth [no passive] to deal with or read sth that is boring and takes a lot of time: I spent the whole day wading through the paperwork on my desk.
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wader
noun
1 (also 'wading bird) [C] any of several different types of bird with long legs that feed in shallow water
2 (waders) [pl.] long rubber boots that reach up to your THIGH , that you wear for standing in water, especially when fishing: a pair of waders
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wadi
noun (in the Middle East and North Africa) a valley or channel that is dry except when it rains
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'wading pool
noun (AmE ) = PADDLING POOL
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wafer
noun
1 a thin crisp light biscuit/cookie, often eaten with ice cream: The sundae was topped with chocolate and a wafer.  chocolate / vanilla wafers (= biscuits / cookies made of two wafers with chocolate / vanilla inside)
2 a very thin round piece of special bread given by the priest during COMMUNION
3 ~ (of sth) a very thin piece of sth
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,wafer-'thin
adj. very thin—compare PAPER-THIN
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waf.fle
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a crisp flat cake with a pattern of squares on both sides, often eaten with sweet sauce, cream, etc. on top: a waffle iron (= for making waffles with)—
2 [U] (BrE, informal) language that uses a lot of words but does not say anything important or interesting: The report is just full of waffle.

verb [v]
1 ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE, informal, disapproving) to talk or write using a lot of words but without saying anything interesting or important: The principal waffled on about exam results but no one was listening.
2 ~ (on / over sth) (AmE, informal) to be unable to decide what to do about sth or what you think about sth: The senator was accused of waffling on major issues.

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waft
verb, noun
verb [+adv. / prep.] to move, or make sth move, gently through the air: [v] The sound of their voices wafted across the lake.  Delicious smells wafted up from the kitchen.  [vn] The scent of the flowers was wafted along by the breeze.

noun (written) a smell or a line of smoke carried through the air: wafts of perfume / smoke

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wag
verb, noun
verb (-gg-)
1 [v, vn] if a dog wags its tail, or its tail wags, its tail moves from side to side several times
2 [vn] to shake your finger or your head from side to side or up and down, often as a sign of disapproval
IDM see TAIL n. , TONGUE n.

noun
1 (old-fashioned, especially BrE) a person who enjoys making jokes
SYN JOKER
2 a wagging movement

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wage
noun, verb
noun [sing.] (also wages [pl.]) a regular amount of money that you earn, usually every week, for work or services: wages of £200 a week  a weekly wage of £200  wage reductions / cuts   (BrE ) a wage rise of 3%  a wage increase of 3%  wage demands / claims / settlements  Wages are paid on Fridays.  There are extra benefits for people on low wages.—see also LIVING WAGE , MINIMUM WAGE —compare SALARY

verb [vn] ~ sth (against / on sb/sth) to begin and continue a war, a battle, etc: The rebels have waged a guerrilla war since 1995.  He alleged that a press campaign was being waged against him.

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waged
adj.
1 (of a person) having regular paid work: waged workers
2 (of work) for which you are paid: waged work / employment
3 (the waged) noun [pl.] people who are waged UNWAGED
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'wage earner
noun a person who earns money, especially a person who works for wages: We have two wage earners in the family.
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'wage packet
noun (BrE ) = PAY PACKET
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wager
noun, verb
noun (old-fashioned or formal) an arrangement to risk money on the result of a particular event
SYN BET

verb (old-fashioned or formal)
1 ~ (sth) (on sth)| ~ sth/sb that … to bet money: [v] She always wagered on an outsider.  [vn] to wager £50 on a horse  [vn that] I had wagered a great deal of money that I would beat him.
2 [v (that)] (spoken) used to say that you are so confident that sth is true or will happen that you would be willing to bet money on it: I’ll wager that she knows more about it than she’s saying.

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wag.gle
verb (informal) to make sth move with short movements from side to side or up and down; to move in this way: [vn] Can you waggle your ears? [alsov]
wag.gle noun
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wagon
noun
1 (BrE) (AmE 'freight car) a railway/railroad truck for carrying goods
2 (BrE also wag.gon) a vehicle with four wheels, pulled by horses or OXEN and used for carrying heavy loads
3 (AmE) = TROLLEY —see also BANDWAGON , STATION WAGON
IDM be / go on the 'wagon (informal) to not drink alcohol, either for a short time or permanently
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'wagon train
noun a long line of WAGONS and horses, used by people travelling west in N America in the 19th century
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wag.tail
noun a small bird with a long tail that moves up and down when the bird is walking
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wah-wah
noun [U] (music ) a special effect made on electric musical instruments, especially the guitar, which varies the quality of the sound
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waif
noun a small thin person, usually a child, who looks as if they do not have enough to eat: the waifs and strays of our society (= people with no home)
'waif-like adj.: waif-like young girls
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wail
verb, noun
verb
1 [v] to make a long loud high cry, especially because you are sad or in pain: The little girl was wailing miserably.  women wailing and weeping  The cat was wailing to be let out.
2 to cry or complain about sth in a loud high voice: [v speech] ‘It’s broken,’ she wailed.  [v] There’s no point wailing about something that happened so long ago.
3 [v] (of things) to make a long high sound: Ambulances raced by with sirens wailing.
wail.ing noun [sing., U]: We heard a high-pitched wailing.

noun a long loud high cry, especially one expressing pain or sadness; a sound similar to this: a wail of anguish / despair / distress  the distant wail of sirens

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wains.cot
noun (old use) = SKIRTING BOARD
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waist
noun
1 the area around the middle of the body between the RIBS and the hips, often narrower than the areas above and below: He put his arm around her waist.  She was paralysed from the waist down (= in the area below her waist).  The workmen were stripped to the waist (= wearing no clothes on the top half of their bodies).—picture at BODY
2 the part of a piece of clothing that covers the waist : It’s much too tight at the waist.
3 (-waisted) (in adjectives) having the type of waist mentioned: a high-waisted dress
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waist.band
noun the strip of fabric that forms the waist of a piece of clothing, especially at the top of a skirt or trousers/pants: an elasticated waistband—
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waist.coat
(BrE ) (AmE vest) noun a short piece of clothing with buttons down the front but no sleeves, usually worn over a shirt and under a jacket, often forming part of a man’s suit—
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,waist-'deep
adj., adv. up to the waist: The water was waist-deep.  We waded waist-deep into the muddy water.
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,waist-'high
adj., adv. high enough to reach the waist: waist-high grass  The grass had grown waist-high.
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waist.line
noun
1 the amount that a person measures around the waist, used to talk about how fat or thin they are: an expanding waistline
2 the place on a piece of clothing where your waist is
SYN WAIST
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wait
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (for sb/sth) to stay where you are or delay doing sth until sb/sth comes or sth happens: [v] She rang the bell and waited.  Have you been waiting long?  I’ve been waiting (for) twenty minutes.  Wait for me!  We’re waiting for the rain to stop before we go out.  I’ll wait outside until the meeting’s over.  No waiting (= on a sign at the side of the road, telling vehicles that they must not stop there).  [v to inf] Hurry up! We’re waiting to go.  [vn] You’ll just have to wait your turn (= wait until your turn comes).  note at EXPECT
2 ~ (for sth) to hope or watch for sth to happen, especially for a long time: [v] Leeds United had waited for success for eighteen years.  This is just the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.  He’s waiting for me to make a mistake.  [vn] I waited my chance and slipped out when no one was looking.
3 (be waiting) (of things) to be ready for sb to have or use: [v] There’s a letter waiting for you at home.  [v to inf] The hotel had a taxi waiting to collect us.
4 [v] to be left to be dealt with at a later time because it is not urgent: I’ve got some calls to make but they can wait until tomorrow.
IDM an ,accident / a di,saster waiting to 'happen a thing or person that is very likely to cause danger or a problem in the future because of the condition it is in or the way they behave I, they, etc. can’t 'wait / can hardly 'wait used when you are emphasizing that sb is very excited about sth or keen to do it: The children can’t wait for Christmas to come.  I can hardly wait to see him again. keep sb 'waiting to make sb have to wait or be delayed, especially because you arrive late: I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. ,wait and 'see used to tell sb that they must be patient and wait to find out about sth later: We’ll just have to wait and see—there’s nothing we can do at the moment.  a wait-and-see policy / attitude  ‘Where are we going?’‘Wait and see!’ wait at 'table (formal) to serve food to people, for example at a formal meal 'wait for it (spoken, especially BrE)
1 used to say that you are about to tell sb sth that is surprising or amusing: They’re off on a trip, to—wait for it—the Maldives!
2 used to tell sb not to start doing sth yet, but to wait until you tell them wait a minute / moment / second
1 to wait for a short time: Can you wait a second while I make a call?
2 used when you have just noticed or remembered sth, or had a sudden idea: Wait a minute—this isn’t the right key. wait on sb hand and 'foot (disapproving) to take care of sb’s needs so well that they do not have to do anything for themselves wait 'tables (AmE) to work serving food to people in a restaurant 'wait till / until … (spoken) used to show that you are very excited about telling or showing sth to sb: Wait till you see what I’ve found! what are we 'waiting for? (spoken) used to suggest that you should all start doing what you have been discussing what are you 'waiting for? (spoken) used to tell sb to do sth now rather than later: If the car needs cleaning, what are you waiting for? (just) you 'wait used to emphasize a threat, warning or promise: I’ll be famous one day, just you wait!—more at WING n.
PVR V ,wait a'bout / a'round to stay in a place, with nothing particular to do, for example because you are expecting sth to happen or sb to arrive ,wait be'hind (especially BrE) to stay after other people have gone, especially to speak to sb privately ,wait 'in (BrE) to stay at home because you are expecting sb to come, telephone, etc. 'wait on sb to act as a servant to sb, especially by serving food to them 'wait on sth/sb (informal, especially AmE) to wait for sth to happen before you do or decide sth: She is waiting on the result of a blood test. ,wait sth<->'out to wait until an unpleasant event has finished: We sheltered in a doorway to wait out the storm. ,wait 'up (AmE) used to ask sb to stop or go more slowly so that you can join them ,wait 'up (for sb) to wait for sb to come home at night before you go to bed

noun [usually sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) an act of waiting; an amount of time waited: We had a long wait for the bus.
IDM see LIE v.

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wait.er
(femininewait.ress ) noun a person whose job is to serve customers at their tables in a restaurant, etc: I’ll ask the waitress for the bill.  Waiter, could you bring me some water?—see also DUMB WAITER , SERVER   note at GENDER
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'waiting game
noun [sing.] a policy of waiting to see how a situation develops before you decide how to act
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'waiting list
noun a list of people who are waiting for sth such as a service or medical treatment that is not yet available: There are no places available right now but I’ll put you on a waiting list .  There’s a waiting list to join the golf club.   (BrE ) The government has promised to cut hospital waiting lists.
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'waiting room
noun a room where people can sit while they are waiting, for example for a bus or train, or to see a doctor or dentist
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waive
verb [vn] to choose not to demand sth in a particular case, even though you have a legal or official right to do so
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waiver
noun (law ) a situation in which sb gives up a legal right or claim; an official document stating this
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wake
verb, noun
verb (woke woken )
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] ~ (sb) (up) to stop sleeping; to make sb stop sleeping: [v] What time do you usually wake up in the morning?  I always wake early in the summer.  Wake up! It’s eight o’clock.   (written) They woke to a clear blue sky.   (written) She had just woken from a deep sleep.  [v to inf] He woke up to find himself alone in the house.  [vn] Try not to wake the baby up.  I was woken by the sound of someone moving around.  note at AWAKE
2 [vn] (literary or formal) to make sb remember sth or feel sth again: The incident woke memories of his past sufferings.
PVR V ,wake 'up to become more lively and interested: Wake up and listen!—see also WAKE (1) ,wake sb<->'up to make sb feel more lively: A cold shower will soon wake you up.  The class needs waking up.—see also WAKE (1) ,wake 'up to sth to become aware of sth; to realize sth: He hasn’t yet woken up to the seriousness of the situation.

noun
1 an occasion before a funeral when people gather to remember the dead person, traditionally held at night to watch over the body before it is buried
2 the track that a boat or ship leaves behind on the surface of the water
IDM in the wake of sb/sth coming after or following sb/sth: There have been demonstrations on the streets in the wake of the recent bomb attack.  A group of reporters followed in her wake.  The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake.

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wake.ful
adj. (written)
1 not sleeping; unable to sleep: He lay wakeful all night.
2 (of a period at night) spent with little or no sleep: She had spent many wakeful nights worrying about him.
wake.ful.ness noun [U]
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waken
verb (written)
1 ~ (sb) (up) to wake, or make sb wake, from sleep: [v] The child had just wakened.  [vn] I was wakened by a knock at the door.
2 [vn] to make sb remember sth or feel sth again: The dream wakened a forgotten memory.  note at AWAKE
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wakey-wakey
exclamation (BrE , informal, humorous) used to tell sb to wake up
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wak.ing
adj. [only before noun] (written) used to describe time when you are awake: She spends all her waking hours caring for her mother.
wak.ing noun [U]: the dreamlike state between waking and sleeping
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walk
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move or go somewhere by putting one foot in front of the other on the ground, but without running: [v] The baby is just learning to walk.  ‘How did you get here?’‘I walked.’  He walked slowly away from her.  The door opened and Jo walked in.  She missed the bus and had to walk home.  The school is within easy walking distance of the train station.  [vn] Children here walk several miles to school.
2 (also go walking) (both especially BrE ) to spend time walking for pleasure: [v] We’re going walking in the mountains this summer.  I walked across Scotland with a friend.  [vn] They love walking the moors.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to go somewhere with sb on foot, especially in order to make sure they get there safely: He always walked her home.
4 [vn] to take an animal for a walk; to make an animal walk somewhere: They walk their dogs every day.
5 [v] (informal) to disappear; to be taken away: Lock up any valuables. Things tend to walk here (= be stolen).
6 [v] (literary) (of a ghost) to appear
IDM run before you can 'walk to do things that are difficult, without learning the basic skills first walk the 'beat (of police officers) to walk around the area that they are responsible for walk 'free to be allowed to leave a court of law, etc., without receiving any punishment 'walk it (spoken)
1 to go somewhere on foot instead of in a vehicle, etc.
2 to easily achieve sth that you want: It’s not a difficult exam. You’ll walk it! walk sb off their 'feet (informal) to make sb walk so far or so fast that they are very tired walk off the 'job (AmE) to stop working in order to go on strike walk the 'plank (in the past) to walk along a board placed over the side of a ship and fall into the sea, as a punishment walk the 'streets to walk around the streets of a town or city: Is it safe to walk the streets alone at night? walk 'tall to feel proud and confident—more at AIR n. , AISLE , LINE n. , MEMORY LANE , THIN adj. , TIGHTROPE
PVR V ,walk a'way (from sb/sth) to leave a difficult situation or relationship, etc. instead of staying and trying to deal with it ,walk a'way with sth (informal) to win or obtain sth easily: She walked away with the gold medal. ,walk 'in on sb/sth to enter a room when sb in there is doing sth private and does not expect you ,walk 'into sth (informal)
1 to become involved in an unpleasant situation, especially because you were not sensible enough to avoid it: I realized I’d walked into a trap.
2 to succeed in getting a job very easily ,walk 'into sth/sb to crash into sth/sb while you are walking, for example because you do not see them ,walk 'off to leave a person or place suddenly because you are angry or upset ,walk sth<->'off to go for a walk after a meal so that you feel less full: We walked off a heavy Sunday lunch. ,walk 'off with sth (informal)
1 to win sth easily
2 to take sth that is not yours; to steal sth ,walk 'out (informal) (of workers) to stop working in order to go on strike—related noun WALKOUT ,walk 'out (of sth) to leave a meeting, performance, etc. suddenly, especially in order to show your disapproval ,walk 'out (on sb) (informal) to suddenly leave sb that you are having a relationship with and that you have a responsibility for: How could she walk out on her kids? ,walk 'out (on sth) (informal) to stop doing sth that you have agreed to do before it is completed: I never walk out on a job half done. ,walk (all) 'over sb (informal)
1 to treat sb badly, without considering them or their needs: She’ll always let him walk all over her.
2 to defeat sb easily—related noun WALKOVER ,walk 'up (to sb/sth) to walk towards sb/sth, especially in a confident way

noun
1 [C] a journey on foot, usually for pleasure or exercise: Let’s go for a walk .  I like to have a walk in the evenings.  She’s taken the dog for a walk.  He set out on the long walk home.  The office is ten minutes' walk from here.  a ten-minute walk  It’s only a short walk to the beach.
2 [C] a path or route for walking, usually for pleasure; an organized event when people walk for pleasure: a circular walk  There are some interesting walks in the area.  a guided walk around the farm
3 [sing.] a way or style of walking; the act or speed of walking rather than running: I recognized him by his walk.  The horse slowed to a walk.
4 [C] (AmE) a SIDEWALK or path
IDM a walk of 'life a person’s job or position in society
SYN BACKGROUND : She has friends from all walks of life.

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walk.about
noun (BrE ) an occasion when an important person walks among ordinary people to meet and talk to them
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walk.er
noun
1 (especially BrE) a person who walks, usually for pleasure or exercise: The coastal path is a popular route for walkers.
2 a fast, slow, etc. ~ a person who walks fast, slow, etc.
3 (AmE) = ZIMMER FRAME : He now needs a walker to get around.
4 (AmE) = BABY WALKER
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walkie-talkie
noun (informal) a small radio that you can carry with you and use to send or receive messages
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'walk-in
adj. [only before noun]
1 large enough to walk into: a walk-in closet
2 not arranged in advance; where you do not need to arrange a time in advance: a walk-in interview  a walk-in clinic
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walk.ing
noun, adj.
noun [U]
1 (especially BrE) the activity of going for walks in the countryside for exercise or pleasure: to go walking  walking boots  a walking holiday in Scotland
2 the sport of walking a long distance as fast as possible without running

adj. [only before noun] (informal) used to describe a human or living example of the thing mentioned: She’s a walking dictionary (= she knows a lot of words).

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'walking papers
noun [pl.] (AmE , informal) the letter or notice dismissing sb from a job
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'walking stick
(also stick especially in BrE) noun a stick that you carry and use as a support when you are walking
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Walk.man
™noun (pl.-mans ) (also ,personal 'stereo) a small cassette player with HEADPHONES that you carry with you and use while you are moving around
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'walk-on
adj. ~ part / role used to describe a very small part in a play or film/movie, without any words to say
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walk.out
noun
1 a sudden strike by workers
2 the act of suddenly leaving a meeting as a protest against sth
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walk.over
noun an easy victory in a game or competition
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'walk-up
noun (AmE ) a tall building with stairs but no lift/elevator; an office or a flat/apartment in such a building
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walk.way
noun a passage or path for walking along, often outside and raised above the ground
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wall
noun, verb
noun
1 a long upright solid structure, made of stone, brick or CONCRETE , that surrounds, divides or protects an area of land: The fields were divided by stone walls.  He sat on the wall and watched the others playing.—see also SEA WALL
2 any of the upright sides of a building or room: I’m going to paint the walls white and the ceiling pink.  Hang the picture on the wall opposite the window.  She leaned against the wall.
3 something that forms a barrier or stops you from making progress: The boat struck a solid wall of water.  The investigators were confronted by a wall of silence .
4 the outer layer of sth hollow such as an organ of the body or a cell of an animal or a plant: the abdominal wall  The knife had just ruptured the wall of an artery.
IDM go to the 'wall (informal) (of a company or an organization) to fail because of lack of money off the 'wall (informal) unusual and amusing; slightly crazy: Some of his ideas are really off the wall.  off-the-wall ideas up the 'wall (informal) crazy or angry: That noise is driving me up the wall.  I mustn’t be late or Dad will go up the wall. ,walls have 'ears (saying) used to warn people to be careful what they say because other people may be listening—more at BACK n. , BRICK n. , FLY n. , FOUR , HANDWRITING , HEAD n. , WRITING

verb [vn] [usually passive] to surround an area, a town, etc. with a wall or walls: a walled city / garden
PVR V ,wall sth<->'in [usually passive] to surround sth/sb with a wall or barrier ,wall sth<->'off [usually passive] to separate one place or area from another with a wall ,wall sb<->'up [usually passive] to keep sb as a prisoner behind walls ,wall sth<->'up [usually passive] to fill an opening with a wall, bricks, etc. so that you can no longer use it

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wal.laby
noun (pl.-ies) an Australian animal like a small KANGAROO , that moves by jumping on its strong back legs and keeps its young in a POUCH (= a pocket of skin) on the front of the mother’s body
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wal.lah
noun (in India) a person connected with a particular job: office wallahs
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wal.let
noun
1 (AmE also bill.fold) a small flat folding case made of leather or plastic used for keeping paper money and CREDIT CARDS in  note at PURSE —picture at MONEY
2 a flat leather, plastic or cardboard case for carrying documents in: a document wallet
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wall.flower
noun
1 a garden plant with yellow, orange or red flowers with a sweet smell that appear in late spring
2 (informal) a person who does not dance at a party because they do not have sb to dance with or because they are too shy
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wall.ing
noun [U]
1 material from which a wall is built: stone / concrete walling
2 the act or skill of building a wall or walls: a firm that does paving and walling
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,wall-'mounted
adj. fixed onto a wall: wall-mounted lights
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wal.lop
noun, verb
noun [sing.] (informal) a heavy powerful hit

verb [vn] (informal)
1 to hit sb/sth very hard: My father used to wallop me if I told lies.
2 to defeat sb completely in a contest, match, etc: We walloped them 6–0.

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wal.low
verb, noun
verb [v] ~ (in sth)
1 (of large animals or people) to lie and roll about in water or mud, to keep cool or for pleasure: hippos wallowing in the river  He loves to wallow in a hot bath after a game.
2 (often disapproving) to enjoy sth that causes you pleasure: She wallowed in the luxury of the hotel.  to wallow in despair / self-pity (= to think about your unhappy feelings all the time and seem to be enjoying them)

noun [sing.] an act of wallowing : pigs having a wallow in the mud

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'wall painting
noun a picture painted straight onto the surface of a wall
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wall.paper
noun, verb
noun [U] thick paper, often with a pattern on it, used for covering the walls and ceiling of a room: wallpaper paste  a roll of wallpaper  to hang wallpaper

verb (also paper) [vn, v] to put wallpaper onto the walls of a room

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'Wall Street
noun [U] the US financial centre and STOCK EXCHANGE in New York City (used to refer to the business that is carried out there): Share prices fell on Wall Street today.  Wall Street responded quickly to the news.
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,wall-to-'wall
adj. [only before noun]
1 covering the floor of a room completely: wall-to-wall carpets / carpeting
2 (informal) continuous; happening or existing all the time or everywhere: wall-to-wall TV sports coverage
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wally
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a stupid person
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wal.nut
noun
1 [C] the light brown nut of the walnut tree that has a rough surface and a hard round shell in two halves—picture at NUT
2 (also 'walnut tree) [C] the tree on which walnuts grow
3 [U] the brown wood of the walnut tree, used in making furniture: a walnut writing desk
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wal.rus
noun an animal like a large SEAL (= a sea animal with thick fur, that eats fish and lives around coasts), that has two long outer teeth called TUSKS and lives in Arctic regions
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waltz
noun, verb
noun a graceful dance in which two people dance together to a regular rhythm; a piece of music for this dance: to dance a / the waltz  a Strauss waltz

verb
1 [often +adv. / prep.] to dance a waltz : [v] I watched them waltzing across the floor.  [vn] He waltzed her around the room.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to walk or go somewhere in a very confident way: I don’t like him waltzing into the house as if he owned it.
3 [v] ~ (through sth) to complete or achieve sth without any difficulty: The recruits have waltzed through their training.
PVR V ,waltz 'off (with sth/sb) (informal) to leave a place or person in a way that is very annoying, often taking sth that is not yours: He just waltzed off with my car!

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WAN
noun (pl.WANs) (computing ) the abbreviation for ‘wide area network’ (a system in which computers in different places are connected, usually over a large area)—compare LAN
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wan
adj. (written) looking pale and weak: his grey, wan face  She gave me a wan smile (= showing no energy or enthusiasm).
wanly adv.: He smiled wanly.
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wand
noun
1 (also ,magic 'wand) a straight thin stick that is held by sb when performing magic or magic tricks: The fairy waved her wand and the table disappeared.  You can’t expect me to just wave a (magic) wand and make everything all right again.
2 any object in the shape of a straight thin stick: a mascara wand
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wan.der
verb, noun
verb
1 to walk slowly around or to a place, often without any particular sense of purpose or direction: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : She wandered aimlessly around the streets.  We wandered back towards the car.  [vn] The child was found wandering the streets alone.
2 [v] ~ (away / off)| ~ (from / off sth) to move away from the place where you ought to be or the people you are with
SYN STRAY : The child wandered off and got lost.  They had wandered from the path into the woods.
3 [v] ~ (away, back, to, etc. sth) (of a person’s mind or thoughts) to stop being directed on sth and to move without much control to other ideas, subjects, etc: It’s easy to be distracted and let your attention wander .  Try not to let your mind wander .  Her thoughts wandered back to her youth.  Don’t wander off the subject—keep to the point.
4 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a person’s eyes) to move slowly from looking at one thing to looking at another thing or in other directions: His eyes wandered towards the photographs on the wall.  She let her gaze wander .
5 [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] (of a road or river) to curve instead of following a straight course: The road wanders along through the hills.

noun [sing.] a short walk in or around a place, usually with no special purpose: I went to the park and had a wander around.

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wan.der.er
noun (written) a person who keeps travelling from place to place with no permanent home
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wan.der.ings
noun [pl.] (written) journeys from place to place, usually with no special purpose: His wanderings took him first to India.
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wan.der.lust
noun [U] (from German ) a strong desire to travel
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wane
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 (written) to become gradually weaker or less important: Her enthusiasm for the whole idea was waning rapidly.  Their popularity waned during that period.
2 (of the moon) to appear slightly smaller each day after being round and full
OPP of sense 2 WAX
IDM see WAX v.

noun [sing.]
IDM on the 'wane (written) becoming smaller, less important or less common: Her popularity has been on the wane for some time.

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wan.gle
verb ~ sth (from / out of sb) (informal) to get sth that you or another person wants by persuading sb or by a clever plan: [vn] She had wangled an invitation to the opening night.  I’ll try to wangle some money out of my parents.  We should be able to wangle it so that you can start tomorrow.  He managed to wangle his way onto the course.  [vnn] He had wangled her a seat on the plane.
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wank
verb, noun
verb [v] (BrE ,  , slang) to MASTURBATE

noun [usually sing.] (BrE ,  , slang) an act of MASTURBATION

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wank.er
noun (BrE ,  , slang) an offensive word used to insult sb, especially a man, and to show anger or dislike: a bunch of wankers
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wanna
(informal, non-standard) the written form of the word some people use to mean ‘want to’ or ‘want a’, which is not considered to be correct: I wanna go.  Wanna drink? (= Do you want … )
HELP You should not write this form, unless you are copying somebody’s speech.
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wan.nabe
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who behaves, dresses, etc. like sb famous because they want to be like them
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want
verb, noun
verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
WISH|
1 to have a desire or a wish for sth: [vn] Do you want some more tea?  She’s always wanted a large family.  All I want is the truth.  Thanks for the present—it’s just what I wanted.   (informal) I can do whatever I want.  The last thing I wanted was to upset you.  The party wants her as leader.  [v to inf] What do you want to do tomorrow?  ‘It’s time you did your homework.’‘I don’t want to!’  There are two points which I wanted to make.  [vn to inf] Do you want me to help?  We didn’t want this to happen.  I want it (to be) done as quickly as possible.
HELP Notice that you cannot say ‘want that … ’: I want that you do it quickly. When the infinitive is used after want, it must have to: I want study in America. [vn -ing] I don’t want you coming home so late.  [vn-adj] Do you want your coffee black or white?  [v] (spoken, informal) You can come too, if you want .
NEED|
2 (informal) to need sth: [vn] We’ll want more furniture for the new office.  What this house wants is a good clean.  [v -ing, v to inf] The plants want watering daily.  The plants want to be watered daily.
3 [vn] [usually passive] to need sb to be present in the place or for the purpose mentioned: She’s wanted immediately in the director’s office.  Excuse me, you’re wanted on the phone.—see also WANTED
SHOULD / OUGHT TO|
4 [v to inf] (informal) used to give advice to sb, meaning ‘should’ or ‘ought to’: If possible, you want to avoid alcohol.  He wants to be more careful.
FEEL SEXUAL DESIRE|
5 [vn] to feel sexual desire for sb
LACK|
6 [vn] (formal) to lack sth: He doesn’t want courage. not want to 'know (about sth) (informal) to take no interest in sth because you do not care about it or it is too much trouble: I’ve tried to ask her advice, but she doesn’t want to know (= about my problems). want 'rid of sb/sth (BrE, spoken, informal) to want to be free of sb/sth that has been annoying you or that you do not want: Are you trying to say you want rid of me? what do you 'want? used to ask sb in a rude or angry way why they are there or what they want you to do—more at NONE pron. , PART n. , TRUCK n. , WASTE v. , WAY n. 'want for sth (especially in negative sentences) (formal) to lack sth that you really need: He’s ensured that his children will want for nothing (= will have everything they need). want sth from / out of sth/sb to hope to get sth from a particular experience or person: I had to discover what I really wanted out of life.  What do you want from me? ,want 'in / 'out (informal, especially AmE) to want to come in or out of a place: The dog wants in. ,want 'in| ,want 'in / 'into sth (informal) to want to be involved in sth: He wants in on the deal. ,want 'out| ,want 'out of sth (informal) to want to stop being involved in sth: Jenny was fed up. She wanted out.

noun (formal)
STH YOU NEED|
1 [C, usually pl.] something that you need or want: human / bodily wants  She spent her life pandering to the wants of her children.
LACK|
2 [U, sing.] ~ of sth (formal) a situation in which there is not enough of sth; a lack of sth: a want of adequate medical facilities
BEING POOR|
3 [U] (formal) the state of being poor, not having food, etc: Visitors to the slums were clearly shocked to see so many families living in want . for (the) want of sth because of a lack of sth; because sth is not available: The project failed for want of financial backing.  We call our music ‘postmodern’ for the want of a better word. in want of sth (formal) needing sth: The present system is in want of a total review. not for (the) want of doing sth used to say that if sth is not successful, it is not because of a lack of effort: If he doesn’t manage to convince them, it won’t be for want of trying (= he has tried hard).

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'want ads
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
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want.ed
adj. being searched for by the police, in connection with a crime: He is wanted by the police in connection with the deaths of two people.  Italy’s most wanted man
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want.ing
adj. [not before noun] ~ (in sth) (formal)
1 not having enough of sth
SYN LACKING : The students were certainly not wanting in enthusiasm.
2 not good enough: This explanation is wanting in many respects.  The new system was tried and found wanting .
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wan.ton
adj. (formal)
1 [usually before noun] causing harm or damage deliberately and for no acceptable reason: wanton destruction / vandalism  a wanton disregard for human life
2 (old-fashioned, disapproving) (usually of a woman) behaving in a very immoral way; having many sexual partners
wan.ton.ly adv.
wan.ton.ness noun [U]
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wap.iti
noun (pl.wap.iti) (AmE also elk) a very large N American deer
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war
noun
1 [U, C] a situation in which two or more countries or groups of people fight against each other over a period of time: the Second World War  the threat of (a) nuclear war  to win / lose a / the war  the war between England and Scotland  England’s war with / against Scotland  It was the year Britain declared war on Germany.  Social and political problems led to the outbreak (= the beginning)of war .  Where were you living when war broke out ?  The government does not want to go to war (= start a war) unless all other alternatives have failed.  How long have they been at war ?  a war widow / hero   (formal) In the Middle Ages England waged war on France.—see also WARRING , CIVIL WAR , COLD WAR , COUNCIL OF WAR , PHONEY WAR , POST-WAR , PRISONER OF WAR , WORLD WAR
2 [C, U] a situation in which there is aggressive competition between groups, companies, countries, etc: the class war  a trade war—see also PRICE WAR
3 [U, sing.] ~ (against / on sb/sth) a fight or an effort over a long period of time to get rid of or stop sth unpleasant: The government has declared war on drug dealers.  We seem to be winning the war against crime.
IDM have been in the 'wars (spoken) to have been injured in a fight or an accident: You look like you’ve been in the wars—who gave you that black eye? a ,war of 'nerves an attempt to defeat your opponents by putting pressure on them so that they lose courage or confidence a ,war of 'words a fierce argument or disagreement over a period of time between two or more people or groups: the political war of words over tax—more at FAIR adj.
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war.ble
verb
1 (humorous) to sing, especially in a high voice that is not very steady: [vn] He warbled his way through the song. [alsov, v speech]
2 [v, vn] (of a bird) to sing with rapidly changing notes
war.ble noun: I heard the faint warble of Laura’s voice.
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warb.ler
noun a small bird. There are many types of warbler , some of which have a musical call.
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'war chest
noun an amount of money that a government or an organization has available to spend on a particular plan, project, etc.
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'war crime
noun a cruel act that is committed during a war and is against the international rules of war
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'war criminal
noun a person who has committed war crimes
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'war cry
noun a word or phrase that is shouted by people fighting in a battle in order to give themselves courage and to frighten the enemy
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ward
noun, verb
noun
1 a separate room or area in a hospital for people with the same type of medical condition: a maternity / surgical / psychiatric / children’s ward
2 (in Britain) one of the areas into which a city is divided and which elects and is represented by a member of the local council
3 (especially law) a person, especially a child, who is under the legal protection of a court of law or another person (called a GUARDIAN ): The child was made a ward of court .

verb
PVR V ,ward sb/sth<->'off to protect or defend yourself against danger, illness, attack, etc: to ward off criticism / intruders  She put up her hands to ward him off.

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-ward
(also less frequent -wards) suffix (in adjectives) in the direction of: backward  eastward  homeward
-wards (also -ward especially in AmE) (in adverbs): onwards  forwards
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'war dance
noun a dance that is performed by the members of a tribe, for example before battle or to celebrate a victory
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war.den
noun
1 a person who is responsible for taking care of a particular place and making sure that the rules are obeyed: a wildlife / forest warden   (BrE) the warden of a youth hostel—see also CHURCHWARDEN , GAME WARDEN , TRAFFIC WARDEN
2 (in Britain), a title given to the head of some colleges and institutions: the Warden of Wadham College, Oxford
3 (especially AmE) the person in charge of a prison
4 a person who guards prisoners in a prison
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war.der
(feminineward.ress ) noun (BrE ) a person who guards prisoners in a prison—compare GUARD n. (1)
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ward.robe
noun
1 a large cupboard for hanging clothes in which is either a piece of furniture or (in British English) built into the wall: a fitted wardrobe—compare CLOSET
2 [usually sing.] the clothes that a person has: everything you need for your winter / summer wardrobe
3 [usually sing.] the department in a theatre or television company that takes care of the clothes that actors wear
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'wardrobe mistress
noun a woman whose job is to take care of the clothes that the actors in a theatre company, etc. wear on stage
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ward.room
noun a room in a ship, especially a WARSHIP , where the officers live and eat
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-wards
-WARD
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ward.ship
noun [U] (law ) the fact of a child being cared for by a GUARDIAN (= a person who is not his or her parent) or of being protected by a court of law—see also WARD n. (3)
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ware
noun
1 [U] (in compounds) objects made of the material or in the way or place mentioned: ceramic ware  a collection of local ware—see also EARTHENWARE , FLATWARE , GLASSWARE , SILVERWARE
2 [U] (in compounds) objects used for the purpose or in the room mentioned: bathroom ware  ornamental ware—see also KITCHENWARE , TABLEWARE
3 (wares) [pl.] (old-fashioned) things that sb is selling, especially in the street or at a market: He travelled from town to town selling his wares.
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ware.house
noun a building where large quantities of goods are stored, especially before they are sent to shops/stores to be sold
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ware.hous.ing
noun [U] the practice or business of storing things in a warehouse
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war.fare
noun [U]
1 the activity of fighting a war, especially using particular weapons or methods: air / naval / guerrilla warfare  countries engaged in warfare—see also BIOLOGICAL WARFARE , CHEMICAL WARFARE , GERM WARFARE
2 the activity of competing in an aggressive way with another group, company, etc: class / gang warfare—see also PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE
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'war game
noun
1 a practice battle that is used to test military plans and equipment
2 a game in which models representing soldiers, ships, etc. are moved around on maps
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war.head
noun the explosive part of a MISSILE : nuclear warheads
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war.horse
noun
1 (in the past) a large horse used in battle
2 (informal) an old soldier or politician who has a lot of experience
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wari.ly, wari.ness
WARY
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war.like
adj. (formal)
1 aggressive and wanting to fight: a warlike nation
2 connected with fighting wars: warlike preparations
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war.lock
noun a man who is believed to have magic powers, especially evil ones
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war.lord
noun (disapproving) the leader of a military group that is not official and that fights against other groups within a country or an area: rival / local warlords
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warm
adj., verb, noun, adv.
adj. (warm.er, warm.est)
AT PLEASANT TEMPERATURE|
1 at a fairly high temperature in a way that is pleasant, rather than being hot or cold: a warm breeze / climate  Wash the blouse in warm soapy water.  It’s nice and warm in here.  Are you warm enough?  The children jumped up and down to keep warm .  You’ll be as warm as toast in here.
CLOTHES / BUILDINGS|
2 keeping you warm or staying warm in cold weather: a warm pair of socks  This sleeping bag is very warm.  a warm house
FRIENDLY|
3 showing enthusiasm and/or affection; friendly: His smile was warm and friendly.  The speaker was given a warm welcome / reception .  Please send her my warmest congratulations.
COLOURS / SOUNDS|
4 creating a pleasant, comfortable and relaxed feeling or atmosphere: The room was decorated in warm shades of red and orange.
IN GAME|
5 [not before noun] used to say that sb has almost guessed the answer to sth or that they have almost found sb/sth that has been hidden: Keep guessing—you’re getting warmer.
warm.ly adv.: They were warmly dressed in coats and scarves.  The play was warmly received by the critics.—see also WARMTH

verb
MAKE / BECOME WARM|
1 ~ (sth/sb) (up) to make sth/sb warm or warmer; to become warm or warmer: [vn] I’ll warm up some milk.  Come in and warm yourself by the fire.  The alcohol warmed and relaxed him.  [v] As the climate warms (up) the ice caps will melt.
BECOME FRIENDLY|
2 [v, vn] to become more friendly, loving, etc.; to make sb feel or become more friendly, loving, etc.—see also GLOBAL WARMING , HOUSE-WARMING warm the 'cockles (of sb’s 'heart) (BrE) to make sb feel happy or sympathetic—more at DEATH 'warm to / towards sb to begin to like sb: I warmed to her immediately. 'warm to / towards sth to become more interested in or enthusiastic about sth: The speaker was now warming to her theme. ,warm 'up
1 to prepare for physical exercise or a performance by doing gentle exercises or practice—related noun WARM-UP
2 (of a machine, an engine, etc.) to run for a short time in order to reach the temperature at which it will operate well ,warm 'up| ,warm sb/sth<->'up to become more lively or enthusiastic; to make sb/sth more lively or enthusiastic: The party soon warmed up. ,warm sth<->'up to heat previously cooked food again for eating

noun
PLACE|(the warm) [sing.] a place where the temperature is warm : Come inside into the warm.

adv. (comparativewarm.er no superlative) (informal) in a way that makes you feel warm
SYN WARMLY : Wrap up warm before you go outside!

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,warm-'blooded
adj. (of animals) having a warm blood temperature that does not change if the temperature around them changes—compare COLD-BLOODED , HOT-BLOODED
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warm.er
noun (especially in compounds) a piece of clothing, a device, etc. that warms sb/sth: leg warmers  a plate warmer
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,warm-'hearted
adj. (of a person) kind, friendly and sympathetic—compare COLD-HEARTED
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warm.ing
noun [U] the process of making sth, or of becoming, warm or warmer: atmospheric warming  the seasonal warming of the Pacific—see also GLOBAL WARMING
warm.ing adj.: the warming rays of the sun  a warming drink
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war.mon.ger
noun (formal, disapproving) a person, especially a politician or leader, who wants to start a war or encourages people to start a war
war.mon.ger.ing noun [U]
war.mon.ger.ing adj. [only before noun]
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warmth
noun [U]
1 the state or quality of being warm, rather than hot or cold: She felt the warmth of his arms around her.  The animals huddled together for warmth.  He led the child into the warmth and safety of the house.
2 the state or quality of being enthusiastic and/or friendly: They were touched by the warmth of the welcome.
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'warm-up
noun [usually sing.]
1 a short practice or a series of gentle exercises that you do to prepare yourself for doing a particular sport or activity: He swam ten lengths of the pool as a warm-up.  warm-up exercises
2 a short performance of music, COMEDY , etc. that is intended to prepare the audience for the main show: a warm-up act
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warn
verb
1 ~ (sb) (of sth)| ~ (sb) (about / against sb/sth) to tell sb about sth, especially sth dangerous or unpleasant that is likely to happen, so that they can avoid it: [vn] I tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen.  If you’re thinking of getting a dog, be warned —they take a lot of time and money.  He warned us against pickpockets.  [vn that] She was warned that if she did it again she would lose her job.  [vn wh-] I had been warned what to expect.  [v] Police have warned of possible delays. [alsov that, alsov speech, vn speech]
2 ~ (sb) (against / about sth) to strongly advise sb to do or not to do sth in order to avoid danger or punishment: [v] The guidebook warns against walking alone at night.  [vn to inf] He warned Billy to keep away from his daughter. [alsovn]
3 [vn] (in sport, etc.) to give sb an official warning after they have broken a rule: The referee warned Ince for dangerous play.
PVR V ,warn sb 'off (sth)
1 to tell sb to leave or stay away from a place or person, especially in a threatening way: The farmer warned us off his land when we tried to camp there.
2 to advise sb not to do sth or to stop doing sth: [+ -ing] We were warned off buying the house.
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warn.ing
noun
1 [C, U] a statement, an event, etc. telling sb that sth bad or unpleasant may happen in the future so that they can try to avoid it: Doctors issued a warning against eating any fish caught in the river.  to give sb fair / advance / adequate warning of sth  The bridge collapsed without (any) warning .  Let me give you a word of warning .  a government health warning—see also EARLY WARNING
2 [C] a statement telling sb that they will be punished if they continue to behave in a particular way: to give sb a verbal / written / final warning
warn.ing adj. [only before noun]: She had ignored the warning signs of trouble ahead.  Police fired a number of warning shots .  Warning bells began to ring (= it was a sign that sth was wrong) when her letters were returned unopened.
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warp
verb, noun
verb [usually passive]
1 to become, or make sth become, twisted or bent out of its natural shape, for example because it has become too hot, too damp, etc: [v] The window frames had begun to warp. [alsovn]
2 [vn] to influence sb so that they begin to behave in an unacceptable or shocking way: His judgement was warped by prejudice.

noun (the warp) [sing.] (technical ) the threads on a LOOM (= a machine used for weaving) that other threads are passed over and under in order to make fabric—compare WEFT —see also TIME WARP

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war.paint
noun [U]
1 paint that some tribes, for example Native American tribes, put on their bodies and faces before fighting a battle
2 (informal, humorous) MAKE-UP , especially when it is thick or bright
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war.path
noun
IDM (be / go) on the 'warpath (informal) (to be) angry and wanting to fight or punish sb
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warped
adj.
1 (disapproving) (of a person) having ideas that most people think are strange or unpleasant: a warped mind  a warped sense of humour
2 bent or twisted and not in the normal shape
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war.rant
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] ~ (for sth)| ~ (to do sth) a legal document that is signed by a judge and gives the police authority to do sth: They issued a warrant for her arrest.  an arrest warrant  They had a warrant to search the house.—see also DEATH WARRANT , SEARCH WARRANT
2 [C] ~ (for sth) a document that gives you the right to receive money, services, etc: the issue of warrants for equity shares
3 [U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) (usually in negative sentences) an acceptable reason for doing sth: There is no warrant for such criticism.

verb (formal) to make sth necessary or appropriate in a particular situation: [vn] Further investigation is clearly warranted.  [vn -ing] The situation scarcely warrants their / them being dismissed. [alsov -ing] —see also UNWARRANTED
IDM I / I’ll warrant (you) (old-fashioned) used to tell sb that you are sure of sth and that they can be sure of it too

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'warrant officer
noun a member of one of the middle ranks in the army, the British air force and the US navy: Warrant Officer Gary Owen
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war.ranty
noun (pl.-ies) [C, U] a written agreement in which a company selling sth promises to repair or replace it if there is a problem within a particular period of time
SYN GUARANTEE : The television comes with a full two-year warranty.  Is the car still under warranty ?
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war.ren
noun = RABBIT WARREN : (figurative) The offices were a warren of small rooms and passages.
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war.ring
adj. [only before noun] involved in a war: A ceasefire has been agreed by the country’s three warring factions.
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war.rior
noun (formal) (especially in the past) a person who fights in a battle or war: a warrior nation (= whose people are skilled in fighting)  a Zulu warrior
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war.ship
noun a ship used in war
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wart
noun
1 a small hard lump that grows on your skin and that is caused by a VIRUS
2 (AmE) = VERRUCA
IDM ,warts and 'all (informal) including all the bad or unpleasant features of sb/sth: She still loves him, warts and all.
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wart.hog
noun an African wild pig with two large outer teeth called TUSKS and lumps like warts on its face
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war.time
noun [U] the period during which a country is fighting a war: Different rules applied in wartime.
war.time adj. [only before noun]: Fruit was a luxury in wartime Britain.—compare PEACETIME
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'war-torn
adj. [only before noun] (written) a war-torn country or area is severely affected by the fighting that is taking place there
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warty
adj. covered with WARTS
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wary
adj. (comparativewari.er no superlative) ~ (of sb/sth)| ~ (of doing sth) careful when dealing with sb/sth because you think that there may be a danger or problem
SYN CAUTIOUS : Be wary of strangers who offer you a ride.  She was wary of getting involved with him.  He gave her a wary look.  The police will need to keep a wary eye on this area of town (= watch it carefully, in case there is trouble).—compare UNWARY
wari.ly adv.: The cat eyed him warily.
wari.ness noun [U]: feelings of wariness  There was a wariness in her tone.
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was
BE
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wash
verb, noun
verb
1 to make sth/sb clean using water and usually soap: [vn] These jeans need washing.  to wash the car / floor / dishes  to wash your hands / face / hair  Wash the fruit thoroughly before eating.  She washed the blood from his face.  [vn-adj] The beach had been washed clean by the tide.
2 ~ (yourself) (especially BrE ) to make yourself clean using water and usually soap: [v] I washed and changed before going out.  [vn] She was no longer able to wash herself.
3 [v] (of clothes, fabrics, etc.) to be able to be washed without losing colour or being damaged: This sweater washes well.
4 [usually +adv. / prep.] (of water) to flow or carry sth/sb in a particular direction: [v] Water washed over the deck.  [vn] Pieces of the wreckage were washed ashore.  He was washed overboard by a huge wave.
IDM wash your dirty linen in 'public (BrE, disapproving) to discuss your personal affairs in public, especially sth embarrassing wash your 'hands of sb/sth to refuse to be responsible for or involved with sb/sth: When her son was arrested again she washed her hands of him. sth won’t / doesn’t 'wash (with sb) used to say that sb’s explanation, excuse, etc. is not valid or that you/sb else will not accept it: That excuse simply won’t wash with me.
PVR V ,wash sb/sth<->a'way (of water) to remove or carry sb/sth away to another place: Part of the path had been washed away by the sea. ,wash sth<->'down (with sth)
1 to clean sth large or a surface with a lot of water: Wash down the walls before painting them.
2 to drink sth after, or at the same time as, eating sth: For lunch we had bread and cheese, washed down with beer. ,wash 'off to be removed from the surface of sth or from a fabric by washing: Those grease stains won’t wash off. ,wash sth<->'off (sth) to remove sth from the surface of sth or from a fabric by washing: Wash that mud off your boots before you come in. ,wash 'out (of a dirty mark) to be removed from a fabric by washing: These ink stains won’t wash out. ,wash sth<->'out
1 to wash the inside of sth to remove dirt, etc: to wash out empty bottles
2 to remove a substance from sth by washing: Wash the dye out with shampoo.
3 (of rain) to make a game, an event, etc. end early or prevent it from starting: The game was completely washed out.—related noun WASHOUT ,wash 'over sb
1 (also ,wash 'through sb) (written) (of a feeling) to suddenly affect sb strongly, so that they are not aware of anything else: Waves of nausea washed over him.
2 to happen to or around sb without affecting them: She manages to let criticism just wash over her. ,wash 'up
1 (BrE) (also do the dishesAmE, BrE) to wash plates, glasses, etc. after a meal—see also WASHING-UP
2 (AmE) to wash your face and hands: Go and get washed up. ,wash sth<->'up
1 (BrE) to wash dishes after a meal: I didn’t wash up the pans.
2 (of water) to carry sth onto the shore: The body was found washed up on a beach.

noun
1 [C, usually sing.] (especially BrE) an act of cleaning sb/sth using water and usually soap: These towels are ready for a wash.  I’ll just have a quick wash before dinner.  The curtains could do with a good (= thorough) wash.  I’m doing a dark wash (= washing all the dark clothes together).  Your shirt’s in the wash (= being washed or waiting to be washed).  My sweater shrank in the wash.  That blouse shouldn’t look like that after only two washes.—see also CAR WASH
2 (the wash) [sing.] an area of water that has waves and is moving a lot, especially after a boat has moved through it; the sound made by this: The dinghy was rocked by the wash of a passing ferry.  They listened to the wash of waves on the beach.
3 [C] a thin layer of a liquid, especially paint, that is put on a surface: The walls were covered with a pale yellow wash.—see also WHITEWASH
4 [C, U] a liquid containing soap, used for cleaning your skin: an antiseptic skin wash—see also MOUTHWASH
IDM it will (all) come out in the 'wash (spoken)
1 used to say that the truth about a situation will be made known at some time in the future
2 used to make sb less anxious by telling them that any problems or difficulties will be solved in the future

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wash.able
adj. that can be washed without being damaged: machine washable (= that can be washed in a washing machine)
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wash.bag
noun (BrE ) = SPONGE BAG
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wash.basin
(also basin) (both especially BrE ) (also sinkAmE, BrE) (AmE also wash.bowl) noun a large bowl that has taps/faucets and is fixed to the wall in a bathroom, used for washing your hands and face in
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wash.board
noun a board with a surface with RIDGES on it, used in the past for rubbing clothes on when washing them; a similar board played as a musical instrument
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wash.cloth
noun (AmE ) = FLANNEL (2)
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,washed 'out
adj.
1 (of fabric, clothes or colours) no longer brightly coloured, often as a result of frequent washing: She didn’t like jeans that looked too washed out.  a pair of washed-out old jeans  The walls were a washed-out blue colour.
2 (of a person) pale and tired: He always looks washed out at the end of the week.
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,washed 'up
adj. (informal) no longer successful and unlikely to succeed again in the future: Her singing career was all washed up by the time she was 27.
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wash.er
noun
1 a small flat ring made of rubber, metal or plastic placed between two surfaces, for example under a NUT (2) to make a connection tight—picture at TOOL
2 (informal) a WASHING MACHINE —see also DISHWASHER
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wash.ing
noun [U]
1 the act of cleaning sth using water and usually soap: a gentle shampoo for frequent washing  I do the washing (= wash the clothes) in our house.—see also BRAINWASHING
2 (BrE) clothes, sheets, etc. that are waiting to be washed, being washed or have just been washed: a pile of dirty washing  Would you hang the washing out (= hang it outside to dry)?
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'washing line
noun (BrE ) = CLOTHES LINE
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'washing machine
noun an electric machine for washing clothes
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'washing powder
noun [U] (BrE ) soap or DETERGENT in the form of powder for washing clothes
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'washing soda
noun [U] = SODIUM CARBONATE
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,washing-'up
(BrE) noun [U]
1 the act of washing plates, glasses, pans, etc. after a meal: If you cook, I’ll do the washing-up .  a washing-up bowl
2 the dirty plates, glasses, pans, etc. that have to be washed after a meal: The sink was still full of last night’s washing-up.
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washing-'up liquid
noun [U] (BrE ) liquid soap for washing dishes, pans, etc.
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wash.out
noun (informal) an event, etc. that is a complete failure, especially because of rain
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wash.room
noun (old-fashioned, AmE ) a toilet, especially one that is in a public building
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wash.stand
noun (especially in the past) a special table in a bedroom that holds a BASIN for washing yourself in
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wasn’t
BE
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Wasp
(also WASP) noun (especially AmE , usually disapproving) the abbreviation for ‘White Anglo-Saxon Protestant’ (a white American whose family originally came from northern Europe and is therefore thought to be from the most powerful section of society): a privileged Wasp background
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wasp
noun a black and yellow flying insect that can sting: a wasp sting  a wasps' nest—
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wasp.ish
adj. (written) bad-tempered and unpleasant: a waspish look / remark / voice
wasp.ish.ly adv.
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wast.age
noun
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the fact of losing or destroying sth, especially because it has been used or dealt with carelessly: It was a new production technique aimed at minimizing wastage.  This lack of jobs has resulted in a huge wastage of talent.
2 [U] the amount of sth that is wasted: There is little wastage from a lean cut of meat.
3 [U] (BrE) the loss of employees because they stop working or move to other jobs; the number of students who do not finish a particular course of study: Half of the posts will be lost through natural wastage .  student wastage rates
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waste
verb, noun, adj.
verb [vn]
NOT USE WELL|
1 ~ sth (on sth)| ~ sth (in) doing sth to use more of sth than is necessary or useful: to waste time / food / energy  Why waste money on clothes you don’t need?  She wasted no time in rejecting the offer (= she rejected it immediately).  You’re wasting your time trying to explain it to him (= because he will not understand).
2 ~ sth (on sb/sth) to give, say, use, etc. sth good where it is not valued or used in the way that it should be: Don’t waste your sympathy on him—he got what he deserved.  Her comments were not wasted on Chris (= he understood what she meant).
3 [usually passive] to not make good or full use of sb/sth: It was a wasted opportunity.  You’re wasted as a sales manager—you should have been an actor.
KILL SB|
4 (informal, especially AmE) to get rid of sb, usually by killing them
DEFEAT SB|
5 (AmE, informal) to defeat sb very badly in a game or competition waste your 'breath to say sth that nobody takes any notice of ,waste not, 'want not (saying) if you never waste anything, especially food or money, you will always have it when you need it ,waste a'way (of a person) to become thin and weak, especially because of illness

noun
NOT GOOD USE|
1 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the act of using sth in a careless or unnecessary way, causing it to be lost or destroyed: I hate unnecessary waste.  It seems such a waste to throw good food away.  I hate to see good food go to waste (= be thrown away).  The report is critical of the department’s waste of resources.  What a waste of paper!
2 [sing.] a situation in which it is not worth spending time, money, etc. on sth: These meetings are a complete waste of time.  They believe the statue is a waste of taxpayers' money.
MATERIALS|
3 [U] (also wastes [pl.]) materials that are no longer needed and are thrown away: household / industrial waste  toxic / radioactive wastes  waste pipes (= that carry waste away from a building)  waste disposal (= the process of getting rid of waste)
LAND|
4 (wastes) [pl.] (formal) a large area of land where there are very few people, animals or plants: the frozen wastes of Siberia a waste of 'space (spoken) a person who is useless or no good at anything

adj. [usually before noun]
LAND|
1 not suitable for building or growing things on and is therefore not used: The car was found on a piece of waste ground.
MATERIALS|
2 no longer needed for a particular process and therefore thrown away: Waste water is pumped from the factory into a nearby river. lay sth 'waste | lay 'waste (to) sth (formal) to destroy a place completely

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waste.bas.ket
noun (AmE ) = WASTE-PAPER BASKET
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wasted
adj.
1 [only before noun] (of an action) unsuccessful because it does not produce the result you wanted: We had a wasted trip—they weren’t in.
2 too thin, especially because of illness: thin wasted legs
3 (slang) strongly affected by alcohol or drugs: He went to a party and came home wasted.
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'waste-disposal unit
(also 'waste disposer) noun (both BrE ) (AmE dis.posal) a machine connected to the waste pipe of a kitchen SINK , for cutting food waste into small pieces
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waste.ful
adj. ~ (of sth) using more of sth than is necessary; not saving or keeping sth that could be used: The whole process is wasteful and inefficient.  a wasteful use of resources  an engine that is wasteful of fuel
waste.ful.ly adv.
waste.ful.ness noun [U]
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waste.land
noun [C, U] an area of land that cannot be used or that is no longer used for building or growing things on: industrial / urban wasteland  the desert wastelands of Arizona   (figurative) The mid 1970s are seen as a cultural wasteland for rock music.
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,waste 'paper
noun [U] paper that is not wanted and is thrown away
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,waste-'paper basket
(BrE ) (AmE waste.basket) noun a basket or other container for waste paper, etc.
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'waste product
noun a useless material or substance produced while making sth else
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waster
noun
1 (often in compounds) a person or thing that uses too much of sth in an unnecessary way: He’s a time waster.
2 (spoken, disapproving) a person who is useless or no good at anything
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wast.ing
adj. a wasting disease or illness is one that causes sb to gradually become weaker and thinner
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wast.rel
noun (literary) a lazy person who spends their time and/or money in a careless and stupid way
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watch
verb, noun
verb
1 to look at sb/sth for a time, paying attention to what happens: [vn] to watch television / a football game  [vn, v] He watched the house for signs of activity.  He watched for signs of activity in the house.  [v] ‘Would you like to play?’‘No thanks—I’ll just watch.’  We watched to see what would happen next.  [v wh-] Watch what I do, then you try.  [vn -ing] She watched the kids playing in the yard.  [vn inf] They watched the bus disappear into the distance.
2 [vn] to take care of sb/sth for a short time: Could you watch my bags for me while I buy a paper?
3 (BrE also mind) (informal) to be careful about sth: [vn] Watch yourself (= be careful, because you’re in a dangerous situation)!  Watch your bag—there are thieves around.  I have to watch every penny (= be careful what I spend).  Watch your head on the low ceiling.  [v wh-] Hey, watch where you’re going!
IDM watch the 'clock (disapproving) to be careful not to work longer than the required time; to think more about when your work will finish than about the work itself 'watch it (informal) used as a warning to sb to be careful watch your 'mouth / 'tongue to be careful what you say in order not to offend sb or make them angry watch this 'space (informal) used in orders, to tell sb to wait for more news about sth to be announced: I can’t tell you any more right now, but watch this space. watch the 'world go by to relax and watch people in a public place: We sat outside a cafe, watching the world go by.—more at LANGUAGE , STEP n.
PVR V 'watch for sb/sth to look and wait for sb/sth to appear or for sth to happen: The cat was on the wall, watching for birds. ,watch 'out (spoken) used to warn sb about sth dangerous: Watch out! There’s a car coming! ,watch 'out for sb/sth
1 to make an effort to be aware of what is happening, so that you will notice if anything bad or unusual happens: The cashiers were asked to watch out for forged banknotes.
2 to be careful of sth: Watch out for the stairs—they’re steep. ,watch 'over sb/sth (formal) to take care of sb/sth; to guard and protect sb/sth

noun
1 [C] a type of small clock that you wear on your wrist, or (in the past) carried in your pocket: She kept looking anxiously at her watch.  My watch is fast / slow.—see also STOPWATCH , WRISTWATCH —picture at JEWELLERY
2 [sing., U] the act of watching sb/sth carefully in case of possible danger or problems: The police have mounted a watch outside the hotel.  I’ll keep watch while you go through his papers (= watch and warn you if somebody is coming).  The government is keeping a close watch on how the situation develops.—see also NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
3 [C, U] a fixed period of time, usually while other people are asleep, during which sb watches for any danger so that they can warn others, for example on a ship; the person or people who do this: I’m on first watch .  I go on watch in an hour.—see also NIGHTWATCHMAN
IDM be on the 'watch (for sb/sth) to be looking carefully for sb/sth that you expect to see, especially in order to avoid possible danger: Be on the watch for thieves.—more at CLOSE^2adj.

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watch.able
adj. (informal) entertaining or pleasant to watch
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watch.band
noun (AmE ) = WATCH STRAP
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watch.dog
noun a person or group of people whose job is to check that companies are not doing anything illegal or ignoring people’s rights: a consumer watchdog—compare GUARD DOG
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watch.er
noun (often in compounds) a person who watches and studies sb/sth regularly: an industry / a market watcher—see also BIRDWATCHER , CLOCK-WATCHER
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watch.ful
adj. paying attention to what is happening in case of danger, accidents, etc: Her expression was watchful and alert.  His mother kept a watchful eye on him.  The children played under the watchful eye of their teacher.
watch.ful.ly adv.
watch.ful.ness noun [U]
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,watching 'brief
noun [sing.] the task of watching a group, especially a political organization, to make sure that it is doing everything it should and nothing wrong or illegal
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watch.maker
noun a person who makes and repairs watches and clocks as a job
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watch.man
noun (pl.-men ) (old-fashioned) a man whose job is to guard a building, for example a bank, an office building or a factory, especially at night—see also NIGHTWATCHMAN
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'watch strap
(BrE ) (AmE 'watch.band) noun a thin leather, etc. strap for fastening your watch around your wrist—picture at JEWELLERY
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watch.tower
noun a tall tower from which soldiers, etc. watch when they are guarding a place
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watch.word
noun a word or phrase that expresses sb’s beliefs or attitudes, or that explains what sb should do in a particular situation: Quality is our watchword.
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water
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a liquid without colour, smell or taste that falls as rain, is in lakes, rivers and seas, and is used for drinking, washing, etc: a glass of water  drinking water  water pollution  clean / dirty water  water shortages  There is hot and cold running water in all the bedrooms.—see also BATHWATER
2 [U] an area of water , especially a lake, river, sea or ocean: We walked down to the water’s edge.  She fell into the water.  shallow / deep water  In the lagoon the water was calm.—see also BACKWATER , BREAKWATER
3 (waters) [pl.] the water in a particular lake, river, sea or ocean: the grey waters of the River Clyde  This species is found in coastal waters around the Indian Ocean.
4 [U] the surface of a mass of water : She dived under the water.  The leaves floated on the water.—see also UNDERWATER
5 (waters) [pl.] an area of sea or ocean belonging to a particular country: We were still in British waters.  fishing in international waters—see also TERRITORIAL WATERS
HELP There are many other compounds ending in water. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.
IDM by water (formal) using a boat or ship it’s (all) water under the 'bridge (spoken) used to say that sth happened in the past and is now forgotten or no longer important like 'water (informal) in large quantities: He spends money like water. (be in / get into) murky / uncharted 'waters to get into a difficult or dangerous situation that you do not know anything about not hold 'water (informal) if an argument, an excuse, a theory, etc. does not hold water, you cannot believe it sb’s 'waters break when a pregnant woman’s waters break, the liquid in her WOMB passes out of her body just before the baby is born (like) water off a ,duck’s 'back (informal) used to say that sth, especially criticism, has no effect on sb/sth: I can’t tell my son what to do; it’s water off a duck’s back with him.—more at BLOOD , COLD adj. , DEAD adj. , DEEP adj. , DIP v. , DUCK n. , FISH n. , HEAD n. , HELL , HOT adj. , PASS v. , POUR , STILL adj. , TEST v. , TREAD adj.

verb
1 [vn] to pour water on plants, etc: to water the plants / garden
2 [v] (of the eyes) to become full of tears: The smoke made my eyes water.
3 [v] (of the mouth) to produce SALIVA : The smells from the kitchen made our mouths water.
4 [vn] to give water to an animal to drink: to water the horses   (humorous) After a tour of the grounds, the guests were fed and watered .
5 [vn] [usually passive] (technical) (of a river, etc.) to provide an area of land with water: The valley is watered by a stream.
6 [vn] to add water to an alcoholic drink: watered wine
PVR V ,water sth<->'down
1 to make a liquid weaker by adding water
SYN DILUTE
2 [usually passive] to change a speech, a piece of writing, etc. in order to make it less offensive or forceful
SYN DILUTE

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water.bed
noun a bed with a rubber or plastic MATTRESS that is filled with water
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water.bird
noun a bird that lives near and walks or swims in water, especially rivers or lakes
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'water-borne
adj. spread or carried by water: cholera and other water-borne diseases  water-borne goods—compare AIRBORNE
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'water buffalo
noun a large Indian animal of the cow family, used for pulling vehicles and farm equipment in Asia
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'water butt
noun a large BARREL for collecting rain as it flows off a roof
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'water cannon
noun a machine that produces a powerful flow of water, used by the police against crowds of people who are causing trouble
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'water chestnut
noun the thick round white root of a tropical plant that grows in water, often used in Chinese cooking
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'water closet
noun (abbr. WC) (old-fashioned) a toilet
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water.col.our
(BrE ) (AmEwater.color) noun
1 (watercolours) [pl.] paints that you mix with water, not oil, and use for painting pictures
2 [C] a picture painted with these paints
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'water cooler
noun a machine, for example in an office, that cools water and supplies it for drinking
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water.course
noun (technical ) a stream or an artificial channel for water
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water.cress
noun [U] a water plant with small round green leaves and thin stems. It has a strong taste and is often eaten raw in salads.
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water.fall
noun a place where a stream or river falls from a high place, for example over a cliff or rock—picture at MOUNTAIN
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'water fountain
noun (AmE ) = DRINKING FOUNTAIN
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water.fowl
noun [usually pl.] (pl.water.fowl) a bird that can swim and lives near water, especially a duck or GOOSE
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water.front
noun [usually sing.] a part of a town or an area that is next to water, for example in a harbour: a waterfront apartment
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'water gun
noun (AmE ) = WATER PISTOL —
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water.hole
(also 'watering hole) noun a place in a hot country, where animals go to drink
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'water ice
noun [U, C] (BrE ) = SORBET
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'watering can
noun a metal or plastic container with a handle and a long SPOUT , used for pouring water on plants—picture at GARDEN
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'watering hole
noun
1 = WATERHOLE
2 (informal, humorous) a bar or place where people go to drink
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'watering place
noun (old-fashioned) a town with a natural supply of MINERAL WATER where people go for their health
SYN SPA
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'water jump
noun an area of water that horses or runners have to jump over in a race or competition
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'water level
noun [U, C] the height that the surface of a mass of water rises or falls to, or is at
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'water lily
noun a plant that floats on the surface of water, with large round flat leaves and white, yellow or pink flowers
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water.line
noun (the waterline) [sing.] the level that the water reaches along the side of a ship
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water.logged
adj.
1 (of soil, a field, etc.) so full of water that it cannot hold any more and becomes flooded: They couldn’t play because the pitch was waterlogged.
2 (of a boat, etc.) so full of water that it can no longer float
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Water.loo
noun [sing.] sb’s ~ a final defeat for sb: This was the point at which he was to meet his Waterloo .
ORIGIN From the battle of Waterloo in 1815, in which the British (under the Duke of Wellington) and the Prussians finally defeated Napoleon.
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'water main
noun a large underground pipe that supplies water to buildings, etc.
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water.mark
noun a symbol or design in some types of paper, which can be seen when the paper is held against the light—see also HIGH-WATER MARK , LOW-WATER MARK
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'water meadow
noun [usually pl.] a field near a river that is often flooded
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water.melon
noun [C, U] a type of large MELON with hard, dark green skin, red flesh and black seeds—
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water.mill
noun a MILL next to a river in which the machinery for GRINDING grain into flour is driven by the power of the water turning a wheel
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'water pistol
(BrE ) (AmE 'water gun) noun a toy gun that shoots water—
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'water polo
noun [U] a game played by two teams of people swimming in a swimming pool. Players try to throw a ball into the other team’s goal.
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'water power
noun [U] power produced by the movement of water, used to drive machinery or produce electricity
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water.proof
adj., noun, verb
adj. that does not let water through: waterproof clothing

noun [usually pl.] a piece of clothing made from material that does not let water through: You’ll need waterproofs (= a waterproof jacket and trousers / pants).

verb [vn] to make sth waterproof

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'water rat
noun = WATER VOLE
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'water-repellent
adj. a material, etc. that is water-repellent is specially treated so that water runs off it rather than going into it: a water-repellent coating
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'water-resistant
adj. that does not let water through easily: a water-resistant jacket
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water.shed
noun
1 [C] ~ (in sth) an event or a period of time that marks an important change: The middle decades of the 19th century marked a watershed in Russia’s history.
2 [C] a line of high land where streams on one side flow into one river, and streams on the other side flow into a different river
3 (the watershed) [sing.] (in Britain) the time before which programmes that are not considered suitable for children may not be shown on television: Scenes like this should only be shown after the 9 o’clock watershed.
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water.side
noun [sing.] the area at the edge of a river, lake, etc: They strolled down to the waterside.  a waterside cafe  waterside plants
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water.ski
verb, noun
verb [vn] to ski on water while being pulled by a fast boat
water.ski.ing noun [U]: We snorkelled and did some waterskiing.

noun either of the pair of long flat boards on which a person stands in order to waterski

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'water softener
noun [U, C] a device or substance that removes particular minerals, especially chalk, from water
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water.spout
noun a column of water that is pulled up from the sea during a storm by a rapidly spinning column of air
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'water supply
noun [C, U] the water provided for a town, an area or a building; the act of or system for supplying water to a town, etc: a clean / contaminated water supply  plans to improve the water supply to rural villages
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'water table
noun [usually sing.] (technical ) the level at and below which water is found in the ground
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water.tight
adj.
1 that does not allow water to get in or out: a watertight container / seal
2 (of an excuse, a plan, an argument, etc.) carefully prepared so that it contains no mistakes, faults or weaknesses: a watertight alibi  The case has to be made watertight.
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'water tower
noun a tall structure with a TANK (= large container) of water at the top from which water is supplied to buildings in the area around it
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'water vole
(also 'water rat) noun an animal like a rat that swims and lives in a hole beside a river or lake
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water.way
noun a river, canal, etc. along which boats can travel: inland waterways  a navigable waterway
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water.wheel
noun a wheel turned by the movement of water, used, especially in the past, to drive machinery
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water.works
noun (pl.water.works)
1 [C+sing./pl. v.] a building with pumping machinery for supplying water to an area
2 [pl.] (informal or humorous) the organs of the body through which URINE (= waste water) is passed
IDM turn on the 'waterworks (informal, disapproving) to start crying, especially in order to get sympathy or attention
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watery
adj.
1 of or like water; containing a lot of water: a watery fluid  His eyes were red and watery.   (literary) She was rescued from a watery grave (= saved from drowning).
2 weak and/or pale: a watery sun  His eyes were a watery blue.  a watery smile (= weak and without much feeling)
3 (of food, drink, etc.) containing too much water; thin and having no taste: The vegetables were watery and tasteless.  watery soup
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watt
noun (abbr. W) a unit for measuring electrical power: a 60-watt light bulb
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watt.age
noun [U] (technical ) an amount of electrical power expressed in watts
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wat.tle
noun
1 [U] sticks woven together as a material for making fences, walls, etc: walls made of wattle and daub
2 [C] a piece of red skin that hangs down from the throat of a bird such as a TURKEY
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wave
noun, verb
noun
OF WATER|
1 [C] a raised line of water that moves across the surface of the sea, ocean, etc: Huge waves were breaking on the shore.  The wind made little waves on the pond.  The pool has a wave machine (= for making waves).—see also TIDAL WAVE —picture at COAST
OF ACTIVITY / FEELING|
2 [C] a sudden increase in a particular activity or feeling: a wave of opposition / protest / violence  a crime wave   A wave of fear swept over him.  Guilt and horror flooded her in waves .  A wave of panic spread through the crowd.—see also BRAINWAVE , HEATWAVE
LARGE NUMBER|
3 [C] a large number of people or things suddenly moving or appearing somewhere: Wave after wave of aircraft passed overhead.—see also NEW WAVE
MOVEMENT OF ARM / HAND / BODY|
4 [C] a movement of your arm and hand from side to side: She declined the offer with a wave of her hand.  He gave us a wave as the bus drove off.
5 (the wave) [sing.] (AmE) = MEXICAN WAVE
OF HEAT / SOUND / LIGHT|
6 [C] the form that some types of energy such as heat, sound, light, etc. take as they move: radio / sound / ultrasonic waves—see also AIRWAVES , LONG WAVE , MEDIUM WAVE , MICROWAVE , SHOCK WAVE , SHORT WAVE , SOUND WAVE
IN HAIR|
7 [C] if a person’s hair has a wave or waves, it is not straight but curls slightly—see also PERMANENT WAVE
SEA|
8 (the waves) [pl.] (literary) the sea—see also WAVY make 'waves (informal) to be very active in a way that makes people notice you, and that may sometimes cause problems—more at CREST n. , RIDE v.

verb
MOVE HAND / ARM|
1 ~ (at / to sb)| ~ sth (at sb)| ~ sth (about / around) to move your hand or arm from side to side in the air in order to attract attention, as a greeting, etc: [v] The people on the bus waved and we waved back.  Why did you wave at him?  [vn] A man in the water was shouting and waving his arms around frantically.  [vnn, vn] My mother was crying as I waved her goodbye .  My mother was crying as I waved goodbye to her.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to show where sth is, show sb where to go, etc. by moving your hand in a particular direction: [v] She waved vaguely in the direction of the house.  [vn] ‘He’s over there,’ said Ali, waving a hand towards some trees.  I showed my pass to the security guard and he waved me through.
3 [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to hold sth in your hand and move it from side to side: Crowds lined the route, waving flags and cheering.  ‘I’m rich!’ she exclaimed, waving the money under his nose.
MOVE FREELY|
4 [v] to move freely and gently, for example in the wind, while one end or side is held in position: The flag waved in the breeze.
HAIR|
5 [v] to curl slightly: His hair waves naturally.
6 [vn] to make sb’s hair curl slightly: She’s had her hair waved.
IDM see FLAG n. ,wave sth<->a'side / a'way to not accept sth because you do not think it is necessary or important
SYN DISMISS : My objections to the plan were waved aside. ,wave sth/sb<->'down to signal to a vehicle or its driver to stop by waving your hand ,wave sb<->'off to wave goodbye to sb as they are leaving

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wave.band
noun = BAND : a radio set with medium and short wavebands
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wave.length
noun
1 the distance between two similar points on a wave of energy, such as light or sound
2 the size of a radio wave that is used by a particular radio station, etc. for sending signals or broadcasting programmes
IDM on the same 'wavelength | be on sb’s 'wavelength (informal) to have the same way of thinking or the same ideas or feelings as sb else: We work together but we aren’t really on the same wavelength.
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wave.let
noun (literary) a small wave on the surface of a lake, the sea or the ocean
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waver
verb [v]
1 to be or become weak or unsteady: His voice wavered with emotion.  Her determination never wavered.  She never wavered in her determination to succeed.
2 ~ (between A and B)| ~ (on / over sth) to hesitate and be unable to make a decision or choice: She’s wavering between buying a house in the city or moving away.
3 (especially of light) to move in an unsteady way: wavering flames / shadows
waver.er noun: The strength of his argument convinced the waverers.
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wavy
adj. having curves; not straight: brown wavy hair  a pattern of wavy lines—picture at CURL
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wax
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 a solid substance that is made from BEESWAX or from various fats and oils and used for making candles, polish, models, etc. It becomes soft when it is heated: styling wax for the hair  floor wax  wax crayons  wax polish—see also SEALING WAX
2 a soft sticky yellowish substance that is found in your ears

verb
1 [vn] to polish sth with wax
2 [vn] [usually passive] to cover sth with wax : waxed paper  a waxed jacket
3 [vn] [often passive] to remove hair from a part of the body using wax : to wax your legs / to have your legs waxed
4 [v] (of the moon) to seem to get gradually bigger until its full form is visible
OPP WANE
5 [v-adj] ~ lyrical, eloquent, sentimental, etc. (written) to become LYRICAL , etc. when speaking or writing: He waxed lyrical on the food at the new restaurant.
IDM ,wax and 'wane (literary) to increase then decrease in strength, importance, etc. over a period of time

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'wax bean
noun (AmE ) a type of bean that is a long thin yellow POD , cooked and eaten whole as a vegetable
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'waxed paper
(AmE also 'wax paper) noun [U] paper covered with a thin layer of wax , used to wrap food or when cooking
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waxen
adj.
1 (formal) made of wax : waxen images / figures
2 (literary) pale and looking ill/sick: The old man’s waxen face was cold.
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'wax paper
noun (AmE ) = GREASEPROOF PAPER , WAXED PAPER
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wax.work
noun
1 a model of a person that is made of wax
2 (wax.works) (pl.wax.works) (especially BrE) (AmE usually 'wax museum) a museum where you can see wax models of famous people
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waxy
adj. made of wax ; looking or feeling like wax
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way
noun, adv.
noun
METHOD / STYLE|
1 [C] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (of doing sth) a method, style or manner of doing sth: I’m not happy with this way of working.  That’s not the right way to hold a pair of scissors.  I hate the way she always criticizes me.  I told you we should have done it my way !  Infectious diseases can be acquired in several ways.  I generally get what I want one way or another (= by some means).   (spoken, disapproving) That’s no way to speak to your mother!  It’s not what you say, it’s the way that you say it.
BEHAVIOUR|
2 [C] a particular manner or style of behaviour: They grinned at her in a friendly way.  It was not his way to admit that he had made a mistake.  Don’t worry, if she seems quiet—it’s just her way .  He was showing off, as is the way with adolescent boys.
3 (ways) [pl.] the typical way of behaving and living of a particular group of people: After ten years I’m used to the strange British ways.
ROUTE / ROAD|
4 [C, usually sing.] ~ (from … ) (to … ) a route or road that you take in order to reach a place: the best / quickest / shortest way from A to B  Can you tell me the way to Leicester Square?  to ask / tell sb the way  We went the long way round .
5 [C, usually sing.] the route along which sb/sth is moving; the route that sb/sth would take if there was nothing stopping them/it: Get out of my way! I’m in a hurry.  Riot police with shields were blocking the demonstrators' way.  We fought our way through the dense vegetation.  Unfortunately they ran into a snowstorm along the way.—see also RIGHT OF WAY
6 [C] a road, path or street for travelling along: There’s a way across the fields.—see also FREEWAY , HIGHWAY , MOTORWAY , RAILWAY , WATERWAY
7 (Way) used in the names of streets: 106 Headley Way
DIRECTION|
8 [C, usually sing.] which, this, that, etc. ~ a particular direction; in a particular direction: Which way did they go?  We just missed a car coming the other way .  Look both ways (= look left and right) before crossing the road.  Make sure that sign’s the right way up .  Kids were running this way and that (= in all directions).  They decided to split the money four ways (= between four different people).   (figurative) Which way (= for which party) are you going to vote?—see also EACH WAY , ONE-WAY , THREE-WAY , TWO-WAY
FOR ENTERING / LEAVING|
9 [C, usually sing.] a means of going into or leaving a place, such as a door or gate: the way in / out  They escaped out the back way.—see also COMPANIONWAY
DISTANCE / TIME|
10 [sing.] (also AmE informal ways) a distance or period of time between two points: A little way up on the left hand-side is the Museum of Modern Art.  September was a long way off.   (figurative) The area’s wine industry still has a way to go to full maturity.  You came all this way to see us?   (AmE, informal) We still have a ways to go.
AREA|
11 [sing.] (informal) an area, a part of a country, etc: I think he lives somewhere over London way .  I’ll stop by and see you next time I’m down your way .
ASPECT|
12 [C] a particular aspect of sth
SYN RESPECT : I have changed in every way.  It’s been quite a day, one way and another (= for several reasons).
CONDITION / STATE|
13 [sing.] a particular condition or state: The economy’s in a bad way .  I don’t know how we’re going to manage, the way things are . across the 'way (BrE also over the 'way) on the other side of the street, etc: Music blared from the open window of the house across the way. ,all the 'way
1 (also the ,whole 'way) during the whole journey/period of time: She didn’t speak a word to me all the way back home.
2 completely; as much as it takes to achieve what you want: I’m fighting him all the way.  You can feel that the audience is with her all the way. (that’s / it’s) always the 'way (spoken) used to say that things often happen in a particular way, especially when it is not convenient any way you 'slice it (AmE, informal) however you choose to look at a situation 'be / be 'born / be 'made that way (of a person) to behave or do things in a particular manner because it is part of your character: It’s not his fault he’s so pompous—he was born that way. be ,set in your 'ways to have habits or opinions that you have had for a long time and that you do not want to change by the 'way (spoken) used to introduce a comment or question that is not directly related to what you have been talking about: By the way, I found that book you were looking for.  What’s the time, by the way?  Oh by the way, if you see Jackie, tell her I’ll call her this evening. by way of sth by a route that includes the place mentioned
SYN VIA : The artist recently arrived in Paris from Bulgaria by way of Vienna.  She came to TV by way of drama school. by way of / in the way of sth as a form of sth; for sth; as a means of sth: He recovered £600 by way of compensation from the company.  She rolled her eyes by way of an answer and left. come your 'way to happen to you by chance, or when you were not expecting it: He took whatever came his way. cut both / two 'ways (of an action, argument, etc.) to have two opposite effects or results either way | one way or the other used to say that it does not matter which one of two possibilities happens, is chosen or is true: Was it his fault or not? Either way, an explanation is due.  We could meet today or tomorrow—I don’t mind one way or the other. every 'which way (informal) in all directions: Her hair tumbled every which way. get into / out of the way of (doing) sth to become used to doing sth/to lose the habit of doing sth: The women had got into the way of going up on the deck every evening. get in the way of to prevent sb from doing sth; to prevent sth from happening: He wouldn’t allow emotions to get in the way of him doing his job. get / have your own 'way to get or do what you want, especially when sb has tried to stop you: She always gets her own way in the end. give 'way to break or fall down: The pillars gave way and a section of the roof collapsed.  Her numb leg gave way beneath her and she stumbled clumsily. give 'way (to sb/sth)
1 to stop resisting sb/sth; to agree to do sth that you do not want to do: He refused to give way on any of the points.
2 (BrE) to allow sb/sth to be or go first: Give way to traffic already on the roundabout. give way to sth
1 to allow yourself to be very strongly affected by sth, especially an emotion: Flinging herself on the bed, she gave way to helpless misery.
2 to be replaced by sth: The storm gave way to bright sunshine. go all the 'way (with sb) (informal) to have full sexual INTERCOURSE with sb go a long / some way towards doing sth to help very much/a little in achieving sth: The new law goes a long way towards solving the problem. go out of your 'way (to do sth) to make a special effort to do sth: He would always go out of his way to be friendly towards her. go your own 'way to do as you choose, especially when sb has advised you against it: It’s best to let her go her own way if you don’t want a fight. go sb’s way
1 to travel in the same direction as sb: I’m going your way—I’ll walk with you.
2 (of events) to go well for you; to be in your favour: By the third round he knew the fight was going his way. go the way of all 'flesh (saying) to die have it your 'own way! (spoken) used to say in an angry way that although you are not happy about sth that sb has said, you are not going to argue: Oh OK, then. Have it your own way. have it / things / everything your 'own way to have what you want, especially by opposing other people have a way of doing sth used to say that sth often happens in a particular way, especially when it is out of your control: First love affairs have a way of not working out. have a way with sb/sth to be good at dealing with sb/sth: He has a way with small children.  She has a way with words (= is very good at expressing herself). have / want it 'both ways to have or want to have the advantages of two different situations or ways of behaving that are impossible to combine: You can’t have it both ways. If you can afford to go out all the time, you can afford to pay off some of your debts. have your (wicked) way with sb (old-fashioned, humorous) to persuade sb to have sex with you in a big / small way on a large/small scale: The new delivery service has taken off in a big way.  Many people are investing in a small way in the stock market. in ,more ways than 'one used to show that a statement has more than one meaning: With the first goal he used his head in more ways than one. in her, his, its, etc. (own) 'way in a manner that is appropriate to or typical of a person or thing but that may seem unusual to other people: I expect she does love you in her own way. in a 'way | in 'one way | in 'some ways to some extent; not completely: In a way it was one of our biggest mistakes. in the / sb’s 'way stopping sb from moving or doing sth: You’ll have to move—you’re in my way.  I left them alone, as I felt I was in the way. in the way of sth used in questions and negative sentences to talk about the types of sth that are available: There isn’t much in the way of entertainment in this place. keep / stay out of sb’s 'way to avoid sb look the other 'way to deliberately avoid seeing sb/sth: Prison officers know what’s going on, but look the other way. lose your 'way
1 to become lost: We lost our way in the dark.
2 to forget or move away from the purpose or reason for sth: I feel that the project has lost its way. make your 'way (to / towards sth) to move or get somewhere; to make progress: Will you be able to make your own way to the airport (= get there without help, a ride, etc.)?  Is this your plan for making your way in the world ? make 'way (for sb/sth) to allow sb/sth to pass; to allow sb/sth to take the place of sb/sth: Make way for the Lord Mayor!  Tropical forest is felled to make way for grassland. (there are) no two ways a'bout it (saying) used to show that you are certain about sth: It was the wrong decision—there are no two ways about it. (there is) ,no 'way (informal) used to say that there is no possibility that you will do sth or that sth will happen: ‘Do you want to help?’‘No way!’  No way am I going to drive them there.  There’s no way we could afford that sort of money. on your / the / its 'way
1 going or coming: I’d better be on my way (= I must leave) soon.  The letter should be on its way to you.
2 during the journey: He stopped for breakfast on the way.  She grabbed her camera and bag on her way out.
3 (of a baby) not yet born: They’ve got three kids and one on the way. on the way 'out
1 as you are leaving
2 going out of fashion: The Saturday rave craze seems to be on the way out. the ,other way 'round
1 in the opposite position, direction or order: I think it should go on the other way round.
2 the opposite situation: I didn’t leave you. It was the other way round (= you left me). ,out of the 'way
1 no longer stopping sb from moving or doing sth: I moved my legs out of the way so that she could get past.  I didn’t say anything until Dad was out of the way.
2 finished; dealt with: Our region is poised for growth once the election is out of the way.
3 far from a town or city: a little out-of-the-way place on the coast
4 used in negative sentences to mean ‘unusual’: She had obviously noticed nothing out of the way. ,out of your 'way not on the route that you planned to take: I’d love a ride home—if it’s not out of your way. see your 'way ('clear) to doing sth / to do sth to find that it is possible or convenient to do sth: Small builders cannot see their way clear to take on many trainees. see which way the 'wind is blowing to get an idea of what is likely to happen before doing sth (not) stand in sb’s 'way to (not) prevent sb from doing sth: If you believe you can make her happy, I won’t stand in your way. that’s the way the cookie 'crumbles (informal) that is the situation and we cannot change it, so we must accept it to 'my way of thinking in my opinion under 'way (also under.way) having started: Preparations are well under way for a week of special events in May. a / the / sb’s way of 'life the typical pattern of behaviour of a person or group: the British / rural / traditional way of life the ,way of the 'world the way that most people behave; the way that things happen, which you cannot change: The rich and powerful make the decisions—that’s the way of the world. ,ways and 'means the methods and materials available for doing sth: ways and means of raising money the way to sb’s 'heart the way to make sb like or love you: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (= by giving him good food). way to 'go! (AmE, informal, spoken) used to tell sb that you are pleased about sth they have done: Good work, guys! Way to go! ,work your 'way through college, round the world, etc. to have a job or series of jobs while studying, travelling, etc. in order to pay for your education, etc. ,work your way 'through sth to do sth from beginning to end, especially when it takes a lot of time or effort: She worked her way through the pile of documents. ,work your way 'up to move regularly to a more senior position in a company: He worked his way up from messenger boy to account executive.—more at CHANGE v. , CLAW v. , CLEAR v. , DOWNHILL , EASY adj. , ERROR , FAMILY n. , FAR adv. , FEEL v. , FIND v. , HARD adj. , HARM n. , HEAD n. , KNOW v. , LAUGH v. , LIE v. , LONG adj. , MEND v. , MIDDLE adj. , OPEN v. , ORDINARY , PARTING n. , PAVE , PAY v. , PICK v. , RUB v. , SEPARATE adj. , SHAPE n. , SHOW v. , SMOOTH v. , SWEET adj. , SWING v. , TALK v. , WELL adv. , WILL n. , WRONG adj.

adv. (used with a preposition or an adverb) very far; by a large amount: She finished the race way ahead of the other runners.  I must be going home; it’s way past my bedtime.  The price is way above what we can afford.  They live way out in the suburbs.  This skirt is way (= a lot) too short. 'way back (in … ) a long time ago: I first met him way back in the 60s.

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way.farer
noun (old-fashioned or literary) a person who travels from one place to another, usually on foot
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way.lay
verb (way.laid, way.laid ) [vn] to stop sb who is going somewhere, especially in order to talk to them or attack them: I got waylaid on my way here.
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,way-'out
adj. (old-fashioned, informal) unusual or strange
SYN WEIRD : way-out ideas / music
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-ways
suffix (in adjectives and adverbs) in the direction of: lengthways  sideways
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way.side
noun [sing.] the area at the side of a road or path: a wayside hotel / inn / shrine  wild flowers growing by the wayside
IDM fall by the 'wayside to fail or be unable to make progress in sth: Many clubs fall by the wayside for financial reasons.
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'way station
noun (especially AmE ) a place where people stop to eat or rest during a long journey
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way.ward
adj. (written) difficult to control: a wayward child / animal  wayward emotions / thoughts
way.ward.ness noun [U]
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WC
noun (BrE ) (on signs and doors in public places) toilet (abbreviation for ‘water closet’)
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we
pron. (used as the subject of a verb)
1 I and another person or other people; I and you: We’ve moved to Atlanta.  We’d (= the company would) like to offer you the job.  Why don’t we go and see it together?
2 people in general: We should take more care of our historic buildings.—see also THE ROYAL ‘WE’ at ROYAL
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weak
adj. (weaker, weakest)
NOT PHYSICALLY STRONG|
1 not physically strong: She is still weak after her illness.  His legs felt weak.  She suffered from a weak heart.
LIKELY TO BREAK|
2 that cannot support a lot of weight; likely to break: That bridge is too weak to carry heavy traffic.
WITHOUT POWER|
3 easy to influence; not having much power: a weak and cowardly man  In a weak moment (= when I was easily persuaded) I said she could borrow the car.  a weak leader / country  The unions have always been weak in this industry.
POOR / SICK PEOPLE|
4 (the weak) noun [pl.] people who are poor, sick or without power
CURRENCY / ECONOMY|
5 not financially strong or successful: a weak currency / economy / market
NOT GOOD AT STH|
6 ~ (in sth) not good at sth: a weak team  I was always weak in the science subjects.
NOT CONVINCING|
7 that people are not likely to believe or be persuaded by: weak arguments / evidence  I enjoyed the movie but I thought the ending was very weak.
HARD TO SEE / HEAR|
8 not easily seen or heard: a weak light / signal / sound
WITHOUT ENTHUSIASM|
9 done without enthusiasm or energy: a weak smile  He made a weak attempt to look cheerful.
LIQUID|
10 a weak liquid contains a lot of water: weak tea
POINT / SPOT|
11 ~ point / spot the part of a person’s character, an argument, etc. that is easy to attack or criticize: The team’s weak points are in defence.  He knew her weak spot where Steve was concerned.
GRAMMAR|
12 a weak verb forms the past tense, etc. by adding -d, -ed or -t (for example walk, walked) and not by changing a vowel (for example run, ran)
PHONETICS|
13 (of the pronunciation of some words) used when there is no stress on the word. For example, the weak form of and is or as in bread and butter .
OPP STRONG ,weak at the 'knees (informal) hardly able to stand because of emotion, fear, illness, etc: His sudden smile made her go weak at the knees. the weak link (in the 'chain) the point at which a system or an organization is most likely to fail: She went straight for the one weak link in the chain of his argument.
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weak.en
verb
1 to make sb/sth less strong or powerful; to become less strong or powerful: [vn] The team has been weakened by injury.  The new evidence weakens the case against her.  [v] His authority is steadily weakening.
OPP STRENGTHEN
2 to make sb less physically strong; to become less physically strong: [vn] The explosion had weakened the building’s foundations.  [v] She felt her legs weaken.
3 to become or make sb become less determined or certain about sth: [vn] Nothing could weaken his resolve to continue.  [v] You must not agree to do it. Don’t weaken.
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,weak-'kneed
adj. (informal) lacking courage or strength
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weak.ling
noun (disapproving) a person who is not physically strong
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weak.ly
adv. in a weak way: She smiled weakly at them.  ‘I’m not sure about it,’ he said weakly.
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weak.ness
noun
1 [U] lack of strength, power or determination: The sudden weakness in her legs made her stumble.  the weakness of the dollar against the pound  He thought that crying was a sign of weakness .
2 [C] a weak point in a system, sb’s character, etc: It’s important to know your own strengths and weaknesses .  Can you spot the weakness in her argument?
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth/sb) difficulty in resisting sth/sb that you like very much: He has a weakness for chocolate.
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weal
noun a sore red mark on sb’s skin where they have been hit
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wealth
noun
1 [U] a large amount of money, property, etc. that a person or country owns: a person of wealth and influence  His personal wealth is estimated at around $100 million.  the distribution of wealth in Britain
2 [U] the state of being rich: The purpose of industry is to create wealth.  Good education often depends on wealth.
3 [sing.] ~ of sth a large amount of sth: a wealth of information / talent / detail  The new manager brings a great wealth of experience to the job.—compare RICHNESS
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wealthy
adj. (wealth.ier, wealthi.est)
1 rich; having a lot of money, possessions, etc: a wealthy businessman / family / nation  The couple are said to be fabulously wealthy.  They live in a wealthy suburb of Chicago.
2 (the wealthy) noun [pl.] people who are rich
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wean
verb [vn] ~ sb/sth (off / from sth) to gradually stop feeding a baby or young animal with its mother’s milk and start feeding it with solid food
PVR V 'wean sb off / from sth to make sb gradually stop doing or using sth: The doctor tried to wean her off sleeping pills. 'wean sb on sth [usually passive] to make sb experience sth regularly, especially from an early age: He was weaned on a diet of rigid discipline and duty.
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weapon
noun
1 an object such as a knife, gun, bomb, etc. that is used for fighting or attacking sb: nuclear / chemical weapons  a lethal / deadly weapon  The police still haven’t found the murder weapon .  He was charged with carrying an offensive weapon .
2 something such as knowledge, words, actions, etc. that can be used to attack or fight against sb/sth: Education is the only weapon to fight the spread of the disease.  Guilt is the secret weapon for the control of children.
IDM see DOUBLE-EDGED
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weap.on.ry
noun [U] (written) all the weapons of a particular type or belonging to a particular country or group: high-tech weaponry  US weaponry
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wear
verb, noun
verb (wore worn )
CLOTHING / ORNAMENT|
1 [vn] to have sth on your body as a piece of clothing, an ornament, etc: Do I have to wear a tie?  to wear a coat / hat / ring / badge / watch  Was she wearing a seat belt?  He wore glasses.  She always wears black (= black clothes).
HAIR|
2 to have your hair in a particular style; to have a BEARD or MOUSTACHE : [vn-adj] She wears her hair long.  [vn] to wear a beard / moustache
EXPRESSION ON FACE|
3 [vn] to have a particular expression on your face: He wore a puzzled look on his face.  His face wore a puzzled look.
DAMAGE WITH USE|
4 to become, or make sth become thinner, smoother or weaker through continuous use or rubbing: [v] The carpets are starting to wear.  [v-adj] The sheets have worn thin.  [vn-adj] The stones have been worn smooth by the constant flow of water.
5 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to make a hole, path, etc. in sth by continuous use or rubbing: I’ve worn holes in all my socks.
STAY IN GOOD CONDITION|
6 [v] ~ well to stay in good condition after being used for a long time: That carpet is wearing well, isn’t it?   (figurative, humorous) You’re wearing well—only a few grey hairs!
ACCEPT / ALLOW|
7 [vn] (usually used in questions and negative sentences) (BrE, informal) to accept or allow sth, especially sth that you do not approve of wear your ,heart on your 'sleeve to allow your feelings to be seen by other people wear 'thin to begin to become weaker or less acceptable: These excuses are wearing a little thin (= because we’ve heard them so many times before). wear the 'trousers (BrE) (AmE wear the 'pants) (often disapproving) (especially of a woman) to be the person in a marriage or other relationship who makes most of the decisions—more at CAP n. ,wear a'way| ,wear sth<->a'way to become, or make sth become, gradually thinner or smoother by continuously using or rubbing it: The inscription on the coin had worn away.  The steps had been worn away by the feet of thousands of pilgrims. ,wear 'down| ,wear sth<->'down to become, or make sth become, gradually smaller or smoother by continuously using or rubbing it: Notice how the tread on this tyre has worn down. ,wear sb/sth<->'down to make sb/sth weaker or less determined, especially by continuously attacking or putting pressure on them or it over a period of time: Her persistence paid off and she eventually wore me down. ,wear 'off to gradually disappear or stop: The effects of the drug will soon wear off. ,wear 'on (written) (of time) to pass, especially in a way that seems slow: As the evening wore on, she became more and more nervous. ,wear 'out| ,wear sth<->'out to become, or make sth become, thin or no longer able to be used, usually because it has been used too much: He wore out two pairs of shoes last year. ,wear yourself / sb 'out to make yourself/sb feel very tired: The kids have totally worn me out.  You’ll wear yourself out if you carry on working so hard.

noun [U]
CLOTHING|
1 (usually in compounds) used especially in shops/stores to describe clothes for a particular purpose or occasion: casual / evening wear  children’s / ladies' wear  sportswear—see also FOOTWEAR , UNDERWEAR
2 the fact of wearing sth: casual clothes for everyday wear  These woollen suits are not designed for wear in hot climates.
USE|
3 the amount or type of use that sth has over a period of time: You should get years of wear out of that carpet.
DAMAGE|
4 the damage or loss of quality that is caused when sth has been used a lot: His shoes were beginning to show signs of wear.  The machines have to be checked regularly for wear. ,wear and 'tear the damage to objects, furniture, property, etc. that is the result of normal use: The insurance policy does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear.—more at WORSE n.

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wear.able
adj. (of clothes, etc.) pleasant and comfortable to wear; suitable to be worn
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wear.er
noun the person who is wearing sth; a person who usually wears the thing mentioned: The straps can be adjusted to suit the wearer.  contact lens wearers
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wear.ing
adj. that makes you feel very tired mentally or physically
SYN EXHAUSTING
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weari.some
adj. (formal) that makes you feel very bored and tired
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weary
adj., verb
adj. (weari.er, weari.est)
1 very tired, especially after you have been working hard or doing sth for a long time: a weary traveller  She suddenly felt old and weary.  a weary sigh / smile
2 (literary) making you feel tired or bored: a weary journey  weary hours spent in negotiation
3 ~ of sth / of doing sth (formal) no longer interested in or enthusiastic about sth: Students soon grow weary of listening to a parade of historical facts.
wear.ily adv.: He closed his eyes wearily.
weari.ness noun [U]

verb (wear.ies, weary.ing, wear.ied, wear.ied)
1 [vn] (formal) to make sb feel tired
SYN TIRE : a wearying tour around the museums and art galleries
2 [v] ~ of sth / of doing sth to lose your interest in or enthusiasm for sth
SYN TIRE : She soon wearied of his stories.

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weasel
noun, verb
noun a small wild animal with reddish-brown fur, a long thin body and short legs. Weasels eat smaller animals.

verb (-ll-, AmE-l-)
PVR V ,weasel 'out (of sth) (informal disapproving, especially AmE) to avoid doing sth that you ought to do or have promised to do: He’s now trying to weasel out of our agreement.

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'weasel word
noun [usually pl.] (informal, disapproving) a word that has little meaning, or more than one meaning, that you use when you want to avoid saying sth in a clear or direct way
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wea.ther
noun, verb
noun [U]
1 the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, such as the temperature, and if there is wind, rain, sun, etc: hot / cold / wet / fine / summer / windy weather  Did you have good weather on your trip?  I’m not going out in this weather!  There’s going to be a change in the weather.  if the weather holds / breaks (= if the good weather continues / changes)  The weather is very changeable at the moment.  ‘Are you going to the beach tomorrow?’‘It depends on the weather.’  We’ll have the party outside, weather permitting (= if it doesn’t rain).  a weather map / chart  a weather report
2 (the weather) (informal) a report of what the weather will be like, that is on the radio or television, or in the newspapers: to listen to the weather
IDM in 'all weathers (BrE) in all kinds of weather, good and bad: She goes out jogging in all weathers. keep a 'weather eye on sb/sth to watch sb/sth carefully in case you need to take action under the 'weather (informal) if you are or feel under the weather, you feel slightly ill/sick and not as well as usual—more at BRASS , HEAVY

verb
1 to change, or make sth change, colour or shape because of the effect of the sun, rain or wind: [v] This brick weathers to a warm pinkish-brown colour.  [vn] Her face was weathered by the sun.
2 [vn] to come safely through a difficult period or experience: The company just managed to weather the recession.  She refuses to resign, intending to weather the storm (= wait until the situation improves again).

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'weather-beaten
adj. [usually before noun] (especially of a person or their skin) rough and damaged because the person spends a lot of time outside
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wea.ther.board
(also clap.board especially in AmE) noun one of a series of long, narrow, horizontal pieces of wood, each with one edge thicker than the other. They are fixed to the outside walls of a house with the bottom of one over the top of the one below, to cover the wall and protect it from rain and wind: a weatherboard house
'wea.ther.boarded adj.
'wea.ther.board.ing noun [U]
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wea.ther.cock
noun a WEATHERVANE in the shape of a male chicken (called a COCK or ROOSTER )
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'weather forecast
(also fore.cast) noun a description, for example on the radio or television, of what the weather will be like tomorrow or for the next few days
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wea.ther.ize
verb [vn] (AmE ) to protect a building against the effects of cold weather, for example by providing INSULATION
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wea.ther.man, wea.ther.girl
(pl.-men noun (informal) a person on radio or television whose job is describing the weather and telling people what it is going to be like
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wea.ther.proof
adj. that is not affected by weather; that protects sb/sth from wind and rain: The finished roof should be weatherproof for years.  a weatherproof jacket
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'weather station
noun a place where weather conditions are studied and recorded
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'weather strip
noun (AmE ) = DRAUGHT EXCLUDER
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wea.ther.vane
noun a metal object on the roof of a building that turns easily in the wind and shows which direction the wind is blowing from—see also WEATHERCOCK
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weave
verb, noun
verb (wove woven In sense 4 weaved is used for the past tense and past participle.)
1 ~ A (from B)| ~ B (into A)| ~ sth (together) to make fabric, a carpet, a basket, etc. by crossing threads or strips across, over and under each other by hand or on a machine called a LOOM : [vn] The baskets are woven from strips of willow.  The strips of willow are woven into baskets.  Most spiders weave webs that are almost invisible.  threads woven together  [v] She is skilled at spinning and weaving.
2 [vn] ~ A (out of / from B)| ~ B (into A) to make sth by twisting flowers, pieces of wood, etc. together: She deftly wove the flowers into a garland.
3 [vn] ~ sth (into sth)| ~ sth (together) to put facts, events, details, etc. together to make a story or a closely connected whole: to weave a story / narrative  The biography weaves together the various strands of Einstein’s life.
4 (weaved, weaved) [+adv. / prep.] to move along by running and changing direction continuously to avoid things that are in your way: [v] She was weaving in and out of the traffic.  The road weaves through a range of hills.  [vn] He had to weave his way through the milling crowds.
IDM weave your 'magic | weave a 'spell (over sb) (especially BrE) to perform or behave in a way that attracts and interests sb very much or makes them react in a particular way: Will Owen be able to weave his magic against Scotland on Wednesday?

noun the way in which threads are arranged in a piece of fabric that has been woven; the pattern that the threads make

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weaver
noun a person whose job is weaving fabric
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web
noun
1 [C] = SPIDER’S WEB : A spider had spun a perfect web outside the window.—
2 [C] a complicated pattern of things that are closely connected to each other: a web of streets  We were caught in a tangled web of relationships.  She discovered a web of intrigue in the company.
3 [C] a piece of skin that joins the toes of some birds and animals that swim, for example ducks and FROGS
4 (the Web) [sing.] = WORLD WIDE WEB : Web pages  a Web site (= where a company, etc. has information about itself on the Web)
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web.bed
adj. [only before noun] a bird or an animal (such as a duck or FROG ) that has webbed feet has pieces of skin between the toes—
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web.bing
noun [U] strong strips of woven material that are used to make belts or straps, and to support the seats of chairs, etc.
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web.master
noun (computing ) a person who is responsible for particular pages of information on the World Wide Web
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wed
verb (wed.ded, wed.ded) or (wed, wed) (not used in the progressive tenses) (old-fashioned or used in newspapers) to marry: [v] The couple plan to wed next summer.  [vn] Rock star to wed top model (= in a newspaper headline).
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we’d
short form
1 we had
2 we would
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wed.ded
adj.
1 ~ to sth (formal) if you are wedded to sth, you like or support it so much that you are not willing to give it up: She’s wedded to her job.
2 [usually before noun] ~ (to sb) (old-fashioned or formal) legally married: your lawfully wedded husband / wife  to live together in wedded bliss
3 [not before noun] ~ (to sth) (formal or literary) combined or united with sth
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wed.ding
noun a marriage ceremony, and the meal or party that usually follows it: a wedding present / dress  a wedding ceremony / reception  Have you been invited to their wedding?  She looked beautiful on her wedding day.  Today is our wedding anniversary.  All her friends could hear wedding bells (= they thought she would soon get married).—see also SHOTGUN WEDDING , WHITE WEDDING
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'wedding band
noun a wedding ring in the form of a plain band, usually of gold—picture at JEWELLERY
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'wedding breakfast
noun (BrE , formal) a special meal after a marriage ceremony
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'wedding cake
noun [C, U] a cake covered with ICING , and usually with several layers, eaten at a wedding party—
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'wedding ring
noun a ring that is given during a marriage ceremony and worn afterwards to show that you are married—picture at JEWELLERY
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wedge
noun, verb
noun
1 a piece of wood, rubber, metal, etc. with one thick end and one thin pointed end that you use to keep a door open, to keep two things apart, or to split wood or rock: He hammered the wedge into the crack in the stone.   (figurative) A wedge had been tapped into their friendship.  I don’t want to drive a wedge between the two of you (= to make you start disliking each other).
2 something that is shaped like a wedge or that is used like a wedge : a wedge of lemon / cake / cheese
3 a golf CLUB that has the part that you hit the ball with shaped like a wedge
IDM see THIN adj.

verb
1 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to put or squeeze sth tightly into a narrow space, so that it cannot move easily: The boat was now wedged between the rocks.  She wedged herself into the passenger seat.
2 to make sth stay in a particular position, especially open or shut, by placing sth against it: [vn-adj] to wedge the door open / shut [alsovn]

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wed.lock
noun [U] (old-fashioned orlaw ) the state of being married: children born in / out of wedlock (= whose parents are / are not married)
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Wed.nes.day
noun [C, U] (abbr. Wed., Weds.) the day of the week after Tuesday and before Thursday
HELP To see how Wednesday is used, look at the examples at Monday.
ORIGIN Originally translated from the Latin for ‘day of Mercury’Mercurii dies and named after the Germanic god Odin.
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wee
adj., noun, verb
adj. (informal)
1 (especially ScotE) very small in size: a wee girl
2 small in amount; little: Just a wee drop of milk for me.  I felt a wee bit guilty about it.
IDM the wee small 'hours (ScotE) (AmE the wee 'hours) = THE SMALL / EARLY HOURS at HOUR

noun (also 'wee-wee) (spoken, especially BrE ) (often used by young children or when you are talking to them)
1 [sing.] an act of passing liquid waste (called URINE ) from your body: to do / have a wee
2 [U] = URINE

verb [v] (also 'wee-wee) (informal, especially BrE ) (often used by young children or when you are talking to them) to pass liquid waste (called URINE ) from the body: Do you need to wee?

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weed
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a wild plant growing where it is not wanted, especially among crops or garden plants: The yard was overgrown with weeds.
2 [U] any wild plant without flowers that grows in water and forms a green floating mass
3 (the weed) [sing.] (humorous) tobacco or cigarettes: I wish I could give up the weed (= stop smoking).
4 [U] (informal) the drug CANNABIS
5 [C] (BrE, informal, disapproving) a person with a weak character or body: Don’t be such a weed!

verb to take out weeds from the ground: [vn] I’ve been weeding the flower beds. [alsov] ,weed sth/sb<->'out to remove or get rid of people or things from a group because they are not wanted or are less good than the rest

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weed.kill.er
noun [U, C] a substance that is used to destroy weeds
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weedy
adj. (weed.ier, weedi.est)
1 (BrE, informal, disapproving) having a thin weak body: a weedy little man
2 full of or covered with weeds
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week
noun
1 a period of seven days, either from Monday to Sunday or from Sunday to Saturday: last / this / next week  It rained all week.  What day of the week is it?  He comes to see us once a week.
2 any period of seven days: a two-week holiday / vacation  The course lasts five weeks.  a week ago today (= seven days ago)  She’ll be back in a week.
3 the five days other than Saturday and Sunday: They live in town during the week and go to the country for the weekend.   (BrE) I never have the time to go out in the week .
4 the part of the week when you go to work: a 35-hour week  The firm is introducing a shorter working week.
IDM today, tomorrow, Monday, etc. 'week (BrE) (also a ,week from to'day, etc.AmE, BrE) seven days after the day that you mention: I’ll see you Thursday week. ,week after 'week (informal) continuously for many weeks: Week after week the drought continued. ,week by 'week as the weeks pass: Week by week he grew a little stronger. week ,in, week 'out happening every week: Every Sunday, week in, week out, she goes to her parents for lunch. a ,week next / on / this 'Monday, etc. | a ,week to'morrow, etc. (BrE) (also a ,week from 'Monday, etc.AmE, BrE) seven days after the day that you mention: It’s my birthday a week on Tuesday. a ,week 'yesterday, last 'Monday, etc. (especially BrE) seven days before the day that you mention: She started work a week yesterday.—more at OTHER adj.
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week.day
noun any day except Saturday and Sunday: The centre is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
week.days adv.: open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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week.end
noun, verb
noun
1 Saturday and Sunday: Are you doing anything over the weekend?  Have a good weekend!  It happened on the weekend of 24 and 25 April.   (BrE) The office is closed at the weekend .   (especially AmE) The office is closed on the weekend .   (BrE, informal) I like to go out on a weekend .  We go skiing most weekends in winter.—see also DIRTY WEEKEND , LONG WEEKEND
2 Saturday and Sunday, or a slightly longer period, as a holiday/vacation: He won a weekend for two in Rome.  a weekend break

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] to spend the weekend somewhere: They’re weekending in Paris.

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week.end.er
noun a person who visits or lives in a place only on Saturdays and Sundays
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'week-long
adj. (written) lasting for a week: a week-long visit to Rome  week-long seminars / courses
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week.ly
adj., noun
adj. happening, done or published once a week or every week: weekly payments / meetings  a weekly magazine / newspaper
week.ly adv.: Employees are paid weekly.  The newspaper is published twice weekly.

noun (pl.-ies) a newspaper or magazine that is published every week

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week.night
noun any night except those on Saturday and Sunday: I have to stay in on weeknights.
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weenie
noun (AmE , informal)
1 (disapproving) a person who is not strong, brave or confident
SYN WIMP : Don’t be such a weenie!
2 = FRANKFURTER
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weeny
adj. (informal) extremely small
SYN TINY : Weren’t you just a weeny bit scared?—see also TEENY
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weep
verb, noun
verb (wept, wept )
1 ~ (for / with sth)| ~ (at / over sth) (formal or literary) to cry, usually because you are sad: [v] She started to weep uncontrollably.  He wept for joy.  I do not weep over his death.  I could have wept thinking about what I’d missed.  [vn] She wept bitter tears of disappointment.  [v to inf] I wept to see him looking so sick. [alsov speech]
2 [v] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (of a wound) to produce liquid: His legs were covered with weeping sores (= sores which had not healed).

noun [sing.] an act of crying: Sometimes you feel better for a good weep.

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weep.ing
adj. [only before noun] (of some trees) with branches that hang downwards: a weeping willow / fig / birch
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weepy
adj., noun
adj. (informal) sad and tending to cry easily: She was feeling tired and weepy.

noun (also weepie) (pl.-ies) (informal) a sad film/movie or play that makes you want to cry

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wee.vil
noun a small insect with a hard shell, that eats grain, nuts and other seeds and destroys crops
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weft
(also less frequent woof) noun (the weft) [sing.] the threads that are woven under and over the threads that are held on a LOOM (= a frame or machine for weaving fabric)—compare WARP
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weigh
verb
1 linking verb to have a particular weight: [v] How much do you weigh (= how heavy are you)?  [v-n] She weighs 60 kilos.  These cases weigh a ton (= are very heavy).
2 [vn] to measure how heavy sth is, usually by using SCALES/A SCALE : He weighed himself on the bathroom scales.  She weighed the stone in her hand (= estimated how heavy it was by holding it).
3 [vn] ~ sth (up)| ~ (up) sth (against sth) to consider sth carefully before making a decision: You must weigh up the pros and cons (= consider the advantages and disadvantages of sth).  I weighed the benefits of the plan against the risks involved.  She weighed up all the evidence.
4 [v] ~ (with sb) (against sb/sth) to have an influence on sb’s opinion or the result of sth: His past record weighs heavily against him.
5 [vn] ~ anchor to lift an ANCHOR out of the water and into a boat before sailing away
IDM weigh your 'words to choose your words carefully so that you say exactly what you mean
PVR V ,weigh sb<->'down to make sb feel worried or anxious
SYN BURDEN : The responsibilities of the job are weighing her down.  He is weighed down with guilt. ,weigh sb/sth<->'down to make sb/sth heavier so that they are not able to move easily: I was weighed down with baggage. ,weigh 'in (at sth) to have your weight measured, especially before a contest, race, etc: Both boxers weighed in at several pounds below the limit.—related noun WEIGH-IN ,weigh 'in (with sth) (informal) to join in a discussion, an argument, an activity, etc. by saying sth important, persuading sb, or doing sth to help: We all weighed in with our suggestions.  Finally the government weighed in with financial aid. 'weigh on sb/sth to make sb anxious or worried: The responsibilities weigh heavily on him.  Something was weighing on her mind. ,weigh sth<->'out to measure an amount of sth by weight: She weighed out a kilo of flour. ,weigh sb<->'up to form an opinion of sb by watching or talking to them: It was obvious that she was cautiously weighing me up.
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weigh.bridge
noun a machine for weighing vehicles and their loads, usually with a platform onto which the vehicle is driven
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'weigh-in
noun the occasion when the weight of a boxer, JOCKEY , etc. is checked just before a fight, race, etc.
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'weighing machine
noun a machine for weighing large objects or for weighing people in a public place
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weight
noun, verb
noun
BEING HEAVY|
1 [U, C] how heavy sb/sth is, which can be measured in, for example, kilograms or pounds: It is about 76 kilos in weight .  Bananas are sold by weight.  In the wild, this fish can reach a weight of 5lbs.  She is trying to lose weight (= become less heavy and less fat).  He’s put on / gained weight (= become heavier and fatter) since he gave up smoking.  Sam has a weight problem (= is too fat).  No more for me. I have to watch my weight .—see also OVERWEIGHT , UNDERWEIGHT
2 [U] the fact of being heavy: He staggered a little under the weight of his backpack.  I just hoped the branch would take my weight .  The pillars have to support the weight of the roof.  Don’t put any weight on that ankle for at least a week.—see also DEADWEIGHT
HEAVY OBJECT|
3 [C] an object that is heavy: The doctor said he should not lift heavy weights.
4 [C] an object used to keep sth in position or as part of a mechanism: He used weights to keep the tablecloth in place.  weights on a fishing line—picture at GRANDFATHER CLOCK —see also PAPERWEIGHT
RESPONSIBILITY / WORRY|
5 [sing.] ~ (of sth) a great responsibility or worry: The full weight of responsibility falls on her.  The news was certainly a weight off my mind (= I did not have to worry about it any more).  Finally telling the truth was a great weight off my shoulders .
INFLUENCE / STRENGTH|
6 [U] importance, influence or strength: The many letters of support added weight to the campaign.  The President has now offered to lend his weight to the project.  Your opinion carries weight with the boss.  How can you ignore the sheer weight of medical opinion?  The weight of evidence against her is overwhelming.
FOR MEASURING / LIFTING|
7 [C, U] a unit or system of units by which weight is measured: tables of weights and measures  imperial / metric weight
8 [C] a piece of metal that is known to weigh a particular amount and is used to measure the weight of sth, or lifted by people to improve their strength and as a sport: a set of weights  She lifts weights as part of her training.  weight training take the weight off your feet (informal) to sit down and rest, especially when you are tired: Come and sit down and take the weight off your feet for a while. throw your 'weight about / around (informal) to use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to achieve what you want: She was a good manager, who didn’t find it necessary to throw her weight around. throw / put your weight behind sth to use all your influence and power to support sth weight of 'numbers the combined power, strength or influence of a group: They won the argument by sheer weight of numbers.—more at GROAN v. , PULL v. , WORTH adj.

verb [vn]
ATTACH HEAVY OBJECT|
1 ~ sth (down) (with sth) to attach a weight to sth in order to keep it in the right position or make it heavier: The fishing nets are weighted with lead.  The body had been weighted down with stones.
GIVE IMPORTANCE|
2 [usually passive] to give different values to things to show how important you think each of them is compared with the others: The results of the survey were weighted to allow for variations in the sample.  a weighted vote (= one that is worth more than a single vote)   (AmE) a weighted grade (= given at school for a course that is more advanced or harder and so has a higher value)

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weight.ed
adj. [not before noun] ~ towards / against sb/sth| ~ in favour of sb/sth arranged in such a way that a particular person or thing has an advantage or a disadvantage: The proposal is weighted towards smaller businesses.  Everything seemed weighted against them.  The course is heavily weighted in favour of engineering.
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weight.ing
noun
1 [U] (BrE) extra money that you get paid for working in a particular area because it is expensive to live there: a weighting allowance for London
2 [C, U] a value that you give to each of a number of things to show how important it is compared with the others: Each of the factors is given a weighting on a scale of 1 to 10.  Each question in the exam has equal weighting.
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weight.less
adj. having no weight or appearing to have no weight, for example because there is no GRAVITY : Astronauts work in weightless conditions.
weight.less.ness noun [U]
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weight.lift.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of lifting heavy weights
weight.lift.er noun
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weighty
adj. (weight.ier, weighti.est) (formal)
1 important and serious: weighty issues / questions / matters
2 heavy: a weighty volume / tome
weight.ily adv.
weighti.ness noun [U]
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weir
noun a low wall or barrier built across a river in order to control the flow of water or change its direction
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weird
adj. (weird.er, weird.est)
1 unusual or different; not normal: a weird dream  She’s a really weird girl.  He’s got some weird ideas.  It’s really weird seeing yourself on television.  the weird and wonderful creatures that live beneath the sea
2 (written) strange, mysterious or frightening: She began to make weird inhuman sounds.
weird.ly adv.: The town was weirdly familiar.
weird.ness noun [U]
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weirdo
noun (pl.-os ) (informal, disapproving) a person who looks strange and/or behaves in a strange way
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welch
verb = WELSH
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wel.come
verb, adj., noun, exclamation
verb
1 ~ sb (to sth) to greet sb in a friendly way when they arrive somewhere: [vn] They were at the door to welcome us.  It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home.  [v] a welcoming smile
2 [vn] to be pleased that sb has come or has joined an organization, activity, etc: They welcomed the new volunteers with open arms (= with enthusiasm).
3 [vn] to be pleased to receive or accept sth: I’d welcome any suggestions.  I warmly welcome this decision.  In general, the changes they had made were to be welcomed.

adj.
1 that you are pleased to have, receive, etc: a welcome opportunity / relief / sight  Your letter was very welcome.  The fine weather made a welcome change .
2 (of people) accepted or wanted somewhere: Children are always welcome at the hotel.  Our neighbours made us welcome as soon as we arrived.  I had the feeling we were not welcome at the meeting.
3 ~ to do sth (especially spoken) used to say that you are happy for sb to do sth if they want to: They’re welcome to stay here as long as they like.
4 ~ to sth (especially spoken) used to say that you are very happy for sb to have sth because you definitely do not want it: It’s an awful job. If you want it, you’re welcome to it !
IDM you’re 'welcome (especially AmE) used as a polite reply when sb thanks you for sth: ‘Thanks for your help.’‘You’re welcome.’

noun
1 [C, U] a greeting that is given to sb when they arrive, especially a friendly one: Thank you for your warm welcome .  The winners were given an enthusiastic welcome when they arrived home.  a speech / smile of welcome  to receive a hero’s welcome
2 [C] the way that people react to sth, which shows their opinion of it: This new comedy deserves a warm welcome .  The proposals were given a cautious welcome by the trade unions.
IDM outstay / overstay your 'welcome to stay somewhere as a guest longer than you are wanted

exclamation used as a greeting to a person who is arriving: Welcome home!  Welcome to Oxford!

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'welcome mat
noun
IDM lay, put, roll, etc. out the 'welcome mat (for sb) (especially AmE) to make sb feel welcome; to try to attract visitors, etc: The county has put out the welcome mat for international investors.
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wel.com.ing
adj.
1 (of a person) friendly towards sb who is visiting or arriving
2 (of a place) attractive and looking comfortable to be in: His room was quiet, warm and welcoming.
OPP UNWELCOMING
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weld
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ A and B (together)| ~ A (on) to B to join pieces of metal together by heating their edges and pressing them together: [vn] to weld a broken axle  The car has had a new wing welded on.  All the parts of the sculpture have to be welded together. [alsov]
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth into sth| ~ sth together to unite people or things into a strong and effective group: They had welded a bunch of untrained recruits into an efficient fighting force.  The crisis helped to weld the party together.

noun a joint made by welding

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weld.er
noun a person whose job is welding metal
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wel.fare
noun [U]
1 the general health, happiness and safety of a person, an animal or a group
SYN WELL-BEING : We are concerned about the child’s welfare.
2 practical or financial help that is provided, often by the government, for people or animals that need it: The state is still the main provider of welfare.  animal / child welfare  a social welfare programme  welfare provision / services / work
3 (especially AmE) = SOCIAL SECURITY : They would rather work than live on welfare .
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,welfare 'state
noun
1 (often the Welfare State) [usually sing.] a system by which the government provides a range of free services to people who need them, for example medical care, money for people without work, care for old people, etc.
2 [C] a country that has such a system
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well
adv., adj., exclamation, noun, verb
adv. (bet.ter best )
1 in a good, right or satisfactory way: The kids all behaved well.  The conference was very well organized.   (spoken) Well done! (= expressing admiration for what sb has done)  His campaign was not going well .  These animals make very good pets if treated well (= with kindness).  People spoke well of (= spoke with approval of) him.  She took it very well (= did not react too badly), all things considered.  They lived well (= in comfort and spending a lot of money) and were generous with their money.  She was determined to marry well (= marry sb rich and / or with a high social position).
2 thoroughly and completely: Add the lemon juice and mix well.  The surface must be well prepared before you start to paint.  How well do you know Carla?  He’s well able to take care of himself.   (BrE, spoken, informal) I was well annoyed, I can tell you.
3 to a great extent or degree: He was driving at well over the speed limit.  a well-loved tale  The castle is well worth a visit.  He liked her well enough (= to a reasonable degree) but he wasn’t going to make a close friend of her.
4 can / could ~ easily: She could well afford to pay for it herself.
5 can / could / may / might ~ probably: You may well be right.  It may well be that the train is delayed.
6 can / could / may / might ~ with good reason: I can’t very well leave now.  I couldn’t very well refuse to help them, could I?  ‘What are we doing here?’‘You may well ask (= I don’t really know either).’
IDM as well (as sb/sth) in addition to sb/sth; too: Are they coming as well?  They sell books as well as newspapers.  She is a talented musician as well as being a photographer.  note at ALSO be doing 'well to be getting healthier after an illness; to be in good health after a birth: Mother and baby are doing well. be well on the way to sth / doing sth to have nearly achieved sth and be going to achieve it soon: She is well on the way to recovery.  He is well on the way to establishing himself among the top ten players in the world. be ,well 'out of sth (BrE, informal) to be lucky that you are not involved in sth be ,well 'up in sth to know a lot about sth: He’s well up in all the latest developments. do 'well to be successful: Jack is doing very well at school. do 'well by sb to treat sb generously do 'well for yourself to become successful or rich do 'well out of sb/sth to make a profit or get money from sb/sth do 'well to do sth to be sensible or wise to do sth: He would do well to concentrate more on his work.  You did well to sell when the price was high. leave / let well a'lone (BrE) (AmE let well enough a'lone) to not get involved in sth that does not concern you: When it comes to other people’s arguments, it’s better to leave well alone. may / might (just) as well do sth to do sth because it seems best in the situation that you are in, although you may not really want to do it: If no one else wants it, we might as well give it to him. ,well and 'truly (informal) completely: By that time we were well and truly lost. 'well away (BrE, informal)
1 having made good progress: If we got Terry to do that, we’d be well away.
2 drunk or fast asleep ,well 'in (with sb) (informal) to be good friends with sb, especially sb important: She seems to be well in with all the right people. ,well 'off
1 having a lot of money; rich: His family is not very well off.  The less well-off pensioners are finding it hard to survive on what they get.
2 in a good situation: Some people don’t know when they’re well off (= do not realize how lucky they are). ,well 'off for sth having plenty of sth: We’re well off for storage space in the new offices.—more at BLOODY^1 , FUCKING , JOLLY adv. , KNOW v. , MEAN v. , PRETTY adv.

adj. (bet.ter best )
1 [not usually before noun] in good health: I don’t feel very well.  Is she well enough to travel?  Get well soon! (for example, on a card)  I’m better now, thank you.   (informal) He’s not a well man.  note at HEALTHY
2 [not before noun] in a satisfactory state or position: It seems that all is not well at home.  All’s well that ends well (= used when sth has ended happily, even though you thought it might not).
3 [not before noun] (as) ~ (to do sth) sensible; a good idea: It would be just as well to call and say we might be late.   (formal) It would be well to start early.
IDM ,all very 'well (for sb) (to do sth) (informal) used to criticize or reject a remark that sb has made, especially when they were trying to make you feel happier about sth: It’s all very well for you to say it doesn’t matter, but I’ve put a lot of work into this and I want it to be a success. ,all well and 'good (informal) good but not completely satisfactory: That’s all well and good, but why didn’t he call her to say so?

exclamation
1 used to express surprise, anger or RELIEF : Well, well —I would never have guessed it!  Well, really! What a thing to say!  Well, thank goodness that’s over!
2 used to show that you accept that sth cannot be changed: Well, it can’t be helped.  ‘We lost.’‘Oh, well. Better luck next time.’
3 used to agree to sth, rather unwillingly: Well, I suppose I could fit you in at 3.45.  Oh, very well , then, if you insist.
4 used when continuing a conversation after a pause: Well, as I was saying …
5 used to express uncertainty: ‘Do you want to come?’‘Well, I’m not sure.’
6 used to show that you are waiting for sb to say sth: Well? Are you going to tell us or not?
7 used to mark the end of a conversation: Well, I’d better be going now.
8 used when you are pausing to consider your next words: I think it happened, well, towards the end of last summer.
9 used when you want to correct or change sth that you have just said: There were thousands of people there—well, hundreds, anyway.
IDM well I 'never ('did)! (old-fashioned) used to express surprise—more at SAY v.

noun
1 a deep hole in the ground from which people obtain water. The sides of wells are usually covered with brick or stone and there is usually some covering or a small wall at the top of the well .
2 = OIL WELL
3 a narrow space in a building that drops down from a high to a low level and usually contains a staircase or lift/elevator—see also STAIRWELL
4 (BrE) the space in front of the judge in a court of law, where the lawyers sit

verb [v] ~ (up)
1 (of a liquid) to rise to the surface of sth and start to flow: Tears were welling up in her eyes.
2 (literary) (of an emotion) to become stronger: Hate welled up inside him as he thought of the two of them together.

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we’ll
short form
1 we will
2 we SHALL
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,well ad'justed
adj. (of a person) able to deal with people, problems and life in general in a normal, sensible way—compare MALADJUSTED
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,well ad'vised
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) acting in the most sensible way: You would be well advised to tackle this problem urgently.—compare ILL-ADVISED
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,well ap'pointed
adj. (formal) having all the necessary equipment; having comfortable and attractive furniture, etc.
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,well at'tended
adj. attended by a lot of people: a well-attended conference
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,well 'balanced
adj.
1 containing a sensible variety of the sort of things or people that are needed: a well-balanced diet / meal  The team was not well balanced.
2 (of a person or their behaviour) sensible and emotionally in control: His response was well balanced.
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,well be'haved
adj. behaving in a way that other people think is polite or correct: a well-behaved child / dog  The audience was surprisingly well behaved.
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'well-being
noun [U] general health and happiness: emotional / physical / psychological well-being  to have a sense of well-being
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,well 'born
adj. (formal) from a rich family or a family of high social class
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,well 'bred
adj. (old-fashioned, formal) having or showing good manners; typical of a high social class: a well-bred young lady  She was too well bred to show her disappointment.
OPP ILL-BRED
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,well 'built
adj.
1 (of a person) with a solid, strong body
2 (of a building or machine) strongly made
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,well con'nected
adj. (formal) (of a person) having important or rich friends or relatives
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,well 'cut
adj. (of clothes) made well and therefore probably expensive
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,well de'fined
adj. easy to see or understand: well-defined laws / patterns / rules  These categories are not well defined.
OPP ILL-DEFINED
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,well de'veloped
adj. fully developed; fully grown: He had a well-developed sense of his own superiority.
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,well dis'posed
adj. ~ (towards / to sb/sth) having friendly feelings towards sb or a positive attitude towards sth: It’s a country that is well disposed to the West.
OPP ILL-DISPOSED
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,well 'documented
adj. having a lot of written evidence to prove, support or explain it: The problem is well documented.  well-documented facts / cases
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,well 'done
adj. (of food, especially meat) cooked thoroughly or for a long time: He prefers his steak well done.—compare RARE , UNDERDONE
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,well 'dressed
adj. wearing fashionable or expensive clothes: This is what today’s well-dressed man is wearing.
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,well 'earned
adj. much deserved: a well-earned rest
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,well en'dowed
adj.
1 (informal, humorous) (of a woman) having large breasts
2 (informal, humorous) (of a man) having large GENITALS
3 (of an organization) having a lot of money: well-endowed colleges
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,well e'stablished
adj. having a respected position, because of being successful, etc. over a long period: a well-established firm / reputation / tradition  He is now well established in his career.
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,well 'fed
adj. having plenty of good food to eat regularly: well-fed family pets  The animals all looked well fed and cared for.
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,well 'founded
(also less frequent ,well 'grounded) adj. having good reasons or evidence to cause or support it: well-founded suspicions  His fear turned out to be well founded.
OPP ILL-FOUNDED
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,well-'groomed
adj. (of a person) looking clean, neat and carefully dressed
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,well 'grounded
adj.
1 ~ in sth having a good training in a subject or skill
2 = WELL FOUNDED
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,well 'heeled
adj. (informal) having a lot of money; rich
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,well in'formed
adj. having or showing knowledge or information about many subjects or about one particular subject: a well-informed decision
OPP ILL-INFORMED
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wel.ling.ton
(also ,wellington 'boot, informal welly) (all BrE ) (AmE ,rubber 'boot) noun one of a pair of long rubber boots, usually reaching almost up to the knee, that you wear to stop your feet getting wet: a pair of wellingtons—picture at SHOE
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,well in'tentioned
adj. intending to be helpful or useful but not always succeeding very well
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,well 'kept
adj.
1 kept neat and in good condition: well-kept gardens
2 (of a secret) known only to a few people
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,well 'known
adj.
1 known about by a lot of people
SYN FAMOUS : a well-known actor  His books are not well known.
2 (of a fact) generally known and accepted: It is a well-known fact that caffeine is a stimulant.
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,well 'mannered
adj. (formal) having good manners
SYN POLITE
OPP ILL-MANNERED
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,well 'matched
adj. able to live together, play or fight each other, etc. because they are similar in character, ability, etc: a well-matched couple  The two teams were well matched.
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,well 'meaning
adj. intending to do what is right and helpful but often not succeeding: her well-meaning but anxious family and friends  a well-meaning attempt to be helpful  He’s very well meaning.
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,well 'meant
adj. done, said, etc. in order to be helpful but often not succeeding: well-meant comments  His offer was well meant.
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well.ness
noun [U] (especially AmE ) the state of being healthy
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,well-'nigh
adv. (formal) almost: Defence was well-nigh impossible against such opponents.
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,well 'oiled
adj. (written) operating smoothly and well: The system ran like a well-oiled machine.
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,well pre'served
adj. not showing many signs of age; kept in good condition
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,well 'read
adj. having read many books and therefore having gained a lot of knowledge
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,well 'rounded
adj.
1 having a variety of experiences and abilities and a fully developed personality: well-rounded individuals
2 providing or showing a variety of experience, ability, etc: a well-rounded education
3 (of a person’s body) pleasantly round in shape
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,well 'run
adj. managed smoothly and well: a well-run hotel
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,well 'spoken
adj. having a way of speaking that is considered correct or elegant
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well.spring
noun (literary) a supply or source of a particular quality, especially one that never ends
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,well 'thought of
adj. respected, admired and liked: Their family has always been well thought of around here.
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,well thought 'out
adj. carefully planned
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,well 'thumbed
adj. a well-thumbed book has been read many times
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,well 'timed
adj. done or happening at the right time or at an appropriate time
SYN TIMELY : a well-timed intervention  Your remarks were certainly well timed.
OPP ILL-TIMED
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,well-to-'do
adj. having a lot of money; rich: a well-to-do family  They’re very well-to-do.
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,well 'tried
adj. used many times before and known to be successful: a well-tried method
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,well 'trodden
adj. (formal) (of a road or path) much used
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,well 'turned
adj. (formal) expressed in an elegant way: a well-turned phrase
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'well-wisher
noun a person who wants to show that they support sb and want them to be happy, successful, etc.
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,well 'worn
adj.
1 worn or used a lot or for a long time: a well-worn jacket  Most British visitors beat a well-worn path to the same tourist areas of the US.
2 (of a phrase, story, etc.) heard so often that it does not sound interesting any more
SYN HACKNEYED
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welly
noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) = WELLINGTON : a pair of green wellies
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Welsh
noun, adj.
noun
1 [U] the Celtic language of Wales: Do you speak Welsh?
2 (the Welsh) [pl.] the people of Wales

adj. of or connected with Wales, its people or its language: Welsh mountains / poetry

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welsh
(also welch) verb [v] ~ (on sb/sth) (disapproving, informal) to not do sth that you have promised to do, for example to not pay money that you owe a person: ‘I’m not in the habit of welshing on deals,’ said Don.
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,Welsh 'dresser
noun (BrE ) = DRESSER
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,Welsh 'rarebit
(also rare.bit) noun [U] (BrE ) a hot dish of cheese melted on toast
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welt
noun a raised mark on the skin where sth has hit or rubbed you
SYN WEAL
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wel.ter
noun [sing.] (formal) ~ of sth a large and confusing amount of sth: a welter of criticism / enquiries / information
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wel.ter.weight
noun a boxer weighing between 61 and 67 kilograms, heavier than a LIGHTWEIGHT : a welterweight champion
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wench
noun (old use or humorous) a young woman
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wend
verb (old use or literary) to move or travel slowly somewhere: [vn] Leo wended his way home through the wet streets. [alsov]
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Wendy house
noun (BrE ) = PLAYHOUSE
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went
pt of GO
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wept
pt, pp of WEEP
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were
BE
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we’re
short form we are
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weren’t
short form were not
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were.wolf
noun (pl.-wolves ) (in stories) a person who sometimes changes into a WOLF , especially at the time of the full moon
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west
noun, adj., adv.
noun [U, sing.] (abbr. W)
1 (usually the west) the direction that you look towards to see the sun set; one of the four main points of the COMPASS : Which way is west?  Rain is spreading from the west.  He lives to the west of (= further west than) the town.—compare EAST , NORTH , SOUTH —picture at COMPASS
2 (the West) Europe, N America and Canada, contrasted with eastern countries: I was born in Japan, but I’ve lived in the West for some years now.
3 (the West) (AmE) the western side of the US: the history of the American West—see also THE MIDWEST , THE WILD WEST
4 (the West) (in the past) western Europe and N America, when contrasted with the Communist countries of Eastern Europe: East-West relations

adj. [only before noun] (abbr. W)
1 in or towards the west: West Africa  the west coast of Scotland
2 a west wind blows from the west—compare WESTERLY

adv. towards the west: This room faces west.

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west.bound
adj. travelling or leading towards the west: westbound traffic  the westbound carriageway of the motorway
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west.er.ly
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] in or towards the west: travelling in a westerly direction
2 [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the west: westerly gales—compare WEST

noun (pl.-ies) a wind that blows from the west: light westerlies

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west.ern
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] (abbr.W) (also Western) situated in the west or facing west: western Spain  Western Europe  the western slopes of the mountain
2 (usually Western) connected with the west part of the world, especially Europe and N America: Western art—see also COUNTRY AND WESTERN

noun a film/movie or book about life in the western US in the 19th century, usually involving COWBOYS

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west.ern.er
noun a person who comes from or lives in the western part of the world, especially western Europe or N America
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west.ern.iza.tion
(BrE also -isa.tion) noun [U] the process of becoming westernized
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west.ern.ize
(BrE also -ise) verb [vn] [usually passive] to bring ideas or ways of life that are typical of western Europe and N America to other countries: The islands have been westernized by the growth of tourism.
west.ern.ized , -isedadj.: a westernized society
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west.ern.most
adj. (written) situated furthest west: the westernmost tip of the island
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west.wards
(also west.ward) adv. towards the west: to go / look / turn westwards
west.ward adj.: in a westward direction
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wet
adj., verb, noun
adj. (wet.ter, wet.test)
1 covered or soaked with liquid, especially water: wet clothes / grass / hair / roads  You’ll get wet (= in the rain) if you go out now.  Try not to get your shoes wet.  His face was wet with tears.  We were all soaking wet (= extremely wet).  Her hair was still dripping wet .  My shirt was wet through (= completely wet).
2 (of weather, etc.) with rain: a wet day  a wet climate  It’s wet outside.  It’s going to be wet tomorrow.  It was the wettest October for many years.
3 (of paint, ink, etc.) not yet dry: Keep off! Wet paint.
4 if a child or its NAPPY/DIAPER is wet, its NAPPY/DIAPER is soaked with URINE
5 (BrE) (of a person) (informal, disapproving) lacking a strong character: ‘Don’t be so wet,’ she laughed.
wetly adv.
wet.ness noun [U]
IDM (still) ,wet behind the 'ears (informal, disapproving) young and without much experience
SYN NAIVE

verb (wet.ting, wet, wet) or (wet.ting, wet.ted, wet.ted) [vn] to make sth wet: Wet the brush slightly before putting it in the paint.
IDM wet the / your 'bed [no passive] to accidentally URINATE in your bed: It is quite common for small children to wet their beds. 'wet yourself | wet your 'pants / 'knickers [no passive] to accidentally URINATE in your underwear

noun
1 (the wet) [sing.] wet weather; rain: Come in out of the wet.
2 [U] liquid, especially water: The dog shook the wet from its coat.
3 [C] (BrE, disapproving) a CONSERVATIVE politician who supports MODERATE policies rather than extreme ones: Tory wets
4 [C] (BrE, informal, disapproving) a person who lacks a strong character: Don’t be such a wet!

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wet.back
noun (AmE ,  , slang) an offensive word for a Mexican person, especially one who enters the US illegally
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,wet 'blanket
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is not enthusiastic about anything and who stops other people from enjoying themselves
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,wet 'dream
noun a sexually exciting dream that a man has that results in an ORGASM
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wet.land
noun [C, U] (also wet.lands [pl.]) an area of wet land: The wetlands are home to a large variety of wildlife.
wet.land adj. [only before noun]: wetland birds / plants / habitats
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'wet nurse
noun (usually in the past) a woman employed to feed another woman’s baby with her own breast milk
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'wet suit
noun a piece of clothing made of rubber that fits the whole body closely, worn by people swimming underwater or sailing—picture at SNORKELLING
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we’ve
short form we have
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whack
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 (informal) to hit sb/sth very hard: She whacked him with her handbag.  James whacked the ball over the net.
2 [+adv. / prep.] (spoken) to put sth somewhere without much care: Just whack your bags in the corner.

noun [usually sing.] (informal)
1 the act of hitting sb/sth hard; the sound made by this: He gave the ball a good whack.  I heard the whack of the bullet hitting the wood.
2 (BrE) a share of sth; an amount of sth: Don’t leave all the work to her. Everyone should do their fair whack.  You have to pay the full whack. There are no reductions.  He charges top whack (= the highest amount possible).
IDM out of 'whack (AmE, informal) (of a system or machine) not working as it should because its different parts are not working together correctly

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whacked
(also ,whacked 'out) adj. [not usually before noun] (BrE , informal) very tired: I’m whacked!
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whack.ing
(also 'whacking great) adj. (BrE , informal) used to emphasize how big or how much sth is
SYN WHOPPING : a whacking great hole in the roof  They were fined a whacking £100 000.
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whacky
= WACKY
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whale
noun a very large animal that lives in the sea and looks like a very large fish. There are several types of whale , some of which are hunted: whale meat—see also BLUE WHALE , KILLER WHALE , PILOT WHALE , SPERM WHALE
IDM have a 'whale of a time (informal) to enjoy yourself very much; to have a very good time
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whale.bone
noun [U] a thin hard substance found in the upper jaw of some types of whale , used in the past to make some clothes stiffer
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whaler
noun
1 a ship used for hunting whales
2 a person who hunts whales
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whal.ing
noun [U] the activity or business of hunting and killing WHALES
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wham
exclamation (informal)
1 used to represent the sound of a sudden, loud hit: The bombs went down—wham!—right on target.
2 used to show that sth that is unexpected has suddenly happened: I saw him yesterday and—wham!—I realized I was still in love with him.
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whammy
noun (pl.-ies) (informal) an unpleasant situation or event that causes problems for sb/sth: With this government we’ve had a double whammy of tax increases and benefit cuts.
ORIGIN From the 1950s American cartoon Li’l Abner, in which one of the characters could shoot a whammy (put a curse on sb) by pointing a finger with one eye open, or a double whammy with both eyes open.
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wharf
noun (pl.wharves or wharfs) a flat structure built beside the sea or a river where boats can be tied up and goods unloaded
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what
pron., det.
1 used in questions to ask for particular information about sb/sth: What is your name?  What (= what job) does he do?  What time is it?  What kind of music do you like?—compare WHICH
2 the thing or things that; whatever: What you need is a good meal.  Nobody knows what will happen next.  I spent what little time I had with my family.
3 used to say that you think that sth is especially good, bad, etc: What awful weather!  What a beautiful house!
IDM and 'what not | and what 'have you (spoken) and other things of the same type: It’s full of old toys, books and what not. get / give sb what 'for (BrE, spoken) to be punished/punish sb severely: I’ll give her what for if she does that again. or 'what (spoken)
1 used to emphasize your opinion: Is he stupid or what?
2 used when you are not sure about sth: I don’t know if he’s a teacher or what.  Are we going now or what? what? (spoken, informal)
1 used when you have not heard or have not understood sth: What? I can’t hear you.
2 used to show that you have heard sb and to ask what they want: ‘Mummy!’‘What?’‘I’m thirsty.’
3 used to express surprise or anger: ‘It will cost $500.’‘What?’  ‘I asked her to marry me.’‘You what? ’ 'What about … ? (spoken)
1 used to make a suggestion: What about a trip to France?
2 used to introduce sb/sth into the conversation: What about you, Joe? Do you like football? 'what-d’you-call-him / -her / -it / -them | 'what’s-his / -her / -its / -their-name used instead of a name that you cannot remember: She’s just gone out with old what-d’you-call-him. what for? for what purpose or reason?: What is this tool for?  What did you do that for (= why did you do that)?  ‘I need to see a doctor.’‘What for?’ what if … ? what would happen if?: What if the train is late?  What if she forgets to bring it? what 'of it? (spoken) used when admitting that sth is true, to ask why it should be considered important: Yes, I wrote the article. What of it? what’s 'what (spoken) what things are useful, important, etc: She certainly knows what’s what. what’s with sb (AmE, spoken) used to ask why sb is behaving in a strange way: What’s with you? You haven’t said a word all morning. what’s with sth (AmE, spoken) used to ask the reason for sth: What’s with all this walking? Can’t we take a cab? what with sth used to list the various reasons for sth: What with the cold weather and my bad leg, I haven’t been out for weeks.
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whatch.am.acall.it
noun (spoken) used when you cannot think of the name of sth: Have you got a whatchamacallit? You know … a screwdriver?
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what.ever
det., pron., adv.
det., pron.
1 any or every; anything or everything: Take whatever action is needed.  Do whatever you like.
2 used when you are saying that it does not matter what sb does or what happens, because the result will be the same: Whatever decision he made I would support it.  You have our support, whatever you decide.
3 (especially BrE) used in questions to express surprise or confusion: Whatever do you mean?  Chocolate-flavoured carrots! Whatever next ?
4 (spoken, ironic) used as a reply to tell sb that you do not care what happens or that you are not interested in what they are talking about: ‘You should try a herbal remedy.’‘Yeah, whatever.’
5 (spoken, especially AmE) used to say that you do not mind what you do, have, etc. and that anything is acceptable: ‘What would you like to do today?’‘Whatever.’
IDM or what'ever (spoken) or something of a similar type: It’s the same in any situation: in a prison, hospital or whatever. what'ever you do used to warn sb not to do sth under any circumstances: Don’t tell Paul, whatever you do!

adv.
1 (also what.so.ever) no, nothing, none, etc. ~ not at all; not of any kind: They received no help whatever.  ‘Is there any doubt about it?’‘None whatsoever.’
2 (informal) used to say that it does not matter what sb does, or what happens, because the result will be the same: We told him we’d back him whatever.

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what.not
noun [U] and ~ (informal) used when you are referring to sth, but are not being exact and do not mention its name: It’s a new firm. They make toys and whatnot.
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whats.it
noun (spoken, especially BrE ) used when you cannot think of the word or name you want, or do not want to use a particular word: I’ve got to make a whatsit for the party. That’s it—a flan.
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wheat
noun [U] a plant grown for its grain that is used to produce the flour for bread, cakes, PASTA , etc.; the grain of this plant: wheat flour—picture at CEREAL
IDM sort out / separate the ,wheat from the 'chaff to distinguish useful or valuable people or things from ones that are not useful or have no value
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wheat.germ
noun [U] the centre of the wheat grain, which is especially good for your health
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whee
exclamation used to express excitement
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whee.dle
verb ~ sth (out of sb)| ~ sb into doing sth (disapproving) to persuade sb to give you sth or do sth by saying nice things that you do not mean: [vn] The kids can always wheedle money out of their father.  She wheedled me into lending her my new coat. [alsov speech]
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wheel
noun, verb
noun
ON / IN VEHICLES|
1 [C] one of the circular objects under a car, bicycle, bus, etc. that turns when it moves: He braked suddenly, causing the front wheels to skid.  One of the boys was pushing the other along in a little box on wheels .
2 [C, usually sing.] the circular object used to steer a car, etc. or ship: This is the first time I’ve sat behind the wheel since the accident.  A car swept past with Laura at the wheel .  Do you want to take the wheel (= drive) now?—see also HELM , STEERING WHEEL
3 (wheels) [pl.] (informal) a car: At last he had his own wheels.
IN MACHINE|
4 [C] a flat circular part in a machine: gear wheels—see also CARTWHEEL , CATHERINE WHEEL , FERRIS WHEEL , MILL WHEEL , SPINNING WHEEL , WATERWHEEL
ORGANIZATION / SYSTEM|
5 (wheels) [pl.] ~ (of sth) an organization or a system that seems to work like a complicated machine that is difficult to understand: the wheels of bureaucracy / commerce / government  It was Rob’s idea. I merely set the wheels in motion (= started the process).
-WHEELED|
6 (in adjectives) having the number or type of wheels mentioned: a sixteen-wheeled lorry
-WHEELER|
7 (in nouns) a car, bicycle, etc. with the number of wheels mentioned: a three-wheeler ,wheels within 'wheels a situation which is difficult to understand because it involves complicated or secret processes and decisions: There are wheels within wheels in this organization—you never really know what is going on.—more at COG , GREASE v. , OIL v. , REINVENT , SHOULDER n. , SPOKE

verb [usually +adv. / prep.]
MOVE STH WITH WHEELS|
1 [vn] to push or pull sth that has wheels: She wheeled her bicycle across the road.
2 [vn] to move sb/sth that is in or on sth that has wheels: The nurse wheeled him along the corridor.
MOVE IN CIRCLE|
3 [v] to move or fly in a circle: Birds wheeled above us in the sky.
TURN QUICKLY|
4 to turn quickly or suddenly and face the opposite direction; to make sb/sth do this: [v] She wheeled around and started running.  [vn] He wheeled his horse back to the gate. ,wheel and 'deal (usually used in the progressive tenses) to do a lot of complicated DEALS in business or politics, often in a dishonest way ,wheel sth<->'out to show or use sth to help you do sth, even when it has often been seen or heard before: They wheeled out the same old arguments we’d heard so many times before.

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wheel.bar.row
(also bar.row) noun a large open container with a wheel and two handles that you use outside to carry things—picture at GARDEN
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wheel.base
noun [sing.] (technical ) the distance between the front and back wheels of a car or other motor vehicle
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wheel.chair
noun a special chair with wheels, used by people who cannot walk because of illness, an accident, etc: Does the hotel have wheelchair access?  He’s been confined to a wheelchair since the accident.  wheelchair users—picture at CHAIR
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'wheel clamp
noun (BrE ) = CLAMP
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wheeler-dealer
noun (informal) a person who does a lot of complicated DEALS in business or politics, often in a dishonest way
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wheel.house
noun a small enclosed CABIN on a ship where the person steering stands at the wheel
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wheelie
noun (informal) a trick that you can do on a bicycle by balancing on the back wheel, with the front wheel off the ground: to do a wheelie
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'wheelie bin
noun (BrE , informal) a large container with a lid and wheels, that you keep outside your house and use for putting rubbish in
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wheel.wright
noun a person whose job is making and repairing wheels, especially wooden ones
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wheeze
verb, noun
verb to breathe noisily and with difficulty: [v] He was coughing and wheezing all night.  [v speech] ‘I have a chest infection,’ she wheezed.

noun [usually sing.]
1 the high whistling sound that your chest makes when you cannot breathe easily
2 (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a clever trick or plan

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wheezy
adj. making the high whistling sound that your chest makes when you cannot breathe easily: a wheezy chest / cough / laugh
wheez.ily adv.
wheezi.ness noun [U]
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whelk
noun a small shellfish that can be eaten
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whelp
noun, verb
noun (technical ) a young animal of the dog family; a PUPPY or CUB

verb [v, vn] (formal) (of a female dog) to give birth to a PUPPY or PUPPIES

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when
adv., pron., conj.
adv.
1 (used in questions) at what time; on what occasion: When did you last see him?  When can I see you?  When (= in what circumstances) would such a solution be possible?
2 used after an expression of time to mean ‘at which’ or ‘on which’: Sunday is the only day when I can relax.  There are times when I wonder why I do this job.
3 at which time; on which occasion: The last time I went to Scotland was in May, when the weather was beautiful.

pron. what/which time: Until when can you stay?  ‘I’ve got a new job.’‘Since when?’

conj.
1 at or during the time that: I loved history when I was at school.
2 after: Call me when you’ve finished.
3 at any time that; whenever: Can you spare five minutes when it’s convenient?
4 just after which: He had just drifted off to sleep when the phone rang.
5 considering that: How can they expect to learn anything when they never listen?
6 although: She claimed to be 18, when I know she’s only 16.
IDM see AS conj.

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whence
adv. (old use) from where: They returned whence they had come.
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when.ever
conj., adv.
conj.
1 at any time that; on any occasion that: You can ask for help whenever you need it.
2 every time that: Whenever she comes, she brings a friend.  The roof leaks whenever it rains.  We try to help whenever possible .
3 used when the time when sth happens is not important: ‘When do you need it by?’‘Saturday or Sunday. Whenever.’  It’s not urgent—we can do it next week or whenever.

adv. used in questions to mean ‘when’, expressing surprise: Whenever did you find time to do all that cooking?

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where
adv., conj.
adv.
1 in or to what place or situation: Where do you live?  I wonder where they will take us to.  Where (= at what point) did I go wrong in my calculations?  Where (= in what book, newspaper, etc.) did you read that?  Just where (= to what situation or final argument) is all this leading us?
2 used after words or phrases that refer to a place or situation to mean ‘at, in or to which’: It’s one of the few countries where people drive on the left.
3 the place or situation in which: We then moved to Paris, where we lived for six years.

conj. (in) the place or situation in which: This is where I live.  Sit where I can see you.  Where people were concerned, his threshold of boredom was low.  That’s where (= the point in the argument at which) you’re wrong.

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where.abouts
noun, adv.
noun [U+sing./pl. v .] the place where sb/sth is: His whereabouts are / is still unknown.

adv. used to ask the general area where sb/sth is: Whereabouts did you find it?

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where.as
conj.
1 used to compare or contrast two facts: Some of the studies show positive results, whereas others do not.
2 (law) used at the beginning of a sentence in an official document to mean ‘because of the fact that … ’
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where.by
adv. (formal) by which; because of which: They have introduced a new system whereby all employees must undergo regular training.
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where.fore
noun
IDM see WHY n.
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where.in
adv., conj. (formal) in which place, situation or thing; in what way: an organization wherein each employee is valued and respected  Wherein lies the difference between conservatism and liberalism?
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where.of
conj. (old use or humorous) of what or which: I know whereof I speak (= I know a lot about what I am talking about).
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where.upon
conj. (written) and then; as a result of this: He told her she was a liar, whereupon she walked out.
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wher.ever
conj., adv.
conj.
1 in any place: Sit wherever you like.  He comes from Boula, wherever that may be (= I don’t know where it is).
2 in all places that
SYN EVERYWHERE : Wherever she goes, there are crowds of people waiting to see her.
3 in all cases that
SYN WHENEVER : Use wholegrain breakfast cereals wherever possible .
IDM or wher'ever (informal) or any other place: tourists from Spain, France or wherever

adv. used in questions to mean ‘where’, expressing surprise: Wherever can he have gone to?

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where.withal
noun (the wherewithal) [sing.] ~ (to do sth) the money, things or skill that you need in order to be able to do sth: They lacked the wherewithal to pay for the repairs.
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whet
verb (-tt-) [vn] to increase your desire for or interest in sth: The book will whet your appetite for more of her work.
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whether
conj.
1 used to express a doubt or choice between two possibilities: He seemed undecided whether to go or stay.  It remains to be seen whether or not this idea can be put into practice.  I asked him whether he had done it all himself or whether someone had helped him.  I’ll see whether she’s at home (= or not at home).  It’s doubtful whether there’ll be any seats left.  note at IF
2 used to show that sth is true in either of two cases: You are entitled to a free gift whether you accept our offer of insurance or not.  I’m going whether you like it or not .  Whether or not we’re successful, we can be sure that we did our best.
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whet.stone
noun a stone that is used to make cutting tools and weapons sharp
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whew
exclamation a sound that people make to show that they are surprised or RELIEVED about sth or that they are very hot or tired: Whew—and I thought it was serious!  Ten grand? Whew!—compare PHEW
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whey
noun [U] the thin liquid that is left from sour milk after the solid part (called CURDS ) has been removed
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which
pron., det.
1 used in questions to ask sb to be exact about one or more people or things from a limited number: Which is better exercise—swimming or tennis?  Which of the applicants has got the job?  Which of the patients have recovered?  Which way is the wind blowing?—compare WHAT
2 used to be exact about the thing or things that you mean: Houses which overlook the lake cost more.  It was a crisis for which she was totally unprepared.
HELP That can be used instead of which in this meaning, but it is not used immediately after a preposition: It was a crisis that she was totally unprepared for .
3 used to give more information about sth: His best movie, which won several awards, was about the life of Gandhi.  Your claim ought to succeed, in which case the damages will be substantial.
HELP That cannot be used instead of which in this meaning.
IDM ,which is 'which used to talk about distinguishing one person or thing from another: The twins are so alike I can’t tell which is which.
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which.ever
det., pron.
1 used to say what feature or quality is important in deciding sth: Choose whichever brand you prefer.  Pensions should be increased annually in line with earnings or prices, whichever is the higher.  Whichever of you gets here first will get the prize.
2 used to say that it does not matter which, as the result will be the same: It takes three hours, whichever route you take.  The situation is an awkward one, whichever way you look at it .  Whichever they choose, we must accept their decision.
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whiff
noun [usually sing.]
1 ~ (of sth) a smell, especially one that you only smell for a short time: a whiff of cigar smoke  He caught a whiff of perfume as he leaned towards her.
2 ~ (of sth) a slight sign or feeling of sth: a whiff of danger / fear / success
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while
conj., noun, verb
conj. (also formal whilst especially in BrE)
1 during the time that sth is happening
SYN WHEN : We must have been burgled while we were asleep.  Her parents died while she was still at school.  While I was waiting at the bus stop, three buses went by in the opposite direction.
2 at the same time as sth else is happening: You can go swimming while I’m having lunch.  shoes mended while you wait
3 used to contrast two things: While Tom’s very good at science, his brother is absolutely hopeless.
4 (used at the beginning of a sentence) although; in spite of the fact that …: While I am willing to help, I do not have much time available.

noun [sing.] a period of time: They chatted for a while .  I’ll be back in a little while (= a short time).  I haven’t seen him for quite a while (= a fairly long time).  They walked back together, talking all the while (= all the time).
IDM see ONCE adv. , WORTH adj.

verb
PVR V ,while sth<->a'way to spend time in a pleasant lazy way: We whiled away the time reading and playing cards.

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whim
noun [C, U] a sudden wish to do or have sth, especially when it is sth unusual or unnecessary: He was forced to pander to her every whim .  We bought the house on a whim .  My duties seem to change daily at the whim of the boss.  the whims of fashion  She hires and fires people at whim .
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whim.per
verb, noun
verb to make low, weak crying noises; to speak in this way: [v] The child was lost and began to whimper.  [v speech] ‘Don’t leave me alone,’ he whimpered.

noun a low weak cry that a person or an animal makes when they are hurt, frightened or sad

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whim.si.cal
adj. (written) unusual and not serious in a way that is either amusing or annoying: to have a whimsical sense of humour  Much of his writing has a whimsical quality.
whim.si.cal.ly adv.
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whimsy
noun [U] a way of thinking or behaving, or a style of doing sth that is unusual and not serious, in a way that is either amusing or annoying: All her drawings have a touch of whimsy.
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whine
verb, noun
verb
1 to complain in an annoying, crying voice: [v] Stop whining!  [v speech] ‘I want to go home,’ whined Toby. [alsov that]
2 [v] to make a long high unpleasant sound because you are in pain or unhappy: The dog whined and scratched at the door.
3 [v] (of a machine) to make a long high unpleasant sound

noun [usually sing.]
1 a long high sound that is usually unpleasant or annoying: the steady whine of the engine
2 a long high cry that a child or dog makes when it is hurt or wants sth
3 a high tone of voice that you use when you complain about sth

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whinge
verb (pres.part.whinge.ing or whing.ing) [v] (BrE , informal, disapproving) ~ (about sb/sth) to complain in an annoying way: She’s always whingeing about how unfair everything is.
whinge noun
whin.ger noun
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whinny
verb (whin.nies, whinny.ing, whin.nied, whin.nied) [v] (of a horse) to make a quiet NEIGH
whinny noun (pl.-ies)
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whip
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a long thin piece of rope or leather, attached to a handle, used for making animals move or punishing people: He cracked his whip and the horse leapt forward.
2 [C] (in Britain and the US) an official in a political party who is responsible for making sure that party members attend and vote in important government debates: the chief whip
3 [C] (in Britain and the US) a written instruction telling members of a political party how to vote on a particular issue—see also THREE-LINE WHIP
4 [U, C] a sweet dish made from cream, eggs, sugar and fruit mixed together
IDM have / hold, etc. the 'whip hand (over sb/sth) to be in a position where you have power or control over sb/sth—more at FAIR adj.

verb (-pp-)
1 [vn] to hit a person or an animal hard with a whip, as a punishment or to make them go faster or work harder
2 to move, or make sth move, quickly and suddenly or violently in a particular direction: [v + adv.  /  prep.] : A branch whipped across the car window.  Her hair whipped around her face in the wind.  [vn] The waves were being whipped by 50 mile an hour winds.
3 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to remove or pull sth quickly and suddenly: She whipped the mask off her face.  The man whipped out a knife.
4 [vn] ~ sth (up) to stir cream, etc. very quickly until it becomes stiff: Serve the pie with whipped cream .  Whip the egg whites up into stiff peaks.
5 [vn] (BrE, informal) to steal sth
PVR V ,whip 'through sth (informal) to do or finish sth very quickly: We whipped through customs in ten minutes. ,whip sb/sth<->'up
1 to deliberately try and make people excited or feel strongly about sth
SYN ROUSE : The advertisements were designed to whip up public opinion.  He was a speaker who could really whip up a crowd .
2 to quickly make a meal or sth to eat: She whipped up a delicious lunch for us in 15 minutes.

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whip.lash
noun
1 [C, usually sing.] a hit with a whip
2 [U] = WHIPLASH INJURY : He was very bruised and suffering from whiplash.
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'whiplash injury
noun [C, U] (also whip.lash [U]) a neck injury caused when your head moves forward and back suddenly, especially in a car accident
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whip.per.snap.per
noun (old-fashioned, informal) (disapproving) a young and unimportant person who behaves in a way that others think is too confident and rude
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whip.pet
noun a small thin dog, similar to a GREYHOUND , that can run very fast and is often used for racing
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whip.ping
noun [usually sing.] an act of hitting sb with a whip, as a punishment
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'whipping boy
noun a person who is often blamed or punished for things other people have done
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'whipping cream
noun [U] cream that becomes thicker when it is stirred quickly (= WHIPPED )
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whip.poor.will
noun a brown N American bird with a cry that sounds like its name
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'whip-round
noun (BrE , informal) if a group of people have a whip-round, they all give money so they can buy sth for sb
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whir
(especially AmE ) = WHIRR
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whirl
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move, or make sb/sth move, around quickly in a circle or in a particular direction: [v] Leaves whirled in the wind.  She whirled around to face him.  the whirling blades of the helicopter  [vn] Tom whirled her across the dance floor.
2 [v] if your mind, thoughts, etc. whirl, you feel confused and excited and cannot think clearly: I couldn’t sleep—my mind was whirling from all that had happened.  So many thoughts whirled around in her mind.

noun [sing.]
1 a movement of sth spinning round and round: a whirl of dust   (figurative) Her mind was in a whirl (= in a state of confusion or excitement).
2 a number of activities or events happening one after the other: Her life was one long whirl of parties.  It’s easy to get caught up in the social whirl .
IDM give sth a 'whirl (informal) to try sth to see if you like it or can do it

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whirli.gig
noun
1 something that is very active and always changing: the whirligig of fashion
2 (old-fashioned) a MERRY-GO-ROUND at a FAIRGROUND for children to ride on
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whirl.pool
noun
1 a place in a river or the sea where currents of water spin round very fast: (figurative) She felt she was being dragged into a whirlpool of emotion.
2 (also ,whirlpool 'bath) a special bath or swimming pool for relaxing in, in which the water moves in circles—see also JACUZZI
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whirl.wind
noun, adj.
noun
1 a very strong wind that moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage
2 a situation or series of events where a lot of things happen very quickly: To recover from the divorce, I threw myself into a whirlwind of activities.

adj. [only before noun] happening very fast: a whirlwind romance  a whirlwind tour of America

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whirr
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually whir) verb, noun
verb (-rr-) [v] to make a continuous low sound like the parts of a machine moving: The clock began to whirr before striking the hour.

noun (also whir.ring) [usually sing.] a continuous low sound, for example the sound made by the regular movement of a machine or the wings of a bird: the whirr of a motor  There was a whirring of machinery.

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whisk
verb, noun
verb [vn]
1 to mix liquids, eggs, etc. into a stiff light mass, using a fork or special tool: Whisk the egg whites until stiff.
2 [+adv. / prep.] to take sb/sth somewhere very quickly and suddenly: Jamie whisked her off to Paris for the weekend.  The waiter whisked away the plates before we had finished.

noun a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) for stirring eggs, etc. very fast: an electric whisk—picture at KITCHEN

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whis.ker
noun
1 [C] any of the long stiff hairs that grow near the mouth of a cat, rat, etc.
2 (whiskers) [pl.] (old-fashioned or humorous) the hair growing on a man’s face, especially on his cheeks and chin
IDM be, come, etc. within a whisker of sth / doing sth (BrE) to almost do sth: They came within a whisker of being killed. by a 'whisker by a very small amount—more at CAT —
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whis.kered
(also whis.kery ) adj. having whiskers
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whisky
(BrE ) (AmE , IrishE whis.key) noun (pl.whis.kies, whis.keys)
1 [U, C] a strong alcoholic drink made from MALTED grain. It is sometimes drunk with water and/or ice: a barrel / bottle of whisky  Scotch whisky  highland whiskies
2 [C] a glass of whisky : a whisky and soda  Two whiskies, please.—see also SCOTCH
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whis.per
verb, noun
verb
1 to speak very quietly to sb so that other people cannot hear what you are saying: [v] Don’t you know it’s rude to whisper?  What are you two whispering about?  [v speech] ‘Can you meet me tonight?’ he whispered.  [vn] She leaned over and whispered something in his ear.  [v that] He whispered to me that he was afraid.
2 [often passive] to say or suggest sth about sb/sth in a private or secret way: [vn that] It was whispered that he would soon die and he did. [alsov that]
3 [v] (written) (of leaves, the wind, etc.) to make a soft, quiet sound: A warm breeze whispered through the trees.

noun
1 a low quiet voice or the sound it makes: They spoke in whispers .  Her voice dropped to a whisper.—see also STAGE WHISPER
2 (also whis.per.ing) (written) a soft sound: I could hear the whispering of the sea.
3 a piece of news that is spread by being talked about but may not be true
SYN RUMOUR : I’ve heard whispers that he’s leaving.

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'whispering campaign
noun an attempt to damage sb’s reputation by saying unpleasant things about them and passing this information from person to person
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whist
noun [U] a card game for two pairs of players in which each pair tries to win the most cards
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whis.tle
noun, verb
noun
1 a small metal or plastic tube that you blow to make a loud high sound, used to attract attention or as a signal: The referee finally blew the whistle to stop the game.—see also TIN WHISTLE
2 the sound made by blowing a whistle : He scored the winning goal just seconds before the final whistle.
3 the sound that you make by forcing your breath out when your lips are closed: a shrill whistle—see also WOLF WHISTLE
4 the high loud sound produced by air or steam being forced through a small opening, or by sth moving quickly through the air
IDM see BLOW v. , CLEAN adj.

verb
1 to make a high sound or a musical tune by forcing your breath out when your lips are closed: [vn] to whistle a tune  [v] He whistled in amazement.  The crowd booed and whistled as the player came onto the field.  She whistled to the dog to come back.
2 [v] to make a high sound by blowing into a whistle: The referee whistled for a foul.
3 [v] (of a KETTLE or other machine) to make a high sound: The kettle began to whistle.  The microphone was making a strange whistling sound.
4 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move quickly, making a high sound: The wind whistled down the chimney.  A bullet whistled past his ear.
5 [v] (of a bird) to make a high sound
IDM sb can 'whistle for sth (BrE, spoken) used to say that you are not going to give sb sth that they have asked for: If he wants his money he can whistle for it—I’m broke!

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'whistle-blower
noun (used especially in newspapers) a person who informs people in authority or the public that the company they work for is doing sth wrong or illegal
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'whistle-stop
adj. [only before noun] visiting a lot of different places in a very short time: to go on a whistle-stop tour of Europe  politicians on a whistle-stop election campaign
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Whit
adj. connected with Whitsun: Whit Monday
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whit
noun [sing.] (old-fashioned) (usually in negative sentences) a very small amount
IDM not a 'whit | not one 'whit not at all; not the smallest amount
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white
adj., noun
adj. (whiter, whit.est)
1 having the colour of fresh snow or milk: a crisp white shirt  white bread  a set of perfect white teeth  His hair was as white as snow .  The horse was almost pure white in colour.
2 belonging to or connected with a race of people who have pale skin: white middle-class families  She writes about her experiences as a black girl in a predominantly white city.
3 (of the skin) pale because of emotion or illness: white with anger / shock / fear  She went white as a sheet when she heard the news.
4 (BrE) (of tea or coffee) with milk added: Two white coffees, please.  Do you take your coffee black or white?—compare BLACK
white.ness noun [U, sing.]

noun
1 [U] the colour of fresh snow or milk: the pure white of the newly painted walls  She was dressed all in white.
2 [C, usually pl.] a member of a race or people who have pale skin
3 [U, C] white wine: Would you like red or white?  a very dry white
4 [C, U] the part of an egg that surrounds the YOLK (= the yellow part): Use the whites of two eggs.
5 [C, usually pl.] the white part of the eye: The whites of her eyes were bloodshot.
6 (whites) [pl.] white clothes, sheets, etc. when they are separated from coloured ones to be washed: (BrE) Don’t wash whites and coloureds together.   (AmE) Don’t wash whites and colors together.
7 (whites) [pl.] white clothes worn for playing some sports: cricket / tennis whites
IDM see BLACK n.

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white.bait
noun [pl.] very small young fish of several types that are fried and eaten whole
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white.board
noun a large board with a smooth white surface that teachers, etc. write on with special pens—compare BLACKBOARD
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'white-bread
adj. [only before noun] (AmE , informal) ordinary and traditional: a white-bread town
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white.caps
noun [pl.] (AmE ) = WHITE HORSES
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,white-'collar
adj. [usually before noun] working in an office, rather than in a factory, etc.; connected with work in offices: white-collar workers  a white-collar job  white-collar crime (= in which office workers steal from their company, etc.)—compare BLUE-COLLAR
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,white 'dwarf
noun (astronomy ) a small star that is near the end of its life and is very DENSE (= solid and heavy)
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,white 'elephant
noun [usually sing.] a thing that is useless and no longer needed, although it may have cost a lot of money: The new office block has become an expensive white elephant.
ORIGIN From the story that in Siam (now Thailand), the king would give a white elephant as a present to somebody that he did not like. That person would have to spend all their money on looking after the rare animal.
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,white 'flag
noun [usually sing.] a sign that you accept defeat and wish to stop fighting: to raise / show / wave the white flag
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'white goods
noun [pl.] (BrE ) large pieces of electrical equipment in the house, such as WASHING MACHINES , etc.
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White.hall
noun [U]
1 [U] a street in London where there are many government offices
2 [sing.+ sing./pl. v.] a way of referring to the British Government: Whitehall are / is refusing to comment.
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,white 'heat
noun [U] the very high temperature at which metal looks white
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,white 'hope
noun [sing.] (informal) a person who is expected to bring success to a team, an organization, etc: He was once the great white hope of British boxing.
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,white 'horses
(BrE ) (AmE white.caps) noun [pl.] waves in the sea or ocean with white tops on them
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,white-'hot
adj.
1 (of metal or sth burning) so hot that it looks white
2 very strong and INTENSE
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the 'White House
noun [sing.]
1 the official home of the President of the US in Washington, DC
2 the US President and his or her officials: The White House has issued a statement.  White House advisers / aides
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,white 'knight
noun a person or an organization that rescues a company from being bought by another company at too low a price
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,white-'knuckle ride
noun a ride at a FAIRGROUND that makes you feel very excited and frightened at the same time
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,white 'lie
noun a harmless or small lie, especially one that you tell to avoid hurting sb
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,white 'light
noun [U] ordinary light that is colourless
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,white 'meat
noun [U]
1 meat that is pale in colour when it has been cooked, such as chicken, PORK and VEAL —compare RED MEAT
2 pale meat from the breast of a chicken or other bird that has been cooked
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whiten
verb to become white or whiter; to make sth white or whiter: [v] He gripped the wheel until his knuckles whitened.  [vn] Snow had whitened the tops of the trees.
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,white 'noise
noun [U] unpleasant noise, like the noise that comes from a television or radio that is turned on but not TUNED IN
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'white-out
noun weather conditions in which there is so much snow or cloud that it is impossible to see anything—see also WITEOUT
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,White 'Paper
noun (in Britain) a government report that gives information about sth and explains government plans before a new law is introduced—compare GREEN PAPER
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,white 'sauce
noun [U] a thick sauce made from butter, flour and milk
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,white 'spirit
noun [U] (BrE ) a colourless liquid made from petrol/gas, used as a cleaning substance or to make paint thinner
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,white 'tie
noun a man’s white BOW TIE , also used to mean very formal evening dress for men: dressed in white tie and tails
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,white-'tie
adj. (of social occasions) very formal, when men are expected to wear white BOW TIES and jackets with TAILS : Is it a white-tie affair?
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white.wash
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] a mixture of chalk or LIME and water, used for painting houses and walls white
2 [U, sing.] (disapproving) an attempt to hide unpleasant facts about sb/sth
SYN COVER-UP : The opposition claimed the report was a whitewash.
3 [C, usually sing.] (informal) a complete defeat in a sports game: a 7–0 whitewash  a whitewash victory

verb [vn]
1 to cover sth such as a wall with whitewash
2 (disapproving) to try to hide unpleasant facts about sb/sth; to try to make sth seem better than it is: His wife had wanted to whitewash his reputation after he died.
3 (especially BrE) (in sport) to defeat an opponent easily

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,white 'water
noun [U]
1 a part of a river that looks white because the water is moving very fast over rocks: a stretch of white water  white-water rafting
2 a part of the sea or ocean that looks white because it is very rough and the waves are high
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,white 'wedding
noun a traditional wedding, especially in a church, at which the BRIDE wears a white dress
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,white 'wine
noun
1 [U, C] pale yellow wine: a bottle of dry / sweet white wine  chilled white wine
2 [C] a glass of white wine —compare RED WINE , ROSÉ
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whither
adv., conj.
1 (old use) where; to which: Whither should they go?  They did not know whither they should go.  the place whither they were sent
2 (formal) used to ask what is likely to happen to sth in the future: Whither modern architecture?
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whit.ing
noun [C, U] (pl.whit.ing) a small sea fish with white flesh that is used for food
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whit.ish
adj. fairly white in colour: a bird with a whitish throat
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Whit.sun
noun [U, C] the 7th Sunday after Easter and the days close to it
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,Whit 'Sunday
noun [U, C] (BrE ) = PENTECOST
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whit.tle
verb [vn] ~ A (from B)| ~ B (into A) to form a piece of wood, etc. into a particular shape by cutting small pieces from it: He whittled a simple toy from the piece of wood.  He whittled the piece of wood into a simple toy.
PVR V ,whittle sth<->a'way to make sth gradually decrease in value or amount: Inflation has steadily whittled away their savings. ,whittle sth<->'down to reduce the size or number of sth: I finally managed to whittle down the names on the list to only five.
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whizz
(especially BrE ) (also whiz especially in AmE) verb, noun
verb [v + adv.  /  prep.]
1 to move very quickly, making a high continuous sound: A bullet whizzed past my ear.  He whizzed down the road on his motorbike.
2 to do sth very quickly: She whizzed through the work and was finished before lunch.

noun (informal) a person who is very good at sth: She’s a whizz at crosswords.

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'whizz-kid
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually 'whiz-kid) noun (informal) a person who is very good and successful at sth, especially at a young age: financial whizz-kids
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who
pron.
1 used in questions to ask about the name, identity or function of one or more people: Who is that woman?  I wonder who that letter was from.  Who are you phoning?  Who’s the money for?
2 used to show which person or people you mean: The people who called yesterday want to buy the house.  The people (who) we met in France have sent us a card.
3 used to give more information about sb: Mrs Smith, who has a lot of teaching experience at junior level, will be joining the school in September.  And then Mary, who we had been talking about earlier, walked in.—compare WHOM
IDM who am 'I, who are 'you, etc. to do sth? used to ask what right or authority sb has to do sth: Who are you to tell me I can’t park here? who’s 'who people’s names, jobs, status, etc: You’ll soon find out who’s who in the office.
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WHO
abbr. World Health Organization (an international organization that aims to fight and control disease)
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whoa
exclamation used as a command to a horse, etc. to make it stop or stand still
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who’d
short form
1 who had
2 who would
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who.dun.nit
(BrE ) (also who.dun.itAmE, BrE) noun (informal) a story, play, etc. about a murder in which you do not know who did the murder until the end
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who.ever
pron.
1 the person or people who; any person who: Whoever says that is a liar.  Send it to whoever is in charge of sales.
2 used to say that it does not matter who, since the result will be the same: Come out of there, whoever you are.  I don’t want to see them, whoever they are.
3 used in questions to mean ‘who’, expressing surprise: Whoever heard of such a thing!
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whole
adj., noun
adj.
1 [only before noun] full; complete: He spent the whole day writing.  We drank a whole bottle each.  The whole country (= all the people in it) mourned her death.  Let’s forget the whole thing .  She wasn’t telling the whole truth .
2 [only before noun] used to emphasize how large or important sth is: We offer a whole variety of weekend breaks.  I can’t afford it—that’s the whole point .
3 not broken or damaged: Owls usually swallow their prey whole (= without chewing it).  note at HALF
whole.ness noun [U]—see also WHOLLY
IDM Most idioms containing whole are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example go the whole hog is at hog.  a 'whole lot (informal) very much; a lot: I’m feeling a whole lot better. a 'whole lot (of sth) (informal) a large number or amount: There were a whole lot of people I didn’t know.  I lost a whole lot of money. the ,whole 'lot everything; all of sth: I’ve sold the whole lot.

noun
1 [C] a thing that is complete in itself: Four quarters make a whole.  The subjects of the curriculum form a coherent whole.
2 [sing.] the ~ of sth all that there is of sth: The effects will last for the whole of his life.  note at HALF
IDM as a 'whole as one thing or piece and not as separate parts: The festival will be great for our city and for the country as a whole. on the whole considering everything; in general: On the whole, I’m in favour of the idea.

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whole.food
noun [U] (also whole.foods [pl.]) food that is considered healthy because it is in a simple form, has not been REFINED , and does not contain artificial substances
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whole.grain
adj. made with or containing whole grains, for example of wheat: wholegrain mustard
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whole.heart.ed
adj. (approving) complete and enthusiastic: The plan was given wholehearted support.
whole.heart.ed.ly adv.: to agree wholeheartedly
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whole.meal
(also whole.wheat) adj. containing whole grains of wheat, etc. including the HUSK : wholemeal bread / flour
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'whole note
noun (AmE, music ) = SEMIBREVE
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,whole 'number
noun (mathematics ) a number that consists of one or more units, with no FRACTIONS (= parts of a number less than one)
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whole.sale
adj. [only before noun]
1 connected with goods that are bought and sold in large quantities, especially so they can be sold again to make a profit: wholesale goods / prices—compare RETAIL
2 (especially of sth bad) happening or done to a very large number of people or things: the wholesale slaughter of innocent people
whole.sale adv.: We buy the building materials wholesale.  These young people die wholesale from heroin overdoses.
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whole.sal.ing
noun [U] the business of buying and selling goods in large quantities, especially so they can be sold again to make a profit—compare RETAILING
whole.saler noun: fruit and vegetable wholesalers
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whole.some
adj.
1 good for your health: fresh, wholesome food
2 morally good; having a good moral influence: It was clean wholesome fun.
OPP UNWHOLESOME
whole.some.ness noun [U]
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'whole step
noun (AmE, music ) = TONE (7)
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whole.wheat
adj. = WHOLEMEAL
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who’ll
short form who will
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whol.ly
adv. (formal) completely; TOTALLY : wholly inappropriate behaviour  The government is not wholly to blame for the recession.  The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a large multinational.
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whom
pron. (formal) used instead of ‘who’ as the object of a verb or preposition: Whom did they invite?  To whom should I write?  The author whom you criticized in your review has written a reply.  Her mother, in whom she confided, said she would support her unconditionally.
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whom.ever, whom.so.ever
pron. (literary) used instead of ‘whoever’ as the object of a verb or preposition: He was free to marry whomever he chose.
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whoop
noun, verb
noun a loud cry expressing joy, excitement, etc: whoops of delight / laughter

verb [v] to shout loudly because you are happy or excited
IDM ,whoop it 'up (informal)
1 to enjoy yourself very much with a noisy group of people
2 (AmE) to make people excited or enthusiastic about sth

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whoo.pee
exclamation, noun
exclamation used to express happiness: Whoopee, we’ve won!

noun [U]
IDM make 'whoopee (old-fashioned, informal) to celebrate in a noisy way

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whoop.ing cough
noun [U] an infectious disease, especially of children, that makes them cough and have difficulty breathing
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whoops
exclamation
1 used when sb has almost had an accident, broken sth, etc: Whoops! Careful, you almost spilt coffee everywhere.
2 used when you have done sth embarrassing, said sth rude by accident, told a secret, etc: Whoops, you weren’t supposed to hear that.
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whoosh
noun, verb
noun [usually sing.] (informal) the sudden movement and sound of air or water rushing past: a whoosh of water / air  There was a whoosh as everything went up in flames.

verb [v + adv.  /  prep.] (informal) to move very quickly with the sound of air or water rushing

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whop.per
noun (informal)
1 something that is very big for its type: Pete has caught a whopper (= a large fish).
2 a lie: She’s told some whoppers about her past.
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whop.ping
(also 'whopping great) adj. [only before noun] (informal) very big: The company made a whopping 75 million dollar loss.
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whore
noun
1 (old-fashioned) a female prostitute (= a woman who has sex with men for money)
2 ( ) an offensive word used to refer to a woman who has sex with a lot of men
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who’re
short form who are
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whore.house
noun (old-fashioned) a BROTHEL (= a place where people pay to have sex)
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whor.ing
noun [U] (old-fashioned) the activity of having sex with a prostitute
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whorl
noun
1 a pattern made by a curved line that forms a rough circle, with smaller circles inside bigger ones: the whorls on your fingertips
2 (technical) a ring of leaves, flowers, etc. around the stem of a plant
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who’s
short form
1 who is
2 who has
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whose
det., pron.
1 used in questions to ask who sth belongs to: Whose house is that?  I wonder whose this is.
2 used to say which person or thing you mean: He’s a man whose opinion I respect.  It’s the house whose door’s painted red.
3 used to give more information about a person or thing: Isobel, whose brother he was, had heard the joke before.
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who.so.ever
pron. (old use) = WHOEVER
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who’ve
short form who have
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whup
verb [vn] (informal, especially AmE ) to defeat sb easily in a game, a fight, an election, etc.
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why
adv., exclamation, noun
adv.
1 used in questions to ask the reason for or purpose of sth: Why were you late?  Tell me why you did it.  ‘I would like you to go.’‘Why me? ’   (spoken) Why oh why do people keep leaving the door open?
2 used in questions to suggest that it is not necessary to do sth: Why get upset just because you got one bad grade?  Why bother to write? We’ll see him tomorrow.
3 used to give or talk about a reason: That’s why I left so early.  I know you did it—I just want to know why.  The reason why the injection needs repeating every year is that the virus changes.
IDM why 'ever used in questions to mean ‘why’, expressing surprise: Why ever didn’t you tell us before? ,why 'not? used to make or agree to a suggestion: Why not write to her?  ‘Let’s eat out.’‘Why not? ’  Why don’t we go together?

exclamation (old-fashioned orAmE ) used to express surprise, lack of patience, etc: Why Jane, it’s you!  Why, it’s easy—a child could do it!

noun
IDM the ,whys and (the) 'wherefores the reasons for sth: I had no intention of going into the whys and the wherefores of the situation.

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WI
abbr.
1 West Indies
2 Women’s Institute. The WI is a British women’s organization in which groups of women meet regularly to take part in various activities.
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wick
noun
1 the piece of string in the centre of a candle which you light so that the candle burns
2 the piece of woven material in an oil lamp which soaks up the oil and which you light so that the lamp burns
IDM get on sb’s 'wick (BrE, informal) to annoy sb
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wicked
adj., noun
adj. (wick.ed.er, wick.ed.est)
HELP You can also use more wicked and most wicked.
1 morally bad
SYN EVIL : a wicked man / deed  stories about a wicked witch
2 (informal) slightly bad but in a way that is amusing and/or attractive
SYN MISCHIEVOUS : a wicked grin  Jane has a wicked sense of humour.
3 dangerous, harmful or powerful: He has a wicked punch.  a wicked-looking knife  The rejection was a wicked blow to her pride.
4 (slang) very good: This song’s wicked.
wick.ed.ly adv.: Martin grinned wickedly.  a wickedly funny comedy  a wickedly sharp blade
wick.ed.ness noun [U]

noun (the wicked) [pl.] people who are wicked
IDM (there’s) no peace / rest for the 'wicked (usually humorous) used when sb is complaining that they have a lot of work to do

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wicker
noun [U] thin sticks of wood woven together to make baskets, furniture, etc: a wicker chair
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wick.er.work
noun [U] baskets, furniture, etc. made from wicker
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wicket
noun (in cricket)
1 either of the two sets of three upright sticks (called STUMPS ) with pieces of wood (called BAILS ) lying across the top. The BOWLER tries to hit the wicket with the ball.—
2 the area of ground between the two wickets
IDM keep 'wicket to act as a WICKETKEEPER —more at STICKY adv.
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'wicket gate
noun a small gate, especially one at the side of a larger one
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wicket.keep.er
(also BrEinformal keep.er) noun (in cricket) a player who stands behind the WICKET in order to stop or catch the ball—
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wide
adj., adv., noun
adj. (wider, wid.est)
FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER|
1 measuring a lot from one side to the other: a wide river / road  Sam has a wide mouth.  a jacket with wide lapels  Her face broke into a wide grin.
OPP NARROW —see also WIDTH
2 measuring a particular distance from one side to the other: How wide is that stream?  It’s about 2 metres wide.  The road was just wide enough for two vehicles to pass.
LARGE NUMBER / AMOUNT|
3 including a large number or variety of different people or things; covering a large area: a wide range / choice / variety of goods  Her music appeals to a wide audience.  Jenny has a wide circle of friends.  a manager with wide experience of industry  It’s the best job in the whole wide world .  The incident has received wide coverage in the press.  The festival attracts people from a wide area.
DIFFERENCE / GAP|
4 very big: There are wide variations in prices.
GENERAL|
5 (only used in the comparative and superlative) general; not only looking at details: wider issues / aims / problems  We are talking about education in its widest sense .  We need to consider the problem of vandalism within a wider context.
EYES|
6 fully open: She stared at him with wide eyes.
NOT CLOSE|
7 ~ (of sth) far from the point aimed at: Her shot was wide (of the target).
-WIDE|
8 (in adjectives and adverbs) happening or existing in the whole of a country, etc: a nationwide search  We need to act on a Europe-wide scale. give sb/sth a wide 'berth to not go too near sb/sth; to avoid sb/sth: He gave the dog a wide berth. wide of the 'mark not accurate: Their predictions turned out to be wide of the mark.

adv. (comparativewider no superlative) as far or fully as possible: The door was wide open .  He stood with his legs wide apart.  In a few seconds she was wide awake .  Open your mouth wide.
IDM see CAST v. , FAR adv.

noun (sport ) a ball that has been BOWLED (= thrown) where the BATSMAN or BATTER cannot reach it

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,wide-angle 'lens
noun a camera LENS that can give a wider view than a normal lens
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'wide boy
noun (BrE , informal, disapproving) a man who makes money in dishonest ways
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,wide-'eyed
adj. (written)
1 with your eyes fully open because of fear, surprise, etc: She stared at him in wide-eyed amazement.
2 having little experience and therefore very willing to believe, trust or accept sb/sth
SYN NAIVE : wide-eyed innocence
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wide.ly
adv.
1 by a lot of people; in or to many places: a widely held belief  The idea is now widely accepted.  He has travelled widely in Asia.  Her books are widely read (= a lot of people read them).  He’s an educated, widely-read man (= he has read a lot of books).
2 to a large degree; a lot: Standards vary widely.
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widen
verb
1 to become wider; to make sth wider: [v] Her eyes widened in surprise.  Here the stream widens into a river.  [vn] They may have to widen the road to cope with the increase in traffic.
2 to become larger in degree or range; to make sth larger in degree or range: [v] the widening gap between rich and poor  [vn] We plan to widen the scope of our existing activities by offering more language courses.  The legislation will be widened to include all firearms.
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,wide-'ranging
adj. (written) including or dealing with a large number of different subjects or areas: The commission has been given wide-ranging powers.  a wide-ranging discussion
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wide.spread
adj. existing or happening over a large area or among many people: widespread damage / confusion  The plan received widespread support throughout the country.
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widget
noun (informal) used to refer to any small device that you do not know the name of
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widow
noun, verb
noun a woman whose husband has died and who has not married again: She gets a widow’s pension.

verb [vn] (be widowed) if sb is widowed, their husband or wife has died: She was widowed when she was 35.
widowed adj.: his widowed father

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wid.ow.er
noun a man whose wife has died and who has not married again
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widow.hood
noun [U] the state or period of being a widow or widower
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width
noun
1 [U, C] the measurement from one side of sth to the other; how wide sth is: It’s about 10 metres in width .  The terrace runs the full width of the house.  The carpet is available in different widths.
2 [C] a piece of material of a particular width : You’ll need two widths of fabric for each curtain.
3 [C] the distance between the two long sides of a swimming pool: How many widths can you swim?—compare LENGTH
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width.ways
adv. along the width and not the length: Cut the cake in half widthways.—compare LENGTHWAYS
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wield
verb [vn]
1 to have and use power, authority, etc: She wields enormous power within the party.
2 to hold sth, ready to use it as a weapon or tool
SYN BRANDISH : He was wielding a large knife.
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wie.ner
noun (AmE ) = FRANKFURTER
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wife
noun (pl.wives ) the woman that a man is married to; a married woman: the doctor’s wife  She’s his second wife.  an increase in the number of working wives—see also FISHWIFE , HOUSEWIFE , MIDWIFE
IDM see HUSBAND n. , OLD , WORLD
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wife.ly
adj. (old-fashioned or humorous) typical or expected of a wife: wifely duties / loyalty
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wig
noun a piece of artificial hair that is worn on the head, for example to hide the fact that a person is BALD , to cover sb’s own hair, or by a judge and some other lawyers in some courts of law
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wig.gle
verb, noun
verb (informal) to move from side to side or up and down in short quick movements; to make sth move in this way: [v] Her bottom wiggled as she walked past.  [vn] He removed his shoes and wiggled his toes.

noun a small movement from side to side or up and down

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wig.gly
adj. (informal) (of a line) having many curves in it; WAVY
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wig.wam
noun a type of tent, shaped like a DOME or CONE , used by Native Americans in the past—see also TEPEE
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wild
adj., noun
adj. (wild.er, wild.est)
ANIMALS / PLANTS|
1 living or growing in natural conditions; not kept in a house or on a farm: wild animals / flowers  a wild rabbit  wild strawberries  The plants grow wild along the banks of rivers.
SCENERY / LAND|
2 in its natural state; not changed by people: wild moorland / mountains  The island is a wild and lonely place.
OUT OF CONTROL|
3 lacking discipline or control: The boy is wild and completely out of control.  He had a wild look in his eyes.
FEELINGS|
4 full of very strong feeling: wild laughter / applause / cheers  a wild and romantic love affair  The crowd went wild .  It makes me wild (= very angry) to see such waste.
NOT SENSIBLE|
5 not carefully planned; not sensible or accurate: He made a wild guess at the answer.  wild accusations / rumours
EXCITING|
6 (informal) very good, enjoyable or exciting: We had a wild time in New York.
ENTHUSIASTIC|
7 ~ about sb/sth (informal) very enthusiastic about sb/sth: She’s totally wild about him.  I’m not wild about the idea.
WEATHER / SEA|
8 affected by storms and strong winds: a wild night  The sea was wild.
wild.ness noun [U] —see also WILDLY beyond your wildest 'dreams far more, better, etc. than you could ever have imagined or hoped for run 'wild
1 to grow or develop freely without any control: The ivy has run wild.  Let your imagination run wild and be creative.
2 if children or animals run wild, they behave as they like because nobody is controlling them: Those boys have been allowed to run wild. wild 'horses would not drag, make, etc. sb (do sth) used to say that nothing would prevent sb from doing sth or make them do sth they do not want to do—more at SOW v.

noun
1 (the wild) [sing.] a natural environment that is not controlled by people: The bird is too tame now to survive in the wild .
2 (the wilds) [pl.] areas of a country far from towns or cities, where few people live: the wilds of Alaska   (humorous) They live on a farm somewhere out in the wilds .

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,wild 'boar
noun = BOAR
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'wild card
noun
1 (in card games) a card that has no value of its own and takes the value of any card that the player chooses
2 (sport) an opportunity for sb to play in a competition when they have not qualified in the usual way; a player who enters a competition in this way
3 (computing) a symbol that has no meaning of its own and can represent any letter
4 a person or thing whose behaviour or effect is difficult to predict
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wild.cat
adj., verb
adj. [only before noun]
1 a wildcat strike happens suddenly and without the official support of a trade union
2 (of a business or project) that has not been carefully planned and that will probably not be successful; that does not follow normal standards and methods

verb [v] (AmE ) to look for oil in a place where nobody has found any yet
wild.cat.ter noun

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wilde.beest
noun (pl.wilde.beest) (also gnu) a large ANTELOPE (= an African animal like a deer) with curved horns: a herd of wildebeest
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wil.der.ness
noun [usually sing.]
1 a large area of land that has never been developed or used for growing crops because it is difficult to live there: The Antarctic is the world’s last great wilderness.   (AmE) a wilderness area (= one where it is not permitted to build houses or roads)   (figurative) the barren wilderness of modern life
2 a place that people do not take care of or control: Their garden is a wilderness of grass and weeds.
IDM in the 'wilderness no longer in an important position, especially in politics: After three years in the wilderness she was given a government post.
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wild.fire
noun [U]
IDM see SPREAD v.
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wild.fowl
noun [pl.] birds that people hunt for sport or food, especially birds that live near water such as ducks and GEESE
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,wild 'goose chase
noun a search for sth that is impossible for you to find or that does not exist, that makes you waste a lot of time
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wild.life
noun [U] animals, birds, insects, etc. that are wild and live in a natural environment: Development of the area would endanger wildlife.  a wildlife habitat / sanctuary
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wild.ly
adv.
1 in a way that is not controlled: She looked wildly around for an escape.  His heart was beating wildly.
2 extremely; very: The story had been wildly exaggerated.  It is not a wildly funny play.
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the ,Wild 'West
noun [sing.] the western states of the US during the years when the first Europeans were settling there, used especially when you are referring to the fact that there was not much respect for the law there
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wiles
noun [pl.] (written) clever tricks that sb uses in order to get what they want or to make sb behave in a particular way
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wil.ful
(especially BrE ) (AmE usually will.ful) adj. (disapproving)
1 [usually before noun] (of a bad or harmful action) done deliberately, although the person doing it knows that it is wrong: wilful damage / neglect
2 determined to do what you want; not caring about what other people want: a wilful child
wil.ful.ly adv.
wil.ful.ness noun [U]
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will
modal verb, verb, verb, noun
modal verb (short form'll , negativewill not, short formwon’t , ptwould , short form'd , negativewould not, short formwouldn’t )
1 used for talking about or predicting the future: You’ll be in time if you hurry.  How long will you be staying in Paris?  Fred said he’d be leaving soon.  By next year all the money will have been spent.
2 used for showing that sb is willing to do sth: I’ll check this letter for you, if you want.  They won’t lend us any more money.  He wouldn’t come—he said he was too busy.  We said we would keep them.
3 used for asking sb to do sth: Will you send this letter for me, please?  You’ll water the plants while I’m away, won’t you?  I asked him if he wouldn’t mind calling later.
4 used for ordering sb to do sth: You’ll do it this minute!  Will you be quiet!
5 used for stating what you think is probably true: That’ll be the doctor now.  You’ll have had dinner already, I suppose.
6 used for stating what is generally true: If it’s made of wood it will float.  Engines won’t run without lubricants.
7 used for stating what is true or possible in a particular case: This jar will hold a kilo.  The door won’t open!
8 used for talking about habits: She’ll listen to music, alone in her room, for hours.  He would spend hours on the telephone.
HELP If you put extra stress on the word will or would in this meaning, it shows that the habit annoys you: He 'will comb his hair at the table, even though he knows I don’t like it.  note at MODAL , SHALL

verb [v wh-] (third person sing.pres.t.will) (only used in the simple present tense) (old-fashioned or formal) to want or like: Call it what you will, it’s still a problem.

verb
1 to use the power of your mind to do sth or to make sth happen: [vn] As a child he had thought he could fly, if he willed it enough.  [vn to inf] She willed her eyes to stay open.  He willed himself not to panic.
2 (old use) to intend or want sth to happen: [vn] They thought they had been victorious in battle because God had willed it. [alsov that]
3 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to formally give your property or possessions to sb after you have died, by means of a will : [vnn, vn] Joe had willed them everything he possessed.  Joe had willed everything he possessed to them.

noun
1 [C, U] the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do; a feeling of strong determination to do sth that you want to do: to have a strong will  to have an iron will / a will of iron  Her decision to continue shows great strength of will.  In spite of what happened, he never lost the will to live .  The meeting turned out to be a clash of wills .  She always wants to impose her will on other people (= to get what she wants).—see also FREE WILL , WILL POWER
2 [sing.] what sb wants to happen in a particular situation: I don’t want to go against your will.   (formal) It is God’s will.
3 (also tes.ta.ment) [C] a legal document that says what is to happen to sb’s money and property after they die: I ought to make a will .  My father left me the house in his will.—see also LIVING WILL
4 (-willed) (in adjectives) having the type of will mentioned: a strong-willed young woman  weak-willed greedy people
IDM against your 'will when you do not want to: I was forced to sign the agreement against my will. at 'will whenever or wherever you like: They were able to come and go at will. where there’s a ,will there’s a 'way (saying) if you really want to do sth then you will find a way of doing it with a 'will (written) in a willing and enthusiastic way with the ,best will in the 'world used to say that you cannot do sth, even though you really want to: With the best will in the world I could not describe him as a good father.

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will.ful
(AmE ) = WILFUL
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wil.lie
noun = WILLY
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wil.lies
noun (the willies) [pl.] (informal) if sth gives you the willies you are frightened by it or find it unpleasant
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will.ing
adj.
1 [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) not objecting to doing sth; having no reason for not doing sth: They keep a list of people (who are) willing to work nights.  I’m perfectly willing to discuss the problem.
2 [usually before noun] ready or pleased to help and not needing to be persuaded; done or given in an enthusiastic way: willing helpers / volunteers  willing support / consent  She’s very willing.
OPP UNWILLING
will.ing.ly adv.: People would willingly pay more for better services.  I would never willingly upset you.  ‘Will you help me?’‘Willingly.’
will.ing.ness noun [U, sing.]
IDM see GOD , SHOW v. , SPIRIT
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will-o' the-wisp
noun [usually sing.]
1 a thing that is impossible to obtain; a person that you cannot depend on
2 a blue light that is sometimes seen at night on soft wet ground and is caused by natural gases burning
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wil.low
noun
1 [C] a tree with long thin branches and long thin leaves, that often grows near water—see also PUSSY WILLOW
2 [U] the wood of the willow tree, used especially for making cricket bats
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wil.lowy
adj. (approving) (of a person, especially a woman) tall, thin and graceful
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'will power
noun [U] the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do: He’s intelligent but he’s got no will power.
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willy
(also wil.lie) noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) a word for a PENIS , used especially by children or when speaking to children
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willy-nilly
adv. (informal)
1 whether you want to or not: She was forced willy-nilly to accept the company’s proposals.
2 in a careless way without planning: Don’t use your credit card willy-nilly.
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wilt
verb
1 [v, vn] if a plant or flower wilts, or sth wilts it, it bends towards the ground because of the heat or a lack of water
2 [v] (informal) to become weak or tired or less confident: The spectators were wilting visibly in the hot sun.  He was wilting under the pressure of work.
3 (thou wilt) (old use) used to mean ‘you will’, when talking to one person
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wily
adj. (wili.er, wili.est) clever at getting what you want, and willing to trick people
SYN CUNNING : The boss is a wily old fox.  He was outwitted by his wily opponent.
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wimp
noun, verb
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is not strong, brave or confident
wimp.ish (also wimpy) adj.: wimpish behaviour

verb
PVR V ,wimp 'out (of sth) (informal, disapproving) to not do sth that you intended to do because you are too frightened or not confident enough to do it

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wim.ple
noun a head covering made of fabric folded around the head and neck, worn by women in the Middle Ages and now by some NUNS
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win
verb, noun
verb (win.ning, won, won )
1 to be the most successful in a competition, race, battle, etc: [v] to win at cards / chess  Which team won?  France won by six goals to two against Denmark.  [vn] to win an election / a game / a war  She loves to win an argument.
2 ~ sth (from sb) to get sth as the result of a competition, race, election, etc: [vn] Britain won five gold medals.  He won £3 000 in the lottery.  How many states did the Republicans win?  The Conservatives won the seat from Labour in the last election.  [vnn] You’ve won yourself a trip to New York.
3 [vn] to achieve or get sth that you want, especially by your own efforts: They are trying to win support for their proposals.  The company has won a contract to supply books and materials to schools.  She won the admiration of many people in her battle against cancer.—see also WINNER , WINNING
IDM you, he, etc. ,can’t 'win (spoken) used to say that there is no satisfactory way of dealing with a particular situation: I can’t win. If I agree with her, she says I have no mind of my own; if I don’t, she says I’m being difficult. you can’t win them 'all | you 'win some, you 'lose some (spoken) used to express sympathy for sb who has been disappointed about sth 'you win (spoken) used to agree to what sb wants after you have failed to persuade them to do or let you do sth else: OK, you win, I’ll admit I was wrong. win (sth) ,hands 'down (informal) to win sth very easily win sb’s 'heart to make sb love you ,win or 'lose whether you succeed or fail: Win or lose, we’ll know we’ve done our best.—more at DAY , SPUR n.
PVR V ,win sb<->a'round / 'over / 'round (to sth) to get sb’s support or approval by persuading them that you are right: She’s against the idea but I’m sure I can win her over. ,win sth/sb<->'back to get or have again sth/sb that you had before: The party is struggling to win back voters who have been alienated by recent scandals. ,win 'out / 'through (informal) to be successful in spite of difficulties: It’s not going to be easy but we’ll win through in the end.

noun a victory in a game, contest, etc: two wins and three defeats  They have not had a win so far this season.  France swept to a 6–2 win over Denmark.—see also NO-WIN

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wince
verb [v] ~ (at sth) to suddenly make an expression with your face that shows that you are feeling pain or embarrassment: He winced as a sharp pain shot through his left leg.  I still wince when I think about that stupid thing I said.
wince noun [usually sing.]: a wince of pain
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winch
noun, verb
noun a machine for lifting or pulling heavy objects using a rope or chain

verb [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to lift sb/sth up into the air using a winch

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wind^1
noun, verb —see also WIND^2
noun
1 [C, U] (also the wind) air that moves quickly as a result of natural forces: strong / high winds  gale-force winds  a light wind  a north / south / east / west wind  a chill / cold / biting north wind  The wind is blowing from the south.  The trees were swaying in the wind .  A gust of wind blew my hat off.  The weather was hot, without a a breath of wind .  The wall gives some protection from the prevailing wind .  The wind is getting up (= starting to blow strongly).  The wind has dropped (= stopped blowing strongly).  wind speed / direction—see also CROSSWIND , DOWNWIND , HEADWIND , TAILWIND , TRADE WIND , WINDY
2 (BrE) (AmE gas) [U] air that you swallow with food or drink; gas that is produced in your stomach or INTESTINES that makes you feel uncomfortable: I can’t eat beans—they give me wind.  Try to bring the baby’s wind up.
3 [U] breath that you need when you do exercise or blow into a musical instrument: I need time to get my wind back after that run.  He kicked Gomez in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.—see also SECOND WIND
4 [U+sing./pl. v.] the group of musical instruments in an orchestra that produce sounds when you blow into them; the musicians who play those instruments: music for wind and strings  the wind section  The wind played beautifully.—compare WOODWIND
IDM break 'wind to release gas from your bowels through your ANUS get 'wind of sth (informal) to hear about sth secret or private get / have the 'wind up (about sth) (informal) to become/be frightened about sth in the 'wind about to happen soon, although you do not know exactly how or when: Once again, changes are in the wind. like the 'wind very quickly put the 'wind up sb (BrE, informal) to make sb frightened take the 'wind out of sb’s sails (informal) to make sb suddenly less confident or angry, especially when you do or say sth that they do not expect a wind / the winds of 'change (used especially by journalists) an event or a series of events that has started to happen and will cause important changes or results: A wind of change was blowing through the banking world.—more at CAUTION n. , FOLLOWING , ILL adj. , SAIL v. , STRAW , WAY n.

verb [vn]
1 [usually passive] to make sb unable to breathe easily for a short time: He was momentarily winded by the blow to his stomach.
2 (BrE) to gently hit or rub a baby’s back to make it BURP (= release gas from its stomach through its mouth)
SYN BURP —see also LONG-WINDED

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wind^2
verb —see also WIND^1 (wound, wound )
1 [+adv. / prep.] (of a road, river, etc.) to have many bends and twists: [v] The path wound down to the beach.  [vn] The river winds its way between two meadows.—see also WINDING
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to wrap or twist sth around itself or sth else: He wound the wool into a ball.  Wind the bandage around your finger.
3 ~ (sth) (up) to make a clock or other mechanism work by turning a KNOB , handle, etc. several times; to be able to be made to work in this way: [vn] He had forgotten to wind his watch.  [v] It was one of those old-fashioned gramophones that winds up.—see also WIND-UP
4 ~ (sth) forward / back to operate a tape, film, etc. so that it moves nearer to its ending or starting position: [vn] He wound the tape back to the beginning.  [v] Wind forward to the bit where they discover the body.
5 [vn] to turn a handle several times: You operate the trapdoor by winding this handle.
IDM see LITTLE FINGER
wind noun: Give the handle another couple of winds.
PVR V ,wind 'down
1 (of a person) to rest or relax after a period of activity or excitement
SYN UNWIND
2 (of a piece of machinery) to go slowly and then stop ,wind sth<->'down
1 to bring a business, an activity, etc. to an end gradually over a period of time: The government is winding down its nuclear programme.
2 to make sth such as the window of a car move downwards by turning a handle, pressing a button, etc: Can I wind my window down? ,wind 'up (informal) (of a person) to find yourself in a particular place or situation: I always said he would wind up in prison. [+ -ing] We eventually wound up staying in a little hotel a few miles from town. [+adj] If you take risks like that you’ll wind up dead. ,wind 'up| ,wind sth<->'up to bring sth such as a speech or meeting to an end: The speaker was just winding up when the door was flung open.  If we all agree, let’s wind up the discussion. ,wind sb<->'up (BrE, informal) to deliberately say or do sth in order to annoy sb: Calm down! Can’t you see he’s only winding you up?  That can’t be true! You’re winding me up.—related noun WIND-UP ,wind sth<->'up
1 to stop running a company, business, etc. and close it completely
2 to make sth such as the window of a car move upwards by turning a handle, pressing a button, etc: Are all the windows wound up?
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wind.bag
noun (informal, disapproving) a person who talks too much, and does not say anything important or interesting
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wind-blown
adj.
1 carried from one place to another by the wind
2 made untidy by the wind: wind-blown hair
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wind.break
noun a row of trees, a fence, etc. that provides protection from the wind
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wind.cheat.er
(old-fashioned, BrE ) (AmE wind.break.er ) noun a jacket designed to protect you from the wind
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wind chill
noun [U] the effect of low temperature combined with wind on sb/sth: Take the wind-chill factor into account.
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wind.fall
noun
1 an amount of money that sb/sth wins or receives unexpectedly: The hospital got a sudden windfall of £300 000.  windfall gains / profits  The government imposed a windfall tax (= a tax on profits to be paid once only, not every year) on some industries.
2 a fruit, especially an apple, that the wind has blown down from a tree
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wind farm
noun an area of land on which there are a lot of WINDMILLS for producing electricity
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wind.ing
adj. having a curving and twisting shape: a long and winding road
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winding sheet
noun (especially in the past) a piece of fabric that a dead person’s body was wrapped in before it was buried
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wind instrument
noun any musical instrument that you play by blowing—compare BRASS , WOODWIND
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wind.lass
noun a type of WINCH (= a machine for lifting or pulling heavy objects)
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wind.less
adj. (written) without wind: a windless day
OPP WINDY
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wind.mill
noun
1 a building with machinery for GRINDING grain into flour that is driven by the power of the wind turning long arms (called SAILS )
2 a tall thin structure with parts that turn round, used to change the power of the wind into electricity
IDM see TILT v.
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win.dow
noun
1 an opening in the wall or roof of a building, car, etc., usually covered with glass, that allows light and air to come in and people to see out; the glass in a window: She looked out of the window.  Do you mind if I open the window?  the bedroom / car / kitchen window  a broken window—see also BAY WINDOW , DORMER WINDOW , FRENCH WINDOW , PICTURE WINDOW , ROSE WINDOW , SASH WINDOW
2 the glass at the front of a shop/store and the area behind it where goods are shown to the public: I saw the dress I wanted in the window .  a window display
3 an area within a frame on a computer screen, in which a particular program is operating or in which information of a particular type is shown: to create / open a window—
4 a small area of sth that you can see through, for example to talk to sb or read sth on the other side: There was a long line of people at the box-office window.  The address must be clearly visible through the window of the envelope.
5 [sing.] ~ on / into sth a way of seeing and learning about sth: Television is a sort of window on the world .  It gave me an intriguing window into the way people live.
6 a time when there is an opportunity to do sth, although it may not last long: We now have a small window of opportunity in which to make our views known.
IDM fly / go out (of) the 'window (informal) to stop existing; to disappear completely: As soon as the kids arrived, order went out of the window.
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'window box
noun a long narrow box outside a window, in which plants are grown—picture at HOUSE
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'window dressing
noun [U]
1 the art of arranging goods in shop/store windows in an attractive way
2 (disapproving) the fact of doing or saying sth in a way that creates a good impression but does not show the real facts: The reforms have been interpreted as window dressing.
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win.dow.less
adj. without windows: a tiny, windowless cell
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win.dow.pane
noun a piece of glass in a window
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'window shade
noun (AmE ) = BLIND
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'window-shopping
noun [U] the activity of looking at the goods in shop/store windows, usually without intending to buy anything: to go window-shopping
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'window sill
(also sill, 'window ledge) noun a narrow shelf below a window, either inside or outside: Place the plants on a sunny window sill.—picture at HOUSE
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wind.pipe
noun the tube in the throat that carries air to the lungs
SYN TRACHEA —picture at BODY
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wind.screen
(BrE ) (AmE wind.shield) noun the window across the front of a motor vehicle—picture at CAR
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'windscreen wiper
(BrE ) (AmE 'windshield wiper) (also wiperBrE, AmE) noun a blade with a rubber edge that moves across a windscreen to make it clear of rain, snow, etc.—picture at CAR
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wind.shield
noun
1 (AmE) = WINDSCREEN
2 a glass or plastic screen that provides protection from the wind, for example at the front of a motorcycle
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wind.sock
noun a fabric tube, open at both ends, that hangs at the top of a pole, for example on an AIRFIELD , to show the direction of the wind
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wind.surf.er
noun
1 (AmE also Wind.surf.er™) (also sail.boardBrE, AmE) a long narrow board with a sail, that you stand on and sail across water on
2 a person on a windsurfer
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wind.surf.ing
noun [U] the sport of sailing on water standing on a windsurfer : to go windsurfing
wind.surf verb : [v] Most visitors come to sail or windsurf.
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wind.swept
adj.
1 (of a place) having strong winds and little protection from them: the windswept Atlantic coast
2 looking as though you have been in a strong wind: windswept hair
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wind tunnel
noun a large tunnel where aircraft, etc. are tested by forcing air past them
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wind-up
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 that you operate by turning a key or handle: an old-fashioned wind-up gramophone
2 intended to bring sth to an end: a wind-up speech

noun (BrE , informal) something that sb says or does in order to be deliberately annoying, especially as a joke

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wind.ward
adj., noun
adj. on the side of sth from which the wind is blowing: the windward side of the boat
OPP LEEWARD —see also LEE
wind.ward adv. LEEWARD

noun [U] the side or direction from which the wind is blowing: to sail to windward—compare LEEWARD

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windy
adj. (wind.ier, windi.est)
1 (of weather, etc.) with a lot of wind: a windy day  It’s too windy to go out in the boat.
OPP WINDLESS
2 (of a place) getting a lot of wind: windy hills / moors
3 (informal, disapproving) (of speech) involving speaking for longer than necessary and in a way that is complicated and not clear
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wine
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] an alcoholic drink made from the juice of grapes that has been left to FERMENT . There are many different kinds of wine : a bottle of wine  a glass of dry / sweet wine  red / rosé / white wine  dessert / sparkling wine
2 [U, C] an alcoholic drink made from plants or fruits other than grapes: elderberry / rice wine
3 [U] (also wine 'red) a dark red colour: a wine velvet jacket

verb
IDM ,wine and 'dine (sb) to go to restaurants, etc. and enjoy good food and drink; to entertain sb by buying them good food and drink: The town offers many opportunities for wining and dining.  The firm spent thousands wining and dining potential clients.

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'wine bar
noun a bar or small restaurant where wine is the main drink available
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'wine cellar
(also cel.lar) noun an underground room where wine is stored; the wine stored in this room
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,wine 'cooler
noun
1 (AmE) a drink made with wine, fruit juice, ice and SODA WATER
2 ('wine cooler) a container for putting a bottle of wine in to cool it
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'wine glass
noun a glass for drinking wine from
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win.ery
noun (pl.-ies) (especially AmE ) a place where wine is made
SYN VINEYARD
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wing
noun, verb
noun
OF BIRD / INSECT|
1 [C] one of the parts of the body of a bird, insect or BAT that it uses for flying: The swan flapped its wings noisily.  wing feathers—
OF PLANE|
2 [C] one of the large flat parts that stick out from the side of a plane and help to keep it in the air when it is flying—picture at PLANE
OF BUILDING|
3 [C] one of the parts of a large building that sticks out from the main part: the east / west wing  the new wing of the hospital
OF CAR|
4 (BrE) (AmE fend.er) [C] a part of a car that is above a wheel: There was a dent in the nearside wing.  a wing mirror (= fixed to the side of a car)—picture at CAR
OF ORGANIZATION|
5 [C] one section of an organization that has a particular function or whose members share the same opinions
SYN ARM : the radical wing of the party  the political wing of the National Resistance Army—see also LEFT WING , RIGHT WING
IN FOOTBALL / HOCKEY|
6 [C] = WINGER —see also LEFT WING , RIGHT WING
7 [C] the far left or right side of the sports field: He plays on the wing.
IN THEATRE|
8 (the wings) [pl.] the area at either side of the stage that cannot be seen by the audience: She watched every performance from the wings. get your 'wings to pass the exams that mean you are allowed to fly a plane (waiting) in the 'wings ready to take over a particular job or be used in a particular situation when needed on a ,wing and a 'prayer with only a very slight chance of success on the 'wing (literary) (of a bird, insect, etc.) flying take sb under your 'wing to take care of and help sb who has less experience of sth than you take 'wing (literary) (of a bird, insect, etc.) to fly away: (figurative) Her imagination took wing.—more at CLIP v. , SPREAD v.

verb
FLY|
1 [+adv. / prep.] (literary) to fly somewhere: [vn] A solitary seagull winged its way across the bay. [alsov]
GO QUICKLY|
2 [vn + adv.  /  prep.] to be sent somewhere very quickly: An application form will be winging its way to you soon. 'wing it (informal) to do sth without planning or preparing it first
SYN IMPROVISE : I didn’t know I’d have to make a speech—I just had to wing it.

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,wing 'collar
noun a high stiff shirt collar for men, worn with formal clothes
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'wing commander
noun an officer of high rank in the British air force: Wing Commander Brian Moore
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winged
adj.
1 having wings: winged creatures / insects
OPP WINGLESS
2 (- winged) (in adjectives) having the number or type of wings mentioned: a long-winged bird
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wing.er
noun (also wing) (sport ) either of the attacking players who play towards the side of the playing area in sports such as football or hockey
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wing.less
adj. (especially of insects) without wings
OPP WINGED
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'wing nut
noun a NUT (2) for holding things in place, which has parts that stick out at the sides so that you can turn it easily
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wing.span
noun the distance between the end of one wing and the end of the other when the wings are fully stretched: a bird with a two-foot wingspan  the wingspan of a glider
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wing.tips
noun [pl.] (AmE ) strong leather shoes that fasten with LACES and have an extra piece of leather with small holes in it over the toe
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wink
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (at sb) [v] to close one eye and open it again quickly, especially as a private signal to sb, or to show sth is a joke: He winked at her and she knew he was thinking the same thing that she was.—compare BLINK
2 [v] (written) to shine with an unsteady light; to flash on and off
SYN BLINK : We could see the lights of the ship winking in the distance.
PVR V 'wink at sth to pretend that you have not noticed sth, especially sth bad or illegal

noun an act of winking , especially as a signal to sb: He gave her a knowing wink.—see also FORTY WINKS
IDM not get / have a 'wink of sleep | not sleep a 'wink to not be able to sleep: I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.  I hardly slept a wink.—more at NOD n. , NUDGE n. , TIP v.

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win.kle
noun, verb
noun (BrE ) (also peri.win.kleAmE, BrE) a small shellfish, like a SNAIL , that can be eaten

verb (BrE , informal)
PVR V ,winkle sth/sb<->'out (of sth) to get sb/sth out of a place or position, especially when they do not want to leave ,winkle sth 'out of sb to get information from sb, especially with difficulty: She always manages to winkle secrets out of people.

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win.ner
noun
1 a person, a team, an animal, etc. that wins sth: The winners of the competition will be announced next month.  There are no winners in a divorce (= everyone suffers).
2 [usually sing.] (informal) a thing or person that is successful or likely to be successful: I think your idea is a winner.  The design is very good. We could be onto a winner (= we may do or produce sth successful).
3 [sing.] (sport) a goal or point that causes a team or a person to win a game: Owen scored the winner after 20 minutes—compare LOSER
IDM see PICK v.
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win.ning
adj.
1 [only before noun] that wins or has won sth, for example a race or competition: the winning horse / goal / ticket
2 [usually before noun] attractive in a way that makes other people like you: a winning smile
IDM see CARD n.
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'winning post
noun (especially BrE ) a post that shows where the end of a race is: to be first past the winning post
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win.nings
noun [pl.] money that sb wins in a competition or game or by gambling
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win.now
verb [vn] to blow a current of air through grain in order to remove its outer covering (called the CHAFF )
PVR V ,winnow sb/sth 'out (of sth) (written) to remove people or things from a group so that only the best ones are left
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wino
noun (pl.-os) (informal) a person who drinks a lot of cheap alcohol and who has no home
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win.some
adj. (formal) (of people or their manner) pleasant and attractive: She gave him a winsome smile.
win.some.ly adv.
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win.ter
noun, verb
noun [U, C] the coldest season of the year, between autumn/fall and spring: a mild / severe / hard winter  Our house can be very cold in (the) winter.  They worked on the building all through the winter.  We went to New Zealand last winter.  the winter months  a winter coat
IDM see DEAD n.

verb [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to spend the winter somewhere: Many British birds winter in Africa.—compare OVERWINTER

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,winter 'sports
noun [pl.] sports that people do on snow or ice
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win.ter.time
noun [U] the period of time when it is winter: The days are shorter in (the) wintertime.
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win.try
adj.
1 typical of winter; cold: wintry weather / showers  a wintry landscape
2 (written) not friendly: a wintry smile
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wipe
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ sth (on / with sth) to rub a surface with a cloth, etc. in order to clean it; to rub sth against a surface, in order to remove dirt or liquid from it: [vn] She was sniffing and wiping her eyes with a tissue.  Please wipe your feet on the mat.  He wiped his hands on a clean towel.  [vn-adj] He wiped his plate clean with a piece of bread.
2 [vn] ~ sth (from / off sth)| ~ sth (away / off / up) to remove dirt, liquid, etc. from sth by using a cloth, your hand, etc: He wiped the sweat from his forehead.  She wiped off her make-up.  Use that cloth to wipe up the mess.   (figurative) Wipe that stupid smile off your face.
3 [vn] ~ sth (off / off sth) to remove information, sound, images, etc. from a computer, tape or video: You must have wiped off that programme I recorded.  Somebody had wiped all the tapes.
4 [vn] ~ sth from sth| ~ sth out to deliberately forget an experience because it was unpleasant or embarrassing: I tried to wipe the whole episode from my mind.  You can never wipe out the past.
IDM wipe the 'floor with sb (informal) to defeat sb completely in an argument or a competition wipe sb/sth off the ,face of the 'earth | wipe sth off the 'map to destroy or remove sb/sth completely wipe the slate 'clean to agree to forget about past mistakes or arguments and start again with a relationship
PVR V ,wipe sth<->'down to clean a surface completely, using a wet cloth: She took a cloth and wiped down the kitchen table. wipe sth off sth to remove sth from sth: Billions of pounds were wiped off share prices as the pound slumped again. ,wipe 'out (informal) to fall over, especially when you are doing a sport such as skiing or SURFING : She wiped out at the third gate in the slalom race. ,wipe sb/sth<->'out [often passive] to destroy or remove sb/sth completely: Whole villages were wiped out by the earthquake.  Last year’s profits were virtually wiped out.  a campaign to wipe out malaria

noun
1 an act of cleaning sth using a cloth: Can you give the table a quick wipe?
2 a special piece of thin fabric or soft paper that is soaked in a liquid and that you use to clean away dirt and bacteria: Remember to take nappies and baby wipes .

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wiper
noun = WINDSCREEN WIPER
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wire
noun, verb
noun
1 [U, C] metal in the form of thin thread; a piece of this: a coil of copper wire  a wire rack / basket  The box was fastened with a rusty wire.—see also BARBED WIRE , HIGH WIRE , TRIPWIRE —picture at ROPE
2 [C, U] a piece of wire that is used to carry an electric current or signal: overhead wires  fuse wire  The telephone wires had been cut.—see also HOT-WIRE
3 (the wire) [sing.] a wire fence: Three prisoners escaped by crawling under the wire.
4 [C] (informal, especially AmE) = TELEGRAM : We sent a wire asking him to join us.—see also WIRY
IDM get your 'wires crossed (informal) to become confused about what sb has said to you so that you think they meant sth else go, come, etc. (right) down to the 'wire (informal) if you say that a situation goes down to the wire, you mean that the result will not be decided or known until the very end—more at LIVE^2 , PULL v.

verb
1 [vn] ~ sth (up) to connect a building, piece of equipment, etc. to an electricity supply using wires: Make sure the plug is wired up correctly.
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth up (to sth)| ~ sb/sth to sth to connect sb/sth to a piece of equipment, especially a TAPE RECORDER or computer system: He was wired up to a police tape recorder.
3 [vn] ~ sth (for sth) to put a special device somewhere in order to listen secretly to other people’s conversations
SYN BUG : The room had been wired for sound.
4 ~ (sth) (to sb)| ~ sb (sth) (especially AmE ) to send sb a message by TELEGRAM : [vn, vnn] He wired the news to us.  He wired us the news.
5 ~ sth (to sb)| ~ sb sth to send money from one bank to another using an electronic system: [vn, vnn] The bank wired the money to her.  The bank wired her the money.
6 [vn] to join things together using wire

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'wire-cutters
noun [pl.] a tool for cutting wire: a pair of wire-cutters
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wired
adj.
1 connected to a system of computers: Many colleges now have high-tech libraries and wired dormitories.
2 (of glass, material, etc.) containing wires that make it strong or stiff
3 (informal) excited or nervous; not relaxed
4 (informal, especially AmE) under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug
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wire.less
noun (old-fashioned)
1 [C] (especially BrE) a radio
2 [U] a system of sending and receiving signals: a message sent by wireless
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,wire 'netting
noun [U] wire that is woven into a net, used especially for fences
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wire.tap.ping
noun [U] the act of secretly listening to other people’s telephone conversations by attaching a device to the telephone line
wire.tap verb (-pp-) [vn]
wire.tap noun: the use of illegal wiretaps—see also TAP
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,wire 'wool
noun [U] (BrE ) = STEEL WOOL
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wir.ing
noun [U] the system of wires that is used for supplying electricity to a building or machine: to check the wiring  a wiring diagram
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wiry
adj.
1 (of a person) thin but strong: a wiry little man
2 (of hair, plants, etc.) stiff and strong; like wire
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wis.dom
noun [U]
1 the ability to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have: a woman of great wisdom  words of wisdom
2 ~ of sth / of doing sth how sensible sth is: I question the wisdom of giving a child so much money.
3 the knowledge that a society or culture has gained over a long period of time: the collective wisdom of the Native American people
IDM conventional / received 'wisdom the view or belief that most people hold: Conventional wisdom has it that riots only ever happen in cities. in his / her / its, etc. (infinite) 'wisdom used when you are saying that you do not understand why sb has done sth: The government in its wisdom has decided to support the ban.—more at PEARL
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'wisdom tooth
noun any of the four large teeth at the back of the mouth that do not grow until you are an adult
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wise
adj., verb
adj. (wiser, wis.est)
1 (of people) able to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have: a wise old man  I’m older and wiser after ten years in the business.
2 (of actions and behaviour) sensible; based on good judgement: a wise decision / precaution  It was very wise to leave when you did.  The wisest course of action is just to say nothing.  I was grateful for her wise counsel.
wise.ly adv.: She nodded wisely.  He wisely decided to tell the truth.
IDM be none the 'wiser | not be any the 'wiser
1 to not understand sth, even after it has been explained to you: I’ve read the instructions, but I’m still none the wiser.
2 to not know or find out about sth bad that sb has done: If you put the money back, no one will be any the wiser. be ,wise after the e'vent (often disapproving) to understand sth, or realize what you should have done, only after sth has happened be / get 'wise to sb/sth (informal) to become aware that sb is being dishonest: He thought he could fool me but I got wise to him. put sb 'wise (to sth) (informal) to inform sb about sth

verb
PVR V ,wise 'up (to sth) (informal) to become aware of the unpleasant truth about a situation

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-wise
suffix (in adjectives and adverbs)
1 in the manner or direction of: likewise  clockwise  lengthwise
2 (informal) concerning: Things aren’t too good businesswise.
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wise.crack
noun (informal) a clever remark or joke
wise.crack verb : [v] He plays a wisecracking detective. [alsov speech]
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'wise guy
noun (informal disapproving, especially AmE ) a person who speaks or behaves as if they know more than other people
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wish
verb, noun
verb
1 (not usually used in the present progressive tense) to want sth to happen or to be true even though it is unlikely or impossible: [v (that)] I wish I were taller.   (BrE also) I wish I was taller.  I wish I hadn’t eaten so much.  ‘Where is he now?’‘I only wish I knew!’  I wish you wouldn’t leave your clothes all over the floor.
HELP ‘That’ is nearly always left out, especially in speech. [vn-adj] He’s dead and it’s no use wishing him alive again.  [vn + adv.  /  prep.] She wished herself a million miles away.
2 (especially BrE , formal) to want to do sth; to want sth to happen: [v] You may stay until morning, if you wish .  ‘I’d rather not talk now.’‘(Just) as you wish .’  [v to inf] This course is designed for people wishing to update their computer skills.  I wish to speak to the manager.  I don’t wish (= I don’t mean) to be rude, but could you be a little quieter?  [vnn] She could not believe that he wished her harm.  [vn to inf] He was not sure whether he wished her to stay or go.
3 [v] ~ (for sth) to think very hard that you want sth, especially sth that can only be achieved by good luck or magic: She shut her eyes and wished for him to get better.  If you wish really hard, maybe you’ll get what you want.  It’s no use wishing for the impossible.  He has everything he could possibly wish for.
4 to say that you hope that sb will be happy, lucky, etc: [vnn] I wished her a happy birthday.  Wish me luck!  [vn] We wish them both well in their retirement.
IDM I 'wish! (spoken) used to say that sth is impossible or very unlikely, although you wish it were possible
SYN IF ONLY : ‘You’ll have finished by tomorrow.’‘I wish!’
PVR V ,wish sth a'way to try to get rid of sth by wishing it did not exist 'wish sb/sth on sb (informal) (used in negative sentences) to want sb to have sth unpleasant: I wouldn’t wish something like that on my worst enemy.

noun
1 [C] ~ (to do sth)| ~ (for sth) a desire or a feeling that you want to do sth or have sth: She expressed a wish to be alone.  He had no wish to start a fight.  I can understand her wish for secrecy.  His dearest wish (= what he wants most of all) is to see his grandchildren again.
2 [C] a thing that you want to have or to happen: to carry out sb’s wishes  I’m sure that you will get your wish.  She married against her parents' wishes .—see also DEATH WISH
3 [C] an attempt to make sth happen by thinking hard about it, especially in stories when it often happens by magic: Throw some money in the fountain and make a wish .  The genie granted him three wishes.  The prince’s wish came true .
4 (wishes) [pl.] ~ (for sth) used especially in a letter or card to say that you hope that sb will be happy, well or successful: We all send our best wishes for the future.  Give my good wishes to the family.  With best wishes (= for example, at the end of a letter)
IDM your wish is my com'mand (humorous) used to say that you are ready to do whatever sb asks you to do—see also DEATH WISH

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wish.bone
noun a V-shaped bone between the neck and breast of a chicken, duck, etc. When the bird is eaten, this bone is sometimes pulled apart by two people, and the person who gets the larger part can make a wish.
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,wishful 'thinking
noun [U] the belief that sth that you want to happen is happening or will happen, although this is actually not true or very unlikely: I’ve got a feeling that Alex likes me, but that might just be wishful thinking.
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'wish list
noun (informal) all the things that you would like to have, or that you would like to happen
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wishy-washy
adj. (informal, disapproving)
1 not having clear or firm ideas or beliefs: a wishy-washy liberal
2 not bright in colour: a wishy-washy blue
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wisp
noun ~ (of sth)
1 a small, thin piece of hair, grass, etc.
2 a long thin line of smoke or cloud
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wispy
adj. consisting of small, thin pieces; not thick: wispy hair / clouds  a wispy beard
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wis.teria
(also wis.taria ) noun [U] a climbing plant with bunches of pale purple or white flowers that hang down
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wist.ful
adj. thinking sadly about sth that you would like to have, especially sth in the past that you can no longer have: a wistful smile / tone / look
wist.ful.ly adv.: She sighed wistfully.  ‘If only I had known you then,’ he said wistfully.
wist.ful.ness noun [U]
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wit
noun
1 [U, sing.] the ability to say or write things that are both clever and amusing: to have a quick / sharp / dry / ready wit  a woman of wit and intelligence  a book full of the wit and wisdom of his 30 years in politics
2 [C] a person who has the ability to say or write things that are both clever and amusing: a well-known wit and raconteur
3 (wits) [pl.] your ability to think quickly and clearly and to make good decisions: He needed all his wits to find his way out.  The game was a long battle of wits.  Kate paused and gathered her wits .  a chance to pit your wits against (= compete with, using your intelligence) our quiz champion
4 (-witted) (in adjectives) having the type of intelligence mentioned: a quick-witted group of students
5 [U] ~ to do sth the intelligence or good sense to know what is the right thing to do: At least you had the wit to ask for help.  It should not be beyond the wit of man to resolve this dispute.—see also WITLESS
IDM be at your wits' 'end to be so worried by a problem that you do not know what to do next be frightened / scared / terrified out of your 'wits to be very frightened have / keep your 'wits about you to be aware of what is happening around you and ready to think and act quickly to 'wit (old-fashioned, formal) you use to wit when you are about to be more exact about sth that you have just referred to: Pilot error, to wit failure to follow procedures, was the cause of the accident.—more at LIVE^1
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witch
noun
1 a woman who is believed to have magic powers, especially to do evil things. In stories, she usually wears a black pointed hat and flies on a BROOMSTICK .
2 (disapproving) an ugly unpleasant old woman
IDM see BREW n.
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witch.craft
noun [U] the use of magic powers, especially evil ones
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'witch doctor
noun (especially in Africa) a person who is believed to have special magic powers that can be used to heal people—compare MEDICINE MAN
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'witch hazel
noun [U] a liquid that is used for treating injuries on the skin
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'witch-hunt
noun (usually disapproving) an attempt to find and punish people who hold opinions that are thought to be unacceptable or dangerous to society
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the 'witching hour
noun [sing.] the time, late at night, when it is thought that magic things can happen
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Wite.out
™noun [U] (AmE ) a white liquid that you use to cover mistakes that you make when you are writing or typing, and that you can write on top of; a type of CORRECTION FLUID
SYN TIPP-EX —see also WHITE-OUT
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with
prep.
HELP For the special uses of with in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example bear with sb/sth is in the phrasal verb section at bear.
1 in the company or presence of sb/sth: She lives with her parents.  I have a client with me right now.  a nice steak with a bottle of red wine
2 having or carrying sth: a girl with (= who has) red hair  a jacket with a hood  He looked at her with a hurt expression.  They’re both in bed with flu.  a man with a suitcase
3 using sth: Cut it with a knife.  It is treated with acid before being analysed.
4 used to say what fills, covers, etc. sth: The bag was stuffed with dirty clothes.  Sprinkle the dish with salt.
5 in opposition to sb/sth; against sb/sth: to fight / argue / quarrel with sb  to play tennis with sb  at war with a neighbouring country  I had an argument with my boss.
6 concerning; in the case of: Be careful with the glasses.  Are you pleased with the result?  Don’t be angry with her.  With these students it’s pronunciation that’s the problem.
7 used when considering one fact in relation to another: She won’t be able to help us with all the family commitments she has.  It’s much easier compared with last time.
8 including: The meal with wine came to $20 each.  With all the lesson preparation I have to do I work 12 hours a day.
9 used to show the way in which sb does sth: He behaved with great dignity.  She sleeps with the window open.  Don’t stand with your hands in your pockets.
10 because of; as a result of: She blushed with embarrassment.  His fingers were numb with cold.
11 because of sth and as it happens: The shadows lengthened with the approach of sunset.  Skill comes with practice.
12 in the same direction as sth: Marine mammals generally swim with the current.
13 used to show who has possession of or responsibility for sth: The keys are with reception.  Leave it with me.
14 employed by; using the services of: She acted with a touring company for three years.  I bank with the HSBC.
15 showing separation from sth/sb: I could never part with this ring.  Can we dispense with the formalities?
16 in spite of sth: With all her faults I still love her.
17 used in exclamations: Off to bed with you!  Down with school!
IDM be 'with me / you (informal) to be able to understand what sb is talking about: Are you with me?  I’m afraid I’m not quite with you. be 'with sb (on sth) to support sb and agree with what they say: We’re all with you on this one. 'with it (informal)
1 knowing about current fashions and ideas
SYN TRENDY : Don’t you have anything more with it to wear?
2 understanding what is happening around you
SYN ALERT : You don’t seem very with it today. with 'that (written) straight after that; then: He muttered a few words of apology and with that he left.
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with.draw
verb (with.drew with.drawn )
1 ~ (sb/sth) (from sth) to move back or away from a place or situation; to make sb/sth do this
SYN PULL OUT : [v] Government troops were forced to withdraw.  [vn] Both powers withdrew their forces from the region.  She withdrew her hand from his.
2 [vn] ~ sth (from sth) to stop giving or offering sth to sb: Workers have threatened to withdraw their labour (= go on strike).  The drug was withdrawn from sale after a number of people suffered serious side effects.  He withdrew his support for our campaign.
3 ~ (sb/sth) (from sth) to stop taking part in an activity or being a member of an organization; to stop sb/sth from doing these things: [v] There have been calls for Britain to withdraw from the EU.  [vn] The horse had been withdrawn from the race.
4 [vn] to take money out of a bank account: I’d like to withdraw £250 please.
5 [vn] (formal) to say that you no longer believe that sth you previously said is true
SYN RETRACT : The newspaper withdrew the allegations the next day.
6 [v] ~ (from sth) (into sth) to become quieter and spend less time with other people: She’s beginning to withdraw into herself.
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with.draw.al
noun
1 [U, C] the act of moving or taking sth away or back: the withdrawal of support / troops  the withdrawal of a product from the market  US withdrawal from Vietnam
2 [U] the act of no longer taking part in sth or being a member of an organization: his withdrawal from the election  a campaign for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU
3 [C] the act of taking an amount of money out of your bank account: You can make withdrawals of up to $250 a day.
4 [U] the period of time when sb is getting used to not taking a drug that they have become dependent on, and the unpleasant effects of doing this: I got withdrawal symptoms after giving up smoking.
5 [C usually sing, U] the act of saying that you no longer believe that sth you have previously said is true: The newspaper published a withdrawal the next day.
SYN RETRACTION
6 [U] (psychology) the behaviour of sb who wants to be alone and does not want to communicate with other people: She is showing signs of withdrawal and depression.
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with.drawn
adj. not wanting to talk to other people; extremely quiet and shy
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wither
verb
1 if a plant withers or sth withers it, it dries up and dies: [v] The grass had withered in the warm sun. [alsovn]
2 [v] ~ (away) to become less or weaker, especially before disappearing completely: All our hopes just withered away.
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withered
adj. [usually before noun]
1 (of plants) dried up and dead: withered leaves
2 (of people) looking old because they are thin and weak and have very dry skin
3 (of parts of the body) thin and weak and not fully developed because of disease: withered limbs
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wither.ing
adj. (of a look, remark, etc.) intended to make sb feel silly or ashamed: withering scorn / contempt  She gave him a withering look.
wither.ing.ly adv.
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with.ers
noun [pl.] the highest part of a horse’s back, between its shoulders
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with.hold
verb (with.held, with.held ) [vn] ~ sth (from sb/sth) (formal) to refuse to give sth to sb: She was accused of withholding information from the police.
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with'holding tax
noun [C, U] (in the US) an amount of money that an employer takes out of sb’s income as tax and pays directly to the government—compare PAY AS YOU EARN
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with.in
prep., adv.
prep.
1 before a particular period of time has passed; during a particular period of time: You should receive a reply within seven days.  The ambulance arrived within minutes of the call being made.  Two elections were held within the space of a year.
2 not further than a particular distance from sth: a house within a mile of the station  Is it within walking distance ?
3 inside the range or limits of sth: That question is not within the scope of this talk.  We are now within range of enemy fire.  He finds it hard to live within his income (= without spending more than he earns).
OPP OUTSIDE
4 (formal) inside sth/sb: The noise seems to be coming from within the building.  There is discontent within the farming industry.

adv. (formal) inside: Cleaner required. Apply within. (= on a sign)

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with.out
prep., adv.
prep.
1 not having, experiencing or showing sth: They had gone two days without food.  He found the place without difficulty.  She spoke without much enthusiasm.
2 not in the company of sb: Don’t go without me.
3 not using or taking sth: Can you see without your glasses?  Don’t go out without your coat.
4 ~ (sb) doing sth not doing the action mentioned: He left without saying goodbye.  The party was organized without her knowing anything about it.  You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.  Without wanting to criticize, I think you could have done better. (= used before you make a critical comment)

adv. not having or showing sth: Do you want a room with a bath or one without?  If there’s none left we’ll have to do without .  I’m sure we’ll manage without .

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with.stand
verb (with.stood, with.stood ) [vn] (formal) to be strong enough not to be hurt or damaged by extreme conditions, the use of force, etc.
SYN RESIST , STAND UP TO : The materials used have to be able to withstand high temperatures.  They had withstood siege, hunger and deprivation.
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wit.less
adj. (rare) silly or stupid; not sensible: a witless child / remark
IDM be scared / bored 'witless (informal) to be extremely frightened or bored
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wit.ness
noun, verb
noun
PERSON WHO SEES STH|
1 (also eye.wit.ness) [C] a person who sees sth happen and is able to describe it to other people: Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident.  We have a witness to the killing.
IN COURT OF LAW|
2 [C] a person who gives evidence in a court of law: a defence / prosecution witness  to appear as (a) witness for the defence / prosecution
OF SIGNATURE|
3 [C] a person who is present when an official document is signed and who also signs it to prove that they saw this happen
OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS|
4 [U] evidence of a person’s strong religious beliefs, that they show by what they say and do in public—see also JEHOVAH’S WITNESS be (a) 'witness to sth
1 (formal) to see sth take place: He has been witness to a terrible murder.
2 (written) to show that sth is true; to provide evidence for sth: His good health is a witness to the success of the treatment. bear / give 'witness (to sth) to provide evidence of the truth of sth

verb
SEE STH|
1 [vn] to see sth happen because you are there when it happens: She was shocked by the violent scenes she had witnessed.  Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.  We are now witnessing an unprecedented increase in violent crime.
OF TIME / PLACE|
2 [vn] to be the place, period, organization, etc. in which particular events take place: Recent years have witnessed a growing social mobility.  The retail trade is witnessing a sharp fall in sales.
SIGNATURE|
3 [vn] to be present when an official document is signed and sign it yourself to prove that you saw this happen: to witness a signature
BE SIGN / PROOF|
4 [vn] [usually passive] to be a sign or proof of sth: There has been increasing interest in her life and work, as witnessed by the publication of two new biographies.
5 [vn] (formal) used in orders when giving an example that proves sth you have just said: Authentic Italian cooking is very healthy—witness the low incidence of heart disease in Italy.
IN COURT OF LAW|
6 [v] ~ (to sth) (lawor formal) to give evidence about sth in a court of law
TO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS|
7 [v] ~ (to sth) (especially AmE) to speak to people about your strong religious beliefs

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'witness box
(BrE ) (AmE 'witness stand) (also standBrE, AmE) noun the place in a court of law where people stand to give evidence
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wit.ter
verb [v] ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE , informal, usually disapproving) to talk about sth unimportant and boring for a long time: What’s he wittering on about?
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wit.ti.cism
noun a clever and amusing remark
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wit.ting.ly
adv. (formal) in a way that shows that you are aware of what you are doing: It was clear that, wittingly or unwittingly, he had offended her.—see also UNWITTING
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witty
adj. (wit.tier, wit.ti.est) able to say or write clever, amusing things: a witty speaker / writer  a witty remark
wit.tily adv.
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wives
pl. of WIFE
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wiz.ard
noun
1 a man who is believed to have magic powers
2 a person who is especially good at sth: a computer / financial wizard
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wiz.ard.ry
noun [U] a very impressive and clever achievement; great skill: financial / computing / electronic wizardry  The second goal was sheer wizardry.
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wiz.ened
adj. (written) looking smaller and having many folds and lines in the skin, because of being old: a wizened little man  wizened apples
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woad
noun [U] a blue substance that people used to paint their bodies and faces in ancient times
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wob.ble
verb
1 to move from side to side in an unsteady way; to make sth do this: [v] This chair wobbles.   (figurative) Her voice wobbled with emotion.  [vn] Don’t wobble the table—I’m trying to write.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to go in a particular direction while moving from side to side in an unsteady way: He wobbled off on his bike.
wob.ble noun [usually sing.]: The handlebars developed a wobble.
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wob.bly
adj., noun
adj. (informal)
1 moving in an unsteady way from side to side: a chair with a wobbly leg  a wobbly tooth  He’s still a bit wobbly after the operation (= not able to stand firmly).
2 not firm or confident
SYN SHAKY : the wobbly singing of the choir  The evening got off to a wobbly start.

noun
IDM throw a 'wobbly (BrE, informal) to suddenly become very angry or upset

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wodge
noun ~ (of sth) (BrE , informal) a large piece or amount of sth: a thick wodge of ten-pound notes
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woe
noun (old-fashioned or humorous)
1 (woes) [pl.] the troubles and problems that sb has: financial / economic woes  Thanks for listening to my woes.
2 [U] great unhappiness: a tale of woe
IDM ,woe be'tide sb | 'woe to sb (formal or humorous) a phrase that is used to warn sb that there will be trouble for them if they do sth or do not do sth: Woe betide anyone who gets in her way! ,woe is 'me! exclamation (old use or humorous) a phrase that is used to say that you are very unhappy
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woe.be.gone
adj. (written) looking very sad: a woebegone face / expression
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woe.ful
adj.
1 [usually before noun] very bad or serious; that you disapprove of
SYN DEPLORABLE : She displayed a woeful ignorance of the rules.
2 (literary or formal) very sad: a woeful face  woeful tales of broken romances
woe.ful.ly adv.
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wog
noun (BrE ,  , slang) a very offensive word for a person who does not have white skin
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wok
noun a large pan shaped like a bowl, used for cooking food, especially Chinese food—picture at PAN
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woke
pt of WAKE
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woken
pp of WAKE
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wolds
noun [pl.] used in the names of places in Britain for an area of high open land: the Yorkshire Wolds
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wolf
noun, verb
noun (pl.wolves ) a large wild animal of the dog family, that lives and hunts in groups: a pack of wolves
IDM keep the 'wolf from the door (informal) to have enough money to avoid going hungry; to stop sb feeling hungry throw sb to the 'wolves to leave sb to be roughly treated or criticized without trying to help or defend them a wolf in sheep’s 'clothing a person who seems to be friendly or harmless but is really an enemy—more at CRY v. , LONE

verb [vn] ~ sth (down) (informal) to eat food very quickly, especially by putting a lot of it in your mouth at once
SYN GOBBLE

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wolf.hound
noun a very large tall dog with long hair and long legs, originally used for hunting wolves : an Irish wolfhound
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wolf.ish
adj. (written) like a wolf : wolfish yellow eyes   (figurative) a wolfish grin (= showing sexual interest in sb)
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'wolf whistle
noun a whistle with a short rising note and a long falling note, that a man uses to show that he finds a woman attractive, especially one passing in the street. Many women find this offensive.
'wolf-whistle verb [v, vn]
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wolves
pl. of WOLF
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woman
noun (pl.women )
1 [C] an adult female human being: men, women and children  a 24-year-old woman  I prefer to see a woman doctor.
2 [U] female human beings in general: (informal) She’s all woman! (= has qualities that are typical of women)
3 [C] (in compounds) a woman who comes from the place mentioned or whose job or interest is connected with the thing mentioned: an Englishwoman  a businesswoman  a Congresswoman  a horsewoman  note at GENDER
4 [C] a female worker, especially one who works with her hands: We used to have a woman to do the cleaning.
5 [sing.] (old-fashioned, spoken) a rude way of addressing a female person in an angry or important way: Be quiet, woman!
6 [C] (sometimes disapproving) a wife or sexual partner: He’s got a new woman in his life.—see also FALLEN WOMAN , KEPT WOMAN , OTHER WOMAN
IDM be your own 'man / 'woman to act or think independently, not following others or being ordered: Working for herself meant that she could be her own woman.—more at HEART , HELL , HONEST , MAN n. , PART n. , POSSESSED , SUBSTANCE , WORLD
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woman.hood
noun [U] (formal)
1 the state of being a woman, rather than a girl: He watched his daughters grow to womanhood.
2 women in general: the womanhood of this country—compare MANHOOD
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woman.iz.ing
(BrE also -is.ing) noun [U] (disapproving) the fact of having sexual relationships with many different women
SYN PHILANDERING
woman.izer , -isernoun
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woman.kind
noun [U] (old-fashioned, formal) women in general—compare MANKIND
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woman.ly
adj. (approving) behaving, dressing, etc. in a way that people think is typical of or very suitable for a woman
SYN FEMININE : womanly qualities / wiles  She has a soft womanly figure.
woman.li.ness noun [U]
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womb
noun the organ in women and female animals in which babies develop before they are born
SYN UTERUS
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wom.bat
noun an Australian animal like a small bear, that carries its young in a POUCH (= a pocket of skin) on the front of the mother’s body
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women.folk
noun [pl.] (formal or humorous) all the women in a community or family, especially one that is led by men: The male hunters brought back the food for their womenfolk to cook.—compare MENFOLK
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,women’s libe'ration
noun [U] (old-fashioned)
1 (also informal ,women’s 'lib ) the freedom of women to have the same social and economic rights as men
2 (Women’s Liberation) (also informal Women’s Lib) the movement that aimed to achieve equal social and economic rights for women
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'women’s studies
noun [pl.] the study of women and their role in history, literature and society: to major in women’s studies.
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won
pt, pp of WIN
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won.der
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (about sth) to think about sth and try to decide what is true, what will happen, what you should do, etc: [v wh-] I wonder who she is.  I was just beginning to wonder where you were.  [v] ‘Why do you want to know?’‘No particular reason. I was just wondering.’  We were wondering about next April for the wedding.  [v speech] ‘What should I do now?’ she wondered.
2 [v wh-] used as a polite way of asking a question or asking sb to do sth: I wonder if you can help me.  I was wondering whether you’d like to come to a party.
3 ~ (at sth) to be very surprised by sth: [v] She wondered at her own stupidity.   (BrE , spoken) He’s gone and left us to do all the work, I shouldn’t wonder (= I wouldn’t be surprised if he had).  [v (that)] I wonder (that) he didn’t hurt himself jumping over that wall.  I don’t wonder you’re tired. You’ve had a busy day.

noun
1 [U] a feeling of surprise and admiration that you have when you see or experience sth beautiful, unusual or unexpected
SYN AWE : He retained a childlike sense of wonder.  She gazed down in wonder at the city spread below her.
2 [C] something or a quality in sth that fills you with surprise and admiration: The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world.  the wonders of modern technology  That’s the wonder of poetry—you’re always discovering something new.
3 [sing.] (informal) a person who is very clever at doing sth; a person or thing that seems very good or effective: Geoff, you’re a wonder! I would never have thought of doing that.  Have you seen the boy wonder play yet?  a new wonder drug
IDM do 'wonders (for sb/sth) to have a very good effect on sb/sth: The news has done wonders for our morale. (it’s) no / little / small 'wonder (that) … it is not surprising: It is little wonder (that) she was so upset.   (informal) No wonder you’re tired, you’ve been walking for hours. it’s a 'wonder (that) … (especially spoken) it is surprising or strange: It’s a wonder (that) more people weren’t hurt. wonders will never 'cease (spoken, usually ironic) a phrase used to express surprise and pleasure at sth: ‘I’ve cleaned my room.’‘Wonders will never cease!’ work 'wonders to achieve very good results: Her new diet and exercise programme has worked wonders for her.—more at NINE

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won.der.ful
adj.
1 very good, pleasant or enjoyable: a wonderful view / opportunity / person / surprise / day  We had a wonderful time last night.  You’ve all been absolutely wonderful!  It’s wonderful to see you!
2 making you feel surprise or admiration
SYN REMARKABLE : It’s wonderful what you can do when you have to.
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won.der.ful.ly
adv. (formal)
1 very; very well: The hotel is wonderfully comfortable.  Things have worked out wonderfully (well).
2 unusually; in a surprising way: He’s wonderfully fit for his age.
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won.der.ing.ly
adv. (written) in a way that shows surprise and/or admiration: She gazed at him wonderingly.
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won.der.land
noun [usually sing.]
1 an imaginary place in children’s stories
2 a place that is exciting and full of beautiful and interesting things
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won.der.ment
noun [U] (formal) a feeling of pleasant surprise or WONDER
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won.drous
adj. (literary) strange, beautiful and impressive: It was a wondrous thing to see the sea for the first time.
won.drous.ly adv.
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wonk
noun (AmE , informal, disapproving)
1 a person who works too hard and is considered boring
2 a person who takes too much interest in the less important details of political policy: the President’s chief economic policy wonk
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wonky
adj. (BrE , informal) not steady; not straight: a wonky chair
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wont
adj., noun
adj. [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) (old-fashioned, formal) in the habit of doing sth: He was wont to fall asleep after supper.

noun [sing.] (old-fashioned, formal) something a person often does
SYN HABIT : She got up early, as was her wont.

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won’t
short form will not
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woo
verb [vn]
1 to try to get the support of sb: Voters are being wooed with promises of lower taxes.
2 (old-fashioned) (of a man) to try to persuade a woman to love him and marry him
SYN COURT
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wood
noun
1 [U, C] the hard material that the TRUNK and branches of a tree are made of; this material when it is used to build or make things with, or as a fuel: He chopped some wood for the fire.  a plank of wood  All the furniture was made of wood .  a wood floor  furniture made of a variety of different woods—see also DEAD WOOD , HARDWOOD , SOFTWOOD , WOODEN , WOODY
2 [C] (also woods [pl.]) an area of trees, smaller than a forest: a large wood  a walk in the woods—see also WOODED
3 [C] a heavy wooden ball used in the game of BOWLS
4 [C] a GOLF CLUB with a large head, that was usually made of wood in the past—compare IRON
IDM not see the ,wood for the 'trees (BrE) (AmE not see the ,forest for the 'trees) to not see or understand the main point about sth, because you are paying too much attention to small details not ,out of the 'woods (informal) not yet free from difficulties or problems: We’re not out of the woods yet, you know.—more at KNOCK v. , NECK n. , TOUCH v.
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wood.block
noun
1 each of the small flat pieces of wood that are fitted together to cover a floor: a woodblock floor—compare PARQUET
2 a piece of wood with a pattern cut into it, used for printing
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wood.carv.ing
noun [U, C] the process of shaping a piece of wood with a sharp tool; a decorative object made in this way
wood.carver noun
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wood.chuck
(also ground.hog) noun a small N American animal of the SQUIRREL family
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wood.cock
noun (pl.wood.cock or wood.cocks) a brown bird with a long straight beak, short legs and a short tail, hunted for food or sport
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wood.cut
noun a print that is made from a pattern cut in a piece of wood
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wood.cut.ter
noun (old-fashioned) a person whose job is cutting down trees
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wood.ed
adj. (of land) covered with trees
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wood.en
adj.
1 [usually before noun] made of wood: a wooden box
2 not showing enough natural expression, emotion or movement: The actor playing the father was too wooden.
wood.en.ly adv.: She speaks her lines very woodenly.
wood.en.ness noun [U]
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,wooden 'spoon
noun a spoon made of wood, used in cooking for stirring and mixing—picture at KITCHEN
IDM get, win, take, etc. the ,wooden 'spoon (BrE, informal) to come last in a race or competition
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wood.land
noun [U, C] (also wood.lands [pl.]) an area of land that is covered with trees: ancient / dense / mixed woodland  The house is fringed by fields and woodlands.  woodland walks / scenery
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wood.louse
noun (pl.wood.lice ) a small grey creature like an insect, with a hard shell, that lives in decaying wood or damp soil—
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wood.man
noun (pl.-men ) (also woods.man) a person who works or lives in a forest, taking care of and sometimes cutting down trees, etc.
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wood.peck.er
noun a bird with a long beak that it uses to make holes in trees when it is looking for insects to eat
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'wood pigeon
noun a bird of the PIGEON family, that lives in woods and fields rather than in cities
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'wood pulp
noun [U] wood that has been broken into small pieces and crushed until it is soft. It is used for making paper.
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wood.shed
noun a small building for storing wood in, especially for fuel
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woods.man
noun (pl.-men ) = WOODMAN
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woodsy
adj. (informal, especially AmE ) covered with trees; connected with WOODS
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wood.wind
noun [C+sing./pl. v .] (also wood.winds [pl.] especially in AmE) the group of musical instruments in an orchestra that are mostly made of wood or metal and are played by blowing. FLUTES , CLARINETS and BASSOONS are all woodwind instruments: the woodwind section of the orchestra—compare BRASS , PERCUSSION , STRINGS , WIND n. (4) , WIND INSTRUMENT
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wood.work
noun [U]
1 things made of wood in a building or room, such as doors and stairs: The woodwork needs painting.  He hit the woodwork (= the wooden frame of the goal) twice before scoring.
2 (BrE) (also 'wood.work.ingAmE, BrE) the activity or skill of making things from wood
IDM blend / fade into the 'woodwork to behave in a way that does not attract any attention; to disappear or hide come / crawl out of the 'woodwork (informal, disapproving) if you say that sb comes/crawls out of the woodwork, you mean that they have suddenly appeared in order to express an opinion or to take advantage of a situation: When he won the lottery, all sorts of distant relatives came out of the woodwork.
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wood.worm
noun
1 [C] a small worm that eats wood, making a lot of small holes in it
2 [U] the damage caused by woodworms : The beams are riddled with woodworm.
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woody
adj.
1 (of plants) having a thick, hard stem like wood
2 covered with trees: a woody valley
3 having a smell like wood: This new fragrance has woody notes.
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woof
exclamation, verb, noun
exclamation (informal) a word used to describe the loud noise that a dog makes: ‘Woof! Woof!’ he barked.
woof verb [v]

noun = WEFT

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woof.er
noun a LOUDSPEAKER for reproducing the low notes from a STEREO —compare TWEETER
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wool
noun [U]
1 the soft fine hair that covers the body of sheep, goats and some other animals
2 long thick thread made from animal’s wool , used for knitting: a ball of wool—picture at SEW
3 fabric made from animal’s wool , used for making clothes, etc: This scarf is 100% wool.  pure new wool  a wool coat / blanket—see also COTTON WOOL , DYED IN THE WOOL , LAMBSWOOL , STEEL WOOL , WIRE WOOL
IDM see PULL v.
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wool.len
(BrE ) (AmEwool.en) adj.
1 [usually before noun] made of wool: a woollen blanket / coat  woollen cloth / gloves
2 [only before noun] involved in making fabric from wool: a woollen mill  the woollen industry
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wool.lens
(BrE ) (AmEwool.ens) noun [pl.] clothes made of wool, especially knitted clothes
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wool.ly
adj., noun
adj. (AmE also wooly)
1 covered with wool or with hair like wool: woolly monkeys
2 (informal, especially BrE) made of wool; like wool
SYN WOOLLEN : a woolly hat / jumper
3 (of people or their ideas, etc.) not thinking clearly; confused; not clearly expressed: woolly arguments / concepts
wool.li.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal, becoming old-fashioned) a piece of clothing made of wool, especially one that has been knitted

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woozy
adj. (informal)
1 feeling unsteady, confused and unable to think clearly
2 (especially AmE) feeling as though you might VOMIT
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wop
noun ( , slang) a very offensive word for a person from southern Europe, especially an Italian
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word
noun, verb
noun
UNIT OF LANGUAGE|
1 [C] a single unit of language which means sth and can be spoken or written: Do not write more than 200 words.  Do you know the words to this song?  What’s the Spanish word for ‘table’?  He was a true friend in all senses of the word .  Tell me what happened in your own words .  I could hear every word they were saying.  He couldn’t find the words to thank her enough.  Words fail me (= I cannot express how I feel).  There are no words to say how sorry we are.  I can’t remember her exact words.  Angry is not the word for it —I was furious.—see also BUZZWORD , FOUR-LETTER WORD , HOUSEHOLD WORD , SWEAR WORD
STH YOU SAY|
2 [C] a thing that you say; a remark or statement: Have a word with Pat and see what she thinks.  Could I have a quick word with you (= speak to you quickly)?  A word of warning : read the instructions very carefully.  words of love  She left without a word (= without saying anything).  I don’t believe a word of his story (= I don’t believe any of it).  a man / woman of few words (= who doesn’t talk very much)  I’d like to say a few words about future plans.  Remember—not a word to (= don’t tell) Peter about any of this.  He never breathed a word of this to me.
PROMISE|
3 [sing.] a promise or GUARANTEE that you will do sth or that sth will happen or is true: I give you my word that this won’t happen again.  I give you my word of honour (= my sincere promise) …  We never doubted her word.  We only have his word for it that the cheque is in the post.  to keep your word (= do what you promised)  He promised to help and was as good as his word (= did what he promised).  He’s a man of his word (= he does what he promises).  I trusted her not to go back on her word (= break her promise).  I can’t prove it—you’ll have to take my word for it (= believe me).
INFORMATION / NEWS|
4 [sing.] a piece of information or news: There’s been no word from them since before Christmas.  She sent word that she would be late.  If word gets out about the affair, he will have to resign.  Word has it that she’s leaving.  The word is they’ve split up.  He likes to spread the word about the importance of healthy eating.
BIBLE|
5 (the Word) (also the ,Word of 'God) [sing.] the Bible and its teachings by ,word of 'mouth because people tell each other and not because they read about it: The news spread by word of mouth. (right) from the word 'go (informal) from the very beginning (not) get a word in 'edgeways (BrE) (AmE (not) get a word in 'edgewise) (not) to be able to say anything because sb else is speaking too much: When Mary starts talking, no one else can get a word in edgeways. have a word in sb’s 'ear (BrE) to speak to sb privately about sth have / exchange 'words (with sb) (about sth) (especially BrE) to argue or quarrel with sb: We’ve had words.  Words were exchanged. in 'other words used to introduce an explanation of sth: They asked him to leave—in other words he was fired. (not) in so / as many 'words (not) in exactly the same words as sb says were used: ‘Did she say she was sorry?’‘Not in so many words.’  He didn’t approve of the plan and said so in as many words. in a 'word (spoken) used for giving a very short, usually negative, answer or comment: ‘Would you like to help us?’‘In a word, no.’ in words of one 'syllable using very simple language: Could you say that again in words of one syllable? the last / final word (on sth) the last comment or decision about sth: He always has to have the last word in any argument. (upon) my 'word (old-fashioned) used to show that you are surprised about sth not have a good word to 'say for sb/sth (informal) to never say anything good about sb/sth: Nobody had a good word to say about him. put in a (good) 'word for sb to praise sb to sb else in order to help them get a job, etc. put 'words into sb’s mouth to suggest that sb has said sth when in fact they have not say / give the 'word to give an order; to make a request: Just say the word, and I’ll go. take sb at their 'word to believe exactly what sb says or promises take the 'words right out of sb’s mouth to say what sb else was going to say too funny, silly, ridiculous, etc. for 'words extremely funny, silly, ridiculous, etc. ,word for 'word in exactly the same words or (when translated) exactly EQUIVALENT words: She repeated their conversation word for word to me.  a word-for-word translation sb’s word is their 'bond sb’s promise can be relied on completely—more at ACTION n. , BANDY v. , DIRTY adj. , EAT , HANG v. , LAST det. , LOST adj. , MINCE v. , MUM adj. , OPERATIVE adj. , PLAY n. , PRINT v. , WAR n. , WEIGH , WRITTEN

verb [vn] [often passive] to write or say sth using particular words: How was the letter worded (= what did it say exactly)?
word.ed adj.: a carefully worded speech  a strongly worded letter of protest

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'word break
(also 'word division) noun a point at which a word is split between two lines of text
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word.ing
noun [U, C, usually sing.] the words that are used in a piece of writing or speech, especially when they have been carefully chosen: The wording was deliberately ambiguous.
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word.less
adj. (formal or literary)
1 [usually before noun] without any words; silent: a wordless cry / prayer
2 (of people) not saying anything
word.less.ly adv.
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,word-'perfect
(BrE ) (AmE ,letter-'perfect) adj. able to remember and repeat sth exactly without making any mistakes
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word.play
noun [U] making jokes by using words in a clever or amusing way, especially by using a word that has two meanings, or different words that sound the same—compare PUN
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'word processing
noun [U] the use of a computer to create, store and print a piece of text, usually typed in from a keyboard: We’ve got a computer but I only use it for word processing.
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'word processor
noun a computer that runs a WORD PROCESSING program and is usually used for writing letters, reports, etc.
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wordy
adj. (usually disapproving) using too many words, especially formal ones
SYN VERBOSE : a wordy and repetitive essay
wordi.ness noun [U]
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wore
pt of WEAR
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work
verb, noun
verb
DO JOB / TASK|
1 ~ (at / on sth) to do sth that involves physical or mental effort, especially as part of a job: [v] I can’t work if I’m cold.  I’ve been working at my assignment all day.  He is working on a new novel.  She’s outside, working on the car.  [vn] Doctors often work very long hours.
2 [v] ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (as sth) to have a job: Both my parents work.  She works for an engineering company.  I’ve always worked in education.  Do you enjoy working with children?  My son is working as a science teacher.
MAKE EFFORT|
3 [vn] to make yourself/sb work, especially very hard: She works herself too hard.
4 ~ (for sth) to make efforts to achieve sth: [v] She dedicated her life to working for peace.  [v to inf] The committee is working to get the prisoners freed.
MANAGE|
5 [vn] to manage or operate sth to gain benefit from it: to work the land (= grow crops on it, etc.)  He works a large area (= selling a company’s goods, etc.).   (figurative) She was a skilful speaker who knew how to work a crowd (= to excite them or make them feel sth strongly).
MACHINE / DEVICE|
6 [v] to function; to operate: The phone isn’t working.  It works by electricity.  Are they any closer to understanding how the brain works?
7 [vn] to make a machine, device, etc. operate: Do you know how to work the coffee machine?  The machine is worked by wind power.
HAVE RESULT / EFFECT|
8 [v] ~ (on sb/sth) to have the result or effect that you want: The pills the doctor gave me aren’t working.  My plan worked, and I got them to agree.  His charm doesn’t work on me (= does not affect or impress me).
9 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to have a particular effect: Your age can work against you in this job.  Speaking Italian should work in his favour.
10 [vn] to cause or produce sth as a result of effort: You can work miracles with very little money if you follow our home decoration tips.
USE MATERIAL|
11 [vn] ~ sth (into sth) to make a material into a particular shape or form by pressing, stretching, hitting it, etc: to work clay / dough  to work gold / iron  to work the mixture into a paste
12 [v] ~ (in / with sth) (of an artist, etc.) to use a particular material to produce a picture or other item: an artist working in oils  a craftsman working with wool
OF PART OF FACE / BODY|
13 [v] (written) to move violently: He stared at me in horror, his mouth working.
MOVE GRADUALLY|
14 to move or pass to a particular place or state, usually gradually: [v] It will take a while for the drug to work out of your system.  [vn] (figurative) He worked his way to the top of his profession.  [vn-adj] I was tied up, but managed to work myself free.  [v-adj] The screw had worked loose. Most idioms containing work are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example work your fingers to the bone is at finger.  'work it / things (informal) to arrange sth in a particular way, especially by being clever: Can you work it so that we get free tickets? ,work a'round / 'round to sth/sb to gradually turn a conversation towards a particular topic, subject, etc: It was some time before he worked around to what he really wanted to say. ,work sth 'in| work sth into sth
1 to try to include sth: Can’t you work a few more jokes into your speech?
2 to add one substance to another and mix them together: Gradually work in the butter. ,work sth<->'off
1 to get rid of sth, especially a strong feeling, by using physical effort: She worked off her anger by going for a walk.
2 to earn money in order to be able to pay a debt: They had a large bank loan to work off. ,work 'out
1 to train the body by physical exercise: I work out regularly to keep fit.—related noun WORKOUT
2 to develop in a successful way: My first job didn’t work out.  Things have worked out quite well for us. ,work 'out (at sth) if sth works out at sth, you calculate that it will be a particular amount: [+adj] It’ll work out cheaper to travel by bus. ,work sb<->'out to understand sb’s character: I’ve never been able to work her out. ,work sth<->'out
1 to calculate sth: to work out the answer
2 to find the answer to sth; to solve sth: to work out a problem / puzzle / code [+ wh-] Can you work out what these squiggles mean?  I couldn’t work out where the music was coming from.
3 to plan or think of sth: I’ve worked out a new way of doing it.
4 [usually passive] to remove all the coal, minerals, etc. from a mine over a period of time: a worked-out silver mine ,work sb<->'over (slang) to attack sb and hit them, for example to make them give you information 'work to sth to follow a plan, TIMETABLE , etc: to work to a budget  We’re working to a very tight deadline (= we have little time in which to do the work). 'work towards sth to try to reach or achieve a goal ,work sth<->'up to develop or improve sth with some effort: I can’t work up any enthusiasm for his idea.  She went for a long walk to work up an appetite. ,work sb / yourself 'up (into sth) to make sb/yourself reach a state of great excitement, anger, etc: Don’t work yourself up into a state about it. It isn’t worth it.  I can’t get worked up about cars.  What are you so worked up about? ,work sth 'up into sth to bring sth to a more complete or more satisfactory state: I’m working my notes up into a dissertation. ,work 'up to sth to develop or move gradually towards sth, usually sth more exciting or extreme: The music worked up to a rousing finale.  I began by jogging in the park and worked up to running 5 miles a day.

noun
JOB / TASK|
1 [U] the job that a person does especially in order to earn money
SYN EMPLOYMENT : (BrE) They are in work (= have a job).   (BrE, AmE) She had been out of work (= without a job) for a year.  He started work as a security guard.  It is difficult to find work in the present economic climate.  I’m still looking for work.  She’s planning to return to work once the children start school.  What line of work are you in (= what type of work do you do)?  before / after work (= in the morning / evening each day)  full-time / part-time / unpaid / voluntary work
2 [U] the duties that you have and the activities that you do as part of your job: Police work is mainly routine.  The accountant described his work to the sales staff.  Students do work experience in local firms.—see also PIECEWORK , SOCIAL WORK
3 [U] tasks that need to be done: There is plenty of work to be done in the garden.  I have some work for you to do.  Stop talking and get on with your work.—see also HOMEWORK
4 [U] materials needed or used for doing work , especially books, papers, etc: She often brings work (= for example, files and documents) home with her from the office.  His work was spread all over the floor.—see also PAPERWORK
PLACE OF JOB|
5 [U] (used without the) the place where you do your job: I go to work at 8 o’clock.  When do you leave for work?  The new legislation concerns health and safety at work.  I have to leave work early today.  Her friends from work came to see her in the hospital.
EFFORT|
6 [U] the use of physical strength or mental power in order to do or make sth: She earned her grades through sheer hard work .  We started work on the project in 1998.  Work continues on renovating the hotel.  The work of building the bridge took six months.  The art collection was his life’s work .  She set them to work painting the fence.  They carried out pioneering work on the treatment of cancer.—see also DONKEY WORK , FIELDWORK
PRODUCT OF WORK|
7 [U] a thing or things that are produced as a result of work: She’s an artist whose work I really admire.  Is this all your own work (= did you do it without help from others)?  The book is a detailed and thorough piece of work covering all aspects of the subject.
RESULT OF ACTION|
8 [U] the result of an action; what is done by sb: The damage is clearly the work of vandals.
BOOK / MUSIC / ART|
9 [C] a book, piece of music, painting, etc: the collected / complete works of Tolstoy  works of fiction / literature  Beethoven’s piano works—see also WORK OF ART —compare OPUS
BUILDING / REPAIRING|
10 (works) [pl.] (often in compounds) activities involving building or repairing sth: roadworks  They expanded the shipyards and started engineering works.—see also PUBLIC WORKS
FACTORY|
11 (works) [C+sing./pl. v.] (often in compounds) a place where things are made or industrial processes are carried out: an engineering works  a brickworks
PARTS OF MACHINE|
12 (the works) [pl.] the moving parts of a machine, etc.
SYN MECHANISM
EVERYTHING|
13 (the works) [pl.] (informal) everything: We went to the chip shop and had the works: fish, chips, gherkins, mushy peas.
PHYSICS|
14 [U] the use of force to produce movement—see also JOULE at 'work
1 having an effect on sth: She suspected that secret influences were at work.
2 ~ (on sth) busy doing sth: He is still at work on the painting.  Danger—men at work. get (down) to / set to 'work to begin; to make a start: We set to work on the outside of the house (= for example, painting it). give sb the 'works (informal) to give or tell sb everything ,good 'works kind acts to help others go / set about your 'work to do/start to do your work: She went cheerfully about her work. have your 'work cut out (informal) to be likely to have difficulty doing sth: You’ll have your work cut out to get there by nine o’clock. in the 'works something that is in the works is being discussed, planned or prepared and will happen or exist soon the work of a 'moment, 'second, etc. (written) a thing that takes a very short time to do—more at DAY , DIRTY adj. , HAND n. , HARD adj. , JOB , LIGHT adj. , NASTY , NICE , SHORT adj. , SPANNER

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work.able
adj.
1 (of a system, an idea, etc.) that can be used successfully and effectively
SYN PRACTICAL : a workable plan / solution
2 that you can shape, spread, dig, etc: Add more water until the dough is workable.
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work.aday
adj. [usually before noun] (written) ordinary; not very interesting
SYN EVERYDAY : This was a far cry from her normal workaday world.
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work.ahol.ic
noun (informal, usually disapproving) a person who works very hard and finds it difficult to stop working and do other things
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work.bench
(also bench) noun a long heavy table used for doing practical jobs, working with tools, etc.—picture at VICE
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work.book
(BrE ) (AmE 'exercise book) noun a book with exercises in it, often with spaces for students to write answers in, to help them practise what they have learnt
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work.day
noun
1 (AmE) = WORKING DAY (1) : an 8-hour workday
2 = WORKING DAY (2) : workday traffic
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,worked 'up
adj. [not before noun] ~ (about sth) (informal) very excited or upset about sth: There’s no point in getting worked up about it.
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work.er
noun
1 (often in compounds) a person who works, especially one who does a particular kind of work: farm / factory / office workers  rescue / aid / research workers  temporary / part-time / casual workers  manual / skilled / unskilled workers—see also GUEST WORKER , SOCIAL WORKER
2 a person who is employed to do physical work rather than organizing things or managing people: Conflict between employers and workers intensified and the number of strikes rose.  talks between workers and management  profit-sharing and worker participation in decision-making
3 (usually after an adjective) a person who works hard or who works in a particular way: a hard / fast / quick worker
4 a female bee that helps do the work of the group of bees but does not reproduce—compare DRONE , QUEEN BEE
IDM see FAST adj.
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'work experience
noun [U]
1 the work or jobs that you have done in your life so far: The opportunities available will depend on your previous work experience and qualifications.
2 (BrE) a period of time that a young person, especially a student, spends working in a company as a form of training—compare INTERNSHIP
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work.fare
noun [U] a system in which unemployed people have to work in order to get money for food, rent, etc. from the government
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work.force
noun [C+sing./pl. v .]
1 all the people who work for a particular company, organization, etc.
SYN STAFF : The factory will have to lose half of its 1000-strong workforce.  Two thirds of the workforce is / are women.
2 all the people in a country or an area who are available for work: A quarter of the local workforce is / are unemployed.
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work.horse
noun a person or machine that you can rely on to do hard and/or boring work
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work.house
(BrE ) (also poor.houseAmE, BrE) noun (in Britain in the past) a building where very poor people were sent to live and given work to do
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work.ing
adj., noun
adj. [only before noun]
1 having a job for which you are paid
SYN EMPLOYED : the working population  a working wife / mother—see also HARD-WORKING
2 having a job that involves hard physical work rather than office work, studying, etc: a working man  a working men’s club
3 connected with your job and the time you spend doing it: long working hours   poor working conditions   I have a good working relationship with my boss.  She spent most of her working life as a teacher.  recent changes in working practices
4 a working breakfast or lunch is one at which you discuss business
5 used as a basis for work, discussion, etc. but likely to be changed or improved in the future: a working hypothesis / theory  Have you decided on a working title for your thesis yet?
6 if you have a working knowledge of sth, you can use it at a basic level
7 the working parts of a machine are the parts that move in order to make it function
8 a workingMAJORITY is a small MAJORITY that is enough to enable a government to win votes in parliament and make new laws
IDM see ORDER n.

noun [usually pl.]
1 ~ (of sth) the way in which a machine, a system, an organization, etc. works: an introduction to the workings of Congress  the workings of the human mind  the machine’s inner workings
2 the parts of a mine or QUARRY where coal, metal, stone, etc. is or has been dug from the ground

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,working 'capital
noun [U] (business ) the money that is needed to run a business rather than the money that is used to buy buildings and equipment when starting the business—compare VENTURE CAPITAL
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the ,working 'class
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .] (also the ,working 'classes [pl.]) the social class whose members do not have much money or power and are usually employed to do MANUAL work (= physical work using their hands): the political party of the working class  The working class has / have rejected them in the elections.—compare MIDDLE CLASS , UPPER CLASS
,working-'class adj.: a working-class background / community / family
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,working 'day
noun (BrE )
1 (AmE work.day) the part of a day during which you work: I spend most of my working day sitting at a desk.  Their working day can last anything up to 15 hours.
2 (also less frequent work.day) a day on which you usually work or on which most people usually work: Sunday is a normal working day for me.  Thousands of working days were lost through strikes last year.  Allow two working days (= not Saturday or Sunday) for delivery.
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'working girl
noun (informal)
1 (becoming old-fashioned) a prostitute. People say ‘working girl’ to avoid saying ‘prostitute’.
2 (sometimes offensive) a woman who has a paid job
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'working paper
noun
1 [C] a report written by a group of people chosen to study an aspect of law, education, health, etc.
2 (working papers) [pl.] (in the US) an official document that enables sb under 16 years old or born outside the US to have a job
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'working party
(BrE ) (also 'working groupAmE, BrE) noun [C+sing./pl. v .] ~ (on sth) a group of people chosen to study a particular problem or situation in order to suggest ways of dealing with it
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,working 'week
(BrE ) (AmE work.week) noun the total amount of time that you spend at work during the week: a 40-hour working week
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work.load
noun the amount of work that has to be done by a particular person or organization: a heavy workload  We have taken on extra staff to cope with the increased workload.
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work.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 a man who is employed to do physical work
2 (with an adjective) a person who works in the way mentioned: a good / bad workman
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work.man.like
adj. done, made, etc. in a skilful and thorough way but not usually very original or exciting: They’ve done a workmanlike job.  It was a workmanlike performance from the local team.
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work.man.ship
noun [U] the skill with which sb makes sth, especially when this affects the way it looks or works: Our buyers insist on high standards of workmanship and materials.
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work.mate
noun (especially BrE ) a person that you work with, often doing the same job, in an office, a factory, etc.
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,work of 'art
noun (pl.,works of 'art)
1 a painting, statue, etc: A number of priceless works of art were stolen from the gallery.
2 something that is attractive and skilfully made: The bride’s dress was a work of art.
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work.out
noun a period of physical exercise that you do to keep fit: She does a 20-minute workout every morning.
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work.place
noun (often the workplace) [sing.] the office, factory, etc. where people work: the introduction of new technology into the workplace
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'work release
noun (AmE ) a system that allows prisoners to leave prison during the day to go to work
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work.room
noun a room in which work is done, especially work that involves making things: The jeweller has a workroom at the back of his shop.
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works
noun  WORK
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,works 'council
noun (especially BrE ) a group of employees who represent all the employees at a factory, etc. in discussion with their employers over conditions of work
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work.sheet
noun
1 a piece of paper on which there is a series of questions and exercises to be done by a student
2 a piece of paper on which work that has been done or has to be done is recorded
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work.shop
noun
1 a room or building in which things are made or repaired using tools or machinery
2 a period of discussion and practical work on a particular subject, in which a group of people share their knowledge and experience: a drama workshop  a poetry workshop
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'work-shy
adj. (BrE , disapproving) unwilling to work
SYN LAZY
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work.sta.tion
noun the desk and computer at which a person works; one computer that is part of a NETWORKED computer system—
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work.top
(BrE ) (also 'work surface especially in BrE) (also counterAmE, BrE) noun a flat surface in a kitchen for preparing food on
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,work-to-'rule
noun [usually sing.] a situation in which workers refuse to do any work that is not in their contracts, in order to protest about sth—compare GO-SLOW
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work.week
noun (AmE ) = WORKING WEEK
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world
noun
THE EARTH / ITS PEOPLE|
1 (the world) [sing.] the earth, with all its countries, peoples and natural features: to sail around the world  travelling (all over) the world  a map of the world  French is spoken in many parts of the world.  Which is the largest city in the world?  He’s the world’s highest paid entertainer.  a meeting of world leaders  campaigning for world peace
2 [C, usually sing.] a particular part of the earth; a particular group of countries or people; a particular period of history and the people of that period: the Arab world  the English-speaking world  the industrialized and developing worlds  the ancient / modern world—see also THE FIRST WORLD , THE NEW WORLD , THE OLD WORLD , THE THIRD WORLD
ANOTHER PLANET|
3 [C] a planet like the earth: There may be other worlds out there.
TYPE OF LIFE|
4 [C] the people or things belonging to a particular group or connected with a particular interest, job, etc: the animal / plant / insect world  the world of fashion  stars from the sporting and artistic worlds
5 [usually sing.] (usually used with an adjective) everything that exists of a particular kind; a particular kind of life or existence: the natural world (= animals, plants, minerals, etc.)  the dream world of travel brochures  They are a couple in the real world as well as in the movie.  The island is a world of brilliant colours and dramatic sunsets.  They had little contact with the outside world (= people and places that were not part of their normal life).
PERSON’S LIFE|
6 [sing.] a person’s environment, experiences, friends and family, etc: Parents are the most important people in a child’s world.  When his wife died, his entire world was turned upside down.
SOCIETY|
7 [sing.] our society and the way people live and behave; the people in the world: We live in a rapidly changing world.  He’s too young to understand the ways of the world .  The whole world was waiting for news of the astronauts.  She felt that the world was against her.  The eyes of the world are on the President.
8 (the world) [sing.] a way of life where possessions and physical pleasures are important, rather than spiritual values: monks and nuns renouncing the world—see also OLDE WORLDE , OLD-WORLD
HUMAN EXISTENCE|
9 [sing.] the state of human existence: this world and the next (= life on earth and existence after death) be ,all the 'world to sb to be loved by and very important to sb the best of 'both / 'all possible worlds the benefits of two or more completely different situations that you can enjoy at the same time: If you enjoy the coast and the country, you’ll get the best of both worlds on this walk. be 'worlds apart to be completely different in attitudes, opinions, etc. come / go 'down / 'up in the world to become less/more important or successful in society come into the 'world (literary) to be born do sb/sth the 'world of good to make sb feel much better; to improve sth: A change of job would do you the world of good. for all the world as if / though … | for all the world like sb/sth (written) exactly as if … ; exactly like sb/sth: She behaved for all the world as if nothing unusual had happened.  He looked for all the world like a schoolboy caught stealing apples. have the world at your 'feet to be very successful and admired how, why, etc. in the 'world (informal) used to emphasize sth and to show that you are surprised or annoyed: What in the world did they think they were doing? in an ideal / a perfect 'world used to say that sth is what you would like to happen or what should happen, but you know it cannot: In an ideal world we would be recycling and reusing everything. in the 'world used to emphasize what you are saying: There’s nothing in the world I’d like more than to visit New York.  Don’t rush—we’ve got all the time in the world .  You look as if you haven’t got a care in the world ! (be / live) in a world of your 'own if you are in a world of your own, you are so concerned with your own thoughts that you do not notice what is happening around you a man / woman of the 'world a person with a lot of experience of life, who is not easily surprised or shocked not for (all) the 'world used to say that you would never do sth: I wouldn’t hurt you for the world. the … of this world (informal) used to refer to people of a particular type: We all envy the Bill Gateses of this world (= the people who are as rich and successful as Bill Gates). ,out of this 'world (informal) used to emphasize how good, beautiful, etc. sth is: The meal was out of this world. see the 'world to travel widely and gain wide experience set / put the world to 'rights to talk about how the world could be changed to be a better place: We stayed up all night, setting the world to rights. set the 'world on fire (BrE also set the 'world alight) (informal) (usually used in negative sentences) to be very successful and gain the admiration of other people: He’s never going to set the world on fire with his paintings. what is the world 'coming to? used to express disapproval, surprise or shock, especially at changes in people’s attitudes or behaviour: When I listen to the news these days, I sometimes wonder what the world is coming to. (all) the ,world and his 'wife (BrE, informal, humorous) everyone; a large number of people a 'world away (from sth) used to emphasize how different two things are: His new luxury mansion was a world away from the tiny house where he was born. the ,world is your 'oyster there is no limit to the opportunities open to you: With talent like that, the world is her oyster. a / the 'world of difference (informal) used to emphasize how much difference there is between two things: There’s a world of difference between liking someone and loving them. the (whole) world 'over everywhere in the world: People are basically the same the world over.—more at BRAVE adj. , DEAD adj. , END n. , LOST , PROMISE v. , SMALL adj. , TOP n. , WATCH v. , WAY n. , WILL n. , WORST n.
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'world-beater
noun a person or thing that is better than all others
'world-beating adj.: world-beating achievements
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,world-'class
adj. as good as the best in the world: a world-class athlete / violinist
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,world-'famous
adj. known all over the world: a world-famous scientist  His books are world-famous.
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world.ly
adj. (written)
1 [only before noun] connected with the world in which we live rather than with spiritual things: worldly concerns / interests / success  your worldly goods (= the things that you own)
2 having a lot of experience of life and therefore not easily shocked: At 15, he was more worldly than his older cousins who lived in the country.
OPP UNWORLDLY
world.li.ness noun [U]
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,worldly-'wise
adj. having a lot of experience of life and therefore not easily shocked: She’s not as worldly-wise as she would have you believe.
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'world music
noun [U] a type of pop music that includes influences from different parts of the world, especially Africa and Asia
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,world 'power
noun a powerful country that has a lot of influence in international politics
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,world 'war
noun [C, U] a war that involves many countries: the First / Second World War
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'world-weary
adj. (written) no longer excited by life; showing this
SYN JADED : a world-weary look / smile / voice
'world-weariness noun [U]
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world.wide
adj. [usually before noun] affecting all parts of the world: an increase in worldwide sales  The story has attracted worldwide attention.
,world.'wide adv.: We have 2 000 members worldwide.  In her new job she travels worldwide as a consultant.
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the ,World Wide 'Web
(also the Web) (abbr. WWW) noun a MULTIMEDIA system of sound, pictures and video for finding information on the Internet: to browse a site on the World Wide Web
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worm
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a long thin creature with no bones or legs, that lives in soil: birds looking for worms—see also EARTHWORM , LUGWORM
2 (worms) [pl.] long thin creatures that live inside the bodies of humans or animals and can cause illness: The dog has worms.—see also HOOKWORM , TAPEWORM
3 [C] the young form of an insect when it looks like a short worm: This apple is full of worms.—see also GLOW-WORM , SILKWORM , WOODWORM
4 [C, usually sing.] (informal, disapproving) a person you do not like or respect, especially because they have a weak character and do not behave well towards other people
IDM the ,worm will 'turn a person who is normally quiet and does not complain will protest when the situation becomes too hard to bear—more at CAN^2n.

verb [vn]
1 [+adv. / prep.] ~ your way … to use a twisting and turning movement, especially to move through a narrow or crowded place: She wormed her way through the crowd to the reception desk.
2 to give an animal medicine that makes worms pass out of its body in the FAECES
PVR V ,worm your way / yourself 'into sth (disapproving) to make sb like you or trust you, in order to gain some advantage for yourself: He managed to worm his way into her life. ,worm sth 'out of sb (informal) to make sb tell you sth, by asking them questions in a clever way for a long period of time: We eventually wormed the secret out of her.

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'worm-eaten
adj. full of holes made by worms or WOODWORMS
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worm.wood
noun [U] a plant with a bitter flavour, used in making alcoholic drinks and medicines
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worn
adj.
1 [usually before noun] (of a thing) damaged or thinner than normal because it is old and has been used a lot: an old pair of worn jeans  The stone steps were worn and broken.  The tapestry is still valuable in spite of its worn condition.—see also WELL WORN
2 (of a person) looking very tired: She came out of the ordeal looking thin and worn.—see also WEAR v.
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,worn 'out
adj.
1 (of a thing) badly damaged and/or no longer useful because it has been used a lot: These shoes are worn out.  the gradual replacement of worn-out equipment  a speech full of worn-out old clichés
2 [not usually before noun] (of a person) looking or feeling very tired, especially as a result of hard work or physical exercise: Can we sit down? I’m worn out.—compare OUTWORN
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wor.ried
adj. ~ (about sb/sth)| ~ (by sth)| ~ (that … ) thinking about unpleasant things that have happened or that might happen and therefore feeling unhappy and afraid: Don’t look so worried!  I’m not worried about her—she can take care of herself.  Doctors are worried about the possible spread of the disease.  We’re not too worried by these results.  The police are worried that the man may be armed.  Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick (= extremely worried).  I was worried you wouldn’t come.  Try not to get worried .  She gave me a worried look.
wor.ried.ly adv.: He glanced worriedly at his father.
IDM you had me 'worried (spoken) used to tell sb that you were worried because you had not understood what they had said correctly: You had me worried for a moment—I thought you were going to resign!
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wor.rier
noun a person who worries a lot about unpleasant things that have happened or that might happen
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wor.ri.some
adj. (especially AmE ) that makes you worry
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worry
verb, noun
verb (wor.ries, worry.ing, wor.ried, wor.ried)
1 ~ (about / over sb/sth) to keep thinking about unpleasant things that might happen or about problems that you have: [v] Don’t worry . We have plenty of time.  Don’t worry about me. I’ll be all right.  He’s always worrying about his weight.  There’s no point in worrying over things you can’t change.  [v (that)] I worry that I won’t get into college.
2 ~ sb / yourself (about sb/sth) to make sb/yourself anxious about sb/sth: [vn] What worries me is how I am going to get another job.  [vn-adj] He’s worried himself sick (= become extremely anxious) about his daughter.  [vn that] It worries me that he hasn’t come home yet. [alsovn to inf]
3 [vn] ~ sb (with sth) to annoy or disturb sb: The noise never seems to worry her.  Don’t keep worrying him with a lot of silly questions.
4 [vn] (of a dog) to attack animals, especially sheep, by chasing and/or biting them
IDM ,not to 'worry (informal, especially BrE) it is not important; it does not matter: Not to worry—I can soon fix it.  Not to worry—no harm done.
PVR V 'worry at sth
1 to bite sth and shake or pull it: Rebecca worried at her lip.  He began to worry at the knot in the cord.
2 to think about a problem a lot and try and find a solution

noun (pl.-ies)
1 [U] the state of worrying about sth
SYN ANXIETY : The threat of losing their jobs is a constant source of worry to them.  to be frantic / sick with worry
2 [C] ~ (about / over sth)| ~ (for / to sb) something that worries you: family / financial worries  Mugging is a real worry for many old people.  My only worry is that …

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'worry beads
noun [pl.] small BEADS on a string that you move and turn in order to keep calm
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worry.ing
adj. that makes you worry: a worrying development / trend / sign  It must be worrying for you not to know where he is.  It is particularly worrying that nobody seems to be in charge.  It’s been a worrying time for us all.
worry.ing.ly adv.: worryingly high levels of radiation  Worryingly, the plan contains few details on how spending will be cut.
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worry.wart
noun (AmE , informal) a person who worries about unimportant things
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worse
adj., adv., noun
adj. (comparative of bad) ~ (than sth / doing sth)
1 of poorer quality or lower standard; less good or more unpleasant: The rooms were awful and the food was worse.  The weather got worse during the day.  The interview was much worse than he had expected.  I’ve been to far worse places.  There’s nothing worse than going out in the cold with wet hair.
2 more serious or severe: They were trying to prevent an even worse tragedy.  The crisis was getting worse and worse .  Don’t tell her that—you’ll only make things worse .  Never mind—it could be worse (= although the situation is bad, it is not as bad as it might have been).
3 [not before noun] more ill/sick or unhappy: If he gets any worse we’ll call the doctor.  He told her she’d let them down and she felt worse than ever .
IDM come off 'worse to lose a fight, competition, etc. or suffer more compared with others go from ,bad to 'worse (of a bad condition, situation, etc.) to get even worse ,worse 'luck! (BrE, spoken) used to show that you are disappointed about sth: I shall have to miss the party, worse luck!—more at BARK n. , FATE n.

adv. (comparative of badly) ~ (than sth)
1 less well: I didn’t do it very well, but, if anything, he did it worse than I did.
2 more seriously or severely: It’s raining worse than ever.
3 used to introduce a statement about sth that is more serious or unpleasant than things already mentioned: She’d lost her job. Even worse, she’d lost her house and her children, too.
IDM be ,worse 'off to be poorer, unhappier, etc. than before or than sb else: The increase in taxes means that we’ll be £30 a month worse off than before. you can / could do worse than do sth used to say that you think sth is a good idea: If you want a safe investment, you could do a lot worse than put your money in a building society.

noun [U] more problems or bad news: I’m afraid there is worse to come.
IDM be none the 'worse (for sth) to not be harmed by sth: The kids were none the worse for their adventure. the ,worse for 'wear (informal)
1 in a poor condition because of being used a lot
2 drunk—more at BETTER n. , CHANGE n.

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worsen
verb to become or make sth worse than it was before: [v] The political situation is steadily worsening.  Her health has worsened considerably since we last saw her.  [vn] Staff shortages were worsened by the flu epidemic.
worsen.ing noun [sing.]: The result could be a worsening of the international debt crisis.
worsen.ing adj.: worsening weather conditions
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wor.ship
noun, verb
noun
1 [U] the practice of showing respect for God or a god, by saying prayers, singing with others, etc.; a ceremony for this: an act / a place of worship  devil / ancestor worship  morning / evening worship (= a church service in the morning / evening)
2 [U] a strong feeling of love and respect for sb/sth: What she feels for him is akin to worship.—see also HERO WORSHIP
3 (His, Your, etc. Worship) [C] (BrE, formal) a polite way of addressing or referring to a MAGISTRATE or MAYOR

verb (-pp-, AmE also -p-)
1 [vn] to show respect for God or a god, especially by saying prayers, singing, etc. with other people in a church, etc.
2 [v] to go to a church service: We worship at St Mary’s.
3 [vn] to love and admire sb very much, especially so much that you cannot see their faults: She worships her children.  He worshipped her from afar (= he loved her but did not tell her his feelings).  She worships the ground he walks on .

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wor.ship.ful
adj. [only before noun]
1 (formal) showing or feeling respect and admiration for sb/sth
2 (Worshipful) (in Britain), used in the titles of some MAYORS and some groups of CRAFTSMEN : the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
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wor.ship.per
(AmE also wor.ship.er) noun a person who worships God or a god: regular worshippers at St Andrew’s Church   (figurative) sun worshippers lying on the beach
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worst
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj. (superlative of bad) of the poorest quality or lowest standard; worse than any other person or thing of a similar kind: It was by far the worst speech he had ever made.  What’s the worst thing that could happen?  What she said confirmed my worst fears (= proved they were right).
IDM be your ,own worst 'enemy to be the cause of your own problems: Her indecisiveness makes her her own worst enemy. come off 'worst to lose a fight, competition, etc. or suffer more compared with others

adv. (superlative of badly) most badly or seriously: He was voted the worst dressed celebrity.  Manufacturing industry was worst affected by the fuel shortage.  Worst of all , I lost the watch my father had given me.

noun (the worst) [sing.] the most serious or unpleasant thing that could happen; the part, situation, possibility, etc. that is worse than any other: The worst of the storm was over.  When they did not hear from her, they feared the worst .  The worst of it is that I can’t even be sure if they received my letter.  He was always optimistic, even when things were at their worst .
IDM at (the) 'worst used for saying what is the worst thing that can happen: At the very worst, he’ll have to pay a fine. bring out the 'worst in sb to make sb show their worst qualities: Pressure can bring out the worst in people. do your 'worst (of a person) to do as much damage or be as unpleasant as possible: Let them do their worst—we’ll fight them every inch of the way. get the 'worst of it to be defeated: He’d been in a fight and had obviously got the worst of it. if the ,worst comes to the 'worst (AmE also if ,worst comes to 'worst) if the situation becomes too difficult or dangerous: If the worst comes to the worst, we’ll just have to sell the house. the worst of 'all (possible) worlds all the disadvantages of every situation

verb [vn] (old-fashioned or formal) [usually passive] to defeat sb in a fight, a contest or an argument

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'worst-case
adj. [only before noun] involving the worst situation that could happen: In the worst-case scenario more than ten thousand people might be affected.
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worst.ed
noun [U] a tightly woven woollen fabric with a smooth surface, used for making clothes: a grey worsted suit
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worth
adj., noun
adj. [not before noun] (usually used like a preposition)
1 having a value in money, etc: Our house is worth about £100 000.  How much is this painting worth?  to be worth a bomb / packet / fortune (= a lot of money)  It isn’t worth much.  If you answer this question correctly, it’s worth five points.
2 ~ sth / doing sth used to recommend the action mentioned because you think it may be useful, enjoyable, etc: The museum is certainly worth a visit.  This idea is well worth considering.  It’s worth making an appointment before you go.
3 ~ sth / doing sth important, good or enjoyable enough to make sb feel satisfied. especially when difficulty or effort is involved: to be worth the effort / expense / fuss  The new house really wasn’t worth all the expense involved.  The job involves a lot of hard work but it’s worth it .  The trip was expensive but it was worth every penny .—see also WORTHWHILE
4 (of a person) having money and possessions of a particular value: He’s worth about £10 million.
IDM for ,all sb / it is 'worth
1 with great energy, effort and determination: He was rowing for all he was worth.
2 in order to get as much as you can from sb/sth: She is milking her success for all it’s worth. for ,what it’s 'worth (spoken) used to emphasize that what you are saying is only your own opinion or suggestion and may not be very helpful: I prefer this colour, for what it’s worth. (the game is) not worth the 'candle (old-fashioned, saying) the advantages to be gained from doing sth are not great enough, considering the effort or cost involved not worth the paper it’s 'written / 'printed on (of an agreement or official document) having no value, especially legally, or because one of the people involved has no intention of doing what they said they would ,worth your / its 'salt deserving respect, especially because you do your job well: Any teacher worth her salt knows that. ,worth your / its ,weight in 'gold very useful or valuable: A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold. ,worth your 'while interesting or useful for sb to do: It will be worth your while to come to the meeting.  He’ll do the job if you make it worth his while (= pay him well).—more at BIRD , JOB

noun [U]
1 ten dollars', £40, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that has the value mentioned: The winner will receive ten pounds' worth of books.  a dollar’s worth of change
2 a week’s, month’s, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that lasts a week, etc.
3 the financial, practical or moral value of sb/sth: Their contribution was of great worth.  The activities help children to develop a sense of their own worth.  A good interview enables candidates to prove their worth (= show how good they are).  a personal net worth of $10 million
IDM see MONEY

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worth.less
adj.
1 having no practical or financial value: Critics say his paintings are worthless.
OPP VALUABLE
2 (of a person) having no good qualities or useful skills: a worthless individual  Constant rejections made him feel worthless.
worth.less.ness noun [U]: a sense / feeling of worthlessness
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worth.while
adj. ~ (to do sth)| ~ (doing sth) important, enjoyable, interesting, etc.; worth spending time, money or effort on: a worthwhile cause / discussion / job  The smile on her face made it all worthwhile.  High prices in the UK make it worthwhile for buyers to look abroad.  It is worthwhile to include really high-quality illustrations.  It didn’t seem worthwhile writing it all out again.
HELP This word can be written worth while, except when it is used before a noun: Did you feel the meeting was worth while?
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worthy
adj., noun
adj. (wor.thier, wor.thi.est)
1 ~ (of sb/sth) (formal) having the qualities that deserve sb/sth: to be worthy of attention / consideration / mention  A number of the report’s findings are worthy of note .  No composer was considered worthy of the name until he had written an opera.  a worthy champion / winner (= one who deserved to win)  He felt he was not worthy of her.
2 [usually before noun] having qualities that deserve your respect, attention or admiration: The money we raise will be going to a very worthy cause.  a worthy member of the team  He’s a very worthy man, I suppose, but he’s very dull.
3 ~ (of sb/sth) typical of what a particular person or thing might do, give, etc: He gave a speech that was worthy of Martin Luther King.
4 (-worthy) (in compounds) deserving, or suitable for, the thing mentioned: trustworthy  roadworthy
OPP UNWORTHY
wor.thily adv.
worthi.ness noun [U]

noun (pl.-ies) (often humorous) an important person: a meeting attended by local worthies

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wot
(BrE , non-standard, often humorous) a way of writing ‘what’, used to show that sb is speaking very informal English: ‘'Ere, wot’s going on?’ he shouted.
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would
modal verb (short form'd , negativewould not, short formwouldn’t )
1 used as the past form of will when reporting what sb has said or thought: He said he would be here at eight o’clock (= He said: ‘I will be there at 8 o’clock.’).  She asked if I would help.  They told me that they probably wouldn’t come.
2 used for talking about the result of an event that you imagine: She’d look better with shorter hair.  If you went to see him, he would be delighted.  Hurry up! It would be a shame to miss the beginning of the play.  She’d be a fool to accept it (= if she accepted).
3 used for describing an action or event that would have happened if sth else had happened first: If I had seen the advertisement in time I would have applied for the job.  They would never have met if she hadn’t gone to Emma’s party.
4 so that / in order that sb/sth ~ used for saying why sb does sth: She burned the letters so that her husband would never read them.
5 wish (that) sb/sth ~ used for saying what you want to happen: I wish you’d be quiet for a minute.
6 used to show that sb/sth was not willing or refused to do sth: She wouldn’t change it, even though she knew it was wrong.  My car wouldn’t start this morning.
7 used to ask sb politely to do sth: Would you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes?  Would you open the door for me, please?
8 used in polite offers or invitations: Would you like a sandwich?  Would you have dinner with me on Friday?
9 ~ like, love, hate, prefer, etc. sth / (sb) to do sth | ~ rather do sth/sb did sth used to say what you like, love, hate, etc: I’d love a coffee.  I’d be only too glad to help.  I’d hate you to think I was criticizing you.  I’d rather come with you.  I’d rather you came with us.
10 ~ imagine, say, think, etc. (that) … used to give opinions that you are not certain about: I would imagine the job will take about two days.  I’d say he was about fifty.
11 (I would …) used to give advice: I wouldn’t have any more to drink, if I were you .
12 used for talking about things that often happened in the past
SYN USED TO : When my parents were away, my grandmother would take care of me.  He’d always be the first to offer to help.
13 (usually disapproving) used for talking about behaviour that you think is typical: ‘She said it was your fault.’‘Well, she would say that , wouldn’t she? She’s never liked me.’
14 ~ that … (literary) used to express a strong wish: Would that he had lived to see it.  note at MODAL , SHOULD
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'would-be
adj. [only before noun] used to describe sb who is hoping to become the type of person mentioned: a would-be actor  advice for would-be parents
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wound^1
noun, verb —see also WOUND^2
noun
1 an injury to part of the body, especially one in which a hole is made in the skin using a weapon: a leg / head wound  a knife / bullet wound  a stab / gunshot wound  an old war wound  The nurse cleaned the wound.  The wound healed slowly.  He died from the wounds he had received to his chest.—see also FLESH WOUND
2 (written) mental or emotional pain caused by sth unpleasant that has been said or done to you: After a serious argument, it can take some time for the wounds to heal.  Seeing him again opened up old wounds .
IDM see LICK v. , REOPEN , RUB v.

verb [vn] [often passive]
1 to injure part of the body, especially by making a hole in the skin using a weapon: He was wounded in the arm.  About 50 people were seriously wounded in the attack.
2 to hurt sb’s feelings: She felt deeply wounded by his cruel remarks.

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wound^2
pt, pp of WIND —see also WOUND^1
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wound.ed
adj.
1 injured by a weapon, for example in a war: wounded soldiers  There were 79 killed and 230 wounded.
2 feeling emotional pain because of sth unpleasant that sb has said or done: wounded pride
3 (the wounded) noun [pl.] people who are wounded , for example in a war
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wound.ing
adj. that hurts sb’s feelings: He found her remarks deeply wounding.
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wove
pt of WEAVE
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woven
pp of WEAVE
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wow
exclamation, verb, noun
exclamation (also wowee ) (informal) used to express great surprise or admiration: Wow! You look terrific!

verb [vn] ~ sb (with sth) (informal) to impress sb very much, especially with a performance: He wowed audiences around the country with his new show.

noun
1 [sing.] (informal) a great success: Don’t worry. You’ll be a wow.
2 [U] (technical) changes in the PITCH of sound played on a record or tape

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WPC
noun (BrE ) the abbreviation for ‘woman police constable’ (a woman police officer of the lowest rank): WPC (Linda) Green
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wpm
abbr. words per minute: to type at 60 wpm
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WRAC
abbr. (in Britain) Women’s Royal Army Corps
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wrack
(rare) = RACK
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WRAF
abbr. (in Britain) Women’s Royal Air Force
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wraith
noun the ghost of a person that is seen a short time before or after that person dies: a wraith-like figure (= a very thin, pale person)
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wran.gle
noun, verb
noun ~ (with sb)(over sth)| ~ (between A and B) an argument that is complicated and continues over a long period of time: a legal wrangle between the company and their suppliers
wran.gling noun [U, C]

verb [v] ~ (with sb) (over / about sth) to argue angrily and usually for a long time about sth: They’re still wrangling over the financial details.

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wrap
verb, noun
verb (-pp-) [vn]
1 ~ sth (up) (in sth) to cover sth completely in paper or other material, for example when you are giving it as a present: He spent the evening wrapping up the Christmas presents.  individually wrapped chocolates—see also GIFT-WRAP
2 ~ A (up) in B| ~ B round / around A to cover sth/sb in material, for example in order to protect it/them: I wrapped the baby (up) in a blanket.  I wrapped a blanket around the baby.  Wrap the meat in foil before you cook it.  He tossed her a towel. ‘Wrap yourself in that.’—see also SHRINK-WRAPPED
3 ~ sth around / round sth/sb to put sth firmly around sth/sb: A scarf was wrapped around his neck.  His arms were wrapped around her waist.—compare UNWRAP
IDM be ,wrapped 'up in sb/sth to be so involved with sb/sth that you do not pay enough attention to other people or things—more at LITTLE FINGER
PVR V ,wrap 'up| ,wrap it 'up (slang) usually used as an order to tell sb to stop talking or causing trouble, etc. ,wrap 'up| ,wrap sb / yourself 'up to put warm clothes on sb/yourself: She told them to wrap up warm / warmly . ,wrap sth<->'up (informal) to complete sth such as an agreement or a meeting in a satisfactory way: That just about wraps it up for today.

noun
1 [C] a piece of fabric that a woman wears around her shoulders for decoration or to keep warm
2 [U] paper, plastic, etc. that is used for wrapping things in: We stock a wide range of cards and gift wrap .—see also PLASTIC WRAP
3 [sing.] used when making a film/movie to say that filming has finished: Cut! That’s a wrap.
IDM under 'wraps (informal) being kept secret until some time in the future: Next year’s collection is still being kept under wraps.

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wrap.per
noun a piece of paper, plastic, etc. that is wrapped around sth, especially food, when you buy it in order to protect it and keep it clean: (BrE ) sweet wrappers   (AmE ) candy wrappers
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wrap.ping
noun [U] (also wrap.pings [pl.]) paper, plastic, etc. used for covering sth in order to protect it: She tore the cellophane wrapping off the box.  shrink wrapping (= plastic designed to SHRINK around objects so that it fits them tightly)  The painting was still in its wrappings.
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'wrapping paper
noun [U] coloured paper used for wrapping presents: a piece / sheet / roll of wrapping paper
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wrath
noun [U] (old-fashioned or formal) extreme anger: the wrath of God
wrath.ful adj.
wrath.ful.ly adv.
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wreak
verb [vn] ~ sth (on sb) (formal) to do great damage or harm to sb/sth: Their policies would wreak havoc on the economy.  He was determined to wreak vengeance on those who had betrayed him.—see also WROUGHT
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wreath
noun (pl.wreaths )
1 an arrangement of flowers and leaves, especially in the shape of a circle, placed on graves, etc. as a sign of respect for sb who has died: The Queen laid a wreath at the war memorial.
2 an arrangement of flowers and/or leaves in the shape of a circle, traditionally hung on doors as a decoration at Christmas: a holly wreath
3 a circle of flowers or leaves worn on the head, and used in the past as a sign of honour: a laurel wreath
4 (literary) a circle of smoke, cloud, etc: wreaths of mist
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wreathe
verb (written)
1 [vn] [usually passive] ~ sth (in / with sth) to surround or cover sth: The mountain tops were wreathed in mist.   (figurative) Her face was wreathed in smiles (= she was smiling a lot).
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move slowly and lightly, especially in circles: smoke wreathing upwards into the sky
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wreck
noun, verb
noun
1 a ship that has sunk or that has been very badly damaged—see also SHIPWRECK
2 a car, plane, etc. that has been very badly damaged in an accident: Two passengers are still trapped in the wreck.
3 [usually sing.] (informal) a person who is in a bad physical or mental condition: Physically, I was a total wreck.  The interview reduced him to a nervous wreck .
4 (informal) a vehicle, building, etc. that is in very bad condition: The house was a wreck when we bought it.   (figurative) They still hoped to salvage something from the wreck of their marriage.
5 (AmE) = CRASH : a car / train wreck

verb [vn]
1 to damage or destroy sth: The building had been wrecked by the explosion.  The road was littered with wrecked cars.
2 ~ sth (for sb) to spoil sth completely: The weather wrecked all our plans.  A serious injury nearly wrecked his career.
3 [usually passive] to damage a ship so much that it sinks or can no longer sail: The ship was wrecked off the coast of France.—see also SHIPWRECK

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wreck.age
noun [U] the parts of a vehicle, building, etc. that remain after it has been badly damaged or destroyed: A few survivors were pulled from the wreckage.  Pieces of wreckage were found ten miles away from the scene of the explosion.   (figurative) Could nothing be rescued from the wreckage of her dreams?
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wrecked
adj.
1 [only before noun] having been wrecked : a wrecked ship / marriage
2 [not before noun] (BrE, slang) very drunk
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wreck.er
noun
1 a person who ruins another person’s plans, relationship, etc.
2 (AmE) a vehicle used for moving other vehicles that have been damaged in an accident
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wren
noun a very small brown bird
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wrench
verb, noun
verb
1 to pull or twist sth/sb/yourself suddenly and violently: [vn, usually + adv.  /  prep.] : The bag was wrenched from her grasp.  He grabbed Ben, wrenching him away from his mother.   (figurative) Guy wrenched his mind back to the present.  [vn-adj] They wrenched the door open.  She managed to wrench herself free. [alsov]
2 [vn] to twist and injure a part of your body, especially your ankle or shoulder: She wrenched her knee when she fell.
3 ~ sth (from sb)| ~ (at) sth (formal) to make sb feel great pain or unhappiness, especially so that they make a sound or cry: [vn] His words wrenched a sob from her.  [v] Her words wrenched at my heart.  a wrenching experience

noun
1 (especially AmE) (BrE usually span.ner) [C] a metal tool with a specially shaped end for holding and turning things, including one which can be adjusted to fit objects of different sizes, also called a MONKEY WRENCH or an ADJUSTABLE SPANNER —picture at TOOL
2 [sing.] pain or unhappiness that you feel when you have to leave a person or place that you love: Leaving home was a terrible wrench for me.
3 [C, usually sing.] a sudden and violent twist or pull: She stumbled and gave her ankle a painful wrench.

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wrest
verb
PVR V 'wrest sth from sb/sth (formal)
1 to take sth such as power or control from sb/sth with great effort: They attempted to wrest control of the town from government forces.
2 to take sth from sb that they do not want to give, suddenly or violently: He wrested the gun from my grasp.
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wres.tle
verb
1 ~ (with sb) to fight sb by holding them and trying to throw or force them to the ground, sometimes as a sport: [v] As a boy he had boxed and wrestled.  Armed guards wrestled with the intruder.  [vn] Shoppers wrestled the raider to the ground.
2 ~ (with sth) to struggle to deal with sth that is difficult: [v] She had spent the whole weekend wrestling with the problem.  He wrestled with the controls as the plane plunged.  [v to inf] She wrestled to look serious. [alsovn]
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wrest.ler
noun a person who takes part in the sport of wrestling
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wrest.ling
noun [U] a sport in which two people fight by holding each other and trying to throw or force the other one to the ground
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wretch
noun
1 a person that you feel sympathy or pity for: a poor / a miserable / an unfortunate wretch
2 (often humorous) an evil, unpleasant or annoying person
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wretch.ed
adj.
1 (of a person) feeling ill/sick or unhappy: You look wretched—what’s wrong?  I felt wretched about the way things had turned out.
2 extremely bad or unpleasant: She had a wretched time of it at school.  The animals are kept in the most wretched conditions.
3 making you feel sympathy or pity: She finally agreed to have the wretched animal put down.
4 [only before noun] used to show that you think that sb/sth is extremely annoying: Is it that wretched woman again?
wretch.ed.ly adv.
wretch.ed.ness noun [U]
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wrig.gle
verb, noun
verb
1 ~ (about / around) to twist and turn your body or part of it with quick short movements: [v] The baby was wriggling around on my lap.  [vn] She wriggled her toes.
2 [usually +adv. / prep.] to move somewhere by twisting and turning your body or part of it: [v] The fish wriggled out of my fingers.  [v-adj] She managed to wriggle free.  [vn] They wriggled their way through the tunnel.
PVR V wriggle out of sth / out of doing sth (informal, disapproving) to avoid doing sth that you should do, especially by thinking of clever excuses: He tried desperately to wriggle out of giving a clear answer.

noun [usually sing.] an act of wriggling

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wring
verb (wrung, wrung ) [vn]
1 ~ sth (out) to twist and squeeze clothes, etc. in order to get the water out of them
2 if you wring a bird’s neck, you twist it in order to kill the bird
IDM ,wring sb’s 'hand to squeeze sb’s hand very tightly when you shake hands ,wring your 'hands to hold your hands together, and twist and squeeze them in a way that shows you are anxious or upset, especially when you cannot change the situation ,wring sb’s 'neck (spoken, informal) when you say that you will wring sb’s neck, you mean that you are very angry or annoyed with them
PVR V 'wring sth from / out of sb to obtain sth from sb with difficulty, especially by putting pressure on them
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wring.er
noun = MANGLE
IDM go through the 'wringer (informal) to have a difficult or unpleasant experience, or a series of them
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,wringing 'wet
adj. (especially of clothes) very wet
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wrin.kle
noun, verb
noun
1 a line or small fold in your skin, especially on your face, that forms as you get older: There were fine wrinkles around her eyes.
2 [usually pl.] a small fold that you do not want in a piece of fabric or paper

verb
1 ~ (sth) (up) to make the skin on your face tighten into lines or folds; to form lines or folds in this way: [vn] She wrinkled up her nose in distaste.  He wrinkled his brow in concentration.  [v] His face wrinkled in a grin.
2 to form raised folds or lines in an untidy way; to make sth do this: [v] Her stockings were wrinkling at the knees. [alsovn]

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wrin.kled
adj. (of skin, clothing, etc.) having wrinkles
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wrink.ling
noun [U] the process by which WRINKLES form in the skin
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wrin.kly
adj., noun
adj. (informal) (of skin, clothing, etc.) having WRINKLES

noun (pl.-ies) (BrE , informal) an offensive word for an old person, used by younger people

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wrist
noun the joint between the hand and the arm: She’s broken her wrist.  He wore a copper bracelet on his wrist.—picture at BODY
IDM see SLAP n.
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wrist.watch
noun a watch that you wear on your wrist
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writ
noun, verb
noun ~ (for sth) (against sb) a legal document from a court of law telling sb to do or not to do sth: The company has been served with a writ for breach of contract.  We fully intend to issue a writ against the newspaper.

verb (old use) pp of WRITE
IDM ,writ 'large (literary)
1 easy to see or understand: Mistrust was writ large on her face.
2 (used after a noun) being a larger or more obvious example of the thing mentioned: The party’s new philosophies are little more than their old beliefs writ large.

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write
verb (wrote writ.ten )
LETTERS / NUMBERS|
1 ~ (in / on / with sth) to make letters or numbers on a surface, especially using a pen or a pencil: [v] In some countries children don’t start learning to read and write until they are six.  Please write in pen on both sides of the paper.  I haven’t got anything to write with.  [vn] Write your name at the top of the paper.  The teacher wrote the answers on the board.  The ‘b’ had been wrongly written as a ‘d’.
BOOK / MUSIC / PROGRAM|
2 ~ (sth) (about / on sth) to produce sth in written form so that people can read, perform or use it, etc: [vn] to write a novel / a song / an essay / a computer program  He hopes to write a book about his experiences one day.  She had to write a report on the project.  Who was ‘London Fields’ written by?  Which opera did Verdi write first?  [v] I wanted to travel and then write about it.  He writes for the ‘New Yorker’ (= works as a writer).  No decision has been made at the time of writing .  [vnn] She wrote him several poems.
A LETTER|
3 ~ (sth) (to sb) to put information, greetings, etc. in a letter and send it to sb: [v] Bye! Don’t forget to write.  She wrote to him in France.  Can you write and confirm your booking?  I’m writing to enquire about language courses.  [vn, vnn] I wrote a letter to the Publicity Department.  I wrote the Publicity Department a letter.  [v that] She wrote that they were all fine.  [vn] (AmE ) Write me while you’re away.  [vn that] (AmE ) He wrote me that he would be arriving Monday.  [v -ing] They wrote thanking us for the present.
STATE IN WRITING|
4 to state the information or the words mentioned: [v that] In his latest book he writes that the theory has since been disproved.  [v] Ancient historians wrote of a lost continent beneath the ocean. [alsov speech]
CHEQUE / FORM|
5 ~ sth (out) to put information in the appropriate places on a cheque or other form: [vn] to write out a cheque  [vnn] I’ll write you a receipt.
COMPUTING|
6 ~ (sth) to / onto sth to record data in the memory of a computer: [vn] An error was reported when he tried to write data to the file for the first time. [alsov]
OF PEN / PENCIL|
7 [v] to work correctly or in the way mentioned: This pen won’t write. be written all over sb’s 'face (of a feeling) to be very obvious to other people from the expression on sb’s face: Guilt was written all over his face. have sth/sb written all 'over it / sb (informal) to show clearly the quality mentioned or the influence of the person mentioned: It was performance with star quality written all over it.  This essay has got Mike written all over it. nothing (much) to write 'home about (informal) not especially good; ordinary—more at WORTH adj. ,write a'way = WRITE OFF / AWAY ,write 'back (to sb) to write sb a letter replying to their letter: I’m afraid I never wrote back.  She wrote back saying that she couldn’t come. ,write sth<->'down
1 to write sth on paper, especially in order to remember or record it: Write down the address before you forget it.
2 (business) to reduce the value of ASSETS when stating it in a company’s accounts—related noun WRITE-DOWN ,write 'in (to sb/sth) (for sth) to write a letter to an organization or a company, for example to ask about sth or to express an opinion: I’ll write in for more information.  She wrote in to the BBC to complain. ,write sb/sth<->'in (AmE, politics) to add an extra name to your voting paper in an election in order to be able to vote for them—related noun WRITE-IN ,write sth 'into sth to include a rule or condition in a contract or an agreement when it is made ,write 'off / a'way (to sb/sth) (for sth) to write to an organization or a company, usually in order to ask them to send you sth: I’ve written off for the catalogue. ,write sth<->'off
1 (business) to cancel a debt; to recognize that sth is a failure, has no value, etc: to write off a debt / an investment
2 (BrE) to damage sth, especially a vehicle, so badly that it cannot be repaired: He’s written off two cars this year.—related noun WRITE-OFF —see also TOTAL ,write sb/sth<->'off (as sth) to decide that sb/sth is a failure or not worth paying any attention to ,write sth<->'out to write sth on paper, including all the details, especially a piece of work or an account of sth—see also WRITE (5) ,write sb<->'out (of sth) to remove a character from a regular series on television or radio: She was written out after 20 years in the role. ,write sth<->'up to record sth in writing in a full and complete form, often using notes that you made earlier: to write up your notes / the minutes of a meeting  They had to do a survey of the island and write up their findings.—related noun WRITE-UP
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'write-down
noun (business ) a reduction in the value of ASSETS , etc.
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'write-in
noun (AmE ) a vote for sb who is not an official candidate in an election, in which you write their name on your BALLOT PAPER
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'write-off
noun
1 (BrE) a vehicle that has been so badly damaged in an accident that it is not worth spending money to repair it
2 [sing.] (informal) a period of time during which you do not achieve anything: With meetings and phone calls, yesterday was a complete write-off.
3 ~ (of sth) (business) an act of cancelling a debt and accepting that it will never be paid
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writer
noun
1 a person whose job is writing books, stories, articles, etc: writers of poetry  a travel / science / cookery writer
2 a person who has written a particular thing: the writer of this letter / article / computer program
3 (with an adjective) a person who forms letters in a particular way when they are writing: a neat / messy writer
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,writer’s 'cramp
noun [U] a pain or stiff feeling in the hand caused by writing for a long time
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'write-up
noun an article in a newspaper or magazine in which sb writes what they think about a new book, play, product, etc.
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writhe
verb [v] ~ (about / around) (in / with sth) to twist or move your body without stopping, often because you are in great pain: She was writhing around on the floor in agony.  The snake writhed and hissed.   (figurative) He was writhing (= suffering a lot) with embarrassment.
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writ.ing
noun
1 [U] the activity of writing , in contrast to reading, speaking, etc: Our son’s having problems with his reading and writing (= at school)  a writing case / desk
2 [U] the activity of writing books, articles, etc., especially as a job: Only later did she discover a talent for writing.  He is leaving the band to concentrate on his writing.  creative / essay / letter writing—see also SONGWRITING
3 [U] books, articles, etc. in general: The review is a brilliant piece of writing.  feminist / travel writing
4 (writings) [pl.] a group of pieces of writing, especially by a particular person or on a particular subject: His experiences in India influenced his later writings.  the writings of Hegel
5 [U] words that have been written or painted on sth: There was writing all over the desk.
6 [U] the particular way in which sb forms letters when they write
SYN HANDWRITING : Who’s this from? I don’t recognize the writing.
IDM in 'writing in the form of a letter, document, etc. (that gives proof of sth): All telephone reservations must be confirmed in writing.  You must get his agreement in writing. the ,writing is on the 'wall | see the ,writing on the 'wall (AmE the ,handwriting on the 'wall) (saying) used when you are describing a situation in which there are signs that sth is going to have problems or that it is going to be a failure: It is amazing that not one of them saw the writing on the wall.
ORIGIN From the Bible story in which strange writing appeared on a wall during a feast given by King Belshazzar, foretelling Belshazzar’s death and the end of his kingdom.
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'writing paper
noun [U] = NOTEPAPER
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writ.ten
adj.
1 [usually before noun] expressed in writing rather than in speech: written instructions / language
2 [usually before noun] (of an exam, a piece of work, etc.) involving writing rather than speaking or practical skills: a written test  written communication skills
3 [only before noun] in the form of a letter, document, etc. and therefore official: a written apology / statement  a written contract—see also WRITE v.
IDM the ,written 'word language expressed in writing rather than in speech: the permanence of the written word
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wrong
adj., adv., noun, verb
adj.
NOT CORRECT|
1 not right or correct: I got all the answers wrong.  He was driving on the wrong side of the road.  Sorry, I must have dialled the wrong number.  You’re holding the camera the wrong way up !  That picture is the wrong way round .
2 [not before noun] ~ (about sth/sb)| ~ (to do sth) (of a person) not right about sth/sb MISTAKEN : I think she lives at number 44, but I could be wrong.  You were wrong about Tom; he’s not married after all.  We were wrong to assume that she’d agree.  She would prove him wrong (= prove that he was wrong) whatever happened.   (spoken) You think you’ve beaten me but that’s where you’re wrong .   (spoken) Correct me if I’m wrong (= I may be wrong) but didn’t you say you two knew each other?
CAUSING PROBLEMS|
3 [not before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) causing problems or difficulties; not as it should be: Is anything wrong ? You look worried.  ‘What’s wrong ?’‘Oh, nothing.’  There’s something wrong with the printer.  The doctor could find nothing wrong with him.  I have something wrong with my foot.
NOT SUITABLE|
4 [usually before noun] ~ (sth) (for sth)| ~ (sth to do) not suitable, right or what you need: He’s the wrong person for the job.  I realized that it was the wrong thing to say.  We don’t want this document falling into the wrong hands .  It was his bad luck to be in the wrong place at the wrong time (= so that he got involved in trouble without intending to).
NOT MORALLY RIGHT|
5 [not usually before noun] ~ (of / for sb) (to do sth) not morally right or honest: This man has done nothing wrong .  She acknowledged that she’d done wrong .  It is wrong to tell lies.  It was wrong of me to get so angry.  What’s wrong with eating meat?
wrong.ness noun [U] (rare, formal) from / on the ,wrong side of the 'tracks from or living in a poor area or part of town get (hold of) the ,wrong end of the 'stick (BrE, informal) to understand sth in the wrong way on the ,wrong side of the 'law in trouble with the police take sth the wrong 'way to be offended by a remark that was not intended to be offensive—more at BACK v. , BARK v. , BED n. , FAR adv. , FOOT n. , NOTE n. , RUB v. , SIDE n. , TRACK n.

adv. (used after verbs) in a way that produces a result that is not correct or that you do not want: My name is spelt wrong.  The program won’t load. What am I doing wrong ?  I was trying to apologize but it came out wrong (= what I said sounded wrong).  ‘I thought you were going out.’‘Well you must have thought wrong , then!’
OPP RIGHT get sb 'wrong (spoken) to not understand correctly what sb means: Don’t get me wrong (= do not be offended by what I am going to say), I think he’s doing a good job, but … get sth 'wrong (spoken)
1 to not understand a situation correctly: No, you’ve got it all wrong. She’s his wife.
2 to make a mistake with sth: I must have got the figures wrong. go 'wrong
1 to make a mistake: If you do what she tells you, you won’t go far wrong.  Where did we go wrong with those kids (= what mistakes did we make for them to behave so badly)?
2 (of a machine) to stop working correctly: My watch keeps going wrong.
3 to experience problems or difficulties: The relationship started to go wrong when they moved abroad.  What else can go wrong (= what other problems are we going to have)? you can’t go 'wrong (with sth) (spoken) used to say that sth will always be acceptable in a particular situation: For a quick lunch you can’t go wrong with pasta.—more at FOOT n.

noun
1 [U] behaviour that is not honest or morally acceptable: Children must be taught the difference between right and wrong.  Her son can do no wrong in her eyes.
2 [C] (formal) an act that is not legal, honest or morally acceptable: It is time to forgive past wrongs if progress is to be made.
OPP RIGHT in the 'wrong responsible for an accident, a mistake, an argument, etc: The motorcyclist was clearly in the wrong. two ,wrongs don’t make a 'right (saying) used to say that if sb does sth bad to you, the situation will not be improved by doing sth bad to them—more at RIGHT v.

verb [vn] [usually passive] (formal) to treat sb badly or in an unfair way: He felt deeply wronged by the allegations.

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wrong.doer
noun (formal) a person who does sth dishonest or illegal
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wrong.doing
noun [U, C] (formal) illegal or dishonest behaviour: The company denies any wrongdoing.
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,wrong-'foot
verb [vn] (BrE ) to put sb in a difficult or embarrassing situation by doing sth that they do not expect: It was an attempt to wrong-foot the opposition.
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wrong.ful
adj. [usually before noun] (especially law ) not fair, morally right or legal: She decided to sue her employer for wrongful dismissal.
wrong.ful.ly adv.: to be wrongfully convicted / dismissed  note at WRONG
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,wrong-'headed
adj. (written) having or showing bad judgement: wrong-headed beliefs / ideas
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wrong.ly
adv. in a way that is unfair, immoral or not correct: She was wrongly accused of stealing.  He assumed, wrongly, that she did not care.  The sentence had been wrongly translated.  They knew they had acted wrongly.  Rightly or wrongly , they felt they should have been better informed (= I do not know whether they were right to feel this way).  note at WRONG
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wrote
pt of WRITE
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wrought
verb [vn] (formal or literary) (used only in the past tense) caused sth to happen, especially a change: This century wrought major changes in our society.  The storm wrought havoc in the south.—see also WREAK
HELP Wrought is an old form of the past tense of work.
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,wrought 'iron
noun [U] a form of iron used to make decorative fences, gates, etc: The gates were made of wrought iron.  wrought-iron gates—compare CAST IRON
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wrung
pt, pp of WRING
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wry
adj. [usually before noun] (written)
1 showing that you are both amused and disappointed or annoyed: ‘At least we got one vote,’ she said with a wry smile.  He pulled a wry face when I asked him how it had gone.
2 amusing in an IRONIC way: a wry comedy about family life  a wry comment  wry humour
wryly adv.: to grin / smile wryly
wry.ness noun [U]
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WTO
abbr. World Trade Organization (an international organization that encourages international trade and economic development, especially by reducing restrictions on trade)
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wun.der.kind
noun (pl.wunder.kind.er ) (from German , sometimes disapproving) a person who is very successful at a young age
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wuss
noun (slang) a stupid person
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WWW
abbr. = WORLD WIDE WEB : several useful WWW addresses
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WYSIWYG
abbr. (computing ) what you see is what you get (what you see on the computer screen is exactly the same as will be printed)
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X
(also x) noun, symbol
noun (pl.X’s, x’s )
1 [C, U] the 24th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Xylophone’ begins with (an) X / ‘X’.
2 [U] (mathematics) used to represent a number whose value is not mentioned: The equation is impossible for any value of x greater than 2.
3 [U] a person, a number, an influence, etc. that is not known or not named: Let’s suppose X knows what Y is doing.—see also X CHROMOSOME , X-RATED , X-RAY

symbol
1 the number 10 in ROMAN NUMERALS
2 used to represent a kiss at the end of a letter, etc: Love from Kathy XXX.
3 used to show a vote for sb in an election: Write X beside the candidate of your choice.
4 used to show that a written answer is wrong—compare TICK n. (1)
5 used to show position, for example on a map: X marks the spot.

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'X chromosome
noun (biology ) a SEX CHROMOSOME that exists in pairs in female cells and that exists by itself in male cells—compare Y CHROMOSOME
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xeno.pho.bia
noun [U] (disapproving) a strong feeling of dislike or fear of people from other countries: a campaign against racism and xenophobia
xeno.pho.bic adj.
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Xerox
™noun a process for producing copies of letters, documents, etc. using a special machine; a copy made using this process: a Xerox machine
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xerox
verb [vn] to make a copy of a letter, document, etc. by using Xerox or a similar process
SYN PHOTOCOPY : Could you xerox this letter, please?
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-xion
-ION
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XL
abbr. extra large (used for sizes of things, especially clothes): an XL T-shirt
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Xmas
noun [C, U] (informal, written) used as a short way of writing ‘Christmas’: A merry Xmas to all our readers!
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'X-rated
adj. (especially of a film / movie) that people under 18 are not allowed to see because it contains sex and/or violence
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X-ray
noun, verb
noun
1 [usually pl.] a type of RADIATION that can pass through objects that are not transparent and make it possible to see inside them: an X-ray machine (= one that produces X-rays)
2 a photograph made by X-rays, especially one showing bones or organs in the body: a chest X-ray  The doctor studied the X-rays of her lungs.  to take an X-ray
3 a medical examination using X-rays: I had to go for an X-ray.

verb [vn] to photograph and examine bones and organs inside the body, using X-rays : He had to have his chest X-rayed.

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xylo.phone
noun a musical instrument made of two rows of wooden bars of different lengths that you hit with two small sticks—compare GLOCKENSPIEL —
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Y
noun, abbr.
noun (also y) (pl.Y’s, y’s )
1 [C, U] the 25th letter of the English alphabet: ‘Year’ begins with (a) Y / ‘Y’.
2 [U] (mathematics) used to represent a number whose value is not mentioned: Can the value of y be predicted from the value of x?
3 [U] a person, a number, an influence, etc. that is not known or not named: Let’s suppose X knows what Y is doing.—see also Y CHROMOSOME , Y-FRONTS

abbr. (the Y) (AmE , informal) YMCA , YWCA

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-y
suffix
1 (also -ey) (in adjectives) full of; having the quality of: dusty  clayey
2 (in adjectives) tending to: runny  sticky
3 (in nouns) the action or process of: inquiry
4 (also -ie) (in nouns, showing affection): doggy  daddy
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yacht
(AmE also sail.boat) noun a large sailing boat, often also with an engine and a place to sleep on board, used for pleasure trips and racing: a yacht club / race  a motor yacht  a luxury yacht—compare DINGHY
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yacht.ing
noun [U] the sport or activity of sailing or racing yachts
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yachts.man, yachts.wo.man
noun (pl.-men , -women ) a person who sails a yacht for pleasure or as a sport: a round-the-world yachtsman
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Yah.weh
noun = JEHOVAH
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yak
noun, verb
noun an animal of the cow family, with long horns and long hair, that lives in central Asia

verb (also yack) (-kk-) [v] (informal, often disapproving) to talk continuously about things that are not very serious or important: She just kept yakking on.

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y’all
pron. = YOU-ALL
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yam
noun [C, U] the large root of a tropical plant that is cooked as a vegetable—
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yang
noun [U] (in Chinese philosophy) the bright active male principle of the universe—compare YIN
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Yank
(also Yan.kee) noun (BrE , informal, often disapproving) a person from the US; an American
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yank
verb [usually +adv. / prep.] (informal) to pull sth/sb hard, quickly and suddenly: [vn] He yanked her to her feet.  [vn-adj] I yanked the door open / yanked open the door.  [v] Liz yanked at my arm.
yank noun: She gave the rope a yank.
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Yan.kee
noun
1 (AmE) a person who comes from or lives in any of the northern states of the US, especially New England
2 a soldier who fought for the Union (= the northern states) in the American Civil War
3 (BrE, informal) = YANK
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yap
verb (-pp-) [v]
1 ~ (at sb/sth) (especially of small dogs) to BARK a lot, making a high, sharp and usually irritating sound: The dogs yapped at his heels.  yapping dogs
2 (informal) to talk in a silly, noisy and usually irritating way
yap noun
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yard
noun
1 (BrE) an area outside a building, usually with a hard surface and a surrounding wall: the prison yard  The children were playing in the yard at the front of the school.—see also BACKYARD
2 (AmE) = GARDEN n. (1) —see also BACKYARD —picture at HOUSE
3 (usually in compounds) an area of land used for a special purpose or business: a boat yard
HELP You will find other compounds ending in yard at their place in the alphabet.
4 (abbr.yd) a unit for measuring length, equal to 3 feet (36 INCHES ) or 0.9144 of a metre
5 (technical) a long piece of wood fastened to a MAST that supports a sail on a boat or ship
IDM see INCH n.
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yard.age
noun [C, U] (technical )
1 size measured in yards or square yards
2 (in American football) the number of yards that a team or player has moved forward
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yard.arm
noun (technical ) either end of the long piece of wood fastened to a ship’s MAST that supports a sail
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'yard sale
noun (AmE ) a sale of things from sb’s house, held in their yard—see also GARAGE SALE
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yard.stick
noun
1 (especially AmE) a RULER for measuring one YARD
2 a standard used for judging how good or successful sth is: a yardstick by / against which to measure sth  Exam results are not the only yardstick of a school’s performance.
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yar.mulke
(also yar.mulka) noun a small round cap worn on top of the head by Jewish men; a type of SKULLCAP
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yarn
noun
1 [U] thread that has been spun, used for knitting, weaving, etc.—picture at SEW
2 [C] (informal) a long story, especially one that is exaggerated or invented: He used to spin yarns (= tell stories) about his time in the Army.
IDM see PITCH v.
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yash.mak
noun a piece of fabric covering most of the face, worn by some Muslim women
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yaw
verb [v] (technical ) (of a ship or plane) to turn to one side, away from a straight course, in an unsteady way
yaw noun [C, U]
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yawn
verb, noun
verb [v]
1 to open your mouth wide and breathe in deeply through it, usually because you are tired or bored: He stood up, stretched and yawned.
2 (of a large hole or an empty space) to be very wide and often frightening and difficult to get across: A crevasse yawned at their feet.   (figurative) There’s a yawning gap between rich and poor.

noun
1 an act of yawning : She stifled another yawn and tried hard to look interested.
2 [usually sing.] (informal) a boring event, idea, etc: The meeting was one big yawn from start to finish.

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yaws
noun [U] a tropical skin disease that causes large red swellings
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'Y chromosome
noun (biology ) a SEX CHROMOSOME that exists by itself and only in male cells—compare X CHROMOSOME
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yd
abbr. (pl.yds) YARD : 12 yds of silk
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ye
pron., det.
pron. (old use ordialect ) a word meaning ‘you’, used when talking to more than one person: Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.

det. a word meaning ‘the’, used in the names of pubs, shops, etc. to make them seem old: Ye Olde Starre Inn

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yea
adv., noun (old use) yes—compare NAY
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yeah
adv. used in writing to show the way ‘yes’ is pronounced in informal speech
IDM ,oh 'yeah? used when you are commenting on what sb has just said: ‘We’re off to France soon.’‘Oh yeah? When’s that?’  ‘I’m going to be rich one day.’‘Oh yeah?’ (= I don’t believe you.)
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year
noun (abbr. yr)
1 (also ,calendar 'year) [C] the period from 1 January to 31 December, that is 365 or 366 days, divided into 12 months: in the year 1865  I lost my job earlier this year.  Elections take place every year.  The museum is open all (the) year round (= during the whole year).—see also LEAP YEAR , NEW YEAR
2 [C] a period of 12 months, measured from any particular time: It’s exactly a year since I started working here.  She gave up teaching three years ago.  in the first year of their marriage  the pre-war / war / post-war years (= the period before / during / after the war)  I have happy memories of my years in Poland (= the time I spent there).—see also LIGHT YEAR
3 [C] a period of 12 months connected with a particular activity: the academic / school year  the tax year—see also FINANCIAL YEAR
4 [C] (especially BrE) (at a school, etc.) a level that you stay in for one year; a student at a particular level: We started German in year seven.  a year-seven pupil  The first years do French.  She was in my year at school.
5 [C, usually pl.] age; time of life: He was 14 years old when it happened.  She looks young for her years.  They were both only 20 years of age.  a twenty-year-old man  He died in his sixtieth year.  She’s getting on in years (= is no longer young).
6 (years) [pl.] (informal) a long time: It’s years since we last met.  They haven’t seen each other for years .  That’s the best movie I’ve seen in years .
IDM man, woman, car, etc. of the 'year a person or thing that people decide is the best in a particular field in a particular year not / never in a hundred, etc. 'years (spoken) used to emphasize that you will/would never do sth: I’d never have thought of that in a million years. put 'years on sb to make sb feel or look older take 'years off sb to make sb feel or look younger ,year after 'year every year for many years ,year by 'year as the years pass; each year: Year by year their affection for each other grew stronger. the year 'dot (BrE) (AmE the year 'one) (informal) a very long time ago: I’ve been going there every summer since the year dot. year 'in, year 'out every year ,year of 'grace | ,year of our 'Lord (formal) any particular year after the birth of Christ ,year on 'year (used especially when talking about figures, prices, etc.) each year, compared with the last year: Spending has increased year on year.  a year-on-year increase in spending—more at ADVANCED , DECLINE v. , DONKEY , TURN n.
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year.book
noun
1 a book published once a year, giving details of events, etc. of the previous year, especially those connected with a particular area of activity
2 (especially AmE) a book that is produced by the senior class in a school or college, containing photographs of students and details of school activities
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year.ling
noun an animal, especially a horse, between one and two years old
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,year-'long
adj. [only before noun] continuing for a whole year: a year-long dispute / investigation
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year.ly
adj.
1 happening once a year or every year: Pay is reviewed on a yearly basis.
2 paid, valid or calculated for one year: yearly income / interest
year.ly adv.: The magazine is issued twice yearly (= twice every year).
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yearn
verb ~ (for sth/sb) (literary) to want sth very much, especially when it is very difficult to get: [v] The people yearned for peace.  There was a yearning look in his eyes.  [v to inf] She yearned to escape from her office job.
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yearn.ing
noun [C, U] ~ (for sb/sth)| ~ (to do sth) (written) a strong and emotional desire: a yearning for a quiet life  She had no great yearning to go back.
yearn.ing.ly adv.
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,year-'round
adj. all through the year: an island with year-round sunshine
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yeast
noun [U, C] a FUNGUS used in making beer and wine, or to make bread rise
yeasty adj.: a yeasty smell
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'yeast extract
noun [U] a black substance made from yeast , spread on bread, etc.—see also MARMITE
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'yeast infection
noun (AmE ) = THRUSH
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yell
verb, noun
verb ~ (out) (sth)| ~ (sth) (at sb/sth) to shout loudly, for example because you are angry, excited, frightened or in pain: [v] He yelled at the other driver.  They yelled with excitement.  She yelled out in pain.  She yelled at the child to get down from the wall.  [v speech] ‘Be careful!’ he yelled.  [vn] The crowd yelled encouragement at the players.  note at SHOUT

noun a loud cry of pain, excitement, etc: to let out / give a yell  a yell of delight / surprise

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yel.low
adj., noun, verb
adj. (yel.lower, yel.lowest)
1 having the colour of lemons or butter: pale yellow flowers  a bright yellow waterproof jacket
2 an offensive word used to describe the light brown skin of people from some E Asian countries
3 (informal, disapproving) easily frightened COWARDLY
yel.low.ness noun [U, sing.]

noun [U, C] the colour of lemons or butter: She was dressed in yellow.  the reds and yellows of the trees

verb [v, vn] to become yellow; to make sth become yellow

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,yellow 'card
noun (BrE ) (in football) a card shown by the REFEREE to a player as a warning about bad behaviour—compare RED CARD
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,yellow 'fever
noun [U] an infectious tropical disease that makes the skin turn yellow and often causes death
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yel.low.ham.mer
noun a small bird, the male of which has a yellow head, neck and breast
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yel.low.ish
(also less frequent yel.lowy ) adj. fairly yellow in colour: The paper had a yellowish tinge because it was so old.
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,yellow 'line
noun (in Britain) a yellow line painted at the side of a road to show that you can only park your car there at particular times or for a short time: double yellow lines (= two lines that mean you cannot park there at all)
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,Yellow 'Pages
™ (BrE ) (AmE ,yellow 'pages) noun [pl.] a book with yellow pages that gives a list of companies and organizations and their telephone numbers, arranged according to the type of services they offer
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yelp
verb [v, v speech] to give a sudden short cry, usually of pain
yelp noun
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yen
noun
1 (pl.yen) [C] the unit of money in Japan
2 (the yen) [sing.] (finance) the value of the yen compared with the value of the money of other countries
3 [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth / to do sth) a strong desire: I’ve always had a yen to travel around the world.
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yeo.man
noun (pl.-men )
1 (in Britain in the past) a farmer who owned and worked on his land
2 an officer in the US Navy who does mainly office work
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yeo.man.ry
noun [sing.+ sing./pl. v .]
1 (in Britain in the past) the social class of farmers who owned their land
2 (in Britain in the past) farmers who became soldiers and provided their own horses
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yep
exclamation (informal) used to say ‘yes’: ‘Are you ready?’‘Yep.’
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yer
pron., det. (informal, non-standard) used in writing as a way of showing the way people sometimes pronounce the word ‘you’ or ‘your’: See yer when I get back.  What’s yer name?
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yes
exclamation, noun
exclamation
1 used to answer a question and say that sth is correct or true: ‘Is this your car?’‘Yes, it is.’  ‘Are you coming? Yes or no?’
2 used to show that you agree with what has been said: ‘I enjoyed her latest novel.’‘Yes, me too.’  ‘It’s an excellent hotel.’‘Yes, but (= I don’t completely agree) it’s too expensive.’
3 used to disagree with sth negative that sb has just said: ‘I’ve never met her before.’‘Yes, you have.’
4 used to agree to a request or to give permission: ‘Dad, can I borrow the car?’‘Yes, but be careful.’  We’re hoping that they will say yes to our proposals.
5 used to accept an offer or invitation: ‘Would you like a drink?’‘Yes, please / thanks.’
6 used for asking sb what they want: Yes? How can I help you?
7 used for replying politely when sb calls you: ‘Waiter!’‘Yes, sir?’
8 used to show that you have just remembered sth: Where did I put the keys? Oh, yes—in my pocket!
9 used to encourage sb to continue speaking: ‘I’m going to Paris this weekend.’‘Yes … ’
10 used to show that you do not believe what sb has said: ‘Sorry I’m late—the bus didn’t come.’‘Oh yes?’
11 used to emphasize what you have just said: Mrs Smith has just won £2 million—yes!—£2 million!
12 used to show that you are excited or extremely pleased about sth that you have done or sth that has happened: ‘They’ve scored another goal.’‘Yes!!’
13 (yes, yes) used to show that you are impatient or irritated about sth: ‘Hurry up—it’s late.’‘Yes, yes—I’m coming.’
IDM ,yes and 'no used when you cannot give a clear answer to a question: ‘Are you enjoying it?’‘Yes and no.’

noun (pl.yes.ses or yeses ) an answer that shows that you agree with an idea, a statement, etc.; a person who says ‘yes’: I need a simple yes or no to my questions.  There will be two ballot boxes—one for yesses and one for noes.  I’ll put you down as a yes.

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'yes-man
noun (pl.-men ) (disapproving) a person who always agrees with people in authority in order to gain their approval
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yes.ter.day
adv., noun
adv. on the day before today: They arrived yesterday.  I can remember our wedding as if it were yesterday.  Where were you yesterday morning?  To think I was lying on a beach only the day before yesterday .
IDM see BORN v.

noun [U]
1 the day before today: Yesterday was Sunday.  What happened at yesterday’s meeting?
2 (also yes.ter.days [pl.]) the recent past: Yesterday’s students are today’s employees.  All her yesterdays had vanished without a trace.

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yes.ter.year
noun [U] (old-fashioned or literary) the past, especially a time when attitudes and ideas were different
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yet
adv., conj.
adv.
1 used in negative sentences and questions to talk about sth that has not happened but that you expect to happen: (BrE) I haven’t received a letter from him yet.   (AmE) I didn’t receive a letter from him yet.  ‘Are you ready?’‘No, not yet.’  We have yet to decide what action to take (= We have not decided what action to take).  note at ALREADY
2 (used in negative sentences) now; as soon as this: Don’t go yet.  We don’t need to start yet.
3 from now until the period of time mentioned has passed: He’ll be busy for ages yet.  They won’t arrive for at least two hours yet.
4 could, might, may, etc. do sth ~ used to say that sth could, might, etc. happen in the future, even though it seems unlikely: We may win yet.   (formal) She could yet surprise us all.
5 the best, longest, etc. sth ~ (done) the best, longest, etc. thing of its kind made, produced, written, etc. until now/then: the most comprehensive study yet of his music  It was the highest building yet constructed.
6 ~ another / more … | ~ again used to emphasize an increase in number or amount or the number of times sth happens: snow, snow and yet more snow  yet another diet book  Prices were cut yet again (= once more, after many other times).
7 ~ worse, more importantly, etc. used to emphasize an increase in the degree of sth (= how bad, important, etc. it is)
SYN EVEN , STILL : a recent and yet more improbable theory
IDM as 'yet until now or until a particular time in the past: an as yet unpublished report  As yet little was known of the causes of the disease.

conj. in spite of what has just been said
SYN NEVERTHELESS : It’s a small car, yet it’s surprisingly spacious.  He has a good job, and yet he never seems to have any money.

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yeti
(also A,bominable 'Snowman) noun a large hairy creature like a man or a bear, that some people believe lives in the Himalayan mountains
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yew
noun
1 [C, U] (also 'yew tree) a small tree with dark green leaves and small red berries. Yews are often planted near churches.
2 [U] the wood of the yew tree
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'Y-fronts
™noun [pl.] (BrE ) men’s UNDERPANTS , with an opening in the front sewn in the shape of a Y upside-down: a pair of Y-fronts
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YHA
abbr. Youth Hostels Association (an organization that exists in many countries and provides cheap simple accommodation)
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yid
noun ( , slang) a very offensive word for a Jewish person
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Yid.dish
noun [U] a Jewish language, originally used in central and eastern Europe, based on a form of German with words from Hebrew and several modern languages—compare HEBREW
Yid.dish adj.
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yield
verb, noun
verb
1 [vn] to produce or provide sth, for example a profit, result or crop: Higher-rate deposit accounts yield good returns.  The research has yielded useful information.  trees that no longer yield fruit
2 [v] ~ (to sth/sb) to stop resisting sth/sb; to agree to do sth that you do not want to do: After a long siege, the town was forced to yield.  He reluctantly yielded to their demands.  I yielded to temptation and had a chocolate bar.
3 [vn] ~ sth/sb (up) (to sb) (formal) to allow sb to win, have or take control of sth that has been yours until now: He refused to yield up his gun.   (figurative) The universe is slowly yielding up its secrets.
4 [v] to move, bend or break because of pressure: Despite our attempts to break it, the lock would not yield.
5 [v] ~ (to sb/sth) (AmE, IrishE) to allow vehicles on a bigger road to go first
SYN GIVE WAY : Yield to oncoming traffic.  a yield sign
PVR V 'yield to sth (formal) to be replaced by sth: Barges yielded to road vehicles for transporting goods.

noun [C, U] the total amount of crops, profits, etc. that are produced: a high crop yield  a reduction in milk yield  This will give a yield of 10% on your investment.

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yield.ing
adj. (written)
1 (of a substance) soft and easy to bend or move when you press it
2 (of a person) willing to do what other people want
3 (used with an adverb) giving the amount of crops, profits, etc. mentioned: high / low yielding crops
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yikes
exclamation (informal) used to show that you are surprised or suddenly afraid
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yin
noun [U] (in Chinese philosophy) the dark, not active, female principle of the universe—compare YANG
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yip.pee
exclamation (old-fashioned, informal) used to show you are pleased or excited
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YMCA
(also AmE informal the Y) abbr. Young Men’s Christian Association (an organization that exists in many countries and provides accommodation and social and sports activities): We stayed at the YMCA.
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yo
exclamation (slang) used as a greeting by young people
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yob
(also yobbo pl.-os) noun (BrE , informal) a rude, noisy and sometimes aggressive and violent boy or young man
SYN LOUT
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yodel
verb, noun
verb (-ll-, AmE-l-) [v, vn] to sing or call in the traditional Swiss way, changing your voice frequently between its normal level and a very high level

noun a song or musical call in which sb yodels

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yoga
noun [U]
1 a Hindu philosophy that teaches you how to control your body and mind in the belief that you can become united with the spirit of the universe in this way
2 a system of exercises for your body and for controlling your breathing, used by people who want to become fitter or to relax
yogic adj.: yogic teachings / techniques
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yogi
noun (pl.yogis) an expert in, or teacher of, the philosophy of yoga
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yog.urt
(also yog.hurt, yog.hourt) noun [U, C] a thick white liquid food, made by adding bacteria to milk, served cold and often flavoured with fruit; an amount of this sold in a small pot: Greek / natural yogurt  There’s a yogurt left if you’re still hungry.  a lemon yogurt
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yoke
noun, verb
noun
1 [C] a long piece of wood that is fastened across the necks of two animals, especially OXEN , so that they can pull heavy loads
2 [sing.] (literary or formal) harsh treatment or sth that restricts your freedom and makes your life very difficult to bear: the yoke of imperialism  Young people often chafe under the yoke of parental control.
3 [C] a piece of wood that is shaped to fit across a person’s shoulders so that they can carry two equal loads
4 [C] a part of a dress, skirt, etc. that fits around the shoulders or hips and from which the rest of the fabric hangs

verb [vn]
1 to join two animals together with a yoke : A pair of oxen, yoked together, was used.  an ox yoked to a plough
2 [usually passive] (formal) to bring two people, countries, ideas, etc. together so that they are forced into a close relationship: The Hong Kong dollar was yoked to the American dollar for many years.

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yokel
noun (often humorous) if you call a person a yokel, you are saying that they do not have much education or understanding of modern life, because they come from the countryside
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yolk
noun [C, U] the round yellow part in the middle of an egg: Separate the whites from the yolks.
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Yom Kip.pur
noun [U] a Jewish religious holiday in September or October when people eat nothing all day and say prayers of PENITENCE in the SYNAGOGUE , also known as the Day of Atonement
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yon
det., adv.
det. (old use ordialect ) that: There’s an old farm over yon hill.

adv.
IDM see HITHER

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yon.der
det. (old use ordialect ) that is over there; that you can see over there: Let’s rest under yonder tree.
yon.der adv.: Whose is that farm over yonder?
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yonks
noun [U] (BrE , informal, becoming old-fashioned) a long time: I haven’t seen you for yonks!
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yoo-hoo
exclamation (informal, becoming old-fashioned) used to attract sb’s attention, especially when they are some distance away
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yore
noun
IDM of 'yore (old use or literary) long ago: in days of yore
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York.shire pud.ding
noun [U, C] a type of British food made from BATTER that is baked until it rises, traditionally eaten with ROAST beef
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Yorkshire terrier
noun a very small dog with long brown and grey hair
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you
pron.
1 used as the subject or object of a verb or after a preposition to refer to the person or people being spoken or written to: You said you knew the way.  I thought she told you.  Can I sit next to you?  I don’t think that hairstyle is you (= it doesn’t suit your appearance or personality).
2 used with nouns and adjectives to speak to sb directly: You girls, stop talking!  You stupid idiot!
3 used for referring to people in general: You learn a language better if you visit the country where it is spoken.  It’s a friendly place—people come up to you in the street and start talking.
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you-all
(also y’all) pron. (informal) used especially in the southern US to mean you when talking to more than one person: Have you-all brought swimsuits?
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you’d
short form
1 you had
2 you would
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you’ll
short form you will
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young
adj., noun
adj. (young.er young.est )
1 having lived or existed for only a short time; not fully developed: young babies / children / animals  a young country / company  Caterpillars eat the young leaves of this plant.  a young wine   (humorous) The night is still young (= it has only just started).
OPP OLD
2 not yet old; not as old as others: young people  talented young football players  I am the youngest of four sisters.  In his younger days he played rugby for Wales.  I met the young Bill Clinton at Oxford.  Her grandchildren keep her young.  My son’s thirteen but he’s young for his age (= not as developed as other boys of the same age).  They married young (= at an early age).  My mother died young .
OPP OLD
3 suitable or appropriate for young people: young fashion / ideas  The clothes she wears are much too young for her.
4 consisting of young people or young children; with a low average age: They have a young family.  a young audience
5 ~ man / lady / woman used to show that you are angry or annoyed with a particular young person: I think you owe me an apology, young lady!
6 (the younger) used before or after a person’s name to distinguish them from an older relative: the younger Kennedy   (BrE, formal) William Pitt the younger—compare THE ELDER at ELDER adj. , JUNIOR adj. (3)
IDM be getting 'younger (spoken) used to say that people seem to be doing sth at a younger age than they used to, or that they seem younger because you are now older: The band’s fans are getting younger.  Why do police officers seem to be getting younger? not be getting any 'younger (spoken) used when you are commenting that time is passing and that you, or sb else, is growing older ,young at 'heart thinking and behaving like a young person even when you are old—more at OLD , ONLY adv.

noun [pl.]
1 (the young) young people considered as a group: It’s a movie that will appeal to the young.  It’s a book for young and old alike .
2 young animals of a particular type or that belong to a particular mother: a mother bird feeding her young

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young.ish
adj. fairly young: a youngish president
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,young of'fender
noun (BrE ) a criminal who, according to the law, is not yet an adult but no longer a child: a young offenders' institution
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young.ster
noun (informal) a young person or a child: The camp is for youngsters aged 8 to 14.
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,young 'thing
noun (informal) a young adult: bright young things working in the computer business
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your
det. (the possessive form of you)
1 of or belonging to the person or people being spoken or written to: I like your dress.  Excuse me, is this your seat?  The bank is on your right.
2 of or belonging to people in general: Dentists advise you to have your teeth checked every six months.  In Japan you are taught great respect for your elders.
3 (informal) used to show that sb/sth is well known or often talked about: This is your typical English pub.   (ironic, disapproving) You and your bright ideas!
4 (Your) used in some titles, especially those of royal people: Your Majesty  Your Excellency
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you’re
short form you are
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yours
pron.
1 of or belonging to you: Is that book yours?  Is she a friend of yours?  My hair is very fine. Yours is much thicker.
2 (usually Yours) used at the end of a letter before signing your name: (BrE) Yours sincerely / faithfully   (AmE) Sincerely Yours   (AmE) Yours Truly
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your.self
(pl.your.selves ) pron.
1 (the reflexive form of you) used when the person or people being spoken to both cause and are affected by an action: Have you hurt yourself?  You don’t seem quite yourself today (= you do not seem well or do not seem as happy as usual).  Enjoy yourselves!
2 used to emphasize the fact that the person who is being spoken to is doing sth: Do it yourself—I don’t have time.  You can try it out for yourselves.  You yourself are one of the chief offenders.
3 you: We sell a lot of these to people like yourself.  ‘And yourself,’ he replied, ‘How are you?’
IDM (all) by your'self / your'selves
1 alone; without anyone else: How long were you by yourself in the house?
2 without help: Are you sure you did this exercise by yourself? (all) to your'self / your'selves for only you to have, use, etc: I’m going to be away next week so you’ll have the office to yourself. be your'self to act naturally: Don’t act sophisticated—just be yourself.
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youth
noun (pl.youths )
1 [U] the time of life when a person is young, especially the time before a child becomes an adult: He had been a talented musician in his youth.
2 [U] the quality or state of being young: She brings to the job a rare combination of youth and experience.
3 [C] (often disapproving) a young man: The fight was started by a gang of youths.
4 (also the youth) [pl.] young people considered as a group: the nation’s youth  the youth of today  youth culture  youth unemployment
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'youth club
noun (in Britain) a club where young people can meet each other and take part in various activities
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,youth 'custody
noun [U] (BrE ) a period of time when a young criminal is kept in a type of prison as a punishment: He was sentenced to two years' youth custody.  a youth custody centre
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youth.ful
adj.
1 typical of young people: youthful enthusiasm / energy / inexperience
2 young or seeming younger than you are: She’s a very youthful 65.
youth.ful.ly adv.
youth.ful.ness noun [U]
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'youth hostel
noun a building that provides cheap and simple accommodation and meals, especially to young people who are travelling
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'youth hostelling
noun [U] (BrE ) the activity of staying in different youth hostels and walking, etc. between them: to go youth hostelling
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you’ve
short form you have
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yowl
verb [v] to make a long loud cry that sounds unhappy
yowl noun
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'Yo Yo
™ (also 'yo-yo) noun (pl.Yo Yos, yo-yos) a toy that consists of two round pieces of plastic or wood joined together, with a piece of string wound between them. You put the string around your finger and make the yo-yo go up and down it: He kept bouncing up and down like a yo-yo .—
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yr
(also yr. especially in AmE) abbr.
1 (pl.yrs) year(s): children aged 4–11 yrs
2 your
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yuan
noun (pl.yuan) the unit of money in China
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yucca
noun a tropical plant with long stiff pointed leaves on a thick straight stem, often grown indoors
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yuck
(BrE also yuk) exclamation (informal) used to show that you think sth is disgusting or unpleasant
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yucky
(BrE also yukky) adj. (informal) disgusting or very unpleasant: yucky food
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Yule
noun [C, U] (old use or literary) the festival of Christmas
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Yule.tide
noun [U, C] (old use or literary) the period around Christmas Day: Yuletide food and drink
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yum
(also ,yum-'yum) exclamation (informal) used to show that you think sth tastes or smells very nice
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yummy
adj. (informal) very good to eat
SYN DELICIOUS : a yummy cake
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yup.pie
(also yuppy) noun (pl.-ies) (informal, often disapproving) a young professional person who lives in a city and earns a lot of money that they spend on expensive and fashionable things
ORIGIN Formed from the first letters of the words ‘young urban professional’.
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YWCA
(also AmE informal the Y) abbr. Young Women’s Christian Association (an organization that exists in many countries and provides accommodation and social and sports activities): members of the YWCA
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Z
(also z) noun (pl.Z’s, z’s )
1 [C, U] the 26th and last letter of the English alphabet: ‘Zebra’ begins with (a) Z / ‘Z’.
2 (Z’s) [pl.] (AmE, informal, humorous) sleep: I need to catch some Z’s.
IDM see A n.
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zany
adj. (zani.er, zani.est) (informal) strange or unusual in an amusing way: zany humour
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zap
verb (-pp-) (informal)
1 [vn] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to destroy, kill or hit sb/sth suddenly and with force: The monster got zapped by a flying saucer (= in a computer game).  It’s vital to zap stress fast.  He jumped like a man who’d been zapped with 1 000 volts.
2 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to do sth very fast: I’m zapping through (= reading very fast) some modern novels at the moment.
3 [v, vn] to use the REMOTE CONTROL to change television channels quickly
4 [+adv. / prep.] to move, or make sb/sth move, very fast in the direction mentioned
SYN ZIP : [v] The racing cars zapped past us. [alsovn]
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zap.per
noun (informal)
1 = REMOTE CONTROL
2 a device or weapon that attacks or destroys sth quickly: a bug zapper
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zeal
noun [U, C] ~ (for / in sth) (written) great energy or enthusiasm connected with sth that you feel strongly about: her missionary / reforming / religious / political zeal
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zealot
noun (often disapproving) a person who is extremely enthusiastic about sth, especially religion or politics
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zeal.ot.ry
noun [U] (often disapproving) the attitude or behaviour of a zealot : religious zealotry
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zeal.ous
adj. (written) showing great energy and enthusiasm for sth, especially because you feel strongly about it: a zealous reformer / preacher
zeal.ous.ly adv.
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zebra
noun (pl.zebra or zebras) an African wild animal like a horse with black and white lines (= STRIPES ) on its body
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,zebra 'crossing
noun (BrE ) an area of road marked with broad black and white lines where vehicles must stop for people to walk across—see also PEDESTRIAN CROSSING , PELICAN CROSSING
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Zeit.geist
noun [sing.] (from German , formal) the general mood or quality of a particular period of history, as shown by the ideas, beliefs, etc. common at the time
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Zen
noun [U] a Japanese form of Buddhism
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zen.ith
noun
1 the highest point that the sun or moon reaches in the sky, directly above you: The sun rose towards its zenith.
2 (formal) the time when sth is strongest and most successful
SYN PEAK
OPP NADIR
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zephyr
noun (old-fashioned or literary) a soft gentle wind
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Zep.pelin
noun a German type of large AIRSHIP
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zero
number, verb
number
1 (especially AmE) (BrE also nought) 0: Five, four, three, two, zero … We have lift-off.
2 a temperature, pressure, etc. that is equal to zero on a scale: It was ten degrees below zero last night (= −10°C or −10°F).  The thermometer had fallen to zero.
3 the lowest possible amount or level; nothing at all: I rated my chances as zero.  zero inflation / growth / profit

verb (zer.oes, zero.ing, zer.oed, zer.oed) [vn] to turn an instrument, control, etc. to zero
PVR V ,zero 'in on sb/sth
1 to fix all your attention on the person or thing mentioned: They zeroed in on the key issues.
2 to aim guns, etc. at the person or thing mentioned

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'zero hour
noun [U] the time when an important event, an attack, etc. is planned to start
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,zero-'rated
adj. (BrE, technical ) (of goods, services, etc.) that you do not need to pay VAT (= value added tax) on
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,zero-'sum game
noun a situation in which what is gained by one person or group is lost by another person or group
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,zero 'tolerance
noun [U] the policy of applying laws very strictly so that people are punished even for offences that are not very serious: Howard County has a zero tolerance policy on alcohol use by teenagers.
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zest
noun
1 [sing., U] ~ (for sth) enjoyment and enthusiasm: He had a great zest for life .  She danced with the zest of a twenty-year-old.
2 [U, sing.] the quality of being exciting, interesting and enjoyable: The slight risk added zest to the experience.
3 [U] the outer skin of an orange, a lemon, etc., when it is used to give flavour in cooking—compare PEEL , RIND , SKIN
zest.ful adj.
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zig.zag
noun, verb
noun a line or pattern that looks like a series of letter W’s as it bends to the left and then to the right again: The path descended the hill in a series of zigzags.
zig.zag adj. [only before noun]: a zigzag line / path / pattern

verb (-gg-) [v, usually + adv.  /  prep.] to move forward by making sharp sudden turns first to the left and then to the right: The narrow path zigzags up the cliff.

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zilch
noun [U] (informal) nothing: I arrived in this country with zilch.
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zil.lion
noun (informal, especially AmE ) a very large number: There was a bunch of kids waiting and zillions of reporters.
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Zim.mer frame
™ (also informal Zim.mer ) (both BrE ) (AmE walk.er) noun a metal frame that people use to help them to walk, for example people who are old or who have sth wrong with their legs
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zinc
noun [U] (symb Zn) a chemical element. Zinc is a bluish-white metal that is mixed with COPPER to produce BRASS and is often used to cover other metals to prevent them from RUSTING .
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zing
verb, noun
verb (informal)
1 to move or to make sth move very quickly, often with a high whistling sound: [v] electrical pulses zinging down a wire [alsovn]
2 [vn] ~ sb/sth (for / on sth) (AmE) to criticize sb strongly

noun [U] (informal) interest or excitement

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Zion.ism
noun [U] a political movement that was originally concerned with establishing an independent state for Jewish people, and is now concerned with developing the state of Israel
Zion.ist noun, adj.
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zip
noun, verb
noun
1 (also 'zip fastener) (both BrE) (also zip.perAmE, BrE) [C] a thing that you use to fasten clothes, bags, etc. It consists of two rows of metal or plastic teeth that you can pull together to close sth or pull apart to open it: to do up / undo / open / close a zip  My zip’s stuck.—picture at FASTENER
2 [U] (informal) energy or speed
3 [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) nothing: We won four zip (= 4–0).  He said zip all evening.

verb (-pp-)
1 to fasten clothes, bags, etc. with a zip/zipper : [vn] I zipped and buttoned my jacket.  The children were safely zipped into their sleeping bags.  [vn-adj] He zipped his case shut.—compare UNZIP
2 [v] to be fastened with a zip/zipper : The sleeping bags can zip together.
3 [+adv. / prep.] (informal) to move very quickly or to make sth move very quickly in the direction mentioned: [v] I’m just zipping into town to buy some food.  A sports car zipped past us. [alsovn] ,zip 'up| ,zip sb/sth 'up to be fastened with a zip/zipper ; to fasten sth with a zip/zipper : This jacket zips up right to the neck.  Shall I zip you up (= fasten your dress, etc.)?

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'ZIP code
(also 'Zip code) noun (AmE ) = POSTCODE
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zip.per
noun (especially AmE ) = ZIP
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zit
noun (informal) a spot on the skin, especially on the face
SYN PIMPLE —compare SPOT
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zith.er
noun a musical instrument with a lot of metal strings stretched over a flat wooden box, that you play with your fingers or a PLECTRUM/PICK
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zo.diac
noun
1 (the zodiac) [sing.] the imaginary area in the sky in which the sun, moon and planets appear to lie, and which has been divided into twelve equal parts each with a special name and symbol: the signs of the zodiac
2 [C] a diagram of these twelve parts, and signs that some people believe can be used to predict how the planets will influence our lives
zo.di.ac.al adj.
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zom.bie
noun
1 (informal) a person who seems only partly alive, without any feeling or interest in what is happening
2 (in some African and Caribbean religions and in horror stories) a dead body that has been made alive again by magic
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zonal
adj. (technical ) connected with zones ; arranged in zones
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zone
noun, verb
noun
1 an area or a region with a particular feature or use: a war / security / demilitarized zone  an earthquake / danger zone  a pedestrian zone (= where vehicles may not go)—see also NO-FLY ZONE , TIME ZONE , TWILIGHT
2 one of the areas that a larger area is divided into for the purpose of organization: postal charges to countries in zone 2
3 an area or a part of an object, especially one that is different from its surroundings: When the needle enters the red zone the engine is too hot.  the erogenous zones of the body
4 one of the five parts that the earth’s surface is divided into by imaginary lines that are parallel to the EQUATOR : the northern / southern temperate zone

verb [vn] [usually passive]
1 ~ sth (for sth) to keep an area of land to be used for a particular purpose: The town centre was zoned for office development.
2 to divide an area of land into smaller areas
zon.ing noun [U]

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zonked
adj. [not before noun] ~ (out) (slang) extremely tired or suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs
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zoo
noun (pl.zoos) (also formal ,zoological 'garden(s)) a place where many kinds of wild animals are kept for the public to see and where they are studied, bred and protected
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zoo.keep.er
noun a person who works in a zoo , taking care of the animals
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zoo.logic.al
adj. connected with the science of ZOOLOGY
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,zoological 'garden
noun (also ,zoological 'gardens [pl.]) (formal) = ZOO
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zo.olo.gist
noun a scientist who studies zoology
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zo.ology
noun [U] the scientific study of animals and their behaviour—compare BIOLOGY , BOTANY
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zoom
verb, noun
verb
1 [v + adv.  /  prep.] to move or go somewhere very fast: Traffic zoomed past us.  For five weeks they zoomed around Europe.
2 [v] ~ (up) (to … ) (of prices, costs, etc.) to increase a lot quickly and suddenly: House prices have zoomed up this year.
PVR V ,zoom 'in / 'out (of a camera) to show the object that is being photographed from closer/further away, with the use of a ZOOM LENS : The camera zoomed in on the actor’s face.

noun
1 [C] = ZOOM LENS : a zoom shot
2 [sing.] the sound of a vehicle moving very fast

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'zoom lens
(also zoom) noun a camera LENS that you use to make the thing that you are photographing appear nearer to you or further away from you than it really is
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Zoro.ast.rian.ism
noun [U] a religion started in ancient Persia by Zoroaster, that teaches that there is one God and a continuing struggle in the world between forces of light and darkness
Zoro.ast.rian noun—see also PARSEE
Zoro.ast.rian adj.
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zuc.chini
noun (pl.zuc.chini or zuc.chi.nis) (AmE ) = COURGETTE
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Zulu
noun
1 [C] a member of a race of black people who live in S Africa
2 [U] the language spoken by Zulus and many other black south Africans
Zulu adj.
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zy.deco
noun [U] a type of dance music, originally played by black Americans in Louisiana
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